“In a brave and heroic attempt to save the life of his only daughter, Betty, eleven years of age, George M. Taylor, publisher of the Portsmouth Morning Sun, lost his life in the treacherous Scioto river, Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock, sinking beneath the water after he had completely exhausted his strength in keeping his little daughter afloat until rescue came to her.”2
“The tragedy that cost Mr. Taylor his life, came near being a triple drowning, for had help not arrived in the nick of time, his little daughter and Frank Ferguson who had gone to the help of father and daughter, would have been claimed by the current. The terrible fatality that has cast the deepest gloom over the entire community, occurred near the J.K. Bender camp at Rushtown West Side. The quick action of Glen Brady, 1232 17th street, and Oscar Cole, of Columbus, who happened to be near the scene saved the little girl and Mr. Ferguson. They managed to get a boat and dragged the couple to safety, although both were practically exhausted and considerable difficulty was experienced in resuscitating them. “
Struggling in Water
While the trio was struggling in the water, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Frost Davis were eye witnesses to the tragedy. They were helpless to render aid, although their frantic screams attracted the attention of Messrs Brady and Cole.
The news of the tragedy spread like wild fire and within a comparatively short time a large crowd had collected along the bank. Mr. Taylor’s body was recovered near the spot where it went down at about six o’clock. In the meantime a pulmotor had been brought to the scene and as soon as the body was brought ashore, determined efforts were made toward resuscitation.
Dr. Harry Schirrmann, a warm person friend of Mr. Taylor, worked heroically to bring back the spark of life. He was assisted by Dr. Harry Davidson, of Fort Hospital Detroit, but all to o avail. The pulmotor was worked incessantly for fully one-half hour, before hope was given up.”
“Mr. Taylor, his wife and their daughter, Betty; Mrs. Davis and Mr. Ferguson left the Davis camp, at Rushtown, earlier in the afternoon and rowed down the Scioto several hundred yards to a gravel bar in the middle of the river, opposite the Bender camp. All wore their bathing suits and went in swimming.”
“Mr. Taylor and Mr. Ferguson, together with Betty Taylor, waded out into the water at a point near the lower end of the bar, on its west side, and the two men formed a platform with their hands from which Betty dived. Mr. Ferguson was a good swimmer, while Mr. Taylor did not consider himself even ordinary in swimming ability.”
“Betty strangled, following a dive, and cried for help as she was swept into deep water by the swift current. Mr. Taylor plunged to her rescue, followed by Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Taylor reached Betty first and tried in vain to pilot her back toward the bar.”
Held Daughter Afloat
“By the time Mr. Ferguson reached the pair, they were badly in need of aid, and the girl seized him. Between the two men the girl was kept afloat, while all three called for aid. Mr. Taylor kept getting weaker and weaker, but still helped hold the girl up in the water. Finally, as aid was near, his strength gave way and he silently slid under the water, and disappeared. Mr. Ferguson grimly struggled alone to keep himself and the girl above water, but was weakening fast.”
“In the meantime Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Davis, horrified at the sight were helpless to aid. George Densmore, who was on the bank near the Bender camp, shouted to the two women to push their boat across the narrow neck of the river at the point, so that he could get it. Due to the peculiar construction of the boat, they were unable to climb into it without upsetting it. However, the current baffled their efforts, shoving the craft back to the bar when they tried to push it across.”
“A hundred yard or so up the river Mr. Bender, Mrs. Clara Miller and the former’s son, Ralph Bender, age 11, were fishing. When they heard the screams of Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Davis, they immediately sent Ralph with the boat toward the landing on the west shore where Mr. Brady and Mr. Cole were rushing toward the water. These two jumped into the boat and went to the rescue.”
“They reached the scene in time to save Mr. Ferguson and Betty. Mr. Brady pulled Betty into the boat while Mr. Cole rescued Mr. Ferguson. Both were exhausted and unable to move. They lay across the seats of the boat.”
Tried To Save Daddy
“The two were rushed to the shore where willing hands took them in charge. When she regained her breath, little Betty sobbed out: “Oh, I tried hard to save daddy.”
“In the meantime, Ralph Brady, a bother of Glenn, swam across the narrow channel to the bar, where he secured the boat used by the party and rowed Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Davis to the shore, where Betty and Mr. Ferguson were being cared for. The two women were unnerved by the ordeal and suffered from nervous collapse.”
