Weekly journal-miner., 1915-11-03
POSTMASTER AT PHOENIX MEETS
 UNTIMELY END
C. B. WOOD PERISHES IN FIRE AT HIS COUNTRY HOME, CAUSED BY A LAMP EXPLODING.

PHOENIX, Nov. 1.-Overwhelmed by the fumes of an exploding lamp, C. B. Wood, postmaster of Phoenix, died and his body was partially consumed in the ruins of his coun- try house on the Black Canyon road. near the grand canal Sunday even ing.
 Warned by Mr. Woods last words Look out" and by the sight of fire bursting out of the windows of the frail wood structure, C. L. Madison, renter of the ranch, was able to rescue his bedridden son from the room next that in which the tragedy occurred. Madison dragged the young man a short distance from the house, placed him on a cot, and rushed back into the house screaming to men on the other side of canal, nearby. As he opened the door, smoke and flames billowed out, and he was driven from the place, blinded, stunned, and com pelled to stand aside and watch the fire rapidly spread throughout the building. At this time, he had no idea the unfortunate man had not sue ceeded in escaping from the house. l. was not until he had, with score O. neighbors, attempted to form a bucket brigade 10 throw water on the fire, that MT. Wood was missed, and the horrible possibility occurred to the group.
 Madison, in his overwrought mind, had formed no coherent ideas, when neighbors, and later officers of the Phoenix fire department and reporters questioned him His stories about what actually occurred, were as var jed almost as his hearers. The one to which the most credence was given however, Is this:
 Although Mir. Wood had moved to a home in the city, he maintained two rooms at the ranch house, where he kept a great quantity of private papers and his desks. He was in the habit of visiting the ranch house ire quently, to spend considerable time in his study. He had been in his room for some time Sunday after noon. At about fve-fifteen. he had called Madison, and had asked him for lamp. Madison filled lamp in the rear of the house and took it to Woods room, leaving there immedi- ately thereafter to attend to some chores outside.
 Five minutes after he left the room, Madison heard the soft explosion that indicated the bursting of a coal oil lamp. He heard the cry Look out Turning, he saw the glare of fire through window in the room the postmaster was using. His first thought was to save him son, who was not able to rise from his bed.
 The Life of MT. Wood.
 Chalmers Barbour Wood was about forty-fve years of age and had been a resident of Maricopa county for fifteen years. He was born in the Kingdom of Gallo" Missouri, and was educated at Westminster Col 1 lege Almost since attaining his ma jority he had taken an active part ir democratic politics and he quick, became an active figure in politics after arriving in Arizona. He held various positions in the county and | was elected to the first state senate in which he served with distinction. He was chairman of several import 1 ant committees and was a member oi every important committee. Mir. 1 Wood was appointed postmaster about year ago and he discharged | the duties of that office i'll a most ef ticient manner. MT Wood was an old friend of Speaker Champ Clark Mrs. Clark | lad been one of his earliest instruc- tors and he was therefore a support | CT of the speaker in the contest for | the delegation from this State to the Baltimore convention. It was sup posed that that fact initiated agains, him somewhat in the contest for the appointment of the postofice.
 Though he was strongly aggressive, he had many friends for he himself | was faithful friend both in his social and political relations. His tragic death will be widely mourned. He leaves beside a widow, three children, a son and two daughters.
 CTTDDDEcC uEDAJn