18 Mar 1890
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Indianapolis Sun
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Mar 18, 1890
Page
1
A massive blaze at the Bowen Merrill block leaves many firefighters dead or injured. Andrew Cherry, long-time fire alarm superintendent, is among the dead, with several others missing or gravely hurt. Rescue efforts continue as crowds observe the perilous search and brave survivors recount their ordeals.
A dramatic rescue tale follows a Brush electric light worker who escaped as the roof collapsed after Monday’s fire. Descriptions detail bystanders, salvage efforts, and the tense scene around the Bowen Merrill ruins with workers pulling debris, the crowd’s reactions, and reports of missing persons and salvaged valuables from the blaze.
A witness recalls the moment of destruction as debris and smoke engulfed a burning building. He describes the upraised, doomed hands reaching toward safety, a vivid image that will stay with him like a live painting. The account captures the personal impact and fear in the disaster.
A dramatic account from a Tuesday morning interview details the night of terror endured by William P. Jones and Tony Voltz trapped beneath wreckage after a lifting accident. Jones described a wall of timbers and books pinning him, prayers for deliverance, and a harrowing rise from death to rescue as Chief Dougherty and a crew pulled him to safety. The narrative notes the crowd’s heartbreak, the role of a devoted wife, and the heroism of the rescuers who worked through the night, with funerals soon arranged for the identified dead from the disaster.
Espey Stor mer says three motherless children learned their father lay dead in debris at the scene. Fireman Lowry, killed Monday, had just taken out a $2,000 life policy. Rescuers led by Joan Waiters, Capt Campbell and others freed trapped occupants amid flames. Walters suffered burns yet aided in rescue as crews removed victims.
Assistant chief Davis credits resisting a drink and buying a cigar for saving his life during a pharmacy incident. The Sloan's drug store roof ascent was interrupted by a crash as looters swarmed the ruined site, stealing valuables before detectives halted them. Boowan Merrill moves into former Levy Bros. space and plans a salvage case. A three story block on Maryland street was secured for temporary quarters. Police urge vigilance as looting continues and a corner meeting is called for 1 o'clock with a council session next Tuesday.
A Monday blaze at the Bowen Murrill building saw roof sections collapse as water crews fought the flames. Firefighters and onlookers witnessed men trapped and killed in the flames and falling debris, while crowds groaned at the deadly scene.
The Sun urges immediate aid for the seven Voltz children after their father Anthony Voltz died in the wreck. The News and Sentinel has begun relief funds but the family needs direct support to cover their time of dire need. The Sun subscribes $100 and asks others to contribute, promising credit for all donations.
Eyewitnesses describe a devastating building collapse where firemen Eb Leach and George Glenn perished or were gravely injured. Fire crews endured dangerous debris as they pulled survivors, with several named responders rushed to aid. Capt. Campbell led rescue efforts and Dr. Wands aided the wounded amid chaotic, dangerous conditions.
Portugel vents over British actions while F190 Confederate bill notes in Pomeroy no punishable law exists. Birchell in Woodstock faces a double for a murder. Louie P. Mallory of Syracuse, a college grad and rail theft gang leader, arrested. Nottingham widows sue for 100000. Robbery attempt at Tennebaum store ends with a six‑shot wound to a boy. D. D. Spencer returns to Chicago after 13 years. Regina Rothschild circles the globe to beat George Francis Train. Indictments for bribery target Bernard Mertip, Patrick Fitzgerald, and Philip Waleb, ex‑Sheriff Grant's men.
News dispatches from Bern and London report Emperor William accepting Bismarck’s resignation as chamberlain at noon Tuesday and the entire Prussian ministry resigning. Other items note coal strikes paralyzing British industry, and social unrest in Rio de Janeiro with residents fleeing in terror.
In New York on March 18 the weakening of the shirt makers strike is noted as strike participants grow stronger and contributions increase, signaling renewed labor support and momentum.
About 250 Hungarian miners occupy positions in Brapnock replacing Americans, triggering local anger over long term foreign influx. In Ikonvon a tow boat Shiver struck by the steamer Chevalier, with engineer Charles Brown reported drowned.
The Sen notes the cheerful guillotine in the Biz Four continues. Contactor Tom Cowpar of E & St, LL has orders to hand over his train upon arrival Tuesday. Four of the I. B. & WW sons are to depart next week.
Brewer Burkhardt of Lafayette traveled to Indianapolis on Tuesday for talks with a financier named Fuller. The meeting sparks speculation of a new brewery syndicate deal in the works.
Dan Buckner colored was arrested by Detectives Gerber and Quigley on a policy shop charge. Amos Woods 65 fell Saturday night on Washington Street, taken home to 660 W Washington St. A wedding for Con atable Phi Mater features parlor furniture. Ex Councilman James T Dowling paid $10 in police court for wife beating. Abraham Porson divorced by Judge Taylor took out a license Monday to wed Ada L Turcer. Lucy H Birt sued Henry Birt for divorce alleging starvation threats and attempted killing. Dr Edward Pursell dentist died Sunday at 24 S Uline Street. inventor of dental instruments. Foundations for new power house on Crow Hill line completed, Shaffer hopes May 1 operation. Rabid Newfoundland dog attacked officers Kellermyer and Smith Saturday and was killed. clothing torn, no bites. Indianapolis Water Co contributed $500 to relief fund for families of five men killed Monday night. Verdict in Riley Pebbles vs David Stour run G I Branham awarded $161 for stock attachment. State ditch area residents push to turn stream into sewer. $100,000 cost. committee to confer with city engineer. Watch and clock cleaning advertised $1. main spring $1. jewelry repair cheap. Louis Borgheim Co 56 W Wash. Bates House. Insurance firms listed by John Wacher in the 4th building. Norbert Landgraf Tailoring at old prices, 8LN Penn St.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.