Crawford M. Smith
CRAWFORD MILLER SMITH was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 24, 1880, to William Henry Smith and the former Harriet C. Stewart. The Smiths had wed around 1860, and gave their first child, William Henry Smith Jr., on March 20, 1862 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1870 four more children had arrived, Carrie, Virginia, Augustus D., and Charles N.; sadly, Carrie had died before her fifth birthday. The family was still living in Philadelphia when the 1870 Census was taken. William Henry Smith was then working as a harbor policeman. In April of 1873 another daughter was born, Sue G. Smith. The family moved to Camden, New Jersey shortly after her arrival. The 1874 City Directory shows the family at 729 Carman Street in Camden. By 1877 the family was living at 726 Federal Street. Son Charles N. Smith died in 1877, another son, Howard M. Smith had been born in 1874 and by the end of 1877, Mrs. Smith had given birth again, to Clarence S. Smith. The Smith family was still residing at 726 Federal Street when the 1880 Census was enumerated in June of that year. Another son, Walter H. Smith, had recently been born. Two more sons would follow, Crawford Smith and Roy A. Smith. Howard, Walter, and Roy would all go on to public service in Camden. The 1882 City Directory shows that the family had moved to 14 south 8th street.
Although the 1880 Census states that William Smith Sr. worked as a clerk, his real occupation was that of a “policy writer,” that is to say, he was engaged in the illegal lottery business, popularly known in our time as “the numbers racket.” Known in and about Camden as “Policy Bill,” he was arrested a number of times during the 1880s and had been given a one-year prison sentence in early 1883, which was reduced in February to a $100 fine and a $1000 bond not to go back into the “policy” business… which he promptly did. The 1882 City Directory shows the Smith family at 14 south 8th street and they stayed there until 1889. “Policy Bill” was arrested again during police raids in January and May of 1886.
On September 9, 1886 William Henry “Policy Bill” Smith Sr. died, leaving Harriet Smith to take care of nine children, five of them under the age of 15. One of the ways she kept the family going was by staying in the family business of “policy,” and she would have a number of encounters with the law through the rest of the decade and the 1890s. Her house was raided in the first part of 1887, and she attempted suicide in June of that year. In November of 1889, the Smiths were living in the unit block of North 10th Street when their home was again raided.
William H. Smith Jr., popularly best known as W. Harry Smith, was already working, and by 1890 second son Augustus D. Smith found work as a blacksmith. W. Harry Smith began involving himself in local politics in Camden’s 9th Ward as a Republican, and over the years this served him and the Smith family well.
By August of 1890 Harriet Smith and family had moved to 741 Carman Street. Except for a brief interruption in the 1890s, the Smith family and their descendants would remain on this block into the 1960s. As best that can be determined as of this writing, Harriet Smith stayed out of trouble until 1895. The 1894 City Directory has Harriet Smith and her family at 758 Federal Street, the 1895 edition has them at 750 Federal Street. The Smiths lived at that address until at least 1899. Daughter Virginia had married William N. Ferrell in 1887 and lived for the most part in Gloucester County until her death in 1924. Daughter Sue had married John Warner Kinsey Jr. on November 26, 1892. They already had a daughter together, Ethel, born on March 21, 1892. The marriage ended in divorce, with Sue Smith Kinsey going back to live with her mother and brothers and retaining custody of her daughter.
In April of 1895 Harriet Smith was indicted by the grand jury in Camden. She was tried and on May 24 sentenced to a year in prison. Although claiming ill-health, she received no support from Camden’s medical community nor the sentencing Judge. Her sentence was commuted on July 16, 1895 by the New Jersey State Board of Pardons, on the grounds that others who had been tried at the same time she was had escaped imprisonment, and to be honest, on the basis of her sex. Her son, Howard M. Smith, had married Helen Goldy Penn the day before. The young couple moved in with Helen’s family at 822 Kimber Street.
Before the month of July 1895 was out, daughter Sue Smith Kinsey was due in front of a judge on “policy” charges. Both Harriet Smith and her daughter were arrested again in September of 1895, and indictments were brought. These charges and those made against others were quashed. Harriet and Sue were arrested again on February 10, 1896. Augustus Smith died in Camden on November 17, 1896 and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. Sue Smith Kinsey married Harry J. Wagner Sr., on August 23, 1897. They set up house at 747 Carman Street. Harry J. Wagner Sr. was a friend and political ally of W. Harry Smith.
In October of 1898 the Harriet Smith and her sons were under indictment again, and appear to have all moved to Philadelphia to escape prosecution. In 1900 Census Harriet, and her unmarried sons were living at 506 Hope Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Smiths reappear in Camden City Directories in 1903. By this time Crawford Smith had married Lillian R. Storm. Their first child, also named Crawford Smith, was born in 1903. Four more would follow, Belford Edwin, Della, Elsie, and Edward Baker Smith.
The 1904 City Directory shows that Mrs. Smith and her sons had returned to Camden. Living at 609 North 6th Street were Harriet Smith, sons Walter, Roy, Crawford, and Clarence, as Clarence’s wife Mary and granddaughter Harriet F. Smith. Both Crawford Smith and his brother Clarence found work as ironworkers, i.e., steel construction workers employed by the Camden Iron Works. Sadly, Clarence S. Smith was killed when he fell from a 40 foot tall gas tank being erected in Moline, Illinois in 1907. Crawford Smith was still living at 609 North 6th when the 1907 Directory was compiled. He is not listed in the 1908 Directory, but was named in the 1909 edition at 829 Pearl Street. The following year Crawford M. Smith followed his sister Sue back to the 700 block of Carman Street, and with two brief exceptions stayed on that block for the rest of his life. He was living at 748 Carman Street in 1910 but had moved to 729 Carman Street by November of that year, then moved to 833 Carpenter Street by the summer of 1911. Crawford Smith is listed in Directories at 824 Carman Street in 1912, as there was no 800 block of Carman Street, this is an error, Carpenter Street is more likely correct. A February 1913 news article has him at 722 Carman Street. Directories state he lived at 738 Pennsylvania Avenue in 1913, 757 Carman Street in 1914, and at 745 Carman Street in 1915 and 1916. The 1917 City Directory shows Crawford Smith at 29 South 8th Street. By September of 1918 the Smiths were living at 736 Carman Street, where they stayed until 1929. The 1930 Census and 1931 City Directories indicate the Smiths were residing at 724 Carman Street. By 1933 Crawford and Lillian Smith had moved to 702 Carman Street, where they remained for the rest of their days.
Besides working as an iron worker, Crawford Smith also at times worked as a boilermaker and as a riveter, as guard for the Camden County park system, and as a foreman at the Campbell Soup factory. He also in the 1920s and early 1930s was heavily involved with the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, and in the 1930s got into serious trouble for his involvement in what had been the “family business,” i.e., the numbers racket.
Crawford Smith attracted the attention of local newspapers several times between his return to Camden in the early 1900s and his death in 1941 for reasons other than his activities with the Ku Klux Klan and organized crime. With his brother-in-law Harry J. Wagner Sr. he helped apprehend a man who had assaulted his wife in 1908. He served on a jury late that year. In 1910 police arrested a man who had thrown a brick through Crawford Smith’s window and was prepared to throw more. In 1912 there was a small fire in the Smith home which required the Fire Department to extinguish. In 1913 marital issues brought him into court, although these were resolved as the Smiths never did part ways. In 1915, while working as a watchman over several vacant houses on Pennsylvania Avenue, Crawford Smith found an intoxicated squatter in one of the buildings. After being ordered to leave, the man assaulted Smith, who defended himself. The squatter died and Smith was initially charged with manslaughter, but the charges were dismissed. In 1925 he made the papers through an arrest of two juveniles at Forest Hill Park. This was followed a few years later by coverage of his Klan activities, which may have led to the loss of his job at Campbell Soup. On September 13, 1934 Crawford Smith was arrested by George Clayton of Camden Police Department on numbers charges. Crawford Smith and four other men were indicted, and after refusing to testify against Fred Klosterman and his brother Joseph Klosterman all were sent to state prison in January of 1935. Crawford Smith was given a two to three year prison sentence. Prison time was probably the safer option for Crawford Smith and the others, given the level of violence amongst organized crime figures in Camden and Philadelphia at the time.
After being released from prison, Crawford Smith returned to his wife and home at 702 Carman Street. He passed away in 1941. Mrs. Smith continued to reside at that address until her death in 1949.
Crawford Smith’s brother Howard M. Smith was appointed to the Camden Police Department on March 20, 1906. Walter Smith was appointed to the Camden Police Department on April 30, 1914. Both brothers were promoted to Detective, and served into the 1930s. Howard M. Smith was lent out to the Camden County prosecutors office and handled many murder cases while with that agency. The youngest brother, Roy A. Smith, served as a member of the Camden Fire Department from 1910 to 1933, before retiring on disability. The oldest brother, William H. “Harry” Smith worked for many years as a bartender in Camden, and later in life as an inspector with Camden’s Highway Department. He died in 1931.
As mentioned above, his other sister, Sue, had married Harry J. Wagner Sr., on August 23, 1897. The Wagner family was still living on Carman Street in the 1960s. There were four sons from this marriage. The oldest, Harry J. Wagner Jr., served as a member of the Camden Fire Department for 39 years and 8 months, reaching the rank of Acting Chief of Department. His nephew Roy A. Wagner owned Roy’s Tavern on Federal Street and employed his brothers Phil Wagner and George C. Wagner as bartenders.
Crawford Smith’s sons, Belford Edwin “Bud” Smith and Edward Baker Smith, worked in security at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard. Bud Smith died of a heart attack at work in 1968. Edward rose to head of security at the shipyard, then worked for several years as an investigator with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, retiring in 1981. He passed away on August 29, 1994.
The Policy Indictments
Camden Post —
The following persons were indicted for writing and selling policy, those arraigned and pleaded not guilty: Charles Gilbert, Harry Smith, Crawford Smith, Clarence Smith, Howard Smith, Walter Smith, Harriet Smith, Andrew Collins, Theodore Laferta, Dyke O’Brien, Jonathan Cox, Robert Nichols, Robert Nevil, William Parker, George Dace, Sarah Brown, Lavinia Fussell. Bail was fixed at $500 in each case for trial on Friday. It is not expected that the cases will come up then, as Lawyer John L. Semple, counsel for nearly all the accused, will be engaged in another court on that day.
Seven in One Family
Camden Post —
Seven in One Family
Among the policy indictments were seven against one family, the Smith family of the Ninth ward. Mrs. Harriet Smith, the mother of the family, was sentenced to one year for policy writing several years ago, but was pardoned after serving three months. The whole seven are now said to be fugitives from justice and bench warrants have been issued for their arrest, if they can be found.
Twelve-Year Sentence for Trying Wife-Murder
Camden Post-Telegram —
Twelve-Year Sentence for Trying Wife-Murder
No Mercy Shown — Cowardly Husband
Twelve years in the State Prison at hard labor was the sentence imposed by Judge Joline this morning on William M. Williams, better known as "Cloudy Bill," who pleaded "non vuit" to a charge of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill his wife, Lizzie Williams, by shooting her.
Williams was arrested after the occurrence, Friday the 29th, at their home, 70 Elm street. He is a fine person with a family of children. Could a man be so cowardly and heartless as to shoot his wife. The marshal and county came to his assistance. He married her four years ago. She is still in the hospital from her wound. The man was a burden to the family. Mrs. Williams is in bad shape and is in the hospital.
Williams told the woman he would do it. "Cloudy Bill" made efforts to get free of the charges. The accused ran to a corner in the cellar. He was found there by Crawford Smith and Harry Wagner.
Convicted on His Cousin’s Complaint
Camden Post-Telegram —
Convicted on His Cousin’s Complaint
S. Linokoski, a Russian, was tried before a jury in Police Court this noon on a charge of misdemeanor preferred by Annie Nevlin, his cousin, who resides in North Camden. The jury was made up of the following: Albert Austermuhl, foreman; Harry Foulkes, William Fithian, Louis Munyan, Louis Leigh, Edward Holloway, Walter Smith, Crawford Smith, Charles Adkins, Hollis Lightfoot, Morris Odell, George W. Kruck.
Lawyer William P. Walsh represented the defendant and Assistant City Solicitor Wilfred B. Wolcott the prosecution. The complainant, through S. Kaplan acting as interpreter, claimed that she came to this country from Russia fourteen months ago at the solicitation of her cousin, the defendant, whom she knew from childhood. She said he sent her fifty roubles, or $38.50 in American money, to come to America.
The defense was that the accused was not responsible for the complainant’s condition. The jury, however, found the defendant guilty this afternoon. Recorder Stackhouse required him to furnish a bond for $300 for the payment of $2 a week to the complainant and pay the costs of prosecution.
Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits
Camden Post-Telegram —
Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits
Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits
Boilermaker Crawford Smith late yesterday afternoon received a call from a belled-up namesake, Andy Smith, a leather worker, at his home, 729 Carman street, and had Policeman Ulie Andrews lock him up.
When Ulie got to the house the rum-crazed fellow had already put a brick through a front window of Crawford's home and had one in each hand for further bombardment.
Andrews gripped with the brick heaver and soon subdued him despite his threats to do him up, too. In Police Court to-day the rough-house raiser was sentenced by Recorder Stackhouse to two months at the paper picking plant.
James Davis, aged 34 years, also had his checks cashed for the Crematory for one month. Policeman Wright Cox took him in tow last night for fighting on Federal street after he had once sent him on his way.
Another recruit for a month at the garbage factory was James Carter, a Philadelphia hobo. Yesterday morning Carter was found sleeping off a "souse" in the vestibule of Mrs. Grumby's boarding house at 121 Market street, by a boarder who was unable to get in because of the intruder's doubled-up form barring the way. The boarder summoned Policeman Murphy, who sent the drunken and insolent tramp to Police Headquarters.
Scalded When Hot Water Fell on Him
Camden Daily Courier —
Scalded When Hot Water Fell on Him
Scalded When Hot Water Fell on Him
Crawford Smith, 10 years old, of 883 Carpenter street, was badly scalded yesterday when a pan of hot water fell over on him. The boy was playing about the room at the time. He received the scalding liquid over his legs. At the Cooper Hospital it was found he had been quite severely injured.
Fire at Carpenter Street Home of Mrs. Lillie Smith
Camden Post-Telegram —
North Camden News
North Camden News
There was considerable excitement in the vicinity of Eighth and Carpenter streets yesterday afternoon when a bed in the home of Mrs. Lillie Smith, 824 Carpenter street, caught fire while being cleaned. On seeing the bedclothes burst into flames, Crawford Smith, a 12-year-old son, rushed out to secure help. Policeman David Clark was on Ninth street and he quickly sent in an alarm. The entire company from Fifth and Arch streets responded and by hard work succeeded in confining the blaze to the second story back room, where it had started.
Recorder Listens to Domestic Woes
Camden Post-Telegram —
Recorder Listens to Domestic Woes
Recorder Listens to Domestic Woes
Three Cases of Non-Support Disposed of in Police Court To-day.
Mother of Five Recites Troubles
Troubles and woes of the unhappily married were aired in Police Court this morning, three cases of non support being aired.
The first case tried was that of Mrs. Crawford Smith against her husband, Crawford Smith. Mrs. Smith testified that he failed to provide for her and their five children for several weeks.
