Jenkins, Flossie Fern 1896-1918

JENKINS, MURPHY

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 5/17/2016 at 11:54:27

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Oct 25, 1918 - A tragic accident occurred at the residence of J.E. White on Seneca street Sunday Oct 20, which later caused the death of Mrs J.D. Jenkins, a young matron of this city.

Mr and Mrs Jenkins were occupying a suite of rooms in the White home where they did light housekeeping. During the morning Mrs Jenkins had been chatting with Mrs White and then left her saying she must look after her roast which she had put in the oven. It is believed that the kerosene stove was found in need of more oil and that she filled it and in doing so scattered the fluid on the floor and on the light house gown she wore.

In lighting the stove she undoubtedly dropped the match upon her gown and being saturated with the oil in almost an instant she became a living torch. Her screams were heard by Mr and Mrs White and they made almost super human efforts to save her, endangering their lives. Mrs Jenkins obeyed their commands and they soon had her wrapped in heavy blankets but the flames had penetrated over nearly her entire body. Mr Jenkins, who was down town at the time, reached home soon after the accident and everything possible was done, but she passed away at 8:30 that evening.

Mrs Jenkins was 22 years of age and before her marriage was Miss Fern Murphy, daughter of Mr and Mrs M Murphy of West Fifth street. She was born in Kansas City Aug 9, 1896 and was married on Sept 6, 1916 to J.D. Jenkins. They resided at St Louis and Jefferson City before coming to Storm Lake last spring. Mrs Jenkins parents moved to this city early this year and have under construction a beautiful home on West Fifth street. Upon its completion the parents and the young couple were to share its comforts. The deplorable accident has changed all their plans for a happy future and the heart broken parents and husband have the sympathy of all Storm Lake people.

According to the orders of the state board of health, only a private funeral could be held during the quarantine period and the immediate relatives attended the service held in the Methodist Episcopal church Tuesday afternoon. The remains were laid to rest in the Storm Lake cemetery.