Introduction
Charles W. Whaland
Charles W. Whaland was born on June 6, 1876 to Mary and William H. Whaland. His father had served during the Civil War, mustering out as a Sergeant with Company B, 121st Pennsylvania Infantry on June 2, 1865. He lived in Philadelphia into the 1870s, and was living there with his mother and his sister Abby when the Census was taken in 1870. He married his wife Mary at some point after the 1870 Census was taken. The census does not indicate a profession, but by 1876, when he had already moved to Camden, William H. Whaland was working as a bricklayer. The 1879–1880 Camden City Directory shows William H. Whaland living at 628 Cherry Street. William H. Whaland was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in the spring of 1884 to serve as an extra man with Engine Company 2. He replaced Charles Fitzsimmons. When the Fire Department was reorganized on July 1, 1885 and eighteen of the extra men were laid off, William H. Whaland was among that number.
When the Census was taken in 1880, the William H. Whaland family resided at 411 Hartman Street in South Camden. Hartman Street was renamed Clinton Street in 1882. The family at that time consisted of William H. Whaland, his wife Mary, and children Lillian, Charles W. Whaland and William K. Whaland. Another son, Harry, was born in 1881.
The family moved to 721 Walnut Street prior to the compilation of the 1881–1882 City Directory. By the middle of 1882 William H. Whaland had moved to 717 Walnut Street. On September 16, 1900 William H. Whaland was awarded an $8.00 per month pension for his Civil War Service.
Charles Whaland appear in Camden City Directories in 1896. In that year and the following his occupation is listed as salesman. In 1898 and 1899 he worked as an umbrella maker. From 1900 through 1905 Charles Whaland is listed as a foreman. He does not appear in the 1906 or 1907 Directories. On January 1, 1908 Charles W. Whaland was one of 25 men appointed to the Camden Police Department.
Census records indicate that Charles Whaland was still residing at 717 Walnut Street as late as the summer of 1910. By the time the Census was taken, his mother, Mary Whaland had passed away. His father William H. Whaland was also still living at the Walnut Street address as was brother William K. Whaland, an umbrella cutter. Youngest son Harry had married Harriet Davis and was working as a telegraph operator. By 1914 Harry Whaland had become a lawyer, practicing in Camden. By 1920 brother William K. Whaland had also joined the Camden Police Department.
Charles W. Whaland served approximately 20 years with the Camden Police Department, and had been promoted to the rank of Detective by January of 1920. City Directories show addresses at 1421 Mount Ephraim Avenue in 1912 and 1913, 1027 Atlantic Avenue from 1914 to 1920, and 1147 Whitman Avenue in 1927 and 1928.
Charles W. Whaland Sr. had retired and moved to Quakertown, Pennsylvania by October of 1931. He died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage in Quakertown, Pennsylvania on November 27, 1931.
Camden Increases Its Police Force
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Ellis Adds Twenty-five New Officers to Growing City’s Department
Camden’s police force was increased by the appointment of twenty-five additional officers by Mayor Ellis yesterday. There were also several promotions, two new captains, two sergeants and one detective being made as follows: Captains, Edward Hyde and A. Lincoln James, advanced from sergeants; sergeants, E. B. McClong and Edward Hartman, advanced from patrolmen; detective, John Brothers, advanced from patrolman: new patrolmen. Fred Schweizer, William Briant, Charles Hume, Charles Wilbur, Wright Cox, Walter Stanton, John Barnett, Tabor Quinn, John Gilbert, Joseph Palese, William Haines, Frederick Watson, Charles Whaland, William Kiker, James Hutt, George Krown, Ube Andrews, Daniel Stanton, Albert Archer, Harry Bakley, John Shuman, Oscar Till, Albertson Matlack, John Devlin, George Hollins, Frank Koplain, Edward King and George Beasley, substitutes.
For the past several weeks there has been much pulling and hauling of the political wires and the various ward leaders have had their own troubles in making selections. Each appointee was subjected to a regulation army examination by Dr. A. H. Lappincott [sic] before he was pronounced fit for the service. When the horses are procured, which may be by next June, six of the men will compose a mounted squad.
