Introduction
The Sixth Ward Republican Club was active in Camden as early as the 1890s through at least 1947. Richard J. Richardson was the club president for several years around the turn of the century. Camden Fire Department Captain William Deno was another long-time member. As early as February of 1899 the club’s headquarters was at 908 Broadway. In the fall of 1927 the club tried to transfer its liquor license to 506 Chestnut Street. Officers at that time were Edmund G. Hunt, President; Robert P. Wilson, Secretary; John Breslin, Treasurer. The trustees of the club were Hunt, Breslin, Benjamin Asbell, Frank J. Leonard, and Marvin Collar. In 1928 the Sixth Ward Women’s Republican Club installed the following officers: Mary S. Hartung, president; Mrs. Jennie F. Sayrs, first vice president; Mrs. Theodosia Conaghy, second vice president; Mrs. Irma Becker, recording secretary; Mrs. Elizabeth Batesta, financial secretary; Mrs. Louis C. Doyle, treasurer, and Mrs. Edith Keys, chairman of the entertainment committee. Breslin was still president of the club as late as December, 1930.
Apparently the transfer did not work out, as the club was still at 908 Broadway in January of 1928. By 1931 the club did move its headquarters to 506 Chestnut Street. William H. “W. Harry” Smith, who had been active in Ninth Ward Republican affairs since the 1890s, was given the job of custodian at the new location.
Camden politics were, to say the least, a peculiar affair in the 1920s. During the early morning hours of January 14, 1928 a crap game was underway when Joseph ‘Mose’ Flannery, whose careers were crime and politics, and Philadelphia crime figure Joseph Cimini arrived at the club and got into a confrontation with a group of equally questionable characters led by ex-boxer Raymond “Chick” Hunt and Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven. Deven confessed to shooting Cimini, who was dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital. The club also had a women’s organization that operated in partnership with it, known as the Sixth Ward Women’s Republican Club.
Of even further interest is that prior to, at the time of, and for some time after all the above shenanigans Lewis H. Stehr Jr., soon to be named Chief of Police for the City of Camden, was an active member of the Sixth Ward Republican Club. Another prominent member was Camden Police detective Theodore F. “Dorie” Guthrie.
Sixth Ward Republican Club Plans Smoker
Camden Courier —
The committee of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, appointed to make arrangements for a smoker and reception to the candidates, has arranged to have the affair come off on Wednesday night. The candidates for Assembly will be present, there will be good speakers in attendance, and a band of music to enliven the evening.
Bread for the Needy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Sixth Ward Republican Club will give out 400 loaves of bread from the headquarters at 908 Broadway, between 10 and 11 o’clock this morning. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union will distribute 200 loaves in the afternoon at the W. C. T. U. Hall, on Benson street above Fourth.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The fourth annual ball of the Sixth Ward Republican Club will be held at Turner Hall next Monday evening.
Pfeiffer’s Dutch Supper
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Joseph Pfeiffer gave a Dutch supper to the members of the Sixth ward Republican Club last night.
William Deno Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DENO—10th inst., WILLIAM, husband of Catharine C. Deno, aged 63. Relatives and friends, also Jackson Circle, No. 4, B. of A., Camden City Fire Dept., Firemen’s Relief Association and Sixth Ward Republican Club, invited to funeral, Thurs., 2 P.M., residence, 1043 S. 5th st., Camden, N.J. Remains may be viewed Wednesday evening. Interment Calvary
Here and There in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The women who operated the booths during the Third Liberty Loan drive have formed an organization for the purpose of raising a fund with which to purchase an ambulance.
The Sixth Ward Republican Club yesterday contributed $25 to the Red Cross fund.
On a charge of selling sugar short weight, May Praissman, a grocer, of 701 Central avenue, was yesterday fined $25 by Recorder Stackhouse.
Plans for the Red Cross drive next week were laid last night by the Executive Committee and the workers at a meeting at the Y. M. C. A.
Agreeing to enlist, Jonas Davis, colored, aged 19 years, who was arrested on a charge of the theft of a watch from James Henry, was freed yesterday by Prosecutor Wolverton. He was sent to Fort Slocum, N.Y.
Scene of the Sixth Ward Club Shooting
Camden Courier-Post —
Headquarters of the Sixth Ward Republican Club on Broadway below Spruce Street. The entrance is to the left, the first floor front being occupied by a barber shop. The arrow indicates the room where the shooting occurred.
Top: Joseph Deven — Bottom: Joseph Cimini
Gangster Shot During Melee in Sixth Ward
Camden Courier-Post —
Joseph Deven Held On Murder Charge After Death Boxer’s Brother; ‘Mose’ Flannery and 4 Others Held as Witnesses; Was Craps Game Says County Police
HOLDUP ATTEMPTED CITY COPS DECLARE
Victim of a shot fired in a melee, the exact cause of which remain undetermined, Joseph Cimini, 31 years old, was killed in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, 908 Broadway.
Cimini, declared by police to be a Philadelphia gangster, was killed before the eyes of two district detectives, Clarence Arthur and Clarence Bunker, who had been summoned to the club by warning that a fight was in progress.
Joseph Deven, 28 years old, known to his associates as “Polack Joe” and a colorful figure in Third Ward politics, fired the shot that killed Cimini.
Declaring that he had fired in self-defense, after Cimini struck him with the butt of a revolver, Deven was locked up without bail on a charge of murder.
Joseph ‘Mose’ Flannery, 26 years old, picturesque Eighth ward political worker, was held as a material witness. Detectives had seized Flannery who was to have precipitated the battle by brandishing a revolver just before Cimini was shot. The officers say that Flannery fled –after the shooting and was captured afterward at Broadway and Federal Street.
The name of the dead man was given as Joseph Gannon, but shortly before one o’clock this afternoon, he was identified as Joseph Cimini, 1301 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia. The identification was made by a brother, William Cimini, a pugilist who has boxed in this city several times under the name of “Billy” Gannon.
Six Others Quizzed
Six other men who were present at the time of the shooting, or when the argument began, were questioned by city and county detectives.
They are Newton Blanchard, 30, 923 St. John Street, former Camden boxing referee and declared by some of the witnesses as the man who conducted the crap game at the club; Michael Dandrea, 26, 1067 Norris Street; Russell Sage, 26 years old, of 1102 Marion Street a taxicab driver who is said to have driven Gannon and Flannery to the club in his car; Maurice O’Brien, 27 years old, of 1429 Bradley Avenue, a former New Jersey State Trooper, Harry Trooper, Harry Waterhouse, 28 years old, whose address was given as the same as Sage’s; and Charles “Chick” Hunt, 27 years old, of 1218 Broadway, a former Camden boxer.
Blanchard and Dandrea were released after questioning and after each had made a statement to Chief of County Detective Lawrence T. Doran. The others were held with Flannery as material witness.
Differences of opinion between county and city detectives investigating the shooting were heightened during the afternoon. The county sleuths insisted upon the theory that the shooting had resulted from a feud between Flannery and Hunt, with Cimini taking the former’s side and Deven the latter and said that the heat of the argument had possibly been heightened by disagreement over a crap game.
The city police, on the other hand, declared that the entire affair was the result of an attempt by Flannery to hold up the other men. Deven’s statement to Chief Doran made no mention of a hold-up.
Building up a case against Flannery, the officers this afternoon lodged charges of attempted hold-up, carrying concealed deadly weapons, atrocious assault and battery and assault to kill against him. The two latter charges were made as the result of identification of Flannery as a participant in two recent robbery attempts. J.E. Feinstein, café proprietor of 508 Kaighn Avenue, declared that Flannery, Cimini, and Sage were thereof four men who held him up on New Year’s Day. He defied them and they left when he said, “Go ahead and shoot,” he asserted. Flannery was also identified, according to police, as the man who had beaten and attempted to rob Henry Mehrer, an Audubon policeman, and his two companions outside the Ringside Inn, on the Black Horse Pike, a fortnight ago. Mehrer and Feinstein were taken to police headquarters by County Detective Howard Smith, who is authority for the statement that they identified Flannery.
