The first attempt to organize a fire company in the city occurred in
April, 1873. A meeting for that purpose was called at the court house by
the Democrat. When the night arrived it brought with it a "blue
norther." There was not sufficient interest in the matter to justify the
people in facing the storm and the only person present was the editor of
the paper. The following is his report of the meeting:
"Pursuant to notice given in the last number of the Democrat, we
proceeded to the court house last Tuesday evening at precisely half past
seven, to meet the citizens in mass meeting, for the purpose of becoming
a member of the Fort Worth Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. We took our
position on the steps of that edifice, and although the stone was a
little cool, we heroically held our position until patience ceased to be
a virtue. Not a soul put in an appearance. Several who had promised
faithfully to be present forgot to keep the appointment.
Determined to carry to a successful completion every project we take in
hand, we went to work to organize the meeting. A chairman is essential
to any meeting. They are necessary to keep the meeting in order, and
give the assemblage proper dignity. We were unanimously chosen chairman
and took our seat amid the most profound silence. But a difficulty,
wholly unexpected now presented itself. A secretary to keep the record
of the proceedings is equally indispensable. There was no one to make
secretary. Not to be thwarted by minor obstacles, we finally with much
reluctance, consented to assume this arduous position also. Some one was
needed to manage the finances and take care of the funds. That being our
forte, we assumed the responsible position of treasurer. We then
appointed ourself a committee of five to draft resolutions. The
resolutions agreeably to an ancient custom at meetings of this kind had
been prepared by a friend. We immediately proceeded to adopt them as a
whole without debate.
We have procured all the machinery necessary for a first class Hook and
Ladder company, viz: a five foot step ladder, a walking stick with a
hook on the end, a pint cup and a wet blanket and are now ready to
extinguish fire in any part of the city on short notice. All orders
promptly executed, day or night.
Dallas can no longer claim to be ahead of Fort Worth. The Herald and
News are complaining because they have no fire brigade. Send your orders
to Fort Worth, neighbor. If you will let us know a day or two before you
intend to have a fire, we will be on hand with our machine.
We are going to give a ba(w)ll pretty soon for the relief of the
sufferers by the first fire. Of course we are going to have a fire or
there would be no necessity for our Hook and Ladder company, and when
there is a fire, of course some one will suffer. Then you will know how
it is yourself, dear people."
A second attempt made about a month later was more successful. A goodly
number answered the call and a company was organized with Capt. S. P.
Greene as President, B. B. Paddock, Secretary and William T. Field as
Foreman. There were about sixty members, mostly clerks and mechanics, on
the roll and they made up a purse and ordered a hook and ladder truck
with all the necessary accoutrements. A series of entertainments were
given to raise the funds at one of which a vote was taken at so much per
vote for the most popular young lady in the city, who should have the
privilege of naming the company. The leading contestants were Miss
Sallie Johnson, daughter of Col. M. T. Johnson and Miss Anna T. Harper,
a sister of Mrs. B. B. Paddock. Miss Johnson was the successful
candidate and the company was named in honor of her father the M. T.
Johnson Hook and Ladder Company. It remained as No. 1 until 1893, when
the paid fire department was organized, when it passed off the stage.
There was never a more enthusiastic and successful band of
fire-fighters.
On October 17th, 1876, when city airs were assumed, an engine company
was organized, of which Capt. M. B. Loyd was president. He was also the
first president of the Fort Worth Fire Department, which was organized
after the second company came into existence, and was the accredited
delegate to the meeting of the State Fire Department. Other companies
followed as the necessity arose and Fort Worth long enjoyed the
reputation of having the finest department in the State. When the city
took over the management of the fire department and put the men on the
payroll, the volunteers were given preference over all applicants and
some of them are in service at this writing. When it became a paid fire
department, Mr. N. H. Lassiter was the President, and the last meeting
was a most affecting occasion. Many of the old "fire-fighters" were
opposed to disbanding the volunteer service and laid down the
responsibility with great reluctance.