USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 5
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HISTORY OF THE
the rooms in the house was finished off as an aviary, and con- tained over one hundred beautiful 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 rendering the engines useless. The situation was truly alarming, and the Selectmen were urged by the citizens to offer a large reward for conviction. This had a salutary effect, for the trouble ceased very 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 by a supper or a picnic. I copy from No. 10'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. Howland, 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 where the Grove street school house now stands !] well pleased with their entertainment.
July 31, 1843 .- A silver trumpet was presented by 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, James Durfee,
George Howland, Jr.,
Abraham H. Howland,
A. D. Richmond,
Gamaliel Tabor,
Dudley Davenport,
George Perry, W. H. Jenney,
Samuel Watson,
George G. Gifford,
Edward Merrill,
Jireh Swift, Jr.,
David R. Greene,
Thomas B. Bush.
Slocum Allen,
59
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Jan. 30th, 1844, 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 was
60
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- erty was saved.
The Franklin, No. 10, was the first to reach this fire, and would have taken first water, but the engine was unfortu- nately out of order, and all efforts to make it work were un- availing. 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. Io, was called " The Elephant."
The first great parade and festival of the New Bedford Fire Department occurred in September, 1844. I 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 :'
Since here we've met in our beautiful hall, Give ear to my story, ye citizens all. I sing the bold fireman, whose 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 ;
61
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
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 Phoenix, 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 danger 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 worthy 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 OF 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 we 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 Durfee and Willard Sears), while the No. 10 played just to the vane.
To offset this, I quote from from No. 10'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 uniform for the first time. It would be more satisfactory could a complete de- scription of their uniforms be given. It is impossible 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.
63
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
and 9, and all I may 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. 1 .- 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 5.
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 wide, duck trousers without suspenders, belt of black leather. Hat with round top, broad brim, wide on the back, narrow on the front, with " Philadelphia " painted around the crown in gilt, with the figure seven in front.
Novelty, No. S .---- Green jackets, velvet collars, blue trousers, yellow stripes trimmed with fringe, glazed cap, gilt figure S.
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 \, 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 1844-1845. It is my purpose to publish the official mem- bership for every ten years. Of course many names will not appear of those whose terms of service may have ceased dur- ing these periods.
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HISTORY OF THE
GEORGE HOWLAND, JR. ( First Assistant Engineer, 1844-45. )
1844-1845.
Chief Engineer, William H. Taylor. Assistant Engineers, George Howland, Jr., Zachariah Hillman.
FIREWARDS.
James Durfee, Jonathan Smith. George G. Gifford, Abraham H. Howland. Seth Russell, Ezra K. Delano. Slocum Allen, Philip Groves,
George Perry, E. W. Kempton, Gamaliel Taber. Tilson Wood, Dudley Davenport, W. H. Jenney, Jireh Swift, Jr .. Edward Merrill,
Edward Cannon.
65
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, George D. Davis. Clerk, Edward I). Reed.
Alban Crowell,
Edward Blandell,
Horatio A. Braley,
Daniel Chappell,
Rufus Randall,
W. H. Pullen,
John E. Brown,
Charles Davis,
Charles F. Paine,
William Champlin,
John Burke,
Charles B. Russell,
William Bosworth,
George Underwood, Moses G. Davis.
George Taylor,
CITIZEN, No. 2. (65 Purchase street.)
Foreman, Philip Groves.
Assistant Foremen, Edward S. Wilcox, George Hinckley.
Clerk, George C. Gibbs.
Charles C. Moore,
Nathaniel Milliken,
Albert R. Paulding,
Henry Bates,
John N. Barrows,
Joseph M. Shiverick,
Peleg Allen, Lewis G. Carpenter,
Henry R. Stewart,
John Matthews,
Alfred Briggs, Stephen Wing,
Perez Jenkins, Frederick Underwood,
James S. Browning,
Benjamin Gage,
George Young,
Chas. H. Underwood,
C. O. Churchill,
George W. Brockman,
C. M. Vaughn. Zenas Knapp, Gamaliel Wardworth,
Samuel P. Raymond,
S. W. Reed,
John P. Nash,
Oliver N. Wing,
Peter M. Vaughn,
Charles H. Walker,
Charles Wilcox, Richard Curtis,
William H. Sherman,
Benjamin F. Spooner,
Israel B. Bolles,
Charles R. Tobey,
Alden Pope,
William H. Cook.
B. Penniman, Jr.,
Isaac Sherman, Elihu Allen,
Isaac N. Vaughn.
