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Submitted: 8/16/17 • Approved: 8/18/17 • Last Updated: 8/21/17 • R1190592-G1190590-S3
Benjamin
1850 - 1918
Elizabeth
1853 - 1940
Lewis
1877 - August 9, 1900
*Obituary
The Springdale News
Friday, August 10, 1900
WADE, Louis - (from The Fayetteville Daily) One of the saddest accidents that has occurred in this vicinity for many years was the drowning of Louis Wade and Fred Skelton in the Illinois Rover below Ladd's Mill at three o'clock Friday afternoon. A camping party of 25 left here in high spirits yesterday morning for a few days recreation near Ladd's Mill. The afternoon from 12 until 3 was spent in seining. At 3 o'clock six of the boys got into a boat and shoved out fifteen or twenty feet from the bank and upset the boat for the fun of swimming to the shore. Louis Wade had nearly reached the shore when the cry went up "Go to Fred, help Fred." Louis was the first to respond to the call and went back to his struggling companion who seems to have strangled immediately upon striking the water. He caught hold of his hair and endeavored to pull him out but failed to move him. It was not long before Fred caught his arm and rendered him helpless. At the same time Louis began to strangle and call for help. Sam Morrow swam up to them and got hold of Louis but there seemed to be a suction in the hole where the boys were and young Morrow's utmost efforts failed to get them out and he extricated himself when he saw that he was about to lose his own life. Sam Peck also tried to save his friends. The bluff was very high and the water was twelve feet deep where it touched the bank. There was nothing in the way of a stick or a pole anywhere near the place. Neighbors came and found the bodies using a rake fastened to a pole. Fred was recovered within half an hour and Louis a quarter of an hour later. They were brought to town at midnight. Louis Wade was the son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Wade of this city and was born in Boonsboro twenty one years ago. He was a bright and honorable young man, recklessly brave and always willing to sacrifice himself for a friend. Grief over his untimely end is deep and universal and every heart goes out in sympathy with his bereaved parents. Fred Skelton was born and reared one and a half miles north of town and well known in the city. He was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. John Skelton and was the stay and comfort of his aged parents in their declining years. He worked on his father's farm and was industrious, prosperous and honorable. He was much above the average young man in his prospects for a useful citizenship. He and Louis were about 22 years of age.
Contributed on 8/16/17 by judyfrog
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Record #: 1190592