BaltimoreCityFireFighter.com
Honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty
Mathias Rochester
Hostler
Unit Assigned - Hook and Ladder 1
Event Date - October 29, 1868
Death Date - October 29, 1868
Vehicle Accident
Fall from apparatus
Monument and Buren Streets
Box - 38 (Monument and North)
Of note - returning from False Alarm
Photo unavailable
Mathias Rochester was the regular Hostler of Truck 1. However, he was not handling the reins of Hook and Ladder 1, as a substitute was filling in the position and he rode on the side steps with the rest of the men.
After departing the original box, 38, the unit was returning to quarters and making a turn. During the turn the unit road over railroad tracks and Hostler Rochester fell to the ground, stiking his head on the tracks. The horses were unable to stop quickly enough and the unit ran over the injured man.
News CoverageRegarding Event
Baltimore Sun
October 30, 1968
Headline - Fireman Accidentally Killed
The article, views a graphic scene and the actions of the man immediately after. The injured member, was carried to a dwelling, private home on the opposite side of the street where the accident occurred.
Physicians were summoned and two doctors quickly attempt to render aid to the fallen man. Unfortunately, the injured members succumbed to his wounds in in less then 30 minutes.
Hostler Rochester was 35 years of age, leaving a wife and one child.
Baltimore Sun
October 30, 1868
Headline - At a Meeting Held at No.1 Truck-House
A meeting was held and it was resolved that the members of the Baltimore City Fire Department will attend the funeral of the deceased member.
The members were to assemble at 2 PM at either the house of Truck House 1 (Eastern District Members) or Engine House 1 (Western District Members).
Baltimore Sun
October 30, 1868
Headline - $100 Reward
Chief Engineer John W. Watkins - In accordance with an ordinance governing the Baltimore City Fire Department, I hereby offer $100 reward for the arrest and conviction of the party who gave an alarm for fire box 38, on the morning of 29 October, on proceeding to which Matthew Rochester, a member of Hook and Ladder Company 1, lost his life.
Learn MoreAbout What Happened
Hostlers
Very important position in the early days of the Fire Department
The Hostler, would tend to the horses at the firehouse. These brave men would then take the reins, steering the charging horses to the fire.
This was a very respected role as the horses were the most valuable asset to the early fire service.
It was important to have trained men to learn the job and fill in when needed.
Thus, on this fateful day, the members of Hook and Ladder 1 were operating in a highly efficient model for the improvement of that company and the department as a whole.
Railroads and Dirt Roads
Streets in the 1860's
One must picture a mixture of stone, dirt and even mud would make the streets up that are now paved with asphalt in the city of Baltimore.
Railroad tracks were often run along streets and we're not laid into the roadways that we now know. .
Instead, they would often raise above creating a hazard similar to steel speed bumps running parallel to a roadway and instead of crossing it, as we know today.
