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AFD
History Time Line
This
is a collection of events in Abilene Fire
Department history. They have been taken
from several different sources.
-
3/15/1881
Abilene Incorporated. Bucket Brigade
formed.
-
8/27/1881
A fire broke out about midnight in a
business district of Abilene. The fire
wiped out a block on South 1st from
Oak to Chestnut. The blaze started in
the T.S. Horn Saloon in the middle of
the block and spread east and west.
Volunteer Firemen roused by the firing
of a pistol formed a bucket brigade to
battle the flames., but two hours
later the major part of the downtown
district was destroyed.
-
1883
Beginning of Cameron Dam on Lytle
Creek. Pioneer Hook and Ladder formed.
1st apparatus kept behind Pat
O'Grady's Blacksmith shop. Later moved
to N1st & Cedar.
-
1886
Rescue Hose Company #2 formed. It is
kept at N2nd & Cypress. Later
moved to N1st & Cedar.
-
Star Hose Company #3 formed. It is kept in
a stable behind O'Grady's Blacksmith shop,
later moved to Fulwiler Brother's Livery
Stable.
-
3/26/1886
A fire broke out in P.H. Carter's
residence corner of North 4th and
Cypress Streets on Wednesday evening,
and despite the heroic exertions of
the members of the hose companies and
citizens, it with two other dwellings
near by were reduced to ashes in a
very brief period of time. One of
these was owned by F.C. Wheeler and
occupied by John Sanders, and the
other was owned by the senior Mr.
Leggett and occupied by a Mr. Rhodes.
Most of the contents of these houses
were saved, though in a damaged
condition. Mr. Carter's loss, over the
insurance will reach at least $500.
The loss to building and contents in
each of the other cases will be nearly
as much. The fire is supposed to have
originated in a defective flue in Mr.
Carter's kitchen.
-
5/14/1886
As soon as a permit can be obtained
from division superintendent Keller, a
building will be erected between the
two tracks west of the freight depot
for head quarters of the fire
department.
-
5/21/1886
The Star Hose Company will give a
grand entertainment at the opera house
next Tuesday night. Everybody is
invited to attend and the public is
assured that they will be pleasantly
and agreeably entertained.
-
6/25/1886
The Star Hose Company were compelled
to move the hose cart from Mr. Grady's
as he intends on using the building
for a paint shop, and they have stuck
it away in an old stable back of Mr.
Watson's store.
-
7/2/1886
The ladies have made a very fine silk
flag for presentation to the Star Hose
Company. The uniforms for the two Hose
Companies and the Hook and Ladder
Company were received this week. They
consist of caps, belts, shirts, etc.
The boys will make an imposing parade
now and the news force will always
turn out to see them whenever they go
by.
-
8/20/1886
The city is erecting a building for
the Star Hose Company. The frame work
is up and the iron to complete the job
is expected daily. The house is
situated on the lot adjoining
Fulwiller Brothers Stables. It is
14X30 feet and will be a very
comfortable place for the fire ladies
and the "Star Boys" are
deserving and proud of it.
-
9/24/1886
Star Hose Company No. 3, are talking
of entering the fireman's tournament
at the Dallas State Fair in November.
-
10/15/1886
The following is a list of the
officers and members of the Star Hose
Company No. 3, of the Abilene Fire
Department: D.W.
Cowan (President), R.C. Hart
(Vice-President), J.J. Clinton
(Foreman), Ed Northup (1st Assistant),
John Harris (2nd Assistant), Thomas
Flournoy (Treasurer), James Beasley
(Secretary), M.A. Hart and Henry Myers
(Nozzle men), Henry Brown, W. M.
McLemore and Edward Tarpley
(Policemen), C.H. Lathrop, J.O.
Phillips, W.A.Minter, and J.G.Martin
(Hose Couplers), Other active members
include: Charles Fulwiller, Edward
Horn, Jack Haley, M.A. Hart, William
Martin, S.L. Ralph, John Spalding,
C.V. Tarpley, E.W. Watson, and J.B.
Webb
-
11/26/1886
The Abilene Fire Department are trying
to raise funds to purchase a fire
alarm bell for the south side of town.
Committees are out from each company
soliciting contributions. As this is a
much needed enterprise we hope to see
it successful. The bell will cost
about $125.00
-
1887
George Jalonick is Chief
-
1/7/1887
The Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company
held their annual meeting for election
of officers, Tuesday the 4th. The
following were elected for the ensuing
year: Geo W. Jalonick (President),
T.S.Rollins (Vice President), G.L.
Eslinger (Secretary), W.G. Swanson
(Treasurer), J.A. Pratt (Foreman), N.G.
Rollins (1st Assistant), Gus Ackerman
(2nd Assistant), Ross Hall (Steward),
H.P. Weimer, W.A. Buck and J.G. Buck
(Policemen). The Star Hose Company
held a meeting at the company's
meeting room January 3rd and elected
officers for the ensuing year as
follows: D.W. Cowan (President), R.C.
