Sheffield from Crookes Dams, New Dam in foreground, Old Great Dam can be seen in background. Source: Picture Sheffield
Fred was twelve years old in 1861 when he drowned in Three-Square Dam, then close the Cemetery Avenue entrance to the Cemetery. He and two friends had decided to spend the afternoon sliding on the ice over dam, thinking it was their last chance before the thaw. Fred was a few yards from the side when he went through the ice into nine feet of water. One friend went across to help but retreated as the ice started to give way. The second friend, less wary, went to help and slipped in too. Despite the efforts of local workmen to help, one of whom had previously warned them of the danger, the boys sank beneath the water and were drowned. Their bodies could not be recovered until the water had been drained. The inquest was held in a local inn, where some members of the jury commented on the lack of fencing. He was buried in C2 93 in the Anglican area in a family grave.
You can read more about people whose lives were cut short through accident and violence in the Sheffield General Cemetery publication Murder and Mishap – Sudden Death in Victorian Sheffield and follow the self-guided trail Murder and Mishap.