Early Fire Companies in Lexington KY
 

Lexington’s first regular fire company was organized at Brent’s tavern in 1790, with John Bradford as secretary. It was styled the Union Fire Company, and used buckets only. Before this, in case of a fire, each citizen was required, when the alarm was given, to attend with a bucket filled from his own well. The Union company’s "buckethouse" was a building on Main, near Scott’s block. Later, it was on Water street, and was finally converted into an engine house. In 1805, the officers of the "Union" were: Captains—Dan’l Bradford, Christopher Keiser; Directors—William Macbean, George Anderson, John Jones, Alexander Frazer, Thomas. Hart, Jr., John Jordan, Jr., Thomas Bodley, Alex. Parker, Charles Wilkins, Lewis Sanders, William Ross, Thomas Whitney, Maddox Fisher. The trustees passed a resolution in 1812, authorizing a committee "to procure four additional ladders, four fire-hooks, three rope-ladders, and three tubs to put under the pumps, all to be marked with the name of the company, etc., and a fine of ten dollars imposed on any person who will use them, unless in case of fire." In 1818, two little "newly invented" engines were bought by the town authorities. They attracted great attention and admiration.

The fire department was organized in 1832, when the city was incorporated. In 1840, the city could boast of the "Kentuckian," "Lyon," and "Resolution" hand engines, and others were added from time to time. The period included between 1850 and 1860 was the golden age of the fire companies in Lexington. Then the Fourth of July was the day of their glory, and the old Lyon, Clay, Kentuckian and other engines, with their hose carriages, were resplendent with beautiful decorations fashioned by the ladies of the city. Three hundred firemen have been known to turn out in procession on such occasions, presenting a splendid appearance with their brilliant uniforms and gay trappings. But these are memories of an age which ended with the purchase of the first steam fire engine, in March, 1864. The "Lyon" engine house was on Limestone street, near the corner of Hill; the "Clay," on Broadway, between Short and Second, now known as Pruden’s marble works; the "Union," on Short, between Upper and Limestone, is now the headquarters of the steam fire department.

Source: History of Lexington Kentucky: its early annals and recent progress, George W. Ranck, Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co., 1872, pp. 164-165.

Transcribed by pb November 1999