USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 6
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
The chief was the chief witness. He declined to take the oath on the ground that he was a sworn officer of the city. He stated in brief that on the day in question he ordered Graf and Hilbrecht to help clean the new steamer. Hilbrecht then went to work, but Graf walked off and was only seen once again that day, when he stood by the stove in the engine house a moment and then walked away. Another man was hired to do the work, and $1 was deducted from Graf's pay as a fine for disobedience. Graf remonstrated and reported to Mr. McCulloch, by whose order the money was restored to him. Messrs. McCulloch, Graf and Vogel had a conversation in the latter's store in which Graf said he had never considered Mr. Vogel his boss and never would. He was then suspended by order of Mr. McCulloch.
Herman Hartung, Gottlieb Steup and Herman Sigmund testified that they heard Graf say that he did not consider Vogel his boss and never would.
Graf testified that on the 31st of December, in the morning, Vogel told him he might go over and help get the new engine, if he wanted to. He said he did not care about going, if it was all the same, and walked away. The chief afterwards sent for him, and he assisted to the best of his ability. After he returned to the house the chief told him to help clean the engine. He was then engaged on other work by order of Vogel, which took him until noon, and which was necessary to be done. He had no idea of disobeying orders. Nothing more was said until the 2d of January, when witness found $1 deducted from his pay. He spoke to Mayor Zollinger and Mr. Chittenden, who referred him to Mr. McCulloch, who went with him to Vogels store. Mr. McCulloch asked him why Graf was fined. He said disobedience of orders. Witness then said that he had disobeyed because he thought the chief had no right to order him to clean the engine until the city had accepted it. He said it was witness's duty to obey all his orders and witness said Vogel could no more make him clean the engine than he could make him clean his spittoon. Vogel got terribly excited, called witness a lair and told him to get out of the saloon and be off. Witness refused and said he had reported himself off duty to Mr. McCulloch. The latter then had some words with the chief about the latter's right to fine one of his men, and Vogel finally admitted that he had no such right. He promised to go to the clerk and order him to pay witness the dollar, but witness called on the clerk several times since, the last time so late as the 20th inst,. And found that the chief had given no order to refund the dollar.
Witness was cross examined at some length by Mr. Vogel, but nothing more of importance developed.
All of the witnesses testified under oath except Mr. Vogel. The committee will meet again prior to the next session of the council, when Mr. McCulloch will give his evidence. The testimony will probably be laid before the council next Tuesday evening without recommendation.
960
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday
01/28/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm of fire from box 1-7 last night was caused by the burning out of a chimney in a house occupied by Mrs. France at No. 122 Creighton avenue. No damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/30/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire committee to-day removed John Graf, engineer in the fire department, and appointed John Schrader in his place.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 01/31/1879
Page 4, Col. 2 & 4.
The fire department engineers are well paid - $85 per month.
THE NEW STEAMER.
Chief Engineer Vogel has notified the manufactures of the new fire steamer that the council desires another test, and requested them either to send a man to conduct the test or allow him to test it without prejudice to the city. The chief is confident that he can station the engine at the canal and throw a solid stream of water over the court house.
961
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 02/05/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
A bright light was visible southwest of the city last night, causing the belief that a large fire was raging in that direction. It appears that the light was caused by the burning of the prairie between the Godfrey farm and the Smith place.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 02/06/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company meets the first Wednesday evening in each month. The ringing of the fire bell indicates a fire. The foreman will please take notice.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 02/07/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
It was intended to have called Chief Vogel to the stage last evening, and put him under the mesmeric influence, but the chief's friends persuaded Prof. Carpenter not to do so, fearing that Vogel would cry out "fire" and create a panic in the audience that might result disastrously.
962
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 02/08/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
SICKENING HORROR.
A BOY IN JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP BURNED TO DEATH.
THE BODY ALMOST ENTIRELY CONSUMED- ANOTHER PERSON FATALLY BURNED
This morning about half-past 3 o'clock the log dwelling house of Mr. Daniel a. Null, in Jefferson township, three and a half miles east of New Haven, and one and a half miles north of Maples, caught fire from a defective chimney and was totally destroyed with all of its contents. Mr. Null and his wife were sleeping on the first floor. On the second floor his son Jesse, aged about sixteen, and a young man named Harler, who worked for Mr. Null, were asleep. They occupied different beds in the same room. Mr. Null's daughter was not present, as she was passing the night at the house of a neighbor.
