TRACTOR TURNS OVER IN CREEK FARMER DROWNS

Clye Esmon, 50, Fictim of Tragic Accident Yesterday in Webb Twp.

Clyde Esmon, 50-year-old Webber township farmer, drowned late yesterday when a tractor with which he was plowing turned over into Puncheon creek, pinning him underneath in waist-deep water.

The tragedy occurred on Mr. Esmon's farm in the northeast corner of Webber township, about three miles north of Bluford.

The body was recovered from the creek shortly before 10 o'clcok last night. The tractor had overturned into the middle of the creek, with the wheels showing above the water. Mr. Esmon was pinned underneath.

Coroner Ben Roeder, who conducted an inquiry last night and returned a verdict of accidental drowning, said that Mr. Esmon's body had apparently been in the water for several hours.

He left home about 2:00 p.m. and had plowed about an acre of ground before the accident.

His body was found when Mrs. Esmon, becoming alarmed, went to the home of a neighbor, Maurice Green, to ask if he had seen her husband. They began a search for him and found the overturned tractor.

It was necessary to raise the tractor before the body could be recoverd.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the United Brethern church in Bluford, with the Rev. Bird Green officiating. Burial will bein Memorial Gardens, west of Mt. Vernon.

The body will remain at Combs Chapel in Wayne City, where friends may call at any time beginning Friday morning.

Mr. Esmon was born April 25, 1903 in Wayne County, the son of Charles L. and Lena (Webber) Esmon.

On February 25, 1923 he was married to Essie Maxey, who survives.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and MRs. Charles L. Esmon of Bluford; one daughter, Mrs. Vivia Baldridge of Edwards AFB, Calif.; two brothers, Leslie of Mt. Vernon and Noel of Chicago; and three sisters, Dessie Pepple, Hallie Pepple and Beulah Ashby, all of Bluford.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: 1953
Transcribed and submitted by: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer