Iron River, MN House Fire, Jan 1905

WILL RECOVER FROM HIS BURNS

George S. Barnes, Who Lost Home, Wife, and Children Improves.

George S. Barnes, who was so seriously burned in his attempt to rescue his children and wife during the destruction of his house near Iron River, has gone to Eau Claire and will be the guest of his cousin, Mrs. Ed. Wahl, and of his son. Horace Barnes, until he recovers from his injuries. The Eau Claire Leader says:

“The visitor recently met with a horrible misfortune. It will be remembered that on the morning of Jan. 21st, his home, 18 miles southwest of Iron River, was destroyed by fire, at which time his wife, two children, and Miss Elisie Missner, a taecher{sic} who boarded at the Barnes home, lost their lives. Mr. Barnes was severely burned in his attempt to save the victims from the flames. The gentleman was formerly a resident in this city, leaving here about twenty years ago.”

A telephone message from Eau Claire to the News Tribune last night was to the effect that while Mr. Barnes sustained serious injuries, his recovery is anticipated by the attending surgeon.

Although bereft of wife and children, Mr. Barnes, with true American spirit, as soon as he sufficiently recovers, will build a new house on his farm and take the remainder of his family there.

Before the fire Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were planning for a new home.

Duluth News-Tribune, Duluth, MN 2 Feb 1905

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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!