USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 2
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The fire originated in the upper part of the building, on the north side. The mills being old, dry and very combustible, offered little resistance to the progress of the flames. Any attempt to subdue the fire was seen to be entirely hopeless, and in a little more than an hour the mills were a shapeless mass of ruins.
Beaver's mills were erected about forty years ago by a Mr. Davis, who sold them to Mr. Fairfield. They afterwards became the property of D. S. Beaver, esq. The mills have been three or four times rebuilt. About two years ago they passed into the possession of Geo. Esmond, esq., who owned and conducted them at the time of their destruction. During his control of them they were known as Esmond's mills. The mills were run by water power; but during the past five years they have also been supplied with a first-class forty horse power engine. About a year ago Mr. Esmond gave the institution a complete overhauling, supplying it throughout with new and improved machinery. During the greater part of the time the mills were run to their utmost capacity, which was 100 barrels per day. The mills had not been in operation since Wednesday last, and there is no room to doubt that the fire was the work of an incendiary.
The mill and contents were totally destroyed, although a portion of the machinery can yet be utilized. There were on hand about a thousand bushels of wheat, and a considerable quantity of flour. Mr. Esmond estimates his total loss at $20,000; $16,00 on building and $4,000 on stock. He held insurance as follows: Newark, Newark, N. J., building. $1,500
Peoples, Trenton, N. J. , 1,500
Columbia, New York,
1,500
Aurora, Cincinnati, 1,000
Buffalo German, Buffalo, 1,500
Northwestern National, Milwaukee stock 1,500
Royal Canadian,
1,500
Total $10,000
Mr. Esmond, with the enterprise characteristic of him, will rebuild the mills as soon as possible after he effects a settlement with the insurance companies.
889
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 02/27/1878 Page 3, col. 2.
The Chief Engineer of the Fire Department reported that the Rescue Engine Company had resigned from the department and turned over their apparatus to the city. The resignation was accepted.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 02/27/1878 Page 4, col. 1.
The Fire Committee reported that they had the boiler of the Vigilant Steamer repaired, and ask further time with reference to the petition of the Vigilant Engine Company for an allowance of $1.000 per annum. Concurred in. The same committee also presented a communication from Mr. Kerr Murray, asking an extension of two weeks in the time allowed for the rebuilding of the Frank Randall Steamer. Received and placed on file.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 02/27/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
The alarm of fire from box 5 - 2 last evening was caused by the burning of an old deserted tannery building on the north side of the canal, near the Harrison street bridge. The shell was partially destroyed. Loss purely nominal.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 03/01/1878 Page 4, col. 3 & 4.
Last night, about 12 o'clock, a corn crib on the Swinney Place, west of the St. Mary's River, was set on fire by use of kerosene oil. The blaze was soon discovered and extinguished. The crib, which was full of corn, belongs to Emmet Powers, who resides at the corner of Wayne and Webster Streets, where the stable was burned down last night. It looks as if some one were trying to wreak some spite upon Mr. Powers.
890
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 03/01/1878 Page 4, col. 5.
The alarm from box 5 - 2, at 2 o'clock this morning, was caused by the burning of a one and a half story frame stable on the premises at No. 59 West Wayne Street. The stable belonged to Wm. Fleming and was damaged to the extent of about $50.00. The fire was the work of an incendiary. The blaze illumined the entire city, and it seemed, at a short distance, as if a large building were in flames.
Related article on the same page.
The fire this morning cast a bright reflection upon the church spires. The cross upon the steeple of St. John's Church shone with remarkable brilliancy and being thrown into bold relief by the dark background of the sky, looked like a sign in the heavens.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 03/01/1878 Page 4, COL.4.
Chief Vogel reports that the Anthony Wayne Steamer would not lift water at the fire last night.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 03/02/1878 Page 4, Col. 2.
FIREMEN, ATTENTION.
The members of the several fire companies will meet at their respective halls on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock, sharp, to attend the funeral of Peter Barbier.
By order of F. B. Vogel, Chief Engineer. 891
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 03/02/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
Peter F. Barbier, a well-known citizen, died last night of consumption, at his residence, No. 105 East Wayne street.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 03/04/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
The funeral of the late Peter Barbier took place yesterday morning, the Rev. D. W. Moffatt officiating. The fire department turned out in force. The remains were interred in Lindenwood.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 03/05/1878
Page 4, col. 3.
Johnnie Graf, of the fire department, is down for a bass solo at the Saengerbund Frolic tonight. He is preparing to send his "Majestic" voice about thirty degrees below zero.
892
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL SAT. 03/09/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
FIRE FIENDS. Make Another Attempt to Burn Down the Mayer House. Which Comes Very Near Proving a Success.
This morning about half past 1 o'clock, the Mater House was discovered to be in flames. An alarm was speedily turned in, and the fire department was soon on the spot doing good work. A large crowd assembled, and for a time it seemed as if the entire building must be destroyed. Fears were entertained for the lives of some of the guests, among whom there was quite a panic. They made their appearance in all degrees of raiment and with a dazed looked in their faces. The halls filled with smoke, and Mr. Dixon, a conductor on the Pittsburgh road, was so overcome with it that he escaped in a semi-conscious condition. Chas. Lash, of Toledo, dropped out of his room on the second floor by a safety rope which he always carries with him.
The fire was soon extinguished. The damage to the building, which is owned by Geo. J. E. Mayer, is about $500. Mr. Mayer holds insurance as follows: A. H. Carier's agency, Hamburgh, of Breman and Commercial Union, $1,250 each; Fisher & Ton's agency, Home of New York $2,000., Underwriter's of New York $3,000, Land Inay's agency, German of Rochester and Newark of Newark, N. J., $1,500 each: Total, $10,500. Col. Zollars's loss on furniture, ect., mainly from water, is about $300. He has $1,300 insurance in the Northern Company of Watertown, N.Y. I. D'Isey, agent and $1,000. With J.M. Foellinger's agency.
The fire was the work of incendiary. It was started in several places. Off the wash room on the first floor and in rooms 24 and 25 on the second floor, the blazes broke out in halls on the second and third floors at opposite ends of the building. Several bunches of waste with matches, etc., were found. The attempt to burn down the Mayer House has been made a number of times, but it never came so near to proving a success as it did last night.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 03/12/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The alarm this morning was caused by a small blaze in the third story of H. J. Ash's store building, No. 17 East Columbia street. Loss, $50 ; Covered by insurance.
On last Saturday the kitchen attached to the house of Wm. Brooks, in Milan township, caught fire from a defective flue while the family were at dinner. The neighbors saw the blaze and soon extinguished it. Loss, $150; no insurance.
893
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 03/13/1878
Page 3, Col. 3.
ORDINANCES.
Councilman Hettler then introduced the following ordinance:
An ordinance to provide remuneration for volunteer firemen:
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the common council of the city of Fort Wayne, that all volunteer firemen of said city who have served actively for the period of one year as such volunteer fireman, shall, upon the certificate of the chief engineer showing such service, and the company of which such volunteer is a member, be entitled to and receive from the city a sum equal in amount to the exemption from city tax which active firemen are entitled to on taxable property; provided said active fireman is not the owner of five hundred dollars in taxable property. Signed and sealed this 12th day of March, 1878.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 03/13/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Frank Randall steamer was tested yesterday in the presence of a large crowd and worked splendidly.
894
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 03/14/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The steamer Vigilant was engaged in filling the cistern at the corner of Webster and Wayne streets yesterday. Mechanics who have inspected the reconstructed steamer Randall, now in Kerr Murray's shops, pronounce it a first class job. A public trial will be given on Saturday. The steamer Vigilant will next go in dry dock.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 03/20/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
John Graf, of the fire department, will throw his bass voice in a concert at Huntington next Tuesday evening.
The fire last evening was in the second story of Trentman's block at the corner of Harrison and Water streets. The building was occupied by A. Drager, whose loss is trifling. The loss on the building is $150; fully insured in the Queen's of London.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 03/22/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
The Frank Randall steamer is all ready for service, and only waiting for the suction hose, which is expected daily.
895
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 03/25/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
A BIG BLAZE.
ONE OF THE FINEST RESIDENCES IN THE CITY PARTLY DESTROYED BY FIRE.
Yesterday morning, at half past 2 o'clock, the department was called out by an alarm from box 2-4, caused by a fire in the Swift homestead, located at No. 7 Harmer street. The flames were well advanced when the department reached the scene, but firemen, although laboring under many disadvantages, worked with good effect. The blaze was extinguished, leaving the lower story of the house in a comparatively good condition.
