USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 9
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Messrs. Mckean and Hettler opposed the purchase of the hose. The report was concurred in.
In the matter of the duties of the chief of the fire department, it was the chief's duty to oversee all the doings and workings of the department, also to keep account of all expenses incurred by the working of the department, and respecting the wire reported missing he would recommend that the city proceed to recover according to law.
The committee on fire department reported contract with the Gutts Percha and Rubber Co., of New York for 2,000 feet of carbolihed hose at 94 cents per foot, with a warrantee for 42 months. It was resolved that the mayor and city attorney be instructed to close the contract, as amended at the last council meeting.
1013
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 09/16/1879
Page 1, Col. 5.
A false alarm from box 3-1 brought out the department this morning.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 09/22/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
Yesterday morning about 4 o'clock Mayor Zollinger was awakened by a sense of suffocation, and found that the house was filled with smoke. He at once sprang up and discovered that the chimney was burning out and that the heat from the chimney had set fire to the washboard, which had burned for a space of about four feet, and also burned the carpet. A little dilligent exertion, and a plentiful supply of water soon quenched the fire with but a nominal damage
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 10/02/1879 Page 3, Col. 1.
Fred Michaels has been appointed foreman of engine company No. 3 by Chief Vogel. He takes the place of the missing David Eggeman. The appointment is a good one, as Fred is a thorough fireman in every respect.
The residence of Mr. Richey, of Academy Station, Washington township, was destroyed by fire yesterday morning about 6 o'clock. Mr. Richey and family were absent at the time from the house, and it is believed that the fire originated from a defective flue. Mr. R. looses not only his house but all the furniture which it contained. - Gazette.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 10/03/1879 Page 1, Col. 5.
BROADWAY BLAZE. FIRE IN THE WEST END LAST NIGHT.
THE FLAMES DO CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE.
At about 2 o'clock this morning an alarm was turned in from box 37 on Broadway. The department responded promptly and found the butcher shop and stable at No. 198 Broadway occupied by Geo. Hoke, and owned by Rosina Eisenger, to be in flames. The fire had gained too much headway when the department arrived to be controlled, and had already communicated to the adjoining property, No. 198, owned by Mrs. Eliza Grubb, so all efforts were made to save the adjoining properties. The fire originated in the stable of 196, but by what means is not known. The flames spread rapidly and a horse in the stable perished. The stable and butcher shop were almost entirely consumed. The total value of the property and contents was about $1,000. A large amount of the contents were saved, reducing the loss on the buildings to about $400, on which there was an insurance of $750.
The loss on No. 198 was principally by water and moving, and will be covered by $75 on which there was no insurance. The loss on the horse was about $75.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 10/11/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
FIRE AT HUNTINGTON. (Special telegram to the Sentinel.)
Huntington, Oct. 11 .- A fire broke out in the saw mill of John Kenower & Son about 10 last night. The fire in the mill was beyond control when the fire department got to work, and the mill building was burned to the ground. The building was a two-story frame, and was filled with machinery and wagon stock. A stable situated close by was burned, but the horses were saved. The books and accounts are all right. Luckily no wind was blowing of Huntington would have been much smaller this morning. Loss about $6,000 with no insurance. It is not known how the fire originated, but many think it was a case of incendiarism.
1015
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 10/13/1879
Page 3, Col. 2 & 4.
Chief Vogel celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday in royal style at his elegant West Berry street residence. Long may he wave.
A lot of straw in Remmel's stable on Broadway, was set on fire by some careless boys yesterday. Two or three buckets full of water put it out.
FALSE ALARMS.
THE FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH WIRES BEING TAMPERED WITH.
Last evening, at about 7:15, an alarm of fire was sent purporting to be from box 31. The alarm was sounded twice, but came in so irregularly that the department did not go out, although they were ready to do so at a regular alarm. After a cessation of a few minutes and just about the time the boys were taking the horses back to the stables, the alarm was sounded again; this time only once. It was then evident that some one was sending in the alarm purposely to turn out or annoy the department.
The police were at once notified of the fact and kept a close watch, but nothing further was heard. The department have been so much annoyed by false alarms during the past few months, mostly, however, from the interference of telephone wires, that they have almost became out of patience, and should any one be caught willfully meddling with the alarm wires, he or they would undoubtedly fare hard.
