The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-08-04

Details of the Drowning of Frank Brown
His Boat Capsized I'm a Whirlpool.


Colorado Springs Letter in New York Sun
The story of how three men lost their
lives in the perilOus rapids of the Marble
canyon of Colorado is recounted by Robert
Il. Stanton. Mr.. Stanton was chief of the
party that proposed an actual survey OF
YER. Colorado Canyon Il Pacific Railroad
Company Frank M. Brown. who lost his
life in the waters of the river. was presi-
dent of this road, and one of Mr.. Stantons
party; The trip was hazardous one.
Last spring company of sixteen men,
whose leaders were Brown and stanton,
left Denver to undertake the perilOus work
of travelling on the river. About $50 miles
had been covered safely when engineer
Stanton concluded that a preliminary sur
vey should be made previous to, the de-
tailed one, and according to his ideas, the
company of Adventures were divided into
two divisions. One remained behind to
work along under the fOremanship OF w.
II. Bush. but Mr. Brown and Mr.. Stanton.
and six others started ont first to dare the
dangers of the tempestuOus waters.
Lees Ferry, in Arizona. was the starting
point of this daring band of eight. Mr..
brown. whose oarsman was Harry Melon
aid, insisted that he take the lead. Bot IL he
and Mcdonald were powerful men physical,
~. and both fine swimmers. Mr.. Stanton and
his boat followed as No. 2. The first gorge
that spread its grandeur on either side or
the pilgrims was the Marble CANYON. Down
these waters they glided swiftly. The
rapids were encountered, but no accident
or trouble was experienced on account Of
them as they were both passed by portages.
Such was the journey of July Q.
The next morning Frank Brown. as usual,
was the first man in his boat and 1t gided
into the stream less than half minute
ahead of the boat that carried engineer
Stanton. Mcdonald bent to the oars, ana
it was plainly seen that be was dashing
down the stream at q more rapid rate than
that of his companions behind him. twas
known that short distance ahead were
two rapids but they had been sighted and
were pronounced easy. and for that reason
1T was concluded that portages would he
unnecessary. Mr.. Browns boat was the
first to touch the head of the first rapids.
They had launched at 6:23 in the morning.
These rapids were just a half mile below
the starting point. AS his boat touched the
head of the first rapid, according TO his
custom, Brown looked at his watch. The
time was 6:25. They had travelled half
AS Mr.. Stanton's boat plunged INTO the
rapids he looked ahead of him. and the first
thing he saw was Oarsman Mcdonald run
ming toward them on the shore. He was
waving his hands frantically and crying out
some words that were not then intelligi bic.
Mcdonald was about 800 feet away when
first SEEM and before Mr.. StantOn's boat
came within hearing distance it was
$50 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
disappeared. Engineer stanton looked
quickly to the right, but nothing was seen.
Then he said to his men: Turn into the
eddy."~The comm and was obeyed, and
when the smooth water was reached he
looked to his left. and the notebook of Mr..
Brown tOated up from the waters and
noated off ON the surface of the whirlpool.
They then pulled back, and, havi ing landed.
two strong men were stationed III a boat
awaiting the appearance OF the unfortunate
mar hoping for an b%t to
Cured Two hours later Mr.. ,Stanton''s
steersman picked up the notebook as it
was floating down the stream.
Oarsman Mcdonald says they entered the
ahead. and said: Now out into the eddy,
Mcdonald 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 on to one side. and Mr.. Brown on to
the other. unfortunately INTO the whirl-
pool. Mcdonald fioated down the stream
about 800 feet and landed. Standing on the
shore, he looked back and saw Brown
standingup.
Come on, Brown" cried the oarsman
'.All right" was the reply. and before the
mind could realize it, the speaker was
III
swimming round and round, bravely striv-
ing to stem the current. This occurred
within us feet of the boat of Mr.. Stanton,
but neither he nor his attendants saw any
of it. 1T is probable the body of Brown
will never be found" said Mr.. Stanton
Interpolation of the river is that 1t never
gives up it's dead"
A similar fate awaited two more men,
bers of the party. 1t was on July Is that a
perilous rapid was encountered. and it was
deemed advisable to swing the boats around
by lines. One boat had safely arrived over
the dangerous waves. The second boat
then prepared for the adventure. This was
Mr.. StantOn's. II 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 1,2O0 feet of rough
water lay before them as the two men be-
gan 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 mishap
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,n remarked Stanton to
his friend. The words were scarcely
spoken when an undercurrent struck the
bolt ON of the boat and capsized it. Peter
NJ. Hansbrough, one of the occupants sank
he yer to reappear again. III. G.. Richards
Swan for his life He had gone distance
of 500 feet. when his strength failed him,
q nd he sank