William Howard Coyle, May 14th, 1867
On early Tuesday morning of May 14, at about 1:00 a.m., the Good Will Hose & Steam Engine Co., along with other companies from Philadelphia, responded to a call for mutual aid from Darby Borough. The Darby fire companies were fighting a large fire in the Lord’s Woolen and Cotton Mill. This two-story stone mill was located at the lower end of Darby, in Delaware County (on the Darby Creek). Goodwill’s steam engine became stalled on the hill. While trying to steady and start the horses, 23-year-old, William Coyle fell and was run over by the wheels of the engine. He was killed instantly.
This same hill claimed a second Firefighter’s life later that day. While returning from the same fire the hose carriage of the Monroe Engine Co. ran down the hill out of control and struck a telegraph pole. Robert Campbell was riding on the carriage and was thrown, striking the pull and was killed instantly.
William Howard Coyle, May 14th, 1867
On early Tuesday morning of May 14, at about 1:00 a.m., the Good Will Hose & Steam Engine Co., along with other companies from Philadelphia, responded to a call for mutual aid from Darby Borough. The Darby fire companies were fighting a large fire in the Lord’s Woolen and Cotton Mill. This two-story stone mill was located at the lower end of Darby, in Delaware County (on the Darby Creek). Goodwill’s steam engine became stalled on the hill. While trying to steady and start the horses, 23-year-old, William Coyle fell and was run over by the wheels of the engine. He was killed instantly.
This same hill claimed a second Firefighter’s life later that day. While returning from the same fire the hose carriage of the Monroe Engine Co. ran down the hill out of control and struck a telegraph pole. Robert Campbell was riding on the carriage and was thrown, striking the pull and was killed instantly.
Career History
Volunteer with the Good Will Hose and SFE Companies