Mosherville, Pa., Aug. 1. - Yesterday forenoon Barnum Dewitt, aged sixty, who has been demented for some time, went into his own hay mow and set it on fire. The barn, full of hay, harness, and all contents, including the unfortunate man himself, were burned. A few of his bones were found. It is supposed he chose that manner of suicide. He leaves a family. His son saw the flames, and emerged from the house a moment later. Running to the door he endeavored to open it, but found it locked. With a crowbar he pried an entrance into the barn, which was by this time a mass of flames and smoke. In the middle of the floor stood his father, his clothing ablaze and his flesh sizzling. The horrified young man called to the maniac to come out, and was answered by a shriek of derisive laughter. Rushing inside, the brave boy tried to pull his father outside of the blazing barn, but the man retreated to a corner, which was a mass of fire, and threw himself into the raging flames, and there expired. DeWitt is well known throughout this section and has a brother-in-law Mr. M. W. Dunning who lives in the Fifth ward in Elmira. He was partially demented. This was the second time he tried to take his life. Squire Moore, of Gillets, took charge of the remains (Bradford Republican, Towanda, Pennsylvania, Thursday, August 6, 1885).
Barnett Dewitt died Aspinwall Friday, burned to death (Mansfield Advertiser, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1885).
Wells News.
Last Friday occurred, just over the line in South Creek township, one of the most shocking affairs one is ever called upon to report. Barnet Dewitt, a man who has been considered slightly deranged for over thirty years, and for several years past has been growing worse, set fire to a large pile of loose straw in his barn and placing himself in the midst, perished in the flames. The occurrence, as related by his family, is as follows: On Friday morning his wife drove to South Creek, leaving her daughter-in-law to keep house during her absence. The husband admonished her not to stay long, and then took a morning nap, awaking about ten o'clock and going immediately to the barn, where in ten minutes' time the flames were discovered by his son, who was working in a field near by. Rushing in, he found his father standing in the midst of the fire, and calling to him to run received the insane reply, "My God! the barn's on fire!" and with no other cry or groan retained his position and sank in the midst of the flames. The wife arrived, neighbors gathered around, but the fire had gained such headway and the heat was so intense that nothing could be done to rescue the unfortunate man, and when at last the remains were taken from the ruins, only a few bones were left. Mrs. Dewitt is a sister of S. H. Ingersoll, who was notified, and with his wife hastened to the scene, but was too late to do more than compose the charred bones of the victim. The funeral took place on Judson Hill on Sunday, being conducted by Rev. A. King, of Daggett's Mills, and he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife. He leaves four children by his former marriage and two by his last wife, all adults (undated obituary from scrapbook collection).
The DeWitt and Joralemon families were devout Methodists and some of the very first to be buried in the cemetery and organizers of the Methodist Church on Judson Hill. Sarah DeWitt wife of Joseph Hopkins DeWitt has the second oldest dated marker in the cemetery. Joseph Hopkins DeWitt, Doctor Barnet DeWitt, John Bostwick DeWitt, Elizabeth DeWitt Joralemon, and Azuba DeWitt Joralemon were all siblings and all are buried in the cemetery except for Joseph Hopkins DeWitt. The markers in the first row are that of William (far right) and Mary, children of James and Elizabeth, next to their parents and Sarah wife of Joseph H. DeWitt. Further to the left and not in the photograph is the lot of D. Barnet DeWitt and family. The large four-sided monument with the toppled pillar is that of John Joralemon and Azuba DeWitt and their three sons. The small marker to the right is that of their grandson Archie VanKirk and Albanus Joralemon eldest child of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert is next to him. Further to the right and not in the photograph is the remaining lot of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert and family. The markers in the rear and near the fence are members of the Francis Hopkins DeWitt family. Sarah Frances Yule daughter of Doctor Erastus Dean Yule and Mary DeWitt is buried nearby. In all, at least twenty four members of the DeWitt and Joralemon families are buried on several adjoining lots in the northeast section of the cemetery. John Joralemon son of James Joralemon and Elizabeth DeWitt, Peter Marion Joralemon son of John Hopkins DeWitt and Elizabeth Albert, John VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, James L. VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, and Manning Force DeWitt son of John Bostwick DeWitt and Ann Goble, all entered the Methodist ministry.
Barnett Dewitt died Aspinwall Friday, burned to death (Mansfield Advertiser, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1885).
Wells News.