Asked how much money she had been accustomed to receive from her husband Mrs. Smith said he paid her $3 a week most of the time and on that stipulated sum he expected to enjoy croquettes, lobster salad and many dainties, including a "quart on the side." Mrs. Smith explained that the "quart" she referred to was whiskey.
The Recorder was satisfied that it was a case of too much drink and ordered Smith to see that his wife was furnished with the necessities of life. The defendant promised to secure a position and care for his family and he was given his freedom.
Many Couples Air Martial Troubles
Camden Daily Courier —
Many Couples Air Martial Troubles
Many Couples Air Martial Troubles
One Man Kept Wife and Five Children on Three Dollars a Week
Recorder Had Very Busy Morning
It was non-support day this morning in Police Court. Recorder Stackhouse heard three cases, which occupied two hours of the session.
When Crawford Smith, 28 years old, of 722 Carman street, his wife testified that he earned $14.70 a week and gave her but three dollars a week to support five children with. She stated he expected oyster pies, lobster salads and omelets on such meagre support. She declared he deserted her and has not been supporting her since.
Smith stated he was the father of but two of the five children. He was represented by Lawyer William F. Kelly.
The woman did not wish Smith to go to jail. She stated that she thought Smith ought to support her or get a divorce so that a good man could take his place.
Overseer Rankins was satisfied to give Smith a chance on his promise to support his family. He stated the man was out of work and was willing to wait until he gets employment.
Couple Obdurate.
When efforts were made by Recorder Stackhouse and Overseer Rankins to have Robert Williams, 29 years old, of 214 Friends avenue, and wife Bertha, forget their past difficulties and try life anew, they failed. Williams was not held under bond. He promised to pay $4 a week toward the support of two children.
The couple had been married seventeen years and lived happily until two years ago, when the woman avers her husband began to drink. When intoxicated he abused her, but when sober he was a good man.
Was in Arrears.
Fred Foy, 30 years old, of 8 South Fourth street, was arraigned for failing to pay up $28 due on a former order made by the Recorder. He agreed to pay off the arrearages at the rate of $3 a week and was held under his own recognizance to fulfill the promise.
Held on Charge of Manslaughter
Camden Daily Courier —
Held on Charge of Manslaughter
Held on Charge of Manslaughter
Crawford Smith, Whose Blow Killed Defiant Prowler, is Arraigned
Perform Autopsy on Body
Charged with manslaughter, Crawford Smith, 36 years old, of 745 Carman street, who was arrested late Saturday night after it had been alleged that he had caused the death of William Rumford, 33 years old, was committed to jail by Recorder Stackhouse in police court this morning to answer the charge before Judge Boyle.
Rumford died Saturday night as he was being taken to the Cooper Hospital. It is believed that a blow from Smith, who was employed as a watchman, knocked Rumford against a brick wall, causing his death, due, physicians say, to cerebral hemorrhages. County Physician Stemm performed an autopsy on the body by direction of Prosecutor Kraft.
Smith, according to witnesses struck Rumford when he found him and several other men in a vacant house, on Pennsylvania avenue, that he was standing watch over. It is claimed that several vagrants had been playing havoc with the property, and Smith was hired by the owners to protect it.
Rumford is said to have been drunk when he was hit, and that the blow was sufficient to fell him to the ground. Smith found him sitting on a step of one of the houses above Tenth street, and ordered him to move. It is claimed that Rumford became defiant, and rose as if to attack the watchman. Smith then, it is alleged, struck him, and the man staggered against the wall, striking his head.
After the blow had been struck, Smith left the man, believing that he was only in a drunken stupor. Later, however, persons found the man, and notified the police.
Last night John H. Gray, the brother-in-law of the dead man, of 856 Mt. Ephraim avenue, claimed the body, and removed it to his home. The funeral will be held from that house to-morrow.
World War I Draft Card
Named: Crawford Smith, World War I Draft Registration Card, Camden Iron Works, Joseph A. Hurley, Carman Street, and Line Street.
Birthday Party for William and Forrest Foster
Camden Post-Telegram —
Birthday Party for William and Forrest Foster
An enjoyable double birthday party in honor of William and Forrest Foster, was tendered them at their home, 765 Carman street, on Thursday evening. The hours were pleasantly passed with vocal and instrumental music and games, and at a late hour they were invited to the dining room, where a splendid supper was served. Those present were: Mr. Crawford Smith and wife and children. Walter and Chester, Peddley, Ella and Samuel Cox, Ruth and Catherine Playtna, Mrs. Morton, Carman Evans, May Swing, Mrs. Foster, Samuel and Arthur Shelton, Bud and Edward Smith, Della Smith, William and Forest Foster, Charles Donnelly, Smith and Robert Tomlinson and Bob Wakners.
Parents Must Pay for Prank of Boys
Camden Post-Telegram —
Parents Must Pay for Prank of Boys
Parents Must Pay for Prank of Boys
Theodore and Leon Emerle, 11 and 13, of 1530 South Tenth street, were caught in the act of yanking waterlilies up by the roots at the Forest Hill Park lagoon by Park Guard Crawford Smith yesterday afternoon. They were arrested on a charge of malicious mischief, and this morning, after about forty of the plants had been exhibited as part of their mischief, Police Judge Cleary ordered their parents to pay for the value of the plants. Incidentally, Judge Cleary announced that vandalism in the park will be regarded as a serious offense and that those found guilty will be heavily fined in the future.
Five Candidates Pass Tests for Park Guards
Camden Evening Courier —
Five Candidates Pass Tests for Park Guards
Trenton, Oct. 6.—Five candidates passed the Camden Park guard civil service test, it has been announced by the commission here. Charles D. Phillips, of 121 North Twenty-third street, was first with 77.13. The others follow: Edward T. Beach, 943 St. John street, Camden, 77.25; Crawford M. Smith, 736 Carmen street, 71.13; Elmer D. Snyder, 316½ Mechanic street, 70.00. The work is seasonal and pays $25 a week.
For senior clerk-stenographer, Camden service, two passed. George R. Hood, of 111 North Forty-second street, with 88.95, and Alma C. McGhee, 208 Elm street, second, with 85.35.
Two passed for electrician’s helper, Camden. Ralph E. Wood, of 608 Clinton street, had an average of 80.00, and Paul M. Brown, 576 Mount Vernon street, 79.00.
Kluxers to Meet Here for Talk on ‘Al’ Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Kluxers to Meet Here for Talk on 'Al' Smith
Kluxers to Meet Here for Talk on 'Al' Smith
A public mass meeting will be held in the Y. M. C. A. Monday night by the Ku Klux Klan.
The principal speaker will be Rev. M. F. Allen, of Texas, a national Klan speaker. His topic will be "The Klan versus Al Smith."
The meeting will be presided over by Crawford M. Smith, a local Klan officer.
K.K.K. to Parade Here
Camden Courier-Post —
K.K.K. to Parade Here
K.K.K. to Parade Here
3000 Members of Organization to March to Convention Hall for Meeting Tonight
Three thousand members of the Camden unit of the Ku Klux Klan will parade through Camden streets to Convention Hall, where a meeting will be held tonight.
Paul M. Winter, former kleagle and Klan organizer, will be the speaker at the meeting. Crawford M. Smith, cyclops of the unit, announced today.
United States Senator J. Thomas Heflin, of Alabama, who had been scheduled to speak, will not appear. Smith said Heflin telegraphed he had found it impossible to come to Camden because of an urgent call to speak in an Alabama political campaign.
A majority of 4500 tickets distributed and announcing Heflin as the speaker have been recalled, Smith said. Those who still hold the Heflin cards may have their admission charge refunded should they decide not to attend tonight.
The klansmen will parade, robed in full regalia, but without masks. The parade is scheduled to start at Second and Cooper streets at 6 p. m. and proceed out Cooper to Seventh, to Haddon avenue, to Convention Hall. There will be a mounted and motor police escort, Smith said.
