Abraham Lincoln James, commonly known as A. L. James or A. Lincoln James, was a career officer with the Camden Police Department, serving for 40 years. He was a close friend of David Baird Sr., a prominent Camden County sheriff, U.S. senator, and Republican leader in South Jersey.
Born on August 14, 1863, at 817 Federal Street in Camden, A. Lincoln James was the son of Edward T. and Caroline S. James, both originally from Pennsylvania. His father, Edward, was a volunteer firefighter before the establishment of Camden's professional fire department in 1869 and later served in the Camden Fire Department from 1871 to 1873. He was also a trustee of Camden Cemetery from 1870 until his passing in 1886.
The James family lived on Federal Street until at least 1870 before moving to 109 North 8th Street by 1871. The 1880 Census lists A. Lincoln James living at home, working as a box maker, while his father and older brother, Wesley B. James, were coopers, and his sister, Mary, was employed in shoemaking. He later transitioned to cabinetmaking.
In 1882, he married Carrie DePugh at Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Camden, officiated by Rev. John R. Gaskill. The couple had three children: Lizzie C. James (born June 1883), Anna May James (born November 30, 1885), and Charles H. James (born November 9, 1890). The family lived at various addresses in Camden before settling at 124 North 8th Street, a property they maintained until at least 1949.
James joined the Camden Police Department on March 12, 1892. Though he resigned twice, he received a permanent appointment on August 1, 1899. He was promoted to sergeant in 1905 and captain in 1908. A skilled baseball player, he played third base for the Camden Police Department team well into his late 30s and 40s.
After serving with distinction, James retired on December 31, 1932, and was granted a pension in November of that year. While at his summer home in Wildwood in 1937, he suffered a stroke and was brought back to Camden, where he passed away at West Jersey Hospital on November 22, 1937. He was laid to rest at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
His widow, Carrie James, continued living at 922 Cooper Street until at least 1940 before moving back to 124 North 8th Street with their widowed daughter, Anna M. Walz. Carrie James passed away in 1949. Anna Walz later taught in the Camden school system for 16 years before retiring in 1959.
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Abraham Lincoln James
Abraham Lincoln James, commonly known as A. L. James or A. Lincoln James, was a career officer with the Camden Police Department, serving for 40 years. He was a close friend of David Baird Sr., a prominent Camden County sheriff, U.S. senator, and Republican leader in South Jersey. Born on August 14, 1863, at 817…
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