OBIT: Helen GARLAND, 1918, Gaysport, Blair County, PA

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GAYSPORT CHILD FATALLY BURNED PLAYING "FIRE"
Boy Companion Ignites the Dress of Helen Garland, Aged 6, Who Dies in 
Hospital

MOTHER SUFFERS BURNS GIVING AID

  Helen Garland, aged 6, of 208 Newry street, Gaysport, died at the 
Altoona hospital last night at 9:25 o'clock, from burns received 
yesterday afternoon when a boy playmate at a neighboring house applied 
a match to her dress in a spirit of fun.
  Mrs. Sarah Garland, aged 30, mother of the girl, suffered severe 
burns about the hands, face and hair, in trying to tear the flaming 
garments from her daughter, whose body was literally seared from head 
to foot.
  Leaving her home late in the afternoon, the Garland child went next 
door to the home of Mrs. Lloyd Rennow, with several companions, and 
started playing with the Rennow children.  The latter's mother is 
employed at a Gaysport restaurant and was on duty, her children being 
left alone.
  One of the Rennow boys climbed up to a cupboard in the house and 
obtained a box of matches.  He lighted several of them and suggested 
that they play "fire."  He waited no longer, struck another match and 
thrust it toward the Garland girl.  She was clad in a light cotton 
dress, which ignited instantly and was soon a sheet of flame.  The 
frightened child ran from the room.
  Her mother heard the agonizing screams of her daughter and rushed to 
the Rennow yard, where she found the tot enveloped in fire.  
Frantically Mrs. Garland strove to save the little victim from being 
seared alive, but the burning clothes could not be removed before the 
child was seriously burned.  The mother's escape from a like plight was 
narrow.
  A motor car brought the woman and child to the hospital.  The girl 
was seen to be in critical condition, with no chance of recovery.  The 
mother returned home after receiving treatment, as she bordered on 
collapse.  John Garland, the husband and father, remained with his 
daughter until she died.
  Funeral Director McFarland, Hollidaysburg, took charge of the body.  
Coroner's Deputy C. C. Rothrock, of this city, was notified and will 
begin an investigation today.

Altoona Tribune, Monday morning, July 22, 1918, page 1

FUNERAL NOTICE.

  The funeral of Helen Garland, aged 6 years, who was fatally burned on 
Sunday, will take place from the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John 
Garland, 208 Newry street, Gaysport, Wednesday afternoon.  Services 
will be conducted at the house at 2 o'clock and will be followed by 
interment in Carson Valley cemetery.

Altoona Tribune, Tuesday morning, July 23, 1918, page 8

FUNERAL NOTICE.

  The funeral of Miss Helen Garland, the young girl who was burned to 
death on Sunday afternoon, will take place this afternoon.  The 
services will be held at her late home on Newry street, Gaysport at 2 
o'clock.  The cortege in charge of Funeral Director, William Van 
Allman, will proceed to Carson Valley cemetery for 
interment.

Altoona Tribune, Wednesday morning, July 24, 1918, page 3