Cimini was shot shortly after 3:00 this morning and died almost instantly. Doctors at Cooper Hospital pronounced him dead on arrival. He had been shot just above the heart by a bullet from Deven’s gun.
Events preceding the shooting remain, to some extent clouded today. Chief Doran said he learned of an enmity existing between Flannery and Hunt. Deven appeared to have attempted to quiet “Mose,” the county detectives said. Cimini struck Deven and Deven fired.
Chief John Golden of the Camden city detective bureau stated, on the other hand, that the shooting had apparently followed an attempt to hold up the other men in the room. Golden based his view on the statements of Clarence Arthur, a city sleuth. According to Arthur, when he and Bunker appeared at the door of the room, Flannery and Cimini held revolvers and the other men in the room were standing with their hands upraised.
According to the story pieced together by county detectives from the statements of witnesses, a group of men had apparently gathered at the club for a crap game. Blanchard, it was stated, acts as the “stick man,” the term used in gambling parlance to designate the man who conducts a crap game.
City and County agree that Flannery and Cimini arrived together in Sage’s taxicab. Whether there was an argument, the result of an enmity between Flannery and Hunt, or whether the attempted hold-up theory is correct, remains to be learned by additional official investigation.
Chief Doran stated the witnesses had told him that words passed between Flannery and Hunt and that the former had gone downstairs. Returning he brandished a revolver.
Two Flee Place
It was at this point that Blanchard and Dandrea left the room and fled down the stairs. On the street, they encountered Detectives Arthur and Bunker, who were patrolling Broadway in a police automobile.
In describing the subsequent events today, Arthur declared that Blanchard had informed him that “two Philadelphia gunmen are up in the Sixth Ward Club holding up a bunch of fellows.”
The detectives did not immediately go to the club, but found Patrolman Frank Del Rossi and followed him up the stairs of the building.
“There were about fifteen men in the room,” Arthur asserted. “When we got to the door Flannery and Cimini had their guns out and apparently were about to search the others. The other men had their hands in the air.”
“When they saw us Flannery and Cimini threw their guns down and the others lowered their hands. I went up to Flannery and started to frisk him. Bunker went to another man, whom I don’t know, and started to frisk him.”
It was then he said that he heard the shot. Believing that it was Bunker who was shot, he released his hold on Flannery and swung around. As he did Flannery turned and fled downstairs, Arthur declared.
Bunker said he believed that it was Arthur who had been shot and he too released his grasp on the man he had been searching. The detectives turned in time to see Cimini fall.
“I did it! I shot him!” Deven is declared to have shouted, throwing his revolver on the table.
According to the story told by witnesses to the county detectives, however, Deven had stepped up to Flannery just before the shot was fired and had said “Mose, you can’t get away with this here.”
Flannery is said to have had a gun in his hand at the time.
As Deven spoke, the witnesses say, Cimini stepped behind him and struck him with the butt of a revolver. Just then detectives entered. Devin whirled and, drawing his gun, fired.
Cimini was placed in a police ambulance and taken to the hospital. After he had been pronounced dead his body was taken to the morgue, where it was awaiting identification today. Neatly dressed, Cimini is of Italian extraction. He has coal-black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion. Coroner Charles T. Murray will perform a post-mortem examination, he said.
Flannery Captured
When he fled from the club, according to Arthur, Flannery jumped on a Public Service bus driven by David Smith, of 423 Haddon Avenue, which was passing at the time.
“Faster! Faster” he is declared to have urged Smith as the latter drove along Broadway in the direction of Federal Street.
At Federal Street and Broadway, Arthur and Bunker caught up to the bus and arrested Flannery as he descended from the vehicle.
“Why don’t you give me a chance to get to Philadelphia?” Arthur declares Flannery asked him. “I can get bail over there.”
Seek Written Statement
Chief Doran stated this afternoon that he was attempting to obtain a written statement from Flannery and would also seek to have Deven sign a statement regarding the shooting. During the morning, Flannery refused to talk while Devin, although admitting that he fired the shot, declared that he shot in self-defense. He made no reference to the hold-up attempt, according to the county detectives.
Cimini has a Philadelphia police record but, according to his pugilist brother, “was not bad but just wild.” He was recently arrested in Philadelphia after a fight with policemen.
“But he never held up or robbed anybody,” his brother declared this afternoon after identifying the body. “He got into a jam now and then. Yes, I know that he knew ‘Mose’ Flannery, but I never mixed with that crowd.”
It was reported at City Hall this afternoon that Samuel Orlando had been retained as attorney for Flannery and that Walter Keown, Camden county solicitor, would represent all the other men. The presence of Keown at detective headquarters, during which he had a conference with Captain Golden, seemed to lend credence to the latter report but neither rumor could be confirmed.
Flannery for years has figured in police cases and in political warfare in the Eighth Ward, where he was sometimes a lieutenant and sometimes an opponent of “Mikey” Brown, the Republican leader of the ward. Last March he was arrested and indicted on charges of atrocious assault and battery on his wife and her mother. At one time he was held as a suspect is a Philadelphia shooting but later was released.
The accused man, Deven, is a short, slim little man with an air of meek complaisance. He has been a taxicab driver and was last arrested on a charge of drunken driving. In May of 1926 he attempted suicide by shooting himself after he had failed to effect a reconciliation with his estranged wife. At that time, he shot himself but the bullet only grazed his chest.
Joe Deven, long a political power in the Third Ward, first flashed into citywide prominence in 1925, when he was employed by federal authorities as a deputy U.S. Marshal to guard the padlocked Poth brewery at Bulson Street, just off Broadway. At the time Deven was thus maintaining the sanctity of the Eighteenth Amendment, he was also operating a bootlegging establishment downtown and had been arrested once or twice for violating the Volstead Act.
The Courier at that time exposed this paradoxical situation, with the result that the U.S. Marshal summarily dismissed Deven. He keenly resented the political chicanery that had been used to put Deven in office. In explaining how Deven was appointed, the Marshal said that he had been recommended by “prominent Republican leaders” in Camden, chief among whom was William D. Sayrs, now a city commissioner but then a field agent in the office of the Internal Revenue Department.
Sought City Job
Not long after Deven’s dismissal as brewery guard, Sayrs and other Republican leaders made strenuous efforts to secure a city job for him under the Non-Partisan administration. They sought to exact a promise from The Courier that this newspaper would remain silent in the event Deven was appointed to a city position. No such promise was made and Deven remained jobless, politically at least.
Then came a humorous twist to the situation. Sayrs disagreed with some of the Organization leaders and, for a time, walked his own political footpath. Some of the leaders, fearful of what Sayrs might attempt politically, killed two birds with one stone by hiring Joe Deven to shadow Sayrs and to report to them the number of times he conferred with Non-Partisans. Thus, Joe had a job and Billy was watched.
Sayrs knew he was being shadowed by his old friend, and apparently he knew who had hired Deven to do the work, but he refused to take the situation seriously and chortled, frequently, when he would see his “Shadow” trailing about town.
In the last year, however, Deven has again been the particular political protégé of Commissioner Sayrs and also has won the friendship of many other political leaders. Nevertheless, he has not been, so far as can be determined, the recipient of any particular political patronage, though his political influence in the Third and Fifth Wards is said to have expanded rapidly under the new administration.
Murder Motive at G.O.P. Club Splits Sleuths
Camden Evening Courier —
County Detectives Contend Philadelphia Gangster Was Slain in Quarrel Over Woman / POLICE CLAIM HOLD-UP ATTEMPT CAUSED FIGHT / Deven Charged With Crime, Flannery and Taxi Driver Held Without Bail
With city and county authorities definitely divided on the motive and circumstance of the Sixth Ward Republican Club slaying, Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven was arraigned in Camden police court today and held without bail on a murder charge.
Through County Solicitor Walter Keown, retained as his attorney, Deven waived a police court hearing and was held to await grand jury action in the slaying of Joseph Cimini, Philadelphia gangster, at the political club early Saturday morning.
At the same time County Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott announced his operatives had abandoned the theory Cimini was killed as the aftermath of an attempted hold-up, and were concentrating their investigation in the case on an effort to “find the woman.”
