Williams, Wesley A., 1896-1984

New York City's first African-American fire fighter and fire official in the New York City Fire Department, ascending through the ranks from driver (1919), retiring as battalion chief (1952). He was a founder of the Vulcan Society, a black firemen's professional and social organization which sought better employment conditions.

From the description of Wesley Williams papers, 1909-1984, 1919-1984. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122517463

From the guide to the Wesley Williams papers, 1909-1984, 1919-1984, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)

Wesley Williams was born in 1896 in Kearsarge, Michigan. He attended the Kearsarge elementary school and graduated from Calumet High School in 1915. Williams was employed as a timekeeper and supply clerk for the Osceola Consolidated Copper Company at the South Kearsarge Branch. He was a veteran of World War II where he served as a bugler at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. After his Army service Williams was employed as an office clerk at the Ahmeek Branch and later at the Calumet office, retiring from Calumet & Hecla, Inc. in 1961, having served as a timekeeper for 45 years. Williams was also involved in several community organizations, including he Keweenaw Band, the Calumet Lodge 271, Free and Accepted Masons and the Ahmeek Methodist Church. He also enjoyed writing poetry, music and making home recordings. Mr. Williams passed away in 1979.

From the description of Wesley Williams Ephemera, 1931-1975 1959-1970. (Michigan Technological University). WorldCat record id: 714130251