USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 16
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selected one or more constables, called police constables, who were required to serve all warrants, summonses and processes by the Board of Magis- trates. These constables were expected to arrest and report all offenders against the laws and ordi- nances of the city, and bring such persons for trial before the Board, which had jurisdiction similar to the present police justices. The magistrates were allowed an annual salary of one hundred and fifty dollars, and the constables fifty dollars.
About 1830 a High Constable was chosen by the Common Council, pursuant to an act of the Legislature. He represented the entire city, and had jurisdiction over criminal matters such as is now exercised by the Chief of Police. His term of office was limited to one year. The High Consta- ble and the Ward Constables continued to exercise their police powers in maintaining peace and order until the Capital Police Force was organized in 1867.
March 28, 1842, the office of Police Justice was created by an act of the Legislature, which pro- vided that the Board of Supervisors should appoint one of the Justices of the Peace of the city to at- tend to complaints, examinations and trials of a criminal nature. April Ist of the following year another act of the Legislature was passed, provid- ing that the Police Justice should be appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate, and that his term of office should be for three years. March 31, 1848, another act was passed, providing that the office of Police Justice, High Constable and four Justices of the Peace should be elective offi- ces. The term of Police Justice was extended to four years and that of High Constable and Justices of the Peace to three years.
April 22, 1865, a law was passed by the Legis- lature creating the City of Albany and the several adjoining towns a district known as the Capital Police District of the State of New York. This act provided that three Commissioners and two Advisory Commissioners of Capital Police should be appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate. To these Commissioners, called a Po- lice Board, was intrusted the appointment of Su- perintendents, Captains, Sergeants and Patrolmen, and had the entire supervision of all matters relat-
ing to the police government of the district. April 10, 1866, by an act of the Legislature, the Capital Police District was extended so as to embrace the City of Schenectady, which city was limited to the service of seven patrolmen, at an annual salary of five hundred dollars each, to be paid out of the contributions of the city to the Capital Police Fund. A. W. Hunter, of this city, was appointed Police Commissioner for this city.
It seems that the passage of this act was not done in response to the wishes of the people of this city, for the following year the Board of Super- visors passed a resolution condemning the passage of the act, and asking for its appeal. But nothing was done in this direction beyond remonstrating against it, and this system of police protection re- mained in force till the passage of the Act to Or- ganize and Establish a Police for the City of Sche- nectady, April 15, 1870.
The passage of this act provided for the election of two Police Commissioners by the people, who, in conjunction with the Mayor, should constitute a Police Board, having the general charge of all mat- ters pertaining to the Police force. These Com- missioners are elected for two years, and perform their duties without compensation. The act cre- ating them provides that they shall select not more than ten policemen, whose term of service shall continue during good behavior and capacity to per- form the duties required. The pay of policemen is fixed by the Commissioners, and cannot be less than five hundred dollars nor more than eight hun- dred dollars per annum. A Chief of Police and an Assistant Chief are selected from the ten mem- bers composing the force by the Board. The Chief of Police, under the direction of the Board, is the chief executive officer of the Police Department, and is obliged to keep a book of records of pro- ceedings in his department, and all the services rendered by himself and the several policemen. During the absence of the Police Justice, the Chief possesses the power of that officer to entertain com- plaints for criminal offences, and to issue warrants for the arrest of persons charged with criminal ac- tions. The salary of the Chief of Police is fixed by the Police Board, when approved by the Com- mon Council, and cannot be less than five hundred nor more than twelve hundred dollars per year.
The present Police Commissioners are: Peter M. Doty and George Buskerk; Chief of Police, Wil- liam S. Campbell; Assistant Chief, Frank V. De Forrest.
Salary of the Chief is $850; Assistant Chief, $800; patrolmen, $730.
When the first police force was organized under the Capital Police system, the city furnished a station-house in Wall street, in the present store oc- cupied by Thomas Ody. Here were provided suit- able cells for the confinement of prisoners until final disposition was made of them before the Police Justice. A Police Court was arranged on the second floor over the Police Station.
This building was used for this purpose until the completion of the present City Hall, in 1881. Here commodious apartments are provided for
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
Police Court, Police Justice's offices, office of Chief of Police, sleeping apartment for Patrolmen, and cells for the confinement of prisoners.
