1894 Hinckley Minnesota Forest Fire Deaths

The exact origin of the fire is somewhat indefinite; the one that visited Hinckley must have started in the region south of Mission Creek. Around this little village much of the pine had been cut. There was in the hamlet twenty-six houses, a schoolhouse, a small sawmill a general store, hotel and blacksmith shop. At the time of the fire there were seventy-three people living in, and adjacent to, this village; a great number of the population were away from home, having gone to Dakota for the harvest. The people had been fighting local fires for a month. At noon, on September 1, great clouds of smoke could be seen in the southwest. By two o’clock the wind became a hurricane, and at three o’clock it was almost as dark as night. The people flocked to the store, and asked the proprietor to telegraph for a train to take them away. By this time the whole village was on fire, and the people proceeded to a potato patch in the rear of the store. For two hours they laid with their faces to the ground until the worst was over, and that night were conveyed by a work train to Pine City. Everyone lost all they had, with the exception of a few who saved a little wearing apparel, which happened to be stored away in satchels.

As early as July 16 forest fires were reported in Eastern Minnesota, section men in the employ of the railroads were set to work fighting the flames. Hundreds of tons of hay were destroyed. The fires were generally removed quite a distance from the right of way of the railroads or the habitations of the resident, and there had been no reports of any damaged buildings.

The theory has been advanced that the origin of the fire was caused by charcoal dust and carbon being absorbed by the atmosphere, and then becoming so heated by the long continued drought, so as to produce spontaneous combustion. The basis however, of this theory is simply that persons claimed to have witnessed that the air seemed to be on fire, and that the flames made’ great leaps, often breaking out from 1,500 to 2,000 feet ahead of the foremost blaze, without any apparent cause. The survivors of the calamity, however, state that the wind was terrific and the smoke was so black and dense that it was impossible to see anything three feet away. The fact was, that for three months there had been’ a continuation of forest fires, some of which had not been properly extinguished by the fire fighters, and this, with the intense dryness, had made a regular tinder box of the accumulated debris, which igniting laid the foundation for the great conflagration.

About six miles west of Mission Creek was Pokegama, now shown on the railroad maps as Brook Park. It had been first settled in 1893, and there were one hundred and thirty-five persons in the settlement. On the day of the fire, the wind blew a gale from the southwest, and swept the fire, which started three miles away, in a direct line to the village. The fire reached this settlement about two o’clock in the afternoon; the atmosphere was filled with smoke; the people, for protection, sought the water of a small pond, about fifteen feet deep in the center, near a railroad bridge. This increased the danger, as only the edges of the pond could be used by the people for fear of getting beyond their depth in the water. The people were all huddled together, throwing water upon each other, and the heat became so intense they were obliged to stand in the water, barely leaving their mouths -and noses exposed so as to breathe. They were kept in the pond by the heat from two to six o’clock in the afternoon, when they took possession of two boxcars, which the fire had left untouched. Twenty-three persons lost their lives, and the schoolhouse, sawmill, store and dwellings were completely devastated.

Between Pokegama and Opsted, twenty-three Chippewa Indian bodies were found; these belonged to the Chief Wacouta band, who perished with his followers. They had left the reservation two months before the fire, and built a hunting lodge on one of the forks of the Shadridge Creek.

At this time the fire fiend was advancing with rapid strides upon Hinckley, one of the lumbering town of Pine County, having a population of about 1,200 people. All around the village were woods as dry as tinder, and ready for a terrible bonfire. The danger of fire had long been seen, and warning had been given of possible damage to the town. The inhabitants, however, had become fearless bf danger. The fire that reached Mission Creek swept onwards towards the north, following the direction of the St. Paul and Duluth railway tracks, where they intersect with the Great Northern tracks. This alone was certain doom to Hinckley, but soon the fire which had laid Brook Park in ashes joined the other fire, and Hinckley became one avalanche of flame, wind, heat and storm, dealing death and destruction in its path. The depot, public buildings, schools, etc., simply melted down in a few minutes; the earth, the air, even the heavens, seemed to be on fire; it was only in flight, water, or the train that escape could be hoped for.

About two o’clock on the afternoon of the fire, the fire department of Hinckley was called to the west side of the town to fight a slight blaze; in about half an hour a dozen small buildings on the outskirts were in flames. ‘Two thousand feet of hose was laid down, and a telegram sent to Rush City for 600 feet more. The wind was blowing a perfect hurricane, from a direction a little west of south. At twenty minutes to three o’clock, the local from Duluth, on the Great Northern railroad, pulled into Hinckley; everything was afire at that time, and the heat and smoke were intense almost to suffocation. The freight train was sidetracked awaiting the arrival of a passenger train, northbound, due at Hinckley at 3:25. After a consultation of the conductors and engineers, Barry, engineer of the freight train, ran up to the other end of the yard, and coupled on to three box cars, a caboose and five passenger coaches, besides the two engines.

All this time the fire had been pushing on in its mad course, and the chief of the fire department informed the people that the fire was beyond control, and that they must save themselves, as he could do nothing for them. The emergency train was drawn up before the depot and the panic stricken men, women and children, to the number of 276, were placed on board. The train, after waiting for three quarters of an hour at the depot, and until men and animals were falling in the street from the heat, moved out towards a place of safety. Everything was burning, fire on all sides, and the heat continued so intense, that combined with the smoke it seemed as if all on board would perish of suffocation. Seven miles out of Hinckley, the first cool current of air was struck, and the passengers could breath easier. When Sandstone was reached the train pulled up, and many people of that town boarded it. Just out of Sandstone, the bridge over Kettle River was on fire; the train slowed up, and the watchman cried: “For God’s sake go on, you can cross it now, but it will go down in five minutes.” The engineer threw the throttle wide open, ran out on the bridge, and crossed it in safety; five minutes later the bridge fell by its own weight.

