Introduction
ARTHUR A. WINGATE was born in Maryland in September of 1868, according to the 1900 Census. He was one of at least five children born to Reuben and Hannah Wingate. The family was living in New Castle, Delaware when the census was taken in 1880. Reuben Wingate worked as a millwright. The Wingates moved to Camden, New Jersey in the mid-1880s. They are not listed in the 1885 City Directory, but had come to the city by the time the 1887–1888 edition was compiled. Arthur Wingate first appears in the 1887–1888 Directory, living with his parents at 718 New Street. He remained at home through at least 1890, working as a plumber.
Arthur Wingate married to Letitia “Lettie” Wynocker around 1894. There were four children, two of whom, daughters Edith M. and Bertha, were living in 1900. City Directories from 1895 through 1897 show the family at 534 South 7th Street. Arthur Wingate was working as a ropemaker at the Camden Iron Works. In the late 1890s the family left Camden.
The 1900 Census has the Wingates living in the Borough of Scottsdale, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a rope maker. The family, which then included Lettie’s 11 year-old sister Helen, returned to Camden shortly thereafter.
Arthur A. Wingate was living in Camden’s Ninth Ward when, on February 19, 1905 he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department to take the place of Edgar Bolton. The 1906 City Directory lists the family at 709 Royden Street, as does the 1910 census and the 1918–1919 City Directory. By January of 1920, Arthur Wingate and his wife and oldest daughter had moved to 540 South 9th Street. By the end of 1923 they had moved to 542 South 7th Street, where they remained through at least 1942. Arthur and Lettie Wingate are listed in Camden City Directories at that address as late as 1943.
Arthur Wingate was still serving with the Camden Fire Department as late as 1930. He retired during the 1930s.
New Fireman in Bolton's Place
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council last night appointed Arthur Wingate, of the Ninth ward, a fireman to take the place of Edgar Bolton, who resigned.
Wish Bone Club in Annual Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
The second annual dinner was given on New Year’s eve by the members of the Fire Department at headquarters, known as the Wish Bone Club, after having been called out twice to fires. The evening was spent in music and song, prayer being offered by Engineer Dold. They all sat down to an elaborate dinner prepared by Chef Wingate, assisted by Lieutenant John H. Lutts.
MENU.
Relishes—Celery, olives, pickles, chili sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), gibet [sic] sauce; jellied cranberries, browned sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stewed corn, stewed tomatoes.
Mince pie, Coffee, Vienna rolls, butter, aqua, de lair.
The following were the guests of the evening: Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, Captains George B. Wade, Peter B. Carter, Lientenants [sic] John H. Lutts, Peter S. Gray, Engineer John A. Dold, Stoker Newton G. Ash, Drivers Joseph Johnson, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Maxwell, Richard Marter, Harry Barroughs, Laddermen and Hosemen William Elberson, John H. Lennox, Harry Selby, Harry Green, William Tatem; Heuseman [sic] John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingswood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Injured Fireman in Restless Night
Camden Post-Telegram —
Arthur Wingate Greatly Weakened After Long Period of Sleeplessness.
FEAR BROKEN RIB PENETRATED LUNG
Arthur Wingate, the driver of the combination chemical and hose wagon at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, who was injured by the team crashing into an iron column of the elevated railroad at Haddon avenue and Line street, yesterday afternoon, passed a restless night at Cooper Hospital, and this morning his condition was not satisfying to the doctors.
Besides suffering from a couple of fractured left ribs and severe lacerations of the scalp he also sustained an exhausting internal shock.
It is also feared that one of the broken ribs penetrated a lung, but an X-ray examination will have to be made to determine that. If such is proven to be the case the wounded fireman’s chances of recovery would be dimmed.
The apparatus was on its way out Haddon avenue to slight fire at the farm house of William Butler, colored, at the head of Pine street, at the time it met with disaster.
There was a trolley car standing under the elevated railroad at Line street and it was while turning out of the tracks at full speed that the team of strapping gray horses crashed into one of the four iron columns of the structure at that point.
