Farm Fires in Calhoun County, Summer of 1891.

I found a letter to James T. Grinnell of Convis Township from the Farmer’s Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Calhoun in October, 1891.  It was a statement and bill which provided a list of farmers that had claims during the previous quarter that just happened to be the summer season. This was probably the height of bad weather that was the cause of so much damage to their homes, livestock and crops. Grinnell was insured for $750 at a cost of $75., I'm guessing that was a quarterly statement, although this is the only document from this company that I have located. 

Here is the list--

“Since the last Assessment of May, 1891, our Company has sustained and adjusted nineteen losses as follows:"

Jas. A. Kissenger, Leroy Twp., May 2, 1891—Damage to barn and carriage, Lightning

Arthur Crampton, Convis Twp., May 5, 1891—Contents of house burned. Cause unknown

Frank H. Long, Leroy Twp., June 3, 1891—Cow killed by lightning.

Robert C. Williams, Lee Twp., June 8, 1891—House and contents burned.  Supposed spark from chimney.

Norman Ellis, Fredonia Twp., June 19, 1891—Colt killed by lightning.

John H. Spencer, Leroy Twp., July 13, 1891—House burned.  Suppose spark from chimney.

H. W. Backofen, Lee Twp., July 18, 1891—Stack of wheat burned.  Incendiary

Chas. E. Woodliff, Homer Twp., July 29, 1891—Horse killed by lightning.

I.D. & B.F. Warner, Homer Twp., July 29, 1891—One cow and two sheep killed by lightning.

W.W. French, Tekonsha Twp., July 29, 1891—Three horses killed by lightning.

Wm. Krenerick, Clarence Twp., July 29, 1891—Horse killed by lightning.

Geo. R. Sanford, Tekonsha Twp., Aug. 1, 1891—Rooking chair and tidy damaged by fire.

Geo. W. Mellen, Athens Twp., Aug 2, 1891—House and contents damaged by fire.  Unknown.

G. W. Davis, Leroy Twp., Aug 7, 1891—Barn damaged by lightning.

Myron Snyder, Clarence Twp., Aug 9, 1891—Straw burned by lightning.

W. E. Thompson, Sheridan Twp., Aug. 9, 1891—House damaged by lightning.

J. C. Gutekurest, Fredonia Twp., Aug. 17, 1891—Colt killed by lightning.

P.I. Simons, Athens Twp., Sept. 19, 1891—Cow and calf killed and barn damaged by lightning.

W. B. Shepard Estate, Battle Creek, Sept. 22, 1891—Barn and contents burned. Incendiary.