The Russellville Democrat., 1882-04-06
RIG RLAZEs.


 sellville was visited by fire in the des- truetion of property, but this exemp- ton was not to last always, and it De- comes our unpleasant duty to chronicle a eonflagration that proved to be most disastrous in it's consequences. About 10 o'clock a. m., last Thursday, the dread alarm of fire was sounded on the bells of the city. The citizens rushed from their places of business and resi- dences to ascertain where the devastat- ing flame was doing its work. To all if was soon made manifest that a blaze of no little magnitude was tapping with its fiery tongue one of the great est industries of our city. A rush to the scene and it was discovered that the extensive blow and wagon factory of Luker, Settle & Co.,, was in flames. This establishment was one of the lar gest and best Of its kind in tie western part of the State. and had grown from a small shop to large proportions In three years. When the flames were discovered, the roof on the north side was on fire and the flames had gained such haadway that it was found to be l impossible to stay their progress. The question of tue minute was, to save as much of the portable property of the factory as possible, and for this ar | duous task there were found scores of willing hands and brave hearts. Stout men rushed into tho immense blazing structure and drew forth the wagons that were completed and in the finish l ing room, and conveyed the same to a place of safety. A number of finished blows were saved as well as large lot of blow irons and seasoned wagon tim- Der. The flames, however, gained such | forced to cease their work, and in less time than it has taken to write this the great factory was completely in the folds of the fiery god. A high wind blew strong and steady from due south during the fire and the attention of hundreds of men were required to prevent the spreading of the fire to ad- jacent buildings. In this they were only partially successful, for the great tongues of flame leaped acrsss the street north of the factory and envel- oped the neat dwelling owned by MT. Riddell and occupied by Mir. Jacobson, a we'll known merchant of this city, and his family. The work of destruc- tion was so rapid on this building that Mr. Jacobson was able to save but a small portion of his household and kitchen furniture. By almost super human effors the house east of Mir. Riddell's aI.d that of Mir. Thompson north were saved. The fire is one of city for some time, not only in the prop erty destroyed, but in the severe blow to the industrial interests Of the con- munity. The loss of Messrs. Luker, Settle tI Co.,, fall heavily upon them them as they have worked industrious ly for the past three years to build up an establishment that would be credit to many Il city whose population is numbered by thousands. Thelr losses in building and stock is estimated al $4,000 without one cent of insurance, But with true western grit and enter prise they have gone to work and will rebuild their factory on the site of the old one, and on grander scale, inval. uable aid and assistance having been generously donated to them by several of the leading and most prominent citl' zens. Mir. Riddell's loss on dwelling was about $500 covered py s400 insur. ance. Mr. Jacobson's loss on house held goods was not very heavy and Inc had no insurance.