The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-09-02

DR.. Swan. in company with DR.. L. M
Powell and Frank Cope, also both of
Topeka, went out on Lake Michigan In
a small boat for surf ride. The lake
was running high and the water was
extremely rough. Only a short distance
out from shore an attempt was made
to turn the boat, when it was caught in
a trough of the sea and capsized, throw
ing all three men into the water.
Mr.. Cope and DR.. Powell got hold of
the boat. but DR.. Swan could not
swim and began to sink DR.. Powell
let go of the boat to save his brother
physician. Three times he got DR.. Swan
to the boat, but each time they were
swept away. Mr.. Cope in the mean
time vas trying to hold the boat near
by. For time it looked as though
both physicians might perish. DR..
Poweil's strength at length gave away
and DR.. Swan was swept out of reach
and sank. DIR. Powell floated and swan
to shore, while Mr.. Cope floated in with
the capsized boat. The body of DR..
Swan was washed ashore forty minutes
after the boat capsized and was discov-
ington life saving station, who had
been notified of the accident, but could
not arrive in time to do any good.
Physicians worked for hours over the
teries and other appliances in an at
tempt to resuscitate him, but in vain.
The accident occurred Immediately in
front of the Hotel Epworth, in sight of
the beach. 1t is the first fatality that
has ever occurred at that point
Ludington is a favorite summer resort
of Topeka people Probably not less
than one hundred Topeka people sum-
mer there. DR.. Powell has his summer
residence there, and his family has been
there the greater part of the summer
DR.. Powell started for Ludington on
August 6, stopping over in Kansas City,
where Dr. Swan Joined him the follow
ing day. Mrs. Swan and their one child
We're already there. Dr. Swan and fam
lily were intending to return to Topeka
this week.
DR.. Swan was 3s years of age. He
was a son of James Swan, foreman of
the brass foundry of the Santa Fe shops
and he has lived in Topeka for twenty
years. In his early years he worked
with his father in the brass foundry un-
$ til he laid up enough money to start
into Baker university, from which insti-
tuition he graduated in 1889. He took
prominent place in college, and for
the past year he has been member
of the board of trustees of his alma
mater.
After his graduation from Baker he
attended Homeopathic Medical college in
Chicago. and then returned to Topeka
and began the practice of medicine here.
He was a member of the house of rep
resentatives in the legislature of 1888
during the famous legislative war, and
helped to break down the door to Req.
reSentative hall during that memora BILE
and exciting time.
He attained considerable prominence
In his profession and was appointed by
Governor Stanley on the state board OF
health year and half ago, and was
made secretary of the board. He had
considerable influence in shaping the
new medical legislation during the last
legislature. and Is credited with being
by far the best secretary the state
board of health has ever had. The re-
striction of the smallpox during last
winter was largely due to DR.. Swans
work as secretary of the board OF
health He was universally esteemed
by his brother physicians. and was .
fayorfte among all his acquaintance.
Mrs Swan was formerly Miss Beile
Sennett. daughter of Mr.. and Mrs
Henry Bennett. The sad death Of hea