The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-17


DIR. Duffy gave a certificate of death.
Tne deceased leaves widow and
daughter, Miss Lizzie Underwood.
Otis Il. Underwood was one OF the best
known and most generally liked old-time
residents OF that part of the city known
as downtown"
He was born in Providence in 1929, and
has always lived here and in the old
Third Ward, now the First.
He was a carpenter by trade and was
employed for many years as chief car
penter for the Continental Steamboat
Company. In 1882 he left that concern
and ever since has been with the House
hold Sewing Machine Company.
But it was az q veteran fireman that
bered. He served practically life time
in the department, becoming a volunteer
in 1Sa5, when he was but IL years old.
He was one OF the original members OF
the ola Gazette Company, No. 4, with
station on Transit street, which was or
3's, one of the old-time com pan ies, which
didn't have a name, but adopted the fol-
lowing notices to paint on their
machine: sour duty is our delight'
and "Pro Bono Publico."
Later on he ran with the John Il.
Chace Compny, No. 4, with Pioneer 2
and Water Witch 6.
When the paid department was organ
ized in 1854, as the result OF the murder
of fireman Dougherty at the Arnold
block fire, Mr.. Underwood was among
the first to join. He served with sew
eral different companies until July
1876, when What Cheer Company, now
Hose Is, was organized, and he was
charter member. lie served there as call
hoseman until July, 1891, when he re-
tired permanently from the department.
Hose 15 was organized with the fol-
lowing mem bers:
Captain Edward w. Hall; hosemen,
William Patterson, Otis r. Underwood,
Henry X. Potter, Gilbert Lewis,
George f. l.. Crosby, Frank II. Dodge,
Chas. Rodman; permanent men, L. w.
ID. Reynolds, hydrantman, and George
A. Reaves, driver.
Mr.. Underwood is the first member OF
the original What Cheer Company to
die, although all but two have given up
fire fighting. Hydrantmen Reynolds is
now captain of Hose and William Pat
terson retains his position as Gail man on
hose 15.
The official notification received by Mr..
Underwood five years ago last month
that mis- resignation had been accepted
was significant of the splendid record
which he had made for himself The
notification was conveyed in the follow
ing letter from headquarters:
Providenc Fire Department,
O4ce of Chief Eng gneer,
Providence, July 10, 1891.
oTIs p. UNDERwooD, Esq,
DEAR SIR-At a meeting OF the Joint
standing committee on fire department
held July 9, 1891 your resignation as a
call member of Hose Go. 10, to take effect
June 80, 1851, was received and in ac.
N'iN"hNo "Nh SOuA INV ohhiO WIN
accepted.
The committee and the chief regret
that the department Is no longer TO have
the benefit of your valuable services and
they desire to express to yon their hign
appreciation OF the assistance rendered
by you during your IS years connection
with the service. During that period
your duties have been well and faithfully
performed, every order given has been
faithfully complied with, and at all times
and under all circumstances your dis
charge of duties assigned YOU entitled
you to the highest commendation and
you leave the department with record
OF which you may be Justly proud.
The committee and the chief trust
that you may be spared for many years
TO enjoy your well-oarned respite from
the dangerous duties 90 which you
have for so many years been exposed,
and In retiring from the service they
bcg thst-Yet will accept ffe#- them the
earnest assurance OF their best wishes
for your future welfare.
Per order joint standing committee on
Ore department..
JOHN W. MORROW, Secretary.
Mr.. Underwood was, ~ a matter OF
course, one Of the leading members Of
In 49,