Statements of witnesses to the fatal shooting, the prosecutor added, made no mention of a hold-up, but contained the declaration that Cimini had been shot as a result of a feud with Charles “Chick” Hunt, former South Camden pugilist, concerning the affection of “Chick’s girl.”
Police Claim Holdup
On the other hand, Captain John Golden, chief of the city detective bureau, declared he was unable to recall any mention of a girl in the statements obtained from witnesses, and added emphatically that his department still held the shooting had followed an attempted holdup of the club by Cimini and Joseph ‘Mose’ Flannery.
Flannery and Hunt were both witnesses to the shooting by Deven, picturesque figure in Third Ward politics, which occurred at the Sixth Ward Club’s headquarters, 908 Broadway.
After Deven had appeared in Police Court today, Flannery was arraigned as a material witness and as an accessory to the crime, with an additional charge accusing him of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Similar charges were made against Russell Sage, a taxicab driver, who arrived at the club with Flannery and Cimini early Saturday morning. These two were committed to the county jail without any bail by Judge Bernard Bertman.
Hunt, however, was released under $1,000 bail as was Martin O’Brien, 27 years old, a former New Jersey State Trooper, and Harry Waterhouse, 28 years old, 1102 Marion street.
Three Others Arrested
During the day the police continued to build up their case against Flannery by arraigning him on the charges made by Milton Feinstein and Henry Mehrer. They also arrested Joseph Genther, 29 years old, 414 Atlantic Avenue; Robert Wolfe, 21 years old, 1106 Mechanic Street, and Eli Conaghy, 27 years old, 814 South 6th Street. Wolfe, who is Flannery’s brother-in-law, and Genther were held “on suspicion” of having been with “Mose” at the time the latter is declared to have attacked and attempted to rob Mehrer, an Audubon policeman, outside the Ringside Inn, on the Black Horse Pike.
Conaghy, Flannery and Sage were arraigned and held without bail on charges of threatening to kill Feinstein and of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Feinstein declares these three with Cimini, the slain man, entered his cafe on January 2 and attempted to hold him up, threatening to kill him if he refused to “come across.” When he defied them by telling them to “go ahead and shoot,” Feinstein says, they departed.
Wolfe, Genther, and Conaghy were arrested by City Detectives George Ward and Thomas Cheeseman. It was Cheeseman who lodged the formal complaint of murder against Deven.
Two Others Released
Two other men who were questioned in connection with the murder case were in court this morning but neither was held. They are Newton Blanchard, 923 St. John Street, a former boxing referee and alleged “stick man” at the crap game declared to have been in progress at the club before the shooting, and Michael Dandrea, 26 years old, of 1657 Norris Street. Both men had been released after questioning on Saturday. Police say they are the men who told police that trouble was imminent at the club and that “Flannery and another fellow are trying to stick up a bunch of other fellows.”
The city police hold-up theory was further attacked today by Francis J. McCarthy, a Philadelphian, who arrived before noon at the county prosecutor’s office and said he would co-operate with the authorities. He wished to clear the dead man, he said, of the stigma of suspicion that he was slain while engaged in an attempted robbery.
Despite the declaration by two Camden district detectives who were present at the time and who said there was no evidence that gambling was in progress at the club, county detectives disclosed today that statements of the shooting contained the assertion that the men had gathered for a crap game.
These witnesses also declared the fatal shooting resulted from an argument over a woman for whose attention Cimini and Hunt were rivals.
In circles where the leading figures in the shooting move, it was freely predicted things would be fixed up for Deven and that Flannery, political worker and supposed gangster, was to be “made the goat.”
Gamble Over Affections
Like actors in a carefully-rehearsed drama, the various witnesses to the shooting made their statements nearly twelve hours after the shooting and, both city and county detectives say, they agreed in all important aspects. Prosecutor Wescott declared, however, that no mention of an attempted hold-up was made despite the fact that City Detectives Clarence Arthur and Clarence Bunker—before whose eyes Cimini was shot down—stated Flannery and Cimini were holding the other men at bay when the detectives entered the room.
Instead, the statements of the witnesses described the scene as a dramatic gamble, with death as the stake, over the affections of a woman beloved by both Cimini and Hunt. This woman, who is married and estranged from her husband, is being sought today, Prosecutor Wescott said. According to detectives, Hunt was severely beaten last Wednesday night in a downtown gambling place by members of Cimini’s gang. Cimini, known also as Joseph Gannon, was a brother of William Cimini, a pugilist known in the ring as Billy Gannon.
The stories told by the witnesses place Hunt as one of the players in the crap game which was in progress at the club on Saturday morning. Deven was at the window, looking out, according to the witnesses, when he saw a taxicab draw up in front of the building. Flannery, Cimini and Sage descended and entered the club, it was declared.
“Here comes Mose, Chick, with that guy what’s gunnin’ for you” Deven is declared to have shouted.
A dozen gamesters fled from the room. “Chick” and a few of his friends held their ground and were waiting when the trio entered. Cimini, it is stated, walked over to Hunt.
“I told you,” he said with a sneer, “to stay away from that dame. She’s my girl. You were warned and now you gotta take your medicine.”
Hunt said nothing.
Flannery drew from his pockets two automatics and flung them on the green-topped table, the stories go.
“C’mon, Chick,” he said. “Don’t be yella. He toldja about the broad and he toldja what he’d do. Take your gun and shoot it out.”
“Chick” demurred.
“I don’t want none of that stuff, Mose,” he pleaded. He eyed Cimini carefully as the latter held one hand on the butt of a pistol which protruded from his belt.
Further, Flannery has made many bitter enemies through his political activities. In the last election he worked as a Democrat against “Mikey” Brown in the Eighth Ward. His overbearing tactics and bravado among the other downtown characters has increased the feeling against him, it is said.
Thus far, he has succeeded in keeping out of the toils for any length of time. His police record includes arrests for rum-running, carrying concealed weapons, alleged ballot frauds and attempted murder. His most recent arrest came in Philadelphia when he figured in a pistol battle in which a man was slain.
Love Plot Fades as Motive Behind Clubhouse Killing
Camden Evening Courier —
Mrs. Katherine Rosalie Denies She Is “Chick’s Girl” or “Anybody’s Girl,” But Thinks Flannery and Cimini May Have Used Her as Excuse For Starting Fatal Fight
The suspected “love motive” in the Sixth Ward Republican Club slaying broke down today under the glaring light of investigation. It was the second time within two days that the investigation behind the killing of Joseph Cimini, otherwise Joseph Gannon, had been seemingly explained only to have the explanation rejected.
First, Camden city detectives had affirmed their belief that the fatal shooting was the aftermath of a hold-up attempt by Joseph “Mose” Flannery and Cimini. This theory went by the boards when the statements of witnesses, taken by Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott, disclosed no hint that any such hold-up had been attempted.
Then came the confident introduction by authorities of the “love motive.” Charles “Chick” Hunt, former South Camden pugilist and one of those present at the time of the slaying. Mr. Hunt argued with Cimini over a girl the detectives hinted, and this had precipitated the battle.
Woman Reverses Story
But today, from the Cupid’s bow lips of pretty Katherine Rosalie there issued a statement which wrecked the suspected love triangle in the case, so prominently put forward yesterday as “the real solution.”
“I never knew this Cimini,” declared Mrs. Rosalie.
“I’m not Chick Hunt’s girl” added the 22-year-old brunette who, up until that moment, had been called “Chick’s sweetie” by investigators.
“I’m not anybody’s girl,” she asserted positively, her dark eyes flashing in a manner that proved to interviewers she certainly would encounter no difficulty in attaining the status she so decisively denied.
It was yesterday, shortly after Joseph Deven had been committed to jail without bail on a murder charge, that Rosalie went to the County Courthouse and told her story to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow.
Search for Husband
Immediately thereafter, County Solicitor Walter Keown, attorney for Deven, Hunt and two of the other witnesses who are ranged on the side of “Polack Joe” in the case, declared his belief “the shooting came as a result of a plot between Cimini and Rosalie, because Rosalie was jealous of Hunt.”
