The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I, Part 147

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1114

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I > Part 147

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" Within thirty days after the passage of this act, the Mayor and Comptroller shall appoint a proper person, who shall be the head of the Fire Department, and shall be desig- nated as the Commissioner of said department ; they shall also appoint a proper person who shall be the head of the Department of Buildings, to be designated as the Commis- sioner of said department, and upon the said appointment, the term of office of the present head of departments re- pectively shall cease and determine. All the powers and duties of the present department of Fire and Buildings, in relation to extinguishing fires, shall be vested in said Com- missioner of the Fire Department; and all the powers and duties of said department of Fire and Buildings, relating to the erection or repair of buildings, shall vest exclusively in the Commission of Buildings to be appointed, who shall or- ganize and constitute a Department of Buildings. After January 1, 1882, the Mayor shall have the sole power of ap- pointing successors to the commissioners. No fireman shall be removed without cause, and then only after public trial by the head of this department."

Under this act, Jacob Worth was appointed Com- missioner of the Fire Department, and served in 1880-1. Henry Dawson, Jr., was Deputy for the same time. John N. Partridge was appointed Commissioner in 1881, and is still in that position (1884); Richard HI. Poillon, Deputy, 1881-4 ; Thomas F. Nevins, Chief Engineer, 1881-4; John W. Smith, Assistant.

After the disbanding of the volunteer force, the old engine houses and property were turned over to the new commissioners, and the new Fire Department was organized. Frederick S. Massey was chosen President; Hugh Mclaughlin Treasurer. The other Commis- sioners were William A. Brown and A. F. Campbell.

In the re-organization of the department, some excel- lent men were appointed, but generally they were not selected on account of any special fitness for their work, but because of political affiliations. In looking over the record of the first appointments, we find bar-keep- crs, billiard-markers, clerks, watch-makers, and the like -occupations which in no way fit a man to become a good fireman, while engineers, machinists, carpenters and horsemen were in the minority. Promotions and dismissals were made mostly for political reasons, and, while the Fire Department was no worse than other departments, it was by no means what it should

have been. Under the new era of civil service reform, inaugurated by Mayor Low, Col. John N.Partridge was appointed Fire Commissioner, and, under his energetic management, the service has been greatly improved.

COL. J. N. PARTRIDGE .- Essentially military in his methods, and, at the same time, a thorough man of business, Col. Partridge is well adapted to the work of re-organizing a large body of men, and maintaining the discipline neces- sary for the prompt discharge of their duties. A native of Worcester county, Mass., his early life was passed in and near Boston. In 1861, he went to the war with the famous Massachusetts 24th, as 1st Lieutenant ; he was soon after made Captain, which office he held throughout his service. He was wounded at Petersburgh, and came back in the fall of 1864, greatly reduced in health. In the spring of 1865, he came to Brooklyn and engaged in business. In February, 1869, he joined Company H, of the 23d Regiment, as 1st Lieutenant. Soon after, Companies H and K were consolidated, and he was made Captain. A strict disciplina- rian, Col. Partridge has always been one of the popular men of the Regiment, and he was in the organization but a com- paratively short time before he was promoted, first to the rank of Major, and then of Lieut .- Colonel. During the strike, in 1877, he went to Hornellsville with the first de- tachment. When Col. Ward resigned, in 1880, Col. Part- ridge was elected in his place. This position he held until Mayor Low selected him for the head of the Fire Depart- ment. He then resigned his Colonelcy and devoted himself entirely to the re-organization of his department.

Col. Partridge introduced a system of competitive exami- nations for promotions when vacancies were to be filled. The candidate's experience in the department, his knowledge of the engine, the care of the horses and hose, are considered; and results show that the method works well. When he entered his office, he found that many of the houses needed considera- ble repairs; this work has all been done by members of the force, who are mechanics, under the immediate supervision of Fireman Charles Goodman, of Truck No. 3. The men have all worked diligently and cheerfully. This plan has effected a great saving to the city, and has enabled the Com- missioner to accomplish much more than could have been done had the work been performed by contract. These men are always working within sound of the gong, and are, at all times, ready to respond to alarms of fire. Proper time is allowed for rest before they resume their mechanical labors. In the practical workings of the force in extinguishing fires, the main point aimed at is rapidity in getting to the scene of a conflagration. And it would seem that hardly any improvement could be made in that direction. An alarm sent from an alarm-box, police station, telegraph office, telephone call, or engine house, will at once be sent to the head-quarters in Jay street.

