Jamestown Fire Department inc.
Organized 1891 - Incorporated Feb. 5, 1897

50 Narragansett Ave.  Jamestown, Rhode Island  02835

Hercules No.7

1859 Jeffers

1859 Jeffers Hand Pumper 

"Hercules Number 7" originally owned by The Newport Fire Department of Newport, RI. The 1859 Hand Pumper of which has 10" pistons and is in operating condition was built by William Jeffers Co. of Pawtucket, RI.

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Newport Mercury, Dec. 17, 1859

Thursday, by the arrival of the Ferry, Hercules Co. No.7, Capt. Cranston received their new and beautiful engine from the manufactory of Messrs. Jeffers & Company, Pawtucket , Rhode Island. The company were at the landing in full force, and with Gilmore’s band made a short parade .

The engine is what is termed the "piano style", having a highly polished rosewood box. The wheels are of white oak, painted white, and are four feet high with silver bands of a new pattern. The levers, axles, springs, and tongue are of polished steel. All the mountings are of finished brass and silver; the large air chamber is of burnished copper, and bears on each side the name of the company - "Hercules". On the side of the box is the number "7" surrounded by a beautiful gilt scroll. The suction is kept attached to the engine, so that but little time is required to put the engine in complete operation at a fire. On the front is a handsome signal lamp of red cut glass. The cylinder is 10 ½ inches in diameter, and the stroke changeable from 3 ½ to 7 ½ inches. The brakes are 23 ½ ft. long, accommodating 45 men. The cost of the engine with a horse cart is $1575, of which sum the City paid $1000, and the Company $575. The working parts of the machine are finished in the best possible manner, and the workmanship reflects great credit upon the builders. At the trial yesterday she threw an inch stream 208 feet horizontally and about 160 feet perpendicularly.

Newport Mercury

Newport, Rhode Island

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Last modified: October 03, 2006