OBIT: *Mary Groft, 1905, Littlestown, Adams County, PA

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Last Friday evening the people of Littlestown and vicinity were again horrified by a second 
burning to death of a human being – this time the widow, Mrs. Andrew Groft, who resides on 
South Queen street, opposite the Shriver canning factory, being the victim.

The particulars as we have gathered them are to the effect that a daughter of Mrs. Groft had 
filled the lamps for the evening and had placed a large china lamp on a shelf above the kitchen 
stove.  It was Mrs. Groft’s intention to do some ironing that evening and in consequence had a 
very hot stove.

When ready to start ironing at about 7:30 Mrs. Groft reached up to the mantle for the larger 
lamp and as she drew it towards her it slipped out of her hands and fell with a crash to the 
hot stove beneath, breaking in hundreds of pieces.

A shower of burning oil was thrown over the unfortunate woman and in an instant she was a 
flaming torch.

Her screams brought her daughter from the floor above who hurriedly ran to her assistance.  But 
she was unable to do anything by reason of the surrounding flames.  In these two minutes or 
less Mrs. Groft fell unconscious to the floor.

The daughter, who had run to the street screaming for help, succeeded in her efforts to arouse 
the neighbors.  Messrs. Hildebrand and Reindollar immediately responded and picking up buckets 
carried water and drenched the flames.  Other neighbors soon arrived and assisted in outening 
the fire.  

An alarm of fire had been turned in and the Company was prompt in its response, but its 
services were not required.

Dr. E. K. Foreman was called who, upon examination, stated that the woman had inhaled the 
flames and had succumbed very shortly thereafter.

The body was terribly burned – her lower extremities to a crisp.  Her tongue protruded from her 
mouth and her arms and legs were so rigidly contracted that it was impossible to straighten 
them without bursting the flesh.

On account of the condition of the body it was wrapped in sheets and placed in a coffin for 
burial.  Decomposition compelled the family to bury the remains Saturday afternoon.  Services 
were held at the house at 4 o’clock and interment made in Mt. Carmel cemetery, Rev. J. H. Smith 
officiating.

The deceased was aged about 58 years.  She was the widow of Andrew Groft and a sister of the 
late Gershom Frownfelter, of near Kingsdale.

She is survived by the following children:  Mrs. Frank Staley, York; Mrs. Howard Menchey, of 
Hanover; Jacob, of South Queen street; William, of the U. S. Army, stationed in California; and 
Mrs. Geo. Anthony, Miss Annie, Joseph, Charles and George, at home.

There was little damage done the building through the fire.

Adams County Independent – Saturday, December 16, 1905  

* - Given name from various census years.