The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-20
The LAST STEAMBOAT DISASTER on THE
OHIO,
Particulars Of the Explosion of the Boiler ol
the Cumberinnd-Fifteen Persons Killed.
Complete Wreck OF the Boat,

Particulars Of tho Explosion Of the Boiler oil
the Cnmberinnd-Fiftee Persons Killed.
Complete Wreck Of the Boat.
from the Evansville (Ind.) Journal, August 1871
The boat was on her downward trip, and at Shaw
neeown bar the pilot had just rung for heaving the
lead when her larboard boiler exploded with ter
rlble crash, leaving the boat complete wreck, and
killing and wounding large number Of her deck
crew. q few passengers and the mail agent as IS
supposed. Engineer Redman, who was on watch,
hearing the cali for the lead at tried the water
her boilers and finding 1t satisfactory returned to
which he expected and had just taken his position
by the engine when the boiler exploded. II Is the
exploded; but ali the boilers three IN number were
blown overheard. only small piece of tue
| exploded boiler and two small pieces Of the
| fues attached 10 the boiler head, were found. Jim
! Matheny, who was at the Wheel was blown over
board, as was also Bruce Hunter. second clerk. who
| was on watch when the explosion occurred. Math-
eny was but little stunned and was not only able to
save himself, but also aided Hunter, whom he
found helpless on the water, by clingng to portions
David Pearson, the mate was blown up in the air
and fell into the hold beneath the furnaces among
| the GOALS After having worked his way out OF
the hold he discovered that the boat was on ire,
and, though badly stunned bruised and bleeding, he
rallied such OF the crew as he could find able for
duty, and with their aid succeeded in extingushing
the fire, which broke out In another place, but by
Gs timely p OF e e ann and osers Il w o
again extlnguished, and the wreck, ana no DOUBT
many lives, saved In the meantime the anchor was
cast out and the j, l.. Graham came along up and
towed the wreck to Shawneetown, when It sunk
gradually, her butts" having been started by the
When the explosion took place Captain Lowth
and Jim Damron were caught In the wreck
and had to extricate themselves which, with much
effort, they succeeded in doing and Joined the mate
and crew in their efforts to save the boat ana assist
the wounded. Captain Lowth was especially active
and efficient In securing the comfort OF the wounded,
and was n0by seconded In his efforts by Captain
Howell and Mr.. Daniel Jacobs, OF shawneetown, and
the people OF Shawleetown were earnest In their
efforts TO render assistance ana relieve the suffer.
ing , ea. .,. .,,..,u
burned In mis- efforts to Bruce Hunters little
boy, who was asleep In the office, IN which he was
successful though the boats safe IN the same
George Birch, the steward. had his right hand
badly smashed and slightly burned but will soon be
Samuel Copeland, the mail agent, 1t Is supposed,
was making up his mail for Shawneetown, and was
which passed up last night, reported that six dead
bodies had been recovered, including the body OF
s a sea 1a one 81 e
young man who lived between Slawneetown
anu Equality HI p passenger was terribly mangied
tanned.
Nine of the negro deck crew were at shawneetown
very slightly wounded, but were able to assist In
saving the wreck. There were twenty deck hands
ha ureen OF on ee @
1t Is supposed that four or five passengers were
killed. but as the books were lost IN the confusion
attending the disaster the exact number or the
names. could not be ascertained There was but one
lady passenger, and she escaped without injury.
The officers Of the boat are highly commended for
their efforts to save the passengers and crew.
The Cumberland was built at Millersport on the
Upper Ohio, by Captain Bill Knight, II we mistake
not, in 1862, and was called the Rachel Miller She
was sold TO the government after having made two
or three trips and converted into gunboat, ana az
the close OF the war was remodeled and named the
Cumberland. Her boilers had been giving much
trouble for some time past and 1t is said her officers
and crew had determined to lay her up when they
reached Cairo We are told that the boat was In
snred for 3d. o00 and there was $1,000 or $4,000 In
surance on her cargo.