William Buzine
William K. Buzine — Camden Courier-Post, January 2, 1933.
WILLIAM K. BUZINE was born in Camden, New Jersey in January of 1869 to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Buzine. During the 1860s Samuel S. Buzine had married. Two children had been born, Clara and William. During the 1860s Samuel Buzine had been active as a volunteer fire fighter. On December 7, 1869 Samuel Buzine and forty other men became founding members of the Camden Fire Department when Engine Company 1, Engine Company 2, and the Hook and Ladder Company (Ladder Company 1) went into service. Samuel Buzine was assigned to Engine Company 1, under the command of Engineer G. Rudolph Tenner. Samuel S. Buzine was living at 411 Spruce Street when he was appointed to the Fire Department. By September of 1871 he had moved to 506 Walnut Street.
By 1879 Samuel Buzine and family had moved to 724 Spruce Street. With Republicans regaining control of the city in 1879, Samuel Buzine returned to service, this time as foreman of Engine Company 2. By 1884 Samuel Buzine was named Foreman of Engine Company 1. He was promoted to Assistant Engineer the following year. The Assistant Engineer title was the equivalent of today’s Deputy Chief. Samuel Buzine served in that capacity until his retirement in 1911, for all but three years under Samuel S. Elfreth.
The 1880 Census shows the family residing at 724 Spruce Street. Two more daughters had joined the Buzine family, Ella and Wilhelmina “Minna” Buzine. Another daughter, Stella, was born in September of 1882. Samuel Buzine again left the Fire Department when Daniel A. Carter was elected Chief in 1882, but returned again three years later, this time to stay. The 1885 City Directory lists the Buzine family at 709 Spruce Street. City Directories from 1887 through 1893 show the Buzine family at 708 Spruce Street. The 1894 through 1899 Directories lists the family at 701 Cherry Street.
The 1900 Census shows William Buzine living at 840 Line Street. He was then working as a crane operator. His parents, Samuel and Sarah Buzine and sister Stella were living at 757 Spruce Street.
William K. Buzine joined the Camden Fire Department in December of 1904. By 1909 all the Buzine children had married. Brother-in-law Joseph Ernst had joined the Camden Fire Department. Another brother-in-law, Edward Hyde, later became the Chief of Police in Camden.
The 1906 City Directory and the 1910 Census list Samuel Buzine and his wife at 765 Spruce Street. On July 1, 1911 Samuel Buzine retired from active service with the Camden Fire Department.
William Buzine was assigned to the then-new Engine Company 7 as its engineer in 1910. He was transferred to Engine Company 5 during the 1910s. In 1919 he was returned as engineer to Engine Company 7.
On October 11, 1912 while responding to a false alarm at South 8th and Chestnut Street, Samuel Buzine’s younger brother, Camden Fire Department firefighter Lewis Buzine, suffered a stroke while at the reins of Engine Company 3’s apparatus. Strapped to his seat and clutching the reins in his paralyzed hand, his plight was not discovered until his team of horses arrived, of their own volition and at a full gallop, at the Engine Company 3 fire house at 1813 Broadway. Lewis Buzine died on October 13, 1912.
William K. Buzine and his wife Katherine were living at 856 Haddon Avenue in April of 1930. He retired from the Fire Department in 1933. The Buzines were still living at the Haddon Avenue address on May 16, 1950 when William K. Buzine took his own life. Survived by his wife and two sisters, he was buried at Harleigh Cemetery.
Sixteen Appointed to Fire Department
Camden Evening Courier —
Men Selected from Every Ward Throughout the City.
EIGHT TO GO TO THE NEW HOUSE
On account of the illness of its chairman, Dr. Frank Neall Robinson, the fire committee of City Council last night met at Dr. Robinson’s residence, 518 Linden street. The principal object of the meeting was to recommend names for additional appointments in the Fire Department.
Among the sixteen fortunate ones were Rollo Jones and Charles Cook, of the First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; Samuel Sheer and E. Finley, Third ward; Martin Carrigan, Fourth ward; Joseph Daly, Fifth ward; Joseph Ernest, Sixth ward; William Buzine, Seventh ward; William Munson, Charles Sturgis, Eighth ward; William Whitzell, Ninth ward; Joseph Till, Jr., East Camden.
William Miller, Eighth ward; John H. Vickers and F. Morse, Twelfth ward.
Eighteen New Firemen Named
Camden Post-Telegram —
Sixteen of the Men Will Not Go on Duty Until July Next.
TWO OTHERS TO FILL VACANCIES
City Council’s Fire Committee last night named 18 new firemen. Sixteen of these men will not go on duty until July 1, next, at which time the new fire house will be ready for service, while the other two, who were named to fill vacancies, will begin duty the first of next year.
It must not be inferred that the sixteen new men will all be assigned to the new company. Experienced men from the several houses, with one or two of the new ones, will make up Company No. 5, while the rest of the raw recruits will be apportioned among the several houses.
Rollo Jones, of the First ward, and William Miller, of the Eighth ward, are the men to go on duty January 1. They fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of John Ware and Samuel Peoples.
The others selected are:
First ward—Charles Cook.
Second ward—James White, Harry Anderson.
Third ward—Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley.
Fourth ward—Martin Carrigan.
Fifth ward—Joseph Daly.
Sixth ward—Joseph Ernest.
Seventh ward—Seth Monnell, William Buzine.
Eighth ward—Charles Sturgis.
Ninth ward—S. T. Whitezell.
Tenth ward—Ephraim T. Davis.
Eleventh ward—J. Oscar Till.
Twelfth ward—J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse.
All the appointees must pass a physical examination which will be made by Dr. W. H. Iszard.
William Hertline, conected [sic] with headquarters, has been suspended pending a trial on a charge made by Chief Elfreth. The case will be heard on Monday night.
More Firemen for Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Made Necessary by the Erection of a New Engine House
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council have appointed the following firemen: Charles Cook, James White, Harry Anderson, Samuel Sheer, Edward Finley, Martin Carrigan, Joseph Daly, Joseph Ernest, Seth Morrell, William Buzine, Charles Sturgis, Samuel T. Whitezell, Ephraim T. Davis, J. Oscar Till, J. H. Vickers, Frederick Morse, Rollo Jones and William Miller. Jones and Miller will go on duty at once, and the others on January 1, by which time it is expected the new fire house at Twelfth and Federal streets, will be completed.
The new men will be distributed among the older companies. The new company will be made up of experienced men from the other companies.
New Firemen Added to Camden's Force
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Spreading of the City’s Department Necessitates the Appointment of More Firemen
Camden City Council’s Fire Committee last night appointed additional firemen, the increased force being necessary by reason of the spreading of the department. The following are the new firemen: Charles Cook, First ward; James White and Harry Anderson, Second ward; Edward Finley, Third Ward; Martin Corrigan, Fourth ward; James Willis, Fifth ward; Harry Green, Sixth ward; Seth Monnell and Edward Buzine, Seventh ward; Charles Sturgis and William Miller, Eighth ward; Samuel Witzel, Ninth ward; Ephraim Davis, Tenth ward; J. O. Till, Eleventh ward; J. H. Vickers and Fred Morse, Twelfth ward.
Four Generations in the Buzine Family
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Four generations were represented recently at a family reunion held by Assistant Fire Chief and Mrs. Samuel Buzine, at their home, 765 Spruce street, Camden. It was an exceedingly pleasing occasion, all of their descendants being present to participate in the festivities. They are shown in the above picture. Reading from right to left, they are: Top row—Harry Prevost, Miss Emma Roach, William Sofield, Mrs. William Sofield, Fireman William Buzine, Miss Edna Hyde, Police Captain Edward Hyde, Fireman Joseph Ernest; middle row—Mrs. Stella Prevost, Constable James Roach, Mrs. James Roach, Chief and Mrs. Buzine, Mrs. Joseph Ernest, Mrs. Edward Hyde; third row—Master Samuel Prevost, Miss Marion Hyde, William Sofield, Miss Margaret Hyde, Miss Radie Ernest and Master Hastings Ernest. Although Chief Buzine is getting along in years, he is still hale and hearty and has fought the flames along with the youngest for over forty years.
Committee Named Ten New Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
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 [sic].
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.
Deno Is Captain of New Company
Camden Post-Telegram —
At last night’s meeting of the Fire Committee of City Council the following appointments were made for the new fire house at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, to take effect July 1: Captain, William Deno; lieutenant, John H. Lutz; engineer, William K. Buzine; stoker, James Navin; drivers, Richard Master, Joseph Sparks; hosemen, Boone, Simpson, Smith.
Thomas Nicholas, of the Eighth Ward, was made captain of Broadway fire company, and John H. McTaggart, of the Eighth Ward, one of the recent appointees, was sent to the fire house on Kaighn avenue near Sixth street.
Engine Company 7, 1911
Engine Company 7, 1911. Pictured with the 1910 American LaFrance combination hose and chemical wagon are George C. Boone, driver, and William Buzine, engineer. Driver Edward Simpson is atop the 1902 Metropolitan 2nd class steamer with Stoker James Navin standing in front of the engine.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
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 same [sic] 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 Buzine, 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 addrss [sic] was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes ase [sic] 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 Selby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speches [sic] 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.
Engine Company 5
Engine Company No. 5 at 14th and Federal Streets, with newly converted hose wagon. Originally a horse drawn rig, it was modified to electric power by the Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia, PA. A storage battery powered each wheel. Pictured with apparatus are (l to r): Chief Peter Carter, Fireman W. Scott Franklin, Chauffeur Bert Coffman, Firemen Edward Kelley, William Buzine, John Prucella, Charles Schultz, Horace Cairns, Daniel Grimes, and Chief’s aide, Fireman Harry Hankins.
Death of Samuel Buzine
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Former Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine died yesterday at his summer home, at Holly Beach, following a heat stroke. He was 70 years old, and lived at 765 Spruce Street, Camden. A son, William Buzine, and four daughters survive him, Mrs. Buzine dying two years ago. He had been retired for the past eight years, having served the city for over a quarter of a century.
As assistant chief, he was one of the most popular officials in Camden. Thursday morning he was in comparative good health, but the intense heat of the forepart of the week affected him greatly.
Gives Medal to Veteran Fireman
Camden Post-Telegram —
One of the happiest men in Camden is Engineer John A. Dold, who to-day retired on a pension after twenty-five years of faithful service in the Camden Fire Department.
To-day the “boys” at No. 7 Engine Company, where Dold was stationed as engineer for several years, presented him with a handsome gold medal as a mark of their esteem and respect.
The medal is suitably inscribed with Mr. Dold’s name and his history in the department. On the reverse side is an engraved fire engine in action. The medal is a very fine example of the engraver’s art. He was also presented with a silk American flag.
Fireman William Peters presented the flag and medal. The affair was a great surprise to Dold. He spoke with feeling when he thanked the firemen.
As “Gus” took his departure from the fire house the alarm box sounded a farewell. He placed the flag on his shoulder and with the medal pinned on his chest he marched proudly out Kaighn avenue as the boys gave him a rousing send-off.
William Buzine succeeds Dold as engineer at No. 7 Engine Company. Robert Whitley succeeds Buzine at No. 5 Engine Company and Arthur Wingate will be travelling engineer.
Engineer Dodd Retires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Formally retiring yesterday after twenty-five years of service in the Camden Fire Department, John A. Dodd, engineer of Engine Company No. 7, was presented with a gold medal by his comrades in the company. On one side of the medal is an inscription briefly setting forth his record and on the other side is a reproduction of a fire engine in action. William Buzine takes his place as engineer of No. 7. Robert Whitley goes to No. 5, in Buzine’s place, and Arthur Wingate takes the assignment of traveling engineer.
Capt. John Lutts and William K. Buzine Retire
Camden Courier-Post —
Capt. John H. Lutts – William K. Buzine
Roy R. Stewart – Charles T. Humes – Albert York – Clarence Thorn – David Hunt – Harry Haines Sr. – John Lutts – James R. White – William H. Miller Jr. – Major W. Greenwood – Adrian Bateman – Elmer Burkett – Robert M. Coffman – Howard L. Currie – James E. Navin – George W. Hollins – Richard S. Marter – Arthur A. Wingate – Joseph F. Ernst – Samuel E. Harring – Andrew “Fritz” Miller – Steward Bakley – William K. Buzine – Daniel Grimes – William H. Bennett
Pensions Awarded 6 Cops, 17 Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Inspector Humes Refuses to Withdraw Application in Spite of Requests
Pensions for six policemen and 17 firemen took effect with the dawn of the New Year yesterday.
Proposed Salary reductions from five to 30 percent prompted the wholesale requests for pensions which were approved Saturday at noon by the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission, of which Mayor Roy R. Stewart is chairman.
The proceedings were delayed one hour while efforts were being made by political leaders and friends to have Inspector Charles T. Humes reconsider his application. But he refused to withdraw his application and it was approved.
Two sergeants, a city detective and four captains of the fire department were included in the list of applicants.
Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn, Detective David Hunt and Fire Captains Harry Haines, John Lutts, James R. White and William H. Miller, Jr., were included among the pensioners.
Major W. Greenwood and Adrian Bateman, two patrolmen, completed the list from the police department, while the others receiving pension awards who are member [sic] of the fire department were:
Elmer Burkett, 66; Robert M. Coffman, 57; Howard E. Currie, 52; James E. Navin, 67; George W. Hollins, 64; Richard S. Marter, 60; Arthur A. Wingate, 64; Joseph T. Earnest, 63; Samuel E. Harring, 64; Andrew Miller, 73; Stewart Bakley, William K. Buzine, 63, and Daniel Grimes.
The application of Marter’s was passed, but an improviso [sic] was made by the commission which gave him the opportunity of recalling his decision but he failed to take advantage of it.
It was explained that the city commission’s resolution passed at noon, providing that members of the police and fire departments could continue in their employment under the 1933 wage scale, but that their pensions would not be affected by the cut and they could retire under the 1931 basic pay, might cause Marter to want to rescind his action.
Mayor Stewart and Commissioner Bennett, both members of the commission, said they regretted so many “young men” were asking to be pensioned at this time.
Greenwood, 54, was appointed to the police department 21 years ago and during nearly all of this time has been attached to the First district. He lives in the First ward, at 220 York street, and will receive a pension of $83.30 monthly.
Buzine is a veteran of nearly 28 years’ service. He is 63, lives at 856 Haddon avenue and will be pensioned at $90.65. He was classed as an engineer in the fire department.
The applications of Captain John Lutts, of Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden streets, and Elmer Burkett, engineer of the No. 4 Company, were filed shortly before noon.
Captain Lutts, 62, lives at 456 Royden street, and will receive a pension of $100 monthly. He was appointed 33 years ago.
Burkett, 66, lives at 330 North Ninth street. He was appointed to the fire department in 1907 and spent a great portion of his service at the fire station at Front and Linden streets, recently being transferred to the Vine street house. He will be pensioned at $90.65 monthly.
Retired Fireman Kills Himself in Camden Home
Camden Courier-Post —
William K. Buzine, 81, Found on Bed With Revolver in Hand
A retired Camden city fireman today shot and killed himself in the bedroom of his home at 856 Haddon avenue, police said.
He was William K. Buzine, 81, who retired from the bureau in 1933 after 28 years of service. He spent most of his time with Engine Co. 7 at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn avenues.
Buzine was killed by a single shot fired from a .32 caliber revolver. The bullet entered the right temple and lodged in the brain, Coroner Blake said.
Buzine’s wife, Katherine A., told city and county investigators she knew of no reason for him to take his life. Blake ordered the body to Cooper hospital.
Mrs. Buzine told City Detective William O’Brien she heard one shot about 9.45 a.m. while she was in the bathroom. She rushed to the bedroom and found her husband lying across the bed, the revolver in his hand. She called a neighbor who summoned police. Police said they found one shell and four cartridges in the revolver.
Buzine had just returned from a visit to a nearby firehouse. He was a member of the Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association, local 5. The couple had no children, police said.
Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Harry A. Prevost, Woodlynne, and Mrs. Edward S. Hyde, Haddonfield. Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Murray funeral home, 408 Cooper street, where friends may call Thursday night. Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery.
William K. Buzine
Camden Courier-Post —
Services for William K. Buzine, 81, will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Murray funeral home, 408 Cooper street, where friends may call Thursday night. Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery. Mr. Buzine, a retired Camden city fireman, died Tuesday in his home, 856 Haddon avenue. He retired in 1933 after 28 years of service.
Surviving are his widow, Katherine A., and two sisters, Mrs. Harry A. Prevost, Woodlynne, and Mrs. Edward S. Hyde, Haddonfield.