Mecklenburg County NcArchives News.....POWDER EXPLOSION KILLS CHIEF WALLACE---CAPT. GLENN July 2, 1914
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Danielle Mozingo danisue1970@yahoo.com December 10, 2010, 11:58 pm

Charlotte Observer July 2, 1914
POWDER EXPLOSION KILLS CHIEF WALLACE---CAPT. GLENN
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Unaware of Deadly Explosive, Firemen Struck Down at Blaze.
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THREE OTHERS HURT
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First Fatalities in History of Charlotte Fire Department Occurred Yesterday.
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Chief J. H. Wallace of the city fire department and Capt. W. B. Glenn of the 
No. 2 station were killed yesterday morning and three other firemen, Messrs. R. 
T. Barnes, J. R. Erwin and C. W. Todd were more or less seriously injured as 
the result of the explosion of a quantity of blasting powder that had been 
stored in a barn belonging to Mr. John B. Hawkins, a railroad contractor, in 
the rear of his home on South Cedar street.

The barn had caught fire and the department had been summoned to extinguish the 
flames.  Never having been apprised of the presence of the explosives and 
fearing no danger, Chief Wallace, Captain Glenn and firemen Barnes, Erwin, Todd 
and several others had just laid a line of hose and had rushed through a double 
fence for the purpose of reaching the seat of fire.  The hose was not quite 
long enough and Chief Wallace had called for a little "slack."  Several of the 
men turned to drag up the line and this accounts for their escape.  The next 
moment the explosion occurred.  Captain Glenn was killed instantaneously and 
Chief Wallace was felled in his tracks and so also Firemen Barnes, Erwin and 
Todd.

FEARFUL EXPLOSION.
The force of the explosion was such that planks and scantlings were hurled like 
shrapnel through the walls of adjoining houses, one of these cutting the line 
of hose held by the men in two near the nozzle.

Captain Glenn was literally riddled with splinters, one of these passing 
through his left chest, another breaking his left hiip, and others inflicting 
fearful wounds all over hid body.  Both arms were broken and his head was 
cruelly gashed by the flying missiles.

Chief Wallace was a little to one side of Captain Glenn and his worst injury 
was that inflicted by a scantling that splintered his right shoulder, sections 
of wood being driven deep into his chest.  His head was also gashed in a half 
dozen places, both eyes being injured.  Fireman Barnes received a severe cut 
over the eye but escaped with only a few other slight bruises.  He was able to 
leave the hospital within an hour.  Fireman Erwin was fearfully gashed by 
splinters about the head, face, arm and body and Fireman Todd received a fierce 
scalp wound, his right wrist and hand being also lacerated.

WOUNDED TO THE HOSPITAL.
No sooner had the explosion occurred than Assistant Chief Wentz, Hendrix 
Palmer, Van Duncan and G. W. Spittle who were to one side of where the wounded 
men lay, rushed around to learn the trouble.  They saw all five of the men 
lying on the ground, Barnes, Erwin and Todd struggling to get away from the 
nearby burning rafters.  They immediately rushed up, grabbed the wounded and 
hurried them out of the danger zone.  It was seen that Captain Glenn was dead 
and attention was given to the injured.  chief Wallace was carried into Mr. 
Reece Little's waiting automobile and rushed to the Presbyterian Hospital.  
Firemen Barnes, Todd and Erwin were likewise dispatched to the same place and 
surgeons were summoned.  Within a few moments, a dozen doctors were on hand and 
the injured were given every attention.

From the first, it was seen that Chief Wallace had but a fighting chance, the 
only hope being that his wonderful constitution would pull him through.  the 
surgeons probed into the wound and discovered three long pieces of wood that 
had been driven deep into the chest.  He was bleeding internally and they 
announced that he had only one chance in a hundred.  Mr. J. A. Jones, chairman 
of the fire committee of the Executive Board, in whose office Chief Wallace was 
sitting when the alarm came in, called at the hospital and was ushered in to 
see him.  Chief Wallace recognized him immediately and smiled.  Mr. Jones bent 
over and whispered his regret that he did not hold him in his office instead of 
letting him leave.  The wounded man's response was only a smile.  At noon, 
Chief Wallace had a sinking spell and a saline solution was used to buoy him 
up.  It was all in vain and he died at 12:25 after making a brave and 
determined fight for life.  Captain Glenn's body had already been sent to his 
home.  The two firement more seriously injured, namely, Messrs. Erwin and Todd 
will be kept at the Presbyterian Hospital until their injuries will permit of 
their return home.  Fireman Barnes will be out in a few days.

OTHERS INJURED.
In addition to those seriously injured, quite a number received slight flesh 
wounds.  Mr. Sam Mcginn, who was assisting the firemen, was struck by a flying 
piece of wood and the side of his face lacerated.  Mr. W. H. roberts of 313 
south Cedar street was stunned and Mr. W. H. Earnhardt, a clerk in J. H. 
Pressly's store, 300 South Cedar street, was struck on the forehead by a 
splinter.  Several of the firemen were so badly shocked that they were unable 
to do anything for a moment after the explosion. 

