The Jersey City news., 1892-03-14
CARNIVAL OF FIRE.
Erie Railroad Pier No. 2
Totally DESTROYED
Saturday Night.
The RIVER Brilliantly ILLUMINATED
Waterman Gregg Burned to Death
Other Fires That Kept
the Buffalos Busy.

Shed No. of Dock No. 2. an immense
frame structure belonging to the Erie
Railway Company and stored with one
hundred and forty carloads OF baled nay
and many bales, of cotton, was en-
tirely destroyed by fire on Saturday
night. Watchman John Gregg was
burned to death and portion OF his re-
mains were found by the firemen at day
light yesterday morning while still work
ing at the ruins. The slip south OF the
dock was jammed with barges. tugs
and canal boats, and before they
could move out the flames had
wrapped some half-dozen of them
in its many forked fangs. In the
excitement among the boatmen and their
families, several men and one woman,
jumped or were pushed into the river;
John Cordner. known rs sailor Jack'
and several others were rescued through
the heroic efforts of John Barry, OF NO.
$50 Seventh street. Captain Richard
Crelivitz of the barge Margaret
jumped into the river to escape the flames
and swan ashore. He was reported
missing all day yesterday. but showed up
at the barge Office this morning.
Cordner was so i'll when rescued ne was
the barges were badly damaged, but the
Suffolk and Huntley were given up and
sent out in mid stream, when IN lull
view OF spectators ON both sides OF the
river they burned to the waters edge.
1t was through the heroic efforts of the
Jersey City firemen that the depot ana
grain elevator were saved from destrue-
tion. The damages will exceed $4,000.
All the property destroyed was insured
THE ORIGIN UNKNOWN.
The origin of the fire is mystery
Night Watchman Sharp OF the pullman
Company first discovered the flames
breaking out from the northeast corner
of the shed about half-past nine O'Clock.
Policeman McDermott gave the alarm.
Before the City Fire Department
responded the end doors OF
the long structure had been
opened. creating a draught and in less
than five minutes great tongues OF Hames
ccompanied with volumes OF dense
smoke Ieaped skyward and lighted up the
dark river front for miles around. Su-
perintendent Brown, Chief Conway, AS
sistant Chief Denmead and Battalion
Chief Guilton were among the first
to arrive at the scene after
the alarm was sounded. A third alarm
was sent out. and soon Engine Companies
Nos. 1, 2, g. and 6were pouring streams
upon the burning structure. When the
new engine, No. Z. arrived from Summit
avenue all the available hydrants were
occupied. Several trucks were also on
hand. including the new areal truck.
Assistant Chief Denmead took up bis
station at the south side of the building,
where the fired barges were jammed III
the slip between Dock 2 and the elevator.
Superintendent Brown was at the east
end and Battalion Chief Guiton at the
west end. Supt. Smith and Chief Murphy
were in charge of a large force OF police
men who with difficulty kept back the
crowds that surged down Pavonia ave-
nue..
HoBoKEN OFFERS AID.
While the fire was raging Fire Com
missioner Cooper of Hoboken, telephoned
Chief Brown tending aid il necessary.
The flames were not extingui, he'd until
long after midnight. and the fireman
were not all relieved until late yesterday
morning. Superintendent Brown re-
ent when Owen Kirwin of No. z Engine
discovered the trunk of the body
of Watchman Gregg. The legs
and head were gone. The body was
identified by pair of eyeglasses in a
leather case and By shreds of clothing.
Gregg lived with his family at No. 167
Coles street. He moved over from New
York only about week ago.
At one time during the fire corner of
the depot and its high fence caught fire.
At the depot it was stated this morning
that the building burned was valued at
S12, 1000. fully insured. AS to the hay
stored therein, it was impossible to find
out the names of parties to whom
it was consigned. 1t was all insured,
however. The large Buffalo. owned
by company, was vaiued at $1,000; Suf-
folk. owned by Edward Reilly, of New
York, $1,000; Huntley. $4,000; Amboy,
owned by H. Ramsey, of Am
boy, S3,0O0 Birmingham, $4,000; Margaret
H.. owned by Mr.. harmes of New York,
by the Railway Company. They were all
insured.
The wheels of No. engine were badly
damaged while going to the fire.