Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 April 1898 — Mt. Ayr Tile Factory Burned. [ARTICLE]

Mt. Ayr Tile Factory Burned.

The.tile factory at Mt. Ayr was burned Tuesday noon. It belonged to Cohda Stucker and Frank Covert. Mr. Stucker's little boy caused the fire, by playing with matches. The factory, which was a large one and doing lots of business, was totally destroyed, with its machinery. Also two horses, and a cow. Also Mr. Stucker’s carriage. The.proprietors were neither of them at home having that very morning left with a party for Oklahoma. They were notified at Cljicago, by telegraph, but did not think it worth while to return. The loss was stated at $2,500, with no insurance. The tile factory was the sole or principal business of the owners besides gave employment to several persons.