Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1909 — Costly Fire at Francesville. [ARTICLE]

Costly Fire at Francesville.

A fire was started In O. T. Higgins ft Co.’s hardware store at Franceevllle Sunday night, being discovered at about 9 o’clock. It is presumed to have started from an overheated stove. The store building belonged to William Schleman, and waa formerly occupied by his Implement and buggy store. The fire threatened to destroy the entire business section and a call for aid was sent out to Monon, and a special train took the Monon chemical engine and members of the Ore company to the scene. By the combined efforts of the two companies the surrounding buildings were saved, but all that was saved from the Higgins store was the account books. The estimated loss to stock and building U about $7,000. It was reported here that the entire town of Francessvlllu was burning up, but from telephone reports It Is found that only the one building was destroyed. but the fire companies had difficult work to rescue the other near-by property. We are not going out of business but we will sell you better clothing and furnishings for less money than those that claim they are going to retire. Call and look over the Una DUVALL ft LUNDY. The best wagon on the market, "The Weber,” Is sold by Malnes ft Hamilton. The Republican for your sale bills.