James Elberson
James Elberson was born in Pennsylvania in October of 1851. The family name also comes up as Elverson and in at least one source Elbertson.
James Elberson married around 1886. His wife Lydia gave birth to a son, Raymond Louis Elberson on January 7, 1892.
James Elberson first appears in Camden City Directories in 1887, working as a bartender and living at 118 Elm Street in North Camden. He next appears in the 1891 edition, working as a carver and living at 619 North 2nd Street, where he stayed through 1896. During this time he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department.
James Elberson was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1893, and assigned to Engine Co No 4 at 320 Vine Street in North Camden. In 1894 Engine Co No 4 consisted of Foreman Amedee S. Middleton, Engineer Francis Turner, Driver Walter Browning, Stoker Robert Steer, and Hosemen Howard Currie, William Patterson, and James Elberson. He was appointed to the Police Department in April of 1894 but returned to the Fire Department at the end of May of that year.
The 1897 Directory shows the family at 731 Elm Street, and 1899 has them at 417 Vine Street. The 1900 Census shows the family living in what was then Camden’s Tenth Ward, at 627 North 6th Street. The 1904 Directory shows 624 Vine Street, 1905’s edition has them at 628 North 4th Street, 1906 at 418 Vine Street, and 1908 at 540 Pearl Street. The 1909 City Directory and the 1910 Census shows the Elberson family had moved around the corner to 518 Vine Street. 1911 and 1912 Directories have the Elbersons at 514 Vine Street, while the 1913 edition shows them back around the corner at 613 North 6th Street. The following year the family was at 620 North 4th Street. By the time the 1915 City Directory was being compiled, the Elbersons had moved to Cramer Hill, taking up residence at 1016 North 24th Street.
James Elberson was an active member of the New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benefit Association, a precursor of today’s firefighter’s unions. He served as treasurer of the Association from 1903 through at least 1906.
In March of 1906 James Elberson was injured in the fire that took the lives of three Camden firefighters, George Shields, William Hillman, and William Jobes. He returned to duty and was later promoted to Lieutenant, a position similar to today’s Captain.
Heart trouble caused James Elberson to retire from the Camden Fire Department at the rank of Lieutenant on June 1, 1915. He passed away in November of 1915. His wife and son remained at 1016 North 24th Street through 1917. Mrs. Elberson is not listed in the 1918 Directory. Raymond Elberson remained in Cramer Hill into the early 1920s before moving to Gloucester City and later out into Gloucester County. He died in 1962.
The Mayor Names
Camden Post —
THE MAYOR NAMES
Four Members off the Board of Public Instruction.
THREE WERE REAPPOINTED.
His Honor also Announces Another Batch of New Policemen and Asks for the Resignation of the Democratic Hold-overs.
Mayor Westcott this morning made the following appointments of members of the Board of Public Instruction: George D. Borton, D, First ward; Samuel Iszard, R, Second ward; Chas. H. Ellis, Jr., R, Sixth ward, and James Hanson, Jr., D, Seventh ward. Messrs. Borton, Iszard and Ellis are reappointments. Mr. Hanson succeeds Charles Hewston of the Seventh ward, whose term expires to-day. The new member is an oilcloth printer with a highly honorable record, his appointment giving great satisfaction all around.
The Mayor also announced the following new appointments on the police force:
First ward—James Elberson, Chas. Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer. Third ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Steen. Fifth ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons. Sixth ward—Abraham Jackson. Seventh ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde. Eighth ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks, the latter colored.
Policeman Tommy Reed, of the Second ward, sent in his resignation last night. Peall, of the Second, and Thomas, of the Third, are expected to follow suit to-day.
In fact, the Mayor has asked for the resignations of all the holdovers of the Police Commission, with the exception of House Sergeant John Beard, of the Second ward, who, besides being a good officer, knows how to mind his p’s and q’s.
The Mayor thinks he will have to dismiss Mullane and Painter, as they give no sign of submitting gracefully.
Harry Miller, of the Third ward, will be allowed to remain until May 1st on account of the recent loss of his child.
It is said that Charley Sink will not get there in the Ninth. Billy Fish is said to have the inside track.
Wm. Ripley, of the Seventh ward, made a good and faithful policeman, and was fired like the rest, but it is said will not go back right away.
