Russell L. Benson
RUSSELL LEON BENSON was born in Freehold, New Jersey on September 7, 1896 to Francis and Henrietta Benson. Francis Benson and his family do not appear in the 1906 Camden City Directory. The 1910 Census shows the Benson family at 827 Woodland Avenue. This home would remain in the family well into the 1960s. Francis Benson was then working as a shirt ironer in a shirt factory. Besides Russell, the family included brother Theodore and sister Isabel. Another child had been born to the family, but had died by the time of the Census.
Russell Benson was living with his parents at 827 Woodland Avenue in Camden and working at a shipyard in Gloucester City when he registered for the draft in June of 1918. He joined the United States Army on September 5, 1918. By January of 1920 he had returned to civilian life and shipyard work. The Census then taken showed him and his wife Anna living at 900 Woodland Avenue. By 1924 through 1927 the Bensons, according to City Directories, lived at 953 Florence Street. Russell Benson’s occupation is given as laborer in these books.
Russell Benson was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on March 4, 1927. He reported for duty with Engine Company 2 on March 7. Two years later, on March 19, 1929 Russell Benson was sent to Engine Company 3. That year’s City Directory states that he resided at 869 Fairview Street. On October 7, 1932 Russell Benson was transferred to Engine Company 7. He spent most of the next 28 years with this unit.
Russell Benson and his wife were living at 1653 Olympia Road in Fairview when the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled. By 1956, however, he had moved back to 827 Woodland Avenue, where he had resided.
Russell Benson retired on May 31, 1960. His place in the Fire Department was taken by Joseph Voorhees.
Russell Benson died February 12, 1963. He was buried at Beverly National Cemetery three days later.
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
Superintendent William Miles, of MacAndrews & Forbes Company, the Host.
GIVEN IN APPRECIATION OF MEN’S EFFICIENCY
The members of No. 3 Engine Company were tendered a supper last night, prepared at their headquarters at Broadway and Emerald street, through the courtesy of Superintendent William L. Miles, of the MacAndrews & Forbes Manufacturing Company. The members of the company have long been favorites of Superintendent Miles, and at the time of the last fire at that place he told them he was going to show his appreciation of their work, by giving them a banquet. The date was set for last night and was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind ever given in South Camden. The table was set in the rathskellar of the fire house, and was decorated with flags and every man was also presented with a miniature flag.
The toastmaster of the evening was City Assessor F. Walter Toms, and the following were guests: Councilmen William Mills and William J. Kelly, County Freeholder Howard Marshall, County Committeeman Thomas Leeson, Dr. George Williams, Member of Board of Education Charles H. Mills, Battalion Chief Thomas Nicholas, Captain Frank Chambers, Lieutenant William J. Rose, Engineer Daniel Smith and Robert Whitley, William Miller, Russell Benson, Arthur Wingate, Roy De Haven, Jules Hubert, John Garrity, John Hunt and Harry Stone.
The menu, prepared by Chef Arthur Wingate, was:
Oyster Cocktail
Salted Peanuts — Cream Mints
Olives — Celery — Pickled Onions
Roast Turkey, a la Miles
Cranberry Sauce — Peas — Corn
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Mashed White Potatoes — Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Coffee — Cigars.
After the banquet Toastmaster Toms made a very neat little speech and called on Superintendent Miles, who responded in a very energetic talk on streets and other municipal matters, especially the Fire Department, saying he had been in many cities, but he had never met the equal of the men composing Camden’s Department, either for personnel or efficiency.
Each of the other guests read interesting addresses, as well as members of the company, all being profuse in their thanks to Superintendent Miles for his splendid remembrance.
All complimented Chef Arthur Wingate for the manner in which he had prepared the feast and Lieutenant Rose for the decorations.
MacAndrews & Forbes • William L. Miles • Engine Company 3 • F. Walter Toms • William Mills • William J. Kelly • Howard Marshall • Thomas Leeson • Charles H. Mills • Thomas Nicholas • Frank Chambers • William J. Rose • Daniel Smith • Robert Whitley • William Miller • Russell Benson • Arthur Wingate • Roy De Haven • Jules Hubert • John T. Garrity • John A.S. Hunt • Harry Stone
World War I Draft Card
Russell L. Benson — World War I Draft Card
Engine Company 7, circa 1936
Captain Henry Zook of Engine Company 7 stands between the company’s 1928 American LaFrance combination chemical and hose wagon on left (serial 6305) driven by Ray Burgess and the 1928 American LaFrance 750 gpm pumper (serial 6303) driven by Russell Benson. Photo dates from about 1936.
Camden Fire Department Service Card
Russell L. Benson — Camden Fire Department Service Card
World War II Draft Card
Russell L. Benson — World War II Draft Card