Introduction
SAMUEL LODGE was born in September of 1856 in Pennsylvania to John H. and Hannah Lodge. The family was living in Philadelphia when the census was taken in 1860. Samuel was the oldest child, younger brothers James and Charles had also arrived. The family was still in Philadelphia when the Census was taken in 1870. Three daughters had been born, Clara, Kate, and Anna Lodge.
Samuel Lodge married in 1877. His father and brother James both appear in the 1878–1879 Camden City Directory, working as watermen on the Delaware. Samuel Lodge’s wife gave birth to a daughter, Lillie, in July of 1879.
When the Census was taken in 1880 Samuel Lodge was living at 322 Sycamore Street with his brother James. Samuel Lodge was also working on the Delaware. The 1881–1882 Directory shows that he had moved to 206 Walnut Street. The 1883–1884 Directory shows that Samuel Lodge had moved to Camden’s Eighth Ward. He was living at 415 Emerald Street. The Directory states his occupations was farmer. The Lodge family was still living at 415 Emerald Street when the 1885 City Directory was compiled. Samuel Lodge had by then opened up a variety store.
By the spring of 1887 Samuel Lodge was appointed to the Camden Fire Department as Stoker of Engine Company 1. He is listed at 262 Mount Vernon Street in the 1887–1888 and 1888–1889 Directories. By 1890 he had moved to 1139 South 3rd Street, where he remained through 1899.
On June 1, 1890 Engine Company 3 of the Camden Fire Department went into service in its newly build firehouse at 1813 Broadway. When first organized, Engine Company 3 consisted of a Foreman, an Engineer, a Driver, and two hosemen.
The first members of Engine Company 3 are as follows.
Engine Company 3 Roster
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 3 original members
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ |
|---|---|
| Mortimer Wilson | Foreman |
| Samuel Lodge | Engineer |
| William Deno | Driver |
| Joseph Reed | Stoker |
| George W. Shields | Hoseman |
| John Ware | Hoseman |
Annual salaries for the members of the paid force in 1869 were $600 for the Engineer, $450 for the Driver and the Stoker and $50 for the extra men. All but the extra men were paid monthly. The Chief Marshall received $800, and the Assistant Marshall $200 per year as well.
The 1900 Census shows that Samuel Lodge and family had moved to 1631 Broadway. The family then consisted of Samuel and Anna C. Lodge, and children Lillie, Maud, Catherine “Kate,” and James. The Lodge family was still at 1631 Broadway when the 1910 Census was taken. Only children Kate and James were still living at home.
When the 1914 City Directory was compiled Samuel Lodge was still working with the Camden Fire Department. He had by this time moved to 418 Mechanic Street. Samuel Lodge retired shortly afterwards. He was still living at 418 Mechanic Street when the 1918–1919 Directory was being assembled. On November 22, 1918 Samuel Lodge was killed when he fell from a scaffold while painting window frames. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
Camden Gunners Wrecked.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Narrow Escape of Nine Men and Loss of the Yacht Perry.
Nine Camden young men who started for Reedy Island down the Delaware in the cabin sloop yacht Samuel Perry were wrecked at Cohansey creek and two narrowly escaped drowning Monday night. The men were Jeremiah Bennett, Officer John Brothers, William Chew, Samuel Lodge, who was the captain of the craft; George Hunt, George Meyers, Hugh McLaughlin, Harry Mines and George Morgan. The boat was 33 feet long and not any too seaworthy. In going about just off Cohansey Light the first flaw of the coming storm caught them with a back wind and imme–
diately turned them over, and all hands made for the yawl, into which they were hastily placed. The wind freshened as it came within six hundred yards of the mouth of the creek and the yawl capsized, plunging the men into the water. Two of the company could not swim well, and they were aidfully helped up by their companions. The men landed in an exhausted condition and were brought back to Camden on the Delaware extension of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Nothing was saved excepting four guns belonging to the party, Mr. Chew losing, besides, a gold watch, $50 in money. Messrs. Chew and McLaughlin are laid up here from exposure. The Samuel Perry went to pieces. She was the property of a Camden man.
