Clarence Arthur
CLARENCE JAMES ARTHUR was born in Haddonfield, New Jersey on September 10, 1887. The 1913 and 1915 City Directories shows him and wife Lillian at 443 West Street. From 1916 through 1918 documents show the couple at 326 Berkley Street. The January 1920 Census shows him working as a carpenter and living at 317 Berkley Street in South Camden. His next door neighbor at 319 Berkley was Ira Hall, who was appointed to the Camden Police Department later that same year. The 1921 City Directory has Clarence Arthur and Lillian Arthur at 321 Berkley Street.
On March 25, 1922 Clarence Arthur was appointed to the Camden Police Department. By 1926 Clarence Arthur was living with his brother Herbert at 227 Washington Street. He was still living at that address in the spring of 1942.
Clarence Arthur had risen to the rank of Detective by 1927. He was involved in several highly publicized cases, including the February 5, 1934 arrests of a gang of four robbers who had committed $130,000 payroll heist in Penns Grove, and the January 1938 arrest of three serial burglars in Camden.
Clarence Arthur was still serving as a detective with the Camden Police Department when in January of 1946 he assaulted Alexander Beaton in the process of arresting him for smoking on a bus. He was convicted of atrocious assault and battery in December of 1946 and was sentenced to 12 to 18 months in prison in October of 1947. Clarence Arthur was granted parole from prison on July 14, 1948.
Last a resident of 1471 Kenwood Avenue in Parkside, Clarence Arthur passed away on December 12, 1969 and was buried at Mt. Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, New Jersey. He was survived by a son, Jack Arthur, and a daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Murray.
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Card — Clarence Arthur
Mayor Ellis Names New Policemen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Succeeding Edward Rapp, who died suddenly, James H. Biddle, of East Camden, yesterday was appointed a policeman by Mayor Ellis. The Mayor also named Clarence Arthur, of the Third ward, a member of the police force. He fills one of the vacancies caused by the resignations of three men following the vice probe.
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 man 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 wishes to clear the dead man, he said, of the stigma of suspicion that he was slain while engaged in an attempted robbery.
Hearing in Police Court was brief. There was no testimony and Keown merely announced Deven would waive a hearing. Appearing also as attorney for Hunt, O’Brien, and Waterhouse, he said the other three men were “present at the unfortunate shooting” and thus should be held as material witnesses. He added the prosecutor’s office had permitted the release of the three under $1,000 bail each and requested Judge Bertman follow suit. The court acceded to this request but stipulated that new bail must be provided. The three men were freed shortly afterward when the bond was furnished by James Louis, 603 Kaighn Avenue, who had provided the bail yesterday in the prosecutor’s office.
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.”
Flannery is blamed by the city police for precipitating the battle. He has also been identified, according to County Detective Howard Smith, as one of the men who beat and robbed Henry Mehrer, an Audubon policeman, outside the Ringside Inn on the Black Horse Pike a fortnight ago. In addition, he is charged with attempting to hold up Milton Feinstein, cafe proprietor, 508 Kaighn Avenue. Cimini and Sage were also identified by Feinstein, according to Detective Smith.
According to the version of Cimini’s death given in statements by witnesses to county detectives, “Chick” Hunt might have been the victim of the slaying had it not been for Deven’s interference.
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.
Deven Interferes
Hunt made no careless movements toward the pistols on the table. Then Deven is declared to have interfered.
“None of that stuff, Mose” he said warningly. “Who’s this guy to come here making trouble? He’s no member, is he?”
Cimini moved quickly, the witnesses say. With an upward flip of his hand he brought the barrel of the automatic sharply against Deven’s chin. The latter lurched forward snatching one of the pistol from the table.
The weapon was discharged, the bullet tearing through Cimini’s heart. He died instantly.
The next moment, Arthur and Bunker, district detectives summoned by one of the players who had fled, burst through the door and lined up the men against the wall.
A short time later police arrested Blanchard and Dandrea. Blanchard, police say, was the man who gave them warning of the impending battle. Both men were released after questioning.
Released from Lakeland
The detectives found Deven cringing with fear under the table, the weapon still in his hand. Four other pistols were picked up in different parts of the room.
Deven was identified as a lovesick husband who appeared in the prosecutor’s office several month’s ago and asked to be “put away.” His wife had left him, he said, and he was afraid he might harm someone.
He was committed to the asylum at Lakeland. When or how he was released is a mystery. Lakeland officials said they had no record of him. Deven once shot himself in a suicide attempt police say, in grief over estrangement from his wife.
Gangdom’s prevailing opinion is that Flannery is “in” for it. Attempts and threats against the blond gangster’s life have furnished many lurid tales for the habitués of downtown hangouts.
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.
3 Youths Held Here; Abandoned Stolen Car
Camden Courier-Post —
Arrested “on suspicion” when they abandoned an automobile at Taylor avenue and Mechanic street, three young Philadelphians were being held today by Camden police, who say they have learned that the car was stolen. The men are Robert Reid, 21, of 318 Garrett street; Anthony Petruski, 19, of 1225 Montgomery avenue, and Walter Marrow, 19, of Wharton street, all of Philadelphia.
District Detectives Clarence Arthur and Clarence Bunker, police “riders” in South Camden, saw the three youths leave an automobile three o’clock this morning and set out at a rapid pace in the direction of the Reading ferry terminal. The officers followed the trio and asked the reason for the abandonment of the car. The three answered that they were returning for the car later.
Taken to police headquarters, the youths told the same story to Sergeant Thomas Murphy, who investigated and learned from Philadelphia police, stated later, that the car had been stolen. Reid, Petruski and Marrow are being held for Philadelphia authorities.
New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Believe Prisoners Know Something of Wierman Murder
PROSECUTOR BALDWIN SEEKS SPEEDY TRIAL
Indications Point to Sextet Staging Recent Holdups Netting $25,000
Arrested by the new Camden police vice squad today in three East Camden dwellings, four men and two women are believed by county authorities to be members of a bandit gang which collected $25,000 and murdered a Camden man in a series of eight holdups during the past two months.
Prosecutor Baldwin expressed belief that the suspects were either implicated in, or know who executed the shooting of William “Big Bill” Wierman, alleged Camden beer runner, during a holdup April 28 at the Bellmawr County Club.
He announced he would ask the grand jury this afternoon to indict them on charges made against them this morning by the city police, and would probably place them on trial here next week.
Meanwhile, all victims and witnesses to the daring holdups in and near the city will be summoned to the courthouse to attempt to identify the prisoners.
He highly complimented the newly created vice squad on its efficient raids made after a week of painstaking investigation.
Firearms Seized
In each residence police seized a veritable arsenal of revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, repeating rifles and hundreds of ammunition, all hidden in closets or secret caches under the floors. An opium “layout,” hacksaw, pairs of colored eyeglasses and silverware were also confiscated.
The discovery of the tinted eyeglasses in the residence was of significance to Police Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, who pointed out that one of the armed bandits who held up the son of Freeholder Leonard Brehm at Front and Kaighn avenue two weeks before the Wierman slaying wore green glasses to escape identification.
The detectives aided by state troopers executed their raids with a precision which prevented any of the suspects from resisting or escaping. Two men attempted to slip through the ring, but one surrendered after a single shot was fired at him, and the other was captured while trying to scale a rear fence.
The suspects gave their names as:
John Fisher, 38, of 41 South Thirty-third street, Camden.
Nicholas Bartluci, 23, of 764 South Berwick street, Philadelphia.
Joseph Conti, 34, of 708 South Eighth street, Philadelphia.
Catherine Christman, 28, of 2202 Filbert street, Philadelphia.
Marco Reginelli, 32, of Apartment 2, at 143 North Thirty-fourth street, Camden.
Mrs. Mary Reginelli, 24, his wife, same address.