Mr. And Mrs. Null were awakened about 3:40 by Harler, and found their HOUSE WRAPPED IN FLAMES.
They hastened from the burning building, escaping with nothing on but their night clothes. Harler was found to be terribly burned about the head, neck, arms, shoulders and legs. He was removed to the residence of Mr. Kelly, a neighbor, where he was lying in the
MOST EXCRUTIATING AGONY
at last accounts, no hope being entertained for his recovery.
The boy, Jessie Null, was burned to death. This morning but a small portion of the trunk of his body could be found, being the portion extending from the collar-bone to below the sternum. The legs were burned completely off. A part of the head was found and pieces of the feet and hands.
Harler was in the habit of rising very early. It is supposed that he started down stairs to see what time it was, when he was struck in the face by the blaze as he descended. Although badly burned he succeeded in saving Mr. And Mrs. Null. He then went to the stable and turned the horses out, Mr. Null made a futile attempt to get up stairs to
RESCUE HIS SON,
burning his hands shockingly in the endeavor.
Mr. Null's loss is about $1,500. It was not learned whether he had any insurance. He was preparing to build a new dwelling, and some of the material was burned. He is a cousin of Dr. Null of New Haven. Harler is a relative. Mr. And Mrs. Null have the sympathy of all who know them.
963
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 02/08/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The new steamer had an informal test yesterday and worked splendidly. A formal test will probably take place on Monday afternoon.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 02/10/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The new engine was tried this afternoon, and threw a solid stream of water over the court house tower.
Hiler, who was so badly burned in the Null fire in Jefferson township on Friday night, has since died of his injuries.
964
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 02/12/1879 Page 3, Col. 4.
THE CITY DADS
HAVE A LITTLE SQUABBLE OVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MATTERS.
AND ARE PRESENTED WITH A BILL FROM THE CANAL OWNERS.
PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION OF THE STEAMERS.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
The following communication from the canal company was referred to the city attorney with instructions to report at the next meeting, if the canal company has a legal claim against the city.
To the Mayor and Common Council of the city of Fort Wayne:
Gentlemen- We beg leave to call attention again to the use of the canal by the city. It is certainly unreasonable to expect that we shall furnish to the city, at a great expense to ourselves, a supply of water, that would cost a large sum if obtained elsewhere, for nothing.
We therefore give you notice that we have charged, and shall claim from the city the following amounts for the use heretofore made by the city of water out of the canal:
For the year 1876, after our purchase $ 600
For the year 1877 500
For injury to the canal, and increased cost
Of repairs at Spy Run aqueduct. 400
For the year 1878. 2,000
Total to January 1ยช, 1879 $ 3,400
And if the city shall continue to use the water from the canal as heretofore, such use must be understood to create a liability to pay us therefor at the rate of $2,000 per annum.
We recognize the peculiar importance of the use of the water of the canal by the city as a protection against fire, and we have been unwilling to forbid its use; but we now prescribe the terms upon which alone it may be taken; and we shall regard every use of it hereafter by the city, for extinguishing fires, filling cisterns, testing engines, or other municipal purposes, as a recognition of our claim, and an acknowledgment of an obligation to pay us the amount named. Bass, Simon & Co. By Taylor & Morris, attorneys.
A resolution to accept the Charley Zollinger steamer provoked a spirited discussion in which Messrs. Graham, Hettler, McCulloch, Cody, Vordermark, and others participated.
Mr. Graham said that the engine was only a third class steamer instead of a first class as contracted for and protested against its acceptance. He said responsible parties in Fort Wayne
965
would give a bond for $10,000 to build as good a steamer for $3,000.
Mr. Hettler said if the council would hold on a little it could get this engine for $3,000 thus making a savings of $1,250.
After several amendments were made the resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes- Bash, Breen, Cody, Dreyer, Fox, Hogan, McCulloch, Muhler, Putnam, Reese, Reidmiller, Vordermark, Wilkinson- 13.
