Howard P. Buxton saved Raymond K. Larson from drowning, Riverside, Illinois, December 28, 1930. While sliding on ice that extended 40 feet from the bank of the Des Plaines River, Raymond, 10, slid over the edge into open water. He drifted 12 feet farther from the ice to the middle of the river. Ice extended from the other bank and was not more than an inch thick near its outer edge. Buxton, 42, clergyman, who was heavily clothed, ran 38 feet on ice from the other bank, jumped into the water, and swam 15 feet to Raymond, who grabbed him. Buxton pushed him away, and then supporting him with one hand, he swam to the point from which he had jumped. Because of the numbness of his hands he was unable to climb upon the ice. He tried at least twice to use his elbow to raise himself and Raymond, but several inches of ice broke each time. A tree branch was extended to him by a man on the ice, and he got one arm over the branch and then pushed Raymond on the ice. He again tried to climb out but failed. Finally a rope, in which a loop had been made, was tossed to him. He got the loop over his head and under his arms, and he was pulled upon firm ice. 30792-2645
30792 – 2645
30792-2645