Notes |
- Robert Lloyd died in a drowning accident in the Fabius River when he was in his late teens or early twenties. His parents never really recovered from the blow. -- LKL
Tragic Death -- Body Recovered Same Day -- Very Large Attendance At Funeral
"While bathing in the Wyaconda river with three companions last Friday afternoon May 20, 1921, Robert Loyd McLeod, 20-year-old son of Mr and Mrs R.L. McLeod of this city, was drowned a few yards above the junction of the Wyaconda with the Mississippi.
"The tragedy took place about 2:30 o'clock, an though continuous efforts to locate and recover the body were made by rescuers who hurried to the scene within a short time after the accident, it was 6 o'clock before the body was found, too late for resuscitation [sic.].
"The news of the tragic death of this promising young man quickly circulating from house to house shocked and oppressed with gloom the entire community. A member of a family widely known in this section of the country, the decedent had by reason of his clean life and worthy aspirations won the respect of his fellow citizens, while with his gift of song he had charmed many audiences and endeared himself to countless friends. That a young life of such expectancy and hope had been snuffed out, and in such a manner, seemed beyond realization, an unreality which nevertheless weighed like lead upon the consciousness of all who heard the report.
"The fatal accident occurred shortly after the party of four young men had reached the Wyaconda. In company with the decedent were William Daniels of Memphis, Verne Kapfer of Kahoka and Harold Runion of Leonard, Mo., all students in LaGrange College. As brought out in the hearing conducted by Coroner Arthur Roberts Saturday morning, McLeod was the last of the four to undertake to swim across the stream to the north bank. When in midstream he was probably seized with cramps and in spite of the heroic efforts of Kapfer who was nearest him and who came near losing his own life in his endeavor to save his companion, he perished.
"Without waiting to recross the Wyaconda for his clothing, Runyon borrowed a pair of overalls from H.W. Hackmack, who was at work in an adjoining field, ran to the road, caught a ride to town and spread the alarm which in a very short time drew a crowd of men and some women to the spot. Divers tried unsuccessfully to find the body and as soon as fishermen arrived in their boats dragging with nets began and other methods were employed... deep as 12 feet where the tragedy took place.
"That ' the deceased came to his death by accidental drowning and that no blame attaches to those present at the time of his drowning' was the verdict of the coroner's jury, composed of B.H. Day, D.A. Childers, W.G. Howe, Chas. Hagood, E.L. Jackson and F.H. McKinney.
"The circumstances attendant upon the death of Loyd McLeod provoked in an unwonted degree the sympathy of the many who in a business way, in church work or in some other social relationship have become acquainted with the family, and the esteem in which the family are held was attested by the size and character of the throng which gathered at the Baptist church Monday afternoon to pay the last tribute of respect. Both town and countryside were very largely represented and there were many present from some distance in addition to the long line of relatives who followed the casket. All available space in the building was occupied and a very considerable number were unable to gain admission. The assemblage has been estimated at more that 500 people.
"Josef Samors, violinist, a commencement weed visitor from Streator, Ill., played the funeral march, with Miss Gladys Loudermilk, as accompanist. A quartet composed of Mrs Hallie Rice, Miss Bessie Kapfer, Prof. S.E. Barbour and Fenton Bartine sang 'Some Day We'll Understand,' and 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken.' and by special request, Mr Barbour sang one of the decedent's favorite hymns, 'Somebody Knows.'
"The pallbearers were Paul Bozarth, Guy Brinkley, Floyd Crouch, Lloyd Foley, Morris Mathews, and Hugh Yeater.
"Rev. J. Alfred Garrett preached the sermon from the text, 'Is the young man Absalom safe?' and was followed in a short address by Dr. John W. Crouch. Both speakers paid fitting tribute to the character and life of the decedent.
"Burial was in the new addition to the city cemetery, Rev. G.E. Mayfield offering the prayer at the grave.
"The biography of Loyd McLeod is brief. He was born near Palmyra, Mo., Oct. 15, 1900. When in his ninth year, under the preaching of Rev. D.P. Montgomery, he united with the LaGrange Baptist Church of which he continued a member until his death. He was graduated in voice last May from the LaGrange Conservatory of music as well as from the LaGrange College academy. The past winter he had spend in musical work on the stage. He had also used his talent freely and effectively in religious worship and had sung in many churches in this part of the country.
"He was a bright, cheerful, home-loving young man, helpful in the home; a comfort to his parents.
"Surviving hip are his father and mother, an older brother, Leland S. McLeod of Montreal, Canada, and a younger sister, Miss Elizabeth, at home.
"Immediate relatives called here as a result of the tragedy were Leland S. McLeod of Montreal, Canada, James Scott of Monroe City, Charles and Milton Scott and their families of Palmyra, Mrs. Mat McLeod and daughters, Misses Virginia and Mabel, of Kirksville, J.B. Taylor and family, Cecil Taylor and family, Lee white and family, Hugh McLeod and family and Jewell McLeod and family of Palmyra." -- Source was probably the local La Grange newspaper.
Former Student Drowns
"Commencement week was tinged with sadness because of the drowning of Loyd McLeod, in the Wyaconda river on the Afternoon of May 20. He, on company with three other boys, was bathing when the accident occured [sic.]. Only one boy was near him, and though he struggled faithfully and heroically to save his friend, he was unable to do so.
"Loyd graduated from the Music department last year, and was a favorite among his large circle of friends here. His death was a shock from which the town and college will be slow to recover.
"Loyd was born near Palmyra, Mo. Oct. 15, 1900, the son of Mr. and Mrs Robert Loyd McLeod [sic]. At the age of nine he united with the Baptist church on this city, and continued in membership until his death.
"His musical talent was very marked, and his voice trained in the college here, was used, most of all, in singing the praises of his Lord.
"A quartet of his college friends sang at his funeral service, which was conducted by his pastor and Pres. Crouch. Mr Barbour, under whom he graduated in music, sang a solo, 'Somebody Knows,' a favorite hymn of the young man,
"The sympathy of the community as well as of the college, to out to the sorrowing members of his family." -- Again an unknown source, possibly a LaGrange College publication.
|