Johnston County, NC - Smithfield in Ruins, 1889

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SMITHFIELD IN RUINS

One of the Oldest Towns in North Carolina Burned, Loss Over $100,000

Raleigh, NC - April 8

Almost the entire town of Smithfield in Johnston County was consumed
by fire yesterday afternoon. The only buildings which remain standing
are the county courthouse and jail and a few dwellings. Every store
in the town and many dwellings were consumed.

The fire originiated about one o'clock PM and in two hours the town
was in ashes. The wind was ragin at a terrific rate and the flames 
swept over the town like a hurricane. There was no fire department to
fight the flames, and the people were powerless to resis the devouring
sweep.

The total loss is estimated at upward of $100,000. Much of the property
was insured. The fire originated in the carriage factory of S.R. and
J.M. Morgan. Its origin is thought to be accidental.

Following are among the losers and losses: 

S.R. Morgan, two stores, stocks of goods and carriage factory, loss 
$30,000, no insurance.

Fuller & Hyman's stable, stores and stock of goods, loss $30,000,
insurance $3,100.

Adrian Vallars, two stores, loss $2,000, no insurance.

W.L. Woodall, store and stock of goods, loss $2,000, no insurance.

W.T. Riley, two stores, loss $1,000, no insurance.

J.W. Litton, two stores, loss $1,500, no insurance.

N. Ketter, bar-room, loss $1,000, no insurance.

W.G. Yelverton, four stores and goods, loss $12.0000, insurance $4,100.

Hood Bros., drug store and other buildings, loss $8,000, fully insured.

Blake Bros., store and goods, loss $5,000, insurance $1,000.

E. Dunnenburg, two stores and stock of goods, loss $15,000, insurance $6,000.

E. & J.S. Holt, dealers in hardware, loss $10,000, insurance $4,500.

Thomas Airs, five stores, loss $1,500, no insurance.

L.A. Watson, store and goods $1,500.

Other losers were as follows:

Dr. G.J. Robinston [sic], stable and horse
L.R. Wadell, law office
E.S. Abell, law office and library
Mrs. M.C. Cullers, furniture
W.B. Surles, stables
R.H. Hood, storehouse
Calvin Chario, stock of goods
G.H. Watson, stock of goods
J.L. Learborough, stock of goods
J.M Beckwith, stock of goods
Daniel Thomas, residence and furniture
Amand Thorns, storehouse
Bingham's store
T.J. Baxter, jewelry store
J.A. Taylor, 0jewelry store.

Smithfield was one of the oldest towns in the State. The General Assembly
of South Carolina met there in the year 1777.

Source: The Sun, April 9, 1889

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
Connie Ardrey
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