USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
LIVERY STABLES.
Jackson Swain came here from Wayne County, Ohio, in 1844, and engaged in the livery business on the west side of Calhoun street, north of Columbia, on Lot
RES. OF MRS. LAVINIA A. BOND. CORNER OF CREIGHTON & FAIRFIELD AVE'S FT. WAYNE IND.
RES OF FP. RANDALL. CORNER OF BERRY & LAFAYETTE STS, FORT WAYNE, IND.
115
WAYNE TOWNSHIP.
46, original plat. He was joined by Hugh McClarren in a partnership in 1853, and the business was carried on under the name of Swain & McClarren. In 1856, they removed to the then " Spencer House Barn, " on Lot 581, original plat. They continued here until June 10, 1859, at which time the barn burned. J. King having purchased and removed the old Methodist Church to Lot 105, origi- nal plat-south side of Berry, west of Calhoun street, present site of the Fruit House-they purchased the building of' Mr. King, erected a hriek liont, and otherwise improved the place for a livery stable. In these buildings they con- tinued until 1862, when Mr. MeClarren died; Mr. Swain continuing the business until his death in 1870, when it eeased to be used as a livery stable.
Reed & Daniels started in the livery business on the north side of Pearl alley in a two-story hriek building, located immediately east of Calhoun street. They continued here until November, 1855, when they huilt a new stahle, 40x90 feet, hriek, two stories high, located on the east side of Court street. present site of Foster's hloek. Mr. Daniels subsequently withdrew, and Alex. Wiley was admit- ted, and the business continued as Reed & Wiley. 1n 1868, Mr. Wiley having retired, and Mr. A. J. Reed continuing, he huilt a new stable on Wayne street, north side, west of Calhoun, Lot 133, original plat, where he continues at the pres- ent time.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department was regularly organized in 1856. Prior to this time, there existed two organizations-one called the Anthony Wayne, which was organized in 1841, and continued some years. Their apparatus eon- sisted of a Jeffries " gallery engine," with side hrakes, and a two- wheel hose eart, and ahout 500 feet of leather-riveted hose ; this apparatus was purchased of Platt & Co. in 1841, and cost $587. Their engine-house was loented on the east side of Clinton street, north of Main, and afterward in an old market-house on the north end of the present market space on Barr street. Later, they dishanded. In January, 1842, a special act passed hoth houses of the Legislature, exempting this company from working on roads and serving on juries. Friday, August 22, 1842, W. L Moon was allowed 8124 for making 150 fect of hose.
The other organization was ealled the Hermans, and was organized in 1848. Their apparatus consisted of a side-hrake Button engine, a two-wheel hose cart, and ahout 1,000 feet of leather-riveted hose-all of which arrived here in Noven- her, 1848. Their engine-house was on the west side of Clinton street, north of Berry, on Lot No. 100, origiual plat ; the building, a one-story hrick, was demol- ished in 1863.
On the 10th day of August, 1856, an organization ealled the Alert Engine and Hose Company was duly inaugurated, and all the machinery, ete., of the late Hermaus was transferred over to them, which they continued to use until January 13, 1868, when they gave it back to the eity, and re-organized into an indepen- dent hook and ladder company.
The Mechanics' Engine and Hose Company was organized August 7, 1856. Hand Fire Engine -In 1859, the city purchased a " double decker " hand engine, and not meeting the desire of the city, she was returned soon after. It arrived here in September, 1859.
Fire Limits .- On December 3, 1848, the Common Council established the fire limits as follows : Barr street on the east, Main street on the south, Harrison on the west, and the canal on the north.
In 1867, the eity purchased of Pittsburgh, Penn., a second-hand steam fire engine, of the Amoskeag manufacture, and a hose reel at a cost of $3,000; the engine was called the Vigilant. In September, 1867, another organization was effected, ealled the Vigilant Engine and Hose Company, and immediately took possession of the Vigilant engine and hose reel. In 1868, they purchased two additional hand engines-a la garden pumps ; these were very unsatisfactory, and were finally sold ; their first eost was $300 each. In 1871, they elosed a contract with Thomas Stevens, of Fort Wayne, Ind., to build a hose eart, and to overhaul the Vigilant eart. In the spring of 1872, they purchased of George Hannis, Chieago, Ill., a hook and ladder truek, at a cost of $2,300. In the autumn of 1872, they purchased an additional steam engine from the Silshy Manufacturing Co. This apparatus, a rotary, was named the Authony Wayne ; this engine was purchased for and held as a reserve ; eost $4,800.
