Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-12-28
DEATHS IN
SANTA GAME
mERRYMAkERs At HOUSTON,
TEXAS, ARE FATALLY
BURNED.
THREE DEATHS RESULT

Are Among Those Fatally injured
Accidents Happened at Many Other
Points.
Houston, Tex, Dec. 26.-Two men
playing the part of Santa Claus and
little girl fatally burned, two other per-
sons instantly killed as a result of cele-
brations and a boy and woman seri-
ously and probably fatally injured are
seven of the more serious accidents
which occurred here Monday as results
of the Christmas fun-making.
More than dozen injuries OF a less
serious nature were reported to the
police and the physicians and surgeons
at the city hospital have been busy
throughout the day.
The first serious mishap cost the
life of Sid A. Anderson, head black
smith in the Southern Pacific railway
shops. Anderson had dressed himself
in the conventional Santa Claus cos
tune, adorned with the tufts of cotton,
and wore flowing beard of hemp.
While lighting the candles on a
Ni1i ioeilislS llCS iltS tdlSG bCdlu SouShe
fire and almost instantly he was wrap
ped in flames. He rushed to the street
calling for help, his children not yet
having been awakened for the Christ
mas festivities. He was badly burned
before assistance arrived and physi-
clans say he can not survive.
w. H. Osborne the other man who
was acting as Santa Claus for the
children in his neighborhood. is a
south end groceryman. While distrib-
uting presents his costume became ig-
nited and he was burned from head to
foot before the flaming garments were
torn from him. His injuries will prove
fatal, according to the physicians.
Girl While in Play Shoots Man.
Roy Ramer, telephone employee
was mortally wounded by Verna Bar
din, the 12-yearold daughter of Ra-
mers landlady, early in the morning
Kramer had presented several gifts to
the little girl and was watching her
play,
While skipping about the room she
picked up a 45-caliber revolver sup
posed to be empty and snapped it, say
ing Il will show you how good an
aim can take The weapon was dis
charged and the bullet entered the
base OF Ramer's skull, passing entirely
| through his brain. The doctors an
nounced after an examination that he
could not live.
Thelma Culpepper, the 4-year-old
daughter of J. L. Culpepper, was
burned to death by the explosion of a
| toy lamp which she had received from
Christmas tree. The lamp exploded
and threw burning oil on her dress.
She died within an hour
It is believed that Edward Carter. Is
years old, will die of injuries received
from the explosion of toy cannon.
His arm was carried away by the ex-
plosion and he sustained other serious
wounds. The toy cannon was the
present of his grandfather, who had
come more than 1000 miles to spend
Christmas with the family.
Mrs. o. l.. holland received a bullet
in her eye from toy pistol which may
prove fatal. Her sight in the wounded
eye is destroyed
Jose Milando, Mexican boy, was
killed by being thrown from his horse,
the animal becoming frightened at the
explosion of fire crackers which some
practical joker ignited just as the boy
mounted. Milando was thrown heavily
and died instantly.
Other injuries of a serious nature
were reported, but it is believed that
none of them will prove fatal.
"santa" Disfigured for Life.
Il CT n
Thompson of 2719 Texas avenue was
SO badly burned while impersonating
Kris Aringle at her home that she
will be disfigured for life. She had
planned great surprise for her nine
little sisters and brothers.
Christmas night the little ones with
their father, gathered about the large
Christmas tree in the parlor and
awaited the arrival of old Santa A
knock at the back door, announced
his arrival. Gertrude, 13 years old
went to let him in. She carried a can.
4 die. When the door opened gust of
wind caused the candle to flare up and
Iignited the cotton of Santas costume
In a moment Miss Thompson was a
pillar of fame. George Thompson, her
father ran to the rescue and was him
self severely burned about the hands
This "santa's" Hands Burned.
Upper Alton, ILL.,, Dec. 26-While act.
ing the role of Santa Claus at the First
Methodist church H. Clay Whites
costume caught fire and rugs were
used to extinguish the flames.
The church was filled with women
and children and White accidentally
backed up against the Christmas tree
and lighted candle ignited the cotton
gauze on his uniform, which burst into
flames. The women and children ran
panic stricken from the church, while
the pastor, Rev. c. c. Hall, and several
other men in the audience went to the
rescue Of White.
Rugs were wrapped around him and
the fire was easily extinguished. With
the exception of burns on his hands
| White was not injured
After it was learned that White was
not seriously burned excitement in the