Introduction
JAMES E. TATEM was born in Camden in May of 1876 to William A. and Anna Emley Tatem. There were at least two older siblings, a sister, Mary, and a brother, Edward, and two younger brothers, George and William H. Tatem. In 1880 the Tatem family lived at 101 North 7th Street. William Tatem was then a produce dealer. Sadly, he had passed away by 1887. The family was then living at 422 Henry Street in South Camden. The 1890–1891 Directory shows the Tatems at 619 South 5th Street, where older brother Edward Tatem also conducted a milk business. At the age of 24 James Tatem had married Ella Lummis. The couple resided with her parents, at 435 Beckett Street at the time of the 1900 Census. He had by this time already joined Camden's police force.
James Tatem joined Camden's police department in 1899, an appointee of Mayor Cooper B. Hatch. He managed to avoid being discharged when Democrat mayor Joseph Nowrey was elected. When the Republicans returned to City Hall in 1905, new Mayor Charles Ellis saw “Smilin’ Jimmy’s” ability to calm a troubled situation, and by 1910 he was promoted to sergeant and by 1920 to captain. For much of Ellis’ term James Tatem served as an aide to the Mayor. He also served as a Justice of the Peace in the early 1920s.
James Tatem remained on with the Camden police department when Mayor Ellis retired to become Postmaster in 1922. The following year Victor King was elected mayor. King also took a liking to the ever-diplomatic Tatem, and saw that he was appointed Captain of the newly created traffic bureau. When Commissioner Frank Hitchner, then the director of public safety, fired Chief Edward S. Hyde, Tatem was chosen to be the new Chief.
James Tatem faced a daunting challenge in his new post, one that in retrospect he may not have been prepared for— not that many police officers of his generation were. He was an officer who came up in the 1890s and 1900s faced with the new organized crime model that took hold in America when Prohibition was instituted in 1919. That and his dalliance with the Democratic Mayor King foretold Chief Tatem’s replacement. After a shooting in a downtown bar, the Bluebird Cafe, in late 1927, Commissioner David S. Rhone, the new director of public safety, took a more active role in the affairs of the department. Finally, on March 2, 1928 Mayor Winfield S. Price replaced Chief Tatem, appointing Captain Lewis H. Stehr Jr. as acting Chief of Police. This was a surprise to many, who had assumed that the popular Chief Charles T. Humes would get the post. James Tatem then retired on a full pension. It is worth noting, however, that his service to the city was recognized in that he had been granted a raise on March 1, 1928 which had the effect of locking in his pension at a higher amount.
The marriage between James and Ella Tatem appears to have been a stormy one. By 1910 the couple had separated, and he appears to never have remarried. He then lived with his mother, grandmother Elizabeth Emley, widowed sister Mary Gahan, and nephew Edward at 535 South 5th Street. James Tatem would remain at this address into the 1920s. He moved to 615 South 5th Street by 1924. James Tatem was still living there with his sister as late as April of 1930. The Census shows them living at 615 South 5th Street, next door to Camden firefighter Leonard Megee, and on the same block where he had resided as a boy.
James Tatem’s younger brother, William Howell Tatem, served as a member of the Camden Fire Department from the late 1900s into the 1930s.
Philadelphia Inquirer – October 30, 1897
Named: Emma Zane, Eli Shaw, Wilson H. Jenkins, Henry S. Scovel, Dr. William S. Jones, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, William A. Husted, Thomas Benkert, Martin J. O’Brien, William Anderson, Charles Folwell, John Irwin, Elwin Steen, Harry Delameter, O. Glen Stackhouse, John Foster, H. Frank Pettit, James E. Tatem, Frank B. Haines, Albert Fogg, John Painter, John H. Beard, Albert Hollingshead, William Stein, Charles M. Lane, Elwin Steen, John Sinclair, and Mrs. Anna Knight. Click images for PDF of complete article..
Camden Daily Courier – September 25, 1899
Added to the “Finest.”
Mayor Hatch Names Fifteen New Policemen this Afternoon
Six Out of the Lot Have Worn the Blue Before—William Horner Made a Sergeant—A Great Crowd Filled the City Hall Corridors This Morning Ready to Don Uniforms.
