The Death of Adelaide Tolstede Woodcock

The Adlaide Tolstede referenced in these articles was likely the sister of Ulrich Tolstedt.

Friday, February 6, 1914

Rubber Hose Connecting Stove Sprang A leak and She Lit a Match to See What Was the Matter

Last night at five minutes after five o’clock, Mrs. A. Woodcock of Bronson was fatally injured in a gas explosion, which wrecked her home. Mrs. Woodcock uses a sheet iron stove in which she burns gas. A rubber hose connection is used and as a custom, Mr. Woodcock turned it off at the stove. The house was leaking badly when Mrs. Woodcock entered the kitchen. She was first attracted by the hiss, but was not attracted by the odor. When she began smelling the gas she supposed it was smoke and lit a match to see. In the explosion which followed three sides of the room were blown out and Mrs. Woodcock was badly burned. She was removed to the home of a neighbor immediately, where she was attended by Dr. Cummings. On account of the severe shock of the burns it is feared that she cannot survive. She was suffering a great deal this afternoon and death seemed but a few hours away according to the last reports.

Mrs. Woodcock is a cousin of Adjutant General C.I. Martin and of Miss Nettie Martin of this city. Her husband died some time ago and since then she has been living alone.

The force of the explosion completely wrecked the house, but nothing was ignited.

Monday, February 9, 1914

Mrs. A. Woodcock of Bronson, died Saturday Afternoon of Burns Received Thursday.

Mrs. A. Woodcock of Bronson, who was so badly injured Thursday evening in a gas explosion, died Saturday afternoon at 2:30 from the burns she received. Death was expected all along, for she was frightfully burned and suffered intensely until within a few minutes of death.

A leaking gas hose connection filled the kitchen with gas, Mrs. Woodcock heard the hiss of the gas, but paid no attention to it. As soon as the fumes began to spread she thought it was smoke and lighted a match to investigate. The explosion which followed, burned Mrs. Woodcock severely and the house was completely wrecked. Three sides were knocked out, but the fire did not spread.

Dr. Cummings was called and he found the injuries of such a nature that, all hope of saving her life was given up. Everything possible to ease her pain was given, but she sank rapidly and death lingered much longer than expected.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the Methodist church at Bronson. The services were conducted by Rev. Oliver. Interment was made in the Bronson cemetery.

Mrs. Woodcock formerly lived in this city with her husband, who conducted a grocery and feed store at the corner of National avenue and First street. They left Fort Scott and moved to Bronson where Mr. Woodcock died about four years ago.