Introduction
Charles Evans was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 19, 1871 to replace Abraham Lower as an extra man with the Hook & Ladder Company, the original designation of what is now Ladder Company 1. He had previously worked as a ship joiner, that is to say, he worked with wood at a shipyard. A joiner differs from a carpenter in that he or she cuts and fits joints in wood that do not use nails, usually in a workshop environment since the formation of the various joints generally requires non-portable machinery. A carpenter would normally work on site.
Charles Evans was making his home at 223 Stevens Street when appointed to the Fire Department. His work took him to Philadelphia daily, and it was found that he was not able to fulfill his commitment to the Fire Department. He resigned from the Fire Department on September 8, 1871.
Charles Evans does not appear in the 1878–1879 Camden City Directory or the 1889 Census. He may have moved to Philadelphia or possibly had passed away.
Fire Department Appointments
Philadelphia Inquirer —
George V. Glover, Charles Evans, Charles Daubman, John Hart and Stephen L. Thomas have been appointed by the Fire Commissioners to the positions of extra men, made vacant by resignation from the Paid Fire Department.
Paid Fire Department Changes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
At a recent meeting of the commissioners of the Paid Fire Department a resolution was passed declaring that, after the 8th of September next, the places of such extra men whose business requires them to be in Philadelphia during the day, to be vacant, and shall be filled with men doing business in Camden. This resolution cuts off six of the most active members:—Howard Lee, Thomas Allebone, Charles Evans, B. H. Connelly, C. Daubman and Stephen L. Thomas. The salary of these men in the department is only $50 per annum, consequently they are necessitated to follow some other occupation.