Introduction
CHARLES H. ROBINSON was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in the spring of 1884 to serve as an extra man with Engine Company 2. He replaced Isaiah Collins. When the Fire Department was reorganized on July 1, 1885 and eighteen of the extra men were laid off, Charles H. Robinson was retained. He was still serving with the Fire Department as late as 1932. At that time he was Captain of Engine Company 9 in East Camden.
Charles Harrison Robinson was born in New Jersey to William and Elizabeth Robinson. When the Census was taken in July on 1860 the family was living in Camden’s South Ward. They had moved over the city line to Newton Township by the time the Census was taken in 1870. The family then consisted of Charles Robinson, his parents, and younger brother William Robinson, then 7 years of age. Three more brothers would be born during the 1870s, George, Howard, and Morris.
The 1880 Census shows the Robinson family at 715 Walnut Street. Charles Robinson was living at home with his parents and brothers, and working as a laborer, and was still living there when the 1881–1882 Camden City Directory was compiled. Charles Robinson married Elizabeth Matthews in the early 1880s. The 1882–1883 City Directory gives his address as 731 Mount Vernon Street. He moved back to 715 Walnut prior to the publication of the 1883–1884 Directory, then moved to 756 Cherry Street, where he lived in 1884 and 1885. His wife Elizabeth had given birth to daughter Carrie in 1883. Son Harry G. Robinson came in 1886. The Robinson family was living at 744 Walnut Street in 1887 and 1888, according to City Directories for those years. Another son, Charles H. Robinson Jr. was born in 1888.
Charles H. Robinson had worked as a laborer, as an oil cloth printer, and as rope maker in the 1880s through July of 1885. As stated above, he had been appointed to the Fire Department as an extra man in 1884, which was essentially a part-time position. He became a fulltime firefighter, when, at a special meeting of the City’s Fire Committee held on July 7, 1885 the fire department was reorganized. Each engine company added a permanent foreman and two hosemen; the ladder company added two laddermen for a total of eight new full-time firemen.
The new foremen were John Stockton, Engine Company 1 and Henry Grosscup, Engine Company 2. The reorganization became effective on August 1st and the foremen were given charge of their respective units at an annual salary of $720.
Less than a month later, on August 4, 1885, a tornado struck Camden. The twister knocked over the firehouse bell tower at Engine Company 2’s headquarters. There were also three fires and six deaths as a result of the twister.
An 1886 account revealed the following about Engine Company 2. The unit was quartered on the northeast corner of Fifth and Arch Street, a location that would house Camden Fire Department units into the early 1960s. The two story brick building at 19 North 5th Street was shared with the Camden Hook and Ladder Company, now known as Ladder Company 1. This building also was the headquarters of the Camden Fire Department.
Engine Company 2 personnel in 1886 are as follows:
Engine Company 2 Roster, 1886
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 2 personnel, 1886
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ |
|---|---|
| Henry C. Grosscup | Foreman |
| William Morris | Engineer |
| C.B. Harvey | Driver |
| Frank Turner | Stoker |
| Charles Robinson | Hoseman |
| Isaac Shreeve | Hoseman |
| Logan Bates | Call Man |
| James Carey | Call Man |
| William Lyons | Call Man |
| Howard H. Currie | Call Man |
Engine Company 2’s apparatus at that time consisted of an Amoskeag second class steamer (makers plate #319), a hose wagon and a supply wagon.
By 1888 Charles H. Robinson had been transferred to the Hook and Ladder Company.
The 1890–1891 Camden City Directory shows Charles H Robinson and family had moved to 750 Mount Vernon Street. Another son, William Robinson, was born in December of 1890. The Robinsons stayed at this address through at least 1906.
In January of 1895, Chemical Engine Company 1 was organized and entered service at Fire Headquarters, North 5th and Arch Street. The apparatus was built by Charles T. Holloway of Baltimore, Maryland and had a double, sixty gallon chemical tank and was drawn by two horses. John W. Toy was named foreman and George Cox, driver; the hosemen were Wright Cox and Charles Robinson. In 1899 Hook and Ladder Company 2 and Chemical Engine Company 2 were organized and entered service at 617–619 Kaighn Avenue. Charles H. Robinson was promoted to Foreman and was the first to command the new Ladder Company, with George B. Wade being given the foreman’s post with the Chemical Engine Company, which became Engine Company 8 in 1916. By 1906 he had been reassigned to lead Chemical Engine Company 2. Samuel M. Price then took the helm of Ladder Company 2. The foreman job title was replaced by the still-in-use Captain designation shortly afterwards.
The 1900 Census shows Charles and Elizabeth Robinson living at 750 Mount Vernon Street with their four children. Charles H. Robinson’s younger brother William had married and was living next door at 752 Mount Vernon Street with his wife and two sons.
