A BAD ENDING

Mr. Fred Carter, aged about 20 years, youngest son of the late Nathan Carter, was one of a company of people who went to Tyson's lake to picnic the 4th. With two or three companions who like himself could swim but little, he was, at some distance from the main crowd, playing with a small boat when it capsized, throwing them into the water. Young Carter after some struggling bank and as reported did not rise again. Assistance was procured and some thirty minutes later his dead body was rescued from the water. The funeral occurs today from the Baptist church at 3 P. M.

#2 Published on 7/13/1893 Pilot

OBITUARY

Fred Carter was born in Sept. 1873, and was one out of 11 children, born to Nathan and Martha Carter, of which seven are now alive and four dead. It is but a short time ago that the father of this family was stricken down suddenly and not quite a year ago, they were called to mourn the loss of their mother, who after a long period of sickness, died triumphant in the Lord. Now they are called to mourn the loss of Fred, who was quite a favorite among the boys in Blair.

Previous to the 4th of July, the family had planned to spend a pleasant day at Tyson’s lake. Several others also planned to go at the same time.

On the way none were merrier than he. Songs were sung on the way there until nearly all the pieces known were exhausted, when Fred said "Sing 'There is Sunshine in my Soul Today.”

On they went and spent a very pleasant time until after dinner, when the deceased thought he would go in bathing. He went beyond his depth and fell into a deep hole, from which he did not come up alive.

Frank Beard, who is an expert swimmer and diver, went out to the rescue and dived down to the bottom of the hole and saw him laying on his face at the bottom. By means of fish rods and hooks, his body was drawn ashore and work immediately commenced to resuscitate if possible, but all efforts failed. For two hours kind friends labored to do all they could but could not restore life. He was taken home and all the party returned with sad hearts.

On Thursday the funeral took place at the house. Hundreds were present to pay their tribute of respect to the bereaved family and the deceased. Flowers were brought in by a large number of friends until the casket was loaded with crosses, wreaths, archors, pillows and other emblems. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. Sheppard, pastor of the Baptist church, who took for his text John XI:28, “The brother shall rise again.” The deceased attended the Baptist church quite regularly and sometimes the B.Y.P.U. A short time before his death, he gave his name to the Y.M.C.A. as an associate member and if he had lived would doubtless have become an active member.

He was well loved by all who knew him and is now missed and lamented by all. Fifty-two carriages filled with mourners followed his body to its last resting place. But though he is gone, he is not forgotten.

Grave, the guardian of our dust !
Grave, the treasure of the skies !
Every atom of thy trust
Rest in hope again to rise

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

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