Hal Sadler Died From Burn Sunday
SADLER, BAILEY, CARRIER
Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 11/18/2013 at 10:21:32
Hal Sadler Died From Burns Sunday
**Handwritten: April 28 46Tragedy Occurred At Selma Saturday Afternoon As Two Boys Attempt To Burn Stumps
Hal B. Sadler, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Logan Sadler of Selma, died in the Ottumwa hospital Sunday morning at 4 a.m. as the result of burns received several hours earlier when he and a younger brother were attempting to burn stumps in the pasture of the Sadler farm.
The tragedy occurred about 7:15 o'clock Saturday evening. Hal Sadler and his brother, Russell, 11, were in their pasture about a quarter of a mile from the house and were trying to burn out a cluster of three old stumps. The boys had poured kerosene from a can over two of the stumps and were standing and watching them burn.
Apparently while they were in this position, the third stump ignited, and Hal, who was holding the open can, turned to see the new fire get underway. As he did this, he dropped the can and the kerosene splashed over his clothing and body and he caught fire at once.
Tried To Smother Flames
When this occurred, Hal had the presence of mind to lie down on the pasture turf and try to smother the flames. He thought he had done this and got up and started to run for home, possibly with the idea of getting first aid for his burns as quickly as possible. When he ran, the wind fanned the fire and he blazed up again. So he stopped and rolled again. This time he was successful and got the fire out. Mr. Sadler had heard the screams of the boys and went immediately to their assistance. He put his son in the car and rushed him to the hospital in Ottumwa.
Burns Were Severe
At the hospital although Hal was not unconscious, his burns were found to be quite severe and proved fatal within a few hours.
Besides his parents, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Clyde Bailey of Keosauqua, Fae Sadler of St. Louis, and Mrs. Lena Carrier of Portland, Oregon; and two brothers, Lawrence C. of the U.S. Navy and Russell.
Hal was a member of the Keosauqua Scout troop.
Thursday afternoon has been set as the tentative date for the funeral at 2 p.m. at the Pedrick funeral home in Douds with the Rev. W.B. Roudybush in charge of the service. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran cemetery.
Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 335, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA
Van Buren Documents maintained by Rich Lowe.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen