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Archiver > NJHUNTER > 2004-03 > 1079048023


From: Lisa <>
Subject: [NJHUNTER] Newspaper Clippings
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 18:33:47 -0500


PLEASE NOTE - The following newspaper clippings are from a collection found
after my great Aunt passed away. She unfortunately made no note of what paper
they came from or the date. I felt they may still provide important clues for
somebody and other listers agreed so I have been posting them regardless.



Burns To Death In Farm Home

James APGAR's Charred Body Lies in Ruins of Fire Near Fairmount

Started In Sickroom

James APGAR, a Fairmount farmer, was burned to death in a fire which broke out at his home at 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, apparently starting in his bedroom and spreading so rapidly that his sons were unable to reach his side.

Frank APGAR, one of the sons, was returning from the barn, where he had been gathering eggs, when he discovered smoke in the cellar. Mrs. APGAR, wife of the doomed man, and his daughter, Mabel, were in the kitchen, where the smoke was not noticeable.

Frank rushed to the second floor bedroom, where his father was confined by illness, due to hardening of the arteries and complications. Owing to the dense smoke and flames he was unable to enter the room. Another son, Willard, was also unsuccessful and was burned about the face and hands. Both made every effort to rescue the father, but the room was a roaring furnace.

The Califon Fire Company was called but could do little because of the lack of water. A bucket brigade was formed but the house could not be saved. It burned most of the night, the remains of the dead man in the ruins. As soon as they have cooled enough to permit their removal, they will be taken to the morgue of Daniel COUGHLIN, in Califon, under the direction of Coroner BROKAW.

Nothing was saved from the burning building except some clothing and bedding. The loss is partially covered by insurance.

Mr. APGAR, 78 years of age, was a prosperous farmer, peach grower and nurseryman, and a son of the late Emanuel APGAR, of Mount Grove. He married Elizabeth BUNN, of Cokesbury, who survives him, together with four sons and four daughters: Howard APGAR, of Mountainville; Charles APGAR, of Oldwick, and Willard and Frank APGAR, of Fairmount; Mrs. Mabel FARLEY, at home; Mrs. Phillip AUBLE, of Fairmount; Mrs. Lizzie APGAR, of Annandale, and Mrs. Sigmond ANDERSON, of High Bridge; also two brothers, Benjamin APGAR, of Port Murray, and Jacob E. APGAR, of Beattystown.

The cause of the fire is not known but it apparently started in Mr. APGAR's bedroom. George W. PLANKS, of Fairmount, who had been taking care of the sick man, had prepared him for bed about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, as was his custom, and then went home. There was a coal stove in the room and Mr. APGAR was in the habit of smoking, so which, if either, caused the fire is unknown. It is possible that he might have arisen after Planks left, and in trying to do something to the stove, spilled some coals on the floor, or caught fire himself.

Many persons were attracted to the scene by the unusual nature of the tragedy.



NOTE: James APGAR was my gg grandfather. My gg grandmother's name was Mary Ann BUNN. I am not sure where the Elizabeth came from. I will have to ask my grandmother if she knows.




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