Richard
Fetters

RICHARD FETTERS was for many years one of Camden's leading citizens. Born in Camden on January 19, 1791... before there was Camden to be born in... he was one of the leaders in the movement that effected the incorporation of Camden in 1828. A Quaker, Richard Fetters was a political and civic leader light years ahead of his time in his commitment to address the needs of his fellow citizens.

In 1833 he purchased land from Charity and Grace Kaighn and founded Fettersville. Fettersville originally embraced the land lying between Line and Cherry Streets, extending from Third Street to the Delaware River. The town of Fettersville grew rapidly, and in 1835 an additional tract was purchased from the Kaighn family extending south to Mount Vernon Street. 

Lots originally laid out by Fetters, measured 30 x 200 feet and in 1835 were assessed at $50 each. These low rates attracted many buyers of modest mean, a large portion of them South Jersey and Philadelphia blacks. He platted these lands into lots and sold them for $125 for a lot 40X100 feet. Fetter's plan placed the fronts on the streets running east and west in consideration of his design for a ferry to be located at the foot of Spruce Street. 

Richard Fetters also served Camden as a volunteer fireman, serving with the Fairmount Fire Company as early as 1831. Elias Kaighn was another of the members that year. 

Richard Fetters passed away on July 3, 1863, in his 72nd year. His grandson, Richard F. Smith, also had a long career in the civic life of Camden, serving as city treasurer and Sheriff of Camden County in the 1880s.. 

The History of Camden County New Jersey * George Reeser Prowell -1886

1861- THE FIRST WAR MEETING IN CAMDEN

On the 16th of April, 1861, three days after the Confederates fired upon Fort Sumter, at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, a large number of loyal and patriotic citizens of Camden City and County issued the following vigorous and spirited response to the President's proclamation:

" To the President Of the United States:

"The unparalleled events of the last week have revealed to the citizens of the United States, beyond question or the possibility of a doubt, that peaceful reconciliation upon the form of our Con­stitution is repelled and scorned, and secession means, in the hearts of its supporters, both Trea­son and war against our Country and Nation.

" We, therefore, the undersigned Loyal Citizens of the United States, and inhabitants of the city of Camden, in the State of New Jersey, responding to the proclamation of the President of the United States, hereby declare our unalterable determination to sustain the government in its efforts to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Union and the perpetuity of the popular Government, and to redress the wrongs already long enough endured; no differences of political opinion; no badge of diversity upon points of party distinction, shall restrain or withhold us in the devotion of all we have or can command to the vindication of the Constitution, the maintenance of the laws and the defense of the Flag Of our Country."

In response to a call, on the 18th of April an enthusiastic meeting was held in the county court-house, which was formed of a large collection of prominent citizens. The court-room was decorated with flags and mottoes. John W. Mickle was chosen president and Samuel C. Harbert and Thomas G. Rowand secretaries. The president addressed the meeting first and Rev. Mr. Monroe offered a prayer. Hon. Thomas P. Carpenter, Thomas B. Atkinson (mayor) and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee on resolutions. Judge Philip J. Grey addressed the meeting, after which the committee adopted a long series of patriotic resolutions. The Washington Grays, Stockton Cadets and the Zouaves marched into the room and were received with cheers, Samuel Hufty read a resolution which was signed by many persons, who immediately formed the Home Brigade. David M. Chambers, Captain Stafford, Benjamin M. Braker, John H. Jones and E. A. Acton each addressed the meeting. James M. Scovel was then called upon and responded in eloquent terms and with patriotic energy. S. H. Grey offered a resolution, which was adopted, that the City Council and the Freeholders of the county be requested to appropriate money for the equipment of persons who may volunteer in defense of the country, and S. H. Grey, James M. Cassady and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee to look after the interests of the resolution. The meeting continued in session until eleven p.m.