Introduction
EDWARD F. KELLEY, whose name also appears in print as Edward Kelly, served with the Camden Fire Department. A longtime resident of the 2800 block of Pleasant Street, he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1899 and remained a member until June of 1920, when he took a position as a “special officer” at the then-new Victoria Theater, which stood at 2514–2520 Federal Street. He initially served with Ladder Company 3. In 1909 he was transferred to Engine Company 5, where he finished his career.
Edward Kelley and his wife Annie were living at 2823 Pleasant Street as early as 1887. Prior to his career as a fireman he worked as a bricklayer. Around 1899 he built a twin home at 2727 and 2829 Pleasant Street. These homes were occupied by Edward Kelley’s sons William and Forrest and their families as late as 1948. Son Roland lived as early as 1910 until his death in 1931 at 2828 Pleasant Street, his wife Clara and their son Quentin were also living there as late as 1949.
Edward Kelley passed away on October 26, 1930 and was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey. His wife Anna had died on February 26, 1926.
Want to Be Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There’ll Be Trouble in Finding Places for All Hands
To-morrow night’s session of the Fire Commissioners of Camden promises to be a lively one. Two firemen for the Second ward and four each for the Eleventh and Twelfth wards will be appointed. In the Second ward the candidates are John Vanhart, W. Scott Franklin and Edgar Bolton. Vanhart has been agreed upon by both factions. Franklin has the support of Freeholder Whyte and a large following, while Bolton is recommended by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton’s appointment was expected at the last meeting of the Commissioners. Afterwards it was found that typewritten resolutions purporting to be signed by the same committee of the Second ward club which indorsed Bolton was sent to the Commissioners prior to the meeting urging the appointment of Franklin. The resolutions had the seal of the club attached. This caused the appointment to hang fire. It is now claimed by Bolton’s friends that the club did not indorse Franklin, as he is not a member. It is alleged that the signatures purporting to be those of the committee were not authorized.
In the Eleventh ward Councilmen Longacre and Arnold have not yet settled their differences. Councilman Longacre insists on the appointment of Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark. Councilman Arnold claims the right to name Frank Powell and Lewis H. Sasse notwithstanding the fact that at a conference he agreed upon the names presented by Councilman Longacre. In the Twelfth ward Councilman Leas, the City and Ward Committeeman, and the Union Republican Club favor the naming of Samuel Collins, William Madison, John F. Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
Firemen Selected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch’s Candidates Were Pushed to the Front
Increase in Camden Fire Department Agreed Upon After Sharp Contest
The trouble over the selection of new firemen from the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth wards of Camden was settled at an executive session of the Fire Commissioners last evening. As predicted in The Inquirer on Sunday last, John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward, and Councilman Longacre in the Eleventh ward and Councilman Leas in the Twelfth landed their candidates.
Prior to the meeting a delegation of Second ward Republicans marched to fire headquarters wearing badges inscribed, “For firemen, Second ward, John W. Vanhart and W. Scott Franklin.” The latter was a candidate against Bolton, who also had a number of friends present. There was no opposition to the appointment of Vanhart.
As the delegation crowded in on the second floor of the fire house there was a cracking noise that sounded as if the floor was giving away. This caused a rush, but the alarm soon subsided.
The Commissioners were in secret session for nearly a half hour before they finally settled the contest over the Second ward appointments. Mayor Hatch, Councilman McGill and Freeholder Whyte were each called before the Commissioners. The latter favored the appointment of Franklin. After the Second ward appointments were settled it did not take long to decide upon the new firemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards. Councilman Arnold, who has been opposing Councilman Longacre’s candidates in the Eleventh ward, was not present, neither was Councilman Lee, who was opposing the men backed by Councilman Leas in the Twelfth ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark; Twelfth ward, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
The following were promoted to foremen: George F. Cox, foreman Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; George Wade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2; Samuel Peoples, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3; Charles Robinson, Chemical Engine Company No. 1; Edward Weston, Hose Company No. 1, East Side; Albert C. Jones, Hose Company No. 2, East Side.
The appointments, together with those made last Thursday evening, will be confirmed by City Council to-morrow night.
East Side Fire Notes
Camden Daily Courier —
The East Side firemen are looking forward to a grand time this evening. A snapper supper is to be served. The supper will take place at the fire house.
Fireman Edward Kelly and Captain Amedee Middleton are on the sick list. Fireman Scott Franklin reported for duty yesterday after quite an illness.
3 Are Hurt as Car Hit Fire Truck
Camden Post-Telegram —
3 ARE HURT AS CAR HIT FIRE TRUCK
Members of East Side Hook and Ladder Company Narrowly Escape Death in Collision This A. M.
TILLERMAN KELLY IS WORST INJURED
Three firemen of the East Camden fire house, located at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue, had a marvelous escape from fatal injury about 8.15 o’clock this morning, when a big eight-wheeled trolley car of the New York and Trenton line smashed into hook and ladder truck No. 3 directly in front of the fire house.
