Introduction
Josiah S. Pedigree
JOSIAH S. PEDIGREE was born in 1868 to Joseph and Mary Pedigree. He most likely was born in Stockton, the town which occupied the land in Camden north of the Cooper River, generally known as East Camden and Cramer Hill. His father was a farmer. When the census was taken in 1870 and in 1880, there were three older children at home, George, Rebecca, and Charles Pedigree.
Known to family and friends as “Cy,” Josiah Pedigree first shows up in Camden City Directories in 1890, working as a teamster and living at 442 Stevens Street. He later became a conductor (either train or trolley) and moved to 447 Stevens Street. By 1896 he had moved back to East Camden, staying with his sister Rebecca and her husband George Stiles at 104 South 36th Street. He was still working as a conductor when the 1896 Directory was compiled. His brother Charles was then tax assessor for Stockton, a powerful political position which may well have played a factor in Josiah Pedigree’s later employment.
Josiah S. Pedigree was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in November of 1899. He probably had been a volunteer with one of Stockton’s four fire companies prior to the 1899 unification with Camden. As he was still living at 104 South 36th Street with his sister Rebecca and her husband George Stiles, it is very probable that he had been a volunteer with Rosedale Fire Company No. 4. Josiah Pedigree was one of several Stockton volunteer fire fighters to join Camden’s professional fire department when the Stockton companies went out of service at midnight, February 28, 1900, a group which included Robert Gick, Christian S. Stark, and in time Elmer Ellsworth Stevens. Josiah Pedigree remained a member of the Fire Department through at least 1906. By 1910 he had become a police officer.
Josiah Pedigree was for many years thereafter a member of the Camden Police Department, and was one of Camden’s early Motorcycle policemen.
By 1906 Josiah S. Pedigree had married and was making his home with his wife Carrie at 49 South 27th Street. He passed away on September 16, 1936. Carrie Pedigree remained on South 27th Street long after her husband’s passing. She joined him in 1956.
Could Not Agree on New Fireman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
COULD NOT AGREE ON NEW FIREMAN
Camden Councilmen From East Side Split on Selecting Appointees
There Is Also Trouble in the Second Ward — Benjamin Kellum Made Assistant Chief — Other Promotions
The Camden Fire Commissioners last evening selected firemen for the five new fire companies from all the wards except the Second, Eleventh and Twelfth, as the Councilmen in these wards could not agree on the candidates the appointments were laid over until Monday evening next.
In the Second ward the Councilmen have agreed on John W. Vanhart. The other candidates are W. Scott Franklin, backed by Freeholder Whyte, and Edgar Bolton, who is the choice of Mayor Hatch and Councilman McGill. Bolton will probably be selected.
In the Eleventh ward a meeting was held by the Councilmen and the candidates agreed upon. Councilman Arnold has since repudiated the agreement, and last evening presented a new set of names to the conference of the commissioners. Councilman Longacre presented those previously agreed upon.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman Lee submitted names in opposition to those of Councilman Leas. It is quite probable that the choice of Councilmen Leas and Longacre, who are members of the Fire Committee, will be selected.
Benjamin Kellum, foreman of Truck No. 1, was appointed assistant chief. He will have charge of the East Side companies.
Charles Robinson, of the Seventh ward; George B. Wade, of the Sixth ward; Albert Jones, of the Ninth ward; George Cox, of the Third ward; Edward Weston, of the Ninth ward, and Samuel Peoples, of the Fifth ward, were elected foremen. They will be assigned to their posts of duty on Monday.
The selection of new firemen was as follows: First ward, Harry B. Middleton, Harry Burroughs; Third ward, Robert W. Colkett, William G. Hillman; Fourth ward, James E. Navins, Charles Todd; Fifth ward, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter; Sixth ward, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott; Seventh ward, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price; Eighth ward, William Rose, Charles Sturgis; Ninth ward, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner; Tenth ward, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
The commissioners presented the bell now in the William Penn hose house, East Side, to the First Baptist Church.
Want to Be Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WANT TO BE FIREMEN
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 —
FIREMEN SELECTED
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.
A Peculiar Accident
Camden Post-Telegram —
A PECULIAR ACCIDENT.
Fireman Silas Pedigree had a narrow escape from serious injury yesterday when the horses were being hitched up for the noon exercise. In the hustle which follows the hitching-up process one of the hose carriage horses reared up and its hind feet slipping forward, the beast fell backward, striking the floor with a tremendous thump and dragging Fireman Pedigree, who had hold of its bridle, between its legs. Then ensued a struggle between the horse in order to regain his feet and the man to extricate himself from the perilous position. Fireman Edward Kelley laid hold of the man’s feet and hauled him to safety although not before he had received a severe scalp wound and minor injuries.
The horse scrambled up, trembling with fright at its strange evolutions, but was not injured and went out on the run. The fireman is not seriously hurt, but he was badly shaken up at the time.
East Side Woman Hurt on Trolley
Camden Post-Telegram —
EAST SIDE WOMAN HURT ON TROLLEY
Mrs. Charles Conner Trips Over Suit Case Standing in Aisle of Car.
DAY’S HAPPENINGS ‘CROSS THE CREEK
Mrs. Charles Conner, of 2407 Howell street, a well-known and respected resident of this section, was painfully injured last evening about 6.30 o’clock while alighting from a trolley car at Twenty-fourth and Federal streets. Mrs. Connor tripped over a suit case standing in the aisle, and was thrown heavily to the ground. She was picked up by Policemen Pedigree and Johnston and taken into the restaurant of Mr. Nicholas Donahoe, at 2407 Federal street, where she was revived. She was then later taken to her home and a physician summoned, who pronounced that she was not injured seriously, but was badly bruised and shaken up. It was lucky that no bones were broken.