Hart (Vice-President), J.J. Clinton
(Foreman), John Harris (1st
Assistant), Henry Brown (2nd
Assistant), James Beasley (Secretary),
Thomas Flournoy (Treasurer). At a
meeting of the Rescue Hose Company
No.2 on Monday night January 3rd, the
following were elected for the ensuing
year: Dr. R.N. Brown (President), John
S. Brown (Vice-President), Nelson
Pratt (Foreman), Robert Anderson (1st
Assistant), Ed M. Wristen (2nd
Assistant), John S. Brown (Secretary),
Theo Heyck Jr. (Treasurer)
-
1/14/1887
The committee to purchase the fire
bell for the south side of town will
hold a meeting tonight at B. Yates
drug store on Chestnut street. About
$20 more is needed, but the bell will
be ordered at once. Star Hose Company
held a meeting at the company's room
on January 3rd, and elected officers
for the ensuing year as follows: D.W.
Cowan (President), R.C. Hart
(Vice-President), J.J. Clinton
(Foreman), John Harris (1st
Assistant), Henry Brown (2nd
Assistant), James Beasley (Secretary),
Thomas Flournoy (Treasurer), Chas
Fulwiller, O.V. Tarpley, and W.E.
Mclemore (Policemen), Marsh Hart and
E.F. Horn (nozzle men), Chas Thompson
and Woods Armstrong (Assistant Nozzle
men), J.G. Martin and J.O. Phillips
(Plug Couplers), Chas Fulwiler and O.V.
Tarpley (Carriage Couplers), E.W.
Watson, S.L. Ralph and H.T. Tarpley
(Axe men)
-
9/30/1887
The Star Hose Company met to
reorganize and Elect Officers to fill
vacancies. William Fulwiler
(President), M.A. Hart (2nd Assistant
Foreman)
-
1888
Terry Houser is Chief
-
5/8/1888
The State Fireman's Convention opened
in El Paso on May 9th. The city was
decorated and grand street parade was
give. Geo. W. Jalonick of Abilene was
elected sixth Vice-President by
acclamation.
-
7/27/1888
There came very near being a
destructive fire at Wm. Torrey's
residence Monday. An explosion on a
gasoline stove set the interior of the
kitchen in a mass of flame, but with
the timely arrival of neighbors saved
the building from destruction. The
alarm was sounded by both bells, and
the Firemen got there in a remarkably
quick time, but the blaze had been
subdued and they had little to do. The
damage to the furniture and the
interior of the room is said to be
about $50.
-
8/10/1888
Rescue Hose Company No. 2 have a fine
silk umbrella which will be raffled
off at 25 cents a chance and the
proceeds used in buying caps for the
company to be used in the parade at
the fair this fall. Mr. T.M. McKee the
photographer has charge of the raffle.
-
1/11/1889
The Abilene Fire Department held it's
annual meeting last Monday night and
elected the following department
officers: J.J. Clinton, Chief; P.C.
Knapp, Assistant Chief; W.G. Swanson,
Secretary
-
The Star Hose Company No.3 Held it's
meeting for election of officers Monday
night with the following result: William
Fulwiler, Foreman; E.S. Horne, 1st
Assistant Foreman; J.G. Martin, 2nd
Assistant Foreman; Horace Horne,
Secretary; James Beasley, Treasurer.
-
Rescue Hose Company No.2 last Monday night
elected their officers for the ensuing
year as follows: P.C.Knapp, Foreman; T.A.
Williams, 1st Assistant Foreman; W.A.
Minter Jr. 2nd assistant Foreman; B.C.
Clark, Secretary; R.J. Torrey, Treasurer.
-
2/15/1889
Attention Firemen. The Mayor and the
City Council will inspect the fire
department at 2 P.M. on Friday Feb.
22nd. Foremen will report with their
companies in full uniform at the
department headquarters at the hour
mentioned above. By order of J.J.
Clinton, Chief----W.G. Swanson,
Secretary.
-
2/8/1889
An Oyster and fish supper will be
given by the Star Hose Company, at the
railroad hotel on the evening of
February 22nd, and a grand ball will
be given the same evening at the Wylie
Hall. No pains or expense will be
spared to make both the supper and the
ball first-class in every respect.
Everybody should attend.
-
9/26/1889
The Dept. will parade Oct. 1st at 10
O'clock a.m. Foremen will report with
their companies in full uniform at
Department Headquarters. By order of
J.J. Clinton, Chief A.F.D.
W.G. Swanson, Sec.
-
11/15/1889
The Fire Department held it's annual
election Wednesday night for election
of officers for the ensuing year. J.J.
Clinton was elected Chief and P.C.
Knapp Assistant Chief. W.G. Swanson,
who has served the department as
secretary for four years was again
nominated, but declined the honor, and
Thos. Bledsoe was elected secretary of
the department.
-
11/21/1889
Attention Firemen, You are herby
notified that inspection by the mayor
and city council will take place on
Thursday, December 12th at 3 p.m.
Firemen of each company are requested
to be on hand at their respective
positions at 2 p.m. by order of the
Chief J.J. Clinton
-
2/7/1890
The members of the hook and ladder
company are appointed officers of the
company and they will be obeyed and
respected accordingly: J.A. Pratt,
Foreman. Gus Ackermans, 1st assistant
foreman, R.G. Hall, 2nd assistant
Foreman. Claude Buck, Secretary. By
order of J.J. Clinton, Chief AFD (T.A.
