Introduction
JAMES W. AYERS was born in New York City on November 24, 1822. He was apprenticed at the age of 10 in the hair cloth and curled hair trade. He became a journeyman in the trade at the age of 18, and in 1841 he moved to Camden, where he found work with Samuel Ross, at Ross’s Haircloth Factory at Fourth and Federal Streets. He remained with the firm after the 1849 fire in which the plant burned down.
A Republican, James W. Ayers was elected to City Council from the Middle Ward in 1859. He was a member of the Camden Police Department in 1861, and again from 1864 to 1874, under Mayors Paul C. Budd, Charles Cox, and Samuel M. Gaul. While not on the force, he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in a variety of positions, and was a volunteer fireman. In 1866 he was named Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department.
On June 7, 1866 Camden’s City Council enacted an ordinance reorganizing the volunteer fire service to improve efficiency in operations. This ordinance provided for increased compensation to the fire companies (Weccacoe and Independence got $800 per annum to be paid quarterly, the Weccacoe and Shiffler Hose companies and the United States Fire Company received $200 annually). The volunteer fire companies were also directed to select a Chief Fire Marshal and three Assistant Marshals, one from each district. The selections were subject to approval by Council. The new department was called “The Fire Department of the City of Camden.” In protest of this ordinance the New Jersey Fire Company No.4 withdrew from the new, organized volunteer department.
James W. Ayers of the Weccacoe Engine Company No. 2 was elected Chief Marshal and served until 1868 when he was succeeded by Wesley P. Murray of the Weccacoe Hose Company No.2. Murray was aided by Assistant Engineers William Abels, First District; Simeon H. Long, Second District; and Charles H. Knox, Third District. Both Ayers and Murray were well organized and popular with the volunteers. For this reason the New Jersey Fire Company No.4 petitioned City Council to be readmitted to the volunteer department. Although the petition was supported by all the fire companies, it was rejected by the Council which had already sold the New Jersey apparatus on June 13, 1866 for $100.
Late in 1867 three major fires occurred in the city. The first, on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 20 about 3 P.M. destroyed the Third Street Methodist Episcopal Church located above Bridge Avenue. This disastrous blaze was one of the largest fires in the history of the City destroying five dwellings and seriously damaging several others while leaving the church in ruins. A roof fire was discovered on the south side of the church; the cause believed to be a defective flue but some said it was a spark from a passing locomotive. A stiff southwest breeze quickly spread the flames, overwhelming all efforts by the firemen. Chief Ayers summoned assistance from several Philadelphia volunteer companies as Camden’s fire fighters turned their efforts toward saving exposures. These efforts were greatly hampered by an inadequate water supply. The dwellings at 229, 231 and 233 Taylor Avenue burned to the ground while 227 sustained heavy damage to the roof and top floor. Properties at #9 and #11 South Third Street also were damaged as flying embers ignited their roofs. A dwelling at #13 South Third Street was heavily damaged by the flames. Only due to the valiant efforts of the combined fire forces was the conflagration halted late that night. Both Chief Ayers and Captain Wesley P. Murray were commended for their judgment and action while directing firefighting efforts. Citizens felt that if the water supply had been better the efforts of the firemen would have contained the blaze much earlier.
Nearly a month later the second blaze occurred; the Nickel Works, owned by Wharton and Fleightman and located in the block bounded by York, State, Tenth Streets and Cooper’s Creek. The fire started about 6 P.M. on Sunday the 15th, when the dryers in the drying house overheated. A total effort by the Independence and Weccacoe steam engines, the United States ladder company and the hose companies of the department contained the fire to the original 40 by 50 foot building. A good water supply from the creek nearby and a quick response by fire companies contained the spread of fire resulting in only minor damage to several surrounding buildings.
Eight days later, on December 23, 1867 the Camden Rolling Mills Company was severely damaged by fire. The mill was one of the city’s largest industries and stood at the head of Third Street on the Delaware River. The blaze began in the machine shop when a cinder was thrown from one of the puddling furnaces. Flames spread rapidly through the wood frame building that covered almost an acre of ground. A prompt response and assistance from Philadelphia enabled fire fighters to save the other buildings in the complex.
