1868 - Large Fire and Loss of Life in Lowell, Mass.

LOWELL, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 21. A fire at Nos. 96 and 98 Merrimack-street, this morning, badly damaged the building, which is owned by JOHN NESMITH; destroyed S. R. FLETCHER'S bonnet bleachery, and damaged the boot and shoe stock of ELDRIDGE DEARBORN. The loss is $3,000 or $4,000. The property was partially insured. Three persons, who lodged in the upper stories, were suffocated, but not burned. Their names are MICHAEL B. GAFFNEY, aged 20 years, a temporary lodger; SYRIL SHACKNORD, aged 15, recently from Ellsworth, Me.; and a stranger, supposed to be GEORGE MANARY, a jeweler, recently from Boston.