The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-06-30


medals, given in most cases in recognition
of efforts but little less heroic than those
which won the medals of the first class.
earned would be to write book on deeds
of daring.
In 1888 and 1884 Cornelius Roach was a
deckhand on Boston ferryboat, but not
withstanding his humble station, proved
himself true hero. One night two men
in a small rowboat became panic stricken
at the approach of the ferryboat and
jumped into the water. They were unable
to swim, and would have drowned had not
Roach leaped TO the rescue. He reached
one just as he was sinking, and slipped a
life preserver over his shoulders, and then
seized the other and swan with him to
the pier. 1t was gallant rescue. Roach
effected many other rescues, and finally
lost one of his legs while trying to save a
man who had fallen into the ferry slip just
as the boat approached. He was awarded
IA gold medal.
II there ever was a hero in this world
John p. F. Hagen, of Philadelphia, is one
In February, 1884, when only twenty years
old, he was amusing large number Of
small boys by drawing them to and fro on
sled upon the ice of the Schuylkill, oppo-
site Paramount park. Suddenly the ice
gave way, and preCipitated the entire party
into the river. Without thought of him
self Hagen instantly proceeded to rescue
his companions. Though borne down by
one of the youngsters, who grasped him
around the neck as they plunged into the
icy water, he struggled to the surface and
lifted boy after boy within reach of a man
named Elele, who carried them safely to
the bank. The hole in the ice was twenty
five or thirty feet across, and the intrepid
ity and strength of the young man are evil
denced by the fact that be rescued from
this great danger no fewer than thir-
teen lads. When all who were in sight
had been helped out, Hagen cooIly swan
around the edge of the ice and among
the floating cakes, exploring with
his hands and feet as far as he could
reach, to be sure that none were left.
Then, and not until then, did he think of
his own safety. His gallantry was recog-
nized by the citizens of Philadelphia, who
made up handsome purse, and placed it
in the hands of trustees for his education
and advancement. The service gave him
gold medal
a number of boys and girls have earned
medals. The youngest of them was little
Marie Parsons, ten years old, who with
great presence of mind and bravery res
cued man and child from drowning in
Gardeners bay, Long Island. The boom
of sailboat, manned by Mr.. Irvine,
swept overheard little girl of seven Ir-
vine promptly jumped TO her assistance
but the frightened child chung to him with
such persistence that he was soon almost
helpless. Marie Parsons, happening to see
the accident from the shore, launched a
skiff and rowed to the rescue
Frederick Kernochan, lad of ten years,
earned silver medal by rescuing a nurse
who fell off flatboat in deep water The
boy sprang after her, and as she could not
swim she quickly dragged him down.
They sank twice, but finally he managed
TO pull her into shallow water.
A silver medal was awarded Edith Clark,
sixteen years old, for saving a companion
from drowning in 1856. The pupils of the
Convent of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart,
at Oakland, Cal, were enjoying holiday
at Lake Chabot. Three of the young la
dies were wading along the shore, when |
one OF them, Miss Denneliy, stepped off a 1
su Emerged bank into sixty feet of water
Miss Clark heard the cries, and ran down 4
from the top of the hill and plunged in to
the rescue. She was good swimmer, but |
to swim and ''tresd" water with only one l
hand free, impeded by her drenched skirts /
and supporting her unconscious classmate, /
was no easy task Yet she pluckily kept /
up the struggle for ten or fifteen minutes, /
when help arrived
Captain Charles Gnewuch, a tug master /
1t Manistee, Mich. wears a gold medal. /
Between 1874 and 1851 he saved the lives of /
eighty-two persons First he rescued two
fishermen whose boat had capsized in
storm A year later the dawn of light one !
Wild October morning showed a schooner
'Et IN Lake Michigan. beam up, and six
men chngiRg TO the rigging CAPTAIN
1newuch organized q crew, put out in
ishing boat, and Was barely able 20 get
through the terrible breakers On ap-
'roachlnG the schooner il was found neces-
airy 70 run between her main and mizzen
nasts, as she lay on her side. while the
pars were thrsshing and rolling around
dangerously. Into this perilous trap the
'rave captain pushed his little craft The
men were rescued and half an hour later
he Schooner went 10 pieces
a most pathetic story is that OF Captain
1harles p. Smith, of the steamer Seaxan-
aka The afternoon OF June -. 1850. this
essel left her pier. East river. New York,
Nth 800 passengers Opposite HAllsss's