After the Nickel Works fire in 1867 another, more destructive blaze occurred at the complex on Sunday night, July 12, 1868. Flames were discovered in the southwest corner of the main building and as firemen arrived, the fire was extending to several nearby occupied dwellings and to the roof of the mill’s power house. Fire fighters placed their apparatus effectively and were able to darken the flames on the power house roof and contain the blaze. The original fire building and the homes were destroyed. Damage was estimated at $30,000 to $40,000, far more than the $10,000 damage estimate of the earlier fire. Firemen had to contend with high temperatures and humidity as well as the heat from the blaze while quelling this mid-summer fire.
Still another destructive fire occurred less than a week later. About 5 P.M. the following Saturday, July 18, flames were discovered coming from the engine room of Goldey & Cohn’s large box factory on Taylor Avenue. Flames spread through the building, feeding on the highly combustible stock. The entire building was soon engulfed in fire as was the late R.H. Middleton’s brick stable. A brisk southwest wind carried the flames across Taylor Avenue to the company’s lumber pile and onward to Middleton’s warerooms at #7 South Second Street and also his two and one-half story frame dwelling at #5 South Second Street.
Chief Engineer Ayers realized that additional help was needed and telegraphed Chief McClusker of Philadelphia for assistance. The blaze was already threatening to consume the most densely populated and most valuable section of the City. Chief McClusker responded with steamers from the Vigilant and Hibernia Fire Companies, the Fairmount, Lafayette, Neptune, America and Diligent Hose Companies and the Empire Hook & Ladder Company.
As the firemen placed the steamers along the Delaware River and laid their hose lines, the fire spread to the Ware & Marshall meat and provision store, a two story brick property at #3 South Second Street and to a two and one-half story brick dwelling at #1 South Second Street (owned by Joab Scull and occupied by Charles Armstrong). These buildings were destroyed as was Joab Scull’s wood frame grocery store on the southwest corner of Second and Federal Streets and an adjacent three story brick dwelling (also owned by Scull but occupied by Mr. Goldey).
The fire continued to spread destroying Mr. Test’s frame drugstore and extending to the home of James M. Cassady, Esquire’s house at 128 Federal Street. Firemen were successful in saving Cassady’s residence from complete destruction. Although the property sustained heavy water damage, only the rear of the building was destroyed. The fire fighters continued their determined stand against the oncoming flames and were able to save the property of the late Samuel McLain which adjoined Cassady’s residence.
Conrad Hoell’s saloon at the corner of Second and Federal Streets and the adjoining building occupied by L.G. Peterson ignited several times, but the flames were quenched by what the West Jersey Press called the “superhuman exertions” of the fire fighters.
Several firemen were overcome by the intense heat, including Captain Wesley P. Murray and Joseph Flanigan of the Weccacoe Hose and Robert S. Bender, Thomas McCowan and Thomas Allibone of the Independence Steam Engine. These men had to be removed from the scene.
Combined losses exceeding $54,000 were reported as a result of this devastating conflagration. Chief Engineer Ayers praised the efforts of his men and the good work done by Chief McClusker and his forces from Philadelphia. The grateful citizens joined in this praise.
Later that year Chief Ayers was succeeded as Chief Engineer by Captain Murray, and turned his attention to police work.
James W. Ayers was elected Mayor in March of 1877, defeating John Morgan, who had been appointed Mayor by City Council upon the death of John H. Jones on October 27, 1876. He served one term, not running for re-election in 1880. He returned to police work with the Pennsylvania Railroad after leaving office. He was succeeded by Claudius W. Bradshaw.
During Mayor Ayers’ term the first telephones were installed in Camden, and the first train ran from Camden to Atlantic City. The city also suffered through a hurricane in October of 1878 which caused great damage.
At the time of the 1880 census, James W. Ayers and wife Priscilla resided at 423 Arch Street in Camden. The family included six children at the time ranging in age from 23 to 11, Mary, Maggie, John, Anne, James W., and Harry R. Ayers. Mayor Ayers died at his home at 423 Arch Street on August 27, 1896.
