The Coplein Family of Camden, NJ
The Lives and Times of a Jewish Family in Camden, New Jersey
This is another in a series of pages about some of the Jewish families that lived and thrived in Camden beginning around 1880. So many of these families had multiple members who were notably involved in different aspects of life in the city, and over time I have found that many of these families were related either through marriage or business dealings.
Needless to say these pages are open to participation by the descendants of the families mentioned… as a rule they are inspired by e-mail I’ve received from one or more family members. If you see something in error or feel that something should be added, PLEASE contact me via e-mail so it can be added. Like everything else on this website, and in our lives, it’s a work in progress. I welcome all comments, criticisms, and contributions… pictures are more than welcome.
Phil Cohen, Camden NJ
The Coplein family had established itself in Camden by 1890, Samuel Coplein having come to the United States from Russia in 1888. They were among the first Jewish families to come to Camden. By 1890 Samuel Coplein and his wife Sarah had a store at 626 Kaighn Avenue, then a bustling thoroughfare with many retail stores, restaurants, and taverns. The Copleins were well respected by their neighbors as an industrious and hard-working family. By July of 1893 three children, Henry and twins Meyer and Mamie, had arrived. However, things took a drastic turn on the night of July 27, 1893.
Chas. Jordan Confesses the Murder
Camden Daily Telegram —
EXTRA — CHAS. JORDAN CONFESSES THE MURDER. He Is Captured In a Hay-loft at Gloucester. He Declares That He Accidentally Shot Mrs. Copeland.
The murderer of Mrs. Lizzie Copeland, whose cruel taking off was chronicled in last night’s Extra “TELEGRAM,” has been captured and is now in prison. He was found this morning about half-past one o’clock, hiding in a hay-loft in Gloucester City, by Chief Davis, Lieutenant Smith and County Detective McCormick. He proved to be Charles A. Jordan, of 1119 Sycamore street, this city.
The man made no resistance. He was traced to Gloucester along the Reading Railroad tracks, through the information furnished by the woman Simmons.
Jordan acknowledged the crime and said that the shooting was an accident. He declared that he stole the revolver from Falls’ saloon, at Seventh and Sycamore streets. He claims that he was trying to sell it to Mrs. Copeland when it went off and shot her. He declares that he did not even know that the revolver was loaded.
The authorities put no faith in his story but believe he shot Mrs. Copeland either out of revenge or because she discovered him stealing some goods.
About six months ago Jordan and a man by the name of Burton were arrested for stealing goods from the Copeland’s. Jordan claims that upon Mrs. Copeland’s evidence he got clear of the charge and Burton was convicted.
DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE CRIME. The crime is mysterious in many ways. About five minutes before the killing of the woman a number of women were sitting on the steps in front of the houses west of the Copeland store. They saw a colored man enter the store. Shortly afterward a shot was fired, the young man came out of the store leisurely and did not move faster than a walk until a woman next door gave the alarm of murder, when he ran.
The murdered woman was a Hebrew and attended the store, where they sold new and second-hand clothes. Her husband was in Philadelphia attending a sale of goods.
During the afternoon Mrs. Copeland wheeled her 10-months’-old babe in a coach on the pavement, and it was resting quietly when she covered it with a mosquito canopy and entered the store. She was observed by Mrs. Sarah Simmons, colored, who lives at 624 Kaighn avenue. Mrs. Simmons said just as Mrs. Copeland went in a colored man passed the window where she was sitting. Her attention was attracted to him, as he was very impertinent. She watched him enter the store. There was no loud talking and she did not hear any noise until she was startled by hearing the explosion of a firearm. At the same time the man came from the store and passed down the street.
Mrs. Copeland came to the door, she said, and called little Lizzie Simmons, her daughter, who was across the street. She saw the blood was gushing from Mrs. Copeland’s mouth, and she was unable to say anything. When Mrs. Simmons reached the Copeland store she found Mrs. Copeland on the floor gasping for breath. She raised the cry of murder, which attracted the attention of Policeman Philip Corbett, who was only half a square away.
When he arrived he found Mrs. Copeland lying in the doorway. A large pool of blood had formed near the sill. Chief of Police Davis, with Lieutenants Smith and Neutze, wired the county detectives and the entire police force from the suburban part of the city was summoned and given a description of the colored man. Search was at once begun but the murderer could not be found. County Physician Iszard took charge of the body and made an examination. He found the bullet which caused her death was thirty-eight calibre. It entered the right breast and severed the pulmonary artery.
