USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 16
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The fire was discovered by William Henzel, (Weinerwurst Bill) who gave the alarm immediately. When the department arrived the entire building was in flames and perfectly past hope.
1106
Mr. McQuiston, one of the partners in the business states that he and his partner, Mr. Pfeiffer, left the mill between 9 &10 o'clock and at that time there were no evidences of fire about the3 premises. He states that he is always very careful before leaving at night to visit every part of the building to see if there is any fire, and that on last night he had taken all these precautions as usual. He says that when he first discovered the fire it was coming from the lower story, immediately under the sink box. The entire building with its contents were consumed, and quite a number of the books of the firm, for which there was no room in the safe, were destroyed.
The building, which, with machinery, is valued at about $20,000, was built in 1865, and was owned by C. F. Pfeiffer & Co. The loss is not much more than half covered by insurance, there being $12,000 on the building and $4,000 on the stock. There were some three or four hundred barrels of flour and several hundred bushels of wheat and feed in the mill, all of which is a total loss.
The origin of the fire is entirely unknown, but it is supposed to be incendiary. Messrs. C. F. Pfeiffer & Co., state that they will immediately rebuild the mill.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 02/25/1882 Page 6, Col. 1.
The fire department are loud in their praise of Mrs. Strodel, of Bloomingdale, for her kindness in furnishing them coffee yesterday morning after the fire
The alarm of fire from box 23 last night was occasioned by the burning of some clothing in the stairway of the frame building occupied by Joseph Ankenbruck, No. 172 east Washington street. The department turned out, but the fire was quickly extinguished, without a stream being put on it. Damage, probably about $5.00.
1107
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 03/16/1882
Page 6, Col. 5.
A SMALL BLAZE.
The alarm from box 52 at 9 o'clock last night was caused by an incipient blaze being discovered in Kunkle's safety valve works, a three story brick building corner of Barr and Wayne streets. The fire originated in the ceiling over the boiler and destroyed a portion of the floor above as well as damaging to an extent the ceiling. It was extinguished with little difficulty and with comparatively small loss - about a hundred dollars all told. Though had it not been discovered as soon as it was it is more than probable that the entire structure would have been destroyed.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 03/17/1882
Page 3, Col. 3.
CALLED AWAY.
Frederick Becker, one of the oldest inhabitants of Fort Wayne, died last night at his residence, No. 11 East Washington street. The deceased was about sixty-five years of age and has resided in this city for the past forty years. He has been suffering since December with an attack of lung fever which finally overcame him. The announcement of the funeral will be made to-morrow.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 03/19/1882 Page 5, Col. 1.
The funeral of the late Frederick Becker will take place this afternoon. The fire department will attend.
1108
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 03/25/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
The roof of the Pittsburg carpenter shop caught fire early yesterday morning, caused by a spark from an engine, which necessitated the turning in of an alarm from box 42. The blaze was extinguished with but little trouble and damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 04/08/1882 Page 6, Col. 1.
The fire department were called out shortly before noon yesterday by a fire being discovered in a barn owned by C. A. Hoffman at 185 Calhoun street. The loss amounted to about $20 which is covered by insurance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 04/11/1882
Page 6, Col. 4.
The alarm of fire at noon yesterday was caused by a blaze in the building 199 Lafayette street, owned by Bartlett & Co., and occupied as a grocery. The roof was almost totally destroyed, involving a loss of a couple of hundred of dollars.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 04/26/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
CITY COUNCIL.
A petition signed by a number of residents of the Seventh ward was read requesting that better provisions be made against fire in their ward. The petition also requested that one thousand feet of hose be distributed in their ward. Alderman Mohr thought the fire department should not be concentrated in one place but should be placed at various places. He considered the present an excellent opportunity to add additional protection to the city and therefore made a motion that the matter be referred to the committee on fire department with instructions to report means to improve the protection against fire at the next session of the council, which was carried.
11 09 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 04/28/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
Frank Vogel, it is said, will not be a candidate for chief engineer of the fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 05/02/1882 Page 7, Col. 2.
A FIRE BUG.
THE BLAZE LAST NIGHT SUPPOSED TO BE THE WORK OF AN INCENDIARY.
