USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 3
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
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 05/15/1878 Page 3, Col. 1.
Communications were received from the Vigilant and Torrent engine companies recommending Robert Cran for Chief Engineer of the fire department. Received and placed on file.
ARREST OF FIRE BUGS
Page 4, Col. 4.
Last night Policemen O'Ryan and Myers caught four boys in the act of firing a barn on Baker street belonging to Councilman Cody. The peelers extinguished the fire and secreted themselves. The boys soon returned, and two of them (Leonard Iba and Herman Kratzsch) were arrested. Complaints have been filed against them at Hoagland's court, and their examination will take place Friday. "Brush Myers and Lon Hutchinson are also said to be implicated. They have not been arrested.
909
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 05/20/1878 Page 4, Col. 2.
TROUBLE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Torrent Engine Company have withdrawn from the fire department and the Vigilants will probably follow suit at their next meeting unless the council agrees to their demand for an allowance of $2,000 per year. Mayor Zollinger, Chief Engineer Vogel and the fire committee met this morning to consider the situation. The chief was empowered to employ ten men to man the pipes, lay hose, etc., until the council meeting. These men are to be picked from the vicinity of the engine house. The chief is in favor of dispensing with all volunteer companies (save the Alerts) and employing fifteen men at $10 per month, to board near the engine house, and man pipes, lay hose, and do general fire duty. The fire committee will probably endorse this suggestion. The chief also favors the employment of two stokers. He believes the fire department under this system will be but little more expensive, and at the same time more efficient than at present.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday
05/21/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm turned in from box 3-1 at 8 o'clock this morning was caused by a fire in the dwelling house on the southeast corner of Griffith and Pearl streets, occupied by Joseph Bowers. The fire originated from a defective flue connected with the kitchen stove. Loss about $100; fully insured.
910
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 05/22/1878 Page 1, Col. 4.
THE TORRENTS VS. THE NEWS.
To the Editor of the Sentinel:
I notice an article published in the Daily News regarding the fire department. It reflects upon the Torrent Company as a political machine, implying that since the Torrents are out of the department all the loafer are gone and the best thing that the council can do is to keep them out. I have only to say this, that the Torrent Company were organized in the year of 1873 and that they have always done their duty to the best of their ability since that time and have been considered as a first class fire company. The News has always, heretofore, praised the volunteer firemen, but now as the Torrents have resigned, thinking that the firemen should receive pay for their active service, the News calls them a lot of loafers and bummers. I don't think that the company owes the News anything. The Torrents have had dealings with them (the News men) and always acted like gentlemen. In regard to the Torrents being a political machine, Mr. Vogel was the only man that ever drew them into a political contest. The company has nothing to say in regard to Mr. Vogel as their chief. They have always stood by Mr. Vogel at all times and at all fires. The Torrent Company was as well organized as any in the fire department, their company being full and well equipped. They had every thing that was needed by a volunteer company. If the company was not of any account why does the city need to have a paid department? Why do they not get gentlemen and not "loafers" as the News calls the Torrents/
Member of Torrents.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
05/25/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
Fred. Graff and Wm. Teghtmyer, of the fire department, were slightly injured by the bursting of a section of hose yesterday.
911
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 05/31/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
A grocery belonging to Isaac Kelsey, of Aboite township, was totally destroyed by fire last night. Loss about $1,000; no insurance. It is thought the fire was the work of an incendiary.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 06/01/1878 Page 3, Col. 1.
The Vigilant engine company will probably disband.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
06/01/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
John Downey has resumed his old position in the fire department.
912
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 06/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
Kerr Murray is still tinkering with the Randall steamer, which he expects to turn over to the city in good condition very shortly.
The alarm of fire at 11 o'clock Saturday night was caused by the burning of the peanut shop at the south end of the Bloomingdale bridge.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 06/07/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm from box 5-2, last night at 11:30, was a false one. There is an ordinance against these false alarms which should be enforced. People don't like to be wakened at midnight by the fire bell unless for good cause.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday
06/11/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Yesterday the council fire committee and finance committee held a joint session, and decided to report adversely upon the petition of the Vigilant engine company for an appropriation of $2,000 per year. They will recommend the employment of fifteen men at $10 per month, to reside near the engine house and do duty at fires, two of whom shall be the first and second assistant chiefs.