A twenty-minute stop was made at Partridge, where the occupants of the cars were supplied with water, they having been exposed to the terrible heat for so long a. time, that they were suffering agonies. The train stopped at Mansfield and Kerrick, and reached West Superior without any further exciting incidents.

The south-bound limited train, on the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, left Duluth for St. Paul at 2 o’clock in the afternoon of the first day of September. The train consisted of one combination car, one coach, two chair cars and engine No. 69. The atmosphere was heavy with smoke, when the train pulled out of the Duluth depot. All the way to Carlton the smoke grew gradually thicker and denser. The train had aboard one hundred and thirty-five to one hundred and fifty passengers, who became greatly alarmed by the flames, that could be seen on both sides of the track, and the roar of the fire could be distinctly heard. The heat became more and. more intense and insufferable; the smoke increased until it was found difficult to breathe. The trainmen attempted to allay the fears of the passengers, and when within a mile and a half of Hinckley the first information was received of what had occurred at that place. A number of fleeing and panic-stricken citizens flagged the train, and in a few words told their story. About one hundred and fifty to two hundred of these refugees boarded the train. The conductor finally decided to run his train back to Skunk Lake, located near the track, about four miles from the place where the refugees were met. The engine was reversed, and the four miles to Skunk Lake accomplished, though the flames gained upon the train every minute, finally bursting over it in a hurricane blast. Smoke and flames were everywhere; came in through the ventilators, the tops of the cars, and through the cracks at the sides of the windows. The rear coach being on fire, the terror-stricken passengers fled to the other coaches. The heat was so intense that it cracked the glass in the windows of the, cars, and many of the passengers became delirious. Skunk Lake was reached, and the passengers and refugees immersed themselves in the morass of mud and water, where they laid for hours, holding their faces close to the ground to escape suffocation. All the passengers were saved on the train except one, who wandered away from the party, and whose body was found west of the track.

On the line of the Eastern Minnesota railroad in Hinckley, the railroad company had made a gravel pit two or three acres in extent; its bottom was some twenty or thirty feet below the level of the surrounding country. After the departure of the train about seventy persons sought shelter in this pit. It contained a pool of water about three feet in its greatest depth, and closely huddled together in this pool were the fugitives, domestic animals and from 300 to 400 trunks, all of which passed through the fire unscathed. This pit was large enough to have saved all the people of Hinckley, and their household goods, had they only sought its refuge. The loss by the fires at Hinckley was one hundred and ninety-seven persons.

A half an hour after the emergency train had left Sandstone, which is situated on the Kettle River, in Pine County, about nine miles from Hinckley, the conflagration reached the village. The people had refused to heed the warning of the refugees from Hinckley, on board the emergency train, which pulled out and left them to their fate. Every building in the village, with one exception, became a heap of ashes, and sixty-three of the villagers perished in the flames, the balance finding safety in the waters of the Kettle River.

Partridge, a small station six miles north of Sandstone, had a population of about fifty people; this hamlet was totally destroyed. The residents were all saved except one, a refuge being found about three miles from the hamlet in a lumber camp of one hundred acres that had been burned over. Here they remained from a few minutes before six until midnight, when they were rescued by a relief train from West Superior.

Sandstone Junction (or Miller), a station nine miles north of Hinckley, on the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, was merely a sidetrack for lumber cars, and most of the residents adjacent to it were farmers, who had made clearings and settled on them. To escape the conflagration, the inhabitants placed themselves in wells and potato patches, in the latter covering themselves with earth. Quite a number of the settlers were away at the time of the fire, but fifty per cent of those at home were burned to death.

According to the certified report of Dr. D. W. Cowan of Pine County, under date of November 24, 1894, there was a total of 413 deaths, caused by the conflagration. The State Commission, appointed by Governor Nelson, consisting of Charles A. Pillsbury, Kenneth Clark, Charles H. Graves, Matthew G. Norton and Hastings H. Hart, estimated the property loss would approximate $750,000; this did not include damages done to the lumber and soil. The treasurer of the commission acknowledged the receipt of $96,458.69 cash donations; of this amount, $11,600 was received from England and Canada; $14,711.19 from the United States, outside of Minnesota and $70,147.50 from Minnesota. Besides this, $23,565.74 was donated and distributed by local relief committees. The total estimated value of relief furnished to the fire sufferers was $184,744.

A Surnames

Abbey, Albert, Age 33, married, husband of Cora Abbey, residence 1 mile north of Hinckley; found near his home and identified by N. Sherman; has father and mother in Michigan.
Abbey, Cora, Age 27, wife of Albert Abbey, residence, 1 mile north of Hinckley; identified by N. Sherman; no valuables found except 1 locket and a few trinkets; has sister in Langford, S. D.
Abbey, Floyd, Age 7, son of Albert and Cora Abbey; found with his parents.
Abbey, Lloyd, Age 9, son of Albert and Cora Abbey; found with his parents.
Anderson, Andrew, Age about 23, residence, Hinckley; worked in saw mill for Brennan Lumber Co.; not identified: reported by William Bruce.
Anderson, Anthony, Age 62, married; residence, Sandstone.
Anderson, Mrs., Age 58, wife of Anthony Anderson.
Anderson, Male, Age 12, son of Anthony Anderson.
Anderson, Male, Age 10, son of Anthony Anderson.
Anderson, Male, Age 6, son of Anthony Anderson.
Anderson, Mrs. Engla, Age 32, married, wife of August Anderson, residence, Sandstone; found in Halvorsen’s well with 17 others; identified by August Anderson.
Anderson, Female, Age 9, daughter of August Anderson, found in well with her mother.
Anderson, August, Age 36, married; residence, Sandstone.
Anderson, Female, Age 7, daughter of August Anderson, found in well with her mother.
Anderson, Mrs., Age 36, wife of August Anderson; residence, Sandstone.
Anderson, Chas., Age 35 married residence Brook Park.
Anderson, Child, Age 8, son of Chas. Anderson.
Anderson, Child, Age 5, daughter of Chas. Anderson; residence, Brook Park.
Anderson, Child, Age 4, son of Chas. Anderson; residence, Brook Park
Anderson, Mrs., Age 35, wife of Chas. Anderson.
Anderson, Frank, Age 35, married, residence Sandstone, husband of Mrs. F. Anderson.
Anderson, Mrs., Age 32, wife of Frank Anderson, above described; residence, Sandstone.
Anderson, Mrs. Emily, Age 45, wife of J. G. Anderson; not identified.
Anderson, Chas. G., Age 21, son of John G. Anderson, was found 1 mile north of Hinckley, identified by C. Vanhoven, H.S. Bartlett, and others; buried in Hinckley cemetery.
Anderson, John G., Age 48, residence Hinckley, husband of Mrs. Emily Anderson; not identified.
Anderson, Emily, Age 18, single, daughter of J. G. Anderson, was not identified; has uncle in Moorehead.
Arndt, Miss Mattie, Age 18, single, residence Hinckley, parents live near Montrose, Minn.; unidentified; nothing found but buttons, etc.; reported by B. C. Bartlett.

