On Sunday Frank Lathan, thirteen years old, and Mattie Lathan, ten years old, children of Henry Lathan, who lives one mile south of Sedgwick City, were both drowned in crossing the Little River at Fry’s ford. See our Sedgwick City correspondence for particulars. The Newton Kansan, Newton, Kansas. Thursday, July 10, 1879. Page 3.
Sunday afternoon Frank and Mattie Lathan were drowned in the Little River, just south of town, while returning from a visit to a married sister who lives west of the Big river. They had been away about three weeks, and were returning to their father, who lives about half a mile south of town. A man who was with them narrowly escaped with his life. The bodies of the children could not be found that night, and all day Monday a large number of men were searching the river, but not until late in the afternoon were they found. The double funeral took place yesterday afternoon from the M.E. Church, which was crowded with sympathizing friends. Frank was 13 years, 3 months and 9 days, and Mattie 10 years, 3 months and 11 days old. The parents have the sympathy of all. By Daisy on July 9, for The Newton Kansan, Newton, Kansas. Thursday, July 10, 1879. Page 2.
