JAMES P. FALLON
There
is nothing which adds so much to the safety and security of the people of a
town or city as an active, well-trained,
vigilant and excellently equipped fire department. The history of the measures for fire
prevention in Muskegon is an interesting one, for the handy wooden bucket and the nimble feet of such as would help
composed the equipments of the early residents. James P. Fallen, who is
Chief of the fire department in
Muskegon, is a practical and first-class engineer, and one who thoroughly
understands his business. He is a native of
the Nutmeg State, born in the southwestern part June 12, 1859, and the
son of Patrick and Sabina (Caughlin)
Fallen, both natives of the Green
Isle of Erin. The parents were
brought to America when children and settled in Hartford, Conn., where they
grew to mature years and married. The
father dealt quite extensively in live stock, and after residing there for some
years moved to Menomonee, Wis., where the parents live at the present time. Their union was blessed
by the birth of nine children, four sons and five daughters. Our subject
removed with his parents to Wisconsin
in 1874, and assisted his father to cultivate and improve one hundred and
twenty acres of good land. While residing with his parents in Connecticut, he
received a fair education in the common schools, and by observation he
has since increased that until he is now
one of the best-posted young men in Muskegon. Our subject left the farm in 1876, and began working for
Plankinton & Armour, remaining
with that company for two years. In 1878 he made his advent into the
city of Muskegon. This was in the autumn, and he was with the McGraft Company, in this city, for three years. He then went with the Booming Company, and
remained there six months, and in July, 1879, became driver in the fire department at No. 1 engine house. He was then
made Captain of the fire department, and filled that position three years,
after which he was appointed Chief
Engineer and Fire Marshal May 5,1887, holding the former position at the
present time. He thoroughly understands his business and is one of the
most efficient officers the city has ever had. In February, 1885, Mr. Fallen was married to Miss Annie L. Tromp, a native of
Muskegon, and the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Flaley) Tromp. One
daughter, Mary H., has been born of this
union. Mr. Fallen is a member of several secret organizations and
was County Delegate of the American Order of Hibernians and also Regent in the Royal Arcanum. In 1892 he was elected
Vice-President of the National Association of Fire Engineers. He has a pleasant
residence at No. 33 North First
Street, and is a popular man in the community.
Portrait & Biographical
Record of Musekgon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan
1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing
Company
Submitted by Doris Rake and
Bill Moore