Submitted by: Georgia Gill-Elkins

Camper, Culp, Stedman, Jones

South Bend Tribune Sept. 5, 1928 sec. 1 p. 1
Sept. 6, 1928 sec. 1 p. 5
Pioneer Citizen Taken In Death
James W. Camper
James W. Camper, identified with the business like of South Bend for 50 years and a well known resident of the city having spent virtually his entire life here, died in her home, 817 Park Avenue, Tuesday afternoon at the age of 92. His death resulted from a lingering illness of more than a year.
James Camper, Pioneer, Dead
Man Long Associated With
Business Life of City,
Dies at Age of 92
   James W. Camper, age 92, whose name has been inscribed in the history of South Bend as one of its most honored of business men and pioneers, died in his home, 817 Park Avenue, at 3:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon after a prolonged illness. He had been confined to bed since April 10, 1927.
   Mr. Camper, through his long residence here, was one of the few men who could trace from actual experience the business growth of the city from more than half a century. Engaged in the manufacture of guns, ammunition and fishing tackle himself for 50 years, his place of business, in the earlier days of the city, was long a retreat for hunters of the vicinity.
The son of William and Elizabeth Camper, natives of Virginia, who settled in South Bend in 1834. Mrs. Camper was born here June 13, 1836, only five years after ___ platting of the town and one year after the organization of the local government. He received his early education in the local public schools and finished at the University of Notre Dame in 1852 and 1853, after which he went to Lafayette, Ind., where he mastered the trade of gunsmith, which for so many years he practice as a profession in this city.
Moves to Delphi, Ind
   In December 1855, he moved to Delphi, Ind., and in March 1857, he began a sojourn by horse team to California, remaining in that state for eight years. In 1868 three years following his return to South Bend, he became engaged in the manufacture of firearms and ammunition, his place of business first being located on Main Street, and later at 116 West Colfax Avenue, in which establishment he was located at the time of his retirement 10 years ago.
Mr. Camper's first marriage took place on Dec. 25, 1865, and on May 4, 1886, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Culp, who survives, the ceremony being read in the Park Avenue home where he died. He is also survived by a nephew, F. D. Stedman, who lives at 210 South Taylor Street. Mr. Camper was the last of a family of seven children, a sister, Mrs. L. R. Stedman, having died in 1913.
Was Staunch Republican
   In his politics, Mr. Camper had given staunch support throughout his life to the republican party. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for many years was affiliated with the Royal Arcanum.
Camper Rites Held In Home
Funeral services for James William Camper, age 92, one of the oldest native residents of the city, and one of the first white children to be born in St. Joseph County, were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the residence, 817 Park Avenue. The Rev. Rhys Price Jones. D. D., pastor of Westminster Presbyterian church, officiated and burial took place in the City Cemetery. Pallbearers were members of the Odd Fellows lodge, with which he had been affiliated for many years. Mr. Camper had been identified with the business life of South Bend for 50 years, having been engaged in the manufacture of guns, ammunition and fishing tackle at 116 West Colfax Avenue, until his retirement 10 years ago.