Henry C. "Harry" Grosscup
HENRY C. “HARRY” GROSSCUP was born on February 18, 1849 in Pennsylvania, one of at least three children born to Fanny and William Grosscup. The family came to New Jersey not long after his birth.
The 1870 Census shows the Grosscup family living in Camden’s Middle Ward. Henry Grosscup was by then working as a machinist. Two doors away lived the family of William C. Lee, a Civil War veteran who worked as a pork dealer and also as an extra man with the Camden Fire Department. Both Henry Grosscup and William C. Lee may have been volunteer fire fighters in Camden in the years prior to December 7, 1869 when the Camden Fire Department went into service.
Harry Grosscup was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on October 26, 1871 to replace William T.G. Young Sr. as stoker with Engine Company 2. He resigned on October 8, 1872 after Chief Robert S. Bender took a leave of absence. He returned to the Fire Department on April 8, 1873 when Chief Bender returned. His abilities were soon recognized, although the Fire Department, like much else in Camden at the time, was highly politicized.
The 1874 City Directory shows Harry Grosscup at 2 Newkirk Place. The 1880 Census shows the Grosscup family, which included younger brothers Fred and William, nephew Edward and grand-son Charles residing at 516 Federal Street. Fire Department records state that Henry Grosscup lived at 222 Arch Street in April of 1877. City Directories for 1878 and throughout the 1880s however show him residing at 220 Arch Street.
Leadership in the Fire Department at this time was not subject to Civil Service regulations. When the Democrats gained control of City Council in 1876, future mayor Claudius Bradshaw was elected Chief Engineer for the City of Camden, Henry Grosscup, who had served as stoker of Engine Company 2 since April of 1873 was not re-appointed in 1876. Politics being thrown to the wind, Henry Grosscup was re-appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 8, 1877 as an extra engineer.
With Republicans regaining control of the city in 1879, Harry Grosscup continued as extra engineer until March 27, 1882, when Daniel A. Carter was elected Chief, and brought in many new firemen. Carter found that losing Harry Grosscup was not a good thing, and he was brought back in 1884 as fireman with Engine Company 2, replacing James McCann, who had served for two years.
At a special meeting of the City’s Fire Committee held on July 7, 1885 the fire department was reorganized. Each engine company added a permanent foreman and two hosemen; the ladder company added two laddermen for a total of eight new full-time firemen.
The new foremen were John Stockton, Engine Company 1 and Henry Grosscup, Engine Company 2. The reorganization became effective on August 1st and the foremen were given charge of their respective units at an annual salary of $720.
Less than a month later, on August 4, 1885, a tornado struck Camden. The twister knocked over the firehouse bell tower at Engine Company 2’s headquarters. There were also three fires and six deaths as a result of the twister.
An 1886 account revealed the following about Engine Company 2. The unit was quartered on the northeast corner of Fifth and Arch Street, a location that would house Camden Fire Department units into the early 1960s. The two story brick building at 19 North 5th Street was shared with the Camden Hook and Ladder Company, now known as Ladder Company 1. This building also was the headquarters of the Camden Fire Department.
Engine Company 2 personnel in 1886 are as follows:
Engine Company 2 Roster, 1886
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 2 personnel, 1886
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ |
|---|---|
| Henry C. Grosscup | Foreman |
| William Morris | Engineer |
| C.B. Harvey | Driver |
| Frank Turner | Stoker |
| Charles Robinson | Hoseman |
| Isaac Shreeve | Hoseman |
| Logan Bates | Call Man |
| James Carey | Call Man |
| William Lyons | Call Man |
| Howard H. Currie | Call Man |
Engine Company 2’s apparatus at that time consisted of an Amoskeag second class steamer (makers plate #319), a hose wagon and a supply wagon.
In late 1889 or early 1890 Harry Grosscup moved to 334 Mickle Street. By late 1891 he was boarding at 207 South 4th Street. The 1892–1893 Directory show him living at 336 Mickle Street, while the 1893–1894 Directory has him back at 207 South 4th Street. The 1894–1895 Directory again lists him at 336 Mickle Street. From 1897 through 1899 Directories show him at 331 Mickle Street.
The 1894 Camden City Directory lists Engine Company 2’s personnel as consisting of the following: Foreman Harry C. Grosscup; Engineer, William Morris; Driver, John P. Long; Albert Jones, George Wade, William Hertline, David Andrews.
Another reorganization occurred after the annexation of Stockton in 1899. Harry Grosscup was promoted to the position of District Engineer, with duties similar to that of a Deputy Chief, and was placed in charge of the new fire companies in East Camden based at North 27th Street and Federal Street.