Nays- Graham, Hettler, Holmes, Leinker- 4.
A resolution for the repair of the Vigilant and Anthony Wayne steamers was, after a spirited discussion referred to the fire committee.
Mr. Graham offered a resolution instructing the fire committee to inquire as to the expense and feasibility of locating one of the steamers in the seventh ward.
After considerable discussion the resolution was amended so as to provide for an inquiry by the fire committee as to the feasability and cost of making a general distribution of the steamers. It was then adopted.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 02/12/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
The new steamer has been accepted.
The gas bills incurred for illuminating the engine house and police station are enormous, and the council last evening ordered an investigation.
966
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 02/15/1879 Page 1, Col. 4.
CHARRED CHAIRS. DESTRUCTION OF BURKHOLDER'S FURNITURE FACTORY BY FIRE. LOSS ABOUT $9,000 -- NO INSURANCE.
At 10:30 last evening the furniture factory of Joseph Burkholder, located on Pearl street, between Griffith and Ewing streets caught fire from the engine. The building was of frame and extended from Pearl street to the canal bank. About half of it was two stories high, the rear portion being only one story.
As the building was old and dry and the contents very inflammable, the flames soon acquired such headway that it seemed impossible to drown them out. The Anthony Wayne and Vigilant steamers played solid streams upon the fire for several hours, the firemen remaining until daylight.
The building was practically a total loss. It was owned by Calvin P. Smith, of New York City and was worth $1,000. It was not insured. Mr. Burkholder's loss on Machinery, tools and stock was about $8,000, and he likewise was uninsured, a fact probably due to the high rate of premiums charged upon such risks. A large quantity of lumber belonging to Mr. B., which was on the lot adjoining the burned building, was saved.
The dense masses of smoke which were emitted from the burning building, moving gracefully upwards in vast clouds, the hues ever changing with the varying reflections from the flames beneath, and showers of sparks occasionally forcing a way through the vapory mass, formed a beautiful picture, which was viewed with much admiration by the hundreds who had gathered to witness the fire.
Twenty men were employed in the factory and they are thrown out of employment, temporarily at least, by its destruction.
967
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 02/17/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
A BIG BLAZE.
CAPT. EMERY'S DWELLING HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE.
Last evening at about 9 o'clock Capt. Chas. Emery's two story frame dwelling house on Broadway Park avenue, South Wayne, caught fire from a defective flue, and was entirely destroyed. A part of the contents were saved, but in a damaged condition. The major portion, however, was destroyed, including a quantity of clothing; about $500 worth of books and a handsome sword presented the captain by his soldiers and prized by him very highly.
The loss on building and contents is estimated at $2,500; insured for $1,200 in the North American of Philadelphia.
The fire not being in the city limits, and there being no water available, the engines did not proceed further than Henry street. The blaze made a brilliant illumination, which was visible quite a long time.
968
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 02/22/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
THE FIRE STEAMERS. SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION. IT WILL INVOLVE A LARGE INCREASE OF EXPENSE.
At the last meeting of the city council a resolution was adopted instructing the fire committee to investigate as to the feasibility and probable expense of distributing the fire steamers in the different sections of the city. As is well known Fort Wayne covers more territory than most cities containing double the population. Upon the area bounded on the west by the St. Mary's River, on the east by Glasgow avenue, and on the south by "stumptown" and South Wayne, and extending northward a considerable distance beyond the canal feeder, a population of 60,000 to 70,000 souls could be easily maintained. The extensive manufacturing establishments of the city, in which large amounts of capital are invested, and which give employment to thousands of men, are located in the extremities of the city. The protection of these institutions against fire is justly regarded as a matter of prime importance to the best interests of the city. The entire fire department is now located at the second ward engine house, rendering it almost impossible to reach distant portions of the city in time to extinguish any fire which may attain considerable dimensions. Under the present arrangement, in the event of two fires breaking out at the same time in opposite extremities of town- a thing of course liable to occur at any time- it would be impossible to do prompt and effective work at both of them.
