USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of the city of Trenton, New Jersey : embracing a period of nearly two hundred years, commencing in 1676, the first settlement of the town, and extending up to the present time, with official records of the population, extent of the town at different periods, its manufactories, church history, and fire department > Part 36
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The Good Will Company wore the Philadelphia style of fire hat until sometime in 1863, when it made a change for the New York style, which style has been adopted throughout the whole country.
During the war, one whole company was made up of members of the Good Will Fire Company. Some, after the war, returned to mingle again with their friends, while others fell upon the field of battle while manfully fighting for their country's rights. The assets of the company are worth about five thousand dollars.
This is in brief a history of the Resolution and Good Will Fire Companies. A good deal yet remains to be written, but we have not the space here in which to write it.
Gideon H. Wells, Robert Chambers, William Aitken, William Hankinson, Fairfax Abell, Wollaston Redman, John Aborn,
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
Lewis Evans, Foster Hart, Lamar G. Wells, Richard J. Bond, Charles Stevenson, John Mount, Jacob Raum, John Ingleton, Jesse Redman, James Hope, Thomas W. Morgan, Charles M. Wells, Welling Napton, Thomas Dearth, and George D. Abra- ham were the original organizers of the Eagle Fire Company.
They met at the house of John Hutchinson, on Friday even- ing, the 15th of June, 1821, completed their organization, and adopted a constitution, which sets forth in its preamble, the fol- lowing :
" We, the subscribers, inhabitants of Mill Hill and its vicinity, for the greater security of our own and our neighbors' property from loss by fire, do associate and form ourselves into a company to be known and styled the Eagle Fire Company of Mill Hill."
At their first meeting the following officers were elected :
Gideon H. Wells, president; Lewis Evans, vice president ; Thomas W. Morgan, secretary ; Jesse Redman, treasurer ; Robert Chambers, inspector.
Their second meeting was held at the same place, Friday evening, June 22d, when a bill was presented by Welling Napton, for seventeen dollars and sixty-seven cents, for lumber for build- ing the engine-house, and five dollars for labor, which was ordered paid ; and a bill of R. Chambers for repairs done to the house, one dollar, was also ordered paid. Thomas Dearth and Welling Napton were elected engineers, and John Mount, Jacob Raum, Wollaston Redman, Robert Chambers, James Hope, and Fairfax Abell, assistants.
Messrs. Bond, Mount, and Aborn were appointed a committee to make the necessary inquiries respecting the procuring of buckets for such members as wished to purchase them.
February 22d, 1822, Richard J. Bond was authorized to have the constitution printed in pamphlet form, and each member supplied with a copy at twelve and a half cents each. Lewis Evans and Jacob Raum were appointed a committee to have the front of the engine-house painted and the name of the com- pany placed over the door, and on November 7th they reported that it was unnecessary to have anything further done to the house at that time, and were thereupon discharged.
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
At a meeting held at the house of John Pearce, Thursday, May 2d, Stacy G. Potts, James Martin, Cornelius Raum, and John Pearce were elected.
Lewis Evans, Robert Chambers, and Welling Napton were appointed a committee to procure a ladder, and on the 6th of February, 1823, they reported a bill of nine dollars and twelve and a half cents for the same, and were authorized to find a proper place for keeping it, and also to procure hooks for hang- ing it up.
November 7th, 1822, Lewis Evans presented a bill of two dollars and thirty-four cents for painting the engine-house, which was ordered paid.
The company then adjourned to meet at the house of John Pearce, Thursday, February 6th, at six o'clock, at which time supper was to be prepared for it.
May 6th, 1824, James R. Tomlinson, the secretary, was au- thorized to have a good and sufficient covering put over the lad- ders, and attend to the necessary repairs of the same, and on the 4th of November he reported the same complete, and presented a bill for two dollars and ninety-three cents, which was ordered paid.
Fairfax Abell and Richard J. Bond were appointed a commit- tee to procure fire hooks.
Mr. C. Raum was authorized, May 6th, 1825, to let out the ladders at twelve and a half cents per day for the large one, and six and a quarter cents for the small one; February ist, 1827, they were ordered not to be loaned to any one.
February 2d, 1826, John Whittaker was fined twelve and a half cents for not having his buckets painted.
