Introduction
John W. Sutton served at two different times with the Camden Fire Department. He operated and owned bars in Camden for almost 50 years.
John W. Sutton was born John W. Suthel around 1848 in Delaware to John and Welty Suthel. The family, which included older sister Martha and older brother James H. Suthel, had relocated to Camden, New Jersey by 1860. John Suthel supported his family working as a carpenter.
James Suthel served in the Union’s armed forces as James Sutton during the Civil War, according to the 1890 Veteran’s Census. Unfortunately, details as to his service are not listed in the Census sheets, nor did he draw a Civil War pension which would also provide that information. What does seem clear is that he became involved as a volunteer firefighter in Camden during the 1860s. James Sutton was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on December 7, 1869 as an extra man with Engine Company 1.
John W. Sutton was working as a moulder and living at 926 Howard Street in North Camden when he was appointed as tillerman with the Hook & Ladder Company on April 8, 1876, replacing Edward J. Dodamead. John W. Sutton served for one year, leaving when Dodamead was recalled to the Fire Department.
The 1878–1879 City Directory shows John W. Sutton, working as a laborer at 418 Mickle Street. By 1880 he had married, and was living with his wife Eunice at 416 South 2nd Street and working as an engineer. He was reappointed to the Fire Department in April of 1882 and served in the same capacity as before for two years. The 1884–1885 Camden City Directory shows him at 610 South 2nd Street, working as a boxmaker. He was still at that address the following year, then working as an engineer for Samuel P. Wright & Company.
When the 1887–1889 City Directory was compiled John W. Sutton was living at and running a saloon at South 2nd and Line Streets. By mid-1891 he had relocated to 451 South 3rd Street where he remained in business through 1898. During the years at 451 South 3rd Street, John Sutton’s brother James Sutton worked for him as a bartender.
John W. Sutton is not listed in the 1899 Camden City Directory.
At some time during the 1880s or 1890s John W. Sutton’s marriage ended. On August 24, 1899 he married Marcella “Stella” Gillen. The 1900 Census shows him living with his wife and four-month old daughter Cecelia at 604 Federal Street, and that he was back in business as a saloonkeeper. The 1906 City Directory has the Suttons at 602 Federal Street. Sadly, young Cecelia did not live out the decade; however, a son, John W. Sutton Jr., was born around 1902.
By 1910 John W. Sutton had acquired the bar at 28 Haddon Avenue. Possibly because he finally acquired ownership of real estate, he also reverted to his birthname of John Suthel on some documents. Known in later years as the Century Bar, John and Marcella “Stella” Suthel operated it through 1931, when H. Roy Steele took over management. The Suttons continued to live on premises. John W. Sutton, also known as John W. Suthel, died on January 30, 1936. He was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. Mrs. Sutton passed away in 1945.
Camden and Vicinity
Philadelphia Inquirer —
VACANCIES FILLED.
Within the past few days the Commissioners of the Camden Paid Fire Department have made the following changes: James Sutton dismissed from Engine No. 1, and Charles Hart appointed to fill the vacancy; John Graham dismissed from Engine No. 2, and Joseph Nece appointed in his place; Robert Pine resigned from Engine No. 2, and Harry McKeen appointed in his place. The Paid Department is now in competent condition, with all the necessary equipments to give it efficiency, and the Commissioners are resolved to make it an acceptable institution to the city.
A Fire Laddie Injured
Camden Courier —
John W. Sutton, a fireman at engine house No. 2 of this city, while out gunning after ducks yesterday, on the Delaware, was severely injured by the accidental discharge of his gun. The charge entered his right thigh, tearing away a large piece of flesh. The injured man was conveyed to his home, on Second street below Benson. Medical aid was summoned and the wound was dressed. Sutton now lies in a very weak condition.
John W. Sutton Dies, Veteran Saloonkeeper
Camden Courier-Post —
John W. Sutton, 87, saloonkeeper, 28 Haddon avenue, for the past 30 years, died at his home Thursday.
Mr. Sutton was a well known resident and prominent member of Camden Aerie, No. 65, F. O. E. He is survived by his wife, Marcella, and one son, John W. Sutton, of Harrisburg, Pa.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p. m. in funeral parlors at 338 Carteret street. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
Mrs. Marcella Sutton
Camden Courier-Post —
The funeral of Mrs. Marcella Sutton, widow of John W. Sutton, will be held tomorrow morning. Friends will meet at 9 a. m. in the Albert J. Mahaffey funeral home, 502 Linden street. Requiem high Mass will be sung at 10 a. m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Mrs. Sutton died Friday in Cooper hospital.
Mrs. Sutton was a resident of Camden for more than 50 years. She and her husband operated a cafe at 28 Haddon avenue for 42 years. She was a member of the rosary and altar society of the cathedral parish. Surviving are a son, John B., of Baltimore, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Buck, of Hellertown, Pa.; Miss Katherine Gillen, of Camden, and Mrs. Ralph F. Girard, of Atlantic City.