Lewis C. Tillotson saved Bernard A. Smith from drowning, Rochester, New York, January 26, 1921. Smith, 27, plumber, on a small raft entered a subterranean canal or race to repair a pipe. The race was 32 feet wide with vertical walls and was pitch dark. The water was eight feet deep. There was a current of 3 m.p.h., and the water was very coId. Smith reached the pipe on the far side of the race while another man stood on a covered flume extending from the race and held a rope tied to the raft. The raft was swept from under Smith’s feet, and he fell into the water. He drifted to a column supporting the roof in the middle of the race. After men had attempted to float the raft to Smith but could not get it across the current, Tillotson, 24, glazier, who was heavily dressed, lay on the raft and guided it about 28 feet to within reach of Smith. Smith, who was almost exhausted, stepped on the side of the raft, but it turned and threw both men into the water. Smith again grasped the column, and Tillotson swam a few feet to the pipe, but it broke under his weight. He went under the surface, rose, and supported himself by grasping an object in the middle of the race until the raft, which was being drawn back and forth, got within his reach. Tillotson then took hold of it, and it drifted to Smith, who dropped to it from the column. He was unable to support himself, and Tillotson grasped his clothing and held to him as both men, clinging to the raft and only partly on it, were drawn to the flume. 21187-1762
21187 – 1762
21187-1762