Helen (Mrs. Joe) Olson (ca. 1876-1925)

OLSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/24/2024 at 21:15:54

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, September 10, 1925.

BURNED TO DEATH

Former Roland Lady Victim of Kerosene Explosion

Relatives at this place were shocked when they received the news that Mrs. Joe Olson of Morris, Ill., had died from the effects of burns suffered when the house burned on Friday, August 21.

According to information received here, Mrs. Olson was making fire in the kitchen stove, and when she tried to put kerosene on it, it exploded and set the house on fire. Mrs. Olson's clothing caught fire, but she had the presence of mind to wrap herself in a blanket and roll out the door.

After she got out she thought of the money that was left in the burning house, they having recently threshed and had the money for the grain in cash, and rushed in again to try to save it, and it was then that she received the worst burns. As she came out the second time a repair man for the telephone company happened to come by the place, and noticing the serious condition of the lady, he left the burning house and rushed her to a hospital, where she died the next day.

The house with all its contents was destroyed. Mrs. Olson was alone at the time, and the rest of the family did not know what was taking place until it was all over.

Mrs. and Mrs. Olson lived in Roland for many years, but moved to Morris, Ill., about 17 years ago, and have resided on a farm near that place. Mrs. Olson is survived by her husband and 11 children, some of whom are still quite small. The Olson family have many relatives and acquaintances here who are sorry to hear of the dire misfortune that has befallen them.

[Submitter note: given name and approximate year of birth taken from 1910 census (Roland, Iowa).]