Evening star., 1901-08-26
DROWNING OF MRS. PYLES
SAD ACCIDENT AT MARSHALL HALL
LAST NIGHT.
Wife of n Physician Perfshes I'm Pres
ence of Husband and
Parents.

Mrs. Maud PyIes. the wife Of DR.. w.
Leroy Pyles of the Providence Hospital
staff of physicians, was drowned about
clock last night off the wharf Of the
steamer Charles Manchester at Marshall
Hall. Mrs. Pyles fell off the wharf while
attempting to hand small valise to her
husband, who stood upon the deck Of the
boat as the vessel lay at the landing. She
dropped into the river between the wharf
and the side of the steamer, and imme-
dfately a cry Of horror arose from those
who witnessed the accident. Mr. George
Roberts of the geological survey, who was
standing nearby, jumped into the river to
save Mrs Pyles, but she never arose to the
surface. At late hour this afternoon her
remains had not been recovered.
Witnessed by Husband and Parents.
Mrs. Pyles' death was witnessed by her
husband, her mother and father. Mr.. and
Mrs. John Berry of 202 9th street south
east; her fourteen-year-oId sister, and
many other persons who were either stand
ing upon the wharf or upon the boat.
Mrs. Pyles, with her sister and her
mother, went to Marshall Hall on an early
boat yesterday morning to spend the day.
The arrangement had been made whereby
DR.. Pyles and his father-in-law should
make the trip later in the day and return
Mrs. Berry and her two daughters carried
out their program, and in the evening went
to the wharf to meet the boat. which ar
rived at 8 o'clock DIR. Pyles and Mr.. Ber-
ry, who were among the passengers, told
Mrs. Pyles and the other ladies' when the
boat had landed, that they intended to re-
main aboard until the return trip, and
would not come ashore.
When the ladies were informed of this
Mrs. Pyles stepped forward with a small
valise In her hand and leaning over toward
the boat attempted to pass it to her hus-
band. remarking that she wished to stay
on the grounds during the hour the boat
would remain. DR.. Pyles stood upon the
upper deck OF the Manchester, about six
feet above the wharf He reached over to
secure the valise, but the Intervening dis
tance was too great and he was unable
to do so. Mr.. Berry also attempted to
reach it. but was likewise unsuccessful.
Slips Into the Water.
Mrs Pyles thereupon gave little spring
upward with the idea of placing the valise.
which was in her outstretched hand. within
reaching distance of those on the deck In
stead of falling back upon the wharf, her
foot slipped and she dropped into the
water. The body struck the surface Of the
water with splash that attracted the at
tentIon of many people in the vicinity. Mr..
Roberts was standing nearby and he at
once jumped to the rescue, but was unable
to locate Mrs. Pyles, and all that could be
saved was the hat of the unfortunate wo-
man. AS Mrs. Pyles fell into the river
Mrs. Berry screamed and started as if to
jump in after her, but she was prevented
from doing SO by her young daughter.
DR.. Pyle and Mr.. Berry hurriedy ran
from the boat to the wharf and assisted in
the effort to rescue Mrs. Pyles. Lanterns
were procured, as 1t had become dark
and several of the rescuers were lowered
to the piles of the wharf in their attempt
to locate the body, but all their endeavors
were unavailing. The grief-stricken rela-
tives of Mrs. Pyles insisted upon remain
ing at the hall all night, and quarters were
offered them by Captain Blake, which were
accepted. The Manchester, with the re-
naming passengers, returned to the city.
Harbormaster's Action.
Harbormaster Sutton and crew left for
the scene aboard the LOWE Randall at
o'clock this morning to drag for the body.
On board the boat was Mr.. ]. T. D. Pyles,
father-in-law Of the young woman who
was drowned. The police crew dragged for
the body all day, but up to the time the
Manchester left for Washington 1t had not
been recovered.
Mrs. Pyles was about twenty-three years
of age and was married to DR.. Pyles about
two years ago. They lived at 224 11th
street southeast. Mrs. Pyles was hand
some woman and very popular with large
circle of friends on Capitol Hill and in
other sections Of the city.