Powys, PA Farm Home Fire Near Williamsport, Jan 1931

SEVEN DIE WHEN FARM HOME BURNS.

FATHER, SIX CHILDREN TRAPPED; MOTHER AND INFANT ESCAPE FLAMES.

SON AGE NINE ALSO MAKES WAY TO SAFETY FROM BLAZING HOUSE NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, PA. -- FIRE DISCOVERED BY RAILROAD ENGINEER WHEN TRAIN PASSES HOUSE -- BLEW WHISTLE IN EFFORT TO AROUSE FAMILY -- MOTHER WITH BABE STUMBLE FROM DOOR AS HELP ARRIVES -- OVERHEATED FLUE IN KITCHEN BELIEVED CAUSE OF FIRE.

Williamsport, Pa., Jan. 28. -- (AP) -- CLYDE SMITH, 53, and six children ranging in ages from 4 to 17 years, were burned to death when fire destroyed their home at Powys, seven miles north of here, early today.
The mother escaped, badly burned, with a two months old infant. A son, 9, also made his way to safety.
The dead in addition to the father, are FREDERICK, 17; MARIAN, 16; DARFIDA, 14; CATHERINE, 11; MAX, 6; and GERALD 4.
The fire was discovered by a railroad engineer when his train passed the house. He blew the engine whistle in an effort to arouse the family, and then continued to Trout Run, a short distance north, and reported it.
Just as help reached the burning house, MRS. SMITH, with the infant in her arms, stumbled from the front door. The son, HOWARD, aged 9, was with her.
The mother's night clothing was burned from her body and the baby was also burned. Both are in a serious condition.
The son, HOWARD, was nearly overcome by smoke but escaped injury from the flames.
The father and the other children apparently were trapped in their upstairs bedrooms.
The fire is believed to have been started from an overheated flue in the kitchen.

The Kokomo Tribune Indiana 1931-01-28
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!