Introduction
EPHRAIM T. HIRES was born on July 11, 1865 to Daniel and Sarah Hires in Upper Alloways Creek, New Jersey. His father was a farmer. The family came to Camden in the 1870s. The 1874 City Directory shows a Daniel Hires, butter dealer at 445 South 5th Street. This may or may not be Ephraim T. Hires’ family.
Daniel Hires and family were established in Camden by 1877. That year’s directory shows a business, D. Hires & Company, butchers at 222 Market Street. Daniel Hires’ home was given as 166 North 3rd Street. City Directories and Census records have Daniel Hires and family at 106 North 2nd Street from 1878 to 1883 City Directory, same address. By 1884 the family had moved to 61 North 2nd Street. Daniel Hires was still working as a butcher, Sarah Hires kept a boarding house at that address. Ephraim Hires begins appearing in City Directories, working as a plumber, a trade he followed until at least 1891.
Still living with his parents, Ephraim Hires was listed at 215 North Front Street. He was working as a plumber for former Camden County sheriff William Calhoun in 1888. The 1890 City Directory lists Ephraim Hires at 210 Friends Avenue, working as a plumber for William Calhoun. He also began a relationship with Calhoun’s daughter, Ida.
William Calhoun was very prominent in local politics. He had served on City Council, was with Camden’s water works for seven years in the 1870, was Camden County Sheriff from 1878 to 1881, and was on the Board of Education in the 1880s. He also for a short time was the co-owner with Jacob C. Daubman of the Camden County Courier, a weekly newspaper which they sold in September of 1881 to Francis Ford Patterson. This newspaper began publishing as a daily in June of 1882 and continues today as the Courier-Post. By July of 1891 William Calhoun had helped Ephraim Hires secure a job as a letter carrier.
Ephraim Hires worked as a letter carrier in Camden as early as 1891. The 1892 City Directory has him living at 304 Market Street. His address from 1895 through 1897 was the West Jersey Hotel at Delaware avenue and Market Street.
On April 29, 1898 Ephraim Hires married Ida Calhoun. The couple lived at 105 Penn Street in 1898 and 1899. Ephraim and Ida Hires were living at 122 State Street when the 1900 Census was taken. Also living with them were Ida’s parents, William and Rebecca Calhoun. A dispute over a work assignment seems to have cost Ephraim Hires his job with the postal service in January of 1903. City Directories from 1903 through 1906 show him living at 134 Cooper Street and working as a janitor. His father-in-law, William Calhoun, passed away in 1905. He is not listed in the 1907 Camden City Directory.
Ephraim T. Hires was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 27, 1907. Directories from 1908 through 1911 and the 1910 Census shows Ephraim and Ida Hires at 124 State Street. Mother-in-law Rebecca Calhoun was also living with them at that address. Directories from 1913 through 1918 indicate a move to 908 North 3rd Street. By the end of 1919 Ephraim and Ida Hires and Rebecca Calhoun had moved to 702 North 2nd Street.
Ida Hires died on March 5, 1924 and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. Rebecca Calhoun also passed away that year.
The 1926 Camden City Directory shows that Ephraim Hires was still working for the Camden Fire Department. He passed away that year and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. The circumstances of his demise are not known, however it was not considered a line of duty death at the time.
Sleighing in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Horsemen Across the Delaware Crowd White Horse and Mt. Ephraim Pikes
With an excellent snow and a holiday Camden county horsemen enjoyed an ideal sleighing carnival. There wasn’t a piece of a street nor a road that scraped a runner and by 3 o’clock nearly every available vehicle on runners was pressed into service and the shabby old basket affairs drawn by mules, “skates” or any old beast vied with the elaborate, shining runners of the well-to-do horse owner wrapped in furs and guided by a liveried coachman. Cooper street, Camden, which first became popular with sleighers years ago when it was as wide as Broad street, Philadelphia, and had not yet known a paving stone, was, as usual, the attraction of those who had a display of fine bred horseflesh to make. In the morning a few came out and hardened the course, and in the afternoon the thoroughfare presented one grand pageant of fleeting hoofs, to which the tinkling bells of the sleighs provided accompaniment.
