Bellevue gazette. [volume] (Bellevue City, N.T. [i.e. Neb.]) 1856-1858, 1857-11-05

1
cation. 4
FIRE!-THE Benton HOUSE IN Ru-
rxs!-Loss $4,000 1t becomes our
duty to record one of the most disastrous
conAigrations that has ever occurred
in Bellevue. Tr.a 81.
About 8 o'clock, on Sunday morning,
Nov, S,h, the Benton House was discover
ed to be on fire, in the ceiling, near the
stove pipe, over the second story. The
alarm was Immediately given, but the
flames were soon seen issuing from the
roof. The citizens were Immediately on
the ground, making every effort to subdue
the raging elements. Buckets of water
were passed up TO those who were now on
the roof; but owing TO the insufficient
quantity that could be obtained, and the
strong northwest wind, the fire spread
with such rapidly, as TO render it impos-
sible TO remain on the roof only a short
time. Meantime, the furniture and pro-
visions were being removed from the Ho-
tel, and we're nearly all saved from entire
destruction, although more or less dam
aged by rough handling.
Every possible means were used to sub
due the flames, but without success, and
in an hour from the time the alarm was
given, the building was a mass of smoul-
dering ruins.
The total loss cannot be far from $751;
600. There was no insurance on the
building or furniture. g.l n
The Hotel was owned and kept by J.
f. Coffman, and the loss, we fear, will
be a disastrous one to him. Mr.. Coffman
receives the sympathy of our citizens, and
we hope they will extend to him that ma
tcrial aid, which he so much deserves.
The boarders will suffer more or less,
by this calamity, in the destruction Of ma
ny little articles, which, in themselves, are
of no great value, except TO their own
ers. a .u.F
The fire originated as near as we can
learn, from a stove pipe, which passed
through the floor, over the second story.
If a sufficient quantity of water, could
have been readily obtained, the building
might have been saved.
The barn belonging to the Hotel, stu
ated a short distance in the rear, was on
ly saved by keeping the roof continually
wet. D
Our citizens are deserving of much
praise, for the assistance they rendered in
saving the furniture, sc.
The Benton House was built of wood,
for the town company, at a cost of $l0,-
900, and has been occupied little over a
year. 1t was one Of the largest Hotels in
the Territory, and its destruction is not
only a great calamity to its proprietor, but
to the town; and the travelling public.
We doubt not, however, that measures
will be taken TO erect another in its place,
early in the coming spring.
Since the above was in type, a meet
ing of our citizens has been held, where
ii was resolved to erect another building
for a hotel, forthwith. Much spirit and
animation prevailed. Two thousand dol.
lars were subscribed on the spot, towards
carrying out the resolution of the meet.
ing. A building committee was appoint
ed and On Thursday morning, hanls are
to be on the spot, engaged in actual ser
vice. The meeting adjourned, to NEE
again on Wednesday evening.
We have been furnished with full pro.
ceedings of the meeting, by the Secreta'
ry, but for want of room, we are com,
PEELED TO omit it.
Alfred Matthias, of Plattford, has beer
appointed by the Governor of Pennsylva'
MIA. a Commissioner of Deeds, for tina
State, for this Territory.