Introduction
SAMUEL F. KESLER, whose nickname was “Rebel Sam” appears to have come to Camden in 1879 from Virginia to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a machinist. The 1880 Census and Camden city directories shows him living at 434 Berkley Street from 1880 through 1887, and at 234 Benson Street in 1890. He also appears in Camden city directories at 888 Penn Street beginning in 1894 and ending in 1898.
According to the 1880 census, Samuel Kesler was born in Virginia in 1843. He married Emma Gamble around 1870, and a son, Laurence, was born in Virginia in 1872. A daughter, Lizzie, was born in New Jersey around February of 1880. The 1880 Census shows Samuel Kesler and his family living at 434 Berkley Street with his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Gamble, her sons Harry, Charles, and George, and her daughter Annie.
Samuel Kesler was appointed to the Camden Fire Department to serve as a Engineer with Engine Company 1, replacing G. Rudolph Tenner. Samuel Kesler served with the Fire Department for one year, then was replaced when Tenner was reappointed.
Camden's New Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s New Firemen. The fire commissioners of Camden have made the following appointments, and the men will go on duty next Saturday: Engine No. 1—Foreman, George Tenner; extra men, James McCracken, Daniel Broomley, James S. Kelley, Michael McCaffery, James H. Brown, Thomas McKenna, James Shinn, Smith Moore, William Irelan Engine No 2—Foreman, William Bassett; extra men, John Hill, James Reed, Robert Miller, William Marsh, George Moffett, John J. Logan, Isaac M. Shreve, Samuel Welsh, Lewis Ferrell, Logan Bates, Isaac Collings, Harry Miles, John Elliott, William Turner, Charles Holl, John J. Hibbs, John Seybold, Wm. Suders, Edward Swope, James McCann.
Epidemic of Crime.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Berkley Street, South 3rd Street, George Gamble, Theodore Johnson, Dr. E.R. Smiley, and Samuel F. Kesler.
Kesler’s Stabbing Victim Out of Danger
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Jesse Pratt, Dr. E.R. Smiley, Theodore Johnson, and Samuel F. Kesler.