Introduction
A. Lincoln James
Abraham Lincoln James, better known in his day as A.L. James and A. Lincoln James, was a career officer with the Camden Police Department. His career spanned 40 years. He was a close friend of David Baird Sr., twice the sheriff of Camden County, once a U.S. Senator and Republican party leader in Camden and South Jersey.
A. Lincoln James was born on August 14, 1863 at 817 Federal Street in Camden. His parents were Edward T. and Caroline S. James. His parents were both originally from Pennsylvania but had been living in New Jersey since the mid-1850s. Edward T. James had served as a volunteer fireman prior to the founding of the professional department in 1869, and was a member of the Camden Fire Department from September of 1871 until May 6, 1873. Edward T. James also served as a trustee of the Camden Cemetery from 1870 until his own death in 1886.
The James family remained in the 800 block of Federal Street until at least 1870. By May of 1871 they had moved to 109 North 8th Street. The 1880 Census shows A. Lincoln James living with parents at 109 North 8th Street working as a box maker. His father and oldest brother, Wesley B. James, worked as coopers. An older sister, Mary, worked making shoes. Also at home were younger brothers Edward and Forest James. A. Lincoln James began working as a cabinet maker shortly afterwards. He was still living at home 1881, according to the City Directory for that year.
On October 23, 1882 A. Lincoln James married Carrie DePugh at Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Camden, with Rev. John R. Gaskill officiating. A daughter Lizzie C. James, was born in June 1883. Daughter Anna May James was born November 30, 1885. The 1885 City Directory shows the family at 743 Pennsylvania Avenue. A. Lincoln James was then working as a driver. He soon went back to his previous work as a cabinet maker.
The 1888 City Directory puts the family at 944 Carpenter Street, while the 1890–1891 edition has them at 814 Carpenter Street. A son, Charles H. James was born November 9, 1890.
A. Lincoln James was first appointed to the Camden Police Department on March 12, 1892. That year he is found in the City Directory at 812 Market Street. He is listed from 1894 to 1895 at 917 Carpenter Street and from 1896 to 1898 at 209 North 9th Street. He resigned twice before taking a permanent appointment on August 1, 1899. He and his family lived at 122 North 8th Street in 1899 and were still there in 1901. By the time the 1902 City Directory was compiled, the James family had moved to 124 North 8th Street, a property that they held an interest in until at least 1949, although James made his home from 1917 until his death at 922 Cooper Street. He also had a summer home in Wildwood, New Jersey.
A. Lincoln James was promoted to Sergeant in 1905 and to Captain in 1908. He served with distinction until his retirement on December 31, 1932. A fine baseball player even into his late 30s and 40s, he played third base for the Camden Police Department team as late as 1907.
A. Lincoln James was approved for a pension in November of 1932. He finished the year out working, and began his retirement on New Year’s Day, 1933. In 1937, while at his home in Wildwood, A. Lincoln James suffered a stroke. He was brought back to Camden, where he died at West Jersey Hospital on November 22, 1937. He was buried at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Besides his widow, A. Lincoln James was survived by his three children and five grandchildren. Mrs. James remained at 922 Cooper Street until at least the summer of 1940. By the summer of 1941 she and widowed daughter Anna M. Walz moved back to 124 North 8th Street. Mrs. Carrie James joined her husband in 1949. Anna Walz taught in the Camden School system for 16 years, before retiring in 1959.
Camden Police Department Group Photo
Camden Daily Telegram —
HE ANNOUNCES THE NAMES
The Mayor Appoints the New Force To-day.
MANY OLD OFFICERS TAKEN BACK.
Some Surprise Manifested at the Mayor’s Appointment of Dodd Instead of Jones — This Afternoon All the Names Will be Announced.
The Mayor stated this morning to the newspaper fraternity that he would not announce his nominations for the police department until four o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that these would be announced this morning and in consequence there were a number of applicants for appointment on the force early this morning at the City Hall, hoping that the lightning would strike them.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor in addition to his nomination of Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Foster and Pettit appointed Frank Matlack, Jacob Woodsides, Alfred Hayden and John Dall, all of the Sixth Ward. The above were policemen under Mayor Westcott, before the Democratic Police Commission took charge of the Department.
Patrolman Griffin, Democrat, tendered his resignation yesterday to Mayor Westcott, to take effect to-day.