Accepting this version, Varbalow announced that a search would be made for John Rosalie, husband of the young woman who was called “Chick’s girl.” The inferential theory, according to Varbalow, was that Cimini was a friend of Rosalie, and that he had taken up his friend’s cause by calling Hunt to “shoot it out.” A melee had ensued, according to this theory, in which Deven had taken Hunt’s side. Then, to continue this line of deduction, Cimini had struck Deven with the butt of a gun and Deven had fired another gun, killing Cimini.
Some of this may have been true, according to Mrs. Rosalie’s assertion. But she does not believe that her husband’s jealousy, linked to his possible acquaintance with Cimini, was the real cause of the shooting. She has heard, she says, that Flannery and Cimini used a previous argument with her husband as “an excuse” to precipitate the argument which resulted in Cimini’s death. But she believes that it was only an excuse.
Denies Knowing Pair
Thus the picture changes and, according to the latest theory, Flannery and Cimini entered the Sixth Ward Republican Club on Saturday and picked a fight with Hunt—ostensibly because of the latter’s acquaintance with Mrs. Rosalie, but actually because of previous ill-feeling between “Mose” and “Chick.”
“I did not know either Flannery or Cimini,” Mrs. Rosalie told the Evening Courier in an exclusive interview today, “In fact, I have never seen either of them and did not know who they were. It’s true that my husband and my brother-in-law had an argument with Chick Hunt. I have known Hunt for only a short time. Since meeting him I have regarded him as a personal friend, but I certainly do not like the imputation that I’m ‘Chick’s girl.’ I am not anybody’s girl.”
“When I read in the newspapers that they were looking for Chick Hunt’s girl, however, I remembered the argument my husband and my brother-in-law had with Hunt. I did not see how this could have any bearing on the shooting, but I decided to go to the prosecutor’s office and tell them what I knew in the event that it might be some help to them.”
Heard of Old Feud
“I have read that, when Cimini and Flannery went into the club on Saturday morning, they started the trouble by claiming that Chick was crossing up a friend of theirs. I have heard it said they started the argument by recalling an argument between Chick and my husband.”
“If they did this, it was without foundation, as far as I know. I believe that, if this is what they did, they were merely using the argument between my husband and Chick as an excuse to get into a new argument with Hunt. In fact, I have heard that there had been ill feeling between Flannery and Chick long before I ever met Hunt.”
Varbalow said Mrs. Rosalie, who lives at 311 Cooper Street, told him of the jealousy which her husband bore toward Hunt. She and her husband have been estranged for eight months, Varbalow says she told him. For a little more than two months, she has known Hunt. Some weeks ago, she underwent a blood transfusion operation and, when her husband came to the hospital to visit her, he found Hunt there. Later, Rosalie and Howard Churchill, his brother-in-law, set upon Hunt outside Mrs. Rosalie’s former apartment at 500 Broadway and beat him, according to the statement Varbalow says the girl made to him.
Battle Echo of Murder at Club
Camden Evening Courier —
Mrs. Rosalie and Her Rival for ‘Chick’ Hunt Describe Event in Court
Swap Punches In Street
Pretty, piquant Katherine Rosalie—for love of whom men are declared to have fought to the death in the rooms of the Sixth Ward Republican Club—today waged her own fight against her self-avowed rival for the attentions of Charles “Chick” Hunt.
In Camden Police Court this morning, Mrs. Rosalie appeared as complainant against Miss Elsie Berendt, 1901 Broadway, who, by her own assertion, was “Chick’s girl” until Katherine came along.
The court battle, moreover, was merely an aftermath to a hand-to-hand encounter which both declared to have taken place yesterday at the corner of Fourth and Arch Streets. Today’s chapter of the comedy-drama was ended when Judge Bernard Bertman sent both young women home, after chiding Miss Berendt for being “too nervy” and “talking too much.” Miss Berendt was kept in custody by Judge Bertman for about five minutes and then dismissed. Meanwhile Mrs. Rosalie had departed in triumphant possession of Mr. Hunt’s company.
Mrs. Rosalie, 22-year-old brunette, entered the official investigation of the slaying of Joseph Cimini, at the Sixth Ward Republican Club, after county detectives advanced the theory that the fight which resulted in the final shooting had been caused by an argument over “Chick’s girl.” Hunt, a former South Camden pugilist, was in the club at the time of the shooting. According to detectives, the fight had started between Joseph “Mose” Flannery and Hunt; Cimini had entered the argument on behalf of Flannery, and Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven had shot Cimini when the latter struck him with the butt of a revolver.
Both Waiting For Hunt
Mrs. Rosalie, after recounting her story of her friendship with Hunt to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow, denied she was “Chick’s girl,” or “anybody’s girl.” But, apparently, Elsie didn’t look at it that way.
According to the testimony of the two young women and of Hunt, in Police Court today, the encounter between the girls took place late yesterday afternoon. Katherine said she was waiting for Hunt at Fourth and Arch Street. Elsie said she was waiting for Hunt at Fourth and Federal Street, a short block distant.
“Chick” arrived, it was testified, and Elsie met him first. She asked the whereabouts of Katherine. Then she saw Katherine and went there. She accused Katherine of having called her a “bum” and of using other uncomplimentary terminology. Katherine promptly denied it.
What happened then depends on whether Katherine’s story or Elsie’s is correct. Katherine said Elsie hit her. Elsie says Katherine hit her. Hunt apparently acted as peacemaker for the nonce and the match wound up in Police Court today.
Girl’s Story Is Denied
There, Elsie earned the disapproval of Judge Bertman by declaring, in great detail and in determined tones, that she had lived with Hunt for seven years as his wife; that she had gone to work as a waitress, and supported him and that he had deserted her several weeks ago when Katherine appeared on the scene.
“Chick” denied all this, declaring he lived at 1213 Broadway and not with Miss Berendt. It was then Elsie received the Court’s opprobrium for “talking too much” and evidencing “too much nerve.” And that was about all there was to it.
Meanwhile, it became increasingly evident that it was a tangled case which Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott is to present to the Camden County grand jury in connection with the slaying of Cimini, otherwise “Joe Gannon” last Saturday morning.
“Polack Joe” Deven, held on a charge of murder, has admitted firing the shot that killed Cimini before the eyes of two Camden district detectives and nearly a score of other men.
Motive A Mystery
But just how it happened or why, or what led to the argument that seems to have preceded the shooting remained today as much of a mystery as though Cimini had been slain in some lonely DeRussey’s lane instead of in a crowded clubroom.
The investigation so far has focused definitely around the figures of Hunt and Flannery, the latter a storm-center of Eighth Ward politics and police records.
From the tangled web of evidence which county detectives have gathered, it appears only that the argument which resulted in the shooting of Cimini by Deven was caused by ill-feeling between Flannery and Hunt. Whether that ill-feeling had to do with the fading love motive that county detectives so confidently built up until yesterday, whether it was over the crap game supposed to have been in progress at the club, or whether it had a political tinge, is part of the mystery.
Clings to Love Motive
County detectives still cling to a somewhat obscure “love motive,” though it is admitted that they’re not getting very far with it.
The latest development along this line is the arrival in the prosecutor’s office, late yesterday, of John Rosalie, estranged husband of the attractive young woman, who denied that he knew either Flannery or Cimini and stated that he knew nothing whatever concerning the latter’s death.
Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow, after hearing Mrs. Rosalie’s statement the day before, had announced yesterday that the authorities were “looking for Rosalie.” Mrs. Rosalie had told of the apparent jealousy of her husband—a jealousy which she insists is unfounded—concerning Hunt. She had told how Rosalie and his brother-in-law, Howard Churchill, had set upon Hunt one day at her apartment and had beaten him. She said that she believed her husband might have been acquainted with Cimini.
The theory formed by detectives after that, was that Cimini had gone to the Sixth Ward Republican Club early last Saturday for the purpose of “getting” Hunt because of his, Cimini’s friendship for Rosalie.
Theories Break Down
This was the theory that seemingly broke down when Rosalie appeared and declared he didn’t know either Cimini or Flannery. It apparently broke down just as had a former theory, to the effect that Cimini and Hunt had been rivals for the affections of Mrs. Rosalie, for the latter also declares she knew neither Cimini nor Flannery.