A Sentinel reporter this morning called upon Councilman McCulloch, chairman of the fire committee, to learn what report, if any, had been agreed upon by the committee for submission to the council next Tuesday night. Mr. McCulloch said that to give the subject the attention its importance demands, it would be necessary for the committee to give to the investigation more time than had yet been at its disposal. Therefore, the council would be asked, next Tuesday evening, to grant the committee further time in which to make a report. Mr. McCulloch said that the distribution of the fire steamers was a most desirable thing, the only question being as to the ability of the city, at the present time to afford it. With the present number of steamers and amount of apparatus, it would only be possible to establish two additional engine houses. One should be located some place as convenient as possible to the large manufacturing institutions in the southern and eastern portions of the city; another at some point as convenient as possible to the northern and extreme western portions of town, including Nebraska. It would be necessary to purchase two lots, but these might possibly be exchanged for real estate now owned by the city. Two new engine houses would cost from $4,000 ti $5,000; these houses would have to be fitted up for the accommodation of paid men; another team would have to be purchased; an additional engineer and driver, and about eight minute men would have to be employed; gongs and bell strikers for the fire alarm telegraph and would have to be purchased and the telegraph itself extended, etc., etc. All these changes would cost a good deal of money, and, in Mr. McCulloch's opinion, the expense of the department for the first two years under the new arrangement would be $25,000 to $30,000 per annum, instead of $12,000 to $14,000 as at present. After the first two years, when the permanent improvements are paid for, the expense need not be so large.
After the fire committee makes a more through investigation, it will be possible for a close estimate to be made as to the increased expense attendant upon the proposed distribution. The report will be presented to the council, and if that body thinks the city can afford it, the distribution will undoubtedly be ordered.
969
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 02/24/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The Anthony Wayne steamer has been taken to pieces and will undergo thorough repairs.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 02/26/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
THE ALERTS.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company now has thirty-nine members as follows: L. T. Bourie, F. F. Boltz, J. H. Bass, John Bostick, C. S. Brackenridge, A. H. Carier, C. F. Eme, W. O. Ford, W. Haskell, A. Holsworth, Geo. Humbrecht, T. B. Hedekin, R. Hanson, H. Gerardin, Chas. Goodman, Anthony Kelker, Jas. M. Kane, I. Lauferty, A. Lordier, Wm. Liechstein, Jos. Mommer, Chas. McCulloch, J. P. Manuel, M. A. Noll, J. G. Noll, A. Parnin, John Phillips, W. Rossington, John Rabb, Gus. Strodel, N. P. Stockbridge, W. D. Scheifer, Geo. Strodel, Geo. Swain, I. Trauerman, H. Trentman, F. B. Vogel, F. Voirol, C. A. Zollinger.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 03/11/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire committee will submit a report to the council to-night on the distribution of the steamers. They estimate the cost at $13,000.
John Mohr jr., is being generally talked of for councilman from the seventh ward, and J. R. Prentiss is quite prominent in the ninth ward in the same connection.
970
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 03/12/1879
Page 1, Col. 2-3-4.
COMMON COUNCIL MEETING.
The fire committee submitted the following report on the location of fire engines: To His Honor the Mayor and Gentlemen of the Common Council:
Your committee on fire department report that in the matter of the distribution of the engines that, in their opinion, the most suitable places for the engines at present, and in view of further distribution in the future, would be in the east end at or near the intersection of Hanna and Lewis streets, and in the west end at or near the intersection of Broadway and Jefferson streets; and that we have been unable to find suitable buildings for engine houses in either locality, without considerable expense in making repairs and building additions, and therefore it is our opinion that it would be best for the city, if the engines should be distributed, to purchase lots and build engine houses. The probable expense would be between $13,00 and $14,000, and about $3,000 additional running expense per annum.
In the matter of repairs of engines, we would report that the Anthony Wayne needs new smoke flues and water tubes, and new top sheet or boiler head. Some leaks in shell of boiler needs repairing; gauge cock pipes to be made to screw on boiler with couplings, leaks to be taken up around fire box door, steam cylinders and pumps to be repaired with new gibbs and bearings.
The Vigilant needs new fire box and flues.
