Introduction
WINFIELD SCOTT FRANKLIN was born on August 20, 1861 to John D. and Maggie Franklin of Stow Creek, Cumberland County, New Jersey. The family moved to Kent County, Maryland prior to the 1870 Census enumeration.
The 1878 City Directory shows John D. Franklin with a flour and grain store at 127 Main Street. Winfield S. Franklin was living there and working as a clerk. The business did not work out for long, apparently. By 1880 the Franklins had moved on, to 1032 Carpenter Street.
At the time of the 1880 Census he was the youngest of the four children at home, having been born after Lottie, Annie, and Charles. The family then lived at 1032 Carpenter Street in Camden in what was then the Second Ward. His father worked as a miller, his sisters as shoe fitters, with W. Scott and his brother working as laborers. The 1883 Directory shows Winfield S, now going as W. Scott Franklin, and his father living at 833 Penn Street, working as millers for Moro Phillips. Brother Charles, a laborer, also lived at that address. By 1885 W. Scott Franklin had moved out on his own. He was boarding at 756 Federal Street, in 1887 at 589 Mickle Street, then 1888 has him at 823 Penn Street.
W. Scott Franklin married his Ella Mullen around 1891. The City Directory show him at 819 Kimber Street. 1892 puts the Franklins at 1137 Maple Street, and 1893 and 1894 at 204 North 11th Street.
W. Scott Franklin began to be active politically in the 1890s. He was living at 1042 Carpenter in 1897 and 1898, then moved to 1032 Cooper prior to the compilation of the 1899 City Directory.
Winfield Scott was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 28, 1899, with the appointment to be confirmed by City Council the next day. He did not begin service with the Fire Department until July of 1901, however. When the Census was taken in June of 1900, W. Scott Franklin was working as a miller in a flour mill, and living with his wife Ella at 1031 Carpenter Street. City Directories through 1903 give his address as 1031 Carpenter Street. On March 28, 1904 W. Scott Franklin bought the house at 130 North 11th Street from Lucy Brown for $1,650.
W. Scott Franklin began his service with the Camden Fire Department in July of 1901, filling the place of Wright Cox, who had resigned. Cox would later be hired by the Camden Police Department. W. Scott Franklin was initially assigned to the then-new East Camden firehouse at North 27th and Federal Streets. In September of 1920 he was promoted to Lieutenant (the equivalent of a modern-day Captain) and was sent to Engine Company 1, 419 Pine Street in South Camden. This coincided with the appointment of the five new Black firefighters, Benjamin Walters, Walter Carter, George Henry Johnson, Louis D. Stevens, and Roscoe Tribbett. These were the first Blacks to serve with the Fire Department since Pierce Brown, John Wesley Beckett, and William Stanton had served in the late 1870s.
Captain Franklin died at his home, 130 North 11th Street, of a stroke on January 30, 1927. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill), New Jersey.
Could Not Agree on New Fireman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Councilmen From East Side Split on Selecting Appointees
There Is Also Trouble in the Second Ward — Benjamin Kellum Made Assistant Chief — Other Promotions
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening selected firemen for the five new fire companies from all the wards except the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth, as the Councilmen in these wards could not agree on the candidates the appointments were laid over until Monday evening next.
In the Second ward the Councilmen have agreed on John W. Vanhart. The other candidates are W. Scott Franklin, backed by Freeholder Whyte, and Edgar Bolton, who is the choice of Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton will probably be selected.
In the Eleventh ward a meeting was held by the Councilmen and the candidates agreed upon. Councilman Arnold has since repudiated the agreement, and last evening presented a new set of names to the conference of the commissioners. Councilman Longacre presented those previously agreed upon.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Lee submitted names in opposition to those of Councilman Leas. It is quite probable that the choice of Councilmen Leas and Longacre, who are members of the Fire Committee, will be selected.
Benjamin Kellum, foreman of Truck No. 1, was appointed assistant chief. He will have charge of the East Side companies.
Charles Robinson, of the Seventh ward; George B. Wade, of the Sixth ward; Albert Jones, of the Ninth ward; George Cox, of the Third ward; Edward Weston, of the Ninth ward, and Samuel Peoples, of the Fifth ward, were elected foremen. They will be assigned to their posts of duty on Monday.
The selection of new firemen was as follows: First ward, Harry B. Middleton, Harry Burroughs; Third ward, Robert W. Colkett, William G. Hillman; Fourth ward, James E. Navins, Charles Todd; Fifth ward, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter; Sixth ward, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott; Seventh ward, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price; Eighth ward, William Rose, Charles Sturgis; Ninth ward, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner; Tenth ward, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
The commissioners presented the bell now in the William Penn hose house, East Side, to the First Baptist Church.
Want to Be Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There’ll Be Trouble in Finding Places for All Hands
To-morrow night’s session of the Fire Commissioners of Camden promises to be a lively one. Two firemen for the Second ward and four each for the Eleventh and Twelfth wards will be appointed. In the Second ward the candidates are John Vanhart, W. Scott Franklin and Edgar Bolton. Vanhart has been agreed upon by both factions. Franklin has the support of Freeholder Whyte and a large following, while Bolton is recommended by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton’s appointment was expected at the last meeting of the Commissioners. Afterwards it was found that typewritten resolutions purporting to be signed by the same committee of the Second ward club which indorsed Bolton was sent to the Commissioners prior to the meeting urging the appointment of Franklin. The resolutions had the seal of the club attached. This caused the appointment to hang fire. It is now claimed by Bolton’s friends that the club did not indorse Franklin, as he is not a member. It is alleged that the signatures purporting to be those of the committee were not authorized.
In the Eleventh ward Councilmen Longacre and Arnold have not yet settled their differences. Councilman Longacre insists on the appointment of Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark. Councilman Arnold claims the right to name Frank Powell and Lewis H. Sasse notwithstanding the fact that at a conference he agreed upon the names presented by Councilman Longacre.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Leas, the City and Ward Committeeman, and the Union Republican Club favor the naming of Samuel Collins, William Madison, John F. Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
Firemen Selected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch’s Candidates Were Pushed to the Front
Increase in Camden Fire Department Agreed Upon After Sharp Contest
The trouble over the selection of new firemen from the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth wards of Camden was settled at an executive session of the Fire Commissioners last evening. John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward, and Councilman Longacre in the Eleventh ward and Councilman Leas in the Twelfth landed their candidates.
Prior to the meeting a delegation of Second ward Republicans marched to fire headquarters wearing badges inscribed, “For firemen, Second ward, John W. Vanhart and W. Scott Franklin.” The latter was a candidate against Bolton, who also had a number of friends present. There was no opposition to the appointment of Vanhart.
As the delegation crowded in on the second floor of the fire house there was a cracking noise that sounded as if the floor was giving away. This caused a rush, but the alarm soon subsided.
The Commissioners were in secret session for nearly a half hour before they finally settled the contest over the Second ward appointments. Mayor Hatch, Councilman McGill and Freeholder Whyte were each called before the Commissioners. The latter favored the appointment of Franklin. After the Second ward appointments were settled it did not take long to decide upon the new firemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards. Councilman Arnold, who has been opposing Councilman Longacre’s candidates in the Eleventh ward, was not present, neither was Councilman Lee, who was opposing the men backed by Councilman Leas in the Twelfth ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark; Twelfth ward, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
The following were promoted to foremen: George F. Cox, foreman Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; George Wade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2; Samuel Peoples, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3; Charles Robinson, Chemical Engine Company No. 1; Edward Weston, Hose Company No. 1, East Side; Albert C. Jones, Hose Company No. 2, East Side. The appointments, together with those made last Thursday evening, will be confirmed by City Council to-morrow night.
