Fire at Stockwell Lumber - 1874

This is really long, it took up four columns on the front page of the paper, but it is exciting too. It mentions quite a few people. I didn't know if you want it for the site or if it should go on the message boards.

Source: Page 1, Clinton County Advertiser, Clinton Iowa, Sept. 16, 1874

THE FIRE FIEND.
3,000,000 Feet of Lumber a Mass of Living Flame.
A SEA OF ROARING, BLAZING, CRACKLING FIRE.
Ira Stockwell's Lumber Yard Destroyed -- Narrow Escape of the Mill.
Successful Fight of the Lyons and Clinton Firemen.
LOSS ESTIMATED AT $70,000 -- NO INSURANCE.
MR. STOCKWELL IS NOT CRIPPLED.
CARD OF THANKS.

Yesterday was an important day in the history of Lyons -- one which will live in the memory of our inhabitants as long as the city itself endures. The cry of fire is one which has a meaning to us not felt by those who have not been victims of the red demon. We have already felt its destructive power to an extent which renders the dread of it the most penetrating of our fears. Brick blocks have been consumed in the thickest of our business town, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property have been swept away like chaff. Who canwonder, then, that the direful alarm struck in the dead of night, while sleep enchained the inhabitants, strickes a chill to the hearts of all?

This time
IRA STOCKWELL IS THE VICTIM
of the fire fiend, one of the men whom we canleast desire to see sustain such a loss as this one has been. It is his exposed hard earned gains which have been destroyed. His large lumbering mill, capable of cutting a hundred thousand feet of lumber per day, and a corresponding amount of shingles, lath, pickets, and in fact, everything else, almost, to be done with improved machinery has been running since the ice broke up in the spring, and the products have been accumulating upon the acres of ground which is included in the yards.
The runways had been exteded southward to twice their former length, and lumber of every grade had been piled up mountain high

COVERING ACRES OF GROUND
lying south of the mill.
Between the Midland and the C. C. & D. railroad tracks and the river the space was crowded with these immense stacks of lumber, in all stages of seasoning, some of it being very dry. On the west side of the tracks there was a larger amount of lumber and fully as densely piled, though on the east side of the tracks the yeard reached farther southward. Near Fourth street just on the west edge of the yard stood the

COMMODIOUS DRY SHEDS AND WAREHOUSE,
both of which were filled with fine seasoned lumber and dressed flooring, siding, mouldings and sash and doors. The warehouse stood south of a street which had been opened from Fourth street to the mill, and the office which is quite a large structure, was located just west of the railroad tracks, on the north side of this street.

OVER THREE MILLION FEET OF LUMBER
laid south of the street and mill, including the fine lumber in the sheds, and it was so exposed that no human effort could save any part of it, a fire having got well under way. In the rows extending southward east of the tracks is

WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED,
and the entire yard above described was totally destroyed, a portion of the doors, sash and blinds that were in the warehouse alone being saved.

THE ALARM OF FIRE
was first given at half past three o'clock in the morning, by Clarence Scott, living on Fourth street, the son of Alderman Scott. At this time the flames had just begun their work of destruction, and were ascending two of the highest piles near the south end of the yard, merely one corner of each being on fire. Mr. G. H. King, and imploye [sic] at the mill, was soon on the ground and others immediately followed him. Finding that nothing could be done with so small a force Mr. King started for Main street to awaken the people, the steam being too low in the boilers to sound the whistle. The bell at the engine house soon sounded the

TERRIBLE NOTES OF ALARM,
and it was followed by the St. Irenaeus church bell and that on the Congregational church. Men and women rushed to the streets and the stronger soon hastened to the conflagration. Night policeman Patrick Rowan secured a horse and buggy and started for Clinton to secure the steam fire engine, which arrived on the grounds in an incredible short time.
Meantime the bright blaze, fanned by a gentle breeze blowing from the northwest, crept into the heart of the lumber piles and secured a lodgement which could not be misplaced until every inch of combustible matter was consumed. Advancing and increasing the stately forms were wrapt in seething, writhing flames, now grown a torent by the draft caused by the heat, the columns of smoke forming clouds as black as "Ethopean" night, obscuring the blue arched and star-lit sky. The lumber stood like

PYRAMIDS OF BRILLIANT FLAMES
each appearing a grand framework of white blaze, the wood from bottom to top being lit up, and each course of boards standing out in sharp outline against the lighted back-ground. From one pile to another the fire-fiend advanced, leaping about and through in mad glee, licking up thousands of feet of boards in an instant, and darted on with unchecked fury, advancing and increasing until long rows of solid flame stood in an array of grandeur that awed and dismayed the strongest heart. Soon the tottering masses began to sway and crumble away in ashes and living coals.
The lumber on the west side of the railroad caught, nothwithstanding that they were constantly being drenched in water carried in buckets from a little pond near by. Piles of plank and boards were pulled down by the crowds which by this time had gathered, and the vacancies only served to check the advance temporarily.

