Hunter, Bessie Mae 1899-1936

HUNTER, CLEMENSEN, CLEMINSON

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2014 at 18:34:15

Note: Though the paper spells her maiden name Cleminson it is actually spelled Clemensen.

SIOUX TOWNSHIP WOMAN DIES FROM BURNS AND SHOCK

Mrs. V. Hunter Was Cleaning Floor With Gasoline Explosion Occurs

All of the west part of Plymouth county was saddened and shocked by the terrible death of Mrs. Vance Hunter, popuar young matron of Sioux township, which occurred early Sunday morniing from the severe burns she received when a pan of gasoline she was using for cleaning purposes in the kitchen of her home, late Saturday afternoon, exploded and set fire to her clothing.

After seeing that her 4-year-old son, William, was safe out of doors, Mrs. Hunter ran to a water tank a short distance north of the house and plunged in to extinguish the flames which by that time had consumed practically all her clothing. She then returned to the house and managed to phone for help to her sister-in-law, Mrs. Harold Cooper, on an adjoining farm. Mr. Cooper was at home with his car and they rushed her to the Methodist hospital in Sioux City, making the trip in about fifteen minutes, where Mrs. Hunter, suffering intense pain was given medical attention. However, the severe burns and resulting shock caused her death Sunday morning.

Bessie Cleminson was born in 1899 at St. James, Nebr. Se gradated from Central high school, Sioux City, in 1919, and was a member of Knox Presbyterian church, Sioux City, and Vesper chapter, No. 61, O. E. S., of Akron, being one of its officers at the time of her death. She had lived on the farm eight miles south of Westfield since her marriage to Vance Hunter, about fifteen years ago.

Surviving are her husband; a son, William, aged four; her mother, Mrs. A. C. Cleminson, of Perry township; six sisters, Mrs. Beulab Strand, of Glenwood, Ia.; Mrs. Edith Jones, of Wynot, Nebr.; Mrs. Mabel Hanson, of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Helen Mahaney and Misses Georgia and Delores Cleminson, all of Sioux City; and three brothers, Harvey and Arthur, of Sioux City, and Roy, of Hinton.

The funeral, which was held Tuesday afternoon in Knox Presbyterian church, Sioux City, was largely attended. Practically the entire country-side went in, attesting to the love and esteem in which Mrs. Hunter was held. Rev. E. W. Stimson, of the First Presbyterian church, officiated, giving a splendid tribute to her motherhood. Paul Bower sang, and the services were concluded at the graveside in Logan Park cemetery, where the beautiful and impressive Eastern Star ritualistic services were in charge of Past Matron Helma Bly, assisted by the officers and members of Vesper chapter, of Akron.

A friend pays the following tribute; Bessie Cleminson Hunter was, without doubt, one of the most beloved women ever coming to make her home in the neighborhood. Of a sweet and charming disposition and always willing to bear her part in the affairs of the community, the real affection in which she was held was amply shown Tuesday in a church crowded to the doors, with many standing and few dry eyed. She has passed from our midst, in the prime of her womanhood, this loved person, and may her memory be kept green. We extend to the sorrowing family, whereever they are our most sincere sympathy.

All the brothers and sisters were present at the last rites except the sister living in Seattle. Other relatives coming from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Victor Nelson and B. C. Brunick, of Wynot, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Beycheau, Lawrence Clemensen, Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan, of Hartington, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Hunter and Royce Hunter, of Letcher, S. D.; Mrs. A. K. Bates and daughter, Carol Lou, of Mitchell, S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. L. V. Hunter, of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Mrs. F. W. Glann and Mrs. Leonard Francis, of Climbing Hill, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Lindborg and Lois and Leonard, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, July 2, 1936
Akron, Ia.