1848 - Times-Picayune (New Orleans), Fri, 10 Nov 1848, p 4:
List of letters remaining in the Post Office at New Orleans, Nov 9, 1848:
Wrifford, Chas

1850 - He is listed in the US Census taken in 1850 at the National Archives, roll 816, PA, Phila Co, town-Phila-Lower Del Ward, printed p 039, handwritten p 78, line 22, dwelling #414, family #532 as: Chas Wrifford, age 40, male, carpenter, born PA. He appears to be single and living in a boarding house based on 25 other people living there, too. This fits in with his first child being born about 1853. His age and place of birth are off, perhaps the census taker took the information from the landlord, who may have estimated.

1852 - He married Matilda Keyser. They went to Williamsburg, NY, to live.

1860 - He is listed in the US Census of Free Inhabitants taken on 23 Jun at the National Archives, film M653, roll 1212, SC, Abbeville Co, Abbeville C.H. Post Office, written p 52, printed p 26, dwelling # 373, family # 359 as: Chas Wrifford, 37, male, master carpenter, no real estate, value of personal property $500, born NJ, living with his wife, Martha, [sic] daughter, Martha H [sic], son, Chas, and daughter, Mary [sic]. ALL the female names are wrong!

Intelligencer (Anderson, South Carolina), Thu, 4 Oct 1860, p 3:
List of Consignees at Anderson Depot
For the week ending Sept 29, 1860
. . . C Wrifford . . .

1850/1869 - No Wrifford listed in Camden City Directories.

1860 - His name appears in the newspaper “The Anderson Intelligencer” Oct. 4, 1860 (in South Carolina) p 3:
LIST OF CONSIGNEES AT ANDERSON DEPOT
For the week ending Sept. 29, 1860
. . . C Wrifford . . .

1866 - US IRS Tax Assessment Lists, Pennsylvania, district 4, Annual Lists May 1866, series M787, roll 23, P 453;
line 13: Wrifford, Chas., 1216 Oxford st, income tax, abstract #241, valuation $61.50, rate of tax 2.10,

1870 - He is listed in the US Census taken on 11 July 1870, National Archives roll 856 p 468, in NY, Camden City and County, South Ward dwelling #657, family #758, line 3, as: Charles Wrifford, 47, male, white, house carpenter, no real estate, $200 worth of personal property, born NJ, eligible to vote, living with his wife Matilda, 44, daughter, Mary Anne, 16, son, Charles, 14, daughter, Margaret, 12, son, John, 8, daughter, Emma, 6, and son, William, 1.

1880 - US Census taken 14 Jun 1880, Camden, Camden, New Jersey ; Roll: T9_773 ; Family History Film: 1254773 ; Page: 105D & 106; Enumeration District: 42 ; Image: 0607 . lines 49-50 and next page lines 1-4, dwellling 186, family 254 as:
Charles Wrifford, white, male, 57, head of household, married, carpenter, yes (col 14), born NJ, both parents born NJ, living at
532 Penn St, 1st Precinct, 2d ward Camden, NJ, with
Wrifford, Matilda, white, female, 54, wife, married, housekeeper, born PA, both parents born PA;
Wrifford, Maggie, whie, female, 21, daughter, single, born Penn, father born NJ, mother born PA;
Wrifford, John. white, male, 19, son, single, blacksmith, born South Carolina, father born NJ, mother born PA;
Wrifford, Emma, white, female, 17, daughter, single, col 21 checked, born Penn, father born NJ, mother born PA;
Wrifford, Willie, white, male, 17, son, single, at school, col 21 checked, born Penn, father born NJ, mother born PA

1885 - New Jersey, State Census, 1885, Third Ward, Camden, Camden Co, p 63:
Charles A Wrifford, male, white, age 20-60
Matilda K Wrifford, female, white, age 20-60
Maggie Wrifford, female, white, age 5-20
William Wrifford, male, white age 5 and under

1886 - Morning Post (Camden), Sat, 2 Jan 1886, p 1:
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
The fifteenth wedding anniversary of Mr John H Chew and wife . . . was celebrated on New Year’s Eve by about thirty couples . . .They proceeded to enjoy themselves in good style with music, dancing and singing. A collation was served during the evening. Among the visitors were: Charles Wrifford, wife and family . . .

1887 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 6 Oct 1887, p 4:
PETITION
CAMDEN, AUG 26, 1887
To the President and Members of City Council of the City of Camden: Gentlemen-The undersigned Freeholders in the Second ward of the City of Camden respectfully petition your honorable body to have Seventh street, between Linden and State streets, curbed, graded and sidewalks paved, . . . Charles Wrifford, Birch street

1888 - Philadelphia Inquirer, Thu, 12 Apr 1888, p 2:
ACROSS THE WATER
Building Operations in Camden and the Surrounding Towns
. . . and Charles Wrifford will build on Kaighn’s avenue, near Lewis street. . . .

1889 - Times (Philadelphia), Tue, 27 Aug 1889, p 3:
Charles Wrifford yesterday began a suit for damages for personal injuries against Bloomingdate, Curbank & Co, clothing merchants at 322 Market street. The complaint is that while passing the store on June 17 a large packing box was wheeled against him, knocking him down an open cellarway. He was confined for several days in the Pennsylvania Hospital and then removed to his home, and he is afraid his injuries are permanent. . . .

1890 - His wife died and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Camden.

1891 - Courier-Post (Camden), Tue, 24 Mar 1891, p 1:
Mrs John Chew, of 313 South Third street was tendered a surprise last evening by the “Mysterious Eight” and their invited friends. The evening was one long to be remembered by all present . . . and was a most enjoyable occasion. While host and hostess and the invited guests were being entertained by some choice selections of vocal and instrumental music, rendered by the Second Street Presbyterian Church orchestra, the “Mysterious Eight” were quietly and unobservedly superintending the florist in banking the dining-room windows and recesses with voice flowers, and bountifully supplying the table with fine confectionery, tropical fruits and cream. At 10:30 o’clock all were invited into the dining room to enjoy the sumptuous repast. . . . Among those present were . . . Mr Wrifford and daughter, . . . F Fithian, wife and son . . .

1891 - Courier-Post (Camden), Fri, 26 Jun 1891, p 1:
The [Finance] committee had also approved the bond of Water Clerk Fithian in the sum of $5,000. The bondsmen are Christopher Chew, Charles Wrifford and John H Chew.

1892 - Camden Daily Telegram, Thu, 7 Apr 1892, p 1:
Real Estate Transfers
Deeds Recorded in the Register’s Office Yesterday
Camden, southwest corner Third and Stevens. Alfred Elwell to Charles Wrifford, $5,000.

1892 - Morning Post (Camden), Fri, 24 Jun 1892, p 1:
District Court
The case of Wrifford vs Rommell was announced as settled.

1893 - Courier-Post (Camden), Th, 31 Aug 1893, p1:
FIRE COMMISSION CONTRACTS
No Award for the New Truck House
The Fire Commission of City Council met at No 2 Engine House last night, and after receiving the following bids for the building of the Hook and Ladder House at Fifth and Arch streets, laid the awarding of the contract over: . . . Charles Wrifford & Son, $6,750 . . .

1893 - Morning Post (Camden), Fri, 29 Sep 1893, p 1:
CAMDEN COUNTY TRANSFERS
Camden, east side Tenth street, 76 feet South Sycamore street-Charles Wrifford to William Wrifford, $2,400

1893 - Courier-Post (Camden), Fri, 6 Oct 1893, p 1:
CITIZENS ENDORSE BARRETT
They Urge His Election to the Office of Sheriff
A Strong Recommendation by Men Prominent in Financial, Industrial and Other Business Circles . . . [signed by] . . . Charles Wrifford, 309 North Third street

1893 - Morning Post (Camden), Thu, 9 Nov 1893, p 1:
LIBERTY PARK’S NEW SCHOOL
The Contract Awarded to Chas. Wrifford for $11, 950
At a meeting of the Board of Public Instruction last night the contract for the erection of a new school house at Kaighn avenue above the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, Liberty Park, was granted to Charles Wrifford for $11,950.

1893 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 9 Nov 1893, p 1:
THE NEW DOWN TOWN SCHOOL HOUSE
Wrifford & Son Get the Contract for the Kaighn Avenue Building
The Property Committee of the Commission of Public Instruction last night awarded the contract for building a new school house on Kaighn avenue above the Camden and Atlantic railroad to Wrifford & Son, for the sum of $11,950. The house will contain eight rooms, be of brick and something after the pattern of the Starr school.

1894 - Morning Post (Camden), Sat, 31 Mar 1894, p 1:
Very little business were transacted at last night’s meeting of the Commissioners of Public Instruction. . . . It was agreed to have fire escapes placed on the Lincoln school house, and an order for $2,384.86 was drawn in favor of Wrifford & Son, who built the school house.

1894 - Courier-Post (Camden), Tue, 26 Jun 1894, p 1:
Wrifford & Son have the foundations laid and are erecting the brick work of eleven two story dwellings on Lawrence street between Eleventh and Twelfth streets.