THE HEAT WAS INTENSE,
and the laborers were soon driven backwards, their efforts, although strenuous, being that of puny babes in the combat against the fiery foe which knew no master.
At the first note of danger the

RESOLUTE FIRE COMPANY,
of Lyons got out their engine and started toward the scene of conflagration. The load was rather heavy for the five who started with it the streets being very muddy. Soon, however, help enough arrived and the machine was in a very few minutes at the mill. At this time the fire had attained very little headway, and could the boys have got their engine into place, with plenty of water, great execution would have resulted. Over an hour of the most precious time was consumed in getting to the river. Finally the engine was taken through the mill and run down on the log-way. The breaks were soon going and a constant stream flowed until nearly noon without a let up.

THE RESOLUTE ENGINE DESERVES CREDIT
for its efficiency as also does the hearty good will which propelled its breaks. Its efforts were directed mainly southward, and the pine lumber was kept drenched with water, and the mill was saved from the fire which was slowly advancing from that direction. Meanwhile the crowds of people augmented until the streets and alleys were lined. Hundreds of anxious faces were turned toward the fiery mass, and hundreds of hands worked to save property. While tier after tier went down, anxious looks were turned toward Clinton, from which was constantly expected the steamer "Neptune." The row of houses on the east side of Fourth street, a full block from where the fire started were relieved of their contents, and a hundred men begain to empty the huge warehouse of the thousands of sash and doors stored there. Here good work was done, almost the entire stock being removed to a place of safety. Still there was much valuable stuff left when the fire reached it.
The peculiar sound of a bell indicated that the Clinton hose cart was approaching. this was followed closely by the other, and in a short time the

STEAMER "NEPTUNE" ARRIVED
with steam up, and ready for business. It was run out over a raft of logs and was throwing water in two minutes after the engine was in place. At this moment the first streaks of dawn appeared in the east. The hose from the mill was throwing a fine stream while the Resolute and Neptune were acting grandly. Little attempt was made to save the lumber in the yard south of the roadway, which by this time was nearly all one mass of living embers.
The saving of the office and other buildings on the north side of the street was the

WORK OF THE CLINTON FIREMEN,
and never did men work with greater zeal or better directed efforts. The white clouds of smoke contrasting with the black resinous mass arringin from the lumber, attested the execution being effected. For an hour the fight was kept up "all along the line," and none could foretell which should gain the victory. The bursting of several lengths of hose attached to the Clinton engine proved almost fatal, and in the hands of less experienced men would have resulted in the burning of the mill, and the vast field of lumber in the north yard; but the sections were at once taken out and the good work went on with very little intermission. When it was at last certain that the fire was under control the long suppressed feelings of the crouwds of laborers and lookers on burst forth in applause, and renewed energy was visible everywhere. Three streams of Mississippi water continued to flow. While the work was going on me were engaged inremoving the machinery from the mill. The building was completely gutted in an incredibly short time.
At this moment

THE SCENE WAS AWFULLY GRAND
to the spectators on the hill west of the fire. Below lay a field of several acres in fitful flames and gigantic piles of blazing coals, tottering and tumbling to the ground. In parts of the yards wreaths of smoke and flame refused to succumb, and issued from the lumber piles in broad sheets, twisting and writhing in devilish merriment as if in defiance of the effort for their extinguishment.
The poor Lyons boys had a hard time of it with their engine, yet they tugged away at the breaks right manfully. For a long time but just enough men could be had to work the pumps, and all kept at work until they were ready to drop with fatigue.

NOT A DROP TO DRINK
of anything was brought to them for a long hour, and they were nearly "bushed" for want of rest and water. May McDonnell was about and he did excellent service wherever he went. Finding our boys inwant he at once ordered a keg of beer sent to them. This not only brought relief but help in the way of a dozen more men.
With sunrise the good people began to bring in refreshments, in the way of hot coffee, and stimulating food, of which all stood greatly in need. Mayor McDonnell ordered two barrels of crackers and cheese to match, and with the hot coffee the meal was a very good one, taken inthe act of right known hard work. Other good people arrived with steaming hot food prepared inhaste. While they could not fight the flames they showed their great interest in cause by furnishing good nourishment for those who could perform manual labor. Among this class were many noble women who forced their way through the crowds of men and by the burning piles of lumber, carring their baskets and pots of hot coffee.
Lying along the East side of Fourth street and adjoining the yards was a row of cottages occupied by J. Clark, John Brown, D. Maurer, O. Smith, Mrs. Nillson, Nicholas Maher, Mr.Topper and two Danish families. These houses were threatened and only by the most strenuous work of the owners were saved. The goods were all moved out and windows and doors removed.
At half past seven o'clock the men had the

FIRE UNDER CONTROL,
and their exertions were allowed to flag somewhat. They were nearly exhausted and most certainly could not have held out much longer. The entire field south of the street was consumed or burning. In it was estimated to be three million feet of lumber, including the best part of the stock, such as dressed flooring, siding, finishing lumber, mouldings and "first clear." It was nearly six hours in burning to the ground, and the fire is not yet entirely extinguished.