On the 28th day of June, 1873, the Mechanies' Engine aud Hose Company was dishanded from service. In January, 1874, Chief Vogel purchased the first hose for use on hose reels and earts. In May, 1874, Thomas Mannix having heen elected Chief of the Fire Department, the Vigilants and Torrents both withdrew from the department, and resolved themselves into a union, to be known as the U. V. & T .- United Vigilants and Torrents; this organization, however, did not do service for the eity. At this time, the Mechanics were re-instated aud hecame active.
The city of Fort Wayne having elosed a coutraet with the Silsby Manufaet- uring Company for a steam fire engine, at a cost of $4,800, on the 1st day of Jan- uary, 1861, it arrived here, and in due time was tried and accepted. This, the first steam fire apparatus hrought here, was a rotary, and was named after the then Mayor of the city, Frank Randall.
In the summer of 1860, the city huilt on the northeast corner of Berry and Court streets, Lot 100, original plat, a two-story brick engiue-house. The second floor was fitted for a firemen's hall ; the first floor was fitted for engine, hose, and hook and ladder apparatus. In the autumn of 1863, they demolished the old engine-house, immediately in the rear of the new one, on the same lot, and reared an additional structure for general fire apparatus.
In May, 1875, F. B. Vogel was re-cleeted Chief Engineer, and the U. V. & T. were re-instated in the service and hecame active, and the Mechanics resigued. During the year, they purchased two four-wheel Babeock hose carriages, at a cost of 8700 each ; also two additional horses, thus dispensing with all hand carts.
On August 15, 1875, the National Fire Alarm Telegraph was introduced, with fifteen boxes, eight miles of wire, and other suitable apparatus ; total cost, $5,000.
During this month a change of officers occurred : Con Shank was superseded as First Assistant Chief hy Michael Kalo, raised from Second Assistant ; this vacancy being filled by Robert Cran. In the spring of this year, John Downey, driver of linse eart, was raised to full pay ; Fred Pohhueyer and George Smeders were admitted as hose cart drivers also, all on pay of $50 per month.
In September, 1875, the present system of unhitehing the horses by electric- ity and disciplining the men, together with a systematic change throughout, was inaugurated.
In May, 1876, Mr. Vogel was re-elected, and the following officers, uruiber> and companies were confirmed aud continued : F. B. Vogel, Chief; Rohert Cran, First Assistant ; Clark Slocum. Second Assistant.
Alert Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1-Geo. Swain, Driver ; Gus't Strodel, Tillerman. Vigilant Engine and Hose Co, No. 2-1. Bulger, Driver ; John Graff, Eugineer. Torrent Engine and Hose Co., No. 3-M. Conners, Driver ; Ilenry Ililhrieht, Engineer. Vigilant Hose Co., No. 2-John Downey, Driver. Anthony Wayne steamer held as a. reserve.
In February, 1876, the Chief, having made plans and estimates, was author- ized hy the city to make needed improvements in buiklings, etc. A building of hriek, 30x48, two stories high, was added, and all adjacent buildings eounreted. By this change, very satisfactory results were obtained The Department was put on a footing to theet au instant eall, and the time of moving the machinery reduced to a minimum-twelve seconds, against from ten to thirty minutes before the tele- graph und these last improvements were made.
In 1877, an additional cistern was built on an improved plan, suggested hy the Chief. "This improvement, 65 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 10 feet high, with a brick, arch top, has proved so far to he very practical. During this year, five additional alarm hoxes were added, and four more wiles of wire, at a cost of $750, this making a total of twenty-three hoxes, and fifteen miles of wire, reaching to the remotest part of the city.
In 1876, three more alarm hoxes were put in, together with three miles of wire, all at a total cost of $450.
