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John C. Wallacker was born 1827 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and died January 29, 1890 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Daniel and Sarah Wallacker. John was one of the first members of the Neptune Volunteer Fire Brigade which was headquartered on Seventh Avenue in Pittsburgh. He became captain of the brigade and during his tenure acted as a representative to Baltimore to inspect their old "Neptune" fire engine.

During the famous Great Fire of Pittsburgh on April 10, 1845, Mr. Wallacker lead his brigade to help extinguish the fire. He contracted asthma from smoke inhalation which he suffered from throughout his life, eventually succumbing to it in 1890.

When the fire department changed from volunteer to paid, John went to work at Faber's Foundry. While employed there, he helped to cast the 20" gun which was the largest made up until then. During the war, he earned $100 per week, considered to be high wages at that time.

According to his obituary, the first oil engine that was ever made was constructed by him and was ultimately moved to the oil regions. Yet nothing in history ever mentions his contribution.