Chief of Police Davis said that the finding of the revolver was very mysterious to him. He said that several policemen had entered the store and had made a search for the weapon, but were unable to find it. After the County Physician had arrived, a Hebrew, who lives in the neighborhood, handed a revolver to him which he picked up from beneath the chair near the head of the dead woman. It is an American bulldog pattern, thirty-eight calibre. The chambers of the revolver were all empty excepting one, which contained an empty cartridge shell.
The Chief of Police followed the trail of the man who ran from the store. He was able to trace the footsteps in the sand along Kaighn avenue to Sixth, thence to the open meadows, where in a bunch of grass it was plainly seen that he had laid down for rest. Persons along Broadway said that a colored man emerged from the meadows at Broadway and Lemon street and ran toward Gloucester City.
THIS MORNING’S HEARING. The Police Court was crowded this morning when Jordan was brought in by Chief Davis and Lieutenant Smith. He is a small man, weighing about 120 pounds. He twirled a soft felt hat nervously as he stood before the Police Justice. He wore a frayed, dark coat, dark trousers and white shirt.
Chief Davis said he found the man in a hay loft at Gloucester about two o’clock. He denied having been in Camden yesterday. After he was locked up in the city prison he admitted killing the woman. He said that during the afternoon he “swiped” a revolver from the drawer in a saloon at Seventh and Sycamore streets. He thought it was empty and took it to the store of Mrs. Copeland to sell. While he was examining it the trigger dropped on the cartridge shell and exploded it. He claimed the shooting was accidental.
James Kelly, bartender, who lives at 1024 Broadway, said that he was employed by a man named Falls, at Seventh and Sycamore streets. Yesterday Jordan was in his place several times. After he left about four o’clock he missed his revolver from a drawer that was back of the bar. He said the chambers were empty with the exception of one cartridge.
The man was traced to Gloucester by Detective McCormick, Lieutenant Neutze and Policeman Mullane. They were close on his heels when they were given a false tip. Chief of Police Boylen was communicated with, and the officers were sent in every direction, which resulted in discovering Jordan in a stable.
There was intense excitement in the southern section of the city to-day. Crowds of colored persons congregated on the street corners and threats of lynching were freely indulged in. Many colored women declared that they would pull the rope if Jordan could be secured from the authorities. Lawyer John Semple has been retained to defend Jordan.
Crime Runs Riot in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CRIME RUNS RIOT OVER IN CAMDEN
A Murder, an Attempted Murder and Two Bold Robberies Within a Few Hours.
Mrs. Copelain’s Assassin Confesses, But Says the Fatal Shot Was Accidental.
A Girl Struck on the Head By a Hatchet in the Hands of Some Person Unknown—Burglars Use Chloroform and Ransack a House.
Crime is rampant in Camden and the residents are in fear of their lives. Within a radius of two squares a murder, an attempted murder and two robberies were committed in ten hours. The murder was the shooting of Mrs. Lizzie Copelain, of 626 Kaighn avenue, and account of which was printed in THE INQUIRER yesterday.
Stanley Murray, a colored bootblack, went to the City Hall yesterday and told the authorities a man answering the description of the supposed murderer was hiding in a hayloft in Walter Campbell’s stable, Gloucester City.
Chief of Police Davis, Lieutenant Smith and Policeman Guthridge went to Gloucester, where they arrested Charles A. Jordan, 29 years old, of 1119 Sycamore street, Camden.
Says It Was Accidental.
Jordan made a confession in which he said he had stolen a revolver from James Kelly, a bartender in Foltz’s saloon at Seventh and Sycamore streets, and went into Mrs. Copelain’s store to sell it. He did not know the revolver was loaded and kept pulling the trigger when suddenly the weapon went off. He saw Mrs. Copelain stagger, and, becoming frightened, ran down the street.
An inquest will be held next Tuesday morning. Mrs. Copelain will be buried to-morrow.
An Attempted Murder.
About half-past 2 o’clock yesterday morning, within a stone’s throw of the Copelain crime, pretty 19-year-old Mary Morrison was nearly murdered by supposed burglars. There is considerable mystery attached to this case.
James Morrison keeps a grocery store at Kaighn avenue and Baring street, and the rest of the house is occupied as a residence by his family. The front room on the second floor is occupied by Mr. Morrison and his wife. Adjoining this is the room occupied by his daughters, Mary, Celia and Maggie, and in the back room his two sons and Walter Weeks, a boarder, sleep.
Hit With a Hatchet.
Miss Morrison was awakened by a noise about half-past 2, and attempted to get out of bed, when she was struck a terrible blow over the left eye with a hatchet. She fell back unconscious and the intruder escaped. The noise awoke her sister Celia, who called to her father. He immediately sent for a physician, who dressed her wound, which is quite serious.
