Introduction
WILLIAM J. LYONS was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in the spring of 1884 to serve as an extra man with Engine Company 2. He replaced Henry Miles. When the Fire Department was reorganized on July 1, 1885 and eighteen of the extra men were laid off, William J. Lyons was among that number. Active in Republican politics in Camden's First Ward, William J. Lyons was appointed to the Camden Police Department in November of 1899 and served into the 1920s.
William J. Lyons was born in Philadelphia to Scottish-born parents, James and Mary Lyons. When the Census was taken in 1860 he was living in Philadelphia with his mother, older sister Mary, and younger brothers Nelson and Samuel.
William J. Lyons married in the 1870s, and by 1878 had moved to 946 Howard Street in North Camden. City Directories and the 1880 Census show that he worked as a bakery. When the Census was enumerated William J. Lyons was living at 946 Howard Street with his wife Ellen “Nellie” Lyons and daughters Isabel and Nellie. The family remained on Howard Street into 1881. The 1882–1883 Directory gives his address simply as the corner 6th and Birch Streets.
Directories from 1883 through 1885 show that William J. Lyons had moved to 917 North 3rd Street. He briefly operated a bakery with his brother Nelson at the North 3rd Street address. The bakery was known, appropriately enough as Lyons & Brother.
The 1887–1888 City Directory shows that William J. Lyons had moved to 907 North 2nd Street and was in the grocery business. He moved to Philadelphia the next year, but by 1890 he had returned to North Camden. William J. Lyons lived at 907 North 2nd Street in 1890, and the 1892–1893 Directory gives his address as 909 North 2nd Street. He moved to 96 North Street in 1893, and began working as a deckhand on one of the ferries between Camden and Philadelphia, most likely at the Vine Street Ferry. When the 1896 Camden City Directory was published William J. Lyons had moved to 53 State Street, where he remained through at least 1906.
By 1910 William J. Lyons and family had moved to 130 State Street. His wife passed away during the 1910s. William J. Lyons was still living at 130 State Street, with his daughter Isabella and her husband William Schwab, when the Census was taken in April of 1930.
As stated above, William J. Lyons was appointed to the Camden Police Department in the fall of 1899. A news article from 1922 stated that he was 65 and was eligible to retire on pension. William J. Lyons apparently decided to keep working as City Directories and the 1930 Census indicate that he was still a member of the Police Department.
William J. Lyons passed away during the 1930s. His daughter Isabel Schwab was still residing at 130 State Street as late as 1940.
Firemen Accused of Assaulting a Man from Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
William Lyons, a resident of Camden, is lying in a dangerous condition at his home from the effects of injuries which he says he received at the hands of two members of Truck B, stationed at Fourth and Wood streets in this city. It seems that Lyons was passing along Fourth street, near Wood, on the 17th instant, when he met two firemen who asked him to join them for a drink. They consented and went to Louis Gros’ saloon, at No. 339 North Fourth street, where they drank several times. Lyons paid the bill. The firemen wanted Lyons to pay for more beer, which he refused to do, when, it is alleged, they knocked him down three times and kicked him badly.
When Lyons recovered consciousness he found that he was severely cut on the wrist and head. He met Policeman Finch, of the Seventh district, who sent him to the corner of Third street and York avenue, where his wounds were attended to. He then went home and has been confined to his bed ever since.
On Friday the county physician of Camden informed the lieutenant that Lyons’ life was in danger. The prisoners were given a hearing before Magistrate Ladner, who committed them to await the result of the injuries inflicted. The prisoners declare that Lyons received his injuries by pushing his head through a glass door.
