Harry Selby
Harry Selby was born on August 20, 1881 to William Henry Selby and his wife the former Emma Dunn Gibbon. He was the fourth of nine children born to the Selbys, coming after brothers William H. (1875–1876), George L. (1879–1950), and sister Elizabeth M. (1877–1882). He was followed by Mabel (1884–1948), Mary E. (1897–1953), Walter W. (1891–1974), John G. (1895–1969) and Dorothy (1900–1974). His father was active in Republican politics and served with the Camden Police Department for 14 years, and later with the Water Department. Both Harry and older brother George were somewhat active politically and involved in the early 1900s with Company C, Third Regiment, New Jersey National Guard. George L. Selby was still active with the Guard when the United States went to war in 1917 and served heroically at the Battle of the Argonne Forest, and served the public for many years after his return at war’s end.
Harry Selby was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on January 1, 1908. He initially served at the firehouse in the 600 block of Kaighn Avenue. Assigned to Engine Company 2, he was injured when the combination hose and chemical wagon he was in was involved in an accident on May 19, 1910 at Haddon Avenue and Line Street. Colliding into an iron pole that supported the elevated railway, one of the horses pulling the apparatus was killed on impact, driver Arthur Wingate was seriously injured and Harry Selby, John Lennox, and John Lutts were thrown to the ground. Harry Selby was able to return to service but the injury, most likely to his back, plagued him for the rest of his days. Harry Selby later served as driver for Deputy Chief Samuel S. Buzine. After Buzine’s retirement he was appointed stoker, and in 1920 was promoted to Lieutenant and was transferred to Engine Company 10.
Suffering from chronic pain as a result of the injury suffered in 1910, Harry Selby took his own life on May 4, 1923.
Harry Selby married Daisy Mae Harris on March 7, 1908. The Selbys lived at 330 Beckett Street, adjacent to his father’s residence at 328 Beckett Street until 1920. By 1921 they had moved to 326 Beckett Street, and younger brother Walter and his family occupied 330 Beckett Street. The marriage produced three children, William H. Selby, Thelma May Selby, and Norman H. “Norm” Selby. Norm Selby was a star athlete at Woodrow Wilson High School in the 1930s. Extremely fast, he was an All-South Jersey end and a hall of fame baseball player who also excelled in track and basketball. The Second World War ended his bid to play with the New York Giants but he excelled in top semi-pro ball for two decades, and was enshrined in the South Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
Penny Caused Lively Set-To
Camden Post-Telegram —
Negro and Conductor on Electric Car in a Mix-up Over Missing Cent.
WITNESSES DISPUTE TROLLEY MAN’S TALE
With a Freeholder testifying on one side and a Public Service Corporation conductor on the other, a case of drunk and disorderly conduct seemed to resolve itself into a question of veracity in Police Court this morning, and Recorder Stackhouse settled the difficulty by suspending sentence on the defendant, who was Harry Holmes, a young colored man.
The complainant was H. Selby, a trolley car conductor. Selby swore that Holmes tendered him a quarter in payment for his fare, but Holmes claimed that he was a cent short in the change given him. The missing penny had dropped on the floor of the car and the conductor called Holmes’ attention to the fact.
For an answer, Conductor Selby said, the colored man drew a blackjack, but he landed on him before he had a chance to use the weapon. Selby said the man was drunk at the time.
Conductor Selby’s evidence, however, was at direct variance with that of Policeman Howard Smith and Freeholder Larry Rhoades, of the Eighth ward.
Freeholder Rhoades testified that when the car had passed Broadway and Cherry street, where Holmes said he wanted to get off, the conductor caught him by the shoulder and, saying “—you, get off here,” pushed him off the platform and had an officer lock him up.
“Did you see him have a jack?” asked Recorder Stackhouse.
“No, sir” replied Mr. Rhoades, “and to make sure of it I had the policeman search him, but he found no such weapon on him.”
“Who struck the first blow?”
“The conductor. He not only pushed him off the car, but followed him up and struck him.”
Recorder Stackhouse recalled Policeman Howard Smith, which by the way was his first arrest, and asked him if Holmes had a blackjack on him when he searched him at Freeholder Rhoades’ behest and he replied no.
