Full text of "History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890"

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H ISTOR Y

OF I1II-:

FIRE DEPARTMENT

OI" THE

CITY OF XKW BEDFORD

MASSACHUSETTS

1 7 7 2—1 (S9()

LlCONAKI) I^OLLES ElLIS

NKW I'.KIJFORD:
Pkintku lOK THE AiTHiiK nv E. An I MON^■ i"<; Sons,

i8yo.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, bj"

Leonard B. Ellis, in the Ofifice of the Librarian

of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

HI3 /^i'^''

SP. COL

PREFACE,

This history could not have been written but for tlie kindh"
aid rendered bv some of niv fellow citizens who have been at
different times connected with our Fire Department. To all
who have in an\' \va\- contributed material for my use I tender
mv sfrateful thanks.

The meagre and fra<£mentarN- records of the earlier vears of
the Fire Department make it impossible to give a complete list
of all who have belonged to it. Consequently I have decided
to give complete membership rolls for the following years
alone: 1834. 1S44, iS^6, 1S67, 1876, 1884, 1890. The names
of persons who joined and retired from the Department during

the interveninof vears are not o-iven.

L. B. E.

TO MY HONORED

FATHER

1 DEDICATE THIS BOOK!

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.— Pages 1-14.

Independence, Xo. i, first engine owned in Bedford village, built by News-
ham, London, 1772; Company rolls, 1820-34; Citizen, No. 2, purchased in
1802, and Phoenix, No. 4, in 1808; List of firewards, 1 796-1802; Oxford,
No. 2, Fairhaven, purchased 1805; List of subscribers and members; Flood,
No. I, Fairhaven, purchased about 1801; Company rolls, 1837-50; Colum-
bian, No. 3, Fairhaven, built 1836; A cool Fairhaven citizen; Bedford Fire
Society formed, 1807; Its rules and regulations; Jahaziel Jenney's summer
sleigh ride; ( ieorge Lecain in Newport; List of firewards, 1802-9.

CHAPTER IL— Pages 15-24.

List of hrewards, 1809-21 ; Benj. Lindsey's printing office fire, 181 1; Wil-
liam Meader's cold water experience; The lost baby; Hunneman engines,
Nos. 3 and 4, purchased 181 9; First great tire in Bedford village, 1820;
Novel use for fire buckets; List of firewards, 1822-30; Mechanic, No. 6,
purchased in 1821; Company roll for 1826; Battering rams, 1821; Burning of
Abm. Russell's barn, 1824; Columbian, No. 5, purchased 1826; First engine
stationed at Head-of-the-River, 1821; Foreman Pierce tests its lifting power,

and Mr. its drenching qualifications; Citizen, No. 2, and Hancock,

No. 9, located at Head-of-the-River.

CHAPTER III.— Pages 25-37.

Ark riot, 1826; That Quaker gun; Fire in Elm street M. E. church, 1829;
Ark riot, 1829; Important town meeting, 1830; Vigilance committee formed
— the parent organization of the Protecting Society.

CHAPTER IV.— Pages 38-53.

List of firewards, 1830-34; Second great fire, Allen house, July 25, 1830;
Clanging bells; Curious stranger; Burning of Prussian-blue works, 1833;
How a citizen had his house painted without expense; Destructive fire on
South Water street, 1834; List of firewards, 1835-1843; Purchase of Phila-
delphia, No. 7, 1833, and membership for 1835; Department organized under
state act, 1834; Full roster of Department, 1834; Novelty, No. 8, purchased
1835 ■' Why it was called the " Old Cider Mill " ; Varied conditions of the De-
partment during the years 1837-39.

CHAPTER v.— Pages 54-76.

Paid Department, 1S42; Ripley's barn tire; Pot-pie story; Burning of
Gammons' stable; Purchase of Hancock, No. 9, and Franklin, No. 10, in
1843; How a colored citizen purchased membership; Fire in John C. Has-
kell's house; Incendiary tires; List of tirewards, 1844; Burning of Leonard's
candle works, 1844; How Chief Engineer Taylor disposed of strikers; Why
Franklin, No. 10, was called " Elephant"; Parade and festival 1844; Uniforms
worn on this occasion; Full roster of Department, 1844-45; ^^'^'^ °^ hrewards,
1845-48; Purchase of Oregon, No. 11, in 1846, and company roll for that
year; Great disturbance in Fire Department, 1847; Prussian-blue works fire,
Aug 16; Dudley Davenport tire, 1848; How Mr. George M. Eddy earned a
new hat; No. 6 at Oxford Village; Great lire in Acushnet, 1847.

CHAPTER VL— Pages 77-94.

Board of Engineers, 1848-52; Philadelphias visit Nantucket; Relief En-
gine, No. 5, Oxford village, purchased 1849; Membership for that year;
Alert, No. 4, purchased in i860, and company roll for that year; Name and
number changed to Relief, No. 5; Tallman's block fire, 1850; Death of Tim-
othy Tallman; Dog Wallace; How he captured a midnight thief; Hand en-
gine trial 1 850; The theatre craze among the firemen; Incendiary fires, 1851;
Juvenile fire companies; A contemplated visit to Fort Phoenix interfered with by
the Corsicans; Board of Engineers, 1853-55; Purchase of the Ohio, No. 3;
Shaw's looking glass manufactory fire, 1851 ; Twenty feet of rope presented to
Chief Delano; Columbians disbanded and reinstated; The Franklins at New-
port; A preacher's novel application of an alarm of fire; Destruction of San-
ford & Howland's oil works, 1853; How Caleb L. Ellis' cooper shop was
saved, and how he entertained his exhausted friends; Young Mechanic Co.,
No. 6, organized 1853; Pearl street fire, Sept. 9, 1853; Young Mechanics
visit the Honey Bees in Newport; Novel use for a coffin.

CHAPTER VII.— Pages 95-116

Arrival of Young Mechanic Engine, No. 6, Sept. 27, 1854; Reception and
trial; Dirigo Co., No. 8, of Portland, and Fountain, No. 8, of Nantucket,
visit the city; Veteran Firemen's Association, 1854; Exciting days in the fire
department; How Josiah B. King froze out his friend John Baylies; Colum-
bian Co., No. 5, disbanded and reinstated; Bible reading; arrival of Colum-
bian, No. 5; Reception and trial; Fire companies attend church.

CHAPTER VIII.— Pages 11 7-1 28.

H. A. Kempton's lumber yard fire, 1854; Death of Jethro Hillman; Pur-
chase of Young America Engine, No. 8; Liberty Hall fire, 1854; Anti-
slavery reminiscences; Midnight bell-ringing.

CHAPTER IX.— Pages 129-140.

Hook and Lailder truck in the early clays; Engine trials in the fifties; Full
roster of Fire Department, 1856.

CHAPTER X.— Pages 141-155.
Howland street riot, Apl. 19, 1856; Mechanics lane fire, April 18, 1859;
North Water street fire, Aug. 29, 1859.

CHAPTER XL— Pages 156-174.

Advent of steam; The first steamer, Onward, No. I, purchased i860; Ex-
citing contest between the old and new methods; Phoenix, No. 4, in San
Francisco; Recognition of an old friend; Progress Engine, No. 2; Fish Is-
land fire, 1861; Charles Taber fire, 1862; Death of Henry C. Kelley; De-
struction of Liberty Hall, 1864; Rurning of W. G. Blackler's barn, and some
things that happened that night; Excelsior, No. 3, purchased in 1864; Con-
test, No. 3, purchased by the town of P'airhaven, 1865.

CHAPTER XIL— Pages 175-199.

Roster of Fire Department for 1867; Cornelius Howland, No. 4, placed in
commission; Intelligent horses; X. B. Oil Co. fire, eight tanks, holding one
thousand gallons of oil each, destroyed; Samuel Peckham's pipe; T. P.
Tompkins retires from active service; Fire alarm introduced; Board of Engi-
neers for 1871-74; Franklin Hose carriage put in service; Excelsior Co.,
N^o. 3, visits Taunton; Cornelius Howland, No. 4, visits Fall River; Concert
Hall fire; Firemen's Mutual Aid Society organized;. Board of Engineers,
1874-76; Second grand parade; Roster of the Fire Department, 1876-77.

CHAPTER XIIL— Pages 200-216.

Board of Engineers, 1877-84; P. H. Raymond Co., of Cambridgeport, visit
the city; Cornelius Howlanfl Co., No. 4, visit Cambridgeport; Frederick
Macv, No. 6, put in commission; Roster of Fire Department for 1884-85;
New engines purchased for Cornelius Howland Co., X^o. 4, and Progress Co.,
N'o. 2; Haskell c\: Tripp tire, 1884; Roster of Plre Department, 1889 -90;
Roster of Fairhaven Fire Department for 1890.

CHAPTER XIV.— Pages 217-233.

Hand engine trial, July 4, 1890: Roster of the firemen who took part;
Death of George B. Russell; Visit of Z. L. Bicknell Co, No. 2, of East
Weymouth; Steamer No. 7 put in commission, Sept. i, 1890; Muster Day,
Oct. 15, 1890; Death of Edward C. Spooner.

CHAPTER XV.— Pages 234-239.
New Bedford Veteran Firemen's Association, 1890; Fire losses, 1877-89;
Present efficiency of the Department.

ILLUSTRATIONS,

Page.

Frontispiece

Independence, No. i i

Flood, No. I 7

James Arnold 19

James Durfee 22

The Ark, 1826 26

Location of Ark • 29

Samuel Rodman 35

Edmund Gardner 38

John Avery Parker 44

William Durfee 50

George G. Gififord 51

Henry H. Grapo 54

William H. Taylor 59

George Howland, Jr 64

Novelty, No, 8 68

Ambrose \'^incent 72

Zachariah Ilillman 76

Ezra K. Delano 82

Juvenile Engine, No. 12 84

Joshua B. Ashley 87

Caleb L. Ellis 92

James B. Congdon • 95

Nathan Barker 97

Purchase street, 1855 100

Young Mechanic, No. 6 100

Columbian, No. 5 107

John B. Hyde 109

Citizen, No. 2 133

Tillinghast P. Tompkins 141

John Mathews • 153

Henry C. Kelley 169

Charles S. Paisler 172

Henry H. Fisher 175

Cornelius Howland, Jr 180

Hook and Ladder Truck, No. i 182

Page.

Amoskeag steam engine 185

Charles S. Kelley 190

Samuel C. Hart 191

David VV. Howland 202

Frederick Macy 210

Loring T. Parlow 210

Pliny B. Sherman • 210

Augustus A. Wood 210

Hugh McDonald ■ 210

Luther G. Hewins, Jr 210

Gaspee engine, No. 9 223

Allen W. Tinkham 226

George M. Crapo 226

James J. Donaghy 226

Charles C. Giftord 226

CJeorge W. Parker 226

Samuel C. France • ■ 226

Charles T. Maxheld 228

Lysander W. Davis 228

Daniel D. Briggs 228

Joseph Dawson 228

Henry W. Kenyon 228

John A. Russell 228

F^dward C. Spooner • 231

CHAPTER I.

Wtrarl"-''-

INDEPENDENCE, NO. 1.
( Drawn from a pencil sketch by Mr. Elisha C. Leonard. )

5^NE hundred and eighteen years ago, In 177^1 ^ fii'e en-
<M^ gine was built in London by Richard Newsham. It was
bought bv Joseph Rotch, one of the original settlers of Bedford
village, and was the first engine ever owned here for the ex-
tinguishing of fires. It was named " Independence, No. i.,"
and was located on the north side of William street, where now
stands the building of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust
Co. This engine w^as supplied with double pumps, worked by
side-brakes. The water supply was from buckets, which every
citizen was expected to have in the house. Generally they were
hung in a convenient position in the front hall, in readiness for
immediate use. These expectations were not always realized,
for these buckets frequentlv became-.the receptacles for all sorts
of things. Tradition savs that one citizen made his the depositoiy
for beans ; and on one occasion the engine was made useless
because this individual, in his undue haste, emptied a quart of
them into the pumps.

At a fire the engine was taken close to the building, and
water was thrown through a flexible pipe attached to a tower
placed over the pumps. Hose had not been invented in those

3 HISTORY OF THE

primitive days. This engine was in active service in 1S14 ; for
in that year Mr. James Durfee, then a hid of 1 1 vears, remem-
bered very well the engine being brought for repairs to his
father's blacksmith shop, then located on North Second
street, on the spot now occupied by the building of Messrs.
Geo. A. Bourne & Son, directly north of the Institution for
Savings. Mr. Durfee assisted his father in the repairs and
found a plate on the inside of the tower with the maker's
name and the date.

I have found a record book that gives the names of members
of Independence, No. i, from 1820 to 1S34, "vvhen the fire de-
partment was organized under a State act. The list for 1S20
was approbated by the Selectmen, Eli Haskell and Roger
Haskell :

Captain — Charles Ricketson.

Lieutenant — Zebedee Booth,

Clerk — Isaac Packard.
Henry Ricketson, Watson Ellis,

Oliver Crocker, Benjamin T. Sanford,

Enoch Norton, Pardon Winslow,

W. H. Leonard, Elihu Mosher,

Jeremiah Macomber, James Delano,

Samuel Little, Bezaleel Washburn,

Joshua Doane, John Foster,

Charles Haffords.

1821.
Isaac Packard, Thomas Nash,

Lewis Ellis, Lemuel Tobey,

Joshua Doane, Phineas Kenney,

John Macomber, Samuel Bonney, Jr.,

Bethuel Penniman.

1822.
Peleg Clark, Samuel James,

Stephen Freeman, Ezra S. Kempton,

Humphrey Alden.

1823.
William A. Wall, Edward T. Wilson,

Jonathan Russell.

1824.
John H. Chapman, George Freeman,

John Shaw, Andrew Brownell.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Joshua Richmond,
Jonathan Rowland,

1825,

Edward Dillingham,
William Cook,

William H. Jenney.
1826.

Nathan Reed,

Charles Hitch,
Josiah S. Bonney,
George Heath,
Charles Sanford,

1827.

Ephraim Lake.

Hardy Hitch,
Ichabod Handy,
Sylvanus G. Nye,
Henry Brownell,

Asa R. Gifford,

Thomas Joiivett,
Edward T. Sherman,
Henry Munroe,
Samuel Ricketson,
Austin Whitehead,
William Carver,
John S. Smith,

Samuel W. Hammond

1828.
Henry Burbank.

1829.

Isaac Bliss
1830.

Charles Gushing,

Jeremiah Bailey,
William H Stowell,
William Cole,
James M. Gelette,
Thomas Whiting,
Samuel Whiting,
Samuel Watson.

Samuel Bailev,

1831.

Edward Luce,
Alfred C. Briofors.

*&&"

Walter Heyer,
Lsaac D. Hall,
William A. Munroe,

Shubael Coffin,
Lansing Heyer,
Benj. T. Ricketson,
Joseph E. Reed, Jr.,
Henry Mandell,

W. G. E. Pope,

1832.

1833.

James H. Munroe,
James M. Cook,
Jonathan Bourne, Jr.

William H. Manchester,
Asahel Policy,
Benjamin T. Meader,
E. L. Goddard,
Freeman Snow.

1834.
Reuben Nye.

Alexander Wall,

4 HISTORY OF THE

Newsham built in 1730 two engines for the old Dutch
burghers of New York. These were operated by a crank.

The next engine, Citizen, No. 2, was built by Philip
Mason, of Philadelphia, in iSo3, and was purchased by the
subscriptions of property owners and presented to the town.
At the following town meeting the sum of $32^ was asked
for to build accommodations for the new engine and also for
the hooks, ladders, etc.. used in the fire service. This propo-
sition was voted down as a '*" bad precedent" to increase taxes.
The engine was, however, located in a building on the land
now occupied by the Custom House.

In 1S08 an English engine, built by Richard Newsham, of
London, was bought in Boston. It had been attached to a
ropewalk at the North end, and was called the " Jollv Rope-
maker." When brought to Bedford villasre it was named
Phoenix, No. 4, and located on the south side of William street,
near Acushnet avenue. At this time the watch-house was
located on the northwest corner of William and North Second
streets. The town was under the care of a volunteer night
watch, who carried lanterns and announced with stentorian
voice the hours of the night : " 12 o'clock and all is well."

The first fire-wards were appointed by the town in 1796.
William Rotch, Jr., Thomas Hazard, John Howland, Manas-
seh Kempton, with Jeremiah Mayhew and Abraham Smith,
served in that capacity until 1S02.

In iSo^ Oxford Village, Fairhaven, then a part of this
township, purchased an engine ( Oxford, No. 2 ) of Philip
Mason, of Philadelphia. The funds were raised by subscrip-
tion. I give here an exact copy of the bill :

Philadelphia, Sept 16, 1805.
Capt. Constant Norton,

To Philip Mason, Dr.,
To a third-rate lire engine for Oxford, New Bedford, $360.

Received payment in full,

PHILIP MASON.

It w^as located at first on Samuel Borden's land, opposite the

XEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPART.MEXT. 5

old academy, and at a later period was moved to Oxford
village. I present an accurate list of the subscribers and the
amounts eiven :

Reuben Jenne,

$10.00

Allen Crowell,

$5.00

Richard Wood,

15.00

Ellery Tompkins,

3.00

Luther Wilson,

10.00

Seth Allen,

3.00

Gilbert Tripp,

10.00

Jacob Taber,

5.00

Caleb Wood,

5.00

Thomas Nye,

10.00

Constant Norton,

15.00

Job Swift,

4.00

Seth Spooner & Son,

15.00

Josiah Jenne,

3.00

WMlham Severance,

7.00

Thomas Nye, Jr.,

20.00

Joshua Hitch,

3.00

Joseph Terry,

•6.00

Seth Mitchell,

5 00

Jabez Sherman,

3.00

Cornell Wilkey,

10.00

Rowland Gibbs,

30.00

Benjamin Sisson,

15.00

Thaddeus Pickens,

15.00

John Taber, 2d,

6 00

Samuel Borden,

30.00

Bartholomew Taber,

5.00

W^eston Jenne,

5.00

Nicholas Taber,

7.00

Mayhew Luce,

5.00

Eleazer Allen,

7.00

Alden C. Cushman,

5.00

Zebdiel Sampson,

5.00

Abner Pease,

5.00

Joseph Bates,

15.00

Joshua Rowland,

5.00

David Clark,

10.00

Isaac Bates,

3.00

Robert Bennett,

20.00

William Taber,

4.00

John Crowell,

5.00

Joseph Hathaway,

12 00

The following men were chosen members of the engine
company, and the list was " approbated " by the selectmen,
Bartholomew Aiken and James Taber, Oct. ist, 1805 :

Bartholomew Taber,
Reuben Jenne,
Bartlett Allen,
Seth Allen,
Henrv Parie,
Noah Spooner,
Ellery Tompkins,

Elisha Taber,
William Severance,
Josiah Jenne,
Seth .Mitchell,
Timothy Taber,
John Crowell,
Allen Crowell,

Weston Jenne.

Land was given by Rowland Gibbs for the engine house on
condition that it be removed at "his pleasure." Whether he
ever exercised his rights in the matter is not on record, but the
engine itself was moved one day in great haste and secrecy.
In the records for Sept. 15th, 1S14, I find the following
item :

6 HISTORY OF THE

At a special meeting of the proprietors of Oxford engine, held at
Nicholas Taber's home, it was voted " that the engine be removed for
'safety/'" and it was done without delay.

The cause of this mysterious action was this : the English
sloop-of-war, "The Nimrod," was in the bay, and the inhabi-
tants were quaking with fear that the British might land and
loot the town. The people hid their valuable household
goods far away in the woods and in other out-of-the-way
places. Hence this precaution in moving the engine where it
might be safely kept.

George H. Taber, Esq., vividly remembers this occurrence.
He savs " I was at that time but six years of ag^e and of course
easily partook of the terror that prevailed through the town
of the probable attack of the English. The cry ' The Brit-
ishers are coming,' would have created a panic and would have
driven everv man, woman and child to the ^voods. M}' father's
wagon stood in front of the house (where I have lived all my
life) loaded with the most iinportant of our goods, ready for a
rapid move on the day of the anticipated raid. You can well
imagine my fright when I saw this engine, drawn with noise-
less tread, pass our house to the barn of our neighbor How-
land, where it \vas stowed away. However, the British didn't
raid the town but landed at Wareham where, after seizing
several of the most prominent citizens and placing them before
their boats on the shore to protect them from being fired upon,
they proceeded to burn several ships on the stocks besides
committing other depredations."

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

FLOOD NO. 1— Fairhaven Lower Village.

( From sketch by Charles H. Gifford.)

The first enofine owned in the lower villaofe of Fairhaven
was the Flood, No. i. It was probably bought by the
tow^n as early as 1801, for Mr. Edward West has in his pos-
session a bucket with number and date painted on its side. It
was a bucket engine, with double pumps and end brakes, and
was a valuable machine in its day. I present lists of members
for several years, taken from an original record book :

May, 1837.

Foreman — Charles Damon.

First Assistant — Marshall Wilbur.

Second Assistant — John Alden, Jr.

Clerk and Treasurer — John Terry.
Ellis Robinson, Benj. R. Gifford,

Alden G. Bourne, Benj. Hammond,

Nafl S. Higgins, Kelley M. Huttlestone,

T. G. Bradford, Charles C. Allen,

Franklyn Taber, Ira Gerrish,

Asa Allen, Henry J. Grinnell,

Richard S. Parlow, Josiah R. Howland,

Ebenezer Hitch, ., George H. Stevens,

Charles Tobey, John Damon,

Joseph Damon, 2d, Frederick Williams,

Alexander Tripp, Asa H. Kelley,

Hiram Higgins.

May, 1842.

Foreman — Nathaniel S. Howard.
Clerk and Treasurer — William L. Tilley.
First Assistant Foreman — Amos S. Pierce.
Second Assistant Foreman — Lemuel Martin.

HISTORY OF THE

Axemen — Levi Wing, Moses H. Delano.
Torchmen — Jabez H. Wing, Philip A. Bradford.
Hosemen — Franklin Taber, Charles F. Morton.

May, 1845.

Foreman — Ira Lakey.
Clerk and Treasurer — Tucker Damon, Jr.
First Assistant — Lemuel Martin.
Second Assistant — Charles H. Taber.
Axemen — Elisha Fish, Moses H. Delano.
Torchmen — George Sawin, George Wing.

Officers chosen May, 1 845-1 846.

Foreman — Moses H. Delano.
Clerk and Treasurer — George W. Sawin.
First Assistant Foreman — Lemuel Martin.
Second Assistant Foreman — Amos T, Pierce.
Axemen — James Maxfield, Henry D. Scott.
Torchmen — James F. Swain, William Bowen.
Hosemen — John Gurney, Eleazer H. Wing.

June 9th the company procured uniforms for twenty-two
men, and on the coming Fourth they joined in the celebration
in our city. The records give expressions of thanks for their
kind reception. The following list of officers was chosen May
II, I S49 :

Foreman — James L Maxfield.

Clerk and Treasurer — Charles H. Thompson.

Pipeman — Lemuel Martin.

Assistant Pipeman — Ebenezer Grinneli.

Hoseman — Timothy W. Sanford.

Assistant Hosemen — Alden Burgess, Alden Booth, Benjamin Beetle.

Axemen — Isaac H. Berry, George Miller.

Torchmen — George Bradford, John B. Eldridge.

May, 1850.

Foreman — Ebenezer Grinneli.
Clerk — Alden Burgess.
Pipeman — John Sampson.
Assistant Pipeman — William Burgess.
Hosemen — William Webb, Frederick Gushing.
Assistant Hosemen — Henry Taber, Eli Sherman.
Axemen — George Miller, Steven Leavitt.
Torchmen — Sylvester Parlow, Daniel Eldred.

In 1S36 Messrs. Dyer and Richmond, of this city, built foi
the town of Fairhaven the first suction engine, the Columbia,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 9

No. 3, at a cost of about $1500. It proved to be a serviceable
machine, and with the No. i and the Oxford engine furnished
ample protection for many years, in ordinary fires ; but when
large conflagrations occurred on either side of the river, all
the eno^ines were broug^ht into service.

It was a great feat when either party could get " first water"
on their neighbor's fire. This proved especially true of the
Lindsev fire in 181 1 when the Oxford engine came over from
Fairhaven and played " first water." It has been bragged about
ever since. It's all right to keep it in remembrance for a reason-
able period, but seventy-nine years have passed away since the
event, and still the story has a lively existence in the memory of
our Oxford friends. One would think they would have for-
gotten it bv this time.

The presence of this engine and the No. 3 at Oxford brought
a feeling of safety and reliance, as a story told me by
Mr. George H. Taber illustrates. It shows also that there is
no real necessitv for a man to lose his head at a fire. Mr.
Taber's father was walking past a neighbor's house and discov-
ered a fire on the roof of his barn, occasioned by the
burning wad from a gun in the hands of a lad who had
been shooting squirrels. He rushed in, found the owner walk-
ing leisurely about w^ith his hands in his pockets, and a calm,
placid expression on his countenance, and said "William!
William ! Your barn is on fire ! " "I knowed it ! I knowed it !
John's gone for the ingin." Mr. Taber, seizing a pail of
water, put the fire out in a moment. It really hadn't occured to
the owner that he could have done it himself, but he sent his son
John for the " ingin." We must admit he had a strong appre-
ciation of the fire department.

The Bedford Fire Society was formed March 4th, 1807, with
Joseph Ricketson moderator and Abraham Shearman, Jr.,
clerk. A committee was appointed to form rules and regula-
tions, and these were adopted :

lO HISTORY OF THE

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE NEW BEDFORD

FIRE SOCIETY.

We, the subscribers, considering the danger to which our property is
exposed by fire, do agree to form ourselves into a society by the name
of "The Bedford Fire Society." for the purpose of assisting, not only
each other when in danger, but the citizens at large as far as circum-
stances will admit, and do agree to be governed by the following arti-
cles :

Art. I. That this society shall consist of a number not exceeding
thirty, and shall meet on the Second Day in the first, fourth, seventh
and tenth months, at such time and place as the clerk shall appoint ;
and twelve members shall form a quorum.

Art. 2. A moderator shall be chosen by a hand vote at each meet-
ing, whose duty it shall be to preserve order ; and if any member has
anything to ofTer to the consideration of the society he shall address
himself to the moderator. While proceeding on business, silence
shall be observed by every member except the one speaking.

Art. 3. A clerk shall be chosen annually by ballot at the meeting in
the first month, who shall serve till another be chosen, and shall re-
ceive such compensation for his services as the society may judge ad-
equate.

Art. 4. The duty of the clerk shall be to transcribe these articles in-
to a suitable book for the use of the society, in order that each mem-
ber may sign the same in token of his free consent to be governed by
them. In this book he is to keep a fair record of the proceedings of
the society. He is to notify every member of each meeting by leaving
or causing to be left at his dwelling-house, shop or store a notification,
on the back of which shall be noted the sum, if any, such member owes
to the society. He shall have power to demand and receive all fines
and assessments, and to call a special meeting upon the application of
six members in writine^. He shall call the list in half an hour after
the time fixed for the meeting, and if any member be then absent, he
shall pay a fine of twenty-five cents ; and if absent the whole evening
or period of evening, shall pay twenty-five cents in addition thereto,
unless he shall be necessarily absent from town or confined by sickness.
He shall read the laws to the societv at each meeting, and at the end of
the year he shall deliver to his successor the records and papers ot the
society, together with such moneys as may then be on hand belonging
to the society.

Art. 5. The clerk shall notify at each stated meeting a committee of
three members present, in rotation, to visit the house, shop, store of
each niember, examine his buckets, bags, etc., and report the state of
them at the next meeting. He shall also at some suitable time appoint
the day for said visitation, which shall be one week at least previous to
each stated meeting of the society, and the time and place for said com-
mittee to meet for said purpose. Any member refusing or neglecting
to attend to this duty shall pay a fine of one dollar. Angi if the clerk
shall neglect his duty in this or in any of the articles mentioned or here-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 11

after to be mentioned, he shall pay a fine not exceeding one dollar at
the discretion of the society.

Art. 6. Each member shall keep constantly in good order, hanging
up in some convenient place iftTW^ dwelling house, under penalty of
fifty cents for each deficiency, tw-^eather buckets and two bags ; the
buckets to be painted confo'rmabh^ftp the orders of the society ; the
bags to be one yard and a half in %ii^^ and three-quarters of a yard
in breadth, with strings to draw thefu^ulx. The buckets and bags shall
be marked with the owner's name, under Dpnalty of twenty-five cents
for each bucket and bag. '^^#.

Art. 7. At the alarm of fire each one^S^«Liinmediately repair, with
his buckets and bags, to the dwelling-hous^^jlfeppi'store of that mem-
ber which he believes to be most in danger and use his best endeavors,
by the direction of the owner if present, to remove and secure his goods,
and to return them to him again free of expense. And for the better
preservation of order and the security of property when removed in
time of fire, it is agreed that the committee to be appointed by the
clerk, in pursuance of the fifth article of these regulations, shall be a
committee for the time being, to have the general superintendence and
direction in these respects.

Art. 8. The loss of buckets or bags in time of fire shall be made
good by the society, provided the owner shall make report of the same
to the clerk within a week after it may happen, having the loss previ-
ously notified in some public place.

Art. 9. The admission of members shall be by ballot, and three
negatives shall be sufficient to prevent any person from being a mem-
ber of this society.

Art. 10. No person who is not a member shall b-e admitted to the
society's meetings.

Art' 1 1 . Anv member who shall absent himself three meetings suc-
cessively shall on the fourth be particularly notified by the clerk, and if
he does' not then give or send a reasonable excuse he shall be no longer
considered a member, and any one wdio neglects to pay his fines or as-
sessments after three several applications from the clerk shall be no long-
er considered a member, and if any member or members shall directly or
indirectly disturb or molest the peace and good order of the society
such member or members shall without delay be expelled from it, and
any member wdio forfeits his right of membership shall forfeit all his
interest in said society.

Art. 12. There shall be a watchword whereby to know each other
m time of fire, w-hich shall continue until the society shall see fit to
change it; and it shall on no occasion be divulged.

Art. 13. Each member shall have a copy of these articles, with the
names of the members annexed, and shall produce the same to the
clerk at each meeting in order that any alterations may be inserted.

Art. 14. All questions respecting the affairs of the society shall be
determined by a majority of votes, except for the admission of mem-
bers already provided for, and no member shall leave the society with-
out permission until the business is over, under penalty of twenty- five
cents.

12 HISTORY OF THE

Art. 15. If any member shall think that his fine ought to be re-
mitted, for reasons not provided for, he may mention it at any meeting
of the society, which fine may be remitted by a majority of the mem-
bers present.

Art. 16. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as to inter-
fere with the power or authority of the fire-wards whenever they shall
see proper to exert it.

Art. 17. These articles shall be subject to amendment at any meet-
ing of the society by a majority of the members.

Art. 18. Any member who may be duly elected clerk, shall either
accept the office or pay a fine of one dollar. It being, however, under-
stood that no member shall be obliged to serve two years in succession.

Joseph Ricketson, Josiah Wood,

Elisha Thornton, Francis Taber,

Barnabas Taber, John Thornton,

Job Eddy, Peter Rowland,

James Allen, 2d, Joseph Maxfield,

Simpson Hart, William Ross,

Cornelius Rowland, Gilbert Rowland,

Nicholas D. Greene, Gilbert Russell,

Daniel Taber, Sands Wing,

Nathan Taber, Caleb Congdon,

Abraham Shearman, Jr., Asa Russell,

Frederick Mayhew, Benjamin Lincoln,

Caleb Greene, Freeman Barrows,

Wm. Sawyer Wall, Pardon Tillinghast,

Jahaziel Jenney, James Arnold,

William James, John Rowland,

Peter Barney.

From a perusal of the records, faithfully and systematically
kept, to the final dissolution of the society in October, 18 16,
it seems that the members were under strict discipline. I
make a few extracts wdiich may possibly prove of interest :

loth mo., 12, 1807. — The committee have examined the state of
buckets and bags and find them all in good order, except William
Ross, Sands Wing, Benj. Lincoln.

1st mo., II, 1808. — The society find their bags and buckets all in
good order excepting Benj. Lincoln's bags, without strings. This
gentleman was fined fifty cents for deficiency.

nth of 4th month, 1808. — The committee report buckets and bags
belonging to the society in good order, with the exception of one of
Jahaziel Jenney's bags, the strings of which would not draw it up.
Abraham Shearman, Jr., Nathan Taber, Fred'k Mayhew, committee.

Jahaziel was fined 35 cents. He was one of the characters
of the day, of whom many amusing stories are told. One day

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 3

when Mr. Thomas Hazard was harnessing for a sleigh-ride,
Mr. Jenney coming along, suggested that he be allowed to use
the sleigh. " No, Mr. J., vou can't have it now ; but I will give
you a sleigh ride next Fourth of July." When Independence
dav came Mr. J. had not forgotten the promise, though Mr.
H. had. Proceeding to the stable, and pulling down
the sleigh from the loft, he harnessed up and with a few in-
vited friends scraped through several of the sultry streets with
evident enjoyment. History does not record what Mr. Hazard
said about it.

Speaking of characters peculiar to the town, I am tempted
to relate a story of " George Lecain," a noted wit. The
story has no relation to our tire department, but relates how
*' George was fired out of Newport." He was a noisy, loud-
inouthed fellow, often an annoyance to his fellow citizens, and
so proved himself to the selectmen of Newport. Once, when
on a visit to that town, they threatened him that they would
"drum him out of town" if he didn't keep quiet. " Bring
on your music," was George's response. He was escorted to
the boundary line, followed by a crowd of men and boys.
Lifting his hat gracefully, he addressed the company, thanking
them for their attention, and remarking, as he closed his speech,
that the only difference between George Washington and him-
self was that George W. was drummed Into town and George
L. was drummed out of it.

7th mo. II, 1808. — Simpson Hart, Job Eddy, Daniel Taber, Peleg
Howland, Josiah Wood and Freeman Taber paid fines of 50 cents each
for non-attendance at last meeting.

loth mo. 8, 18 10. — Peleg Hovvland's buckets were not hanging
agreeable to regulations, and James Arnold's buckets were sitting on
the floor without bags. They were each fined 50 cents for the above
deficiencies.

1st mo. 13, 1812. — Sands Wing paid fine, 50 cents, buckets and bags
not being in their places.

In the records for 3d mo. 13, 1815, a committee reported
that they found 330 buckets in the town, about enough to serve
efficiently one lane of 400 feet.

14 HISTORY OF THE

The final meeting was held loth mo., 1816, and I copy the
record verbatim :

loth mo., 1816. — On motion made and seconded, voted, That after
the rising of the meeting the society be dissolved, each member present
engaging that they will continue to keep two good fire buckets and bags
ready for use at fires, to which in future they will endeavor to carry
them as heretofore. The members present further holding themselves
ready hereafter to associate wuth their fellow citizens in the formation
of a similar society or any other measure calculated to provide against
the calamity occasioned by fire.

Resolved, That all fines due, together with the assessments last
voted, or any other dues be paid by each member to our former clerk.

Caleb Greene, Clerk.

In 1802 the town was divided into two fire districts, and the
board of fire wards consisted of:

Southwest District (New Bedford) .

William Rotch. Jr., Daniel Ricketson,

Abm. Smith, Cornelius Grinnell,

Thomas Hazard, William Ross,

John Sherman, James Rowland.

Southeast District (Fairhaven).

Jethro Allen, Nicholas Taber,

Noah Stoddard, Joseph Bates.

These, with Isaac Sherman and Thomas Nye, Jr., served
till 1809.

CHAPTER TI.

^^j^^HE board of firewards for 1S09 were Caleb Congdoii,
t|& Cornelius Rowland, Seth Russell, Jr., Henry Beetle, Lu-
ther Williams, John Alden, Kelley Eldredge, John Delano, Jos-
eph Church, and, with Peter Barney, William Kempton, Peleg
Jenney, Benjamin Howland, they served In that capacity until
1814. Abraham GIfford, John A. Parker, James Howdand, 2d,
Samuel West, Benjamin Lincoln, James Arnold, Charles
Church, Zacharlah HUlman, Andrew Robeson, Reuben Rus-
sell, John Ruggles, Joslah Wood, William James, Edward
Wing, Ichabod Clapp, Nathaniel Nelson, Levi Standlsh, Jos-
eph Bourne and Benjamin Howland served from 1815 to 1821.
In 181 1 a fire occurred In Benj. LIndsey's printing office,
then located on the east side of Water street, very near what
is now the northeast corner of Commercial street. Mr. Llnd-
sey, who celebrated his 83d birthday In 1888, remembered
clearly this fire. Though he was but five years of age, his
father took him to the office on the afternoon preceding the
fire. The smell of smoke caused them to look about, and he
helped him to overhaul a lot of old rags In the building. The
fire caught, however, from live ashes placed In a wooden bar-
rel In the east part of the building. The fire was first seen from
Falrhaven, and the alarm given from there in the night. At
this fire a ludicrous incident occurred that will bear relating.
A ladder had been placed against the building that was im-
mediately mounted by Mr. William Meader, with an axe,
to break In the window. Closely following him was Mr.
Timothy Delano, with the pipe and hose of Citizen, No. 2.
By accident the pipe was shoved under the trousers leg of the
unfortunate Mr. Meader when the order was given to play,
and the result was that in less time than I am using in telling
this story his clothing was filled brim full with the sparkling

l6 HISTORY OF THE

liquid, — so full that it gave him the appearance of a bloated
aristocrat : so full that he flowed over at the bosom, presenting
to his admiring companions a sort of miniature Niagara. It
is said that he didn't like it, for some reason ; possibly because
it was a bitter cold night. People get unreasonable at times.

At this same fire the dwelling house adjoining was in
danger. In the confusion, occasioned by the hasty removal
of the family with their household goods, the baby was lost.
The frantic demonstrations of the parents brought to their aid
troops of sympathizing friends, who joined eagerly in the long
search for the little one. At last baby was found sleeping
quietlv in its cradle in Peleg Rowland's garden, on the oppo-
site side of the street, where it had been landed, completely
enveloped with bed spreads, sheets, etc., and surrounded with
furniture and kitchen utensils in a perfect barricade. It seems
that the person who removed it did not notice that a child w^as
in the cradle, but piling on it the above mentioned articles had
taken "cradle, baby and all" to its place of safety.

Jan. 23, 1 8 19, two tub engines, Nos. 3 and 4, were purchased
of Hunneinan & Co., Roxbury, for $900, the purchase being
made by the following committee : James Rowland, 2d, Tim-
othy Delano, Gideon Rowland, Jr., John Coggeshall, Jr.,
John A. Parker. The department now^ consisted of five en-
gines, Nos. I, 2, 3 and 4 and the "Jolly Rope Maker.'*
When the first large fire took place on Centre street, Sept. 6,
1820, George R. Taber dares to assert that the Oxford engine
came over and played the first water, but James Durfee dis-
puted it with vigor. Re modestl}- admitted that it was true
on another occasion — the Lindsey fire. Thus we see the early
development of rivalry, not only between the towns, but be-
tween the fire companies as well.

I give the account of the first great fire as described in the
morning Mej'cury of Sept. 8, 1820: "On Wednesday morn-
ing, about half past four, the inhabitants of this town were
alarmed by the cry of fire, which originated in the extensive

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I/

bakehouse of Mr. Enoch Horton, situated on the street lead-
ing from the Commercial Bank to William Rotch's (formerly
Gilbert Russell's) wharf. In a few minutes the whole build-
ing w^as involved in flames which spread to an adjoining wood-
house, containing a large quantity of dry pine wood, and in
despite of the exertions of the citizens, aided by seven engines
(these without doubt included the two across the river), which
were constantly playing on the desolating element, it spread in
almost every direction, consuming In its progress the buildings
on the east, west and north of it, until by great exertions it
w^as finally subdued. Just as it was communicating to the store
of Peter Barnev on the south east and the dwelling house,
owned by Gilbert Russell, on the west. Had either of these
buildings been permanenth' on fire no human exertions could
have arrested its progress until a large part of the town had
been laid in ashes, and had there not, fortunately, been an
entire calm at the time, we should, in all probability, have had
to record a calamity scarcely inferior to those of Wilmington
and Savannah. The buildings destroyed were a bakehouse,
owned and occupied by Mr. Enoch Horton ; a large three-
story building, owned and occupied by Mr. John Perkins as a
store and paper staining manufactory ; a store, owned and occu-
pied by Mr. John Harrisson as a paint store, etc. ; a store, owned
by Mr. Gilbert Russell and partly occupied by William Card,
block maker ; a store, owned by Mr. W'illiam Tallman and
occupied by Mr. Churchill, grocer ; two cooper shops, one
owned by Mr. Reuben Russell, and the other by Mr. Allerton
Delano ; a shoe shop, occupied by Mr. James Bosworth ; a
blacksmith shop, occupied by Mr. "Nathan Durfee, and a barn
owned by Mr. G. Russell. We understand that Mr. Perkins
and Mr. Harrisson are the greatest sufferers ; the loss of the
former is estimated at about $4000 : the latter upwards ot
$3000 ; that of Mr. Horton about $1500 ; and the total at about
$12,000. The large three-story wooden building, occupied by
the Mechanic Company and Messrs. Hussey & Allen, was

iS HISTORY OF THE

saved principally by the judicious, spirited and persevering-
exertions of the citizens of Fairhaven, attached to the engines
from the villages of Fairhaven and Oxford. The manner in
w^hich the fire originated has not been ascertained. We hope
it will be a warning to a greater caution in the management of
fires, particularly in combustible buildings, and that our citi-
zens will see the policy hereafter of building their tenements
of brick or stone. It is a mistaken notion that thev are much
more costh* than wood, beside the expense of insurance is
abundantlv less on a brick or stone buildinof than one of
wood."

Exemption from poll tax and military duty was the compen-
sation awarded to members of fire companies during these
years. Their organization was of a simple character, their
operations at fires being under the supreme dictation of the
fire-wards. All citizens were alike under their control, and were
expected to keep in their houses fire buckets ready for immediate
use. It was an important duty, for we must remember that
suction engines were not at this time in use, and the water
supply of the engines was dependent upon buckets. To illus-
trate again how the buckets were often used for other purposes,
I relate an instance, given me by Mr. Ambrose Vincent, at the
fire of a stable on Second street. The dwelling house of Cor-
nelius Rowland, Jr., on the opposite side of the street, was in
ofreat danger. It was barely saved bv the stead v use of the
buckets in wetting the roof and sides of the building.
Among those passed up was one, the contents of which were
not wholly sparkling water, but also a liberal supply
of "frozen potatoes," that made themselves known as they
went rolling and tumbling down the roof upon the crowd
below.

The following- citizens were at times members of the Board
of Fire-wards during the years from 1822 to 1S30:

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Jonathan Swift,
William Hathaway,
Sturgis Phinney (22),
Eli Haskell,

William T. Russell (23),
Samuel Rodman,
Richard Williams,
Timothy G. Coffin (24),
Charles W. Morgan,
Jireh Swift (25).
Benjamin Rodman,
Haydon Coggeshall,
Elisha Dunbar,

Lemuel Williams, Jr. (26),
Isaac Case,
Lysander Washburn,
Dudley Davenport,
Charles W. W^arren,
Gideon Howland,
William W. Swain (27),

William ,

John Price,
Elkanah Tallman,
Zachariah Hill man,
William H. Allen,
Ivory H. Bartlett (29).

The Centre street fire caused much uneasiness among the
people on account of the limited means of fire protection.

JAMES ARNOLD.

20 HISTORY OF THE

Finally a committee, consisting of James Arnold, Dudley
Davenport and Timothy Delano, was empowered to purchase
another fire engine. In 1821 the Cataract, No. 6 w^as re-
ceived from Philadelphia. The name was changed to Me-
chanic soon after its arrival. I present a copy of the bill :

The Town of New Bedford,

To James Arnold, Dr.,
To one first-class Suction Engine, with 900 feet copper

riveted Hose, &c., $1,360.00

Freight on same, 15.00

$1,375.00
Aug. 15, 1821. Received payment by an order on the

Town Treasurer,

James Arnold.

It will be seen that the addition of this engine to the de-
partment was a most imj^ortant one. It was the first suction
machine purchased, though it is stated as a positive fact that
the "Jolly Rope Maker" was fitted with the suction apparatus^
Its use being unknown, it was cut off.

The No. 6 was a powerful engine, the pumps being the
" Perkins patent," then considered an important invention.
It had a long and famous career, as will be seen in future
sketches. The following is the list of members, Feb. 2, 1S26 :

Timothy Delano, John Paun,

Stevens M. Burbank, Joseph Bramhall,

Charles M. Pierce, Thomas Peckham,

Gibbs Taber, David Padelford,

Gamaliel Taber, Joshua V. Himes,

Lyman Allen, Christopher Roifer,

Benjamin Beetle, Edward Russell,

Pardon Potter, 2d, David Chase,

Samuel Bonney, Jr., Stephen Parker,

Frederick Underwood, Nathaniel Crandall,

Charles V. Card, Obadiah Burgess,

Alfred Leonard, Jonathan Hathaway,

Christopher Slocum, Gilford Taber,

Charles P. Maxfield, William Crosley,

Marshall Waklron, Humphrey Wood,

Humphrey Manchester, David Peckham,

Joseph Congdon.

NEW BEDFORD P^IRE DEPARTMENT. 21

In 1 82 1, battering rams were ordered by the town meeting
for the use of the fire department. They were heavy sticks of
timber, about 20 feet long, so fitted and arranged that a num-
ber of men could easily handle them in tearing down build-
ings. They were of considerable importance, for it was
frequently the case that buildings were destroyed to stop the
progress of fire.

In 1S24 a fire occurred, Nov. 17, an account of which I take
from the JSIerciiry of Nov. 18: "Yesterday morning, be-
tween 2 and 3 o'clock, the barn of Mr. Abraham Russell in
the town was discovered to be on fire, and was in a short time
totally burned, with several tons of hay and other articles which
it contained. The fire had made such progress before dis-
covered that any attempt to extinguish it would have been un-
availing. An apartment had been fitted up in the building
which was occupied by Mr. Abraham Russell, Jr., as a hat
manufactory, and in which was a large stock of furs, unfinished
hats, etc., not an article of which was saved. Two cows
which w^ere in the barn made their escape by some means un-
known, one of them badly burnt. The loss sustained by Mr.
Abraham Russell, Jr., by this calamity is, we learn, very
heavy, and it cannot be doubted but that a liberal and munifi-
cent spirit will on this occasion be manifested toward him by
our citizens. The citizens of Fairhaven and Oxford Villages
are particularly entitled to our thanks for the promptitude with
which they offered their assistance on this as well as on all
.former occasions."

In 1826 a contract was given to Timothy Delano and James
Durfee for a suction engine, Columbian, No. 5. It was a bold
venture for our resident mechanics to undertake so important
an afiair. When we remember that John Agnew, of Phila-
delphia, was the chief builder in the country (his only rival
being Hunneman, of Roxbury), we can more readily appre-
ciate the responsibility these citizens took upon themselves.

HISTORY OP^ THE

JAMES DURFEE.
(One of the builders of Columbian, No. 5.)

Columbian, No. 5, was accepted by the town Feb. zSth,
1827, at a total cost of $762. It proved a triumph for the
mechanical skill of our own artisans, and it took rank with the
best of the Agnew engines. The history of this engine, with
that of its contemporary, Mechanic, No. 6, became an inter-
esting part of the fire department annals for the next forty
years. Both engines were staunchly built ; had they not been
thev never could have stood the wear and tear of the " runs
and races" of the coming vears. As thev were located in the
same house on Purchase street, conditions of rivalry arose that

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 23

became more vioforous and intense, as the years went by, when
the whole department became infected with the same spirit.
Poetry alone can do justice to the subject, and so I quote the
impromptu yerses of a resident clergyman :

Away the\' went with rush and shout,

And trumpet blaring high.
Till timid people stood aghast.

And trembled for the sky.
They trembled for the sky, my dear,

They trembled for the sky :
The women, too, God bless their hearts.

Did tremble for the sky.

Each man he did his level best.

Until tlie goal was won ;
O, it had thrilled your very soul,

To see those fellows run.
To see those fellows run, my dear.

To see those fellows run ;
O, it had thrilled you to your toes.

To see those fellows run.

The first engine placed at the Head of the River was in
1S21 or 1822. It was a bucket macliine and operated with
a flexible pipe from the tower, the same as described of
Independence, No. i . At the first trial Foreman Samuel
Pierce stood on top of the tower, directing the stream of water
at his pleasure, when the pipe burst at the butt, and he en-
countered the whole force of the water in such a inanner as to
actually lift him in the air. It is not recorded how many feet
the engine played on this trial, but the feat performed proved
it to be a powerful machine. It was in seryice till about 1828,
when it was wrecked, accidentally or purposely (the latter
quite likely), on the way to the fire of Pardon Nye's barn.
The enofine was drag-ofed to the conflag'ration with horses and
in some inysterious way it was smashed. This bucket machine
was soon replaced by the Hunneman tub. No. 3, from New
Bedford.

It was the custom to take out the engine on Saturday after-
noons to play, which practice was for some reason an annoy-

24 HISTORY OF THE

ance to Mr. Blank, a resident of the town. One day, when
he had dressed in his best Sunday suit, with fine frilled shirt
bosom and cuffs, to go to Raynham, he went to the Mill Pond,
where the engine was being worked, evidently to criticise and
find fault. The stream was being thrown on the cotton factory,
and to avoid being sprinkled he took refuge in a blacksmith's
shed close by. Now this shed had a poor roof. It was neither
fire nor water proof. Many 3'ears had elapsed since it had
been shingled, indeed it is extremely doubtful if it had ever
been at all. It was a poor refuge in a powerful rain storm.
It proved to be such to Mr. Blank vyhen the pipemen turned
the stream from factory to shed. He indeed presented a sorry
siofht to his friends when he emerged from the buildingf. The
copious supply of water had filtered through the roof and
mixed with the collected dust of many years. With this
shower he was thoroughly drenched, and his intimate acquaint-
ances could hardly have recognized him. His visit to Rayn-
ham was postponed until the next fair day It was an unfor-
tunate accident on the part of the pipemen ; for it was quite as
inuch of an accident as the "smash up" alluded to above.

TJie No. 3 was eventually sold to the town of Fairhaven for
$ic^o and located just across the river. A company was organ-
ized and continued in existence until Acushnet was set ofi^ as a
separate town. The engine remained there for several years
afterward, and was finally sold and broken up by Mr. John
McCullough.

The Citizen, No. 2, also did long service at the Head of the
River, and v^^as replaced June 8, i860, by Hancock, No. 9.
This engine is still in commission, and is the only ready pro-
tection of that very important section of our city.

CHAPTER III.

3 -^

N 1826, one August day, our village was greatly agitated by
^ the rumor that the dead body of a man had been found in
the w^oods, near a notorious neighborhood called " Hard Dig,"
on Kempton street, just west of what is now the base ball
park. A company of boys, who were picking huckleberries,
made the ghastly discovery and hastened into town with the
report. Several citizens went out, taking the lads with them
for guides. When they reached the spot, the body had been
removed, though they discovered unmistakable evidence that
the story of the boys was true. The fact of the mysterious
disappearance of a ship carpenter at this time (from whom
no tidings were ever received) , gave color to the report of
murder. "Hard Dig" was occupied by the dangerous and
vicious classes, and was a constant menace to good order.
It was unsafe to travel in that vicinity after dark.

The report of this murder soon came to the knowledge of
the whole town and caused great excitement among the peo-
ple. While the law-abiding citizens would have had this in-
iquity crushed out by legal measures, others concluded to take
the law in their own hands. A mob was organized that
evening at Kempton street corner, and, after maturing plans, it
proceeded in full force to its work. The first house pulled
do^vn w^as that of Jake Peterson, a leader of the place. Then
other buildings were quickly demolished and set on fire. In
two hours' time the mob had eftect-uallv cleaned out the whole
nuisance.

Mr. David B. Kempton lived at that time on County street ;
and, standing in his yard that evening, he distinctly heard the
shouts of the mob and the blows of the axes.

Wild with their success, the proposition to raid the Ark was
received with enthusiasm by the mob. It ,was agreed, how-
ever, to postpone it till the next night.

IT.

C
W)

N
00

I
I-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 2^

To more clearly understand the Ark riots, our readers must
understand that the river front at the foot of High street, at this
period, was about two hundred feet east of North Second street,
where there was a sort of cove, the south side of which ran
due east to the bridge. The Ark stood upon the shore as far
as the high tide would permit, and was blocked under the keel
to keep it in a hrm position. The exact position was just
where Charles S. Paisler's brick building on Water street is
now located. The Ark was the hull of the old whaler Cam-
illus, with a house built on and entirely covering the deck. A
portico or walk about four feet wide was built outside, running
the entire length on both sides of the vessel, and was reached
by steps from the shore.

It may be interesting to mention how the name "The Ark "
came to be siven to this infamous vessel. A whaler named
" The Ark" was owned and sailed from Nantucket in 1S19.
She made several voyages and was finally brought to this
port to be broken up. Mr. Joseph Wilcox, Jr. remembers
when she arrived here, and that she was taken to Rotch's
wharf, where she lay for some time before being demolished.
The stern board with this name "The Ark" was secured and
mounted on the upper deck of the hull in a conspicuous place,
and so this bark was called "The Ark." The craft was at
first occupied by respectable families in moderate circum-
stances, but soon came to a baser use and finally was a brothel
of the worst character. Its existence was a moral offence to
the community, and its removal was earnestly desired by good
citizens. It must not be understood that they encouraged
riotous proceedings, however much satisfaction they may have
felt at the results. And now for the storv of Ark Riot No. 1.

The inmates had learned during the day of the proposed
raid and, with their sympathizers, had gathered during the day
a plentiful supply of stones and other missiles, including bottles
of scalding hot water. After dark the crowds began to gather
and matters looked ominous. Soon Mr. Timothy G. Coffin
appeared and attemped to read the riot act, and probably did

28 HISTORY OF THE

SO, though it is said he was marched off the ground. Men ap-
peared with hooks and ladders, and the attack commenced in
good earnest. Stones flew in all directions and so did bottles
of hot water, but the besieged still held the fort till a ship's
gun had been brought into position, loaded — all made ready to
fire. Then they succumbed and offered to march out. They
were allowed to do so. Then the Ark was torn to pieces with
axe and crow-bar, and was then burned. Now this formidable
gun was in fact a " Qiiaker." When found on an adjoining
wharf it was actually filled with mud. Its use never was se-
riously contemplated. After being drawn in position before
the Ark, an imao-inary cartridgfe was rammed home with a
stick and the match about to be applied, when the surrender
was made. The fire of course called out the engines, but
their work principally was to protect the surrounding build-
ings.

The above facts have been given me by Capt. Joseph Wil-
cox, Jr., W'ho was present, but not a rioter, and who remembers
very clearly the whole proceedings. Possibly a deeper impres-
sion was made on him, because he was hit on the shin with a
large stone thrown from the Ark. Some fifty citizens were
afterward subpoenaed before the court at Taunton, to give testi-
mony of the riot, but they all proved genuine Know Nothings,
and so the matter was dropped.

A second Ark soon appeared that became a terror indeed.
The hull of this craft w^as the ship Indian Chief; and it \vas lo-
cated further west than the first, and about fifty feet southeast
of the red house on the south side of Ark lane. It was occu-
pied b}' the worst classes and was the abode of debauchery
and evil doing. Citizens were in daily fear, not only of their
property but of their lives. Any attempt to banish the
scourge failed, and it soon became apparent that law w^as held
in effectual defiance.

In the Spring of 1829 the Elm street JM. E. church was set
on fire, on a Saturday evening. The lower story of the build-
ing was stored full of casks of oil. The fire was discovered

o
o
>

o
z

H
I
m

-I

n
o

^-^

30 HISTORY OF THE

about 1 1 o'clock, just in time to prevent a serious conflagration ;
for it was thought that had the great quantity of oil taken fire,
it would have destroyed all the buildings east of it to the river,
as the running oil must have spread quickly down the steep
hill, carrying destruction in its path. The audience room w^as
uninjured, and the pastor, Rev. Timothy Merritt, preached a
sermon on Sunday from the text, "Except the Lord keep the
city, the watchman waketh in vain." The general feeling in
the community was that some of the desperate characters from
the Ark set the church on fire. For this incident I am indebted
to Mrs. Josiah Richmond.

The reign of terror continued till Aug. 29th, when the sec-
ond Ark riot occurred. I am indebted to Mr. James Durfee,
Henry R. Wilcox, Rodolphus Beetle, David B. Kempton,
Joseph Wilcox, Jr., and others, for valuable material concern-
ing this incident.

The Ark was kept bv a notoriously bad character named
Titus Peck, a bully and desperado. He and his associates
were a menace to the whole town. So strong was their power
it was said the selectmen were afraid to interfere with their
riotings. For days before the outbreak the streets and work-
shops resounded Avith the mysterious words " Jerr}," "Jerry
keep dark north end," "Keep dark south end," "Jerry is in
town." What did all this mean ? \vas the inquiry on every
lip. Rumor followed rumor in quick succession ; then it be-
came vaguely understood that there was to be a meeting of
citizens in the tovs^n hall (now Central Police Station) on the
following Saturday evening. To the surprise of everybody,
everybody else was there. The hall was packed lull, more
than two hundred men being in and about the building. While
there seemed to be no organization, it was evident that well-
developed plans were laid. The respectable and influential
citizens, among whom were Gideon Howland, Samuel Rod-
man, Thomas Mandell, J. A. Parker, Jethro Hillman, Zach-
ariah Hillman, Francis Taber and Barne}' Taber, used their
utmost influence to prevent an outbreak. The riot act was

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 3I

read by Timothy G. Coffin, but when the 9 o'clock bell on Dr.
Dewey's church rang out, a shout from many throats went up
" Jerry is in town. Hurrah for the Ark," and pell-mell went
everybody to the yicinity of Ark lane. Here was found the
hook and ladder truck, brought there by unknown hands.
Then suddenly appeared a company of masked men, dressed
in coats turned inside out, trousers covered with white canvas
at the knees, slouched hats, etc. On the best authority there
were twenty-five of these uniformed rioters. The truck was
rapidly stripped of its ladders and hooks, and the destruction
of the Ark commenced.

Mr. Coffin, with a lighted lantern in his hand, appeared in
the dense crowd s"athered near the corner of Middle and Sec-
ond streets. Somebody paid his respects to the lantern, and
darkness came suddenly on. He was good-naturedly hustled
about, and it is said to be a fact that he was passed over the
heads of the crowd and safely landed where he had more room
for himself.

The work of destruction completed, most of the people went
home at midnight, but soon were called out by flames stream-
ing from the ill-fated craft, for the torch was not applied till
12 o'clock. The Ark was burned to the water's edge, and
when morning broke naught was left but smoking timbers of
this dreaded floating hell. Sev^eral small houses were burned
in the conflagration. The fire department was on hand, and
its services were distinfjuished for what it didn't do. The Me-
chanic. No. 6, took water at the foot of Middle street, but
the leading hose did not reach the fire by fifty feet. After long
delay, the position of the engine v?as changed to Beetle's spar
yard, where an incident occurred of which it is not necessary
to speak here, but let it suffice to say that the vaulted ambition
of several firemen was fully satisfied. I give now the account
published in the New Bedford Mercury^ Aug. 28, 1829:
"What happened three years ago has within the last week
been reenacted, with little variance of mode or circumstance.
From the ashes of the old Ark, demolished and burned

32 HISTORY OF THE

August, 1S26, has arisen Phoenix-like, it would seem. Ark the
second, transcending as a den of abominations anvthinof that
tradition has to relate of Ark the first. On Saturday night last,
it met the doom of its ill-omened progenitor, was razed to the
ground and consumed by fire. We would not be understood
as favoring or advocating in the slightest degree the adoption
of forcible measures by lawless assemblages. It is altogether
a thing to be deprecated and discountenanced ; but there cer-
tainly is a difference between the riotous outbreaking-s of a
turbulent spirit, impelling to promiscuous outrage and violence,
and operations, although unsanctioned by law, which tend to a
specific purpose at least imagined good, and are characterized
in the process by as much order and regard for decorum as
marked those of Saturday evening. We think that in justice
to the character of our town this destruction in the case before
us ought to be made. The wanton recklessness and profligacy
which gives to a riotous mob its most hideous features was not
discernable on this occasion. Still it does not do to say in such
an affair that the end can justify the means, as who can predict
of lawless measures what the end shall be.^ And in this very
instance, \vhether the fire w^as applied to the materials of which
the Ark was composed by the hand that demolished it or not,
it was a direct and immediate consequence of the act of de-
molition, and came near spreading the calamity to an extent
truly appalling. Nothing but the favorable state of the wind
and the admirable management of the firemen prevented a con-
flagration which might very speedily have extended itself over
a good part of the village. As it w^as, houses owned and occu-
pied by quiet, peaceful citizens, who could ill afford to sustain
the loss, were most unfortunately included in its ravaofes.
Here, then, is a solemn warning against all attempts at correct-
ing abuses by violent and lawless means ; and as such it ought
to be seriously regarded. The truth undoubtedly is that the
early and efficacious application of the arm of the civil author-
ity to abate the nuisance would have obviated all the evils of
which it has been so fruitful a source. We are glad to learn

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 33

that energetic measures are now In train for the suppression of
other establishments of a like odious and demoralizing descrip-
tion. As with other maritime places, there is a degraded
class of population brought within our borders, which can only
be kept within the bounds of decency by vigorous police regu-
lations. As the navigation of the port increases, the necessity
for such regulations becomes the more apparent, and we have
not the least doubt but that, perceiving the need, there will be
found both the disposition and ability in those unto whom it
legally appertains to second the general wish by adopting ade-
quate measures of prevention in a matter of such growing im-
portance to the community."

The Howard House, on North Second Street, was soon
marked as a victim by the riotous elements. It bore a reputa-
tion similar to the Arks. Mr. Benjamin Rodman, one of the
selectmen, hearing of the proposed raid, notified the people,
and when the mob came to do their work they were informed
in a speech made by Mr. Rodman that the house was vacated.
They saluted him with three heartv cheers. ''There are
eleven of us," they said as they vanished in the darkness.
What the significance of this saying was is unknown. I am
indebted to Mr. Thomas R. Rodman for this incident.

On June 30^ 1830, a town meeting was held to " see if the
town will take into consideration the expediency of adopting
measures to prevent the further destruction of property by
riotous assemblages, and also to see if the town will think it
proper to take any further measures to secure the safety of the
town, in consequence of the recent b^n-nings of dwelling houses
in the vicinity, agreeable to petition of J. A. Parker and ten
others." Samuel Rodman, Jos. Ricketson, D. Davenport,
John Howland, Jr., Nathan Hathaway, James B. Congdon,
Timothy I. Dyer, Benjamin Rodman, Seth Russell were ap-
pointed a committee to take into consideration the subject
proposed.

The committee made report: " Your committee are of the
opinion that it is highly necessary that measures should be

34 HISTORY OF THE

taken by the town in its corporate capacity to indicate its deejD
reprobation and abhorrence of the riotous proceedings and
their attendant crimes, which have recently taken place in this
vicinity. Your committee believe that a direct participation
in said unlawful acts was confined to a comparatively small
number of persons, but that these were countenanced and en-
couraged by a much greater number of the young, ignorant and
the thoughtless who w^ere present, and who perhaps supposed
they had an apology for their unwarrantable forbearance in
omitting to suppress the disturbance in the degraded character
of its victims, which cut them oft' from general sympathy.
These and all others ought to know that the institution of
civil government is designed to protect every individual in his
rights, and especially to guard the weak and defenceless against
the aggressions of the unprincipled and the strong. To the
culprit even it guarantees by scrupulous formalities an im-
partial investigation of the charges alleged against him before
it visits upon him the penalty afiixed to his crime. Subversive
then of all order, of all safety of projDerty and life, not only to
the class which have novs^ been the sufferers, but to all, in the
spirit of aggression and crime, which marks the late proceed-
ings ; and while they stamp the perpetrators as criminals of a
flagrant character, on whom if convicted the law^ would visit
its heaviest penalties, all who encourage them by their presence
or otherwise are guilty of a misdemeanor against the peace
and good order of society, which admits of but slight extenu-
uation from the plea of ignorance or levity. To guard the fu-
ture against a repetition of such atrocious scenes as have on
this and other occasions disgraced our town and vicinity,
the resolution appended to this report is herewith respectfully
submitted to the consideration of the town."

Voted, To accept said report with the resolution appended ; to wit •

Voted, That a large committee be appointed, to consist of person s

resident in the different sections of the town, which committee shall be

called "The Committee of Vigilance ;'' and it shall be the duty of the

committee to communicate to the selectmen any information which may

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

come to their knowledge of any design on the part of evil disposed
persons to injure or destroy the property of any citizen, and to be in
readiness promptly to act, under the direction of the municipal author-
ities, to prevent any threatened outrage ; and it shall be the further
duty of the committee to communicate to the selectmen any informa-
tion of which the may become possessed, which may render increased
vigilance necessary in order to secure the safety of the town.

SAMUEL RODMAN.

( One of the founders of the Protecting Society.)

HISTORY OF THE

The following were chosen a committee of vigilance :

William H. Allen,
James Arnold,
Ivory H. Bartlett,
Joseph Brownell,
Paul Barney,
Joshua Barker,
Thomas B. Bush,
John Coggeshall,
E. N. Chaddock,
Oliver Crocker,
T. G. Coffin,
Peleg Clarke,
Ichabod Clapp,
Zacheus Cushman,
Thomas Cook,
James B. Congdon,
Latham Cross,
Charles Grinnell,
Edmund Gardner,
Benj. Gage,
Cornelius Grinnell, Jr.,
Moses Gibbs,
Hallett Gifford,
William Gordon, Jr.,
Ephraim Kempton,
Manasseh Kempton,
Robt. Luscomb,
E. S. Kempton,
Warren Maxfield,
Stephen Merrihew,
Chas. W. Morgan,
Howard Nichols,
Thos. Pope,
J. A. Parker,
Nat. Perry,
C. M. Pierce,
David Pierce,
Joseph Ricketson,
Thomas Riddell,
Jireh Perry,

Anthony B. Richmond,
Mark B'. Palmer,
George Randall,
Samuel Rodman,
W. T. Russell,
Williams Reed,
Wing Russell,

Billings Corey,
Robt. Hillman,
Zach. Hillman,
Isaac Hathaway,
Nathaniel Hathaway,
Jas. H. Howland, 2d,
Eli Haskell,
Cornelius S. Howland,
George Howland,
Ichabod Handy,
T. I. Dyer,
Elisha Dunbar,
D. Davenport,
Paul Ewef,
Alfred Gibbs,
Allerton Delano,
Abraham Gifford,
Alfred Woddell,
Robert S. Smith,
Pardon Tillinghast,
James D. Thompson,
Charles H. Warren,
George Tyson,
Phineas Burgess,
Gamaliel Taber,
Richard Williams,
John P. West,
Lemuel Williams,
Jonathan R. Ward,
Leonard Macomber,
Bezaleel Washburne,
Comfort Whiting,
Bethuel Penniman,
John Woddell,
Dennis Wood,
David R. Greene,
Seth Russell,
Marshall Waldron,
James Wheaton,
James Moores,
Martin Pierce,
Allen Potter,
William P. Grinnell,
Frederick Reed,
Andrew Robeson,
William Phillips,
Frederick Parker,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 37

Richard Luscomb, William R. West,

Gideon T. Sawyer, Alex. H. Campbell,

Warren Mosher, Benjamin Rodman,
William W. Swain, no men.

Voted, That it shall be considered by said committee as a special
part of their duty to detect any individuals who have been connected,
directly or indirectly, with the late outrages, and, if such disgraceful
scenes shall be repeated, that the committee shall leave no means un-
tried to enforce upon the criminals the penalty of the law.

A reward of $500 was offered for conviction.

KILLEY ELDREDGE, Town Clerk.

This vigilance committee, organized for the specific object of
protecting the town from mob violence, was the parent organiza-
tion of our present efficient Protecting Society, which has had
an uninterrupted career of sixty years, and is the oldest part of
the Fire Department. It Is a misfortune that the early records
cannot be found, for no doubt they would reveal much that Is
interesting, as this organization has always been one of the
most important branches of the fire ser\"ice.

EDMUND GARDNER.
( Chief of the Board of Firewards, 1830.)

CHAPTER IV.

ROM 1S30 to 1835 the following citizens served on the
board of firewards :

Edmund Gardner,
Stephen Alerrihew,
Obed Nye,
Silas Stetson,
Jethro Hillman,
Joseph Dunbar,
Philip T. Davis,
George Tyson,
Wing Russell, j

Charles Coggeshall, j

}>i830.

^1831,

E. N. Chadwick, 1832.
Bethuel Penniman, 1833
Thomas S. Hathaway,
David R. Greene,
Thomas Mandell,
Jonathan R. Ward, )> 1834.
Charles Covill,
James B. Congdon,
James D. Thompson, j

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 39

On July 2!^th, 1S30, occurred what may properly be termed
" the second great fire." I present the account as vividly por-
trayed in the New Bedford Mercury :

" On Sunday morning last the inhabitants of this town were alarmed
by the cry of fire, which proved to be the dwelling house of William
H. Allen (now southeast corner of School and Seventh streets) and
owing to the combustible material, after a long spell of dry weather,
and the citizens being collected in the several churches at distant
points, before effective aid could be obtained the whole building was
enveloped in flames. The dwelling house of Mr. Gideon Allen adjoin-
ing was almost immediately on fire and entirely consumed. As the
wind was strong from the west and the position elev'ated, cinders were
wafted from the burning mass in great quantities, threatening destruction
to all wuthin their range. The large carpenter's shop of Dudley Daven-
port, as also a boat builder's shop belonging to Mr. Jethro Cofiin, both
considerably removed from where the fire originated, the latter three-
quarters of a mile at least, were set on fire by these floating flakes of
fire and consumed to the earth with the rapidity of magic.

" For a time the aspect of affairs was truly appalling. Several build-
ings narrowly escaped, which in their destruction would necessarily
have involved a widely spread conflagration. But through the untir-
ing and judicious efforts of the fire department and the citizens gener-
ally, the further progress of the devouring element was happily arrested.
The loss of property is very considerable, and it has fallen upon citi-
zens eminently distinguished for worth and enterprise. Besides the
above enumerated, a barn belonging to Tilson B. Denham, and a quan-
tity of oil owned by Abraham Barker, Esq., in the cellar of Mr.
Davenport's shop were consumed, the latter insured. Mr. Davenport's
loss is estimated at not less than $10,000, being perhaps one-half of the
whole amount sustained.

"The efficacy of the newly organized Protecting Society was very
strikingly shown on this occasion. Much property was rescued from
destruction and much preserved from injury through the well directed
exertions of this association. It was an occasion which loudly called for
the best efforts of every one ; and to the backward in exertion, if such
there were, the conduct of the softer sex (ladies were actually seen
passing w^ater and furnishing refreshments to the exhausted firemen)
must have proved an effectual monition?

"There is no doubt that this fire was occasioned by a lad's inadver-
tently dropping coals from a shovel. This should be a caution to
every one to provide them.selves with a covered shovel made for the pur-
pose of carrying fire, which may be had at a small expense, and is per-
fectly secure.

"We have heard the interminable ringing of bells in cases of fire justly
complained of. After the alarm is effectually given, surely no possible
advantage can result from keeping up a ringing for hours, and it may be
seriously injurious to the sick as well as annoying to near dwellers."

40 HISTORY OF THE

This criticism reminds me of a stor}' told me bv Mr. William
G. Baker, of a gentleman visiting this town, who, hearing the
fierce ringing of the bells, rnshed into the street, and seeing the
people running quietly in one direction (for it was the prevail-
ing custom to depend on the clanging bells, rather than on the
boisterous cr}^ of fire) was led to inquire of a passer-bv, what
w^as the inatter.

" A fire," was the response.

"A fire.^ A fire? My dear sir, do they have private fires
in this town.?" The fact that he heard no voices crving fire
led the stranger to ask this question.

At this fire, at the Allen house, one citizen, anxious to do
what he could to save property, rushed up stairs eagerly and
seized a chair, but seeing a table of more value, dropped the
first, took up the second, changed that for another article, and
so on, till he actually came out of the house empty handed.
Mr. Frederick S. Allen told me this storv of himself.

In I S3 3 several reservoirs were built, and in 1S33-4, the
Purchase street engine house v^^as erected.

In 1833, Perrv Russell's Prussian-blue works, then located
on the northwest corner of William and Sixth streets, took fire
in the night and burned to the ground. The house re-
cently torn down by the Y. M. C. A. was in great danger, and
would have been consumed but for the vigorous eftbrts of the
firemen. One of these, Capt. Humphrey W. Seabury, helped
drag one of the engines into the yard, and, finding the well had
given out, took the contents of one of the vats to supply the
engine. The owner of the house had the satisfaction next
morning of seeing his house saved from the flames, and of
finding it blossomed out with a ne\v color — a beautiful blue.
His feelinofs were somevs^hat of the same shade ^vhen he saw
how hastily and freely it had been applied.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1S34, occurred a destructive fire, an
account of which I take from the ^lerciiry :

XEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 4I

" Yesterday morning at an early hour a fire broke out in the build-
ing on Water street partly owned (and occupied on the lower floor) by
James Wady, as a boot and shoe store. The fire had previously made
such progress that the building was almost immediately enveloped in
flames, and notwithstanding that our firemen and citizens repaired to
the spot with accustomed alacrity, their elTorts to subdue it proved una-
vailing until after several buildings in the vicinity were entirely con-
sumed. A violent gale from the east prevailed at the time, and such
was the power to accelerate and extend the flames that the scene pre-
sented at one time was truly appalling. Fortunately a rain during the
night assisted to prevent the destruction which would otherwise have
inevitably ensued.

" The following is an enumeration of the buildings destroyed: On
Water street (west side) a valuable dwelling house, owned and occu-
pied by Capt. William Blackmer.

"A two story building adjoining on the south, also owned by Capt.
Blackmer, and occupied as a millinery on the lower floor, and by a
family in the chambers.

"A three story building also adjoining on the north, owned by Capt.
Isaac Vincent and occupied as a dwelling by several families, and in the
basement as a victualling establishment by James Carver.

"On the east side, the shop of James Wady, with a stock in trade
valued at about $7000, and heavy outstanding accounts.

" A building owned by J. & J. Howland and occupied as a bakery by
Messrs. Sayer & Dunham.

" A building owned by John Easton and occupied by him as a store
house for casks, etc.

"A building owned by Mr. Thomas Howland and improved as a
dwelling house.

"On First street (in the rear of Mr. Vincent's building) a dwelling
house, owned and occupied by Capt. Eph. Hathaway.

" Two small tenements owned by Mr. Richard Johnson, and occu-
pied by families ; and also another building occupied as a dwelling
house.

"We have not been able to ascertain with correctness the amount of
property destroyed. It cannot, however, be estimated at less than
$20,000. Insurance on a part of the property had been effected as fol-
lows : At the Bristol Co. Mutual Ins. Co., by Capt. Blackmer, on
dwelling house, $2700; Joseph Wady, on building, $1100; J.&J.
Howland, on bakehouse, $2100 ; at Manufacturer's office, Boston, by
James Wady, on stock, $2000; Isaac Vincent, on building, $2000; W.
Blackmer, on furniture, $1000; Thomas Howland, on building, $600.
None of the properties were fully insured and the loss by several of
the sufferers will be felt with severity. To such we hope the benevo-
lence of our citizens will be cheerfully extended.

Some ditBcLilty was experienced in removing a piano from
one of the burning houses. The problem was solved by saw-
ing oft' the legs in order to more easily^ get tlie piano through

42 HISTORY OF THE

the door and down the stairway. It did not occur to these
enthusiastic firemen that the legs could be unscrewed.

From 1835 to 1843 the following citizens served the fire de-
partment as firewards :

Andrew Robeson, Thomas Mandell,

C. W. Morgan, Stephen Merrihew,

William H. Taylor, James D. Thompson,

James B. Congtlon, Edward Gardner,

William W. Swain, E. N. Chaddock,

Dudley Davenport, Thomas S. Hathaway,

David R. Green, Alex H. Campbell,

Geo. Howland, Jr., Jeremiah G. Harris,

John Baylies, Sampson Perkins,

Peleg Butts.

1836.
William Phillips, Henry H. Crapo,

Joseph Grinnell.

1837.
Calvin Staples, George B. Worth,

Abraham H. Howland.

1838.
James Durfee.

1839.
Shubael H. Gilford, Z. Hillman,

A. D. Richmond.

1840.
Timothy G. Coffin.

1841.
Edward Merrill, Matthew Luce,

Samuel W^atson.

1842.
Jonathan Smith, William Durfee,

Thomas M. Bush, Gamaliel Taber,

Slocum Allen.

1843.
William W. Jenney.

Philadelphia, No. 7, was ordered by the selectmen Dec. 17,
1833, and Mr. William Durfee was sent to Philadelphia to
make the contract, the selectmen deeming his experience and

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

advice very important. Through him a contract was made
with Messrs. Merrick & Agnew, and in March, 1S34, ^^^^ ^^''^~
chine was received. It was built of mahogany, double cham-
ber, 6^- inch diameter, patent pumps, constructed on the lifting
and forcing principle, well equipped with pipes, nozzles and
suction hose, at a cost of $750. The new engine was sta-
tioned on Fourlh street, and the company formerly attached to
Independence, No. i, took charge of it, while the latter engine,
after being repaired, was held as a reserve.
The first companv on record is for 1835 :

Foreman,

E. L. Goddard,
W. H. Stowell,
Alex. Wall,
William Wilkins,
John Parkhurst,
Peter Brownell,

F. W. Russell,
Nathan Norcross,
Henry Mills,

M. E'. Bartlett,
William H. Jenney,
I. C. Parmenter,
Benjamin Irish,
M. G. Sears,

G. W. Church,
William H. Pratt,
William Gushing,
F. S. Dole,
William M. Allen,
Joseph L. Burrows,
William C. Taber,
George C. Coffin,
H. H. Sowle,
John A. Lewis,
Paul Ewer,
Elisha Jennings,
Channing Russell,
James Munroe,

B. S. Perkins,

Samuel Watson.

William Cannon,
John H. Watson,
Luther Simmons,
George Raymond,
Thomas Nelson,
W. H. Manchester,
T. R. Ricketson,
Charles Hitch,
Clement Webster,
William Hall,
James Dunnell,
George W. Chaplin,
Edward S. Cannon,
Daniel Pert,
James L. Barrows,
Robert Luscomb, Jr.,
Seth Martin,
Tilson Wood,
Joseph Devol,
Seabury Pierce,
Philip Bailey,
James H. Perkins,
William Wrightington,
George Wilson,
Ellery Remington,
Nathaniel Shepherd,
Hezekiah Coleman,
William B. Russell,
David B. Wilcox.

An act to establish a fire department in the town of New
Bedford was passed by the Legislature on Jan. 30th, 1834. It
was perhaps the first formal organization, and though it seems

HISTORY OF THE

simple in form and of limited scope, in the light of the present
thoroughness of system, it \vas a great advance from the chaotic
condition of previous years. The governing power was vested
in the board of firew^ards, who elected three engineers. This
board consisted of eighteen members, wnth full power to ap-
point engine men, to control apparatus, to establish rules as to
carrying of fire, fire brands, lights, matches, etc. To be chos-
en a member of this board was deemed a great honor, and
the long list of distinguished names that appear from time
to time emphasizes this statement. Confident that the list ol
the entire department at this stage of its history will be in-
teresting, I present it in full :

-'-

^ ^^

■^

'■ ■

■

■ J

Hlk

f^fJUXriffSjaUf'UlS-'

liisnt'i^ t".>''fi,s^^ti4'*iff'^Ji(if"'«

JOHN AVERY PARKER. (Chief Engineer, 1834.)

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Engineers-

-John A. Parker, Andrew Robeson, Stephen Merrihew.

James Arnold,
William W. Swain,
Edmund Gardner,
Thomas Alandell,
Charles W. Morgan,
Timothy G. Coffin,
Ivory H. Bartlett,
Dudley Davenport,

Clerk of Board,

William H. Taylor,
Ebenezer N. Chaddock,
Thomas S. Hathaway,
David R. Greene,
Jonathan R. W^ard,
Charles Covell,
James D. Thompson,
James B. Congdon.

Killey Eldredge.

Independence, No. i.

Captai
Clerk,

Charles Sanford,
Samuel Watson,
William H. Jenney,
Nathan Reed,
Isaac Bliss,
Samuel Ricketson,
Aldred C. Briggs,
Jonathan Bourne, Jr.,
William Manchester,
Benj. T. Ricketson,
Asahel Polly,
Isaac D. Hall,
Harvey Mandell,
E. L. Goddard,
William H. Stowell,
Freeman Snow,
Benjamin Wilson,
Henry B. Smith,
Isaac Irish,
Nathan Northrop,
Charles Evans,
William H. Holmes,
Elisha D. Bearse,
Benjamin C. Watson,

n, Charles H affords.
Joshua Richmond.

John H. Watson,
William H. Hills,
Charles Hitch,
Thomas Jouvette,
Shubael Coffin,
Sylvanus G. Nye,
James H. Cook,
Henry Mills,
Walter D. Swan,
Horatio Bly,
Richard Rau,
Reuben Nye,
William Howland,
James H. Perkins,
John Parkhurst,
James L. Barrows,
Henry Bonney,
Thomas Tobey,
William Pope,
Alexander Wade,
Asa Gififord,
Samuel C. Bishop,
Avory T. Harris,
-^ Benjamin Irish.

Citizen, No. 2.

Captain, Anthony D. Richmond.
Cleik, Edward Munroe.

Edward Cannon, W. A. Munroe,

Peleg Butts, A. S. Davis,

Edward P. Freeman, A. L. Luce,

Philip Groves, W. B. Taber,

Alonzo Cory, D. E. Payson,

David Weaver,

Isaac C. Taber,

HISTORY OF THE

James H. Tallman,
John Wood,
William Watkins,
W. B. Thurston,
Marshall Gilbert,
William Tucker, Jr.,
George F. Barker,
James M. Staples,
Charles S. Macomber,
Seth K. Aikin,
Edward S. Wilcox,
Francis M. Taylor,
J. B. King,
P. Haskins,
Paul Ewer,
Nicholas Davis,
James Simmons, Jr.,
Joseph Seabury,
John H. Thompson,
Samuel Bonney,
Josiah S. Bonney,
Albert D. Hatch',
George Love,
Daniel S. Cobb,
S. E. Nye.

Engine No. 3 (Head-of-the-River).

Captain, Shubael H. GiiTord.
Clerk, Jireh Swift, Jr.

Philip T. Davis, William Spooner, Jr.,

Isaiah Parlow, Erastus Merrick,

Thaddeus M. Perry, Obed Nye,

B. Harlow, Isaac Ten-y,

Thomas P. Terry, Obed Gifford,

Samuel Spooner, R. B. Smith,

Mark Snow, Levi Hawes,

James Spooner, Silas Stetson.

Phcenix, No. 4.

Henry Walker,
Arphaxed Simmons,
John W. Folger,
Geo. W. Bos worth,
Thomas R. Robinson,
Joseph M. Shiverick,
Albert Tobey,
Edward Howland,
Andrew G. Hayes,
George Perry,
A. S. Cleaveland,
Ichabod S. Holmes,
James Dole,
William D. Burgess,
Sampson Shearman,
A. B. Brownell,
Henry C. Kelley,
Gordon A. Cannon,
William Coffin, Jr.,
John Coffin,
Willard Nve,
I. H. Cheeney,
George Macomber,
Peleg Hall,
W. B. Burdick,

Captain, Slocum
Clerk, Benjamin

John B. Taber,
Benjamin Lindsey,
W. A. Cranston,
Alfred Woddell,
Zephaniah Pease,
Franklin Tobey,
Samuel Southgate,
Allen Case,

Allen.

T. Congdon.

Perry Brownell,
James Brown,
Robert C. Topham,
Richard Williams, Jr.
Francis Hart,
Benjamin Swain,
James L. Butler,
Zephaniah S. Butler,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Alanson Williston,
Arnold Carr,
T. Howland,
Edmund Woddell,
Samuel E. King,
Charles D. Capen,
Simpson Hart,
William F. Bryant,

Wright Brownell.

Columbian, No. 5.

Captain, Zachariah Hillman.
Clerk, Luther G. Hewins.

Levi N. Goff,
George B. Williams,
Benjamin Popple,
Hiram M. Hammond,
Abner Durfee,
David S. Bradlee,
Andrew J. Bennett,
Harvey Josselyn,

Thomas R. Bryant,
Francis Bowman,
Joseph Clark,
Elisha W. Kempton,
John Wrightington,
W'illiam C. Cannon,
James Foster,
Silas Swift,
Peleg Potter,
Job Bryant,
Ezra Dyre,
Josiah Johnson,
Joseph R. Dunham,
Isaac M. Richardson,
John S. Chadwick,
John D. Handy,
Benjamin F. Spooner,
Merritt Bates,
Ebenezer Tirrell,
Humphrey Shaw,
James L. Martin,
Enoch Burroughs,
Jonathan Smith,
Dennis Smith,
Ellery Willcox,
Leander H. Taber,
Samuel Damon,
Benjamin B. Covell,
Pardon Potter, Jr.,
Uriah P. Allen,
Nathaniel S. Purrington,
Nathaniel Stetson,
John G. Harden,

Henry Sanford,
Fred P. Shaw,
John P. Dunham,
Perry Cornell,
Jonathan D. Howland,
Edward H. Potter,
Nathan Cary,
John Bryant,
Samuel Simmons,
Wilson Drake,
Hezekiah Coleman,
Braddock D. Hathaway,
Henry N. Dean,
Alden G. Snell,
Arvin Smith,
Henry Robinson,
William Dyre,
Smith Jenney,
Ellery Records,
James M. Snow,
Thomas M. Weaver,
James Davis,
Franklin Gifford,
James Drew,
James S. Davis,
James Tripp,
Charles Parker,
Henry Trowbridge,
Lewis Farewell,
Alonzo Hill,
William Whitcomb,
Isaiah Potter,
Alvin Coleman,

HISTORY OF THE

Mechanic, No. 6.

Captain, James Durfee.
Clerk, Gamaliel Taber.

William Durfee,
O. B. Burgess,
Stephen Parker,
Gifford Taber,
P. B. Brownell,
Wing Russell,
Ezra K. Delano,
William Bain,
R. H. Gififord,
Corbin B. Lucas,
Anthony Hathaway,
Daniel Pease,
Job Sisson, Jr.,
Benjamin Maxfield,
J. A. Westcott,
Allen Taber,
W. L. Edwards,
Joseph Allen, Jr.,
Isaiah Ellis,
Otis Manchester,
Daniel Wardsworth,
S. G. Edwards,
George Ainslee,
Anthony Gardner,
Micah Eldred,
John Bailey,
George G. Gifford,
Jona. Devoll,
Henry K. Davis,
William G. White,
Otis N. Pierce,
Geo. W. Gushing,

W. H. Burgess.

Protecting Society.

Captain, George Randall.
Secretary, John R. Thornton.

Michael Hathaway, 2d,
Ambrose Vincent,
W. H. Seabury,

C. C. P. Tobey,
James Davis,
W. Francis, Jr.,
John E. Cornall,
Alden Braley,
Hillard Sawver,

D. M. Baker,

0. G. Pierce,
Caleb L. Ellis,
Joseph H. Wade,
Levi Nye,

Benj. Thompson,
W. H. Shaw,
Benj. C. Watson,
Charles AL Pierce,
Joseph Hicks,
Isaac Kempton,
Othniel Moulton,
John Whitford,
Lemuel T. Pope,
C. A. Davis,
John M. Taber,
A. W. Wlnslow,
Leonard Taber,
Hervey B. Keene,
C. C. Munroe,

1. B. King,
Timothy Weston,
William Noyes,

James Cannon,
W. T. Hawes,
Zach. Cushman,
Joseph H. Allen,
Robert Bennett,
Alfred Gibbs,
Thomas Nickerson,
Wm. Howe,

Timothy Ingraham,
Robert Gibbs,
Asa Wood,
Lemuel Kollock,
David Silvester,
Mark B. Palmer,
Benj. Russell,
Samuel Little,

NEW BEDFOIil) FIRE DEPARTMENT. 49

Thomas Cook, Simeon Bailey.

Henry P. Willis, Jacob Parker,

Francis Taber, Jr., Caleb S. Tobey,

W. T. Cook, Geo. Russell,

B. Thompson, Jr., William Knights,

W. A. Wall, Stephen Potter, 2d,

B. D. Almy, Jona. P\iller,

Oliver Swain, Joseph Taber,

Wm. Swift, Alex. H. Campbell,

Henry Cannon, James H. Howland,

James H. Collins, W. R. Taber,

J. H. Crocker, Wm. Little,

P. Davenport, Geo. F. Hussey,

Geo. G. Randall, Joshua E. Gage,

Wing Russell, Dennis Wood,

L. W. Hawes.

Hook and Ladder Company.

Robert Tripp, Afred Leonard,

A. Tompkins, John Little,

Henry Dedrick, Charles P. Maxfield,

Timothy D. Cook.

The first general celebration of the glorious Fourth of July
occurred in 183^, in which the fire department appeared for
the first time in parade.

The Novelty, No. S, was built by Mr. William Durfee,
and purchased by the town March 33, 1835, for $450.
It was furnished with rotary pumps, worked like the cap-
stan of a ship, the men pushing the bars having a jolly
*'walk around." This was fine exercise on a cold night, but
it must have been wearisome in the warm sinnmer days. This
was a powerful machine, one of the most useful in its day-.
While its power of throwing water was moderate, its drawing
qualities were immense, and the machine was often used to
fiu'nish the water for the other engines.

Whv was this engine called the " Old Cider Mill.? " Well,
I will tell y^ou ; and in explaining why this undignified name
was given, 1 must again allude to those dreadful Corsicans
across the river, for to them belongs the credit. Mr. George
G. Giftbrd, who was captain at the time, is my authority
for the story-.

HISTORY OF THE

One night a fire occurred at Oxford village, on the east side
of the main road, too far from the shore for the Fairhaven
engine to draw water. So the Novelty was placed on the
river bank and furnished the water supply, wdiile the Fairhaven
engine was stationed on the main road, near the conflagration.

WILLIAM DURFEE.

( Builder of Novelty, No. 8.)

Now Capt. G. happened to hear one of the Oxford firemen
ask, rather contemptuously,, " What thing that was trving to
supply water, but which couldn't ' run her over.' " He quietly
walked down to the Novelty, held some private conversation

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

with his men, and strolled leisurely back. Pretty soon the
water came lively, and in spite of all eflbrts their engine was
deluged. The boys were in sad need of rubber boots, which
thev didn't have, and so to keep out of the impromptu river,
thev pulled down a fence and built a platform to stand upon.

'A-

GEORGE G. GIFFORD.

( Captain of Novelty, No. 8.)

Finalh", one more curious than the rest, went down to the
river, and soon returned with his eyes protruding like those of
a lobster, exclaiming, "Good gracious, boys, they've got an
old cider mill down there that's doing this Inisiness." And so

52 HISTORY OF THE

ever after the Novelty was known bv that name, which was a
novelty indeed, only paralleled bv the name given to the Jolly
Rope Maker.

In 1S37, ^^^^ interest of the citizens began to wane, and the
apathy became so alarming as to call for special action on the
part of the fire wards. It was difficult to obtain members
enough to man the engines. A full complement of the fire
department called for 490 men, but the whole number enrolled
was but 200. At a meeting of the fire wards, April 15, 1837,
it was voted " That George Rowland, Jr., and Thomas Man-
dell be a committee who shall, through the medium of the
newspapers, acquaint the public with the present alarming de-
ficiency in the number of men attached to our engines, and
with the necessitv which exists that immediate and vigforous
measures be taken to fill up the ranks of the different compan-
ies, and that said committee be instructed to accept the services
of any of the citizens who mav volunteer their aid, in the pre-
sent emergency, until the results of the efforts for filling up the
ranks of the companies shall have been determined. William
H. Tavlor, chairman: Henry H. Crapo, clerk, Board of Fire-
wards." This action produced good effects, and the rolls for
the following year showed a marked increase of membership ;
and in 1S39 the department had a full complement of men.

In 1840 the annual report of the board of firewards speaks
in satisfactory terms of its condition. At this time there were
15 public reservoirs so situated as to be available in whatever
quarter of the village a fire might break out. An apparatus
was provided for using powder in blowing up buildings, should
occasion require.

In 1 841 the hook and ladder company had dwindled in num-
bers to such an extent as to compel the firewards to furnish
horses in dragging the apparatus to a fire. The ladders, hooks,
etc., were so large and unwieldly, the weight of the loaded
carriage so heavy, that it made the boys tired, and so they left.
For a year there was no organized company for the hooks and
ladders. This was but a foreshadowing of what became an

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 53

alarming condition of the whole department, for it soon be-
came thoroughly demoralized. It became difficult to get men
to hold membership in anv of the companies. In the annual
report of 1841 this was the statement of the board of tirewatds :
" That the New Bedford fire department as at present organ-
ized has failed to accomplish the design for which it was
established."

CHAPTER V.

N April, 1842, the fire department was reorganized with a
force of 37S men, each entitled to $10 a year for his ser-
vices. This plan was favorably received and its wisdom was
soon manifest, for in a short time each company had a full
roll.

HENRY H. CRAPO.

( Clerk of Board of Firewards from 1834 to 1847.)

During this year a fire occurred on Elm street, in Ripley's
barn. A funny incident happened at this conflagration, re-
lated to me by Rev. vSamuel Fox, for many years chaplain at
our Seamen's Bethel.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. ^^

On Elm street, just above Second street, and on the southern
side, there was a livery stable, a low, one-story affair, with a
shallow mow for hay. The ha}' in the mow was discovered
to be on fire about 4 p. m. The horses were safelv got out.
The flames quickly burned through the roof and ignited the
walls of a two-story dwelling house that stood near bv. In
the lower tenement a ladv and her adult dauofhter were entertain-
ing other ladies who were expected to stay to tea. The conver-
sation had turned upon cookery and various dishes had been
commented on, among others apple pot-pie, of which the visit-
ors expressed themselves remarkably fond. To please and sur-
prise them, one of the young ladies had slipped awav to the
cellar kitchen and commenced the preparation of the pot-pie.
With wondrous promptness the fire department subdued the
flames. Order measurably restored, ordinary matters again
came to the surface, but where was that pot-pie.^ The
concoctor said she had left it on the crane — it was the old fash-
ioned fire-place. Surely no one would take it. However,
there was no help for it. Pot and pie were gone, so other tea
preparations must be made. Just before sitting down to tea,
there was a knock at the door. The damselwho was to have
cooked the favored dish answered the door call, and there stood
a man with the pot in hand who calmly said : ''Here is your
pot-pie."

''Why, where did you find it? What does this mean I"

"My dear young lady," was the reply, "I did not find it;
you ran into the street with it, and thrusting it into my hands,
you said 'For pity's sake, Mr. , take care of that.'"

The mystery was solved, but doubtless the pie was spoiled.

July 31, a scorching fire occurred at Alanson Gammons'
stable on Elm street. It was very disastrous, several valuable
horses perishing in the flames. During this year many fires
took place, and the condition of matters became so alarming
that the selectmen increased the number of patrolling watch-
men and issued a communication to the board of firewards
recommending them to increase the number of fire engines,

HISTORY OF TPIE

etc. It received their imniediate attention, and at the town
meeting $3000 w^as appropriated.

The Philadelphia, No. 7, built by Messrs. Merrick & Ag-
new had proved so satisfactory that two of their engines were
contracted for, and in 1843 Hancock, No. 9, and Franklin,
No. 10, were received and placed in commission. I give the
roll of their first organizations :

Hancock, No. 9.

Foreman, George Perry.
First Assistant, Daniel B. Croacher.
Second Assistant, William L. Edwards.
Clerk, Arphaxed Simmons.

Arvin Smith,
Ansel Landers,
John Wrightington,
Rodolphus Beetle,
Stephen D. Haskins,
Willard Shaw,
Allen Case,
Shubael G. Edwards,
Hattil Kelley,
Lewis Hathaway,
James C. Tripp,
Israel F. Bryant,
John C. Taber,
Peter Peters,
William Bates, 2d,
Wing Spooner,
Lazarus Moulton,
James Drew,
Thomas Sowle,
Asa Gifford,
Tillinghast Tompkins,
Nathaniel S. Purrington,
Henry A. Purrington,
Charles Simmons,
Corban B. Lucas,
John C. Hervey,
Caleb T. Jenney,

Horatio T. Bly,
Sam'l McKenzie,
Henry M. Smith,
Joseph Wing,
Jabez iM. Pierce,
P'rederick P. Howland,
Levi Salisbury,
Henry P. Nye,
David B. Kempton, Jr.
William P. Taylor,
Joseph Swift,
Borden Hathaw^ay,
Edmund A. Tallman.
William M. Gifford,
Laban P. Chambers,
William Bly,
Eli Manchester,
Davis Landers,
Hiram Sherman,
James Marble,
Nathaniel Andrews,
Sampson Sherman,
\\\ R. Barker,
Joseph Sherman,
Joseph Wheaton,
E. L. Foster,
Robert S. Dodge,

Nathan Phinney.

Franklin, No. 10.

Organized in Grove School-house, May 3, 1843.

Foreman, Tillson Wood.

First Assistant, Oliver M. Brownell.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 57

Second assistant, Alanson Williston.
Clerk, Wanton T. Drew.

Lorenzo Pierce, Sylvanus Churchill,

John Pierce, Jacob Polly,

Amos Bosworth, William B. Winslow,
Charles Grant, __ Bradford G. Hathaway,
David Nye, ' Peter Brotherson,

Henry F. Davis, George M. Mosher,

Robert C. Topham, L. S. Jennings,

Seabury Pierce, Benjamin Durfee,

Albert Reed, Henry M. Allen,

Samuel Leonard, Jr., David Pierce,

Oliver Harding, Benjamin Popple,

Franklin Perry, Abijah Cook,

Thomas Albert, George Jennings,

Henry Parker, John Butts,

Thomas Murphy, Alex. Bliss,

C. D. Hathaway, Benj. W. Spooner,

Caleb Miller, Gustavus Delano,

Solomon Chadwick, Hiram Wheeler,

Jeremiah Crapo, N. S. Booth,

Thomas Nve, Charles Briggs,

William Gibbs, A. C. Wilbor,

Elihu Briggs, Benjamin Davis,

Samuel Fellows, Robert Sherman.

Membership in these companies was eagerly sought, and
among the applicants was a colored man, who desired very
much to belonof to No. lo. So much did he w^ish it that he
offered Mr. a box of soap if he would secure his elec-
tion. His name was duly proposed and he was elected.
When the company found out that their new member was a
colored man a general row ensued, and it was made very un-
comfortable for Mr. . The prejudice against the col-
ored people in those days was very strong, socially, notwith-
standing the reputation of our cit\^ as a hot-bed of anti-slav^ery
ideas. Mr. , finding himself responsible for such a com-
motion, and being willing to make some sacrifice in the mat-
ter, waited upon the colored gentleman and offered him half a
box of soap to withdraw his name. The offer was good, but
whether it was accepted or not I am unable to say.

March 19th, 1844, a fire occurred in John C. Haskell's
house, northeast corner of County and Bush streets. One of

58 HISTORY OF THE

the rooms in the house was finished oft as an aviary, and con-
tained over one hundred beauttful birds, all of which were
smothered.

Incendiary fires at this period were of freqnent occurrence.
Among these were the William street school-house and Charles
W. Morgan's barn. At these fires the hose was maliciously
cut, thus renderino^ the ens^ines useless. The situation was
truly alarming, and the Selectmen were urged by the citizens
to offer a large reward for conviction. This had a salutarv
effect, for the trouble ceased verv soon.

There was a great deal of fun in '43, between the No. 7 and
No. 10. Several trials of these engines took place to test
their powers, and these were quite sure to be followed bv a
supper or a picnic. I copy from No. lo's records the follow-
ing :

The company met at their engine house at 10 o'clock, dressed in un-
iform, proceeded to the house of Company 7, and being joined by that
company, preceded by the firewards, A. H. Rowland, Thos. B. Bush
and James B. Congdon, escorted by a detachment from the New Bed-
ford Brass Band, through many of the principal streets to Blackmer's
Grove, where the company amused themselves with foot ball and other
games, etc. They then partook of an excellent chowder, after which
the companies again formed and returned to town [Think of it, Black-
mer's Grove was located exactly whei^e the Grove street school house
now stands !] well pleased with their entertainment.

July 31, 1843. — A silver trumpet was presented b\' the
Philadelphia, No. 7, to their foreman Capt. Seth Russell.

July 31. — The Tremont Engine Co., of Roxbury, visited
the town.

Oct. 20. — Philadelphia, No. 7, visited Taunton.

In 1844, the following composed the board of firewards:

Chief Engineer, William H. Taylor.

Zachariah Hillman, (ieorge Rowland, Jr.,

James Durfee, Abraham R. Rowland,

A. D. Richmond, Gamaliel Tabor,

Dudley Davenport, (ieorge Perry,

Slocum Allen, W. R. Jenney,

Samuel Watson, George G. Gilford,

Edward Merrill, Jireh Swift, Jr.,

David R. Greene, ' Thomas B. Bush.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTIVIENT.

Jan. 30th, 1S44, a fire broke out at 6 o'clock a.m., in Sam-
uel Leonard's oil works, destroying all the buildings and a
large quantity of oil — one of the most destructive fires, the
loss being estimated between $50,000 and $70,000. It was
bitterly cold weather. Some of the engines froze up, and the

WILLIAM H. TAYLOR.

( Chief Engineer, 1844.)

whole department was much hampered by ice. The Fairhaven
engines came across the river on the ice, which was frozen to a
great thickness. Men were urged by offers of liberal wages to
help save the large quantity of oil ; but they refused, unless paid
a dollar an hour. Chief Engineer William H. Taylor vs'as

6o HISTORY OF THE

highly indignant at these fellows and drove them from the
premises. He completely demolished his staff of office on
their heads and backs as they retreated. The vigor of the
chief was quite as much a surprise to his friends as it was to
the objects of his wrath. Several leading citizens offered their
services gratuitously under the circumstances, and much prop-
ertv was saved.

The Franklin, No. lo, was the first to reach this fire, and
would ha\'e taken first water, but the engine was unfortu-
natelv out of order, and all efforts to make it \vork \vere un-
a\'ailing. The final attempt to make it take water was to turn
up the suction hose and pour in the water, but even this was
not a success. A small boy observed the novel proceed-
ing, and noticing the movement of the upturned suction hose,
yelled '' Elephant," and from that time onward Franklin, No.
lo, was called " The Elephant."

The first great parade and festival of the New Bedford Fire
Department occurred in September, 1844. -'■ take the follow-
ing description from the Evening Bulletin :

" The different engines of the town met at the Town Hall, each
dressed in a holiday suit of wreaths, banners, etc., and drawn by four
horses. The procession was formed and under the direction of Wil-
liam H. Taylor and Zachariah Hillman, Esqs., after marching through
the principal streets, reached the lot on County street, where a good
chowder was served up. After passing an hour in social conversation,
the torches were brought, and the procession reforming, commenced
its march through the principal streets. The spectacle now was ex-
ceedingly brilliant ; an array of several hundred torches, blowing in
the night air, had a most imposing appearance, and was the theme of
universal admiration. After the parade the procession marched to the
Town Hall, where addresses were delivered by Thomas Dawes Eliot,
Esq., and James B. Congdon, Esq., and an original song, written by a
gentleman of New Bedford, was sung by Mr. Bird, the conductor on
the railroad, to the tune ' King and Countryman v

Since here we\'e met in our beautiful hall,
Give ear to my story, ye citizens all.
I sing the bold fireman, wOiose true sturdy stroke
Always turns every fire which we have into smoke.

Number One takes the lead with her jolly young band,
She's never caught napping, but always on hand ;

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPART.MFIXT. 6l

Though engine and crew you may think rather small.
You will find she's a pretty great squirt after all.

And the next on the list, sirs, is old Number Two,
Somewhat stricken in years, but still great and true.
"'Always ready" her motto, always ready her men.
She has often won the prize and shall win it again.

Number Three, out of town, I can't say much about her,
We have managed to do pretty well without her.
She was one of our line along Number Four,
She might do as well, but she could do no more.

Number Four is the I^ioenix, she makes no great show,
With calmness and skill to the fire doth she go.
And just let the "Cider Mill" fill her with water,
To the fiend conflagration she'll show little quarter.

-Number Five, the Columbia, and worthy the name.
With a crew who ne'er flinch at the smoke or the flame,
By our brave mechanics constructed and manned
Number Five to the rescue is always on hand.

Number Six, the Mechanic, as firm as a rock.

With her red jacket boys boldly breasts every shock,

Aloft she hangs out her flag of defiance ;

In seasons of danijer the town's self reliance.

Number Seven, Philadelphia, is never behind.
Not a more gallant crew in the ranks you will find ;
And she leaves not a doubt while the fire she is routing.
She can beat e'en a member of Congress at spouting.

And now comes the Novelty, plain and home made.
She will grind at a grist with the best of the trade.
She's a queer one indeed, but yet early or late,
You can depend upon staunch Number Eight.

And next see approach Number Nine of the north.
When the fight rages thickest to plunge nothing loath.
Like her namesake, that sterling brave Yankee of old.
Ever firm as a rock you'll our Hancock behold.

And now last, but not least, comes along Number Ten,
Most w^orthy the name of our glorious old Ben ;
Here's good luck to the Franklin and all her brave crew,
Whose hearts, like their shirts, are always true blue.

Let a peep at the past, a moment engage

When the "Jolly Rope Maker" appeared on the stage ;

62 HISTORY OP' THE

Though christened the Phoenix,* and robbed of her tail.
If you filled up her tub she would spout like a whale.

But we must not forget the vanguard of our line,
With bags, buckets and bed-screws in order so fine ;
All armed and equipped, see them rush through the flame,
' Protection ' their motto, protection their aim.

And now, as I close, just a word I would say
Of the corps, the rear guard of our gallant array :
With their axes and ladders and hooks at command.
To strike a bold stroke they are always on hand.

Thus, fellow townsmen, before you displayed.
The thrice gallant band for your safety arrayed ;
With such bold protectors no fear will w'e feel,
With their arms all untiring, and hearts true as steel.

I take the following from No. 7's records :

July 25, 1845. — Took our engine to the North Christian Church
for the purpose of playing with No. 10. We played ten feet over the
vane above the spire (so said Messrs. James Uurfee and Willard Sears),
Avhile the No. 10 played just to the vane.

To offset this, I quote from from No. lo's records for June
6, 1843, soon after the engine was received from its makers :

A trial of the power of our engine with Philadelphia, No. 7, took
place to-day at the Custom House reservoir, where it was proved that
No. 10 beat No. 7, both in throwing more water and at a greater
distance.

October 2d, 1845. — Citizen, No. 2, Phoenix, No. 4, and Philadelphia,
No. 7, had a grand parade, with the New Bedford Brass Band, and with
the firewards and other invited guests, visited Fairhaven and partook
of a chowder. Amused themselves during the afternoon with foot-ball
and other games. After dark they took up the line of march through
the principal streets of Fairhaven and New Bedford. The procession
was liberally supplied with flaming torches and made a fine display.

At this great parade the department was in imiform for the
first time. It would be more satisfactory could a complete de-
scription of their uniforms be given. It is imjDossible to do so, for
until 1853 there are no records of Companies Nos. 2, 3, 4. 5, 6,

*The old Phoenix, now defunct, had, it is said, a suction, which, as its purpose was not
known, was cut off.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 63

and 9, and all I mav give in relation to them is wholly tradi-
tional. I am indebted to Messrs. James Taylor, George G. Gif-
ford, William R. Palmer, Joshua B. Ashley and Robert C.
Topham for what I am able to present.

Independence, No. i. — Blue frocks, trimmed with white;
red trousers with black leggings, close-fitting cap with adjust-
able cape.

Citizen, No. 2. — Highland shirts, black trousers, belts,
caps, etc.

Head of River, No. 3. — White shirts, red belts, dark trou-
sers, etc.

Phoenix, No. 4. — Scotch plaid shirts, with Highland scarf
and black trousers.

Columbian, No. 5. — White flannel shirts, trimmed with blue*
black trousers, blue caps, visor, with figure v

Mechanic, No. 6. — Red shirts, black trousers, belts, caps, etc.

Philadelphia, No. 7. — Red shirt with large collar to turn
over ten inches, wristbands four inches w ide, duck trousers
without suspenders, belt of l:)lack leather. Hat with round
top, broad brim, wide on the back, narrow (mi the front, with
" Philadelphia " painted around the crown in gilt, with the
figure seven in front.

Novelty, No. 8.- -Green jackets, velvet collars, blue trousers,
yellow stripes trimmed with fringe, glazed cap, gilt figure 8.

Hancock, No. 9, — Red shirts, dark trousers, belts, tarpau-
lin hats.

Franklin, No. 10. — Blue shirts, trimmed with white, dark
trousers, white suspenders, forming the letter X, on the back,
tarpaulin hats.

Hook and Ladder Co. — Shirts, dark trousers with double
and diagonal stripes at the sides, forming a ladder.

I now present the full register of our Fire Department for
1 844-1 845. It is my purpose to publish the ofiicial mem-
bership for every ten years. Of course many names will not
appear of those whose terms of service mav liave ceased dur-
ing these periods.

HISTORY 0¥ THE

GEORGE HOWLAND, JR.

( first Assistant Engineer, 1844-45. )

1844-1845.

Chief Engineer, William H. Taylor.

Assistant Engineers, (icorge Howland. Jr.. Zachariah Hillman.

FlREWARDS.

James Durfee, (jcorge Perr}-,

Jonathan Smith, E. W. Kempton.

George (j. Gitford, (jamaliel Taber,

Abraham H. Rowland, Tilson Wood.

Seth Russell, Dudley Davenport,

W. H. Jenney,
Jireh Swift. Jr.,
Edward Merrill,
Edward Cannon.

Ezra K. Delano.
Slocum Allen,
Philip (Proves,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT,

A red staff was the distinguishing badge of the engineers.
The other firewards carried trumpets painted red, with the
word ^'Fireward" in gilt letters upon a black ground, placed
on the bowls.

Independence, No. i. (100 North Second street.)

Foreman, Joseph H. Fuller.
Pipeman, Charles M. Spooner.
Assistant Pipeman. (jcorge D. Davis.
Clerk, Edward I). Reed.

Alban Crowell, Edward Blandell,

Horatio A. Bralev, Daniel Chappell,

Riifus Randall, ' W. H. Pullen,

John E. Brown. Charles Davis.

Charles F. Paine, William Champlin,

John Burke, Charles B. Russell,

William Bosworth, (ieorge Underwood,

Cieorge Taylor, Moses (). Davis.

Citizen, No. 2. (65 Purcha.se street.)

Foreman, Philip (iroves.

Assistant Foremen, Edward S. Wilcox, (ieorge Hinckley

Clerk, (jeorge C. (jibbs.

Charles C. Moore,
Albert R. Paulding,
John N. Barrows,
Peleg Allen,
Lewis (t. Carpenter,
John Matthews,
Perez Jenkins,
Frederick Underwood,
Benjamin Gage,
Chas. H. Underwood,
George W. Brockman,
John Waldron,
James D. Driggs,
Samuel P. Ravmond,
John P. Nash;
Peter M. Vaughn.
Charles Wilcox,
Richard Curtis,
Benjamin F. Spooner,
Charles R. Tobey,
William H. Cook.
B. Penniman, Jr.,

Isaac N

Nathaniel Milliken,
Henry Bates,

Joseph M. Shiverick,
John A. Ruggles,
Henry R. Stewart,
Alfred Briggs,
Stephen Wing,
James S. Browning,
(ieorge Youno^,
C. O'rChurclnll,
C. M. Vaughn,
Zenas Knapp,
Gamaliel Wardworth,
S. W. Reed,
Oliver N. Wing,
Charles H. Walker.
W^illiam Nutter,
William H. Sherman,
Israel B Bolles,
Alden Pope,
Isaac Sherman,
Elihu Allen,
Vauirhn.

HISTORY OF THE

Engine No, 3. (Head of Acushnet.)

Foreman, Thomas P. Potter.
Clerk. Silas Stetson.

Mark Snow,
Amos P5raley,
Philip T. Davis,
Silas Braley,
Augustus Harrington.
A. B. (irinnell.
Peter Taber,
Simeon Hawes.
Lemuel Terr}',
Nathaniel Spooner
Cieorge T

Russell,

A, B. Richardson,
Charles McArthur,
Edwin Payson,
Levi Shorey,
Borden Spencer.
Bartholomew Lund,
Warren Parker,
Rufus Williams,
John Mansfield,
Joseph Spooner,
W. R. Caswell,

James Wilbor.

PHa:Nix, No. 4. (42 Fourth street.)

Foreman, Robert C. Topham.
Assistant Foreman, Benjamin Durfee,
Edwin R. Russell.

Clerk

Franklin Tobey,
Francis Vinal,
C. P. lALaxfield,
Ebenezer Parlow. Jr..
S. A. Eupolen.
C. U. Macomber,
Benjamin C. Munroe,
Isaac Brownell,
Isaac Sherman.
John (L (jorham,
Fred. H. Mnal.

(ieorge Young,
(leorge Tynan,
William Holmes,
Doane Damon,
Samuel (iabriel,
Solomon L. Damon,
Joseph Taber,
Ciideon \^inal,
William White,
Ezra Bisbee,
Abraham Taber.

Columbian, No. 5. ( 102 North Second street.)

Foreman, Henry R. Wilcox.

Assistant P^oremen, Ebenezer Tirrell, Samuel Damon, Israel T.
Bryant.

Clerk, Rodolphus Beetle.

Peleg Potter,
Ezra Dyer,
Benjamin Hayes.
Joseph W. Cornell,
W. J. Spooner,
Andrew G. Hayes,
John W. Spooner,
Richmond B. Wood,
Henry Walker,
John W. Nickerson,
Samuel S. Paine.

James Foster,
Loring (L Hayes,
Harrv J. Leach,
T. R. Bryant,
Joseph Bowman,
Joseph D. Hall,
Jabez Ciibbs,
Isaiah D. Foster,
William Walker,
John D, Hillman,
Nathaniel Jenney,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT,

John Warren,
John A. Sawyer,
Henry N. Dean,
Ebenezer Keen,
H. S. Tower,
Philip Simmons,
William Whitcomb,
Allen Stoddard,
Nathan Adams,
Henrv Peirce,
John 'I). Childs,
Elihu H. (iiftord,
Artemas Redland,
Thomas W. Sowle,
John Hoxie,
H. F. Ripley,

Hattil Kellev

David C. Hathaway,
Thaddeus Burgess,
James Drew,
William B. Pierce,
(iiles S. Fales,
Charles D. Hathaway,
William (iates,
Daniel T. Daggett,
Josiah C. Burbank,
Michael Hathaway,
Consider Smith,
James M. Cranston.
William Bly,
William Hersey,
William Bisbee,
Edward Spooner,

Mechanic, No. 6. (6i Purchase street.)

Foreman, Ezra K. Delano.
Assistant Foremen, Joseph
Clerk, Henry F. Thomas.

Levi Nye,
Thomas C. Allen.
Nathan Barker,
John Wooden,
Jeremiah M. Morris,
William F. Nye,
George Y. Nickerson,
George Howland, 3d,
Hiram Shearman,
Stephen Parker,
Alex. P. Dyer,
Caleb L. Ellis,
William Wilbour,
J. R. Rogers,
George Warren,
Walter H. Thomas,
Wellington Bucklin,
Obediah Keene,
Peleg B. Clark,
Stephen Waite,
William Hammond,
Isaac Sanford, Jr.,
R. W. Raymond.
Isaac McFarlin,
William M. Cowen,
David C. Gifford,
Oliver Peckham,
Uriah Mavo,

Hammond, John P. Crosby.

Benjamin Besse,
John H. Davis,

A. J. Vaughn,
John Wright,
William Sowle,
Jona. W. Whitney,
Edwin Luce,
Chas. H. Taber,
Shipley W. Bumpus,
John Lowe,
William James,
Charles E. Brownell,
Whitman Vinal,
John H. Young,
Ebenezer Kempton,
Charles Kempton,
Bowers Hathaway,
W. H. Farrington,
John A. Smith,
Ezra Pope,

Henry Palmer,
James H affords.
Job Almy,
John Burrill,

B. C. Wards worth.
Freeman C. Luce,
Hervey Hammond,
George James.

HISTORY OF THE

Philadelphia, No. 7. (40 Fourth street.)

Foreman, Seth Russell.

Assistant Foremen, George Wilson, Edward S. Taber

Clerk, Freeman P. Bartlett.

James T. Paul,
Charles H. Leach,
Marshall B. Bird,
John S. Davis,
Chauncey Russell,
T. B. Denham,
John F. Vinal,
O. T. Sherman,
H. M. C. Denham,
Rodney Howland,
John O. Wilmarth,
E. S. Corson,
Wing Russell,
S. G. Ricketson.
H. K. Oliver,
Stephen A. Tripp,
N. T. Brownell,
George Barney,
William F. Brown,
H. M. Jackson,
Silas T. Sears,
W. H. F. Clapp,
Seth Hathawav,

Josiah Coggeshall,
Cvrus W. Chapman,
Wm. H. Willis,
Nath'l Shepherd,
Charles Parker,
Gideon Cornell,
John H. Thompson,
Albert Brightman,
S. P. Chamberlain,
Joseph Swift,
David S. Robinson,
William M. Howard,
John Britnell,
Asa L. Smith,
Peter Y. Flynn,
Martin Haskins,
Abm. S. Taber,
John H. Webster,
N. C. Lewis,
Darius Bosworth,
Edw^ S locum,
R. H. McLaughlin,
Benj. R. Watson.

NOVELTY, NO. 8.

Novelty, No. 8. (Mechanics Lane.)

Foreman, (xeorge G. Gilford.
Assistant Foreman, Joseph Allen. Jr.
Clerk, James Bates.

C. C. P.

Joseph (
Silas N.
William Durfee,
John Russell,

Tobey,
. Dean,
Richards,

W. P. Newell,
Charles M. Pierce,
George Gooding,
Phineas T. Drew,
Otis Manchester,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Leonard Doir,
Thomas P. Swift,
Andrew Wilbour,
Isaiah C. Gage,
Joel L. Burrell,
Fred. Brownell,
Lot Tripp, Jr.,
Seth Bryant,
Benj. Manchester,
James S. Chase,
Samuel Amsden.
Ephraim H. Wade,
G. N. Carpenter,

Enoch Bearse,
Josiah Johnson,
Samuel Small,
Robert Luscomb,
Rufus Russell,
Ira C. Pierce,
Willard Tripp,
M. C. Swift,
Richard Luscomb, Jr.
Abram 1\I. Gilford,
Job Wilcox, Jr.,
Pembroke Rich,
James Porter,
Joseph S. Taber.

Hancock, No. 9. (Foster street, near North.)

Foreman, George Perry.

Assistant Foremen, D. B. Croacher, L. Hathaway, S. G. Edwards.

Clerk, Arphaxed Simmons.

Arvin Smith,
Ansel Landers,
Caleb T. Jenney,
Horatio Bly,
John Wrightington,
Stephen Haskins,
Willard Shaw,
Allen Case,
James C. Tripp,
John C. Taber,
Peter Peters,
Lazarus Moulton,
Tillinghast Tompkins,
H. A. Purrington,
N. S. Purrington,
S. McKenzie,
H. W. Smith,
Fred. P. Howland,
Levi Salisbury,
William Giftbrd,
James Marble,
W. R. Barker,

Franklin, No

Foreman, William M.
Assistant Foremen, O
Clerk, James Taylor.

George W. Jennings,
Thomas Albert,

Charles Simmons,
Joseph Wheaton,
Corban B. Lucas,
John C. Hervey,
Nathan Phinney,
E. L. Foster,
Henry C. Hathaway,
Nathaniel Moulton,
Horace French,
I. H. Mandell,
Isaiah Potter,
Thomas Croacher,
George A. Cornell,
Francis W. Heath,
Joseph M. Hatch,
Aaron Davis,
Newell Raymond,'
Otis Leach,
Robt. Croacher,
- John Gilford,
John K. Potter,
Benjamin Covell,
Joshua Shearman.

(Third street, head of Griffin.)

Allen.
M. Brownell, Isaiah W. Churchill.

L. S. Jennings,
Thomas Lowe,

HISTORY OF THE

Charles Briggs,
Moses H. Bliss,
Isaac Bliss,
Sylvanus Churchill,
Solomon Chadwick,
Zenas F. Chadwick,
Ezra B. Chase,
Nathan Chapman,
Alonzo L. Cory,
Fred. A. Chace,
Kdw. Cavenaugh,
Henry T. Davis,
Benjamin Davis,
Nathan S. Davis,
L. R. Eldridge,
C. D. Foster.
William Gibbs,
C. L. Watkins,
F. Halfords,

F. Gifford,

G. Hathaway,

Caleb Miller,
Thomas S. Nye,
David P. Pierce,
Benjamin F. Popple,
Henry Parker,
Daniel Pollock,
Jos. M. Robinson,
R. A. Sherman,
M. G. Sears,
H. R. Tripp,
Barton Wilbour,
Hiram L. Wheeler,
Alex. C. W^ilbour,
Elbridge G. Wood,
Holmes Winslow,
Watson Thomas,
Elihu Briggs,
Gilbert Wordell,
Abiel Westgate,
Martin L. Wheeler,
James McKenny.

Hook and Ladder Co. (63 Purchase street.)

Foreman, Benj
Clerk, William

Ambrose Vincent,
P. B. Brownell,
Thomas R. Pierce,
William Chambers,
Edmund Doty,
William Earl,
David Thomas,
Jethro Daggett,
Watson Thomas,
William H. Pitman,
Alex. O. Nelson,
Rodolphus Mosher,
J. H. Leonard,

Joshua A

amin Tripp.
Davenport.

James K. Robertson,
Wm. F. Hayes,
Hadley Brownell.
Nathan Stetson,
Ephraim Landers,
Alfred Weaver,
George Morse,
G. E. S. Bly,
George W. Howland,
Henry Peets,
Edw\ Williams,
Stephen SkiiT,
William G. Allen,

shley.
Protecting Society.

Place of meeting. Town Hall.
Annual meeting. Third Monday in October.
President, William Hathaway.
Vice-President, Joshua Richmond.
Secretary and Treasurer, Reuben Nye.

Directors,
George O. Crocker, Dennis Wood,

John A. Standish, Asa R. Nye,

NEW KEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

W. p. S. Cadwell,
George A. Bourne,
James H. Howland,
Henry P. Willis,
William T. Cook,
William A. Wall,
Pardon Tillinghast,
William P. Field,
Ferdinand Vassault,
John Kehew,
Edward D. Mandell,
Francis L. Parker,
William C. Pierce,
Francis Taber, Jr.,
Horace Gushee,
Charles Taber,
George H. Dunbar,
Joseph T. Hunter,
Josias H. Coggeshall,
Andreas T. Thorup,
Joseph F. Dearborn,

Charles O,

Loum Snow,
Charles D. Swift,
Samuel G. Hudson,
Jonathan Bourne, Jr.,
Samuel Southgate,
Sylvanus G. Nye,
J. B. King,
H. G. O. Gwyneth,
Charles S. Randall,
Edward S. Taber,
Augustus J. Eaton,
Edmund Rodman,
Henry C. Kelley,
Edward Russell,
Revilo A. Swain,
George F. Barker,
Charles D. Cushman,
Isaac C. Woods,
Charles Chandler,
John Hopkins,
William L. Gerrish,
Wilson.

Engine company No. i, twenty men; No. 3, fifty; No. 3,
twenty-five ; No. 4, twenty-five ; No. 6, sixty ; No. 7, fifty ;
No. 8, forty ; No. 9, fifty ; No. 10, fifty ; Hook and Ladder
Company, thirty ; Protecting Society, fifty.

The following citizens served as firewards from 1S45 ^"
1848:

William H. Taylor, Ezra K. Delano,

Z. Hillman,
James Durfee,
George Perry,
Jonathan Swift,
£. W. Kempton,
George G. Gilford,
Gamaliel Taber,

Joseph Allen, Jr.,
O. M. Brownell,

Shubael H. Gilford,
Dudley Davenport,

W. H. Jenney,
Slocum Allen,
Jireh Swift, Jr.,
Edward Cannon,
Philip Groves,
Edward D. Mandell,
Geo. Howland, Jr.,
A. H. Howland.

1846.

Robert C. Topham,
Nathaniel Kelley,
J. H. Mendall.

1847.

Edward J. Wilcox,
Samuel Watson,
Ambrose Vincent.

1848. — Sampson Perkins.

HISTORY OF THE

AMBROSE VINCENT.

( Member of the Board of Firewards, 1847.)

In 1846, Oregon, No. ii, was ordered of Merrick & Ag-
new. This was a fine engine, and was of about the same
capacity and power as No. 7. This engine was located on
the south side of Middle, just above County street, and was
entered in the fire department for 1847, with the following
company, organized under the direction of Fireward i\mbrose
Vincent :

Gibbs Taber,
Isaac Brownell,
Ambrose E. Luce,
Otis Manchester,

Gideon Sherman,
P. B. Brownell,
W. D. James,
A. Merrick,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Lewis (j. Carpenter,
Israel iiolles,
William Gifford,
William Davenport.
Nathan Gifford,
George A. Wilson, Jr.
Simeon Webb,
Tillinghast Kirby,
Benj. Maxfield,
Jesse W. Dver,
W. C. Rowland,
David E. Chase,
Edward Manchester,
Jonathan Devoll,
Thomas P. Swift,
W. B. Cole,
A. A. Thomas,
James Taber,
Stephen McFarlin.
Gifford Taber,
Silas C. Sherman.

Charles Searell,
John H. Chapman,
Chas. Simmons,
Cieorge Allen,
Job Wilcox,
Ezra Dyer,
Seth Bryant,
Francis H. Vinal,
R. W. Raymond,
Samuel Johnson,
Charles B. Gifford,
George Gooding,
N. W. P. Cobb,
Calvin A. Paine,
Henry S. Little,
Isaac S. Thomas,
George Lee,
William Cox,
C. P. Russell,
Daniel P. Devoll,
Lewis Manchester.

Sept. 12, 1S46, the Independence Co., No. i, on invitation
of Capt. Philip Davis and other citizens of Acushnet village,
visited that place and had a jollv time. Thev were accom-
panied by the Citizens' Band. Thev were served with a fine
collation and, as their record says, were received with great
kindness. After passing the afternoon in an agreeable man-
ner, they marched through the village during the evening in
torchlight procession, returning home at 9 o'clock, well paid
for their visit. For these acts of kindness the inhabitants of
Acushnet village will never be forgotten by Independence Co.,
No. I.

Records of Independence, No. i, Sept. 26, 1S46 :

The Independence, No. i, with the Fairhaven Engine Co., No. i,
accompanied by the New Bedford Brass Band, went to Holmes' Hole
on an excursion, where they received many courtesies. The people of
Edgartown extended an invitation to visit their town, but they were
obliged to decline.

The records of this company as kept by the clerks, Messrs.
Edward D. Reed, George P. Underwood, Southward Potter,
2d, Gideon B. Spooner and E. J. Richmond, are models of

74 HISTORY OF THE

neatness and are interesting for the information they give of
all matters connected with the company.

The town became a city April 29, 1S47, '^^''ifl great rejoic-
ings on inauguration evening. The event of the birth of the
new city was signalized with the usual demonstrations of pub-
lic joy, such as national music by the Citizens' Band, ringing
of bells and firing salutes.

Dissatisfaction with the amount of annual payment of the
firemen became manifest, and soon developed into a fierce dis-
cussion in the Citv Government. It resulted in the voluntary
disbandment of the companies, August 7th, attached to Nos.
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, II, and the Hook and Ladder Co. The prac-
tical result of this action was that the fire department became
thoroughly paralyzed, and the city was left improtected for a
time. Soon, however, ne^v companies were obtained for Nos.
7, 10 and II, and finally the whole department was reorgan-
ized, the dissatisfied members withdrawing from membership.
During the interim occurred a fire at the Prussian-blue works,
on Court street, August i6th. The condition of aftkirs in the
city may be seen from the account published in the ]\Iercnry Rt
the time :

"The fire department was on hand, all but No. 6. Many of our ven-
erable citizens were seen 'swinging at the brakes' like veterans. Among
them we noticed our deservedly esteemed member of Congress, Mr.
Joseph Grinnell, who proved himself, as he has often done in the House
of Representatives, 'a good spouter.'"'

May 18, 1848, occurred the Dudley Davenport fire, which de-
stroyed about $30,000 worth of property. The fire commenced
about 10 o'clock in the evening and was one of the fiercest
ever experienced in our histor3\ Mr. Davenport's steam plan-
ing mill, lumber yard, grocery store, dwelling house belong-
ing to William Rotch, and other buildings were burned. A
vast amount of property^ in the vicinity^, including the candle
works, oil, etc., was rescued from destruction only by the
spirited and hearty exertions of the firemen and citizens. Sev-

NEW BEDFORD FIRP: DEPARTMENT. 75

eral of the engfines were worked for five hours without inter-
mission. A more severe or more satisfactory test of the cap-
abilities and efficiency of the fire department as then consti-
tuted can hardh l)c imagined. The firewards furnished a fine
breakfast for the department when the flames were finally
subdued.

Amono- the buildinj^s saved from destruction was one owned
by Matthew Luce. Mr. George M. Eddy found in the upper
story a barrel of lime, and, using his broadbrimmed hat for want
of a shovel, he spread it freely upon the roof, and by this novel
means was successful in keeping the fire fiend at bay. His
services were gratefully recognized the next da\ by Capt.
Luce bv the presentation of a new hat.

At this time a fire occured in Oxford Village that furnished
an opportunity for sweet revenge. The Mechanic, No. 6^
went over and pla\ed first water. ^Villiam IL vSherman held
the pipe and proud he was, and is to-day, of the event. This
balanced the first water of the Oxford engine at the Centre
street fire in 1S20.

June 9, 1847, occurred a large fire at the.Head-of-the-River,
destroying hotel, bowling alley, stable and several dwelling
houses. The bowling allev and appendages were regarded in
the community as a nuisance. The origin of the fire was con-
sidered not wholly accidental, as the Mercury intimated in its
notice of the event. The firemen of our city repaired to, the
scene, and their exertions were highly commended. There was
a ofreat scarcity of food the next day, for the hungry firemen
were liberally fed by the grateful citizens.

The next day at 3 p. m. a dwelling house on the farm of
Mr. Gideon Nve, Jr., was burned. One of the victims of the
fire on the day before, Mrs. Margaret Hathaway, had moved
into it with what household goods she had been able to save,
only to have them all destroyed in the second fire.

ZACHARIAH HILLMAN.

( Chief Engineer, 1848-1850.)

CHAPTER VI.

^^j^HE following" citizens C(jmposed the Board of Engineers
W for the year 184S :

Zachariah HiUman, Ambrose Vincent,

William H. Taylor, Samuel Watson,

Edmund Gardner, Oliver M. Brownell,

Sampson Perkins.

NEW BPZDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Zachariah Hillman,
\Vm. H. Jenney,
O. M. Brownell,
Philip S. Davis,
Robert C. Tophani,
Caleb L. Ellis,

1849.

Benj. I). Co veil,
Samuel Watson,
Ceorge Perry,
Alanson Williston,
Ezra K. Delano,
Philip Croves.

1850.

Z. Hillman,

C. L. Ellis,

E. K. Delano,

T. B. Denham,

W. H. Jenney,

Joshua B. Ashley,

George Wilson,

Thomas P, Potter,

George Perry,

Tilson Wood,

B. B. Covell,

i8;i-2.

Asa R. Nye.

Ezra K. Delano,
Z. Hillman,
Robert C. Topham,

George Perry,
Elisha W. Kempton.
Tilson Wood.

July 4, 1847, the Phihidelphias made an excursion to Nan-
tucket and had a i>rand reception on their return. If I glean
more frequently from the records of Nos. 7 and 10 than from
those of other companies, it is for the reason that they were
kept ^vith great care, and everything of interest found mention
in their pages at this time.

The Relief engine, No. 5, built by John Agnew, of Phila-
delphia, was received in Oxford Village, Fairhaven, in Sep-
tember, 1849, '^^^^'^ ^^^ following company was organized that
year :

Captam, Benjamin D. Coombs.
First Assistant, Paschal Allen.
Second Assistant, William H. Davis.
Clerk and Treasurer^ W^illiam H. Hoeg.
Hosemen, Elisha B. Stevens, A. K. Bowen.

John P. Winslow,
James M. Allen,
Squire S. Stevens,
Oliver Wilcox,
James A. Cannon,
Andrew Wilcox,
Charles Savery,
William H. Hoeg, Jr.,
Thomas W. Nye,

Frank Bates, Jr.,
John W. Smith,
E. K. Jenney,
John Law ton,
Ebenezer Aiken, Jr.,
Timothy Sanford,
Davis Landers,
Charles Coombs,
Ebenezer (j. Grinnell,

HISTORY OF THE

Dexter Jenney,
William Burgess,
George P". Neil,

D. K. Hathaway,

E. S. Jenney, Jr.,
James Braley,
Isaiah West,
Joseph N. Peck,
Edward Winslow,
Ezra B. Briggs,
Watson Nickerson,
Edward West,
Robert Bennett,
John Kendrick,
Alden Davis,
Jeremiah West,

George Davis,
Benj. Drew,
Amos Rogers,
Ansel D. Bom^ne,
John A. Peck,
Eli Sherman,
John West,
Loring Boomer,
Elihu W^ood, Jr.,
Joseph H. Burgess,
James H. Taber,
William H. Davis,
Jason Spooner,
Asa West,
Andrew W. Hart,
Philip Wilcox.

The company, arrayed in uniform caps and mourning
badges, joined the procession In New Bedford on the occasion
of the obseciuies of President Tavlor, in August, 1S50.

The Relief, Xo. 5, continued in effective service until 1879,
when it was condemned and retired. It was succeeded by
the Alert, Xo. 4, of Taunton, built by Button, of Waterford?
N. Y. The old name and ninnber, Relief, No. ^, was re-
tained, and this engine continued in service until 1886, when
it was taken out of commission. The following company
was attached to it at this time :

Foreman, Marcellus P. Whitfield.
First Assistant, Joseph C. Jenney.
Second Assistant, James K. Paull.
Clerk. Charles P. Alaxfield.

Amos Rogers,
Wm. H. Bates,
W^m. H. Norris,
Charles Coombs,
Wm. H. Eldred,
Thomas Wrightington.
James M. Allen, Jr.,
Charles H. Coombs, Jr.,
Henry Wilson,
Robert Campbell,
Edw. L. Besse,

Geo. Carpenter,
Oliver H . Wilcox,
Edgar C. Taber,
Lorenzo F. Wilde,
Wm. K. Rogers,
Oliver S. Gurney,
Seth Shaw,
Albert Charey,
Thomas W. Nye,
Albert Eldred,'
Henr\ B. (rififord.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 79

James Cannon, H. T. Wilde,

Wm. H. Dunham, Edward C. Earley,

James A. Gammons, Fred. J. Vaughn,

James C. Chapman, Arthur Harrington,

Benj. W. Kempton. Stilman Ryder,

Herman H. Hathaway, Courtland Shaw,

John J. Hammond, Nathaniel Dunn,

WUliam Aston.

For a "• used- lip cui^ine," the Relief made a surprisinj^^ exhi-
bition in the hand-en<jine trial, July 4, 1S90. Of this perform-
ance I shall speak attain.

On Jan. 28, 1S50, a disastrous tire occurred in Tallman's
l)lock, on Union street, Messrs. Georji'c M. Eddv & Co. beino-
burned out. A sad event at this conflagration was the death
of Mr. Timothy Tallman, an aged and well known citizen.
He occupied a room in tlie upper story, and was smothered bv
the dense smoke. Messrs. William Neal and William H.
Sherman were the first to enter the room and rescue the
body; but life was extinct. A favorite dog, "Wallace," be-
longing to Mr. Eddy, met the same fate. He was a powerful
mastifl' and a valuable watch do©-.

Wallace had a fine reputation, gained principally through
an incident which I will relate. In the yard of the house
was kept a swill l:)arrel, which was regularly emptied b}-
a poor neighbor, rich in pig stock. Much to his annoyance, it
was frequently found empty when he made his regular calls.
These occurrences came so often that a sharp lookout was kept,
but without success. It was concluded finally to let Wallace
take a part in the investigation, and so he was left out of doors
for the night. The family retired at the usual time, but before
sleep had come to the eyelids the short, sharp, significant
growl of Wallace was heard on the night air. Mr. Eddy con-
cluded not to get up : for if anybody was in the yard not intent
on mischief, the dog would do him no harm. Should it happen
that any person was on the premises engaged in unlawful pur-
suits, he was confident that W^allace would attend to the busi-
ness faithfully. In the morning the barrel was found lying on

So HISTORY OF THE

the bilge, and the dog", with his head close to the open end,
was comfortably taking his ease. On close investigation a
a plump, good-sized colored bov was found in the barrel with
his head toward the lower end. Wallace was sent into the
house to partake of his morning meal, and the lad crawled
out. He acknowledg'ed that he was the thief. On beino-
asked to explain matters, he said that he had turned down the
barrel to scoop out the contents when he heard the dog com-
ing. Becoming suddenly frightened at the situation, he
crawled in for safety's sake, and the dog coolly lay down
and looked at him in calm contemplation. Any movement
looking like a desire to depart was greeted with a sugges-
tive growl. No doubt it was an edifying spectacle for the dog.
As to the boy, he concluded to stay all night, as his parents
wouldn't be very anxious about him. Suffice it to say that the
regular scavenger had no iurther trouble in getting the
weekly supj^ly for his pigs.

The Philadelphia records give this item for July 4, iS^o:

"The engine was taken to Market square, drawn by a pair of beau-
tiful black horses, provided by Mr. N. O. Tripp, a member of the com-
pany. We then had a trial with Nos. 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and the No. 5, of
Fairhaven. It was admitted by everybody that No. 7 'beat the crowd.' "

I hnd the following " Song to the Firemen " among the re-
cords of the Philadelphia, No. 7, and I presume the poet
was inspired to write it in praise of this engine. It is written
to the tune of '' Lucy Lons::"

Now comrades pay attention

While 1 rehearse the fame
Of a pretty little engine

We always love to name.

Chorus.

O, break her down, my hearties,
My hearties, stout and strong,

O, crack her down, my hearties,
To the tune of " Lucy Long."

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 8 1

This little one's a snorter,

A hardened case indeed,
And the way she throws the water

Is a caution to the breed.

Chorus.

Her lungs are made of copper
And her limbs are clothed in brass,

And she runs, the young jade hopper,
Like a snake among the grass.

Chorus.

She's no rum soaking sinner,

Her drink is from the wells.
And you'd think the deuce was in her

When she hears the ringing bells.

Chorus.

The saucy little vixen

Is fire's deadliest foe,
And the way she puts the licks in

When she comes to the scratch ain't slow.

Chorus.

The strife she's ever after,

She always holds out game,
So long as smokes a rafter.

So long as flares a flame.

'&.

Chorus.

Where'er the fire is hottest

You'll find her on the spot.
Then toast the saucy varmint

In cups of ." coffee hot."

Chorus.

On July 4th, 1S51, engine companies Nos. 5, 7, 9 and 10
spent the dav in Providence, participating in the grand parade
in that city.

The rivalry between the fire companies at this period took a
most singular turn. Among the j^erformers belonging to the
Forbes Dramatic Co., of Providence, then playing in Libert}
Hall (the old wooden structure, burned Nov. loth, 1S54), ^'^^^^'^
two talented actresses, Miss Evangeline Hathaway and Miss
Kate Newton. These ladies were very popular with the fire-
men. Miss Hathaway being the favorite of Nos. 5 and 7, and

HISTORY OF THE

Miss Newton of Nos. 6 and 1 1 . How this sort of thing-
came about nobody knows, but all the enthusiasm of the rivalry
was fully developed in this mad craze. Everv benefit nighty
(and they occurred almost weekly in the season) the compan-
ies would parade in uniform, accompanied by music, and at-
tend the performances of these actresses, showering upon them

EZRA K. DELANO.

( Chief Engineer, 1851-1852.)

wreaths, bouquets of flowers, and purses liberally filled with
money. " Anything to beat Grant," seemed to be the spirit
underlying this whole transaction, and the greatest wonder is
that this foolishness continued as long as it did.

The year iS^i developed a strange and alarming condition

NEW BEDFORD PMKE DEPARTMENT. S3

of things, that spread ahirni among our citizens. The fre-
qiiencv of incendiary fires was disturbing enough, but the fire
apparatus was tampered with, the liose was cut, and other
malicious acts were committed. The Xo. 6 was mutihited,
and also No. 3. vSeveral large rewards for conviction
were ofiered bv the Board of Firewards.

The interest in the Fire Department at this time was simply
wonderful. Every one had his favorite company. He was a
weak-minded youth or a comparatively new resident in the
town who had attained the age of eight or ten years, and didn't
*'blow" for Nos. ^ or 7, or Nos. 6 or 11. vSo contagious be-
came the racing spirit that it was a common sight during the
summer evenings to see boy companies with miniature engines,
built from large shoe boxes, mounted on a set of condemned
wheels, bought at a close bargain from some block-maker.
The sides of these elegant creations would be covered with
hieroglyphics containing the information that it was No. 5 or 6
or 7 ; that it was *• 'Always ready," that it "Strives to conquer,"
or " Our duty done our aim accomplished."

With these instruments of fun the boys w^ould have race
after race, night after night, unless good fortune broke the
spell with the frequent false alarms calling out the bigger boys
with their apparatus. What days they were I Let the reader
be gentle in his criticism of this sport, and remember that
we w^ere boys then, with boyish fancies, boyish aspirations,
and brimful of enthusiasm for that which our lathers were
identified with and preferred ; and so we lifted our voices and
shouts in praise of our favorite.

I wonder if anv of my readers remember the Juvenile En-
gine Co., No. 13, of which Charlie Collins and Henry Howe
were captains. Among the members were Zach. Cushman,
Nathan D. Maxfield, Gen. George Worth, Fred. Wood, Wil-
liam Howland, John D. Howland and others, making about
twenty-five in number — all scholars at Bush street school. We
had for an engine a tiny garden machine, with end brakes.
It belonged to Edward S. Taber, Esq., who kindly loaned it to

HISTORY OF THE

the boys, and it is still in Mr. Taber's possession. He was for
five years a member of Oregon, No. ii, and was captain of the
company when he w^ithdrew from membership, in 18^4. He
was presented with a silver trnmpet during his term of service,
the presentation being made by Mr. William G. Taber, in be-
half of the Oreofons.

Our uniform consisted of white shirts, red stripes on
our trousers and bright bands on our caps. What grand
parades we used to have on Saturdavs ! Bright, happv
days they v^^ere ; that is, most of them. One lovely sum-
mer day our company started out with drums beating and
banners flying for an excursion to Fort Phoenix. We paraded
through our own streets first, dragging our little engine, beau-

JUVENILE ENGINE, NO. 12.

tifuUv decorated with flowers, wreaths, and gaily colored
ribbons. After permitting ourselves to be admired by our
own citizens first, w^e took passage in the staunch ferryboat
Union, bound for Fairhaven. We had a delightful passage,
and landed in safety and in good health. None w^ere seasick,
but all were homesick before the day was over. We marched
into the town with great pomp, and we received a warm re-
ception from the youth of the village ; very warm indeed.
Before we had reached the centre of the town every native-
born had "scented the battle from afar." And we were soon
surrounded with a large and enthusiastic follow^ing. They be-
came very demonstrative, they became close friends, too close
for comfort, they did their best to amuse us by tossing pebbles

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. S^

at US. Thev hustled us about good and ill naturedly. They
wanted very much to see how our enghie looked bottom side
up. Now all this didn't furnish any real fun for us, and so
boy-like we got mad and, singular as it may seem, that made
fun for them.

This sort of entertainment continued until we got tired.
The fact was there was too much of it and too long continued
to be thoroughh' enjoyed. Fort Phcenix seemed to be far,
far away, and the day was passing so rapidly that we finally
concluded to gfo home. They generously furnished us escort.
When we turned down the street and had a straight course,
we took a double quick and went on board the ferryboat as if
we had been shot from a mortar. Pleasant social remarks
passed between us as we sailed out upon the river.

There used to be a little ditty, familiar to all in those days,
which we might have sung on this occasion :

Corsica jigs put on your wigs.

And oyer to Bedford come :
New Bedford boys put on your hats,

And make the Corsicans run.

If I remember correctly, our future excursions were confined
to Rowland's Grove and Clark's Point, which were much pre-
ferred to Fort Phoenix because of better protection from vio-
lent winds and sudden storms.

At this time there was a juvenile company. No. 13, Captain
Records, at the north part of the city. The company had uni-
forms and appeared frequently on the streets in parade. They
made almost as fine an appearance as the No. 12s, but they
couldn't put on such airs as we did, for they hadn't been to Fair-
haven. Besides, the No. 12s had the distinguished honor of
actually joining in the torchlight procession with Franklin, No.
10, on the evening of Oct. 4, 185 1. The occasion was the
escorting of Columbian, No. 5, and Philadelphia, No. 7, from
the station on their return from a visit to the Protectors, of
North Bridge water.

86 HISTORY OF THE

The Active, Xo. 2, was a little bucket machine belonging to
Mr. George M. Eddv, on Third street It had an organized
compan^ , and among the boys were Abram T. Eddy, George
M. Eddy, Jr., Fred. vSmith, Rodman Tripp, William Cobb,
Frank Taber, William Bryant, Charley Knights, "General"
George W^orth (he must have been an enthusiast, for he also
belonged to No. 12), Fred. Barker, Jake Johnson and others.
In their parades the dog Wallace appeared with a blanket
suitably adorned.

The Board of Engineers from 1853 till Aug. 21, 1854:

(leorge Wilson, Chief.

George G. Gifford. Caleb L. Ellis,

Benjamin B. Covell, Tilson B. Denham.

1854.

Joshua B. Ashley, Chief.

Oliver M. Brownell, Tillinghast P. Tompkins,

. Israel T. Bryant, George Hinckley.

1855.

Zachariah Hillman, Chief.

James Durfee, George Perry,

George G. (iififord, Robert C. Topham.

The Ohio, No. 3, was received from its builders, the Ag-
news, of Philadelphia, earlv in 1S50, and placed in the North
Second street eno-ine-house. It was esteemed a valuable and
powerful addition to our fire apparatus and gave satisfaction
to the authorities. Their pleasure took the form of compli-
mentarv resolutions, passed bv the Board of Firewards, speak-
ing in flattering terms of all engines built bv the Agnews for
our city. The resolutions were spread upon the records and
published in the newspapers.

Singular as it may seem, more than six months passed before
anv attempt was made to provide a compan^• for the new en-
gine. Then ]Mr. Henrv R. Wilcox took the matter in hand
and completed the organization with the following officers :

Foreman, Henry R. Wilcox.
First Assistant, Nathan Johnson.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

§7

Second Assistant, Frederick F. Chase.
Clerk, George W. Paine.

A substantial brick house was built on Purchase street, just
north of Maxfield. and the en2:ine was nioved to the new

JOSHUA B. ASHLEY.
( Chief Engineer, 1854.)

quarters Jan. 3, 1855, The compau}- made a i:)arade through
North Second, Union and Purchase streets to the house,
where the ensfine was worked, taking^ water from the cistern
under the new buildins".

HISTORY OF THE

I give mv readers the full roll lor iS^2, which we are assured
by Capt. Wilcox is substantially the same as when organized
In 18^0 :

Ohio Engine Co., No. 3. (North Second street.)

Foreman, Henry R. Wilcox.
First Assistant, Nathan Johnson.
Second Assistant, Frederick P. Chase.
Clerk, George W. Paine.

Josiah Cos^geshall,
W. F. H.Xlapp,
James C. Devine,
James McKenney,
Samuel Johnson,
Edward Hicks,
James Durfee, Jr.,
William La vers,
Joseph M. Shiverick,
Patrick Mead,
W. H. Damon,
Michael Ryan,
Thomas Cross,
Michael Uevine,
Patrick Devine,
Charles J . Place,
W^ B. Hathaway,
Samuel Haven,
Lemuel R. James,
Thomas Cranston,
James Warren,
Maltiab J. Bourne,
Richard T. Durfey,

Enoch Crocker,
James Conway,
(jorton Aessey,
Cornelius Smith,
Joseph Hoyle,
James H. Hood,
Valentine Francis,
Leander Manchester,
Bernard Mc(}urk,
Michael H. Elliot,
(icorge G. Peck,
Jacob Moores,
Benjamin Tripp,
George Young,
Charles Westgate,
Job Slocum,
Benjamin Crocker,
Ezra Tew,
David P. Devoll,
Richmond M. Taber,
Benjamni R. Brownell,
Andrew Harper,
Timothy Blanchard.

On the evening of June 30, 1S51, a fierce conflagration oc-
curred on Purchase street, in Albert Shaw's looking-glass and
picture frame manufactory. The combustible nature of the
materials made a fire of fearful intensity, and the entire struc-
ture, with contents, was quickly destroyed. At this fire an un-
pleasantness occurred between the Chief Engineer and Frank-
lin Co., No. 10, growing out of a misunderstanding of an
order. Considerable feeling was stirred up, but the mat-
ter soon subsided without any serious consequences. At this
fire the Ohio, No. 3, was used for the first time, Mr. William
Durfee acting as pipeman.

NEW BEDFOFiD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 89

In November, 18^2, a serious difficultv arose between Co-
lumbian Engine Co., No. 5, and the Board of Engineers, which
resulted in the disbanding of the Columbians. The occurrence
took place at the period when false alarms were raised, many
of them no doubt to furnish an opportunity for a race. One
evening Nos. ^ and 6 started north on Purchase street at a
tearing pace, when the Chief appeared on the scene and or-
dered the No. ^ to stop. In their zeal and excitement they
failed to obev his command, and seizing the headrope, lie took
a turn around a lantern post. This would have been success-
ful if a readv knife hadn't left some twenty feet in tiie hands
of the Chief, as the Columbian still pursued its course.
The affair, of course, resulted in an investigation, and
a demand was made by the Board of Engineers that
the captain of No. :; should furnish a list of the names
of the disobedient members. This was refused and the com-
panv disbanded, onlv to be invited to return to the fire depart-
ment the following year.

Sept 18, 18^2, the Franklin Engine Co., No. 10, went on
an excursion to Newport. On their arrival at Fall River thev
were met by Capt. Buffington and ]Mr. \\ rightington of the
Niagara, No. 4. and escorted to the Exchange Hotel, where
they enj'oyed a substantial breakfast, provided by the Niagaras,
a handsome compliment, and one that found due appreciation
from the Franklins. (I find numerous instances on record
where our fire companies were the recipients of the
generositv and courtesv of the Fall River firemen.) At 9
o'clock they took passage on the good steamer Canonicus,
arriving in Newport at 11, where they were cordially re-
ceived and oenerouslv entertained bv Protection Engine
Co., No. ^. After several hours of enjoyment in the
town, they took a return steamer to Fall River. The
company were again met by the Niagnras, and, after
being escorted through the principal streets, they took
the train for home. On their arri\al another agreeable

HISTORY OF THE

able surprise was in store for them, for the CoUimbian, No. 5,
with lull ranks, awaited them with cordial greeting. After a
short parade the Columbians escorted them to the Mansion
House, where a sumptuous banquet was prepared and fully en-
joyed. Toasts, speeches and music followed, and the festivi-
ties of the day closed with their being escorted to their
house, and the fun vyas over. Clerk Charles D. Tuell records
it as being one of the pleasantest excursions ever had in
this country or ''any other." A card of thanks was prepared
by a committee consisting of Charles D. Tuell, Robert C.
Topham, John P. Taylor, George R. Hurlburt, and George
H. Jennings and published in the home newspapers and in
Fall River and Newport.

At this time the rivalry between the engine companies de-
veloped many false alarms of fire — raised to give an oppor-
tunity for another race. Almost every evening found them
racing through the streets as if the fate of the nation depended
on the result. An unusual smoke from some chimney was
sufficient cause to Nell "fire" and raise the alarm. The record
books of the companies show it to have been a common occur-
rence to have three or four alarms in a week. A genuine fire
was a surprise, so frequent were these alarms.

I am tempted to give a story bearing upon the subject. A
large congregation had assembled to hear a strange preacher
of some note. Soon after he had introduced his subject the
cry of " Fire ! Fire ! ! " in the street, very much disturbed the
congregation, and many were about to retire, when an elderly
brother arose and said : " If the congregation will be composed
I will step out and see if there is any fire, and report." The
congregation became composed and the minister proceeded.
Taking advantage of the occurrence, he called attention to
a fire that would consume the \yorld, a fire that would burn
forever in the lake that is bottomless ; and had just concluded
a sentence of terrible import, and not without manifest im-
pression on his audience, when a voice from the other end of the

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 9I

church, as if in flat denial of all he had said, bawled ""'It's a
false alarm." The eftbct was ludicrous in the extreme. The
old man had returned, but his inopportinie response spoiled the
force of the eloquent appeal from the pulpit.

March 28, iS'^^, a destructive fire occurred which destroyed
the oil and candle works of Sanford & Howland on Water
street, just north of Middle street and in the rear of Parker's
Block. Owing to the combustible nature of the material, the
extensive wooden buildings were quicklv enveloped in flames
and speedily destroved. The loss of propertv was about
$^0,000. The fire communicated witli Wilcox's lumber yard,
which, with buildings, was destroyed, entailing a loss of
$20,000. Engines were present from Fairhavcn and Head-of-
the-River and rendered valuable service.

The cooper-shop on the east, belonging to Mr. Caleb L.
Ellis, was in constant danger and would have been destroved
but for the generous aid of a host of citizens, who, with buck-
ets of water, kept the fire from making headway, though it
cauofht on tiiree sides of the buildin«;. The lofts were filled
with new casks, and as there was no insurance on them, the
loss would have been a irrievous one. "Therebv hanofs a
tale," which I cannot refrain from telling. Grateful to his
friends for their arduous and successful labors and knowing
they must feel exhausted. Air. Ellis requested one (^f his men
to get hot coflee for them. The messenger returned after a
prolonged absence, saying he couldn't find any hot coflee, nor
could he get anybody to make it. He was sent away the sec-
ond time with orders to o-cf //, get sotnething hot anyway, and
something hot he did get. "Two buckets of whiskey punch,"
was what the bill [from Lindgreen] said next morning. As
Mr. Ellis was at the time a candidate for alderman ow the
temperance ticket, the transaction was embarrassing, but the
bill was paid. On questioning the messenger (now one of
our most successful business men) how he came to do such a
thing, he replied that he obeyed orders. As he couldn't get

HISTORY OF THE

hot coffee he got what was equally hot. The lecture he re-
ceived on this ocasion was of about the same temperature.

August II, 1S53, a couipauy was orgauized iu anticipation
of the new engine. Young Mechanic No. 6, which had been
ordered of John Agnew, of Philadelphia. The old engine was
put in commission until the new one arrived.

CALEB L. ELLIS.