In June of 1907 Harry Grosscup apparently decided it was time to retire, after having served the City of Camden for over 30 years.
The 1910 Census shows Harry Grosscup had left the Fire Department and was living with his brother Fred at 584 Federal Street.
Harry Grosscup passed away on January 7, 1916 at Anglesea, New Jersey. Funeral services were held at the home of his brother Fred Grosscup, 584 Federal Street in Camden. Harry Grosscup was buried at Evergreen cemetery in Camden.
Firemen Appointed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Firemen Appointed — The new Fire Commissioners of Camden have reorganized the Paid Fire Department by appointing the following regular men: Engineer No. 1, Rouben Tenner; No. 2, Wm. Davis; foreman of No. 1, Cornelius M. Brown; of No. 2, James S. Lane; stoker of No. 1, Hunt; of No. 2, W. Gordon; truck driver of No. 1, Edmund Shaw; of No. 2, B. L. Kellum; tillerman, E. J. Dodamead; extra engineer, Henry Grosscup.
Four Firemen Hurt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A False Alarm in Camden Results in a Serious Accident.
Four firemen, members of the Camden Fire Department, were nearly killed while answering an alarm of fire yesterday afternoon. The injured are: Frank Turner, driver of the hose car, breast bone broken; Horseman Voight, Jacob Kellum, tillerman, legs crushed; Frederick Voigt, horseman, cut on head; Henry Grosscup, foreman, breast hurt.
The accident happened while turning the corner of Front and Camden Streets, with the truck, when the tiller for some unknown reason failed to work properly. The large truck which is on the top of the ladder knocked the big white horse attached to the same into the street. Three of the men who were riding the truck Tillerman Kellum got his legs entangled in the ladder and was dragged along the street.
Driver Turner was on his seat driving when he was struck in the breast with the end of the ladder and was knocked from his seat. Horseman Voight was also on the seat and when his horse fell over the pavement and were precipitated to the ground. Foreman Grosscup was riding on the cylinder of the hose carriage. His injuries are the least of any.
Camden’s Fire Laddies Parade
Philadelphia Inquirer —
An Event Which Enthused the Quiet City Across the River.
The City Profusely Decorated in Honor of the Event and an Immense Crowd in Attendance—Brief Notes of Interest.
Yesterday was a red-letter day in Camden. It was the occasion of the first firemen’s parade in the city for years. From every flagstaff the American flag floated. Such elaborate decorations of business places, residences and public buildings have not been seen since the Presidential campaign. Flags and bunting adorned the fronts of the four engine houses, while the Morning News, Courier and Press Club had decorations which attracted much attention.
The parade started at half-past 2, with Chief Marshal W. B. E. Miller in command. Councilman E. E. Jefferies was assistant marshal. A platoon of twenty policemen, in charge of Chief Samuel Dodd, headed the line. The United States Fire Company, of Atlantic City, in command of Chief Locke, with Foreman E. J. Pettit as an assistant, attracted much attention. The company wore their coats and had their hose carriage and steamer with them.
The Fire Commissioners came next in carriages, Mayor Pratt and Camden officials in carriages, Councilmen and Recorder Joseph Bartlett and President of Council Robert Stroud, of Atlantic City; members of the press in carriages, police patrol, Sixth Regiment Band, Chief Engineer Bender and Assistant Chief Bazine, of the Camden Fire Department; Engine Company No. 1, Foreman John G. Stockton; Engine Company No. 2, Foreman Harry Grosscup; Engine Company No. 3, Foreman Mortimer Wilson; Engine Company No. 4, Foreman Amadee Middleton; extra engine, hose cart and supply wagon. All of the apparatus of the different companies was handsomely decorated.
As the parade passed the postoffice all of the clerks and carriers in full uniform were drawn up in line and reviewed the procession. A handsome floral offering was presented to Postmaster Browning as he rode by the postoffice in his carriage.
The route was the same as that published in yesterday’s Inquirer, with the exception of the Eighth ward portion, which had to be abandoned, owing to the heat.
Other Items.
During the parade yesterday Thomas Murphy, a pick-pocket, of Newark, was caught in the act of “working” the crowd. While Patrolman Isaac McKinley was on his way to the City Hall with the prisoner two of his friends attempted to rescue him. The officer held on to the thief and with the aid of Albert Gilbert, of the Water Department, succeeded in landing him safely behind the bars.
The Property Committee, of the Board of Education, met last night and completed the arrangements for the purchasing of American flags for the public schools. The latter will be raised for the first time on the Fourth of July.
