COULTERVILLE FIRE 1859
(Mariposa County)
from the SCHELLENS COLLECTION- submitted by Waltor Castor
Pg. 099 Coulterville 1859
Steamer Times, SF Sat 5, 1859:
"On Thursday morning last, about 2 o’clock, a fire broke out in the fruit and
cigar store of Mr. David COHEN, of Coulterville, by which Mrs. HAUFF, A
Jewish lady, and her two children - one 3 years and the other one month old - lost
their lives. Mrs. H. was on a visit to the store of Mr. BARUCH at the time,
and on the alarm of fire started to run out with her children, but unfortunately
fell into a cellar, which was closed soon after by some one who was not aware
of their being in it. After the fire their lifeless bodies were recovered.
They had not been burned, but smothered. Their remains were brought to this city
and placed in the hands of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, who interred them
yesterday. The fire was caused by rats getting among a lot of matches. Among
the sufferers by this fire, which destroyed nearly the whole town, are Mr.
BARUCH, D. COHEN, & Co., Mr. DAVIS, Mr. HARRIS and Mr. SHOENFEILD. The last named
gentleman lost about $10,000, and the others their stock of goods."
(from the files of the Mariposa Gazette)
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