The White Horse and Mt. Ephraim pikes, where there are numerous hotels where hands can be warmed and attacks of grip driven away, were the popular roads for those who demanded more variety than Cooper street afforded, and these roads were also in excellent condition. On Cooper street and on the country roads could be seen the following well-known lovers of sleighing and judges of good horse flesh: Joseph Shinn, with a bright yellow sleigh and plumes, drove Baltzimer; Eugene Ingle was behind the high-stepping Prince Arthur. William C. Dayton drove a roan cob. Dr. Kitchener brushed all competitors with a fast black mare. E. Stockham Woodward, accompanied by his wife and daughter, were drawn by the crack team, His Excellency, with a record of 2.18¼, and Fleetwood, 2.23¼, in a Bailey sleigh; Ephraim Hiers [sic] drove Van, 2.20¼; Dr. William H. Iszard held the reins over the brown gelding Logan. From South Camden came Harry Davis with the favorite Out of Sight, and Phil Burch worried him with Reader. Representing far North Camden were John Matthis, driving Harry, a fast bay; Dr. H. Robinson with his black gelding, Frank, and James Baird behind Harry, one of the best of his stables. Some others who joined the tinkling whirl before nightfall were John O. Munter with Purk, Stokes Burroughs behind Cheap John, John Clements with Uncle Sam, Dr. Gunter looking for trouble with his pride, Delaware; William H. Clements with Annie Roney, W. K. Heston with Harry Wilkes, Jack Van Sciver and his bay Smoky, Samuel Kilpatrick with Pawnee Bill, H. W. Davis behind a fast gray mare, Edward Roberts with a team of pretty bays, Chris and Lewis; Joseph Burrough with a bay mare, Asa Roberts with his sorrel Frank, and Dr. A. H. Lippincott behind Bob.
The country roads were better than horsemen have seen them for years because there were no drifts. Friend passed friend on the road with surprise that they should have driven so far from home. Men from Mt. Holly exchanged greetings with Camdenites in the vicinity of Merchantville and Main street. Moorestown was the course for some interesting trial heats between horsemen from all directions. Among them were noticed William Pancoast, of Merchantville, driving Sante Fe; Charles Coles, Moorestown, with a team of bays; Morgan Butterworth behind a gray mare, Morgan Hatch, Delair, with a pair of bays; Benjamin Zelly, Mt. Holly, behind Ella Free; Frank Haines, of Rancocas, with William Sanders and mate. Among the turnouts, probably the most interesting was that of Joseph Burrough, of Merchantville, who drove a pair to a sleigh which is more than one hundred years old. On the front of the vehicle is painted its history and the names of those who have owned it. Another sleigh said to have been built in the eighteenth century was driven by Joseph Hinchman, of Merchantville.
Takes Letter Carrier Hires' Place
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Takes Letter Carrier Hires’ Place
Rutherford B. Denn was appointed a letter carrier by Postmaster Derousse, of Camden, yesterday, to take the place of Ephraim Hires, who was suspended for alleged insubordination. Hires was assigned to another route, but, it is said, he refused to serve it and left the postoffice. Later he regretted his action and wanted to return, but he was suspended.
First Ward Club Had a Jolly Time
Camden Daily Courier —
Annual Election and Feast of Fun Held Last Night.
PATTERSON ELECTED PRESIDENT
Hospitality was rampant at the First Ward Young Republican Club last night. The occasion was the annual meeting. Following the election of officers there was a delightful entertainment and a splendid feast, the honors being done by Captain William E. Alberts, simply resplendent facially in his new bunch of whiskers; Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse, who salivated more buttered ham sandwiches than George Kappel did fried oysters; Eph Hires, the school janitor, who saw to it especially that no one was unattended to; Exciseman Joseph Kolb, who insisted on everybody taking something every other minute; John Beard, who was happy over being elected a ward committeeman, and a number of others who looked after the comfort of the many guests in fine style.
The officers elected were: President, County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr.; Vice President, Freeholder George P. Pechin; Treasurer, Thomas Walton; Board of Directors, Court House Superintendent Joseph Burt, Captain William Alberts, Walter Banks, E. T. Hires, William Lyons, Charles Cook, William Weaver and Robert Finley. Joseph Baumeister was re-elected secretary and none better could have been selected as he had everything down pat.
An Italian orchestra with an Irishman playing the flute furnished the music, and there was great fun when Walter Banks got under a rubber plant and roared out “Under the Bamboo Tree.” The cosy club rooms were prettily and patriotically decorated and pretty nearly everybody in te [sic] town was there, from Cooper’s Point to Centreville. Among them were Senator William J. Bradley, ex-Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, Fire Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, who warmed up on ginger ale; President of City Council Samuel P. Jones, Councilman Joseph Potter, County Clerk, Frank F. Patterson, Jr., whose re-election as president of the club was hearty and unanimous; Dr. John F. Leavitt, whose heroism and devotion to duty where disease stalks, has made Camden the healthiest city in the world; ex-County Physician William Iszard, Freeholder George Pechin, Fireman Joseph Logue, the owner of the great and only “Dewey;” Tony Mecca, president of the popular Italian Republican Club, and many others of equal note. The cigars were elegant, the menu grand, the orchestra in full harmony with the happy occasion, outside of playing “In the Goold [sic] Old Summer Time,” and the guests will ever remember the event as one of the pleasantest of incidents.
