Elias Roser saved Mary A. Wittenbach from drowning, Lowell, Michigan, July 31, 1908. Roser, 48, clergyman, swam 100 feet to the assistance of Mary, 13, who had sunk in the swirling water below a dam in the Flat River. Diving, he brought her up. He swam to within 10 feet of the dam while her arms were clasped around his neck and her legs were wrapped about him. Losing strength, he began to sink but unexpectedly secured footing on a submerged knob of rock, in water to his shoulders. He twice attempted to start for the dam but was prevented by the hysterical girl, who tightened her hold on his neck and strangled him. After 15 minutes, boys took a raft to him, and they got the girl to shore. Roser was much fatigued. 3598-378
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3598-378