Introduction
Amedee S. Middleton
Amedee St. Clair Middleton was first appointed to the Camden Fire Department’s Hook & Ladder Company as an extra man in April 8, 1877. He served until April 1882, then was replaced by Robert Miller. Amedee Middleton was recalled to duty for one year in the spring of 1884, replacing Logan Bates. Again called to serve in 1886 Amedee Middleton was promoted to Tillerman of the Hook and Ladder Company. On June 1, 1890, when Engine Company 4 went into service in 1890, Amedee Middleton was promoted to Foreman and assigned to Engine Company 4 as it first went into service at 320 Vine Street in North Camden. Other personnel initially assigned to the new company included Frank Turner, engineer, Edward Hartman, driver, Barney Harvey, stoker and the hosemen were Walter Browning and Charles Berry.
Amedee St. Clair Middleton was born to Amos Archer Middleton and his wife, the former Sarah Jane Delacour, in July of 1852, according to the 1900 Census. Of the six children born only three reached adulthood, Stanislaus, Frederick, and Amedee.
Amedee Middleton’s maternal grandfather was Joseph C. Delacour, a retired United States Army officer and one of Camden’s most public-spirited citizens of his time; his uncle, Joseph L. Delacour, served in the Union Army during the Civil War; and his great-grandfather had accompanied the Marquis de Lafayette to America during the Revolutionary War. Amos and Sarah Jane Middleton appear to have divorced during the mid-1850s. She married a sea captain, William Moslander and of this second marriage two sons were born, Samuel and William S. Moslander.
Amedee Middleton had lived in Camden’s South Ward as a little boy, and lived in the Middle Ward after his mother remarried. The 1870 Census shows him living with his mother and younger brothers, and mention that he was working at some sort of occupation relating to brass. He married around 1877, and as mentioned above, was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in April of that year. A daughter, Rena, was born in 1878. Amedee Middleton was living at 835 Penn Street and working as a dyer when appointed to the Fire Department. The 1878 and 1879 City Directories give his address as 836 Kimber Street and 830 Kimber Street, respectively, and mention that he worked as a weaver. The Middletons moved to 28 North 3rd Street prior to the 1880 Census, but had returned to familiar surroundings by 1882. From 1882 through 1888 the family lived at 835 Penn Street. Amedee Middleton secured an appointment with the Post Office as a letter carrier in the 1880s. Amedee Middleton was recalled to the Fire Department as an extra man in 1884, and served for one year. When the Fire Department reorganized in July of 1886, he became a full time firefighter, as tillerman with the Hook and Ladder Company.
The 1890–1891 City Directory states that the Middletons had moved to 837 Penn Street. Amedee Middleton was promoted to Foreman and placed in charge of the new Engine Company 4. He commanded Engine Company 4 through 1899. The Middletons moved around during the 1890s. City Directories record their movements as follows; 1894, 603 North 6th Street; 1895, 532 Market Street; 1896, 218 North 5th Street; 1897, 623 Market Street; 1898, 319 North 5th Street; and in 1899 he was back at 603 North 6th Street. The 1900 Census shows Amedee Middleton boarding at 603 North 6th Street with former Camden Fire Department member Edward S. Powell, and Mary and Rena Middleton boarding at 103 North 26th Street in what had recently become East Camden.
When the Town of Stockton was annexed to the City of Camden in 1899, Cramer Hill and East Camden became a part of the City. New Fire companies were organized and a new firehouse was built at North 27th Street and Federal Streets. Similar growth had been going on in South Camden. A new ladder company, Ladder Company 3 went into service in East Camden on March 1, 1900. Amedee Middleton was placed in charge of this unit.
Of the many fires Amedee Middleton fought during his tenure with the Camden Fire Department comes this account of the Camden Storage Warehouse fire of May 1904, written by Lee Ryan for the Camden Fire Department’s 125th Anniversary history book, published in 1994:
At 4:57 A.M. on May 6, 1904 a phone alarm and several pull boxes were received for a fire at the Camden Storage Warehouse at Delaware Avenue and Cooper Street. The massive five-story building contained 600 rooms with furniture storage. Smoke and fire could be seen coming from the fourth floor at the southeast corner of the warehouse. Upon arrival, Chief Samuel S. Elfreth transmitted a general alarm as the blaze spread through the entire fourth floor. Within minutes, engine companies had water on the fire as additional streams were directed from the roof of the adjoining E.G. Locke Paper Company. Hoselines were stretched down Penn and Cooper Streets and along Delaware Avenue to supplement water supplies.
