Plankinton, SD State Industrial School Fire, Oct 1897

HOLOCAUST IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

SEVEN PERSONS BURNED TO DEATH, ONE BEING A WOMAN AND THE OTHERS GIRLS.

Minneapolis, Oct. 7. -- A special to The Tribune from Plankinton, S. D., says:
One of the worst disasters in the history of the state occurred Tuesday midnight by the burning of the girls' dormitory at the State Industrial School. Seven lives were lost.
TILLIE HOOPER, instructor.
MABEL TOBERT, aged 9, of Sioux Falls.
BESSIE MERBY, aged 14, of Hot Springs.
IDA WARNER, aged 16, of Watertown.
CHRISTINE BERGMAN, aged 11, of Yankton.
NELLIE JOHNSON, aged 13, of Grafton, N.D.
LILLIAN WEST, aged 11, Sioux Falls.
The burned structure was of wood, three stories in height, and was but recently completed. The origin of the fire is unknown, and it was discovered by the watchman, who saw the flames bursting from the upper windows while he was in a building some distance away.
There was absolutely no means of extinguishing the fire at the school, and the buildings being over a mile from town, no aid could be rendered and in a short time the entire annex was enveloped in flames. In less than twenty minutes from the time the fire was seen the building was destroyed. Search for the bodies was commenced as soon as possible and late yesterday afternon all had been recovered and were immediately buried. East was burned beyond recognition. The loss on the building is $35,000.

Logansport Pharos 1897-10-07
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!