The Rice belt journal., 1920-05-29
HENRY HAYES BURNED TO DEATH
IN FIRE WHICH DESTROYED HOME.

One of the saddest cataStrophes on
record in this community was that
which occurred shortly after midnight
Wednesday night, when Henry Hayes
was burned to death in the flames
which entirely destroyed his home in
south Welsh.
The fire had gained great headway
when discovered by neighbors about
one o'clock in the morning Within
thirty minutes after it was discover
ed the walls were tumbling in. At
the time of the discovery of the fire
1t was not believed that any one was
in the house. When it was reported
that he had been seen there earlier
in the night effort was made to locate
and rescue him. Search of the two
bedrooms disclosed that he was not
there and the remainder of the house
was too badly afiame to permit of
search. When the doors were forced
open flame shot out. AS the fire died
down his Charred body was discovered
beneath what had been used as sitting
room by the family, and chemicals
were applied Immediately to the spot
to keep the body from being further
consumed. That was the first hint Of
the tragedy, and it brought stinging
shock to the volunteer fire fighters.
Charred beyond recognition, his
limbs having been burned entirely
away, the remains were gathered upI
and taken to the residence of Morris
Burlinger, near by, where they were
prepared for burial
The origin of the fire will probably
remain a mystery forever Many theo-
ries were advanced in the excitement
follwing the horrible episode, but even
those first on the scene were not able
to fathOm the circumstances.
Mrs. Hayes and little daughter were
away from home at the time, having
left on No. 4 that evening for Midland |
to pay visit to her sister, Mrs. |
Frank Andrews. The shock to her
was a terrible one.
Funeral services were held at the
Catholic church at four o'clock, follow
ing which the remains were taken to
Lake Charles on No for burial, ly
ing in state at the residence of the
deceased's father, Mr. Dudley Hayes
until ten o'clock Friday morning, when
interment took place in the Lake
Charles cemetery. A large crowd of
friends of the deceased attended the
funeral service here. The casket was
literally buried in beautiful flowers.
Besides his wife and daughter, he
is survived by his parents, Mr.. and
Mrs Dudley Hayes, of Lake Charles,
two sisters, Mrs. Bryant, of Memphis,
Tenn, and Mrs. Bert Hayes of Lake
Charles; and four brothers, Arthur
Joseph, Albert and Tom.
Mr.. Hayes was born in Lake Charles
January II, 1885, He was "a years.
months and days old at the time
Of his death. After completing his
high school education he learned the
trade, beginning his service
with the American, which paper was
later consolidated with the Press. He
became expert at the trade, but for
several reasons decided that it was
not best for him to follow. He chose :
he rice business as the best line of =
endeavor for young man in this sec
ion, entering the employ of the La I;
State Rice Milling Co. about eight !;
Years ago. He joined the force at the 8
Welsh mill when Henry Block was ,
manager, advancing steadily as the :
years went by, until during the past !
season he was advanced to the po- :
'itiOn of assistant manager. He had :
worked his way up from the bottom 7
Ind was thoroughly familiar with :
every branch Of the business. Being y
If a pleasant disposition and sympa- +
hetic nature he had wide circle of 7
friends who are shocked beyond ex- =
PRESTON at his untimely demise. +