Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 April 1905 — A DISASTROUS FARM FIRE. [ARTICLE]

A DISASTROUS FARM FIRE.

The Bill Baker Eann Residence and Outbuildings Wiped Ont Wednesday Night. One of the most - destructive farm fires that ever visited Jasper county occured Wednesday night when the house, barn, and other outbuildings cn the Wm Baker farm, 3J miles north of towD, were entirely wiped outJ. N. Gunyon is the tenant on the farm lh‘s year, and the fire was discsvered about midnight, by Mrs. Gunyon, and was then confined to the bam, but the inside of which was all ablaze. The | efforts of the family, as soon as they could dress and get out doors, were direoted to saving the horses, but the fire was so fierce that three good horses were lost in the barn and two others were more or less burned one of them so badly that it had to be shot. Three other horses were saved uninjured, but two of them were in another building, the corn crib which also burned, but not as soon as the barn. Two of the horses that escaped from the barn broke loose and got out themselves, contrary to the oommon opinion that horses will not voluntarily leave a bu:ning^building.

Other property lost in the barn, consisted of all Mr. Gunyon’s farm tools; suoh as binder, mower, rake, two wagons, a carriage, and a buggy, five sets work harness, one single harness, various smaller implements, 200 bushels corn and several tons of hay, Abont 100 or more ohickens were also lost.

The bam being very large and everything dry as tinder made a tremendous blaze, and a strong wind carried the fire directly towards the house, not over 75 or 100 feet distance, and that also soon took fire. Not however until most of the bedding, clothing and other bousehold"goods were saved. A large double corn crib also took fire and was burned, The house was built afcout 15 years ago and was then considered the best farm house in the county, and it was still in excellent state of preservation, It cost about $3,500. The bain was a'so a very large one, about 7 or 8 years old, and must have cost about $1,200. r While trying to save his horses Mr, Gunyon, in Borne manner, he does cot know how, sprained one of his ankles very badly and the injury become eo painful that he was brought to town about two o’clock for medical treatment, and he is now confined to his bed, at the Nowels Houee.

The horses he lost were especially good ones and in fine condition liis farm tools and vehicles were also well kept and nearly as good as new. He had $1 000 insurance, mostly on his horses and tools but partly on his household goods. The origin of the fire is unknown. but is thought to have started in the hay.mow, and pos* eibly may have been spontaneous combustion from a bunoh of damp hay. It was not caused by lightning as the fire began several hours before the rain started, Mr. Gunyon considers thai he has been specially unfortunate in property losses. Bome 19 years ago he was also burned out, and 23 years eg<\ in Clinton county, his house arid barn were blown io pieces by a cyolone. Tbe only-buildings left on the place is a long oorn-orib, west of the barn, whioh contains, a large qnanity of corn belonging to Mr. Baker, and alarge granary, which was empty, and is now being used to store the household goods, end will be utilized as far as possible for housekeeping purposes. Bnt few of tbe neighbors knew of the fire in time to be of any

help in saving the goods. The worse burned horse was fonnd to be so badly injured that it was killed. »nexf morning, Mr, Gunyon give $125 for it only a few weeks ego. This mikis four horses in all he lost. Besides other articles men'ioned they also loit large quantises of canned fruit, pota*o j s aLd other provisions in the oellar, and of meat stored in the barn. How Mrs. Gunyon oame to discover the fire was by getting up to feed a week o'd pet pig that had been given her by their former neighbor, John Martindale. Mr. Gunyon’s direct loss will reach SI,OOO to $1,200 nearly covered by the insurance.

Mr, Biker estimates the house worth $2,500, the barn worth $1,200 the double oorn crib SSOO, and the wind-pump was also burned, He has been carrying a policy of about $2,000 in O. B. Steward’s agency and whioh, according to the reoords in Irwin & Irwin’s ffici, with whom the original application was made, has still a year to run. Mr. Steward himself is out of town.