Introduction
Charles Henry Smith served briefly with the Camden Fire Department in the 1910s. Born on July 6, 1877, he was the eldest child of Thomas and Annie Smith. The Smiths were living at 410 Liberty Street when the census was taken in 1880. Thomas Smith was then working for one of the railroad lines as a laborer.
Charles Smith married shortly before the 1900 Census. The Census shows the couple living at 482 Line Street in South Camden. Also residing there were his father Thomas, then a widower, and younger siblings William, 17, Amanda, 14, and Albert, 4. Charles Smith then worked as a day laborer.
The 1910 Census shows Charles Smith and his wife of 10 years, Sarah, living at 211 Channing Terrace. He was then working as an electrician at the “street car barn,” most likely the facility on Newton Avenue. The Smith had two children at home, Sarah, aged 9, and Charles Jr., aged 7. Another son, William, was born around 1912.
Charles Smith was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in March of 1914, replacing Edward Finley, who had died on March 5, 1914. He began work on April 1. The 1914 Camden City Directory lists him as a fireman, living at 203 Stevens Street. He was serving in East Camden in 1916. On October 1, 1917 he was transferred to Engine Company 3. By September of 1918 Charles Smith had left the Fire Department. He may have, as had a number of other men, left to take a higher paying job at the New York Shipbuilding corporation shipyard. He was by the living at 322 Mickle Street. By January of 1920 the Smiths had moved to 503 South 6th Street, where he remained into the 1940s. Charles Smith was still working at the shipyard at that time. He remained employed there into the mid-1920s. The 1927 City Directory states his occupation was conductor, and the 1929 edition gives it as operator. The April 1930 Census states that we was working for the City of Camden, although in what capacity is unclear.
Sarah E. Smith passed away on March 9, 1941 and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in what was then Delaware Township. By the end of the 1930s Charles Smith was working for the Camden County Board of Freeholders as the assistant custodian oft the County Courthouse on Broadway between Federal Street and Market Street. He was still employed in that position when he registered for the draft in the spring of 1942. He retired not long afterwards. Charles Smith was still residing at 503 South 6th Street when he died on April 3, 1950. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill), New Jersey.
Fire Department Appointments
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Democrats who follow the standard of Sheriff Mowrer are jubilant over the reappointment of Charles MacKillone as a member of the Camden County Board of Taxation. It is declared to be a victory for the Mowrer followers and as such indicates that he is the recognized head of Camden Democracy.
Promising to stay away from his wife and mother-in-law George N. Cook, accused of striking his young wife and terrorizing the household, was released on suspended sentence by Recorder Stackhouse.
Charles Smith, of 203 Steven street, has been appointed a city fireman to fill the vacancy occasioned by the recent death of Edward Finley.
Out of work, Daniel Burns, aged 32 years, of 1755 South Fourth street, drank carbolic acid. At Cooper Hospital it was stated the man has good chances for recovery.
Building Inspector Day has issued building permits to the Guarantee Realty Company for the erection of five dwellings on 1601 to 1609 Mt. Ephraim avenue, and for twelve from 1137 to 1159 Sherman street.
Working about electric lights at the Farr & Bailey oil cloth works, John Shimski, aged 31 years, of 1230 Sherman street, was shocked and fell. At Cooper Hospital it was found he had been injured about the back.
Draft Registration Cards
World War I Draft Card
World War II Draft Card