The assault was at first supposed to have been committed by a burglar. He was told that the burglar had effected an entrance through the cellar window, but on investigation he found the dust on the window sill had not been disturbed.
The chief says he told Mr. and Mrs. Morrison he could lay his hands on the person who had committed the deed and asked if they wanted him arrested. They answered they did not think anyone in the house had done it and the chief left.
They Were Chloroformed.
Burglars entered the residence of Francis Crossley, 729 Chestnut street, Camden, and after chloroforming the inmates proceeded to ransack the house. They secured about $10 and several valuables.
The firm of Toone & Hollinshed, of Broadway and Kaighn avenue, was also robbed of $500 worth of goods.
A Cold-Blooded Murder in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A COLD-BLOODED MURDER IN CAMDEN. A White Woman Shot in Broad Daylight While Standing in Her Door. Her Assailant, a Colored Man, Coolly Walks Away Without Molestation. Another Mysterious Tragedy for the Camden Police to Unravel — Two Negroes Arrested on Suspicion, But the Guilty One Still Supposed to Be Missing.
Another mysterious murder for the authorities of Camden to unravel was committed yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Lizzie Copelain, of 626 Kaighn avenue, was the victim. She was deliberately shot down while standing in the doorway of her husband’s furnishing store. After committing the crime the murderer coolly walked away without any attempt at interference on the part of a number of spectators.
Mrs. Norman Simmons, who lives next door to the Copelains, was sitting at the front window about half-past 4 o’clock when a negro came walking up the street. He stopped and stared directly at her for a moment, and then passed on in the direction of Copelain’s store.
The Negro Disappeared. It was not three minutes afterwards before she heard the report of a pistol and saw the same negro going hurriedly down the street. She immediately yelled “Murder!” and “Help!” whereupon the man broke into a run and disappeared around the corner of Sixth street. The man was traced as far as Broadway and Lemon street, where he disappeared in a swamp, and all efforts to find him proved fruitless.
Mrs. Simmons describes the man as being very dark, about five feet six inches in height, weighing 180 pounds, and wearing a black felt hat and dark suit of clothes.
Dropped in the Doorway. Mrs. Copelain, as soon as she was shot, beckoned to Mrs. Simmons’ daughter, who was playing on the opposite side of the street, to come to her. Before the child could get to her side Mrs. Copelain dropped back dead, with blood flowing from her mouth and nose. Her body lay with her feet extending beyond the doorway.
Policemen Corbett and McGowen, who were in the neighborhood, were immediately notified of the crime. They appeared on the scene of the shooting and proceeded to investigate the case. They could not find anyone who had witnessed the murder, although several young men were playing ball on a lot directly opposite.
A strange negro, answering the description given by Mrs. Simmons, has been seen in the neighborhood for several days acting in a suspicious manner.
No Cause for the Crime. No one is able to assign any cause for the murder, as Mrs. Copelain was a very pleasant woman and well liked. The revolver with which the shooting was done was not found until some time after Mrs. Copelain’s body had been removed. It was picked up by her husband under a chair. It is a cheap revolver of the American bull-dog pattern, of 38-calibre.
Policeman Wagner arrested Charles Vamble, 23 years old, about 7 o’clock last night on suspicion of having committed the crime. Vamble said he was born and had resided in Camden all his life, but did not know anyone living in the vicinity of the crime. The police also arrested Peter Davis at Fourth and Market streets, who answers the description of the supposed murderer, but the police think the real murderer is still at large.
County Physician Iszard took charge of the body.
Camden Democrat — July 29, 1893
The brutal murder on Thursday night of Mrs. Coplein adds another to the already long list of Camden county crimes. It is sincerely hoped that the victim will not go unavenged.
Mrs. Sarah Coplein, of 626 Kaighn Avenue was shot and instantly killed on Tuesday night by an unknown negro who entered the gents’ furnishing store kept by her husband and committed the deed without any motive. Mrs. Coplein was twenty-eight years of age. All that is absolutely known of the crime at present is told by Mrs. Simons of 624 Kaighn Avenue, who says she saw a negro of medium height enter Mrs. Coplein’s store, fire a pistol shot, and then run away across the meadows at Sixth street. County Physician Iszard held a postmortem examination and decided that death was due to a pistol bullet which penetrated the right breast. He ordered a Coroner’s inquest. Two colored men named Charles Vambel and Patrick Davis were immediately arrested on suspicion of having committed the brutal deed.
Rival Lawyers Want to Defend Jordan
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles Jordan, who shot Mrs. Copelaine, and who will be tried for murder, first signed a petition to the court to assign Lawyer John Wartman as his counsel. Later he signed another petition for Lawyer John Simple [sic]. The two attorneys are now disputing as to their respective rights as Jordan’s counsel. Judge Garrison will settle the dispute when he publicly assigns a lawyer to defend the murderer. Jordan was visited in the Camden County Jail by his gray-haired mother yesterday. She had not seen him since his arrest.
