Historic Independent Hose Co. member gravestone restored

FOR THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

Recently, members of the Friends of Mount Olivet Restoration completed the restoration of three monuments of the Salter family, a family that was an integral part of the early Independent Hose Co. No. 1 at the original West Church Street location.

The middle monument marks the grave of William Ent Salter who maintained the Independent firehouse and took care of the Independent engine until the time of his death. He was born in 1799 and died in 1862. He also served as a lamplighter for Frederick.

His monument was erected and paid for the membership of the Independent Hose Co. No. 1 in honor of the “…active and efficient services as a member and officer of said company.” The Salter family lived in a dwelling directly behind the Independent enginehouse. Upon William Salter’s death in 1862, his wife, Mary Ann Salter, continued to provide service to the firehouse and maintain the engine, possibly making her the very first female firefighter in Maryland.

Shown at the Salter Family gravestones are: Chris Haugh, historic preservation manager of Mt. Olivet Cemetery; Grayson “Jeep” Abrecht, Historical Committee Independent Hose Co. No. 1; Ray Crough, Friends of Mt. Olivet Cemetery Restoration and one of the stoneworkers; Jeff Scire, president, Independent Hose Co. No. 1; Jack Fleischman, oldest member of the Independent Hose Co. No.1; Brain Grossnickle, chief, Independent Hose Co. No. 1; Clarence “Chip” Jewell, president, Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum; Eric Whitmore, deputy chief, Independent Hose Co. No. 1, Bob Leinhauser, Friends of Mt. Olivet Cemetery and one of the stoneworkers.

Courtesy photo/Isiah Blue