Annie Frances Burns, age 64
Miss Annie Frances Burns of 51 Gilbert Street, Thomaston, was born October 30, 1879 in New Britain, Connecticut, daughter of Irish immigrants Julia (McAvoy) and Garrett Burns. She was found seriously injured at the circus grounds after the fire on July 6 and admitted to Municipal Hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of the hospital staff, Miss Burns died from her injuries shortly after noon on Friday, July 7, and was buried at the St. Thomas cemetery in Unionville after services at the Lyons Funeral Home in Thomaston. Annie leaves her sister and brother-in-law with whom she resided, Delia A. (Burns) and Daniel J. O'Connell, and a nephew, Dr. Enos O'Connell, whose wife and daughter Eveline and Doris Jean were also victims of the circus fire.
Annie attended the circus with her brother-in-law, Daniel O'Connell, her great-niece Doris Jean 4, and her great-nephew Robert, 6, and the children's mother, Eveline O'Connell. The group sat in the northeast section of the big top, section V or W, and became separated when trying to escape from the burning tent. Eveline and Doris Jean were found dead at the circus grounds after the fire, and Annie Burns was found severely burned and later died from her injuries. Six-year-old Robert O'Connell and his grandfather were able to escape with their lives.
Miss Burns, crippled from polio since age 2, had worked as a bench hand and clock and watch assembler at the Seth Thomas Clock Factory in Thomaston. Her parents died when she and her siblings were young, and they all promised to care of each other. Her estate was awarded $8,500 by the arbitration board.
Annie's great-nephew Robert O'Connell's story about his family and their experience can be read here: A Circus Fire Survivor's Story
Annie attended the circus with her brother-in-law, Daniel O'Connell, her great-niece Doris Jean 4, and her great-nephew Robert, 6, and the children's mother, Eveline O'Connell. The group sat in the northeast section of the big top, section V or W, and became separated when trying to escape from the burning tent. Eveline and Doris Jean were found dead at the circus grounds after the fire, and Annie Burns was found severely burned and later died from her injuries. Six-year-old Robert O'Connell and his grandfather were able to escape with their lives.
Miss Burns, crippled from polio since age 2, had worked as a bench hand and clock and watch assembler at the Seth Thomas Clock Factory in Thomaston. Her parents died when she and her siblings were young, and they all promised to care of each other. Her estate was awarded $8,500 by the arbitration board.
Annie's great-nephew Robert O'Connell's story about his family and their experience can be read here: A Circus Fire Survivor's Story