Introduction
Charles Cook was born on December 18, 1877 to Peter and Mary Cook. When the Census was taken in 1880 the family, which included older sister Maria, lived in Philadelphia. His father was a shoemaker. The Cook family first appears in Camden’s city directories in 1898, living at 628 North 4th Street in North Camden. The 1899 Directory shows them at 328 Vine Street.
When the Census was taken in 1900, Charles Cook was living with his parents at 325 Vine Street in North Camden. This was hid home for the rest of his life. Charles Cook was working as a plumber and was single when the Census was taken in 1900. He married shortly after ward, and around 1903 his wife Sarah bore a son, Charles K. Cook.
On December 3, 1904 Charles Cook was appointed to Camden Fire Department. He reported for duty on January 1, 1905. After serving with Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, stationed at Fire Headquarters, North 5th and Arch Streets, he was transferred to Engine Company 4, which was located opposite his house at 320 Vine Street on January 2, 1908.
A career firefighter, Charles Cook was a member of the Camden Fire Department for many years. He was a Lieutenant by the spring of 1914, and had reached the rank of Captain by September of 1918. By 1924 he was Senior Captain at Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. He was still serving in this position as late as 1929, and was still with the department in April of 1930. His son was then a billing clerk at Campbell soup. Charles Cook was still living at 325 Vine Street in North Camden when the 1930 Census was enumerated. Charles Cook passed away on June 10, 1933. When the 1943 Camden City Directory was compiled, his widow, Sarah T. Cooke, was then living at 3069 Carman Street in East Camden.
GAR Memorial Event
Camden Post-Telegram —
Named: Thomas M.K.Lee Post No. 5, G.A.R., William B. Hatch Post No. 37, G.A.R., William P. Robeson Post No. 51, G.A.R., R.J. Robertson, J.R. Kirkbride, Isaac C. Toone, S.W. Weaver, Silas Volk, Robert Hillman, Robert Sheppard, Charles Boyer, A.R. Underdown, Julius Smith, J. Caldwell, M.W. Barney, Charles Hewitt, Theodore Adams, John Donaldson, Albert Gilbert, Thomas Finney, Theodore B. Brown, S. Chrisden, J. Frank, James Hart, Sons of Veterans, J. Brandscheet, J. Holt, William Elverson, D. Hadley, William Joline, Charles Cook, and William Marshall.
First Ward Republican Club
Camden Daily Courier —
Named: First Ward Republican Club, William E. Alberts, O. Glen Stackhouse, Joseph Kolb, Ephraim T. Hires, George F. Kappel, John Beard, Francis F. Patterson Jr., George P. Pechin, Thomas Walton, Joseph Burt, Walter Banks, William Lyons, Charles Cook, William Weaver, Robert Finley, Samuel P. Jones, Antonio Mecca, John Leighton Westcott, William J. Bradley, Walter Banks, Joseph Potter, Joseph Baumeister, Dr. John F. Leavitt, Dr. William Iszard, and Joseph Logue.
Fire Department Appointments
Camden Evening Courier —
Named: Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, Linden Street, Rollo Jones, Charles Cook, James White, Harry C. Anderson, Ephraim Davis, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph T. Daley, Joseph Ernst, William K. Buzine, “William Munson” aka Seth Monell, Charles Sturgis, Samuel W. Whitzell, J. Oscar Till Jr., William Miller, John H. Vickers, and Fred Morse.
Fire Department Appointments
Camden Post-Telegram —
Named: John Ware, Samuel Peoples, Rollo Jones, Charles Cook, James White, Harry C. Anderson, Ephraim Davis, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph T. Daley, Joseph Ernst, William K. Buzine, Seth Monell, Charles Sturgis, Samuel W. Whitzell, J. Oscar Till Jr., William Miller, John H. Vickers, Fred Morse, Dr. Wlliam H. Iszard, William Hertline, and Samuel S. Elfreth.
New Fire Department Hires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Made Necessary by the Erection of a New Engine House
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council have appointed the following firemen: Charles Cook, James White, Harry Anderson, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph Daly, Joseph Ernest, Seth Morrell, William Buzine, Charles Sturgis, Samuel T. Whitezell, Ephraim T. Davis, J. Oscar Till, J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse, Rollo Jones and William Miller. Jones and Miller will go on duty at once, and the others on January 1, by which time it is expected the new fire house at Twelfth and Federal streets, will be completed.
The new men will be distributed among the older companies. The new company will be made up of experienced men from the other companies.
Firefighter Group Photo
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Spreading of the City’s Department Necessitates the Appointment of More Firemen
Camden City Council’s Fire Committee last night appointed additional firemen, the increased force being necessary by reason of the spreading of the department. The following are the new firemen: Charles Cook, First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Edward Finley, Third Ward; Martin Corrigan, Fourth ward; James Willis, Fifth ward; Harry Green, Sixth ward; Seth Monnell and Edward Buzine, Seventh ward; Charles Sturgis and William Miller, Eighth ward; Samuel Witzel, Ninth ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; J. O. Till, Eleventh ward; J. H. Vickers and Fred Morse, Twelfth ward.
