Wyndham C. Sparling, 28, student, helped to save John W. Cain, 47, laborer; Addie Cain, 31, and three children, 11, 8, and 5, from drowning, Columbus, Ohio, March 25, 1913. The Cain home was surrounded to a depth of over eight feet by the floodwaters of the Scioto River, and the family sought refuge on the roof of an adjoining house, which was soon swept off its foundation. The house lodged against a telephone pole, but it was thought that it would be carried downstream and dashed to pieces. The current broke down a 13-inch brick wall, less than 200 feet from the house, and washed a hole 15 feet deep in the street. Several boatmen tried to row to the house, but the current swept them back. Sparling and a companion were attracted to the scene, and they made several unsuccessful attempts to reach the Cains. It was dark. They rowed across the current and, from the shelter of a brick house, tried to row toward the Cains. They could make no headway by rowing and slowly pulled the boat along by grasping the eaves troughs of houses. Passing two houses in this manner, they reached the Cains and took them into the boat. The current carried the boat about 125 feet, and then Sparling rowed to safety without mishap . It had required over an hour to effect the rescue. 10385-911
10385 – 911
10385-911