This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Smith, Hooper Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3591.1.1 Message Board Post: thank you! I'll try them.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3589.1 Message Board Post: Debbie- I think there were city directories at that time and they are a great source of info.! I'll check with the man who organized the 1864 directory on-line project and let you know. My mom has mentioned that the Germans in her neighborhood all went to one or two churches. I think one was St. James. I'll check with her tomorrow. This was around the 1920's in downtown Baltimore city, so it should still apply to the same churches in the 1800's. The records should be at the Maryland Archives. I have gotten alot of info from the Catholic church records there. The website is www.mdarchives.state.md.us. Please post a reply and I will post more info too. Kathy

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3591.1 Message Board Post: Heather- have you tried the Maryland Archives? They will do marriage look-ups for a small fee about $25. Their website is www.mdarchives.state.md.us. Good luck!!

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AFB.2ACI/3579.1.1 Message Board Post: Hi, Paul I really appreciate this information, which will help in researching family located in Baltimore at that time. Thank you.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3579.1 Message Board Post: Hi Anne, According to the street index listed in the 1915 Baltimore City Directory, there was a Williamson street that ran both east and west of Charles street, at a point south of Henrietta street. Just speculation on my part, but it looks like that might have been what today is known as Wheeling street.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AFB.2ACI/3592 Message Board Post: I am a reporter for Texas Catholic Newspaper and am currently working on a story about Catholic contributions to American Independence. If anyone in or near the Dallas diocese has a Catholic ancestor from Maryland at or around the time of the Revolutionary War, or you know where I might find someone, please let me know. Thank you Katherine Cook

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Cemetery Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AFB.2ACI/3271.1 Message Board Post: My greatgrandfather was Caleb W. Mewshaw from MD. He married Drussilla Porter. Do you have any information on them.

To know the Catholic Church to which your Immigrant ancestors would have belonged you would first have to know their address. In 1852, there were several German Catholic parishes--St. Michael's on Wolfe St., St. James, St. Alphonsus and I believe Holy Cross. The Baltimore City Directories should give you the address that you are looking for. Once their address is known, you can then look for the nearest Catholic Church. Good Luck! Frank Kuhn

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Smith, Hooper Classification: Lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3591 Message Board Post: Is there anybody who could look up a marriage record for Mary Hooper and Robert Tynes Smith? I believe they married in Baltimore between 1870 and 1878. Mary was the daughter of cloth magnate William Hooper, and sister of mayor Alcaeus Hooper. Thank you! - Heather

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3590 Message Board Post: I have ancestors listed as first subscribers to the Baltimore American in 1773. Does anyone know how wide the subscriiption area was? Was it pretty much just in Baltimore or did it extend as far as Frederick County?

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/5535/AFB.2ACI/995.1 Message Board Post: I, along with several other people are researching the surname Sprucebank, no S. We have to consider there is a connection, however, with the Sprucebanks as an s can easily be added or lost. I'd like to share information if I can.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/3589 Message Board Post: My gggrandfather Johannes Schickel and his bride Catherine arrived in Baltimore on the ship Finland on Nov. 26, 1852. They were Catholic and in April of 58 had a daughter named Bernhardina. I was wondering what catholic church german immigrants would have attended at that time? Also, were there city directories for that period? Did the great fire destory any buildings that held these records? Any ideas for helping me get over this brick wall would be appreciated. Thanks...

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/668.2441.2444.2452.2774.2.3.1.1.2.2 Message Board Post: I really don't have info re: Carroll County Gosnell's. It is assumed that they are connected to the BA Co. Gosnell's but unless I'm mistaken don't think anyone knows exactly how.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACI/454.1 Message Board Post: My great x 2 grandmother was Sarah Bertha Kurtz,born June 18,1879 in Germany, wed George Albert Nash Dec 29,1906 in MD, she died March 13,1950 and is buried at Grace Church in Hampstead, Md I amlooking for her parents names or other family Thanks,Diana

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AFB.2ACI/3588 Message Board Post: Looking for any info on Harry and Anna Hannon. Thanks,Mike Kennedy

Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler [email protected] <A HREF="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/">Dee's Chesapeake Genealogy</A> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/ Transcribed by Dee Gabler on June 4, 2002 Source: Microfilm held at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. ____________________ The Sun, Baltimore, Friday, April 22, 1842 Page 2, columns 1 & 3 THE WEEKLY SUN Full particulars of the Explosion - The Weekly Sun, which will be issued to-morrow morning as usual, will be one of the most interesting numbers we have ever published, especially as regards the deeply afflicting local occurrences which have taken place in the city during the past ten days. The great demand for last week's edition, containing the account of the explosion of the boilers of the Medora, has induced us to re-publish the whole of it i this week's publication, with all the particulars connected with it, the inquest, the funerals, the