The headquarters of the Police Department and the office of Mayor Hatch at the City Hall this morning was the centre of attraction for a score or more of citizens who are quite anxious to don a policeman’s uniform and become one of the Mayor’s finest. No matter if the life of a policeman is not a happy one, so long as there are $17 per week in it. The gathering was brought about by the rumor having gone forth that the Mayor would some time to-day make the appointment and swear in the men appointed. Hence the gathering and the looks of expectancy upon the faces of those that would a copper be. They were doomed to disappointment, however, as Mayor Hatch, after calling two or three into his private office and swearing them in, informed the rest that he would name the full list to-morrow. To a “Courier” reporter the Mayor stated that he had some of the men picked, but would not give out their names until he had them all ready. The appointments are made under an ordinance recently passed instructing the Mayor to increase the police force of the city. It will give an additional policeman to each word.
However, at three o’clock this afternoon Mayor Hatch had finished the work of selecting the new men and announced the list as follows:
First ward—William Lyons.
Second ward—William Thompson. A. Lincoln James.
Third ward—Isaac Toy.
Fourth ward—James Tatem.
Fifth ward—Casper Hart.
Sixth ward—Thomas Brothers.
Seventh ward—John Anderson. George Purnell.
Eighth ward—Alfred F. Snow.
Ninth ward—David Clark.
Tenth ward—Thomas Reed. Howard McPherson.
Eleventh ward—Edward R. Thomas
Twelfth ward—John Zane.
Of these a number of the names are quite familiar because their owners have worn the blue before. These are James, Hart, Brouthers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The latter, now appointed from the Twelfth ward, was in the old days of Republican rule, in Stockton, the chief of police of that place. For years previously he had been on the county’s constabulary force.
Mayor Hatch also announced the appointment of William Horner to be sergeant of the Third district.
Philadelphia Inquirer – September 26, 1899
Camden’s Police Force Increased
Mayor Hatch, of Camden, yesterday afternoon announced the appointment of fifteen additional policemen, as follows:
First ward, William Lyons; Second ward, William Thompson and A. Lincoln James; Third ward, Isaac Toy; Fourth ward, Jas. Tatem; Fifth ward, Casper Hart; Sixth ward, Thomas Brothers; Seventh ward, George Purnell and John Anderson; Eighth ward, Alfred S. Snow; Ninth ward, David Clark; Tenth ward, Thomas Reed and Howard McPherson; Eleventh ward, Edward R. Thomas; Twelfth ward, John Zane; sergeant in the Third district, William Horner.
Included in the list are the following who have served as policemen before: James, Hart, Brothers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The appointments are made under a recent ordinance passed by City Council providing for an increase in the police force. The men will go on duty on October 1.
Philadelphia Inquirer – December 13, 1903
ARMED DESPERADOES SWOOP DOWN ON EAST CAMDEN
First Hold Up Bridge Watchman, Compelling Him to Place Mask on Face of One of the Bandits
Battle With Policeman After Blowing Up Safe in Pavonia Station—Shoot at Tower Operator Who Telegraphs for Help
In true Wild West fashion five heavily armed desperadoes swooped down upon East Camden yesterday morning, and within two hours they had emptied their revolvers several times over, held up a bridge tender, cut telephone wires, blew up a safe, ordered a train crew to move on, perforated a tower house with bullets and finally made their escape. It was all done between 12.15 o’clock, when the bandits began operations at the State street bridge over Cooper Creek, and 1.50, when they gave final battle to policemen and citizens out Federal street, and disappeared in the darkness.
Never in Camden county’s history was there such a bold intrusion. The bandits are supposed to be a part of the gang which murdered Operator Clendenen, near Jersey Shore, Pa., and which has been terrorizing railroad operators and tower men in all parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey recently.
First Appearance
It was shortly after 12 o’clock when the bandits appeared at the State street bridge at Cooper’s Creek. David Loughead and Oscar Till, bridge tenders, had just prepared to retire for the night. Loughead left Till to go to a boat house nearby. He had been gone but a short time when Till heard voices in the rear of the bridge house.
