The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-01-20

man called Mr.. George Brodier. was
eating dinner at the time, when some
person came running in after me, saying,
"there is man in the river" ran out
and jumped into the river, and as soon
as got near him he clutcLed me like a
wise and took me under the water twice.
When ! came to the top the last time,
my father handed me long pole, which
caught, and that saved me. He was a
powerful man, and kicked and struggled
so hard that he made my legs black and
blue for many months.
My mother goes to the edge of the
wharf with me very often, when jump
in; but when she sees persons struggling
in the water and drowning, she never
holds me back.
RIsKlNG HIS LIFE WHEN FIVE HUNDRED
STOOD IDLY BY.
August "a, 1871, I saved the daughter
of Mr.. A. Wilson, of Milwaukee. March
4, 1872, / saved a colored man by the
name of George Wilkes; he fell off the
wharf while under the influence of
liquor, but l think he has been sober
man ever since. July 4, 1873, saved the
daughter of Mr.. f. Barlow, a butcher,
who keeps a stall in the market. She
was going on board the ferry boat De-
troit with her mother and some other la
dies the crowd was very great, being the
Fourth of July, and although her mother
held her by the hand, the crowd surged
and she was crowded off the plank and
fell into the river. There were about
500 people on the wharf at the time. and
they were all staring at the poor girl
struggling in the water, not one of them
daring to go to her rescue. | was in the
house when some one came to give the
alarm, and when got there / could just
see her dress, and she was going out Of
sight, four or five feet below the surface.
l jumped in and caught her, and when |
got out on the top of the wharf with
her, the people gave me three cheers.
March 6, 1873, saved young lady
called Miss Louise Mckenzie. This was
the closest call ever had for my life. |
was in the water about seventeen min
utes, and the river being full of floating
ice at the time, was nearer dead than
alive when l got out -Four men carried
me into the house, and they rubbed me
with hot whisky for over four hours be-
fore circulation was restored to its nor
NAL condition. This severe exposure
made me sick, and it was over three
months before the right feeling was in
my hands.
You will remember this incident, for
you came to me when | was unwell. l
regret very much at this tim / lost the
beautiful medal presented me by the
citizens, and think you were one of the
gentlemen connected with its presenta-
ton. | have been informed that | would
receive medal from the British Parlia-
ment, but it has not come. don't ask
any.
| saved "a poor unfortunate individu-
Ell" last month, when ! took a severe
cold, and as | was lying in bed reading
the proceedings of Congress, saw some
thing about an appropriation for medals
to persons for saving life on the seashore
and thought then that some gentleman
would be very likely to remember also
those who saved life on the northern
lakes and rivers. There are many other
cases which don't mention, as | have not
got their names. You must know your
self of a great many, as your place oi
business and warehouse are near by, and
l recollect seeingyou several times when
rescuing people from watery grave.
Wishing you and your family good
good health, l remain very truly yours,
JOHN HORN, JR.
DETROIT, February %, 1874.