James "Jim" E. Edwards

Jim Edwards, former Niobrara Resident Dies in Scottsbluff

James E. Edwards, a negro, died in Scottsbluff, Nebr. Jan. 6 from suffocation, according to a Scottsbluff newspaper.

Edwards had lived in Niobrara County for many years and was a long time employee of the Running Water ranch of the Willson Brothers.

His wife, who was a talented musician, died a number of years ago.

Following is the article clipped from the Scottsbluff Star-Herald:

A Scottsbluff man died from suffocation Saturday night after water boiled away in a pot in which a chicken was being cooked filling a basement room with smoke, Police Lieut. Harry Schroeder said.

The dead man was James E. Edwards, negro, age unknown, who rented a room at 801 East Eighth Street.

A companion in the room, Tillie Trimble, 33, wife of Columbus "Monk" Trimble, also overcome by smoke, was reported recovering at a Scottsbluff hospital early Sunday morning.

Firemen were called to the home at 11:05 p.m. by Carmen Hernandez, 13, niece of Steve Hernandez, who rents the upstairs rooms in the home. Carmen and her brother, Rudy, 8, reported seeing smoke pouring up through the bathroom floor, and called firemen.

Edwards and Tillie Trimble were found unconscious on a bed in the basement, and were immediately carried outside where manual respiration aid was given until a resuscitator was brought, Fire Chief Bramwell stated.

Edwards was pronounced dead at 11:50 p.m. by Dr. John Heinke. The body was taken to Read's Mortuary.

Lieut. Schroeder stated that investigation of the case is being continued. Columbus Trimble, husband of the woman who was overcome, is serving a term in the Nebraska penitentiary.

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