Introduction
FRANCIS D. “FRANK” CHAMBERS was born in September of 1869 to Jacob Chambers and his wife, the former Jane Dardis. The family lived in what was then Newton Township. In 1871 Newton Township was united with Camden, forming the Seventh and Eight Wards. His father was a brick mason, and had only recently brought the family to New Jersey from Pennsylvania when Frank Chambers was born. Besides Francis there were six older children, William, James, Joseph, Mary, Jane, and Hannah Chambers. The family is listed in City Directories of the 1870s and early 1880s at 246 South Street. South Street was renamed South 10th Street in the mid-1880s, and the houses were renumbered.
Jacob Chambers died in 1882. The family stayed on South Street (South 10th Street) through the 1880s.
By 1890 they had relocated to 1051 Ferry Avenue, a home at the corner of Ferry Avenue and Mulford Street. Mrs. Chambers operated a boardinghouse there until her passing in November of 1895.
Frank Chambers learned the shoemaker’s trade as a young man. The 1887 City Directory shows that he was working for Edward A. Richardson. He is listed in the 1892 Directory at 2022 Broadway, but returned to his mother’s home on Ferry Avenue prior to the compilation of the 1893 edition.
Frank Chambers married his wife Lizzie around 1893. A son, Francis D. Chambers Jr., was born on August 13, 1896. Another child, daughter Elizabeth, was born shortly before the 1910 Census.
Frank Chambers and his family stayed at 1051 Ferry Avenue into 1898. The 1899 City Directory shows that they had moved to 1934 Fillmore Street, and the 1900 and 1901 Directories show him at 561 Van Hook Street. All through these years Frank Chambers worked as a shoemaker.
By the time the 1902 City Directory was compiled, Frank Chambers had been appointed to the Camden Fire Department. The 1902 Directory gives his address as 557 Van Hook Street. From 1903 through 1906 they were at 568 Ferry Avenue. The 1907 edition gives an address of 1822 Fillmore Street. The family was on 571 Van Hook Street from 1908 through 1911, at 1606 Fillmore Street from 1912 through 1916.
On July 29, 1915 Chief of Department John Stockton retired. Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter was promoted to Chief, William W. Patterson was made Deputy Chief, and Thomas J. Nicholas, who had been Captain of Engine Company 3, was promoted to Battalion Chief. The promotions took effect October 1, 1915. By that time Frank Chambers had been selected to take over as Captain of Engine Company 3.
By the time the 1916 City Directory was compiled, Frank Chambers and family had moved to 1645 Broadway. The 1920 Census shows that Frank and Lizzie Chambers were still living at 1645 Broadway with their two children, and also were renting lodging to August F. Haverkamp, a young electrical worker at the nearby New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard. The Chambers had known Haverkamp as a boy on Van Hook Street. August F. Haverkamp was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in November of 1920.
Shortly after the Census was taken in January of 1920, Frank Chambers and his family moved to 2013 Arlington Street.
Frank Chambers was still working for the Camden Fire Department when he died, on April 25, 1923.
Young Republican Delegates
Camden Courier —
Young Republican Delegates.
The Young Republican Club of the Eighth Ward last evening held a special meeting and elected these delegates to the State Republican Club Convention at Trenton: Delegates, Samuel Cox, James O. Smith, John Wheldon, Gabriel P. Johnson, Albert James; alternates, Samuel Peoples, Thomas Buchanan, George Chambers, Frank Chambers and Ben Thomas.
Circuit Court Verdict
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A verdict for $47.02 was rendered yesterday in the Circuit Court in the second trial of the suit of Frank Chambers against the Niagara Fire Insurance Company, for loss by fire. The first trial resulted in a verdict for the defendant.
Fireman James Resigns
Camden Evening Courier —
Fireman James Resigns.
His Place Immediately Filled—Emergency Appropriation of $2,000 Wanted.
Fireman Albert James, of Engine Company No. 3, handed in his resignation to Council’s Fire Commission last night and Francis D. Chambers was immediately appointed in his place.
