William Henry Thurston
Dec. 18, 1938-July 27, 1951
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, July 28 1951; page 1, col. 8, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton
First of year at Barron
The first drowning of the year in Barron lake occurred at 7 p.m. Friday night as a 12-year-old Niles boy died in front of Bartak’s resort.
The boy was William Henry Thurston, rural route two, the son of Thomas Thurston, of the same address, and Mrs. Mildred Cullons 712 Oak street.
No details of the boy’s death were known. Niles state police said his father working at the resort, missed the boy about 6 p.m., but thought he was playing with other children. A fisherman discovered his body in five feet of water in front of the resort. Police said he had been under water about 20 minutes.
Howard township fireman worked over the boy with a resuscitator for more than an hour without success. He was pronounced dead at 8:10 p.m.
The boy was born in Niles Dec. 18, 1938, and lived here all his life. Surviving in addition to his parents, are a sister, Sally, and James; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William Thurston, of Buchanan, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Green, of Niles.
Friends may call at the Pifer (illegible) then the body will be taken to St. Paul’s Lutheran church, where the Rev. Theodore Laesch will conduct services at 2 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in Silverbrook.