Early Motorcycle Police — 1910s
Early photo of Camden Motorcycle Police — 1910s. Left to right: Charles “Jeff” Kay, Charles Laib, Frank Frost, Josiah Pedigree.
Here and There in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HERE AND THERE IN CAMDEN
Mike Burfur and Joseph Dolo, arrested by State Motor Inspectors Pedigree and Campbell for racing their motorcycles along the Kaighn avenue extension, were fined $10 by Squire Schmitz.
Two Arrested for Speeding
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Two Arrested for Speeding
On a charge of exceeding the speed limit in an automobile, James Lord, 43 years old, of 1414 Sparks street, Philadelphia, was arrested in Camden yesterday by Inspector Pedigree and left $55 security for his appearance before Recorder Stackhouse today. Frank Brinton, of 1220 Brown street, Philadelphia, was arrested on the White Horse pike by Inspector Hadley on a charge of speeding in an automobile and taken to the office of Justice Jackson at Magnolia and fined $25. The inspector stated that the machine was being operated at the rate of forty-two miles an hour.
49 South 27th Street
Named: 49 South 27th Street, home of Josiah S. Pedigree (1900s, 1936) and Mrs. Carrie Pedigree (1900s, and 1950s).
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Camden Courier-Post —
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Veterans at City Hall, Lauded by Superiors, Will Be Among 13 Cops and Firemen to Go on Pension Before First of Year
Sergeant Thomas J. Murphy, one of Camden’s best known and most efficient policemen, and Joseph “Si” Pedigree, police switchboard operator, are among the 13 members of the police and fire departments who have already retired from active duty on pension, or are to accept half-salary on retirement before the first of the year.
Nine men have turned in their “tools” within the past month and four other applications have been approved and will become effective in the next two months. Two other vacancies left by the deaths of Deputy Chief William W. Patterson and Policeman Fred Schaar, will make the entire number of the two departments 15 men less on January 1, 1933. None of the vacancies will be filled, according to Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Although the actual reasons for the large number of men retiring is not known, it is reported through the police and fire departments that the men are anxious to have their applications approved before a rumored 5 percent pay cut is ordered.
Murphy Praised
Sergeant Murphy’s pension will become effective December 30. Both Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden and Captain Arthur Colsey, chief clerk of the police department, expressed regret at the veteran officer’s decision.
“Sergeant Murphy is one of the most efficient officers we have ever had in the police department,” the two officials said. “He is well-versed in the law and for many years has handled his position as desk sergeant at police headquarters with unerring judgment.”
He is 65 years old and resides at 545 Vine street. He was appointed on August 13, 1902. His son, Thomas J. Murphy, Jr., is also a policeman and is now covering the “beat” his father “worked” years ago.
Pedigree entered the city service as a fireman in 1900 and served in that department. He is also 65 and lives at 49 South Twenty-seventh street. He has worked on Sergeant Murphy’s shift as operator for the past 10 years.
Chief Pensioned
The pensioners’ list is headed by Thomas J. Nichols, chief of the fire department, whose application to retire will become effective on Dec. 1. He was appointed a fireman on Dec. 1, 1900, and will receive $163.30 each month.
Capt. Daniel W. Leach, also of the fire department, was pensioned on Sept. 15 at a monthly salary of $93.10. He is 68 and lives at 624 Bailey street. He was appointed Jan. 1, 1908.
Enginemen Harry V. Hankins and James McDermott also recently accepted pensions and will receive $83.30 each month. Hankins is 56 and lives at 424 Taylor avenue. He was appointed Jan. 1, 1908. McDermott is 64 and lives at 23 North Twenty-eighth street. He was appointed in 1906. Both men left the fire department Oct. 1.
Fireman Joseph T. Johnson, 60, of 1433 South Tenth street, who was appointed March 1, 1900, will retire on Dec. 1 at $83.30 a month.
Horner to Retire
Sergeant William C. Horner, of the police department, a member for 33 years, tops the list of veterans to bid adieu to the trials and troubles of a policeman. He will receive $90.65 a month.
Horner is well known in East Camden. He has worked nearly all of his 33 years as an officer in the third district and commanded that section for several years. He recently was made desk-sergeant at police headquarters and decided to “take the pension” after spending several months “booking” prisoners. He is 65 and lives at 2129 Forty-third street. His pension was granted and made effective Sept. 15.
Haven Fund Rises As Solicitations For 45 End Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Solicitation of funds for the 1945 season of the B. Smith Haven for crippled children at Erial will end today.
A total of $81.40 in donations was received yesterday, making the grand total $3786.41.
The camp recently received a visit from four members of Lindenwold Chapter No. 440, Women of the Moose, who expressed their pleasure with the enterprise and the fun it affords underprivileged youngsters.
Contributions to date are:
Amount previously acknowledged $3705.01
Amity Lodge No. 166, IOOF Merchantville $15.35
Morning Star Lodge No. 70, IOOF, Haddonfield $5.00
Mrs. R. A. Ports, 19 Hinchman Avenue, Merchantville $1.00
Camden Forge Press Shop (4 to 12 shift) $25.05
Mrs. John Entwistle, 1119 Avenue, Palmyra $10.00
In memory of my husband, Mrs. Josiah Pedigree, 49 South Twenty-seventh Street $5.00
American Gold Star Mothers, Camden chapter $5.00
A Reader, $2.00
Harry Hoesch, 115 East Haddon Avenue, Oaklyn $2.00
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Levin, 246 Morse street, Camden $2.00
In memory of Lt. Louis Shaw, Camden Police Dept $1.00
Total today $81.40
Grand Total $3786.41
Bethel Cemetery — Pennsauken, New Jersey
Josiah S. Pedigree — Bethel Cemetery, Pennsauken, New Jersey