A.M. Young, June 20th, 1867
American Theater Fire - June 19, 1867
On the evening of June 19, 1867, at about 9:30 p.m., fire broke out in the stables in the rear of the American Theater. The fire quickly spread to the theater, which was a two story, brick building, located on Walnut Street above Eighth Street. It was a huge building measuring 70 feet at the front on Walnut Street and 165 feet deep, stretching back to Sansom Street. At the time it was filled with approximately 1800 patrons. The theater quickly filled with thick black smoke. Fortunately, all of the audience and actors made it out without injury.
At approximately 11 p.m., at the height of the blaze, a 50-foot section of the front wall collapsed, burying the firemen and bystanders under tons of bricks and timbers.
An investigation of the cause of the fire was held, and it was determined to be incendiary (arson).
Brett, Caleb – 27, a member of Washington Engine Co., a printer by trade. He was a veteran of the Civil War and was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. Caleb Brett was laid to rest in the Cathedral Cemetery. He left a widow and a child.
Carels, George – 23, harness maker was a member of Columbia Hose Co.
East, John – 18, a member of Franklin Engine Co., a baker by trade. He was laid to rest in the Lafayette Cemetery.
Emmett, John W. – 23, member of the Franklin Engine Co., He was a Director of his Engine Co., single and a rigger at the Navy Yard. He was laid to rest in the Lafayette Cemetery.
Both John East and John Emmett were laid out at the Franklin Engine House. There was a continuous line of mourners paying their respects. They were escorted to their final resting place by a great many firemen, numbering over 400. The two men were in hearses side by side as they traveled to the Lafayette Cemetery where both were interned.
Ennis, William – 40, member of the Franklin Engine Co. He left a widow and three children.
Jones, Amos – 21, butcher was a member of the Lafayette Hose Co. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He died on June 20, 1867, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Lutz, John A. – 46, member of the Hibernia Engine Co. He was a cabinet maker by trade. He was laid to rest in the Glenwood Cemetery. Leaving behind a widow and three children.
Osborn, Edwin O. - 33, member of the Schuylkill Hose Co. He served in the Civil War in the119th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edwin Osborn was so badly disfigured in the collapse that he remained unidentified for several days. He was laid to rest in the Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Young, A. M. - a member of the Friendship Engine Co. Died June 20, 1867.
A.M. Young, June 20th, 1867
American Theater Fire - June 19, 1867
On the evening of June 19, 1867, at about 9:30 p.m., fire broke out in the stables in the rear of the American Theater. The fire quickly spread to the theater, which was a two story, brick building, located on Walnut Street above Eighth Street. It was a huge building measuring 70 feet at the front on Walnut Street and 165 feet deep, stretching back to Sansom Street. At the time it was filled with approximately 1800 patrons. The theater quickly filled with thick black smoke. Fortunately, all of the audience and actors made it out without injury.
At approximately 11 p.m., at the height of the blaze, a 50-foot section of the front wall collapsed, burying the firemen and bystanders under tons of bricks and timbers.
An investigation of the cause of the fire was held, and it was determined to be incendiary (arson).
Brett, Caleb – 27, a member of Washington Engine Co., a printer by trade. He was a veteran of the Civil War and was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. Caleb Brett was laid to rest in the Cathedral Cemetery. He left a widow and a child.
Carels, George – 23, harness maker was a member of Columbia Hose Co.
East, John – 18, a member of Franklin Engine Co., a baker by trade. He was laid to rest in the Lafayette Cemetery.
Emmett, John W. – 23, member of the Franklin Engine Co., He was a Director of his Engine Co., single and a rigger at the Navy Yard. He was laid to rest in the Lafayette Cemetery.
Both John East and John Emmett were laid out at the Franklin Engine House. There was a continuous line of mourners paying their respects. They were escorted to their final resting place by a great many firemen, numbering over 400. The two men were in hearses side by side as they traveled to the Lafayette Cemetery where both were interned.
Ennis, William – 40, member of the Franklin Engine Co. He left a widow and three children.
Jones, Amos – 21, butcher was a member of the Lafayette Hose Co. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He died on June 20, 1867, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Lutz, John A. – 46, member of the Hibernia Engine Co. He was a cabinet maker by trade. He was laid to rest in the Glenwood Cemetery. Leaving behind a widow and three children.
Osborn, Edwin O. - 33, member of the Schuylkill Hose Co. He served in the Civil War in the119th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edwin Osborn was so badly disfigured in the collapse that he remained unidentified for several days. He was laid to rest in the Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Young, A. M. - a member of the Friendship Engine Co. Died June 20, 1867.
Career History
Volunteer with the Friendship Engine Company