George and Rhonda Andreadis Collection of Lancaster City Records, Series 2 Fire Department
Description
The documents in MG0545, Series 2 represent the business of the City of Lancaster related to the fire department, which was established in 1881 by consolidating the private fire companies in the city. These nineteenth century documents are primarily invoices for engine and hose parts and repairs; horse tack, feed and stables; alarm boxes; supplies; engine house maintenance; and salary payments. A few invoices are for the earlier volunteer fire companies.
Admin/Biographical History
"A radical change in the method of providing protection against fire was brought about in 1882, a paid city fire department being substituted for the volunteer fire companies. The old system had to some extent fallen into
disrepute and become inefficient. The ordinance creating the new system was approved Dec. 21, 1881, and actual organization was commenced in February 1882 by the appointment of Henry N. Howell as chief engineer.
The engine-houses, engines, and hose-carts of the American and Washington Fire Companies were purchased, and also the engines of the Union and Sun Companies and the house of the Humane. The department was in working order in April 1882 and has since then been constantly undergoing improvement."
Ellis, Franklin and Samuel Evans. History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men. Philadelphia: Everts & Peck. 1883.
System of Arrangement
This collection is organized into series by subject:
George and Rhonda Andreadis Collection of Lancaster City Records, MG0545
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Original documents may be used. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-545, Series 2
Other Number
MG-545, Series 2
Classification
MG0545
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Note: These documents are mostly administrative records, not permanent records, and were likely purged by the city offices when they were no longer needed. We are fortunate that they survived as they contain details about Lancaster's past.
Collection was organized and rehoused by PH, Summer 2011; finding aid typed by HST, April 2012.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Cause of death: by being caught by an upright shaft in Goods mill, formerly Daniel Oberholser's, death resulting from fractured skull, broken arm (left) and leg (left); Mary Anne Stauffer was 10 years, 9 months, 13 days old.
Deputy Coroner: Cook, Isaac.
Coroner's Physician: Harner, D. W.
Jurors: Gehr, E. B.; Showalter, S. W.; Taylor, G. W.; Sensenig, John; Sauder, Isaac; Coldren, Israel.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restricted use of original. A photocopy will be made for patron use.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.
Cause of death: from injuries received January 22nd, 1889, (while on duty) on Pennsylvania Railroad about two miles east of Columbia, having been crushed between Gondola car and Cabin No. 267 of his train by engine No. 1265., William Rogers, Engineer, crashing into Cabin No.267, William Rogers, Engineer, being asleep at his post, until too late to avert the accident.
Deputy Coroner: Hershey, H. S.
Coroner's Physician: Craig, Alexander.
Jurors: Bockius, S. Atlee; Gable, Z. Taylor; Boyd, Samuel H.; Allison, James A.; Young, George W.; Myers, Henry.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restricted use of original. A photocopy will be made for patron use.
Coroners' Inquests are inquests conducted by six men, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, into the cause of a person's death. Inquests include: municipality; name of coroner; signatures of the six jurors; name of decedent; date of inquest; reason for death; name of coroner's physician, and names of witnesses to the inquest. Handwritten on printed form.