William Howell Tatem Sr.
WILLIAM HOWELL TATEM SR. was born on December 17, 1878 in Camden to William A. and Anna Emley Tatem. There were at least three older siblings, a sister, Mary, and brothers Edward and James E. Tatem, and a younger brother, George Tatem.
In 1880 the Tatem family lived at 101 North 7th Street. William Tatem was then a produce dealer. Sadly, he had passed away in 1885. In 1887 the family was then living at 422 Henry Street in South Camden. The 1890–1891 Directory shows the Tatems at 619 South 5th Street, where older brother Edward Tatem also conducted a milk business. At the age of 24 James Tatem had married Ella Lummis. The couple resided with her parents, at 435 Beckett Street at the time of the 1900 Census. He had by this time already joined Camden’s police force.
James Tatem joined Camden’s police department in 1899, an appointee of Mayor Cooper B. Hatch. He managed to avoid being discharged when Democrat mayor Joseph Nowrey was elected. When the Republicans returned to City Hall in 1905, new Mayor Charles Ellis saw “Smilin’ Jimmy’s” ability to calm a troubled situation, and by 1910 he was promoted to sergeant and by 1920 to captain. For much of Ellis’ term James Tatem served as an aide to the Mayor. He also served as a Justice of the Peace in the early 1920s.
William H. Tatem married around 1897. His wife Minnie gave birth to a daughter, Adella, in August of 1898. Sadly, she died when only two weeks old. The Tatems were then living at 434 South 3rd Street.
When the census was taken in 1900 William and Minnie Tatem were living at 330 Royden Street. Also living there were his widowed mother, brother George, maternal grandmother Elizabeth Emley, and a cousin, David Emley. Minnie Tatem, not yet out of her 20s, died not long after the census was taken. William H. Tatem was living at 506 South 4th Street when the 1906 City Directory was being put together. He married again around this time. His wife, Lottie, gave birth to a son, William H. Tatem Jr., in November of 1907.
Quite possibly due to his brother’s political influence, William H. Tatem was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on January 1, 1909, in the early years of Mayor Charles H. Ellis’s administration. He served with Ladder Company 1 during the 1910s, and took over as tillerman after awhile.
William H. Tatem and family were living at 436 Senate Street when the census was taken in 1910, and they were still at that address in 1914. Another son, Edward, was born in January of 1912. By the summer of 1918 they had moved to 511 South 5th Street, where they remained through 1920. Sadly, William H. Tatem once again found himself single not long after the 1920 Census was enumerated, as he and his wife parted ways.
On June 1, 1924 William H. Tatem was promoted to Captain and sent to Engine Company 10. The 1924 Camden City Directory shows him residing at 557 Pine Street. His son, William H. Tatem Jr., resided with him as late as 1927. He was still at that address when the 1929 Directory was compiled. Shortly before the 1929 edition was compiled, William H. Tatem married Sara Olden, whom he had known as early as 1905. The 1930 Census shows William and Sara Tatem, son Edward, granddaughter Elizabeth and brother-in-law John Olden living at 557 Pine Street. Fire Department records from 1931 also show William Tatem at the Pine Street address.
Captain Tatem retired on March 27, 1937. Son Edward Tatem was appointed to the Camden Police Department late in 1940. He resigned his position in June of 1941.
By the time the 1940 City Directory was compiled, William H. Tatem Sr. had retired. He and his wife Sarah were living at 565 Mount Vernon Street. They were still at that address as late as 1946. They later moved to 1005 South 6th Street. William H. Tatem passed away on June 26, 1951 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery on Mt. Ephraim Avenue in Camden.
