https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth742624/m1/1/zoom/?q=the%20rockdale%20reporter%20and%20messenger%20jan.%2013,%201927&resolution=2⪫=4941.28491063833&lon=1628.054894718557
From The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger, Thursday, January 13, 1927
Luther Allen and Aged Father Lose Lives in Midnight Fire
Well Known Citizen Gives His Life in Attempt to Save the Lives of His Children - Floyd Allen, Grown Son of Luther Allen, In Hospital With Serious Burns
Luther M. Allen, age 47, and his father, W. M. Allen, age 71, lost their lives in a fire which consumed the Allen home at Big Lump, five miles east of Rockdale, shortly after 1:00 o'clock Tuesday morning. Floyd Allen, 21, son of Luther Allen, was also seriously burned, and is now in the Cameron Hospital. It is that he will recover. Other members of the family, including Mrs. Luther Allen and her three-weeks-old baby, barely escaped with their lives, being forced to seek shelter at the home of a neighbor a quarter-mile distant, in their night clothes.
The fire evidently had its origin to the room of the elder Allen, and was possibly die to an exploding lamp. The position of the old gentleman's body indicated that he made an attempt to escape.
Mrs. Luther Allen was awakened first, and found the house enveloped in flames. She aroused her husband and smaller children, sleeping in separate rooms, then aroused her son, Floyd, in still another room. Luther Allen made his way out of the house, but rushed back into the room occupied by two of the girls, thinking they were still asleep. The position in which his body was found indicated that he was groping on the bed, trying to pick up the girls, and was either overcome by heat and smoke or the roof fell in on him while so doing.
Floyd Allen's room was in flames when his mother awakened him, and he was seriously burned in making his escape. After getting outside, Floyd appeared to be delirious and attempted to fight his way back into the house, and had to be restrained from so doing by his mother. It was while she was so engaged that her husband, not being aware of the safety of the girls, rushed back into the house and lost his life.
It was some time before the alarm was given and assistance reached the stricken family. When news of the fire reached town the fire alarm was sounded, and physicians and other anxious helpers hurried to the scene, finding only a heap of smouldering ruins where the house had stood.
The bodies of both the men were almost totally consumed by the fire, only the charred trunks and bare skulls remaining. The remains were brought to the undertaking establishment of Henne & Meyer Company and prepared for burial, and were then conveyed to the residence of Elmer Hodges at Big Lump. Burial was had Tuesday afternoon interment being in the Sandy Creek cemetery near Big Lump, Rev. J. A, Hall, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, in the presence of a large crowd.
Luther Allen came to Rockdale in the year 1899, and had lived in or near town ever since, rearing a large family. Eight children and his wife survive him. He followed the occupation of a farmer at times, and at other times worked for the lignite mines in various capacities. He was well and favorably known to a large number of our citizens. He was a member of the Baptist church.
His father, W. M. Allen, who had made his home with the family for several years, was born in Jackson county, Alabama, and came to Texas 35 years ago. He was an ordained minister of the Christian faith.
Two brothers of Luther Allen arrived in time for the funeral. They are A. G. and W. A. Allen of Beaumont. Two other brothers R. L. Allen of Olney, Texas, and N. J. Allen of Hamburg, Arkansas, arrived after the funeral. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. R. W. King of Amarillo and Mrs. Don S. Ebaugh, of Columbia, S. C.
The tragedy caused a shock to the citizenship of the town second only to the holocaust of early days when the Mundine Hotel was destroyed, in which fire some half a dozen people were burned to death. Many expressions of sympathy have been given in a substantial manner through contributions of cash and clothing to the family left all but destitute by their terrible experience.
News from the Cameron Hospital last night was to the effect that Floyd Allen is in a serious condition. His hands and arms are badly burned and amputation of several fingers may result. He has a very serious burn on the back, while his neck, head and face are in bad shape, and he is unable to open his eyes. Dr. Rischar stated that he feared Allen had inhaled the flames, as the interior of his mouth and throat were scorched. Due to that fact he has as yet been unable to take any nourishment. In short, according to Dr. Rischar, the young man is in a critical condition.
Luther Allen, Hero!
(An Editorial)
For more than twenty-five years Luther Allen lived in this community, pursuing the even tenor of his way, a modest, unassuming citizen, struggling against the adversities of life to support his family and educate his children. In times past the editor has heard him referred to as "a hard luck guy!" Fortune never seemed to smile on him - except in blessing him with children. His friends who knew him best liked him most because of the even tempered manner in which he faced adversity. Under all circumstances he did the best that he could, fighting on uncomplainingly, asking only the opportunity of serving his family to the best of his ability. He never sought to sit in high stations or wear a laurel crown. He recognized his own deficiencies and was content to do the best that he could with the talents that he could with the talents that his Maker had given him.
Today his charred body rests in a hero's grave, for truly Luther Allen died the death of a hero. He lived his life uncomplainingly for others, and for others he died. A halo of heroism surrounds him in death. May he rest in peace!
https://www.newspapers.com/image/86992457/?terms=Luther%2BAllen
2 BURNED FATALLY IN HOME FIRE
----------------------------------------------------
ROCKDALE BLAZE KILLS FATHER AND SON AND HURTS ANOTHER
ROCKDALE, Tex., Jan. 11. - Two persons were burned to death and a third may die as the result of a farm home fire near here early today.
Luther Allen and his aged father were burned to death, while Floyd Allen may lose his life as the result of an unsuccessful attempt to save his grandfather.
The blaze is believed to have originated in the aged man's room. Luther Allen dashed into the burning home, seeking his wife and two small children, who had escaped, and was trapped in the flames.
From The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger, Thursday, January 13, 1927
Luther Allen and Aged Father Lose Lives in Midnight Fire
Well Known Citizen Gives His Life in Attempt to Save the Lives of His Children - Floyd Allen, Grown Son of Luther Allen, In Hospital With Serious Burns
Luther M. Allen, age 47, and his father, W. M. Allen, age 71, lost their lives in a fire which consumed the Allen home at Big Lump, five miles east of Rockdale, shortly after 1:00 o'clock Tuesday morning. Floyd Allen, 21, son of Luther Allen, was also seriously burned, and is now in the Cameron Hospital. It is that he will recover. Other members of the family, including Mrs. Luther Allen and her three-weeks-old baby, barely escaped with their lives, being forced to seek shelter at the home of a neighbor a quarter-mile distant, in their night clothes.
The fire evidently had its origin to the room of the elder Allen, and was possibly die to an exploding lamp. The position of the old gentleman's body indicated that he made an attempt to escape.
Mrs. Luther Allen was awakened first, and found the house enveloped in flames. She aroused her husband and smaller children, sleeping in separate rooms, then aroused her son, Floyd, in still another room. Luther Allen made his way out of the house, but rushed back into the room occupied by two of the girls, thinking they were still asleep. The position in which his body was found indicated that he was groping on the bed, trying to pick up the girls, and was either overcome by heat and smoke or the roof fell in on him while so doing.
Floyd Allen's room was in flames when his mother awakened him, and he was seriously burned in making his escape. After getting outside, Floyd appeared to be delirious and attempted to fight his way back into the house, and had to be restrained from so doing by his mother. It was while she was so engaged that her husband, not being aware of the safety of the girls, rushed back into the house and lost his life.
It was some time before the alarm was given and assistance reached the stricken family. When news of the fire reached town the fire alarm was sounded, and physicians and other anxious helpers hurried to the scene, finding only a heap of smouldering ruins where the house had stood.
The bodies of both the men were almost totally consumed by the fire, only the charred trunks and bare skulls remaining. The remains were brought to the undertaking establishment of Henne & Meyer Company and prepared for burial, and were then conveyed to the residence of Elmer Hodges at Big Lump. Burial was had Tuesday afternoon interment being in the Sandy Creek cemetery near Big Lump, Rev. J. A, Hall, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, in the presence of a large crowd.
Luther Allen came to Rockdale in the year 1899, and had lived in or near town ever since, rearing a large family. Eight children and his wife survive him. He followed the occupation of a farmer at times, and at other times worked for the lignite mines in various capacities. He was well and favorably known to a large number of our citizens. He was a member of the Baptist church.
His father, W. M. Allen, who had made his home with the family for several years, was born in Jackson county, Alabama, and came to Texas 35 years ago. He was an ordained minister of the Christian faith.
Two brothers of Luther Allen arrived in time for the funeral. They are A. G. and W. A. Allen of Beaumont. Two other brothers R. L. Allen of Olney, Texas, and N. J. Allen of Hamburg, Arkansas, arrived after the funeral. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. R. W. King of Amarillo and Mrs. Don S. Ebaugh, of Columbia, S. C.
