Chicago Tribune, February 10, 1858
The Steam Fire Engine.-Owing to the storm, the new steam fire engine ordered by the city, was not tried yesterday afternoon, but, if weather permits, will be exhibited this afternoon at 2 o’clock at the foot of La Salle street. S. D. Ward, Comptroller.
Chicago Tribune, February 11, 1858
The New Steam Fire Engine.—According to the announcement of the Comptroller, the new Steam Fire Engine, from the manufactory of Messrs. Silsby, Mynderse & Co., Seneca Falls, New York, was tested at the foot of South LaSalle street. Last summer one of these machines was exhibited in our city, and gave so much satisfaction that the city ordered one at a cost of $4,500— and a day or two since it reached our city.
The engine weighs about five and a half tons, and is known Holly’s Patent. In consequence of the intensely cold weather and the fact that the engine had been left standing in the open air, instead of being properly housed, a little delay was occasioned in getting it to work, but after all was in readiness it proved—by its performance—to be everything that, could be desired in way of a steam fire engine. It threw two streams, one and a half inch each, -a height of over seventy feet, and what is better, maintained them without the least difficulty. The same sized streams were thrown horizontally, a distance of over two hundred feet.
The construction of the engine is very simple, and is easily managed. Steam enough can be generated, to do good service, within ten minutes from the lighting of the fire in the furnace, and either coal or wood can be used. One pair of horses can easily drag it at a sound trot. The exhibition yesterday was made at every disadvantage, but, nevertheless, gave universal satisfaction. We trust immediate measures will be taken to have the machine ready for service at fires.
Chicago Tribune, February 15, 1860
The New Steam Fire Engine “Little Giant.”
The beautiful new Steam Fire Engine “Little Giant,” of Amoskeag Manufacturing Co.’s Works at Manchester, N.H., referred to in our last issue, as having just arrived here, was brought out to be tested. The day as unfavorable in respect to the high wind prevailing, and success gained in the face of the same should be duly credited. Acquired in 1860.
Water in the first instance was taken from the plug on the corner of South Wells and Washington streets. Steam was made and four streams opened in five and a half minutes from lighting the fire. Later the machine was stationed to take suction at the foot of Washington street on the South Branch, and gave a stream through one hundred feet of hose and a one-inch and a quarter nozzle, a distance of two hundred and twenty-eight feet. Good work.
The steamer is of the vertical pump pattern, with a round, upright boiler; weighs 55 hundred pounds, and cost $3,500. Two other similar machines are to be ordered, we learn, by the city—one being nearly ready to ship at the Works, as above.
History of Chicago, Volume II, A. T. Andreas, 1885
COMPANY SKETCHES.—The following sketches of steam fire engine companies include those organized previous to 1871:
“Long John” Engine Company No. 1. As has been stated, this company was first put under full pay in December, 1858, with Joel A. Kinney as its foreman. He held the position but a few months, being succeeded the next year by Thomas Barry. Mr. Barry remained in this position for two years, when he was transferred to Engine Company No. 8. In 1868, Alexander McMonagle was appointed foreman of the company, the “Long John ” engine having made its last appearance during the early portion of the year. On the 28th of January, 1868, occurred the Lake-street fire, which was its final work, the steamer soon afterward going into the “scrap-heap.” “Long John the Second” arrived from the H. C. Silsby works (Seneca Falls, N.Y.), on the 20th of June, and was immediately put into service. It remained intact, however, for only about eighteen months for, on January 17, 1870, while going down the approach to Washington-street tunnel, on its way to a South Canal-street fire, and indulging in a contest of speed with the “A. D. Titsworth” No. 13, it was overturned, and brought up, at the mouth of the tunnel, a total wreck. James Enright, engineer, now engineer of No. 16, was seriously injured. The third “Long John ” arrived January 30, 1870, and was put into service on the 2d of February. Mr. McMonagle continued to act as foreman until after 1871.
“Enterprise” Engine Company No. 2 was organized December 26, 1858, and was located in the quarters vacated by the “Long John ” in the old Armory Building, corner of Adams and Franklin streets. The first members were : Delos N. Chappel, foreman John Sloan, Maurice Walsh, Alexander Ross, John Lewis, Patrick Guilfoil, John Agnew, pipemen George Roberts, engineer, Harry Roberts, assistant engineer; John Heber and George Delemater, drivers Michael Powers, watchman. Mr. Chappel remained as foreman until the summer of 1859, when he was succeeded by P. P. Wood. Mr. Wood joined “Battery A,” in 1862, and became captain because of meritorious service. James J. Walsh “Ginger”) succeeded Captain Wood. Mr. Walsh is now captain of Engine Company No. 22, located at No. 460 Webster Avenue, and is the oldest foreman, of continuous service, in the department. He remained as acting foreman until No. 2 was reorganized, as “J.B.Rice” No. 10, in February, 1866, and the engine transferred to Bridgeport. Joel A. Kinney became foreman of No. 2 in April, 1866, remaining one year. Mathias Benner succeeded him in April, 1867, continuing thus to act until May 4, 1868.
