New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-02
"CROW'S NEST" IN ASHES.
JOSEPH JEFFERSON'S SUMNER HOME DE
STRCYED. WITH LOSS OF LIFE.
NARROW ESCAPE OF MRS JEFFERSON. WHO WAS
ILL IN BED-THE COOK BURNED TO DEATH
EXCITING REsCUEs-THE TOTAL
LOSS $4,000.

EXCITING RESCUES-TIE TOTAL
LOSS $4,000.
Buzzards Bay, Mass April 1.-This afternoon nre
totally destroyed "Crow'S Nest" the beautiful
summer home Of Joseph Jefferson, Oh the shores OF
rutcrmilk Bay ard the family cook, Helen McGrath,
pcri>hrd In the ruins. Miss Simmonds, the house
keeper Miss Collins, the maid. and Miss Mctrah
In the cellar AT neon, when Miss Mcirath dis
covered what she supposed water covering the
floor. She called the hired man, Wright, who saw at
that Il was oil from the gasoline tank. lie
shouted 10 the women to flee for their lives, but
they stool dumfoundcd.
rh. gasoline communicated with the fire In the
furnace and in Instant there a terrific ex
po,ion Wright caught Miss sImmonds and Miss
Collins and fought his way to the open air. He on
dcavorcd t. return for MIS- McGrath. but met
with binding Yl"ct Of fame Burned and bleeding
he heroically tried 10 gain entrance. but was I'M
successful. aud the unfortunate woman WAS left to
perish in the flames.
When the cry Of fire raised Mrs. Jefferson was
III In bed bat she hastily and luckily escaped
not having time to dress. She was assisted and
covered with buffalo robes Her nervous system
suffered "A shock, and shr was at once removed
to the home OF station Agent Bassc. and physician
was summoned
The children, who were playing in the attic, were
the first TO escape and sc,k place OF safety. There
was great excitement among the people Of Bourne
Village when they learned of the fire. The local
fire department was called proceeded TO the
scene as rapidly as possible. II too late. how
ever when the frcmrn arrived for them - De- OF
much Use. Repeated attempts were made 10 enter
the building To save. II possible. the unfortunate
cook The wind blowing gale from the south
west and that fact alone saved the adjoining houses
from destruction.
Governor Russell and A. H. Wood. who were fsh
log in the nGghborhood, at the scene. and
called upon Mrs. Jefferson. She received Telegram
from her son In New York. saying that h. wonld IL
here tomorrow. The dispatch greatly relieved her
and she Is now resting rs comfortably a. can be- "a
pec,ed. She does not Yet know that the body o
Miss McGrath Is in the. ruins. and the news VII
De kept from her Is long as possible.
The large and valuable" painting which was 10 nave
been exhibited at the Worlds Fair was totally de
stroycd together with Mr.. Jehcrsons costly COLLECTION
OF curios. Governor Russell searched among IN
good, saved for some wearing apparel for MN
Jefferson but not bit had been saved
and Mrs Jefferson has only the clOlhc
she had on when she ESCAPED from th
burning binding. 1t IS estimated mat painting,
worth 100000 consumed and That IN" t"lHl
ln.s viii h, 10000. Tie hOusc cost tJoOoo, rN
elm ,y, Of the urildrc II j. said 10 have been ihilN
insured. ,.,,,.,, ,r, .,ord
Mr. Jefferson Is on his way TO California ana ""I'
has been sent 10 him. squad Of special olio" J.
an duty to night watching the fire and guarding ui'
property.