Thomas J. Murphy
Camden Police Department
THOMAS J. MURPHY was appointed to the Camden Police Department on August 13, 1902. He served for almost 31 years, retiring on January 1, 1933, having reached the rank of Sergeant. His son, Thomas P. Murphy, joined him on the Police Department in 1928, and was promoted to detective in 1937.
In January of 1920 the Murphy family was living at 705 North 2nd Street in North Camden. Thomas P. Murphy, who had not joined the force yet, was working as a machinist. Besides Thomas P., there were four other children, sister Frances and brothers William, Steven, and John. Sadly, Stephen Murphy died on November 24, 1922 of pneumonia at the age of 18.
The 1930 Census shows the Thomas J. Murphy family residing at 545 Vine Street in North Camden. Frances had married Dr. Edmund Hessert and had moved to Audubon. Sons Thomas P., Wilbur, now by then an accountant at the Victor Talking Machine Company, and youngest son John, who also worked at Victor, as a clerk, were still at home.
Prior to his retirement Thomas J. Murphy served as desk sergeant at police headquarters. He last resided at 417 Cooper Street. Thomas J. Murphy passed away on August 9, 1943. He was survived by his wife, Anna, sons Thomas P., Wilbur, and John, and daughter Frances Hessert. Another son, Stephen, had died in 1922 of pneumonia at the age of 18. Anna Flynn Murphy died in January of 1958.
Policemen Shoved Off
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Partisanship, Not Efficiency, the Test for Service on Camden’s Force. Republicans Have to Go.
Fifteen Republican policemen had to pass under the rod at yesterday’s session of the Democratic Police Commission in Camden. Edward Cooper and Samuel Bakley were dismissed. The former was charged with failing to report the condition of the streets on his beat, and the latter with spending an hour watching a play in the Temple Theatre although he said he was ordered to go there and preserve order.
Colored policeman William H. Butts was called for trial.
“Are you guilty?” asked Police Justice Paul.
“Guilty of what?” answered the officer.
“Oh, of anything at all,” responded the Democratic justice. Then he said the case would be postponed until Thursday.
Officer Butts knew that this would merely delay his dismissal, and he insisted on resigning at once.
The following resignations of Republican policemen, to take effect on the 15th instant, were presented: Harry Nunes, Isaac McKinley, John Pratt, James O. Weaver, Samuel Paul, William D. Comley, Casper Hart. These take effect July 1: Benjamin Middleton, Jacob Woodsides, O. Glen Stackhouse. Frank Matlack and John Dall were suspended.
Louis Hesser, one of the newly appointed Democratic officers, resigned. The following Democrats were put on the force: James Rutledge, Edward Richardson, Harry L. Duffee, Michael Bradley, John E. Dunn, Thomas Murphy, John Logan, William Orcutt, Patrick Clark, Joseph Sloan and Amer Green. The latter takes the place of Sergeant Stackhouse at the City Hall.
Great Throngs at the Funeral of Chief Foster
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Witnessed Greatest Demonstration of Its Kind Since Gen. Sewell’s Burial
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.
Police Almost Got Cool Bath
Camden Daily Courier —
Someone Pulled Plug Out of a Chute-the-Chute Boat
FEARED A DUCKING IN LAGOON
Policemen “Al” Snow, “Jack” Brothers, “Tommie” Reed, “Tommie” Murphy and “Jeff” Kay, who acted as an escort to the youngsters of this city on their annual outing as guests of William J. Thompson, at Washington Park, yesterday, had rather an exciting experience. Snow and Brothers especially were for a time in a fair way of taking an involuntary plunge into the lagoon at the foot of the chute-the-chute affair.
After the children had been carefully looked after the bluecoats concluded to have a little pleasure on their own hook.
“Let’s try the chutes,” suggested Reed.
“Agreed,” said the other four in unison.
In a short time the quartet of coppers were being taken up on the elevator to the top of the tower. Then down the slide they went in the usual hurried manner. As soon as the water in the lagoon was encountered “Jack” Brothers felt something on his back. A hasty glance revealed the fact that there was a small sized geyser issuing from a hole in the flat bottomed scow. The plug had been removed and through the two inch aperture the water was rushing in at a great rate. In fact the ungainly craft began filling. The chap at the end who acted as sculler went toward shore, when Kay, Reed and Murphy jumped out onto the wharf.
