James H. McDermott
James H. McDermott
James H. McDermott
JAMES HENRY McDERMOTT was born in Pennsylvania in May of 1862, according to the 1900 Census. He married around 1885. A daughter, Bertha was born in 1887 and a son, David, in January of 1890. The family came to Camden shortly afterwards. The family had come to New Jersey by the time wife Anna McDermott gave birth to a daughter, Catherine, in November of 1892. The 1900 census shows the family at 318 Evans Street. James McDermott was working as a railroad flagman. The family was still at 318 Evans Street when the 1906 City Directory was compiled. He was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 25, 1906 along with Frederick Hawk, Silas Boyer, and Robert M. Coffman to fill the three vacancies caused by the tragic deaths of George Shields, William Jobes, and William Hillman, and the resignation of William Hill.
The 1910 Census shows that he and wife Anna lived at 310 Royden Street in South Camden with their children Bertha, David, and Catherine. In 1923 James H. McDermott and his wife purchased a home built by Lorigan and Hurley at 23 North 28th Street in East Camden.
By January 1, 1927 James H. McDermott had been promoted to Captain. He was then serving at Ladder Company 4, and would finish his career there. James Mac Dermott retired on October 1, 1932.
The 1930 Census shows James H. McDermott, his wife, son David, along with daughter-in-law Ruth and grandson Joseph were living at 23 North 28th Street. He was still at the North 28th Street address as late as 1943. Son David McDermott and family had by then moved to 921 Pearl Street. Anna McDermott died in October of 1943. James H. McDermott passed away on July 1, 1948.
Fireman James McDermott Hero at Barnegat
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** Fireman James McDermott, connected with the Kaighn avenue house, proved himself a hero at Barnegat when he rescued from the surf Mrs. John A. Grubeck, of Phoenixville, Pa.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
** Attacked by a negro hoodlum. Fireman James McDermott, of the Kaighn avenue house, was badly injured yesterday by being struck on the head with a club. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital, where a long and deep gash was treated.
Fireman McDermott Injured More Seriously
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman McDermott, of the Kaighn avenue house, was injured more seriously by falling in an areaway at the fire at the New York Shipyard than was at first thought. He was unable to leave his home this morning and is under the care of a physician. In his fall of six feet he injured his shoulders and it is feared fractured a rib.
At the time he was injured he was at the end of a ladder, which was being carried by four other firemen. He was in the lead when suddenly he disappeared. This caused the next man to stop as did the others.
One of the firemen in surprise missed McDermott and asked “Where is Mac?”
The reply was made “he fell down a hole.”
It was found that in the areaway the inclined steps lead to a blank wall, as was over this wall McDermott stepped and was injured.
Firemen Trapped in Burning Store
Camden Post-Telegram —
FIREMEN TRAPPED IN BURNING STORE
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.
(CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PAGE.)
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.
Inmates Rescued as Nursery Burns
Camden Post-Telegram —
INMATES RESCUED AS NURSERY BURNS
Firemen Save Dozen Sick Children Who Were in Quarantine Ward.
CARRIED TO SAFETY DOWN THE LADDERS
Twenty-three children, fourteen of whom were ill and confined in the quarantine ward, were rescued this morning when flames damaged the Mary J. Ball Home and Day Nursery at 1743 Master street. The fire was caused by a defective flue. The building, a three-story frame structure, was damaged to the extent of about $800.
The fire was discovered by the matron, Mrs. Mary McKeown, as she was passing along the second-story hall. Grabbing two small children in her arms she ran to the street yelling “Fire.” Two men were passing at the time but paid no attention to her cry. She handed the two children to a neighbor after telling him to send in the fire alarm.
Re-entering the house Mrs. McKeown called to the other children to rush into the rooms and each seized a younger person, as they are taught in the fire drill.
By this means nine of the children had been rescued when the firemen arrived.
In her efforts to save the children Mrs. McKeown was nearly overcome by the smoke, which filled the entire building from the cellar to the third floor.
On the third floor were eleven children quarantined with measles, while in the second story were three children suffering from chicken pox. The ages of those in the quarantined rooms ranged from 8 months to 10 years, and the firemen at once directed their efforts to save these.
Surrounded by the blinding smoke, Fireman Clark, of the Kaighn avenue house, rescued three children at one time, grasping them in his arms and dashing down the smoke-filled stairway.
