The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-06-18
Destructive Fire in WOodsfeId
The Court House, Union House
and WaltOn's Grocery, With
Nearly all their Contents, De-
strOyed.

4
Shortly before II o'clock on Thursda,
might, the 18th inst, a fire was discovere
in the middle part Of Walton's Grocery
The alarm was sounded throughout tn
town, and hundreds fastened to the spot
but the spread of the flames had been s
remarkably rapid that before anythini
could be done it was seen that all effort
to save the block or the Court Hous
would be hopeless.
Bedding and furniture were thrown
from the Union House as expeditiousl.
as possible. Walton's door was opene'
apdt show case and two or three sack
and barrels, nearest the door, were throw
out, when the heat and smoke drove ev
| cry one from the room,
Langels Jewelry and Silver smith shop
in the Union House, was opened, and, be
ing easy of access, most of its contents
were saved.
By this time the whole block was il
flames, and the FIRE was attacking tn,
Court House. The Recorders Office be-
ing on the ground floor everything i
containedewas removed to place Of safe
Itg. A ladder was run. up to the window
Of the Auditors Office, the window dash
ed in, and most of the valuable books
thrown out.
The Probate Judges ofieewas the frst
attacked by the fire, and everything il
contained, including the private books
and accounts of the Judge, amounting to
several thousand dollars, totally destroy.
ed. There is difference of opinion as
to whether'it was possible to have saved
from that Office after ladder
was obtained, the stairyay by this time
being sheetsof flames. Phe Judge was
in w Wheeling at the time. IL
iez a ladder was run up to the rear window
of the Clerks Office, and the Clerk and
Deputy Sheriff Pierson entered, and
threw out nearly all the important books,
and a portion of the papers when the ap-
preaching FIRE drove them out.
By this time the roof and cupalo were
in blaze, and every room of the house
in flames.
In fine meantime the most strenuous
efforts were being made to save the neigh
boring buildings. 1t was accomplished
by the most untiring efforts, especially
was it. dificnlt with Helbling's house,
Not breath Of air was stirring, to
which fact scores of people may attribute
the blessing of now having roof over
their heads.
Simon DORIS (Union House) loss is
So, 900 or $4,000, insured in the
Etna for ST, 100.
Daniel Walton's loss is from $1,000 to
So, 900; insured in the Monroe Mutual to
the amount of $4,000.
Morris & Ways loss is from $500 10
$500; insured to the amount of $500 in
the Monroe Mutual.
The county's loss in the Court House
building is nearly covered by its insu-
rance in the Lorillard to the amount of
$4,000.
OF course the loss in books and papers,
records, &c., cannot be estimated.
x safe in Morris & Ways Office, manu-
factured by Hall, Cincinnati, barely saved
its contents, in damaged condition,
though in the FIRE but about an hour and
q half.
The Treasurer's Office, with all its con-
tents, was saved without injury.
The origin of the Ere is complete
mystery. There is nothing known upon
which to found even a conjecture.
This is by far the largest FIRE Woods
field has ever known; and it gives to the
public square sad and gloomy appear
ance. \