David Logue
DAVID LOGUE was born in July of 1855 according to the 1900 United States Federal Census. He was a native of Milltown, County Derry, in what is now called Northern Ireland and was a cousin of David Baird Sr.
David Logue came to America in 1874. The 1876 Camden City Directory shows him living with his brother Joseph Logue at 131 Birch Street in North Camden. Over the next ten years he is in and out of Camden City Directories. He and his brother are both listed at 131 Birch Street in 1878.
David Logue and his brother Joseph were both staunch Republicans, as was their cousin, David Baird Sr., the head of the local party who served as Sheriff in the 1880s. David Logue was appointed turnkey at the County Jail on November 19, 1887. Joseph Logue was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on May 29, 1894. He served for almost 26 years, retiring on March 1, 1920.
In 1905 David Logue’s daughter married John H. Andrus. A veteran of the Spanish-American War, John H. Andrus, after mustering out reenlisted in the regular Army in May of 1899 and in time was posted to Havana, Cuba. While in Cuba John H. Andrus assisted Dr. Walter Reed in discovering the cause of yellow fever by voluntarily allowing himself to be infected with the disease in 1901. He undertook a long convalescence, and was discharged from the Army in 1902.
David Logue was made warden of the County Jail in 1906. His time as warden was not uneventful. There were two murders and at least two escapes. The first murder took place in November, 1907, when George Stewart stabbed to death fellow prisoner John Snell. Stewart was tried and convicted and sentenced to be electrocuted during the week of February 8, 1908. He was electrocuted on February 4, being the first man to suffer the death penalty by electrocution.
On July 13, 1910 William T. Brown and Charles Berger, made their escape from jail after sawing the bars on the Federal Street front. They climbed to the roof, descended through a trapdoor, climbed down stairs and walked leisurely through the Court House building and out into the street unnoticed. A waiting car took them away and they escaped to Philadelphia on a North Cramer Hill Ferry boat.
On July 17, 1916 Wilson Ashbridge and George Thompson made their escape. A gun had been smuggled in to Ashbridge, which he used to shoot two guards. Isaac Hibbs, was killed and another, Joseph Ellis was wounded. Both prisoners were recaptured and Hibbs’ murderer, Wilson Ashbridge, was executed.
David Logue served as Warden of the County Jail until suffering a stroke in 1923 which left him paralyzed. His brother, Joseph Logue died at Bellevue Hospital in Camden on April 20, 1927.
David Logue at his home at 8256 Penn Street died on July 24, 1928. He was survived by his wife Anna and five children, Mrs. Mary Crawford, Mrs. Anna Andrus, Mrs. Barbara Hawkins, Miss Sarah Logue, and Mr. James Logue. David Logue was buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
David Logue’s grandson, Dr. David L. Andrus, practiced medicine in Camden. David Logue’s son-in-law, John H. Andrus, was the brother of Chester J. Andrus, a long-time member of the Camden Fire Department.
Struck in the Dark
Camden Post —
A Mysterious Assault in A Lonely Spot.
JOSEPH LOGUE BADLY CUT.
Two Bogus Policemen Murderously Attack a Young Woman and Her Escort.
Joseph Logue, brother of Turnkey Logue, of the county jail, lies in the Cooper Hospital with a terrible knife wound in his left side, just below the ribs, and a blackjack wound in the head.
Logue is the victim of a daring, unprovoked and murderous assault. It is not known who his assailants were.
A little while after 9 o'clock last night Logue was walking out Haddon avenue below the city hall, with Miss Sarah Brown, a young woman of 30. As they were about to pass the platform at the Line street station two men sprang up apparently from the grass and confronted them.
“We’re officers,” said the taller of the two men, “and you’ll have to go to the city hall with us.”
“What for?” asked Logue astonished.
“You’ll find out when you get to the city hall,” was the answer.
“We’ve done nothing, and you can’t arrest us,” said Logue.