The fire department were called out last night at about 10 o'clock in response to an alarm sent in caused by flames being discovered in the barn of Charles Fink the undertaker, of Maiden Lane. The barn is in the alley, running between Berry and Main streets and the situation of the flames strongly indicated that they had been the work of an incendiary. The barn contained an old horse which the department dragged out by the tail, the animal being old with age and almost dead with fright. The loss will be nominal and an investigation will be made to ascertain whether or not the place was set on fire.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 05/10/1882 Page 6, Col. 3.
CITY COUNCIL.
The nominations were then made for chief of fire department.
Mr. Chittenden nominated Hugh M. Diehl, and said he was a candidate for that position and no other, and that it was a piece of skulduggery to elect another man for chief of the fire department, and Mr. Diehl will not qualify.
Mr. Hettler - "When a man is elected to an office that settles it."
The vote for chief of fire department resulted as follows: Diehl, 3; Hilbrecht, 14. Mr. Hilbrecht was declared elected.
1110 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 05/12/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
Henry Hilbrecht filed his bond for $2,000 yesterday, and will assume the duties of chief of the fire department immediately. Frank Vogel and J. G. Strodel are his vouchers.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 06/28/1882 Page 6, Col. 3.
CITY COUNCIL.
The resolution to allow Michael Connors, driver of a city fire engine, an increase of $10 per month salary, was again referred to the committee on finance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 06/30/1882 Page 6, Col. 3.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
A six year old child of Michael Conners, one of the fire engineers, had a narrow escape at dinner yesterday from choking to death. The little one managed to get a large piece of meat lodged in her throat in some manner and was unable to displace it. She was taken to Woodworth's drug store and a physician sent for. Blood issued from the little one's nostrils and mouth, and the face was becoming quite blue when, by a great effort, she coughed the meat up, just as the doctor arrived.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday
07/06/1882 Page 6, Col. 1.
A small blaze at 63 Water street, a house occupied by Charles Coop, called the department out Tuesday. Their services, however, were not required, the blaze only damaging about $25 worth of property.
1111
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 08/09/1882 Page 6, Col. 2.
THE CHAMPION GAME.
THE FAMOUS CONTEST ON THE DIAMOND FIELD BETWEEN THE CITY
AND COUNTY OFFICIALS.
THE ONLY OFFICIAL AND AUTHENTIC REPORT.
Two or three hundred people gathered at the fair grounds Monday afternoon to witness the game of the season, namely, the county nine against the city nine.
Considerable impatience was manifested by the spectators at the delay in getting the Trojans to work; but when they consider that the ball field was a miniature lake, and the boys not much used to water, they will be forgiven. After building the ground above high water mark, Captain Falker, of the city nine, was observed trying to borrow a quarter or half dollar from the players, to flip up for choice of ins or outs, a scheme that wouldn't work, for the reason that much money couldn't be found among them on a week's notice. This was another disappointment, but was overcome by a proposition to draw cuts for choice; but just as the straws were being prepared, one of the boys found a Bungtown copper that was greeted with considerable applause and satisfaction. Frank did the flipping while Jones for the county nine called the turn, and as did it he was promptly paid two for one and sent the city nine to bat. To chronicle the haps and mishaps of this game would require more time than we can spare, but suffice it to say that Henry Colerick, short stop for the city nine, made without question the shortest stop ever made by any one in this or any other country. He differed with Umpire Foote about some ruling made, and "talked back" but was quickly "sat on" by the audience shouting "kicker," "Guty," etc. Sheriff Cosgrove, of the county nine having had a sad experience catching fly balls in his mouth, tried to catch them with his feet, but with no better success and he now thinks that we are not all ball players. Poor Nelson had the undivided sympathy of the entire crowd. Running the base his little short legs made such poor time that Umpire Foote thought he was walking and put him out twice therefor before he discovered that he was doing his level best. Rockhill, of the city nine, made two fly catches in left field that would have done credit to a professional player.
Captain Diehl, of the police force, evidently was raised on "hot ball" or "ante over," and was a "leedle out" on the noble game.
Dawson, of the county nine, scored four runs during the game, and his sneak from third to the home plate, in the last inning, was a very fine effort.
Schroeder, pitcher for the city nine, seemed to have "somethin' agin" Hance, of the county nine, or else he was trying to kill flies on his body, for he everlastingly pounded him wite the ball.