Last Friday occurred, just over the line in South Creek township, one of the most shocking affairs one is ever called upon to report. Barnet Dewitt, a man who has been considered slightly deranged for over thirty years, and for several years past has been growing worse, set fire to a large pile of loose straw in his barn and placing himself in the midst, perished in the flames. The occurrence, as related by his family, is as follows: On Friday morning his wife drove to South Creek, leaving her daughter-in-law to keep house during her absence. The husband admonished her not to stay long, and then took a morning nap, awaking about ten o'clock and going immediately to the barn, where in ten minutes' time the flames were discovered by his son, who was working in a field near by. Rushing in, he found his father standing in the midst of the fire, and calling to him to run received the insane reply, "My God! the barn's on fire!" and with no other cry or groan retained his position and sank in the midst of the flames. The wife arrived, neighbors gathered around, but the fire had gained such headway and the heat was so intense that nothing could be done to rescue the unfortunate man, and when at last the remains were taken from the ruins, only a few bones were left. Mrs. Dewitt is a sister of S. H. Ingersoll, who was notified, and with his wife hastened to the scene, but was too late to do more than compose the charred bones of the victim. The funeral took place on Judson Hill on Sunday, being conducted by Rev. A. King, of Daggett's Mills, and he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife. He leaves four children by his former marriage and two by his last wife, all adults (undated obituary from scrapbook collection).
The DeWitt and Joralemon families were devout Methodists and some of the very first to be buried in the cemetery and organizers of the Methodist Church on Judson Hill. Sarah DeWitt wife of Joseph Hopkins DeWitt has the second oldest dated marker in the cemetery. Joseph Hopkins DeWitt, Doctor Barnet DeWitt, John Bostwick DeWitt, Elizabeth DeWitt Joralemon, and Azuba DeWitt Joralemon were all siblings and all are buried in the cemetery except for Joseph Hopkins DeWitt. The markers in the first row are that of William (far right) and Mary, children of James and Elizabeth, next to their parents and Sarah wife of Joseph H. DeWitt. Further to the left and not in the photograph is the lot of D. Barnet DeWitt and family. The large four-sided monument with the toppled pillar is that of John Joralemon and Azuba DeWitt and their three sons. The small marker to the right is that of their grandson Archie VanKirk and Albanus Joralemon eldest child of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert is next to him. Further to the right and not in the photograph is the remaining lot of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert and family. The markers in the rear and near the fence are members of the Francis Hopkins DeWitt family. Sarah Frances Yule daughter of Doctor Erastus Dean Yule and Mary DeWitt is buried nearby. In all, at least twenty four members of the DeWitt and Joralemon families are buried on several adjoining lots in the northeast section of the cemetery. John Joralemon son of James Joralemon and Elizabeth DeWitt, Peter Marion Joralemon son of John Hopkins DeWitt and Elizabeth Albert, John VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, James L. VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, and Manning Force DeWitt son of John Bostwick DeWitt and Ann Goble, all entered the Methodist ministry.
Mosherville, Pa., Aug. 1. - Yesterday forenoon Barnum Dewitt, aged sixty, who has been demented for some time, went into his own hay mow and set it on fire. The barn, full of hay, harness, and all contents, including the unfortunate man himself, were burned. A few of his bones were found. It is supposed he chose that manner of suicide. He leaves a family. His son saw the flames, and emerged from the house a moment later. Running to the door he endeavored to open it, but found it locked. With a crowbar he pried an entrance into the barn, which was by this time a mass of flames and smoke. In the middle of the floor stood his father, his clothing ablaze and his flesh sizzling. The horrified young man called to the maniac to come out, and was answered by a shriek of derisive laughter. Rushing inside, the brave boy tried to pull his father outside of the blazing barn, but the man retreated to a corner, which was a mass of fire, and threw himself into the raging flames, and there expired. DeWitt is well known throughout this section and has a brother-in-law Mr. M. W. Dunning who lives in the Fifth ward in Elmira. He was partially demented. This was the second time he tried to take his life. Squire Moore, of Gillets, took charge of the remains (Bradford Republican, Towanda, Pennsylvania, Thursday, August 6, 1885).
Barnett Dewitt died Aspinwall Friday, burned to death (Mansfield Advertiser, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1885).
Wells News.
Last Friday occurred, just over the line in South Creek township, one of the most shocking affairs one is ever called upon to report. Barnet Dewitt, a man who has been considered slightly deranged for over thirty years, and for several years past has been growing worse, set fire to a large pile of loose straw in his barn and placing himself in the midst, perished in the flames. The occurrence, as related by his family, is as follows: On Friday morning his wife drove to South Creek, leaving her daughter-in-law to keep house during her absence. The husband admonished her not to stay long, and then took a morning nap, awaking about ten o'clock and going immediately to the barn, where in ten minutes' time the flames were discovered by his son, who was working in a field near by. Rushing in, he found his father standing in the midst of the fire, and calling to him to run received the insane reply, "My God! the barn's on fire!" and with no other cry or groan retained his position and sank in the midst of the flames. The wife arrived, neighbors gathered around, but the fire had gained such headway and the heat was so intense that nothing could be done to rescue the unfortunate man, and when at last the remains were taken from the ruins, only a few bones were left. Mrs. Dewitt is a sister of S. H. Ingersoll, who was notified, and with his wife hastened to the scene, but was too late to do more than compose the charred bones of the victim. The funeral took place on Judson Hill on Sunday, being conducted by Rev. A. King, of Daggett's Mills, and he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife. He leaves four children by his former marriage and two by his last wife, all adults (undated obituary from scrapbook collection).
