The articles relating to the Big Fire at Barney Brundage Bryant’s Livery Barn
Big Fire
On last Saturday morning at about half past one o’clock, Night Watch Murdock discovered flames coming out of the front part of the roof of Barney Brundage Bryant’s Livery Barn. He gave the alarm at once but before anyone could get to the scene, the entire roof was aflame and there was no chance to save anything except two or three buggies. The barn, being a frame structure soon burned to the ground. Thirteen horses were also burned, besides several buggies, all his harness, and a large quantity of feed. Mr. Bryant has one team and buggies left. Claude Spear who lives south of town, came in Friday evening and drove them to Glenville leaving his own horse in the barn and it was burned with the rest.
The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary, but who and why, are the all absorbing questions. The loss will reach at least $3,000 with only $1,000 insurance. The loss falls very heavy on Mr. Bryant whose entire capital was invested in the enterprise.
Fairfield News Herald, October 29, 1897, Vol. VI, #42, pg. 5, Col. 3
Reel 1, 071, F16h, #1090
On file at Adams Co., NE Historical Society
-Barney Brundage Bryant began clearing away the old debris last Monday and is getting ready to rebuild his barn.
-Barney Brundage Bryant was in Hastings last Friday and brought back a new hack for his livery business.
Fairfield News Herald, Nov. 5, 1897, Vol. VI, #43, pg. 5, Col. 4
On file at Adams Co., NE Historical Society
$200 Reward
I will pay a reward of Two Hundred Dollars for information, that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who fired my Livery Barn on the morning of Oct. 23, 1897.
Barney Brundage Bryant,
Fairfield, Neb.
Fairfield News Herald, Nov. 12, 1897, Vol VI pg. 5, Col. 3
On file at Adams Co., NE Historical Society
The last car of lumber for Bryants barn came in the last week, and a large force has put the barn in shape for occupancy and Barney will again be found at the old stand.
Fairfield News Herald, December 10, 1897, Vol. VI, #49, pg. 5, Col. 2
On file at Adams Co., NE Historical Society
Card of Thanks
To the people of Fairfield and vicinity who gave me such kind aid to rebuild my barn which I recently lost by fire, I take this opportunity of returning them my heartfelt thanks and also hope that a like calamity will never befall you, is the sincere wish of yours truly.
Mr. & Mrs. B. Bryant
Fairfield News Herald, Jan. 14, 1898, Vol. VII, #2, pg. 5, Col. 4
On file at Adams Co., NE Historical Society