Plums For Workers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden City Council gave a general shaking-up to city employes last evening, when over a score of ordinances were passed to fill positions in various departments. Some of the incumbents were re-appointed and several Republicans who had been ousted last spring by the reformers were reinstated. A few new appointments were made. The Republican Councilmen caucused on the appointments for an hour before the regular meeting of Council. The ordinances, which were passed under suspension of the rules, provide places for the following “stalwarts:”
Assistant City Engineer, William P. Osler, Ninth ward; Clerk of the Highway Department, Bowman H. Shivers, Second ward; Assistant Comptroller, William B. Doyle, Third ward; Assistant City Clerk, W. T. G. Young, Jr., Sixth ward; Sewer Inspector, John Kenny, Fourth ward; Second Assistant City Engineer, William D. Sayrs, Sixth ward; Messenger of City Council, John R. McCabe, Sixth ward; Assistant Clerk of the Water Department, Ulle G. Lee, Ninth ward; Messenger of Water Department, William Fithian, Third ward. Other appointments in the Water Department were: Chief engineer, Martin McNeill, First ward; engineers, Joseph Cline, Eighth ward; Thomas Thomley, Ninth ward; George Townsend, Fifth ward; firemen, John Sloan, Sixth ward; Joseph Hofflinger, Seventh ward; Horace Hewlings, Third ward; extra man, Lee Mills, Second ward; coal-wheelers, John Lack, Fifth ward; Hamilton Brady, Sixth ward; engine wiper, Andrew Bradley, Fourth ward; watchman, James Foster, Sixth ward; foreman, Harry Hertline, Third ward; caulker, Albert Gilbert, Fourth ward; tappers, J. T. Rodon, Third ward; James Mellon, Sixth ward; teamster, J. D. Cooper, Sixth ward; extra men, Charles Powell, Tenth ward; Walter Banks, First ward; Charles Evans, Second ward; William Barr, Tenth ward; Thomas Buchanan, Eighth ward; John Kilmartin, Tenth ward; William James, Eighth ward; William Lyons, First ward; William Selby, Third ward; Jesse Hillman, Third ward; inspectors, John Homlinger, Seventh ward; John Sinclair, Third ward; Caleb Williams, Fourth ward; extra fireman, Adam Pottis, Seventh ward; watchman, Frank Wilmot, Eighth ward.
Council confirmed the action of the Finance Committee in disposing of $50,000 worth of 4 per cent. thirty-year repaving bonds to Lampbreck & Company, of New York city, for $115.54. The premium will amount to $7870, and is said to be the highest bonus ever realized by the city from the sale of bonds.
A communication from H. G. Morse, president of the New York Shipbuilding Company, expressed appreciation of the businesslike action of City Council in offering inducements to the company to locate in Camden. It further stated that should the site be selected the company would be pleased to locate there. A resolution was adopted directing the city clerk to communicate with the company and state that should any further legislation be desired Council stood ready to consider the matter.
An ordinance was passed to pave Fifth street, from Bridge avenue to Chestnut street, with sheet asphalt. Council adjourned until April 20.
William P. Osler - Bowman H. Shivers - William B. Doyle - William T.G. Young Jr. - John Kenney - William D. Sayrs Sr. - John R. McCabe - William Fithian — Martin McNeil - Joseph Cline - Thomas Thornley - George Townsend - John Sloan - Joseph Hofflinger - Lee Mills - John Lack - Hamilton Brady - Lorenzo Berry - James Foster - Harry Hertline - Albert Gilbert - John T. Rodan - James Mellon - J.D. Cooper - Charles Powell - Walter Banks - Charles Evans - William Barr - Thomas Buchanan - John Kilmartin - William James - Horace Hewlings - William Lyons - William Selby - Jesse Hillman - John Hofflinger - Caleb Williams - Adam Pettis - H.G. Morse - South 5th Street - Bridge Avenue - Chestnut Street - Ulie G. Lee - Bowman H. Shivers - William B. Doyle - William T.G. Young Jr. - John Kenney - William D. Sayrs Sr. - John R. McCabe
Mayor Hatch Names 15 New Policemen
Camden Daily Courier —
Added to the \"Finest.\
Added to the "Finest."
Mayor Hatch Names Fifteen New Policemen this Afternoon
Six Out of the Lot Have Worn the Blue Before—William Horner Made a Sergeant—A Great Crowd Filled the City Hall Corridors This Morning Ready to Don Uniforms.
