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Belmont Chronicle
Saint Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio
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The steamer Pennsylvania exploded and caught fire on the Mississippi River due to low boiler water, killing approximately 200 of 450 passengers and crew. Survivors included Mrs. Brotherton and her son, though her husband was badly burned. A couple was burned alive under debris.
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The St. Louis Republican of Wednesday, publishes full particulars of the burning of this steamer. It was caused by an explosion of the boilers from want of water in them. The first fireman, who has been on her since her first trip, states that they had just cleaned out the fire bed and started fire, when the explosion took place. There were two explosions in quick succession. He was blown into the water over the side of the boat. The Memphis Avalanche, 14th says that Mrs. Brotherton and son of this city, were saved, but Mr. Brotherton was 'badly burned.' John Sayre of Ohio, and Isaac Wisler of Stark county, were also scalded, but they will all survive. The Gazette says that the husband of Mrs. Brotherton, and the father of Robert, was formerly Sheriff of this county. Part of the family have been residing in Texas. They have relations in Groveport in this county.
AN AWFUL DEATH.
A gentleman and his wife, who occupied the room forward of the cabin division, died most horribly, having burned alive. In the fall of the rubbish caused by the explosion, they were caught under a heap of the fallen rooms, and a boiler fell on that. He implored the others to extricate them, and offered all he was worth. The attempt was made, but it was impossible to save them, as the boat was then on fire. The register was lost, and no correct list of the passengers can be ascertained. A careful estimate fixes the number on board at 450; all that were saved cannot exceed 250—so that 200 were killed or missing by the calamity. It is supposed that 50 or 60 were lost in the cabin.—O. S. Jour.
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Domestic News Details
Event Date
Wednesday (St. Louis Republican); 14th (Memphis Avalanche)
Key Persons
Outcome
approximately 200 killed or missing out of 450 on board; 50-60 lost in cabin; mr. brotherton badly burned; john sayre and isaac wisler scalded but will survive; a gentleman and his wife burned alive.
Event Details
The steamer Pennsylvania's boilers exploded due to lack of water shortly after cleaning the fire bed and restarting the fire, causing two quick explosions and a fire. The first fireman was blown into the water. A couple was trapped under debris and a fallen boiler and burned alive despite pleas for rescue. The passenger register was lost.