Miami Union

June 22, 1911 

CHASE, DAN - Again has the Miami river at Troy taken toll, this time the victim being Dan Chase, 35, one of Troy's most well known and respected young men.  But for prompt assistance his nine-year-old daughter Edna would also have lost her life.  Tuesday night about 7:45 o'clock the rowboat in which Chase and his young daughter were fishing just above the dam was caught by the combined current and the swell of a passing motor boat and getting beyond his control was swept over the dam with great velocity and both were thrown from the boat.  The girl's screams, as she realized their danger, drew the attention of a number of men who were fishing below the dam and Archie Barnhart, being the first to reach the scene, threw himself into the river and managed to reach the child before she could sink.  Barnhart started for the shore and endeavored to have some of the onlookers take her that he might return for the father but all seemed helpless or stunned by the shock and he was forced to carry her back across the dam.  He then hastened to where Chase was last seen but he had gone down and could not be found.  Others had arrived by this time and were hunting among the rocks below the dam for him.  However it was Barnhart who a half hour later finally located the body of the man some fifteen or twenty feet below the dam.  Three physicians and assistants worked for over an hour in the endeavor to restore respiration it being believed that as he had not been in the water over half an hour life might not yet be extinct.  However their efforts were in vain.  The examination however revealed the reason why Chase, who was an expert swimmer, had not be able to extricate himself.  There was a deep cut over the right eye indicating that when swept over the dam he had received the wound on a rock and been rendered unconscious.  Coroner Ullery of West Milton came over and viewed the body and pronounced death due to accidental drowning.  The family of Mr. Chase who lived at the corner of Dock and Water streets consisted of his wife, the little girl who was in the boat with him and two young boys, Robert and Edward.  The wife when the sad news reached her was completely prostrated and grief-stricken and only the kindly ministrations of neighbors kept her from collapse.  The young girl was brought home and given medical attention and will be none the worse except for the mental effect of the terrible experience.  Daniel Chase was about 35 years of age and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. David Chase of West Milton.  His wife is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bridenbaugh also of that town.  The Chases have lived in Troy for several years and are highly regarded.  Mr. Chase had charge of the printing department of the Troy Sunshade company and was a valued employee.  He was secretary of the Troy lodge I. O. O. F. and a member of Franklin lodge F. and A. M.  It is doubtful if any young man had more friends in Troy that Dan Chase.  He was of a kindly, cheerful, helpful disposition and it was always a pleasure to meet him.  His moral character was above reproach and his honesty and industry made him a valued citizen.  His death was indeed a great shock to all who knew him.  The funeral will be held Friday morning.  The members of the I. O. O. F. lodge will meet at their hall at 7:30 o'clock and proceed to the residence where they will give their ritualistic services.  The body will then be taken to West Milton where the final obsequies will be held and where interment will be made.

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