Edward Ashby Pipkin, 27, farmer, saved Lucy, 25, and attempted to save Esther M. Smith, 1, from drowning, Ansonville, North Carolina, January 13, 1923. As an automobile carrying Mrs. Smith, Esther, and Pipkin was being driven from a ferry boat onto the bank of the Pee Dee River, the boat moved away, and the automobile sank 20 feet from the bank. Pipkin swam to the bank, and Mrs. Smith rose, struggling violently, 25 feet from the bank. Pipkin re-entered the water and swam 95 feet mostly with the current to Mrs. Smith. He grasped one of her fingers and started to swim with her, but she struggled and grasped at him. Twice he released his hold of her to avoid being grasped, but he managed to tow her, struggling, to the bank. Pipkin then ran to a point opposite Esther and swam 30 feet to her. He grasped her and started to swim, but he was winded and momentarily went under water. He started to sink again, called for help, and struggled with Esther to a point 15 feet from the bank. Then as he started to go under again, he grasped a submerged branch and pulled himself to the bank. Esther could not be revived. 23602-1908
23602 – 1908
23602-1908