Cumberland County PA News - Disasters and Accidents

Transcribed by Nancy Piper unless otherwise noted

Two Men Killed in Accidental Explosion

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) July 13, 1825

Carlisle, July 7

Melancholy.

It is with painful feelings we record the tragical fate of tow of our townsmen on Monday evening last at the barracks. At the close of the celebration, when nearly all the citizens had dispersed, it was discovered by some young men who remained that there was some powder left with which it was agreed to load an old iron cannon that lay on the ground that had been fired several times during the day. In the discharge of which it bursted, killed a young man named William Bell and mortally wounded Dr. John S. Givin who survived but a very short time. Medical aid was at hand but of no avail for the summons had issued which called him to another and we hope, a better world.

An usually large concourse of mourners and friends attended his mangled remains to the Presbyterian graveyard on Tuesday evening where an appropriate and impressive discourse was delivered by the Reverend Professor M'Clelland.

A number of other persons on the ground were wounded by fragments of the cannon; but none of them we believe, dangerously.

Various reports respecting the unhappy affair at the barracks entirely untrue are in circulation. Among which is one that has been published, viz., that the cannon was "wantonly overcharged with a cord wood stick four feet long." - Volunteer.

Thomas and Dorothea Kennedy Drown in Conodoquinnet Creek

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) Feb 22, 1826

We have this day to record an occurrence of a very distressing kind. It is that of the sudden departure of two human beings in perfect health - the one by perishing, the other by drowning - they were husband and wife. On Wednesday the 8th inst., in the afternoon as Thomas Kennedy and Dorothea, his wife who were residents of Liberty Valley, Perry county were returning on foot from this borough, whither they had come to transact some business, in attempting to cross the Conodoquinnet creek on the ice opposite the Cave on Blaine's Mill dam, they broke through and the wife was drowned. The husband sustained himself by some means on the ice so as the keep his head above water for the term it is supposed of two hours before he was discovered, his whole body being immersed in the water. By the exertions of Mr. Kunkle, who first discovered him with the assistance of some others, Mr. Kennedy was extricated but not before the vital spark was almost, if not altogether extinguished. Mr. Kunkle had him taken to his residence, perhaps three hundred yards distant where every exertion was made for his recovery without effect.

Some say that on being taken from the water he was just able to say "we are from Perry;" and pointing to the place, "my wife is there." Others say he breathed but never spoke. At all events, he perished for the want of timely aid.

On the following morning, Thursday last, search was made for the body of his wife which was found but a short distance from where she fell in. She held in her hand a reticule, which contained some money and a watch. An inquest was held over the bodies and in the afternoon of that day, they were both interred in the same grace in the yard adjoining this town. Thus may they be said to have lain together down in social sleep. - Car. Vol.

Stephen and William Kerr Drown in Conodoquinnet Creek

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) March 15, 1826

Melancholy Accident

Col. Stephen Kerr, of Newton township, Cumberland county and his brother William Kerr, sons of Mr. Andrew Kerr of Carlisle were both drowned on Conodoquinet creek on Wednesday last. We understand that (the water being high) they wished to pass over the dam with a small craft to ascertain whether it would be practicable to take down a load of flour, whiskey, &c. Stephen however, being apprehensive of danger went shore while William who had been a sailor, ventured over. The waster not being sufficiently high and the craft small, it was thrown back by the swell and drawn under the shoot, together with its occupant who after a considerable time appeared with his head above water and called for assistance which his brother attempted to render but only succeeded so far as to reach him when they sunk together. Their bodies soon after floated downstream and were observed passing over a fish-dam. That of Stephen was immediately taken out on a horse and ineffectual attempts made to revive it; but that of William was not found for some hours after, though it had not been carried far. In the evening they were removed to Stephen's house above Newville and taken to Carlisle on Thursday where they were to be interred on Friday with Masonic and military honors.

Peter Weaver's Barn destroyed by Fire

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) June 7, 1826

On Wednesday afternoon, the 7th instant, the barn of Mr. Peter Weaver in Mifflin township, Cumberland county was struck by lightning and burnt down. At the time the barn was struck a boy was in the stable in the act of bridling a horse; both the boy and horse were knocked down, but received no material injury. - Carlisle Herald.

James Bledin House Destroyed by Fire

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania February 28, 1827

Carlisle, Feb. 22

Fire. - On Sunday last, the house of Mr. James Bledin, about three or four miles from this town was consumed by fire. We have not heard how the fire was communicated. We are glad however to learn, that the property of Mr. Heagy, the tenant, was all or nearly all, saved. Vol.

John Brownawell's Barn Destroyed

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania), July 25, 1827

We regret to learn that the barn of Mr. John Brownawell of Silver Spring township, in this county, was struck by lightning on Monday the 2d instant, and totally destroyed, together with an adjoining wagon shed, and between 30 and 40 tons of hay, a wagon, horse gears, c. - Carlisle Vol.

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