James D. Stewart, January 24th, 1918
On Wednesday, January 23, 1918 at 10:30 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 2428, 56th and Wyalusing Avenues, for a fire in the Brooks Public School, a 3-story brick and stone building located at 57th and Haverford Avenue.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman James Pollick of Chemical 1, Hoseman Samuel C. Roller of Chemical 1, Lieutenant Harry Wirth of Engine 41, and Captain James D. Stewart of Truck 6 were killed under a falling wall that collapsed. The iron fence surrounding the schoolyard prevented them from escaping in time.
Seven other firemen were also injured in this catastrophe. Among them was Ladderman John Doyle of Truck 9 who was seriously injured. He died of his injuries of March 7, 1918, about a month and a half later.
The fire reached four alarms.
James D. Stewart, January 24th, 1918
On Wednesday, January 23, 1918 at 10:30 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 2428, 56th and Wyalusing Avenues, for a fire in the Brooks Public School, a 3-story brick and stone building located at 57th and Haverford Avenue.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman James Pollick of Chemical 1, Hoseman Samuel C. Roller of Chemical 1, Lieutenant Harry Wirth of Engine 41, and Captain James D. Stewart of Truck 6 were killed under a falling wall that collapsed. The iron fence surrounding the schoolyard prevented them from escaping in time.
Seven other firemen were also injured in this catastrophe. Among them was Ladderman John Doyle of Truck 9 who was seriously injured. He died of his injuries of March 7, 1918, about a month and a half later.
The fire reached four alarms.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 32 - February 18, 1899
Transferred Hoseman Engine 41 - September 9, 1901
Transferred Hoseman Chemical 1 (Later E-67) - April 8, 1904
Transferred Hoseman Engine 44 - February 2, 1910
Promoted Assistant Foreman Truck 6 - July 22, 1911
Transferred Assistant Foreman Engine 43 - November 9, 1912
Transferred Assistant Foreman Truck 6 - February 4, 1913
Transferred Assistant Foreman Truck 14 - January 19, 1914
Promoted Captain Truck 6 - November 1, 1914
Additonal Information
Research from the museum files.
Name: James D. Stewart
Date of appointment: Feb. 18, 1899
Age at appointment: 27
Address at appointment: 1109 Union Street
Occupation at appointment: MotormanPosition of appointment: Hoseman
Station assigned: Engine # 32 located at the southwest corner of 6th & Sansom Streets
Transferred to: Engine # 41 on Sept 9, 1901, located at 61st St & Haverford Ave.
Transferred to: Chemical #1 on April 8, 1904, located at NEC Preston St. & Haverford Ave.
Transferred to: Engine #44 on Feb. 2, 1910, located at 3420 Haverford Ave.
Promoted to Asst. Foreman: July 22, 1911
Transferred to: Truck #6 on July 22, 1911, located at Wyoming Street (now 40th St.) & Haverford Ave.
Transferred to: Engine # 43 on Nov. 9, 1912, located at 2110 Market Street
Transferred to: Truck #6 on Feb. 4, 1913
Transferred to: Truck #14 on Jan. 19, 1914 located at 2936 Ridge Ave.
Promoted to: Captain on Nov. 1, 1914
Transferred to: Truck # 6. Nov. 1, 1914
Injured: January 8, 1918. Capt Stewart sustained an injury to his left eye while operating at a fire on box 792 which is located at 54th St and Lansdowne Ave.
Died on duty: January 23, 1918.
On Wednesday, January 23, 1918 at 10:30 pm firefighters responded to an alarm of fire at the Brooks Public School at 57th St and Haverford Ave. The first arriving company found heavy fire in the three-story brick and stone school building. By 10:52 pm four alarms had been sounded. Shortly after midnight the rear wall suddenly collapsed killing Capt. James D. Stewart and two other firefighters.