Camden, New Jersey

Camden History

Historical archives documenting the people, streets, and stories of Camden, New Jersey.

Welcome to Camden History, unsurprisingly about Camden, New Jersey, a city steeped in history and brimming with stories that have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of America's past. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, Camden has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. From its indigenous Lenape inhabitants to the bustling industrial hub of the 19th and 20th centuries, and from its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad to its contributions to the birth of the recording industry, Camden has played a significant part in shaping the nation's narrative.

Camden's origins can be traced back to the early 17th century when European settlers first arrived in the region. Over time, it evolved from a quaint village into a thriving industrial center, earning it the nickname "The City Invincible" in the late 19th century. The city's industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and commerce, contributed to its growth and prosperity.

But Camden's history is not just one of industry and commerce; it's also a story of resilience, community, and cultural diversity. Throughout its past, the city has been home to waves of immigrants, each adding their unique traditions and flavors to the city's vibrant cultural mosaic.

Join us on a journey through time as we explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Camden's captivating history. From the waterfront to the neighborhoods, from famous figures to everyday citizens, we invite you to discover the hidden gems and untold tales that make Camden a city worth exploring and celebrating.

Remnants of Camden's history are all around you if you know where to look!

Camden Post-Telegram, June 25, 1902 — Grim Reaper's Work, including Mary A. Mowery of Jefferson Avenue
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Grim Reaper's Work

A Camden Post-Telegram death notice column listing recent funerals, including Mary A. Mowery, 58, of 360 Jefferson Avenue.

·1 min read
Dawson (death notice)
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Dawson (death notice)

A Philadelphia Inquirer death notice for William J. Dawson of 46 North Fourth Street, Camden, who died June 16, 1902, aged 29.

·1 min read
Policeman Chambers Suspended for Misconduct newspaper clipping
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Policeman Chambers Suspended for Misconduct

Policeman John Chambers of Camden's Seventh Ward was suspended until trial after Captain Stanley reported him for being intoxicated on duty; Chambers said he was not drunk but exhausted from loss of sleep on extra duty.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, April 9, 1902: What Boys in Ring Are Doing, Dougherty and Feltz wind-up to-night at Penn Club
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What Boys in Ring Are Doing

The wind-up at the Penn Athletic Club to-night between Danny Dougherty and Tommy Feltz should be productive of some good sport. There is not the slightest likelihood of this bout turning out to be one of those tiresome clinching affairs of which Philadelphia patrons of boxing have had a surfeit of late.

·3 min read
Camden Post-Telegram clipping, March 29, 1902 — Furbush Company Disposes of Plant
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Furbush Company Disposes of Plant

The Crompton & Knowles Loom Works of Worcester, Mass., bought the loom business of the M.A. Furbush & Son Machine Company, whose plant at 324 North Twelfth Street had operated for about half a century. (Camden Post-Telegram, March 29, 1902.)

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Prisoner Fought in State Capitol
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Prisoner Fought in State Capitol

A sensation was created in the Assembly Chamber this afternoon when County Detective John F. Smith, of Camden, placed Samuel G. Warwick, of Glassboro, under arrest on a warrant charging him with threatening to take the lives of Sheriff J. Wesley Sell and Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd.

·3 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, February 24, 1902: Gossip Bout the Boxers, Tommy West and Young Peter Jackson at the Penn Club to-night
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Gossip Bout the Boxers

Tommy West and Young Peter Jackson are slated for a six-round argument at the Penn Athletic Club, Twentieth street and Montgomery avenue, to-night. Considering the distance that they are to travel they should go at a rapid gait.

·3 min read
Ellis Will Not Stay Suspended newspaper clipping
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Ellis Will Not Stay Suspended

Policeman David Ellis reported for duty after his fifteen-day suspension expired, though still under indefinite suspension by Mayor Nowrey. Captain Stanley, acting under Chief Foster's orders, refused to recognize him.

·1 min read
Father Shoots His Son Then Suicides newspaper clipping, page 1
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Father Shoots His Son Then Suicides

Joseph Caskey, a 60-year-old teamster of 820 Mount Vernon Street, shot and killed his son Joseph in a stable yard behind William Sultzbach's saloon at Ninth and Walnut, then turned the revolver on himself. Captain Stanley and Sergeant Reeder took charge of the bodies.

·2 min read
Dog Led Way to Drowned Child, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 1901 (page 1)
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Dog Led Way to Drowned Child

The body of four-year-old Henry May Jr. of 208 Burns Street was found in a pond at North Second Street by John Dyer and Policeman Isaac Toy, after a collie dog led them to the spot.

·1 min read
Rev. John H. Hutchinson death notice, 1901
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Rev. John H. Hutchinson

Death and funeral notice for the Rev. John H. Hutchinson, 67, of 308 Carteret Street, a member of the New Jersey M.E. Conference, who died September 25, 1901.

·1 min read