Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 December 1893 — CRUSHED AND BURNED. [ARTICLE]

CRUSHED AND BURNED.

Two Men Jump to Their Death in the Big Fire in Detroit. One of the worst fires that Detroit has had for many years completely destroyed the five-story building at Jefferson avenue and Bates street occupied by Edson, Moore & Co., wholesale dry goods, and damaged several adjacent buildings, causing a total loss of $700,000. Throe men employed by the dry-goods firm lost their lives in the flames, and five others who are missing are also supposed to have perished. The fire started at 12:30 o'clock and so quick were the flames that in half an hour the building was completely gutted. Practically only the iron front remains. The department fought with a fire which fairly defied their efforts. The blaze was first seen on the fourth floor and looked as if it could be kept in subjection, but the flames spread as quickly as if tho building were wood. It vas said to be fireproof. Long before the many engines responded to the general alarm two men could be seen on the window sill of the fifth 6tory on tho Bates street side of the building and a groan went up from the crowd. Then there were shouts: “Don’t jump!” “Don't jump—there’s help coming!” But even as those below called the flames behind them advanced and burst out around them. A bale of jute was procured by the spectators and placed below the window on which Bradley Dunning was perched. Driven by the flames which roared around him he sprang from tho window and landed on the halo. He bounded off and fell to the sidewalk, where he lay limp and apparently lifeless. An ambulance carried him to the hospital, where he died soon after. By this time the firemen who had arrived spread a net to catch McKay, who fell into it. His injuries were such that he, too, died soon after being taken to a hospital. Hardly had this double tragedy taken place than another man was seen near the upper window nearest the corner. He was evidently nearly suffocated, for, although he succeeded in reaching the sill, his strength apparently gave out, and alter an effort to raise himself, one arm having been thrown over the sill, he slowly sank hack and disappeared from view, being swallowed up in the furnace behind him. He is thought to have been Edward Genther. After tho fire the firm established temporary headquarters and opened a register. By comparing notes it became evident that Genther, Rider, Voit, Markey, Baker, and Kircbner were missing. The firm’s loss is $500,000, well insured. How the fire ignited is not known. The burned building wa i erected twelve years ago at a cost of $100,0!>0. The loss, which is total, was covered by $50,000 insurance. Other bu ir.ess places were damaged to the extent of SBO,OOO.