David BOYTER was suddenly called away to Gore Bay Wednesday, as his father, Mr. Robert BOYTER, lighthouse keeper, was accidentally drowned that morning. Mr. BOYTER has been lighthouse keeper at Gore Bay for a great many years. The sincere sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved family in their hour of sorrow. Manitoulin Expositor, Saturday, May 11, 1895. Vol. XVI, No. 50 (submitted by Valerie Boyter)
MR. ROBERT BOYTER DROWNED
The sudden death by drowning on Tuesday night of Mr. Robert Boyter, keeper of the Gore Bay lighthouse, has cast a gloom over the entire community. He came to town on Tuesday afternoon and did some business, and spent the balance of the evening until ten and eleven o’clock around town, at which time he started for home and this is the last time he was seen alive. On Wednesday morning his boat was found adrift in the harbor. It was brought ashore and some parcels that he had purchased were found in it. It was hoped, however, that he had walked home, but upon enquiry it was found that he had not been home for the night. A search was immediately instituted, and in a short time the body was found in about fifteen feet of water in front of Thornburn’s dock. A great many theories are advanced as to how he got into the water. However, this will never be correctly known as he was alone at the time. The general impression seems to be that after getting into the boat and hoisting sail, in shoving the boat away from the dock he overbalanced and fell in.
It was thought advisable by some parties that an inquest should be held, and a jury was accordingly summoned by the Coroner, Dr. McIntosh. After several witnesses had been examined a verdict was returned that the deceased had come to his death by accidental drowning. The deceased was well known and highly respected here, having kept the lighthouse for about seventeen years. He leaves a wife and large family of children to mourn his loss. The funeral, which took place on Thursday was largely attended. (Guide)
Manitoulin Expositor, May 18, 1895 Vol. XVI, No. 51 (submitted by Valerie Boyter )