Death Notices and Obituaries
1890-1919
Also see CHIEF ENGINEERS and SUPREME SACRIFICE
List of PFD (paid department) deaths between 1890 and 1899
Moser and Murphy were LODD
Moser and Murphy were LODD
From 1918 Ball Book
November 17, 1890: Captain William Ford of Engine Company 3 (then located at Prospect Street) dies
November 17 Morning Call
February 6, 1892: Call Man John Meleady of Engine 7 and an Exempt F/F dies at age 38.
February 8 Paterson News
May 15, 1892: Long ago (1864-1870) member of Eagle Hook and Ladder 1, Henry Campbell passes
May 16 Paterson News
June 17, 1892: Call Man Albert Webber of Truck 2 dies.
June 18 Paterson News
August 29, 1892: F/F David E Murray - Served in Union Army, was a POW at Libby Prison in Richmond, and then a member of Washington Steam Fire Engine Company 3. Appointed as an original member of PFD in 1890 and was a gig driver for Chief's Turnbull and Murphy and then the supply wagon under Chief Stagg.
August 29 Paterson Press
Paterson Press
August 30 Morning Call
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Paterson News
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January 13, 1893: Joseph Valentine an Exempt Firefighter dating to the Volunteer days
January 16 Paterson News
April 2, 1893: Isaac Thompson - Former member of Vigilant Engine 6 of Paterson Volunteer department who was crippled during a response
April 3 Morning Call
May 5, 1893: Call man Christopher Murphy of Truck 3 makes Supreme Sacrifice. As company was responding to Station 354 on May 2 for a fire on Vreeland Avenue. Murphy slipped while attempting to climb on a rapidly moving hook and ladder truck and was run over. He died at St. Joseph's Hospital. His name is inscribed on the Memorial Monument
May 6 Paterson News
October 18, 1893: Former Chief John Regner who served in 1875, dies. Was long time member and a foreman of Passaic Engine Company 1.
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1875 John Regner
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October 19 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 21, 1893
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Morning Call
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February 18, 1894: Edward McEvoy, a Civil War veteran, Exempt and former member of Washington Engine 3 passes.
February 19 Morning Call
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July 15, 1894: F/F David McAllister, driver of Truck 1, age 37 and an Exempt F/F passes. Funeral cortege passes truck 1 and Engine 8 quarters
July 16 Paterson Press
July 16 Paterson Press
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July 17 Guardian
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July 17 Paterson News
July 18 Guardian
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July 18 Morning Call
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February 3, 1895: John Thompson of Truck Company 2
Paterson Press
February 6 Paterson Press
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February 4 Paterson Press
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February 6, 1895: Funeral of John W Thompson, driver of Truck 2
Guardian February 6
February 6 Guardian
February ?, 1896: Thomas J Turner, an Exempt F/F
February 26 Morning Call
January 28, 1897: F/F Samuel Miller - former Volunteer an then paid F/F - starting in 1889 a driver of Engine 1 and then later Chief Gilmore's gig and a member of Engine 8.
January 29 Paterson Press
January 28 Paterson Press
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January 29 Paterson News
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March 5, 1897: Reports of imminent death of Chief John Murphy
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 6 - Chief Murphy dies
March 6 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 6 Paterson Daily Press
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March 6 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 8 Funeral
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March 9 Morning Call
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May 9, 1897: Reporting Imminent death of Benny Doremus - Longest Living Firefighter and Civil War Veteran. Served with Protection Engine 5.
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 21, 1897: George Sheldrake - Fireman at Engine 3 becomes ill and passes away
Paterson Daily Press - June 26 Paterson Daily Press
June 21 Paterson Daily Press
June 23 Paterson Daily Press
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June 23
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March 18, 1899: Captain Peter Reilly (Chemical 1). Former volunteer member of Jackson Engine 4. and then when horses were introduced he was of the first paid Paterson firemen when he became driver of Jackson Engine 4 October 1885. Became Captain of Engine 9 in 1891.
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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March 22, 1899: F/F Thomas McGuirk, age 38, of Engine 9, appointed in 1894 to Engine 4. Caught a cold at a January fire and never recovered.
March 23 Paterson News
March 23 Paterson Daily Press
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March 23 Paterson Daily Press
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March 24 Paterson Daily Press
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March 24 Paterson Daily Press
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January 2, 1900: Daniel Westerhoff and Exempt F/F who served at Passaic Engine 1
Paterson News
January 4, 1900: Death Exempt FF William Casey
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 30, 1900: Former Assistant Chief (1888) of Volunteer Department Louis Brandt (age 50) passes away. Had served at and became Foreman (1882) at Columbia Hose Company 1.