It broke down just as had the city detectives’ theory that it all happened because of an attempted hold-up by Flannery and Cimini, for none of the witnesses mention a hold-up affair in their statements to Wescott. Flannery has made no statement, though apparently he holds the key to the story. His reply to all inquiries is “See my lawyer.” And no one knows who his lawyer may be.
Katherine Rosalie and Elsie Berendt
1928
Katherine Rosalie and Elsie Berendt
Grand Jury Will Consider Slaying After Probe Ends
Camden Evening Courier —
Investigation in the slaying of Joseph Cimini in the Sixth Ward Republican Club Saturday is “far from completed,” Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow announced today.
Although the Camden County grand jury went into session this afternoon, he added, the case will not be presented to that body today.
“We wish to present a complete case to the grand jury,” Varbalow said. “Obviously, we are unable to do that at the present time. There are many ramifications. All we have to present is the declaration of Joseph Deven that he killed Cimini and he did so in self-defense. We are investigating other ramifications and are looking for John Rosalie, husband of the young woman who came to us yesterday and told us of a quarrel between her husband and Charles Hunt, one of the witnesses to the shooting.”
Statements made to Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott by witnesses have not yet been transcribed by the court stenographer, it was also stated. Joseph “Mose” Flannery, held as a material witness and as an accessory before the crime, has made no statement.
‘Mose’ Flannery Released On Bail
Camden Evening Courier —
Shay Signs Order After $5000 Bond is Posted in 6th Ward Fuss
Joseph ‘Mose’ Flannery, declared by detectives to have precipitated the battle in the Sixth Ward Republican Club which resulted in the slaying of Joseph Cimini last Saturday, was released from the Camden county jail this afternoon under $5,000 bail.
Samuel Orlando, attorney for Flannery, walked into Camden Criminal Court with an order for Flannery’s release, which was immediately signed by Judge Samuel M. Shay. Bond was furnished by Flannery’s brother, James, who lives at 1123 Princess Avenue.
Flannery has been accused as an accessory to the murder of Cimini by Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven and also as a material witness. He was also charged with carrying concealed deadly weapons and with attempted hold-up and with assault and battery with intent to kill, the latter accusations coming in connection with two other cases. The bail bond signed by Judge Shay covers all the charges.
Alone among those who were taken into custody for the fatal shooting last Saturday morning, Flannery had refused to make any statement to detectives. His reply to all questions has been “See my attorney Sam Orlando.” Until today, however, it was not definitely known if Orlando had been retained to represent Flannery.
Arrested with Flannery and accused on the same charges, Russell Sage, taxicab driver, remains in jail as does Deven, the latter being held on a murder charge. Other material witnesses to the shooting are out on bail of $1,000 each.
The order for bail for Flannery, it was learned, was obtained from Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott by the accused man’s brother. After his client’s release, Orlando said he had “no comment to make on the case at the present time.”
Flannery Promises to Explain Slaying
Camden Evening Courier —
Statement Will Set Forth Facts of G.O.P. Club Murder, Attorney Says
With Joseph “Mose” Flannery at liberty under $3000 bail, a statement setting forth his part in the Sixth Ward Republican Club affray which resulted in the slaying of Joseph Cimini last Saturday was promised today by his attorney, Samuel Orlando.
Orlando said he had not discussed the case fully with Flannery, but expected to do so today. Flannery had made no statement to county detectives or to County Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott, although he is generally regarded as holding the key to certain mysterious circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Meanwhile, the text of statements made by other witnesses to the slaying were still being awaited at the Camden courthouse. Copies of these statements were promised to newspapermen early this week and on each day since. Today, however, it was declared by William McDonald, court stenographer, that transcription of the statements had “little more than begun.”
Release of Flannery and of Russell Sage, another witness to the shooting, leaves only Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven in jail. He is awaiting grand jury action on a charge of murdering Cimini, otherwise Joe Gannon. He has admitted the shooting, according to Prosecutor Wescott, but claims that he fired in self defense after Cimini struck him with the butt of a revolver.
Flannery, in addition to being held as a material witness, was charged with being an accessory to the crime, carrying concealed deadly weapons, attempted robbery, threats to kill and assault and battery. The three latter accusations were made in connection with other cases in which County Detective Howard Smith brought in an Audubon policeman and a Kaighn Avenue cafe proprietor who identified Flannery as the man who had attempted to hold them up.
Sage was similarly accused. Statements from witnesses of the Sixth Ward Republican Club slaying are said to agree that Sage, a taxicab driver, accompanied Flannery and Cimini to the clubhouse on the morning of the fatal shooting. Bail for Sage was set at $2,000 and was furnished by John Adam Schlorer, a Camden meat packer.
Flannery’s $5,000 bail bond was furnished by his brother, James, who lives at 1123 Princess Avenue. Other material witnesses, including Charles “Chick” Hunt, who is declared by detectives to have been the intended victim of Flannery and Cimini when they entered the clubhouse, were at liberty under bail of $1,000 each.
Prosecutor Wescott fixed the bail bonds yesterday afternoon after Orlando had made application. Judge Samuel M. Shay signed the orders for bail and the two prisoners were immediately released.
“The $5000 bond was set because of the charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons,” Wescott said later. “There exists no right to hold a material witness without bail, nor does sufficient evidence exist against Flannery in connection with this case to warrant refusing him bail. So far as Sage is concerned, he plays a very minor part in the case.”
Sixth Ward G.O.P. Club Installs New Officers
Camden Evening Courier —
The newly-elected officers of the Sixth Ward Women’s Republican Club, 908 Broadway, were installed last night. The installation was conducted by Mrs. Anna Moffett, county committeewoman of Gloucester.
Those installed were Mary S. Hartung, president; Mrs. Jennie F. Sayrs, first vice president; Mrs. Theodosia Conaghy, second vice president; Mrs. Irma Becker, recording secretary; Mrs. Elizabeth Batesta, financial secretary; Mrs. Louis C. Doyle, treasurer, and Mrs. Edith Keys, chairman of the entertainment committee.
Mrs. Elizabeth Verga, vice chairman of the Camden County Republican committee, gave a short talk. Gertrude McDermott, of Gloucester, gave several vocal selections. Members of the First, Second and Third Ward Clubs of Gloucester were guests.
‘Chick Hunt’s Girl’ Gone
Camden Courier-Post —
Husband Dismissed When Brunette of Sixth Ward Shooting Fails To Appear in Court
Back into the notice of Camden’s Police Court, but not into its courtroom, Katherine Rosalie came today.
The attractive 23-year-old brunette who was known as “Chick Hunt’s girl” during the investigation of the Sixth Ward Republican Club shooting affray a fortnight ago, was to have appeared before Judge Bernard Bertman today to press charges against her husband, John Rosalie, 30 years old, of 1956 South Sixth street.
On January 10, it was made known, Mrs. Rosalie swore out a warrant charging her husband with threatening to kill her. Rosalie was arrested Monday night by Patrolman John Hollowell and the case scheduled for a hearing yesterday. Katherine didn’t appear and the case was postponed until today.
Today when the case was called Katherine was again absent from the courtroom and Judge Bertman sent Motorcycle Patrolman Heber McCord to the apartment house at 311 Cooper Street where the young woman formerly had lived. The officer returned with the information that Katherine had moved, no one at the apartment house knew where. Accordingly Judge Bertman dismissed the complaint against Rosalie.
Polack Joe Out on Bail Despite Murder Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Slayer in 6th Ward G.O.P. Club Fracas Released From Jail by Varbalow
JUDGE SHAY, WESCOTT NOT CONSULTED IN MOVE
Findings of Grand Jury Will Not be Returned Until Tomorrow
Although still technically charged with murder, Joseph (“Polack Joe”) Devon was released from the Camden county jail last Thursday under $2,500 bail, it was learned today.
It is generally known around the Camden courthouse that Devon has been indicted for manslaughter, but the grand jury will not make its presentment in the case to Judge Samuel M. Shay until tomorrow afternoon. “It seems very unusual,” Judge Shay commented today when information reached him that Devon had been released on bail. “The court usually leaves these matters to the prosecutor, who is thus authorized to fix bail. Otherwise, the court would be constantly interrupted by bail applications.”
