Witnesses Report Pair Released Holds On Motorboat
“Two East End boys were drowned Sunday in the Ohio River at the old ferry landing near the foot of River Ave.”
The victims were Cecil McGlone, 15, of 2039 Fifth st, and Wade James, 11, of 309 Campbell Ave.”
“Horrified witnesses said the drownings occurred when an unidentified motor boat operator forced the boys to release their holds on his craft, then sped away.”
“McGlone swam back to shore, witnesses said, but returned to aid the younger boy, and the two went under together.”
“Ercel Spillman, 2018 Fifth St, and Kenneth Howard, 1822 Jackson St, were identified as the witnesses.”
Start Search At 5:05 p.m.
“City firemen were called to the scene at 5:05 p.m. and remained until 9:12 to drag the river for the bodies. They failed to locate the victims and resumed dragging today.”
“The reports indicated the youths were at the water’s edge when the motor boat pulled in to the bank. When the boat operator left, the victims aided him in pushing his craft back into the water.”
“They hung onto the boat until it was approximately 40 feet from the bank. At that point, it was reported, the youngsters had to turn loose of the boat.”
“City firemen said the drownings occurred in a deep hole created years ago by ferry boats pulling into and out of the landing.”
Promoted To 5th Grade
“Born Nov. 8, 1945 in Portsmouth, the James boy was the youngest son of Handsford and Oakie James. He was to have been fifth grade pupil at Wilson School this fall.”
“In addition to his parents the boy is survived by three brothers, Harold, 1113 Fairview Ave., West Portsmouth, Harry of Sandusky, and Billy at home; and seven sisters, Mrs. Norma Vaughn, 105 1/2 Waller St., Mrs. Mary Ann Richards of Ironton, Mrs. Louise Joseph, 1701 Eighth St., Mrs. Jacqueline Evans, 1822 Jackson St., and Deborah, Virginia, and Pattie, all at home.”
“A Portsmouth native, the McGlone youth was born March 12, 1941, a son of David and Ella McGlone. A Portsmouth High School sophomore, he attended Christian Baptist Church. The boy was working odd jobs during the summer vacation.”
“In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Meadows, 2453 Mabert Rd., two sisters, Mrs. Della Fields, 1810 Kendall Ave., and Mary Elizabeth at home; and two brothers, Jake, Ninth St., and Raymond at home.” 1.
