John Rush Thomas
Killed in the Line of Duty
April 03, 1873
| Fire Company |
Engine 13
|
|
| Cause of Death |
Fall From Horse
|
|
| At Fire Box Number |
|
|
| Incident Type |
Responding to Fire
|
|
| Incident Location |
|
|
Rush Thomas was out with the horses for their afternoon exercise. On his
way back to the quarters of Engine 13 he heard the bells calling the men out
to a fire. Bringing the horses to a gallop he made a dash back to the
house. He arrived and tried to dismount as fast as he could. It is not
known if the horse reared up or if he simply slipped but he fell to the
ground striking his head. He died that same day. The engine had been
dispatched for a fire at the corner of Central and Poplar. Thomas left
behind a wife and three children. He was almost 41 years old and had a long
record of service with the department. He was previously a member of Engine
05, The Jefferson Engine Company. The funeral services took place at his
residence, 27 Bank Street and he was laid to rest at the Wesleyan Cemetery