Here the number of the district, or alarm box, is regis- tered by an arrangement not unlike a hotel annunciator. The operator in charge sees the number and sends out the first alarm by means of a machine, which, to the outsider, is a marvel of ingenious mechanism. This signal reaches the engine-houses, and, at the first stroke of the ponderous gong, the fireman on duty springs to the head of the tongue. He touches an electric knob, if the alarm comes at night, which lights gas-jets in a sleeping-room up stairs, and in the engine-room where he is. The same current of electricity which rings the gong, sets the horses free, and they dash, as if mad, to their places beside the tongue of the engine, and between the shafts of the hose-cart. The swinging harness drops on their backs, and is snapped in place ; and strangest

578

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

of all, a number of men drop through a hole in the ceiling, sliding down on a light.brass rod; for the ordinary method of coming down stairs is far too slow for our modern firemen. They spring to their places on the engine and truck. The steam pipes, which come up from the boiler in the cellar, and by means of which a head of about five pounds of steam is always kept up in the boiler of the engine, are cast off by means of an automatic coupling, and fall to the floor with a clatter. The fire, consisting of light kindlings and cannel

FIREMAN'S MONUMENT IN GREENWOOD CEMETERY.

coal, is then lighted, the doors are flung open, and the horses dash off as if pursued by a legion of demons, the whole op- eration occupying less than twenty seconds. The engine brings up at the nearest hydrant to the fire, the hose is coupled and unreeled, the firemen dash into the building, and work begins. On the first alarm, three or four engines are dispatched, together with a hook and ladder truck; on the second, three more follow, and on the third, three or four additional ones. When we remember that a fire-engine

usually weighs about 7,500 pounds, and the hook and ladder truck the same, the rapidity with which the horses dash up and down hills and around corners with them, seems mar- velous.

But the horses appear to enjoy it; for, the moment the gong taps, they spring to their places and tremble with eagerness while the few lines are being snapped on. One would hardly recognize them on their return from a fire, ambling along at "staid, respectable gait." The horses be- longing to the department seem to have more than an average share of "horse sense," and they are made pets of by the men, who take great pride in their teams and their engines. The greater number of the engines are of the most approved pattern, and are capable of throwing a stream of water about 265 feet, at the rate of 240 gallons per min- ute. Under the hook and ladder trucks are four cylinders, in appearance not unlike the Babcock Fire Extinguishers. These are calcium lights, which are used to illuminate the scene of a conflagration after the actual fire has been extin- guished. The hook and ladder company do the cleaning up after a fire; test the walls, to be certain that they will not topple over and do damage to adjacent property ; and ex- amine the ruins to see that there are no smouldering embers to again burst out into flames. To this end, they are pro- vided with crow-bars, pick-axes, pitchforks, axes, an im- mense beam of wood and iron, which is used for a battering- ram, and the calcium lights, for use at night .*

There are now twenty steam fire-engines in service, and three in reserve. There are also twenty hose- tenders and five hook and ladder trucks in service, with nine trucks in reserve. The numbers and loca- cations of the companies, and names of the foremen, are as follows, viz .:

NAME.

LOCATION.

FOREMAN.

Engine No. 1 ..

Fourth ave., near 19th st

M. Quinn.

Van Brunt st., near Seabring

J. Doyle.

3 ..

Hick st., near Degraw.

S. Duff.

4 ..

Degraw st., near Court.

Jas. F. Murray.

5 ..

Pierrepont st., near Fulton

S. G. Huestis.

6 ..

High st., near Fulton

P. Lahey.

7 .. Pearl st., near Concord ...

W. Hogan.

8 .. Front st., near Bridge.

J. Walsh.

9 .. Graham ave., near Myrtle

C. McDonough.

10 .. Carlton ave., near Myrtle.

W. A. Beardall.

11 .

Clymer ave., near Bedford

Jas. Maguire.

12. . Second st., near N. 8th st.

M. Kelly.

14 .. Herkimer st., near Brooklyn ave ..

D. McGroarty.

15 ..

India st., near Franklin.

J. J. Fanning.

16 ..

Scholes st., near Union ave.

P. Nolan.

17 ..

DeKalb ave., near Lewis ave

J. Connor.

18 ..

Seigel st., near Union ave ..

T. Whitford.

19. . Dean st., near Underhill ave.

J. F. Dobson.

20 ..

Eleventh st., bet. 7th and 8th aves

P. Larney.

Truck No. 1. . ..

Van Brunt st., near Seabring

D. J. Garrity.

Bedford ave., near Myrtle

D. Kirkpatrick.

Concord st., near Duffield

P. Campbell.

S. Third st., near Fifth.

H. Keighler.

6 ...