1500 Klan Members March to Rally Here
Camden Daily Courier —
1500 Klan Members March to Rally Here
1500 Klan Members March to Rally Here
Hooded Men and Women, Escorted by Police, Greet Order's Leaders
Camden had its first Ku Klux Klan parade last night.
Approximately 1500 knights and women of the Camelia marched out Haddon avenue to Convention Hall, for a rally addressed by leading organizers in the East.
The procession, which formed at Second and Cooper streets, was an uneventful one, witnessed by only a few hundred spectators. There were no "anti" demonstrations. The marchers for the most part were greeted with silence.
Those in the parade were garbed in full klan regalia. All were unmasked under the new regulations of the order. With their white hoods, flowing white capes and red sashes they presented a colorful sight. A squadron of mounted and motorcycle policemen acted as an advance guard while members of the klan cavaliers, dressed in dark olive drab army uniforms carrying rifles and sabres marched as guards to the flanks and rear.
The Hickory Hill Klan Band, of Cumberland County, Pa., of 50 pieces, garbed in white naval marching uniforms, was in the lead.
Wilbert E. Fite, 616 Kaighn avenue, was grand marshal.
Crawford M. Smith, cyclops of Camden Unit, No. 68, announced that delegates from Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware and one group of six from Arizona were in line.
Paul M. Winter, of New York, former kleagle and organizer, was the principal speaker and Eugene Tebbett, of Philadelphia, was master of ceremonies.
As the marchers approached Convention Hall a 20-foot cross was lighted in a field. And with the band playing "Onward Christian Soldiers," the marchers paused to salute their fiery emblem.
Camden Daily Courier, April 13, 1930 — continued
Smith Boosted for Police Director
Camden Courier-Post —
Smith Boosted for Police Director
Smith Boosted For Police Director
To the Editor:
Sir:—I would like to present to the readers of your paper in the city of Camden the name of a man who to my mind would make a real live director of public safety, a man who has served the people of our city for over 20 years, a man who is keenly alive to the need of a real live police department and very capable of building one.
I recommend for city commissioner City Detective Howard Smith, an exceptionally fine man.
Crawford M. Smith.
Sleet Traps Thousands in Tieup; Scores Injured, Buses Marooned
Camden Courier-Post —
Sleet Traps Thousands in Tieup; Scores Injured, Buses Marooned
Sleet Traps Thousands in Tieup; Scores Injured, Buses Marooned
Susie Pizzine, 9, of 439 Line street, was treated at Cooper Hospital for cuts of the scalp as a result of a fall on ice.
William Cassidy, 55, of 3802 Hayes avenue, suffered a fractured leg while crossing the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks at Pavonia yards. He was treated at Cooper Hospital.
Crawford Smith, 50, of 702 Carman street, was treated at the same hospital for a fractured arm as a result of a fall on the sidewalk.
Tenth Arrest Made Here in Numbers Quiz
Camden Courier-Post / Evening Courier —
1 Admits Guilt and Police Say Links Others
Klosterman Named by Man Found With Slips on Him After Arrest
3 Big Banks Involved in Move to Clean Up
Others Must Face Trial; More Arraigned and Bonds Fixed By Court
Campaign Against Writers Pushed With Feitz Probe
Alleged ‘Baron’ Is Held in Bail
Mayor Pledges Aid of Camden Cops to State on Illicit Liquor
Arrests in the numbers racket in Camden continued today simultaneously with the continuation of the inquiry into the murder of City Detective William T. Feitz Jr.
With the Feitz slaying probe in its eleventh day— the detective was slain September 2 at 243 Sycamore Street, an alleged disorderly house— city and county authorities were still questioning witnesses in an endeavor to obtain sufficient evidence to name the murderer or murderers.
The arrest this morning of Crawford Smith, 51, of 702 Carman Street, as a numbers writer, brought the total of those apprehended this week in the numbers racket to 10.
At the same time Police Judge J. Harry Switzer held Fred Klosterman, 33, of 1050 Mechanic Street, in $5000 bail for the grand jury on a charge of operating a numbers game.
Klosterman’s brother, Joseph Klosterman, 35, of 1400 Mechanic Street, was released in $3000 bail yesterday by Judge Switzer on a charge of operating a numbers lottery.
The Klostermans, according to police, are among the topnotch numbers barons of the city. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
No Testimony Taken
Fred Klosterman surrendered voluntarily yesterday afternoon when he learned that police were seeking him as an alleged numbers operator.
He was arraigned in police court today on complaint of George Zeitz, a city detective, who charged him with operating a numbers game. Police did not reveal where Fred Klosterman allegedly operated.
There was no testimony taken at the hearing of Fred Klosterman. His bail bond was signed by John Zubien. Police say they do not know Zubien’s address. Mrs. Anna Bubnoski, of 1426 Mount Ephraim Avenue, posted the $3000 bail for Joseph Klosterman. Zeitz also had made complaint against him.
Fred Klosterman surrendered yesterday, according to police, after a defendant in police court testified that he was employed at an alleged numbers bank operated by Fred Klosterman. Zeitz swore to a warrant for Fred Klosterman’s arrest based on the police information, he said.
Hearing Tomorrow
Smith, who was arrested by George Clayton, a policeman, will be given a hearing in police court tomorrow as an alleged numbers writer.
Meanwhile no disposition was made in the case of Mrs. Mollie Schwartz, 42, who was arrested yesterday on a charge of operating a still at a double dwelling at 3404 Rosedale Avenue. Police Lieutenant John Potter said the woman admitted operating the still.
A man said to be a brother of Mrs. Schwartz fled in his undershirt at the time of the raid, as Sergeant Edward Hahn and Policeman Joseph Keefe were making the arrest and seizure. The seizure included 13 barrels of alleged mash, a stove, one cooler, three gallons of liquor, and a 75 gallon still. Police reported that one of two cars without license tags which had been parked in front of the house disappeared later.
Cops to Aid State
Strict cooperation with the State Alcoholic beverages Commission in the detection, closing up, and prosecution of speakeasies is being given by the Camden Police Department.
That statement was made today by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, who is the director of the department of public safety, and came as a result of an interview which Howard B. Dyer, an investigator with the state beverage commission had with the mayor. Dyer was formerly deputy city clerk.
“Dyer came in and asked for the cooperation of the police department,” said Mayor Stewart, “and I told him we would cooperate fully.”
The state alcoholic beverage commission, through its investigators, has been busy in running down speakeasies, stills and other illicit liquor practices.
Where Police Seized Still, After Year’s Operation
This double dwelling, at 3404 Rosedale Avenue, was the scene of a still seizure early yesterday, after it had been operating for one year, according to a neighbor. The occupant, Mrs. Mollie Schwartz, 48, was arrested and admitted she operated the plant, according to Acting Lieutenant of Police John Potter. A man said to be a brother of the woman fled in his undershirt, while Sergeant Edward Hahn, recently transferred to Third District duty from the traffic division, and Patrolman Joseph Keefe were making the arrest and seizure. Eleven barrels of mash, a stove, one cooler and three gallons of liquor were seized with the 25-gallon still in the house, police reported. One of two cars without license tags, which were parked in front of the house when raided, disappeared later.
Mickey Blair Admits Visit to Heisler Home on Fatal Night
Camden Courier-Post —
MICKEY BLAIR ADMITS VISIT TO HEISLER HOME ON FATAL NIGHT
Boxer Tells of His Attempt to Borrow Money From Woman
STEWART LAUNCHES BANK ACCOUNT PROBE
Mickey Blair Admits Visit to Heisler Home on Fatal Night
Mickey Blair Admits Visit to Heisler Home on Fatal Night
Boxer Tells of His Attempt to Borrow Money From Woman
STEWART LAUNCHES BANK ACCOUNT PROBE
Mickey Blair yesterday admitted to the Courier-Post that he was in Mrs. Emma Heisler's house trying to borrow money a few hours before Detective William T. Feitz was shot to death.
