by Camille Lewis

Why Minnesota? For all the states in the Union, why did thousands of African Americans migrate to the frigid climate of the Midwest?

Stories in Time – a Look into the Ordinary Life of Extraordinary People is a quarterly series that discovers the who and the why by peeking into the lives of African Americans who made the Midwest—specifically Minnesota—their home.

Three African American men transferred from Minneapolis Fire Station 13 to Station 24 in July of 1907. This was the city’s first all-colored fire station, and was a milestone that seemed light years behind the city of St. Paul’s introduction of African Americans to both Police and Fire departments before the turn of the century. Minneapolis Station 24 was located at 4501 Hiawatha Ave South in Minneapolis, and the men vowed to protect and serve the Minnehaha (aka Ha-ha) area.

Ha-ha’s Colored Firemen Have Excellent Records

headlined the Minneapolis Journal.

The men had been together in the unit for less than a week before public opposition began to fester. It is unclear who opposed their appointments and signed a petition asking for these men to be replaced by white firemen, on general principal, but the sentiment was not unique during those times. It is clear, however, how well these firemen were celebrated and appreciated for their service.

Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Stockwell of 3204 East 54the Street were quoted as saying, “The colored men should be given exactly the same opportunity in their station as would white men. They have done absolutely nothing to warrant any compliant against them or request for their removal. Until they do, let them stay and judge them by the work they do.”

John Cheatham Captain (left) had been in service with the Minneapolis Department for 20 years and a resident of Minneapolis since 1863. The proud father of four, at the time of the controversy, John Cheatham, just 7 months shy of his retirement, commented, “This is the first time anyone complained of me. All I want is a chance to educate my children and get them started right. And I don’t think the people out here will have any cause to complain of either the way we act or the way we handle fires. “

Lafayette H. Mason Pipeman an on- call fireman for 2-years , joined Station 24 he earned his living as a accomplished musician outstanding athlete once consider one of the best high school football players Minneapolis ever produced. Mason “I lived in Minneapolis all my life and don’t believe anybody can say anything against me. I guess the best thing we can do is say nothing about this affair. We have some friends out here, and there used to be a time in Minneapolis when a colored man could get along without trouble if he minded his own business and behaved himself.”

Franklin Harris Lieutenant in charge was born in Faribault Minnesota in 1873. Franklin was the son of Samuel and Annie Harris, he and his young brother Joseph moved to the cities about 15 years ago. Franklin, his wife Jennie and daughter Della resided at 1312 2nd Ave S at the time of the controversy. He offered no comment about this affair.

Some believe John Cheatham was Minneapolis first African American fireman, the account is unclear be he the first or second he along with Mason and Harris paved the way for many more African Americans to dawn a Minneapolis fire and police uniform.

If you want more information and documentation on these extraordinary Minnesotans, contact Camille at millymouse@live.com.