1894 - Morning Post (Camden), Wed, 18 Jul 1894, p 4:
PETITION
To the President and Members of the City Council of Camden:
Gentlemen;
We the undersigned property owners in the Third ward of the City of Camden, hereby petition your honorable body to order Berkley street paved with No 1 assorted rubble from Second to Fourth street. Signed, . . . Charles Wrifford, 309 south Third st

1895 - Camden Daily Telegram, Tue, 8 Jan 1895, p 1:
Contractor Charles Wrifford has just completed the erection of a large and handsome music room, portico and a large bay window as an addition to the beautiful residence of Isaac Doughten, No 427 Penn street.

1895 - Camden Daily Telegram, Wed, 16 Jan 1895, p 1:
DEMOCRATS SEEK REFORM
Members of the Minority Party Want Control again
. . . Before adjourning the following ward committees were appointed: . . . Third Ward - . . . Charles Wrifford . . .

1895 - Morning Post (Camden), Wed, 20 Mar 1895, p 4: SHERIFF’S SALE
By virtue of a writ of Fiber Facias, . . . issued out of the Court Of Chancery of NJ will be sold at public auction on Friday 5 Apr 1895 at 2 o’clock at the Court House in the city of Camden [then it describes the 3 lots to be sold] Seized as the property of John H Chew, taken in execution at the suit of Charles Wrifford and to be sold by George Barrett, Sheriff.

1895 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 6 Jun 1895k p 1:
. . . After the [new Presbyterian was agreed upon] The following officers will be elected tonight, having been agreed upon or “nominated” by the constituent membership . . . Trustees - . . . Charles Wrifford . . .

1895 - Camden Daily Telegram, Mon, 22 Jul 1895, p 1:
Wrifford & Son took out a permit today to erect a brick steam bakery at No 416 Line street.

1896 - Morning Post (Camden), Mon, 6 Apr 1896, p 1:
The April Courts
List of Cases To Be Tried
Wrifford vs Chew. John f harden, S W Sparks.

1896 - Courier-Post (Camden), Tue, 21 Apr 1896, p 1:
[re: Supreme Court of NJ]
The case of Charles Wrifford & Son vs Christopher C Chew followed. The plaintiff sues to recover $1,689.25, the balance due on a building contract. The defense is that certain specifications of the contract were not carried out.

1896 - Morning Post (Camden), Wed, 22 Apr 1896, p 1:
A Verdict in the Wrifford-Chew Case
In the courts this morning the jury in the case of Charles Wrifford & Son vs Christopher C Chew, on contract, came in with a verdict of $1489.85 for the plaintiff. This is virtually a verdict in favor of the defendant, who acknowledged the indebtedness to about that amount, but did not pay it because of certain disputed bills, which the jury decided that the defendant should not pay.
The jury returned a verdict to this effect, taking off a number of bills, but the court sent them back with instructions to bring in a verdict for a certain amount. Judge Garrison, intending the jury back, said that their verdict was all right but was irregular.

1896 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 19 Nov 1896, p 4:
MICKLE SCHOOL ACCEPTED
The Commission Find the Addition to be Complete
Contractors Wrifford & Son Will Receive the Final Payment and the Four New Rooms Will Be Opened on Monday Next
. . . on last Saturday five members of the Commission [of Public Instruction] met and examined the addition to the J W Mickle School and found it complete in every detail, and that they were satisfied that the contractors, Wrifford & Son, had fully complied with the condition of their contract. . . .

1896 - Camden Daily Telegram, Fri, 4 Dec 1896, p 1:
CITY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION
An Emergency Appropriation to Repair the Tower
Inspected it by Candle Light
The Structure Found to Be in a Very Unsafe Condition By the Members and Ready to Topple Over at Any Moment
The City Hall tower was again illuminated last evening and the people in the neighborhood rushed from their houses and gazed toward the town clock with their eyes bulging form their sockets in astonishment. The illumination was only temporary, however, . . . the superintendent of the City Hall called the attention of the Property Committee to the unsafe condition of the tower . . . he had two pounds of tallow dips and handing one to each of the members who wished to inspect the rotten timbers . . . there were sixteen candles in the party . . . The Councilmen climbed the narrow steps to the location of the rotten timbers, holding their candles aloft, and spilling hot grease over their new winter overcoats and hats until they looked as though they had been through an inspection of a fat factory. . . . Architect Moses and Chairman George, of the Property Committee, met Builders William Severns, John Corbett, Wrifford & Son and . . . made an inspection of the tower in order to prepare bids for shoring up the structure until some action is taken to repair it . . .

