Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1883-12-21
DECEMBER FIRES.
Numbers 10, IL. 70 and 10.
AND THE VILLAIN sr,ll puasues HER,

DIR. L. wEIspURG's RESIDENCE.
On Monday evening about s o'clock
as the citizens were sitting in their
rooms and stores, discussing fires
and specializing as to where the next
one would be, stentorian voice sud-
denly yelled "firew in voice that
sent thrill of horror through the
heart of every person who heard it.
A gale that Appropriated a blizzard
was blowing from the south. In a
moment all was noise and confusion.
Bells were ringing, men were run
ming to aud fro, and hundred
threats echoed the blood-curdling
cry of "flrep Soon The dense smoke
and streaks Of flame were visible in
the southern part Of the city, on Ma
pie street, between Virginia and
Clay. The wind was blowing in Il
bee line towards number of frame
residences that would conduct the
fire to Forbes &c Bros. planning mills
unless they were checked, and then
every heart stood still, as tie result
was contemplated. 1t was the old
story over again. The house was oc-
cupied by DIR. L. Weisburg and fami-
ly. Shortly after supper they left
their home TO visit relative near by
and the next thing they knew their
all was being consumed by the de-
youring element. Hundreds of peo-
pie with pale faces and trembling
with terror, rushed to the scene and
began to battle for their homes and
liresides. The house was cottage
situated directly opposite a two
story house, occupied by Mr.. New
ton Payne, and was separated by on
~ about thirty feet from the cottage
Of Mr.. Ross Donaldson, while Judge
Winfree's house was diagonally
across the street, nearly in the direc-
ton ofthc sparks. We have never seen
such work done at fire, as was done
to save the houses of Messrs. Payne
aud Donaldson. Water was scarce
but brave men, white and black,
mounted the roofs and worked in
the fierce heat and binding smoke
aud flame until the worst was over,
and the engine arrived to complete
the work. We desire to call especial
attention to Reuben Brooks, colored
man. lie took a position on the
roof Of Mr.. Donaldson's house, next
to the fire, and remained there until
the building was saved, pouring
water on the scorching shingles. Al
times he was obscured from view by
the dense smoke and his clothing was
only kept from being burned by the
flames that Tapped around him al
times, by throwing water upon him
from the force pumps, which were
useless to throw water on the roof
he was urged to come down and
give up the fight, but like young
Cassabianca, he would not leave hi
post, but like a veritable salamander
remained where others dared not go
and Mr.. Donaldson's house stands to-
day and the credit is due more K
the bravery and heroism of Reuber
Brooks than to any other man.
But to return to the subject undel
consideration. The nearest houses
were saved, though the furniture il
them was damaged considerably by
moving. BY carefully watching thu
roofs in the direction Of the sparks
~ w. b.
other fires We're prevented, though
several were discovered and put out
DR.. Weisburg estimates his loss a
ST. 900 on furniture, oculist's instru
ments and cash burned. He had in
surance with Campbell & Buckne
to the extent of $500. The hous
was worth probably $1,000 and be
longcd to Col. j. M. Dodd. We hav
been unable to learn whether or no
It was insured. Mr.. Donaldson
|! fence and smokehouse, coalhoust
ETC., were burned loss probabl
| 800. The damage to furniture wa
not large and was all covered by in
surancc. DIR. Weisburg did not hay
lanything whatever saved. All Of hi
private papers and valued heirloom
were destroyed with everything els
The fire was first seen breaking 0,
of the roof and was undoubtedly
incendiary origin. Mr., Richar
Evans, neighbor on the same stree
shot three times at man whom !
saw running from the fire just as Il
alarm was given, but nothing else
known as to the perpetrator Of Il
crime. eva
. On Monday night, the 18th, Il