( Assistant Engineer, 1853-54. )

Sept. 9, 18^3, the great fire on Pearl .street, corner of Pur-
chase, occurred. It commenced in the stable of Eleazar
Phillips, spreading quicklv to the Franklin Hou.se, Farmers'
and Mechanics' Hotel, a dwelling house. Exchange Hotel and

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 93

stable. Seven buildings were destroyed with $10,000 loss.
The Moniliig Mercury says :

" The buildings destroyed, though designated as hotels, were not
strictly such, but occupied for a variety of purposes, which rendered
their reputation rather doubtful. Most of the furniture was saved. One
hundred barrels of liquor, belonging to Mr. Phillips, were consumed
by— fire (?).^"

The Mechanic, No. 6. was manned bv volunteers, as the
company was in Newport at the celebration of Perry's vic-
tory on Lake Erie. They had taken their departure on the
8th. and, in passing through Fall Ri\'er, were entertained by
Niagara Engine Co., No. 4. On their arrival at Newport
they were warmlv welcomed bv their hosts. Protection, No. ^,
"The Honev Bees," and were escorted to the Ocean House,
where a sumptuous banquet was in preparation. Three hun-
dred plates were laid and a most enjovable time followed.
Music and speeches made the occasion one long to be re-
membered bv ever\- participant.

In the grand parade, on the following dav, the companv was
assigned a prominent position and under most favorable cir-
cumstances to sret the full benefit of a tremendous rain storm
that prevailed during the morning. Thev were the recipients
of many attentions from the citizens, and the roval entertain-
ment pro\ided by "The Honey Bees " was fully appreciated.
We believe it is traditional with the Mechanics that this New-
port excursion was the finest of any in their historv.

At about this period an incident occurred at a fire in the sub-
urbs of the city, the truthfulness of which is vouched for bv
one of our veteran firemen, whose statement would not be
questioned should I mention his name. To reach efiectuallv
the burning stable the firemen were obliged to enter an adjoin-
ing dwelling house and fight the fire from the attic windows.
They were appalled to find in the upper story a closed coffin,
a ghastly find under any circumstances, especiallv so in this in-
stance, as it was carefuUv shoved under the bed and in a man-

94 HISTORY OF THE

ner sugo^estino: that it was intended to be carefully secreted.
Curiosity finally overcome their fears, and throwing ofi' the
cover they found the coffin, to their agreeable surprise, filled
with apples. Apples ripe, apples red, apples rosy, and like
Eve of old they were tempted. So they helped themselves
and treated the crowd below. It was afterward ascertained
that the owner of the house had lost a member of his family,
and finding that he could purchase two coffins much cheaper
in proportion to the price of one, he invested, and stowed
the spare one in the attic for future use, using it in the mean-
time as an apple bin.

JAMES B. CONGDON.

(Member of Board of Firewards in 1835.)

CHAPTER VIT.

c*. HE ""red letter" dav for the Youii": Mechanic Engine
^J>s Company, No. 6, came into existence much like any
other, and to the general world it probably had no significant
features, but to the enthusiastic adherents of the "Sixes" the
morning of Sept. 27, 18^4, did seem to be unusually bright
and cheery, and the atmosphere had the exhilarating effect of
a Fourth of Jul v.

96 HISTORY OF THE

The day had come, and with it the new machine from Phil-
adelphia. For twenty years the Agnew firm had furnished
every engine for our fire department, and they had in e\'ery
instance given the highest satisfaction.

The company met at the engine house at 7 o'clock, arraved
in a new uniform of red shirts, faced and trimmed with blue,
belts, blue caps, and black trousers. The New Bedford Brass
Band put in an early appearance and entertained the assem-
blage with fine music, winding up with " Auld Lang Syne,"
as the company, 47 strong, rolled the veteran machine from the
house. After parade through our principal streets, they took
the Mechanic to the house on North Second street, which had
become a sort of sepulchre for the old apparatus of the fire de-
partment, giving the faithful and venerable machine three
heartv cheers as a parting greeting. The line of march was
then taken for the freight depot.

All expectations were fully met when the new engine was
drawn from the car and brought to the gaze of an admiring
crowd. It was built on the well known model of the Agnew
make, S-inch cylinder, length of stroke 8^ inches, and furnished
with all the modern appliances then known. The engine was
a double-decker, with extension brakes, a powerful suction,
and seemed to have all the qualities of a first-class engine.
It was elegantly mounted with polished brass, and painted
in excellent taste. On either side of the tower appeared the
name '•'' Young Mechanic," with the motto of the company,
"Always Ready," and that of the State, " Ense petit," etc.,
handsomely wrought.

A new hose carriage had been built by Messrs. Gray &
Barker, the iron work being done by Messrs. Joseph Brownell
& Co. It was a fit companion for the new engine. The ap-
paratus was taken to the Pope street reservoir and then to the
house. The company then proceeded with the band to " the
ploughing match," near Rodman's farm, where they were
vs-elcomed in a hearty speech by Hon. J. H. W. Page. When

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

the festivities of the day were conchuled the company returned
to their hall and were dismissed.

The company's record of the day closed with these words,
"May the course of the Young Mechanic be as glorious and
her end as pleasant as those of its namesake." The price paid
for the new engine was $1850.

NATHAN BARKER.
(Captain Young Mechanic Engine Co., No. 6, 1853-54.)

HISTORY OF THE

I now give the full organization of the Young Mechanic,
No. 6, at this date and for the year 1854 :

Captain, Nathan Barker.
First Assistant, Joseph Hammond.
Second Assistant, Charles W. Dyer,
Third Assistant, J. Augustus Brownell.
Fourth Assistant, Joseph W. Lavers.
Clerk and Treasurer, Sanford Almy.

William E. Watson,
James D. Jenkins,
John C. Paul,
John D. Murdoch,
Warren G. Pierce,
Thomas C. Allen,
Charles G. Kempton,
Freeman C. Luce,
Joseph R. Watson,
William A. Church,
William McKimm,
Seth C. Chase,
Thomas Paul,
Moses C. Vinal,
Ira W. Hathaway,
Gus. H. Cushman,
Thomas Dowden,
Fred. A. Plummer,
William H. Sherman,
George T. Sears,
Fred. Underwood,
C. H. Underwood,
Abm. I. Davis,
Roland W. Snow,
Charles H. Bourne,
Jireh W. Clifton,
C. E. Wheaton,
Roland Crocker,
Wm. Ricketson,
Isaac Ouinnell, Jr.,
Leonard Doty,
William Hackett,
Sylvanus Baker,
Calvin G. Fisher,
W'illiam C. Nichols,
Thaddeus Betz,
Michael Kennedy,
Henry Koenig,
John McCoy,

John Nutter,
Matthias C. Pease,
Jos. N. Landers,
William Kent,
George Devoll,
Andrew Lincoln,
Bradford Potter,
Charles Barnard,
L. T. Manchester,
Frank J. Bourne,
James Green,
William Crowell,
Pardon G. Thomson,
Alex. H. Sowle,
Jireh Tripp,
Thomas C. Allen, Jr.,
William H. Allen,
John Francis,
Jesse Chase,
Samuel Hinckley,
John E. Brown,
G. N. xMaxfield,
John B, GifFord,
Horatio N. Durfee,
H. O. Brown,
Clarfaus Vansant,
John P. Noble,
Edwin Betz,
Christian Betz,
M. H. Elliot,
Peter Donley,
Thomas Cranston,
Nath'l R. Pierce,
James Champion,
James Hemenway,
David Chadwick,
James Dooley,
Henr}- Stowe,
Hiram Randall,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 99

Henry Klads, Jesse Allen,

John'C. Jones, J. J. P. Zettick,

Fred. Weyler, B. F. Hinckley,

Charles A. W. Oesting, Warren W. Parker,

Richard Luce.

Henry Hazzard, > ^^ , ,

T ' 1 ij T-n- } lorch-boys.

Leonard B. Ellis, )

The supreme satisfaction at first manifested soon became
modified and grew gradually into a positive dissatisfaction with
the new machine. When put to the regular work it failed to
accomplish what was expected and promised bv the builders.
Finally Mr. Agnew visited the city May 21st, 1856, and, after
an examination, the company worked the engine under his
instruction. His verdict was, " all right at all points," and
that settled the matter so for as the builders were concerned.

Not so with the Board of Engineers, however, nor with the
company. The dissatisfaction was kept at a boiling heat. The
boj^s finally, Aug. 7, 1S56, petitioned the Board to return
them the old engine they had laid away with such imposing
obsequies. The petition was laid on the table ; but prompt
action was taken by the authorities, and a contract was made
with William Jefters & Co., of Pawtucket, to put new works
in the engine. The old engine had been put in thorough re-
pair and christened with a new title, '' The Veteran, No. i,"
and was held as a reserve engine. It was placed in commis-
sion in the hands of its old friends, and did service till the re-
modelled machine was received, March 4, 1S5S. When this
arrived it was taken to the reservoir near the Custom House and
subjected to a most rigid test, under the direction of Mr. Jef-
fers, and in the presence ot the full Board of Engineers — Til-
linghast Tompkins, Chief; John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss,
George Hinckley, Thomas P. Swift, Assistant Engineers.
The result of the trial, which proved satisfactory to all con-
cerned, was as follows :

I stream, i inch nozzle, 100 feet hose, 185 feet.
I stream, i 1-4 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose, 146 feet.

1 stream, 7-8 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose. 171 feet.

2 streams, 7-8 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose, 140 feet.

YOUNG MECHANIC, NO. 6,

(On Purchase street, returning from a fire, 1855.)

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. lOI

The verdict pronounced ^vas that Jeffers Sc Co. had ful-
filled their asfreement and had made of the ensfine a first class
machine. It was put at once in commission. At a trial, Aug.
I, 1858, it played 210 feet through one inch nozzle and 100 feet
hose, and 192 feet through i^ nozzle.

July 10, 1S55, our city was visited by the Dirigo Engine
Co., No. 8, of Portland, accompanied by the magnificent
Chandler's Brass Band, of the same city. The company num-
bered 40 men and were arrayed in undress military suit with
white stripes. Their caps were very handsome. The company
inade a good appearance in parade and were a fine looking
bodv of men, splendid representatives of the Pine Tree State.
Thev were received at the station bv the Voung Mechanic,
No. 6, Capt. Nathan Barker, and Capt. Robert C. Topham of
the Board of Engineers. The "Sixes" were accompanied
by the East Stoughton Band, then deemed one of the best in
the state. Cordial greetings w^ere exchanged with the visitors,
then the line of march was taken up, and a parade was made
through the princij^al streets. At an early hour in the evening
a banquet was served in Sears Hall. After this was disposed
of, song, speech and sentiment ruled the hour. This part of
the entertainment opened w^ith a selection by the "Harmon-
ions," an organization of gentlemen whose reputation for fine
singing was of the best. This was followed by a duet by
Messrs. Thurston and Shaw, of the Casco Glee Club. The
Standa^'d said : "The rich, musical voices added a rare fea-
ture to the occasion. It is seldom our good fortune to hear
better singing." Speeches were made by Chief Engineer
Davidson, of Portland, and by otiiers of that and of our own
city. Music was rendered by the Chandler and East Stough-
ton bands. The next day the firemen took an excursion to
Holmes Hole, in which occasion the Ohio, No. 3, participated ;
and the festivities concluded with a grand ball in Mechanics
Hall.

During the "fifties" the Young Mechanics had a fine excur-
sion to Nantucket, and were entertained bv the Fountain En-

I03

HISTORY OF THE

gine Co., No. 8, Capt. Mitchell. This visit was returned at
a later period, and the Nantucket firemen received the cordial
attention of the Young Mechanics and Oregons, on a Fourth
of July celebration. The Young Mechanics also entertained
the Protection, No. 5, of Newport, and Niagaras, of Fall
River, during these years.

The old engine, the "Mechanic," which had done such long
and faithful service, was stationed in the North Second street
house, and an organization was formed, Dec. 21, 1854, called
the Veteran Association of Firemen. It was composed en-
tirely of fireman who had seen five years of service in our
fire department. They were attached to this engine, the name
of which had been changed to the Veteran, No. i. I give
below the complete membership, for which I am indebted to
Mr. Charles S. Paisler :

Wm. H. Taylor,
Samuel Watson,
W. L. Edwards,
James B. Congdon,
Thomas Sanford,
George Rowland, Jr.,
Ambrose Vincent,
John Mathews,
Peleg Potter,
James Wheaton,
Ebenezer Keen,
Gideon T. Sawyer,
Wright Brownell,
E. E. Shepardson,
Arvin Smith,
Wm. H. Jenney,
E. W. Kempton,
Oliver P. Brightman,
Simpson Hart,
George G. Gifford,
Wm. H. Knights,
Benj. C. Ward,
Otis N. Pierce,
Charles W. Morgan,
Pardon Potter, Jr.,
Asa R. Nve,
David B. Kempton,

Zacharaiah HiHman,
George Wilson,
Edward S. Taber,
Ezra K. Delano,
Nathn Kelley,
Jos. Allen, Jr.,
Abraham Delano^
Jos. Chase,
Thomas N. Allen,
Jolin N. Barrows,
John H. Chapman,
Moses H. Bliss,
Caleb T. Jenney,
Tilson B. Denham,
Allen Case,
Ebenezer Ryder,
Isaiah Wood,
Squire Sanford,
Chas. M. Pierce, Jr.
John Wrightington,
W\ H. Willis,
Wm. Whitton, Jr.,
David E. Chase,
Andrew G. Pierce,
James Durfee,
Rodolphus Beetle,
Caleb L. Ellis,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I03

Nathan P. Brightman, Phineas White, Jr.,

Peleg Butts, Wm. G. Taber,

A. D. Richmond, Benj. B. Covell,

Levi H. Sturtevant, Charles C. Tobey,

Bethuel Penniman, Jr., James Drew,

J. B. Hadlev, Charles H. Leach,

Frederick Homer, Henry V. Davis,

Ellery Records, Gamaliel Taber,

Benj. Gage, James H. Mendell,

Martin Pierce, Lazarus S. Moulton,

Willard Shaw,' Lsaiah H. Potter,

Charles Sanford, Joseph G. Dean,

Charles M. Pierce, Francis W. Hatch,

Nicholas Davis.

The intervening vears between the reception of the remod-
elled machine and the date of the disbanding of the company,
Oct. 8, 1S60, were distingnished b}' intense strife with their
neighbors, the Columbians, this competition often assum-
ing phases neither orderly nor creditable. As a rule, how-
ever, it was of a good natured sort. A few extracts from the
records of No. 6 will reveal the nature of this emulation :

No. 6 Records.

Oct. 21, 1854. — Alarm of fire at 8.30 p. m. Burning of bushes at
Head-of-the-River. Six out first, with Five close after her. Went as far
as our limits to give our neighbors a good chance to go ahead of us, if
they could. Five stopped first two squares behind.

Feb. 5, 1855. — Fire at 6.30 p. m, from the North Christian Church,
opposite the Parker House. Damage slight. Six out first and first
water.

June 4, 1855. — Fire at piano manufactory on William street. Six out
first and Five first water.

July 3. — Fire at 10.30 p. m.. North Christian Church. Five out first.
Six first water.

Aug. 25. — Fire at Mountain Brow, Perry's Neck. Five out first. Six
passed her and led more than two squares in going to Rodman's farm.

loth mo., 15th, 1854. — Alarm, caused by burning of a barn near the
railroad crossing. Six out first, but being stopped by the Chief Engi-
neer, Five passed us. Upon the Chief being convinced that there was
a fire, he gave word to go ahead. Went up Purchase street in good
style and passed No. 9 (she showing fair play) ; overtook No. 5. The
men holding the tongue seemed to be laboring under some complaint
that caused a dizziness in the head to judge by the way they managed

I04 HISTORY OF THE

their engine ; for, though the Six came nearly alongside two separate
times on two separate sides, we .were unable to pass her, as they mean-
dered in most beautiful style from one curbstone to the other.

Oct. II, 1855. — F^ii"^ 3,t Kempton's lumber yard, Foster street. Five
out first and first water.

Nov. 30. — Met this morning at 9.30 o'clock for a trial at Custom
House reservoir, with Ohio, No. 3, and we got most woefully beaten,
considering the size and capacity of our engine.

April 30, 1855. — Donated to the Dorcas Society and Ladies' Aid
Society each $37.66.

July 22, 1859. — False alarm of fire at 9.30 o'clock p. m. Five out
first, Six passed her on Fifth street. Five, in attempting to pass the
Six, locked wheels, so that she was under the necessity of taking off
one of her wheels to get out of the mess.

Oct. 30. — False alarm of fire at 7 p. m. Five out first, with full com-
plement of men on the drag ropes — bound to keep ahead or burst.

I frankly admit that all this was undig-nified — that it was
boys' play. I don't pretend to defend all that occurred in those
palmy days of the hand-engine ; but it was fun for the boys,
and even our elders were not altogether disinterested as to
which got f^rst water or won the race. When, however, the
common enemy took hold upon the homes and property of our
citizens, then to the credit of the tiremen be it said that all
animosity was laid quickly aside, and harmoniously they
worked together in conquering the fire fiend. Earlv and late
they strove to stay the progress of its devastation.

Speaking of late hours gives me an opportunity to relate
a story told me by my friend, James Taylor. Few citi-
zens were better known in their day than Col. John Baylies
and Joshua B. King, both noted wits and famous story tellers.
Their homes were close together at the head of Bedford street ;
they were warm friends and sought constantly each other's
society. It was their custom to go down town together even-
ings to the post office, and sauntering homeward, the}' would
stand in front of the colonel's gate and chat till a late hour.
This became very annoying to Mrs. B., and the colonel pre-
tended that he also disliked to be kept from his rest by the
loquacious tongue of his friend.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 10=^

One afternoon in early winter the colonel came home and
asked his wife to lav out for him his heaviest underclothes, an
extra pair of stockings, his gloves, and a muffler. He proposed
to give his friend King all the time he wanted that night and
see if he couldn't freeze him out. So, dressing himself through-
out with a double suit of clothing, he put himself in condition
to be warm enough to spend a season in the Arctic. Meeting
his friend down town, the two went to the post office, and called
at the Eagle Hotel (then situated where now stands Ricketson
Block), to hear the news. Starting homeward, they ar-
rived at the colonel's gate soon after 9 o'clock. It was a bitterly
cold night, and Mrs. Baylies flattered herself that the colonel
would come in at an early hour. Alas for human expectations !
10 o'clock ; II o'clock; iitj o'clock; 12 o'clock, — it was well
past that hour before the colonel came into the house.

"Almost sorry I came in," was the response to the tender
inquiries of his wife.

"Whv so?" she gently inquired.

" Old King had just commenced a new story," was his
answer.

The winter clothing: w^as laid away for a more inclement
season.

After the difficulty with the Board of Engineers had been
settled by the disbanding of the Columbian Engine Com-
pany, No. ^, Oct. 25, 1 85 2, the Ex-Five Association was
formed Nov. i, with the same officers, and held meetings in a
room in the rear of the Columbian Club room, in the second
story of the Nathan Chase building, recently removed from the
lot now occupied by the Wing building on Purchase street.
The organization continued in vigorous existence till May 21,
1853, when the members were invited to resume their places
in the fire department. At the meeting when the company
voted to accept the invitation, the discussion gav^e rise to many
spirited remarks by Messrs. Cook, Hyde, Palmer, Weaver,
"Friend" Perez Jenkins, and Sanford. The last named gentle-

io6

HISTORY OF THE

man wound up his eloquent speech with the following quota-
tion altered to fit the occasion :

"This was the winter of our discontent
Made o^lorious summer by late events,
And all the clouds that o'er the exiles frowned,
Were in the bosom of ocean drowned/'

In 1853 the Columbians accepted an invitation to visit the
Atlantic Engine Co., No. 10, of Providence. Clerk Fales, in
his report, said :

*' We were hospitably received and made welcome. As firemen they
know how to greet their friends and brothers who toil for the public
good."

Nov. 28, 1853, the Columbians" presented a nice chandelier
to the Cannonville church. The g"ift was "■ratefullv received
and acknowledged in a courteous letter from the pastor, Rev.
Mr. Greenwood.

The Columbian, No. 5, was reorganized May 28, 1853, with
the followinof officers :

"t>

Foreman, Israel T. Bryant.
First Assistant, George Hinckley.
Second Assistant, John B. Hyde.
Clerk, Giles Fales.

June 27, Mr. William Brownell presented the company with
an elegant copy of the Bible, and a vote was passed that one
chapter should be read from it at the opening of each meeting.
This was done regularly for many vears, the clerk, Mr. Fales,
performing the duty. It is fair to suppose that the mem-
bers listened carefully and attentively. And yet it is said that
Mr. Fales read the same chapter for thirteen consecutive meet-
ings without having the fact discovered. Mr. Perez Jenkins,
a good Methodist brother, " caught on" to the situation and
suggested that for variety's sake it would be well for Mr. Fales
to make other selections. The Bible readins: continued with a
more extended choice of chapters.

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Io8 HISTORY OF THE

In 1854 Capt. Israel T. Bryant resigned the command, hav-
ing been elected a member of the Board of Engineers. He
was succeeded by James I. Borland, who soon resigned on ac-
count of ill health. John B. Hyde was elected captain, and
held that position till 1861 ; and I think that his officers,
Messrs. Sherman, Weaver, Hart and Fales, were associated
with him during this long term of office. Capt. Hyde was
very popular with his command, and this may be said of all
the officers.

Feb. 15, 18^5, the Board of Engineers voted to contract, for
the sum of $161^0, with Messrs. L. Button & Co., Waterford,
N. Y., for a first class fire engine and hose carriage for Com-
pany No. 5, the engine to be "32 man power," and of the fol-
lowinof dimensions and finish :

" The engine box to be built of mahogany and hung on half elliptic
springs, with wheels 43 inches in diameter forward, and 45 inches be-
hind. A crane neck, so that the wheels can turn completely under,
pumps 10 inches in diameter, with a stroke varying from 5 to 9 inches ;
three outlets for as many streams, with three discharge pipes and eleven
nozzles ; brass corners to the box, and cut-offs to the outlets, with 29
feet suction hose, 21 feet of it to be carried in a tube over the engine.
The brakes to be 22 1-2 feet long, all the iron work, including the
scrolls and crane work to be polished. A bell, weighing 18 pounds, to
be suspended to the tube by a handsome scroll. The w^hole to be fin-
ished, painted, varnished, and all the brass work silver-plated.""

This description I have copied from the records of the Board
of Engineers.

The engine was warranted to throw a stream, one inch noz-
zle, 180 feet. The company agreed to furnish a substantial
hose cart, without silver plating. How well the builders ful-
filled their contract was soon tested, for the engine arrived in
town on the morning of July" 20, 1855. The company^,
dressed in a new uniform, turned out in the afternoon to re-
ceive the new machine, accompanied by the New Bedford
Brass Band. The full membership for 1855, as taken from
the records of the company, is appended :

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT,

109

JOHN B. HYDE.

(Captain of Columbian, No. 5, 1854-1861.)

Foreman, John B. Hyde.
First Assistant, Pliny B. Sherman.
Second Assistant, Benjamin Weaver.
Clerk, Giles S. Fales.

George D. Bisbee,
Charles W. Keen,
Samuel C. Hart,
Thomas Cross,
Horace King,
John F. Wood,
Eugene GifFord,
Charles Morgridge,
Perez Jenkins,

Thomas W. Cook,
Thomas Hilliard,
Otis Wilcox,
William A. Russell,
Charles H. Bisbee,
Nathan D. Maxfield,
Benj. F. Hayden,
Henry A. Wilcox,
George T. Sears,

HISTORY OF THE

Francis T. Tiiite,
Henry B. Covell,
Thomas Garvy,
Alfred Wordell,
Edwin Gage,
George Gifford,
Frederick Morse,
Edward S. Jenkins,
Stephen H. Shepherd,
Joseph Gififord,
John Harity,
Judson Tozier,
William S. Maxfield,
James F. Chase,
Adoniram Myrick,
Henry Morse,
Seth Wilcox,
David L. Hathaway,
James L. Wilbur,
James H. Hood,
Hiram A. Davis,
Charles Gififord,
William Gammell,
Christal Licht,

Robert N. B. Doane,
Seth R. Thomas,
Robert N. Wing,
Charles H. Booth,
Peter Gobell,
Henry I. Strong,
William H. Holmes,
George Hinckley,
Andrew T. Wood,
Allen Raymond,
James Smith,
William Peckham,
William Love,
John Dufify,
Caleb A. Thomas,
Joel B. Arnold,
George R. Maxfield,
Israel T. Bryant,
Silas Wordell,
Daniel Catternach,
Charles M. Corson,
James O. Thompson,
Luthan J. Greene,
Benjamin P. Crocker.

During the parade, made before proceeding to the station to
receive the new engine, the boys honored May^or Rodney-
French with a round of hearty cheers as they passed his resi-
dence. The same compliment w^as extended to the newspaper
offices. The new engine fully met the fondest expectations
of the company. Built on so different a model from the Ag-
new machine, which for a generation had been the only styde
bought for our city, its appearance w^as a genuine surprise,
and a gratify-ing one at that. To be sure the jealous boys gave
it the title of ''the hay^ cart," because of the long upturned
side brakes, which made an outline suggestive of that useful
farmer's wagon ; but all acknowledged the engine to be of
graceful form and beautiful in finish. The Columbians were
deservedlv proud of the machine, and when they manned the
ropes, and, preceded by the band, marched down town, they"
presented a fine appearance, which won them the plaudits of
the crowds lining the streets. The engine was taken to the
School street reservoir and submitted to its first trial, which

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ill

gave general satisfaction. It played i6S feet, though hampered
by the foliage. It then played through 675 feet of hose, up
School street, 115 feet, and, through the same hose, 20 feet
above the observatory. The steep elevation of School street
made this trial a very gratifying exhibition of the power
of throwing w^ater. The last trial was to send three good
streams over the steeple of the Trinitarian church. The next
day the new engine played a solid stream of 186 feet. The
following is taken from the Evening Standard^ of the 21st:

After the trial the company, with a few invited guests, sat down to
an elegant dinner at the Parker House. Messrs. Blaisdell and Wing
furnished all that could be desired and illustrated their excellent practi-
cal knowledge in the gastronomic department.

Mr. William A. Russell furnishes me with a copy of the
bill of fare on this occasion. It is a double-paged circular,
elegantly printed in gold and highly decorated. I am .sure
that many of the "Fives" will enjoy seeing a list of the
viands discussed that dav :

Dinner for the Columbian Engine Co., No. ^, at the Parker
House, July, 185^ :

BILL OF FARE.

SOUP.

Oyster.

FISH.

Salmon, with Anchovy Sauce.

BOILED.

Leg of Mutton and Caper Sauce.
Corned Beef. Chicken and Pork. Corned Tongue.

ENTREES.

Stewed Oysters. xMacaroni a la Creme.

Sword Fish Fried in Crumbs.

Rice Croquettes. Lobster. Potted Pigeon.

ROAST.

Beef. Ham, Champagne Sauce. Chicken.

Lamb, Mint Sauce. Duck. Mongrel Goose.

Veal, Stuffed. Turkev.

112 HISTORY OF THE

VEGETABLES.

New Potatoes. Turnips. Mashed Potatoes.

Squash. String Beans. Beets.

Green Peas. Onions. Cucumbers.

PUDDINGS AND PASTRY.

Bread Pudding.
Apple Pie. Custard Pie. Berry Pie.

DESSERT.

Almonds. English Walnuts. Raisins.

Pine Apple. Ice Cream.

The Evening Standard says :

"The admirable justice which was done to the eatables by the com-
pany was the most flattering encomium that could have been bestowed
upon the banquet. Short, neat, spicy and telling speeches were made,
and sentiments offered at the table by Hon. Rodney French, L. Button,
Esq., manufacturer of the engine, R. C. Topham, Esq., of the Board
of Engineers, J. B. Ashley, Esq., ex-Chief Engineer, iMr. Foreman
John B. Hyde, Mr. Assistant Benjamin Weaver, Mr. M. A. Covell,
C. W. Brown and others. An extremely pleasant half hour was spent
in this species of 'playing away,' when the company retired with three
cheers for the New Bedford Fire Department, for the builder of the
new machine, Mr. Button, for the band, for the Parker House, and for
the ladies ' who were obliged to wait for their tea' until the company
had got through their dinner.

In the evening as large, happy and merry a company assembled at
city hall as was ever gathered within its walls. There was as bright an
array of beauty as the most cynical old bachelor could have wished to
look upon, and the whole affair passed off in such a way as to reflect
the highest credit upon the Columbians, by whom the ball was given in
compliment to their friends. The management was admirable, and no
effort was omitted by the '' Fives "' to contribute to the happiness of
their guests. No pleasanter, more social or better managed party was
ever g-iven in our citv. The dancing was continued into the small
hours, when the party separated, satisfied that in all which constitutes
genuine hospitality, courtesy, and gentlemanly bearing, the Columbians
cannot be surpassed The music was by Smith & H awes' Band, and
was, as usual, excellent. The supper was got up in good style by
Tilden. We heard many encomiums passed upon the company during
the parade in the afternoon. Everybody concurred in the opinion that
it was as handsome a turnout of firemen as ever occurred in this city,
and that the purchase of so handsome a machine for so good an organ-
ization 'served 'em right.'"'

I give a song, dedicated to the Columbian Engine Co., No. 5,
by Frank Easy- -the noni de plume of Air. Mayhew A. Covell :

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMExNT. JI3

When flames so bright ilkime the night,

Or shame the lustrous day,
Our duty calls where falling walls

And cracklino^ embers lav.
But naught we fear, how^ever drear

And desolate the night,
We ne'er forsake the engine\s brakes,

But work with all our might.

Chorus.
Then Wake her ! Wake her ! ! Now my boys !

As through the streets we fly.
And when we reach the fire, my boys,

Then " break her down '' "s the cry.

And since our " tub" has given the rub

To others once so bold.
We'll swell the fame of " Button's" name

And feel we've not been sold.
For she, our pet, can throw her jet

As far as the eye can see ;
And all do say that none can play

And claim a rivalry.

And she's our pride, both far and wide.

We'll sound her praise abroad,
The name she bears a charm it wears.

To nerve the listless crowd.
Then let us strive that Number Five

May never disgrace her name,
And let us stand, a fearless band,

To fight the raging flame.

Our Foreman's plan is : Every man
' Shall at his post be found.

His heart is stirred whene'er he's heard

" We're first upon the ground."
Then as we rear our standard here,

O, may we ever thrive,
And while we live we'll- ever give

"Three cheers for Number Five."

Sept. 25th, 1856, the Columbians went on an excursion to
Salem, where they were received by the Adams Engine Co.,
No. 10, of that place. They took their new machine with
them ; and what was done on that occasion is well told by the
Salem Register' ^ in its mention of the visit and performances
of the Columbian Engine Co., No. v It said :

114 HISTORY OF THE

'* On Friday, in Chestnut street, the engine threw an inch stream
horizontally 193 feet and perpendicularly over the vane of the South
Church steeple, about 170 feet. The steeple stands 166 feet high, and
the position of the engine was in the street, near the cistern, consider-
erably lower than the base of the steeple. The band meanwhile struck
up ' Pop Goes the Weasel,' and as the stream mounted higher and higher
under the force applied, the gratified spectators cheered the successful
efforts of the company to the echo. The power of the engine and the
skill of the company were well tested and gave great satisfaction to all
who witnessed the exhibition. We take pleasure in noticing the order-
ly and commendable deportment of the Columbians, which was gener-
ally observed and appreciated. They were not only a remarkably fine
looking body of young men, but their courteous demeanor on parade in
the public streets and in the stores elicited many compliments, and was
so marked as to attract more than ordinary observation. Our New
Bedford friends have not only gained credit for themselves by this
course, but also for the department with which they are connected,
and for their beautiful and enterprising city ; and they have thereby given
to this community great pleasure by their visit. The Columbians
numbered 50 men and were officered as follows :

Foreman, John B. Hyde.
First Assistant, Pliny B. Sherman.
Second Assistant, Benjamin Weaver.
ThuTJ Assistant, Samuel C. Hart.
Clerk, pro tern, Albert A. BoUes."

On their return home the men were welcomed by the Hook
& Ladder Co., Capt. R. A. Dilling-ham, who had prepared an
elegant collation for them.

On the evening- of Sept. 5, 18^7, a beautiful silver trumpet
was presented to Capt. Hyde by the company as a token of the
esteem in which he was held. He has it still in his possession,
and it occupies a prominent place in his home in New York
city.

The firemen occasionally attended church by companies, and
during the great revival of 1857-S I find record where several
of the companies attended divine service on the Sabbath. The
Columbians in 1858 attended, by invitation of the Trinitarian
Church, ^vith other firemen, a service specially prepared for
them. A discourse was delivered by Rev. Wheelock Craisf,
one of the purest and kindest of men, who is still held in pre-
cious memory by many of our citizens. The Columbians'

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 115

records of the event speak in highly respectful terms of the
service and of the preacher. During the same year the Phil-
adelphia, No. 7, attended a service at the Elm Street Meth-
odist Church, Rev. H. S. White, pastor.

At the annual meeting, in 1859, ^^^- Cril^s S Fales, the
much respected clerk of the company, who had performed
long and faithful service, resigned his position. He had been
a member of the department since 1834, when he served in
the capacity of torch boy. He was succeeded in office by Mr.
Robert H. Taber.

On the evening of Jan. 17, 1859, there was a large assem-
blage at the Columbians' hall, on the occasion of a presen-
tation of an American standard by the lady friends of the
companv. The address was made by Miss Mary A. Raymond,
and was well delivered. Capt. Hyde responded in a good
speech. Brief addresses were made by Hon. Rodney French
and others, interspersed with music. A collation followed.

A large frame containing the photographs of the fifty volun-
teer members was presented by them to the company, Mr.
Eugene Giftbrd making the speech for the givers. The in-
scription will tell the story : " Presented to Columbian Engine
Co., No. 5, by the volunteers, Feb. 14, 1859."

The continued difficulty with the city government finallv led
the Columbians to disband Sept. 24, i860. A new company
was formed Oct. i, i860, with the following:

Foreman, L. W. Davis.
First Assistant, Allen Almy.
Second Assistant, John Colwell.
Clerk, Charles H. Bisbee.

Sylvester Paul, William R. Pahner,

John W. Footman, William H. Welch,

George W. Hunt, Robert C. Topham,

Clarfaus Vansant, Charles Thomas,

Edwin Dugan, • Frederick B. Davis,

Alfred Weaver, Isaac H. Barrows,

James H, Hood, Nathan Brooks,

Charles Brightman, George M. Ennis,

Charles Parker, Lewis H. Coble,

W. F. Howland, John W. Ennis,

Il6 HISTORY OF THE

John DiifFy, Edwin Cavenor,

Rufus Randall, Daniel B. Standish,

Peter Gobell, David Pollock,

Patrick McDonald, Allen G. Ashley,

Hugh McDonald, James F. McKenney,

John E. Bowen, Alonzo B. Tripp,

Richmond M. Taber, Alvin C. Smith,

Patrick Carroll, George W. Farnum,

Patrick Murphy, W. G. Reynolds,

Barney Kenney, Michael Dugan,

Joseph Vincent, John Coote,

Luther Brownell, James O'Brien,

Jesse V. Lake, John Butman,

Giles G. Barker, William S. Wilcox,

Thomas F. Clarke, Charles W. Hunt,

Henry Stephens, Peleg R. Thurston,

Benjamin Sowle, Simeon Bailey.

The ex-Fives Association continued its existence for many
years, the annual meeting consisting of a reunion celebration,
with a grand dinner.

The relations between the Columbian, No. 5, and the
Young Mechanic, No. 6, were of such a character as to de-
velope a rivalry, intense and uncompromising. Alike ambi-
tious to be ahead of the other, either in getting first water or
winning the race at a false alarm, this rivalry resulted often in
considerable ill feeling, kindred to that shown in the political
strife of the day. As citizens, how^ever, the members were
among the most energetic and prominent, and were harmon-
ious and progressive in all that advanced the interests of our
city. When the city was threatened with a riot the authorities
were glad to fall back upon the firemen as a reserve force.
Qiiickly did they respond to the call, and they were sworn in
ready for dutv. Our readers may judge from this confidence
that the firemen were in more ways than one the protectors of
our city.

The new company attached to the Columbian, No. 5,
continued in service till Feb. 28, 1S66, when it was dis-
banded by the Board of Engineers, and the engine taken out
of commission. It was soon afterwards sold to the town of
Galesburg, Hlinois.

CHAPTER VIII.

,^^ EVERAL fires have occurred in our city where the loss
^^'^ of property was far greater than that of Horatio A.
Kempton's lumber yard on the night of Oct. i8, 1854, but
never in our history one that created such terror and constern-
ation. To fully comprehend this great conflagration, our
readers must understand the location and its surroundings.
The entire section lying between North and Hillman, Foster
and Pleasant streets, was occupied as a lumber yard, with the
exception of the north side of North street, \vhich was lined
with dwellings. Situated in the heart of the city, with all in-
tersecting streets densely occupied with wooden structures,
the yard itself was lined on its outer edges by immense piles of
lumber that skirted in unbroken line the Foster and Hillman
street fronts, the Pleasant street side being occupied with a
long shed filled with dry and therefore highly inflammable
building material. Within the enclosure were two wooden
buildings, one a carpenter shop, occupied by Mr. John K. Gush-
ing, the other as an office by Mr. Kempton, and both situated
near the Pleasant street entrance. In the central portion of the
yard wxre hugh piles of flooring timber, here a mass of
joists, there piles of laths and floor boards, staked with air
spaces between them, while the unoccupied ground was lit-
tered with shavings and refuse timber. The engine located at
the nearest point on Foster street, Hancock, No. 9, had been
taken apart for rejoairs only a few days before, and on this
night was still in pieces. Surely there were favorable condi-
tions for a fierce conflagration. So thought the incendiary, no
doubt, as he secretly entered the premises and applied the
torch, which soon brought such terrible results. He was seen
emerging from the yard half an hour before the flames burst
forth.

ii8

HISTORY OF THE

The alarm rang out at 1 1 o'clock, and soon the whole city
was brilliantly illuminated from the burning timber. It seemed
to ignite in a moment, for when the engines arrived the whole
mass was in flames, and, aided by a strong southwest wind,
was quickly transformed into a seething furnace, sending out
intense heat and making it an impossibility for the firemen in
any way to control it. All efforts to check the raging element
"was unavailing, and though the surrounding streets had be-
come well nigh impassable the firemen turned their efforts to
save the houses. But the merciless flames soon crossed the
streets, and, one after another, the buildings on Pleasant and
Hillman streets were burned. At this moment it looked as if
the whole north section of the citv must be destroyed. The
stores on Purchase street and the dwellings at the northeast
were being emptied of their stock and goods. To add to the
intense apprehensions, the water gave out in the reservoirs one
after another in quick succession, leaving, for a time, the en-
gines without supplv. This was, however, partly remedied
by sending an engine to the river, which pumped into another
and thus gave a limited supph of water. The Wilcox Build-
ing, on the northwest corner of Foster and Hillman streets,
was miraculouslv saved by the use of wet blankets and carpets,
as was the house on the northeast corner of Pleasant and Hill-
man streets. Had this building been burned it would proba-
bly have led to a greater destruction of property, for the fire
would have passed beyond control. As it was the follow-
ing persons were burned out on Pleasant street : Two-story
house southeast corner of Hillman and Pleasant streets, occu-
pied by Gilbert Howland and Andrew J. Dam : house next
south, occupied bv Captain Philip Sherman and Andrew
Hayes ; house next south, occupied by Thomas A. Howland
and Mrs. Edward Howland. While these houses were being
destroyed, the flames communicated to the building on the
northwest corner of Hillman and Pleasant streets, occupied by
Robert Hillman, then to house next west, occupied by Mrs.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. II9

Mary West and Mrs. Kempton, and next to house on northeast
corner of Foster street, occupied by Mr. Aaron Upjohn. The
estimated loss was $40,000.

It was a sad spectacle that greeted the eyes of our citizens
the next morning, when the whole immense area was a mass
of smouldering ruins and falling chimneys. The streets were
filled with household furniture, kitchen utensils and such
things, which told the story of desolate homes.

Ohe of the most painful incidents of the great fire was the
fatal accident to one of the most useful and highly respected
citizens of his day, Mr. Jethro Hillman, a member of the well
known firm of ship builders, Messrs. J. & Z. Hillman, who,
the Eve)iing Sta7tdard said, had constructed some of the most
substantial ships that ever floated. Their shipyard was located
on the corner of Hillman and North Second streets, directly in
the range of the fire, and the sky during the night was filled
with floating: embers that carried destruction in their course.
The brothers were engaged in throwing water upon the roof
of a shed to prevent its taking fire, when he fell from a ladder,
striking his head on a stick, breaking his skull and injuring
him in such a manner that he died the following evening at 9
o'clock. His untimely death was regretted by a large circle of
friends.

Our readers may well imagine that the years 1855 and 1856
were the palmy days of our fire department. It was during
these years that the highest point of interest was reached.
Already " steam" loomed in the distance, though subjected to
scofl' and ridicule, both in and out of the department. The
funeral of the hand engine service commenced on the day the
first steamer landed in the city. But more of this later on.
We are in the midst of the most exciting years of the fire de-
partment life and we must make the most of it, for with them
v^ent out much of the poetry and personality peculiar to the
hand engine service. *

The new engines for the Young Mechanics and Columbians

I30 HISTORY OF THE

were now in full commission. Both companies were at their
best, and so were all the other organizations, — alert, vigorous^
and full of enthusiasm. Two more hand engines were added
to the service, and then the record ceases. Soon the depart-
ment entered upon a new era.

The old engine, Columbian, No. 5, built by Messrs. Durfee
& Delano, in 1827, was put in good repair and the name and
number changed to Acushnet, No. 4. It was stationed at
Mount Pleasant in the Sepulchre, which had been moved from
North Second street to the corner of Mt. Pleasant and Durfee
streets.

A company was formed Feb. 2, 1857, ^^ follows:

Foreman, Joseph W. Cornell.
First Assistant, Peleg W. Blake.
Second Assistant, Octavius C. Smith.
Clerk, George W. Maker.

Gideon P. Tripp, Nathaniel Manchester,

James Beetle, Sumner M. Faunce,

Charles F. Tripp, Kbenezer Andrew,

Samuel Driscoll, George Macomber,

George Kennerson, Luthan Blake,

Sylvanus Gifford, George Albro,

Phineas Reynolds, Curtis T. Gammons,

Barjona D. Tripp, Thomas Childs,

James C. Hathaway, Benjamin Reynolds,

James M. Tripp, John W. Manchester,

Albert Booth, Abiathar Rogers,

James S. Manchester, Paul B. Warren,

Holder A. Brightman, Isaac Manchester,

Benj. R. Wordell, William Coggeshall,

Daniel Hathaway, Frederick Collins.

The company continued in active service till about 1867,
when it was disbanded.

The spirit that thrilled the fire department animated the
youth of the city ; and one of the practical results of this en-
thusiasm ^vas the organization of the Young America, No. 8.
Accompany of young men, 25 in number, raised among them-
selves and from some of our public-spirited citizens $300 for
the purchase of a fire engine. Among the contributors were

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 121

Thomas Nye, Jr., Samuel Rodman, Ivory H. Bartlett, Benja-
min Rodman, and many others whose names I do not recall.
An organization was completed, and the company sent a com-
mittee to Pawtucket to complete the purchase of the Young
America, No. S. No army contractor ever felt more impor-
tant in closing a contract than did the committee in closing a
bargain with the proprietor of a jobbing wagon to drag our
engine to the station. We were anxious to get it to New-
Bedford that night, for the state, of Rhode Island wasn't big
enough to hold us and give sufficient breathing room. The
boys were well pleased with the appearance of the machine.
On the test trial it played 140 feet, through 100 feet of hose.
This engine was of about half the size of the ordinary hand en-
gine, with side brakes, and suction pumps, and was as well and
thoroughly equipped for actual fire service as the best of them.

The board of engineers placed us in the Second street house,
and we entered upon our career as a full-fledged fire company.
We did valuable service on many an occasion, often getting
first water. In running to a fire we frequently took our engine
on the sidewalks, thus getting a decided advantage in easier
travel.

I give the membership of the Young America company,
taken from the original records. These have been since 1857
in the possession of Mr. W. H. Peacock, of Chicago. Dur-
ing the great fire in that city, in 1S72, they were packed in
his safe, which lay for three days on the bottom of the Chicago
river. Mr. Peacock has now given these records to our Fire
Department :

Captain, L. B. Ellis.
First Assistant, Matthias C. Pease.
Second Assistant, James W. Lawrence.
Third Assistant, James D. Kent.
Clerk, A. M. Osgood.

James C. Hitch, Ephraim Kempton,

George Walden, Otis N. Pierce,

Alex. H. Ellis, Preserved Rider,

William H. Peacock, Barney Cox,

123 HISTORY OF THE

B. F. Lowden, Simeon Potter,

C. A. Perry, Gideon Underwood,
Roland B. Murphy, William Mann,
Benj. F. Lewis, Horatio Bly,
Edward B. Wilson, Ezra Rowland,
Haile R. Luther, C. E. Wardsworth,
William B. Allen, Newton F. Barrows,
Charles E. Maxfield, Joseph Dean,
George W. Allen, H. M. Snow,
Joseph C. Austin, John Davis,
Edward T. Wilson, Ira Negus,

James A. Smith, Philip Topham,

George Homer, Thomas Brothei'son,

Andrew Hayes, Benjamin Hayes,

Joseph Knowles.

A song, dedicated to Young America, No. 8, of New
Bedford, by Alexander H. Ellis :

Come citizens, attention give, a story Til relate

About a little engine, we call her Number Eight;

We keep her upon Second street, and when duty may require,

You'll ever find us on the ground — playing on the fire.

Chorus.

Wake her, shake her, now my boys,

And let us have a sing ;
We'll let you know the Eights are 'round

When the bells begin to ring.

She is an independent tub, the first one in the town,
And when the alarm of fire is given you'll always find her 'round.
To throw the first stream on the fire will always be our aim ;
We'll do our duty while we're there, and gain a noble name.

Chorus.

Our new machine is Jeffers' make, one whom every fireman knows ;
She'll play one hundred forty feet through one hundred feet of hose.
A side-brake machine is she and takes water in behind ;
She is as saucy a machine as you will ever find.

Chorus.

Young America is her name and she will do her best,
When the fire is raging most, to put her to the test ;
We know she is a small machine, but then she'll put out fire,
And we'll try to save the property of all who may desire.

Chorus.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMEXT. 1 2^

Our foreman and ofificers are faithful to their trust,

And when we hear them give command we work without a fuss ;

Our hosemen they all know their place, and the boys who man the
brakes,

And when they halloo " Strike her, boys,'' she's always sure to take.

Chorus.

Our tub she'll go to the reservoir and put her suction down ;

The boys they'll man her brakes and commence to brake her down.

The water'll come with lightning speed and through her hose will

skate.
And soon will come the welcome sound, " First water,'' Number Eight.

Chorus.

By day or night we'll be on hand, in sunshine, fog or rain,
You'll find us promptly at our post, smothering the flame ;
And when we've done our duty there, and made the water foam,
We'll take her up and man the ropes and drag our engine home.

Chorus.

We thank our generous citizens for lending us a hand.
And if their houses get on fire, we'll save them if we can.
We'll try to fill a fireman's place, we'll mind our brakes and hose.
We'll do you all the good we can in conquering our foes.

Chorus.

The Voung" America was in constant service until 1857?
when the company was disbanded and the engine was sold to
the citv and placed in reserve. It was subsequently sold to
Hon. Weston Rowland, and was in constant use for 18 years
at his Fish Island factory.

The Evening Standard of Nov. 9, 1854, contained the
followlnof :

At five o'clock this morning Liberty Hall building was discovered to
be on fire. The fire department was- immediately on the spot, but
their efforts were unavailing to save the far famed " temple of liberty,"
within whose hallowed walls freedom for all men has so frequently
been proclaimed, and from whose tower the note of warning to the
poor, trembling fugitive from oppression has so often sounded. At
about 7 o'clock the structure was destroyed. It had fretted away its
short term of existence and witnessed its last exhibition of impressive
tragedy and mirth-provoking farce. The actors have positively made
their last appearance. The fire caught from a lamp in a transparency
in front of the restaurant, in the lower part of the building, that had
been left burning all night. From thence the flames were communi-

124 HISTORY OF THE

cated to the building, and thence ascended to the upper portion, between
the wall and ceiling, and were consequently invisible for some length of
time.

Being out of reach of water until it had gained strong headway, it
was impossible, from the combustible character of the building and the
scenery attached to the theatre, to stay the progress of the flames.
The occupants of the building were as follows : E. C. Leonard, carpet
store ; Bourne & Perry, shoe store ; City liquor store ; Davis & Allen,
merchant tailoring establishment; Isaac Ouinnell, restaurant; Uncle
Tom's Cabin, a restaurant of long standing, owned by Thomas T.
Allen ; Charles E. Hawes, daguerreian rooms; Mechanic, No. 6, club-
room ; Telegraph office, Benoni R. Paine, operator. The Grotto restau-
rant, west of the building, and Eli HaskelPs house, on the north, were
repeatedly on fire, badly charred and scathed by the fiery element and
drenched with water.

We but express the concurrent opinion of all sensible men when we
say that no department in the world could have exhibited more indis-
putable evidence of skill, efficiency and manly effort than ours that
morning. To Chief Engineer Joshua B. Ashley and his efficient corps
of assistants and the members of the fire department, collectively and
individually, our citizens were indebted for the safety of that portion of
the city in the vicinity of the hall. Let the proper meed of praise be
given."''

A thrilling accident occurred during the progress of the lire
that came near costing the life of Mr. Pliny B. Sherman, an
officer of Columbian, No. 5. He was on a ladder, well up on
the south side of the building, with the pipe, when the burning'
jet fell, striking him as Is came down. He was thrown vio-
lently from his position, and, without doubt, would have been
instantly killed but for the fall being partially broken by his
striking against an awning frame and being caught In the arms
of Mr. George D. BIsbee, who, seeing the accident, leaped
from the lower rounds of the ladder and caught him as he fell.
A few minutes' rest and he was back again to his work. He
never did know when It was the proper time to go home ; and
BIsbee always had the reputation of being in the way when
wanted.

I have orathered from various sources some facts about this
building which will prove Interesting to our readers. The
tract of land on which this building was located (northwest cor-
ner of Purchase and William streets) w^as given by William

NEW BEDFORD FIR?: DEPARTMENT. 1 25

Rotch, in 179^ to the First Congregational church, and a
building was erected during the years 1795-6-7 by Manasseh
Kempton. Jr., and Eastland Babcock. It was occupied by the
society for public worship some time before its completion.
It is said that one of the pew holders was so anxious to occupy
his pew on the following Sunday that he gaye a carpenter a
quart of brandy to saw open the pe\y door. It \yas, howeyer,
long before the Maine law was projected and while temper-
ance moyements were in their infancy.

The famous bell was purchased Feb. 18, 1796, of Capt.
Silas Jones, of Nantucket. The money, $255, was raised by
subscription, the largest amount, $10, being giyen by Thomas
Pope, and the next largest $6. being giyen by a colored man
named xVaron Childs. It was a bell of remarkable tone and
clearness. In the Noyember fire it was melted in the flames.
The metal was "■athered from the ruins, and seyeral of our
townsmen had tea-bells and articles of ornament made from it,
w^hich are still held as yaluable relics of the old liberty bell.