FREDERICK EISENMENGER, Police Justice, was ap- pointed by the Common Council May 2, 1882, and elected to the same office for four years in April, 1883. He is also chairman of the Board of Magistrates to distribute relief to the poor.
WILLIAM L. CAMPBELL, Chief of Police, has been a police officer here since August 3, 1869. He has served the city faithfully, and from the accounts kept in his office, records back to 1798 can be traced.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Before Schenectady was incorporated as a city. the means for the extinguishment of fires were limited to the use of leather buckets. Each dwell- ing was supplied with as many as the authorities prescribed. Every able-bodied citizen, in case of fire, was obliged to render all the assistance within his power, and any refusal to do so was an offence against the safety of the inhabitants, deemed worthy of a fine and, in certain cases, imprisonment. The first law passed by the Legislature relating to protection from fires in Schenectady was on March I, 1788. This act provided that the Justices of the Peace should select from the inhabitants living south of the Mohawk River, and not more than three-quarters of a mile from the Dutch Church, twenty able-bodied citizens to act as firemen, such persons to have the care and management of all fire apparatus and to render assistance at fires. The Justices made and established the rules and regulations governing the firemen, and had power to remove any fireman for disobeying them. The persons appointed under this act probably consti- tuted the first regular fire company ever organized in this city.
The first date we find any reference made to fire engines was in 1797. September 11th of this year the trustees of Schenectady, at a regular meeting, directed by resolution that a letter be sent to Alex- ander Ellice, London, England, directing him to purchase two fire engines, one large one at a cost of 120 guineas, and a small house engine at a cost of 20 guineas. These engines were soon after ob- tained and used for many years. They were operated by hand-small and crude affairs even compared with the hand engines used at a later date. The larger of these two engines was about eight or ten feet in length, between three and four feet wide, and stood three feet high. The condens- ing case, inclosing the works, was placed in the center of the machine, considerably higher than the main portion of the case. On the top was an elbow or "goose-neck," to which, when the engine was at work, was attached a pipe, through which the stream of water was directed upon the flames. As this engine had no suction, it was supplied by means of buckets, the water being drawn from neighboring wells, carried to and emptied into the engine through an aperture in the side of the box, so as not to interfere with the working of the en- gine. This box held many gallons of water. The
arms or pumping handles were placed fore and aft, working lengthwise of the box, the bows striking on the ends; and, when full manned, four men could work on each arm, making eight in all. Such were the engines in use at this time, which were considered instruments of utility and beauty.
When Schenectady was incorporated as a city there were two fire companies, the members of which were appointed by the Mayor and Common Council. At this period, and for a num- ber of years after, it was a duty incumbent upon the Mayor and Aldermen to attend all fires and give personal supervision to the work of the fire- men. Indeed, at this time the city magistrates performed the same services in later years dele- gated to the chief engineer and his assistants.
May 12, 1798, an ordinance was passed by the Common Council which provided that two persons should be appointed for each ward, called Inspectors, who were required at certain times in each month to inspect the dwellings in their respective wards and ascertain if proper pre- caution was taken to guard against fire, and to make a report to the Aldermen of the condition of the buildings in the ward as to their safety from fire. This ordinance contained many regulations respecting the necessary things to be done by prop- erty owners for the prevention of fires, and any citizen whose dwelling did not comply with these regulations, who was reported by the inspectors, had a limited time to remedy such defect. If he failed to do so he was fined.
In 1798 a company was organized called the Fire Bag Company. To this company was princi- pally intrusted the work of removing personal property from buildings exposed to danger by fire to places of safety. Such property, when removed, they were expected to guard and protect from loss by thieves until it should be taken care of by the owners. This company consisted of twenty-one members, and continued in existence for many years. The first members were : David Tomlin- son, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Jr., Gilbert R. Livingston, James Murdock, Jonathan Walton, George Leslie, William N. Lighthall, Dorcey Jones, James I. Hoyt, William J. Teller, Law- rence Van Baskerk, Dow Clute, James Anderson, Robert Wendell, Samuel Thorn, Luther Halsey, James Adair, Andrew M. Farlan, Jr., Abraham Van Ingen, Henry Yates, Jr., William Corlett.