Then the man who had done the talking grappled with him. The other man caught hold of Miss Brown and endeavored to force her up Haddon avenue. She screamed, and Logue, becoming desperate, had almost succeeded in breaking away from his assailant, when the smaller of the two men relinquished Miss Brown and stealthily approaching Logue, dealt him a heavy blow on the head with a slungshot. Logue staggered, but recovering himself, struck out lustily. The smaller man then closed with him, and his first assailant, drawing a knife, stabbed him in the left side. Logue fell, and when Miss Brown’s cries for help had brought a crowd of excited people to the spot, the murderous assailants had disappeared.
Logue was taken to the Cooper Hospital apparently in a dying condition. A long, deep gash in his head showed where the blackjack had struck him, while the wound in his side bled profusely. Within two hours, however, the hemorrhage was stopped, and the hospital physicians expressed a belief that the wounded man would recover. The knife wound is an inch long and two inches deep, but did not strike any vital part.
Logue was seen at the hospital last night and told this story in a straightforward way. “I had met Miss Brown by appointment,” he said, “and we had gone out for a walk. We were conversing and did not notice the men until they were immediately alongside of us. I can not describe their appearance in any other way than to say one was tall the other short, although there was something peculiar about the smaller man’s stature that might aid me to identify him. They said they were officers and wanted to arrest us. They didn’t look like policemen, and I didn’t believe they were. Had I really thought they were policemen I would have been willing to go to the city hall with them, because I knew there could be no charge. I didn’t resist until one of the men caught hold of Miss Brown and I tried to push him away. The next thing I knew one of the men had struck me on the head with something and the other had plunged a knife into my side.”
Miss Brown went to the hospital to see her wounded escort after she had recovered from the shock, but the physicians refused to allow her to see him. She is about 30 years of age.
Both Found Guilty
Camden Post —
BOTH FOUND GUILTY
Stratton and Mellon Convicted as Charged.
BARE ESCAPE FROM MURDER.
The Dastardly Assault on Joseph Logue and His Female Companion—The Defendants’ Injurious Admissions.
John H. Stratton and Henry Mellon were last night found guilty of the dastardly attack upon Joseph Logue and his female companion, in which Logue came near being the victim of a murderer. At the close of The Post’s report yesterday afternoon Stratton was on the stand in his own behalf. He denied seeing Logue and the young woman. He denied that he attacked any one. He denied having a black jack or a knife. He denied, in fact, pretty much everything that came his way. He said he had a wife and four children, and was 27 years old yesterday.
Under cross-examination Stratton admitted that he had frequently met Mellon at Starr’s crossing in the evening. On Saturday night previous to the assault they were together on the lots. “When I got there,” he went on, “Mrs. Hyatt, who was there, said to me, ‘You will put a mark on the wall because I had come in so early.’”
“What time did Mellon come there?” asked Mr. Jenkins.
“About half past nine.”
“And you had left him at Broadway and Pine, at about eight fifteen?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What did he come for?”
“I don’t know.”
“Didn’t he ask for you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What did he say?”
“When he saw that I had my shoes off he said, ‘O, never mind.’”
Mr. Jenkins then sought to identify by Stratton a note sent him by Mellon while the two were in jail, but Stratton refused to look at it.
Mellon, when called, said he was at Starr’s crossing on the night of Sunday, May 6th. He went there merely to take a walk. He told the same story as Stratton, without deviation.
The copy of a note written to Stratton by Mellon, in which the latter tells Stratton to “remember he (referring to the sewer watchman) was ten feet away when I handed you the knife,” and then detailing the route they took after leaving the lots, was not admitted in evidence because it was not properly proved. Mellon denied writing the note.
John Wagner testified that he left the Catholic church at 8.30 on the night of the assault and walked to his house on Point street in ten minutes and that Mellon was sitting there at that time.
Mrs. Stratton, the wife of one of the defendants, said her husband came home that Sunday night at about 8.30. “When he went out,” she said, “he said he would get back early. When he came in Mrs. Hyatt said, ‘Why, John, it’s only half-past eight; you’re in early,’ and she put a mark on the wall.”
Mrs. Hyatt, who jointly occupies the house with Stratton, testified that he came home at 8.30.
“Did you look at the clock?” asked Mr. Jenkins.
“Yes.”
“What sort of a clock is it?”
“A three dollar and a half clock.”
“Is it an alarm clock?”
“Yes.”
“How often do you set it?”
“Every night.”
“What; every night?”
