Lawyer and former state legislator Henry Rustedt lost his life in Richford on this day in 1904.

Townspeople had gathered to watch the remaining ice in the Missisquoi River break loose and float downstream. Rustedt, along with some other men, climbed down to get a better look at ice damage done to the livery stable behind the American House hotel.

Suddenly, the ice block they were standing on was swept into the river. All but Henry Rustedt quickly jumped ashore to safety. Rustedt, however, was momentarily disoriented, jumping too late, and was swept over the dam in full view of the spectators.

Image courtesy The Vermonter, available at the Vermont Historical Society.

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