Greenpoint ave., near Franklin st. ..

W. H. Wilkeyson.

13 .. Powers st., near Graham ave

P. Van Cott.

* For the above description, we are indebted to Mr. ALLAN FORMAN, of the Brooklyn Advance.

For much, especially of the earlier history of the Western District Department, we are indebted to a manuscript sketch, by Mr. WILLIAM E. SPRAGUE, a portion of which was published in the Brooklyn Corporation Manual for 1863 .- EDITOR.

BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM E. SPRAGUE.

579

WLITTLE

WILLIAM E. SPRAGUE.

WILLIAM E. SPRAGUE is the son of the late Joseph Sprague, once prominent in the business, manufacturing and political history of Brooklyn, who was president of the Village in 1828, '29, '30 and '31, and mayor of the City in 1843 and 1844. He was born at the corner of Fulton street and Sprague alley, April 2d, 1821, and, when old enough, became a student in pub- lic school No. 1; and, later, attended the High School, on Washington street, near Concord, kept by Putnam & Eames.

When of a suitable age, he learned the trade of a carder in his father's cotton and wool card factory, at the corner of Liberty street and Sprague alley; and, for some years, worked in the establishment. Later, he was, for a considerable per- iod, a clerk in the office of the Long Island Insurance Com- pany, of which his father was at the time president, until he resigned the position to accept another as shipping clerk in Meeker & Herbert's wholesale boot and shoe store, at No. 92 Pearl street, New York.

In 1854, his father died, and Mr. Sprague took charge of his estate, and has since lived retired, his residence at this time being at No. 156 Adelphi street, next door to a house now owned by him, but built by his father in 1848, at the time of the latter's removal from Sprague alley. In 1835, Mr. Spra- gue became a member of Water Witch Fire Engine Company No. 5, located in Washington street, near Johnson, and con- tinued his connection therewith until 1842, when he joined Clinton Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, with headquar- ters in Pearl street, near Concord, from which be withdrew in 1856 ; and, in the following year, he was elected one of the

Fire Commissioners of the city of Brooklyn, and served as such for five years. In 1869, he was appointed a member of the Board of Education, by Mayor Kalbfleisch, and was re- appointed and served during the administration of each suc- cessive mayor, until 1881. In 1837, Mr. Sprague joined the once famous Nassau Guards (now company B, 13th Regi- ment), then commanded by his brother, Hollis A. Sprague, and at this time is a member of the Veteran Corps of that regiment. Though frequently solicited to do so, he has reso- lutely refused any rank above that of private. The roll of the Society of Old Brooklynites, shows that Mr. Sprague was one of the constituent members of that organization. He is also a member of Old Lexington Lodge, F. and A. M., and of Nassau Chapter, R. A. M., having "passed the chairs" of both of these organizations.

Since attaining to manhood, Mr. Sprague has taken a lively interest in all questions touching the welfare and prosperity of his city, county, State and country, and every project looking to public enlightenment, and the education of the masses has had his warm and liberal support. He is a most genial gentleman, and no doubt enjoys a more exten- sive local acquaintance thian any other man in Brooklyn, with whose advancement and prosperity his long residence with- in its borders has thoroughly identified him. He was mar- ried June 9th, 1863, to Phebe M., daughter of Samuel Stelle, of Plainfield, New Jersey, and has a daughter, his only child since the decease of an only son. Mr. Sprague and his family are attendants at the North Reformed Dutch Church, located in Clermont avenue.

580

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS.

Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals. - At an early day it was found necessary to exercise some eon- trol over the manner of building and the materials used, in order to guard against danger from fire and inseeure buildings, as far as possible. In June, 1817, the trustees of the village of Brooklyn appointed John Doughty, Isaae Moser, John Harmer, and John Moon, as Fire Wardens, to inspeet and supervise all buildings in course of ereetion. In Williamsburg (now the Eastern District), the office of Fire Warden was first instituted in February, 1837, when Henry Cook was appointed to discharge the duties of the position. These offieers first served without pay ; in after years they received a small stipend from the insurance eom- panies.

