Allegheny County PA Archives-  Obituaries: Wallrabenstein, William; Wolff, Albert, 09 Feb 1898

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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, resulting in numerous deaths. These were two of
the victims.
 
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Thursday, February 10, 1898 (page 1):
 
Shortly after this the fireman found the burned and crushed body of
William WALLRABENSTEIN, a milk dealer living 1245 Penn avenue. The
body was taken to the morgue. The remains were found beneath the
brick and debris in the rear of 1245 Penn avenue. He had been trying
to save his horse, and was crushed in the stable. Within a short
distance of where WALLRABENSTEIN was found it is supposed that Frank
NEWMAN, an inspector for the Philadelphia Gas company, and Joseph
HANNA, a bookkeeper for the Chautauqua Ice company, met death. The
three were seen together shortly before the explosion at 11 pm, which
wrecked the entire Mulberry alley side of the Union Storage's company
building.
 
WALLRABENSTEIN was a widower with five children. When the fire broke
out, he got his children, one of whom had been ill for some time, and
took them to his brother-in-law's, A COLTERGHAN, the Carson street
funeral director. He then returned to his home, and, going through
his building to the rear of the lot, entered his stable to save his
horse. In the position from which the man and his horse were found
this morning it was learned that he had liberated the horse and was
starting for Penn avenue, when the fatal explosion occurred.
 
( . . . )
 
Deep sympathy was aroused in the hearts of all present by the story
told by Mrs Albert WOLF, of 1243 Penn avenue. She came in search of
the body of her son, Albert, but failed to find the remains. Between
her sobs she said that when the fire started last night Albert went to
the fire and he has not been seen since. She remained some time at
the morgue, but was finally persuaded to go away and wait for news.
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Friday, February 11, 1898 (page 6):
 
DEAD
Albert John WOLFF, aged 20 years, single, laborer, employed by C A
Houck. This young man's remains were the last of the six bodies of
Wednesday night to be identified yesterday. Mrs Johanna WOLFF of 1213
Penn avenue recognized her son.
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Saturday, February 12, 1898 (page 1):
 
One of the saddest features of the fire is the destitute condition in
which the family of A J WOLF, of Mulberry alley, has been placed.
WOLF was killed. He was only a young man and had been employed as a
salesman by C A HOUCK, 619 Liberty avenue. He supported his mother,
an invalid brother and several younger brothers and sisters. They
have been left in destitute circumstances, their little home was
destroyed, and they are now being cared for at the home of Mrs CARLIN,
-- Mulberry alley. WOLF's employer, Mr HOUCK, paid the funeral
expenses and will be glad to turn over to Mrs WOLF any contributions
that may be sent for the relief of the family.
 
from The Pittsburgh Press dated Monday, February 14, 1898 (page 5):
 
The funeral of William WALLRABENSTEIN took place from the residence of
a brother-in-law, C COLTERYAHN, 2204 Carson street, Rev F RUOFF,
pastor of the First United evangelical protestant church, Smithfield
street, conducted the service.
 
 
from the City of Pittsburgh Death Records:
 
Albert J WOLFF, age 20 years, single, laborer, died February 9, 1898,
crushed in falling building; born in Pittsburgh; lived on Mulberry
Alley; burial in St Mary's Cemetery on February 12, 1898.
 
William WALLRABENSTEIN, age 50 years, widower, milk dealer, died
February 9, 1898, crushed in falling building; born in Germany; lived
at 1245 Penn Avenue; burial in St Paul's Cemetery on February 13,
1898.