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.

We are sorry to learn that J. R. RUFFIN, of Grand Junction, one of Sheriff McCarley’s most efficient deputies, has resigned his office, and is no longer deputy sheriff of Hardeman county.

The Bolivar Bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 10 Aug. 1867, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

We congratulate the good citizens of Grand Junction and neighborhood in securing a resident and bona fide peace officer, and one who is not afraid to do his duty. J. R. RUFFIN is now lawful deputy to our worthy Sheriff, and has given the required bond for the faithful performance of all the duties which the statute enjoins upon him. Evil doers had better be cautious or they may be compelled to snuff the tainted air of the “Bird-less cage” of Hardeman county.

The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 06 April 1867, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Last Saturday night deputy sheriff J. R. RUFFIN, after the train had left the Junction for this place, arrested two supicious individuals, and being apprehensive of an attempt at rescue, he started for Bolivar with his prisoners on foot. Nothing of note transpired during the dark, fatiguing tramp until just about daylight, and when the party had reached the “fill,” a short distance beyond Esquire Knights. Here the prisoners were suddenly seized with the idea that escape was possible, and off they darted like deer, and were soon lost to sight. Mr. R. was too fatigued to make pursuit, but emptied two or three pistols at the fugitives as they grew “beautifully less” in the distance.

The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 06 April 1867, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.