Schley County GaArchives News.....The Great Ellaville Fire of 1895 March 28, 1895 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Harris Hill http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002514 May 16, 2005, 9:04 am The Schley County News March 28, 1895 SWEPT BY THE FLAMES Dr. J.N. Chenbey's Resdidence In Ashes. Heroic Work of The Citizens. The two story residence of Dr. Cheney on the south side of the square, was burned Tuesday about noon. Some one on the streets discovered the fire and quickly gave the alarm, but when the crowd reached the scene great volumes of smoke were pouring from the roof. The wind was blowing very hard and in a few moments the flames has burst through, and were shooting high in the air. The fire spread with such remarkable rapidity that all efforts to save the building were futile. It required quick work to remove the furniture on the first floor, but the men worked like Trojans, and many things were taken out after the roof had fallen in. Col. E.F. Hinton was the last one to leave the building. There was the most intense excitement as the fire increased in volume and the wind whirled the flaming brands through the streets. It was then that the battle with the fiery elements began in earnest. It seemed for a while that it would be impossible to save Peacock & Arrington's store just across the street, but not for a moment did the crowd falter in their brave work. Every available bucket, and several pumps from Murray & Williams' store, were brought into use, and a steady stream of water played on the smoking building. Dr. Sam Williamson climbed upon the roof, but so intense was the heat it was necessary for him to be wrapped in wet blankets as he fought the flames. Wiley Spivey also stayed on top of the building doing splendid work until all danger was over. Mr. Charles Chambliss stood on a ladder against the side of the store and handed water to those on the roof. His position was extremely perilous, but he stood bravely at his post. Pitch oozed from the sides of the building, and in the position that Dr. Williamson and Mr. Chambliss occupied the heat would have been unbearable, but for the fact that those on the ground took their turn at dashing buckets of water over them. Twice the roof caught on fire but was quickly extinguished. The Alliance warehouse also caught and as far down as the Methodist church the fire would occassionally burst out, but the watchful ones stationed in that direction kept it under controil; and prevented a disasrous conflagration. It originated in the second story of the dwelling and was under good headway when discovered. Everything in the second story was lost. The insurance on the house and furniture is $1,250. NOTES The much abused wind mill proved to be a valuable piece of property Tuesday, but every one is convinced that we need hose attached as a better protection against fire. Dr. and Mrs. Cheney lost many things that money can not replace. The horses in the stable were wild with fright, but fortunately were rescued. Too much cannot be said in praise of the heroic work of the colored people. Dr. Cheney and family are occupying Mr. Ed Strange's residence for the present. CARD OF THANKS To the people of Ellaville and community, we feel under many obligations to every one, white and colored, who participated in saving our property from the fire on Tuesday afternoon, as it was saved only by the persistent efforts of those who fought the flames. Peacock & Arrington Robert Burton J.N. Cheney File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/schley/newspapers/thegreat2149nw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb