William Harvey
WILLIAM HARVEY was born in England in October of 1845 to James and Sarah Harvey, and came to America while a young boy. The Harvey family was living in Camden’s South Ward by the time the Census was taken in 1860. James Harvey worked as a machinist.
After serving in the United States Navy under Commodore David Farragut, William Harvey returned to Camden in the 1880s. At the time of the 1880 Census, his father was living at 308 Walnut Street, next door to former Mayor Samuel M. Gaul, who had been mayor of the city from 1871 to 1874. Through the good offices of Gaul, a staunch Republican, William Harvey secured an appointment to the police department by then Mayor Jesse Pratt in 1886. William Harvey would serve with only a brief interruption in the 1890s until his retirement in March of 1912.
City Directories from 1887 through 1891 show William Harvey residing at 1010 South 2nd Street. The 1900 Census shows William Harvey living at 274 Walnut Street with his wife Annie and six children ages 22 to 2—William W., James, Emma, Maggie, Sarah, and Alexander. From 1904 through 1908 the Harvey family is listed at 263 Mt. Vernon Street. They were still at that address when Annie Harvey passed away after a long illness on March 23, 1909. William Harvey lodged at 1024 South 3rd Street when the census was enumerated in 1910. By 1912 he remarried sometime thereafter, and was living with his second wife, Hannah (aka Annie) at 1116 Locust Street. They are listed in City Directories at that address through 1924. He became a widower once again sometime after the 1920 Census was taken. He last lived in Camden at 406 North Front Street.
On February 26, 1912 veteran police officers George Horner, William Harvey, and Benjamin Middleton retired from active service with the Camden Police Department.
William Harvey died at the Camden County Hospital at Lakeland in Gloucester Township on February 23, 1928 at the age of 83.
William Harvey’s sister Emma was married to John J. Brown, an original member of the Camden Fire Department in 1869 and later a bar owner in South Camden. Her stepson (John Brown’s son from an earlier marriage) was William D. Brown, who became secretary of the Board of Education and later served as Camden’s city clerk.
Philadelphia Inquirer — September 8, 1887
(news brief)
Policeman Harvey, of the Fifth ward, yesterday arrested Amy Fowler at Kaighn's Point Ferry on the charge of stealing $22 from Rev. J. N. Johnson, of Merchantville, by whom she was employed as a domestic.
Policeman Harvey, of the Fifth ward, yesterday arrested Amy Fowler at Kaighn’s Point Ferry on the charge of stealing $22 from Rev. J. N. Johnson, of Merchantville, by whom she was employed as a domestic.
News Notes from Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Judge Hugg, of Camden, yesterday fixed bail at $1,000 in each case of Bernard and John Lavin, who appealed their case of conviction of assault and battery to the Supreme Court.
Policeman Harvey, early yesterday morning, captured Henry Bunting and James Simpson in the act of breaking into the saloon of Thomas Doorley, at Second and Pine streets.
Ex-Receiver of Taxes William H. Rightmire, of Camden, has begun suit against the city for $15,000, for pay which he claims is due him for making searches for the Delinquent Tax Commissioners.
Vice Chancellor Pitney, in Camden, yesterday, allowed Mary E. Adams $25 counsel fees in her suit against her husband, Henry Adams, of Port Republic, for a divorce. The complainant alleges cruelty as the ground for the separation.
Charles F. Currie, the newly elected superintendent of the Insane Asylum of Camden County, assumes charge of that institution to-morrow. Mrs. Nichols, the present matron, whose resignation was requested by the Board of Freeholders, will sue for a year’s salary, at the expiration of what she claims her term of office, next May.
There was a lively time at the meeting of the Camden Board of Education last night. It was caused by the increasing of the janitors’ salaries, which was done after a debate of nearly an hour. The Property Committee was instructed to advertise for bids for a new school house at Tenth and Linden streets, the cost of which is not to exceed $15,000.
Justice Fox, of Haddonfield, yesterday committed Peter Harrison, of that place, to jail in default of bail, on the charge of attempting to feloniously assault the daughters of Samson Dobbs. Harrison, it is alleged, entered the girls’ room at midnight and threatened to kill them with a knife, which he held in his hand, if they made an outcry.
