Robert Gick
Robert Gick, Chief of Stockton Fire Department, 1897
ROBERT GICK was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1857, the son of Christopher Gick. By 1887 he had moved to what was then called Main Street in the Pavonia section of Stockton Township. This area is commonly known today as the Cramer Hill section of Camden. Main Street was renamed North 26th Street by 1905. He appears in the Camden City Directories from 1887 through 1891 as being employed as a driver.
Robert Gick became a volunteer firefighter during this period. He began his career as a volunteer with Pavonia Hose Company No. 3 at Cambridge Avenue and River Road. Robert Gick was elected Chief of the Stockton Fire Department in 1897, and joined Camden's paid fire department as a firefighter when Stockton was merged into Camden, eventually becoming Lieutenant of Hose and Chemical Company Number 2.
Robert Gick married Anna Miller, and there were at least three sons. One son, Howard L. Gick was born on August 22, 1895 in Camden. Howard L. Gick followed his father into the Camden Fire Department, serving 33 years, before retiring as a Battalion Chief in 1956. Charles Gick, the eldest, lived for several years at 2744 Pierce Avenue in Cramer Hill.
By 1906 Robert Gick and his wife Anna lived at 928 North 26th Street in Camden’s Cramer Hill neighborhood. They lived next door to Henry and Sophia Strahle, who operated a tavern known as Strahle’s Hotel, and later as the Pavonia House. Robert Gick was still working for the Camden Fire department when the census was taken.
Robert Gick passed away on November 30, 1926 and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. He was survived by his sons and wife Anna.
Left: Robert Gick, Chief of Stockton Fire Department, 1897 — Right: Lieutenant Robert Gick, Camden Fire Department, 1913
First Ward Republican Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The First Ward Republican Club has elected the following officers: President, Edward Heimach; Vice president, George W. Marple; recording secretary, Louis Sasse; Financial secretary, Charles Worthington; treasurer, Charles Ridgely; trustees, Robert Gick, George W. Marple and Alfred Taylor.
Firemen Own Stockton.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Gallant Laddies Celebrated Thanksgiving With a Parade.
Representative firemen from New Jersey and Pennsylvania owned the Town of Stockton yesterday and the Knights of the Golden Eagle joined them in the annual Thanksgiving demonstration of the Volunteer Fire Department of the town.
To the merry jingle of hose carriage bells and the music of a dozen brass bands the many hundred uniformed firemen, old volunteers, with engines, hose carriages, hook and ladders and fire apparatus of all descriptions, modern and ancient, marched through the town’s most prominent streets. Chief Gick acted as marshal of the parade, with Martin J. Ryan, of the Stockton Hose Company; George Bremen, of the Citizens’ Fire Company; Milliard Daly, of the William Penn Company, and Jesse Milby, of the Rosedale Fire Company, as aids. The procession was led by Chief of Police Samuel N. Johnson and the police force, who appeared in new uniforms.
After the parade the Stockton Hose Company dedicated their new fire house. Ex-Chief of the Camden Fire Department William Abels delivered the address and a speech was also made by Chief Elfreth, of the Camden Fire Department.
After the parade the Rosedale Fire Company also burned all its notes, which were recently paid, and a reception followed at the fire houses. The Citizens’ Fire Company, William Penn Company, Pavonia Hose Company all kept open houses last night and many visitors were entertained until a late hour.
The Eagles held a reception at the Sigle Building, where addresses were made by J. C. T. Trachsel, of Stockton, and Colonel A. H. Troth, of Palmyra.
Two Firemen Hurt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FELL THROUGH THE HATCHWAY OF A BURNING BARGE
Tug Appledoor Destroyed and Three Barges Damaged by an Incendiary Fire
At an early hour yesterday morning the tugboat Appledoor, anchored at Peter Hagan’s shipyard, in Stockton, was destroyed by fire. The loss amounts to about $2500, partly covered by insurance. The Appledoor was being overhauled preparatory to being run between North Cramer Hill and Otis street, Philadelphia, as a ferry-boat.
Shortly after midnight fire was discovered on the tug. The Stockton volunteer firemen on their arrival set to work saving boats in the immediate vicinity.
The barge Wm. Houseman was close to the burning Appledoor and was damaged to the extent of several hundred dollars. Two other barges were slightly damaged.
Chief of the Fire Department Gick and Fireman Samuel Jacquillard fell through the hatchway of a barge. Jacquillard was badly hurt and was carried to his home. Chief Gick escaped serious injury.
The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
Could Not Agree on New Fireman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Councilmen From East Side Split on Selecting Appointees
There Is Also Trouble in the Second Ward — Benjamin Kellum Made Assistant Chief — Other Promotions
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening selected firemen for the five new fire companies from all the wards except the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth, as the Councilmen in these wards could not agree on the candidates the appointments were laid over until Monday evening next.
In the Second ward the Councilmen have agreed on John W. Vanhart. The other candidates are W. Scott Franklin, backed by Freeholder Whyte, and Edgar Bolton, who is the choice of Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton will probably be selected.
In the Eleventh ward a meeting was held by the Councilmen and the candidates agreed upon. Councilman Arnold has since repudiated the agreement, and last evening presented a new set of names to the conference of the commissioners. Councilman Longacre presented those previously agreed upon.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Lee submitted names in opposition to those of Councilman Leas. It is quite probable that the choice of Councilmen Leas and Longacre, who are members of the Fire Committee, will be selected.
Benjamin Kellum, foreman of Truck No. 1, was appointed assistant chief. He will have charge of the East Side companies.
Charles Robinson, of the Seventh ward; George B. Wade, of the Sixth ward; Albert Jones, of the Ninth ward; George Cox, of the Third ward; Edward Weston, of the Ninth ward, and Samuel Peoples, of the Fifth ward, were elected foremen. They will be assigned to their posts of duty on Monday.
The selection of new firemen was as follows: First ward, Harry B. Middleton, Harry Burroughs; Third ward, Robert W. Colkett, William G. Hillman; Fourth ward, James E. Navins, Charles Todd; Fifth ward, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter; Sixth ward, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott; Seventh ward, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price; Eighth ward, William Rose, Charles Sturgis; Ninth ward, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner; Tenth ward, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
The commissioners presented the bell now in the William Penn hose house, East Side, to the First Baptist Church.
Want to Be Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There’ll Be Trouble in Finding Places for All Hands
To-morrow night’s session of the Fire Commissioners of Camden promises to be a lively one. Two firemen for the Second ward and four each for the Eleventh and Twelfth wards will be appointed. In the Second ward the candidates are John Vanhart, W. Scott Franklin and Edgar Bolton. Vanhart has been agreed upon by both factions. Franklin has the support of Freeholder Whyte and a large following, while Bolton is recommended by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton’s appointment was expected at the last meeting of the Commissioners. Afterwards it was found that typewritten resolutions purporting to be signed by the same committee of the Second ward club which indorsed Bolton was sent to the Commissioners prior to the meeting urging the appointment of Franklin. The resolutions had the seal of the club attached. This caused the appointment to hang fire. It is now claimed by Bolton’s friends that the club did not indorse Franklin, as he is not a member. It is alleged that the signatures purporting to be those of the committee were not authorized.
In the Eleventh ward Councilmen Longacre and Arnold have not yet settled their differences. Councilman Longacre insists on the appointment of Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark. Councilman Arnold claims the right to name Frank Powell and Lewis H. Sasse notwithstanding the fact that at a conference he agreed upon the names presented by Councilman Longacre. In the Twelfth ward Councilman Leas, the City and Ward Committeeman, and the Union Republican Club favor the naming of Samuel Collins, William Madison, John F. Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
Firemen Selected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch’s Candidates Were Pushed to the Front
Increase in Camden Fire Department Agreed Upon After Sharp Contest
The trouble over the selection of new firemen from the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth wards of Camden was settled at an executive session of the Fire Commissioners last evening. John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward, and Councilman Longacre in the Eleventh ward and Councilman Leas in the Twelfth landed their candidates.
Prior to the meeting a delegation of Second ward Republicans marched to fire headquarters wearing badges inscribed, “For firemen, Second ward, John W. Vanhart and W. Scott Franklin.” The latter was a candidate against Bolton, who also had a number of friends present. There was no opposition to the appointment of Vanhart.
As the delegation crowded in on the second floor of the fire house there was a cracking noise that sounded as if the floor was giving away. This caused a rush, but the alarm soon subsided.
The Commissioners were in secret session for nearly a half hour before they finally settled the contest over the Second ward appointments. Mayor Hatch, Councilman McGill and Freeholder Whyte were each called before the Commissioners. The latter favored the appointment of Franklin. After the Second ward appointments were settled it did not take long to decide upon the new firemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards. Councilman Arnold, who has been opposing Councilman Longacre’s candidates in the Eleventh ward, was not present, neither was Councilman Lee, who was opposing the men backed by Councilman Leas in the Twelfth ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark; Twelfth ward, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
The following were promoted to foremen: George F. Cox, foreman Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; George Wade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2; Samuel Peoples, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3; Charles Robinson, Chemical Engine Company No. 1; Edward Weston, Hose Company No. 1, East Side; Albert C. Jones, Hose Company No. 2, East Side.
The appointments, together with those made last Thursday evening, will be confirmed by City Council to-morrow night.
Fell From Roof; Escaped Injury
Camden Post-Telegram —
Young Son of Fireman Robert Glick Tumbled Into Forrest Kelley’s Arms.
Joseph Glick, the 11-year-old son of Fireman Robert Glick, of 924 North Twenty-sixth street, yesterday had a narrow escape from death.
The lad was playing on the roof of a house at 926 North Twenty-sixth street, which is being built for his father, when he fell through the roof. He fell a distance of twenty feet and was caught in the arms of Forrest Kelley, a plumber, who saw the lad tumble from his lofty perch. The boy ran off to school as though nothing had happened.
East Side Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen “Bobby” Gick, Scott Franklin, Israel Adams and William Randall and Adam Hinkle, who went on a fishing trip down the bay to ship John Light, on board the sloop yacht, William B. Hill, have returned with a good coat of tan and plenty of the denizens of the deep, including a big mess of crabs. The party on reaching home pitched their tent on the North Cramer Hill shore and entertained a number of friends, who had come to welcome them home. They had a “jolly good time.”
Everything is in readiness for the “Gemeindefest,” or church anniversary, to be held by the German Lutheran Church, at Hoopes Park, next Sunday. Services will be held at 10.30 a. m. and 2.30 p. m., when a number of visiting ministers will preach. The affair will be in charge of the pastor, Rev. Paul Kline, and dinner and supper will be served on the grounds.
The lecture given at Bethany Baptist Church, on Wednesday over 2 was very successful, despite the inclement weather. Those who heard J. R. Dill, a representative of the National Reform Association, and Rev. Joseph Folwell, a blind theological student, speak, were well repaid for venturing in the storm. Mr. Dill’s subject was “Christian Education Necessary to Christ and America.”
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.
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.
Fire Captain Answers Call to ‘Last Alarm’
Camden Courier-Post —
Robert Gick Is Stricken With Apoplexy in Quarters of No. 9 Station
SERVED 27 YEARS HERE
Junior Fire Captain Robert Gick answered the “last alarm” in his quarters at No. 9 Engine Company fire house, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets, to which he had been attached for 27 years, at 5:10 yesterday afternoon.
He had been a fireman most of his life. Years ago he was chief of the old Stockton volunteer firemen in East Camden. In 1899 he joined the Camden department. For the past 6 years he has been a junior captain.
Yesterday was his turn to serve the long trick—16 hours on duty at a stretch. On such days, his wife Anna, brought him his supper at 5 o’clock from his home at 928 North Twenty-sixth street. When she came yesterday he was not in his office.
She peered into his sleeping quarters and found him lying on the floor. The Third District ambulance took him to the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Coroner Arthur Holl gave apoplexy as the cause. He was 69.
Beside his wife, he leaves three sons, Howard, a fireman attached to No. 9 Engine Company, Charles and Joseph. Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but he will be buried in the Harleigh cemetery.
Captain Robert Gick
Camden Courier-Post —
Tolling fire bells and drooping flags on East Camden engine houses accompanied the funeral this afternoon of Captain Robert Gick, late commander of Engine Company No. 9 at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. Sixty firemen under Captain Rollo Jones escorted the funeral cortege from the residence at 928 North Twenty-sixth street past Engine Company No. 11 at Twenty-seventh street and Hayes avenue and thence to Engine Company No. 9 at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. The bells tolled as the procession of firemen passed the firehouses. Following the hearse to the place of interment in Harleigh Cemetery were two motor cars laden with flowers. Among the floral remembrances were a Maltese cross six feet high from the Firemen’s Benevolent Association and a broken circle from the East Camden firemen.
Police-Firemen Widows Receive City Pensions
Camden Daily Courier —
Pensions were granted today to the widows of a policeman and fireman by the Police and Firemen’s Beneficial Association.
Mrs. Martha C. Cox, 64 years old, 207 North Fourth street, was granted a pension of $77.50 a month. She is the widow of Wright Cox, who died on November 14. He served 19 years on the police force and 17 years in the fire department.
A pension of $87.50 a month was granted to Mrs. Anna Gick, whose husband Captain Robert Gick, dropped dead in an East Camden firehouse on November 31. She lives at 928 North Twenty-sixth street. The pension is half of the monthly salary that Captain Gick received. He was 68 years old when he died.