Fire Department Event
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.
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 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.
Fire Department Lieutenants
Camden Post-Telegram —
NORTH CAMDEN NEWS
Real German sour krout served in inimitable style by popular Lieutenant Jim White was enjoyed by the “boys” at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, Saturday night, when the monthly supper was given in the basement of the building. The presence of Chief Worthington and Assistant Chief Stockton, both of whom spoke, made the occasion a merry one. “Jim,” with the assistance of Joe Johnson, dished out the sour krout, mashed potatoes and “doggies,” and the participants made short work of the delicious food. Music was furnished by the house talking machine, skillfully operated by Joe McCauley, who almost foundered after partaking of a surplus amount of Jim’s fine cooking. Those participating were: Chief Charles Worthington, Assistant Chief John A. Stockton, Captain George Wade, Lieutenant James White, Newton Ash, James Burris, William Laird, Joseph Johnson, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Pete McCauley, Joseph Allen, William Elberson, William R. Cason, Harry Hankins, Conn L. Mack.
Fire Department Report
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, enjoyed another of those week-end suppers Saturday night when Lieutenant Jim White prepared a large quantity of delicious chicken noodle soup with all the fixin’s. The linen-covered table was filled with all kinds of good things and the wants of the hungry fire-fighters and their friends were cared for by popular Jim and his affable assistant, Joe Johnson.
Those who enjoyed the feast were: Chief Worthington, Assistant Chief Stockton, Captain George Wade, William Laird, Joseph Allen, Charles Menicke, Tabor Quinn, Charles Cook, Orrie Burris, Harry Hankins, “Pete” McCaulley, William Elberson, Jim White and Joe Johnson.
Fire Department Operations
Camden Post-Telegram —
Real snapper soup served with all its snap was enjoyed by the laddies at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, Saturday night. The week-end feast as provided by popular contribution among the boys and served by those inimitable chefs, Joe Johnson and Jim White, was a great success and several gallons of the tasteful stuff was dispensed.
Those gracing the festive board were Chief Worthington, Deputy Chief Stockton, Lieutenant James White, Captain George Wade, Joseph Johnson, Peter McCaulley, William Laird, William Wilberson, Harry Hankins, Charles Cook, Newton Ash, James Miller, Joseph Allen, Martin Carrigan, William R. Cason, Conn L. Mack.
Fire Department News
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: John A. Stockton, Peter B. Carter, Charles Worthington, Samuel Whitezell, Charles Cook, and Engine Company 1.
Firefighter Joseph Ware Funeral
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With a guard of honor composed of forty fellow firemen and his body reposing on the combination fire apparatus, the funeral of Fireman Joseph A. Ware, of No. 1 Engine Company, Camden, was held yesterday, interment being in New Camden Cemetery. The services were conducted at the Church of Our Saviour by Rev. Martin Stockett. The pallbearers were Ware’s comrades of the engine company and included Lieutenant Charles Cook, Richard Marter, James Navin, Louis Shaw, Spencer Smith and Alfred Hayden. Ware had his face crushed in on June 6 when the crank of the battalion chief’s auto struck him. He became blind and paralyzed.
Fire Department Coverage
Camden Daily Courier —
Named: John Stockton, Peter B. Carter, Thomas J. Nicholas, William Patterson, Charles Cook, Walter Mertz, William Cason, Robert Whitley, T. Grant Middleton, John H. Lennox, John A.S. Hunt, George Cattell, Walter W. Johnson, Walter W. Lee, Clarence Baker, Walter Wolverton, Albert Denise, and William Barr.
Fire Department Portraits
Camden Daily Courier —
Fire Chief John Stockton — Portrait
[Portrait of Fire Chief John Stockton in uniform]
Fire Department Story
Camden Post-Telegram —
Named: Charles Cook, Walter Mertz, William Cason, Robert Whitley, John H. Lennox, T. Grant Middleton, John A.S. Hunt, George Cattell, Walter Wolverton, Walter W. Johnson, Walter W. Lee, Clarence Baker, Albert Denise, and William Barr.
Fire Department Report
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: John Stockton, Peter B. Carter, Thomas J. Nicholas, William Patterson, Charles Cook, Walter Mertz, William Cason, Robert Whitley, T.G. Middleton, John H. Lennox, John A.S. Hunt, George Cattell, Engine Company 3, Engine Company 4, Walter W. Johnson, Walter W. Lee, Clarence Baler, Walter Wolverton, Albert Denise, William Barr, and Bowman H. Shivers.
Fire Department News
Camden Daily Courier —
Named: Robert Brice, Joseph T. Daley, Daniel Grimes, William W. Patterson, Charles Cook, Peter B. Carter, Joseph Logue, Ephraim T. Hires, Rollo Jones, Harvey Watts, Arthur Wingate, Harry Hankins, Josiah Sage, Abraham Kern, Charles Watkin, Martin Carrigan, John Miller, Frank Sheridan, and Engine Company 4.
