The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-22
A CITY CONSUMED.
Destruction Of ST. John.
N. B., by Fire.
THE DEVOURING FLAMES.
All the Business Portion Of the
City Destroyed.
THE HOMES OF THOUSANDS OBLlTERATED.
Wooden Buildings Contributing to the
Spread Of Devastation.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PARALYZED
Terrible Loss Of Life-Many
Persons Missing.
SEEKING SAFETY ON THE WHARVES.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PARALYZED
Terrible Loss Of Life-Many
Persons Missing.
SEEKING SAFETY ON THE THARvES.
Estimated Loss Over Eight Mill
ions of Dollars.
ABOUT SIXTY PER CENT INSURED.

[BY TxLxozApH 10 THE zERALD.1
ST.. JONI, N. B., June 81, 1877.
The almost u&baralleled calamity that has
visited ST. JonS N. B.. fills the mind
of the country with horror and recalls
the fearful disasters Of similar character
which left large portions Of the fair cities
of Chicago and Boston blackened expanses
of snouldering ruins. In a few hours the
fruits of the active industry of generations
have been destroyed, and scarcely anything
remains Of st. John but the crumbling
debris of its buildings, to which the state
Hest edifces and the humblest novels con-
tribute their share. Banks, churches, hotels,
theatres, stores and residences are involved
In one common destruction. Even some Of
the shipping at the wharves has shared the
fate of the city, while many vessels only
escaped by the activity of their crews in cut
ting loose from their mornings
Many persons are reported to have lost
their lives while fleeing from the flames or
in the vain attempt to save part of their
household goods. Many fremen were in
jured in their brave efforts to save life and
property. The number of dead will prob
ably much exceed the number whose names
can now be ascertained. Many persons are
reported missing. The following is list
of all those known to have been killed, as
reported to the city authorities
BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, on Germania
street.
HAROLD GILBERT, near the Victoria
Hall.
WILLIAM McNEILL, of. Adams & Co. q
establishment.
GARRETT COTTER, of James N. Mays
establishment.
HUGH McGOvERN.
The mother Of ex-Mayor Reed and his
two aunts.
were run over and killed.
An unknown man found dead on Prince
Tho terrible conagraton which visited this city yes
terdsy has destroyed tho entire portion OF the city
south Of King street. The fire broke out abou, half
past two O'Clock In McLaughIins boiler works, York
Dclut ol,
Der OF story frame buildings and sheds
They wcro very old and dry as tindcr
This accounts for tho sudden spread Of tho
names strong northwesterly breeze was blowing at
Who time forcing the flames directly along Dock street
md carrying tho blazing embcrs into the heart Of
Tho city Tho Gre along both sides Of Dock street.
destroying It's course ano of brick buildings.
occupied principally stores by wholesale srocers
liquor dealers, clothiers, SC Hathsway's Theatre,
on Dock street, the FIRST public building TO fall
SPREAD THE FLAMES.
The fire swept on with Irresistible fury toward Mar.
ket square. Hero great hopes entertained Of ar
resting tho flames. The distance the square
the OF Dock street is nearly two hundred
could leap this distance All tho engine houses in tho
city, eight in number were collected here to light tho
FIRE. The nremcn worked like heroes and their efforts
rewarded BY tho saving Of the Bank Of British
North America, which lay iiste out Of
tho direct course OF the wind. Bat the fire
gained King street, then dividing into two forked
branches swept eastwardly along the south side OF
King street and sousnwardIy along Prince William
street, threatening 70 engulf oil betwcen. By this
slime Mil street, Smith street. Drury lane ana Dock
street we're In ashes, and the nremen wore amos, de.
sparins People in the southeastern portion of the
city began issr that their homes would be reached
and began 70 remove some Of their mos, valued house,
hold articles
SUBLIME SPECTACLE.
On the blun at tho northern extremity OF the town
thousands Of people had gathered to witness the grand
and awful scsna From the residence Of the late Chief
Justice Chapman, situated nearly the centre Of the
bluH and overlooking the whole town. che sight was
ono never be forgotten The night rendered ss
brilliant a. the day. Tho red flames shot up high into
the air illuminating all tho public buildings and tho
shipping In tho harbor Tho shaped limo Of light
vas gradually extending on both branches and narrow.
,ps u the apex - Il passed over the doomed city.
Paoeasss OF TIM ylRE
Tnsnus aSrm and Warehouses On North and South