They Say That Jordan Did It
Camden Daily Telegram —
LAST EDITION
The Coroner’s Jury Hold Him Responsible.
CORONER TOMLINSON IN CHARGE.
Lawyer Semple Was Unceremoniously Sat On—Susan Eldridge Heard a Woman Cry “Murder”—Catharine Simmons Heard the Pistol Shot.
Coroner Tomlinson conducted the inquest this morning in the case of Lizzie Copelaine, who was murdered in her store, 620 Kaighn avenue, on Thursday last.
County Physician Iszard testified to being notified of the murder and visiting the scene, where he found Mrs. Copelaine’s body lying on the floor with a bullet wound in her right breast. He made a post mortem examination, assisted by Dr. Alex. McAllister, and found the bullet had passed through the lungs and severed the pulmonary artery, lodging at the juncture of the sixth rib. It was his opinion that the woman met a violent death.
Dr. McAllister corroborated County Physician Iszard’s testimony in regards to the post mortem examination.
Lieutenant of Police John S. Smith next took the stand. He testified that he was notified that a murder had been committed on Kaighn avenue last Thursday. With Chief of Police Davis, after obtaining a description of the murderer, he made a search for the murderer. They tracked the man to Gloucester where he was arrested in a barn. He gave the name of Charles Jordan.
After being locked up in the Camden City Hall where two other colored men were locked up on suspicion of committing the crime, Jordan said, “Let them go, for I did it.”
Howard Cramer, a small boy, was called to testify, and as he was about to take the oath, Lawyer Semple who represented Jordan, arose, and addressing the coroner said, “I have no objection to this boy testifying.” Coroner Tomlinson replied, “You have nothing to do with this.”
When Mr. Semple attempted to offer an explanation he was ordered to sit down. The boy testified to seeing a colored man whom he did not know, shoot Mrs. Copelaine.
James Kelly testified to having lost his revolver on the day the crime was committed and afterwards being told that Jordan had stolen it. He recognized the weapon as his, which was found at the scene of the murder, when it was shown to him by the police the next day. He was shown the bullet taken from Mrs. Copelaine’s breast and said it was the size his pistol carried.
George Jones, a colored bootblack, was called, and said he know [sic] nothing of the case, but pocketed the half-dollar witness fee with a broad grin.
Susan Eldridge, also colored, was called but could throw but little light on the case [cut off at the crop edge]
Another Murder
West Jersey Press —
Charles Jordan, colored, entered the store of Mrs. Sara Coplein, 626 Kaighn avenue, last Thursday afternoon, and in a few minutes the report of a pistol was heard and the man was seen to come out of the store and run down the street. Those who heard the report went into the store immediately and found Mrs. Coplein lying dead on the floor with a bullet hole in her left breast, death having been instantaneous, and the postmortem examination showed that the ball had penetrated the lung, severed the pulmonary artery and lodged in the back bone.
Jordan for a time made good his escape, as the whole thing was done so quickly that no one thought of stopping him until it was too late. He was eventually captured in a barn in Gloucester City, by Chief of Police Davis and his assistants through information received from another colored man, and brought to this city before Police Justice Paul, to whom he admitted having committed the crime. He stole the revolver from James Kelley, a bartender in a down town saloon; and claims that he took it to Mrs. Coplein with the view of selling it to her, and that while he was showing her its mechanism the weapon was accidentally discharged with the above fatal result.
How much of his story is true remains to be seen but the very short time he was in the store rather throws doubt on Jordan’s theory, while the fact that he was known to entertain unfriendly feelings towards Mrs. Coplein because of her having once been instrumental in securing his imprisonment, still further complicates his statements. Jordan also has a bad record in the city and county criminal courts.
Mrs. Coplein and her husband lived together in the building over the store and they have two children, one and four years old respectively. They are thoroughly respectable and peaceable people and are respected by their neighbors and why Jordan should desire to kill Mrs. Coplein, except through revenge for her having testified against him in court, is as yet a mystery. He will remain in his cell in county jail until the whole matter is ferreted out.
Camden Democrat — August 5, 1893
In and About Town
Mrs. Jordan visited her son Charles A. Jordan, accused of the murder of Mrs. Coplein, in the county jail to-day.
The Coroner’s jury in the Coplein murder has charged the negro Charles Jordan with the crime. Jordan has confessed to the deed of which he is accused and all that remains for the state to do is to legally determine the motive which prompted and the frame of mind which accompanied the homicide. Jordan, in admitting the shooting, declared that he had stolen a pistol from a saloon of which he was a habitué and carried it into the store for the purpose of disposing of it for money for a drink.