During: the excitement that thrilled the nation following the
passage of the infamous fugitiye slaye law, in 185 1, and at the
time Thomas Simms was arrested and sent back into slayery
from Boston, a rumor became current in that city that the
United States marshals were planning to yisit our little Qiiaker
city by the sea in J. H. Pearson's brig Acorn, accompanied by
United States marines, to recoyer certain fugitiye slayes that
were supposed to be in hiding, awaiting transit to Canada by
the underground railroad. The news was brought into town
by Mr. S. P. Hanscom, the New Bedford express rider, v\'ho
rode all night, arriying Sunday niorning with the startling in-
telligence. It was not long before the warning notes of the
Liberty Hall bell rang- out and said in thunder tones to the
aftrighted colored people that their enemy was near. The im-
meaiate cause for the alarm was that a strange yessel was re-
ported to be in the bay, and Mr. Rodney French ordered the
bell to be rung. Some of our readers \yill yiyidly remember

126 HISTORY OF THE

the excitement that followed, for everyone, especiallv the col-
ored people, felt that real danger was at hand. No officers,
however, made themselves known, and it is not certain
wdiether they entered the citv or not. One thing is sure, that
the reported presence or the vessel was a mistake. The mar-
shals woidd have assuredly met with a warm reception had the}'
put in an appearance. This is but one of many interesting epi-
sodes that occurred during those days yvhen it cost something-
to be an anti-slavery man. To illustrate the work going on in
the interest of the slave during that eventful period, I quote
the following from the Morning Mercury^ April 21, 1851 :

" Extradition Extraordinary. — We are pleased to announce
that a very large number of fugitive slaves, aided by many of our most
wealthy and respectable citizens, have left for Canada and parts un-
known, and that more are in the way of departure. The utmost sym-
pathy and liberality prevails toward this class of our inhabitants.

At the completion of the elegant stone church corner of
Union and Eighth streets, in 1838, the old building was sold
and became "Liberty Hall," and was used for lectures, polit-
ical meetings and entertainments. From time to time several
additions were made to the building on the west end, and
about 1846-7 stage and scenic properties were added, and the
hall became the principal place for theatrical representations,
etc. It became chiefly noted as the place for lyceum lectures
and for lectures by the distinguished advocates of the cause of
the slave. The mere mention of the names of William Lloyd
Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglass, Stephen Fos-
ter, Theodore Parker, Parker Pillsbury, and Henry Ward
Beecher will call up recollections of an era in our histor}- that
was pregnant with results affecting the extinction of slavery in
the L^nited States, and it was in this hall that these orators
poured forth their torrents of eloquence, argument and
invective.

Charley Rhodes once astonished the audience at a local po-
litical meeting in this hall, ^vhen our home orators were called

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 2^

to the platform to speak upon the vital Issues of the hour.
Several citizens had been through the ordeal when Charles
saw from the gallerv Mr. Nancecawen, a well known citizen,
enter the hall and take a back seat. In voice loud and strong,
in notes full and prolonged, he shouted : "N-a-n-c-i-e-cowen,"
with an emphasis on the last syllable and a continued stretch
on the first two. It is needless to add that the audience was
taken by storm, and so was Mr. N., who was obliged to re-
spond with a speech to satisfy his admiring citizens.

Stephen D. Jordan, an old fireman, gives me the text for
another true storv about the bell. One ni"-ht the bell-rinofer
put in an early appearance to ring the 9 o'clock, and while
waiting for the hour, fell asleep while sitting on the upper
stair. Time rolled on and still he slept, calm and undisturbed.
The deep tones of the clock in the adjoining church was toll-
ing- the hour of midnight when the bell-ringfer was startled
from his nap, and grasping vigorously the bell-rope, rang out
his 9 o'clock at 12. In a moment the whole town was in com-
motion. The other bells took up the refrain ; the fire engines
were flying through the streets ; citizens dressed and half-
dressed were scudding through the thoroughfares, anxious to
lend a helping hand against the fire fiend. But it was not the
night for him to be abroad, it was only a false alarm — the price
paid for that comfortable nap.

CHAPTER IX.

*ll^HE first hook and ladder truck belongintr to our fire ser-
^X^^ vice was stationary, and was located on the land now oc-
pied by the post office. It consisted in part of the stone wall
near the engine house, then standing on this land and occupied
by the Citizen, No. 2. On this wall were fastened several
horizontal bars connected with an equal number of upright
posts. This arrangement served as a repository for the lad-
ders, and the hooks were hung upon brackets — sometimes. It
is said that when the firemen were in very much of a hurry for
them they usually explored the ground first, and as a rule
found them there.

This structure had a roof, not altogether a tight one, but a
roof nevertheless. It served splendidly to catch a good pro-
portion of the rain and snow, and its open-work character
made it successful in keeping the ladders and hooks moist and
slimy in summer, and in winter everything would be
locked in an icy embrace. This served to keep the ladders
at home during the winter season, for they were not in condi-
tion to be borrowed.

Our modern truck is mounted on wheels, and the whole ap-
paratus goes to the scene of conflagration. Then, when a
fire was raging in any part of the village, and a ladder or hook
was w^anted, it w^as sent for. There was some economy in all
this, for the unused apparatus was not subjected to the wear
and tear incident to the averagfe fire.

Among the implements belonging to this branch of the ser-
vice in those primitive days was the " battering ram." When
a fire was very obstinate and likely to prove dangerous to the
neighboring houses, these long sticks of solid timber were
brought out, manned with sufficient power, and the whole
thing pushed flat to the ground.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 29

I have already eriven a list of the members attached to the
Hook & Ladder Co. in 1S35. At that time the company
manned a carriage built by Mr. Nathan Durfee, father of
James Durfee, in 1800, that was equipped with the ordinary
means of service, and fully met the requirements of the day.
It was stationed in the house on Purchase street and was in
commission till 1855, when a new truck was built by Joseph
Brownell & Co. This carriage did royal service till 1872,
when great improvements were made. Among these was a
system of rollers, arranged so that the heavy ladders were
moved with greater freedom. The carriage was fitted at this
time to be drawn by horse power. In 1861 the truck was
moved to the engine-house on Market street. This building
was formerly occupied by the Hancock, No. 9, on Foster
street; and when it was moved in March, 1861, the company
held their monthly meetinofs in the house while it was beinsr
moved on the rollers.

Jul}- 4, 1S65, our city celebrated with great pomp, and the
fire department, as usual, was an important feature in the par-
ade. The Pioneers made a beautiful show, the truck being
decorated with flowers and flags. Two boys, dressed in ap-
propriate costume, were placed in prominent positions on the
carriage — one a representative of the Revolutionary army, and
the other of the navy — while under a high canopy in the cen-
tre were two lovely figures, the Goddess of Liberty and the
Soldier of the Rebellion. The whole decorations were in fine
taste and gained the admiration of the great concourse of peo-
ple who thronged the streets. The company spent $100 on
this feature of the parade.

The battle axes taken from the pirate Georgia, were
presented to the company by Austin S. Cushman, Esq.,
in recognition of the patriotic zeal of the Pioneers in honoring
the return of veterans of the army and navy.

In June, 1S72, the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company re-
turned to their old station at the Central Engine-house. A

130 HISTORY OF THE

few extracts from the records may prove interesting to mem-
bers and their friends :

Nov. 26, 1873. — fh^ company made a public parade, having the
Vokmteer Hook & Ladder Co., of Taunton, as guests ; and on Sept. 9,
1874. the Pioneers made a return visit to their Taunton friends.

Tliey seem to have had a close fellowship with the Volun-
teers, for we find record that on Oct. 7th they again visited
our city and had a public parade and a general good time.

Feb. 8, 1875. — ^^^- John H. Judson, ist assistant, was elected as-
sistant engineer.

Oct. 15, 1875. — The Pioneers visited Taunton again, and were pre-
sented an elegant trumpet by their hosts — the Volunteers.

Jan. 31, 1876. — After 20 years' faithful service, Mr. Martin L. Hath-
away withdrew from the company and was presented an elegant testi-
monial.

July 4, 1877, — The Pioneers received as a prize a silver pitcher and
salver, given by the citizens, through the solicitation of Mr. Charles S.
Kelley, now president of the Protecting Society. The trial was as fol-
lows : The truck starting from the corner of Pleasant and Market
streets, ran to the north of Mechanics Hall, took a 30-foot ladder from
the carriage, placed it against the building, one of the members
mounted to the top, returned, and the ladder replaced on the truck in
42 seconds.

Aug. 13, 1877. — The Pioneers took an excursion to Rocky Point, as
guests of Reindeer Hook and Ladder Co., of Fall River. Took with
them, as guests, Assistant Engineer Judson and L. G. Hewins, Jr.,
Clerk of Board of Engineers.

Aug. 23. — Moonlight excursion to Mattapoisett, with the Reindeers
and Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 4, of Fall River, and Contest, No. 3,
of Fairhaven.

Aug. 4, 1877. — The new carriage, built by Joseph T. Ryan, of Bos-
ton, was received and put at once into commission. [It cost $1800 and
is still in active use. The old apparatus was sold to the town of
Middleborough.]

Jan. 24, 1883. — Mr. Charles H. Walker resigned his membership
after a long service. [Mr. Walker was presented with a token of es-
teem. In 1862, September ist, he resigned his position as foreman to
go to the war, and was escorted to the station on the morning of his
departure, Sept. 19, by the Pioneers.]

This branch of the fire service has always been an impor-
tant one, and its record for usefulness is equally creditable

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I3I

with that of any other organization belonging to our fire
department.

I mention a few happenings during these eventful years :

March 9, 1855. — Occurred the burning of Taber & (irinnell's rivet
factory. Loss $6000.

July 3, 1855. — The Ohio, No. 3, records 186 feet as the result of a
trial of the engine.

July 4, 1855. — During the morning, just as the grand procession
had been formed, a fire broke out in the dwelling of the widow of the
late George Rowland, corner of Sixth and Walnut streets. It imme-
diately communicated to the adjoining barns of Charles Taber and
Capt. Robert Gibbs. A lively blaze ensued. The Tremont Engine
Co., of Roxbury, who were in our city as guests, took their apparatus
to the reservoir corner of Walnut and Sixth street, and worked like ti-
gers, until the water gave out, when their position was changed to the
Friends' Academy reservoir.

The following description of the engine trial, July 11, 1855,
is from Mr. George B. Wilbour's records of Franklin, No. 10:

July II, 1855. — The postponed trial of engines, appointed for the 4th
of July, came off this morning in the presence of a large crowd of
spectators on Market square. The exhibition was spirited and exciting,
but was conducted witli great harmony and with the best of feeling.

The first company that played was the

Ohio, No. 3.
1st trial — 170 ft. 2d trial — 170 ft., 10 in. 3d trial — 172 ft.

Young Mechanic, No. 6.
1st trial — 147 ft., 2 in. 2d trial — 133 ft., 9 in. 3d trial — not played.

Hancock, No. 9.
1st trial — 167 ft., 8 in. 2d trial — 168 ft. 3d trial — 166 ft., 4 in.

Franklin, No. 10.
1st trial — 169 ft. 2d trial — 17-P ft. 3d trial — 163 ft.

Oregon, No. 11.
1st trial — 157 ft., 5 in. 2d trial — 168 ft., 3 in. 3d trial — 176 ft., 8 in.

Final results and best distances were decided to be in the following
order :

Oregon, No. 11, 176 feet, 8 inches.

Ohio, No. 3, 172 " 4 "

Franklin, No. 10, 170 "

Hancock, No. 9, 168 "

Young Mechanic, No. 6, 147 " 2 "

132 HISTORY OF THE

The engines drew their own water and played a horizontal stream
through 150 feet of hose. The size of pipe used was about i3-i6thsof
an inch, except No. 6, she being larger than the others and was re-
stricted to one inch stream. After the trial the companies adjourned
to the City Hall, where the presentation of city plate was made by the
municipal committee of the 4th of July. The first prize, a silver
speaking trumpet, valued at $100, was presented to No. 11. The sec-
ond prize, a silver trumpet, valued at $75, was given to No. 3. The
third prize, a silver cup and salver, valued at $65, to No. 10. The
fourth, a silver trumpet, value $55, to No. 9. The fifth, a silver
pitcher, value $45, to No. 6; and to Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co. a
silver pitcher, valued at $35, was presented. The whole affair passed
oif very pleasantly and satisfactorily to all concerned.

Jan. 7, 1856. — The oil and candle works belonging to Lawrence
Grinnell & Co., were burned at 4 p. m. The streets were well-nigh im-
passable with huge drifts of snow, and the firemen experienced
great difiiculty in getting the machines to the scene.

Feb. 25, 1856, occurred the fire at Gilford & Topham^s Copper
Foundry, on Front street.

In order to curb and break up the racing spirit between Nos.

5 and 6, the Board of Engineers felt compelled to adopt the
rule that only one of these engines should respond to an alarm,
the other to wait until it w^as ascertained that its services were
actually needed. The rule provided that they should altern-
ate monthly^ in this arrangement. As might be expected, this
movement did not prove popular. An amusing result of its
enforcement, not anticipated by the authorities, was that when-
ever either engine was rolled from the house the opposition
company would hook on to the Pioneer Hook and Ladder
truck, and the racing was kept up. It wasn't quite so enjoy-
able but it was better than nothing.

The Pioneer enjoyed a reputation for awhile of having a
very large and enthusiastic company. Some of my readers
will recollect when this new side show came near proving a
serious matter. It was on a Sunday afternoon when the No.

6 and the Hook and Ladder truck were returning from an
alarm of fire in Fairhaven. The Pioneer, returning to the
house (it occupied the centre, as the boys w^ill recollect), ran
up and by the building preparatory to backing in (having the
right of way) as if nothing were there ; but there was some-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

133

thing there, it was No. 6, and vigorous pushing resulted in the
rear end of the truck being lifted on top of the engine. The
excitement at this moment was intense, and a vast concourse of
people filled the street. It looked like a row, but it didn't
come. Chief Engineer Ashley, aided by City Marshal Ingra-
ham, soon brought the affair to a close, and the engines w^ere
housed in good order, barring a few scratches. The incident,
however, was not without results, for its occurrence made
many advocates for the steam fire engine, and was one of the
many causes that brought about the change.

I present the full membership for 1S56, in which year the
hand-engine service was perhaps at its best :

Fire Department, 1856.

Chief Engineer, Zachariah Hillman.

Board of Engineers, George Perry, Robert C. Topham, James Dur-
fee, George G. Gifford.

A fair picture of Citizen, No. 2.

Citizen, No. 2. (Acushnet Village.)

Foreman, Reuben Washburn.
Clerk, Edward P. Lund.

James S. Howard,
James Butler,
Lemuel A. Washburn,
Thomas S. Potter,
Charles H. Potter,
Valentine Luce,
Charles A. Cushman,
Rodolphus S. Nye,

James Terry,
John McCagh,
Howard Pittsley,
L. M. Emerson,
George L. Hathaway,
A. B. Grinnell,
Arthur Ricketson,
Samuel P. Burt,

134 HISTORY OF THE

Edward Spooner, Seth Howard,

Francis Spooner, B. Ritter,

George Collins, H. Matthews,

Augustus Hathaway, Charles D. Reynolds,

William Chase.

Ohio, No. 3. (Purchase street.)

Foreman, Frederick P. Chase.
First Assistant, Albert M. Tallman.
Clerk, George W. Paine.

Warren Moore, Albert Chadwick,

Henry B. Almy, Richard T. Durfey,

William H. Records, John Barnett,

Isaiah Wilson, Abraham Bolles,

Augustus G. Shorey, Edward Raymond,

David Almy, William Carter,

Ebenezer Pierce, Franklin Hammond,

D. Barbour Angell, Isaac Burgess,

Corban B. Lucas, Isaac Kenniston,

Joseph R. Hathaway, Andrew R. Turner,

George Mahan, Benjamin N. Luce,

Samuel Hawes, James Gillespie,

James Warren, Erastus Remington,

Timothy Blanchard, Alfred Spencer,

John T. Sherman, Sylvester Parlow,

George Haskins, Daniel V. Smith,

Frederick P. Spooner, Edward S. Thomas,

Abner T. Case, Frederic Wood,

Franklin Taylor, William Cower,

Isaac H. Barrows, John Cook,

Samuel W. Richmond.

Columbian, No. 5. (Purchase street.)

Foreman, John B. Hyde.
First Assistant, Pliny B. Sherman.
Second Assistant, Benjamin Weaver.
Clerk, Giles S. Fales.

George D. Bisbee, Thomas W. Cook,

Charles W. Keen, Thomas Hilliard,

Samuel C. Hart, Christal Licht,

John F. Wood, Otis Wilcox,

Eugene H. Gitford, William A. Russell,

Charles A. Morgridge, Charles H. Bisbee,

George T. S. Sears, Nathan Maxtield,

Joseph F. Gifford, Benj. F. Hayden,

Perez Jenkins, Henry A. Wilcox,

Henry B. Covell, Robert N. B. Doane,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

135

Thomas Garvey,
Alfred Wordell,
Edwin P. Gage,
George G. Gifford,
Thomas Cross,
Francis Tuite,
Horace King,
Frederick Morse,
Edward S. Jenkins,
John Harrity,
Judson Tosier,
James F. Chase,
Adoniram Myrick,
Henry Morse,
Seth A. Wilcox,
David L. Hathaway,
James L. Wilber,
James H. Hood,

Hiram A. Davis,
Charles H. Booth,
William (iammell,
Peter (jobell,
Henry G. Strong,
William H. Holmes,
George Hinckley,
Andrew T. Wood,
Allen Raymond,
James Smith,
William Peckham,
William Love,
John Duffy,
Caleb A. Thomas,
Joel B. Arnold,
George R. Maxfield,
Michael Vhay,
William (iifford.

Young Mechanic, No. 6. (Purchase street.)

Foreman, Nathan Barker.
First Assistant, Charles W. Dyer.
Second Assistant, J. Augustus Brownell.
Third Assistant, John Murdock.
Clerk and Treasurer, Sanford Almy.

William E. Watson,
William A. Church,
Thomas C. Allen,
Thomas C. Allen, Jr.,
Benj. R. Watson,
Joseph Hammond,
Thomas Dowden,
Jireh Tripp,
Jos. A. Landers,
Benj. F. Hinckley,
Roland R. Crocker,
Martin J. Lewis,
Clarfaus Vansant,
John J. P. Zettick,
Charles H. Underwood,
James M. Dooley,
Wm. H Sherman,
David Chadwick,
Warren G. Peirce,
Freeman C. Luce,
John McCoy,
Wm. Ricketson,
Wm. H. Allen,

Fred. A. Plummer,
Thaddeus Betz,
Christian Betz,
Edwin Betz,
Thomas Paul,
Wm. G. Denham,
William McKim,
James Patterson,
Daniel Ripley,
Bradford G, Potter,
George B. Devoll,
W^arren Potter,
Gustavus H. Cushman,
Fred. Underwood,
Wm. D. Smith,
Edwin R. Baker,
Alex. McKenzie,
William Winslow,
Charles Perry,
William Neal,
Roland W. Snow,
S. A. Pierce,
Ira Milliken,

136

HISTORY OF THE

Henry Hazard,
Lorenzo D.J. Sears,
George M. Young,
Moses C. Vinal,
Charles G. Kemp ton,
Abm. S. Davis,
John E. Jones,
Thomas A. Cranston,
Leander T. Manchester,

James Munroe,
Andrew R. Lincoln,
Fred. Macy,
Benj. F. Soule,
William P. Sowle,
William H. Nichols,
Isaac W. Benjamin,
Hallett Hamblin,
Joseph H. Lawrence

Philadelphia, No. 7. (Fourth street.)

Foreman, Thomas L. Clark.
First Assistant, Daniel S. Eaton.
Second Assistant, Joseph Burt, Jr.
Third Assistant, Charles F. Brightman.
Clerk, George S. Bowen.

Robert T. Barker,
John C. Maul,
Allen Raymond,
Thomas Almy,
Thos. S. Palmer,
James Maguire,
David W. Wardrop,
Nathan Ellis,
Cornelius B. Tripp,
Stephen Robinson,
Benjamin Cole,
Albert Gray,
Leander F. Pease,
Wm. B. Cook,
Adam Brown,

Holder R. Tripp,
James A. Davis,
George Baylies,
John Sweeney,
Geo. H. Chase,
Benj. C. Warren,
Daniel McDonald,
Charles G. Jones,
Roland T. G. Russe
Robert McKay,
Fred. N. Stearns,
Wilson Pierce,
Nathaniel Pierce,
Jos. Allen, Jr.,
Henry Russell.

Hancock, No. 9. (Foster street, near North.)

Foreman, Tillinghast P. Tompkins.
First Assistant, Samuel H. Mitchell.
Second Assistant, William James.
Clerk, Lazarus S. Moulton.

George A. Pool,
Joshua Bowman,
Amos F. Lovejoy,
Edwin Luther,
Joseph A. Parker,
John P, Caswell,
Robert Luscomb,
Lot Tripp,
Davis Johnson,
Nathaniel Jenney,

Silas Taber,
Henry Shiverick,
Wm. Huddy,
J. C. Haskins,
Hiram E. Small,
Samuel White,
Daniel Besse,
Joseph Hoyle,
Wm. F. James,
James Lowther,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

'37

Horatio N. BIy,
Charles Crocker,
Wm. C. Bassett,
Gilbert Winslow,
John Wrightington,
Abiel Winslow,
William Card,
William Hubbard,
George W. Perry,
Daniel D. Perry,
Mitchell Lowther,

Richmond Macomber,
Hervey H. Fish,
Joseph Lavvton,
Benj. Crocker,
Charles H. Luther,
Allen Wilcox,
Richard Luce,
Warren W. Parker,
James H. Pease,
Geo. F. Lucas,
Edward Reed.

Franklin, No. io. (Third street, head of Griffin.)

Foreman, Marshall G. Sears.
First Assistant, George W. Jennings.
vSecond Assistant, Andrew J. Jennings.
Clerk, George B. Wilbour.

William Gibbs,

L. S. Jennings,
W. H. Eldredge,
N. B. Colyer,
Robert S. Cornell,
Benj. F. Sowle,
Zach. Booth,
Albert W. Taber,
James M. Tripp,
Henry Moore,
William Booth,
L. W. Baker,
Elias Tripp,
Nathan Sears,
Job. W. Heath,
B. R. Jennings,
George Wilson,
Samuel Eldredge,
J. S. Conway,
George H. Tripp,
F. M. Chadwick,
E. L. Dexter,

Francis McShane,
Lsaac C. Booth,
W. H. Jennings,
Bradford Sowle,
S. A. Colyer,
Stephen Haskins,
Charles H. Griffin,
Charles Russell,
Jesse V. Luke,
Charles M. Dedrick,
Gamaliel Moore,
John Allen,
Daniel Eldredge,
James Pike,
J. O. Fisher,
Charles Shields,
Benjamin W. Allen,
Bradford L. Church,
W. A. Dunbar,
S. H. Jennings,
W. H. Lothrop,
George Burger,
Gifford Haskins.

Oregon, No. ii. (Middle street.)

Foreman, Henry H. Fisher.
First Assistant, W. J. Chadwick.
Second Assistant, Samuel S. Gifford.
Third Assistant, James S. Chase.
Clerk, Thomas P. Swift.

Gibbs Taber, Franklin Nye,

Richard W^ James, Andrew Devoll,

•38

HISTORY OF THE

William A. Weeden,
Joseph F. Roberts,
John H. Gray,
Daniel McLaughlin,
Alden Lawton,
George Shaw,
David Shepherd,
Luther Lemunion,
Thomas Peirce,
Charles Dyer,
James R. Chase,
James F. Macomber,
Matthew Russell,
Edward Lawton,
John Linton,
Frederick Miller,
Thomas Sweet,
Perrv G. Potter,
David Potter,

George Devoll,
H. M. Kempton,
Thomas Manley,
C. A. Richmond,
(jcorge Maxfield,
Horace Macomber,
Daniel Babcock,
Peleg Blake,
John Tew,
Charles C. Hall,
Asa Buffington,
G. M. Maxfield,
George Chadwick,
Edward Osgood,
Abel Snell,
Abm. Hathaway,
Luther Atwood,
Alonzo Tripp,
William Hested.

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co., No. i. (Purchase street.)

Foreman, Robert A. Dillingham.
First Assistant, Whitman Vinal.
Clerk, Nathan B. Gifford.

Holder Brownell,
David Hatch,
Lot T. Sears,
Elias Knowles,
James McKenney,
Benj. F. Fisk,
Christian Dantsizen,
James A. Davis,
John Hiland,
George Hatch,
George G. Peck,
David Palmer,

Stephen Wilber,
Frank Hews,
Jesse A. Palmer,
Russell Wood,
William Manley,
B. F. King, Jr.,
Wm. Goodnow,
M. L. Bufifington,
G. W. Andrews,
Benj. Clifton,
John Savage,
Alden Brightman,

Young America, No. 8. (North Second street.)

Foreman, L. B. Ellis.
First Assistant, Matthias C. Pease.
Second Assistant, James W. Lawrence.
Third Assistant, James Kent.
Clerk, Alfred Osgood.

James C. Hitch, Haile R. Luther,

George Walden, Charles Bunker,

Alex. H. Ellis, William B. Allen,

Wm. H. Peacock, Chas. E. Maxfield.

B. F. Lowden, George Allen,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I39

C. E. Perry, Joseph C. Austin,

R. W. Murphy, Charles Barnard,

Benj. F. Lewis, Edward T.Wilson,

Edward B. Wilson, James Smith,

Alex. Doty.

The Veteran Association of Firemen.

This compan^' was composed of a number of persons who
formerly belonged to different engine companies in the city,
and now acted as a resevve. They had charge of the engine
Mechanic, formerly belonging to company^ No. 6.

Protecting Society.

The members were special policemen when at fires or when
alarms of fire occurred.

President, Henry P. Willis.
Vice-President, Charles Chandler.
Secretary, William C. Macy.

Directors, E. D. Mandell, Henry C. Kelley, J. F. Dearborn, William
Tallman, Jr., Edward Russell.

George F. Barker, Sanford S. Horton,

Abm. Russell, Abm. Taber,

W. P. S. Cadwell, Nathaniel S. Cannon,

Edmund Rodman, F. L. Porter,

Edward Knights, Edwin Munson,

George F. Kingman, (jilbert Allen,

Charles Almy, J. P. Knowles, 2nd,

Henry Childs, Joseph Knowles,

James P. Macomber, William Leverett,

Nathan Lewis, William Howe,

Lemuel M. Kollock, B F. T. Jenney,

C. D. Stickney, Albert B. Corey,

L. P. Ashmead, J. W. Macomber,
Joshua C. Hitch, ^ R. W. Raymond,

G. D. Gififord, Dennis Wood,

C. W. Seabury, W. G. Wood,

Cornelius Davenport, M. A. Covell, -*

Jos. Buckminster, N. Lincoln, Jr.,

W. G. Baker, J. Barrell,

J. A. T. Eddy, Charles H. Nye,

Charles Taber, C. B. H. Fessenden.

George Knights, W. H. Bartlett,

James Durfee, Jr., Alden Wordell,

Jos. Plummer, Charles E. Hawes,

140 HISTORY OF THE

Alfred Wilson, Ivory S. Cornish,

Thomas Russell, Z. S. Durfee,

George W. Choate, W. F. Durfee,

George L. Brownell, Charles H. Gifford,

Stephen P. Haskins, John J. Hicks,

W. K. Tallman, J. F. Delaney,

George W. Rowland, Reuben Rowland,

Taber Bowles, Edward R. Gardner,

Ebenezer Rervey, L. H. Morrill,

Sylvander Rutchinson.

The apparatus for blowing up buildings w^as under the con-
trol of the Board of Engineers. A red staff was the distin-
guishing badge of the engineers.

In 1856, the firemen were requested to wear at all fires
badges made of white metal, with the designating figure of the
company. Locks were put on all the engine houses, and each
member of the department furnished with a key.

In iSt^y, rules were adopted to the effect that all companies
should keep to the right when going to a fire, and no running
was allowed in returning.

In 1858, the comj^anies w^ere frequently reminded from head-
quarters to more strictly obey orders.

Our readers will see the significance of the above extracts
from the records of the Board of Engineers. They all reveal
the excitement that prevailed.

TILLINGHAST P. TOMPKINS.

(Chief Engineer, 1858-1871.)

CHAPTER X.
''fj?HE Board of Engineers for 18^6 consisted of;

Chief Engineer, Joshua B. Ashley.

Assistant Engineers, Tillinghast P. Tompkins, George Hinckley,

Israel F. Bryant, Tilson Wood.

Secretary, J. Augustus Brownell.

142 HISTORY OF THE

1857.

Chief Engineer, Joshua B. Ashley.

Assistant Engineers, T. P. Tompkins, Thomas C. Allen,

Moses H. Bliss, John xMathevvs.

Secretary, J. Augustus Brownell.

1858-1859.

Chief Engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins.

Assistant Engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss,

George Hinckley, Thomas P. Swift.

Secretary, Charles M. Pierce, Jr.

i860.

Chief Engineer, T. P. Tompkins.

Assistant Engineers, John Mathews, George Hinckley,

Moses H. Bliss, Henry H. Fisher.

Secretary, C. M. Pierce, Jr.

On the evening of April 19th, 18^6, occurred the cele-
brated Rowland street riot, an event that must carrv us back
to the years 1826 and 1829, to find any parallel occurrence.
It is somewhat remarkable that the conditions that brought
about the riot are kindred to those of the two riots above
mentioned. Our readers will remember in our description of
those events that we found certain sections of our town in-
fested with a dangerous class of citizens, occupying dwellings
that w^ere moral pest-houses, and with surroundings detri-
mental to the dignity and good order of our community. In
each case a murder had been the prime cause that brought into
existence the organized mob. In the riot we are now discuss-
ing we find a simple repetition of the same condition of
things. So that we may have an intelligent knowledge of this
affair, let us take a general survevof the place and the peculiar
circumstances of the event.

Rowland street is a short thoroughfare in the south part of
the city, running east and west, parallel to and situated between
Grinnell and Griffin streets, beginning at Acushnet avenue and
running east to the river front. In the years gone by, and es-
peciallv at the time of the riot, the eastern section was a
noted resort for drunken sailors and evil-disposed persons.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 143

Nor was this confined to Howland street, for South Water and
other intersecting streets partook of the generalh' bad reputa-
tion. They abounded in dance halls, saloons, gambling dens
and brothels. When our ships came in from their long voy-
ages, these abodes of iniquity were in high carnival, fights
and brawls were of frequent occurrence, and it was dangerous
to pass through this section after nightfall. It was no uncom-
mon circumstance for persons to be knocked down and robbed
in this vicinity. Matters grew steadily worse and more un-
controllable, when the climax was reached in a murder.

Earl}- on a Sunday morning a man coming out of Benj.
Baker's fish market, then located at the foot of Howland
street, discovered the body of a man close to the water's edge.
Supposing that he was drunk, he called the attention of the
bystanders to the danger of the incoming tide. What was
their horror, on approaching the spot, to find 'the man dead;
an ugly wound on his head showed with certainty that he had
been foully dealt with. The investigation that immediately
followed, under the direction of William O. Russell, coroner,
revealed several startling facts : That the man had been mur-
dered ; that the crushing blow on the top of the head was the
immediate cause of death : that the man had been seen in the
house No. 17 Howland street the night before ; that the track
of blood from the spot on the shore wdiere the victim was
found was traced in direct and unbroken line to this same
house. All this W^as brought out clearly and positively ; but who
did the deed, and under what circumstances, was never found
out, at least by any official investigation. The name of the
unfortunate man was Rogers, and he was a resident of the
northwest section of the city.

Not long after this event, another body of a dead man was
found in the "Long House," and, though no bruises were found
showing violence, it was deemed necessary to have an inquest.
The body was removed to the boat-builder's shop of R. C.
Topham, where an investigation was held, but without anv sat-

144 HISTORY OF THE

isfactory results. My readers can easily understand hoys^ in-
tense the feeling- became after two such tragedies.

A thrill of terror went througli the community as these
dreadful occurrences became known, and they became the all-
absorbing topic of conversation. But few days elapsed after
the fruitless investigations, when the preliminarv arrangements
were commenced which ended in a most complete organized
mob. Several meetings were held in which the plans were
matured A triangular piece of white paper pasted about the
city w^as recognized as a call to these gatherings. Whenever
a red paper was posted it signified danger. The date first se-
lected for the demonstration was April 5, but the affair was
postponed because of the delay of the engineers in moving the
old hook and ladder truck to the Second street house. The new
truck, built by Joseph Brownell & Co., was to be placed in
the engine house on Market street.

Let it be understood that the municipal authorities, with His
Honor George Howland, Jr., at the head, were not lax in
their efforts to maintain order ; indeed his administration was
conspicuous for the vigorous enforcement of law. And let me
say in passing that the Howland street of 1890 is not the How-
land street of 1S56 ; far from it. A stroll through this thor-
oughfare one lovely evening recently revealed another scene
than that of early days. With vivid pictures in mind of its
condition in the rioting days, when the rookeries and gin shops
were in full blast and the streets thronged with tipsy sailors
and bold women, when the air w^as filled with sounds of ribald
jest and profanity — deviltry, degradation and dirt reigning su-
preme, — with this panorama of the past before me, I walked
leisurely through this street. New houses, new stores, good
sidewalks ; cleanliness and thrift everywhere ; well dressed,
well behaved, courteous people all along as I strolled dow^n to
the shore, crossing Water street to the noted " Marsh," where
Mormon hall and the lesser temples of vice held high carnival
in by-gone days. A group of good natured boys, who were

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I45

having a jolly good time talking and laughing on the street em-
phasized the impression that it is comparatively sweet and
pure. To be sure, here and there is a saloon with its suspic-
ious surroundings, but even this seems compelled to have an
air of decency and good order.

Just east of the house on the northeast corner of Rowland
and Second streets was a small, two-story house, No. 17. It
was here that the murdered man, Rogers, was last seen alive.
The occupants of the house were of the worst class, and the
place was noted for being one of the vilest on the street.
Through an alleyway on the east of the house and standing in
the rear directly northeast stood what was known as the Long
House, a large building occupied by similar characters and
used for kindred purposes. On these two houses centred the
demonstrations of the mob.

Several weeks before the riot the streets were filled with ru-
mors in regard to something that was going to happen. At
first it v^^as not even hinted where or when. Not many days
elapsed, however, before Jerry was announced as having ar-
rived in town. That this character was no myth was soon
demonstrated. My information regarding him and the organ-
ization of which he was the acknowledged head is of the most
reliable character, and the facts relating to the finding of the
murdered man on the shore were told me by the very man who
made the discovery.

One morning our citizens were greeted with bits of red pa-
per, posted everywhere through the city, bearing the signifi-
cant words : "Fire! Fire! On Rowland street I Paint your
faces and look out for the police." This was an appeal to the
more than three hundred members of the organization that the
attack was to take place on the following Saturday night, April
19th. They met that evening on City Rail square, and, at an
early hour, a party of the rioters took the old truck from the
Second street house, proceeded to Rowland street, and under-
took to pull down the house, No. 17. Their efforts were un-

146 HISTORY OF THE

successful, until about 9 o'clock, when a false alarm of fire
^vas raised and brought the whole force and an immense crowd
of people to the scene. The rioters now were in their great-
est strength. They proceeded to the vicinity of the house,
quickly stripped the carriage of the long hooks, and the work
of demolition commenced. One of these hooks was thrust into
the front window, another to the roof, the rioters manning the
ropes, and surging, with heavy strain, the house began to come
down. The Long House, in the rear, was the first to be set
on fire, though both w^ere soon in flames, and burning
fiercely, while dense volumes of smoke filled the heavens.
Jerry mounted the ridgepole of No. 17 and directed the
operations.

A thrilling episode occurred when this building w^as entirely
Avrapped in smoke and flame. The roof fell in with a tremen-
dous crash, carrying Jerry with it, and it w^as for some time
supposed he had perished in the seething furnace. But he soon
put in an appearance and continued to direct operations. The
fire soon spread to the next building east, called the Block, but
th'e damage here was slight. An}' attempt on the part of the
engines to play on either of the first two buildings was
defeated by cutting the leading hose. The fire department
was promptly on hand, but its operations were distinguished
by its apparent stupidity and want of efliciency.

The Franklin, No. 10, w-as the first to arrive. Singular as
it may seem the engine stopped directly over the reservoir
cover and not a man could find it. Nos. 5 and 6 came tearing
through the streets, anxious, of course, each to beat the other
in getting first water, shoved their suctions under No. 10, got
w^ater and played on — no they didn't play on the fire, for the
reason above stated. All the engines of the department w^ere
hindered from doing any service. The only instance wdiere
they were at all eflective was in putting out the fire in
the Block. The crowds of people were great, for the
papers of the day mention the number as at least three thou-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I47

sand. The police were present, but were helpless in prevent-
ing the work of the mob ; indeed, the mischief had been ac-
complished before they were present in any force.

The City Guards, Capt. Timothy Ingraham, were ordered
out by the mayor, and marched to the scene, fully armed and
equipped for serious work. They halted on Second street,
near Rowland, and awaited orders. By this time the rioters
had dispersed, evidently satisfied with the work accomplished^
and the Guards were not called upon for service. At midnight
the crowds of people retired, and tlius ended the famous How-
land street riot. Several persons were arrested, but their cases
never came to trial. The denizens of other notorious sections
of the city were badlv frightened, and during the night outposts
were stationed to give the alarm should the mob be seen ap-
proaching. The city go/ernment took vigorous action to pre-
vent further demonstrations of this character. The military
were underarms for several weeks, and many of the engine
companies were sworn in for special duty, but fortunately their
sen'ices were not required.

I clip several items from the records of the companies :

April 26, 1856.— Oregon, No. ii. — False alarm of fire. Proceeded
to Rowland street; found no fire but plenty of police.

October, 1856. — Franklin, No. 10. — A beautiful pennant was pre-
sented to the company by Weston Howland, Esq. Resolutions of
thanks were passed.

Jan. 21, 1858. — Fire at Fairhaven. Depot of the Fairhaven & Bos-
ton Railroad Co. burned. Engines 5, 7 and 9 went over and rendered
effective service.

April 9, 1858. — William B. Cooke> Esq., presented Philadelphia, No.
7, a splendid gold-clasped Bible. The gift was received by Capt.
Clark, who made an appropriate speech. The company passed a vote
of thanks and also a resolution that a chapter should be read at every
regular meeting. [The records show diat this was faithfully carried
out at this time. Church going seemed to be popular with the
firemen.]

On Sunday, April 11, 1858, engine companies Nos. i, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
and ID attended service at the Elm Street M. E. church, and listened
to a sermon by the pastor, Rev. Henry S. White.

I4S HISTORY OF THE

May 16. — Franklin Co., No. 10, attended Trinitarian church. Sec-
ond sermon preached to firemen by Rev. Wheelock Craig. The Frank-
lins mustered 62 men, including their volunteers. On June loth
they went to Allen Street church ; sermon by Rev. John Howson.

In November, 1859, ^^^ Board of Engineers took the hose
reel of the Franklin, No. 10, out of service for some slight re-
pairs, supplying them with a spare reel for temporarv use.
At an alarm of fire on Nov. 26th the engines responded, and
to the genuine surprise of the Franklins the Young Mechanics,
No. 6, appeared wn"th their hose reel. This raised their ire ;
and on returning to their house they appointed their officers a
committee to wait on Acting Chief Hincklev for an explanation
of the affair. They were informed that as the No. 6 reel was
off for repairs the engineers ordered the Franklin reel to be at-
tached to No. 6 ; and as the service was only a temporary one
they declined the request of the committee to make any change.
The sequel to this affair is given in the following extracts
from No. lo's records:

Nov. 27th. — Alarm of fire at 9.30 o'clock p. m., caused by a fire in
the Market street school-house. Not much damage done. No. 6, first
water. No. 10 was on hand and put down at the corner of Union and
Fourth streets. The company, seeing their reel at the fire, took it and,
assisted by their friends, succeeded in taking it to their engme, although
No. 6 tried their best, assisted by the engineers and the Protecting So-
ciety, to prevent them. Some of the tallest specimens of pulling and
hauling on record was witnessed at this fire. The reel was afterwards
given up to the engineers and placed again with No. 6.

Nov. 28. — The company's hose reel was returned this afternoon and
placed with the engine.

At half past one on the morning of April 18, 1859, ^'"^
broke out in the carriagfe factory of William A. Nash, in
Mechanics lane. It spread with great rapidity and the build-
ing was soon enveloped in flames. The fire spread to the
two stables of John M. Hathaway & Brother, on Elm street,
thence to that of Messrs. Bailey & Hathaway. Our readers
may well imagine the fearful condition of matters when these

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 49

four buildings, filled with combustible materials, were in a rag-
ing, uncontrollable blaze. The heat was intense and almost
inibearable. Fortunately the horses, 67 in number, were saved
by cutting the halters and driving them from the buildings.
Thev went prancing about town, free to go at their own pleas-
ure. Thev were corralled when their owners had more leis-
ure, in the morning. The fire worked rapidly to the west,
and Andrew J. Dam's bi.lliard saloon and bowling alley on Elm
street was soon ablaze, as was also the two-story house next
west, owned by Seth R. Thomas ; also, Joseph Linton's black-
smith shop, L. G. Carpenter & Son's blacksmith shop, and the
building west occupied by the same firm, second story by G.
Tuckwell and Pierce & Co. — all these on the north side of
Mechanics lane. On the south, Mechanics Hall, occupied by
the City Guards and Union Boot & Shoe store, took fire and
was badly injured, though not destroved. The city librarv
was in great danger, and the window casements on the north
side were badly burned. The granite walls of the North
Congregational church, on the east, stayed the progress of the
fire in that direction. The entire loss of property was $27,000,
on which there was an insurance of $9=^00. The conflagra-
tion was the work of an incendiary, who chose a place and
time for one of the most disastrous fires our citv ever experi-
enced. The combustible nature of the buildings, with their
contents, made favorable material for the terrible fire, and
the only wonder is that the department was able to stop it
when it did ; for at the moment when the flames were fiercest
the reservoir on City Hall square gave out, and four of the en-
gines had to be moved to other points for water.

The Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company did great service
at this fire in pulling down sheds, (there were a number that
connected the stables) and in removing fences. Thirteen
buildings in all were destroyed in this conflagration. The
newspapers of the day speak in commendable terms of the
work done by the fire department.

150 HISTORY OF THE

At noonday on August 24, 1859, the greatest fire in our lo-
cal history, involving an immense loss of property, occurred
on Water street, north of Middle. It was past twelve,
an hour when the shops and streets were deserted, and
the workmen were at dinner, when fire broke out suddenly in
the engine room of William Wilcox's planing mill, on the east
side of Water street, on the same spot where now stands Til-
lino-hast & Terrv's mill. The structure was of w^ood and, in
an instant, was enveloped in flames. A strong southeast wind
was blowing at the time, and the fire spread with great rapid-
ity to the buildings north, leaped across the street, even before
the alarm was given, taking all the shops on the west side of
Water street clear to North street, and worked its way steadily
westward to Second street.

Meanwhile, along the wharves the flames made steady pro-
gress, taking in their path all the buildings and their contents.
Wilcox's lumber yard was now one dense mass of flame, and
the condition of things at this time was appalling. But when
the cargoes of oil stored in the vicinity of Richmond &
Wilcox's wharf took fire, and the ship John & Edward,
lying at the head of the dock, was absorbed in the destruction,
the flames enveloping the entire vessel, and leaping upward to
the top of the masts, the scene was one of awful impressive-
ness. The oil, at this point, as it ran from the wharf into the
dock, took fire, and at one time the water for some distance
out into the dock was covered with burning oil, forming liter-
erally a sea of fire. Several ships in this dock tied to the
wharf had to be pushed out into the river in order to save
them from destruction. At this juncture the writer took a boat
and sculled up the river, through a sea of oil, for the vast
numbers of oil casks had burst, and the contents ran into the
river, covering it for a long distance to the depth of several
inches.

The spectacle now presented was one of sublime grandeur.
At the north, mountains of black smoke were rising, tinged at

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 15I

the lower edges, with the forked flames that rose from the
burning oil, while in the foreground was the burning ship — at
this moment in the last stage of destruction. At the south the
burning lumber had reached its intensest heat, and solid masses
of flame shot high into the heavens. In the intervening space
were the standing chimneys, grim monuments of the frightful
disaster, and the burning ruins of what but a few hours before
had been hives of industrv. Here and there migfht be seen
groups of firemen at their work, defying the danger that beset
them on every hand.

The houses on Second street were now in flames and the fire
was spreading with fearful certainty to the north, promising to
cut a path through the northwest section of the city ; and
without doubt it would have done so but for the decision of the
authorities to blow up the building on the northwest corner of
Second and North streets. This was quickly accomplished,
and the stunning explosion that was heard in every part of the
citv was the announcement to the aflrighted citizens that dan-
ger from that section was over. On the northwest corner of
North Water and North streets were stored under seaweed
14,000 barrels of oil, valued at $200,000. To save this from
destruction a number of citizens, armed with big brooms made
of brush, thrashed out the burnino- cinders as thev fell in ofreat
clouds. The fearful heat made this task almost unbearable,
and yet pluckily they stood to the work and saved this large
property. They were aided by the fire department who kept
the seaweed wet.

The bursting of so many oil casks sent rivulets of oil in all
directions, much of it into the river, much into everv sunken
spot, and ponds of pure spermaceti were formed in many di-
rections. When the conflagration was under control the
gathering of this oil became a lively business. Empty oil
casks were at a premium and every sort of vessel that would
hold liquid was brought into requisition. "Dipping ile " was
a very profitable business and was well followed for a time,

152 HISTORY OF THE

some persons getting as much as 40 barrels. It was subse-
quently bought by the oil refining factories at about 2^ cents a
gallon.

At nightfall the fire had spent its fury and apprehensions of
any further disaster were allayed. Several engines were at work
all night playing upon the ruins.

When the Daly building on Second street was blown up,
Chief Engineer Tillinghast P. Tompkins was struck on the
head by a falling timber, that cut a terrible gash through the
scalp. It was feared for a time that the accident would prove
fatal, but Mr. Tompkins soon recovered. He still walks our
streets, vigorous in mind, though scarcelv capable of standing
the fearful strain of an equal responsibilitv to the one of
that dreadful day. I le was ably assisted in the arduous duties
of the day by his assistants, Messrs. John Mathews, Moses H.
Bliss, George Hincklev and Thomas P. Swift. Our readers
can understand how strong the wind was blowing, when I
mention the fact that burning embers were found two miles
away to the northwest.

An " oil dipper" fell off the floating logs at Beetle's spar
yard and, as the oil was several inches deep on the surface of
the water, he was pretty w^ell " done in oil" before he could
be slid to a place of safety.

Ships Illinois, Congaree and Cowper, lying in the docks,
were slightlv damaged by fire, but were towed out of danger
by tugboat Spray. The occasional explosion of the bomb-
lances was terrific and the reports were like those of artillery
on the battle-field.

The following buildings were destroyed : William Wilcox's
steam planing mill, loss $14,000, no insurance ; Thomas
Booth's sash, door and blind manufactory, upper story, loss
$1500, no insurance; Ryder & Smith's building and spar
yard, totally destroyed, loss $3000, no insurance ; Thomas
Booth's carpenter shop, loss $1000 ; all these were on the east
side of Water street. The flames now crossed the street and

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

153

burned Hayes & Co.'s mill for dressing staves, loss $2500, no
insurance ; the second story was occupied bv Charles and Ed-
ward Bierstadt, turning and sawing shop, loss $1000, no insur-
ance ; the building next north w^as Warren Hathaway & Son's,

JOHN MATHEWS.

(Assistant Engineer, 1857-1871. )

manufacturers of whaling apparatus, mincing machines, etc.,
loss $7000, insurance $2600 ; in the rear was a blacksmith
shop, entirely destroyed. In these buildings was a large lot of
bomb-lances that exploded during the progress of the fire,

154 HISTORY OF THE

creating much alarm among the people ; next north, building
occupied by Howland & Coggeshall, storage of casks ; second
story, carpenter's shop, G. & C. Brownell, loss $400. The
flames then attacked the lumber yard, sheds and buildings be-
longing to Thomas Booth, loss $8000, no insurance ; John D.
Hursell, paint shop, in upper story of building, loss $1200,
no insurance. Next in order came the large three-storv build-
ing on the corner of North and Water streets, occupied by
Nathaniel H. Nye, ship chandler; second story, counting
rooms of Messrs. Wilcox & Richmond, B. B. Howard, Ed-
mund Maxfield, Russell Maxfield and David B. Kempton ;
third story occupied by Charles Searell, rigger ; loss on build-
ing $3000, Mr. Searell $^00, no insurance. To the west of
the machine shop of Messrs. Hathaway was the cooperage of
Howland & Coggeshall. Their entire loss was $3000, no insur-
surance. Near this were two other small dwellings that were
destroyed.

The fire still continued to spread to the west. The engineers
blew up the building on Second street at 1.30 o'clock belong-
ing to Dennis Daly. This effectually stopped the fire from go-
ing southerly. The next building destroyed north of Daly's
was the house belonging to Stephen N. Potter, loss $3000, no
insurance. Then came the large cooperage of Hayes & Co.
It w^as entirely destroyed, loss $Sooo, no insurance. Following
this a dwelling house owned by Wilcox & Richmond, loss
$1200, no insurance. Next, southeast corner of Second and
North streets, fish market of Gardner & Estes, loss $400, in-
sured. The fire then extended to the west side of Second
street and destroyed a dwelling owned by Mrs. Ezra Smith,
loss $3000. Next, on the same side, a house on the southwest
corner of North and Second streets, owned b\' D. R. Greene, loss
$4000, insurance $2200. At 2 o'clock the engineers blew up
the dwelling house of Mrs. Joseph Maxfield on northwest
corner of North and Second streets, loss $1500.

The above, embracing about twenty buildings, were de-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. ic;^;

stroyed, and a large number of sheds, etc., and 8000 barrels of
oil. The entire loss, as recorded in the books of the Board of
Engineers was $254,575, with but $6975 insurance.

This was the most disastrous conflagration our city ever ex-
perienced ; and what made it especially sad was that the loss
fell with such terrible force upon a class of our most indus-
trious and worthy citizens, manv of whom saw all the hard
earnings of years in a few hours entirely obliterated. Some
not only lost their business, but their homes eyen were sacri-
ficed in the great disaster.

Columbian Engine Co., No. 5, was in Newport on an ex-
cursion when this fire took place.

Hardly had the embers died out before there came an imper-
ative demand by the citizens for a more adequate protection of
our cit}'. The newspapers took up the appeal, and "steam"
became the popular cry. The hand engine service fought the
battle for all it was worth, but without avail ; the beginning of
the end had come. The scofls and jeers of the multitude of
friends of the fire department under the old regime could not
stay the tide of progress. The steam fire engine rolled into
town one day, only a few months later. In less than a year fol-
lowing its advent, the hand engines began, one after another,
to go out of service, and the number of steam fire engines
increased.

CHAPTER XI.

?Mm'E have now reached the period (iS6o) when a new de-
^jkD/ parture was made, and new methods introduced, that
effectuall}^ overturned and displaced the service that had been
held in high esteem, and around which liad clustered the all-
absorbing interest and public spirit of generations : a sen'ice
that had brought within its sphere the very best elements, of our
community. Admitting all the weaknesses and blemishes pe-
culiar to the hand service, our citizens cannot but be proud of
the record. Its history is the history of the personality of New
Bedford. Mention the name of anv citizen distinsfuished in
his day for enterprise, business capacitv, broad common sense,
and sterling character, and the chances are more than even that
his name will be found recorded among the firemen.

What changes have taken place since the primitive machine,
built by Newsham, in London, in 1772, was brought to the
villaofe of Bedford ! How amused we are to read of the
Bucket Brigade ; but w^as it not equal to the demands of its
day .^ Indeed, has not every improvemant been called into ex-
istence by the peculiar demand of the age? Was not the ap-
palling conflagration of Aug. 24, 1S59, ^^^^ voice that cried
aloud for advance in protective methods? Did not steam come
to the front from the imperative demand of the exigencies of
that experience ?

