The Reedsburg Times
Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Friday, April 11, 1913
LADY BURNS TO DEATH
Mrs. Hoverman at Loganville Meets with Accident
GASOLINE IS CAUSE
Mistaking Gasoline for Kerosene When Starting Fire Causes Explosion
Last Saturday morning Mrs. Sophia Hoverman of Loganville met with the sad accident, which resulted in her death. While at the home of her son Herman, she arose early and started the kitchen fire, using gasoline by mistake. An explosion followed scattering fire in the room and setting fire to her clothes. Mrs. Hoverman ran outside a mass of flames, calling for help. The members of the family, neighbors and medical skill did all within their power to help the suffering woman but she died a few hours later, conscious to the last, blaming no one but herself.
Sophia Kassh was born in Germany, Aug. 8, 1849, and died April 5, 1913. She came to America when four years of age and settled at Middleton, Wis. In 1868 she was united in marriage to Henry Hoverman and in a short time they moved to Nebraska. In 1875 they moved to Loganville, Wis., where she has since lived. Eleven children were born to them, six of whom are living, three boys and three girls; George, Herman, Walter and Elda at Loganville: Edith, at Hill Point and Florence at Everett, Wash. Mr. Hoverman died in 1888.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon and the remains were laid beside her husband and five children. Her untimely death was a shock to the whole community and the bereaved family have the sympathy of all.
Contributed by Darlene Penisten