----Source: Clark County Republican & Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 07/21/1921

Garbush, Alvin (1911? - 15 Jul 1921)

The mill pond was again the scene of a sad drowning tragedy Friday evening, when Edwin and Alvin Garbush lost their lives in the upper waters of the pond, not far from the place were three little girls, Nelda and Hulda Wagner and Leona Linster lost their lives four years ago this month. The little boys, Edwin, aged 11, and Alvin aged 10, were playing about the yard in the evening when their mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Felser went up town. They cautioned the little fellows not to go to the pond, which is near the home, and they promised to stay right in the yard and play; but boy-like, as soon as their parents were out of sight, they got their swimming suits and went to the pond. They played in the shallow water for a time, as observed by Mrs. Able Harding, who lives on the opposite side of the pond, which is here quite narrow. Suddenly she heard the boys begin to call for help and as she judged, the older boy got out beyond his depth and the younger brother was trying to reach something to him. Mrs. Harding called to her husband and son who took Mr. Schoengarth’s boat and in a few minutes reached the spot where they saw the two boys go down. It was not long before they had Edwin out and into the boat. They set to work, using all the means they knew to revive him. Mrs. Harding gave the alarm and soon many neighbors had gathered and the doctors of the city (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) hastened to the scene. It was some time before the other boy was found. Mr. Felser was in the water for a long time, diving and groping about on the bottom until he became chilled and exhausted; and other men and boys were helping. Finally the body was found. All efforts to revive either of them failed.

While all recognize the sadness and terribleness of this tragedy, yet as far as can bee seen, no one is to blame for it. No one could have foreseen that the children would go to the pond, and even if they went, that both would drown. They had never been permitted to go into the water without someone with them, and every care for their safety had always been taken. For the grief-stricken parents and the sister, the deepest sympathy is felt by the people of this community.

The funeral was held at the Congregational Church Monday afternoon, Rev. G.W. Longenecker officiating. The Boy Scouts attended the funeral, acting as pallbearers.