The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-03-30
The Grant House in
Flames.
And Entirely Consumed
Losses 100000
Full Particulars Of Incl
dents, Losses, &c.


city, and by two o'clock the alarm was
general, and the startled citizens saw the
central part of the city light as day with
the flames issuing from that fine and
commodious building, the Grant House.
The flames originated in the Grant
House livery stables on Market square,
Immediately in the rear of the Grant
House and kept by Frank Simpson. The
combustible material of the stable caused
the flames to spread rapidly in all direc-
tlons, and IN very short time all the
smaller buildings on the premises were
eveloped in flames, and the great monster
had communicated to the Main street
front and the South side OF the hotel
The fire was delayed for few
moments by the brick walls, but con-
tinued through the windows, doors and
hall ways where it was fed by the furni-
ture and wood work. 1t soon leaped
from story to story, and thence to the
roof.
At 8 A. NJ. the fire had extended
to the whole of what is known as the
new building, and from present indica-
tions by daylight there will be nothing
standing but the bare walls of this grand
edifce.
The confusion at this early hour, is
indi.crlbable. The dwellings through
out the city were not long in emptying
their occupants and the whole
four squares bordering on the
scene of the conhagratlon were
Iced with men, women ard chill
dren. The streets were filled with
broken furniture, groceries and store
goods from the hotel and the various
store-rooms under it. The fire depart
ment seemed very ineffective in its work
lnrs, and what was worse than all, the
engines did not reach the fire until long
alter the time they should. For fully
fifteen minutes alter the alarm, the
only apparatus was hose belonging
to Tony Duscn's stable adjoining. The
heights of the streams, too, after the en-
gines did get TO work seemed quite
poweress Al d arcly reached higher than
the second story. The complaints were
general as to the poor results attained by
the department, but as they may be un-
deserved to some extent, crltl-
clsm is reserved until further
Information Is had. The occupants OF
the buildings consumed or injured were
Lewis & Woodmansee, proprietors OF
the Grant House; Frank Simpson, of tie
Grant House stables; j. A. Lash, jeweler;
Beuter Bros, clothiers; Whorton Il Tie.
man, grocers; John Diehl, grocer.
and Frank Gruber, shoemaker.
There was also couple of barber shops
aud a cigar store located on the premises.
The losses will be probably al!
they contained. A correct esti.
mate of the looscs az
this writing is difficult to get, bat is
given as accurately as possible: Grant
House and furniture $4,000, fully in-
sured. $lO5OO by the Fire and Marine
OF this city on the furnl-
ture and fixtures The balance
placed by Messrs. Anderson & PAUL. in
foreign companies. Frank Simpsons
livery stable is insured for $500 on
stock in Philadelphia company.
At $50 the walls of the Grant House
on Tenth street has just fallen inward
with q terrible crash. AS far as
can be ascertsned no lives
have been lost or any accidents
happened. 1t locks Low as if the flames
will go beyond the limits of the hotel, as
the market house has caught twice. and
the adjoining buildings south are smok-
ing from the great heat. Fortunately
the morning was calm, and if proper
efforts are made the flames can be con-
fined to the hotel.
LArER-3:40 A. M-The east and
socth walls have Just fallen
in. The flames are now under
control, and unless some uniortuanate
accident occurs will be confined
to the Grant House proper.
which will be total loss. The fire orig
mated in Mr.. Woodmansie's private
stable, ana thence communicated to
Frank Simpsons livery stable. NJ.
Simpson, it is now learned, had no in
sursnce, and his loss will reach probably
$1,000.
Mr.. Lewis informs Us that the hotel
will be rebuilt at once.
j. J. Jones, Esq, cashier OF the Ex.
change Bank will lose 81, 500 on his pri-
vste furniture. There sre number OF
boarders who will sustain losses on pri.
yste furniture and clothing. In several
instances the guests of the house awoke
Just in time to ge. out of the building
with only what part of their clothing
they could pick up in the confusion and
fright, and run for life.