Joseph P. Demerath, 38, lockmaster, died attempting to save Benjamin D. Werle, 25, civil engineer, from drowning, Berlin, Wisconsin, October 23, 1916. Werle and a companion tried to cross the Fox River in deep water below a dam, but their boat was drawn against the dam by an eddy and capsized. Werle’s companion, a very good swimmer, swam to the bank, but Werle clung to the boat. Demerath, who could not swim, waded along the crest of the dam, on which the water was almost waist deep, and reached a pole to Werle, but he was unable to draw Werle from the water. Demerath was swept over the dam, and he and Werle were drowned. 17272-1272
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