Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1895 — A Good Residence Burned Down. [ARTICLE]

A Good Residence Burned Down.

Monday forenoon the fire alarm sounded for the third time within 40 hours. This time the fire proved to be in John T. Harris’ house, in the grove, north of the railroad, and what was formerly John Coen’s residence. The fire caught in the attic of the rear part of the house, probably from an opening in the kitchen chimney, where it passed through the attic.

The fire had made such headway when discovered, and owing to the very high wind, burned so fiercely and spread so fast, that there was never any prospect of saving the building, and the efforts of the crowd were directed to saving the contents of the house; and nearly all of which on the lower floors, was saved. The fire company got there in good season, considering the great distance they had to go, upwards of a half mile, but they could do nothing more than to save an out building or two.

The burned house was a large, two story residence; and though built about 16 years ago. was in excellent preservation, and bad been largely remodleskonly last year. It wijp buffo by John Coen, and sold about two years ago to John T. Harris. The building was insured for SBSO and the contents for $l5O, in M. L. Spitler’s agency. But this will not half cover the loss.