Introduction
Bowman Matlack was a well known personage in South Camden. He appears in the 1880 Census, living with wife Priscilla and three daughters at 635 South 5th Street. The Matlacks had six children, only three were living by 1910. In 1880 Bowman Matlack was working as a fish dealer. He served as a policeman under Mayor Claudius Bradshaw and Chief of Police Josiah Matlack.
Bowman Matlack later worked various jobs as a laborer. Late in life he found work at an oilcloth plant in Camden. The Matlack family was living at 1730 South 6th Street in Camden in 1890. By 1900 they had moved to 1039 South 5th Street, where they would remain.
Bowman Matlack to his end resided at 1039 South 5th Street. He died in May of 1914 at the age of 74.
Franks Sworn in as Chief.
Camden Daily Courier —
THE NEW OFFICIAL AND SIX MEN TAKE THE OATH.
Ex-Chief Matlack Commends the Forty Patrolmen, Thanks Mayor Pratt for His Gentlemanly Conduct and Retires.
It is Chief Franks now. Mr. Matlack, the retiring chief turned over the police department to his successor shortly after noon. All the officers gathered at the hall, as this is the semi-monthly pay day. The six new men who were to take the places of the patrolmen who resigned, came in one at a time and were taken into the mayor’s private office, where behind the closed door they were sworn in by his honor. Chief-elect Franks was also sworn in privately.
All the Democratic officers then assembled in the mayor’s hearing room, at the request of retiring Chief Matlack and it was with evident feeling that he bade them farewell in an eloquent address. He said:
THE CHIEF’S ADDRESS.
“Gentlemen of the police department—The time has arrived for me to turn over the police department to my successor. During my term as chief I have formed acquaintanceships and friendships among you which have been a great pleasure to me, and which I hope to retain. Among us doring [sic] all that time there has been peace and harmony in the main. I am glad to say that no strifes or bickerings have occurred to mar our peace and good will. At times our actions have been criticised, and aspersions cast against us, but these were only the contingencies of our positions; we must learn to take the bitter with the sweet. No serious accidents or deaths have occurred among us, and for this we should be thankful to the Giver of all good things. We have made some mistakes no doubt—none of us are infallible—but let bygones be bygones, and endeavor to fulfill your duty always.
“There is one thing in particular that I wish to commend you for, and that is your gentlemanly and courteous conduct while I have been connected with the department, and your cheerfulness in obeying orders. For this you have my sincere thanks, and also my best wishes for your futures.”
THE DEPARTMENT TURNED OVER.
The chief closed his remarks to the men with a moral admonition. To Mayor Pratt he returned his thanks for the gentlemanly demeanor of his honor during their brief official association, and expressed the hope that his administration would be one of good government. Chief Matlack then formally delivered the department to his successor and said he trusted it would be more efficient than ever before.
The chief’s remarks were very brief and pointed. He said: “Gentlemen and members of the police department. I hope you will continue in the discharge of your duties as before. I expect obedience to the rules of the department, and the orders of his honor the mayor. Any disapproval or disobedience of orders will be deemed sufficient cause for removal.”
NEW PATROLMEN.
The following is the list of retiring officers and their successors, with their numbers: First ward—John Jacobs; successor, Alfred Summers, No. 5. Fourth ward—Simpson Long, successor, Samuel Lee, No. 17; Charles Peterson, successor, Charles O. Pedrick, No. 20. Sixth ward, Bowman Matlack, successor, Christopher Tenner, No. 29; John Fox, successor, John Dall, No. 30. Seventh ward, Harry Griffin, successor, C. H. Peters, No. 33.
The retiring officers delivered up their equipments. C. H. Peters, who was the first of the new men to be sworn in, had a bran new suit of blue and went on duty at once. John Dall was not present to be sworn in with the others.
Bowman Matlack Called by Death
Camden Post-Telegram —
Death yesterday claimed Bowman Matlack, one of the oldest and best known residents of this city, at his home, 1029 South Fifth street. Mr. Matlack was a policeman under Mayor Bradshaw and all his life he was an ardent advocate of the principles of Democracy. He was 78 years of age.
For over forty years he resided in the Sixth ward, where he was highly esteemed. He was a charter member of Camden Lodge of Odd Fellows and Camden Nest of Orioles.
Years ago, when the Camden Bob Black’s base ball team was in existence, Mr. Matlack was an ardent follower of the club, never missing a game and always carrying an umbrella.
Surviving him is his wife and three daughters, Miss Fannie Matlack, Mrs. A. K. Savacool, both of Camden, and Mrs. Frank Spear, of Moorestown. The funeral will be held on Wednesday from his late residence. Funeral Director Holl is in charge of the arrangements.