Introduction
ISAAC H. LOVETT JR. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in April of 1856 to Isaac Lovett and his wife, the former Mary McIlvain, coming two years after his older sisters Elizabeth and Emma. Isaac Lovett Sr. supported his family by working as a carpenter. When the Census was taken in 1860 the Lovett family was living in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. A younger sister, Lousa, had been born in 1858 and Mary Lovett’s widowed mother, Elizabeth McIlvain, lived with the family. The family returned to New Jersey in the 1860s. When the Census was taken on July 2, 1870 the Lovett family was living in Cinnaminson. By 1878 the family had moved to Camden.
The 1878 Camden City Directory shows the Lovett family residing at 211 Market Street in Camden. The Lovetts had moved to 815 Market Street by the time the Census was taken in 1880. Isaac Lovett Jr. had married in the mid-1870s. He, wife Lizzie, and daughters Ethel and Alice lived with his parents and sister Emma at 815 Market Street at the time of the Census enumeration. Isaac Lovett Jr. was then working as a bricklayer. Isaac Lovett Jr. and his family moved to 924 Market Street in 1883 but only stayed there for a year or so before returning to 815 Market Street. He also became active in local politics as a Republican in these years.
Isaac Lovett Jr. was still living at 924 Market Street and working as a bricklayer when, in the spring of 1884, he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department to serve as an extra man with the Hook and Ladder Company, taking the place of Robert Miller. When the Fire Department was reorganized on July 1, 1885 and eighteen of the extra men were let go, Isaac Lovett was among those who were laid off. By that time he and his family had returned to 815 Market Street. Isaac Lovett was reappointed as an extra man on August 16, 1886 and served through 1890. He continued working as a bricklayer. The Lovett family remained at 815 Market Street through 1894. By March of 1895 the Lovetts had moved to 617 Market Street. Sadly, on March 12, 1895 Isaac Lovett Sr. passed away. The Lovetts were still living at 617 Market Street when the 1900 Census was taken. At that time the family consisted of Isaac Lovett Jr., wife Elizabeth, daughters Alice, Lulu, and Lea, and son Elmer. By March of 1903 the Lovetts moved to 833 Elm Street, where they remained through 1910.
Isaac Lovett Jr. had worked as a bricklayer during the 1890s. On May 26, 1898 he was appointed to the Camden Police Department. Isaac Lovett Jr. worked as a Camden Police officer for over eight years before resigning on November 19, 1906.
Still a staunch Republican, by 1914 Isaac Lovett had been appointed to a position as a bridge tender, working at either the State Street bridge or the Federal Street drawbridge. Isaac Lovett Jr. is listed in the 1914 Camden City Directory at 809 Elm Street, and was still residing there when the 1918–1919 Directory was compiled.
The 1920 Census shows Isaac Lovett residing at 628 North 9th Street with one of his daughters. Sadly, he was by this time a widower. By 1924 he had remarried and was living with his wife Emeline at 427 North 9th Street. He was still working as a bridge tender.
Isaac Lovett is not listed in the 1927 or 1929 Camden City Directories, or the 1930 Census. It is probable, given his age, that he passed away in the mid-1920s.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 17, 1886
(news brief — Harry Curtis appointed fireman)
At a meeting of the Fire Commission last night Harry Curtis, of the First ward, and Charles Todd, of the Fourth ward, were elected regular firemen in the places of Charles Walton and Isaac Schreives, recently appointed on the police force. Isaac Lovett was elected an extra man in the department.
At a meeting of the Fire Commission last night Harry Curtis, of the First ward, and Charles Todd, of the Fourth ward, were elected regular firemen in the places of Charles Walton and Isaac Schreives, recently appointed on the police force. Isaac Lovett was elected an extra man in the department.
A Night Alarm
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Disastrous Fire Spreading From a Stable In Camden
A fire that originated in the two-story frame stable, at Sixth and Mill streets, in Camden, last night, spread to the factory of Philadelphia and Camden Soap Works, and finally to a number of dwelling houses, resulting in a loss of about $16,000.
Shortly after 11 o’clock a lady residing in the rear of the structure heard the horses making an unusual noise, and on going to the door saw flames coming from the roof. She immediately summoned help and an alarm was struck.
