Christian Samuel Stark Sr. was born on September 1, 1857, in Philadelphia, to Henry A. and Rebecca Stark. In the 1870s, he married Eliza E. Leech, and their family expanded with the birth of their son William Leech Stark before the 1880 Census. Over time, they welcomed four more children: sons Harry A., Grover C., Christian S. Jr., and a daughter named Margaret.
By 1896, Christian Stark Sr. was listed in Camden’s City Directories, residing at 108 North 35th Street in Stockton with his wife Eliza and their children. They had moved to Stockton in 1895, with Christian working as a salesman in Philadelphia, likely commuting via the trolley and ferry route.
Entering fire service on May 1, 1896, Stark became a volunteer with Rosedale Fire Company No. 4 in Stockton, now known as Cramer Hill and East Camden. He was among the founding members of this company. Following Stockton’s merger with Camden in 1899, Stark and others from Stockton joined Camden’s professional fire department.
Stark’s career in the fire department progressed, and by June 1911, he was promoted to Captain, filling the position vacated by Edward Weston. By 1914, he served as Captain of Hose and Chemical Company No. 2, stationed at North 27th Street and Hayes Avenue. This unit was later renamed Engine Company 11 on January 1, 1924. Stark retired from the department around 1923.
Christian Stark was married twice. His first wife, Eliza Leech, passed away on December 18, 1912. Later, he married Mary E. Linckenstine, who was initially hired to care for him after Eliza’s death. Stark and Mary had moved to 112 North 35th Street by 1927.
Christian Samuel Stark Sr. passed away on June 29, 1928, at either his home in East Camden or neighboring Pennsauken, New Jersey, sources differ. He was buried at Bethel Cemetery in Pennsauken beside his first wife, Eliza. His son, Harry A. Stark, and daughter-in-law, Margaret Eva Lovett Stark, were laid to rest nearby in 1950 and 1954, respectively.
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Christian S. Stark
Christian Samuel Stark Sr. was born on September 1, 1857, in Philadelphia, to Henry A. and Rebecca Stark. In the 1870s, he married Eliza E. Leech, and their family expanded with the birth of their son William Leech Stark before the 1880 Census. Over time, they welcomed four more children: sons Harry A., Grover C.,…
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Camden Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer – May 1, 1906 ** Hugh Kelly, James Harris and Wiliam Conway were held in $800 bail each by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday charged with beating Special Officer Samuel B. F. Alcott. ** Tax Receiver John S. Roberts, who was stricken Friday at his desk, was reported last night to be greatly improved. **…
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