The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-11

ter. Lurleen, anc two brothers. Claude of Montgomery and Fred of Fl Paso, Texas. He had been employed until lately at the Union Depot as gate keeper.
 Tom Harper, another of the victims, was the cousin of Willie Dillard, and was in Montgomery on a visit from his home in Atlanta He Is the son of MT. Ben Harper and Mrs. R. W. King of Atlanta, and Is we'll known in Mont gomery. having visited this city many times.
 The two boys had lefe home on Whit man Street after breakfast. with the intention of visiting the river, which had risen during the night They had not spoken of a probable expedition across the river. and it is thought that the decision came only after meeting Of the third white boy. who is yet un- known. at the bank.
 One of the victims, old 'One-armed Bob" of the ferry, is known not only in Montgomery. but probably through out the State. He was reputed a brave man. having, been decorated only last year with medal bought by the school children of Montgomery, after saving the life of E. W. Bliss. who had been plunged into the river during a flood similar to that of yesterday. It is said that other brave deeds have been chalked to his credit during the years of his tendingf the ferry.
 He was also known as strong swimmer. despite his gray hair and single arm. and surprise was evinced when 1t was learned that he was one of the victims.
 The other negro. said to be Dick Johnson, Is a negro laborer employed by W. A. Henderson.
 As to the third white boy, much spec ulation is rife. The first report de- clared that Fred Moore. an under takers assistant of Montgomery, was the victim, but the rumor was un- founded. It grew from a striking re- semblance of Harper. the drowned boy. to Mir. Moore.
 Henderson. Lindsey Holt and some few other names were offered by ru- nor as the name of the third boy. but they were only guesses, which, when investigated. proved without founda- tion.
 It is probable that little time will be spent In dragging the river for the bodies. as the current has. as many think. borne them down stream.
 The number who drowned yesterday is almost without precedent in the history of the river at Montgomery for a single accident. And 1t goes to swell the long list of victims of the treacherous stream. a list that Is aug mentedN each year when the summer bathers. or the ill-fated passengers at flood season, whose boats overturn in the eddies.
 MT. Henderson Talks.
 Mir. W. A. Henderson. of BOA South Perry Street owner of the ferry was one of the aye witnesses He stated to The Advertiser that he is not certain as to the number of men In the boat
 There may be no missing man." he said. "I saw the affair. and I wouldn't swear that there were Ave men. It may have been that the dog. seen at- terward struggling In the river, was taken to be a man. seen from the dis tance.
 The men crossed the river above the wire cable. Instead of below 1t. as they should have done. The Ncable lay just at the surface. As they saw the cable and their danger. and were unable to avoid it. all four stood up In the boat intending. probably, to push the boat over the wire with the oars
 AS they had nearly passed, however the end of the boat was lifted from the river. and the craft caps zed."
 Both of the negroes were employees of Mir Henderson. Dick Johnson was 56 years old. and had been with him speaks feelingly Of Johnson saying that he was one of the best negroes who had lived. and expressed sincere grief at his death.
 Bob. the ferryman, had been in the employ of Mir. Henderson about ten years, and was a faithful and efficient employe all of the time