J. W. Edmonds Hose Company No. 1 was organized in April 17, 1794 under a different name. It is the oldest active volunteer fire company in New York State. John W. Edmonds served as the first Chief Engineer for the volunteer Hudson Fire Department until 1837.^ The J. W. Edmonds Hose Company No. 1 memorializes John Edmonds pioneering volunteer service in the Hudson Fire Department.

Edmonds subsequently rose through the New York judicial system ranks to serve on New York top court, the Court of Appeals for New York State, from 1852 to 1853. Edmonds was also a founder of the Prison Association of New York and a prominent spiritualist.