Introduction
Charles H. Elfreth
CHARLES H. ELFRETH, not to be confused with Charles Elfreth (1849–1922) who worked briefly as a Camden Firefighter and later was with the Pennsylvania Railroad, worked for forty-three years in City Government in Camden.
A dedicated public servant, Charles H. Elfreth suffered a stroke while preparing for a meeting at City Hall on March 25, 1940. He last made his home at 1283 Kenwood Avenue with sister Mrs. Ella Smith and a niece Miss Ella F. Smith. His wife had died a few years before his passing.
Cake Walk a Success.
Camden Daily Courier —
The grand cake walk given at Newton Hall last night under the management of “Bill” Miller, assistant janitor of the City Hall, was a red hot affair. The walk, which was judged by Hugh Boyle, David Rankin, C. H. Elfreth and Alfred Haydon, was captured by William Ford and Miss Johnson. Special mention is due Ed. Laws, of the Post. He was a “warm baby” and came very near landing the prize.
News of a Day in the City of Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles H. Ellis – Samuel Hufty – Levi Farnham – Charles Elfreth – J.F. Newton – Frank Heisler – William Osler – John McCabe – William Steinmetz – Harry Francis
Elfreth Sprains Ankle
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Thrown to the ground when his dog vigorously tugged on the chain with which he was leading the animal, Assistant Tax Receiver Charles Elfreth sustained a sprained ankle.
Fifth Ward Republican Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Bernard Bertman – Leonard Brehm – John Carroll – George Cotter – Charles H. Elfreth – Kirby Garwood – Rox Gimello – Theodore Kausel – William Kensler – George W. Nichols – Winfield S. Price – Leo B. Rea – Clay W. Reesman – David S. Rhone – Harley C. Shinn – Kaighn Avenue
Charles Elfreth, Tax Cashier, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Oldest City Employe From Point of Service Succumbs to Apoplexy
Charles H. Elfreth, cashier in the city tax office and the oldest employe of the City of Camden in point of service, died at his home, 1283 Kenwood avenue, yesterday. He was 74.
Coroner Franklin P. Jackson, 3rd, issued a certificate giving cerebral apoplexy as the cause of death.
Mr. Elfreth, who was associated with the city for 43 years, was at his window in the City Hall tax office on Saturday, carrying on the duties which he had performed for many years. He was striken while preparing to go to the City Hall. Dr. David S. Rhone, city commissioner, was called but by the time he arrived Mr. Elfreth was dead.
Mr. Elfreth, a life-long Republican, was a charter member of the old Fifth Ward Republican Club, and maintained his association with that organization through the years. He had been financial secretary of the club for many years. He was a member of Camden Lodge of Moose and treasurer of the Bellmawr Yearly Beneficial Society.
He began his duties with the City of Camden in 1897 as a clerk in the assessor’s office. From 1905 to 1923 he served as deputy receiver of taxes, an elective post under the old councilmanic form of government. When city commission type of government succeeded councilmanic in 1923, Mr. Elfreth was named cashier by the first non-partisan city commission. He had held that post since that time.
Mr. Elfreth’s hobby was hunting, and each year he took his vacation in November so that he could enjoy the sport.
Mr. Elfreth’s wife, Mrs. H. Lillian Elfreth, died about four years ago. He is survived by a son, C. Edgar Elfreth, of Oaklyn, who for a number of years was associated with the old Security Trust Company and now is teller in the Oaklyn National Bank; a sister, Mrs. Ella F. Smith and a niece, Miss Ella F. Smith, both of whom live at the Kenwood avenue address, and four grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p. m. in the funeral home of Joseph H. Murray & Son, 408 Cooper street. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.