EDGEWOOD — A piece of history was destroyed Monday in Edgewood, when a nearly 160 year old home burned to the ground.

The structure was fully engulfed by flames when the Tri-County Fire Protection district arrived on scene just before noon Monday. Tri-County received mutual aid from Farina and Watson.

The owner of the home, Jeff Deunk, of Effingham, has owned the home for 15 years and was nearly finished with restorations. He said he and his son were burning debris and an ember may have ignited the roof of the home.