“Atlantic ” Engine Company No. 3, the first company put into commission under full pay, was prganized October 23, 1858, and was located on the North Side. No. 225 Michigan Street, where No. 8 now is. The following were the first members: George McCagg, William loner. foreman; L. T. Walsh, John O’Neil, Frank Agnew, Martin Dollard, James Maxwell, pipemen; George Roberts, engineer; Harry Roberts, assist ant engineer; William Dexter and Francis T. Swenie, drivers: Robert Williams, watchman. Mr. McCagg was foreman until 1861, when Mr. Walsh succeeded and remained in that position until after 1871.
“Island Queen” Engine Company No. 4 was organized January 5, 1859, and located at the corner of Clinton and Washington streets. Afterwards its headquarters were in No. 6’s house, on West Lake Street. The original members of “Island Queen” were as follows: Robert A. Williams, foreman; Leo Myers. Peter Schimmels, Adolph Wilkie, Nicholas Eckhardt, John Hocksfear, Anton Lawson aid Henry McBride, pipemen; Fred Monday, engineer: William Johnson, assistant engineer; Patrick Garrity and Joseph Smith, drivers; John Myer, watchman. Mr. Williams remained foreman until the spring of 1860, being succeeded, for a short time, by John McLane. In 1861, came Charles T. Brown, who served until after the fire.
“U. P. Harris” Engine Company No. 5 was put in commission January 26, 1860, and was stationed on West Jackson Street, between Clinton and Jefferson streets. The original members were: Alfred F, Stoddart, foreman; Leo Myers, John Harrington, John Drehr and John Scanlon, pipemen; Robert Etheridge, engineer; Frank Sowersby, assistant engineer; John Windheim and Charles Nolan, drivers; Michael Powers, watchman. Mr. Myers remained foreman until he was appointed first assistant of the Department in 1863. William Sodem served from 1863 until 1868, and Christian Schimmels from that year until after the fire.
“Little Giant” Engine Company No. 6 was organized on the 13th of February, 1860, and stationed at No. 98 Dearborn Street. The original members were: Fred A. Bragg, foreman; William R. Hoisington, Samuel Cunningham, Nelson Edson, and Richard Stringer, pipemen; Samuel Furlong, engineer: William Callahan and V. Durfee. assistant -engineer; John George, watchman William L Moore, drivers; R. J. Upon the date of organization, given above, the engine
Central arrived, via the Grand Trunk and Michigan Railroad, from the Amoskeag works. It was one of five the three ordered by the city, weighed six thousand hundred pounds, cost $3,500. and was located at the
Engine house of old “Fire Kin-” No. 1. Hie “Little Giant” was reorganized in 1S64. its headquarti rs was on Maxwell Street, near Canal. John Harrington Brown, the first foreman, being succeeded by Richard who held the position until 1868. William Mustaam then became foreman, serving until after the fire.
Engine Company No. 7 was put in commission April 27,1861, and located at No. 180 Dearborn Avenue. Its original members were D. J. ijwenie, foreman John O’Neil, Frank Agnew, and William Toner, pipemen ; William Horner, engineer; Frank Sowersby, assistant engineer Horace Ward and William Mullen, drivers; John Farrell, watchman. Mr. Swenie was the first and only foreman, serving until No. 7’s successor, “Fred. Gund” No. 14, was organized in 1867.
“Econony” Engine Company No. 8 was organized November 2. 1861, and was located at No. 265 Eighteenth Street, the following being the original list of members Thomas Barry, foreman John Teahan, I’, k. Jiurns, John Agnew, pipemen; Thomas Cooper, engineer; S. Hammond, assistant engineer; Edward Baggot and John Windheim, drivers; John P. Barrett, watchman. In September, 1871, Mr. Barry was transferred to “Douglas” Hose No. 6, Nicholas Dubach being appointed foreman of No. 8.
“Frank Sherman” Engine Company No. 9 was organized March 15, 1864, with headquarters at No. 97 Dearborn Street. The original members were: John J. Gillespie, foreman ; M. W. Shay, John R. George and Samuel Cunningham, pipemen; William Donlan, engineer; John Holm, assistant engineer; William J. Moore and Richard Stringer, drivers; John P. Fearns, watchman. Mr. Shay became foreman in 1865, Mr. Gillespie having been promoted to the assistant marshalship. In 1867, Joel A. Kinney became foreman of the Company, holding that position at the time of the great fire in 187 1. The headquarters of No. 9 were: changed from Dearborn Street to No. 2527 Cottage Grove Avenue.
