Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 October 1908 — DISASTROUS FIRE AT ROSELAWN [ARTICLE]

DISASTROUS FIRE AT ROSELAWN

East Side of the Town Wiped Out By Flames Tuesday Night—l. N. Best and Family Have Close Call.

Roselawn, a small town in Newton county, about 17 miles north of this city, was visited by a disastrous fire Tuesday night, practically the entire business section east of the Monon tracks being wiped out. The fire originated in the back part of I. N. Best’s livery stable, and himself and family were awakened at about 11:30 o’clock by the noise the horses were making in their frantic efforts to free themselves. Mr. Best and family resided over the stable and he Lurried down to see what the trouble was and was met by a volume of fire and smoke as he opened the door that led to the stable. He ran back up stairs and himself, wife? daughter and Mrs. Best’s brother made their escape clad only in their night clothes. The bam and residence “ and all they contained were destroyed, Including nine horses, two cows, all his household goods and all the clothing of the family. The flames then communicated to buildings on both sides of the livery barn, and the Roselawn hotel, which Mr. Best bad Just bought, the W. T. Kight saloon, the room formerly occupied by George Steel’s saloon, which is a two story building having a public hall above. It was occupied by a pool room and soft drink restaurant run by Steel. The Mellinger building, where the old “Seven Points”

saloon was conducted but for soma time unoccupied, was next consumed. Then came the office and store room of the Roselawn Lumber Co., and next to it the large lumber shed containing a large stock of lumber, all of which was destroyed. Zack Scifres, of Salem Ind., who owns a part of the Templeton ranch, was a guest at another hotel, and his fine iron gray driving team was in the livery bam and was destroyed. The hotel was not occupied, having been recently vacated by Aug. Schrleber. It was a three story building. So narrow was the escape of the Best family that they did not have time to put on even their shoes or even to gather up their clothing. They went to the home of friends and were supplied temporarily with clothing and the following morning went to Lowell to buy things xo wear. The origin of the fire is a great mystery, but it is thought that it must have been the work of an incendiary. The total loss is probably about $20,000, and the insurance was small. Mr. Best had about $1,600 on his barn and contents, but this is a small amount compared to his loss. He had Just purchased the hotel and was preparing to furnish it Mr. Best was formerly sheriff of White county, and is a well known temperance man, and had been instrumental in remonstrance interests at Roselawn. ’