February ___, 1899 Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa

The worst calamity that has ever over taken Diagonal, befell it on last Sunday night. It came in the way of a fire which in two hours burned out three business firms, and the same number of houses. The fire was first discovered in the rear of I. D. JORDAN's dry good store. Commencing in the coal shed at least twenty feet from where any fire was kept and on the west end. The wind being southwest drove the flames first to the ware and flour room and then to the main building and in a few minutes the whole building was in flame, consuming everything. Not a single article of JORDAN's large stock was saved.

Next on the north was a building occupied by Mr. A. JOHNSON, son-in-law of D. CHANCE of Mt. Ayr. Mr. JOHNSON and family lived in a part of the house and Mrs. JOHNSON had a millinery store in the other part. They saved about one-half of their household goods and a part of Mrs. JOHNSON's stock.

Next north was the building owned by H. HERSOM and occupied by L. B. CANFIELD as a hardware store. He saved a part of his stock but most of his stock was burned.

Mr. JORDAN was away in Iowa county, visiting and his clerk was in the store after 7 p.m., and left everything as he supposed safe.

The fire was first seen shortly after midnight and in less than two hours the whole rowe (sic) was a mass of smoldering ruins. At least $10,000 worth of property was destroyed. All to some extent insured. We hear JORDAN had $3,200 insurance; HARVEY $200; HERSOM $1,000, and that the goods of Mrs. JOHNS and Mr. CANFIELD were insured. But at best the loss will amount to several thousand dollars besides the loss of trade and rearranging of business.

Submitted by Sharon R. Becker, 2007

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