Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1894-05-10
A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.
A Fire That Renders Three Families Home
less and Destroys Three Houses.


Shepherdstown has been for the last
few years rather unfortunate on ac-
count Of fires, but not for years has
more serious one occurred than that of
yesterday morning, when two houses
were totally destroyed, a third one
almost totally wrecked and the fourth
damaged. About 2 o'clock in the
morning, while everyone seemed to be
wrapped in deep sleep, the alarm of
fire was given, and although persons
in the immediate vicinity, who re-
sponded at once, yelled, as only peo-
pie can yell at a fire, many Of the cit
liens, but short distance away, were
slow to receive the alarm. Enough,
however, of the members of the Shep-
herd fire department and citizens re-
sponded promptly to get the engine
ready for action, and in about ten
minutes from the time the fire was
first discovered streams of water were
being directed into the flames.
On the southeast corner of German
and Princess streets is located the two
story brick house owned by J. Matt
Tolliver, thrifty colored man, who
purchased the property two years ago
from Mr.. G. w Show, of Hagerstown,
for $4,000. The owner used the prop
erty as a dwelling and confectionery
and also a livery. Adjoining this
property on the east was the two story
frame building of Mr. j. C. Show,
valued at 81 600 Mr.. Show used all
of this building as a dwelling except
the store-room occupied by Mr.. G. K.
Lewis, the jeweler. Located next
upon the east is the home of Mr. Geo.
W. White This was also a two story
frame building, recently improved and
valued at $1,000. Next to Mr..
Whites property on the east stands
the beautiful new residence of Mr.. and
Mrs. J. F. Legge.
It is impossible to tell how the fire
originated as it had gained consider
able Roadway before being discovered.
Very few persons, if any believe the
origin to have been of incendiary nat
ure. Those who went first upon the
scene, say the flames were leaping up
between and spreading through the
upper story of Tolliyer's house and
Mr. Shows dwelling in such way as
to make it uncertain in which the fire
first started. The houses being old
though in good repair, burned like
paper, giving the occupants barely
time to rush half clad from the burn
ing buildings. Mr.. Shows family in
the excitement left the baby, about
three years old, lying in bed. Mr. J.
W. Kerney who was assisting the fam
ily to escape, discovered the little one
Just in time to carry it from burning
bed to its mothers arms. The fire on
account of very slight breeze from
the west soon reached Mr.. Whites
house, spreading rapidly through the
upper story and reached Mr.. Legges
property Just as the engine begun to
send a stream of water to arrest its
progress. Had it not been for the
prompt action Of the hremen Mr..
Legge's property would have been con-
sumed. Owing to the rapid progress
of the fire in the upper stories OF the
buildings, but little of the furniture or
clothing could be saved. Tolliver
succeeded in saving all the stock Of
groceries in the store and an organ
with some little furniture that was on
the first floor. Some little of Mr..
Shows furniture together with the
clocks, watches and other property
belonging to Mr.. Lewis were saved.
Mr.. White saved nearly all of his
household goods.
As near as can be estimated the en-
tire loss is as follows: J. Matt Tolhver,
house entirely consumed together with
about $50. in cash, two gold watches
valued at SIS, and nearly all of his
household effects. House and furni-
ture insured, for about 81 800. J. c.
Show, house totally destroyed, but
little household property saved. Loss
about $1,000. No insurance. Geo.
W. White, house nearly destroyed, most
of furniture saved, loss about 81 200
house insured for $1,000, furniture
5000 Mr.. J. F. Legge's building was
damaged to the extent of about $3.50
which was fully covered by insurance.
The citizens Of Shepherdstown never
appreciate as they should the services
of a well-organized fire department
until fire, such as was witnessed on
Wednesday morning endangers life,
and sweeps away property that repre-