Introduction
Claudius W. Bradshaw
CLAUDIUS W. BRADSHAW was born in Sheffield, England on October 29, 1835. His parents came to America in 1840, and after three years in Philadelphia settled in Camden in 1843.
After receiving his education he pursued the wood turner’s trade. He married Eliza Jane Marks, the County Clerk has the dates recorded twice, as December 25, 1858 and as January 30, 1859. Eliza Marks’ sister Sophia married Isaac McKinley, and at the time of the 1860 Census the Bradshaws and the McKinleys lived next door to each other in Camden’s South Ward.
Taking an interest in civic affairs, Claudius Bradshaw served as a volunteer fireman.
By the time of the 1880 census Claudius Bradshaw had been elected mayor. The Bradshaw family at that time included five children, Claudius E., Clara, Charles H., Florence M., and Milton R. Bradshaw.
George Reeser Prowell wrote the following about the two companies in his History of Camden County, New Jersey, published in 1886:
The Independence Fire Company No. 1, organized with Lambert F. Beatty, president; William S. Frazer, secretary; and Joseph Wagner, treasurer. Among the early members were Jacob Prettyman, David Page, Thomas Stites, Andrew Stilwell, Francis E. Harpel, Restore Cook, John Wallace, Claudius W. Bradshaw, William H. Hawkins, Christopher J. Mines, Henry Bradshaw, William E. Walls, William Howard, Albert Dennis, Elwood Bounds, Samuel H. Stilwell, Albert V. Mills, Robert S. Bender, Lewis Yeager, Thomas McCowan and William W. Mines. The company met in a building at Third Street and Cherry for a year, when it was burned. Lewis Yeager gave the company free use of a lot on Third Street, above Cherry, where an engine-house of slabs, donated by Charles Stockham, was built. In 1853 a lot on Cherry Street, above Third, was purchased and on it a frame house was built. This was used until 1859, when, owing to a defect in the title, the sheriff advertised the property for sale. When he reached the ground on the day of the sale he found the house, with its contents, and a number of the members of the company, on an adjoining lot belonging to James B. Dayton, who permitted the action. The following year, 1860, they bought and built, on the north side of Pine Street, above Fourth, a three-story brick, then the most complete fire-engine house in Camden, and which was sold for four thousand five hundred dollars to the city. The Independence was a hose company until June 4, 1864, when they secured an Amoskeag engine, being the first fire-engine in use by the fire companies of Camden. Early in 1869 they purchased a larger engine and when the volunteer firemen were scattered, in the latter part of that year, they sold the Amoskeag to Millville, and the later purchase was kept until 1874, when it was sold to the city. Lambert F. Beatty, John Wallace, William H. Hawkins, J. Kelly Brown, William W. Mines and Edward Gilbert were presidents of the Independence, while its secretaries have been William L. Frazer, William W. Mines, Mortimer C. Wilson and Thomas McCowan; and the treasurers Joseph Wagner and Robert S. Bender, who, elected in 1854, served until October 13, 1874, when, with a roll of sixty members, they met. President Gilbert in the chair, paid all claims against them and formally disbanded.
Claudius Bradshaw became active in politics as a Democrat, and was made city marshal in 1870. He was elected to city council in 1872, and was made Chief of the Camden Fire Department in 1876, serving a three year term. He was succeeded by Samuel S. Elfreth.
In 1880 Claudius W. Bradshaw was elected mayor, defeating Benjamin F. Archer by 31 votes. He was re-elected in 1883, defeating Henry H. Davis, for whom the Davis School in East Camden is named.
During Mayor Bradshaw’s term in office, improvements were made to Federal and Cooper Streets, and the Board of Health was organized under his direction. Several companies that were a part of Camden’s commercial and industrial scene for many years were founded, including J.B. Van Sciver & Company, the Linden Worsted Mills, and the Lace and Embroidery Manufactory. Mayor Bradshaw also had to deal with an earthquake in August of 1884. Running for a third term in 1886, he was defeated by Jesse Pratt.
After leaving office Claudius Bradshaw operated a confectioner’s business at 528 South 3rd Street, the corner of 3rd and Clinton, where he also made his residence, in the late 1880s. By 1890 he had moved to 520 South 2nd Street.
The Trenton Times newspaper reported Claudius Bradshaw as being very ill in its March 21, 1899 edition. He died not long afterwards, survived by his wife, son Charles, daughters Leonia and Florence, and at least three grandchildren.
The History of Camden County New Jersey
George Reeser Prowell — 1886
CLAUDIUS W. BRADSHAW was born in Sheffield, England, October 29, 1835; came to America with his parents in 1840, who located in West Philadelphia, and in 1843 removed to Camden, where, after obtaining his education, the son learned the trade of a wood-turner. He worked at this business for many years; in the meantime was an active member of the Independence Fire Company. In 1870 he was elected city marshal by the Democrats, and in 1872, at a special election, he was elected Councilman-at-large, and broke the deadlock in the Council, which had continued for several weeks. In 1876 he was appointed chief of the Fire Department by the City Council. In 1880 the Democrats elected him mayor by a vote of 3511 to 3470 for Benjamin F. Archer, Republican, and re-elected him in 1883 by a vote of 4317 to 3342 for Henry H. Davis, Republican. He was again a candidate in 1886, when Mayor Pratt was elected.
Before the Mayor
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Slavin was before Mayor Bradshaw yesterday charged with an assault and battery on Asa Cox. He was held in $200 to answer at court.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Receiving Stolen Goods.
Yesterday Mayor Bradshaw gave a hearing to Lizzie Furman, residing in South Camden, on a charge of receiving stolen goods. It appears from the statements made to the mayor that the goods had been stolen from the hosiery manufactory of Messrs. Hogan & Hays, at Sixth and Mechanic streets, by an employee, and that Mrs. Furman knew they had been feloniously taken when she received them. She was held in $300 to answer, and a young girl named Guthridge was held in $100 as a witness.
Burglarious Attempt.
Mayor Bradshaw yesterday committed James Gumby, colored, to the county jail, on the charge of twice entering the yard of William Ross, No. 514 William street, on Sunday evening, about eight o’clock, with the intention, it is supposed, of robbery. Gumby has several times been committed for similar offenses.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Last evening the justices of the peace of Camden, and the constables, held a meeting in the court house to take preliminary measures towards forming a permanent organization for the protection of their interests.
Yesterday Josiah Ewings had a hearing in the Camden District Court, on the charge of refusing to support his wife. She testified that he had not provided for her the past nine months. It was shown, however, that she was not a resident of Camden, and the case was dismissed.
Joseph Fury and James Ayres, two young men who, several days ago, committed an assault and battery on James Dudley, had a hearing before Mayor Bradshaw yesterday morning, and were held in $100 each to answer at court.
It is stated that there are ten cases of smallpox in Marlton, and fears are entertained that it may become epidemic. That place contains about one thousand inhabitants.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Camden Fire Insurance Association yesterday afternoon the following directors were elected for the ensuing year: Josiah D. Rogers, Henry B. Wilson, Jonathan Burr, Edmund E. Reed, Christopher J. Mines, William P. Tatem, Jesse E. Hueston, E. E. Reed, Jr., George W. Gilbert, William S. Scull, William W. Bozarth, John Burr, Charles Wilson, Rudolph W. Birdsell, John W. Wartman, Samuel Hibbs. Subsequently the directors organized by electing Henry B. Wilson, president; Jonathan Burr, secretary; R. W. Birdsell, assistant secretary; Edmund R. Read, treasurer, and Christopher J. Mines, surveyor.
Mayor Williams, of Gloucester City, is lying dangerously sick at his home in that city.
Yesterday the convocation of Burlington P. E. Church held a session in St. John’s Church, Camden, for the transaction of general business. Bishop Scarborough was present. The Communion was celebrated at nine o’clock in the morning, after which the usual services took place. In the evening missionary services were held, and addresses in furtherance of the cause were made.
Revivals are in progress in nearly all the Camden Methodist Churches, and the results are said to be large. In consequence of the continued illness of Rev. Mr. Relyes, pastor of the Broadway Church, Dr. Hanlon, of Pennington Seminary, has been appointed to take charge of that congregation until the pastor recovers.
Yesterday afternoon Justice Cassidy committed a colored man named Purnell, on a charge of practising medicine illegally, in default to answer at court.
