The perils of everyday life in early 20th-century America were starkly highlighted by a devastating tragedy in Manteo, North Carolina. This blog post recounts the heartbreaking events as reported in the local newspapers.
A Devastating Kerosene Lamp Explosion
On a quiet Monday afternoon in Manteo, a horrific accident changed the lives of two sisters, Misses Bessie and Lessie Wescott, daughters of Captain Josiah Holly and Louisa (Daniels) Wescott. A kerosene lamp, a common household fixture of the time, exploded in their home. The resulting flames engulfed the room, and the sisters’ clothes became saturated with burning oil, leaving them terribly burned.
The fire consumed the furniture and tapestries, spreading quickly throughout the house. Although efforts were made to rescue the sisters, both sustained grievous injuries. Tragically, Miss Lessie Wescott’s burns were so severe that she was not expected to survive. Medical aid was rendered at a nearby friend’s house, but the flames had already gutted their residence, leaving it a charred shell.
A Second Blow: Miss Lessie Wescott Succumbs
The tragedy took a deeper toll the following day. Reports revealed that Miss Lessie Wescott had succumbed to her injuries. At just 17 years old, she was a bright and beloved member of the Manteo community and engaged to be married.
The explosion was caused by a lamp that either fell off the mantel or was knocked over due to the intense heat. The spilled oil ignited, spreading flames across the floor and onto Lessie’s clothing. Her cries alerted her older sister, Bessie, who rushed to her aid. Despite Bessie’s brave attempt to extinguish the flames using a quilt, Lessie’s body, except for her face and head, was severely burned. She also inhaled smoke and fire, further compounding her injuries.
Miss Lessie Wescott passed away at the home of Mr. D. W. Etheridge despite the dedicated efforts of local physicians. Her death left the community in mourning.
A Life Remembered
Lessie Wescott was described as a beautiful and popular young woman. Her untimely death came as a shock to all who knew her. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church, officiated by Rev. D. A. Tedder with assistance from other local clergy. Lessie was laid to rest in a moving ceremony that reflected the depth of her community’s grief.
A Glimpse Into Early 20th-Century Dangers
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in everyday life during the early 1900s. Kerosene lamps, though innovative for their time, were fraught with danger. The Wescott sisters’ story is a poignant example of how quickly disaster could strike.
- “The Robesonian. (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, January 13, 1910, Page 8, Image 8” newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1910-01-13/ed-1/seq-8/. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
- “Tar Heel. (Elizabeth City, N.C.) 1901-1911, January 14, 1910, Page 1, Image 1” newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026481/1910-01-14/ed-1/seq-1/. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
You must be logged in to post a comment.