In less than ten days after this awful calamity an order
passed the city government — not without fierce opposition —
for the purchase of the first steam fire engine, Onward, No. i.
It was built bv the famous Amoskeag Mfg. Co., of Manchester,
N. H. ; it had rotary pumps and was equipped with the best
inventions of its day, but would compare unfavorably with the
machines of the present.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 157

A company was organized Jan. 2, i860, as follows :

Foreman, Tilson B. Uenham.
First Assistant, William H. Sherman.
Second Assistant, Gideon Wing.
Clerk, Edward S. Taber.

Atwood Holmes, Robert T. Barker,

Joseph G. Dean, Lewis C. Rodgers,

Ephraim Chaney, Charles H. W^ood,

Caleb T. Jenney, Charles Burbank,

W^illiam Cook, Thomas J. Gifford.

It was arranged, in case of fire, to use horses from the city
stables. The steamer arrived in February and was placed in
the brick building on the northeast corner of Pleasant street
and Mechanic's lane.

But a few days following the arrival of the Onward, a fierce
fire broke out on the northwest corner of Middle and North
Second streets, burning Pollard & Myrick's cooperage and sev-
eral other buildings, entailing a loss of $8400, with an insur-
ance of $2200. The fire department responded with its usual
promptness. Much interest was centered upon the Onward,
which was worked for the first time. It was taken to Parker's
wharf and, after some delay in furnishing leading hose, put a
stream on the fire that soon made havoc with the flames and
proved an eye-opener to many who had heretofore been preju-
diced against the new invention. The service of the engine
was powerful and steady, revealing to a marked degree the
staying quality of its work when once in operation.

In October the following permanent organization was com-
pleted and entered into regular service :

Foreman, William H. Sherman.
First Assistant, Gideon Wing.
Second Assistant, William Cook.
Clerk, George Kempton.
Engineer, Charles H. Wood.
Hostler, Benj. F. King.

Thomas J. Gifford, Richard Bennett,

Henry T. Southwick, J. S. Southwick,

T. M. Grew, J. L. Luce,

I5S HISTORY OF THE

C. W. Brownell, W. O. Sullivan,

T. D. Dexter, C. E. Doty.

J. B. Tripp, George G. Gifford,

Robert T. Barker.

On the afternoon of March 17 the first contest and trial be-
tween hand and steam occurred. The Columbian, No. 5,
built by Button, and Young Mechanic, No. 6, built by Jeffers,
were selected to champion the hand engine service. The
steamer Onward was stationed on the wharf at the foot of
North street and drew^ \vater from the river. The two hand
engines were placed at the corner of North and North Second
streets. Two lines of hose, each of 500 feet length, were laid
from the steamer, the open butts being placed in the hand en-
gines. The latter ^^layed through i^ Inch nozzles.

The preparations for the struggle had been made with great
care, both companies striking hands In this competition to
bring victory. Each appeared with a full complement of men,
all imbued with an earnest desire to beat their cominon enemy.
At the command of Chief Tompkins the steamer commenced
work, the hose began to fill, and the water began to flow.
The Columbian and Young Mechanic, with their brakes filled
with their most athletic men, began to " break her down" in
good earnest, and the contest was now under way. The
streets were blocked In all directions with an immense crowd
of people, all having an Intense interest in the Issue of the
hour. The partisans of the Fives and Sixes for once united
their voices In the common cause, and our readers may well
imagine that matters were decldedlv excItIno\ The steamer
let on its jDower gradually until the fullest capacit}' was entered ;
and such torrents of water flowed from the butts as to suggest
a miniature Niagara broken loose. The boys, meanwhile w^ere
paying strict attention to business, and the rapidity of stroke
increased. " Wake her ! Shake her ! " was the cry. Wake
and shake her they did to their utmost power. Could the
steamer vs^ash both engines? was the Important question to be
decided.

NEW. BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1^9

The contest continued for 30 minutes without cessation. The
result was that the Cokunl:)ian was washed, and while the
Young Mechanic once or twice drained the supply, yet the
struofofle was on the whole decidedly in favor of steam.

The next trial was to place the No. 6 on Purchase street,
the steamer to be supplied through iioo feet of hose, and the
Young Mechanic to play through 500 feet and to use i^ inch
nozzle.

Steamer and hand engine entered the contest with vigor,
which resulted in the latter using up the supply several times
ana then calling for more. How the bo3^s yelled with delight,
threw their hats in the air, cheered each other, cheered them-
selves, and made the \velkin ring with their noisy demonstra-
tions ! The Fives were as pleased as the Sixes, and the Sixes
were wild with joy. After the trial they took their machine to the
Pleasant street reservoir and played a stream above the church
steeple. They cheered themselves hoarse and took their ma-
chine home, proud of their achievements. The Columbians
took their engine to the Fourth street reservoir and played
three solid streams over Pierian Hall. This performance
was deemed much more satisfactory than any previous trial.
The Columbians rolled their machine home, more proud of it
even than when it made such a splendid record in vSalem.
Both companies were deservedly proud of their engines. They
were alike fine representatives of the best manufacturers in
the land.

But let us turn our attention to the second ringing of the fire
bell, and see what was the practical result of the contest be-
tween hand and steam. We found that the Amoskeags had
sent us an engine whose drawing and forcing powers were im-
mense, surpassing anything ever shown before ; that under or-
dinary demands it could furnish ample water supply from the
river for two engines easily, and drive it to any part of the
town : that in doing this work it didn't get tired ; only give the
engine plenty of food of tlie right sort, and it was good for an

l6o HISTORY OF THE

unlimited period of service. Our citizens saw a fire apparatus
that, had it been available at the Kempton lumber-vard hre,
would have furnished water in such quantitv as to have saved
enough property from destruction on that night alone to have
paid for itself and all its equipments. They saw an en-
gine that, could it have been in service at the Mechanics lane
fire, would have without doubt kej^t the conflagration to the
first four buildings destroved. It was easv to see that this
steamer would not require so large a force of men, and there-
fore in its economical bearing the advantages were in its favor.
Slo^vly but certainly the conviction fastened itself upon the
communit}^ that this new method of dealing with the fire fiend
was to be the method of the future. Before manv months
passed the boys themselves began to read the hand-writing on
the w^all.

It is a significant fact that from the year i860, when steam
entered the city, we have had no extensive conflagrations within
our limits. The experiences of 1859 have never been repeated.
Fierce fires have occurrred, but they have been in almost all
cases confined to the limits of one or two buildings. I do not
overlook the Wall street fire April i, 1887, when Kirby's paint
mill was destroved, when I make this statement. There never
was a grander exhibition of the power of steam than at that
wild conflagration.

June 6, i860, occurred a stubborn and scorching fire in Na-
than Chase's building, 141 Union street, extending northeast
to building on Purchase street, occupied by Thomas C. Allen,
and Little & Allen.

Nov. 5, i860, the l)uilding on the corner of Union and Pur-
chase streets, occupied bv Thornton & Gerrish, was partially
burned. Loss, $3000.

May 21, i860, Philadelphia Engine Co., No. 7, was dis-
banded by the Citv Government, and the machine withdrawn
from service. It was also ordered that the Columbian, No. 5,
should be removed to the house on Fourth street, vacated by

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. l6l

the Philadelphia. The company did not relish this action, and
on the evening of Sept. 24th voted to disband.

The Board of Engineers proposed to use the Central House
for the steamers, arranged to remove Young Mechanic, No. 6^
to the north of Maxfield street on Purchase, to the house of
Ohio, No. 3, and also to change its name. The latter was not
done, but the company disbanded Oct. ist.

While speaking of the hand-engines I will relate a true story
reofardinCT one of our old machines. In the davs of the excite-
ment following the gold discovery in California in 1S49, '"^i^nv
of our citizens joined the great armv that went from all sec-
tions of the countrv to the Land of Gold. I well remember a
meeting of a partv of these adventurous spirits being held in
my father's cooper shop on Sixth street, one summer evening,
to make their arrangements to go on the vovage round the
Horn in the ship Pleiades. What wonderful stories they told
of that marvellous country ; what visions of wealth possessed
the whole partv ; how easily fortunes were to be realized. As
I listened to the discussion, mv youthful imagination pictured
their return laden with nuggets of gold as big as pumpkins.
It was easy to believe that the casks they were to fill with bread
and meat, and the boxes packed with mining utensils, would
be returned filled with sparkling gold. How I wished that I
were a man, that I might join the expedition I Someho\v mv
imagination didn't include a long, tedious voyage, dreadful sea-
sickness, privations and want, bitter disappointment at the last,
and heart-sickness, that brought many of these brave men to a
final resting-place on the Pacific slope. No, I thought only of a
pleasant voyage, smooth seas, piles of gold strewn by the way-
side, a few months away from home, then to return loaded
down with riches. I doubt whether my boyish fancies were
much wilder than those of the men who gathered that evening
in the old cooper shop. But I started out to tell a story. One
evening a fire broke out in the then primitive city of San P'ran-
cisco, and as every man in those days w^as bound to perform

1 62 HISTORY OF THE

the duties of a fireman, a citizen who was from New Bedford
rushed out of his house and took his place on the brakes of a
little hand-engine that had found its way from the iVtlantlc
coast. After a long spell at the work it occurred to him that
the working of the machine seemed familiar, and as the flames
from the conflagration would occasionally lighten up the streets,
it dawned upon him that he had seen the engine before. His
curiosity prompted him to leave the brakes and look at the en-
gine. What w^as his pleasant surprise to read on the tow^er
" Phoenix, No. 4." Our old machine W'ith its tail cut oft^, just
as it had been when a part of the New Bedford Fire Depart-
inent ; and he had been a member of the company before he
left home. For Auld Lang Syne, he took his place again at
the brakes and rather surprised his companions with the vim
he put into his work for a while. It w^as like meeting an old
friend.

The disbandment of these companies practically closed the
interesting career of the hand-engine service.' New compa-
nies were formed in their new locations for the Nos. 5 and 6.
I give the full roll of membership when organized. With
Nos. 10 and 11, they continued in commission for a few years,
but were retired w^hen the steam force became sufficiently
strong to protect the city.

Columbian Engine Co., No. 5. (Fourth street.)

Foreman, Lysander W. Davis.
First Assistant, Allen Almy.
Second Assistant, John Colwell.
Clerk, Charles H. Bisbee.

Sylvester Paul, John W. Footman,

George W. Hunt, Clarfaus Vansant,

Edward Dugan, Alfred Weaver,

James H. Hood, Charles Brightman,

Daniel Pollock, Rufus Randall,

Patrick McDonald, John E. Brown,

Patrick Carroll, Barney Kenney,

Luther S. Brownell, Charles Parker,

William P. Howland, Robert C. Topham,

Charles Thomas, Frederick B. Davis,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

163

Isaac H. Barrows,
George M. Ennis,
John W. Ennis,
Davis Standish,
Peter Gobell,
Richmond M. Taber,
Joseph Vincent,

Nathan Brooks,
Lewis H. Cable,
Edward Cavanagh,
John Duffy,
Hugh McDonald,
Patrick Murphy,
Jesse V. Lake.

The company continued in active service until June 19,
1866, when it was disbanded. The engine was afterwards sold,
and is now in Galesburg, 111.

Young Mechanic Engine Co., No. 6. (Purchase street, north of

Maxfield.)

Foreman, George W. Paine.
First Assistant, John A. Gifford.
Second Assistant, William H. Dammon.
Third Assistant, Job H. Gifford.
Clerk, George P. Reed.

Alexander C. James,
Robert Allan,
Alonzo Whitney,
Joseph Haffords,
Isaac Jennings,
James Thompson,
Charles H. Booth,
Edward J. Thomas,
J. H. Wilcox,
George T. Haskins,
Gideon L. Taber,
Ephraim G. Kempton,
Andrew Donahue,
Nathaniel Baker, Jr.,
John demons,
William T. King,
Clark Leavitt,
William Gifford,
James G. Harding,
Philip H. King,
Thomas S. Pierce,
Sabin P. Chamberlain,
Cyrus Taber,

Stephen E. Parker,
Robert McKay,
Corban B. Lucas,
S. E. Gabriel,
Henry Watson,
James Chase,
Fred. A. Mickel,
Samuel H. Mitchell,
A. McDonald.
James L. Warren,
Palmer Brown,
David D. Almy,
Thomas L. Bryant,
Samuel Barker,
Michael Sheehy,
James Duddy,
Benjamin Hillman,
William James,
Philip Tripp,
Henry B. Almy,
Robert Nelson,
Davis Kelley,
John Sawyer,

Bradford Sherman.

The new organization continued in service till Feb. i, 1866,
wdien the company was disbanded by the Board of Engineers,

164 HISTORY OF THE

and the Mechanic taken out of commission. It was soon after
sold to the town of Middleborough, and at the present time is
owned in Mattapoisett.

Progress Steam Fire Engine, No. 3, was soon ordered, and
a company was organized Oct. 27, 1S60, as follows :

Foreman, Joseph Hammond.

First Assistant, James Dwyer.

Second Assistant, Francis Currier.

Clerk, Leonard B. Ellis.

Engineer, Lewis Rogers.

Fireman, David W. Rowland.

Hostler, Charles F. Allen.

Driver, George W. Jenkins.

Torchmen, Stephen Hammond, John Fuller.

John E. Brown, Charles A. Washburn,

Martin J. Lewis, Benjamin F. Lewis,

William P. Sowle, Warren W. Parker,

James P. Prior.

The Onward and Progress were placed in full commission —
in the Central engine-house — at the close of the year 1S60,
and the beginning of the age of steam commenced. Its
growth was rapid and but few years elapsed before the force
was ample to protect the city thoroughly in an}^ emergency.
The remnants of the hand seixice soon disappeared and yan-
ished foreyer. But for the presence of Hancock, No. 9, in
our Fourth of July processions, the present generation would
haye little to remind them of that most interesting period in
our local history, wdien the hand engine service was in its
greatest glory.

During the year 185S the department was called out 79
times ; there were 42 fires ; 37 false alarms.

1859 — Called out 72 times ; 33 fires ; 38 false alarms ; 3 fires
out of the city.

1S60 — Called out 87 times; 51 fires; 36 false alarms; 10
fires out of the city.

1861 — Called out 29 times ; 26 fires ; 3 false alarms.

1862 — Called out 31 times ; 29 fires ; 2 false alarms.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 65

1863- -Called out 23 times ; 23 fires ; no false alarms.

1864 — Called out 32 times ; 30 fires ; 2 false alarms.

The above statistics, taken from the official records of the
Board of Engineers, are very significant, and tell their ow^n
story. My readers will see how rapidly the ^^•hole fire service
merged into another atmosphere from that which had charac-
terized it under the old regime. Business methods at the very
outset were put in operation, and were improved upon as time
advanced, until the svstem was quite as perfect as that of any
of the important business corporations of our city.

The Board of Engineers for 1861 consisted of:

Chief Engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins.

Assistant Engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss,

Henry H. Fisher, William Cook.

Clerk, Charles M. Peirce, Jr.

1861-63.
The same, with William H. Mathews, Clerk.

1864-65-66-67.

Chief Engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins.
Assistant Engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss,
Henry H. Fisher, Frederick Macy.
Clerk, Charles M. Peirce, Jr.

Jan. 18, 1861, Hancock, No. 9, was transferred to the Head
of the River, and the Citizen, No. 2, that had done service in
this part of the town, w^as w^ithdrawn and sold.

Late' in the afternoon of Jan. 3, the city was startled by a
terrific explosion, soon follow^ed by the cry of "fire" and ring-
ing of bells. From Fish Island arose dense clouds of smoke
and fiame that proceeded from the buildings of the Petroleum
Oil Co., which were totally destroyed. A sad feature of this
conflagration was the tragic death of two of the employes —
David Welch and Michael Downey, and the injuring of sev-
eral others. One of these inen was lighting the factory and
passed through one room into the other leaving the door open.
At this moment naphtha was being run from the stills, and it

1 66

HISTORY OF THE

is supposed that a draft of air brought gas in contact with his
Hght, and the explosion took place, blowing up the buildings^
and setting everything instantly in flames. The bodies of the
victims were found terribly burned. The loss of property was

$5350.

May 18, about quarter past eight in the evening, the carriage
sheds of the Friends' meeting-house were set on fire. Damaofe
slight. No. 10, first water.

At 6 o'clock, July 4, 1861, a trial took place on Market
square between Franklin, No. 10, and Oregon, No. 11. Each
played through 150 feet of hose with the following result :
Franklin, No. 10, 180 feet, 10 inches: 185 feet, 9 inches; 170
feet, 4 inches; Oregon, No. 11, 166 feet, ^ inches; 165 feet;
164 feet, 8 inches. A large crowd witnessed the trial.

Sept. 21, a big blaze took place in East Fairhaven, near the
railroad, in which the Keystone oil works were destroyed.

The records of the fire department during this and the fol-
lowing year show many withdrawals of members who enlisted
in the armv for the war of the rebellion.

Jan. 29, 1S62, a large fire broke out in the building iii
Union street, occupied bv Almv & Swain, hardware dealers,
and Warren W. Parker, sheet iron worker. The flames ex-
tended to the next building west, occupied bv Joseph Hicks'
clothing store, the building at the east, occupied by Israel F.
Parsons' book store and printing office, Davenport & Ma-
son's express and Peleg Rowland's hardware store. Loss,
$16,380; insurance $12,880.

April 3, 1862, a fire broke out at twenty minutes of five in
the morning in Nathan Chase's building, on Purchase street,
opposite the Stone church. It originated in the armory,
on the third floor and burned down into the dressmaking
rooms of Miss Cordelia Ra\mond. The rooms in the second
story, occupied by Dr. C. L. Spencer and Charles E. Fales,
ambrotypist, were deluged with water, as were the stores on
the first floor, occupied bv B. W. Pierce, books and stationery,
E. Wilson, confectioner, and H. Wilkinson, auctioneer.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 167

vSunday afternoon, April 6, 1S62, Simeon Doane's house, on
the Point road, was destroyed. At this fire the hand eno-ines
Nos. 10, 6 and 11 rendered the only service. Capt. George
Wilson, of the Franklin, who was on his way to church when
the alarm was given, lost his best suit of broadcloth because of
his plucky action in performing service that one of his officers
hesitated to do. Capt. Wilson was thoroughly drenched with
water and ruined his best clothes.

Several funny things happened at this fire that may be told
now. Among the neighbors who responded to the call for as-
sistance w^as Mr. Nathan S. Ellis, an old fireman, for many
years a member and clerk of Philadelphia, No. 7, an enthusi-
astic citizen and kind neighbor. At this fire he paid especial
attention to details in removing the goods. Some of his acts
served as a permanent subject for joke for many years, and are
not laid entirely on the shelf to-day. Mr. E. rushed into the
pantry, carefully emptied a number of earthen dishes filled to
the brim with milk, and threw every one of them out of the
window, each being broken in its fall ; but the milk was saved
anyhow\ In the front hall stood a massive hall rack, built of
iron, so solid that it would have required the intense heat of
the furnace to melt it. Among the many pieces of valuable
furniture he was instrumental in saving from destruction, Mr.
E. didn't neglect this rack, but heroically tugged it across the
lawn to a place of safety. None would laugh more heartily
over these episodes than did neighbor Nathan. The family
cat, a great favorite with the children, was thrust hastily into a
capacious apron, the ends gathered up, and was transported in
quick time to a neighbor's. No catastrophe happened to that cat.

April 7th, 1862, a fire in the brick building of the Cordage
Co. on Court street. Loss, $4000. Insured.

There w^ere eight fires during the month of April, — three of
them of incendiary origin.

Oct. 5th, 1862, at I o'clock A. M., a fierce fire occurred on
Purchase street just north of Middle, in William G. White's

1 68 HISTORY OF THE

carriage factor}', which was destroyed, with Jnmes M. Tripp's
blacksmith shop. Several other buildings were partially
burned. There was a strong gale from the southw^est blowing
at the time, and but for a heavy rainfall the conflao;-ration would
have been much more disastrous.

Early on the morning of Oct. 24th, 1862, a fire broke out in
the clothing house of John Cunningham, 45 Union street,
spreading rapidly to the adjoining buildings on the west, occu-
pied by Charles Taber & Co. The inflammable character of
the buildings made an intensely hot fire, and the upper stories
were quickly destroyed. A most distressing accident occurred,
resulting in the death of a well-known citizen and in the injury
of several others. A number of the members of the Protect-
ing Society were engaged in the removal of goods from one of
the upper rooms in the Taber building, vs^hen without warning
the blazing roof and the attic floors fell in with a crash. In a
moment the whole kindled into a seething mass of flames. It
is a marvel how any of the firemen were able to clear them-
selves from this frightful situation, but all escaped without se-
rious injury except Mr. Henry C. Kelley, vice-president of the
Protecting Society, who was rescued in a most appalling con-
dition, his face and hands being burned in a frightful manner,
besides internal injuries. He was at once removed to his
home, and everything done to alleviate his suflerings. He
lingered for two weeks, and died on Nov. 9th. The Protect-
ing Society furnished a corps of watchers, made generous gifts
of a practical nature, and performed many acts of kindness that
were highly creditable to themselves. Mr. Kelley was father
of the present president of the society, Mr. Charles S. Kelley.
He. was held in high esteem and respect by all who knew him,
and his untimely death was regretted by the entire community.

The year 1863 v^as an unfortunate one for the soap manufac-
tories, two being burned ; one on May 14th, belonging to
Richard Wilson, af Jesseville, with a loss of $3550 ; insurance
$3200. On Sept. 15th, Burgess' soap works, on Ray street,
were destroyed, with a loss of $5500 ; insurance, $4000.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT,

169

This year was remarkably free from serious conflagrations,
the entire loss being but $14,985, with an insurance of
$10,950.

At 1.30 A. M., on Feb. 10, 1S64, fire was discovered in the
west end of Liberty Hall, which was quickly communicated

HENRY C. KELLEY.

(Vice-President of the Protecting Society. Died from injuries received at
C. Taber & Co.'s fire, Oct. 24, 1862.)

to every part of the building, and the interior was quickly
destroyed, with all the hall furniture, scenic properties, etc.
The occupants of the stores, which were all burned out, were :
Peleg Allen, merchant tailor ; William Little, carpet dealer ;

170 HISTORY OF THE

Hathaway & Keith, eating house; B. G. Wilson, undertaker;
City liquor agency ; Edward Wing, restaurant ; Chas. Dehn,
billiard rooms. In the third story, Messrs. Eaton & Smith,
architects ; William B. Topham, albumen paper manufac-
turer. The entire loss w^as $32,190; insurance $25,000. The
fire raged with great fierceness and, at one time, promised to
spread to the surrounding buildings. Immense clouds of
smoke, flame and burning cinders rose into the sky, and illu-
minated the heavens for miles around. It was a stubborn fire
and required consummate skill and pluck on the part of the
fire department to keep it within the limits of the building.
The wooden building on the southeast corner of William and
Purchase streets took fire on the front cornices and would have
been quickly in flames, but for the prompt service of Mr. Geo.
S. Hoyt, late local manager of the Western Union Telegraph
Co., who climbed to the roof and put it out himself. The
steamers w^ere kept in continual service for twenty hours before
the fire was pronounced out. There is no question but the
services of the steamers Onward and Progress at this confla-
gration saved a vast amount of property from destruction.

Hardly had the firemen rested from the exhausting labors of
this fire, wdien the alarm sounded at 2.30 o'clock on the morn-
ing of Feb. 13th. William G. Biackler's barn on Anthony
street had caught fire, and was speedily destroyed. The con-
flagration promised to be a serious one, for the flames spread
to the barn of ex-Gov. John H. Cliflbrd. The fire was soon
under control, though the latter building was much injured.
The spacious dwelling was in great danger from burning cin-
ders which were carried from the burning barns.

I shall be pardoned if I relate an incident that occurred at
this conflagration. It so happened that a masquerade party
was being held that night at ex-Gov. Clifford's, in honor of one
of his sons, who was at home for a few days from college. A
number of his student friends w'ere present at the entertain
ment. When the fierce conflagration broke out the festivities

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 17I

were suddenly brought to a stop, and all lent their willing aid
to save the building from the flames. The exigencies of the
hour called for prompt service, and there was no time for
change of raiment. So thev were soon carrvino- water to the
roof, and laying wet blankets on the most exposed portions of
the building. There were devils in red, devils in black, devils
with forked tails, devils with horns, demons and hobgoblins,
witches and spirits of the night, all eagerly at work. Here
one with a pail of water mounted the ladder, passed it to a
goblin, who threw its contents on the burning roof and then
tossed the empty vessel to the ground, only to be caught on
the fly by a mysterious witch, filled again by a red devil and
returned. There may have been seen a partv of goblins and
witches tugging with a carpet, which they soon spread over
the roof, furnishing more work for the mvsterious water car-
riers to keep it wet. Now look and see a troop of these wild
masqueraders, who, leaping into an open window, appear sud-
denly on the roof, prancing and dancing about as if the carni-
val were prepared purposelv for their enjoyment. The bright
flames from the raging fire were throwing their brilliancy upon
the scene, giving it a supernatural eflect, and suggesting a
glimpse of the infernal regions. It had this eflect upon Clerk
Paisler, of the steamer Onward, wdio, running along Cottage
street, passed the residence of Capt. J. C. Delano, which in
those days was surrounded by a high fence, back of which was
a tall and almost impenetrable hedge. This shielded from his
view the vividness of the flames, till he suddenlv emerged from
under the hedge into open space. Here before him were roll-
ing clouds of flame and smoke, mounting high into the heav-
ens, below them the burning buildings, now one solid mass of
fire. To the sound of crackling timbers and falling walls, the
fantastic group of hobgoblins, witches and devils, were cavort-
ing about the roofs of the Cliflbrd mansion. The scene, —
weird, wild and wanton, — was too much for our friend, though
his education had been among the mysticisms of German folk

172

HISTORY OF THE

lore. He brought himself to a sudden stop and involuntarily
exclaimed, "Gracious Heaven, I've run myself into sheol ! "
(This word was not in use in those davs, and so he used its
equivalent.) Slowly he recovered from his surprise; the

CHARLES S. PAISLER.
( State Commissioner of Firemen's Relief Fund, 1890.)

approach of the Onward brought him fully to himself, and, as
he said, he entered into the duties of the hour and soon mingled
with devils, demons and watches of the night, with as much
familiarity as though thev were kindred spirits.

NEW BEDFORD FIRP: DEPARTMENT. I 73

In 1864 the Excelsior steam engine, No. 3, was ordered, and
held as a reserve for some time. The Young Mechanic Co.,
No. 6, was disbanded Jan. 29, 1865, and a company for the
Excelsior was formed from her ranks.

Foreman, Joseph Hafford.
First Assistant, Job H. Gifford.
Second Assistant, William T. King.
Clerk, George P. Reed.

John C. Damon, Samuel Thompson,

John W. Walker, Martin Blanchard, Jr.,

Henry K. Paine, Joseph T. Hafiford,

Isaiah Wilcox, Henry M. Gifford.

The brick buildings formerly occupied by Oregon, No. 11,
and Young Mechanic, No. 6, were taken down, and the mate-
rial was used in the new building and stable for the Excelsior
on the northwest corner of County and Hillman streets.

April 23, 1864, a disastrous fire occurred in Fairhaven, the
paint shop of Messrs. Purrington & Taber, and some twenty
other buildings, being wholly or partially^ destroyed, the loss
amounting to about $10,000. Many yaluable volumes of the
early town records were burned in this fire.

Dec. 10, a large fire occurred on Cheapside, corner of Wil-
liam street, buildings owned by the Cummings estate.

Nov. 10, another large fire occurred in Snell's Bakery,
northwest corner of Water and William streets.

The annual report of the Board of Engineers for 1864—5
showed the department as being prosperous, well organized,
and very efficient. The fire loss was $13,630 ; insurance,
$5650. ^

Feb. 5, 1865, the Congregational church at the Head of the
River was burned. Loss, $2500.

April 24, the works of the New Bedford Oil Co., foot of
South street, were burned. Loss $3000.

July 8, fire in Josiah Dexter's store, 40 Purchase street.
Loss $1700.

Oct. 26, still house and stock of the New Bedford Oil Co.,
Fish Island, burned. Loss $1780.

174

HISTORY OF THE

Nov. iS, Kirby's paint mill, on Eddy's wharf, burned.
Loss $2200 ; insurance $2000.

The Contest Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 3, of Fairhaven,
was organized April 5, 186c;, with the following membership :

Foreman, Andrew M. Braley.
First Assistant, George Clark.
Second Assistant, John A. Dexter.
Clerk, Nathaniel P. Fish.

James G. Card,
Calvin Hackell,
George Miller,
William E. Eldred,
John Dexter,
Martin Westgate,
Thomas H. Bowen,
Patrick Quirk,
Edwin Jenney,
Stephen Westgate,
James Severance,
William Bowen,

B. H. Butler,
John Brown,
Ebenezer Boyden,
Luther Cole,
Charles Cannon,
E. Copeland,
Charles F. Stetson,

C. F. Perry,
William Macomber,
Alexander Pierce,
John Wilcox,
James E. Card,

John P. Ellis,
E. Eldredge,
G. F. Eldred,
C. Grinnell,
Thomas Hanna,
Robert Hanna,
Alfred Jones,
John Quirk,
William Rounsville,
John Sampson,
James D. Stetson,
Joseph Smith,
J, P. Peny,
David Jenney,
William Webb,
Henrv Waldron,
B. Wilcox, Jr.
Philip Westgate,
Benj. Westgate,
David Shepherd,
Stephen Hutchins,
Edward Manchester,
B. Wilcox.
E. H. Sears.

Their engine, built by Jeffers, side brake, was exchanged
for a steam fire engine May i, 1S69.

May II, 1S66, Seamen's Bethel partially destroyed. Loss
$600.

Sept. 13, Greene & Wood's planing mill, Leonard's wharf,
destroyed, with loss $4800.

Dec. 2, Trinitarian Church partially destroyed by fire. Loss
$1225.

The annual report for 186:^—6 speaks in praise of the har-
monious action and zealous devotion of the department. Fire
losses, $12,675 ; insurance, $6035.

HENRY H. FISHER.
( Assistant Engineer, 1861.)

CHAPTER XII.

^^IV HE following is a list of members of the fire department in

W 1867:

Board of Engineers.

Chief Engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins.

Assistant Engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, Frederick
Macy, Henry H. Fisher.
Clerk, C. M. Pierce, Jr.

176 history of the

Onward, No. i.

Foreman, Charles H. Church.
First Assistant, Charles H. Brownell.
Second Assistant, Samuel H. Rulon.
Clerk, Charles S. Paisler.

James Devine, Peter Nelson,

James G. Harding, Edward G. Tallman,

Ephraim G. Kempton, Abram R. Wood,

Clark Leavitt, Albert P.Winslow,

James D. Allen.

Progress, No. 2.

Foreman, Franklin Shaw.
First Assistant, John E. Brown.
Second Assistant, William P. Sowle.
Clerk, Philip E. Colby.

John Downey, William H. Miller,

Michael Dugan, Charles H. Phinney.

Charles L. Gifford, Loring T. Parlow,

Joseph Hammond, Edward A. Sowle,

Thomas B. Rowe, John Duffy.

Excelsior, No. 3.

Foreman, Joseph Hafford.
First Assistant, Job H. (xifford.
Second Assistant, M. Henry Gilford.
Clerk, George P. Reed.

Martin Blanchard, Jr., William T. King,

John C. Damons, Samuel Thompson,

James Duddy, John W. Walker,

Joseph T. Hafford, Isaiah H. Wilcox,

Horace M. Plummer.

Cornelius Howland, No. 4.

Foreman, Abraham H. Howland, Jr.
First Assistant, Samuel C. Hart.
Second Assistant, Michael F. Kennedy.
Clerk, Giles G. Barker.

Andrew J. Brown, John Murdock,

George L. Jennings, Hugh McDonald,

Charles E. Jennings, James M. Tripp,

James A. Murdock, Clarfaus Vansant,

Charles F. Briggs.

new bedford fire department. 1 77

Hancock, No. 9.

Foreman, Reuben Washburn.
First Assistant, Charles E. Howland.
Second Assistant, Edward C. Spooner.
Clerk, George A. Cobb.

Arthur C. Brooks, John Silva,

Seth Hoard, Jireh B. Gifford,

James H. Hathaway, Charles H. Hathaway,

Joseph H. Lawrence, Thomas R. Hawes,

Thomas W. Pierce, Samuel T. Patterson,

William D. Perry, Sylvester Pratt,

David Turney, Asa Reynolds,

Alfred Williams, Frank P. Washburn,

Leander Perry, Charles Skiff,

Reuben Ellis, Howard Pittsley,
William R. Washburn.

The Protecting Society.

President, F. L. Porter.

First Director, Charles Chandler.

Second Director, Edward Russell.

Third Director, Edmund Rodman.

Fourth Director, Dennis Wood.

Fifth Director, George R. Phillips.

Sixth Director, David S. Bliss.

Secretary and Treasurer, William C. Macy.

William H. H. Allen, Cornelius Howland, Jr.,

Gilbert Allen, John P. Knowles, 2d,

Gideon Allen, Jr., Humphrey S. Kirby,

Edward H. Allen, Edward Knights,

Charles Almy, L. M. Kollock,

Francis T. Aiken, William Leveritt,

Samuel P. Burt, Charles H. Lawton,

William H. Bartlett, Edward D. Mandell,

George L. Brownell, John W. Macomber,

T. Frank Brownell, Obed C. Nye,

Joseph Buckminster, ^ Bethuel Penniman, Jr.,

William P. S. Cadwell, Andrew G. Pierce,

Charles S. Cummings, Otis N. Pierce,

Nathaniel S. Cannon, George F. Parlow,

Wendell H. Cobb, William F. Potter,

Leonard B. Ellis, Abraham Russell,

C. B. H. Fessenden, James H. C. Richmond,

H. A. Gifford, Jr., James Robinson,

F. L. Gilman, William R. N. Silvester,

Edward R. Gardner, William T. Smith,

178

HISTORY OF THE

Charles H. Gifford,
George D. Gifford,
William L. Gerrish, Jr.,
Ebenezer Hervey,
Joshua C. Hitch,
Charles B. Hillman,
Charles M. Haskell,
Jonathan Handy,
Sylvander Hutchinson,
Ezra Holmes,
Cyrenius W. Haskins,
William Howe,
Samuel C. Hart,

Joseph

William C. Taber, Jr..
Charles Taber,
Abraham Taber,
Robert B. Taber,
Henry J. Taylor,
E. P. Taylor,
Alden Wordell,
William H. Willis,
Alfred G. Wilbor,
William G. Wood,
James DeWolf,
Alfred Wilson,
George F. Kingman,
Knowles.

Pioneer Hook and Ladder, No. i.

Foreman, Charles H. Walker.
First Assistant, Christian Dantsizen.
Second Assistant, Edward M. Durfee.
Clerk, George C. Hardy.

Horace Aiken,
Stephen W. Booth,
James Doull,
John P. EUis,
William B. Hardy,
Martin L. Hathaway,
Charles J. Johnson,
Revere G. Lindsey,
Leander Luce,
Alexander G. Myrick,
Barnabas H. Packard,
Charles Ruberg,
Asa R. Sherman,
Francis H. Slocum,
Philip M. Tripp,
Joseph Wheeler,
Peter Lynch,
William H. Harp,
Charles E. Pierce,
James W. Warren,

Nathaniel Booth,
Griffin T. Cornell,
Alexander Doull,
Herbert Gardner,
William W. Hatch,
Samuel A. Hardy,
William H. Knights,
Abraham Luscomb,
Thomas Manley,
Timothy O^Neil,
Warren W. Parker,
Philip H. Shepherd,
Henry Shiverick,
Stephen H. Shepherd,
Charles West,
Josiah W. Gardner,
Reuben Corson,
Charles Wood,
William Clymont,
John H. Judson,

Steam fire engine Cornelius Rowland, No. 4, built by the
Amoskeag Mfg. Co., was placed in commission Feb. i, 1S67.
A company was organized, the membership being largely from
the Franklin Engine Co., No. 10, Capt. A. H. Rowland, Jr.,
which had been disbanded but a few days before. An elegant

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 79

gold headed cane was presented to Capt. Rowland by the
Franklins on the evenin<^ of January 31.
The following is the roster :

Foreman, Abraham H. Howland, Jr.

First Assistant, Samuel C. Hart.

Second Assistant, Michael F. Kennedy.

Clerk, Giles G. Barker.

Torch Boys, Augustus A. Wood, William H. Coffin.

James M. Tripp, Clarfaus Vansant,

Andrew J. Brown, Hugh McDonald,

James A. Murdock, George L. Jennings,

Charles E. Jennings, John Murdock.

The eng-ine was located on the corner of Bedford and South
Sixth streets. It was named after one of our most energetic
and esteemed citizens, who had been an important factor in
the establishment of the steam service in our fire department.
April 20th a fine photograph of him was presentsd to the com-
pan}' by Mrs. Cornelius Howland.

The Cornelius Rowlands are proud of their record, and well
they may be, for they have furnished from their ranks Mayor
and Chief Engineer Abraham R. Rowland, Jr., Chief Engi-
neer Samuel C. Rart, Assistant Engineers Michael F. Ken-
nedy, Augustus A. Wood and Rugh McDonald.

The first pair of horses attached to this steamer were named
Mike and Red Jacket, and were much petted by the company,
for they were very intelligent. After long and faithful service
Red Jacket was sold to a farmer, and entered upon a career of
ordinary hard work. Re chafed under the change, and one
night broke out of the barn, trotted to the engine house, and
whinnied for admittance. The door was opened by one of the
company ; he plunged in with manifestations of real joy, and
place being made for him, he took possession of the stall in a
manner that plainly said he knew he was at home. Curious
to see if he had forgotten his old duties, the alarm was struck.
With a dash he flew from the stable and took his place at the
pole, ready for the harness to be put upon him. The faithful

i8o

HISTORY OF THE

creature was liberally fed and led back to his ne'w home.
Another intelligent horse attached to this company was Gen-
eral, and he was assigned to the hose-reel. He, too, becoming
old and past eftective service, was sold to a farmer in a neigh-
boring village. He nearly bothered the life out of Mr. Farmer

CORNELIUS HOWLAND, JR.

whenever he was in town, if the fire alarm sounded. At the
ringing of the bells General would at once become uncontroll-
able, run away with his owner and his load of w^ood and make
a bee-line for No. 4's house.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. l8l

It would be ofeneroiis treatment for such faithful creatures to
pension them with good living and tender care, with the priv-
ilege of running to all fires as volunteers. Why not have an
organization of veteran horses of the New Bedford tire de-
partment? What a feature they would make in a Fourth of
July parade.

At the great Boston hre in 1S72 the Cornelius Rowland,
No. 4, was sent from this city and performed effective service
in that fearful conflagration.

At two large fires at Padanaram this steamer went out, and
rendered aid to the citizens that called out their gratitude in a
substantial way, for the firemen report such glowing accounts
of the bountiful spreads made for them that one is tempted to
join the force when next they go to Padanaram just before the
dinner hour.

It should be said that our fire department always receives
generous treatment whenever it renders service to the surround-
ing towns. At a fire in Fairhaven, where No. 4 performed
excellent work, some of the company were thoroughly wet
through. One of them happened to have members of his
family living in town, and they furnished him with a dry
suit of underclothing. Nor did it belong to his brother either.

On Julv 27, 1S67, Nehemiah Leonard & Co.'s candle works
were entireh- destroyed by fire, the work of an incendiary.

At 4 o'clock on the afternoon of Sept. 4, 1S67, a fire broke
out in the works of the New^ Bedford Oil Company on South
street. One of the members of the firm was exhibiting to
several persons present the non-explosive qualities of the oil
manufactured by the company. He threv^^ a lighted match
into a large tank containing 100 gallons of oil. It took fire,
and in a moment the entire contents were in a blaze, which
communicated rapidly to eight other tanks of equal capacity.
About 13,000 gallons of oil were destroyed, making one of
the hottest conflagrations in the history of our city. At 9
o'clock in the evening one of the tanks exploded with a fearful

l82

HISTORY OP^ THE

o
o

>
o

report, and the oil flowed into a shed
on the west side of the works, con-
taining some 500 barrels of petro-
lenm. The condition of affairs at this
moment was critical and it was feared
that the fire would sret beyond the con-
trol of the fire department ; but the
steady work of the steamers in con-
centratino^ their powerful streams, held
the flames in abeyance, and final-
ly droye the fire back to the tanks.
The ensfines were in continuous ac-
tion for eight hours. The loss was
$10,000, on which there was no
insurance.

May iS, 1868, at 12.30 o'clock
A. M., Henry Rider's manufactory of ^
candles and lubricating oil was g
nearly destroyed. ^

At 3 o'clock, on the afternoon of P
May 28, 1868, Watson Rider's pe- r"
troleum oil manufactory, at the foot
of Rowland street was burned. An
employee, Mr. Samuel Peckham, w^as
engaged in pumping water into the
condenser. The monotonous action
incident to working the pump-handle
had brought him to an exhausted con-
dition of body. A happy thought
struck him. He would smoke. He
filled his pipe with Durham, and
licrhted it. The lighted match did
double service. It ignited the stream
of oil running through an open con-
duit to a large yat near by. When

Jl.^

'■f- '

:'^AfeV&!

riiii.

'41

'fi''']

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 183

well afire the oil smoked cheeriully ; so did the buildings in
similar condition, rolling up immense clouds of smoke that
soon attracted the attention of the whole city. The fire de-
partment put in an appearance to see the sight. Loss $Soo,
which did not include Peckham's pipe and tobacco. He
saved these, and smoked when he had more leisure, and didn't
feel so tired. All ended in smoke, for there was no insurance.
An exciting race occurred at this fire between the Onward
and Progress, both engines leaving the house together. I
copy from the Onward's records :

" The Onward and Progress started from the house at the same time^
and while proceeding to the tire, a splendid and exciting race took place.
The Onward reached the wharf first, and then ensued an equally ex-
citing race between the hose reels. At one time the Progress reel
passed the Onward's, and we would probably have been beaten, but
good and faithful Flatfoot, evidently feeUng that his honor and reputa-
tion were at stake, made an extra exertion, shot in ahead of the Progress
reel, carried his reel nearest the fire, and thus secured first water for
the Onward. Chunk and Ned, the horses attached to the engine,
proved themselves equal to the emergency, and showed that on an even
start, and everything else being equal, the horses that pass them must
get up and get."

These horses were noted for their keen understanding of the
duties for which they were trained. They were retained at the
Central House for man\^ years, and were attached to the Prog-
ress after the Onward was located at the north end.

At 12.10 p. M., June 27, 1868, the building owned by Albert
Shaw, and occupied by James H. Lamb, manufacturer of
planes, 115 Purchase street, was destroyed. The fire was un-
doubtedly the work of an incendiary. An explosion in the
building first attracted the attention of passing watchmen, and
was quickly followed by flames issuing from the windows in
the second story. When the building was entered, varnish
was discovered dripping through the scuttles from the second
story, where it had never been kept. The rapidity with which
the fire developed after the explosion made the fact unques-
tionable that the incendiary had made careful plans for a sue-

184 HISTORY OF THE

cessful blaze. The fire department was occupied nearly two
hours in extinguishing the flames.

Aug. 7, 1868, Caleb Maxfield's furniture warehouse on
Union street was set on fire about 9 o'clock in the evening. It
was a scorching conflagration, made so by the highly combus-
tible material of the stock. Loss, $5500; insurance, $3500.

Sept. 9, 186S, a lively fire occurred in Wales & Co.'s candle
works, on South street. Loss $3000.

Oct. 18, 1S68, the old candle works of Thomas S. and Fran-
cis S. Hathaway, corner of School and Fifth streets, were nearly
destroyed. Loss, $2500.

Oct. 27, 1868, Hayes & Co.'s stave mill was badly damaged
bv fire. Mayhew & Hayes, wood turners and fancy sawyers,
in the same building, lost $200.

Jan. 13, 1869, at 3 p. m., Benjamin Ryder's stable, and C.
W. Dyer's grocery store adjoining, both on Kempton street,
were set on fire. Mr. Ryder lost two valuable horses worth
$1200; one other saved his life by pluckily holding his nose to
a small window till rescued. Mr. Rvder lost also a larg-e num-
ber of fowl, twenty of which were roasted in the wagon.

Feb. 17, 1869, Wales & Co.'s paraffine works. First and
South streets, were burned. Fire commenced in the press
room, and like a lightning flash the whole room was in flames.
The building was thoroughly saturated with oil, and though
torrents of water were thrown, it was of little avail ; the fire soon
burned out the interior. Loss, $15,000.

May 20, 1869, there was a fire at Taber's plane factory.
Loss, $7500.

The steamer Onward, which had the distinguished honor of
being the first of its kind in the department, and had done
royal service since Jan. 2, i860, was deemed so far used up as
to require a new machine to take its place. During 9J- years
the engine had been called out 252 times. On Aug. 25, 1879,
the new Onward, No. i, arrived in the city. The event was
one of great pleasure to the company, and it was recognized

iVEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

185

by a grand banquet on the evening of the 26th. Among the
guests were the Board of Engineers, Air. Batchelor, of Man-
chester, N. H., and several other gentlemen. Speeches were
in order after the supper, and a good time was enjoyed by all.
A letter from Mr. Charles S. Paisler, clerk, then in Germany,
was read on the occasion. The machine proved to be highly
satisfactory, and is now in service at the North End. At the
trial it played 240 feet through i-^ inch nozzle.

'■MARXL-Lr F/f/L:^

Steam fire engine of the present day. Built by the Amoskeag Mfg. Co.,

builders of Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7.

Sept. 28, 1S69, Wales & Co.'s paraffine works were entirely
destroyed.

Dec. 20, 1S69, J. & W. Lamb, plane manufacturers. First
and School streets, were burned out. At this fire the Acush-
net water was used for the first time by the department.

Sept. 13, 1870, the New Bedford Flour Mills were burned.
Loss, $116,000 ; insurance, $8^,000.

Sept. 21, H. Ryder & Co.'s paraftine candle manufactory, 114
North Water street, burned. Loss, $26,379 ' insurance, $21,379.

l86 HISTORY OF THE

Jan. 7, 1 87 1, Walter F. Clark's stable, 21 South Second
street, burned. Five horses lost their lives. Loss, $9000 ; no
insurance.

Jan. 13, 1 87 1, a tire occurred in dwelling 126 Summer street,
occupied by David J. Shepherd. The house was filled with a
dense smoke, and Mr. James Shepherd was found dead near
an attic window. Though badly burned about the face and
hands, it was evident he died from suffocation.

Feb. 8, 1 87 1, building owned by Nathan Chase, 28 Purchase
street, and occupied by Mrs. B. Allen & Co., milliners, was
burned. Loss, $10,400 ; insurance, $5300.

In 1871, Mr. Tillinghast P. Tompkins, who had occupied
the office of Chief Engineer since 185S, resigned his position,
w^hich he had filled in a manner honorable to himself and to
the entire satisfaction of the citizens. His career was one of
great usefulness. To him must be credited the honor of car-
rying the fire department through a most important period,
when the old hand service came to its end and the steam ser-
vice was introduced in our city. He did this well ; and on his
retirement he was honored with a banquet by the entire fire
department, in City Hall, March 4, 1871, and was presented a
beautiful gold medal valued at $100. Henry F. Thomas made
the presentation speech. Among the guests present were As-
sistant Engineers Mathews, Bliss, Fisher, and Macy, Mayor
Richmond, Aldermen Giflbrd and Hart, Joseph H. Cornell,
Charles M. Pierce, Jr., Chief Engineer Abraham H. How-
land, Jr., William H. Sherman, and others.

June 9, 1871 , T. W. Cook's paint mill was destroyed. Loss^
$6000.

June 16, 1871, a stubborn fire occurred at the Mansion
House. Loss, $5000.

The city government, having built a new^ engine-house at
the north end, decided to remove the Onward from the cen-
tral house. This action necessitated the organization of a new
company, w^hose members resided in the north part of the

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 187

city. The old company disbanded, escorted the engine to its
new quarters, and dehvered it to the new company in fine
style. To the credit of all concerned it may be said that the
change was made in a courteous and gentlemanly manner.
The officers of the new company were :

Foreman, W. J. Marr.
First Assistant, Loring T. Parlow.
Second Assistant, G. G. Broadbent.
Clerk, E. C. Milliken.

The new organization has always maintained a fine reputa-
tion for efficiency and public spirit. Captains Marr and Par-
low have since served as assistant engineers.

In Sept., 1871, the fire alarm w^as introduced into our fire
service, during the adminstration of Chief Engineer Abraham
H. Rowland, Jr. It became one of the most important and
efiective features of the department. The first alarm rang out
on the evening of Sept. 25, from box 18, H. H. Fisher's
bakery. I copv from the Onward's record :

" The fire department was promptly on hand, hut fire there was none.
The veteran fireman and the firemen's friend, H. H. Fisher, had con-
ceived a plan for testing the alarm service in a practical manner, and at
the same time show his appreciation of the fire department. Mr. F.
invited them into his building, where they found a bountiful collation
spread for them. The firemen were not backward, but showed them-
selves equal to the emergency. A pleasant evening was passed in a
social manner, and the company departed with three hearty cheers for
Henry H. Fisher, and with the hearty wish that the fire fiend might
never come to his doors.'"

Daniel E. Webb, the clerk of the Board of Engineers for
1871, died in September, and'^the entire fire department at-
tended the funeral.

Board of Engineers.

1871-72.

Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Rowland, Jr.

Assistant Engineers, John E. Brown, George P. Reed,

Charles W. Dyer, Alfred M. Chapman.

Clerk, Alfred M. Chapman.

l88 HISTORY OF THE

1872-73.

Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Rowland, Jr.
Assistant Engineers, John E. I^rown, Alfred M. Chapman,
Charles VV. Dyer, William H. Sherman.
Clerk, A. M. Chapman.

1873-74-

Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Rowland, Jr.

Assistant Engineers, Moses R. Bliss, Freeman C, Luce,

Charles R. Taber, Lorino: T. Parlow.

Clerk, Moses R. Bliss.

The Franklin Hose Carriage, No. i, built by the Amoskeag
Manufacturing Co., was put in commission, Jan. i, 1S72.

Franklin Rose Co., No. i.

Foreman, Pliny B. Sherman.
First Assistant, Rerbert B. Gardner.
Second Assistant, Clarfaiis Vansant.
Clerk and Treasurer, James S. Rathaway.

Benjamin F. King, Joseph W. Spooner,

Peter Nelson, Jeremiah L. Cavanaugh,

David W. Rowland.

October 17, 1873, the Excelsior Steam Engine Co., No. 3,
made an excursion to Taunton, where the members were
handsomely received by the Edward Mott Engine Co., of that
city. The Excelsiors were allowed to take their engine with
them, the only instance of the kind on record since steam was
Introduced In the department. Dec. 13, 1873, the company
attached to the Excelsior, No, 3, was disbanded, and the en-
gine placed In reserve. The company was reorganized
and took possession of the new steam fire engine named
Zachariah Hlllman, No. 5, built by Clapp & Jones, Hudson,
N. Y. This engine on Its test trial threw a stream 280 feet,
through 150 feet of hose, using i|- Inch nozzle. The Excelsior
was placed In reserve, and Is still held valuable for service.

Sept. 15, 1872, Cornelius Howland, No. 4, visited Fall
River and were the guests of Metacomet Steam Fire Engine
Co., No. 3, and Cascade Engine Co., No. i. They were the

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 89

recipients of much attention, and brought home as mementoes
the "pipe of peace" and a historic broom.

Feb. 22, 1S73, a destructive fire occurred at 1.20 a. m.
Concert Hall building was destroyed, and also the building
south. Macomber's building, on the corner of Purchase and
Union streets, was badly damaged, as was also Knights' furni-
ture warehouse at the north. A terrible snowstorm prevailed
at the time, with a heavy gale of wind. But for the immense
bodv of snow on the roofs the conflagration would have been
fearful in extent. Loss about $35,000.

