Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-06-22
COMMUNICATED,
Man MIppLEwAY june 10 1ssn

NEAR MIDDLEwAY, June 10, 1880.
MIR. Hdines-A fire occurred about mile
north of the town to-day, between the hours
of and O'Clock by which the fiue residence
of Mr.. w. j. Grantham, together with his
barn and other ontbuildings, with their con.
tents, we're nearly all destroyed, involving a.
loss of three or four thousand dollars, on
which, however, there is partial insurance.
The origin of the fire is not definitely known.
but there is no doubt that it was the result
of accident, as it commenced in the dwelling
house, the whole roof of which, when first
discovered, was wrapt in one red sheet of
fame, aud the barn and other buildings
being but short distance from it, and sur
rounded by combustible material, which
quickly igni,ed, and a high wind blowing at
the time,t fire was communicated to them,
and they were soon enveloped in one bright
blaze, and all were burnt at the same mo-
ment with terrif, and fearful rapdity, aud
all that now remains TO mark the place where
his habitation once stood is the smoulderine
debris the blackened chimueys, and the once
beautiful, but now scorched and withered
shade trees, that surrounded the dwelling.
Dir. Grantham when the fire broke out was
not at home, he in company with Mr..
Billmyer, young mau in his employ. having
short time before started to meet his team,
which had gone to the mountain after load
of lumber, and they hsd proceeded but
short distance when Mr.. Billmyer, as they
were riding along incidentally turned around
and observing dense smoke rising in the
direction of MIR. GTantham's residence com,
municated his discovery to him, who at once
expressed his fears that it was his property
that was burning, aud wheeling his horse he
made all speed to return, to find his worst
faar nnl -.
into the burning building and save some of
his most valuable papers. What other few
a'tIcles that were saved were saved by his
frightened housekeeper and her family as
they made their escape, and who were the
only inmates OF the house, and were engaged
IN their culinary duties at the time making
preparations for harvest. BY this time the
neighbors had gathered, but the flames had
made such rapid progress that all ingress was
hopelcssly cut of, and all efforts to save more
of his personal effects by his sympath izing
and willing friends were rendered unavaiiipg
by the violent and intense heat, and they
were compelled to remain passive and sor-
rowtul spcctaces to the destruction of his
property. Mr.. Grantham by this disaster,
Notwithstanding the partial insurance, will
incur considerable loss, as we'll as being sub
Ject to great inconvenience at this particular
season. and while feeling deep nmiseration
for him, VIC cannot forbear expressing our
warmest sympathy for his faithful and trusty
housekeeper, Ann, (colored) who By her
perseverine and nssiduous industry, with
economic frugalty, had accumulated a con-
siderable amount of household property as
the result OF her perseverance and thrift. and
now, alter years of toll and labor, had the
severe modification by this terrible calamity
to see the fruits of her honest labor fall
prey to this devourng and merciless element
without the power to save it.
Yours respectfully,