Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Brush Fire
May 12, 1885
Fighting Fire
A Farmer and His Two Daughters Shockingly Burned
Huntingdon, PA, May 12- Yesterday a farmer
named WILLIAM HESS
was burning brush near a valuable
piece of timber land on his farm which, was soon
past subduing HESS
fought the flames several hours, but became
exhausted and fell to the ground unconscious.
His two daughters ANNIE
and LIZZIE,
found him lying on the ground surrounded by
flames which were approaching at a terrific rate
of speed. With frantic effort they reached their
father's side and hurried to a place of safety.
In doing this their own clothing caught fire,
and was completely consumed. Their hair was
burned off. The girls are now in a frightful
condition. It is believed they can not recover.
HESS was
found by neighbors and was carried home. He died
a few hours later.
The Atchison Globe, Atchison, KS 13 May
1885
Transcribed by Regina
Moore. Thank you, Regina!
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