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1
c. 1914
with new 1914 American LaFrance 75’, 4 cylinder aerial ladder, in front of Fire Headquarters
From Left: tillerman Bill Tatem and driver Harry Burrough. Civilian is probably American LaFrance salesman Clarence Stanford
From Left: tillerman Bill Tatem, firemen Edward Finley, Charles Gladney, and Harry Green, Lt. Harry Anderson, Firemen George Hollins and Steward Bakley, Captain Joseph Maxwell, and driver Harry Burrough
Tatem
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TATEM.—On September 1, 1898, Adella, youngest daughter of William H. and Minnie W. Tatem, aged 2 weeks. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services, on Saturday afternoon, September 3, at 1 o’clock, from her parents’ residence, 434 South Third street, Camden, N. J. Interment private.
Mrs. Matthews Now Mrs. J. F. Dorman Jr.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MR. AND MRS. J. F. DORMAN, JR.
Who were married in Camden last night.
There was a pretty home wedding last night at 232 Line street, Camden, when Mrs. Flora Lee Matthews, daughter of Mrs. Charles P. Tuttle, Sr., was married to J. Franklin Dorman, Jr., by Rev. Alfonso Dare, pastor of the Wiley M. E. Church. Miss Lizzie Locke was maid of honor and Miss Sara Olden and Miss Linda Blair were bridesmaids. William H. Tatem was best man and Gustav Hemple and F. D. Taylor, the latter of Chester, Pa., were ushers.
Mr. and Mrs. Dorman will reside at 563 Mickle street.
Wish Bone Club in Annual Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
The second annual dinner was given on New Year’s eve by the members of the Fire Department at headquarters, known as the Wish Bone Club, after having been called out twice to fires. The evening was spent in music and song, prayer being offered by Engineer Dold. They all sat down to an elaborate dinner prepared by Chef Wingate, assisted by Lieutenant John H. Lutts.
MENU.
Relishes—Celery, olives, pickles, chilli sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), giblet sauce; jellied cranberries, browned sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stewed corn, stewed tomatoes.
Mince pie, Coffee, Vienna rolls, butter, aqua de lair.
— The following were the guests of the evening: Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, Captains George B. Wade, Peter B. Carter, Lieutenants John H. Lutts, Peter S. Gray, Engineer John A. Dold, Stoker Newton G. Ash, Drivers Joseph Johnson, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Maxwell, Richard Marter, Harry Barroughs, Laddermen and Hosemen William Elberson, John H. Lennox, Harry Selby, Harry Green, William Tatem; Houseman John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingwood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies
Camden Post-Telegram —
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon came back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows:
City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Busine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes,
Peas,
Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie,
Coffee,
Cigars, Aqua De Lair,
Olives, Beets, Celery,
Roast Turkey,
Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce
Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
World War I Draft Card
REGISTRATION CARD Serial Number 3496, Order Number 3956. Name: William Howell Tatem. Permanent home address: 511 So. 5th St., Camden, N.J. Age in years: 39. Date of birth: December 17, 1878. Race: White. U.S. Citizen: Native born. Present occupation: Fire Dept. Employer’s name: Camden City. Place of employment: Camden, N.J. Nearest relative: Lottie V. Tatem, 511 So. 5th St. Signature: William Howell Tatem.
REGISTRAR’S REPORT: Height: medium. Build: medium. Color of eyes: Blue. Color of hair: Dark. Blind in right eye. Date of registration: Sept. [12,] 1918. Local Board for Division No. 2, City of Camden, State of New Jersey, Board of Education, Room #12, City Hall, Camden, New Jersey.
Serial Number 3496, Order Number 3956. Name: William Howell Tatem. Permanent home address: 511 So. 5th St., Camden, N.J. Age in years: 39. Date of birth: December 17, 1878. Race: White. U.S. Citizen: Native born. Present occupation: Fire Dept. Employer’s name: Camden City. Place of employment: Camden, N.J. Nearest relative: Lottie V. Tatem, 511 So. 5th St. Signature: William Howell Tatem.
