Published: November 19, 2008 05:13 pm            

Yesterday in Newton: Looking Back – Fisherman Nearly Drowned

NEWTON — A near tragedy occurred late Wednesday afternoon, March 26, 1952 while K.L. Turnage and S.A. Nicholson of Newton were fishing in the Clayton Lake, near Meridian.

According to Mr. Turnage they had been fishing all afternoon near the middle of the 25 acre lake, with not too much luck. Their boat was anchored to one of the several poles that were placed there when the lake was built. Just prior to dark, they decided to pull anchor and go in. The boat had a small leak and water had seeped in. As Mr. Nicholson attempted to release the boat, his weight and water caused it to turn enough to catch additional water. Mr. Turnage in turn, threw his weight to the other side causing the boat to turn back and get additional water which caused it to capsize.

Mr. Turnage stated that he managed to get to the post and wrapped both arms and legs around the post, which protruded out of the water. In the meantime Mr. Nicholson had gone under one time, and as he came up Mr. Turnage reached out and pulled him in and he too, held securely on to the post, both men clinging there for 20 or 30 minutes.

All other fisherman had left the lake, in the meantime, but a Mr. Steed of Meridian returned to the lake for some tackle he had left and heard their cry for help and rescued them from their plight. All fishing tackle and a coat were lost but Mr. Turnage stated they were unusually fortunate to escape drowning.

This near drowning was talked about for days.

It caused much excitement. Here I have given the Nweton Record account of the accident as published March 27, 1952.

Decatur Black Men Killed in Wreck

On Dec. 13, 1966, funerals were conducted for three black men who were killed in a traffic accident early Friday, Dec. 9 at the entrance to Meridian.

Killed were Charlie Gallaspy, 28, Jimmie O. Hawkins, 32, and Willie Gallaspy, 31. They died at Rush Foundation Hospital an hour and a half after the wreck. The three Decatur deaths sent Lauderdale County’s death toll for the year to 25.

These men were en route to work when the accident happened, and had commuted for nine years. A fourth rider who usually commuted with them, C.B. Needham, went in his own car that day in order to do some shopping.

This accident occured during heavy rain in a two vehicle collision on Tom Bailey Drive at 65th Avenue where the two-lane highway curves around a new overpass which was under construction.

(Published in Newton Record Dec. 14, 1966.)

        

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