Blanche E. Kelly

From The Daily Notes -- August 30, 1911 CONDITIONS BECOMING NORMAL AFTER DAY OF MANY FUNERALS

Not a funeral was held in the town today, but at Houston a double funeral was held. The bodies of mother and her child -- Mrs. Blanche E. Kelly and her little daughter -- were buried from the home of the husband, Harry Kelly.

From The Daily Notes -- August 30, 1911 DOUBLE FUNERAL IS HELD AT HOUSTON

After funeral services conducted of the husband and father, Harry Kelly, Mrs. Mary Kelly and her son, Earl James aged 2 years, the only victims from Houston were buried in Oak Spring cemetery Wednesday morning. The little white casket containing the body of the baby stood near the head of that containing the mother, and in the child’s coffin was a floral offering from the cradle roll of the Sunday school to which he belonged. The employees of the Philadelphia Company also contributed flowers. The Rev. Daniel Morris of Minersville, former pastor of the First Baptist church, had attended to assist but because of the lateness of the street car did not arrive in time. Rev. Loomis said he believed good would come from the tragedy and while the husband and son could not bring back their loved ones, by living good lives they might join them when their work here was done. Mrs. Loomis sang a solo.

George William, the older son, was saved by falling under the father, Harry Kelly, who kept the wild rush at a short distance while the younger son was knocked to the floor and killed and Mrs. Kelly was crushed.

The bearers were James Collies, William Haught, Felix Downey, John Phillips, E. E. Bowen and W. F. Chambers.

From The Washington Observer -- August 30, 1911 LOWERING CLOUDS HOVER NEAR STRICKEN TOWN

Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock at Houston will be held the funeral of Mrs. Blanche Kelly and her four-year-old baby, from the home of the husband, Harry Kelly. The Rev. H. F. Loomis, of the First Baptist church, of Canonsburg, will have charge.

From The Washington Observer -- August 31, 1911 TWO MORE VICTIMS ARE LAID TO REST

Canonsburg, Aug. 30. -- One funeral passed over the streets here today, two more of the victims of last Saturday evening's theatre disaster being laid to rest in the Oak Springs cemetery. They were the bodies of Mrs. Mary Kelly, wife of Harry Kelly, of Houston, and her two-year-old son, Earl James Kelly. The mother and little one were laid to rest in one grave. There is one more victim to be buried, Francis Byrd, the young colored girl, and her funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

The funeral over the remains of Mrs. Kelly and her young son were held this morning at her late home in Houston. They were the only two persons from Houston who met their death in the opera house crush. The services were held at 10 o’clock and were in charge of Rev. H. F. Loomis, of the First Baptist church, Canonsburg, of which Mrs. Kelly was a member, and where the little boy attended Sunday school. Rev. David Morris, of Minersville, formerly pastor of the Canonsburg church, expected to assist, but was delayed by the trolley car being late, and reached the home just at the end of the services.

The casket of the son stood just at the head of the mother's. There were a number of beautiful floral tributes. There was one from the Philadelphia company, by whom Mr. Kelly is employed. On the casket of the boy there lay a floral piece, on which was this inscription: "Sympathy of the Cradle Roll." This came from the cradle roll of the First Baptist church. Rev. Mr. Loomis made a very beautiful and impressive address. The services were well attended. Mrs. Kelly's maiden name was Organ. She was the daughter of George Organ and aged about 36 years. She had lived in this section all her life, and leaves a wide circle of friends. There survive her, her husband and a four-year-old son, George William Kelly.

Four little boys, members of the Sunday school, were to act as pall bearers for the son, but did not reach the Kelly home on account of a late car. The two that were present were Glendore O'Brien and Frederick Holsing.

Mr. Kelly is discussing the terrible calamity and said that he and his family were coming from the theatre and seeing that there was going to be a rush he took the two children in his arms. In coming down the stairs he was knocked down in some manner and fell on top of the oldest son which saved his life. He held to the younger son and in a moment he was trampled from his arms and his life crushed out. Mr. Kelly, who was lying on top of the oldest son managed to raise himself up sufficiently to keep the pressure off the son while the frightened mob scrambled over his own body trying to gain the street through the death trap entry. He managed to hold his position long enough for some one to secure the oldest son and take him to a place of safety. While he was trying to save is children is wife was knocked down by the mob and smothered before assistance could reach her.

From The Daily Notes -- August 31, 1911 Mr. Kelly Thanks His Friends

I wish through the columns of The Notes to thank my neighbors and friends for their kindness in my sad bereavement - death of my wife and little son, and also for the floral offerings.

HARRY KELLY.