The Newport Miner   August 25, 1910
Page 1
 

FOREST FIRES BRING
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
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Fanned by High Winds of Saturday
Smouldering Blazes Unite in Wall of Fire
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THREE PERSONS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE PERISHED
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HEAD OF LARGE FAMILY DEAD.

    George W. Zeigler, of Calispel valley, was found dead on the main road near Wolfred station. He had been in Newport on a business trip and about 4:30 p.m. Started to drive to his home, realizing that there were fires across his path, but desirous of relieving the alarm of his family, and, noy knowing what dangers they were encountering, he bravely went on and met his fate. When near Saddle Mountain he was warned not to persist on his journey. Before leaving Newport he had been told it was dangerous to attempt passage through the fire. At Saddle Mountain he turned his team half way back toward Newport, but desire to be with his family overruled all thoughts of personal safety and he ventured on. On the flat below the Bobler place he and his team met their fate. Mr. Zeigler's body was found a short distance in advance of the team, the fallen timbers having obstructed the passage, and he evidently attempted to find safety afoot. The body was burned until almost unrecognizable, but he was doubtless suffocated. The only part of clothing left on the body were the heels of his shoes. That he had entered the danger zone was known to Newport people, and early next morning searching parties found the body. It was brought to Newport Sunday afternoon and prepared for burial.
    Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, conducted under the rites of the Masonic order by Newport Lodge No. 144, of which he was a member. His family arrived on the early morning train, to be present. The grief of the mother and eleven children, was most pitiable to be hold, making evident great affection for the head of the family and their grief being heightened by the awfulness of his death.
    George W. Zeigler was 57 years old. He was born in Indiana and has been a respected resident of the Calispel Valley for 19 years. He was married 28 years ago. The wife and eleven children survive his death, six sons and five daughters. Two of the daughters are married, the remainder of the family live at home.

The Spokesman-Review   August 25,1910  Page 7
 

PERISHED NEAR NEWPORT.

[photograph; caption: George Ziegler.]

    Mr. Ziegler was one of the first victims of the forest fire near Newport, Wash., on Saturday last. He had driven from his home on Calispel lake to town during the forenoon on business connected with his duties as road supervisor. In the afternoon he heard by phone that forest fires were threatening his ranch and, despite the appeals of his friends in Newport, he insisted on driving home to rescue his family. On the road both he and his team were overcome by smoke and subsequently incinerated by the forest fire.
    He was 57 years of age and the father of 13 children, of whom 11 and his widow survived him. He was prominent in Masonic circles and a pensioner of the United States army.
    His ranch was seven miles from Usk, Wash., at the junction of Calispel

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