Photos
This ornately decorated presentation speaking trumpet is inscribed “Presented to W.P. Murray by the members of the Weccacoe Hose Co. No.2 of Camden, N.J.” Wesley P. Murray served as Chief Marshal of the Fire Department of the City of Camden (volunteer) during 1868 and 1869. He was a highly regarded member of the Weccacoe Hose Company No.2 and was most likely presented this fine specimen at that time. Courtesy of the Independent Fire Company, Maple Shade, New Jersey.
Indigent and Disabled Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A bill has been introduced into the New Jersey Legislature authorizing the establishment of a fund for the relief of indigent and disabled firemen in Camden, and their families, if in necessitous circumstances. The following gentlemen are named in the bill as trustees: Samuel Hufty, Robert S. Bender, Jacob Daubman, William Abels, James W. Ayers, Frank B. Holt. These gentlemen represent the different companies composing the Camden Fire Department.
The New Police Force
Philadelphia Inquirer —
On Thursday the newly-appointed police force of Camden will receive their stars and uniforms, and enter upon the discharge of their duties. The following is the corrected list of officers:—Daniel W. Curlis, chief. Officers—First Ward—John I. Smith, Charles M. Hay, Thomas E. Mason. Second Ward—James W. Ayres, Daniel Johntry, Charles Catting. Third Ward—William Chambers, Theodore W. Jones, Abraham Lower. Fourth Ward—William H. Hawkins, William D. Middleton, Thos. H. Coles. Fifth Ward—John W. Campbell, Samuel Mortland, William A. White. Sixth Ward—John J. Brown, Jesse O. Chew, Cornelius N. Brown. Seventh Ward—Joseph Muinbeck, Jacob Heflinger, Miles Morgan. Eighth Ward—Henry L. Johnson, William Campbell, William Howard.
Organized
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Trustees of the Charitable Fund for Disabled Firemen, in Camden, met on Saturday evening and organized their new board. William Maguire and William Thompson, two members recently elected by the Council, took their seats. James W. Ayers was elected president; Frank Holt, secretary; Samuel Hufty, treasurer. There are about $2500 in the fund at the present time.
Committed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
COMMITTED.—Yesterday Ware Green was arraigned before Mayor Ayres, of Camden, on a charge of the larceny of a quantity of butter, and committed to the county jail for trial.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DISORDERLY CONDUCT.—Mayor Ayers yesterday committed Richard and Ann Kelley, in default of payment of fines and costs, for drunken and disorderly conduct.
Violating the Game Laws
Philadelphia Inquirer —
VIOLATING THE GAME LAWS—On the 22d of October last a Mr. Charles Collins was arrested in Camden, having in his possession five rabbits, which, it was alleged, he held in violation of the Game laws of New Jersey, that do not permit the killing of that kind of game until the 1st of November. Mr. Collins was arraigned before the mayor, and his hearing was postponed in order to allow him to bring evidence to show, as he alleged, that he had killed them in Maryland, where the Game laws did not prohibit shooting them at the time of the killing, Mr. Collins giving security for his appearance. Yesterday Mayor Ayers gave a hearing in the case, and, as the defendant did not show lawful possession of the rabbits, he ordered a fine of five dollars for each rabbit, as the law provides, making an aggregate of twenty five dollars and costs. Mr. Collins thereupon appealed to the Quarter Sessions, giving bonds for the penalty, in case the decision is against him there.
Held for Trial
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HELD FOR TRIAL.—Mayor Ayers yesterday held William Suders to answer a charge preferred by a Mrs. Eddine, residing on Liberty street, charging him with attempting to break the door of her house and of firing a pistol at her.
Over the River.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fishing Nets to be Sold—Before Justices Cassady and Ayers yesterday morning a man named Bernard T. Parsons claimed to be the owner of a boat and fishing net captured on Saturday night by Officers Gallagher, Barr, Franks and Streeper, for violation of the fishing laws. He refused to pay the penalty, and the justices ordered the captured articles to be sold. The men employed by Fish Warden Orr captured another seine in the same vicinity, and last evening it was also ordered to be sold. Beyond the mouth of Cooper’s creek an encounter took place between the river patrolmen who captured the first net and several men whom they found fishing with a gill net, in which Constable Streeper was thrown overboard. While his companions were rescuing him the fishermen made their escape.
