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.
Police Appointments
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: 25 new police appointments. Charles H. Ellis, Edward Hyde, A Lincoln James, E.B. McClong, Edward Hartman, John Brothers, Fred Schwetzer, William Bryant, Charles Humes, 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, Ulie Andrews, Daniel Stanton, Albert Archer, Harry Bakley, John Shuman, Oscar Till, Albertson Matlack, John Devlin, George Hollins, Frank Koplain, Edward King, George Beasley, and Dr. A. Haines Lippincott.
Police Report
Camden Post-Telegram —
Husband Jailed on Wife's Charge
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 letter official Whaland went; in pursuit of the fugitive, found him at his house, arrested Miller, sent him to the City Hall and placed the wife in possession of the home.
Police Group Photo
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Police Pension Fund Election
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.
Police Investigation
Camden Daily Courier —
Charles Whaland on Duty Again
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 was 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. The crowd of curious gazers can well be imagined.
Family Photo
circa 1911
Charles Whaland, Clara Bell Whaland, and Charles Whaland Jr.
Fire Investigation
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 Detectives
Philadelphia Inquirer —
POLICE CARNIVAL WAS A GIGANTIC SUCCESS
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 50,000 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, Harry Miller, Arthur Colsey, Thomas Reed, William Potter, Tabor Quinn, Charles Whaland, George Anderson, Albert Shaw, Sergeant Horner and Thomas Cunningham.
Investigation Report
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.
Investigation Coverage
Des Moines Register —
Dead Master Eaten by Hungry Pet Dogs
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 Charitable Activities
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Police Elect Officers
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.
Draft Registration
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.
Investigation Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
POLICE ARREST NEW CAMDEN STOREKEEPER
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.
Police Promotions
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Edward S. King, Charles H. Ellis, and Charles Whaland.
Robbery Investigation
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Mrs. Erdbrink, Kaighn Avenue, and Charles Whaland.
Investigation Report
Woodbury Daily Times —
Hit by Motortruck, Old Woman Dies
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 40 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.
Criminal Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Alleged Auto Thief Held in Camden
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.
Murder Investigation
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel —
Named: Ernest Grief Jr., Emma Grief, Charles Fitzsimmons, O. Glen Stackhouse, and George Wagner.
Bank Robbery Case
Philadelphia Public Ledger —
Named: Walter Hall, Kaighn Avenue, James Weaver, Parkside Trust Company, and Charles Whaland.
Criminal Investigation
Philadelphia Public Ledger —
Camden Girl is Shot Mysteriously in Leg
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 he is believed it was 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 Poplawski, 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.
Poplawski 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 625 Ferry avenue. Not until after the body of Poplawski was buried were the police advised that the suicide was the man 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. Poplawski drew a knife and lunging at Stormfeltz as he passed from the store. The injury inflicted was slight.