Hoseman William J. Welch and five members of the same fire company lost their lives during a fire at the George Bent Bedding Company, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 5, 1898, during a collapse of the interior floors.

Hoseman Welch was born on November 19, 1870. He was employed as a blacksmith before being appointed to the Department on June 20, 1894. He was assigned to Engine 43 (South Boston). On September 4, 1896 he was transferred to to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston).