Barn Fire

GREGG, MILZ, KIDDER

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 7/9/2006 at 17:28:51

Cherokee Democrat, February 20, 1895

FIRE IN A BARN

A Small Boy and a Match Caused a Little Excitement

(note: there are several misspellings in the article and I have left them in)

A small barn on the property of Reub. Gregg, the dispenser of gasolene and kerosene, was badly damaged by fire on Friday afternoon and considerable loss occasioned. The building was used by Mr. Gregg for his team and his oil wagon was kept in the same place. His little boy, about 6 years of age, was playing in the barn. He says the fire was started by his stepping on a match. The little fellow shouted for help and went bravely to work trying to put the fire out. An alarm was given and in a very short time the department had a stream of water playing, keeping the blaze well inside the structure. At first it was reported there were eighty gallons of oil in the wagon, which occasioned a little nervousness. This proved untrue, however, there being but a few gallons in it. The wagon was haled out but so was badly burned that the wood work was rendered useless. The hoses were taken out before the fire got a good start. Will Milz, who owned the outfit, places the loss at nearly $250. The ion work of the wagon can be used, but it will cost $100 to build it again. The harness was rendered useless and some feed and tools burned.

When the fire broke out two men attempted to carry a tank of gasolene from the rear of Kidder’s store. They dropped it and spilled the contents on the ground. To avoid danger it was set on fire and burned. It made more of a blaze than the promotors of the scheme figured on and for a moment filled the crowd with fear. The incident showed how dangerous it is to money with the stuff.