HORSWILL living in South Dakota
From the Aberdeen Daily News, Aberdeen, South Dakota, dated December 22, 1911.
DOG SAVES FAMILY -
Frantic Barking Awakes Occupants of a Burning House at Bemis
Watertown, Dec. 22. - Aroused by the frantic barking of the family dog, Mr. and Mrs. D.H. HORSWILL, agent and wife for the Rock Island railroad at Bemis, Deuel County, awoke at an early hour yesterday morning to find themselves stifling with smoke, and flames rapidly destroying the depot, the second story of which was their residence.
Picking up their infant, Mr. Horswill made for a window, through which both he and Mrs. Horswill jumped to the platform below and to safety. Mr. Horswill held the baby in his arms as he jumped, and although he fell and struck his head a severe blow, the baby escaped without a bump. Mrs. Horswill also was uninjured.
The fire had gained such headway that there was no chance to save the depot. The little town was quickly aroused, but nothing could be done other than to save nearby elevators from taking fire. Fortunately there was but little wind, and this fact alone is said to have saved other buildings.
Friends took care of Mr. and Mrs. Horswill and baby, who were forced to jump in their night clothes. Outside of Mr. Horswill's bump on the head, they suffered no physical inconvenience, save a few minutes in the snow. All of their household effects were lost.
The cause of the fire is unknown.