John F. Renner Sr.
JOHN F. RENNER SR. was born on January 8, 1851 in Pennsylvania to Levi Renner and his wife, the former Mary Ann Rose. He was the oldest of at least seven children. The Renner’s lived in Philadelphia as early as 1850, and were still there in 1880, before coming across the river in the 1880s.
John F. Renner married Cecelia Godfrey in the late 1860s. The family lived in Pennsylvania as late as 1879, when son Levi G. Renner was born. By June of 1880 the Renners had come to the town of Stockton, which was comprised of what is today known as the Cramer Hill and East Camden sections of Camden, New Jersey. The 1880 Census shows four children, Edwin H., 10; Emma, 7; John F. Jr., 4; and Louis, 1. Another son, Levi, was born in the early 1880s. Later in the decade younger brother Enos Renner brought his family and father Levi Renner over to Stockton as well.
In the 1880s and 1890s John F. Renner worked as a butcher. 1887 found him at the corner of 24th and Federal Streets, 1887 on Federal Street near 26th Street. When the 1890 City Directory was compiled, John F. Renner and family were living in a house whose address would become 137 North 28th Street. In those times that section of North 28th Street was called First Street, it was renamed shortly after Stockton was annexed by Camden in 1899. The Renner family lived in this home through the spring of 1910.
Involving himself in local politics, John F. Renner served as a constable from 1891 through 1899. In 1892 John F. Renner helped found the Stockton Hose Company No. 2, a volunteer fire company in Stockton, and briefly served as Chief Engineer of Stockton in the early 1890s. The 1897 Directory shows that he also was in the real estate business with David B. Ristine at 2709 Westfield Avenue. As stated above, in the late spring of 1899 Camden annexed the town of Stockton, and John Renner’s position as a constable disappeared, however, he shortly found a new position with the City of Camden.
On November 27, 1899 John F. Renner Sr. was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, as part of a five company expansion. He remained a member of the Fire Department for the rest of his life.
The Census taken in June of 1900 shows John F. Renner, a Camden fireman, living with his wife Cecelia, daughter Emma, and sons John Jr., Louis, and Levi were living at 137 North 28th Street in East Camden. Five other children including son Edwin had died. Two grandchildren, John F. III and Edwin were also there when the Census was taken. The 1906 City Directory indicates that John F. Renner Sr. and family were living at 137 North 28th Street in East Camden. His son John F. Renner Jr., then employed as a painter, was living with him. Son Levi “Lee” Renner, then a ship joiner, was living at 2927 High Street. Louis Renner had been serving in the United States Army when the 1900 Census was taken, he does not appear in the Directory. He later resided in Pennsauken.
The 1910 Census shows John F. Renner, wife Cecelia, and grandson Edwin living at 137 North 28th Street.
John F. Renner passed away on January 15, 1911 at Somers Point, New Jersey. Funeral services were held at the home of his son Levi Renner, 101 North 24th Street.
He Flourished a Pistol
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A complicated law squabble has been caused by a row which occurred at Stockton Park on Monday last. On that day Samuel Suders, a Fifth warder, and Augusta J. Brown, of Stockton, got into an altercation, during which it is alleged that Brown pulled a revolver and attempted to shoot Suder. The latter caused a warrant to be issued for the arrest of Brown, who skipped, but returned and swore to a warrant for the arrest of Suder. Yesterday morning Officer Renner, of Pavonia, went to Camden to arrest Suder.
He was followed by Brown when Third and Spruce streets was reached, and the officer was about to arrest Suder when he whipped out his revolver and was about to fire in the crowd when he was disarmed. Brown escaped before the warrant could be served on him. Suder was arrested and taken before the Recorder, where he furnished $300 bail. The warrant for Suder’s arrest was issued by Squire Plum.
But Two Months to Live
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MURDERER HILL SENTENCED TO BE HANGED.
Albert Reed and Marwood Derrickson Acquitted of Complicity in the Dodson Murder—The Death Watch on Duty.
John Hill will be hanged in the Camden County Jail on Friday, April 14, for the murder of Joseph Dodson. Sentence was passed on him yesterday by Supreme Court Justice Garrison. Hill is an undersized, slender colored youth of 17 years. He heard his doom pronounced without flinching.
When Judge Garrison asked him if he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be pronounced, the youthful murderer stood like an actor waiting for his cue. “Sir?” he said. The judge, unheeding, proceeded formally to consign him to the gallows.
ALLEGED ACCOMPLICES ACQUITTED.