Location of Fire Cisterns .- No. 1, interseetion Clinton and Wayne streets; No. 2, Clinton and Jefferson; No. 3, La Fayette and Wallace ; No. 4, Hanna and Wallace; No. 5, Calhoun and Ilamilton ; No. 6, Hoagland and Butler; No. 7, Prinee and Bass ; No. 8, Lavina and Broadway; No. 9, West and Pritchard ; No. 10, Wayne and Union; No. 11, southeast eorner Jefferson and Union ; No. 12, interseetion Washington and Van Buren ; No. 13, southeast coruer Market House and Broadway; No. 14, intersection Jefferson and Grithith; No. 15, Cal- houn, hetween Jefferson and Lewis; No. 16, Holman, cast of Calhoun; No. 17, Washington. northwest corner of Clay ; No. 18, East Jefferson, north side of German Catholic Church; No. 19, intersection Barr and Madison ; No. 20, La Fayette and Montgomery; No. 21, Jefferson and Hanna ; No. 22, Madison and Francis; No. 23, Court street, near Second Ward engine-house; No. 24, intersection Third and Wells; No. 25, Wayne and Wehster; No. 26, Douglas avenue and Webster, No. 27, High and Barthold; No. 28, Taylor and Pine; No. 29, Lewis and Mon- roe; No. 30, Harrison and Dawson ; No. 31, Maumee road and Comparet ; No. 32, Broadway and Nirdlinger avenue; No. 33, Henry and Miner; No. 34, Buchanan and Cass.
Summary of the Department for 1879-Steamer Charley Zollinger, Amoskeng manufacture, on duty ; steamer Anthony Wayne, Silsby manufacture, purchased 1872, on duty, original eost, $4,800, rebuilt 1879, by Silsby Works, cost $800; steamer Frank Randall, Silsby manufacture, on reserve, original cost, $4,800, rebuilt 1878, by Kerr Murray, cost, 81,450 ; steamer Vigilant, Amoskeag manu- fueture, purchased 1864, on reserve, original cost, $3,000, repaired by Kerr Murray, cost, $500; hand engine Reseue, Button manufacture, ou reserve, orig inal eost, $1,500; hook and ladder truck Alert, George Hannis manufacture, purchased 1872, on duty, original cost, $2,300; hose carriage, Babcock mauu- facture, purchased 1875, on duty, original cost, $700, capacity of hose, 1,000 feet; hose carriage, Babeock manufacture, purchased 1875, on duty, capneity of hose, 1,000 feet; hose eart, Silshy manufacture, on duty, capacity of hose, 000 feet ; hose eart protection, on reserve; fire alarm telegraph, National manufactur, purchased August 15, 1875, fifteen hoxes, original cost, $5,000. In 1876 three hoxes were added, eost, $450; fire alarm telegraph, National manufacture, purchased 1876, five hoxes were added, cost, $750, oue box eost $150. Full paid firemen, 8; minute paid fireman, 17; Total number of heads of horses, 11; total number of feet of reliable hose, all ruhher, 6,000 ; total number of fire alarm boxes, 35 ; total number of fire cisterus, 34; total number of steam engines, 4, oue on reserve, one disabled; total number of hose reels, d. one disabled ; total number of hook and ladder trucks, 1.
Sale of Apparatuses .- In 1872, Thomas Mannix, Chicl' Engineer, sold to Delphi, Ind., the old Torrent Engiue for $1,050; also to Antwerp, Ohio, one small hand engine, purchased in 1868, for $375; also, douated to the Concordia College one small hand engine, purchased in 1868, cost, $300. In June, 1874. sold old Alert hook and ladder truck to Columbia City, Ind., for, 8600.
The following have heen the various Chief Engineers of the Fire Depart- ment: L. T. Bourie, 1856 to 1858; George Humphries, 1858 to 1860 ; O. D. Hurd, 1860 to 1861; Joseph Stillwagon, 1861 to 1862; L. T. Bourle, 1862 to 1863; M. Vangeeson, 1863 to 1866; Henry Fry, 1866 to 1867 ; Hiraui Poyser, 1867 to 1868; Thomas Mannix, 1868 to 1873; Frank Vogel, 1573 to 1874; Thomas Mannix, 1874 to 1875; Frank Vogel. 1875 to- 17!).
A hook and ladder company was proposed in June, 1842, and a meeting was held at the office of S. S, Morss to perfect un organization. A paper was drawn up agreeable to an act of the Legislature relative to fire companies, approved February 12, 1838, which required a membership of forty to perfect un organization. The forty names were obtained, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and hy-laws, which were reported and adopted in presence of His Honor, the Mayor, and Aldermen. Officers were elected, resolutions passed
.