James W. Ayers
The History of Camden County New Jersey — George Reeser Prowell, 1886
JAMES W. AYERS, elected mayor on the Republican ticket in 1877, over John Morgan, by a vote of 3907 to 3030, was born in New York City, November 24, 1822, of New Jersey parents, and, when ten years of age was apprenticed to the hair cloth and curled hair trade, serving six years. At sixteen he was employed as a journeyman. In 1841 he came to Camden, and, for sixteen years, worked for Samuel Ross, the hair cloth manufacturer, at Fourth and Federal. He was on the police force in 1861, and again, from 1864 to 1874, under Mayors Budd, Cox and Gaul. When not on the police force, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in various capacities, as also since the expiration of his term as mayor, in 1880. He was chief engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department, and was elected a member of council from the Middle Ward in 1859.
Death of an Ex-Mayor of Camden
New York Herald Tribune —
Camden Aug. 27 (Special).—Ex-Mayor James W. Ayers died at his home, No. 423 Arch-st., this morning. He was seventy-four years old, was elected Mayor in 1877, and he made Camden’s Police Department one of the best in New-Jersey. He had been connected with the Department for nearly fifteen years before he was elected Mayor.
Mr. Ayers was one of Camden’s oldest volunteer firemen, and was the first fire marshal in the city. He was at the time of his death president of the Camden branch of the Firemen’s Charitable Fund. He had held a number of offices, such as Councillman and City Assessor. Of late years he had been a trusted employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in Camden. He was a member of many secret societies and was prominent in Masonry.
Camden Justly Proud of Splendid Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HEADQUARTERS OF CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Change From Volunteer to Paid “Laddies” Will Be Appropriately Celebrated Next Wednesday
It is probably unknown to the average citizen that Camden had a paid Fire Department some years before Philadelphia. It is just forty years since the gallant volunteer fire-fighters went out of service. To be exact, it was September 2, 1869, that Camden City Council provided to pay its firemen, and on December 10 of the same year they went into service. This event is to be fittingly celebrated next Wednesday in a demonstration in which the business men of the city, as well as the municipal departments, will participate.
It was not until March 15, 1810, that Camden boasted of even a volunteer fire company, and it was on that date that the Perseverance Fire Company was organized. In 1834 there were two such organizations which had been increased to six by 1851. For the most part these distinct aggregations of fire-fighters did not get along very well together and controversies were frequent.
SAMUEL S. ELFRETH
Chief of the Camden Fire Department
Companies Reorganized
City Council felt itself called upon to reorganize these companies in 1866 by ordinance, and some semblance of system was inaugurated by electing James Ayers marshal, followed by Wesley P. Murray. But while the companies did gallant service, it was thought best to have a department under the control of the city and that the firemen should receive some compensation for their services.
It was in consequence of this that Council on September 2, 1869, adopted the ordinance providing for the appointment of five fire commissioners, marshal and two assistants. The commissioners included Messrs. Harbert, Kirkbride, Perks, Bingham and Daubman. William Abels was appointed the first marshal, with William W. Mines as assistant in the First district at Fourth and Pine streets, and William H. Sherman, assistant in the Second district at Fifth and Arch streets.
Bender Made Chief
Abels was succeeded in 1871 by Robert Bender, who gave place to Henry Serault. In 1876 Bender was again placed in charge but was soon displaced by Claudius W. Bradshaw, afterwards Mayor of the city. Then Samuel S. Elfreth, the present chief, was placed in charge. He remained until 1881, when Daniel Carter was made chief. Three years later Elfreth was once more in charge. In 1887 Bender was given the office which he retained until 1890, when Chief Elfreth succeeded him and has since remained in that position.
As presently constituted, the department includes Chief Elfreth, First Assistant Samuel S. Buzine, Second Assistant George P. Cox and Third Assistant Walter Browning, beside captains, lieutenants, engineers and others to the total of one hundred efficient men who have repeatedly proved their value in saving valuable proptrty [sic].