The Freeholders yesterday received a communication from the jury that tried Chalkley Leceoney, asking for extra compensation. It was laid over for one month.
Fireman Recuperating
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman Harry Grosscut, of the fire department, is spending two weeks in Maryland to recuperate his health.
Harry Grosscup Acting Chief
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Harry Grosscup, of No. 2 Engine Company, is acting chief of the Fire Department owing to the illness of both Chief Alfreth and Acting Chief Buzine. Foreman Grosscup is one of the oldest members of the department, and has several times been injured while gallantly performing his duty.
Camden Fire Department Headquarters, 1899
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.
Acids in Flames
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Moro Phillips’ Chemical Works in Camden Partly Destroyed by Fire
Firemen’s Good Work
Battled Against Heavy Odds, But Saved Most of the Plant—Loss About $60,000
Nearly two acres of buildings forming the site of the Moro Phillips Chemical Company were partly destroyed by fire yesterday, entailing a loss of about $60,000. It was the worst inferno the Camden Fire Department has been called to fight since the old foundry fire of ’98. The blaze broke out about noon yesterday, and it was noon before the flames were under complete control. Firemen played on the ruins until 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
The origin of the fire is a mystery. A watchman on duty in the building nearest Twelfth street did not discover the fire until 5 o’clock. Instead of springing a regular alarm he telephoned to No. 2 engine house. The signal was received about 8 o’clock; the men were about to respond to roll call at the time. Captain Grosscup then sent in a 3-3, which is as much of an alarm as is customary on local alarms. Before long it was found that the fire was getting beyond the capacity of two companies and Captain Harry Grosscup saw the flames in a peculiar situation. He could not give a general alarm for the simple reason the blaze was half way to the building when a regular alarm was given.
All the Firemen Called
Chief Clifford, upon arriving on the scene, turned in a general alarm, calling out the entire department. The fire was mostly in the old buildings and wooden warehouses, and it was apparent that the main portion of the plant was to be sacrificed. The block composed of old frame buildings that burned so furiously, there was not the slightest chance of preventing the flames from spreading. The fire threatened to carry them across a treastury [sic] worth of buildings containing vast quantities of fertilizers and phosphorus. Three streams were kept playing on these, keeping these buildings from catching fire. The flames were so hot that the men had to turn their hose on a small brick building which, when the heat began to sift through the mortar, threatened to close the part of the old furnace Grosscup saw the plant.
Deadly Acid Fumes
The fire spread from the fertilizer building and it looked as if the entire plant would be consumed. Dense sheets of heavy black smoke rolled out of the building, and Andrews and Hertline, who went to the rescue of Maxwell, were taken outside for fresh air, and after adjusting to the gases did not have permanent effect.
All that portion of the works used for the storage of acids was abandoned to the flames. The main buildings were saved. The firemen fought valiantly. Speaking of the origin of the fire, Daniel Boughten, who was employed in the building, stated last evening that he could not tell how the blaze started, but that the losses in that most of his department was covered between $50,000 and $27,000.
After Long Service Retires on Pension
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Benjamin L. Kellum, second assistant chief engineer of Camden’s Fire Department, who has been stationed on the East Side, has been ordered placed on the retired list on August 1 by the Fire Committee of City Council. Kellum has been in the service for over twenty years and will get half pay.
Exposure at what is known as the “Federal street fire” of several years ago has incapacitated him from active duty of late. At a recent meeting of the Fire Committee three physicians were appointed to examine him. On their report he was retired.
Foreman Harry Grosscup, of No. 2 Engine Company, and Foreman William Deno, of No. 3 engine house, are candidates for the position to be vacated. The latter has the support of State Assessor David Baird and will probably be selected.
Camden City Fire Department Pension Fund
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Articles incorporating the Camden City Fire Department Pension Fund were filed in the county clerk’s office yesterday. The trustees named are Henry C. Grosscup, George P. Cox, Walter Browning, John A. Stockton and Samuel S. Elfreth. The latter is chief of the Camden Fire Department.
Veteran Fireman to Retire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After serving for over thirty years as a member of the Camden Fire Department, District Engineer Harry C. Grosscup, in charge of the East Side companies, will, it is said, shortly resign and be placed on the retired list at half pay. Some years ago Fireman Grosscup was injured while on duty and never fully recovered.
GROSSCUP — Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GROSSCUP.—Jan. 7, 1916, at Anglesea, N. J., HENRY C. GROSSCUP, aged 66 years. Relatives and friends invited to attend funeral services, Monday, 2.30 P. M., at residence of brother, Fred R. Grosscup, 584 Federal st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, at Evergreen cemetery.