Tried to Burn the Building
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While Policeman Harvey was patrolling his beat about twenty minutes of 4 o’clock yesterday morning, he noticed a man coming out of the butcher establishment of Samuel K. Hires, on Kaighn avenue above Third street. He paid little attention to the man, as it is usual for men to work there all night. A few minutes later the entire building was discovered enveloped in a mass of flames. The mysterious man, who had only a few minutes previous left, had been an incendiary and had smeared lard over the floors and then set it on fire. The Fire Department saved the building.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 25, 1890
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 25, 1890 — Jesse Pratt — Thomas Barnes — John Barnes — William Harvey
A Camden Free Fight
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Too Many Original Packages at a Party. Other Cross River News.
A party at Joseph Flanigan’s house on Mickle street, above Second, on Thursday night, had a bad ending. It was a package party, and some brought “original packages” with them. As soon as the bad whisky in the latter commenced to work free fist fights followed.
It was while Policeman Harvey and Robert Miller were patrolling their beats that they heard the cry of murder. They traced the cries to the Flanigan house, where they found at least a dozen men in the back yard engaged in a free fist fight. At the sight of the officers the men all scampered, with the exception of Edward Bates, who lay on the ground with blood running freely from a wound in his head. The police went in the house and arrested Charles Bates and William Harris.
After Edward Bates had his wounds dressed at the Cooper Hospital, he and the others were locked up for a hearing, and yesterday Mayor Pratt compelled the two Bateses and James Lafferty to pay fines and costs, while Harris was dismissed.
Dennis Corbitt tried to “do up” Policeman Mullane on Kaighn avenue, near Fourth street, yesterday afternoon. He succeeded in throwing Mullane down, and was about to escape when Policeman Harvey appeared. Corbitt tried to escape from both, but was subdued by blackjacks. His wounds were dressed at the Cooper Hospital. He is locked up at the City Hall for a hearing to-day.
Camden’s News Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Wrong-Doers Who Will Face Jersey Justice—Politicians Active.
William Cooper, a colored man, living in South Camden, yesterday beat his wife and was arrested by Policeman Harvey. He will have a hearing to-day before Mayor Pratt.
Romance with a Sad Ending
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mrs. Zimmerman’s Futile Attempt to End Her Life.
Divorce, Desertion, Despair
Newspaper Men Dine at Pitman Grove and One Is Seriously Injured in a Ball Game—Cream of the News Throughout the State.
Despondent over a love affair, Mrs. C. F. Zimmerman, of 1209 Liberty street, Camden, attempted suicide yesterday by walking off of a Chestnut street ferry boat into the Delaware river at the foot of Kaighn avenue. John Dillmore, a deck hand, jumped in after her and with the aid of other ferry employes was successful in rescuing her. Officer Harvey was summoned. He secured a wagon and conveyed her to her home.
Although the family of the woman refuse to talk, it has been an open secret for some time that she had been disappointed in a love affair. She is 40 years of age and when quite young was married and has a grown-up daughter, who is married to a successful South Camden business man. Some time ago Mrs. Zimmerman fell in love with a man much younger than herself. She next secured a divorce from her husband, expecting that her new lover would marry her. Afterwards he refused to marry her.
He Announces the Names
Camden Daily Telegram —
The Mayor Appoints the New Force To-day.
Many Old Officers Taken Back.
Some Surprise Manifested at the Mayor’s Appointment of Dodd Instead of Jones — This Afternoon All the Names Will be Announced.
The Mayor stated this morning to the newspaper fraternity that he would not announce his nominations for the police department until four o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that these would be announced this morning and in consequence there were a number of applicants for appointment on the force early this morning at the City Hall, hoping that the lightning would strike them.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor in addition to his nomination of Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Foster and Pettit appointed Frank Matlack, Jacob Woodsides, Alfred Hayden and John Dall, all of the Sixth Ward. The above were policemen under Mayor Westcott, before the Democratic Police Commission took charge of the Department.
Patrolman Griffin, Democrat, tendered his resignation yesterday to Mayor Westcott, to take effect to-day.
The appointment of Chief Dodd was quite a surprise to the public in general, as it was thought that Captain Jones would be named for the position. Many believed such an appointment would be in very good form, as Captain Jones’ knowledge of men and his military training would have made him a chief par excellence. The Mayor, however, probably thought that as Mr. Dodd had been so unceremoniously kicked out by the Democrats, it was nothing more than justice to again offer him the position which he had filled in a creditable manner for a number of years.
Appointed on the Force.
Mayor Westcott this afternoon made the following appointments:
First Ward — William E Cromly, George Cable, Henry R. Curtis, O. Glen Stackhouse.
Second Ward — Lincoln James, John Pratt, Samuel Bakley, Benj Middleton.
