Thousands View Jailors Remains

Camden Post-Telegram – July 20, 1916

Great Crowds Pay Tribute to Memory of Daddy Isaac Hibbs, Slain Keeper

Casket Banked by Handsome Flowers

Thousands of persons last night paid tribute to the memory of Daddy Isaac J. Hibbs, the jailor, who in Monday night was murdered by Wilson Ashbridge. The humble Hibbs residence at 913 South 8th Street was visited by over 5,000 people, who came from all sections to gaze on the death-stilled features of the aged jailor who sacrificed his life in the performance of his duty. Many were unable to gain entrance.

The remains reposed in a handsome black walnut casket, trimmed with solid silver cradle handles. The name plate bore the inscription:

ISAAC J. HIBBS

Born March 25, 1848

Died July 17, 1916

The casket was banked in a shroud of Natures sweet blooming buds. The designs were from relatives and friends. Particularly beautiful were the floral pieces from the attaches of the Court House. The Seventh Ward Republican Club also contributed a design of beauty.

Services were conducted last evening by Reverend Harry Bradway, pastor of Eighth Street Methodist Church. Members of the family and close relatives attended the services.

This morning the funeral occurred, the body being taken to Langhorne, PA where interment was made in the Friends burial ground, following the holding of the Quaker service. It was an auto funeral, and the arrangements were made by the Schroeder-Kephart Company.

The pallbearers were selected from fellow employees of the Court House, the Seventh Ward Republican Club and the Liberty Park Beneficial Association.

Long before seven o’clock a waiting crowd gathered about the Hibbs residence. Policemen William Crouch and Clarence Boyer were stationed outside the residence to keep the crowd in order.

A line of people formed when the doors to the Hibbs residence were opened. The procession reached over two squares in length and for over two hours the crowd wended its way into the little home and took a parting gaze upon Daddy Hibbs peaceful countenance.

There were old folks, young folks, and the little children. Even the kiddies looked saddened as they tiptoes to look at the dead jailor’s face.Older persons kindly lifted the little ones up to give them a better view. Daddy Hibbs was loved by everyone, especially by the children. Many tear-stained faces were seen.

The grief stricken wife, who is not seriously ill, was able to walk into the room and gaze upon the features of her beloved helpmate. A daughter, Mrs. Katie Terry, of Langhorne PA, is reported as being quite ill.

At ten o’clock it was necessary to lock the doors of the Hibbs residence, so numerous were the visitors.

In the visiting assemblage was Sheriff Haines and other well-known county and city officials. Members of the Seventh Ward Club, the Mutual Aid and the Liberty Beneficial Society attended in a body to pay their respects.

Banked on all sides of the bier were the floral designs. Among the prettiest designs was a seven-foot standing broken circle from the Seventh Ward Republican Club. Court House attaches sent a large anchor and wreath,a star and cross, a large spray of red roses, a beautiful pillow and a broken circle. The Liberty Park Beneficial Association gave a large standing wreath. The wife gave a handsome pillow with the attached inscription, My Husband. Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Tatem sent a spray, and a like design was the offering of Raymond and Elsie Hibbs. There were many other smaller and pretty pieces from friends of the deceased,

Mr. Hibbs and his wife in March quietly celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.

Two sons and a daughter survive beside the wife. The sons are Wesley W. and Benjamin Hibbs, and the daughter is Mrs. Katie Terry of Langhorne PA.