Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 January 1908 — DEFECTIVE FLUE, COSTLY FIRE [ARTICLE]

DEFECTIVE FLUE, COSTLY FIRE

A. L Willis Resideuce College Avenue Saved by Prompt Reposse of Fire Company. A fire was discovered in the roof of the residence property of A. L. Willis, this Wednesday morning at about 9:30 o’clock, and the fire department made a record ran to the scene and by diligent and well-directed efforts sayed the house from entire destruction. The fire was probably started in the roof or attic from a detective fine, altho the fine had been built only a few months ago by competent workmen. The house 1b MT copied by Mr. Willis aud wife, and by his son, Jamie Willis and wife. Mrs. Willis, sr., was visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Leslie Alter, near Parr, and the men Were working in the Willis machine shop down town. The fire was discovered by a neighbor and a little delay was occasioned in turning in the alarm. When Mrs.|Willis, jr M did not get immedicate reponse after ringing the telephone die hang np the receiver and started on the ran down town for assistance. The alarm was turned in by Miss Mary Daniels and die company was on band in an incredible short space of time. John Schaolaub, who was pass ing by saw the fire and entered the house, went up stairs and began moving out the furniture. Others soon assisted in this and all was finally moved ont, altho in a very bad condition. The entire roof was on fire when the company began throwing watev«but they soon had it under control, and the damage to the house is probably not more than S2OO, Unless the bouse should have to be replastered. There will also be some loss to the lurniture aud a great deal to their clothing, as the house was soaked with water. There was no insurance on either house or contents, and the loss will prove a serious one to Mr Willis. Carpenters were at once pat to work ou the hoase, and three stoves are kept gofog in order to dry the water soaked wood work. The wal $ will also have to be repared. It is though the family will be able to move baek into the house by Friday.