Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 September 1879 — Fire Worshiping in Carolina. [ARTICLE]

Fire Worshiping in Carolina.

Charlotte (N. C.) Observer. About three years ago the Observer reported the case of a citizen of this county who, having married in 1843, lighted fire on his hearthstone, as soon as he carried his wife to his new home, and had kept it burning ever since. The man was in town yesterday, and being auestioned about the matter stated tha le fire was still burning,and throughout all these thirty-six years it had never been allowed to go out. Questioned as to whether or not it made the house uncomfortably hot in torrid weather,he said the extra heat thus generated was not perceptible. In reply to another question, he said that in summer weather, when it was necessary for comfort’s sake to keep the fire burning very low, he had to get up frequently at night to replenish it slightly, but that he countea this as nothing when he contemplated the idea of that fire going out. He has evidently formed for it a strong attachment, and yet one would not take him for a sentimental man. But this fire is to him a constant reminder of the day when he first brought home his briae. Around it his children have grown up into manhood and womanood, and their children have gazed into its light Its was the last light that fell upon the eyes of his wife, and he hopes that it will be the last that will fail upon his. Viewed thus, his sentiment in the matter can be understood, and so strong is this sentiment that with the old it amounts almost to a pas don.