affidavits of Cragg and Ramsay, &c, &c, up to this evening. There are a great many individuals who desired to send the account to their friends, both in this country and Europe, but how have been disappointed; this will afford them an opportunity, the whole being embodied in one sheet. Besides, it will contain the highly important intelligence from Europe by the Great Western; a beautiful tale, congressional news, and a full amount of news items and editorial matter. ~ Price per annum $1.50; for six months $1, always in advance. Single copies, with or without wrappers, ready for mailing, 6 cents. ______________ THE SUFFERERS BY THE MEDORA - The following gentlemen have been appointed to solicit aid in their respective wards: First Ward - Capt. James Frazier, Hy. R. Lauderman, Peter Fenby, Jacob Myers, Jr., Peter Foy, John Mann, John Mason, John A. Robb, James Slater, Isaac Glass, David Grieves, and George Presstman. Eighth Ward - Joseph W. Patterson, Jacob G. Davies, Andrew Aldridge, Bazil Spaulding, John Glenn, Wm. H. Marriott, C.C. Jamison, Dr. J.J. Graves, Wm. E. Mayhew, G.B. Wilson, Wesley Cowles, James M. Buchanan, Enoch Pratt, Hugh Jenkins, Leonard Jarvis, Dr. S. Collins, Jos. White, Edw'd V. Ward, Judge Harwood, Frederick J. Dugan. Tenth Ward - Comfort Tiffany, Beale H. Richardson, Henry Snyder, Richard Lemmon, James Harwood, Jr., James George, Jas. Wilson, Daniel Bender, N.C. Smith, Charles H. Carroll, O.C. Tiffany, Edward Lankford. Eleventh Ward - Hamlet Duvall, Frederick Seyler, John G. Schley, Thos. E. Hambleton, Hugh McAvoy, Chas. B. Purnell, James Carroll, Jr., John R. Moore, Jacob Walter, Dan'l Bixter, Alex. Geddes, David Martin, Samuel Keerl, Thomas E. Tilden, Andrew Martin, M. Blundell, Thomas Lloyd, Louis Klockgether, John Dailey, A.H. Greenfield, Chas. Toronsen, Nicholas Sanks, J.P. Balderston, Sam'l. Jackson, Sam'l. Dawes, Dr. Jas. Armitage, Wm. P. Pouder, Thomas McGlannen, Wm. Spear, M. Churchman, L. Quimlen, L.W. Gosnell, Wm. D. Ball, J.W. Ringrose, Dr. J.R. Jones, R. McAllister, R.B.A. Tate, A. Hussey, J. Cockey, J.Q. Hewlett, Sam'l. Jones, jr., Sam'l D. Walker, Robt. Garrett, Chas. M. Keyser, John King, Geo. Helfresh, John McNeavin, John F. Eichelberger, Henry Russell. ______________ LOCAL MATTERS - The funeral of Francis McAlear, the last one found in the wreck of the Medora, took place yesterday at 9 o'clock. He was honored by an immense train from his residence, at the corner of Jew Alley and Lexington street, to the Cathedral burying-ground. A singular curiosity, but one natural enough under the circumstances, prevailed among many to look a last time at the face of one snatched so suddenly from life. To all appearances he had been simply stunned by the explosion and afterwards drowned - no external marks of violence being seen upon his person. This must be understood with the exception that a single wound appeared across the nose, immediately between the eyes, which, however, did not extend beyond the skin, and was doubtless received during the various efforts made for his recovery from the water. We are thus particular, in order to correct an error or yesterday morning. - He was 28 years of age, and has left a wife and two children - the first a girl of four years of age, and the second a boy of one year and three months old the day of the accident. Nearly the following order was observed in the procession. Archbishop ______________ An Owner Wanted - Immediately after the explosion of the Medora, a wounded man was brought to the house of Mrs. Groves, in William street, near Montgomery, for relief. When he was taken away, a roundabout, with some articles in the pocket, was left behind. The lady does not know the owner, and desires that he will call for them.

Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler [email protected] <A HREF="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/">Dee's Chesapeake Genealogy</A> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/ Transcribed by Dee Gabler on June 4, 2002 Source: Microfilm held at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. ____________________ The Sun, Baltimore, Thursday morning, April 21, 1842 Page 2, columns 2 & 3 THE MEDORA As we intimated the other day, the question of the ownership of the Medora is one with which we have no desire to meddle. It is a question between private parties, and one of whose merits we can know nothing except on information; but as it may possibly be found to have been in some degree connected with the cause of the disaster, it may not be improper to state the substance in brief of some information received from a source which we consider accountable for it. It is alleged that the Company's agent, Mr. Moale, took possession of the boat some days before, gave all orders respecting her, and in the presence of a third person, on the day before the explosion, ordered Ramsay on board to take charge of the engine, telling him he would be assisted by Ferguson, who had been engaged to run two or three trips to Norfolk. It is also stated that it was by the agent's orders the boat was hauled out into the stream two or three hours before the time of starting; and being fastened to the wharf by two small lines, the engine could not be worked; and to this circumstance our informant in part attributes the sad accident that occurred. How far the inference may be correct, those skilled in such matters can better judge than we. The following is another affidavit touching the matter of the explosion, which however does not seem to throw much additional light on the subject. A.G. RAMSAY's AFFIDAVIT - City of Baltimore, Sct. - On the 19th day of April, 1842, before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for said city, personally appeared Albert G. Ramsay, and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that he had been engaged by the company before the keel was laid to take charge as engineer of the Medora when completed, and after his return from North Carolina, was frequently on board and considered the boilers and engines of the first order. Was on board the various trials; the engines worked very well; saw as high as twenty-two inches of steam on her at the trials; had no charge of the engine on the day of the explosion; was standing aft