James Simpler, July 15th, 1841
On the morning of Thursday, July 15, the Hand In Hand Fire Company and the Vigilant Engine Company were racing to an alarm of fire in a carpenter shop at Lombard St. between Fifth and Sixth Streets. James Simpler, a member of the Hand In Hand Fire Co., stumbled and fell under the wheels of the hose tender of the Vigilant Engine Company and was killed almost instantly.
James Simpler was buried in the Saint Georges Methodist Episcopal Burial Ground at Coats Street (now Fairmount Ave.) above Ridge Rd. His funeral was attended by members of the Fire Department numbering over 1900, representing 38 Fire Companies.
James Simpler was 30 years old and a black smith by trade. He left a wife and two children. The loss of their soul support left them destitute. The members of the Hand in Hand Fire Company began raising funds in her support. As a result of their efforts Mr. William E. Burton, owner of the National Theater, donated the proceeds of one night’s performance to the widow’s fund. This amounted to $273.85. The total amount raised was $520.85. While this may not seem like much today, in those days it was a considerable amount.
James Simpler, July 15th, 1841
On the morning of Thursday, July 15, the Hand In Hand Fire Company and the Vigilant Engine Company were racing to an alarm of fire in a carpenter shop at Lombard St. between Fifth and Sixth Streets. James Simpler, a member of the Hand In Hand Fire Co., stumbled and fell under the wheels of the hose tender of the Vigilant Engine Company and was killed almost instantly.
James Simpler was buried in the Saint Georges Methodist Episcopal Burial Ground at Coats Street (now Fairmount Ave.) above Ridge Rd. His funeral was attended by members of the Fire Department numbering over 1900, representing 38 Fire Companies.
James Simpler was 30 years old and a black smith by trade. He left a wife and two children. The loss of their soul support left them destitute. The members of the Hand in Hand Fire Company began raising funds in her support. As a result of their efforts Mr. William E. Burton, owner of the National Theater, donated the proceeds of one night’s performance to the widow’s fund. This amounted to $273.85. The total amount raised was $520.85. While this may not seem like much today, in those days it was a considerable amount.
Career History
Volunteer with the Hand-In-Hand Fire Company