Fireman Gondolf, of Engine Company No. 3, ascended a ladder and rescued five children from the third story. He was assisted by Captain Nicholas, of the same company. Firemen Fitzsimmons and Brown, of the Kaighn avenue house, as fast as the children reached the window, they were grabbed by Gondolf who passed them along to the fireman waiting below him. Lieutenant Haines and Fireman McDermott saved the others.
After the children had been removed, Matron McKeown reentered the building to see if any had been overlooked. Before she could descend the stairway she was nearly overcome by the smoke and was led to the street by the firemen. The latter were compelled to chop away part of the wall to get at the fire, which was of a stubborn nature.
Charles Sturgis, who lives opposite the Home, was among the first to open his doors to admit the children, and, by noon he and his family had arranged to provide for all of the little ones.
Mrs. Dr. Emma Richardson, on behalf of the Board of Managers, thanks the firemen for saving her charges.
Had the fire occurred at an earlier hour nothing could have prevented the loss of many lives.
The only person hurt was Eva Grey, a pupil-assistant to the matron. She jumped from a second-story window and sprained her right knee.
This afternoon the nursery managers were given the use of the old Homeopathic Hospital building as a temporary home for their little charges.
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.
14 Firemen Win City Promotions
Camden Daily Courier —
14 FIREMEN WIN CITY PROMOTIONS
Fortunate Members Of Department Are Being Congratulated By Friends
NEW HOUSE AT FAIRVIEW
Fourteen members of the local fire department were being congratulated today upon their promotions to higher positions in the department.
The promotions were authorized at the meeting of the fire committee of City Council last night and will take effect upon the opening of the new fire house at Yorkship Village.
Lieutenants James White, Horace Cairns, Mordecai Clark and John Vickers have been advanced to the rank of captain. Charles Watkins, Herman Kreher, John Hunt, George Hunt, James McDermott and William Miller will wear lieutenants’ chevrons. Harry Selby has been promoted to the rank of engineer, while Joseph Daley, Roy Smith and Seth Monall were made stokers.
White is to succeed William Madison, who goes on the pension list at No. 5 house, while Watkins will succeed White.
The other eleven men will form the nucleus of the force at the new house in Fairview. The hosemen and laddermen for the house have not as yet been appointed.
Many Transfers of City Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
MANY TRANSFERS OF CITY FIREMEN
Forces At Various Stations Changed By Most Recent Orders
16 GO TO FAIRVIEW HOUSE
Recent changes in the fire department announced have provided for the transfer of twenty men and the appointment of fourteen during the week to various fire houses in the city.
Sixteen of the men were transferred and given appointments to the two new companies formed to protect Fairview and Yorkship Village. The transfers and appointments went into effect Wednesday.
The following men received transfers and appointments to Engine Company 10, one of the new companies: Horace Cairns, captain; William Miller, lieutenant; Harry Selby, engineer; Charles Gaul, stoker; Spencer Smith, H. Walker, Rocco Fanelli and H. J. Zanders, hosemen.
Truck Company 4, the other new company, at Ninth and Morgan streets, received the following men: Mordecai Clark, captain; James McDermott, lieutenant; James Durkin, driver; Frank Burt, George C. Wade, Samuel Patton, William Reynolds and Harry Hallowell.
H. F. Ferrington and H. Bomgartel, new men, were appointed to Hook and Ladder Company 1, to fill the vacancies left by James McDermott and George C. Wade.
Go to Company No. 1
The following men received appointments to Engine Company 1: Walter Carter, George Henry Johnson, Lewis D. Stevens, Rocco Tribbett and Benjamin Walters. W. Scott Franklin was transferred from Company 9 to Engine Company 1 as lieutenant. George Cattell was transferred from Company 1 to Company 5 as stoker. Joseph Daley, of Company 5, was transferred to Engine Company 2 to fill the vacancy left by Harry Selby, who was transferred to Company 10.
Anthony Valentine and David Smith were transferred to Company 3, in place of William Miller and Charles Gaul, who were transferred to Company 10.
J. Lumbago was transferred to Company 7, in place of David Smith. George Pursglove and John Hunt were transferred to Company 8. Robert Gicks was transferred from Hose and Chemical Company 2 to Company 9, in place of William Reynolds, who was transferred to Company 10.
Nelson Till was appointed to the place left vacant by Robert Gicks, of Hose and Chemical Company 2. Herman Kreher was made lieutenant of Hose and Chemical Company 2.
East Camden Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
East Camden Notes
James H. McDermott has purchased one of the Lorigan-Hurley homes, at 23 North Twenty-eighth street.