Murder Unbailable
“As a rule, murder is an unbailable charge. The fact that it was reported that the grand jury had indicted Devon for manslaughter can have no bearing on the point. I cannot see how the prosecutor or whoever fixed bail could have known what the grand jury’s presentment was to be when that presentment will not be made until tomorrow. The grand jury can reconsider and change its indictment at any time before making that presentment.”
Explanation of the unusual action came today from Walter Keown, county solicitor and attorney for Devon, and from Joseph Varbalow, assistant prosecutor. It was Varbalow who fixed bail. Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott stated that he knew nothing of the action until he heard of it from newspaper men today.
Shot in Argument
Devon was arrested on January 14 and charged with the murder of Joseph Cimini, known also as Joe Gannon, of 1301 Ellsworth street, Philadelphia. The fatal shooting took place at the Sixth Ward Republican Club, 908 Broadway, where a crap game is reported to have been in progress.
Devon, a Republican organization political worker, declares that he shot Cimini when the latter attacked him with the butt of a revolver. According to witnesses who made statements to detectives, the shooting occurred after an argument which Cimini and Mose Flannery, another political worker, are declared to have started with Charles “Chick” Hunt, former pugilist and one of those who was in the club at the time of the slaying.
Read Newspaper Report
“I read in the paper that the grand jury was reported to have indicted Devon for manslaughter,” Keown said. “I knew that manslaughter was a bailable charge. I went to Mr. Varbalow and he fixed bail, as he also had read of the reported manslaughter indictment.”
Varbalow corroborated this statement. Bail for Devon was furnished in cash by James Lewis of 60[?] Kaighn avenue and accepted by Sheriff Walter T. Gross on the order signed by Varbalow. Warden Ed Powell said today he had been occupied at the county workhouse at Lakeland and did not know of Devon’s release under bail until today.
It was last Tuesday that witnesses in the case went before the grand jury and it was last Wednesday that the Evening Courier published the widely-circulated report that the grand jury had found an indictment for manslaughter, which Keown and Varbalow say was the reason for the granting of bail.
Katzenbach May Probe Release of ‘Polack Joe’
Camden Courier-Post —
Supreme Court Justice Will ‘Inquire Into’ Granting Bail to Devon on Murder Charge, Week Before Expected Grand Jury Action
An investigation into the release on bail of Joseph (“Polack Joe”) Devon a full week before the Camden county grand jury was scheduled to present its expected indictment for manslaughter and while the accused slayer of Joseph Cimini was still formally charged with murder, was imminent today.
Supreme Court Justice Frank S. Katzenbach, at his office in Trenton, stated this morning that he would “inquire into the circumstances of the case” when he comes to Camden next week to open the current term of court here.
At the same time Common Pleas Judge Samuel M. Shay revealed how it was possible for Devon to have been released on bail while still formally charged with murder, through the acquiescence of Joseph Varbalow, acting assistant prosecutor. Varbalow’s action, it was also pointed out, may be illegal. Attorneys recalled that only a Supreme Court justice can grant an application for bail to a defendant charged with murder. Instances in which a person accused of murder has been released on bail are few, the records show, and “in every case the bail warrant has been signed by a Supreme Court justice.” This was the procedure, for example, in the release on bail of Mrs. Frances Stevens Hall shortly after her arrest in the famous Hall-Mills murder trial.
In the case of Devon, however, no Supreme Court justice was notified.
Further than this, Judge Shay, whose signature appears on the bail warrant, was not consulted.
Devon was held without bail on a murder charge after the fatal shooting of Cimini at the Sixth Ward Republican Club last January. On March 27 the case was presented to the grand jury with appearance of witnesses to the shooting before that body. The following day the report was widely circulated around the Camden Court House that Devon had been indicted for manslaughter.
Apparently this report, “unofficial” in character, was the only basis for release of Devon on bail. The grand jury will not make its presentment until this afternoon. If the manslaughter indictment has been found, it will thus not be formally recorded until this afternoon. But on Thursday last, while he was still technically held for murder, Devon was freed under $2,500 bail.
“All bail warrants must be signed by the judge,” it was explained today by Judge Shay, who did not learn of Devon’s release until yesterday, although his name appears on the bail warrant. “For some time, however, the custom has been in this county and I believe in others as well for the judge to sign a number of these bail warrants in blank and turn them over to the prosecutor’s office. This is done because of the trust placed in the prosecutor’s office by the court, and in order that the judge may not be interrupted during court sessions or at his home with applications for bail.”
“Of course, if the judge finds that this trust is misplaced, it will be necessary for him to take over these matters himself and consider applications for bail individually instead of leaving it to the prosecutor’s office.”
Acting Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott said yesterday that he had known nothing of Devon’s release on bail. The agreement for the acceptance of bail was made, it was learned, between Varbalow and Walter Keown, county solicitor and attorney for Devon.
“We could not refuse to fix bail after Devon had been indicted for a bailable offense,” Varbalow stated in explanation, although admitted that the only definite basis for his belief that the offense charged against Devon was bailable was an unofficial report that a manslaughter indictment had been found.
Varbalow definitely stated today that the indictment found against Devon was one of manslaughter and would be so reported this afternoon by the grand jury.
“The indictment for manslaughter was found by the grand jury last Tuesday,” he declared. “The clerk of the grand jury so informed me and a record to that effect was made on our books. That is how it came about that Devon was allowed to go free on bail. Yes, it is true that the grand jury proceedings are secret so far as the public is concerned, but we make a record of indictments on our books, which are not open to the public.”
“The situation is unusual,” Judge Shay added today. “The grand jury will make its presentment to me this afternoon and, of course, its findings will become known officially only at that time. Of course also, the grand jury can alter any indictment at any time up until the moment that it makes a presentment.”
“Suppose that a defendant was charged with murder and the grand jury, on first consideration, should have had an indictment for manslaughter. Then, let us say, a new witness appeared while the grand jury was still in session and gave evidence which convinced the grand jurors that the indictment should have charged murder. All the grand jury would have to do would be to recall its previous action and bring in a murder indictment. If in the meantime the defendant had been released on bail, it would even be possible for him to escape.”
Sixty-Nine Indicted by Grand Jurors in Final Presentment
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Polack Joe’ Deven Charged With Manslaughter in G.O.P. Club Slaying — ‘Mose Flannery’ Named
Sixty-nine indictments, that of Joseph “Polack Joe” Devon for manslaughter, were in charge of Judge Samuel M. Shay and presented to the court yesterday by the Camden county grand jury for December.
Devon was indicted in the death of Joseph Cimini, also known as Gannon, 31 years old, 1301 Ellsworth street, Philadelphia. Cimini was killed in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, 908 Broadway, on January 14. Devon was released under $2,500 bail.
The grand jurors will be dismissed next Tuesday, when the April grand jury is sworn in.
Another manslaughter indictment presented yesterday is that against George Fein, Waterford, as a result of an automobile accident on White Horse pike at Waterford, on July 10. Fein’s automobile ran and killed Anthony Dentino, of Waterford.
Joseph “Mose” Flannery, Eighth ward political worker, faces three indictments. He is charged with assault with intent to kill and atrocious assault and battery, carrying weapons unlawfully and attempted murder on December 27.
Gypsies Named
Flannery also is at liberty on bail as a material witness to the fatal shooting of Cimini by “Polack Joe” Devon.
Three gypsies, members of a band which was reported to have hypnotized Black Horse and White Horse pike residents out of money last November, were indicted for larceny and receiving stolen goods. They are Frances Gee, 1150 South Tenth street, Philadelphia, on complaint of Albert Bennett, 173 Potter street, Haddonfield; Mary Doe, Philadelphia, on complaint of Patrick Mulvihill, 12[?] White Horse pike, Oaklyn; and Mary Stevenson, Philadelphia, on complaint of Thomas P. Wilson, Blenheim.
