Introduction
James McDade — badge 86 in dress uniform — photo circa 1910
JAMES McDADE was born in Pennsylvania in September of 1860. He had come to Camden by 1884. His wife, the former Emma Ferkler, was seven years his senior. She gave birth to a son, James Jr. in October of 1886, another boy, Joseph, was born in May of 1887, a daughter, Emma, in March of 1892. The family lived at 7 James Court during these years. James Court was a small street that ran east from Point Street, between Pearl and Birch Streets, and was erased when the Delaware River Bridge was built in the early 1920s. James McDade worked as a spinner at the Boyer & Shimer worsted mill. By 1900 the family had moved to 8 Pearl Street.
By 1906 James McDade had been appointed to the Camden Fire Department. He made his home at 608 Point Street when the 1906 City Directory was compiled. Oldest son James Jr. had by then gone to work as a moulder in a nearby iron foundry. The family remained on Point Street through at least 1910. A 1913 news article has the McDades at 415 North Front Street. By 1914 James McDade had moved to 414 North Front Street. Both McDade sons had married by 1914, Joseph, a plumber, and his wife Mamie having moved to 408 Mickle Street. James Jr. and his wife Nellie got their own home at 413 Cedar Street by September of 1918. Emma McDade married Stanley R. Wirtz, a co-worker of brother James Jr., on January 1, 1912. The Wirtz family lived with McDades at 414 and 412 North Front Street at different times over the next 10 years.
The 1920 Census shows that James and Emma McDade were renting a home at 329 Cole Street, a street no longer in existence that ran between Penn and Linden Streets. James McDade was still working for the Fire Department, as an engineer. A grandson, Earl Bowker, lived with them. They later moved to 412 North Front Street.
While serving with Engine Company 6 on July 5, 1922 James McDade died in the line of duty, suffering a fatal heart attack after responding to a false alarm near his home.
As stated above, James McDade’s daughter Emma married Stanley Wirtz on January 1, 1912. He went on to serve for many years with the Camden Police Department. Their son Edwin S. Wirtz served with the Camden Fire Department for 22 years, retiring in 1965. Edwin’s cousin Carl Wirtz also served as a Camden firemen, for 12 years, ending in 1963.
To Buy a Second Hand Engine
Camden Post-Telegram —
The Fire Committee last night appointed James McDade, of the First ward, a fireman to succeed Harry Middleton, resigned. The committee decided to purchase a second-hand engine for No. 1 house, and to advertise for bids for the purchase of 2,000 feet of cotton hose, and 2,000 tons of Lehigh coal.
Smoke Overcomes Two Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In a $4000 fire at the plant of the West Jersey Carriage Works, 15 to 21 Market street, Camden, early yesterday morning, two firemen were overcome by smoke. They were James McDade, of 415 North Front street, and William Simpson, of 604 North Sixth street, they being taken to the Cooper and Homeopathic Hospitals, respectively. The blaze was a stubborn one for awhile and at one time threatened to communicate with the plant of the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Engine Company 6
Engine Company 6 — photo taken between January 1920 and July 1922. Standing: Unknown, Thomas “Tim” Shanahan, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown. Seated: Unknown, James McDade, Thomas Nicholas, John Lutts, Unknown.
Veteran Fireman Dies at His Post
Camden Courier —
Anxiety Over Alarm Near His Home Proves Fatal To James McDade
James McDade, 65 years old, a member of Fire Company No. 6 dropped dead last night after answering a false alarm near his home at 412 North Front street.
McDade, who was an engineman, responded to a call from Front and Erie about 10 o’clock last night. His own house was within a few yards of the box and he was in a state of anxiety all the way to the district of the alarm.
The alarm was false but upon the company’s return to their house at Front and Linden, it was noted that McDade was pale and nervous. In response, he said, “Oh, I’m all right,” but at 11.40 he fell over dead from heart trouble.
A quarter of an hour later, another alarm was sent in from Front and Erie streets, which also was false.
McDade is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma McDade and four children. He had been a member of the fire department for more than twenty years and his family will receive a pension.
Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
McDADE.—July 4. JAMES, husband of Emma S. McDade (nee Ferkler), aged 61. Relatives and friends, also Camden Fire Dept., invited to funeral, Sat., 2 P. M., late residence, 412 N. Front st., Camden, N. J. Int. Fernwood.
Hundreds Honor Veteran Fireman
Camden Courier —
Fire Fighters Pay Tribute at Funeral of Engineer James McDade
Hundreds of friends, members of Ottawa Tribe, No. 15, Improved Order of Red Men, and members of Camden Fire Department paid a tribute to Engineer James McDade, 61 years old, at his late home, 412 North Front street, last night. Many floral tributes decked about the casket bespoke of the esteem in which he was held by his fellowmen.
More than fifty firemen marched to his late home this afternoon and accompanied his bier to the ferry. Interment was made in Fernwood Cemetery, Philadelphia. Firemen from Engine Companies No. 4 and 6 acted as pallbearers to the deceased.
McDade, who was an engineer at Engine Company No. 6, died Tuesday night after an attack of heart trouble, upon his return from a false alarm. He was connected with the fire department for more than twenty years, and is survived by a wife and four children. He won the Daily Courier’s firemen’s popularity contest several years ago.
Funeral Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With seventy-five of his fellow firemen acting as escort the funeral of James McDade, veteran engineer of No. 6 Engine Company, who died suddenly Tuesday night, took place yesterday from his home at Front and Linden streets. As the cortege passed the engine house where McDade had been stationed for ten years the members on duty stood at attention with hats doffed. There were floral tokens from all parts of the city, for McDade was one of the most popular members of the department. The services were in charge of Rev. James Lord, pastor of the Tabernacle M. E. Church. The pall-bearers were Lieutenant Clarence Madden, David Bakely, Abraham Kerns, William Thompson, Elmer Burkett, of McDade’s company, and Samuel Hardin, of No. 4 Engine Company. Interment was made at Fernwood Cemetery, Philadelphia.
Related
Camden Fire Fighters Fallen in the Line of Duty
Camden Fire Department — Complete Roster of Uniformed Fire Personnel 1869–1994