Weyauwega14

 

OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN

May 4, 1871

 

Disastrous Fire at Weyauwega – Loss $30,000

 

            On Wednesday morning between 4 and 5 o’clock, the old saw mill, the property of Henry Steinberg, was discovered to be on fire and being built close to the grist mill, of the same gentleman, the fire communicated to that building and both were consumed together.  A strong east wind was blowing at the time and the grist mill being quite tall the flames shot across an opening of 3 or 4 rods setting fire to Mr. Steinberg’s dwelling, destroying it entirely.  By superhuman efforts an office, standing within twenty feet, was saved in a badly damaged condition.  A valuable barn was also saved and an old store on the opposite side of the street.  The grist mill on the other side of the stream belonging to Messrs. Weed, Gumaer & Co., had a very narrow escape; had the wind been west or south it could not have possibly been saved, but by prompt care it was preserved from injury.  Mr. Steinberg’s mills were among the best in the state, worth at least $28,000 and will prove a serious loss to the community.  There was insurance upon the grist mill of $1,000.  It is presumed to be the work of incendiary and as it never rains that it pours, in the confusion incident to the calamities a vest containing about $700 in an inside pocket, was, while the mills were still burning, found in an out-let, minus the money.  Our correspondent could not learn the amount of flour, wheat &c., lost.