Introduction
HARRY C. ANDERSON was born in April of 1873 to Isaac Anderson and his wife, the former Sarah Madison. The family was living at 810 Kimber Street in North Camden when the census was taken in 1880.
On December 3, 1904 Harry C. Anderson was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. He was then living with his wife, the former Margaret A. Cummisky, at 1147 Federal Street. He reported for duty on July 1, 1905.
On September 1, 1909 Harry Anderson was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred from Engine Company 5 to Ladder Company 1, whose captain at the time was Joseph Maxwell.
Making the Supreme Sacrifice in the line of duty, Harry Anderson died from internal injuries suffered when a trolley car crashed into Ladder Company 1’s apparatus at North 4th and Arch Streets on April 15. He was taken to Cooper Hospital, where he died on May 4, 1916. He was buried at Harleigh Cemetery.
Sixteen Appointed to Fire Department
Camden Evening Courier —
Men Selected from Every Ward Throughout the City.
EIGHT TO GO TO THE NEW HOUSE
On account of the illness of its chairman, Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, the fire committee of City Council last night met at Dr. Robinson’s residence, 518 Linden street. The principal object of the meeting was to recommend names for additional appointments in the Fire Department.
Among the sixteen fortunate ones were Rollo Jones and Charles Cook, of the First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; Samuel Sheer and E. Finley, Third ward; Martin Carrigan, Fourth ward; Joseph Daly, Fifth ward; Joseph Ernest, Sixth ward; William Buzine, Seventh ward; William Munson, Charles Sturgis, Eighth ward; William Whitzell, Ninth ward; Joseph Till, Jr., East Camden.
William Miller, Eighth ward; John H. Vickers and F. Morse, Twelfth ward.
Eighteen New Firemen Named
Camden Post-Telegram —
Sixteen of the Men Will Not Go on Duty Until July Next.
TWO OTHERS TO FILL VACANCIES
City Council’s Fire Committee last night named 18 new firemen. Sixteen of these men will not go on duty until July 1, next, at which time the new fire house will be ready for service, while the other two, who were named to fill vacancies, will begin duty the first of next year.
It must not be inferred that the sixteen new men will all be assigned to the new company. Experienced men from the several houses, with one or two of the new ones, will make up Company No. 5, while the rest of the raw recruits will be apportioned among the several houses.
Rollo Jones, of the First ward, and William Miller, of the Eighth ward, are the men to go on duty January 1. They fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of John Ware and Samuel Peoples.
The others selected are:
First ward—Charles Cook.
Second ward—James White, Harry Anderson.
Third ward—Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley.
Fourth ward—Martin Carrigan.
Fifth ward—Joseph Daly.
Sixth ward—Joseph Ernest.
Seventh ward—Seth Monnell, William Buzine.
Eighth ward—Charles Sturgis.
Ninth ward—S. T. Whitezell.
Tenth ward—Ephraim T. Davis.
Eleventh ward—J. Oscar Till.
Twelfth ward—J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse.
All the appointees must pass a physical examination which will be made by Dr. W. H. Iszard.
William Hertline, connected with headquarters, has been suspended pending a trial on a charge made by Chief Elfreth. The case will be heard on Monday night.
More Firemen for Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Made Necessary by the Erection of a New Engine House
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council have appointed the following firemen: Charles Cook, James White, Harry Anderson, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph Daly, Joseph Ernest, Seth Morrell, William Buzine, Charles Sturgis, Samuel T. Whitezell, Ephraim T. Davis, J. Oscar Till, J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse, Rollo Jones and William Miller. Jones and Miller will go on duty at once, and the others on January 1, by which time it is expected the new fire house at Twelfth and Federal streets, will be completed.
The new men will be distributed among the older companies. The new company will be made up of experienced men from the other companies.
New Firemen Added to Camden's Force
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Spreading of the City’s Department Necessitates the Appointment of More Firemen
Camden City Council’s Fire Committee last night appointed additional firemen, the increased force being necessary by reason of the spreading of the department. The following are the new firemen: Charles Cook, First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Edward Finley, Third Ward; Martin Corrigan, Fourth ward; James Willis, Fifth ward; Harry Green, Sixth ward; Seth Monnell and Edward Buzine, Seventh ward; Charles Sturgis and William Miller, Eighth ward; Samuel Witzel, Ninth ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; J. O. Till, Eleventh ward; J. H. Vickers and Fred Morse, Twelfth ward.
Fireman Overcome in Blazing Cellar
Camden Daily Courier —
Rendered Unconscious By Smoke Joseph Logue is Bravely Rescued
POLICEMAN AND LADDIE AS HEROES
Bravery on the part of Policeman Harry Bakley and Fireman Harry Anderson perhaps saved the life of Fireman Joseph Logue, of the No. 4 house, when he was overcome with smoke in the cellar at the home of John Holloway, 215 Grant street, last night. Logue after being pulled from out of the cellar was revived and was able to resume his duties.
The alarm came in about 7.45 last night and the companies from the Fourth and Vine streets house and Fifth and Arch streets responded. On arriving at the house smoke was pouring from the cellar windows in volumes. Handicapped by the windows being bolted the firemen fought the fire from the inside of the house. As they opened the cellar door the smoke almost overpowered them.
Unable to get at the blaze, Logue descended the steps with an extinguisher and attempted to fight the fire. After waiting for several minutes his companions become alarmed and quickly made their way down the steps to find Logue. While groping in the blinding and choking smoke, Bakley tripped over what he thought an object on the floor. Reaching down he discovered it was the unconscious form of the fireman. Calling to Anderson, they carried the prostrated man up the steps.
