Introduction
Anthony Kobus was born in France in 1837. As different censuses have him as being born in France and Germany, it would be safe to say he was born in the Alsace-Lorraine Region of what is now France. After emigrating to America he founded a shoe business in 1858 at 943 South 4th Street in Camden NJ. He soon moved to 840–842 South 4th Street, the corner of South 4th and Spruce Streets. The 1880 census has him living at 842 South 4th Street with wife Elizabeth, a native of Bavaria, sons Joseph, 18, and Henry, 15, and daughter Elizabeth, 8, at 840 South 4th Street. It is there where he made his home for many years. Elizabeth Kobus, born in Bavaria in 1827, passed away in 1883. The 1910 Census shows that Anthony Kobus had moved to the White Horse Pike in Collingswood NJ.
Besides his shoe business, Anthony Kobus was a principal in the Broadway Trust Bank along with John J. Burleigh and William J. Cooper. After his death on November 20, 1920, his sons Henry and Joseph Kobus moved the business to a nearby building at 934 Broadway in 1924. Anthony Kobus was buried at Harleigh Cemetery, next to his wife.
Anthony Kobus’ daughter-in-law, son Joseph’s second wife Mary Walsh Kobus, was one of Camden’s first female politicians. She was elected to the City Commission, and served as the Director of Public Safety in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Compliments of A. Kobus & Sons
Postcard, A. Kobus & Sons — undated
Dinna Forget
POST CARD
The Address to be written on this side. Place Postage Stamp Here. Domestic One Cent. Foreign Two Cents.
Compliments of A. Kobus & Sons, Fourth and Spruce Sts., Camden, N. J. Largest Shoe House in the City.
Trade Cards
Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium. First card: Printed: “Compliments of Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, Cor. 4th & Spruce Sts., Camden, N. J.” Second card: Printed: “Anthony Kobus, Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Spruce Sts., Camden, N. J.”
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium. First card: Printed: “Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Spruce Streets, Camden, N. J.” Second card: Printed: “Compliments of Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, Cor. 4th & Spruce Sts., Camden, N. J.”
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium. First card: Printed: “A. Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, N. E. Cor. Fourth & Spruce Sts. Camden, N. J.” (the left edge is worn). Second card: Printed: “A. Kobus, Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, N. E. Cor. Fourth & Spruce Sts. Camden, N. J.”
Trade card advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium. Printed: “I will buy my shoes at Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium, N. E. Cor. Fourth & Spruce. Boots and Shoes of Every Description.”
Camden’s Great Shoe House
Trade card, Anthony Kobus — undated
FOUNDED 1858.
Camden’s Great Shoe House, FOOTWEAR EXCLUSIVELY.
The Largest and most conveniently arranged Establishment of its kind in the United States.
Occupying over one-sixth of an acre, its enormous stock contains everything required in the Shoe line in reliable goods.
The numerous spring styles in Ladies’ and Children’s wear comprise all the latest and leading makes of the day.
The Men’s and Boys’ Department is especially replete with the best London and Paris shapes in the market.
The steady increase of business is convincing proof of our purpose to serve you satisfactorily.
Lowest Prices possible. Make a Trial.
ANTHONY KOBUS, N. E. COR. FOURTH & SPRUCE STS., 409-11 SPRUCE ST.
Trade Card
Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade card: “Compliments of Anthony Kobus, Boot & Shoe Store, Camden, N. J.” (hand-lettered, with flowers and a ribbon).
34th Fall Opening of A. Kobus’ Camden’s Great Shoe House
Trade card, A. Kobus — 1892
34th Fall Opening of
A. KOBUS’
Camden’s Great Shoe House,
4th and Spruce Sts., 409 and 411 Spruce St.,
CAMDEN, N. J.
Our experience has taught us the wants of the people, which is the result of our immense trade.
SCHOOL SHOES
In abundance; positively the Largest Stock, Best Goods and the Lowest Prices; all Widths and Styles.
PLEASE GIVE US A TRIAL.
The German Mass Meeting.
Camden Daily Courier —
A PURELY DEMOCRATIC GATHERING AT THE COURT HOUSE.
