In December of 1898 Wentzville had a fire that destroyed an entire block of the business district. The Warrenton Banner reported that: “The fire was discovered in the wagon shop of F. Schierbaum spread to an immense warehouse, a large boarding house occupied by Mrs. Boyd” this house also included the offices of the Wentzville Union and Dr. Goodrich, and the Banner article referred to this as the Goodrich Building. The Banner article continues: “On the west side of the wagon shop was a large building occupied as a residence by Mr. Schierbaum. W.E. Penn, a banker and DR. J.T. Evans had offices in this last building”. The Banner reported that all buildings were of frame construction and “burned like kindling wood”. Loses were estimated at $10,000 and that the owners only carried about $4000 in insurance. The Banner expected all buildings to be rebuilt. Later that month the Warrenton Banner reported that Dr. Goodrich sustained a “considerable loss” and the he had disposed of his real estate.