B Surnames

Barnes, James, Age 35, single; residence, Pokegama; son of Robert Barnes, Pokegama; identified by his father.
Barnes, James, Age 25, single, found on wagon road, 2 miles south of Pokegama; identified by his father, Robert Barnes.
Bean, James, Age 48, married, wife living in Eau Claire, not identified; perished in swamp north of Hinckley.
Bee, Stephen, Age 16, son of Alex and Hannah Bee; residence, south of Hinckley; could not be identified.
Berghaln, Magnus, Age 24, single residence, Sandstone.
Best, Bertha, Age 18, single, daughter of John and Eva Best; identified by Christian Best.
Best, Eva, Age 60, married, wife of John Best; found with John Best in the road west of the house; identified by Christian Best.
Best, Fred, Age 23, single, son of John and Eva Best; not identified.
Best, George, Age 25, single, son of John and Eva Best; not identified.
Best, John, Age 63, residence, 2 miles south-east of Hinckley; found on road, 60 rods west of his house; identified by his son Christian; buried at Hinckley; identified by a jack knife which he carried.
Best, William, Age 21, single, son of John and Eva Best; not identified.
Best, Victor, Age 8, son of John and Eva Best.
Bilado, Emma, Age 8, daughter of Peter Bilado; residence, Sandstone; parents living in Sandstone; this girl was found near her home.
Bilado, Nora, Age 13, daughter of Peter Bilado, found near her home; identified by her mother.
Blanchard, Mrs., Age 29, married, wife of John Blanchard, of Hinckley, body found at St. Paul & Duluth round house, identified by her husband; buried in Hinckley.
Blanchard, Frank, Age 11, found with his mother at round house.
Brayman, James W?, Age 27, single; residence, Brook Park; found in woods east of the section house; identified by his father; father’s residence Brook Park.
Brodd, Alfred, Age 29, married; residence, Sandstone.
Brodd, Mrs. Age 26, married, wife of Alfred Brodd. Brodd, Age , daughter of Alfred Brodd.
Brodd, Age 8, son of Alfred Brodd.
Burke, John, Age 40, married residence, Hinckley; wife living in Sandstone; John Burke was not identified.
Burke, John, Sr., Age 65, father of John Burke, residence, Hinckley, with his son; his body was not identified, supposed to have gone across the river, north of Hinckley.
Burns, Robert, Age 35, single; residence, Sandstone.

C Surnames

Cain, David, Age 54, married; residence, Rock Creek; was in Hinckley on visit; found in swamp 1 mile north of Hinckley; buried at Hinckley.
Cain, Mrs., Age 50, wife of David Cain, found with husband in swamp north of Hinckley.
Campbell, Age, 47, (nothing further known.)
Chambers, Louis, Age 24, married, came from Illinois to Hinckley; found on Section 12, Town of Hinckley; identified by N. Sherman, by his personal appearance, and knife and buttons.
Conniker, Jas., Age 50, single; residence, Hinckley; has sister living in Pine City; was not found.
Corbett, Thos, Age 57, residence, Hinckley; burned in the woods north-east of Hinckley, near Kettle River.
Costigan, Mrs. Effie, Age 41, wife of William Costigan.
Costigan, Miss Effie, Age 15, daughter of William Costigan.
Costigan, Hazel, Age 2, daughter of William Costigan.
Costigan, Irma, Age 15, daughter of William Costigan.
Costigan, Jennie, Age 7, daughter of William Costigan.
Costigan, Myrtle, Age 10, daughter of William Costigan.
Costigan, William, Age 5, son of William Costigan.
Costigan, William, Age 50, residence, Hinckley; not identified; supposed to have perished in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Crowley, Jerry, Age 59, widower; residence, Hinckley; found in gravel pit north of Hinckley; identified by Dr. D. W. Cowan, of Hinckley; buried at Hinckley.
Curry, Mrs., Age 30, wife of M. Curry, found one mile north of her home; identified by N. Sherman and Jos. Tew.
Curry, Michael, Age 38, married, residence, 1 mile north of Hinckley; all of family burned; has brother in Michigan; found three -fourths of a mile north of his home; identified by N. Sherman and Jos. Tew., buried at Hinckley.
Curry, Willie, Age 12, son of Mike Curry, found with his mother; identified by his being with his mother.

