FINE WITWER HORSES BURNED-1911

WITWER

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 5/25/2021 at 19:17:41

Evening Times-Republican, Saturday, Jul 22, 1911, Marshalltown, IA, Page: 10

FINE HORSES BURNED

Cedar Rapids Grocer Loses Animals
Valued $1,200 in Fire

Cedar Rapids, July 22-Fire originated in the shed used for storing hay adjoining the stables of the Witwer Brothers, grocers, in the rear of their building on First Street, last night communicated to the stables, and before it could be extinguished resulted in the burning to death of five of the six fine horses that were stabled in the building. A sixth horse was rescued from the burning stable at great risk, but not until the animal was cruelly burned on the back and flanks.

The animals burned were all of the Witwer’s horses. They kept six in the stables across the alley from their place of business. There were two big draft teams used for delivery, and two single driving horses. The teams and one driving horse were lost. The loss will easily run up in $1,200. They team were fine bays, and one of them was valued at $600. The other team and sorrel that were burned were also fine specimens of horse flesh.

The Messrs. Witwer are of the firm conviction that the fire was of incendiary origin. They expressed themselves as so last night and stated as there was no new hay in the shed the combustion theory is not probable. They feel certain that it was west on fire and offer a reward of $500 to anyone who will furnish them with information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone for the crime. This offer was made by Ben Witwer, Jr.