INCENDIARISM - 1869

EDGERTON, MULQUEENEY, SANFORD, MANSON

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 2/18/2016 at 22:05:42

The Herald, Dubuque, Sunday, March 5, 1869

INCENDIARISM – About three weeks ago an attempt was made to burn the wooden row opposite the, Julien House, corner of Main and 2nd Streets, but fortunately it was discovered in time to prevent a conflagration. Some months ago H. W. Sanford sold his row to Robert Manson, who had purposed and prepared to erect upon the site a fine brick block in the coming spring. Since Mr. Manson’s purchase the corner building has been vacant, the next store room occupied recently as a tin shop, and still the next building was occupied, by Edgerton’s Bakery.

Last evening at seven o’clock flames were discovered breaking out in the rear of the Mulqueeney corner building, and in the brisk wind before the engines could get into position, two buildings of the row were engulfed in flames. The engines played upon the burning mass, and soon effectually stopped the spread of the flames. Thousands of people gathered in the neighborhood, and for a cold night made a respectable showing of humanity.

The fire was no doubt the work of an incendiary, but what the motive could be it is impossible to conjecture. We learn there is no insurance.