By 1910 the Robinson family had moved to 1257 Park Boulevard in the then-new Parkside section of Camden. Only sons Harry and William were still living at home. Charles Jr. had married and was living in East Camden at 136 North 30th Street with his wife Edna. He worked as a telegraph operator. By 1914 Charles Robinson Jr. and his wife moved to 2727 High Street. Sadly, by the middle of 1918 he was a widower. Tragedy had previously struck the Robinsons in July of 1916, when youngest son William was killed in an automobile accident.
Charles H. Robinson was promoted to Captain of Engine Company 9 in East Camden at some point between 1914 and the middle of 1918. He was still serving in this position as late as 1924, and was still serving as a Captain with the Camden Fire Department when the 1927 Camden City Directory was compiled. By 1929 he had retired on pension.
Charles H. Robinson and Elizabeth Robinson were still living at 1257 Park Boulevard when the Census was taken in April of 1930. Fire Department records from 1931 also show him at that address. Charles H. Robinson died on February 8, 1932. Elizabeth Robinson joined her husband on June 6, 1932.
Hook & Ladder Company 3, Hose & Chemical Company 1 & Engine Company 9
1924
Hook & Ladder Company 3: Captain Joseph B. Ayres, FF Dave Humphries, Al Dukes, John Mulligan, Bill Mountney, Bill Hopkins. Hose & Chemical Company 1: Captain Charles H. Robinson, FF William E. “Pud” Jaeckel, George Townsend, Ken Naylor, Howard Gick. Engine Company 9: Captain John H. Vickers, FF Irv Lederman, Newton Ash, Joe Gentlesk, Al Palmer
Charles Robinson Bitten by Horse on Walnut Street
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The following persons were admitted to the Cooper Hospital yesterday: Thomas Little, living at Front and Arch streets, bitten by a horse; Charles Robinson, of No. 730 Walnut street, Camden, and William Bradley, No. 730 Rockland street, Philadelphia, both injured while playing base ball.
"CAMDEN'S BIG FIRE."
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN'S BIG FIRE.
THE DYE WORKS OF JOHN J. HAYES COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Two Firemen' Injured and an Engine Badly Damaged—Other News from Across the River.
A fire at Sixth and Mechanic streets, Camden, yesterday afternoon, destroyed the dye works of John J. Hayes. About 5 o'clock workmen were startled by the cry of “Fire 1” from an outsider. The drying room, which was in the main building, was found to be in flames. The workmen rushed through the building to close down the windows to cut off the draught, but soon had to cease, owing to the rapid spread of the flames. The men had hardly got out before the whole building was enveloped in flames. The two adjoining buildings soon caught, and within fifteen minutes the whole establishment was on fire. The entire fire department was out, but only three engines could get into service. No. 3 engine, while attempting to round the corner at Sixth and Mechanic streets, got in a hole, was upset and so badly damaged that it was totally unfit for use. Driver Samuel Lodge leaped from his feat in time to escape being injured.
At 6 o'clock the front of the main building fell in. Foreman Mortimer Wilson, of No. 3; Hoseman William Bogia, of No. 1, and Ladderman Charles Robinson were at this point and had a close call. Foreman Wilson was badly burned about the face and hands and sustained a scalp wound. He was conveyed to the Cooper Hospital. Hoseman Bogia had his leg injured, Robinson escaped uninjured.
The buildings and stock were all destroyed. Mr. Hayes, who operates the dye works, places his loss at $15,000. He is unable to tell how much insurance he has, as all his papers and books were burned up. Daniel Scofield, the owner of the building, puts his loss at $10,000, making a total loss of $25,000.
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.
Firemen Selected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch's Candidates Were Pushed to the Front
Increase in Camden Fire Department Agreed Upon After Sharp Contest
The trouble over the selection of new firemen from the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth wards of Camden was settled at an executive session of the Fire Commissioners last evening. John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward, and Councilman Longacre in the Eleventh ward and Councilman Leas in the Twelfth landed their candidates.
Prior to the meeting a delegation of Second ward Republicans marched to fire headquarters wearing badges inscribed, “For firemen, Second ward, John W. Vanhart and W. Scott Franklin.” The latter was a candidate against Bolton, who also had a number of friends present. There was no opposition to the appointment of Vanhart.
As the delegation crowded in on the second floor of the fire house there was a cracking noise that sounded as if the floor was giving away. This caused a rush, but the alarm soon subsided.
The Commissioners were in secret session for nearly a half hour before they finally settled the contest over the Second ward appointments. Mayor Hatch, Councilman McGill and Freeholder Whyte were each called before the Commissioners. The latter favored the appointment of Franklin. After the Second ward appointments were settled it did not take long to decide upon the new firemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards. Councilman Arnold, who has been opposing Councilman Longacre's candidates in the Eleventh ward, was not present, neither was Councilman Lee, who was opposing the men backed by Councilman Leas in the Twelfth ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gich, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark; Twelfth ward, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
The following were promoted to foremen: George F. Cox, foreman Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; George Wade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2; Samuel Peoples, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3; Charles Robinson, Chemical Engine Company No. 1; Edward Weston, Hose Company No. 1, East Side; Albert C. Jones, Hose Company No. 2, East Side.