Bad Feeling Causes Deadlock
Camden Daily Courier —
Too Many Candidates for Fireman Wright Cox’s Position
There will be an adjourned meeting of City Council to-night and the Fire Committee will ask to have the appointment of W. Scott Franklin confirmed, but owing to the number of applicants for the place made vacant by the resignation of Fireman Wright Cox the recommendation may be rejected.
Besides Franklin, who comes from the Second ward, Councilman Roberts had a candidate from the Third ward, and Councilman Abele had one from the Ninth.
There is said to be bad feeling between Councilmen Abele and Roberts, and as neither would support the other’s candidate a deadlock resulted. As a compromise Franklin was recommended.
Changes in Fire Department
Camden Daily Post-Telegram —
W. Scott Franklin, who was appointed a fireman last week assumed his duties yesterday. He succeeds Wright Cox, resigned. He is now doing duty with the East Side firemen, while Fireman Augustus Kester has been transferred from the East Side to Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets. Harry Middleton, driver of No. 2 Engine Company, has tendered his resignation. Wright Cox is driving a chemical engine in the Atlantic City Fire Department.
Fireman Scott Franklin Injured
Camden Daily Courier —
Fireman Scott Franklin fell at the East Side fire house on Saturday and fractured his knee cap.
Franklin Recovers from Injury
Camden Daily Courier —
Scott Franklin, who was injured July 4th, has almost entirely recovered and reported for duty at the fire house last night.
Real Estate Transfers
Camden Post-Telegram —
The following real estate transfers were recorded yesterday:
Camden, N. W. cor. Chestnut st. and Ivins Place—Margaret W. Burr to Chas. H. Brower, $2,500.
Camden, No. 427 Carteret st.—Robert Kaighn to Cecelia Harris Davis, $2,900.
Camden, No. 130 N. Eleventh st.—Lucy A. Brown to W. Scott Franklin, $1,650.
Camden, S. line Stevens st., 157 ft. W. Fifth st.—George W. McConnor to The West Jersey Homoeopathic Dispensary and Hospital Association, $1,100.
East Side Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen “Bobby” Gick, Scott, Franklin, Israel Adams and William Randall and Adam Hinkle, who went on a fishing trip down the bay to ship John Light, on board the sloop yacht, William B. Hill, have returned with a good coat of tan and plenty of the denizens of the deep, including a big mess of crabs. The party on reaching home pitched their tent on the North Cramer Hill shore and entertained a number of friends, who had come to welcome them home. They had a “jolly good time.”
Everything is in readiness for the “Gemeindefest,” or church anniversary, to be held by the German Lutheran Church, at Hoopes Park, next Sunday. Services will be held at 10.30 a. m. and 2.30 p. m., when a number of visiting ministers will preach. The affair will be in charge of the pastor, Rev. Paul Kline, and dinner and supper will be served on the grounds.
The lecture given at Bethany Baptist Church, on Wednesday over 2 was very successful, despite the inclement weather. Those who heard J. R. Dill, a representative of the National Reform Association, and Rev. Joseph Folwell, a blind theological student, speak, were well repaid for venturing in the storm. Mr. Dill’s subject was “Christian Education Necessary to Christ and America.”
Social Chat and Gossip
Camden Daily Courier —
The John S. Broome Outing Club is the title of a new social organization in the Second ward, recently formed. The officers of the club are as follows: President, Lawyer William B. Knight, the Recorder’s clerk; Treasurer, William Barr, the water works engineer; Secretary, Fireman Charles Worthington; Trustees, Firemen Edgar Bolton, William Hill and Scott Franklin, Conductor George Collett, Patrol Sergeant William Carroll, William Randall and James Devlin.
President Knight will have the club incorporated and during Christmas week the members will give a delicious pig roast feast at the City Hotel.