Recorder Stackhouse suspended sentence on Holmes, after Freeholder Rhoades had stated that he had known Holmes’ father before the latter was born and never knew him to be drunk or disorderly.
Daisy Harris Weds a Camden Fireman
Camden Post-Telegram —
Miss Daisy Harris, daughter of Mrs. Mary Harris, of Point and State streets, and Harry Selby, a fireman at Kaighn avenue fire house, were married at noon Saturday. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Morgan Read, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Camden District M. E. Conference. The witnesses were Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Haydon, of 626 Pine street.
Upon the announcement of the wedding the bride received a number of handsome presents. The groom, who is at his post of duty to-day, received the congratulations of nearly every member of the fire department.
Good Intentions Cause Him Trouble
Camden Post-Telegram —
Butting in in a scrap between a Polander and a negro at Seventh street and Kaighn avenue yesterday, John Baskett, a mulatto, got in several kinds of trouble. Baskett’s intentions were well meant enough, but the Polander and the negro resented his interference and in the mix up the “butter in” got locked up by Policeman William Kiker on complaint of John Page, the railroad gateman at Seventh and Kaighn avenue.
A team stuck at the railroad crossing was the cause of the rumpus. The mule in the shafts got bull-headed because his oats were overdue probably and positively refused to budge. The Polander got hot under his whiskers because the negro driver couldn’t get “Maud” to move a hoof, and gave him a punch on the nose.
It was then that the fat Mr. Baskett came along and told the Polander that he was a big stiff for hitting a defenceless man like that. All sorts of excitement ensued. Fireman Harry Selby tried to restrain Baskett, but, according to Selby, Baskett said he could lick him in a jiffy, in fact he was a regular cleaner-up.
Sympathizing with the colored driver of the team in his apparent unappreciated efforts to get a gait on “Maud,” Baskett, so Flagman Page testified, shoved up the railroad gates as an inducement for the mule to move, a very dangerous deed, as a train was approaching full tilt at the time.
Baskett’s denial went for naught and he was soaked for twenty days. Later, however, friends who gave the young fellow a good character got him off with a fine.
Assistant Fire Chiefs Sent to New Stations
Camden Post-Telegram —
Second Assistant Fire Chief George Cox took up his station at the Kaighn avenue fire house this morning. Chas. Fitzsimmons, Jr., of the Fifth ward, a new appointee, reported for duty at the same house this morning.
Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine, Richard Marter and Harry Selby have been transferred to Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets. Assistant Chief Buzine, familiarly known to thousands down-town as “Daddy,” will be greatly missed, as a more conscientious painstaking and affable official never held office in this city.
Wish Bone Club in Annual Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
The second annual dinner was given on New Year’s eve by the members of the Fire Department at headquarters, known as the Wish Bone Club, after having been called out twice to fires. The evening was spent in music and song, prayer being offered by Engineer Dold. They all sat down to an elaborate dinner prepared by Chef Wingate, assisted by Lieutenant John H. Lutts.
MENU.
Relishes—Celery, olives, pickles, chilli sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), giblet sauce; jellied cranberries, browned sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stewed corn, stewed tomatoes.
Mince pie, Coffee, Vienna rolls, butter, aqua de lair.
— The following were the guests of the evening: Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, Captains George B. Wade, Peter B. Carter, Lieutenants John H. Lutts, Peter S. Gray, Engineer John A. Dold, Stoker Newton G. Ash, Drivers Joseph Johnson, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Maxwell, Richard Marter, Harry Barroughs, Laddermen and Hosemen William Elberson, John H. Lennox, Harry Selby, Harry Green, William Tatem; Houseman John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingwood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Injured Fireman in Restless Night
Camden Post-Telegram —
Arthur Wingate Greatly Weakened After Long Period of Sleeplessness.
FEAR BROKEN RIB PENETRATED LUNG
Arthur Wingate, the driver of the combination chemical and hose wagon at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, who was injured by the team crashing into an iron column of the elevated railroad at Haddon avenue and Line street, yesterday afternoon, passed a restless night at Cooper Hospital, and this morning his condition was not satisfying to the doctors.
