USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 17
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 11/24/1882 Page 5, Col. 1.
The fire department turned out yesterday afternoon on a false alarm. A disgusting bum boarded the hose cart as it was returning to the engine house, and rode for short a distance greatly to the annoyance of the fire boys.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 11/30/1882 Page 6, Col. 1.
George Thieme yesterday started to kill a rat at the engine house when the rodent ran up his trousers leg and made it very lively for him for awhile
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 12/09/1882 Page 7, Col. 2.
DEATH OF CON. SHENK.
This well known citizen died early yesterday morning, passing quietly away, his wife not knowing he was in danger until she went to call him at 5 o'clock and found him cold in death. His disease was congestion of the bowels, and his age forty-five. He leaves a wife and a son, aged nineteen, in business at Delphos, Ohio, and a daughter, Kitty, aged twenty-five. Marshal Frank Falker is an adopted son. The remains will be taken to Delphos for burial, which place is Mr. Shenk's old home.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday
12/17/1882
Page 6, Col. 2.
George Thieme, driver of the Zollinger engine, while assisting the hose boys at the fire last night, was struck on the head by a falling brick and received quite a severe scalp wound.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 12/17/1882
Page 6, Col. 3 & 4.
THE FIRST IN FLAMES.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ENTIRELY DESTROYED BY FIRE.
TOO MUCH FIRE IN THE FURNACE THE CAUSE-INSURED FOR $12,500.
A NEW EDIFICE TO BE BUILT ON THE OLD SITE AT ONCE. NOTES AND INCIDENTS.
Last evening about half-past six o'clock the fire alarm sounded from box 52, which is at the engine house, and a few minutes later the city was startled by the glare of flames that made most of the business men think their stores were burning, but soon the glare of fire above the roof of the First Presbyterian church told the edifice doomed to destruction. The firemen only a block away, in a minute had hose attached to the hydrants and turned on the water, but owing to some fatal defect in the water works or some negligence at the pumping engines there was not force enough to throw a stream twenty feet high, and no effective effort was made to check the fire until the steamers were brought out and commenced playing on the now blazing building. Once under headway, the flames spread very rapidly and soon the main auditorium was one mass of fire, while fiery tongues of flame writhed and twisted up through the roof and wrapped themselves about the spire as if the imps of evil were laughing in glee at the downfall of God's temple. Soon the bell that had so long and faithfully called the worshippers to the sanctuary, fell with a terrific boom and crashed through the floor. At this time the flames were darting from every window, and the entire roof was in a blaze, while the spire stood out against the black sky like a finger of fire, still pointing heavenward and only yielding and toppling into the fiery gulf below, when all was lost, and sending skyward a shower of glittering sparks. The slight breeze that blew carried the burning embers over toward the Academy of Music and set the roof of that building on fire in five different places. A little later the big organ fell with a crash, the roof fell in and the First Presbyterian church, for so many years a land mark of the city was a ruin. As the steeple fell some of the timbers in the shape of a cross caught in a tree and hung there a blazing emblem of the faith whose place of worship had just been laid low. It was an incident worthy the pen of a poet. When the fire first broke out several persons rushed into the basement and were busy carrying out the benches, cushions and books until driven out by Marshal Falker just in time to escape the falling roof. Nothing was saved except a few hymn books, bibles and benches. Janitor Shoemaker, who has had charge of the church for nearly a quarter of a century says that the fire started by being communicated from the furnace in the basement to the floor, as he had just built a hot fire in order to have the church thoroughly warm for to-day's services. The church was insured as follows in Mr. Hayden's agency: $10,000 on the building and furniture, equally divided between the National Watertown and Merchants and Traders' companies, all of New York, and $2,500 on the big pipe organ, in the Watertown, of New York, making $12,500 in all.
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HISTORIC.
The edifice that burned last night was erected in 1845, the corner stone being laid with appropriate ceremonies in October of that year. Rev. H. S. Dickson was the pastor. In the fall of 1847, Mr. Dickson having resigned the pastorate, Rev. Lowman P. Hawes supplied the pulpit for about six months. In August, 1848, Rev. J. G. Riheldaffer, then of the graduating class of Princeton seminary, accepted a call and was installed as pastor, continuing in that relation until he resigned in 1851. In November, 1851, Rev. Jonathan Edwards, D. D., was installed as pastor. He resigned in July 1855, to accept the presidency of Hanover college, and was succeeded by Rev. John M. Lowrie, D. D., who was installed in November, 1856. During the vacancy before the settlement of Dr. Lowrie, Rev. J. H. Burns supplied the pulpit for a few months. The pastorate of Rev. Dr. Lowrie continued to the time of his death, September 26, 1867. In March, 1868, Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., accepted the call of this congregation. Dr. S. resigned September 18, 1871, to accept a call to the Second Presbyterian church, of Cincinnati. February 5, 1872, Rev. D. W. Moffat, then a pastor at Georgetown, D. C. accepted a call to this church. This is the ninth year of his pastorate.
