After hesitating at the bridge across the East One Hundred and Two river on the St. Joseph road (Now Route 148 – Editor) about a half hour Saturday night, watching others drive across the high water north of the bridge, and believing he had the correct bearing, Frank Barton, who resides near Gaynor, Mo., drove into the water, and in an instant he found himself clinging to some willows in safety, while his wife and son Russell, aged 3 years, went down with the buggy and team into the rushing waters. The body of Mrs. Barton was recovered in less than an hour, and that of the son was found at 5 o'clock Sunday morning.
OVER THE BANK
Mr. and Mrs. Barton were coming to Bedford to visit Sunday at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Barton, northwest of the city. Though he is quite familiar with the road, the familiar points were covered with running water, and it was not without hesitation that the attempt to cross was made. He permitted some teams to cross in front of him, and J.F. Besco, who was piloting some creamery wagons offered to return and perform a similar service for him. By this time Mr. Barton thought himself familiar with the lines to follow through the water and made the start. The river channel runs into the highway near that point, and when Barton's team lost its bearing, it was but an instant until the flood current had toppled horses, vehicle and occupants over the bank.
Mr. Barton landed safely for himself, but absolutely helpless as to his wife and child, which were swept away from his sight in a few seconds. In falling he tossed the child on top of the buggy with an instantaneous thought of temporary safety, but there was no chance for it.
FIND WOMAN'S BODY
Cries of Mr. Barton attracted attention and John Keith, Frank Bailie and others assisted him from his position with a rope. Swimmers were summoned and netting placed at the fair ground bridge, and a search for the body begun. About 7 o'clock Mrs. Barton's body was found at the first bend of the channel.
The body was taken to the office of Dr. J.W. Beauchamp, where an effort was made to save life if there was any, but without avail. The remains were then taken to the Wetmore undertaking parlor and later to the residence of John Barton.
Search for the body of the boy continued until darkness overtook the workers, but at 4:30 Sunday morning the party formed to resume the work.
BOY FOUND IN MORNING
At the second bend in the channel the team and buggy were found, and some were proceeding to take them out with the thought that the child may have sunk with them, when others who had gone to the next bend announced the finding of the body. That was about 5 o'clock. The body was taken to the Barton home.
One horse was on top of the other and the buggy was under both. When they were taken out, the satchel and handbag containing about $25 were found.
Short funeral services were held Monday morning at the home of John Barton, conducted by Rev. C.C. Hatcher assisted by Rev. J.W. Goodsell. In the afternoon the remains were taken to the home, where funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs. Barton who was a daughter of Jonas Williams of Dallas Township, was 47 years of age, and the mother of eight children. Surviving with the father, are seven children, Mrs. Zella Busby of Chillicothe, Mo., Glenn Barton, residing near the home farm, and George, Lee, Ruth, Ernest, and Neal all at home.
Bedford Times-Republican 5 Aug 1915
Taylor County Historical Museum
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