Roy A. Smith
ROY ARLINGTON SMITH was born on April 27, 1884 in New Jersey to William Henry Smith and his wife the former Harriet C. Stewart. He was the youngest of eleven children, two of whom had died prior to his birth. The 1880 Census shows the family at 726 Federal Street, with children William H. Jr., Virginia C., Augustus D., Sue G., Howard M. Smith, Clarence S. Smith, and Walter H. Smith. Two more sons came in the early 1880s, Crawford M. Smith and Roy A. Smith. William Henry Smith died in 1886. Known locally as “Policy Bill” Smith, he had been arrested a number of times on charges of operating a “policy game,” i.e., an illegal lottery, what was later called the “numbers racket.” After her husband’s death, Harriet Smith, with 5 mouths to feed under the age of 12 stayed in the “family business” and was in and out of legal trouble until she and her unmarried sons fled to Philadelphia in 1898 to escape prosecution. They returned to Camden around 1903.
Roy A. Smith’s oldest brother, William H. Smith Jr., popularly best known as W. Harry Smith, was working by 1890, as was second son Augustus D. Smith who found work as a blacksmith. W. Harry Smith began involving himself in local politics in Camden’s 9th Ward as a Republican, and over the years this served him and the Smith family well. W. Harry Smith’s friend and political ally Harry J. Wagner Sr. married Sue Smith.
Roy Smith married around 1905. The 1906 City Directory shows him living at 609 North 6th Street in North Camden. He was then working as a car builder.
Having W. Harry Smith for a brother and Harry J. Wagner Sr. for a brother-in-law definitely helped the younger Smith brothers. Possibly due to their influence and possibly due to the fact that the Camden Police Department’s baseball team needed a pitcher, Howard M. Smith was appointed to the Camden Police Department on March 20, 1906, and promoted to detective in 1918.
When the Census was taken in April of 1910 Roy and Anna Smith were living at 727 Carman Street. He was then working as a bartender. He was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in June of 1914 and went to work on July 1 at Engine Company 7.
By the time the 1914 Camden City Directory was compiled, Roy A. Smith and wife Anna had moved to 607 Carman Street, where he lived out his days.
Roy Smith’s brother, Walter Smith, was appointed to the Camden Police Department on April 30, 1914. By 1925 he too had been promoted to Detective, and served in that capacity until his retirement on February 15, 1935.
When the new firehouse was opened on Morgan Boulevard, Roy Smith was promoted to stoker and assigned to Engine Company 10.
Roy Smith served with the Fire Department until ill-health forced an early retirement. He was granted a disability pension on January 6, 1933. Sadly, Anna H. Smith passed away on May 20, 1934 at the age of 47. Roy A. Smith joined her on January 17, 1936. They both rest at Harleigh Cemetery.
Roy Smith’s nephew, Harry J. Wagner Jr., served as a member of the Camden Fire Department for 39 years and 8 months, reaching the rank of Acting Chief of Department. Another nephew, Roy Wagner, owned Roy’s Tavern on Federal Street from 1936 to 1964, and nephews Philip and George C. Wagner tended bar there. Another nephew, Howard Baker Smith, worked as in security at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard and as an investigator with the Camden County Prosecutor’s office until his retirement in 1981.
Committee Named Ten New Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Increase Provides for Installation of New Company, No. 7
Others Advanced to Meet Changes
City Council’s Fire Committee last night made provision for the installation of Engine Company No. 7 by the appointment of ten new members of the department. Some of the new appointees will be assigned to the new company, which will be located at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, and the rest of the complement will be made up of experienced fire fighters. The company goes into service July 1. The men appointed last night are:
First Ward—H. L. Curry, Jr.
Second Ward—Robert Bricee.
Third Ward—Clarence Madden.
Fourth Ward—William Cason.
Fifth Ward—William Laird.
Sixth Ward—George Boone.
Seventh Ward—Edward Simpson.
Eighth Ward—John McTaggart.
Ninth Ward—Roy Smith.
Tenth Ward—J. Ora Burris.
The committee also made provision for the superior officers of the company by advancing present members of the department. William Buzine was made engineer, Thomas Nichols was elected captain, Joseph Maxwell was chosen lieutenant, Daniel Smith and Arthur Wingate were advanced to stokers and Newton Ash was promoted to extra engineer. Henry Knowles was made houseman for the new company.
The men advanced last night will not necessarily be assigned to No. 7, and the matter of placing them will be disposed of at a later meeting.
Deno Is Captain of New Company
Camden Post-Telegram —
At last night’s meeting of the Fire Committee of City Council the following appointments were made for the new fire house at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, to take effect July 1: Captain, William Deno; lieutenant, John H. Lutz; engineer, William K. Buzine; stoker, James Navin; drivers, Richard Master, Joseph Sparks; hosemen, Boone, Simpson, Smith.
Thomas Nicholas, of the Eighth Ward, was made captain of Broadway fire company, and John H. McTaggart, of the Eighth Ward, one of the recent appointees, was sent to the fire house on Kaighn avenue near Sixth street.
