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.
Trade Cards
Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade cards advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade Cards
Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade card front and back
Trade Card
Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
Trade card advertising Anthony Kobus’ Grand Boot and Shoe Emporium
1892 Trade Card
1892 Trade card front and back
German Centennial Celebration
Camden Daily Courier —
THE GERMAN MASS MEETING.
A PURELY DEMOCRATIC GATHERING AT THE COURT HOUSE.
Teutonic 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 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.
Camden Business Advertiser
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
Turner Hall Sale
Camden Post-Telegram —
Named: Turn Verein, Turner Hall, Martin Hartmann, Frederick Banzhoff, John Maier, August Hiller, Louis Hartmann, Ferdinand Zuber, Claus Ecks, William Uber, Anthony Oberst, Francis T. Steinbach, John F. Rieger, John Schmidt, William Bartelt, Bernhard F. Schroeder, Rudolf Korfhage, Albert Schradin, Louis Holler, Anthony Kobus, Charles Foulon Sr., Adam Schlorer, George Kadisch, George Brehm, Herman Fuchs, Theodore G. Maier, Fred Lutz, Edward Schlorer, Frank X. Braun, George Kruck, Conrad Walz, John G. Colsey, John Graef, August Frietag, Herman Ladewig, Benjamin Baier, Fred Schneider, Maynard Dalbey, Ernest Maehler, August Weber, F.W. Kohlenberg, Andrew Haehner, Conrad Ahrens, Jacob Ruff, Harry C. Halbert, George K. Knauf, Henry Guenther, George Kroecker, Theodore Leopold, Edward McCabe, Adam T. Davis, Gustav Schwoeri, and George Lotz.
Camden Businesses
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GREATER CAMDEN THE SLOGAN AT BOARD OF TRADE BANQUET
(Group photo: Mayor Chas H. Ellis, Judge C.V.D. Joline, Ex-Judge Howard Carrow, Edmund E. Read Jr., W.L. Hurley, John T. Dorrance)
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, 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.
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
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.”
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
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...]”
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
...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.
1919 Advertisement
Jefferson Athletic Association First Annual Grand Ball Program
1919 Advertisement in the Jefferson Athletic Association First Annual Grand Ball Program
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
Anthony Kobus gravestone
Elizabeth Kobus gravestone (died 1883)