John A. Ruggles,
John Waldron, James D. Driggs,
William Nutter,
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HISTORY OF THE
ENGINE No, 3. (Head of Acushnet.) Foreman, Thomas P. Potter. Clerk, Silas Stetson.
Mark Snow.
Amos Braley,
A. B. Richardson, Charles McArthur,
Philip T. Davis,
Edwin Payson,
Silas Braley,
Levi Shorey,
Augustus Harrington,
Borden Spencer,
A. B. Grinnell.
Bartholomew Lund,
Peter Taber,
Warren Parker,
Simeon Hawes,
Rufus Williams,
Lemuel Terry,
John Mansfield,
Nathaniel Spooner,
Joseph Spooner,
George T. Russell,
W. R. Caswell,
James Wilbor.
PHOENIX, NO. 4. (42 Fourth street.)
Foreman, Robert C. Topham. Assistant Foreman, Benjamin Durfee. Clerk, Edwin R. Russell.
Franklin Tobey,
George Young,
Francis Vinal,
George Tynan,
C. P. Maxfield,
William Holmes,
Ebenezer Parlow, Jr ..
Doane Damon,
S. A. Eupolen,
Samuel Gabriel,
C. D. Macomber,
Solomon L. Damon,
Benjamin C. Munroe,
Joseph Taber,
Isaac Brownell,
Gideon Vinal,
Isaac Sherman.
William White,
John G. Gorham,
Ezra Bisbee,
Fred. H. Vinal,
Abraham Taber.
COLUMBIAN, NO. 5. (102 North Second street.)
Foreman, Henry R. Wilcox.
Assistant Foremen, Ebenezer Tirrell, Samuel Damon, Israel T. Bryant. Clerk, Rodolphus Beetle.
Peleg Potter,
James Foster, Loring G. Hayes,
Ezra Dyer,
Benjamin Hayes,
Harry J. Leach, T. R. Bryant,
Joseph W. Cornell,
W. J. Spooner,
Andrew G. Hayes,
John W. Spooner,
Joseph Bowman, Joseph D. Hall, Jabez Gibbs, Isaiah D. Foster,
Richmond B. Wood.
Henry Walker, John W. Nickerson. Samuel S. Paine,
William Walker, John D. Hillman, Nathaniel Jenney,
67
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
John Warren,
David C. Hathaway,
John A. Sawyer, Henry N. Dean, Ebenezer Keen, H. S. Tower,
Thaddeus Burgess, James Drew.
William B. Pierce,
Giles S. Fales,
Philip Simmons,
Charles I). Hathaway,
William Whitcomb,
William Gates,
Allen Stoddard,
Daniel T. Daggett,
Nathan Adams,
Josiah C. Burbank,
Henry Peirce,
Michael Hathaway,
John D. Childs,
Consider Smith,
Elihu H. Gifford,
James M. Cranston,
Artemas Redland,
William Bly,
Thomas W. Sowle,
William Hersey,
John Hoxie, H. F. Ripley,
William Bisbee, Edward Spooner,
Hattil Kelley.
MECHANIC, No. 6. (61 Purchase street.)
Foreman, Ezra R. Delano.
Assistant Foremen, Joseph Hammond, John P. Crosby.
Clerk, Henry F. Thomas ..
Levi Nye, Thomas C. Allen,
Benjamin Besse, John H. Davis,
Nathan Barker,
John Wooden,
Jeremiah M. Morris,
William Sowle,
William F. Nye,
Jona. W. Whitney, Edwin Luce,
George Y. Nickerson,
George Howland, 3d, Hiram Shearman,
Shipley W. Bumpus, John Lowe,
Stephen Parker, Alex. P. Dyer,
William James,
Caleb L. Ellis,
Charles E. Brownell,
Whitman Vinal,
John H. Young,
Ebenezer Kempton,
Charles Kempton,
Wellington Bucklin, Obediah Keene, Peleg B. Clark, Stephen Waite,
Bowers Hathaway, W. H. Farrington, John A. Smith, Ezra Pope,
William Hammond, Isaac Sanford, Jr., R. W. Raymond, Isaac McFarlin,
William M. Cowen, David C. Gifford, Oliver Peckham, Uriah Mayo,
Henry Palmer, James Haffords, Job Almy, John Burrill,
B. C. Wardsworth, Freeman C. Luce, Hervey Hammond, George James.
A. J. Vaughn, John Wright,
Chas. H. Taber,
William Wilbour, J. R. Rogers, George Warren, Walter H. Thomas,
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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,
Wm. H. Willis,
John S. Davis,
Nath'l Shepherd,
Chauncey Russell,
Charles Parker,
T. B. Denham, John F. Vinal,
John H. Thompson,
O. T. Sherman,
Albert Brightman,
H. M. C. Denham,
Rodney Howland,
John O. Wilmarth,
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. Slocum,
R. H. Mclaughlin,
Benj. R. Watson.
