On July 4, 1866 William Wilberforce Ruby, Reuben’s son and Abraham’s neighbor was walking downtown on Commercial Street near the intersection of High Street when he spotted a fire on the wharf.
The fire quickly spread fueled by wind and thick black smoke enveloped the city. The fire predated the Chicago Fire and at the time was the largest fire in American History.
The fire destroyed 1,800 buildings, including 1,200 residences. As a result 10,000 Portlanders found themselves homeless. The Federal government stepped in and shipped 1,500 tents below Munjoy Hill. The fire was an early example of documentary photography. Photos, letters and telegrams relating to the fire can be viewed curtesy of the Portland Public Library, online.
Portland Press Herald Article ‘The Man Who Shouted Fire!’ by Kelley Bouchard provides additional insight on Ruby’s contribution. Ruby is credited with saving the Abyssinian along with Niles and Ruby homes by covering the roofs with water-soaked blankets. As noted on the map, the fire did not spread to Sumner Street but the community was prepared none-the-less.