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 —
Political.
Notwithstanding the unanimity of Hon. George M. Robeson’s nomination for Congress on Friday afternoon, there are many of Mr. Nixon’s friends still dissatisfied, and will, most likely, refuse to vote. The Camden Post declines to recognize the nomination, on the grounds of personal abuse of the proprietors by one of Mr. Robeson’s organs, until the nominee disavows the imputation that he was proxy to or had anything to do with the abusive articles complained of. The proprietors say that they were ready to place at the head of their editorial columns the name of Mr. Robeson on Friday last, but the appearance of the article in the paper alluded to was so bitterly personal that they will not do so unless Mr. Robeson disclaims.
A large number of long-established papers in the First Congressional district opposed Mr. Robeson’s nomination for a third term on honest and conscientious principles, but which would have given him warm support after his nomination. Others outside of the papers would also have worked for him; but they now hesitate on the ground that they are not willing to work in company with those who call them “obedient tools of autocratic authority,” “feeble-minded men who repeat the base falsehoods of larger-brained knaves.” The article in question has given decided offense, and is working injury for Mr. Robeson, and may possibly result in suits for libel.
Camden Courts.
On Saturday, in the Orphans’ Court of Camden county, Judge C. T. Reed presiding, an application was made to discontinue the case concerning the custody of a child belonging to Angeline Korn, on the grounds that the case was pending in the Court of Chancery. The judge refused the application, but continued the hearing until the next term of court. An order to show cause why Mrs. Peak, mother-in-law of George W. Yates, who was sentenced about two weeks ago to a term of imprisonment for failing to support his motherless child, was served on the father, citing him before the court on Saturday next, to show reasons why Mrs. Peak shall not be allowed to adopt the child.
In the Special Sessions William Fulton pleaded guilty to having robbed a jewelry store in Gloucester City, and was sentenced to one year in State’s prison at hard labor. A lad twelve years of age, named Isaiah Castro, colored, was charged with petty larceny. He was sent to the Reform School at Jamesburg. John Osborn, fourteen years of age, was found guilty of stealing a quanty [sic] of potatoes, but his sentence was suspended. Thomas Johnson and Holmer Hill, charged with vagrancy, were discharged. Rachel Henson, for larceny of cabbage, was sentenced to ten days in the county jail. Susan Watson, found guilty of larceny as bailee, by pawning a lot of washclothes belonging to Mrs. J. L. Delacour, was sent to State’s prison for six months. John Market was acquitted of a charge of assault and battery on Benjamin Hylton.
Police Affairs.
Hugh Walls, the man who broke into and robbed the I[?]ter Nos boat house, in Gloucester, in August last, and who was captured in Clinton, Mass., a day or two since, has been finally committed by Justice Cassady, in default of $3000 for trial. The same justice has also committed A. W. Ballard for trial, on a charge of atrocious assault and battery on Eliza Williams, with intent to kill, by cutting her on one of her arms. There are ten persons in the Camden city jail who are to have hearings this morning on charges of being drunk and disorderly in the streets.
Injunction Served.
On Saturday morning an injunction issued by the Court of Chancery was served on John Kelley, one of the firm of Kelley, O’Neill & Co., coal dealers in Camden, restraining him from selling coal out of the firm’s yard. The company have been missing coal for some time, leading to trouble, and resulting in several arrests of persons interested, each claiming a right to sell the coal to purchasers.
Committed for Larceny.
On Saturday night Mayor Bradshaw gave a hearing to William Harris and Charles, alias “Dunk” Osler, on a charge of having stolen two boxes of cigars from the store of a Mr. William Jones, on North Front street, near Pearl. They sold the cigars to parties near by, who identified the prisoners. In default they were committed to the county jail to await trial.
Captured.
Lewis Byard, colored, who was charged with being connected, with William Eldridge, in a violent assault and battery on a woman named Mary Jane Still, a few weeks ago, was arrested on Saturday night, and committed for a hearing this morning before Mayor Bradshaw. Eldridge was arrested at the time, but Byard escaped by going to Atlantic City.
