The Grim Toll of the Upper Columbia
Multiple unidentified bodies recovered near Kettle Falls, sparking a grim puzzle of identity and drownings along the river.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
During the last few days, four bodies have been found within a few miles of Kettle Falls. On Saturday, Indians camped at the falls discovered a body in the cove just below Captain Randal's house. The body is not yet identified, but is supposed to be that of Mr. Emmett, who was drowned with Mr. Adams at the mouth of Sheep Creek. The scalp and flesh were entirely removed from the head, making it difficult to identify except by the clothing, which was well preserved. It is believed that a body found eight miles below this place last week, sent to Atlanta, Georgia, was that of Mr. Adams, and a body found since at Bossburg is likely that of Robert Anderson, as a gold watch and other personal items matched his description. Two weeks ago, Ed Moore was also drowned further north on the Columbia, but friends have no certain information.
“The scalp and flesh was entirely removed from the head, making it difficult to identify except by the clothing.”
In the late 19th century, the Columbia River was a rugged, dangerous artery for loggers, miners, and settlers, often claiming lives that were only recovered weeks later. Today, the river is heavily dammed and regulated, yet it remains a place where the history of those lost to the water continues to be unearthed.
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