Our fallen hero

On Wednesday, July 4, 1860 at about 8:00 p.m., a riot broke out between the Good Will Hose Company and the Spring Garden Engine Company, it was estimated that over one hundred men of both companies participated. The riot started at 21st and Callowhill Streets and continued down Callowhill to 20th Street. Police were dispatched to the scene to break up the riot, but the fighting was so fierce the Police could not intervene and had to take refuge in a nearby alley. Many bricks and stones were thrown by both sides striking several men. Twenty-one-year-old James Smith of the Good Will Hose Company was struck in the forehead by a brick and knocked unconscious. He was taken to the drugstore of Mr. R.C. Brodie on the corner of 20th and Callowhill Streets, and a Physician was sent for. When the Physician arrived and examined Smith, he ordered that Smith be taken to the Hospital. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Hospital at about 9:00 p.m. by Dr. Reed the resident Physician. Smith’s injuries were so severe that he required surgery. Even though the operation was a success his condition continued to worsen and he died on Sunday evening July 8, 1860.

James Smith’s funeral took place on Wednesday, July 11, 1860. The procession left his residence at 23rd & Pearl Streets at two o’clock and made its way to The Odd Fellows’ Cemetery where he was laid to rest. His funeral was attended by the Good Will Hose Co. in its entirety, also members of many other fire companies of the fire department