Hill remained in the court room to testify against Albert Reed and Marwood Derrickson, whose trial as accomplices in the murder was immediately called. These men are proprietors of a saloon in South Camden, and Hill was employed by them.
He went on the stand and repeated the story he told at his own trial, that Reed and Derrickson agreed to pay him $2.50 to shoot Dodson and gave him drugged liquor just before he fired the fatal shot.
There was no corroborative testimony for the State. Counsel for the defendants moved that they be discharged for lack of evidence. Judge Garrison refused the motion. Witnesses were then called for the defense to testify that Hill had threatened to kill Dodson. Both Reed and Derrickson denied in toto Hill’s story. The jury was out but fifteen minutes and returned a verdict of acquittal.
THE DEATH WATCH.
Judge Garrison appointed a jury of twelve citizens to witness the execution of Hill, and Constables Renner and Beckett were placed on duty last night by Sheriff West as the death watch. The Sheriff will again borrow the Moyamensing Prison gallows, on which he recently hung Murderer Morton.
Hill Faced Death with Firmness
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Youthful Colored Murderer Hanged in the Camden Jail.
Religion Braced His Nerves and He Felt No Fear.
A Quiet, Speedy Execution, and Death Was Quick and Apparently Painless—The Murder of Joseph Dodson Avenged Without the Usual Delay in Such Cases.
Camden county’s new victim to the law yesterday paid the penalty of his crime when John Hill, the murderer, who shot Joseph Dodson, was hanged at the county jail. It was successfully conducted and John Hill is dead, at some fatal incidents.
The gallows had been erected in a room with a lofty ceiling in the southwest corner of the jail on the south side. The windows looked out on Federal street and everything within the room was shrouded with dark curtains, which gave a somber air to the scene. The trap door from which death had been built on plans furnished by the Sheriff, modeled after the gallows used in the Philadelphia case recently. There were two trap doors, which fell apart when a spring was touched, allowing the condemned man to fall about seven feet.
Hill was awakened from a sound slumber at 5:30 o’clock by Constable Renner. He at once was washed, dressed himself in a new suit of black diagonal worsted and conversed freely until summoned for the execution.
He displayed no fear of death, and was as easy in his manner as if nothing unusual were happening.
J. H. Scott, a colored Methodist minister, who had joined Hill in his religious faith, was spent in prayer and reading the bible.
Before going to the gallows Constable Alexander Scott came to Hill and fixed a rose he pinned on his coat. When Hill’s necktie was fixed, the march began.
At twenty minutes past 10 o’clock, County Clerk Renner, the death watch, brought the roll call in the jailer’s office. They all responded and took the oath to faithfully execute the sentence of the court into effect. Then the spectators were lined up inside the courtyard directly in front of the door from which the prisoner would emerge, after which Hunt was called to the place of execution.
The prisoner had been secured behind his back, with his hands and he walked to the gallows and mounted the stairway at the jail, through a dark passage to the new built scaffolding where the sheriff stood, with the black cap in his hand.
The minister walked by Hill’s side, in front were Deputy Sheriff Sell and Alexander Renner and at his sides were Thomas Renner, the death watch.
Hill looked at the instrument of death about him with great curiosity and repeated, in a whisper, “Jesus, save me.” With firm tread he mounted the steps of the scaffold, and all the work was quickly done. There was no prayer or speech made, the cap was quickly adjusted to the lower under the drop, gave and with a crash the murderer’s body swung, spun around, and the dying melodies.
Stockton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Miss Lizzie Frazier is spending a few days at Salem.
Charles Jones, of Penn avenue, who was recently injured by a trolley car in Philadelphia, has engaged Lawyer Richardson and will institute suit against the company for the recovery of $25,000 damages.
An attempt was made early Wednesday morning to burglarize the residence of J. Jamerson, on Lewis avenue, North Cramer Hill. Mr. Jamerson was awakened by the noise, and gave chase to the intruder, who made his escape over a back fence.
Police Officer Powell will spend a week’s vacation at Sea Isle City.
Constable Renner has served summons on the Stocktonians drawn on the September term of petit jurors.
Captain David Henderson has broken ground for a handsome residence on Cooper avenue.
Firemen in Line Over in Stockton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Thousands Turned Out to Cheer the Marching Volunteer Flame Quenchers.
They Made a Fine Showing
The Visitors Hospitably Entertained. Junior American Mechanics Parade in Bridgeton—Thanksgiving Day Throughout New Jersey.
