USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 40
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It was in this year, therefore, that South Boston secured a police station and a regularly organized body of men to perform the required duties, and since that time the benefits of the system, as then organized, have been very evident. The new system proved a success, and under it the police force gradually grew until its size made it expedient to ap- point sergeants for both night divisions of each station, which was done February 9, 1857, their duties being to take general supervision while on outside duty.
About 1860, as a result of criticism, a plan to change the system of patrol was consummated, and went into effect November II of that year. The plan was for the forming of the entire force into six divi- sions, each division being on and off duty six hours alternately, day and night, called the "dog-watch." Upon application it proved to be both inadequate and unpopular with all, and on February 25 of the following year it was abandoned and the old system reinstalled.
For several years after the reorganization of the department pris- oners held for trial were committed to the jail, being marched to court the following morning in gangs handcuffed. This method finally
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
became unpopular, and a carriage was provided, this being the first step toward the introduction of the present system of vans.
In 1854 cells werc constructed under the courthouse, and pris- oners, after being brought to the station houses, were then locked up in these cells to await trial in the morning. As there were no keepers at that time, this method was thought imprudent, and in 1857 the cells were rebuilt on an improved plan, and on April 26 a superintendent and two assistants were appointed, some one of these to be present at all times. Later a morning meal was provided for prisoners, as well as accommodations and medicines for the sick. Dumb cells were con- structed for the insane in 1869, and shortly afterward a messenger was provided to do errands free of charge for the prisoners. December 23, 1 862, an ordinance was passed " that each police officer, before enter- ing upon his work, shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of the duties assigned him."
On March 17, 1863, an ordinance was passed providing that the police " shall severally hold their office until vacated by death or resig- nation, or until they may be removed by the Mayor." This ordinance did away with the former one that provided " that the Mayor nominate annually to the Board of Aldermen, for their confirmation, such num- ber of persons for the Boston Police Department as the Board, with the approval of the Mayor, shall deem needful." Thus ended the annual appointment of officers. The first appointment, under the new ordi- nance, was made April 1, 1863, and the oath of office was first adminis- tered by the city clerk to all members of the department six days later.
The detective force was abolished February 14, 1870, this branch of the service being taken up by the regular officers. The following year telegraphic communication between the stations and the central office was instituted. Station 12 was established in 1874. In 1874 an independent system of wires was installed throughout the city.
This same year the police boat " Protector " went into commission and the mounted police squad was organized with twenty-eight horses. The following year the distribution of free soup to the poor started, and was continued up to 1880. The matter of telephonic communication was first broached in 1877. July 8, 1878, the Board of Police Commis- sioners was organized, and its first act was a reorganization of the force, which was reduced from 701 to 692 men. The following year the first annual report of the commissioners was made. The police pension system was also started that year.
In 1882 two ambulances were built and put in operation, and between April 30, 1882, and April 30, 1883, were used 509 times. In 1883-84 the police boat " Patrol " went into commission. At the same timc the present headquarters in Pemberton Square were occupied. On July 23, 1885, the Board of Police was created. The Municipal Signal Company introduced its system in that year.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
The distribution of free soup was resumed in 1886. The follow- ing year matrons for the station houses were first appointed and the Gamewell Police Signal Company introduced its system at Station 4.
In ISSS a temporary house of detention for women was estab- lished. the Municipal Police Signal System was adopted, and the work of installing it began, ten of the stations being equipped that year and the remainder the following year. On July 27, 1891, the transportation of prisoners by the police department was instituted. In 1893 two new ambulances were put in operation, and the following year another was added.
In 1895 the Park police, established in 1883, became a part of the regular department. In 1896 the police boat " Guardian " was put in commission. More police ambulances were put in operation. There have been few, if any, important additions to the department within the past few years. The department at present consists of over 1000 patrolmen, 100 reserve officers, 23 captains. There are 16 stations, besides the sub-stations organized in 1901. There are nine police ambulances in operation. The total cost of running the department in 1901 was about $1,750,000.
The following will show the growth of the department since the organization of the Boston Police Department, May 26, 1854, when it comprised 250 men : 1863, 334 men, and it cost to maintain the department $260,000 ; 1873, 575 men, appropriation for maintenance, $700,000 ; 1885, 783 men ; 1887, SI5 men ; 1900, 1,000 men, besides 100 reserve officers.
