Introduction
George P. Cox was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 23, 1863 to Edward Cox and his wife, the former Caroline Shane. He was the fourth of five children, coming after Francis, William, and Wright Ellis Cox. The fifth child, Blanche, was born in 1873.
George P. Cox was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on May 27, 1894. He was assigned as Driver with the Chemical Engine Company, then quartered at Fire Headquarters at the northwest corner of North 5th and Arch Streets. The foreman was John W. Toy; the hosemen were Charles Robinson and George Cox’s brother, Wright E. Cox. On March 1, 1900 George P. Cox was promoted to Captain and took over command of the Hook & Ladder Company, now known as Ladder Company 1, succeeding Benjamin L. Kellum. On July 16, 1907 George P. Cox was promoted to Assistant Chief, a post similar to today’s Battalion Chief.
George P. Cox first married Isabella Phillips. There was a son Edward George Cox, born in 1896. Isabella Cox died in 1905. George P. Cox remarried. His second wife, Lidie B. Cox, passed away in 1916.
George Cox retired from the Camden Fire Department on May 1, 1919 as Battalion Chief. By January of 1920 a widower, he was living with his younger sister, Mrs. Blanche Carey, at 220 North 5th Street, her daughter Mildred and his daughter Blanche. He later moved to Wildwood, New Jersey. Brother Wright Ellis Cox passed away in November of 1926.
George P. Cox passed away August 1, 1940. He was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, near both of his wives.
Additional Firemen in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden Fire Commissioners held a meeting last night at which nine new firemen were appointed as follows: First ward, Joseph Logue; Second ward, William Patterson; Third ward, George Cox; Fourth ward, David Andrews; Fifth ward, John A. Dodd; Sixth ward, William Jobes; Seventh ward, William O. Sawyer; Eighth ward, Albert James; Ninth ward, Samuel Curriden.
Fire Commissioners
Camden Daily Telegram —
At a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of City Council on Tuesday night James Baird was awarded the contract for supplying the department with two horses at $400.
The Commissioners made the following appointments, in conformity with a recent ordinance: First ward, Joseph Logue; Second ward, William Patterson; Third ward, George Cox; Fourth ward, David Andrews; Fifth ward, Joseph Dold; Sixth ward, William Jobes; Seventh ward, William O. Sawyer; Eighth ward, Albert James; Ninth ward, Samuel Curriden.
Four of the above appointments are to be assigned to the new chemical engine, and one man is to be assigned to each of the five companies. By this arrangement the extra men are dispensed with. James Elberson, of the First ward, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles Kay, who was appointed to the police force to succeed Elberson.
Camden Fire Department Headquarters
In the foreground, the headquarters of the Camden Fire Department, built in 1899, at 19 North 5th Street. The adjacent building at 31 North 5th Street was built in 1894, and was the home of Ladder Company 1 from 1894 to 1930.
Camden Fire Department Roll Call
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.
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 repudiate 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 Long-
acre, 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.
Camden Fire Department Roll Call
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Cooper B. Hatch, George W. Whyte, Edgar Boulton, John W. Vanhart, W. Scott Franklin, Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly, Christian Stark, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John F. Renner, Josiah Pedigree, Charles Robinson, George B. Wade, Albert Jones, George Cox, Edward Weston, and Samuel Peoples.
Former Fireman Wright Cox Writes to Be Set Right
Camden Daily Courier —
Former Fireman Wright Cox writes to be set right. It was Wright who rescued the two children at 306 Stevens street on last Saturday afternoon and had the fire under control when the firemen arrived. Credit had been given to his brother, George Cox, foreman of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, who resides on Stevens street above Third, but what’s the difference, Wright, isn’t the glory all in the family? Wright lives at 322 Stevens street, George at 334 and the fire was at 306. If Wright hadn’t been right on deck at the time, George would have, so more’s the power to them both. Wright was a good one when he was in the department and there is strong talk of his going back again.
Carriage Accident at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While responding to an alarm of fire early yesterday morning the carriage containing Assistant Chief George Cox and Driver Seth Monnell struck and ran over Dennie Ryan, 53 years old, of 439 South Third street, at Broadway and Kaighn avenue. At the Cooper Hospital it was found Ryan had been badly cut and bruised, but not seriously injured.
Camden Justly Proud of Splendid Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Change From Volunteer to Paid “Laddies” Will Be Appropriately Celebrated Next Wednesday
It is probably unknown to the average citizen that Camden had a paid Fire Department some years before Philadelphia. It is just forty years since the gallant volunteer fire-fighters went out of service. To be exact, it was September 2, 1869, that Camden City Council provided to pay its firemen, and on December 10 of the same year they went into service. This event is to be fittingly celebrated next Wednesday in a demonstration in which the business men of the city, as well as the municipal departments, will participate.
It was not until March 15, 1810, that Camden boasted of even a volunteer fire company, and it was on that date that the Perseverance Fire Company was organized. In 1834 there were two such organizations which had been increased to six by 1851. For the most part these distinct aggregations of fire-fighters did not get along very well together and controversies were frequent.
City Council felt itself called upon to reorganize these companies in 1866 by ordinance, and some semblance of system was inaugurated by electing James Ayers marshal, followed by Wesley P. Murray. But while the companies did gallant service, it was thought best to have a department under the control of the city and that the firemen should receive some compensation for their services.
It was in consequence of this that Council on September 2, 1869, adopted the ordinance providing for the appointment of five fire commissioners, marshal and two assistants. The commissioners included Messrs. Harbert, Kirkbride, Perks, Bingham and Daubman. William Abels was appointed the first marshal, with William W. Mines as assistant in the First district at Fourth and Pine streets, and William H. Sherman, assistant in the Second district at Fifth and Arch streets.
Abels was succeeded in 1871 by Robert Bender, who gave place to Henry Serault. In 1876 Bender was again placed in charge but was soon displaced by Claudius W. Bradshaw, afterwards Mayor of the city. Then Samuel S. Elfreth, the present chief, was placed in charge. He remained until 1881, when Daniel Carter was made chief. Three years later Elfreth was once more in charge. In 1887 Bender was given the office which he retained until 1890, when Chief Elfreth succeeded him and has since remained in that position.
As presently constituted, the department includes Chief Elfreth, First Assistant Samuel B. Buzine, Second Assistant George P. Cox and Third Assistant Walter Browning, beside captains, lieutenants, engineers and others to the total of one hundred efficient men who have repeatedly proved their value in saving valuable property.
As to the apparatus, there are six fire engines, six combination hose and chemical wagons, two hose carriages, one aerial hook and ladder, one chemical engine, beside other necessary vehicles, some of which are held in reserve.
There are thirty-nine horses distributed in the nine houses. The headquarters are located at Fifth and Arch streets.
Under Chief Elfreth, who has been in the service nearly forty years, the department has been brought to such a high standard of efficiency that the Underwriters’ Association recently paid special attention to it by decreasing insurance rates fifteen per cent. Councils’ Fire Commissioners, of which Councilman Harry R. Read is chairman, has also done much to make the department the success it is at present.
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.
Firemen Trapped in Burning Store
Camden Post-Telegram —
Seven Fight Their Way Out After Being Surrounded by Flames.
BLAZING CHILDREN PERIL WHOLE BLOCK
Caught like rats in a trap in a fire that threatened the entire business block on the east side of Broadway between Chestnut street and Kaighn avenue, yesterday morning, seven firemen, back to back, fought their way through flames and smoke escaping with singed hair and eyebrows and slight burns of the face, head and hands.
And while these brave men were battling against great odds, the father and mother of two pretty little girls, aged eighteen and thirty months, were alternately laughing and crying, or praising a plucky little woman who saved their tots from being burned to death.
Six of the firemen—Captain Charles Robinson, Captain Samuel Price, Lieutenant Harry Haines, Morton Clark, James McDermott, John McTaggart—were from the Kaighn avenue house. The other was Roy Smith, of the Chemical Company from House No. 7.
The children who were saved from an awful fate are: Florence Erlick and Martha Erlick, and their rescuer is Mrs. Tillie Sackett, of 1122 Broadway.
Three stores, 1118, 1120, 1122 Broadway, were practically gutted and the upper stories in the rear badly damaged, the whole entailing a loss estimated at $6,500 of which the major portion is covered by insurance. The police arrangements were perfect, the entire block being roped off within a few minutes after the fire alarm was turned in at Broadway and Kaighn avenue by Reserve Policeman Matlack.
