Robert W. Colkett
Robert Colkett was born on October 11, 1865 to Henry Colkett and his wife Eliza.
Quite active politically, Robert Colkett was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in November of 1899 and began service on March 1, 1900 with the Hook & Ladder Company, now known as Ladder Company 1. He resigned from the Camden Fire Department on February 28, 1905 and went to work as a Camden police officer.
Robert Colkett was dismissed from the Police Department in 1910.
Shortly after the 1910 Census was enumerated, Robert Colkett moved to 545 South 2nd Street. He passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 1911. He had been a member of Ottawa Tribe No. 15, Improved Order of Red Men and also had belonged to the Bellmore Beneficial Association.
Could Not Agree on New Fireman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
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 repudiate [sic] 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.
Three Firemen Suspended
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Fire Commissioners of Camden City Council last night suspended Fireman Cox for one month, and Firemen Colkett and Johnson for two weeks for fighting in a saloon on Arch street last Saturday night.
New Jersey Firemen’s Convention Arrangements
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.
Wright Cox Held for Assault
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Wright Cox, an ex-fireman, of Camden, was held in $600 bail yesterday by Justice Schmitz on the charge of assaulting Robert Colkett, a fireman under suspension, near Second and Federal streets, early yesterday morning. The fight grew out of an argument on the street on the result of the recent primary elections in the Third ward.
Colkett Resigns from Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Fire Committee of Camden City Council last night accepted the resignation of Robert Colkitt, to take effect April 1. Wright Cox was appointed to fill the vacancy. Colkitt will probably be appointed a policeman.
Chat Among the Local Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
News Among the Men Who Man the Fire Fighting Apparatus.
New Member Given Initiation
Fireman Joseph Logue.
It is the honest and genial physiog of Fireman Joe Logue that confronts the readers of the “Courier” in to-day’s issue and it is safe to say that of all the surprised men in the town that same man is he, for not the least knowledge of its appearance had Joseph. The sight of his Christmas tree on Christmas morning when he was a mere strip of a lad in old Ireland could not have amazed him more. But there it is and as it shows up in fine style, Joe will no doubt forbear from swatting the Fire Editor of the “Courier” over his second crop county Cavan cocoanut with a section of hose.
Joe Logue is about the tallest fireman in the department and as to his being as good, strong, steady and courageous a man as there is in the city’s service there is not the least doubt. Joe was born at Milltown, county Derry, Ireland, and is, therefore, an Ulsterman. He is within a few years of [?], but doesn’t look it, and from his rugged, robust form appears good for another half a century at least, for it’s nothing unusual for the men of Ulster to live even a dozen or twenty years beyond a hundred. He was appointed a fireman in 1894 and has done duty since at two houses, Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, at headquarters, and Engine Company No. 4, in North Camden. And that he has been ever brave and faithful in the discharge of his allotted work, Chief Elfreth, ex-Foreman [?] Peoples, Foreman Amidee Middleton, ex-Assistant Chief Ben Kellum and present Foreman Billy Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, under all of whom he has served, can and will gladly testify to.
They tell a good many amusing jokes on Joe, but he takes them all with characteristic good nature and enjoys them as heartily as they do. Once, on Joe’s day off, No. 4’s hose cart went to a fire at Mathis’ shipyard, Cooper’s Point, with his helmet and uniform hanging on the guards. The hose cart got in such hot quarters that it was badly burned and Joe’s duds completely consumed.
When he heard of the fate of his official garments, Joe said: “Look at that, now! What a narrow escape I had. If I had been in that uniform I’d been burned to a crisp.”
Joe is a married man and has the happiest of homes. He is a brother of another good Ulster man, David Logue, the county jail turnkey. Both are active members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, No. 12, American Protestant Association, and Diamond Purple Star Lodge, No. 104, Loyal Orange Legion.
In next week’s fire column will appear a picture of Dewey, the fire dog of Engine Company No. 4, the most sagacious canine in Camden, an interesting animal well worthy of a sketch. Dewey’s master and trainer is Fireman Logue and what he can do as a fire dog is something simply strenuous.
