Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department The Aftermath: Later that same afternoon, at 2 PM, the community gathered at Wheadon Methodist Church on Ridge Avenue for the funeral of Fireman George Stiles. Dr. Wilkinson delivered the eulogy, and the pallbearers included Captain George Hargreaves, Lt. Thomas Norman, Engineer J. A. Patrick, and Firemen William Sumpter, John Eckberg, and John Reddick. Among the attendees was former EFD Chief Norman Holmes. Following the service, the honor guard led the procession down Ridge Avenue to Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. The same hose wagon used earlier that day to transport Fireman Craig’s casket now carried George Stiles’ remains, marking a somber but respectful farewell. The next day, Friday, December 15, 1905, the Evanston Fire Department faced another challenge. With Firemen Ed Johnson and Thomas Watson still hospitalized and Assistant Chief Sweeting away in Knoxville, the department, now led by new Chief Carl Harrison, struggled to respond to a major fire at Lyons Hall on Davis Street. Despite their efforts, the blaze caused significant damage to the third floor and rear of the historic building, along with extensive smoke and water damage throughout. The fire highlighted the strain on an already overburdened department. Lyons Hall, built in 1868, had long been a central hub for the community, hosting political meetings, weddings, dances, and other events for nearly four decades. It was also the site of the first meeting of the Pioneer Fire Company of Evanston in January 1873. The total damage amounted to $12,000, including $8,000 to the structure itself and $4,000 in losses to businesses and apartments on the lower floors. In January 1906, the EFD made several key promotions. Lt. Thomas Norman was named Captain and took over as company officer of Hose Co. 3, while Fireman William Sumpter was promoted to Lieutenant and became assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1. George Stiles had been next in line for a lieutenant position, and it was assumed he would have taken the role had he not died in the Mark fire. That same month, the Evanston City Council approved a pay raise for all EFD members except the chief. Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting and the three captains received a $5 monthly increase, while others got $2.50 more per month. Chief Carl Harrison, who had recently taken command, introduced new training programs for firefighters. Experts such as an architect and an electrical engineer were invited to speak. He also proposed using rocket flares and balloons to improve communication during emergencies—a bold idea before the advent of radio. Though innovative, this plan never came to fruition.
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"It was said of George Stiles... as a fireman, none better... that he was one of the most popular men in the department... that he had a kind word for everyone. So shall we not then cherish his memory, and think of these splendid men more highly than ever before?"
— Dr. Wilkinson, Pastor of Wheadon Methodist Church, speaking at the funeral of Fireman George Stiles on December 14, 1905
On the morning of December 14, 1905, just one day after the devastating Mark fire, the Evanston Fire Department honored two of its fallen heroes. At 9 AM, an honor guard consisting of Lt. John Watson, Firemen Henry Newton, Harry Schaeffer, and Walter Hubert carried the remains of Fireman William Craig from his home at 1924 Jackson Avenue to the Davis Street C&NW RR depot. A striking floral arrangement shaped like a fire helmet, with Craig’s badge number “123†prominently displayed, was placed atop the Engine 1 hose wagon that transported his casket. Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting accompanied the Craig family to Knoxville, Illinois, where they laid him to rest.
June 25, 2025