Charles Kinzbach - Veteran Fireman
He was born in 1873 in a two storied house at the corner of Preston and San Jacinto Streets in Houston, Texas. In his early years he worked at a lumber yard and with his father, Charles Kinzbach Sr., importer of wine and spirits. At the age of 17 he joined a group of volunteer fire fighters, and in 1894-95, he was Pres. of Curtain Hose Company No 9. He did a few years of railroading, and then joined the new paid Houston Fire Department in 1900. He was a lieutenant of Hose Company No.9 by 1902, and later was a lieutenant and engine driver with Engine No. 7 at fire station No. 7, located at 2403 Milam at McIlhenny from 1903 to 1912.
The worst fire in the history of Houston occurred February 21 1912. A general alarm brought all ten of the cities fire companies, and fire fighters came from surrounding towns including Galveston. By the end of the day, the fire had destroyed a church, a school, 13 industrial plants, many stores, over a hundred houses, over a hundred railroad boxcars,tank cars, etc. and a large number of bales of cotton.
Charles Kinzbach's eyes were damaged while fighting a fire at a carbide plant. When water hit the chemical, fumes rose up in the air. Charles became a fire department alarm operator and dispatcher. Eventually Charles lost his sight. He became known as "the blind operator". In 1941, he received his 40 year stripe. Charles Kinzbach and his wife Emma had no children of their own, but "Uncle Charlie" was beloved by many nieces and nephews.

Charles Kinzbach - Veteran Fireman
He was born in 1873 in a two storied house at the corner of Preston and San Jacinto Streets in Houston, Texas. In his early years he worked at a lumber yard and with his father, Charles Kinzbach Sr., importer of wine and spirits. At the age of 17 he joined a group of volunteer fire fighters, and in 1894-95, he was Pres. of Curtain Hose Company No 9. He did a few years of railroading, and then joined the new paid Houston Fire Department in 1900. He was a lieutenant of Hose Company No.9 by 1902, and later was a lieutenant and engine driver with Engine No. 7 at fire station No. 7, located at 2403 Milam at McIlhenny from 1903 to 1912.
The worst fire in the history of Houston occurred February 21 1912. A general alarm brought all ten of the cities fire companies, and fire fighters came from surrounding towns including Galveston. By the end of the day, the fire had destroyed a church, a school, 13 industrial plants, many stores, over a hundred houses, over a hundred railroad boxcars,tank cars, etc. and a large number of bales of cotton.
Charles Kinzbach's eyes were damaged while fighting a fire at a carbide plant. When water hit the chemical, fumes rose up in the air. Charles became a fire department alarm operator and dispatcher. Eventually Charles lost his sight. He became known as "the blind operator". In 1941, he received his 40 year stripe. Charles Kinzbach and his wife Emma had no children of their own, but "Uncle Charlie" was beloved by many nieces and nephews.