Husband Jailed on Wife’s Charge
Camden Post-Telegram —
Joseph Miller, a native of Poland, residing on Orchard street near Chestnut street, was committed to the County Jail in default of $500 bail by Justice Amme this morning on the charge of assaulting his wife on Saturday night.
Miller, according to the evidence, went home drunk about 10 o'clock and after beating his wife drove her into the street. She appealed to Policeman Whaland and he sent her to Squire Amme. Armed with a warrant from the latter official Whaland went to the house, arrested Miller, sent him to the City Hall and placed the wife in possession of the home.
Police Pension Fund Election
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There was a spirited contest at the annual election of officers of the Camden Police Pension Fund yesterday. J. Oscar Weaver won out for the presidency of the fund over George Anderson. The other officers elected follow: Vice president, James Clay; recording secretary, Edward Hyde; financial secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, George Cooper, Albert Shaw and Harry Mines.
Charles Whaland on Duty Again
Camden Daily Courier —
Charles Whaland, a prominent member of the Seventh Ward Republican Club and an officer of the Second District Police Station, returned to duty last night after being confined to his home for the past ten days suffering from a broken jaw. Whaland is one of the crack players on the police base ball team. Saturday, one week ago, he was playing with the Liberty Park ball team against the Emerald team. He was hit in the face by a pitched ball and his jaw was broken by the contact. His eye was also swollen to unusual proportions. With his combination of facial decorations he was placed on the Broadway “beat” last night and the crowd of curious gazers can well be imagined.
Family Photo
circa 1911
Charles Whaland, Clara Bell Whaland, and Charles Whaland Jr.
Chicken Thieves Start Something
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There was plenty of excitement at an early morning fire at the place of Joseph Hughes, 800 Kaighn avenue, Camden, yesterday. In the first place chicken thieves were after some choice fowls, and when they were heard by inmates of the house they fled, dropping matches and setting fire to a quantity of straw. Then Policeman Whaland and several firemen were called upon to rescue the chickens and they were nearly suffocated before they succeeded. Companies from No. 3 engine house encountered a herd of steers while on the way to the blaze and the firemen had to jump from their apparatus to drive the animals away before they could proceed. After that the blaze from the coop set fire to the barn and the entire neighborhood was aroused. Only the fact that the firemen did excellent service prevented the many surrounding frame dwellings from being burned.
Father and Son
circa 1913
Charles W. Whaland & Charles W. Whaland Jr. on Atlantic Avenue, circa 1913
Police Carnival Was a Gigantic Success
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Considered one of the most successful events ever given in Camden, the second annual industrial show and carnival of the Camden Police Beneficial Association came to a close in the Third Regiment Armory Saturday night with the “crowning of the queen.” Miss Margaret Rudolph, daughter of Chas. Rudolph, of Master street, was accorded that honor. It is estimated that during the week more than 30,000 persons visited the armory and participated in the festivities.
The committee that had charge of the affair included Milton Stanley, Captain Edward Hyde, Sergeant E. B. McClong, Frank Crawford, Peter Gondolf, William Lvone [sic], Harry Miller, Arthur Colsey, Thomas Reed, William Potter, Tabor Quinn, Charles Whaland, George Anderson, Albert Shaw, Sergeant Horner and Thomas Cunningham.
Dogs Feed on Dead Man
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dogs Feed on Dead Man
Officer Who Discovers Body Attacked by Famished Animals
When Policeman Charles Whaland forced the door at the home of William Oswill, 66, of 1521 Norris street, Camden, yesterday, he saw the aged man lying dead on the floor while two famished dogs stood guard over him. Part of his face had been chewed away by the ravenous animals. As the officer entered the room they attacked him and he had a terrific battle before he was able to conquer them.
Oswill had lived alone and was apparently stricken with heart disease at least two days ago and had fallen on the floor. The barking of the dogs caused the investigation.
Dead Master Eaten by Hungry Pet Dogs
Des Moines Register —
Police, After Week, Enter the House and Find Mutilated Body.