The headquarters of the Police Department and the office of Mayor Hatch at the City Hall this morning was the centre of attraction for a score or more of citizens who are quite anxious to don a policeman’s uniform and become one of the Mayor’s finest. No matter if the life of a policeman is not a happy one, so long as there are $17 per week in it. The gathering was brought about by the rumor having gone forth that the Mayor would some time to-day make the appointment and swear in the men appointed. Hence the gathering and the looks of expectancy upon the faces of those that would a copper be. They were doomed to disappointment, however, as Mayor Hatch, after calling two or three into his private office and swearing them in, informed the rest that he would name the full list to-morrow. To a “Courier” reporter the Mayor stated that he had some of the men picked, but would not give out their names until he had them all ready. The appointments are made under an ordinance recently passed instructing the Mayor to increase the police force of the city. It will give an additional policeman to each word.
However, at three o’clock this afternoon Mayor Hatch had finished the work of selecting the new men and announced the list as follows:
First ward—William Lyons.
Second ward—William Thompson. A. Lincoln James.
Third ward—Isaac Toy.
Fourth ward—James Tatem.
Fifth ward—Casper Hart.
Sixth ward—Thomas Brothers.
Seventh ward—John Anderson. George Purnell.
Eighth ward—Alfred F. Snow.
Ninth ward—David Clark.
Tenth ward—Thomas Reed. Howard McPherson.
Eleventh ward—Edward R. Thomas
Twelfth ward—John Zane.
Of these a number of the names are quite familiar because their owners have worn the blue before. These are James, Hart, Brouthers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The latter, now appointed from the Twelfth ward, was in the old days of Republican rule, in Stockton, the chief of police of that place. For years previously he had been on the county’s constabulary force.
Mayor Hatch also announced the appointment of William Horner to be sergeant of the Third district.
Cooper B. Hatch - William Lyons - William Thompson - A. Lincoln James - Isaac Toy - James Tatem - John Anderson - George Purnell - Alfred S. Snow - David Clark - Thomas Reed - Howard McPherson - Edward R. Thomas- John Zane - William C. Horner - Casper Hart - Thomas Brothers
Camden's Police Force Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden's Police Force Increased
Camden's Police Force Increased
Mayor Hatch, of Camden, yesterday afternoon announced the appointment of fifteen additional policemen, as follows:
First ward, William Lyons; Second ward, William Thompson and A. Lincoln James; Third ward, Isaac Toy; Fourth ward, Jas. Tatem; Fifth ward, Casper Hart; Sixth ward, Thomas Brothers; Seventh ward, George Purnell and John Anderson; Eighth ward, Alfred S. Snow; Ninth ward, David Clark; Tenth ward, Thomas Reed and Howard McPherson; Eleventh ward, Edward R. Thomas; Twelfth ward, John Zane; sergeant in the Third district, William Horner.
Included in the list are the following who have served as policemen before: James, Hart, Brothers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The appointments are made under a recent ordinance passed by City Council providing for an increase in the police force. The men will go on duty on October 1.
Cooper B. Hatch - William Lyons - William Thompson - A. Lincoln James - Isaac Toy - James Tatem - Casper Hart - Thomas Brothers George Purnell - John Anderson - Alfred S. Snow - David Clark - Thomas Reed - Howard McPherson - Edward R. Thomas - William C. Horner - John Zane
Burglar Hunt at Early Hour
Camden Post-Telegram
Burglar Hunt at Early Hour
BURGLAR HUNT AT EARLY HOUR
Policeman George Horner, the ever vigilant, shortly after 1 o'clock this morning, saw a suspicious looking character lurking around the vicinity of Fourth and Cooper streets. Policeman Horner saw him dodge into a yard at the old Hatch property, on Cooper street near Fourth. The officer was soon joined in the hunt by Policeman Lyons and Special officer Robert Miller and the three of them made a careful examination of all the premises from Fourth street to the Centenary M. E. church. They searched the side street, the yards and alleys in the vicinity, but the suspicious character had disappeared. After this they made an examination of three of the properties on Cooper street and found everything all right and nothing disturbed.
From the description furnished the same man was seen in the vicinity of Broadway and Carman street, shortly after 12 o'clock.
George Horner - William J. Lyons - Robert F. Miller
Police Carnival Was a Gigantic Success
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Police Carnival Was a Gigantic Success
POLICE CARNIVAL WAS A GIGANTIC SUCCESS
Considered one of the most successful events ever given in Camden, the second annual industrial show and carnival of the Camden Police Beneficial Association came to a close in the Third Regiment Armory Saturday night with the "crowning of the queen." Miss Margaret Rudolph, daughter of Chas. Rudolph, of Master street, was accorded that honor. It is estimated that during the week more than 50,000 persons visited the armory and participated in the festivities.
