Joseph A. Ware, born in 1878 to Emma and James Ware Jr., spent most of his life in Camden's historic Eighth Ward. In his early years, the Ware family lived near South 7th Street and Ferry Avenue. His father, James Ware Jr., had various jobs and was notably involved in politics during the 1880s. The 1887 City Directory lists him as a chemist. By 1888, the Wares had moved to 1713 South 6th Street in Camden's Eighth Ward. James Ware Jr., active in politics and serving as the Superintendent of Camden Cemetery (now Old Camden Cemetery), was elected to the Board of Education in 1888. His political involvement continued until at least 1892, the year Emma passed away. In 1898, James Ware Jr. joined the Camden Police Department and eventually became an inspector by 1910, retiring in May 1914. Joseph’s uncle, John A. Ware, was a Camden firefighter with Engine Company 3 from 1890 to 1904.
Around 1902, Joseph A. Ware married Harriet. By 1906, the couple, along with their son James, lived at 1713 South 6th Street while James Ware Jr. continued his police service.
By 1910, the Ware family had relocated to 1709 Fillmore Street, where Joseph worked as a timekeeper. Influenced by his father's political connections, Joseph was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 15, 1912.
In the 1914-1915 City Directory, Joseph and Harriet were still listed at 1709 Fillmore Street. At this time, Joseph served in the Camden Fire Department with Engine Company 1.
Tragedy struck the Ware family less than six weeks after James Ware Jr. retired on June 6, 1914. While fighting a fire at Locust and Spruce Streets, Fireman Joseph A. Ware suffered severe injuries when the apparatus motor crank slipped and hit him in the face. The injuries resulted in blindness and paralysis, leading to complications that caused his death on July 21, 1914.
Joseph A. Ware was survived by his wife Harriet, son James, father James Ware Jr., stepmother Harriet F. Ware, and siblings. He was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden.
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Joseph A. Ware
Joseph A. Ware, born in 1878 to Emma and James Ware Jr., spent most of his life in Camden's historic Eighth Ward. In his early years, the Ware family lived near South 7th Street and Ferry Avenue. His father, James Ware Jr., had various jobs and was notably involved in politics during the 1880s. The…
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