February 7th, 1828, Charles M. Wells and Fairfax Abell were appointed a committee to purchase eight feet of hose.
August 6th, 1829, the engineers were authorized to purchase four pairs of buckets for the use of the company, which was done at an expense of twenty dollars.
February 5th, 1830, a committee was appointed to apply to the legislature for an act of incorporation for the company, which was accordingly passed on the 26th of the same month. The incorporators were Robert Chambers, Fairfax Abell, Richard J.
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
Bond, Wollaston Redman, John Whittaker, and William Waln. The capital stock was two thousand dollars, which was afterwards, by a supplement approved March 11th, 1864, increased to eight thousand dollars.
The meetings of the company were held usually at the hotel of Mrs. Gordon, and the members were in the habit of indulging in the use of liquors, as appears by the following resolution offered by William C. Howell, November 4th, 1830.
" Resolved, That in future the company abstain from the use of ardent spirits in meetings of business ; and that our usual mode of throwing in our sixpences be continued, and be given for the use of the house."
This resolution was laid over from one meeting to the next, until May 5th, 1831, when it was considered and lost.
February 2d, 1832, the committee appointed at a previous meeting reported that they had purchased two sections of hose, at an expense of sixty-seven dollars. At the same meeting Richard J. Bond, John A. Hutchinson, and Henry M. Lee were appointed a committee to purchase a tender for carrying the hose, and on the Ist of November they reported that they had purchased one at a cost of fourteen dollars and twenty-five cents.
November 13th, 1833, Richard J. Bond and Fairfax Abell were appointed a committee to have a new ladder made, and on February 6th, 1834, it was resolved that the old ladder be sold, and that Joseph Whittaker be the auctioneer. The ladder was accordingly put up at auction, and purchased by John Whitta- ker for two dollars and fifteen cents.
The house of the company was a small one story building about sixteen by thirty feet, and located on the lot where the court-house now stands, and in front of the southerly end of it, on Broad street. North of the engine-house, and adjoining the same, the hooks and ladders were located, having a covering over them, chained fast to the fence, and locked with a padlock, the key of which was kept by Cornelius Raum, who occupied the house on the corner of Broad and Market streets, immedi- ately in front of the surrogate's office, and adjoining the engine- house.
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
August 4th, 1836, a proposition was made to fit up the lower story of the Mill Hill school-house for an engine-house, and Messrs. Joseph Whittaker, Robert Aitken, and Wollaston Red- man were appointed a committee to inquire into the expediency and probable cost of fitting up said building, and report to the company and citizens of Mill Hill, at the school room, on Wed- nesday evening, the 17th instant.
August 17th, 1836, the company met, together with such citi- zens of Mill Hill as were disposed to attend, in the school room, at which time the committee appointed to ascertain the probable cost of fitting up the lower story of the school-house for an en- gine-house reported that to build it with a nine inch wall would cost eighty dollars, and to build it with inch boards, plowed and grooved, would cost about forty dollars. Horace Smith and Joseph Whittaker were appointed a committee to collect money from the citizens and members to build the house, and at the meeting of August 24th, the committee reported that they had collected funds enough to warrant the undertaking, and Wollas- ton Redman, Robert Aitken, and Joseph Whittaker were ap- pointed a committee to have the work done, at an expense not exceeding fifteen dollars, and instructed that the same be com- pleted in thirty days, and to remove the engine to the new house.
The committee appointed at a previous meeting to have the engine painted reported that the work was now done, and that a place had been left for the purpose of inserting a motto.
The question now arose as to what motto they should adopt- a number of which were proposed by different members, and were all rejected. The following, proposed by Wollaston Red- man, was unanimously adopted, viz., "EFFICIENT AID," which has stood as the motto of the company ever since.
The committee on building were also authorized to ascertain what they could sell the old engine for.
The meetings of the company were then changed from the hotel to the school room.
The cost of fitting up the new house was forty-six dollars and eighteen cents.
February 2d, 1837, Horace Smith, Richard J. Bond, and Wollaston Redman were appointed a committee to dispose of
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
the old engine-house by public sale, to the highest bidder, on Monday, the 13th, between the hours of twelve and one o'clock.