Before the fire department arrived on the scene willing hands secured axes and broke open the doors leading to the different stalls with the intention of liberating the horses. This was found to be difficult work, as the animals were so frightened by the flames that they reared and had become almost unmanageable. Finally, however, the halters holding the twenty two horses were cut and they were led to a place of safety.
When the firemen arrived the building was a mass of flames and their energies were directed towards saving the property in the neighborhood. Notwithstanding their efforts to prevent the spread of the flames three houses on the north side of the stable were badly scorched by the fire and damaged by water. While the conflagration was at its height several of the rafters fell in the centre of the stable and Fireman Lovatt, of the truck company, who was in charge of one of the lines of hose, was slightly injured by the timbers.
The fire at this time spread to the adjoining soap works, Nos. 511 and 513 Main street, damaging the place to the extent of $1500. After the flames had died out somewhat in the stable it was found that eight horses had been lost.
The front portions of the dwellings on Branch street, Nos 529, 531, 533 and 635, caught on fire and were damaged to a considerable extent. It caused great excitement in the vicinity, women and children running from the houses in their night clothes. The house No. 533, occupied by Mrs. Vaureman, was damaged to the extent of $500.
About an hour after the alarm was struck the fire was under control, and nothing was left of the stable except a mass of smouldering wood. Mr. Baird recently made several important additions to the structure, and Tuesday a ton of hay was stored away in the upper portion. The fire is supposed to have originated in the loft, and it is believed it was caused by rats and matches.
Too Scared to Cut Her Down
New York Herald —
Miss Annie Stillwell, a boarder at the house of Charles Johnson, on Carpenter street, in Camden, committed suicide yesterday, but she might have lived to die a natural death if three men had done as they ought and not have had silly scruples. Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Johnson saw Miss Stillwell come in and go up stairs early in the day. As this was an unusual thing for her boarder to do she mentioned the fact soon afterward to her husband and got him to go to Miss Stillwell’s room to see if she was sick. Mr. Johnson is an invalid himself and it was only with great effort he climbed the stairs. He knocked and knocked but received no response, and as he was too weak himself to break in the door called over to Joseph Butcher, who was at work on the next house, to come in and help him.
Mr. Butcher came and burst in the door, and the two men were horrified to see Miss Stillwell hanging by a rope around her neck, apparently dead. Neither of the men would touch her, so they called in Isaac Lovett and asked him to cut her down, but he wouldn’t, because, like the other men, he believed no one had a right to touch a suicide but the Coroner. They sent for Dr. Beale, who cut the rope and found the woman just dying. He endeavored to revive her but she died soon, and then the three men were sorry they had not cut her down when they discovered her, as her life could have been saved.
Miss Stillwell was in her night dress, and near her was found a note saying:—
Dear P—, I have no home! May God have mercy on my soul! Dear cousin, forgive me, for Jesus’ sake! Mother, brother and sisters forgive! Oh! I ask all to forgive me that I have ever wronged. Goodby.
Miss Stillwell had not been in perfect health lately and was inclined at times to be erratic and did many queer things. She was well known in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer — March 15, 1895
Death notice — Isaac H. Lovett
LOVETT.—On March 12, 1895, Isaac H Lovett, in his 71st year. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Saturday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, from the residence of his son, No. 617 North Ninth street, Camden, N J Interment at Baptist Churchyard, Moorestown, N. J.
LOVETT.—On March 12, 1895, Isaac H Lovett, in his 71st year. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Saturday afternoon, at 1 o’clock, from the residence of his son, No. 617 North Ninth street, Camden, N J Interment at Baptist Churchyard, Moorestown, N. J.
Swinging the Official Ax
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Reformers Chop Off Heads of Policemen and Others
Eight policemen were discharged from the force by Camden’s City Council last night, and reform supporters named in their stead. The Republican employes of the Water Department must also make way for their reform successors, appointed at the same time.
The policemen discharged were: Lincoln James, Albert Stein, John Sinclair, William Selby, Caleb Williams, Abraham Jackson, Jacob Hicks and Frederick Laird. Their successors are: Isaac Lovett, Albert Keyser, Robert Miller, John Wagner, Isaac Brown, Thomas Moore, William Harrison and Albert Batten.