Driver Wingate was hurled from his seat a distance of about twenty feet, laiding [sic] on his head on the hard earth bleeding and unconscious. Firemen John Lutz, Harry Selby and John Lennox, who were on the back of the wagon, were thrown to the ground by the force of the collision, but escaped injury.
One of the gray horses drawing the apparatus and known as “Nig” was almost instantly killed when it dashed into the pillar; the other steed swerving to one side escaped meeting a similar fate. Outside of the pole of the wagon being snapped off and the dashboard twisted the apparatus was not badly damaged.
Wingate was rushed to Cooper Hospital in an auto canvassing for funds for the Homeopathic Hospital, and placed in a private ward for treatment.
Committee Named Ten New Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Increase Provides for Installation of New Company, No. 7.
OTHERS ADVANCED TO MEET CHANGES
City Council’s Fire Committee last night made provision for the installation of Engine Company No. 7 by the appointment of ten new members of the department. Some of the new appointees will be assigned to the new company, which will be located at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, and the rest of the complement will be made up of experienced fire fighters. The company goes into service July 1. The men appointed last night are:
First Ward—H. L. Curry, Jr.
Second Ward—Robert Bricee [sic].
Third Ward—Clarence Madden.
Fourth Ward—William Cason.
Fifth Ward—William Laird.
Sixth Ward—George Boone.
Seventh Ward—Edward Simpson.
Eighth Ward—John McTaggart.
Ninth Ward—Roy Smith.
Tenth Ward—J. Ora Burris.
The committee also made provision for the superior officers of the company by advancing present members of the department. William Buzine was made engineer, Thomas Nichols was elected captain, Joseph Maxwell was chosen lieutenant, Daniel Smith and Arthur Wingate were advanced to stokers and Newton Ash was promoted to extra engineer. Henry Knowles was made houseman for the new company.
The men advanced last night will not necessarily be assigned to No. 7, and the matter of placing them will be disposed of at a later meeting.
Flames Wrecked New High School
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Walls Left of Handsome Building Erected at Woodbury Only a Short Time Ago
Believed Blaze Originated in Boiler Room by Joists Taking Fire. Pride of County Seat
Special to The Inquirer.
WOODBURY, N. J., Dec. 19.—The William Milligan High School, a practically new institution that has been occupied just about a year, and cost, including the lot, about $88,000, was burned early this morning, and the building, with all its handsome furnishings, is a wreck. Only the walls are standing, and it will be necessary to tear the greater portion of these down to rebuild, which will be done at once. There is an insurance of about $60,000 on the buildings and furnishings.
From what can be ascertained the fire originated over the boiler in the engine room, which was on the extreme northwest end of the basement. The first floor joists were in close contact with the chimney, and it is supposed, according to Fire Chief A. W. Cattell, that sparks got on the wood work. It is also believed that the fire had been burning for about three hours, as when the firemen attempted to go in the front doors, the smoke was so thick that they were driven back.
Discovered Flames
Charles M. Garrett, who lives on New street, at the rear of the school house, was awakened by his wife. He saw a bright light in the engine room and knew there was a fire. He telephoned an alarm and firemen responded. Another alarm was sounded, and lines of hose were attached, but the pressure was so light that the stream would not reach far above the second story. Fire Chief Cattell telephoned to Camden, and ten minutes later Fire Chief Elfreth had an engine and Company No. 2 at the Camden terminal. In the meantime several firemen from Gloucester came, but there was little to do, except watch the fire. Several firemen attempted to go inside the building, and Foreman Edward Martin was injured by falling material, and Charles Graham, a Gloucester fireman, was knocked down by exploding chemicals in the laboratory.
A. A. Allard, the engineer, left the building last night about 5 o’clock, and is sure there was no smoke in the building at that time.
The school had sixteen rooms, including two recreation and a large assembly room, with a chemical laboratory, and two gymnasiums. In the commercial room were ten new typewriters, and new and up-to-date desks. These were all purchased at the beginning of the school year. In the basement was a new manual training outfit, which arrived only last week, but not unpacked, and some of this will probably be saved.
