Molly Williams
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Molly Williams was the first known female firefighter in the United States.[1] An African American, she was held as a slave and belonging to a New York merchant Benjamin Aymar worked on Oceanus Engine Company #11 in New York City in 1818. There she was used to be called Volunteer No. 11.[2] Williams made a distinguished presence in her calico dress and checked apron and was said to be "as good a fire laddie as many of the boys."[3] Her work was noted particularly during the blizzard of 1818. Male firefighters were scarce, but Williams took her place with the men on the dragropes and pulled the pumper to the fire through the deep snow.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "IFD Black History". Retrieved on January 12, 2007.
- ^ "History -- The History of Volunteer Firefighting". Retrieved on January 13, 2007.
- ^ "History of Women in Firefighting". Retrieved on January 13, 2007.
