Frank S. Jones
Frank S. Jones was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on September 2, 1869 as the driver of the Hook and Ladder Company, the original designation of what is now Ladder Company 1.
Frank S. Jones was born in Pennsylvania in May of 1845. Prior to entering the fire department he had worked as a painter. He was living at 811 Kaighn Street when he joined the department in the fall of 1869.
On September 2, 1869 City Council enacted a municipal ordinance creating a paid fire department. It provided for the annual appointment of five Fire Commissioners, one Chief Marshal (Chief of Department) and two Assistant Marshals. The City was also divided into two fire districts. The boundary line ran east and west, starting at Bridge Avenue and following the tracks of the Camden and Amboy Railroad to the city limits. District 1 was south of this line and District 2 was north. The commissioners also appointed the firemen who were scheduled to work six 24 hour tours per week. William Abels, from the Weccacoe Hose Company No. 2 was appointed Chief Marshal with William J. Mines, from the Independence Fire Company No. 3 as Assistant Marshal for the 1st District, and William H. Shearman as the Assistant Marshal for the 2nd District. Abels had served with the volunteer fire departments of Philadelphia, Mobile, Alabama and Camden for sixteen years prior to his appointment as Chief of the paid force.
On November 10, 1869 City Council purchased the Independence Firehouse, the three-story brick building at 409 Pine Street, for $4500. The building was designated to serve as quarters for Engine Company 1 and the 1st District. On October 29, 1869 City Council authorized construction of a two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets as quarters for the 2nd District. On November 25th the Fire Commissioners signed a contract with M.N. Dubois in the amount of $3100 to erect this structure. The 2nd District would share these quarters with Engine Company 2 and the Hook & Ladder Company and the facility would also serve as department headquarters for the new paid force. The original contract remains part of the Camden County Historical Society collection.
Two Amoskeag second class, double pump, straight frame steam engines were purchased at a cost of $4250 each. Two Silsby two wheel hose carts, each of which carried 1000 feet of hose, were another $550 each and the hook & ladder, built by Schanz and Brother of Philadelphia was $900. Each engine company received a steam engine and hose cart. Amoskeag serial #318 went to Engine Company 1, and serial #319 to Engine Company 2. The Fire Commission also secured the services of the Weccacoe and Independence steamers in case of fire prior to delivery of the new apparatus. Alfred McCully of Camden made the harnesses for the horses. Camden’s Twoes & Jones made the overcoats for the new firemen and a Mr. Morley, also of Camden, supplied the caps and belts which were manufactured by the Migeod Company of Philadelphia. The new members were also issued badges.
Badges worn by the marshals, engineers, stokers and engine drivers bore the initial letter of their respective positions and their district number. The tillerman and his driver used the number “3” to accompany their initial letter. The extra men of the 1st District were assigned badges 1–10; 2nd District badges were numbered 11–20 and the extra men of the hook & ladder wore numbers 21–30.
Although the Fire Commission intended to begin operation of the paid department on November 20, 1869, the companies did not actually enter service until December 7th at 6 P.M. because the new apparatus and buildings were not ready. The new apparatus was not tried (tested) until December 9th.
The new members of the paid force were:
Edward J. Dodamead, Tillerman – Frank S. Jones, Driver
Extra Men
- Charles Baldwin – Badge #21
- Charles G. Zimmerman – Badge #22
- John Durkin – Badge #23
- William C. Lee – Badge #24
- James M. Lane – Badge #25
- James Cassidy – Badge #26
- Robert S. Bender – Badge #27
- Thomas McCowan – Badge #28
- Howard Lee – Badge #29
- Abraham Lower – Badge #30
The Board of Fire Commissioners consisted of Rudolphus Bingham, Chairman and Samuel C. Harbert, Richard Perks, Jonathon Kirkbride and Jacob Daubman.
Annual salaries for the members of the paid force were: Chief Marshal, $800; Assistant Marshal, $200; Engineer, $600; Driver, $450; Stoker, $450; Tillerman, $450; Extra Men, $50. All but Extra Men were paid monthly.
Frank S. Jones was living in Camden’s Middle Ward when the Census was taken on June 16, 1870. Frank S. Jones was removed from service with the Camden Fire Department on June 9, 1871. The 1878 City Directory lists Frank S. Jones as a clerk, living at 427 Federal Street.
Frank S. Jones married Hannah Sapp when he was 35. Frank and Hannah Jones lived at 427 Federal Street with Hannah’s mother, Mrs. Henrietta Sapp when the Census was taken on June 7, 1880. He was then working as a printer. He stayed at that address into 1883. The 1884–1885 Directory shows Frank S. Jones at 324 State Street. From 1885 through 1887 he lived at 727 Berkley Street.
Frank S. Jones went to work as a cashier at the city Tax Office in 1886 and was still employed there as late as Christmas, 1902. His last title held was First Assistant Tax Receiver. Frank and Hannah Jones made their home in the late 1890s and early 1900s at 434 South 6th Street.
Frank S. Jones was active in several fraternal organizations including Camden Lodge 293, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Frank S. Jones died at his home 434 South 6th Street, on June 9, 1903.
Fire Department Historical Photos
Engine Company 2 with 1869 Silsby Hose Cart. Photo circa 1890. Note badges upon derby hats worn by Fire Fighters.
This is the earliest known photo of fire headquarters on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets. Originally built in 1869, the building shows signs of wear some twenty years later. Note the weathervane shaped like a fireman’s speaking trumpet atop the tower. Also, the fire alarm bell is pictured to the left of the telegraph pole above the rooftop. The bell was removed from the building once the fire alarm telegraph system was expanded and in good working order.
Leather helmet of natural grain believed to have been worn by Fireman Charles Baldwin, Hook & Ladder Company 1 when paid force was organized in 1869. Number 21 at bottom of frontpiece indicates member’s badge number. (Courtesy of the Camden County Historical Society Collection.)
First-Style Breast Badge
CAMDEN
F D
1
N.J.
A. McCully & Sons Maker’s Plate
A. McCULLY
& SONS
MAKERS
22
MARKET ST.
CAMDEN, N.J.
Conspiracy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Sheriff Morgan, of Camden county, has had William Abels, Frank Jones and John Manderfield, arrested on the charge of conspiracy. They are members of the Camden Paid Fire Department, Mr. Abels being Chief Engineer. From evidence at the hearing before Justice Cassady on Friday, it appears that the glass factory belonging to the Rosenbaum estate at Malaga, had been sold by the sheriff, and Mr. Morgan, of Camden, had purchased them. The works were placed in charge of an agent, who was directed to keep them closed until the matter was legally settled, and watch them carefully day and night.
Three or four weeks ago, it is alleged, the defendant went down in the afternoon train to a point a short distance from Malaga, when they got out and met two other men, who, understanding the matter, were to guide them. They then walked into Malaga, and about twelve o’clock on that night, having received reinforcements, went to the glass factory, it is charged, forcibly ejected the two men who had it in charge, and then broke the pots. They placed Mr. Rosenbaum in possession of the works, and were afterwards driven across the country about fourteen miles to Winslow Station, on the Atlantic road. They were held—Abels in $1,000, and two others in $500 each—for a further hearing to-day. Several others are implicated in the affair.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
IMPROVING NAVIGATION.
The Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company are negotiating for the construction of a canal through the sand bar in the Delaware opposite Cooper’s Point, for the better navigation of their ferry boats. The channel is to be from fifty to seventy-five feet in width, eight feet deep at low water, and, according to the needs of the company, the contractor will be required to keep it in good condition for the period of five years. It is the intention of the company to have it completed during the coming season, so that it may be available when the river is full of ice next winter.
THE CITY HALL IMBROGLIO.
Yesterday Mr. Samuel Hufty, Charles P. Stratton and other members of the Finance Committee of Camden City Council, went to Trenton to answer before the Chancellor a writ to show cause why Mr. Hufty refused, in obedience to a previously issued mandatory writ from Chancellor Runyon, to return to the possession of Alfred Hugg, city solicitor, the books, documents and papers taken from his office a week ago. After argument by counsel on both sides the Chancellor rendered a decision adversely to Mr. Hufty and the Finance Committee, the effect of which is to replace the books into the solicitor’s office.
MAY TERM.
The May term of the Camden County Courts commenced yesterday morning, with Judges Woodhull, Pancoast, Tatem and Horner on the bench. After the grand jury had been impanneled the usual preliminary motions were made, officers appointed, and then an adjournment took place until this morning.
HELD TO ANSWER.
George B. Anderson, ex-police officer, had Frank Jones arraigned before Justice Cassady, of Camden, charging him with assault and battery, Jones was held to answer in $200. This was a cross-action for an affray which occurred on Friday night last.
COMMITTED.
Yesterday Ware Green was arraigned before Mayor Ayres, of Camden, on a charge of the larceny of a quantity of butter, and committed to the county jail for trial.
LODGERS.
During the month of April there were 632 persons furnished with lodgings at the Camden Station House.
Newton Elected Clerk of Board of Assessors
Philadelphia Inquirer —
J. Fred Newton has been elected clerk of the Board of Assessors, at a salary of $600 per annum, in the place of Frank Jones, who resigned to accept the position of Assistant Tax Receiver.
Camden Council to Fill Offices
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Officials Whose Terms Expire Are All Seeking Re-election.
A NEW WATER ENGINEER
Talk of a “Dark Horse” as Chief Mines’ Probable Successor—Contested Election Committees Are Dormant.
There is considerable speculation among Camden politicians and place-seekers as to the filling of several city officers by City Council at its next regular meeting on June 24. The most important of these is the office of Chief Engineer of the Water Department, as the incoming official will assume charge of the new $600,000 artesian water plant which will be completed this summer. William Mines, the present incumbent, is a candidate for re-election, and will have the support of the Committee of One Hundred Councilmen. As the Republicans have a majority in City Council it is not likely but that Engineer Mines will be re-elected. Two candidates who are working hard to secure the Republican caucus nomination are ex-Sheriff William Calhoun and Charles Shaw. The former is in the plumbing business, and formerly prominent in politics. The latter was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Freeholder in the Fourth awrd [sic] at the recent municipal election, and is connected with the Camden Iron Works.