Frank Mommer, catcher for the county boys, had a nail torn from his thumb early in the game, and had to retire from that position which was a great loss to his side. Frank Webber, of the city's, was perhaps the best player of them all and Chief Hilbrecht, of the same, the best batter. The city boys finally won by a score of nineteen to fifteen for county. Attorney Robinson acted as scorer
1112
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE
Saturday 08/19/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
The fire boys give very pleasant impromtu concerts occasionally in front of the engine house.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 08/29/1882 Page 6, Col. 4.
THE CITY IN TROUBLE.
PROBABILITY OF THE FIRE ENGINE AND HORSES BEING LEVIED ON TO-DAY TO SATISFY A JUDGMENT.
A short time ago, as every citizen and tax-payer remembers, there was a just judgment rendered against the city of Fort Wayne of $5,000 in the suit brought by Harry C. Hanna for the killing of his father by the falling of the Clinton street bridge. When the judgment was rendered the city council ordered the case to be appealed to the supreme court of the state. By some oversight the proper bond was not filed or the necessary steps taken to perfect the appeal. Yesterday morning Mr. Hanna applied for and had an execution issued in due form against the city and carries it in his pocket. Late last evening a reporter tried to see Mr. Hanna, but without success, but it was learned on good authority that to-day the execution will be placed in the hands of Sheriff Cosgrove, who will attach and take possession of the steam fire engines of the city with the horses and patrol wagons unless the council should take steps to settle the matter or perfect the appeal. As the case now stands the matter looks very dark for the city, and some speedy adjustment of the matter should be made.
1113:
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 09/10/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
An alarm of fire from the premises of Mrs. Eckert, corner Barr and Wayne streets, last evening at 7:30 o'clock called out the department for the first time in six weeks. Some straw beds had been emptied on the floor of two rooms and the children set fire to the refuse. Damages from fire and water about $50.
Page 7, Col. 5 & 6.
A HERO.
A SICKENING CATASTROPHE AVERTED BY THE HEROISM OF THE
DRIVER OF VIGILANT HOSE CART NO. 2.
Last evening when the alarm of fire was sounded for the frame house near the safety valve works, corner of East Wayne and Barr streets, the horses at once sprang to their positions. The big bay team that pulls Vigilant hose cart No. 2 were very fiery and eager to go. When the driver, Florence Berger, came to the side of the cart to take his seat they broke away and started at a gallop out of the door and on to the street before he could mount the cart. Darting to their side as the runaway team turned north on court street, Berger caught the nearest horse by the bit and then commenced a fierce struggle for the mastery. After a desperate effort in which he several times narrowly escaped being flung under the horses hoofs he turned them into the ally by the post office and brought them to a stop, but not before his right arm was fearfully bruised and nearly broken, and other portions of his body knocked black and blue. This heroic act of Berger, and his nerve and pluck in hanging on to the runaway team, undoubtedly averted one of the most terrible catastrophies that Fort Wayne has ever witnessed. At the time Court street all north of the post office alley was filled with a crowd of men and children listening to the concert of the Wizard oil troop, and if the big team and heavy hose cart had plunged through the surging mass of humanity the results would have been horrible. If ever man deserved a gold medal Florence Berger does, and our citizens should give him one. On their course the horses had already knocked down but fortunately only slightly injured a boy named Frank Wells, fourteen years old. After Berger stopped the horses another driver came and they at once proceeded to the fire. Dr. Hetrick was called and pronounced Berger's injuries rather serious.
The team in their exit from the engine house burst through the heavy chain that hangs across the entrance. Chief of Police Diehl and Charlie Ross rendered Berger valuable assistance in finally bringing the horses to a stand still.
1114 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 09/12/1882 Page 7, Col. 2.
A BIG BLAZE.
TWENTY-THREE BUSINESS HOUSES IN DECATUR DESTROYED BY FIRE
A STEAM FIRE ENGINE SENT FROM THIS CITY, LOSS OVER $40,000.