D Surnames

Dagerstrom, Chas., Age 20, single; residence, Sandstone.
Dahlgren. John, Age 19, residence, Hinckley; worked in sawmill, not identified.
Demet, William, Age 26, single; residence, Sandstone.
Dolan, Emma, Age 24, single; residence, Hinckley; not identified.
Donahue, Ellen, Age 37, married; residence, Hinckley; found in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; husband lives in Hinckley; she was identified by him and buried in Hinckley.
Donahue, Esther, Age 8, daughter of Dan Donahue; found in swamp with her mother; burned beyond recognition.
Donahue, Katie, Age 10, daughter of Dan Donahue, found in swamp with her mother; identified by Dan Donahue.
Donahue, Mary, Age 12, daughter of Dan Donahue; found with her mother.
Dunn, Thomas, Age 25, residence, Hinckley; son of Michael Dunn, of Hinckley; was recognized by appearance and jewelry; was buried at Pine City.

E Surnames

Eck, Nels, Age 39, married, residence, Hinckley; not identified.
Edstrom, Mrs., Age 30, wife of Ed. Edstrom; residence, Sandstone.
Edstrom, Age 8, daughter of Ed. Edstrom.
Edstrom, Age 6, son of Ed. Edstrom.
Edstrom, Age 4, son of Ed. Edstrom.
Edstrom, Age 2, daughter of Ed. Edstrom.
Edstrom, Sophie, Age 60, widow; residence, Sandstone.
Englund, Mrs, Age 43, wife of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 14, daughter of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 12, daughter of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 11, son of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 9, son of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 7, daughter of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 5, son of Peter Englund.
Englund, Age 3, son of Peter Englund, residence Sandstone.
Englund, Peter, Age 44, married, residence, Sandstone; found in well with others on Halvorsen’s lot; the entire family was burned at Sandstone.
Erickson, Mrs. Mary, Age 42, wife of O. Erickson; residence, Sandstone.
Evans, Chas., Age 38, married; residence, Hinckley; not identified.

F Surnames

Fitzgerald, John, Age 14, son of Pat Fitzgerald; not identified.
Fitzgerald, Mrs. Mary, Age 42, wife of Pat Fitzgerald; not identified.
Fitzgerald, Mary, Age 13, daughter of P. Fitzgerald; not identified.
Fitzgerald, Pat, Age 12, son of Pat Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald, Pat, Age 47, married residence, Hinckley; not identified.
Frisk, Caroline, Age 42, married; residence, Hinckley; burned in swamp north of Hinckley, but not identified.
Frisk, David, Age 7, son of Nels Frisk; burned with mother in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Frisk, John, Age 10, son of Mrs. Nels Frisk; was burned with his mother.
Frisk, Richard, Age 2, son of Nels Frisk; burned with his mother.

G Surnames

Ginder, James, Age 9, son of William Ginder; not identified.
Ginder, William, Jr., Age 9, son of William Ginder; was not identified.
Ginder, William, Age 47, married; residence, Hinckley; supposed to have burned across the river; not identified; has brother living near Hinckley.
Ginder, Mrs. Winnie, Age 45, wife of William Ginder; recognized and buried in Hinckley.
Ginder, Vinnie, Age 8, daughter of William Ginder.
Granstrum, Mary, Age 7, daughter of Andrew Granstrum; residence, Hinckley; was burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified.
Greenfield, Age 15, daughter of M. E. Greenfield.
Greenfield, Age 8, daughter of M. E. Greenfield.
Greenfield, Age 7, son of M. E. Greenfield; residence, Finlayson; identified by his father.
Greenfield, Age 5, daughter of M. E. Greenfield.
Greenfield, Age 3, daughter of M. E. Greenfield; the Greenfield children were identified by the locality where they were found.
Grissinger, Mrs. C., Age 35, wife of William Grissinger; residence, Hinckley; identified and buried by her husband.
Grissinger, Miss C., Age 10, daughter of Mrs. Grissinger; identified by William Grissinger; buried with her mother.
Grissinger, Mabel, Age 8, daughter of William Grissinger; identified by her father; buried in Hinckley.
Goodsell, David, Age 25 single; residence, Pokegama; has parents living in Polk County, Wisconsin.
Guhldahl, Andrew, Age 30, single; residence, Sandstone.

H Surnames

Hanson, Axel, Age 39, married; residence, Hinckley, burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; identified by Otto Kowalke of Pine City, and others; buried in Hinckley; leaves wife living in Hinckley.
Hanson, Mrs. Clara, Age 30, residence, Hinckley; burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified.
Hanson, Mrs., Age 29, wife of Ed. Hanson, Hinckley; burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified.
Hanson, Ed., Age 45, married, family in Duluth; not found; burned in swamp north of Hinckley.
Hanson, Henry, Age 35, married, residence, Hinckley; identified by watch, etc.; buried at Hinckley; leaves wife and 6 children in Hinckley.
Hanson, Mrs. Sophie, Age 44, married, burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified.
Hathaway, Mrs, Age _ , married, found one-half mile east of Hinckley; reported by A. G. Perkins.
Henderson, John, Age 12, son of Thos. Henderson; residence, Pine City; burned in the woods north of Hinckley; identified by the father and buried in Pine City.
Henderson, Sandy, Age 13, son of Thos. Henderson; found with his brother.
Hjerpa, Karin, Age 62, married, mother-in-law of Nels Frisk, burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; identified by the locality in which she was found.
Hoffman, Henry B., Age 81, married, residence, Sandstone; was burned near his home; identified by his son, Robert Hoffman of Pine City; buried at Sandstone.
Hoffman, Mrs., Age 79, wife of H. B. Hoffman, found with her husband.
Hopkins, Bertha, Age 8, daughter of N. Hopkins; not identified; burned in swamp north of Hinckley, with her parents.
Hopkins, Age 3, son of N. Hopkins, burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Hopkins, Nathan, Age 50, residence, one and one-half miles west of Hinckley; not identified.
Hopkins, Mrs. Age 40; wife of N. Hopkins; burned in Hinckley, not identified.
Hopkins, Walter, Age 13, burned with rest of family in one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified.
Hopps, Mrs., Age 48, married residence, Sandstone.

