The Longview Daily News, Weds., Oct. 16, 1940:

W. E. MONROE, 80, was burned to death early Wednesday when his apartment at 1206 E. Cotton street caught fire after an explosion.

Fire Chief E. S. Scott said the jets on a small stove in the bedroom of the apartment 
were turned on. He said he believed gas had been accumulating in the room during the 
night, and that the explosion occurred when Mr. Monroe got up in the morning to light 
the stove.

Henry Taylor, who operates a store and service station at 1204 E. Cotton, and is Mr. 
Monroe’s son-in-law, heard the explosion while he was opening his business for the day.

Mr. Monroe was born in Winnsboro, Wood county. He lived in Harrison county for about 
60 years before moving to Longview.

He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Bettie Latham, Mrs. Willie Taylor, and Mrs. 
Janie Harrison Davis, all of Longview, and Mrs. Essie Watson of Marshall; 18 
grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at the Christian church at Gum Springs.