The committee that had charge of the affair included Milton Stanley, Captain Edward Hyde, Sergeant E. B. McClong, Frank Crawford, Peter Gondolf, William Lvone, Harry Miller, Arthur Colsey, Thomas Reed, William Potter, Tabor Quinn, Charles Whaland, George Anderson, Albert Shaw, Sergeant Horner and Thomas Cunningham.
Albert Shaw - Arthur Colsey - Charles Whaland - Elbridge B. McClong - Edward S. Hyde - Frank Crawford - Tabor Quinn - George W. Anderson - Harry Miller - John T. Potter - Milton Stanley - Peter Gondolf - Thomas Cunningham - Thomas Reed - William C. Horner William Lyons - Charles Rudolph - Margaret Rudolph
Zinc for Battery Jars stolen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Admitting he had participated in the taking of several hundred dollars’ worth of zinc used in battery jars, Francisco Romano, of 833 Fitzwater Street, Philadelphia, was yesterday committed to jail. Romano was captured by Special Officer Brunett and Policemen Lyons and Jesse Smith as he was about to cross the Federal street ferry with the loot.
Camden's Police Force Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden's Police Force Increased
Camden's Police Force Increased
Mayor Hatch, of Camden, yesterday afternoon announced the appointment of fifteen additional policemen, as follows:
First ward, William Lyons; Second ward, William Thompson and A. Lincoln James; Third ward, Isaac Toy; Fourth ward, Jas. Tatem; Fifth ward, Casper Hart; Sixth ward, Thomas Brothers; Seventh ward, George Purnell and John Anderson; Eighth ward, Alfred S. Snow; Ninth ward, David Clark; Tenth ward, Thomas Reed and Howard McPherson; Eleventh ward, Edward R. Thomas; Twelfth ward, John Zane; sergeant in the Third district, William Horner.
Included in the list are the following who have served as policemen before: James, Hart, Brothers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The appointments are made under a recent ordinance passed by City Council providing for an increase in the police force. The men will go on duty on October 1.
William Lyons - O. Glen Stackhouse - Jesse Smith - Francisco Romano - Special Officer Brunett - Cooper B. Hatch - William Lyons - William Thompson - A. Lincoln James - Isaac Toy - James Tatem - Casper Hart - Thomas Brothers - George Purnell - John Anderson - Alfred S. Snow - David Clark - Thomas Reed - Howard McPherson - Edward R. Thomas - John Zane - William C. Horner
First Ward Club Had a Jolly Time
Camden Daily Courier —
First Ward Club Had a Jolly Time
FIRST WARD CLUB HAD A JOLLY TIME
Annual Election and Feast of Fun Held Last Night.
PATTERSON ELECTED PRESIDENT
Hospitality was rampant at the First Ward Young Republican Club last night. The occasion was the annual meeting. Following the election of officers there was a delightful entertainment and a splendid feast, the honors being done by Captain William E. Alberts, simply resplendent facially in his new bunch of whiskers; Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse, who salivated more buttered ham sandwiches than George Kappel did fried oysters; Eph Hires, the school janitor, who saw to it especially that no one was unattended to; Exciseman Joseph Kolb, who insisted on everybody taking something every other minute; John Beard, who was happy over being elected a ward committeeman, and a number of others who looked after the comfort of the many guests in fine style.
The officers elected were: President, County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr.; Vice President, Freeholder George P. Pechin; Treasurer, Thomas Walton; Board of Directors, Court House Superintendent Joseph Burt, Captain William E. Alberts, Walter Banks, E. T. Hires, William Lyons, Charles Cook, William Weaver and Robert Finley. Joseph Baumeister was re-elected secretary and none better could have been selected as he had everything down pat.