Fire and Police Forces Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New Men to Be Added to Each Department in Camden—Move Against the “Pennsy”
At last night’s meeting of Camden City Council the police force was increased to 130 men, as follows: 1 chief, 3 captains, 2 house captains, 9 sergeants, 4 detectives, 10 patrol crew, 101 policemen, an increase of 25 men. By ordinance the following new firemen were appointed: Ephraim T. Hires, First ward; Charles Schultz, Second ward; Gardner Corson, Fourth ward; Gilbert Hibbs, Seventh ward; John H. Lennox, Ninth ward; Newton Ash, Tenth ward. Dr. A. Haines Lippincott was appointed police surgeon by Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Resolutions of sympathy on the illness of Councilman Besser were expressed in a rising vote. The ordinance which provided for an increase of salary of every city official was not introduced. The highest increase was $1000 for the Mayor and the lowest $300 for a clerkship.
A resolution was adopted that a committee of five be appointed to appear before the State Railroad Commission in company with City Counsel Bleakly, when argument is heard relative to the re-establishment of Haddon Avenue Station; ordering City Counsel Bleakly to report on the ownership of the foot of Arch street, and if the Pennsylvania Railroad Company is unlawfully occupying the street ends to take steps to collect rentals, both current and in arrears; inviting the officials of the new Terminal Company to appear and present the plans for the new Camden terminal.
Firemen Enjoy Oyster Supper
Camden Post-Telegram —
Boys at No. 4 Engine Co. Have Sumptuous Feast of Juicy Bivalves.
OTHER NEWS FROM UP PYNE POYNT WAY
Juicy bivalves prepared in all styles by Messrs Bob Brice and Joe Daly were last night enjoyed by the boys at No. 4 Engine Company, on Vine street near Fourth. James Walton was toastmaster.
After-dinner talks were given by Matt Tenniswood, James Neeley and Captain William W. Patterson.
The participants were: Captain W. W. Patterson, Lieutenant James Elberson, Robert Steer, Bob Brice, Ephraim Hires, Joseph Logue, Howard Curry, Joseph Daly, Freeholder James E. Walton, Matt Tenniswood, James Neeley and Adrian Bateman.
Firemen Escort Steer’s Remains
Camden Post-Telegram —
Chief Stockton Heads Big Delegation at Funeral of Lamented Colleague.
QUARTER CENTURY IN CITY’S SERVICE
With an honorary escort of sixty firemen and Fire Chiefs John A. Stockton, Peter B. Carter and Walter Browning attending his funeral, Fireman Robert B. Steer, for twenty-five years a member of the local fire department, and who died on Wednesday, was laid to rest yesterday afternoon in Arlington Cemetery.
Services were conducted at the Steer residence, 810 Howard street, by Rev. J. L. Surtees, pastor of State Street M. E. Church, and Rev. Isaac W. Bagley, chaplain of the department.
The pall-bearers were members of No. 4 Engine Company. They follow: Captain William W. Patterson, Robert Brice, Ephraim Hires, James Elberson, Daniel Grimes, Charles Watkins, Jr., Joseph Daly and David [sic] Logue.
The escort of firemen marched beside the hearse as far as No. 5 Engine Company. Chief John A. Stockton led the delegation. The flower designs completely enshrouded the bier. They came from people in all walks of life, who also came to pay their last respects to the lamented fire fighter.
Mr. Steer served as a fireman for almost twenty-five years, and he was one of the most popular men in the department. He was known to hundreds of people and his death has caused wide and genuine sorrow in North Camden.
He is survived by his wife, one son, Robert Steer, Jr., and a daughter, Miss Carrier [sic] Steer.
Latest Doings in Northeast Section
Camden Post-Telegram —
Game Warden Closely Watching for Non-Residents Who Violate Laws.
JIT WILL RUN FROM HERE TO BRIDGETON
Ephraim Hires and Robert Brice, two Northeast enthusiasts, are getting in readiness for a gunning trip for the first week of the opeing [sic] season, their destiation [sic] to be in the neighborhood of Sibbitt’s Landing. Philadelphians will not be as numerous, as in previous years, on our own New Jersey grounds, on account of being required to pay $10.50 for a non-resident gunners’ license. Each year hundreds have been coming from over the Delaware River to enjoy the sport, but things are different now, which will make better shooting for resident sportsmen. Some few many produce the necessary funds for the privilege of patroling the State in quest of reed and rail birds. But, ye violators, be on your guard, lest Game Warden Charles W. Folker, of the Northeast, doesn’t get on to “your game.” He will be on the talert [sic], and, if caught, you will be obliged to pay a heavy fine.