George Zimmerman, 22[?] Mechanic street, faces trial on a charge of unlawful possession of explosives. He was arrested February 3 after he and a companion staggered into Cooper Hospital and blamed their injuries on the “phantom sniper.” It was later discovered by detectives that the men had been preparing nitroglycerin which exploded.
‘Polack Joe’ Enters Plea of Not Guilty
Camden Courier-Post —
Arraigned in Court as Echo of Fatal Shooting in G.O.P. Club
Joseph “Polack Joe” Devon, sometimes political worker, who shot and killed Joseph Cimini, of Philadelphia, in the Sixth Ward Republican Club three months ago, today entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of manslaughter in connection with the slaying.
Devon, who was arrested for the murder after the shooting, was indicted for manslaughter by the Camden county grand jury and released under $2,500 bail by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow a week before the grand jury made its report.
The accused man entered his plea in person today before Judge Samuel M. Shay. He was represented by William King, an associate of Walter Keown in the latter’s law office. Assistant Prosecutor C. Lawrence Gregorio appeared for the state and stated afterward that an early trial was expected.
Cimini was shot down on the night of January 21 after a quarrel which is supposed to have taken place during a crap game in the clubrooms at 908 Broadway. The shooting is declared to have occurred after Cimini had threatened to kill Charles “Chick” Hunt, a former pugilist.
Action Delayed in Gang Shooting
Camden Courier-Post —
Shooting Witness
MRS. ROSE GIBBS
Who is held as material witness in shooting of Joseph Connors Sunday night near Broadway and Kaighn avenue.
Indictment of Doris in Flannery Murder Revealed After Arrest
Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese was prepared last night to go to the bottom of all charges against John Doris, brother of an executed Philadelphia bandit murderer, in an effort to determine whether to press for his immediate trial on indictments accusing him of the killing of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, or to seek other indictments first on charges of shooting Joseph Connors, at 6 a. m. Sunday.
The condition of Connors, a reputed Gloucester racketeer, remained the same last night in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where doctors said the crisis was not yet passed. He has bullet wounds in the lung, abdomen and the hand, physicians saying it was too soon to predict whether he had a chance for recovery.
Doris Arraigned
Doris was arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast yesterday charged with shooting Connors near Broadway and Kaighn avenue, after a brawl which took them into two resorts and finally ended on the street outside. The judge held him for grand jury action on that charge, and was about to close the case when City Detective J. Wesley McGrath took the stand and revealed that Doris was wanted in the mysterious murder of “Mose” Flannery, Camden racketeer, seven months ago at Front street and Kaighn avenue. Pancoast promptly denied him bail.
Records at the prosecutor’s office disclosed Doris was indicted secretly by the grand jury two days after the killing of Flannery, September 20, 1928. The indictment was kept secret when it was learned Doris had disappeared and Judge Shay automatically ordered the indictment impounded against a fugitive.
Palese Studies Case
The Flannery case was placed before the grand jury by former Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who left his notes with the indictment in the office when he relinquished his post to Palese.
“I will study the case tomorrow,” Palese said last night. “Until I do, and can learn the strength of the old case against Doris in the Flannery murder, I can’t say which charge I might take before a jury, provided, of course, that we can get an indictment in the Connors case against the youth.”
Connors, who is 28, lives at 135 North Broadway, Gloucester. He has been arrested twice, once in Gloucester for disorderly conduct in 1924, and later on a grand larceny charge, on which he was acquitted.
Doris is a brother of the late Frankie Doris, who with three other youths went to the electric chair for the murder of a policeman in the famous Olney Bank robbery in Philadelphia. The man held here was tried and acquitted of another murder charge in Philadelphia, at which time the trial judge predicted that he, too, would die in the chair.
A detainer warrant asking that Doris be held for the Philadelphia police was received by Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, in the afternoon. According to the detainer, Doris is wanted in “the State of Pennsylvania” on charges of being a fugitive from justice; carrying concealed deadly weapons, and attempting to kill. No amplification of the charges is made in the warrant which was turned over to Warden Edward Powell of the county jail.
Doris pleaded not guilty to charges of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, before he was held for the grand jury.
A few minutes before Doris was arraigned yesterday, Mrs. Rose Gibbs, 18, of 411 Henry street, was arraigned as a material witness in the shooting. She repeated the story that she told detectives, in which she said Connors accused Doris of stealing her pocketbook, and an argument ensued. She was held in $500 bail as a material witness.
It was revealed that 12 men were arraigned before Judge Pancoast at a special hearing on Sunday and held as material witnesses in the shooting. Included among these were Connors’ brother and Russell Sage, who was also held as a material witness in two other Camden gang shootings, one of which was the Flannery case.
Mrs. Gibbs declared that she, Connors and Eli Conaghy, 28, of 814 South Sixth st., were at a party in the 2200 block on Broadway, and went to the Nonpareil Club, Second street and Kaighn avenue. There they met Doris and Sage. Mrs. Gibbs said she suddenly missed her pocketbook, which contained $4, and she told Connors, who accused Doris of taking it. An altercation between the two men started, and all five left the club. Mrs. Gibbs said she parted from the men outside. The men went into a restaurant, came out later, and the shooting followed.
Doris has a long criminal record, though but two minor convictions rest against him. Police dockets show him arrested as follows: January 7, 1925, arrested tried and acquitted in the murder of Joseph Rika, Philadelphia; December 12, 1925, arrested for larceny of automobile, dismissed; August 23, 1926, arrested for gambling, fined $13.50; September 11, 1926, gambling on the highway, dismissed; January 9, 1927, arrested as suspicious character, dismissed; April 9, 1927, arrested for disorderly conduct, sentenced to ten days; February 26, 1928, arrested for carrying concealed deadly weapon, and aggravated assault and battery, and was found not guilty; February 26, 1929, arrested and found not guilty of assault and battery and carrying a weapon.
Connors was arrested but twice, as far as police can learn. Once he was arrested in Gloucester on a disorderly conduct charge, while in 1924, he was tried on a charge of grand larceny, and was acquitted.
Sage was held as a material witness in the fatal shooting of Joseph Gannon, Philadelphia, in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, for which Joseph “Polack Joe” Devon received a state prison sentence, and in the murder of Flannery. He was arrested June 3, 1919, on a charge of larceny of a car on complaint of Margaret Chapman, 410 Federal street.
Lewis H. Stehr, Chief of Police, Dies Suddenly
Camden Morning Post —
LEWIS H. STEHR — The Camden chief of police, died in Cooper Hospital yesterday of heart disease. He had been at the hospital since December 1. He had headed the department since July 1, 1928.
Head of Camden Force Succumbs to Heart Disease in Cooper Hospital
CITY FLAGS ORDERED AT HALF-STAFF FOR MONTH
Body to Lie in State Friday Night; Final Rites at 2 P. M. Saturday
Funeral rites for Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr, who died suddenly at 11.30 a. m. yesterday in Cooper Hospital, will be conducted at 2 p. m. on Saturday.
The body will lie in state between 7 and 10 p. m. on Friday at Schroeder chapel, Broadway and Royden streets, where the funeral services will be conducted. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
The Camden police official, who lived at 621 Chestnut street, had been in the hospital since December 1, suffering from heart and kidney trouble. He suffered an earlier heart attack last April.
Chief Stehr’s death was unexpected, although his condition had been considered grave. He had just asked a nurse what time it was and collapsed as she answered. The nurse, alarmed, summoned a physician, who pronounced him dead.
Chief Stehr, the son of the late Lewis Stehr, city assessor, was 58, and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Anna Stehr. They had no children.
Mrs. Stehr had been at the bedside of her husband constantly since he was stricken Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday nurses assured her her husband’s condition was unchanged and she was making Christmas purchases at Chief Stehr’s request when he died.
Won Several Promotions
The chief was born in the Fifth ward and later moved to the Sixth ward. He was first appointed to the police force as a patrolman on July 1, 1905. His record was one of a steady rise. He was named a sergeant Aug. 1, 1912, and on Feb. 15, 1918, was appointed a captain. He served as commander of the Second District.
On June 23, 1927, Stehr was elevated to the post of police inspector, holding that rank until July 1, 1928, when he was appointed police chief exactly 23 years after he became a policeman. The appointment was made by Dr. David S. Rhone, director of public safety.