Bledsoe, Secretary.
-
4/23/1890
Wednesday night witnessed the most
tremendous flood that ever visited
this country perhaps, since the days
of Noah. About eight O'clock a heavy
rain begin and continued until about
four in the morning. Lytle and Cedar
creeks overflowed and below where the
come together became a perfect sea.
The water rushed under the T & P
railroad bridge at a terrific rate and
was nearly up to the tracks. A family
encamped near the creek we surrounded
and in great danger. They fired guns
to attract attention. The fire bells
rang and the fire boys went to the
rescue. They put the family in a hack,
tied a rope to the hack and pulled it
ashore. Some of the boys deserve great
credit for their heroic work.
-
4/25/1890
Headquarters of the Abilene Fire
Department. - The Chief of the
department compliments the department
on it's promptness, and especially
some of it's members, to-wit: M.A.
Hart, 1st assistant foreman Star hose
company No.3; Will Minter, 1st
assistant foreman rescue company No.2;
and Private Ed Ringer, Rescue hose
company No.2, for their bravery and
devotion to duty on the night of April
23rd, 1890 for the rescue of the Sweet
family from the ravages of high water.
-
5/9/1890
Rules for Fires. (published in the
newspaper) - In escaping from a fire
creep or crawl, with your face to the
floor. Avoid all confusion. Admit no
one but firemen, policemen, friend, or
neighbor. Aquatint
yourself with the best means of
exit, both at the top and the bottom
of the house. If bed or curtain is on
fire, beat on the flames with a woolen
garment til extinguished. Do not go
into apartment where there is a dense
smoke, if you can help it, without a
saturated sponge or handkerchief.
-
7/25/1890
Attention Firemen - Foremen will
report their companies at fire
department headquarters, Monday, July
28th, at 8:30 P.M. for drill. Any
company not reporting will be
disbanded. Members not reporting with
their companies, without a good excuse
will be dropped from the rolls. By
order of the J.J. Clinton, Chief F.D.-
Thos. A. Bledsoe, Sec'y
-
8/8/1890
Foreman Fulwiler, of Star Hose Company
No.1, offers a gold medal, valued at
$10, to the member of his company who
answers to role call the most during
the year.
-
12/3/1890
Fire Boys and Band - A rare treat is
in store for our people, for on the
12th the Abilene Fire Department and
military band will give a grand street
parade, and the fire boys will have
their semi-annual inspection. At night
a grand ball will be given at the
courthouse, the proceeds of which will
be divided between the fire
department, and the band. Both these
organizations are worthy of the
patronage and encouragement of our
people, and the parade and inspection
should be witnessed by every citizen
of Abilene, and everyone who has an
interest in the future of this city
should buy one or more tickets to the
ball, no matter if they attend balls
or ever patronize them. In this case,
the support is not given to the
dancing, but to a volunteer fire
department, who's members give their
time and money to keep up the
organization, reduce insurance, and
protect property from the ravages of
fire; and to a band of music which is
without an equal in the state of
Texas, and an absolute necessity in
the city. Our People are always
generous, and we hope to see the sale
of tickets in this case reach $500.
-
12/11/1890
The fire boys acquitted themselves
nobly yesterday and won many an
expression of praise from our citizens
and visitors to the city.
-
2/6/1891
The hook and ladder company held a
meeting Wednesday night and elected
Gus Ackerman a delegate to the State
Fireman's Association which meets in
San Antonio next May.
-
2/5/1891
Attention Firemen! - The Fire
Department will meet at the mayor's
office Wednesday, February 7th at 7:30
p.m. Every fireman must be present. -
By order of J.J. Clinton, Chief;
Thos. A. Bledsoe Secretary
-
2/6/1891
Star house company no.3 at it's last
meeting elected the following officers
for the ensuing year. Glen
Shackelford, President; Jas.
Cunningham, Vice-President; Will
Fulwiler, foreman; M.A. Hart, first
assistant foreman; Geo. Peyton, second
assistant foreman; H.R. Horne,
Secretary; John Martin, Treasurer.
-
3/20/1891
Attention Firemen: A meeting of the
department will be held in the city
hall Monday. March 23rd at 8 p.m. All
firemen ordered to be present. J.J.
Clinton, Chief. T. A. Bledsoe,
Secretary.
-
3/27/1891
Fire was discovered at T.M. Cole's
cotton yard Saturday night. The fire
department did all it could, but most
of the bales were burned, wet, and
damaged.
-
4/10/1891
Election of Officers - At a recent
meeting of Rescue hose company
No.2, the following Officers were
elected: Foreman, P.C. Knapp;
1st Assistant, W.A. Minter; 2nd
Assistant, R.G. Torrey; Secretary,
B.C. Clark; Pipemen, W.A. Minter and
R.G. Torrey
-
4/24/1891
Fireman's Concert: Today April 24th.
Consisting of firemen, family and
citizens performing Instrumentals,
Duet's, Recitations, Solos, Quartet,
and Chorus.