CAMDEN, N. J., Feb. 26.—For almost a week the children of Norris street have missed the bent, white haired William Oswill, shuffling slowly along the pavement with his two fat, staid dogs at his heels. A crowd of them gathered at the old man's home yesterday and watched Patrolman Charles Whalan [sic] smash in the kitchen door. Presently the policeman came back and clung to a post of the stoop, sick and white and trembling. One of the boys started into the dark house, and Whalan [sic] almost screamed as he called him back.
The policeman telephoned for Coroner Harry F. Bushey. Then he pulled himself together and re-entered the silent dwelling. In a corner of the dim parlor, the two dogs crouched, fat and staid no longer. Whalan [sic] felt their guilty, ashamed eyes upon him as he closed his own and spread a cloth over the disfigured remains of their master. One of the animals whimpered and the policeman fled.
Coroner Bushey said that the old man had died of heart failure. He had lain there probably a week.
Police Portrait
Charles W. Whaland
Police Elect Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s Police Beneficial Association yesterday at its annual session donated $25 each to the Camden Day Nursery, Camden Home for Friendless Children, West Jersey Orphanage, Mary J. Ball Nursery, Homeopathic Hospital, Y. M. C. A. War Fund, S. P. C. C., and the Associated Charities. They elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Arthur Colsey; vice president, Thomas Cunningham; financial secretary, Edward Hyde; recording secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Humes, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, Ralph Bond and John Develin.
Police Elect Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s Police Beneficial Association yesterday at its annual session donated $25 each to the Camden Day Nursery, Camden Home for Friendless Children, West Jersey Orphanage, Mary J. Ball Nursery, Homeopathic Hospital, Y. M. C. A. War Fund, S. P. C. C., and the Associated Charities. They elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Arthur Colsey; vice president, Thomas Cunningham; financial secretary, Edward Hyde; recording secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Humes, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, Ralph Bond and John Develin.
City Plan Commission Appointed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A City Plan Commission for one year was appointed as follows: T. Gordon Coulter, F. A. Finkeldey, George Kappell, William C. Davis, Theodore T. Kausel, Allen Jarvis, Frank S. Vanhart, Frederick von Nieda and Joseph Forsyth, the last three being members of City Council. Dr. Charles P. Tuttle, Dr. H. F. Bushey, Chief of Police Gravenor and Policeman Charles Whaland were appointed the Police Pension Fund Commission.
Police Arrest New Camden Storekeeper
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Alleged Man Embezzled $8000 From New York Employer
Charged with embezzling upwards of $10,000 from Dr. D. V. Jackson, who conducts a dental surgery hospital at 40 East Forty-first street, New York, Banjamin Lendersman, aged 33 years, was arrested yesterday in Camden, where, under the name of Benjamin Burke, he had been conducting a cigar and confectionery store at 1177 Princess avenue. He purchased the business a month ago, immediately following his disappearance from New York. Since that time Pinkerton detectives have been looking for the fugitive, who was located by Policeman Charles Whaland by means of a description. Captain of Detectives Schregler stated last night that Landersman admitted his guilt and that he further said he thought his shortage was something over $4000. Part of the money was used in the purchase of an automobile.
Landersman was employed by Dr. Jackson as a confidential secretary, in which capacity he took charge of all receipts. He deposited his employer’s money in his own name and the alleged defalcation was not discovered until the trusted employe disappeared. He came to Camden with his wife and daughter a few days after he quit New York, and purchased the Princess avenue store. Landersman gave his old address as 104 Pulaski avenue, Brooklyn, and said he had served ten months in jail in that city for bigamy.
Camden Mayor Advises Saving in City Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Only Expenditures for Actual Needs of Municipality Recommended to Council
Mayor Ellis, of Camden, in presenting his annual message to City Council yesterday at its reorganization for the ensuing year, stated that in accordance with the government’s plea for the conservation of our resources, he refrained from offering suggestions that would mean the expenditure of large sums of money. His recommendations were therefore along lines of what he termed the city’s actual needs.
Pointing out that labor scarcity and war restrictions on materials had hampered street construction by the Highway Department, the Mayor stated since the establishment of the city-owned plant 161,[?] square yards of asphalt have been laid, in addition to an almost equal amount of resurfacing and patching, at a cost of much less than charged by private contract. He advocated the purchase of a boat to patrol the river front during the war, and called attention to the need of more men in both the Police and Fire Departments.
In discussing the proposed bridge connecting Camden and Philadelphia, Mayor Ellis stated New Jersey is in readiness to enact the need [sic] legislation, and that all that is necessary to give the project the impetus that will mean its construction is the taking of the necessary steps by the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Mayor Ellis spoke of the wisdom of the establishing of the auxiliary pumping station of the municipal water plant, and stated that during the year it is planned to bore more artesian wells. He urged that a special committee be appointed to supervise and lend financial aid to the summer war gardens. In connection with the library, the Mayor advocated the purchase of such books as will fit the youth of the city for the changed conditions brought about by the war.
Council confirmed a number of appointments recommended by Mayor Ellis. William H. Davis was reappointed a member of the City Board of Assessors, and Howard M. Cooper and Thomas French were made members of the Board of Library Trustees, the first succeeding himself, and the latter Wilbur F. Rose, resigned. Dr. A. Haines Lippincott was appointed police and fire surgeon, succeeding the late Dr. E. A. Y. Schellenger. Herbert A. Munger was reappointed a member of the Sinking Fund Commission for three years.
A City Plan Commission for one year was appointed as follows: T. Gordon Coulter, F. A. Finkeldey, George Kappell, William C. Davis, Theodore T. Kausel, Allen Jarvis, Frank S. Vanhart, Frederick von Nieda and Joseph Forsyth, the last three being members of City Council. Dr. Charles P. Tuttle, Dr. H. F. Bushey, Chief of Police Gravenor and Policeman Charles Whaland were appointed the Police Pension Fund Commission.
There are but two new members of City Council, William J. Kelly, of the Eighth ward, and Clifford K. Deacon, of the Tenth ward.
Raised to Detective Bureau
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Taken from the ranks of policemen, Edward S. King, of the Ninth ward, and Charles Whaland, of the Seventh ward, were yesterday named by Mayor Ellis as members of the Detective Bureau. During the draft work both officers were attached to the Mayor’s department as investigators and their appointment is a reward for the valuable services rendered.
Sneak Thief Robs House
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A sneak thief yesterday entered the home of Mrs. Erdbrink, of 1209 Kaighn avenue, Camden, and carried away $19. City Detective Charles Whaland is investigating.
Hit by Motortruck, Old Woman Dies
Woodbury Daily Times —
As the result of being run down by a motor truck on Monday, Mrs. Viola Spiegle, 68 years old, 432 Chestnut street, Camden, died yesterday.
Mrs. Spiegle was crossing Fourth street and Kaighn avenue when she was struck by a big truck in charge of Leon Corsey, of 70 Park avenue, Woodbury. The injured woman was taken to the hospital, and was not at first believed to have been seriously hurt. The driver of the machine reported the accident to the police and an investigation was made by City Detective Charles Whaland. Corsey said Mrs. Spiegle stepped out of the way of a wagon into the path of the motor truck. He is now under bail to appear in the police court, Camden, next Monday.
Alleged Auto Thief Held in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Arrested at Grossman’s garage at Second street and Kaighn avenue, Camden, on a charge of the theft of a car owned by C. S. Van Pelt, of 2523 South Millick street, Philadelphia, William Sing, 32 years old, of 2611 South Sixty-first street, Philadelphia, is said by Captain of Detectives Schregler to have admitted his guilt to the charge. He will be formally held for requisition today by Recorder Stackhouse. The car was stolen on June 28 from Van Pelt’s garage and was located at the Kaighn avenue garage by Detective Whaland. The machine had been left there by a man who offered it for sale for $250 and who was to return for his money. Whaland waited at the garage and when Sing called for payment he was arrested.