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 kitchen 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. 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 Martha’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 children’s 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 blazing 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 Camden district checked the rapid 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 fiercely 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 the backs of the store ablaze 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 had quenched the fire in the front part of the store and then attacked the rear body.
The flames rapidly communicated to the provision store of Mrs. Mary Palosky, 1118 Broadway. Two frame buildings on the north, 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 H. Nurock’s store at 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.
After the fire a chorus of praise went their way though 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.
And 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.
Flames Wrecked Big Davis Bakery
Camden Post-Telegram —
Loss of $75,000 Was Sustained in Early Sunday Morning Blaze.
Praise Is Heaped on Local Firemen
Giving unstinted praise to the firemen for the great work they performed yesterday morning in fighting the flames which partially destroyed his extensive bakery at William and Berkley streets, William C. Davis to-day placed his loss at $75,000. It is almost fully covered by insurance. In additional [sic] to the damage to his building, which was partially gutted, Mr. Davis loses 33 wagons, 10 car loads of flour and a great quantity of canned goods. All his horses were saved, being quartered at a distance from the bakery. With Contractor Welsh Mr. Davis today started work on rebuilding plans. A great part of the loss was sustained through the destruction of the new and modern oven system which Mr. Davis recently installed.
The burned building is L-shaped, fronting on both Berkley and Fifth street, and when it is considered that it is flanked close on either side by dwellings, the splendid work done by the firemen in preventing a spread of the flames can be appreciated.
Mr. Davis attributes the fire to spontaneous combustion in the building on the William street corner, which was formerly a Lutheran church. Adam Urbin, the watchman, had just made his rounds and was in the cellar fixing his fires, when he heard the crackling of flames overhead. When the [sic] reached the upper floors the fire had gotten a good start, and by the time the firemen arrived the blaze had assumed mammoth proportions. A second and a third alarms were sent in immediately and in a remarkable short time the department was down to business in earnest.
Every resident for a radius of a block was sure it was utterly impossible to confine the flames to the bakery. Equally sure were they that their homes were doomed and all got busy packing their valuables and whatever articles of furniture could be handily moved. This precaution happily proved unnecessary, for the only building damaged aside from the bakery itself was the Davis store immediately adjoining. This property is occupied by William Seagraves. It was partially burned, the tenant suffering considerable loss from fire and water. By 2.30 the fire was under control, and at 4 o’clock was entirely out.
Through the kindness of several competitors in the bakery business, Mr. Davis was able to care for his extensive trade to-day, and for the aid thus rendered publicly thanks the H. Raymond Staley Company, Friehoffer Company, Kolb Company, Quality Company and Freitag. In addition to supplying products they loaned horses and wagons.
Mr. Davis, who reached his bakery soon after the firemen arrived, was injured on the nose by bumping into a ladder on the truck. Two firemen were also slightly hurt, George Boone and Roy Smith sustaining bruises by being struck by hose nozzles.
An idea of how the bakery neighbors feel about the work of the firemen is had in the following communication:
“To the Editor of the Post-Telegram: ‘Personally I want to thank the firemen of Camden for having a home for my family to-day. Living next door to the Davis bakery, which was burned early yesterday morning, and being on the scene from the time of the arrival of the first piece of fire apparatus until the last spark or fire was put out, I am in position to speak of the work done by our fire laddies.
‘Every one of them seemed to know just what to do, and when to do it, and although the residence part of the bakery immediately adjoining me was partly destroyed by fire and water and smoke finished what the fire did not, there was not even a drop of water in my home. It was the most masterful handling of a big fire that I have witnessed in forty years of newspaper work.
‘What I have written here will be attested by George Leathwhite, retired plumber; George Pine, living at the corner of Berkley and Henry; John Barnett, the well-known tin roofer, and others, who were also on the ground and helping the residents to look after their homes and property almost the entire time that the fire was burning, which was from 12.15 until nearly 4 o’clock.
‘Anybody who says a word against our firemen hereafter will have to fight yours truly, “Daniel M. Stevens, ‘508 Berkley street.’”
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
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.
Two Firemen Hurt in Crash With Car
Camden Post-Telegram —
Chemical Engine, Responding to Alarm, Sideswipes Kaighn Avenue Trolley
Hurled to Street From Apparatus
Responding to an alarm of fire at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Caston, 740 Sycamore street, last night the chemical apparatus of No. 7 Company sideswiped an east-bound Kaighn avenue trolley car, and two firemen, Horace Cairns, of 439 Haddon avenue, and George Boone, of 605 Mount Vernon street, were thrown to the street and injured.
Cairns was injured about the hips and suffered body contusions. He was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital and later to his home, where he is now confined. Boone had two fingers crushed, but refused to go to the hospital and he remained on duty.
The report made to Chief Worthington by the crew of the fire apparatus blames the trolley company for the accident. It is alleged that a north-bound car trailed ahead of the speeding apparatus, and when the driver Roy Smith, pulled the horses out of the tracks the accident happened. The jolt was not sufficient to damage the wagon, but the men on the rear were jostled off.
The fire, a slight one, was in a rear bedroom of the house. A bureau and some other furniture were damaged.
Ninth Warders as Hosts to Victors
Camden Post-Telegram —
G.O.P. Workers Dine Members of Undefeated Fourth Ward Pool Team
Award Prizes to Champions of Cue
There was much fun and good fellowship last night at the Ninth Ward Republican Association where the members of the Fourth Ward Republican Club were guests of the evening. It was given as a result of the Ninth ward pool sharps being bested by the Fourth warders. Beside the mingling of kindred souls there was a very excellent set out, the principal feature in a gustatory way being pepper pot. And the way the boys waded through this viand, plate after plate disappearing, it was quite evident that the cook had made it just right.
Then there was a wind up of the pool tournament between the members of the Ninth Ward Club, in which these prizes were awarded: First, William Brown, cue and case; second, Isaac Gleason, picture; third, Roy Smith, safety razor; fourth, Ulie Andrews, $3 hat; fifth, George L. Bender, short; sixth, Arthur Wingate, box of cigars; seventh, W. C. Davis, jar of tobacco; eighth, Edward Holloway, stickpin.
The playing between Andrews, Bender and Wingate was so close that they played off three ties before a decision was given.
And it must not be forgotten that a special prize was given to “Billy” Wilkinson. This was given for more than ordinarily good playing and according to “Ed” Holloway the prize awarded was in the shape of a solid gold, 14k. full jeweled watch guaranteed to run for forty years.
Fireman Roy Smith on Vacation
Camden Post-Telegram —
Fireman Roy Smith, of No. 7 Engine Company, is off on his annual vacation. Just where Roy is enjoying his off time is unknown to his brother firemen, as the popular fireman is endeavoring to spend a quiet vacation without being disturbed.
World War I Draft Registration Card
Roy Arlington Smith — World War I Draft Registration Card, September 12, 1918. Address: 607 Carman Street, Camden, N.J. Occupation: Fireman. Employer: City of Camden. Nearest relative: Anna H. Smith, 607 Carman Street.
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 Cairns, Mordecai 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 succeed 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.
Real Estate Transfer
Camden Post-Telegram —
Camden, 607 Carmen street—Jennie B. Conover to Roy A. Smith, et ux—$1.
Gladney and Roy Smith Ask to Leave Fire Service
Camden Courier-Post —
“Bob” Ashenfelter, Shot in Duel With Burglars, Asks Pension
John Sheeran Claims Disability
Applications of four policemen and two veteran firemen for pensions will be considered today at a special meeting of the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission in the offices of Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Included in the list are Detective Robert Ashenfelter and Accident Investigator John Sheeran, both seeking retirement because of disability suffered while members of the department.
Others whose pension request will receive consideration at today’s session include Patrolmen Robert Ward and Jesse Smith and Charles M. Gladney and Roy M. Smith, members of the fire department.
Ashenfelter, who is 40, and lives at 352 Berwood street, was one of the first members of the police force to receive the Gold Star when that award for bravery was established by Mayor Stewart in 1931. He was appointed to the force by Mayor Victor King on July 1, 1926, and served as a motorcycle policeman until April 17, 1929, when he was appointed acting detective.
Ashenfelter Pension Decision Is Deferred
Camden Courier-Post —
Ashenfelter Pension Decision Is Deferred
Three policemen and two firemen were granted pensions yesterday afternoon by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission but action was deferred on the application of Detective Robert Ashenfelter.
Ashenfelter seeks retirement because of disability. As his application was not accompanied by a proper medical report action was delayed. He will be examined by Dr. Garnet P. Summerill, police surgeon.
The commission approved the applications of Robert Ward, police investigator of accidents; Patrolmen John Sheeran and Jesse Smith and Firemen Charles M. Gladney and Roy M. Smith.
Death Notice for Anna H. Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
SMITH—On May 20, 1934, Anna H. (nee Criville), beloved wife of Roy A. Smith, age 47 years. Relatives and friends, also 9th Ward Woman’s Republican Ass’n. are invited to attend the funeral services on Thursday, at 2 p. m., at the Schroeder Funeral Home, Broadway & Clinton St., Camden. Interment at Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday evening.
Roy A. Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Roy A. Smith
Roy A. Smith, 51, a pensioned city fireman, died yesterday at his home, at 607 Carman street, after a lengthy illness from heart condition. Mr. Smith was a brother of former County Detective Howard M. Smith and former City Detective Walter Smith, both of whom are on the pension list.
Mr. Smith is also survived by his wife, Anna H. Smith, and a daughter, Mrs. Harry J. Wagner, whose husband is a city fireman. The funeral will be held at 2 p. m., Monday, at the Schroeder Funeral Home, Broadway and Clinton street. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.