The New York herald., 1879-03-19
FORTY-ONE PERSONS HOMELESS.
FIVE HOUSES BURNED DOWN AT HUNTERS
PoINr-Loss FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS

FIVE HOUSES BURNED DOWN AT HUNTER
PoINr-Loss FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
Suspicious OF 1NcEND1AR1sM.
The celebration of St. Patrick's Day had fairly
ended but all who had taken part in the festivities
were not at home and in bed when an alarm of fire
rang out in Vernon avenue. Hunters Point. yesterday
morning. The hour three o'clock-high time
for all good, sober citizens to be in bed-and the
locality where tho fire originated seemed to be
wrapped in slumber. But in dwelling light
was still visible. This on the northern side of
the avenue. between Eighth and Ninth streets. and
the occasion was something in the nature of wake
over the body Of William westhoff, popular men,
Der Of Union Hose Company No. 6. Among those
who paid this post-mortem honor to dear friend
departed Peter j. McGrath, who some hours
before had been tripping the light and airy ut mid
night dance in Vernon Hail. But suddenly the little
group of mourning friends were startled by q loud
exciting news that Peters house and shop, just
across the way, were on ire and in fair way to be
and rushing from the house fond that the report
all too true. Not only was Peters house fire.
but the roof Of similar dwelling, two doors
moved, was already in flames, aud the indications
we're that tho whole row would be consumed. For
tunately Engine House No. 6 stands the Same
block, and one large stream of water was turned
the flames in jiffy. Soon other companies
arrived. and after two hours hard work, with
six or ,sa engines sn the e fire ,, was wholly
been feared from the first the adjoining houses had
caught fire and were completely gutted. The scene
nine families. wrapped in iaines and the Terri
fed occupants, in many instances half naked,
poured forth into the streets with cries of fear aud
tears Of wretchedness. IL instance invalid
borne out on shutter just In time to escape fear
ful DEATH All hands. however. did their best to aid
the sufferers and notwithstanding the general
citement, everyone escaped without ply sica injury
and cared for night by sympathizing neigh
bors. In the despair naturally following severe
misfortune some of the homeless ones found vent
for their feelings in denouncing OF their fellow
sufferers as an incendary. Then, too q ruinor got
abroad that the fire had been caused by drunken
man throwing lighted lamp at mis- wife's head. To
investigate these serious charges HERALD reporter
visited the scene yesterday afternoon.
OWNERS OCCUPANTS
An undertaker's establishment stands at the north
Next to this is vacant lot extending the length Of
the house and yard, in which the fire originated.
This building is one OF row OF hve two story frame
structures occupied both stores and dwellings.
They built nine years ago. and have not changed
hands within that time. The first owned by
Peter Mc(rath, who carried ON iourshing trade in
meat, provisions aud vegetables. The McCirath fam
lily numbers seven. Edward Ford owned the next
building, which was occupied by two families of
that name the first floor, numbering
four souls; the other upstairs, comprising five.
Thomas McMahon tine owner Of the third
floor to u family of two and the upper to one of
equal numbers. On the first floor of the fourth
building in the row q German named Hildebrandt
kept fancy goods and candy store. Up stairs there
was family of seven. named Carpenter. The build
ing was owned by Mrs. Sheridan of this city. The
first floor of the fifth house. owned by James Con-
nors, occupied by James Flynn liquor store.
He has q wife aud hve children. German family of
seven live on the second story It from this
house that Flynn, too sick to walk carried out
of the reach OF danger shutter hastily wrcnchcd
from the window by hliar hands. In all it will be
seen forty-one persons deprived of firesido
and roof by the catastrophe yesterday morning.
IT an inccndary started the danes no punishment,
the neghbors maintain, would be too severe. But
1t would not be easy prove that the
The fire broke out in the second story front room OF
Mctiraih's house, while he and his wife out.
He himself says that when the news brought to
traces OF fire in the building. The roof OF
McMahons house was then in a blaze and the
flames spread rapidly along the row. The hrst floor
Of each building is still standing. and, singularly
enough, McGraths store Jared better than any
other for has stock. though badly damaged, Is not
totally destroyed.
TIN CHARGE OF INcExDIARrsM.
TO a reporter he said:--"I do business
s2 year mere 5Soo and VINO" wondn sonsSs nsgs
the house and lot had to pay S4,100 for thcm but
they amt worth that now. There's mortgage on
surcd for 1880 by II. s. Anablc. / had had tho
house thoroughly painted inside and got a stock of
vegetables only yesterday. lose everything but
At the station housc IL was said that rumor had
got aoat that McGrath had set fire TO the house acct
dcntally. His arrest not contemplated so far
they know. MIR. Anable the insurance agent, out
of town. but his discrcded the of incendi
arism. One OF the losers by the fire had told him
that McGrath was the guilty party, but he did not
believe It. Aud as sufficient ground for his belief
he said that the policy McGraths place expired
Sunday and had not been renewed. 80 he would lose
everything and gain nothing by the destruction OF
his property. Mr.. Mcmahon likewise had
picion of arson. He believed the fire accidental.
His properly insured In the Greenwich Firo In
surance Company OF this city for III 800, and Mrs.
Sherdans for 81 500. Mr.. Ford's insured in the
st. Nicholas. Of New York, for 81 800, and Mr.. Con-
The engine house, very slightly damaged, was in
surcd In the Lycomng, of Muncy Pa, for 81 900.