Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 257, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 November 1918 — R. L. BUSSELL IS FATALLY BURNED [ARTICLE]

R. L. BUSSELL IS FATALLY BURNED

PROMINENT CITIZEN DIED FROM BURNS DECEIVED WHEN OIL CAN EXPLODED. A horribk shock was experienced by this community this morning when word reached here Chat Royal L. Bussell, of McCoysburg, had been seriously burned end that Ins physician entertained little hope of iris recovery. Mi. Bussell had arisen shout six o’clock and had gone to the kitchen to start a fire in the range. He had pu' a lighted match to the kindling and was in the act of pouring kerosene upon the fire when the can exploded and the blaze swept from Mr. Bussell his clothing and so badly burned him from head to foot that the doctor, with difficulty, was able to find a place on his body large enough in which to make a hypodermic injection for the relief of the intense pain. From the suddenness of the explosion and the awfulness of the burns it is thought that there must have been some gasoline mixed with the kerosene. Mrs. Bussed! heard the explosion and rushed to the assistance of her husband. When she reached the room it was full of smoke and she at once called for help from the neighbors, many of whom lived quite near. How the building escaped being burned is a miracle. In the house with Mr. and Mrs. Bussell were their four children. Mr. Bussell was brought to Rensselaer and placed in the hospital, bat on account of the deepness and extent of his burns little hope of his recovery <is entertained. Mt. Bussell has for a number of years been the mail carrier on the route out of McCoysburg. On account of his universal popularity his misfortune is very deeply felt. He was the one man of that community who could be depended upon to take the lead in church, Sunday school or other important work. He was the efficient chairman.of the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives of his township. He considered it a pleasure to be helpful to others. Even with the tremendous odds against him all are hoping and prayng that he may be spared to Iris oved ones and the community. LATER—Mr. Bussell died at 3:3Q this afternoon.