J Surnames

Jensen, Albert, Age 10, son of Annie and Peter Jensen, found with his mother on railroad track; identified by Nels Frisk; buried in Hinckley.
Jensen, Annie, Age 12, daughter of Peter Jenson, found with her mother on the railroad track north of Hinckley.
Jensen, Peter, Age 33, husband of Mrs. Annie; residence, Hinckley; burned in swamp north of Hinckley.
Johnson, Alfred, Age 20, single, residence, Hinckley.
Johnson, Mrs. Annie, Age 31, wife of Peter Johnson, found on St. Paul & Duluth by track; buried in Hinckley; identified by Nels Frisk; address of friends, John Pearson, Hinckley.
Johnson, Ernest, Age 27, married, residence, Sandstone.
Johnson, Age 1, daughter of Ernest Johnson.
Johnson, Mrs., Age 25, wife of Ernest Johnson.
Jones, Thos., Age 45, widower, found on top of Hinckley Hill; buried in Hinckley.

K Surnames

Kelly, Jas, Age 4, single; residence, Hinckley; burned near Kettle River; identified by Ernest Hogan, who was with him; buried in Pine City.
Kjellen, Peter, Age 29, married; residence, Sandstone.
Kjellen, Age 10, son of Peter and Mrs. Kjellen.
Kjellen, Age 8, daughter of Peter Kjellen.
Kjellen, Age 6, son of Peter Kjellen.
Kjellen, Mrs, Age 28, wife of Peter Kjellen.

L Surnames

Larson, Erick, Age 22, single, residence, Pokegama; found 1 mile east of Pokegama section house; identified by Hans Nelson; thought to have relatives at Mud Creek, Pine County.
Lief, Lottie, Age 18, single, residence, Hinckley; not identified; reported by B. C. Martlett.
Lind, Mrs., Age 32, wife of Lind; residence, Sandstone Junction.
Lind, Age 10, daughter of Mrs. Henry Lind.
Lind, Age 8, son of Mrs. Henry Lind.
Lind, Age 6, daughter of Mrs. Herry Lind.
Lind, Age 4, son of Mrs. Lind. Lind, Age 1, son of Mrs. Lind.
Lovell, Chester, Age 11, son of Thos. J. Lovell; identified by being found with his parents.
Lovell, Esther, Age 14, daughter of Louise Lovell; identified by being near her parents.
Lovell, Louise, Age 35, wife of Thos. J. Lovell found with her husband buried with rest of family Hinckley.
Lovell, Thos. J, Age 38, married; residence. one and one-half miles north of Hinckley ; found 60 rods southeast of his house came from Pierpont, S. D. identified by N. Sherman.

M Surnames

Martinson, Emma, Age 7, daughter of M. Martinson; found with the mother.
Martinson, Hilda, Age 5, daughter of M. Martinson; found in Grindstone river, with her mother; identified by her father; buried in Hinckley.
Martinson, Ida, Age 9, daughter of Martin Martinson; found in river near her mother.
Martinson, Age 2 months, daughter of M; Martinson; found with mother in the river.
Martinson, Mrs., Age 36, wife of Martin Martinson, of Hinckley; found in river at Hinckley, near the wagon bridge; identified by husband, buried in Hinckley.
Mattison, Hans W., Age 20, single, burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; not identified; has parents living in Eau Claire, Wis.
Murphy, Mike Age 40, husband of Mrs. Nancy Murphy, of St. Paul, residence, Hinckley; was not found; supposed to have been burned in the mill yard at Hinckley.
McDonnell, Bertha, Age 27, was seen to cross St. Paul & Duluth Ry. bridge, with her husband; was not identified; reported by Michael Dunn.
McDonnell, John, Age 27, married, residence, Hinckley; was seen to go over the railroad bridge with others; none returned; was not identified; has father, Jas. McDonnell, in Wauzeka, Wis.
McNamara. James, Age 12, son of Mrs. McNamara; found and buried with his mother.
McNamara, John, Age 14, son of Mrs. McNamara; found on track with his mother.
McNamara, Mrs., Age 48, wife of John McNamara of Rutledge; found on railroad track, nortlh of Hinckley; identified, and buried at Hinckley.
Molander, Fred, Age 25, married; found in well near his house.
Molander, Age 3, daughter of Fred Molander.
Molander, Age 1, son of Fred Molander; identified by A. Berg.
Molander, Mrs., Age 25, wife of Fred Molander; found in her house; identified by proximity to her house, and having children in her arms.

N Surnames

Nelson, Mrs. Betsy , Age 42. married, wife of Nels Nelson; residence Hinckley, not found burned in swamp one-half mile north of Hinckley; reported by her husband.
Nelson, John, Age 26, single; residence, Sandstone.
Nesbit, William, Age 38, single; residence, Hinckley; burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; Albert Frazer, of Hinckley, saw him die; identified after death by watch, jewelry, etc.; has brother in Eau Claire, Wis.
Newstrom, Gust, Age 33, married; residence, Hinckley.
Newstrom, Age 3, daughter of Gust Newstrom.
Newstrom, Mrs., Age 31, wife of Gust Newstrom.
Nelson, Louis, Age 28, married; residence, Hinckley.
Nelson, William, Age 25, single; residence, Hinckley.
Nelson, Mrs. P. M., Age 32, married; residence, Hinckley.
Nyberg, Maggie, Age 20, residence Hinckley; not identified; in North Branch, Minn.; reported by B.C. Bartlett.