The building damaged by the fire is one of the oldest and finest mansion houses in the city. It was for many years owned and occupied by D. F. Comparet, esq., and more recently by Alpheus Swift, esq. At present the property is owned by the Equitable Trust Company of New York and occupied by Mr. Al. Swift. It is valued at about $15,000. The house was damaged by fire to the amount of $2,000. Mr. Swift's loss on furniture, library, etc., will not exceed $1,000, as most of the contents of the residence were saved.
The fire originated from a defective flue. Mr. Swift narrowly escaped with his life, as he was not awakened until one of the chimneys fell in with a loud crash, and the edifice was all in flames.
The building was insured in the Home of New York, for $5,000, and the furniture, library, etc., in the same company for $2,700.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 03/25/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Frank Randall steamer will be in service in a day or two. Good judges say this "masheen" can now beat any steamer the fire department has ever had.
On the 16th inst. The left wing of the residence of Mr. Willis Brooks, in Milan township, was destroyed by fire. Loss fully covered by insurance in the Ohio Farmer.
896
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 03/30/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
ARSON AND BURGLARY.
THOMAS MANNIX SUFFERS A $4,000 LOSS.
At 3 this morning an alarm of fire was turned in from box 1-6, corner of Chicago and Calhoun streets, caused by the discovery of a fire in the boot and shoe establishment of Thomas Mannix, esq., corner of Calhoun and Holman streets. The fire had acquired some headway, but was soon extinguished by a liberal flooding with water.
It appears that some parties effected an entrance into the building through the transom of the rear door, and stole a large number of sewed boots from the show case, together with all of the fine custom work, and other goods. Thereupon they set fire to the store on both sides, and it was soon in flames. A large quantity of the stock was burned, and the rest was ruined by water. The sides of the building were badly burned out.
Mr. Mannix estimates his loss upon stock by the burglary and fire at $4,000. His stock was insured for $2,000 in the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, represented by F. P. Randall, and $500 in a St. Louis company. The building is damaged about $300 worth and is insured for $2,000 in the Underwriters of New York.
Tom seems to have more than his share of bad luck, and has the sympathy of many friends in his business misfortunes.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 04/01/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The house of Mrs. Sweany at Monroeville caught fire last Wednesday. The blaze was extinguished with but small damage.
897
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 04/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 3 & 5.
At 8 o'clock last evening the fire department was called out by a false alarm from box 1-2.
THE VIGILANT ENGINE COMPANY.
The Vigilant Engine Company held their regular annual meeting last night. Councilmen Muhler and Hettler, of the fire committee, were present by invitation and advised the company not to press their demand for an appropriation of $1,000 per year at present. Some of the members were in favor of an immediate disbandment of the company, but the majority concluded to maintain the organization, at least until the new council is elected and see what action will then be taken.
The election of officers to serve the ensuing year resulted as follows:
Foreman, Fred Baker,
First assistant, David Eggerman,
Second assistant, Fred Michaels,
Secretary, T. W. Saffron,
Treasurer, Alphonse Robbe,
Pipemen, Robert Cran, Peter Kintz, Wayne (Gen.) Kiser and Asa Lewis.
PAPER UNKNOWN 04/06/1878
* Wm. Sterick's sawmill, at Leo, destroyed by fire, loss $2,000. The fire was the work of an incendiary.
898
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 04/09/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The final test of the Frank Randall steamer will take place at 2 p.m. tomorrow, at the foot of West Columbia street, in the presence of the city officers, councilmen, etc.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 04/11/1878
Page 3, Col. 1.
The steamers were engaged in filling cisterns last night.
The funeral of Henry Hilbrecht's infant child took place this afternoon.
899
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 04/11/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Vigilant engine has again kerflummexed. The fire committee held an inquest this morning.
Considerable disappointment was felt yesterday over the failure of the Frank Randall steamer to be on hand for a test, as arranged. The councilmen, together with a number of citizens and parties from neighboring towns, were on hand; but Mr. Muhler, chairman of the fire committee, received information from Kerr Murray that the engine had been taken apart and could not be put together in time for the test. He did not say when the "masheen" would be ready for trial.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 04/13/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
THE FRANK RANDALL STEAMER.
