William H. Hewston attempted to save Nellie Van Der Meide from drowning, Ventura, California, February 3, 1925. Mrs. Van Der Meide, 47, dropped from a pier into the Pacific Ocean 1,100 feet from shore. It was very dark, and the water was rough and cold. Fully clothed, Hewston, 41, lumberyard superintendent, descended one of the piles which supported the pier and then plunged a few feet to Mrs. Van Der Meide. He caught hold of her and tried to swim but was repeatedly knocked against a pile by swells and at times carried 15 feet from the pier. He swam back each time, and after he had been in the water 20 minutes, a rope was brought. He was too weak to tie it on Mrs. Van Der Meide, and a man was lowered on a rope and helped Hewston tie the rope. They all were drawn upon the pier, but Mrs. Van Der Meide could not be revived. Hewston was badly bruised, one of his hands was severely lacerated, and he was almost exhausted. 25007-2143
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