“Campers organized a searching fleet. Word of the drowning was telephoned in fire headquarters and Chief Robert R Leedom, Assistant R.L. Shumate, and Clarence Englebrecht left the Gallia street house at once with a pulmotor. They made the run in less than fifteen minutes. Upon their arrival they joined the party of searchers.”
“Shortly after six o’clock the body was found, within a short distance from where it had disappeared, and about one hundred yards from the point and the bar where the party entered the water.”
“In the boats which dragged a long barbed wire, on which the bathing shirt worn by Mr. Taylor caught, were Fire Chief Robert R Leedom, Assistant Fire Chief RL Shumate, Dr. O.L. Knechtly, R Watson Goddard, the latter one of Mr. Taylor’s closest friends, Charles Doty and Clarence Englebrecht.“
“The body was immediately taken to the landing near Bender camp, where Dr. Schirrman took charge, assisted by Dr. Davidson, and the fire department officials brought the pulmotor into service, as was every method of resuscitation known to modern science, but to no avail; and the body was later removed to the porch of the camp where unsuccessful efforts at revival were continued”
“Dr. Schirrman, however, pronounced Mr. Taylor dead and the body was removed to the Lynn mortuary.”
News Spread Rapidly
“News of the drowning spread rapidly, and the Towpath road, for nearly a mile in the Rushtown neighborhood, was lines with machines. So dense did the traffic jam become that Sheriff Harry M Dunham sent two motorcycle traffic officers to clear the road for traffic.”
“As the news spread, volunteer divers offered their services by message to members of the Sun staff, and some started for the scene, to arrive just as the body was taken from the water. Coleman Grimes dived several times, in an effort to recover the body, but to no avail.”
Born in 1877
“Mr. Taylor was born January 19, 1877 near McConnellsville, Ohio, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor. At the time of Mr. Taylor’s birth, his father operated a salt furnace near McConnellsville. Later Mr. William Taylor was elected sheriff of Morgan county, and was the first Democrat ever to hold office in that county,”
Began Newspaper Career
“Mr. Taylor attended the McConnellsville public schools, and the McConnellsville high school, graduating from high school in the class of 1892. He taught school for a time in Morgan county, and matriculated in Ohio University, Athens. He attended that institution until the death of his father, when he came to Portsmouth and became circulation manager of the Portsmouth Daily Times, a position he held for several years. About this time the Times bought its first Linotype and Mr. Taylor went to New York, where he learned to operate it. He returned to Portsmouth and was operator for some time.”
“Twenty-three years ago Mr. Taylor and Frank W Sheridan, now advertising manager of the Times, took over the business management of the Fremont, Ohio Messenger, operating the paper for some time. “
“Anxious to gain experience in the news department of the newspaper publication business, Mr. Taylor went to Cincinnati, where he became a reporter on the Cincinnati Post, and he remained with the Post for some time. In his early newspaper experience he was also employed by the Memphis, Tennessee, News Scimitar, Chicago Tribune, New Orleans Times-Picayune, and he has also worked in Spokane, Washington, and Riverside and Los Angles, California.”
Returning to Portsmouth about 18 years ago, Mr. Taylor again became identified with the Daily Times, first as advertising manager, and later as managing editor, a post which he held for many years. January 4, 1921, the Portsmouth Publishing Company began publication of the Portsmouth Morning Sun, and Mr. Taylor became its editor-in-chief, general manager and publisher. He was active in newspaper affairs throughout the state, and was vice-president of the Associated Dailies.
“Mr. Taylor was married October 23, 1913 to Miss Clara Davis, a Portsmouth newspaper woman, and to them was born one daughter, Betty.”
Mrs. Taylor, their daughter, Betty, and Mr. Taylor’s brother, Harry E. Taylor, editor of the Portsmouth Daily Times, survive. Two brothers proceed him in death. Mr. Taylor’s mother was drowned in the Muskingum river.
Prominent in Civic Affairs
“Mr. Taylor took an active part in civic affairs. He was a charter member of the Exchange Club, and was one of the first presidents of that organization. For several years he was a director of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Elks’ Club and of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.“
Mr. Taylor was a life-long Republican, and took an active interest in the affairs of his party. He had served as a member of several campaign committees, and was highly respected in the party’s councils.”
