Storekeeper-Gauger Francis Joseph Sears

Francis Joseph Sears

Storekeeper-Gauger Francis Sears was killed in a massive explosion at the Publickers Alcohol Plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The plant took up the entire block bounded by Water Street, Snyder Avenue, and McKean Street, and Swanson Street.

A mechanic was working on a cistern when a spark caused a massive explosion, destroying the entire plant. The mechanic and Storekeeper Sears were both killed, and several other people were injured.

Storekeeper Sears was a U.S. Navy WW I veteran and U.S. Navy Reserves veteran who served as a policeman at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and served with the United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Bureau of Prohibition. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.