“Oh, I don’t mean set it; I mean wind it.”
“Has it ever ran down?”
“No.”
“What did you do when you moved, let it run on?”
“Yes, sir; it runs laying down or setting up.”
“What a wonderful clock; I think I’ll have to get one.”
This closed the case for the defense and Policeman George Horner was called to rebut a statement by Mellon that he had never worn what looked like a policeman’s star. After some legal sparring Officer Horner swore that he saw Mellon wear a star in Diamond Cottage Grove last summer.
William Getty, Harry’s son, saw Mellon on the lots opposite the city hall, one night last summer about 8.30. “I was taking a walk with a young lady out there.” Mellon came up and grabbed me and said he was going to take me to the city hall. He also took hold of the lady. He wore a star that night.
Harry Danks, a pimply faced young man, who acts as “runner” about the jail, was called to rebut Mellon, who denied having written a note to Stratton.
“Mellon gave me a note this morning to deliver to Stratton,” said Danks. “I handed the note to Mr. Logue, the jailor. It was not in an envelope.”
Jailor David Logue, a brother of the injured man, testified that he received the note from Danks and got Janitor Swindell to copy it. Swindell testified that the copy shown by Prosecutor Jenkins was the one he made in the jail of that note. This closed the case. Argument of counsel were begun at 4.30 and the jury did not retire till after 6. At nine o’clock they returned a verdict of guilty as charged in the indictment.
During the progress of the trial counsel for the defense took perhaps half a hundred exceptions to Judge Hugg’s rulings and they will probably carry the case up.
Loyal Orange Institution
Camden Post —
One of the social events of the season was given last night by the Diamond Purple Star Loyal Orange Lodge of this city, at Post 5 Hall. Dancing was engaged in until a late hour, when the guests marched to the supper room and partook of a bountiful collation. Among those present were F. G. Bailey and wife, editor of the “Protestant Standard;” Archibald Ross and wife, Thomas Willis and lady, George Jones and Lizzie Anderson, Joseph Logue and Fannie Hillingsworth, Jas. Paul and sister, J. Kirkpatrick and wife, Mr. Samuel Reeves and lady, Mr. John Lee and wife, Mr. John McFarland and Miss Maria Willis, Mr. David Logue and wife, Mr. Jas. Ervin and Miss Rosetta Kirkpatrick, Mr. John Marshall and wife, Mr. John Robinson and Jennie Willis, Mr. McVicker and Miss Gillin, Mr. John Edgar and wife, Mr. Robert Gordon and lady, Mr. Hugh Riley and Ellen La Mont, Mr. McCullom and wife, Mr. David Anderson and Emma Elliott, Mr. Geo. Fabrion and lady, Mr. Robert McCarl and wife, Mr. Eggleson and wife, Mr. John Paul and lady, Mr. William Weir and Miss Hughes, Mr. David Henry and lady, Mr. Young and lady, and many others of Camden and Philadelphia.
Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Henry D. Moore, son and daughter, of Haddonfield, in company with Rev. F. R. Brace, D. D., of Blackwood, will sail from New York on the steamer Friesland, on Wednesday, February 6, for a two months’ tour of the Mediterranean, which will include visits to Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Northern Africa and Southern Spain.
Miss Boyer, of 524 Linden street, will give a tea next Wednesday from 3 until 5.
Miss Campbell, of Fifth and Cooper streets, gave a progressive euchre party on Monday evening in honor of Miss Richardson.
Voorhees Anderson entertained a number of young people at a progressive euchre party Wednesday evening.
Friends of Isaac W. Cole, of Delaware township, intend to present his name as a candidate for one of the county offices to be filled at the coming fall election.
On Monday Mr. and Mrs. William Parry, of Parry, started for California to attend the annual meeting of the American Pomological Society. They will be gone about a month, and will take in all the sights of the Golden State.
“Speaker” Ed Hartman, the popular Third ward policeman, was presented with a handsome and costly cane the other day by his admirers at No. 2 Engine House. David Logue presented the cane in an eloquent speech.
