Henry E. Kuphal, 29, mining engineer, helped to save Mattie Roderick, 46, from drowning, Libby, Montana, June 15,1910. Kuphal, who had just completed a walk of 28 miles, got astride a steel cable, which was stretched across the Kootenai River 25 feet above the water and to which was attached a ferry boat, and made his way out to the assistance of Mrs. Roderick, who was in a perilous position on the ferry, which had been disabled in the swollen waters of the river 175 feet from shore. He got the woman to a safer place and, while trying to steer the ferry to the bank, was struck by a floating log and pinioned against the steering wheel. In about half an hour, one cable support gave way, freeing Kuphal, and he was swept into the river. The water was 15 feet deep and the current flowed about 8 m.p.h. Kuphal felt numb and had a cramp in his leg, but he managed to seize a drifting log and swim to a man in a rowboat, who took him to the bank. Mrs. Roderick was rescued later. 6108-544
6108 – 544
6108-544