The appointments by Mayor Hatch of William L. Hurley as a member of the Commissioners of Appeal, and Charles Watson a member of the Board of Health, were confirmed.
Council voted unanimously for the ordinance to issue $85,000 thirty-year bonds to be used in building a high and manual training school.
When the ordinance providing a change in the terms of Water Department employes from two years to one year came up for second reading, Councilman Sayrs vigorously opposed it. His protests were ignored by the passage of the ordinance. An ordinance to appoint Water Department employes was then passed, and the following were named: Martin McNeil, resident engineer; John Wallace, Henry Taliafarro and Joseph Cline, engineers; Horace Huelings, George Riley and Owen Macey, foremen; Lee S. Mills, extra fireman; Albert Primrose, George Davis and Joseph Wagner, coal wheelers; Henry Schafer, engine wiper; Henry Hertline, foreman; Joseph Wilgus, caulker; John T. Rodan and James Melon, tappers, and John K. Esler, Jr., teamster.
In the report of the Finance Committee came the bill of City Clerk Kramer for $480 salary. Objection was made to the payment, and a tie vote decided against the bill.
Reformers Lop Off Chief Dodd’s Head
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Six Republican Policemen Also Removed and Reformers Take Their Places
ADOPT ANNUAL BUDGET
Slight Reduction in Appropriations—Water Compromise Ratified by Council
Camden City Council last evening fixed the annual appropriations at $516,160, ratified the compromise with Contractor Pfeiffer by which pure water will be turned on to-morrow and dismissed Chief of Police Dodd and six Republican policemen.
The policemen dismissed and their successors follow: Alexander Osborne, Eighth ward, successor, Thomas Cunningham; John Lightenberg, Eighth ward, successor, Fred W. Triplett; Charles H. Peters, Seventh ward, successor, Milins Appley; John Sailor, Third ward, successor, Harry Miller; Josiah Sage, Seventh ward, successor, Nelson Hubbs; Thomas Buchanan, Thomas Pooley, Thaddeus P. Varney, Isaac H. Lovett, who was recently appointed a policeman, resigned as a Constable in the Second ward, and Charles Evans was selected to succeed him.
Chief of Police Dodd, who was dismissed by City Council, had been placed on trial before the Police Committee yesterday afternoon on charges of incompetency and using profane language and his dismissal was based on the report of that committee.
Four of the new appointees are said to be Democrats.
An ordinance was introduced to make the following changes in the police force: One chief, salary $1200; two captains, salary $1000 each; two sergeants, salary $900 each; one detective, salary $800; fifty-eight policemen, salary $840 each.
Former City Clerk T. P. Varney was awarded a contract to furnish a safe for the Comptroller’s office for $125.
An ordinance authorizing the Camden and Suburban Railway Company to lay vitrified bricks between their tracks on the streets to be paved with sheet asphalt, was laid on the table pending a decision of the Court of Chancery.
Isaac H. Lovett, who was recently appointed a policeman, resigned as a Constable in the Second ward, and Charles Evans was selected to succeed him.
Chief of Police Dodd, who was dismissed by City Council, had been placed on trial before the Police Committee yesterday afternoon on charges of incompetency and using profane language and his dismissal was based on the report of that committee.
Witness Abused, Two Arrests Made
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Alleged Intimidation of a Man Who Testified Against Sunday Liquor Sellers
He Asked for Protection and Was Accompanied by a Policeman in Plain Clothes
Two men are locked up in the Camden City Hall. It is alleged that they intimidated a witness who appeared before the grand jury yesterday to testify against saloonkeepers charged with Sunday liquor selling. The prisoners are John Kane, 39 years old, a bartender, at Thomas Clayton’s saloon, 301 Mechanic street, and John G. Peterson, 57 years old, of 1463 South Third street, who claims to be an advertising solicitor. The witness they are said to have made threats against is Louis Coleman, who resides on North Thirty-sixth street, East Side.
