Millett, Richard Died 1908

MILLETT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (1-25-1908)

Born: unknown
Died: January 22, 1908

Richard Millett, a bachelor about seventy years old and living alone about seven miles southwest of Ireton was burned to death in his shanty Wednesday morning at about seven o’clock.

Neighbors saw a light there about six o’clock and an hour later saw fire and smoke issuing from the dwelling but they arrived too late to rescue the old man. The origin of the fire is unknown. Millett was found on the bare bed springs partially burned and all else about him consumed by flames. He left three brothers and a mother in England but had no known relatives in America. He had not corresponded with his relatives on the southwest quarter of section twenty-seven in Washington Township near home of Fred Earll. Mr. Earll was first to see the fire and he and his son hurried to the scene. They found the house all ablaze and the dog barking inside. They tried to gain entrance but were driven back by the smoke and heat which was very lucky for them as the roof was blown off a few minutes later by the explosion of a can of gasoline. The fire soon burned the building to the ground and they then found the body of the unfortunate man as related above.

It will probably never be known whether the catastrophe was due to accident or suicide. It is stated that Millett was a hard drinker and had previously threatened to kill himself. The funeral was held Thursday.