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Camden Courier-Post —
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Veterans at City Hall, Lauded by Superiors, Will Be Among 13 Cops and Firemen to Go on Pension Before First of Year
By William A. Gaffney
Sergeant Thomas J. Murphy, one of Camden’s best known and most efficient policemen, and Joseph “Si” Pedigree, police switchboard operator, are among the 13 members of the police and fire departments who have already retired from active duty on pension, or are to accept half-salary on retirement before the first of the year.
Nine men have turned in their “tools” within the past month and four other applications have been approved and will become effective in the next two months. Two other vacancies left by the deaths of Deputy Chief William W. Patterson and Policeman Fred Schaar, will make the entire number of the two departments 15 men less on January 1, 1933. None of the vacancies will be filled, according to Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Although the actual reasons for the large number of men retiring is not known, it is reported through the police and fire departments that the men are anxious to have their applications approved before a rumored 5 percent pay cut is ordered.
Murphy Praised
Sergeant Murphy’s pension will become effective December 30. Both Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden and Captain Arthur Colsey, chief clerk of the police department, expressed regret at the veteran officer’s decision.
“Sergeant Murphy is one of the most efficient officers we have ever had in the police department,” the two officials said. “He is well-versed in the law and for many years has handled his position as desk sergeant at police headquarters with unerring judgment.”
He is 65 years old and resides at 545 Vine street. He was appointed on August 13, 1902. His son, Thomas J. Murphy, Jr., is also a policeman and is now covering the “beat” his father “worked” years ago.
Pedigree entered the city service as a fireman in 1900 and served in that department. He is also 65 and lives at 49 South Twenty-seventh street. He has worked on Sergeant Murphy’s shift as operator for the past 10 years.
Chief Pensioned
The pensioners’ list is headed by Thomas J. Nichols, chief of the fire department, whose application to retire will become effective on Dec. 1. He was appointed a fireman on Dec. 1, 1900, and will receive $163.30 each month.
Capt. Daniel W. Leach, also of the fire department, was pensioned on Sept. 15 at a monthly salary of $93.10. He is 68 and lives at 624 Bailey street. He was appointed Jan. 1, 1908.
Enginemen Harry V. Hankins and James McDermott also recently accepted pensions and will receive $83.30 each month. Hankins is 56 and lives at 424 Taylor avenue. He was appointed Jan. 1, 1908. McDermott is 64 and lives at 23 North Twenty-eighth street. He was appointed in 1906. Both men left the fire department Oct. 1.
Fireman Joseph T. Johnson, 60, of 1433 South Tenth street, who was appointed March 1, 1900, will retire on Dec. 1 at $83.30 a month.
Horner to Retire
Sergeant William C. Horner, of the police department, a member for 33 years, tops the list of veterans to bid adieu to the trials and troubles of a policeman. He will receive $90.65 a month.
Horner is well known in East Camden. He has worked nearly all of his 33 years as an officer in the third district and commanded that section for several years. He recently was made desk-sergeant at police headquarters and decided to “take the pension” after spending several months “booking” prisoners. He is 65 and lives at 2129 Forty-third street. His pension was granted and made effective Sept. 15.
Policeman Harry Bakely, 60, of 918 State street, a policeman for 24 years; Irving Varley, 56, of 1703 South Fourth street, a policeman for 25 years, and James M. Ellis, 52, of 776 Walnut street, a fireman for four years and a policeman for 17, all have accepted pensions effective Oct. 1.
Policemen William Bryant, 51, of 228 Cedar avenue, Woodlynne, and Samuel Hibbert, 55, of 730 Market street, will cease their official duties on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, respectively. Bryant was appointed Jan. 1, 1908, and Hibbert July 10, 1911. All of the policemen retiring will receive $83.30 a month.
May Not Be Replaced
When asked if the men leaving the service would be replaced, Mayor Stewart said they would not.
“I don’t know what I will do later on,” the mayor said, “but as far as I know now, these men’s places in the police and fire departments will not be filled.
“I feel that under present conditions, the men now policing the city can do it almost as efficiently as with the added number, that is if we do not have any outbreaks of crime.
“Chief Nicholas will be replaced by an acting chief whose salary will not be advanced.”
Mrs. Anna E. McDermott
Camden Courier-Post —
MRS. ANNA E. McDERMOTT
Mrs. Anna E. McDermott, 80, wife of retired city fireman James H. McDermott, of 23 North Twenty-eighth street, died Tuesday after a long illness. Also surviving is one son, David, of Camden. Funeral services will be held at 9 a. m. Saturday at the Harry Leonard Funeral Home, 2850 Federal street. Solemn requiem mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield avenue.