Mr. Wise's Unbelievable Bad Luck With Fire

Denison Review – January 16, 1895

FIRE AT DOW CITY

About one o'clock Friday morning, January 11, the fire alarm was sounded when it was discovered that the large hardware store of J. U. Wise was on fire. The fire had got such a start that it was impossible to save the building, but what could be reached from the west door was saved. The fire started in the shed part at the north-east corner of the building, which had always been used as an oil room, and what oil had been wasted and run on the floor, made good food for the flames.

How the fire started no one knows. Some think the store had been burglarized, and then fired to cover up the deed. The loss is about $5,000 in all with $2,000 insurance. In a very short time after the alarm was given there were over two hundred on the streets, everyone turning in with a willing hand to save the adjoining buildings. Mr. Hillas' house, just 30 feet east, was saved, but it took fire several times. It was here that our little fire pump done such good service after it got to work. The building occupied by Grosshart as a jewelry shop, was only twenty five feet north on the west end, and Butterworth's ice house, about thirty feet on the east, were saved, but they got pretty warm.

Taking it all in all, we were very fortunate. It was very still. Had it been two hours later when the wind got up so strong, there is no telling what would have been done. As it was, Green's store building just across the street got so hot as to blister the paint, and break the large glass in the northwest corner of the building.

This is the second burn out for Mr. Wise. Seven years ago when Rule's harness shop was fired, Wise occupied the building just north of it. That time about everything as saved, as the fire occurred about daylight when a good many were up. We all sympathize with Mr. Wise in his loss. He says he will rebuild in the spring, as soon as the weather is favorable.

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Denison Bulletin – February 28, 1895

FIRE AT DOW CITY

LOSS $9,300 WITH INSURANCE OF ONLY $5,500

The neighboring town of Dow City was again visited by fire last Thursday morning, and much loss resulted. The “Enterprise” has the following account of the conflagration.

About three o'clock Thursday morning our citizens were awakened by a cry of fire and the ringing church bells. The fire originated in the brick building belonging to Mr. Geo. P. Willard, which was occupied at the time by the hardware and furniture stock of Mr. J.U. Wise. When discovered the entire building was in flames on the inside, and it was impossible to extinguish the fire. Willing hands were soon at work removing household goods from Wood's Hotel which was next on the south and to which the fire had communicated. Clair Butterworth saved considerable from his meat market, which adjoined the hotel, and most of Mr. G.A. Simmons's barber fixtures were saved, as also was Mr. Henry Grossarth's stock of jewelry, both of the latter being in the path of the fire and all in the same building.

Mr. M.V. Burns lost everything: his stock was valued at $3,400, and the building at $700, with an insurance of $2,000 on stock and $100 on the building. Wood's hotel building was valued at $2,000 and he lost several hundred dollar's worth of household goods in addition to the building. Insurance of $1,000 was carried on the building and $500 on household goods. Mr. Wise's loss was $500 without any insurance, and he also lost his books of account. The building where the meat market, barber shop and jewelry store were located was owned by Mr. Butterworth, and with the Ice-house, which was also burned, was valued at $1,200 on which there was about $500 insurance.

We understand that Mr. Willard had $1,000 insurance which will fully cover his loss.

It was only by the most heroic effort that the other buildings in the block were saved. The wind was blowing quite a stiff breeze at the time, and burning shingles were carried half a mile. We have not learned whether it is the intention of the losers to rebuild right away or not, but presume they will as soon as the weather is suitable.

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Denison Review: May 8, 1895:

On Monday and Tuesday, the trial of a case came off which attracted considerable attention. When the late fire broke out at Dow City which consumed five buildings among which was one belonging to J.P. Willard, which was insured for $900, there arose a strong suspicion that he was the party who fired the building. On this suspicion he was arrested, but the next day set at liberty, because the proof was not forthcoming. He now sues for damages for $5,000 for illegal imprisonment. As we go to press on Tuesday afternoon we do not know the outcome and make no comments. Very nearly all of Dow City is up as witnesses.

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Denison Review: May 15, 1895:

A verdict in favor of defendants was rendered by the jury in case of Willard v. Woods, et al, for malicious prosecution.