One of the great highlights of the archives of the Center for Regional History is its vast collection of newspapers, dating as far back as 1881. These newspapers, of which the Wood River Valley has had many over the years, give an incredible glimpse into life in the valley throughout its settled history.
However, in a January 31, 1883, issue of the Wood River Times Weekly, amongst articles describing happenings around town, local politics, and news from the wider world, one particularly grisly headline stands out in a large bold font: THE BELLEVUE HORROR.
This article describes an event that occurred in the early morning hours of January 27. Shortly after one, Bellevue residents were startled to hear two pistol shots ring out, followed shortly by cries of fire in the streets. As locals were roused from their beds and rushed into the streets, it was soon found that the home of Mrs. Ella Newton was engulfed in flames. The crowd attempted to locate and rescue Mrs. Newton, but to no avail. Only after the building had been entirely consumed by the flames were her charred remains pulled from the wreckage.
Speculation began immediately as to the mysterious cause of Mrs. Newton’s untimely death. Some claimed murder, as two revolvers were found near Mrs. Newton’s remains, one of which contained two spent shells. It was suspected that the fire had been started to cover up a foul crime.
Others suspected Mrs. Newton herself started the fire and then ended her own life. Her husband, Mr. Lewis Newton, was out of town on business, but the couple were struggling greatly financially. Mrs. Newton had already pawned off some of her jewelry to afford provisions, and many considered her to be a prideful woman who would sooner end her life than to make public her destitute circumstances.
A final theory was that the fire was an accident. Mrs. Newton was also in poor health, and reportedly partook of opium to ease her pains. Some signs pointed to the source of the fire being a coal-oil lamp, which Mrs. Newton may have been unable to escape while under the influence of opium.
None of the grim possibilities could be determined to be the truth, and thus what truly happened on that late night in Bellevue remains a mystery.
To access our extensive newspaper collection, reach out to The Center for Regional History.
