Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-02-12

ter of the proprietor; Lizzie Galmoth,
a cook; DR.. Ziegler, of Allegheny,
and Jack Stern, mill worker. Miss
Mueller was just going down cellar
when the explosion occurred. She
fell downstairs and was caught by
the feet. where she lay screaming.
Charles Roth, the barkeeper, heard
her screams and ran into the room,
which was by this time in flames. He
made his way through the falling
runs and debris to the cellar-way and
rescued her, but was fatally burned.
Or: Alegler was blown against the
wall and injured internally. Lizzie
0aImoth was burned about the face
and much hurt. Jack Stern was ter
ribly burned.
AS the last and most disastrous.ex-
ploslUn occurred street car was mas
sing IN front of the saloon. The car
was blown from the track and one
side was smashed in. 1t was filed
with passengers, none of whom es.
capped some injury. A beer keg blown
from the saloon struck and dangerous
ly injured William Kota, the driver
At the same time the pieces of timber
and flying debris of all kinds hurled
III the air caused havoc among those
who had gathered in the vicinity and
persons passing along the avenue. Mr..
Bannotte had his head and face bruis-
ed. DR.. Stelnert, who was standing
IN the saloon, was blown to the
ceiling and then fell through the eel
lar. lie then fought his wav out
through the flames, and is badly burn
ed. The barkeeper of Norris saloon
was standing IN the doorway at the
time of the accident. and was blown
across the street. He was badly in
cured. Little Annie Mueller was
burned and bruised about the head
and body. Lizzie Fultzweiser, q
domestic, was terribly burned. Fred
Zulsser, who was passing along the
street, was struck by flying debris.
had one eye blown out and his skull
fractured. He will die. Gus Horn,
who was also In the street, was badly
burned and also hurt by flying ms
slIes. Jake Stern was struck by fly
ing wood and had his nose broken.
Amelia Oschenhurst was burned
about the head and arms, and one
leg was badly fractured. William
Payton, aged eighty years, was badly
cut GA the head by flying glass. An
old lady named Arensburg was struck
by flying debris and probably fatally
injured. A butcher named Oxenhert
was driving past and was blown FROM
his wagon and badly hurt. The
injured were removed to their houses,
whele they received prompt medical
attention.
By the explosion the houses of Nor
rls and Mueller were badly wrecked,
and every house within a square was
more or less damaged. Among the
number were Ebert's saloon, Law
rence's bank, Tees drug store, Giles
confectionery and Payton's saloon.
Chimneys were blown down and walls
cracked. Many persons received more
or less injury from falling glass and
bricks. Flames burst forth immedia-
tely after the explosion, but the fire
men extinguished them after diff
cult fight. After the flames of the
burning building were extinguished,
the escaping gas pouring into the sew
ers ignited, and the flames bursting
from the manholes in the street caused
intense alarm. Many people, fearing
NiOVhOA ca p1OolOhy IuSHCu 1GOLl bDClI
dwellings, seeking shelter on side
streets, and for hours were afraid to
venture near their homes.
The scene tonight is surrounded by
an immense crowd Of highly indig.
nant citizens. Threats are freely and
openly made, and for time one or
two active leaders might easily have
converted the vengeful gathering of
citizens into furious mob. This feel
ing, however, is gradually subsiding,
and the matter will probably be left
in the hands of the city officials, who,
now that they see the danger, will
take decisive steps at once. All are of
tie opinion, however, that they must
and will be protected if they have to
take the law In their own hands. Sena-
tor Upperman, who was on the ground,
said he had made rough draft of
bill that will be introduced in the leg
islature next week, and will provide
against such occurrences in the future.