Harry Erlick conducts a dry goods, notion and gents’ furnishing store at 1120 Broadway. About 10.45 o’clock he left the front of the store to go to the kitchen, leaving the little girls, Florence, aged 30 months, and Martha, aged 18 months, at play in the store, his wife being out on an errand. Only a short time elapsed when he was startled by the screams of Florence and rushing into the kitchen saw her standing near the coal stove trying to beat out the fire in a paper belt that she had around her body.
As Mr. Erlick entered she ran towards him, the blaze from the belt setting fire to some of the goods on the counter. Thinking only of his children, Mr. Erlick beat out the fire on the little one’s clothing but by this time the flames were rapidly spreading over the rear of the store.
Believing that the little ones were all right he took them into the store 1122 occupied by Edward T. Sackett, manager of a branch office of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. Calling to Mrs. Sackett to care for them, he started for the door to turn in an alarm. As Mrs. Sackett rose to go to the little ones she discovered that Martha’s dress was on fire and before she reached the child the dress of Martha was ablaze.
With great presence of mind Mrs. Sackett threw both children to the floor and covered them with a big rug, instantly smothering the flames, and she then tore off the children’s garments to be sure that there was no further danger. In the meantime the firemen had been summoned and by the time the companies from Kaighn Avenue arrived the flames were blazing above the roof of 1120. The children were then taken to the home of friends where it was found they were only slightly burned.
Assistant Chief Cox, of the southern district, immediately ordered a general alarm and it was undoubtedly due to this that the block was saved, for the frame buildings were rapidly going in the rear when powerful streams from nearly every engine in the Camden district checked the rapid spread of the flames and in less than thirty minutes the fire was out.
The seven firemen who had a close call went into the front of Mr. Erlick’s store with hose from two chemical engines to hold the blaze in check until water could be forced by the engines, and although they were fighting fiercely they were making but little progress owing to the inflammable nature of the stock and the fact that the building was frame and very old.
They were there only a few minutes when they were startled by the crashing of glass and in turning they saw the backs of the store ablaze on fire and that a sheet of flame was extending across the front of the building.
“Back to back and fight both ways” shouted Captain Robinson and the men obeyed, two streams being directed against the front of the store and two in the rear. In what seemed like an age, according to a statement made by Captain Robinson, after returning to the house, but in reality only a short space of time, the men had quenched the fire in the front part of the store and then attacked the rear body.
The flames rapidly communicated to the provision store of Mrs. Mary Palosky, 1118 Broadway. Two frame buildings on the north, by this time several of the engines were in service and lines of hose were run to the backs of the three houses where the fire could be fought to better advantage. When it looked as if H. Nurock’s store at 1124 Broadway, would be licked up, ladders were brought into play and extra streams were run in from the upper stories from Broadway, and from that instant all danger of a big conflagration was over.
The insurance on the Palosky’s household goods expired less than a month ago and they decided that they would not take out any more policies until after the first of the year, although a great many of their household goods were saved, their loss on stock and other goods is estimated at $1,000. The property is owned by Samuel Shane. The estimated loss is $500, covered by insurance.
Mr. Erlick places his loss at $2,000, with insurance. The property is probably damaged to the extent of $1,000. It is owned by Joseph Hermann and is fully insured.
No. 1122 is owned by the estate of Harry Pinsky. The property is damaged to the amount of $500. The loss of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. may amount to $1,000, and that of the tenant, Edward T. Sackett, $500, all covered by insurance.
Peter Gray and Harvey Watts, stationed at headquarters, were off duty at the time, but hearing of the fire returned to the house and went to the scene with the supply wagon.
After the fire a chorus of praise went their way though Gray had a rib cracked he remained on duty until the fire was out and when Chief Elfreth wanted to send him to a hospital Gray drove the team back and then went home.
And during the fire Jeweler Nurock’s store was heavily guarded by policemen and when everything was over he not only congratulated the officers but the heads of the Fire Department, stating that too much praise could not be given for the excellent service rendered. This view was shared by many other business men of the neighborhood.
Last Honors to Fireman Buzine
Camden Post-Telegram —
Veteran Who Was Fatally Stricken on Engine Borne to Grave Today
UNIQUE OFFERING SENT BY COMRADES
Great crowds last night and today viewed the remains of Fireman Lewis Buzine who was fatally stricken with paralysis last Thursday while driving No. 3 engine. The body was exposed to view at his late home, 1606 Broadway, where services were held this afternoon.
Last night nearly one hundred members of the Eighth Ward Republican Club were in attendance and paid their last respects. This afternoon the services were conducted by Reverend William Grum, pastor of the Trinity M. E. Church.
Assistant Chief George Cox was in charge of the detail of firemen, numbering nearly fifty, every company being represented by one or more members, which acted as an escort to the body as it passed through the streets to New Camden Cemetery. The pallbearers were members of No. 3 Engine Company in charge of Captain Nicholas.
The room was filled with choice floral designs. The Eighth Ward Republican Club sent a large star and crescent. The design from the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association was a large circle with a big “5” in the center, being the number of the local lodge. Members of No. 3 Engine Company of which Mr. Buzine was driver, sent a three-foot circle of white chrysanthemums and asters designed as a clock and bearing the inscription “The Last Alarm.” The big figures “83” designated the number of the box from which the alarm came and in the center was the dial of a clock with the hands pointing to 1:32, the time the company left on what proved to be Buzine’s last run.
There were also many floral tributes from the family. The funeral arrangements were in charge of George Blake.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
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.
Third Ward Club Holds Fine Ball
Camden Post-Telegram —
Third Ward Club Holds Fine Ball
Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Way Lead the Grand March of Republican Club
Latest Dances on Program
Despite the stormy weather Turner Hall was crowded last night, when the Third Ward Republican Club held its first annual dress ball. The affair was a complete success and the grand march was one of the prettiest ever held in the Verein auditorium.
It was after 10 o’clock when the grand march took place. It was led by Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Way. The second couple were Councilman and Mrs. A. Benjamin Sparks. Following them were Councilman and Mrs. William H. Hall and Freeholder and Mrs. John T. Rodan. The marchers formed the figure “three” and the letter “W.” The march concluded with the couples sixteen to each file.
The hall was handsomely decorated in the national and municipal colors. There were thirty-one numbers to the program. Rushton’s orchestra furnished an excellent program. Among the numbers were the fox trot, one-step, caprice, two-step, hesitation, waltz, lancers and redowa.
The grand conductor was J. Edward Way and Councilman Sparks was assistant grand conductor. The members of the various committees to whose efforts the success of the ball was due were as follows:
Floor—Wm. H. Hall, Harry Hertline, Walter J. Stanton, John T. Rodan, Jesse Hillman, Lemuel J. Toy.
Door—Jesse Smith, chairman; Robert Whitley, Morris Steelman, Wm. Elberson, Samuel S. Bacon; officers, Albert Keaser, Harry Miller, Frank Smith.
Reception—John S. Roberts, chairman; William M. Fithian, W. J. A. Stanton, Julius R. Schaaf, George Cox, Edward Delacroix, Robert J. Garrison, Horace Hewlings, Frank Knitter, Sr., George Murray, Harry Selby, Harry C. Sharp, Robert Schroeder, James Vickers, Edwin D. Steen, William Horay, Clarence H. Thorn, Joseph H. Thorn, Joseph Croasdale, Wright Cox, Frank S. Fithian, George F. Hammond, Howard T. Harris, Frank Knitter, Jr., Albert J. Meyer, Harry Stowe, William Selby, Harry Vliet, H. P. Toy; printing and press committee, Wesley J. Stanton, Jesse Hillman.
Refreshments—Walter Madden, chairman; Moore B. Garrison, C. L. Wendell, William H. Dill, Charles Errickson, George Bowman, Edwin Fields, William Hartman, Ephraim Husted, Frank S. Ireton, Thomas Madden, Harry Pearce, Charles Smith, John Reid B. Borowakey, Charles Weaver, James Monohan, C. S. Woodward, George Madura, C. Allen Lloyd, Edward Livermore, William G. Finley, Henry Gercke, Benjamin C. Horan, Augustus Jans, Clarence Madden, James J. McDermott, George Schu, John McCarry, Edward Carey, James Millman, Thomas Dickinson, M. J. Riley, James Tivers.
The officers of the club are are [sic] as follows: President, A. B. Sparks; vice president, Wm. M. Fithian; second vice president, Elwin D. Steen; recording secretary, W. J. A. Stanton; financial secretary, John T. Rodan; treasurer, John S. Roberts; trustees, Julius R. Schaaf, Morris Steelman, Clarence R. Thorn.
Camden Fire Chief Retires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After thirty-three years of service in the department, John A. Stockton yesterday retired as Camden’s Fire Chief, being succeeded by Peter B. Carter, whose place as Deputy Chief is taken by William Patterson. Battalion Chiefs Cox and Browning will be aides to Chief Carter at headquarters and Battalion Chief Nicholas assumed charge of the South Camden district, with headquarters at No. 3 Engine Company.
Wright Cox Dies in His 66th Year
Camden Courier-Post —
Many Escapes Marked 40 Years as City Fireman and Policeman
Wright Cox, veteran fireman and policeman for over two score years, died in Homeopathic Hospital, early yesterday morning. He was in his 66th year. An invalid who heroically stuck to his post despite the protests of his superior officers, Cox was taken to the hospital from his home at 564 Mt. Vernon street, about a month ago. He was suffering from stomach trouble, aggravated by an attack of sciatic rheumatism. The end came unexpectedly early yesterday morning.
Shortly before three o’clock he called the nurse and Policeman “Joe” Keefe, convalescing in the ward, to his bedside and in a faint voice said: “Well, goodbye all, I’m going to leave you.” With those parting words he passed away.
The career of Wright Cox as a fireman and a policeman was a colorful one. He was appointed a fireman in the mid-1880’s. An expert horseman, he was for years driver for former Chiefs Robert Bender and Samuel S. Elfreth. He had many thrills as a fire fighter. At the big fire at the cork and licorice plants downtown 20 years ago, he was among the valiant firemen who were nearly blinded by the stifling fumes. He nearly forfeited his life at the Sixth Regiment Armory fire on March 16, 1906, in an heroic effort to save the three firemen who perished in that awful blaze. Baffled in his search by the blinding, strangling smoke, he and the late Ed Hartman escaped from the burning building by following a line of hose leading out into Mickle street.
On January 1st, 1908, Cox was appointed to the Police Department by Mayor Charles H. Ellis. He was assigned to duty in the Third ward, where among his important arrests were a gang of desperate yeggmen and safeblowers and a notorious gang of burglars who were terrorising Cooper street for an entire summer.
About seven years ago Cox was appointed sergeant of the Police Department, with headquarters at the Second District station house, Chestnut street near 6th. Last spring the mounted police unit was disbanded, and the horses sold at auction. His position as stable sergeant being thus ended he was appointed a special officer at City Hall park. He was filling that assignment when taken ill about a month ago.
A short time before he was stricken last month, the veteran of over 40 years’ service as fireman and policeman made application for retirement on pension, and favorable action was about to be taken on it when death intervened.
Cox is survived by a daughter and a brother, George Cox, pensioned Battalion Chief of the Fire Department, now of Wildwood. He was a son of the late George Cox, who for years was a driver for Andrew Lyons, marble yard proprietor.
Funeral arrangements are being arranged by the brother and daughter of the deceased. The flags at the police station houses where Cox served as an officer will droop at half mast for 30 days in honor of the dead patrolman, and an escort of policemen and firemen will attend the funeral.
The funeral of Policeman Cox will be held in the Schroeder Funeral Chapel at 538 Broadway, on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Following services interment will be made in Bethel cemetery.
Veteran Camden Cop Dies After Long Illness
Camden Courier-Post —
Wright E. Cox, 564 Mount Vernon street, veteran Camden policeman, died yesterday in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Cox was a member of the police force for 18 years. His beat at one time included the so-called “tenderloin” district. He was attached to headquarters for many years. He was a brother of former Battalion Fire Chief George Cox.
For the past few months Cox has been relieved of duty. He is survived by a daughter. Funeral arrangements have not been completed yet.
Grave of George P. Cox
Grave of George P. Cox, Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey