In the early hours of this morning, a devastating fire broke out in the Carroll & Fleming livery stable near the corner of Coates and Fifth streets. The blaze, which started around three o’clock, completely destroyed the stable and the Colored Baptist Church building to the north on Fifth Street. Tragically, thirteen horses perished in the flames.

The fire had gained significant headway before any alarm was raised. It was only through good fortune that Forty Carroll, who was sleeping in the office, and Porter Tolson, an employee asleep in the harness room, were saved. Mr. Carroll, awakened by the commotion of the horses, barely had time to rescue young Tolson, who had no opportunity to dress beyond his underwear. Officer Fleming, arriving just as Carroll was helping Tolson escape, witnessed the hopeless situation as the flames rapidly engulfed the barn. No attempts were made to save the trapped animals, who perished in their stalls.

The stable was reduced to rubble within forty minutes, destroying two hearses, five closed carriages, two wagonettes, several buggies, farm machinery, eight tons of hay, twenty tons of straw, 1,000 bushels of oats, corn, and all office furniture. Mr. Fleming estimated the total loss at $10,000 to $12,000, with insurance covering only about $5,000. The property had been sold to the John N. Taylor Company, which had planned to demolish the stable and build a modern garage. Ironically, the contents of the building were scheduled for public auction next Saturday, with advertisements already distributed.

The fire also completely gutted the Colored Baptist Church, leaving only the charred walls standing. The church, belonging to the Second Baptist Colored congregation, was insured for $3,000 but would cost an estimated $10,000 to replace, according to church leaders.

Two years ago, a fire in the nearby Davin warehouse had threatened the stable, leading to the removal of several horses and some contents from the barn as a precaution. This time, however, the fire’s origin remains unknown. Chief Crews commented on the lack of an alarm, recounting how Moses Alexander was awakened by a whistle from an engine in the yards. Seeing the flames, Alexander alerted the fire crew, prompting immediate action.

Chief Crews detailed the response, stating that upon arrival, the entire east side of the stable was ablaze and the roof was collapsing. With no chance of saving the barn, the fire crew connected to hydrants at Coates and Fourth, Reed and Fifth, and Franklin and Fifth streets. They fought the flames that had spread to the rear of the brick church and to the Merchants’ Delivery barn. They also tackled a fire at Mose Arnold’s frame house.

The damages included $100 to Arnold’s house, $25 to $50 to Merchants’ Delivery building and hay, and minor damages to Kaufman Grocery and Vandergrift Plumbing Shop. Engineer Light and P. J. Short each lost a horse housed in the stable.