Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1899 — ANOTHER FIRE. [ARTICLE]

ANOTHER FIRE.

At about nine o’clock Saturday evening, some parties in Hilderbrand’s pool room discovered smoke issuing forth from the roof of the rear of M. L. Hemphill’s blacksmith shop, which soon burst into flames. The alarm was immediately sounded and as quickly responded to by our firemen, who saw at a glance that the fire had gained too much headway to save the blacksmith shop, and that their attention must be given towards saving Hilderbrand’s saloon, adjoining. They fought bravely with the destructive element and in a short time a sigh of relief went up from the immense crowd gathered about, as they realized that the fire was under the control of the firemen and that the scenes of devastation would extend no farther than these two buildings. Much fear was expressed at first because of the brisk wind carrying the clouds of sparks and burning material on to the roofs of the old frame buildings on the north side of Washington street, but many sentinels were here to be found, who guarded their posts not only wisely but well. Tbe blacksmith shop which was wholly destroyed, together with the wood work machinery, was a serious loss to Mr. Hemphill, with no insurance. The loss is estimated at a little over SI,OOO. We understand that Mr. H. will rebuild at once. The Hilderbrand building which was only partially destroyed, was covered by S4OO insurance. The insurance company has already settled the claim by paying $350. The origin of the fire is unknown. Subscribe for The Democrat.