Registrar’s Report: Height: medium. Build: medium. Color of eyes: Blue. Color of hair: Dark. Blind in right eye. Date of registration: Sept. [12,] 1918. Local Board for Division No. 2, City of Camden, State of New Jersey, Board of Education, Room #12, City Hall, Camden, New Jersey.
P. and F. Auxiliary
Camden Courier-Post —
Members of the auxiliary to the Police and Firemen’s Association will hold their annual Halloween party in the clubhouse, 1175 Whitman avenue, tomorrow night. Mrs. Sarah Tatem is president of the auxiliary.
Mrs. Kobus Names 3 Cops, 4 Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Son of Former Fire Captain Among Men Appointed to Police Force
Appointment for three policemen and four firemen, all of whom will report for duty today, was announced yesterday by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
The new policemen will be assigned to duty in company with older officers to gain experience. The new firefighters will be trained at the police fire school.
Edward D. Tatem, of 565 Mt. Vernon street, one of the new patrolman, is a son of former Fire Captain William Tatem. Tatem is a graduate of Camden High School. Roland E. Comerford, of 2931 Cramer street, who also was appointed to the police force, is a son of Fireman William Comerford, chauffeur for Battalion Fire Chief Charles Erickson. Young Comerford is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.
The third new policeman is Joseph Hooven, of 918 North Nineteenth street. He is a Camden High graduate and also studied two years at Villanova College.
Those appointed firemen are Phillip H. Farrow, of 529 Newton avenue; John Gryckiewicz, of 810 North Front street, Thomas Winstanley, of 329 Bailey street, and Anthony Bretschneider, of 1621 Louis street.
Farrow and Gryckiewicz graduated from Woodrow Wilson and Gryckiewicz served a four year enlistment in the Navy. Bretschneider graduated from a Philadelphia high school and attended evening classes at Woodrow Wilson.
All appointments were made from a State Civil Service Commission list of eligibles. Commissioner Kobus has adopted a policy of appointing high school graduates to both the police and fire departments.
World War II Draft Card
REGISTRATION CARD — (Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897) Serial Number U 1777. Name: WILLIAM HOWELL TATEM Sr. Place of residence: 565 MT VERNON ST, CAMDEN N.J. Mailing address: SAME. Telephone: No. Age in years: 63. Date of birth: 12/17/1878. Place of birth: CAMDEN, N.J. Name and address of person who will always know your address: WIFE SARAH, 565 MT VERNON ST. Employer’s name and address: NONE. Place of employment or business: NONE. Signature: William H. Tatem Sr.
Serial Number U 1777. Name: William Howell Tatem Sr. Place of residence: 565 Mt. Vernon St., Camden, N.J. Age: 63. Date of birth: 12/17/1878. Place of birth: Camden, N.J. Emergency contact: Wife Sarah, 565 Mt. Vernon St. Employer: None. Place of employment: None. Signature: William H. Tatem Sr.
Wm. H. Tatem Sr. Dies at Age of 72
Camden Courier-Post —
William H. Tatem Sr., 72, retired Camden fire department captain and a brother of the late James E. Tatem, who was chief of Camden police, died Tuesday in his home, 1005 South Sixth street.
Born in Camden Dec. 17, 1878, Captain Tatem was appointed to the Camden fire department Jan. 16, 1909, as a ladderman with Engine Co. 1 in the days of horse-drawn apparatus. He was made captain June 1, 1924, and assigned to Engine Co. 10, Ninth street and Morgan boulevard. He remained in that post until March 27, 1937, when he retired. He was a member of the Retired Policemen’s and Firemen’s Association and the Police and Firemen’s club.
Surviving are his widow, Sarah S.; two sons, William H. Jr., Camden, and Edward W., Oaklyn; a sister, Mrs. Mary Gahan, Camden; a granddaughter, Mrs. Carl Rosen, Camden; a grandson, Edwin H. Tatem, in the Army at Indiantown Gap, Pa., and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday at 11 a. m. in the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway, where friends may call Friday night. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.