Cox, Margaret Mary 1855-1910

COX, MCCLURE

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/7/2016 at 07:58:06

November 4, 1910 - Storm Lake Buena Vista Vidette - As told in the Vidette last week, the second burning of a human being occurred within one week. Mrs. S.B. Cox Thursday afternoon about one o'clock was preparing the fire for baking, and in someway her dress caught afire.

She did not realize this and went out doors after some coal. Her daughter, Miss Bessie, who teaches in the North School, and son Elmer, who is in the post office, had just left home and were only a block away. Mr. Breecher was driving along the road toward town, and it is supposed that he saw the flames as soon as did Mrs. Cox.

She as soon as she discovered the blaze, ran around the house and toward the road and Mr. Breecher hurried the horses and jumped off the wagon and wrapped her in blankets. A half dozen different people saw the pillar of flame and heard the terrified screams and all ran to aid, but were too late. The son and daughter who heard the cries, turned and saw the flames, but arrived only in time to witness the suffering of their beloved mother.

Dr. Wilcutt, of Schaller, who was passing in an automobile, arrived almost immediately and everything possible was done to decrease the suffering. From the very beginning there was no hope, and the only problem was to save the victim intense pain. About midnight she was conscious for a few minutes and knew her brother who had come from Manson to see her. About one o'clock the spirit passed away.

Margaret Mary McClure was born September 19, 1855 at Mediapolis, Iowa and there at the age of twenty was united in marriage to S.B. Cox. For eleven years they resided at Dallas Center and then for five years at Manson, coming to Storm Lake after that.

In 1904, shortly after their removal to Storm Lake, their daughter, Lena, died, and was taken to Manson for burial.

Of the other three children Delia, is married and lives in the state of Washington and was unable to come to her mother's funeral which was held Saturday afternoon from the Lakeside church. Friends from far and near attended to pay the last respect to the departed one. Floral offerings were there in profusion to show the regard in which she was held.

The father of Mrs. Cox was a chaplain in the army and from childhood she followed his teaching and was an ardent worker in the Presbyterian church. She was a faithful and consistent member, bringing up her family within the teachings of the church. She was one of the most capable and reliable workers in the church here and while she was in good health was always called upon for assistance of all kinds, she was a woman of strong character and splendid mental equipment's.

She was tireless in her work for her friends. Her absence will be felt not only by the family but by all with whom she came in contact. Her death so shocking leaves a deep impression and if sympathy can help, the deepest and best is extended to the bereft family.