Third Ward — William Selby, Albert Myers, Edward Hartman.
Fourth Ward — Caleb Williams, Richard Golden, William Schregler, Ralph Bond.
Fifth Ward — William Harvey, Harry Mines and Oscar Weaver.
Sixth Ward — Jacob Woodsides, Frank Matlack, Albert Hayden and John Dall.
Seventh Ward — Josiah Sage, Henry Peters, Charles Lederman, Wm. Butts.
Eighth Ward — Alexander Alcorn, Chas. Leightenberg, Ferdinand Laird
There was no appointments made for the Ninth ward.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 4, 1894
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 4, 1894 — John Foster — William Harvey
Bad Man Derrickson
Camden Post —
Arrested for Attempting to Kill Charles Burton.
“Sweeney” Derrickson was arrested last night on a charge of attempting to kill Charles Burton, colored. Burton says that Derrickson pulled out a pistol and shot at him three times without any cause whatever.
The shooting occurred on Baxter street in the colored quarter. Burton and Derrickson had been drinking beer. Burton had just returned from a corner saloon with a “growler” when Derrickson drew his gun and banged away at him three times. Burton ran and jumped over a fence, spraining his right ankle.
One of the witnesses of the shooting was Ida Parker, the colored woman who was accidentally shot in the thigh by Harry Oliver yesterday. Before the Mayor this morning Ida testified that Derrickson also pointed his pistol at her. She ran to Mrs. Griffin’s house screaming for help. Mrs. Griffin and her little boy were in the front room. Derrickson appeared at the window with the smoking pistol in his hand.
“Don’t shoot, Marwood,” exclaimed Mrs. Green; “If you do you’ll kill me and my child.”
Meanwhile Burton had limped around to the patrol house on Chestnut street and told Sergeant Harvey what had happened. Sergeant Harvey accompanied Burton back to Baxter street and arrested Derrickson. Derrickson drew a table fork on Harvey, but the latter quickly disarmed the desperate man and put handcuffs on him.
The Mayor held Derrickson in $500 bail for court.
His Wife Must Suffer
Camden Daily Telegram —
While After Medicine McNeil Fell by the Wayside
With one kid glove on, hair parted in the middle and the remnants of a good sized skate still clinging to his feet, Harry McNeil, a frequent visitor at the Police Court, with Hugh Boyle as his guardian, was before Recorder Nowrey, this morning, to answer to a charge of drunkenness. “Mac,” with his wife, has been picking cranberries up in Burlington county and exposure caused her to contract heart disease, so “Mac” says. She became rapidly worse, according to his statement, and yesterday friends advised him to come to this city and purchase some medicine. He accepted the advise and after laying in a stock of castor oil, liver pads and other cures, “Mac” proceeded to get loaded and right royally did he do it. Not a saloon in the Fifth and Eighth wards escaped his attention. He became exceedingly boisterous in two of the saloons and was thrown out and was finally arrested by Officer Hyde. He was given a hearing this morning by Recorder Nowrey, and pleaded to be discharged, saying his wife demanded his attention, but he will hold a ten days’ reunion with his friends at the County Jail.
Monday Round Up in Police Court
Camden Daily Telegram —
Variety of Prisoners Before Recorder Nowrey’s Bar.
Private Hearing for “De Club”
Eight Blacks and One White Landed in a Sunday Morning Raid—Cries of “Murder” in Joint Alley Led to an Arrest.
Early yesterday morning Police Sergeant Bentley, with a squad of officers, including Matlack, Roach, Weaver, Shaw, Harvey and Moore, raided an alleged speak-easy and gambling resort on Division street, near Locust. When the officers entered the room they found tacked up on the wall in a conspicuous place a charter for the “Independent Athletic Club.” The charter was issued some time ago to a party of white men, and how it came into possession of the eight colored and one white man arrested in the raid the police are endeavoring to find out. In addition to the charter the police found a deck of cards, some poker chips, cards of admission to the alleged club, four boxes of beer, two bottles of whiskey and a supposed “kitty” containing 48 cents.
The men arrested were Abraham Briscoe, colored, the alleged proprietor, Walter H. Chase, Edward Lewis, John Miller, Ben Bunston, Edward Fortie, and Jacob Granger, colored, and Herbert Weaver, white. All were examined in the Mayor’s private office, by the Recorder this morning, and as a result Briscoe was held for a further hearing on a charge of selling liquor without a license, while the others were held as witnesses in their own recognizance.
