Molly Williams

Molly Williams (fl. 1818) was the first known black female firefighter in the United States.[1] An African American, she was held as a slave belonging to a New York City merchant by the name of Benjamin Aymar who was affiliated with the Oceanus Engine Company #11 in 1818. During her time in the company she was called Volunteer No. 11.[2] Williams made a distinguished presence in her sturdy work clothes of calico dress and checked apron and was said to be "as good a fire laddie as many of the boys."[3] Her service was noted particularly during the blizzard of 1818. Male firefighters were scarce due to an influenza outbreak, but Williams took her place with the men on the dragropes and pulled the pumper to the fire through the deep snow.[4]

When asked, Williams always replied: "‘I belongs to ole ‘Leven; I allers runs wid dat ole bull-gine.’"[5]

Notes
  1. "IFD Black History". Archived from the original on 2007-01-09. Retrieved 2007-01-12.
  2. "History -- The History of Volunteer Firefighting". Archived from the original on 2006-10-18. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  3. "History of Women in Firefighting". Retrieved 2015-10-19.
  4. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/woman-slave-molly-williams-fought-fires-early-1800s-article-1.2197868
  5. The History of Volunteer Firefighting Marinwood Fire Department

Further reading
  • Ochlitree, Diana; Kemly (illustrator), Kathleen (20 September 2012). Molly, by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America's First Female Firefighter. Calkins Creek. ISBN 978-1590787212. story book for young children


See also
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