Glass Crash at Fire House Corner
Camden Post-Telegram —
One of the stained glasses in the transom of the corner store at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue crashed, apparently from no cause, last evening. Sitting on the step at the time were Firemen Scott, Franklin and one or two others. The shattered glass fell over them and there was a grand scurry. Fortunately the glass cut none of the men, and they regarded their escape as lucky. The glass evidently broke through having been set too tightly.
East Side Fire Notes
Camden Daily Courier —
The East Side firemen are looking forward to a grand time this evening. A snapper supper is to be served. The supper will take place at the fire house.
Fireman Edward Kelly and Captain Amedee Middleton are on the sick list. Fireman Scott Franklin reported for duty yesterday after quite an illness.
Second Ward Had a Fine Pinochle
Camden Daily Courier —
Representatives From Other Ward Clubs Contested for Prizes
SPENT A SOCIAL EVENING
The Second Ward Republican Club had a gala time last night. They had advertised the event and invited their friends to a pinochle contest, and when it came time to start play all the tables were filled and more would have participated but for the large crowd present.
Those who found no seats at the tables watched the progress of the contest, and every misplay was noted and the player taunted with his carelessness or ignorance.
Later in the evening refreshments were served, and all who attended pronounced it one of the most enjoyable evenings they had spent in a long time. There were members present from the Third, Fifth and Ninth Ward Republican Clubs, as well as representatives from the Liberty Park, Fireside and Italian Republican organizations.
The prize winners were: A. L. James, 405, Second ward; George Beasley, 401, Second ward; Albert Shaw, 393, Fifth ward; Scott Franklin, 392, Second ward; M. Lizenby, 376, Fifth ward, and Frank Garrison, 296, Ninth ward.
Soon Conquer Fire
Camden Daily Courier —
The ever watchful eye of Policeman Oscar Till saved this section yesterday afternoon from what might have proven a disastrous blaze. Till noticed a small circle of smoke issuing from above the eaves of the little shoe shop under the hotel at Twenty-fourth and Federal streets. He notified the occupants and made haste to the East Side fire house, and Scott Franklin rushed to the scene with a fire extinguisher.
The fire, which was between the weatherboards, was easily extinguished. It is supposed that a spark from a fire which had just been started had lodged in between the boards and set fire to a sparrows nest. No particular damage was done, but from the fact that the shoe shop, pool room and stables right there are all frame buildings it might have been a bad blaze if it had not been seen in time.
3 Are Hurt as Car Hit Fire Truck
Camden Post-Telegram —
Members of East Side Hook and Ladder Company Narrowly Escape Death in Collision This A. M.
TILLERMAN KELLY IS WORST INJURED
Three firemen of the East Camden fire house, located at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue, had a marvelous escape from fatal injury about 8.15 o’clock this morning, when a big eight-wheeled trolley car of the New York and Trenton line smashed into hook and ladder truck No. 3 directly in front of the fire house.
Fortunately, however, no fatality resulted, the three victims of the crash escaping with cuts and bruises of the limbs, head and body. The firemen injured are as follows:
EDWARD KELLY, tillerman of truck; badly bruised and lacerated about the head and particularly the hips and back. He also sustained a severe internal shock. His back it is feared is sprained to the core.
FRANK MORSE, assistant driver of truck; bruised and cut on an elbow and side.
SCOTT FRANKLIN, driver of truck; light injuries of an arm.
Kelly and Morse had their injuries attended to by Dr. H. H. Sherk, whose office is in the immediate vicinity. Franklin’s wounds did not require medical treatment. Tillerman Kelly was the most seriously injured of the three firemen and after having his wounds dressed at Dr. Sherk’s office was taken to his home at 2823 Pleasant avenue in the ambulance.
The hook and ladder truck was struck by the trolley car just as the team was being taken into the fire house at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue after morning practice.
It was one of the long, heavy and ponderous New York and Trenton trolleys that caused the damage. The car, according to witnesses, was coming into the city at a fast clip and smashed into the rear of the truck near the rear, as the driver of the fire apparatus was making desperate efforts to clear the tracks and get safely in the fire house.
