The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-12
WILL SKINNER IS
 BURNED ID DEATH Loses Life in Mysterious Burn
 ing of His Store SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED G. L. Rosendorf Is Great Keeper of Wampum of Reservation of Ala
 bama, Vice Charles Chaf-
 fee, Deceased.
SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED

Selma, June 11.-(Special. )-Wil Skinner, oldest son of I. c. Skinner and brother of Dr. Ira Skinner, city physician, was burned to death last night about 10 o'clock in his store near Sardis, about nine miles south of Selma. Information of the horrible fate of the young man reached the city shortly after mnght, having been brought here by his uncle, Andrew Stones, who was among the first white men to reach the scene. MT. Haynes, who lives not a great distance from the store of MT. Skinner, heard an explosion followed by a knocking as if some one was attempting to break In a door, and hurriedly dressing saw blaze coming from MT. Skinners store. Hurry nig to the place he found two negroes, who had been aroused by the explosion. attempting to get into the burning build ing to rescue MT. Skinner. Adjoining houses and even the well had caught fire from the conhagration at the store and the latter made it difficult to get any water. Finally water was secured from another source and through heroic efforts the body of the young man was saved in part
 The entire lower part of the body was consumed, as well as the skin burned from the face and head. The trunk was burned into a shapeless mass but not en- tirely incnerated. These remains were brought to the city this morning and the interment took place at Il o'clock In Live Oak cemetery.
 Fire Is Mystery.
 How the fire occurred Is not known, nor perhaps will 1t ever be known. There are some who believe that foul play was committed and that after being either killed or rendered unconscious MT. Skin ner was robbed and the store was set on fire in order to cover up the crime. This theory however, Is not believed tenable the majority of those who have inyesti- gated believing that MT Skinner fell asleep after locking up the store for the night and that in some manner the table upon .wrich the lamp was sitting was knocked over and the unfortunate young man never knew when death came He was in Selma Monday afternoon and made some purchases for his store, reaching the latter about dark.
 Will Skinner was quiet of disposition and well liked by those with whom he came in contact. He has served on the police force of Selma and also acted as deputy for Constable Johnston for long time. His father has been i'll for several days and the shock of the horrible death of his oldest and perhaps favorite son was exceedingly severe to him, and ap- prehenson was felt for him during the early morning hours.
 Besides his parents the young man is survived by several brothers and sisters, all of whom have the deepest sympathy of their many friends in their sorrow.
 Successor Appointed.
 Great Sachem R. F. l.. Neil of the Im- proved Order of Red Men today an nounced officially the appointment of I. l.. Rosendorf past sachem of Mohawk Tribe No. 25, Selma, to be great keeper of wampum of the reservation of Alabama. vice Charles Chapel, deceased. The ele- vation of MT. Rosendorf to the stump of