Fire Destroys Batts' Home in Elm City, Jan. 13, 1920

From The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Tuesday, January 13, 1920

Fire in Elm City

This morning about 10 o’clock fire broke out in the residence of Mary Ann Batts, a prosperous colored woman in Elm City. The local fire department made a valiant effort to extinguish the flames but without success, and the entire house with practically all its contents was burned to the ground. The loss is $2,500 on the house without insurance.

The woman had $900 in money in the house and recovered part of this in the ashes. She hopes to have this money redeemed, but it will be bills. This is proof that moneys should be kept in the bank to protect from fires and burglars.