At the meeting of the Commercial Club Wednesday night the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, H. Land; Vice-President, S. C. Childs; Treasurer, J. H. Knerr; Financial Secretary, Philip Wilson; Recording Secretary, George W. Anthony; Directors, Geo. Leathwhite, L. W. Fernan, Jacob Ferris, H. G. Bonwill, Thomas J. Peterson, James M. Bentley, H. L. Merrick, John W. Croft, Daniel S. Garwood.
The stockholders of the Masonic Temple Association have elected the following directors: George Pfeiffer, Jr., Cooper B. Hatch, William H. Fredericks, Thomas McDowell, J. R. Eastlack, Alfred Cramer, D. H. Gomersall, E. A. Austermuhl, Isaac Ferris, Jr., Isaac Doughton, H. B. Anthony, W. S. Casselman, Joseph P. Weatherby, W. F. Rose and George W. Jessup.
Dory Lambert Heard From
Jersey Journal, Jersey City, New Jersey —
New York, Feb. 11.—A Herald special from Camden, N. J., says:
Murderer Dory Lambert, who was recently respited on the day he was to have been hanged, distinguished himself in the county jail yesterday by attempting to save the life of a fellow prisoner bent on suicide.
James McCue, salesman for a Philadelphia wholesale house, was arrested on Feb. 6 during a drunken row, and was given ten days in jail. While several of the men were exercising in the corridor yesterday, McCue secured a case knife and cut his throat. Lambert saw him and ran to him, with the intention of wresting the knife from him. McCue turned upon him, and for a few seconds there was a frightful struggle. Lambert finally knocked McCue down and secured the knife. McCue then put his hand in the gaping wound, and tore it further open.
Jailor Logue sent McCue to the Cooper Hospital, and it is doubtful if he can recover.
A Year Each for Policy People
Camden Daily Telegram —
Mrs. Harriet Smith Fainted When Sentenced.
DETERMINED TO STOP THE GAME
Judge Vroom Says the Court is Decided About This Matter and in Two Cases Imposes the Full Penalty.
This was the last assize day for the present term of the Quarter Sessions Court. Judges Vroom, McDowell and Burdsall held a consultation in the law library until twenty minutes after ten o’clock when they came into the large court room.
Lulu Robinson was sworn and said that David Fry had cut her with a razor during a quarrel one evening at Eighth and Ann streets. Fry was quarreling with the others and the witness interfered when Fry cut her across the cheek with a razor. Fry has pleaded guilty to the assault.
Mrs. William Still, of Snow Hill, was sworn, and stated that on a Saturday night her husband came home and seemed to be in a bad humor. He quarreled with her all night Saturday and all day Sunday. He asked her if she was going to stop running around and as she did not answer him Still pulled out a revolver and shot her. He fired three more shots at her as she laid on the floor and when she was going out the door he shot her in the head.
“Did this not occur over your running with other men?” asked Lawyer John L. Semple, who is counsel for William Still.
No, sir. I did not go with other men.”
Witness said she knew a man by the name of Grey, but denied that she had ever been intimate with him.
In answer to Judge Vroom Mrs. Still said that she had been shot three times and was in the Cooper Hospital some time. She said her husband had threatened to cut her throat on other occasions. Still was not present and the court ordered that he appear on Monday or his bail would be forfeited and a bench warrant issued.
William Jacobs, who was convicted yesterday of involuntary manslaughter in killing George Whittington, was sentenced to one year in State Prison.
When the convicted policy dealers were arraigned Lawyer H. S. Scovel said he desired to make a few remarks in their behalf. He said that in the case of William Parker the jury failed to agree and he advised Parker afterwards to enter a plea of guilty. Parker had never been accused before of a crime and Lawyer Scovel asked that the Court be lenient. He also said there was no record of Walter Garwood having been convicted before. Lawyer Scovel also asked that mercy be shown in the case of Mrs. Harriet Smith, who pleaded guilty. He said there was no question but what she had been convicted before of policy writing but her husband was dead and she had a large family to support. “I do not think the State Prison was ever erected for the imprisonment of a woman unless she had committed some great crime,” said Lawyer Scovel.
The Court said that some of the convicted policy writers had been convicted before of violating the policy laws and the Court had been lenient and imposed fines instead of imprisonment.
