Clarence Badger
June 13, 1879-July 11, 1901
Clarence Badger, 23 years of age well known in Buchanan, a son of Mr. Chester Badger, a well known farmer residing three miles southwest of Niles, was accidentally drowned while bathing in the St. Joseph just above Niles about seven o’clock last Thursday evening.
Young Badger was bathing with his brother, LeRoy, and two sons of Hon. Joel H. Gillette, Charles aged 17 and Clarence age 16, up above the paper mill and were on a sandbar in the river when young Badger suddenly stepped off into deep water. He could swim but little and the three lads went to his rescue and tried to save him.
They got hold of the struggling young man once but as he was dragging them into deep water they had to let go and he sank out of sight. They called for help but it was ten o’clock before the body was recovered and life was long since extinct.
The water was over twenty feet deep where the body was found.
Young Badger was well known and esteemed by everybody. He was to have been married in September to Miss Maude Dalrymple of Buchanan, who was prostrated by the sad event.
The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. J. G. Lowrie of the Presbyterian Church, officiated, and interment was made at Silver Brook cemetery.
Note: DOD from Michigan Death Certificate, DOB computed from age 22y 28d, at DOD.
Published Niles Daily Star.