Destruction of Wood Mills by fire, 1824
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Destruction of Wood Mill by fire, 1824.
Transcriptions
FIRE.[1]- On Wednesday morning, the 25th of February, 1824, about two o'clock, a fire broke out at Wood Mill, about three miles from Southampton, which terminated in the total destruction of that extensive building; but providentially, without loss of life. It appears to have originated on that portion of the premises in which a sawing machine had been erected by Mr. Irvine, who, with his family, owe their fortunate preservation to a dog, whose loud and incessant barking aroused them to a sense of their danger, and they escaped nearly in a state of nudity; but the faithful animal fell a victim to the flames. Immediate intelligence of the calamity was sent to Southampton, yet, notwithstanding every exertion, it was nearly or quite five o'clock before the engine arrived at the spot, during which time the building, containing the sawing machinery, was so far destroyed that all attempts to save it were deemed unavailing. The adjoining parts, consisting of a dwelling-house, corn mill, and store, in the occupation of Messrs. Lerner, were therefore the objects which attracted attention; but notwithstanding ever exertion the destructive element had obtained such an ascendancy, from the quantity of wood in the different buildings, the outside being weather-boarded and tarred, a few hours completed its entire ruin. The premises belonged to J. Fleming, ESQ. M.P. of Stoneham Park, and the various insurances amount to about £4,000. The effect produced by the flames on the horizon and on the surrounding country, was very grand. The fire is supposed to have been caused by the friction of the saw, which was ground sometime in the evening before, when sparks were emitted from it, which communicated with some shavings . A quantity of flour, wheat and other grain, was consumed, with a large portion of mahogany and other timber, a great part of which was the property of tradesmen in Southampton.
FIRE.[2]-. We understand that the buildings and machinery at Wood Mills, lately destroyed by fire, were insured, though not nearly to the amount of the loss sustained by the proprietor, John Fleming, Esq. The tenant who occupied that part of the premises where the fire commenced (Irvine), had insured to nearly the full amount, but we regret to state, that Dagwell, the miller, an industrious, civil, and respectable person, with a wife and seven children, was, not so fortunate, having lost everything belong.ng to him, except a little furniture. His stock in trade, consisting of flour, corn, &c., amounting to £120, was totally consumed. Dagwell had recently commenced building on his own account, and with no other assistance than that of his own two eldest boys, performed all the labour, and being much esteemed, had every prospect of providing for his numerous family. In an instant, however, these prospects were blighted and he is now destitute of a home, money or employment. We are happy to find that a subscription has been set on foot, at the head of which appears the name of his worthy landlord, J. Fleming, Esq. M.P. (in whom the deserving distressed always finds a ready and benevolent friend), and we sincerely hope that such an example will be followed by the immediate neighbourhood, and by the public at large, so as to enable the unfortunate sufferer to redeem his loss and provide for his family.
The Late Fire at Wood Mills[3].
The undersigned, Vicar of South Stoneham, hereby certifies, that in consequence of the calamitous Fire at Wood Mills, in the above mentioned parish, WILLIAM DAGWELL sustained a very considerable loss, amounting, according to an estimate sworn before a Magistrate, to £120. at least. The above Wm. Dagwell, a very honest, sober, and industrious chaacter, and his wife and seven children unprovided for, are reduced to the greatest distress, and humbly solicit the aid of the charitable and humane to relieve their necessities.
- (Signed) CHARLES RICHARDS.
- Vicar of South Stoneham.
Subscriptions Received
John Fleming, Esq. M.P., £10.0.0
Rev. Charles Richards. £2.0.0
Samuel Benness, Esq., £1.0.0
Rev. F. Beadon, £1.0.0
Rev. T. Garnier, £1.0.0
William Chamberlayne, Esq. M.P, £2.0.0
A.R. Dottin, Esq., £5.0.0
Mrs. Webb, £0.5.0
Vice-Admiral Foote, £1.0.0
Mr. Milsome, £1.0.0
Subscriptions are received at the Offices of this Paper at Winchester and Gosport; and at the Banks and Printing Offices in Southampton.
