Monday News: Fire!

While looking for a clipping for today’s post, I came upon one that I found recently in the Baylor County Banner.  It was about a fire that burned down the barn at the home where my grandparents were renting.  As I read this, I thought of how fires were so prevalent during earlier years in American history and the many fires that affected the lives of our ancestors and possibly changed our family history. Below are only a few of the known fires in my family history. 

This is my father’s family in Seymour, Baylor County, Texas

Midnight Fire

The town was waked up good and plenty shortly after midnight Tuesday night by the fire alarm.  The trouble was found to be the barn of Mrs. S. B. Lowry’s place, in the southwest part.  The place was not in reach of the fire plug and besides was too far gone when discovered to make possible putting it out. Had the wind been from the south, the house would have gone also.

The place is occupied by R. E. Bryan and family.  Mr. Bryan had been burning trash that day, but thought he had put all the fire out. Not the least unfortunate part of the affair was that Mr. Bryans cow was burned to death.

                         April 5, 1917 The Baylor County Banner

My Great-Grandfather, Charles A. Giddens, owned a dry goods and shoe store that was destroyed in this fire. He was just starting out, having been  a milkman in NYC prior to coming to Crewe.  I wonder if he participated in the “general street fight.”

At Crewe, VA.

Crewe, Va., Oct. 11, A fire which came near destroying this town occurred yesterday.  Several stores with their contents were consumed and the loss is estimated at $65,000; insurance $10,000.  It was four hours before the flames could be got under control owing to a lack of water. The fire was followed by a general street fight.

          October 12, 1892 Boston Journal

This fire at the Quinn home was deliberately set. Read my November 2011 posts to read more about this fire.

Galway Man’s Plight

Stripped and Clothes Burned

A number of disguised men on Friday night, a Gort report says, visited the house of Mrs. B. Quinn, Cahiraroneen, Kinvara, where 9 young men were card-playing. These were taken outside, put against a wall, and ordered to take off their clothes. Two made their escape, and as they did so shots were fired. The clothes of the remainder were put in a heap and burned, and they, meantime, were compelled to lie on the road face downward.

The dwelling house, some corn, and a barn containing oats, potatoes, machinery, etc., were also set on fire. The young men were after told to clear off, and as they did so, more shots were fired. Mrs. Quinn says the raiders stated they were looking for murderers of police, but no murder of Crown forces had taken place in that district. Mr. P. Glynn of the same district, it is also alleged, was taken from his bed on Friday night and ill treated.

                      Irish Independent  Monday February 21, 1921 

I couldn’t find my great-great grandfather, John L. Hairston, in the 1870 census. Maybe this is the reason.

We learn from the Falls County Pioneer that the residence of J. L. Hairston, of that county, was consumed by fire on Saturday night, the 2d inst.

                 April 17, 1870 Galveston Tri Weekly News

Diana

© 2012, copyright Diana Quinn