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- The Lewiston Tribune, September 13, 1917
Clarke F. Bassett: Is river victim
Charles Bassett, Mail carrier, drowned yesterday
Boat was overturned
Party of four were attempting to run Snake River rapids in canoe
Clarke F. Bassett, Lewiston mail carrier on route No. 2, was drowned in the Snake River yesterday a short distance above the Cox rapids when a canoe capsized and Mr. Bassett and other occupants were precipitated into the stream. With Mr. Bassett were L. R. Garby, Willard Kenfield and Miss Mildred Bishop. Mr. Bassett struck out for the shore and was drowned within thirty feet of land after swimming over 200 yards. The other passengers clung to the canoe which was righted and worked ashore.
The drowning occurred shortly after one o'clock, the party having taken the canoe to a point above the rapids to enjoy a ride through the heavy waves. The first rapids were encountered near the head of the island above the Cox rapids and it was here the canoe floundered. It seems the canoe shipped water when the first high wave was encountered and was thrown cross-wise and was filled and overturned.
The canoe is equipped with air chambers and other buoyancy provisions and the seats and cushions have the qualities of the best life preservers with capacity for carrying 240 pounds. Mr. Bassett was thrown several feet from the canoe but had a life preserver pillow. He was warned to stay by the canoe and attention was then given to righting the canoe and getting Miss Bishop to a place of safety. Mr. Bassett had started to swim to shore and had abandoned the pillow but it was not until he was widely separated from the canoe that his act had been discovered. In the mean time Miss Bishop and Mr. Garby has climbed into he water-filled canoe and Mr. Kenfield had taken a position at the stern to guide the boat into quiet water along the Clarkston shore.
Mr. Bassett approached the river shore of the island and it is stated he was not more than ten feet from land when he passed the lower point of the island. It appeared he was making for the mainland on the Idaho side and was near the shore when his first call for help was heard. At that time the water-logged boat was several hundred feet removed and he sank before assistance could be rendered. The canoe was taken ashore and emptied after which the party out across to the Idaho side but no trace of the body could be discovered.
The drowning was promptly reported and action was taken at once to recover the body but all efforts were unsuccessful. A gasoline launch and row-boats were employed and today the launch will be used to drag the river and salmon seines and nets were taken to the scene of the drowning last night and will be available for use early this morning.
Mr. Bassett was about 32 years of age and is survived by a wife, two small children and a sister, Miss Florine Bassett, teacher in the high school. He entered the post office service about eight years ago and was recognized as very efficient and trustworthy employee. He was a gentleman of fine character and enjoyed the very high regard of a wide circle of friends.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1885 - 1917 (32 years)