----Source: NEILLSVILLE REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 7/19/1917

Wagner, Nelda (1905? - 12 Jul 1917)

This entire community was overspread with gloom and sorrow last Thursday afternoon, when the new was spread abroad that three little girls had lost their lived by drowning in the pond. The children, Nelda and Nora Wagner, and their cousin Leona Linster, with two younger sisters, were enjoying a play and picnic dinner on the north bank of pond above the bend. Leona and Nora were paddling around in the water on the rocks and slipped into a deep hole; Nelda, who was looking on, went to their assistance, jumping in, thinking that she could swim, but she too went down in the treacherous pool. Mrs. John Howard saw the tragedy from the opposite side of the pond, but could offer no assistance except to spread the alarm. The smaller children ran to the neighbors, and soon quite a crowd gathered. The body of Nora Wagner was recovered in a short time, but considerable effort was required before the other two were brought to the surface. Meanwhile several physicians reached the scene and added their efforts to those of the bystanders to revive the children, but all in vain.

Nelda, aged twelve years, and Nora, aged eleven, were the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. William Wagner, whose home is on the North Side. They were beautiful children, of lovely disposition and favorites with all who knew them. They were fine singers and sang in the "Sunshine Choir" in the Presbyterian Sunday school.

Leona Linster, aged ten years, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Linster of the town of Weston, Clark County, Wisconsin. She had come down for a few days visit with her cousins, and all were enjoying it to the utmost. She was a lovely little girl. She was the oldest of four children, and this sudden and sad breaking of the family circle cannot but fill all hearts with sorrow and sympathy. Not only in the stricken home and among the wide circle of relatives is the sorrow felt; indeed it May truthfully be said that this city and country around are in mourning for the death of these children.

The funeral for all three of the children was held on Tuesday afternoon. Brief services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, and further services at the ? church in north Pine Valley, Rev. Mr. Reiff of Granton, officiating. The great number of people attending the funeral, many of them coming for miles around, showed the heartfelt sympathy of the people of this community for the stricken families.

Eighteen little girls acted as pallbearers at the funeral.