Besides suffering from a couple of fractured left ribs and severe lacerations of the scalp he also sustained an exhausting internal shock.
It is also feared that one of the broken ribs penetrated a lung, but an X-ray examination will have to be made to determine that. If such is proven to be the case the wounded fireman’s chances of recovery would be dimmed.
The apparatus was on its way out Haddon avenue to a light fire at the farm house of William Butler, colored, at the head of Pine street, at the time it met with disaster.
There was a trolley car standing under the elevated railroad at Line street and it was while turning out of the tracks at full speed that the team of strapping gray horses crashed into one of the four iron columns of the structure at that point.
Driver Wingate was hurled from his seat a distance of about twenty feet, landing on his head on the hard earth bleeding and unconscious. Firemen John Lutz, Harry Selby and John Lennox, who were on the back of the wagon, were thrown to the ground by the force of the collision, but escaped injury.
One of the gray horses drawing the apparatus and known as “Nig” was almost instantly killed when it dashed into the pillar; the other steed swerving to one side escaped meeting a similar fate. Outside of the pole of the wagon being snapped off and the dashboard twisted the apparatus was not badly damaged.
Wingate was rushed to Cooper Hospital in an auto canvassing for funds for the Homeopathic Hospital, and placed in a private ward for treatment.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon came back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows:
City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Busine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie, Coffee, Cigars, Aqua De Lair, Olives, Beets, Celery, Roast Turkey, Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce, Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Selby, Herman O. Kreher, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
Chimney Fire at 210 Cooper Street
Camden Post-Telegram —
In answer to a ‘phone call, Assistant Chief Stockton and Chauffeur Harry Selby hastened to a dwelling at 210 Cooper street, and found that a soot-filled chimney was causing the family great alarm. As there was really no blaze the companies were not summoned and after a little work Stockton and Selby soon remedied the trouble by cleaning out the smoke receptacle.
Transfer to Engine Company 1
Camden Post-Telegram —
After serving faithfully for a long time as chauffeur to Assistant Chief Stockton, Harry Selby will to-day take up his duties at No. 1 Engine Company to-day. Harry will drive the Robinson combination apparatus at the downtown house. The change was sanctioned by Chief Worthington at the request of Selby. His fellow firemen regret to see Harry leave and their best wishes for success go with him.
William McCauley, who was recently appointed a member of the department, filled the vacancy left by the transfer of Selby.
Third Ward Club Holds Fine Ball
Camden Post-Telegram —
Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Way Lead the Grand March of Republican Club
Latest Dances on Program
Third Ward Club Holds Fine Ball
Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Way Lead the Grand March of Republican Club
Latest Dances on Program
Despite the stormy weather Turner Hall was crowded last night, when the Third Ward Republican Club held its first annual dress ball. The affair was a complete success and the grand march was one of the prettiest ever held in the Verein auditorium.
It was after 10 o’clock when the grand march took place. It was led by Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Way. The second couple were Councilman and Mrs. A. Benjamin Sparks. Following them were Councilman and Mrs. William H. Hall and Freeholder and Mrs. John T. Rodan. The marchers formed the figure “three” and the letter “W.” The march concluded with the couples sixteen to each file.
The hall was handsomely decorated in the national and municipal colors. There were thirty-one numbers to the program. Rushton’s orchestra furnished an excellent program. Among the numbers were the fox trot, one-step, caprice, two-step, hesitation, waltz, lancers and redowa.
The grand conductor was J. Edward Way and Councilman Sparks was assistant grand conductor. The members of the various committees to whose efforts the success of the ball was due were as follows:
Floor—Wm. H. Hall, Harry Hertline, Walter J. Stanton, John T. Rodan, Jesse Hillman, Lemuel J. Toy.
Door—Jesse Smith, chairman; Robert Whitley, Morris Steelman, Wm. Elberson, Samuel S. Bacon; officers, Albert Keaser, Harry Miller, Frank Smith.
