John A. Enger, August 13th, 1858
At about midnight on Thursday August 12, 1858, a general alarm fire broke out in a chair and cabinet manufacturer establishment. This three story, brick building was located on the corner of Swanson and Shippen Streets (now Bainbridge Street & I-95). The fire was so great that it spread to the Mariners’ Bethel Church on the opposite corner of Swanson Street. With the fire spreading a General Alarm was sounded from the State House Bell. This would bring every Fire Company in the city to fight this blaze. The new steamer of the Hope Hose Co. was setup on the Shippen Street Wharf, three blocks away from the fire, and drew it supply of water from the Delaware River. The steamer performed admirably on its inaugural service. But this joyous occasion was overcome with sadness with the death of one of their members. As the fire was extinguished, in the early morning of Friday the 13th, the fire ground became so dark that the river could not be seen. It is thought that John Enger of the Hope Hose Co. did not know that he was on the edge of the wharf and stepped or slipped off into the river, striking his head. Men working in the area heard a splash and threw ropes in the direction of the sound, but in the darkness Enger could not be seen from the shore. His body was recovered in less than a half of an hour. It was too late to revive him. Enger was taken to the Hope Hose House where the coroner held his inquest. A verdict of accidental drowning was rendered.
John Enger’s funeral was not as grand as some others. It took place on Sunday August 15th at two o’clock. It was attended by his family and friends. The Hope Hose Company was there in mass, along with many other companies that were represented. He was laid to rest in the Monument Cemetery.
John Enger was 21 years old, He worked as a clerk at the sugar refinery on Zane Street. He was not married. And had recently become a member of the Hope Hose Co.
John A. Enger, August 13th, 1858
At about midnight on Thursday August 12, 1858, a general alarm fire broke out in a chair and cabinet manufacturer establishment. This three story, brick building was located on the corner of Swanson and Shippen Streets (now Bainbridge Street & I-95). The fire was so great that it spread to the Mariners’ Bethel Church on the opposite corner of Swanson Street. With the fire spreading a General Alarm was sounded from the State House Bell. This would bring every Fire Company in the city to fight this blaze. The new steamer of the Hope Hose Co. was setup on the Shippen Street Wharf, three blocks away from the fire, and drew it supply of water from the Delaware River. The steamer performed admirably on its inaugural service. But this joyous occasion was overcome with sadness with the death of one of their members. As the fire was extinguished, in the early morning of Friday the 13th, the fire ground became so dark that the river could not be seen. It is thought that John Enger of the Hope Hose Co. did not know that he was on the edge of the wharf and stepped or slipped off into the river, striking his head. Men working in the area heard a splash and threw ropes in the direction of the sound, but in the darkness Enger could not be seen from the shore. His body was recovered in less than a half of an hour. It was too late to revive him. Enger was taken to the Hope Hose House where the coroner held his inquest. A verdict of accidental drowning was rendered.
John Enger’s funeral was not as grand as some others. It took place on Sunday August 15th at two o’clock. It was attended by his family and friends. The Hope Hose Company was there in mass, along with many other companies that were represented. He was laid to rest in the Monument Cemetery.
John Enger was 21 years old, He worked as a clerk at the sugar refinery on Zane Street. He was not married. And had recently become a member of the Hope Hose Co.
Career History
Volunteer with the Hope Hose Company