STATION 6. - The site upon which this building stands was, in IS20, a clay pit, owned by Thomas Gerrish, and the territory enclosed by B Street, Broadway, C Street and First Street was used by him as a brick yard. The section where the station now stands contained a deep strata of the best brick clay that could be found.
After Mr. Gerrish retired from the brick business the land was sold, and later a wooden building was erected on the site now occupied by the station. This in time disappeared, and a brick structure took its place. The building was erected for a fire engine house, and at the rear of the engine room provision was made for the detention of pris- oners, while the upper part of the building was used for school pur- poses.
When the building was finished Perkins No. 16 removed from the Turnpike Road (Dorchester Avenue) and, taking up quarters in the new building, its name was changed to Perkins No. 2. The police officers, of which there were about a dozen to patrol the entire district, had their headquarters at the rear of the engine room.
As the population of the district was continually growing, neces- sarily the number of patrolmen increased, until finally the quarters pro- vided became entirely inadequate. About 1870 the building underwent
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
a thorough overhauling, Perkins No. 2 changing its name and location, and the entire building was taken by the police. It was remodelled and fitted up in a manner that answered all the purposes to which it was to be put. It was then used until, having become inadequate once more, it was necessary to make more changes and additions, and in 1879 this was done.
POLICE STATION 6. West Broadway.
The city at that time appro- priated $20,000 for the work, and it began September 15, 1879, and finished in March of the following year. While the changes were being made the courthouse was used as a temporary station, and though it took considerable time to make the changes that had been contemplated, it was a model sta- tion house when finished.
It was at this time that the pres- ent cell room adjoining the station was built and the three tiers of cells constructed. A rear entrance in the form of an open court was also provided, which admitted the van within the cell room, and prisoners were then taken out by the rear of the station rather than the front.
CAPT
LIEUT. WILLIAM FOTTLER.
CAPT. DENNIS DONOVAN
LIEUT, FREDERICK J. SMITH.
When completed, the structure presented practically the same . appearance as it does today, being of brick, with granite trimmings, three stories high above a basement. In the latter, besides the boiler
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
room and kitchen, was a lounging room for the officers, while the main floor contained the main office, captain's office, guard room and cell room, the upper floors having sleeping rooms for the officers and men.
Since the introduction of the signal boxes and patrol wagons another addition has been made to the building, which brings it to the street line of Athens Street, at the rear. This addition is of brick, and is used as a stable for the horses and patrol wagon.
With the introduction of the police ambulance in 1899, this build- ing underwent extensive alterations in order to provide necessary room, and it has been kept here since that time.
There are at present at this station, including the superior officers, 64 men. The station is in charge of Capt. John T. O'Lalor, assisted by Lieut. William Fottler, Lieut. Frederick J. Smith, Sergt. James E. Sanford, Sergt. Henry Hazlett and Sergt. D. J. Sweeney.
The following is a list of past captains of Station 6: Capt. John L. Philbrick. May 26, 1854, to September, 1854; Capt. Thomas M. Smith, September, 1854, to March 19, 1855; Capt. James D. Russell, March 19, 1855, to May 8, 1856; Capt. Robert Taylor, May 8, 1856, to December 14, 1866: Capt. Henry T. Dyer, December 17, 1866, to about 1876, the time of his resignation, owing to the talk created by the Jesse Pomeroy case. Capt. Graves was his successor, remaining until October 21, 1878, when Capt. Paul J. Vinal was assigned to the station. He remained until October 31, 1885. He was succeeded by Capt. Benjamin P. Eldridge, who remained until the appointment of Capt. James Coulter, July 12, 1888. Capt. Martin L. White suc- ceeded him December 9, 1890, to November 7, 1891. Capt. James Lambert followed, November, 1891, to January 5, 1893. The re- mainder were Capt. Ira Foster, January, 1893, to August 26, 1893 ; Capt. George Wyman, August 26, 1893, to August 30, 1894; Capt. Frederick Hoffman, August 30, 1894, to March 1, 1898; Capt. Dennis Donovan, March 1, 1898, to Sept. 3, 1901 ; Capt. John T. O'Lalor, Sept. 3, 1901, to date.