The appointments, together with those made last Thursday evening, will be confirmed by City Council to-morrow night.
Fire Engine Wrecked; Four Firemen Hurt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FIRE ENGINE WRECKED; FOUR FIREMEN HURT
Chemical Apparatus Overturned While Answering an Alarm in Camden
Four Camden firemen were injured yesterday by the overturning of chemical engine No. 2 while responding to an alarm of fire at Front Street and Kaighn Avenue. The victims are: Foreman Charles H. Robinson, breast bone broken, severely bruised about the head, shoulders and hips. William Rose, right wrist and elbow sprained, and cut over the eye. Samuel Price, severely bruised about the body. Peter Carter, driver, bruised about the head and arms.
Smoke issuing from the ruins of Wisson, Harbison & Co.’s stables, at 1135 South Front Street, which were burned several days ago, caused the alarm to be turned in. Chemical Engine Company No. 2 was dashing down Kaighn Avenue when the front wheels of the engine caught in a switch of the trolley car tracks at Second Street. The switch twisted the engine around so that it was overturned on its side. All four firemen were thrown violently to the asphalt pavement, but fortunately escaped falling beneath the three-ton engine, or they would have been crushed to death.
Fireman Rose was hurried to Cooper Hospital, and, after having his injuries dressed, was taken home. It was not until he returned to the engine house that Foreman Robinson found he was injured internally. He also went to Cooper Hospital, but is now confined to his home. The engine was so badly damaged that it had to be sent to the repair shop. The fire did no damage.
In Memory of Dead Heroes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
IN MEMORY OF DEAD HEROES
Mayor of Camden Calls for Services in Two Churches
Mayor Ellis, in Camden, yesterday issued a proclamation calling on the citizens to assemble at the First Baptist and the Broadway M. E. Churches on Sunday to participate in the services to be held in memory of Firemen George Shields, William Jones and William Hillman, who were killed at the Armory fire last Friday night. The first service will be held at the Baptist Church, at three o’clock, while the one at the Methodist Church will be held at quarter after four o’clock. The subscription fund being raised for the families of the firemen had reached nearly $2000 last night.
The funeral of Fireman Shields took place yesterday from his home, 525 Kaikhn [sic] avenue. Hundreds of persons viewed the body, both Tuesday night and yesterday morning. hTe [sic] services were in charge of Rev. John S. Heisler, of the M. E. Church. The body reposed in a handsome oak casket and was surrounded by numerous floral tributes. The services were attended by forty firemen under Chief Elfreth, while the pall-bearers included Firemen Samuel Price, William Deno, Charles Robinson, Peter Carter, Joseph Ernest and George Quinn. Interment was made at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Robinson Rescues Camden Widow from Flames
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Pluckily fighting the flames that threatened her little home with destruction, Mrs. Sophia Franks, a widow, of 1023 Francis street, Camden, nearly lost her life yesterday. She was rescued by Assistant Fire Chief Buzine and Fireman Charles Robinson. The woman’s children had set the place afire by playing with matches.
Firemen Trapped in Burning Store.
Camden Post-Telegram —
FIREMEN TRAPPED IN BURNING STORE
Seven Fight Their Way Out After Being Surrounded by Flames.
BLAZING CHILDREN PERIL WHOLE BLOCK
Caught like rats in a trap in a fire that threatened the entire business block on the east side of Broadway between Chestnut street and Kaighn avenue, yesterday morning, seven firemen, back to back, fought their way through flames and smoke escaping with singed hair and eyebrows and slight burns of the face, head and hands.
And while these brave men were battling against great odds, the father and mother of two pretty little girls, aged eighteen and thirty months, were alternately laughing and crying, or praising a plucky little woman who saved their tots from being burned to death.
Six of the firemen—Captain Charles Robinson, Captain Samuel Price, Lieutenant Harry Haines, Morton Clark, James McDermott, John McTaggart—were from the Kaighn avenue house. The other was Roy Smith, of the Chemical Company from House No. 7.
The children who were saved from an awful fate are: Florence Erlick and Martha Erlick, and their rescuer is Mrs. Tillie Sackett, of 1122 Broadway.
Three stores, 1118, 1120, 1122 Broadway, were practically gutted and the upper stories in the rear badly damaged, the whole entailing a loss estimated at $6,500 of which the major portion is covered by insurance. The police arrangements were perfect, the entire block being roped off within a few minutes after the fire alarm was turned in at Broadway and Kaighn avenue by Reserve Policeman Matlack.
