The Washington herald., 1910-01-17

Frederick $. Clinton, twenty-five years
old. 9i7 Eighth street northeast, died at
Casualty Hospital yesterday afternoon as
2 result of burns.
He sustained the injuries about 4;S0
O'Clock in the morning while preparing
a cup of coffee jim Jhc Kitchen of his
home. Alone in the room, Clinton made
heroic efforts 10 save his life. tie called
for aid, but il reached him too late.
Physicians at the hospital saw glim-
ner of hope for the life of the patient
when he was admitted TO the institution.
He was given every medical aid. With
out regaining consciousness, he gradu-
ally sa1fg. Death occurred at , o'clock.
Native of Ohio.
Clinton was a native of Ohio. lie came
TO this city with his parents about six
teen years ago. When he left school
he entered the employ of a painter and
worked for years at the trade, Recently
Clinton had been employed as clerk IN
a tea store az SIS II street northeast.
He worked there with his brother, Leslie
Clinton, aged twenty-three. and friend,
Frederick Battenheld, twenty-five years
old, of 9l5 Eighth street northeast
Bsttentield and Frederick Clinton were
out with friends Saturday night, 1t was
about / o'clock yesterday morning when
they returned home Battenfeld hade
his friends goodnight and entered his
home, which adjoins the Clinton home.
Clinton entered the house, locked the
door. and walked 10 the kitchen. His
mother, Mrs. Emma Clinton. and his
brother we're asleep on the floor above.
Clinton did not wish to awake them He
lighted two jets on the gas range IN
the kitchen. sat down in d chair, and
went to sleep.
II is presumed he slept until after 4
o'clock. At that hour he was heard
moving about. II is thought he started
10 place a coffee pot over the gas flame
and allowed his clothing TO come in con-
tact with the fire.
The first knowledge his mother and
brother had of anything wrong came when
they heard stamping in the kitchen. The
noise was made by Clinton, who was
fighting the flames. He made a brave
attempt 10 save himself. but found he
could not combat the fire alone. Il burned
the clothing from his body, singed his
hair and eyebrows. scOrched the skin
from his face and neck, and burned his
hands and arms.
When Leslie Clinton heard the cry of
Help. Leslie. help.' the young man
jumped from bed and rgn down stairs to
the kitchen. where the smoke was sitting.
Leslie Clinton felt his way toward the
rear door When halfway across the
room his foot struck the form Of his
brother.
Leslie Clinton opened the door TO a
rear yard as Mrs. Clinton, hysterical
with fright. ran into the room and lneIt
beside her eldest SON He was UncOn-
scious, The mother sent her younger son
for help, while she tried 10 restore the
injured man to consciousness.
After an interval of five minutes, in
which time the house was crowded with
ueighbors. who ran TO offer assistance,
an ambulance arrived from Casualty Hos
pital A hurry run was made TO that
institution.
Determined His Condition.
Clinton was carried into the emergency
room. The burned rags were removed
from him Lotions were applied, after
which the patient was given stimulants,
Physicians saw the arms would have 10
be amputated if Clinton lived. An ex-
animation OF the mouth and throat showed
he had swallowed flame
Clinton died without speaking. His
mother ana brother were present. The
body was removed 10 an undertaking
establishment. Arrangements are being
made for the funeral Coroner Nevitt
who made an investigation, issued a Ger
tifcate of death due to accidental burning
Policeman J, W. PiersOn. OF the Ninth
precinct, Investigated the accident. He
discovered nothing which might lead q
the belief that Clinton had died from
other causes than an accident,