In our modern times, the safety of our children’s play time has become a top concern of parents. Rarely do children play unsupervised. Bicycles are ridden with helmets, skates with knee pads. We keep all manner of things locked up and away from small hands. But in the not-too-distant past, kids were allowed a bit more freedom, they were taught how to use knives, tools and matches. Most of the time, it made them independent. Sometimes, it didn’t end well.

On January 16, 1927, a group of little boys were having a fine time playing their favorite game: cowboys and Indians! On this day, little James Allen was wearing his new Indian outfit, a recent Christmas present. The boys were playing in the field behind his house near Dubach, Louisiana. Apparently the conflict escalated and the kids started a grassfire to flush out the other group. Unfortunately, James’s Indian outfit was very flammable. He got too close and he became engulfed.

One of the children ran for help and adults nearby were able to extinguish the flames but poor little James Allen had been severely burned from his waist down. He was rushed to Riverside Sanitarium but it was no use, the little boy died early the following morning.

His body was taken to the undertaker W. B. Corry and Company who prepared the poor child and brought him back to the Fellowship Cemetery for the funeral. They say there was a huge crowd there to say their goodbyes to the little fellow.

And that is where he rests to this day. Having grown up in a time where playing Cowboys and Indians was not too uncommon, I can definitely see where a group of rambunctious kids wouldn’t see the harm in setting a little fire for fun…but playing with fire is always dangerous.

I know that James’ parents had at least two other children. A sister was born in 1933 that never knew her big brother.

James’ parents are buried at Fellowship as well.