THE SIMONTONS

The Simontons

The PFD Simonton Era in the Paterson Fire Department began with DeWitt C. Simonton - the father of Sam and Charles. DeWitt was a Civil War veteran and former originator and member of Vigilant Engine Company 6 and later served as an Assistant Chief in 1868. Later he joined the Police Department. He died via suicide on February 19, 1905: his obituary follows -

February 20 Paterson Press

Two of the most famed Captains in PFD history were the Simonton brothers Sam (appointed 1893) and Charles (appointed 1894) - Ultimately, they retired within a month of one another. They both fought at the great 1902 Paterson fire.

Samuel Simonton

Samuel Simonton was an early member (March 1, 1893) of the paid Paterson Fire Department and served 36 years before retiring in 1926. He saw duty at Engine 3 (was a driver with Badge #31), 2, 6, and 10. He became a captain on November 6, 1899 and was appointed Drillmaster in 1916. He was the Captain of Engine Company 6 during the Great 1902 Conflagration. He served in Paterson's Auxiliary Fire Brigade during WWII. He retired in 1925 and died at age 91 in 1959.

1911 Paterson Evening News

Captain Sam Simonton Engine 3, 1913 Chronicle

November 7, 1899: Upon resignation of Captain Coleman, Samuel Simonton recommended for Captain promotion

Paterson Daily Press

Captain Sam Simonton sitting at left at E6 476 Market Street FH (1907)

January 13, 1907: Dispute between Engine 6's Captain Sam Simonton and Engineer John Breen

Guardian

1905-7 era photo of Second Size 1886 Clapp and Jones steamer purchased in 1886. Captain Sam Simonton is standing alongside rear wheel.

Captain Sam Simonton to the right of the hose wagon's white horse - 1907 Guardian

December 13, 1910: Captain Sam Simonton transferred from Engine 6 to replace Captain Boyle with the difficult job of handling then new auto engine at Company 10

Paterson News

Captain Sam Simonton at Engine 3

March 1913 Chronicle

Samuel Simonton - Retirement October 1, 1925

August 6, 1925 Morning Call

Charles Simonton

Appointed March 21, 1894 and assigned to Engine 1 under Captain Ernest Fields.
1897 - assigned to Chemical Company 1
Appointed Captain at Engine 3 in 1899.
Later served as Captain at Chemical Company 1, Engine 8 in 1910 and then in 1912 Engine 6