DONOVAN, Erie PA Fireman dies in 1915 Millcreek Flood
Looking for Donovans related to the ancestor below:
1.JOHN4 DONOVAN(PATRICK PADDY PA3, JOHN2, FIRST1) was born Abt. 1890 in Erie, Pa. ?, and died August 03, 1915 in Erie, Pa. (1915 Millcreek Flood, Erie PA).
Notes for JOHN DONOVAN:
"....The first Erie Firefighter to die in the line of duty was John J. Donavan (Donovan). In August, 1915, during the Millcreek flood, Chief McMahon was in the raging water. Donavan pulled the chief to safety but then was swept away near 23rd and French Street. Tragically, just seventeen days later, the chief died from overexposure." (1915 Millcreek, Erie, Pennsylvania)
http://www.eriecountyhistory.org/GlobalPages/Photo4/LlbPhoto.htmlhttp://www.eriecountyhistory.org/GlobalPages/Photo4/LlbPhoto.html
(1960 The Times:
Editor's Note: There were many brave men in the devastating Millcreek flood of 45 yeas ago. But the hero who stood out above all the others was a young city fireman named John Donovan. Here The Times proudly reprints an account of the funeral of that brave man as carried in the Aug. 7, 1915 edition of the Erie Daily Times. Donovan died trying to save the life of his Chief, John McMahon, who himself expired a few days later of the effects of the horrible night of Aug. 3, 1915 - the night Erie was ripped asunder by the greatest calamity in its history.)
A CITY MOURNED
by John Kelly
Erie Daily Times
August 7, 1915
"Standaloney" was what they called him when he was a baby learning to walk, and the name clung to him through life.
He was "Standaloney" to the boys and girls of St. Patrick's parochial school, and later when he grew to manhood and joined the Erie fire department his associates called him "Standaloney."
Today, "Standaloney" was buried from St. Patrick's church. A large concourse of sorrowing friends filled the edifice. Six firemen were pallbearers, and there was also an escort of eight other members of the fire department.
While the church services were being held, Chief John McMahon lay in bed at his home propped up with pillows telling his Rosary beads for the repose of the soul of "Standaloney."
On the rolls of the fire department he was John Donovan, of engine Co. No. 1, but everybody in Erie knew him as "Standaloney."
He met his death last Tuesday night in an attempt to rescue his Chief, who was in imminent danger while directing the work of his brigade at 23d St. The chief's life was saved but "Standaloney" went to his death - the death of a hero, and the way he would have wished to go.
When fire headquarters was notified of the raging torrent that was sweeping down Mill Creek, Engine 1 was first to respond to the call for help. "Standaloney" sprang to his position on the apparatus as it swung out of the house on French St.
"People are drowning at 23d St. Get there quick," was the message received over the telephone at the engine house.
"Standaloney" buckled on his storm coat as the horse cart sped toward the northern end of the city, from whence came the cry of distress.
Arriving at the scene he quickly plunged into the torrent, unmindful of his own safety in an attempt to rescue the lives of women and children. His associates who were with him through those hours of terror speak huskily when they tell of his bravery.
Again and again he plunged into the mad current to rescue someone from the watery grave. It never will be known how many persons were saved from death by "Standaloney," but this number makes no difference.
It is known that he snatched a baby from a cradle being borne along by the angry waters. And a woman whose life was saved was among those at church this morning when the last rites were observed for "Standaloney."
A cry went up that Chief McMahon and two or three other members of the department were in peril. "Standaloney" heard it. Although nearly exhausted he went bravely to their assistance.
This was the last ever seen of "Standaloney" Donovan, until his bruised and battered body was found the next day. There was a smile, and a peaceful look on his face. "Standaloney" had done his duty as he understood it.
The hose cart on which he went to his death was flower-laden at the head of the funeral cortege. As the body was carried into the church 1,000 persons stood on the sidewalk. Eyes were dimmed with tears. Many of those in the assemblage were his boyhood companions.
"Poor Standaloney" they murmured, as the casket was borne inside the sacred edifice.
Father Joseph Cauley celebrated Requiem Mass. The musical numbers were beautiful. In his sermon, Father Cauley paid a deserved tribute to the bravery of the decedent. He spoke feelingly of the duties of a fireman, and said that the dead man had always faithfully performed his duty - to the end.
As the cortege passed the quarters of Engine Co. No. 1, the bell tolled. A company of firemen with uncovered heads stood in front of the house.
John "Standaloney" Donovan was buried in Trinity cemetery.
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Source: The Washington Post, August 5,1915
ERIE DEATH LIST 27
----------------------------
Many Unidentified Bodies at Morgue, Others in Debris
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Property Loss is at $3.000,000
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300 Houses and 50 Stores Demolished by Waters-Wreckage
Piled 100 Feet in Places
-Work of Recovery will be Slow-Seek to Prevent
Outbreak of Disease
Erie, Pa, Aug 4
Erie has listed 37 dead tonite in the mile- long
wreckage strewn path through the heart of the city
swept by last nights flood. But little impression was
made on the vast amount of wreckage, piled in places 100 feet high
and believed by the coroner and others to contain as
many more victims.
The work of recovery will be slow. It may take a week
to turn over the debris.
List of the Dead
The identified dead are:
KATHERINE E. CARROLL
THOMAS LANGDON
JAMES HIGGINS -17 Years Old-
MRS. JOHN HIGGINS AND INFANT
MRS CORA ANDERSON MAIN -28 Years Old-
EMMA OSBOURNE -44 Years Old-
JOHN DONAVAN -City Fireman
SWEENEY ANDERSON -60 Years Old-
JOHN HIGGINS -40 Years Old-
DAD ALLEN
MRS MARGARET REUSE
ANNA WEISBAUR
MRS EMMA AUSTIN-Of Second and Parade Streets
MRS ANNA STORZIER
There are 8 unidentified bodies at the morgue.
Thanks, Hunter