At an adjourned meeting of the Camden City Council last evening, Mr. Wartman was made chairman in place of Mr. Donges, absent. Samuel Hibbs was elected election inspector of the First precinct of the Sixth ward. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the license of Ernest Gaetz was lost at last meeting was defeated. A resolution authorizing the Solicitor to compromise for damages caused by sinking a barge loaded with sulphur in Cooper’s Creek, by a water pipe laid across that stream was presented. The suit was commenced by a man named Wrigbtner, who proposed to settle his claim for $250. The resolution was lost—8 to 11. Committee on Special Legislation reported in favor of granting to the city of Camden all riparian rights in front of the same city. Other recommendations were made, and the report was adopted. The matter was authorized to be presented to the Legislature. Adjourned to next Wednesday evening.
Policy Shop Raided on Joint Alley
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Yesterday afternoon information was lodged at police headquarters in Camden that a policy shop was being carried on in Joint alley, below Fourth street. The informant was told to furnish sufficient proof, when an arrest would be made. The man at once went to the place and bought six pieces, and when they were taken to police headquarters Chief of Police Matlack, Lieutenant Kelly and Officers Peterson and John Streeper made a raid on the house at about eight o’clock in the evening, when John W. Baynard, colored, the proprietor of the house; George M. Johnson, colored, the policy writer, and Benjamin Stone, white, a player, were arrested, the latter being detained as a witness. There were also taken drawings of August 7, and of several days, a manifold book, used in writing the pieces, and a small amount in cash. The men will have a hearing before the Mayor to-day.
Mayor Bradshaw Gives Hearing to John Doy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Bradshaw last evening gave a hearing to John Foy for refusing to pay his fare on the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railroad. He was found guilty and committed to the county jail in default of a fine and costs.
Alderman William H. Davis last evening imposed a penalty of a fine and cost, amounting to $13.75, upon William McGinley for using abusive language toward William H. Tyler.
Bradshaw Court: Henrietta Nuson Held to Ball
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Carroll C. Reeves, of Camden, is mentioned as a possible candidate for sheriff.
Henrietta Nuson was held to bail by Mayor Bradshaw yesterday, charged with assault and battery upon Catharine Thomas.
Justice Beckett Before Mayor Bradshaw
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Albert Beckett, justice of the peace of the Seventh ward, pleaded not guilty before Mayor Bradshaw last evening to the charge of obtaining illegal fees from Mrs. Catherine Thomas, who claimed to have been arrested on the charge of keeping a disorderly house. After a hearing the justice was held to answer in the sum of $300, the testimony showing that he had imposed and collected a fee, when the case should have been sent before the grand jury.
Edward Harris, of the Seventh ward, was arrested and locked up at the City Hall last night for assault and battery on his wife.
New Jersey: Jottings From the State Across the Delaware
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Jottings From the State Across the Delaware.
Lizzie Furman was committed to the county jail by Mayor Bradshaw, in default of $100 bail, for trial, charged with stealing a watch, the property of Edward S. Andrews, of No. 105 South Fifth street, Camden.
James Gleason, residing at West street and Bridge avenue, a boss driller in the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s yard, was seriously injured yesterday afternoon by being thrown from a car, caused by the snapping of a brake chain. His head was badly cut. He was taken home and medical aid summoned.
The Gloucester county Republicans have made the following nominations: State Senator—Stacy Pancoast. Assembly—Job S. Haines. For sheriff Daniel J. Packer is supposed to have received the majority.
The commissioners appointed to assess damages by City Council for the opening of Washington street, east of the West Jersey Railroad, met at the City Hall yesterday and decided to recommend the payment of $2500 to Messrs. Roberts & Cohn, through whose property the street will be cut.
Jacob Nelviss, of Paulsboro, was held in $500 bail last evening by Mayor Moss for trial at court charged with cutting William Pull.
David Payton, colored, was held in $100 bail yesterday by Justice Price charged with assaulting the six-year-old son of Caroline Francis.
Business in the Camden District Court was very brisk yesterday, the principal business being landlord and tenant cases. The following warrants of removal were ordered: Hotchkiss vs. Ellis, Dismant vs. Miller, Pancost vs. Porter, Read vs. Shankland, Numbers vs. Simmons, Numbers vs. Hill, Maires vs. Mellow. The case of Shuck vs. Scott was adjourned until September 29. In debt cases judgment for the plaintiff was awarded as follows: Thurler et al. & Co. vs. Cox, $21; Hollinshead vs. Johnson, $25; Rogers vs. Belding, $69.50. The cases of Johnson & Holt vs. Johnson and O’Neil vs. Pine & Callingham were adjourned until the 27th instant; that of Wright vs. Gilmore until September 26. A non-suit was entered in Shull, Wireback & Co. vs. Orcutt, and the case of Lochead vs. the Prudential Insurance Company of America was held under advisement.