Amusing Scene at the City Hall
Camden Daily Telegram —
Elwood Police Force Visited Chief Foster.
Entered with the Aid of a Crutch
After an Interview With the Head of the Local Force Business Was Forgotten and the Distinguished Visitor Left With a Light Step.
An amusing incident occurred at police headquarters this morning. Chief Foster was busily at work at his desk when Hall Officer Hugh Boyle announced that the police force of Ellwood, Atlantic county, was awaiting an interview with the chief, on important police matters.
“Show them up!” commanded the chief and in obedience Officer Boyle ushered into the handsome apartment of the chief an elderly man with long white whiskers. He was leaning heavily on a crutch and apparently labored under much difficulty when he locomoted.
The police force of Ellwood, for such the visitor proved to be, he being chief, captain, jailor and the whole shooting match, was given a cordial welcome, and invited to an easy chair. He placed his crutch in a corner, against the chief’s desk, and then proceeded with his business, which, however, has no bearing on the incident. At the conclusion of his interview, he bid the chief a cheery “good morning!” and stalked from the chief’s office with a light step.
Recorder Nowrey happened in the chief’s office at this moment and espying the crutch inquired of the chief to whom it belonged.
At first Chief Foster could not identify the article, but it suddenly dawned upon him that the crutch was the property of the Ellwood police force.
“Hey, Glen!” called the chief to Hall Officer Stackhouse, “run over to Haddon avenue station and tell the Ellwood police force that he can’t walk; he forgot his crutch.”
Glen was just putting on his coat to carry out the order when a bunch of white whiskers darted in the door from the corridor, then into the Chief’s office and grabbing the crutch from the corner remarked: “Oh, I knew I forgot something.”
Tucking the crutch under his arm, the old man hobbled out again. Chief Foster took a big swig of ginger tea, Recorder Nowrey said he was through with the County Democracy, while “Hughey” Boyle began telling Bill Harvey about the mother chasing her boy around the block.
Camden Policemen Raid a Sunday Liquor Seller
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Swoop Down on a Saloon Where Three Men Were About to Quench Their Thirst With Foaming Lager Beer. Other Violations Reported
Despite the vigorous crusade of the Camden County Law and Order League and the heavy penalty imposed by Judge Armstrong last week, when he sentenced several Camden saloonkeepers to State prison and the county jail for Sunday liquor selling, some liquor dealers continued to violate the law and defy the authorities yesterday. The police were on the alert, and swooped down on one saloon, where they said they found several men about to quench their thirst with beer. The place raided was the saloon of Henry Hayes, at 824 South Third street.
The raid was made by Captain Stanley, Sergeant Hyde and Policemen Cunningham, Nowrey, Weaver and Harvey, on a warrant issued by Justice Stackhouse, on complaint of Mrs. Ida Buckingham, of 25 North Second street, a member of the Salvation Army. The proprietor, Robert Forbes, John McKenna and William Ivins, who were in the barroom at the time, were taken in custody. Hayes was given a hearing at once by Justice Stackhouse. It was testified that on July 8 James Buckingham, husband of the complainant, went into Hayes’ saloon and bought several glasses of beer. When he got ready to leave Hayes declined to let him go, saying the police were watching on the outside. Buckingham swore he was kept a prisoner for over two hours.
“Judge, can’t I sue Hayes for falsely imprisoning my husband?” asked Mrs. Buckingham, at this point.
Captain Stanley was then sworn, and testified that he saw six colored men come out of Hayes’ gate while he was waiting for an opportunity to make the raid, and then McKenna, Forbes and Ivins went in and he followed them. This was a signal to the policemen in waiting, who jumped an adjoining fence, and, pushing their way by the person tending the back door. When they entered Hayes was back of the bar. Captain Stanley said Hayes had three glasses of beer in his hand, and placed them in front of the men just as the policemen came in.
“I got between the men and the beer and the officers took charge of the barroom,” said Captain Stanley. “I know it was beer because I tasted it. That is something I have not done for over twenty years.”
Sergeant Hyde and the policemen corroborated Captain Stanley as to the facts of the raid and two of the policemen testified that it was beer which Hayes placed on the counter.
When McKenna, Forbes and Ivins were asked if they had anything to say Mrs. Hayes tried to stop them from testifying. Chief of Police Foster threatened her with arrest and as she would not desist he put her out of the hearing room. McKenna was the only one of the three to testify. He said he ordered the beer, but did not have time to pay for it before the policemen came in. Hayes denied selling beer to Buckingham on July 8.
