Around 11:20 Saturday night (6/22/2013) fire destroyed the pre-Civil War home that was built by Mordici Burgess Wade in 1823. A firefighter with the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department said three-fourths of the home was fully involved in flames when they arrived. Another issue was live ammunition exploding in one section of the home when they arrived. Work on that section was delayed until the munition bursts ended.

The family who lives in the approximately 4,000 square foot home were on vacation. The home burned to the ground, and was still smoldering Sunday afternoon. 

Danny Sells, who lived in the home, told Channel 4 news a lot of work had been done on the home recently, including reworking the floors...

The owner is not certain whether or not they will rebuild.

In addition to Walter Hill, volunteers from Lascassas, Rutherford County stations 2 and 3, the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services and the Sheriffs Office responded to the call.

History of Family and Home

According to a 1977 publication of the Rutherford County Historical Society, "Its huge columns, spacious and attractive structure has been admired by many passers-by." The group noted, "It was one of the olded and most beautiful houses in Bethel-Leana Community." Historians note that the home was also used as a hospital during the Civil War. 

Susan Daniel with the Society told WGNS News, "So sad to lose another heritage house.