Dennis P. Morgan, 31, farmhand, saved Armanda L. Briscoe, 60, from drowning, Gustine, Texas, September 6, 1910. Mrs. Briscoe’s dwelling was swept away by the floodwaters of the South Leon River, and when it broke up she managed to climb into a tree in a grove, 200 feet from land, where the water was eight feet deep. She called for help, but her exact position could not be determined. Many men refused to go to the rescue, but Morgan said he would go. Men tried to dissuade him, but, although the current had a velocity of over 7 m.p.h. and was full of debris, he entered the water. The current carried him rapidly downstream, and, unable to reach the woman or the bank, he was just able to grasp the branch of a tree as he was being carried into an open field. Laboriously, he made his way from tree to tree to the bank. Although warned that he would be drowned, Morgan went far above the tree and, fully clothed, again entered the water. With great difficulty, he succeeded in reaching Mrs. Briscoe by swimming, working his way along tree branches and drifting. Mrs. Briscoe was nearly exhausted, and it was necessary for Morgan to support her until assistance reached them. On account of the strength of the current, it required the combined efforts of six men, with ropes, to get Mrs. Briscoe to the bank. 4692-688
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