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.
To Arrange for Memorial Day
Camden Post-Telegram —
TO ARRANGE FOR MEMORIAL DAY
Old Veterans and Sons of Veterans Meet in Post 5 Hall To-night.
R. J. ROBERTSON AS CHAIRMAN
The joint committees of the several Grand Army Posts and Sons of Veterans, will meet to-night in Post 5 Hall to make arrangements for a proper observance of Memorial Day.
R. J. Robertson, of Post 37, is chairman of the joint committee; J. R. Kirkbride, of Post 5, is secretary, and Isaac Toone, of Post 5, is treasurer.
The members of the committee are: Post 5, S. W. Weaver, J. R. Kirkbride, Silas Volk, Robert Hillman, Isaac Toone, Robert Sheppard, Charles Boyer, A. R. Underdown, Julius Smith, J. Caldwell.
Post 37, M. W. Barney, Charles Hewitt, R. J. Robertson, Theodore Adams, John Donaldson, Albert Gilbert, Thomas Finney.
Post 51, Theodore B. Brown, S. Chrisden, J. Frank, James Hart.
Sons of Veterans, J. Brandscheet, J. Holt, W. Elverson, D. Hadley, William Joline, Charles Cook, William Marshall.
Any person having knowledge of an unmarked soldier’s grave is requested to communicate with the chairman or secretary of the committee.
First Ward Club Had a Jolly Time
Camden Daily Courier —
Annual Election and Feast of Fun Held Last Night.
PATTERSON ELECTED PRESIDENT
Hospitality was rampant at the First Ward Young Republican Club last night. The occasion was the annual meeting. Following the election of officers there was a delightful entertainment and a splendid feast, the honors being done by Captain William E. Alberts, simply resplendent facially in his new bunch of whiskers; Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse, who salivated more buttered ham sandwiches than George Kappel did fried oysters; Eph Hires, the school janitor, who saw to it especially that no one was unattended to; Exciseman Joseph Kolb, who insisted on everybody taking something every other minute; John Beard, who was happy over being elected a ward committeeman, and a number of others who looked after the comfort of the many guests in fine style.
The officers elected were: President, County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr.; Vice President, Freeholder George P. Pechin; Treasurer, Thomas Walton; Board of Directors, Court House Superintendent Joseph Burt, Captain William Alberts, Walter Banks, E. T. Hires, William Lyons, Charles Cook, William Weaver and Robert Finley. Joseph Baumeister was re-elected secretary and none better could have been selected as he had everything down pat.
An Italian orchestra with an Irishman playing the flute furnished the music, and there was great fun when Walter Banks got under a rubber plant and roared out “Under the Bamboo Tree.” The cosy club rooms were prettily and patriotically decorated and pretty nearly everybody in te [sic] town was there, from Cooper’s Point to Centreville. Among them were Senator William J. Bradley, ex-Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, Fire Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, who warmed up on ginger ale; President of City Council Samuel P. Jones, Councilman Joseph Potter, County Clerk, Frank F. Patterson, Jr., whose re-election as president of the club was hearty and unanimous; Dr. John F. Leavitt, whose heroism and devotion to duty where disease stalks, has made Camden the healthiest city in the world; ex-County Physician William Iszard, Freeholder George Pechin, Fireman Joseph Logue, the owner of the great and only “Dewey;” Tony Mecca, president of the popular Italian Republican Club, and many others of equal note. The cigars were elegant, the menu grand, the orchestra in full harmony with the happy occasion, outside of playing “In the Goold [sic] Old Summer Time,” and the guests will ever remember the event as one of the pleasantest of incidents.
Sixteen Appointed to Fire Department
Camden Evening Courier —
Men Selected from Every Ward Throughout the City.
EIGHT TO GO TO THE NEW HOUSE
On account of the illness of its chairman, Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, the fire committee of City Council last night met at Dr. Robinson’s residence, 518 Linden street. The principal object of the meeting was to recommend names for additional appointments in the Fire Department.
Among the sixteen fortunate ones were Rollo Jones and Charles Cook, of the First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; Samuel Sheer and E. Finley, Third ward; Martin Carrigan, Fourth ward; Joseph Daly, Fifth ward; Joseph Ernest, Sixth ward; William Buzine, Seventh ward; William Munson, Charles Sturgis, Eighth ward; William Whitzell, Ninth ward; Joseph Till, Jr., East Camden.
William Miller, Eighth ward; John H. Vickers and F. Morse, Twelfth ward.
Eighteen New Firemen Named
Camden Post-Telegram —
Sixteen of the Men Will Not Go on Duty Until July Next.