Reception—John S. Roberts, chairman; William M. Fithian, W. J. A. Stanton, Julius R. Schaaf, George Cox, Edward Delacroix, Robert J. Garrison, Horace Hewlings, Frank Knitter, Sr., George Murray, Harry Selby, Harry C. Sharp, Robert Schroeder, James Vickers, Edwin D. Steen, William Horay, Clarence H. Thorn, Joseph H. Thorn, Joseph Croasdale, Wright Cox, Frank S. Fithian, George F. Hammond, Howard T. Harris, Frank Knitter, Jr., Albert J. Meyer, Harry Stowe, William Selby, Harry Vliet, H. P. Toy; printing and press committee, Wesley J. Stanton, Jesse Hillman.
Refreshments—Walter Madden, chairman; Moore B. Garrison, C. L. Wendell, William H. Dill, Charles Errickson, George Bowman, Edwin Fields, William Hartman, Ephraim Husted, Frank S. Ireton, Thomas Madden, Harry Pearce, Charles Smith, John Reid B. Borowakey, Charles Weaver, James Monohan, C. S. Woodward, George Madura, C. Allen Lloyd, Edward Livermore, William G. Finley, Henry Gercke, Benjamin C. Horan, Augustus Jans, Clarence Madden, James J. McDermott, George Schu, John McCarry, Edward Carey, James Millman, Thomas Dickinson, M. J. Riley, James Tivers.
The officers of the club are are [sic] as follows: President, A. B. Sparks; vice president, Wm. M. Fithian; second vice president, Elwin D. Steen; recording secretary, W. J. A. Stanton; financial secretary, John T. Rodan; treasurer, John S. Roberts; trustees, Julius R. Schaaf, Morris Steelman, Clarence R. Thorn.
Sprained Ankle at Southward Manufacturing Fire
Camden Post-Telegram —
Fireman Harry Selby, of headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, is suffering with a badly sprained left ankle sustained early yesterday morning at the Southward Manufacturing Company fire. Despite his painful injury he is still on duty.
Injured in Fall
Camden Post-Telegram —
Injured in a fall down a flight of steps several nights ago, Fireman Harry Selby, of Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, is again able to use his right hand which was badly sprained as the result of the mishap.
World War I Draft Card
REGISTRATION CARD
Serial Number: 1721
Order Number: 3771
1. Harry Selby
2. 330 Beckett St., Camden, N.J.
3. Age: 37; Date of Birth: Aug. 20, 1881
Race: White; U.S. Citizen: Native Born
Present Occupation: Ex Fireman
Employer: City Fire Dept., Camden, Camden, N.J.
Nearest Relative: Daisy M. Selby (Wife), 330 Beckett St., Camden, N.J.
Signed: Harry Selby
REGISTRAR’S REPORT 29-3-7-C
Description of Registrant:
Height: Medium; Build: Slender/Medium
Color of Eyes: Grey; Color of Hair: Brown
29. Not physically disqualified.
Date of Registration: 9/12/18
Local Board for Division No. 1, City of Camden, New Jersey.
Harry Selby registered for the World War I draft on September 12, 1918. At the time he gave his occupation as “Ex Fireman” and listed his employer as the City Fire Department, Camden. His nearest relative was his wife, Daisy M. Selby, at 330 Beckett Street. He was 37 years old, of medium height and slender build, with grey eyes and brown hair.
Deputy Fire Chief Trapped in Cellar
Camden Post-Telegram —
Trapped in the smoke-filled cellar of the factory of the Hitchner Wall Paper Company, Fifth and Mickle streets, this morning when fire caused damage estimated by the owner at $25,000, Deputy Fire Chief William Patterson, was rescued by Fire Chief Carter and Driver Harry Selby, of Headquarters Company.
Deputy Chief Patterson entered the cellar for the purpose of determining if there was any fire there. The basement was dark and was filled with sample packets. When the smoke became dense he tried to grope his way back to the stairway but lost his way.
Other firemen who saw him go into the basement became alarmed and went in search of Patterson. Chief Carter and Selby broke open a front cellar window and entered, finding Paterson almost overcome. They assisted him through the open window to the street, where he was quickly revived.
