Terrible Accident

Two Persons Drowned in Apple River

On Sunday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, a young man named Newkirk, and Miss Nellie Tuttle, aged about 18 years, daughter of David R. Tuttle, of Hanover, were swept away by the current and drowned while attempting to cross the Apple River ford at Gillette's mill, in a carriage. Owing to the recent rains and back flow from the Mississippi, the water at the ford had risen to the depth of nearly eight feet, a fact which Newkirk was not aware of, he not being familiar with the stream. A farmer was attracted by the snorting of horses, and on going to the river, he discovered the team floundering about in the water. Assistance was called, and the animals were rescued from their perilous position. Search for Newkirk and Miss Tuttle resulted in the finding of their bodies within a short distance of each other, about twenty yards below the ford. A jury was summoned and an inquest was held by Esquire Stephen Jeffers. A verdict was rendered in accordance with the facts. The funerals of the unfortunate couple took place Monday. Newkirk was the only son and maintenance of his widowed mother, who resides in Elizabeth, and was employed on the farm of George Williams, of that town. The two were out for a drive.

Note: Nellie Tuttle was 16 years of age.

Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover, Illinois

TUTTLE, Nellie; died 25 Sep 1881; 16y, 4m, 13d; daughter of David & Albina

Galena Weekly Gazette
7 October 1881

From Hanover (excerpt)

Immediately subsequent to the Presidential obsequies at the Presbyterian church, a sad funeral was held at the M. E. Church over the body of Miss Nellie Tuttle, who was drowned in Apple river, about four miles below Hanover, on Sunday Sept. 25. Nellie went out riding with Will Newkirk, of Weston, on Sunday afternoon. In attempting to cross Apple River at the ford below Peterboro, both were drowned notwithstanding the fact that young Newkirk was an expert swimmer. The family of the deceased reside in Hanover, and were largely dependent upon Nellie for support, as she was earning good wages in the factory. A subscription for the relief of the Tuttle family was circulated, and about $80 obtained.