Stoughton, Wisconsin
Tobacco Warehouse Fire
July
5, 1885
MORE DESTRUCTION
SERIOUS CONFLAGRATIONS IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS.
Immense Destruction of Tobacco at Stoughton –
Loss Nearly a Million Dollars –
MADISON, Wis., July 6 – A most disastrous
fire occurred at Stoughton early yesterday
morning, burning 10 out of the 13 large tobacco
warehouses, the St. Paul depot and about 20
freight cars loaded with wheat and merchandise,
causing a loss estimated all the way from a half
a million to a million dollars. The fire
originated in an old bay press used as a box
factory. It is thought the fire started either
by tramps known to have slept there, or by an
incendiary. The Stoughton chemical fire engine
was unable to cope with the flames and aid was
asked from this place which was immediately
sent. The Madison steamer was of little aid,
there being no water near the scene of the fire.
The warehouses each contained from 1,000 to
3,400 cases of tobacco valued at $50 a case. The
loss is partially insured, though to what extent
is not known. The loss of seven companies
represented by A. H. MAIN of this city is
$58,000. The individual losses fall mostly upon
eastern buyers, though some of the Stoughton
buyers lose from $500 to $7,500 and will be
ruined. The disaster throws about five hundred
out of employment.
Oshkosh Daily Northwestern Wisconsin
1885-07-06
Submitted & transcribed by Stu
Beitler Thank you,
Stu!
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