Fire at George W. CHURCHWELL Residence (1866)
On the afternoon of Sunday, a desirable residence was entirely consumed by fire, on Main street, in East Knoxville, known as the residence of the late George W. CHURCHWELL. The house was occupied by Messrs. G.W. ADNEY and J.W. MILLS, the latter a workman on this paper. In property burned and destroyed by being thrown out of the windows, Messrs. ADNEY and MILLS lost a great deal. The fire occurred through the carelessness of a colored woman employed in the house. Two fire engines (in bad condition) were brought into requisition, but the flames had gathered such head way that no effort was made to save the burning house, and the engines of all present, with the aid of the fire engines, were directed to saving the adjacent buildings. Success attended this effort, and much credit is due our citizens for their heroic exertions to prevent the spread of the destroyer. Nary bit of credit is due our corporate authorities, but a great deal of censure, for not having a well organized fire department and engines in good condition. We suggest they look after this matter or resign their positions that the people may elect those who will. Conspicuous in the effort to prevent the spread of the monster we noticed Capt. A.J. RICKS and Mr. E.P. BAILEY. Both these gentlemen have settled here since the war terminated. In all the fires we have had our adopted citizens have exerted themselves with an energy which we hope to see all our citizens emulate. (pg. 3)
Brownlow’s Knoxville Whig, March 21, 1866