Introduction
Joseph F. Ernst, Camden Fire Department, 1932
JOSEPH F. ERNST was born around 1871 in Pennsylvania to Anna M. and Joseph S. Ernst. His father worked as a shoemaker. The family was living in Palmyra, New Jersey when the census was taken in 1880. Besides Joseph, the family included an older sister, Mary Frances.
By 1887 the family had moved to Camden. Joseph S. Ernst is listed at 728 Spruce Street in South Camden in the 1887–1888 and 1888–1889 City Directories.
Joseph F. Ernst married Ella Buzine, daughter of Camden Fire Department assistant chief Samuel S. Buzine, on January 3, 1891.
Joseph F. Ernst appears in the 1894–1895 City Directory, living at 286 Sycamore Street. He was then working as a plater in Philadelphia. By that time his father and mother had moved to 1112 South 4th Street. The 1895–1896 and 1896 Directory shows Joseph F. Ernst living at 702 Cherry Street, near his in-laws.
Joseph F. Ernst’s mother passed away in September of 1896 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery. His father later re-married and moved to Philadelphia. After the death of his mother, Joseph F. Ernst and his wife and children moved to 1112 South 4th Street. He continued working in Philadelphia as a plater and later as polisher into the late 1890s.
The 1900 Census shows Joseph and Ella Ernst had three children, two of whom were still living in June of 1900, Jesse Hastings Ernst and Raydie Ernst. Joseph Ernst was still working in Philadelphia when the Census was taken.
On December 3, 1904 Joseph F. Ernst was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. During his time in service with the department, his name often appeared in print as Joseph Ernest, including department records from 1931. Obituaries for his parents, census records and City Directories prior to, during, and after his time with the Fire Department refer to him as Joseph F. Ernst.
All of Ella Ernst’s siblings, the children of Camden Fire Department assistant chief Samuel S. Buzine had married by 1909. Son William K. Buzine, Ella Ernst’s brother, had also joined the Camden Fire Department, as had son-in-law Joseph F. Ernst. Her brother-in-law Edward Hyde later became the Chief of police in Camden. Sister Clara Ernst married James Roach, who served briefly as a fireman in the 1880s, as a policeman and constable in the 1890s and 1900s, and as tender of the State Street Bridge in the 1910s.
In February of 1909 Joseph F. Ernst’s father, Joseph S. Ernst, passed away at his home in Philadelphia. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden, by his first wife’s side.
Joseph Ernst and family were still living at 1112 South 4th Street when the 1910 Census was enumerated. Ella Ernst’s sister Stella, her husband Harry Prevost and their son Samuel then also lived at that address.
On July 1, 1911 Samuel S. Buzine retired from active service with the Camden Fire Department. He was still residing at 765 Spruce Street when the 1912–1913 City Directory was compiled. Shortly thereafter, Samuel Buzine retired to Holly Beach, New Jersey which in 1912 had become a part of Wildwood. Samuel Buzine is not listed in the 1914 Camden City Directory, his obituary however, indicates that he kept his home in Camden and only spent summers in Holly Beach, where he passed away on August 5, 1917.
The 1914 Camden City Directory shows that Joseph F. and Ella Ernst had moved to 612 Pine Street. The Ernsts bought the home. Sadly, Mrs. Ernst died on November 23, 1928.
The 1930 Census shows Joseph F. Ernst still working for the Camden Fire Department. Living with him at 612 Pine Street was his son J. Hastings, daughter-in-law Hattie, and grandchildren Roland and Ella May. Joseph F. Ernst retired from the Camden Fire Department on January 1, 1933.
When the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled, Joseph F. Ernst, although 75 years of age, was still working, as a watchman. Joseph F. Ernst, his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were still living at 612 Pine Street as late as 1956. In June of that year, great-granddaughter Henrietta Ernst married William Latham Jr., who would go on to have a long and distinguished career with the Camden Police Department.
There was a fire at the home caused by a defective oil furnace in March of 1957, and the Ernst family moved next door to 610 Pine Street. Joseph F. Ernst died on April 12, 1960. His son, J. Hastings Ernst lived in Camden at 610 Pine Street until his passing in December of 1972.
