Introduction
Jacob Apt, a bricklayer by trade, served with the Camden Fire Department in the 1870s and early 1880s. His name variously appears as “Apt” and “App.”
Jacob App was born in Pennsylvania around 1831 to Jacob and Hannah App. He was living with his parents in the Kensington section of Philadelphia at the time of the 1850 Census. He moved to Camden shortly before the 1860 Census was taken. Jacob App was living in Camden’s South Ward with his wife Mary and children Jacob and Mary. He was then working as a laborer. He became a bricklayer during the 1860s.
Jacob Apt was first appointed to the Fire Department on December 5, 1871 as a replacement for Richard Houghtaling, an extra man with Engine Company 2. He served until April of 1876, but was brought back one year later. He was again a member of Engine Company 2, remaining with that unit until the spring of 1882, when a shift in politics dictated many changes in the fire department.
Jacob Apt was living at 622 Carman Street when he was first appointed to the Fire Department and was still at that address when he left in 1882. By the time the 1893–1894 Camden City Directory was being compiled, Jacob App had moved to 728 Carman Street.
Jacob Apt passed away on March 23, 1896. He was living at 728 Carman Street in Camden at the time of his demise.
Extra Firemen Appointed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Extra Firemen Appointed.—The Commissioners of the Camden Paid Fire Department, in addition to the regular, have appointed the following extra men on the force: Amadon Middleton, Charles Benton, George Tracey, John Stephens, Elijah Moorehouse, Francis Miller, Joseph B. Green, Jr., Charles Sawyer, Charles M. Lane, Christian Tenner, John Toy, Jacob App, William Deith, Amos Osler, Archie Clark, H. Sharp, Richard Cooper, James Hunt, Charles H. Reed, Richard Deitz, Benjamin Marshall, P. Brown, John Grav, Isaac O. Randolph, Josiah Davis, Francis Boardman, Charles Elfreth, Alexander Watson, Howard Cuney, Francis Tamer. Nine of the above were members of the Fire Department a few years ago, under the now newly appointed Chief, R. S., Bender.
APP.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
APP.—On the 23d Inst., Jacob App. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Friday at 1 o’clock, from his late residence, 728 Carman street, Camden, N. J.
Jacob Apt obituary
Camden Post —
Mr. Jacob Apt, who died at 19.30 Monday night, was a charter member of the Journeymen Bricklayers’ Protective Association, No. 7, of Camden. He was regarded by his fellow workers as a faithful, conscientious and upright man, devoted alike to his family and the organization of which he was a member. As will be seen by our advertising columns, a special meeting for tomorrow night has been called by the association to take action on his death.