1016
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 10/23/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
What might have been a serious accident was prevented to-day by the presence of mind of John Downey, of the fire department. No. 1 on the Pittsburgh was just pulling out when a woman who had been walking around the platform for some time, attempted to board the train. She caught hold of one of the guards between two cars and tried to board the train. She got one foot on the step, but the motion of the train caused her to swing around, and in another moment she would have fallen between them- the cars on the track- when she would, in all probability, have been run over and maimed, if not killed. Just in the nick of time John, who was standing close by, sprang forward, and catching hold of her gave her a "boost" and at the same time a gentleman on the car caught her hand and drew her safely on the car.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/03/1879 Page 3, Col. 2-3.
AN INCIPIENT BLAZE.
Saturday night, as Messrs. Coombs, Morris & Bell were sitting in their office, a flame suddenly burst out almost under their feet, caused by the burning of the floor. Water was at once procured and dashed on the incipient blaze, and it was soon extinguished. It was then discovered that it caught from the grate and may possibly have been burning for an hour before it was discovered, being between the floor. The damage to the floor, carpet and papers from fire and water will probably amount to $50.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 11/04/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
John Crouse's house in Aboite township was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. The occupants narrowly escaped with their lives. Loss, $1,200; no insurance.
1017
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/10/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
Yesterday morning while the Napoleon fire was in progress the chief of the fire department received an appeal for aid, and ordered out the Anthony Wayne steamer. While loading it on the car at the depot a stopcock was broken off, rendering the engine useless. A dispatch soon after stated that the fire was under control, when the engine was returned to the house.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 11/19/1879
Page 1, Col. 3-4.
THE CITY BOSSES.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The chief of the fire department made his semi-annual report, stating that the number of fires was large during the past six months. He reported the department a s consisting of four engines, three steamers and one hand engine, all in good repair; eight paid men, sixteen half pay men, and one tillerman. During the past half year there were 36 alarms turned of which there were 24 fires and 12 false alarms besides which there were 75 alarms sent in to which the department did not respond at all they being false alarms occasioned by the telephone wires. Twenty-two cisterns have been filled from the canal and Pittsburgh tank. Two thousand feet of new hose have been purchased, and the department is generally in good shape, but can not give the running expenses as the purchasing power has been assumed by the fire committee. He further reported the sale of two sections of hose to French, Hanna & Co., and of coal to R. D. Wood & Co., upon the order of the fire committee.
Mr. Vordermark wanted to know how the chief could be compelled to keep the running expenses if he refused. The whole report was referred to the committee on fire department.
1018
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 11/22/1879 Page 4, Col. 5.
The Alerts are making big preparations for their ball, and judging from the names on the committee it will be one of the events of the season;
Executive Committee- A. H. Carier, T. B. Hedekin, L. T. Bourie, A. Lordier, Isaac Trauerman. Reception Committee- Jos. Mommer, R. C. Hanson, W. D. Shiefer, James M. Kane, Chas. McCulloch, Peter Certia,
Floor Managers- L. T. Bourie, F. B. Vogel, John Phillips, Chas. Goodman, C. Enteman. Managers- C. A. Zollinger, John H. Bass, Mont. Hamilton, A. C. Trentman, C. L.
Brackenridge, A. Wolf, Geo. Strodel, C. F. Eme, H. C. McDowell, F. F. Boltz, Isaac Lauferty, C. L. Centlivre.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/24/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
SUNDAY SCORCHES.
Early Sunday morning a car in the Wabash yard, loaded with lime, consigned to John Lillie, was discovered to be on fire. An alarm was promptly sounded and the fire was soon extinguished. Loss on the car about $180 and on the lime $125. It is supposed the fire was the work of an incendiary.
The Fort Wayne Laundry, owned by Mrs. Kate Gable, was slightly singed yesterday morning, but the excellent work of the fire department prevented the total destruction of the building. The loss on the building will not exceed $150 which is fully covered by insurance. Mrs. Richards in the employ of Mrs. Gable lost a trunk filled with wearing apparel. Her loss is about $20
1019
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 12/02/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
In all probability, at the next session of the council, an order will be made furnishing the chairman of the fire committee with a key to the chief engineer's office, so that his committee can have a regular place for their meetings, instead of being compelled to assemble in shoe stores, barber shops and saloons.