“The Court is determined to break up policy playing in this city,” said Judge Vroom. “The sentence of Walter Garwood and Washington Ketline is that they serve one year in the State Prison and pay a fine of $100 each. This is the full penalty of the law. Harriet Smith and William Parker will serve one year in State Prison without a fine.”
As the defendants were being taken out of the court room to the county jail Mrs. Smith swooned away just outside of the entrance to the court room. A cot was secured from the county jail and Constable Jacob Leon and Jailor David Logue placed her on it and carried her over to the county jail.
Lawyer J. J. Crandall asked that Washington Ketline be released on bail as he had secured a writ of error to carry the case to the Supreme Court. Bail was fixed at $1,000 and John Cockran and Joseph Swing appeared to enter the necessary security. They were closely questioned by the Court.
Hill Meets Death Without a Shudder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Wife Murderer Goes to the Gallows With Calm Resignation—Scenes and Incidents Attending the Execution
Sheriff John Wesley Sell, Upon whom the unpleasant duty devolved to execute the law’s mandate.
Rev. H. S. Gascoyne, Who was one of Murderer Hill’s spiritual advisers, and who accompanied him to the gallows.
With a brave smile, born of resignation and Christian faith, Robert F. Hill paid the legal penalty in the Camden county jail yesterday for the murder of his wife on June 9, 1900. Sheriff John Wesley Sell sprung the trap of the scaffold at 10.10 A. M. Hill was declared dead at 10.22½ and the body was cut down at 10.40.
Hill was awakened by his request at 5.30 o’clock in the morning, and he ate sparingly of a beefsteak, which was brought to him from a neighboring restaurant. Afterward he slowly smoked a cigar. His aged father, his brother, William, and his sisters, Violet and Pearl, were talking earnestly with him at 8 o’clock, when his spiritual advisers, Rev. H. S. Gascoyne and Rev. Charles D. Sinkinson arrived. At 8.30 o’clock his relatives took final leave of him, and Hill exchanged his blue serge suit for a suit of black cloth.
Hill Prayed Aloud
Religious devotions, in which Hill almost joyfully participated, consumed nearly an hour. Twice Hill prayed aloud, forgiving his enemies and asking forgiveness for himself. The two clergymen also prayed and joined Hill in singing a hymn. Hill seemed to be impatient for the end, and declared that he wanted to die and would not accept his freedom if he could get it.
While Hill was at his devotions Sheriff Sell was busy with preparations for the execution.
The witnesses, numbering nearly two score, were in the execution room at 10.09 o’clock, when Sheriff Sell signaled to Jailer David Logue to bring the condemned man. The death procession was led by Revs. Gascoyne and Sinkinson. Then came Hill with a happy smile, which broadened as he gazed upward at the rope and its noose.
County Detective John S. Smith and Death Watch Fred Voigt marched behind Hill.
Still in Smiles
At the steps to the scaffold the clergymen separated and stepped to either side. Hill was conducted up the steps by Smith and Voigt, but he walked to the centre of the trap alone and with a pleasant smile, which continued while Sheriff Sell was drawing over his face the black cap that shut out his last view of the world. Sheriff Sell adjusted the noose about Hill’s neck and drew it tight. Then he sprung the lever of the trap, and Hill’s body fell to the length of the rope and swung to and fro, but no other movement was visible.
When Hill’s body was cut down it was found that the rope was entangled with the black cap, which was probably due to the fact that Hill wore a high collar. His features were not distorted, but instead wore the smile with which he ascended the scaffold.
Undertaker E. J. Strickland removed the body after he had secured a death certificate from County Physician Jones and buried it in the New Camden Cemetery.
About one hundred persons were gathered about the jail during the preparations for the execution, but they hastened away when the click of the falling trap was heard.
Story of His Crime
Hill shot his wife, Edith, three times on Saturday night, June 9, 1900, and then shot himself in the breast over the heart. His wife was instantly killed, but Hill was hurried to Cooper Hospital, where he was detained about a month and then transferred to the county jail. The shooting was done at the home of Hill’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Wheldon, 1229 South Third street, and was the result, it is believed, of a quarrel over Mrs. Hill’s alleged misconduct. Hill and his wife had separated five times because of his charges or suspicions, but at his trial for the murder he failed to prove that his wife had been unfaithful to him.
