Introduction
WILLIAM F. BARNETT JR. was born in Camden NJ in 1901 to William F. and Jenny Barnett. William F. Barnett Sr. was living at 219 Stevens Street according to the 1890–91 Camden Directories. As a youth William Jr. attended the E.A. Stevens Elementary School at 430 South 4th Street, and later graduated from Camden High School. At the time of the 1920 census the family owned a home at 337 Clinton Street in Camden, where the elder Barnett worked as a foreman on the Pennsylvania Railroad. William Barnett Jr. was then 18, and the only child living at home. He was working as a clerk at that time, and later worked in the auto accessories business. By 1924 the family had moved to 1511 Wildwood Avenue.
William F. Barnett entered public service, and served as chief clerk of the Camden War Price and Rationing Board. In February of 1945 he was appointed executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, succeeding Horace R. Dixon. William Barnett proved to be a highly effective administrator. During his tenure he oversaw the construction of two new developments, McGuire Gardens in East Camden, and Roosevelt Manor in South Camden. He also implemented racial integration of Camden’s public housing developments.
William F. Barnett suffered from heart trouble. He survived a 1949 heart attack and another one in 1950. On February 13, 1957 he suffered a fatal heart attack while driving. Taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, he passed away that afternoon.
21 Vets’ Families To Get Homes Here Tuesday
Camden Courier-Post —
W. F. Barnett, Housing Aide, Dies Suddenly
Camden Courier-Post —
William F. Barnett, 55, executive director and secretary of the Camden Housing Authority, died at 3 a.m. today after suffering a heart attack while driving his car on Black Horse Pike, with his wife Ann. He complained of pains in the chest, so Mrs. Barnett took the wheel and drove him to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where he died.
Mr. Barnett was born in Camden’s Third ward and attended Stevens elementary school and Camden High School. He was appointed executive director of the Camden Housing Authority in 1945, after serving as chief clerk of the Camden War Price and Rationing Board.
In March, 1949, Mr. Barnett suffered a heart attack and was similarly stricken a year later.
Besides his wife, Mr. Barnett is survived by a son, William, who is studying for the priesthood at the American College in Rome, and a daughter, Elizabeth, a student at Camden Catholic High School.
Mr. Barnett’s first wife, Elisabeth, died in June, 1934, and he remarried a year ago. A member of the Immaculate Conception parish, he also was a member of the Camden Masonic Lodge.
Prior to entering public life, Mr. Barnett was in the auto accessories business.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
W. F. Barnett Rites To Be Held Monday
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral arrangements were announced today for William F. Barnett, 55, of 1462 Wildwood ave., who died Wednesday following a heart attack.
Requiem high Mass will be sung Monday at 9 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Friends will meet at 8 a.m. at the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 226 Collings ave., Collingswood, where they may call Sunday night.
Mr. Barnett, who was executive secretary of the Camden Housing Authority, was a member of the Men of Malvern and the 13th Ward Democratic Club.