Captain Stanley then made a charge against Hayes of selling liquor yesterday and he pleaded not guilty. He was committed in default of $500 bail. The other three prisoners were held in their own recognizance to appear when wanted as witnesses.
Thieves Took to the Swamp
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Early yesterday morning four colored men were discovered trying to rob the bottling place of William Rudolph, at Van Buren and Vanhook streets, Camden. Neighbors awakened the proprietor and he notified the police. The men fled in the direction of Lane Ditch Swamp. Policemen Harvey, Snow, Pooley, Fitzsimmons, Cornog and Sergeant Hyde surrounded the swamp, but after an hour’s fruitless search the policemen gave up the hunt.
Strenuous Camden Youth Is Jailed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
George Willingmire, who shot into a crowd of women and children Monday and performed other stunts that aroused the southern section of Camden, was arrested at Centerton, Burlington county, yesterday by Constable Gilbert. Detective Hart and Policeman William Harvey were at once sent to bring the youth to Camden.
When he appeared before Recorder Stackhouse he faced two charges of shooting Mrs. Helene Lotowski, aged 28 years, of 1219 South Tenth street, and Mrs. Caroline Zersch, aged 38 years, of 1270 Mechanic street, two of the six persons who received the contents of Willingmire’s gun when he fired into the crowd.
Willingmire claimed he shot a dog. He was committed to the county jail in default of $1500 bail.
Philadelphia Inquirer — September 26, 1903
(news brief)
Lewis Bechner and John and William Emerick were arrested in Camden last night charged with attacking Policeman Hope because the latter attempted to stop the trio from ill treating a horse. Patrolman Harvey went to his brother officer's assistance and subduing the men, placed them under arrest.
Lewis Bechner and John and William Emerick were arrested in Camden last night charged with attacking Policeman Hope because the latter attempted to stop the trio from ill treating a horse. Patrolman Harvey went to his brother officer’s assistance and subduing the men, placed them under arrest.
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 10, 1904
(news brief)
•• Patrolman William Harvey, who has been on the police force for eighteen years, during which time he has never had a complaint against him, has been cited to appear before the Police Committee to answer the charge of using impolite language to Captain Stanley.
•• The police were notified yesterday that a German emigrant had been robbed of $10 in the postoffice by two swindlers who made him believe they could easily find his brother, for whom he had been searching several hours, and would after finding the brother get him (the emigrant) a job.
Patrolman William Harvey, who has been on the police force for eighteen years, during which time he has never had a complaint against him, has been cited to appear before the Police Committee to answer the charge of using impolite language to Captain Stanley.
The police were notified yesterday that a German emigrant had been robbed of $10 in the postoffice by two swindlers who made him believe they could easily find his brother, for whom he had been searching several hours, and would after finding the brother get him (the emigrant) a job.
Condiff—Harvey
Camden Post-Telegram —
Miss Margaret Harvey, daughter of Patrolman and Mrs. William Harvey, of 263 Mt. Vernon street, Camden, was married last night to Darlington Condiff, a well-known young man of the southern section of the city. The ceremony was performed by Rev. N. C. Lassiter, pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, in the presence of the immediate families of the contracting parties. Mr. and Mrs. Condiff will live at 1022 South Second street.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 4, 1912
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 4, 1912 — William Harvey
Policeman William Harvey, one of the veterans of the police force, has applied to be placed on the pension list. He has been in harness over a score of years and is widely known throughout the city.
Mayor Ellis Appoints New Policemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Ellis yesterday appointed David Kates, Anson Kelly and William Greenwood regular policemen to succeed William Harvey, Ben Middleton and George Horner, veterans who have been placed on the pension list. Squire “Roby” Thompson, hitherto a widely known justice of the peace, was appointed a substitute.
Funeral of Sergeant Reader
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Six members of the force who served under him for years were pallbearers yesterday afternoon at the funeral of former Sergeant of Police John Reader. They were Thomas Cunningham, Harry Mines, Thomas Cheeseman, William Harvey, George Kleaver and Clarence Boyer. Services were held at the home of his son, Dr. Addison B. Reader, 1135 Haddon avenue, and were conducted by Rev. Charles I. Fitzgeorge, pastor of Union M. E. Church, and interment was made at Harleigh Cemetery. Among the floral offerings was a six-foot shield from the Police Department.