Shortly after 5:00 A.M. part of the fourth floor collapsed, spreading the fire to the floor below. This collapse was quickly followed by the crashing of the fifth floor. By 5:30 A.M the front section of roof collapsed onto Cooper Street in a thundering roar, creating a shower of blazing embers that threatened numerous buildings along Amber Street. Within an hour of its discovery, the fire had engulfed the entire warehouse. Only through the gallant efforts of the firefighters was the huge blaze contained. While spectators described the fire scene as waves of withering heat, Camden’s Bravest held their ground within forty feet of the walls. The City of Philadelphia offered assistance but Chief Elfreth declined and by 7:00 A.M. he declared the fire under control.
While battling the blaze, Foreman Amedee Middleton was struck on the head by falling bricks. Only his helmet, which cracked, saved his life. Losses were placed at $50,000. Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Buzine stated that the blaze was harder to fight than the Victor Talking Machine fire two weeks prior. Engine Company 1 assigned to the foreground detail remained on the scene until 7:00 P.M. and before leaving found two black kittens still alive in an office area adjoining the ruins of the burned warehouse.
The Camden Post-Telegram newspaper described the departing crew of Engine Company 1 as “water soaked and the color of coal stained breaker boys.” A crowd of onlookers cheered the weary firefighters as they left the scene after fourteen hours at the fire.
Amedee Middleton and his wife and daughter lived at 2629 Westfield Avenue as early as 1906 through at least 1910. By 1914 he had retired from the Fire Department, and had moved out of Camden. Amedee Middleton, his wife Mary, and daughter Rena were living in Franklin Township in Gloucester County when the Census was taken in January of 1920. Amedee Middleton was still alive as late as August 1926 when his wife passed away. By March of 1931 he had joined her.
Daughter Rena Middleton married Irvin Paist, who had boarded with them in Franklin Township, during the 1920s and moved to Paulsboro, New Jersey. Sadly, by April of 1930 she was a widow. She died on March 21, 1931 and was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Extra Firemen Appointed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Commissioners of the Camden Paid Fire Department, in addition to the regular, have appointed the following extra men on the force: Amadon Middleton, Charles Benton, George Tracey, John Stephens, Elijah Moorehouse, Francis Miller, Joseph B. Green, Jr., Charles Sawyer, Charles M. Lane, Christian Tenner, John Toy, Jacob App, William Deith, Amos Osler, Archie Clark, H. Sharp, Richard Cooper, James Hunt, Charles H. Reed, Richard Deitz, Benjamin Marshall, P. Brown, John Grav [sic], Isaac O. Randolph, Josiah Davis, Francis Boardman, Charles Elfreth, Alexander Watson, Howard Cuney, Francis Tamer. Nine of the above were members of the Fire Department a few years ago, under the now newly appointed Chief, R. S., Bender.
A Blaze in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Supposed Incendiary Fire Causes the Destruction of Considerable Property.
A disastrous fire broke out about midnight Saturday on George street, below Front, Camden, and for a while threatened to destroy several valuable properties in that vicinity. The fire originated in a stable in the rear of the West Jersey Hotel, its origin being unknown. The horses and wagons were gotten out in safety but the buildings and their contents were entirely consumed, and from here the flames communicated to the large three story warehouse of Taylor Bros., which was also destroyed. The aggregated loss will amount to $22,300.