O Surnames

O’Brien, Belle, Age 20, single; residence, Hinckley.
Olson, Charles, Age 22, single, brother of Mrs. Molander of Pokegama; identified by A. Berg; buried at Pokegama.
Olson, Nora, Age 14, sister of Chas. Olson; found with Molander family; buried at Pokegama.
Olson, Otto , Age 38, married, residence, Hinckley; not identified; supposed to have burned in the swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; has wife left.
Olson, Age 9, daughter of Otto Olson.
Olson, Age 4, son of Otto Olson.
Olson, Age 1, son of Otto Olson; found in the river.
Olson, Miss Lena, Age 18, single, residence, St. Paul; found with the Molander family at Pokegama; was a sister of Mrs. Molander; identified by being found with Molander family.
Olson, Oscar, Age 16 brother of Chas., found with sister, identified, and buried at Pokegama.

P Surnames

Parrish, Joseph, Age 21, single; residence, Hinckley; not identified; burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Paulson, Mrs. Hans, Age 33, residence, Hinckley, not identified; burned in swamp north of Hinckley.
Paulson, Age 7, son of Hans Paulson; none of this family were identified.
Paulson, Age 5, son of Hans Paulson.
Paulson, Age 4, Son of Hans Paulson.
Paulson, Age _, daughter of Hans Paulson.
Pennoyer, William, Age 24, residence, Hinckley; found on railroad track; fell from the train that was burned; identified by Walter Gray.
Peterson, Emily, Age 12, residence, Sandstone.
Peterson, Emily, Age 29, single; residence, Sandstone; found in the village of Sandstone; identified by C. Staples; has brother, Gust Peterson, in Sandstone; buried in Sandstone.
Peterson, Peter, Age 24, single, residence, Hinckley, not identified; probably burned in swamp north of Hinckley.

R Surnames

Raymond, Thomas, Age 35, married, residence, Pokegama; found one-half mile northeast of his residence; identified by pipe, etc.; has friends in West Superior; buried in Pokegama.
Raymond, Mrs., Age 35, wife of Thomas Raymond, found with her husband; identified by purse; buried with her husband; reported by W. Brayman; friends at Grand Forks, N. D., and Fond du Lac, Wis.
Reynolds, L., Age 54, married, residence, Hinckley; born in Maine; not identified; burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Reynolds, Age 9, daughter of L. Reynolds; not identified; burned in swamp north of Hinckley.
Reynolds, Age 6, daughter of L. Reynolds.
Reynolds, Age 2, daughter of L. Reynolds.
Reynolds, Mrs., Age 40, wife of L. Reynolds, burned on a wagon with rest of family; not identified.
Ricketson, E., Age 71, father of William Ricketson; residence, Hinckley; found in Hinckley; buried in Hinckley; came from Minneapolis.
Riley, Dennis, Age 40, residence, Hinckley, found north of his home, between the two tracks; identified by L. S. Miller and Conductor Sargent; address of friends, J. McNamara, Rutledge; had $2,000 insurance in Oskoshi accident; has one boy left.
Riley, Age 5, daughter of Dennis Riley; not identified supposed to have burned with her mother; buried in Hinckley.
Riley, Thos., Age 15, son of Dennis Riley; not identified.
Riley, Mrs. Winifred, Age 35, wife of Dennis Riley supposed to have been burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Robinson, John, Age 44; (no further information).
Robinson, Age 13, son of John Robinson.
Robinson, Age 11, son of John Robinson.
Robinson, Age 9, son of John Robinson.
Robinson, Mrs., Age 40, wife of John Robinson.
Rodgers, John, Age 39, married; residence, Hinckley; born in Canada, found in Hinckley near railroad track; identified by W. DeLong.
Rodgers, Age 7 days, son of John Rodgers.
Rodgers, Mary, Age, 4 daughter of John Rodgers; found with mother.
Rodgers, Minnie, Age, 2, daughter of John Rodgers; found with parents.
Rodgers, Mrs. R., Age 26. wife of John Rodgers; found near her husband identified by being near him; buried with rest of family in Hinckley.
Rowley, Qtto, Age 43, found near Skunk Lake; identified, and taken to Duluth.
Rustin, Swen, Age 29, married; residence, Hinckley; not identified.
Rustin, Age 7, daughter of Swen Rustin. Rustin, Age 4, daughter of Swen Rustin.
Rustin, Age 2, son of Swen Rustin.
Rustin, Mrs., Age 27, wife of Swen Rustin.

S Surnames

Sanderstrom, Thomas, Age 56, nothing certain of his being identified; buried in Hinckley.
Schlano, Paul, Age 26, single; residence Hinckley; burned in swamp one half mile north of Hinckley; identified by his uncle, P. Leake, of Taylors Falls; was taken to Taylors Falls and buried there.
Sherman, Bina, Age 2, daughter of Fred Sherman; found.with parents; identified by N. Sherman.
Sherman, Earl, Age 6, son of Fred Sherman; found near his father; buried at Hinckley.
Sherman, Mrs. Eva, Age 24, wife of Fred Sherman; found in root house; buried in Hinckley.
Sherman, George, Age 4, son of Fred Sherman; found near his father.
Sherman, Ralph, Age 7, son of Fred Sherman; found with his father.
Sherman, Fred, Age 31, residence, one mile north of Hinckley; found 80 rods from house; identified by knife, etc.; reported by N. Sherman.
Sherman, William, Age 1, son of Fred Sherman; found with his parents; buried in Hinckley.
Sherman, Albina, Age 26, wife of Noble Sherman; residence, Hinckley; found near the house; identified by breast pin and other jewelry; reported by N. Sherman, her husband.
Sherman, Flora, Age 7, daughter of Noble Sherman; found near her mother; identified by N. Sherman, her father who is going to Riversdale, Mich.
Sherman, John, Age 5, son of N. Sherman; found with his mother.
Sherman. Leslie, Age 3, son of N. Sherman; identified by his father; buried in Hinckley. Sherman.
Sherman, Romanzo, Age _, son of N. Sherman; found with his mother; the entire family was buried in Hinckley.
Stromberg, Charles, Age 45, residence, Hinckley; not found; probably burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; entire family burned except one son, Charles, who is now in Sioux City.
Stromberg, Mrs., Age 36, wife of Chas. Stromberg; not found supposed to have burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Stromberg, Age 8, son of Chas. Stromberg; burned with rest of family.
Stromberg, Victor, Age 10. son of Chas. Stromberg.
Stromberg , Age 8, son of Chas. Stromberg.
Stromberg , Age 4, daughter of Chas Stromberg.
Stromberg, Age 2, daughter of Chas. Stromberg.
Stromberg, Albert, Age 11, son of Jos Stromberg.
Stromberg, Augusta, Age 6, daughter of Jos. Stromberg.
Stromberg, Joseph, Age 43, married; residence, Hinckley; (nothing further known).
Stromberg, Mrs. Mary, Age 42, wife of Jos. Stromberg.
Stromberg, Mary, Age 9, daughter of Jos. Stromberg.
Stromberg, Oscar, Age 13, son of Jos. Stromberg.
Swanson, Age 10, daughter of August Swanson.
Swanson, Mrs., Age 32, wife of August Swanson.

