Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Locally Made, Near Bladensburg in Georgetown, Fire Engines for Sale - April 1814


PATENT FIRE-ENGINES.

               The subscriber respectfully informs the public that he has obtained letters patent from the President of the U. States for constructing Fire Engines, of superior power and durability, and is now ready to contract for furnishing them to cities ot towns, on as low terms as he can afford.  His engines are so constructed, that the water may be commanded through the pipe or leather hose, as occasion may require.  In addition to other testimonials of his ability and character, he begs leave to add the following certificate.
                                              JOHN ACHMAN, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington city.[1]
April 16 - 4tNI

               Under an ordinance of the Corporation of Georgetown, we contracted with John Achman of Washington, city, to build a Fire Engine.  His testimonials of capability (as exhibited to us) were very full and satisfactory.  We take pleasure in adding to them, by stating, that his work has been executed with faithfulness, has efficiency, and must be durable - therefore can confidently recommend him as a master builder of Fire Engines.
                                                            JOHN PEIER,
                                                            JOHN OTT,
                                                            WM. MARBURY,
Georgetown, April 11th, 1814.[2]        



[1]  James Croggon. July 16, 1911. Old Firemen, 1800 TO 1814. The Evening Star, [pt. 2 p. 9]. [accessed April 16, 2013] http://bytesofhistory.org/Collections/Croggon/Croggon_19110716.html

"As early as 1808 John Achman, a coppersmith, engaged in building fire engines on High street, Georgetown, but later moved to Pennsylvania avenue, near the Seven buildings. Mr. Achman had learned to make fire engines in Europe."

[2] : Daily National Intelligencer; Date: 04-16-1814; Volume: II; Issue: 402; Page: [3]; Location: Washington (DC), District of Columbia.
Transcriber by John Peter Thompson, April 16th, 2013.

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