Heroic Chum Near Dies As Boy Drowns

HEROIC CHUM NEAR DIES AS BOY DROWNS Young Son of Police Sergeant Loses His Life in the River as He Steps Into Hole. BODY FOUND AFTER ALL-NIGHT SEARCH Russell Horner, aged 14 years, son of Sergeant of Police William Horner, of 808 North Thirty-sixth street, was drowned in the Delaware off the old Red Mill, Pea Shore, yesterday afternoon. The body was recovered this morning by Anson Nicholson, a grocer, of Thirty-sixth and Trinity streets. Coroner Fithian gave a certificate in accordance with the facts. Russell, a bright and active boy, able to swim only a few strokes, went bathing yesterday afternoon near the old mill with a boy named MacBurney and another companion. Some years ago a channel was dug to the wharf so that a small steamboat could make a landing there. While the boys were paddling about in the water Russell stepped into a hole on the edge of the channel and was soon beyond his depth. He sank from sight and as he rose he appealed for help. Young MacBurney, who can swim went to his assistance, and Russell caught him by the throat, both going to the bottom where MacBurney managed to free himself. MacBurney managed to reach shore in a greatly exhausted condition and gave the alarm. A number of persons dived for the body, but without success. In the meantime the police were notified and Captain Albert and Policemen Abbott, Palmer and Johnson went to the scene. The officers and a number of friends of Sergeant Horner grappled all through the night and early morning at one time six boat crews being at work. Believing that the constant stirring up of the water would send the body shoreward on the early morning tide Mr. Nicholson grappled accordingly and he found it in very shallow water. During this morning hundreds of friends of Sergeant Horner lined the shore and watched the men at work. Sergeant Horner is suffering terribly, while Mrs. Horner is on the verge of collapse. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.