Our fallen hero

On Sunday November 6, 1853, a fire occurred at the Morris Foundry at Fifth Street below Franklin Street. The Friendship Engine Co. was racing down Fourth Street toward the fire. A 29 year old young man named James Hassel of the Northern Liberty Fire Co. was running on the rope with them. A distance ahead of the Friendship Engine was the Jefferson Hook and Ladder Co. At about Spruce Street Friendship overtook Jefferson. As the Friendship attempted to pass Jefferson, the ladder swung its tiller into the rope-men of Friendship, forcing the men to drop the rope. The men recovered and continued on. Benedict Hettrick, the tillerman, once again swung the tiller into the men of the Friendship Engine Co. and James Hassel was knocked down and runover by the wheels of Friendship’s engine. He was taken to the hospital where he died of internal injuries on November 13. Hassell was to be married within the next month. His betrothed was at his side in the hospital at the time he died. She was so overcome with grief that she was seized with convulsions and could not be removed until the next day.

James Hassel’s funeral took place on Tuesday November 15th from his home at 20 ½ Race Street. He was escorted to his final resting place by a large group of civilians. There were more than twelve Fire Companies in attendance including, Jefferson Hook and Ladder Co., Friendship Engine Co. and Northern Liberty Engine Co. He was laid to rest in the United Mechanics Cemetery. Located at 22nd and Diamond Sts.

Benedict Hettrick, the tillerman, and Henry Glechner, who was in charge of Jefferson Hook and Ladder Co., were arrested and charged with the death of James Hassel.