From the Denver Evening Post, Sat., Jan. 6, 1900, p.2:
FIRE DESTROYED A YOUNG LIFE
FIVE-YEAR OLD JESSIE SHORES DIES FROM THE EFFECTS OF BURNS AND INHALED FLAMES
Jessie Shores, the 5-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Shores of 3244 Steele street, died at 10 o'clock last night from burns received during the evening. With her two small brothers, she was playing in the back yard of their home. They had a little fire wagon and played firemen without the fire for an hour. Then one of the brothers proposed to start a fire, which was done, and they were to put it out "like the firemen do." The blaze was started in a pile of paper, and all the children ran to put it out. In doing this the skirts of Jessie caught fire and she started across lots, screaming. The blaze increased so rapidly that they soon enveloped her. The brothers ran to her assistance, and overtaking her, threw her down upon the ground. The little fellows pulled off their caps and beat the flames until they were extinguished. But the flames had almost destroyed every particle of clothing worn by the little girl. The neighbors hearing her screams, ran to her assistance. She was rolling over on the ground in agony and they picked her up and carried her to her house. Dr. W. E. Shotwell was called, and administered solutions of sweet oil to her scorched skin. He at first thought he could save her life, but it became apparent that she had breathed the flames into her lungs and could not live. The doctor remained with her until last night when she died in the greatest agony. Her body was completely covered with burns, and it would have been impossible for her to have recovered had she not breathed the flames. Her hair was burned off and the body presented a horrible appearance when it was laid in McGovern's undertaking parlors this morning. Mrs. Shores was ill when the incident happened, and is now in a precarious condition as a result of the shock. Richard Shores, the father, is a teamster and is at present at Elizabeth, Colo. where he is at work. He has been notified of the death and will arrive here tonight. The two brothers who went so bravely to their sister's rescue were also burned about the face and hands, but they are in no danger. Jessie Shores was the only girl in the family.