Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-04-18
Tribute to the Memory Of Ned Alexander.

1t was one year ago Thursday since this
community was plunged into sorrow and sad
ness on account of the sad drowning acct
dent of S. N. Alexander, Jr., and James
Fitzgerald and to the parents and dear
friends it must have been long and dreary
one, and more particularly so as the bodies
were never recovered, although the an
xious and untiring search was kept up I'M
til cold weather, the parents of Ned sparing
no expense in hiring people to see if the
body could not be found. But there is no
doubt in the minds of many that they
reached Putney station, but lost their bear
ings and lost their lives in trying to land, as
the water set far back and they were anxious
to catch the train which was due about that
time.
In fact there has been evidence to sub
stantiate this theory. 1t was learned on
investigation that the ferryman's son and
another gentleman did hear a loud scream
about this time, but were busy caring for
some stock and did not go to see who it
was as they supposed it to be some one
who wished to be carried across the river,
Also another gentleman on the Vermont
N
a reliable and sensible man and one who
helped drag the river the last time it
was dragged, discovered willow tree with
limbs broken as though caught hold of by
some person but were too trail to hold. At
the time of the accident it was thought by
some that they met their fate at some whirl-
pools which were in a certain locality
caused by the high water, but there is no
evidence Of this. At the time they passed
Mr.. Britton's ferry at East Putney the
whole family saw them and watched them
for long way, and they seemed in the
height Of enjoyment and were not very far
from their objective point. 1t was also re-
ported at the time that Mr.. Shaw's people
warned them of the whirlpools, but not one
ofMr. Shaw's people were at home. They
did ask the men who worked there how far
it was to the railway station. One raised
his hat and the other waved his handker-
chief which showed they were having a
most enjoyable ride.
People familiar with canoeing and boat
ing express themselves that they were ex.
perts in guiding the canoe. Ned had had
made it himself, and when he launched it
younger, did it alone. 1t is admitted by
all canoeists that their best rides are when
the water is swift and it is said that the In
dams select the swiftest water for their
rides. Prof. Call and Mr.. Chamberlain OF
Townshend took ride at the same time
down West River to Brattleboro, which
was considered greater feat, as that river
is more furious in high water than the
Connecticut. Ned had great love for the
water. He was not reckless but coura-
geous.
There are many who will remember him
the day before he was drowned how he
stood in the water up to his waist throwing
out the rolls of paper as they foated from
under the office of the Fall Mountain Paper
Company.
have known him for many years and
know he would have braved any danger to
help one in trouble; and my deep sympa-
thy has been with those sorrowing parents.
have searched many times for his
body and know Of nothing that would
have given me more pleasure than to have
been able to have told them had found it.
1t is hard for them but they have the sweet
consolation that he has left the memory of
most beautiful life. C.I.H