The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-09-24

CINCINNATI, o., Sept, ga special
to the Commercial Tribune from Chilli
cothe o., says: The village of Balm
bridge was the scene of one of the most
disastrous conflagratlons this afternoon
that ever occurred in this county. An
entire square containing most of the
prominent houses, several handsome re-
sldences, and the Methodist church was
entirely destroyed, and two prominent
business men lost their lives in an ex-
plosion which occurred in the drug store
Of W. p. Beardsley.
The fire was started in barn in the
rear OF Perrill Browns general store by
two little boys, who Were playing with
lighted matches. The flames spread
rapidly and communicated with the
main buildings. Beardsley's drug store
adjoining was next ablaze, and with
the limited means at hand for lighting
fire. II passed all bounds and become
uncomfortable.
In the midst OF the excitement a ter
rlble explosion occurred in the drug
store and Mr., Beardsley, who was In
side, endeayorlng to save some or his
property, lost his life in the ruins. His
hrother-Ip-law, Thomas Higgins. who
went to his rescue, was unable TO get
out and was burned to death, while sew
eral others were more or less injured but
none fatally.
There was a stlff breeze blowing
which famed the flames to greater
fury, and getting fresh start from the
burning oils and chemicals In the
wrecked drug store the fire leaped from
house to house until It was evident that
the entire town was doomed. A mes
sage was sent to Waverly, and to this
city, asking for aid and both fire de-
partmeHts promptly responded. The B.
& o. S. w. and Ohio Southern railroads
sent special trains with the engines, but
they did not arrive until 4 o'clock, near
ly three hours after the first alarm was
given. The best that could be done was
to prevent the fire from being communi-
Gated to the other squares and the fire
laddes soon had the flames under con-
troll.
After the destruction Of Beardsley's
drug store the following property was
consumed: Methodist Episcopal church,
Armstrong ollpsrys sta e.-I--R-- Heads
store, 9gie's saloon, an empty businesb
property, Rlchman's barber shop, DR.,
McKees residence. Seymour Morris re-
sldence, W. p. Beardsley's residence,
Houser's grocery, McDllls millinery
store and Andrew Alderman's shoe
store. But two houses were left stand
ing on the square, both being private
residences owned by Perrlll Moore. The
estimated loss is $4,000. The bodies OF
Beardsley and Higgins were found on
the floor about Is feet from the front
entrance. mutilated and burned beyond
recognition. The list Of wounded in
cludes: John VALLEY, cut on right arm
and shoulder; Homer Huling, broken
hip: Jack Studer, finger on right hand
broken; Albert Frey, internal injuries
received by falling from n building;
George Schrader. William Pencil and
Harry Rose. minor injuries.
The excitement was awful. Men, wo-
men and children were reduced TO the
verge of despair as they saw their pos
sessions feeding the greedy flames and
tonight scores Of people are homeless.
Relief has been sent from this city and
the needs OF the wounded and grief
stricken people Of the unfortunate VIII
lage Will be tenderly looked after.