on board on the day of the explosion; was standing aft on board on the day of explosion; saw Mr. Moale coming across the basin; walked forward, and as he passed the steam guage discovered that it stood at nine inches; did not touch the stick to ascertain if there was more; on looking down into the fire room, discovered that they had commenced firing a-fresh, turned aft to go on upper deck. Just after turning, met Mr. A. F. Henderson, who was trying the guage cocks; after Mr. Henderson left, he took hold of the cock, and trying it himself, found that the three cocks had water, he immediately went alone on the upper deck and walked aft; supposed he was there eight or ten minutes when he saw Capt.. Sutton run on deck to back the boat out. Deponent went on the starboard side of the upper deck, and saw Alexander Watson, engineer of the Gosport, standing near the wheel house; went up to meet him and began a conversation; heard the backing bell ring; discovered gruise cock on the cylinder top leak a little; got on a block about a foot above the deck, to put his hand on it to stop the cock. The engine made about 1 1/2 evolution, when I heard the explosion, thinking that it was the steam pipe that had exploded; looking round after hearing the report, saw that the deck and every thing was gone, and went to stoop down without looking beneath, I fell to the bottom of the boat; having presence of mind enough, and knowing where I was, I got up and saw and caught hold of the excentric rod, and climbed to the upper deck, through where the connecting rod works. The first person I met was Henry Snyder, and three or four other acquaintances; he remained on deck two or three minutes, and was taken off by Mr. George Jury, in a small boat. Mr. Cragg and deponent had no conversation during the evening nor had any arrangement or understanding been made between Ferguson, Cragg or himself, as is reported in the papers of the 19th of April, nor does he know any thing about the changing of the weights on the lever, was therein stated, or of any additional weight having been added, as deponent had no more to do with the engine or boilers than he has stated in the first part of this deposition. Subscribed to before A. H. Pennington. ______________ A GOOD SUGGESTION AND A GOOD EXAMPLE - A correspondent, who signs himself "Howard," but who, it will be seen, is an instructor of youth, has sent us a communication addressed to this professional brethren, in which he suggests the propriety of making contributions in the several schools of the city, in aid of the necessitous widows and orphans who have been rendered destitute by the late mournful event on board of the Medora. His pupils (30 in number) have gathered as the fruits of their juvenile berrificance, the sum of $3.70. Now computing eight schools to each ward, (a very moderate calculation he thinks) and averaging each $3.70, we have the handsome sum of $414.40 towards alleviating the afflictions and providing for the wants of those who stand so much in need of pecuniary assistance. Besides the noble act itself conveys a beautiful moral to the youthful mind worth ten-fold the amount involved. It is to be hoped that this suggestion and example will not be lost on the teachers of the city. ______________ RELIEF OF THE SUFFERERS - The following is a list, as far as has come to our knowledge, of the committees appointed to the different wards to make collections for the benefit of those who are sufferers by the explosion of the boiler of the Medora. Second Ward - Capt. M. Kelly, David T. Montsarrat, Wm. Bennett, John Dutton, James Wheeden, D.W. Hudson, Thos Smyrk, Wm. Muirhead, Capt. Wm. Bennett, John E. Stansbury, Christopher Hergesheimer, Alfred Adams, Robert A. McAllister, Bernard McDonough, George F. Knotts, Geo. C. Baker, Wm. Thompson, Robert Wier, Jonas Friedenwald, Geroge Fasthe, Thomas Spencer. Third Ward - Stirling Thomas, Robert B. Verden, S.D. Legrand, Charles Ingram, James Whiteford, Jefferson Rusk, John M. Smith, Maybury Turner, H.F. Turner, Thos. Pindell, Mr Gracey, and Jos. Owens. Fourth Ward - J.J Corner, Capt. John Patrick, J. Loyd, John Kettlewell, F.W. Sweeny, Captain A. Mullin, A. Mathiot, David Wheeler, C.C. Egerton. Fifth Ward - Samuel Wilson, Hugh Bolton, Jos. Matthews, John Rogers, Dr. Snodgrass, James Lovegrove, John Isler, Thos. W. Saunders, Wm. Willey, Samuel Rankin, James T. Wilkinson, W.H.H. Turner, James Roach, Wm. Johnson, N. Brewer. Sixth Ward - James Harker, Peter Wilcox, C.A. Medinger, David Hubbard, Robert Howard, Darius Stansbury, Abraham Sliver, Thos. J. Dallam. Seventh Ward - Adam Ross, Simeon Alden, Jas. A. Henderson, James Ninde, John Wilson, Wm. H. Cole, jr., Andrew E. Warner, jr., Robert M. Welch. Ninth Ward - Britain Chase, Thomas H. Sewell, Wm. Heckrotte, Alex. Gould, jr., A.H. Pennington, John Fitzpatrick, Samuel Lucas, Daniel Schwarzauer, Capt. Wm. Patterson, Jos. Donovan, Asa Needham, Wm. Skinner, Capt. George Sumwalt, Washington Ennis, Wm. Addison. Twelfth Ward - C.D. Slingluff, Francis Burnes, G.W. Norris, Joshua Stinchcomb, N.L. Wood, Hy. Wigart, John W. Berry, Peter Mason, Horatio Miller, Wm. Webster, Michael Christopher, Jas. T. Watson, James Essender, ELijah Jean, Matthew Clark, John Lockard, James Peregoy, Jos Brown, Joshua Sumwalt, James Dixon, Matthew Turner, John P. Brotherton, William McCurley, Reuben Aler. Thirteenth Ward - Richard Marley, A. Duvall, Charles Hoffman, John Rickter, Nathan Warfield, W. A. Hack, Thos. Jerret, John Blackston, Valentine Dushane, Thomas Mules, David Taylor, and D.J. Ford. ______________ LOCAL MATTERS McAlear's Body Found - The body of the unfortunate Francis McAlear was, after a long and preserving search, found yesterday morning, about 9 o'clock. It was lying in the hulk of the Medora, partially concealed by a remnant of the boiler. To all appearances, the individual had been instantly killed by the explosion, the sufficient cause of death being apparent in a severe cut or fracture across the fore part of head, the only particular injury found upon his person. He is supposed to have been the only one missing, and accordingly, the efforts of the Calvert Beneficial Society were constantly and strenuously exerted amidst the inclemency of the weather, until crowned with success.

Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler [email protected] <A HREF="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/">Dee's Chesapeake Genealogy</A> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/ Transcribed by Dee Gabler on June 4, 2002 Source: Microfilm held at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. ____________________ The Sun, Baltimore, Wednesday, April 20, 1842 Page 2, columns 2 & 3 MORE OF THE MEDORA Cragg's affidavit: - The cause of the recent disaster to the steamer Medora will, we imagine, in a great measure, be explained by a narration of the following circumstances, which we have on unquestionable authority. That which we received relative to Cragg's agency, will be found in his affidavit, giving below. Mr. Thomas Smith states that he was on board at the time - was standing near the steam guage - saw Cragg run out the weight to the extreme end of the lever - the steam being then at 20 or 22 inches. In a few minutes he observed the steam rise rapidly, and finally saw the stick fly out, followed by the mercury which was in the guage. This alarmed him, and he turned away, when the explosion took place. The following affidavit referred to above, and which will correct the error into which we think our informants believed to be correct: [COPY] City of Baltimore, Set - On the 19th day of April, 1842, before the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and or said city, personally appeared, Joseph Cragg, one of the persons engaged on board the steamboat Medora, on Thursday last, at the time of the explosion, and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, that he went on board said boat about three o'clock, at the request of Mr. John Watchman; immediately after arriving on board, was engaged in conversation with different persons on the after part of the boat, until about ten minutes previous to the explosion, when I went forward to speak to Mr. Ferguson, the chief engineer, and requested him not to start the engine until after the return of a person who had gone on shore. I remarked to Mr. Ferguson that I thought the weight of the safety valve was too light; Ferguson stated that it had been pushed in toward the valve, and requested me to open the door and push it out to its proper place, which I did; I then went aft to see if my friend who had left the boat, had returned, waited there until I discovered him on board, and immediately informed Mr. Ferguson that he was on board. As I had nothing then to attend to, the engine being altogether in charge of Messrs. Ferguson and Ramsay, I walked slowly to the forward part of the boat and examined the water in the boiler, and found water flush in the three lower cocks, and steam in the fourth; as I walked slowly aft again taking a glance at the steam guage, I found there was as near as I can recollect, about twenty-two inches of steam, by the showing of the guage, being about two inches more than when Mr. Ferguson requested me to remove the weight; I here stopped a minute of so to wipe my hands, having got some paint from them from off the door, whilst opening it to remove the weight. In about two minutes the explosion took place, when I knew no more until I found myself at the bottom of the water in the basin; when I came up I found myself under the wood and lumber from the wreck; got clear of the wreck and then got on the lumber until a boar came along and took me to the shore. Having read a publication in the Sun of Tuesday, April 19, 1842, in which it is stated "that Joseph Cragg had confessed that he caused the explosion by removing the weight on the lower end of the safety valve, to its further extremity, and then putting on additional weight; and that Ramsay and Ferguson were cognizant of his doing so; that it was in fact the act of all three by agreement, though actually done by him," deponent now positively denies ever having made any such confession, other then that of removing, by order of Ferguson, the weight of the safety valve. As to an agreement between Ferguson, Ramsay and himself, during that time he had not spoken to Ramsay, nor at any previous time, in relation to the subject; and that as to Ferguson, no other conversation took place than what is already related, in regard to the engine, I did not put any additional weight on the safety valve, nor do I know of any having been put on. I cannot imagine any cause for the explosion, having considered that every thing was correct and safe about the engine and boiler. Signed Joseph Cragg. Subscribed and sworn before A. H. Pennington. ______________ The Wounded - We yesterday heard from most of the survivors of the explosion, who had received injury by it. They are represented as all doing well in different degrees, and we learn that none of them have yet been despaired of by the physicians. There is reason to hope that none of the cases will prove fatal. The Wreck still remains in the basin; and though some search was yesterday made for the body of McAlear, it had not yet been found at the time of our latest information. Generosity - We learned yesterday that a gentleman of Baltimore handed over to the mayor the sum of $20, to be employed in the relief of the sufferers by the ill-fated Medora. Another gentleman, formerly a resident of Baltimore, but now of Washington city, transmitted to the mayor the sum of $10 for the same noble object. Worthy of imitation. ~ In our appeals to the sympathies of the public in behalf of those who suffered from the recent disaster, we neglected to mention the destitute widow of the late John Speedy, Lombard street, south side between Bond and Market streets, Fells Point. ______________ STEAM MACHINERY, &c. - Since the explosion of the boilers of the ill-fated Medora, we have received numberless communications upon that particular case, and the subject of steam machinery generally. Among the rest, we have been favored by a scientific gentleman of Washington, with a series of articles, which originally appeared in 1838 and 1840, in the Washington and Philadelphia papers, with a desire that they should be republished at this time, while the public mind is alive to the importance of the subject discussed. With the greatest desire to gratify our correspondent, we must beg to decline their publication. These articles which would be rather more than we can at present stand, seeing that so many matters of immediate current interest are constantly forcing themselves upon us. We have reserved the papers, as desired, subject to his order.

Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler [email protected] <A HREF="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/">Dee's Chesapeake Genealogy</A> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/ Transcribed by Dee Gabler on June 3, 2002 Source: Microfilm held at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. ____________________ American, Baltimore (Baltimore American & Commercial Daily Advertiser) Monday Morning, April 18, 1842 Published every morning at No. 2 South Gay street, by Dobbin, Murphy & Bose. ADDITIONAL DEATHS BY THE EXPLOSION. We are truly pained to add to the number of those who have died of injuries sustained by the explosion on board the Medora on Thursday last, the names of DUNCAN FURGUSON, the Engineer in charge of the boat; JOHN YEAGER, late Engineer at Lanvale Factory; and JACKSON REEDER, son of Mr. Charles Reeder. We were misled in placing the name of THOMAS ELDRIDGE among the names names of the dead. He is yet living, but in a critical condition. The number of deaths by the explosion, thus far ascertained, is twenty-five. It is yet quite doubtful whether some four or five of those who have received injuries will recover. CORONER'S INQUEST. At the instance of this Honor the Mayor, Wm T. Rice, Esq., Coroner, held and inquest on Saturday morning, on the body of JOHN RINGGOLD BOON; one of the sufferers by the late melancholy accident on board the ill fated Medora, with a view of eliciting the facts connected with the explosion of the boiler of said steamer on Thursday evening last. The following named gentlemen composed the jury: Joseph Turner, Jr., William J. Wight, Charles B. White, Joseph L. Donovan, Samuel House, Asa Needham, Matthew Shaw, Thomas M. Locke, James Fergusson, James Hooper, Jr., John Wells and Charles V. Walters. The coroner having administered the usual oath, the body of the deceased was inspected by the Jury, when the following examination of persons took place: John Watchman, the builder of the engine on board the Medora, testified as to the correctness of its construction. On the evening previous to the afternoon on which the accident occurred, a trial of the boiler was made, at which time, a pressure of 27 inches of steam was put on, which was found just sufficient to raise the safety valve, as had been previously calculated upon. On the Saturday previous a trial of the boiler was also made, when a pressure of 31 inches was put on it, and was then perceived that her capacity when running had not being overrated in the least. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Moale informed him that the boat must be tried on Thursday evening, and he wished to go down the river in her together, with a number of friends whom he had invited to accompany him. Fire was accordingly made beneath the boiler at about 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon. Thinking every thing was in perfect order and placing as he did unlimited confidence in the two Engineers into whose hands she had been committed, Duncan Ferguson and Albert Ramsay, he left her and went on some other business. About half an hour before the explosion, in company with Capt. Kenny and Mr. Wildey, he again went on board. Mr. Moale had not yet arrived, and he ordered the engineer to close the damper and keep the steam down until he should arrive. He went in a few minutes afterwards to the gauge which indicated 10 inches of steam - tried to lift the safety valve, but could not. This excited his fears, and after examining the rope attached to the lever of the safety valve, to see if it was on the pulley, he walked away. Still he was haunted with a fear that all was not right, and about the time that Mr. Moale came on board, he went to the boiler, in which he found plenty of water. He tried the third cock of the boiler which ejected water - he then tried the cock above; did not like its appearance; cried out to Ferguson, and asked him how much steam he had on; the answer was 22 inches; did not look at the gauge himself. Mr. Moale engaged Mr. Ramsay; to take charge of the boat, who was assisted by Duncan Ferguson, engineer of his Foundry. He then went up on the deck near the wheelhouse, and afterwards was about to return to see more about the steam, when he was met by Mr. Chicken and Mr. Spavin who told him that a great number were engaged in that quarter, and it was no use for him to go there. Convinced of the skill of the Engineers, he went back and asked Mr. Wildey to give him a piece of blank paper, as he wished to time the run between the wharf and North Point. Mr. Wildey took him aft from among the crowd about the wheelhouse to give him a piece, when Mr. Gideon Brown, perceiving his want, took from his pocket a letter, and gave him the blank part of it. A moment afterwards he heard a loud report, saw the smoke stacks and the front part of the decks flying into the air; was suddenly enveloped in a cloud of steam, and blown as if by a gust of wind. In reply to several questions asked by some of the Jurors, Mr. Watchman replied that he would not have been afraid of 50 inches of steam, with such a boiler as that on board the Medora, and he entertained fears that a foolish ambition was prevalent among some of the men on board who were not aware of the great danger of experimenting. He was of the opinion that something wrong was resorted to. The expansion or rarification of steam is so sudden that it is possible that 27 or 30 inches was generated in less than five minutes; no man can calculate with anything approaching to precision, the rapidity with which steam becomes rarified. Some one on board must have tampered with the safety-valve placing additional weight on its lever, or in some other way obstructed its free use. Mr. Watchman stated that the boiler was designed similar to the one now on board the Jewess - in no wise peculiar in its construction, save that it had an additional leg, which increased its strength. The boiler was perfectly new, and less than 60 inches of steam could do it no injury. There was no lack of water, and there was no sudden fresh supply save that thrown in by the injecting pipe as the wheels revolved. Mr. Smith, who was slightly injured, informed one of his workmen on Saturday morning that he was standing looking at the gauge, when he saw it suddenly run up to the deck. He instantly betook himself to flight, but was arrested in his course by the explosion, which took place immediately after. Gideon Brown, builder of the boiler, affirmed that he was on board the Medora from Thursday morning until 12 o clock, when he went to his dinner. When he left no fire had been made under the boiler, in which there was a sufficiency of water. On his return he inquired of Captain Kenny the time of day. His answer was that it was ten minutes past three. He