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In 1893, the hand-drawn wagons of Hose Company #1 and Ladder Company #1 were replaced with horse-drawn equipment.
In 1913, the first motor apparatus was purchased. Many volunteers resigned at that time, thinking that firefighting would not be the same without horses.
About Asheville horses, this is written in the yearbook: "Firefighters looked at the horses as their equal when it came to their jobs. They spent several hours a day training and caring for these animals. It showed when the alarm rang. As the gong sounded, each horse was trained to move from its stall to the front of its respective apparatus. The men would lower the harnesses and fasten them to each horse. The bay doors would open and each apparatus would race through the streets.
"The crews became so proficient that they were able to hook up the horses, race to the scene, lay lines from the hose wagon and hydrant to the fire scene and have the lines charged in under 30 seconds."
Sources:
The first horse to serve the Burlington Fire Department was acquired in 1905, and donated to the city by E.H. Murray. The horses name was Rubin. The provisions of the donation required that the city stable and care for the animal, and that he be used to transport men and equipment to fires. Other horses that served Burlington were named Prince, Dolph, and John.
Otis Fogleman, a local horse trader, sold the city a five-year old horse named John. He happened upon the horse while in Harrisonburg, VA, and purchased same, and resold the horse to the city. Old John was the power behind the hose cart, historical accounts recall. Prince also pulled a hose wagon, and was quartered in a stable in the vicinity of West Front and Worth streets.
Source: Fire department web page.
1887 - Paid fire department created. Fire Marshal O. F. Asbury, who reports to Acting Fire Chief W. F. Griffith, was determined to convert from hand-drawn to horse-drawn apparatus. He arranged for horses from a nearby livery stable to used. Firemen had to run to get the horses, before they could respond to calls.
1917 - All horse-drawn apparatus removed from service.
Sources: Charlotte Fire Department Millennium History 2000, Fine Books Publishing.
About Durham horses, this is written in the yearbook: "Part of the [1890] reorganization was to purchase horses to assist in relieving the firemen [of pulling apparatus]. Trained horses were not only a source of pride but an insurance asset. Fire insurance companies looked favorably on cities with well-trained horses. It was important that the horse be trained and know their job well, for they were responsible for getting the equipment to the fire quickly and efficiently. Not every horse had the strength, intelligence, and temperament to become a good fire horse. For instance, New York City acquired 30 to 50 horses to enter fire training school, but after 30 days of training, only a few were left to complete several more months of schooling.
"Drop harnesses were used at the stations. This consisted of only the essentials of leather for the job, no frills. The harness was hooked to the equipment and suspended from the ceiling. When the alarm sounded, pegs were pulled from the hasp that held the door to the stalls, and the door swing open. The horses left their stalls and took their places in front of the equipment. The harness dropped from the ceiling to the horse below, and the collar and hames fastened under their necks. They were ready to go. This all happened in a matter of seconds. The wagons and steamers were heavy loads and it took strong horses to pull the loads Streets were sometimes muddy and rough, and this made the job more difficult. When they arrived at the fire, the horses would remain still and not be easily startled, for there would be much excitement with the shouting and running around.
"The trip to the fire was exhilarating. News accounts often made references to the fire calls.
The greatest possible excitement of the morning would be the sound of the fire alarm bell, for that made certain the momentary dramatic appearance of the hook and ladder wagon, drawn by two beautifully matched, large galloping steeds, their driver insistently pealing its gong.
The station housing this handsome red fire wagon was located just beyond the railroad tracks, one block south of the Manse, so that the hook and ladder must come up Roxboro Street to reach any part of town, except Hayti, the colored section in the south east.
"On one unforgettable occasion, just as the wagon was rounding the corner of Roxboro Street into Main Street, one of the horses dropped dead.
"Probably no change in the plan of progress of the town was looked upon with greater regret by the majority of citizens than the elimination of the faithful horse in favor of gasoline engines. His removal likewise took away much of the glamour of the fires.
"The firemen were fond of their horses and considered them part of the family. They would not allow the horses to be mistreated or abused. Due to the nature of the work, most fire horses retired early. This was a sad time, because the fireman did not want to lose a valued friend and team member, and the horses did not want to give up their work. They were still considered fit for work by most standards and were of monetary value. They were usually sold or used in some other capacity in the town. This could be a source of trouble because of their formal training, if a bell or whistle blew that they recognized as an alarm signal, the old fire horse was awakened. They would respond in the manner they were trained.
"Firefighters have always had a soft spot in their heart for animals. Horses received the most attention. These animals were well groomed, blanketed and cooled down property after returning from work. Joe Johnson, 48-year veteran of our department, left several stories concerning the horses. The drunk horse story prior to our department becoming paid was perhaps what you could expect from a "typical" firefighter. Joe relayed a tale of Bill.
"Bill was the horse that pulled the Chief's buggy. Toward the end of the long 18 years of service in the fire department, Bill had acquired a taste of 'white lightning'. On one uneventful night, a couple of the firemen went across the street to remove Bill from the private stable on Orange Street. Being the faithful fire horse, Bill followed his team mates up the steps at No. 1 station. For his reward, he was treated with a drink. Before you knew it, Bill was drunk and it wasn't until the next morning that Bill was able to come down the steps. This was only moments before the Chief arrived to work.
"Joe also stated that the last two horses purchased by the city, [bought] from Marvin Teer, were named Frank and Dan. To handle these fine horses, William Herzo Teer (nicknamed Soky) was hired. He was probably the best horse rider Joe had ever seen, outside of a circus. 'Soky' used to tie Dan and Frank's heads together, stand spaddle legged upon their backs, and ride Roman style up and down Holloway Street, until the Chief made him stop. Old Soky rode with a whip in one hand and drove them as fast as they would run. By the way, Joe made $53 per month in 1912. No vacation; work schedule was one day off every 22 days. Firefighters had one hour for meals.
"Capt. Turner of Station No. 3 wrote the following in 1943 about the horses:
The city's first two fire department horses were a pair of dapple gray, named Bob and Bill. After several years of service, one of them died. They could not find a horse to mate [with] Bob satisfactory, so they traded [him] for a pair of buckskin horses, Mack and Bob.
This pair of horses never proved up for fire department horses. So they were traded for a pair of dark bay horses. These were named Frank and Charlie. They were used for several years until old age began to tell, and then they were sold.
A pair of bay horses were bought. Again we had a pair named Bob and Mack. These horses pulled No. 1 wagon until the motor pumper was installed, and they were transferred to No. 2 engine, later being sent to the Street Department and being replaced with a pair of younger horses, a pair of dark brown bays named Mose and Billie. Mose finally gave out and these were replaced with a pair of brown horses named Toni and Jerry. This team [was] turned over to the Street Department on installment of a motor pumper at No. 2 station.
In the later 1880s, [around] 87-88 or about this time, the young men who worked at Dukes Factory organized an Independent Fire Company. They bought a pair of horses and a hose wagon. The horses, a pair of buck skin or clay bank, were named Bill and Joe. One of these horses died. They sold the other one and bought a pair of bay horses, names not known. They had these when the Independent Company decided to disband.
The Chief of the Department then organized Hose Company No. 2., taking a pair of black horses from the Hook & Ladder Company and putting them to the No. 2 hose wagon. This pair of horses was named Frank and Bill. Bill became the famous Old Black Bill that was known by everyone. All the children knew Old Bill. [He] was well known all over the state as he [participated] in many, many races at the state firemen's tournament. Bill have several mates, Frank, Bob, Mack, and Frank. Old age finally began to tell and Bill was retired and used only a substitute. Game to the last. At the end, he died trying to get up.
After trying several horses, the city bought a dapple gray horse to take Bill's place, to mate black Frank. This horse was named Dixie and was raced at the fireman's tournament for several years, and was nearly as popular as Old Bill. After a bad fall, answering the alarm, he had to be sold when the city put on a paid department, and bought several new horses. His mate Frank was assigned to the Chief's buggy, old age compelling him to be replaced with a new horse, Pacing Billie, who stayed until the automobile replaced him.
When the city put on a paid fire department, they bought a pair of bay horses for No. 2 wagon, Frank and Dan. A motor pumper being installed at No. 2 station retired them and the No. 2 fire engine horses were turned over to the Street Department, they being the last of the fire department horses. Dan lived for several years in the Street Department. Breaking his leg, he had to be killed.
We had several horses to the steam fire engines. Tom and Jerry were exchanged for Bob and Mack, a while before the motor pumper was installed at No. 1 station.
The colored hook and ladder company used two of the city's mules for several months, Rhoddy and Molly. It was said that when the driver stepped on the foot gong, the mules were not hard to start, but it was "heck to get them stopped."
The city bought a fine pair of dark brown horses for the Hook and Ladder Company, Bill and Bob. They were in service for several years. Bob fell dead at the corner of Main and Roxboro streets early one morning, while answering an alarm from the northern part of the city.
When a paid white hook and ladder company was put on, they had a pair of roan horses named Rich and Paul. They were in service when the motor hook and ladder sent them to the Street Department.
Fire Department horses had to be carefully picked and selected, no only sound of limb and wind, but sure footed, good eyes and intelligent. They soon became great pets of the men and were loved by the men as comrades. They learned little tricks, such as pulling the trip pins so they could get out of the stall.
Old Black Bill had a peculiar habit. When at a fire, if his head was turned away from the fire, his driver would have to stay right with him. Turn him around so he could see the fire, and he would stay right there, his driver could go where he pleased, but [just] don't leave him where he could not see and hear the fuss.
The horses loved the run as good as the men and when they left the station for good, more than one tear came from the eyes of the driver and men. One driver looked at the horses being led away, turned and looked at the big red motor pump and remarked, "That's a hell of a thing to try to go to a fire with."
Source: Durham Fire Department, Taylor Publishing.
In 1905, the town bought a team of fire horses, and L. L. Jenkins donated a fire wagon and some harnesses.
Source: Fire department web page.
In/after 1888, upon completion of an engine house for the "General Greene" steam fire engine, horses were purchased. The steamer had been placed in service in 1886. These may have been the first fire horses for Greensboro.
About Greensboro horses, this is written in the 1984 yearbook: "Fire departments have been traditionally and understandably proud of their equipment. Before the turn of the century, fire departments were equally as proud of their teams of horses. The town of Greensboro was no exception. One horse in particular seems to have stood the test of time and is still remembered. "Prince" was the most photographed and talked about horse of the times. It was reported in the Raleigh Post in 1901 that the horse was given liquor after each fire call. The money was contributed by men who hung around the station. It was stated that he drank the very best rye that was available... one pint at a time."
Horses were first replaced by motor vehicles in 1913.
Sources: Greensboro Fire Department - 1808-1984, Taylor Publishing.
In 1908, the fire station at 205 North Garnett Street was built. The two-story struck with a clock tower is still standing. The apparatus floor still has grooves in the floor, where the horses were stored. The grooves helped the horses gain their footing, and/or helped their urine drain away. The side door on Young Street still has rounded corners, so if struck by the hubs of the hose wagon wheels, the vehicle would not get stuck.
Source: Fire department web page.
In 1908, a donated horse and wagon was placed in service. In 1911, a second horse and wagon was purchased. In 1918, the first motor apparatus was purchased.
Source: Fire department web page.
Lexington
In 1912, two "fast horses" and hose wagons were purchased. While the horses
were welcomed as a labor saving addition, the firefighters quickly found
unanticipated obstacles. One of the biggest problems was the time factor in
placing the horses in harness to respond to a fire. The problem was solved when
the firefighters rigged a pulley system that suspended the harness from the
ceiling. When a call was received, the horse was led under the harness, where it
was lowered and quickly secured. The horses also needed regular exercise. The
firefighters drilled the horses on a route on Main Street from Center Street to
Eighth Avenue, where they turned around. One horse, a temperamental sorrel,
became
so accustomed to the practice route, that when there was an actual fire, he
would balk at the corner of Main and Eighth and try to turn around.
Source: Fire department web page.
About the stuff head of Fred, seen in the New Bern Firemen's Museum: "Fred was a dedicated horse used by the Atlantic [Steam Fire Engine] Company at the turn of the century. He faithfully served the department and the community for sixteen years. Back then, the alarm was given throughout the town by a bell [that was] centrally located. Fred would automatically leave his stall, or the job he was performing at the time, and wait patiently in front of the steam engine whenever the bell sounded. Fred passed away in the line of duty with a heart attack, while answering what turned out to be a false alarm. In salute to his dedicated service, the Atlantic company gave Fred a ceremony and decided to mount his head for future generations to see this magnificent animal."
Source: New Bern Fire Department history.
In 1907, the horses Big Sam and Mamie were bought to pull the water wagon and hose reels, which had previously been pulled through the streets by the volunteer firefighters. In 1916, the first motor apparatus was purchased.
Source: Fire department web page.
The volunteer Raleigh Fire Department used horses from 1879 to 1912, when converted to a paid fire department. Horses continued serving in the paid fire department until 1915.
The volunteer companies with horses included:
| Fire Company | Years with Horses | Apparatus | Notes |
| Capital Hose | 1889-1912 | Hose wagon. Four-wheel, one-horse (1889-1890) Hose wagon. Four-wheel, two-horse (1890-1912) |
1889 - City funds horse, and to be used for street
work, and will alternate with Rescue Company horse. 1890 - Two horses purchased. 1899 - Hose wagon described as two-horse, carrying 1000-feet of rubber-lined cotton hose. |
| Hook and Ladder | 1890-1912 | 1890 service ladder truck | 1890 - Ladder truck placed in service, named W. R.
Womble, steel frame, equipped with 215 feet of ladders, two
extinguishers, and other tools. 1891 - Horse purchased. |
| L.A. Mahler Steamer | 1906-1912 | 1905 American LaFrance Metropolitan steam engine | |
| Phoenix Chemical | 1883-1890 | 1881 Champion double-tank engine. | 1881 - Company holds fundraiser for purchases of
horses.
