Emery O. Cotton, 18, driver, died attempting to save Mildred Dowling, 15, from drowning, Geneva, Alabama, May 3, 1919. Mildred and a girl companion were wading at the junction of the Pea and Choctawhatchee rivers, and Mildred stepped into deep water and drew her companion into it. They struggled, became separated, and called for help. Cotton waded from the bank fully dressed and swam 12 feet to Mildred. She grasped him around the neck, and they went under the surface together. They became separated and arose. A boat was rowed toward Cotton, but before it reached him, he disappeared and was drowned. Mildred and her companion were taken into the boat. 19539-1604
19539 – 1604
19539-1604