Camden People - Edgar R. Ellender

EDGAR ROY ELLENDER SR. was born in Philadelphia on May 26, 1894 to Frank A. and Caroline "Carrie" Ellender. At the time of the 1900 Census the family resided at 1009 Carlton street in Philadelphia PA. Father Frank and son Frank H. Ellender are listed as "officers" on the census sheet for that year, and considering his father's later employment it is probable that they were policemen. Also at home were sisters Hettie, Sadie, and Carrie Ellender. Edgar was the youngest child then at home.

The Ellenders were living in West Deptford NJ when the census was taken in 1910, at the home of Edgar's sister Sadie and her husband, Jesse Darlington.

When the United States became involved in World War I he enlisted in the Navy, his service commencing on April 4, 1917. He left his wife Martha and daughters Martha and Dorothy when he answered his nation's call. A son, Edgar Jr., was born in December of 1917.

Edgar Ellender Sr. was discharged from the United States Navy on March 11, 1919. His rank was Fireman First Class when he was discharged. He returned to Camden to his wife and child after his service was completed.

When the census was taken in January of 1920, the Ellender family was renting a home at 531 Fulton Place. Only five doors away, at 541 Fulton Place, another Camden fire fighter, Robert M. Coffman, resided. 531 Fulton Place would remain the family home through at least April of 1930. Another child, daughter Edith, had joined the family. Edgar Ellender Sr. was then working as an electrician for a trolley car line. Interestingly enough his father, Frank A. Ellender, was Marshall of Westville NJ at the time, despite being 69 years old at the time. Brother Frank H. Ellender and sister Hettie Ellender Rhoades also lived in Westville, young Frank then a guard at a United States Government building.

Edgar Ellender was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 20, 1920. He reported for duty with Engine Company 2 on January 1, 1921. He remained with Engine Company 2 until April 4, 1940 when he was promoted to junior captain and assigned to Engine Company 6 at Front and Linden Streets. On February 25, 1943 he was to Captain. When the City Directory for 1947 was compiled Edgar Ellender and his wife were living at 2901 Royden Street in East Camden.

On January 1, 1950 Edgar R. Ellender was promoted to Acting Battalion Chief. He served as the relief chief for the 1st and 3rd Fire Districts until May 19, 1950 when his promotion was made permanent. Chief Ellender he was was posted to the 2nd Fire District on June 1, 1950. He served in this capacity until his retirement on June 1, 1958, the Battalion Chief title having been changed to District Chief in 1951. When Chief Ellender retired he was replaced as District Chief by Edward V. Michalak, who in turn was elevated to Chief of Department in 1965.

Edgar Roy Ellender Sr. passed away on November 29, 1967. He was buried on December 4, 1967 at Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly NJ next to his wife Martha, who had died in November of 1956.

Above: 1930s "Jack" with members of Engine 2 and Ladder 1.
Below, November 1935, at grave site immediately following ceremony for "Jack", from left: Fireman John Yates, Captain William Van Pfefferle, Fireman William Hopkins, Fireman Lester Anderson, Acting Captain Edgar Ellender, Deputy Chief William Harring.

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The American Fire Service has always held domesticated animals as esteemed mascots and the Camden Fire Department was certainly no exception. Through the years there have been many types of mascots in the Department including monkeys, cats, goats, and of course the most popular mascot, the dog. Dating back to the days of horse drawn fire apparatus and even earlier when carriage dogs formed an integral bond with horses, canines distinguished themselves as animals especially attuned to firehouse life.

Jack was the company mascot of Engine 2 and Ladder 1 at old Fire Headquarters for over five years and he was described as an intelligent Airedale of good humored nature. Jack never missed an opportunity to climb aboard the apparatus and answer alarms with his beloved masters. The sight of Engine Company 2 roaring out Federal Street with Jack perched high atop the apparatus, wind blowing in his face amid the shrill pitch of the buckeye whistle and clanging bells was a unforgettable scene. Occasionally and as with all active canines, Jack would be out of quarters and around the corner or down the street when an alarm was transmitted. At such times he would dash down Fifth Street until he caught up with the rolling apparatus and would skillfully leap upward to his accustomed place on the rig. It was under these circumstances that Jack lost his life.

The Department phone jingled and the Housewatchman turned out both companies for an alarm at 119 N. 9th Street. Jack got a late start on the hike and chased the apparatus out Federal St. where he tangled with an automobile at Broadway. While trying to avoid the car Jack darted into the path of the apparatus and was fatally injured. The men of the Engine and Truck were heart broken. Jack was buried the next day in the rear yard of Fire Headquarters in the place that had been his home since puppyhood. Flowers were planted to adorn the fresh grave while some of the toughest Firemen in the house were visibly grief stricken. One year later on the anniversary of Jack's death a memorial service was held after Roll Call in the rear yard of Fire Headquarters. The members erected a tombstone and in a quiet service, Fireman John Yates blew taps over Jack's grave. There were no words spoken. All that needed to be said was inscribed upon the little headstone; "Our Faithful Pal Jack" died in service, November 5, 1934.