Bridgeman Till observed several men standing at the end of the bridge, and believing that they anticipated attacking him he locked the doors and laid his revolver on the bunk. Suddenly the door was forced open and in tumbled five men. Four of the bandits were masked. Instantly the frightened bridge tender was looking into the barrels of five revolvers.
“I surrender,” said Till.
“That’s all right, old pal,” replied one of the robbers, “but we want your money. You see we are a little short of funds, and it’s getting along about Christmas time.”
Masked by Their Victim
The men were about to go through Till’s pockets when the unmasked bandit said: “Hold up, I want my face covered and I want Mr. Bridgetender to do it.” Till complied. While a revolver was held at each temple Till took out his handkerchief and attempted to tie it about the robber’s face. He got the handkerchief over the fellow’s eyes. When ordered to try again he adjusted it to the satisfaction of the bandit, who expressed regret that the visit was causing the bridgetender so much trouble. The man Till masked went through his pockets. He failed to find any money, as Till had hidden what bills he had early in the night.
Ordered to Bed
Till was ordered to bed, and after he lay down on his back the bandits covered him over completely and cautioned him not to move under penalty of death. The desperadoes then disappeared. Fearing that one of the gang had remained behind to keep him from sounding an alarm, Till remained in bed until he heard a car approaching. Then he ventured out and summoned his partner, David Loughead, from the boat house.
When an effort was made to use the telephone the bridgetenders found that the bandits had cut the wires.
The men hurried on State street, passed around the old Cox farm, struck into the river road, then headed for Pavonia.
Blew Up Safe
After passing guardedly through the freight yards of the Pennsylvania Railroad the bandits came up to the Pavonia Station. The thieves entered the little office by removing a heavy wire screen from a window in the rear of the ticket compartment, which is a room 8x10 feet in size. Three men had just about entered the station when two, who were left on guard, saw a train approaching. When Engineer Truax stopped the drill engine near the tower house the two men who were watching on the outside approached Engineer Truax and his fireman, Allen Stewart, with drawn revolvers and commanded them to uncouple the engine and proceed on up the road.
Truax lost no time in obeying. He opened the throttle of his locomotive and did not stop until he reached Fish House.
In the meantime the trio in the station had inserted a charge of nitro-glycerine in the safe, attached a fuse and climbed out the window to await the explosion. It came in a few minutes.
Shot at Operator
Operator Ralph Haines, of Eighth and Line streets, Camden, heard the noise and raised the window of the tower house. He had hardly placed his head out when, with an oath, he was ordered to put his head in. The operator hesitated, until several shots were fired, followed by a general bombardment on the tower. One bullet whizzed by Haines’ head and buried itself in the window frame. Another lodged in the overhanging roof of the station waiting room.
This was too much for Haines and he fell back on the floor. Evidently believing they had murdered the tower man, the robbers discontinued bombarding the tower house with bullets and walked to the wrecked office. Operator Haines crawled on his knees to the ticker and sent word to the main office that he was being attacked by a gang of desperadoes, who were bombarding the tower in an effort to kill him. The two bandits who were on guard were noticed to run to the station office and the five suddenly left together.
Duel With Bandits
In the meantime all was activity at police headquarters. The railroad officials had communicated Operator Haines’ message to the City Hall and Sergeant Schregler and Officer Tatem sent word to a dozen officers, who started for the scene under the direction of Sergeant Reeder.
The detail was divided up to cover the various roads. Policemen Thomas Reed and Errickson were assigned to State street and at the bridge met Policemen Sell and Schmidt and Bridgeman Till. After a wait with no developments Sell and Schmidt decided to go to River road. They had only been gone a few minutes when they came upon the bandits hurrying in State street, near Cox’s farm.
When fifty yards away Sell ordered the robbers to throw up their hands. They did so, but each man flashed a pistol in his hand and opened fire on the officers. The latter returned the fire, but were compelled to retreat, as the odds were largely against them.
