International (Ferry), overboard, 28 Jun 1854

Last evening about 6:00 immediately after the ferry INTERNATIONAL had passed up the river, from the railroad terminus at Waterloo, some gentlemen who were fishing on Bird Island pier, observed a man in the center of the stream, swimming steadily and lustily for the American shore. At first they imagined he was bathing, but soon discovered that his clothes were on and no boat near him. They realized the fact that he had fallen accidentally into the water from the INTERNATIONAL, and was drowning. They hurried at once to the shanty, and started at once to rescue the unfortunate man. As the boat neared him, he appeared to strike out with spirit and strength in an attempt to reach it, and his rescue seemed almost beyond a doubt. When only 3 or 4 feet distant, however, and at the very moment that the oars of the rowers were streched toward him to assist his swimming, the poor fellow's strength forsook him and he went down. The boat continued for over half an hour round the spot in the vain hope of seeing him again, but after sinking he never rose to the surface. The persons on the ferry boat were evidently ignorant of the occurrence and there is no possibility of telling who the deceased was until his body is recovered.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      June 28, 1854 2-4