The DeWitt and Joralemon families were devout Methodists and some of the very first to be buried in the cemetery and organizers of the Methodist Church on Judson Hill. Sarah DeWitt wife of Joseph Hopkins DeWitt has the second oldest dated marker in the cemetery. Joseph Hopkins DeWitt, Doctor Barnet DeWitt, John Bostwick DeWitt, Elizabeth DeWitt Joralemon, and Azuba DeWitt Joralemon were all siblings and all are buried in the cemetery except for Joseph Hopkins DeWitt. The markers in the first row are that of William (far right) and Mary, children of James and Elizabeth, next to their parents and Sarah wife of Joseph H. DeWitt. Further to the left and not in the photograph is the lot of D. Barnet DeWitt and family. The large four-sided monument with the toppled pillar is that of John Joralemon and Azuba DeWitt and their three sons. The small marker to the right is that of their grandson Archie VanKirk and Albanus Joralemon eldest child of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert is next to him. Further to the right and not in the photograph is the remaining lot of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert and family. The markers in the rear and near the fence are members of the Francis Hopkins DeWitt family. Sarah Frances Yule daughter of Doctor Erastus Dean Yule and Mary DeWitt is buried nearby. In all, at least twenty four members of the DeWitt and Joralemon families are buried on several adjoining lots in the northeast section of the cemetery. John Joralemon son of James Joralemon and Elizabeth DeWitt, Peter Marion Joralemon son of John Hopkins DeWitt and Elizabeth Albert, John VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, James L. VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, and Manning Force DeWitt son of John Bostwick DeWitt and Ann Goble, all entered the Methodist ministry.
Barnett Dewitt died Aspinwall Friday, burned to death (Mansfield Advertiser, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1885).
Wells News.
Last Friday occurred, just over the line in South Creek township, one of the most shocking affairs one is ever called upon to report. Barnet Dewitt, a man who has been considered slightly deranged for over thirty years, and for several years past has been growing worse, set fire to a large pile of loose straw in his barn and placing himself in the midst, perished in the flames. The occurrence, as related by his family, is as follows: On Friday morning his wife drove to South Creek, leaving her daughter-in-law to keep house during her absence. The husband admonished her not to stay long, and then took a morning nap, awaking about ten o'clock and going immediately to the barn, where in ten minutes' time the flames were discovered by his son, who was working in a field near by. Rushing in, he found his father standing in the midst of the fire, and calling to him to run received the insane reply, "My God! the barn's on fire!" and with no other cry or groan retained his position and sank in the midst of the flames. The wife arrived, neighbors gathered around, but the fire had gained such headway and the heat was so intense that nothing could be done to rescue the unfortunate man, and when at last the remains were taken from the ruins, only a few bones were left. Mrs. Dewitt is a sister of S. H. Ingersoll, who was notified, and with his wife hastened to the scene, but was too late to do more than compose the charred bones of the victim. The funeral took place on Judson Hill on Sunday, being conducted by Rev. A. King, of Daggett's Mills, and he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife. He leaves four children by his former marriage and two by his last wife, all adults (undated obituary from scrapbook collection).
The DeWitt and Joralemon families were devout Methodists and some of the very first to be buried in the cemetery and organizers of the Methodist Church on Judson Hill. Sarah DeWitt wife of Joseph Hopkins DeWitt has the second oldest dated marker in the cemetery. Joseph Hopkins DeWitt, Doctor Barnet DeWitt, John Bostwick DeWitt, Elizabeth DeWitt Joralemon, and Azuba DeWitt Joralemon were all siblings and all are buried in the cemetery except for Joseph Hopkins DeWitt. The markers in the first row are that of William (far right) and Mary, children of James and Elizabeth, next to their parents and Sarah wife of Joseph H. DeWitt. Further to the left and not in the photograph is the lot of D. Barnet DeWitt and family. The large four-sided monument with the toppled pillar is that of John Joralemon and Azuba DeWitt and their three sons. The small marker to the right is that of their grandson Archie VanKirk and Albanus Joralemon eldest child of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert is next to him. Further to the right and not in the photograph is the remaining lot of John H. Joralemon and Elizabeth Albert and family. The markers in the rear and near the fence are members of the Francis Hopkins DeWitt family. Sarah Frances Yule daughter of Doctor Erastus Dean Yule and Mary DeWitt is buried nearby. In all, at least twenty four members of the DeWitt and Joralemon families are buried on several adjoining lots in the northeast section of the cemetery. John Joralemon son of James Joralemon and Elizabeth DeWitt, Peter Marion Joralemon son of John Hopkins DeWitt and Elizabeth Albert, John VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, James L. VanKirk son of Margaret Joralemon and Joseph VanKirk, and Manning Force DeWitt son of John Bostwick DeWitt and Ann Goble, all entered the Methodist ministry.
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