Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-18
A DISASTROUS CONFEDERATION.

for the Office OF county treasurer IN the
approaching spring election.
A DISASTROUS CONFEDERATION.
Edward O'Hara Burned TO Death While
Drunk-Cartcr's Grocery Consumed
state Institution without Water.
lcorrospondence OF the Richmond Dispatchl
CHARLorTEsvILLE, Nov. II, 1890.
On Sunday morning between 3 and 6
O'Clock a very disastrous FIRE occurred
al the University OF Virginia, by which
man lost his life by being burned to
death and large amount of property
destroyed and endangered. The alarm
was sounded little before o'clock, but
by the time the flremon reached tho
scene Of conhagration it had made such
Roadway that il was found impossible to
save the building and their efforts were
exerted to save the adjoining valuable
property. The fire started in little
frame building adjoining the grocery
store Of Mr. Il. j.. Carter, and occupied
rs a tailor-shop and sleeping apartment
by Edward O'Hara.
IN THE BURNING BUILDING.
While the FIRE WIS at its fercest the
terrible news ran through the crowd
that O'Hara was in the burning building,
and in short while after that com
panion was also with him, and yet again
that there were rs many as four persons
in il. Nothing could be done TO save
them, as 1t was certain by this time they
were dead, as the building had been
burning, it is supposed, for some time
before the alarm was given. FINALLY,
when search was made for the bodies,
part of the horrible news proved only
too true.
A CHASTITY SIGHT.
The body Of O'Hara was found under
meath the tin-roof, which had fallen IN
on him, near stove. His head, both
legs, and arms were burned oil, present
ing a ghnstly sight at which strong men
turned faint. Strange to say, the trunk
was hardly burned at oil, even parts oil
the clothing remaining intact
ENTIRELY DESTROYED.
Mr.. Carter's building in which be had
his grocery was also nearly entirely de
stroyed. only the shell remaining. lie
had large stock on hand, but succeeded
in saving large part of 1t. HIS loss IS
stated TO be between $4,000 and $1,000
on buildings and stock, with about
81. 900 insurance. Mr.. Carter had Just
recently bought hispartnor's interestand
had Just largely replenished his stock. MIR,
divers fine new building on the west
side was in great danger, several times
catching fire but was saved by the he
roic efforts of the firemen with compare
lively small loss.
THE DEMON DRINK.
O'Hara was seen late Saturday night
with several companions quite drunk,
and it is supposed that he either upset
the stove or lamp which set fire to his
room, although one OF his companions
say he did not have lamp, and his body
was found in another part of the house
and not in his bedroom. His compan-
ions, it turned out, had not gone IN the
building with him. O'Hara came to this
place number of years ago from PhlIi-
delphia, it is supposed, as 1t IS known
TINT he received letters from that city
directed in a feminine hand. 1t IS said,
also. that he has sister in New York.
He had been doing business at the Uni
versiiy for several years.
IF.
If water could have been had when the
fire was first discovered, in all proba-
biity the building could have been
saved. The city fire department is fully
a mile from the University, but the men
had several streams playing on the build
ing in eighteen minutes from the time
the alarm sounded. The reels and truck
had TO be drawn by men it is a volun-
teer company. The University fire de-
partment also rendered valuable assist
anco.
The Coroner viewed the body Of
OHara yesterday but deemed an in
duest unnecessary. and he was buried at
lakewood.
SHOCKING.
Altogether it is tho most shocking dis
aster that has happened i'll our commu-
nifty for a great while.
Mr.. stephen Sampson died at his
home near Campbells, Chesapeake and
Ohio railway, Saturday morning, and was
buried 10y Widows Sons Lodge, No. 60,
Master Masons, of this city, yesterday.
He was about eighty years old, widely
known, and highly respected, leaving a
large number Of warm friends and de-
voted connections throughout Virginia.
OTHER PERSONALS.
George, infant son OF Henry Haggart,
died at the woolen-mills Saturday morn
ing.
Miss Bertic Bryant died at the resi-
dence of her father, Mr.. j. Il. Bryant,
on Water street, last night. She had
been i'll for SOME time. -.
Mr.. James Leitch, who was thought
to be improving last week, continues to
be quite i'll.