“J. B. Rice” Engine Company No. 10 was organized February 19, 1866, and located at No. 338 State Street. Following are the original members: James J. Walsh, foreman; Jacob Held, Nicholas Barth, Thomas Dunigan, pipemen; George Roberts, engineer; Fred Allen, assistant engineer; Samuel Ripley, Archy Martin, drivers; Jacob Reis, watchman. The “J. B. Rice” engine was first publicly tested in the Court-house square, September 26, 1865. Among the spectators were Enoch McGrue, chief engineer of the Cincinnati Fire Department; A. B. Taylor, chief engineer of the Fond du Lac Department; J. F. Kinnard, patentee and proprietor of the Fire Alarm and Police Telegraph; and Commissioners John Wentworth and Brown. The engine was stationed at the northeast corner of the square, taking water from the fountain basin. At five o’clock the wood was ignited, and in eight minutes and a quarter the steamer began to throw water. With less than fifty pounds of steam, through a one and a quarter inch nozzle, a stream was thrown one hundred and seventy-five feet high. This was never before accomplished in this city, except by the “Neptune” in 1858, when, through a nozzle of the same size, it threw a stream to an altitude of over two hundred feet. The horizontal stream, through four sections of hose, one and a quarter inch nozzle, “Siamese” connection, was thrown to a distance of two hundred and thirty feet. The “Neptune” threw a stream two hundred and sixty feet, but it must be remembered that this engine weighed four times as much as the “Rice” The ” J. B. Rice was built at the Amoskeag works at Manchester, N. H., being similar to the “Frank Sherman.” Mr. Walsh remained foreman of the “Rice” until 1872.
No 1 Long John Steamer
House on Hubbard Street, between State and Wabash Streets.
This is a second class "Rotary" engine, built at the Island Works of H. C. Silsby, at Seneca Falls, N.Y. Weight when ready for use 7,500 pounds. Is drawn by four horses. Attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No 2 Wabansia Steamer
House on Sanger, between McGregor and Twenty-fifth street station. This is a second class "Rotary" engine, built at the Island Works of H. C. Silsby, at Seneca Falls, N.Y. Weight when ready for use 5,200 pounds. Is drawn by two horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No 3 Steamer Wm. James
House, No. 235, West Chicago Avenue, near Milwaukee Avenue.
This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 7,000 lbs. Is drawn by four horses Attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse. The engine was partly destroyed by fire, on October 9th, 1871, and rebuilt by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co.
No. 4 Jacob Rehm Steamer
House on Larrabee street, near corner of North Avenue.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 6,300 lbs. Is drawn by two horses. Attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 5 Steamer Chicago
House at No. 81 West Jackson St. This is a first class "Rotary" engine, built at the Island Works of H. C. Silsby, at Seneca Falls, N.Y. Weight when ready for use5,200 pounds. Is drawn by two horses. Attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 6 Steamer Little Giant
House on Larrabee street, near corner of North Avenue.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 6,300 lbs. Is drawn by two horses. Attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
Chicago Tribune, February 15, 1860
The New Steam Fire Engine “Little Giant.”
The beautiful new Steam Fire Engine “Little Giant,” of Amoskeag Manufacturing Co.’s Works at Manchester, N.H., referred to in our last issue, as having just arrived here, was brought out to be tested. The day as unfavorable in respect to the high wind prevailing, and success gained in the face of the same should be duly credited.
Water in the first instance was taken from the plug on the corner of South Wells and Washington streets. Steam was made and four streams opened in five and a half minutes from lighting the fire. Later the machine was stationed to take suction at the foot of Washington street on the South Branch, and gave a stream through one hundred feet of hose and a one-inch and a quarter nozzle, a distance of two hundred and twenty-eight feet. Good work.
The steamer is of the vertical pump pattern, with a round, upright boiler; weighs 55 hundred pounds, and cost $3,500. Two other similar machines are to be ordered, we learn, by the city— one being nearly ready to ship at the Works, as above.
No.7 Steamer Liberty
House on No. 611 West Lake Street.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 6,300 lbs. Is drawn by two horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 8 Economy Steamer
House on No. 284 Twenty-srcond Street.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H.:Weight when ready for use 6,300 lbs. Is drawn by two horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 9 Steamer Frank Sherman
House, No. 173 Cottage Grove Avenue.
This is a first class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 8,500 lbs. Is drawn by four horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 10 J.B. Rice Steamer
House on No. 338 State Street.This is a first class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H.:Weight when ready for use 8,600 lbs. Is drawn by four horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 11 A. C. Coventry Steamer
House on Michigan Street, between Stae and Cass.This is a first class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 8,500 lbs. Is drawn by four horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 12 Steamer T. R. Brown
House No. 80 West Lake street.This is a first class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 8,500 lbs. Is drawn by four horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 13 Steamer A. D. Titsworth
House No. 97 Dearborn street.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 6,700 lbs. Is drawn by two horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 14 Steamer Fred Gund
House No. 180 N. Dearborn street.This is a second class "Piston" engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. at Manchester, N.H. Weight when ready for use 6,700 lbs. Is drawn by two horses: attended by one two-wheel hose cart, drawn by one horse.
No. 1 Pioneer Hook and Ladder Truck
House on LaSalle street between Washington and Madison. This is a first class carriage with modern improvements, including a patent steering aparatus, built by George W. Hannis, of this city. Weight of truck when fully equipped is 4,500 pounds. Is drawn by two horses.
Hose Elevator and Truck
House near the corner of Harrison Street and Pacific Avenue. This apparatus (Skinner’s patent), built by George W. Skinner, of this city, has been in service one year; can be raised to the height of 84 feet; is used for the purpose of elevating hose to the upper stories of high buildings, and also for saving human lifeand valuable property.
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