Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1901 — BARN AND CORN BURNED. [ARTICLE]

BARN AND CORN BURNED.

Supposed Work of an Incendiary. About '6 o’clock last Monday morning, the barn on Mrs. Laura Michaels’ farm, in Jordan tp., was burned, with all its contents. The farm is occupied by Julius Huff, who works it on shares. About 1500 bushels of corn, nearlp all of this year’s orop, was destroyed. It was the joint property of Mrs. Michaels and Mr. Huff. Also Mr. Huff’s harness and a portion of his wagons. The fire was discovered in time to rescue the horses. There was no insurance on any of the property. The fire is supposed to have been set, in revenge, by John Huff a brother of Julius, who have been working for him. John, it seems, had a pair of rubber boots belonging to Will Miohaeis, and refused to give them up. He had given Mrs. Julius Huff $5 to keep for him, and on asking for it Mrs. Huff said he must first return Young Michaels’ boots. This made John very angry and he said he would "get even” with Michaels and this morning a few minutes after he went out doors the barn was discovered on fire, and John had disappeared. Officers are after him with a warrant. John seems to be a very erratic individual and is given to wandering about like a tramp- Will Micnaels says be has also heard him say that he would burn his brother, Julius, out if he did not treat him better.