Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-01-30
Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer.
LETTER FROM CHESTER.
CHESTER S. c., January %, Il

CHESTER, S. c., January %, 1879.
Our town has been the scene of another fire.
About O'Clock on Thursday night last, the
drug store of Davega & Howe, situated on
the public square, was discovered to be IN
flames, caused, as is supposed, by spontaneous
combustion of infammable materials in the
cellar The Stonewall Fire Engine Company,
(white,) and the Champion Hook and Ladder
Company, (colored,) were promptly on the
SPOT. and did faithful work in subdulng the
flames and in preventing what might have
proved a serious conhagration.
Owing to the combustible nature OF much
of the contents of the building, it was only Dy
the most heroic exertions Of the fire depart
ment that the flames were arrested. Fortu-
nately, good supply of water was conve-
nient. which was most effectively used by the
'Stonewalls." .......,.. -...-.
The entire stock of Davega & Howe was
destroyed, and the rear of their building Sc
riously burned Their loss on stock is estl-
mated at about $1,000; insured for S4,oOO
The damage to the house is also covered Dy IN
surance. Among others who suffered by the
fire are the following w. T. Robson, damage
to stock by water and moving; G. Whltus,
furniture. and Mrs Annie T. Dunn, contec-
tionery, also damaged by water and removal
of goods. The express and telegraph Office
being near, some confusion ensued IN that
well-regulated establishment-espe with
the wires and instruments but the indefatl-
gable manager, Mr. c. H. Brennecke, had
every thing in good working condition by next
day. Mrs. Melton, proprietress OF the Mer-
chants Hotel, also sustained some loss. Ihe
Chester Reporter was also unfortunate, by nav
ing the material of the Office badly disarranged
by moving, in consequence OF which the paper
cannot be issued this week.
The Stonewall Fire Company held their an
nual meeting on Wednesday night last, ana
elected the following officers for the ensuing
wear: President-Jno. L. Chambers; FIRST d.
rector-John B. McFadden; Second DIRECTOR
r. G. CASTOR: Third Director-David Hemp
hill: Fourth Director-M. H. Hunter; Fifth
Director-Wm. E. Walker: Secretary-T. W..
Clawson; Treasurer-J. H. Kaufman; En-
qineer-J. F. Green; A1enaen-S. A. Murphy
and Thomas L. Chambers. During the pres
ent wear the company will hold their meetings
for the transaction of business, etc., Ill the
hall of the town council, room In the Agurs
building. ...u,a .#
From friend who made trip last week to
our neighboring town, Rich Hill, OF as 1t is
now called. Richburg, on the Cheraw and
Chester Railroad, learn that the road Is In
fine condition. The new passenger coach, re-
Gently added to the road, is neat and quite
comfortable, and is generally filled with pas
sengers every trip. On the day mentioned the
receipts of the road, from travel and freight,
were about $50, which will do very well, con-
sidering that there are only seventeen miles IN
operation.
President Hardin gives as his opinion that
the prospect is favorable for extending the
road next summer He is now having a Wag-
on route surveyed and cut out from the pres
ent terminus of the road at Cedar Shoals, to
Lancaster. The wagon road will lDterSect
Catawba river near the location Of che rail-
road bridge. For the purpose of transferring
freight and passengers, safe, reliable ferry
will he established under direction OF the man.
agement of the railroad. If the towns OF Lam
caster and Chester are not Immediately placed
within rapid communication, it is hoped that
before a great while they will be within easy
reach of each other.
Rev. Dr. E. J. Meynardie, Presiding Elder
of the Columbia district, filled the pulpit OF
the Methodist church at this place last Sun
Gay. the occasion being the session of the quar-
terly conference.
There was large attendance of people in
town last Saturday, and it seemed to be busy
day with the merchants.
Farmers are making preparations for plant
ing, and from what I can learn, the colored
people are prompt at making contracts for the
present year.
Lieut.. George D. Wallace, of the 7th U. 5.
Cavalry, was in Chester, yesterday. He has
been at Chicago for several days, attending
as a witness in the court of inquiry in the case
of Major Reno, with reference to the Custer
massacre. Lieutenant Wallace being pressed
for time, made only flying visit to relatives
in the county, and proposes to return immedl-
ately. CHESTER.