Tuetonic [sic] Republicans Fail to Turn Out—An Audience of Vice Presidents—Judge Wescott Expresses a Love for German Vote.
About two hundred persons, one half of whom were vice presidents and all known as Democrats, gathered at the court house last night to attend the German Democratic mass meeting. There were few Republicans present and consequently the meeting and its object—a German-Republican revolt—was a complete failure. A German band played some familiar tunes of the Fatherland. Four airs had been rendered and yet no speakers appeared, when finally Editor Alexander Schlessinger, of the Camden County Journal, Captain Stahl and Dr. Beurnt, of Philadelphia, appeared. John Heilemann then walked up to the bar and called the meeting to order. Eli Bachrach was unanimously chosen chairman, and Messrs. Pfeiffer and Goldenberg were appointed a committee to escort the gentleman to the chair. In a few words of his native language he thanked the meeting for the honor conferred. Dr. Conrad G. Hoell, Jacob Vissell, Anthony J. Oberst, H. Gausselman, were elected secretaries.
THE VICE PRESIDENTS.
The following long list of vice presidents was then announced: At large, Dr. B. J. Weyle; First ward—Francis D. Pastorius, John Scharnagl, Wilhelm Hage, Christian Killinger, David Goldenberg; Second ward—John Heilemann, John Pfeiffer, Christian Eckert, John Hausbeck, Charles E. Wentz, Ernest C. Wentz; Third ward—Solomon Seybold, Wilhelm Myers, J. Henry Sauers, Gus Weber, George Bristle, Joseph Meyer, Sr.; Fourth ward—George Holl, Theodore G. Mayer, Emanuel Schneider, Conrad Spalt, Charles Benkert; Fifth ward—Peter Dankelmann, John F. Riegen, George Horneff, Sr., Theodore Krug; Sixth ward—Anthony Kobus, George Pfeiffer, Sr., George Pfeiffer, Jr., John Welsh, Sr., Dennis Lutenbacher, Frederick Lutz, Fred George Brum, A. Tegtmeier, Michael N. Voll, George Kleinheintz, Lewis Schiemer; Seventh ward—Edward N. Cohn, Charles Helm, Anthony Vall, Dr. H. W. Miller, Edward Schuster, Sr.; Eight [sic] ward—Dr. John W. Dognes, John Heim, John Schaus, Martin J. Eno; Wrightsville—Frank Berberick, David Hess, Jacob Meyer; East Camden—Fred Spuhler; Merchantville—Jacob Moeck, Gottlieb C. Moeck; Gloucester City—Fred Geissel, John Bender; Berlin—Peter Mucker; Blackwoodtown—Christ. Ebensperger; Milford—Louis Clipper; Collingswood—John Schnutzius.
WESCOTT ON IMMIGRATION.
Vice President Pastorious read the following letter from Judge Wescott, the Democratic Congressional candidate:
“Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen:
“I regret my inability to be present at your meeting to-night. In my letter of acceptance, and in another to the people, you will see my views in brief upon what seems to be an important practical question of the day.
The history and record of the Democratic party show it to have extended the hand of hospitality to all immigrants who come to this country to enjoy the opportunity of free institutions and individual liberty. No element of our diversified population has contributed more skill, industry and good citizenship to American nationality than the German race.
The thrift and sturdy mentality of your people contributes much to the grand problem of Democratic government. I would favor the establishment at New Orleans, Philadelphia, Boston and other metropolitan centres, of institutions similar to that now existing in New York for the purpose of regulating and perfecting a system of immigration, correcting its abuse, protecting the inexperienced from fraudulent impositions to which they are subjected and providing safer and better modes of immigration and transportation.
In my judgment this is a matter that not only needs but should promptly receive additional legislation. You cannot but see its importance. I call your attention to it that you may see that this subject has not escaped the attention of our people.
Sincerely, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. WESCOTT.
THE SPEAKERS.
