Introduction
Charles H. Fitzsimmons III
CHARLES H. FITZSIMMONS III was born around 1856 in Philadelphia. He came to Camden in 1874. At the time of the 1880 Census he was married, living with wife, the former Anna Carey, and son Charles IV at 249 Sycamore Street, and working as a sail maker. He followed that trade into the 1890s. As he named his own son Charles Fitzsimmons and a grandson was born, also named Charles Fitzsimmons, in later years he was simply referred to by his full name or as Charles Fitzsimmons Sr.
Charles Fitzsimmons became active in local politics. He was appointed as an extra man to the Camden Fire Department in the spring of 1883, replacing William Suders. After serving for one year with Engine Company 2, Charles Fitzsimmons was replaced in turn by W.H. Whalland.
The 1887–1888 Camden City Directory shows him living at 287 Sycamore Street, the 1888–1889 Directory states 272 Sycamore. The 1890–1891 Directory gives 1133 South 3rd as his address. He was still following the sailmaker’s trade as late as 1890.
Charles H. Fitzsimmons was appointed to the police force on April 1, 1894 by then-Mayor John L. Westcott. After an exemplary and distinguished career in uniform, he began working as a detective in 1912, during the administration of Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
On August 1, 1913, Charles Fitzsimmons, along with Fiore Troncone and George V. Murry were promoted to the detective squad, then led by Captain William Schregler. All had been working in plainclothes for several months prior to the official promotion.
By 1900 Charles H. Fitzsimmons had moved next door to 1135 South 3rd Street. The family was still there as late as 1914, according to the Camden City Directory. By the spring of 1918 he, his wife, and daughter Anna had moved to 1421 Bradley Avenue in the Parkside section of Camden. This would be his home until he passed away. By January of 1920, when the Census was taken, Charles Fitzsimmons’ son Charles, daughter-in-law Nellie, and grand-daughter Anna were also living at the Bradley Avenue address.
Detective Fitzsimmons retired on December 31, 1931, due to age and problems with his eyesight. He had been assigned to watch over the Parkside Trust at Haddon and Kaighn Avenues as a result of his failing eyesight. He had faith that an operation could restore his vision, and this turned out to be the case.
Detective Charles H. Fitzsimmons III died at Cooper Hospital on June 8, 1938. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna, who left this earth in December of 1937, and his son, who had passed in 1922.
After a funeral at 1401 Princess Avenue, Charles H. Fitzsimmons III was buried at Harleigh Cemetery.
Police Appointments
Camden Post —
THE MAYOR NAMES
Four Members off the Board of Public Instruction.
THREE WERE REAPPOINTED.
His Honor also Announces Another Batch of New Policemen and Asks for the Resignation of the Democratic Hold-overs.
Mayor Westcott this morning made the following appointments of members of the Board of Public Instruction: George D. Borton, D, First ward; Samuel Iszard, R, Second ward; Chas. H. Ellis, Jr., R, Sixth ward, and James Hanson, Jr., D, Seventh ward. Messrs. Borton, Iezard and Ellis are reappointments. Mr. Hanson succeeds Charles Hewston of the Seventh ward, whose term expires to-day. The new member is an oilcloth printer with a highly honorable record, his appointment giving great satisfaction all around.
The Mayor also announced the following new appointments on the police force:
First ward—James Elberson, Chas. Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Third ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Steen.
Fifth ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks, the latter colored.
No appointments were announced in the Second and Ninth wards.
Policeman Tommy Reed, of the Second ward, sent in his resignation last night. Peall, of the Second, and Thomas, of the Third, are expected to follow suit to-day.
In fact, the Mayor has asked for the resignations of all the holdovers of the Police Commission, with the exception of House Sergeant John Beard, of the Second ward, who, besides being a good officer, knows how to mind his p’s and q’s.
The Mayor thinks he will have to dismiss Mullane and Painter, as they give no sign of submitting gracefully.
Harry Miller, of the Third ward, will be allowed to remain until May 1st on account of the recent loss of his child.
It is said that Charley Sink will not get there in the Ninth. Billy Fish is said to have the inside track.
Wm. Ripley, of the Seventh ward, made a good and faithful policeman, and was fired like the rest, but it is said will not go back right away.
Sam Sheer was a “cop” under ex-Mayor Ayres and ought to know the ropes.
