Harold Q. Abell

Harold Q. Abell, 18, student, saved Edward J. Otto, 16, student, from drowning, Riley, Kansas, June 4, 1911. Abell and Edward were swimming in Madison Creek, and Edward became tired when 30 feet from the bank and could swim no farther. He was in water over six feet deep, and he called for help. Abell, who was the only person near Edward, swam to Edward and grasped him. Edward immediately grasped Abell with both hands, and they went beneath the surface. Abell struggled and freed himself and came to the surface. Edward grabbed one of Abell’s feet and pulled Abell beneath the surface again. Abell kicked himself free and swam toward the bank. Another young man waded out and extended a long fishing pole toward Abell. Abell swam to water in which he could stand, took the pole, and holding to the other young man’s hand, moved toward Edward and extended the pole so that the end touched Edward. Edward grasped the pole and was pulled to the bank.