examined the boiler in every way, and found no steam on any consequence. He heard Ferguson, the engineer, order some man standing close by to make another light fire under the boiler - he looked afterwards, and could perceive go indication of a great quantity of steam. Saw Mr. Moale come on board, and then saw Mr. Watchman try the water. Ten minutes previous to backing out, there was apparently very little steam on, and from the appearance of the boiler, so far as weakness was concerned, he would not have been afraid to sleep on it. He gave Mr. Watchman the blank part of a letter to take notes. Mr. Brown coincided with Mr. Watchman in the opinion that some one must have tampered with the safety-valve. The boiler was made precisely like that on board the Jewess, with the exception of the additional leg spoken of by Mr. Watchman. The boiler was perfectly new, and he believed the strongest he ever made: he knew every rivet in it, and explained fully the mode in which it was constructed. Witness left the vicinity of the engine five minutes before the engine five minutes before the explosion because he thought too many persons were engaged in that quarter, in firing, &c. Persons were there with whom he was unacquainted - he did not suspect any accident, but still, he was of opinion that too many were there. Tried the state of the water just before leaving the boiler, and was sure there was no deficiency. When the boiler was first tried on Saturday previous, there was a much greater pressure on. Alexander Spavin, Engineer, a visitor on board the boat, was next called. - Up to Wednesday night witness had been engaged in working for Mr. Watchman. On Saturday and Wednesday he aided in arranging matters on board the Medora, and witnessed the trials of the border on those days, both of which were highly satisfactory. About five minutes before the explosion he went on board the Medora, where he met Mr. Chicken, who informed him that a great number of persons were inspecting the machinery, and told him not to go there - was not near the engine - went aft - was blown overboard. On Saturday Ferguson and he pushed the weight of the safety valve to the extremity of the lever, and ascertained beyond a doubt that it would only require 27 inches to lift it. Capt. James Chaytor was next called. At the time of the accident he was standing on board of his own boat. As he saw the Medora backing out from the wharf, singular misgivings seemed to cross his mind, on account of the stillness which prevailed on board the Medora. She had not blown off much steam, and he was suddenly impressed with a belief that it was strange. The steam escaped from the boiler pipe very slowly. He had expressed himself to Mr. Henderson and others in favor of the apparent strength of the work - he thought it the strongest he had ever seen. He had often reflected on the awful consequences attendant on an explosion on board a Steamboat, and without knowing why, he involuntarily turned to those _____?_____ he exhorted them to follow him. He was suddenly thrown down on the deck, when he recovered from the shock, he saw a man, whom he afterwards learned was a Mr. Edward Speedy, a ship-joiner, lying beside him, most horribly mutilated. David Hardester, an engineer on board, deposed that he saw Mr. Watchman try the water, and shortly afterwards saw very blue steam issuing from the feed pipe, and bit very little from the blow-off pipe. Alarmed at these appearances, he hurried aft, was blown overboard, swam to the wheelhouse, and beneath it screened himself from danger. His opinion is that there was too much steam on - thinks there was plenty of water in the boiler - which was as good a one as he had ever seen - nothing new or peculiar in its construction. He is of opinion that the steam gauge might have been deceptive. He fears that the safety-valve was kept down by some interference. Alexander Watson we called next. - Witness stated that he went on board the Medora at halfpast 12 o'clock; the boat was fired at 2'oclock. Ferguson damped the fire - saw Mr. Watchman try the water. Mr. Moale came on board at 3 o'clock. The boat started - stopped - went back, and was about to move forward again, when the explosion took place, and he was thrown overboard. He could not account for the delusion occasioned by the gauge - it was a small stick the thickness of a quill, and might be broken off with the hand. His private opinion was that some interference with the valve led to the disaster. It could have been kept down by placing a small stick across it. Captain Kenny next called. On Wednesday afternoon he was on board the boat; the steam was then up. In answer to an inquiry made by him, Ferguson informed him that she made steam very fast. The switch was found to be out of order; this, however, was soon corrected. She was started again, when she broke her chain; again on being worked she canted over on one the piles. They then stopped through fear of injuring her against the wharf. He was on the wharf on Thursday - saw that the fire was burning briskly - was going away when he met Mr. Watchman. Went with him to purchase some segars, and at 3 o'clock went on board in company with him and Gideon Brown. The fire had been made one hour and a quarter, and the gauge did not indicate three inches of steam. Saw Mr. Watchman try the gauge after they were on board. Samuel Buckingham inspector of steamboats, Witness did not inspect the Medora's boiler, because he was not requested so to do. He never makes an examination until he is sent for. The law does not require him to do so. Captain Trippe next called. - Saw Medora back off from the wharf - saw but very little steam was in the boiler. In his opinion the accident arose either from ignorance of the power of the steam, or of the strength of the boiler. The cause way was undoubtedly an overpressure of steam. Henry Snyder and John Hoofnagle having been called, merely testified as to the fact of Boon having been on board the Medora. The jury then agreed upon the following. VERDICT - The Jury of Inquest in the case of the death of John R. Boon, having summoned many witnesses who were on board the steam boat Medora at the time of the explosion of her boiler, and having ascertained that the deceased was on board of said steam boat after she was hauled out of dock; and having examined also those who assisted in taking him out of the water, have agreed that he came to his death by injuries sustained by the explosion; and from the evidence before them, are of opinion that the accident as occasioned by raising the steam too high, and greatly above the gauge intended to be used in the ordinary use of said machinery on board of said steamboat. Whether this was owing to carelessness or to tampering with the safety valve, the Jury cannot undertake to say.