The volunteer firemen’s parade in Stockton yesterday was a big success. Fully two thousand fire quenchers, with their machines, were in the line, 10,000 people gathered along the route to watch and cheer them. It was the first celebration of the kind in the history of the new town, and the four companies composing the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department deserve credit for its success. The citizens generally took a lively interest in the celebration, decorating their houses and turning out en masse to admire the gay uniforms and handsomely decorated fire carriages.
The Citizens’ Fire Company made a handsome display, their pretty fire house on Cooper avenue being decorated from top to bottom. The Penn, Pavonia and Stockton Fire Companies also gave signs of welcome and friendship in a similar manner.
Cheers for the Firemen.
The parade started from Twenty-first and Federal streets, and so great was the crowd that it was with much difficulty that a way was made clear for the firemen. The same condition of affairs existed all along the line. As the firemen tramped through the crowds that lined the streets they were greeted with continuous cheers.
Fire carriages of all kinds, makes, shapes and sizes were in line from the old-time “ordinary” to the “latest improved” with all the new-fangled equipments.
A feature of the turnout was the hose carriage of the William Penn Fire Company, No. 18, of Philadelphia, on which were three lads, representing William Penn between two Indians. An amusing burlesque was arranged by a number of young men with their faces blackened, bearing a transparency reading, “We are firemen for the $500 exemption.”
The parade was headed by Chief of Police Zane and the police force mounted on horseback. Then followed members of the Town Council and newspaper men in barouches. The line was divided into four divisions, with Robert Smith as chief marshal, and H. Yerkes, Alexander Dick, C. R. Sigle and William Genther as aids on horseback; Chief Samuel Welch, ex-Chief John F. Renner, of the Stockton Fire Department, and visiting chiefs came next with the Stockton chief’s assistants, Charles Guyn, M. Daly and G. R. Brewen, all of whom carried bouquets of flowers. The marshals of divisions were Charles L. Pauling, Peter Greenwald, Joseph Funfer and Elmer Strong.
Companies in Line.
The companies which participated were William Penn Hook and Ladder Company, Junior and Senior Citizens’ Fire Company, Pavonia Hose Company and Stockton Hose Company, all of Stockton; the survivors of Harmony, No. 6, of Philadelphia; William Penn, No. 18, of Philadelphia; Independence, No. 35, of Fox Chase; Taylor Hose Company, of Philadelphia; Princeton Fire Company, of Princeton; Riverside Fire Company, No. 1, of Riverside; Moorestown Hose Company, of Moorestown; Fairmount Hose Company, No. 32, of Philadelphia; South Penn Hose Company, of Philadelphia; Good Intent Fire Company, of Mount Holly, and Union Fire Company, of Mount Holly. Each company was accompanied by a band.
The visiting firemen were tendered receptions last night at Enterprise, Citizens’, Maernnerchor and Pfeiffer Halls.
Stockton Social Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Justice Ristine, Constable Renner, George W. Spicks, Charles Kleemann and William Godfrey have been spending the past few days at South Atlantic.
Want to Be Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There’ll Be Trouble in Finding Places for All Hands
To-morrow night’s session of the Fire Commissioners of Camden promises to be a lively one. Two firemen for the Second ward and four each for the Eleventh and Twelfth wards will be appointed. In the Second ward the candidates are John Vanhart, W. Scott Franklin and Edgar Bolton. Vanhart has been agreed upon by both factions. Franklin has the support of Freeholder Whyte and a large following, while Bolton is recommended by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton’s appointment was expected at the last meeting of the Commissioners. Afterwards it was found that typewritten resolutions purporting to be signed by the same committee of the Second ward club which indorsed Bolton was sent to the Commissioners prior to the meeting urging the appointment of Franklin. The resolutions had the seal of the club attached. This caused the appointment to hang fire. It is now claimed by Bolton’s friends that the club did not indorse Franklin, as he is not a member. It is alleged that the signatures purporting to be those of the committee were not authorized.
In the Eleventh ward Councilmen Longacre and Arnold have not yet settled their differences. Councilman Longacre insists on the appointment of Robert Gick, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark. Councilman Arnold claims the right to name Frank Powell and Lewis H. Sasse notwithstanding the fact that at a conference he agreed upon the names presented by Councilman Longacre. In the Twelfth ward Councilman Leas, the City and Ward Committeeman, and the Union Republican Club favor the naming of Samuel Collins, William Madison, John F. Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
Firemen Selected
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch’s Candidates Were Pushed to the Front
Increase in Camden Fire Department Agreed Upon After Sharp Contest
The trouble over the selection of new firemen from the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth wards of Camden was settled at an executive session of the Fire Commissioners last evening. John W. Vanhart and Edgar Bolton, backed by Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill, were selected from the Second ward, and Councilman Longacre in the Eleventh ward and Councilman Leas in the Twelfth landed their candidates.
