Saturday, January 07, 2017

The 1873 Fire

Roberts was visited by a serious fire early yesterday morning, which seriously impedes the progress and prosperity of that flourishing young village. The firms burned out were Thompson and Lyman dealers in lumbar, agricultural implements, drugs and medicines, together with the Post Office and Dr. Cassingham's medical library, and Bushors' harness and saddle shop. Mr. G. H. Thompson owned the three buildings destroyed, also a barn in the rear of these buildings... which was burned. The loss is estimated at from $8,000 to $10,000; no insurance.
The fire was discovered early in the morning, just after a train on the G. C. & S. road had passed and is supposed to have originated from a spark from the engine.
The families of G. H. Thompson and Mr. Bushor lived in the buildings destroyed, and were burned out, losing everything, even to their clothing.
Mr. Thompson with true western energy will commence at once to rebuild.


--Paxton Record. 19 June 1873.

Burned out:
Thompson & Lyman
Post Office
Dr. Cassingham's Medical Library
Bushors Harness and Saddle Shop

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