Mayor Roy R. Stewart, at the same time, announced that he will launch an investigation of the bank accounts of "certain policemen" to determine their wealth.
The two statements summarized the day's progress in the search for Feitz's slayers and in the mayor's investigation of police connections with vice graft.
Blair not only admitted to a newspaperman that he was in Mrs. Heisler's house to negotiate a loan a few hours before the slaying but charged the police with manufacturing a fake alibi for him, for the purpose of tearing it down later.
Reports that patrolmen drawing from $25.50 to $36 a week were owners of expensive automobiles and spending money lavishly and still were amassing fortunes were believed to have stimulated the mayor to action in his bank account probe.
He would not amplify his statement other than to say that he will question those policemen whom he desires to question and are now on leave when they return.
In his broadside against the police, Blair said:
"Chief Colsey lies if he says police have broken down my alibi. I have no alibi, only that I know nothing about this murder.
"I told Lieutenant Ward, after I had voluntarily walked into detective bureau, where I had been from Saturday night until last Monday. At no time did I say that I was in New York at the time of the shooting.
"I told them I was at a roadhouse in Berlin at the time of the shooting, that I returned to Camden on Sunday and remained here for the funeral of my brother-in-law on Monday. I did not leave for New York until Tuesday afternoon, almost three days after the killing of Feitz, and I did not know they wanted to question me then, or I would not have gone away.
"Police have given out statements to the effect that I told them I was in New York at the time of the shooting. That is a lie. Many of my friends and acquaintances saw me Saturday night at Berlin and others saw me the following day and on Monday. I can prove everything I have told the police to be true.
"I knew Emma Heisler and have known her for several years. I wouldn't say she was a close friend, but I did know her fairly well. Police have accused me of attempting to shake her down for money. That is not my racket.
"I did attempt to borrow from Emma on Saturday, but I can't see anything wrong in that. I tried several friends, because I needed a little money at the time to purchase flowers for my brother-in-law's funeral.
She Promised Loan
"When I saw her early Saturday night, she told me to come back on Monday and she would lend me the money. I was thankful because of the favor, so why should I try to do the woman any harm?
"Police say I am the 'finger-man' in the shooting. That makes me laugh. They know they haven't a shred of evidence to prove such a lie. They've got to hang it on somebody, so they blame it on me.
"It's been the same in all big cases. Somebody has to get blamed. It was just unfortunate for me that I happened to be talking with Mrs. Heisler a short time before the slaying. I had nothing to hide when I went to her for a loan and I have nothing to hide now.
"Two or three persons were there when I asked to borrow the money. Do you think anyone who was attempting to frighten the woman would do it before all these witnesses? I knew this woman when she had a place down the street from where Feitz was shot. I knew her when she conducted many other places in the city, and she knew me. I would have been crazy to try anything wrong with her, even if I wanted to, which I didn't, because everybody in Camden knows me and would recognize me.
Says He Attended Wake
"I told police that I left Fourth and Spruce streets about 1 a. m. Sunday, and arrived at the roadhouse in Berlin about a half hour later."
Police Admit Feitz Slaying Is ‘Mystery’
Camden Courier-Post —
POLICE ADMIT FEITZ SLAYING IS ‘MYSTERY’
‘Still in the Dark,’ Cops Say After Three Weeks of Vice Probe
BLAIR LAWYER SCORES ‘FARCE’
Three weeks after the slaying of Detective William T. Feitz, police admitted yesterday that they are “completely in the dark” in their efforts to solve the murder and find the slayer.
Although Mickey Blair, former pugilist, is held as the most important witness in the case and police say they believe Blair knows who killed Feitz, they have no one under direct suspicion, the police said.
This was in direct contradiction to a police statement of several days ago, in which it was said that a New York gunman of peculiar appearance was sought as the trigger man.
Lawyer Flays Police
The conflicting stories coming from the police department yesterday drew a scathing fire of ridicule from Blair’s attorney, Edward V. Martino.
In a review of Blair’s surrender, Martino flayed the police for “many contradictory statements” and said their handling of Blair is a “disgrace to the department.”
The handling of the case drew this comment from Martino:
“Such conduct on the part of an intelligent police force is detestable.”
Martino’s criticism of the department and the announcement that Mayor Roy R. Stewart will present such facts and evidence as he has gathered in his probe of police connivance with vice or dereliction in duty to Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd constituted the only developments in the case yesterday.
Double-cross Hinted
Stewart said he will give Justice Lloyd and Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando his complete data on the police and Feitz probes and is ready to present the same data to the grand jury if Lloyd and Orlando consider this course advisable.
Martino, describing step-by-step the events leading to Blair’s surrender and his subsequent examination drew the conclusion that Police Chief Arthur Colsey is “either tell-
(Continued on Page Four)
Police Admit Defeat in Vice Slaying
Police Admit Defeat In Vice Slaying
(Continued from Page One)
"On Saturday past, I received a New York telephone communication from Mickey. I told him at that time that he had been advised that the police were looking for him. He indicated at that time in our talk that this was true, and if so he would give himself up to police.
"I talked to Lieutenant George A. Ward on Sunday afternoon, and he told me the detectives had seen Mickey. I talked with Mickey that evening, and he told me that he would come to Camden at about 1 p. m. on Monday."
"He came to my office at about 12 noon, and after talking to me for about five minutes, during which time he told me absolutely nothing about the shooting, I accompanied him to the detective bureau alone."
Martino said: "I shouldn't Net Interfere"
"I wanted to protect the right to protect his constitutional rights, believing it was no idea that by not interfering, the police could not find any lacuna in their failure to solve the crime."
"They not only failed to appreciate the opportunity given them but are continuously giving out so many contradictory stories that when the general public is given the impression that Blair is deliberately lying. Chief Colsey has done a great deal of the press announcements that has been trying to fasten on Blair's attorney the blame for the crime."
"Blair is either telling a deliberate falsehood or he has been mis-informed by one or two of his examination of the facts and all developments in the case yesterday."
"Stewart said he will give Justice Lloyd his complete data on the police and Feitz probes and is ready to present the same data to the grand jury if Lloyd and Orlando consider it accurate information."
Furthermore, previous statements of the police as to whether the identity of the killer or killers is shrouded in as much mystery as it ever was.
"Who killed Feitz?" was a question Prosecutor Orlando said: "I don't know—do you?" was Orlando's "bewildered" reply.
"Still in Dark"
The prosecutor's statement was the first confession by police that Camden county authorities are still in the dark.
Police Chief Colsey echoed Prosecutor Orlando's statement by telling newspapers, when urged upon him, that he "wished he did know who killed Feitz."
"We're entirely in the dark," he added.
Heretofore the police, through statements made by Chief Colsey, had expressed their confidence that they knew who the slayer or slayers of the detective were and were following a path that would eventually lead to their arrest.
While authorities were admittedly groping about for clues in the murder, the police drive on gamblers resulted in the recent application of two alleged "numbers" men.
Held in $2000 bail to await the action of the grand jury on charges of running a "numbers" game before Police Judge Switzer were Crawford W. Smith, 846 Carman street, and Herbert Deronio, 52, of 44 North Thirty-first street. Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge. Smith and Deronio's admission to police that he operates "numbers" for Smith was admitted by George Clayton. Both Smith and Deronio were arrested by Patrolman George Clayton, Deronio pleaded guilty to the charges.
Still View 3 Suspects
Three men accused in connection with the robbery of a South Camden candy store on September 14 were either to be brought to Camden for questioning as witnesses in the Feitz murder were being held in Chester, Pa., where they are being held, to learn whether they could be identified as one of the killers.