May 4th, 1837, the committee reported that they had sold the old engine-house to John Whittaker, for sixteen dollars and fifty cents, and also that during the month of March, the cooper shop of Jared L. Cool, adjoining the engine-house, had been destroyed by fire, and in order to save the engine-house it was removed, and in removing it, it was broken to pieces, and Mr. Whittaker having demands against the company for twelve dol- lars and fifty cents, asked the company, in consideration of the loss sustained, to accept his claim as an off-set against it, which was agreed to.
A committee was appointed to inquire the cost of firemen's hats, who reported that they would cost from one dollar and thirty-seven and a half cents to one dollar and eighty-seven and a half cents.
Joseph Whittaker and Robert Waddell were appointed a com- mittee to procure thirty leather badges with the words "Eagle Company " painted on them, to be worn on the hat. The com- mittee procured twenty-five at eighty-one cents each, being one for each member. The members were required to wear their badges at all fires, and at every quarterly meeting to work the engine.
May 3d, 1838, Joseph Whittaker and Henry Page were ap- pointed a committee to prepare a place to hang the ladders.
November 5th, 1841, the custody of the ladders was placed in the hands of George James, with the privilege of hiring them out at twelve and a half cents for one or two hours, and twenty- five cents per day, and if they were retained over night, fifty cents, without respect to persons, and that he be accountable for them, and receive twenty-five per cent. on all moneys col- lected for their use.
February Ist, 1844, four torches were procured at one dollar each.
May 2d, 1844, Joseph Whittaker, John Bucknum, and Ed- ward W. Page were appointed a committee to select a location to build an engine-house, and also to ascertain the probable cost of the same.
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
December 24th, 1846, Joseph Whittaker and Richard J. Bond were appointed a committee to solicit donations for the purpose of purchasing a new engine, and Robert Aitken, Joseph A. Bond, and James A. Howell were a committee to raise funds for building a new engine-house ; and on the 4th of February, 1847, Richard J. Bond and Joseph Whitaker were appointed a com- mittee to purchase a new engine.
The first engine used by this company was built by Pat. Lyon, of Philadelphia, at that time the most celebrated engine builder in the country. The next one was made by John Agnew, of Philadelphia, in 1847, who was, in his day, also celebrated as an engine builder. This engine was six and a half inch cylinder, ten and a half inch stroke, with suction and side stream, the cost of which was seven hundred and seventy dollars.
The engine built by Pat. Lyon worked from the ground, with two arms, while that of Agnew's had a gallery and four arms.
At a special meeting held December 30th, 1847, suitable reso- lutions were adopted on the death of Richard J. Bond, who had been president of the company since May, 1830, a period of seventeen years, and who was one of the original members at its first organization, and at the time of his death the only remain- ing one of that number.
May 3d, 1849, it was ordered that the members of the com- pany equip themselves with hat and cape at a cost of two dollars and fifty cents ; device, a spread eagle on hat, with the figures 1821, and the letter E on the back.
The engine-house was removed from the academy, and a small house erected in Market street, near Jackson, which the company continued to occupy until the city built the present house in Broad street, in 1858.
In 1859 a difficulty occurred in the department in conse- quence of the board of engineers numbering the different com- panies. Those in Trenton proper were given the first numbers, and those in that district which had been annexed were num- bered last. This created considerable dissatisfaction among the companies affected thereby. The Eagle Company rebelled, on the ground that its rights were interfered with, and this was carried to such an extent that the sheriff closed up the house,
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
levied on the property, and sold the hose carriage and other property at public sale, to pay the expenses of the suit.
During this year the Delaware Company was fitting up a new house, and had its engine and apparatus housed with the Eagle Company.
Upon closing the house they removed their apparatus to a stable, where it was kept until the Hand-in-Hand Company ten- dered them the use of their house, September, 1859.
The new house of the Eagle Company was dedicated July 5th, 1858, and was the first house built by the city, since which time the city has supplied all the companies with good engine- houses.
The Eagle Company purchased the first steamer that was brought to this city, in 1864, which underwent considerable repairs in 1869.
From time immemorial it had been the custom for the mem- bers of the company to pull the engine to fires, but when the steam engines were introduced this mode was found to be entirely too slow, too much labor, and not in accordance with the progressive times ; consequently, it was found necessary to have some greater motive power, and horse power was substituted for human muscle.
The Eagle Fire Company at present wears the New York style of equipments, about one hundred members being fully equipped.