The explosion, according to those standing near at hand watching the fire, was 
one of the fiercest imaginable, considering the amount of powder involved.  "It 
seemed to be as though a big barrel of oil had been touched off," declared Mr. 
J. A. Yarbrough who was about a block distant.  "I thought the earth was 
shaking," declared Mr. J. Q. Caldwell, who was four blocks away.  quite a 
number of the people who had gathered to watch the fire, were thrown to the 
ground.

WHERE EXPLOSION OCCURRED.
The barn in which the fire originated, was situated in the rear of Mr. Hawkins' 
residence and also behind the small grovery store belonging to Mr. J. H. 
Braswell at 300 South Cedar street.  The shock was such that several of the 
shelves in Mr. Braswell's store were hurled to the floor and several of the 
windows of nearby houses were broken.  For several seconds after the explosion 
the air was filled with debris.  There was an old stove either inside or 
leaning up against the burning barn.  It was hurled through the wall of an 
adjacent stable as though shot out of a gun.  One of the legs of this stove 
struck one of the injured firemen, probably Chief Wallace.  It was lying where 
he fell and one end was bloody.

An effort was made yesterday to secure all of the particulars about the 
blasting powder that had been stored in the barn or immediately adjacent 
thereto but nothing definite could be learned pending Mr. Hawkins' arrival.  He 
has been engaged ona contract 15 miles from Mocksville and when notified by 
Mrs. Hawkins of the distressing accident, stated that he would leave 
immediately in order to catch a train into Charlotte.

Mrs. Hawkins, in discussing the occurrence yesterday afternoon, reiterated her 
belief that no explosives had been left in the barn by Mr. Hawkins.  She stated 
that he was always very careful about such things and the fact that he usually 
had 21 head of stock nearby would have made hima ll the mroe careful.  She 
expressed the belief that the barn was fired by a negro who was seen by several 
neighbors to leave the place earlier in the morning.  She added that as soon as 
Mr. Hawkins arrived he would make a full statement.  There was no stock in the 
barn yesterday when the fire occurred, only a lot of fodder and supplies.

CHIEF WALLACE.
Chief Wallace, who has been head of the fire department since Chief w. S. Orr 
resigned in 1911, was 37 years of age.  He is a son of Mrs. Cornelia Wallace 
and is survived by his mother and one brother, Mr. M. M. Wallace.  For years he 
has lived with his mother and brother at 208 North Brevard street.  He was an 
Elk, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Colonial Club and the Greater Charlotte 
Club.  He was formerly assistant chief and had been chief since 1911.  In the 
estimation of his men he has been one of the best chiefs that the local 
department has ever had.  Quiet in manner, cool in the presence of danger and 
possessing nerve and judgment of the highest order, he has rendered yeoman 
service to the city.  He never sent his men where he himself would not go and 
hence his mortal injury yesterday.  He was in the very forefront of danger and 
there he met his fate.  His manner of handling his men was one of the secrets 
of his success.  It was rather significant yesterday as indicating his interest 
in his work that he had gone to Mr. Jones' office to consult about the 
remodeling of the fire station when the alarm was sounded.  Instead of 
delaying, he jumped into Mr. T. L. Alexander's automobile and hurried to the 
fire.  He arrived just as his men were ready to turn on the stream and he took 
charge of the situation just a moment before the explosion.

CAPTAIN GLENN.
Captain Glenn of the No. 2 station was one of the oldest firement in point of 
service in the employ of the city.  At one time he was chief of the department 
and was always looked upon as one of the guiding spirits of the department.  
Much of the family life of the department was due to his kindly efforts.  There 
was no man on the force more universally beloved than he.  He was 50 years of 
age, the son of the late John Glenn, and is survived by his wife and two 
daughters.  He lived at 202 North Myers street.  He was a Pythian and an Odd 
Fellow.

A DOUBLE FUNERAL.
The funeral of the two men will take place at the Second Presbyterian Church 
this afternoon at 4 o'clock.  It will be a firemen's double funeral and Rev. 
Dr. A. A. McGeachy will have charge of the service.  The body of the dead chief 
will be placed upon the new motor fire truck at his home, 208 North Brevard 
street and will borne to East Trade street where it will be joined by Motor 
truck No. 2 with the body of Captain Glenn on it.  The procession will then 
move up Trade to Independence Square and on to the Second Church where the 
principal service will be held.  Immediately behind the two caskets will follow 
the horse and buggy that Chief Wallace drove.  It will be led by one of the men 
and will be draped in black.  The motor trucks will also be draped.  While the 
funeral is in progress the fire bell will toll.  The interment will be at 
Elmwood.

