Sharp County record., 1879-08-07
Over Niagara...A French Lady'S AW-
full Death.

NIAGARA FALLS, June 21.-Our citi-
zens were Mortified to-day by the enact
ment of one of those terrible tragedies,
the list of which has already reached a
fearful length. Another victim to the
Falls was added. This time the unfOr-
tunate being was woman, and the
circumstances of the case show it to be
one of the most pitiable that has ever
yet occurred. The lady met her death
purely by accident, and right before the
eyes of loving husband she was swept
on to her fearful death. Mr.. A. ROLAND
and wife of Paris, the celebrated gun
maker, arrived at the Falls on Wednes-
day. Uiege, Belgium, is also given as
their place of reSidence) They had
been travelling since the French Expo
sition, had visited Japan, China, and
other countries, ana were on their way
back to their home. They were able
to speak but little English. The hus-
band exhibited great ignorance CT our
language. They took quarters at the
Falls House, and had their meals at
Romans restaurant opposite. This
was owned by Frenchman, and,
through his assistance, ROLAND and his
wife visited all places of interest, and
had become rather Satiated with hack
men, etc. This morning they were to
have left for Philadelphia, from whence
they were to sail about Tuesday. Mrs.
ROLAND, Just after breakfast, told her
husband she would like to make fare
we'll visit to Goat Island, as she was
greatly pleased with the sights of that
locality. He consented, and they
started for the island. They passed
through it and went clear away to the
end of the third of the Three Sisters.
They walked down to the edge of the
river, and were standing on the corner
nearest the Horseshoe Falls, which were
distant about 40yards. ROLAND turned
to look up the river and his wife stopped
to dip up cup of water from the river,
which at this point runs very swiftly.
All at once he was startled by an agoniz-
ing shrek, and turning around he was
thunderstruck at seeing his wife being
carried rapidly to the terrible precipice.
She disappeared, and just before reach
ing the brink she came to the surface,
and gave one long last and pierc-
ing scream. Almost paralyzed
with horror ROLAND was un-
able to move for minute. He quick
ly betook himself to the hotel, stopping
on the way to endeaver to tell his pitiful
tale to those whom he met, but no one
could understand his utterances, and all
Immediately passed on, thinking that
perhaps he was crazy or drunk. He
ran rapidly to the hotel, and in the office
took his position in front of the clerk,
gesticulatng wildly and shouting at the
top of his voice. Monden Roman, the
landlord, succeeded partially in quiet
ing him, when he succeeded in saying:
" My wife; river" After many minutes
he told his terrible story in French,
wringing his hands and walking up and
down the room. No one could do any
thing with him, and n man kept watch
of him to prevent him committing sui
eide, as he said he would soon follow
her. The case has excited the sympa-
thy of all, and every thing is being done
that is possible to allay his great grief.
The woman was 25 years old, and had
been married about year. 1t is sup
posed that while in the act of dipping
she lost her balance and was immediate
ly swept away from all possible chances
of rescue. At last accounts her body
had not been recovered.