913
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 06/13/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
INCENDIARISM.
A GOOD SIZED BLAZE LAST NIGHT.
Last night at 11 o'clock, an alarm was turned in from box 3-1, caused by a fire in a cooper shop owned by John H. Cody, and situated near the intersection of the Grand Rapids railroad with the canal, immediately west of the city limits. The department responded quickly, but the fire was too far advanced to admit of anything being done except to save the surrounding buildings. The shop was a frame building, one story high and about 30 x 100 feet in dimensions. It was totally destroyed. It contained some tress hoops, barrels, tools, fixtures, etc., belonging to Mr. Cody, who estimates his loss at $1,600; no insurance. A lot of machinery belonging to Payne, Ainsworth & Co., of Cleveland, and which cost $3,800, was also destroyed. This was not insured. The fire was the work of an incendiary.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 06/13/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
The engine-house floor is in a dangerous condition for the horses.
Vigilant Engine Company No. 2 last night decided to withdraw from the fire department on the 15th inst.
914
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday
06/14/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The alarm from box 3-1, this morning, was caused by a blaze in the roof of Cochrane, Humphrey & Co.'s shop. It was soon extinguished, the loss not exceeding $10.
The Vigilants will retire from the fire department to-morrow.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 06/15/1878
Page 1, Col. 3.
At 9 last night a barn at 122 High street was destroyed by fire. Loss, $100; fully insured.
915
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 06/20/1878
Page 4, Col. 3 & 4.
Improvements are being made in the second ward engine house.
THE FRANK RANDALL STEAMER.
The Frank Randall steamer underwent another test yesterday afternoon at the foot of Columbia street in the presence of the mayor, city officers, councilmen and a large number of citizens. The test passed off in a very satisfactory manner, and all present seemed to be well pleased. The machine works steadily and threw an excellent fire stream through both 500 and 1,000 feet of hose. The general sentiment seems to be in favor of accepting the steamer, which it is believed will do first class fire service. The Vigilant steamer will then be rebuilt by Mr. Murray.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
06/29/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
Chief Vogel has had a chute made to carry the water in the canal over the break near Orff's mills.
Thursday night, Chas. Wells's hay store, on Columbia street, was set on fire, but the blaze was discovered at once and extinguished without any damage.
916
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 07/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
THE RANDALL STEAMER.
The fire committee was in conference last evening with Mr. Kerr Murray in reference to the Frank Randall steamer. Although the engine does not in every respect comply with the specifications in the contract, it will do good fire service, and the committee agreed to recommend her acceptance, provided Mr. Murray will furnish a suction pipe, and pay $55 for the outside labor employed in the extra tests. This Mr. Murray declines to do and the committee will, therefore, report the facts without recommendation.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 07/08/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire committee and Kerr Murray are at a dead-lock about the Randall steamer.
The fire committee met this morning, and the finance committee is in session this afternoon, for the purpose of allowing bills.
The man who rang the fire bell this morning and managed to keep two-thirds of the population awake for about an hour, should be promoted. His muscular development is too great for the position he now occupies.
PAPER UNKNOWN
07/03/1878
* Fire Committee meets to consider bill of $2,400 rendered against the city by the Canal Company. They decided to allow all the bill except the rent for the first six months of 1878, which was $1,000.
917
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 07/10/1878
Page 3, Col. 3.
COMMON COUNCIL MEETING.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The fire committee reported as follows: To His Honor the Mayor and Gentlemen of the Common Council:
Your committee on the fire department and city attorney, to whom was referred the matter of the acceptance of the Frank Randall steamer, respectfully report that Mr. Murray refuses to furnish a new suction hose for said steamer, the one now used on said steamer being one originally belonging to the Anthony Wayne steamer, and condemned some two years since. He also refuses to pay to the city the money advanced by the city for the unsatisfactory trials of said Frank Randall steamer, or to give bond for the keeping in repair of said steamer for one year from date of her acceptance. In accordance with his contract with the city, the said Murray was to rebuild the said Frank Randall steamer and return her to the city within forty days in first class condition, free of expense to the city, and, keep her in repairs for one year, more than five months of which time has expired. Your committee contend that according to the contract:
1. That the steamer Frank Randall is not in first class condition with a condemned suction hose.
2. That she has not been offered to the city free of expense, as the city has paid out $63 for trials, $53 of which was for trials when the steamer broke down.