TWO OTHERS TO FILL VACANCIES
City Council’s Fire Committee last night named 18 new firemen. Sixteen of these men will not go on duty until July 1, next, at which time the new fire house will be ready for service, while the other two, who were named to fill vacancies, will begin duty the first of next year.
It must not be inferred that the sixteen new men will all be assigned to the new company. Experienced men from the several houses, with one or two of the new ones, will make up Company No. 5, while the rest of the raw recruits will be apportioned among the several houses.
Rollo Jones, of the First ward, and William Miller, of the Eighth ward, are the men to go on duty January 1. They fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of John Ware and Samuel Peoples.
The others selected are:
First ward—Charles Cook.
Second ward—James White, Harry Anderson.
Third ward—Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley.
Fourth ward—Martin Carrigan.
Fifth ward—Joseph Daly.
Sixth ward—Joseph Ernest.
Seventh ward—Seth Monnell, William Buzine.
Eighth ward—Charles Sturgis.
Ninth ward—S. T. Whitezell.
Tenth ward—Ephraim T. Davis.
Eleventh ward—J. Oscar Till.
Twelfth ward—J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse.
All the appointees must pass a physical examination which will be made by Dr. W. H. Iszard.
William Hertline, conected [sic] with headquarters, has been suspended pending a trial on a charge made by Chief Elfreth. The case will be heard on Monday night.
More Firemen for Camden
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.
New Firemen Added to Camden's Force
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.
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.
North Camden News
Camden Post-Telegram —
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 McCaulley, 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 McCaulley, Joseph Allen, William Elberson, William R. Cason, Harry Hankins, Conn L. Mack.
Firemen Enjoy Week-End Supper at Headquarters
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.
Snapper Soup at Fire Headquarters
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.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Changes made necessary by the elevation of John A. Stockton to the post of Fire Chief were announced last evening by the Fire Committee of Camden City Council. Stockton will be succeeded as Deputy Chief by Captain Peter Carter, of Engine Company No. 1. Lieutenant Samuel Whitzell will take Carter’s place and will be succeeded by Charles Cook, who was chauffeur for the late Chief Worthington.
Pleading guilty to a charge of burglary at the store of Sig Schoenagle, 424 Federal street, Kim Lee, a Japanese, was yesterday sentenced by Judge Boyle to serve not less than three and a half years or more than seven years in the State Prison. With a paving stone Lee broke a bulk window at the store and stole two Panama hats.
His jaw broken and skull probably fractured by being kicked in the head by a horse in his father’s barn, 15-year-old Edgar Leech, of Paulsboro, is in a serious condition in Cooper Hospital, Camden. Hurried to Camden on a train, the boy was in an unconscious condition when admitted to the hospital, and was still in a state of coma last night.
Decreeing that the defendant concern was not responsible for the accident, Judge Boyle yesterday dismissed the liability claim filed by Henderson Martin against the Camden Iron Works. Martin sought damages for injuries sustained to an arm by a pipe rolling on it.
Firemen Honor Dead Comrade
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.
Firemen of Long Service Receive Good Promotion
Camden Daily Courier —
Chief Stockton Became a Member of Department 31 Years Ago
CHIEF CARTER ENTERED FORCE AS DRIVER IN 1900
JOHN A. STOCKTON, Retiring Chief of Fire Department.
After a continuous service of merit for thirty-one years as a fireman, Fire Chief John A. Stockton last night tendered his resignation to take effect on October 1, and Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter was chosen last night by City Council as his successor. The resignation of the veteran fire fighter caused a general move up in the Fire Department.
Captain William Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, was elected deputy fire chief. Captain Thomas Nichols, of Engine Company No. 3, was chosen battalion chief, a newly created position, bringing the battalion chiefs up to the number of three.
Through the promotions of the two captains Lieutenant Charles Cook and Lieutenant John H. Lennox were advanced to the rank of captain. Lieutenant Cook will likely be in charge of Engine Company No. 4, and Captain Lennox in command of Engine Company No. 3. Firemen Walter Mertz and William Cassen were promoted lieutenants and two new firemen appointed were John S. Hunt, of the Sixth ward, and George L. Cattell, of 427 Line street, Fourth ward. Hunt was a chauffeur for the Child’s Grocery Company and will make a competent driver. Robert Whitley was made an engineer.
PETER B. CARTER, Deputy Chief who has been Promoted Chief.
WILLIAM PATTERSON, Captain Advanced as Deputy Chief.
THOMAS NICHOLS, Created a Battalion Chief.
Chief Stockton entered the service as a fire captain thirty-one years ago and he remained at Engine Company No. 1 until four years ago, when he was made deputy chief. On the death of Fire Chief Charles Worthington a year ago he was made chief of the department. During that time he has rendered capable and efficient service and had the good will of the entire fire fighting force.
Chief Carter became a member of the department March 1, 1900, as a driver of Chemical Company No. 1, Sixth street and Kaighn avenue. He was made captain of Truck Company No. 1 at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, in 1907. He was transferred to the captaincy of Engine Company No. 1 on the promotion of Chief Stockton in 1911 and he was promoted deputy chief July 1 last year when Deputy Chief Stockton succeeded late Chief Worthington. In the new chief the department has a capable leader.
Captain Patterson is a fireman of twenty years standing. During all that time he has been connected with Engine Company No. 4 at Fourth and Vine streets. He entered the service as a hoseman and ten years ago he was advanced to the rank of captain on the death of Captain Samuel Peoples.
Fifteen years of service are accredited to Captain Thomas Nichols, of Engine Company No. 1. He entered the service as a hoseman in 1900 at the Centerville fire house. When Captain William Deno was transferred to Engine Company No. 7, at the opening of that new house five years ago, Nichols was advanced to the rank of captain. He receives the rank of Battalion chief under the new order of things and will likely have charge of the Centerville companies.
Lieutenant Charles Cook entered the department in 1905 as a driver and was driver for Chief Samuel S. Elfreth and Chief Worthington. He was made lieutenant of Engine Company No. 1 a year ago and will likely be in charge of Engine Company No. 4 as captain.
Lieutenant Lennox has been in the service for ten years, entering as a hoseman with Engine Company No. 2 at headquarters. He was promoted lieutenant of Engine Company No. 3 five years ago and will likely be in charge as captain at the same engine house. “Chappie,” as the firemen all call him, is one of the most popular men in the department.
Carter Chief as Stockton Retires
Camden Post-Telegram —
Head of the Department Resigns After Continuous Service of 31 Years.
WILLIAM PATTERSON IS ELECTED DEPUTY
PETER CARTER, New Fire Chief,
In recognition of the long and valiant service to the city as a fighter of flames, Fire Chief John Stockton was yesterday given September on full pay as a vacation prior to his retirement on a pension on October 1. He retires after nearly thirty-one years of continuous service in the department. He succeeded the late Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed at the fire on George street. Chief Stockton rose from the ranks and has always been very popular with the men.
Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter, of the Fifth ward, was selected to fill the vacancy. He has been a member of the department for about fifteen years and is an experienced fire fighter with up-to-date ideas that will bear fruition with the thorough motorization of the department.
Captain William Patterson, of No. 4 Engine Company and who hails from the Second ward, was made Deputy Chief, and Captain Thomas Nicholas, of No. 3 Engine Company and an Eighth warder, was made a battalion chief.
Other appointments made in the department included the following: Captains, William Cook, Fourth ward, and John Lennox, Ninth ward; lientenants [sic], William Cason, Fourth ward, and Walter Mertz, Fifth ward; engineer, Robert Whitley, Sixth ward; machinist, T. G. Middleton, second ward. John Hunt and George Cattell were appointed firemen.
Council also filled vacancies occasioned by the death of Chief Clerk Bowman H. Shivers, of the Highway Department. Walter W. Johnson, of the Seventh ward, who has been first assistant, was made chief clerk, and Walter W. Lee, of the Ninth ward, first assistant; Clarence Baker, Ninth ward, second, and Walter Wolverton, Tenth ward, third assistant.
Albert Denise, of the Fifth ward, was appointed an engineer in the Water Department to fill the vacancy occasioned by the recent death of William Barr.
Fire Chief Retired
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Head of Department Placed on Pension, Deputy Elected
After thirty-one years of continuous service as a member of Camden’s Fire Department, during which he rose from the bottom to the top, Fire Chief John Stockton was yesterday retired at his request by City Council. Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter was elected to fill the vacancy, while William Patterson, who has been captain of No. 4 Engine Company, is made deputy chief. Captain Thomas Nichols, of No. 3 Engine Company, is made a battalion chief. Other appointments made were: Captains, William [sic] Cook and John Lennox, lieutenants, Walter Mertz and William Casson, engineer, Robert Whitley, machinist, T. G. Middleton, firemen, John Hunt and George Cattell.
Council also appointed Walter W. Johnson chief clerk of the Highway Department to succeed the late B. H. Shivers. Others appointed included Walter W. Lee, assistant, Clarence Baker, second assistant, and Walter Wolverton, third assistant. Albert Denise was made an engineer in the Water Department to succeed the late William Barr.
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.
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