-
4/24/1891
The Fire Department will give a public
drill and parade and have an
inspection on Tuesday afternoon, April
28th. At night a concert will be held
at Armory Hall. Everybody should
attend. the boys deserve your
recognition and aid and will feel
flattered by your presence at their
concert.
-
5/29/1891
The Star House Company No.3 disbanded
on Tuesday night and handed over their
house cart, helmets, and belts to the
city on account of the city refusing
to furnish them with a horse in case
of a fire. There are but few property
holders among our gallant firemen and
those interested showed no interest.
Now the rate of insurance will
probably be increased and those that
are interested perhaps, may do
something to reorganize the company.
-
7/10/1891
Sunday, about one o'clock, the teo-story
frame building on Pine street, just
north of N. Potter's saddlery store,
was discovered to be on fire and an
alarm was sounded by all the fire
bells in the city. The fire companies
responded promptly and did noble and
effective work and in a very short
time had the fire extinguished, not
withstanding the fact that the whole
upper story was in a blaze when they
reached it. The lower story was
occupied with Browning & Co's
grocery store and their tock was
saved. with slight damage. The upper
story was occupied by G.E. Ward's
photograph gallery and everything in
it was a total loss. This falls
heavily upon Mr. Ward as he was well
fitted up in his line of business.
Being thrown out of business is a
serious matter outside the loss
sustained. He was insured for $800,
but this amount will not half cover
his losses. He had in his gallery $300
worth of finished and undeliverable
work which is an additional loss.
Browning & Co had a small amount
of insurance, probably enough to cover
the loss. James Condon had the
building insured for $1000 which will
cover his loss. The origin of the fire
is unknown. Whether it occurred from
spontaneous combustion of chemicals or
otherwise will never be known. Had the
fire department not responded as
quickly as they did the damage to
other property would undoubtably been
great. The people appreciate the value
of their efforts and made up a
handsome purse for their benefit on
the grounds. On Monday Geo. Walshe
presented them with $25, J.G. Lowden
with $50, G.A. Kirkland with $20, and
N. Porter with a fine set of harness
valued at $30. Other gentlemen will do
a liberal part towards putting our
fire department upon a good, sound
working basis.
-
7/17/1891
A meeting of the Abilene Fire
Department was held in the Mayor's
office Monday night. It was called to
order by the Chief. Gus Ackerman and
J.A. Pratt approved minutes from last
meeting. O.W. Steffens was unanimously
elected President of the fire
department for the ensuing year. B.B.
Kenyon was elected Vice-President .
R.G. Torrey and W.M. Fulwiler
suggested the Chief appoint a
committee to sell the harness given by
N. Porter. They also agreed that all
money now on hand be left as a
department fund. The Chief will
appoint a committee (T.A.Bledsoe, W.M.
Daniels, and J.M. Cunningham) to draft
a resolution of thanks to the citizens
for their donations. The meeting was
adjourned. These are some of the names
listed for giving donations: W.A Gray,
N. Porter, Abilene National Bank, Geo
W. Walshe & Co, G.A. Kirkland,
J.C. Condon, G.A. Witt, J.V.
Cunningham, Henery Pratt, Geo S Berry,
W. Norwood, Long, Dr. Anderson, W.
Chols, G.L. Benz, W.S. O. Johnson, E.E.
Radford, E.E. Hearne, G.F. Foust, J.W.
Conts, Smith, J.H. Parramore, W.M.
Natz, H.Young, D.J Reed, Bob Malone,
Graves & Co, Chas Bass, R.J. Baun,
Dr. D.R.Fowler, Jim Yeiser, Williams,
John WIlliams, Dave Williams, Coats
Berry, Dick Bracken, Rube Payton,
D.L.Middleton, and D.B. Matthews.
-
7/17/1891
We, the undersigned committee
appointed by the Fire Department to
draft resolutions expressing our
thanks to the citizens of Abilene for
their recent liberal donations and
willingness to lend their impartial
aid and support which was expressed in
their last business meeting,
therefore, we the committee tender our
most sincere thanks to the citizens
for their liberal donations and
expressions of encouragement. Trusting
that in the future we will always have
their hearty co-operation.
Respectively, T.A. Bledsoe, J.M.
Cunninham, W.M. Daniels, and J.J.
Clinton.
-
8/7/1891
The fire department met Monday night
in the City Hall, President Steffens
in the chair. The committee appointed
last meeting to draft constitution and
by-laws submitted them to the
department section by section and with
but slight modification, both
instruments were adopted unanimously.
THe department extended thanks to the
Lakeview addition. The president
ordered a meeting of board of fire
directors to be held Thursday evening
to district off the city.
-
8/7/1891
The city of Abilene shall be divided
into four fire districts and that same
be divided East and West by the Texas
and Pacific railroad and that all
district East of Sycamore street and
South of railroad be known as district
#1; all East of Cedar and North of
railroad be district#2; all West of
Cedar and North of railroad district
#3; All West of Sycamore and South of
railroad be district #4. Also that all
alarms shall be general alarms and
that the district then be designated
by the taps of the fire bell.
