Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 May 1917 — CALDWELL HOME [ARTICLE]

CALDWELL HOME

Defective Flue Causes Bad Fire at Earl Park. "Richland,” the beautiful home of the late Jennie E. Caldwell, at Earl Park was destroyed by fire at 9:30 o’clock Saturday night. The blaze was caused by a defective flue and the fire originated in the second story. It gained headway rapidly and it was not long until the entire structure was consumed. The volunteer fire department of Earl Park did Heroic work in saving adjoining buildings. When Mrs. Caldwell died her will provided that her residence be made a home for homeless mothers and their babes, as a memorial to her. She left a vast estate of over 6,000 acres of land, the income from which was to be used for the upkeep of the home. Mrs. Caldwell died in 1911 and a number of heirs instituted suit in the Benton' county circuit court to set aside the will. After being carried through several courts the case was comproihised and the home established. Lee Dinwiddle, one- of the trustees, stated Monday that the 16ss will be between $20,000 and $25,60$. It is partly covered by $lB,--000 insurance, carried In the Royal, Fidelity, phoenix and Westchester insurance companies.