News From Bayville 1878

New Jersey Courier 12 Dec 1878
The large residence of Mr. Cornelius Lawrence caught fire on Saturday evening last, about six o'clock, from a defective flue. Mr. Lawrence was returning from Toms River and on nearing the house discovered the fire on the roof. He quickly gave the alarm and this was the first intimation the inmates received of their danger. The neighbors saw the work of destruction going on and at once repaired to the burning building and saved all of the furniture, and in fact everything but part of Mr. Lawrence's wardrobe and that of his housekeeper, Mrs. Josephine Troy, who also lost some jewelry and $20 cash. The lost articles were in the attic. Hundreds of buckets of water were thrown upon the wagon house and corn crib which were thusly saved. I was informed by Mr. Lawrence that the building was insured for $1200 and that $2500 would be required to replace it.