They served a term of three years. It was their duty to oversee buildings in process of erection, and prevent violations of the building laws within the fire limits, their functions being, in fact, similar to those of the present Department of Buildings. The first eity eharter conferred this power upon the Fire Depart- ment, where it remained many years. Fire limits were laid down, within which briek and stone were the only building materials permitted. A proper thiekness of walls, sufficient foundations, safe chimneys, adequate support for floors, suitable fire eseapes, and other sim- ilar requisites were preseribed; and it was made the duty of the Fire Department to prevent infraetions of the law, by builders, to examine all buildings in eourse of ereetion, alteration, or repair, at least onee each week. They were also authorized and ordered to in- speet all buildings every six months, and report those that were defeetive or unsafe. The names and dates of eleetion of these fire wardens, after the consolidation of the two eities, are as follows : April 20, 1855, W. S. Wright, A. F. Campbell, Robert Barr, S. Roof, S. A. Mann ; July 9, 1856, A. F. Campbell, W. S. Wright ; July 3, 1857, S. A. Mann, J. Acker ; July 2, 1858, W. S. Wright, A. F. Campbell, A. Brown ; July 1, 1859, Robert Barr, William Wallace; July 6, 1860, A. Brown, T. A. Kerrigan ; July 5, 1861, Robert Barr, S. A. Avila, J. Campbell ; July 11, 1862, S. C. Phillips, T. A. Kerrigan ; July 3, 1863, Robert Barr, Richard A. Williams ; July 1, 1864, E. L. Coor, Wm. Brown, J. Wright ; July 7, 1865, R. A. Williams, D. Slattery; July 6, 1866, W. Brown, J. Wright ; July 5, 1867, R. A. Williams, D. Slattery, J. O'Connor.

This was the system which obtained until 1868. An aet passed in that year ereated a separate department for the survey and inspection of buildings. J. Pryor Rorke was appointed Superintendent, and James Wright, M. Kennedy, Jas. O'Connor, Patriek Burns

and John MeIntyre, Inspectors. The aet of 1870 abol- ished the department, and vested their powers and duties in the Fire Department again.

The Fire Marshals were, at first, self-appointed, and were paid by the insurance companies to investi- gate the eauses of fires and proteet the interests of the insurers. Rufus R. Belknap was the first, serving from 1857 for several years, when William G. Law- renee sueeeeded, and served until 1869, when the paid Fire Department eame in. Under the State law cre- ating the office, the Fire Marshals have been as follows: Patriek Keady, 1869-August 7, 1873 ; A. B. Thorn, 1873-July 6, 1875; Patrick Keady, 1875-Deeember 1, 1877; A. B. Thorn, 1877-Feb. 16, 1880; Benjamin Lewis, 1880-August 3, 1880; A. B. Thorn, 1880-'4.

By the aet of May 25, 1880, already mentioned, all the powers and duties of the Department of Fire and Buildings, relating to the ereetion, repair, or supervision of buildings, were vested in the Commission of Buildings, to be appointed by the Mayor and Comptroller within thirty days after the passage of the aet. Under this amendment, Mayor Howell appointed William M. Thomas, Commissioner of Buildings, June 17, 1880. He was sueeeeded, February 7, 1882, by the present Commissioner, William H. Gaylor. David Aeker is the Deputy. The Department is at present located in the basement of the City Hall.

WM. H. GAYLOR, a prominent architect and builder, was born at Stamford, Conn., March 8th, 1821. His parents were well known and highly respectable residents of that town.

As soon as he was old enough, he commenced attending the common school of the village, where he continued until he attained his ninth year.

Being a favorite of a maternal uncle, John Schofield, an intelligent farmer of Stamford, young Gaylor became a resi- dent in his family, and lived with him until he was fifteen years of age, working on the farm and gain- ing a practical knowledge of agriculture. But, as farming was not exactly to his taste, William began to turn his at- tention to a calling more congenial to his nature and talents, that of a carpenter and builder. To this end he entered the service of Edwin Bishop, a successful carpenter and archi- tect. He remained with Mr. Bishop about three years, per- fecting himself in the knowledge of the business he had as- sumed for his future occupation ; then he removed to Wil- liamsburg, N. Y., where he entered the service of Messrs. Golder and Folk, Master Builders. Mr. Gaylor remained with these gentlemen until he attained the age of 21 years. Having fully perfected himself in a practical knowledge of his calling, he began business for himself.

His industry and skill, the honorable record of his past life, probity and honor, formed a rich capital, and a valuable basis with which to commence his career in life-a career which has been eminently successful.

MA Gaylong

581

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND BUILDINGS.

About the year 1863, Mr. Gaylor entered on the business of Master Builder, in Brooklyn, which business, combined with that of designing architect, he has conducted with great success down to the present time.

The skill, industry and ability of Mr. Gaylor as an archi- tect is exhibited in the many imposing public edifices, in the many private dwellings that adorn and beautify the city of Brooklyn; indeed, it may well be said that there are monuments of his enterprise, taste, and skill as an architect and builder, in very many parts of the city of Brooklyn.

