USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
The No. 3 was eventually sold to the town of Fairhaven for $150 and located just across the river. A company was organ- ized and continued in existence until Acushnet was set off 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 was replaced June 8, 1860, 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.
IN 1826, one August day, our village was greatly agitated by the rumor that the dead body of a man had been found in the woods, 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 down was 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 effectually 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.
.
27
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
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 firm 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 given to this infamous vessel. A whaler named " The Ark" was owned and sailed from Nantucket in 1819. 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 story 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 crowbar, and was then burned. Now this formidable gun was in fact a "Quaker." 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 imaginary cartridge 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., who 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 subpænaed 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 was the ship Indian Chief ; and it was 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 by 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 was held in effectual defiance.
In the Spring of 1829 the Elm street M. 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
Char S. Daixler.
LIME
SEDENY
FIRE BRICK
WELLS.
FIRE CLAY.
MAYBLE OUT
GRANITE
WHITING
CHAS MASONS E
S.PAISLER. ILDING MATERIALS.
LOCATION OF THE ARK
( This building was erected in 1876.)
30
HISTORY OF THE
about 11 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 was 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 by 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 with the mysterious words "Jerry," "Jerry keep dark north end," "Keep dark south end," "Jerry is in town." What did all this mean ? was 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 town hall (now Central Police Station) on the following Saturday evening. To the surprise of everybody, everybody else was there. The hall was packed full, 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 Barney Taber, used their utmost influence to prevent an outbreak. The riot act was
31
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
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 vicinity 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 gathered 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. Several small houses were burned in the conflagration. The fire department was on hand, and its services were distinguished 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 was 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, 1826, has arisen Phenix-like, it would seem, Ark the second, transcending as a den of abominations anything 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 outbreakings 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, whether the fire was 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 was, houses owned and occu- pied by quiet, peaceful citizens, who could ill afford to sustain the loss, were most unfortunately included in its ravages. 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
33
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
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 hearty 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 burnings 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 deep 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 were 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 off 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 affixed to his crime. Subversive then of all order, of all safety of property and life, not only to the class which have now 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 persons 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
35
1974531
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.)
36
HISTORY OF THE
The following were chosen a committee of vigilance :
William H. Allen,
Billings Corey,
Robt. Hillman,
Zach. Hillman,
Isaac Hathaway,
Nathaniel Hathaway,
Joshua Barker,
Jas. H. Howland, 2d,
Thomas B. Bush,
Eli Haskell,
John Coggeshall,
Cornelius S. Howland,
E. N. Chaddock,
George Howland,
Oliver Crocker,
Ichabod Handy,
T. G. Coffin,
T. I. Dyer,
Peleg Clarke,
Elisha Dunbar,
Ichabod Clapp,
D. Davenport,
Zacheus Cushman,
Paul Ewer,
Thomas Cook,
Alfred Gibbs,
James B. Congdon,
Allerton Delano,
Latham Cross,
Abraham Gifford,
Charles Grinnell,
Alfred Woddell,
Edmund Gardner,
Robert S. Smith,
Benj. Gage,
Pardon Tillinghast,
Cornelius Grinnell, Jr.,
James D. Thompson,
Moses Gibbs,
Charles H. Warren,
Hallett Gifford,
George Tyson,
William Gordon, Jr.,
Phineas Burgess,
Ephraim Kempton,
Gamaliel Taber,
Manasseh Kempton,
Richard Williams,
Robt. Luscomb,
John P. West,
E. S. Kempton,
Lemuel Williams,
Warren Maxfield,
Jonathan R. Ward,
Stephen Merrihew,
Leonard Macomber,
Chas. W. Morgan,
Bezaleel Washburne,
Howard Nichols,
Comfort Whiting,
Bethuel Penniman,
Thos. Pope, J. A. Parker,
John Woddell,
Nat. Perry,
Dennis Wood,
C. M. Pierce,
David R. Greene,
David Pierce,
Seth Russell,
Joseph Ricketson,
Marshall Waldron,
Thomas Riddell,
James Wheaton,
James Moores,
Mark B. Palmer,
Allen Potter,
William P. Grinnell,
Frederick Reed,
W. T. Russell,
Andrew Robeson,
William Phillips,
Frederick Parker,
Jireh Perry, Anthony B. Richmond,
Martin Pierce,
George Randall, Samuel Rodman,
Williams Reed, Wing Russell,
James Arnold, Ivory H. Bartlett, Joseph Brownell, Paul Barney,
37
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Richard Luscomb, Gideon T. Sawyer, Warren Mosher, William W. Swain,
William R. West, Alex. H. Campbell, Benjamin Rodman, IIO 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 service.
EDMUND GARDNER. ( Chief of the Board of Firewards, 1830.)
CHAPTER IV.
ROM 1830 to 1835 the following citizens served on the board of firewards :
Edmund Gardner, Stephen Merrihew, Obed Nye, Silas Stetson, Jethro Hillman, Joseph Dunbar, Philip T. Davis, George Tyson, Wing Russell, Charles Coggeshall,
1830.
1831.
E. N. Chadwick, 1832. Bethuel Penniman, 1833. Thomas S. Hathaway, David R. Greene, Thomas Mandell, Jonathan R. Ward, Charles Covill, James B. Congdon, James D. Thompson, J
1834.
39
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
On July 25th, 1830, 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 elevated, cinders were wafted from the burning mass in great quantities, threatening destruction to all within their range. The large carpenter's shop of Dudley Daven- port, as also a boat builder's shop belonging to Mr. Jethro Coffin, 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 water 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 themselves 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 story told me by Mr. William G. Baker, of a gentleman visiting this town, who, hearing the fierce ringing of the bells, rushed 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 cry of fire) was led to inquire of a passer-by, what was the matter.
" 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 crying fire led the stranger to ask this question.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.