Capt. Dennis Donovan was born in Ireland Nov. 20, 1844, and came to this country when quite young, and, up to the time of his entrance into the police department, he worked in a machine shop in Charlestown. He was appointed on the force June 19, 1877, and was assigned to Station 15, in Charlestown. Promoted to a sergeancy Feb. 16, 1888, seven months later he was assigned to special duty as drill- master for the department, with an office at headquarters. He was made a lieutenant Jan. 5, 1893, still remaining at headquarters, acting as assistant to Deputy Superintendent Burrill and also continuing as drillmaster. He was appointed a captain July 9, 1894, and was assigned to Station 2. March 1, 1898, he was transferred to Station 6, where he remained until Sept. 3, 1901, when he was sent to head- quarters. He has remained as drillmaster to the department since
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
September 1888, almost 15 years, his duties being to drill recruits, and, previous to the processions of the department, he drills the entire force.
Lieut. Frederick J. Smith was born in Boston Sept. 30, 1857, and is a son of John F. and Mary J. Smith. He received his education in the public schools, graduating from the Eliot School, July 3, 1872. In May, 1875, he moved to South Boston, where he resided until Sept. 24, 1894, when he moved to 175 Union Street, Brighton, his present home. He was appointed on the police force June 16, 1882, and assigned to Station 6. Jan. 5, 1893, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Station 12. He was transferred to Station I, Aug. 30, 1894, and to Station 5, March 1, 1898. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant March 20, 1889, and assigned to Station 6. Lieutenant Smith is married and has three children, Frederick W., 17 years ; Henry J., two years, and Mary C., nine months. He is a member of the Boston Police Relief Association and City Point Lodge, Knights of Honor.
Lieut. William Fottler was born in Somerville Feb. 10, 1846. He moved to West Roxbury in 1852, where he was educated in the Central School, now known as the Agassiz. He engaged in farming and the provision business for a few years and was appointed on the West Roxbury police force Jan. 5, 1871. When West Roxbury was annexed he became a member of the Boston force and July 12, 1877, was promoted to sergeant. In 1875 he was sworn in as a member of the Dedham force doing duty June 24 and 25. Jan. 5, 1893, the 22d anniversary of his entering the police department, he was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to Station 15. He remained at this sta- tion until August, 1899, when he was transferred to Station 6, where he has been since. January 5, 1901, marked the close of his 30 years consecutive service as a police officer and official. Lieutenant Fottler is married and his home is in Charlestown.
STATION 12. - Owing to the rapid settlement of South Boston, it gradually became evident that another police station would soon be necessary nearer the City Point section, for the beaches and various attractions in that vicinity were constantly drawing large crowds of people, and being so distant from Station 6, it was very inconvenient as well as difficult, to give the place proper attention. Accordingly the present site was purchased in 1873, costing $5,431.25, and the station was erected at an additional cost of $35,871.58. The lot has a front- age of 60 feet on East Fourth Street and a depth of 100 feet.
The building was built from plans similar to those of Station 9, the structure being of brick, three stories high above a basement, in which is the boiler room and recreation room, while the rest of the base- ment is occupied by cells.
On the floor above is the main office, the captain's room, guard room, kitchen and toilet room. The other two floors contain sleeping
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
rooms for the superior officers and large, airy dormitories for the men. The site is enclosed by a brick wall about six feet high, with the excep-
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POLICE STATION 12. East Fourth Street.
CAPT
CAPT. OTIS F. KIMBALL.
tion of the street line, a fancy iron fence answering the purpose instead.
When the new building was completed, thirty men, rank and file, were sent to the new police district, which included all of the territory east of Dorchester Street, and as far as the Dorchester line. Capt. E. H. Goodwin had charge of the new station, assisted by Lieuts. C. P. Elliott and D. W. Herrick and Sergts. J. W. Glynn, Geo. W. Hathaway and James H. Lambert.
The station went into commission on Monday, May 11, 1874, and the first arrest was made by Patrolman Charles H. Tighe, who is at present a sergeant at this station. He is the only man of the original number there at present, having been sent to Station 12 less than a year ago, after several years' work at various other stations. Patrol- man Michael W. O'Brien, recently retired, was one of the first at this station.
