Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-08-11
me- FIRE AT IIONEWOOD.
Barn, stables. aud Cnnncry Destroy
cd-T.oss. $4,000.

TitspVb.
WILLIAMSBURG VA. August 10
(SpocaL)-About 30 O'Clock last night
IRE destroyed about $500 worth of pro-
per;y at HomeWood QIog IslanO. on
James river
"Homcwood" IS the name that was
given Hog Island soon after its purchase
by Mr. Edward +. Barney 1t IS on the
south side Of James river. nearly oppS-
site the Kings Mill farm. and IS now
owned 10y Or. Potts. who had lust began
10 sli2 something from his investment
lie had recently established a large can
nory there, giving employment 10 quite
number Of hands twenty of whom had
lately arrived. Mr. J. s. Courtney. who
manages the Kings Min farm just across
the river, went over 10 the island last
night as soon as the flames were seen.
returning az an early hour this morn
Ing and was in town during the day.
lie gave the writer the particulars Of
the catastrophe. Ten minutes before the
fire young Potts. with several Of the
employees, passed the spot where the
fire was first discovered, and everything
was all right. When the Waterman,
Uncle Blly." first saw the flames he
ran TO ring the alarm-bell but found
The rope all tied UP. so as 10 render the
bell entirely useless.
SAVED THE HORSES.
lie then cried IRE. and turned his at
tention 10 saving the horses and cattle.
ali Of which he succeeded in leading out
except one fine Jersey calf, which was
consumed. with fifty tons Of hay. 200
bushels of corn; several valuable wagons,
and sets of harness. and about $1,000
worth Of cans. canned goods, and new
machinery. The buildings destroyed were
Tie main barn, large wagon-shed. corn
crib. and canne-y. The burned district
covers fully half an acre: and, but for
a favorable change in the wind. every
building Of any consequence on the place
would to-day be ia ashes.
THE Loss.
The loss on buildings will amount TO
fully $4,000 and is partially covered by
insurance. but il is thought there is
no insurance on the personal property
which will amount 10 $l5,COJ This will
fall heavily on Or. POtts. as he had but
recently established his plant, and been
at great expense In so doing
Or. Potts Is a man well advanced in
years. and has the sympathy Of our
people. il seemed to be the opinion of
all acquainted with the circumstances
of the tire that il was the work of an in
cendary.
While the fire was in progress and
when the buildings were nearly consumed.
an Old Dominion steamship passed down
the river and was sgnallcd 10 for help.
The ship was stopped. and sent a boat
ashore but tn crew. finding they could
render no assistance. returned 10 the ship,
and the latter proceeded on her course.
Or. Potts was burned very badly across
his stomach, and Old Uncle Billy, the
Waterman. after his work Of rascuing the
horses and stock. was so mucI exhausted.
that ne fell near the burning barn, and
had 10 be dragged of The handsome
wharf WAS a little damaged by the fire,
but was soon eXtinguishcd.
Persons here saw the bright light in
the direction of HomeWood. and thought
il was on the island. and had their worst
fears confirmed this morning upon the
arrival Of Mr.. Courtney. The latter stated
that Dr. Potts wept like child when
he was giving him an account OF. his great
loss.