The motorman of the car, however, was unable to stop the trolley in time to avert a collision and with a ripping crash the big eight-wheeler smashed into the rear of the fire truck, upsetting the apparatus and horses as if they were parts of a toy machine and sending the three members of the crew hurtling through the air with a violence that appeared to mean mortal injury to one of the unfortunate firemen at least.
He was Tillerman Edward Kelly, who was hurled into the front vestibule of the trolley car with a force that knocked him senseless. Morse and Franklin landed in the street dazed and sore, luckily managing to escape being caught beneath the overturned truck or getting entangled with the flying hoofs of the frantic horses which were prevented from running away in their frenzy by firemen rushing at their heads and holding them fast until their fright had abated.
The three firemen were also quickly cared for by their comrades, and the ambulance phoned for to take them to a hospital, but the injured men declined to go to any institution and were treated at the office of Dr. Sherk.
The hook and ladder truck was considerably damaged by the collision. The side of the apparatus at the point of collision with the trolley car was torn to splinters and one of the two long ladders had a big slice snapped off and ruined. The wrecked truck was sent to the shops for repairs and will be out of commission for a day or two.
The front vestibule of the trolley car was also badly smashed in the collision, the terrific and sudden jar, the roar of the crash and the jangling of broken glass causing an uproar of excitement among the many passengers, a number of whom leaped off the platforms almost before the trolley had recoiled from the shock of the terrific impact.
This is the second accident of a like nature during the past year to East Side firemen. Several months ago Fireman Eddie Weston and J. H. Vickers were thrown from their apparatus when the carriage attempted to turn out of the path of a trolley car near the Public Library. Weston is still unable to do duty having been confined in the Homeopathic Hospital for several months after the accident.
Trolley Hit Ladder Truck
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Three Camden Firemen Narrowly Escaped Being Killed
Three Camden firemen narrowly escaped death yesterday when a Camden and Trenton trolley car crashed into the hook and ladder of Truck Company No. 3. Edward Kelly, the tillerman, was badly injured about the head and back, while Frank Morse and Scott Franklin received lacerations. They were treated by Dr. H. H. Sherk.
It was just after morning practice, while the team was being taken back to the fire house, that the accident occurred. The driver attempted to cross Westfield avenue at Twenty-seventh street in front of the car. The motorman applied the brakes, but was unable to avert the collision. The apparatus was badly damaged, but the horses escaped injury.
Mullen Obituary
Camden Post-Telegram —
MULLEN—On April 17th, 1910, Mary, widow of the late John Mullen.
The relatives and friends of the family, Ladies’ Beneficial, I. C. B. U., and Sacred Heart Societies, are invited to attend the funeral on Thursday morning, at 8.30 o’clock, from the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. W. Scott Franklin, 130 N. Eleventh street, Camden, N. J. Solemn High Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Interment at 10 A. M., at Calvary Cemetery.
Engine Company No. 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 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.
Fireman Franklin Returns from Resort
Camden Post-Telegram —
Fireman Scott Franklin, of No. 5 Engine Company, on Vine street near Fourth, reported on duty to-day after spending two weeks at a South Jersey fishing resort.
Many Transfers of City Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Forces At Various Stations Changed By Most Recent Orders
16 GO TO FAIRVIEW HOUSE
Recent changes in the fire department announced have provided for the transfer of twenty men and the appointment of fourteen during the week to various fire houses in the city.
Sixteen of the men were transferred and given appointments to the two new companies formed to protect Fairview and Yorkship Village. The transfers and appointments went into effect Wednesday.
The following men received transfers and appointments to Engine Company 10, one of the new companies: Horace Cairns, captain; William Miller, lieutenant; Harry Selby, engineer; Charles Gaul, stoker; Spencer Smith, H. Walker, Rocco Fanelli and H. J. Zanders, hosemen.
Truck Company 4, the other new company, at Ninth and Morgan streets, received the following men: Mordecai Clark, captain; James McDermott, lieutenant; James Durkin, driver; Frank Burt, George C. Wade, Samuel Patton, William Reynolds and Harry Hallowell.
H. F. Ferrington and H. Bomgartel, new men, were appointed to Hook and Ladder Company 1, to fill the vacancies left by James McDermott and George C. Wade.
The following men received appointments to Engine Company 1: Walter Carter, George Henry Johnson, Lewis D. Stevens, Rocco Tribbett and Benjamin Walters. W. Scott Franklin was transferred from Company 9 to Engine Company 1 as lieutenant. George Cattell was transferred from Company 1 to Company 5 as stoker. Joseph Daley, of Company 5, was transferred to Engine Company 2 to fill the vacancy left by Harry Selby, who was transferred to Company 10.
Anthony Valentine and David Smith were transferred to Company 3, in place of William Miller and Charles Gaul, who were transferred to Company 10.
J. Lumbago was transferred to Company 7, in place of David Smith. George Pursglove and John Hunt were transferred to Company 8. Robert Gicks was transferred from Hose and Chemical Company 2 to Company 9, in place of William Reynolds, who was transferred to Company 10.
Nelson Till was appointed to the place left vacant by Robert Gicks, of Hose and Chemical Company 2. Herman Kreher was made lieutenant of Hose and Chemical Company 2.
Notes of 3 and 9 Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Lieutenant Scott Franklin, formerly of the East Camden house, is invited to visit his old command. Scott has been absent for almost one year.
Dan McCurdy, of Baileytown, used no less than three good brooms in the recent epidemic of prairie fires.
Nine spic and span chairs have been installed in the house, replacing the same number of time-worn seats.
George Schultz told a weird tale of a trip to Mars, but it occurred, alas, in a dream.
Albert Dukes announced rather proudly to his mates he had finally caught the pike at Grenloch, for which he has been angling during the past year.
Maurice Foley and Gardner Corson, who are on the hospital list, have sent word they are well on the way to recovery.
Ex-sergeant Jake Woodside sprang the surprise of the week when he bested Captain Robinson, house champ, in a series of three pinochle matches.
Gunning at Indian Mills
Camden Daily Courier —
Following the old trails of the Indians through Indian Mills over the frontier in Burlington county, Lieutenant Scott Franklin and that veteran fireman Fritz Miller of the Pine street engine company, have been gunning. Reports say they have bagged much game, not including a tin rooster weather vane Fritz took for a wild duck bound for Barnegat.
3 Firemen Hurt in $75,000 Fire at Leather Plant
Camden Daily Courier —
3 FIREMEN HURT IN $75,000 FIRE AT LEATHER PLANT
Flames of Unknown Origin Wreck Upper Story of Keystone Factory
SMOKE BLOCKS BATTLE
Firm Loses Stock of Hides Valued at $50,000, One Fireman in Hospital
Three firemen were overcome with smoke when flames gutted the upper stories of the drying building of the Keystone Leather Company, Seventeenth and Carman streets, last night. The loss is estimated today at $75,000. The origin is unknown.
Captain J. J. Vickers, of the East Camden Company, was overcome by smoke, and revived by City Physician Lippincott. Fireman George Addison, of the same company, was dragged from the building by other firemen, and revived by the physician.
Nelson Andrews, fireman, of Engine Company No. 9, was in a serious condition when taken from the building. He was prostrated by smoke, and was rushed to Cooper Hospital, where he was reported as much improved today.
Smoke Blocks Traffic
Smoke was so dense that vehicular traffic on Federal street, two squares away, was blocked for nearly an hour.
The flames had gained a great deal of headway when discovered by a watchman. When the firemen arrived on the scene, they faced a hard task because of great volumes of smoke pouring from the building, in which was stored a large stock of hides.
It was one of the most stubborn fires the department has faced in years. The firemen were unable to locate the flames at first because of the smoke. Chief Carter sent in two more alarms after arriving on the scene.
After thirty minutes of battle the flames suddenly shot skyward, illuminating the heavens for miles. They leaped to the fourth floor, and through the roof. In a short time the roof collapsed, sending a great shower of sparks in all directions.
It was three hours before the first fire companies were able to leave the scene.
It was estimated today that the damage to the building will reach $25,000. The company lost about $50,000 in stock. A large stock of hides on the first two floors were ruined by tons of water.
The building is one of the first built by the company, and directly adjoins the main concrete plant at Seventeenth and Mickle streets.
Lieutenant W. Scott Franklin, of Engine Company, No. 1, fell from a one-story roof of an adjoining building while pulling up hose but fortunately escaped injury.
Lieutenant Franklin Returns from Vacation
Camden Post-Telegram —
Lieutenant Scott Franklin, of No. 1 engine house, Fourth and Pine streets, resumed his duties this morning after what he states is the most enjoyable vacation he has ever experienced. He spent his time at a number of seashore resorts and has a good coat of tan.
Larger Powers for Fire Chief
Camden Post-Telegram —
Commissioner Staley Contemplates Making Him Chief Marshal
LIEUTENANT HAINES SUCCEEDS CHAMBERS
Announcement was made to-day by Commissioner of Public Safety Staley of the promotion of Lieutenant Harry Haines to the rank of senior captain, to succeed the late Captain William Chambers.
The Commissioner also contemplates designating Fire Chief Peter B. Carter chief fire marshal of the city. Mr. Staley says the promotion will give Chief Carter authority to order the destruction of dilapidated buildings which constitute a fire hazard. He states Camden has a number of old shacks which should be destroyed by the fire authorities.
Captain Haines is the oldest lieutenant in the line of continuous service in the city department. He was appointed a hoseman in 1896. He made an average of 89.37 in the recent aptitude tests conducted by Chief Shaughnessy, of the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission. He was one of thirteen lieutenants who took the examination.
Lieutenant William J. Rose was a close second with an average of 89.27. Scott Franklin was third with an average of 80.
Captain Haines has been attached to Hook and Ladder Company No. 2. His promotion transfers him to command Engine Company No. 3, at Broadway, below Ferry avenue. All of the other lieutenants who took the examination with Captain Haines have been promoted to junior captains.
Fireman Is Suspended for Being Intoxicated
Camden Daily Courier —
Roscoe Tribbett, a hoseman attached to Engine company No. one, Fourth and Pine streets, was suspended this morning following a charge of being drunk and disorderly while on duty, preferred by Captain W. Scott Franklin.
Tribbett, who lives at 1190 Penn street, was summoned to appear at Commissioner Hitchner’s office, City Hall, this morning, for a hearing. A committee composed of John W. Kelly, Chief of Electrical Bureau, acting in Commissioner Hitchner’s absence, Chief Marshall, Captain Franklin, and Assistant City Counselor Frank Neutze. Tribbett was ordered suspended to await action upon the return of Commissioner Hitchner, who is ill.
No Date for Hearing in Franklin’s Case
Camden Courier-Post —
NO DATE FOR HEARING IN FRANKLIN’S CASE
No date has yet been fixed for a hearing in the case of Scott Franklin, a junior captain at No. 1 Fire House, Fourth and Pine streets, who was suspended yesterday afternoon on charges of intoxication. Advised that a uniformed fireman was inspecting Sixth ward business houses, Director Tempest sent Deputy Chief Patterson to investigate. Patterson returned to the City Hall with Franklin, and, observing his condition, Tempest suspended him.
Franklin denied being drunk, but admitted his superiors say, that he had been drinking. The suspended captain is 50 years old and has been on the force 24 years.
