THOMAS W. McCOWAN was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on September 2, 1869 as as extra man of the Hook & Ladder Company, the original designation of what is now Ladder Company 1. A bookbinder by trade, he made his home at 223 Federal Street when he joined the department in the fall of 1869, as did his brother-in-law and employer Robert Bender. Both men had served as volunteer fire fighters with the Independence Steam Engine Fire Company in the years leading up to the formation of the paid department.

Thomas W. McCowan was born in New Jersey in November of 1845, according to the 1900 Census, although other sources indicate that he was born in 1844. He was living in Camden when the 1860 Census was taken with a shoemaker, also named Thomas McCowan; this appears to be his uncle, as he was not living with this family in the 1850 Census.

In his early 20s Thomas W. McCowan became a volunteer fireman with the Independence Steam Engine Company. 

George Reeser Prowell wrote about the two companies in his History of Camden County, New Jersey which was published in 1886.

About 5 P.M. on Saturday, July 18, 1868 flames were discovered coming from the engine room of Goldey & Cohn's large box factory on Taylor Avenue. Flames spread through the building, feeding on the highly combustible stock. The entire building was soon engulfed in fire as was the late R.H. Middleton's brick stable. A brisk southwest wind carried the flames across Taylor Avenue to the company's lumber pile and onward to Middleton's warerooms at #7 South Second Street and also his two and one-half story frame dwelling at #5 South Second Street.

Chief Engineer Ayers realized that additional help was needed and telegraphed Chief McClusker of Philadelphia for assistance. The blaze was already threatening to consume the most densely populated and most valuable section of the City. Chief McClusker responded with steamers from the Vigilant and Hibernia Fire Companies, the Fairmount, Lafayette, Neptune, America and Diligent Hose Companies and the Empire Hook & Ladder Company.

 As the firemen placed the steamers along the Delaware River and laid their hose lines, the fire spread to the Ware & Marshall meat and provision store, a two story brick property at #3 South Second Street and to a two and one-half story brick dwelling at #1 South Second Street (owned by Joab Scull and occupied by Charles Armstrong). These buildings were destroyed as was Joab Scull's wood frame grocery store on the southwest corner of Second and Federal Streets and an adjacent three story brick dwelling (also owned by Scull but occupied by Mr. Goldey).

The fire continued to spread destroying Mr. Test's frame drugstore and extending to the home of James M. Cassady, Esquire's house at 128 Federal Street. Firemen were successful in saving Cassady's residence from complete destruction. Although the property sustained heavy water damage, only the rear of the building was destroyed. The fire fighters continued their determined stand against the oncoming flames and were able to save the property of the late Samuel McLain which adjoined Cassady's residence.

Conrad Hoell's saloon at the corner of Second and Federal Streets and the adjoining building occupied by L.G. Peterson ignited several times, but the flames were quenched by what the West Jersey Press called the "superhuman exertions" of the fire fighters.

Several firemen were overcome by the intense heat, including Captain Wesley P. Murray and Joseph Flanigan of the Weccacoe Hose and Robert S. Bender, Thomas McCowan and Thomas Allibone of the Independence Steam Engine. These men had to be removed from the scene.

Combined losses exceeding $54,000 were reported as a result of this devastating conflagration. Chief Engineer Ayers praised the efforts of his men and the good work done by Chief McClusker and his forces from Philadelphia. The grateful citizens joined in this praise.

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 the Hook & Ladder Company were:            

 Charles G. Zimmerman was the brother-in-law of Chief Abels, married to the Chief's sister Keturah. Charles G. Zimmerman's brother Theodore Zimmerman also was a charter member, serving with Engine Company 2.

Leather helmet of natural grain believed to have been worn by Fireman Charles Baldwin, Hook & Ladder Company 1 when paid force was organized in 1869. Number 21 at bottom of frontpiece indicates member's badge number. (Courtesy of the Camden County Historical Society Collection.)

The Board of Fire Commissioners consisted of Rudolphus Bingham, Chairman and Samuel C. Harbert, Richard Perks, Jonathon Kirkbride and Jacob Daubman.

Annual salaries for the members of the paid force were: Chief Marshal, $800; Assistant Marshal, $200; Engineer, $600; Driver, $450; Stoker, $450; Tillerman, $450; Extra Men, $50. All but Extra Men were paid monthly.

Thomas W. McCowan resigned from service with the Camden Fire Department on October 9, 1872. He was reinstated as an extra man with the Hook & Ladder Company in May of 1874, replacing John W. Streeper, who was removed from service. He served until April of 1876, when the Democrat party took control of the fire department. In 1875 Thomas W. McCowan began a long career in banking when he went to work for the Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company, known in later years as the Camden Trust. The bank was located at 224 Federal Street, directly across the street from his home.

The 1878-1879 City Directory and the 1881-1882 edition indicate that Thomas W. McCowan also was involved in a "gents furnishing goods", that is to say, men's clothing business, at 223 Federal Street. The directories also show that from 1878 and through 1881 that he also served as a trustee and secretary for the Camden Cemetery (known in modern times as Old Camden Cemetery). As secretary he worked out of the Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company's offices at 224 Federal Street, and was the person to see concerning the purchase of cemetery plots and permits.

By 1883 Thomas McCowan had divested himself of the furnishings business, and would spend the rest of his days working for the Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company. He had also moved to 223 Bridge Avenue. The 1890-1891 Directory gives his address as 41 Cooper Street. From 1893 to 1896 Thomas McCowan lived at 5 Hudson Street. By the time the 1897 City Directory was compiled, he had moved to 308 Vine Street, where he would remain until his passing.

Thomas W. McCowan's wife Fannie died suddenly on September 14, 1916. Thomas W. McCowan, for forty-seven years assistant paying teller of the Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company, died on March 15, 1921 at the age of 76 years.