Introduction
CHARLES A. TODD served with the Camden Fire Department on four different occasions between April of 1878 and February of 1922, retiring as a Captain. His brother, Robert Todd, served with the Fire Department for one year. First cousins Benjamin L. Kellum and Jacob W. Kellum had more extensive careers.
Charles A. Todd was first appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 8, 1878 as an extra man, taking the place of John W. Beckett with Engine Company 2. He served until April of 1882, when he was replaced by James McCann. Charles A. Todd was reappointed in 1884, taking the place of William Turner, again as an extra man with Engine Company 2. He served until July of 1885, when 18 of the extra men were laid off as part of a departmental reorganization. He was appointed for a third time a year later, but was dropped in 1888. Charles A. Todd was again reappointed in November of 1899. He served for over 22 years, finally retiring in February of 1922 at the rank of Captain.
Charles Todd was born on June 12, 1848 to Robert Todd and his wife, the former Rebecca Kellum. He was the sixth of eight children born to the Todds, two of whom died very young. When the Census was taken in 1860, the family was living in Camden’s Middle Ward, where Robert Todd worked as a butcher. The seven living Todd children, Anna, Benjamin, Robert, Emma, Charles, Laura, and William ranged from 17 years to infancy.
Charles A. Todd was living with his parents when the Census was taken in 1870. He had begun work as an apprentice iron moulder at one of the foundries in Camden, and would work at this trade when not employed as a fire fighter. On October 11, 1875 Charles A. Todd married Elizabeth Lomax. A daughter, Evaline L. Todd, was born on September 29, 1876. A son Elmer R. Todd came on September 1, 1880.
As stated above, Charles A. Todd was appointed to the Fire Department in April of 1878. He was then living, according to Fire Department records, at 545 Roberts Street. The 1878–1879 City Directory, however, gives his address as 544 Roberts Street. Both sources are in agreement as to where he lived the following April, at 407 Bridge Avenue. By June of 1880, when the Census was next taken, Charles A. Todd and family had moved to 529 Morris Street in South Camden. Morris Street was renamed Washington Street in 1882. Sadly, Elizabeth Lomax Todd died on September 8, 1882.
Charles A. Todd does not appear again in Camden City Directories until 1884. He was by then living at 528 Washington Street, opposite his former home. His younger siblings, Laura and William Todd, also lived at that address. The 1885 Directory indicates that Laura was no longer there, but William still was and their widowed mother, Rebecca Kellum Todd, was living there as well. The 1887–1888 Directory shows Charles Todd still living at 528 Washington Street, and brother William having married and moved to 534 Washington Street with his bride, Rachel. Charles A. Todd remained at the Washington Street address as late as 1888.
On July 7, 1887 Charles A. Todd married for the second time. His wife, the former Emma Jane Essick, would bear five children, four of whom would live to adulthood: Jane S. “Jennie,” Charles E., Lloyd E., and Henry A. Todd.
The 1890–1891 Directory shows Charles Todd at 308 Beckett Street. The 1894–1895 edition shows him at 316 Washington Street, working as a moulder at the R.D. Wood & Company foundry (later known as the Camden Iron Works) at Line Street and the Cooper Creek (Cooper River). By 1896 the Charles Todd family had moved to 428 Washington Street.
Elmer R. Todd died on May 2, 1898. As stated above, Charles A. Todd was reappointed to the Camden Fire Department, this time not as an extra man but as a full-time fire fighter, in November of 1899. The Todd family was still living at 428 Washington Street when the census was taken in 1900. Charles Todd’s in-laws, Henry and Hester Essick, also lived there. The Todds and Essicks moved to 426 Washington Street by 1906 and were still at that address when the census was taken in April of 1910. By the end of June the Todds had moved to 618 South 4th Street.
On June 1, 1910 the Camden Fire Department placed Engine Company 7 into service at its new firehouse located at 1115 Kaighn Avenue. Charles A. Todd was the new company’s first captain. He held that position until he retired at the end of February, 1922. Charles Watkins was promoted to fill his position with Engine Company 7.
By 1924 Charles A. Todd and family had moved from 618 South 4th Street to 1022 Spruce Street. He died on December 1, 1925, survived by his widow, Emma Todd, and children Jennie, Charles, Lloyd, and Henry. Emma Todd, Henry, and Jennie were still living at 1022 Spruce Street as late as 1929.
Inciting to Riot
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles Todd, James Cain, and Thomas Lee, three more of the young men who are charged with inciting a riot at the reception given at Morgan’s Hall, on Christmas eve, by attempting to force themselves into the room, have been arrested and held to answer on complaint of the proprietor of the hall.
Fireman Appointments
Philadelphia Inquirer —
At a meeting of the Fire Commission last night Harry Curtis, of the First ward, and Charles Todd, of the Fourth ward, were elected regular firemen in the places of Charles Walton and Isaac Schreives, recently appointed on the police force. Isaac Lovett was elected an extra man in the department.
Could Not Agree on New Fireman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Councilmen From East Side Split on Selecting Appointees
There Is Also Trouble in the Second Ward — Benjamin Kellum Made Assistant Chief — Other Promotions
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening selected firemen for the five new fire companies from all the wards except the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth, as the Councilmen in these wards could not agree on the candidates the appointments were laid over until Monday evening next.