Bullet Through Officer’s Coat
Reed, Errickson and Till could see the flash of the pistols and hurried up the road, guns in hand. Then the shooting ceased and a minute later Sell and Schmidt came up. Neither man was hurt, but one of the bullets fired by the robbers had passed through the shoulder of Sell’s coat. An effort was made to catch up with the men again. They ran out State street to the railroad, back towards Cooper’s Creek, where they broke open the bridge tender’s house, then struck into Federal street and headed for the open country. Out Federal street they met more policemen and several armed citizens. The bandits were some distance away, but there was another lively exchange of shots. No one was injured. The bandits kept on the run and were soon lost in the darkness.
About $10 at the Pavonia station was secured by the robbers. They left more than a dollar in change in a drawer in the ticket office.
Philadelphia Inquirer – March 30, 1907
Philadelphia Inquirer –
Tatem Made House Sergeant
In accordance with the ordinance adopted by Camden City Council, the Police Department was increased by an additional house sergeant at headquarters yesterday. Mayor Ellis appointed James Tatem, one of the most popular members of the force. He has been assigned as a hall officer and the vacancy caused by his elevation will be filled by George Cooper.
James Tatem — George Cooper — Charles H. Ellis
Philadelphia Inquirer – December 9, 1908
Camden News Notes
** The annual sham battle and dance under the auspices of Battery B, N. G. N. J., will be held in the Camden Armory tomorrow evening.
** Dr. H. H. Sherk will give an illustrated lecture on the Yellowstone Park in the East Camden Library tomorrow night.
** One of the largest funerals that has taken place in Camden for some time was that of George Bird, who was buried from his home, 801 Haddon avenue. The services were in charge of Rev. Isaac Bagley and interment was made in the Evergreen Cemetery.
** These officers have been nominated by the Camden Police Pension Fund: President, Robert Colkett; vice president, Albert Snow; financial secretary, James Tatem; recording secretary, Edward Hyde; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, James Ware, George Anderson, George Cooper, Allan Palmer and Thomas Reed.
** Daniel Clifford, a Civil War veteran, 70 years old, of New York, reported to the police yesterday that after he had drawn his pension he had been decoyed to Camden, where he was relieved of $69.
** In a twenty five foot fall at Mathis’ Shipyard yesterday, Lysander Burton, of 904 North Second street, was seriously injured internally besides having many lacerations and bruises.
** Attacked with asthma, William Baldwin, 77 years old, of 510 Kaighn avenue, died yesterday before a physician could be summoned.
** From shock due to a broken leg, John Spiegel, 45 years old, died in the Cooper Hospital last night. At one time Spiegel was a transcribing clerk in the Register of Deeds office.
Philadelphia Inquirer – November 14, 1909
Named: Frank Ford Patterson Jr., James Clay, George Cooper, Fiore Troncone, Edmund Pike, Walter Stanton, Oscar Weaver, Albert Shaw, William Schregler, James Tatem, and Edward Hartman.
Philadelphia Inquirer – January 14, 1910
Police Pension Fund Election
There was a spirited contest at the annual election of officers of the Camden Police Pension Fund yesterday. J. Oscar Weaver won out for the presidency of the fund over George Anderson. The other officers elected follow: Vice president, James Clay; recording secretary, Edward Hyde; financial secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, George Cooper, Albert Shaw and Harry Mines.
Philadelphia Inquirer – October 4, 1912
Conscience Forces Confession
“I want to give myself up; I can’t eat or sleep,” said a mild-mannered young man to Sergeant Tatem, at the Camden police headquarters, yesterday. On being questioned he said he was Eugene Caffrey, 21 years old, of 616 Roberts street. While visiting the home of a friend, Harry Virtue, 134 North, Thirty-sixth street, on September 23, he had purloined a quantity of jewelry. Caffrey was so overwrought that he sobbed aloud. He was later held in $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse.