The appointment of Chief Dodd was quite a surprise to the public in general, as it was thought that Captain Jones would be named for the position. Many believed such an appointment would be in very good form, as Captain Jones’ knowledge of men and his military training would have made him a chief par excellence. The Mayor, however, probably thought that as Mr. Dodd had been so unceremoniously kicked out by the Democrats, it was nothing more than justice to again offer him the position which he had filled in a creditable manner for a number of years.
APPOINTED ON THE FORCE.
Mayor Westcott this afternoon made the following appointments:
First Ward — William E Cromly, George Cable, Henry R. Curtis, O. Glen Stackhouse.
Second Ward — Lincoln James, John Pratt, Samuel Bakley, Benj Middleton.
Third Ward — William Selby, Albert Myers, Edward Hartman.
Fourth Ward — Caleb Williams, Richard Golden, William Schregler, Ralph Bond.
Fifth Ward — William Harvey, Harry Mines and Oscar Weaver.
Sixth Ward — Jacob Woodsides, Frank Matlack, Albert Hayden and John Dall.
Seventh Ward — Josiah Sage, Henry Peters, Charles Lederman, Wm. Butts.
Eighth Ward — Alexander Alcorn, Chas. Leightenberg, Ferdinand Laird
There was no appointments made for the Ninth ward.
Side-Splitting Farce Goes On
Camden Daily Telegram —
Chairman Burrough Did Not Sit With the Committee.
HE IS SAID TO BE DISGUSTED
Additional Charges Against Policemen, But the Witnesses Fail to Substantiate the Specifications Made by Office Seekers.
The Police Committee of City Council, last night, resumed the hearings of the charges against the policemen. The Council chamber was again crowded with prospective policemen and office seekers of all descriptions. Chairman Burroughs of the committee was absent and it was stated that he was disgusted at the manner in which the farce is being carried on. The other two members of the committee were present and Mr. Silvers, the Third ward statesman, acted as chairman. He was flanked on the right by His Honor, the Mayor. Previous to the hearings the Mayor heard some suggestions from his new adviser, who is William H. Sparks, of kidney cure fame, and a Democrat who had been an office seeker in the Democratic party for a number of years. Dr. “Mark Hanna” Davis for some reason or other is not participating in the deliberation of the Reformers. It is said that he is disgusted and was heard to make the remark that there are but two political parties, the Republican and Democratic, and he did not believe in Reform.
Added to the “Finest.”
Camden Daily Courier —
Mayor Hatch Names Fifteen New Policemen this Afternoon
Six Out of the Lot Have Worn the Blue Before—William Horner Made a Sergeant—A Great Crowd Filled the City Hall Corridors This Morning Ready to Don Uniforms.
The headquarters of the Police Department and the office of Mayor Hatch at the City Hall this morning was the centre of attraction for a score or more of citizens who are quite anxious to don a policeman’s uniform and become one of the Mayor’s finest. No matter if the life of a policeman is not a happy one, so long as there are $17 per week in it. The gathering was brought about by the rumor having gone forth that the Mayor would some time to-day make the appointment and swear in the men appointed. Hence the gathering and the looks of expectancy upon the faces of those that would a copper be. They were doomed to disappointment, however, as Mayor Hatch, after calling two or three into his private office and swearing them in, informed the rest that he would name the full list to-morrow. To a “Courier” reporter the Mayor stated that he had some of the men picked, but would not give out their names until he had them all ready. The appointments are made under an ordinance recently passed instructing the Mayor to increase the police force of the city. It will give an additional policeman to each word.
However, at three o’clock this afternoon Mayor Hatch had finished the work of selecting the new men and announced the list as follows:
First ward—William Lyons.
Second ward—William Thompson. A. Lincoln James.
Third ward—Isaac Toy.
Fourth ward—James Tatem.
Fifth ward—Casper Hart.
Sixth ward—Thomas Brothers.
Seventh ward—John Anderson. George Purnell.
Eighth ward—Alfred F. Snow.
Ninth ward—David Clark.
Tenth ward—Thomas Reed. Howard McPherson.
Eleventh ward—Edward R. Thomas
Twelfth ward—John Zane.
Of these a number of the names are quite familiar because their owners have worn the blue before. These are James, Hart, Brouthers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The latter, now appointed from the Twelfth ward, was in the old days of Republican rule, in Stockton, the chief of police of that place. For years previously he had been on the county’s constabulary force.
