Fern Robertson (1910)

ROBERTSON, SMITH

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/26/2010 at 13:04:09

Winterset Reporter – July 28, 1910
Pg 5
Lorimor

On Monday of last week at the home of Ote Smith occurred one of the saddest accidents that has shocked this community for many days. Fern Robertson, a step daughter to Mr. Smith, a girl of about ten years, attempted to hurry the kitchen fire by pouring coal oil onto it, and in the explosion that followed the clothing of the child became saturated with the burning oil. The child was so badly burned that she did not regain consciousness, but death came to her relief in about five hours. She was taken to Des Moines on Wednesday for burial. The mother was very badly burned in trying to save the child.