Barnabus C. Crawford, February 28th, 1840
At about 8:00 p.m. on the evening of Friday, February 28, 1840, the Reliance and Vigilant Engine Companies were racing down Fourth Street to a report of a fire on Broad Street. A short distance below Market Street, the street narrowed due to bricks being piled up on one side and a water pump protruding from the pavement on the other side. The two companies raced each other trying to get through the narrow street first. At the narrow passage the two companies collided. Barnabus Crawford, a 19-year-old member of the Reliance Engine Company, was jammed between the Reliance engine and pump. His injuries were so severe that he died within fifteen minutes of the accident.
The call that the two companies were racing to, turned out to be a FALSE alarm. It was a bonfire on Broad Street.
Barnabas Crawford was buried in the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church yard. His funeral was attended by his family and friends, members of the Reliance and Vigilant Engine Companies and a large contingent from the Fire Department.
Barnabus C. Crawford, February 28th, 1840
At about 8:00 p.m. on the evening of Friday, February 28, 1840, the Reliance and Vigilant Engine Companies were racing down Fourth Street to a report of a fire on Broad Street. A short distance below Market Street, the street narrowed due to bricks being piled up on one side and a water pump protruding from the pavement on the other side. The two companies raced each other trying to get through the narrow street first. At the narrow passage the two companies collided. Barnabus Crawford, a 19-year-old member of the Reliance Engine Company, was jammed between the Reliance engine and pump. His injuries were so severe that he died within fifteen minutes of the accident.
The call that the two companies were racing to, turned out to be a FALSE alarm. It was a bonfire on Broad Street.
Barnabas Crawford was buried in the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church yard. His funeral was attended by his family and friends, members of the Reliance and Vigilant Engine Companies and a large contingent from the Fire Department.
Career History
Volunteer with the Reliance Fire Company