Capt. Otis Freeman Kimball, son of Wills and Rebecca G. Kim- ball, was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Feb. 7, 1856, and received his early education there. He came to Boston in 1872 and secured a position with a large grocery house as a clerk. Later he took up the trade of cabinet maker. In 1884 he married Miss Ella F. Cook. Captain Kimball was appointed a patrolman Nov. 27, 1878, and was assigned to Station I. Feb. 16, 1888, he was promoted to a sergeancy and was assigned to Station 2. He remained there until Jan. 5, 1893,
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
when he was promoted to the position of lieutenant and assigned to Station 15. He was transferred from Station 15 to Station 2, Aug. 26, 1893, and from there was transferred to Station 4, Aug. 27, 1894. Aug. 30, 1899, he was transferred to Station I, and from here he was
SERGT. JAMES F. HICKEY. SERGT. THOMAS F. BUSBY.
SERGT. JAMES E. O'BRIEN.
promoted to captain and assigned to Station 12, Sept. 3, 1891. He is a member of Columbian Lodge, F. & A. M., Norfolk Lodge, I. O. O. F. He resides at No. 78 Kernwood Street, Dorchester.
Sergt. James E. O'Brien was born in South Boston, December 12, 1864, and is a son of Richard and Mary O'Brien. He was educa- ted in the public schools of this district and upon concluding his studies entered the employ of Dodge, Haley & Co., hardware dealers on Frank- lin Street, as a clerk, where he remained for several years. He was appointed on the police force, December 12, 1888, and was assigned to Station 6, where he remained until April 2, 1899, when he was pro- moted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to Station 13. He re- mained there until December 24, 1900, when he was assigned to Sta- tion 12. Sergeant O'Brien is married and resides at 632 East Third Street. He has two children, Katherine, three years, and Richard, six months. He is a member of the Boston Relief Association and of Winthrop Council, Royal Arcanum.
Sergt. Thomas F. Busby was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, May 14, 1865. When three years old he came to South Boston with his parents and received his early education in the Bigelow and Lawrence Grammar Schools. After finishing his studies he learned the trade of wood worker and for several years worked at this trade. May 14, 1889, he was appointed on the Boston police force and was assigned to Station 10. He remained there until August, 1894, when he was transferred to Station 4. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, February 16, 1899, and was assigned to Station 12. He remained at
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Station 12 until December 21, 1901, when he was transferred to Sta- tion 13. He resides at III Sheridan Street, Jamaica Plain.
Sergt. James F. Hickey is a son of Margaret M. and the late James Hickey. He was born in Boston April 17, 1861, and received his education in the Lyman and Quincy Schools. After finishing his studies he became an engineer and was engaged in that work when he was appointed on the force, Sept. 12, 1885. He was assigned to Sta- tion 3 and remained there until promoted to the rank of sergeant, Nov. 20, 1899, when he was assigned to Station 4. He was transferred to Station 12, August 13, 1900, where he remained until July 29, 1901, when he was transferred to Station 13. Sergeant Hickey is single and resides with his mother at 144 Saratoga Street, East Boston.
There are at present at this station, including the superior officers, 55 men. The station is in charge of Capt. Otis F. Kimball, assisted by Lieut. Hiram F. Rich, Lieut. William J. Burnett, Sergt. Charles H. Tighe, Sergt. James J. Walkins and Sergt. George H. Guard.
" "" The following is a list of past captains of Station 12: Capt. Elisha H. Goodwin, May 11, 1874, to January 5, 1893, when he was retired; Capt. James H. Lambert, January 5, 1893, to June 9, 1893, died; Capt. Philip Warren, promoted, and sent to Station 12, June 24, 1893, to November 13, 1893: Capt. Geo. W. Wescott, November 13, 1893, to August 30, 1894; Capt. George Walker, August 30, 1894, to January 20, 1899, died. Lieut. John J. Hanley was promoted to captain and sent to Station 12, March 20, 1899, remaining until December 22, 1899; Capt. Henry Dawson, December 22, 1899, to September 3, 1901, and Lieut. Otis F. Kimball, promoted to captain and sent to Station 12, September 3, 1901.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Origin of Boston's fire department - First engine constructed in this country - Noth- ing done to protect South Boston until 1814, ten years after its annexation - Gunpowder stored in Fort Strong, South Boston - Establishment of a fire depart- ment in 1825 - Steam fire engines introduced 1859 - Gradual additions made to South Boston's equipment - What the present equipment consists of -Chiefs.
