Ellis, Vernon, 1901-1929

ELLIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/4/2011 at 23:08:49

SMOKING IN BED PROVES FATAL
Vernon Ellis is Victim of Hotel Room Fire
Fell Asleep With Lighted Cigarette in His Hand.--Was Brother of Garland Ellis of Hawarden

Vernon Ellis, 28 years old, of Madison, S.D., died in a Sioux City hospital about 5:30 Monday morning [Sept. 9] as a result of burns on his arms and body which he suffered when a lighted cigarette set fire to the bed coverings in his room at the Chicago House in Sioux City Sunday morning. He had been smoking in bed and fell asleep. The lighted cigarette fell from his hand to the bed and set the covers afire. The fire department was summoned to the hotel when smoke was discovered issuing from the room. A bell boy opened the door to the room and found the bed clothing and furniture on fire and dragged Ellis from the room.

The unfortunate young man was a brother of Garland Ellis of Hawarden. He was born at Madison in 1901 and was a graduate of the Madison high school. He had been employed in a clothing store at Orland, S.D., for several months and went to Sioux City Saturday for a brief visit, expecting to return to his work Sunday night.

Besides his brother here, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis of Madison, five other brothers and three sisters. The body was shipped to Madison where funeral services were held Wednesday.

Source: Hawarden Independent, Sept. 12, 1929.