60 Years Ago (Dec. 6, 1906)

Reno Morrison, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Kepple of Blair was drowned when timbers supporting the pile driver in the Missouri River rip-rap work north of Blair collapsed. Seven other men on the machine when it tumbled into 30 feet of water escaped with soaking and minor injuries.

Pilot Tribune 28 Nov 2006

100 years ago (1906)

Reno Morrison, 18, of Blair, was drowned when timbers supporting a pile driver in Missouri River riprap work north of Blair collapsed. Seven other men on the machine when it tumbled into 30 feet of water escaped with soakings and minor injuries. Nat Cole was foreman of the work gang, with O. S. Stowe heading the pile driver crew.

Pilot Tribune 5 Dec 2006

100 years ago (1906)

The body of Reno Morrison, 18, had not been recovered following his drowning in a Missouri River project accident here. His mother had been given a $4,000 settlement from the company.

Note: Since the actual death date was not given, the news article date was used.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~