Destructive fire in Memphis
--Fireman Killed.--Memphis, Tenn., was visited on Friday last by two of the most destructive fires which have occurred in that city in many years. The first, which broke out shortly after noon, originated in the carriage store of Mr. J. T. Mix, No. 288 Main street, in the four story brick building known as the Overton Block, containing six stores, which was wholly destroyed. The sufferers by the fire were J. T. Mix, carriage store; J. T. Begbie, saddle and harness manufacturer; South Memphis Lodge of Masons; a Jewish Benevolent Society, called the Order of Druids; J. C. Ward, bookbindery; John Sevier, grocer and commission merchant; F. Stillman & Co., millinery; E. F. Risk, tin and sheet iron manufactory; and Norwell, Boon & Co., grocers and commission merchants. The aggregate loss sustained is estimated at $175,000. During the fire, the rear of the burning building fell, crushing one fireman to death, and severely wounding several others. It is feared that two or three firemen were buried beneath the ruins.The second fire, which was discovered about midnight, broke out in the Calhoun Block, one of the finest blocks in the city, directly opposite the Overton Block. Owing to a scarcity of water, the firemen were powerless to save, and the structure was destroyed. It was occupied by Smith & Co., dry goods merchants, and by H. T. Farnsworth & Co., druggists. --The aggregate loss will reach $75,000, it is thought.
