Introduction
JOSIAH SAGE was born in New Jersey, in May of 1862, according to the 1900 Census. His older sister Hannah married Charles Henry Peters in the late 1860s.
The 1880 Census shows Josiah Sage as single and working as an oil cloth painter. He married around 1882. His wife Rose bore a daughter, Kate, the following year. Both Josiah Sage and brother-in-law Charles Henry Peters were politically active and in March of 1890 Josiah Sage was appointed to the Camden Police Department. He served until 1899. In November of 1899 he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, and served until his death in 1931.
The 1900 Census shows the Sage family at 821 Chestnut Street. There were four children at the time, daughter Kate and sons William, Jesse, and Howard. Another son, Russell Sage, was born in 1901.
Josiah Sage lived at 917 South 8th Street in 1906.
The 1910 and 1920 Census shows that Josiah Sage lived at 954 South 9th Street in Camden’s Seventh Ward. Wife Rose was alive in 1910, but had passed by January of 1920. Also living at the address were his sons William, Jesse, Howard, and Russell Sage. By 1920 William had married and had children of his own.
The 1930 Census shows Josiah Sage, then a widower, living at 1312 Rose Street as a boarder. The landlady was a 45 year-old divorcee, Anna Murphy. The census states his occupation as fireman for a utility. Josiah Sage died on May 7, 1931. He was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Josiah Sage’s son, Russell Sage, worked as a taxi driver in the 1920s and 1930s. He was arrested and questioned in connection with the murder of Joseph Cimino by Polack Joe Deven and in connection with the gangland slaying of Joseph “Mose” Flannery. Russell’s brother-in-law, Rollie Waterhouse, was convicted and served time in state prison for armed robbery.
Josiah Sage’s brother-in-law, Charles H. Peters, also served with the Camden Fire Department and as a Camden police officer.
Camden News Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS BUDGET.
A Painter’s Claim for Wages Against the ex-Plunger.
The case of Joseph D. Henry against F. Theodore Walton was tried in the Camden Circuit Court yesterday before Judge Garrison. The plaintiff claims $1,381.69 as due him for painting done on the Stockton Hotel, Cape May, in 1888. Mr. Walton disputes the claim on the ground that the work was not done in accordance with the contract and that there are items in the bill for work which he never authorized. The plaintiff and his witnesses swore that all the work was executed according to the specifications in the contract. In answer to Mr. Walton’s claim that he did work which the latter did not order, Mr. Henry, through his witnesses, showed that the painting was ordered by the steward of the hotel, who Mr. Walton had authorized to give orders in his absence. The verdict will be received to-day.
BRIEF NOTES.
A slight fire occurred last night in Kelly’s shoe factory, in the rear of the Starr building, at 125 Market street. The damage was slight.
Mayor Pratt yesterday appointed Josiah Sage, of the Seventh ward, on the police patrol.
William Brooks, who has been wanted in Camden for some time on the charge of assault and battery with intent to kill James Clayborn, surrendered himself yesterday.
Camden Police Challenge
Camden Post —
Chief Dodd yesterday received a challenge from the Third District police, of Philadelphia, which he promptly accepted and instructed Harry Miller to organize a strong club. Harry has gotten together the following stiff team: Ben Middleton, 1st base; Sam Bakley, left field; Harry Miller, pitcher; Sam Lee, second base; John Painter, centre field; Si Sage, right field; Weaver, shortstop; John Anderson, third base.
The game will come off to-morrow morning on the Camden Club’s grounds opposite the City Hall, at half past ten o’clock. Harry Miller is an old and well known ball player having pitched winning ball for Wilkesbarre, Scranton, Harrisburg and the Philadelphia League Club. Harry, however, was overworked, being known as “iron arm” Miller and straining the muscles of his arm, had to retire temporarily from the ball field. We bet three dollars and sixty-seven cents that our bluecoats will win.
Notes from Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
NOTES FROM CAMDEN.
Suit was yesterday entered in the district court by Miss Carrie Jones and Messrs. Noaks and Jordan against Policemen Ben Thomas and Josiah Sage for false arrest. The officers raided Miss Jones’ house and found the men there. The raid was made on the ground that the woman kept a disorderly house, but the plaintiffs charge this is absolutely false.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Featuring Benjamin Thomas and Josiah Sage.
He Announces the Names
Camden Daily Telegram —
HE ANNOUNCES THE NAMES
The Mayor Appoints the New Force To-day.
MANY OLD OFFICERS TAKEN BACK.
Some Surprise Manifested at the Mayor’s Appointment of Dodd Instead of Jones — This Afternoon All the Names Will be Announced.