A BRIEF outline of the organization and growth of Boston's model fire department is very necessary in order that the reader may know of the events that led to South Boston acquiring its pres- ent excellent equipment.
Joseph Jinks constructed a water engine, March 1, 1654, the first to be used in Boston, and it was manned by whoever happened to be present when it was needed. It was not until 1677 that the town voted to purchase an engine, which was bought in England. In 1678 the first company was organized, comprising Thomas Atkins, who was in charge, Obediah Gill, John Raynesford, John Barnard, Thomas Eldridge, Arthur Smith, John Mills, Caleb Rawlings, John Wakefield, Samuel Greenwood, Edward Mortimer, Thomas Barnard, and George Robinson. In 1679 there were several incendiary fires, resulting in the destruction of about 80 structures. Two persons were caught and charged with the crime and were commanded to depart from the town, never to return. During this year the town watch was established, the town divided into quarters, and each quarter into two wards, and it was the duty of the watch to be vigilant and give prompt alarm in case of fire.
What might be called the first organization of a fire department was October 31, 1711, when fire wards were established with a man in each ward, whose duty it was to take supervision in case of a fire in his ward, and who was empowered to call upon citizens to aid in extin- guishing fires, refusal to obey being punishable. There were ten wards in all, in charge of Capt. John Ballentine, Capt. Timothy Clark, Capt. Edward Winslow, Capt. Edward Martyn, Stephen Minot, Samuel Greenwood, John Greenough, J. Pollard, Thomas Lee and William Lowder.
A fire society was organized seven years later "for mutual aid in case it should please Almighty God to permit the breaking out of fire in Boston where we live."
Up to March, 1740, those who acted as firemen received no re- muneration whatsoever. At this time, in order to stimulate the fire
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
companies, a recompense of five pounds was offered to the company getting the first stream upon a burning building. This certainly enlivened the members, for it appears that in order to aid them to secure the first stream, many carried enough water in the engines to enable them to throw a stream immediately upon their arrival. A stop was put to this, however, by an order barring such companies from receiv- ing the money offered, as the engines were liable to be made useless through the freezing of this water.
In 1765, David Wheeler, a former foreman of Engine No. S, intro- duced an engine complete in every detail, at far less cost than those purchased in England, and, on being tested, it proved to be equally as good. The first hydrant was put in by Mr. Porter, Nov. 12, 1800, at Dover and Washington Streets.
Various improvements were made in the department before 1804, when South Boston was annexed to Boston, and there had been several disastrous fires in various parts of the city. Nothing was done toward protecting South Boston until 1814, when, on April 27, old Engine No. 2 was located near the Phoenix glass works, West First and B Streets.
Previous to this there had been considerable legislation regarding the keeping and storing of gunpowder, and in 1816 another order was issued to the effect that those licensed to keep it in their stores could do so six hours a day and that then it must be removed to Fort Strong, South Boston, at the risk of the owner.
A petition was presented by the people of South Boston, March 21, 1821, asking that an engine be located in the south-westerly part of the district, but the reply was unfavorable. In April, 1823, how- ever, three fire wards were chosen from each ward and South Boston selected John D. Williams, Noah Brooks and Samuel S. Wheeler.
Mr. Brooks was a resident of South Boston and he immediately set to work to procure an engine. About this time, however, a dispute arose regarding the payment of the companies and many resigned. This difficulty was eliminated in a short time, and then, through the efforts of Mr. Brooks, and through a petition presented by the people, a Hunneman engine was built and placed in a house beside the Hawes School, with Alpheus Stetson in charge.
This engine was known as Mazeppa 17 and was in charge of Alpheus Stetson, captain; E. French, clerk, and 26 men. This engine did excellent service at the fire in the Phoenix glass works, owned by Thomas Cains, which occurred March 28, 1824, and which is supposed to have been the first big fire in South Boston.
In the meantime, April 10, 1823, Noah Brooks was succeeded by Cyrus Alger, and the following year Artimus Simons succeeded Cyrus Alger.
A bill establishing a fire department was passed June 18, 1825, and though there had been considerable opposition to it, the department
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