NOTES.
The biggest crowd witnessed the fire of any that ever occurred in this city.
The congregation meets to-morrow to consult relative to building a new church.
Interviews with a number of the congregation show them in favor of rebuilding on the present site.
The trees are very little damaged. They were planted by Hon. Jesse L. Williams in 1845, who is still very proud of them.
Col. John A Scott offered the Academy for the use of the congregation to-day, and Trinity Episcopal church offered their fine edifice.
It cost $5,000 per year to run the church. Many people urge that the site be sold to the government for a postoffice building. Mr. F. J. Hayden, Pliny Hoagland and others, are in favor of consolidating the three Presbyterian churches and selling two of the sites and erecting one grand $100,000 church.
Hon. J. L. Williams telegraphed the fire to all the former pastors of the church now living.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 12/19/1882 Page 6, Col. 1.
Florence Boerger, the fireman found drunk while on duty at the First Presbyterian church fire, was last evening fined $25 by the fire committee. It will be deducted from his pay.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 12/30/1882
Page 2, Col. 5.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
THE RESIDENCE OF MR. MART BULGER ON FIRE.
TIMELY DISCOVERY SAVES IT WITH TRIFLING LOSS.
At eight o'clock last evening an alarm from box No. 31 called the fire department to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Mart Bulger, 140 West Berry street where they arrived in time to prevent a disastrous conflagration. Earlier in the evening Mrs. Bulger, Mrs. Hatkersley and Mrs. McDonald were sitting in the parlor, when they noticed a smell as of burning wood. Opening the door into the dining room, they found it full of stifling smoke, with flames creeping up through the floor. They at once gave the alarm, fortunately, in time to prevent the destruction of the house. The flames started by overheating of the furnace, a red hot flue setting fire to the floor over the cellar. The damage to the house, which belongs to Mr. John Bass, is probably $1,000, covered by $5,000 insurance in Sid Lumbard's agency. The carpets, piano and furniture on the first floor are damaged also to the extent of $700 or $800, which Mr. Bulger has fully covered by insurance. Mrs. Bulger was entirely overcome by the excitement and fainted three times. Mr. Bob Fisher, living opposite, done yeoman's service subduing the flames and saving the furniture. Mr. John Bass appreciated the prompt and efficient of the firemen and presented Chief Hilbrecht with a sum of money to "set 'em up" to the boys, which was done.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
01/03/1883
Page 5, Col. 1.
Chief Hilbrecht, of the fire department, was presented on New Year's day by the firemen, with a costly silver water set. The chief made a neat speech in reply.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday
01/04/1883
Page 6, Col. 1.
The alarm of fire yesterday afternoon was caused by the burning out of a chimney at the residence of Mr. McLane on Superior street. There was a trifling damage by fire.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 01/05/1883 Page 6, Col. 6.
A PLEASANT TIME.
Last evening the boys of the fire department, some twenty-three in number, and as fine a looking body of men as can be found accepted an invitation from Chief Hilbrecht to supper. Shortly after 8 o'clock they filed out of the engine house and marched to the residence. The Gazette representative was most pleasantly looked after by Mr. John Daly and joined the throng. Arrived at the house of Mr. Hilbrecht the party was received into the parlor where liquid refreshments were served by the chief, assisted by Mr. Asa Lewis. During this time Charley Sheldon, foreman of No. 2, and Mr. Lon Bourie Played the organ and Otto Smenner and Flora Boerger sang several stirring songs. After this the guests were invited into the dining room where an elegant repast was served, to which all did ample justice.
It was one of the most pleasant occasions that ever occurred in the fire department, and shows the warm feeling of respect and cordiality that exists between Chief Hilbrecht and his men.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
01/10/1883
Page 6, Col. 3 & 4.
CITY COUNCIL.
A communication was read from Chief Hilbrecht, requesting that a telephone be placed in the engine house for the use of the fire department.
