The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-07-17
Two Popular Young Morristown
Boys Meet Death Bath
ing IN Deep Hole .
NEITHER WAS ABLE TO SWIM
Youth Tried to Rescue his Comrade
and was Drawn to Death with Ed
ward Ketch, who had been Taken
with Cramps while Swimming in
Pool of the Watnong River.

In his efforts to rescue Edward
Ketch, eighteen years old, who was
attacked with cramps and sinking in
the treacherous waters of "deep
hole" John Morris fifteen years of
age, hunchback, but brave and strong,
was himself drawn uuder the water
and sank to the bed of the stream in
the arms of his companion. Both were
drowned
In this manner two young and
promising men of this city met their
death in the innocent looking, but
dangerous stream of water which is
known as the Watnong River above
the Rockaway Valley railroad station
last Friday evening. In the memory
of the older inhabitants OF Norris
town several persons have been
drowned in this same spot, the last
within recollection happened about
fifteen years ago when Frank Nc
Guinness, a bright and popular young
fellow was carried out in the whirl-
pool and sank before assistance could
be rendered.
The two unfortunate boys had been
bathing in the water sometime be-
fore they were drawn to death. I'M
mediately after supper Friday even
ing, they met on Sussex avenue, and
suggested taking plunge. With
several small boys they walked to the
stream arriving there shortly after
six o'clock. Soon other boys came,
and by half past six o'clock, small
colony of youngsters were dipping and
diving in the cooling waters. Ketch,
it is said, could swim very little,
while Morris could not swim at all.
Suddenly, about 7 O'Clock cry was
heard from Ketch. He was out some
distance and being drawn toward the
middle of the stream. Plainly from
the bank it could be seen something
was the matter with him. He threw
up his hands and slowly the water
covered his form. He had been
taken with cramp. Quick as flash,
Morris plunged from the bank into
the water and padded out to rescue
his friend. 1t was but little way
out from the shore and the water was
deep, but he had no thought of his
own danger. He caught Ketch S
hand and pulled him some distance,
but the current, slowly drew the boys
further out into the stream. Find
ing he could not help his companion
and was being drawn under the water
Morris endeavored to make for shore.
1t was too late, his strength was not
sufficient to battle against the power
full current, and without murmur,
he gave up his life. Wild with ex-
citement the boys on the bank could
give no effective assistance although
it is said young boy named Charles
Fridel tried to swim to aid Ketch but
was driven back by the force of the
current. The little fellows ran frant-
ically to notify nearby residents.
Chief of Police Hollaway was
telephoned to send word to Corner
Collins who went at once to the
river taking with him DR. Clifford
Mills.
The news spread rapidly about
town and soon hundreds of people
fiocked to the shores of the stream.
Jealous men and boys removed their
clothing and dove in the water to
find the bodies, but their efforts were
unsuccessful The red wagon of
Resolute Hook and Ladder Company
was sent for, bringing chains, hooks
and rope and several firemen, and a
careful search was made
At eight O'Clock the body of Ketch
was located by means of a heavy rope
and chain dragged along the river
bed. The body was pulled near the
bridge and Clarence Compton with
a rake pulled it to the surface and
carried it to shore. After being
identified, DR.. Mills applied the
methods used to resuscitate drowning
persons but they were futile. He
was beyond aid.
Increased efforts to find Morris were
commenced, and not until half past
ten o'clock were the attempts of the
rescuers rewarded. The stream was
dredged time and again, but nothing
of the body could be felt. Hopes of Sc
curing the body that night were
small, but with the aid of the Truck S
search light young and courageous
boys dove around in the water and
finally Morris body was located just
few feet from shore, by swimmer.
John Quimby Immediately went
under the water and brought it out.
The bodies were taken to undertake
ing establishments and thence to
their homes. When the parents of
the boys were told of the sad affair,
they were nearly prostrated by the
news.
Edward Ketch was son of Mr.. and
Mrs George Ketch, of Cleveland
street. He was good boy, and
worked as an apprentice for w. G..
Byram, plumber
Morris lived on Sussex avenue and
was son of Mrs. Leonard Smith.
He was student in the Morristown
High School and a member OF the
Y. M. G. AZ He was popular with
his companions ana had a pleasant
disposition.
The funeral services of Morris were
held from the Church Of the Assump-