Bribery Charged by Grand Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
BRIBERY CHARGED BY GRAND JURORS
26 Other Persons Named in 111 True Bills on Numbers
KLOSTERMANS TO FACE TRIAL
2 Speakeasy Owners Paid Hush Money, Graft Probers Hear
COLSEY DROPS ACCUSED MEN
A bumper crop of 111 indictments was returned yesterday by the September grand jury probing gambling against alleged numbers operators alone.
In addition, Mickey Blair, free on bail as a material witness in the murder of Detective William T. Feitz, was indicted at 26 individuals with craft and bribe-taking, and 111 wholesale indictments constituted the first visible results of the grand jury probe of vice in Camden in connection with the police vice graft probe conducted by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
Those indicted: Patrolman Thomas C. Cheeseman, 30 indictments; Patrolman Vernon Jones, 30 indictments; Patrolman George Weber, also known as “Bucky Weaver,” 20 indictments; Patrolman Frank Wilmot, one indictment.
All are attached to the Second district and were among those suspended from the force two weeks ago in connection with the Feitz inquiry by the Commission.
Looking on in court with Detective Frank T. Feitz on the night of September 2, were detectives George Ward and Samuel Mardino.
Cheeseman was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Emma Heisler and was shot through a city hall window while being used as a target to identify others.
Those indicted, with the exception of the six policemen, were among the 12 members of the force suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey two weeks ago in connection with vice connections with vice.
Patrolman George Weber is named in 20 indictments; jointly indicted with other detectives in numbers policy indictments; as having paid the policemen along with Patrolman Vernon Jones, in March. They are reported to have also been indicted on 29 separate counts of accepting policy payments.
Four of the six policemen indicted yesterday on charges of bribery. They are George Weber, (upper left) also known as “Bucky Weaver”; Frank Wilmot (upper right), Howard Fisher, (lower left), and Joseph Leonhardt, (lower right), who had been dismissed from the police department.
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Left: Thomas Cheeseman — Right: Vernon Jones
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — George Weber — Frank Wilmot — Howard Fisher — Joseph Leonhardt
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Named: Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934, Frank Martz, Erie Street, Albert Young, North 2nd Street, Andrew Pointkowski, South 9th Street, Crawford Smith, Carman Street, Charles Simonin, Fairview Street, John Studinger, Federal Street, Samuel Ford, John Geronio, Cooper Street, James Davis, Mt. Vernon Street, Oscar Conway, Mitchell Street, Mary Angelo, Pine Street, Thomas Kirk, Carpenter Street, Samuel Karon, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Walter Hart, Thurman Street, Frank Kulczynski, Orchard Street, Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi, Benjamin Simon, Leon Branch, Walter Smith, Howard M. Smith, Michael Tenerelli aka Mickey Blair, Anna Smallwood, Fred Klosterman, and Joseph Klosterman.
Bribery Charged by Grand Jurors
Camden Courier-Post — (continued)
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934 — continued
Named: Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934, Frank Martz, Erie Street, Albert Young, North 2nd Street, Andrew Pointkowski, South 9th Street, Crawford Smith, Carman Street, Charles Simonin, Fairview Street, John Studinger, Federal Street, Samuel Ford, John Geronio, Cooper Street, James Davis, Mt. Vernon Street, Oscar Conway, Mitchell Street, Mary Angelo, Pine Street, Thomas Kirk, Carpenter Street, Samuel Karon, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Walter Hart, Thurman Street, Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi, Benjamin Simon, Leon Branch, Walter Smith, Howard M. Smith, Michael Tenerelli aka Mickey Blair, Anna Smallwood, and Frank F. Neutze.
Named: Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1934, Lillian Vincent, Frank Tyson, Edmund Powell, William Kinsler, John Feitz, Walter Taylor, Joseph Rea, William T. Feitz, Emma Heisler, Harry Smith, John Lockwood, Edward Troutman, Thomas Moreland, Frank Drew, Martha Drew, Eugene Moslander, Gladys Moslander, and Dr. Edward B. Rogers.
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Camden Courier-Post —
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Pair Seized Few Hours After Neutze Gives 12 Heavy Sentences
Action yesterday backed up the assertions of Camden county and city law officials that they are out to break the back of the numbers racket here.
Judge Frank F. Neutze, in criminal court, meted out sentences of from one to six months and fines of from $100 to $250 to 12 minions of the “highups.”
A few hours later two more alleged number writers fell into the police net. Both suspects were jailed in default of $2000 bail each for hearings in police court today.
Alleged to be carrying 120 numbers slips and $203.30, Dominick Mozzare, 25, of 6816 Highland avenue, was arrested at Twenty-seventh street and River road at 3 p. m. by Acting Sergeant Louis Schmid and Patrolmen Paul Edwards and Elwood Humphreys. Questioned at the detective bureau in City Hall, Mozzare said he did not know the identity of the “highup” for whom he worked. He said he is an automobile trimmer. Police declared he had been in the racket about eight months and had been under suspicion several months.
An hour or so earlier, Horace Gunby, 27, colored, 1863 South Tenth street, was picked up at Seventh street and Ferry avenue by Sergeant John Garrity and Acting Sergeant Earl Cunningham. They said Gunby carried several numbers slips and a small amount of money. He gave his occupation as a bellhop.
Gives Heaviest Sentences
In cracking down on 12 of the defendants hauled before him in Camden County Criminal Court Judge Neutze adopted a policy of issuing the heaviest jail sentences possible and imposing the heaviest fines under the law to all convicted or confessed underlings of the numbers barons in the hope of eventually trapping the ring-leaders through informers, or forcing them out of business.
Those who received the heaviest sentences were Andrew Pointkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, alleged lieutenant of the Klosterman brothers, under indictment as gambling barons; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, also an alleged Klosterman aide, and Frank Martz, 235 Erie street. Each was sentenced to six months and fined $250. Martz is a second offender.
Judge Neutze expressed agreement with the suggestion of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando that the practice of numbers barons paying salaries to their henchmen while the henchmen are in jail can be broken up by placing so many “small fry” behind the bars that the “big shots” cannot afford to pay them, and thus the names of the “big shots” will eventually come out.
All of the defendants had previously pleaded guilty or non vult.
Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street, drew a sentence of three months in jail and a $100 fine despite the plea of his attorney, former Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, that Kirk was “only an employe.”
“That makes no difference to me,” said the court. “He was in the numbers racket.”
Called Klostermans’ Aide
When Pointkowski came before the court, Orlando said:
“This is one of the lieutenants of the Klostermans, and he refused to talk to me. When first arrested, he told Camden police he worked for the Klostermans, but he turned a right-about-face when I talked to him and tried to make monkeys of us.”
“Well, I’ll send him upstairs for six months and fine him $250 and maybe he’ll talk then,” said Judge Neutze.
Orlando asked the court to send Hart to the state prison.
“This man,” said the prosecutor, “is very close to the big shots.”
“Whom do you mean—the Klostermans?” asked Neutze.
“I certainly do,” replied Orlando. “He is also a second offender. He’s been in business over four years, working for the Klostermans, and should go to the state prison.”
“Whenever I see red,” said Neutze as he pronounced sentence.
The Klosterman brothers, Fred and Joseph, of East Camden, have been indicted as number lottery operators but their trial has been postponed.
Martz was described by Orlando as having served 60 days in jail in 1932 for writing numbers, and he was sentenced to six months and a $250 fine, without further questioning.
Refuses Leniency
John Studinger, who formerly operated a store at 2504 Federal street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100. His counsel, District Court Judge Joseph Varbalow, argued he was only a “small fry” and putting him in jail would not break up the lotteries.
“This racket is no worse than raffles, punchboards, slot machines and all the disorderly houses that are thriving in this county,” said Varbalow.
