The Tragedy of a Dedicated Seattle Fireman

It is with regret that our readers will learn of the sudden death of John McKernan, junior member of the firm of L. & J. McKernan, plumbers and gasfitters. The deceased was a young man, about 25 years of age, and had resided in Seattle for all time. He was a first-class workman in his line, and respected for his many noble qualities. He took a lively interest in fire matters and was foreman of Engine Company No. 1, and was regarded as one of the raciest and most active firemen in the city. He never spared a caution and was always the first to rush the fire to the house at the sound of an alarm. During the burning of the Continental Hotel on South Second street, he showed great courage and bravery, and rescued two women from the building after they had become suffocated in the heat and smoke. He was a member of Company D, National Guards of Washington, and was recently elected to a lieutenancy. An order for work, which had to be completed by New Year, came to the firm the day before New Year's, and he had worked on it night and day until yesterday afternoon. Feeling unwell, he went up to his room and took a nap. The sleep became broken by death. His mother, who was in the house, went to the room to see how he was getting along and ascertain what he wanted for supper, but on reaching the door found it locked. He knocked and received no answer. The door was pried open, and poor John McKernan lay on the bed cold in the embrace of death. He will be interred in the Catholic cemetery, where the funeral will be attended by members of the fire department and numerous friends.