THOMAS J. AHERNThomas J. Ahern - March 17, 1912 (#56)
Engine Co. No. 35 - 38 Bluxome

SS “MANCHURIA” FIRE

Thomas J. Ahern, Hoseman Engine Co. No. 35, of asphyxiation while working at a fire on March 17, 1912

FIREMAN LOSES LIFE IN BLAZE ON MANCHURIA

One fireman lost his life and dozens others were injured and overcome by smoke in fighting a stubborn fire that took place on Pacific Mail liner Manchurian yesterday afternoon at pier 42.
THE DEAD.

Ahern, Thomas J., hoseman, Engine Company No. 35, living at 133 Freelon street.

THE INJURED.

Lavorini, John, Lieutenant, Truck Company No. 17, struck on head bye swirling nozzle.

Reynolds, C. T., Engine Company No. 8, suffocation from smoke.

Speckman, Henry, Engine Company No. 35, suffocation from smoke.

Wilson, William, Engine Company No. 9, suffocation from smoke.

The body of Ahern was found in the hold on the steamer by Captain Michael Drury of Engine Company No. 35 after the members of the company had returned to their headquarters. Ahern was missing when Captain Drury took account of his men, and returned to the steamer and began a search that resulted in the finding of the hoseman’s body in a hatch amidships. Ahern evidently died from smoke suffocation. He was about 36 years old, was married and leaves wife and a number of small children
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 18 March 1912, Monday, page 1.

THOMAS J. AHERN FUNERAL

The funeral of Thomas J. Ahern, the fireman who lost his life on the Manchuria, will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock from his home, 133 Freelon avenue.

A detail of fifty firemen, including the members of Engine Co. No. 35, of which he was a member, will escort the remains to Holy Cross cemetery. The Fire Commissioners will attend the services anybody.
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 19 March 1912, Tuesday, page 3

DEAD FIREMAN TO BE BURIED THIS MORNING.
PACIFIC MAIL COMPANY HEADS LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO WIDOW WITH $2,500 CHECK.

The fund for the relief of the family of Thomas Ahern, a fireman who lost his life on Sunday last in the hold of the Pacific Mail liner Manchuria reached the sum the $3,105 yesterday.

Largest contributor was the Pacific Mail company, which sent a check for $2,500. Mayor Rolf sent $100, Raphael Weill $200, the Board of the Chiefs of the Fire Department, $200 and Ahern’s former comrades of Company H., League of the Cross Cadets, $100 an unknown friend sent five dollars.

Ahern’s funeral will be held at nine o’clock this morning from St. Rose’s Church, on Bryant near Fourth street.

The following letter was received by Fire Chief Murphy from R. P. Schwerin, Vice president and general manager the Pacific male steamship company:

Permit me to convey to you the officers and members of the San Francisco fire department, the sincere appreciation and thanks of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for the prompt aid and most valuable assistance rendered in the connection the fire which developed on the steamer Manchurian on Sunday afternoon last.

While the property losses have been large the sink into the insignificance as compared at the toll of human life struck extracted by this fire - that of Thomas J. Ahern, which deprived his family of a husband and father, and your department of the fearless and most efficient member. Ahern’s loyalty to duty brought about his death – the same loyalty which he always exhibited while in the employ of his company.

Is not within the range of human endeavor to in any way compensate Mrs. Ahern; but I venture to hand you here with paycheck for $2,500, which I would ask that you transmit to Mrs. Ahearn and which I hope may prove some slight assistance to her.

I also enclose another check who $1,000 payable to your order, which I would ask be placed in the credit of the Widows and Orphans Fund of the San Francisco fire department, as a slight token of our appreciation of the services rendered.

Subscriptions to the Ahearn fund maybe sent to Fire Chief Thomas R. Murphy at fire headquarters, City Hall, Eighth and Market streets, or at the fire houses of the department.
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 19 March 1912, Wednesday, page 3

FIREMAN AHERN IS BURIED
MAYOR ATTENDS RITES OVER MAN WHO MUST LIFE ON MANCHURIA

The funeral of Thomas J. Ahearn the fireman who lost his life fighting a fire in the hold of the Pacific Mail liner Manchurian, last Sunday, was held yesterday morning from St. Rose Church, where the solemn high requiem mass was celebrated at 9 o’clock.

Mayor Rolph and the Fire Commissioners were among the city officials who attended the funeral services which were conducted by Rev. Father John Nugent. Delegations were present from all the fire companies, the funeral cortege being led by Fire Chief Thomas Murphy.

The pall-bearers were Captain Michael Drury, William Tobin and John Breen, from the Engine No. 35, Samuel Nelson, Bernard Dervin and Henry Glynn from Truck No. 8, and Thomas Kennedy, operator.

Several benefits are being planned for the widow and family of Ahern.  One of these is a concert at which  Tetrazzini is to sing, and another will be a baseball game. Following a subscription of $2,500 from the Pacific Mail Company through R. P. Schwerin, a fund has been started for the relief of the family that has already reached close to $3500.
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 21 March 1912, Thursday, page 10.

Teresa Ahern, widow of Thomas Ahearn, Hoseman Engine Company No. 35. Pensioned April 12th, effective from March 18th, 1912, the date of death of said Thomas Ahearn.

Mrs. Teresa Ahern was granted a quarterly pension of $180. 

Extracted from original sources with grammar and spelling as published.

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