January 30 Paterson News
March 8, 1900: Edward Fanning, a former alderman, and wounded Civil War veteran (Company G, 7th NJ Volunteers - rose to rank of Captain) passes away. He had served at Hibernia Hose 3 and as an Assistant Chief in 1877
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March 5 Paterson Daily Press
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March 19, 1900: Thomas Farnon, former member of Neptune Engine Company 2 and an Assistant Chief of PFD in 1857
March 19 Paterson Daily Press
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March 22 Paterson Daily Press
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March 24 Paterson daily Press
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March 9 Morning Call
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April 17, 1900: William Seddon, an Exempt Firefighter since 1843, who joined Fire Department in 1835
April 17 News
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April 18 Morning Call
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May 31, 1900: Death of Captain Joseph Kearney (still on job). Also served Volunteer PFD
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 31 Paterson News
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May 31 Paterson Daily Pressd
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June 2 Paterson Daily Press
July 9, 1900: George W Crocker, a former member of Passaic Engine 1 of Paterson's Volunteer Fire Department (also served as company secretary)
July 10 Paterson News
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July 9 Paterson Daily Press
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November 22, 1900: John Dean, Civil War (25th NJ Volunteers) veteran (wounded at Fredericksburg) and Paterson Volunteer firefighter (Washington Engine 3) killed in an Erie train accident. He was the first engineer of Paterson's first steamer in 1864. Was an organizer of Exempt Firemen's Association.
November 23 Paterson News
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July 17, 1901: ex-Chief and veteran of the Exempt Association, was the oldest member of the volunteer department when it disbanded. CLICK HERE FOR MAJOR BIOGRAPHY
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Chief Andrew Moser
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Paterson Daily Press
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August 4, 1901: Firefighter John Lair of Engine 2 made the Supreme Sacrifice with injuries sustained while responding to a fire on November 22, 1900.
August 5 Paterson Press
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August 7 Paterson News
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July 19 Paterson Daily Press
January 2, 1902: FMBA announces the deaths of William Kinane a former member of Liberty Steam Fire Engine 7 and Richard O'Brien a former member of Jackson Engine 4
January 2 Paterson News
February 19, 1902: Firefighter Nelson Norris, age 40, tillerman of Truck 3 (Cataract Hose 2 of Volunteer department) dies after appendicitis operation.
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February 19 Morning Call
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February 21 Paterson Pressd
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September 23, 1902: Former member of Jackson Engine 4 and an Exempt Firefighter
September 26 Paterson News
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September 25 Morning Call
September 24 Paterson Daily Press
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February 28, 1903: Active firefighter James Madden, age 45, of Engine 9 passes away.
February 28 Paterson News
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March 3 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 28, 1903: FF (active) John Madden of Engine 9
March 2 Paterson Daily press
April 26, 1903: Former Assistant and Chief, civil war vet and member of Neptune Engine 2 found dead in Passaic river - presumed suicide
April 27 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Chief Edward Swift (1865)
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April 27 Paterson Daily Press
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July 16, 1903: John Woods an Exempt Paterson firefighter (during hand pulled apparatus era)
July 17 Paterson News
July 17 Paterson Daily Press
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July 17 Paterson Daily Press
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July 22, 1903: Civil War Vet and member of Columbia Hose 1 Jacob Mohrle dies
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 14, 1903: Death of Michael Grogan a former firefighter of Lafayette Engine 8
March 29, 1904: John Marshall, a former Call Man of Engine 4 in PFD passes away. His brother William is with Truck 1.
March 30 Paterson News
April 26, 1904: James Turten, a former member of Passaic Engine 1 and an Exempt fireman, age 51 dies.
April 27 Morning Call
November 12, 1904: F/F Alfred Dawson of Engine 6 commits suicide
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November 16 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 12 Paterson Daily Press
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November 14 Morning Call
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November 14 Paterson Press
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November 16, 1904: George V Bower a former member of Protection Engine 5 and then a Call Man of Engine 2 of initial paid department
November 18 Paterson News
November 19, 1904: Active F/F Morris Rozell, age 45, of Truck 2 dies. Had also served Paterson Volunteer Department at Engine 3 and then was a callman in 1890. Appointed to paid PFD in 1895.
