PHENIX HOSE Co. 22 - Hester St. & Allen St.
Organized August 1, 1839.

This company had a target shooting organization, the Phenix Guards, headed by Foreman William R.W. Chambers, who would later be made Lieutenant of Co. E, 11th New York. Chambers had also served in organizations such as the Washington Continental Guard, and the State Guard. He was the only officer of the company who was a member of the Fire Department, and was largely responsible for filling its ranks. While recruiting, he held an open house at the Gotham on the Bowery, for which he paid out of his own pocket. 243 men signed on, though only 105 could be accepted.

Among the privates in Chambers' company was his brother, Thomas, who was killed at Bull Run.

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