The hook and ladder truck is in the shop for repairs.
Owing to excavations on the street in front of the engine house, one of the hose carts has been moved to Reed's stable and another to the bus barn.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 12/03/1879 Page 3, Col. 1.
The Alert's ball, to-morrow night, promises to be a grand success.
Who is on top, the fire committee or the chief engineer? Is the leading question.
The Alerts will meet to-night to make final arrangements for the ball to morrow night.
page 4, col. 1.
The hose trucks have been returned to the engine house.
The telephone touched off the fire alarm again this morning.
1020
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 12/04/1879 Page 4, Col. 1-2.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company's ball at Arion Hall to-night promises to be a grand affair. The various committees appointed to perfect arrangements have performed their work thoroughly, and everything is in readiness. Those of our citizens who attend can rest assured of a rare treat.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 12/05/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
ACTIVE ALERTS.
HOW THEY "TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC" AT ARION HALL LAST NIGHT. A LARGE CROWD AND A HAPPY TIME.
The Alert ball given last night at Arion Hall was a success from every point of view. The preparations had been completed and all the arrangements made to that perfection which the names of the committee alone guaranteed.
The ball was given in honor of Gen. Washington's farewell address, and had long been heralded and was looked forward to as to be one of the events of the season, nor was any one disappointed in that particular.
The participants in the affair were among the best of Fort Wayne society.
Of the city officers present were noticed Mayor Zollinger, Clerk Trentman, Councilmen Noll and Muhler, Trustee McCulloch, City Engineer Brackenridge, Chief Engineer Vogel, and Officers Falker and Humbrecht.
The executive committee consisted of A. H. Carrier, T. B. Hedekin, L. T. Bourie, A. Lordier and Isaac Trauerman, and a great deal of credit is due them for the able manner in which the whole affair was conducted. The music was furnished by Reineke's orchestra, whose well known proficiency needs no commendation in these columns. The programme was well selected and varied, and at its conclusion every one felt satisfied there had been an evening well spent.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 12/09/1879 Page 4, Col. 1.
The boys at the engine house are breaking in the new horse.
1021
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 12/10/1879 Page 3, Col. 1-2.
COUNCIL- MANIACS.
MEANWHILE SAT DOWN ON CHIEF ENGINEER VOGEL AND THE GAZETTE CO.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The committee on fire department reported the purchase of a horse for the department for $190. Concurred in.
The special committee appointed to investigate the official conduct of the chief engineer of the fire department offered the following report:
Your committee to whom was referred the report of the committee on fire department, together with the report of the chief engineer for the purpose of investigating the different complaints contained in said report, respectfully beg leave to report that after giving the parties a fair hearing, and after a careful investigation, your committee find the chief engineer, F. B. Vogel, guilty of violating the ordinance and orders of the committee on fire department.
Your committee, therefore, recommend that the said chief engineer be instructed to at once make and present to the council at their next regular meeting a full report of the doings and running expenses of the fire department; also that he make bills against the parties having bought, or having otherwise, material belonging to the fire department in their possession, and collect the same, pay the same into the city treasury and report the same to this council.
Your committee further recommend that it be made the duty of the committee on fire department to report to this council at their next regular meeting whether the said chief is complying with the ordinances and resolutions of the council and orders of the fire committee, and on his failing to comply we recommend that the council relieve him from being any longer a servant in the fire department.
(Signed) C. Hettler, Louis Fox, Joshua Holmes, Committee.
Councilman Bash said he didn't understand why the committee on fire department had the purchasing power and the engineer be held responsible, and required to keep an account of the expenses.
Councilman Vordermark was called to the chair while Councilman Hettler made a few remarks, saying that as chairman of the special committee he investigated and found that the chief had made charges which he could not substantiate, Further, the common council, as a body, was the highest power in the city, and their appointed officers and committees are always servants of the people through the common council. The chief refused to comply with the orders
1022
of the council, and continued to refuse upon repeated solicitations. The chief must always be subservient to the committee, even though he gives a bond and draws four times the salary of a councilman.
Councilman Hettler resumed the chair.
Councilman Bash thought that there should have been a compromise.
The chair (Hettler) said it must be an unconditional surrender.
