The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-07-27
JOHN COYLE DEAD.
One.of the Oldest Firemen in
the City Passes Away.
POINTS IN HIS CAREER.
He Was Chief of the Old Volun-
teer Fire Department, and Once
Chief of the New.

ExChief John Coyle is dead. For nearly
year his health has been bad, and sew
eral months ago he was SO i'll that his
death was expected daily. His strong
constitution pulled him through that
illness temporarily, but that was all
He was again compelled to take
to his bed two weeks ago, and last even
ing he expired. Death was caused by a
complication of diseases of the liver, heart
and kidneys. The Chief knew that his
last illness had come, and when the dark
shadow slowly cast it's gloom over the
couch, he was prepared to greet it.
Around him were his wife and family.
NATIVE JERSEY CITY MAN.
John Coyle was fifty-five years old, was
born ih this city, on Norris street, and
lived at No. 101 York street. He was, per
haps, known personally to more people
than any man in the city His life was
always public one, although in limited
sphere.
When but eighteen years of age he was
foreman of Liberty Engine Company No.
him, will remember the absorbing interest
he took into all that was connected with
the Fire Department.
A VOLUNTEER FIREMAN
In those days there was no paid depart
ment, and men risked their lives and
ruined their clothes for humanity, honor
and glory; and Chief Coyle was by no
means the least conspicuous of them. He
saved by his individual efforts the lives of
several from the flames, the most
notable being the life of an old
woman who was asleep in the burning
building of Durancey & MCGEE, corner of
Washington and Montgomery streets,
about fifteen years ago. AT this fire both
members of the firm were burned to DEATH
They were suspected of having set fire to
quantity of oil in their cellar for the in
surance money. The too sudden explosion
of the oil gave them no chance to escape
after setting the blaze.
Chief ,Coyle was ever a sterling. demo-
crat and much of his money was devoted
to the welfare of his party. He and Chief
Henry Farrier, although personally the
best of friends at the time of Mr.. Coyle's
demise, were for many years political
enemies, and for time were not on speak
ing terms
CHARACTERISTIC MANLINEss.
Friendship was renewed, however,
when Chief Farrier was thrown from
wagon some time ago and injured so
badly that today he shows the effects of
it He and Coyle had been ION
the outs' for some years, but
when the latter heard of the
q scheme was being plotted to GUST Far
rier, he at once went to his house and
after shaking the injured man by the
hand in a warm and friendly manner,
said
Henry, you and I have not been good
friends. but when, while you lie on your
back suffering injuries sustained in the
service of the city, O lot of politicians get
together to take your position from you, l
will stand by you'll won't let the scheme
succeed. / will hold Windecker against
them for you"
Windecker was held, and the men were
staunch friends ever after.
The mere fact that he and Farrier were
rivals for the position of Chief of the Jer-
sey City Fire Department did not inter-
fere with the promptings of his generous
heart
1t is related that before this when Chief
Farrier had just succeeded him..as Chief of
the paid department that the
dock and that when he suggested
some plan to Chief Farrier to
subdue the flames the latter ordered him
out of the way and forced him to go be-
hind the fire lines. This was sore spot
in the heart of Mr. Coyle, and for several
years he and Chief Farrier did not speak
to each other.
lie WORKED FOR PAID FORCE.
Chief Coyle served three times as Chief
of the Volunteers; and once as Chief of
the paid department..
When he found that the Republicans
had majority in the Board and that his
term of Office was over for the time being
to defeat his old rival he resigned, and
Jacob Van Reipen was appointed Chief.
He served one year. just before the
paid department was an assured fact, Mr..
Coyle, although he knew he would be de-
prived of the office of Chief, worked hard
for it, and it is due to him as much as any
one that the paid system is now in ex-
istence.
The Chief was strict disciplinarian
At the fire at Mills Oakum Works
fifteen years ago or more, the members of
Engine Company No + became engaged
in q fight with those of No. 4. Chief
Coyle Immediately sent for the police, and
had them arrested and locked up.
Chief Coyle was married twice and
leaves widow and seven children. He
and his brother James were each married
twice and on both occasions married sis
tiers. He was member of several
societies and took an active interest in
the Crescent Club.
Assistant Chief Denmead said this
morning that he had been instructed to
have the flags at the engine houses half
masted, but that the telephone was not
in working order and that this mark of
respect would not be shown until late in
the day.
The funeral will take place Monday at
ten a. m., from st. Peters Church, where
high mass will be held. The Fire Depart
ment will send a delegation to the church.
The chief leaves little property.
uIRDT Ep,S HELPS nRTEnTEn