Sam Sheer was a “cop” under ex-Mayor Ayres and ought to know the ropes.
Harry Richmond, of the Fourth ward, will not resign. He says he will make them prefer charges. Well, Bob Miller was fired because he only had one eye.
My! but what a lot of men there are in this town who would like to wear helmets!
The Mayor's Appointments
Camden Daily Telegram —
THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
He Announced Several This Week.
COMMISSIONERS OF INSTRUCTION.
The Old Members Re-Instated With the Exception of the Member From the Seventh Ward—Police Appointments and Resignations.
Mayor Westcott made the following appointments as Commissioners of Instruction:
First Ward—George D. Borton. Second Ward—Samuel Iszard. Sixth Ward—Chas. H. Ellis, Jr. Seventh Ward—James Hanson, Jr.
The following appointments were made on the police force:
First Ward—James Elberson, Charles Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Second Ward—No appointments.
Third Ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Stein.
Fourth Ward—No appointments.
Fifth Ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth Ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh Ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth Ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks (colored).
Ninth Ward—No appointments.
Mayor Westcott has requested the resignation of all the members of the police force who served under the Police Commission, to take effect May 1. They are Policemen Peall, Horner, Painter, Mullane, Miller and Reed.
POLITICAL POINTERS.
Who will be the postmaster?
Who will be the next prosecutor?
Many of the ward workers are suffering from election colds.
If the Mayor could arrange it to hold his hearings a trifle earlier it would be a great source of satisfaction to the Camden afternoon papers.
There is still great anxiety on the part of the public as to the outcome of the present session of the legislature. Thus far their public acts have been highly commendable.
The abolishment of the Police Justice act restores to office the City Recorder, Benjamin M. Braker, who would be qualified to act in place of the Mayor should the Chief Executive be taken sick.
Jos. B. Fox, of the Fourth ward, is what might be termed an old reliable, having had a long and varied experience in public affairs. He is always conservative in the expenditure of city money. He is always safe to trust.
W. J. Bradley has been asked if he was a candidate for president of the new City Council. His reply was that he had not sought it in the first place, and would not seek it now, but whether he became president or remained merely a member on the floor, he would endeavor to discharge his duties in the interests of the city.
Fire Commissioners
Camden Daily Telegram —
Fire Commissioners.
Appointments Made as Provided for by Ordinance.
At a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of City Council on Tuesday night James Baird was awarded the contract for supplying the department with two horses at $400.
The Commissioners made the following appointments, in conformity with a recent ordinance: First ward, Joseph Logue; Second ward, William Patterson; Third ward, George Cox; Fourth ward, David Andrews; Fifth ward, Joseph Dold; Sixth ward, William Jobes; Seventh ward, William O. Sawyer; Eighth ward, Albert James; Ninth ward, Samuel Curriden.
Four of the above appointments are to be assigned to the new chemical engine, and one man is to be assigned to each of the five companies. By this arrangement the extra men are dispensed with. James Elberson, of the First ward, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles Kay, who was appointed to the police force to succeed Elberson.
First Ward Republicans
Camden Post —
The First Ward Republican Club elected the following officers last night: President, Harry T. Walker; vice presidents, John H. Tway, James Elbertson, Wm. C. Ford, J. W. Kinsey, John Leeds; treasurer, Albert E. Keyser; recording secretary, D. P. Williams; assistant sec., J. J. Lindrod; corresponding secretary, H. H. Bissby; Financial Secretary, Wm. Hand; Assistant, John Tway; Board of Trustees, Jacob Gnang, Charles Tway, David Simpson, George Tash, Wm. Mattix, J. Lindroy, Jacob Leon, John Offer, Robert Brice.
The club will hold their regular meeting of next week on Thursday evening instead of Monday (New Year’s Eve), on which their first annual masquerade ball takes place. On New Year’s Day the club will present to the best dressed New Year’s club passing their club rooms, Keyser’s Hall, Point and York streets, a handsome silver pitcher, which is now on exhibition in the window of Roberts’ hat store, at Third and Federal streets. The contest will take place from 10 a. m. until 5 p. m.