Boy Admits Burning Boat to Bring Peace in Family
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel —
Philadelphia—Confessing that he set fire to and burned a $2,000 motorboat to end a quarrel between his parents over a proposed trip, Ernest Grief, Jr., was committed to Camden county jail by Recorder Stackhouse on the youth’s seventeenth birthday.
The boat was the property of George Wagner.
“On Wednesday, May 25,” said the boy at the hearing, “I was lying on a couch in the sitting room. My mother and father were also in the room. They were arguing about him going away on a trip with the boat club from Friday until Monday.
Swam Ashore
“Then my father went out and I told my mother that something had to be done and that I would burn the boat so that he couldn’t go on it.” He said that on the following morning he left the house at 2 o’clock.
“I got my canoe,” he said, “and went up to the boat my father was going away in and which belongs to Mr. Wagner. I took the gasoline out of the tank and spread it over the boat and then struck a match to it. It blazed up and threw me overboard. I swam ashore, got the canoe, came home and went to bed.”
In the courtroom was his mother, Mrs. Emma Grief. “I have had a good bit of trouble with my husband,” she said. “He belongs to a boat club at Forest Hill park. He said he was going on a trip with the club. I told him I didn’t want him to go. He called me names and said he would go. I said he would not go. We had some more words and then he went out.”
Police Trace Canoe
Stating that her son was on a couch at the time, Mrs. Grief continued: “After my husband went out Ernest said to me, ‘Mother, something will have to be done; I’ll burn the boat, then he can’t go on the trip and maybe it will make him better to you and he will treat you better.’ My son came downstairs Friday and said to me: ‘Mother, did you see the flames last night?’ I said I did not. Then he said: ‘Pop will never take that trip; I done this to save you, mom.’”
After the burning of the boat a hat was found along the banks of the river. City Detectives Fitzsimmons and Whaland in an investigation also learned that a green canoe had been seen along the river just before the fire. The canoe was traced to the home of the Grief boy. He admitted his guilt.
Bank Robbery Case
Philadelphia Public Ledger —
Named: Walter Hall, Kaighn Avenue, James Weaver, Parkside Trust Company, and Charles Whaland.
Camden Girl is Shot Mysteriously in Leg
Philadelphia Public Ledger —
Gun Flashes in Dark as She Crosses Vacant Lot
Annie Franchetti, sixteen years old, 1200 Van Hook street, Camden, was mysteriously shot through the leg while returning to her home from work last evening.
Miss Franchetti, who is employed in a box factory, was crossing a vacant lot near her home with two other girls, when a shot suddenly flashed out in the darkness. The bullet went through the calf of Miss Franchetti’s leg.
She was taken to the home of Dr. William Moore, Mt. Ephraim avenue, where her wound was dressed. She was sent home. Neither Miss Franchetti nor her companions saw the assailant. Although Miss Franchetti is an Italian, there is no vendetta mixed up in the affair, according to City Detective Whaland, who is investigating. Detective Whaland also discounts the theory of a jealous lover, saying that he believed it to be the work of boys who probably fired the pistol without any thought of injuring any one.
Police Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Buried on Thursday in New Camden cemetery, the body of Isadore Poplowski, a suicide, was exhumed yesterday and identified by Clayton Stormfeltz, of 1243 Van Hook street, as the man who stabbed him in the abdomen last Friday night.
Polpawski [sic] was 35 years old, and lived at 1825 Salem street. His body was found hanging to the limb of a tree at Oaklyn on Tuesday night, and it is the belief of Detective Charles Whaland that he ended his life on the night of the stabbing in fear that he had killed his victim. When the body was found it was in a badly decomposed state, and had been hanging to the tree for several days.
Stormfeltz was stabbed while conversing with friends in a store at 623 Ferry avenue. Not until after the body of Poplawski was buried were the police advised that the suicide was the man for whom they were looking.
Stormfeltz is a foreman at a factory where Poplawski was formerly employed. Police say there was no provocation for the stabbing. Poplowski drawing the knife and lunging at Stormfeltz as he passed from the store. The injury inflicted was slight.