On Sunday evening at eight o'clock Chief of the Fire Department Hilbrecht received a telegram from Decatur stating that a terrible fire was raging there that promised to destroy the entire town and asking for help. The mayor consented to the dispatch of an engine; and Supt. O'Rourke and Master of Transportation Hunter, of the G. R. & I. R. R., soon had a special train ready, consisting of a flat car and passenger coach. Arriving at Decatur the fire was found to be on the east side of the main street of the town and in the heart of the business portion, having in an hour and a half consumed twenty three wooden buildings that have long been a regular fire trap and a disgrace to the town. The engine sent from Fort Wayne was not unloaded when it arrived, as the fire was under control and the train soon returned. The fire, like the Chicago conflagration, started from the explosion of a kerosene lamp. The losses are as follows:
Millen Burns, saddlery, owned by Jesse Niblick; Irvin's bakery, owned by Frank Miese; Mrs. A. J. Hill, millinery goods, owned by Adam Miller; Henry Beberich, saloon, owned by John Bogart; John Borden, saddlery, Frank Tilbury, ice cream and confectionary saloon, both owned by Jonathan Houston; Bottenberg & Blosom' meat market, Mrs. C. E. Albers & Son, grocery, both owned by John Meibers; John Brock, tin shop; Barkley & Steele, meat market, owned by Sylvester Spangler; Whipple & Rosse, barber shop, owned by Dr. T. T. Dorwin; Joseph Colchen, barber shop, John Kleinhenz, saloon, both owned by Mrs. John Tonnelier; Peter Forbing, saloon; Shafer Bros., hardware; Chas. Wiebler, meat market; J. W. Place, confectionery; John B. Miller, barber shop; Jacob Martin, bakery; all owned by George Lucky. A frame stable on Monroe street, belonging to Dr. Wm. Trout, and valued at $500, also burned. The cornice of the Odd Fellows' building opposite was destroyed, as well as several expensive plate glass windows of stores. The stave factory of J. E. McKendry, about a quarter of a mile distant, caught fire six times. Four hundred dollars' worth of plate glass in the building occupied by the Adams county bank and Niblack, Crawford & Co., dry goods, was cracked by the intense heat. About a thousand dollars' worth of glass in buildings on the west side of Second street was destroyed.
The total loss is estimated to be fully $40,000. The only insurance is $1,450, as follows: Millen Burns, $450; F. W. Miese, $500; Jacob Martin, $500.
The burned district will at once be rebuilt with fine brick buildings and on the whole the fire will be a decided advantage to Decatur.
1115
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 09/14/1882
Page 6, Col. 1 & 2.
One of the horses of the fire department, when the alarm was sounded last night was so badly tangled up in his harness that he delayed the engine getting out for several minutes.
ANOTHER FIRE.
Last night at 12:30 o'clock the fire department was called out for the second time. The alarm was turned in by Officer Pat Connors and was caused by the blaze in the vacant building in the rear of the Aveline house, and owned by Root & Co. It was speedly put out, and as the house, a one-story frame, has been vacant for over a week, it was clearly a case of incendiarism. The girls in the Aveline house, right adjoining it, were the first to see the blaze, and they fairly rent the air with their shrieks. When the fire bell began to clang and the air was ruddy with the blaze, several of the guests of the hotel, in light and airy attire, came down to the office and made the night clerk blush by their frantic dancing around.
The chronic case of fire that appears to exist in the old deserted building on Barr street, east side market space, broke out again last evening at 8 o'clock, and called out the fire department, which speedily quenched it. They used the axe very freely, and the old house is now pretty thoroughly gutted.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 09/23/1882 Page 6, Col. 2.
The members of the Alert Hook and Ladder company, composed of the best citizens of Fort Wayne, will give an excursion to St. Louis and Chicago, leaving here October 2, at 12 o'clock. Parties wanting to join the excursion can get tickets and information from the committee, which is composed of Joseph Momer, T. B. Hedekin, L. T. Bourie and A. H. Carrier. Round trip tickets will cost ten dollars.
1116
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 09/28/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
Mason Long has purchased the big grey team of the fire department for $600. He will use it to take his temperance workers through the country. He opens at New Haven Saturday evening.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 09/29/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
There were two mysterious false fire alarms last evening, the first that have occurred under Chief Hilbrecht. They were turned in from no box, and the whole proceeding is altogether curious.
page 7, col. 2.
SAD ACCIDENT.
Yesterday at 1:20 p.m. Mr. George Thieme, of the fire department, received the following telegram:
SHIDELER, Ind., September 28.
George Thieme, Fire Department.
Be at the depot at five o'clock without fail. Andy is hurt. Don't tell folks. Have a wagon to take him.
