Hamilton, OH Courthouse Fire, Mar 1912 - Courthouse Destroyed

COURT HOUSE DESTROYED.

TWO KILLED AND SEVERAL HURT IN FIRE AT HAMILTON.

Hamilton, O., March 15. -- JOHN HUNKER, a fireman, was killed and WILLIAM L. LOVE was fatally crushed when the high tower of the Butler county courthouse, in which they were fighting a fire, toppled inward burying them. Both were thought to be dead when extricated, but LOVE, although not conscious, was still alive, but died in a local hospital.
Although the fire was kept in the two upper floors, the courthouse was so badly damaged that it is said it would be impossible to rebuild it. The loss is estimated at $150,000.

Among those most seriously injured were:
GEORGE FRITZ, fireman, may recover.
ROY OGG, arteries in arm cut by windowglass.
Fire Chief WILLIAM DOTY, arm broken.
Deputy County Clerk JOHN F. HEATH, cut and burned.

The fire started from crossed electric wires. The iron clock tower, above which was a huge bronze bell and a heavy bronze statue of justice, swayed above the flames a few minutes and then crumpled inward down through the floors and piling up a great mass of debris at the bottom.

The county records stored in the vaults of the clerk's office on the first floor were carried out by spectators and employes and it is believed all were saved.

Coshocton Daily Age Ohio 1912-03-15
__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!