Thanks to Linda Skelton Corbin who posted this on Face Book - THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN – ST. LOUIS, FEBRUARY 27, 1858 Fire at Cassville, Barry County, Mo. On the 17th instant, the entire buildings on the eastside of the public square in Cassville, Barry county, were destroyed by fire. They were owned by McDowell & Bro., Messers Mason, Moore, Herbert, and Dison. The fire broke out about midnight in Mason’s store, and spread to the store of McDowell & Bro. The latter firm succeeded in saving their books and papers. Mr. Mason was County Treasurer, and all the papers connected with that office were consumed. The house owned by Mr. Moore was not occupied. That of Mr. Herbert was occupied by Mr. Logas, who, however, removed many of his goods - - his loss will be $300 or $400. Mr. Dixon removed the most of his property. The fire was accidental. The loss is stated at $10,000. McDowell & Bro. had insurance on their stocks to the amount of $3,500 in the American and $15,000 in Citizens; and Mason $1,500 in Citizens and Atlantic offices, St. Louis.