Introduction
John J. Graham
JOHN JAMES GRAHAM was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1912 to John James Graham and his wife, the former Elizabeth Olive Hoffman. The family, which included older brother Clair and younger siblings Robert and Emily, was still living in Wilkes-Barre in January of 1920. By 1924 the family had moved to Camden. They were at 337 Chestnut Street in 1924.
John Graham was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1936. On October 14, 1942 older brother Clair “Reds” Graham, also became a member of the Camden Fire Department.
The 1940 Camden City Directory shows John J. Graham, and his wife Gladys living at 1018 Monitor Road in the Fairview section of Camden. The 1947 Camden City Directory shows John J. Graham living at 603 North 35th Street.
John Graham retired in 1960 on a disability pension due to a bad neck injury that occurred on a fire. By this point in his career he had been promoted to the rank of District Chief, based at the East Camden fire house at North 27th Street and Federal Street.
After Chief Graham retired, he moved to Florida to be with his daughter Carolyn McClure and family. John James Graham passed away on April 15, 1995 at his daughter’s house in Florida.
There was another Camden Department firefighter named John Graham, who was one of the original members of Camden’s paid fire department, entering service with Engine Company 2 on December 7, 1869.
District Firemen Fete 2 Veterans on Retirement
Camden Courier-Post —
Two retired veterans, District Chief Engineer Robert A. Wonsetler and Chief’s Aide Irvin F. Bishop, were given a farewell party Saturday night by firemen at the 27th and Federal sts. firehouse.
Wonsetler, who retired after 31 years 11 months of service, and Bishop, with a record of 34 years 4 months, were presented wrist watches at a dinner attended by officers and members of the Camden Bureau of Fire.
Honored guests included Chief Engineer William V. Pfefferle, District Chief Engineer John J. Graham and District Chief Engineer Austin Marks. Many members of the auxiliary were present.
Served as Lobbyist
Wonsetler, who was appointed to the department Feb. 8, 1923, served through the ranks to become district chief engineer. He served as executive delegate and legislative lobbyist of the Camden Branch, Local 5, Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Inc. 10 years.
He was elected president of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association in 1939, being the first Camden fireman elected to that office in 41 years.
Wonsetler was honored with a life membership and a gift by FMBA.
In addition to working at many of Camden’s major fires, Chief Wonsetler, from 1936 to 1952, was the broadcaster of the “Voice of Safety” program sponsored by the Camden Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention. He lives at 3281 Pleasant ave.
Bishop Hurt Several Times
Bishop was appointed to the fire department Aug. 25, 1920, and spent 33 years at No. 2 Truck Company, 619 Kaighns ave.
He was assigned as chief’s aide Sept. 15, 1953.
Bishop was injured several times during his career. He lives at 2771 N. Constitution rd.
Boy, 3, Saved During Blaze By Baby Sitter
Camden Courier-Post —
An 18-year-old baby sitter ran with her three-year-old charge Monday afternoon from a blazing residence at 1145 DuPont Street in the Cramer Hill section.
Bertha Reed, 928 North 21st Street, was watching Michael Moran, while the child’s mother, Mrs. Mary Moran, was out. At 3:55 PM, Miss Reed saw smoke curling up from the living room floor. She quickly put Michael’s outdoor clothing on him and ran with him to the street.
Engines 9 and 11 and Truck 3 responded to a box alarm pulled by a neighbor. The firemen found flames had eaten through a partition in the house to the second floor. They donned gas masks before entering the blazing structure.
The fire spread to the basement and first floor of 1143 DuPont Street occupied by Mrs. Moran’s mother, Mrs. Anna Abel, who was not at home at the time.
Main damage was to the dining room of the Moran residence. District Fire Chief John Graham said wood piled near a coal stove in the basement had ignited and had fired the partition of the two-story twin, frame dwelling.
Man Burned, Two Tots Safe in Home Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
Two young children were brought to safety by their father when fire wrecked their home at 1066 N. 27th st., early Sunday morning.
The father, Leon Giberson, 29, suffered burns of the face, hands and knees when he went back into the burning building to rescue his wife, Joan.
However, it was later learned that his wife had not yet returned from her job as a waitress.
Another family, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Christensen, 25, and their three children were not at home when the fire broke out.
Family Away
Christensen, a brother-in-law of Giberson, was on duty with No. 11 Engine Company, three blocks from the house. His wife and the children were visiting relatives in Woodlynne.
Giberson was reported in good condition today in Cooper Hospital where he was taken by police.
District Fire Chief John J. Graham blamed careless smoking as the origin of the fire.
Miss Clara Pepeta, who lives at 1101 N. 27th st., directly across from the Giberson house, was going to bed when she looked out and saw the flames.
Alerts Occupants
She ran across the street and knocked on the front door. When there was no reply, she ran to the rear of the house. There she saw Giberson, who was awakened by the hammering on the front door, bringing Randi Joan, 18 months, and James Lee, 6 months, outside.
Four pieces of fire equipment answered the alarm sounded by another neighbor. Christensen responded with his company.
One fireman, Phillip B. Stinger, driver of No. 3 Company truck, was treated at the scene for a cut of the left wrist.
Graduation of Probationary Firemen
1959
Graduation of Probationary Firemen (from left) Chief John Graham, Captain Anthony Dzinski, Assistant Training Officer Nicholas George, Firemen Herman Reed, Bertram Dahl, Joseph Dowhy, Joseph Simpson, Edward Morgenweck, Charles Christensen, Joseph Wolfinger, George Dixon, Edward Ulrich, Reginald Laws, Grant Keller, and Chief Edward MacDowell.