| Sercey
Elliott Burns to Death in $15,000 Blaze Destroying Large Residence of Mrs. Temple
Nash Unknown Newspaper |
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With his bedroom ablaze, making rescue impossible, James Sercey Elliott, age 73, uncle of Mrs. Temple Nash, was burned to death in the $15,000 fire which destroyed the large two-story Nash residence Thursday afternoon late. The body was recovered in the ruins. Funeral rites were conducted at 3 p.m. Friday at the Kaufman cemetery with the Rev. Wm. D. Craig, pastor of the the First Methodist church of Kaufman, officiating. Mr. Elliott had made his home with his niece since retiring several years ago because of failing health. He previously resided in Dallas and traveled for a wholesale glass concern. The deceased was born in Jefferson, Tex., and later lived in Kaufman, operating a print shop here many years ago. Later he moved to Forney and was associated in the newspaper business with Walter Adams, now a prominant druggist at Forney, in the publication of the Forney Tribune. He was never married and his nearest surviving relatives are Mrs. Temple Nash of Kaufman and Lewis Voiers of Taylor, niece and nephew. It is believed that Mr. Elliott was overcome, from the smoke and fumes before the blaze engulfed the rooms. He likely had fallen asleep and the fire may have started from a lighted cigarette. Mrs. Nash was downstairs when she smelt the smoke and when she reached the second floor Mr. Elliott's room was in flames. Furniture on the first floor was largely removed from the house by firemen and other volunteers. The residence was on of Kaufman's finest and most attractive. So terrific was the blaze that burning cinders caught a tent house two blocks away and destroyed it. Owned by Woodson Nash, the house was occupied by two families, and most of the furnishings were removed undamaged. Active pallbearers at Mr. Elliott's funeral were Joe W. Nash, Edward Nash, Shannon Jones, E. A. Carlisle, Mann Nash and Louis Nash.
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