1896 - He is mentioned in the Trenton Evening Times, Saturday, 5 Dec 1896, page 3, column 4:
The Property Committee of Camden City Council last night awarded Charles Wrifford & Son the contract for shoring up the condemned City Hall tower for $395. The Seth Thomas Company agreed to take down the clock tower for $35. The contract for rebuilding the tower will be awarded later.

1896 - Times (Philadelphia), Wed, 16 Dec 1896, p 8:
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Permits Granted and Transfers Recorded Yesterday
South Fourth street, No 15, alterations to back building and other alterations, Charles Wrifford & Son, contractors.

1896 - Camden Daily Telegram, Tue, 29 Dec 1896, p 1:
The Property Committee of City Council last night awarded the contract for rebuilding the super-structure of the City Hall tower to Wrifford & Son for $1,295. The subject of lighting the City Hall with some light other than electric was referred to a special sub-committee. . .

1897 - Courier-Post (Camden), Fri, 9 Jul 1897, p 1:
SCHOOL CONTRACTS AWARDED
Wrifford & Sons Will Build Three of the New Houses
They are the Lowest on the Cooper, Linden and Lincoln Additions
The Property Committee of the Commission of Public Instruction met last night and opened bids for the addition of four class rooms each to the Central, Lincoln and Linden School houses and for . . . The bidders were Charles Wrifford & Sons, George W Day, Joseph M Ross, William Severns and Charlton H Sayre. The bids were: Cooper School - Wrifford $11,725 . . . Central School - . . . Wrifford $8,875 . . . Lincoln School - Wrifford $6,465 . . . Linden School - Wrifford $1,850 . . . The Property Committee’s report was then taken up. Wrifford & Sons being the lowest bidders on the Cooper, Linden and Lincoln schools the contracts were awarded to them. . . .

1897 - Morning Post (Camden), Thu, 22 Jul 1897, p 1:
A reception will be tendered Mr and Mrs Wm Wrifford tomorrow night at the residence of his father, [Charles Amos Wrifford] Third and Benson streets. They will reside at Haddonfield.

1897 - Morning Post (Camden), Wed, 25 Aug 1897, p 1:
Contractors Wrifford & Son expect to complete their work at the Linden school today. There will be accommodations for two hundred more scholars, four additional rooms having been added on the top story.

1897 - Courier-Post (Camden), Tue, 31 Aug 1897, p 1:
SCHOOL NAMED FOR GRANT
Commission of Public Instruction Adopted It Last Night
The Addition to the Linden School to be Received From the Contractor on Saturday Afternoon Next
The Commission of Public Instruction held its regular monthly meeting last night . . . The Property Committee bills represented repairs made to the various school buildings during the summer, also $1,387.50 for fitting up the four additional rooms at Linden School; $2,355.50 . . . all in favor of Contractors Wrifford & Sons . . . The Commission adjourned to meet at the Linden School House on Saturday next at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, when the Linden addition will be turned over by Contractors Wrifford & Sons.

1897 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 30 Sep 1897, p 1:
Wrifford & Son have the new U S Grant School enclosed and expect to turn it over to the School Board within the next forty days.
Wrifford & Son, contractors for the addition to the Lincoln School at Liberty Park, will also fully complete the work within the next thirty days.

1899 - Courier-Post (Camden), Tue, 11 Jul 1899, p 1:
LOWEST BIDDER IGNORED
School Commissioners Spend Over $10,000 in Secret Session
Wrifford & Son Want to Know Why They Did Not Secure the Broadway Addition Contract
The Commission of Public Instruction yesterday afternoon opened bids for the building of the addition to the Broadway School, but evidently overlooked the lowest bidder, the firm of Charles Wrifford & Son, in awarding the contract.
Wrifford & Son’s bid was as follows: For building addition, $10,575; additional iron structural work to support walls, $750, additional cut stone belt course, $150. . . .
After considering the bids in secret session for nearly an hour, the Commission left the City Hall and went to Broadway School, and when it met last night announced that it had awarded the bid to Bachman, much to Wrifford & Son’s surprise.
The firm of Wrifford & Son claim that the Commission threw off Bachman’s bid of $225 for rods, while that was included in their bid of $750, and that a calculation of the respective bids shows them to be clearly the lowest bidders.

