The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

SALEM, March 5, 1771.

We hear from Methuen, That Ebenezer Barker, Esq; a Justice of the Peace for this County, on Tuesday Evening last, was at the House of Mr. Tyler, in Andover, on an Arbitration; and after finishing the Business, between nine and ten o'Clock, was about to return Home to his House in Methuen; but it being very stormy, and having Merrimack River in his Way to cross on the Ice, he was persuaded by one of the Company, who lived in Andover, to accept of a Lodging at his House: Accordingly they set off: but on the Way, Mr. Barker altered his Mind, and said he must go Home; his Companion strongly urged him not to think of it, as the tempestuous Weather would probably render it dangerous crossing the River: But all Persuasions being ineffectual, Mr. Barker turned about, and pursued his Way, on Horse back, towards the River, in crossing which a Person on Foot was about to accompany him. On entering upon the Ice, the Foot Person took hold of Mr. Barker's Horse's Tail---They proceeded in this Manner not far, when the Person on Foot, feeling the Ice give Way, fell upon his Back, and thereby saved himself from falling through the Ice. The Horse having broke quite through, Mr. Barker remained upon his Back, and seemed to hold fast to the Mane. He was repeatedly called upon to throw himself off the Horse's Back upon the Ice, and as often said he could not. In this Situation he kept gradually sinking till he and his Horse were, by the Current, both carried away under the Ice, and perished.