Biographies - Elmira Township

Thomas Oliver's residence was destroyed by fire on the morning of September 15, 1886. His father-in-law, W. H Turnbull, was burned so badly that he died the afternoon of that day. Building, furniture, records, etc., were a total loss. The origin of the fire is a mystery. The flames were first discovered by Mr. Oliver's daughter.

Mr. Turnbull, who was about seventy-five years old, was sleeping in an upstairs chamber, and succeeded in getting down stairs to the kitchen, where he became overpowered by the heat, and was dragged out badly burned. This prominent old settler has resolved to re-enact the pioneer drama in the west.