The two men, it is said, first approached Coleman at the Court House, after he had left the grand jury room. He appealed to the authorities for protection, claiming threats had been made against him. Policeman Isaac Lovett, who was in citizens’ dress, was detailed to guard Coleman.
Kane and Peterson, it is alleged, followed Coleman about until he got on a trolley car to return home. The men boarded the same car, and so did Officer Lovett. Kane and Peterson, it is said, abused Coleman until the car reached the East Side. Then Officer Lovett seeing Policeman Flick on the street, called to him, and they took the two men in custody. They will have a hearing to-day before Recorder Nowrey.
Camden Policemen Held in Bail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Patrolmen Isaac Shreeve and Isaac Lovett, of the Camden police force, have been held in bail by Justice Finley on a charge of assaulting David Humphries, whom they arrested on the East Side last Wednesday evening.
Policeman Matlack Suspended
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Policeman A. L. Matlack, of the East Side, Camden, was given a hearing by Mayor Hatch yesterday on a charge of being unduly harsh towards Mrs. Mary Rose when he arrested her after a quarrel over the killing of some chickens. The Mayor suspended Matlack for ten days. The alleged unwarranted arrest of David Humphries by Patrolmen Isaac Shreeve and Isaac Lovett on the same occasion has not been taken up by the Mayor or Police Committee as yet. Humphries has brought suit for damages against the officers.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 24, 1902
(news brief — Policeman Lovett arrests H. G. Benson)
•• H G Benson, a lineman in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company, was arrested in Camden yesterday by Policeman Lovett, charged with the larceny of leaden sleeves from the company. He protested his innocence, but Detective Painter, it is said, on searching the home of Benson, at 220 Cole street, found the stolen articles beneath a couch.
•• H G Benson, a lineman in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company, was arrested in Camden yesterday by Policeman Lovett, charged with the larceny of leaden sleeves from the company. He protested his innocence, but Detective Painter, it is said, on searching the home of Benson, at 220 Cole street, found the stolen articles beneath a couch.
Camden Schoolboy Seriously Hurt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Elmer Lovett, aged 13 years, son of Patrolman Isaac Lovett, is suffering from concussion of the brain as the result of a schoolboy prank. Young Lovett was romping in the Linden School yard, Camden, when a companion playfully put out his foot. Lovett fell, striking his head on a brick. He was taken to his home, 833 Elm street, unconscious. His condition is serious.
Philadelphia Inquirer — June 1, 1903
(news brief — Lovett raids crap shooters)
•• The Camden police yesterday made several raids on gangs of crap shooters, but most of the participants were too elusive to be captured. Policemen Lovett, Cattell and Guthridge each made an arrest.
•• The Camden police yesterday made several raids on gangs of crap shooters, but most of the participants were too elusive to be captured. Policemen Lovett, Cattell and Guthridge each made an arrest.
Camden Policeman Stuck in the Mud
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Went to Look for Sick Man and Was Fished Out of Ditch With Limb of a Tree
Patrolman Isaac Lovett, of Camden’s First district police station, had a lively experience in the dense fog while up to his body in mud in a ditch in the East Side early yesterday morning. Word was sent to the police station that a man, either sick or injured, needed assistance at the Baird avenue bridge. Patrolmen Lovett and Paul were detailed to the place in a patrol wagon. On the Marlton turnpike, near the new Kaighn avenue extension, the officers agreed that it would be unsafe to drive the wagon through the thick fog, and Lovett volunteered to walk, while Paul looked after the patrol wagon. Suddenly Lovett disappeared in the mud up to his waist. There he struggled for some time, and was finally released from his predicament with the assistance of the broken limb of a tree.
The officer found Thomas Matlack, 68 years old, a watchman, seriously ill. Matlack was taken to his home, 528 North Seventh street, Camden, after the patrol was located in the fog.
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 20, 1906
(news brief — Lovett resignation)
•• Deciding not to face the police committee on several charges, Policeman Isaac Lovett, in Camden, yesterday tendered his resignation to Mayor Ellis. Lovett was to have been given a hearing tonight.
•• Deciding not to face the police committee on several charges, Policeman Isaac Lovett, in Camden, yesterday tendered his resignation to Mayor Ellis. Lovett was to have been given a hearing tonight.