Camden’s Big Fire.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN’S BIG FIRE.
THE DYE WORKS OF JOHN J. HAYES COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Two Firemen Injured and an Engine Badly Damaged—Other News From Across the River.
A fire at Sixth and Mechanic streets, Camden, yesterday afternoon, destroyed the dye works of John J. Hayes. About 5 o’clock workmen were startled by the cry of “Fire!” from an outsider. The drying room, which was in the main building, was found to be in flames. The workmen rushed through the building to close down the windows to cut off the draught, but soon had to cease, owing to the rapid spread of the flames. The men had hardly got out before the whole building was enveloped in flames. The two adjoining buildings soon caught, and within fifteen minutes the whole establishment was on fire. The entire fire department was out, but only three engines could get into service. No. 3 engine, while attempting to round the corner at Sixth and Mechanic streets, got in a hole, was upset and so badly damaged that it was totally unfit for use. Driver Samuel Lodge leaped from his seat in time to escape being injured.
At 6 o’clock the front of the main building fell in. Foreman Mortimer Wilson, of No. 3; Hoseman William Bogia, of No. 1, and Ladderman Charles Robinson were at this point and had a close call. Foreman Wilson was badly burned about the face and hands and sustained a scalp wound. He was conveyed to the Cooper Hospital. Hoseman Bogia had his leg injured, Robinson escaped uninjured.
The buildings and stock were all destroyed. Mr. Hayes, who operates the dye works, places his loss at $15,000. He is unable to tell how much insurance he has, as all his papers and books were burned up. Daniel Scofield, the owner of the building, puts his loss at $10,000, making a total loss of $25,000.
Fireman Samuel Lodge Seriously Injured
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Samuel Lodge – Engine Company 3
Offices and Office-Seekers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OFFICES AND OFFICE-SEEKERS
Positions Soon to Be Filled in Camden’s Municipal Government.
Another caucus of the Republican members and members-elect of Camden City Council will be held prior to the organization of the new Council. Building Inspector William H. Cole, who is a candidate for re-election, has two opponents—ex-City Assessor J. Oscar Nichuals and ex-Freeholder Richard C. Mason. All these candidates have practical knowledge of building operations and the contest is an interesting one. William T. G. Young, Jr., is a candidate to succeed the late Owen B. Jones, as assistant city clerk, a position which he formerly filled. So far there is no active opposition to City Engineer Farnham, Water Clerk Fithian and City Controller Hollingshed, who are candidates for re-election.
There are half a dozen candidates for the position of Excise Inspector, which the new Excise Board will fill. They include the present Inspector, Samuel Lee; John Cherry, Harry Goodman, Samuel Lodge, C. Harry Price and Frank Vacke. Arthur Bedell will probably be selected as president of the board, and City Clerk T. P. Varney will retain his position as clerk.
Councilman Sayrs, of the Seventh ward, will, it is said, be appointed by Judge Joline as clerk of the District Court to succeed George D. Barton, a Democrat, whose term expires next Friday.
A Christmas Tree at the Residence of Fireman Samuel Lodge
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Samuel Lodge – South 3rd Street
No. 3 Firemen’s Vacations.
Camden Evening Courier —
No. 3 Firemen’s Vacations.
The firemen of No. 3 Engine House will spend their vacations this summer as follows:
Samuel Lodge will go with the Camden Bay Club.
George Shields will view the sights at the City-by-the-Sea.
Louis Buzine will go awheel through various parts of New Jersey.
John Ware will regail himself at Grassy Sound, where he will satisfy his catacial proclivities.
John Dold will view the picturesque scenery among Pennsylvania’s high hills.
Albert James anticipates a trip to Atlantic City.
