Warren, MI House Fire, Dec 1964

SIX PERISH IN HOUSE FIRE.

Warren, Mich. -- Six of the nine children of ELBERT TURNER COX, 40, a steel-worker and part-time cab driver of Warren, Mich., a Detroit suburb, perished in a fire that destroyed their two-story frame home.
"Six of my babies are gone ... "
"I've lost six of my babies," COX cried on learning of the tragedy as he returned from work. His wife, MARIE, 35, was reported in critical condition.
The oldest of the COX children, ELBERT, JR., 13, had left his bedroom window open after watching the moon eclipse. He and brothers FRANK, 10, and THOMAS, 8, escaped through the window, sliding down sheets and blankets they had knotted together. Other windows in the house were frozen shut.
The boys said intense heat prevented them from reaching the children who died: MARTHA ANN, 11; MARY JO, 7; JOHN, 6; DIANE, 4; JAMES, 3; and CHARLES, 18 months.
The mother escaped by breaking a window and climbing through jagged glass. She tried to run back into the house but neighbors restrained her.
Firemen said the fire apparently started in a downstairs utility room.

Waterloo Daily Courier Iowa 1964-12-20
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!