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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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