Mayor Hatch also announced the appointment of William Horner to be sergeant of the Third district.
Here's Camden's Finest, With Whiskers, in 1898
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Police Department, 1898
Police Sergeants Promoted
Camden Daily Courier —
Camden Police Team Ready
Sergeants McClung and James Make Final List of Players for Battle
THE FIRST GAME AT TWO P. M.
The fat cops and lean cops, also the medium cops are in shape for the fray next Saturday afternoon. Sergeants McClung and James are shaping their men up for the battle, and give promise of putting up a good game of ball against the Brotherlylovers. Of course the boys from across the river are good ones at the business, but the Camden boys will let them know that they have been playing base ball when they finish.
Sergeant McClung has made a corrected list of his line-up published in Saturday’s “Courier”. The list follows: BIG BILL HORNER, first base, WILLIAM HILL, second base, LINCOLN JAMES, third base, HOWARD SMITH, short stop, HOWARD McPHERSON, left field, LEWIS STEHR, center field, WILLIAM MILES, right field,
The game between the police officers will be called at two o’clock and immediately afterwards the Camden and M. W. Taylors will enter the lists for a battle.
The Camden police team will be strengthened by a pitcher from the Camden regulars.
The admission for this game will be 15 and 25 cents and the receipts will go to the Firemens’ Relief Fund.
BASE BALL
Opening the Season at Camden’s Grounds TWELFTH AND FEDERAL STS. Saturday, April 14th.
RECEIPTS OF THIS DAY FOR BENEFIT OF THE COURIER’S FIREMEN FUND
2 GAMES At 1.30 Camden Police vs. Philadelphia Police. At 3.00 Camden vs. M.W. Taylor.
Tickets on Sale at Courier Office, or at Grounds on Saturday, 15 and 25 Cents.
North 8th Street Property
Camden Daily Courier —
A. Lincoln James – North 8th Street
Second Ward Had a Fine Pinochle
Camden Daily Courier —
Representatives From Other Ward Clubs Contested for Prizes
SPENT A SOCIAL EVENING
The Second Ward Republican Club had a gala time last night. They had advertised the event and invited their friends to a pinochle contest, and when it came time to start play all the tables were filled and more would have participated but for the large crowd present.
Those who found no seats at the tables watched the progress of the contest, and every misplay was noted and the player taunted with his carelessness or ignorance.
Later in the evening refreshments were served, and all who attended pronounced it one of the most enjoyable evenings they had spent in a long time. There were members present from the Third, Fifth and Ninth Ward Republican Clubs, as well as representatives from the Liberty Park, Fireside and Italian Republican organizations. The prize winners were: A. L. James, 405, Second ward; George Beasley, 401, Second ward; Albert Shaw, 393, Fifth ward; Scott Franklin, 392, Second ward; M. Lizenby, 376, Fifth ward, and Frank Garrison, 296, Ninth ward.
1907 Camden Police Department Baseball Team
Camden Courier-Post —
From “When Father Was A Boy”
WHEN FATHER WAS A BOY!
[Uniform lettering visible on the players: “C P”.]
THE CAMDEN POLICE TEAM OF 1907
Front row, left to right—William Kiker, Walter “Weep” Stanton, “Dick” Haines, Lou “Dutch” Urban. Back row—Charles Whalen, Fred Lechleidner, George Hill, Otto Erdbrink, George “Babe” Clayton and Captain Lincoln James.
1907 Camden Police Department Baseball Team article continued
1907 Camden Police Department Baseball Team article continued
30 Cops Shifted Today in Opening of New District
Camden Courier-Post —
Shake-Up in Camden Force is Most Drastic in History
SMITH AT CITY HALL
Drastic shifts in the Camden police department, affecting more than 30 members of the force became effective at 8 a.m. today.
The shake-up, announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety, is the result of creation of a fourth police district.
The outstanding changes are the promotion of Sergeant of Detectives George Ward to acting lieutenant in the First district, supplanting Sergeant Samuel Nayler, who is sent to headquarters, and the return to the city detective bureau of Acting County Detective Howard Smith.
Smith was detailed to the second district today and was assigned to a robbery investigation in the thirteenth ward.
District Captaincies Abolished
With the shifts, the rank of district captain is abolished. Instead, lieutenants will be in charge of the districts. Captains will be in charge only of the traffic and detective bureaus and headquarters, Commissioner Rhone said.
