Destructive Fire in Dresden Tenn 1868

The following article first appeared in the Hickman Courier on November 28, 1868.  It seems that John Moran's home was damaged in the amount of $2,800. His brother-in-law, B.D. Irvine suffered damages in the amount of $2,500 and cousin Robert M. Irvine suffered $3,000 in damages.

Destructive Fire--A destructive fire occurred in Dresden, Tenn., on Tuesday morning last, totally destroying the West-side of the public square.  The loss is estimated at $50,000.  It was the work of an incendiary and originated between Meadows' store and an old doctor's shop, used by him as a warehouse.  The following is an estimate of the losses incurred:  S. M. White, dealer in dry goods; J.M. Meadows, dealer in dry goods, $4,000; James Lumkins, grocery merchant, from $500 to $1000. Mr Lumpkins succeeded in saving most of his stock.  B.D. Irvine, owner of one of the buldings, $2,500; Jesee Givvs, owner of house an elegantly furnished saloon, $2,500; McKennan & Yates, $500; John Moran, owner of a house, $2,800; Gleason's two brick offices, occupied by Zachery, harness-maker, $300, and Archer, dealer in jewelry, $1,750.  Heirs of Jas. Summers,house on the south-west corner of the Square, $2,500.  Robert M. Irvine, house, $3,000.  J.A. Prestwood, $150. There was very little insurance on the buildings.

Dr. Walter H. and Mrs. E.J.M. Drane

I haven't found a family connection between the Moran and Drane families but they were definitely friends.   Here is an article I found among Moran family papers posted in the Nashville Banner June 10, 1934.

WERE CLARKSVILLE LEADERS

Clarksville, Tenn., June 9--(Special)

Prominent surgeion and physician, Dr. Walter Harding Drane was one of Montgomery County's philanthropists and leading public spirited men.  Dr. Jane and his wife, Mrs. Eliza J. McClure Drane, were both descendents of leading families and their descendents are today playing important roles in the life of this community.

Dr. Drane was a leader in the movement to build the old Hopkinsville Turnpike and the covered bridge at Ringgold.  He advanced $20,000 for the construction of the old covered bridge and when the tolls failed to pay dividends the span was finally deeded to him.  He sold it for $2,500 to the late H.C. Merrit who in turn sold it to the county which freed it.

Dr. Drane not only aided by his influence the building of the Louisville & Nahsville Railroad, through Clarksville, but paid $10,000 in cash to the enterprise.

In 1843 Dr. and Mrs. Drane moved to the beautiful county home the Hopkinsville Turnpike which is still standing today, though time has dealt unkindly with it.  In addition to being an outstanding surgeon of his day, he had extensive connections in the tobacco business, holding large stocks both her and in Europe.  It was in the tobacco business that the bulk of his fortune was made.

Walter Drane was born in 1798 and died in 1865.  During the Civil War he  was Surgeon of the 14th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America.  Eliza J. McClure Drane was born in 1808 and died in 1889.  They are both interred at Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Tennessee.