Harry Erlick conducts a dry goods, notion and gents’ furnishing store at 1120 Broadway. About 10.45 o’clock he left the front of the store to go to the kitchen, leaving the little girls, Florence, aged 30 months, and Martha, aged 18 months, at play in the store, his wife being out on an errand. Only a short time elapsed when he was startled by the screams of Florence and rushing into the kitchen saw her standing near the coal stove trying to beat out the fire in a paper belt that she had around her body.
As Mr. Erlick entered she ran towards him, the blaze from the belt setting fire to some of the goods on the counter. Thinking only of his children, Mr. Erlick beat out the fire on the little one’s clothing but by this time the flames were rapidly spreading over the rear of the store.
(CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PAGE.)
Suffered a Stroke Driving Team
Camden Post-Telegram —
Suffered a Stroke Driving Team
Strapped to Seat, Lewis Buzine was Helpless in Run of Many Squares
Many Close Calls for No. 3 Engine
Stricken with paralysis while strapped to his seat of his engine Lewis Buzine, driver of No. 3 Engine Company, held the reins for many squares before his plight was discovered. Not until the horses were stopped by the apparatus striking the side of the engine house were fellow members of the company aware of his illness.
Answering a false alarm coming in from the new Colored High School at Eighth and Chestnut Streets, Stoker Samuel Lodge noticed that the engine was not being driven by Buzine with his usual care. On reaching Eighth and Chestnut Streets, and finding there was no fire Lodge ordered Buzine to drive near a horse trough for water to extinguish the embers under the engine. He was surprised when Buzine paid no heed to him.
As the apparatus rolled in Chestnut Street Captain Charles Robinson, of No. 2 Chemical Engine Company on Kaighn Avenue got on behind with Lodge.
As they neared Seventh Street the rumble of an approaching electric train was heard. The horses were galloping and Lodge called to Buzine to drive more carefully. The gates dropped suddenly, the horses came to a quick halt and the train passed. Captain Robinson then pulled the bell and on the first clang the horses started with a jump, and unrestrained by the usually trained hand of the driver they sped along to Broadway when they turned suddenly, nearly crashing into the curb in front of Davis’ saloon.
The animals then started down Broadway at full speed, narrowly escaping hitting many wagons.
Shaken up and suffering from bruises on the hips and sides caused by being thrown against the engine as it wobbled from side to side, Stoker Lodge jumped when the horses veered into the engine house, and hurried to Buzine, supported by straps about his waist. The driver was leaning forward with his right arm hanging by his side.
Not responding to questions Buzine, who is a brother of ex-Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine was unstrapped and tenderly carried to his home at 1606 Broadway and Dr. Kirk was summoned. He feared that a ruptured blood vessel caused the paralysis of the right side. His condition today is serious.
Knocked From Auto, Killed, Five Held
Trenton Evening Times —
Named: William Robinson, William Spinder, and William J. Kraft.
One Killed When Auto Crashes Against Pole
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There was an error in reporting this story. William Robinson was killed in the accident, not Charles Jr.
William Robinson – Charles H. Robinson – Park Boulevard – Princess Avenue – Harry Spandon – Frank James – Frank Gorman – Raymond Schuck – Lawrence Doran – S.G. Bushey
Captain Robinson Sprains Ankle at House Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Captain Charles Robinson, of No. 1 Hose and Chemical Company, sprained his ankle in working at a fire that burned the rear of the home of William Humphreys, 55 Marlton Avenue, yesterday.
Morbid Crowd Watches Raymond Schuck Buried
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Raymond W. Schuck, Frank James, Rev. J.R.J. Rhoades, Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, J. Russell Carrow, David S. Paul, Harry Robinson, Charles Robinson Jr., James Dailey Jr., Harry Schmidt, and Douglass Wishart.
Notes of 3 and 9 Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Notes of 3 and 9 Firemen
Lieutenant Scott Franklin, formerly of the East Camden house, is invited to visit his old command. Scott has been absent for almost one year.
Dan McCurdy, of Baileytown, used no less than three good brooms in the recent epidemic of prairie fires.
Nine spic and span chairs have been installed in the house, replacing the same number of time-worn seats.
George Schultz told a wierd tale of a trip to Mars, but it occurred, alas, in a dream.
Albert Dukes announced rather proudly to his mates he had finally caught the pike at Grenloch, for which he has been angling during the past year.
Maurice Foley and Gardner Corson, who are on the hospital list, have sent word they are well on the way to recovery.
Ex-sergeant Jake Woodside sprang the surprise of the week when he bested Captain Robinson, house champ, in a series of three pinochle matches.
Mrs. Robinson Dies, Mother of Elks Ruler
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Elizabeth Robinson, Harry G. Robinson, Charles H. Robinson, Patrick Matthews, and Camden Lodge No. 293 Elks, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.