Camden People - Charles H. Fitsimmons III

CHARLES H. FITZSIMMONS III was born around 1856 in Philadelphia. He came to Camden in 1874. At the time of the 1880 Census he was married, living with wife Anna and son Charles IV at 249 Sycamore Street, and working as a sail maker. he followed that trade into the 1890s. The 1887-1888 Camden City Directory shows him living at 287 Sycamore Street, the 1888-1889 Directory states 272 Sycamore. The the 1890-1891 Directory gives 1133 South 3rd as his address. He was still following the sailmaker's trade as late as 1890.

Charles H. Fitzsimmons was appointed to the police force on April 1, 1894 by then-Mayor John L. Westcott. After an exemplary and distinguished career in uniform, he began working as a detective in 1912, during the administration of Mayor Charles H. Ellis.

On August 1, 1913 Charles Fitzsimmons, along with Fiore Troncone and George V. Murry were promoted to the detective squad, then led by Captain William Schregler. All had been working in plainclothes for several months prior to the official promotion.

By 1900 Charles H. Fitsimmons had moved next door to 1135 South 3rd Street. The family was still there as late as 1914, according to the Camden City Directory. When the 1920 Census was taken, Charles Fitzsimmons was living with wife Anna, daughter Anna, son Charles, daughter-in-law Nellie, and grand-daughter Anna, at 1421 Bradley Avenue in the Parkside section of Camden. This would be his home until he passed away.

Detective Fitzsimmons retired on December 31, 1931, due to age and problems with his eyesight. He had been assigned to watch over the Parkside Trust at Haddon and Kaighn Avenues as a result of his failing eyesight. He had faith that an operation could restore his vision, and this turned out to be the case.

Detective Charles H. Fitzsimmons III died at Cooper Hospital on June 8, 1938. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna, who left this earth in December of 1937.

After a funeral at 1401 Princess Avenue, Charles H. Fitzsimmons III was buried at Harleigh Cemetery.

COLORED GIRL GETS BENEFIT OF DOUBT

Given the benefit of the doubt, Frances Benson, colored, aged 23 years, giving her address as Locust Street, was this morning freed by Recorder Stackhouse after she had been arraigned on a disorderly charge by Detective Fitzsimmons., who caught the girl trying back gates and doors of houses on Locust Street.

Suspicious of the girl’s actions, the detective arrested her. Represented by attorney Powell Martin, the girl said she was hunting for a friend who lived in the row.

Camden
Post-Telegram

July 20, 1916

Camden Post-Telegram - April 26, 1912

Clarence Boyer - Henry C. Moffett Broadway - Pine Street - Division Street - 5th Street

Camden Courier-Post - June 9, 1938