The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-09-28
A SAD CALAMITY.
Three Men Killed Immedi-
ately and Seven Seri-
ously Wounded at
a Fire.
A Whole Community in
Distress.

The most shocking and heart-rehdihs
catastrophe occurred on Sunday morn
ing about one o'clock. The rear build
ing of Thomas Cuibertson's Foundry,
situated on narrow alley, just above
the Custom House, was seen to he on
fire about half-past one. The fire.bells
soon communicated the fact to the
public, and soon the fireman were on
the spot. The building is used as the
furnace, and is but one story
high. The roof was construct
ed in the old-fashioned manner
very large, heavy rafters framed into
ridge pole, and under each rafter there
were heavy supporters. The fire had
made good Roadway in the timbers Of
the roof, but at this juncture was con-
siderably extinguished. Many citizens
were inside the building and many were
| in the narrow alley. Those inside were
ordered to make an opening into drug
store that was in front of the building
on fire. The forward man had scarcely
reached the window: which he intended
to break open, when he heard some
thing crack overhead. He spoke to Mr..
Brady, who was next to him, to follow
him instantly. At this instant he
smashed in the window and lcaped
into the drug store, but felt something
hit his foot. The timbers which sup
ported the heavy rafter gave way and
let The massive rafters down, and fell
upon Mr.. Brady, MASKING him to the
earth. At the same instant that these
timbers of the roof fell, their great
weight pushed the side walls outward,
which fell with a crash. Many were in
the alley, number of whom were
caught under the massive brick walls.
Here was scene horrible to relate.
Some were killed instantly, and those
who were not killed were so severely
wounded that no one knew at what
moment they would expire. AS the fire
was pretty nearly subdued, the people
went to work to extricate the dead and
wounded. Frank Stanley was taken
out very badly injured; knee put out OF
place and back and sides injured
Thomas McCue was found dead. Thos
Stanley was found in n very bad condi-
ton; one arm broken, and head badly
bruised with both ears torn of. These
were found and have been sewed on.
Bartholomew Linck was taken out
dead. Thomas O'Brien (not our Sur
veyor of Customs) seriously wounded.
John Smith, shoemaker, was very
seriously injured. He was taken to the
Hospital, and it is thought he cannot
recover. William Umbruster, arm
broken. Charles earle, injured i'll the
leg. William Fulmer, seriously lnJur-
ed. Several others were slightly in
iured, but had effected their own es-
cape.
At this juncture inquiry was made for
John 7. Brady, one of the police. 1t
was asserted 10y Mr.. Strobel, another OF
the police, and who bursted in the win
dow of the drug store of Mr.. ihailing,
that Mr.. Brady was under the mass of
fallen timbeTs. Search was made and
he was found dead, almost mashed to
pieces.
The wounded men were taken to the
residence of Mr.. Wingerter, a dentist,
where they were cared for till they
could be removed. One thing occurred
during the time the wounded men were
being removed that deeply mars the
name of humanity. c. Hanke, cigar
manufacturer, we are informed, refused
to let the wounded men be taken into
his house or to furnish quilts or blank
cts for their relief.
This terrible calamity has thrown a
gloom over the community, and yester-
day was 4 day of excitement. How
Gin the midst of life we are in death"
The funeral of Mr.. Brady and of Mr..
McCue will start from the Custom
House precisely at 3 o'clock this after
noon. After these obsequies are attend
ed to, the procession will return and
attend the funeral of Bartholomew
Linck. Citizens will please bear this
in mind.
We are requested by Mr.. Culbcrtson
to state that he deeply sympathizes
with the families and relatives of those
parsons who were killed and with those
who were wounded at the fire at his
foundry. He also returns thinks to
the firemen and others for their noble
efforts to save his property from destruc-
ton.
CITY CoUNCIL.-At a special meeting