Hill was placed on trial on October 2, 1900; found guilty of murder in the first degree on October 3, and sentenced by Justice Garrison, on November 16, to be hanged on January 16, 1901.
On December 7 the Court of Errors and Appeals refused to give Hill a new trial. On January 10 Governor Voorhees refused to grant Hill a reprieve, but four days later he reconsidered the matter and reprieved Hill until yesterday, February 5. On January 26 the Board of Pardons, in special session, refused to commute Hill’s sentence to life imprisonment.
Chat Among the Local Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
News Among the Men Who Man the Fire Fighting Apparatus.
New Member Given Initiation
Fireman Joseph Logue.
It is the honest and genial physiog of Fireman Joe Logue that confronts the readers of the “Courier” in to-day’s issue and it is safe to say that of all the surprised men in the town that same man is he, for not the least knowledge of its appearance had Joseph. The sight of his Christmas tree on Christmas morning when he was a mere strip of a lad in old Ireland could not have amazed him more. But there it is and as it shows up in fine style, Joe will no doubt forbear from swatting the Fire Editor of the “Courier” over his second crop county Cavan cocoanut with a section of hose.
Joe Logue is about the tallest fireman in the department and as to his being as good, strong, steady and courageous a man as there is in the city’s service there is not the least doubt. Joe was born at Milltown, county Derry, Ireland, and is, therefore, an Ulsterman. He is within a few years of [?], but doesn’t look it, and from his rugged, robust form appears good for another half a century at least, for it’s nothing unusual for the men of Ulster to live even a dozen or twenty years beyond a hundred. He was appointed a fireman in 1894 and has done duty since at two houses, Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, at headquarters, and Engine Company No. 4, in North Camden. And that he has been ever brave and faithful in the discharge of his allotted work, Chief Elfreth, ex-Foreman [?] Peoples, Foreman Amidee Middleton, ex-Assistant Chief Ben Kellum and present Foreman Billy Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, under all of whom he has served, can and will gladly testify to.
They tell a good many amusing jokes on Joe, but he takes them all with characteristic good nature and enjoys them as heartily as they do. Once, on Joe’s day off, No. 4’s hose cart went to a fire at Mathis’ shipyard, Cooper’s Point, with his helmet and uniform hanging on the guards. The hose cart got in such hot quarters that it was badly burned and Joe’s duds completely consumed.
When he heard of the fate of his official garments, Joe said: “Look at that, now! What a narrow escape I had. If I had been in that uniform I’d been burned to a crisp.”
Joe is a married man and has the happiest of homes. He is a brother of another good Ulster man, David Logue, the county jail turnkey. Both are active members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, No. 12, American Protestant Association, and Diamond Purple Star Lodge, No. 104, Loyal Orange Legion.
In next week’s fire column will appear a picture of Dewey, the fire dog of Engine Company No. 4, the most sagacious canine in Camden, an interesting animal well worthy of a sketch. Dewey’s master and trainer is Fireman Logue and what he can do as a fire dog is something simply strenuous.
Former Fireman Wright Cox writes to be set right. It was Wright who rescued the two children at 306 Stevens street on last Saturday afternoon and had the fire under control when the firemen arrived. Credit had been given to his brother, George Cox, foreman of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, who resides on Stevens street above Third, but what’s the difference, Wright, isn’t the glory all in the family? Wright lives at 322 Stevens street, George at 334 and the fire was at 306. If Wright hadn’t been right on deck at the time, George would have, so more’s the power to them both. Wright was a good one when he was in the department and there is strong talk of his going back again.
Ladderman Budd Colkett, of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, it is said, is booked for an appointment on the police force when Mayor Ellis confers such favor. The above is not official, but is merely given as an item of chin music heard about the fire houses these days. If Budd does drop the ladder for the mace, he will not be the first fireman to change to the police force. Jeff Kay was another who tired of the at times protracted inactivity of a fireman’s life and longed for a change of scene and salary. The firemen, however, now get the same bunch of coin as the coppers do, $40 per fortnight, but they didn’t when Charles Jefferson Kay was one of the bravest at No. 4.