The Randall needs boiler repaired.
We also submit a list of members of Alert Hook and Ladder Company, which is made part of this report.
All of which is respectfully submitted. F. H. McCulloch, J. W. Vordermark,
Committee on fire department
A motion was made to refer that part of the report referring to the Alert Hook and Ladder Company back to the chief engineer, to bring before the next council properly assorted. Carried.
A motion to place the remainder of the report on file was met by strong opposition from Councilman Graham. He thought the engines should be distributed; the many workshops in the south part of the city needed better protection in case of fire. He therefore moved an amendment that the report be referred to a committee of the whole with the mayor added. After some little discussion the amendment was adopted. The balance of the report was received and filed.
971
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 03/19/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire committee met this morning and prepared an advertisement for bids for the repairs of the steam engines.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 03/25/1879 Page 1, Col. 3.
The fire alarm last evening at 6:30 was caused by the burning out of a chimney in the residence of S. H. Ransom, No. 309 West Jefferson street. No damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 04/01/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm of fire at 1:30 this morning was caused by a blaze in an unoccupied one story frame dwelling house at No. 46 Bass street, owned by John Fitzpatrick. Damage, $20; insured for $400.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday
04/03/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
Chief Vogel yesterday purchased at Van Wert a fine, large , grey horse for the fire department. He will be used in one of the hose carriages. The amount paid was $120.
972
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 04/07/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
Only one fire steamer- the Charley Zollinger- is now in condition for service.
Bids for repair of the Anthony Wayne, Frank Randall and Vigilant fire steamers will be opened by the council to-morrow evening. The Amoskeag and Silsby companies, Kerr Murray and Olds & Wheelock have presented proposals.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 04/09/1879 Page 1, Col. 2-3-4-5.
COMMON COUNCIL MEETING.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS UNDER CONSIDERATION. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The committee on the fire department reported having received bids for the repair of the fire engines; that the Silsby Company was the lowest bidder for the repair of the Anthony Wayne, and C. L. Olds & Co. for the Vigilant and Frank Randall.
Mr. Graham said he had understood that the specifications were very loose; that certain mechanics would not bid on account of the looseness of the specifications, which would bring about considerable trouble, and the city could not obtain what it wanted.
Mr. Hettler thought the committee was having a little too much sway; that they made purchases without any knowledge of the council, and thought they should not go beyond their limit. The bids should not have been opened by them, but should have been brought into the council sealed.
Mr. Graham- I am creditably informed that the Randall and Vigilant steamers do not need repairing, and would advise that the matter be investigated.
Mr. McCulloch- Any man with common sense, after seeing the water pour into the fire-box, would know that it came from the boiler, and that it needed repairing.
The report of the committee was adopted.
RESOLUTIONS.
A resolution ordering the fire committee to contract with the Silsby Co. for the repair of the Anthony Wayne steamer and with C. L. olds & Co. for the repair of the Vigilant and Frank Randall engines provoked an animated discussion between Messrs. Graham, Vordermark, Hettler, McCulloch and Cody, and was referred to the fire committee with instructions to employ a competent mechanic to assist in revising the specifications.
973
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 04/12/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
A fire yesterday threatened the destruction of the woodhouse of H. B. Fry, on West Lewis street. It was caused by a burning ash barrel, and was extinguished before any damage was done.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 04/17/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm from box 3-4, at 5:30 last evening was caused by the burning out of a chimney at No. 123 Williams street. No damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
04/23/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm of fire this morning at 9 o'clock was caused by a small blaze in the Muncie telegraph office in Bloomingdale, which caught from the chimney. Damage nominal.
974
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 04/23/1879
Page 4, Col. 3-4.
FIRE FACTS.
CHIEF VOGEL'S ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CONDITION, EXPENSES AND OPERATION OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Chief Engineer Vogel's annual report was submitted to the council last evening. It is as follows:
H'dq'rs Ft. Wayne City Fire Dep't. Cor. Court and Berry Sts. April 19, 1879.
To His Honor the Mayor and Gentlemen of the Common Council: Herewith I have the pleasure of presenting my fifth annual report, ending April 1st, 1879.
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.