Last Wednesday night about 10:30 o’clock, a destructive fire occurred in Grand Junction, which consumed the row of houses just east of the Stonewall House and fronting the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Four houses were totally consumed together with their contents. The loss is estimated at $6,000, partially covered by insurance. The fire is said to have originated from a coal oil lamp in the rear room of W. J. WOODS saloon, and had full headway before the alarm was given; the occupants of the building barely escaped with their lives. The flames from the building in which the fire originated spread rapidly to the adjoining houses. QUILLIGAN‘s new two store house, situated just north of the burning houses was in great danger, but escaped the devouring flames. The grocery house of J. R. RUFFIN was consumed. We learn that WOOD‘s loss is fully covered by insurance. This is a terrible reminder of the condition we are in here should a fire break out, and should stimulate property holders and merchants to the speedy formation of a well-organized fire company.

The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 14 Sept. 1867, Page 2. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.