-
9/11/1891
Fire Department Meeting. Motion made
to send a list of active members to
the district clerk. Miss McConochie
was made an honorary member of the
Abilene Fire Department. The
resignation of Secretary Bledsoe was
reluctantly received and accepted. (He
is going to school in Huntsville) Lige
Harkrider was elected to fill that
position. A department drill will be
held next September 14th. All firemen
are ordered to be present.
-
9/18/1891
Fire Department meeting. Approval for
the Taylor County news to print the
by-laws and constitution. The harness
that was donated to the department was
sold, but returned again by Mr.
Flournoy. A committee was appointed to
get prices for badges for J.J. Clinton
and Gus Ackerman.
-
11/2/1891
Fire Department meeting. A decision
was made to hold a public
entertainment at the opera house. The
annual election of officers will be
held on the 13th. A Resolution was
adopted: All yearly reports of the
officers of the fire department be
handed into the Secretary of the
department before the night of the 2nd
Friday of November each year and to be
acted on by the department at that
time.
-
11/6/1891
The city has been making a very nice
and much needed improvement with the
Star Hose Company in the way of fixing
up a neat bunk room. The back part of
the hose house has been cut off,
making a sleeping room of about 14
feet square. and has been nicely
painted and pampered. The floor has
nice carpet and two clean double beds
and a bureau and chairs furnish the
room. Electric lights have been placed
in the room so that the boys can read
if they desire, until bedtime. Several
of them will sleep there at night so
as to be ready in case they are
needed. We presume that the other
companies will be similarly improved
which will add very much to the
efficiency of our noble fire
department.
-
11/20/1891
The Abilene Fire Department had it's
annual meeting at the Mayor's office
on the 13th. Reports were read and
filed and it was ordered that the
annual report of the Fire Chief be
published in full. The following
officers were elected: O.W. Steffens-President,
B.B. Kenyon-Vice President, C.E.
Harkrider-Secretary/Treasure, J.J.
Clinton-Fire Chief, and John
Pratt-Assistant Chief. It was
unanimously decided that the new
chemical fire extinguisher company
will be named "Otto W. Steffens
Chemical Engine Company"
-
11/20/1891
The Fire Chief's Report - To the
President, O.W. Steffens and the
members of the Abilene Fire
Department. In this my third annual
report, I beg leave to submit the
following: The property of the city
now in possession of the Fire
Department consists of one Hook and
Ladder Truck, four Babcocks
Extinguishers, two hose carts, and
eleven hundred feet of hose. The hose
carts and hose are in good condition,
but the Hook and Ladder needs more and
longer ladders; in fact it is too
ancient for this town and place. The
Babcocks are nearly useless, being old
and unserviceable. There is now on the
department roll, 59 officers and men
and is on good footing and has got a
move on itself during the year, and
with the Holdway Chemical Engine,
which the city council ordered last
Tuesday night, and which will be here
about January 1st, we will be prepared
to give the city a better fire service
than ever before. During the last year
the department has been called out
just 22 times. 3 false alarms, and 19
fires. The majority of fires being at
night. While we have been fortunate in
not having any very serious fires,
there has been lots of hard work done.
The most dangerous fire of the year
was on July 5th which at one time
threatened to be very serious., but it
was promptly met and conquered. Right
here I wish to compliment the
department on it's magnificent work on
that occasion. While we have failed to
save buildings at times, where fires
have started, we have been very
successful in protecting the
surrounding property. The losses this
year amounts to $9,000 The insurance
recovered from the same, $8,275 This
is a splendid record for the fire
department and one to be proud of
($19K in 19 fires) Owing to your
promptness in answering bells,
and our fire water pressure, we have
been very successful. What department
in the state could show a better
record? Not one! I would recommend
that the Secretary keep a record of
all fire, the cause, the loss of
insurance, and enter the name on his
minute book. Other recommendations I
will make to the board of fire
directors: Improvements have been made
during the year on the apparatus and
houses, the most noticeable being a
room fitted up at house No. 3, for the
accommodation of the members of that
company. A detail of firemen being on
duty every night. Would do well to
have truck houses No1 & No2 fitted
in the same way. The discipline of the
department is very satisfactory, and
in retiring from the office of Chief,
which I have held for 3 years, I feel
that I am leaving the department in
good condition. I have served as
volunteer fireman in different
departments for nearly 20 years and
can safely say that this is the best
department I ever served in or ever
saw. In conclusion, I wish to
tender my thanks to President Steffens,
Vice President Kenyon and Secretary
Harkrider for courtesies shown. To
Foreman Akerman, Fulwiler and Knapp,
for the able manner in which they have
handled their companies at all times
and cheerfully aided me in giving the
city a good fire service. To the
members of the fire department, one
and all, for your cheerful devotion to
duty in all kinds of weather, and for
your prompt obedience to orders given.
To John R. Spaulding, superintendent
of water works, for his hearty
co-operation at all fires; and last
but not least, my able assistant J.A.
Pratt whose good counsel and advice
has materially aided me in the
discharge of my duty. Hoping that we
may all meet in this hall one year
hence, and that there will not be a
break in the roll, I am very
respectfully, J.J. Clinton - Chief of
Fire Department of Abilene.