Tragically, Joseph F. Ernst’s last years were not peaceful. Great-grandson Joseph R. Ernst Jr., who had been in trouble with the law beginning with an arrest in 1954 at the age of 16, was arrested in March of 1959 on a murder charge and was convicted on June 24, 1959.
Death of Anna M. Ernst
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ERNST.—On the 21st instant, Anna M., wife of Joseph S Ernst, aged 49 years. The relatives and friends of the family, Washington Temple, No. 2, L. G. E., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Thursday, 24th instant, at 2 o’clock from her late residence, 1112 South Fourth street, Camden, N. J. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery.
SIXTEEN APPOINTED TO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Camden Evening Courier —
Men Selected from Every Ward Throughout the City.
EIGHT TO GO TO THE NEW HOUSE
On account of the illness of its chairman, Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, the fire committee of City Council last night met at Dr. Robinson’s residence, 518 Linden street. The principal object of the meeting was to recommend names for additional appointments in the Fire Department.
Among the sixteen fortunate ones were Rollo Jones and Charles Cook, of the First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; Samuel Sheer and E. Finley, Third ward; Martin Carrigan, Fourth ward; Joseph Daly, Fifth ward; Joseph Ernest, Sixth ward; William Buzine, Seventh ward; William Munson, Charles Sturgis, Eighth ward; William Whitzell, Ninth ward; Joseph Till, Jr., East Camden.
William Miller, Eighth ward; John H. Vickers and F. Morse, Twelfth ward.
EIGHTEEN NEW FIREMEN NAMED
Camden Post-Telegram —
Sixteen of the Men Will Not Go on Duty Until July Next.
TWO OTHERS TO FILL VACANCIES
City Council’s Fire Committee last night named 18 new firemen. Sixteen of these men will not go on duty until July 1, next, at which time the new fire house will be ready for service, while the other two, who were named to fill vacancies, will begin duty the first of next year.
It must not be inferred that the sixteen new men will all be assigned to the new company. Experienced men from the several houses, with one or two of the new ones, will make up Company No. 5, while the rest of the raw recruits will be apportioned among the several houses.
Rollo Jones, of the First ward, and William Miller, of the Eighth ward, are the men to go on duty January 1. They fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of John Ware and Samuel Peoples.
The others selected are:
First ward—Charles Cook.
Second ward—James White, Harry Anderson.
Third ward—Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley.
Fourth ward—Martin Carrigan.
Fifth ward—Joseph Daly.
Sixth ward—Joseph Ernest.
Seventh ward—Seth Monnell, William Buzine.
Eighth ward—Charles Sturgis.
Ninth ward—S. T. Whitezell.
Tenth ward—Ephraim T. Davis.
Eleventh ward—J. Oscar Till.
Twelfth ward—J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse.
All the appointees must pass a physical examination which will be made by Dr. W. H. Iszard.
William Hertline, connected with headquarters, has been suspended pending a trial on a charge made by Chief Elfreth. The case will be heard on Monday night.
MORE FIREMEN FOR CAMDEN
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Made Necessary by the Erection of a New Engine House
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council have appointed the following firemen: Charles Cook, James White, Harry Anderson, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph Daly, Joseph Ernest, Seth Morrell, William Buzine, Charles Sturgis, Samuel T. Whitezell, Ephraim T. Davis, J. Oscar Till, J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse, Rollo Jones and William Miller. Jones and Miller will go on duty at once, and the others on January 1, by which time it is expected the new fire house at Twelfth and Federal streets, will be completed.
The new men will be distributed among the older companies. The new company will be made up of experienced men from the other companies.
NEW FIREMEN ADDED TO CAMDEN'S FORCE
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Spreading of the City’s Department Necessitates the Appointment of More Firemen
Camden City Council’s Fire Committee last night appointed additional firemen, the increased force being necessary by reason of the spreading of the department. The following are the new firemen: Charles Cook, First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Edward Finley, Third Ward; Martin Corrigan, Fourth ward; James Willis, Fifth ward; Harry Green, Sixth ward; Seth Monnell and Edward Buzine, Seventh ward; Charles Sturgis and William Miller, Eighth ward; Samuel Witzel, Ninth ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; J. O. Till, Eleventh ward; J. H. Vickers and Fred Morse, Twelfth ward.
Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THREE FIREMEN MET DEATH IN CAMDEN BLAZE
Trapped in Fire at the Old Sixth Regiment Armory They Perished in Flames
NINE OTHER PERSONS RECEIVED INJURIES
Three firemen were killed and nine persons injured at a fire last night which destroyed the old armory building at Bridge avenue, West and Mickle streets, Camden, causing a loss estimated at $50,000.
The dead firemen are:
GEORGE SHIELDS, 525 Kaighn avenue, member of the Kaighn avenue chemical company.
WILLIAM HILLMAN, 229 Beckett street, of the Kaighn avenue chemical company.
WILLIAM JOBES, 576 Line street, member of Engine Company No. 2.
The Injured
The injured, all of whom will recover, are:
Josiah Sage, 917 South Eighth street, Kaighn avenue company, cut head and face; Seth Monnell, 744 Mt. Vernon street, Kaighn avenue company, scalp wounds; George Quinn, 516 Line street, Kaighn avenue company, cut face; Martin Carrigan, 516 Clinton street, Engine Company No. 1, lacerated face and hands; J. W. Simpson, 551 Cedar street, Engine Company No. 2, lacerations of scalp and face; James Elberson, 628 North Fourth street, Engine Company No. 4, contused wounds of the legs; William Elberson, 231 Taylor avenue, Engine Company No. 2, injured about the back; Charles Worthington, 1017 Penn street, Engine Company No. 3, internally injured; Harry Dease, a citizen, cut about the face.
The six o’clock whistles were blowing when smoke was seen issuing from the northeast corner of the building. A moment later two boys ran out of a door, one of whom notified Policeman Isaac Toy that the structure was on fire. The officers immediately turned in an alarm. In rapid succession other alarms were given, until the entire department was on the scene.
One of the first companies to arrive was the Kaighn avenue truck. As the men drove up to the scene great tongues of flame were fast eating their way through the yellow pine timbers of which the interior was constructed. The main doors at the entrance on Mickle street were burst open and the firemen entered amid a perfect shower of sparks and falling debris. In this party were the three ill-fated firemen, Dease, and Firemen Harry Haines, Joseph Ernest, George Quinn, Seth Monnell and Joseph Gail.
After great difficulty the men worked their way into the blazing building about twenty feet. Dense volumes of smoke almost suffocated them and several dropped to the floor.
Dash for the Doors
While the firemen were waiting for the water a false ceiling thirty feet above them and composed of floor boards began cracking and bending. A shout of warning was given by Dease, and he and his companions made a dash for the doors. It was impossible to see a foot before them, and all blindly groped their way to the open doors but Jobes, Shields and Hillman. That they did not come out of the building was not known for several minutes later. Then reports were circulated that they had been taken to nearby houses, but these were found to be false. Their companions then tried to work their way back to their assistance, but by this time the interior was a seething furnace.
Subsequently, when the blaze had been somewhat subdued, firemen and policemen instituted a search for the missing men. Where the latter had been there was a great pile of blackened timbers and twisted iron. After vigorous efforts this was removed.
Finding the Bodies
First there came to light Shield’s helmet, and a few feet distant his body and those of Hillman and Jobes, scorched and blackened almost beyond recognition, were found. It was then learned how they had met their deaths. Instead of going toward the open doorway they had evidently become bewildered and, turning, ran into a toilet room to which there was no outlet. There they were quickly cut off from their comrades and, becoming unconscious from the smoke, all three dropped to the floor, where death overtook them.
The bodies were carried out and taken to the Morgue.
In the meantime every portion of the structure became a mass of flames. Fed by the pine, great tongues of fire sprang into the air, across Mickle and West streets, where the dwellings were badly scorched. The families residing in these in several instances became panic-stricken and began removing their household effects. Men, women and children ran excitedly about. It is owing to the excellent work of the firemen that these structures were not destroyed.
