Walter L. Dye, 31, farmer, died attempting to save Samuel J. Birckett, 21, farmer, from drowning, Goldengate, Illinois, July 15, 1923. While swimming in a strong current in the Little Wabash River, Birckett was seized with cramp and called for help. He was about 20 feet from the nearest bank in water nine feet deep. Dye swam 60 feet to Birckett and caught hold of him, but Birckett climbed upon Dye’s back and gripped him tightly around the neck. Dye attempted to swim, but he and Birckett were carried about 15 feet in the current and then sank. They were drowned. 23493-1860
23494 – 1860
23494-1860