Albert D. Wilcox attempted to save Michael Sellers from burning, Morrison, Illinois, April 15, 1913. Being attracted by cries, the sheriff opened a padded jail cell and found the padding in flames. Sellers, 35, laborer, with nearly all his clothes burned off, ran from the cell and fell to the floor. The sheriff was burned, and he and a servant left the room. Three other men endeavored to aid Sellers but were prevented by the dense smoke and heat. Wilcox, 35, janitor, then reached the building and crawled into the room on hands and knees. The smoke was thick and ill-smelling, and it was dense within three feet of the floor. The heat was intense. Wilcox crawled 17 feet to Sellers, who was unconscious. He lifted Sellers across one shoulder and, although he could not see the door, walked rapidly from the room. The smoke affected his lungs, and he was coughing and gasping when he reached fresh air. Sellers died within a short time without recovering consciousness. 12618-1092
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