William Harvey Dies, Retired Camden Cop
Camden Courier-Post / Evening Courier —
William Harvey, a retired Camden policeman, died Thursday at the hospital at Lakeland. Death was due to ailments incident to advanced age. He was 83 years old and had lived with relatives on North Front street. Harvey was twice married, his second wife, Mrs. Annie Harvey, dying several years ago. There are several children by his first marriage. The funeral will take place Monday at 2 o’clock from the parlors of G. Roedel, 730 Washington street, with interment in New Camden cemetery.
In his earlier years Harvey was in the U. S. navy, saw service under Farragut and later returned to Camden, where, on August 26, 1886, he was appointed a policeman by Mayor Pratt. During the Democratic police commission regime he was out for several months, but was reappointed in 1894. He remained on the force until his retirement on March 12, 1912.
None was better known downtown than Harvey when he patrolled the district about Kaighn Point. He was one of the first to go on the patrol wagon and but few of his contemporaries remain on the force. His superiors regarded him as an exceptionally fearless officer and his encounters with the tough element of his day, especially about Kaighn Point, were numerous and frequently sanguinary, but he never took the count in rough-and-tumble fights. For many years he resided at 1010 South Second street, where his first wife died.
Along Memory Lane
Camden Courier-Post / Evening Courier —
By Ben Courter
Camden cops who once wheeled dead drunks, sometimes howling drunks, a mile or so through the streets to City Hall are becoming few and far between. There are few who remain, either active or retired, who fought roughneck gangs single handed, who never deigned to send in a riot call. Encounters with a terror like old Mike Kelly, who could wallop half a dozen ordinary men when filled with “red eye” are but legends of the department.
All this and much more is recalled in the death of William Harvey in his 83rd year, a typical “English heart o’ oak” in the good old days when a man was simply compelled to show his mettle to remain alive and kicking and a policeman down at old Kaighn Point. Certainly in the late ’80s and for a quarter a century later Kaighn Point would have been altogether lost without this doughty arm of the law. He was part and parcel of it as were the veteran shad fishermen, the oystermen from off the pungies, the hard boys from the fishing and ice boats who could whip their weight in wildcats and yell for more, such as “Big Bill” Zaiser, “Tar Heel” Henry, the Bearn boys and others, most of whom have gone the way of all flesh.
Harvey, who lived for many years at 1010 South Second street, was in the heydey of his strength when he was appointed a policeman by Mayor Pratt on August 26, 1886. He was out a few months in the hectic days of ’93–’94 when the Democratic police commission was in power, but with the ousting of that outfit Harvey returned on March 31, 1894, and remained until retirement on March 1, 1912.
It was during that early period that he used to scare us kids when he chased us home after dark. The youngsters of that generation were wont to yell “Billy Grab All,” and then beat it in more or less terror. It was not until later they learned his value in preserving order in a mighty scrappy area.
There was an organization known as the Avenue Club with headquarters below Front street which played high jinks on Sundays in particular, regarded as an abomination by the church goers. Harvey was detailed to break it up. Well we recall one Sunday afternoon in the then provincial town when Harvey made a raid, a single handed raid. We forget the exact number, but as we recall it 21 of the “avenooers” were marched two by two with the valiant “Bill” at the head all the way to City Hall, a good mile and a half away. And the one-man raid was effective.
It was in the fierce election fight incident to the old race track days in ’94 as a small kid we see in memory’s eye “Old Bill” Harvey badly beaten in front of a polling place on Mt. Vernon street. Democratic enemies blackjacked him, kicked and cuffed him, used him for a football. Even then he refused to take the count, but a Democratic cop “necked him” and took him to the hall. We were frightened stiff when we saw his battered, blood-stained face. No mercy in those hard days, for Harvey was jailed and excoriated as a “rioter”!
But he had his comeback not long after and the rough boys were nearly shoved off the face of the map when the “organization” returned in force with J. Leighton Wescott as mayor. When the patrol wagons did away with pushcarts, when the call system was inaugurated, when the force was increased, conditions eased up. In his later years Harvey delighted in “flivvering” about, spent many a happy hour with the old timers in fire or patrol houses, frequently recalled the glorious days when it was just as easy to find a real scrap as it was to eat a hearty meal.
In his early days Harvey had followed the sea and it seemed to me he never lost the roll of the deck. Certainly he never lost that indomitable spirit born of the freedom of the wave, never called quits in a tight corner, never raised the white flag. “Old Bill” sure was the epitome of all that meant a real cop when it was a survival of the fittest.