Harry Richmond, of the Fourth ward, will not resign. He says he will make them prefer charges. Well, Bob Miller was fired because he only had one eye.
My! but what a lot of men there are in this town who would like to wear helmets!
Police Appointments
Camden Daily Telegram —
THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
He Announced Several This Week.
COMMISSIONERS OF INSTRUCTION.
The Old Members Re-Instated With the Exception of the Member From the Seventh Ward—Police Appointments and Resignations.
Mayor Wood made the following appointments as Commissioners of Instruction:
The following appointments were made: First Ward—George D. Borton, of the First Ward; Charles H. Ellis, Jr., of the Sixth ward, and John L. Westcott, of the Third ward.
The following appointments were made on the police force:
First Ward—James Elberson, Charles Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Second Ward—No appointments.
Third Ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Stein.
Fourth Ward—No appointments.
Fifth Ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth Ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh Ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth Ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks (colored).
Ninth Ward—No appointments.
Mayor Westcott has requested the resignation of all the members of the police force who served under the Police Commission, to take effect May 1. They are Policemen Peall, Horner, Painter, Mullane, Miller and Reed.
POLITICAL POINTERS.
Who will be the postmaster?
Who will be the next prosecutor?
Many of the ward workers are suffering from election colds.
The name of Harry Moffitt was left out of the columns of honorable mention with the other hustlers of election day.
Senator Rogers and Messrs. Stafford and Watson, of the House are fully coming up to the expectations of their constituents.
If the Mayor could arrange it to hold his hearings a trifle earlier it would be a great source of satisfaction to the Camden afternoon papers.
There is still great anxiety on the part of the public as to the outcome of the present session of the legislature. Thus far their public acts have been highly commendable.
The abolishment of the Police Justice act restores to office the City Recorder, Benjamin M. Braker, who would be qualified to act in place of the Mayor should the Chief Executive be taken sick.
Jos. Potter, the new member of Council from the First ward is a man of wide business experience and will prove much advantage to the many large financial interests that will come under his care.
Owing to the satisfactory working of the present school commission in the two second-class counties up the State, the legislature made no change in the mode of placing the members as was anticipated.
Jos. B. Fox, of the Fourth ward, is what might be termed an old reliable, having had a long and varied experience in public affairs. He is always conservative in the expenditure of city money. He is always safe to trust.
Charles Sayrs, of the Seventh ward, who had a short experience in the present Council, but enough to make him feel at home among public affairs, is neck and ears in work between his real estate business and Councilmanic duties.
The colored people of the lower section of the city are anxious to see Squire Drake, the ex-Republican and ex-member of the School Board, come out of the Court House, where he holds a position under the Thompson Freeholders.
“Father” Figner is a proud sire. He was a member and president of Council in his days, and now sees his son treading in his footsteps. Mr. Figner, Jr., having been sent to Council from the Sixth ward on Tuesday by a large majority.
A special election will not be necessary for the new Board of Freeholders, as the City Council and Township Committees will appoint Freeholders who will serve until the Spring of 1895. The appointments will be made about the middle of May.
Arthur Bedell is spoken of as a candidate for the presidency of the new City Council. He is a stalwart and is never afraid to define his position on all public questions. He is one of those men who makes strong, warm friends and also creates an opposition of like force.
William D. Brown, the Secretary of the Board of Education, and Fred A. Rex, Treasurer, are quite pleased over the report of the committee on accounts and Expert O’Shaughnessy, they having examined the books of Messrs. Rex and Brown and found them correctly kept.
The library of the Camden public schools is one to be highly appreciated and much is due to the care with Miss Blowe the librarian has attended to her duties. She will hold over another year and should be allowed to retain the office as long as she merits it, and she surely does now.
J. R. Carson, the retiring member of Council from the First ward, is highly spoken of by his associates on committees and by Clerk Varney for the mature judgment displayed in the management of city affairs. It is with a general expression of regret that the city is to lose his service.
The reform in the Board of Freeholders can’t come too soon. If the public is to judge of the care of property given by the Democrats in the county, by the “hog combine” in this city, an inventory of the public property when turned over will make interesting reading. Ex-officials guarantee to save enough in the Board, if returned to their offices, to pay the expense of a special election, if one was necessary.