George Thieme, of the fire department left for Warsaw this morning on a business trip. He will return tonight.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday
01/16/1883
Page 5, Col. 2.
The residence of Mr. Peter Morganthaler came near burning Sunday afternoon. His little son was playing with matches, &c: set the carpet in an upper room on fire. Damages, $100.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Monday 01/29/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
Christ Rohyans, driver of the hose cart, was thrown off while going to the fire, yesterday morning, by a sudden turn at the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets, and his left knee quite badly hurt.
11 25
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Monday 02/12/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
Last evening, about ten o'clock, an alarm of fire called the department to the office of the United States express company on Main street. Some of the employes had evidently been smoking in the rear of the office and thrown down a lighted cigar stub, which ignited a partition enclosing a rear room, the flames reaching up to the ceiling. They were extinguished with little damage to the office, but the packages awaiting shipment and delivery were drenched with water. Mrs. Fox across the way, first discovered the fire and gave the alarm. The loss is covered by insurance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 03/14/1883 Page 4, Col. 2.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
As there is considerable agitation favoring a distribution of the fire department, we will suggest to the city council to pause and consider well before taking such a step. It is an easy matter to create an additional expense. There are always enough fellows who want a place and are not particular who pays the bills. Grand Rapids made the experiment of distributing her fire department, and it increased the annual expense of their department from $18,000 to $40,000. Logansport made similar experiment, and the expense increased from $8,000 per annum to $30,000. Under our present arrangement our fire department costs us $15,000, that is the appropriation for the present year, and it is thought there will be a surplus of at least $1,000 at the close of the year. Let the council go into this project of distribution and it will cost at least $40,000 to make necessary arrangements in the shape of houses, additional apparatus, and the other appliances necessary to carry out the design on the scale proposed. It will also cost, when once fully equipped, $40,000 a year to run the department and keep up the style necessary to so grand and extensive a department.
It is proposed to use "minute men" and not a paid department. That would be the worst experiment that could be made. These "minute men" would necessarily be laboring men who would have to quit their work and perhaps such work may be located in a distant part of the city. They would have to make quite a run to get to their engines at headquarters in case of an alarm. By the time they arrived there the regular department would be on hand, and nine times out of ten have the fire extinguished before the minute men would arrive on the scene. There does not seem to be a general demand or even a necessity for the distribution of our fire department. It is doing well, is efficient and there is no general demand from the people for such distribution. As nearly as we can get at it the demand is wholly confined to a few men who want a place and their friends who favor it that these men may secure a job. Let the council sit down on the measure promptly. The plea that department engines are too far remote to reach the fires speedily is a good thing to talk about, but if minute men are to be employed the central station nine times out of ten would be on the scene and have the fire put out should some of the outside engine houses take fire before the minute men come on the ground. It is a scheme to spend twenty-five thousand dollars annually and forty thousand dollars of the people's money. This is the size of it.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY NEWS
Thursday 03/15/1883
Col. 1.
The necessity for a distribution of the fire apparatus is so obvious that it is strange there are men to be found who are willing to obstruct the measure, and yet the plan promises to be defeated by wrangling among silly councilmen, who can't give any reason other than their own pig- headedness why they should not co-operate at once to secure the desired end.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE Friday 03/16/1883 Page 2, Col. 1.
FIRE AT WARSAW.
TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE LAKEVIEW HOUSE YESTERDAY.
Special Telegram,
Warsaw, Ind., March 15, - The Lakeview house, formerly the Wright house, a four-story brick building, took fire at 4 o'clock in the lamp- room yesterday afternoon, and was entirely destroyed. The building was owned by Daniel Shoup. Estimated loss, $12,000; insured for $5,000, in the Niagara, of New York. It was occupied by William Kirtley, who sustains a loss of all the furniture, estimated at $6,000; insured for $3,000 in the North British, of London, and Underwriters' of New York.
James Pringle, saloon. Loss $1,000; fully insured.
Richards & Moran, dry goods and clothing. Loss, $1,000, by the removal of goods; fully insured in the North British and Underwriters, of New York.
Gottsman sisters, milliners. Loss light; fully insured.
George Cubbs, tobacco store. Loss, light; fully insured.
John Grabner, hardware, in an adjoining building. Loss, $1,000; fully insured in the National, of Hartford, and the Howard, of New York.
All the mail matter in the postoffice, which was also in the same block, was removed in sacks to a safe place.
