Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 100, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 March 1917 — FIRE AT B. F. FENDIG HOME [ARTICLE]

FIRE AT B. F. FENDIG HOME

Entire Upper Story of Handsome Residence Ruined. About S o’clock Saturdays morning •re broke out at the home of B. F. Fendig on McCoy avenue that for a time threatened to destroy the handsome residence. As it was the entire third story was destroyed by the fire and the lower floors of the house considerably damaged tjy •water. Just how the fire originated is not known, but it is the opinion of Mr. Fendig that sparks on the roof from the kitchen chimney started the Waze. Miss Wright, who is staying ■with Mr. and Mrs. Fendig, had just finished with the morning meal and as Mr. Fendig passed through the kitchen he remarked that she had a pretty hot fire. She answeredhim and said there was a sort of roaring in the chimney which seemed to add to the draft of the stove. Mr. Fendig surmised that the chimney was burning out and thought no more of the matter, coming on down town. About this time some of the neighbors saw the roof on fire and after some little confusion an alarm was sent in. The fire company responded promptly but the fire had already gained considerable headway over the roof and it required time and much difficult work to subdue tile flames.

The work of removing the furniture was accomplished with dispatch and very little damage by the large crowd that had gathered and practically everything on the first and second floors’ was removed to a place of safety. A billiard table valued at about S6OO and some bedroom furniture on the third floor were destroyed. Little Josephine Washburn was asleep in the -third story bedroom and was awakened by the excessive heat and went downstairs to announce the fire at about the same time it was discovered by the neighbors. Had the fire been a little earlier or the girl not awakened before the room became filled with smoke, it is horrible to imagine what might have resulted as Josephine’s position was indeed a perilous one. The house was formerly owned by Thomas McCpy and following the bank failure was dynamited. It was later purchased and repaired by Earle Reynolds, who owns it at the present time. Mr. Reynolds is now at Victoria. B. C., but Mr. Fendig stated that he carried $6,000 insurance On the house. The house has probably been damaged to the extent of $1,500 or $2,000. During the work of repairing the same Mr. Fendig and family will reside with ’ Mrs. Fendig’s mother, Mrs. Kate Watson. " Mr. Reynolds was notified of the fire by his mother, Mrs. S. R. Nichols, and replied of his intention to return and see to the repairing as soon as he could arrange to do so.