W. J. Bradley has been asked if he was a candidate for president of the new City Council. His reply was that he had not sought it in the first place, and would not seek it now, but whether he became president or remained merely a member on the floor, he would endeavor to discharge his duties in the interests of the city. He is commended by all who came in contact with him during the past year as one who had a new Camden at heart.
Baxter Street Investigation
Camden Daily Telegram —
Named: Sumner Derrickson, Charles Taylor, Marwood “Sweeney” Derrickson, John L. Westcott, Baxter Street, Ann Street aka Maurice Street, Kaighn Avenue, Sycamore Street, Mrs. Zane, Mrs. Shaw, Charles H. Fitzsimmons III, Andrew Blair Frazee, William Barnard, Albert Myers, George F. Kappell aka George Cable, John Hill, Joseph Dodson, Reed & Derrickson, Olive Park, John Foster, Edward Fortie, Ida Burton, Lawrence Anderson, Aubrey Thompson, and Richard Golden.
Here’s Camden’s Finest, With Whiskers, in 1898
Camden Courier-Post —
Harry Mines, not named above, is in the first row between H. Frank Pettit and Edward Hartman. In the fifth row, at the far right, “John Barnett” was a guess on the part of A. Lincoln James. Another person guessed George Johnson. Both were wrong and it is not known who that policeman is.
"(news brief)"
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A man, about 40 years of age, who gave his name as Hugh Frier, formerly of the Seventeenth ward, Philadelphia, surrendered himself to Police Captain Stanley and Policeman Fitzsimmons yesterday, and stated he escaped from the Blockley Almshouse last Monday. He was sent to the City Hall.
A man, about 40 years of age, who gave his name as Hugh Frier, formerly of the Seventeenth ward, Philadelphia, surrendered himself to Police Captain Stanley and Policeman Fitzsimmons yesterday, and stated he escaped from the Blockley Almshouse last Monday. He was sent to the City Hall.
Thieves Took to the Swamp
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THIEVES TOOK TO THE SWAMP
Early yesterday morning four colored men were discovered trying to rob the bottling place of William Rudolph, at Van Buren and Vanhook streets, Camden. Neighbors awakened the proprietor and he notified the police. The men fled in the direction of Lane Ditch Swamp. Policemen Harvey, Snow, Pooley, Fitzsimmons, Cornog and Sergeant Hyde surrounded the swamp, but after an hour’s fruitless search the policemen gave up the hunt.
Burglary Attempt at Dilmore’s Saloon
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Policeman Fitzsimmons saw a man acting suspiciously at Fourth street and Kaighn avenue early yesterday morning. When the policeman approached the man fled. The officer gave chase, but the man escaped. Later the policeman found that the front window of the saloon of George S. Dilmore had been forced and raised. Nothing of value was taken.
Officer Fitzsimmons Ill With Blood Poisoning
Philadelphia Inquirer —
As the result of receiving a slight scratch on the forehead while arresting a tramp a few days ago, Policeman Charles Fitzsimmons is ill at his home, on South Third street, with blood poisoning. The hobo resisted arrest and scratched the officer with a finger nail.
Beggar Made Threats When Refused Alms
Camden Post-Telegram —
BEGGAR MADE THREATS WHEN REFUSED ALMS
The first arrest in conformity with Chief of Police Foster’s strict orders to abate the tramp nuisance, that of worthless hoboes harassing housewives at back doors, was made by Policeman Charles Fitzsimmons yesterday afternoon. The prisoner is a Fishtowner named Edward Lynch, who, although 41 years of age and able-bodied, is apparently too light for heavy work, for he has been begging about South Camden for several weeks.
Yesterday afternoon Policeman Fitzsimmons detected Lynch begging at back gates and then followed him to Fourth street and Kaighn avenue, where he accosted a man for a nickel and because refused threatened to “paste him one on the snout.”
It did not take “Fits” long to nab the abusive hoodlum by the coat collar and hustle him to the patrol box.
In Police Court this morning, Detective Harry Moffett said that Lynch was a pal of Mike McGurk, the thieving tramp sent to jail for three months by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday, for helping himself to an overcoat from Leaven’s clothing store on Kaighn avenue above Third, and had served time before.
Lynch had nothing to say and was given thirty days in the county jail.
Found Family Starving
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FOUND FAMILY STARVING
Stealing of Loaf of Bread Reveals Case of Destitution
Arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, William Creamer, 12 years old, of 1210 South Second street, Camden, yesterday took Policeman Fitzsimmons to his home. One of the saddest cases of destitution that has come to the attention of the Camden authorities was brought to light. The mother of the boy was found lying in bed too ill to move. Beside her were two small children ill with fever because of lack of food. There was nothing in the room to give heat and the unfortunates tried to warm themselves beneath the bed clothing.
Neighbors, apprised of the condition of affairs in the Creamer home, at once gave them aid. Superintendent Jefferis, of the Bureau of Charities, took charge of the case.
Boy Runaway Picked Up at Kaighn’s Point
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Wearing a sleeveless sweater and a pair of trousers large enough for a six-foot man, Howard Kingsland, 14 years old, of Hancock street, Philadelphia, was picked up at Kaighn’s Point, Camden, yesterday by Policeman Fitzsimmons. Howard said he had determined to see the world. He was held pending the arrival of his parents.
Demented Woman Found Wandering Street
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Ellen Stratton, a demented woman who strayed away from a cottage at Atlantic City several days ago, was picked up on the street by Policeman Fitzsimmons yesterday. She was held pending word from relatives.
Detective Fitzsimmons Arrests Cart Thief
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Following a chase of five miles across country, Detective Fitzsimmons yesterday arrested Abe Harker on a charge of purloining a cart from Isaac Barton. Harker was held in $500 bail for court by the Recorder.
Shots Fly After Fleeing Suspect
Camden Post-Telegram —
Named: Charles H. Fitzsimmons, Clarence Boyer, Henry C. Moffett, Broadway, Pine Street, Division Street, and 5th Street.
Wrist Broken, Detective Jails Alleged Thief
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden News
WRIST BROKEN, DETECTIVE JAILS ALLEGED THIEF
In a desperate encounter with an alleged thief early yesterday morning, Detective Charles Fitzsommons, of the Camden Police Department, was thrown and his wrist was fractured, but he subdued the man and locked him up for a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse this morning. The prisoner gave the name of William Jubb, 28 years old, of Salem.
Detective Fitzsimmons was sitting on his step on South Third street when there were excited yells and three men ran into Third street from Kaighn avenue. They were pursued by a crowd, who shouted the fugitives had stolen dry goods from Solomon Rubenstein, of 305 Kaighn avenue. The sleuth went in pursuit and came up with Jubb, who tripped him. Fitzsimmons, although his wrist was broken, held on to the man with his other hand and then sent him to the city jail. When searched, the prisoner had several shirts stuffed in his trousers and shirt.
Held on Theft Charge
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Held on Theft Charge
Through the arrest of James Kelly, 1157 Penn street, by Detective Fitzsimmons, in Camden yesterday, the police believe they will be able to clear the mystery in connection with the disappearance of $200 worth of groceries from the Frank Lee Dickinson Company. Kelly was employed as a driver. According to Fitzsimmons the goods were taken and disposed of to certain persons whose arrests are anticipated.
Girl Victim’s Brother Accuses Man
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Girl Victim’s Brother Accuses Man
Traced to Camden by the brother of 15-year-old Elizabeth Jeter, of 3141 Heater street, New York, who was attacked and seriously injured, Joseph Zitz, aged 31 years, of Two-hundred-and-thirty-eighth street and Albany avenue, New York, was taken into custody by Detectives Schregler, Troncone and Fitzsimmons on Central avenue, Camden, yesterday. Zitz was accused of attacking the girl by Sinclair Jeter, the brother, and remanded to jail by Justice McClong pending requisition papers from New York.
Arrested When He Tried to Help Jailed Brother
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ARRESTED WHEN HE TRIED TO HELP JAILED BROTHER
With one son in jail and another sent back to the Hunterdon Reformatory, Mrs. Catherine Petitt, of 881 Florence street, Camden, will have a sad New Year’s. Robert Petitt, aged 17 years, was committed to jail for purloining copper wire from a telephone company.
Through the fraternal affection of Robert’s brother, John, the latter was apprehended. He had been out of the Reformatory for several months, and he was charged with breaking his parole. None was the wiser until he went to police headquarters and tried to assist his younger brother in his difficulty.
When apprehended. [sic] John and his mother cried and later the brothers had a sad parting when Detective Fitzsimmons permitted them to meet for the last time in several months at least.
