The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1870-05-13
THE FINcAsrLE DISASTER.

1dE FlNCAsILE UloASkEa.
A brief account OF the terrible and
destructive coniia2ation in Fincastle, |
on Fridap night, was given IN the News |
Yesterday moruing,l but as narrowing |
as this account was, it seems to have
been far short of the terrible reality. |
From j. w. Ryal. a eslient of t'incas-
tie. " no visits our city for the purpose
of obtaining aid tor the sufferers in
their distressed aud destitute condi-
ton, aud from letter from Maj. J, j
Allen, former resident Of Lynchburg
we learn that SO families were left EN-
tirely homeless, over 80 dwellings
houses we're destroy ed, and every busl-
ness house, store, shop, and drug store
in the place fell a prey to the flames.
The scene of destruction and desola-
ton, is described as one that was never
witnessed before, even during the war.
The tire broke Gus in the stable at
tached to the Western Hotel, kept by
MIR. Lecster, which CO ntained large
quantity hay, and when first discoy-
cred was no larger than the flame from
n lamp. Every effort was made to ex-
tinguish it, but the combnstible nature
of the material upon which it fed. ren-
dered all efforts to stay It's progress
futile. The sparks from the stable set
fire to the Hotel adjoining which was
soon mass OF lurid flames, which
were thence communicated to the Jail,
and the dwelling of Col. w. L. NJ.
Word, in the vicinity, which was quick
ly consumed From these the fire
spread III all dir eetions, and only cras-
ell its rayages, when everything COM
bustible along the line OF its progress
was heap of smouldering ashes.
The scene of agony and terror was
one that beggars description. Delicate
females and helpless children. aroused
in the dead hour of night, fled or were
borne from the burning houses. with
nothing To pfoteet them bnt the cloth
ing in which they had fallen asleep.
leaving all else to the flames, the only
thought and hope being to secure per-
sonal safety. Many narrow escapes
with their lives; but fortunately none
were Injured.
The following is partial list OF the
most disastrous contias ration that has
occur, d in Virginia since the fire at
Richmond in 1865:
j. b. Leester, hotel furniture, stable
and six horses.
Mrs. p ice. hotel and some furniture.
Judge L. d. Houston. dwelling house
furniture. Office. and valuabie library.
Capt. j. II. Llggatt, residence and
pc, ton of the turiIiture..
Green james, resident, law Office
and portion OF the library.
j. b. Miller, residence and law office.
William g lasgow, residence and liz
brary.
Mr.. Switzer, store house and stock.
Loss heavy.
Mr.. Houseman, store aud stock.
Loss large.
-. Carper, residence and drug store
and furniture.
Mr.. Slower. store house and large
stock OF goods.
Mr.. Leester, store house and stock.
Mr.. Goodwin, residence and part Of
his furniture.
Mr.. Mcdowell, residence and furni-
ture.
Mrs. Berley. residence and furniture.
Rev. Mr.. Gray, resIdence and furni-
lure.
Mrs. Machey (Postmistress), house
aud furniture.
Mr. Goodelieimer, house and furhi-
ture.
Mr.. Crush, house and all he had.
Dir. Linson, house rnd other heavy
losses.
DIR. Steel, residence.
Herald Printing Office, stock and ma
teriai.
Post Office.
Mrs Becklex.a widow lady with
several children' lost verything she
possessed.
Methodist Sarsonage and furniture;
occupied by Rev. Mr.. Fitzpatrick.
With many others, which our inior-
.mant is unable 20 remember.
Che total amount of the loss<is vari-
onsly estimated at from $3.50, 900 10
s35O.O00, the Judges placing it at the
latter figure.
The Insurance on the above is only
about $4,000; and amongst those who
are partially insured are MIR. Switzer.
Mr.. Houseman, Mr.. Stoner. Mr. James
Mr.. Carper, and probably Il small a
mount on the Western III tel. in no
case, however, sufficient to cover the
loss.
;. As stated yesterday, the fire is be-
lieved 10 have been the work OF an in
centary; but Az far AS we are informed
suspicion Is not get fixed upon any
particular person, n the perpetrator of
this hellish deed, by which over 800
people have been rendered homel, SIS
and destitute.
Ihe town which has thus so disas-
Ireisly suffered contaillsabout 1o0l in.
haoitants, and the houses consumed
numbered at least 90 of different kinds
or more than half OF the whole numher
III the place. -Lynch0urq Nelrs.