James R. Wood, February 27th, 1840
On Wednesday evening, February 26, 1840, the engine and hose carriage of the Northern Liberty Hose Company were returning from an alarm of fire. As they approached the corner of Third and Callowhill Streets several small boys, who were holding the rope of the hose carriage fell. In an attempt to save them, an 18-year-old young man, James R. Wood, who was also running with the hose, accidentally fell under the engine that was following close behind. The wheels of the heavy engine passed over his body. He was taken to his home where he lingered until the next day when he died of internal hemorrhages. He was buried in the Mutual of Kensington Cemetery.
James Wood was an 18-year-old apprentice of Mr. John Street, maker of shell combs located at 225 Market Street.
NOTE
The account of this accident was initially found by researchers on June 17, 1969. It was found in the yellowed pages of the hand-written log of the Northern Liberty Hose Company. The original entry appeared in ink that had faded to a brownish color. This account was among the names of other members of the company who died of various other causes.
James R. Wood, February 27th, 1840
On Wednesday evening, February 26, 1840, the engine and hose carriage of the Northern Liberty Hose Company were returning from an alarm of fire. As they approached the corner of Third and Callowhill Streets several small boys, who were holding the rope of the hose carriage fell. In an attempt to save them, an 18-year-old young man, James R. Wood, who was also running with the hose, accidentally fell under the engine that was following close behind. The wheels of the heavy engine passed over his body. He was taken to his home where he lingered until the next day when he died of internal hemorrhages. He was buried in the Mutual of Kensington Cemetery.
James Wood was an 18-year-old apprentice of Mr. John Street, maker of shell combs located at 225 Market Street.
NOTE
The account of this accident was initially found by researchers on June 17, 1969. It was found in the yellowed pages of the hand-written log of the Northern Liberty Hose Company. The original entry appeared in ink that had faded to a brownish color. This account was among the names of other members of the company who died of various other causes.
Career History
Volunteer with the Northern Liberty Hose Company