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 —
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.
In the Eleventh ward Councilman Longacre insists on the appointment of Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark. 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 —
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. John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gich, 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.
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 —
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.
TILLERMAN KELLY IS WORST INJURED
EDWARD KELLY, tillerman of truck; badly bruised and lacerated about the head and particularly the hips and back. He also sustained a severe internal shock. His back it is feared is sprained to the core.
FRANK MORSE, assistant driver of truck; bruised and cut on an elbow and side.
SCOTT FRANKLIN, driver of truck; light injuries of an arm.
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.
Trolley Hit Ladder Truck
Philadelphia Inquirer —
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 —
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 —
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.
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.