Allegheny County PA Archives- Obituaries: Willis, Arthur R., Apr 1921 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Victoria Valentine, , Mar 2009 Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/ ________________________________________________ Taken from McDonald Pa Outlook 28 Apr 1921 The Peter KOHL family received word Sabbath of the death of their son-in-law, Mr. WILLIS of Washington, D. C. Full particulars have not been yet learned, but Mr. WILLS met death by drowning. His wife, who witnessed the accident, collapsed and was taken to a hospital. Mrs. P. KOHL and son Clarence left Sabbath for Washington. *Oakdale column *********************************************** Taken from McDonald Pa Outlook 05 May 1921 With wife and friends standing on the shore powerless to help, Arthur R. WILLIS, aged 29, of 1471 Irving street, Washington, D. C., a chemical expert of the United States tariff commission, was drowned April 27 in the Potomac river when his canoe capsized at Corn Island, a mile and a half above Great Falls. The accident occurred as WILLIS was crossing from the Maryland side to ferry across Warren N. WATSON, of 1919 N street northwest, who stood on the Virginia shore. When he reached the middle of the river, the fragile craft suddenly shifted and threw him into the swift stream. WATSON said that his attention to the accident was attracted by a faint cry from Mrs. WILLIS, who was waiting on the Maryland shore. WILLIS, he said, was struggling in the stream and crying for help. The chemist, who was reputed to be a strong swimmer, swam but a few strokes and disappeared. Running down the bank, calling for help, WATSON found a boat, and with George GENAROS, employed at the Continental Trust Company building, rowed to the spot where WILLIS sank. Harry SHIRLEY, who was on an outing party nearby, hearing the shouts, joined the rescuing party. When they reached the canoe, the found it right side up and partly filled with water. WILLIS' hat was picked up floating nearby. GEANAROS immediately stripped and dived for nearly half an hour in an effort to locate the body of WILLIS. Later the party dragged the river in the vicinity but found no trace of the body. The Maryland, Virginia and District authorities were notified and began dragging the river without result. While the friends of the drowned man were dragging the river for her husband's body, Mrs. WILLIS kept her composure, but when all efforts were unavailing she was prostrated with grief. She was taken to the Garfield hospital by friends. WILLIS and his wife, with a party of friends, had gone up the river for an outing. An hour before the tragedy, WILLIS had paddled WATSON over to the Virginia shore to visit another outing party. Meanwhile, Mrs. WILLIS had prepared luncheon for the party and WILLIS started over to get WATSON. There was a slight wind blowing, and WATSON said that he believed WILLIS' had must have blown off and the canoe capsized as he was reaching for it. Because of WILLIS' known prowess as a swimmer, members of the party believe that he must have been seized with a cramp. The river at the point where he was drowned is about 7 or 8 feet deep, but there is said to be a treacherous undertow in the current. WATSON, who is also a chemist employed at the United States tariff commission, after taking Mrs. WILLIS to Garfield hospital, notified the District police. WILLIS was a graduate of the Ohio State university and is said to have excelled in all branches of athletics while in college. He had been with the tariff commission three years.-Washington Post Mrs. WILLIS will be remembered as Miss Frances KOHL, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter KOHL of Oakdale, Pa. The body of Mr. WILLIS was recovered Thursday morning and services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, after which the relatives departed with the body to Springfield, Ohio for burial.