116
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
requiring the Foreman and Secretary to wait upon the Common Council and request them to furnish them necessary implements. The Council was in favor of furnishing each member with some fixing, hut, discovering that the company had forty members, and that they had suthority to organize a company, passed a resolution making twenty-five members to constitute a company. The city, how- ever, feeling too poor to purehase the fixings, and also to lose twenty-five poll tax payers, at $3.75 a head, the company was forced to dishand. Officers-Foreman, Henry Lotz; Assistant Foreman, John Rhinehart; Secretary, S. S. Morss. Committee-S. S. Morss, T. K. Brackenridge, S. C. Frecman.
Alert Engine Company, No. 1 .- This company was organized August 10, 1856, in the Mayor's office of the eity of Fort Wayne, on Clinton street. The following were the charter members: John Buchannan, L. T. Bourie, William Story, E. L. Chittenden, Hyram Work, Samuel L. Pratt, Samuel Lewis, George Nelson, Marcellus Comparet, E. P. Bostick, James Humbert, A. H. Carrier, Isaac Dean, Charles W. Lewis, George Messersmith, I. W. Campbell, Chester Scarlett, E. P. Edsall, Ambrose Kiser, Frank MeMaken, F. J. Drake, John McGrady, W. J. Vanschuyver, Adam Clark, John Fairfield, Silas Tamm, Will- iam Hull. First officers-Foreman, L. T. Bourie; First Assistant, Samuel Pratt ; Second Assistant, George Messersmith; Treasurer, C. W. Lewis; Secre- tary, E. L. Chittenden.
HALL OF ALERT HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 2, SACRAMENTO, Cal., June 4, 1858.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF ALERT ENGINE COMPANY, No. 1, Fort Wayne, Ind .- Gen- themen. Having lately beard of your organization, and feeling that a high compliment bas been paid us in the selection of a name, and in the elevation to its command of one of our most esteemed ex-officers, Mr. L. T. Bourie, the undersigned, on behalf of Alert Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. of this city, beg your acceptance of a Fire Depart- ment edition of n " Bird's-Eye View of Sacramento" as a slight testimonial of their regard for their brethren of Alert Engine Company, No. 1, of Fort Wayne, Ind. Wish- ing you God speed in the good cause for which we were organized, and trusting you will be found " Ever on the Alert," allow us to subscribe ourselves, Your obedient servants, ALEX. C. FOLGER, President.
GEORGE W WALLACE, Secretary.
The city of Fort Wayne having failed to furnish this organization with suita- ble apparatus, they re-organized into a chartered company, May 6, 1868, under the following title : Independent Alert Hook & Lsdder Company of Fort Wayne, Ind., and brought to this city, on Tuesday, August 12, 1858, the first hook and ladder truck, the funds for the payment of which was collected hy assessment from among the members. A stock organization haviog heen effected, the following were the first officers elected of Alert Hook and Ladder Coompany, No. 1 : L. F. Bourie, Foreman ; E. L. L. Chittenden, Secretary. In 1862 or 1863, they sold their truck to the city of Fort Wayne, for the sum of $1,000, hut did not, how- ever, cease as an independent organization, which continues up to the present time with the following offieers and members : Richard Hanson, Foreman ; John Phillips, First Assistant; Willlam Ford, Seeond Assistant ; August Lordier, Treas- urer; A. H. Carier, Secretary. Frank C. Eme, Thomas Hedekin, M. A. Noll, Trustees. Members: W. T. Abott, J. H. Bass, A. H. Carier, A. Holsworth, Charles Goodman, L. Lauferty, Joseph Mommer, J. G. Noll, F. Reinking, N. P. Stockbridge, Henry Trentman, C. A. Zollinger, Marsh Combs, Richard Rossing- ton, L. T. Bouric, John Bostick, C. F. Eme, G. Humbrecht, Anthony Kelker, A. Lordier, J. P. Manuel. A. Parnin, John Rabb, William D. Schiefer, F. B. Vogel, John Phillips, Thomas B. Hedekin, Richard Hanson Ferd Boltz, C. S. Braekenridge, W. O. Ford, H. Gerardin, James M. Kane, William Leichenstein, MI. A. Noll, W. Rossington, Gus. Strodel, I. Trauerman. Frank Voril, George Swain, Charles McCulloch, H. H. Hamilton.
