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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (death notice)
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.