The Warsaw people are loud in their praise of the fire department of Fort Wayne, as undoubtedly the whole block would have been destroyed if they had not come, as a high wind was blowing at the time.
The run from Fort Wayne to Warsaw was made in fifty minutes by engine 221, engineer Rodney Ellenwood and conductor Maurice Prindville.
Chief Hilbrecht displayed great ability in handling the fire after his steamer got to work. Mayor Zollinger accompanied the boys, and was a welcome guest.
A tailor, named Burguont, had his leg broken by falling while running to escape the falling walls.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY NEWS 03/16/1883 Page 1, Col. 3.
A HOT HOT-EL ! DESTRUCTION OF THE LAKE VIEW HOUSE AT WARSAW LAST NIGHT.
TIMELY ASSISTANCE BY THE FORT WAYNE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Last evening about 5 o'clock, the fire department of this city, received intelligence that the business portion of Warsaw was in flames; that the fire was beyond control, and that aid from this city was prayed for. The Anthony Wayne engine was at once taken to the depot, where it was loaded on a flat car, and a minute later the car, with ten members of the fire department, including Chief Hilbrecht and Mayor Zollinger, was steaming away toward the endangered city at the rate of sixty miles an hour. In just one hour and a half after the message was filed at Warsaw, the Fort Wayne apparatus was unloaded at the station. The engine was frozen up when it got there, and some time was lost in thawing it out, but notwithstanding this difficulty, in less than half an hour, 1700 feet of hose had been laid and the engine was throwing water on the flames.
The fire was located in the Lake View House (formerly the Wright House) a large four story brick building, on the corner opposite the new court house. The fire originated in the lamp- room, and was soon beyond control. The fire protection of Warsaw consists of a hand engine, a third-class steamer and about 700 feet of hose. When the Fort Wayne boys arrived a hearty cheer was sent up by a thousand people, who had gathered at the depot. The management of the fire was at once surrendered to Chief Hilbrecht, whose extended experience, and his management in this instance, fully warranted the post of honor and trust. The entire building, together with its store-rooms and large amounts of stock in the building was entirely consumed, the last embers being extinguished about half past three. Other buildings within a few feet were saved mainly through the exertions of the Fort Wayne boys. The Kirtley House, an adjacent building, was not injured, although all the furniture was got in readiness for removal, should the occasion demand it.
To Quin Hossler, special correspondent for the Indianapolis Journal, we are indebted for the following estimates of the losses and insurance: The building was owned by Daniel Stroup, whose loss is $12,000; insured for $5,000 in the Niagara, of New York, and another company unknown. William Kirtley, proprietor, sustained a loss of $5,000; insured for $3,000 in the North British, of London, and the Underwriters, of New York. Richardson & Moran, dry goods and clothing, on the first floor of the building sustained a loss of $3,000; insured for $6,000 in the North British and Sun Fire, of London, and the Underwriters', of New York. Gottsman sisters, millinery, loss, $3,000; insured, but the company is unknown. George Pringle, saloon, loss $1,000; insured for $1,500; but company unknown. George Cutsber, cigar store, loss $100, covered with insurance. John Grabner's hardware store in an adjoining building sustained a loss of $2,000 by water, and removing of goods; insured for $3,000 in the National of Hartford, and the Howard, of New York. The postoffice adjoining Grabner's store, was uninjured, although the mail was all packed up and removed.
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FORT WAYNE GAZETTE Tuesday 04/03/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
The firemen who went to the aid of Warsaw when the disastrous fire occurred there recently, yesterday received through city clerk Rockhill a gift of $100 from the Warsaw city council, which was divided among them pro rata. The complimentary resolutions accompanied it.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 04/04/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
CALLED A FIRE BUG. The Startling Charge Dr. Goheen Makes Against Dr. J. W. Younge. He Says He Set Fire To The Store.
The Drs. Goheen & Young are out and there is any amount of trouble ahead. Yesterday Dr. Goheen commenced suit through his attorneys, Stratton Bros., against his partner, Dr. J. W. Younge, for dissolution of partnership and the appointment of a receiver. He further charges that Dr. Younge set fire to the store on the occasion of the late fire and took $45 in cash. All this is bodily charged in a complaint filed yesterday by Dr. Goheen in the superior court and on which showing a receiver in the person of Charles Thruman was appointed by the court yesterday. Dr. Goheen further says that Dr. Younge knew he was going to Columbia City that night and improved the opportunity. In fact the bulky paper on file with Clerk Maier is full of bloodcurdling charges from Dr. Goheen against his partner, and the coming suit will be one of great interest.
