Search for a Lost Surveyor in the Skykomish
J. L. Beatty, a surveyor known for his courage in the wilderness, is believed to have drowned in the treacherous waters of the Skykomish 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.
Additional information received in this city indicates that J. L. Beatty, a surveyor, was drowned on the north fork of the Skykomish River above Index. The river at this point is dangerous on account of its swift current and jagged rocks. Beatty had left Seattle about five days prior with J. D. McIntyre and others on mining business in the Silver Creek district. Beatty was 45 years old, a native of Pennsylvania, and lived on Green street. He leaves a wife and two sons, aged 14 and 9 years. H. C. Kiesel described him as one of the bravest and most skillful men who ever tramped the forests.
“The river at this point is dangerous on account of its swift current and jagged rocks.”
The danger of the North Cascades remains a reality for outdoor workers and explorers today. This story highlights the risks taken by those who mapped and prospected the rugged terrain of the Washington wilderness at the turn of the century.
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