1821 - 1854 HISTORY - PATERSON FIRE HISTORY

The Earliest Records

Gooseneck style hand tub - bought in 1821 for Engine 1 (later called Passaic Engine Co. No. 1

The only history that relates to the very early days of firefighting in Paterson comes from the assembled minutes of the Paterson Fire Association. In 1893 their records were edited and published by William Nelson. The book, of which only 100 copies were printed) covered the laws relating to the organization but also accounts of fires and other matters of interest from newspapers of the day.

No record is known of the first organization in Paterson to combat fire. It is believed that Engine Co. No. 1 was formed about 1815. The following are from newspapers of 1815-1819:

The Records of the Paterson Fire Association Manual detail with much particularity the rise and progress of the Paterson Fire Department covering a period of more than 30 years. The records in the book are as they were precisely entered in the original minute book with which the proofs have been carefully compared to ensure utmost accuracy. Any errors or omissions are to be found in the original records.

From the Bee - Tuesday January 3, 1816: Mr Colt and his son return their most unfeigned thanks to their neighbors, the citizens of Paterson who suddenly collected at the cry of fire on Saturday night and by whose exertions and perseverance the fire was so soon got under and extinguished. They take this occasion to recommend to their neighbors not to suffer any fire to be lighted in their bedrooms, except some of the family are constantly present to prevent similar accidents.

The fire described at left was probably in the residence of Mr Samuel Colt, a leading manufacturer and store-keeper who lived at 120 Market Street (where in 1893 the Masonic Hall Stood)

From the Bergen Express - July 5, 1819: Fire! On Sunday last the house belonging to Mr. John Amens of this town was burnt to the ground together with the furniture it contained.

John Amen had a small frame house between Little Falls Road and the chasm (raceway) just west of Spruce Street

Editor William Nelson notes: "In neither of the above two excerpts is anything said of a fire company. This negative testimony against the existence of such a company is of little weight, as the newspapers of those early days gave little thought or space to chronicling local events."

December 23, 1820: Inhabitants of Paterson had a meeting at the house of Benjamin Weller (~134 Main Street) for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of adopting measures to render the town more secure from the devastations of fire. Colonel Abram Godwin was chosen chairman.

It was resolved:
1) That it is expedient that the meeting adopt measures for the security of the town against fire.
2) That a committee of Five - be appointed for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of this meeting -
3) That Timothy B Crane, Adrian Van Houten, Samuel Colt, John Flood and Nicholas Smith be the committee for the purposes aforesaid.
4) That the committee above named be, and they are strictly recommended to apportion the amount to be paid, for the aforesaid purposes by the citizens of this town agreeably to the value of their property exposed to the danger of fire. Taking into consideration the situation and combustible nature of said property
5) That this meeting adjourn to Friday next, at 7, o'clock at the home of Benjamin Weller

December 30, 1820: Friday Evening - At a meeting of a number of subscribers to the fund to purchase a Fire Engine for the Town of Paterson, at Captain Benjamin Wellers. Called to the chair was Colonel Abram. Godwin and Andrew Parsons appointed Secretary

The committee reports that they have obtained Subscriptions to the amount of six hundred
and sixty six dollars and there are a number of persons whom they have not yet called upon, and there is a probability that a considerable addition may yet be obtained.

It was resolved that the secretary be authorized to write to the inhabitants of Paterson Landing (later called Passaic) requesting their aid in the aforesaid object

Upon motion it was resolved that Daniel Holsman and Samuel Colt Esqrs. be a committee to ascertain what the cost of an Engine suitable for this place will be, also the cost of Hose per foot, and what other information they can obtain in relation thereto and report at the next meeting - at this house

Meeting was adjourned to meet again on next Thursday at 7 o'clock

January 4, 1821: The secretary reported that he had not received any satisfactory answer from the inhabitants of Paterson Landing. He was instructed to call the inhabitants personally and request subscriptions.

Daniel Holsman reported by letter that all of the information he has received in New York it was his decided opinion that Engine No. 3 could be procured for $550 or $600 including her complement of hose and is the one that subscribers ought to purchase. Mr. Crane who accompanied Mr. Holsman in New York also reported decidedly in favor of purchasing the Engine.

February 1, 1821: At a meeting of the subscribers to the Fire Engine Fund at Captain B. Wellers, Colonel Godwin Chairman and Andrew Parsons secretary, Holsman, Colt and Crane reported the purchase of a Fire Engine from Smith in New York which was unanimously accepted. The cost was $700 and the Engine has been brought to Paterson.

Thanks were extended to Daniel Holsman and Samuel Colt and Timothy B. Crane for their assiduity in procuring the information. Meeting was adjourned.

January 5, 1821: The subscribers to the fund for the purchase of a fire engine met agreeably. Mr. Holsman reports the Fire Engine recommended for No. 3 had been sold by the corporation of New York. It was resolved that Daniel Holsman, Samuel Colt and Timothy B. Crane be clothed with full powers to go to New York as soon as convenient to purchase or contract for a Fire Engine,

It was also resolved that A. Parsons, John Rutan, Caleb Munson Godwin, Wm Dickey Jr. and David Reid be a committee to collect subscriptions to the Fire Engine fund and the money collected be deposited in the Paterson Bank.

February 1, 1821: It was resolved that a board of Fire Wardens be appointed to continue in office for one year or until others are elected. Upon motion the following were appointed: T.B. Crane, Samuel Colt, Wm. Jacobs, A Parsons, John Colt and Benjamin Weller and they shall appoint a president who shall be Chief Engineer and among their number a secretary and treasurer. Also resolved that the annual election for Fire Wardens be on the first Monday of December in every year.

Daniel Holsman was unanimously chosen President of the Board for one year. Nominated as candidates for Chief Engineer were Wm. Jacobs and T.B. Crane and Samuel Colt. The motion was postponed for a full meeting of the board.

Daniel Holsman was appointed to obtain 100 feet of hose from New York of the best materials for the Engine. The following names were handed in by the different wardens who have signified their willingness to attach themselves to the Company.

Christopher Van Riper
John DeGraw
Barney Carlock
Samuel McNice
Kennedy Boyd
James Boon
James MacGregor

Corns Duffy
Thomas Rogers
Robert Patterson
Matthew Rippey
Chancey Cady
John Rutan
Thomas J. Crane
David Alyea

There not being a sufficient pf number of names handed in to form the company, the formation of it was postponed until the next meeting. Public notice was to be given that a meeting of all persons willing to join the company to be attached to the Fire Engine be called at B. Wellers on Wednesday Evening at 8 o'clock

A meeting of the Board of Wardens at Captain B Wellers, Timothy B. Crane was elected Chief Engineer.

November 19, 1821: At a meeting of the Fire Wardens, at Captain B. Wellers, President Samuel Colt, John Colt, Benjamin Weller, W. Jacobs. Timothy B. Crane, and A. Parsons. Mr. Crane presented a copy of the act incorporating the Paterson Fire Association.

It was resolved that a committee (Daniel Holsman, Samuel Colt, T.B. Crane) be appointed to ascertain the lowest price that Mr. Vasques' Fire Engine could be purchased for and report at next meeting. Them committee was also to ascertain the amount to be raised by tax on the Oweber of Houses and other properties for the ensuing year.

Interesting Reminiscences from the Original Records

The following columns are from a large series of historical reviews of the early period published by the Paterson Guardian Newspaper in the 1871. These are courtesy of Jim Eifler and Dennis Morrison. The columns are posted left to right.

Volume I - Published June 28, 1871