OBIT: Frank SMITH, 1940, Rockwood, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
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FRANK SMITH

Rockwood Man Fatally Burned Killing Flies
Frank Smith, Partially Blind, Died Monday in The Community Hospital

  As the result of burns received on October 26th while attempting to kill flies 
by the unique process of burning gasoline in an old skillet, Frank Smith, aged 
56, of Rockwood, died in the Somerset Community Hospital at 8 o'clock Monday 
morning.
  According to the findings in an investigation conducted by Coroner F. E. Sass 
of Boswell, Mr. Smith, a partially blind bachelor, living alone, had ignited 
gasoline in an old skillet, and perched upon a chair, was endeavoring to burn 
the flies on the ceiling when the skillet overturned, pouring the flaming fluid 
over his clothes.
  Unable to extinguish the flames himself, Mr. Smith crawled to the porch of his 
home where his screams attracted the attention of neighbors.  On account of the 
seriousness of the burns he was taken to the Community Hospital in Somerset 
where he died at 8 o'clock Monday morning.

Meyersdale Republican, November 14, 1940