Many at Williams’ Funeral
Philadelphia Inquirer –
Many persons of prominence yesterday attended the funeral of former City Assessor Caleb B. Williams, which took place from his home at 443 Royden street, Camden. The services were in charge of Rev. Dr. John Handley, pastor of the Broadway M. E. Church; Rev. J. H. Townsend, of St. John’s P. E. Church, and Rev. D. B. Green, an assistant at the Broadway Church. The pall-bearers included Fire Chief John Stockton, Police Captain James E. Tatem, Under Sheriff James E. Hewitt, Deputy Register of Deeds Ralston Sickler, former Exciseman John Baker, and Harry Dease, secretary to the Park Commission. Interment was made at Evergreen Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer – December 4, 1917
Police Elect Officers
Camden’s Police Beneficial Association yesterday at its annual session donated $25 each to the Camden Day Nursery, Camden Home for Friendless Children, West Jersey Orphanage, Mary J. Ball Nursery, Homeopathic Hospital, Y. M. C. A. War Fund, S. P. C. C., and the Associated Charities. They elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Arthur Colsey; vice president, Thomas Cunningham; financial secretary, Edward Hyde; recording secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Humes, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, Ralph Bond and John Develin.
Camden Daily Courier – January 4, 1922
Camden Daily Courier –
Charge Detective Murry Protected Vice
Named: John B. Kates, Walter Keown, George Ward, Howard Fisher, James E. Tatem, Elisha A. Gravenor, E.G.C. Bleakly, Anthony “Babe” Paradise, “Pye” Calletino, William Draper, Tony Latorre, Ira Hall, George V. Murry, Harry “Dutch” Selby, Gus Davis, Albert “Salty” Cook, Ned Galvin, James Wilson, Sycamore Street, Pine Street, Rosetta Blue, Deena Howard, Minnie Draper, Harry Knox, Blanche Martin, Jesse Smith, Antonio Pelle, Ethel Murray, Paulo Genovese, Nazzara DeVecches, Nino Mercandino, South 2nd Street, South 3rd Street, South 4th Street, Ann Street, Baxter Street, and Line Street.
Philadelphia Inquirer – November 26, 1922
E.G.C. Bleakly — John Golden — William E. Albert — John Painter — Charles Fitzsimmons — Thomas Brothers — Edwin Thomas — Richard Golden — William Lyons — Milton Stanley — Howard Smith — Charles A. Wolverton — James E. Tatem — Edward Hyde
This story erred in reporting, as retirement at age 65 was NOT mandatory at the time. William E. Albert, Richard Golden, Frank Matlack, and Edwin Thomas did retire. John Golden, John Painter, Charles Fitzsimmons, Thomas Brothers, and William Lyons continued to work in the Police Department. John Golden was eventually promoted to Chief of Police.
Trenton Evening Times – June 27, 1923
CHIEF OF CAMDEN POLICE IS RETIRED
CAMDEN, June 27.—The authorities shook up the Police Department yesterday by retiring Police Chief Edward S. Hyde and Eldridge Benjamin McClong, chief clerk of the department, on pensions. Announcement of the proposed changes came following a conference at City Hall attended by Mayor King, Commissioners Middleton and Sherwood, City Counsel Miller, and Assistant City Counsel Neutze. Commissioner Hitchner was unable to attend on account of the death of his father, but it is said he has acquiesced in the action of the other commissioners.
Captain James E. Tatem, who has been stationed at City Hall headquarters, was asked to become acting chief. Chief Hyde was eligible to a pension both from the standpoint of years of service and age.
Speaking for the commissioners, Mr. Miller said: “Chief Hyde and Captain McClong have signed applications for pensions and have been relieved from further duty. It was regarded as a move for the best interests of the police department and the city government that these two men retire at this time.”
Letter from Captain of Detectives Edward S. King – January 17, 1927
Letter written to Mrs. W.D. Black of Eubank, Kentucky by Captain of Detectives Edward S. King, January 17, 1927. Edward S. King — James E. Tatem
Camden Courier-Post – June 9, 1927
Captains Shifted
Sergeant William Horner, First District, North Camden, to become captain of the Third District, where he lives.
Captain Arthur Colsey, now deputy to Chief Tatem, to go to Second District as captain in command.