An
interesting feature of the meeting was
the presentation to Chief Clinton of a
beautiful and costly sliver horn, the
joint contribution of members of the
fire department. Clinton received it in
silence, but after a while he overcame
his embarrassment enough to say
"Boys I am too full to say anything
more than that I sincerely thank you for
this manifestation of your regards for
me" It need not to be inferred from
his remark that he has been taking
something, but he meant just what he
said. He was surprised and overcome with
emotion, and an hour's talk would not
have conveyed half of the meaning that
his "Boys I am too full to say
anything more than that I sincerely
thank you" did.
In
his general remarks to the department
Friday night, President Steffens in
presenting Chief Clinton with the
trumpet said " and with this I
would close and bid you goodnight, but
for the fact that something has come to
light-of-day that I should not fail to
mention. and as I ease my eyes around
and behold our worthy Chief, Mr. J.J.
Clinton, who is charter member of Star
Hose Company #3, having assisted in the
organization of that company March 11,
1886 the matter is again called to mind.
When their apparatus arrived he was
elected foreman, which he held till
January 4th when he was elected
Assistant Chief of the department. In
December, he was unanimously elected
Chief to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Chief J.T. Howser, and in
the position he has served ever since
with honor to himself and great credit
to the department. Under his careful
direction the Abilene Fire Department
has gained a state-wide reputation for
bravery, gallantry, and efficiently. In
making this statement of our recognition
of his valuable services I fail to
express our feelings, but will say that
we all esteem him, admire him, yes, love
him. I have in the past seen meetings of
this kind close with caning, but
not such for our Chief, who has stood by
us in rain , and in sunshine, in
adversity and prosperity; but, instead
of the customary caning , the member s
of the Abilene Fire Department desire,
on this occasion, to present to you sir,
a token, not one of a few, but one that
stands bright and fresh to represent for
all the years in store for you, that
reflection of love and esteem that
should always be due to the brave and
the true. And now, accept this, (Handing
Chief Clinton the horn) from the
department you have so faithfully
served. Use it, and may it always recall
the pleasant relations that have existed
between this department and its Chief
Officer."
The
Hook and Ladder Company elected officers
as such: Henry Pratt-President, Will
Smith-Vice President, Gus
Ackerman-Foreman, R.G. Hall-1st
Assistant, C.C. Meeker-2nd Assistant,
Dan Hall-Secretary/Treasurer.
-
12/11/1891
The Abilene Fire Department held it's
regular meeting at the mayors office
on December 7th. Fireme's ball to be
given during the holidays. (members
working on this project are - Gus
Ackerman, Wm. Fulwiler, E.H. Sintenis,
W.F. Flournoy, Ed S. Hughes, J.G.
Lowden, Geo P. Phillips, S. Lapowski,
Geo Walshe, T.O. Anderson, J.G.
Currie, J.A. Pratt, Will Smith, J.T.
Houser, J.A. Lowry, J.M. Radford, Theo
Reyck Sr., Otto W. Steffens, B.B.
Kenyon, J.J. Clinton, J.A. Pratt, C.E.
Harkrider, John Hoeny, T.R.Polk, Frank
Harden, Geo S. Berry, Will C. Donglass,
W.J. Bryan, and E.G. Batjer)
-
1892
Preston Hose cart purchased. Steffen's
Chemical Engine purchased.
-
1/1/1892
Fire Saturday Night. A fire was
discovered on Pine street a little
after 2 O'clock Saturday night. It was
in the block of wooden buildings
between Bass Bros. drug store and
Cameron & Phillips hardware store.
The fire was well advanced before it's
discovery, and although the firemen
rallied promptly and did excellent
work they could do nothing more than
to prevent its spread and save
adjoining brick walls from damage. The
buildings were destroyed together with
everything in them except what jewelry
Border & Capel had in their safe.
The firms occupying the premises were
Border & Capel jewelry stock; L.N.
Murdock notion store, D.M. Claude's
confectionary store, Charley Nerger's
shoe shop, George Grave's saloon,
Edmond Dortch's barber shop, A.E.
Tikker's jewelry repair shop. Most of
them were insured in small sums, but
we fail to learn the exact amount. Had
it not been for the energetic work of
the firemen the walls of the adjoining
buildings would have been ruined. No
one seems to know how the fire
originated.
-
1/8/1892
For the past few months the people of
Abilene have been treating the fire
department very generously in the way
of donations, and they have now on
hand quite a handsome little sum. The
contributions, so far as we have been
able to learn, have been as follows:
Cash donations
- $17.50
Abilene National Bank -
50.00
Geo Walshe & Co.
- 25.00
G.A. Kirkland
- 20.00
J.C. Condon
- 20.00
N. Porter
- 62.50
Mayfield & Hughes
- 25.00
Cameron & Phillips
- 100.00
C. Villenueve
- 50.00
Ira Border (watch)
- 40.00
-
1/29/1892
The Fire boys should have a central
fire house where all apparatus could
be kept. They have a nice start on
this already, and deserve liberal
support from our people.
