Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2025 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet Data Repository Notice: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ============================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ============================================================================= The St. Joseph Herald Saturday, 2 April, 1870 GREAT CALAMITY Four Persons Drowned in the St. Joseph River TWO MOTHERS, ONE INFANT, AND A GIRL OF FIFTEEN Two Bodies Recovered On Wednesday last just before noon, JOHN SMITH was driving to the funeral of a child of PAT. YORE on Britton Avenue in Benton township, carrying the child's coffin, together with MRS> JOHN YORE, and a daughter seven years old, MRS. JOHN SMITH and infant, and MISS FANNIE LYSAGHT, girl of 15 years, sister of MRS. SMITH. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT On the Bayou bridge, SMITH attempted to pass at a trot a span of young colts, whose driver had checked up to take in a passenger. In coming around the corner, the clip or bolt which holds the left brace of the pole to the axle, broke, the horses swung to the right and hurled the wagon violently against the railing of the bridge, which gave way and both wagon and passengers were turned over into the river. The horses with the pole ran off to Benton Harbor. TWO SAVED SMITH came up under the hind wheels of his wagon, and swam to the shore. Some one in a skiff half full of water, pushed out and got hold of MRS. YORE, and with the assistance of M. SHEPARD, jeweler, who waded into the water up to his arm pits, pulled out and landed MRS. YORE and her daughter, who was fastened in the mother's garments. By that time all the rest were under the water. MRS. YORE was dead, the child still lives. After the first plunge all of the unfortunates were buoyed up by their clothes, and sank gradually, frantically gesticulating and calling in vain for aid. M. SHEPHARD and W. R. LYON, Esq., were on the end of the long bridge, coming from Benton, when the accident occurred. They ran across the causeway and reached the end of the bayou bridge, launched a boat, which immediately sank, and then SHEPARD plunged into the water as stated. Other persons made great efforts to get off in boats, but were unsuccessful. THE LOST MRS. YORE was probably killed from a blow in the pit of her stomach. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn her loss. MRS. JOHN SMITH and infant drowned, infant's body found. MRS> SMITH leaves a husband and two boys, 8 and 4 years old, without a mother. MISS FANNIE LYSAGHT, - body not found. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCIDENT SMITH says the bolt had been twisted previously, and straightened, and was nearly broken; but no excuse can be made for the reckless driver, who attempted to go by on a bridge, where no team should go faster than a walk. The parties were all Irish. MRS. YORE was the wife of a wealthy and respected citizen. [Transcriber's Note: The full names of these victims, as found on the 1870 Census Mortality Schedule for Berrien County, MI., were JANE SMITH, age 22; MARY SMITH, age 3 mos.; FRANCIS LYSAGHT, age 14, and ELLEN YORE, age 45.] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Buchanan Record Thursday, 26 May, 1870 FOUND AT LAST - The body of FRANCIS LYSAGHT came up out of the sand at the bottom of the river, some 18 or 20 rods below the bridge, and just in the rear of Jordan's new warehouse. The flesh had fallen from her hands and face and part of the clothing was torn away. MRS. LYSAGHT has never given up her search, but every day for six long weeks either dragged the river herself or walked the beach to find her girl. Only Sunday, she walked to Grand Mere on the beach, 10 miles. The body was buried immediately. [Transcriber's Note: Perhaps this tragedy played a part in the decision of her brother, CHARLES ANDREW LYSAGHT, to join the United States Lifesaving Service. On Jan. 11, 1887 he became the first person to be appointed as keeper in charge of the White River Life Saving Station. After 37 years of service he concluded his career at Point Sauble. He passed away on 17 June, 1917 of apoplexy at Ludington, MI. ===========================================================================