Foreman “Brocky” Deno will spend Inlet:
Had Faithful Friends
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Unable to See, Camden Man Was Kindly Cared For
John P. Ostertag, aged 51 years, died at his home, 1811 Broadway, Camden, yesterday. In his death the long devotion of Firemen Samuel Lodge, of No. 3 Engine Company, is brought to light. Eight years ago Ostertag was stricken blind, and during that time the kind hearted fireman had been his attendant, looking after his every want. Another faithful friend was Mrs. Frederick Smearer, who cooked his meals every day.
Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Officers Elected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
**These officers have been elected by the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association: President, Alfred Vickers; vice-presidents, William Sawyer, Newton Ash; recording secretary, William Miller; financial secretary, William Rose; treasurer, William Elverson; directors, Samuel Lodge, Scott Franklin and Andrew Miller.
Suffered a Stroke Driving Team
Camden Post-Telegram —
Strapped to Seat, Lewis Buzine was Helpless in Run of Many Squares
MANY CLOSE CALLS FOR NO. 3 ENGINE
Stricken with paralysis while strapped to his seat of his engine Lewis Buzine, driver of No. 3 Engine Company, held the reins for many squares before his plight was discovered. Not until the horses were stopped by the apparatus striking the side of the engine house were fellow members of the company aware of his illness.
Answering a false alarm coming in from the new Colored High School at Eighth and Chestnut Streets, Stoker Samuel Lodge noticed that the engine was not being driven by Buzine with his usual care. On reaching Eighth and Chestnut Streets, and finding there was no fire Lodge ordered Buzine to drive near a horse trough for water to extinguish the embers under the engine. He was surprised when Buzine paid no heed to him.
As the apparatus rolled in Chestnut Street Captain Charles Robinson, of No. 2 Chemical Engine Company on Kaighn Avenue got on behind with Lodge,
As they neared Seventh Street the rumble of an approaching electric train was heard. The horses were galloping and Lodge called to Buzine to drive more carefully. The gates dropped suddenly, the horses came to a quick halt and the train passed. Captain Robinson then pulled the bell and on the first clang the horses started with a jump, and unrestrained by the usually trained hand of the driver they sped along to Broadway when they turned suddenly, nearly crashing into the curb in front or Davis’ saloon.
The animals then started down Broadway at full speed, narrowly escaping hitting many wagons.
Shaken up and suffering from bruises on the hips and sides caused by being thrown against the engine as it wobbled from side to side, Stoker Lodge jumped when the horses veered into the engine house, and hurried to Buzine, supported by straps about his waist. The driver was leaning forward with his right arm hanging by his side.
Not responding to questions Buzine, who is a brother of ex-Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine was unstrapped and tenderly carried to his home at 1606 Broadway and Dr. Kirk was summoned. He feared that a ruptured blood vessel caused the paralysis of the right side. His condition today is serious.
Dan Smith Takes Sam Lodge’s Place
Camden Post-Telegram —
DAN SMITH TAKES SAM LODGE’S PLACE
After a service of twenty-seven years, Fireman Samuel Lodge, of No. 3 Engine Company, was retired last night by City Council on recommendation of the Fire Committee. The veteran fighter of the flames will go out of service on August 1.
Lodge has had many experiences in fighting the flames in the years he has been in harness, and ever since its organization he has been a member of the Centreville company. “Sam” has always been generally well liked, so that his passing into retirement has the well wishes of his host of friends, who hope he will have many years of pleasure and enjoyment. His letter of resignation also contained thanks to the Fire Committee and officials of the department for their kindnesses of the past.
Daniel Smith was appointed regular engineer to take Lodge’s place. This is a popular appointment for “Dan” is very favorably known among the younger element. He has been connected at No. 3 for nearly a decade.
Robert Whitley was made a regular stoker at No. 3, while Joseph Nevins was appointed an engineer to go from house to house to fill in on the “days off” of other engineers.
John H. Carroll was given the contract to furnish horses to the Department at $315 each.
Veteran Fireman Falls to Death
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Samuel Lodge – Mechanic Street