Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-05

DESTRUCTIVE EIRE.-The most destructive FIRE
that has visited Knoxville for many years occurred
on Mondsy morning, about / O'Clock. It broke cut
in the sfore of A. Kennedy, Jr, Main street and
thefames spread rapidly until the corner building
recently occupied by the Exchange and Deposit
Bank, the store house Of Cruze s. Nelson, the drug
store OF McClannahaD & Brooke, the Office of DR..
A. D. Tadlock, and Of Logan s. Logan, we're all
entirely consumed. The utmost exsrtion was re-
quired 10 save the Franklin House. the roof being
in flames several times.
Some delay was experienced IN bringing up the
steam Ere engine, secently purchased by our city
authorities, owing to the engine having to be pulled
to the spot by the efforts Of the men, instead Of by
horse power, as we think this circumstance viii
show it should be in the future. Consequently much
Of the damage done by the devouring element was
done before the counteracting influence Of the en-
CINE was brought to bear Great service was, how
ever, performed by the remen assisted by the citi
Eens, in srresting the rapidly spreading flames At
times IT appeared an mpossbility to prevent the
destruction Of The entire square on which the FIRE
occurred and it is very fortunate that the matters
no worse than it is. The Court House was At one
time in imminent danger and the matter seri-
from the public offices
The residence of VI. Nelson was also in great
danger and was only saved by the roof and walls
being kept covered with water. The buildings on
the east side Of Gay street. opposite the square con-
sumed was also in great peril.
Knoxville has been one OF the most fortunate
places Of its Ize in the past far ralstss to de-
structive fires, that know Of in the whole coun-
try and we congratulate the people on the present
destructive fire being no worse. We hope TO q
general interest now manifested by the citizens on
the subject Of preparing, in The most thorough
manner, for any future similar occurrence. The
Fire Department should be thoroughly organized
and equipped. We should have OF least one well
equipped and organized Hook and Ladder Com
psny. We only speak Of these things that others
may think Of them. This is a matter in which all
are alike interested and each one should take upon
himself portion of the responsibility of inau-
gurAtng some scheme for the protection of the city
against the damages which are at any time likely
to result from fire.
We have heard the damages variously estimated
al from fifty TO sixty thousand dollars upon which
there were policies Of insurance amounting 10
seventeen thousand dollars. A. Kennedy Jr. in
whose store the FIRE originated lost large and val
liable stock Of dry goods, groceries, &C. large per-
ton Of which was insured. He had also on hand
quite a stock Of liquors, upon which there was no
insurance.
McClannAhan & Brooks saved portion Of their
stock Of drugs and medicines and also had policy
Of insurance upon them. What their loss will be
we are not OF present (Monday) able TO say.
Nelson 6 Cruze saved their stock of goods, but
their loss in connection with the destruction Of the
store house occupied by them upon which there
was no insurance, was severe.
The house recently occupied by the Exchange
and Deposit Bank, was occupied as bar room, the
contents Of which, amounting to several hundred
dollars were entirely destroyed. The building was
very valuable one and belonged to John
Dame-on, Of North Carolina. 1t was entirely de-
stroyed The upper room Of the Cameron building
was occupied by the Odd Fellows. All their fur
niture and valuable papers we're destroyed. The
loss Of the Lodge is estimated at sleoo and lie ir
repArsble.
Messrs. Logan & Logan saved their library and
Office furniture, but the building occupied by them,
which belonged 70 4. II. Armstrong, was destroyed.
The only cause we have heard given for the FIRE
was that Mr. G.. A. Kennedy who was sleeping n
the store of his brother before lying down at night
left coal oil lamp burning on the counter, as he
had before been in the habit Of doing, having FIRST
turned down the wick as give but faint light.
After having been some time asleep he ,Rwoke and
was nearly sudocsted. Ho Immediately ran down
stairs and escaped into the street. being SO near su-
located with the smoke that he hardly recognized
the situation Of things. In few minutes The in
terror Of the store was enveoped in flames Whether
the Gre originated from the lamp above spoken of,
are unable TO say but believe this is the sup
position among those who are hes. acquainted with
the facts.