The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-09-15
"A TOWN BURNED.
Fire Sweeps Away Jerome, q. t.
Eleven Persons known to BeDead
LOSS Over $2,OOO,OOO.

of Jerome, near here, was completely
wiped out Sunday morning by fire, en-
failing a loss of over 81, 600, 900 in prop
erty. Eleven bodies have so far been
recovered, while score or more are
said to be in the ruins or missing. The
fire originated from gasoline stove
in a cabin and spread so rapidly and
6ercely that it was impossible to save
even the clothing. The fire was con-
fined exclusively to the business por-
ton of the town, and the open group
intervening between it and the NAM
moth works of the United Verde COM
pany saved the latter's plant, other
wise the loss and suffering would have
been terrible. Many people from Je-
rome are arriving here on special
trains, while those remaining are be-
ing cared for by the company.
The area of the fire was confined to
a narrow gulch and ravines leading to
it, in which were located substantial
wooden and stone buildings, the latter
melting as rapidly before the flames
IS pasteboard. Over $50 residences,
averaging in value $4,000; rs general
merchandise and other stores, sa-
looms, etc., of all kinds, are wiped out;
in short, not a single business house
remains. The only building to escape
was the Methodist church.
The number of people who are home
less is placed at 1900, and they are be-
ing cared for by Messrs. Giroux and
Allen, of the mining company.
Two special trains have left here
:or the scene of the disaster, carrying
tents and other material to comfort
the distressed, and meeting was held
here Sunday night to raise money for
The needy, of whom there are many.
The loss is complete, but little insur-
ance being written in that camp, ow-
ing to the great risk and Inadequate
water supply. The United Verde COM
pany is now kindly caring for the suf-
terers until other arrangements are
made.
The fire started at seven o'clock in
the morning, and spread with such ra-
pidity that in less time than two hours
not house in radius that were cov-
cred by five blocks was left standing,
On the other side of the gulch hun
areds of pounds of giant powder was
used in the attempt to arrest the flames
by demolishing buildings, but eyewit-
nesses state that as soon as gap was
made the scattered buildings we're
licked up as if by suction, and thrown
hundreds of feet in every direction,
only to ignite and increase the fury of
the fire.
Where the fire originated was the
scene of a drunken carousal Saturday
night, and while no demonstrations are
being made against the men who are
responsible for it, when the horrors of
he dead wear away from the victims,
attention will be given to the men who
caused it. They are said to be Italians.
1t is said an entire family, consisting
II man and wife and three children.
who endeavored to save what they had
'een years in accommodating, have been
found in the ruins, and as the arrivals
from the scene reach the city, the de-
7astation reported is only the more
oitiable and sad. DR.. Woods, the COM
??any physician, narrowly escaped los
ing all his patients in the hospital, but
by good Judgment a score of inmates
we're saved by him by being removed
early and hastily.
Various parties are now endeavoring
to extricate the remains from the ruins.
md until the ground cools sufficiently
to permit rescuers to approach the de-
bris it will be impossible to ascertain
definitely the names of the victims.
Several prominent mining men in the
west are said to have been in the town
at the time and are unaccounted for.
The which supplies the town
with water was undergoing repairs at
the time, but eyewitnesses state that
had the water been abundant after the
fire had gained Roadway the result
would have been the same. So COM
'plete is the disaster that refugees in
this city are not only penniless but
are without necessary clothing as we'll.