The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-10-01
Over Niagara Fails.

Another tragedy was enacted at Nj
agara Falls yesterday, SAYS the Buffalo
Courier of the 9th, and this time the
victim was man of some prominence
John G. Jones, Of New York City.
The party consisted Of three, including
Mr.. Jones' 'brother-in-law, James l..
Wood, and sister, Mrs Wood, all from
New York. They put up at the Spencer
House. Mr.. Jones, whose age was 81,
was formerly sea captain, but for
many years had been the surveyor of
the Great Western Marine Insurance
Company of New York. and was a man
Of marked character. He had not been
engaged in any business for about
year on account of ill-health. and had
sunk into a condition Of melancholy.
Mr.. Wood had consulted physicians in
reference 10 the health of his brother
in-law, and had been advised that a
change of scene was desirable. He con-
Guided il was best To take Mr.. Jones To
Kansas, near Wyandotte, where the
family had friends, and the party were
on their way in pursuance of this pro-
gramme. Mr.. Jones urged Mr.. and
Mrs. Wood to stop with him for a day
at Niagara Falls, and the request being
reasonable one they gratiiied him.
and it was understood that the party
should 90 10 Detroit to-day, and pro-
ceed 10 Chicago the next. Mr.. Jones
requested Mr. Wood TO write &c their
Kansas friends Of the delay, so rs 10
avoid disappointment, which he did. At
dinner Mr.. Jones was unusually happy,
and chatted and laughed with free
dom entirely foreign 10 him since his
illness. After dinner the trio walked
down Falls Street. Arriving at Prospect
Park gate. they turned toward Goat
Island, intending to visit that place
first, and 90 through the park upon
their return. Mr. and Mrs. Wood took
the lead, Mr.. Jones following short
distance behind. They had proceeded
but a few feet up the road, reaching the
only spot where there is no railing,
when Mr.. Wood and his wife were
startled with the exclamation GOOD
by" IL an instant Mr.. Jones had
jumped into the river, and his compan-
ions We're thunder-struck. Mr.. Wood
impulsively jumped toward the river Ia
catch his friend. and came near losing
his own life. His escape i considered
almost miraculous. for before he was
aware Of his danger he had fairly rush
ed into the water. A hack driver named
Sanhorn made daring attempt at a
rescue. Seeing the condition OF things
he went through the Park gate to the
race which discharges the surplus water
used for the inclined railway. and catch
inc the limb Of tree with one hand he
waited the coming of Jones down the
torrent. When the unfortunate man
had got directly opposite To him he
reached out for him. but fell short about
six inches In this effort he slipped and
came near losing his hold on the limb.
A. il was. his movement carried him
into the rapids up 10 his knees, but
clinging 10 the limb he saved himself
from a terrible death. Sanborn saws
Jones was on his back when he passed
him and stuck out his tongue At him. a.
il in mockery Of his efforts He also
stated that Jones could have caught
hold Of him if he wished. Jones was
turned over on his face before he went
over the falls and was swept over the
precipice within a few feet of several
persons who were powerless TO render
him aid. The scene was n thrilling one,
and those who witnessed il will not for
get il very soon. Mr.. Wood now thinks
there was r premeditated design to per-
petrate suicide. and that Mr.. Jones had
self-destruction in his mind when he in
duced him 10 stop over nj the falls with
him. Whether this conjecture is cor
rect or not, certain it is that Jones
awaited himself of the opportunity Ia
make away with himself Mr.. Wood
and wife, who are sadly stricken by this
terrible calamity. will return TO New
York this morning.