Posted on: Oneida Co. NY Obituaries Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/OneidaObits?read=116 Surname: Teller, Schwab, Drury, Sweet, Hart, Grower, Phillips, Kimball, Saunders ------------------------- Rome Sentinel November 1, 1926 PIONEER FIREMAN IS DEAD AT AGE OF 89 ________________ John D. Schwab Was Long Connected With Department. ___________________ Learned Trade of Boat Builder With His Father "John D. Schwab, a pioneer Utica fireman died Saturday at his home, 1119 Howard Avenue. Mr.. Schwab one of the oldest and best known firemen in the city, left the department almost 20 years ago and had not been active for the last 12 years. " "John D. Schwab was born here June 30, 1837. His father was David Schwab, who had come from Germany in 1830 and in 1832 he established himself in the boat building business on the Erie Canal." "Mr. Schwab was best known for his connection with the fire department. In 1857 he helped organize the Young America Hose Company No.2, which had a house on John Street, opposite St. John's Church. He served as foreman of this company and it was largely through his efforts that the Common Council appropriated $300 for a hose cart. The Company took the new cart to the City Hall, where Mayor Roscoe Conkling complimented them on its appearance. Mr. Schwab was in the Young America Hose Company for five years. It was then transferred to Neptune Engine and Franklin Hose Company No. 1 and Mr. Schwab served this company as foreman until April, 1874, when the present paid fire department was organized. This company at the distinction of having the first steamer brought to Utica. This was in 1865. In 1866 and 1870 he served as assistant engineer for the department. In 1874 he was made Captain of No. 1 Truck Company of the paid department, located on Cooper Street. He served in this capacity for eight years and retained his membership in the company until 1897 when he retired. For sometime afterward he worked as a carpenter. Mr. Schwab was one of the oldest and best know Uticans and was popular among the firemen. He was also one of the oldest members of the Exempt Firemen's Association having joined it as early as 1862. He had been representative to the Firemen's Benevolent Association for many years, and was in every way worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his associates. " "Mr. Schwab had also served many years in the National Guard. He joined the Fire Zouaves, an organization formed soon after the Civil War, and later he served in the Utica Conkling Corps under Capt.. Joseph Remmer and Capt. Schrader. In politics he was Republican, but held no office. He had been a member of Oriental Lodge 224 F. A. and M., since 1892. He attended the Park Baptist Church." "In 1859 Mr. Schwab married Miss Christina Schrader, of this city who died in 1881. In 1889 he married Miss Nellie Shaw, who is living. His children are Mrs. Emma L Gould of Ilion, Mrs. Cora Emma Gridley of Buffalo, and Mrs. Nellie Nelson of Utica. A son Albert J Schwab who was deputy chief of the Utica Fire Department, died in 1906. Three grandchildren also survive Ruth Nelson of Utica, Mrs. Herbert Howell of Buffalo, and Mrs. Hook of Brooklyn." "Mr. Schwab was one of the most active members of Exempt Firemen's Association and passed many happy hours in its headquarters on Union Street, discussing the palmy days of the volunteer fire department. He was greatly esteemed by all." Contribued by Colette Hook Grower