ISAAC MIDDLETON was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on December 7, 1869 as an extra man with Engine Company 2. Prior to entering the fire department he had worked as a harness maker. 

Isaac Middleton was born in Pennsylvania in January of 1832. A harness maker by trade, Isaac Middleton had moved to Camden prior to the 1850 Census. By the time the 1860 Census was taken he had married Esther H. Haines. He was living in Camden's Middle Ward with his wife Esther and daughter Evaline. Another daughter, Anna, was borne in June of 1865.

Isaac Middleton was living at 514 Morris Street when he joined the department in the fall of 1869. Morris Street was re-named Washington Street in 1882. 

On September 2, 1869 City Council enacted a municipal ordinance creating a paid fire department. It provided for the annual appointment of five Fire Commissioners, one Chief Marshal (Chief of Department) and two Assistant Marshals. The City was also divided into two fire districts. The boundary line ran east and west, starting at Bridge Avenue and following the tracks of the Camden and Amboy Railroad to the city limits. District 1 was south of this line and District 2 was north. The commissioners also appointed the firemen who were scheduled to work six 24 hour tours per week. William Abels, from the Weccacoe Hose Company No. 2 was appointed Chief Marshal with William J. Mines, from the Independence Fire Company No. 3 as Assistant Marshal for the 1st District, and William H. Shearman as the Assistant Marshal for the 2nd District. Abels had served with the volunteer fire departments of Philadelphia, Mobile, Alabama and Camden for sixteen years prior to his appointment as Chief of the paid force.

On November 10, 1869 City Council purchased the Independence Firehouse, the three-story brick building at 409 Pine Street, for $4500. The building was designated to serve as quarters for Engine Company 1 and the 1st District. On October 29, 1869 City Council authorized construction of a two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets as quarters for the 2nd District. On November 25th the Fire Commissioners signed a contract with M.N. Dubois in the amount of $3100 to erect this structure. The 2nd District would share these quarters with Engine Company 2 and the Hook & Ladder Company and the facility would also serve as department headquarters for the new paid force. The original contract remains part of the Camden County Historical Society collection. 

Two Amoskeag second class, double pump, straight frame steam engines were purchased at a cost of $4250 each. Two Silsby two wheel hose carts, each of which carried 1000 feet of hose, were another $550 each and the hook & ladder, built by Schanz and Brother of Philadelphia was $900. Each engine company received a steam engine and hose cart. Amoskeag serial #318 went to Engine Company 1, and serial #319 to Engine Company 2. The Fire Commission also secured the services of the Weccacoe and Independence steamers in case of fire prior to delivery of the new apparatus. Alfred McCully of Camden made the harnesses for the horses. Camden's Twoes & Jones made the overcoats for the new firemen and a Mr. Morley, also of Camden, supplied the caps and belts which were manufactured by the Migeod Company of Philadelphia. The new members were also issued badges.

This is the earliest known photo of fire headquarters on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets. Originally built in 1869, the building shows signs of wear some twenty years later. Note the weathervane shaped like a fireman's speaking trumpet atop the tower. Also, the fire alarm bell is pictured to the left of the telegraph pole above the rooftop. The bell was removed from the building once the fire alarm telegraph system was expanded and in good working order.

This maker's plate once was attached to a harness made by A. McCully & Sons, 22 Market Street, Camden, New Jersey. This firm provided the first harnesses for the paid fire department in 1869.

Badges worn by the marshals, engineers, stokers and engine drivers bore the initial letter of their respective positions and their district number. The tillerman and his driver used the number "3" to accompany their initial letter. The extra men of the 1st District were assigned badges 1-10; 2nd District badges were numbered 11-20 and the extra men of the hook & ladder wore numbers 21-30.

Although the Fire Commission intended to begin operation of the paid department on November 20, 1869, the companies did not actually enter service until December 7th at 6 P.M. because the new apparatus and buildings were not ready. The new apparatus was not tried (tested) until December 9th.

The new members of Engine Company 2 were:            

Isaac Middleton was removed from service with the Camden Fire Department on May 7, 1874 and returned to his trade of making harnesses. He was still living at 514 Morris Street when the 1878-1879 Camden City Directory was compiled. The 1880 Census shows living at 577 Pine Street with his wife and youngest daughter. Older daughter Evaline had married William H. Thompson, and a granddaughter had been born in August of 1880. Isaac Middleton returned to service as an extra man with Engine Company 1 in 1884. He served for 1 year, under Chief Daniel A. Carter.

Isaac and Esther Middleton were still at that 577 Pine Street in 1900. Oldest daughter Mrs. Evaline Thompson, now a widow, had moved home with her daughter Lillian.

Isaac Middleton passed away on October 18, 1905, survived by his wife and daughters. Esther Middleton, daughter Evaline and granddaughter were still at 577 Pine Street. They are not listed at that address in the 1914 Camden City Directory. Anna Middleton had married Walter Powell, and moved to Pennsauken, New Jersey in the 1900s. There were four children of this marriage.