Necedah Visited By Fire
Narrow Escape from a Disastrous Conflagration
Necedah Republican, April 21.
Adams County Press, Saturday, 29 April 1893
This village had a most fortunate escape from a wholesale destruction by the fire fiend on Wednesday night. Had it not been for the slight rain that had fallen during the day, or had the wind been in almost any other quarter, nothing could have prevented a greater portion of the town being wiped out of existence.
It was about 8:30 p.m. when the alarm was sounded, and the livery barn of W. J. McGee was seen to be enveloped in flames. With the wind blowing a gale from the east, it was a sight that struck home with terror to many hearts. the barn burned like tinder, which, with its entire contents, including eight horses, soon fell in ruins.
To the south Hotel Juneau was in great danger, and as one looks upon its blackened and charred side, the wonder is that it was not also offered up as a sacrifice. And its preservation is due to the heroic efforts of a few determined men, who with courage, perseverance and water buckets, finally gained victory.
To the north, the residence just purchased by Martin Miller from Mrs. M. Henry, and occupied by both parties, was soon on fire and soon burned down, although a greater part of its contents were saved by willing hands. North of this is a lot vacant in front and barns in the rear, owned by Henry Speas. South side of the lot was a pile of wood, which was soon on fire, but with good work on the part of many citizens, was controlled and the fire prevented from reaching the barns and extending further north.
The strong wind carried the burning shingles, embers and blinding smoke from the burning buildings across the street, placing the residence and other buildings of Hon. J. T. Kingston in great jeopardy, which were saved by the hard work of friends and neighbors.
The loss will fall most heavily on Mr. McGee, who had no insurance on stock or contents, and only $300 on the barn. Mr. Miller has $1,300 on his house and household effects. Mrs. Henry has no insurance. The damage to the hotel is covered by insurance. All in all, considering the circumstances, it was a most lucky escape for the village. Had the fire gained a foothold at Mrs. Abbe's house, it would in all probability have gutted the business portion and the residence portion north of the bluff, and the result would have been almost the same had control been lost at Mr. Kingston's. Had the Juneau burned the fire would most certainly have spread to both sides of teh street southward with terrible results. It certainly was a lucky escape, and one for which every citizen ought to be very thankful.
The fire was within the limits protected by the pipe line, which for some reason refused to work. Had it responded as usual the fire would have been confined to the livery barn.