William J. McVey, May 3rd, 1861
On Friday, May 3, 1861, at about 10:00 p.m. a fire broke out in the three-story brick building of David Thain & Co. candle maker. The factory was located on Callowhill Street just west of the Hamilton Street junction (between 25th & 26th Streets). The fire spread so fast through the building that workers could not grab their hats and coats before being chased out by the flames. The sky was lit up with the orange glow of the fire for hours. This stubborn fire burned fiercely due to the combustible material used in the manufacturing process. In spite of the torrents of rain which fell throughout the evening, the fire resisted the efforts of the firemen. But the firemen where able to contain the blaze to the original building. While the firemen fought the blaze, led by Chief Engineer Lyle, the north wall collapsed trapping several firemen. The firemen along with Chief Lyle worked to free the trapped men. In short order they were able to free Peter Faulkner of Independence Engine Co. and William McVey of Monroe Fire Company. Faulkner was severely injured. Unfortunately, it was too late to save William McVey.
William McVey was 36 years old and single. He was a cotton spinner by trade.
William J. McVey, May 3rd, 1861
On Friday, May 3, 1861, at about 10:00 p.m. a fire broke out in the three-story brick building of David Thain & Co. candle maker. The factory was located on Callowhill Street just west of the Hamilton Street junction (between 25th & 26th Streets). The fire spread so fast through the building that workers could not grab their hats and coats before being chased out by the flames. The sky was lit up with the orange glow of the fire for hours. This stubborn fire burned fiercely due to the combustible material used in the manufacturing process. In spite of the torrents of rain which fell throughout the evening, the fire resisted the efforts of the firemen. But the firemen where able to contain the blaze to the original building. While the firemen fought the blaze, led by Chief Engineer Lyle, the north wall collapsed trapping several firemen. The firemen along with Chief Lyle worked to free the trapped men. In short order they were able to free Peter Faulkner of Independence Engine Co. and William McVey of Monroe Fire Company. Faulkner was severely injured. Unfortunately, it was too late to save William McVey.
William McVey was 36 years old and single. He was a cotton spinner by trade.
Career History
Volunteer with the Monroe Fire Company