D H. Lardman, whose property is in the rear of Market street, sustains a loss to building of $1000; insured for $700. His loss on stock will exceed $3500, insurance not known. Taylor Bros.’ losses will exceed $8000; insured for $2000. This building was the property of the West Jersey Ferry Company, and was not insured. George Campbell, livery keeper, sustained a loss of $2000, insured in the North American Insurance Company for $1500. This building was owned by Samuel Cooper, and was valued at $2000; no insurance. Mr. Vanderslice, expressman, estimates his losses at $2500, with no insurance. The Penn Slate Mantle Works lose $500, with no insurance. The walls were standing in a dangerous condition yesterday, and Chief Daniel S. [sic] Carter ordered them taken down. In complying with the order, three firemen named Barney Harvey, Benjamin Kellum and Amos Middleton were severely injured by portions of it falling upon them. The residents on Market street complain of the inadequate supply of water for such a business thoroughfare.
Camden Fire Commissioners Fill Two Vacancies
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening elected John Gray an extra fireman from the Second ward, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Amidee Middleton, and Francis S. Turner, of the Third ward, stoker of Engine No. 2, in place of William McKinley, removed. They decided to ask City Council to allow them to advertise for proposals for the erection of the fire tower on Engine House No 2 which was destroyed by the recent tornado
Camden News Budget.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Many Candidates for Positions in the Fire Department and Patrol.
The Fire Commissioners have hundreds of applications from the various ward politicians for places in the two new fire companies which will be organized about the first of the year. The additional company up town will be known as Company No. 4, while the new one down town will be known as No. 3. There is a heated contest for foreman of No. 4 company between Amedee Middleton and Peter Gray, both of whom are at present in the service of the department, being stationed at No. 2 engine. There are several candidates for foreman of No. 3 company, with Mort Wilson in the lead. He has the backing of Commissioner Roberts.
The Fire Commissioners met last night, but did nothing toward making the appointments. A [the text is cut off at the crop edge]
Engine Company 4
1890
Engine Company 4, 1890
Foreman Middleton Promoted
Trenton Evening Times —
Engine Company 4 – Amedee S. Middleton
Camden’s Fire Laddies Parade
Philadelphia Inquirer —
AN EVENT WHICH ENTHUSED THE QUIET CITY ACROSS THE RIVER.
The City Profusely Decorated in Honor of the Event and an Immense Crowd in Attendance—Brief Notes of Interest.
Yesterday was a red-letter day in Camden. It was the occasion of the first firemen’s parade in the city for years. From every flagstaff the American flag floated. Such elaborate decorations of business places, residences and public buildings have not been seen since the Presidential campaign. Flags and bunting adorned the fronts of the four engine houses, while the Morning News, Courier and Press Club had decorations which attracted much attention.
The parade started at half-past 2, with Chief Marshal W. B. E. Miller in command. Councilman E. E. Jefferies was assistant marshal. A platoon of twenty policemen, in charge of Chief Samuel Dodd, headed the line. The United States Fire Company, of Atlantic City, in command of Chief Locke, with Foreman E. J. Pettit as an assistant, attracted much attention. The company wore their coats and had their hose carriage and steamer with them.
The Fire Commissioners came next in carriages, Mayor Pratt and Camden officials in carriages, Councilmen and Recorder Joseph Bartlett and President of Council Robert Stroud, of Atlantic City; members of the press in carriages, police patrol, Sixth Regiment Band, Chief Engineer Bender and Assistant Chief Bazine, of the Camden Fire Department; Engine Company No. 1, Foreman John G. Stockton; Engine Company No. 2, Foreman Harry Grosscup; Engine Company No. 3, Foreman Mortimer Wilson; Engine Company No. 4, Foreman Amadee Middleton; extra engine, hose cart and supply wagon. All of the apparatus of the different companies was handsomely decorated.
As the parade passed the postoffice all of the clerks and carriers in full uniform were drawn up in line and reviewed the procession. A handsome floral offering was presented to Postmaster Browning as he rode by the postoffice in his carriage.
The route was the same as that published in yesterday’s Inquirer, with the exception of the Eighth ward portion, which had to be abandoned, owing to the heat.
OTHER ITEMS.
During the parade yesterday Thomas Murphy, a pick-pocket, of Newark, was caught in the act of “working” the crowd. While Patrolman Isaac McKinley was on his way to the City Hall with the prisoner two of his friends attempted to rescue him. The officer held on to the thief and with the aid of Albert Gilbert, of the Water Department, succeeded in landing him safely behind the bars.