Woodbury has over a hundred out of town pupils who come here, and when they arrived this morning, all jubilant over the approaching holidays, some of the girls cried.
The Board of Education held a meeting this afternoon and decided to open the four upper rooms in the academy, rent three more in Green’s Block, two in the old Friends’ School, and it is possible that the old Starr homestead on Broad street will be used.
Prisoners in a Panic
During the fire the prisoners in the county jail, which is within a hundred yards of the school, were thrown into a panic. They were all locked in their cells.
The men, who were under Fire Chief Elfreth, of Camden, and those who did good work in connection with the local firemen, were George Weight, Harvey Watson, William Elverson, Harry Hankins, William Ladd, Chappis [sic] Lennox, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Savage, Augustus Dold and Arthur Wingate. The Gloucester firemen aided in every way possible.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including ‘Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon same [sic] back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows:
City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Buzine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short addrss [sic] was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes ase [sic] prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes,
Peas,
Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie,
Coffee,
Cigars, Aqua De Lair,
Olives, Beets, Celery,
Roast Turkey,
Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce
Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Selby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speches [sic] of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem [?] and ‘Chief’ Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
Engine Company 2, 1912–1913
This 1912 Robinson Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon was assigned to Engine Company 2. It was one of two purchased as the first motorized apparatus in the Department. Pictured in this 1913 photograph are (l to r): Fireman John Lennox, Wagon Chauffeur Harry Hankins, Firemen William Elberson, Joseph Earnest, Martin Carrigan, and Captain George Wade. Accompanying them are members of the engine crew: Stoker Arthur Wingate, Driver Joseph Johnson and Engineer John Augustus “Gus” Dold.
Ninth Warders as Hosts to Victors
Camden Post-Telegram —
G. O. P. Workers Dine Members of Undefeated Fourth Ward Pool Team.
AWARD PRIZES TO CHAMPIONS OF CUE
There was much fun and good fellowship last night at the Ninth Ward Republican Association where the members of the Fourth Ward Republican Club were guests of the evening. It was given as a result of the Ninth ward pool sharps being bested by the Fourth warders. Beside the mingling of kindred souls there was a very excellent set out, the principal feature in a gustatory way being pepper pot. And the way the boys waded through this viand, plate after plate disappearing, it was quite evident that the cook had made it just right.
Then there was a wind up of the pool tournament betwen [sic] the members of the Ninth Ward Club, in which these prizes were awarded: First, William Brown, cue and case; second, Isaac Gleason, picture; third, Roy Smith, safety razor; fourth, Ulie Andrews, $3 hat; fifth, George L. Bender, short [sic]; sixth, Arthur Wingate, box of cigars; seventh, W. C. Davis, jar of tobacco; eighth, Edward Holloway, stickpin.
The playing between Andrews, Bender and Wingate was so close that they played off three ties before a decision was given.
And it must not be forgotten that a special prize was given to “Billy” Wilkinson. This was given for more than ordinarily good playing and according to “Ed” Holloway the prize awarded was in the shape of a solid gold, 14k. full jeweled watch guaranteed to run for forty years.
Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Driver of Camden Apparatus Sticks to Post Uninjured—Two Firemen Jump to Safety
Skidding in rounding the corner at Broadway and Kaighn avenue while responding to an alarm yesterday the auto fire engine attached to Company No. 3, of the Camden Fire Department, jumped the curb and crashed into a display window of a department store. The window was wrecked, one of the pillars of the store knocked out of place and the springs of the machine put out of commission. Several persons on the sidewalk narrowly escaped being hit by the apparatus.
Riding on the back of the machine Engineer Daniel Smith and Stoker Arthur Wingate saved themselves by jumping. Driver Michael Brown stuck to his post and escaped injury. In aiding the firemen to back the engine off the sidewalk, Andrew Fritz, aged 50, of 1425 Broadway, crushed one of his fingers so badly that it was amputated at Cooper Hospital. The fire was at Locust street and Kaighn avenue, where a load of hay on a wagon was destroyed.
Charm Presented to Deputy Chief
Camden Daily Courier —
William Patterson Honored at Dinner Given to Members to No. 4 Engine Company.
BIG TURKEY FEED ENJOYED BY MANY
As a mark of appreciation for their splendid work while he was captain of No. 4 Engine Company, Deputy Fire Chief William Patterson last evening tendered the company members a fine turkey supper at No. 4 Engine House, Vine street near Fourth.
The caterers were Engineer Daniel Grimes, Firemen Robert Brice and Joseph Daly.
At the beginning of the banquet Capt. Charles Cook sprung a surprise when he presented the chief with a handsome watch charm of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. On the back was an inscription expressing the esteem of the members of the engine company. Chief Patterson expressed his appreciation for the gift and in a short address told the men he would always wear and cherish the gift.
Following the banquet addresses were made by Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton and Secretary Harvey Watts. Chief Carter spoke of the fellowship in the department at the present time and Freeholder Walton urged the men to be loyal. Lieutenant Joseph Logue, one of the oldest members of the company, spoke feelingly of his former captain. Then each guest was called upon and all expressed their esteem for Chief Patterson and showed their pleasure in his merited advancement.
Only one member of the company was absent, Ephraim Hires, who is ill at his home. Fireman Rollo Jones proposed a toast to former and departed members of the company and it was drunk in silence.
Gathered about the festive board were Deputy Chief William Patterson, Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton, Secretary Harvey Watts, Capt. Charles Cook, Firemen Arthur Wingate, Charles Hankins, Si Sage, Joseph Logue, Abraham Kerns, Charles Watkins, Jr., Martin Carrigan, Dollo [sic] Jones, Robert Brice, Joseph Daly, Daniel Grimes, John Miller and Frank Sheridan. The menu follows:
Oysters on Half-shell, Biscuits, Roast Turkey, Stewed Tomatoes, Green Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cold Slaw, Olives, Coffee, After-dinner Mints, Celery, Layer Cake, Dan Grimes’ Punch, Cigars.
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
Superintendent William Miles, of MacAndrews & Forbes Company, the Host.
GIVEN IN APPRECIATION OF MEN’S EFFICIENCY
The members of No. 3 Engine Company were tendered a supper last night, prepared at their headquarters at Broadway and Emerald street, through the courtesy of Superintendent William L. Miles, of the MacAndrews & Forbes Manufacturing Company. The members of the company have long been favorites of Superintendent Miles, and at the time of the last fire at that place he told them he was going to show his appreciation of their work, by giving them a banquet. The date was set for last inght [sic] and was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind ever given in South Camden. The table was set in the rathskellar of the fire house, and was decorated with flags and every man was also presented with a miniature flag.
The toastmaster of the evening was City Assessor F. Walter Toms, and the following were guests: Councilmen William Mills and William J. Kelly, County Freeholder Howard Marshall, County Committeeman Thomas Leeson, Dr. George Williams, Member of Board of Education Charles H. Mills, Battalion Chief Thomas Nicholas, Captain Frank Chambers, Lieutenant William J. Rose, Engineer Daniel Smith and Robert Whitley, William Miller, Russell Benson, Arthur Wingate, Roy De Haven, Jules Hubert, John Garrity, John Hunt and Harry Stone.
The menu, prepared by Chef Arthur Wingate, was:
Oyster Cocktail
Salted Peanuts Cream Mints
Olives Celery Pickled Onions
Roast Turkey, a la Miles
Cranberry Sauce Peas Corn
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Mashed White Potatoes Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Coffee Cigars.
After the banquet Toastmaster Toms made a very neat little speech and called on Superintendent Miles, who responded in a very energetic talk on streets and other municipal matters, especially the Fire Department, saying he had been in many cities, but he had never met the equal of the men composing Camden’s Department, either for personnel or efficiency.
Each of the other guests read interesting addresses, as well as members of the company, all being profuse in their thanks to Superintendent Miles for his splendid remembrance.
All complimented Chef Arthur Wingate for the manner in which he had prepared the feast and Lieutenant Rose for the decorations.
