Richmond, VA House Fire, Sept 1853

DESTRUCTION OF JUDGE JOHN Y. MASON'S HOUSE BY FIRE.---We learn from the Richmond Enquirer that the residence of Judge JOHN Y. MASON, in that city, was destroyed by fire on Monday night. On opening the door to the room in which the fire was discovered, the flames and smoke came rushing out and forbade entrance. The Judge then immediately turned his attention to saving what he could from the devouring element. The safety of his family, of which there were about a dozen in all sleeping in various apartments of the house, was first attended to. In the two upper stories, nearly everything was destroyed, including furniture and a variety of other articles of value, amounting to the value of $3,000, which is a clear loss, there being no insurance. On the building, thoroughly repaired by the Judge, there is an insurance in the office of the Virginia Fire and Marine Company of $5,000, which will cover the loss occasioned by the damage to the building. Many family relics were destroyed, highly valued by their several owners. The Judge lost a number of highly-prized presents, received from friends during the time he held the office of Secretary of the Navy at Washington.

The New York Times, New York, NY 22 Sept 1853
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!