T Surnames

Turgeon, Mr. T., Age 26, married; residence, Hinckley; not identified leaves family living in Hinckley.

W Surnames

Wacke, Mrs. Sophie, Age 29, married, residence, Hinkley.
Wacke, Age _, infant daughter of Sophie Wacke.
Wall, John, Age 38, married, residence, Sandstone.
Wall, Mrs., Age 37, wife of John Wall.
Wall, Age 6, son of John Wall.
Wall, Age 4, son of John Wall.
Wall, Age _, daughter of John Wall; this family was buried in Sandstone.
Wallace, Anna, Age about 35, residence, Hinckley; died in hospital from burns; reported by M. Garity.
Webster, Mrs. Belle, Age 26, wife of Lee Webster. mayor of Hinckley not identified former home in Iowa.
Weigle, Anton, Age 33, married, residence, Hinckley; not found, but supposed to be among the unidentified bodies taken from the swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley reported by Christian Best.
Weigle, Eva, Age 22, wife of Anton Weigle; was burned with her parent, John Best; was not found.
Weigle, Winnie, Age 4, daughter of Anton Weigle; not identified.
Weireter, Mrs., Age 24. wife of Geo. Weireter residence, Hinckley not identified husband lives in Hinckley.
Westby, Sophie, Age 8, daughter of Thos. Westby, unidentified.
Westby, Thos., Age 38, married; residence, Hinckley not identified.
Westby, Thos., Jr., Age 10, son of Thos. Westby.
Westby, Age 5, son of Thos. Westby; unidentified.
Westby, Age 3, son of Thos. Westby; this entire family was burned in the swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; none were identified.
Westby, Age 1, daughter of Thos. Westby; not identified.
Westby, Age 34, wife of Thos.Westby; not identified.
Westlund, Mrs., Age 29, married, wife of John Westlund; residence Hinckley.
Westlund, Age 4, daughter of Mrs. Westlund.
Westlund, Age 2, daughter of Mrs. Westlund.
Westlund, John, Age 39, Married, not identified; his wife is now in Duluth.
Westlund, Age 2, daughter of John Westlund.
White, Thos., Age 33 married, residence, found near Hinckley, was an explorer.
Whitney, Albert, Age 30, married, residence, Pokegama; found on railroad track, by William Wilkinson and D. Markham buried where found.
Wold Alfred, Age 12, son of Louis Wold; not identified; burned with parents in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Wold, Baby, about 1 year old, son of Louis Wold; the entire family was burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; none of them were identified, except Louis.
Wold, Christ, Age 6, son of Louis Wold.
Wold, Ida, Age 11, daughter of Louis Wold; not identified.
Wold, Louis, Age 44, married; residence, Hinckley; identified by John Pearson; buried in Hinckley; burned in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Wold, Louis, Sr., Age 72, father of Louis Wold; burned one-half mile north of Hinckley, in swamp.
Wold, Mrs. L., Age 35, wife of Louis Wold; burned in swamp north of Hinckley; not identified.

