1887 History of Story County, Iowa by W. G. Allen

in close packages in the safe, were burnt or badly scorched. It was supposed the fire had its origin from a defect in the flue. About eight or nine o'clock r. M., the fire was discovered, and the cry, Fire ! Fire ! Fire !was soon heard all over Nevada. The wind was blowing southeasterly a perfect gale, and as cold as the Arctics ; for the next morning, January 1, 1864, the mercury had to stop at forty degrees below zero. But before the fire was at its greatest intensity, Mr. Ross, the County Treasurer, and two or three others, rushed into the house in the midst of great danger of perishing in the fire in order to save the County Records. They were saved, but a few of the books were somewhat injured by being thrown out at the windows. It was a narrow escape for men and books. The money loose in the safe was either burnt or badly charred. As near as could be estimated $1,672 or over was burnt. The bills that were put in tight packages were generally recognized so as to be redeemed by the government; for it was National currency, etc. There were about $9,243 redeemed as that amount was all that could be recognized with certainty.

Mr. W. M. White, County Superintendent and W. G. Allen were the accountants appointed by the Board of Supervisors to make an investigation of the affairs. After careful investigation they believed the Treasurer had done his duty officially. Mr. Ross and Mr. J. M. Brainard, (the Clerk of Courts,) cheerfully gave them all the information to be reached. The Treasurer, (Mr. T. J. Ross), took or sent the charred packages of bills to Washington City in order to have them redeemed. He therefore, as already related, secured about $9,243.

COURT-HOUSE BONDS.—THE BOND QUESTION.

Then taking this gain each year as a correct basis (the gain, however, will be more per year for the next ten than the last ten years,) for the valuation of each year of the ten years to come from the time (1876) of the first levy, will be as follows: