Crafton, PA Fire, Jan 1893

PERISHED IN THE FLAMES.

Two Men Burned to Death in a Fire at Crafton, Pa.

PITTSBURG, Jan. 24.-- At Crafton, seven miles from this city, on the Panhandle railroad, the Betner building, in which a club had its quarters, was destroyed and MRS. LENS' house badly damaged by an early morning fire. There was no fire department and help was sent from Mansfield. While the fire was in progress a report was circulated that BROWN KING, steward of the club, and EDWARD BRACKNEY, a member, were in the building. Several attempts were made to enter, but the willing rescuers were driven back each time by the flames. It could not be ascertained whether KING and BRACKNEY, had perished in the building.

Both Were Young Men.
Neither of them could be found at their usual haunts. They were the last ones in the clubhouse Saturday night. As the walls of the building fell into the cellar and the ruins were still smoldering it is impossible to search there for the missing men. Both are young men and BRACKNEY'S relatives reside at Crafton. He is a bookkeeper for the Eagle Paint company of this city. BETNER & SONS lose $2,000 on their stock of groceries, partly insured. MRS. LEAS' loss on taboccos[sic] and notions is about $300, and $400 on building, not insured. The brick building was owned by ELI CRUM and valued at $5,000. It was partially insured.

Davenport Daily Leader Iowa 1893-01-24
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!