Gives Medal to Veteran Fireman
Camden Post-Telegram —
One of the happiest men in Camden is Engineer John A. Dold, who to-day retired on a pension after twenty-five years of faithful service in the Camden Fire Department.
To-day the “boys” at No. 7 Engine Company, where Dold was stationed as engineer for several years, presented him with a handsome gold medal as a mark of their esteem and respect.
The medal is suitably inscribed with Mr. Dold’s name and his history in the department. On the reverse side is an engraved fire engine in action. The medal is a very fine example of the engraver’s art. He was also presented with a silk American flag.
Fireman William Peters presented the flag and medal. The affair was a great surprise to Dold. He spoke with feeling when he thanked the firemen.
As “Gus” took his departure from the fire house the alarm box sounded a farewell. He placed the flag on his shoulder and with the medal pinned on his chest he marched proudly out Kaighn avenue as the boys gave him a rousing send-off.
William Buzine succeeds Dold as engineer at No. 7 Engine Company. Robert Whitley succeeds Buzine at No. 5 Engine Company and Arthur Wingate will be travelling engineer.
Engineer Dodd Retires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Formally retiring yesterday after twenty-five years of service in the Camden Fire Department, John A. Dodd, engineer of Engine Company No. 7, was presented with a gold medal by his comrades in the company. On one side of the medal is an inscription briefly setting forth his record and on the other side is a reproduction of a fire engine in action. William Buzine takes his place as engineer of No. 7. Robert Whitley goes to No. 5, in Buzine’s place, and Arthur Wingate takes the assignment of traveling engineer.
12 Firemen, 4 Policemen Apply for City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
HEAVY PAY CUT FEAR CAUSE OF RUSH TO RETIRE
Inspector Humes Highest Officer on List; Three Captains Are Included
PROTECTIVE FORCES LOSE THEIR OLDEST VETERANS
Sixteen Vacant Places Will Be Filled Without New Appointments
Four policemen and 12 city firemen yesterday applied for pensions effective at midnight tonight. In the interests of economy, no successors will be named by the city commission.
Sudden decision of the applicants was inspired by the fact that city employes may be given a 30 percent reduction in pay equal to that of county employes. Police and firemen accepted a 10 percent reduction this year. If given an additional 20 percent their salaries would be on a pre-war basis.
They also face a possibility of further reductions in pensions if existing mandatory legislation is repealed by the Legislature, which fixes salaries of police and firemen according to the class of cities and towns. By applying now they will receive pensions on basic 1931 salaries.
The big surprise was announcement that Inspector Charles T. Humes, in charge of personnel of the police department, had applied for a pension. Inspector Humes receives a salary of $3000 yearly. By applying at this time he is eligible to a pension of one-half that amount. The $1500 yearly would be within a few hundred dollars of what he would receive if he remained on the force and accepted a 30 percent reduction in salary.
Consider Requests Today
Other policemen to ask for pensions are Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn and Detective David Hunt.
Three fire captains applying for pensions are James R. White, Harry Haines and William H. Miller, Jr.
The applications were filed with Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Police and Firemen’s Pension Fund. The pension fund commission will act on the applications today.
Inspector Humes’ retirement comes at the conclusion of a quarter century of service in the police department. He was appointed as a patrolman on Jan. 1, 1908, and six years later, on Jan. 1, 1914, was elevated to a sergeancy. He was promoted to captaincy on July 1, 1918. Then, by act of the city commission, he was made an inspector on June 23, 1927.
Recognized as Authority
While a captain, he was in command of the First District and later of the Third. As an inspector, he was head of the traffic bureau for several years. He was a nationally recognized authority on traffic problems, having been requested for advice by various automobile clubs and traffic commissions. He played a leading role in a traffic convention at Chicago and once was called in by the federal traffic commission at Washington for advice. At the present time, he is in charge of the personnel of the entire city police department.
Inspector Humes is 56 and resides at 4115 Myrtle avenue, Pennsauken. He stated that he has no plans for the immediate future, but will find “something to do” after he has taken complete rest.