In the Second ward the Councilmen have agreed on John W. Vanhart. The other candidates are W. Scott Franklin, backed by Freeholder Whyte, and Edgar Bolton, who is the choice of Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton will probably be selected.
In the Eleventh ward a meeting was held by the Councilmen and the candidates agreed upon. Councilman Arnold has since repudiated the agreement, and last evening presented a new set of names to the conference of the commissioners. Councilman Longacre presented those previously agreed upon.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Lee submitted names in opposition to those of Councilman Leas. It is quite probable that the choice of Councilmen Leas and Longacre, who are members of the Fire Committee, will be selected.
Benjamin Kellum, foreman of Truck No. 1, was appointed assistant chief. He will have charge of the East Side companies.
Charles Robinson, of the Seventh ward; George B. Wade, of the Sixth ward; Albert Jones, of the Ninth ward; George Cox, of the Third ward; Edward Weston, of the Ninth ward, and Samuel Peoples, of the Fifth ward, were elected foremen. They will be assigned to their posts of duty on Monday.
The selection of new firemen was as follows: First ward, Harry B. Middleton, Harry Burroughs; Third ward, Robert W. Colkett, William G. Hillman; Fourth ward, James E. Navins, Charles Todd; Fifth ward, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter; Sixth ward, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott; Seventh ward, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price; Eighth ward, William Rose, Charles Sturgis; Ninth ward, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner; Tenth ward, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
The commissioners presented the bell now in the William Penn hose house, East Side, to the First Baptist Church.
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening selected firemen for the five new fire companies from all the wards except the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth, as the Councilmen in these wards could not agree on the candidates the appointments were laid over until Monday evening next.
In the Second ward the Councilmen have agreed on John W. Vanhart. The other candidates are W. Scott Franklin, backed by Freeholder Whyte, and Edgar Bolton, who is the choice of Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton will probably be selected.
In the Eleventh ward a meeting was held by the Councilmen and the candidates agreed upon. Councilman Arnold has since repudiate the agreement, and last evening presented a new set of names to the conference of the commissioners. Councilman Longacre presented those previously agreed upon.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Lee submitted names in opposition to those of Councilman Leas. It is quite probable that the choice of Councilmen Leas and Long-
acre, who are members of the Fire Committee, will be selected.
Benjamin Kellum, foreman of Truck No. 1, was appointed assistant chief. He will have charge of the East Side companies.
Charles Robinson, of the Seventh ward; George B. Wade, of the Sixth ward; Albert Jones, of the Ninth ward; George Cox, of the Third ward; Edward Weston, of the Ninth ward, and Samuel Peoples, of the Fifth ward, were elected foremen. They will be assigned to their posts of duty on Monday.
The selection of new firemen was as follows: First ward, Harry B. Middleton, Harry Burroughs; Third ward, Robert W. Colkett, William G. Hillman; Fourth ward, James E. Navins, Charles Todd; Fifth ward, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter; Sixth ward, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott; Seventh ward, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price; Eighth ward, William Rose, Charles Sturgis; Ninth ward, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner; Tenth ward, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
The commissioners presented the bell now in the William Penn hose house, East Side, to the First Baptist Church.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
CELEBRATIONS BY 3 FIRE COMPANIES
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 came 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 Busine, 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 address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as 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 Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches 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.
Camden Fire Department
1914 Chief Engineer’s Report
Location 1115 Kaighn Avenue. Second-class Metropolitan Engine and Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon. Went into service July 1, 1910. Carries 900 feet of 2½-inch hose.
Engine Company No. 7
Camden Fire Department Engine Company No. 7 from the 1914 Chief Engineer's Report
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Rank ↕ | Age ↕ | Address ↕ | Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles A. Todd | Captain | 52 | 618 S. Fourth Street | $1,140.00 |
| Joseph Sparks | Lieutenant | 31 | 624 S. Fifth Street | $960.00 |
| John A. Dold | Engineer | 53 | 1301 Park Boulevard | $1,140.00 |
| Elmer Burkett | Stoker | 47 | 1009 Penn Street | $1,020.00 |
| Roy Smith | Driver | 30 | 607 Carman Street | $960.00 |
| William Hunsinger | Driver | 37 | 741 Walnut Street | $960.00 |
| George Boone | Hoseman | 38 | 605 Mt. Vernon Street | $960.00 |
| Sylvester McGrath | Hoseman | 35 | 605 St. John Street | $960.00 |
| Horace Cairns | Hoseman | 42 | 621 Newton Avenue | $1,020.00 |
Engine Company 7, from the 1914 Chief Engineer’s Report.
Captain Todd Placed on Pension
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Council’s Fire Committee yesterday granted the application of Captain Charles Todd to be placed on pension February 28. Lieutenant Charles Watkins, of No. 5 Company, was advanced to a captaincy, and Harry Chambers, of No 2 Truck, was made a lieutenant. Alfred Lasby, of the Fourth ward, was made a fireman to fill the vacancy in the department. Captain Todd has been in the department for twenty-two years and is head of No. 7 Engine Company.