3. That the said Murray should give bonds to keep the said Frank Randall steamer in repair for one year from the time of her acceptance by the city.
All of which conditions said Murray refuses to accept.
Respectfully submitted, F. H. McCulloch, J. W. Vordermark, Committee on Fire Department. Henry Colerick, City Attorney.
The report was discussed at some length by Messrs. Cody, Graham, McCulloch, Hettler, Chittenden and Bash, after which the council voted to accept the steamer, but withhold the amount expended for unsuccessful tests, and also the cost of a new suction.
A resolution for a fire alarm box at the corner of West Main and Cherry streets, in Nebraska, was referred to the fire committee.
918
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 07/15/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
MORPHINED.
EX-COUNTY RECORDER JOHN M. KOCH TAKES HIS OWN LIFE.
THE CAUSES WHICH LED TO THE SAD EVENT.
John M. Koch, esq., died yesterday morning at 11 o'clock at his residence, corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets, from the effects of an overdose of morphine, supposed to have been administered by himself with suicidal intent. On Saturday the deceased was around the streets as usual, but in the evening complained of feeling badly and seemed greatly depressed in spirits. He retired at 9 o'clock, and early yesterday morning was discovered to be in a comatose condition, evidently suffering from the effects of some drug. Drs. Williamson, Josse and Proegler were speedily at his bedside. They used the stomach pump, gave him antidotes and strong coffee, but the patient was too far gone. He steadily failed until his death at the hour stated.
Mr. Koch was a native of Germany, but had resided in this city nearly a quarter of a century, and was well known in our midst.
In 1870 he was elected county recorder on the democratic ticket, but in 1874 he failed to obtain a renomination. For several years past he has been addicted to intemperance, and about a year since his valuable property was sold on foreclosure by the United States marshals. He has been greatly depressed in spirits for some time, and his mental troubles seemed to have increased as the time arrived for the redemption of his property, and he was unable to save it. His age was about 45, and he leaves a wife and three children- two boys and one girl.
Coroner Gaffney held an inquest yesterday morning, and heard the testimony of Herman Kratzsch, Holt Pfleger, Kate Morrell, and Drs. Williamson, Josse and Proegler, after which a verdict was rendered of "death from an overdose of morphine, administered by his own hands."
Mr. Koch was a member of Emanuel's German Lutheran Church, and also of Summit City Lodge, F. and A. M .. , and the Alert Hook and Ladder Co. His life was insured in the Masonic Mutual Benefit Society.
The funeral took place this afternoon from his late residence, and was well attended. The following gentlemen acted as pall bearers: Herman Kratzsch, Martin Heingartner, Jos. Mommer, Jr., Wm. Linderman, Louis Traub, August Lordier. The remains were interred in St. John's cemetery.
07/16/1878 Tuesday Page 4, Col. 3.
The remains of John M. Koch were interred in Lindenwood instead of St. John's cemetery, as stated in yesterday's Sentinel. The statement that Mr. Koch was a member of Emanuel's Church also proves incorrect.
919
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 07/22/1878 Page 1, Col. 4.
A $50,000 FIRE.
DESTRUCTIVE CONFLAGRATION AT DEFIANCE LAST NIGHT.
About 11 o'clock last night a telegram was received by Chief Engineer Vogel stating that a destrive fire was raging at Defiance, O., and requesting prompt assistance from this place. The Wabash company provided a special train consisting of a locomotive, flat car and box car, and with the Vigilant steamer, a hose carriage and twelve men, left for Defiance. A Sentinel reporter accompanied the party. The train reached its destination, a distance of forty-two miles, in just one hour. The fire was then found to be under control, and our apparatus was not unloaded. The party remained at Defiance until the fire was entirely extinguished, and then returned to this city, arriving here at six this morning.
The fire originated about 10 o'clock in a frame livery stable owned by John Kisen and run by Ky Newman. This was completely destroyed with the contents, including Mr. Newman's household goods. He had no insurance, but the building was fully insured. The flames then swallowed up the boot and shoe store of A. Ritner, the saloons of G. J. Sinearo and C. Sibert, the Keystone block, a large brick structure owned by Wolford & Meyers, the Crosby House, a fine four-brick-story hotel and several other buildings. The fire laid waste the finest square in the city, and the total loss at a very moderate estimate is $50,000, some place it as high as $75,000. The jewelry store of G. Sumner and the hardware store of H. Brown were badly damaged by water.