Their first hall was over B. Phillips' store, east side of Calhoun, south of Main street ; from there they moved over P. Kiser's store, second building south of former location ; from there to Fisher's Hall, south side of Main street, east of Clinton, and from there to Taylor's block, west side of Barr, north of Main street, and from there to their present location, Foster's block, east side of Court street.
August 4, 1858, Alert Engine Company was disbanded, and re-organized as Independent Alert Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. Officers elected : J. W. Campbell, Foreman; Elias Bastick, First Assistant ; John Ohls, Seeond Assis- tant; Jared Bond, Secretary; Fred. J. Clarke, Treasurer. This Company sold their book and ladder truck to the city in 1865, for $600; its original cost was $550.
Torrent Engine & Hose Company, No. 3 .- This Company was organized July 16, 1860. with the following members : R. D. Silver, James Southern, W. H. Hunting, E. N. Edmonds, Charles Degitz, C. Müller, William H. MeMullen, F Holzer, J. B. Neizer, Peter Kiser, Jr., Louis Amann, Louis Nease, Frank Fisher, Lewis Mohr, H. W. Fry, Anton Cartoll, H. Baxgus, James E. Hoagland, Charles H. Coombs, R. W. Beecher, Charles Carpenter, Henry Klussmann, John Schle, George Houser. First officers : H. W. Fry, Foreman ; James Hoagland, First Assistant Foreman; James Mahan, Second Assistant Foreman ; R. J. Fisher, Secretary ; Andy Kalahacher, Treasurer. Peter Kiser, Jr., and H. W. Fry were appointed a committee and purchased an engine at Indianapolis for $700. Soon after the organization, a committee was appointed and went to Indianapolis, Ind., and purchased a second-hand double-decker haod fire engine, which was subse- {{ently shipped and delivered here. On July 3, 1867, H. W. Fry, Foreman, was appointed a committee to purchase a steam fire engine, the company having, previous to this time, sold their hand engine to the city of Fort Wayne. In July, 1867, Mr. Fry and John H. Cody visited the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. and contracted for a steam fire engine, and, in September following, it arrived here, and, November 12, was accepted hy the company at a oost of 84,500. In the spring of the year following, no moneys having been paid to the Amoskeag Company, and dissatisfaction having arisen between members and committee, the engine was returned to the works, and the company subsequently merged into the Mechanics' Engine and Hose Company.
Engle Engine and Hose Company .- This Company was organized in 1862, on the west side of Broadway, Lot No. 718, Hanna's Addition. They subse- quently moved to the then West End Market House, where they ever after con- tinued to mect. Their first apparatus consisted of a small engine, known as the " Garden Sprinkler." This, however, was soon superseded by a double-decker, previously purchased hy the city from the Independent Torrent Engine and Hose Company. They continued as an active company in the department until the hurning of the Fruit House in 1870. The following were the first members and officers : J. M. Reidmiller, Andraus Thiem, Nicholas Yahn, George Keller, William Maier, George Fisher, M. Vangiesson, Jolin Siehold, Tohy Reitze, Henry Hemkalmp, Frederick Gross, Henry Gimple, John Brunner, Jacob Stagmeir. M. Vangiesson, Foreman ; George Fisher, First Assistant Foreman ; Andraus Thiem, Second Assistant Foreman ; Henry Gimple, Secretary.
Vigilant Engine and Hose Company .- This Company was organized in Sep- temher, 1867, with the following officers : T. J. Rodabaugh, Foreman ; G. M. Fordney, First Assistant Foreman ; Robert Cran, Second Assistant Foreman ; John B. Morgan, Secretary ; Hyram Poyser, Treasurer. This company was one of the most active companies in the Fire Department, but owing to their hooks being inaccessible, we are unable to give sny of its original members. They con- tinued as a single organization until in May, 1874, when they were merged into the United Vigilants and Torrents.