Submitted and transcribed by Dee Gabler [email protected] <A HREF="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/">Dee's Chesapeake Genealogy</A> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~chesapeake/ ____________________ Saturday Morning, April 16, 1842 American, Baltimore (Baltimore American & Commercial Daily Advertiser) Published every morning at No. 2 South Gay street, by Dobbin, Murphy & Bose. THE STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION. The truly painful duty is imposed upon us of adding to the list of deaths occasioned by the fearful explosion on board the Medora on Thursday, the names of several of the sufferers who have since expired from the injuries then received, and of those who were missing and whose bodies have been recovered from the wreck. This most melancholy occurrence, by which so many human beings in the full enjoyment of health and vigor have been suddenly cut off, has not only visited with grief and mourning the immediate relations and friends of the deceased, but has cast a deep gloom over the whole city. The following are the names of those who have died since Thursday night: It is with unfeigned sorrow that we place at the head of this list the name of ANDREW F. HENDERSON, Esq., President of the Baltimore and Norfolk Steam Packet Company. It appears that at the time of the explosion Mr. H. was in the forward part of the boat, and was found after the explosion very much scalded. The steam which he inhaled at the same time produced his death, after lingering until half past eleven o'clock yesterday morning. Almost to the last Mr. Henderson retained a perfect consciousness of his approaching end, and yesterday morning with great calmness he made suitable disposition of his temporal affairs. He was a true Christian - unobtrusive and retiring in his manners - active useful and enterprising as a citizen - and estimable in all the relations of life. RICHARD LINTHICUM, residing in Lee street, died at an early hour yesterday morning. ROBERT DOYLE, brick-maker. JOHN SPEEDY, ship joiner, Fells' Point. GEORGE ENDLEY, reported yesterday as George Enley. He died on Friday morning at 2 o'clock, retaining his mental faculties up to a few minutes before his death. His own account of the explosion was that he was standing on the deck immediately over the boiler, at the time of its occurrence, and was carried up by its force. When consciousness returned he found himself in the wreck by the boiler immersed in scalding water. By his own exertions he extricated himself from this dreadful situation, and was soon afterwards conveyed to a tavern in the neighborhood. Mr. E. was an industrious machinist and had served his apprenticeship with and continued in the employment of Mr. Watchman up to the time of the explosion. He has left a wife and three children. THOMAS ELDRIDGE, died yesterday morning. JOHN HARPER, 2d mate of the Medora, died on Thursday evening. JOHN HALEY, a German, recently arrived from Strausburg, Germany, went on board in search of work, was thrown into the air, and fell into the water, severely scalded. He died yesterday afternoon. JOHN BOSTON, fireman of the Medora, died yesterday at 2 o'clock. The bodies of the following named persons were taken from and about the wreck during yesterday. WILLIAM LEWIS, bar-keeper on board the steamboat Frederick. GEORGE GEDDES, an apprentice to Mr. John Watchman, aged 19. S. W. HACKNEY, M.D. of Weldon, N.C., Agent of the Portsmouth Rail Road Company. JAMES W. LAVERS, carpenter of the ship Tippecanoe, and a member of the Gratitude Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. JAMES MITCHELL, (brother of one of the wheelmen) was taken out of the water soon after the firing of cannon commenced. JOHN KEMP, painter, living in Thompson st. O.T. We mentioned yesterday the truly afflicting circumstances of the death of JOHN MOALE, Esq., the active Agent of the Steamboat Company, and of his son WILLIAM, a fine boy of 14 years. The immediate cause of Mr. M's speedy death is attributed to the fact that his ribs were broken and driven inwards towards the region of the heart. He was very near the engine at the time of the explosion. His son, besides being scalded, received a severe fracture of the skull, which it is believed caused instant death. Mr. MOALE was a good citizen, and an affectionate husband and father; and his son was as promising and interesting a boy as ever gladdened the hearts of fond parents. The sudden cutting off of both father and son, in the full enjoyment of life and health, is a bereavement, the bitterness of which language cannot find words to express. We have also learned of the following additional persons who were seriously injured, and are not expected to live: GEORGE HYDE, an apprentice to Mr. Watchman, had two of his ribs broken, his head injured, an his face badly scalded. JOHN YEAGER, late an Engineer of Lanvale Factory - cannot recover. JAMES RIDGELY, an engineer. ISAIAH WAGNER, and LOUIS WAGNER, brothers, both badly scalded. GEORGE HYAM, seriously scalded. DUNCAN FERGUSON, Engineer. JOSEPH CRAIG, Engineer. JACKSON REEDER, (son of