The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-11-09
Incendiary in Greenbrier-Anofh
Stable Gone.

stable zone.
About IL o'clock on Wednesday
night, the large stable of Cabell d
vandiver was wrapped in devouring
flames. 1t was only by almost super
human efforts on the part Of our cit
liens, both white and colored, that the
town was saved. Two horses, one
mule and large quantity of hay, were
burned with the building. This is
the ninth stable burned within the last
eighteen montbs-all the work OF an
incendiary. Various have been the
surmises as to the name and the mo-
tives OF the incendiary. Some three or
four weeks since, suspicion began to rest
on Bill Smith, a negro, who came among
us short time before the burning OF
stables began. He said he came from
the neighborhood of Fortress Monroe.
This negro was invariably among the
first to reach the fires, and seemed to
seek notoriety by his daring feats
during their progress. This notoriety
he acquired, and also sundry rewards
for his services. On Wednesday
night he was intoxicated on the
streets going from store to store,
as has since leaked out, en-
deavoriug to procure matches, which
were refused, and then from house to
house. for a match or coal OF fire.
The latter he obtained about fifteen
minutes before the alarm Of fire was
raised.
Another negro was also heard ex-
postulating with him, saying: Bill,
don't do any mischief tonight!
"Yes," was the reply, "Tll be id if |
don't intend to get 'um this night"
1t was so dark that our informant
could not distinguish the expostulating
negro, and, "a vet, he is unknown.
As with all the preceding fires, so
Bill Smith was among the first at this,
and, from the roof of Mr.. R. Thomas
dwelling, exhibited, for the ninth time,
his tire.fghtIng qualities to an ad-
miring crowd. Hi, reward was, more
whisky" and we learn, some green
backs for his interested services. But
Bill Smiths career, in this town, was
drawing to a close People began to
speak out. One man would have shot
him down on the street, had not the
hand of friend interposed. On Thurs
day morning Bill disappeared. Officers
are in pursuit. He went from this
place to White Sulphur, and at some
station beyond, it is thought, he would
take the cars for Stanton or some i'll
fated town farther east. 1t is hoped he
may be caught and brought back. Bill
Smith is about five feet seven inches
high, quite black, stoutly built, thick
Tipped, biz eyed, retreating forehead
when standing still his feet are generally
close together aud his legs bow back
ward in walking he incines his body
forward lie affects great politeness and
humility to his superior5, butts noisy and
garruious among those OF his own color.
He is very fond ofwhioky, and will get
drunk at every chance. He works some
at blacksmithing, but prefers hanging
around and picking up little jobs and
things" He, if he is the incendlary,
has destroyed about $1,000 worth of
property in this town since his first ad
vent. In whatever town Bill Smith
stops, he will make himself fit, you
bet" Some time ago he was on the
Chesapeak and Ohio Railroad, and there
gave his first name "a Jesse"
n. b. Since the above was put in type,
Smith has been captured and lodged
in Jail in this Place, He was overhaul
ell at Lockhar,'s, in Allegheny county,
Va. by Officer a. c. Liggeti, Sergeant
OF LewiSburg lie was husking corn
and had changed his name to that OF
Charley Robinson, The arrest was
made on yesterday. Mr.. Liggett deserves
great praise for energy and skill in
bringing the culprit to Justice
independent.