DESTRUCTIVE FIRE Maple Creek, December 12th FELLOW CITIZENS - On Thursday morning, the 11th of December, 1851, the Steam and Water power Flouring Mill of Mr. Solomon Cooper, with 3 run of Burrs, Hot Bolt, and Cast Gearing Smut Machine, Corn Cracker and Bran Sweeper, and in fact, every other convenience for accomodation, besides 5000 bushels of wheat, a quantity of oats, buckwheat, millwright tools, flour, barrels, and many bags, fell a sacrifice to the devouring flames - AND NO INSURANCE! The fire was first discovered between 5 and 6:00 in the morn, in the upper story, near the opposite corner from the engine, and was small when discovered, but the utmost exertions of Mr. Cooper, Mr. McGowen, millers, 2 millwrights, and the agent of the bran sweeper, failed to arrest it. The mill was shut down about 9:00 the evening previous - the fire was no doubt the work of an incendiary. Mr. Cooper's loss is $7000, for which he labored hard for many years, that of the individual neighbors about $4000! Mr. Cooper had been to some extent in debt, and has an industrious wife and 5 children, and has only a house and garden and small lot for his mill. His eldest son, 9 years old, about 2 months past, had his hand almost torn off by the corn grinder, but by the surgical skill of Dr. Biddle, it was saved, except the whole of the thumb, which was amputated. Mr. Cooper has been honest and upright in his dealings, and is an obliging neighbor. Now, Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens, we set before you the condition of this unfortunate family, and earnestly and most cordially solicit your aid and benevolence in their behalf. It is desirable to raise by contribution sufficient to enable him to rebuild. We, his neighbors and acquaintences, do hereby certify that the above statement is just and true in all its berings to the best of our knowledge and belief. Given under our hands the 12th day of December, 1851. John Boyle S. Redd P. Hendrickson John Redd D. McCracken D. Shannon T. G. Carson Henry Orwen John Conrad James Jones Geo. Winnet John B. Carson Wm. Jones Joseph Jones John Carson P. W. Shepler Joseph Rider J. McGowen