The Property Committee, of the Board of Education, met last night and completed the arrangements for the purchasing of American flags for the public schools. The latter will be raised for the first time on the Fourth of July.
The Freeholders yesterday received a communication from the jury that tried Chalkley Leconey, asking for extra compensation. It was laid over for one month.
Charles Berry’s Funeral.
Camden Daily Courier —
The funeral of Charles G. Berry, one of the bravest and most popular firemen in this city, took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon from his late residence at 226 Point street.
The firemen attended the funeral in a body, and the members of the First Ward Republican Club were represented in a large body, while Mayor Westcott, Councilman Robert Smith, George Barrett, and many other prominent men of this city viewed the body.
Rev. A. G. Lawson of the North Baptist Church preached the funeral sermon, after which the body was taken to Philadelphia where it was interred in Glenwood Cemetery. The body lay in a black cloth covered casket and was dressed in his fireman’s uniform with the cap lying on the breast.
A profusion of floral offerings lay around the coffin. Among these were a pillow with the words “Comrades of No. 4,” a fireman’s hat from No. 4 Company, cut flowers from Jesse Conley, a design of white roses from James Dunn and Joseph Love, two of his closest friends, a pillow from his family a handsome design from the Republican League and lilies from Councilman Smith.
The pall bearers were Chief Samuel Elfreth, of the Fire Department; Foreman Amadee Middleton, of No. 4; Engineer Frank Turner and Edward Hartman, Walter Browning, Robert Sheer, William Bogia and Charles Kay, all members of the Fire Department.
All the friends of the deceased accompanied the body to the ferry and there left the pall-bearers and family with his Philadelphia friends, who took the body to the cemetery.
Mr. Charles Berry was born in Philadelphia, in 1854. He graduated from the Friends’ Central School and attended the Chester Military Academy. When he left school he went with John Mundell, the shoe manufacturer of Philadelphia, and became foreman of Mr. Mundell’s extensive works. Ten years ago he came to Camden and was foreman of George Martin’s shoe factory, and from there he went to Deitrich’s place, on Market street, where he held a similar position, which he gave up to enter the fire department. He has been a fireman for three years, and was known as one of the bravest and best men in the department.
Camden’s Gallant Fire Fighters
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Men Who Risk Their Lives in Battle with Flames
Camden, since the recent increase in the Fire Department, has one of the best equipped and most efficient corps of fire fighters of any city of its size in the country. The officials are all veterans in the service and they take pride in the department and in the city’s small annual fire loss.
Benjamin L. Kellum, second assistant chief engineer in charge of the East Side district, entered the service in Camden in the spring of 1874. He was driver of the hook and ladder truck for several years and was made foreman of the company in 1890. He was promoted to be assistant chief engineer in February last.
Foreman Amedee S. Middleton entered the department April 1, 1877. He was a call man for four years and two months and was then made a regular, filling the position of stoker. In 1884 he was promoted to ladderman and from that to tillerman. He was made foreman of Engine Company No. 4 June 2, 1890, and was made foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 3 when the East Side firemen went on duty on March 1 last.
Albert C. Jones entered the service as stoker of Engine Company No. 2 in 1890. He served in that capacity until his promotion on March 1 last to be foreman of Hose Company No. 2.
Benjamin L. Kellum, 2nd. Asst. Chief Engineer. Albert C. Jones, Foreman No. 2 Hose. Amedee S. Middleton, Foreman H. & L. Co. No. 3.
Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A heavy downpour of rain stopped all of the morning exercises at the Pyne Point Park Fourth of July celebration, Camden, except the sunrise salute and the base ball game. In the afternoon a number of sporting events were decided.
Nearly all the political and social clubs of the city kept open house. In the evening the Eighth Ward Republican and Democratic Clubs gave an exhibition of fireworks at the foot of Jefferson avenue. There were a large number of private displays.
