History:  The Great Fires in Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Carol Hepburn (chepburn@cox.net)

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The Great Fires in Somerset County, Pennsylvania By Carol Hepburn

There have been three major fires in the borough of Somerset during the 
town's history. The first occured on October 16, 1863 at two in the morning. 
The fire was started in the house owned by J. F. Cox, Esq. The fire consumed 
homes on both sides of the Cox house and quickly spread down the main street 
of town. Thirty families were homeless, much of the businesses destroyed, and 
an estimated $80,000 dollars damage done. 

The second fire occured on May 9, 1872, during a dry spell. This fire started 
less than 100 feet from the first one. The fire began at 3 p.m. in the barn of 
Francis E. WEIMER. It is believed to have been started by a spark from the near 
by Somerset Foundry. Ninety buildings were destroyed, including churches, homes, 
businesses, offices, and hotels. The total losses were estimated at $300,000 dollars. 

The third fire happened on May 4, 1876 in a stable near the Somerset Foundry. 
Several historic buildings and homes were destroyed and cost estimates were 
are $125,000. 

(excerpted from Somerset Past, Vol VII, No. 2, pp. 13)