Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2015 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Alpena Weekly Argus June 29, 1871 - p. 3 DESTRUCTIVE FIRES! ------------------ The Woods South of Alpena in Flames! The Residence of J. A. CASE barely escapes Ruin with a Damage of $300. DAMAGE TO CAMPBELL'S LUMBER TRACK ABOUT $150. WM. WALTENBURY's house and Contents Burned to the Ground! THE HOUSE OF A MR. HOY IN ASHES! About 2 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon an alarm of fire was given, and the steamer was immediately on the way to the scene of action, which was about half a mile south-west of the ****s part of the city. The woods had been fired west of this place, and a strong westerly wind prevailing at the time, soon swept the flames toward the Bay shore in the direction of Campbell's dock. It was some time after the engine arrived before any water could be thrown upon the fast spread- ing elements, owing to the shallowness of the water in the Bay. - But this obstacle was soon overcome, and in a few minutes two streams were playing with good effect. The smoke and heat were intense, and the brave firement could stand it but a few minutes at a time to hold the pipes before they had to be relieved by others. All supposed the fire to be in a position where it could be held, it having reached the rear of the lots on the west side of State street, when it was discovered that the residence of JAS. A. CASE was on fire, some of the cinders having blown to the rear of the building and fallen among some saw dust behind a work bench, and the flames run from the ground, between the siding and plaster, to the garret, and when first seen the smoke was issuing from the roof. The streams were instantly turned upon the house, and it was the work of but a few moments to flood the whole building, from garret to floor, and, although the fire had gaine great headway, it was soon quenched. MR. CASE estimates his loss at about $300, which is covered, we believe, by insurance. After the fire in MR. CASE's house was put out, the firemen again turned their attention to the burning woods, and all worked faithfully till about half-past seven o'clock, when the fire was about subdued, and the firemen were tired out. Some cinders were blown under the barn of MR. CROWELL, but were soon extinguished. The fire crossed the railroad used by MR. CAMPBELL for conveying lumber from the mill to the dock, (a distance of about one mile,) burning and damaging it to the amount of about $150. The steamer worked to perfection, and did better execution than many thought it capable of, thus saving an immense amount of property. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon our worthy firemen, as they worked with a will, and to the satisfaction of all. It was thought at one time that another fire had broke out in the west part of the city, but fortunately it was only a rumor. During the afternoon a dense smoke was seen north of the city, and in the evening our reporter learned that the residence of WM. WALTEN- BURY, a farmer, living three miles north of this city, had been burned to the ground, together with its contents, consisting of three barrels of flour, a large quantity of pork and other provisions, all the household furniture, etc. Even the hens, hogs and geese on the prem- ises were consumed in the flames, so rapidly did they spread. The loss will probably reach the amount of $1,200, with no insurance. MR. WAL- TENBURY is a hard-working, industrious man, and the loss falls very heavily upon him. The house of MR. HOY, in the same locality, was also destroyed, to- gether with its contents. Many others in that vicinity sustained serious losses by the burn- ing of wood, posts, etc. A short distance from the above, P. CICERO had his new house, partly finished, completely destroyed. JAMES DEMSTER, living about five miles north-east of this city, had his house, barn and other out buildings, with all their contents, burned to the ground, the family barely escaping with their lives. MR. DEMSTER's loss is probably about $2,000. The residents at Campbellville were all obliged to turn out and fight fire in order to save the mills and houses. At this writing the fire is still raging in different localitites and men are yet hard at work trying to subdue the flames. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================