The chairman had just sat down on a ubiquitous German reporter for interrupting the meeting, when candidate for the legislature Harry B. Paul entered the room. He made a few remarks and told how he would support all questions of the people and not of corporations. The next speaker was George Pfeiffer. He said speech-making was a new thing to him, but judging from the papers and documents he brought to show how corrupt the last legislature was because it was not Democratic, was sufficient evidence that he had come prepared to spend a week if necessary. He soon tired of talking however, and adjourned to the auditorium in favor of Dr. Beurnt, of Philadelphia. Addresses were also made by Captain E. C. Stahl, Albert Hoffman, Editor Schlesinger, and others.
Business Men in Line
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Organizing a Sound Money League in Camden.
A movement has been started in Camden to organize a Sound Money League of business men. An address has been issued, which says:
“Believing that the adoption of the Chicago platform as our national policy would be a menace to the welfare and prosperity of our country and realizing that those engaged in commercial enterprises would be the first to endure the evils resulting from the radical methods indorsed therein, it is important that business interests of the country should be allied in an aggressive movement in favor of a stable financial policy.
“It is proposed to organize the Business Men’s Sound Money League of Camden, and the co-operation of all those engaged in mercantile, manufacture or other business callings or occupations is solicited, irrespective of past party affiliation, to unite in the formation of a league for the election of McKinley and Hobart, as the representatives of sound money.”
The address is signed by Democrats as well as Republicans. Among the signers are the Esterbrook Steel Pen Company, Farr & Bailey, Gately & Hurley, Toone & Hollingshed, Frank D. Sitley & Sons, Howland Croft, George D. Van Sciver, William S. Scull, Anthony Kobus and John Campbell, Jr.
It is proposed that the organization shall take an active part in the campaign
Merry Dancers in Gay Costumes
Camden Post-Telegram —
Twelfth Annual Masquerade Ball of the Camden Turn Verein.
The Camden Turn Verein held its twelfth annual masquerade ball last evening and Turner Hall was filled with a merry crowd of dancers in fancy costumes.
Martin Hartmann, master of ceremonies, and Mrs. Frederick Banzhof led the grand march. John Maier, August Hiller, Louis Hartmann, Ferdinand Zuber, Claus Ecks and William Uber were the floor managers, while the committee of arrangements consisted of Anthony J. Oberst, chairman; Francis T. Steinebach, secretary; John F. Rieger, treasurer; John Schmidt, William Bartlet, John Maier and Martin Hartmann.
The Turn Verein officers are: President, William Bartlet; vice president, Francis T. Steinebach; secretary, Anthony J. Oberst; treasurer, Bernhard F. Schroeder.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. William Barte[?]t, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Schroeder, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Korfhage, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schradin, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Holler, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kobus, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Foulon, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Adam Schlorer, Mr. and Mrs. George Kadisch, Mr. and Mrs. George Brehm, Herman Fuchs, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore G. Maier, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lutz, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schlorer, Mr. and Mrs. Frank X. Braun, Mr. and Mrs. George Kruck, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Walz, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Colsey, Mr. and Mrs. John Graef, Mr. and Mrs. August Freitag, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ladewig, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Banzhof, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ba[?]er, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schneider, Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Dalbey, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Maehler, August Weber, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Kohlenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Haehner, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Ahrens, Mr. and Mrs. Jaoob [sic] Ruff, Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Halbert, Mr. and Mrs. George K. Knauf, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Guenther, Mr. and Mrs. George Kroecker, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Leapold, Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCabe, Mr. and Mrs. Adam T. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Schwoeri and Mr. and Mrs. George Lotz.
Greater Camden the Slogan at Board of Trade Banquet
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MAYOR CHAS H. ELLIS
JUDGE C V D JOLINE
EX-JUDGE HOWARD CARROW
EDMUND E. READ JR.
Men Prominent in Business Affairs Sound Praises of Growing City at Annual Feast
A greater, more progressive Camden was the watchword at he [sic] annual banquet given by Camden’s Board of Trade last night. And that this means something is evident from the fact that it came from the city’s “Captains of Industry” to the number of two hundred.
It was Camden’s rejuvenated Board of Trade that gave the banquet and the interest taken was manifested by the presence of representatives from every business concern of any prominence in the city.
All Represented
There were bankers besides just ordinary business men, professional men of every character, and all were imbued with the spirit to make of Camden a place that will be known on the map throughout the country. William L. Hurley, president of the board, presided at the banquet.