Charm Presented to Deputy Chief
Camden Daily Courier —
William Patterson Honored at Dinner Given to Members to No. 4 Engine Company.
BIG TURKEY FEED ENJOYED BY MANY
As a mark of appreciation for their splendid work while he was captain of No. 4 Engine Company, Deputy Fire Chief William Patterson last evening tendered the company members a fine turkey supper at No. 4 Engine House, Vine street near Fourth.
The caterers were Engineer Daniel Grimes, Firemen Robert Brice and Joseph Daly.
At the beginning of the banquet Capt. Charles Cook sprung a surprise when he presented the chief with a handsome watch charm of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. On the back was an inscription expressing the esteem of the members of the engine company. Chief Patterson expressed his appreciation for the gift and in a short address told the men he would always wear and cherish the gift.
Following the banquet addresses were made by Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton and Secretary Harvey Watts. Chief Carter spoke of the fellowship in the department at the present time and Freeholder Walton urged the men to be loyal. Lieutenant Joseph Logue, one of the oldest members of the company, spoke feelingly of his former captain. Then each guest was called upon and all expressed their esteem for Chief Patterson and showed their pleasure in his merited advancement.
Only one member of the company was absent, Ephraim Hires, who is ill at his home. Fireman Rollo Jones proposed a toast to former and departed members of the company and it was drunk in silence.
Gathered about the festive board were Deputy Chief William Patterson, Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton, Secretary Harvey Watts, Capt. Charles Cook, Firemen Arthur Wingate, Charles Hankins, Si Sage, Joseph Logue, Abraham Kerns, Charles Watkins, Jr., Martin Carrigan, Dollo [sic] Jones, Robert Brice, Joseph Daly, Daniel Grimes, John Miller and Frank Sheridan. The menu follows:
Oysters on Half-shell, Biscuits, Roast Turkey, Stewed Tomatoes, Green Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cold Slaw, Olives, Coffee, After-dinner Mints, Celery, Layer Cake, Dan Grimes’ Punch, Cigars.
Trolley Smashes Motor Fire Wagon
Camden Post-Telegram —
One Fireman Hurt When Car Crashes Into No. 4 Combination Apparatus.
HORSE KILLED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT
One fireman was badly injured, another had a narrow escape and one of the motorized fire machines was put out of commission last evening when the apparatus was struck by a trolley car at Fifth and Vine streets.
Fireman Joseph Logue, aged 60 years, of 932 North Second street, was injured. He was taken to Cooper Hospital suffering with hurts of the body, shoulders and head. He was later taken home. Fireman Ephraim Hires, the driver, escaped without a scratch.
Both firemen are members of No. 4 Engine Company, Fourth and Vine streets, and were the only passengers of the combination wagon, which was on its way to the grocery store and dwelling of Henry R. Hand at Seventh and Elm streets, where smoke pouring from a chimney caused some one to send in an alarm.
The trolley car struck the machine full in the center, overturning it, demolishing two wheels and tearing away the battery boards. Logue and Hires were thrown off.
No one on the car was hurt and the car itself was not much damaged.
His team struck from the rear by a southbound Haddon Heights trolley car on Haddon avenue, Oaklyn, at an early hour this morning, Charles Flexon, aged 40 years, a driver for the William Davis Bakery Company, had a narrow escape from death when the wagon he was driving was demolished and the horse injured so badly that it had to be killed. Flexon, whose home is at 509 Newton avenue, is in the Homeopathic Hospital with body bruises and shock. His condition is not serious.
The trolley company contends that the wagon did not carry an outside light and that in the darkness the vehicle could not be seen by the motorman. On the other hand, Mr. Davis says the wagon did display a light and that he has the crushed lantern. The injured driver was taken to the hospital in an automobile.
Death Notice — Sarah A. Carter
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CARTER.—March 7. SARAH A. CARTER. Funeral services Wed., 2 P. M., residence of her son, Ephraim T. Hires, 703 N. 2d st., Camden, N. J. Int. private.
Death Notice of Ida C. Hires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HIRES.—March 5. IDA C. HIRES (nee Calhoun), wife of Ephraim T. Hires, aged 62. Funeral services Sat., 11 A. M., late residence, 703 N. 2d st., Camden, N. J. Int. Harleigh Cem. Viewing Fri. eve.