“I started in on these number writers with short jail terms,” answered Neutze, “and then I began adding fines. But I found that did not stop the lawbreakers, for when these fellows get out they start all over again. I understand the lottery racket is getting worse and worse here and I’m going to do something about it.”
Charles Simonin, who conducts a grocery store at 709 Fairview street, was given 30 days and fined $100. Father of two daughters, he pleaded he accepted a proposition from a stranger who asked him to sell numbers in his store, and then would come around daily and collect them, giving Simonin a small “cut.” He contended he did not know the name of the man with whom he dealt, much less the identity of the heads of the ring.
Mrs. Mary Angelo, grocer, 600 Line street, the mother of a 3-year-old baby, had pleaded guilty with a story similar to Simonin’s. She received a three-month suspended sentence but must pay a fine of $100. Judge Neutze said he was suspending the sentence not because of her sex, but because of her baby.
Student Given Month
Samuel Ford, 19, colored, 1124 South Ninth street, a high school student, was described by Orlando as “honest and sincere in telling his story and entitled to a break.” He was sent to jail for a month and fined $100.
Frank Terionova, 27, of 312 Beckett street, was “a fellow we couldn’t talk to,” Orlando said. “He told us he worked for Joe Brown, but maybe it was John Smith, and whoever it was he is shielding him,” Orlando continued.
Rocco Palese, former assistant prosecutor, called Orlando unfair, asserting some of the defendants “really do not know whom they are working for and therefor cannot make a statement.”
“If they don’t know who they’re working for, who does?” demanded Orlando.
“I feel,” said Judge Neutze, “that some of these fellows don’t know who they are working for, but I sentence him to three months in the county jail and to pay a fine of $100. Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100; James Gant, 28, colored, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken, three months and $100 fine; Walter Woodrich, 48, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken, two months and $100 fine.
Orlando said Woodrich will be a witness against the Klostermans, for whom he worked.
Prison Terms for Reneging Witnesses in Number Case
Camden Courier-Post —
5 Who Shifted Stories in Klosterman’s Trial Get 2 to 3 Years
Neutze in Brief Session Cancels Old Sentences
Orlando, Aides in Court as Stiffer Penalties Are Handed Out
Five of the eight state witnesses who recanted at the trial of the Klosterman brothers, alleged “numbers barons,” were sentenced today to serve from two to three years in state’s prison.
The sentences were imposed by Judge Frank F. Neutze in Camden Criminal Court in the presence of only Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his assistants, Patrick H. Harding and Isaac W. Eason.
The five men, who were serving sentences in Camden County jail for “numbers” writing are Walter Hart, 28, of 1245 Thurman street, Andrew Pointkowski, 30, of 1475 South Ninth street, Thomas Kirk, 40, of 935 Carpenter street and Crawford Smith, 53, of 702 Carman street, Camden, and Arthur Woodridge, 40, colored, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken township.
Earlier Sentences Voided
It required but five minutes to resentence the defendants, the court first voiding his earlier sentences of county jail terms and fines.
In court last Thursday when Joseph and Frederick Klosterman were acquitted on 30 indictments on the “numbers” lottery here, the five men were evasive in their testimony as to whether the Klostermans were the “numbers” bankers.
Today when lined up before Judge Neutze in Criminal Court they gaped in astonishment at the swiftness with which they were sent to prison for longer terms.
One of the five, Crawford Smith, nearly collapsed in a chair in which he was permitted to sit during sentencing. Smith has been suffering from a heart ailment.
Turning to Hart, Judge Neutze said:
“I sentenced you to six months in the county jail and ordered you to pay a fine of $250. That fine has been paid. Who paid it?”
“I don’t know,” Hart replied.
“Well, I am going to void my previous sentence,” the court declared. “There are five indictments against you on ‘numbers’ charges. I am going to sentence you to state prison to serve from two to three years on each indictment. The sentences will run concurrently.”
Continues Re-Sentencing
Pointkowski was next. The jurist turning to the defendant who had been given six months in the county jail and a $250 fine on Jan. 3, said:
“There are six indictments on ‘numbers’ charges against you. Your new sentence will be from two to three years in state prison, the terms to run concurrently.”
Woodridge was next. He had been found guilty Jan. 3 on one indictment charging “numbers” writing and sentenced to two months in jail and fined $100.
“I am going to void your sentence and send you to state prison for two to three years.”
Prison Terms for Reneging Witnesses in Number Case
PRISON TERMS FOR RENEGING WITNESSES IN NUMBER CASE
5 Who Shifted Stories in Klosterman’s Trial Get 2 to 3 Years
NEUTZE IN BRIEF SESSION CANCELS OLD SENTENCES
Orlando, Aides in Court as Stiffer Penalties Are Handed Out
Five of the eight state witnesses who recanted at the trial of the Klosterman brothers, alleged “numbers barons,” were sentenced today to serve from two to three years in state’s prison.
The sentences were imposed by Judge Frank F. Neutze in Camden Criminal Court in the presence of only Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his assistants, Patrick H. Harding and Isaac W. Eason.
The five men, who were serving sentences in Camden County jail for “numbers” writing are Walter Hart, 28, of 1245 Thurman street, Andrew Pointkowski, 30, of 1475 South Ninth street, Thomas Kirk, 40, of 935 Carpenter street and Crawford Smith, 53, of 702 Carman street, Camden, and Arthur Woodridge, 40, colored, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken township.
Earlier Sentences Voided
It required but five minutes to resentence the defendants, the court first voiding his earlier sentences of county jail terms and fines.
In court last Thursday when Joseph and Frederick Klosterman were acquitted on 30 indictments on the “numbers” lottery here, the five men were evasive in their testimony as to whether the Klostermans were the “numbers” bankers.
Today when lined up before Judge Neutze in Criminal Court they gaped in astonishment at the swiftness with which they were sent to prison for longer terms.
One of the five, Crawford Smith, nearly collapsed in a chair in which he was permitted to sit during sentencing. Smith has been suffering from a heart ailment.
Turning to Hart, Judge Neutze said:
“I sentenced you to six months in the county jail and ordered you to pay a fine of $250. That fine has been paid. Who paid it?”
“I don’t know,” Hart replied.
“Well, I am going to void my previous sentence,” the court declared. “There are five indictments against you on ‘numbers’ charges. I am going to sentence you to state prison to serve from two to three years on each indictment. The sentences will run concurrently.”
Continues Re-Sentencing
Pointkowski was next. The jurist turning to the defendant who had been given six months in the county jail and a $250 fine on Jan. 3, said:
“There are six indictments on ‘numbers’ charges against you. Your new sentence will be from two to three years in state prison, the terms to run concurrently.”
Woodridge was next. He had been found guilty Jan. 3 on one indictment charging “numbers” writing and sentenced to two months in jail and fined $100.
“I am going to void your sentence and send you to state prison for two to three years.”
‘Santa’ Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns
Camden Courier-Post —
Santa' Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns
'Santa' Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns
Or Maybe His Brother Helped 2 Who Changed Testimony in Klosterman Case
There IS a Santa Claus—at least for numbers racketeers—and he pays off their fines in scrip.
Three convicted numbers writers have had their fines paid by unidentified persons. In two such cases, the same man paid both fines. And curiously enough, the fines this man paid were those on two recanting witnesses at the Klosterman trial. One of the fines was paid the day before the surprising trial and the other fine was paid a few hours after the trial. All of which may be a coincidence—
The payment of the fines was revealed yesterday afternoon by Frank Tyson, chief clerk of the county jail. Tyson stated that all fines were paid in scrip but that the donors' names were not recorded.
"We don't keep any record of the names of persons who pay fines for prisoners," Tyson averred. "If someone wants to pay a fine, we take the money. I can't even say whether the same person paid all the fines. I believe they were different persons."
And so Santa Claus—and maybe a brother or two—went to the rescue of Arthur Woodridge, 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken; Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, and Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street.