1883 - Company granted permission to purchased pair of horses for double-tank engine. |
| Rescue Steam Fire Engine Rescue Hose |
1879-1912 | 1870 Gould steam engine until/after 1887. Weight 6,000
pounds. Also equipped with hose carriage, Weight 2,200 pounds. Hose wagon beginning 1887, with installation of hydrants in city. Hose reel, two-horse |
1879 - Company receives two horses. Until this time,
private horses pressed into service for parades or some fires. Apparatus
otherwise hand-drawn. Engine house expanded with single-story addition
in rear, adds stalls for two horses as well as sleeping room for four
firefighters and other space. 1881 - Horses placed under control of Street Department, with provision they must not be used beyond sound of fire alarm, and must be driven at once to fire station upon alarm. Wages of driver, purchase of food, and all other animal care expenses transferred to Street Department. 1887 - Rescue Company has three horses, a 2-wheel horse hose truck, and two hand hose trucks. 1889 - Receives new horse. 1890 - Two-horse hose reel reassigned to Victor Company. 1890 - Third horse authorized. 1891 - Horse purchased. New hose wagon. 1899 - Hose wagon described as two-horse, carrying 1000-feet of rubber-lined cotton hose. |
| Victor | 1890-1912 | Hose reel until 1897, when apparatus was destroyed in
station fire. Hose wagon beginning 1897, with replacement of apparatus. |
1899 - Hose wagon described as two-horse, carrying 1000-feet of rubber-lined cotton hose. |
Horse tales:
Horse-drawn apparatus accidents:
Sources: Raleigh Fire Department history.
In 1896, a steam engine was purchased, along with a hand-drawn hose reel. The steamer was pulled by a mule, purchased in 1895 for $100.
In 1897, two horses replaced the mule.
In 1905, one of the horses was named Betsy, who pulled the hose wagon.
Sources: Rocky Mount Fire Department - 1896-1996, Taylor Publishing.
On April 15, 1881, town commissioners voted to purchase a steam fire engine from the La France Fire Engine Company a steam fire engine. The newly formed fire department waited until 1885 for a new building to be completed on North Center Street, across from Henkle Livery Stables, where the engine and horses had been kept. This two-bay, two-story building served as fire station and included a hayloft for the horses, always kept at the ready. The building also served as Police Department and temporary Jewish Synagogue.
Horse drawn engine and equipment wagons were in full use as the new century rolled around. Fire department training competitions or musters was all the rage of the time. Sorrels Jeff and Raleigh, and bays Chief and Major pulled the engine and equipment, while Pat, a speedy gray, was kept for competition racing. Statesville always had a team at the state tournament. In 1913, the first motor truck was purchased, but the horses were maintained until 1917 when the last horse, Rex, was sold to Morehead City.
Source: Fire department web page.
The last horse-drawn fire equipment was disposed of in 1918.
Sources: Wilmington Fire Department - 1897-1985, Taylor Publishing.
About Winston-Salem horses, this was written in the department's second yearbook: "In 1915, Engine Company #1 was made a full-time paid company. At this time, the company used both a steam engine and a horse-drawn hose wagon. During the day, the horses were used to pull garbage wagons. If a fire call came in, an alarm was sounded by a bell in each station's fire tower. No matter where they were, the driver would immediately unhitch the garbage wagon, leap onto the horse, and gallop back to the station. He would then lead the horses into the engine bay and drop a harness over their backs. After hooking them up to the steam engine pumper, he lit a fire in the boiler and away they went. Next to actually extinguishing the fire, the most important objective was for a fireman from any station was to beat all other companies to the scene. Some of the horses, Jim, Henry, King and Prince, became locally famous for their speed, though no one ever imagined that Old Henry's speed would later hose him his life.
"On July 14, 1920, D. L. Reavis became the second member of the Winston-Salem Fire Department to be killed in action. Reavis was assigned to Engine Company #1 and died as a result of injuries received in an accident on North Liberty Street. Engine Company #1 was responding to an alarm from Box #14 at the old City Hospital on Brookstown Avenue when the accident occurred. At 11:45 p.m., just north of the Government Building on Liberty Street, the horse-drawn steamer was heading south on Liberty Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. As the steamer approached Liberty towards Fifth. A street cleaner had just cleaned the area, caused it to be very slippery. The steamer spun completely around, throwing the complement of firefighters off, before crashing into a store. All three men were taken to City Hospital, where their injuries were treated. D. L. Reavis later died from severe internal injuries. J. D. George was admitted to the hospital with injuries and wounds to his legs, while W. H. Eaten was checked out completely and returned to duty later that night. Reavis was twenty-seven years old and had been serving with the fire department for only two months at the time of his death. Old Henry, the horse who had been pulling the steamer, also lost his life that night. Due to his speed, he failed to make the turn at West Fifth Street and Liberty Street, crashing into the building, and had to be put down as a result of a broken leg."
Sources: Winston-Salem Fire Department 2002, Fine Books Publishing..
Copyright 2023 by Michael J. Legeros