Chester, PA River Drownings, Sep 1917

TWO LIVES LOST IN THE RIVER.

THOMAS KEENAN DIES IN A BRAVE BUT FRUITLESS ATTEMPT TO SAVE HARRY KEHO.

THE BODIES RECOVERED.

MEN WERE SITTING OF PIER AND ONE OF THEM FELL OVERBOARD.

Chester, Penn. -- Diving overboard to rescue his companion, HARRY KEHO, who had accidentally fallen into the Delaware River off Consumers' wharf, THOMAS KEENAN, 19 Graham street, was drowned late yesterday afternoon along with KEHO.
The bodies of the two victims were recovered shortly after the double fatality by GEORGE PIERCE, a riverman, and taken in charge by Deputy Coroner E. F. White.
KEENAN and KEHO, with several companions, were sitting on the wharf bulkhead about 5:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, when KEHO lost his balance and fell into the Delaware River. KEENAN, without taking time to remove his clothing plunged into the water and went to the assistance of his companion. A few moments later KEHO disappeared, and KEENAN, exhausted through his efforts to keep KEHO above water, sank. Neither body reappeared on the surface.
Eye-witnesses to the struggle, who were unable to swim, ran to the Consumers' Ice Company's pier, where they obtained a rope, with theintention of casting it to KEENAN. When they returned with the rope, KEENAN had disappeared. Several small boats were pressed into service, and the river bottom in the vicinity was dragged with grappling irons. KEENAN'S body was recovered by PIERCE about 6:30 o'clock, and KEHO'S body was
"hooked" and brought to the surface shortly after 7 o'clock.
KEENAN was about 40 years of age and unmarried. He was the son of the late John Keenan, a former member of the Police Department. KEENAN made his home with his sister, Mrs. Mamie McConnell, at 19 Graham street. He was employed at the Sun Shipbuilding Company's yards.
KEHO was employed as a fireman on the tugboat Nettie until Tuesday of last week. He formerly resided on Morton avenue and has a sister who lives in Baltimore, Md.

Chester Times Pennsylvania 1917-09-10
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!