- From the: "Cuba True Patriot" vol IV, no. 29, 19 Jan 1866
Destructive Fire!...Entire business portion of Olean, NY in Ashes. ..."We learn that HH Phelps, Esq. perished in the flames. Mr Phelps is a well-known laywer. His office was on the second floor and was not insured. He had got most of his books and papers out, when he thought of something else and started back again. He was warned against going, but said he knew right where what he wanted layed. He rushed into the blazing building and never returned. He had scarcely entered before the blazing awning in front fell, blockading the entrance. The fierce flames burst through the rear windows, shutting off egress in that direction. Poor Phelps was heard and seen in the ball room which was on the same floor of his office, but no help could reach him. The roof soon fell in and the wall crumbled inward and thus he met his fearful death..."
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- 1866
Death
