CASUALTY BY FIRE 
AT BISMARCK

Bismarck, Mo., May 16, 1870
Editor, Washington County Journal:

Our town has been visited by the "Fire Fiend".  The first building erected in Bismarck is now a smoldering heap of ashes.  Our citizens were aroused at about half past two o'clock this morning by the shrill and continued blast of a steam whistle, and on rushing out from our homes the cause was known at once.  Lewis Wallen's storehouse and residence were a mass of flames.  The family were aroused from sound sleep in time to escape with a few clothes. Some little furniture was also saved.   The worst part of the whole affair is that a man by the name of "Charlie" Godfrey, --a single man,-- who has been engaged in sawing wood for the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, was in an upper room, and was consumed with the building; it being impossible to reach the upper part of the house when the fire was first discovered.   The charred remains were taken from the ruins this morning, a shapeless mass, minus legs, arms and head.  The coroner was notified, and will doubtless hold an inquest thereon.

Mr. Wallen had, I believe insurance on house and stock to the amount of three thousand dollars.

Yours,

&c.,

Published in Washington County Journal, Potosi, Missouri, Thursday, May 19, 1870.

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