William E. Laird
William E. Laird
WILLIAM E. LAIRD was born in New Jersey on September 20, 1878.
William E. Laird first appears in the Camden City Directories in 1895. He was then working as a car inspector and living at 216 Stevens Street. The 1897 and 1898 editions list him at 209 Washington Street. The 1899 Directory shows him at 421 Pine Street.
The 1900 Census shows William E. Laird, a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad, his wife Edna and their 10 month-old son William E. Laird Jr. living at 243 Royden Street. A daughter, Gertrude, was born around 1903.
The 1906 City Directory shows William Laird, working as an ironworker, living at 248 Kaighn Avenue. By April of 1910 William Laird and his wife had separated. He was still boarding at 248 Kaighn Avenue and had gone back to work as a railroad brakeman.
At some point after April of 1910, William E. Laird was appointed to the Camden Fire Department and assigned to Engine Company 7. The 1914 Camden City Directory indicates that he and his wife had reunited and were then living at 1220 Hyde Park, a small street that runs south from Kaighn Avenue for a block between South 2nd and South 3rd streets.
William Laird broke his hip while fighting a fire in Collingswood, New Jersey on February 6, 1915. He recovered from his injury but apparently not sufficiently enough to return to the Fire Department. When he registered for the draft in September of 1918, he was working as a packer at the Welsbach gas mantle factory in Gloucester City. He had again separated from his wife, as his draft card states that he lived in Camden at 1231 Locust Street and that Edna Laird was living in Philadelphia. He was still living at that address when the census was taken in January of 1920, but had gone back to work for the railroad as a flagman. Edna Laird and the two children, William and Gertrude, were living in Gloucester City at that time.
William Laird moved to 910 South 6th Street by 1924, and was still working as a flagman, according to that year’s City Directory. William E. Laird was still at that address and line of work in 1927. He does not appear in the 1929 Camden City Directory or in the 1930 Census. Fire Department records show him living at 734 Market Street in Camden in 1931. He was seriously injured in an automobile accident in June of 1932.
Committee Named Ten New Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
COMMITTEE NAMED TEN NEW FIREMEN
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.
Flames Wrecked New High School
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FLAMES WRECKED NEW HIGH SCHOOL
Walls Left of Handsome Building Erected at Woodbury Only a Short Time Ago
Believed Blaze Originated in Boiler Room by Joists Taking Fire, Pride of County Seat
WOODBURY, N. J., Dec. 19.—The William Milligan High School, a practically new institution that has been occupied just about a year, and cost, including the lot, about $88,000, was burned early this morning, and the building, with all its handsome furnishings, is a wreck. Only the walls are standing, with a chemical laboratory, and two gymnasiums. In the commercial room were ten new typewriters, and new and up-to-date desks. These were all purchased at the beginning of the school year. In the basement was a new manual training outfit, which arrived only last week, but not unpacked, and some of this will probably be saved.
Woodbury has over a hundred out of town pupils who come here, and when they arrived this morning, all jubilant over the approaching holidays, some of the girls cried.
The Board of Education held a meeting this afternoon and decided to open the four upper rooms in the academy, rent three more in Green’s Block, two in the old Friends’ School, and it is possible that the old Starr homestead on Broad Street will be used.
Prisoners in a Panic
During the fire the prisoners in the county jail, which is within a hundred yards of the school, were thrown into a panic. They were all locked in their cells.
The men, who were under Fire Chief Elfreth, of Camden, and those who did good work in connection with the local firemen, were George Weight, Harvey Watson, William Elverson, Harry Hankins, William Ladd, Chappis [sic] Lennox, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Savage, Augustus Dold and Arthur Wingate. The Gloucester firemen aided in every way possible.
…ing, and it will be necessary to tear the greater portion of these down to rebuild, which will be done at once. There is an insurance of about $60,000 on the buildings and furnishings.
