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The
Centennial
History
of
Oconto
County
Written
by RICHARD HALL
Published
in 1876
Oconto
County Reporter
November 12, 1876
Peshtigo Fire
The
varied and increasing industry at Peshtigo had given a new impetus to
farming. When in 1871 it was known that the Chicago & Northwestern
Railway Company was to extend its line northward, Peshtigo seemed
destined to become as thrifty and vigorous as any place on the line of
the railroad.
On Sunday the 8th of October
1871, the church going part of the little community had assembled in
their new and beautiful churches. Many children had gathe ed in Sunday
school. The people generally had enjoyed the rest and restoration which
Sunday brings to those who labour, and the quiet and peace of Sabbath
evening was setting down upon Peshtigo.
Anxiety was felt on account of
the forest fires which had been long raging. For weeks an incessant
wearing contest with the fires had been kept up, but it was believed
the worst was over.
At ten o'clock many had gone
to rest. Others still watched anxiously and some with foreboding. A
calm, breathless and unnatural stillness fell upon the town. Flakes
were falling thickly in the streets. These, examined, were ashes. Then
hot breaths of air were passing. The low rumbling of the forest fires
was plainly heard. The wind suddenly rose to a tornado and the roar of
the now approaching fire was fearful. Scattered coals fell in the
streets, and then a steady shower of them. The startled people beheld
writhing columns of flame high above the tree tops rushing upon the
town, borne on by a fierce tornado. Then a blinding, suffocating and
scorching sea of flame rolled in waves through the streets. To breath
the air was death. Few could tell where safely lay. In a few moments
all thought of saving property was given up, only life was struggled
for. Who can tell the woes of that fearful night and who shall tell the
fearful revelations of the morning. Peshtigo was gone, a smoldering
ashy plain lay in its place. But one small house had escaped.
With the first light,
commenced the search for friends and relatives. Over seventy were found
where death had met them in the streets. And more than one hundred had
perished during that fearful night. And who can forget or shut out the
sickening horror that crept over those who, seeing the shrunken,
blackened, scorched, objects before them, knew they had found the
friends they sought. With morning came the dread news that the fire and
tornado had swept through the farming districts, and that even a
greater number had perished there than in the village.
Peshtigo has been rebuilt. It
is stated on good authority that there are more farmers there now than
before the fire. Good farm buildings, schools and good roads are the
sure evidence of returning confidence and recovery from the blight of
that terrible disaster. Time with kindly healing has softened and even
made sacred the memories of that awful night. In a few instances the
places where families perished are not yet rebuilt, a place is pointed
out where swift death overtook some. While the wind sighs among the
blackened trees the wavy grass rustles and you heard not sound; the
lonely sleepers sleep on. The turmoil of life is hushed and suddenly
afar off you stand alone with Him who made the wind and flames his
messengers; the Voice of the Eternal is known; time sprints on and His
years are upon us.
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