The fire started on the first floor of the sample and store room in the rear of the main factory building. J.H. Harrington, order clerk, went to the room to fill an order. When he opened the metal door volumes of smoke poured out and he sounded the alarm. Six girl employes and the men workers left the building in haste, but returned and aided in rescuing the office papers and supplies.
Chief Carter was fearful that the blaze would spread owing to a high wind that was blowing and three alarms were sounded. After an hour’s hard fighting the firemen succeeded in extinguishing the fire, which spread only to the second floor of the storehouse. Water ruined a greater portion of the spring stock of paper and mouldings stored in the building and also caused damage in the factory proper.
Owing to the intense cold the firemen suffered greatly. As fast as the water was poured into the building it froze and the firemen were greatly handicapped by the ice-covered ladders and hose.
Frank G. Hitchner, head of the concern, estimated his loss at $25,000. Residents in houses near the factory were greatly exercised for fear the flames would spread.
14 Firemen Win City Promotions
Camden Daily Courier —
Fortunate Members Of Department Are Being Congratulated By Friends
NEW HOUSE AT FAIRVIEW
Fourteen members of the local fire department were being congratulated today upon their promotions to higher positions in the department.
The promotions were authorized at the meeting of the fire committee of City Council last night and will take effect upon the opening of the new fire house at Yorkship Village.
Lieutenants James White, Horace Cairns, Mordecai Clark and John Vickers have been advanced to the rank of captain. Charles Watkins, Herman Kreher, John Hunt, George Hunt, James McDermott and William Miller will wear lieutenants’ chevrons. Harry Selby has been promoted to the rank of engineer, while Joseph Daley, Roy Smith and Seth Monall were made stokers.
White is to succeed William Madison, who goes on the pension list at No. 5 house, while Watkins will succeed White.
The other eleven men will form the nucleus of the force at the new house in Fairview. The hosemen and laddermen for the house have not as yet been appointed.
Many Transfers of City Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Forces At Various Stations Changed By Most Recent Orders
16 GO TO FAIRVIEW HOUSE
Recent changes in the fire department announced have provided for the transfer of twenty men and the appointment of fourteen during the week to various fire houses in the city.
Sixteen of the men were transferred and given appointments to the two new companies formed to protect Fairview and Yorkship Village. The transfers and appointments went into effect Wednesday.
The following men received transfers and appointments to Engine Company 10, one of the new companies: Horace Cairns, captain; William Miller, lieutenant; Harry Selby, engineer; Charles Gaul, stoker; Spencer Smith, H. Walker, Rocco Fanelli and H. J. Zanders, hosemen.
Truck Company 4, the other new company, at Ninth and Morgan streets, received the following men: Mordecai Clark, captain; James McDermott, lieutenant; James Durkin, driver; Frank Burt, George C. Wade, Samuel Patton, William Reynolds and Harry Hallowell.
H. F. Ferrington and H. Bomgartel, new men, were appointed to Hook and Ladder Company 1, to fill the vacancies left by James McDermott and George C. Wade.
The following men received appointments to Engine Company 1: Walter Carter, George Henry Johnson, Lewis D. Stevens, Rocco Tribbett and Benjamin Walters. W. Scott Franklin was transferred from Company 9 to Engine Company 1 as lieutenant. George Cattell was transferred from Company 1 to Company 5 as stoker. Joseph Daley, of Company 5, was transferred to Engine Company 2 to fill the vacancy left by Harry Selby, who was transferred to Company 10.
Anthony Valentine and David Smith were transferred to Company 3, in place of William Miller and Charles Gaul, who were transferred to Company 10.
J. Lumbago was transferred to Company 7, in place of David Smith. George Pursglove and John Hunt were transferred to Company 8. Robert Gicks was transferred from Hose and Chemical Company 2 to Company 9, in place of William Reynolds, who was transferred to Company 10.
Nelson Till was appointed to the place left vacant by Robert Gicks, of Hose and Chemical Company 2. Herman Kreher was made lieutenant of Hose and Chemical Company 2.
Assigned to Engine Company 10
Camden Post-Telegram —
Engineer Harry Selby, formerly located at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, has been assigned to No. 10 Engine Company, in Fairview.
