L. F. Northrup Rescues Twenty-Three of Eastland Victims From the River
SEES BOAT TOPPLE OVER
Twenty-three persons - men, women, and children - from the ill-fated Eastland owe their lives to the presence of mind and quick work of > F. Northrup, tender of the Dearborn street bridge.Mr. Northrup was "standing by" ready to open the bridge when he saw the vessel topple over and sink. He jumped into the lifeboat under the bridge and skulled to the scene of the disaster, being the first to arrive on the spot.
The river was full of struggling humanity and for a time there was danger of his boat being swamped. He hauled people in one and two at a time, making quick trips to the dock, where they were taken care of. For an hour he labored.
Two girls, Miss Anna Lusk and Miss Bessie Nepras, were unconscious. They were taken to the shanty, revived with stimulants, and a fire was built in the furnace. The others were cared for while Mr. Northrup help up passing automobiles, into which the rescued were placed and taken to hospitals or their homes.
Last year Mr. Northrup was mentioned for a hero medal for saving a life, but never received it, as provision was only made for policemen and firemen. This year the rules were changed to include all city employees, and Mr. Northrup is in line to receive one.
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