Boss, Captain Ellerbrock's Dog

Died 1880 - Wilmington, North Carolina

William A. Ellerbrock was a young riverboat captain who burned to death fighting a fire on the waterfront in April, 1880. His dog, Boss, tried to save him, but both man and animal perished. The dog was buried in the casket with the Captain, and the monument erected over their graves by grateful firefighter and community organizations can still be visited. The back side of the pillar base shows Boss lying on top, protecting his master for eternity.

"Faithful unto death."