JOHN BUCKLEW is recorded as having served as an extra man with the Camden Fire Department's Hook & Ladder Company. He was appointed on April 8, 1876 replacing Thomas W. McCowan. He served for one year, being replaced in turn by Howard Sharp in April of 1877. Fire Department records state that John Bucklew worked as a carpenter and at the time of his appointment was living at 214 Senate Street.

John Bucklew, or more likely John Buckelew, appears to have been a relative, perhaps a nephew, of Isaac S. Buckelew, who was superintendent of the Amboy division of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1870s and early 1880s. The Buckelews were from Middlesex County, New Jersey. John Buckelew does not appear in the 1878-1879 or any other Camden City Directories nor does he appear in Camden or vicinity in the 1880 Census.