Smith and Woodridge were two of the "state witnesses" at the trial Thursday of Fred and Joe Klosterman who "thought" they had been employed as numbers men by the Klostermans but weren't sure—resulting in acquittal for the Klostermans.
Previously, Woodridge had been sentenced to two months and fined $100 on numbers charges, while Smith had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months. Both are still serving time at the county jail.
But on Wednesday, Santa Claus paid Woodridge's fine. An hour or two after Thursday's trial concluded, Woodridge's unknown benefactor also paid Smith's fine. Kirk's fine was paid on January 3 by Santa; he had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months.
Meanwhile, Miss Geneva Harden, beauty shop operator of Chapel avenue, Delair, Burlington township, was arraigned before Judge Frank F. Neutze yesterday afternoon following her conviction of numbers charges on Jan. 2. She was given a suspended jail sentence and then fined $200.
It was first reported that Miss Harden's fine was also paid by "Santa Claus," after Tyson had said no record was kept of the donor's name. After this report was published, Joseph W. Cowgill, attorney, telephoned the Courier-Post and said:
"I'm the man who paid Miss Harden's fine, but I'm not Santa Claus. I obtained cash from Miss Harden's mother and took it to the sheriff's office where they all know me. And I didn't pay it to Tyson; I paid it to 'Happy Glenn."
"Furthermore, I had cash, but someone in the sheriff's office asked me to trade it for scrip as a favor to them."
Lloyd Again Prods Orlando and Cops In Numbers Cases
Camden Courier-Post —
Detectives Told to Produce or Quit by Jurist
Five Get ‘Pen’ in About-Face
Five state witnesses, who thought they got off “easy” in numbers cases, yesterday underwent reversal of county jail terms and found themselves sentenced to the penitentiary.
Judge Frank F. Neutze sentenced them in Criminal Court.
Terms ranged from two to three years, and they followed the witnesses’ sudden “about-face” in the Klosterman brothers’ case. The five all convicted numbers writers, recanted testimony last week at the brothers’ trial.
Censure of the prosecutor’s office by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd followed. Justice Lloyd called Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his staff to his chambers on the fourth floor of the new courthouse. Attending the conference in addition to Orlando were:
Assistant Prosecutors Harding and Eason, Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, County Detectives James J. Mulligan, James Wren, Joseph Bennie, Casimir Wojtkowiak and Elmer Mathis, and Mrs. Daisy Rourke and Mrs. Ethel Michener, stenographers.
“Go out and do some work, or else be replaced,” is the ultimatum said to have been hurled at the detectives by Justice Lloyd. He is said to be aroused over apparent inactivity of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
(Continued on Page Two)
Klostermans Case Lands Five in ‘Pen’ (continued)
of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
“That there is ‘nothing to stop it’ is the contention of the Supreme Court Justice; that detectives should be ‘working on it.’”
A statement in the Courier-Post said he would not move for re-sentencing of the five remaining state witnesses. These five were not sentenced yesterday.
After asking Justice Lloyd about the sentences, and on his advice, Prosecutor Orlando, on Jan. 4, said the application would be made to Judge Neutze. As a result of that application, Judge Neutze on that date re-sentenced five of the reneging witnesses.
Lloyd Again Prods Orlando and Cops In Numbers Cases
Detectives Told to Produce or Quit by Jurist
FIVE GET ‘PEN’ IN ABOUT-FACE
Five state witnesses, who thought they got off “easy” in numbers cases, yesterday underwent reversal of county jail terms and found themselves sentenced to the penitentiary.
Judge Frank F. Neutze sentenced them in Criminal Court.
Terms ranged from two to three years, and they followed the witnesses’ sudden “about-face” in the Klosterman brothers’ case. The five all convicted numbers writers, recanted testimony last week at the brothers’ trial.
Censure of the prosecutor’s office by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd followed. Justice Lloyd called Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his staff to his chambers on the fourth floor of the new courthouse. Attending the conference in addition to Orlando were:
Assistant Prosecutors Harding and Eason, Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, County Detectives James J. Mulligan, James Wren, Joseph Bennie, Casimir Wojtkowiak and Elmer Mathis, and Mrs. Daisy Rourke and Mrs. Ethel Michener, stenographers.
“Go out and do some work, or else be replaced,” is the ultimatum said to have been hurled at the detectives by Justice Lloyd. He is said to be aroused over apparent inactivity of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
(Continued on Page Two)
Klostermans Case Lands Five in 'Pen' (continued)
Klostermans Case Lands Five in ‘Pen’
(Continued from Page One)
of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
“That there is ‘nothing to stop it’ is the contention of the Supreme Court Justice; that detectives should be ‘working on it.’”
A statement in the Courier-Post said he would not move for re-sentencing of the five remaining state witnesses. These five were not sentenced yesterday.
After asking Justice Lloyd about the sentences, and on his advice, Prosecutor Orlando, on Jan. 4, said the application would be made to Judge Neutze. As a result of that application, Judge Neutze on that date re-sentenced five of the reneging witnesses.
Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses
Camden Courier-Post —
Again on Trial
Left: Joseph Klosterman — Right: Fred Klosterman
Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses
Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses
Storekeeper Says His Place Was Used as 'Drop' for Gaming Slips
5 Convicts Recalled From State Prison
Five witnesses in Criminal Court yesterday placed their fingers on the Klosterman brothers, Joseph and Fred, as Camden numbers "barons," as they went on trial on 12 counts charging them with operating a lottery.
Each of the witnesses admitted under direct examination by Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando they had been in the employ of the Klostermans at two of the three establishments they are alleged to have maintained.
John Frenia, 57, proprietor of a delicatessen store at 1413 Mt. Ephraim avenue, testified he worked for the Klostermans at the Young Republicans Seventh Ward Club, 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue. He said the Klostermans used the club as a headquarters for their numbers bank. He further admitted his store was used as a numbers "drop" for the Klostermans and that packages of numbers were left at his store daily by "pick up" men and called for by either Fred or Joseph Kloster— (Continued on Page Fourteen)
Named: Camden Courier-Post, March 20, 1935, Chester Topolski, Dayton Street, Albert Magee, John Szalanski, Chestnut Street, Crawford Smith, Carman Street, Thomas Kirk, Carpenter Street, Joseph Woodridge, Andrew Pointkowski, South 9th Street, Walter Hart, Thurman Street, Chez La Joy, Mechanic Street, Leon Dabrowski, Carl Kisselman, Chester “Gassy” Szalanski, and Lawrence T. Doran.
Crawford M. Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Crawford M. Smith
Crawford M. Smith
Crawford M. Smith, 60, of 702 Carman street, a lifelong resident of Camden, died Sunday. A steel construction worker, Mr. Smith's job took him all over the United States. He was a brother of Walter Smith, retired city detective, and of Howard Smith, former county detective. He is survived also by his widow, Lillian R.; three sons, Belford E. and Edward B., of Camden, and Crawford M., Jr., Philadelphia; two daughters, Mrs. Della Durney and Mrs. William Davis, also of this city; four grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Harry Wagner, Camden. Services will be held tomorrow at 2 p. m. at the Schroeder Funeral Home, 715 Cooper street, with burial in New Camden Cemetery.
Mrs. Lillian R. Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Lillian R. Smith
Mrs. Lillian R. Smith
Services for Mrs. Lillian R. Smith, 70, of 702 Carman street, who died yesterday, will be held at 11 a. m. Thursday in the Schroeder funeral home, 715 Cooper street, where friends may call tomorrow night. Burial will be in New Camden cemetery. Mrs. Smith was born in Swedesboro and was a resident of Camden about 50 years. She is survived by three sons, Crawford M., Philadelphia; Edwin B. and Edward B., both of Camden; two daughters, Mrs. Charles Carroll, Pennsauken, and Mrs. William Davis, Camden; and eight grandchildren.