The following is the statement of the insurance so far as could be learned by our reporter: Fire Association of Philadelphia- C. M. Meyers' store building, $2,700.
Continental of New York-J. H. Kiser, livery stable building, $200; John Snyder, saloon building, $600.
Hartford, of Hartford, Ct .- M. Shultz, hotel furniture, $2,500.
Etna of Hartford- Shultz Bros., grocers, $2,500; H. Bitner, boots and shoes, $500; M. Shultz, hotel, $3,000.
North British and Mercantile- Deatrick & Sumner, jewelry stock, $2,000; John Snyder, saloon stock, $950.
Home of New York- J.H. Kiser, livery building, $1,000.
North American of Philadelphia- A. Bruner & Co., hardware stock, $2,500; T. H. Kiser, livery stable building, $500.
Lycoming of Pennsylvania- C. M. Meyers, building, $2,000.
This makes the total insurance, so far as learned, $20,950.
The fire was the work of an incendiary. The blow is a severe one to the beautiful and enterprising little city of Defiance, but the people of that place will doubtless, with their customary public spirit, soon repair their losses.
LATER. (By telegraph.)
Toledo, July 22 .- The loss by the fire at Defiance, O., last night, will reach $35,000; insurance, $28,000, mostly in small amounts in New York and New England companies.
920
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
07/24/1878 Page 4, Col. 3 & 4.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ITEMS.
The Frank Randall steamer now weighs 9,100 pounds. Previous to rebuilding the weight was 7,450 pounds.
The fire cisterns at the intersections of Francis and Madison, and Monroe and Lewis streets, were filled this morning.
A sign was put up at the second ward engine house this morning. It reads: "No loafing allowed here."
This morning the Frank Randall steamer was taken to the Hanna street dock, to be used in filling cisterns. Although 110 pounds of steam were raised, it was found impossible to pump water. The fault was doubtless leakage in the suction pipe. The Randall was taken beck to the engine house, and the Vigilant steamer substituted.
George Swayne, driver of the Alert truck, is about leaving for Ohio, where he will remain several weeks. "Hank" Pantlind will handle the reins during his absence.
Martin Bell's barn, two miles east of New Haven, was destroyed by fire last Tuesday night, with a quantity of hay and other contents. Loss $1,500; fully insured.
PAPER UNKNOWN 07/24/1878
* The fire engine "Frank Randall" fails to work and is returned to Murrays shop.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 07/25/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
A fire alarm box is to be put up in Nebraska.
921
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 07/26/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock destroyed the frame dwelling house owned and occupied by Kenton Richards, and located at the corner of Thomas street and Creighton avenue, Most of the contents were saved. The loss is about $400, for which amount the building was insured in the German American.
One of the firemen was severely bitten by a horse at the fire yesterday.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 07/27/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
A SMALL BLAZE.
About 1 o'clock this morning there was a small blaze in the workshop of Friend's Enterprise Clothing Store, Keystone Block. It was extinguished with a loss of about $150 on stock and building; fully insured. The fire started from a small stove, used for the heating of irons.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
08/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
Yesterday afternoon a barn belonging to Geo. Phillabaum, located four miles north of the city, was destroyed by fire, with all the contents. Loss, $1,500; no insurance. The fire caught from matches which were dropped by children who were playing in the barn.
922
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/07/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Alerts hold their annual meeting to-night.
The fire alarm at 5:30 last evening turned out to be false.
Fire alarm box No. 5-4, will be erected at the corner of West Main and Cherry streets this week.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 08/08/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
A FALSE ALARM.
CALL OUT THE B'HOYS- GEO. STRODEL SERIOUSLY HURT.
This morning about 1 o'clock an alarm was turned in from box 2-3, at the intersection of East Washington and Lafayette streets, which brought the department out on double quick time. There proved to be no fire, however, and the cause of the alarm was not learned.
