The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-07-06
VETERAN FIGHTER
|OF FLAMES, JOHN
wal TIERS is DEAD
Familiarly Known as "Old
John" Picturesque Fig
ure Of Fire Department
Passes Away.

John Walters, member of the
Bridgeport Fire Department for 20
years, and familiarly known to hun
dreds as sold john" died last night,
at the home of his Daughter, Mrs.
Elizabeth Lennon. 144 Madison ave-
nue.. Although Mr.. Walters was re-
tired from the fire department a year
ago, he continued well and active UNI
til about two months ago when his
health became poor. He had been
confined to his bed for about a. month
before death came.
Mr.. Walters was born in ireland 10
years ago, but when he was 15
months old, his parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
Henry Walters, came to this country
and to Bridgeport. As youth, Mr..
Walters received his education In this
city but his love of horses soon led
him where he might care for them
constantly and for several years, as
coachman for the late Elias Howe.
he was in charge of the thorough
breds of the latter's stable.
Mr.. Walters was the first man to
hold a contract for lighting the city
street lights. During the period Of
his holding this contract, he lived on
High street. His place of business
and stables for his horses used in
carrying out his city contract. were
situated on High street, which was
at that time sparse1y settled. The
city lights were illuminated at that
time by gasoline, and Mr.. Walters
kept them lighted by covering the
city with horse and team.
Mr. walters decided he wanted to
join the Fire Department and 20
years ago was made a member of the
force. Because of his skill IN handl-
ing horses, he was at once made a
driver and two years later when No.
AS house was built on Madison ave-
nue. was appointed permanent driver
of the engine there.
Walters horses were the pride OF
| the department. Although the fire
department IN, those days was not
nearly so large as it is now.
MIR. Walters is estimated by his
friends in the department to have
broken more green horses than any
other member With a deep love fol-
| animals he combined great skill in
handling them The steady : en-
croachment Of the motor vehicles ovel
the old horse driven fire apparatu.
| was the source Of much sorrow te
the veteran driver. A feature of the
4 f'OuIWH OIL July parade a year age
was "Old John" Walters leading this
old fire horse which he had trained
loved and tended for IA years.
Mr.. Walters kindness was no
limited to animals, however, for ht
was loved throughout the departmen
for his thoughtfulness OF his brothel
firemen. He was always ready, tt
help one of them when they were IL
or in trouble.
Four years ago, Mr.. Walters wa
lrelieyed Of his duties as driver of tn
1 fire engine and was made the drive
. of the supply wagon where he re
manned until he was retired.
Besides his own long years of ser
vice in the B. F. d. Mr.. Walters en-
Joyed the unique distinction of hav
ing two of his three sons, Charles +
and William p. Walters, both hose
men in the department.
Besides Mrs. Lennon, with whom
he lived, Mr.. Walters, is survived b,
two other daughters, Mrs Franz
Ryan. and Mrs. Adolph Roth, b,
three sons, Charles F., William P. an,
4 Clifford j., and three grandchildren
Mrs Thomas Murphy, Miss Catherin
=. Lennon and Clifford w. Ryan.