Two Georges died in Brooklyn Square and their sacrifices are memorialized.
Younger viewers may not “know” Brooklyn Square, but it was a distinct business district in Jamestown. Mostly Main Street, the train tracks represented the northern border. The southern border extended to about Fenton Place, with the division of North and South Main Streets occurring at the Chadakoin River. Many didn’t realize the river was there, since it was covered by three- and four-story brick buildings. The footprint was a triangle but it was called “Square” because it was a large, open community space.
The first George to die in the Square was a young police officer, George Elmer “Red” Kendall. Officer Kendall was born in Jamestown on 9 Mar 1891, a son of Thomas & Sarah Elizabeth Burnley Kendall, immigrants from England. 1914 was a big year for him: he was sworn in as a police officer on May 8, and he was married on July 21. His bride was another Jamestown native, Ellen Amanda Johnson, daughter of Gust & Caroline Olsen Johnson. Ellen was born 8 April 1897.
Officer Kendall was on duty in Brooklyn Square on 18 June 1915, and responded to the sound of gunshots. He ascended the stairs to the second-floor apartment at 8 South Main Street. There, he was met by Fred Shaver, who had just murdered his father and stepmother. The young officer was hit by three rifle shots, and died at nearby Jones Memorial Hospital.
The second George to die in the Square was a young firefighter, George Dewey Morton. FF Morton was born 13 Apr 1899, probably in Jamestown, a son of Edgar W. & Mary T. Moynihan Morton. He had earlier worked as a bottler at a brewery, but became a member of the Jamestown Fire Department in 1920, joining his older brother, Charles (joined 1912). A younger brother, Robert, joined the fire department in 1935. Both brothers retired as captains, but George didn’t have the chance for promotion. On 18 Jan 1921, George married Hazel Marie Dawson, a daughter of George A. & Ella A. Karr Dawson. About a year and a half later, the couple lost an infant child, 23 Aug 1922.
Lt. Leo Duliba’s fire department history said FF Morton died in a fire at the Woodard Building; another source said he died at the Humphrey House, on 4 Feb 1927. He was assigned to Engine 4, which was located 918 E. Second Street at the time.
Both Georges left young widows. Mrs. Kendall later remarried and had a daughter; Mrs. Morton did not remarry. Mrs. Kendall-Swanson died 28 Jul 1977 and Mrs. Morton died 24 Feb 1983.
Both Georges and their spouses rest in Lakeview Cemetery.
Both Georges are still honored today by their respective public service organizations. The Police Department’s social- and bargaining-agency is the Kendall Club. The Fire Department’s social organization is the Morton Club. May they always be remembered!