THE FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 04/05/1883 Page 5, Col. 1.
A barn belonging to Mr. Hiram Dustmas, two miles north of Roanoke, Indiana, burned yesterday, with its contents, oats, corn, and wheat. Two head of cattle perished. Damage, $2000. It is supposed to have caught from a manure pike. Insured for $1,300.
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FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 04/05/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
When the fire alarm sounded last evening it was thought that Miss Claxton had brought the usual fire. It was caused, however by lightning striking the wires.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
04/09/1883
Page 6, Col. 4.
NIGHT FIRE LAST NIGHT.
About half-past 11 o'clock last night an alarm of fire was turned in from box No. 13, calling the department to the residence of Charles Wehnent, a German, at 69 Wells street. The building is a long frame, and the fire originated, it is supposed from some warm ashes in the rear. Two gentlemen who happened to be passing in a carriage gave the alarm, and wakened Mr. Wehnert, wife and five children, who occupied the front portion of the house. One of the gentlemen carried out the cradle in which two infants lay sleeping. The furniture and clothing were saved. Through the prompt arrival of the engines the fire, which had already gained considerable headway, was speedily extinguished The loss will amount to several hundred dollars. The house belongs to Mrs. Ritter and is insured in the Phoenix and North American companies.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 04/11/1883
Page 6, Col. 3.
CITY COUNCIL.
ITS REGULAR SESSION LAST NIGHT- FIREMEN EXEMPTED FROM TAXES.
An ordinance to provide for the exemption from taxation of full paid and volunteer firemen was amended by Mr. Boltz to exempt $500 of property of each volunteer fireman and minute man from taxation, and passed.
1130
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
04/11/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
A conflagration at the Boseker & White wheel works, at 7 o'clock yesterday morning, was extinguished by the prompt use of the fire hydrant located at the works.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 04/18/1883 Page 6, Col. 2.
An alarm from box 27, at 1:30 this morning, called the fire department to No. 399 East Washington street, the residence of H. H. Hilgemann, the kitchen to which was destroyed. Loss about $30.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
04/21/1883
Page 6, Col. 2. 1
An alarm of fire from box thirty-two near midnight called the department to a burning woodshed on Ewing street, between Brackenridge and Jefferson. The flames were promptly extinguished.
PAPER UNKNOWN
04/27/1883
* Sawmill of Geo. W. Oben, Maumee township burned.
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FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
04/30/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
Yesterday noon the fire department was summoned to the M. E. college, in the rear of which an old stable had been accidentally set on fire by some boys who were playing in the vicinity. The stable had not been used for some time and contained nothing besides a small quantity of hay and straw. The structure burned to the ground, entailing a loss of about $50 or $75.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/01/1883
Page 5, Col. 1.
A saw mill belonging to George W. Ober, of Maumee township, was burned last Friday night. Loss about $2,000; no insurance. About 300,000 feet of lumber piled near the mill was saved. The origin of the fire is unknown.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/02/1883
Page 5, Col. 2.
The saw mill belonging to Mr. Ober, situated in Scipio, was burned on Thursday last.
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FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/04/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
At 9 o'clock last night an alarm of fire called a portion of the department to Lillie's lime warehouse, on Calhoun street. Some wet sweepings put in a barrel of lime had caused it to slake, and a light blaze was the result. No damage.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/07/1883 Page 6, Col. 7.
FIRE ALONG THE NICKEL PLATE.
Yesterday morning at 3 o'clock the little hamlet of Broughton, thirty-two miles east of here on the Nickel Plate, was entirely destroyed by fire. The flames originated in a large stove factory there and spread to the other buildings. There is no telegraph office at Broughton, and the particulars could not be learned except in a meager way through the operator at Latta, the nearest office. The loss is very heavy.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/10/1883
Page 6, Col. 6.
BARN SET ON FIRE.
Last Tuesday night several of our citizens noticed a very bright light on the horizon north of the city. Yesterday the cause of it was learned to be the burning of Squire Griffith's barn, in Perry township. One horse was badly burned and the entire loss in building and contents is over $2,000. The flames were discovered just after the family had retired and burned with great fury. Mr. Griffith has good reason to believe it was set on fire and the grand jury will investigate the matter.
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