Former Fireman Wright Cox writes to be set right. It was Wright who rescued the two children at 306 Stevens street on last Saturday afternoon and had the fire under control when the firemen arrived. Credit had been given to his brother, George Cox, foreman of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, who resides on Stevens street above Third, but what’s the difference, Wright, isn’t the glory all in the family? Wright lives at 322 Stevens street, George at 334 and the fire was at 306. If Wright hadn’t been right on deck at the time, George would have, so more’s the power to them both. Wright was a good one when he was in the department and there is strong talk of his going back again.
Ladderman Budd Colkett, of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, it is said, is booked for an appointment on the police force when Mayor Ellis confers such favor. The above is not official, but is merely given as an item of chin music heard about the fire houses these days. If Budd does drop the ladder for the mace, he will not be the first fireman to change to the police force. Jeff Kay was another who tired of the at times protracted inactivity of a fireman’s life and longed for a change of scene and salary. The firemen, however, now get the same bunch of coin as the coppers do, $40 per fortnight, but they didn’t when Charles Jefferson Kay was one of the bravest at No. 4.
For a man of his years, John Renner, of Hose Company No. 2, in East Camden, is one of the youngest and sturdiest in the department. If you didn’t actually know his age you could no more guess it, with any greater degree of accuracy, than you could the seeds in a Georgia watermelon. John has been a soldier, a policeman, Constable, special officer and before being made a city fireman was a member of and at one time Chief of the Stockton Volunteers.
Driver Billy Hertlein, of Chemical Engine No. 1, is back at his post again, feeling fine and looking elegant. All the men were glad to see Billy on deck again, even his old team whinnying him a Happy New Year.
William Miller, of the Eighth ward, became a member of the crew of Chemical Engine No. 2, on Saturday evening, under harrowing circumstances. On Sunday evening he was put through the customary initiation at the fire house on Kaighn avenue above Sixth street. All the other men were down stairs about eight o’clock when some one struck box eleven. There is no such box on the fire alarm list, but William, who wasn’t wise, slid down the pole from the second floor just the same. Just as he landed on the rubber mat at the bottom of the pole, one of the men turned a hose on him, while several others bombarded him unmercilessly with boots, brooms, mops, etc. Poor William was a sight when they got through with him. He was drenched to the skin and covered with dirt. But when he discovered it was all a joke he took his medicine manfully and was duly installed in the new company as a “jolly good fellow.”
Policeman on the Rack
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Policeman Robert Colkett, of the Third ward, Camden, has been summoned to appear before City Council’s Police Committee next Tuesday night to answer charges of dereliction of duty.
John Woolford Arrested
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** John Woolford was arrested yesterday by Policemen Stow and Colkett, charged with rifling gas slot meters recently.
Great Throngs at the Funeral of Chief Foster
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Witnessed Greatest Demonstration of Its Kind Since Gen. Sewell’s Burial
THOUSANDS PAID TRIBUTE TO DEAD
CROWD ABOUT THE FOSTER HOME AND PICTURE OF THE DEAD CHIEF
Not since the memorial funeral of United States Senator William J. Sewell has Camden witnessed such an expression of regret and sorrow as was evidenced at the obsequies of Chief of Police John Foster, which took place from his home, 292 Mt. Vernon street, yesterday afternoon. Practically all Camden paid lasting tribute to the stricken chief, who had been one of the most popular officials of the city. From other places, too, came many who swelled the throng about the house until the streets were literally packed with those anxious to give evidence of the high esteem in which they held the man.
From Philadelphia came Superintendent of Police John B. Taylor, a personal friend of Chief Foster; Captain James Hamm, Captain Dungan, Captain Campbell, Captain Callahan and thirty-four lieutenants, all in uniform. Baltimore, Washington, Norristown, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City and other places were represented by police officials. City, county and State officers were there and everyone unmistakably demonstrated the regard and respect in which he held Chief Foster, who had made such a valiant but fruitless battle against death.
Thousands Viewed Remains
From 7 to 9 o’clock Saturday night, all of yesterday morning and until the service began in the afternoon a constant stream of persons in all walks of life passed through the house, taking a last view of he who lay so peacefully amid a profusion of flowers. It is conservatively estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 persons viewed the body. Thousands more would have done likewise, for the line constantly increased, until it reached a block or more. The doors were finally closed to permit the conducting of the services.
In a full dress black suit the body reposed in a handsome mahogany casket, with silver trimmings. On the cover of the casket was a silver plate, bearing this simple inscription:
John Foster
Born October 5, 1839.
Died March 1, 1906.
The features were life-like and gave little evidence of the weeks of intense suffering through which Chief Foster passed before the end came. At the head of the casket stood Policeman Albert Shaw, while at the foot was Policeman Camillus Appley. At the doors on guard were Policemen George Kappel, George Kleaver, Albert Snow and Casper Hart. Captain Arthur Stanley had charge of the detail of officers.
Wealth of Flowers
Surrounding the casket and extending around the walls of the room were beautiful floral emblems, roses, carnations, lillies, and in fact every variety. Some of the designs and those who contributed them follow: The patrolmen, “Gates Ajar,” six feet tall and composed of American Beauty roses, lilies of the valley, and surmounted by four white doves; Fifth Ward Republican Club, an immense urn of galax leaves and assorted flowers; Fireside New Years’ Association, a banner piece of roses, carnations, lilies of the valley and narcissus blooms; the Camden reporters of the local and Philadelphia newspapers, a four-foot scroll of galax leaves, in the centre of which was a shield of violets with a band of white carnations, on which was inscribed, “Our Friend;” from the daughters of Chief Foster, “Gates Ajar,” composed of Easter lilies, roses, carnations, daffodils, narcissus and asparagus ferns; from Mrs. Foster, the widow, a pillow of roses, carnations and lilies of the valley. Beautiful designs were also given by Mayor Charles H. Ellis, the International Association of Police Chiefs, Ionic Lodge of Masons, First Italian Republican Club, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Massoit Tribe of Red Men, John Carroll, John R. Campbell and various city officials. These flowers filled two carriages and a patrol wagon.
Services at the House
The services at the house took place at 2 o’clock and were in charge of Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church. After the family had taken the last view the casket was borne to the hearse by Sergeant Albert Gravenor and Policeman John Brothers, representing the Police Department; former Senator Maurice A. Rogers and George Hammond, representing the Masonic bodies; former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, representing Massoit Tribe of Red Men, and Albert Shaw, from the Fifth Ward Republican Club.
A few minutes prior to the bringing out of the casket the members of Ionic Lodge of Masons formed themselves into a long lane through which the dead chief’s body was borne. Leading the pallbearers were six Camden policemen, who acted as a guard of honor. These included Policemen Thomas Brothers, Camillus Appley, Robert Calkett, Jules Busch, Thomas Murphy and Harry Mines, the largest men of the force. The Philadelphia police also had a guard of honor in Captain James P. Hamm, Captain Francis Callahan, Captain Dungan and Captain Campbell.
Funeral Cortege
The funeral cortege was composed of the following: Sergeant William Horner and a detail of thirty-four men from the three districts; members of the Fifth Ward Republican Club, cabs containing Mayor Ellis, Councilmen and city officials, Ionic Lodge of Masons and the hearse followed by the cabs containing the mourners. The route gone over was from the house to Third street, to Walnut street, to Broadway, to Benson street, to Haddon avenue and to Harleigh Cemetery. All along the route hundreds of persons lined the curbs, while many followed the cortege to the grave. As the procession passed the City Hall the bell in the tower was tolled at minute intervals.
At Harleigh Cemetery the casket was lowered in a cavity on a sunny slope to the southward. There the Masons held their services over their departed brother, Worshipful Master Aaron G. Matlack having charge of the beautiful ceremony.
It was a funeral that Camden will remember for many a day. And Chief Foster’s memory will be kept green for the next month by many political, and social organizations as well as private citizens, who will display black draped flags at half mast.
John Foster
Born October 5, 1839.
Died March 1, 1906.
The services at the house took place at 2 o’clock and were in charge of Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church. After the family had taken the last view the casket was borne to the hearse by Sergeant Albert Gravenor and Policeman John Brothers, representing the Police Department; former Senator Maurice A. Rogers and George Hammond, representing the Masonic bodies; former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, representing Massoit Tribe of Red Men, and Albert Shaw, from the Fifth Ward Republican Club.