To Wilson, Harbinson & Co. was awarded the contract for furnishing one hundred and fifty tons of coal, this firm being the lowest bidder, at $5.15 per ton. The committee also decided to ask Council for an emergency appropriation of $2,000 to complete the new fire house.
We’ve Just Been Married
Philadelphia Inquirer —
“We’ve just been married.”
This inscription neatly printed on a placard attracted considerable attention yesterday among the passengers on a Camden ferryboat en route to this city. The placard was pinned to a carriage containing a bridal pair. Tin cans, gay ribbons and a weird assortment of odds and ends added to the grotesque appearance of the vehicle. Upon arrival in this city the carriage with its decorations was the cynosure of all eyes, as it bowled merrily out Market street on the way to Broad Street Station.
The happy pair who were the victims of the practical joke on the part of their friends were Peter Steubling and wife, nee Miss Elizabeth Haferhamp, of Camden, who were married yesterday at the former’s home, Sixth and Vanhook streets, Camden. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Warnock. Mr. and Mrs. Steubling left for New York on their honeymoon. The reception committee at the station consisted of William Loudenstein and Frank Chambers. Fully eight pounds of rice was scattered over the blushing couple by the merry serenaders.
A Delightful Dance
Camden Post-Telegram —
Reception Given by the Eighth Ward Republican Club.
The reception of the Eighth Ward Republican Club in the chapel, Broadway and Emerald street, last night, was largely attended and a social success. About 200 couples were present.
The grand march was led by Mr. Alfred Snow and Miss Mary Collins. The floor directors were: Frank Chambers, William James, James Harker.
The officers of the club are: Albert James, president; vice presidents, Samuel Cook, Alexander Purnell; corresponding secretary, Harry Schropp; financial secretary, F. D. L. Covely; treasurer, James Croker.
Firemen Shocked by Electric Wire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While fighting a slight fire at the New York shipbuilding plant yesterday Firemen Deno and Chambers were shocked by coming in contact with a live electric wire. The injuries were not of a serious character.
Gunning Trip Near Rancocas
Philadelphia Inquirer —
About a dozen rabbits, quail and other birds were brought home yesterday by Firemen Frank Chambers and Lewis Buzine as a result of a gunning trip near Rancocas.
Shipyard Fire Will Not Retard Work
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While Prints of Warships Were Destroyed Originals Were Secure in Fire-Proof Safes
Work on the warships for the government and the Argentine Republic will not be stopped as a result of the fire which burned the draughting rooms and a part of the main office of the New York Shipbuilding Company in Camden early yesterday morning. President DeCourcey May said that while the prints were destroyed in many instances, the originals had been placed in fire-proof safes.
“It is impossible to figure out the loss,” said President May. “The hull department is practically safe with the exception of some slight damage by water. The original drawings of all ships are in the safes in the company’s vaults and there will be no delay in building any of the ships as we have plans for months ahead.”
It is thought that the fire originated in the kitchen beneath the drawing rooms, but just how does not appear clear. It proved to be an extremely difficult fire to fight owing to the local department being unable to get connection with any water main. They had to depend on the flow from the company’s tank. The firemen were at the scene of the blaze until 6 o’clock yesterday morning, having gone into service at midnight.
When the roof of the draughting room collapsed, Firemen Joseph Maxwell, Frank Chambers and Peter Gray, with Assistant Chief George Cox, narrowly escaped death. They were caught beneath the debris, but succeeded in getting out after being scorched and bruised.
Six Escape Asphyxiation
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Firemen Reach Half-Conscious Family in Time
But for the discovery of smoke issuing from the second story window at the home of Christopher Waldenmaier, Broadway and Emerald street, Camden, early yesterday he and his family would doubtless have been suffocated.
A baker detected the smoke and turned in an alarm at No. 3 Engine House. Captain Frank Chambers and his men groped their way in and aroused Waldenmaier, his wife and four children from semi-consciousness. Several minutes were required to revive them when they were taken out to safety.
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
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 inght [sic] 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.