The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1881-01-20
The Burning OF . Poor-House IN New
Hamphslre.

ated about four miles north of this city, at an
early hour this morning, whereby thirteen
paupers and lunatics lost their lives. At $3.50
o'clock fire was discovered in the furnace
room of the main building, a three-story
editicc of brick, in which lived one hundred
aud sixty-fCur persons besides the physicians
and attendants. In some way the woodwork
near the furnace caught fire and burned
through one story before it was discovered. 1t
was then burning furiOusly, and in the absence
of facilities for squelching the flames there was
nothing to do but to save the inmates, who
were Immediately in a fearful state Of excite
ment. Many of them were old. imbccile aud
helpless. and the spectacle as they rushed
about the corridors in utter bewilderment,
or crouched stupidity in corners, absolutely
refusing to leave the building, was terrible in
the extreme. For some time the flames
seemed to have fascination which induced
them to return after having once escaped.
Many of the children were saved by being
thrown from the windows into the arms of
those below. One poor Irish woman, vino has
been pauper four or five years, stood nearly
naked for thrce-quarters of an hour catching
them In this way. Finally, after every effort
had been made the building was abandoned
and the flames had everything their own way.
There was no fire apparatus ON the premises.
One engine from this city got within mile of
the place, but could go no further, and could
have done no good even If it had been sta
toned at the farm, as there was no water to
use. When the flames subsidized, it was found
that thirteen human lives were lost.
Terrible Results 81 . Lamp Explosion.
READING, Pa, January IL.
SHORTLY after six o'clock this evening q
oil vplO AoA in he oR
Wellington b. Moser, No. 1897 Center avenue,
in this city, which resulted in the burning to
death of two persons. and the fatal burning of
two Others, both Of whom will probably live
until morning. The family had just left the
supper table, and Mrs. Moser had gone to the
cellar to obtain can of oil for the purpose of
filling lamp. David Maurer. a boarder, blew
into the lamp in order to extinguish it, when
an explosion took place, and the burning oil
was scattered over the room, which was
instantly sheet of flame. Mr.. MOser and
four children were in the room with q
girl named Sallie ROthgerber, fourteen years
of age, Mrs. Moser's step-sister. This girl had
the youngest child, eight months old. in her
arms, and ran upstairs for the purpose of
escaping from the burning oil. Two Of the
children, both boys, were carried out safely
by the mother, and the Oldest child, Mary
Moser, aged eight years, was rescued from the
flames, but not until she had been fatally
burned and is now lying in great agony, her
death being momentarily expected. The
flames spread 80 rapidly that the house, q
brick structure. was speedily consumed. The
girl Sallie Rothgerber, with the infant, per
ished in the flames, and their bodies, which
are covered up in the ruins, have not been re-
covered. David Maurer, the hired man, was
burned fearfuily about the arms, hands and
faro