Fortunately, however, no fatality resulted, the three victims of the crash escaping with cuts and bruises of the limbs, head and body. The firemen injured are as follows:
EDWARD KELLY, tillerman of truck; badly bruised and lacerated about the head and particularly the hips and back, also sustained a severe internal shock. His back it is feared is sprained.
FRANK MORSE, assistant driver of truck; bruised and cut on an elbow and side.
SCOTT FRANKLIN, driver of truck; light injuries of an arm.
Kelly and Morse had their injuries attended to by Dr. H. H. Sherk, whose office is in the immediate vicinity. Franklin’s wounds did not require medical treatment. Tillerman Kelly was the most seriously injured of the three firemen and after having his wounds dressed at Dr. Sherk’s office was taken to his home at 2823 Pleasant avenue in the ambulance.
The hook and ladder truck was struck by the trolley car just as the team was being taken into the fire house at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue after morning practice.
It was one of the long, heavy and ponderous New York and Trenton trolleys that caused the damage. The car, according to witnesses, was coming into the city at a fast clip and smashed into the side of the truck near the rear, as the driver of the fire apparatus was making desperate efforts to clear the tracks and get safely in the fire house.
The motorman of the car, however, was unable to stop the trolley in time to avert a collision and with a ripping crash the big eight-wheeler smashed into the rear of the fire truck, upsetting the apparatus and horses as if they were parts of a toy machine and sending the three members of the crew hurtling through the air with a violence that appeared to mean mortal injury to one of the unfortunate firemen at least.
He was Tillerman Edward Kelly, who was hurled into the front vestibule of the trolley car with a force that knocked him senseless. Morse and Franklin landed in the street dazed and sore, luckily managing to escape being caught beneath the overturned truck or getting entangled with the flying hoofs of the frantic horses which were prevented from running away in their frenzy by firemen rushing at their heads and holding them fast until their fright had abated.
The three firemen were also quickly cared for by their comrades, and the ambulance phoned for to take them to a hospital, but the injured men declined to go to any institution and were treated at the office of Dr. Sherk.
The hook and ladder truck was considerably damaged by the collision. The side of the apparatus at the point of collision with the trolley car was torn to splinters and one of the two long ladders had a big slice snapped off and ruined. The wrecked truck was sent to the shops for repairs and will be out of commission for a day or two.
The front vestibule of the trolley car was also badly smashed in the collision, the terrific and sudden jar, the roar of the crash and the jangling of broken glass causing an uproar of excitement among the many passengers, a number of whom leaped off the platforms almost before the trolley had recoiled from the shock of the terrific impact.
This is the second accident of a like nature during the past year to East Side firemen. Several months ago Fireman Eddie Weston and J. H. Vickers were thrown from their apparatus when the carriage attempted to turn out of the path of a trolley car near the Public Library. Weston is still unable to do duty having been confined in the Homeopathic Hospital for several months after the accident.
Trolley Hit Ladder Truck
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Three Camden Firemen Narrowly Escaped Being Killed
Three Camden firemen narrowly escaped death yesterday when a Camden and Trenton trolley car crashed into the hook and ladder of Truck Company No. 3. Edward Kelly, the tillerman, was badly injured about the head and back, while Frank Morse and Scott Franklin received lacerations. They were treated by Dr. H. H. Sherk.
It was just after morning practice, while the team was being taken back to the fire house, that the accident occurred. The driver attempted to cross Westfield avenue at Twenty-seventh street in front of the car. The motorman applied the brakes, but was unable to avert the collision. The apparatus was badly damaged, but the horses escaped injury.
Fireman Kelly Stricken
Camden Post-Telegram —
Fireman Edward Kelly, formerly of the East Side company and now connected at No. 5, was taken suddenly ill on Saturday afternoon at the fire house. After complaining of pains in the back he fell to the floor unconscious. The ambulance took him to his home at Twenty-eighth and Pleasant streets, picking up Dr. Sherk on their way, and to-day he is reported as very much improved. Fireman Kelly sometime ago was badly injured about the back by being thrown from the truck at Twenty-seventh street and Westfield avenue, and his present ailment is traced to this injury.
Forrest Kely, a son of the fireman, recently underwent a delicate operation.
Fireman Kelly Indisposed
Camden Daily Courier —
Fireman Edward Kelly, of Eugene House number 5, is at home, suffering from a brief illness.
Master Kelly's Birthday
Camden Daily Courier —
Master Edward Kelly was given a birthday party last evening at his parents’ home, on Ppleasant [sic] street. The young folks held a very enjoyable time and Master Edward was remembered with many pretty gifts. Those present were: Edw. Kelley, Myrtie Kelley, Forrest Kelley, Roy Abbott, Allie Palmer, Catherine Palmer, Mamie Fogarty, John Swanson, Helen Morse, Francis Eckel, James Tapper, Benjamin Tapper, Lewis Hager, Herbert Hager, Edw. Hager, Lee Staples, Rosie Piper, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Kelley, Roland Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gill.
