Last Monday night the brick structure known as the Hardeman Hotel, owned by William REYNOLDS, and occupied by his son, Henry and M. R. PARRISH, was entirely consumed by fire. A terrible snow storm was prevailing at the time the fire broke out, half past twelve o’clock, which added all of its fury to the distressing scene. In our opinion, it was clearly the work of some soulless scamp, for when we first rushed forth to save what we could of our scanty effects, a rear room to the west of the main building, and in which no fire was used, was half burned down. The loss to the occupants was quite heavey, and at this particular time is rather hard to bear. We cannot refrain from returning our heartfelt thanks to Martin PIRTLE, Esq., and his lady, for the kindness shown and generosity extended to our roofless, half-naked , bare-footed babies, who had to wade through snow and sleet without a hand to guide them. One who has led the life of a fireman knows how to appreciate, but he may lack for words of expression. As to our effects, we had but little to save – thank God for that. To those friends who assisted in saving what was snatched from the building, we also return thanks, and sincerely trust that they may never be roused from sleep by the rapid peals of the alarm bell or the startling cry of “fire.”
The Bolivar Bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 04 Jan. 1868, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
