Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1915-12-30
ATTEMPT TO FORD RIVER AND
SADDLE ANIMALS CARRY THEM
INTO DEEP WATER-BODIES
NOT FOUND.


The Salmon river country which
seems to have become notorious, both
for the number and fatality of its ac-
cidents in recent months, seems to have
reached a climax Sunday afternoon in
the drowning of two well known young
men.
The accident, which was one of the
saddest ever known here was intensi-
fled somewhat, both by the compare,
tive youth of the young men, and also
by the fact that the bodies have not
been recovered.
The ford where the tragedy took
place, is considered the safest crossing
point along the entire Salmon river, and
is used almost daily by the Gill broth
ers, and at any time in the year ex-
cept perhaps June or July. The Cain
boys had crossed at this same fording
place perhaps hundreds of times with
out mishap. James Cain has been an
emplOye of the Gill brothers ranch for
several months, while Charley, Cor
Boscoe) as he was better known work
ed on the ranch of Hal Brown some
miles up the Salmon river.
Exact details of the drowning are
lacking as we go to press, owing to the
fact that there was but one eye wit
ness, to the affair, and telephone COM
munication between White Bird and
John Day has been interrupted for
more than week. 1t appears, how
ever, that Johnny johnson, in company
with the Cain brothers left White Bird
Sunday afternoon and started for Gill
brother . ranch 1t was late when the
boys reached the fording place, and the
trio led by johnson, reined their
horses out into the stream and headed
for the opposite bank. The river at
this point, while perhaps more than 100
yards wide, and about belly deep to
horse, Notwithstanding, followed by
high falls below, where the water is
swift and deep Johnson, it seems sue
ceeded in making the west side of the
river without difficulty, and immedia-
tely turned his horse around to watch
the progress of the other boys. James
Cain, who was riding mule, had reach
ed the most dangerous part of the chan
mel, and all seemed to be going well,
when the animal suddenly became OBJ
streperous and bolted for the eddy.
The horse ridden by "Boscoeo i'm
mediately followed suit, and in an in
stant, both riders, horses and all were
floundering and struggling in the cur
u.
back into the stream to render what
ever assistance he could, but before aid
could be given, the swirling eddy had
engulfed the victims and all disappear
ed entirely from view with the ex-
| ception of the horse ridden by "Bos-
coe.' This animal swan out to shore,
climbed to solid footing, shook
the water from its body and seemed to
be none the worse for the experience.
johnson made heroic effort to save
the boys and only after he had been
dumped off into the freezing waters
and saw his horse swimming away from
him did he give up, clutching his
horse by the main and being carried
to the bank by the struggling animal.
! Neither one of the boys was seen
after they sank in the icy water, both
were dressed in heavy garments, and
each wore pair of cumbersome chaps.
It is supposed that the weight of the
boys clothing held them beneath the
water, and has also prevented the
bodies from coming to the top. 1t is
believed here by many that ,ne bodies
will never be recovered. Searching
parties have lined both sides of the
river every day since the accident oc-
Cured, in the hope of finding some
trace of the bodies, but nave met with
little encouragement.
Citizens of White Bird and surround.
ing country have raised fund of fifty
dollars to be spent for dynamite which
will be used in an effort to bring the
bodies to the surface. Twenty five
men of the river section are keeping
constantly at the work and it is hoped
their efforts will result in the locating
of the bodies of the unfortunate young
men.
Charley Cain, the oldest boy was 30
years of age, while Jim was about 23.
Their mother lives on the Camas prairie
near Grangeville, and sister, Mrs.
Clark Gill lives on Salmon river. The
boys were well liked in this part of the
country.