Campbellsport News, March 14, 1918

OPPERMANN HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE
FAMILY WAS AT SUPPER WHEN BLAZE WAS DISCOVESED BUT TOO LATE TO CHECK

  Fire which is supposed to have started from a defective chimney, completely destroyed the farm residence of J. F. Oppermann, about six miles southeast of this village, last Thursday evening about six o'clock. Mr. Oppermann and his family were at supper, when they smelled smoke and upon investigating found that a fire had gained considerable headway in the attic, which soon spread to other parts of the house. Help was immediately summoned but it was useless to try and save the building so efforts were directed to removing what furniture was possible and saving surrounding property.
   Only a few articles of furniture was saved, as the flames spread with such rapidity that the effort of the family and neighbors, who gathered were mostly in vain.
   Mr. Oppermann estimates his loss at about $3,000, with $1,600 insurance. The residence had just been rebuilt two years ago and the loss will be greatly felt by the family.