The first presidents of the Eagle were Gideon H. Wells, Richard J. Bond, and Joseph Whittaker; then followed John O. Raum, who has filled the position about thirteen years, and is the third oldest active fireman now on the rolls of the company.
The company has made several excursions, one to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and another to New Haven, Connecticut, at which cities they were received in the best possible manner, the most unbounded respect being shown towards them-particularly in the latter city, where receptions, illuminations, and other marks of congratulation were extended to them, not only by the fire- men, but by the city officers and people generally.
The Eagle at the present day ranks second to no company in the city. She has had her trials in days gone by, but the more she has been tried the greater has proved her glory, and the
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
Eagle has arisen from the fiery ordeal, with her plumage unruffled, only to soar higher up, and perch herself upon the loftiest pinnacle.
On the 15th of June, 1871, the Eagle celebrated her fiftieth anniversary by a supper at the engine-house, prepared by John J. Ford.
Among those present were three of the oldest members-John Bucknum, who has been a member thirty-two years, William D. Laning, who has been a member twenty-seven years, and John O. Raum, who has been a member twenty-six years. Interest- ing remarks were made by the above gentlemen, contrasting the present prospects and condition of the company with its humble origin fifty years ago. Remarks were also made by other mem- bers of the company, and invited guests.
Some years ago an addition was built to the engine-house by the city, which gives the company, in addition to their meeting room in the second story, a handsome large parlor, fitted up in grand style.
The present membership of the Eagle company is a little over three hundred ; the officers are, John O. Raum, president ; William Johnston, vice president ; Jesse Thornley, secretary ; John Dobbins, assistant secretary ; Charles S. Boyd, financial secretary ; William Ossenberg, treasurer.
We have no record of the date when the first meeting was held for the purpose of organizing the Delaware Fire Company. It must have been, however, prior to April 5th, 1821, because in one of the old minute books we find a list of the actual and honorary members under the above date. We give this list as a matter of some interest to our citizens, since in it will be found some of our veterans, whose span of life has been extended far beyond the ordinary limit, and two or three of whom are to-day among our most active and energetic business men.
The following is a list of the actual members of the Delaware Fire Company, April 5th, 1821 : 1
Benjamin Fish, John Phares, James F. Rock, James Phares, Lewis Parker, J. H. Mershon, Isaac Yard, John McMackin, Aaron O. Shuff, William Cook, William Briggs, James Short, Charles Holland, Morris Jackson, Thomas Hamilton, Isaac
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
Blackford, James Bell, Abner Mershon, David Schenck, Matu- rin Redway, Wilson A. Coleman, Alexander C. Wood, John Drummond, John Sunderland, Jr., John Laing, John B. Abbott.
The following is a list of the honorary members at the above date :
Philip F. Howell, Samuel Crowell, Charles B. Carman, Rich- ard McGannon, Clark Chambers, Lamar Phares, James G. Van- syckal, Caleb Carman, Thomas Mckean, Daniel D. Moore, Lawrence Fagoli, Jacob W. Lupardus.
We also find that soon after their organization, they made arrangements for procuring an apparatus. A subscription was started, and they collected three hundred and forty-five dollars and fifty cents. They bought two engines, paying for them two hundred and thirty dollars ; and after these entries in the trea- surer's books, without date, we find the balance of fifteen dollars and fifty cents carried to a new account, and charged to the treasurer June 25th, 1821.
Many of our citizens will remember the old hand engine owned by this company for many years. Although built in the simplest manner possible, without any of the gay trappings which decorate the engines of our day, she was yet considered a very efficient apparatus, and always performed her duty when circum- stançes required it.
The engine-house at that time was a small one story frame building, situated on the southerly side of what is now Bridge street, near Warren. It was long since removed to make way for other improvements.
During the month of March, 1856, the company bought a new hand engine, made by Button, of Waterford, New York, for one thousand one hundred dollars, and at the same time purchased another engine-house, which was located on the north side of Bridge street, near Fair.
In the fall of 1865, it was resolved to purchase a second-class steam engine of Mr. Button, the maker of their engine then in service, and early in the following year the present engine was received. During the past winter (1870-71) she was thoroughly overhauled, and several improvements were added.
In the fall of 1868, the company left the building in Bridge
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
street and occupied the new engine-house built by the city, in Warren street, just above Bridge, where they are at present located.