Then, with Snow and Brothers still aboard, the scow drifted toward the middle of the place. All the time the water was entering and when it had reached the seats the sculler jumped overboard, leaving “Jack” and “Al” in the lurch.
“No, you don’t; you come back here,” commanded “Jack” to the oarsman.
The latter, thinking the officer was going to shoot, climbed back into the scow and then sculled to the wharf, when the two hopped ashore.
They are wondering as to who was responsible for the removal of the plug.
Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits
Camden Post-Telegram —
Boilermaker Crawford Smith late yesterday afternoon received a call from a belled-up namesake, Andy Smith, a leather worker, at his home, 729 Carman Street, and had Policeman Ulie Andrews lock him up.
When Ulie got to the house the rum-crazed fellow had already put a brick through a front window of Crawford’s home and had one in each hand for further bombardment.
Andrews gripped with the brick heaver and soon subdued him despite his threats to do him up, too. In Police Court today the rough-house raiser was sentenced by Recorder Stackhouse to two months at the paper picking plant.
James Davis, aged 34 years, also had his checks cashed for the Crematory for one month. Policeman Wright Cox took him in tow last night for fighting on Federal Street after he had once sent him on his way.
Another recruit for a month at the garbage factory was James Carter, a Philadelphia hobo. Yesterday morning Carter was found sleeping off a “souse” in the vestibule of Mrs. Grumby’s boarding house at 121 Market Street, by a boarder who was unable to get in because of the intruder’s doubled-up form barring the way. The boarder summoned Policeman Murphy, who sent the drunken and insolent tramp to Police Headquarters.
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Camden Courier-Post —
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.
Policeman Harry Bakely, 60, of 918 State Street, a policeman for 24 years; Irving Varley, 56, of 1703 South Fourth Street, a policeman for 25 years, and James M. Ellis, 52, of 776 Walnut Street, a fireman for four years and a policeman for 17, all have accepted pensions effective Oct. 1.
Policemen William Bryant, 51, of 228 Cedar Avenue, Woodlynne, and Samuel Hibbert, 55, of 730 Market Street, will cease their official duties on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, respectively. Bryant was appointed Jan. 1, 1908, and Hibbert July 10, 1911. All of the policemen retiring will receive $83.30 a month.
When asked if the men leaving the service would be replaced, Mayor Stewart said they would not.
Cops Are Shifted by Mayor Stewart
Camden Courier-Post —
Retirements on Pension Cause Changes; Sergeant Petit, Traffic Head
Police Sergeant Nathan Petit yesterday was named head of the city traffic bureau to succeed Lieut. Charles L. Laib, who will retire on pension tonight.
A number of other transfers to fill vacancies left by other members of the police department who are to accept pensions were made yesterday by Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Lieut. Samuel Johnson will be assigned in charge of police headquarters in place of Capt. A. Lincoln James and will serve also as a desk-sergeant on the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift daily. Policeman William Robertson will be made an acting desk-sergeant to fill the vacancy left by Johnson.
Policeman Frederick Watson, who has been doing special work in the detective bureau, will be returned to police headquarters to work at his old position of jailor in place of Samuel Hibbert, another pensioner.
Detective William Boettcher will be assigned to take over the duties of Detective Thomas Stanger, who also will retire tonight. Stanger has been in charge of Bertillion records and police photographic work for many years.
Thomas J. Murphy, Ex-Policeman, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Retired Sergeant Was 76; Served on City Force for 31 Years
Thomas J. Murphy, 76, retired city police sergeant, died last night in West Jersey Hospital.
Mr. Murphy, who lived at 417 Cooper Street, entered the hospital a week ago. He was the father of Thomas P. Murphy, acting sergeant in the city detective bureau.
Mr. Murphy retired on Jan. 1, 1933, after serving 31 years. He joined the department on August 13, 1902. At the time of his retirement his son was in the department as a foot patrolman, covering the same “beat” his father worked in earlier years.
The sergeant was termed one of Camden’s “best known and most efficient policemen,” when he left the service. The commendation was expressed jointly by the then acting chief, John W. Golden, and Captain Arthur Colsey.
“Sergeant Murphy is one of the most efficient officers we have ever had in the police department,” the two heads 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.”
The son was named a detective on Aug. 20, 1937. He was appointed a patrolman in 1928.
Mr. Murphy is survived also by his widow, Mrs. Anna A. Murphy; two sons, Wilbur and John, the latter serving with the Army, and a daughter, Mrs. Edmund C. Hessert, wife of a Camden physician living in Audubon.