The Mayor stated this morning to the newspaper fraternity that he would not announce his nominations for the police department until four o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that these would be announced this morning and in consequence there were a number of applicants for appointment on the force early this morning at the City Hall, hoping that the lightning would strike them.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor in addition to his nomination of Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Foster and Pettit appointed Frank Matlack, Jacob Woodsides, Alfred Hayden and John Dall, all of the Sixth Ward. The above were policemen under Mayor Westcott, before the Democratic Police Commission took charge of the Department.
Patrolman Griffin, Democrat, tendered his resignation yesterday to Mayor Westcott, to take effect to-day.
The appointment of Chief Dodd was quite a surprise to the public in general, as it was thought that Captain Jones would be named for the position. Many believed such an appointment would be in very good form, as Captain Jones’ knowledge of men and his military training would have made him a chief par excellence. The Mayor, however, probably thought that as Mr. Dodd had been so unceremoniously kicked out by the Democrats, it was nothing more than justice to again offer him the position which he had filled in a creditable manner for a number of years.
APPOINTED ON THE FORCE.
Mayor Westcott this afternoon made the following appointments:
First Ward — William E Cromly, George Cable, Henry R. Curtis, O. Glen Stackhouse.
Second Ward — Lincoln James, John Pratt, Samuel Bakley, Benj Middleton.
Third Ward — William Selby, Albert Myers, Edward Hartman.
Fourth Ward — Caleb Williams, Richard Golden, William Schregler, Ralph Bond.
Fifth Ward — William Harvey, Harry Mines and J. Oscar Weaver.
Sixth Ward — Jacob Woodsides, Frank Matlack, Albert Hayden and John Dall.
Seventh Ward — Josiah Sage, Henry Peters, Charles Lederman, Wm. Butts.
Eighth Ward — Alexander Alcorn, Chas. Leightenberg, Ferdinand Laird. There was no appointments made for the Ninth ward.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Featuring Elbridge B. McClong, Alfred L. Sayers, George W. Anderson, William H. Butts, Josiah Sage, Edward S. Hyde, C. Henry Peters; South 7th Street, Walnut Street, Joint Alley, Pine Street.
Hot Time in the Flats
Camden Daily Telegram —
A Colored Joint on Kaighn Avenue Raided by the Police.
A good part of the colored population of South Camden crowded into the Mayor’s Court this morning to hear the case of Rosie Woolford, colored, whose house was raided Saturday night as being disorderly. The house is No. 624 Kaighn avenue and is one of a number known as “New York Flats.” Scores of complaints have been made against the resort, by neighbors, and on Saturday a warrant was issued by the Mayor. Accordingly, shortly after midnight, Policemen Brouthers, Sayres, Sage and Butts swooped down upon the house, and captured Rosie, the proprietress, Mame Fortie, Bertha Bastian, Susie Quinn, all colored, and Charles Brunner, a white man, and sent them to the Hall.
This morning when arraigned before the Mayor, Rosie pleaded not guilty. The testimony of the police against the woman was very strong, however. Officer Sage said that one night, he was called in the house on five different occasions, to quell disturbances. He further stated that if an intoxicated man was caught by the inmates they would lure him into the house, rob him and then kick him out. Rosie’s bail was fixed at $800 and the others were held as witnesses.
Here’s Camden’s Finest, With Whiskers, in 1898
Camden Courier-Post —
Reading from left to right, those in the picture are: First row, William A. Schregler, Rox Comley, Jules Bosch, Lieutenant John Foster, Chief Samuel Dodd, Lieutenant H. Franklin Pettit, Edward Hartman and Charles Wilbur. Second row, Thomas Brothers, Ralph Bond, John Dall, George Kappell, Silas Sage, Edward S. Hyde, George Selby and E. B. McClong. Third row, Edward Powell, John Sinclair, William Laird, Benjamin Middleton, Alfred L. Sayers, John Anderson, William Butts, John Painter and Frank Matlack. Fourth row, Thomas Hicks, Alfred Haydon, Abe Jackson, Albert Shaw, Edward Steen and Samuel Bakely. Fifth row, Caleb Williams, E. A. Gravenor, Thomas Buchanan, Samuel Cox, George Horner, Godfrey Eisenhardt, Harry Curtis and John Barnett. Sixth row, Casper Hart, Charles Fitzsimmons, A. Lincoln James, Oscar Weaver, Charles Ridgely, William Fish and George Cooper.
Harry Mines, not named above, is in the first row between H. Frank Pettit and Edward Hartman. In the fifth row, at the far right, “John Barnett” was a guess on the part of A. Lincoln James. Another person guessed George Johnson. Both were wrong and it is not known who that policeman is.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Featuring Samuel Dodd, Alexander Osborne, Thomas Cunningham, John Lightenberger, Fred W. Triplett, Camillus Appley, John Sailor, Josiah Sage, Isaac Lovett, George Pfeiffer Jr., Charles H. Peters.
