wood shed just back of the house but nothing else could be done as there was nothing but the walls of the house standing and the wind was blowing directly away from the barns. Tom Stone told me the family had escaped in their night clothes and were all over at his place. He said Norman who had grabbed his boots as he came out had come over and awakened them up and when he & George got over the whole place was in flames and nothing could be done. The family were out in the barn trying to huddle under a horse blanket and Edward was the only one who had anything on his feet. Tom told them for Heaven's sake to get over to his place so they hooked up and drove over. I stayed for awhile but as there was nothing to do I came home and got to bed at last. I knew Marj. would be wondering if I would be bringing any one with me. I noticed when I got home a car came down the road from the north and another from the west.

Tuesday March 16th

Ina came this morning, and when Marj. told her of the Dove's disaster, she was very much concerned not only for them but for Nina, whom she knew would be in a very upset state as her nerves are so bad at any time, so Marj. suggested that she go over there instead of washing here. Marj. had hunted out a lot of underwear and other clothes and Ina mended at them till I had my breakfast and got ready to drive her over. We found Nina as we expected terribly agitated and hardly able to keep from crying as he talked to us. Tom. had gone down for the doctor for Mrs. Dove. They are afraid for her as she is so delicate and in no condition to stand such shock & exposure as she is expecting a baby next month I think. I stopped on my way back at the scene of the fire where old Dove and Edward were poking among the ruins. The old man pointed out several articles that he said were of no value in themselves but had a sentimental value to them and besides all their household utensils were brought with them from England and were better than they could buy here. Mrs. Dove had a chest of woollen blankets & bedding that she had brought from England and never used, and besides these things he had $125.00 in bills in his coat pocket. I came through Willie Shand's place and Willie said some of the neighbors were going to canvas the neighborhood this after noon for them. Willie & Tom Aiken went over to