Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-01-16
{. v. GIBSON DROWNED
In Attempting to Rescue a Pupil
Who Had Broken Through
the Ice in Pine River.
BODY RECOVERED At ONCE,
But Life Was Extinct-FuneraI Was
Held Sunday Afternoon at the
M. E. Church,

Harry Valance of Riverdale, while
skating backward OH the river at that
place last Friday morning, skated into
the channel of tile river which was not
frozen over. A companion who was with
him at the time hurried to the home of
j.. w. Gibson who lived near, and noti-
he'd him. Mr.. Gibson who was shaving.
preparatory TO coming TO Alma to attend
the Teachers Institute, dropped every
thing and rushed to the river, catching
up apole as he ran. AS he neared the
spot where his pupil had fallen in, the
ice gave away, but he swan on until he
reached the boy, The boy who had
notified him hurried up town for help
but when assistance reached the spot it
was TO late as both had sunk. The body
OF Mr.. Gibson was brought to the surface
Ill about 20 minutes and signs of life were
visible, but although doctor was present
II was impossible to save him. The body
of Valance was found 80 minutes later
but life was extinct
Harry Valance was ID yenrs of age and
had spent the whole of his life in River
dale. He leaves father, mother, three
brothers and three sisters, besides host
of friends in Riverdale to mourn his loss.
He was good, kind hearted little fellow
and the family are prostrated with grief.
Elbert William Gibson was born in
Ingham county, Michigan, May s, 1866,
and died at the age of forty years, eight
months and FIVE days. He has lived in
Michigan all his life and has taught in
the schools of Gratiot county for the past
ten years, coming TO Riverdale three
years ago, where he has gained the love
and esteem of all who knew him.
AS teacher he has ever striven to
honor the profession for which he was so
well fitted. To this emphasis, is lent as
we hear the loving words of memory |
from the many pupils who were under
his instruction and feel that their lives
nave been been made better by the kind
advice which he was always ready TO give.
Mr.. Gibson became a christian at the
lge of II and has ALWAYS been firm and
in. his profession A few
minutes previous to his death he bowed
It the alter of prayer. which was always
acred in his home; and committed the
are of himself and family to God.
His last act was one of heroism, he died
n trying to save the life of one of his
'upils. In this he brought out the say
ng of the Master-"Greater love hath no
nan than this, that he lay down his life ,
Or his friends.
He was an honored member of the
Church OF Forest Hill. j..
The funeral was held i'll the NJ, L.
hurch at Riverdale. People were pres :
Mt from all parts of the county, it being !,
ne of the largest funerals held in this :,
art of the country. The Lady Macca- :.
ees, Woodmen and the school attended :,
! body. The tokens Of love and
iendship shown speak more than words
IN tell of the worth and character of the
an. The floral offerings were beautiful
nd costly.
The funeral services were conducted Dv
ev. +. G. Pelly of Riverdale assisted by
ev. J. {. Gibson of Edmore and COM :,
iss.o of Schools c. +. Pike. In 4
rment in the Rivcrdale Cemetery.-C.