FIRE IN FARM HOUSE STARTS MYSTERIOUSLY.

The old Severson homestead, at the eastern edge of the village, now occupied by Elmer J. Severson and family, caught fire Sunday morning in a mysterious manner. The fire was discovered at an early hour by Mrs. Severson who, on going into a part of the cellar where potatoes and apples were stored, found the place filled with smoke.

A hurried examination was made, both inside and outside of the building, and finally fire was found slowly eating its way between some straw banking and the side of the house, and working gradually into the timbers under the flooring. The family was quite excited for a time, and preparations were made to save some of the valuables in case the fire got beyond control. However, a few pails of water extinguished the flames and saved the building from destruction.

OLD LANDMARK BURNS.

The old Livingston homestead, at the foot of High Point, now a part of the Thacher estate, burned to the ground early Monday morning. The house was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Eli Scrafford and Mrs. Scrafford’s mother. The fire was first discovered at about 3:30 o’clock and had gained such headway that Mr. and Mrs. Scrafford, who slept upstairs, were cut off from the stairway by the flames, and were forced to escape by way of the veranda roof. Mr. Scrafford jumped to the ground and, securing a ladder, brought his wife to safety. They all escaped with only their night clothes.

Mr. Scrafford walked nearly half a mile in stocking feet in the snow to the home of L. B. Hudson, a neighbor, and secured clothing for himself and family. Their household effects, including furniture, bedding, provisions, etc., were a total loss. A sum of money amounting to $175 was also burned. In attempting to save the money Mr. Scrafford was burned quite badly about his hands and face. No insurance was carried on the building.

They are now stopping with John Scrafford and family. Donations of clothing, furniture, provisions or money will be very acceptable.

FEURA BUSH — SOUTH END.

George Carkner recently shot a fine red fox and later a gray one. Already the tide of success has turned for the hunters.

SCHOHARIE AND BARTON HILL.

Mrs. Millicent Sprague Guffin, widow of the late Cyrus Guffin, entered the land of silence on Feb. 20, at the ripe age of 80 years. Nearly all her relatives had preceded her and we are glad to think of her as being happy with them again. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church and her last years of pain and loneliness were made endurable by the uplift of the Everlasting Arms. Rev. W. W. Eaton , her pastor, officiated at the funeral, held at her home. Burial was in the Old Stone Fort cemetery.

VILLAGE NOTES.

The electric current was cut off Tuesday night from 6:30 to about 9:30, plunging the village in darkness. All lights went out just as the residents were sitting down to their evening meal. Oil lamps and lanterns were brought into use, reminding us of the good old days. It was reported that a tree had fallen and broken the line somewhere near Slingerlands. The rapidity with which repairs were made and the current turned on again shows that the Municipal Gas company pays close attention to business.

SLINGERLANDS

At a regular meeting of Tawasentha chapter, D. A. R., held last Wednesday afternoon, a resolution was passed to purchase a service flag, to be placed on the flagpole on the New Scotland road, in honor of the men of this village who are in the United States war service. There are eighteen. When the flag is raised, appropriate exercises will be held. The date, which has not as yet been determined upon, will be announced, and it is planned to make this a community affair.