1908: YOUNG MOTHER BURNS TO DEATH AT CLARIA

(12/12/2023)
Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer from microfilm of the Calhoun Chronicle dated 1/28/1908.

A terrible accident occurred at Claria last Wednesday forenoon. Mrs. Walter Smith, a young married woman of that place, was burned to death. The accident occurred by her clothing catching fire from a wood stove, and before she discovered the fire it had burned the whole back of her dress out, and the flames were reaching the top of her head.

She showed great presence of mind by lying down and trying to smother out the flames, but they were under too much headway, and in a very short time her clothing was entirely burned off, and she was burned to a crisp.

Death resulted in a very short time. Dr. Riddle of Arnoldsburg, was called, and did everything in his power for her, but his efforts were unavailing. The remains were interred at the Gibson burying ground Thursday. She leaves a husband and four small children to mourn her death.