Mortica Clark
Captain Mortica M. Clark
MORTICA MATLACK CLARK was born in Camden, New Jersey on January 19, 1881 to James and his wife, the former Amelia Griffin. He was one of nine children, only three of whom were still living in 1900, the others being younger siblings Bessie, 13, and John, 11. The 1900 Census shows the Clark family at 1032 South 8th Street in South Camden. James Clark worked as a boilermaker. He married around 1901. The 1906 City Directory and 1910 Census show him living at 1017 South 8th Street. The 1910 Census lists him, his wife Emma, son John A. “Archie,” and daughter Florence at the South 8th Street address.
Mortica Clark was appointed to the Camden Fire Department shortly after the Census was enumerated in April of 1910. The 1912 Camden City Directory lists him and wife Jennie at 1017 South 8th Street. Sadly, Jennie Clark appears to have passed away during the 1910s. Mortica Clark had remarried by September of 1918. Second wife Emma brought two children to the marriage, fraternal twins George and Catherine. He was still living at 1017 South 8th Street at the time.
The 1920 Census shows Mortica Clark and family at 750 Mount Vernon Street.
When the census was taken in April of 1930 Mortica and Emma Clark were living at 1455 Crestmont Avenue, just off Haddon Avenue, near Whitman Avenue. Of the Clark children, only Catherine was still living at home. He was still living at that address when the 1940 City Directory was compiled. Mortica Clark had been promoted to captain and was assigned to Engine Company 10 at that time.
By the spring of 1942 Mortica Clark had retired from the Camden Fire Department. He moved to Palermo, in Upper Township, Cape May County, New Jersey. Emma Clark passed away in 1947 and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) New Jersey. Mortica Clark died in 1949.
World War I Draft Card
World War I draft registration card for Mortica Clark
Firemen Trapped in Burning Store
Camden Post-Telegram —
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 store 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.
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., and, 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 Florence’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 outer 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 leaping 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 department checked the further 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 valiantly 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 that each bulk [sic] window was 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 conquered the fire in the front part of the store and then attacked the [?] body.
The flames rapidly communicated to the provision store of Mrs. Mary Polasky, 1118 Broadway, another frame building on the north, but 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 the jewelry store of H. Nurock, 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. On the way an automobile ran into them and although 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.
All 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.
Pallbearers at Funeral of Bert Hibbs
Camden Post-Telegram —
Samuel Price, Charles H. Fitzsimmons, Jr., Morton Clark and John McTaggart, of the Kaighn avenue fire house, were pallbearers at the funeral of Bert Hibbs, who was killed by a negro at Seventh and Sycamore streets, early Sunday morning. Interment was made in the Friends Cemetery, Langhorne, Pa.
Fireman Fred Hall Buried
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With fellow firemen acting as pall-bearers, the funeral of Fireman Fred Hall, who died Wednesday after several weeks of illness, took place yesterday from his home at 807 Mt. Vernon street, Camden, yesterday. The services were in charge of Rev. William Brubaker, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The ball-bearers [sic] were Firemen Martin Clark, J. N. Ellis, William Rose, George Hunt, Seth Monnell and John McTaggart, all connected with the company of which Hall was a member. In honor of him Nos. 1 and 2 firehouses were closed for two hours. Interment was made in Harleigh.
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 colored 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.
14 Firemen Win City Promotions
Camden Daily Courier —
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 Caurins [sic], Mordico [sic] 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 suceed [sic] 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.
Thomas Clark and Chief Nicholas on Vacation; Chief Carter Returns
Camden Post-Telegram —
Battalion Fire Chief Nicholas began his vacation this morning. Thomas Clark, chief driver at No. 3 engine house, also went off duty for his regular summer relaxation. Fire Chief Peter Carter returned from his vsit [sic] to Toronto, Canada, where he attended the international convention of fire chiefs.
Many Transfers of City Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
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, Rosco 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.
Camden Post-Telegram — August 9, 1921
(brief item — Thomas Clark vacation)
Thomas Clark, Bill Reynolds and Fireman Zanders, all of No. 10 Engine Company, are on a two-weeks' vacation.
Thomas Clark, Bill Reynolds and Fireman Zanders, all of No. 10 Engine Company, are on a two-weeks’ vacation.
No. 10 Engine Company Stag Party
Camden Post-Telegram —
Captain Clark, Lieutenant Miller, Chas. Gaul, Howard Walker, Harry Hallowell, Hugh Rementa, Thomas Clark, James Derken, Al Haley, Adolph Gaul and George Wade, all of No. 10 Engine Company, were among those present at a stag party held last night on the farm of Norris Black at Harrisonville. A chicken dinner and a watermelon party were the features. An orchestra furnished music.
Eli Hunt and Thomas Clark to Hunt Deer
Camden Post-Telegram —
Eli Hunt, of No. 3 engine house, and Thomas Clark, of No. 10 Company, will leave to-morrow for Cumberland, short distance below Millville, where they will place their headquarters in readiness for a stay of several days during deer season.
Changes Announced in Fire Department
Camden Courier-Post —
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus yesterday announced a number of changes in the fire department, including the disbanding of Truck Company No. 4; creation of a new engine company, No. 10, and the transfer of 18 officers and men, 12 of them captains.
Most of the new captains have been serving as acting captains and promotion to full rank will involve no pay increases, inasmuch as the men signed waivers foregoing the raises.
Commissioner Kobus explained most of the changes were made to conform with regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The board, Mrs. Kobus explained, made a survey of the department and advised appointments of acting captains to full rank.
The commissioner also announced she had appointed Junior Captain Raymond Smith as director of the school for firemen at Engine Company No. 10, Ninth and Morgan streets. Smith, one of the youngest at the recently appointed junior captains, will succeed the late Battalion Chief Rollo Jones.
Senior Captain Leonard Megee was appointed acting battalion chief to succeed Jones. He will continue at the Fifth and Arch streets fire headquarters.
Junior Captain William Spencer, of headquarters company, was named relief captain.
Engine Company No. 10 will use the headquarters of the old truck company, at Ninth and Morgan streets.
To the new company Mrs. Kobus assigned Senior Captain Mortica Clark and Firemen Frank Burt, Frank LeSperance and Clifford Lane.
Junior Captain Frank Oberman was transferred from Engine Company No. 10 to Engine Company No. 1, at fire headquarters.
Other assignments are as follows:
Junior Captain Robert Wonsetler, Engine Company No. 11, to Engine Company No. 2.
Fireman Harry Kleinfelder, Engine Company No. 6, to Engine Company No. 2.
Junior Captain Edgar Ellender, Engine Company No. 2, to Engine Company No. 6.
Junior Captain Ralph Bingemann, Truck Company No. 2, to Engine Company No. 7.
Fireman David Humphries, Truck Company No. 3, to Engine Company No. 11.
Junior Captain Nelson Andrews, Engine Company No. 2, to Truck Company No. 1.
Fireman Albert Dukes, Jr., Truck Company No. 1, to Engine Company No. 2.
Junior Captain Winfield Leviseur, Truck Company No. 2, to Truck Company No. 3.
Junior Captain Edward McDowell retains assignment to Engine Company No. 3.
Junior Captain Maurice O’Brien assigned to Engine Company No. 10.
The changes were contained in notice to the Civil Service Commission, are effective as of June 1 and will appear on the June 15 payroll.
Captain Mortica M. Clark Retires After 30 Years as City Fireman
Camden Courier-Post —
Oldest Member of Department in Point of Service Honored by Fellow Workers, Officers and School Children in Exercises at Station House
Camden’s oldest fire captain in point of service retired yesterday after more than 30 years of answering alarms.
He is Captain Mortica M. Clark, who was honored at a gathering of fellow firemen and officers.
The exercises, which included the presentation of a fishing rod and reel, a ring, smoking utensils and flowers, took place at his home company’s headquarters, Ninth and Morgan streets. The presentations were made by Fire Chief John H. Lennox.
The gifts were from his staff, other captains, the Three-fifteen Association, local school children and his family. Captain Clark expects to pass considerable of his time fishing and boating near his home at Palermo.
“He is one of the best firemen and one of the best leaders I have known,” was Safety Director Mary W. Kobus’ tribute to him.
Captain Clark served as senior captain for 21 years and during his years with the department was never late for duty. He never reported any of his men for any violation of the rules. Many times he was cited for heroic acts.
During the State Street church fire he dragged Chief Peter N. [sic] Carter from the flaming building as the roof collapsed. He rescued four children from the burning Mary J. Ball Home and worked 49 consecutive hours during the Hollingshed fire last July. He was responsible also for efficient work at the Kaighn avenue ferry blaze and the fire at the Graves Varnish works, Twelfth and Federal streets.
In addition to his wife, Emma, Captain Clark’s family includes four children, Mrs. Florence Kolman, Catherine, George and Archie.
Senior Fire Captain Receives Gifts on Retirement
Camden Courier-Post —
—Courier-Post Photo, by William J. Augustine
Captain Mortica M. Clark, oldest captain of Camden Fire Department, is shown receiving a fishing rod and reel and a ring from Fire Chief John H. Lennox (right) yesterday on his retirement after serving more than 30 years in service. The gifts were presented at ceremonies at Captain Clark’s fire house, Ninth and Morgan streets, attended by members of his family and many friends in the department.
World War II Draft Card
World War II draft registration card for Mortica Clark
Gravestones
Named: Gravestones of Mortica Clark (1879, 1949) and his wife Emma V. Clark (1891, and 1947).