FIRE AT COLESBURG - 1869

MORELAND

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 2/18/2016 at 17:29:57

The Herald, Dubuque, Saturday, Feb. 6, 1869

FIRE AT COLESBURG
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J. B. Moreland’s Large Store
Completely Destroyed
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Loss no Less Than $35,000 with
Small Insurance

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On Wednesday morning about two o’clock, Colesburg was visited by a destructive conflagration. J. B. Moreland for many years has been a leading merchant at Colesburg, and in his business prosperity of the town. He had a large brick store in which he had a large stock of goods, of all classes to suit a general trade in the country, a large building adjoining in which he had a billiard saloon, and near these a fine residence. On Wednesday morning, at the hour named, fire was discovered in the store, and before assistance could be obtained the flames were beyond control. Mr. Moreland endeavored to save his books, but fell through the burning floor in the attempt and was severely injured. The books, containing accounts running through several years were destroyed, as well as the buildings and the entire stock of goods. Some time ago, an attempt was made to rob his safe and since the Mr. Moreland has kept his safe in his dwelling house.

A high wind was blowing at the time of the fire, and the flames soon communicated to the billiard saloon building. It was completely destroyed, with all of its contents, among which were two valuable billiard tables. It was with the greatest difficulty that the residence of Mr. Moreland was saved. As it was, however, the building was seriously damaged.

The loss we learn will not be less than $35,000, on which there is an insurance of $13,000, distributed in companied as follows: Etna $5,000; Phoenix $4, 250; International $3,750.

The loss is a severe one, not only to Mr. Moreland but to the people of Colesburg and of the country thereabouts. Mr. Moreland carried on a large business, and by the fire sees the profit of years of industry swept away and his business broken up.