Allegheny County PA Archives-  Obituaries: Berry, John, 09 Feb 1898

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Martha Little, <littlegen03@hotmail.com>, Jul 2010

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In the late evening of Wednesday, February 9, 1898, a fire and
explosion occurred at the Union Storage building at Pike and
Thirteenth streets, claiming numerous lives. This was one of the
victims.
 
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Thursday, February 10, 1898 (page 1):
 
Police Lieut John A BERRY was among the first victims. His dead body
was found mangled almost beyond recognition, buried beneath the ruins
of a wall.
 
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Thursday, February 10, 1898 (page 6):
 
Lieut Joseph JOHNSTON had a narrow escape being crushed under the
walls while trying to rescue Lieut of Police John BERRY, who was
killed. BERRY ran past JOHNSON and was warned to keep out of the way.
BERRY told JOHNSTON it was his duty to save the people in Mulberry
alley and rushed on. BERRY had not gone a dozen feet when the
explosion occurred, and he was buried under a falling ton of brick and
mortar. He was dead when taken out, and his body was taken to the
morgue.
 
(...)
 
AT THE POST OF DUTY
 
Police Lieutenant John A BERRY, who met death while bravely performing
his duties, became a member of the police force on April 5, 1877. He
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant four years ago and was assigned
to the Second district.
 
Last night he was acting as captain in the absence of William Tanney,
who is ill, and went to the fire in company with Detective Robert
Denniston. His body was recovered by Henry Hemenhouse, of the bureau
of electricity, and others. His face was charred almost beyond
recognition and his revolver and keys were found in the remnants of
his burned clothing.
 
His body was removed to the late home of the deceased at the corner of
Webster avenue and Crawford street, after being prepared for burial.
The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed.
 
Lieut BERRY leaves a wife but no children. He was 34 years old and
was a brother of A J BERRY, ex-jury commissioner, and Robert BERRY,
who was formerly councilman for the Seventh ward, secretary of the
republican county committee, deputy sheriff, and deputy coroner.
 
Police Inspectors BRADLEY and WAGGONER had an interview with Mrs BERRY
today, and she requested that all arrangements for the funeral be made
by the police bureau officials. The widow is almost prostrated by
grief, but friends are showing every possible kindness to her.
 
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Friday, February 11, 1898 (page 10):
 
BERRY - Suddenly, on Wednesday, February 9, 1898, at 11 pm, John
Alexander BERRY, aged 34 years. Funeral from his late residence, 36
Crawford street, on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Friends of the
family are respectfully invited to attend.
 
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Saturday, February 12, 1898 (page 1):
 
At a meeting of Supt LESLIE and the inspectors of the police
department this morning it was decided that Assistant Supt COULSON and
70 men should attend the funeral of Lieut J A BERRY, which is to be
held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock in the reformed presbyterian
church on Grant street. The Rev Nevin WOODSIDE will officiate. The
body of the deceased will lay in state from 1 until 2 o'clock, after
which the services will be commenced. The remains will be interred in
the Allegheny cemetery.
 
 
from the City of Pittsburgh Death Records:
 
John A BERRY, age 34 years, police lieutenant, died February 9, 1898,
crushed in falling building; son of Archibald and Annie BERRY, he of
Scotland, she of Ireland; born in PA; lived at 26 Crawford Street;
burial in Allegheny Cemetery on February 13, 1898.
 
The Allegheny Cemetery site does note a burial, but it appears that
there was a re-interment elsewhere.