In 1798 the fire limits were defined as extending one mile due north from the northwest corner of Union College building, thence due west one mile, thence south two miles, thence east two miles, thence north two miles, thence west to the place of beginning, two miles.
The charter of the city of Schenectady, as amended April 2, 1813, provided that not more than eighty able-bodied freeholders should be se- lected by the Common Council from the two wards of the city to act as firemen, who should have the care and management of the engines and tools pro- vided for the extinguishment of fires, which per- sons were to be called the Firemen of the City of Schenectady.
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire district at this time extended from the south side of the Mohawk River, and not more than three-quarters of a mile from the site of the present First Reformed Dutch Church.
The first Hook and Ladder Company was formed in 1814, and consisted of ten members. This company was provided with the necessary apparatus by the city and was under the super- vision of a captain and an assistant appointed by the Common Council.
AX-MEN .- In 1814 a company was organized called the Ax-men. It consisted of two members under the same supervision as the Hook and Ladder Company. Each man was provided with an ax, and expected to cut down fences and buildings where necessary, to check the spread of fire.
The first Superintendent of Firemen was ap- pointed in 1814. To this officer was not only in- trusted the general supervision of the firemen at fires, but he was required to see that the engines and all other fire apparatus were kept in proper work- ing order. His duties were somewhat similar to those imposed upon the present Chief Engineer.
In 1815 there were four fire companies in the city, exclusive of the Hook and Ladder and Ax- men. They were designated as Nos. 1, 2, 3 and Company No. I had quarters near the present stores of Walker and Mains; No. 2, near corner of 4. Front and Ferry streets; No. 3, a few doors below the residence of Edward Walker, on Liberty street; No. 4, near the location of the present J. D. Campbell Hose House. Each one of these companies had fire engines at this date. The en- gine purchased in England in 1797 was still in use, and the other engines, though larger, were similar in construction.
The laws of the city were very strict in regard to the duty of citizens at time of a fire in these days. Every able-bodied citizen was pressed into service, and it was no uncommon sight to see a line of men nearly a quarter of a mile long, standing in a close line, reaching from the nearest point where water could be obtained to the engine, passing buckets of water from one to the other, to supply the engine with water. Even women at times were engaged in this work. A fine was imposed on any citizen who refused to perform such work when requested to do so by the city magistrates.
From pictures of the larger engines used at this date, we see simply a long tank or box placed upon wheels. On each side of the tank was a long arm or handle extending the entire length of the tank, which worked on the principle of a pump-handle. At a time of fire this engine was drawn as near as possible to the scene of destruction, the tank was then filled with water, and then, by means of the pump, the water was forced from the tank through a hose. About thirty men could work at the pump of the largest engines. Although there was much labor, requiring a large force of men, attending the use of these early engines, they did good service, and prevented any extensive conflagration until the year 1819, when, notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions of our firemen, spoken of at
that time in the most praiseworthy manner, the entire lower portion of our city was destroyed.
THE TEAPOT .- There are those living who can remember the small engine used at this date (1815), and for many years after, by the members of Company No. 3. It was a small engine, called the "Teapot," on account of its appearance. It was simply a tank, with a pump attached, capable of being carried when full of. water by four men. It was of great service at a fire, often being carried into a burning building and doing excellent work where the larger engines could not be used. This engine was used for many years.
DOUBLE DECK ENGINE. - In 1825 the Common Council purchased the first double deck engine ever used in this city. It was given in charge of Company No. 4, and was something of a wonder at this time. It was purchased from a firm in Philadelphia. It was larger than the other engines in use in the city, but worked on the same princi- ple. The two decks made it possible for more men to work at the pumps, and thus more force was given the water. Some of the firemen of this period who are now living, claim that this engine could throw a stream of water even higher than the modern steam engines.
FIRE WARDENS. - In 1825 five Fire Wardens were appointed, who had supervision over the buildings erected in the fire district, as to the regulations to be observed under the laws of the city relating to safety from fires. The first Fire Wardens were : Isaac S. Miller, Benjamin M. Munford, John Van Voast, Nicholas Van Vranken and George Mc- Queen.