Before going into the store he took the precaution to snap the hammer for the purpose of determining whether or not the weapon was loaded. Having satisfied himself that it was not he exhibited it to Mrs. Coplein and offered to sell it. Snapping it for the purpose of demonstrating the effectiveness of the spring of the pistol, it suddenly discharged, and Mrs. Coplein received a wound which proved fatal. This, in substance, is Jordan’s story. And it is significant that it is the “only” story which bears perfectly on the motive which prompted and the frame of mind which accompanied the act.
The State’s officers profess to have evidence in their possession which tends to prove that there may have been bad feeling between the prisoner and Mrs. Coplein because of the robbing of her store some months ago, in which robbery the defendant was implicated, and for which he served a slight sentence in the county jail. It will require a mightier effort than that shown at most murder trials to pass sentence of death upon a man upon no better foundation than that. Jordan may have been a black-hearted murderer. He may have entered the store of Mrs. Coplein with the sole and express purpose of shooting to death the victim of the tragedy. He may have been of such a vindictive mind as to require no greater motive to murder the defenseless woman than mere ill-feeling for causing his conviction of a crime. He may be all this and infinitely more, but so far as his counsel, Lawyer John Wartman, well observes, there is no proof of the fact, for everything has been told of the shooting or of the motive comes from the defendant himself. The correct attitude for all intelligent citizens of the county is that judicial one which deems the defendant innocent until his guilt is judiciously proved.
A Judge's Sharp Talk
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A JUDGE’S SHARP TALK. He Reminds Grand Jurors of Their Duty in Investigating Violations of the Liquor Law.
Supreme Court Justice Garrison opened the October term of the Camden County Courts yesterday, and in his charge to the grand jury defined at length the liquor laws as amended by the last legislature. The illegal sale of liquor has been eliminated from the disorderly house act and made a misdemeanor, for which conviction can be had on proof of one illegal sale instead of requiring evidence of habitual violations as formerly.
In the case of Charles Jordan, colored, who shot and killed a shop-keeper’s wife in South Camden, Judge Garrison advised that an indictment for murder be found, and the duty of fixing the grade of the crime be left to the petit jury. This is the only murder case to be investigated this term.
Johnson and Jordan Murder Trials Set for Monday
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The trials of Harry Johnson and Charles Jordan for murder have been set down for next Monday.
Acquitted of Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Acquitted of Murder. Charles Jordan, a young colored lad, was yesterday tried before Judge Garrison in Camden and acquitted of the murder of Mrs. Elizabeth Kaplane, a white woman, of 626 Kaighn avenue, on July 27 last.
Charles Jordan Released From Jail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles Jordan, who was acquitted of murder and then committed for the larceny of the pistol with which he shot Mrs. Kaplone, was released from jail yesterday, the grand jury having failed to find an indictment against him.
After the Trial
Charles Jordan was tried and acquitted of murdering Sarah Coplein. He reportedly was later sentenced to life in prison for another crime, where he reportedly took his own life. Samuel Coplein remarried. His second wife, Mary, bore him three children by June of 1900 — Harry, Annie, and Rosie. The Coplein family remained at 626 Kaighn Avenue. Samuel Coplein, who had originally been a dealer in second-hand merchandise, had by 1900 gone into mens clothing.
1900 Census
Mary Coplein bore two more children, Sarah and Ida, before she passed away in 1906. Samuel Coplein again married. His new wife, Bessie, had recently arrived from Russia, and another child, Lillian, came by the time of the 1910 Census. By this time Henry Coplein was working in the family business. Brother Michael was working as a laborer at a woolen mill, probably the Howland Croft mill on Broadway at Winslow Street.
Census sheet: Kaighn Avenue, Camden, Sixth Ward
U.S. Census, 1900 —
Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Schedule No. 1, Population. New Jersey, Camden County, City of Camden, 5th Precinct, Sixth Ward. Enumeration District 59, Sheet 6B. Enumerated June 9, 1900. Lines 70-77 (the Coplein household, 626 Kaighn Avenue).
