On This Date in Minnesota History: July 3

July 3, 1899 – Little Mary Burroughs died at Ashbury Hospital early this morning. The 10-year-old girl was severely burned last Saturday evening while preparing her father’s supper at the family residence.

She was the daughter of Henry Burroughs, who is employed at the Pillsbury “A” Mill. His wife and Mary’s mother died several years ago (last census she is in was 1895 Minn. State Census).

Mary had started to kindle the fire late in the afternoon for the purpose of cooking supper. Going into the back yard she picked up chips and paper to make a quick blaze and carried them into the house in her apron. She placed part of the fuel into the stove and then set fire to it.

The blaze crept along and finally ignited the paper and rubbish in the little girl’s apron. Her dress was of a flammable material, and she was almost instantly in flames. Screaming with terror she ran into the front yard calling for help. Then, covered from head to foot with fire, she ran onto the porch of the adjoining residence, where a young woman secured a rug and succeeded in smothering the flames.

The girl’s clothes were almost burned off. Someone began to peel off her clothes and in doing so, also peeled off her skin. In dreadful agony little Mary was taken into the house and physicians were summoned. They did what they could and later in the evening, the patient was taken to Asbury Hospital.

Asbury Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn.

The poor child was conscious until the end, and bore her sufferings with the utmost fortitude. Before she died, Mary claimed to have seen her dead mother. “She was dressed all in white, and her face was so pretty that it made me cry. She came to my bedside and held out her arms to me, saying that she had come to take me with her.”

The Minneapolis Tribune; “A Vision of Mother. Dying Hours of Little Marie Burroughs Peaceful. Child Burned While Preparing Supper Passes Away.”; July 4, 1899; p. 1.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Was a Mass of Flames. Mary Burroughs, 10 Years Old, Perhaps Fatally Burned. Clothes Caught Fire While Preparing to Cook Supper.”; July 2, 1899; p. 1.

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com