05 Aug 1903
Page 1
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Newspaper
Bluffton Banner
Location
Bluffton, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Aug 05, 1903
Page
1
A massive fire at the Empire Glycerine Co plant in Bluffton swept through the facility after 2:30 PM, collapsing portions of the building. A wide gaping void now marks the site where the factory once stood, with emergency crews securing the area.
Eyewitness reports describe a catastrophic explosion at a local factory killing Radabaugh Steffy and Howard. The blast ruptured bodies, burned ruins, and scattered fragments while bystanders sought relics amid shock and grief. Police and workers trace missing beyond recognition as a fire rages and insurance letters surface in the ruins.
A nitro glycerine explosion at a factory two miles northeast of town kills three men: Billy Howard Bill Steffy and Ed Radabaugh. The scene is described as horrific with shattered debris and a large crater. Identification rests on body size and clothing after rapid rescue efforts.
The city council met at 9 am and approved a meter franchise for Port Wayne Gas Co. The ordinance takes effect October 1 requiring meters for all consumers. Applications must be in by that date or service may be cut off, with a grace for prior applicants not yet installed. Rates remain 25 cents per thousand.
Jim Morrison, owner of the Lew Key road house at Keystone, pleaded guilty to keeping a house of ill fame and asked for a venue change to Squire Thames court. He faces a charge of selling liquor without license. The case was continued to the 12th of the month.
In Jackson Township an August 12 election asks voters to approve construction of about thirty miles of gravel roads. Judge Dailey cites 1908 law: voters place an X in the Yes square to support roads and an X in the No square to oppose. a single ballot covers all roads.
In Tocsin the Toccsin circuit held a gathering at the parsonage to honor Rev. Borkert and his wife. Seventy attended from five appointments as baskets fed a long lawn table. Alfred Abbot presented a $6 purse and a box of candy, with music and conversation ending a day hoped to deepen pastor and congregation unity.
Notice states that payment of any street assessment to any person other than the city treasurer will not release the lien on real estate benefited or satisfy the indebtedness.
Ulla Hultz sues Bert Bailey Hazel Andrews Lewis Mills and John Crown in Adams County for false imprisonment claiming she was detained for ten hours on July 22 in Wells County and Adams County. She seeks $1000 for the suit and $4000 for injuries plus $8.60 paid for liberty and related costs. Decatur Democrat reports.
Ed Wingfield told the Banner that a published claim he refused medicine for the sick boy was a mis take and that he bought and sent it himself. He said he and Marshal Crosbie moved his clothes to his father without his wife’s help and plans to contest custody of the children when the court hears the case.
Supt DeHaven found two alligators in a fierce scrap at the waterworks. The female leaped over the partition and joined the another in a long rolling bout. They locked jaws and tails in a death like grip as workers intervened before arbitration.
Wm W Weisell Sr reports a letter from Wm Flick of Youngstown Ohio announcing the 22nd annual excursion of the Ohio and Indiana Old Settlers Association will depart Youngstown on Tuesday September 29 1903 for Indiana. The reunion will occur at Ossian on Thursday October 1 with a called Hoosiers officers meeting to plan the event and date to be announced.
A prominent Ossian figure states Jefferson township will not vote the 15000 dollars requested by the M H and Fox for interurban service to Bluffton and Fort Wayne. He notes strong business case but calls the amount exorbitant and forecasts a likely majority against at the September 17 election.
Report notes no new developments in the George Hershey case at Hartford City. Hershey maintains that unnamed Black individuals mutilated him, with speculation and confusion surrounding who was involved.
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