Captain William Schregler, captain of detectives until two years ago, to return to that post;
Captain of Detectives Edward King, who replaced Schregler, to return to his former rating as a detective;
Chief Tatem to remain as chief;
Captain John Golden, remaining in command at First District.
Camden Courier-Post – July 9, 1927
Policeman Harry Kreher Plays Role of Kipling Character
Ice Water Wagon Makes the Rounds
Replaces ‘Quick Drink in Alley Back of a Saloon’
“Ye may talk o’ gin an’ beer / While ye’re quartered safely here—”
Back in the grammar school days, when the day came around for the pupils to “speak pieces,” Harry Kreher used to hear about “Gunga Din,” that widely known colored gentleman of Mr. Kipling’s who was a sort of early prohibitionist in the rough.
But in those days, Harry Kreher never thought that he’d be called upon to play “Gunga Din” to the huskies of Camden’s finest.
At the present time, however, that’s the role he is taking in these humid days of steaming pavements and thirsty cops. He is, in fact, the official “Gunga Din” of the Camden police force.
Mr. Din, you will remember was water boy to that particular portion of the British army which did its stuff somewhere in India and his light refreshments—though, according to Mr. Kipling they were far from sanitary—were widely welcomed.
And now Mr. Kreher—or, more properly Motorcycle Officer Kreher—is being greeted whenever he appears in the neighborhood of a fellow policeman. Realizing that traffic officers and patrolmen frequently get thirsty in this hot weather, and that times have changed since the days when a cop could knock on a back door and have a foaming glass thrust out to him, Chief Tatem has appointed Kreher to the official management of the police force refreshment wagon.
Kreher, on his motorcycle, rides about town, bearing in his sidecar a large tank of ice-water which he distributes to those thirsty policemen he meets.
“It saves time,” says Chief Tatem, “and is appreciated by the men. Heretofore they’ve had to walk several blocks, sometimes, to get a drink—of water. This way, they watch out for Kreher and there you are.”
Officer Kreher guarantees that his ice-water is far superior to that of Gunga Din.
“And there are lots of people who have become so that they enjoy ice-water as a drink these days,” he comments.
Camden Courier-Post – January 7, 1928
Camden Courier-Post –
Jewelry Clerk Held in Robbery of Store
Loot Valued at $2000 Taken From Broadway Shop; Second Visit of Thieves
Climbing to the roof of a shed in the rear of the Greenetz & Pellicoff jewelry store, 833 Broadway, burglars entered the shop early today and carried away $2,000 in loot.
At noon today, Joseph Shapiro, 29 years old, 215 South Fifth Street, a clerk in the store, was being grilled by Detectives George Ward and Thomas Cheeseman, after being booked at police headquarters as having been arrested “on suspicion.”
August 29 four suspected robbers were captured by police only a few minutes after they had smashed the plate glass window and snatched a tray of jewels at the same store.
Policeman John McTaggart reported the burglary this morning. He is the brother of Policeman James McTaggart, who participated in the capture of the four suspects last August.
Included in the loot of the burglars this morning were 35 watches left at the shop by their owners for repairs. At the shop it was said the owners of the watches would be reimbursed. Other articles stolen included 26 bracelets, 12 diamond bar pins, 15 pair of earrings, three fountain pen sets, and six strings of beads.
At 7:30 this morning, Patrolman McTaggert noticed several men standing in front of the jewelry store. He learned that they had just discovered an open window and, investigating, found the shop had been robbed.
The watches and other articles of jewelry were taken from trays and showcases. A safe in the store was left untouched.
The building next to the jewelry store at 831 Broadway is unoccupied and it was through this structure that the burglars entered. They climbed to the roof of a shed at the rear, entered a second story window and followed a corridor to an inner door of the jewelry store, forced open the door, and entered.
The capture of the four men at the store more than four months ago resulted in commendation from Chief James E. Tatem for the three officers who participated. With Policeman Edward Smith and Frank Truax, Patrolman James McTaggert took the four men at revolver’s point. The men arrested at that time, still awaiting trial, are James Toner, 54 years old, 1204 Vine Street, Philadelphia; Mervin Campbell, 24 years old, 2309 Carlisle Street; James J. Kelly, 25 years old, 2121 Brandywine Street; and Frank MacCrossan, 33 years old, of 1328 Pearl Street.