The tragedy caused a shock to the citizenship of the town second only to the holocaust of early days when the Mundine Hotel was destroyed, in which fire some half a dozen people were burned to death. Many expressions of sympathy have been given in a substantial manner through contributions of cash and clothing to the family left all but destitute by their terrible experience.
News from the Cameron Hospital last night was to the effect that Floyd Allen is in a serious condition. His hands and arms are badly burned and amputation of several fingers may result. He has a very serious burn on the back, while his neck, head and face are in bad shape, and he is unable to open his eyes. Dr. Rischar stated that he feared Allen had inhaled the flames, as the interior of his mouth and throat were scorched. Due to that fact he has as yet been unable to take any nourishment. In short, according to Dr. Rischar, the young man is in a critical condition.
Luther Allen, Hero!
(An Editorial)
For more than twenty-five years Luther Allen lived in this community, pursuing the even tenor of his way, a modest, unassuming citizen, struggling against the adversities of life to support his family and educate his children. In times past the editor has heard him referred to as "a hard luck guy!" Fortune never seemed to smile on him - except in blessing him with children. His friends who knew him best liked him most because of the even tempered manner in which he faced adversity. Under all circumstances he did the best that he could, fighting on uncomplainingly, asking only the opportunity of serving his family to the best of his ability. He never sought to sit in high stations or wear a laurel crown. He recognized his own deficiencies and was content to do the best that he could with the talents that he could with the talents that his Maker had given him.
Today his charred body rests in a hero's grave, for truly Luther Allen died the death of a hero. He lived his life uncomplainingly for others, and for others he died. A halo of heroism surrounds him in death. May he rest in peace!
https://www.newspapers.com/image/86992457/?terms=Luther%2BAllen
2 BURNED FATALLY IN HOME FIRE
----------------------------------------------------
ROCKDALE BLAZE KILLS FATHER AND SON AND HURTS ANOTHER
ROCKDALE, Tex., Jan. 11. - Two persons were burned to death and a third may die as the result of a farm home fire near here early today.
Luther Allen and his aged father were burned to death, while Floyd Allen may lose his life as the result of an unsuccessful attempt to save his grandfather.
The blaze is believed to have originated in the aged man's room. Luther Allen dashed into the burning home, seeking his wife and two small children, who had escaped, and was trapped in the flames.
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth742624/m1/1/zoom/?q=the%20rockdale%20reporter%20and%20messenger%20jan.%2013,%201927&resolution=2⪫=4941.28491063833&lon=1628.054894718557
From The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger, Thursday, January 13, 1927
Luther Allen and Aged Father Lose Lives in Midnight Fire
Well Known Citizen Gives His Life in Attempt to Save the Lives of His Children - Floyd Allen, Grown Son of Luther Allen, In Hospital With Serious Burns
Luther M. Allen, age 47, and his father, W. M. Allen, age 71, lost their lives in a fire which consumed the Allen home at Big Lump, five miles east of Rockdale, shortly after 1:00 o'clock Tuesday morning. Floyd Allen, 21, son of Luther Allen, was also seriously burned, and is now in the Cameron Hospital. It is that he will recover. Other members of the family, including Mrs. Luther Allen and her three-weeks-old baby, barely escaped with their lives, being forced to seek shelter at the home of a neighbor a quarter-mile distant, in their night clothes.
The fire evidently had its origin to the room of the elder Allen, and was possibly die to an exploding lamp. The position of the old gentleman's body indicated that he made an attempt to escape.
Mrs. Luther Allen was awakened first, and found the house enveloped in flames. She aroused her husband and smaller children, sleeping in separate rooms, then aroused her son, Floyd, in still another room. Luther Allen made his way out of the house, but rushed back into the room occupied by two of the girls, thinking they were still asleep. The position in which his body was found indicated that he was groping on the bed, trying to pick up the girls, and was either overcome by heat and smoke or the roof fell in on him while so doing.
Floyd Allen's room was in flames when his mother awakened him, and he was seriously burned in making his escape. After getting outside, Floyd appeared to be delirious and attempted to fight his way back into the house, and had to be restrained from so doing by his mother. It was while she was so engaged that her husband, not being aware of the safety of the girls, rushed back into the house and lost his life.
It was some time before the alarm was given and assistance reached the stricken family. When news of the fire reached town the fire alarm was sounded, and physicians and other anxious helpers hurried to the scene, finding only a heap of smouldering ruins where the house had stood.
