Mother and Child Dead From Gasoline Explosion

Mrs. Izabella Deets and little daughter, Catherine Izabella, age one year, eleven months, and eight days were burned by a gasoline explosion at their home on East Washington Street about 5 p.m. Tuesday, from the effects of which they died a few hours later.

Mrs. Deets was able to tell the story of the fire to the physicians who attended to her and said she had started to prepare supper and as the fire was slow in burning she took the coal oil can and poured some of its contents on the smoldering coal. Mrs. Deets said that in some manner the gasoline had been put in the coal oil can. Instantly the blaze leaped to the can and her clothing, as well as that of the little girl, was a mass of flame.. Neighbors at once ran to their assistance and soon the fire department was on the scene, but both the mother and baby were burned almost to a crisp, yet Mrs. Deets was able to talk. They were taken to the hospital here and medical attention given, but physicians and nurses knew that recovery was impossible, and only opiates to relive the suffering was all that could be given them. The details are too horrible to describe. Suffice it to say that the baby was relieved from her sufferings at 9 o’clock and the mother died a half hour later. Mrs. Deets was 25 years old and had been a resident of Blair for the past year or more and had made many friends here who are appalled at the terrible accident which cost her life.

Little damage to the house by fire is surprising.

To Mr. Deets, the doubly bereaved husband and father, the deepest sympathy is expressed, and to the parents, grandparents, and other relatives of the unfortunate victims of the fire fiend, words of condolence are unavailing to lift the dark shadows. Only Time with its healing influence, and trust in the Higher Power, can heal these broken hearts.

*Find a Grave Memorial #98584762 and #98584794 may be Izabella and Catherine’s memorials. ~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.~~~