Introduction
Albert Thoms York was born in Pennsylvania on October 26, 1876. His family moved to Camden, and by 1910 owned a home at 641 Elm Street. His father by then had passed away. Albert York was working as an ambulance driver at the time of the 1910 Census.
When the 1920 Census was taken, he was still unmarried and living with his brother, Charles A. York, at 641 Elm Street in North Camden. Also at home was his 80 year old widowed mother Caroline, and his younger sister Bertha. Albert York was then a member of Camden’s police department. He was later promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant York was still on the Camden police department as late as the spring of 1942.
Albert York was still living at 641 Elm Street in the spring of 1942 when he registered for the draft. He passed away shortly afterward, and is not listed in the Camden City Directory. His sister Bertha is listed in the 1943 Directory, but was gone by the time the 1947 edition was compiled.
Portrait
Sergeant Albert York.
Policeman Captures Pair in Exciting Chase
Philadelphia Inquirer —
•• The Tenth Ward Republican Club has elected these officers: President, George Taylor; vice president, Joseph Burdsall; secretary, A. H. Marple; trustees, J. W. F. Bleakly, A. George, William Myles, George Schultz, Albert York and Thomas Reed.
Aged Man Shot by Bandit
Camden Post-Telegram —
GIRL KILLED BY CITY AMBULANCE
Seven-Year-Old Barbara Johnson Meets Death in Shadow of Home.
CIRCULAR BREAK IN CHILD’S SKULL
In the shadow of her home, 7-year-old Barbara Johnson, of 1896 River avenue, was killed last night by the First district police auto. The little one’s skull was fractured and her jaw broken. She was dead when admitted to Cooper Hospital.
The baby’s father, Harry Johnson, a carpenter, carried her into the hospital. He collapsed when the doctors pronounced her dead.
Officer Nathan Petitt was driving the machine in River avenue on his way to Cooper Hospital with Richard Gardiner, of 2820 Adams street. The cries of Officer Albert York, who was seated in the back of the ambulance, caused Petit to stop.
Officer York ran down the trolley tracks waving his hands to a trolley car coming in back of the auto. When the trolley stopped the fender was touching the prostrate form of the child which was lying in the tracks.
The father of the little one rushed from the house when he heard the commotion and was horrified to learn that it was his child. All haste was then made to the hospital.
The child had been visiting an aunt across the street. She ran from behind a trolley car going out River avenue and is believed to have dashed directly into the path of the auto patrol. Officer Petitt stated that he did not see the child.
At Cooper Hospital Coroner Practice Dr. David Brewer made an examination of the body. They found a complete circular fracture of the top of the skull and the jaw had been split.
Officer Petitt, who was exonerated of all blame in connection with the fatality, was very much affected by the killing of the little one.
Funeral is Held for Bonner At Home as Cops Stand Guard
Camden Courier-Post —
At Final Rites for Slain Racketeer
—Courier-Post Photo
Part of the 400 persons who crowded into the house and lined the sidewalks and street near it are shown in the above photo, taken this morning after funeral services were held for William “Shooey” Bonner, who was killed by gangsters’ bullets Sunday night. Services were held in Bonner’s home, 916 North Front street. Photo shows casket being placed in hearse which bore the remains to New Camden Cemetery.
Funeral Is Held for Bonner At Home as Cops Stand Guard
Slain Racketeer Buried in New Camden Cemetery After Brief Service—No Mass Said at Church
William “Shooey” Bonner, murdered North Camden racketeer, was buried today after simple funeral rites were held at his home, 916 North Front street.
While about 400 morbidly curious persons crowded in front of the small dwelling, Carroll P. Stanton, funeral director, read services over the bier at 11 a. m. Bonner’s widow and five children, and about 50 friends and relatives of the family, attended the services. Interment was in New Camden Cemetery.
An hour before the services, a Courier-Post reporter and a photographer were informed that Bonner’s friends did not want any photos taken of the funeral. They issued a warning that if pictures were taken, they would break the camera and beat the two newspapermen. The police were asked to prevent the taking of a picture.
Although four detectives and five patrolmen had been stationed at and near the house this morning, Sergeant Walter Rowand, of the First Police District, asked headquarters for more men. Five motorcycle cops under Sergeant James Wilson arrived in response to the call. A Pennsylvania car repeatedly circled the block in which the Bonner home is situated, and once parked directly in front of the newspapermen’s car. However, the pictures were taken without event.
Cops Escort Cortege
Two motorcycle policemen led the funeral cortege to the cemetery at 11.15 a. m. Another motorcycle cop and a bandit-chaser brought up the van. Mrs. Bonner was pale but composed as the cortege left the house, but she broke down and cried at the grave.
Rev. Father Thomas J. Whelan, rector of the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, Fifth and Vine streets, today emphatically stated that no mass was said for Bonner in his church. Father Whelan said no arrangements ever had been made for any mass. In today’s Morning Post it was stated that mass was to be said in Holy Name church, while the burial was taking place. This was printed on information given a Post reporter by a woman at the door of the Bonner home last night. The Courier hereby makes the correction in fairness to Father Whelan and the Holy Name church.
2000 Visit Home
More than 2000 persons visited the Bonner home last night to pay last respects to the slain racketeer and to offer their condolences to his family. At midnight the last of the crowd departed.
Two patrolmen, however, remained on guard at the front of the house, in the faint hope that some person wanted by police in connection with “Shooey’s” death might seek to enter.
But known figures of the underworld were scarce at the Bonner home last night. Aside from a few neighbors and relatives the greater portion of the crowd had never seen in life the man that was Bonner.
Thoroughness Shown
Mute evidence of the thoroughness of the killers who murdered “Shooey” near his home, late Sunday, could be seen as the body lay in its flower-banked casket. Bonner’s closest personal friends expressed the thought that “they would never have known it was ‘Shooey’ lying there” if they hadn’t known what had happened.
Efforts of undertakers to cover the scars of more than 20 machine-gun slugs were successful, but in “making over” the face they left not the slightest resemblance of Bonner’s real countenance.
Those who called to pay respects—or to satisfy curiosity—were greeted at the foot of the bier by James “Jimmy” Rodgers, former pugilist, and William Pernier, both of whom are under bail as material witnesses in the slaying. The two kept the long line constantly moving. They were among the pallbearers today.
‘Sin Sermon’ Opposite
As a strange coincidence of the sombre scene at the Bonner home, special services were held in Gospel Hall, directly across the street, where Herbert Genz, a missionary worker, had as his text the sixth chapter, twenty-third verse, the book of Romans: “The Wages of Sin is Death.”
A large electrified sign bearing that scripture was displayed on the front of the hall.
Acting Sergeant of Detectives John Opfer and Sergeant Albert York were in charge of the police details at the home last night.
Police Department Year in Review
Camden Courier-Post —
HEAVY PAY CUT FEAR CAUSE OF RUSH TO RETIRE
Inspector Humes Highest Officer on List; Three Captains Are Included
PROTECTIVE FORCES LOSE THEIR OLDEST VETERANS
Sixteen Vacant Places Will Be Filled Without New Appointments
Four policemen and 12 city firemen yesterday applied for pensions effective at midnight tonight. In the interests of economy, no successors will be named by the city commission.
Sudden decision of the applicants was inspired by the fact that city employes may be given a 30 percent reduction in pay equal to that of county employes. Police and firemen accepted a 10 percent reduction this year. If given an additional 20 percent their salaries would be on a pre-war basis.
They also face a possibility of further reductions in pensions if existing mandatory legislation is repealed by the Legislature, which fixes salaries of police and firemen according to the class of cities and towns. By applying now they will receive pensions on basic 1931 salaries.
The big surprise was announcement that Inspector Charles T. Humes, in charge of personnel of the police department, had applied for a pension. Inspector Humes receives a salary of $3000 yearly. By applying at this time he is eligible to a pension of one-half that amount. The $1500 yearly would be within a few hundred dollars of what he would receive if he remained on the force and accepted a 30 percent reduction in salary.
Consider Requests Today
Other policemen to ask for pensions are Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn and Detective David Hunt.
Three fire captains applying for pensions are James R. White, Harry A. Haines and William H. Miller, Jr.
The applications were filed with Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Police and Firemen’s Pension Fund. The pension fund commission will act on the applications today.
Inspector Humes’ retirement comes at the conclusion of a quarter century of service in the police department. He was appointed as a patrolman on Jan. 1, 1908, and six years later, on Jan. 1, 1914, was elevated to a sergeancy. He was promoted to captaincy on July 1, 1918. Then, by act of the city commission, he was made an inspector on June 23, 1927.
Recognized as Authority
While a captain, he was in command of the First District and later of the Third. As an inspector, he was head of the traffic bureau for several years. He was a nationally recognized authority on traffic problems, having been requested for advice by various automobile clubs and traffic commissions. He played a leading role in a traffic convention at Chicago and once was called in by the federal traffic commission at Washington for advice. At the present time, he is in charge of the pen—
(Continued on Page Two)
4 COPS, 12 FIREMEN ASK FOR PENSIONS
(Continued from Page One)
Inspector Humes is 56 and resides at one of the sister cities in Pennsylvania. He stated that he has no plans for an immediate future, but that he intends to rest and, when completely relaxed, complete rest.
Callously, and a little badly about leaving the force, he commented on the force, he commented on the promotions in his department. “I have always had the discipline I have been able to maintain in my department. Of course, I am a little disappointed in the promotions which I did not get. I have always had good times and I have been able to serve the department as well in my way as faithfully as I have.”
“I am proud too, of my record as a member, and have tried to do my best, loyal to the party and always to Camden.”
Inspector Humes was appointed to the police force under Mayor Charles H. Ellis during his term as mayor. Humes will always be remembered as the officer who, while a member of the traffic motorcycle squad, twice saved persons from drowning while working in the mounted detail. He was formerly a member of the detective squad under Sergeant Nelson, and has been a member of the department since January 1, 1908. His pension will be $82.50 monthly.
