Troy Times

May 29, 1856

WITHERS, (YOUNG BOY)  and WITHERS, MARTHA - A Sad Occurrence - On Saturday afternoon last two daughters and a little son of Mr. M. Withers, of this city, and some other children, were out fishing in the canal at the mouth of the Rocky branch, just below town.　 Somehow, while passing along the bank, the little boy (Withers) slipped in, whereupon, Miss Martha, the oldest sister--a young lady about 18 years of age--sprang in to his rescue.--She succeeded in getting hold of him, but, the water being about ten feet deep both sank and were drowned.　 The younger sister, seeing the dangerous situation of her brother and sister, also leaped in for the purpose of assisting them, and would have drowned, too, but for the presence of mind of a little boy, a son of Mr. Wolsey, who reached the end of his fishing rod to her, which she caught hold of and by which she was assisted to the shore.　 The screams of the children brought Mr. P. Hagan--brother in law of the deceased--to the spot.　 He immediately went in and brought out--the bodies.--　 Physicians were called, and every effort made to resuscitate them, but in vain.　 This is the most shocking and afflictive occurrence that has ever taken place among us.　 It has brought darkness and sorrow to a light and joyous household, and saddened the hearts of a large circle of friends.　 We sincerely sympathize with the afflicted relatives and friends of the deceased in their sad bereavement.--Piqua Register