Committed Without Bail
All six were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in the city police court this afternoon. As they were arrested in a joint complaint charging each with carrying concealed deadly weapons was lodged against them by Detective Louis Schlam, member of the vice squad. An additional complaint charging possession of narcotics was placed against Conti and Catherine Christman.
All of the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded to the county jail without bail. Prosecutor Baldwin stated he did not immediately fix bail, but would hold them for further investigation. They will be finger-printed and “mugged” so that county authorities can obtain their police records.
Bartluci has been arrested four times in Philadelphia since 1926, but each time was released or exonerated. The charges were inciting a riot in 1926.
[The page-one text breaks off here; the lines joining it to the page-two text below are not in the crops.] suspicion of hold-up and robbery in 1927, 1928 and 1929.
Conti is a familiar figure in the Philadelphia underworld, according to police, and it is believed that he may be the same Joseph Conti who was arrested as a witness in a recent gang murder in that city.
All of the prisoners treated their arrest with levity. Conti, while being led from the courtroom after his hearing jocularly remarked to Patrolman Everett Joslin:
“Wait, and I’ll get a machine gun out of my shoe for you.”
All the men were handcuffed when arrested in police court.
Conti and the Christian [sic] woman were arrested when police broke down the door of a house at 3719 Highland avenue, Camden. Fisher and Bartluci were seized at the South Thirty-third street address, while the Reginellis were captured in their apartment.
Conti made a desperate bid for freedom when he saw the detectives, armed with shotguns, repeating rifles, revolvers and tear bombs. The suspect dashed through the rear door, but came to an abrupt standstill when a member of the vice squad, Detective James Paradise, fired one shot at him.
Bartluci also attempted to escape and was clambering over a rear fence when he fell into the arms of Detectives Walter Smith and Vernon Jones.
All were arrested “on information received,” the only explanation the police would give. It was revealed that the special vice squad, organized by police heads a few days after a Camden bank messenger was robbed of $6700 in broad daylight May 23, has had the three dwellings under surveillance for the past week.
The raiders first visited the Highland avenue place at 5:15 a. m. An automobile was in front of the house, and Conti and the Christman woman were in it, according to detectives. When the suspects saw the police, they leaped from the car and ran into the house, locking the door after them.
Batter Down Door
Under the leadership of Detective Theodore Guthrie, the vice squad members quickly surrounded the place, and Detectives Smith and Jones knocked at the front door. There was no response, and the detectives then battered the door down, rushing into the dark interior with drawn revolvers.
They found Catherine Christman, but Conti had fled out the rear. Detective Paradise’s shot changed his mind about escaping.
Then a thorough search was made of the premises for weapons or possible loot. In closets, under beds, the detectives found weapons of all description. Baseboards and the floors were hammered, and several traps were found to contain weapons when floor boards were ripped up.
The raiders took their prisoners to City Hall, and then descended upon the South Thirty-third street house, at 6:30 a. m. There they had to force open the front door when their demands for entrance met no response. They arrested Fisher, who made no attempt to resist when he saw it was futile. Bartluci, however, dashed into the rear yard, but was captured.
Here, another thorough search uncovered weapons, and when the prisoners and confiscated material had been disposed of, the raiders sped to the North Thirty-fourth street apartment, forcing the front door open at 7.30 a. m., after surrounding the place.
Those who participated in the raids were the following members of the vice squad, headed by Detective Guthrie: Paradise, Jones, Walter Smith, Clarence Bunker, Louis Schlam, Clarence Arthur, Howard Smith and Joseph Mardini. With them were Sergeant Wilfred L. Dube and Detective Andrew Zopesky, of the state police.
Seized in Raid
The following is a list of what was seized in each place:
At 3719 Highland avenue: One automatic 12-gauge shotgun, serial numbers filed off to prevent tracing to the buyer; one bolt action high-powered .38-calibre rifle; one .38-calibre short-barrelled revolver, loaded; one .38-calibre long-barrelled revolver, loaded; one hacksaw and blade; one box of 50 12-gauge buckshot cartridges, one pair of green glasses, three dozen silver spoons, 10 rifle bullets, 33 .38-calibre bullets, two bunches of keys, one handbag and a complete opium layout, including an extra pipe and a quantity of opium.
At 41 South Thirty-third street: One .45-calibre Colt automatic, loaded; one .45-calibre side-break revolver, loaded; one extra clip of 20 bullets, one 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun, two barrels; four dozen 12-gauge shells, four dozen rifle bullets, 32 .38-calibre bullets and three .45-calibre long rifle bullets.
At 143 North Thirty-fourth street: One automatic .12-gauge shotgun, Remington, Model 11, serial number 324870; one sawed-off shotgun, serial number filed off; one .32-calibre Savage automatic, six dozen 12-gauge shells, 13 .38-calibre bullets for a Luger revolver, eight dozen .32-calibre bullets, one dozen .25-calibre bullets and a pair of amber-colored glasses.
Military System Adopted for Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
Dickinson Makes District Heads Responsible for Men; Vice Squad Disbanded
Following closely upon the heels of disbanding the special vice squad, Major C. V. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, today announced that the commander of each of the four police districts will be responsible for the conduct of the men under him.
The same system of burden of responsibility existing in military services will be in effect in the Camden police department, the major averred. Each patrolman will be responsible to his sergeant, each sergeant to his lieutenant and the lieutenants to the deputy director.
Major Dickinson, Camden’s new “police czar,” also reiterated that he is demanding strict adherence to the police regulations and rules. One rule requires that no member of the police department, whether he is in uniform or plainclothes, on duty or off, may enter a soft-drink parlor or other drinking resorts “except in the strict commission of duty.” He has also informed the police heads to instruct their men to faithfully observe all other rules, including those requiring salutes to superior officers and those regulating neat appearance.
Major Dickinson completely abolished the special vice squad last night, reassigning the remaining five members to other units in the department.
Three of the squad were assigned to special duty and will work directly under Major Dickinson. They will be stationed in his offices at city hall and will take orders from him alone.
They are Detectives Theodore Guthrie, former head of the squad; James Paradise and Clarence Bunker. Guthrie and Paradise both live in the Sixth ward, the home bailliwick of Major Dickinson, while Bunker lives in the Thirteenth ward, within a few blocks of the residence of Dr. Rhone.
Of the two remaining members, Howard Smith is assigned to detective headquarters and Clarence Arthur was ordered to report to the Fourth Police District today in uniform. Smith, a resident of the Second ward, will take up his new position at 4 p. m. today. Arthur was appointed to the police department from the Third ward.
Other Changes Made
Two other changes in the department were announced yesterday by Major Dickinson. Henry Lutz, a patrolman in the Second district, was appointed a member of the mounted squad under Sergt. Clarence Thorn. John Kowal, who was an acting district detective in the Fourth district, was shifted to police headquarters as a member of the bandit chaser crew stationed there.
The vice squad was formed by Police Chief Lewis H. Stehr on May 26 after a series of holdups had been perpetrated. The squad originally consisted of nine men, but gradually became smaller as the members were reassigned to the various districts.
An order was sent to all district commanders compelling members of the department on patrol duty to remain in their district until relieved. In order that this may be carried out all policemen must report at their various station houses 15 minutes earlier than previously. Instead of each shift leaving the station houses on the hour they will leave ten minutes sooner thus reaching their districts before the man they are relieving has reported off for the day.
Police rules and regulation books have been issued to all men and they will be expected to “learn the contents by heart,” according to Major Dickinson.
New Cafe Applications
Dr. Rhone, director of Public Safety, announced yesterday that new application forms for 1931 soft drink permits will be made. A drastic change will be made in the forms.
They will delve extensively into the personal character and integrity of the applicant. He will be asked if he is naturalized, and if so when he obtained his final papers. He must tell if he has ever been arrested and the disposition made of his case. He will be asked if any place of a like nature operated by him has ever been raided or padlocked.
