Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 258, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 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 horrible shock was experienced by this community Friday when word reached here that Royal L. Bussell, McCoysburg, had been seriouslyourned and that his physician entertained little hope of his ery..'Mr. Bussell had arisen about six o'clock and had gone to the kitchen to start a fire in the range. He had pu J 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. Bussell 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. The unfortunate man was brought to the hopsital in this city and was given every care and attention. He remained conscious and did not seem to be suffering greatly from his burns. He talked to his wife and other relatives. His father, Charles W. Bussell, arrived on the 1:57 p. m. train from Hammond. Royal was able to talk to him, but soon began to sink rapidly and death came at 3:30 p. m. The passing of Royal L. Bussell marks the departure of one of Jasper county’s splendid young men. He was an active church worker and his daily life measured up to his devout Christian profession. No father was more devoted to his family than Royal. His home was a happy one and love reigned supreme. He delighted to be with and assist in the care and entertainment of his children. On account of his constant devotion his bereaved widow, who was before her marriage, Miss Verna Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Parker, will feel most keenly his absence from the hearthstone he has kept so pure, bright and happy. It will be a long time before the four chidren, who 'had spent so many happy hours with father, will 4 be able to be reconciled to his departure. These little ones are Lucile, age nine; Paul, age eight; Elizabeth, age four, and Edson, but one year old. Royal was the last of the three children of Charles W. Bussell and his first wife, who before her marriage was Miss Lucy; Whittaker. The deceased is survived by his wife, his four children, his father, C. W. Bussell, Iris Step-mother, of whom he was very fond, and two half brothers, Wilson, of McCoyaburg, and Elvin, who is with the colors in France.

We are accustomed in death to remember only the virtues of those who have passed to the great beyond. We do not speak of their shortcomings and human failties, but should we turn the searchlight upon the character of Royal L. Bussell we believe it would shine as spotless and bright as vt is possible for mortal man. As we have said above, he was a devoted father and husband. He was a kind friend and neighbor. He delighted in doing acts of kindness at all times. He was a dihgient and efficient servant and served his community nearly sixteen years as a rural mail carrier. We doubt if there was a single complaint in all that time. Expressions of appreciation were often heard and he was constantly rendering extra service and would receive as his reward nothing but the satisfaction and pleasure of having done a kind act. «• He was public spirited and always took a leading part in all community enterprises. He was bhe Sunday school superintendent, a constant cbttrch worker. He was chairman of the war activities of Hanging Grove township. In the Fourth Liberty loan his township was a banner corporation. His untimely death is a calamity to the whole community which he had so well and faithfully served. _ Funeral services will be held at the Osborn cemetery Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, and will be in charge of Rev. E. W. Strecker.

We must close out our big stock of general merchandise. Sale is now on and you have the opportunity to buy staple goods at greatly reduced prices. AU must go, including fixtures. Sale closes Saturday evening, November 2. Wallace &.. Baugh. Parr, Ind.