Samuel Cunard, born in Halifax on November 21, 1787, to Abraham Cunard and Margaret Murphy, played a significant role in the early fire protection efforts of the city. Largely self-educated, Cunard began his career as a clerk at the Royal Engineers' lumber yard. By 1812, he had entered business with his father under the name A. Cunard and Son, primarily trading in timber but also dealing in various other goods.
That same year, with the outbreak of the War of 1812, Cunard volunteered with the 2nd Battalion of the Halifax Regiment of Militia, rising to the rank of Captain.
Cunard’s involvement in fire protection began in 1809, when he joined the Sun Fire Company, one of Halifax’s early fire societies. By 1821, he had become the company’s president and was appointed as a Fireward for the North Suburbs, a civic role he held until 1835. His responsibilities included overseeing fire safety measures, chimney inspections, and organizing firefighting efforts—critical work in an era of frequent urban fire risk. His appointment was confirmed by the Court of Sessions on January 12, 1821, alongside other respected members of Halifax’s fire service community.
While his firefighting and civic contributions were substantial, Samuel Cunard is best known for his later success as a shipowner and founder of the Cunard Line. Between 1817 and 1850, he registered at least 76 ships, making him a key figure in the maritime and commercial history of Halifax and the British Empire. He died in London on April 28, 1865.