Paterson Daily Press
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November 19 Paterson Daily Press
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November 23 Paterson News
January 17, 1905: Frank Blakely (still active at time of death) of Engine 2 and 4
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 4, 1905: Death of famed Civil War veteran (Captain of NJ Volunteers 25th Regiment, Company A), member, secretary and then Foreman of Washington Engine 3 (1852), former Assistant Chief (1862) and Chief (1868) of Volunteer Department and ultimately the best known of all Volunteers John McKiernan. He was a treasurer of the FMBA, longtime member and President of Paterson's Exempt and an original governor of the Boonton Firemen's Home.
March 8 Paterson Daily Press
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Foreman of Washington Engine 3
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Paterson News
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March 3, 1905 Paterson Daily Press
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March 7 Paterson Daily Press
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March 8 Paterson Daily Press
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July 17, 1905: Death F/F Frank Blakely of Engine 4 - age 54
Paterson Daily Press
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Paterson Daily Press
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August 19, 1905: Engineer Harry Reid commits suicide. Had 15 year PFD career.
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August 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 8, 1905: John Messenger, a member of Protection Engine 5 (joined 1843). Served the Union during Civil War as member 13th NJ Regiment (Company C). After the war joined Passaic Engine 1 and then in 1890 became a Call Man.
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January 9, 1906: F/F Daniel Leonard died of severe injuries sustained when he, while riding on the running board, fell from Truck Company 3 apparatus as it was pulling out of the Godwin Avenue and Auburn Street firehouse, responding to an alarm from Station 644 (Ellison Street and Graham Avenue) for a barn fire at 430 Ellison Street on October 20, 1905. He was hospitalized for several days and discharged to home. Against advice he returned to work in a weakened state and was on duty on the theater detail when he passed out. He never recovered and died at home January 9, 1906.
Leonard was a veteran of the Civil War in the 69th NYC regiment. In 1868 he became a hoseman at Washington Engine 3 of Paterson's Volunteer department and in 1881 served as Assistant Chief (photo at right). In 1888, as the PFD was starting to professionalize he became a paid driver of Engine 3 Hose Wagon. He remained on the PFD as an original member on March 20, 1890. Transferred to Truck 3 on November 12, 1892.
1881 Assistant Chief Daniel Leonard
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January 12 Paterson Daily Press
January 22, 1906: John Pohlman former member of Passaic Engine 1 (joined March 1862). Served in Civil War for 9th NJ Volunteers. His son William was a Paterson Firefighter
January 23 Paterson News
January 28, 1906: William Mills
January 28 Guardian
March 20, 1906: James Reilly - former alderman and member of Jackson Engine Company 4 and an Exempt fireman
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March 21 Paterson Daily Press
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June 14, 1906: Henry Johnson, a Paterson Volunteer fireman
June 15 Paterson News
September 25, 1906: William T Hayes - Exempt F/F
Guardian
December 25, 1906: George Young joined Passaic Engine 1 in 1844 and later became its Foreman and later an Assistant Chief in 1868.
December 26 Guardian
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December 26 Morning Call
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January 6, 1907: Francis Law - former member Protection Engine 5
January 6, 1907 NY Times - courtesy Jim Eifler
1891 Certificate signed by Acting Chief John Murphy and Mayor Nathan Barnert - courtey Michael Cleenput
August 2, 1907: Passing of FF Gustav Specht: A Civil War veteran and prisoner of war and a Volunteer FF at Germania Hook and Ladder 2 as well as Assistant Chief in 1879. Became a callman at Truck 2 in 1890 and a partially paid FF in 1895 at paid PFD. His son John Specht was on Truck 3 of paid PFD in 1895 and later a lieutenant.
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1879 Assistant Chief Gustave Specht in center (note initials on helmet) with members (? foreman John Raymond, at left), and assistant foremen (? George Muth at right) of Germania Hook and Ladder Company 2
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August 3 Paterson Daily Press
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December 30, 1907: Adam Banghart a fireman who had served PFD Volunteer Lafayette Engine 8 and then as a callman for Engine 8 in semi-paid department (1890)
Paterson Daily Press
November 26, 1908: Charles Wiley an original 1890 appointed F/F and an engineer at Engine 4 dies from a stroke suffered while on duty on November 17.
November 27 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 1 Morning Call
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November 27 Paterson News
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February 27, 1909: F/F Michael Farrell - former Volunteer and then in 1888 became a paid driver for then Volunteer Chief John Stagg. In paid department was driver for Chief Turnbull. Ultimately served at Engine 9 and Truck 3. At T3, while responding to a still alarm his leg was injured and never healed and was forcefully (the first Paterson Fireman to be so) retired 1907.
March 23, 1909: Death of FF Abram Hartley Appointed August 1899
Served Engine 4 for nine years
Served Engine 4 for nine years
March 24 Paterson Press
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March 24 Paterson Press
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June 22, 1909: Former Volunteer FF David Almond (an Exempt for 58 years) dies. He served with Passaic Engine Company 1. He was an expert of the old-time fire engine hand tubs
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 7, 1910: Leonard Hartley driver of Truck 1 - Had served at Neptune Engine 2. Appointed to PFD in 1889
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January 7 Paterson Press
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January 8, 1910: John Netz of Engine 7 (appointed in 1904) at age 36 passes away
January 8 Guardian
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John Netz
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January 12 Morning Call
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January 10 Paterson Press
February 8, 1910: James Radcliffe former member of Passaic Engine Company 1 and an Assistant Chief of Volunteer Department
February 9 Paterson Press
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February 12 Paterson Press
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May 13, 1910: William Dobson died at the Boonton Home - served 21 years and had ranks of fireman, assistant foreman and foreman. Served Eagle 1 and Neptune 2. His father and brother also served at PFD
May 14 Morning Call
May 14, 1910: Robert Birmingham of Jackson Engine 4 dies at Boonton Home
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May 16 Morning Call
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June 10, 1910: Retired FF Michael Slattery passes
Guardian
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 18, 1910: Thomas Dunn of Engine 4 - Appointed April 1, 1908
Guardian
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July 19 Morning Call
Thomas Dunn at Engine 4
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July 18 Paterson Press
July 27, 1910: Michel T Slattery - appointed in 1895 - served at Truck 1
Paterson Press July 28
August 12, 1910: Passing of George Wassmer - likely a volunteer era fireman
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 8, 1911: John Netz of Engine 7
January 11 papers
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John Netz 1907
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January 11, 1911: William Slater an active Fireman buried with very large funeral
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Paterson Press
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January 23 Guardian
March 10, 1911: Henry Nagle retired fireman. Served Germania 2, and Vigilant 6 over 8 years in Volunteer Department and Engine as driver and then Engineer in paid department (starting 1890)
Morning Call
March 28, 1911: Thomas Armstrong a former member of Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company 1 and then a Callman from 1890-1895 at Truck 2 and Engine 3
March 28, 1911: Thomas Armstrong a former member of Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company 1 and then a Callman from 1890-1895 at Truck 2 and Engine 3
March 28 Paterson Press
April 7, 1911: John Reid, Paterson's most famous photographer passes. He was an early member of Passaic Engine Company 1 (joined in 1837) and served as company foreman. Lter he was an Exempt Fireman, He served in the Civil War as a member of Colonel John Derroms 25th NJ Volunteers and fought at the bloody Battle of Fredicksburg.
April 7 Paterson Press
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May 11, 1911: Captain Christopher Cubby - Appointed August 3, 1885
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May 15 Paterson Pres
May 17, 1911: Retired Fireman (Engineer) Michael Halnan - Appointed March 20, 1890 - had 35 years of service including at Vigilant 6 of Volunteer Department. Served at Engines 6, 9, 7, Truck 3 and Engine 4.
(name misspelled) May 18 Morning Call
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Funeral on May 20 Morning Call
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Michael Halnan at E4 1908
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September 17, 1911: George Bott, age 47, of Engine 9. Served 12 years at Truck 3 and 1, and Engines 4, 1 and 9. Appointed October 13, 1899.
September 18 Morning Call
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George Bott at Engine 9
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September 17, 1911: George Bott of Engine 9 passes. Appointed 1899.
September 18 Paterson Press
October 3, 1911: Lieutenant William Davis of Engine 1 - 16 years with PFD
October 4 1911 - Paterson News
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April 21, 1913: Charles Harrison, retired fireman (1910) who served at Truck 2. Appointed March 20, 1894.
April 22 Morning Call
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Charles Harrison Truck 2 1908
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March 15, 1913: Attempted murder by FF Bartholemew Reilly & then his suicide
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 17 Long Branch Daily Record
June 15, 1913: Retired fireman George Bunting - served PFD for 16 years - appointed 1889 and served at Engine 3
June 16 Morning Call
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George Bunting - Driver Engine 3 1908
June 16 Paterson Press
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September 21, 1913: Death of retired FF Thomas Elvin who served Volunteer and Paid departments. Was the first tillerman hired in paid department (served Truck 1).
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 22 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 22 Morning Call
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March 9, 1914: James Thoms a 21 year PFD FF. Appointed to paid PFD March 1, 1893. Had served as Chief's Aide, Truck 1 and Engine 8.
March 9 Paterson Press
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FF James Thoms at Engine 8 1907 photo
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April 14, 1914: George Pfitsenmeyer - Chief's aider to Chief John Stagg. Originally a member of Germania Hook and Ladder 2 of Volunteer Department. Later a Call Man with semi-paid department and then a tillerman at Truck 3.
Paterson Press
Pfitzenmeyer driving Chief Stagg at Hamilton Street Firehouse
April 21, 1914: Charles Harrison - Served at Truck 2
April 22 Paterson Press
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April 22 Paterson Press
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July 2, 1914: Thomas Murphy
August 18, 1914: John Phalon- FF who had served at Truck 1,but was fired is murdered.
August 24, 1914: Death of former member and city pioneer James Simonton - relative of famed Captains Sam and Charles Simonton of the paid PFD
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August 25 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 28, 1915: Fireman Robert Dumphy, age 53, was appointed in November 1895 and killed in Train Tubes at Hoboken. Was at Engine 5 at time of death but also served at Trucks 1 and 2. In Volunteer days he served at Jackson Engine 4. His brother a PPD patrolman was a LODD death.
March 29, Morning Call
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Robert Dumphy Engine 5
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March 29 Paterson Press
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April 14, 1915: Andrew Knaus appointed March 8, 1889 as first driver of Engine 1. Went on to Lieutenant (July 3, 1912) rank. Served Engine, Chemical 1 and Truck. Huis son John was also a Paterson FF.
April 15 Paper
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Andrew Knaus
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September 12, 1915: Charles Cundell died at Old Soldiers Home in Kearney. Served at Eagle H&L Co. 1 and was the first elected by firemen Chief Engineer of Department in 1840 and 1841 in Volunteer Department. Fought for the Union as member of NY Volunteers, Company 1 of 5th Regiment
September 14 Morning Call
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Inscribed Civil War Sword of Charles Cundell
September 13, 1915: George (John) Slingland - a Civil Wart veteran and former Volunteer at Neptune 2. Appointed to paid PFD in 1888 as driver of supply wagon and in 1890 as "Keeper of Hose House."
September 15 Morning Call
September 27, 1915: Retired F/F Frank Connors who served at Engine 9
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September 28 Morning Call
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October 18, 1916: Thomas Donahue, an original FF - Appointed March 1890 - Retired 1915. He was inventor of automatic fire lighters for used under steam fire engines while they were in quarters. Review his story on the RETIREMENT Page
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Thomas Donahue
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December 30, 1916: Death of FF James Brady ? Volunteer
December 31 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 6, 1916: FF Louis Hasser of Engine 8 Appointed December 1890
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October 6 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Louis Hasser (Truck 2 1908 photo)
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March 5, 1917: Assistant Chief James C. Mills
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 27, 1917: Volunteer Department Chief - James Kearney
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James Kearney
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February 3, 1918: Alexander Marshall, a member of Neptune Engine 2 dies at Boonton Home
February 4 Paterson News
February 27, 1918: FF Martin Brand - one of the first Paid PFD FF. Also served Volunteer PFD
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May 24, 1918: John Walsh appointed July 1905 and promoted to Lieutenant in 1914. Served Engines 6, 4 and 11
Press Guardian
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John Walsh as a hoseman of Engine 4, 1907
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October 13, 1918: Fireman John Gorman, appointed November 16, 1895 dies of suicide complications. Had served at Truck 2.
October 16 Paterson News
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John Gorman 1908
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December 29, 1918: Peter Doremus, famous Patersonian - was a long time treasurer of Passaic Engine 1
January 2, 1919 Morning Call
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April 25, 1919: FF George Muth - former member (Assistant Foreman) of Germania H&L 2. Appointed as call man to Truck 2 (until 1895) and then to paid PFD 1897 - saw service at Chemical 1. Retired in 1912.
FF George Muth
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Muth as Assistant Foreman Germania 2
George Muth at left
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May 14, 1919: Retired Captain Floyd King - served Engine 2 for 20 years. He was the company's original Captain appointed March 1890.
May 15, Morning Call
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Captain Floyd King Engine 2
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May 28, 1919: Retired and Exempt fireman Archibald Irwin who served at Truck 2
May 29 Paterson News