Oscar Douglas, January 23rd, 1841
At 1:00 a.m. on Saturday January 23, 1841, fire was discovered in the rear of the Wright and Brothers Umbrella Manufacturing Company. This four-story stone building was located at 125 Market Street. This fast-moving fire extended to the buildings on either side. At 2:30 a.m. while firefighters Douglas and Rink were coupling a length of hose in the rear of the building, a wall came crashing down on them. One report states that they were warned that the wall was about to topple. But they kept working. The fire raged with such fury that their bodies could not be recovered for some hours. The papers initially reported a third man trapped under the rubble, but those reports turned out to be unfounded.
Oscar Douglas was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery. His funeral took place on January 25th and was attended by his family and friends. Also in attendance were members of the Pennsylvania Engine Company and The Light Artillery Corps of Washington Grays, of which he was a member. These companies later erected a monument to Firefighter Douglas’ sacrifice, which still stands at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Oscar Douglas was 27 years old and worked at the Baily and Kitchen Jewelry Store on Chestnut Street. It was reported that he was to be made partner of the firm that night. To add to this tragic event, Oscar Douglas was to be married in three weeks.
It should be noted that at the time of the fire, the Pennsylvania Engine Company was not officially connected with Philadelphia’s Volunteer Fire Department. In 1839, they had resigned to protest the rioting that was occurring between the companies. The company did not disband, but unofficially continued to answer fire calls.
Oscar Douglas, January 23rd, 1841
At 1:00 a.m. on Saturday January 23, 1841, fire was discovered in the rear of the Wright and Brothers Umbrella Manufacturing Company. This four-story stone building was located at 125 Market Street. This fast-moving fire extended to the buildings on either side. At 2:30 a.m. while firefighters Douglas and Rink were coupling a length of hose in the rear of the building, a wall came crashing down on them. One report states that they were warned that the wall was about to topple. But they kept working. The fire raged with such fury that their bodies could not be recovered for some hours. The papers initially reported a third man trapped under the rubble, but those reports turned out to be unfounded.
Oscar Douglas was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery. His funeral took place on January 25th and was attended by his family and friends. Also in attendance were members of the Pennsylvania Engine Company and The Light Artillery Corps of Washington Grays, of which he was a member. These companies later erected a monument to Firefighter Douglas’ sacrifice, which still stands at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Oscar Douglas was 27 years old and worked at the Baily and Kitchen Jewelry Store on Chestnut Street. It was reported that he was to be made partner of the firm that night. To add to this tragic event, Oscar Douglas was to be married in three weeks.
It should be noted that at the time of the fire, the Pennsylvania Engine Company was not officially connected with Philadelphia’s Volunteer Fire Department. In 1839, they had resigned to protest the rioting that was occurring between the companies. The company did not disband, but unofficially continued to answer fire calls.
Career History
Volunteer with the Pennsylvania Fire Company