MR. STOCKWELL
and Mr. Clark were at the mill among the first, and both worked efficiently. mr. Stockwell is commended for his coolness and management in the most trying moments. While his thousands were being destroyed like chaff, and were being swept away from him his clear head and strong heart kept him up, and he went forward directing affairs here and there, wherever he was called. In trying cases like this it is strange how the very strongest hearted can bear up, yet some men do by means of their iron wills and lion hearts. In affliction Mr. Stockwell has proved himself a hero, and he has the heartfelt sympathies of every citizen of Lyons, and every one else who knows of his loss.

THE LOSSES.
The entire loss cannot be stated with certainty. There was in the yeard burned three million feet of lumber, and as it was of the best quality it cannot be rated at less that $20 per thousand feet. The loss on lumber alone then will not be less than $60,000. Add to this the loss of sheds warehouse, mouldings, and sash and doors, together with the removal of machinery from the mill which was attended with considerable damage, and the thousands of other ways by which loss is certain to occur in occasions like this, we cannot estimate Mr. Stockwell's enire loss at less than seventy thousand dollars.

NOT A CENT OF INSURANCE.
The loss will be total, as there was not a dollar of insurance upon the stock -- There is yet over a million feet of lumber left in the yard, and Mr. Stockwell is still prepared to fill all bills for his customers. The reason for not having the yard insured, we learn, was the outrageously high percentage charged by the companies.

CAUSE OF THE FIRE.
There is much speculation as to the cause of the fire. Some maintain that sparks from a passing locomotive ignited the dry chips and sawdust under the lumber piles. Others contend that it would be impossible to set fire to this matter in that way. We, however, adhere to the first. We believe that a train of Illinois Central cars which passed down the track at two o'clock, was the cause of the conflagration. The night ferryman says that he saw a glimmer of light there soon after three o'clock, but had to cross the river, and could not stop to ascertain the cause of it. In a short time after he saw the blaze ascending and heard the alarm.

THE RAILROAD TRACKS
were completely warped out of shape by the intense heat on either side of them. Many of the rails had to be removed and new ones put down. The morning and forenoon trains were all stopped, and the baggage and passengers transferred around the fire. In the afternoon, however, as soon as the embers had died down somewhat, a drove of men were put to work, and before evening the trains were passing on regular time again. The telegraph wires, three in number, were soon burned into and dropped to the ground, so that no dispatches could be sent either way. We learn that they, too, have been repaired.

THE CLINTON FIRE COMPANY
deserves the greatest credit for their promptness ingetting upon the ground. The men fought like heros; but for their aid the mill and the balance of the lumber would have been entirely destroyed. We heard many ejaculate during the progress of the fire, "God bless the Clinton Firemen." The whole town of Lyons join in sending those brave men their blessings. We hope that we may never be called upon to repay the work in the same manner; but in case such help is ever needed, every citizen will be ready to go forward. Gentlemen, we cannot thank you sufficiently for your brave fight of Tuesday morning.

THE LYONS FIRE COMPANY
is also entitled to the highest commendation. They, too, should have cred for saving the mill, for it is conceded that the Clinton menalong could not have done it. While these men worked west of the track and did excellent duty there, the heat pouring down intensely, the Lyons boys fought the fire-fiendsouth of the mill, and check the advance from that direction. The hand engine worked to a charm, and threw a magnificent stream of water without let up for over three house. Mr. W. W. Buell, foremanincharge, managed the engine splendidly.

THE WATCHMAN,
Mr. John Lehnens, who was in charge of the yards and mill, was the first to discover the fire. Just at the time he had gone into the engine room to build a fire under the boilers to get up steam. His absence at the moment proved fatal. He is an old and trustworthy man and has the confidence of his employers. his discovery of the blaze was simultaneous with that of several others in the neighborhood. The names of the many of our citizens who worked to save property could not be recorded in one of these columns. Every one did his best.

PROMINENT CLINTON GENTLEMEN
were on the ground at an early moment. Among them we should mention Mayor Toll and Messrs. Chancy Lamb, W. J. Young, W. F. Coan, E. P. Wells, A. P. Hosford and many others.
The mill will again be running in a few days at its utmost capacity to supply the large amount of stock destroyed. The loss

WILL NOT CRIPPLE MR. STOCKWELL.
He will go right on with business, and his old patrons will find him prompt inmeeting their wants. Those indebted to him on accound should not hesitate an instant in settling there bills, as there is no doubt that every cent will be needed at once.
The Lyons Council passed the following resolution last night:
Resolved, That the thanks of the city be extended to the citizens of Clinton who aided us in preventing the extension of the conflagration in our city on the morning of the 15th of September, and especially to the officers and men of Neptune Engine Co., who so promptly responded to the call for assistance.

MR. STOCKWELL'S CARD OF THANKS
I desire to tender thanks to my neighbors and citizens for their manifested desire to assist in any and all ways in saving my property at the late fire. I have many in my mind, whose names are too numerous to mention, who ventured limb and life to serve me. I am particularly grateful to our Fire Company and the Neptune Company, of Clinton, for the faithful manner in which they did their duty It is plain to be seen by myself and others, that my whole property would have been burned but for the work of the Clinton Fire Company. I also thank those generous people who furnished refreshments.
IRA STOCKWELL.