John Stewart was 14 years old, and had been carrying water for elephants during Barnum and Bailey’s Circus performance in Hartford. The Great Fire that started there had a lasting effect on him, and he became a firefighter. Years later, he became the first black fire chief in Connecticut.

Interviews:

• Student Interview with John Stewart's Sister-in-Law, Barbara Wiggins

Article:

• Chief John Stewart Jr.

Websites:

• The Hartford Fire, 50 Years Later (Challenge)

• Hartford Fire Chief John Stewart Created Legacy of Respect

• John Stewart Video Interview

• Obituary