INCORPORATION OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY. - April 21, 1828, a law was passed by the Legislature constituting all persons belonging to the several fire companies a body politic, under the name of "The Fire Department of the City of Schenectady." This act provided that each com- pany of firemen should choose two representatives, who should select a president and vice-president, and, out of the whole body of firemen, three trus- tees, a treasurer, secretary and a collector. The first representatives were George McQueen, John Van Voast, Richard F. Ward, Myndert Van Guy- sling, Cornelius L. Barhydt, Henry Peek, Robert Osborne and Peter Bradt. The first president was George McQueen ; the first vice-president, John Van Voast ; the first trustees, Joseph Mynderse, Jacob De Forest, Jr., and Harmanus W. Peek ; the first treasurer, Henry Peek ; the first secretary, Joseph Mynderse; and the first collector, Richard F. Ward.
The trustees managed the affairs and disposed of the funds of the corporation according to the by-laws, rules and regulations of the corporation. By this act, the time of incorporation was extended to April 1, 1848, and the firemen were granted all the rights and privileges then extended by law to the firemen of the city of New York.
FIRST HOSE COMPANY .- In 1830 the first Hose Company was formed for the purpose of attending to the hose of the fire companies, but in 1834 it was disbanded and converted into a supply com-
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
pany of twelve members. The members of this company were expected to supply the engines with water, but, a few years later, the purchase of suction engines did away with this work, and the company was disbanded.
THE FIRST SUCTION ENGINE .- About the year 1836, three suction engines were purchased by the city for the use of the Fire Department. Two were called the Seeley engines, the other was known as the Button engine. Both were constructed at Rochester.
These engines were a great improvement over those heretofore used by the firemen. They were hand engines, but did away with the laborious and difficult task of supplying the engines with water by the use of buckets.
The first three engines bought were given to Companies Nos. 1, 2 and 4. A few years later a similar engine was purchased for Company No. 3. These engines were successfully used till the steam engines came into general use many years after.
THE FIRST CHIEF ENGINEER .- September 16, 1836, the Common Council passed a law creating the office of Chief Engineer of the Fire Depart- ment. In December of the same year the offices of First and Second Assistant Engineer were created.
The first Chief Engineer was Richard F. Ward. The first Assistant Engineers were John C. Burn- ham and James E. Van Horn.
These officers were subject to the direction of the Fire Wardens, but the firemen received their orders through the Chief and his assistants Sep- tember 2, 1846, the Chief and his assistants were given exclusive authority to direct the action of all firemen.
ACT OF INCORPORATION OF 1862 .- April 2, 1862, an act was passed by the Legislature incorporating all persons belonging to the several fire companies in a body politic, by the title of "The Fire Depart- ment of the City of Schenectady," for the term of thirty years. With a few changes, this act is similar to the act of incorporation of 1828.
FIRST STEAM FIRE ENGINE .- The first steam fire engine was purchased at Portland, Maine, by the city, February 14, 1864, for $5,000, but was not received and accepted until the following year. . It was named the A. W. Hunter engine, in honor of the presiding mayor at that time. It was placed in engine house No. 4 upon its arrival, and is still used for the extinguishment of fires. The first engineer was John Schermerhorn ; assistant engineer, Jere- miah Tenbrook ; fireman, Vedder Peters. The salary of the fireman was fixed at $500 per year, and that of engineer and assistant engineer at $100. In 1867 another steam engine was purchased for No. 3 engine house, called the Andrew McMullen steamer, and in 1869 a steamer for No. 1 engine house, called the A. A. Van Voast. Thomas Carroll was appointed engineer of steamer No. 3, and John J. Hart for steamer No. 1.
These three steamers were used till the year 1872, when the completion of the Schenectady Water-works, and the arrangements made with this company for supplying the city with water
for the extinguishment of fires, made their use unnecessary. Steamers Andrew McMullen and A. A. Van Voast were withdrawn from service im- mediately and subsequently sold. Steamer No. 1 (A. W. Hunter) was retained and is still used.
