Taylor County, Kentucky, Newspaper

Monday Morning While Trying To Ford Green River, Companion Escapes Death

October 6. 1919

About eight o’clock last Monday morning, Verne Phillips, accompanied by Mr. W. T. Walters, attempted to ford Green River at Page Ford near Romine, in a buggy.  Not noticing the swollen condition of the river they did not realize how swift the water was rushing until their buggy capsized, throwing the occupants out into the stream.  Mr. Walters managed to hold to the harness of the horse, but in some way Mr. Phillips was thrown clear of anything to hold to and he met his death in the milky waters of the river.  Mr. Walters managed to swim out to the shore, but the horse they were driving met the same fate as did Mr. Phillips.  After the body of Mr. Phillips sank, a crowd began to search the river, hoping to get some clue to its whereabouts, but to no avail.  The search was abandoned Monday night and resumed Tuesday, which was greatly handicapped by the rain and the river rising.

At the time of going to press diligent search for the body of young Mr. Phillips has been unsuccessful.  The heavy rains of Tuesday, yesterday and today have swollen the river until it is out of its banks in many places.  This catastrophe and the subsequent circumstances make the blow all the more severe for his parents and family to undergo.

Mr. Phillips was 18 years old and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Phillips, prominent people of this county.  His life among his companions was always one of deep respect.  He was a good christian young man and his untimely death is deplored by all who had the pleasure of knowing this exceptional young man.  Besides his parents he is survived by one brother, who have the deepest sympathy of their many friends in this deep sorrow.