Department Well Equippd [sic]
As to the aparatus [sic], there are six fire engines, six combination hose and chemical wagons, two hose carriages, one aerial hook and ladder, one chemical engine, beside other necessary vehicles, some of which are held in reserve.
There are thirty-nine horses distributed in the nine houses. The headquarters are located at Fifth and Arch streets, which is thoroughly modern in all of its equipments.
Under Chief Elfreth, who has been in the service nearly forty years, the department has been brought to such a high standard of efficiency that the Underwriters’ Association recently paid special attention to it by decreasing insurance rates fifteen per cent. Councils’ Fire Commissioners, of which Councilman Harry R. Read is chairman, has also done much to make the department the success it is at present.
Weccacoe Company Made Camden History As Leaders of Early Volunteer Fire Fighters
Camden Courier-Post —
First Steam Engine Used to Stop Flames Was Purchased in 1864 for $850
1300-Pound Bell Suspended From Two Poles Served as Alarm for City
This is the second installment of a history of fire fighting in Camden from the time of the formation of the first volunteer company in 1810 to 1936. It is the first complete history of the fire department written since 1886 and links the old volunteers with the new paid motorized department. It is being published in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, which is being sponsored by the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association and the Camden Fire Department. Yesterday’s installment told of the formation of the Perseverance Fire Company in 1810, the first in the city’s history.
The famous Weccacoe Fire Company was instituted in 1830 and incorporated in 1852. It was the parent to the Weccacoe Hose Company. The company had its fire house on Plum street, now Arch, between Fifth and Sixth streets. A marble slab between the second and third floors was a marker with its history briefly inscribed. The building, later used as The Grill, was razed for the erection of the new city hall and court house annex.
The Fairmount Company, later known as the Niagara, was reorganized as the Weccacoe Fire Company, No. 2, in 1848. The headquarters of the company was moved to the old City Hall lot on Federal street, where the Public Service building now stands. William Hanna joined this company in 1835, James M. Cassady in 1838 and James W. Ayers in 1843. Ayers was later fire marshal.
Weccacoe Fire Company, No. 2, should not be confused with Weccacoe Hose Company, No. 2, the “Last of the Mohicans,” as far as volunteer fire companies are concerned in the city’s history. The Camden paid department succeeded this and other companies in 1869.
Richard Fetters presented the names of Edward Steer and 32 other persons to City Council on September 1, 1848, as the personnel of the new Weccacoe company. Council gave the company the use of the old “Niagara”, after giving its recognition.
Steam Engine Bought in 1864
In 1850 the company purchased a better second-hand pumper from the Southwark Commissioners, Philadelphia, for $750. It was rebuilt in 1853 by John Agnew at a cost of $850. The first steam engine was purchased by this company in 1864.
A bell weighing 1300 pounds was suspended from two poles in front of the fire house. It served as an alarm for the entire city. Several attempts by incendiaries to destroy the building finally succeeded on February 17, 1854.
Then the company established headquarters on Fifth street above Arch in a two-story brick building on the site of the old Columbia Gardens, which was originally a cemetery.
The company was incorporated in 1852 with the following as incorporators: John Lanning, James M. Cassady, James W. Ayers, Isaac Shreve, Wesley P. Murray, Joseph F. Murray, Joshua S. Porter, Daniel B. McCully, Richard G. Camp, James Doughten, Stone H. Stow, Charles H. Thorne, and Matthew Miller, Jr.
Mohawks Formed in 1849
Ayers was elected president at the time the company was organized and continued until 1854, when he was absent from the city for a year. He was president until the company was disbanded.
The Mohawk Fire Company was organized in the Spring of 1849, but its career was turbulent and short lived. The company met in a three-story brick house at the northwest corner of Third and Cherry streets. The organizers were men of reputation.
Lambert F. Beatty was president and William S. Frazier secretary. The company was strong in numbers but a lawless element got into the membership with the result there were brawls, riots and other disorder. Fearing incendiarism the company disbanded on April 23, 1851.
