Rome, Iowa, Jan 3. [Special.] One of the most destructive fires the town ever experienced broke out here last evening, and before the flames were under control the general store of Miller Messer, his residence and barn were destroyed.

The fire broke out in the basement of the store about seven o’clock in the evening and before effective assistance was at hand, the store was sheeted in flames and doomed to total destruction. The attempt to save the residence which stood but a few feet away was futile and in a short time it too was blazing fiercely. In the meanwhile, the barn had caught fire and was soon in ruins. Finding themselves helpless all efforts were bent to the salvation of the residence of the O’Laughlin’s that stood next to the residence of Messer. By hard work this building was saved.

Part of the stock from the store was saved and all the household goods of the residence. The loss on the buildings is complete, and estimated at fully $5,000.

There is a suspicion that the fire was the work of an incendiary. It will be remembered that the same store was set on fire last summer, and was badly damaged by the explosion of several kegs of powder. The matter has been placed in the hands of the sheriff for investigation.

(“Mt. Pleasant Daily News”, Wednesday, January 3, 1900, page 1)

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Resource provided by Henry County Heritage Trust, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; transcription done by Liam Christensen, University of Northern Iowa Public History Field Experience Class, Spring 2025.
Contributed to Henry County IAGenWeb, March 2025.