Mayor Will Be Chief
Camden Post —
MAYOR WILL BE CHIEF.
Dodd’s Successor Not Yet Appointed—The New Patrolmen.
After the City Council had adjourned Mayor Hatch announced the following appointments to succeed the policemen dismissed:
Thomas Cunningham, Eighth ward, to succeed Alexander Osborne.
Frederick Triplett, Eighth ward, to succeed John Lightenberg.
Milus Appley, Seventh ward, to succeed C. H. Peters.
Harry Miller, Third ward, to succeed John Sailor.
Nelson Hubbs, Seventh ward, to succeed Josiah Sage.
Thomas Pooley, Eighth ward, to succeed Thomas Buchanan.
Dodd Will Appeal.
Mayor Hatch this morning officially notified Chief of Police Samuel Dodd of his dismissal. Chief Dodd will appeal to the courts.
Camden’s Tax Rate $2.10
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN’S TAX RATE $2.10
Solicitor Says Appointment of Recorder’s Clerk Is Legal
At a meeting of the Finance Committee of Camden Council last night, City Counsel Bleakley rendered an opinion that the appointment of William Walsh as clerk to the City Recorder was legal. His bond was then approved and his back salary ordered paid.
A communication was received from the Board of Public Instruction announcing that only five mills instead of six would be required. The committee then decided to reduce the tax rate from $2.20 to $2.10.
Tax Receiver Burdsall presented a list of persons he desired as bill clerks and bill distributors as follows: Bill clerks—Joseph C. Lee, Charles H. Geisler, Malachi D. Cornish, Walter W. Kaighn, Samuel Bennett; Charles Crispin, William H. Capiwell, Thomas Kirkley was substituted for Cornish; Levi C. VanHart, for Kaighn, and E. L. Cobb, for Capiwell. For bill distributors—Edgar Forrest, Armor Shannon, Frederick B. Taylor, Josiah Sage, Frank E. Nellings, Gilbert B. Lewis, D. C. Vannote, John I. Smith and Joseph Murray.
Quo Warranto Proceedings Issued Against Their Successors
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Quo Warranto Proceedings Issued Against Their Successors.
Trenton, N. J., Oct. 4.—Counsel for Henry S. Scovel, of Camden, to-day began quo-warranto proceedings in the supreme court on behalf of eight Camden policemen recently ousted from their positions by the common council of that city to require their eight successors to show by what warrant and authority they hold their respective offices and exercise the duties thereof. The ousted officers are Abram Jackson, John Lighthouse, Josiah Sage, John Sinclair, William Selby, Thomas Buchanan, Albert F. Meyers and Caleb Brown, and their respective successors, Thomas Moore, Fred. Triplet, Allen Hubbs, Albert Geaser, Robert Miller, William Harris, Harry Hope and Isaac Brown. The cases will come up before the November term.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Camden Fire Department. Featuring Mayor Cooper B. Hatch, George W. Whyte, Edgar Bolton, John W. Vanhart, Benjamin Kellum, Charles Robinson, George B. Wade, Albert Jones, George Cox, Edward Weston, Samuel Peoples, Harry B. Middleton, Robert W. Colkett, James E. Navin, Charles Todd, Daniel Smith, Peter B. Carter, Alfred Hayden, Henry Elliott, Josiah Sage, Samuel Price, Charles Sturgis, Daniel Grimes, Harry Wagner, Augustus Kester, William Simpson.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Fries-Breslin Rug Manufacturing Company fire. Featuring Josiah Sage, Harry Haines Sr., Samuel S. Elfreth; Ferry Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Webster Street, Broadway, Emerald Street.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Camden armory fire; 6th Regiment, New Jersey National Guard; Farmers & Merchants Market; Camden Opera House. Featuring George Shields, Josiah Sage, Seth D. Monnell, George Quinn, Martin Carrigan, J.W. Simpson, James Elberson, William Elberson, Charles Worthington, Harry A. Haines Sr., Joseph Ernst, Joseph Daley, Samuel S. Elfreth, Charles H. Ellis, Frank G. Hitchener, Gardner Corson. Note: “Joseph Gail” was actually Joseph Daley.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, . Featuring Samuel S. Elfreth, George B. Wade, Harvey Watts, William Elberson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Sage, John Augustus “Gus” Dold, Arthur Wingate.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
CELEBRATIONS BY 3 FIRE COMPANIES
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon came back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows: City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Busine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows: Roast Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie, Coffee, Cigars, Aqua De Lair, Olives, Beets, Celery, Roast Turkey, Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce, Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Belby, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
Fatally Hurt in Crossing Smash
Camden Post-Telegram —
FATALLY HURT IN CROSSING SMASH
Howard Sage’s Skull Broken When Train Kills Horses and Demolishes Wagon.
