Harden, John (1932)

HARDEN, MULLEN, BRADDY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 7/14/2010 at 10:36:07

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Feb. 5, 1932

DIES FROM HIS BURNS

John Harden, Long Time Resident of Montezuma, Victim of a Tragic Accident

RESULT OF POURING KEROSENE ON KINDLING

Three-fourths of His Body Was Terribly Burned: He Passed Away Wednesday

(From the Montezuma Republican)

As the results of body burns received from the explosion of kerosene thrown onto a fire, John Harden, long-time resident of this city, died Wednesday morning at 3:00 o'clock in the home of Mrs. Ada Mullen, where he had been carried following the accident. The terrible tragedy occurred at 6:30 Tuesday night. Mrs. Don Braddy of Adel and Wendell of Des Moines, his two children, were at the bedside when death occurred. He was in the middle fifties.

Mr. Harden, who was to have commenced work in Malcom at the former Reedy oil station, had placed some kindling wood in the small heating stove in the front room of his home. He then tossed some kerosene onto the wood, when the explosion took place. It is thought some smoldering embers were under the fresh wood. The full force of the explosion struck Mr. Harden on the chest.

With the clothes on fire, the doomed man ran outdoors and rolled on the ground in a vain attempt to smother the blaze. Neighbors ran to his assistance and gave first aid. He was wrapped in blankets and the fire smothered, however, not until three-fourths of his body had been terribly burned. He was carried to the home of Mrs. Mullen, and Doctors Taylor and Williams notified. Most of his clothes were completely burned off.

Mr. Harden's mind remained clear until the end. He sensed that he would never recover from the burns and advised all not to do the trick he had just done. He did not suffer greatly from the pain and at first it was thought he had an even chance for recovery.

Little damange was done the home with the exception of the grease and smoke caused by the explosion.