NOVELTY 8
NOVELTY, NO. 8.
NOVELTY, No. 8. (Mechanics Lane.) Foreman, George G. Gifford. Assistant Foreman, Joseph Allen, Jr. Clerk, James Bates.
C. C. P. Tobey, Joseph G. Dean, Silas N. Richards, William Durfee, John Russell,
W. P. Newell, Charles M. Pierce, George Gooding, Phineas T. Drew, Otis Manchester,
S. P. Chamberlain, Joseph Swift,
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 Hathaway,
Josiah Coggeshall, Cyrus W. Chapman,
Gideon Cornell,
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Leonard Doır,
Enoch Bearse,
Thomas P. Swift, Andrew Wilbour,
Josiah Johnson, Samuel Small,
Isaiah C. Gage, Joel L. Burrell,
Robert Luscomb,
Rufus Russell,
Fred. Brownell,
Ira C. Pierce,
Lot Tripp, Jr., Seth Bryant,
M. C. Swift,
Benj. Manchester,
Richard Luscomb, Jr.,
James S. Chase,
Abram M. Gifford,
Samuel Amsden,
Job Wilcox, Jr.,
Ephraim H. Wade,
G. N. Carpenter,
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,
Corban B. Lucas,
Horatio Bly,
John C. Hervey,
John Wrightington,
Stephen Haskins,
Willard Shaw,
Henry C. Hathaway,
Nathaniel Moulton,
John C. Taber,
Peter Peters,
Lazarus Moulton,
Thomas Croacher,
Tillinghast Tompkins,
H. A. Purrington,
N. S. Purrington,
S. Mckenzie,
Aaron Davis, Newell Raymond, Otis Leach,
Fred. P. Howland,
Levi Salisbury, William Gifford,
John Gifford,
James Marble,
John K. Potter, Benjamin Covell,
Joshua Shearman.
FRANKLIN, NO. 10. (Third street, head of Griffin.)
Foreman, William M. Allen. Assistant Foremen, O. M. Brownell, Isaiah W. Churchill.
Clerk, James Taylor.
George W. Jennings, Thomas Albert,
L. S. Jennings, Thomas Lowe,
Nathan Phinney, E. L. Foster,
Allen Case, James C. Tripp,
Horace French,
I. H. Mandell, Isaiah Potter,
George A. Cornell, Francis W. Heath, Joseph M. Hatch,
H. W. Smith,
Robt. Croacher,
W. R. Barker,
Charles Simmons, Joseph Wheaton,
Willard Tripp,
70
HISTORY OF THE
Charles Briggs, Moses H. Bliss,
Caleb Miller,
Thomas S. Nye,
David P. Pierce,
Benjamin F. Popple,
Henry Parker,
Zenas F. Chadwick,
Ezra B. Chase,
Nathan Chapman,
Alonzo L. Cory,
Fred. A. Chace,
Edw. Cavenaugh,
Henry T. Davis,
Hiram L. Wheeler,
Alex. C. Wilbour,
Elbridge G. Wood,
Holmes Winslow,
L. R. Eldridge, C. D. Foster.
Watson Thomas,
William Gibbs,
C. L. Watkins,
T. F. Haffords,
C. F. Gifford,
B. G. Hathaway,
James McKenny.
HOOK AND LADDER CO. (63 Purchase street.)
Foreman, Benjamin Tripp. Clerk, William Davenport.
Ambrose Vincent,
P. B. Brownell,
Wm. F. Hayes,
Thomas R. Pierce,
Hadley Brownell,
William Chambers,
Nathan Stetson,
Edmund Doty,
Ephraim Landers,
William Earl,
Alfred Weaver,
David Thomas,
George Morse,
Jethro Daggett,
G. E. S. Bly,
Watson Thomas,
George W. Howland,
William H. Pitman,
Henry Peets,
Alex. O. Nelson,
Edw. Williams,
Rodolphus Mosher,
Stephen Skiff,
J. H. Leonard,
William G. Allen,
Joshua Ashley.