A leading Republican Councilman states that the present outlook is that a “dark horse” will get the position.
MINES WILL FIGHT.
Chief Engineer Mines does not propose to give up his office without a struggle. He will endeavor to take advantage of the act of 1889, which was intended to prevent the removal of war veterans from office. The Republicans claim that this act will not apply, as the office of the Chief Engineer is a term position fixed by the city charter.
There are three other positions in the Water Department to be filled by City Council at its next meeting, when successors to Clerk Frank S. Fithian, Assistant Clerk Ulie G. Lee and Inspector Charles Hillaker will be elected. All three are candidates for re-election and will probably secure the support of the Republican Councilmen, which will be equivalent to election.
City Council will also elect successors to Chief Clerk Frank S. Jones, of the Tax Department; Clerk Bowman H. Shivers, and Inspector of Sewers John Kenney, of the Highway Department; First and Second Assistant Surveyors William P. Osler and Earl W. Bennis, of the Department of Surveys, and Clerk William B. Doyle, of the Delinquent Tax Department, who also acts as assistant to the City Controller. So far no opposition has developed to giving these Republicans another term.
COUNCIL CONTESTS LAG.
The special Councilmanic committees appointed to take up the election contests in the Third and Fifth wards, Camden, have done nothing as yet. In the Fifth ward case the committee failed to do anything at its first meeting owing to the absence of Chairman Sharp. Another meeting will be held next Friday evening.
Chairman George, of the Shafer-Roberts special committee, states that there has been no conference as yet to arrange for taking up the Third ward contest. The probabilities are that there will be no action by the committee until after the contest has been disposed of by the Supreme Court.
Camden Official Dangerously Ill
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FRANK S. JONES
Frank S. Jones, Assistant Receiver of Taxes of Camden, residing at 434 South Sixth street, the oldest official in point of continuous service in the City Hall, is in a critical condition at his home.
For fifteen years Mr. Jones has served under Tax Receivers William H. Rightmire, William A. Husted, Frank H. Burdsall and Harry Wolfe. Twelve weeks ago he was seized with inflammatory rheumatism. Later a complication of diseases ensued and laryngitis followed, resulting in a loss of eighty pounds of flesh.
Mr. Jones has a greater knowledge of the intricacies of the Tax Office than any other city official. He is a member of several secret societies.
Death of Frank S. Jones
Philadelphia Inquirer —
First Assistant Tax Receiver Frank S. Jones died at his home, 434 South Sixth street, Camden, late Tuesday night. He was 59 years old and had been ill since July last with paralysis. He was one of the oldest city officials in point of service, having held his position since 1869. A widow and son survive him. The funeral will take place to-morrow.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Home Building and Land Company, of Haddon Heights, Camden county, and the Western Pennsylvania Amusement Company filed articles of incorporation in the county clerk’s office yesterday.
The will of the late Assistant Tax Receiver Frank S. Jones was admitted to probate by Surrogate Reeves yesterday. His widow is named as executrix. There are no public bequests.
After the expenditure of several thousand dollars the Tabernacle Baptist Church will hold reopening services to-day. To-night a number of persons will be baptized.
Contractor Aaron Ward will begin work on the approaches to the Baird avenue bridge to-morrow. When the bridge is completed it will save fifteen minutes to East Side residents having business to transact in the lower section of the city.
Camden Elks Hold a Lodge of Sorrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Lodge, No. 293, B. P. O. Elks, held its annual Lodge of Sorrow yesterday in the Masonic Building in the presence of an assemblage that taxed the seating capacity of the theatre. The music was under the direction of Professor James C. Warhurst, assisted by the choir of the North Baptist Church. Splendid renditions were given by the North Male Quartet and the St. Cecelia Ladies’ Quartet.
The opening ceremonies were in charge of Exalted Ruler George D. Borton. These were followed by prayer by Rev. Dr. Clarence A. Adams, of the Trinity Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Kittredge Wheeler, pastor of the North Baptist Church, delivered the oration. Then the impressive ceremony of turning out the lights as the name of each dead brother was called took place.
The absent brothers were Gideon H. Burt, Owen R. Jones, J. Oscar Nicholas, M. D. Dickinson, Harry M. Anderson, Joseph B. Feenier, Ernest H. Longstreth, Hamilton Markley, Howland Croft, John S. Mathis, Rev. Dr. George W. Gates, Charles F. Reese, James McCormick, Charles K. McPherson, James Baird, William F. Claus, Harry B. Paul, George S. West, Frank S. Jones and Sheriff Christopher J. Mines.
Grave of Frank S. Jones
Named: Frank Jones, Private, Co. H, 4th Regiment, NJ Volunteer Infantry, and Died June 9, 1903, Age 58 Years.