The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-03-24
RANDOLPH.
Correspondence.

SoiICSPoheichSO'
Mr.. EDITOR: The recent calamity
in the northwestern part of our town.
ship which brought destruction to a
homestead and terminated the earthly
career of it's aged Inhabitants. will
never fade from the memories of those
who witnessed the frightful scene. 1t
was too horrible to be soon forgotten.
The aged pair who now sleep in one
grave have left their cares behind
them, and the incident only illustrates
the uncertainty of the fate of man.
"In the midst of life we are in DEATH"
But deaths sting is far less keen than
the lingering pain in mortal agony
The two old people who were the vic
Tins of this desperate destruction did
not suffer the same fate. Deep sleep
had overcome the old man. for sleep
to him was sweet on this treacherOus
night. Oblivious to all the world,
suffocation soon rendered his slum-
bers still more profound until he
merged into everlasting sleep; and
his body, reduced to ashes, was raised
from the very spot where it lay down
to rest. His death to him was gracious.
His last thoughts, the keepsakes of
his mind were the last before sleep set
in. His sufferings thus were commen-
surate with his cares but his cares
were nought, for oblivion held his
thoughts. Hence, while it must be
horrible to witness a fellow being con-
sumed alive by the flames, it was yet
such death as played rapidly with
the sensibilities and the victim suffer-
ed no pain. But not so with the poor
being who slept under the same roof
and in the same bed. While escape
was yet within her power she little
knew the edanger which threatened
both, although perfectly conscious of
herself When she did realize the ter
rible situation she endeavered to rouse
him and believing she had succeeded,
she rushed from the bed to rescue all
she could, but in so doing sheis belated
in her own escape. Her first attempt
was to rush through the window, but
here she failed. After exhausting her
strength and mutilating her hands and
arms with the broken glass, she dis
covered the door by her side, through
which she finally escaped, but notun
til the heat had left its horrible effects
her head was crisp to the skull, and in
several places the skull was bare. The
flesh on her arms and shoulders was
broken and hung loose from her body,
presenting a hideous sight. She lin
gered in pain from between IL and II
o'clock Friday night to nearly o. clock
p. m. the next day, when she expired.
Thus have been swept from existence
by the angry elements and without
warning, two forms that had dwelt
among us for more than three score
years. Mr.. and Mrs. Klein were quiet
and peaceable peighbors and their un-
lucky fate leaves a deep gloom upon
all who knew them. The sadness
with which the thoughts come upon
us of that poor woman's sufferings can
only be felt. We are prone to hope,
but if sympathy could effect bliss the
earthly doom of these victims were
even now transferred into everlasting
happiness.
TRANSFERs.-M Michael Lesch eX-
changes farms with John Keller. Mr..
L@sch also bought the place formerly
owned by Harry Morse, at the Center,
and will move there.
Walter j. Dickinson has rented his
place and store to Amos Slabaugh. Mr..
ID. and family will move to Oberlin.
Mr.. Slabaugh has sold his place.
Mr.. Fred. Byrer purchased the Rog-
ers & Loesch place.