The removal of Sergeant Nayler from the First District was not unexpected, since he had been “on the carpet” last October as a result of a speakeasy shooting in his district. Nayler, though holding the rank of sergeant, was acting captain of the district.
Nayler, who was in charge of the First district for several years, will serve as desk sergeant under Capt. A. Lincoln James.
Ward Again Promoted
Ward was promoted to sergeant of detectives two months ago. Under the transfer, he is promoted again, remaining as acting lieutenant for a year, until he takes an examination for a lieutenancy.
Through the shift, Sergeant Charles Laib, serving under Traffic Inspector Charles T. Humes, is elevated to acting captain of the traffic department. In the future all motorcycle men will report direct to Humes and Laib instead of to headquarters.
Ralph Bakley, who has been acting lieutenant of the First District, has been named acting lieutenant of the Second District, and Thomas Cunningham, who was acting captain of the Second District, becomes acting lieutenant of the Third. William Horner, who has been acting captain of the Third District, is elevated to the rank of acting lieutenant and remains in charge of that.
Widow's Property on North 8th Street
Camden Courier-Post —
A. Lincoln James – North 8th Street
Property Listings
Camden Courier-Post —
A. Lincoln James – North 8th Street
Estate Notice
Camden Courier-Post —
A. Lincoln James – North 8th Street
Sergeant Bentley Quits Police Force
Camden Post-Telegram —
The rescignation [sic] of Sergeant of Police David Bentley, who was appointed on the force by Mayor Hatch, took effect to-day. Sergeant Bentley will herafter [sic] devote his time to the practice of medicine, having recently graduated from the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia.
Mayor Ellis, to fill the vacancy, appointed Policeman A. Lincoln James, of the Second ward, as Sergeant. Cornelius Appley was named as a regular policeman and Lorenzo Dyer was appointed a substitute policeman.
New Sergeant Goes on Duty
Camden Daily Courier —
David F. Bentley Made His Last Pull at 3 O’clock This Morning.
HAPPENINGS ON THE EAST SIDE
Sergeant David F. Bentley, who resigned as a member of the police force to devote his entire time to the practice of medicine, made his last “pull” over an East Side patrol box at 3 o’clock this morning, after nearly seven years of service. He was appointed sergeant of police six and a half years ago by Mayor Hatch.
Sergeant Bentley spent much time in reading all kinds of literature. Suddenly, after looking over some work in a physician’s office, he decided to take up the study of medicine. Between hours Bentley attended college and graduated with high honors from the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, and also passed a most excellent examination in New Jersey. Dr. Bentley, of a genial disposition, made many friends throughout Camden who wish him success in his chosen profession.
A. Lincoln James, who has been on the force for fifteen years, donned the chevrons of a sergeant last night and will do duty in the First district. Sergeant James succeeded Dr. Bentley, who resigned to assume charge of his growing practice.
The new sergeant has distinguished himself by many acts of bravery in the discharge of his duty.
When it became known that Sergeant Bentley was about to resign friends of many policemen called on Mayor Ellis in their interest. After canvassing the merits of the candidates Mayor Ellis selected Policeman James for the position.
Three Veteran Cops Will Go on Pension as Old Year Fades
Camden Courier-Post —
CAPT. A. LINCOLN JAMES – Whose application for pension was granted yesterday, to become effective Dec. 30. On that date, Capt. James, who is 69, will have served 40 years, nine months and 18 days in the Camden police department. He resides at 922 Cooper street.
Painter, James and Stanger to End Long Service in City Employ
ONE ON JOB 49 YEARS
Three veterans of the Camden police department yesterday were granted pensions by the Police and Fire Pension Fund Committee. A widow of another who died recently, also received approval of an application.
Those who applied were Captain A. Lincoln James, attached to police headquarters; Detective John Painter, Camden’s “oldest cop,” and Detective Thomas M. Stanger.
All three will be placed on the retirement list Dec. 30 next. Capt. James will receive $130.66 a month, while the two detectives will each be paid $92.50 monthly pension.
Detective Painter, who is 76 years old, lacks only six months of a half century of service to the city of Camden, having been appointed to the police department in June of 1883. He has been attached to the city detective bureau and, according to his superiors, has been “faithful and efficient.” He figured in a number of widely publicized murder cases.
When he applied for pension Painter stated he took great pride in the fact that during his nearly 50-year service he has never once been “on the carpet.” He gave as his reason for retirement that he has not been feeling well for several months. He resides at 1242 Princess avenue.
Captain James, who is 69 and resides at 922 Cooper street, was appointed to the force March 12, 1892. He gave no reason for his wish to retire.
Stanger, who is 70 and resides with a daughter at Collingswood, has been on the force for nearly 25 years. He is in charge of the Bertillon records at the city detective bureau, having been official “photographer” and finger-printer in many spectacular cases.
Mrs. Rose Caputi, of 1263 Park boulevard, widow of Detective Joseph Caputi, who died last week, applied for and was granted a widow’s pension by the police and fire group. Mrs. Caputi will receive $1000 yearly.
Cops Are Shifted by Mayor Stewart
Camden Courier-Post —
Retirements on Pension Cause Changes; Sergeant Petit, Traffic Head
Police Sergeant Nathan Petit yesterday was named head of the city traffic bureau to succeed Lieut. Charles L. Laib, who will retire on pension tonight.
A number of other transfers to fill vacancies left by other members of the police department who are to accept pensions were made yesterday by Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Lieut. Samuel Johnson will be assigned in charge of police headquarters in place of Capt. A. Lincoln James and will serve also as a desk-sergeant on the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift daily. Policeman William Robertson will be made an acting desk-sergeant to fill the vacancy left by Johnson.
Policeman Frederick Watson, who has been doing special work in the detective bureau, will be returned to police headquarters to work at his old position of jailor in place of Samuel Hibbert, another pensioner.
Detective William Boettcher will be assigned to take over the duties of Detective Thomas Stanger, who also will retire tonight. Stanger has been in charge of Bertillion records and police photographic work for many years.
Rumors to the effect that Lieutenants George Ward and George Frost would be shifted from their present positions were spiked in the an… (Continued on Page Two)
Funeral Saturday for Captain James
Camden Courier-Post —
CAPT. A. LINCOLN JAMES – Veteran Camden policeman died early yesterday following a stroke suffered at his seashore home.
Police Veteran Was Pioneer in Camden Civic Life; Aided Needy
Long Career Ended
Police Captain James is dead.
The veteran officer—Abraham Lincoln James—who retired five years ago, friend and confidant of the men with whom he worked as patrolman and captain, of the “down-and-outer,” died in West Jersey Hospital at 2 a. m. yesterday. He was taken there Sunday from his Summer home in Wildwood after suffering a stroke. He was 74.
The funeral will be held at 11 a. m., Saturday, at the funeral home of Joseph H. Murray and Son, 408 Cooper street. Burial will be private.
Born Aug. 14, 1863, at 817 Federal street, Captain James was a resident of Camden all his life. For the last 20 years he had lived at 922 Cooper street.
Close Friend of Elder Baird
With his death, the ranks of the old time veterans associated with politics and public affairs, those who were the active ones in Camden many years were further thinned. Captain James was a close friend of the late former U. S. Senator David Baird. In those bygone days one of the political headquarters was the cigar store operated by John O’Brien at Ninth and Market streets.
A friend of the “down-and-outer,” Captain James helped many wayfarers who came to police headquarters for night’s lodgings. The next morning Captain James saw to it that the lodgers had breakfast from money which he supplied. And many a job he got for such men who had “lost their grip.”
Captain James first was appointed to the police as a patrolman in March, 1892. He resigned twice before accepting a permanent appointment August 1, 1899. He was made a captain January 1, 1908, and was in charge of police headquarters until his retirement on pension December 31, 1932. Police headquarters in those days was in the old city hall, Haddon avenue and Washington street.
Started as Cabinetmaker
Prior to joining the police James was a cabinetmaker with the old firm of Graham & Armstrong, remembered by old residents of the city as the concern which made the cabinets in which spools of cotton were displayed for sale in stores.
Captain James was secretary of the Police Beneficial Association, a member of the Brotherhood of America Welcome Circle, and of the Centenary Tabernacle M. E. Church, Fifth and Cooper streets, where he was a regular attendant.
He is survived by his widow, Carrie R.; a son, Charles H. James, former all-around star athlete of Sewell School; two daughters, Elizabeth and Mrs. Anna Walz, and five grandchildren, Charles H., Jr., Robert Carlton, Elmer J., Jr., of Oaklyn; Mrs. Mildred Collins, of Hollywood, Cal., and Lincoln of Chester Pa.