Bentley daughter, died 1900

BENTLEY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 2/7/2012 at 23:11:36

On May 1st a seven year old daughter of David Bentley residing on the hill near Johnsonsport, in the southeastern part of Allamakee county, wandered near a brush fire, and her clothes becoming ignited, she was burned to death.

The father had taken the little girl and a boy of four to where he was burning brush. During his absencee in a distant part of the woods the little girl clambered out of the wagon and sought to follow him, it is supposed. Upon his return the little brother told him he thought she had gone home.

They went home soon after and he not finding her returned to the woods, and in his search was horrified to find particles of her burned garments, which she had cast off when they had become ignited. A short distance further he found the charred and blistered remains of the child where she had fallen and died in agony and pain.

~Elgin Echo, May 10, 1900

~Note: 'Woodmansee' records the burial of a young girl in Old Oak Hill cemetery, Lansing. No first name is given her:
Bentley, ? 1893-1900 May 01; Ae 7y Ch of D.