The Firemen's Mutual Aid Society was organized in our
home department in 1872. Its object is to assist members who
inav receive injuries while performing fire service. At the
death of a member his familv receives $So. At the annual
meeting in October, 1890, the society was reported in a highly
prosperous condition, entirely free from debt, and $1836.18
in the treasurv. The Firemen's Beneficial Association is
another noble organization connected with our fire depart-
ment. On the death of any member, every fireman contrib-
utes $1.00, which amount is paid to the family within 30 days
of the death. As the entire membership is about 190, our
readers will see the beneficent character of this society.

In 1873, the Protecting Society was rendered more usefid by
being furnished with tarpaulins, rubber blankets, etc. During
the following year, 1874, the society furnished themselves
with badges, to be worn at fires. In 1877, the society was re-
organized with a limited number of 50. Its efficiency had
steadily increased from year to year, but in 1878 radical rules
and regulations were adopted, new apparatus added, and, un-
der the energetic management of President Charles S. Kelley,
the importance of the Protecting Society became more mani-
fest. Mr. Kelley induced the agents of the insurance compan-
ies to donate $350. which was at once expended in a large
supply of rubber blankets. The society is well organized, and
no branch of the service is more eflbctive and useful. Thou-

190

HISTORY OF THE

sands of dollars have been saved bv their prompt and system-
atic w^ork. In 1SS5, the plan of distributing the members in
time of fire was adopted. It worked well and is still in oper-
ation at the present time.

If-

CHARLES S. KELLEY.

( President of the Protecting Society.)

The fire departments of the State are united in an organi-
zation which holds annual conventions, where matters of vital
interest are discussed, and much valuable information is ob-
tained by the firemen. The Massachusetts State Firemen's

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

191

Association is held in high esteem by our local firemen. It
was organized in 1S80.

Feb. 3, 1S73, a fire was discovered in the attic of house 188
Middle street, owned by Nathan Chase, and occupied by Rev.

SAMUEL C. HART.

(Chief Engineer, 1874-1875.)

Ensign McChesney. Loss on building about $1000. The
reverend gentleman's household effects and library were safely
i^emoved. He and his family found kindly shelter with a near

iieiofhbor

Soon after the flames were extinguished their host's

19- HISTORY OF THE

door bell rang and a well dressed, benevolent-looking gentle-
man handed in a small bottle of ink, which he said belonged to
the clergyman. Had it been a bottle of gold he could not
have guarded it with more care, or have held it more upright for
fear of its precious contents being spilled.

April 27, 1873, Gerrett Geils' furniture store, 148 Purchase
street, was destroyed. A fierce gale was blowing at the time
and grave fears were entertained that the fire would sweep to
the river.

Board of Engineers.

1874-75.

Chief Engineer, Samuel C. Hart.

Assistant Engineers, Alfred M. Chapman, Loring T. Parlow,

Charles H. Taber, Michael F. Kennedy.

Clerk, Charles S. Paisler.

1875-76.

Chief Engineer, Moses H. Bliss.

Assistant Engineers, Alfred M. Chapman, Freeman C. Luce,

Loring T. Parlow, John H. Judson.

Clerk, George H. Bliss.

Nov. 26, 1873, was a gala day in the history of our fire de-
partment. Not since the famous parade of 1844 had there
been such a pageant as was seen in our streets on that Novem-
ber day. Nature seemed to give its benediction on the event,
for the dav was one of rare clearness, just the bracing air for
comfortable marching.

The firemen made extensive preparations for the event, and
thev were all carried out on a grand scale, and successfully.
Three fire companies from other cities were in the procession.
The fire eng-ines were beautifullv decorated with wreaths and
flags, the horses decked with plumes and gold mounted har-
nesses. Without question this parade was the finest ever made
in our city. I give the entire list and order of the grand pro-
cession as it moved from City Hall square at 1.30 o'clock :

new bedford fire department. i93

First Division.

Platoon of Police.
New Bedford Band, 20 men, George Hill, leader.
Chief Engineer Abraham H. Rowland, Jr., and Aids.
Chief Holmes, of North Bridgewater ; Chief Cozzens, of Newport ;

Chief Green, of Providence.
Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company, No. i, P. M. Tripp, foreman, with

apparatus, 14 men in red shirts, black pants, navy blue fatigue caps.
Volunteer Hook & Ladder Company, No. i, of Taunton, Joseph T.
Haynes, foreman, 13 men, in dark blue shirts, black pants,
and navy blue caps with white band, blue belts, on
which w^as inscribed Taunton Fire
Department.
Onward Steam Fire Engine Company, No. i, William J. Marr, fore-
man, 20 men, in red shirts and black pants, black belts,
fire hats and white w^orsted neckties.
Quequechan Steam Fire Engine Co., No. i. Fall River, Lot T. Sears,
foreman, 18 men, in red shirts, black pants, white belts, fire
hats and navy blue fatigue caps with gold bands.

Second Division.

Smith's American Band, Lsrael Smith, leader.

Progress Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 2, with apparatus, Franklin

Shaw, foreman, 19 men, in blue shirts, dark pants, white

belts and navy blue caps.

Excelsior Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 3, with apparatus. Job. H.

GiiTord, foreman, 20 men, with fire hats, red shirts bound with

blue, white belts, black paAts and fatigue caps.

Cornelius Howland Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 4, with apparatus,

John Murdock, foreman, 20 men with black fire hats, dark

blue shirts trimmed with red, white belts,

dark pants, fatigue caps.

Zachariah Hillman Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5.

Third Division.

Acushnet Band, 15 men, E. M. Swift, leader.
Hancock Engine Company, No. 9, from Head of the River, with ap-
paratus, Reuben Washburn, foreman, 25 men, in red
shirts, dark blue pants, white belts,
and blue caps.
Alert Engine Company, No. 4, of Taunton, N. H. Rankin, foreman,

12 men, in blue shirts, dark pants, white belts, navy blue caps.

Franklin Hose Company. No. i, with apparatus, Pliny B. Sherman,

foreman, 8 men, in blue shirts, black pants, black belts,

and fire hats.
Old Colony Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 6, of East Taunton, H. N.
Robinson, foreman, 10 men, in red shirts, dark pants,
white belts and glazed caps.

194 HISTORY OF THE

The streets along the route were lined with immense crowds
of people, and many compliments were showered on the
splendid show. The fire engines were brilliant with polished
metal, and, set with abundance of flow^ers, made a dazzling
display. One interesting feature of the procession consisted of
a number of pet dogs belonging to the companies. The ani-
mal belonging to the Progress weighed only five pounds.

At the conclusion of the parade a fine banquet was served
in City Hall, provided by William A. Searell. A large num-
ber of guests were present. Among them were the following
gentlemen who had served the city as engineers : Messrs.
George Wilson, George G. Gifford, Benj. B. Covell, Caleb L.
Ellis, T. B. Denham, Joshua B. Ashley, Oliver M. Brownell,
Israel T. Bryant, T. P. Tompkins, James Durfee, George
Perry, John Mathews, Thomas P. Swift, Henry H. Fisher,
William Cook, Frederick Macy, John E. Brown, George P.
Reed, Charles W. Dyer, Alfred M. Chapman, W. H. Sher-
man. Henry H. Fisher furnished an appropriate feature of
the banquet — loaves of firemen's cake, each inscribed with the
name of an engine company delicately lined with sugar;
Another loaf, given by the ^ same donor, inscribed "To the
Press," was stolen by some hard-hearted thief. Invocation
was made by Rev. O. A. Roberts, and the dinner w^as then
discussed. There was music by the band, and Mayor George
H. Dunbar was introduced by Chief Engineer Howdand. His
speech abounded in compliments to the fire department.

James B. Congdon followed with an interesting speech and
read the poem given at the celebration in 1844. Rev. Dr.
Quint amused the audience with remarks comparing the past
with the present.

One of the musical features of the occasion was given by
Smith's Band and was called "Fireman's Polka." The
Standard describes it as introducing an alarm of fire at the
prelude, a vocal song and three cheers in the coda.

Then followed a succession of toasts. Chief Howland acting
as toastmaster :

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1 95

" Oueqiiechan Steam Fire P2ngine Co., of Fall River, the veteran
steam fire engine of Bristol county. May their record be such that all
may feel honored in following them."

"Onward Steam Fire Engine Co. The first in the field of our steam
department. With an honorable record of the duty done and work ac-
complished you are justly entitled to the emblematic name your steamer
bears."

Responded to by E. C. Milliken.

Tilson B. Denham, the first foreman of this company, made
a few remarks.

" ' Ever ready and on the alert, that fires may be quenched in their
incipiency,' is the motto of our visitors from Whittenton, the Alert
Engine Company.'"

Response by Capt. Rankin.

A song entitled " All Together," was sung by a glee club
connected with the Cornelius Rowland, No. 4.

" Progress, No. 2. The special protectors of the central portion of
our cherished city. Ever ready when duty calls to give battle to the
fire fiend.*'

Response by Charles S. Paisler, clerk, who read a selected-
poem, "-The Song of the fireman."

Music by Smith's Band, '-Paisler Polka."

"Volunteer Hook & Ladder Co., of Taunton. The pride, yet the
terror, of the citizens, for ' Say the word and down comes your
house.' "

Response by Capt. Haynes.

"Excelsior Steam Engine Co., No. 3. Whenever caljed into action
on the performance of your duty may your aim, like your name, be
Excelsior."

Response by Capt. Gifford.

Music by the Acushnet Band, "Mollie Darling."

" Hancock, No. 9. Like the illustrious statesman, whose name you
bear, may each member of the company be firm in the resolve that
'freedom's fire' shall never gro out."

Response by Foreman Washburn.

Music by the New Bedford Band, "Magnetic Polka."

196 HISTORY OF THE

" Pioneer Hook & Ladder Co., No. i. The Pioneer at the sound of
the alarm bell may ever lead the way.''

Response bv Assistant Foreman Judson.

" Cornelius Rowland Steam Engine Co., No. 4. Always on the
alert for the first sound of the fire alarm, active and efficient in the dis-
charge of duty, may your honorable record of past service reflect its
brilliancy upon your future career."

Response by Foreman Murdock.

" Franklin Hose, No. i, the youngest born, yet bearing a venerable
name : may your record be worthy of your illustrious namesake.'"

Response by James S. Hatha^vay, clerk.
The final toast was :

" To all friends present or absent : here is good health to everybody,
lest somebody should feel slighted.""

The exercises \\^ere closed with rounds of cheers for the
Mayor and City Council and the past engineers, and the whole
company then joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne," led by
the bands. The festivities of the day closed with the Fire-
men's levee, in Pierian Hall, in aid of the Firemen's Mutual
Aid Society. The hall was finely decorated with flag^s and
bunting and presented a fascinating appearance. An immense
throng of people were present, and the afiair resulted in a hand-
some sum being added to the treasury.

The celebration was a success in every particular and may
be appropriately designated as the second grand parade of the
New Bedlbrd fire department.

Roster of the Fire Department for 1876-77.

Chief Engineer, Moses H. Bliss.
Assistant Engineers, Alfred M. Chapman, Freeman C. Luce,
William J. Marr, John H. Judson.
Clerk, George H. Bliss.

Onward, No. i. (House on Purchase street, foot of Franklin.)

Foreman, Charles H. Church.
First Assistant, Julian A. Sweet.
Second Assistant, Allen W. Tinkham.
Clerk, E. C. Milliken.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. I97

E. K. Dollard, H.N. Tinkham,

C. R. Hathaway, J. Harrington, Jr.,

Irving Smith, H. C. Pierce, Jr.,

George H. Pierce, George H. Parker,

George Tripp, Charles S. Stratton,

Henrv O'Neal, James L. Bryant,

Henry S. Webb.

Progress, No. 2. (House corner Purchase st. and Mechanics lane.)

Foreman, Charles S. Paisler.
First Assistant, John Downey.
Second Assistant, Eugene R. Leverett
Clerk, James D. Allen.

Edward C. Spooner, ^ Moses Dean,

James G. Harding, John C. Taber.

S. H. Mitchell, Fred. H. Wood,

Charles F. Dean, George B. Russell,

John Dollard, Lemuel W. Haves,

A. T. Kendrick, W. P. Sovvle,

A. B. C. Davenport, Michael Conway.

Cornelius Howland, No. 4.
(House corner South Sixth and Bedford streets.)

Foreman, Hugh McDonald.
First Assistant, Joseph B. Wing.
Second Assistant, John (jillis.
Clerk, Giles G. Barker.

James M. Tripp, Arthur Baylies,

John B. Peckham, Charles L. Wing,

Augustus A. Wood, Henry A. Barker,

James A. Murdock, Daniel D. Briggs,

Frank Wood, George H. W. Tripp,

William A. Gibbs, Charles W. Borden,

Henrv A. Grav, Charles G. Taber.

Zachariah Hillman, No. 5. (House cor. Hillman and County sts.)

Foreman, William A. Russell.
First Assistant, Orlando F. Bly.
Second Assistant, E. R. Bentley.
Clerk, Charles W. Wheeler.

Joseph HaiTord. George H. Chadwick,

I. H. Wilcox, Louis Myers,

William T. King, Frank Wood,

Martin J. Murphy, Martin Blanchard, Jr.,

George W. Parker, Charles L. Davis,

Joseph H. Wheeler, Benj. F. King,

Jethro Hillman, Reuben Taber.

i9s history of the

Franklin Hose Co., No. i.
(House corner Purchase street and Mechanxs lane.)

Foreman, Pliny B. Sherman.
First Assistant, Clarfaus Vansant.
Second Assistant, Daniel W. Howland.
Clerk, James S. Hathaway.

Peter Nelson, John F. Snow,

C. A. S. Sherman, William H. Perry,

W. H. Drescott.

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co., No. i.
(House cor. Purchase street and Mechanics lane.)

Foreman, Philip M. Tripp.
First Assistant, Lysander W. Davis.
Second Assistant, James Conway.
Clerk, Charles E. Pierce.

Abraham R. Luscomb, Nathaniel H. Caswell,

James W. Dugan, Thos. M. Holleran,

Eben A. Butts, William Clymonts,

Alexander Doull, Chris. C. Gilford,

Charles M. Hatha\vay, F. L. Hathaway,

Charles J. Johnson, Andrew V. Landers,

Thomas T, Manley, F. H. Sampson,

Charles H. W^alker, George T. Manley,

B. F. Hinckley, Squire Gifford,

Lewis G. Allen.

Hancock, No. 9. (Located at Head of the River.)

Foreman, Reuben Washburn.
First Assistant, Charles £. Howland.
Second Assistant, George W. Bennett.
Clerk, George A. Cobb.

John Silva, Joseph H. Lawrence,

Frank C. Terry, William D. Perry,

Frank P. Washburn, John A. Russell,

Arthur C. Brooks, A. B. Grinnell, Jr.,

Joseph Spooner, James A. Wilbour,

William R. Washburn, G. W. Paige,

Howard Pittsley, Asa Reynolds,

Alfred Williams, Seth Howard,

L. A. Washburn, Charles H. Hathaway.

The Protecting Society.

President, Samuel P. Burt.

George R. Phillips, Andrew G. Pierce,

Charles Almy, Obed N. Swift,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

199

Edward Knights,
Gardner T. Sanford,
Edward H. Allen,
William P. S. Cadwell,
Joseph Tillinghast,
William H. Bartlett,
Edward R. Gardner,
Charles A. Case,
Geo. H. Topham,
H. A. Gifford, Jr.,
Dennis Wood,

E. Kempton Taber,
Charles S. Cummings,
George F. Kingman,
Joseph Buckminster,

F. L. Gilman,

John P. Knowles, 2d,
L. M. Kollock,
Nathaniel S. Cannon,
Charles H. Gifford,
George L. Brownell,
Gilbert Allen,
Gideon Allen, Jr.,
Morgan Rotch,
Humphrey S. Kirby,
George D. Gifford,
Gilbert D. Kingman,
William H. H. Allen,
Alfred G. W^ilbor,
Jonathan Handv,
Wendell H. Cobb,
S. H. Cook,
W. A. Robinson, 2d,

George F. Parlow,
Joshua C. Hitch,
Charles S. Kelley,
Alfred Wilson,
Alden Wordell,
Francis T. Aiken,
John W. Macomber,
James H. C. Richmond,
A. W. Hadlev,
Bethuel Penniman,
Otis N. Pierce,
Charles B. Hillman,
H. C. Denison,
Ezra Holmes,
William H. Willis,
Joseph Knowles,
Cyrenius W. Haskins,
Edward D. Mandell,
William G. Wood,
Leonard B. Ellis,
Wm. Wood,
Wm. Anthony,
Henry J. Taylor,
Charles M. Haskell,
Charles M. Taber,
Charles H. Lawton,
William R. N. Silvester,
George R. Gray,
W. O. Woodman,
William T. Smith,
William C. Taber, Jr.,
Eben Perry,
William F. Potter.

CHAPTER XIIL

^^j?HE following are the lists of the Board of Engineers from

W 1877 to 1884:

1877-78-

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.
Assistant Engineers, Michael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown,
John H. Judson, William J. Marr.
Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr.

1878-79.

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.
Assistant Engineers, Michael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown,
John H. Judson, Augustus A. Wood.
Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr.

1879-84.

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.

Assistant Engineers, Michael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown,

Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood.

Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr.

Thursday, Oct. 13, 1S76, the P. H. Raymond Engine Co.,
of Cambridgeport, made a visit to our city and were the recip-
ients of vmexpected hospitalities from the Cornelius Rowland
Engine Co. No. 4. A firemen's ball at Pierian Hall, a clam-
bake at Peckham's Grove, and other festivities, made the occa-
sion one of rare enjoyment to all participants.

Aug. 23, 1877, a return visit was made. The Cornelius
Howlands were accompanied by Chief Engineer Macy, As-
sistant Engineer Judson, ex-Assistant Engineer Chapman,
Councilman Taylor, and the L^nion Cornet Band. The excur-
sion lasted three days, and our firemen had a good time.
They were received by the entire fire department of Cambridge-
port, and a round of festivities was kept up to the last hour.
On their return to the city they were agreeably surprised by an

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 20I

escort of our whole department from the station. The Ray-
monds entertained their guests in such a manner as to astonish
the boys, so lavish and bountiful were the pleasures arranged
for them. Clerk Barker's record of the event is very
entertaining.

The year 1877 was remarkably free from fires. In Decem-
ber the first sleigh reel was added to the department.

Feb. 19, 1878, William Sanders' clothing house and Fred-
erick Coffin's box manufactory, 112 Union street, were burned
out. William Sanders' loss was $13,735 ; insurance, $io,ooo»
F. Coffin's loss, 10,000; insurance, $3775-

July 7, James Doull's carpenter shop. South Front street.
Loss, $2600 ; insurance, $2000.

July 28, Monroe Holcomb's stable, corner of Rowland and
Grinnell streets.

Jan. 26, 1879, a dwelling house belonging to Hiram H.
Goft', corner of Pope and State streets, was burned. Loss,
$2388.

July 13, Hersom & Bryant's soap factory was burned. Loss,
$3000 ; insurance, $11 ,000.

July 16, Mosher & Brovs^nell's sash and blind manufactory
was struck by lightning. Loss, $1300.

The steamer Progress, which had done faithful service, vv^as
disposed of, and a new engine built by the Silsby Manufac-
turing Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., was placed in commission
Sept. 4, 1879.

During the year 1880 the permanent force of the depart-
ment was uniformed, so that the regulation uniform is worn at
all times when on duty.

April II, afire in William street Baptist church. Trivial
loss.

July 8, a fire occurred at the Mansion House.

Jan. 27, 1881, fire in the works of the New Bedford Copper
Co. Loss, $2750.

April 16, fire in steamer Albatross, lying at the wharf of

202

HISTORY OF THE

theB. C. F. & N. B. R. R. Co. The steamer was laden with
merchandise belonging to various parties. Loss on steamer,
$4825 ; on merchandise, $26^^'jC).

DAVID W. HOWLAND.

(Foreman Franklin Hose, No. i, 1879-90.)

The Frederick Macy vSteam Fire Engine, No. 6, was put in
commission Nov. i, 1S82. It w^as built by the Amoskeag
Manufacturing Co., Manchester, N. H. A company was
organized Oct. 31 :

Foreman, George W. Parker.
First Assistant, Herbert B. Gardner.
Second Assistant, Felix Cavenaugh.
Clerk, George S. Hoyt.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 203

Marshall S. Greene, A. G. Howland,

Thomas Wood, Lavello I. Pierce,

William H. Barnes, Charles R. Cornell,

Jason L. Ballon, Charles K. Wood,

Frank Greene, Frederick Nelson,

Charles G. Taber, Edward Dugan,

Frank T. Perry, N. Herbert Green.

The engine-house on Fourth street, head of Potomska, was
built specially for the new engine, and it is very complete in all
the appointments and supplied with every convenience for the
comfort of the firemen, as well as for efficiency.

Two of Rvan's four-wheel hose carriages for Nos. 5 and 6
were added this year.

During the vear 18S2, private alarm boxes were introduced
into many of the important manufacturing establishments.

June 7th, a destructive fire occurred at Head-of-the-River.
A grist mill and ice houses, belonging to Mr. Simeon Hawes,
were burned. Loss, $13,817.17 ; insurance, $7900.

June 25, fire in cotton storehouse of Wamsutta Mills. Loss,
$990.

Aug. 30, fire in H. J. Taylor's crockery store, Purchase
street. Loss, $3947.24.

Feb. 3, 1883, Elbridge G. Turner's box board and shingle
mill at Plainville was burned. Loss, $3000.

June 15, fire at Wamsutta Mills. Total loss, $9371.78 ; in-
surance, $22,000.

Dec. 30, fire in dwelling house, on County street, of George
S. and F. A. Homer. Loss, $1689.37.

Roster of the Fire Department for 1884-8:^.

Board of Engineers.

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.

Assistant Engineers, Michael F. Kennedy, Loring T. Parlow,

Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood.

Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr.

Onward, No. i.

Foreman, Allen W. Tinkham,
First Assistant, George A. Tripp.

204

HISTORY OF THE

Second Assistant, Edward M. Durfee.
Clerk, E. C. Milliken.

Hosemen.
Julian A. Sweet,
Charles A. Wilson,
Charles H, Brown,
F. W. Brightman,
Nathaniel J. Stone,
Edgar F. Tripp,
John Whitehead.

Engineer, Frederick H. Wood.
Driver, James L. Bryant.
Reel Driver, Samuel C. France.
Stoker, Harris J. Tinkham.

Torchmen.
Thomas Larkin,
George H. Snow.

Progress, No. 2.

Foreman, James G. Harding.
First Assistant, John Downey.
Second Assistant, John Dollard.
Clerk, James D. Allen.

Hosemen.
E. C. Spooner,
E. R. Leverett,
Charles F. Dean,
Allen T. Kendrick,
Moses Dean,
George M. Crapo,
Wm. R. Sherman,
Samuel W. Mitchell.

Engineer, George B. Russell.
Driver, William P. Soule.
Stoker, Lemuel W. Hayes.
Reel Driver, Michael Conway.

Torchmen.
James R. Goddard,
Wyman D. Jacobs.

Cornelius Howland, No. 4.

Foreman, Henry A. Gray.
First Assistant, Edgar S. Gilbert.
Second Assistant, Benjamin F. Hinckley.
Clerk, Wm. A. Gibbs.

Hosemen.
James M. Tripp,
Hugh McDonald,
John H. Backus,
Charles H. Card,
Charles S. Wing,
Samuel Watson, 2d,
William C. Hiscox,
Roland W. Snow.

Engineer, Daniel D. Briggs.
Asst. Engineer, Alonzo V. Jason.
Driver, George H. W. Tripp.
Reel Driver, Horace D. Bradley.

Torchmen.
Wilson A. Tripp,
James J. Donaghy.

Zachariah Hillman, No. 5.

Foreman, R. S. Law ton.
First Assistant, Charles C. Gifford.
Second Assistant, Squire A. Gilford.
Clerk, Jerrie B. Taber.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

205

Hosemen.
E. R. Bentley,
G. H. Chachvick,
Isaiah H. Wilcox,
William T. King,
Charles W. H. Potter,
D. S. R. Durfee,
Charles R. Hathaway,
Martin S. Nelson.

Engineer, M. Blanchard, Jr.
Driver, B. F. King, Jr.
Stoker, Charles Jones.
Reel Driver, Reuben Taber.

Torchmen.
Walter Bates,
George H. Cook.

Frederick Macy, No. 6.

Foreman, George W. Parker.
First Assistant, Herbert B. (jardner
Second Assistant, Felix Cavenaugh.
Clerk, George S. Hoyt.

Hosemen,
Marshall S. Greene,
Robert N. Allen,
Thomas Wood,
Joseph Jackson,
William H. Barnes,
Charles R. Cornell,
Jason L. Ballon.
Charles K. Wood.

Engineer, Charles G. Taber.
Driver, Edward Dugan.
Stoker, Frank T. Perry.
Reel Driver. N. Herbert (ireene.

Torchmen.
Frank (^reene,
Frederick Nelson.

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co., No. i.

Foreman, Lysander W. Davis.
First Assistant, Charles J. Johnson.
Second Assistant, James Conway.
Clerk, Charles E. Pierce.

Laddermen.
James W. Dugan,
Charles H. Delano,
Selmer Eggers, Jr.,
Edward D. Francis,
Henry R. Gidley,
Charles M. Hathaway,
Edward F. Jennings,
John L. Olstein,
Philip C. Russell,
Frank Spooner,
Philip M. Tripp,

Clarfaus Vansant,
Charles W. Vining.

Axemen.
Nathaniel H. Caswell,
Abraham R. Luscomb.

Torchmen.
Alfred M. GiiTord,
Wm. A. Hamer.

Lewis G. Allen, Driver.

Franklin Hose Co., No. i.

Foreman, Daniel W. Howland.
First Assistant, Philip R. King.
Second Assistant, Daniel H. Burns.
Clerk, James S. Hathaway.

2o6

HISTORY OF THE

Hosemen,
A. B. C. Davenport,
James B. Drew,
Bradford D. Tripp,

Driver, Henry R. Meigs.

Torch man,
Wm. H. Maxfield.

Hancock, No. 9. (Located at Head of the River.)

Foreman, John A. Russell.

First Assistant, George W. Randall.

Second Assistant, Israel Peckham.

Clerk, Allen Russell, Jr.
Joseph H. Lawrence, Joseph Spooner,

William T. Gifford, L. A. Washburn,

Eli W. Reed, George R. Little,

A. B. Grinnell, Jr., George W. Hawes,

James A. Wilbour, John G. Whalon.

Charles R. Gifford,

Frank P. Washburn, Torch men.

F. E. Wellington, Walter H. Darling,

John Silva, Isaac Reed.

Herbert M. Spooner,

The Protecting Society.
President, Charles S. Kelley.

Jonathan Handy,
W. A. Robinson,
Charles H. Lawton,
Edward T. P'ierce,

Secretary and

Francis T. Aiken,
Gilbert Allen,
Gideon Allen, Jr.,
George H. H. Allen,
O. Frank Bly,
Standish Bourne,
George E. Briggs,
Thomas Boardman,
Charles A. Case,
R. C. P. Coggeshall,
Edwin Dews,
H. C. Denison,
John H. Denison,
Ernest A. Dunham,
Joseph Dawson,
Heman Ellis,
Willis M. Fiske,
Edward R. Gardner,

Directors.

Charles M. Haskell,
Edmund F. Maxtield,
Edmund Wood,
John H. Lowe.

Treasurer, Edward H. Allen.

William F. Potter,
Arthur E. Perry,
James N. Parker,
William H. Pitman,
Charles L. Paine,
William F. Read,
Morgan Rotch,
William A. Russell,
Arthur E. Robbins,
Louis H. Richardson,
Gardner T. Sanford,
R. W. Swift,
Frederick Swift,
William T. Smith,
Leander H. Swift,
Edward S. Shaw,
Robert Snow,
Charles M. Taber,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

207

Edmund Grinnell,
Frank H. Gifford,
A. W. Hadley,
Charles B. Hillman,
John'J. Rowland,
Charles M. Hussey,
Henry F. Hammond,
Thomas H. Knowles,
Gilbert U. Kingman,
Edgar R. Lewis,
Philander F. Manchester,
Willard Nye, Jr.,
Charles W. Plummer,
George F. Parlow,

Henry J. Taylor,
Joseph Tillinghast,
William T. Taylor,
Henrv W. Tavlor,
Francis C. Terry,
Alfred G. Wilbor,
William H. Willis,
Horace Wood,
W. O. Woodman,
Frederick A. Washburn,
Edward L. Wilde,
Thomas F. Wood,
William R. West,
Frederick D. Wade,

Mark T. Vincent.

May 30, 1S84, a new engine, built by the Amoskeag M%.
Co., for the Cornelius Rowland Steam Fire Engine Co., No.
4, was placed in commission, the old engine being placed in the
reserve.

Feb 9, 1884, fire in Liberty Hall building, with an ex-
plosion in the store of O. G. Brownell & Sons. Loss, $9000.

Feb. 13, fire in Charles Taber & Co.'s frame manufactor\',
corner of Water and Spring streets. Loss, $3750.

Feb. i4, fire in dwelling house of John W. Cornell, Middle
street ; incendiary. Loss, $775 ; insurance, $2800.

March i, fire in Elijah GIfford's brass foundr\'. Loss $2000.

June 25, fire in E. D. Mandell's residence, Hawthorn
street. Cause, lightning. Loss, $3000.

July 4, 10 p. M., fire on North Christian church. Cause,
fireworks. Loss, $600 ; no insurance.

Aug. 22, a fire occurred which entirely destroyed F. A.
Sowle & Son's planing mill on Elm street. Several other
buildings were damaged. Loss about $16,000.

Nov. 6, 1884, the engine now in commission as Progress
Steam Fire Engine, No. 2, built by Amoskeag Manufacturing
Co., was placed In commission ; the Silsbv engine was placed
in reserve.

Dec. 15, 8.15 A. M., a fire In Haskell & Tripp's dry goods
store, corner of Purchase and William streets. The whole

2o8 HISTORY OF THE

fire department was called out. Contest steam fire engine from
Fairhaven rendered valuable aid. B. H. Waite's dry goods
store badly Injured. Haskell & Tripp's loss, $73,104.03 : in-
surance, $60,500. B. H. Waite, $5500; insurance, $18,000.
J. Dexter, jeweler, $1144.50; insurance. $4000. Cause of
fire, a pile of blankets falling on a gas jet.

The year 1885 was marked by its freedom from fires of an}-
magnitude, the fire loss being less than $7000.

March 25, 1886, fire in Potomska mills. Loss, $6447.

On the 5th of July, 1886, the fire department contest for a
series of prizes offered by the city occurred. The following
record was made :

Onward, No. i, 253 feet, i 1-2 in.

Old Progress, No. 2 (Silsby), 252 feet, 6 in.

New Progress, No. 2 (Amoskeag), 255 ft., 2 1-2 in.
Cornelius Rowland, No. 4, 263 feet, 8 in.

Zachariah Hillman, No. 5, 222 feet, 6 in.

Frederick Macy, No. 6, 242 feet, 11 in.

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co., No. i, and Franklin Hose,
No. I, also took part in the contest.

Oct. 20, fire in house on Arnold street, owned by Hon.
William J. Rotch. Cause, " rats and matches."

Oct. 23, fire in Smith Brothers' decorative establishment,
William street. Loss, $5109.08.

Jan. 31, 1887, fire in Mvrick's cooperage. Water street.
Loss, $900.

April I, Kirby's paint mill and Job Wade's currier estab-
lishment, with several dwelling houses on Willis Point, de-
stroyed or badly damaged by fire. Whole loss about $30,000.

Oct. 24, fire on Tarkiln Hill road in G. A. Cobb's fire kind-
ling factory. Loss, $1300.

Aug. T, 1887, the Franklin Hose Co., No. i, made an ex-
cursion to Oakland Beach, on the invitation of the Fall River
Firemen's Association.

Henry R. Meio-s, an esteemed member of Franklin Hose
Co., No. I, died Nov. 15, 1887. During a long and painful

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 209

illness, he received the faithful and tender care of his brother
firemen. His funeral was attended by the entire fire depart-
ment. The services were in charge of Rev. ]M. C. Julien, and
were of a verv impressive character.

The only serious fire that occurred in iSSS was that of
Greene & Wood's planing mill on the evening of Aug. 8.

First Assistant Engineer Michael F. Kennedv died June 27,
1S8S. He had been a member of the fire department for about
fortv vears, was a charter member of the Cornelius Howland
Co., No. 4, and had served twelve years as First Assistant
Engineer.

During the vear 1S87, the department responded to 41 bell
alarms, 36 still and telephone alarms; 1888, 47 bell alarms,
45 still and telephone alarms; 1889,34 bell alarms, 54 still
and telephone alarms.

Julv 13th, 1889, Progress Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 2,
made a visit to East Weymouth, and were the recipients of
the generous hospitality of Z. L. Bicknell Hose Co., No. 2.

At the great fire in Boston, Nov. zS^ 1889, ^'^^ Cornelius
Howland, No. 4, rendered valuable service.

Roster of the Fire Department for 1889-90.

Board of Engineers.

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.

Assistant Engineers, Loring T. Parlow, Pliny B. Sherman,

Augustus A. Wood, Hugh McDonald.

Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr.

Onward, No. i.

Foreman, Allen W. Tinkham.
First Assistant, George A. Tripp.
Second Assistant, Edward M. Durfee.
Clerk, E. C. Milliken.

Hosemen. Engineer, Frederick H. Wood.

Julian A. Sweet, Driver, James L. Bryant.

F. W. Brightman, Reel Driver, Isaac Dawson.

John Whitehead, Stoker, Harris N. Tinkham.
W. O. Brightman,

Charles A. Wilson, Substitutes.

Edgar F. Tripp, John T. Aghen,

James F. Powers, A. D. .Milliken.

Roland A. Hatch.

2d Assistant Plinv B. Sherman. ist Assistant Loring T. Parlow.

Chief Engineer Frederick Macy.
4th Assistant Hugh McDonald. , 3d Assistant Augustus A. Wood.

Luther G. Hewins, Jr., Clerk.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

211

Progress, No. 2.

Foreman, George M. Crapo.
First Assistant, John Downey.
Second Assistant, Charles F. Dean.
Clerk, James D. Allen.

Hosemen.
James G. Harding,
E. C. Spooner,
Moses Dean,
William K. Wagner,
Wyman D. Jacobs,
E. R. Leverett,
Samuel W. iMitchell,
E. Kempton Peirce.

Engineer, George B. Russell,

(deceased.)
Driver, William P. Soule.
Stoker, Lemuel W. Hayes.
Reel Driver, Michael Conway.

Substitutes.
Alex. J. Aiken,
Jas. L. Crowley.

Cornelius Howland, No. 4.

Foreman, Edgar S. Gilbert.
First Assistant, James J. Donaghy.*
Second Assistant, Charles H. Card.
Clerk, Wm. A. (jibbs.

Hosemen.
James M. Tripp,
Samuel Watson, 2d,f
Roland W. Snow,
Henry J. Marshall,
Benjamin F. Hinckley,
Charles S. Wing,
Wm. E. Watson, Jr.,
Frank C. Jennings.

*Elected Foreman June i, vice Samuel Watson, 2d, resigned
fElected Foreman May i, vice E. S. Gilbert, resigned.

Engineer, Alonzo V. Jason.
Stoker, John H. Backus,
Driver, George H. W. Tripp.
Reel Driver, W. C. Kennedy.

Substitutes.
Leander Reed,
John W. Donaghy.

Zachariah Hillman, No. 5.

Foreman, Charles C. Gifford.
First Assistant, John F. Gifford.
Second Assistant, Squire A. Gifford.
Clerk, Joseph C. F-orbes.

Hosemen.
George H. Chadwick,
Charles H. Brown,
Obed S. Cowing,
W. H. Knowles,
I. H. Wilcox,
Henry C. Stubbs,
George H. Cook,
Thomas H. Forbes.

Engineer, Martin Blanchard.
Reel Driver, Martin S. Nelson.
Driver, Benjamin F. King, Jr.
Stoker, Charles Jones.

Substitutes.
Arthur Forbes,
Henry Jones.

212 HISTORY OF THE

Frederick Macy, No. 6.

Foreman, George W. Parker.
P^irst Assistant, Edward O^Neil.
Second Assistant, Robert N. Allen.
Clerk, Herbert B. Gardner.

Hosemen. Engineer, Charles G. Taber.

Thomas Wood, Stoker, Benj. C. Groves.

Joseph Jackson, Driver, Frank A. C. Greene.

Jason L. Ballon, Reel Driver, N. Herbert Greene.
James Harrington Sherman,

Marshall S. (ireene, Substitutes.

Charles R. Cornell, Frederick Nelson,

Charles K. Wood, Walter Almond.

Henry M. Alosher.

Hancock, No. 9.

Engine built by John Agnew, Philadelphia, 1843. Removed to
Acushnet January i8th, 1861.

Foreman, John A. Russell.

First Assistant, Francis P. Washburn.

Second Assistant, Joseph W. Spooner.

Clerk, Allen Russell, Jr.

Steward, John Silvia.

Israel H. Peckham, Andrew B. Grinnell, Jr.,

William T. (iifford, George W. Randall,

John G. Whalon, Lemuel A. Washburn,

James A. Wilbur, James L. Haskins,

Eli W. Reed, John G. Dawson,

George W. Hawes, Wm. P. Reed.
John F, Parker,

Nathan C. Briggs, Substitutes.

Job T. Haskins, George H. Gifford,

Herbert AI. Spooner, John B. Wilbur.

Hook and Ladder, No. i.

Carriage built by La France Steam Fire Engine Co., Elmira, N. Y.
Put into service August 30th, 1888.

Foreman, Charles J. Johnson.
First Assistant, Frank Spooner.
Second Assistant, Loren N. Mosher.
Clerk, Charles E. Pierce.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

213

Charles B. Allison,
Nathaniel H. Caswell,
Edward D. Francis,
Andrew V. Landers,
William R. Russell,
Philip C. Russell,

Driver, George S. Allen.

Tillerman, Charles W. Vining.

John W. Cannavan,
Lysander W. Davis,
Alfred M. Giflford,
Abram R. Luscomb,
Philip M. Tripp,
Clarfaus Vansant.

Substitutes.
William A. Hamer,
William L. Fletcher.

Hook and Ladder, No. 2.

Carriage built by Joseph T. Ryan of Boston.
4th, 1877. Present company organized September, 1888.
Weld street.

Foreman, Henry W. Kenyon.
First Assistant, Edward F. Dahill.
Second Assistant, Albert W. Moore.
• Clerk, Peter F. Sullivan.

Put in service August
House on

James Slater,
John W. Bannister,
David Warren,
Edward T. Ryan,
Martin H. Sullivan.
John S. Harrington,
William McCann,
Alfred Chausse.

Substitutes.
Jeremiah T. Haggerty,
Sylvester Budlong.

Driver, Lewis G. Allen.

Hose, No. i.

Wagon built by Brownell, Ashley & Co., and put into service De-
cember 1st, 1888.

Foreman, David W. Howland.
First Assistant, Ciiarles T. Maxfield.*
Second Assistant, John B. Oliver.
Clerk, James S. Hathaway.

Hosemen.
John W. Baker,
William H. Maxfield,
Aug. (}. Mitchell.

Driver, William H. King.

Substitute.
William Youngf.

*Elected Foreman May ist, vice D. W. Howland, resigned.

214 history of the

Hose, No. 2.

Carriage built by the Amoskeag Mtg. Co., Manchester, N. H.
Present company organized December 3d, 1888. House on Weld
street.

Foreman, Samuel C. France.
First Assistant, Joseph Uawson.*
Second Assistant, Mark Watson.
Clerk, George C. Hewins.

Hosemen. Driver, Reuben Taber.
Stephen L. Finnell,

Frank E. Foley, Substitute.

Bartholomew P. Fury. William Wolfenden.

*Elected Foreman September 30th, vice S. C. France, transferred to Engine No. 7.

Steam Fire Engine, No. 7.

Engine built by Amoskeag Mfg. Co., Manchester. N. H. Put into
service September 1st. 1890. House on Durfee street.

Foreman, Samuel C. France.
First Assistant, James Slater.
Second Assistant, S. C. Lowe.
Clerk, Thomas Mack.

Hosemen, W. Sinister,

C. A. Gallagher, Wm. Crocker,

J. D. Manseau, Maurice Dahill.

J. A. Ryan,

Edward H. Booth, Reel Driver, E. H. Coggeshall.

James McDonald, Stoker, Andrew Tripp.

New Bedford Protecting Society.
President, Charles S. Kelley.

Directors.

Jonathan Handy, Charles M. Haskell,

William A. Robinson, Edmund F. Maxfield,

Charles H. Lawton, Edmund Wood,

Edward T. Pierce, John H. Lowe.

Secretary and Treasurer, Edmond L. Wilde.

Francis T. Akin, Standish Bourne,

Gilbert Allen, George E. Briggs,

Gideon Allen, Jr., Thomas Boardman,

George H. H. Allen, Charles A. Case,

O. Frank Bly, R. C. P. Coggeshall,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

215

Clifton H. Cornish;
Edwin Dews.
Henry C. Denison,
John H. Denison,
Fred. C. Dunham,
Joseph Dias,
Walter F. Field,
Edward R. Gardner,
John E. Gibbs,
Edmund Grinnell,
Frank H. Gifford,
Charles H. Gifford,
A. W. Hadley,
Charles B. Hillman,
John J. Rowland,
Charles M. Hussey,
Henry F. Hammond,
Henr\- Howard,
Thomas H. Knowles,
G. D. Kingman,
Edgar R. Lewis,
Philander F. Manchester,
Willard Nye, Jr.,
Otis N. Pierce,
William F. Potter,
Arthur E. Perry,

Mark T.

James N. Parker,
William H. Pitman,
Charles L. Paine,
William F. Reed,
Morgan Rotch,
William A. Russell,
Arthur E. Robbins,
Louis H. Richardson,
Gardner T. Sanford,
R. W. Swift,
Frederick Swift,
William T. Smith,
Leander H. Swift,
Edward S. Shaw,
Robert Snow,
Charles AL Taber,
William T. Taylor,
Henry W. Taylor,
Francis C. Terry,
Alfred Thornton,
Alfred G. Wilbor,
William H. Willis,
Horace Wood,
Frederick A. Washburn,
Thomas F. Wood,
William R. West,
Vincent.

Roll of the Fairiiaven Fire Department for 1S90.

Engineer.

George R. Valentine.

Chief

First Assistant, John A. W. Burgess

Second Assistant, James M. Allen, Jr.

Contest Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 3.

Foreman, Thomas R. Brownell.
First Assistant, Nathaniel B. Dunn.
Second Assistant, Wm. K. McLane.
Third Assistant, Dennis D. Holmes.
Clerk, Henry Spiller.

Hosemen.

Wm. H. Bryant,
Thomas F. Morse,
Harry W. Delano,
Joseph A. Gifford,
John J. Brownell,

Henry Reed,
Wm. A. Hanna,
Wm. Asten,
Oliver S. Gurney,
Silas H. Rounsevelle.

2l6

HISTORY OF THE

Torch men.
Thomas D. Brownell,
Frank E. Dunn,
Waher S. Harding.

Engineer, Charles F. Dillingham,
Stoker, Walter L. Rounsevelle.
Drivers, George L. Bauldry,

Edward Manchester, Jr.

Hook and Ladder Co., No. i.

Foreman, Davis Sherman.

First Assistant, John E. Thompson.

Clerk, Joseph B. Peck.

Joshua R. Delano,
Thomas W. Nye,

George C. Mathewson.
Driver, Charles S. Dunham.

Protecting Society.

President, Isaac N. Babbitt, Jr.
Secretary and Treasurer, John T. Hanna.
First Director, Horace K. Nye.
Second Director, Charles F. Brownell.
Third Director, Herbert D. Burke.

Herman H. Hathaway,
John S. Howland,

E. L. Shurtleff,
Frank A. Hanna,

F. A. Keith,
B. Taber, Jr.,
Louis N. Baudoin,
Fred. R. Fish,
Wm. Card,

James L. Gillingham,
Charles H. Gifford,
Lyman C. Bauldry,
George D. Hammond,
Wm. H. Taylor,
Henry L. Card,
Thomas Dahl,
David A. Kelley,
Arlington Craig,
Charles D. Waldron.

Joseph K. Nye,

Driver of Chemical Wagon, Benj. F. Tripp

CHAPTER XIV.

^j^HE o-reat feature ol' the Fourth ol" July celebration in
^J& 1890 was the contest between the old time hand engines.
The ver^ sutrcrestion of such an affair served to awaken a flood
of memories among the veterans in the tire service, and to
arouse the curiosity of the present generation, many of whom
had never seen a hand engine in operation. The weeks pre-
ceding the natal dav were busv ones for the firemen who w^ere
perfecting arrangements and testing the hand engines that had
been secured for the contest.

The Cornelius Rowland Co., No. 4, obtained the Relief,
No. 5, of Fairhaven.

The City Committee secured the Young Mechanic, No, 6,
of Mattapoisett, and the adherents of this famous machine
were glad to avail themselves of the opportunity to work once
more on their favorite engine of the past.

The Hancock Engine Co., No. 9, of Acushnet, were to
handle their own machine.

The Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association secured the
Mazeppa, No. 3, from Provincetown.

The Providence Veteran Firemen's Association with their
famous hand engine, Gaspee, No. 9, were the special guests
of the city.

A good natured but vigorous rivalry was developed from
this combination of organizations, and it gave spice to the trial
on the rnorning: of the orlorious fourth.

A procession was formed at 10 o'clock on the square front-
ing the Old Colony Station. The route included Pearl, Pur-
chase, Fourth, Madison, Sixth, Market, and Pleasant streets.
I give the names of the firemen who took part in the afiair and
marched in the line.

2l8 HISTORY OF THE

Mounted Police.

HilPs Band, George Hill, leader, 25 men.

Committee. Judges.

E. C. Gardiner, C. S. Ashley,

W. H. Rankin, R. C. P. Coggeshall,

W. G. Kirschbaum. L. B. Ellis.

Chief Marshal, Fredk. Macy.

Aids — Loring T. Parlow. Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood, and

Hugh McDonald.

Hancock Engine Co., No. 9.

Foreman, John A. Russell.

First Assistant, Francis P. Washburn.

Second Assistant, Joseph W. Spooner.

Clerk, Allen Russell, Jr.
George W. Randall, Eli W. Reed,

Lemuel A. Washburn, Andrew B. Grinnell, Jr.,

James A. Wilbour. John Sylvia,

William T. Gifford, George W. Hawes,

Israel H. Peckham, Herbert M. Spooner,

John G. Whalon, John F. Parker,

William P. Reed, Nathan C. Briggs,

John G. Dawson, James Haskins,

Albert K. Pool, Job T. Haskins,

Richard (^rinnell, Leonard R. Reed,

Thomas Hersom, Jr., -Allen Briggs,

Frederick Bowles, Edwin F. Morton.

William Ward,

Hancock Hand Engine, No. 9.

Young Mechanic Veterans,

with guests from Columbian, No. 5, Oregon, No. 11, Pioneer H. & L

Co., No. I, and Zachariah Hillman Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 5.

Captain, Freeman C. Luce.

First Assistant, William H. Sherman.

Second Assistant, Nathan B. Gifford.

Clerk, Haile R. Luther.
Frederick Macy, Charles W. Dyer,

E. B. Macy, Benj. F. Lewis,

Henry B. Almy, Charles W. Jones,

William B. Allen, Thomas Forbes,

William Oesting, Joseph C Forbes,

Henry Southwick, Henry K. Jones,

James W. Lawrence, Josiah Macy, Jr.,

A. H. Hillman, Clarfaus Vansant,

Joseph W. Lavers, Charles H. Underwood,

Michael Cannavan, T. C. Baker,

N. B. Mayhew, James A. Lewis,

George Bumpus, Samuel H. Mitchell,

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 2I9

Abraham R. Luscomb, Daniel Ripley,

Warren W. Parker, David W. Holmes,

Seth J. Sampson, William A. Russell,

Ira S. Negus, James G. Harding,

William McKim, (jeorge P. Reed,

W. (t. Dunham, P. G. Thompson,

L. T. Parlow, Isaac W. Benjamin,

Eben J. Kempton, Edward A. Sowle,

Thomas Myers, C. F. Smith,

George H. Cook, L. E. xMilliken,

Charles C. Gilford, David L. Hathaway,

Stephen E. Parker, Rufus H. EUis,

Wm. Rounsville, E. Kempton Peirce,

John R. Linton, Edward C. Spooner,

H. M. (jitford, John Downey,

J. T. Burbank, Joseph H. Lawrence.

Young Mechanic Engine Company, No. 6, of Mattapoisett :

Gideon P. Barlow, Jonathan M. Clark,

Charles H. Hiller, Ellis L. JVIendall,

Edwin P. Gifford, Melvin Harriman,

Abner Harlow, Charles H. Robinson,

Charles A. BoUes, Edwin F. Barstow,

Arthur T. Hammond, Melvin O. Downing,

Ezra Bridgham, George Downing,

Anthony S. Wilber, William F. Holmes.

Young Mechanic Hand E^ngine, No. 6, of Mattapoisett.

Young Mechanic Juniors,
in charge of Second Assistant Robert Allen, of Frederick Macy Steam

Engine Co., No. 6:
Captain, Robert E. Allen.
First Assistant, Henry M. Whalon.
Second Assistant, Ernest P. Hammond.
Clerk, William H. Allen.
Frank L. Hathaway, Otto A. P. Benton,

Harry M. Grey, James W. Gleason,

Herbert Apsey, Harry L. Hathaway.

Miniature Model of Young Mechanic Engine, No. 6.

Glenwood Band of Taunton, W.E. Livesey, leader, 26 men.

Providence Veteran Firemen's Association, Edwin Hall, President,

70 men, non-uniformed men in charge of B. J. Cornell, marshal,

and uniformed men in charge of John H. Kinyon, foreman.

Vice Presidents,
John H. Kinyon, W. I. Williams,

James B. Bufifum, Edward Havens.

Albert C. Winsor, Secretary.
John K. Oakes, ist Assistant. Pembroke S. Eddy, 2d Assistant.

Benjamin J. Cornell, Marshal.

220

HISTORY OF THE

Hosemen,
Chris. B. Little, Chas. H. (ireene,

Geo. S. Bamford, Samuel A. Brightman,

Jacob L. Myers,

Benjamin W. Cole, Torch.

Joseph Bradbury, Banner.

Ernest Warner, Colors.

James McCord, Hydrant.

Lewis (]. Messenger

James S. Allen,
Edward Atkinson,
Oscar Bender,
William N. Bucklin,
John Church,
Pardon G. GofF,
George O. Gorton.
Daniel Grant,
Henry T. Hall,
Charles A. Henley,
Josiah Hill,
John Howland,
Charles Gardiner,
Ira D. Kelley,
James Kennedy,
C. G. Kranich,
P. A. Hern,
Clarence Niles,
C. L. Nye,
K. T. Lewis,
Frank H. Patt.
Darius Pinkham,
Albert AL Read,
Alpheus Reed,
William H. Shepard,
Benjamin W. Snow,
John E. Spencer,
William Sprague,
William H. Sprague,

Samuel W. Thurston, and
Master Arthur as "Young;
Mose,'"

Charles H. Worsley,

A. A. Gray,

John Curtiss,

Lewis Peckham,

W. R. Holmes.

Samuel G. Read,

William E. Smith,

William H. Reynolds^

Palmer C. Thurston,

William H. Aldrich,

William C. Almy,

Eidward T. Angell,

James L Mason,

James L. Warner,

Charles Harwood»

Charles Pay,

William Smith,

G. O. Westcott,

Caleb B. West,

Albion Rounds,

C. E. Edmands,

Daniel O'Brien,

Abner E. Claflin,

Charles Hill,

Henry E. Pearce,

John Wareham,

Joseph West.
Gaspee Engine, No. 9, of Providence.
F. W. Mosher, Drum Major.

Musical Exchange Band, D. J. Sullivan, leader, 21 men.

Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association, F. R. F. Harrison, presi-
dent. 35 men, with members of Frederick Macy Company

as guests.

