Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1931-05-21
LcOnia Man Is
Burned To Death
In House Fire
Clyde NJ Eberhart Loses Life in
Strange Manner When Ranch
Home Is Destroyed

LEONlA, May IU.-tSpeCiaI 1.-The
community was greatly shocked and
saddened Saturday morning by the
news of the death Of Clyde M. Eber-
hart in the fire which consumed his
farm home about 13O a. m. Lightning
struck the house on the corner occu-
pied by Clyde's bedroom. 1t appar-
emily did not shock him for he called
to his brother Louis, who occupied an
adjoining room, to bring some water
The fire progressed rapidly and seeing
they could not conquer it Clyde called
to his mother and Louis to save what
they could and get out All ran out
side with what they could gather and
Clyde reentered for another armful
Mrs Eberhart was on the porch and
saw rim struck by the flame as he
started to enter his room. Louis at
tempted to reach him and was Sc
verely burned about the head and
hands but could not affect a rescue
Death must haYe been practically in
Simultaneous for the remains were found
in just about the spot where he was
last seen Mrs. Eberhart and Louis
escaped in their night clothes. Louis
managed to get pair of pants and
jacket and couple of blankets and a
pair Of moccasins Wrapping his mother
in the blanket and giving her the moe
casins they proceeded to liberate the
stock from the barn which was in
danger from the sparks. BY this time
Floyd and Drew Coats arrived. They
were awakened by the storm and the
deathbolt being so loud caused them to
investigate to see if any of their build
ings had been struck. While looking
around they saw the glow from the fire
and heard the sound of exploding
cartridges, SO made all haste to assist.
There was nothing that could be done
except patrol the grounds to prevent
the fire spreading to the other build
ings Mrs. Eberhart was taken to the
Goats home and in spite of her adj
vanced years suffered no undue i'll
effects from the exposure and is bear
ing up under her stunning loss with
the courage and fortitude of the pio-
neer.
Many telephones were put out of
commission by the storm and it was inn
possible to get anyone on the line until
Ray Hasper answered He Immediately
left home and aroused John Goats and
others along the road, but aside from
the comfort Of neighborly sympathy,
little help could be given at this time.
Clyde M. Eberhart was born August
10, 1879, in Cedar Falls, Blackhawk
county, Iowa. He came to Leonia first
in 1902 and was employed for time
at the Last Chance mill in the Occur
d Alenes Later he travelled for the Ma
tional Biscuit Company and Proctor &,
Gamble in the coast territory. In 1917,
his father being injured, Clyde re-
turned to Leonia and took active charge
of the farm and has continued on the
place working with indefatigable
energy in its improvement until this
deplorable accident brought his labors
to close For the past seven years
he has been secretary of Special Road
District No. l. has always been active
in any movement for the bettermeni
Of the district and his determination
to do what he believed to be right has
won him the respect of the entire COM
munity.
He and his brother were associated
| in a number of mining claims in this
district, some OF winch were lOcatec
by their father, and it is to be regretted
that he could not live to see his faith
in them fulfilled
Surviving him besides the mother
/. and brother here, is sister, Mrs. FREQ
G. Dimmick of Dixon, I'LL Mrs. Dim
mick arrived Tuesday evening and with
\ the rest of the family accompanied the
remains to Spokane.
Services were to be held Monday af-
ternoon at the Goats home and almos
the. entire community and many friend,
from Bonners Ferry and Troy gathered
to pay their last respects. The Rev
| Stanton who was to conduct the serv-
ices could not arrive from Canada unit
late that evening SO they were post.
poned until Tuesday morning.