If the applicant can satisfactorily answer all questions on the form and his permit granted a $100 fee is charged. The permits will probably be granted the latter part of January, Director Rhone said. He will endeavor to keep the number below 100.
'Numbers' Suspect Freed in $100 Bail
Camden Courier-Post —
Suspected by the police of being a “numbers’ writer, Clinton Gilchrist, 25, colored, of 1153 Cooper Street, was held in $100 bail by Acting Police Judge James Smith yesterday for a further hearing next Tuesday.
Gilchrist who is charged with operating a “numbers” lottery was arrested Thursday in an automobile at Eleventh and Cooper streets by Detective Lieutenant Louis Shaw and Detective Clarence Arthur.
In Gilchrist’s possession, the detectives say they found some “numbers” slips and “loose coins.”
Mystery Prisoner Tries to End Life
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Amnesia Victim’ Jailed Pending Examination by Physicians
Police still were attempting last night to identify the man picked up by police Monday night and who attempted to commit suicide on the way to the Bertillon room at police headquarters to be fingerprinted. Although he maintained he does not know his name or where he comes from, police believe him to be holding something back.
Placed In Jail
He was placed in the county jail on order of Judge Pancoast pending examination by county physicians. As he was being led into the Bertillon records room, the prisoner made a sudden dash for the window and tried to throw it open. Detectives William Boettcher, Clifford Del Rossi and Clarence Arthur dragged him away and subdued him after a violent struggle. While his incoherent responses to questions indicated he might be a victim of amnesia, Del Rossi expressed the belief the prisoner was “concealing something.” Copies of his fingerprints will be sent to Eastern police departments in an effort to identify him.
Brother a Policeman
The man was wandering in the vicinity of Twenty-seventh and Federal streets last night. Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner questioned him but the only information he could elicit was that the man had a brother on the New York police force. Koerner took him to Cooper Hospital and then to the city jail.
Payroll Theft Is Re-Enacted; Two Men Held
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Suspects, Brought Back From Penna., Viewed by Victims
MAN ADMITS LOAN OF MACHINE TO ONE
Radio Workers Cannot Identify Them, They’re Booked on Suspicion
The $11,790 payroll holdup staged last Friday at the Radio Condenser Co., Thorne and Copewood streets, was re-enacted yesterday.
Two suspects nabbed late Monday, at Lykens in Dauphin County, Pa., played the “heavy” roles. Also in the cast were eight women and two men, employees of the firm. For an hour and 20 minutes the spectacular robbery was “rehearsed” under the direction of three Camden detectives.
When the curtain was rung down Leroy Jenkins, 23, who police say has addresses at 1161 Mechanic Street and 1220 Princess Avenue, and Joseph Putek, 23, said to reside at 1462 Louis street, were held on suspicion. They will be questioned further today.
Has Nothing Definite
Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden admitted he “has nothing on the boys.” Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clarence Arthur and Clifford Del Rossi, however, were pressing pursuit of “hunches” and meager clues in attempts to solve the crime. There were several lines of information they obtained regarding the two suspects which will bear further study, Simon said.
Putak, who has a police record although never convicted according to police, was questioned previously in connection with the Radio Condenser “job.” He was released at midnight last Saturday. After that the detectives centered attention upon Jenkins. They learned Jenkins borrowed an automobile from a man who operates a garage in the 1200 block on Atlantic Avenue. The garageman was reluctant to talk but under threat of arrest as an accessory he admitted lending a car to Jenkins.
Fliers were dispatched to police throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. The car was halted at Williamsport, Pa. and when Camden police were identified they were surprised that Putak was Jenkins’ companion. This stirred detectives to renewed vigor in the probe. They learned the men were planning to visit relatives, of Jenkins in Williamsport and Pottsville. According to Simon, police of both cities say Jenkins is well known to them.
While at Williamsport the three detectives learned Putak and Jenkins visited a vice den and quarreled with a woman over money. They quoted Jenkins as declaring that he “could buy and sell the joint!”
Had Little Money
Putak had but $3 when released Saturday and $11 when arrested, Simon revealed. He told the detectives he had won money in a poker game here.
The two men were returned with the detectives as far as Philadelphia but refused to cross the river. They were turned over to police there on suspicion and brought to this city yesterday afternoon. Taken to the Radio Condenser plant they were confronted with the ten employees who were herded in a vault during the holdup last Friday.
According to Simon, several of the employees felt there were certain mannerisms of the suspects which corresponded with actions of the bandits but confessed they were unable to definitely identify Putak or Jenkins as the heavily masked pair who threatened their lives with a revolver and shotgun.
The detectives propose an inquiry to all banks in this area in an effort to learn whether safe deposit boxes were leased by anyone answering the description of the suspects. The money obtained in the robbery was in bills and change of small denomination, numbers of the bills were not available.
Although never convicted Jenkins has a police record. Putak has never been formally under arrest, but has been questioned by the police in connection with various cases.
Jenkins was arrested December 18, 1931, charged with larceny of gasoline, and on last July 9 was charged with several robberies.
On April 2, 1931, he was held for the grand jury, charged with manslaughter after his automobile killed Mrs. Mary Cavanaugh, 70, a cook in the service of City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly.
Two Suspects Held in Payroll Hold-Up
Camden Courier-Post —
South Camden Men Will Be Grilled on $11,790 Theft at Radio Condenser
Held as suspects in the $11,790 Radio Condenser Company payroll holdup of last Friday, Leroy Jenkins, 23, and Joseph Putek, 23, South Camden police characters, tomorrow will be given a police court hearing.
Police admit their evidence against the pair is “flimsy” but hope to be able to hold them in high bail pending further investigation.
Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clarence Arthur and Clifford Del Rossi, who have worked almost unceasingly to solve the crime, admitted last night they “had possibilities” for today.
They declared they have unearthed a South Camden garage man who will testify at the hearing that he rented a garage to Jenkins, in which a dark automobile, similar to the one used in the holdup, is stored at the present time.
The detectives have also found a special officer, they said, who will testify to having seen the two suspects riding in a small black car in the vicinity of the Condenser concern’s plant a short time before the holdup.
The suspects’ mannerisms and voices have been identified by the ten office employees, victims of the two bandits staging the holdup. Further identification was impossible because the bandits wore hoods over their heads and down to their shoulders.
4 Youths Held in Holdup at Radio Plant
Camden Courier-Post —
2 in Jail at Time ‘in on Plot,’ Cops’ Say; Booked as Witnesses
PAIR CAUGHT IN PENNA. TO FACE CHARGE TODAY
Condenser Company Payroll Robbery Planned in April, Sleuths Reveal
Two Camden youths, released from Camden county jail, were held by local police yesterday on suspicion of implication in the $11,790 holdup of the Radio Condenser Company, Thorne and Copewood streets, last Friday.
They are Leon Grinkewicz, 18, of 1469 Louis Street, and Stanley Geda, 19, of 1273 Whitman Avenue.
Although both denied knowledge of the payroll holdup, detectives said they admitted having been close pals of Le Roy Jenkins, 23; of 1161 Mechanic Street, and Joseph Putek, 23, of 1462 Louis Street, who were arrested in Lykens, Pa., on Monday.
Grinkewicz and Geda are being held on suspicion but, according to Detectives Clarence Arthur; Benjamin Simon and Clifford Del Rossi, they will be charged today with being material witnesses, while Jenkins and Putek will be charged with the holdup and will be arraigned in police court.
Grinkwicz and Geda were arrested yesterday morning on their release from county jail. They had been committed May 9 by Recorder Joseph Patton, of Haddon Heights, for 30 days on charges of loitering with intent to steal. They were questioned all day by detectives.
Detectives said they learned Jenkins and Putek were with Grinkewicz and Geda in Haddon Heights “to do a job” but that the other two disappeared when Grinkeicz and Geda were arrested. Although they were in the county jail at the time, the detectives said they learned they had participated with Jenkins and Putek in planning the Radio Condenser job five weeks ago.
Fifth Suspect Held in Payroll Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Say Pool Room Owner Knew of Robbery Plot
A fifth man was arrested in the recent Radio Condenser Company $11,790 payroll holdup and held as a material witness yesterday after city detectives alleged he attempted to escape from them in his automobile. He is Nicholas Kubiak, 34, of 1301 Decatur street, owner of a pool room on the corner of Decatur and Norris streets. Arraigned before Judge Pancoast in police court, Kubiak was committed to the county jail without bail as a witness.
City Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clifford Del Rossi and Clarence Arthur stated they went to the pool room this morning and told Kubiak he was under arrest. He accompanied them to the sidewalk and suddenly stepped into his own automobile parked at the curb. The detectives said he started the engine, whereupon the police car was driven in front of him so he couldn’t move. Simon declared that he jumped on the running board of Kubiak’s car and reached in to grab the ignition key. Kubiak tried to push him off the running board, Simon said, and the key was obtained only after a tussle.
Simon said he has three statements signed by persons who charged they heard Kubiak declare the holdup was planned in his poolroom and that Leroy Jenkins and Joseph Putek were the actual bandits. Jenkins and Putek are charged with the holdup and are held under $3000 bail each. The bail was fixed by Prosecutor Baldwin.
Simon stated he previously had questioned Kubiak, but could learn nothing to warrant holding the man until he received the statements late last night. Simon said if he had been able to obtain the statements prior to yesterday, he doubted that bail would have been fixed so low.
Two other youths, arrested as material witnesses in the case, were released by Prosecutor Baldwin today under $500 bail each. They are Leon Grenkwicz, 18, of 1469 Louis Street, and Stanley Geda, 19, of 1273 Whitman avenue.
Florist Shop Raid Traps Numbers Men
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Believe Hunt for Racket Headquarters Ended; 4 Are Arrested
A three-month search for “number’s” headquarters in Camden was believed ended today when detectives raided a florist shop at 1409 Mt. Ephraim avenue, seized seven adding machines, thousands of dollars worth of sales slips and arrested four men.
Joseph Klosterman, 34, of 1413 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, whom the police believe operated the “bank,” was included in a quartet arrested by a squad under command of Sergeant of Detectives Louis Shaw.
Responding to an anonymous tip that the numbers men were gathered in a rear room of the store, Shaw, together with detectives Clarence Arthur, George Zeitz and John Kaighn, surrounded the place.
The others arrested in the raid gave their names as Charles Selanski, 23, of 1286 Sheridan Street; Leon Babrowski, 22, of 1209 Lansdowne Avenue, and Frank Gromacki, 27, of 1411 Mt. Ephraim Avenue. Several “pickup men,” who have been arrested while carrying money and numbers slips, according to Shaw, were linked with the ring. The principals, however, had managed to escape detection.
The flower shop, Shaw said, is operated by Joseph Haleski, and was used as a “blind” for the lottery racket.
Klosterman was released last night in $1000 bail for a hearing today on a charge of operating a numbers lottery. The others were all released in $100 cash security as material witnesses.
Stores, Homes Looted; Radio, Pennies Taken
Camden Courier-Post —
Burglars who broke into two stores and a private home Thursday night got exactly $2.50, a radio, and some cigars for their trouble.
At the store of Basile Constantine, 402 Berkley Street, cigars valued at $1.50 were stolen by the intruders, who forced a rear shutter. Michael Kelly, of 11 South Fourth Street, reported his store was broken into and $2.50 in pennies stolen. Entrance was gained through a rear window. James Hayes, of 1287 Decatur Street, told the police his radio set was stolen by the thieves after they entered his house through a rear window.
Detectives Clarence Arthur and Clifford Carr are investigating.
Mysterious Piece of Paper Enlivens Numbers Trial Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Judge Shay Enjoys Verbal Tilt Between Gotshalk and Walter Keown, But It Fails to Enter Into Evidence
A mysterious piece of paper yesterday precipitated a verbal battle between Assistant Prosecutor William C. Gotshalk and Defense Attorney Walter S. Keown upon opening of the trial of Joseph and Fred Klosterman on charges of number writing. They were placed on trial before Judge Samuel M. Shay and a criminal court jury.
Acting Lieutenant Louis Shaw, of the city detective bureau, testified of a raid on the Klosterman saloon at Mechanic and Green streets and an adjacent house at 1312 Green street. The witness identified a brief-case containing numbers slips and also a postal card addressed to “F. Klosterman.”
When Shaw was turned over to Keown for cross-examination, the defense counsel reached into the case, pulled out a piece of paper and asked how it had gotten into the bar. When Shaw said he had put it there, Keown declared:
“Well, put it into your pocket. It has nothing to do with this case.”
Shaw refused, whereupon Keown rolled it up into a ball and put it in his own pocket. At this, Gotshalk angrily demanded to see the paper, but Keown declared that “you can’t see this until after the jury has gone out.” When Gotshalk insisted, Keown said he would give it to Judge Shay. He threw it on the judge’s desk, but Judge Shay, who was smiling broadly, made no move to take it. Gotshalk then reached out to get the paper, but Keown was quicker retrieving it and placing it in his pocket again.
“What right have you to take a state exhibit and place it in your pocket?” Gotshalk queried heatedly. “I want that paper.”
“I’ll show it to Judge Shay,” parried Keown.
“I don’t want to see it,” laughed Judge Shay, as Keown paced around the courtroom, followed by Gotshalk.
“It has nothing to do with this case,” repeated Keown.
And there the matter stood.
Shaw testified that he, Detective Clarence Arthur and Patrolman John Kaighn entered the saloon December 10, and went out the back door. They followed a path to the Green street house, broke down the door and found Henry Pogrozewski, 17, and his mother burning numbers slips in a stove. Shaw said he recovered a half basket of slips.
Shaw and Arthur also declared that they found a bell in the house and that it was connected to a push button in the saloon, allegedly for an alarm.
Mary King, deputy city clerk, testified that at the time of the raid the license for the saloon was in Joseph Klosterman’s name.
Shaw’s testimony was corroborated by Arthur and Kaighn. Shaw was then recalled to the stand and related that as the three detectives went from the saloon to the other house, the Klosterman brothers followed them and demanded to know “why the dicks are always picking on us.”
The case will be resumed this morning.
Klosterman Boys Found Guilty in Numbers Case
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Brothers Released in Bail Awaiting Sentence
‘THEY ARE BIG SHOTS,’ PROSECUTOR DECLARES
Both Defendants Deny Connection With Raided Saloon
Joseph and Fred Klosterman were convicted in Camden Criminal Court yesterday of operating a numbers racket.
A jury returned a guilty verdict against the two South Camden sportsmen-brothers at 6:25 p.m., after deliberating only a short while.
Both were in the courtroom when the verdict was announced, but were allowed to depart under bail pending sentence later by Judge Samuel M. Shay.
Judge Shay delivered his charge to the jury after denying motions by Walter S. Keown, defense counsel, first to quash the indictment on grounds that its language was faulty, and second, to direct a verdict of not guilty for lack of evidence.
Called ‘Big Shots’
The two brothers were characterized as “big shot numbers barons” by Assistant Prosecutor William C. Gotshalk in his closing argument to the jury.
Referring to a woman and her son, who were burning numbers slips when raiders entered the establishment, Gotshalk said:
“They might ask us why we don’t have that woman and her 17-year-old son on trial here. When the police make an arrest the public wants to know why we don’t get the big shots. Well, here they are,” pointing at the Klostermans. “Here are the big shots.”
The Klosterman saloon, Mechanic and Green Streets, was raided December 10 by city detectives who testified Tuesday they followed a footpath to an adjacent house at 1312 Green Street. They broke down the door and found a woman and her son burning numbers slips. Acting Lieutenant Louis Shaw, of the city detective bureau, testified he recovered some of the slips and also found a brief case containing numbers slips and a post card addressed to “F. Klosterman.” Detective Clarence Arthur and Patrolman John Kaighn corroborated Shaw’s testimony.
Says He Was Visitor
The defense opened with Joseph Klosterman on the stand. He testified he had nothing to do with the saloon when it was raided, but merely happened to be in there for a drink when the raiders entered. He said he had owned the saloon for three and a half years but sold it last July for $100. He never had any connection with the Green Street house, he declared. He is now a plumber, Klosterman averred.
When Assistant Prosecutor Gotshalk asked him if he had ever been convicted of crime, Keown asked that the jury be withdrawn as he wanted to make another motion. Court then recessed.
When court resumed Mrs. Anna Pogroszewski, of the Green street address, took the stand. She testified the Klostermans were not connected with her home in any manner. She testified she had rented a room to a man named “Tommy” and all the numbers apparatus was his. When he moved out, he left the slips and adding machines there, she said, and she had cleaned out his room and was burning the papers when the raiders arrived.
Fred Klosterman, who resides at 1255 Decatur Street, denied he was a “numbers baron” and said he merely “happened” to be there on the day of the raid. Under cross-examination he admitted having pleaded guilty to slot machine charges in June of last year.
Cash Stolen from Under Rug; Boarder Gets Jail Sentence
Camden Courier-Post —
“Keeping your money under the rug is just about as safe as putting the key to your front door under the mat. It’s the first place thieves look.”
That was what police Judge Pancoast told Forma Senchuk, of 1900 Fillmore Street, who appeared against Anthony Stricko, 48, of the same address, and accused him of stealing $160 which he had hidden under the carpet.
Senchuk testified that he placed the money under the carpet several weeks ago. It was in $20 bills, he said, and he thought nothing of it until Stricko, a boarder in his home, started exhibiting bills of similar denomination. When he looked for his money it was gone.
Detective Clarence Arthur testified that four $20 bills were found in Stricko’s trunk and that he arrested Stricko on complaint of Senchuk on charges of stealing the money.
Stricko denied stealing the money and said the bills which Arthur found were given him by a woman who had been keeping $200 for him. He said he drew the money out of the postal savings fund two years ago and gave it to the woman.
Judge Pancoast found Stricko guilty of the theft and sentenced him to three months in the county jail. He instructed Senchuk to refrain from putting his money under the carpet and suggested he place it in bank in the future.
Taxi Driver Held Up by Passenger but He Fails to Get Money
Camden Courier-Post —
A taxicab passenger last night held up Alfred K. Shawcross, the driver, of 820 North Seventh Street, at Front and Federal streets, but obtained no money because Shawcross had none.
Shawcross told Detective Clarence Arthur the bandit, about five feet seven inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, wearing a brown suit and no hat, approached him at Sixth and Market streets and asked to be driven to Front and Federal streets.
When the passenger alighted he pressed a pistol against Shawcross and demanded his money. Shawcross told him he was making his first trip of the night and had nothing. The bandit ran east on Third Street and disappeared.
Man Shot by Cop Runs from Building 43 Minutes Later
Camden Courier-Post —
Bandits Trapped in Boulevard Garage Ram Through Auto Doors and Flee
Thieves Steal Machine for Getaway; Abandon Own Loaded With Tools
ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED
Shortly after burglars rammed a stolen car through the locked doors of a Collingswood garage early yesterday and fled before shots from police revolvers, one suspect was arrested in Camden and the discovery made that one of the burglars was wounded.
The burglars, either two or three, were surprised shortly before 3:30 a.m. by Sergeant William Ruth and Patrolman Earl Wilson at the Airport Garage, Crescent Boulevard near Haddon Avenue. Three-quarters of an hour after police left the darkened garage, a woman declared she saw a man run from it, his right arm bound in a handkerchief.
The suspect, said to have a police record and now awaiting questioning at Collingswood police headquarters, is Stanley S. Geda, 19, of 1273 Whitman Avenue.
Geda is also suspected by Collingswood police of implication in the theft of three new automobiles last Tuesday from the show rooms of the Community Motors at 622 Haddon Avenue.
Recorder Herbert R. Schooley committed him without bail last night for a further hearing today so that police would have time in which to check Geda’s fingerprints against specimens taken from the three recovered automobiles.
Ruth and Wilson were touring Collingswood in a police car when they found a parked car in the rear of the garage on City Line avenue.
Wilson went to the front of the garage, gun drawn, and called to Patrolman Samuel Bell, who was stationed on the Crescent Boulevard-Haddon Avenue corner. When he returned to the garage, Ruth was entering through a window. Wilson went to another window, in time to see a man inside walking toward Ruth.
When the man refused to halt, Ruth fired and the intruder fell, presumably wounded. Just what happened after that is uncertain because the garage was dark, and many cars were parked inside at all angles. At the sound of a shot another man ran downstairs and a large sedan, parked facing the locked front doors, was started. Before Ruth or Wilson could interfere, the machine rammed its way through the doors and to the boulevard, nearly hitting Bell.
As the car sped away, it was fired on by the three policemen.
Three-quarters of an hour later Mrs. Charles Pinto, of Crescent Boulevard and Haddon Avenue, saw a man run from the garage, his right arm bound in a handkerchief. Mrs. Pinto called to policemen but the wounded man escaped.
Police had thought he was one of two men who escaped in the car. The bandits’ original car was abandoned where it was parked.
Tools, including an electric drill, were found on the floor near the doorway, apparently ready for loading into a machine. The tools included cutters, a hack saw and other equipment. An attempt was being made, it was said, to steal a new car and one of the burglars was attempting to exchange a new battery for the get-away when the police appeared.
Geda was arrested when a car said to have been in his possession and owned by the Watson Shallcross Company was found parked near his home without tags. The arrest was made by Robert Ashenfelter and Clarence Arthur, city detectives.
Geda was arrested as a material witness in the Radio Condenser Company holdup a few weeks ago and is still under bail.
Two Men Nabbed as Numbers Aides
Camden Courier-Post —
Nicholas Scarduzio, 32, of 427 Emerald Street, and Joseph Tavolieri, 33, of 421 Emerald Street, were arrested yesterday afternoon by Detectives Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi and Benjamin Simon on charges of collecting numbers slips.
Slips totaling $25 were found in Scarduzio’s possession. Tavolieri had only a few. The arrests were made near Fourth Street and Ferry Avenues. They will be arraigned in police court today before Judge Garfield Pancoast.
Former Cop Is Fined as Numbers Collector
Camden Courier-Post —
Nicholas Scarduzio, 32, of 427 Emerald Street, a former policeman, and Joseph Trevolini, 31, of 421 Emerald Street, were fined $25 each by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday on charges of collecting numbers slips.
They were arrested Monday afternoon near Fourth street and Ferry Avenue by Detectives Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi and Benjamin Simon. Numbers slips were found on both.
Bribery Charged by Grand Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
26 Other Persons Named in 111 True Bills on Numbers
KLOSTERMANS TO FACE TRIAL
A bumper crop of 111 indictments was returned yesterday by the September vice probing grand jury against alleged numbers operators alone.
In addition, Mickey Blair, free on bail as a material witness in the slaying of Detective William T. Feitz was indicted on a charge of conspiracy to rob Mrs. Emma Heisler, in whose house Feitz was slain.
The 111 numbers indictments were aimed at 26 individuals, including Fred and Joe Klosterman, long known as numbers barons. Each of the brothers was indicted on six counts of engaging in the lottery business and on 12 additional indictments charging sale of lottery tickets.
The complete list of true bills were handed up to Judge Frank F. Neutze of the Camden County Common Pleas Court.
The numbers indictments follows [sic]:
Engaged in lottery business—Antonio Macio, 2125 Haddonfield road, Pennsauken township, one count; Fred Klosterman and brother, Joseph, Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street, six counts each.
Selling lottery tickets—Geneva Harden, beauty parlor operator in Pennsauken township, ten counts; Marshall Howard, 1912 Derousse avenue, Delair, 10 counts; Frank Martz, 235 Erie street, Camden, two counts; Arthur Woodridge, 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, two counts; Albert Young, 519 North Second street, Camden, one count; Andrew Pointkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, six counts; Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, five counts; Charles Simonin, 709 Fairview street, Camden, five counts; John Studinger, 2504 Federal street, Camden, 10 counts; Lucille Barber, 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, two counts; Samuel Ford, 1124 South Ninth street, two counts; John Geronio, 1042 Cooper street, one count; James Davis, 100 Mt. Vernon street, Camden, one count; Oscar Conway, 2803 Mitchell street, one count; John Barnes, 7805 Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken, two counts; Nathan Boston, Parry, Burlington county, one count.
James Gantt, 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken, two counts; Mary Angelo, 600 Pine street, two counts; Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street, two counts; Samuel Kane, 211 Walnut street, Philadelphia, one count; Samuel Karon, 1528 Mt. Ephraim avenue, one count; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, Camden, five counts; Frank Kulzcnski, 1100 Orchard street, two counts.
The presentment required only three minutes and the grand jury immediately withdrew to its chambers to consider new evidence in its probe of vice and gambling here.
It was indicated that the first batch of indictments found by the grand jury was just that, and that further true bills would be forthcoming as the work of sifting the mass of evidence continues.
A quartet of former city detectives who were transferred to regular police duty June 14, and seven attaches of the county jail were among the list of witnesses subpoenaed.
The erstwhile plainclothesmen are Clarence Arthur, Benjamin Simon, Clifford Del Rossi and Leon Branch. All were put into uniform without explanation, and with the understanding, they declare, that they would not be displaced. All expressed surprise at their removal, inasmuch as others were later appointed to their posts, because they had good records while members of the detective bureau.
Arthur and Branch appeared briefly before the probing body.
Crawford Smith is the brother of Detective Walter Smith and former Detective Howard Smith, it was reported by Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Michael Tenerelli, known in fistic cicles [sic] as Mickey Blair, was among those waiting in the grand jury anteroom when the jury adjourned to be called before the probers. All those called were subpoenaed on “John Doe” warrants.
Mickey told reporters he has no idea what form of questioning will be followed when he is called into the grand jury room. He was recently released under bail of $5000 as a material witness in the Feitz killing investigation.
Those who could not be heard by the grand jurors before adjournment yesterday were told to come back next Thursday.
Among the witnesses in the vice probe called into the jury room were two Camden county jail attaches, Mrs. Lillian Vincent, matron, and Frank Tyson, jail clerk.
Both were asked questions regarding the proceedure [sic] followed in releasing prisoners from the pail [sic], it was learned. Tyson was not asked by the grand jurors if the prisoners were ever allowed to leave jail before their terms were up, he said.
“We never discharged a prisoner during my long experience in the county jail,” he told reporters, “without the proper release slip. I do not know of any prisoner ever being released before his time was up.”
Other members of the county jail staff waiting to appear were Edmund Powell, former warden; William Kinsler, Walter Taylor, Joseph Rea and John Feitz.
Another witness to testify was Mrs. Anna Smallwood, of Fifth and Chestnut, who posted $5000 bail for Mickey Blair to effect the former boxer’s release in the Feitz murder case.
It is thought that the county jail attaches will be questioned in an endeavour to learn how prisoners are released before time, although confirmation of this report was lacking.
The grand jury also returned indictments against Robert R. Young and Fred H. Schmitz, both of Philadelphia, former employes of the RCA Victor Company, charging them with the theft of four automobile radio sets from the plant on September 19.
Harry Smith, John Lockwood, Edward Troutman and Thomas Moreland, of Camden, were charged with larceny of merchandise from the American Stores Company on August 30.
Stanley Gaisor and Henry Parewicz, both of Camden, were indicted on charges of the theft of an automobile owned by County Physician Edward B. Rogers. The automobile was stolen in Camden, August 31.
Paul Pralas was indicted on charges of atrocious assault and battery on Rocco Piliro on September 19 in Camden.
The following were indicted on charges of desertion and non-support: Cornelius Chambers, charged by his wife, Ethel, with deserting her and three small children.
Thomas Porter, of Clementon, with non-support of his three small children. Frank Drew, Camden, desertion and non-support of his wife, Martha, and three minor children. Walter Butterfield, Brooklawn, with desertion of his wife, Verna, and one minor child. Eugene Morselander, of Camden, with desertion of his wife, Gladys.
2 Speakeasy Owners Paid Hush Money, Graft Probers Hear
COLSEY DROPS ACCUSED MEN
Sixty-two indictments charging six Camden policemen with graft and bribe-taking were returned by the new grand jury yesterday.
The wholesale indictments constituted the first visible results of the probe into Camden’s vice affairs and connection of the police with vice, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
They are charged with taking hush money.
Those indicted:
Patrolman Thomas T. Cheeseman, 20 indictments.
Patrolman Vernon Jones, 20 indictments.
Patrolman Howard Fisher, 10 indictments.
Patrolman George Weber, also known as Buck Weaver, 10 indictments.
Detective Joseph Leonhardt, one indictment.
Patrolman Frank Wilmot, one indictment.
All are attached to the Second district except Leonhardt, who was dismissed from the force two weeks ago by Mayor Roy R. Stewardt [sic], and has appealed his case to the Civil Service Commission.
Leonhardt was with Detective William T. Feitz on the night of September 2, when Feitz was slain in Mrs. Emma Heisler’s alleged disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street. He and Feitz had been made district detectives less than a week before the shooting. They had been assigned to the “beat” in which Mrs. Heisler’s house was located, relieving Cheeseman and Jones, who were demoted to patrolmen.
Cheeseman was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death from a city hall window while being held as a witness in Feitz’s death.
12 Drew Suspensions
Those indicted, with the exception of Fisher, were among the 12 members of the force suspended by Mayor Stewart in connection with his personal investigation of police connections with vice.
Wilmot, Weber and Jones were returned to duty Wednesday after serving 30-day suspensions.
Cheeseman and Jones are named jointly in nine indictments; jointly with Fisher and Weber in nine other indictments; the four are lister [sic] separately in one set of indictments. Jones and Cheeseman are listed separately in another pair of indictments, while Leonhardt and Wilmot are named in one joint indictment.
Two men, Glenn Brown and Michael Tocco, are named in each indictment as having paid the policemen sums verying [sic] from $5 to $80 since last March. They are reported to be operators of illegal liquor establishments.
Jury Indicts 6 Cops On Vice Graft Charge
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando announced evidence had been given the grand jury to support charges that each of the men indicted had been accepting graft from racketeers and underworld characters.
The nine indictments against Cheeseman, Jones, Fisher and Weber charge them with having received the sum of $5 from Brown on nine different dates in March and April of this year, for a total of $45.
Cheeseman and Jones are jointly indicted on nine counts for having received from Tocco the sum of $160, in various amounts ranging from $10 to $80 on various dates in May, June and July.
Cheeseman and Jones are each indicted on two separate counts. Jones is charged with having accepted a $40 bribe from Tocco on May 24 and with having received another $5 from Brown on March 3. Cheeseman is indicted for receiving the same sums from the same persons on the same dates.
Fisher is indicted alone on one count of having received a $5 bribe from Brown in March. Weber was also indicted alone for the same offense.
Leonhardt and Wilmot, mentioned in only one indictment, are charged with having accepted $20 from Tocco in March.
Cheeseman has been a member of the police department for 16 years, most of which he served in the capacity of a detective. He was demoted on Sept. 3, 1930, to the rank of a patrolman, but later was again promoted to district detective. Two months ago he was demoted back to patrolman again and has been patrolling a ‘beat’ in South Camden since that time.
Cheeseman Appointed in 1918
Cheeseman is 48. He was appointed to the police force on January 11, 1918, and lives at 249 Rand street. He has served in various capacities since appointment, having been a member of the city vice squad, detective bureau, district detective and patrolman. His rank in the department was listed as a detective, although recently he has been assigned to uniform in South Camden.
Fisher, 42, of 1139 Baring street, was appointed to the force September 29, 1919. He has spent comparatively all of his time in the department as a patrolman in the Second Police district.
Jones is 37 and lives at 1011 South Sixth street. He received his appointment April 27, 1924. He has served on the vice squad, as a detective and plainclothesman. He was recently demoted to a patrolman’s rank.
Leonhardt lives at 553 Division street and is 39. He was appointed a member of the police department on April 25, 1924, two days before Jones. He served until recently as a patrolman, but was promoted to district detective when Jones suffered demotion. He was discharged from the police payroll on September 26 by Mayor Stewart, who said he had gathered evidence against him in his probe of the department which followed the murder of Feitz.
Wilmot is 32 and lives at 201 Kaighn avenue. He was appointed a policeman on July 1, 1928, and has served as a member of the Second district since his appointment.
Weber, 47, of 1369 Princess avenue, was made a member of the force on May 17, 1922. He also has served his entire time as a patrolman in the Second district.
The indictments were presented to Judge Frank F. Neutze in Justice Lloyd’s absence.
Five Are Suspended
Mayor Stewart and Police Chief Arthur Colsey conferred shortly after the indictments were returned.
[Text between this point and the next crop is not on the scan; crop 09a is not in the archive.]
and Judge Neutze to grant these men a speedy trial,” the mayor declared, “so that the cases against them will be disposed of and their guilt or innocence established. In this way the community will have the benefit of their services, if they be found not guilty, as soon as possible.”
None of the policemen indicted had been arrested last night.
Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran said he expects them to surrender today and post such bail as may be set.
Named by Jury
THOMAS CHEESEMAN
VERNON JONES
Twenty indictments against each of these policemen, formerly assigned as detectives to the beat where Detective William T. Feitz was shot to death in a disorderly house, were returned yesterday by the grand jury. Cheeseman and Jones preceded Feitz and Leonhardt, dismissed and also indicted, on the death beat.
Quartet Indicted on Graft Charges
Four of the six policemen indicted yesterday on charges of bribery. They are George Weber, (upper left) also known as “Bucky Weaver”; Frank Witmot [sic] (upper right), Howard Fisher, (lower left), and Joseph Leonhardt, (lower right), who had been dismissed from the police department.
2 Ex-Strikers Fined, RCA Worker Cleared
Camden Courier-Post —
Two former strikers were fined and a worker charged with attacking another striker upon her return to work was dismissed in police court yesterday by Judge Lewis Liberman as RCA strike disorder cases were resumed.
Rose Rhoades, 277 Walnut street, a striker who returned to work a week ago, charged that Pauline Carrier, 25, of 416 Benson street, threw a condenser at her. The Carrier girl denied the charge and as there were no corroborating witnesses, Judge Liberman dismissed the complaint.
Margaret Cahill, 2838 Mercer street, Philadelphia, was fined $25 after Anna Tatem, 565 Mt. Vernon street, charged her with throwing cinders at her as she left the plant. The Cahill girl admitted being in the picket line, but denied throwing the cinders.
The second fine was imposed upon Nick Otterman, 525 Gross street, Philadelphia. Detective Clarence Arthur testified Gross [sic] was standing on the sidewalk spitting at workers as they left the plant. Gross [sic] denied the charge but was fined $10.
Joe Auletto Fined After Craps Raid
Camden Courier-Post —
Pays $25 Fine to Escape 30-Day Term; Suspended Sentences Given 5
Charged with operating a craps game, Joseph Auletto, 40, of 909 South Fourth street, was fined $25, or 30 days, when arraigned Saturday before Police Judge Lewis Liberman. Auletto entered a guilty plea and paid the fine.
Auletto and five other men were arrested when detectives raided the former’s poolroom. Detective Sergeant Louis Shaw, who led the raid, confiscated a craps table cover and several pair of dice, and $3 on the table.
All of the others were given 30-day suspended sentences. They are Lawrence Palese, 22, of 420 Lansdowne avenue; Salvido Mignona, 25, of 630 South Fourth street; Joseph Bailey, 32, of 1354 Morton street; Louis Asiudo, 24, of 901 South Fourth street, and Mazzarino De Vecchio, 45, of 323 Line street.
Detectives Thomas Murphy, August Fortune and Clarence Arthur were in the raiding party. They said they found the men grouped about a pool table over which had been laid the “craps cover.”
Auletto was charged with being the proprietor of a gambling establishment under a city ordinance and the others with being material witnesses.
Acted as ‘Lone Wolf,’ Then Took on ‘Model Boy’ as Confederate, He Tells Police
Camden Courier-Post —
JEWELS, PISTOLS DUMPED IN RIVER
A prep school student by day and a burglar by night is being held by Camden police after confessing he robbed 22 suburban homes during the past three months.
For weeks Charles Lynch, 17, of 748 Carman street, played the role of a “lone wolf” in burglarizing homes in Collingswood, Westmont, Haddonfield and Woodlynne, later taking on a confederate, according to a confession made to City Detectives Clifford Carr and Clarence Arthur.
Lynch robbed to obtain sufficient funds to pay $300 for his education at the Lincoln Preparatory School, 717 Spruce street, Philadelphia, he told Carr and Arthur. He enrolled a year ago for a night course but when he turned burglar he obtained enough money from the loot to change to a day course so that he might continue his robberies at night, Lynch told police. He has never been arrested before.
5 Youths Arrested as Holdup Suspects
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Believe Bandit Gang Plans of Group Halted by Roundup
Police believed they had frustrated the formation of hoodlum bandit mob yesterday with the arrest of five South Camden youths after a holdup of a grocery store at Tenth Street and Ferry Avenue.
Two of the five suspects were identified by the grocer, John Jacobs, as the bandits who entered his store at 960 Ferry Avenue, held him up at gun point and escaped with $23.95. Jacobs told Detectives Heber McCord and Clarence Arthur that he recognized one of the bandits as Anthony Mona, 19, of 947 South Third Street, a former boxer, whom he saw fighting in the ring, McCord said.
A radio call was sent to all cars to pick up Mona. A short time later, District Detectives Leon Branch and John Houston arrested Mona as he was eating in a restaurant near Broadway and Kaighn Avenue.
After questioning by McCord and Arthur, Mona implicated the others. They are Dominick Spinagotti, 17, of 251 Mt. Vernon street; Vito Brandimorto, 20, of 245 Chestnut Street; Salvatore Martorano, 21, of 344 Cherry Street, and Victor Labato, 19, of 274 Mt. Vernon street.
Mona was searched in the detective bureau. Police found $6.65 in change in his pockets. The others were rounded up at their homes by Detective Sergeant Benjamin Simon and Detectives Joseph Mardino and Robert Ashenfelder.
According to Simon the youths were “just beginning to embark on a career of crime.”
When the others were brought to the detective bureau for questioning, all but $2 of the loot was recovered, Detective McCord said.
McCord said the youths signed statements saying Mona and Labato entered the store while the others waited in Mona’s car outside the store, all fleeing together after the holdup.
Woman Shot 10 Times By No. Camden Suitor Spurned for 3 Years
Camden Courier-Post —
Victim Is Near Death; Admirer Gives Up Self
Emil Mascher, 46, Empties Gun 3 Times at Florence Gottwald, 26
Angered Over Return of Xmas Candy Gift
WPA Worker Opens Fire as RCA Employee Returns Home in Auto
Shot 10 times last night by a suitor she had spurned for months, Florence Gottwald, 26, of 1036 Segal Street, lay near death in Cooper Hospital today while her assailant, Emil Mascher, 46, awaited a police court hearing in a city jail cell. Mascher, with a reputation of being a quiet, unassuming man in his neighborhood, emptied a revolver at Miss Gottwald in front of her home. Ignoring her screams for mercy as she lay on the sidewalk, he twice reloaded his weapon and emptied it at her. Then he calmly walked to the corner of Front and Erie streets and waited until police arrived and arrested him.
