Introduction
Daniel Smith
Daniel Smith was born in Pennsylvania on July 4, 1872 to Daniel Smith and his wife, the former Mary J. Fithian. He was the second of four children, coming after Edward and before Jacob and Flora. The Smiths were living at 423 Mechanic Street when the 1880 Census was taken, the elder Smith then working as a confectioner. Also living with the family was Daniel Smith’s widowed grandmother, Jane Fithian.
Daniel Smith married Jane Elizabeth Tomlinson on December 26, 1898 in Camden. Daniel Smith was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 23, 1899. The 1900 Census shows him living at 1217 Locust Street in South Camden with his widowed mother, Mrs. Mary Clark, older brother Edward Smith, and wife Jennie. A daughter, Florence, was born just after the Census. The 1906 City Directory has the family at 1240 Locust Street. The 1910 Census shows Daniel Smith, wife Jennie, children Florence, Marian, Edna, Helen, Daniel Jr. and older brother Edward at 1217 South 3rd Street. The Smiths were still there in late 1923.
By the end of 1926 Daniel Smith had been promoted to Captain at the Fire Department and had moved to 224 South 27th Street in East Camden with his wife, children Florence, Edna, and Daniel Jr., and older brother Edward.
In April of 1938 Daniel Smith was interviewed by a reporter from the Camden Courier-Post, where he spoke of his 38 years’ service with the Camden Fire Department. He was serving as Captain at Engine Company 9 in East Camden when the 1940 City Directory was compiled. By the end of 1943 he had retired. Daniel Smith was still living at 224 South 27th Street when the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled. He had passed away prior to the publication of the 1956 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory. His wife was then still living at that address, and she was still there in the fall of 1959. Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Tomlinson Smith passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1960.
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.
Fireman’s Bad Fall From Trolley
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Daniel Smith, 33 years old, a city fireman, was thrown from a Hadonfield trolley car while passing Parkside, Camden, yesterday. The car was so crowded that Smith lost his balance and fell. He was treated at the Cooper Hospital for a fractured arm and bruises. Later he went home.
Fireman Smith Has Arm Operation
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman Daniel Smith has undergone an operation on his arm, injured in a trolley accident several weeks ago.
Daniel Smith Returns to Fire Duty
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman Daniel Smith, who met with an injury some time ago which threatened to incapacitate him from further duty, will be on hand to assist in fighting fires next week.
COMMITTEE NAMED TEN NEW FIREMEN
Camden Daily Courier —
COMMITTEE NAMED TEN NEW FIREMEN
Increase Provides for Installation of New Company, No. 7. / OTHERS ADVANCED TO MEET CHANGES
City Council's Fire Committee last night made provision for the installation of Engine Company No. 7 by the appointment of ten new members of the department. Some of the new appointees will be assigned to the new company, which will be located at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, and the rest of the complement will be made up of experienced fire fighters. The company goes into service July 1. The men appointed last night are:
First Ward—H. L. Curry, Jr. Second Ward—Robert Bricee. Third Ward—Clarence Madden. Fourth Ward—William Cason. Fifth Ward—William Laird. Sixth Ward—George Boone. Seventh Ward—Edward Simpson. Eighth Ward—John McTaggart. Ninth Ward—Roy Smith. Tenth Ward—J. Ora Burris.
The committee also made provision for the superior officers of the company by advancing present members of the department. William Buzine was made engineer, Thomas Nichols was elected captain, Joseph Maxwell was chosen lieutenant, Daniel Smith and Arthur Wingate were advanced to stokers and Newton Ash was promoted to extra engineer. Henry Knowles was made houseman for the new company.
The men advanced last night will not necessarily be assigned to No. 7, and the matter of placing them will be disposed of at a later meeting.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies.
Camden Post-Telegram —
CELEBRATIONS BY 3 FIRE COMPANIES
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 came 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 Busine, 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 address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as 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 Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches 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.
Dan Smith Takes Sam Lodge’s Place
Camden Post-Telegram —
DAN SMITH TAKES SAM LODGE’S PLACE
After a service of twenty-seven years, Fireman Samuel Lodge, of No. 3 Engine Company, was retired last night by City Council on recommendation of the Fire Committee. The veteran fighter of the flames will go out of service on August 1.
Lodge has had many experiences in fighting the flames in the years he has been in harness, and ever since its organization he has been a member of the Centreville company. “Sam” has always been generally well liked, so that his passing into retirement has the well wishes of his host of friends, who hope he will have many years of pleasure and enjoyment. His letter of resignation also contained thanks to the Fire Committee and officials of the department for their kindnesses of the past.
Daniel Smith was appointed regular engineer to take Lodge’s place. This is a popular appointment for “Dan” is very favorably known among the younger element. He has been connected at No. 3 for nearly a decade.
Robert Whitley was made a regular stoker at No. 3, while Joseph Nevins was appointed an engineer to go from house to house to fill in on the “days off” of other engineers.
John H. Carroll was given the contract to furnish horses to the Department at $315 each.
Kaighn Avenue Ferry Fire
Named: Engine Company 3, Engineer Daniel Smith Sr., and Stoker Robert Whitley.
Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window
Driver of Camden Apparatus Sticks to Post Uninjured—Two Firemen Jump to Safety
Skidding in rounding the corner at Broadway and Kaighn avenue while responding to an alarm yesterday the auto fire engine attached to Company No. 3,
[continued] ...of the Camden Fire Department, jumped the curb and crashed into a display window of a department store. The window was wrecked, one of the pillars of the store knocked out of place and the springs of the machine put out of commission. Several persons on the sidewalk narrowly escaped being hit by the apparatus.
Riding on the back of the machine Engineer Daniel Smith and Stoker Arthur Wingate saved themselves by jumping. Driver Michael Brown stuck to his post and escaped injury. In aiding the firemen to back the engine off the sidewalk, Andrew Fritz, aged 50, of 1425 Broadway, crushed one of his fingers so badly that it was amputated at Cooper Hospital. The fire was at Locust street and Kaighn avenue, where a load of hay on a wagon was destroyed.
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
NO. 3 FIRE COMPANY GUESTS AT BANQUET
Superintendent William Miles, of MacAndrews & Forbes Company, the Host.
GIVEN IN APPRECIATION OF MEN’S EFFICIENCY
The members of No. 3 Engine Company were tendered a supper last night, prepared at their headquarters at Broadway and Emerald street, through the courtesy of Superintendent William L. Miles, of the MacAndrews & Forbes Manufacturing Company. The members of the company have long been favorites of Superintendent Miles, and at the time of the last fire at that place he told them he was going to show his appreciation of their work, by giving them a banquet. The date was set for last night and was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind ever given in South Camden. The table was set in the rathskellar of the fire house, and was decorated with flags and every man was also presented with a miniature flag.
The toastmaster of the evening was City Assessor F. Walter Toms, and the following were guests: Councilmen William Mills and William J. Kelly, County Freeholder Howard Marshall, County Committeeman Thomas Leeson, Dr. George Williams, Member of Board of Education Charles H. Mills, Battalion Chief Thomas Nicholas, Captain Frank Chambers, Lieutenant William J. Rose, Engineer Daniel Smith and Robert Whitley, William Miller, Russell Benson, Arthur Wingate, Roy De Haven, Jules Hubert, John Garrity, John Hunt and Harry Stone.
The menu, prepared by Chef Arthur Wingate, was:
Oyster Cocktail
Salted Peanuts — Cream Mints
Olives — Celery — Pickled Onions
Roast Turkey, a la Miles
Cranberry Sauce — Peas — Corn
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Mashed White Potatoes — Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Coffee — Cigars.
After the banquet Toastmaster Toms made a very neat little speech and called on Superintendent Miles, who responded in a very energetic talk on streets and other municipal matters, especially the Fire Department, saying he had been in many cities, but he had never met the equal of the men composing Camden’s Department, either for personnel or efficiency.
Each of the other guests read interesting addresses, as well as members of the company, all being profuse in their thanks to Superintendent Miles for his splendid remembrance.
All complimented Chef Arthur Wingate for the manner in which he had prepared the feast and Lieutenant Rose for the decorations.
2 Homes Damaged Slightly by Fires
Camden Courier-Post —
2 HOMES DAMAGED SLIGHTLY BY FIRES
A fire in the basement of the home of Percy DeRoche, 2937 Berkley street, yesterday caused slight damage. It was extinguished by firemen under the direction of Capt. Daniel Smith, of Engine Co. 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets, and Engine Co. No. 11, Twenty-seventh street and Hayes avenue. Chief William Harring, after an inspection, said that the blaze was caused by a defective water back.
Slight damage was caused by a fire in the home of Etta Adams, 819 Locust street, where firemen said an oil stove had been placed too close to a couch and ignited it. The blaze was extinguished before firemen arrived in response to an alarm.
Retire on Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
Served 27 Years, Rising to Acting Chief; Fire Captain Retires
Police Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, 61, yesterday was granted a pension by the Camden Police and Fire Pension Board, meeting in the office of Mayor Brunner.
He was pensioned at his own request, after nearly 27 years’ service in the police department, where he rose from patrolman to acting chief for several years.
The pension board also granted a similar request made by Captain Daniel Smith, 69, who has been a member of the fire department for 42 years. He has been senior captain of the fire station at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets.
Bakley’s pension will become effective April 15, but he will leave the department at once on vacation due him for the last two years.
Smith’s Retroactive
Smith’s pension will be retroactive to March 1, when he made the request.
Bakley resides at 934 North Thirty-third street. He had been a member of the police department for 26 years, 10 and one-half months, having been appointed in 1915 by the late Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Bakley begin as acting chief two years ago after the death of Chief Arthur Colsey, then the New Jersey Civil Service Commission called for an examination for the post. He placed third in the examination, which was headed by Police Chief George Frost.
For two years, Commissioner Mary W. Kobus refused to name a police chief, but suddenly changed her mind a week ago and named Frost a few minutes after she had been informed she was to be relieved of the directorship of the public safety department.
Frost Named by Rhone
The new public safety head, Dr. David S. Rhone, named Frost chief of the department last Friday.
Bakley has stated to friends on several occasions during the last two years that he would like to retire, but he had always been prevailed upon to remain in the department.
Smith resides at 224 South Twenty-seventh street. He was named a fireman in 1900 and distinguished himself in the line of duty on several occasions to win several promotions.