The proprietors of the store are Joseph and Michael Greenetz, 1468 Haddon Avenue, and Abraham Pellicoff, 1417 Haddon Avenue.
Camden Courier-Post – February 4, 1928
Camden Courier-Post –
Police Invite Bandits to Nice Shooting Party
But Yeggs Must Leave Gats at Home While Cops Practice With Camden’s New Desperado Eliminators
Wanted: Targets for Camden’s new desperado eliminators. Bandits, burglars, snipers and their ilk are requested by Chief of Police James E. Tatem to apply at police headquarters Monday morning at 10 o’clock, when a practice shooting party will be held.
Chief Tatem said today Camden’s bandit-chasing squad is “just rarin’ to go” with six new automatic rifles guaranteed to shoot full of holes the toughest bandit in less time than it takes to say “Aligoop.”
For the further enlightenment of the bandit fraternity, Chief Tatem announced detailed instructions on how to use the new carbines will be given this afternoon at 3 o’clock to bandit chasing police by Captain Arthur Colsey and Herman Engle, a representative of Stein Brothers, this city.
The rifles arrived at police headquarters yesterday afternoon. They will be distributed in each of the city’s three police districts in the campaign to rid the city of desperadoes.
The weapons can fire a magazine of 20 shots in a few seconds. They will be mounted in the three red bandit chasing coupes used by the district squad members. One of the coupes is now being used by Archie Reiss and Vernon Jones in South Camden, while two others are expected to be delivered within a few days, according to Chief of Police James E. Tatem. They will be assigned to Walter Smith and Joseph Carpani, First district detectives and Louis Schlam and Richard Donnelly in the East Camden district.
Swivel attachments make it possible to fire the guns from a fixed point in an automobile. Detached they may be fired from the shoulder. Besides firing a magazine of 20 shots without stopping, they can be adjusted to single fire, using .45 caliber cartridges.
Instruction in the adjustment and use of the weapons will be given today by a representative of the company that sold them— at $175 each— to the city.
Camden Courier-Post – February 4, 1928 (Photo)
Anson Kelly Gets Five Days After Hearing on Quarrel With Wife
Anson Kelly, 45 years old, appointed acting city detective last month, has been suspended by James E. Tatem, chief of police, for five days on complaint made by his wife, Mrs. Mary Kelly.
Mrs. Kelly, according to Arthur Colsey, police captain, called headquarters Thursday night, requesting that police come to her home at 801 Kimber street. She said her husband had returned in an intoxicated condition and had started firing bullets from his revolver into the ceiling while in a rage.
When police arrived, Captain Colsey said, Kelly had been quieted by his son, Anson, Jr., 20 years old, and all was peaceful. Mrs. Kelly, he explained, withdrew her complaint then, but Captain John Golden conducted an investigation.
Kelly, Captain Colsey reported, was given a hearing before Chief Tatem. Colsey said this is the first time Kelly has been in trouble since his appointment to the force in 1912.
Camden Courier-Post – February 15, 1928
Camden Courier-Post –
Police Axes Play Dirge on Slot Machines
Confiscated slot machines being stacked in front of police headquarters, preparatory to being carted to Civic Center and destroyed. Civic Center — Lewis Stehr — James Tatem — Charles Laib
Camden Courier-Post – February 22, 1928
Camden Courier-Post –
$225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants
How Flames Gutted Big Industrial Building
Named: Residents Flee as Flames Rage in Big Building. Factory of Evans Leather Co. Saved by Valiant Work of Firemen. Metal Stamping Firm, Textile Concern Heavy Losers; Pattern Shop Saved. Thomas Nicholas, James Tatem, Manuel Kane, Harry M. Leigh, David Ellis, Engine Company 2, Engine Company 4, Engine Company 5, Engine Company 6, and Segal Street.