-
1/29/1892
The loss from the fire Monday morning
falls hard on some of the parties
occupying the buildings, but this loss
is perhaps as small as it ever would
have been and the city is rid of a
block of buildings that were not only
a disgrace, but threatened the
destruction of some of our most
valuable brick buildings. All things
considered Abilene may congratulate
itself on the result of Monday
morning's blaze
-
2/12/1892
Election of Officers for Star hose
company number three. Will Fulwiler
Foreman, Jim Cunningham 1st Assistant
Foreman, Will Daniels 2nd Assistant
Foreman, H.R. Horne Secretary and
Treasurer. Will Fulwiler was also
elected as a delegate to the State
Fireman's Association.
-
2/12/1892
We have a city ordinance which
prohibits the building of frame houses
in the fire limits, but we have none
to prohibit the building of frame
awnings in front of buildings. Some of
these are as dangerous as an old frame
building would be. We mention this
merely for the purpose of calling
attention of the owners of business
property to the risk they are running
by attaching these cumbersome frame
structures to good brick and rock
buildings.
-
2/19/1892
Monday evening about five o'clock the
alarm was sounded and the department
and the citizens turned out to see the
beautiful residence of O.W. Steffens
a mass of flames. (He is President of
the Fire Department at the time of the
fire.) The fire originated in the
kitchen between the roof and the
ceiling, and must have been burning
for several hours for when it was
discovered the flames were coming
through the whole southwest corner of
the building and in a very few minutes
spread over the south side.
Mrs.
Steffens was out calling at the time but
the children and servants were at home.
Little Minnie Steffens was in her room
on the second floor asleep when the
alarm was given, but was taken out by
the Mrs. Dortch, a colored servant.
The
Fire Department responded promptly and
through their heroic efforts saved the
barn and other out houses. The
furniture, with the exception of a few
pieces in the east rooms were destroyed,
together with all the wearing apparel
and most of the jewelry of the family.
All the pictures and other treasures
especially dear to Mr. and Mrs. Steffens
and the children were burned, and much
of the shrubbery destroyed.
The
loss amounts to several thousand
dollars. The house cost $12,800 and was
insured for $9,000. It was elegantly
furnished and the furniture and wearing
apparel were insured for $4,000. Mr.
Steffens estimates his actual loss at
$20,000 though he says he would
willingly give $10,000 and his insurance
to have the property replaced.
The
loss is regretted by every citizen of
Abilene. The prettiest home in the city
is gone and a heap of ruins marks the
spot where it stood.
Mr.
Steffens will go to work at once to
rebuild, and this time it is to be a
handsome brick cottage.
(
The family later moved to a place
vacated by H.M. Henderson family)
-
2/26/1892
The Abilene Fire Department celebrated
Washington's Birthday by a general
parade. The precession formed on North
1st at 2:30. It was headed by the
light infantry band and went down
Chestnut to South 4th, Then west to
Sycamore, North to South 2nd, East to
Chestnut, North to North 3rd, West to
Cypress, South to North 2nd, East to
Pine and then Down to City Hall. It
was a part of the program that the
Holloway chemical engine should be
presented to the Fire Department by
the Mayor, and responded to on behalf
of the Fire Department by Hon. Henry
Sayles. Owing however, to the city
council having rejected the engine
this part of the program was not
carried out. While the boys were at
ease in front of City Hall they were
presented with two boxes of cigars by
the Abilene cigar factory which was
responded to with three rousing
cheers. After a short rest the boys
made a couple of short runs connecting
with the plugs in front of the
Lapowski building and Bass Brothers
drug store. They made very quick time
and acquitted themselves very
creditably. Owing to a
misunderstanding at the pump house the
pressure on the first run was a
failure, but on the second run it was
first rate and as good as could be
asked for. The boys are as fine a
looking body of men as can be found in
the state, and that the citizens of
the town appreciate their good work
was evidence by the long line of
carriages which participated in the
parade. The leading carriage contained
the departments sponsor Miss Bettie
McConochie, accompanied by her friend
Miss Lillian Young and escorted by
Messrs. Engene Harris and Geo. Berry,
all looking handsome and pleased with
an occasion to show off the fire boys.
the next carriage contained the
popular president of the company Mr.
Otto W. Steffens, and Vice President
B.B. Kenyon who seemed to enjoy the
occasion almost as well as if they had
hold of the ropes. Of course J.J.
Clinton looked handsome and pleased
and his trusty assistant John Pratt
looked proud as a boy with his first
pair of boots. The honors in the race
for water were about equally divided
between the two hose companies, as
near as we could judge, there being no
time keeper. Taking it all in all
the parade was a success and it is our
belief that the volunteer fire
department of Abilene cannot be
excelled in the state.
-
3/8/1892
The Otto W. Steffens Chemical Engine
Co. was organized with the following
officers and members: Foreman-E.D.
Kelley, Secretary-C.A. Boulte,
Privates-W.A. Minter, W.F. Trezevant,
and J.T. Norris. E.D. Kelley was
elected a delegate to the State
Convention at Waco.
-
4/29/1892
At a recent meeting of the Abilene
Fire Department, a resolution was
adopted that any dray, float or
delivery wagon hauling the hose carts
to a fire, and return, shall be paid
$2.50 and the first one to hitch on
shall be the one to receive said
award. One of said carts is stationed
at the north side fire station, and
the other is at Fulwiler's stable It
will be well for you to keep this in
mind, when an alarm is sounded.
