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Story
July 15, 1797
Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Fire in York, Pennsylvania, last Wednesday night destroyed John Hay's house and German Presbyterian Church, threatening 15-20 other buildings including courthouse; most saved by citizens. Originated from overheated oven.
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Full Text
YORK (Penn.) July 12.
Last Wednesday night was a season of terror to the inhabitants of this place. Between the hours of twelve and one, a fire broke out in the back buildings of John Hay, Esq. adjoining his dwelling house.-- The fire communicated to the dwelling house and the German Presbyterian Church, both of which were in a few minutes all in flames. The fire advanced with such terrible rapidity, that all attempts to preserve those two buildings were soon found to be vain. From 15 to 20 houses, among which was the Court House and Market House, were on fire during the night ; all however, except the two first were by the vigilance and activity of the citizens preserved.
It appears that the fire originated by means of an oven in Mr. Hay's back buildings, in the wall of which was placed a post to support the shed above; the oven had been twice heated the preceding day, and it is probable that the fire had found access to the wooden post in the wall.
Last Wednesday night was a season of terror to the inhabitants of this place. Between the hours of twelve and one, a fire broke out in the back buildings of John Hay, Esq. adjoining his dwelling house.-- The fire communicated to the dwelling house and the German Presbyterian Church, both of which were in a few minutes all in flames. The fire advanced with such terrible rapidity, that all attempts to preserve those two buildings were soon found to be vain. From 15 to 20 houses, among which was the Court House and Market House, were on fire during the night ; all however, except the two first were by the vigilance and activity of the citizens preserved.
It appears that the fire originated by means of an oven in Mr. Hay's back buildings, in the wall of which was placed a post to support the shed above; the oven had been twice heated the preceding day, and it is probable that the fire had found access to the wooden post in the wall.
What sub-type of article is it?
Disaster
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Catastrophe
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
York Fire
Building Destruction
Church Burned
Citizen Rescue
Oven Origin
What entities or persons were involved?
John Hay
Where did it happen?
York (Penn.)
Story Details
Key Persons
John Hay
Location
York (Penn.)
Event Date
Last Wednesday Night
Story Details
A fire broke out in the back buildings of John Hay's property, spreading to his dwelling house and the German Presbyterian Church, both destroyed. It threatened 15 to 20 houses including the Court House and Market House, but most were saved by citizens' efforts. The fire originated from an oven heating a wooden post in the wall.