William H. Nicholson Explained

William H. Nicholson (1869–1911) was the first African American fireman in the New York City Fire Department. He was assigned to Engine Company 6 and detailed to the veterinary department to feed the horses and shovel manure.^{[1] [2]}

Biography

William H. Nicholson was born in 1869 in Virginia. He migrated to New York City and worked as a cement tester.^[3] He joined the New York City Fire Department in Brooklyn in 1898 and was detailed to the veterinary unit to feed the horses and shovel manure.^[1]

Nicholson retired because of his bad health in 1911 and died a few weeks later.^[4]

See also

• Wesley Augustus Williams —Third African American fireman in the New York City Fire Department

Vulcan Society

Notes and References

1. Web site: History of the Vulcan Society . 2015-09-17 . .
2. Book: Ginger Adams Otis . Firefight: The Century-Long Battle to Integrate New York's Bravest . 2015. . 9781137280015 .
3. News: Colored Man Made Fireman. First One of His Race to Get On Force in New York City . . November 13, 1898 .
4. Web site: Can A Colored Man Extinguish Brooklyn Fires . 2015-12-02 . The Brownstone Detectives .