-
8/19/1892
I hold that the discharge of firearms
and reckless shooting at an alarm of
fire is just as much a violation of
law as at any other time. The
ordinance against this practice will
be enforced. (J.J. Clinton City
Marshall)
-
10/7/1892
The Abilene Fire Department are
figuring a little on a plan for making
their work more effective. they have
on hand of their own funds, about
$800. Of this they propose to expend
$300 for a pair of horses, $100 for
finishing up the interior of their
Hall, and $400in part payment on a new
hose reel they feel confident they
will be able to meet at the end of one
year. After doing these things on
their own part, they will ask the city
to provide them with 1000 feet of hose
at a cost of about $600. Then these
plans are all perfected we shall have
one of the best equipped volunteer
forces in the state.
-
10/14/1892
Attention Firemen: Foremen will report
with their companies in full uniform
at 3:30 p.m. October 21st at the
Central Fire Station for drill and
parade. By order of J.J. Clinton,
Chief
T.A. Bledsoe, Secretary.
-
11/25/1892
To O.W. Steffens, President of the
Fire Department of Abilene; In
accordance with the requirements of
the City Ordinance governing the Fire
Department , it becomes my duty as
Chief Engineer to present to you my
Fourth Annual Report of the Fire
Department of the City of Abilene for
the fiscal year ending November 11th
1892:
The
property of the City now in possession
of the Fire Department consist of one
Hook & Ladder Truck, two Hose Carts,
Four Babcock Extinguishers, and 1,100
Feet of hose. The Hook & Ladder need
more and longer ladders. The
Extinguishers have seen their best days.
The hose carts are in very good
condition.
(Several
Sentences that are un readable)
During
the year just closed, the Fire
Department responded to 26 bells and
still alarms, the largest number in the
history of our Department. Although the
calls have been numerous, it is very
gratifying to be able to report that the
Department has been very successful on
preventing destructive fires. The loss
amounts to $43,985 Insurance to cover
$28,150 making a net loss of $15,835
(Several
Sentences that are un readable)
....making
the cost of the Fire Department, based
on the land census of the City, 25cents
per capita, which will compare favorably
with any City of this size maintaining a
volunteer Fire Department.
Fires are classified as follows:
Children playing with matches5
Unknown
6
Lamp Explosions
2
Defective Flues
12
Gasoline Stoves
1
Death
has invaded our ranks during the
year-the Department suffered a severe
loss in the death of Lelan Henderson a
member of Rescue Hose Company No. 2 I
can utterly testify to his sterling
worth as a fireman and citizen.
Improvements have been mad during the
year, the most noted being the erection
of a Central Fire Station which is the
pride of the Department and an ornament
to the City. I would recommend that the
Department take charge of and reorganize
the band under the name of the Fire
Department Band, and also to elect a
second Assistant Chief. There is one
other matter that I wish to call your
attention to: Our City is greatly in
need of street fire alarms to be located
in various parts of the City. I
therefore recommend that a combined
system of Fire and Police alarms be
introduced, where by either the Police
or the Fire Department could be called
on case of an emergency. I fully
appreciate (Unreadable,
but thanking people for donations) There
is no improvement so vitally important
as protection against that dreadful
element, fire, which has wiped out the
Commonwealth of the United States $150
Million within the last 12 months. I
Sincerely hope that you will give this
matter your consideration.
It
is a genuine pleasure to be able to
report that the Department is well
disciplined in every manner, and is
composed of good sober and trustworthy
men, most of whom have been in the Fire
Service for a number of years and have
by long experience and regular drill
become expert in combating fire. It has
become the pride and ambition of this
department to subdue fires with as
little damage by water as possible, and
it is certainly gratifying to know that
all fires have been handled with special
reference to waste by water I attribute
the good showing of the Department to
it's rapid movements in responding to
fire and the play-pipes and other
apparatus being in the hands of well
drilled firemen. There is no petty
jealousy among the members such as would
tend to disorganized the harmony of the
Department. I hold that the Fireman's
profession is just as legitimate as any
other, and a man may be a fireman and a
gentleman also, and as the Abilene Press
and every good citizen have extended
their hand with no little reserve
towards prompting the Department to a
high state of efficiency, I am of the
opinion that when our citizens meet a
Fireman, they feel that they have met a
gentleman and I feel and know that the
Department will accomplish the work for
which it was created to the satisfaction
of the citizens of this City. I wish to
extend my thanks to the city council for
the valuable improvements which have
been added to the Fire Department. It
has been the disposition of the city
council during the fiscal year to make
such improvements as were needed by the
department, I have found the members of
the city council to be gentlemen who
have no other motives in dealing for the
city than accomplishing the greatest
good for the people with the least
possible expenditure of the public's
money. I also wish to extend my thanks
to the citizens for financial aid, and
especially to the ladies of the city who
have in many ways contributed to our
success, and to our sponsor, who has
always shown a genuine personal interest
in the Department and who is the pride
of every member.
In
conclusion I desire to express my thanks
to the officers and men of the
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