“Mr. Taylor was a member of the Bigelow M.E. church, and funeral services will be held from the church Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock, with interment in the mausoleum at Greenlawn cemetery.“
“The remains were removed to the late residence, 1513 4th street, Monday.”5
“Funeral services for the late George M. Taylor, publisher of the Portsmouth Morning Sun, will be held from Bigelow M.E. church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, with Reverend Harry E Bright, D.D., the pastor, in charge.”
“Internment will be made in the mausoleum at Greenlawn cemetery.”6
“Score or more of former Portsmouth residents who are now living in Columbus, will go to Portsmouth tomorrow for the funeral of the late George M. Taylor, publisher of The Portsmouth Sun. All were personal friends of the publisher.”7
“In commenting on the passing of George M Taylor, G.W. Vandervort, president of the Chamber of Commerce said:
“In the death of George M Taylor, Portsmouth has suffered a loss that will be felt for many years. He believed in Portsmouth and he believe in working actively for Portsmouth. As a former member of the directorate of the Chamber of Commerce he was eager and enthusiastic for action that would mean progress for the city. Health measures to be endorsed and worked for by the Chamber of Commerce were dear to his heart. His enthusiasm in the director’s meetings was an inspiration to others, and he translated this enthusiasm into definite purpose through the column of the papers he served.”
“Such men are rare and the community is poorer by his passing.”8
“In commenting on Mr. Taylor’s passing A.N. Horr, president of the Exchange Club said:
“Every member of the Exchange Club will join me, I feel sure, when I say that it would be impossible for us to carry out a meeting Wednesday night so soon after the tragic death of one of the best loved Exchange-ites, George Taylor. His twinkling sense of humor and shrewd wit were enlivening features of every meeting. He loved the singing of the old favorite songs, and how could we sing knowing that his voice is stilled forever.”
“The safety of little children was very close to George Taylor’s heart and he working indefatigably in the Exchange Club’s ABC campaign to try and make the streets of Portsmouth safe for the little folks. And at the end he gave his life that a child’s life might be saved.”9
“City offices, with the exception of the police station, which the public good required be kept open, were closed yesterday during the hour of the funeral of the late George M. Taylor, publisher of the Morning Sun. The closing of the offices was arranged both as a tribute to Mr. Taylor, and in order to give city officials an employees an opportunity to pay their respects by attending the funeral.10
“Frank Switalski, secretary of the Cincinnati Auto Club, was in the city Wednesday and attended the late rites of the late George M. Taylor. Mr. Switalski formerly was city editor of The Times.”11
Pausing last night at the beginning og its semi-monthly session, the city council paid tribute to the late George M. Taylor, publisher of The Portsmouth Morning Sun, who was drowned in the Scioto river, Sunday evening.”
“Robert G Bryan, president pro tempore, expressed the sentiments of members in a brief address, touching upon the service Mr. Taylor had rendered the community.”
“Portsmouth has lost a worthwhile citizen,” Mr. Bryan said, adding that Mr. Taylor had been much interested in all civic matters, and had always been pleased to serve in any way. “His was a genuine influence for good,” the speaker said.12
“Secretary of State Thad Brown, upon returning to his office Tuesday after an absence of several days, expressed a deep sense of personal loss at the death of George M. Taylor, publisher of the Portsmouth Morning Sun. His grief was the more keenly felt because Mr. Taylor was a caller at this office but a short time ago and the friendship between them was even more closely cemented by his visit.”
“Speaking of the death of Mr. Taylor, Secretary Brown said, ‘the passing away of Mr. Taylor is a matter of deep regret to me personally as it is to this thousands of friends all over Ohio. He was a man whose place it will be difficult to fill. He had a high sense of honor and guarded the integrity of his profession with scrupulous care. His friendship was a thing to be much wished for because it always carried loyalty with it. My profound sympathy is extended to his family and the people of Portsmouth in the taking away of so good a man.”
“Secretary Brown endeavored to so arranged his affairs as to attend the funeral Wednesday, but found this to be impossible because of an important call to Cleveland which required personal attention.”