From what can be ascertained the fire originated over the boiler in the engine room, which was on the extreme northwest end of the basement. The first floor joists were in close contact with the chimney, and it is supposed, according to Fire Chief A. W. Cattell, that sparks got on the wood work. It is also believed that the fire had been burning for about three hours, as when the firemen attempted to go in the front doors, the smoke was so thick that they were driven back.
Discovered Flames
Charles M. Garrett, who lives on New street, at the rear of the school house, was awakened by his wife. He saw a bright light in the engine room and knew there was a fire. He telephoned an alarm and firemen responded. Another alarm was sounded, and lines of hose were attached, but the pressure was so light that the stream would not reach far above the second story. Fire Chief Cattell telephoned to Camden, and ten minutes later Fire Chief Elfreth had an engine and Company No. 2 at the Camden terminal. In the meantime several firemen from Gloucester came, but there was little to do except watch the fire. Several firemen attempted to go inside the building, and Foreman Edward Martin was injured by falling material, and Charles Graham, a Gloucester fireman, was knocked down by exploding chemicals in the laboratory.
A. A. Allard, the engineer, left the building last night about 5 o’clock, and is sure there was no smoke in the building at that time.
The school had sixteen rooms, including two recreation and a large assembly [room].
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
CELEBRATIONS BY 3 FIRE COMPANIES
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.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes,
Peas,
Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie,
Coffee,
Cigars, Aqua De Lair,
Olives, Beets, Celery,
Roast Turkey,
Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce
Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
Kaighn Avenue Shoe Store Fire
Camden Post-Telegram —
A blaze that threatened to do much damage in the shoe store of Morris Erfer, 323 Kaighn avenue, was quickly extinguished by the downtown firemen early last evening. Fireman Joseph Daly happened to be passing the store when his attention was attracted by the shouts of the inmates, and running into the place he threw the burning material in the kitchen of the dwelling through the door.
Fireman William Laird was also attracted to the scene and he pulled the fire alarm, bringing the companies. After little difficulty the firemen succeeded in extinguishing the blaze. The loss will reach about $50.
North Camden News
Camden Post-Telegram —
NORTH CAMDEN NEWS
Real German sour krout served in inimitable style by popular Lieutenant Jim White was enjoyed by the “boys” at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, Saturday night, when the monthly supper was given in the basement of the building. The presence of Chief Worthington and Assistant Chief Stockton, both of whom spoke, made the occasion a merry one. “Jim,” with the assistance of Joe Johnson, dished out the sour krout, mashed potatoes and “doggies,” and the participants made short work of the delicious food. Music was furnished by the house talking machine, skillfully operated by Joe McCauley, who almost foundered after partaking of a surplus amount of Jim’s fine cooking. Those participating were: Chief Charles Worthington, Assistant Chief John A. Stockton, Captain George Wade, Lieutenant James White, Newton Ash, James Burris, William Laird, Joseph Johnson, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Pete McCauley, Joseph Allen, William Elberson, William R. Cason, Harry Hankins, Conn L. Mack.
Fire Headquarters Supper
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, enjoyed another of those week-end suppers Saturday night when Lieutenant Jim White prepared a large quantity of delicious chicken noodle soup with all the fixin’s. The linen-covered table was filled with all kinds of good things and the wants of the hungry fire-fighters and their friends were cared for by popular Jim and his affable assistant, Joe Johnson.
Those who enjoyed the feast were: Chief Worthington, Assistant Chief Stockton, Captain George Wade, William Laird, Joseph Allen, Charles Menicke, Tabor Quinn, Charles Cook, Orrie Burris, Harry Hankins, “Pete” McCaulley, William Elberson, Jim White and Joe Johnson.
Fire Headquarters Supper
Camden Post-Telegram —
Real snapper soup served with all its snap was enjoyed by the laddies at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, Saturday night. The week-end feast as provided by popular contribution among the boys and served by those inimitable chefs, Joe Johnson and Jim White, was a great success and several gallons of the tasteful stuff was dispensed.
Those gracing the festive board were Chief Worthington, Deputy Chief Stockton, Lieutenant James White, Captain George Wade, Joseph Johnson, Peter McCaulley, William Laird, William Wilberson, Harry Hankins, Charles Cook, Newton Ash, James Miller, Joseph Allen, Martin Carrigan, William R. Cason, Conn L. Mack.
Six Hurt, One May Die as Result of Collingswood Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
SIX HURT, ONE MAY DIE AS RESULT OF COLLINGSWOOD FIRE
Assemblyman John B. Kates, of Camden, One of Injured
Enterprise Wall Paper Plant Burns to Ground, Carrying Loss of $100,000
Special to The Inquirer.
COLLINGSWOOD, N. J., Feb. 6.—Six men severely injured, one probably fatally, was the toll of the human damage done this evening when the Enterprise Wall Paper Company’s plant burned to the ground, entailing a loss of more than $100,000, which is thought to be covered by insurance.
The injured are Assemblyman John B. Kates, member of the local fire department, head and face cut by fragments of falling wall, Harry Grasenor, Collingswood, head and legs injured and hurt internally, thought to be serious, taken to Cooper Hospital, Camden; Charles Frech, Collingswood, slightly hurt, taken home; Captain George B. Wade, Sr., Engine Company No. 7, Camden, broken ankle, taken to Cooper Hospital, Camden; William Laird, Engine Company No. 7, Camden, broken hip, taken to Homeopathic Hospital, Camden; Howard Matthews, Camden, broken knee, taken to Cooper Hospital, Camden.
The fire started about 5:30 on the lower floor from unknown causes. The local department was called out, but soon found that it could not cope with the blaze, which was fast eating its way through the building. All the employes had gotten out when the fire was discovered. A call was sent to Camden and Engine Company No. 7 and Kaighn Avenue Truck responded. It was soon seen that the building could not be saved and attention was turned to the surrounding buildings. In this the firemen were successful.
It was while bending their efforts toward saving the adjoining buildings that the west wall fell while firemen were near it. Six men were caught and the bricks covered them, but they were pulled out of the burning debris by forces of willing hands.
Nearly one hundred men are thrown out of work. The owner of the factory, Phillip Isaacs, of Philadelphia, is undecided whether or not to rebuild here. The West Jersey and Seashore Railroad to Atlantic City runs close to the building, which puts passenger trains in great danger.
Injured Firemen on Road to Recovery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Collingswood Fire Ruins
INJURED FIREMEN ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Assemblyman Kates Resting Well; Rebuilding of Plant Expected; 5000 People Visit Scene
Special to The Inquirer.
COLLINGSWOOD, N. J., Feb. 7.—Local firemen continued to pour streams of water on the burning ruins of the Enterprise Wall Paper Company’s building which burned down last night until noon today and saved the large storeroom adjoining, which held one million rolls of paper. The high water power, capacity 10,000 gallons, which burned fiercely, was saved only after all hose was disconnected from other plugs so sufficient force of water could be gotten to reach the height.
Assemblyman John B. Kates, who was seriously injured, is resting fairly well at his home and will recover. Captain George B. Wade, Sr., and William Laird, of the Camden Fire Department, and the other injured firemen are recovering.
Only 5000 persons visited the scene today. After midnight last night the fire broke out afresh and it was with great difficulty that the firemen kept it under control.
Prayers were offered at churches here for the wounded, and in the First Church Rev. W. B. Woodrow, speaking for the official board, and the pastor, Rev. Alfred Wagg, asked the congregation to aid the fire company and the board appointed this committee to act in getting members for the company: Rev. W. B. Woodrow, H. Ritter Reann and Edward A. Smith.
Charles S. Ringel, of this place, an official of the Pennsylvania Railroad, saved two freight cars worth $12,000 during the fire by use of an engine to a passenger train at the station.
Philip Isaacs, of Philadelphia, head of the wall paper company, refused to say definitely whether or not he would rebuild the line of the burned plant, but it is understood from employes that he had said he would put the plant in operation at the earliest moment the company is rushed with orders.