Geo. Strodel, first assistant chief of the fire department, met with a serious accident in responding to the call of duty. He mounted one of the hose carriages, and in turning the corner of Barr and Washington streets, the horse suddenly shied off, throwing Mr. Strodel violently to the ground. He was picked up and conveyed to his residence, No. 54 East Main street, when he was found to be seriously hurt. Two ribs are broken, his arm and shoulder badly bruised and his leg severely injured. It is feared that his leg is broken. The injuries are not dangerous, but are quite painful and will probably lay Mr. Strodel up for some time. Dr. Bruebach is attending.
923
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/09/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
COLUMBIA CITY FIREMEN'S EXCURSION.
The firemen of Columbia City will have a grand railroad excursion on next Wednesday, August 14th , to Rome City, $1. From LaOtto 75c. And return. This will be one of the nicest excursions of the season. All go who can.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 08/12/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
Connection is being made between the fire alarm telegraph system and the new box in Nebraska.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 08/13/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
A stack of straw burned north of the rivers last night, causing an alarm to be turned in from box 2-7.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/16/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
A TURN OUT IN THE RAIN.
Yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock, there was a terrific thunder storm. The rain fell in torrents for a few moments, and the fiery shafts of lighting were quickly succeeded by deafening peals of thunder. It was believed that heavy damage must have been done, and when a fire alarm was sounded from box 2-7, a large fire was looked for. The department turned out on the instant and went through the pouring rain to the box mentioned, at the corner of Shick street and Maumee avenue, only to find that the alarm was caused by lightning and that the box was shattered to pieces by the force of the electric currant.
924
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/21/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
There are now fifteen miles of fire alarm telegraph wire and thirty fire alarm boxes in the city.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/23/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
The alarm at 11 last night was caused by a blaze in a small shanty near the street railroad stable. Loss $100.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
08/24/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
The Lake Side House at Rome City was destroyed by fire at 4:30 this morning. The fire was the work of an incendiary. Loss, heavy; fully insured.
925
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 08/26/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
BIG BLAZES.
PIERCETON HAS A THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLAR FIRE.
SATURDAY'S CONFLAGRATION AT ROME CITY. LARGE FIRE AT PIERCETON.
The town of Pierceton, Kosciusko county, was visited by a large fire last night. The blaze broke out about 11 o'clock and laid an entire block in ashes, including the hotel (Hayes House), three stores, a private residence, a restaurant and the postoffice. Nothing was saved, the town having no fire department, and the only apparatus available being a Babcock Fire Extinguisher, which was not equal to the emergency. Warsaw was telegraphed to for help, and after a long delay an engine was loaded on a car for shipment. The fire was then under control however, and the assistance was not needed. The entire loss is estimated at $25,000 to $30,000; no insurance. The heaviest losers are Drs. Hayes and Matchett, and Mr. Graves. The origin of the fire is unknown. This is a severe blow to the little town of Pierceton.
THE FIRE AT ROME CITY.
The Sentinel of Saturday briefly mentioned the destruction of the Lakeside House, at Rome City, by fire. The fire occurred at 4:30 in the morning and was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. The building and all the contents were entirely destroyed and the guests narrowly escaped with their lives.
The building cost $13,00 and was owned by S. R. Truesdale. Insured for $5,000 in the Etna of Hartford, Hartford of Hartford, Niagara of New York, and Home of New York. The furniture was valued at $3,000, and was insured for $1,500 in the above companies. It was also owned by Mr. Truesdell. Mr. S. W. Dodge was landlord of the hotel.
The work of rebuilding the Vigilant steamer is being pushed forward vigorously at the Murray shops.
926
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 08/27/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company will leave Monday for a two day's visit at Chicago. The railroad fare and hotel bills are to be paid from the treasury of the company.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/28/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
OUR FATHERS WHO WERE IN COUNCIL.
WHY FRANK VOGEL WON'T ATTEND THE CHIEF ENGINEERS' CONVENTION
REPORTS.
The committee on fire department reported in favor of putting a fire alarm box at the intersection of Calhoun and Lillie streets, as prayed for by H. N. Ward; also in favor of petition of Frank Casso for the erection of a fruit stand at the corner of Calhoun and Main streets; and against the petitions of Councilman Graham for a fire alarm box near the cistern on Buchanan street, as well as against the petition of J. S. Wheeler for constructing a cistern at the intersection of Horace and Oliver streets. Concurred in by the council.
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.