A few minutes prior to the bringing out of the casket the members of Ionic Lodge of Masons formed themselves into a long lane through which the dead chief’s body was borne. Leading the pallbearers were six Camden policemen, who acted as a guard of honor. These included Policemen Thomas Brothers, Camillus Appley, Robert Calkett, Jules Bosch, Thomas Murphy and Harry Mines, the largest men of the force. The Philadelphia police also had a guard of honor in Captain James P. Hamm, Captain Francis Callahan, Captain Dungan and Captain Campbell.
The features were life-like and gave little evidence of the weeks of intense suffering through which Chief Foster passed before the end came. At the head of the casket stood Policeman Albert Shaw, while at the foot was Policeman Camillus Appley. At the doors on guard were Policemen George Kappel, George Kleaver, Alfred Snow and Casper Hart. Captain Arthur Stanley had charge of the detail of officers.
Wealth of Flowers
Surrounding the casket and extending around the walls of the room were beautiful floral emblems, roses, carnations, lillies, and in fact every variety. Some of the designs and those who contributed them follow: The patrolmen, “Gates Ajar,” six feet tall and composed of American Beauty roses, lilies of the valley, and surmounted by four white doves; Fifth Ward Republican Club, an immense urn of galax leaves and assorted flowers; Fireside New Years’ Association, a banner piece of roses, carnations, lilies of the valley and narcissus blooms; the Camden reporters of the local and Philadelphia newspapers, a four-foot scroll of galax leaves, in the centre of which was a shield of violets with a band of white carnations, on which was inscribed, “Our Friend;” from the daughters of Chief Foster, “Gates Ajar,” composed of Easter lilies, roses, carnations, daffodils, narcissus and asparagus ferns; from Mrs. Foster, the widow, a pillow of roses, carnations and lilies of the valley.
Funeral Cortege
The funeral cortege was composed of the following: Sergeant William Horner and a detail of thirty-four men from the three districts; members of the Fifth Ward Republican Club, cabs containing Mayor Ellis, Councilmen and city officials, Ionic Lodge of Masons and the hearse followed by the cabs containing the mourners. The route gone over was from the house to Third street, to Walnut street, to Broadway, to Benson street, to Haddon avenue and to Harleigh Cemetery. All along the route hundreds of persons lined the curbs, while many followed the cortege to the grave. As the procession passed the City Hall the bell in the tower was tolled at minute intervals.
At Harleigh Cemetery the casket was lowered in a cavity on a sunny slope to the southward. There the Masons held their services over their departed brother, Worshipful Master Aaron G. Matlack having charge of the beautiful ceremony.
It was a funeral that Camden will remember for many a day. And Chief Foster’s memory will be kept green for the next month by many political, and social organizations as well as private citizens, who will display black draped flags at half mast.
Halted on Way to Shore
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Lads Met With Cruel Round-up in Camden
Just as they were about to board a train for Atlantic City last evening, three well-dressed Philadelphia boys were arrested in Camden by Policeman Colkett. They were taken to the City Hall, where they were held for the night. They gave the names of George Miller, 14 years old, 2334 Turner street; Wilmot Whiteside, 15 years old, 2248 Ridge avenue, and Guy Fisher, 16 years old, 2537 Montgomery avenue.
Young Miller explained to the police that his father promised to take him to the seashore next Saturday and he simply couldn’t wait, so he and his companions concluded they would go to Atlantic City yesterday. They were well supplied with money. Their parents were notified.
Funeral of “Ike” Toy
Bridgeton Evening News —
One of the largest funerals witnessed in Camden for many months was that of Policeman Isaac Toy, which took place yesterday from his home, 604 South Third street. One of the most popular officers of the force and known throughout South Jersey as a base ball player, hundreds of persons viewed the body, which reposed in a quartered oak casket, almost hidden amid beautiful floral emblems.
Rev. Alfonso Dare, pastor of the Wiley M. E. Church, had charge of the services at the house. Mayor Charles H. Ellis, Chief of Police Elisha A. Gravenor and a squad of fifty officers attended in a body. There were also delegations from Massascit Tribe of Red Men, Camden Aerie of Eagles, the Third ward Republican Club and other organizations.