Fire Victims Are Recovering
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fire Victims Are Recovering
There was an echo of the fire which burned the wall paper plant at West Collingswood on February 6 when Assemblyman John B. Kates, who was badly injured in the fall of a wall, made his appearance for the first time yesterday. On a pair of crutches he made his way to an automobile and thus went to Trenton to attend the session of the Legislature, the first time since February 3. Captain George Wade, of Fire Headquarters, who had his ankle broken at the same time, was discharged from the Homeopathic Hospital yesterday. Fireman William Laird, who had a hip broken, and Howard Matthews, whose knee was broken, will be able to leave shortly.
World War I Draft Card
William E. Laird — WWI Draft Registration Card, September 12, 1918. Address: 1231 Locust Street, Camden. Occupation: Packer, Welsbach [Co.], Gloucester City. Nearest relative: Edna Laird, Philadelphia. Physical note: right leg crippled.
Injured Seriously
Camden Courier-Post —
WILLIAM E. LAIRD — Camden Justice of the Peace who is in serious condition at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital from injuries suffered when his automobile containing six others overturned twice and hit a pole after a crash late Saturday at Runnemede.
One Dead, 40 Hurt in Auto Accidents on Crowded Roads
Camden Courier-Post —
Woodbury Man Killed When Thrown From Car Hit by Another
‘Squire Laird Injured
A young man killed and serious injury to six other persons, was the toll of weekend automobile accidents in South Jersey.
The dead man is Henry Churchill, 21, of 639 Green street, Woodbury.
More than 40 persons were hurt. Among those injured seriously is Justice of the Peace William E. Laird, 45, of 913 St. John street, who is in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital. He was driving an automobile containing six other persons who also were injured.
Head-On Crash Fatal
Churchill was killed instantly yesterday and three others injured seriously, in a head-on collision on the Delsea drive at Iona, between Vineland and Clayton. Another was hurt slightly.
The youth was in the car of Rufus P. Frazier, 28, of Harrison avenue, Westville, along with Dallas Dennis, 16, of Woodbury. State police of the Malaga barracks report Frazier apparently passed an automobile going south on the drive and crashed head-on into the car of George P. Davis, 70, of Green Creek, Cape May county. The latter’s wife, Mrs. Anna Davis, 69, suffered a fractured right knee, shock and severe cuts of the legs. Davis escaped with minor cuts and bruises.
Churchill died of fractures of the neck and skull. He was thrown from the car, a distance of about 15 feet. Frazier was cut severely about the scalp, and has a possible fracture of the skull and right hip. Dennis was painfully cut about the scalp, face, body and legs.
Squire Seriously Hurt
All the injured are reported in serious condition at Newcomb Hospital, Vineland. Davis was held in $500 bond as a material witness by Justice of the Peace John F. Smith, Newfield. Police said Frazier is to be arrested if he recovers. Coroner Krewson said no inquest would be held. Both cars were wrecked.
“Squire” Laird narrowly missed instant death when his car, containing six other persons, figured in a crash, overturned twice and ran into a pole at Black Horse pike and Evesham road, Runnemede.
Laird suffered a skull fracture, internal injuries and cuts of the head.
The others injured are Raymond Pedrick, 27; Mrs. Katherine Peters, 40; her daughters, Katherine, 18; Verna, 17; Ruth, 11, and Agnes, 5. All reside at 1111 Federal street.
David Haines, 21, of Westville Grove, was driver of the other car. With him was Catherine Clarmont, 15, of Magnolia. Haines was driving east on Evesham road and Laird north on the pike when the collision occurred. The Clarmont girl was cut and bruised about the shoulder, face and legs.
Firemen Called Out
Admitted to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital along with Laird are Mrs. Peters, cuts of the scalp, abdomen and head; Pedrick, with contusion of the left shoulder and cuts of the scalp, and Agnes Peters, cuts and bruises.
Borough Marshal Charles Strader, Runnemede, Chief William Ritter, Gloucester township police, and state troopers of the Haddon Heights barracks, directed clearance of traffic following the crash. Firemen were summoned by the Runnemede siren to assist in extricating the injured and taking them to the hospital.