1899 - Courier-Post (Camden), Wed, 12 Jul 1899, p 1:
BACHMAN WAS THE LOWEST
School Commission Set Right in the Broadway Contract
The “Courier” yesterday was made to say the Commission of Public Instruction, in the awarding of contract for alteration and addition to Broadway School to the lowest bidder, had ignored Wrifford & Son, who claimed to have the lowest bid. By a close analysis of the bids we find the committee did right in awarding the contract to George Bachman. In addition to not being the lowest bidder according to the specifications it appears that the bid of Wrifford & Son was not in keeping with the spirit of the plans, as the Commission had the option of using rods or columns and bearers. Mr Bachman’s bid is $112 lower than the Wriffords.

1900 - He is listed in the US Census taken on 1 June 1900 at the National Archives, film T-623 roll 958, NJ, Camden Co, City of Camden, 3rd Ward, e.d. 42 sheet 1B line 68 as: Charles Wrifford, father-in-law, white, male, born Jan 1823, 77, widowed, born NJ, father born NJ, mother born NJ, a contractor builder employed all year, can read, write, and speak English, living at 307 3rd St, Camden, NJ with his son-in-law, Frank Fithian, 37, his daughter, Emma A Fithian, 37, his grandson, Leslie S Fithian, 14, and his daughter, Margaret Wrifford, 40.

1901 - Philadelphia Inquirer, Wed, 13 Mar 1901, p 10:
LABORERS-Two good building laborers wanted. Wednesday 7 AM at 140 North Delaware ave. Charles Wrifford & Son.

1901 - Courier-Post (Camden), Wed, 10 Jul 1901, p 1:
PRETTY RECEPTION TO POPULAR PASTOR
The congregation of the Calvary Presbyterian Church last night gave aa pretty reception to Rev Dr Arthur W Spooner and his wife, who have just returned from their honeymoon . . . The guests were . . . Charles Wrifford . . .

1901 - Morning Post (Camden), Thu, 5 Dec 1901, p 1:
BILLS NOT PAID
The company put up a building in the rear of the shop of Mr De Harendt at Arch street, and Mr De Harendt Sid that there was sufficient money to pay for the same, but after Lawyer Campbell’s disappearance, it was found that Builder Wrifford had been paid but a small amount of the contract price. A lot of machinery was purchased, which it was supposed at the time was also paid for, but since he has been informed different. Mr De Harendt said that his wife mortgaged her property and the amount of money received from this source was put in the concern, which he fears she will lose.

1902 - Philadelphia Inquirer, Tue, 25 Feb 1902, p 6:
PERMITS ISSUED YESTERDAY
Charles Wrifford & Son, contractors, put in flush bulk window, 506 Market street, cost, $150.

1902 - Courier-Post (Camden), Sat, 22 Mar 1902, p 1:
. . . the following contract cases are set down for trial in the District Court on Monday: . . . Extract Manufacturing Company vs Wrifford . . .

1902 - Morning Post (Camden), Sat, 18 Oct 1902, p 2:
ADDITIONS TO GAS PLANT
A contract was filed in the County Clerk’s office this morning between Charles Wrifford & Son and the South Jersey Gas, Electric and Traction Company for the erection of a warehouse, blacksmith shop and stable at Front and Walnut streets. The buildings are to be one-story structures and the contract price is $24,600.

1903 - Morning Post (Camden), Tue, 9 Jun 1903, p 2:
WORK DELAYED ON POLICE STATION
Contractors Want to Sell Old Material Before Razing Town Hall
A slight delay in tearing down the old Stockton Town Hall for the erection of a new police station, which was to have been started this morning, has occurred. Contractors Wrifford & Sons, who are to erect the new Third District police headquarters, are trying to get a purchaser for the old building material before starting work on razing the old town hall. Negotiations are pending with several parties and the deal will probably be consummated today. The fence has been given to the firemen and policemen and has already been taken away.

1903 - Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 11 Jun 1903, p 3:
TEARING DOWN THE OLD LANDMARK
The hard work of tearing down the old Town Hall, occupied until a few days ago by the police and the pupils of the kindergarten, was begun yesterday under the supervision fo the contractor who is to erect the new police station, Charles Wrifford. The Westfield avenue end of the upper portion was torn away and there was a general scramble for the material. At first the contractor decided to give the better part away, but there was so much demand for the lumber that the contractor changed his mind and decided to sell it to the highest bidder. . . . a goodly portion of which has been sold. . . .

1904 - Philadelphia Inquirer, Wed, 25 May 1904, p 6:
Architect Thomas Stephen, of Camden, NJ, will receive bids on May 30 from Charles Wrifford & Sons and . . . for alterations to W C Davis’ property, at Berkley and Williams streets, Camden . . .

