Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-03-03
CHESTERTOWN'S GREAT FIRE
Two Business Houses and One
Dwelling Destroyed.
THE LOSS IS MORE THAN $4,000
While the Insurance is Only
Partial.
The Business Portion Of the Town Threat
ened-Conhsgration Occurred Early Yes
terday Morning, and Several People
Barely Escaped With Their Lives.

Baltimore Sun Special.
Chestertown, Md, Feb. 27.-One OF
the most destructive fires that has
visited CheBtertown in recent years
broke out in the business centre Of the
town at 2.10 o'clock this morning and
for time the destruction of the entire
business section was threatened. The
fire WAS discovered by Patrolman
Frazier in the large clothing store of
l.. Winer. in the Thompson Block. The
buildings on this square were all frame
and the flames sonn spread to the large
double store and residence Of B.
Thompson, on the one side, and to the
saddlery and harness store and resi-
dence of Joseph Edwards on the other.
The fret alarm called out the towns
fire department and many citizens,
when later alarm sent in by the
church bells aroused nearly the entire
town. Though only slight breeze
prevailed at the time. fire brands were
carried frlly q quarter mile and at least
dozen business places and residences
were fired, and only by the strictsst
diligence and watchfulness was gen
eral conf1agration averted. 1he resi-
dence of William Coleman, the stable of
Mrs. NJ. e. Ringgold, the property ad-
joining the large carriage manufaotory
and blacksmith and wheelwright shops
of Chapman d. lambert, in the rear of
the hardware store of John X. Aldridge
& Co., and in the rear of the millinery
establishment of the Misses Hattie and
| Cora Eeed, vera all fired. The fire
| swept up Main street to the west
against the wind and at one time the
| large furniture store of Percy Il. Nc
Feely was on fire, tbs heat having ig
nited it across the wide entrance OF
| MGWhorter's livery, from which 20
| horses had been released The flames
here were subsequently put out, with
slight loss. From the Thompson Block
to the river stretched tine business
centre of the town, including three
banks and number ofssssresidences.
Tho slight wind swept the flames en-
and the only hope of arresting their
progress was at the brick store and resi-
deuce of 5. Frank Smith, which was
separated from the burned buildings
| by an alley way. The building and
furniture we're injured to the extent OF
| about 81, 500 or SO. 600, hut at this point
control. Tho family of Mr.. Thompson
escaped iu their night clothes and he
scarcely had, time TO secure . pair of
boots. The families of Mr.. Joseph aud
William Edwards barely had time 10
escape, the children having beon placed
| in plHce of safety nenr by while efforts
were being made to secure clothing for
| them. Thompson's loss on stock and
buildings is between So, 900 and SIC, 00O
No insurance. Winer's entire stock is
| lost, insurance, $4,000 Tine building
belonged to Thompson. Edwards loss
il about sg500 or 81, 900, horss snl
furniture Much of the saddlery and
harness stock was saved. No insur
ance. Smith has 50, 900 insurance,
| which will cover his loss.
The work of the firemen was some
what handicapped by the bursting Of
the hose. A portion of the hose of the
steamer Gratitude of the Chester River
Steamboat Co. q fleet, was called into
requisition. The heat in the Voshell
House, across the street from the fire,
was SO great that the guests were on
the lookout for danger, Bs it Was i'm
possible to bear ones hands on the
| windows, ..=-. l-