Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-02-22
THE CITY.

BURNT TO DEATa.-We have TO record one of the
most caamitous fires which has ever occurred III
Richmond. Tits morning, about o'ciock, halnes
were discovered issuing from the windows OF the
rear addition to the brick building on Main street,
no. III the main floor of which was occupied by
Mr. S. L. Hutzer, as a variety store.
The alarm brought a nUaber of persons 10 the
spot, many OF whom rendered such assistance as
they could until the arrival OF the renen, but the
flames spread 50 rapid sthat before the hremen got
fdirly work, the upper part OF the nam building
and the stairway leauing thereto were enyeloped Ia
hre aud smoke.
The flames communicated to the roof OF the build
ing ON the west occupied by Mr. jos. KNOTS, destroy
ing the rear garrett The building also sustained some
damage from the water thrown into 1t. The ire IN
No. III was eXtnguished before the second ioor
was burnt. The building on the east No. 49,
separated ,by an alley, aud occupied by Messrs.
Peyton Johnston X Bro, was not damaged.
The deporable part OF this record is now to be
given, The third story OF No III was occupied 10y
Mr.. Joseph StebbinS aud family, consisting OF his
wife, Mrs. Mary Stehbins, their daughter, Laura,
aged H. aud sous Henry and Arthur, aged respect
lively 10 aud years.
The stiffness winch pitNdlltu dbOuN NhC pi'hiN'7
for some time aer the discovery of the lire, induced
those earliest the spot to believe that the build
ing was unoccuped, and consequently no efforts
we're made u rescue Mr.. Stebbins and his family
until, perhaps, it was TOO late to do so. Captain
Hayward, We learn made an effort 10 get ladder
To- the window Of the chamber, but was ordered to
deSist il is said by the Fire Brigade, who do not
allow an, interference with their operations AnOth
statelnent is that mattresses placed upon the
sidewalk, and Ms. Stehbins who appeared AZ
the window was cntroated TO juRsp down.
or 10 save his family in this way,
but it is believed he shrank FROM ayailing himself OF
this perilous method of avoiding the more horrible
fate which threatened him, aud those he held most
dear The room was now filled with sthing smoke,
and there can be no doubt that the entire family
were in Il short time, ovcrpOwered and suiiocatcd
Their fate was however, aScertained until this
morning Various statements were atioat among
the crowd viewing the ruins. Some declared that
Miss Laura Siebhns had escaped, and there seemed
10 be some ground of hope that other lppmbcPs of
the family were also safe, but all anxiety and un-
certainty were soon removed, by the discovery
among the debris on the hall-burnt third floor, Of
clafrcu cofpScSt
rrInaius OF human beings. large crowd had as
senbcd TO view the ruins and TO learn the result Of
the search. The presumption Is, AS stated that the
unfortunate victims OF this calamity were suilocated
and that their bodies were afterwards burnt to a
crisp by the hnmes aud heat.
Mr.. Stebbins was well known in this community.
He was formerly associated with his brother, Mr..
Charles StebbnS, in the crockery business, but for
SOME years prior TO the war was connected with
Mr.. q. b. Taylor, who conducted similar business
in the store occupied by Mr.. llutzler. Since the
war, he has been identified with Dennis dying es-
tablishmeut, and had Office in which the business
OF the concern conducted ia rear Of his resi-
deuce The fire originated in this Office aud is be-
lieyei to have proceeded from the stove used for
heating the room.
Mr.. HUI 2ler's family were asleep in the rear OF
the store when tue fire broke out. Mrs. Il. was
awakened 10y the cracking OF the flames, and
aroused her husband who ran to the street and
gave the alarm lie also Gale up stairs to Mr..
Stebbins, and Mrs. Eutzler states that Mr.. Steb-
bins made his appearance at the foot OF the stairs,
near the back door, opening into the alley before
mentioned. In the excitement Of the moment She
NAV have mistaken some one else for Mr.. Stebbins,
although it was reported that Others had also seen
him and his daughter IN the street.
Nh. Hutzler lost all of his furniture. Ills STOCK
| Of goods was ruined by water, aud much OF it was
stolen. His loss will not fall short of $50, 000.
| No insurance.
Tue building belonged TO Mr. VIM. Ira Smith
| 1t was insured for - in the office of the Mn
rual Assurance Company.
Coroner Little.was holding an inquest over the
remains of the deceased at O'clock. If any addi
tioual facts are elected they will appear in our next
issue.