1905 - Courier-Post (Camden), Sat, 24 Jun 1905, p 8:
[The right hand edge of this paper is partly missing]
MEXICAN WAR VETERAN TALKS
Charles K [sic] Wrifford, of This City in the Battles with Scott
Saw Many Thrilling Scenes
Verging on four score years, Charles K [sic] Wrifford, a veteran of the Mexican War, looks as hale and hearty both physically and mentally, as a man at least a quarter of a century younger. In the war with Mexico, Mr Wrifford was connected with the Quartermaster’s Department. He ?? to set the batteries before Vera Cruz and witnessed all the thrilling scenes attending the famous siege. He remembers General Winfield Scott, the commander of the American forces, as vividly as if he was an acquaintance alive today. General Scott, said Mr Wrifford, in recalling his reminiscences of that eventful epoch, had such remarkable ?? arms as to make them a noticeable feature of his anatomical appearance. He was a great epicure and was especially fond of game. In size he was a veritable giant, his sturdy frame towering up six feet and a half inches. Mr Wrifford also recalls one ?? incident after the American occupation of Vera Cruz. One of the places visited was the ancient and gorgeous Roman Catholic Cathedral. General Scott was accompanied by his staff and while he inspected the sacred edifice with priests carrying candles, his officers stood off in a recess and smiled amusedly at the old General’s unsophisticated ??. When the army went into the interior of the ‘greaser’ country, Mr Wrifford was stricken with yellow fever, but happily came out of it alive and well, although he says he had a close call. The only amusement of the natives was roulette and other forms of gambling and the worst pest was the fleas. While not a soldier in the Civil War, Mr Wrifford heroically stood for the Union at the peril of his life. He is a native Jerseyman but just before the War of the Rebellion broke out he was engaged in extensive building operations at Abbeyville, South Carolina. The Congressmen from that district had hurried home from Washington and inflamed the people against the North to a murderous pitch. Mr Wrifford was called on to enlist in the South cause but said no, he was a Northern man and under the circumstances would he desert the Union. The war went on but in the meantime Mr Wrifford escaped across the rebel border into Kentucky. He ?? In Camden has he been since and with his son, William H Wrifford is conducting the same prosperous building business that he was operating when the war broke out.

Camden, NJ City Directories:
Year Page Listing
1870 145 Wrifford, Charles A, carp, 330 Kaighn's Point av
1871 157 Wrifford, C A, carpenter, 330 Kaighn's Point av
1878 375 Wrifford, Charles, carpenter, 42 N 3d st
1883/84 424 Wrifford Charles A, carp, Phila, h 532 Penn
1885/86 558 Wrifford Charles K [sic], carp, h 309 S 3d
1886/87 609 Wrifford Charles A, carp, h 309 S 3d
1888/89 643 Wrifford Charles A, builder, Phila, h 309 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, is listed as living there, too.
1889/90 698 Wrifford Charles A, builder, Phila, h 309 S 3d
1892/93 777 Wrifford Charles A, builder, Phila, h 309 S 3d
His son, William, is listed as living there, too.
1893/94 784 Wrifford Charles A, carp, Phila, h 309 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, and son, William, are listed as living there too.
1895/96 799 Wrifford Charles A, contractor, Phila, h 309 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, and son, William, are listed as living there too.
1896 910 Wrifford Charles A, contractor, Phila, h 309 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, and son, William, are listed as living there too.
1897 871 Wrifford Charles A, contractor, Phila, h *309 S 3d [* = home ownership]
His daughter, Margaret, and son, William, are listed as living there too.
1898 916 Wrifford Charles A, carpenter, h 307 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, is listed as living there, too.
1899 900 Wrifford Charles A, contractor, Phila, h 307 S 3d
His daughter, Margaret, is listed as living there, too.
1902 1096 Wrifford Charles A, carpenter, h 307 S 3d
1903 1076 Wrifford Charles A, contractor, h 307 S 3d
1904/5 1093 no listing
1905/6 Wrifford Charles A, h 307 S 3d
1906 934 "
1907/8 885 "
1908/9 989 Wrifford Charles A, builder, h 307 S 3d
1909/10 1051 "
1910/11 1168 Wrifford Charles A, h 307 S 3d

Philadelphia, PA City Directories:
Year Page Listing
1873 1396 Wrifford Charles A, carpenter, 13 Chaundery la, h Camden
1874 1425 Wrifford Charles, carpenter, 217 Lodge, h Camden
1875 1628 Wrifford Charles, carpenter, 217 Lodge, h Camden
1878/79 1760 Wrifford Charles, carpenter, 20 Hudson, h Camden
1880 1827 Wrifford Charles, crpntr, 23 Hudson, h Camden
1890 Wrifford, Charles, carpenter, 23 Hudson, h 309 S 3d
1902 2667 Wrifford Chas (Chas Wrifford & Son), h Camden
" " Wrifford Chas & Son (Chas & Wm), carpenters, 23 S Orianna
1903 2725 Wrifford Chas (Chas Wrifford & Son), h Camden
" " Wrifford Chas & Son (Chas & Wm), carpenters, 23 S Orianna
1904 2739 Wrifford, Chas (Chas Wrifford & Son), h Camden
" " Wrifford Chas & Son (Chas & Wm), carpenters, 23 S Orianna
1905-1910 No Wriffords are listed

1911 -He made his will on 19 Jan. His will, located at Camden Co Surrogate's Office, Hall of Justice, will book KK p57, is summarized as:
1st -pay all my just debts and funeral expenses
2nd -divide my entire estate into 6 equal shares and give one share to each of my children, Mary A Ferat, Charles K Wrifford, Margaret D Wrifford, John P Wrifford, Emma A Fithian, and William H Wrifford.
3rd -give my executrix full power and authority
4th -daughter Margaret to be executrix and to serve without bond
signed 19 Jan 1911 by Charles A Wrifford, witnesses A.D. Ambruster and Stanley C Kimble.

1911 - He died on 19 Mar 1911. His death is recorded at the NJ State Archives: Death at 307 S 3d St, Camden, ward 3, Charles A Wrifford, male, white, widowed, born 31 Jan 1823, age 88, contractor, born US, mother born US, died 19 Mar 1911 from uremia and nephritis for 8 days, attended by Dr Lippincott from 21 Feb 1911 to 19 Mar 1911, buried Evergreen Cemetery on 23 Mar, R. J. English of Camden, undertaker, informant Frank S Fithian of 307 S 3d st, Camden.

1911 - Courier-Post (Camden), Mon, 20 Mar 1911, p 7:
Wrifford -Died on March 19, 1911, Charles A Wrifford, aged 88 years, at his late residence, 207 South third street. Due notice of the funeral will be given later.

1911 - Philadelphia Public Ledger, 21 Mar 1911, Tue, p11, col 7, and Philadelphia Inquirer, 21 Mar 1911, Tue, p 14, col 8:
WRIFFORD.-On Mar 19, 1911, Charles A. Wrifford aged 88 years. Relatives and friends, Welcome Circle, No. 3, Brotherhood of America, are invited to attend the funeral services, on Thursday, Mar 23, at 2 pm at his late residence, 307 South 3d st, Camden, NJ. Interment private. Remains may be viewed Wednesday, from 7-9 pm.

1911 - Philadelphia Inquirer, Tue, 21 Mar 1911, p 3:
OLD TIME CAMDEN BUILDER DEAD
At the age of 88 years, Charles A Wrifford, a veteran builder of Camden and Philadelphia, died yesterday at the home of his son-in-law, Chief Clerk of the Water Department Frank Fithian, 307 South Third street,Camden. He was in fairly good health until last week, when he suffered a general breakdown. He is survived by three sons and three daughters. He was born in Hunterdon county, but established himself in business in Philadelphia in 1850. In 1870 he extended his operations to Camden, where he built hundreds of houses.

-He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Camden. To reach the tombstone, take the road in the center of the cemetery straight ahead as you enter, the stone is to the left just past the corner of the 3rd cross driveway. It has writing on all four sides. It says:
Side 1: Charles Wrifford 1823 - 1911
His wife Matilda Wrifford 1826 - 1890
Side 2: Charles K Wrifford 1856 - 1920
Wife Lois B Wrifford 1859 - 1924
Side 3: Clara A Wrifford 1878 - 1924
Side 4: Laura H wife of John P Wrifford 1862 - 1890
John P Wrifford 1862 - 1913
Margaret D Wrifford 1857 - 1931

1911 - On 4 Apr, his daughter, Margaret, filed a Petition for Probate of his estate; recorded at the Camden Co Surrogate Office, book PP vol 7 p133; summarized as:
Re: Charles A Wrifford, deceased, Petition of Margaret D Wrifford of 307 S 3rd St, Camden, shows she is the executrix named in the last will & testament of Charles A wrifford dated 19 Jan 1911; that Charles A Wrifford departed this life at Camden, NJ on Sunday 19 Mar 1911 at 11:54 pm, leaving him surviving as his heirs:
Mary A Ferat, daughter, of Camden, NJ
Charles K Wrifford, son, of Camden, NJ
Margaret D Wrifford, daughter, of Camden, NJ
John P Wrifford, son, of Collingswood, NJ
Emma A Fithian, daughter, of Camden, NJ
William H Wrifford, son, of Camden, NJ;
the testator was possessed of personal property estimated at $2,000; therefore Margaret D Wrifford doth apply for probate of the last will & testament. filed 4 Apr 1911.

Began working picking cotton at age 8; early parental deaths;
Became drummer boy in Mexican war, Carpenter thereafter, moved to southern states (SC) but fled north at outbreak of civil war.
His sister Margaret married his wife’s brother, John Keyser.

He often had ads in the local papers for the business, saying:
CONTRACTORS
Chas WRIFFORD & SON,
Contractors and Builders
309 S Third St, Camden, and
23 Hudson St, Philadelphia
Designs and estimates submitted

1911 - The Camden Post Telegram (Camden, NJ) 20 Mar 1911, Mon, p 1:
OLDEST CONTRACTOR ANSWERS SUMMONS
Charles A. Wrifford Died Today Lacking Two Years of Ninety
ONLY BEDRIDDEN SINCE THURSDAY
Lacking but two years of being a nonagenarian, Charles A. Wrifford, Camden’s oldest contractor and builder, died today at the residence of his son-in-law, Chief Water Clerk Frank R. Fithian, 307 South Third street. Despite the fact that he was 88 years old, Mr. Wrifford was quite active until last Tuesday when a general breakdown forced him to take to his bed. He sank rapidly but was able to recognize those about his bedside up to within a few minutes of the end. Arrangements for the funeral will be announced tomorrow.
Born in Hunterdon county in 1823, Mr. Wrifford learned his trade at Lambertville and in 1850 established himself in business in Philadelphia. He built up a large business and in 1870 extended his operations to this city, also taking up a residence here at 320 Kaighn avenue. Three years later he engaged in a big operation at Sixteenth and Jefferson streets, Philadelphia, only to be numbered among the many victims of the memorable financial panic which swept the country at that period. Mr Wrifford erected scores of houses here and also built two of the city’s school houses.
Deceased is survived by three sons and three daughters - Charles and William, both builders; John, a blacksmith; Mrs. Charles M. Ferat, Mrs. Frank T. Fithian and Miss Maggie Wrifford. His wife died a score of years ago, since which time Mr. Wrifford resided at the Fithian residence.

Courier-Post (Camden), Thu, 22 May 1924, p 6:
MARCHED INTO MEXICO
Charles A Wrifford of 369 South third street, was a builder, as was his son, William Wrifford, contractor of Washington street and Trenton avenue.
The elder Wrifford died at 90 [sic] years of age not so long ago. He was said to be the last surviving veteran of the Mexican War. As warrior, he served as one of the bodyguard of General Winfield Scott in his victorious march through the Mexican capital.

1925 - Courier-Post (Camden), Mon, 1 Jun 1925, p 6:
Last Mexican War Hero by Charles L McKeone
Today twenty-five years ago, the last Camden veteran of the Mexican War of the mid-1840s, passed away. He was Solomon Williams . . . I visited the grizzled old warrior in the hospital a few days before his death. He told me that he knew of but one other comrade of the Mexican War who survived him. He was William [sic - should have been Charles Amos] Wrifford, who was then a carpenter, living at 218 North Fifth street, and who later resided in the Third Ward, at 309 South Third street. I also had a talk with Builder Wrifford shortly before his death about twenty years ago. Wrifford was then nearing the nineties. He told me he was an aide-de-damp on the staff of General (“Old Fuss and Feathers”) Winfield Scott, when he entered the City of Mexico on its capitulation. He told of the ‘fussiness’ of General Scott in exploring the catacombs of Mexico. One of the attendants happened to spill candle grease on the coat sleeve of the dandy commander, and the fit of wrath he had, said Wrifford, filled the subterranean caverns with an unholy rumble. . . . Only the other day, I saw on Broadway his son, William Wrifford, contractor and builder like his venerable parent, of Washington street and Trenton avenue.

1927 - Courier-Post (Camden), Wed, 9 Mar 1927, p 16:
OLD RUBBERNECK RECALLS ANOTHER
“And by the same token, I know another,” put in the Old Rubberneck, he of the Broadway clock chimes. “The late Charles A Wrifford, Mexican war veteran, and father of contractor and builder William H Wrifford of today.”