Line 70: 626, 118, 120. Coplein, Samuel, Head, W, M, born May 1866, age 33, married, married 11 years, born Russia (Pol.), father Russia (Pol.), mother Russia (Pol.), immigrated 1888, 12 years in the U.S., occupation Clothing Dealer, rents (R), house (H). Line 71: Mary, Wife, W, F, born April 1870, age 30, married 11 years, 6 children born, 6 living, born Russia (Pol.), father Russia (Pol.), mother Russia (Pol.), immigrated 1891, 9 years in the U.S. Line 72: Henry, Son, W, M, born May 1890, age 10, single, born New Jersey, father Russia, mother Russia; at school, 10 months; reads, writes, speaks English. Line 73: Mary, Daughter, W, F, born Nov. 1891, age 8, single, born New Jersey; at school, 10 months. Line 74: Meyer, Son, W, M, born [?] 1891 [?], age 9 [?], single, born New Jersey. Line 75: Harry, Son, W, M, born July [?], age 5 [?], single, born New Jersey. Line 76: Annie, Daughter, W, F, born May 1898, age 2, single, born New Jersey. Line 77: Rosie, Daughter, W, F, born Oct. [?] 1899, age 7/12 [?], single, born New Jersey.
1910 Census
When America entered World War I, the three Coplein sons all registered for the draft. When they registered, on June 5, 1917, Henry was still working in the family store, and Meyer was still at Howland Croft. Younger brother Harry worked as a printer at the Farr & Bailey oilcloth works.
Census sheet: Camden, Sixth Ward
U.S. Census, 1910 —
Thirteenth Census of the United States: 1910 Population. New Jersey, Camden County, City of Camden, Sixth Ward. Enumeration District 38, Sheet 8-B. Lines 87-97 (the Koplan household, 626 [?]).
Line 87: 626, 152, 166. Koplan, Samuel, Head, M, W, age 43, married [?], born Russia (Yiddish), father Russia (Yiddish), mother Russia (Yiddish), immigrated 188[?], speaks English, merchant, retail clothing, own account (OA), rents (R) a house (H). Line 88: Bessie, Wife, F, W, age 29, married 3 years, 1 child born, 1 living, born Russia (Yiddish), immigrated 1906, speaks English, no occupation. Line 89: Henry, Son, M, W, age 19, single, born New Jersey, father Russia (Yiddish), mother Russia (Yiddish), speaks English, salesman, retail clothing, worker (W). Line 90: Michael, Son, M, W, age 18, single, born New Jersey, speaks English, laborer, woolen mills, worker (W). Line 91: Mamie, Daughter, F, W, age 1[?], single, born New Jersey. Line 92: Sarah, Daughter, F, W, age 9, single, born New Jersey. Lines 93-97: Rose [?], Lillie [?], Anna [?], Ida [?] (daughters, single, born New Jersey), and Harry (son, age 15, single, born New Jersey); their ages and the occupation cells are too faint to read with confidence.
Death Records
| Name | Address | Date | Age | Cemetery | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bessie Coplean | Camden | November 3, 1937 | 60 | New Camden J Sons of Israel, A-3 from centre | Carcinoma of stomach |
| Mary Coplein | 626 Kaighn Ave., Camden | October 27, 1906 | 37 | New Camden Sons of Israel | Apoplexy |
| Samuel Coplein | 626 Kaighn Ave., Camden | December 15, 1933 | 65 | — | Heart attack |
World War I Registration Card: Meyer Coplan
World War I draft registration card —
FRONT
1. Name in full: Meyer Coplan. Age in yrs. 25
2. Home address: 626 Kaighns ave Camden
3. Date of birth: Sept 18 1891
4. Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention? 1 - yes
5. Where were you born? Camden N.J. U.S.A.
6. If not a citizen, of what country are you a citizen or subject? U.S.A.
7. What is your present trade, occupation, or office? Labor 30
8. By whom employed? Lofts [?] Mills. Where employed? Broadway and Jefferson St
9. Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support? None
10. Married or single? Single. Race? Caucasian
11. What military service have you had? Rank None; branch None
12. Do you claim exemption from draft? [blank]
[handwritten at the foot:] 665 × Meyer Coplan (the signature)
[card number at the top right:] 93
BACK
REGISTRAR’S REPORT
1. Tall, medium, or short? Short. Slender, medium, or stout? Medium
2. Color of eyes? Brown. Color of hair? Brown. Bald? No
3. Has person lost arm, leg, hand, foot, or both eyes, or is he otherwise disabled? [blank]
[signature of registrar:] R. S. Horner
Precinct 5, 6th Ward, Camden, New Jersey, June 5th [year cut off] (Date of registration)
[stamp at the top right:] 29-3-8-A
World War I Registration Card: Henry Coplan
World War I draft registration card —
FRONT
1. Name in full: Henry Coplan. Age in yrs. 27
2. Home address: 626 Kaighns Ave, Camden N.J.
3. Date of birth: April ? 1890 (day not legible)
4. Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention? 1 - yes
5. Where were you born? Camden New Jersey U.S.A.
6. If not a citizen, of what country are you a citizen or subject? U.S.A.
7. What is your present trade, occupation, or office? Clerk 49 [?]
8. By whom employed? Samuel Coplan. Where employed? 626 Kaighns Ave
9. Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support? No
10. Married or single? Single. Race? Caucasian
11. What military service have you had? Rank [blank]; branch [blank]; years [blank]; Nation or State [blank]
12. Do you claim exemption from draft? No
[handwritten at the foot:] 165 [?] (a serial number in the lower left)
[signature line blank]
[card number at the top right:] 46 [?]