Forest fires are still raging in Atlantic county.
Fifty hands have been temporarily laid off at Starr’s Iron Works.
George Rose and Truman B. Woods, arrested on Sunday for disturbing the peace at Front and Birch streets by holding religious meetings, were arraigned before the mayor yesterday and afterwards released.
A fire at Burlington yesterday destroyed Pfeiffer’s stocking factory. Loss, $20,000; covered by insurance.
Powell Committed for Trial Before Mayor Bradshaw
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Noah Powell, the negro held in the Camden city prison on the charge of highway robbery and attempted assault on Miss Emma C. Johnson, was given a further hearing yesterday before Mayor Bradshaw. It was testified that the prisoner had exhibited the money taken from the young girl, and told where he got it. His boarding mistress testified to the same facts, and was corroborated by a man named Leary, who changed the gold piece for Powell. The latter was committed for trial. After being taken to his cell he made a full confession, but denied having had a knife in his hand at the time he attempted the assault.
Auter Convicted Before Mayor Bradshaw
Philadelphia Inquirer —
William Auter, colored, who was arrested on Friday night by Police Officer Blair for robbing a farmer’s wagon, was tried and convicted before Mayor Bradshaw and Justice Farr last night and sentenced to sixty days’ imprisonment. Harry Bunting, his accomplice, was arrested and locked up for a hearing.
Chadwick Charged with Assault Before Mayor Bradshaw
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Chadwick was charged before Mayor Bradshaw yesterday morning with assault and battery on Frank Reed. He was held to bail in the sum of $100 for trial.
Miller Sent to Jail by Mayor Bradshaw for Grand Larceny
Philadelphia Inquirer —
H. Miller, aged twenty-seven, of Delaware township, Camden county, was sent to jail by Mayor Bradshaw yesterday for trial, charged by his father with grand larceny, in selling a load of hay after being warned by the parent not to do so. In defiance of instructions, it is alleged, the son took the hay from the barn and was trying to dispose of it at the hay market when arrested.
Special Session of Camden Criminal Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
At the special session of the Camden Criminal Court on Saturday, before Judges Wescott, Woolston and Gaunt, William Massey was convicted of breaking and entering the residence of John Osler, at No. 317 Clinton street, where he was found concealed under a bed by Mayor Bradshaw on Wednesday night last. Sentence in his case was suspended until the 31st instant in order to give him a chance to prove character. Jane Wilson, who brutally beat a four-year-old adopted daughter and rubbed salt into the wounds, was convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. The following wife beaters had sentence suspended in their cases: Samuel Doughty, William Devlin, William Anderson and Isaac France. Adalaide Whitely was sentenced to three months in the county jail, and Kate Rice to fifteen days on assault and battery charges. Miss Emma Devine was committed to jail in default of $1000 bail for perjury. She had sworn to a charge of assault and battery against her husband, and at the trial stated she had falsely accused him.
A Favorite Row Drawn After a Year’s Rest
Camden Daily Courier —
4-11-44.
A Favorite Row Drawn After a Year’s Rest—Mayor Bradshaw’s Raid.
A raid was made by Chief of Police Matlack and Mayor Bradshaw on Saturday night on a house at 14 South Eighth street, where they had information a policy game had been in operation for some time under the charge of William Smith, alias “Policy Bill,” who has figured before the courts several times in connection with the business. The drawings had been brought in but a few minutes before the officers arrived, and the winning row is said to have been the old familiar 4-11-44, which has not been drawn for at least a year. This excited considerable comment, in the midst of which the mayor and chief stepped in. They secured the drawings, books and papers, but why they made no arrests is somewhat of a mystery. The chief said this morning that the parties got away, but that Smith would probably be arrested this afternoon. The authorities also have a list of the people who frequented the place, and bought rows. The game is said to have amounted to about one hundred dollars a week.
‘Policy Bill’ Did Not Come
Camden Daily Courier & Camden Post —
“Policy Bill” Did Not Come.
Chief Matlack had an assurance that “Policy Bill” Smith would appear this morning and enter bail on the charge of writing at 14 South Eighth street, where the chief captured all the drawings and books on Saturday evening last; but Mr. Smith did not put in his appearance. The case was sent to the grand jury this morning, together with a list of about a dozen witnesses, who were frequenters at the place. Smith is said to be backed by Oscar Stein, the well-known Philadelphia backer.
The Policy Raid.
Mayor Bradshaw this morning sent to the grand jury, the paraphernalia captured in the raid on “Bill” Smith’s policy den, 14 South Eighth street, on Saturday night last by Chief Matlack and Officer Abe Bradshaw. The names of a number of persons who were in the house at the time has also been furnished the grand jury. Smith who fled from the house at the time of the raid has not yet been captured. It is believed he is in Philadelphia making arrangements with his alleged backer, Oscar Stein, to come over and furnish the necessary bail for his appearance when required at court.
Camden News
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Matters of Interest in the City Across the Delaware.
Theodore Lambert, colored, who beat Mrs. Clarkin so badly on Sunday afternoon, when she attempted to take some cigars from him which he had stolen, had a hearing before Mayor Bradshaw yesterday, and was committed to the county jail in default of $600 bail.
Bradshaw Applies for Director of Philadelphia Mint
Philadelphia Inquirer —
* Ex-Mayor Claudius W. Bradshaw has filed an application for appointment as Director of the Philadelphia Mint. He has aimed his political arrow high in the hope of striking something.
Claudius Bradshaw Dead
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CLAUDIUS BRADSHAW DEAD
He Was Twice Elected Mayor of Camden
Claudius W. Bradshaw, former Mayor of Camden, died suddenly last evening at his home, 520 South Second street, Camden, of heart failure. He had been suffering for a long time from Bright’s disease, which weakened his heart. He was critically ill during the past winter, and his life was several times despaired of. He rallied about two months ago, and was able to appear on the street, but about a week ago he was again confined to the house.
Claudius W. Bradshaw was born at Sheffield, England, October 29, 1835. He came to this country with his parents in 1840, and three years later they removed to Camden. Young Bradshaw gained his education in the public schools, and learned the trade of a wood turner. He became an active member of Independence Fire Company, and in 1870 was elected City Marshal on the Democratic ticket. In 1871 the city charter was revised, and there was a deadlock in City Council. The Democrats and Republicans each having elected an equal number of Councilmen. The following year the Legislature provided for the election of a Councilman-at-Large, and Mr. Bradshaw was nominated by the Democrats and elected. When he broke the Councilmanic deadlock he was presented with a key four feet long.
In 1876 Mr. Bradshaw was elected Chief of the Fire Department. He was first elected Mayor of the city in 1880, when he defeated Benjamin F. Archer, Republican. He was opposed for re-election by Dr. H. H. Davis, whom he easily defeated by over 1000 majority. He was a candidate for a third term, but was defeated by Jesse Pratt. He served as a member of the County Excise Board in 1893, and was a member of both the City and County Democratic Executive Committees at the time of his death.
Death Notice: Claudius W. Bradshaw
Philadelphia Inquirer —
BRADSHAW.—On May 28, 1899. Claudius W. Bradshaw, in his 65th year. The relatives and friends of the family and Albion Lodge, No. 22, Sons of St. George, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Thursday, at 2 o’clock, from his late residence, 520 South Second street, Camden, N. J. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Remains can be viewed Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8 o’clock.
Lincoln School Renamed Claudius W. Bradshaw School
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The name of the Abraham Lincoln public school in South Camden has been changed to the Claudius W. Bradshaw school, in honor of the lately deceased former Mayor of Camden. The change was made because there is an Abraham Lincoln school in the East Side district, which is older than the Camden school of that name.
Ex-Mayor Bradshaw’s Funeral
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Funeral services over Claudius W. Bradshaw, former Mayor of Camden, was held yesterday at his late home, 520 South Second street, Camden, by Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church. The pall-bearers were: Ex-Judge Howard Carrow, ex-Assemblyman John Hood, ex-Sheriff Richard Smith, ex-Judge Alfred Hugg, Postmaster L. T. Derousse, School Commissioner Christopher S. Magrath, John W. Donges, M. D.; Mayor Cooper B. Hatch and the two surviving ex-Mayors, Jesse Pratt and J. Leighton Westcott. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Evergreen Cemetery
Claudius W. Bradshaw, Evergreen Cemetery