Prior to the meeting a delegation of Second ward Republicans marched to fire headquarters wearing badges inscribed, “For firemen, Second ward, John W. Vanhart and W. Scott Franklin.” The latter was a candidate against Bolton, who also had a number of friends present. There was no opposition to the appointment of Vanhart.
As the delegation crowded in on the second floor of the fire house there was a cracking noise that sounded as if the floor was giving away. This caused a rush, but the alarm soon subsided.
The Commissioners were in secret session for nearly a half hour before they finally settled the contest over the Second ward appointments. Mayor Hatch, Councilman McGill and Freeholder Whyte were each called before the Commissioners. The latter favored the appointment of Franklin. After the Second ward appointments were settled it did not take long to decide upon the new firemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards. Councilman Arnold, who has been opposing Councilman Longacre’s candidates in the Eleventh ward, was not present, neither was Councilman Lee, who was opposing the men backed by Councilman Leas in the Twelfth ward.
The men selected for firemen from these two wards are as follows: Eleventh ward, Robert Gich, Joseph Till, Edward Kelly and Christian Stark; Twelfth ward, Samuel Collins, William Madison, John Renner and Josiah Pedigree.
The following were promoted to foremen: George F. Cox, foreman Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; George Wade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2; Samuel Peoples, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3; Charles Robinson, Chemical Engine Company No. 1; Edward Weston, Hose Company No. 1, East Side; Albert C. Jones, Hose Company No. 2, East Side.
The appointments, together with those made last Thursday evening, will be confirmed by City Council to-morrow night.
Lively Blaze on Camden’s East Side
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A large two-story stone office building and machine shop located at the ship building plant of Peter Hagan, on the East Side, Camden, was destroyed by fire yesterday, causing a loss of $5000. The fire originated among a quantity of oakum and had gained considerable headway before it was discovered.
James Sodin, a bookkeeper, was nearly suffocated by entering the building to find out the cause of the fire and rescue the books of the firm, which were in a large iron safe.
John Renner, a fireman, rushed through the flames with a line of hose, but the smoke was so dense that before he had gone many feet he nearly succumbed. By a superhuman effort he reached a window, and was discovered by Police Sergeant Elmer Barr gasping for breath. The officer, with the assistance of several firemen, succeeded in rescuing Renner.
The firemen fought the blaze for several hours before it succumbed to their efforts. Besides the building a large quantity of rope, mahogany furniture and 4500 life preservers were destroyed.
New Jersey Firemen’s Convention
Philadelphia Inquirer —
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.
East Side Fireman Paralyzed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman John F. Renner, of the East Side fire department, Camden, is suffering so severely from paralysis that he has almost been rendered speechless. He is confined to his bed, but was reported last night as being somewhat improved.
The Camden county grand jury yesterday presented to Judge Joline nineteen true bills. All the cases are of a trivial nature and will be disposed of next Tuesday, when a session of the Criminal Court will be held.
Dog Catchers Busy in East Side
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dog catchers were busy in East Camden yesterday. Before 9 o’clock nine dogs had been redeemed by owners before the dog wagon had gone three squares. The dog catchers had several encounters in Cramer Hill. John Renner, Jr., charged William Cox, an assistant dog catcher, with assault and battery, before Justice Reeves, and Cox was held in $300 bail for court. The men quarreled over a dog, during which Renner says Cox struck him.
Renner, John F. (obituary)
Philadelphia Inquirer —
RENNER.—At Somers Point, N. J., on January 15, 1911, JOHN F. RENNER, beloved husband of Cecelia C. Renner (nee Godfrey), aged 60 years. Relatives and friends, also members of East Side Fire Department and all societies of which he was a member, are invited to attend his funeral services, on Thursday, January 19, at 2 P.M., at the residence of his son, Levi Renner, 101 N. 24th st., Camden, N. J. Interment private. Remains may be viewed Wednesday evening.
RENNER.—At Somers Point, N. J., on January 15, 1911, JOHN F. RENNER, beloved husband of Cecelia C. Renner (nee Godfrey), aged 60 years. Relatives and friends, also members of East Side Fire Department and all societies of which he was a member, are invited to attend his funeral services, on Thursday, January 19, at 2 P.M., at the residence of his son, Levi Renner, 101 N. 24th st., Camden, N. J. Interment private. Remains may be viewed Wednesday evening.