Unidentified Casualties

Unknown, Male, height, height 5’10” wore heavy laced shoes, woolen ribbed socks; nothing on body; found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Boy, Age about 12, knee pants; long, black ribbed stockings; shingle nails found in pocket; found one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age about 13, weight 90, found on railroad track, near the round house, in the village of Hinckley; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Man, Age about 24, weight 160, wore Bloucher laced shoes and Bedford cord pants; small silver watch, case No. 25107; $3 in silver, 1 Yale padlock key; hair burned off; probably sandy.
Unknown, Man, weight 170, body well formed, no clothing on; found on top of Hinckley Hill.
Unknown, Female, Age about 45, dark hair, tinged with gray; plain gold earrings; height, 5’02”; wore low gaiter shoes; 2 plain gold rings on finger of left hand, also ring set with red stone; found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, weight 160, short, gray beard; checked shirt; heavy shoes; 40 cents in silver; jack knife.
Unknown, Male, Age about 25; wore low gaiters; 73 cents in silver; door key No. 14; pencil with rubber; large jack knife, and plug of Spear Head tobacco, Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 40, found on country road, 1 mile from Hinckley; burned beyond recognition nothing but shoes left on his body; weight about 150.
Unknown, Male, Age about 40; weight about 140; height, 5’08”; had on striped woolen shirt; silver watch and chain, with bull’s head engraved on case; body found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, found in mill yard; only bones and a few buttons left; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 35, found near Skunk Lake; evidently a passenger from the train; nothing left on body but a pair of shoes; buried in Hinckley; reported by E. Stephan, C. Vanhooven and J. G. Howard.
Unknown, Male, found in lumber yard; only jack knife, watch and buttons left; not enough found to be buried.
Unknown, found in engine room of saw mill in Hinckley; only a few bones.
Unknown, Female, Age about 25, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age about 20, dark hair; gold breast pin; nothing further known; found on top of Hinckley Hill.
Unknown, Male, Age about 38, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; nothing to identify him.
Unknown, Male, Age about 40, weight 160, sandy hair; wore low gaiter shoes.
Unknown, Female, Age about 18, gold hair pin; found on top of Hinckley hill; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Female baby, about 1 year old, found in swamp one half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 28; found in Hinckley.
Unknown, Age about 50: found near Skunk Lake; supposed to be a passenger from burned limited train.
Unknown, Age about 50: weight 150; height, 5’9″; taken from ruins of Hans Paulsons house in Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown Girl, Age 12, found in Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 10, found on railroad track, near Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age, 35, weight 170, well built: webbing belt around waist; gray trousers, with longitudinal stripe 1 door key and 5 cents in silver, trunk key and Swedish newspaper.
Unknown.
Unknown, Male, Age 60, weight 200, sandy hair; wore heavy buckle shoes; found near Hinckley.
Unknown, Boy, Age 16, found near Hinckley; burned beyond recognition; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 12, found near Hinckley; buried near Hinckley; nothing to identify.
Unknown, Female, Age 12, found in Hinckley on railroad track; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age about 6 months; found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Only buttons and bones left; found near Eastern Minnesota track on the north side of the river.
Unknown, Male, Age 25, found at Pokegama; not identified; buried in Pokegama.
Unknown, Girl, Age about 5, found near track at Pokegama; buried at Pokegama.
Unknown, Man, Age about 30, found near the place where the limited train burned; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age about 20, weight 120 found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, burned beyond recognition; found 2 miles north of Hinckley; buried where found.
Unknown, Girl, Age 3, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age about 18, found 1 mile north of Hinckley, on railroad track; nothing else to identify, buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age 26, found north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age 16, found near Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 6, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 27, found on top of Hinckley Hill; burned beyond recognition, buried where found.
Unknown, Male, Age 14, found north of Hinckley; nothing to identify; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age about 60; found near Hinckley; nothing further known.
Unknown, Male, Age 13 found near Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 24, found 1 mile north of Hinckley, near Eastern Minnesota railroad track.
Unknown, Male, Age about 19, found in Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 2 found where limited train burned; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, nothing but particles of bones left; found in the woods north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 45, found near Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age about 45, height, 5’03”; weight 140 found on top of Hinckley Hill; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 10, wore black cashmere dress; button shoes; black stockings ; found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, burned beyond recognition; found on Ernest Hogan’s place, 3 miles east of Hinckley; buried where found.
Unknown, Female, burned beyond recognition; found 3 miles east of Hinckley; nothing to identify; buried where found.
Unknown, Boy, Age about 12, knee pants, white waist; found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, only bones left, found between St. Paul & Duluth and Eastern Minnesota tracks, north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Female, Age 7, found north of Grindstone River, just outside the village.
Unknown, Male, Age 25, found 100 yards from St. Paul & Duluth track north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 30, found in swamp north of Hinckley; watch with hair chain and locket; weight about 150; buried in Hinckley; nothing but shoes left.
Unknown, Male, Age 25, burned beyond recognition; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Baby, Age about 1 year, found in road, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 7 found on track1 1 mile north of Hinckley; wore laced shoes; body burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Female, Age 6, found near the river in Hinckley.
Unknown, Infant, found near baby carriage in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Woman, Age about 30, gray woolen dress; found in the woods one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Woman, Age about 40, weight about 160; found beside track, one mile north of Hinckley hill.
Unknown, Male, Age about 1 year, found on road, one-fourth mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 10, burned beyond recognition; found one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 25, found on county road; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age 40, found on county road.
Unknown, Male, Age 40, sandy complexion; weight 160; height, 5’08”; blue shirt, striped pants, silk handkerchief and tobacco pouch; thought to be a lumber piler for Brennan Lumber Co., Hinckley; found one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 40, weight 190; height 5’10”, wore heavy buckled shoes; found on bank of the river near the saw mill, Hinckley.
Unknown, Male, Age about 25, found on track at Pokegama; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Male, Age about 70, found near old gravel pit; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Baby, female, Age about 3 months, found in swamp north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Boy, Age 6, found 1 mile north of Hinckley, near railroad track; burned to a crisp; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Boy, Age about 12, found 1 mile north of Skunk Lake; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Woman, found in Hinckley; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Child, age about 4 only bones left.
Unknown, Male, height 5’10”, found one-half mile northeast of where train was burned; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Woman, found north-east of Hinckley; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Child, found north-east of Hinckley; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Man, only bones and buckle of heavy shoes left.
Unknown, Female, Age about 50, weight 130 found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Child, Age 2, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Lumberman, Age 45; weight 170; height, 5’10”, buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 17, found one-half mile north of Hinckley; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 7, found with body of Mrs. William Costigan.
Unknown, Girl, Age 5, found with Mrs. William Costigan; burned beyond recognition.
Unknown, Girl, Age 14, found north of Hinckley, near Great Northern Railroad track.
Unknown, Man, Age 40, weight 150; buried in Hinckley.
Unknown, Boy, Age 3, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Girl, Age 6, found in swamp, one-half mile north of Hinckley.
Unknown, Lumberman, Age about 30, wore blue mackinaw suit, heavy shoes; found 2 miles north of Hinckley.
Unknown. Girl, Age about 16, found 1 mile east of Pokegama: buried in Pokegama.
Unknown, Male, nothing but bones and jacket.

Collection:

AccessGenealogy.com. 1894 Hinckley Minnesota Forest Fire Deaths. Web. 2002.