Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 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. =========================================================================== EAST SHORE NEWS PENTWATER, OCEANA Co., MICH. VOL. I, NO. 40 Friday, 20 October 1871 TERRIBLE FIRES. ------------ Further From Chicago ------------ OUR OWN STATE ------------ Minnesota and Wisconsin ------------ [extracted portion of article that pertains to Ottawa County] IN MICHIGAN HOLLAND DESTROYED From the Grand Haven Herald. The fire broke in upon the city from the woods at 3 P.M. Sunday, but no buildings of any consequence burned until dark in the evening. No one thought the city was in any special danger until ten or eleven o'clock, but at that time a strong wind setting in, the fire from the woods, the fire swept over the city with wonderful rapidity. The main part of the city was soon in flames. Not a building on River and Eighth streets escaped, except one or two near the long bridge. The houses where the Mrs. Pennoyers were staying, recently purchased by Dr. Nichols from Mr. Ferris, caught fire about 3 o'clock Mon- day morning. The ladies had packed their trunks, and hastily dressing themselves in wrappers, just managed to escape. The Lake View House went next, and then the fine City Mills of Werkman, Gerlings & Co. The ladies, after leaving the house, ran to a small mound near by, and soon found themselves sur- rounded by fire. Mr. George Howard, whose efforts were **** fatigable, managed to assist them out of their precarious posi- tion. They crossed over the long bridge, and stayed at the boarding house connected with Van Dyke's tannery, on the north side of the lake. The portion of the city where Prof. Charles Scott resided, was completely destroyed, and the Professor, not being found, it was generally feared that he had fallen a victim to the flames. Mr. Joslin, of the firm of Breynan & Joslin, who kept the variety store, a very clever gentleman, and others of the best citizens was actively engaged in rescuing persons from the flames. He insisted on going once more to the rescue; friends advised him not to venture, but he would not be dissuaded, thinking there were still lives to be saved. He did not return, and is believed to have been suffocated and burned to death. The livery stables were emptied of the horses, which were taken to the public square as the only place of safety. Thousands of people were collected there. Women and children were then run- ning about the streets, wailing and crying, unable to find their husbands and fathers, brothers and sisters. Many females barely escaped with their night clothes. A child, ten years of age, was picked up on the street, burnt to death. It is impossible to tell how many lives are lost. Some nine or ten citizens are missing, but some may yet be found. The bridge of the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad was burned down, but the depot, being an isolated building, was saved. ===========================================================================