Grayson County TXGenWeb

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, September 22, 1895
pg. 2

Monday morning between 11 and 12 o'clock a horrible death from fire occurred at 1121 West Owings street, this city, the victim being Mrs. J.L. Isaacs, a demented lady, 54 years of age, and recently from Princeton, Collin County, Texas. It appears that some 10 to 12 years ago Mrs. Isaacs lost her mind and was placed in the asylum at Austin. Later she was removed to Terrell. In 1892 she was granted a furlough and she went to reside with her son-in-law, Dr. T.G. Boorman, and family at Princeton. She grew better rapidly and in 1893 she was fully discharged. Some 2 or 3 months ago her mind again gave away and asa she had a son residing in this city it was decided for her to come on here with the hope that the change would prove beneficial. The change, however, did no good, and last week Emmet Isaacs, the son, telegraphed Dr. Boorman to come on to Denison as his mother seemed to grow worse daily. Dr. Boorman and family came immediately and it was decided best to immeciately have the lady returned to Terrell and arrangements had been made looking to that end. At the hour indicated above and while all the members of the family were at home except Emmet, who was at work in the M., K. & T. shops, Mrs. Isaacs concealed a snuff bottle filled with coal oil under her clothing and went out to the closet. Mrs. Emmet Isaacs noticed that her mother remained out a little longer than usual and started to see the cause of delay. Just before reaching the closet the door was pushed open and on the inside the daughter saw the form of the mother enveloped in flames of fire. Mrs. Isaacs, Sr. then ran out into the yard and fell to the ground. The daughter screamed and called for help. Dr. Boorman and wife and a large number of neighbors quickly gathered and everything possible was done to save the lady's life but death soon relieved her of her suffering. During all the time of the fire she said not a word and after she had been removed to the house she stated that she would soon be dead and there would be no use of sending for a doctor. The remains were interred Tuesday morning in Oakwood Cemetery.

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, September 22, 1895
pg. 3

LOCAL CONDENSATIONS
Monday, September 16, 1895 - Mrs. J.L. Isaacs, 1121 Owings street, died this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock from the effects of severe burns received in her efforts to commit suicide Saturday last.