Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1915 — Fire at Fowler. [ARTICLE]

Fire at Fowler.

A fire early Monday morning destroyed the St. Francis Catholic church of Fowler and threatened the church building next door. Fother Dhe and niece, Clara Dubois, narrowly escaped death. Father Dhe was awakened by the smoke and rushed to the room of the young girl, who was partly overcome by the smoke. Escape by means of the stairs was cut off by the flames. He and Miss Dubois were forced to jump from the roof of the porch to the ground, a distance of 20 feet. Both were slightly injured* in the jump to the ground. Neither had time to dress before leaving the house and were attired in their night clothes. The rectory was valued at $6,000 and the furniture at SI,OOO, partly covered by insurance.