The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-24
Charred Remains of Fire
Victims Almost Beyond
Recognition
JEWELRY AIDS IN
IDENTIFICATIONS
Scores of WOrkmen Labor Far Into
Night in Search for Bodies in
CHASTITY Ruins-Thorough
Investigation

Binghanton n. Y, July 23.-Thirteen
bodies, burned beyond recognition, were
recovered from the ruins Of the overall
factory of the Binehamton Clothing COM
pany today. The first was found near the
center of the debris strewn cellar short
ly before noon. Late this afternoon II
more were uncovered at point near
where the stairway led to the entrance of
the building. The thirteenth body was
found tonight. It was identified as that
of John schermerhorn, the engineer, by
a pair of rubber heels he is known to
have worn.
One of the charred bodies is believed
TO be that of Nellie Connor, the fore
woman who sacrificed her life in an eff
fort to save those in her charge. A dia-
mond ring and diamond earrings worn
by Miss Connor were found.
The body of Mrs Mary Pryor, wife
of Thomas Pryor, was identified by an
insurance key bearing her name.
Jewelry Found
Rings and other jewelry found near the
bodies are expected to aid in further
identihcations It is stil impossible to
accurately estimate the number of dead.
AT least 80, probably more, are believed
TO have perished in the flames.
partial list compiled by District At
torney Meagher contains the names of
seven Identified dead, so reported as miss
ing and 81 survivors. some of whom were
injured. At least III persons are said
to have been in the building when the
fire broke out
The identified dead Cassie NJ Fulmer.
Mary f. Sullivan, Mrs Ida Prentiss, Mrs.
Alvin White Mrs Mary Pryor, Nellie
, Connor John Schermerhonr.
Reported missing: Ruth Button. Mar
garet Diamond, Martha Burdick. Lena
Kennedy Lou Shove, Catherine Grove,
Bessie Ray. Louise Hartman Mary Cree
gan. Ida Golden, Anna Katz Eva --,
Julia - Mary -, Lizzie Risley,
Mary Polesi, Sidney Dimmick, Mrs. EN-
ma Reed and daugnter Mrs. Hattie Free
man, Moll4s Gleason Miss Chiids. Celia
Schneider, Nellie -, Mary Smith, Allie
Sadonias Sarah froran, Mrs. Melvin
Clark. John Shoemaker
Mrs. Ida Prentiss died at the City hos
pital today. The condition of Mrs. Mary
Rennick and Edna Crotty and Mrs. May
Layton Is said to be serious. Esther Ran
kin, Mrs. Marquaret Quick, Mrs Ida
Houghtaliug and Charles Contesse are eX-
pected to recover.
Work Among Ruins
Scores of laborets. many Of them vol-
unteers, worked throughout the day and
far into the night in the search for
buried bodies. while a crowd Of relatives
and friends of the missing watched them
silently.
The office safe. which is said to con-
tain a list of the factorNs employees, was
ed 10 so M
attempt was made to open it.
State and local authorities promise a
thorough investigation into the circum-
stances which made possible Yesterdays
death toll. Coroner Seymour announced
today he would begin an inquest tomor-
row afternoon.
Tonight representatives of the state la
Dor department. the state fire marshal
and the state factory Investigating COM
mittee arrived here prepared to aid in
probing tire disaster.
While the officials are seeking TO place
the responsibility for the loss of life and
property. Binghamton citizens are aid
ing IN comforting the stricken and be-
reaved and relieving the suffering
Mayor Irving this afternoon appoint-
( ed q committee of citizens TO receive
! and disbnrse to the sufferers funds that
are being contributed.
A public funeral probably win be held
for the unidentified victims in which the
clergy of various denominations will par
ticipate, and it is. planned to erect a
monument to record the names of those
who perished.
Many of the survivors called on Reed
B. Freeman, president of the Bingham
ton Clothing company, at his home to-
day, to extend their sympathy
II don't know how | stand in a busi-
ness way" said Mr. Freeman. Maybe
it's all gone but / would give all there
was il | could bring back one of the
girls to life"