After
the original organization of the Fire Department in 1834 by the City Council,
the companies went through various changes. A reorganization of the companies
took place and a Fire Association was formed in 1846.
Out of the Fire Association grew these various
companies:
1847-57-
Olentangy Engine Company
1847-57-
Neptune Hose Company
1847-1869-
Rough and Ready Hook and Ladder Company
1847
-Protection Company
1856-
Washington Fire Company
1857-1867- Union Company (east side)
The
entire minutes of the Neptune Hose Company from 1847-1857 have been located at
the Delaware County Historical Society. An original Certificate of Life
Membership for five years of service, awarded to W. E. Moore in 1855 is
included. Moore was one of the town' s early politicians and later became Fire
Chief. An original white ribbon with the inscription Neptune Hose and a receipt
for the Rough and Ready Hook and Ladder members for the purchase of one pair
pants, one cap marked "H.L.," one belt marked R. & R.H. & L.
and one flannel shirt was found with these minutes.
The first members of the Neptune Hose Company in the minutes of Jan. 5, 1847 were:
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S. W. Little C. C. Chamberlain C. Hills H. Mills R. W. Reynolds W. E. Butler, Joe Storm W. D. Hein C. Platt Don Kensill L.
Hinton S. S. Torance A. A. Welch John Shrub John McElroy G. T. Stayman William Duden P. Randall H. E. Howard |
The Constitution of the Neptune Hose Company stated
that it would be composed of 20 men, the officers were a Foreman, a 1st and 2nd
Assistant Foreman, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
Monthly meetings were held at various locations
-sometimes in the Sheriff's Office, one time on the park bench in front of the
Court House, and in Dr. VanDeman’s office. The uniform was established to be a
fireman's hat with "Neptune Hose Co." painted in black letters, a red
flannel-hunting shirt with black leather belt. In 1855 overalls became a part of
the uniform.
Fines
were established for missing fires - 50 cents, missing exercise meetings - 20
cents, and not appearing at a fire or exercise meeting in uniform - 50 cents. A
member could be suspended or expelled for not conforming.
The
first member appearing at the scene of a fire manned the pipe (nozzle).
A Parade uniform was approved consisting of a red calico shirt ($1.37),
checkered cap, black pants and patent leather belt.
The
various fire companies appeared to stay in existence until 1870 when the first
full time paid drivers for the steamers, hose reel, hook and ladder were
converted to horse drawn vehicles.
Volunteers
called “Minute Men” supported the paid members.
Other
members of the Neptune Hose Company were:
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J.
P. Brown C.
A. Powers Lewis
Kossette J.
H. Crawford George
Gardiner James
Andrews Paul
Van Winkle A.
Kinsells D.
W. Rhodes D.
Kinsell C.
Lattimer William
Robinson Jacob
Kruck C.
A. Wheeler Alex
Powell G.
Shively W.
H. Bruce Robert
Cox George
Nelson E.
Eastman G.
R. Finch A.B.
Shaeffer M.
M. A. Root A.
A. Evans T.
T. Woodruff U.
Christ Albright |
E.
Willey Augustin
Richards Charles
Ely William
Stephens Jesse
Brown Alex
Dunlap George
Metzger E.
Rusted J.
0. Hardin E.
J. Bruner L.
G. Bartlett G.
W. Sharp John
Risher H.
McCullugh I.
Bumham Dr.
John D. VanDeman H.
Humphreys Dan
Martin Joe
VanDeman F.
Lattimer Lewis
W. Little George
W. Sharp M.
D. Pettibone John
Danglan Frank
Hays Tom
Oweston |