Walter W. Carter

Introduction

WALTER W. CARTER was born in Camden, New Jersey on April 28, 1892. By the summer of 1900 his father had died, leaving his mother, Mrs. Ella Carter, to care for him and older sister Mary, then 12. Ella Carter worked as a washerwoman. The family then lived at 907 Chelton Avenue. The 1910 Census shows that Walter Carter and his mother were living at 918 Ferry Avenue. His mother had remarried and had lost another husband by this time. They moved to 962 Ferry Avenue by 1914. Walter Carter is listed in the City Directory for that year as a laborer.

When he registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 Walter Carter was still living at 962 Ferry Avenue with his wife and mother. He listed his occupation as a chauffer (driver) and mechanic. The 1920 Census shows that he had separated from his wife. He was boarding at 1868 Miller Street, the home of Isaac and Harriet Cotton. He was still living at that address when the 1927 Camden City Directory was compiled.

Walter W. Carter was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 22, 1920 and reported for duty with Engine Company 1 at 409 Pine Street on January 1, 1921. He spent his entire career as a fire fighter with Engine Company 1. Walter W. Carter was one of six Black fire fighters, the others being Charles W. Cooke, Leroy Hatchett, George Johnson, Roscoe Tribbett and Benjamin Walters who were hired when the department reintegrated. The following year three more were added — Byron Davis, Alfred Greene, and Louis Stevens.

The 1929 Camden City Directory shows Walter Carter living at 1728 Mulford Street, and the Census taken in April of 1930 shows that he was staying with a divorcee, Viola Thomas. He was still there as late as 1931. He later moved to 819 Kaighn Avenue. After serving the City of Camden as a fireman for almost 20 years, Walter W. Carter died on October 7, 1940. He was buried at Mt. Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, New Jersey.