In 1872, in consequence of the new system adopted of fire protection, the entire Fire Depart- ment was reorganized by the Common Council. Companies Nos. 1, 3 and 4 were disbanded, but soon after reorganized. Company No. 1, which retained the steamer A. W. Hunter, was the first to be enrolled. Companies Nos. 3 and 4 were soon after reorganized as Hose Companies. A hose depot was established this year in the build- ing used by Company No. 1, and has been used ever since for such purpose.
SUPERINTENDENT OF HOSE .- In 1872 the office of Superintendent of Hose was established. James W. Clute was the first superintendent appointed, and has held the position continuously up to the present time. This officer is obliged to inspect, clean and keep all the hose used by the depart- ment in serviceable condition, to keep the steamer in running order, and to accompany and regulate it when its use is required.
The history of the Volunteer Fire Department, from the incorporation of this city to the present time, has ever been a credit to the city and an honor to the men who composed it.
Schenectady has been remarkably free from any extensive conflagration in many years, and credit for this fact can be attributed solely to the self- sacrificing spirit, intelligent labor and praiseworthy exertions of its firemen. The present efficient force has been ever ready to respond to the call of duty, and by zealous, united efforts has saved much val- uable property.
Among our oldest living firemen are: Albert Van Brunt, Stephen Truax, D. Cady Smith, Levi Case, Martin De Forest, John O. Horsfall, Edward Rosa, Benjamin F. Lyons, Richard Benson and John B. Clute.
HISTORY OF THE DIFFERENT FIRE COMPANIES .- The first year from which we can get a connected history of the different fire companies organized in this city is 1824.
Following will be found the history of each company since 1824, not previously mentioned, down to the present time :
COMPANY NO. 1 .- From 1824 to 1858, when it was disbanded, this company was known simply as Engine Company No. 1. It was reorganized, 1858, with 20 members, under the name of Protec- tion Hose Company No. 1, and retained this name until it was disbanded, by order of the Com- mon Council, September 24, 1872. It was re- organized, with 28 members, September 27 of this year, as Ellis Hose Company No. 1. It dis- banded May 2, 1876, but reorganized two days from this date as Protection Hose Company No. I. This company is still in existence, and has 15 members.
COMPANY No. 2 .- From 1824 to May 16, 1855, this company was known as Engine Company No. 2. It was reorganized March 4, 1857, as the Del-
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- BENCH AND BAR.
uge Company No. 2. It subsequently disbanded and did not organize until 1873, when it assumed the name of Van Vranken Hose Company. This company still exists, and has a membership of 30.
COMPANY No. 3 .- This company, from 1824 to 1835, when it was disbanded, was called Engine Company No. 3. March 18, 1835, it was reor- ganized, but a few years after disbanded. March 3, 1857, it was reorganized as Niagara Company No. 3, which name it retained to October 9, 1867, when it was reorganized, with 27 members, as Rosa Hose Company No. 3. It was disbanded by the Common Council, September 24, 1872, and reorganized, with 33 members, January 10, 1876, as the Cain Hose Company No. 3. It disbanded September 16, 1879, and reorganized October 14, 1879, as Neptune Hose Company No. 3. This company is still in existence, and has a member- ship of 20.
COMPANY No. 4 .- From 1824 to December 15, 1847, this company was known as Engine Com- pany No. 4. It was disbanded in 1847, and re- organized January 1, 1848, and again disbanded May 2, 1856. It was reorganized August 16, 1856. October 6, 1857, the name was changed to Neptune Hose Company No. 4. June 16, 1867, it was reorganized, with 28 members, as the Hath- away Hose Company No. 4. September 24, 1872, it was disbanded by the Common Council, but immediately reorganized, with 19 members, as the Stanford Hose Company. May 3, 1876, it again disbanded, and reorganized, with 25 mem- bers, June 13, 1876, as the J. D. Campbell Hose Company. This company is still in the service, and has a membership of 29.
COMPANY No. 5 .- This company was organized, with 36 members, November 18, 1835. It at one time was the Mohawk Hose Company. August 28, 1860, it was disbanded, and not reorganized till July 21, 1876, when it was called the E. W. Paige Hose Company. This company still exists, and has a membership of 17.
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