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Domestic News June 10, 1850

Alexandria Gazette

Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia

What is this article about?

In Baltimore, four men cleaning a privy were overcome by foul air on a Friday morning; Francis Witower died, while the others survived.

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Full Text

Four men were engaged, about 2 o'clock on Friday morning, in cleaning a deep privy in the rear of the store of Messrs. Poppleton & Thompson, in Baltimore street, Baltimore, and after working at it some time, one of the men was lowered down with a spade. He had no sooner obtained a foothold, and commenced using his spade, than there was a rush of foul air which caused him to fall senseless. Another, named Anthony Witower, was then lowered down and he fell senseless also. His son, Francis Witower, immediately went down to the rescue of his father, and was also overpowered by the air. A fourth one, Alexander Witower, after giving the alarm, was about to enter the privy, when he fell back senseless from the effects of the foul air, on the pavement. Aid was immediately procured, and the bodies drawn out by means of boat-hooks. Medical assistance was at hand, and the youth Francis was found to be totally dead: but the others were still alive, and it is hoped will recover from the effects of the accident.

What sub-type of article is it?

Accident Death Or Funeral

What keywords are associated?

Privy Accident Foul Air Baltimore Witower Overcome By Gas

What entities or persons were involved?

Anthony Witower Francis Witower Alexander Witower

Where did it happen?

Baltimore

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Baltimore

Event Date

Friday Morning

Key Persons

Anthony Witower Francis Witower Alexander Witower

Outcome

francis witower died; the other three men were overcome but still alive and hoped to recover.

Event Details

Four men cleaning a deep privy behind Poppleton & Thompson's store in Baltimore were overcome by foul air. One unnamed man first fell senseless, followed by Anthony Witower, his son Francis who tried to rescue him, and Alexander Witower who collapsed outside. They were pulled out with boat-hooks; Francis was dead, others expected to recover.

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