The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1894-02-21
A Terrible Fire.

A most terrible and destructive fire
occurred on the plantation of Hon. B. F.
Crayton, two miles west of tho city, last
Saturday morning about 8 o'clock, caus-
ing the total destruction Of bis barn and
contents, including forsy-four head of
stock. The barn, which was comparative
ly new one, was 60x70 feet, three stories,
and was located short distance directly
east of Mr.. Crayton's dwelling. The
flames had almost completely enveloped
the building when Mr.. Crayton and his
grandson, Blair Crayton. (who were the
only male persons on the premises at the
time) were aroused from their beds. AS
soon as possible they hurried out to The
burning building, and, as the shrieks of
the imprisoned poor dumb brutes grated
In their ears, they set to work determined
to release them If possible. They made
the effort, but the flames were too hot.
and they had to fall back, after both being
painfully scorched on their faces and
hands. In another building, near by,
We're forty fine steers-beef cattle-and to
these Mr.. Crayton and Blair turned their
attention. After working hard for a few
minutes they succeeded in getting the
cattle out. In the meautime Mr.. Gray
ton rang his farm bell, but it was perhaps
thirty minutes before he succeeded in
arousing any of his neighbors or labor
ers. Finally four negroes came to his
aid, and worked manfully to save every
thing possible. Under shed, near the
barn, were fifteen bales of cotton, which,
remarkable to say, Mr.. Crayton and
Blair alone ro,led away distance OF
forty yards or IRE.
In the barn were thirty-seven head of
cattle, two Of which were rescued. AS is
well known Mr.. Crayton is greatly inter-
ested in fine cattle, and had succeeded In
securing as fine herd of thoroughbred
Jerseys and Ay ersbires as could be found
in the State. Some Of his milk cows,
especially, were very valuable. There
were also six fine mules and three valua-
BILE horses. Two of the latter were stan
dard-bred mares, which were brought
from Michigan only three months ago.
There were also about 400 bushels of
corn, 10000 bundles of fodder, Is tons of
hay, 9 tons of cotton seed hulls, tons Of
cotton seed meal, an ensilage cutter,
wagon harness, saddles, brides, etc. Mr..
Crayton's carriage, buggies and wagons
were in another building, and they were
saved. Some of the cattle were alive
after the building had been consumed,
but they were so badly injured that they
had to be killed to be relieved Of their
terrible sufferings.
Mr.. Crayton estimates his loss at about
$4,000, but money can never replace his
pet Jerseys and Ayershires. His barn
was insured for $500. The loss is there
fore very serious and heavy one on
Mr.. Crayton, especially as it comes on
him in his elderly days, when the best
part of his life has been spent. But he
bears the burden as he has always dis
charged his duties to himself and country
-uncomplainingly and manfully-and
has thousands OF friends throughout the
State who deeply sympathize with him
in his misfortune.
The origin of the fire is unknown, and
MI. Crayton says he can't believe that it
was the work Of an incendiary. Some
of his friends suggest that perhaps thief
entered the barn to steal something and
accidentally set fire to the fodder or other
stuff, or that tramp had entered tospend
the night and carelessly struck match
to light his pipe.
This is the first time in fifty years that
Mr.. Crayton has been without a cow and