COX, Emaline J. - Putnam

Source: Greencastle Star 31 Jan 1880 p 2

On Tuesday forenoon about 11 o’clock while Miss Emma Cox, aged 17, daughter of Jacob Cox of Marion Twp was standing with her back to the open fireplace, her clothes suddenly caught fire and she was in a moment enveloped in flames. None of the family were at home with the exception of a young sister and a sick brother, named Joseph who was in bed in the room where the sad affair occurred. As soon as the unfortunate young lady discovered that she was on fire, she started for the door but her brother sprang out of bed and caught her and commenced tearing her garments from her body. He had succeeded in removing the clothes from her shoulders and upper part of her body when she broke away from him and ran out in the yard. Meanwhile, her little sister, terrified by the sight, had started across the fields to a neighbor’s where her mother had gone that morning.  On her way she met Dr. Ellis and a neighbor, to whom she related her terrible story. They immediately started for the house and when they arrived there, found the girl sitting by the bed with ever particle of clothing burned from her body. Dr. Ellis immediately did all in his power to help the poor girl and finally succeeded in somewhat relieving her. But her system had received a greater shock than it could stand and after lingering until 10 o’clock of that night she died in great agony.  The young man’s hands were badly burned, while trying to save his sister’s life but it is thought that it will not result seriously. - kbz