The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1867-06-28
INDIANAPOLIS LETTER.
A Horrible Accident.
INDIANAPOLIS, June 26, 1867.

One OF the most terrlDIe acclOenIs
that has occurred in this city for
years happened at Zion's Church, on
Ohio Street, yesterday. Mr.. Peter
Wilson, carpenter residing on Henry
Street, was engaged in raising the
framework of the steeple. In attempt
ing to step upon ladder about one
hundred and fifteen feet from the
ground. he fell, striking upon the roof
of the main building, near the caves,
with such force as to break through
the, slate tiles and sheeting, and re-
| bounding upon the roof of a. two-story
frame dwelling house standing upon
| the adjoining lot, and thence to the
ground. The first fall Il from the
| steeple. to the church ,roof-was a
distance of, nearly sixty feet,
and the force of the fall may
be inferred from the breaking of a
large hole through the slate and
boards. 1t is almost miraculous that
he was not killed outright, but though
injured past all hope of recovery, he
was taken up insensible, but still
breathing, and at twelve O'Clock. last
night bad SO far recovered the posses
sion of his mental faculties as to be
able to understand conversation adj
dressed to him. His ankle was
badly broken, his lower jaw broken
in five places, four ribs were
torn from their spinal connection,
and the skull laid bare where it struck
the roof No fracture of the skull
bones was perceptible. Mr.. Wilson
is--or was, for he is probably dead
ere this-ai Welchman, about thirty
years of age. He was married few
months since,l and has always been
known as a sober and Industrious
man. Having-been sailor in
his early life he could climb to any
height, under any possible .jcircum-
stances, without the least fear, and
for this reason he has been employed
to work on steeples. His form
upon the dizzy heights. Of the several
church spires in process of erection,
has been familiar sight to our citi-
zens for months past, and this acct
dent has excited deep and general
sympathy.
FIRE DEPARTMENT..
The report of the Chief of our Fire
Department, for the year ending May
21st, 1867, shows that there have been
forty four fires, resulting In an estima-
ted loss of $50 600 90, on which there
were insurance policies to the amount
of $50, 279, 90, leaving net loss to
owners ofproperty destroyed, amount
ing to $23, 230 90.
In city of more than 50,O00inhab-
itants, with personal property and
real estate improvements, destructible
by fire, to the amount Of more than
5000, 900, a gross loss of less than
$56. 100000, or about one dollar to each
inhabitant, speaks volumes in praise
of our vigiiant and faithful firemen.
to exemption from loss or damage by
fire, has been about $25 900 90 or near
fifty cents to each inhabitant. The
" Latta " engine has, rendered the
most efficient service Of any in use
here, and has cost for repairs during
the year, but 3.43, while one of the
others has been repaired to the tune
of nearly $400.
THE STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Are having a very interesting session
in this city. | do not notice the
names of any of the profession in
Evansville among the list of men,
bers present; but do notice the most
intelligent appearing body of pro-
fessional lnen-with the exception of
two conventions of clergymen-that
has met here for many months. The
different tribes of M. DIS are not to
be compared with these mechanics"
AT the evening session, yesterday, the
following officers were elected:
for the ensuing year: w. f. Morrill,,
of New Albany, Presideat; J. B.
Harlan, of Danville, E. NJ. Morrison,
of Noblesville, and Merit Wells, of
indianapolis, Vice Presidents; J. f.
Johnston, of indianapolis, Secretary;
G. A. Wells, of indianapolis, Treas
urer.
The morning, session of today was
occupied by DR.. Weld, of Terre Haute,
and DR.. Merit Wells, of indianapolis,
in demonstrations of operative den
tistry" These gentlemen showed
conclusiveIy that they had long since
shed their milk teeth" and that
those particular dentals which are
supposed to indicate wisdom had, in
their several cases, attainedia tun de-
velopment.
It is the aim of the association to
promote scientific knowledge in the
profession and, so far as possible, to
protect the public from ignorant pre-
tenders who have taken up the
trade" Of pulling and plugging"
teeth. MARK TApLEY.
LETTER FROM GREENSBORO.
The Contested Seat i'm Congress