Yesterday afternoon the Frank Randall steamer had a trial test at the foot of Columbia street in the presence of a large gathering, including Chief Vogel and as assistants, Mayor Zollinger, and a number of city officers and councilmen. Messrs. J. M. Boone and W. T. Mckean, the experts appointed by the council, were also present. At 2:38 fire was started, and in nineteen minutes there were 100 pounds of steam pressure. Water was thrown through 500 feet of hose with 1 1/8, 1 1/4 and 2 inch nozzles. The highest water pressure was 260 pounds and the highest steam pressure 110 pounds. Another 500 feet of hose was added, making 1,000 feet, through which a 1 1/4 inch stream was thrown 140 feet. The contract calls for 175 feet and the engine can undoubtedly fill the bill with a straight line of hose. The test was concluded on account of the blowing out of the water gate, which struck Mr. Dick Hanson in the jaw, cutting quite a gash and causing the blood to spurt forth freely. Several bystanders were also drenched with water. The steamer was then taken to the shop. The final official test will probably take place Tuesday, when everybody will be expected to be present.
After the test of the Randall, the Vigilant and Anthony Wayne steamers were tried. The Randall threw 40 feet further than the Wayne and 25 feet further than the Vigilant.
W. T. McKean informed our reporter that he had carefully examined the steamer and that the mechanism was very fine in every particular, showing skill and workmanship of a high order. He thinks the steamer will fill the bill, and do good service, giving good satisfaction in every particular.
900
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 04/17/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
FIRES.
About 2 o'clock this afternoon an alarm was turned in from box 3-6, corner of Union and Pritchard streets, caused by the burning of three large sheds, filled with staves and headings, belonging to Schnelker, Beugnot & Co., near the corner of Broadway and the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railway. The loss is estimated at $10,000, partly covered by insurance.
A dwelling house, southeast of the city, owned by Mrs. Gosner, was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. Loss $1,000. Insured for $600 in the Phoenix of Brooklyn.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 04/18/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The man who turned in the alarm from box 36, yesterday, stated that the fire apparatus reached the scene of devastation within six minutes from the time he pressed the button. Considering the distance, one and a half miles, this is good time, and speaks volumes for the efficiency of the department.
Among the officers to be elected by the new council are a chief engineer of the fire department, wood measurer, market master, sealer of weights and measures, one school trustee, one chief of police, one lieutenant of police, eighteen patrolmen, three members of the board of health, and five commissioners to appraise benefits and damages to realty.
The fire yesterday afternoon destroyed three large sheds filled with staves, belonging to Schnelker, Beugnot & Co. The loss is $6,000, and the insurance is only $710, equally divided between the Commercial Union of London and the Connecticut of Hartford, Carier & Trentman, agents. The firm a short time ago cancelled $4,000 insurance on this property. The office, machinery, dry house, store house, heading and machine shops, all valued at $25,000, escaped without damage.
901
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 04/22/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The final official test of the Frank Randall steamer takes place this afternoon at the Harrison street bridge.
A new frame house in Madison township, belonging to Russen Jewel, was entirely destroyed by fire last night. Loss, $3,000; no insurance.
The alarm from box 5-2, at 5:30 this morning, was caused by a small blaze in the rear of the Globe Chop House, arising from a lamp explosion. Total loss about $10.
902
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 04/23/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
THE RANDALL STEAMER
FINAL TEST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AT THE HARRISON STREET BRIDGE.
The final test of the Frank Randall steamer took place yesterday afternoon at the Harrison street bridge, in the presence of the mayor, fire committee, city officers, councilmen and citizens generally. Messrs. James M. Boone and William T. Mckean, the experts selected by the council, were also present. The test was in every way satisfactory. The engine threw water 190 feet. The fire was lighted at 2:55. At 3:14 the gauge showed 50 pounds of steam; at 3:17, 90 pounds and at 3:20, 88 pounds. The following shows the steam and water pressure at different periods while water was being thrown through a 1 1/2 inch nozzle and 500 feet of hose:
Steam gauge
Water gauge At engine
Water gauge 450 Feet from engine
1
75
100
85
2
56
100
85
3
50
90
40
4
48
105
40
5
64
110
6.
100
210
80
7
89
210
85
8
82
180
83
9
With 800 feet of hose and a 1 1/8 inch nozzle, pressure was indicated as follows:
1
90
60
30
2
82
100
40
3 80
90
45
4
79
100
50
5
.65
90
50
With 1,000 feet of hose and a 11/8 inch nozzle, pressure was indicated as follows:
1
96
180
70
2
96
250
100
3 93
250
100
4
80
230
90
5 110
270
120
903
The engine worked very well, although some trouble was experienced from gravel which got into the pumps. The experts say that the losing of steam can be obviated by contracting the exhaust nozzles. The fire committee will, so it is stated, submit a favorable report this evening.
