Samuel Richard Caldwell

Samuel Richard Caldwell (May 11, 1813–April 4, 1905) was a Canadian merchant, fireman, and politician in Nova Scotia who was elected the 17th mayor of Halifax.

Early life Samuel Richard Caldwell was born on May 11, 1813, in the Colony of Nova Scotia. He partnered with his brother William for many years in the blacksmith trade. Operating from Caldwell's Wharf, they served as ship smiths and completed much of the heavy work that modern equipment now replaces.

Fireman He first joined the Union Engine Company (now Halifax Fire and Emergency) in May 1835. Caldwell was among the firemen with the No. 1 fire engine based at St. Paul's Church.

He became captain of the Union Fire Company in December 1855. After serving until November 1859, he was awarded a gold medal upon retiring to take office as mayor.

Mayor of Halifax Samuel Richard Caldwell was elected mayor of Halifax for two years, serving from 1859 to 1860 after succeeding Henry Pryor. He was the 11th mayor since the incorporation of the City of Halifax in 1842.

Caldwell, during his tenure as mayor, prioritized fire prevention and equality among social classes. In 1860, he and Alderman Philip Carteret Hill acquired two steam fire engines from the U.S. He represented the volunteer company, the Halifax Engineers, on May 14, 1860, at a meeting in Lt. Thomas C. Haliburton's office. The meeting led to the creation of the Halifax Volunteer Battalion, the third battalion formed across British North America. Although represented at the meeting, the Halifax Engineers decided against joining the other volunteer companies.

The Halifax mayor oversaw the visit of the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, and welcomed the future king at the dockyard during the summer of 1860.

H.M. Customs S.R. Caldwell was appointed to the department of customs for the port of Halifax, then known as Her Majesty's Customs before the Confederation of Canada.

Personal life William Caldwell Jr., his brother, was a prominent member of the Orange Order in Canada and a former Grandmaster of Nova Scotia.

Samuel Richard married Margaret Irving in 1858.

Death Samuel Richard Caldwell died on April 4, 1905, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.