“Auditor of State Joseph Tracy, a former resident of Portsmouth and close friend of Mr. Taylor, was not in the city Tuesday, and his office made every endeavor to reach him, filled with an apprehension that he might not have received the news of the death. Those in his office expressed the profound regret they knew he would feel, together with the belief that he undoubtedly had been notified and will be at the funeral Wednesday.13
“The following tribute was given by Ex-Mayor Ralph Calvert: ‘In Mr. Taylor’s death I lost one of my staunchest friends. He was invariably on the right side, a loyal and progressive Republican and will be missed. It was through his co-operation in the Morning Sun that my administration was a success. He was a gentleman at all times and a man of high ideals.”14
“There was a universal feeling of sorrow here, among those who knew him for all were his friends, over the unfortunate death of George M. Taylor, publisher of the Portsmouth Morning Sun. This was tempered somewhat by a feeling of admiration that he died in so heroic a way and gave his life in the hope that his little girl Betty might live.”
“Joseph E. Cross, clerk of the state senate, with whom Mr. Taylor was associated by newspaper ties in Portsmouth, and between whom there was a close bond of friendship and mutual liking said:
“The death of Mr. Taylor comes to me with a feeling of poignant grief. He was a man who could ill be spared from public life. His acquaintance was wide throughout the state and wherever known he was admired and loved. He stood for the highest ideals in his private life and his work as an editor. The manner in which he gave his life was in keeping with the way in which he lived, an answer to a call of duty. He willingly sacrificed himself that his little girl, whom he loved might be spared. The community in which he lived and the state cannot lose such a man without a feeling of loss. I join, with thousands of other, in deep sorrow at his going and a realization that his places, as a factor in the promotion of public good will be difficult to fill.”
“Mr. Cross will attend the funeral at Portsmouth, Wednesday, and a number of others are arranging to go.”15
“This afternoon at two o’clock, in the Bigelow M.E. church, last rites for the late George M. Taylor, publisher of the Portsmouth Morning Sun, will be held. The services will be conducted from the Bigelow M.E. church, Fifth and Washington streets, with Reverend Harry E. Bright D.D., pastor of the church, in charge. Interment will be in the mausoleum at Greenlawn cemetery, and will be private.”
“Mr. Taylor was drowned Sunday evening, in the Scioto river, near Rushtown, sacrificing his life to save his daughter, Betty.“
“The services will be public, and arrangements were completed last night by employees of the Sun and Times, whereby the entire staffs of both papers will attend in a body.”
“Newspapermen from all over Ohio will be here for the funeral. Press association representatives, newspaper executives, and others associated with Mr. Taylor in publication circles have signified their intention of attending.”
“Mr. Dan Shelby of Akron, a step-brother of Mr. Taylor arrived in the city yesterday, and will remain for the last rites.”
“Expression of sympathy, from all walks of life and beautiful floral tributes in profusion continued to arrive at the residence, 1513 Fourth street.,indications of the esteem in which Mr. Taylor was held. Throughout the day hundreds called to pay their respects.”
“The following close friends of Mr. Taylor have been chosen to bear the pall: Clarence E. Nodler, J. Frost Davis, R. Watson Goddard, Earl W Rardin, Howard Harsha, and Dr. H.A. Schirrman. 16
- U. (n.d.). George M Taylor [Photograph]. Wandering Appalachia, West Portsmouth.
- George M Taylor, Morning Sun Publisher Loses Life in Scioto River in Effort to Rescue 11 Year Old Daughter. (1926, July 6). p. 1.
- 1920s Swimsuits- Women and Men (Parasols too). (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2020, from https://vintagedancer.com/1920s/1920s-swimsuits/
- https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-daily-times-jun-03-1926-p-11/
- Google Streetview: 1513 4th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. (2013, September). Retrieved August 31, 2020, from https://goo.gl/maps/XnFiStcvd1dJT1qbA
- Publisher’s Funeral Wednesday Afternoon. (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 4.
- Former Portsmouth Residents Will Attend Last Sad Rites. (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Loss Will Be Felt for Years. (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Twinkling Sense of Humor and Shrewd Wit Enlivened Meetings (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Offices Close During Funeral. (1926, July 8). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 8.
- Attends Rites (1926, July 8). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 8.
- Council Honors Sun Publisher (1926, July 8). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 8.
- State Official Expresses Regret at Editor’s Death. (1926, July 7). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Ex-Mayor Calvert Expresses Sorrow. (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 4.
- Universal Sorrow Over Tragic Death. (1926, July 6). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Will Pay Tribute to George M Taylor This Afternoon; Services In Bigelow Church. (1926, July 7). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- Allen, E. (2019, January 1). The Tomb of George M Taylor [Photograph]. Greenlawn Cemetery Masoleum, Wandering Appalachia, West Portsmouth.