ANOTHER CRASH AT LIBERTY STREET
With terrific impact, Haddonfield local train No. 222 of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad crashed into a team of the Lawnton Dairies at the Liberty street crossing this morning at 8 o’clock, killing both horses, demolishing the wagon, scattering milk to the four points of the compass and seriously injuring Howard Sage, aged 23 years, son of Fireman Josiah Sage, of 934 South Ninth street. The young man is in Cooper Hospital with a fracture of the skull, severe scalp lacerations and bruises.
Sage had been delivering milk and was driving his double team out Liberty street. The crossing is a particularly dangerous one, especially in the event of there being an inbound train, for high ground off toward the south shuts off the view. There is a bell there but the rumble of the heavy wagon and the clamping of the horses’ hoofs drowned out that sound so that Sage just went ahead and never realized his peril until the train was almost on him.
Instinctively Sage jerked on the lines to urge the horses ahead, but the train was approaching with such speed that it was impossible to get out of the way. The crash was heard for several squares and when hundreds rushed to the scene they saw the wreckage of the wagon strewn all along the track. One horse had been carried to Mt. Vernon street while the other was hurled against a telegraph pole. Sage was found in the wreckage of the wagon. The front part of the wagon was ripped away from the seat. Had it been struck fairly Sage would have been ground to pieces. Even when found it was thought he had been killed and the downtown auto ambulance rushed him to the hospital with faint hope of doing anything effective. He was found by the physicians to be alive but in a serious way.
The accident occurring just before children began to gather for nearby schools resulted in a great crowd of them going to the scene and viewing the grewsome sight of the disembowelled animals. A gang of laborers was sent there as speedily as possible and both horses were taken away.
The point at which the accident occurred has been the scene of many accidents in the past years. Probably a dozen persons have been killed and many more injured. While there is a bell there residents in that section declare it is altogether inadequate and that only gates can provide proper safety.
The Lawnton Dairies are located at Mt. Ephraim and Pear street. F. Christian Hess being the principal owner.
Charm Presented to Deputy Chief
Camden Daily Courier —
CHARM PRESENTED TO DEPUTY CHIEF
William Patterson Honored at Dinner Given to Members of No. 4 Engine Company.
BIG TURKEY FEED ENJOYED BY MANY
As a mark of appreciation for their splendid work while he was captain of No. 4 Engine Company, Deputy Fire Chief William Patterson last evening tendered the company members a fine turkey supper at No. 4 Engine House, Vine street near Fourth.
The caterers were Engineer Daniel Grimes, Firemen Robert Brice and Joseph Daly.
At the beginning of the banquet Capt. Charles Cook sprung a surprise when he presented the chief with a handsome watch charm of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. On the back was an inscription expressing the esteem of the members of the engine company. Chief Patterson expressed his appreciation for the gift and in a short address told the men he would always wear and cherish the gift.
Following the banquet addresses were made by Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton and Secretary Harvey Watts. Chief Carter spoke of the fellowship in the department at the present time and Freeholder Walton urged the men to be loyal. Lieutenant Joseph Logue, one of the oldest members of the company, spoke feelingly of his former captain. Then each guest was called upon and all expressed their esteem for Chief Patterson and showed their pleasure in his merited advancement.
Only one member of the company was absent, Ephraim Hires, who is ill at his home. Fireman Rollo Jones proposed a toast to former and departed members of the company and it was drunk in silence.
Gathered about the festive board were Deputy Chief William Patterson, Chief Peter B. Carter, Freeholder James M. Walton, Secretary Harvey Watts, Capt. Charles Cook, Firemen Arthur Wingate, Charles Hankins, Si Sage, Joseph Logue, Abraham Kerns, Charles Watkins, Jr., Martin Carrigan, Dollo Jones, Robert Brice, Joseph Daly, Daniel Grimes, John Miller and Frank Sheridan. The menu follows: Oysters on Half-shell, Biscuits, Roast Turkey, Stewed Tomatoes, Green Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cold Slaw, Olives, Coffee, After-dinner Mints, Celery, Layer Cake, Dan Grimes’ Punch, Cigars.
Josiah Sage
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSIAH SAGE
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday at the home of Mrs. Hannah Peters, 816 Chestnut street, for her brother, Josiah Sage, 64, for 31 years a Camden fireman, who died early yesterday. Sage, who resided at 1310 Rose street, is also survived by four sons. For the past two years he had been engineer with Engine Company No. 5, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. During his long career as a fireman he was hurt several times.
SAGE—On May 7, 1931, Josiah Sage, age 64 years. Relatives and friends, also members of Camden Fire Dept., are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, at 2 o’clock, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Hannah Peters, 816 Chestnut St., Camden, N. J. Interment at Arlington Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening.