John A. Archibald
It is often made a special matter of praise when one continues throughout an entire business career in a single field of labor, winning substantial advancement along the line, but it is certainly even more creditable when one’s life record covers a continuos period of public service in connection with a given department of city affairs and wins promotion therein, for in such an office the incumbent is continuously subject to public criticism and only the utmost fidelity can continue him in the position for years, for political power and envy are forces constantly brought to bear against him. J.A. Archibald, therefore, is deserving of much credit because of the splendid record, which he has made in connection with the Cincinnati fire department, of which he has served continuously as chief since 1893, or for eighteen consecutive years. His record is unparalleled in the history of the city and Cincinnati has never had a more capable or efficient chief.
John A. Archibald was born in the Queen City January 21, 1859, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He was twenty-three years of age when he first entered the service, becoming pipeman of Chemical Company No. 1 in 1882. In less than a year he was transferred as pipeman to Fire Engine Company No. 3 and in 1884 his excellent service won him promotion to the position of lieutenant of Company No. 3. He never sought to shirk a duty, manifesting the utmost fearlessness in the face of danger, and yet never to the point of recklessness. Sound judgement enabled him to carefully direct the men under him so as to produce the most effective service, and all this won him further promotion in 1887, when he was made captain of Company No. 1. He filled that position for six years and was then advanced to the highest place in the service, becoming chief of the entire department in 1893. The Insurance Times, of Cincinnati, said of him some years ago: " During Chief Archibald’s term of service he has proven his wonderful ability as a director at large fires. Indeed, he worthily represents the department vastly in many ways. Since the late big fires he has urged the increase of facilities, and has at last the agreement of the mayor and fire board to increase the department by three companies and fifty men, and also to add more apparatus." He is a man of forceful character, ever ready in emergency, yet his friends, and they are many, find him a man of attractive social traits and engaging personal qualities.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912