William Doersam
Nov. 30, 1858-April 1, 1889

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 1, 1889, page 2, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library

HORRIBLE

Wm. Doersam Instantly Killed by the

CAVING IN OF A STONE SIDEWALK

DENNIS MURPHY INJURED

The Community Shocked

A most terrible and heart-rending accident occurred in this city shortly after nine o'clock this morning.  It was about 8:30 o'clock when Wm Doersam bade his beloved wife and affectionate sister good by, kissing his little son in a loving manner, and stated  to them that he was going to the second ward polls to cast his ballot.  Mr. Doersam resided in the second story over his place of business on Front street, two doors south of Main.  He passed south on Front street to the election polls at Lardner hose house, and cast his ballot.  After remaining at the polls for a few minutes, in company with Dennis Murphy, they started north towards Main street by the route whence Mr. Doersam had passed only a few minutes previous. Both men were walking leisurely along side by side, when in front of the building just vacated by Wm. A  Reddick, which he occupied as a shovel factory, one of the large stones of which the walk is constructed gave way, and both men were precipitated below, a distance of about ten feet, into the cellar.  Mr. Doersam was

INSTANTLY KILLED

The huge stone broke in two, both parts going down in a glancing manner, struck on their edges, tipped over in an instant, and while Mr. Doersam fell flat on one piece, the other fell squarely on top of his prostrate body, crushing his skull in a terrible manner, so the brains oozed from the mouth. The accident was witnessed by several from a distance, who hurriedly went to the scene to lend assistance. It took the combined strength of five men to lift the stone from his lifeless body, when it was pulled from beneath.

Hundreds of people were soon at the place of accident, and the news spread like magic to all parts of the city. Physicians came hurriedly to the scene, as it was first thought that Mr. Doersam was still alive.  Coroner Winborn was summoned, a jury empanelled, and they adjourned to meet at the call of the coroner, although the cause of death was very plain to all.  In half an hour the remains were removed on a stretcher to the residence, where the Knights of Pythias took charge. Here is where sorrowing hearts were moaning and wailing for their husband, father and brother.  When the news was first broken to these loved ones, it made strong hearts shudder to witness the agonizing scenes.  Lady friends had called at the house, and rendered every assistance possible.
Wm. Doersam was born in Canada, Wellesley village, Waterloo county, on November 30, 1858, and consequently was 30 years of age last November. He came to this city a few years since, where he followed his trade, that of a blacksmith.  He afterwards engaged in the liquor business, and through his honesty pf purpose, and integrity as a man and citizen, he had succeeded in making friends two-fold. There never was a better citizen, socially or intellectually, than Wm. Doersam.  He had an extensive acquaintance, and all were his friends, who will be pained and shocked at this untimely death. The stone that crushed out his life weighed one ton, was six inches thick and about five feet square.  It first struck him on the back of the head, for when found, his face was downward, and crushed into an almost shapeless mass. He has a brother and sister in Canada, also a brother in Kansas, and relatives elsewhere, all of whom have been telegraphed to. "In the midst of life we are in death."  Mr. Doersam was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and also a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which order hw held an insurance policy on his life of $3,000.  The funeral will probably take place next Wednesday afternoon. The deceased leaves a wife and two children, a son and a daughter, aged respectively 8 and 2 years old.

Dennis Murphy, who was on the outside of the walk, went through with Mr. Doersam, but was caught partly by the stone on the the right side.  By a mere accident he was saved from severe injury, or an instant death, but he was injured to a greater or less extent internally, because when picked up he was bleeding very badly from the mouth.  His physician could not yet give the reporter a correct diagnosis of his case, but it is quite certain that no bones are broken. Mr. Murphy is confined to the house, and the result of his injuries are not fully known.  Thus it is that one of the most fearful accidents that ever occurred in the city is chronicled.