Independence Fire Company, No. 3, was organized to take the place of the Mohawk company and Beatty was chosen president and Frazier secretary of the new group. Joseph Wagner was named secretary. Among the early members were Claudius W. Bradshaw, later chief of the paid fire department and still later mayor; Robert S. Bender, also later a chief in the paid department; Jacob Prettyman, David Page, Thomas Stites, Andrew Stilwell, Francis E. Harper, Restore Cook, John Wallace, William H. Hawkins, Christopher J. Mines, later sheriff; Albert V. Mills, Lewis Yeager, Thomas McCowan and William W. Mines.
Fire Destroys Home
The company met in a frame building at Third and Cherry streets for a year. The building was destroyed by fire and Yeager gave the company a plot of ground near Third and Cherry streets. Charles Stockham, lumber merchant, gave lumber for the construction of a new firehouse. The company purchased another lot on Third street above Cherry street in 1853. This was occupied until 1859 when a defect in the title resulted in the property being offered for sale by the sheriff.
When the sheriff arrived on the scene the day of the sale he found the firemen and their apparatus were on an adjoining lot, and James B. Dayton, who caused the sale, was in possession of the firehouse.
In 1860 the company bought a lot on Pine street, east of Fourth, and built a three-story brick building, one of the most substantial firehouses in the city. The building was subsequently sold to the city for $4500 and now houses Engine Company No. 1.
Independence was a hose company until June 4, 1864, when an Amoskeag steam fire engine was purchased. It was the first steam engine used in the city. In 1869 the company purchased a larger engine, selling the Amoskeag to Millville. Millville sold it to the city of Camden in 1874.
Disbands in 1874
Bender served as president of the company from 1854 until October 13, 1874, when the company formally disbanded after paying all claims. It had a roster of 60 men.
Other presidents of the company were Timothy C. Moore, who was also a president of Mohawk; Beatty, William L. Frazier, Mines, John Wallace, Hawkins, J. Kelly Brown and Gilbert. Other secretaries were Mines, Mortimer C. Wilson and McCowan. Bender and Joseph Wagner served as treasurers.
The Shiffler Hose Company, No. 1, was organized March 7, 1849, and was given councilmanic recognition on August 30 that year. The charter members were George W. Thompson, president; George F. Ross, secretary; Joseph Brown, W. W. Burt, Charles Cheeseman, Robert Maguire, Samuel Brown, John G. Hutchinson, Armstrong Sapp, Richard Cheeseman, Albert Robinson, George F. Ross and William Wallace.
The company purchased a horse hose carriage from the Shiffler Hose Company, Philadelphia, for $10. That marked the introduction of horse-drawn apparatus. The apparatus was housed in a carpenter shop on Sycamore street, near Third, and remained there until a two-story brick firehouse was erected on Fourth street, below Walnut.
The company was incorporated in March, 1852, by Burt, Sapp, Thompson, Robert Maguire, James Sherman, Wallace, Hutchinson, Brown and William Harris.
Jacob C. Daubman, later a sheriff, was elected president in 1854 and served until the company was disbanded in 1869. On March 29, 1864, the company obtained a new charter as the Shiffler Hose and Steam Fire Company. A steam engine was purchased and the company maintained a high state of efficiency until it disbanded in 1869.
Volunteer Firemen Worked 14 Years To Pay Off $5000 Debt on Engine
Camden Courier-Post —
Above is shown a photo of fire headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, before it was remodeled to provide sleeping quarters for each fireman. The photo was taken in the Gay 90’s. A hook and ladder truck was housed in a building to the north of it. The main building contained horse-drawn apparatus. The stables were in the rear. Note the tower from which hose was suspended to dry after a fire.
Answered No Alarms but Paid Dues and Staged Benefits
BITTER RIVALRY HAMPERED MEN
This is the third installment of a history of fire fighting in Camden from the formation of the first volunteer company in 1810 to 1936. It is the first complete history of the fire department written since 1886 and links the old volunteers with the new paid motorized department. It is being published in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the Camden County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Camden Fire Department. Yesterday’s installment told of the purchase of the first steam pumper by Weccacoe in 1864.
