Wesley Augustus Williams
African-American firefighter
About Wesley Augustus Williams
Lived 1897 – 1984 (aged 86). Wesley Augustus Williams was an American firefighter, known for African-American and New York City Fire Department.
Wesley Augustus Williams (August 26, 1897 – July 3, 1984) was the third African-American to join the New York Fire Department and the first to be promoted to an officer.
Biography He was born on August 26, 1897, to James Henry Williams (1879–1948) and Lucy Metrash (1881–1932) in Manhattan, New York City. His father was chief of the Red Caps at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. He was inspired to join the New York City Fire Department when he read about Samuel Jesse Battle joining the New York City police department. The first African-American to join the New York City Fire Department was William H. Nicholson, who joined in 1918.
Chief Wesley Williams leads the Vulcan Society contingent thru Harlem during the annual African-American day paradeHe retired in 1952 with the rank of battalion chief.
Legacy His papers are archived at the New York Public Library at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Wesley Augustus Williams's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Wesley Augustus Williams's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Wesley Augustus Williams?
African-American firefighter (1897–1984)
When was Wesley Augustus Williams born?
Wesley Augustus Williams was born on 26 August 1897 in Manhattan.
When did Wesley Augustus Williams die?
Wesley Augustus Williams died on 3 July 1984 in Forest Hills.
What was Wesley Augustus Williams's occupation?
Wesley Augustus Williams was a firefighter.
What was Wesley Augustus Williams known for?
Wesley Augustus Williams was known for African-American and New York City Fire Department.
What nationality was Wesley Augustus Williams?
Wesley Augustus Williams was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Wesley Augustus Williams
· DBpedia: Wesley Augustus Williams
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Wesley Augustus Williams. https://biography.guide/wesley-augustus-williams/
MLA: "Wesley Augustus Williams." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/wesley-augustus-williams/.
Chicago: "Wesley Augustus Williams." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/wesley-augustus-williams/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:00 UTC