The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-10-18
AN ADIRONDACK TRAGEDY
Mrs. Charles Fenton Climbs Mount
ain to Aid Dying Husband.
Der Feat Accom- plished at Night in Spite
of Warning That It Would Be
Sheer Madness.

Lake Placid, n. Y.-Out of the Adj
rondacks have come many thrilling
tales, but for feminine bravery and
devotion to a stricken husband none
surpasses the story Of Mrs Charles
Fentons night Climb up Whiteface
Mountain, one Of the highest peaks in
New York State.
The ascent of Whiteface is a difficult
matter even for a strong man accom-
panied by guide in daylight, and ney
er before has woman made the
climb alone after dark. 1t was all in
vain, also, for Mrs. Fenton reached
her husband only to find him dead.
Charles Fenton, the husband. was
wealthy retired Motel keeper who lived
in the town of Number -Four. He was
seventy-siX years old and one Of the
best known men in the Adirondacks.
Six years ago. he married Miss Wegg,
an accomplished woman, thirty years
old.
Mr.. and Mrs. Fenton have recently
been staying at Whiteface Inn, Lake
Placid, and they decided to make the
ascent of Whteface. They were un-
deferred by the fact that they were
unable to procure guide. They start
ed up the trail about s o'clock in the
morning, and were approaching the
summit when the exertion and alti
tude proved too much for the elderly
husband and he collapsed, AS he fell
unconscious the young wife screamed
for help, but there was 10 one to hear,
for they were in The heart Of the will
dernesS.
After all efforts to revive her hus-
band proved unavailing, Mrs. Fenton
started down the trail as fast as she
could. She knew that launch from
Whiteface Inn was to meet them at
6 o'clock. In the gathering dusk the'
young woman fell frequently in her
haste. Bruised and bleeding, she ar
rived at the launch landing.
After ordering the launch operator
to summon a physician and other as
sistance the young woman started
back up the trail to her stricken hus.
band. In vain she was told that it
was sheer madness to attempt the as
cent of Whiteface alone and in the
dark. Bears have frequently been
seen in the vicinity recently and guides
have reported hearing the cries of
some animal, presumably catamount.
Unarmed. without a light and. ap-
rarently with no thought Of her own
safety. the young wife pressed on.
Several times she lost the trail and
was compelled to crawl on her hands
and knees. The briar bushes tore her
clothing and cut her. At last she
reached the spot where her husband
lay. There was no indication that he
had stirred since she had left him,
and she could detect no heart beats.
She began to realize that he was past
human aid. Her fears were confirmed
when DR.. Warren and a party of vol
unteers arrived from Lake Placid.
DR.. Warren said heart disease had
been the cause of Mr.. Fenton's death.
Mrs. Fenton was almost prostrated
by grief and her exertions. The phy-
sician had to turn his attention to her.
Restoratives were given her, and sne
was assisted back to Whiteface Inn,
which she reached about mldnlgnt.
Her husbands body was carried down
the trail and was shipped to his late
home for burial.
Mr.. Fenton was for years proprietor
Of the Fenton House, at Number -Four:
He accumulated a snug fortune. ana
seven years ago gave to his children
the hotel and valuable farm property
in the town of Watson. reserVlng
private park Of more than thirty thou-
sand acres for hunting and nshlng
ground. He was president of the Fen
ton Game Preserve Association. ne
was twice married, and besides MS
widow he leaves two daughters, Mis-.
Cora l.. Fenton Parker and Mrs. Jnna
r. WOrmwOOQ