Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1919 — MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE [ARTICLE]

MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE

Explosion of Lamp Severely Burns Mrs. Hoover and Daughter. The explosion of a common coal oil lamp, filled with alcohol, which was being used by Miss Irene Hoover, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Hoover, in doing some art burning Wednesday evening, severely burned> the girl about the face and hands and probably would have caused fatal injuries had not the flames, which enveloped her, been extinguished in a few moments after she was covered with the burning fluid. The fire company was called out, but the flames had been extinguished before its arrival. Sam Karnowsky, who lives next door to the Hoofver’s, on north College avenue, was sitting in his home and heard the explosion and screams and grabbing a small rug he ran to the Hoover home just as Irene was coming out the door a mass of flames. H'e wrapped the rug about her and soon extinguished the fire, but not until She had been severely burned about the face and hands. He then turned his attention to Mrs. Hoover, who was also a mass of flames —Irene having ran to her mother. when the burning fluid scattered over her and the latter had attempted to extinguish same by wrapping her cotton dress skirt about her and was herself almost immediately enveloped. A physician was summoned as soon as possible and the burns covered with lotions to relieve the pain and keep them from exposure to the air. Mrs. Hoover’s burns were principally on the lower arms and are not serious. Irene’s condition Thursday was reported very good except that she was still suffering from the shock and had fainted twice during the day. It is thought that she will get along alright, and the prompt attention given will not leave amy scars. Had it not been for the prompt arrival of Mr. Karnowsky, however, it is very probable that one or both of the victims would have been fatally burned.

ized this mortgage and realty company have recognized the opportunity to co-operate in the development of the resources of Jasper county and adjoining territory. The making of farm loans will be a leading feature of the business. The care of lands for absent owners will receive the attention of the officers of the compamy. A fuller statement of the plans and purposes of the company will be made through the press in due time, in connection with the announcement of the perfected organization.