John Simon, Akron Firefighter

John Simon (photo caption by Paul Norman Bell) was born in Basancon, Doubs, France. Simon served as a volunteer with Akron’s Eagle Hose Volunteer Fire Company. Simon resided in Akron from 1863 until his death in 1899. He had 14 children.

Akron’s Eagle Hose Volunteer Fire Company, along with the Mechanic’s Hook and Ladder Company, were organized in 1866 after the purchase of the city’s first Silsby Steamers. These volunteer fire companies were manned by some of the very best young business men of the city. At that that time, volunteer firefighters were afforded an exemption from poll-taxes, local military service, and jury duty. Both volunteer companies disbanded in 1876 as the city moved to payed system.