Excerpted from the Creswell Letter column and dated February 14, 1890:

Editor Beacon:  Mr. W.A. ALEXANDER, whom we mentioned in a previous letter as losing a barn in 1883, and one also in 1889, by fire, came very near losing his life on Friday last, while taking down an old barn, which he had purchased of Mr. C.L. PETTIGREW.  The wind at the time, was blowing hard, and as the props had all been knocked from the rafters, they were blown down, falling on Jacob BASNIGHT, (who was assisting) killing him almost instantly; and Mr. ALEXANDER, in getting out of their way, fell on a joist, seriously injuring himself.  Two doctors are attending him daily, and when last heard from he was improving slightly, although he is badly hurt, and will no doubt be confined for a long time.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 21 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.