Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Burhans, William 1935
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Pat Blood pat.blood@gmail.com November 29, 2011, 12:28 pm

Portland Observer – Thursday, 7 November 1935
Burhans, William
DOD:  November 1935

WM. BURHANS DIES AS FIRE BURNS HOUSE
Charred Body Found By Firemen After The Door Was Battered Down
Carelessly Thrown Cigarette Blamed
Fire Discovered Early Sunday Morning By Night Watchman Norwood

The charred body of William Burhans, 64, was found in the ruins of a small 
frame building just off US-16 around the corner from the lower bridge early 
Sunday morning after fireman subdued flames which were rapidly consuming the 
building.  The body was lying just inside the door and indicated that he had 
endeavored to leave the burning building but was overcome and fell to the 
floor as he was about to open the door.  Mr. Burhans who was a bachelor had 
lived there alone for some time.

The fire was discovered by night watchman Orson Norwood about 6:30 in the 
morning as he was on his way home.  The night watch told officers he and a 
companion, William Fedewa, rushed to the front door of the shack and attempted 
to break it open, but were unsuccessful.  They then called the fire department 
who battered down the door and found the body lying close against it with the 
lower limbs burned to a crisp.  The remains were taken to the Bandfield 
Funeral home where funeral services were held Monday.

According to officers they were told by several witnesses that Burhans came 
home Sunday morning after one o’clock and that several men were seen about the 
place at a later hour and that they appeared to have been drinking.  Although 
a coroner’s jury composed of Allen Shay, Clifford Hunt, Jerry Morse, Dale 
Watkins, Orson Norwood and Ward Hyland, Jr., were sworn in, no inquest was 
held.

It is the belief of officers that a carelessly thrown cigarette in the little 
building resulted in the blaze.

The fire victim was the son of the late Joseph Burhans and had spent his 
entire lifetime in Portland.  One brother, Charles Burhans, survives.




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