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, John A. Standish,
Dennis Wood, Asa R. Nye,
Isaac Bliss,
Sylvanus Churchill,
Solomon Chadwick,
Daniel Pollock,
Jos. M. Robinson,
R. A. Sherman.
M. G. Sears,
H. R. Tripp,
Barton Wilbour,
Benjamin Davis,
Nathan S. Davis,
Elihu Briggs,
Gilbert Wordell,
Abiel Westgate,
Martin L. Wheeler,
James K. Robertson,
71
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
W. P. S. Cadwell,
Loum Snow,
George A. Bourne,
Charles D. Swift,
James H. Howland,
Samuel G. Hudson, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., Samuel Southgate,
William T. Cook,
William A. Wall,
Sylvanus G. Nye,
Pardon Tillinghast,
J. B. King,
William P. Field,
H. G. O. Gwyneth,
Ferdinand Vassault,
Charles S. Randall,
John Kehew,
Edward S. Taber,
Edward D. Mandell,
Augustus J. Eaton,
Francis L. Parker,
Edmund Rodman,
William C. Pierce,
Henry C. Kelley,
Francis Taber, Jr.,
Edward Russell,
Horace Gushee,
Revilo A. Swain,
Charles Taber,
George F. Barker,
George H. Dunbar,
Charles D. Cushman,
Joseph T. Hunter,
Isaac C. Woods,
Josias H. Coggeshall,
Charles Chandler,
Andreas T. Thorup,
John Hopkins,
Joseph F. Dearborn,
William L. Gerrish,
Charles Q. Wilson.
Engine company No. I, twenty men ; No. 2, fifty ; No. 3, twenty-five ; No. 4, twenty-five ; No. 6, sixty ; No. 7, fifty ; No. S, forty ; No. 9, fifty ; No. 10, fifty ; Hook and Ladder Company, thirty ; Protecting Society, fifty.
The following citizens served as firewards from 1845 to IS48 :
William H. Taylor, Z. Hillman,
Ezra K. Delano, W. H. Jenney, Slocum Allen,
James Durfee,
Jireh Swift, Jr.,
George Perry, Jonathan Swift,
Edward Cannon,
E. W. Kempton,
Philip Groves,
George G. Gifford, Gamaliel Taber,
Edward D. Mandell, Geo. Howland, Jr.,
A. H. Howland.
1846.
Joseph Allen, Jr., O. M. Brownell,
Robert C. Topham, Nathaniel Kelley,
J. H. Mendall. 1847.
Shubael H. Gifford, Dudley Davenport,
Edward J. Wilcox, Samuel Watson,
Ambrose Vincent.
1848 .- Sampson Perkins.
Henry P. Willis,
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HISTORY OF THE
AMBROSE VINCENT. ( Member of the Board of Firewards, 1847.)
In 1846, Oregon, No. 11, 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 Ambrose Vincent :
Gibbs Taber, Isaac Brownell, Ambrose E. Luce, Otis Manchester,
Gideon Sherman, P. B. Brownell, W. D. James, A. Merrick,
E
ad
73
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Lewis G. Carpenter,
Charles Searell,
Israel Bolles,
John H. Chapman,
William Gifford,
Chas. Simmons,
William Davenport,
George Allen,
Nathan Gifford,
Job Wilcox,
George A. Wilson, Jr., Simeon Webb,
Seth Bryant,
Benj. Maxfield,
Jesse W. Dyer,
Samuel Johnson,
W. C. Howland,
Charles B. Gifford,
David E. Chase,
George Gooding,
Edward Manchester,
N. W. P. Cobb,
Jonathan Devoll,
Calvin A. Paine,
Thomas P. Swift,
Henry S. Little,
W. B. Cole,
Isaac S. Thomas,
A. A. Thomas,
George Lee,
James Taber,
William Cox,
Stephen McFarlin,
C. P. Russell,
Gifford Taber,
Daniel P. Devoll,
Silas C. Sherman,
Lewis Manchester.
Sept. 12, 1846, the Independence Co., No. I, on invitation of Capt. Philip Davis and other citizens of Acushnet village, visited that place and had a jolly time. They were accom- panied by the Citizens' Band. They 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. 1, Sept. 26, 1846 :
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
Ezra Dyer,
Tillinghast Kirby,
Francis H. Vinal,
R. W. Raymond,
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, 1847, amid 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 City Government. It resulted in the voluntary disbandment of the companies, August 7th, attached to Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 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 unprotected for a time. Soon, however, new 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 16th. The condition of affairs in the city may be seen from the account published in the Mercury at the time :
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