Camden People - Robert M. Coffman Jr.

ROBERT McKENZIE "BERT" COFFMAN JR. was born on April 24, 1875 in New York to Robert and Amelia Coffman. His parents had lived in Philadelphia in the late 1860s and early 1870s. By 1879 his family had moved to New Jersey, where his younger brother Richard was born. When the 1880 Census was enumerated, the Coffmans lived at 40 North 5th Street, where they remained through at least the early 1890s. There were three older siblings at home in 1880 as well, May, Gertrude, and Harry. Another son, John Coffman, came later. By 1900 The Coffman family had moved to 34 North 5th Street.

The elder Coffman was an express driver in 1880, and within a few years went into business for himself as a mover. He later operated a grocery store.

By 1897 Robert M. Coffman Jr. had married Charlotte "Lottie" Camp. A son, Robert 3rd, was born in 1897, and four other children followed by 1910, Elmer, Elaine, Anna, and Alma. He was working as a driver when the Census was taken in 1900. By 1906 he had joined the Camden Fire Department.

When the Census was taken in 1910 Robert M. Coffman Jr. was a driver for the Camden Fire Department in Camden NJ. The family lived with his parents and siblings at 34 North 5th Street, across the street from Camden Fire headquarters. The family remained there through 1914, when the City Directory for 1914-1915 was compiled. In the late 1910s he was working with Engine Company 5 at 14th and Federal Streets. By September of 1918, when he registered for the draft, Robert M. Coffman Jr. had moved to 541 Fulton Place in North Camden. The family remained at that address through at least April of 1930. Robert M. Coffman Jr. was still with the fire department at that time. During this period another Camden Fire Fighter, Edgar R. Ellender Sr., lived five doors away, at 531 Fulton Place.

After retirement, Robert M. Coffman Jr. eventually moved to Miami FL where he passed away on May 5, 1973.

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 (I 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.