On April 14, 1872, a massive fire burned down 10 tenement houses on Sanderson Street in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The fire was estimated to cause $15,000 in damage.
During the response to the blaze, Charles Ewing of Good Intent Fire Company #1 was killed before ever reaching the fire.
The company’s history described the accident and the response after the death of Ewing, a veteran of the Civil War:
Sunday, April 14, 1872, Chas. Ewing, a member of the company, was killed on Market St., below Fifth, while running to the Sanderson Street fire.
He had hold of the tongue, when one of the engine wheels struck a dirt ridge left by pipe layers, and he was thrown to the ground, one of the hind wheels passing over his head, shattering his skull.
Deceased was a soldier in the Civil War, being a corporal in Co. K, 67th Regt., Penna. Vols. He was severely wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor; he was subsequently on the police force of the borough, and at the time of his death was constable of the South Ward.
He was a young man in the prime and vigor of life, and an active member of the company.
His remains were interred on Wednesday afternoon, April 17, in the Presbyterian cemetery. Services were conducted by Rev. Sembower, of the Baptist Church.
The following organizations accompanied the remains to their last resting place: Jones’ Cornet Band, the Gowen Guards, Pottsville Light Infantry, American Hose Co., No. 2, Phoenix Hose and Hook and Ladder Co., No. 2, Human Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 1, Good Intent Fire Engine Co., No. 1, and members of the 67th Regt., P. V.
The flags on the engine houses were displayed at half mast, and the fire alarm bell was tolled during the passage of the cortege from the house to the cemetery.
(Featured Image: Firefighters responding in Philadelphia in the 1850s – Library of Congress)
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