Disastrous Fire 1869

KESSLER, HENNIGES, KURZ, SOMERFIELD, GUERIN, MALLORY, MITCHELL, SCOTT

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 3/1/2016 at 18:29:59

DUBUQUE DAILY-TIMES JOURNAL, May 18, 1869

DISASTROUS FIRE
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Loss $2,000- Insurance $1,050
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The usual quietude of the city was broken last Sunday afternoon, by an alarm of fire. About ten o’clock smoke was discovered in the barn and stables connected with the Farmers’ Home, on White Street, and in a few minutes the building was wrapped in flames, threatening destruction to all surrounding property. The fire caught in the stable, and was discovered by one of the domestics employed in the house, and the alarm was given in time to remove a span of horses and a cow, the building and contents were totally destroyed. A small two story tenement adjoining, occupied by James Mallory and Mrs. Guerin, was nearly consumed, it was owned by Jacob Kurz, and insured for $250 in the Ǽtna, of Hartford, Smith & Plaister, agents, which amount was properly paid yesterday before noon. Mr. Kurz estimates his loss at $600.

Another farm building occupied by Mr. Somerfield, as a dye house, was scorched but sustained no material injury. Mitchell & Scott’s lumber yard received a loud call, but by the exertions of citizens and firemen escaped with light damage. Through the energy of the firemen, and two steamers playing upon the devouring elements the fire was kept in its proper bounds, and much valuable property saved from loss. The barn was insured for $800 in the Security, of New York, G. L. Torbett Agent, and with its contents was valued at $1,400. How the fire originated is not clearly defined. One report says that it was caused by careless men in the barn using pipes or cigars; another that it came from sparks from a summer kitchen in the building adjoining. The Farmers Home property is owned by the heirs of John Kessler deceased – and occupied by H. Henniges as a hotel and boarding house. The barn will be speedily rebuilt, and the house offers its usual accommodations to the traveling public.