His clothing was unbuttoned and Logue was laid on a blanket in the rear yard of the house, while his companions worked earnestly to get the smoke from his lungs. After several minutes’ work he recovered consciousness and refused to be taken to the hospital.
The fire although of slight nature, caused much excitement in the neighborhood and did damage of only a few dollars. The fire is thought to have been started by a child going into the cellar with a lighted candle and tripping, fell, the lighted candle igniting scattered paper lying on the floor.
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.
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 with new 1914 American LaFrance 75′, 4 cylinder aerial ladder, in front of Fire Headquarters. From Left: tillerman Bill Tatem, firemen Edward Finley, Charles Gladney, and Harry Green, Lt. Harry Anderson, Firemen George Hollins and Steward Bakley, Captain Joseph Maxwell, and driver Harry Burroughs.
3 Hurt When Fire Truck Hits Trolley
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Two Camden Firemen Hurled From Machine—Motorman of Car Removed to Hospital
Two firemen and a motorman were injured in a collision between No. 1 motor truck from fire department headquarters and a trolley car at Fourth and Arch streets, Camden, last night. None of the injured is in a serious condition.
The motor truck had answered a false alarm and was returning to the engine house when the collision occurred. Harry Burroughs, the driver, and Harry Anderson, his companion, were hurled from the truck and injured, the former about the wrist and legs and the latter about the hip. They were removed to their homes. Daniel Glenn, motorman, had his legs injured and was removed to Cooper Hospital. The truck and trolley were badly damaged.
Fireman Anderson May Not Recover
Camden Post-Telegram —
Hurt in Truck-Trolley Crash He is Dangerously Ill at Cooper Hospital.
HAS UNDERGONE TWO OPERATIONS
Injured in a collision at Fourth and Arch streets between a Public Service trolley and the big auto truck of No. 1 Truck Company, on the night of April 15, Lieutenant Harry Anderson, aged 43 years, of 1147 Federal street, is dangerously ill in Cooper Hospital from internal hurts and the effects of two operations.
Only partly unconscious because of the terrible pain, Anderson is just about able to recognize his friends. Although Cooper Hospital physicians insist his condition is not hopeless, Captain George B. Wade and fellow firemen of the injured laddie fear he will never get better.
His faithful wife is constantly at his bedside. Anderson failed to rally from the major operation performed at Cooper Hospital.
Following the accident Anderson was thought to be only slightly injured. When he was informed that he was internally injured he underwent an operation at the Homeopathic Hospital.
Anderson’s condition has cast a pall of gloom over the members of the two companies at Fifth and Arch streets. He is one of the most popular fireman in the two companies. Hopes are entertained that he will recover, but the outlook is far from encouraging.
Lieutenant Anderson Dies
Camden Post-Telegram —
The fire house at Fifth and Arch strets is draped in mourning because of the death of Lieutenant Harry Anderson, who died last night in Cooper Hospital, from injuries sustained in an accident at Fourth and Arch streets. Anderson was very popular with the firemen and residents in the vicinity of the fire house and his death is widely mourned.
Fireman's Injuries Fatal
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Lieutenant Was Hurt When Trolley Hit Truck
Internal injuries sustained on April 15, when a trolley car crashed into a fire truck at Fourth and Arch streets, Harry C. Anderson, a lieutenant of Truck Company 1, stationed at headquarters, died yesterday at Cooper Hospital, Camden. His home was at 1148 Federal street and he is survived by his wife and two children.
Anderson and Harry Burroughs, chauffeur of the big truck, were thrown to the street when the trolley crashed into the apparatus as it was turning into Arch street from Fourth street.
Sixty firemen will act as an escort when Anderson’s remains are borne to Harleigh Cemetery on a fire truck on Tuesday afternoon.
Died.
Camden Post-Telegram —
Men Selected from Every Ward Throughout the City.
EIGHT TO GO TO THE NEW HOUSE
On account of the illness of its chairman, Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, the fire committee of City Council last night met at Dr. Robinson's residence, 518 Linden street. The principal object of the meeting was to recommend names for additional appointments in the Fire Department.
Among the sixteen fortunate ones were Rollo Jones and Charles Cook, of the First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; Samuel Sheer and E. Finley, Third ward; Martin Carrigan, Fourth ward; Joseph Daly, Fifth ward; Joseph Ernest, Sixth ward; William Buzine, Seventh ward; William Munson, Charles Sturgis, Eighth ward; William Whitzell, Ninth ward; Joseph Till, Jr., East Camden.
William Miller, Eighth ward; John H. Vickers and F. Morse, Twelfth ward.
ANDERSON.—Suddenly, on May 4th, 1916, Harry C., beloved husband of Margaret A. Anderson (nee Cummisky), and son of Isaac and Sarah Anderson, aged 43.
The relatives and friends of the family, also the Camden Fire Department and the 2nd Ward Republican Club, are invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, from his late residence, 1147 Federal st., Camden, N. J. Interment at Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call Monday eve., to view the remains.
Dead Fireman Buried
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With the body mounted on the auto supply wagon, the funeral of Fireman Harry C. Anderson, who died in Cooper Hospital from injuries received in being thrown from the auto truck in responding to an alarm of fire a couple of weeks ago, took place yesterday from his home at 1147 Federal street, Camden. An escort of sixty men with Fire Chief Peter B. Carter at the head accompanied the body to the burying place at Harleigh. Chaplain Isaac Bagley, of the department, officiated at the services. The pall-bearers were fellow-firemen.
Estate Administration
Camden Post-Telegram —
Surogate Reeves to-day granted letters of administration to Mrs. Mary Anderson on the estate of Lieutenant Harry M. Anderson, her husband, the fireman who died in Cooper Hospital as the result of injuries he received in a collision between Truck No. 1 and a trolley car at Fourth and Arch strets, on April 15.