The San Francisco call., 1909-11-24
CONGRESSMAN GIVES
LIFE FOR GRANDSON
David de Almond Dies in Burn
ing Home Trying to Save
Child
Noted Democratic Leader, Makes
Futile Attempt to Save
Lad From Flames

BUTLER. Mo-, Nov 23.-It was in a
vain effort to save the life of his little
grandson that Congressman David d.
de Almond of the sixth Missouri dis
trict perished in fire that destroyed
his home here early today.
The heroism of the congressman was
made known late this afternoon, when.
with his arms locked around the burned
body of the little boy, De Almonds
body was found. He had caught up the
year old lad, David A. de Almond Jr.,
and rushed with him through the
flames that filled his room. He fell
with his unconscious burden and both
sank through the floor to quick death.
What makes the tragedy unusually
pathetic is the fact that the grandson
was the grandfathers idol. The two
were inseparable and often slept to-
gether. Last night the boy went to his
grandfathers house, usual, and
after a happy evening the two retired.
BOY CALLS FOR AID
The next the family heard of them
was early today, when from behind the
smoke anu the ifdiiieS that OhNOAOPN~.
the house the boy screamed:
oh grandpa. get me out of here
quick. I'm burning to death.
Yes, son, don't be afraid. Grandpa
will take you out" was the calm reply
Then both went down to their death.
The rest of the family sleeping In
the house at the time-Mrs. de Almond,
her daughter, Mrs Clark. and Miss Net
tie BolesAwere greatly shaken by their
experiences Mrs de Almond tainted
and would have met death in the flames
had not her daughter dragged her out
into the yard.
Messages of coincidence from all
parts of the country were received by
the De Almonds this afternoon.
James a de Almond, editor of the
Bates county Democrat, son of the
congressman and father of the boy
who was burned tried to rush into the
burning house to save his father and
son, but was prevented by others.
DOUBLE FUNERAL PLANNED
Congressman de Almond and his lit
tie grandson will not be separated in
death Tonight it was decided to hold
a double funeral for them Friday after
noon. Interment will be in Oak Hill
cemetery here.
Word was received from Washington
tonight that a congressional commit
tee had been appointed to attend the
funeral. Among the messages of con-
dolence received was one from Speaker
Cannon.
From Washington President Taft
sent the following message to Mrs. de
Almond:
Mrs Taft and are shocked to hear
the dreadful news. We sympathize
most deeply with you in your sorrow.
Your husband and l were very intimate.
/ valued his friendship most highly
He was an honest. able servant of the
public and a patriot. My heart goes
out to you in your loss
Loss to Democrats
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23.-In De Ar
mond the democrats lose one of their
leaders on the floor of the house. A
member of that body for the last 19
years and a man of education, wide ex-
perience and fluent speech. he had be-
come one of the principal resources of
his party in all discussions of national
questions He made speciality of
labor subjects. but was never at a loss
in handling almost any question.
De Almond had been on the bench
before coming to congress and had
been a member of the committee on
judiciary for many years.
Previous to the present congress he
also was a member of the committee
on rules, but the election of his col
league, Champ Clark, as minority
leader rendered it necessary to place
Clark on that committee, which had
the effct of displacing De Almond
David de Almond was born March IS,
1914. in Blair county. Pennsylvania
His early life was spent on his fathers
farm, he receiving his education in the