Firemen Begin Vacations Saturday
Camden Daily Courier —
The firemen of the East Side house begin their vacation periods on Saturday of this week. At that time Chief Walter Browning, Clarence Madden, Robert Gick, West McGrath and Horace Cairns all leave for their two weeks’ outing. Chief Browning and his driver, Madden, will put in their time enjoying the sights of the boardwalk at gay Atlantic City. “Bobby” Gick will accompany Fireman Edward Kelly, of No. 5 house, to Niagara Falls on one of the special excursions. Cairns and McGrath will spend their time in boating and other pastimes during their time off duty. Cairns will either take a trip to Panama or Westville, near Gloucester.
Kelley Gets Divorce
Camden Daily Courier —
Roland Kelley, son of Fireman Edward Kelley, of Pleasant street, has been granted a divorce from his wife, Mabel Kelley, the decree having been handed by the Court of Chancery on November 17. Application was made for divorce by Attorney John H. Switzer.
Engine Company No. 5
Engine Company No. 5 at 14th and Federal Street, with newly converted hose wagon. Originally a horse drawn rig, it was modified to electric power by the Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia PA. A storage battery powered each wheel. Pictured with apparatus are (l to r): Chief Peter Carter, Fireman Scott Franklin, Chauffeur Bert Coffman, Firemen Edward Kelley, William Buzine, John Prucella, Charles Schultz, Horace Cairns, Daniel Grimes and Chief’s Aide, Fireman Harry Hankins.
Kelley Accepts Movie Job
Camden Daily Courier —
Having rounded out over twenty years of continuous service and having reached the age of 65, Fireman Edward Kelley, connected with Engine House No. 5, Federal street west of Cooper river, has retired on a pension. Mr. Kelley has accepted a position as special officer at the moving picture place at Twenty-fifth and Federal streets.
Engine Company 3 Cinders
Camden Daily Courier —
Edward Kelly, formerly attached to Engine 3, visited the men yesterday. Kelly is reaping the reward for faithful service in the form of a pension.
Fall Breaks Arm
Camden Post-Telegram —
While she was in the yard in the rear of her home on Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Edward Kelley, wife of former Fireman Edward Kelley, who is now a special officer at the Victoria Theatre, slipped and fell on the ice. A physician was called and it was found that she had broken her right arm. Mrs. Kelley is the mother of Policeman Roland Kelley of the Third district, also Plumber Forrest Kelley and William Kelley, all Pleasant street residents.
East Camden Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
Motorcycle Policeman Lester Gleason of the Third District will go on his vacation for two weeks, beginning Sunday, June 15. He expects to go to Oswego, Pa.
Former fireman and now Special Officer Edward Kelley of the Victoria Theatre, who has been ill, is again back on the job.
Serenaded Sick Member
Camden Post-Telegram —
Edward Kelley, of 2827 Pleasant street, is a member of the Lyric or Elks Band, and had planned to go with them to the Elks’ Convention at Boston, Mass., on Saturday. He was taken sick about six weeks ago, and has been confined to his home since.
It was seen that he would be unable to go along, so in order to make him feel better the members of the band on July Fourth called at his home, in machines, and serenaded him. He was greatly pleased over their call.
East Camden Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
The Cramer Hill Building and Loan Association meets this evening in St. Josephs Hall, 25th and Howell streets.
Matthew H. Vance and family, of 2839 Hayes avenue, were week-end visitors at Wildwood.
Mrs. John Frea and daughter, Doris, of 413 North 27th street, are visiting friends at Bridgeton.
There will be a meeting of the carnival committee of St. Joseph’s Church this evening in St. Joseph’s Hall, 25th and Howell streets. Further arrangements will be made for the carnival next week.
Joseph Shreeves, of the auto crew, Third district police station, is on his vacation, and expects to spend a few days at the shore.
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kelley, of 2827 Pleasant street, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kelley, are on a motor tour which will take in Niagara Falls and Canada.
Roland Kelley, of the Third district auto crew, is back on the job after a two weeks’ vacation.
Policeman Harry Newton, of the Third district, has started on his vacation and will spend the time at Seaside Heights.
Motorcycle Policeman William Boettcher is acting driver of the police auto while Joseph Shreeves is on his vacation.
Two Florida Girls Here on Brief Visit
Camden Post-Telegram —
Miss Pauline Kachelries, a well-known East Camden young lady, and for a number of years cashier at the Victoria Theatre, but now residing in Florida, and Miss Ruth Muggleworth, were renewing acquaintances in East Camden as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kelley, of Pleasant street.
Mrs. Anna Kelley
Camden Daily Courier —
Mrs. Anna Kelley, widow of Edward F. Kelley, of 2823 Pleasant avenue, passed away in her seventy-third year. The funeral, in charge of the John Crawford Company, will be held on Monday afternoon, with interment in Arlington Cemetery.
Edward F. Kelley
Camden Daily Courier —
Edward F. Kelley, 80, of 2828 Pleasant street, died yesterday, The funeral will be held at the home of his son, Roland, at the Pleasant street address at 2 p. m., Wednesday. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Camden Daily Courier —
KELLEY—On October 26, 1930, Edward F. Kelley, in his 80th year.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Wednesday at 2 o’clock, from the residence of his son, Roland Kelley, 2828 Pleasant St. Interment at Arlington Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday evening.