“Naturally I feel a little badly about leaving the force,” he commented. “I feel that I have spent the better years of my life in the department. I have always had the ambition to become chief of police. Of course, I am a little disappointed that this ambition has not been realized. But I am glad that I have been able to serve the department and the citizens as faithfully as I have.
“I am proud, too, of my record as a loyal Republican. I have always been loyal to the party and always will be.”
Appointed by Ellis
Inspector Humes was appointed to the department by Postmaster Charles H. Ellis during his term as mayor. Humes will receive a pension of $133.83 a month.
Sergeant Clarence H. Thorn is taking the pension because of disability. He was ill and away from his duties from April until November of this year, after suffering severe injuries while a member of the traffic motorcycle squad. Later he was injured again while working in the mounted squad, of which he was in charge.
He is 46, lives at 23 Cooper avenue, Erlton, and has been a member of the department since April 17, 1917. His pension will be $92.50 monthly.
“Dave” Hunt is one of the most widely known detectives in the department. He has been connected with the automobile division for several years and has helped in the recovery of hundreds of stolen cars.
Detective Hunt and the late Capt. of Detectives William G. Schregler captured Wilson Ahsbridge [sic], jailbreaker and murderer, 15 years ago in the Keystone Hotel, Chester, Pa. Ashbridge escaped from jail here after he and William E. Thompson, forger, killed a keeper and wounded another.
Helped Capture Slayer
Ashbridge and his wife, who was an accessory to the jailbreak, were captured in the dining room of the hotel the following day while they sat at a dinner table. The detectives approached from behind Ashbridge. One pinned his arms around him while the other removed two loaded revolvers and several cartridges from his pockets.
Hunt also figured in the “kidnaping” of Charles Powell, who confessed to the murder of “Honest” John Brunen, circus showman. State Trooper Herman Bading and Hunt watched the apartment house in which Powell and his wife lived at Cooper and Point streets. After learning Powell’s habits, they set a trap, with County Detective Clifford Cain and State Senator Clifford R. Powell joining them.
Powell was seized as he approached his home and whisked away to Mt. Holly in an automobile. Mrs. Powell raised a cry of “kidnaping” but Powell was placed in “cold storage” in the Burlington county jail until he confessed.
He is 51, lives at 331 Walnut street and was appointed to the police force in November, 1909. He will receive $90.65.
York Has Fine Record
Sergeant York, 57, is a veteran of 24 years. He was appointed to the department November 15, 1909, by then Mayor Ellis. During most of these years Sergeant York has been assigned to the First police district.
He was acting-captain of the district for a short period several years ago and has created an excellent record while a member of the department. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant September 29, 1923. He lives at 641 Elm street and will receive a monthly pension of $90.65.
Captain Haines has been connected with Engine Company No. 7 for many years. He is 66 and lives at 1244 Mechanic street. He was appointed to the department in April, 1896, and will be retired on a pension of $100 a month.
Firemen Seek Pension
Besides Captain White and Miller, other firemen who seek the pension include James E. Navin, 67, of 527 Mickle street; George W. Hollins, 64, of 51 North Twenty-fifth street; Richard S. Marter, 60, of 463 Mechanic street; Arthur A. Wingate, 64, of 542 South Seventh street; Joseph T. Earnest, 63, of 612 Pine street; Samuel E. Harring, 64, of 613 North Second street, and Daniel Grimes, 111 North Twenty-fifth street, engineer of Engine Company, No. 5.
The city’s two oldest firemen go on pension. They are Engineer Andrew Miller, Engine Company, No. 1, Fourth and Pine streets, and Stewart Bakley, Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, Fifth and Arch streets.
Miller is 73 and has served 48 years in the department. Bakley is 68 and would be 45 years in the department if he had stayed until Jan. 4. Bakley served as a ladderman while Miller put all of his time as a hoseman, stoker and engineer at the Fourth and Pine streets house.
Engineer Miller lives at 1345 Princess avenue and Bakley at 410 Camden avenue.
