Feb 22, 1897

Hannibal, MO

Four people lost their lives in the fire which destroyed the dry goods store of M. M. Marks at 3 o’clock this morning. The rooms above the store were occupied by the Marks family and a number of lodgers. The flames had gained considerable headway when discovered, and the occupants of the rooms on the second and third floors made a wild rush for safety. Those who escaped were obliged to leave behind all wearing apparel and personal effects.

In the ruins were found the bodies of Proprietor Marks and his two young sons, Irvin and Harold, and that of William Reed, a barkeeper, who roomed on the second floor. Reed lost his life by returning for his clothing after he had made a successful escape from the building. The fire loss was $10,000.