My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE O. WILMARTH.
George O. Wilmarth, chief of the Fire Department of Topeka, is one of the pioneers of this city, where he has resided since 1859, and is the second oldest fire chief in the United States at the present time. He is one of the city’s most popular and efficient public servants, and has speaking acquaintance with more of the citizens, possibly, than has any other man.

Mr. Wilmarth was one of two children born to Otis and Julia Wilmarth. He was born April 23, 1843, in Rhode Island, where he was reared and received a good education in the public schools. In his native State he engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years, and in 1859 he came West to Topeka, Kansas. Here he engaged in the mercantile business until 1872, when he was made chief of the Fire Department, a position he has since filled. At that time the department was small and its work inefficient. He has devoted the best years of his life to developing a fire department of which the city may well feel proud. His efforts have been appreciated and he today occupies an enviable position in the public esteem. He has four engine houses and a force of 39 men under his charge. He has made a thorough study of the fire systems of the various cities of the country, and has been quick to suggest such improvements as were desirable, with the result that Topeka has the best service of any city in the State. Mr. Wilmarth is the second oldest chief in the United States, the oldest being Thomas O’Connor, of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Our subject was married to Mary A. Starkey and they have a son, Charles B., a successful fruit-grower of California. Mr. Wilmarth is a member of the Masonic order; Knights of Pythias; Odd Fellows; Red Men; and United Workmen. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. He and his wife are members of the First Congregational Church, and reside at No. 1101 Eighth avenue.