The pall-bearers were Policemen Harry Mines, Albert Shaw, Robert Colkett, Albert Keaser, William Todd and William Lyons. Interment was made in Harleigh Cemetery.
As the squad of officers were marching in the funeral procession Policeman Alonzo Dyer fell to the asphalted pavement at Broadway and Berkley street. A physician found the officer’s heart had been affected through an overdose of medicine he had taken for rheumatism. Dyer was taken to his home on Elm street.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The annual sham battle and dance under the auspices of Battery B, N. G. N. J., will be held in the Camden Armory tomorrow evening.
Dr. H. H. Sherk will give an illustrated lecture on the Yellowstone Park in the East Camden Library tomorrow night.
One of the largest funerals that has taken place in Camden for some time was that of George Bird, who was buried from his home, 801 Haddon avenue. The services were in charge of Rev. Isaac Bagley and interment was made in the Evergreen Cemetery.
These officers have been nominated by the Camden Police Pension Fund: President, Robert Colkett; vice president, Albert Snow; financial secretary, James Tatem; recording secretary, Edward Hyde; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, James Ware, George Anderson, George Cooper, Allan Palmer and Thomas Reed.
Daniel Clifford, a Civil War veteran, 70 years old, of New York, reported to the police yesterday that after he had drawn his pension he had been decoyed to Camden, where he was relieved of $69.
In a twenty five foot fall at Mathis’ Shipyard yesterday, Lysander Burton, of 904 North Second street, was seriously injured internally besides having many lacerations and bruises.
Attacked with asthma, William Baldwin, 77 years old, of 510 Kaighn avenue, died yesterday before a physician could be summoned.
From shock due to a broken leg, John Spiegel, 45 years old, died in the Cooper Hospital last night. At one time Spiegel was a transcribing clerk in the Register of Deeds office.
Policeman Is Accused
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dismissed by Committee of Camden City Council
Policeman Robert Colkett, of the Third ward, Camden, who until a year ago was president of the Camden Police Beneficial Association, was dismissed from the department last night by the Police Committee of City Council. He was accused, among other things, of neglecting his beat.
The hearing took on all the appearances and dignity of a regular court trial. The accused policeman was represented by former Judge Howard Carrow, who will appeal the case to court.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
For years a professional baseball player and at one time on Connie Mack’s staff of catchers, Morris J. Steelman was yesterday appointed a policeman by Mayor Ellis. He takes the place made vacant by the retirement of Robert Colkett.
Appeal in Higher Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Former Camden Policeman Stricken With Heart Disease
Stricken with heart disease, former Policeman Robert Colkett, who was awaiting a decision on his appeal taken to the Supreme Court as a result of his being dismissed from the force, died yesterday at his home, 545 South Second street, Camden. He had not been feeling in the best of health of late, although he had a large and apparently healthy physique. He is survived by a widow.
Prior to going on the police force, Colkett was in the Fire Department and for many years drove the hook and ladder at headquarters. He was widely known throughout the city.
COLKETT (Death Notice)
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 29–
COLKETT.—On April 28, 1911, ROBERT W, husband of Mary O Colkett and son of Henry D and late Eliza E Colkett, aged 45 years. Relatives and friends, Ottawa Tribe, No 15, I O R M, and Bellmore Beneficial Association, are invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday, at 2 P M, from late residence, 545 S 2d st, Camden, N J. Interment at Arlington Cemetery.
COLKETT.—On April 28, 1911, ROBERT W, husband of Mary O Colkett and son of Henry D and late Eliza E Colkett, aged 45 years. Relatives and friends, Ottawa Tribe, No 15, I O R M, and Bellmore Beneficial Association, are invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday, at 2 P M, from late residence, 545 S 2d st, Camden, N J. Interment at Arlington Cemetery.
Decide Against Dead Man
Winston-Salem Journal —
Philadelphia, June 9.—Dead a month, Robert Colkett was yesterday declared by the New Jersey Supreme Court to have no standing in his suit for reinstatement as a member of the Camden police force.
Dismissed on a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer, Colkett appealed on the ground that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant his discharge. He was fatally stricken while the appeal was pending.