Wm. Selby Dies From Apoplexy
Camden Post-Telegram —
Former Policeman and Father of Major Selby Passes Away
LONG ENGINEER IN WATER BUREAU
For fourteen years in the Police Department and later an employe in the Water Department, for thirteen years, William H. Selby died yesterday at his residence, 323 Beckett street, aged 74 years, after a two years illness with apoplexy.
Mr. Selby was first appointed to the police force by Mayor Pratt, May 15, 1886. He resigned on June 15, 1893, during the time Harry Paul was police commissioner. He was reappointed to the force March 31, 1894, by Mayor John L. Westcott, and resigned when Cooper B. Hatch became Mayor in 1895.
Later Mr. Selby became connected with the Water Department as an extra engineer. He held this position until taken ill.
Many years ago Mr. Selby was in business in the old Federal street market, his associates of that day having nearly all passed away.
Major George L. Selby, of Argonne Forest fame is a son of the deceased, as are also Harry Selby, Walter W. Selby and John G. Selby. He has three daughters, Mrs. M. G. Kremir, Mrs. Harry L. Stokes and Mrs. Charles E. Graham. His wife, Mrs. Emma D. Selby, also survives.
Mr. Selby was a member of Massasoit Tribe of Red Men and the Third Ward Republican Club.
Funeral services will be held at the family residence on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, with interment in Harleigh Cemetery, under the direction of undertakers Joseph H. Murray & Son. Rev. Mr. Stron, pastor of the Wiley M. E. Church, will conduct the services.
Fireman Selby Takes His Life As Gong Sounds
Camden Post-Telegram —
Shoots Himself at Engine House While Suffering From Injuries Sustained on Duty Years Ago
WRITES TO WIFE BEFORE USING GUN
Suffering from injuries sustained many years ago in the performance of duty, Harry Selby, a city fireman, committed suicide this morning at his engine house, Ninth and Morgan streets.
Selby was engineer at the Morgan street house. He shot himself in the head while lying on his cot in his room.
No one heard the shot and it is the belief of his colleagues that he used the gun while the gong was ringing at 6 o’clock this morning to awaken the members of the company.
Selby did not appear when the rest of his colleagues began their duties and when the door of his room was opened he was found on the bed with blood flowing from a wound in his right temple and a revolver in his hand.
The pillow barrel was still warm and the flowing blood was in such a condition of freshness that it is believed the shot had just been fired.
It is presumed that Selby waited for the gong to strike in order that the noise of the shot should be drowned out. Unconscious, Selby was hurried to the Homeopathic Hospital where he died a few minutes after 7 o’clock.
Before ending his life, Engineer Selby wrote a note to his wife in which he stated that he could not stand the pain of injuries sustained years ago. He stated that he had been unable to sleep all night and that he deemed it best to end it all. Selby asked his wife to care for their children and to forgive him for his act. The note was evidently written some time this morning.
Selby was 44 years old and lived with his wife and three small children at 326 Beckett street. The children are 2, 4, and 6 years old.
Selby was injured fourteen years ago when the hose wagon on which he was riding collided with a pillar of the elevated railroad at Haddon avenue and Line street. Three of the men on the wagon were injured and one of the horses killed.
Selby suffered injuries at the head and was hurt internally and since then was in constant pain.
Selby became a fireman on January 1, 1908, and for several years was driver for the now discarded Deputy Chief Engine. In 1919, he made a stoker and in 1920 was advanced to the position of engineer. He was a brother of Major George Selby.
Death of Widow of Harry Selby
Camden Post-Telegram —
Ill since May 1 with an attack of pulmonary tuberculosis and heart trouble, Mrs. Daisy May Selby, of 326 Beckett street, died Saturday evening.
Mrs. Selby was the widow of Fire Lieutenant Harry Selby, who ended his life on May 8. Mrs. Selby was 40 years old and is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Funeral services will be held at her late residence to-morrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, with interment at Harleigh Cemetery, under the direction of Undertaker Frederick Roedel. Friends may view the remains this evening.