The bodies of both the men were almost totally consumed by the fire, only the charred trunks and bare skulls remaining. The remains were brought to the undertaking establishment of Henne & Meyer Company and prepared for burial, and were then conveyed to the residence of Elmer Hodges at Big Lump. Burial was had Tuesday afternoon interment being in the Sandy Creek cemetery near Big Lump, Rev. J. A, Hall, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, in the presence of a large crowd.
Luther Allen came to Rockdale in the year 1899, and had lived in or near town ever since, rearing a large family. Eight children and his wife survive him. He followed the occupation of a farmer at times, and at other times worked for the lignite mines in various capacities. He was well and favorably known to a large number of our citizens. He was a member of the Baptist church.
His father, W. M. Allen, who had made his home with the family for several years, was born in Jackson county, Alabama, and came to Texas 35 years ago. He was an ordained minister of the Christian faith.
Two brothers of Luther Allen arrived in time for the funeral. They are A. G. and W. A. Allen of Beaumont. Two other brothers R. L. Allen of Olney, Texas, and N. J. Allen of Hamburg, Arkansas, arrived after the funeral. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. R. W. King of Amarillo and Mrs. Don S. Ebaugh, of Columbia, S. C.
The tragedy caused a shock to the citizenship of the town second only to the holocaust of early days when the Mundine Hotel was destroyed, in which fire some half a dozen people were burned to death. Many expressions of sympathy have been given in a substantial manner through contributions of cash and clothing to the family left all but destitute by their terrible experience.
News from the Cameron Hospital last night was to the effect that Floyd Allen is in a serious condition. His hands and arms are badly burned and amputation of several fingers may result. He has a very serious burn on the back, while his neck, head and face are in bad shape, and he is unable to open his eyes. Dr. Rischar stated that he feared Allen had inhaled the flames, as the interior of his mouth and throat were scorched. Due to that fact he has as yet been unable to take any nourishment. In short, according to Dr. Rischar, the young man is in a critical condition.
Luther Allen, Hero!
(An Editorial)
For more than twenty-five years Luther Allen lived in this community, pursuing the even tenor of his way, a modest, unassuming citizen, struggling against the adversities of life to support his family and educate his children. In times past the editor has heard him referred to as "a hard luck guy!" Fortune never seemed to smile on him - except in blessing him with children. His friends who knew him best liked him most because of the even tempered manner in which he faced adversity. Under all circumstances he did the best that he could, fighting on uncomplainingly, asking only the opportunity of serving his family to the best of his ability. He never sought to sit in high stations or wear a laurel crown. He recognized his own deficiencies and was content to do the best that he could with the talents that he could with the talents that his Maker had given him.
Today his charred body rests in a hero's grave, for truly Luther Allen died the death of a hero. He lived his life uncomplainingly for others, and for others he died. A halo of heroism surrounds him in death. May he rest in peace!
https://www.newspapers.com/image/86992457/?terms=Luther%2BAllen
2 BURNED FATALLY IN HOME FIRE
----------------------------------------------------
ROCKDALE BLAZE KILLS FATHER AND SON AND HURTS ANOTHER
ROCKDALE, Tex., Jan. 11. - Two persons were burned to death and a third may die as the result of a farm home fire near here early today.
Luther Allen and his aged father were burned to death, while Floyd Allen may lose his life as the result of an unsuccessful attempt to save his grandfather.
The blaze is believed to have originated in the aged man's room. Luther Allen dashed into the burning home, seeking his wife and two small children, who had escaped, and was trapped in the flames.
From The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger, Thursday, January 13, 1927
Luther Allen and Aged Father Lose Lives in Midnight Fire
Well Known Citizen Gives His Life in Attempt to Save the Lives of His Children - Floyd Allen, Grown Son of Luther Allen, In Hospital With Serious Burns
Luther M. Allen, age 47, and his father, W. M. Allen, age 71, lost their lives in a fire which consumed the Allen home at Big Lump, five miles east of Rockdale, shortly after 1:00 o'clock Tuesday morning. Floyd Allen, 21, son of Luther Allen, was also seriously burned, and is now in the Cameron Hospital. It is that he will recover. Other members of the family, including Mrs. Luther Allen and her three-weeks-old baby, barely escaped with their lives, being forced to seek shelter at the home of a neighbor a quarter-mile distant, in their night clothes.
The fire evidently had its origin to the room of the elder Allen, and was possibly die to an exploding lamp. The position of the old gentleman's body indicated that he made an attempt to escape.
