Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1912 — EARLY MORNING BLAZE GUTTED BLACKSMITH SHOP. [ARTICLE]

EARLY MORNING BLAZE GUTTED BLACKSMITH SHOP.

H. F. King Again VleUm of fire—t Bonding la Practically Ruined— Equipment Slightly Damaged. H. F. King, the blacksmith, whohf* Front street shop was destroyed by fire two years ago in January- when he occupied the Glazebrook building, was again a fire victim this Friday morning. For two years his shop has been located in an old building owned by Lucius Btrong and situated just south of the C. W. Rhoades property on Front street. At about a quarter of 5 o’clock this morning Mrs. Rhoades, Whose husband is the assistant fire chief, saw fire issuing from the side of the building next to the Rhoades residence. She at once turned in an alarm. Ntghtwateh Critser discovered the fire at about the same time and also turned in the alarm. The fire company responded promptly and did good work in subduing the fire but the shop was quite completely gutted and it is the intention of. Mr. Strong to tear the building down and build a good cement building in its place, provided Mr. King will continue to be a tenant. So. far Mr. King has found no place to move his shop even temporarily and it is probable that he will make some temporary repairs at his present location that will enable him to do all work that is in course

of completion. Mr. Strong had no insurance on his building. Mr. King had his tools and shop equipment but slightly damaged and this is covered with insurance. Mr. King and his employees seemed inclined to think the fire of incendiary origin, although they know of no one that would undertak«r~so dastardly a deed and there seems no motive for a crime of this sort. Fire Chief Montgomery was also of the opinidn that the building had been set on fire. It, seems a more probable theory, however, that the fire caught from thq chimney, as the fire when first discovered was located there and in the roof. The fire lads responded promptly and did excellent work in getting the fire' under control. Peculiarly Mr. King’s other shop fire occurred at about the same hour in the morning. He also suffered the loss of a barn by fire a little over two years ago. .«