Mechanics' Engine and Hose Company No 1 .- On the 7th day of August, 1856, this Company was duly organized. This was effected in the carpenter- shop of Cyrus W. Allen, on the west side of Fulton, south of Wayne strect. They subsequently held their meetings in Nierman's Hall, on the north side of Main, east of Harrison strect. The following are the officers and members :
Oficers .- O. D. Hurd, Foreman ; Martin Nierman, First Assistant; Eli Cone, Second Assistant; Joseph Price, Secretary; A. Oppenheimer, Treasurer. Members -J. G. Schuckman, B. J. Rekers, Peter Beck, Patrick McGee, Frank Engle, M. Brooker, George Hoover, Michacl Singleton, M. Clear, George Dolker, Henry Klinger, Daniel W. Falls, Joseph W. Price, B. Sneiders, O. D. Hurd, J. H. Pronger, Joseph Opelt, Thomas Mannix, Henry Schuckman, Martin Nierman, George Englet, James L. Sweeny, Patrick Fahlce, John Sutton, A. Oppenheimer, John Shriner, William Fleming, Eli Cone, Jacob Kluting, F. Deightmyer, Valen- tine Hill, Frank Shilling, Peter Shultz, Morris Cody, Henry Nierinau, George Link, Harmon Heke, John Schuckman, Charles Baker, Aaron Wolf, Johnson Rodebaugh, Christian Baker, -- Mosier, P. S. Underhill, Charles Lelirman, John Lehrman.
In 1862, they moved to the new Fireman's Hall, on the corner of Berry and Court streets. On February 1, 1870, they effected a re-organization with thirty- three active members, and the following officers: J. H. Pranger, Foreman ; John Sloeum, First Assistant ; Chas. Degitz, Second Assistant; Chas. Morell, Secretary; Geo. Link, Treasurer ; B. Martin, E. Leibman, B. Kiser, Wm. Quinn, pipemen.
On July 24, 1873, they changed their place of meeting from Fireman's Hall, on corner of Berry and Court streets, to Kiser's Hall, on the alley between Columbia and Main, east side of Calhoun street, third floor ; and on May 13, 1875, disbanded.
Protection Engine and Hose Company No. 5 .- This Company was organized July 20, 1859, and was an outgrowth of a previous organization called the Wide- A wake Engine and Hose Company, which had previously been active in the Fire Department of the city of Fort Wayne and a short time before this organization had disbanded. The following is a list of the original members of this Company, Protection : Joseph Merz, Jacob Hountin, P. Luxemberger. Mathias Lynch, Christopher Brunse, J. Wegerly, Frederick Grund, Isaac Treeee, George Nebb, William Gaffney, John Zink, Michael Krehs, Samuel C. Fletter, Henry Gronu- man, Thomas Burk. The first officers were: Samuel C. Fletter, Foreman ; Henry Gronuman, Secretary ; Thomas Burk, Treasurer. The first apparatus con- sisted of a small hand engine, that was afterward thrown up, and, in 1860, they took charge of the Button engine, known then as the Wide-Awake, and previously as the Herman engine. Their place of meeting was at the Sixth Ward Engine House, located on Prinee, north of Bass street, on January 15, 1876. This house was consumed by fire. In March, 1876, the Company resigned from the department, and on November 12, 1876, they disbanded. The following were the last officers elected : H. Friday, Foreman; Gott Wurtele, First Assistant ; John Schlagle, Second Assistant; A. Friday, Secretary ; Joseph Merz, Treasurer.
FOUNDRY, MACHINE AND BOILER WORKS.
In 1839, Jacob C. Bowser and James Story built a foundry and machine shop, on the southeast corner of Main and Clinton streets, Lot 86, original plat; the building was frame, 40x60 fect ; was operated by horse power. Alexander Orihson was admitted to the firm, but soon withdrew. In 1840, this building was destroyed by fire. In 1841-42, Messrs. Bowser & Story rebuilt on the south side of Water street, Lot 17, original plat. They subsequently extended their buildings over Lot 18, original plat, also over Lot 565, Hanna's Addition. This firm continued until 1865, when Mr. Story retired, J. R. Prentiss and Daniel Falls being admitted, the business continuing under the name of J. C. Bowser & Co. This firm enlarged and improved the old shops, added additional machin- ery and built a boiler-shop, on Lots 566 and 567, Hanna's Addition. In 1876, J. C. Bowser retired, and Neil Mclachlan and C. L. Olds were admitted, the business continuing as MeLachlan & Olds. In 1878, Mr. MeLachlan withdrew from the firm, and William McLachlan was admitted, the business continuing up to the present time as C. L. Olds & Co.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.