The Newtown bee., 1906-02-23
Easton's Tragedy. TOWN TREASURER SILL MAN DIES AS HOUSE
 BURNS. A Greatly Beloved Citizen. EASTON PEOPLE AGHAST AT THE SAD CALAMITY.
Many Heirlooms Burned.

OQe or the SaOOeSU events WHICH ever occurred in this town and one
 which has cast deep sadness over the whole town, took place on Tuesday when the fine residence of Charles F. Silliman. with nearly all its contents,
 was completely destroyed by fire and MT Sflliman in his attempts to save his house and furniture lost his life.
 Monday evening before the family re- tired for the night they thought they noticed a smell of smoke about the house but after thorough search re- vealed no fire they decided it must be feeling everything was all right. i About two o'clock in the morning MT Silliman awoke and the smell of smoke seemed more decided than in the evening and he got up and again made a thorough investigation, but could find no trace of fire anywhere and went to bed again. About 5.30 in the morning Miss May Freeborne, who was spending few days with Mrs Sil- liman doing dressmaking for her, was like a fire snapping: She jumped up and ran into Mrs William Wheeler's room, which was next to hers, and awoke her telling her she thought the house was on fire. They quickly aroused the rest of the household
 which consisted of MT and Mrs Charles
 F. SillimaD, their son, Carl F. Silli- man, Mrs William Wheeler, mother of
 Mrs Silliman, the hired girl, Dell Kel- Ter, the hired man, William Murphy, and Miss May Freeborne. In a very short time they were all up and going downstairs found the dining room full of smoke and all ablaZe. The ire had gained such headway that an iron bed stead which was in the attic had fal- len through to the ground floor. The fire must have been Smoldering be- tween the two floors and in the parti- tion near the main chimney for hours and when it broke out nearly the whole house seemed in a blaze. They quickly formed bucket brigade and sent an alarm to the nearest neighbor who notified other neighbOrs and all quickly responded. They went to work like beavers to save the house but the fire had gained such headway that it was soon seen that this was im- possible. The supply of water gave out so all turned to help those who al- ready were trying to save what little furniture could be reached on the first floor. They succeeded in saving only a few pieces and none of those in the house saved any clothing except what they had on and some had scarcely any but their night clothes. While they and main, Carl Silliman, who was in one of the parlors at work, heard his father fall in the front hallway. Not being able to get from that room to the hall he jumped out the window and ran in through the front door to find his father pr5Strate on the floor and unconscious. He summoned help and they carried MT Silliman out of the house and across the road into the barn, where everything was done for him but to no avail, for in few minutes after he was carried out Of the house he was beyond human aid
 Dr Seth Hill of Tashua was sum- moned and quickly responded but when he arrived found MT Silliman had been dead sometime. The cause of his death was the extreme excite ment and overwork trying to save his house, which caused heart failure.
 After MT Silliman's fall nothing could be done to save anything in the house so the family who had gathered in the barn were made as warm as possible with few blankets they found there. After short time the party and the body of MT Silliman were taken to the home of Fred B. Silliman, brother, duOuu O uiIC dbu O uoAA 0Woy' MI Silliman was man of sterling char acter and was held in highest esteem,
 not only by his fellow townsmen, but by all who knew him. He had a very large circle of friends through this whole section of country who were greatly saddened by his death. The confidence in which he was held by all is shown by the offices his fellow townsmen bestowed upon him. He had held the office of selectman, had represented the town in the General Assembly and had for l2 or 15 years held the responsible position of town clerk and treasurer and was looked to for advice by many. He was sincere and earnest Christian, being member of the Congregational church at EaS- ton Center where he held the office of deacon, and was always ready to lend a hand. in any work in the church. He was also kind friend and neighbOr and many can tell of the kind deeds which he in his quiet way was always trying to do. MT Silliman received his education in Staples academy at
 Easton Center and was born and brought up in the house where he met his death. The house was an historic one, being over 200 years old. MT Silli- mans father owned it before him. He went there to live after his marriage | and his whole long and useful life had | been spent in the spot which was so | dear to him and his family. Two or
 three years ago the house had been en- larged, remodeled and newly furnished at considerable expense and many of the modern cOnvenienceS had been