Genealogy Data Page 1631 (Notes Pages)

Spiers William John [Male] b. 19 DEC 1890 Etwell, Stisted Twp., Muskoka, Ontario - d. 23 MAY 1909 Drowned in Smith's Lake, Stisted Twp., Muskoka, Ontario

Source
Title: canada.GED

CONC
The Huntsville Forester

May 27, 1909

SAD DROWNING IN STISTED

The first of the seasons drowning accidents is reported from Stisted Township and occurred shortly after noon on Sunday. The victim was William Spiers, son of Mr. John Spiers. The particulars, so far as we have been able to learn them, appear to be as follows.

Shortly after dinner on Sunday, William Spiers in company with his sister Lottie, Miss Davis, daughter of Albert Davis, and George Booth, son of Mrs. R.J. Booth formerly of Ravenscliffe, put out on Smith's Lake, a small sheet of water back of Mr. Luke Robinson's farm. The punt which they used was very fragile and quite unsafe for such a large number. They sailed for some distance, and were within 12 feet of the shore on their return when the punt filled with water and all were precipitated into the lake. The young man Spiers set off and reached the shore in safety. He then jumped in again to effect the rescue of the remaining members of the party but before he had reached them, Spiers threw up his hands and sank. Miss Davis had evidently gone down for the second time, but had presence of mind enough to take hold of a stick which Booth reached toward her. This held her up until the young man was able to secure a hold upon her and by sheer effort finally pull her into shore..........

Dredging for the body of the young man Spiers was soon begun but it was not recovered until early Monday morning. The funeral took place Wednesday morning at Madill's Cemetery.

The victim was a ..... and beloved young man and sympathy is offered from the whole community for the grief stricken parents and mourning relatives. The young man's death may be viewed as an act of personal sacrifice ............

The recovery of the body and his bravery will bring a measure of comfort to the broken-hearted parents.

(Note - some parts of the microfilm were unreadable)

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