The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-11-21
From the A66eril1e Medium-Eztra.

1t is supposed that the fire originated in the
kitchen of Mr. A. N. Hill, but it was far be-
yond control before it was discovered. Mr.. Hill
was awakened by his wife at about one o'clock,
and, on opening ais chamber door to ascertain
what was the matter, was met by cloud of
smoke and heat. Mrs. Hill-sick in bed-was,
with the greatest difficulty, saved. One Of his
children, pursued by the fierce flames, leaped
from the second story of the building and
sought safety in flight. Mr.. Hill's losses are
very great and severe. He lost about four
hundred dollars in money and succeeded in
saving nothing whatever-clothing furniture,
bedding and everything was destroyed, and
nothing was covered by insurance.
Barnwell & Co. had their store burned and
succeeded in saving nothing. Their books and
about four hundred dollars in money were lost.
The losses of this firm are partially covered by
insurance-they were insured for $4,000.
The store of a. NJ. Hill & Co. was gutted by
the devouring element. A part of their stock
was saved and they were insured for $500, in
the Continental. Their warehouse was fire
proof, and the groceries, cotton, &C., which
were stored in it suffered no injury.
The furniture store of J. D. Chalmers & Co.
next fell prey to the flames. A part of their
stock was saved, and they were insured for
81 ,6OO-SS00 in the London, Liverpool & Globe
and $500 in the Georgia Home. r'
The Clerks Sheriff7s and County Commission
ers' offices were totally consumed with all their
books, papers and records. The loss of these
papers to the county cannot be estimated
These offices met with heavy losses at our fire
in January last and now nothing is left. The
destruction of the books, papers and records in
these offices will cause great embarrassment in
our financial and business circles. 1t seems
that Abbeville, between robbery, wrong and
fire, is destined to be destroyed.
The drug store of Lee & Parker ended the
progress of the fire in a southerly direction.
This store was filled with drugs which added
fuel to the flames. A part of the stock was
saved and insurance to the amount of $4,000
held in the London, Liverpool & Globe.
1t was thought at one time that the whole OF
the western side of our public square would be
burned, but the fire-proof wall of Lawsons
Hall and the almost superhuman efforts OF
portion of our citizens stopped its further pro-
gress. On the wall of Lawson's Hall few
men gallantly fought the flames. Colored men
and white men stood breast to breast, cheered
each other and worked like heroes.
While in the conduct of a number of our
people there was much to commend we have
nothing of praise or commendation to give to
the greater cass-that class which stood aside,
unmoved by the losses which their neighbors
were suffering, and grimly smiled. Many
would not move an inch to assist in checking
the flames until they were promised reward.
The Hook & Ladder Company were not out in
full force The progress Of the fire in north
erly direction was checked by the fre-proot
wall of Wardlaw & Edwards store.
Many losses of minor Importance to those
enumerated above we're occasiOned by the fire
and the calamity which has befallen us is most
grievous. The business interests of our town
have been paralized; portion OF our best and
most beautiful range of buildings destroyed !;
It will be years before the injuries occasioned
by the fire will be overcome.