904
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 04/25/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
THE RANDALL STEAMER.
ANOTHER TEST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON BEFORE THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
Yesterday afternoon another test of the Frank Randall steamer took place at the Harrison street bridge, in the presence of the city officers, councilmen and citizens generally. The engine worked very well in most respects, making and keeping steam more satisfactorily than at the former tests. The distance thrown was not what was demanded by the specifications, partly by reason of the strong wind which prevailed. The test was made on the following specifications:
The engine or engines will have to do steady duty for four hours and keep a steady water pressure.
Will have to throw water through 500 feet of hose with a 1 1/4 inch nozzle 225 feet in distance.
Will have to throw two streams, one through a 1 inch nozzle and the other through a 1 1/8 inch nozzle, 170 feet in distance.
Will have to throw through 1,000 feet of hose, with a 1 1/4 inch nozzle, water to a distance of 175 feet.
The first test was made with a 1 1/4 inch through 500 feet of hose, with water gauges fifty feet from the engine and a like distance from the nozzle.
It is not known what action the fire committee or the council will take. They may require another test at Mr. Murray's own expense, and a more satisfactory one before reporting in favor of acceptance.
The following table gives the stream and water pressure and distance thrown:
Steam
1st Gauge
2d Gauge
Distance
45
60
15
74
47
90
35
89
48
90
70
89
65
110
30
114
75
110
40
135
74
150
50
145
92
180
70
153
80
160
60
163
80
170
60
169
90
170
65
165
120
190
65
175
92
210
80
187
88
180
80
166
91
180
80
108
181
75
260
70
905
Two length of hose 500 feet each were then attached, using 1 1/8 and 1 inch nozzles with the following results:
Stream
1st Gauge
2nd Gauge
Distance
108
40
15
88
108
70
35
121
108
75
30
108
108
54
20
129
95
80
80
131
90
85
35
122
70
65
30
120
85
63
30
137
108
75
30
125
108
80
30
108
80
30
108
80
30
Before the trial was concluded, a valve was broken, which occurred at 4:30 o'clock. It was repaired, and a trial with 1,000 feet of hose, with 1 1/4 inch nozzle was made, with the following results:
100
30
110
95
35
140
90
45
142
85
50
130
90
50
144
110
41
146
105
55
105
65
-
906
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 04/27/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire committee have agreed to report to-night against the acceptance of the Frank Randall steamer.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 04/29/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
The city council met in special session on Saturday evening, the mayor presiding and a full board present except Messrs. Chittenden, Hogan and Withers. The fire committee presented a report of the official test of the Randall steamer, already published, but made no recommendations. Mr. Cody, seconded by Mr. Strope, moved to accept the engine. After discussion by Messrs. Hettler, Graham, Strope, Muhler, Putnam, Bash, Cody and Zarbaugh it was decided to adjourn until Thursday evening next. The understanding is that Mr. Murray will give the engine another trial on Wednesday afternoon.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 05/01/1878 Page 4, Col. 4
Test of the Randall steamer this afternoon.
The Alert team, driven by Geo. Swayne, were weighed this evening. They kick the beam at 2,480 pounds.
907
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 05/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
TA, TA.
The council met last evening, the mayor presiding, and Messrs. Bash, Breen, Dryer, Graham, Hettker, Muhler, Putnam, Reese, and Withers present. There being no quorum, an adjournment was taken. Before dispersing the following communication was read:
C. A. Zollinger, Mayor of Fort Wayne:
Dear Sir- I expect to have the steamer Frank Randall ready in a few days to come up to the test, of not only working four hours, but four days if necessary; and I do not wish the city to take the steamer under any other consideration. Yours respectfully, Kerr Murray.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 05/06/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The old Alert team which the city sold a few months ago for $425, were sold in New York last week for $1,000.
908
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 05/09/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
A fire alarm box has been removed to the corner of Lafayette and Wallace streets from a point about 100 feet distant.
Bob Cran is a candidate for chief engineer of the fire department.
The Torrents last evening unanimously endorsed Robert Cran for the position of chief engineer of the fire department.
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