Our fallen hero

On August 5, 1859, a great exhibition was put on for visiting dignitaries from Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The dignitaries toured the important sights of the city. The city wanted to show off its great fire fighting ability by putting on a demonstration of a fire company’s equipment. At that time, the fire department boasted fifteen steam pumpers. The demonstration was put on at the Coates Street (now Fairmount Avenue) Wharf on the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. The Washington Fire Company was chosen to be the first to show off its skills. After completing their part of the show, they returned to their station. During their return, at Twenty Second and Coates Streets, one of the men riding the tender was thrown off due to the poor condition of the street. Peter Monaghan fell under the wheels of the tender and was run over. He was taken to Pennsylvania Hospital in serious condition. He lingered for three days and on Monday morning, August 8, he died of his injuries.

Peter Monaghan was 34 years old and unmarried. His funeral took place on Wednesday, August 10, and was attended by his family and relatives. Also in attendance was the entire Washington Fire Company and representatives of other fire companies. He was buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery.