Introduction
Samuel E. Fisher Jr. was born in Camden, New Jersey around 1941 to Samuel E. Fisher and his wife the former Josephine Huff. When the Census was taken in 1940, Samuel Fisher had wed. He and his wife, the former Josephine Huff, were boarding at 760 Sycamore Street, the home of John and Willamae Evans. Samuel Fisher was then working at a cigar factory, very likely that at South Sixth and Mechanic Street. Samuel E. Fisher was still working at the cigar factory when he inducted into the United States Army in Camden on February 16, 1943. Son Samuel E. Fisher had already been born, and Josephine Fisher was then carrying son Linwood Fisher, who would arrive in September of 1943.
Returning from returning from the Army, Samuel Fisher rejoined his family in Camden. The 1947 City Directory shows the family living at 115 Branch Village. Samuel E. Fisher Sr. began service with the Camden Fire Department, at Engine Company 1, 409 Pine Street. The Fishers were living at 1820 South 10th Street in the mid and as late as February of 1959. By 1960 the family had moved to 1620 Kolo Street.
Samuel E. Fisher Sr. graduated from Camden High School in 1936, where he was a star basketball player. Known as “Joe-Boy” to friends and family, Samuel E. Fisher Jr., followed his father to Camden High School and the basketball court. He was a vital part of the 1959 and 1960 Camden High School basketball teams that went undefeated and won consecutive state titles in those years. He graduated from Camden High School in 1950. Samuel E. Fisher Jr. also followed his father into the Camden Fire Department. He apparently retired on disability in the 1970s.
Younger brother Linwood Fisher served in the United States Army from January 1, 1965 to January 1, 1967, then returned to civilian life in Camden. He was one of the seven men who passed the Civil Service test in 1967. Linwood Fisher joined his brother on the Fire Department on January 5, 1968, and retired on May 1, 2001.
Samuel Fisher Jr. died suddenly at West Jersey Hospital on February 27, 1995. He was survived by his wife Dolores and daughter Robyn.
Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook
1960
Named: Front: Charles Maddox, Thomas Ashley, Steven Schley, Ralph Heath, John Jobes, Golden Sunkett, Rear: Robert Licketto, Frank Stevens, Reginald Hammond, Coach Anthony Alfano, Ronald “Itchy” Smith, Samuel Fisher, and Preston Hayes..
Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook
1960
Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook — 1960
Widow Routed by Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden woman whose husband was killed seven weeks ago in a traffic mishap today was routed from her home when fire broke out in the upstairs bedroom for the second time within six hours.
Mrs. Edith McDevitt, 45, of 916 Front St. was aroused while sleeping on the living room couch about 8 a.m. as she heard what appeared to be stones hitting a window.
As Mrs. McDevitt investigated she discovered the noise was fire crackling in the bedroom upstairs. She then ran to the rear door where she called for neighbors’ aid. One of the neighbors notified the fire department.
Two Overcome
Responding to the alarm were Engine Companies 2 and 6 and Ladder Company 1.
According to Fire Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, flames had engulfed the bedroom and flames shot from windows as firemen arrived at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished although two firemen — Acting Capt. John Brzozowski of Engine Company 2 and Fireman Samuel Fisher of Ladder No. 1 — were overcome by smoke. Both were treated at the scene.
According to authorities, Mrs. McDevitt reported she had taken medication before retiring about 11 o’clock last night. She apparently fell asleep before finishing a cigarette which ignited the mattress.
Doused Mattress Fire
However, she doused the mattress fire—about 2 a.m.—with a bucket of water. Believing the fire out, she went downstairs and slept on the couch.
Mrs. McDevitt told firemen she has been prescribed a depressant medication since the death of her husband, James, who was killed last April 22 when the car he was driving crashed into a viaduct overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near Federal Street.
Authorities said Mrs. McDevitt’s bedroom had extensive fire damage but was contained to that area. More than $300 in coins also was recovered for the widow after she informed firemen that a pitcher broken during the fire contained many coins.
Fisher obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
FISHER — Samuel (Joe-Boy). Suddenly on Feb. 27, 1995, at West Jersey Hospital, Camden. Survived by his wife, Delores of Camden, one daughter, Robyn Fisher of Camden, one grandson, Rashon, one brother, Linwood Fisher of Maple Shade, one sister-in-law, Vivian Nelson and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and other friends and a special friend, Ann Jones of Camden. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Harris Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, 10th & Florence Sts., Camden. Friends may call at 9:00 a.m. Interment Harleigh Cemetery, Camden. Funeral arrangements by BOYD FUNERAL HOME, CAMDEN, N.J.