Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-29
LOST IN THE RAPIDS.
The Story of How Frank NJ. Brown ani
Two Boatmen Were Drowned.

The Story of How Frank NJ. Brown and
Two Boatmen Were Drowned.
A Colorado Springs, Col, special 10 the
Philadelphia Press says: The story of how
three men lost their lives on the perilous
rapids of the Canon of the Colorado is the
thrilling narrative recounted by Robert B.
Stanton. As is well known, Mr.. Stanton was
chief of the party that proposed an actual sur
vey Of the canon under the direction of the
Denver, Colorado Canon and Pacific railroad.
Frank NJ. Brown, who lost his life in the waters
of that river, was president Of this road and
one Of Mr.. stanton's party.
The trip was a bold one, and last spring a
company Of sixteen daring men, whose leaders
were Frank NJ. Brown and Robert B. Stanton,
left Denver to undertake the perilous work Of
traversing the dangerous river. About $50
miles had been covered safely when Engineer
Stanton concluded that q preliminary survey
should be made previous to the detailed one,
and the company of adventures was divided
into two divisions. One remained behind to
work along under the foremanship OF w. II.
Bush, but Mr.. Brown, Mr.. Stanton and six
Others started out first to dare
THE DANGERS OF rEMPEsruous WATERS.
Lees Ferry in Arizona, was the starting point
Of this band Of eight adventurers. Mr.. Brown,
whose oarsman was Harry Mcdonald, insisted
that he take the lead. Both he and Mcdonald
were powerful men physically and both fine
swimmers. Mr.. Stanton and his boat followed
as number two. The first gorge that spread its
wealth of scenery and grandeur on each side Of
the pilgrims was the Marble Canon. The rapids
were encountered, but no accidents or trouble
were experienced on account Of them as they
journey of July 8, 1889.
This successful trip filed all minds with
thoughts of similar journeys. On the morning
OF the 10th Frank Brown, as usual, was the first
man in his boat, and it glided into the stream
less than half a minute ahead of the boat that
carried Engineer Stanton. Mcdonald bent to
the oars and it was plainly seen that he was
dashing down the stream at more rapid rate
than any Of his companions. 1t was known
that short distance ahead were two rapids,
but they had been sighted and were pronounced
easy, and for that reason it was concluded that
portages would be unnecessary
Mr.. Browns boat, OF course, was the first to
touch the head of the first rapids. These rapids
were just half a mile below the starting point
AS his boat touched the head Of the first rapid,
according to his custom, Engineer Brown
looked at his watch. The time was Gas. They
had travelled half q mile in two minutes. As
MIR. Stanton's boat plunged into the rapids he
looked ahead OF him and the first thing he saw
was Oarsman Mcdonald running toward them
on the shore. He was waving his hands
frantically and crying out some words that
were not Ineligible. Mcdonald was about 800
feet away when first seen, and before Mr.
Stanton's boat came within hearing distance it
was 100 feet within the rapids. Then these
words were audible:
"MR. BROWN IS IN THERE"
The frightened man pointed to the whirl-
pool where the body Of Frank Brown had dis
appeared forever. Engineer Stanton looked
quickly to the right but nothing was seen.
Then he said to his men: Turn into the eddy"
When the smooth water was reached he
looked to his left and the note book Of Mr.
Brown shot up from the waters and foated off
on the surface of the whirlpool Then thew
pulled back, and, having landed, two strong
men were stationed in a boat awaiting the APP
pearance of the unfortunate man, hoping for
an opportunity to save him from terrible fate,
but no chance occurred. Two hours later Mr..
Stantons steersman picked up the note book as
it was floating down the stream.
Oarsman Mcdonald says they entered the
rapids all right Mr.. Brown espied the rapids
ahead and said "Now, out into the eddy, Nc
Donald. Ahead are the rapids which Stanton
said should be looked at before entering"
Mcdonald planted his oars firmly to obey the
request, when heavy wave struck the top of
the boat with great force. Mcdonald was hurled
out OF the boat onto one side, and Mr.. Brown
onto the other, unfortunately into the whirl-
pool Mcdonald was swept down the stream
about 600 feet, when he landed. Standing on
the shore he looked back and saw Brown stand
ing up.
Come on. Brown" cried the oarsman. GAN
right, was the reply, and before the mind
could realize it the speaker was thrown into the
Whirlpool, and was seen therein struggling,
swimming round and round, bravely striving
to stem the current. This occurred within IT'S
feet OF the boat of Mr.. Stanton, but neither he
nor his attendants saw any of it.
'It is probable that
THE BODY OF BROWN WILL NEVER BE FOUND"
said MIR. Stanton. 1.-THE reputation of the river
is that 1t mover gives up its dead" This was
the first sad accident to disturb the serenity of
the expedition, but similar fate awaited two
more members of the party. 1t was on July Is
that perilous rapid was encountered and it
was advisable to swing the boats around by
lines. One boat had encountered the ordeal
and had safely arrived over the dangerous
waves. The second boat then prepared for the
adventure. This was Mr. Stanton's.
Il Will walk over the cliff and meet you
boys" said Mr. Stanton. You'll row better
without me and I'll have plenty of time A
surface OF about 200 feet of rough water lay
before us as the men began to guide the skiff
over the rapids. One-half the way was made
in safety, when the boat was dashed against the
side OF the cliff. Mr.. Stanton observed the mis-
hap and started forward, when he saw the oars
man place his hands against the side of the cliff
and push out. The boat was forced half way
out. They're safe now" remarked Stanton to
his friend.
The words were scarcely spoken when an I'M
dercurrent struck the bottom of the boat and
capsized it. Peter McHansbrough, one of the
occupants, sank, never to appear again. H. G.
Richards swan for his life. He had gone q dis
lance OF 500 feet, when is.strength failed him,
and he sank beneath the turbulent waters.