“Generally speaking, we are satisfied with our city,” said Mayor Charles H. Ellis in responding to the toast, “Camden as it is,” “but, of course, there is room for improvement in many respects, and it rests with you gentlemen, you members of the Board of Trade to largely aid in solving our municipal problems.”
Former Judge Howard Carrow acted as toastmaster and, beside Mayor Ellis, those who responded to toasts were Congressman James H. Davidson, of Wisconsin, who spoke on “Boards of Trades;” Judge of the Court of Common Pleas C. V. D. Joline, “Camden’s Eighty Years;” Lawyer Edmund E. Read, president of the Board of Education, “Camden’s Future.”
One of the features of the occasion was the presentation of a life-size oil painting of President William Leonard Hurley. [sic] to the board, by Lawyer Harry C. Kramer. This came as a complete surprise to President Hurley, but he expressed his thorough appreciation of the honor.
Senator Philander C. Knox, of Pennsylvania, was among the specially invited guests and a warm welcome awaited him, but he was unavoidably detained.. [sic]
Some good points to Camden’s credit were enumerated in the menu cards as follows:
“Camden has within its borders a population of nearly 100,000 and shipbuilding firms that can either supply a launch or the greatest battleship; the largest lace curtain manufacturers in America; a talking machine that speaks every known language; iron works that make enough pipe to girdle the earth; leather manufacturers who tan skins from all parts of the globe; the largest furniture house, whose products reach the Philippines; banks and trust companies whose resources are not affected by panics; artesian water that can be taken without adding anything.”
The committee in charge of the occasion included John T. Dorrance, chairman; Edwin G. C. Bleakly, Harry C. Kramer, David A. Henderson and Samuel W. Sparks.
Among the Guests
Among the participants were Congressman Harry C. Loudenslager, Francis Howell, Walter Wood, Elmer E. Long, George W. Jessup, former Judge Joseph Gaskill, Volney G. Bennett, Wilbur F. Rose, Alexander C. Wood, George A. Frey, Charles A. Reynolds, Vice Chancellor E. B. Leaming, Heulings Lippincott, Charles K. Haddon, Fithian S. Simmons, Joseph B. Van Sciver, David Jester, Frank B. Sitley, Alpheus McCracken, Thomas S. Nekervis, DeCourcy May, Watson Depuy, Lionel C. Simpson, John M. Kelly, G. George Browning, William J. Browning, Isaac Ferris, John C. Danenhower, John R. McFeeley, Elias Davis, Anthony Kobus, Captain John B. Adams.
A. Kobus & Son
Jefferson Athletic Association First Annual Grand Ball Program — 1919
Boots, Shoes, Rubbers
4th and Spruce Sts., Camden
Broadway Trust Company Directors
Bank Directory —
Broadway Trust Company
Broadway below Walnut St., Camden, N.J.
Officers
| Name ↕ | Role ↕ |
|---|---|
| J.J. Burleigh | President |
| Anthony Kobus | Vice President |
| William J. Cooper | Vice President |
| Burleigh H. Draper | Secretary and Treasurer |
Directors
| Name ↕ |
|---|
| John J. Burleigh |
| William Mills |
| Dr. S.G. Bushey |
| Anthony J. Oberst |
| Ralph D. Childrey |
| John Wesley Sell |
| Robert H. Comey |
| Dr. Marvin A. Street |
| William J. Cooper |
| Wilbert L. Sweeten |
| George A. Frey |
| Edward B. Stone |
| Albert Fogg |
| Adam Schlorer |
| Frederick Grant |
| Bernhard F. Schroeder |
| John B. Kates |
| Edward Schuster Jr. |
| Dr. Grant E. Kirk |
| John O. Wilson |
| Anthony Kobus |
Kobus Family Plot
Harleigh Cemetery, Camden NJ
Kobus Family Plot in Harleigh Cemetery. The monument is lettered KOBUS.
Anthony Kobus gravestone: “ANTHONY KOBUS 1837 1920,” with a cross between the names.
Elizabeth Kobus gravestone (died 1883): “ELIZABETH KOBUS 1827 1883,” with a cross between the names.