In the East Side a main feature of the day was a big demonstration by war veterans of Philadelphia and other places. About noon Captain Phil R. Schuyler Post, No. 51, of Philadelphia, in command of Captain William H. Buck, arrived by way of the North Cramer Hill ferry, accompanied by a band and Cushing’s Battery; Captain Schuyler Camp, No. 2, Sons of Veterans, in command of Captain Theodore Dast; Camp Guard, S. of V., in command of Lieutenant Maxwell; Camp Battery, S. of V., in command of Lieutenant Lilly, and Troop A and a company of Spanish War veterans. The Philadelphians were met by General John A. Logan Post, No. 102, of the East Side, and after parading the principal streets proceeded to Twenty-seventh and Pleasant streets, where several salutes were fired. Addresses were made by Comrade Scheibner, of Camden, and Comrade Van Vogan, of Philadelphia. The leading pyrotechnic display last night was at the fire house, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets, where the people, half of the East Side, enjoyed the fireworks for some time under the direction of the firemen in charge of Captain Amadee Middleton. The Germania Maennerchor had a balloon ascension at Pavonia and a display of fireworks.
Blank cartridges and toy cannon caused the following accidents, which were treated at Cooper Hospital: Earl Carlisle, aged 15 years, 338 North Ninth street, hole in thigh and finger blown off; Angus McDougall, aged 34 years, 813 Princeton avenue, finger lacerated; John Richardson, 11 years, 560 Mickle street, fingers burned; William Opperman, 16 years, 1130 Market street, left hand torn; Christopher Gurney, 28 years, 726 Cherry street, right hand torn; Edward Ryan, 15 years, 701 Spruce street, left hand shattered; Daniel McLaughlin, 9 years, 1190 Mt. Vernon street, cartridge shot of left leg; Max Pinto, aged 17 years, 837 South Ninth street, right hand badly lacerated; Henry Duncannon, 13 years, 1153 Baring street, left hand torn.
At Homeopathic Hospital the following were treated: Alex. Roberts, 7 years, 310 Cleveland Terrace, right hand torn; James Mutton, 38 years, 1820 South Seventh street, left hand badly burned; George Myers, 23 years, 212 Mickle street, right hand torn.
Alice Dessler, 3 years, 249 Chestnut street, run over by an ice wagon; Henry Ledger, 40 years, 519 Kaighn avenue, left hand torn by cartridge; Ellen Sharp, 12 years, 207 Chestnut street, elbow dislocated by fall, and Henry Haines, 10 years, 407 Liberty street, left hand torn by cartridge, were taken to their respective homes.
Because of the seeming prevalence of tetanus in Camden extraordinary precautions were observed by surgeons in dressing gunshot wounds.
Camden Storage Warehouse Fire
Trenton Evening Times —
Camden Storage Warehouse fire
East Camden Fire Companies
About 1905
Camden Fire Department – East Camden Fire Companies
East Side Fire Notes
Camden Daily Courier —
The East Side firemen are looking forward to a grand time this evening. A snapper supper is to be served. The supper will take place at the fire house.
Fireman Edward Kelly and Captain Amedee Middleton are on the sick list. Fireman Scott Franklin reported for duty yesterday after quite an illness.
Chat Among the Local Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
News Among the Men Who Man the Fire Fighting Apparatus.
New Member Given Initiation
Fireman Joseph Logue.
It is the honest and genial physiog of Fireman Joe Logue that confronts the readers of the “Courier” in to-day’s issue and it is safe to say that of all the surprised men in the town that same man is he, for not the least knowledge of its appearance had Joseph. The sight of his Christmas tree on Christmas morning when he was a mere strip of a lad in old Ireland could not have amazed him more. But there it is and as it shows up in fine style, Joe will no doubt forbear from swatting the Fire Editor of the “Courier” over his second crop county Cavan cocoanut with a section of hose.
