SAVED A BOY'S LIFE: LITTLE CHILD SAVED FROM DROWNING IN A CANAL AT HALL STREET

Published in The Lowell Sun, Saturday, May 13, 1916, pg. 9

But for the quick arrival and presence of mind of Theophile Courtois of 177 Hall street and employed as a clerk at his father's store at 175 Hall street, another drowning would have been recorded this morning, for Mr. Courtois saved from a watery grave Rene L'Abbe, 3 years and 3 months old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert L'Abbe of 6 Regina place.


Shortly before 10 o'clock this forenoon the L'Abbe boy with his brother, Edouard, six years old, and a cousin, Arsene Glaude, 7 years of age, was playing on the banks of the canal in Cheever street between Aiken street and Pawtucket street. The boys were seated on the edge of the canal and were playing in the water with their feet. Rene, who is not as tall as the other boys could not reach the water and he attempted to lower himself to the water edge and fell in.


The boys shrieked for help and at this time Mr. Courtois was going through Cheever street with a basket of groceries. After hearing the outcries for help, he vaulted the fence and with out hesitating a moment threw himself into the water and succeeded in catching the little fellow, who was sinking for a third time. The boy, who was in a semi-conscious condition, was carried to the home of his parents by Mr. Courtois and now is none the worse for his cold bath. Mr. Courtois was warmly congratulated for his act of bravery by the many who witnessed the heroic feat.