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Retired probate judge offers reward and seeks restoration after John Looney House fire
Summary
Retired Probate Judge Wallace White Jr. announced he is offering $1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who burned the historic John Looney House and asked the commission and historical groups to publicize and contribute to the fund.
Retired Probate Judge Wallace White Jr. told the St. Clair County Commission he is offering $1,000 as a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for burning the John Looney House, a locally significant historic landmark that was destroyed by fire several years ago. He said the investigation has gone cold and urged wider publicity to encourage witnesses to come forward.
White described the house as a “landmark historical house” and said the structure’s timbers were valuable and that the fire did not appear accidental. "Somebody started that fire," he said, and suggested a public reward might prompt people to speak. He asked the commission to help publicize the reward in local media and noted that other private donors and county funds could be combined to increase the total.
Commissioners and members of the St. Clair County Historical Society who attended the meeting pledged to help. Commissioners verbally matched portions of White’s offer during the meeting, and the judge reported pledges had raised the total to roughly $3,000 by the time he finished his remarks. Commissioners also discussed prior county contributions and whether the structure could be restored, noting engineering assessments and the potential reuse of salvaged timbers or donated materials from other historic buildings.
Why it matters: The John Looney House was identified as one of a small number of double dog-trot log structures locally and was described as a rarity worth preserving. Commissioners said that supporting historical preservation demonstrates community stewardship and that raising a reward could reopen investigative leads.
What's next: White asked county staff and local media to publicize the reward. Commissioners indicated they will work with the historical commission on potential funding channels—government funds would flow through the county-appointed Historical Commission—and said they would consider formal follow-up if additional pledges or restoration feasibility reports emerge.
