Introduction
Abraham Bradshaw was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on December 7, 1869 as an extra man with Engine Company 2.
Abraham Bradshaw was working as a sawyer, that is, he worked with wood at a sawmill, when he received his appointment to the Fire Department. He was then living at 539 South 2nd Street.
On September 2, 1869 City Council enacted a municipal ordinance creating a paid fire department. It provided for the annual appointment of five Fire Commissioners, one Chief Marshal (Chief of Department) and two Assistant Marshals. The City was also divided into two fire districts. The boundary line ran east and west, starting at Bridge Avenue and following the tracks of the Camden and Amboy Railroad to the city limits. District 1 was south of this line and District 2 was north. The commissioners also appointed the firemen who were scheduled to work six 24 hour tours per week. William Abels, from the Weccacoe Hose Company No. 2 was appointed Chief Marshal with William J. Mines, from the Independence Fire Company No. 3 as Assistant Marshal for the 1st District, and William H. Shearman as the Assistant Marshal for the 2nd District. Abels had served with the volunteer fire departments of Philadelphia, Mobile, Alabama and Camden for sixteen years prior to his appointment as Chief of the paid force.
On November 10, 1869 City Council purchased the Independence Firehouse, the three-story brick building at 409 Pine Street, for $4,500. The building was designated to serve as quarters for Engine Company 1 and the 1st District. On October 29, 1869 City Council authorized construction of a two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets as quarters for the 2nd District. On November 25th the Fire Commissioners signed a contract with M.N. Dubois in the amount of $3,100 to erect this structure. The 2nd District would share these quarters with Engine Company 2 and the Hook & Ladder Company and the facility would also serve as department headquarters for the new paid force. The original contract remains part of the Camden County Historical Society collection.
Engine Company 2 with 1869 Silsby Hose Cart. Photo circa 1890. Note badges upon derby hats worn by firefighters.
Two Amoskeag second class, double pump, straight frame steam engines were purchased at a cost of $4,250 each. Two Silsby two wheel hose carts, each of which carried 1,000 feet of hose, were another $550 each and the hook & ladder, built by Schanz and Brother of Philadelphia was $900. Each engine company received a steam engine and hose cart. Amoskeag serial #318 went to Engine Company 1, and serial #319 to Engine Company 2. The Fire Commission also secured the services of the Weccacoe and Independence steamers in case of fire prior to delivery of the new apparatus. Alfred McCully of Camden made the harnesses for the horses. Camden's Twoes & Jones made the overcoats for the new firemen and a Mr. Morley, also of Camden, supplied the caps and belts which were manufactured by the Migeod Company of Philadelphia. The new members were also issued badges.
The new members of Engine Company 2 were:
Engine Company 2 Roster
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 2, 1869
Officers
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ | Badge ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| William J. Ross | Engineer | |
| George Liebecke | Driver | |
| William T.G. Young Sr. | Stoker |
Extra Men
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ | Badge ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Middleton | Extra Man | 11 |
| Samuel Patton | Extra Man | 12 |
| Elwood Cline | Extra Man | 13 |
| George W. Bates | Extra Man | 14 |
| Robert Pine | Extra Man | 15 |
| Theodore Zimmerman | Extra Man | 16 |
| Benjamin H. Connelly | Extra Man | 17 |
| Richard Houghtaling | Extra Man | 18 |
| Abraham Bradshaw | Extra Man | 19 |
| Richard Githens | Extra Man | |
| John Graham | Extra Man | 20 |
This is the earliest known photo of fire headquarters on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets. Originally built in 1869, the building shows signs of wear some twenty years later. Note the weathervane shaped like a fireman's speaking trumpet atop the tower. Also, the fire alarm bell is pictured to the left of the telegraph pole above the rooftop. The bell was removed from the building once the fire alarm telegraph system was expanded and in good working order.
This maker's plate once was attached to a harness made by A. McCully & Sons, 22 Market Street, Camden, New Jersey. This firm provided the first harnesses for the paid fire department in 1869. (Courtesy of the C.C.H.S. Collection).
Badges worn by the marshals, engineers, stokers and engine drivers bore the initial letter of their respective positions and their district number. The tillerman and his driver used the number “3” to accompany their initial letter. The extra men of the 1st District were assigned badges 1-10; 2nd District badges were numbered 11-20 and the extra men of the hook & ladder wore numbers 21-30.
Although the Fire Commission intended to begin operation of the paid department on November 20, 1869, the companies did not actually enter service until December 7th at 6 P.M. because the new apparatus and buildings were not ready. The new apparatus was not tried (tested) until December 9th.
The first style of breast badge worn by members of the career department in the City of Camden. 1869. (Courtesy of the C.C.H.S. Collection).
Abraham Bradshaw was removed from service with the Camden Department on May 16, 1871.
