Firefighter Record
Firefighter Details
| Name | James Conway |
| Agency | Chicago Fire Department |
| Rank | Pipeman |
| Type of Firefighter | Career |
| Age Range | 31 to 35 |
| Sex | Male |
| Date of Birth | 0/0/0 |
| Date of Death | 1/22/1881 |
| Cause of Death | Struck by object |
| Nature of Death | Trauma |
| Attribute of Death | [not applicable] |
| Type of Duty | Firefighting operations , Hose operations |
Incident Details
| Incident Name | N/A |
| Incident City | Chicago |
| Incident State | IL |
| Incident Date | 1/21/1881 19:0 |
| Incident Location | Industry/ Manufacturing |
| Incident Attribute | Structural collapses , Fires |
Incident Summary
On January 21, 1881, Chicago Fire Department Pipeman James F. Conway of Engine 18 was fatally injured in the line of duty while fighting a furniture factory fire on South Canal Street. Conway was among twenty firefighters who were injured when an outer wall of the three-story brick factory collapsed on several fire companies during firefighting operations.
Conway’s severe injuries were treated by a doctor at a nearby drugstore, and he was transported to his home, where he died on January 22. Conway, who was born in Ireland, was survived by his widow.
Citations:
“Brick Veneering,” Chicago Daily Tribune, January 22, 1883.
Obituary of James Conway, Chicago Daily Tribune, January 23, 1883.
Firefighter and Incident Images