Spectacular Blaze
Chief Elfreth quickly concluded there was no hope of saving the armory and he directed a dozen lines of hose toward the dwellings, many of which became so hot that the streams of water fairly sizzled.
The fire was a spectacular one, lighting up the heavens for miles around. Thousands of persons crowded the thoroughfares leading to the blaze, but excellent order was preserved under the direction of Acting Chief of Police Schregler, who quickly had the streets roped off and guarded by the officers.
There was considerable danger at first from falling electric wires, which spluttered among the firemen and ofttimes amidst the onlookers. These wires also fell across the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s tracks on Bridge avenue and suburban trains were stalled for over an hour. At one time the flames approached so near the passenger coaches that they had to be taken back into the yard.
Stubborn Blaze
For three hours the firemen fought the flames before they got them under control and it was not until an early hour this morning that they left the smouldering ruins.
The building was occupied by several concerns, including the Camden Bowling Alleys Company, whose loss amounted to $6000; F. G. Hitchener, wall paper, loss $1000; Sperry & Hutchinson, household articles, loss $2000; William Morgenweck, lumber, loss $500, and M. W. Taylor, theatrical scenery, loss $500.
The houses badly scorched and their occupants follow: 102 West street, John Sharwood; 104, vacant; 106, John Ackerman; Lewis Certain; 110, Richard Carpenter; 112, and 114, Daniel Mehlin; 120, Mrs. Ida Paul; 122, Mrs. Farley; 124, John Campbell; 126, Harry Chase; 416 Mickle street: John Widden; 418, Nelson Hart; 420, H. W. Wilson; 422, Jules Bosch; 424, Gardner Corson; 426, Mrs. Borquin.
The stable immediately adjoining on the west side of the armory, and belonging to C. M. Alcott, was flooded with water. At this place there were forty horses, all of which were rescued.
Formerly a Market
The destroyed building was erected in 1873, by a number of well-known Camden men, as the Farmers’ and Merchants’ Market. From the first it was not a success, and subsequently became known as the Camden Opera House. After a more or less successful season the promoters of this scheme closed the doors. In 1886 the building was purchased by the State as an armory for the old Sixth Regiment, N. G. N. J. For ten years Camden’s citizen soldiers drilled and gave balls and receptions in the building. When the regiment moved to the new armory on Haddon avenue the old structure was cut up into several rooms and had been used by many different concerns. Recently it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to make way for the elevated railroad. All the tenants had been ordered to vacate.
The origin of the fire is unknown. Incendiarism is hinted at and Mayor Ellis declared he will detail the detectives on the case to-day to make a rigid investigation.
Speaking of the matter, he said it is very peculiar that most of Camden’s fires occur about the time the firemen are at their meals. This has been the case in most every blaze of any importance in the city. The Mayor also highly commended the excellent work of the men in preventing a spread of the flames.
In Memory of Dead Heroes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
IN MEMORY OF DEAD HEROES
Mayor of Camden Calls for Services in Two Churches
Mayor Ellis, in Camden, yesterday issued a proclamation calling on the citizens to assemble at the First Baptist and the Broadway M. E. Churches on Sunday to participate in the services to be held in memory of Firemen George Shields, William Jones and William Hillman, who were killed at the Armory fire last Friday night. The first service will be held at the Baptist Church, at three o’clock, while the one at the Methodist Church will be held at quarter after four o’clock. The subscription fund being raised for the families of the firemen had reached nearly $2000 last night.
The funeral of Fireman Shields took place yesterday from his home, 525 Kaikhn [sic] avenue. Hundreds of persons viewed the body, both Tuesday night and yesterday morning. hTe [sic] services were in charge of Rev. John S. Heisler, of the M. E. Church. The body reposed in a handsome oak casket and was surrounded by numerous floral tributes. The services were attended by forty firemen under Chief Elfreth, while the pall-bearers included Firemen Samuel Price, William Deno, Charles Robinson, Peter Carter, Joseph Ernest and George Quinn. Interment was made at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Camden News Notes — Fireman Joseph Ernest Hospitalized
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
Fireman Joseph Ernest, 35 years old, of 1112 South Fourth street, was taken to the Cooper Hospital yesterday to be operated upon for appendicitis.
Corporation Clerk Frank Voigt was stricken with acute indigestion in the county clerk’s office yesterday. He was removed to his home in a serious condition.
William Drennan, of Second and Elm streets, fell from a scaffold at Mills’ shipyard yesterday. Beside several ribs being fractured his scalp was torn and he also received internal injuries. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Death of Joseph S. Ernst
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ERNST.—On February 14, 1909, JOSEPH S. ERNST, husband of Pauline Ernst (née Stevenson), in his 67th year. Relatives and friends of the family, also Washington Castle, No. 3, K. G. E. of Camden, N.J.; Wayne Circle, No. 12, Brotherhood of America, of Camden, N.J., and employes of S. L. Allen & Co. and the Planet Junior Beneficial Association, are invited to attend the funeral, on Wednesday afternoon at 12.30 o’clock, from his late residence, 205 West Westmoreland st. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, N.J.
Four Generations in the Buzine Family
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Four Generations in the Buzine Family
Four generations were represented recently at a family reunion held by Assistant Fire Chief and Mrs. Samuel Buzine, at their home, 765 Spruce street, Camden. It was an exceedingly pleasing occasion, all of their descendants being present to participate in the festivities. They are shown in the above picture. Reading from right to left, they are: Top row — Harry Prevost, Miss Emma Roach, William Sofield, Mrs. William Sofield, Fireman William Buzine, Miss Edna Hyde, Police Captain Edward Hyde, Fireman Joseph Ernest; middle row — Mrs. Stella Prevost, Constable James Roach, Mrs. James Roach, Chief and Mrs. Buzine, Mrs. Joseph Ernest, Mrs. Edward Hyde; third row — Master Samuel Prevost, Miss Marion Hyde, William Sofield, Miss Margaret Hyde, Miss Radie Ernest and Master Hastings Ernest. Although Chief Buzine is getting along in years, he is still hale and hearty and has fought the flames along with the youngest for over forty years.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
CELEBRATIONS BY 3 FIRE COMPANIES
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon came back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows:
City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Busine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes,
Peas,
Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie,
Coffee,
Cigars, Aqua De Lair,
Olives, Beets, Celery,
Roast Turkey,
Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce
Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
Engine Company 2 — 1913
This 1912 Robinson Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon was assigned to Engine Company 2. It was one of two purchased as the first motorized apparatus in the Department. Pictured in this 1913 photograph are (l to r): Fireman John Lennox, Wagon Chauffer Harry Hankins, Firemen William Elberson, Joseph Ernst, Martin Carrigan, and Captain George Wade. Accompanying them are members of the engine crew: Stoker Arthur Wingate, Driver Joseph Johnson and Engineer John Augustus “Gus” Dold.
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 — 1914
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 with new 1914 American LaFrance 75’, 4 cylinder aerial ladder, in front of Fire Headquarters. From Left: tillerman Bill Tatem, firemen Edward Finley, Charles Gladney, and Harry Green, Lt. Harry Anderson, Firemen George Hollins and Steward Bakley, Captain Joseph Maxwell, and driver Harry Burroughs.
FOUR MEN FALL WITH CRASHING FIRE LADDER
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FOUR MEN FALL WITH CRASHING FIRE LADDER
Escape Serious Injury at Camden Blaze; One on Ground Hurt
Four firemen were shaken-up and bruised, narrowly escaping injury and one was badly cut when a ladder toppled over at a fire on the roof of one of the Victor Talking Machine Company’s buildings in Camden yesterday afternoon. The blaze in a brick structure on the roof of a building at Second and Cooper streets, did not cause serious damage, but stubbornly resisted the efforts of the firemen to extinguish it for nearly two hours, while holiday crowds, formed on nearby streets, watched the spectacle.
Four firemen, of Truck Company Number 2, were on the ladder when it fell. Joseph F. Ernst, of 612 Pine street, Camden, a ladderman in Number 2 Company was struck a glancing blow by the ladder. His head and face and one shoulder were severely cut and bruised. He was taken to Cooper Hospital.
The fire was discovered by the fire patrol of the company. For a time the fire battalion at the plant tried to extinguish the blaze, but when no headway was made an alarm was sent in.
Heavy Pay Cut Fear Cause of Rush to Retire
Camden Courier-Post —
HEAVY PAY CUT FEAR CAUSE OF RUSH TO RETIRE
Inspector Humes Highest Officer on List; Three Captains Are Included
PROTECTIVE FORCES LOSE THEIR OLDEST VETERANS
Sixteen Vacant Places Will Be Filled Without New Appointments
Four policemen and 12 city firemen yesterday applied for pensions effective at midnight tonight. In the interests of economy, no successors will be named by the city commission.
Sudden decision of the applicants was inspired by the fact that city employes may be given a 30 percent reduction in pay equal to that of county employes. Police and firemen accepted a 10 percent reduction this year. If given an additional 20 percent their salaries would be on a pre-war basis.
They also face a possibility of further reductions in pensions if existing mandatory legislation is repealed by the Legislature, which fixes salaries of police and firemen according to the class of cities and towns. By applying now they will receive pensions on basic 1931 salaries.
The big surprise was announcement that Inspector Charles T. Humes, in charge of personnel of the police department, had applied for a pension. Inspector Humes receives a salary of $3000 yearly. By applying at this time he is eligible to a pension of one-half that amount. The $1500 yearly would be within a few hundred dollars of what he would receive if he remained on the force and accepted a 30 percent reduction in salary.
Consider Requests Today
Other policemen to ask for pensions are Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn and Detective David Hunt.
Three fire captains applying for pensions are James R. White, Harry A. Haines and William H. Miller, Jr.
The applications were filed with Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Police and Firemen’s Pension Fund. The pension fund commission will act on the applications today.
Inspector Humes’ retirement comes at the conclusion of a quarter century of service in the police department. He was appointed as a patrolman on Jan. 1, 1908, and six years later, on Jan. 1, 1914, was elevated to a sergeancy. He was promoted to captaincy on July 1, 1918. Then, by act of the city commission, he was made an inspector on June 23, 1927.
PENSIONS AWARDED 6 COPS, 17 FIREMEN
Camden Courier-Post —
PENSIONS AWARDED 6 COPS, 17 FIREMEN
Inspector Humes Refuses to Withdraw Application in Spite of Requests
Pensions for six policemen and 17 firemen took effect with the dawn of the New Year yesterday.
Proposed Salary reductions from five to 30 percent prompted the wholesale requests for pensions which were approved Saturday at noon by the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission, of which Mayor Roy R. Stewart is chairman.
The proceedings were delayed one hour while efforts were being made by political leaders and friends to have Inspector Charles T. Humes reconsider his application. But he refused to withdraw his application and it was approved.
Two sergeants, a city detective and four captains of the fire department were included in the list of applicants.
Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn, Detective David Hunt and Fire Captains Harry Haines, John Lutts, James R. White and William H. Miller, Jr., were included among the pensioners.
Major W. Greenwood and Adrian Bateman, two patrolmen, completed the list from the police department, while the others receiving pension awards who are member of the fire department were:
Elmer Burkett, 66; Robert M. Coffman, 57; Howard E. Currie, 52; James E. Navin, 67; George W. Hollins, 64; Richard S. Marter, 60; Arthur A. Wingate, 64; Joseph T. Earnest, 63; Samuel E. Harring, 64; Andrew Miller, 73; Stewart Bakley, William K. Buzine, 63, and Daniel Grimes.
The application of Marter’s was passed, but an improviso was made by the commission which gave him the opportunity of recalling his decision but he failed to take advantage of it.
Mayor Stewart and Commissioner Bennett, both members of the commission, said they regretted so many “young men” were asking to be pensioned at this time.
Joseph F. Ernst
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSEPH F. ERNST
Joseph F. Ernst, 89, a retired city fireman, died Tuesday in his home, 610 Pine st.
Surviving are a son, Hastings, of Camden; a daughter, Mrs. Rae Ryker, of Ventnor; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Friday at 3.30 p. m. in the Murray Funeral Home, 408 Cooper st., where friends may call Thursday night. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.