Introduction
David Elmer Bakley was born in New Jersey on December 6, 1878 to Clara and Ridgeway Bakley. He was the second of three sons, being born between Lewis and Ralph Bakley. The family was living on York Street just before he was born. They had moved to 213 North 9th Street by 1887, and by 1890 to 582 Pine Street. When the Census was taken in 1900 the family lived at 583 South 6th Street. The elder Bakley then worked as a day laborer.
David Bakley married Mary Rushworth around 1903. When the census was taken in 1910 the Bakleys were living at 512 South 6th Street with Mary Bakley’s father, John Rushworth. David Bakley was then working as a machine operator in a shoe factory.
By the end of 1912 David Bakley had been appointed to the Camden Fire Department and was in time assigned to Engine Company 6, at Front and Linden Streets.
By September of 1918 David Bakley and his wife had separated. He was living with his parents at 521 South 6th Street, and was still at that address when the census was taken in January of 1920. Brother Lewis Bakley lived next door at 523 South 6th Street. On November 12, 1928 David Bakley married the former Wilhelmina “Minnie” Ley at Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Camden. She was the widow of George C. Hennessey Sr.
After the wedding, David and Minnie Bakley and stepson George C. “Cal” Hennessey made their home at 626 Clinton Street. David Bakley retired from the Camden Fire Department in 1933. In April of 1947, step-son George C. Hennessey Jr. began service with the Camden Fire Department.
David Bakley passed away on June 25, 1952 and was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Camden Firemen Burned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Not Much of a Fire But Hospital Got Busy
Three Camden firemen were severely burned yesterday when a five-gallon gasoline tank exploded while they were fighting the flames in the rear of 219 North Front street, occupied by Charles Bowers and family. The injured included Daniel Yeach, of 643 York street; David Bakely, of 645 Clinton street, and Charles Worthington, the latter captain of Engine Company No. 6, of which company the others were members. The men were taken to the Cooper Hospital.
The fire burned the rear part of the house, causing a loss of several hundred dollars.
Three Hurt During Test of Fire Hose
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Escaping the grasp of several firemen, a hose being tested at Front and Linden streets, Camden, yesterday whirled about like a great serpent and as a result Fireman Rollo Jones, aged 36 years, of 658 State street, and David Bakley, aged 35 years, of 531 Roberts street, of No. 6 Engine Company, and Anna May Lander, aged 5 years, of 325 North Front street, were taken to Cooper Hospital. Jones had a hole knocked in his leg, Bakley nearly had an eye put out and the little girl’s legs were injured.
The hose was attached to a high-pressure main in Camden’s fire district. The force was so great that the nozzle whirled about as though a thing alive. Jones and Bakley were knocked down and then rolled over and over by the powerful stream. Swishing around, the stream struck the crowd, which scattered in every direction, all escaping except the little girl.
While the hose wiggled and bounced about several firemen endeavored to get it under control. It was only after they had been knocked about like tenpins that they succeeded in holding the nozzle and preventing further damage.
After the excitement had somewhat abated it was announced the test was a success.
(no headline — funeral notice for James McDade)
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With seventy-five of his fellow firemen acting as escort the funeral of James McDade, veteran engineer of No. 6 Engine Company, who died suddenly Tuesday night, took place yesterday from his home at Front and Linden streets. As the cortege passed the engine house where McDade had been stationed for ten years the members on duty stood at attention with hats doffed. There were floral tokens from all parts of the city, for McDade was one of the most popular members of the department. The services were in charge of Rev. James Lord, pastor of the Tabernacle M. E. Church. The pall-bearers were Lieutenant Clarence Madden, David Bakely, Abraham Kerns, William Thompson, Elmer Burkett, of McDade’s company, and Samuel Hardin, of No. 4 Engine Company. Interment was made at Fernwood Cemetery, Philadelphia.
World War I Draft Card
World War I draft registration card for David E. Bakley.
World War II Draft Card
World War II draft registration card for David E. Bakley.
David E. Bakley Dies, Retired Fireman
Camden Courier-Post —
David E. Bakley died today in his home, 626 Clinton st., after a long illness. A native of Camden, he was a retired hoseman of the Camden fire department and served on Engine 6. He retired 19 years ago.
He was a brother of the late Police Lt. Ralph Bakley, who also had served as acting chief of the Camden police department.
Mr. David Bakley was a member of the Firemen’s Mutual Beneficial Association, the Police and Firemen’s Pensioner’s Club and the Ninth Ward Republican Club.
Surviving are his widow, Wilhelmina, and a step-son, George C. Hennessy, a Camden city fireman.
Services will be held Saturday at 10 a. m. in the funeral home of B. C. Schroeder & Sons, 715 Cooper St., where friends may call Friday night. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken.