OBIT: Oscar HEMMINGER, 1913, formerly of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Hemminger, Oscar

BOY DROWNED - Son of Assemblyman Hemminger Lost in Susquehanna - Body Not 
Recovered.

  Oscar Hemminger, the 13 year old son of Dr. C. J. Hemminger, member of the 
House of Representatives from Somerset County lost his life at Harrisburg Monday 
afternoon in the Susquehanna River in an effort to rescue a companion whom he 
believed was drowning. Representative Hemminger moved to Harrisburg with his 
family at the beginning of the year and resided in the eastern part of the city, 
where the son attended school. Monday was the first day of half-session school 
and young Hemminger and some companions went to Island Park to swim. Among the 
boys was Chester Brownagle, aged 11 years. After young Hemminger had returned to 
the island, following a swim in shallow water, Brownagle got into a swift 
current and was carried swiftly downstream. He shouted for help and young 
Hemminger threw him a rope. This Brownagle missed. Hemminger swam out after the 
drowning boy. As Hemminger overtook his companion the former sank and 
disappeared. The cries of the boys on the island attracted the attention of a 
sand dredger and he pushed a sand float in front of young Brownagle and pulled 
him out of the water. Search for the body of young Hemminger was continued until 
long after dark Monday, but the searchers were unrewarded for their efforts. 
Representative Hemminger offered a reward of $100 for the finding of the body. 
The Rev. J. Eliott Wright, chaplain of the house, during his prayer at the 
opening session Monday evening referred to the death of the boy and Tuesday a 
resolution of sympathy was presented. Dr. Hemminger, whose home is at Rockwood, 
is well known throughout the county as one of the leading practitioners. The sad 
news of the death of his son reached here on Tuesday noon and much sympathy is 
expressed for the bereaved parents. Interment will
in all probability take place at Rockwood.

Meyersdale Commercial, June 5, 1913

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BURIED AT ROCKWOOD

  The remains of Oscar Hemminger, the thirteen year old son of Representative 
and Mrs. C. J. Hemminger, who was drowned in the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg 
on Monday a week ago were brought to Rockwood on Sunday morning. The body was 
recovered about fourteen miles from where the boy lost his life. Interment took 
place in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock. The many 
friends extend their warmest sympathy to Dr. Hemminger and wife.

Meyersdale Commercial, June 12, 1913