Foreman, J. W. Lawrence.
First Assistant, F. R. F. Harrison.
Second Assistant, John F. Sullivan.
Director of Stream, William J. Marr

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

231

Suction Hosemen, Joseph W. Cook, Fred. Rounsville, George Rumpus.

Leading Hosemen,

A. G. Bralev,

N. LeB. Shurtleff,

A. Sisson,

L. M. Baudoin,

George Carpenter.

Levin Morse,
M. Miller,
T. Croacher,
J. Paull,
C. LeBarron,
C. (iifford,
W. Gififord,
Burt Akin,
William Marshall,
E. Wilkie,
C. K. Wood,
J. L. Ballon,
Fred. Nelson.
Abm. Hammond,
Charles Bowen,
Archie McFlynn,
Walter S. Wood,
George Baylies,
Fred. Weston,
John Clarkson,
J. McDonald,

John Fish,
(ieorge W. Parker,
(ieorge A. Jenney,
John Stone,
Albert Williams,
Horace Saunders.

James Corson,
Joseph Delano,
William Sawyer,
W. Pierce,
William Howland,
S. Shaw,
A. Westgate, Jr.,
George Quirk,
Robert N. Allen,
W. Almond,
T. W. O^Neil,
Charles E. Allen,
Thomas Albert,
D. McErenerv,
Phil. Russell,'
Henry M. Mosher,
Dan'l Mehan,
F. A. Hanna,
W. C. Gilford,
F. McKenzie,
Joseph Donaghy.

Mazeppa Engine, No. 3, of Provincetown.

Co. E. Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps, C. J. Hogan, leader, 15 men.

Cornelius Howland Engine Co., No. 4, Foreman, James J. Donaghy,

Volunteers, Guests and Members.
Foreman, Roland W. Snow.
Captain of Trial, Alonzo V. Jason.
Director of Stream. William A. (iibbs.
Pipemen, Charles A. Card, John H. Backus.
Suction Hoseman, James AI. Tripp.
Wm. E. Watson, Jr., " James J. Donaghy,

Benjamin F. Hinckley, Charles S. Wing,

Edgar S. Gilbert, Henry J. Marshall,

Frank C. Jennings, Leander Reed,

John W. Donaghy, Edwin F. Tripp,

Spencer B. Green, Samuel Watson, 2d,

Wm. C. Kennedy.

Guests.

Samuel J. Russell,
Paul W. Wing,

William Gleason,
Edwin B. (^ray.

222

HISTORY OF THE

Harry S. Hutchinson,
Wm. Carroll,
F. N. Hall.
Orrick Smalley, Jr.,
Mark T. Vincent,
Abram. Matthews,
J. Roland Macy,
Isaac L. Ashley,
Charles Sampson,
C. J. Khanser,
Henry Spiller,
Thomas Brown,
Sydney Smith,
Charles T. Ennis,
Ansel Blossom,
Henry Reed,
William H. Bryant,
William Hanna,
William Asten,
Samuel Gurney,
John I. Bryant,
M. P. Whitfield,
Joseph C. Omey,
Charles Manchester,
George S. Bucklin.
George H. (iibbs,
John Gifford,
Harry Brightman,
John Davis,
Charles Johnson,
Charles Delano,
John Marshall,
Daniel J. McDonald,
John B. Peckham,
Frank N. Lincoln,
John W. Frazier,
William Rooks,
W. K.McLane,
Nat. B. Dunn,
W. J. Gifford,
Thomas R. Brownell,
Edward D. Francis,

Charles B.

William Bowie,
Harry Delano,
Fred. Vinal,
John Sheffield,
John Crussell,

D. D. Holmes,
S. H. Rounsvill,
Martin J. Galvin,
Walter Brownell,
Frank Bowman,
Bert Thomas,
Zach C. Dunham,
Henry C. Swain,
Charles Baker,
Benj. W. Jones,
Sylvester Paul,
Wm. Ryan,
Henry J. Kirwin,
Fred. P. Coe,
John C. Emery,
John B. Jones,
Edward S. Baker,
Walter J. Kirwin,
Fred. Thean,

O. Frank Bly,
Jos. B. Peck,
Wm. L. Bly,
Benj. F. Drew,
Fred. Dunham,
J. A. W. Burgess,
Walter Andrews,
J.J. Brownell,

E. Briggs,
Wm. P. Booth,
Samuel Whitehead,
John H. Deane,
Crawford Dunham,
Courtland Shaw,
Henry Yound,
George A. Stetson,
Jas. R. Denham, 2d,
Roland A. Leonard,

Riley.

The City Hall square and intersecting streets were crowded
with people, and the interest was intense throughout the triaL
Water was taken from a trough located on the corner of Wil-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

223

Ham and Pleasant streets, which fnrnished an ample supply
from the water mains. Each engine was given fifteen minutes
in which to take position, play and retire. No restrictions
were made as to the size of nozzles used, nor as to the number
of men engfagfed. Each engine could make as many trials as
the time limit allowed. Positions were drawn by lot, and the
engines plaved in the following order :

C^aspee, No. 9, of Providence.
Mazeppa, No. 3, of Provincetovvn.
Hancock, No. 9, of Acushnet.
Young Mechanic, No. 6, Mattapoisett.
Relief, No. 5, of Fairhaven.

i\s the Providence firemen rolled their engine into position,
they were greeted with cheers ; and when the "click, click"
of the brakes announced that the trial had begun, the people
were loud in their manifestations of enthusiasm. The veteran
firemen were reminded of the good old days, and they stood
about the Gaspee, watching everv movement with interest.

The boys of the city, and there was a large delegation of them
present, filled every space of standing room near the engines.
They ornamented the electric poles, fences and sheds which
gave a view of the contest. When the Gaspees, in response
to the vigorous orders of First Assistant John K. Oakes, who
directed their movements from a position on the tower, began

224 HISTORY OF THE

to "break her down " in earnest, the effect on the throng was
electric. They gave expression to their feeHngs in tnmultuous
shouts and huzzas. The pipemen directed the streams, deliv-
ered through 150 feet of hose, to the north on Pleasant street.
After repeated trials it w^as found that the engine had played
211 feet, 1 1 J- inches, through a i^ inch nozzle. It was con-
ceded that the Gaspee might have made a better record but for
an unfortunate accident in breaking one of the working bars.
The Gaspees retired, amid cheers of the multitude for their
plucky performance.

The Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association brought up
their engine, Mazeppa, No. 3, of Provincetown, and received
a hearty welcome. Capt. Lawrence controlled the move-
ments of the engine, and William J. Marr directed the stream.
The tests were made with the vigor and snap that veterans
know so well how to use on such occasions. The Cape
Cod engine showed that it was still in prime condition,
for it threw a stream 198 feet, i^ inches. The announce-
ment of this result was greeted with applause as the Mazeppa
was withdrawn.

Now came the opportunity tor the Hancock, No. 9, the onlv
active representative of the past ; a good, reliable Agnew ma-
chine, the exact type and stvle of the engines of the fire de-
partment in the fifties. Would my reader like to know how
the Ohio, No. 3, Philadelphia, No. 7, Franklin, No. 10, and
Oregon, No. 11, looked in those times, the memories of which
are called up by the events of the day ? Let me suggest that
he take a good look at the Llancock as the Acusl)net firemen
roll it into position. Let his imagination put on name, num-
ber and paint of the proper color, and he may then see a good
representation of any of the above named machines. But the
brakes begin to move, and we must observe what is to be done.
Three times in succession the Acushnets put in their best work
and a stream of 189 feet, through a ^ inch nozzle, is obtained.

The appearance of the Young Mechanic, No. 6, of Matta-
poisett, was signalized by a most enthusiastic reception. The

XEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMEXT. 2 2^

engine was drawn into position by a company of veteran fire-
men, who had 1)een attached to it in the littles, when the engine
was a part of oiu" own fire department. The working force
was greatly strengthened by the M^ittapoisett company, and by
several Columbians, who, forgetting their old rivalrv, rendered
effective service on the brakes. This episode was one of the
most deliijhtful occurrences of the dav- The en<i"ine was under
the management of Chief Engineer Macv, whose early expe-
riences were associated with it. Capt. Freeman C. Luce had
charge of the general operations, and William H. vSherman
served in his former capacity as pipeman. The tests resulted
in a stream of 201 feet, io| inches. It was an interesting fea-
ture of the trial to observe the vim and energy displayed by
the grav-haired veterans as thev responded to the connnands
of Chief Macv to "Wake her! Shake her!" It was evident
that the Yoimg Alechanic had made an exhibition highly satis-
factory to the company ; and this, as it subsequently proved,
served to put a new valuation upon the engine in the town of
Mattapoisett. It was not for sale on and after July 4, 1S90.

Next, and last on the programme, came the Relief, No. 5,
of Fairhaven, manned by the Cornelius Rowlands and their
army of adherents. It was apparent from the business-like
methods adopted by the company that they had made careful
preparations for the event, and that they had, by diligent prac-
tice, learned just how to get the most out of the discarded
machine of Fairhaven. Alonzo V. Jason directed the work-
ing of the engine, William A. Gibbs directed the stream, and
J. H. Backus and Charles H. Card served as pipemen. The
repeated tests were conducted with great spirit, and on the
third trial the stream measured 216 feet, £^-^- inches. This won
the first prize and with it the cordial congratulations of every-
body. The bands played, the crowd cheered, and the boys
shouted themselves hoarse. A banquet was served to the vis-
iting firemen in City Hall, after which the prizes were distrib-
uted. Thus closed the hand engine trial of 1890.

Allen W. Tinkham, Foreman No. i.
James J. Donaghy, " No. 4.

George W. Parker, " No. 6.

George M. Crapo, Foreman No. 2.
Charles C. Gifford, " No. 5.
Samuel C. France, " Nn. 7.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 227

In March, 1890, George B. Russell, who had for several
years faithfully served the Departmeut as engineer of the
Progress Engine Company, No. 2, died after a long illness.
His funeral was attended by the entire Fire Department. Al-
bert W. Taber is now filling the position of engineer.

Aug. 3, 1890, the Z. L. Bicknell Hose Co., No. 2, of East
Weymouth, visited our city and were the guests of Progress
Engine Co., No. 2. Mindful of the generous entertainment
accorded them on their visit to East Weymouth in 1889, the
Progress Co. arranged a liberal series of festivities, which
were highlv enjoyed by their guests.

Steamer No. 7, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co.,
was put in commission September i, 1890. It is located in a
new house on Durfee street, built expressly for its accommo-
dation, and is thoroughly equipped with all the modern
conveniences for fire service. On the second fioor of the
building is a fineh furnished hall for the use of the company.

Wednesday, Oct. i^, 1890, was observed as Muster Day bv
the Fire Department. The Cit}' Government had appropri-
ated $500 to defray the expenses of the occasion, and firemen
and citizens entered heartily into the festivities of the day.
The weather was bris^ht and sunnv, the streets were in fine
marching condition, and, with a bracing northwest wind,
made the parade with which the event opened one of keen
enjoyment to all.

At ii.i^ A. M. the following procession moved from Citv
Hall square, through William, Water, Union, Sixth, Madison,
County, Hillman and Pleasant streets, passing in review before
the Citv Government at the Library building, thence through
Union, North Sixth and Market streets :

Order of March.

Police skirmishers Wing and Moynan.

Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy.

Assistant Engineers, Loring T. Parlow, Pliny B. Sherman,

Augustus A. \Vood, Hugh McDonald.

Chiefs wagon.

Hilfs New Bedford Band, 26 men, George Hill, leader.

Charles T. Maxfield, Foreman Hose No. i.
LysanderW. Davis, Foreman H.& T.. No. i.
Daniel D. Briggs, - Siipt. Fire Alarm.

Joseph Dawson, - Foreman Hose No. 2.
Henr^- W. Kenyon, Foreman H. I't L. No. 2.
John A. Russell, Foreman Hancock, No. 9

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 229

Hancock Engine Co., No. 9, 22 men, John A. Russell, foreman
Hose Co., No. i, 9 men. Charles T. Maxfield, foreman.
Cornelius Howland Engine Co.. No. 4, 20 men, James J. Donaghy,

foreman.

Onward Engine Co., No. 1,21 men, Allen W. Tinkham, foreman.

Hook and Ladder Co., No. i, 16 men. Lysander \V. Davis, foreman.

Musical Exchange Band, 20 men, Daniel J. Sullivan, leader.

Progress Engine Co., No. 2, 18 men. George M. Crapo, foreman.

Frederick Macy Engine Co., No. 6, 18 men, George W. Parker,

foreman.

Engine Company No. 7. 18 men, Samuel C. France, foreman.

Hook and Ladder Co., No. 2, 14 men, Henry W. Kenyon, foreman.

Hose Co., No. 2, 8 men, Joseph Dawson, foreman.

Zachariah Hillman Engine Co., No. 5, 20 men, Charles C. Gifford,

foreman.

All along the route the buildings were decorated, and crowds
"of people lined the sidewalks as the fire companies marched
by to the inspiring music of the bands.

The contest for prizes took place at the conclusion ot the
parade, Messrs. W. H. Sherman, Freeman C. Luce, Edward
vS. Haskell, Edgar B. Hammond and D. \V. Wilson serving
as judges. The first trial was between Hook and Ladder
Companies Nos. i and 2. Thev were to run from the corner
of Market and Pleasant streets to Mechanics lane, raise a
30-foot ladder against the Odd Fellows' building, and send a
man to the top round. The time was taken from the firing of
a siofnal o-un. The following- were the results :

Hook and Ladder, No. 1,-35 ^"- seconds.
Hook and Ladder, No. 2, - 31 1-4 seconds.

The second trial was between Hose Companies, Nos. i and
2, and Hancock, No. 9. The latter used the reel attached to
their engine. The test was to rui> from Market street to the
hydrant at tlie corner of Pleasant and William streets, connect,
and reel ofl' i ^o feet of hose ; time to be taken from the firing
of the signal gini to the moment when water came through
the nozzles. The following were the results :

Hose Co., No. i, 32 1-4 seconds.
Hose Co., No. 2, 42 seconds.

Hancock, No. 9, 29 seconds.

230 HISTORY OF THE

At this point a clambake was sened at the Manhattan
House to the City Government, Fire Department and invited
guests.

Then followed the contest between the steamers. The}^
were to play through two lines of hose of 1^0 feet each with a
Siamese connection and a if inch nozzle. Each steamer was
allowed 100 lbs. pressure, and Supt. D. D. Briggs adjusted the
safety vahe to that point in each case ; 30 minutes were al-
lowed for each trial. The following results were reported by
the board of judges :

Progress, No. 2, 276 feet, i inch.

Cornelius Rowland, No. 4, 270 ft., 8 inches.
Engine No. 7, 262 teet, 103-4 inches.

Onward, No. i, 251 feet, 10 inches.

Frederick Macy, No. 6, 216 ft.. 2 1-4 inches.

The Zacliariah Hillman was out of order and did not enter
the contest. A grand ball in Co. E's armorv, in aid of the
Firemen's Mutual Aid Societv, closed the festivities of the
day.

One of the saddest events in the historv of our Fire Depart-
ment was tlie death of Edward C. Spooner, a member of
Progress Engine Co., No. 2. Mr. Spooner lived in the family
of Mr. William B. Bird, 107 Cedar street. On Tuesday even-
ing, Oct. 14, 1890, while at the supper table, he was startled
bv a loud explosion in the tenement above. Hastily proceed-
ing upstairs and entering the kitchen, a frightful scene greeted
his eyes. There, in the middle of the room, stood his neigh-
bor, Mrs. William L. Cobb, completely enveloped in flames.
A can of petroleum had exploded in her hand, and the con-
tents was distributed on her garments and on the carpet, which
cjuickly ignited and were burning fiercely when Mr. Spooner
entered the room. Seizing Mrs. Cobb in his arms and shut-
tino- his eves and mouth, to shield tiiem from the fire, he
bravely carried her down stairs to the room below. A bed-
quilt thrown about her body soon extinguished the flames,

NEW i?i:df()kd firk dp:pakt.mkxt.

231

and she was then removed to tlie residence of Mr. Squire A.
Giflbrd, across the street. Everything was done to alleviate
the sufferings of the unfortunate woman, but without avail.
She died at 10 o'clock. Mr. Spooner was shockingly burned
about the head and hands, and his sufferings were intense dur-

l'^^,*ii^«f¥A«"»!W*::>^- ■ ■

EDWARD C. SPOONER.

ing the weary days that followed. He received the lo\'ing care
of his brother firemen and friends, and nothing was left un-
done to relieve him in his distress ; but he passed away on the
morning of Nov. i. Forgetful of himself, he sought to save
the life of another : and liis name will 2"o down into history

232 HISTORY OF THE

among those of the nolile men who have sacrificed themselves
for helpless humanity.

The funeral was held in the County street M. E. church,
Monday afternoon, Nov. 3. Rev. Charles W. Holden, pastor of
the church, and Rev. Matt. C. Julien, officiated. The chancel
was filled with fioral tributes from the family and fire com-
panies. The fire alarm l^ells tolled mournfulh , as the Fire
Department and a delegation from the Street Department, of
which Mr. Spooner had been a member, accompanied Iw the
Musical Exchange Band, escorted the remains to the church.
The services were of a most impressi^•e character and formed
a worthy tribute to the memory of one who had been faithful
unto death. The burial took place at Acushnet, the escort ac-
companying the funeral cortege to Weld street on Acushnet
avenue. Here the firemen were drawn up in line and, with
bowxd heads and lifted caps, bade farewell to the dead hero.
All the companies were then dismissed except those of Pro-
gress, No. 2, and Hancock, No. 9. The following graphic ac-
count of the interment, written by Mr. Charles S. Kellev, is
taken from the Eveiiiiio- Stamiard :

'•Chief Alacy, Assistant Hugh McDonald, and the President of the Pro-
tecting Society, the members of the two companies, the delegation
from the street department and the band boarded four horse cars,
which had been provided for them, and proceeded to Lund's Corner,
arriving there when it was quite dark. Lighted lanterns were procured
from the house of Engine No. 9, and, alighting from the horse cars,
the procession formed and proceeded on its way in the darkness to
Pine Grove Cemetery, a half mile distant, on the Tarkiln Hill road, the
band playing dirges. The procession passing between the open gates
of the cemetery, upon the two posts of which were hung lighted lan-
terns, but poorly dispersing the intense darkness, the quiet broken
only by the tap, tap of the muffled drum and the tramp of the men,
added solemnity to the occasion. At the grave the scene was even
more impressive and touching. The firemen were draw n up in line and,
by the light of three or four lanterns, the remains w-ere removed from
the hearse and deposited by the roadside, firemen with lanterns being at
the head and foot of the casket. The carria2;escontainintr the mourners
passed by, the bearers lowered the remains into the grave, the Chief
Engineer stepped forward, cast a flower into the grave upon the casket,
and, with trembling voice, .said "Farewell Comrade." He was followed

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPAKr.MKNT. 233

by the members of Progress, No. 2. wlio, each casting in a Hower, said
feeUngly, "P'arewell brother, "'' and the President of the Protecting So-
ciety, who, dropping in a flowei', said " F^irewell Hra\e Fireman.''' A
few drops of rain fell, as if the heavens would also weep, and the fire-
men march sadly away into the darkness. It was at about the same
hour that the brave fireman carried the woman from tlie flames and
therebv lost his life.''

LINES

In memory of Euwakd C. Si'0(1NEK, a member of the

New Bedford Fire Department, who died

Nov. I. 1890, aged 55 years:

Oh I ne'er ai^ain the ••fire alarm '" will wake him.
His slumbers now are peaceful and secure.

The jars of earth no more ha\"e power to shake bini.
Nor worldl\- snares his footsteps to allure.

Another's life to save he gave his own,*

Thus, with the good of every land and clime,

His soul from earth to higher realms hath flown.
The happy guerdon of an act sublime.

Louder than preaching hath our lost friend spoken.
The " Good Samaritan" he proved to be ;

And gave to us a far more blessed token

Of human goodness than jjoor words foresee.

Safe in the hands of Him who rules abo\'e,
A martyr to the noble cause he served,

A true exemplar of devoted love,

Whose memory with the just will Ije ])reser\ed.

Nov. 2. 1890. D. R.

*ln an interview with the deceased, during his illness, on the writer's observing that he had
done a noble deed, he feelingly replied: " I could nof help it."

CHAPTER XV.

^^17 HE New I)cdr()rd \"eteran Eiremen's Association, a legit-
XL^'" iiDate outii^rowtli of the hand en^rine contest on the 4th of
July, 1890, was pernianentlv organized on Monda\' evening,
Nov. 10, 1S90. The objects of the Association, as expressed in
the constitution, are to '' collect and preserve records, papers,
relics and savings jDertaining to the New Bedford Fire Depart-
ment, and to foster good will and friendlv intercourse by occa-
sional meetino's." The oiiicers of the association, who will
serve until the annual meeting in January, 1891, are as
follows :

President, Charles S. Kelley.
Vice-Presidents, Frederick Macy, James Delano.
Directors. Samuel C. Hart, Leonard 15. Ellis, Haile R. Luther. Wil
liam G. Kirschbaum.

Secretary, William G. Kirschbaum.
Treasurer, Haile R. Luther.

The following- members have been elected :

Charles S. Kelle\",
Samuel C. Hart,
Leonard B. Ellis,
Wm. (j. Kirschbaum,
Haile R. Luther,
Frederick Macy,
James Delano,
William i\. Taber,
Charles H. (iitl^"ord,
Charles H. Lawton,
Obed C. Nye,
I. W. Benjamin,
Edwin Dews.
Charles S. Paisler,
William Baylies,
John P. Knowles, 2d,
Augustus A. Wood,
LoriniJ: T. Parlow,

ira S. Negus,
Pardon G. Thompson,
Alfred IM. (iifford,
Thomas W\ Cook,
Martin S. Nelson,
Charles W. Jones,
John Downey,
James A. Lewis.
Robert H. Taber,
Charles A. Case,
WMlliam A. Hamer,
Charles E. Pierce,
George T. Bum pus.
S. H. Mitchell,
(ieorge H. Giflford,
David L. Hathaway,
Oliver P. Brightman,
S. A. Tripp.

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.

235

James C. Hitch,
E. C (iardiiier,
John Mathews,
Jireh Swift.
Charles F. Smith,
PhiHp E. Colby,
A. H. Akin,
Edward A. Sowle.
Philip H. King,
J. H. Lawrence,
Thomas Albert, Jr..
William L. Fletcher,
Charles P. Johnson,
Charles F. Briggs,
Henry W. Kenyon,
Henry F. Hammond.
Arthur E. Perr}-,
Thomas Wood,
Willard Nye, Jr..
Charles B. Hillman,
Francis P. \\"ashburn,
Edmond L. Wilde,
William H. Maxfield,
Stephen E. Parker,
Eugene R. Leverett,
William G. Dunham,
Wyman D. Jacobs,
B. W. Harrison,
John H. Lowe,
Leopold Bartel,
James Ferguson,
F. C. Jennings,
Augustus G. Mitchell,
Charles T. Maxfield,
Alonzo V. Jason,
Stephen H. Shepherd,
Charles H. Delano,
Frank Spooner,
Samuel C. France,
W^illiam E. Macomber,
James L. Wilber,
A. R. Luscomb,
Freeman C. Luce,
Edward F. Dahill,
Henry M. Mosher,
Charles R. Cornell,
John B. Oliver,
Mark T. Vincent,
Charles W^ Vining,

Henry C. Stubbs,
Samuel Watson, 2d,
E. C. Milliken,
William T. Taylor,
William R. Sherman,
Charles K. Wood,
W. K. Wagner,
William A. Church,
Charles W. Dyer,
J. J. P. Zettick,
Allen Russell, Jr.,
Moses Dean,
Robert T. Barker,
Francis T. Akin,
George H. Cook,
John J. Howland,
Nathan C. Briggs,
Andrew V. Landers,
Jesse Allen,
W^illiam H. Rankin,
Harry C. Jennev,
N. H. Caswell,'
John R. Linton,
Benjamin C. (Graves,
Amos F. Lovejoy,
J. Harrington Sherman,
William H. Sherman,
Charles F. Dean,
Roland W. Snow,
O. Frank Bly,
David W. Howland,
Charles M. Taber,
Edmund Grinnell,
Joseph W. Lavers,
Alexander H. Hillman,
E. Kempton Peirce,
Fred. H. Wood,
Samuel W. Mitchell,
George S. Bowen,
Arthur E. Robbins,
Henry H. Fisher,
James t{. Pease,
H. M. Spooner,
William A. Russell,
Seth J. Sampson,
Joseph W. Robertson,
John A. Russell,
Eugene H. Gifford,
William B. Allen,

236 HISTORY OF THE

B. F. King, Jr.. Amos W. Hadley,

lienjamin F. Lewis, Michael Canavan,

Lemuel W. Haves.

It is the purpose of the Association to purchase a hand en-
gine of the older t\pe, to furnish a hall for meetings, and to
adopt such methods of usefulness as shall put the society on a
substantial basis.

The following is the amount of losses by tire in this cit\ for
the past thirteen years, together with the amount of insurance :

Year.

Loss.

Insurance.

1877,

$26,063.66

$21,528.36

1878.

28,154.46

66,025.00

1879,

9,163.19

54.950.00

1880,

7.609.13

49.450.00

1881.

26,624.96

86,979.00

1882.

23,169.64

692.950.00

18S3.

17,398.14

77,450.00

1884,

134.729.82

310.950.00

1885.

6.982.41

148,025.00

1886.

26.786.03

1,108,800.00

1887.

45.141.50

708,150.00

1888,

32.881.87

125.927.00

1889,

48.285.71

182.772.00

I have spoken of the wonderful intelligence and aptitude of
the horses attached to the steam department. Their training
partakes of the same rigid discipline that per\ ades every other
feature of the fire service. The permanent members of the
department are in reality what their name suggests. The en-
gineers who superintend the practical working of the machines,
the hostlers, who care for the horses, and the drivers, who
handle the ribl)ons so gracefully and safely when on a rapid
pace to the scenes of conflagration, all live in the engine-
houses and are present day and night. Their sleeping rooms
are arranged with due regard to prompt response to tlie call of
the alarm bell. I am tellini; no secret when I say that so svs-

NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 337

tematicallv ananji^ed "are the details that when the fireman
springs from liis l)e(l, he lands in his hoots and trousers in one
movement, and is down stairs attending to business before
the first round of three strokes has been tolled off. I am as-
sured this is the rule and not the exception.

Have anv of mv readers ever visited one of our engine
houses and seen the practical working of the wonderful system
in vogue in our department? If not, let me invite you to ac-
company me, and you may as well take your friends along
with you. It will not matter much which one we select, tor
^ve shall be sure of a courteous reception from any ol them.
Suppose, howe^•er, we go down to the Frederick Mac}' engine
house on Foiuth street. This structure is one of the latest
built, and is well modelled for the practical use of our fire
service. No need of knocking, for the doors are open wide in
the summer days. The handsome engine stands abreast of the
large doors, beside it the hose reel, both brilliant in polished
brass and steel. The spacious room is as neat and clean as a
parlor. The walls are finished in hard wood, and upon them
are hung the telephone and other apparatus connected with the
fire seryice. We go upstairs into the hall. Here we find a
reception room worthy of anv gentleman's house. The walls
are of a delicate tint and are hung with fine pictures ; Brussels
carpet on the floor, handsome furniture placed about the room,
comfortable ciiairs inviting us to rest — everything bears an air
of refinement and good taste.

Shall we visit the stables where the well-drilled horses are
kept.' From the parlor to the stable I Well, yes, it is a
change, but we want to see the whole thing, so to the stable
we will go. Down the spacious stairway, we cross to the west
side and enter. And is this the stable.^ Why, barring a carpet,
we might imagine it a boudoir; for the pet horses in the stalls
are clean, and eyerything is scrupulously neat ; no fear of soiling
your clothing anywhere. And the horses are plump, hand-
some and good natured, and the\' answer to their names by un-

238 HISTORY OF THE

mistakable manifestations of intelligence. Kind treatment and
patient instruction have developed a degree of intelligence
truly wonderful in the horses of our fire department. We
shall soon see an illustration, for we will accept the courteous
invitation to witness "ring-ina- in an alarm." We take our
station near the main doors, where we mav better see the oper-
ations and give any nervous member of our party a chance to
escape up the street if affrighted at the commotion. Now»
listen, clang goes the gong, presto I the double doors of the
stalls open instantly, out leap — yes, leap is the word — the three
horses. Without halter or guide thev rush to their places at the
pole of the engine and shafts of the hose reel, take position
exactly under the overhanging harness, which at once drops
upon their backs, a pull here, a strap fastened there, and the
drivers are on their seats, reins in hands. Doors all open,
out of the house moves the whole apparatus with lightning
speed, fires all lighted, clouds of black smoke rolling out of the
smoke stack, steam up in a moment, and all in readiness for
instant work, all this in 18 seconds, and frequently in less
time. And this thins' is done in every eng-ine house at every
alarm, without fuss, friction or confusion.

Do you wonder that we have so few extensive fires.' Is it
not a rare thing to have a fire extend beyond the building-
where it originated ? With such promptness in response to
the magical fire alarm — giving the firemen and citizens alike
correct information as to the exact locality — an ordinary fire
has little chance of making headway, and if, by any accident,
it should get a good start, the entire resources of the fire ser-
vice w^ould be quicklv brought into action and the fire speedily
extinguished.

The fire alarm system, under the immediate care of Assist-
ant Superintendent D. D. Briggs, has become a most im-
portant feature of our fire service, and much credit is due him
for the perfection to which he has brought it after so man}-
years of faithful service. The Board of Engineers, in their

XKW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMP:N'J\ 239

last report, say "the utmost care is observed, and the result is
that the lines have been ready to perform their remarkable
work. There are now 6i tire alarm l^oxes, 35 miles of wire,
5 bell-strikers, 8 15-inch en<yine-house gongs, 7 7-incli engi-
neer's gongs, and three small tappers, operated b\- a battery of
191 cups."

The telephone has also l)ecome an important feature in oiu"
fire service. A telephonic comnumication with an engine-
house at anv time, day or night, calling for immediate help,
will be answered by experienced firemen, witli apparatus for
prompt and effective use.

The La France Hook and Ladder Truck [see illustration on
page 1 82], fitted with all the latest appliances, is anotlier verv
useful arm of the department. The extension ladder, with
lever attachments, furnishes readv facilities for reachino" the
higfhest buildinsTS.

I have described as best 1 can all tlie important elements
which go to make our efficient department, and I have reserved
the closing lines to speak of the commanding officers of the
whole service. It must be frankly admitted that to Chief
Macv and his able and experienced assistants belongs much
credit for its present healthy condition. Their long service
has been of great benefit to our city ; and the people of New
Bedford can feel assured that our fire department has no
superior in New England for efficiency and completeness.

INDEX,

For the names of the officers and members of the fire companies
see rosters of the Department.

Acorn, Brig, 125

Active Engine Co., No 2, 86

Acushnet, No. 4, t2o

Acushnet Cong, church fire, 173

Adams Engine Co., Salem, 113

Agnew, John, 21, 78, 86, 99, 212

Aiken, Bartholomew, 5

Alarms, False, 90

Albatross, Steamer, fire, 201

Alden, John, 15

Alert, No. 4, 78, 193

Allen, Mrs. B. A., and Co., 186

Allen, Frederick S., 40

Allen, Jethro, 14

Allen, Jo.seph Jr., 71

.Allen, Slociim, 42, 58, 71

Allen, Thomas C-, 142

Allen, William H., 19

Allen house fire, 39

Allen St. M. E. Church, 148

Almy &: Swain fire, 166

Amoskeag Mfg. Co., 156, 214

Ark riot, 1826, 25

Ark riot, 1829, 30

Arnold, James, 13, 15, 45

Ashley, Joshua B., 77, 86, 133, 141, 142

Atlantic Co., No. 10, 106

Babcock, Eastland, 125

Backus, J. H., 225

Bailey & Hathaway, 149

Baker, William G., 40

Banquet in City Hall, 194

Baptist Church, William street, fire, 201

Barney, Peter, 15

Bartlett, Ivory H., 19, 45, 124

Bates, Joseph, 14

Battering rams, 21, 128

Baylies, John, 42, 104

Bedford Fire Society, 9, 10, 12

Beecher, Henry Ward, 126

Beetle, Henry, 15

Beetle, Rodolphus, 30

Bell alarms, 1887-89, 209

Beneficial Association, 189

Bible readings, 106

Bird, William B., 230

Bisbee, George D., 124

Blackler, W. G., fire, 170

Biackmer, William, 41

Bliss, George H., 192

Bliss, Moses H., 142, 165, 175, 186, 188, 192

Borden, Samuel, 4

Bourne, Joseph, 15

Boyhood partisanship, 83

Briggs, D. D., 230

Brown, John E., 187, 188

Brown, Nathan M., 200

Brownell, J. Augustus, 141, 142

Brownell, Joseph & Co., 129

Browne)], O. M., 71, 76, 77, 86

Brownell, Ashley & Co., 213

Bryant, Israel T., 86, 141

Bucket Brigade. 13

Burgess, soap works, fire, 168

Bush, Thomas B , 58

Bush, Thomas M., 42

Button, L., S: Co., 78, 108

Butts, Peleg, 42

Campbell, Ale.x. H., 42

Cannon, Edward, 64, jt

Cannonville church, 106

Card, C. H., 225

Cascade Co., No. i, 188

Case, Isaac, 19

Cataract, No. 6, 20

Centre st. fire, 1820, 16

Chaddock, E. N., 42, 45

Chadwick, E. N., 38

Chapman, A. M., 187, 188, 192

Chase, Nathan, fire, 160, r66

Child?^, Aaron, 125

Church, Charles, 15

Church, Joseph, 15

Church-going, 147

Citizen, No. 2, 4, 24, 45, 65, 128, 133, 165

City Guards, 147

Clanging bells, 40

Clapp, Ichabod, 15

Clapp & Jones, 188

Clark, Walter F., fire, 186

Clifford, John H., 179

Fire, 170
Cobb, G. A., fire, 208
Cobb, Mrs. W. L., 230
Coffin, Timothy G., 19, 27, 31, 42, 45
Coffin investment, 93
Coggeshall, Charles, 38
Coggeshall, Hayden, 19
Columbia, No. 3, 9
Columbian, No. 5, 21, 47, 66, 89, 105, 108,

no. III, 114, 115, 116, 119, 124, 134, 146,

155, 158, 162
Columbian, No. 5, song, 113
Committee of vigilance, 36
Concert Hall fire, 189
Congdon, Caleb, 15
Congdon, James B., 33, 38, 42, 45, 194
Contest Engine, No. 3, 174, 215
Contest for prizes, July 4, 1886, 208
Cook, T. W., fire, 186
Cook, William, 165
Copper Co. fire, 201
Cordage Co. fire, 167
Cornelius Howland, No. 4, 175, 176, 179, 181,

189, 197, 200, 204,209, 211, 217, 221, 229
Cornell, Joseph H., 186
Covell, Benjamin B., 77, 86
Covell, Charles, 38, 45
Covell, M. A., song, 113
Craig, Wheelock, 148
Crapo, Henry H., 42, 52
Cunningham, John, fire, 168
Cushman, A. S., 129
Davenport, Dudley, 19, 33, 42, 45, 58, 71

Davenport, Dudley, fire, 74

Davidson, Chief Engineer, loi

Davis, Philip S., 77

Davis, Philip T., 38

Delano, Ezra K., 64, 71, 77

Delano, John, 15

Delano, Jos. C., 171

Delano, Timothy, 15

Denham, Tilson B., 77, 86

Dexter, Josiah, fire, 173

Dirigo Engine Co., No. 8, loi

Disbandment of Fire Department, 1847, 74

Doane, Simeon, fire, 167

Douglass, Frederick, 126

Doull, James, fire, 201

Downey, Michael, 165

Dunbar, Elisha, 19

Dunbar, Joseph, 38

Durfee, James, 30, 42, 71, 86, 129. 133

Durfee, Nathan, 129

Durfee, William, 42, 88

Dyer, Charles W., 187, 188

Dyer, C. W., fire, 184

Dyer, Timothy I., 33

Dyer & Richmond, 9

Eddy, Geo. M-, 75

Eddy, Geo. M., & Co., fire, 79

Eddy, Job, 13

Edward Mott Engine Co., 188

Eldredge, Kelley, 15, 45

Ellis, Alexander H. 122

Song, 122
Ellis, Caleb L., 77, 86, 91
Ellis, Nathan 5., 167
Elm St. M. E. church fire, 28
Empty-handed citizen, 40
Engine, No. 3, Acushnet, 66
Ex- Five Association, 105
Excelsior, No. 3, 173, 176, 188
Fairhaven & Boston R. R. Co. fire, 147
Fairhaven Fire Department, 215
h'airhaven Protecting Society, 216
Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association, 217

220, 224
Fales, G. G., Bible reading, 106
Fire alarm system, 187, 238
Fire buckets, 18
F'ire Department, disband, 1847, 74

Paid, 54

Rosters, 1834, 1844, 1856, 1867, 1876,
1884, 1890,"' 45, 64, 133, 175, 196, 203,
209

Rules, 140
Fire losses, 1877-89, 235
Firemen's Mutual Aid Society, 230
Fisher, H H., 142, 165, 176, i86, 187
Flood, No. I, 7, 73
Flour Mills fire, 185 '

Forbes Dramatic Co., 81
Foster, Stephen, 126
Fountain Engine Co., No. 8, ro2
Fox, Samuel, 54
Franklin Engine Co., No. 10, 57, 58, 60, 69,

89, 131, 137, 146, 147, 148, 178, 224
Franklin Hose, No. 1, i£8, 198, 208, 229
Frederick Macy, No. 6, 202, 2x2, 229
French, Rodney, 115
Friends' meeting-house fire, 166

Gammons, Alanson, fire, 55

Gardner, Edmund, 38, 45, 76

Gardner, Edward, 42

Garrison, Wm. Lloyd, 126

Gaspee Engine, No 9, Prov., 217, 220, 223

Geils, G., furniture store, fire, 191

General, horse, 180

Georgia, privateer, 129

Gibbs, Rowland, 5

Gibbs, William A., 225

Gifibrd, Abraham, 150

Gifford, George G , 49, 58, 71, 86, 133, 186

Gifibrd, Shubael H., 42, 71

Gifford, Squire A., 231

Gifford & Topham, copper foundry, fire, 132

GofT, H. H., fire, 201

Greene, David R., 38, 42, 45, 58

Greene & Wood's planing mill fires, 174, 209

Grinnell, Cornelius, 14

Grinnell, Joseph, 42, 74

Grinnell, Lawrence, &; Co., fire, 132

Groves, Philip, 64, 71, 77

Hammond, Edgar H., 229

Hancock, No. 9, 24, 56, 69, 117, 129, 131,

136, 164, 165, 177, 198, 212, 217, 218. 224.

229, 232
Hand and steam test, 158
Hand engine parade, July 4, 1890. 218
Hand engine trials, 166, 217
Hanscomb, S. P., 125
Hard Dig, 25
Harris, Jeremiah G., 42
Hart, Samuel C, 179, 186, 192
Hart, Simpson, 13
Haskell, Edward S., 229
Haskell, Eli, 19
Haskell, John C-, fire, 57
Hathaway, Evangeline, 81
Hathaway, John M., & Bro., fire, 148
Hathaway, Margaret, 75
Hathaway, Martin L., 130
Hathaway, Nathan, 33
Hathaway, Thomas S., 38, 42, 45
Hathaway, T. S., & F. S., fire, 184
Hathaway, William, 19
Hawes, Simeon, fire, 203
Hayes & Co., fire, 184
Hazard, Thomas, 4, 14
Head-of-the-River fire, 75
Hersom & Bryant fire, 201
Hewins, L. G., Jr., 200
Hillman, Jethro, 30, 38, 119
Hillman, Zachariah, 15, 19, 3c, 42, 58, 71, 76,

77,86, 133
Hinckley, George, 86, 141, 142
Holcomb, M., fire, 201
Holden, Charles W., 232
Homer, G. S. & F. A., fire, 203
Honey Bees, Newport, 93
Hook & Ladder Co., No. i (Pioneer), 49, 70,

114, 128, 129, 130, 138, 144, 149, 178, 198,

212, 229
Hook (S: Ladder Co., No. 2, 213, 229
Hook& Ladder Co., No. i, Fairhaven, 216
Hose Co., No. 2, 214, 229
Howard House, 33
Howland, Abm. H., 42, 58, 71
Howland, Abm. H. Jr., 178, 179, 186, 187, 188

Ill

Howland, Benjamin, 15
HowUnd. Cornelius, 15
Howlnnd, Mrs. Cornelius, Jr., 179
Howland, George, jr., 32, 42, 58, 71, 144
Howland, Gideon, 19. 30
Howland, James, 14
Howland, James, 2d, 15
Howland, John, 4
Howland, John, Jr , 33
Howland, Peleg, 13
Howland, Weston, 123, 147
Howland street riot, 142
I lowson, John, 148
Hunneman engines, 16, 21, 46
Incendiary fires, 58, 83
Independence, No. i, i, 2, 45, 65, 73
Indian Chief, ship, 28
Ingraham, Timothy, 133, 147
James, William. 15
Jason, Alonzo V. 225
Jeffers, William, & Co., 99, roi
Jenkins, Perez, ic6
lenney, Jahaziel, 12, 13
Jenney, Peleg, 13
Jenney, William H., 43, 58, 71, 77
jerry, 1829, 30

1856, 145
John and Edward, ship, 151
Jolly Ropemaker, 4
Jones, Silas, Capt , 125
Jordan, S. D., 127
Judson, John H., 130, 192, 200
Julien, M. C , 232
Juvenile Engine Co., 83, 84, 85

Kellev, Charles S., 130, 168, 189, 232
Kelle'y, Henry C., 168
Kelley, Nathaniel, 71

Kempton, David B., 25, 30

Kempton, Elisha W,, 64, 71, 77

Kempton, H. A., fire, 117

Kempion. Manasseh, 4

Kempton. Manasseh, Jr., 125

Kennedy, Michael F., 179, 192, 200, 209

Keystone oil works fire, 166

King, Josiah B., 104

Kirby's paint mill fires, 174, 208

La France steam engine mfrs., 212

Lamb, J. & W., fire, 185

Lamb's plane mfg. fiie, 183

Lawrence, J. W., 220

Lecain, George, 13

Leonard, Nehemiah, & Co.. fire, 181

Leonard, Samuel, fire, 59

Liberty Hall bell, 125, 127
Fires, 123, 169

Lincoln, Benjamin, 12, 15

Lindsey, Benj., fire, 9, 15

Luce, Freeman C, 188, 192, 225, 229

Luce Matthew, 42

McChesney, E., fire, 191

McDonald, Hugh, 179

Macy, Frederick, 165, 175, 186, 200, 225

Mandell, Edward D., 71

Mandell, Thomas, 30, 38, 42, 45, 52

Mansion House fire, 186, 201

Market street school-house fire, 148

Marr, William J., 200, 224

Mason, Philip, 4

Mathews, John, 142, 165, 175, 186

Mathews, William H., 165

Maxfield, Caleb, fire, 184

Mayhew, Frederick, 12

Mayhew, Jeremiah, 4

Mazeppa engine, No 3, 217, 221, 224

Meader, William, 15

Mechanic, No 6, 20, 48, 67, 93, 102

Mechanics lane, fire, 148

Meigs, Henrv K.., 2c8

Mendall, J. fl., 71

Merrihew, Stephen, 38, 42, 45

Merrill, Edward, 42, 58

Merritt, Timothy, 30

Metacomct Co , No. 3, 188

Mike, horse, 179

Morgan, Charles W., ig, 42, 45, 58

Mormon Hall, 144

Mosher & Brownell fire, 201

Muster day, Oct. 15, 189c, 227

Mutual Aid Society, 189

Myrick's cooperage fire, 208

Nancecawen, Mr., 127

Nelson, Nathaniel, 15

N. B. Oil Co , fire, 175, 181

Newsham, Richard, i

Newton, Kate. 81

Niagara, No. 4, Fall River, 89, 93

Nimrod, sloop of war, 6

North Christian church fire, 1C3

North Water street fire, 1859, 150

Novelty, No 8, 49, 68

Nye, Asa R , 77

Nye, Gideon, jr., fire, 75

Nye, Obed, 38

Nye, Thomas, Jr., 14, 121

Oakes, John K., 223

Ohio, No 3, 86, 88, loi, 131, 134, 224

Old Cider Mill, 49

Old Colony Co., No 6, 193

Onward, No. i, 156, 157, 176, 183, 184, 185,
186, 196, 2^3, 209, 229

Oregon Engine Co., No- 11, 72, 102, 131, 137,
147, 224

Oxford, No. 2, 4, 5

Oxford Village, 50
Fire, 75

P. H. Raymond Engmc Co., 2co, 201

Padanar.uu fire, 181

Paisler, Charles S., 27, 171

Parades, 60, 62, 84, 85, 87, loi, iii, 227

Parker, John A., 15, 30, 33, 45

Parker, Theodore, 126

Parlow, Loring T , 188, 192
Peacock, W. H , 121

Pearl street fire, 92

Peckham, Samuel, 182

Penniman, Bethuel, 38

Perkins, SampsoiT, 42, 71, 76

Perry, George, 58, 71, 77, 86, 133

Peterson, Jake, 25

Petroleum Oil Co. fire, 165

Philadelphia, No. 7, 42, 43, 58, 68, 77, 80, 136,
147, 161, 224

Phillips, Wendell, 126 .

Phillips, William, 42

Phinney, Siurgis, 19

Phosnix, No. 4, 4, 46, 66, 161

Piano moving, 41

Pierce, Chas. M., Jr., 142, 165, 175, 186

Pierce, Samuel, 23

Pillsbury, Parker, 126

Poem, descriptive, 60

Pollard & Myrick fire, 157

Pope, Thomas, 125

Pot-pie incident, 55

Potomska Mills fire, 208

Potter, Thomas P., 77

Price, John, 19

Progress, No. 2, 164, 176, 183, 197, 201, 204,

209, 211, 227, 229, 230
Protecting Society, 48, 70, 139, 168, 177, 189,

199, 214
Protection, No. 5, Newport, 93
Providence Veteran Firemen's Association,

217, 219
Prussian-blue works fires, 40, 74
Purrington & Taber fire, 173
Quaker gun, 28
Quequechan Co., No. i, 193
Quint, A. H., 194
Racing days, 132

Poem, 23
Red Jacket, horse, 179
Reed, Geo. P., 187
Relief, No. 5, 77, 78, 225
Reservoirs, public, 52
Rhodes, Charles, 126
Richmond, A. D., 42, 58
Richmond, Geo. B., 186
Ricketson, Daniel, 14
Ricketson, Daniel, poem, 233
Ricketson, Joseph, 33
Rider, Benjamin, fire, 184
Rider, Henry, fire, 182
Rider, vVatson, fiie, 182
Ringing in an alarm, 237
Ripley's barn fire, t;4
Roberis, O A-, 194
Robeson, Andrej^, 15, 45
Robinson, Andrew, 42
Rodnian, Benjamin, 19, 31, 33
Rodman, Samuel, 19, 30, 33, 121
Rodman, Thomas R , 33
Ross, William, 12, 14
Rotch, William, 125
Rotch, William, Jr , 4, 14
Rotch, VV. J., fire, 208
Ruggles, John, 15
Russell, Abm,, fire, 21
Russell, Geo. B., 227
Russell, Reuben, 15
Russell, Seth, ^3, 58, 64
Russell, Seth, Jr., 15
Russeli, W. A., Ill
Russell, William T , 19
Russell, Wing, 38
Ryan hose carriages, 203, 213
Ryder, H-, & Co. fire, 185
Sanders, Wm., clothing house fire, 201
Sanford 6t Rowland fire, 91
Seabury, Humphrey W , 40
.Seamen's Bethel fire, 174
Sepulchre, 120
Shaw, Albert, fire, 88
Shearman, Abrm., Jr., 12
Shepherd, David J., 186

Shepherd, James, 186

Sherman, Isaac, 14

Sherman, John, 14

Sherman, Pliny B., 124, 200

Sherman, Wm. H., 186, 188, 225. 229

Shower bath, 24

Silsby Mfg. Co., 201

Simms, Thomas, 125

Smith, Abraham, 4, 14

Smith, Jonathan, 42

Smith Bros fire, 208

Snell's bakery fire, 173

Soap investment, 57

Spooner, Edward C, 230

Stan dish, Levi, 15

Staples, Calvin, 42

State Firemen's Asso:iation, 100

Steam, Advent of, 156

Steam Fire Engine Co , No. 7, 214, 227, 229

Stetson, Silas, 38

Still alarm system, 239

Still alarms, 1887-89, 209

Stoddard, Noah, 14

Swain, William \V., 19, 42, 45

Swift, Jireh, 19

Swift, Jireh, Jr., 58, 71

Swift, Jonathan, 19, 71

Taber, Barney, 30

Taber, Chas. & Co., fire, 168

Taber, Charles H., 188, 192

Taber, Daniel, 13

'I'aber, Edward S., 83

1'aber, Francis, 30

Taber, Freeman, 13

Taber, Gamaliel, 42, 58, 71

Taber, George H , 6

Taber, James, 5

Taber, Nathan, 12

Taber, Nicholas, 14

Taber & Grinnell fire, 131

Taber's plane mfg , fire, 184

Tallman, Elkanah, 19

Tallman, Timothy, 79

Tallman's IMock fire, 79

Taylor, William H., 42, 45, 52, 58, 59, 71, 76

Telephone alarms, 1887-89, 209

Theatre going, 81

Thomas, Henr^'^ P., 186

Thompson, James D., 38, 42, 45

Thornton & Gerrish fire, 160

Tompkins, T. P., 141, 142, 152, 165, 175, r86

Topham, Robert C, 71, 77, 86, 13;

Tremont Engine Co., Roxbury, 58. 131

Trinitarian church, 148. 174

Turner, E. G., fire, 203

Tyson, George, 38

Uniforms of Fire Department, 1844, 1873,

62, 193
Veteran, No. 1,99, 102

Veteran firemen's associations, ic2, 139, 234
Vincent, Ambrose, 18, 71, 72, 76
Wade, Job, fire, 2' 8
Wady fire, 18^4, 41
Wales & Co. iire, 184, 185
Walker, C. H., 130
Wallace, dog, 79
Wamsutta Mills fires, 203
Ward, Jonathan R., 38, 45
Warren, Charles W'., 19

Washburn, Lysander, 19

Watch house, 1808, 4

Watson, Samuel, 42, 58, 71. 76, 77

Webb, Daniel E.. 187

Welch, David. 165

West, Samuel, 15

White, H. S.. 147

White, W. G., factory fire. 167

Wilbour, Geo. B , 131

Wilcox, Edward J-, 71

Wilcox, Henry R., jo

Wilcox. Joseph, Jr . 27

Wilcox, Wm., fire, 150

William street school-house fire. 58

Williams, Lemuel, Jr , 19

Williams, Luther, m

Williams, Richard, 19

Williston, Alansou, 77

Wilson, D. W., 229

Wilson, George, 77, 86, 167

Wilson, Richard, fire. t68
Wmg, Edward, 15
Wing, Sands, 12
Wood, Augustus A.. 179. 200
Wood, Josiah, 13, 15
Wood, Tilson, 64, 77, 141
Worth, Geo. B , 42
Young America, No- 8, 120, 121, 138
Young Mechanic, No 6, 92, 95, 96, 98, loi,
1C3, 116, 119, 131. 135. 146. 148, 159. 161.
163, 217, 219, 224
Miniature model, 219
At Maitapoisett, 219
Juniors, 219
Veterans. 218
Z. L. Bicknell Co., No- 2. East Weymouth.

209, 227
Zachariah Hillman. No. 5, 188, 197, 204, 211.
229, 230

SOUTHEASTERN MASSAChlSE-'5 .NWERS

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SP. COL

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