DOWNIE, Mrs. Mattie: Died 1908

DOWNIE, VALE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/29/2016 at 03:26:18

A message was received by Hon. B.R. Vale, of Bonaparte, a few days ago stating his sister, Mrs. Mattie Vale Downie, and her husband were both seriously injured in a gas explosion near their home in Beaver Falls, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Downie were returning from Pittsburg to Beaver Falls, which is their home, arriving about 1 o'clock in the morning. While walking along the street the covering over a ten foot excavation gave away and ther fell to the bottom. People came with lanterns to rescue them, when an explosion of escaping gas occurred which burned all the clothing off Mrs. Downie and she was not expected to recover. Mr. Downie's injuries were not quite so serious.

P.S. - From Mr. Roberts of the Bonaparte Record we learn that Mrs. Downie passed away Monday.

**Handwritten: St. Line Dem. Wed. 15 April 1908

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 188, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA