Weets, Albert H.

WEETS, TAYLOR

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/26/2007 at 07:55:40

Jackson Sentinel
April 19, 1929

Albert Weets Dies of Burns

One of the worst tragedies occurring in this community for some time happened at Welton early Tuesday morning when Albert Weets was fatally burned, his small daughter Alberta and his wife sustaining severe burns, when a five gallon can of kerosene exploded as he was building a fire in his home in that city. Roy Weets, a brother of Albert was forced to jump from an upper bedroom window to escape being burned. Four of the children escaped unharmed from the home which was practically destroyed by the flames which followed the explosion. The Clinton Herald details the tragedy in part as follows:

Cart Bert, L. D. Rutenbeck, Roger Cooper, Father Michael Morariety, Prof. O. Olson, Coach Howard Zoick of the high school, John Robinson, Frank Grindrod, Wm. Toedt and Otto Erbs were first on the scene and gave what assistance was possible toward protecting the children and the home.

Erbs was first on the scene and stripped the burning clothes from the child. His quick work probably saved her life. He then rushed to the side of Mr. Weets who lay on the ground moaning. His first words were “save my little ones.”

Weets’ body was burned from head to foot, the only article of his clothing which remained unburned being his shoes. He was taken to the rectory of St. Anne’s church, the home of Father Morarity, and given first aid and later removed to the home of Anna Paulson. Dr. Morton E. Lyon and Dr. John Waggoner of DeWitt were summoned and upon examination, declared that there is scant possibility of his living, stating that they never heard of a person being so badly burned living more than 48 hours.

Home Damaged

The Welton volunteer fire department answered the alarm and helped subdue the fire which started in the home. Flames swept through the greater part of the house. In addition to the damage to the building which was a one story brick veneer structure, nearly all of the furniture was destroyed.

Weets is the operator of the garage owned by J. J. Dieckman. Mrs. Weets was formerly Miss Bernice Taylor of Clinton.

Mr. Weets lingered until 2:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon when he passed away. The little daughter was taken to the hospital in Clinton where she is resting as comfortably as could be expected. The body of Mr. Weets was brought to the Harrison funeral home and funeral services.

Albert H. Weets, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Weets, was born Jun 20, 1902 in Jackson county and had been a resident of this county all his life with the exception of two and a half years residence at Welton, Iowa.

He was married to Miss Bernice Taylor of Clinton who with five small children survive. He is also survived by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Harrisons funeral home, Rev. E. G. Hunt officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery.