Introduction
Clayton Truax, Mayor of Camden, 1858–1859
CLAYTON TRUAX was born in Gloucester City on December 11, 1814. He came to Camden in 1833, apprenticing to Reilly Barrett as a shoemaker. Clayton Truax operated a successful shoe store in the 300 block of Arch Street for many years. His name is often seen in printed articles of his time as “Trueax,” and it appears that he used that spelling for the greater part of his life.
Clayton Truax was elected to City Council in 1855, and remained in elected office for nine years. He was elected mayor on the American Party ticket in 1858, succeeding Benjamin A. Hammell. He also served on the Board of Education, and was its treasurer in 1858.
In 1859 Clayton Truax was re-elected as Mayor. He subsequently returned to City Council, and was followed in office by Thomas B. Atkinson. During the administration of Clayton Truax, the Esterbrook Pen Factory opened in Camden.
Clayton Truax passed away on July 14, 1876, and was the first public citizen in whose honor the new bell at City Hall was tolled.
Clayton Truax’ grandson, Frank Truax, served for many years as a member of the Camden Police Department, and had attained the rank of sergeant prior to his untimely death due to a heart ailment on June 30, 1932.
The Late Ex-Mayor Trueax
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Brought to Camden.—Yesterday Daniel McGlinsey was brought to the Camden jail and locked up, having been committed by Mayor Gauntt, of Gloucester City, on a charge of beating his wife.
The Late Ex-Mayor Trueax.—Yesterday afternoon Hon. Clayton Trueax, ex-mayor of the city of Camden, was buried from his late residence, Fifth and Taylor avenue, the funeral cortege proceeding to the Camden Cemetery. Deceased was a well-known and highly-esteemed citizen, and his funeral was attended by a large concourse of people, including the mayor and heads of departments.
Another Prominent Citizen Dead.—On Saturday Dr. Joseph T. Rowand died at his residence in Camden, aged 70 years. Deceased was widely known in years past as a skillful and eminent physician, the inventor and patentee of “Rowand’s Tonic Mixture,” so popular in the treatment of fever and ague. The doctor was highly esteemed, and will be buried this afternoon in Evergreen Cemetery.
Resolutions on the Death of Clayton Truax
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mr. Bourquin presented a preamble and resolutions in reference to the death of the late Clayton Trueax, ex-mayor and ex-councilman of the city, reciting his good qualities of character, his urbanity and general integrity of purpose. Adopted.
Biographical Sketch
The History of Camden County New Jersey — George Reeser Prowell, 1886
Clayton Truax — The History of Camden County New Jersey, George Reeser Prowell, 1886