Joe Logue is about the tallest fireman in the department and as to his being as good, strong, steady and courageous a man as there is in the city’s service there is not the least doubt. Joe was born at Milltown, county Derry, Ireland, and is, therefore, an Ulsterman. He is within a few years of [?], but doesn’t look it, and from his rugged, robust form appears good for another half a century at least, for it’s nothing unusual for the men of Ulster to live even a dozen or twenty years beyond a hundred. He was appointed a fireman in 1894 and has done duty since at two houses, Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, at headquarters, and Engine Company No. 4, in North Camden. And that he has been ever brave and faithful in the discharge of his allotted work, Chief Elfreth, ex-Foreman [?] Peoples, Foreman Amidee Middleton, ex-Assistant Chief Ben Kellum and present Foreman Billy Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, under all of whom he has served, can and will gladly testify to.
They tell a good many amusing jokes on Joe, but he takes them all with characteristic good nature and enjoys them as heartily as they do. Once, on Joe’s day off, No. 4’s hose cart went to a fire at Mathis’ shipyard, Cooper’s Point, with his helmet and uniform hanging on the guards. The hose cart got in such hot quarters that it was badly burned and Joe’s duds completely consumed.
When he heard of the fate of his official garments, Joe said: “Look at that, now! What a narrow escape I had. If I had been in that uniform I’d been burned to a crisp.”
Joe is a married man and has the happiest of homes. He is a brother of another good Ulster man, David Logue, the county jail turnkey. Both are active members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, No. 12, American Protestant Association, and Diamond Purple Star Lodge, No. 104, Loyal Orange Legion.
In next week’s fire column will appear a picture of Dewey, the fire dog of Engine Company No. 4, the most sagacious canine in Camden, an interesting animal well worthy of a sketch. Dewey’s master and trainer is Fireman Logue and what he can do as a fire dog is something simply strenuous.
Former Fireman Wright Cox writes to be set right. It was Wright who rescued the two children at 306 Stevens street on last Saturday afternoon and had the fire under control when the firemen arrived. Credit had been given to his brother, George Cox, foreman of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, who resides on Stevens street above Third, but what’s the difference, Wright, isn’t the glory all in the family? Wright lives at 322 Stevens street, George at 334 and the fire was at 306. If Wright hadn’t been right on deck at the time, George would have, so more’s the power to them both. Wright was a good one when he was in the department and there is strong talk of his going back again.
Ladderman Budd Colkett, of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, it is said, is booked for an appointment on the police force when Mayor Ellis confers such favor. The above is not official, but is merely given as an item of chin music heard about the fire houses these days. If Budd does drop the ladder for the mace, he will not be the first fireman to change to the police force. Jeff Kay was another who tired of the at times protracted inactivity of a fireman’s life and longed for a change of scene and salary. The firemen, however, now get the same bunch of coin as the coppers do, $40 per fortnight, but they didn’t when Charles Jefferson Kay was one of the bravest at No. 4.
For a man of his years, John Renner, of Hose Company No. 2, in East Camden, is one of the youngest and sturdiest in the department. If you didn’t actually know his age you could no more guess it, with any greater degree of accuracy, than you could the seeds in a Georgia watermelon. John has been a soldier, a policeman, Constable, special officer and before being made a city fireman was a member of and at one time Chief of the Stockton Volunteers.
Driver Billy Hertlein, of Chemical Engine No. 1, is back at his post again, feeling fine and looking elegant. All the men were glad to see Billy on deck again, even his old team whinnying him a Happy New Year.
William Miller, of the Eighth ward, became a member of the crew of Chemical Engine No. 2, on Saturday evening, under harrowing circumstances. On Sunday evening he was put through the customary initiation at the fire house on Kaighn avenue above Sixth street. All the other men were down stairs about eight o’clock when some one struck box eleven. There is no such box on the fire alarm list, but William, who wasn’t wise, slid down the pole from the second floor just the same. Just as he landed on the rubber mat at the bottom of the pole, one of the men turned a hose on him, while several others bombarded him unmercilessly with boots, brooms, mops, etc. Poor William was a sight when they got through with him. He was drenched to the skin and covered with dirt. But when he discovered it was all a joke he took his medicine manfully and was duly installed in the new company as a “jolly good fellow.”
Wife’s Illness
Vineland Daily Journal —
Mrs. Amedee Middleton illness notice
Wife’s Death
Vineland Daily Journal —
Mrs. Mary Middleton death notice