Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-11-11
MIDDLEBROOK.

| This village was startled last Wednesday
just after the middle of the day by the cry OF
fire! fire! the people quickly gathered around
the building Except one man who leisurely
walked up to his dinnerD and made every ef-
| fort to save the property in the house. The
dwelling was formerly occupied by DR.. R. A.
McChesney, and was occupied at the time Of
the fire by Harvey Berry. 1t was situated in
the western end of the village. Some of the
household effects were saved, but Mr., Berr y
tells me the most of his property was lost
The house was two.story house with an L
running back from the main body of the
house: 1t was dry and burned very readily
The wind was quiet at the time, and 1t was.
very fortunate as there were other buildings
close at hand which were saved without much
trouble.
Too much cannot be said in praise of most Of
the young ladies OF the village. They ran like
quarter horses carrying water. In fact they had
the street full of buckets and tubs full Of wa
ter. They did much more then most of the
men; they are universally thanked chat is by
the citizens here.) Mr.. Berry. like the writer.
is poor man. He is a christian. an honest,
Industrious young man, and as he is just start
ing in life as married man, the blow falls
heavily upon him, in that he has lost all he
had. A subscription has been started and is
being very literally seen after by some Of the
''big. hearted" men Of the country around who
think of it thus, suppose 1t was me-" and as
ye would that others should do unto you, do
ye even SO unto them: that is fhe way to take
1t. There was no insurance on the property,
either real or personal. The origin of the fire
la unknown but supposed to have originated
from a stove pipe being Improperly put up in
a ceiling.
The building made large fire. The family
were very fortunately out of the house before
the fire got under way. Every man. woman
and child, Except the dinner-man) were either
there or out on the street to witness the sight.
1t is indeed a sad sight to witness the destruc-
ton of a mans property by the fiery monster.
It is to be greatly hoped that every one will
feel 1t personal privilege and a manly duty
to give something for the assistance OF this
very worthy man. He did not only lose
part, but all worth mentioning. leaving him
not even bed to lie on, SO we are told. Where
petition is circulated for less charitable pur-
poses there is always very liberal contribu-
ton. Now don't leave this christian work all
to be done by the poorer class of good men but
let all come up and hand out his dollar like a
good citizee and christian ought to do. A lit
tie from all makes much for him; he is work.
support his family. he will have little to start
oh again. He desires me to thank the citizens
for what they did in assisting him during the
fire, and more especially the young ladies who
acted SO heroically.
The child of Mr.. Smith, who has been SO III, is
no better, but her complaint has turned to
dropsy and at this writing she is just alive.
Mr.. Harrison Smith died at his home near
Harrisonburg, few weeks ago. OF consump-
ton. He was good christian young man.
and his death is greatly deplored by his many
friends. He was nephew of M. Smith, of
this place.
Mr.. Webb Nicer is no better, we are sorry to
say.
Mrs. Glover is much better, we are very glad
to state
Mrs. MoCorkle is about as well as usual. She
had quite severe spell of fever. -a-e
Mrs, Maria Euglemau, of this place, Is very
Ill of hemorrhages of the lungs. She Is quite
an aged lady and there is but little hope of her
recovery:
Cyrus Bustard moved to the town OF Staun-
ton. He works in the Bodley wagon-works
and is first class wood workman.
Mrs. D. M. Smith is quite Ill at her residence
In this place.
Mrs. Talley is having her property improved
and Stephen Law, the boss workman, is doing
the job.
There is class meeting and prayer meeting
every Sabbath morning at 10 a. NJ, at Oakland
Chapel near here. and it would be well for the
members to attend little better.