- Accident by Drowning
It is our painful duty to record the death of Mr. Alexander Gow, by drowning in the Little Lake, on Tuesday evening last. It seems that Mr. Gow was on the Lake skating with a number of companions. About 10 o'clock pm, he left for home, intending to cross the Lake, and thus reach his residence in Ashburnham by a much shorter route than by going round. In a very few minutes the treacherous ice was heard to crack, and shouts for help immediately followed; but the night was so intensely dark that those on the ice could give no assistance the unfortunate young man, who, after a short and desperate last fruitless struggle to rescue himself from a watery grave, sank to rise no more. Thus passed away from our midst, in the spring of manhood, one who had endeared himself to all his friends by his high moral qualities and general amibility of character. What a solemn lesson is then taught to all; truly in our brightest moments, are we in the midst of death. Mr. Gow was about 25 years of age, and unmarried. We sincerely sympathize with the relatives in the deep affliction that has befallen them. The body, up to our going to press, had not been recovered. People cannot be too careful in resisting open newly formed ice. Several other parties have, we believe, within the last few days, fallen through, but luckily rescued.
Peterborough Examiner, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, 10 December1863
Melancholy Accident
We deeply regret to learn that on Tuesday evening last Mr. Alexander Gow, while skating on Little Lake, broke through the ice and drowned. It appears that Mr. Gow, who resides in Ashburnham, had early in the evening crossed over from Ludgate's Mill to the Monaghan shore, near the residence of Mrs. Ware. After skating for some time, he started to return, some other persons accompanying him part of the way. After they had left him but a few moments, they heard his cries, and were near enough to hear him say that he had broken through; but, deterred by the darkness of the night and the frail nature of the ice, they made for the shore. Poor Gow soon went under, and his body has not since been discovered. We fear the gentlemen who, hearing his cries, made not even an attempt to rescue him, stand but a poor chance of ever wearing the medal of the humane society. The unfortunate man has left a widowed mother to mourn his untimely death.
Peterborough Review, Peterborough, Ontario, 11 Dec 1863
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1834 - 1863 (29 years)