“At the present time Major Dickinson will be in charge of the police department until a temporary chief of police is appointed,” Dr. Rhone stated.
Rhone Expresses Sorrow
Dr. Rhone expressed profound regret when he learned of the chief’s death. He said he and Chief Stehr had been personal friends for years. He noticed, he said, that Chief Stehr was failing in health after the heart attack last spring. Recently, the chief appeared to be in such poor health that his physician, Dr. H. S. Riddle, ordered him to a hospital for a rest.
Dr. Rhone stated that he appointed Major Charles V. Dickinson as deputy director of public safety to take over some of the duties attendant to the office of chief of police, in order to relieve Chief Stehr of some of the pressure of his work, so that his health would not further be impaired.
The decedent was an active member of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, and was well liked not only by members of the police force but throughout the city.
Mayor Expresses Sorrow
Mayor Price issued the following statement: “I was very greatly shocked to learn of the death of Chief Stehr. While I understood he was in a serious physical condition, I did not anticipate his death.
“Chief Stehr had devoted practically his entire lifetime to the service of the city, having entered the police department in his early youth, and is entitled to the commendation of his fellow citizens for his efforts in the public service.”
Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, when apprised of the police chief’s death, said: “The news of Chief Stehr’s death was a terrible shock. I feel a personal loss, as we were close friends. I knew him since I was a young boy, and our contacts in the past two years were most pleasant.”
Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin declared: “The suddenness of the death of Chief Stehr comes as a shock to those of his friends who were wishing him well in his illness. His passing naturally causes grief to those whose work brought them into close contact with him.”
City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman said: “The passing of Chief Stehr is a great loss to the community. We were all hoping that Chief Stehr was on the road to recovery and only several days ago when I inquired at the hospital, I learned that his condition was greatly improved. His sudden passing is a terrible shock.” City officials last night ordered all flags lowered to half mast on all police stations for 30 days. Deputy Director Dickinson and Captain Arthur Colsey today will convey to Mrs. Stehr the police department’s official condolence.
Pallbearers Named for Stehr Funeral
Camden Morning Post —
Body Will Lie in State Tonight—Burial Tomorrow Afternoon
Funeral arrangements were completed yesterday for Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr, who died Wednesday in Cooper Hospital following a heart attack.
The body will lie in state tonight between 7 and 10 p. m. at the Schroeder Chapel, Broadway and Royden streets. The funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday at the chapel. Thousands of friends are expected to view the remains.
Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery.
A police escort and a list of honorary pallbearers was compiled yesterday. All police buildings in the city were draped in black and flags over municipal buildings were at half-mast and will remain so for 30 days.
The active pallbearers will be Lieuts. Ralph Bakely and George Ward, Sergts. George Nowry and Frank Truax, Policemen Thomas Cheeseman and Harry Kyler.
Honorary pallbearers are Lieut. Herbert Anderson, Sergt. John Skolski, District Detective Archie Reiss, Policemen John Kowal and Clarence Phifer and Donald Swissler, clerk of the chief’s office.
There will be a guard of honor formed by the members of the mounted squad. A fire truck will convey the flowers to the cemetery.
The police of the city will view the body at 7:30 p. m. tonight at the funeral parlors.
Members of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, of which Chief Stehr was an active member, will assemble at their headquarters at 7 p. m. and march to the funeral parlors. They will be led by John J. Breslin, president of the club.
Rev. Edward Weeks, pastor of the Union M. E. Church, Fifth and Mt. Vernon streets, will conduct the services.
Four Camden Men Are Among Those Who Get Paroles
Camden Courier-Post —
Leslie Orr, ‘Polack Joe’ Deven, Jackie Hindle and Walter Kennedy Freed
Four well-known Camden county men who had been in the state penitentiary at Trenton for at least one year are now at liberty on parole. It was revealed at Trenton yesterday that the State Board of Pardons had granted paroles last week to Leslie W. Orr, Haddonfield real estate broker; Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven, South Camden sportsman; Jackie Hindle, former Camden cop; and Walter Kennedy, formerly a boxer and cafe owner.
The pardons court followed its custom of making no public announcement of the paroles, but admitted upon questioning yesterday that the four local men had been liberated.
Orr, who resided at 112 Avondale avenue, Haddonfield, and had a real estate office in Collingswood, was sentenced May 24, 1932, to two years after he pleaded non vult to 20 allegations that he embezzled a total of $12,000. He had surrendered when a warrant was issued for him on behalf of the widowed mother of seven children. She had charged him with embezzling $1500. Sentence was imposed after Orr had made an abortive effort to make full restitution.
It was Deven’s second parole. He served two years of a five-year “stretch” for manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Joseph Cimini in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, and was paroled in 1930. Less than five months later, he and a companion drove into the yard of an alleged disorderly house at Atco as state troopers were raiding it. Deven, who was driving, attempted to drive away, but troopers stopped the machine. A .38 caliber pistol was found on Deven. He was subsequently sentenced on March 30, 1931, to two and one-half years for carrying the weapon. At that time, it was also believed he would have to serve the remaining three years of his first sentence for violating his parole.
Kennedy was sentenced June 8, 1932, to one year for attempting to rob a bus driver at Sixth and State Streets and also to six months more for carrying a gun.
Hindle and George Schaeffer were each given two and one-half years for breaking into the soft-drink establishment of William Tansky at 1903 South Sixth Street, where a wrist watch was stolen. Sentence was imposed February 2, 1932.
Banquet to Honor John S. M’Taggart
Camden Courier-Post —
Popular Patrolman Will Be Guest at G.O.P. Club in Sixth Ward
To Be Feted
JOHN S. M’TAGGART
A testimonial dinner will be tendered Patrolman John S. McTaggart, well known member of the Camden police force, at 8 p. m. next Friday at the Sixth Ward Republican Club.
Officer McTaggart, who resides at 806 South Sixth street, is particularly popular in the Sixth ward. He has worked there a number of years and distributes a large quantity of food and clothing to the poor throughout the year. His charitable activities have made him innumerable friends. He was a member of the city fire department before becoming a policeman. He was working in William Mills’ butcher shop, at Broadway and Jackson street, in 1910 when he was appointed to the fire department by Monte Bessor, then a city councilman. McTaggart was the youngest man to have ever won appointment to the fire department.
Acting Mayor Frank S. Van Hart transferred McTaggart to the police department in 1922.
Among the invited dinner guests will be former U. S. Senator David Baird, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, the five city commissioners and a large group of Sixth ward Republicans.
The committee in charge of the dinner comprises Michael Durkin, former City Detective Theodore Guthrie, George Chambers, Joseph Leonard, Howard B. Dyer, John Breslin, Miss Mary Hartung and Miss Marie Doyle.
6th Ward Group Backs Leadership of Kobus
Camden Courier-Post —
Support of City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus as “leader of the Republican Party in Camden County” is pledged in a resolution adopted by the Sixth Ward Republican Association, meeting in headquarters of the Camden County Republican Association, 506 Broadway.
Text of the resolution, signed by Elwood A. Fritz, president, and Edgar Brittingham, secretary, follows:
“Whereas Commissioner Mary W. Kobus as a public official and as a Republican has always demanded and upheld the most important and political proclamation, to wit: ‘Only those means and measures shall be adopted which shall presently and ultimately prove and provoke the greatest good to the greatest number,’ and
“Whereas the Sixth Ward Republican Association is desirous of rehabilitating the Republican Party and restoring confidence of the public in the Republican Party;
“Therefore be it resolved that the Sixth Ward Republican Association of the City and County of Camden does hereby pledge its support to the leadership of Mary W. Kobus as leader of the Republican Party of Camden County.”
Officers installed at the meeting were Fritz, Brittingham, Charles Cifriano, first vice-president; John Gritton, second vice president, and Edgar Holmes, treasurer.
Sixth Ward Republican Club Elects Delegates
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Sixth Ward Republican Club has elected City Clerk Varney, Deputy Sheriff Sell, William D. Brown, E. E. Jefferis and John Brothers as delegates to the State League of Republican Clubs.