The New Jersey Fire Company was organized May 1, 1851, and on July 21 that year obtained the fire apparatus formerly owned by the Mohawk company. The organizers of the company were James Carr, Samuel Adams, Thomas Butcher, Aaron Giles, John Wood, David H. Sparks, William Garwood, E. B. Turner, William Woodruff, Henry Coombs, Adam Newman and Caleb Clark. Coombs was elected president and Sparks secretary.
Frank Sheridan
The fire apparatus was housed in a stable at Broadway and Spruce street for a time. Better quarters were obtained later on Walnut street near Fourth. The New Jersey Company then purchased a lot on Chestnut street near Fourth street and erected a two-story brick building.
The company was incorporated in 1854 and disbanded in 1866. Its other presidents in succession were Carr, John Crowley, Joshua L. Melvin, Samuel Hickman, John Warrington, Jeremiah Brannon, Richard C. Mason and C. De Grasse Hogan.
A second Fairmount Fire Company was organized in 1854 and City Council gave the company the old Fairmount apparatus. The firemen rented a one-story frame building on Pine street near Third. The structure had been vacated by the Shiffler Hose Company.
[text missing between the crops]
Organizers were William C. Figner, president; William J. Miller, secretary; Frederick Breyer, treasurer; William H. Hawkins, John W. Hoey, Henry A. Breyer, and Alfred H. Breyer. Additional members enrolled were George W. Watson, Anthony R. Joline, Thomas Francis, John L. Ames, George W. Howard, William F. Colbert, Francis Fullerton, John S. Ross, Joshua Spencer, Lawrence Breyer, William H. Lane and James Scout.
Incorporated in 1853
The company was incorporated on February 17, 1853. The name was changed to United States Fire Company, No. 5, on February 10, 1854. Scout was elected president and George Deal, secretary.
New fire apparatus was purchased by the reorganized company. A lot was acquired and a two-story frame house was erected at 239 Pine street. The company continued at the fire house until it disbanded with other volunteer companies in 1869.
The Weccacoe Hose Company, No. 2, was organized on March 15, 1858, and housed with Weccacoe Fire Company on Arch street between Fifth and Sixth streets, for two years. In 1860 the company moved to a stable at Hudson street and Bridge avenue. Later the firemen moved to De La Cour’s labratory [sic], Front street near Arch. In 1863 the company bought ground on Benson street above Fifth costing $450 and built a two-story brick building costing $2200.
The organizers were Allan Ward, Edward T. James, Edward J. Steer, John W. Garwood, George W. Thomas, Simeon H. Pine, Thomas C. Barret, Thomas Ellis, and John Thornton. Thomas D. Laverty was elected president; Ward, vice president; James, secretary, and Steer, treasurer.
Steam Engine Purchased
The company was incorporated on February 2, 1860. A steam fire engine was purchased in 1868 at a cost of $5800. The company proposed to pay off the debt by subscription, but agitation for a paid department prevented collection of the money. When the company went out of service in 1869 to be succeeded by a paid department the members decided not to disband and remained intact to pay off its indebtedness of $5000 remaining to sustain the honor of the company.
The firemen met at regular periods, paid dues and carried on for 14 years to wipe out the debt. On September 8, 1883, the company met, voted to pay the last claim of $14.25 and adjourned rather than disband. During the 14 years the company answered no alarms but held entertainments and benefits to raise funds to pay off its indebtedness.
The volunteer firemen were prompt, daring and efficient but each company was independent and misdirection frequently resulted in loss of property. This led to agitation for a fire department under complete control of the city, which had maintained indirect jurisdiction over the volunteers.
City Council passed an ordinance in 1866 to reorganize the system and provided for appointment of a fire marshal with approval of the companies. James W. Ayers, of Weccacoe Engine Company, was elected marshal for a term of two years. He was succeeded by Wesley P. Murray, of Weccacoe Hose Company, in 1868.
2 Fire Districts Formed
Both men were good organizers and popular but the rivalry between companies and insubordination re- [cut off at the crop edge]