The Rudd Farm fire consumed everything, leaving William A. Rudd and James Miller with only a story to tell. In its wake, nearly four dozen horses and cows succumb to the flames, nearby farming equipment was destroyed, and the barn housing it all was reduced to a smoldering pile of ash. The barn belonged to Rudd while the contents were the property of Miller. Suspicion fell on the so-called “tramps” who road the railways and took shelter wherever a safe rest was likely to be had. In 1901, the financial loss was estimated to surpass $5000, a significant amount to watch disappear in a puff of smoke.