Albert
Charles
Raeuber

ALBERT CHARLES RAEUBER was born August 20, 1894 in Camden, New Jersey to Karl Frederick Raeuber and his wife Emma. His father, known around town as Fred Raeuber, was a harnessmaker. The family moved to Camden in the early 1890s, and by 1900 had settled at 933 Pearl Street. The Raueber family would remain at that address through the 1940s.

Albert Raeuber had served for two years as a private in the New Jersey National Guard prior to his registering for the draft on June 5, 1917. His National Guard duty had him working in a hospital unit. He was then working as a punch press operator at the Lindholm Metal Stamping Company at 107 Erie Street. Both Albert Raeuber and his brother William served in the military during World War I.

Returning to Camden after war's end, Albert Raeuber was still single when the Census was taken in 1920. He was living at home with his parents ad older brothers Frederick R. and William. He married shortly afterwards. The 1924 Camden City Directory shows that Albert Raeuber and his wife Mary were living at 931 Pearl Street, next door to his father and brothers, and that Albert Raeuber was a member of the Camden Fire Department. Also living at 931 Pearl Street was brother fireman John Reilly and his wife Hazel. By 1930 the marriage had produced two daughters, Virginia, born in 1921, and Alberta, who came in 1925.

On January 19, 1925, Fireman John Reilly of Engine Company 4 made the Supreme Sacrifice in the line of duty. About 9:30 P.M. that Monday evening, Engine 4 turned out on a phone alarm reporting an oil stove fire at 924 North 2nd Street, in an occupied building near Second and State Streets, North Camden. The fire occurred in the residence of Max Kosh, located above his grocery store, Upon arrival, Firemen John Reilly and Albert Raeuber carried a large copper portable extinguisher to the second floor. The flames were quickly extinguished and the nozzle closed. Suddenly, the fire extinguisher exploded like a bomb. Fireman Reilly was struck in the face by pieces of the fragmented appliance. He was killed instantly. Fireman Reauber sustained serious lacerations and bruises, requiring an overnight admission at Cooper Hospital. Probationary Fireman John Reilly was thirty-five years old and a member of the Department for seven months. He had become quite popular among the members and neighbors of Engine Company 4.

Albert and Mary Raeuber had moved to 415 North 10th Street by mid-1942. He then was assigned to Engine Company 6. Sadly, by the time the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled he had passed away. Mary Raeuber was then still living at the 10th Street address. Last a resident of Merchantville NJ, she passed died in December of 1979. 

World War I Draft Card

Camden Courier - January 20, 1925 

FIREMAN DIES IN EXPLOSION OF CHEMICALS
Companion Hurt As Extinguisher Explodes at Second Street Fire
CAUSE OF BLAST MYSTERY TO FIREMEN
Injured Fireman Finds Self Lying on Comrade's Dead Body
WAS FIREMAN EIGHT MONTHS

World War II Draft Card