The Hoosier Fire Engine Company No. 2

In our article a few days since in reference to the Fire Department in this city, we said there were many items of interest connected with the Hoosier Fire Company that we would endeavor to give our readers. We find many difficulties in getting at the facts in such organizations as these, for the reason that as a general rule, the records are mislaid or are imperfect. We shall endeavor, however, to give all within our reach.. The Hoosier Fire Company No. 2 was organized May 30, 1839, by the enrollment of the following gentlemen, whose original signatures we have in our possession: [there follows a list of 87 names]. There may have been, and doubtless were, others who attached themselves to the Company who never signed this roll.. The first Chief Director was Peter Tellon, one of the most enterprising of our master ship builders. He always identified himself with matters of public interest; spending his time and money for the good of his fellow citizens. Among the list of names given above will be recognized that of some of the best and most substantial of our old citizens,---merchants, mechanics, and professional men, men of wealth and influence,--who never stood with folded arms when their neighbors' property was being destroyed; and these men gave life and zest to our little fire department. Many of them have long since ceased to move in the busy world about us, and are at rest; others have become old and incapacitated for the duties of firemen. Of this long list of names only five, Jacob Alford, Wm. A. Steward, James Pitt, M. J. Robinson, and John Turner retain their membership.. The first fire of any importance that the old Hoosier engine was called out to assist in subduing was the Bagging Factory, situated near the ground now occupied by the New Albany Rolling Mills. This fire was, perhaps, the most destructive that had ever occurred in the city. The Factory had just been completed, the machinery put in operation, and a large amount of stock on hand. Our Fire Department used their best endeavors to save the property from destruction; they were, however, unable to check the flames and the establishment was consumed. The Bagging Company afterward built a factory on the corner of Pearl and Oak streets, but not proving a successful enterprise it was abandoned. The buildings are now occupied by the Messrs. Howard & Co. as a planing mill.. The following is a complete list of the Chief Directors of this Company down to the year 1866: Peter Tellon, Wm. L. Sanderson, Wm. Underhill, Blaine Marshel, John Thompson, Chas. A. Tyler, Jacob Alford, Chas. Wible, T. F. Jackson, Stephen Stuckey, Joseph Harbinson, Leo Story, J. Adams, T. Edmonson.. In 1856, a change was made in the by-laws of the Company, and a President was chosen to preside at their meetings, thus relieving the Chief Director of the duties of a presiding officer. Augustus M. Jackson was elected the first President. Of the Chief Directors Thomas F. Jackson served the greatest length of time, some five or six years. Among the other officers we recognize many familiar names. During the twenty-eight years of the existence of this organization Mr. Matthew Robinson has served more than fourteen as their Treasurer.. There are many pleasing incidents connected with this Company which we would be glad to lay before our readers did our room permit. Among them we find frequent reference to the celebrations of our national anniversary, in conjunction with the other fire companies. We can call to mind how these occasions were enjoyed by such men as Peter Tellon, Peter A. Roane, Wm. Underhill, Blaine Marshel, Wm. L. Sanderson, Jacob Alford, and a host of others. There was no half hearted expression of joy at the return of the 4th day of July. Early dawn would find them on the streets preparing chowder, under the direction of Mr. Henry Bogert, and the old "Coon," our present Mayor, for the hundreds who attended these gatherings, and at night, on to the "wee sma' hours," they might be found swinging "all hands round" on the public square. Imagine, dear reader, such staid and orderly men as James R. Shields and John B. Winstandley in company with this rollicking crowd, and you had a scene that occurred with each returning Fourth of July. The reader need not be assured that in those palmy days the "spiritual comforts" were not often forgotten, but always enjoyed with moderation. We often sigh for a return of the good old fashioned celebrations of our nation's anniversary: parties, sects, classes, station, all were sunk to a common level, and each added to the enjoyment of his neighbor. These and a thousand other pleasant recollections are recalled in this connection, and had we the time we would recite them for the benefit of our younger friends.. Among the records of the Company may be found resolutions of condolence, as some member was called from earth; motions granting material aid to sick and disabled firemen; expulsion of members, and divers other interesting details. We copy the following, which shows the animus of a gentleman who in later years figured extensively among the people of the whole country, and who contributed no little to the amusement of the people of the United States, as well as his means to public institutions:. New Albany, June 2, 1853. To the Members of the Hoosier Fire Co. No. 2:. GENTLEMEN: I am authorized by the Mayor of the city to inform you that there is of the proceeds of the benefit given by Dan. Rice, for the use of the Fire Department, $267.00. The one-fourth of which, $66.75, you can have by application to the City Treasurer and Collector.. Respectfully, S. P. Town, For J. A. Moffett, Mayor. In 1856 the old side-break engine having become badly worn by seventeen years of use, the city determined to purchase a new one, and to build for the accommodation of the company a more commodious house. The building now occupied by the Company was completed in 1857, and during the same year the present engine, which is one of the Messrs. Agnews's very best second class engines, was furnished the Company by the city. This machine, beside being a model of beauty, has been one of the most serviceable ever in use in the department, and the expense for repairs comparatively small. The building is one of the finest, for its use, in the west. The walls are splendidly frescoed, probably equal to that of any room in the country, and is well furnished with carpets, chairs, tables, chandeliers, &c. The painting and furnishing of the hall was done at the expense of the Company, sided by a subscription from our liberal citizens, and is not only a credit to the Company, but to the city itself. The frescoing of this hall was executed by Mr. Lang, an artist of more than ordinary merit. Mr. L. in executing this work for the Hoosier company placed four scenes upon the walls in oil, which for beauty we have rarely seen excelled.. Of the old volunteer force in our Fire Department, the Hoosier is the only effective company the members of which still adhere to the organization. Though few in numbers, whenever they can be of service they are found at their posts. In examining their old records we find much of interest which we may at some future time gather and lay before our readers, and among other matter is to be found quite a number of names of our citizens that do not appear on the original roll, prominent for public spirit and devotion to the Fire Department.