Among these we may mention the elegant six-story iron- front building of Messrs. Smith, Gray & Co., clothiers, erected on the site of the old Washington Hall, corner of Broadway and Fourth street, E. D.

To use the language of one of the Brooklyn dailies : " Mr. Gaylor, the architect, is one of the most popular of the citi- zens of the Eastern District. The plans for nearly every im- portant building in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th Wards were prepared by him. Mr. Gaylor is a whole-souled worker."

So highly has the ability of Mr. Gaylor in his calling, and his standing as a citizen, been appreciated, that, in January, 1882, he was appointed by the Mayor of Brooklyn Com- missioner of the Department of Buildings, for the city. This appointment gave general satisfaction. Speaking of this ap- pointment, a leading Democratic daily, of the city, used this language :

" We need hardly say that we are more than satisfied with the appointment of Mr. Wm. H. Gaylor as Commissioner of Buildings. He stands in the highest rank in his profession -a gentleman of unblemished personal character and fine ex- ecutive abilities. Our citizens may be well assured that his Republicanism will never be permitted to intefere, in any way, with the discharge of his duties in his new and import- ant trust."

Thus it will be seen how fully and usefully Mr. Gaylor has been, and still is, identified with the history, embellishment and growth of the city of Brooklyn.

In the year 1849, Mr. Gaylor was united by marriage to Miss Matilda Cocks, of Brooklyn, a lady in every sense quali- fied to make his home happy; but, in the year 1861, he suffered an almost irreparable loss in her death. In 1865, his second marriage took place. The estimable lady, who became his second wife, was Miss Lizzie Burr, of Brooklyn. A happy union with this lady, of fourteen years, was, in 1879, termi- nated by her death. Since then Mr. Gaylor has remained a widower.

Mr. Gaylor is the father of seven children-three by his first marriage and four by the last.

The oldest, a son, Mr. John W. Gaylor, is well aud favorably known in the business circles of Brooklyn, as an enterprising and successful dealer in bricks, lime, and building materials of all kinds. Another son, Edward F. Gaylor, Esq., adopted the calling of his father, and is now a well-established and highly appreciated architect of Brooklyu.

Mr. Gaylor, in early life, allied himself to the old Whig party; when that became a thing of the past, lie became a Republi- can, from principle, though he was never what might be termed an active politican. Though he is firmly attached to his political principles, he recognizes the rights of others to exercise and enjoy whatever political sentiment they desire, even though differing with his, as fully, as freely and as fairly as they please.

Though so long identified with the Republican party, sustaining its principles with unobtrusive firmness, he has never been, in the least degree, an office-seeker ; and it may, with truth, be said that the honorable position he now oc- cupies in the city, sought him, instead of his seeking it; in

fact, the office was tendered him in recognition of his superior claims to it by long experience and rare quali- fications, and for his honorable and exemplary record as a citizen.

Mr. Gaylor is a member of the Universalist Church ; his connection with that organization having begun many years ago. His religious views are the result of a candid, con- scientious consideration and reflection, and are maintained by that candid firmness and with those liberal views which are among his prominent characteristics.

WILLIAM M. THOMAS .- It has been a subject of remark that men of foreign birth, who come to this country in early life, find here the fullest scope for the development of their abilities, and attain an eminence which they could not reach under the repressive conditions of older civilizations. Espe- cially is this true of our English-speaking cousins, so many of whom have transferred their allegiauce and transplanted their talents to our fertile soil, where they have taken root, flourishing abundantly, both to our benefit and their own advantage.

Among the good examples in this city is William M. Thomas, a native of Swansea, Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he was born December 12, 1812. He comes of good family; his parents were John and Elizabeth Thomas, who lived to rejoice iu their son's success. His maternal grand- father was an officer of prominence in the British army at the Battle of Waterloo.

Our subject passed his boyhood in Swansea, receiving a fair education, as schools went in those days.

Inclining to follow his father's occupation, who was a builder, he served his apprenticeship at home. At the age of nineteen he sailed for America, arriving in New York in June, 1832, resolved to make the Republic his future home. Ambitious to succeed, he at once sought opportunities to en- gage in his calling. After a year spent in Jamaica, he lo- cated in this city, in Bridge street, near Prospect. At that time Brooklyn contained but eighteen thousand inhabitants, and did not extend much above Sands street. Soon after, in 1834, he married Miss Rhoda Frazier, a niece of Rev. Dr. Nott, who was for many years President of Uuion College.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I, Part 147

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1114

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1114