Councilman Hamilton said that the chief was required to do nothing more than was required of the city clerk and what other officers were required to do.
The report was unanimously concurred in.
REPORT OF OFFICERS.
The city marshal petitioned for the care of the old horse belonging to the fire department, to be pensioned by the city, which petition was granted.
The chief engineer of the fire department reported on the bill of W. Chandler & Co., for fire apparatus, that the apparatus was necessary and should be allowed. Referred to the committee on fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 12/11/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
THREE TIMES
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO-DAY.
MUCH SMOKE BUT VERY LITTLE FIRE.
Two alarms of fire were sent in this morning in quick succession, both of which brought out the department and both were alike indestructive.
The first was from box 25, on the corner of Lewis and Hanna streets, and was occasioned by the burning out of a chimney on the corner of Lewis and Francis streets. The engines went to the place, and finding that their services were not needed, were returned to the engine house.
A short time afterward another alarm was turned in from box 15, located on the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets, and was caused by the burning out of a chimney at the saloon occupied by Christian Gross. Some bed clothing in the upper part of the house caught fire from the chimney and were damaged, but the fire was put out before the department arrived and they again returned to the engine house without throwing any water.
The telephone, its turn then having come, sent in a third alarm, which caused the boys to hitch up, but they did not turn out.
1023
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 12/12/1879
Page 3, Col. 1.
Frank Vogel resign ?- nixey:
The new horse in the fire department is a beauty.
Page 4, Col. 2.
This morning at about 7:30 an alarm was turned in from box 1-6, at the corner of Calhoun and Chicago streets. The fire was found to be in the Darrow House, where some bedding had caught fire. The department turned out promptly and in a short time were ready to throw water. The fire, however, was extinguished without the aid of the department. The loss is nominal.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 12/12/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire alarm was on a rampage to-day noon.
All the lawyers turned out to the fires yesterday.
1024
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 12/17/1879 Page 1, Col. 4.
BUSTED BILER.
TERRIFIC EXPLOSION THIRTEEN MILES NORTH OF THE CITY.
FIVE MEN INSTANTLY KILLED FRIGHTFUL SCENES.
The boiler in the saw mill of Louis Trumbull, at Collins, about thirteen miles north of this city, in Whitley county, exploded about noon yesterday, killing Louis Trumbull, the owner, his tow sons, Robert and Wesley, his nephew, Lorenzo Trumbull, and a young man named Elsey Glenn, an employe of the mill. The mill was completely destroyed and portions of the boiler were blown a distance of forty rods from the scene of the explosion. The bodies of the killed were terribly mangled, portions of Glenn's body being found over one hundred feet from the mill, and some of the bodies could only be recognized by portions of the clothing. The supposed cause of the accident was low water in the boiler.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT. (Correspondence of the Sentinel)
Coesse, Dec. 17- Yesterday about 10 minutes past one, the boiler at the saw-mill of Mr. Turnbull at Collins station exploded, instantly killing Mr. Turnbull, his two sons, nephew and a man named E. Glenn and entirely demolishing the mill. Wm. Mossman, of Coesse, had only just left the mill, and pieces of the debris were thrown as far as he was- some fifteen rods or more. The unfortunate men were torn and terribly mutilated, some portions of their bodies had not been recovered up to late last evening. It broke the glass in several houses in the town.
1025
1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday
12/18/1879 Page 1, Col. 4.
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
DETAILS OF THE TERRIBLE BOILER EXPLOSION AT COLLINS. FIVE PERSONS LITERALLY BLOWN INTO FRAGMENTS. SCENES OF DISTRESS WHICH BAFFLE DESCRIPTION.
