David M. Lyle, November 23rd, 1867
Chief Engineer-Philadelphia Fire Department
On Monday morning of November 25, 1867, Chief Engineer David M. Lyle’s body was found in his Chief’s office. Cleaning lady Elizabeth Hayes entered his office at 7:30 a.m. and found his lifeless body on the floor.
The coroner’s investigation showed that Chief Lyle had not been seen since 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The coroners confirmed that he died of a heart attack, and that the Chief probably died Saturday evening. It seemed that no one was concerned about the Chiefs absence because he was known to work late hours, and into the weekend.
Word of Chief Lyle’s death spread quickly through the ranks of the fire department and the city. Before darkness fell on Monday every fire house was draped in black mourning cloths.
A meeting of the Assistant Engineers was held on Monday afternoon, to make plans for the Chief’s funeral. On Tuesday evening a meeting was held with representatives of all the fire companies to include them in the planning. Since Chief Lyle was a member and officer of the Fairmount Engine Company for more than 25 years, the Fairmount was granted the honor and privilege of having their esteemed member lay in state at their hall.
On Wednesday Chief Lyle’s body was taken to his residence at 817 Filbert Street where at four o’clock the family and immediate friends assembled for “the solemn rites of religion to be performed over his remains.” The casket containing the remains of Chief Lyle was taken to the Fairmount Engine House at about nine o’clock on Thursday morning. The House was draped completely in black crape, from curb to belltower. His body was taken to a room prepared in black for this occasion. As he was moved from the hearse to the place where he would lay in state, he was flanked and saluted by the many Chief Engineers from other fire departments, from as far away as California, who had come to the city to pay their respects. During the day thousands of people filed through the hall to get a final glimpse of the city’s beloved Chief Engineer.
The Chief laid in state until two o’clock when he was moved to the hearse for his journey to the cemetery. The hearse was surrounded by the men of the Fairmount Engine Co. dressed in black with white gloves. They maintained this position until they arrived at the cemetery. The procession left the engine house at about three o’clock and was led by an honor guard of Baxter Zouaves. The fire companies and dignitaries were divided into seven divisions which stretched for over two miles. Not since the great parade of 1865 had there been such a great spectacle. Rival companies put aside their grievances for this occasion. The only trouble the Police had was clearing the street of spectators so the procession could get by.
Chief David M. Lyle was laid to rest at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which was located at 22nd and Diamond Streets, with the ceremony and rites of the Odd Fellows of which he was a longtime member.
David M. Lyle, November 23rd, 1867
Chief Engineer-Philadelphia Fire Department
On Monday morning of November 25, 1867, Chief Engineer David M. Lyle’s body was found in his Chief’s office. Cleaning lady Elizabeth Hayes entered his office at 7:30 a.m. and found his lifeless body on the floor.
The coroner’s investigation showed that Chief Lyle had not been seen since 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The coroners confirmed that he died of a heart attack, and that the Chief probably died Saturday evening. It seemed that no one was concerned about the Chiefs absence because he was known to work late hours, and into the weekend.
Word of Chief Lyle’s death spread quickly through the ranks of the fire department and the city. Before darkness fell on Monday every fire house was draped in black mourning cloths.
A meeting of the Assistant Engineers was held on Monday afternoon, to make plans for the Chief’s funeral. On Tuesday evening a meeting was held with representatives of all the fire companies to include them in the planning. Since Chief Lyle was a member and officer of the Fairmount Engine Company for more than 25 years, the Fairmount was granted the honor and privilege of having their esteemed member lay in state at their hall.
On Wednesday Chief Lyle’s body was taken to his residence at 817 Filbert Street where at four o’clock the family and immediate friends assembled for “the solemn rites of religion to be performed over his remains.” The casket containing the remains of Chief Lyle was taken to the Fairmount Engine House at about nine o’clock on Thursday morning. The House was draped completely in black crape, from curb to belltower. His body was taken to a room prepared in black for this occasion. As he was moved from the hearse to the place where he would lay in state, he was flanked and saluted by the many Chief Engineers from other fire departments, from as far away as California, who had come to the city to pay their respects. During the day thousands of people filed through the hall to get a final glimpse of the city’s beloved Chief Engineer.
The Chief laid in state until two o’clock when he was moved to the hearse for his journey to the cemetery. The hearse was surrounded by the men of the Fairmount Engine Co. dressed in black with white gloves. They maintained this position until they arrived at the cemetery. The procession left the engine house at about three o’clock and was led by an honor guard of Baxter Zouaves. The fire companies and dignitaries were divided into seven divisions which stretched for over two miles. Not since the great parade of 1865 had there been such a great spectacle. Rival companies put aside their grievances for this occasion. The only trouble the Police had was clearing the street of spectators so the procession could get by.
Chief David M. Lyle was laid to rest at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which was located at 22nd and Diamond Streets, with the ceremony and rites of the Odd Fellows of which he was a longtime member.
Career History
Volunteer with the Philadelphia Fire Department