Philadelphia Inquirer — October 5, 1901
NJ Firemen's Mutual Benefit Association annual convention
Arrangements have been completed for the holding of the annual convention of the New Jersey Firemen's Mutual Benefit Association in Camden next Monday. The local committee having the arrangements in charge are Robert Colkitt, William Sawyer, James Elverson, Lewis Buzine, Albert Haydon, David Anderson and John Renner.
Arrangements have been completed for the holding of the annual convention of the New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benefit Association in Camden next Monday. The local committee having the arrangements in charge are Robert Colkitt, William Sawyer, James Elverson, Lewis Buzine, Albert Haydon, David Anderson and John Renner.
State Firemen's M. B. A. Elected Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Atlantic City, Oct. 7.—The twelfth annual meeting of the State Firemen’s Mutual Benefit Association was concluded by the election of the following officers: President, Michael Ryan, Paterson; vice-president, Thos. McGinty, Trenton; secretary, Robert B. Bender, Newark; treasurer, James Elverson, Camden.
Paid Fire Departments in State Convention
Trenton Evening Times —
Five hundred firemen will attend the ninth annual convention of the New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association at Trenton on Monday, October 30. The members of the organization are connected with the paid fire departments in cities throughout the State and the fact that they spend their entire time in fire fighting makes them a strong and representative body.
The officers of the State association are as follows: President, Michael J. Ryan of Paterson; vice-president, Thomas McGinty, Trenton; secretary, Robert D. Bender of Newark, and treasurer, James Elberson of Camden.
Firemen Ask More Time from Duties, Claiming It Is Due
Trenton Evening Times —
State Benevolent Association Begins Crusade at Today’s Convention.
They May Levy Tax to Pay Ass’n’s Expenses
Michael J. Ryan of Paterson opened the ninth annual convention of the New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association at 11 o’clock this morning in Turner Hall. There were present at the convention thirty-three delegates, being three from each of the cities of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Hoboken, Camden, Trenton, Plainfield, Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Orange and Montclair, the cities of the state having paid fire departments.
The matter under discussion this morning was whether or not there should be a per capita tax for the maintenance of the Benevolent Fund and for general expenses. At the present time the benevolent fund is maintained by assessments and while there is a faction of the association clamoring for the per capita tax as the only sure method of maintaining the Benevolent Fund, there is a large following of the present plan of assessments. No action has been taken this morning.
Officers of the association will be elected this afternoon. President Ryan will succeed himself. Secretary Robert D. Bender of Newark will also be re-elected. There will be a change in the office of vice president, now filled by Thomas McGinty of this city and Treasurer James Elberson of Camden, but nothing has been rumored on which to base a prophecy as to the firemen to be honored by election to those offices.
The New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association has its membership among the rank and file of the paid departments in the state. None of the superior officers are entitled to membership.
Firemen Impose Tax for State Ass'n
Trenton Evening Times —
Also Elect Officers and Have Banquet With Public Men as Guests.
The New Jersey Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association yesterday adopted a resolution fixing a tax of 10 cents a year on each member for the purpose of maintaining the benevolent fund of the association.
These officers were re-elected: President, Michael J. Ryan, Paterson; vice president, Thomas McGinty, Trenton; secretary, Robert D. Bender, Newark; treasurer, James Elberson, Camden. It was decided to hold the next convention at Atlantic City in October, 1906.
For Relief of Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
State Association Holds Annual Meeting at Trenton
TRENTON, N. J., Oct. 30.—The annual meeting of the New Jersey Firemen’s Benevolent Association was held here today, the business session being followed by a banquet. The following officers were elected: President, Michael J. Ryan, Paterson; vice president, J. McGinity, Trenton; secretary, Robert D. Bender, Newark; treasurer, James Elberson, Camden. Members of Common Council and other city officials were guests at to-night’s banquet. An address was made by Rev. Charles H. Elder.
The principal matter discussed this morning was whether there should be a per capita tax for the maintenance of the benevolent fund. The fund is maintained by assessments at present. No definite action was taken on the matter.
Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze
Philadelphia Inquirer —
“Joseph Gail” was actually Joseph Daley.
Lobster Feed at Club House
Camden Daily Courier —
Lobster Feed at Club House
LOBSTER FEED AT CLUB HOUSE
Lobsters raw, lobsters fried, lobsters that had never died and all the fixin's just like mamma used to cook were served with decided eclat to members of the Vine street fire house under the auspices of Mister Robert Brice, yesterday afternoon.
The manner in which the brave and fearless fire laddies of the uptown house punished those crimson crustaceous was a shame to relate. After the feed came the social part of the afternoon.
Fr. Elberson opened the festivities with a few well chosen words. Dan Grimes, the silver voiced tenor, better known as Carouso's only rival, sang in a most stirring manner a song entitled "McAllister's Coal Yard." All present joined in the chorus of this touching ballad. It is said that this beautiful little bullet was dedicated to the Camden Daily Courier. Joe Logue then recited "Casey at the Bat," and several other touching selections in true Irish style. Howard Currie and Joe Daly were waiters and tossed the hash about in a most extraordinary manner.
Firemen Enjoy Oyster Supper
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen Enjoy Oyster Supper
FIREMEN ENJOY OYSTER SUPPER
Boys at No. 4 Engine Co. Have Sumptuous Feast of Juicy Bivalves.
OTHER NEWS FROM UP PYNE POYNT WAY
Juicy bivalves prepared in all styles by Messrs Bob Brice and Joe Daly were last night enjoyed by the boys at No. 4 Engine Company, on Vine street near Fourth. James Walton was toastmaster.
After-dinner talks were given by Matt Tenniswood, James Neeley and Captain William W. Patterson.
The participants were: Captain W. W. Patterson, Lieutenant James Elberson, Robert Steer, Bob Brice, Ephraim Hires, Joseph Logue, Howard Curry, Joseph Daly, Freeholder James E. Walton, Matt Tenniswood, James Neeley and Adrian Bateman.
Firemen Escort Steer's Remains
Camden Post-Telegram —
Firemen Escort Steer's Remains
FIREMEN ESCORT STEER'S REMAINS
Chief Stockton Heads Big Delegation at Funeral of Lamented Colleague.
QUARTER CENTURY IN CITY'S SERVICE
With an honorary escort of sixty firemen and Fire Chiefs John A. Stockton, Peter B. Carter and Walter Browning attending his funeral, Fireman Robert B. Steer, for twenty-five years a member of the local fire department, and who died on Wednesday, was laid to rest yesterday afternoon in Arlington Cemetery.
Services were conducted at the Steer residence, 310 Howard street, by Rev. J. L. Surtees, pastor of State Street M. E. Church, and Rev. Isaac W. Bagley, chaplain of the department.
The pall-bearers were members of No. 4 Engine Company. They follow: Captain William W. Patterson, Robert Brice, Ephraim Hires, James Elberson, Daniel Grimes, Charles Watkins, Jr., Joseph Daly and David Logue.
The escort of firemen marched beside the hearse as far as No. 5 Engine Company. Chief John A. Stockton led the delegation. The flower designs completely enshrouded the bier. They came from people in all walks of life, who also came to pay their last respects to the lamented fire fighter.
Mr. Steer served as a fireman for almost twenty-five years, and he was one of the most popular men in the department. He was known to hundreds of people and his death has caused wide and genuine sorrow in North Camden.
He is survived by his wife, one son, Robert Steer, Jr., and a daughter, Miss Carrier Steer.
James Elberson
Philadelphia Inquirer —
As a result of heart disease, James Elberson, a former lieutenant in the Camden Fire Department, died suddenly at his home at 1016 North Twenty-fourth street, Camden, Friday night. He was in the act of retiring when he became ill. Elberson became a member of No. 4 Engine Company in 1893. He was retired on a pension June 1 of this year.
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 22, 1915
Elberson Funeral Notice
ELBERSON —Nov. 19, 1915 JAMES, husband of Lydia Elberson, aged 65 years. Relatives and friends of family, also Welcome Circle, No. 8, B. of A.; members of Camden Fire Dept., are invited to attend funeral services, on Tuesday, at 2 P. M., at his late residence, 1016 N. 24th st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, Arlington Cemetery. Remains may be viewed on Monday, after 7 P. M.
ELBERSON—Nov. 19, 1915 JAMES, husband of Lydia Elberson, aged 65 years. Relatives and friends of family, also Welcome Circle, No. 8, B. of A.; members of Camden Fire Dept., are invited to attend funeral services, on Tuesday, at 2 P. M., at his late residence, 1016 N. 24th st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, Arlington Cemetery. Remains may be viewed on Monday, after 7 P. M.