Gift of Candy Returned
Police said Mascher brooded over the fact that Miss Gottwald refused his advances of friendship. The accused man said he tried to get her to marry him for three years. Yesterday she returned, unopened, his Christmas gift of a five-pound box of candy.
The shooting occurred as Miss Gottwald was alighting from the automobile of a friend who had brought her home. As she stepped to the sidewalk, Mascher walked from the shadows and without warning opened fire. “Don’t, please don’t,” the girl screamed as she fell to the street. Ignoring her plea, Mascher recharged his revolver, emptied it again at her. Again he refilled the chamber. There was no plea for mercy as he emptied it the third time. She lay on the walk unconscious.
Little Chance to Live
Rushed to Cooper Hospital in a police patrol, it was found 10 bullets struck the girl. Attendants said there was “one chance in a thousand” she would survive. Her condition became critical at 1:30 a.m., and she was placed in an oxygen tent. One bullet pierced her body, entering the right breast. Another struck her in the abdomen. Three lodged in her left wrist, one in her left palm. Two bullets entered the right forearm, another the right shoulder.
As he emptied the revolver the last time, Mascher, a WPA worker living at 1004 Segal Street, tossed the gun aside and walked to Front and Erie streets, where police found him. “I loved her,” Mascher told them. “I loved her madly but she never paid any attention to me. For three years I tried to get her to marry me, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with me. I don’t know why I did this.”
After questioning Mascher at headquarters, detectives took him to the hospital and into the operating room where surgeons prepared for an operation in an attempt to save Miss Gottwald’s life. “That’s the man,” the girl said. “Let me kiss her, please,” Mascher begged Detectives Clarence Arthur, James McLaughlin, and Leon Feltz. “Take him away,” the girl begged in a voice barely audible.
Mascher, who has lived alone since the death of his mother three weeks ago, told detectives he brooded “all day” over Miss Gottwald’s rejection of his attentions. The return of his Christmas present, a five-pound box of candy, he said, was the “final blow.” He said he visited relatives in Philadelphia and returned home. He learned Miss Gottwald was away from home for the evening. He said he sat in a room from which he could observe her return. He saw her step from the car of Donald Osmund, 23, of 2904 Carman Street, whose wife, Gertrude, and Miss Gottwald are intimate friends. She had spent the evening with them. With them was Osmund’s seven-year-old nephew, Vincent Macrina, of 542 North 7th Street. “I don’t know what happened then,” Mascher told detectives.
Fired Without Warning
Osmund, however, said he saw Mascher come from the shadow of the Gottwald home and with no warning began firing at the girl. Mascher was 20 feet or less away when he fired the first shots, Osmund said, and kept walking toward Miss Gottwald as he fired. When the girl fell to the ground, Osmund said, Mascher reloaded the revolver and walked a few feet closer to her. The last shots were fired, Osmund said, as she lay unconscious. Osmund said the first shots “paralyzed” him and he was fearful Mascher would fire at him and his nephew. He said he “finally managed” to get his car started, drove a few blocks and called police.
Neighbors Call Police
Neighbors had summoned police. Feltz and McLaughlin were first to arrive in a police car. About the same time as the patrol wagon of the First District arrived. The crew placed the girl, whose clothing was saturated with blood, in the patrol wagon and proceeded to the hospital. Staff physicians ordered an operation as a last resort to save her life.
Miss Gottwald, an attractive brunette, is employed as a radio tester by the RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc. She lives with her mother, Mrs. Catherine Gottwald. Though she heard the shooting, the mother did not know her daughter was the victim until notified by police. She collapsed but was revived and insisted on being taken to the hospital. She was allowed to see her daughter for a moment and then was led to a seat outside the operating room.
After taking Mascher to the hospital, detectives returned him to police headquarters for further questioning in which County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran took part. According to Doran, there were three other witnesses of the shooting. They are Wilson Peiffer, 32, of 1040 Segal Street, and two small girls, Grace Kelly, 10, of 1016 Segal Street and Alberta Bosco, 13, of 1014 Segal Street. Peiffer told detectives he was asleep when aroused by a shot. He said he ran to the window of his bedroom and saw Mascher firing at Miss Gottwald. The girls said they, too, were aroused from sleep and from their bedroom windows saw the shooting.
Miss Gottwald was employed at the RCA plant for nine years and is widely known as an amateur impersonator. She appeared in that role a number of times with the Holy Name Minstrels and won several prizes in contests for amateurs, several of them at Convention Hall.
World War II Draft Card
World War II Draft Card — Clarence Arthur
Ex-Sleuth Found Guilty of Assault on Smoker in Bus
The Daily Journal —
Camden, N. J., Dec. 20. (AP) Clarence Arthur, a retired city detective, today awaited sentencing following his conviction on a charge of atrocious assault and battery on Alexander Beaton, 54, of Camden, who was arrested last January by Arthur for smoking on a bus.
A jury of 10 women and two men deliberated 10 minutes before convicting Arthur yesterday. The detective testified Beaton “took a surprise punch at me and choked me as I was leading him from the bus to a call box.”
Beaton testified 39 stitches were required to close 12 scalp wounds inflicted by a blackjack.
Man Sentenced Here Paroled
The Central New Jersey Home News —
John Queen One of First Three Prisoners Freed Under New Rules
Among the first three paroles granted yesterday by Governor Alfred E. Driscoll under the new state constitution was one to John Queen, 25, sentenced by former Judge Lyon in Middlesex Quarter Sessions Court for a five to seven year state prison term for assaulting a guard at the reformatory at Rahway.
The sentence was imposed October 1, 1943, and a condition of Queen’s parole is that he be deported to Scotland. The parole will be effective October 1 in line with the “get tough” policy in granting prisoners their freedom.
Records in the office of Prosecutor Matthew F. Melko disclose that Queen, a resident of Newark, has been in trouble since 1929, when he first got into difficulties as a juvenile.
After that date he established a criminal record that includes 10 charges of breaking, entering and larceny, robbery and automobile thefts. He was paroled twice up to 1940, when he was returned to the reformatory.
It was during his last confinement at Rahway that Queen struck a guard, resulting in his indictment by a Middlesex county grand jury. The former Rahway reformatory is now designated as state prison and reformatory sentences are served at the Bordentown prison farm.
Others to get their freedom under parole supervision until expiration of maximum sentence were William Dilley, sentenced from Hunterdon county in January, 1947, to two to three years for non-support, and Clarence Arthur, from Camden county to one to one and one-half years for assault, October, 1947.
Driscoll granted the paroles under powers given him by the state charter. Appointment of a new parole board to replace the Court of Pardons abolished by the new constitution is slated when the Legislature reconvenes August 16.
(obituary — Clarence J. Arthur)
Camden Courier-Post —
Clarence J. of 1471 Kenwood Ave., Camden, died Dec. 12, 1969, age 82 years. Survived by son Jack, daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Murray, 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild. Brother Herbert and sister Mrs. Jennie Martin. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Carl Miller Funeral Home, 831 Van Hook St., Camden where friends may call after 6 p.m. Interment Mt. Peace Cemetery, Lawnside.
Clarence J. of 1471 Kenwood Ave., Camden, died Dec. 12, 1969, age 82 years. Survived by son Jack, daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Murray, 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild. Brother Herbert and sister Mrs. Jennie Martin. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Carl Miller Funeral Home, 831 Van Hook St., Camden where friends may call after 6 p.m. Interment Mt. Peace Cemetery, Lawnside.