Jamestown Alert, 6/10/1886
FIREBUG'S WORK
White House on the Hill Destroyed by Fire Early Saturday Morning.
Fire Was Undoubtedly Started by a Firebug Who Applied the Torch.
Believed that There Will be Little Difficulty in Bringing Criminal to Justice.
The white house on the hill in the northwestern portion of the city, about a mile from the business portion, burned between 2 and 3 o'clock a. m. Saturday. There is no doubt but that the fire was of incendiary origin. The house was used for many years as one of ill fame. Last fall the occupants moved to a new one nearer the city. Friday W. H. Rust and wife moved into the old house and it was understood that a place in opposition to the one already on the hill was to be run. Their stay was short. When they were awakened the north end of the house was ablaze. They succeeded in saving a dresser, commode, and a trunk. They lost the rest of their furniture.
There is not the slightest cause to doubt that a crime was committed. The fire was not caused by lightning and there had been no fire in a stove. A lighted lamp in the room of Mr. and Mrs. Rust was the only one in use.
The matter will be thoroughly sifted by the authorities. There are a number of clues to work on and it is not thought there will be any difficulty in arresting and convicting the guilty party. A firebug did the job and should be placed where he can do no harm. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated no matter what the purposes for which the building was used. Mrs. Webber has lost her building and carried no insurance and the party who did the burning should be severely dealt with.
It is understood that threats were made that a new "house" could not be opened on the hill.
The occupants say they could plainly distinguish the odor of burning kerosene.
The loss amounts to several hundred dollars.
Jamestown Alert, 7/23/1902