An Italian orchestra with an Irishman playing the flute furnished the music, and there was great fun when Walter Banks got under a rubber plant and roared out "Under the Bamboo Tree." The cosy club rooms were prettily and patriotically decorated and pretty nearly everybody in the town was there, from Cooper's Point to Centreville. Among them were Senator William J. Bradley, ex-Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, Fire Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, who warmed up on ginger ale; President of City Council Samuel P. Jones, Councilman Joseph Potter, County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr., whose re-election as president of the club was hearty and unanimous; Dr. John F. Leavitt, whose heroism and devotion to duty where disease stalks, has made Camden the healthiest city in the world; ex-County Physician William Iszard, Freeholder George Pechin, Fireman Joseph Logue, the owner of the great and only "Dewey;" Tony Mecca, president of the popular Italian Republican Club, and many others of equal note. The cigars were elegant, the menu grand, the orchestra in full harmony with the happy occasion, outside of playing "In the Good Old Summer Time," and the guests will ever remember the event as one of the pleasantest of incidents.
First Ward Republican Club - William E. Alberts - O. Glen Stackhouse - Joseph Kolb - Ephraim T. Hires - George F. Kappel - John Beard - Francis F. Patterson Jr. - George P. Pechin - Thomas Walton - Joseph Burt - Walter Banks - William Lyons - Charles Cook -William Weaver - Robert FinleySamuel P. Jones - Antonio Mecca - John Leighton Westcott -William J. Bradley - Walter Banks - Joseph Potter - Joseph Baumeister - Dr. John F. Leavitt - Dr. William Iszard - Joseph Logue
Funeral of Ike Toy
Bridgeton Evening News —
FUNERAL OF “IKE” TOY.
One of the largest funerals witnessed in Camden for many months was that of Policeman Isaac Toy, which took place yesterday from his home, 604 South Third street. One of the most popular officers of the force and known throughout South Jersey as a base ball player, hundreds of persons viewed the body, which reposed in a quartered oak casket, almost hidden amid beautiful floral emblems.
Rev. Alfonso Dare, pastor of the Wiley M. E. Church, had charge of the services at the house. Mayor Charles H. Ellis, Chief of Police Elisha A. Gravenor and a squad of fifty officers attended in a body. There were also delegations from Massascit Tribe of Red Men, Camden Aerie of Eagles, the Third ward Republican Club and other organizations.
The pall-bearers were Policemen Harry Mines, Albert Shaw, Robert Colkett, Albert Keaser, William Todd and William Lyons. Interment was made in Harleigh Cemetery.
As the squad of officers were marching in the funeral procession Policeman Alonzo Dyer fell to the asphalted pavement at Broadway and Berkley street. A physician found the officer’s heart had been affected through an overdose of medicine he had taken for rheumatism. Dyer was taken to his home on Elm street.
Isaac Toy - South 3rd Street - Rev. Alfonso Dare - Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - Charles H. Ellis - Elisha A. Gravenor - Harry Mines - Albert Shaw- Robert Colkett - Albert Keaser - William Todd - William Lyons - Alonzo Dyer - Broadway - Berkley Street - Elm Street - Improved Order of Red Men - Camden Aerie No. 65 Fraternal Order of Eagles - Third Ward Republican Club
Changes Ordered in Camden Police
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Changes Ordered in Camden Police
CHANGES ORDERED IN CAMDEN POLICE
Council Body Directs Solicitor Bleakly to Plan Re-organization of Department
This story erred in reporting, as retirement at age 65 was NOT mandatory at the time. William E. Albert, Richard Golden, Frank Matlack, and Edwin Thomas did retire. John Golden, John Painter, Charles Fitzsimmons, Thomas Brothers, and William Lyons continued to work in the Police Department. John Golden was eventually promoted to Chief of Police.
Isaac Toy - South 3rd Street - Rev. Alfonso Dare - Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - Charles H. Ellis - Elisha A. Gravenor - Harry Mines - Albert Shaw- Robert Colkett - Albert Keaser - William Todd - William Lyons - Alonzo Dyer - Broadway - Berkley Street - Elm Street - Improved Order of Red Men - Camden Aerie No. 65 Fraternal Order of Eagles - Third Ward Republican Club - E.G.C. Bleakly - John Golden - William E. Albert - John Painter - Charles Fitzsimmons - Thomas Brothers - Edwin Thomas - Richard Golden - William Lyons - Milton Stanley - Howard Smith - Charles A. Wolverton - James E. Tatem - Edward Hyde