Charles.) WESLEY CULLY. The following are the names of persons injured, not before mentioned. PATRICK COLLINS, badly scalded. JAMES CLARK, badly scalded. Wm. ROBERTS, head much injured. Wm. ELLERY, badly hurt in the back, but not scalded. DANIEL STEVENS, fireman, badly scalded in the face, breast and arms - is supposed not to have inhaled the steam and may get well. MARTIN HICKLEY, badly bruised. GEORGE CLAY, slightly scalded GEORGE REYNOLDS, badly scalded. JOHN MITCHELL, both legs broken - cannot survive. JAMES MONTGOMERY, scalded. DANIEL STEVENS, slightly scalded. HENRY SNYDER, scalded. ISAIAH WAGNER, Block-maker, slightly. DAVID IRWIN, cook of the Medora, slightly. Wm. ALLEN, and two sons, ship joiners, slightly Captain COFFEY, of the steamboat Georgia, slightly. Among the missing is FRANCIS McALEAR, engineer and machinist. The persons on board who escaped uninjured were R.B. CULLY, ship carpenter. THOMAS WILDEY. A. SPEEDEN. WALTER BALL, Clerk to the Steamboat Company. JOHN WATCHMAN, engineer and machinist. J. R. BROMWELL, S. J. FOLEY, GIDEON BROWN, Wm. TOMLINSON, ____ CHICKEN. A. WATSON, Engineer of the Steamboat Gosport. GEORGE AIRES, engineer of the Georgia. Wm. SMITH, (colored) chief steward of the Georgia, was blown overboard but not injured. JOHN CHAPMAN, (colored) chief cook of the Georgia, was blown overboard but not injured. BENJ. BROWN, (colored) first steward of the Medora, blown overboard-uninjured. Brown was blown up in the explosion which destroyed the steamer Pulaski. We learn that Captain SUTTON was blown high in the air, and fell among the wreck of timber in the water. He received a severe wound in his head, had his face and arms bruised and mutilated in the most shocking manner. He appeared to be doing well last night. We learn that Mr. JOHN HENDERSON, of Pratt street, was more severely injured than was at first supposed. We stated yesterday that probably one hundred persons or more were on board the Medora at the time of the explosion. We have since been informed by a gentleman on whose accuracy every reliance may be placed, that there were not, to all appearance, more than fifty or sixty on board. In mentioning yesterday the names of those physicians who promptly repaired to the assistance of the unfortunate persons who were in the Medora, we omitted to include the names of Drs. DURKEE, HINTZE, MONKUR, MAGUIRE, REILLY, KINNEMON, ALBERS, BAKER, two Drs. RICH, and two Drs. ROBERTS. At an early hour yesterday morning his Honor the Mayor, and other officers of the Corporation, including the High Constable and a large body of police officers, promptly repaired the scene of desolation, prepared to render all possible assistance in rescuing from the sunken wreck the bodies of those who were believed to be carried down or blown into the water. A large body of workmen were employed who were busily engaged all day in clearing away the wreck, and dragging the bottom of the basin. In the course of the day the Mayor ordered a piece of ordnance to be brought to the spot and fired, in the hope that the concussion would, as is frequently the case, cause the bodies to rise. Last evening, a large number of men commenced the removal of the machinery on board the Medora, for the purpose of getting the hull afloat. At the suggestion of the Mayor, a coroner's inquest will be held to-day over one of the persons taken from the wreck of the Medora, when it is expected that inquiry will be made into the causes which produced the sad disaster. The Marion Temperance Society yesterday afternoon attended to the grave remains of their deceased fellow member, BENJAMIN FRENCH, who was killed by the explosion of the Medora. The burial of several members of the Watchman Fire Company, who were killed by the explosion of the Medora, took place yesterday afternoon. The Watchman Fire Company, accompanied by a large number of the members of other companies, marched in the funeral procession. The flags of the shipping and public places were all at half mast yesterday. It should be borne in mind that the steamboat Medora, at the time of the accident, was yet in the hands of the builders, she having never been delivered to the Baltimore and Norfolk Steam-packet Company, for whose use she was built. No accident of the kind has ever happened to any boat while under the control of the careful agents of this Company. LIST OF THE DEAD The following is a complete list of the persons who were killed by the explosion, or have since died from its effects, as far as ascertained up to nine o'clock last night. The number of dead, thus far, is twenty three! The last six in the list were those who were taken out of the water in the course of yesterday. - From the condition of some of the sufferers, it is feared that others will be added to it: JOHN C. MOALE, WILLIAM MOALE, JOSEPH LECOMPTE, Capt. JOHN VICKERS, EDMUND YOUNG, BENJAMIN FRENCH, JOHN BOON, JOHN BURNS, ANDREW F. HENDERSON, RICHARD LINTHICUM, ROBERT DOYLE, JOHN SPEEDY, GEORGE ENDLEY, THOMAS ELDRIDGE, JOHN HARPER, JOHN HALEY, JOHN BOSTON, WILLIAM LEWIS, GEORGE GEDDES, S. W. HACKNEY, M.D., JAMES W. LAVERS, JAMES MITCHELL, JOHN KEMP.