Detectives Find Fresh Clue to M’Carrick Boy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Lawrence Doran, William J. Kraft, Charles H. Fitzsimmons, and John Brothers.
Held as Fugitive
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Held as Fugitive
When George Kenney, aged 29 years, of Chester, Pa., was arraigned before Recorder Stackhouse, in Camden, yesterday, as a fugitive, it was next to impossible to make him understand why he was held. He pleaded he was too deaf to hear. Sergeant Reed finally yelled in his ear that he Kenney, was wanted at Chester for robbing Clementine Mielckine of about $250 worth of jewelry and clothing. The defendant nodded his head in the affirmative and was committed to jail to await requisition. He was arrested by Detective Fitzsimmons at the Homeopathic Hospital, where he had been a patient for a week.
Hard Luck Story Wins Freedom From Charges
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HARD LUCK STORY WINS FREEDOM FROM CHARGES
Declaring that he was made desperate because he could get no work and that he had a wife, an infant and sick mother depending on him, James Weeks, aged 23 years, of 1413 South Fourth street, Camden, was arrested early yesterday by Detective Fitzsimmons for purloining about $100 worth of jewelry from the home of John McAleck, of 414 Jackson street. When McAleck learned of the circumstances in the case he told Recorder Stackhouse he would not press a charge against the young man and Weeks was permitted to accompany his wife and little one home.
Weeks posed as an employe for a local wall paper concern. He said he had been sent to measure the walls at the McAleck home. It was while thus supposedly engaged that he took two rings, two lockets and two chains. All were recovered.
Presses Jitney Into Play to Arrest Man
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PRESSES JITNEY INTO PLAY TO ARREST MAN
Camden Bartender Accused of Abduction Is Caught After Several Months’ Search
By pressing a jitney into service Detective Fitzsimmons was rushed to the home of Joseph J. Cooper, aged 21 years, 640 Central avenue, Camden, in time to arrest him on a charge of abduction. The accusation was made by Mrs. Kate Miller, mother of Mary Miller, aged 18 years, of 625 Ferry avenue. The young man will be given a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse today.
Cooper was employed as a bartender by the girl’s father. It was last August that he and Mary disappeared, resulting in the warrant for his arrest being issued. Nothing was seen of him until yesterday, when Detective Fitzsimmons was told that Cooper had returned. It was then that the detective hurried to Cooper’s home. The girl is said to be in New York.
Camden Man Locates His Missing Daughter
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Finds Girl in Providence, Rhode Island—Alleged Abductor Is Under Arrest
Vanishing in August last at the same time Joseph J. Cooper, a married man, who was employed by her father as a bartender at his hotel at 625 Ferry avenue, disappeared, Miss Mary Miller, aged 17 years, was located yesterday at Providence, Rhode Island, by her father and Policeman Gondolf on information, it is claimed, furnished by Cooper, who was arrested on Thursday when he returned to his home at 640 Central avenue for clothes.
The couple, according to the police, have been living in Providence as Mr. and Mrs. Myers and four months ago the girl gave birth to a little girl. With her infant she was brought to Camden by her father and will be used as a witness against Cooper, who is accused of abduction.
He will be given a hearing today.
Damage Suit Result of Alleged Abduction
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DAMAGE SUIT RESULT OF ALLEGED ABDUCTION
Camden Youth Held in Default of Bond for Action by Girl’s Father
Discharged in his own recognizance by Acting Recorder Knight in Camden yesterday, Joseph J. Cooper, aged 21 years, of 640 Central avenue, arrested on a charge of abducting Mary Miller, aged 17 years, daughter of Andrew Miller, of 625 Ferry ave., was taken in charge by Sheriff Haines on a capias issued as a result of Miller bringing suit to recover $10,000 damages from the young man. Supreme Court Commissioner Bleakly committed him to jail in default of furnishing a bond of $2,500.
It is alleged that Cooper took the girl away from her home last August. At the time he was employed as a bartender at the Miller saloon. Nothing was heard of the couple for several months. In fact it was not until after Cooper’s arrest on Thursday by Detective Fitzsimmons that it was learned that the girl was at Providence, R.I. When the father and a Camden policeman went to Providence and located the girl it developed that she had an infant and, it is alleged, Cooper is the father. The girl and the little one were taken to Camden Friday.
Miller instituted the damage suit for the loss of the services of his daughter. Cooper is married.
Arrested as Fugitive
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Viola Street – Wilson Cresswell
COLORED GIRL GETS BENEFIT OF DOUBT
Camden Post-Telegram —
Given the benefit of the doubt, Frances Benson, colored, aged 23 years, giving her address as Locust Street, was this morning freed by Recorder Stackhouse after she had been arraigned on a disorderly charge by Detective Fitzsimmons, who caught the girl trying back gates and doors of houses on Locust Street.
Suspicious of the girl’s actions, the detective arrested her. Represented by attorney Powell Martin, the girl said she was hunting for a friend who lived in the row.
Charles Fitzsimmons, 3d, Drowned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles Fitzsimmons, 3d, Drowned
While swimming in the Delaware River at the foot of Bulson street, Camden, late yesterday afternoon, Charles Fitzsimmons, 3d, son of Charles Fitzsimmons, a city fireman, and a grandson of Charles Fitzsimmons, a city detective, was drowned. It is believed that the boy was seized with cramps. Coroner Rhone gave a certificate of death from accidental drowning. The lad was 15 years old and lived at Third and Mt. Vernon streets.
Boy Admits Burning Boat to Bring Peace in Family
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel —
Named: Ernest Grief Jr., Emma Grief, Charles Whaland, O. Glen Stackhouse, and George Wagner.
Changes Ordered in Camden Police
Philadelphia Inquirer —
This story erred in reporting, as retirement at age 65 was NOT mandatory at the time. William E. Albert, Richard Golden, Frank Matlack, and Edwin Thomas did retire. John Golden, John Painter, Charles Fitzsimmons, Thomas Brothers, and William Lyons continued to work in the Police Department. John Golden was eventually promoted to Chief of Police.
Obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
FORMER DETECTIVE DIES AT AGE OF 82
Charles H. Fitzsimmons, III Several Weeks, Passes Away at Home
Former Detective Charles H. Fitzsimmons, 82, died at 5:10 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Hospital, after an illness of a month. Apoplexy was the cause of death.
His granddaughter, Miss Anna Fitzsimmons, and Detective Sergeant Louis Shaw were at the bedside when the end came.
Known to thousands as “Fitz,” the former detective, who retired on pension December 31, 1931, was regarded as one of Camden’s most alert, fearless and efficient police officers.
He was appointed to the force on July 14, 1884, by Collector Wescott. After figuring in many sensational arrests, he was promoted to a detective in July, 1912, by former Mayor Charles H. Ellis. Fitzsimmons was born in Philadelphia and came to Camden 64 years ago. He formerly lived in Camden, but moved to Parkside several years ago, prior to his retirement.
After figuring in many sensational arrests, he was promoted to a detective in July, 1912, by former Mayor Charles H. Ellis. Fitzsimmons was born in Philadelphia, and came to Camden 64 years ago. He formerly lived in South Camden, but moved to Parkside several years ago, prior to his retirement.
When Fitzsimmons’ vision began to fail him he was assigned to watch the bank building of the Parkside Trust Company, Haddon and Kaighn avenues. After retirement on a pension he was at his usual post at the bank daily, where he would wave to old friends and swap yarns with his cronies. When his sight failed him he refused to quit. He had faith that his sight could be restored by an operation—and it was.
He was appointed to the police force from the Fifth ward and figured in several sensational arrests which won him promotion to a detective. Fitzsimmons fought a revolver duel with three bandits in front of the old ticket office at Kaighn avenue early one morning. He used the ticket office to shield himself from the bullets from the guns of the robbers. He wounded the three of them and placed them under arrest.
After becoming a detective Fitzsimmons would mingle with pickpockets and captured several of them. He usually floored a bandit with a flying tackle around the knees.
During his early days as a policeman, Fitzsimmons was credited with breaking up several gangs of young robbers and once caught three men in the act of robbing a store. They grappled with him, and in the overpowering struggle he was wounded in his chest.
Fitzsimmons’ wife, Anne J. Fitzsimmons, died last November. He was making his home with his daughter at 1421 Bradley avenue.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at 1401 Princess avenue. Friends may view the body Friday night. The Rev. Nelson Hoffmann, pastor of Fairleigh M. E. Church, will be in charge of the services. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.