Camden Courier-Post – February 23, 1928
Named: Dr. Clement T. Branch, William D. Sayrs, James E. Tatem, Walnut Street, Thomas Cunningham, and South 9th Street.
Camden Courier-Post – May 5, 1930
Named: Joseph G. Ward, Louis Street, Florence Street, Decatur Street, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, William G. Ritter, Peter English, Walter Wilkie, Ralph Bakley, Joseph Ward Sr., E. Frank Pine, Clifford Del Rossi, Theodore Guthrie, Melvin Cain, William F. McGrath, Sylvester “Wes” McGrath, City Detective, Urquhart Ward, Robert Ward, John Smith, Maurice Mensch, Victor King, Michael Mathews, James E. Tatem, and Arthur Colsey.
Camden Courier-Post – June 1, 1932
Named: Joshua C. Haines, Isabella C. Reinert, Elizabeth C. Verga, David Baird Jr., Walter Keown, Frank B. Hanna, Etta C. Pfrommer, Howard B. Dyer, William D. Sayrs Jr., Lottie B. Stinson, Anna G. Holl, Margaret Wermuth, Carlton M. “Cy” Harris, J.C. Remington, Charles A. Wolverton, Carl Kisselman, Edward Deibert, L. Scott Cherchesky, William E.A. King, J. Claud Simon, T. Phillips Brown, J.H. Reiners, Rocco Palese, Morris Praissman, George R. Pelouze, Albert S. Woodruff, Clay W. Reesman, William Wimer, Horace G. Githens, J. Wesley Sell, A.C. Middleton, Robert Brennan, Marie Mackintosh, William H. Heiser, Mary McCready, James Corea, Susie Marchiano, James E. Tatem, Mary A. Ivins, Martin A. McNulty, Madeline Salvatore, Howard B. Dyer, Mary S. Hartung, Edward A. Kemble, Mary D. Guthridge, Edmund A. Walsh, Mamie F. Piraine, Edward Holloway, Deborah Schuck, Henry I. Haines, Lillian M. Walker, Horace B. Beideman, Etta C. Pfrommer, Carlton M. Harris, Mary E. Hamel, Henry Knauer, Louella I. Whaland, Jesse M. Donaghy, and Lottie B. Stinson.
Camden Courier-Post – June 11, 1932
Mrs. G.A. Tatem Dies; Final Rites Today
The funeral of Mrs. Mabel W. Tatem, wife of George A. Tatem and sister-in-law of former Police Chief James E. Tatem, will be held this afternoon at the funeral home of Arthur H. Holl, 1401 Princess Avenue.
Mrs. Tatem died suddenly Wednesday of heart disease. She was found dead in her home at 804 South Fifty-fifth street, Philadelphia. The family formerly lived in Camden. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Burlington.
She is survived also by two sons, James M. and George Allen, Jr.
Camden Courier-Post – May 14, 1934
Camden Courier-Post, May 14, 1934 — Ben Corter column mentioning James E. Tatem
Camden Courier-Post – January 16, 1935
ZUNI A. A. TO HOLD ANNUAL BALL JAN. 25
The fourth annual ball of the Zuni Athletic Association, 464 Royden street, will be held at Eagles Hall, 415 Broadway, on Friday night, Jan. 25. Frankie Moles and His Jersey Cavaliers will play.
Invitations to attend have been extended to Gene Mariano, honorary president; former Police Chief James E. Tatem, Michael and Joseph Greenetz, Joseph Wood, Frank A. Giordano, Angelo A. Di Persia, Dr. Lawrence R. Palese and Peter Zizak, coach of the 1934 football team.
The ball committee includes Dominic Radogna, chairman; Anthony Natanni, Anthony Fabrizio, Victor Price, John Natanni, William Flomini, Joseph Flomini, Dave Mancozzi, Nicholas Levecchia, Paul A. Giordano and Frank Devone.
Officers elected at the last meeting were: President, Emil Aceto; vice president, Ralph Bantivoglio; secretary, Felix Meschini; treasurers, Leonard Garaguso and Harry Larusso, and sergeant-at-arms, Dominic Giordano.