July 26, 1917
Young Man Lost Life Bathing; Girl Rescued In Time
Sad Ending To Party Near Williamsport Yesterday Afternoon.
A pleasure party along the canal ended in a tragedy when Earl Davis, Williamsport, was drowned at two o’clock while swimming on Wednesday about a quarter of a mile below Williamsport. Young Davis accompanied by Miss Ruth Ream, of Williamsport, Miss Fearnow, of Berkley Springs, and Dr. Zimmerman, Williamsport, had gone down along the canal to enjoy a swim. Neither of the girls could swim and Davis was just learning. Miss Fearnow became excited and grabbing hold of him pulled him under the water. Davis undoubtedly lost his presence of mind and was unable to keep on top of the water. He went under two times and grabbed hold of the girl, pulling her under with him. Dr. Zimmerman threw his raincoat out to the girl and he pulled her safely away from the drowning man, but Davis went down again and could not grasp the coat.
A man by the name of John Bowers who came after the accident got the body out of the water. The water was about six and one-half feet deep where Davis met his fate.
Mr. Davis was 21 years of age, and was well thought of and liked by everybody. His death was a shock to his many friends. He is the son of Mrs. Walter Davis of Williamsport, who is a stenographer for Dr. Fleming, this city. He lived with his grandfather, Mr. Isaac Bomberger, of Williamsport.
Justice Tice decided an inquest un-necessary.
The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the United Brethren Church, Rev. Murray officiating, Interment in River View Cemetery.
C&O Canal - Hagerstown newspaper reports
