Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-02-23
Holocaust Averted.

Flames were discovered in the puri.
fer Of Stuart & Sons elevator about
3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon which had
caught from heated journal. Jas.
Chandler, the manager of the elevator
was first to discover the fire and after
giving the alarm made his best endeavors
to get ut 1t, but 1t was confined entirely
to the purifier, which il no more than
large tanning mill, and he was unable
to get at the fire until 1t had partially
burned the sides and he was able to
break the boards. The fire had gained
great Roadway and was rapidly con-
Stunning the purifier and flames were
streaming through the shute that forms
the air draft from the purifier to the
east side of the elevator. 1t was beyond
the control of those on the inside with
the meager facilities at their command,
and spectators feared that the entire
building would be consumed, despite
all efforts. At this time, however, tho
vigilant and ever faithful hose and
hook and ladder companies were on
hand and connecting the hose ut the
Stuart house hydrant soon had strong
stream playing on the flames, In
very short time the flames were smoth-
cred, aud great holocaust averted.
The value OF property in imminent
danger may not be accurately estimated,
but the large elevator, its expensive
machinery, the large amount of grain
stored therein and the surrounding
lumber piles, etc, undoubtedly exceed
value Of $4,000, The prompt action
Of the fire companies deserves the best
compliments of the community. The
utility of the water works system IL
again demonstrated and IL Is not too
much to say that ii more than saved its
cost on Tuesday.
The fire boys Of course make no dis.
tnction when property is IN danger,
but we have heard more than one re-
mark that II afforded them unusual
satisfaction to rescue the property Of u
firm that Is always no public spirited,
enterprlsing and friendly to the city's
organizations.
Jas. Chandler had severe experience
while alone In tho elevator at the out
break OF the fire. Dense binding
smoke issued from every crevicc of the
purifier, and he was compelled 10 put
his face to the floor 10 catch his breath.
by his fithfulness IN remaining and
breaking in the sides they were enabled
to throw water direct upon the flame.
Otherwise tho services Of the company
would have been less effective.
II was observed that tho companies
were In need Of help 10 get the carts
through the mud to tho place of action,
and II IL recommended by Chief Free,
man that those desiring 10 assist can
always do the most effective service by
going direct TO tho city building and
assisting In getting out the apparatus.
There Is no discount on l., J. Free
man "a IN all round hustler. lie frsked
about on the half pitch roof Of the
wing rs intrepidly as any professional
of the Chicago department could do.
Since the above was written and
placed In type we have learned of the
arrival, yesterday, Of Capt. Stuart, who
looked over his elevator, and proceeded
straightway to the Office OF Chief Free.
man and left 800 In gllttering gold to
the credit of the fire department. The
Captain also stated TO Mr.. Freeman
that tho latter Ind rendered service
that entitled him TO tho religious ad,
yantages Of the city, so lac proposed to
TT him out in shape to attend church.
Deafto the chief freman's protsstations,
the Captain escorted him TO u merchant
tailor's establishment and had him
measured for suit OF clothes. Stuart
Il Son have thus again demonstrated
their generosity and most becomngly
acknowledged efficient public service.