(Columbia city post)
Collins is a small way station on the line of the Eel River Railroad, five miles east of Columbia City. Situated some forty rods due north of Collins, Louis Turnbull had erected a saw mill. The mill was operated by him and his two sons, assisted by his nephew, also named Turnbull, and a young man by the name of Elsie Glenn. This force of operators were engaged yesterday, (Tuesday) forenoon in sawing lumber. About noon, or a little after, the citizens of Collins were startled by a most terrific explosion, and looking in the direction the sound came, they saw a vast cloud of smoke and dust hovering over the site of the Turnbull mill. On reaching the scene of the disaster, a spectacle of havoc and death met the gaze of the beholders, terrible enough in its stern reality to melt the stoniest heart. There, laying amid debris and ruins, some fifty feet north of where the mill stood, was Lewis Turnbull, cold in death. Near fifty feet northwest of the mill, lay his oldest son also dead. Due west 250 feet, lay a portion of the body of the youngest son, the balance having been literally blown and cut to pieces. The body of young Turnbull, the nephew, was only about 40 feet west of the mill, also horribly mangled. Glenn was hurled west about 160 feet, his head striking against a hickory tree, scattering his brains in all directions. A leg was found here and an arm there. Every employe in the mill, with the employer, lay dead in its ruins.
Coroner Yontz was immediately notified and at once proceeded to the scene of death. After his arrival the bodies were picked up, one by one, and the remnants of the broken limbs gathered together and placed in the barn to await burial.
The devastation made by the explosion cannot be described. Where the mill stood, there scarcely remains a vestige of even its foundation. The sills of the mill are thrown out of their places and broken. The boiler is scattered far and wide, pieces being found forty rods distant. The engine is shattered into hundreds of pieces. The saw is no where to be found. The brick foundation enclosing, and upon which rested the boiler, is gone. The explosion is supposed to have been caused by low water in the boiler.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 12/18/1879
Page 3, Col. 1.
A burning chimney at No. 241 East Washington street, in the house occupied by Mrs. E. Dinkley, called out the fire department. The fire was extinguished without damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 12/24/1879 Page 3, Col. 1.
COUNCIL MEETING.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The fire committee reported that they wished longer time to report on the advisibility of purchasing the Chandler galvanometer; and further reported that Chief Vogel paid no attention to the report of the special committee made at the last meeting, and said he still continued to refuse to recognize the report in any way and has declared that he will test the matter in court.
Councilman Hettler said that the thing had now came to a point, and he now wanted the chief to walk straight or step down, and he moved that the matter be referred to a special committee to report whether or not the chief was subordinate, and if so then there would be but one course to pursue, that being that the chief must give way to a better man. The motion prevailed and Messrs. Hettler, Wilkinson and Holmes were appointed.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/29/1879
Page 1, Col. 4.
A fire occurred at 4:20 this afternoon, at George Strodel's, on Main street, but was extinguished with a few buckets of water.
1027
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 12/30/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire at Geo. Strodel's yesterday afternoon was a very slight one, and the damage can be covered with $50. It originated in the Saengerbund Hall, and was communicated by a defective flue. A hole was burned through the floor, and in putting it out the floor had to be cut and the plastering knocked from the ceiling below. The room below was pretty well drenched with water, but further than that no damage was done.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 12/31/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
Chief Vogel will hereafter open wide the portal when the fire committee arrives.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Monday 01/05/1880
Page 4, Col. 2 & 3.
A trifling blaze in Commerrow Bros.' saloon, caused by a spark from the stove, on yesterday morning, did $25 worth of damage.
An incendiary fire, at about 1:30 yesterday morning, loomed up in F. X. Goodman's barn, no. 283 East Washington st. Before very much damage was done our excellent fire department had subdued the flames. Simultaneously with the above a fire was noticed in a barn belonging to George Lauer's estate, No. 277 West Washington street. This barn was damaged some $300, and the one adjoining belonging to J. B. Neimann, about $60 worth. All insured.
1028
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 01/06/1880 Page 4, Col. 4.
MORE INCENDIARISM.
LAFAYETTE HALL THE SUBJECT THIS TIME.
At 2:20 o'clock this morning the fire bells pealed forth their warning notes to tell the world that Lafayette hall had been touched by the incendiaries' torch. The firemen, with their usual alacrity, were promptly at the scene of the conflagration, and in thirty minutes had the blaze quenched. The fire originated in a vacant room on the second floor, and was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary, as a large oil can, half filled with kerosene, was found in the room, and the floor and walls were saturated with it. Whoever did the business took the precaution to lock the door after them. The fire had reached the third floor before it was entirely quenched, damaging the building to the tune of from $500 to $600. When the door leading into the room in which the fire originated was burst open, the smoke almost suffocated those in close proximity to it. The building is the property of A. T. Johnson, of Pierceton, Indiana. The oil can found in the room is at police headquarters.
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