Introduction
CHARLES HENRY FITZSIMMONS IV, generally referred to in his own time as Charles H. Fitzsimmons Jr., was born in Camden on September 26, 1877, the son of Charles Fitzsimmons III and his wife, the former Anna Carey. His father was born around 1856 in Philadelphia, and came to Camden in 1874. At the time of the 1880 Census he was married, living with wife Anna and Charles IV at 249 Sycamore Street, and working as a sail maker. He followed that trade into the 1890s. The 1887–1888 Camden City Directory shows him living at 287 Sycamore Street, the 1888–1889 Directory states 272 Sycamore Street. The 1890–1891 Directory gives 1133 South 3rd as his address. He was still following the sailmaker’s trade as late as 1890. By 1900 Charles H. Fitzsimmons had moved next door to 1135 South 3rd Street. He married Nellie Gilmore within a few months of the 1900 Census enumeration.
Charles Fitzsimmons III was appointed to the police force on April 1, 1894 by then-Mayor John L. Westcott. After an exemplary and distinguished career in uniform, he was promoted to detective in 1912 by Mayor Charles H. Ellis. Detective Fitzsimmons retired on December 31, 1931, due to age and problems with his eyesight.
Charles H. Fitzsimmons IV had moved out of his parents home by 1906 and was working as a plumber, residing at 299 Sycamore Street. He had been appointed to the fire department by April of 1910, and had married. When the Census was taken he and wife Nellie, son Charles and daughter Anna lived at 1143 South 3rd Street. They moved to 1126 South 3rd Street by 1914. On December 1, 1916 he was promoted to Lieutenant.
The family was still there as late as September of 1918, according to his draft card. When the 1920 Census was taken, Charles Fitzsimmons was still a fire fighter. He was living with his parents, wife Nellie, and daughter Anna at 1421 Bradley Avenue in the Parkside section of Camden. This would be his home until his death, which came all too soon. Charles H. Fitzsimmons IV died on July 26, 1922. He was survived by his parents, wife and daughter.
Assistant Fire Chiefs Sent to New Stations
Camden Post-Telegram —
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEFS SENT TO NEW STATIONS
Second Assistant Fire Chief George Cox took up his station at the Kaighn avenue fire house this morning. Chas. Fitzsimmons, Jr., of the Fifth ward, a new appointee, reported for duty at the same house this morning.
Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine, Richard Marter and Harry Selby have been transferred to Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets. Assistant Chief Buzine, familiarly known to thousands down-town as “Daddy,” will be greatly missed, as a more conscientious painstaking and affable official never held office in this city.
Wish Bone Club in Annual Banquet.
Camden Post-Telegram —
WISH BONE CLUB IN ANNUAL BANQUET
The second annual dinner was given on New Year's eve by the members of the Fire Department at headquarters, known as the Wish Bone Club, after having been called out twice to fires. The evening was spent in music and song, prayer being offered by Engineer Dold. They all sat down to an elaborate dinner prepared by Chef Wingate, assisted by Lieutenant John H. Lutts.
MENU.
Relishes—Celery, olives, pickles, chilli sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), giblet sauce; jellied cranberries, browned sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stewed corn, stewed tomatoes.
Mince pie, Coffee, Vienna rolls, butter, aqua de lair.
— The following were the guests of the evening: Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, Captains George B. Wade, Peter B. Carter, Lieutenants John H. Lutts, Peter S. Gray, Engineer John A. Dold, Stoker Newton G. Ash, Drivers Joseph Johnson, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Maxwell, Richard Marter, Harry Barroughs, Laddermen and Hosemen William Elberson, John H. Lennox, Harry Selby, Harry Green, William Tatem; Houseman John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingwood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Pallbearers at funeral of Bert Hibbs
Camden Post-Telegram —
Samuel Price, Charles H. Fitzsimmons, Jr., Morton Clark and John McTaggart, of the Kaighn avenue fire house, were pallbearers at the funeral of Bert Hibbs, who was killed by a negro at Seventh and Sycamore streets, early Sunday morning. Interment was made in the Friends Cemetery, Langhorne, Pa.
Inmates Rescued as Nursery Burns
Camden Post-Telegram —
INMATES RESCUED AS NURSERY BURNS
Firemen Save Dozen Sick Children Who Were in Quarantine Ward.
CARRIED TO SAFETY DOWN THE LADDERS
Changes Among Camden Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There are a number of changes that become effective in Camden’s Fire Department today. Charles Fitzsimmons, Jr., will become a lieutenant to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Israel Adams owing to physical infirmities. Irwin Price, of the Sixth ward, takes the place of William McCauley, dismissed, and Lewis Newman, of the Twelfth ward, will assume the duties of Harry Suters, resigned. William Cumerford, of the Twelfth ward, has been appointed a fireman to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Fitzsimmons.
World War I Draft Card
Charles H. Fitzsimmons IV – World War I Draft Card
Children Save Property From Flames as 2 Delair Schools Burn
Camden Daily Courier —
Named: Joseph H. Forsyth, William W. Patterson, Charles H. Fitzsimmons IV, Miss Mary Schleinkoffer, Mrs. Helen Cubberley, Miss Maude Henke, and Engine Company 2.
Fitzsimmons Obituary Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles H. Fitzsimmons IV – Philadelphia Inquirer – July 28, 1922