White, 67, lives at 36 Terrace avenue, while Captain Miller, 62, resides at 2831 North Constitution road.
Captain White has been in charge of Engine Company No. 4, Vine street, near Fourth, for a number of years. He has been a member of the fire department for 27 years, receiving his appointment in June, 1905, and has compiled a splendid record while a member of the bureau. He will receive a pension of $100 monthly.
Others Who Retire
Junior Captain Miller was appointed to the fire department in December, 1904, 28 years ago. He is now connected with Engine Company No. 10 at Ninth street and Morgan avenue. He will receive a monthly pension of $93.10.
Harring was appointed in 1908 and is connected with No. 4 Company at the present time. Hollins, for 25 years a fireman, is stationed with Headquarters Company, Fifth and Arch streets. Both will receive monthly pensions of $83.33.
Marter and Navin are members of No. 8 Engine Company, 617 Kaighn avenue. Navin is an engineer, appointed to the department in December, 1899, who will receive a pension of $90.65 a month. Marter was appointed in March, 1906. He will get $83.33.
Wingate was made a fireman in February, 1906, and at present is an engineer with Engine Company No. 3, 1813 Broadway. He will be given a pension of $90.65.
Bakley and Earnest will receive pensions of $83.30. Bakley, appointed in December, 1887, is attached to headquarters company while Earnest is a member of Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, at Kaighn avenue. He was appointed in January, 1905.
Pensions Awarded 6 Cops, 17 Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Inspector Humes Refuses to Withdraw Application in Spite of Requests
Pensions for six policemen and 17 firemen took effect with the dawn of the New Year yesterday.
Proposed Salary reductions from five to 30 percent prompted the wholesale requests for pensions which were approved Saturday at noon by the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission, of which Mayor Roy R. Stewart is chairman.
The proceedings were delayed one hour while efforts were being made by political leaders and friends to have Inspector Charles T. Humes reconsider his application. But he refused to withdraw his application and it was approved.
Two sergeants, a city detective and four captains of the fire department were included in the list of applicants.
Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn, Detective David Hunt and Fire Captains Harry Haines, John Lutts, James R. White and William H. Miller, Jr., were included among the pensioners.
Major W. Greenwood and Adrian Bateman, two patrolmen, completed the list from the police department, while the others receiving pension awards who are member [sic] of the fire department were:
Elmer Burkett, 66; Robert M. Coffman, 57; Howard E. Currie, 52; James E. Navin, 67; George W. Hollins, 64; Richard S. Marter, 60; Arthur A. Wingate, 64; Joseph T. Earnest, 63; Samuel E. Harring, 64; Andrew Miller, 73; Stewart Bakley, William K. Buzine, 63, and Daniel Grimes.
The application of Marter’s was passed, but an improviso [sic] was made by the commission which gave him the opportunity of recalling his decision but he failed to take advantage of it.
It was explained that the city commission’s resolution passed at noon, providing that members of the police and fire departments could continue in their employment under the 1933 wage scale, but that their pensions would not be affected by the cut and they could retire under the 1931 basic pay, might cause Marter to want to rescind his action.
Mayor Stewart and Commissioner Bennett, both members of the commission, said they regretted so many “young men” were asking to be pensioned at this time.
Greenwood, 54, was appointed to the police department 21 years ago and during nearly all of this time has been attached to the First district. He lives in the First ward, at 220 York street, and will receive a pension of $83.30 monthly.
Buzine is a veteran of nearly 28 years’ service. He is 63, lives at 856 Haddon avenue and will be pensioned at $90.65. He was classed as an engineer in the fire department.
The applications of Captain John Lutts, of Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden streets, and Elmer Burkett, engineer of the No. 4 Company, were filed shortly before noon.
Captain Lutts, 62, lives at 456 Royden street, and will receive a pension of $100 monthly. He was appointed 33 years ago.
Burkett, 66, lives at 330 North Ninth street. He was appointed to the fire department in 1907 and spent a great portion of his service at the fire station at Front and Linden streets, recently being transferred to the Vine street house. He will be pensioned at $90.65 monthly.