William Henry Nicholson
African-American firefighter
About William Henry Nicholson
Lived 1869 – 1912 (aged 42). William Henry Nicholson was an American firefighter.
William H. Nicholson (1869–1911) was the first African American fireman in the New York City Fire Department. He was assigned to Engine Company 6 and detailed to the veterinary department to feed the horses and shovel manure.
Biography
William H. Nicholson was born in 1869 in Virginia. He migrated to New York City and worked as a cement tester. He joined the New York City Fire Department in Brooklyn in 1898 and was detailed to the veterinary unit to feed the horses and shovel manure.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William Henry Nicholson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William Henry Nicholson?
African-American firefighter (1869-1912)
When was William Henry Nicholson born?
William Henry Nicholson was born on 26 June 1869 in Portsmouth.
When did William Henry Nicholson die?
William Henry Nicholson died on 12 January 1912 in Brooklyn.
What was William Henry Nicholson's occupation?
William Henry Nicholson was a firefighter.
What nationality was William Henry Nicholson?
William Henry Nicholson was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Henry Nicholson
· DBpedia: William H. Nicholson
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Henry Nicholson. https://biography.guide/william-henry-nicholson/
MLA: "William Henry Nicholson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-henry-nicholson/.
Chicago: "William Henry Nicholson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-henry-nicholson/.
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