BACK
REGISTRAR’S REPORT
1. Tall, medium, or short? Short. Slender, medium, or stout? Stout
2. Color of eyes? Brown. Color of hair? Black. Bald? No
3. Has person lost arm, leg, hand, foot, or both eyes, or is he otherwise disabled? [blank]
[signature of registrar:] F. G. [?]eller (faint)
Precinct 5, 6th Ward [worn], Camden, New Jersey, June 5th 1917 (Date of registration)
[stamp at the top right:] 29-3-8-A
World War I Registration Card: Harry Coplan
World War I draft registration card —
FRONT
1. Name in full: Harry Coplan. Age in yrs. 22
2. Home address: 626 Kaighns Ave Camden N.J.
3. Date of birth: August 15 1895
4. Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention? 1 - yes
5. Where were you born? Camden N.J. U.S.A.
6. If not a citizen, of what country are you a citizen or subject? U.S.A.
7. What is your present trade, occupation, or office? Printer 21
8. By whom employed? Farr & Bailey. Where employed? 7th & Kaighns Ave
9. Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support? No
10. Married or single? Single. Race? Caucasian
11. What military service have you had? Rank [blank]; branch [blank]; years [blank]; Nation or State [blank]
12. Do you claim exemption from draft? No
[handwritten at the foot:] 2794 [?] Harry Coplein (the signature)
[card number at the top right:] 45
BACK
REGISTRAR’S REPORT
1. Tall, medium, or short? Tall. Slender, medium, or stout? Medium
2. Color of eyes? Blue. Color of hair? Black. Bald? No
3. Has person lost arm, leg, hand, foot, or both eyes, or is he otherwise disabled? [blank]
[signature of registrar:] F. G. Keller (faint)
Precinct 5, 6th Ward (faint), Camden, New Jersey, June 5th 1917 (Date of registration)
[stamp at the top right:] 29-3-8-A
Census sheet: Kaighn Avenue, Camden, Sixth Ward
U.S. Census, 1920 —
Fourteenth Census of the United States: 1920 Population. New Jersey, Camden County, Camden, Ward 6. Supervisor’s District 1, Enumeration District 39, Sheet 2-B. Enumerated January 8, 1920. Lines 70-78 (the Coplein household, 626 Kaighn Avenue).
Line 70: 626, 43, 44. Coplein, Samuel, Head, owns with a mortgage (O M), M, W, age 52, married, immigrated 1[8]8[?], naturalized (Na), born Russia (Yiddish), father Russia (Yiddish), mother Russia (Yiddish), speaks English, merchant, retail clothing, own account (OA). Line 71: Bessie, Wife, F, W, age 42, married, immigrated 1906, naturalized (Na), born Russia (Yiddish), no occupation. Line 72: Michael, Son, M, W, age 28, single, born New Jersey, father Russia, mother Russia (Yiddish), speaks English, Heater [?], Ship Yard, worker (W). Line 73: Harry, Son, M, W, age 26, single, born New Jersey, Printer, Textile Factory [?], worker (W). Line 74: Anna, Daughter, F, W, age 22, single, born New Jersey, cigar maker, Cigar Factory, worker (W). Line 75: Rose, Daughter, F, W, age 18, single, born New Jersey, [illegible], Leather Factory [?], worker (W). Line 76: Sarah, Daughter, F, W, age 16, single, born New Jersey, cigar maker [?], Factory, worker (W). Line 77: Ida, Daughter, F, W, age 13, single, born New Jersey, none. Line 78: Lillian, Daughter, F, W, age 12, single, born New Jersey, none.
Census sheet: Kaighn Avenue, Camden, Ward 6
U.S. Census, 1930 —
Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930. Population Schedule. New Jersey, Camden County, Camden City, Ward 6, Block 347. Enumeration District 4-25, Sheet 18A. Enumerated April 14, 1930. Lines 4-10 (the Coplein household, Kaighn Avenue).