Soon after getting the steamer the company found it necessary to procure horses-the weight of the apparatus proving too severe a task for human muscle. Since then the company has not been without a team, which is hired out in the city for vari- ous kinds of work, and thus made to yield a small revenue.
The company was incorporated by act of the legislature, Janu- ary 31st, 1833. The corporators were Benjamin Fish, John B. Abbott, Maturin Redway, Jacob B. James, Charles Skelton, Thomas N. Hamilton, William R. Howell, John Phares, and John Sunderland.
The capital stock was originally one thousand five hundred dollars, but this was increased on February 18th, 1856, to two thousand five hundred dollars.
It is gratifying to look back over the past history of this com- pany and note the changes that have taken place. From very humble beginnings, this company is now on an equality in every respect with the other fire companies of the city.
To the great number of fires which occurred during the winter of 1838-39, and the want of sufficient apparatus for their extin- guishment, does the Trenton Hose Company owe its existence. Trenton, at this time, was well supplied with fire engines, and in a manner supplied with the necessary apparatus for carrying hose ; yet there was ample room for improvement, and an excel- lent opportunity afforded for man to display his willingness to help his fellow mortal in his hour of need and danger. And to give to the citizens of Trenton the aid of a suitable apparatus for carrying hose and all its necessary adjuncts, and to insure its speedy arrival at the scene of conflagration, a number of gentle- men, actuated by the best of impulses, assembled at the house of John Van Fleet, in Warren street, on the evening of February 25th, 1839. A. P. Atkinson, Esq., was elected chairman, and the following resolution was adopted :
" WHEREAS, The numerous cases of fire occurring in the city of Trenton renders it necessary, and the undersigned, actuated by a sincere desire to assist their fellow-citizens in the hour
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
of danger, have resolved to form themselves into an organi- zation or company, to be denominated the Trenton Hose Company, No. I."
This resolution was signed by A. P. Atkinson and others.
Nothing of much importance was done that evening, and they adjourned to meet on Friday evening, March 8th, 1839, at which time the Trenton Hose Company was organized, and the following gentlemen elected as its officers for the ensuing year :
A. P. Atkinson, president ; George Furman, vice president ; Charles C. Bellejeau, secretary ; Samuel F. Hart, assistant secre- tary; George W. Van Hart, treasurer; Charles W. Johnston, John R. S. Barnes, and David S. Anderson, directors.
The organization being without a hose carriage, a committee, consisting of Benjamin T. Howell, David S. Anderson, A. P. At- kinson, R. W. Furman, and George W. Van Hart, was appointed to wait upon the Resolution Fire Company, and request the loan of their hose carriage until one could be procured ; this request was cheerfully complied with. With the proper apparatus and a full complement of men, they were without a hose-house, and the members were compelled to hold their meetings at private houses, hotels, auction rooms, or wherever they could find a suitable room for the purpose. In the course of a few months they purchased a new hose carriage, and secured a house in Warren street, opposite the Third Presbyterian Church. This house afforded scarcely room enough to accommodate the mem- bers and hose carriage at the same time, but by using the car- riage as a presidential chair and for seats, it was considered suf- ficiently large ; no doubt the gentlemen who were then members of the company were actuated by, and possessed warm and noble impulses, for they had many difficulties to contend with, but labored earnestly for the worthy cause in which they were en- listed, and overcame all obstacles.
No change of officers occurred until January, 1841, when death invaded their ranks and claimed their much-loved and highly-respected president. It was a sad blow to the organiza- tion, for to him and their worthy vice president belonged much of the honor of adding this branch of the service to the fire department. George Furman, Esq., was elected president, and
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HISTORY OF TRENTON.
shortly after, John B. Johnston was selected as vice president, and ever since, except for a short period, they have occupied the same positions ; other changes in the board of officers have taken place, but it would be tedious to mention them. Since 184I many changes have occurred, both as to members and the finan- cial condition of the company. Some of its members have grown grey in the service-while many have passed away from the busy cares of life. That energy which marked the early members of the company and caused them to remove from their quarters on Warren street to a better one in Hanover street, and purchase a new hose carriage, and again remove to the corner of Hanover and Greene streets, and again purchase a new hose carriage, is highly appreciated by the present members.
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