THE PALLBEARERS.
The active pallbearers will be selected from the firemen in service while the 
honorary pallbearers will be mayor Charles A. Bland, Executive Committeemen J. 
A. Jones, J. E. Morris, Col. W. W. Phifer, E. R. Smith, and Dr. J. A. Austin, 
Former Executive Committeemen M. M. Murphy, C. A. Williams, T. J. Davis, J. K. 
Wolfe, W. I. Henderson, Joe Garibaldi, J. M. Barnes, E. L. Huneycutt, e. L. 
Mason, J. P. Carr, W. C. McGinn, C. M. Davidson, John Beatty, Thomas Griffith, 
George A. Page, Dr. F. O. Hawley and Dr. Adam Fisher.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE.
Messages of condolence were received yesterday from various sections of the 
country.  Mr. James McFalls, chief of the fire department at Roanoke and 
secretary of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, wired a message of 
sympathy and also forwarded a floral design.  Mr. E. L. Welant of the American 
LaFrance Company sent sympathy and also the chiefs in Rome, Ga., Rock Hill, S. 
C., Savannah, and other points.

One of the most valued of these was that from President J. d. McNeill of 
Fayetteville, of the North Carolina State Firemen's Association.  He wired as 
follows:  "Will arrive in the morning over the Seaboard and have asked all 
representative chiefs to join me in attending the funeral.  Please have florist 
to prepare suitable design to our comrades."  This telegram was signed "North 
Carolina State Firemen's Association, by J. d. McNeill, president."

The members of Charlotte Lodge, No. 392 B. P. O. E. will attend the funeral in 
a body.  They are asked to gather at the hall at 3 o'clock.

It is desired that all former call firement who served under the dead men also 
attend the funeral this afternoon.  Mayor Bland has also asked all city 
officials to meet at the city hall at 3:30 to attend the funeral in a body.  It 
is also desired that as many stores in the city close during the hour of the 
funeral in token of respect to the dead fire chiefs.

Former Assistant Chief W. S. Charles yesterday kindly consented to remain in 
charge of the station while the men are attending the funeral.  he will be 
assisted by squads from the police and health departments.

Mayor Bland announced yesterday that the city hall would be closed the greater 
part of today as a mark of respect for the men who had given their lives in the 
service of the municipality.  The three stations will also be draped in black 
and will remain so for a designated period.

FIRST FATALITY.
This is the first fatality in the history of the city fire department.  Firemen 
had suffered minor injuries but never before hs there been a life lost.  In 
this instance, not only has a life been lost but the chief and the captain of 
one of the stations have been killed and three of the men painfully hurt.  The 
effect upon the men yesterday was manifest.  They appeared stunned and while 
they went about their accustomed duties, they seemed to be bearing upon their 
shoulders a great burden.  The department has always been a big family, the men 
being knit together by close ties of friendship and esteem and the knowledge of 
dangers jointly shared.  As much so as any other organization in the city, the 
men have always stood shoulder to shoulder and the death of their leader in the 
pursuit of their common duty has been a sharp blow to them.  Mayor Bland and 
other city officials yesterday paid high tribute to the efficiency and worth of 
Chief Wallace, Captain Glenn and the other members of the department.  Mayor 
Bland declared that the city had no more loyal or worthy officials than Chief 
Wallace and Captain Glenn and that it was a sharp blow to him personally and 
officially to lose their services.  Others in the city's services paid similar 
tributes.

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES.
Hardly had the wounded been cared for yesterday when an investigation was 
ordered with reference to the storage of explosives in the city.  It was found 
that quite a number of concers and also individuals had explosives about their 
premises, either in their places of business or at their homes.  Gasoline was 
discovered to be very prevalent and several concerns had dynamite and blasting 
powder stored on hand.  A big iron box of dynamite with a canister of caps was 
observered just in the rear of the improvised fire station in the rear of the 
Charlotte Hotel.  This was the property of the Smith-Wadsworth Company and was 
sitting just outside the door of the warehouse belonging to that concern.  
Several other concerns also had explosives on hand.  In every case of powder or 
dynamite however there were iron containers but in the event of a big fire, it 
was stated that these containers would render little real service.  There was 
much danger from gasoline, benzine and other explosive liquids.

THE LAW.
As to the storage of dynamite or other explosives in the city, Section 243 of 
the City Code reads as follows: "No person or persons shall keep or suffer to 
be kept in his or their store or in any house within the city limits more than 
one keg of gunpowder or blasting powder.  Any person violating this section 
shall, on conviction, be subject to a penalty of $50."

There was much feeling manifested yesterday as a result of the carelessness in 
having this blasting powder lying where it was.  To this is directly due the 
death of the two firemen and the injury of the others.  It is stated that the 
city officials will shortly issue a statement calling upon all citizens to 
inspect their premises with a view to preventing a repitition of such an 
occurrence.

Asks Stores to Close.
Mayor Charles A. Bland last night, in his official capacity, made request for 
all the stores in the city to close at 4 o'clock this afternoon and remain 
closed during the funeral at the Second Presbyterian Church.  This will require 
about 30 minutes.  It is desired that all merchants accede to this request.



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