Beckham County, OK - William A., Frances A., Lucile B., Lee Albert Heady, 1917 13 Mar 2008 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************ HEADY, WILLIAM A. HEADY, FRANCES A. HEADY, LUCILE B. HEADY, LEE ALBERT (12 Apr 1917, Sayre Standard, Sayre, Beckham Co, OK): WM. HEADY AND FAMILY CAUGHT IN BURNING BUILDING. FATHER AND TWO CHILDREN ARE BURNED TO DEATH. One of the most appalling and horrible calamities that ever happened in Western Oklahoma occurred on Monday night at the home of Wm. Heady, one and a half miles east of the Missouri school house, was burned and an eight year old son lost his life in the building and other members received such terrible burns that they died soon after. Nothing has ever stirred the hearts of the people as did this occurrence and a gloom of sadness was cast over our city when the news became known of the great catastrophe. W. A. Heady, a farmer, residing four miles east and one mile south of Berlin, stands as a hero in the estimation of his neighbors, and his display of courage and heroism last Monday night, when he gave his life in an attempt to rescue his wife and children from their burning home. The home of the Heady family consisted of two rooms, the one in which they were sleeping being without windows and with but one door which lead into the other room which was used for a kitchen. About midnight last Monday Mr. Heady awoke to find that their home was on fire. Hastily lifting his six-months-old baby from its bed and passing through the burning room to the nearest window he threw the child at a safe distance from the building and returned to the task of rescuing his wife and three other children. In like manner he assisted his wife and their two girls, aged 9 and 11 years; but it was beyond the power of human endurance for the father to re-enter and rescue his six-year old son. Directing his attention to the welfare of those whom he had carried from the building he started to the home of a neighbor, one half mile away, for assistance. Heady's injuries resulted in his death within a few hours. The eleven year old girl also died while the oldest girl was lying in critical condition. Mrs. Heady and her six-months-old baby escaped with but slight injury. The deceased husband and father was a man who was universally respected by all who knew him. He was living on the farm which he had homesteaded several years before and had recently purchased the adjoining farm. (19 Apr 1917, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): VICTIMS OF FIRE HERE Mrs. Wm. Heady and two little children who were in the terrible fire reported last week, where three lives were lost, were brought to Elk City Tuesday afternoon by Dr. Palmer, W. W. Kincaid having offered his car and services to bring them here. The oldest girl was not quite so well the first of the week, but at this writing is improving and it is thought that with careful attention she will recover. Mrs. Heady's burns are doing nicely. The family is in a room over Hulme's store. The mother of Mrs. Heady is with her, and Miss Palmer, daughter of Dr. Palmer, is the nurse in charge. Many people have contributed to the family since our last week's issue. Some who read of the distressing accident in last week's issue called at our office to donate, others asked their friends for help for them for all hearts were touched. It will be some time before the victims are well and they will need many things before they recover. Mr. and Mrs. Cline of Cocomo, Ind., and Mrs. B. L. Kendall of Terre Haute, Ind., passed through Elk City, Saturday on their way home, having been here to attend the funeral of Wm. Heady and children. The ladies being sisters of Mr. Heady. CARD OF THANKS Through the columns of your paper we wish to express the sincere gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who have stood so loyally by us in this time of our terrible grief through the loss of our dear ones and especially to the family of W. T. Kent, who have opened their doors for hospital service. To one and all, we thank you. Mrs. George Heady and children. Mr. and Mrs. Hanger. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Cline Mr. and Mrs. Bert Kendall Mr. and Mrs. Dan Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Tom Heady. (26 Apr 1917, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): VICTIM OF FIRE DIES. Little Frances Heady, the little nine year old daughter of Mrs. Georgia Heady, died last Sunday morning after nearly two weeks of terrible suffering from burns received when the home burned on the night of the 9th. This made the fourth member of the family who lost their life through this fire - the father, Wm. Heady, son, and two daughters. The body prepared for burial by Grubitz & Son was taken to Berlin Monday morning for burial and tenderly laid to rest by kind friends by the side of the other members of the family, who were victims of the fire. Mrs. Heady and baby, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Hanger, left the first of the week for Anadarko, where she will make her home with her parents. Mr. Hanger will remain here to settle the business affairs relative to the sale to be held today at the Heady farm. ---------------------------------------------------------- Return to Beckham County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/beckham/beckham.htm