Mrs. Luther Allen was awakened first, and found the house enveloped in flames. She aroused her husband and smaller children, sleeping in separate rooms, then aroused her son, Floyd, in still another room. Luther Allen made his way out of the house, but rushed back into the room occupied by two of the girls, thinking they were still asleep. The position in which his body was found indicated that he was groping on the bed, trying to pick up the girls, and was either overcome by heat and smoke or the roof fell in on him while so doing.
Floyd Allen's room was in flames when his mother awakened him, and he was seriously burned in making his escape. After getting outside, Floyd appeared to be delirious and attempted to fight his way back into the house, and had to be restrained from so doing by his mother. It was while she was so engaged that her husband, not being aware of the safety of the girls, rushed back into the house and lost his life.
It was some time before the alarm was given and assistance reached the stricken family. When news of the fire reached town the fire alarm was sounded, and physicians and other anxious helpers hurried to the scene, finding only a heap of smouldering ruins where the house had stood.
The bodies of both the men were almost totally consumed by the fire, only the charred trunks and bare skulls remaining. The remains were brought to the undertaking establishment of Henne & Meyer Company and prepared for burial, and were then conveyed to the residence of Elmer Hodges at Big Lump. Burial was had Tuesday afternoon interment being in the Sandy Creek cemetery near Big Lump, Rev. J. A, Hall, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, in the presence of a large crowd.
Luther Allen came to Rockdale in the year 1899, and had lived in or near town ever since, rearing a large family. Eight children and his wife survive him. He followed the occupation of a farmer at times, and at other times worked for the lignite mines in various capacities. He was well and favorably known to a large number of our citizens. He was a member of the Baptist church.
His father, W. M. Allen, who had made his home with the family for several years, was born in Jackson county, Alabama, and came to Texas 35 years ago. He was an ordained minister of the Christian faith.
Two brothers of Luther Allen arrived in time for the funeral. They are A. G. and W. A. Allen of Beaumont. Two other brothers R. L. Allen of Olney, Texas, and N. J. Allen of Hamburg, Arkansas, arrived after the funeral. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. R. W. King of Amarillo and Mrs. Don S. Ebaugh, of Columbia, S. C.
The tragedy caused a shock to the citizenship of the town second only to the holocaust of early days when the Mundine Hotel was destroyed, in which fire some half a dozen people were burned to death. Many expressions of sympathy have been given in a substantial manner through contributions of cash and clothing to the family left all but destitute by their terrible experience.
News from the Cameron Hospital last night was to the effect that Floyd Allen is in a serious condition. His hands and arms are badly burned and amputation of several fingers may result. He has a very serious burn on the back, while his neck, head and face are in bad shape, and he is unable to open his eyes. Dr. Rischar stated that he feared Allen had inhaled the flames, as the interior of his mouth and throat were scorched. Due to that fact he has as yet been unable to take any nourishment. In short, according to Dr. Rischar, the young man is in a critical condition.
Luther Allen, Hero!
(An Editorial)
For more than twenty-five years Luther Allen lived in this community, pursuing the even tenor of his way, a modest, unassuming citizen, struggling against the adversities of life to support his family and educate his children. In times past the editor has heard him referred to as "a hard luck guy!" Fortune never seemed to smile on him - except in blessing him with children. His friends who knew him best liked him most because of the even tempered manner in which he faced adversity. Under all circumstances he did the best that he could, fighting on uncomplainingly, asking only the opportunity of serving his family to the best of his ability. He never sought to sit in high stations or wear a laurel crown. He recognized his own deficiencies and was content to do the best that he could with the talents that he could with the talents that his Maker had given him.
Today his charred body rests in a hero's grave, for truly Luther Allen died the death of a hero. He lived his life uncomplainingly for others, and for others he died. A halo of heroism surrounds him in death. May he rest in peace!
https://www.newspapers.com/image/86992457/?terms=Luther%2BAllen
2 BURNED FATALLY IN HOME FIRE
----------------------------------------------------
ROCKDALE BLAZE KILLS FATHER AND SON AND HURTS ANOTHER
ROCKDALE, Tex., Jan. 11. - Two persons were burned to death and a third may die as the result of a farm home fire near here early today.
Luther Allen and his aged father were burned to death, while Floyd Allen may lose his life as the result of an unsuccessful attempt to save his grandfather.
The blaze is believed to have originated in the aged man's room. Luther Allen dashed into the burning home, seeking his wife and two small children, who had escaped, and was trapped in the flames.
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