C. H. Miller.
No further particulars were given, and, as may be imagined, he was in a state of serious alarm and apprehension. He was promptly at the depot and found his brother Andy as he had believed, very seriously injured, and had him carefully conveyed to their home at 176 Broadway and summoned Dr. Stemen. The doctor on his arrival found the left arm so badly crushed that he amputated it just below the elbow, and the right arm and left thigh fractured. The particulars of the accident as gleaned by a reporter from the wounded man are as follows: He is a brakeman on the local freight train on the Muncie road, and yesterday at the above station he went between two cars to make a coupling slipped and fell. The train just then backed down and one car and the caboose passed over him. He is a young man twenty-one years old, of a strong constitution, and is in a fair way to recover.
1117 - 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 10/11/1882
Page 6, Col. 1.
The paint shop of A. S. Allen, in Becks' addition, was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. Loss, $150; no insurance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 10/18/1882
Page 7, Col. 2.
George Theime, and several others of the fire brigade, went down the St. Mary's river yesterday morning, and in three hours returned with a fine string of pickerel, one of which weighed three and a half pounds.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 11/03/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
Why it is that the headquarters of our fire department have never been supplied with a telephone is a mystery. The department has long desired it, and we see no reason why they should not be so supplied, as it is destined to prove inestimable value to any property within the city limits. Let the want be supplied.
1118
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 11/14/1882
Page 6, Col. 2 & 5.
The funeral of John Phillips will occur Wednesday morning at 9:00 from his residence, 58 West Main street. All friends are invited to attend without further notice.
Mr. John Phillips, son of the late Barney Phillips, died of consumption at 8 o'clock Sunday morning. The funeral will take place from his residence, 85 West Main street, at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning, and from the Cathedral at 9:30. He leaves a wife and one child. The Alert Hook and Ladder Company will attend in a body.
THE FUNERAL OF JOHN PHILLIPS.
Alert Hook and Ladder Company held a meeting last evening and passed a resolution to attend the funeral of the late John J. Phillips tomorrow morning in a body and take charge of the remains. The pall bearers will be C. F. Eme, R. Hanson, T. B. Hedekin, James M. Kane, Charles McCulloch and Louis Zollinger.
A. H. Carier, Sec'y Alert Hook & Ladder Co.
(Sentinel and News please copy.)
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
11/15/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
The funeral of the late John Phillips will take place to-day from his late residence. Services will be held at the Cathedral between 8 and 9 o'clock. The interment will be in the Catholic cemetery northeast of the city. The Alert Hook and Ladder company will attend in a body.
11 19
1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 11/16/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
The funeral of the late John J. Phillips, yesterday, was largely attended and the procession headed by the city band and Alert Hook and Ladder company, was an imposing one.
PAPER UNKNOWN
11/18/1882
* Fire - Building owned by D. C. Diffendorfer, Springer General Store in Arcola.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 11/19/1882 Page 7, Col. 2.
ALERT HALL, Nov. 15, 1882.
Death ends our pilgrimage on earth, before entering on eternity, where we hope to all meet again.
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, our Supreme ruler, to take from our midst our truly beloved friend and brother fireman, John Phillips.
Resolved, That by the much regretted departure of our worthy friend and associate, whose noble heart and hand was always with us, we lose one of the truest and most sociable companions.
Resolved, That we deeply and sincerely sympathize with the widow and child of our deceased friend, who are called upon to mourn the loss of a dear and kind husband and father.
Resolved, That we humbly pray and implore our Lord the father of all on earth to bestow His blessings on the afflicted family.
Resolved, That our sincere thanks are tendered to the Right Reverend Joseph Dwenger, bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne for his kindness and courtesies extended to our company. Also to the chief engineer of the fire department and his force for their kind response to our call to participate with us in performing our sad duty.
Resolved, That the above resolution be published in the Fort Wayne Sentinel, Gazette, and Daily News, and a copy of the same be presented to the family of our deceased brother.
T. B. Hedekin,
L. T. Bourie,
A. Wolf,
A. H. Carier, Committee.
1120
1
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 11/23/1882
Page 5, Col. 1.
The fire yesterday was a barn at No. 151 Broadway belonging to Geo. Omisten, who lives about three miles from the city. It was occupied by S. A. Aurentz, the grocer, who saved his horse which was in the building. Loss on building and contents about $100.
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