Kopelein, Leona c1898 - 1901

KOPELEIN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/12/2020 at 10:57:28

Source: Decorah Republican Mar. 14, 1901 P 6 C 5

A Sad Death.
Hawkeye Beacon:—One of the most painful and saddest accidents that has happened in our city for some time occurred at the Kopelein home Monday afternoon about three o’clock. While Mrs Kopelein was at a neighbor’s, leaving her little boy, aged five years, and her youngest child, Leona, about three years old, alone in the house, the little girl attempted to kindle the fire by pouring kerosene in the stove. In an instant the flames had flashed forth and her clothing was on fire, the little boy dashed water on her and then started for his mother followed by the little girl with her clothes blazing. When her mother and neighbors reached her she was lying on the ground a pitiful object. The left side of her entire body was so badly burned that the flesh parted from the bones at places. Medical aid was summoned but nothing could be done except to relieve her sufferings, which were terrible. The little sufferer was conscious until nearly the last. Death released her from her pain about ten o’clock that evening. Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Wednesday forenoon.