Introduction
Charles H. Truitt was born in Camden in September of 1859 to James B. and Caroline Truitt. The family lived in the late 1870s and early 1880s at 222 Mickle Street. He began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1876 as a fireman aboard tugboats on the Delaware. He worked for many years in the engine rooms of P.R.R. ferries crossing the river between Camden and Philadelphia, retiring in 1929 after 53 years with the company.
James Truitt married around 1884 and had moved to 649 South 3rd Street by 1887. By 1900 the Truitt family had moved to 112 North 22nd Street in East Camden. The family by this time included five children—Harry, Albert, Ida, Elsie, and Frank. Another son, Walter, would follow. By 1910 Charles H. Truitt had moved his family to 119 North 24th Street, where he would live until his passing on March 21, 1936.
Obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
Retired From Employ of Pennsy in 1929 After 53 Years of Service
Charles H. Truitt, 76, who was retired by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1929 after 53 years of service, died suddenly Saturday at his home, 119 North Twenty-fourth street. With his wife, who survives, he celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary last January.
A native of Camden, Mr. Truitt began work for the railroad in 1876, when he was a boy of 17. His first job was that of fireman on tugboats. Later he worked on the company’s ferryboats plying between Camden and Philadelphia, and still later as an engineer in the company’s Philadelphia power plant. When retired on pension he was an engineer in the Camden power plant.
He was a member of the P. R. R. Ferry Relief Association, Camp No. 25, P. O. S. of A., Camp No. 15, P. O. of A., Rescue Council, No. 151, Jr. O. U. A. M.
Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, Albert, Frank and Walter; a daughter, Mrs. Philip Lawyer, and several grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 2 p. m., at the home. Burial will be private in Arlington Cemetery.