Talk:Walthall Robertson Joyner

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W. R. JOYNER, chief of the Fire Department, Atlanta, Ga., was born in Cobb County, Ga., June 30, 1854, and moved to Atlanta when quite young.

At the age of fifteen he was appointed torch bearer of Hook and ladder Company No. 1 (Volunteers); at sixteen was elected a regular member of the same company/ In November, 1872, when just part the age of eighteen, he was elected second assistant foreman; November, 1873, was elected first assistant foreman; November, 1874, was elected foreman (each time without opposition), and held that position until January, 1877, when he was elected chief of the Volunteer Fire Department., also without opposition, being only twenty-two and a half years old, and holding the record at that time of being the youngest chief in the United States. January, 1878, he was re-elected without opposition. Was again nominated for 1870, but declined to run. He was then put back as foreman of Hook and Ladder Company, and remained in that position until the Paid Department took charge, which was in July, 1882. The general council elected him chief of the paid service, but he declined to take it, as he was then city marshal, and that placed was worth more money. In July, 1885, he was elected chief by the general council, and the salary was raised to two thousand five hundred dollars per annum to induce him to accept, as he was still city marshal, and would not change places, as the chief's salary was one thousand three hundred and fifty dollars per annum. So the change as above stated was made. When he took charge the department was in bad shape, and insurance was high. Now the department is willing to show up with any, and claims to be as well equipped as the best. The insurance has been reduced, and the department is the pride of Atlanta.