George W Harris
Kentucky Post, Friday, 8 February 1952, page 1
FIRE VICTIM-George Harris, 78, was burned to death in the two
alarm fire which destroyed a four story apartment building at 712 York street,
Newport, late Thursday. George W Harris, 78, past commander of Capt A M
Wetherill Camp, United Spanish War Veterans, was found dead in his third floor
room after the fire had been brought under control. The aged veteran of
the Spanish War was suffocated from smoke before flames entered his room.
His body was found on the floor. It was first believed that Mr. Harris had made his way to safety. The victim was a familiar figure in Newport for many years. He was active in various veteran and charitable promotions and was one of the Democratic party workers for many years. He had lived alone since the death of his wife two years ago.
On Tuesday, Mr. Harris, cognizant of his age and becoming feeble, visited the Vonderhaar and Stetter funeral home and made arrangements for his burial. He also contacted officials relative to his will and disposition of his meager estate. Rev Schaufuss said during World War II, Mr. Harris took personal charge of raising and lowering the flag from the pole in the church yard. He had presented the flag to the church on behalf of the Spanish War Encampment.
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George W Harris was born 23 Sep 1873 in Kentucky to George Harris. He died 7 Feb 1952 in Newport and was a veteran of the Spanish American War. He enlisted as a private 6 May 1898 and was discharged 31 Oct 1898. He was buried 9 Feb in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Erlanger Ky.