Sergeant York Was a Pioneer
Sergeant York, a 30 year veteran of the police department, has been connected with the department in many interesting matters. A detective in the department along with Detective-Captain James [Golden] and County Detective Chief Doran, who aided in capturing Ashbridge and his wife in the Chester [Keystone] hotel at Chester, Pa., at the time Ashbridge had fled following his murder of a jailor in the Camden County jail.
Sergeant York was then patrol trooper with Captain [Schregler]. After the events Trooper Herman, Rac[?]ing and York were the three men, with Trooper Henry Powell and his wife who were in Powell’s automobile to effect the chase, in which Powell was placed in “cold storage” near the Pennsylvania border.
Police followed York’s car from near the Pennsyl[van]ia border. His pension will be $92.50 a month.
Besides Captain White, 61, and Haines, Jr., he takes the pension. White [and Haines] retire after 34 years’ service, complete, complete records of the department.
Sergeant Navin was appointed to the police department 21 years ago and during nearly all of this time has been attached to the First district. He lives in the First ward, at 220 York street, and will receive a pension of $83.30 monthly.
Others Who Retire
Junior Captain William Miller was appointed to the fire department in December, 1897, at 961 Mechanic street, and later to Nineteenth and Market [streets], and then to Company No. 2 at 201 [Kaighn] avenue. He receives a pension of $93.33 a month.
Barnard and Navin are members of E Engine Company, 401 [Kaighn] avenue. Navin is an engineer, appointed in September, 1904, who receives a pension of $90 a month. Master was appointed in March, 1903. He will get a pension of $100 a month.
Harring was made a fireman in December, 1896, and lives at 201 Second street, and Daniel Grimes 111 years of service, and was in charge of Engine Company No. 5.
The applications of Captain John Lutts, of Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden streets, and Elmer Burkett, engineer of the No. 4 Company, were filed shortly before noon.
Captain Lutts, 62, lives at 456 Royden street, and will receive a pension of $100 monthly. He was appointed 33 years ago.
Burkett, 66, lives at 330 North Ninth street. He was appointed to the fire department in 1907 and spent a great portion of his service at the fire station at Front and Linden streets, recently being transferred to the Vine street house. He will be pensioned at $90.65 monthly.
Police and Firemen Pensioned
[Top row:] SGT. ALBERT YORK — CAPT. WILLIAM H. MILLER — ANDREW MILLER
[Bottom row:] RICHARD MARTER — JOSEPH T. EARNEST — JAMES E. NAVIN
Police Department Promotions
Camden Courier-Post —
PENSIONS AWARDED 6 COPS, 17 FIREMEN
Inspector Humes Refuses to Withdraw Application in Spite of Requests
Pensions for six policemen and 17 firemen took effect with the dawn of the New Year yesterday.
Proposed Salary reductions from five to 30 percent prompted the wholesale requests for pensions which were approved Saturday at noon by the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission, of which Mayor Roy R. Stewart is chairman.
The proceedings were delayed one hour while efforts were being made by political leaders and friends to have Inspector Charles T. Humes reconsider his application. But he refused to withdraw his application and it was approved.
Two sergeants, a city detective and four captains of the fire department were included in the list of applicants.
Sergeants Albert York and Clarence Thorn, Detective David Hunt and Fire Captains Harry Haines, John Lutts, James R. White and William H. Miller, Jr., were included among the pensioners.
Major W. Greenwood and Adrian Bateman, two patrolmen, completed the list from the police department, while the others receiving pension awards who are member of the fire department were:
Elmer Burkett, 66; Robert M. Coffman, 57; Howard E. Currie, 52; James E. Navin, 67; George W. Hollins, 64; Richard S. Marter, 60; Arthur A. Wingate, 64; Joseph T. Earnest, 63; Samuel E. Harring, 64; Andrew Miller, 73; Stewart Bakley, William K. Buzine, 63, and Daniel Grimes.
The application of Marter’s was passed, but an improviso was made by the commission which gave him the opportunity of recalling his decision but he failed to take advantage of it.
It was explained that the city commission’s resolution passed at noon, providing that members of the police and fire departments could continue in their employment under the 1933 wage scale, but that their pensions would not be affected by the cut and they could retire under the 1931 basic pay, might cause Marter to want to rescind his action.
Mayor Stewart and Commissioner Bennett, both members of the commission, said they regretted so many “young men” were asking to be pensioned at this time.
Greenwood, 54, was appointed to the police department 21 years ago and during nearly all of this time has been attached to the First district. He lives in the First ward, at 220 York street, and will receive a pension of $83.30 monthly.
Buzine is a veteran of nearly 28 years’ service. He is 63, lives at 856 Haddon avenue and will be pensioned at $90.65. He was classed as an engineer in the fire department.
The applications of Captain John Lutts, of Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden streets, and Elmer Burkett, engineer of the No. 4 Company, were filed shortly before noon.
Captain Lutts, 62, lives at 456 Royden street, and will receive a pension of $100 monthly. He was appointed 33 years ago.
Burkett, 66, lives at 330 North Ninth street. He was appointed to the fire department in 1907 and spent a great portion of his service at the fire station at Front and Linden streets, recently being transferred to the Vine street house. He will be pensioned at $90.65 monthly.