The 1878–1879 City Directory lists Abraham Bradshaw at 336 Hartman Street, which became Clinton Street in 1882. Abraham Bradshaw worked as a sawyer until about 1883 when he was appointed to the police department. He remained with the police department into 1885, and was still living at 336 Clinton Street when the 1885 City Directory was compiled.
The 1887–1888 Camden City Directory shows Abraham Bradshaw living at 547 South 2nd Street, working as an insurance Agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. That venture only lasted a year, as the 1888–1889 Directory has Abraham Bradshaw working as a wood sawyer across the river in Philadelphia. He worked as a sawyer and as a carpenter until 1896 when he went into the coal and ice business with John Budden. The business was, appropriately enough, called Bradshaw & Budden. By 1899 John Budden was no longer part of the business, however, Abraham Bradshaw Jr. was. The business was then called Abraham Bradshaw & Son.
A resident of 547 South 2nd Street till his last day, Abraham Bradshaw died on July 2, 1900 of a stroke.
Albion Lodge, Sons of St. George
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Albion Lodge, Sons of St. George, of Camden, has elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President — John Bowers; Vice President — Joseph Claridge; Messenger — William Bateman; Recording Secretary — E.J. Bolton; Financial Secretary — C.F. Simpson; Treasurer — John H. Horsfall; Trustee — Thomas Mason; Representative to Grand Lodge — Abe Bradshaw; Alternate — Abel Bottoms.
The Policy Raid
Camden Post —
The Policy Raid.
Mayor Bradshaw this morning sent to the grand jury, the paraphernalia captured in the raid on “Bill” Smith's policy den, 14 South Eighth street, on Saturday night last by Chief Matlack and Officer Abe Bradshaw. The names of a number of persons who were in the house at the time has also been furnished the grand jury. Smith who fled from the house at the time of the raid has not yet been captured. It is believed he is in Philadelphia making arrangements with his alleged backer, Oscar Stein, to come over and furnish the necessary bail for his appearance when required at court.
The Smith Policy Case
Camden Daily Courier —
The Smith Policy Case.
William, alias “Policy Bill” Smith, whose place, 14 South Eighth street, was pulled by the Chief and Officer Bradshaw on Saturday last, and who escaped at the time to Philadelphia, surrendered himself yesterday afternoon to the Mayor, and was admitted to bail in the sum of $300.
Police Resignations
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Harris, a deck hand on the excursion steamer Republic, attempted suicide on Tuesday night by jumping from one of the Federal street ferry boats as it lay in the dock. He was taken in charge by Policeman Streeper.
The resignations of Policemen Abraham Bradshaw and William Jones take effect to-day. Harry Miller and Thomas Walton have been appointed as their successors.
George Hunsinger, residing at No. 313 Pine Street, Camden, was yesterday held in $200 bail for assault and battery on his wife.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OVER IN CAMDEN
The police made 316 arrests during June, of which 160 were for drunkenness.
Recorder Nowrey held William Mowrey in $300 bail yesterday charged with stealing a bicycle from Harry Perkins, of the East Side.
Robert Desmond was locked up last evening charged with stealing $10 from the money drawer of John Lyons, at 702 South Second street.
The Camden and Suburban Railway Company had another test of trolley car fenders yesterday afternoon. A further test will be made next Monday.
Joseph Lynch, of Boston, charged with having counterfeit half dollars and engaging a boy to pass the coin, was held by United States Commissioner J. Willard Morgan yesterday for a further hearing.
Lyman Johnson, of 775 Pine street, fell from the roof of the burned storage warehouse of Thomas C. Parks at 811 Newton avenue, yesterday and was injured about the head and hips. He was admitted to Cooper Hospital.
Abraham Bradshaw, of 547 South Second street, eldest brother of the late Claudius Bradshaw, former Mayor of Camden, died suddenly yesterday of paralysis. He was hall officer at the City Hall when his brother was Mayor.
Mrs. Josephine Durham was committed by Justice Colding last evening charged with bigamy. Benjamin Durham, the complainant, alleges he married the defendant on July 17, 1898, and on April 11 last she was again married to Frank Hale.
Five bicyclists were fined by Recorder Nowrer yesterday for violating city ordinances. Robert Muir had no lamp on his wheel; Julius Goldstein was riding on a sidewalk, and Harry Polk, Joseph Du Bois and William Lynch were riding faster than eight miles an hour.
The funeral of Henry L. Bonsall, editor-in-chief of the Camden Post-Telegram, will be held this afternoon from the residence of his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Whitelock, at 317 Broadway. Services were held yesterday afternoon in Delair P.E. Church. Rev. R.G. Hamilton, of Palmyra, assisted by Rev. R.G. Moses, of Merchantville, conducted the services. The Camden newspaper men yesterday afternoon adopted appropriate resolutions on the death of Mr. Bonsall.