Fireman Gets Hearing Tomorrow for Drinking
Camden Daily Courier —
FIREMAN GETS HEARING TOMORROW FOR DRINKING
Capt. W. Scott Franklin, of Fire Engine House No. 1, Fourth and Pine streets, will be given a hearing before Commissioner Hitchner tomorrow on charges of being intoxicated while on duty. Franklin was suspended last week on charges that he had become intoxicated while making inspections on Broadway for the fire department.
Fire Veteran Dies in Harness
Camden Morning Post —
Capt. P. Scott Franklin, Officer of No. 1 Company, Victim of Stroke
J. Scott Franklin, junior captain at No. 1 fire house, Fifth and Arch streets, died at his home, Eleventh and Carpenter streets, yesterday. He was 62, and had been attached to the station for more than 22 years.
He died suddenly of a stroke. He had been injured in an accident several months ago, and while continuing at his duties, had been complaining of illness.
His wife has been seriously ill for the past week. According to his mates at the fire house he had been greatly worried over her condition. She had not yet been told of his death late last night, as it was feared that the shock would be too great for her.
He was one of the veterans of the fire department and had won his way up to captain from the ranks. He figured in the fighting of several large fires.
Fire Captain Scott Dies from Paralytic Stroke
Camden Evening Courier —
Approximately 95 men, or half of the members of the Fire Bureau, will attend the funeral Wednesday morning of J. Scott Franklin, junior captain of Engine Company No. 1, Fourth and Pine streets, who died suddenly yesterday after an illness of only two days.
Members of Camden Lodge No. 11, Loyal Order of Moose, of which Captain Scott was a member, will also attend.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a. m. Wednesday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and interment will be made in Calvary Cemetery. Captain Franklin’s widow is ill at her home, but is expected to recover sufficiently to attend. News of her husband’s death was withheld from her until this morning.
Captain Franklin was 62 years old, and had been planning to retire on pension soon. He was appointed to the fire bureau July 1, 1901, and had been attached to Engine Co., No. 1 for the past 22 years. He lived at 130 North Eleventh street. His death was sudden. He was in apparent good health until Friday, when he was stricken with paralysis, dying 48 hours later.
Moose Will Honor Memory of 57 Dead
Camden Evening Courier —
Sunday Night Services to Include Address by Official of P. O. S. of A.
Fifty-seven members of Camden Lodge of Moose and its affiliated lodges who have died in the past will be honored at the annual memorial services of the lodge tomorrow at 8 P. M. in Moose Home, Market street.
The solemn services will include a memorial ode, solos and quartette selections, and an address by Neil L. Johnson, national master of forms P. O. S. of A.
Members who have died in the past are: Charles L. Ogden, Horatio Arnold, Albert Dahringer, Frank Elbertson, Thomas Wilkie, John F. Weaver, Alfred A. Schnitzler, George W. Dudley, Benjamin Emanuel, Augustus A. Drager Sr., Edmund S. Carmany, Boyd Lentz, George R. Batten, George Ender, John Officer, Charles J. Ruhle, Richard Finch, Harry J. Zimmerman, Ralph Marengo, Andrew Kirk, William S. Bennett, Stanley W. Chudzinski, Pierre J. Waegeman, William M. Geist, John A. Durges, Albert A. Tilton, George H. Bardsley, Ernest F. Jones, David Jester, John W. Connelly, Edward Cunningham, William H. Bell, Charles Baar, William H. Doane, W. Scott Franklin, Edward A. Cahill, Albert Ayres, William H. Stockton, James Lees, Albert Kreder, Emil J. Brandt, Christian Pommerer, Thomas A. Campbell, William G. Middleton, Albert Adams, George Hildebrandt, Patrick J. Brady, A. Weston, David P. Kates, Potter and Thomas Brothers. Women of Mooseheart Legion: Clara Nixon and Anna Hudson. Mooseheart Junior Legion: Frank H. Guttkorn.