Young, Oleta
Oleta Young Drowned in Deep Hole of Mill Pond
Picher Oklahoma, July 9. Miss Oleta Young, 15 year old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Young of North Netta street, Picher, was drowned while swimming at the Perrin Mill pond on West Second street, Picher, at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Miss Young had stayed with Miss Dora Lee, 18 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Lee, on the night before and Miss Lee returned to the Young home where in the afternoon several children decided upon a swimming party. The party was composed of Oleta Young and her 12 year old sister, Cleo Younger, and brother, Lester Young, nine years old, Miss Lee Orland Coffelt, 12 years old and Clarence Coffelt, 10 years old. Orland Coffelt was the only member of the party who could swim. The young people first went to the Pickee Mill pond, but concluded the water was too deep and they went to the Perrin Mill pond where they were informed that the water was more shallow.
The girls and small boys waded out into the pond while Orland Coffelt led the way by swimming, when suddenly Dora Lee and Oleta Young stepped into water about 10 feet deep, and they were both lost to view. Orland watched as the girls came to the surface and tried to rescue Miss Young, who caught him in such manner that he could not assist and was forced to break his hold.
Cries for help brought the assistance of some drill men who where working nearby and Miss Lee was rescued after she had a very narrow escape from drowning and the Todd ambulance was called and Webster Nelson located the body of Oleta Young, after it had been under water for about forty minutes. Grover Todd, who was with the ambulance helped to bring the girl's body out of the water. An examination showed that no life remained and the Pulmotor was not applied. The girl's mother was working at the home of John Shoopman on Connell avenue, Picher, and was called to the morgue shortly afterward. The father was working at the Blue Mound Mine. Five other children survive. Their names are: Cleo Young, Earl Young, Lester Young, Edgar Young and Minnie Young. The one who lost her life yesterday was the oldest child. Funeral services will be conducted from the Union Church at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami Oklahoma.