Line 4: 6[2]6, 2[7]6 [?], 2[7]7 [?]. Coplein, Samuel, Head, owns (O), home value $7000, no radio (R), M, W, age 60, married, age at first marriage 27, can read and write, born Russia, father Russia, mother Russia, language Yiddish, immigrated 1897, naturalized (Na), speaks English, Proprietor, Gents Clothes, employer (O), employed (Yes), not a veteran (No). Line 5: Bessie, Wife H, F, W, age 53, married, age at first marriage 20, born Russia, father Russia, mother Russia, language Yiddish, immigrated 1897 [?], naturalized (Na), speaks English, no occupation. The home-value cell is struck through. Line 6: Anna, Daughter, F, W, age 30, single, born New Jersey, father Russia, mother Russia, Binder, Cigars, worker (W), employed (Yes). Line 7: Rose, Daughter, F, W, age 27, single, born New Jersey, no occupation. Line 8: Shirley, Daughter, F, W, age 25, single, born New Jersey, examiner, Cigars, worker (W), employed (Yes). Line 9: Ida, Daughter, F, W, age 22, single, born New Jersey, operator, Cigars, worker (W), employed (Yes). Line 10: Lillian, Daughter, F, W, age 21, single, born New Jersey, Stenographer, Law Office, worker (W), employed (Yes).
World War II Registration Card: Meyer Michael Coplein
World War II draft registration card — 1942
REGISTRATION CARD—(Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897)
Serial Number: U 1445 (1455 struck through)
1. Name: (Meyer) MICHAEL Coplein
2. Place of Residence: 314 S. 4th Street Camden, Camden N.J.
3. Mailing Address: Same
4. Telephone: --
5. Age in Years: 48. Date of Birth: January 31, 1894
6. Place of Birth: Camden N.J.
7. Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Henry Coplein, 342 Atlantic Ave., Camden, N.J.
8. Employer’s Name and Address: W.P.A.
9. Place of Employment or Business: Bellmawr, N.J.
I affirm that I have verified above answers and that they are true. Signed: Meyer Coplein
D. S. S. Form 1 (Revised 4-1-42)
REGISTRAR’S REPORT — Description of registrant
Race: White. Height: 5-2. Weight: 140. Eyes: Gray. Hair: Gray. Complexion: Light.
Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: none
Signature of registrar: Hazel Morgan. Registrar for Local Board 10, Camden N.J.; the stamp box is blank. Date of registration: April 27, 1942.
World War II Registration Card: Henry Coplin
World War II draft registration card — 1942
REGISTRATION CARD—(Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897)
Serial Number: U 183
1. Name: Henry Coplin
2. Place of Residence: 621 Kaighn Ave. Camden, Camden, N.J.
3. Mailing Address: 621 Kaighn Ave. Camden, Camden N.J.
4. Telephone: [blank]
5. Age in Years: 52. Date of Birth: April 16, 1890
6. Place of Birth: Camden N.J.
7. Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Ethel Coplin, 3116 Wilt St. Phila. Pa.
8. Employer’s Name and Address: [blank]
9. Place of Employment or Business: Vender of streets
I affirm that I have verified above answers and that they are true. Signed: Henry Coplin
D. S. S. Form 1 (Revised 4-1-42)
REGISTRAR’S REPORT — Description of registrant
Race: White. Height: 5 ft.. Weight: 125 lb.. Eyes: Brown. Hair: Brown / Gray. Complexion: Dark.
Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: Scar just below nose on right
Signature of registrar: Elizabeth Robins. Registrar for Local Board 9, Camden N.J.; stamp: Local Board No. 9 For Camden County. Date of registration: April 25, 1942.
World War II Registration Card: Harry Coplin
World War II draft registration card — 1942
REGISTRATION CARD—(Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897)
Serial Number: U 365
1. Name: HARRY ✓ COPLIN
2. Place of Residence: 1156 BARING ST. CAMDEN CAMDEN N.J.
3. Mailing Address: Same
4. Telephone: Camden 9378
5. Age in Years: 47. Date of Birth: 8 15 1894
6. Place of Birth: Camden N.J.
7. Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Mrs. Harry Coplin (wife), 1156 Baring St. Camden N.J.
8. Employer’s Name and Address: Atlantic Mfg. Co. 28th & Poplar St., Phila. Pa.
9. Place of Employment or Business: Same
I affirm that I have verified above answers and that they are true. Signed: Harry Coplin
D. S. S. Form 1 (Revised 4-1-42)
REGISTRAR’S REPORT — Description of registrant
Race: White. Height: 5’6”. Weight: 160. Eyes: Brown. Hair: Black / Bald (both marked). Complexion: Light.
Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: Hernia operations (2)
Signature of registrar: Helen M. Moreau. Registrar for Local Board 9, Camden N.J.; stamp: Local Board No. 9 For Camden County. Date of registration: April 2[?], 1942.
See Also
The Auerbach Family of Camden, NJ
Camden Families