A house occupied by Thomas WILLIAMS in Valley street was burned to the ground late Wednesday night. Shortly after 11 o'clock Mr. WILLIAMS was aroused by the sound of crackling wood and awakened to find the room full of smoke. He hastily called the other members of his family, his wife and several children, and cried an alarm form the window. The lower part of the house was already in flames and the WILLIAMS family made their escape through a window on the second floor. They had no time to save any of their belongings, but seized what clothing was in reach and fled in their night attire. In the meantime, the alarm had been sent in and many persons ran to the aid of the stricken family. The flames had gained much headway and all attempts to save the building were fruitless. The house was a double one. One side was occupied by Mr. WILLIAMS and his family and the other side was vacant. When the blaze reached the empty side of the house, it burned with almost inconceivable fierceness and it was but a short time until the whole building lay in ashes. The fire is supposed to have originated from an overheated chimney. A big wood fire had been burning the WILLIAMS family went to bed, and scattered sparks may have been the cause of the blaze. The house had been purchased a few months ago by the Pennsylvania Building and Loan association. The building was valued at $2,000 and the furniture at about $500. The total loss is practically covered by insurance.