Attempted Burglary.
Early on Saturday morning two thieves [cut off at the crop edge]
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OVER THE RIVER
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 small-pox 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. Bozorth, John Burr, Charles Wilson. 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 Cassiday 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 Wrighter, 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
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 ball [sic] 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—Mayor Bradshaw’s Raid
Camden Daily Courier —
4-11-44.
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.
The Policy Raid
Camden Post —
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 ball [sic].
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 —
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
Frequent Battles for City Clerk
Camden Courier-Post —
FROM AN OLD CITY DIRECTORY
Yellowed Volume of Half Century Ago Revives Memory of Bradshaw Regime, Persistency of Squire Fred Tarr to Land Clerkship and Treasurer Michellon
(Another in a series of articles on Camden affairs and personalities of yesteryear.)
By BEN COURTER
AN OLD city directory is seemingly lacking in inspiration, at least to one who may casually turn the yellowing pages. There is but the interminable list of names, addresses and occupations, of “ads” of business and industrial enterprises, most of which have been forgotten long since, some few surviving, fewer still going strong, having developed into concerns known nationally.
BEN COURTER
Sometime since City Clerk Frank S. Albright dug up from the archives such a directory, not too old to be interesting to many who have resided here through many years. It was published just half a century ago and contains approximately 15,000 names, the great majority of whom must necessarily have passed the Great Divide. Evidently it did not list Camden’s entire population of that period for the census of 1880 gives a total of 41,659, but in that comparatively far off day, far off at least to the present younger generation, heads of households were given without the names of wives, if they happened to be married. It is likewise evident that those who gathered the data skipped many a house so that the whole population of Camden is by no means represented.
Old-Time Officials Listed
But care was used in one particular, to list the officials who then guided the destinies of the state, the county and the city. It may be imagined that very few are still “in our midst,” none of those who held the important offices, for most of them were then men in their middle years, many well along toward the allotted three score and ten.
If there is more or less displeasure in this year of grace 1932 on the part of taxpayers over the new City Hall, its cost and its location, principally due to the jolt of the slump following on the heels of unparalleled prosperity, the half century-old directory revives memories to old timers of a somewhat analogous situation with respect to the municipal pile on Haddon avenue. While it had been reared on ground donated by Jesse W. Starr, the ironmaster of Camden, in 1871, and belatedly accepted in 1874, it was not until December of 1875 that City Council held its first session. And it was considered far away from the beaten track, “put in the cornfield,” where the wiseacres of the period were certain the confines of the city never would reach.
This old directory shows that Claudius W. Bradshaw was mayor of Camden in 1881. He was then 46 years old and resided at 532 South Second street. Mayor Bradshaw was one of the most active figures in Camden’s affairs, was a wood-turner by trade, had served as chief of the fire department, was city marshal and in 1873 was elected councilman-at-large under the amendment to the city charter. That office was created to break deadlocks in council, which all too frequently tied up city affairs prior to that time. And at that period Council had been unable to organize since there were 12 each of Democrats and Republicans.
Bradshaw’s integrity and sincerity resulted in his election to the mayoralty post in 1880 over B. F. Archer by the slim majority of 41. He was re-elected in 1883 by 972, but three years later Jesse Pratt, Republican of the Eighth Ward, defeated him by a margin of 1768, apparently in one of those turnovers not unusual in American cities. But Mayor Bradshaw was held in high esteem and to this day mention his name to those who knew him and they will go into superlatives to impress one with his integrity and square dealing.
Squire Fred W. Tarr
Those who recall Squire Frederick W. Tarr, of the Third Ward, mayor’s clerk when the directory was printed, will tell you he was about the most persistent candidate for city clerk so far as Camden records go.
Tarr started after that job back in 1872 when he was elected over Joseph C. Nichols, who had held the office since 1869, by 13 to 12 vote of council. But in 1873 Nichols turned the tables and was winner by 14 to 11 for Tarr. The next year Tarr won by a vote over Nichols, but that nip and tuck game ended in November of that year when Nichols resigned to become deputy under Sheriff Jacob Daubman. Joseph Bontemps was elected to fill the vacancy, was re-elected 14 to 11 over Tarr in 1873, and the following year the presistent Tarr won over Bontemps by 13 to 11. Frank F. Michellon, who was later to become treasurer, beat Tarr in 1877 by 15 to 9 and again in 1878 by 17 to 8. Tarr, a Democrat like Bradshaw, was popular and highly regarded by his own and those of opposite political faith. In later years he became one of the widely-known squires of Camden when that office meant something, when domestic and other rows were amicably settled in their offices. He was a tailor by trade.
So far as the records of 1881 go, Michellon is shown to have defeated John J. Welsh 15 to 10. Richard C. Thompson, Camden’s seventeenth city clerk, beat Michellon in 1882, by 14 to 11, and he was re-elected in 1883 by 15 to 8 to Nichols, who had returned to the field after nearly a decade. D. Cooper Carman, who was to become one of the Republican leaders in the city, defeated R. C. Thompson in 1884, John D. Courter in 1885 and was elected unanimously in 1886. Michellon, by the way, was elected city treasurer in 1884 and Thompson was made supervisor of highways.
Michellon and Plug Hat
Michellon was a gentleman of the old school in everything that term implies. He was a neat dresser and when, on occasion, he wore his high silk tile his was a figure which attracted attention. He was a fine-appearing man, his flowing side whiskers, then not so conspicuous as they would be in these days of a nation of shaved faces, adding to his rather commanding presence. Many there are who yet recall Frank Michellon with unquestioned fond recollection.
Born in Philadelphia in 1844, his paternal ancestry dating back to France, the family came to Camden in 1844, where the father was for many years cashier of the old Kaighn Point Ferry Company. The son in his boyhood became clerk in the hardware store of Henry B. Wilson, later entered the office of “Uncle Peter” Voorhees, one of Camden’s best known lawyers of that time, and then learned conveyancing, but politics interested him from his early years and as narrated he was repeatedly honored by the Republican party. He was succeeded as city treasurer by Colonel George D. Felton, whose unfortunate death at the beginning of this century shocked the community.
More memories from the old directory will be revived in another article.
Camden Justly Proud of Splendid Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HEADQUARTERS OF CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Change From Volunteer to Paid “Laddies” Will Be Appropriately Celebrated Next Wednesday
It is probably unknown to the average citizen that Camden had a paid Fire Department some years before Philadelphia. It is just forty years since the gallant volunteer fire-fighters went out of service. To be exact, it was September 2, 1869, that Camden City Council provided to pay its firemen, and on December 10 of the same year they went into service. This event is to be fittingly celebrated next Wednesday in a demonstration in which the business men of the city, as well as the municipal departments, will participate.
It was not until March 15, 1810, that Camden boasted of even a volunteer fire company, and it was on that date that the Perseverance Fire Company was organized. In 1834 there were two such organizations which had been increased to six by 1851. For the most part these distinct aggregations of fire-fighters did not get along very well together and controversies were frequent.
SAMUEL S. ELFRETH
Chief of the Camden Fire Department
Companies Reorganized
City Council felt itself called upon to reorganize these companies in 1866 by ordinance, and some semblance of system was inaugurated by electing James Ayers marshal, followed by Wesley P. Murray. But while the companies did gallant service, it was thought best to have a department under the control of the city and that the firemen should receive some compensation for their services.
It was in consequence of this that Council on September 2, 1869, adopted the ordinance providing for the appointment of five fire commissioners, marshal and two assistants. The commissioners included Messrs. Harbert, Kirkbride, Perks, Bingham and Daubman. William Abels was appointed the first marshal, with William W. Mines as assistant in the First district at Fourth and Pine streets, and William H. Sherman, assistant in the Second district at Fifth and Arch streets.
Bender Made Chief
Abels was succeeded in 1871 by Robert Bender, who gave place to Henry Serault. In 1876 Bender was again placed in charge but was soon displaced by Claudius W. Bradshaw, afterwards Mayor of the city. Then Samuel S. Elfreth, the present chief, was placed in charge. He remained until 1881, when Daniel Carter was made chief. Three years later Elfreth was once more in charge. In 1887 Bender was given the office which he retained until 1890, when Chief Elfreth succeeded him and has since remained in that position.
As presently constituted, the department includes Chief Elfreth, First Assistant Samuel S. Buzine, Second Assistant George P. Cox and Third Assistant Walter Browning, beside captains, lieutenants, engineers and others to the total of one hundred efficient men who have repeatedly proved their value in saving valuable proptrty [sic].
Department Well Equippd [sic]
As to the aparatus [sic], there are six fire engines, six combination hose and chemical wagons, two hose carriages, one aerial hook and ladder, one chemical engine, beside other necessary vehicles, some of which are held in reserve.
There are thirty-nine horses distributed in the nine houses. The headquarters are located at Fifth and Arch streets, which is thoroughly modern in all of its equipments.
Under Chief Elfreth, who has been in the service nearly forty years, the department has been brought to such a high standard of efficiency that the Underwriters’ Association recently paid special attention to it by decreasing insurance rates fifteen per cent. Councils’ Fire Commissioners, of which Councilman Harry R. Read is chairman, has also done much to make the department the success it is at present.
Weccacoe Company Made Camden History As Leaders of Early Volunteer Fire Fighters
Camden Courier-Post —
First Steam Engine Used to Stop Flames Was Purchased in 1864 for $850
1300-Pound Bell Suspended From Two Poles Served as Alarm for City
This is the second installment of a history of fire fighting in Camden from the time of the formation of the first volunteer company in 1810 to 1936. It is the first complete history of the fire department written since 1886 and links the old volunteers with the new paid motorized department. It is being published in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, which is being sponsored by the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association and the Camden Fire Department. Yesterday’s installment told of the formation of the Perseverance Fire Company in 1810, the first in the city’s history.
The famous Weccacoe Fire Company was instituted in 1830 and incorporated in 1852. It was the parent to the Weccacoe Hose Company. The company had its fire house on Plum street, now Arch, between Fifth and Sixth streets. A marble slab between the second and third floors was a marker with its history briefly inscribed. The building, later used as The Grill, was razed for the erection of the new city hall and court house annex.
The Fairmount Company, later known as the Niagara, was reorganized as the Weccacoe Fire Company, No. 2, in 1848. The headquarters of the company was moved to the old City Hall lot on Federal street, where the Public Service building now stands. William Hanna joined this company in 1835, James M. Cassady in 1838 and James W. Ayers in 1843. Ayers was later fire marshal.
Weccacoe Fire Company, No. 2, should not be confused with Weccacoe Hose Company, No. 2, the “Last of the Mohicans,” as far as volunteer fire companies are concerned in the city’s history. The Camden paid department succeeded this and other companies in 1869.
Richard Fetters presented the names of Edward Steer and 32 other persons to City Council on September 1, 1848, as the personnel of the new Weccacoe company. Council gave the company the use of the old “Niagara”, after giving its recognition.
Steam Engine Bought in 1864
In 1850 the company purchased a better second-hand pumper from the Southwark Commissioners, Philadelphia, for $750. It was rebuilt in 1853 by John Agnew at a cost of $850. The first steam engine was purchased by this company in 1864.
A bell weighing 1300 pounds was suspended from two poles in front of the fire house. It served as an alarm for the entire city. Several attempts by incendiaries to destroy the building finally succeeded on February 17, 1854.
Then the company established headquarters on Fifth street above Arch in a two-story brick building on the site of the old Columbia Gardens, which was originally a cemetery.
The company was incorporated in 1852 with the following as incorporators: John Lanning, James M. Cassady, James W. Ayers, Isaac Shreve, Wesley P. Murray, Joseph F. Murray, Joshua S. Porter, Daniel B. McCully, Richard G. Camp, James Doughten, Stone H. Stow, Charles H. Thorne, and Matthew Miller, Jr.
Mohawks Formed in 1849
Ayers was elected president at the time the company was organized and continued until 1854, when he was absent from the city for a year. He was president until the company was disbanded.
The Mohawk Fire Company was organized in the Spring of 1849, but its career was turbulent and short lived. The company met in a three-story brick house at the northwest corner of Third and Cherry streets. The organizers were men of reputation.
Lambert F. Beatty was president and William S. Frazier secretary. The company was strong in numbers but a lawless element got into the membership with the result there were brawls, riots and other disorder. Fearing incendiarism the company disbanded on April 23, 1851.
Independence Fire Company, No. 3, was organized to take the place of the Mohawk company and Beatty was chosen president and Frazier secretary of the new group. Joseph Wagner was named secretary. Among the early members were Claudius W. Bradshaw, later chief of the paid fire department and still later mayor; Robert S. Bender, also later a chief in the paid department; Jacob Prettyman, David Page, Thomas Stites, Andrew Stilwell, Francis E. Harper, Restore Cook, John Wallace, William H. Hawkins, Christopher J. Mines, later sheriff; Albert V. Mills, Lewis Yeager, Thomas McCowan and William W. Mines.
Fire Destroys Home
The company met in a frame building at Third and Cherry streets for a year. The building was destroyed by fire and Yeager gave the company a plot of ground near Third and Cherry streets. Charles Stockham, lumber merchant, gave lumber for the construction of a new firehouse. The company purchased another lot on Third street above Cherry street in 1853. This was occupied until 1859 when a defect in the title resulted in the property being offered for sale by the sheriff.
When the sheriff arrived on the scene the day of the sale he found the firemen and their apparatus were on an adjoining lot, and James B. Dayton, who caused the sale, was in possession of the firehouse.
In 1860 the company bought a lot on Pine street, east of Fourth, and built a three-story brick building, one of the most substantial firehouses in the city. The building was subsequently sold to the city for $4500 and now houses Engine Company No. 1.
Independence was a hose company until June 4, 1864, when an Amoskeag steam fire engine was purchased. It was the first steam engine used in the city. In 1869 the company purchased a larger engine, selling the Amoskeag to Millville. Millville sold it to the city of Camden in 1874.
Disbands in 1874
Bender served as president of the company from 1854 until October 13, 1874, when the company formally disbanded after paying all claims. It had a roster of 60 men.
Other presidents of the company were Timothy C. Moore, who was also a president of Mohawk; Beatty, William L. Frazier, Mines, John Wallace, Hawkins, J. Kelly Brown and Gilbert. Other secretaries were Mines, Mortimer C. Wilson and McCowan. Bender and Joseph Wagner served as treasurers.
The Shiffler Hose Company, No. 1, was organized March 7, 1849, and was given councilmanic recognition on August 30 that year. The charter members were George W. Thompson, president; George F. Ross, secretary; Joseph Brown, W. W. Burt, Charles Cheeseman, Robert Maguire, Samuel Brown, John G. Hutchinson, Armstrong Sapp, Richard Cheeseman, Albert Robinson, George F. Ross and William Wallace.
The company purchased a horse hose carriage from the Shiffler Hose Company, Philadelphia, for $10. That marked the introduction of horse-drawn apparatus. The apparatus was housed in a carpenter shop on Sycamore street, near Third, and remained there until a two-story brick firehouse was erected on Fourth street, below Walnut.
The company was incorporated in March, 1852, by Burt, Sapp, Thompson, Robert Maguire, James Sherman, Wallace, Hutchinson, Brown and William Harris.
Jacob C. Daubman, later a sheriff, was elected president in 1854 and served until the company was disbanded in 1869. On March 29, 1864, the company obtained a new charter as the Shiffler Hose and Steam Fire Company. A steam engine was purchased and the company maintained a high state of efficiency until it disbanded in 1869.