One of the greatest and saddest tragedies within the history of the Spur country occurred Tuesday afternoon [6 August 1929] between six and seven o'clock when a father sacrificed his own life and that of his brother-in-law in an unsuccessful effort to save his young son from drowning, the three going down in a watery grave in Semetrone or Red Tank, in the Kalgary community.

The dead are: Escal McBroom, 38 years of age; his son, Herman McBroom, 12 years old; and Henry R. Smith, 32 years of age.

Messrs. McBroom of Brownfield, and Smith of Lamesa, with their families, had been here several days visiting with C. J. Smith and family and other relatives and friends of the Highway and Dry Lake communities. They had planned to return to their homes the following day, and with a number of kinsmen had gone to Red Tank for a last day's outing together. Late in the afternoon when the men were preparing to leave for home. Herman, who with other boys was on the other side of the tank some fifty yards distant, while wading stepped into deep water and called for help. His father, Escal McBroom, started swimming across to the aid of of his son, and in reaching the boy became exhausted by the weight of his clothing, and also called for help. Henry Smith came to their aid, and seeing that the three were drowning, Will, John and Ewell Smith followed [see note below], but were unable to cope with the drowning men in the fight for life, and but for the cool-headedness of C.J. Smith all may have drowned.

The alarm went out over the country and soon numbers of people of the community arrived on the scene and within an hour the three bodies were recovered from the water, carried to the home of C.J. Smith where they were prepared for burial, and at three o'clock Wednesday afternoon [7 Aug 1929] were placed in three graves, side by side, in the Spur cemetery.

Henry Smith and Escal McBroom were reared in the Spur country. Henry was a son of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Smith, pioneer citizens and among the oldest settlers of the country. They [Henry and Escal] had lived here the greater part of their lives, having moved to Lamesa and Brownfield sections only two or three years ago. Henry Smith still retaining his farm west of Spur.

McBroom is survived by his widow and daughters, Marie and Avis, His mother and two sisters of Herman.

Henry Smith is survived by his widow, two children, Arlie Boyd and Nona Carroll; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Smith; three brothers, S.L. Smith, McAdoo; Will Smith, Haskell; and John R. Smith, Spur; and two sisters, Mrs. R. T. George [see note below], Spur and Mrs. McBroom, Brownfield.

This tragedy desolated the women, sorrowfully shocked friends, and removed from the walks of life true men and good loyal citizens.

Source: The Texas Spur, August 9, 1929 [Friday], via the Dickens County GenWeb