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Registration Card
Alcohol Hijacking Incident
Camden Courier-Post —
‘ALKY’ CAR OWNER DENIES CRASH HERE — Machine Was Hi-Jacked and Driven by Thieves He Claims; Pays Fine
Three men who attempted to hijack 100 gallons of alcohol which was later seized by the police, yesterday were blamed for a hit-run accident which result ed in the seizure.
Charles Alu, of Trenton, who was arrested on October 2 after the alcohol was found in his car, denied in police court yesterday he was operating the vehicle when it crashed into a truck, owned by Frank Salerno, of 446 South Fourth street. Two policemen found the liquor when the driver abandoned the car on Locust Street near Kaighn Avenue.
Alu testified that he had been driving along Fourth Street near Division when another machine pulled in front of him and stopped. Three men got out of the car and ordered him to leave his machine, he said. It was after they drove off in the car that the hit-run accident occurred, Alu stated.
William Helberson, a passing motorist, corroborated Alu’s story and said he helped to chase the three men who had taken the Trenton man’s car. Charles Cook, a fireman, also said that Alu asked him to help in the chase.
Police Judge Pancoast found Alu guilty and fined him $25, but suspended the sentence date, when Alu agreed to pay for the repairs to Salerno’s ear.
At the time of Alu’s arrest on the liquor possession charges, a record book was found in his car. It revealed that he had done $40,000 worth of business through August, but through the operations of rival dealers had lost $4000. He is under $1000 bail on this charge.
Police and Firemen's Association Election
Camden Courier-Post —
COPS AND FIREMEN WILL ELECT TODAY — Herbert Bott Is Unopposed for Presidency of Camden Association
The Camden Police and Firemen’s Association will hold election of officers today at its headquarters, 1175 Whitman Avenue, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Herbert Bott is unopposed for re-election as president. William Thorn is unopposed to replace Richard Middleton for financial secretary and Walter Vecander is unopposed for the new post of assistant financial secretary. All these are police officers.
The police trustees will be named from the following nine candidates: William Marter, George Ward, William Britner, Joseph Shreeve, William Schriber, Joseph Mardino, Joseph Dunnett, Leon Feltz and Russell Young. Two police sergeant-at-arms will be chosen from among Stanley Wirtz, Harry Cattell, Joseph Schultz and George Clayton.
Three candidates are seeking the post of vice president, which goes to a fireman. They are William Spencer, Charles Edwards and Albert Dukes. Warren Rich, a fireman, is slated to succeed himself as recording secretary and Winfield Leviseur is unopposed for the new post of assistant recording secretary, which goes to a fireman.
Four fireman trustees will be chosen from ten candidates. They are Charles Cook, Henry Baumgartel, Walter Eastlack, Arthur Batten, William Getner, William Toy, Lawrence Newton, James Young, Russell Anderson and William Taylor. Three firemen are seeking two posts as sergeants-at-arms. They are William Judge, John Mulligan and Furman Price.
Association Election Results
Camden Courier-Post —
BOTT CHOSEN HEAD OF POLICEMEN, FIREMEN — Spencer Wins 3-Corner Fight for Vice-President of Association
Lauded by the members for his splendid work in behalf of the club, Herbert Bott, a patrolman attached to the Third Police District, last night was re-elected president of the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association.
The praise was heaped upon the patrolman following announcement that he had received 107 of 110 votes cast in yesterday’s balloting. He was unopposed for reelection.
In a three-cornered fight, William I. Spencer, a fireman, was elected vice president of the association. He received 73 votes. His opponents were Charles Edwards, given 12 votes, and Albert Dukes, 18 votes. Both are firemen.
Others unopposed for office were: William Thorn, financial secretary; Walter Vecander, assistant financial secretary; Warren Rich, recording secretary, and Winfield Leviseur, assistant recording secretary. The last two are firemen while the first two are policemen.
Lieutenant George Ward, Patrolman William Marter, and firemen William Taylor, William Getner, James Young and Lawrence Newton were elected to the board of trustees.
Sergeants-at-arms named were Stanley Wirtz and George Clayton, police, and William Judge and John Mulligan, firemen. All had opposition.
After the ballots had been counted William H. Iszard, former assemblyman, appeared on behalf of the Elks Crippled Kiddies Committee, and asked police to support the wrestling show to be staged by that group February 13..
Death of Charles Cook Sr.
Camden Courier-Post —
CHARLES COOK, SR.
The funeral of Charles Cook. Sr. who died Saturday, will be held at 2 p. m., Wednesday, at his late home, 325 Vine Street. Mr. Cook was a member of Camden Lodge No. 15, F. and A. M., and Rescue Council No. 15, Fraternal Patriotic Americans. He is survived by his wife, Sarah. Burial will be private in Harleigh Cemetery.
Camden Lodge No. 15, Free & Accepted Masons – Rescue Council No. 15 Fraternal Patriotic Americans