For a man of his years, John Renner, of Hose Company No. 2, in East Camden, is one of the youngest and sturdiest in the department. If you didn’t actually know his age you could no more guess it, with any greater degree of accuracy, than you could the seeds in a Georgia watermelon. John has been a soldier, a policeman, Constable, special officer and before being made a city fireman was a member of and at one time Chief of the Stockton Volunteers.
Driver Billy Hertlein, of Chemical Engine No. 1, is back at his post again, feeling fine and looking elegant. All the men were glad to see Billy on deck again, even his old team whinnying him a Happy New Year.
William Miller, of the Eighth ward, became a member of the crew of Chemical Engine No. 2, on Saturday evening, under harrowing circumstances. On Sunday evening he was put through the customary initiation at the fire house on Kaighn avenue above Sixth street. All the other men were down stairs about eight o’clock when some one struck box eleven. There is no such box on the fire alarm list, but William, who wasn’t wise, slid down the pole from the second floor just the same. Just as he landed on the rubber mat at the bottom of the pole, one of the men turned a hose on him, while several others bombarded him unmercilessly with boots, brooms, mops, etc. Poor William was a sight when they got through with him. He was drenched to the skin and covered with dirt. But when he discovered it was all a joke he took his medicine manfully and was duly installed in the new company as a “jolly good fellow.”
Camden County Jail, circa 1910
Camden County Jail, circa 1910
Camden County Jail Map, 1885
Camden County Jail — Map is from 1885; the jail and county buildings were pretty much the same in 1916
Indict Woman for Shooting Attorney
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Victim Was Wounded in Hip—Alleged Slayer of Chorus Girl Charged With Murder
An indictment charging assault and battery with intent to kill was filed yesterday by the Camden county grand jury against Mrs. Cecelia Hoeffler, who on the night of February 28 is alleged to have shot William B. Knight, an attorney, at Eighth and Cooper streets, Camden. Although it is claimed the woman shot five times, only one bullet took effect, hitting the lawyer in the hip. Mr. Knight contends that the woman is mentally defective.
An indictment for murder was filed against Wilson Ashbridge, who on January 22, at Ninth and Market streets, is alleged to have shot and killed Mrs. Elizabeth Dunbar, a chorus girl, with whom he was enamored. There were twelve counts in a true bill against George Duffield, who has confessed, the police say, to starting numerous fires in East Camden.
Diagram Showing How the Desperados Shot the Jailors and Made Their Escape
Camden Daily Courier —
Diagram Showing How the Desperados Shot the Jailors and Made Their Escape
Ashbridge Caught in Chester Hotel Along With Wife
Camden Post-Telegram —
Fugitive Murderer Waives Extradition and Detective Schregler Brings Couple to Camden in Motor Car.
PAIR REGISTERED IN EARLY MORNING
Captured at noon with his wife in the Keystone Hotel at Chester PA, Wilson Ashbridge, who escaped from the County Prison last night with George E. Thompson, a forger, after killing Jailor Hibbs and shooting Jailor Ellis, is again in the County Jail.
Ashbridge admits that he shot both men. He said the gun was given to him by Thompson.
The couple were captured in their room at the Keystone Hotel by Captain of Detectives Schregler and Policeman David Hunt, who hurried to Chester in Chief Gravenor’s automobile in receipt of a message that a man answering to the description of the published picture of Ashbridge registered there early this morning with a woman as his wife.
Ashbridge offered no resistance when the officers entered his room. He waived extradition and being handcuffed was placed in the machine with his wife and hurried to this city.
Schregler sat in the rear of the machine between Ashbridge and his wife.
They reached City Hall at 2:10 o’clock this afternoon. Ashbridge was smoking a cigarette and looked sullen.
When the murderer saw a battery of photographers getting ready to take their pictures, Ashbridge shielded his wife’s face with his hat and hid his own face as best he could in his handcuffed condition.
They were taken upstairs to the Chief’s office and later sent to the Prosecutor’s office.
Ashbridge takes blame for the double shooting, but insists that his wife did not give him the gun, saying that Thompson supplied the weapon.
The police knew last night that Mrs. Ashbridge was with her husband or intended to go with him. This information came in a letter turned over to the police by a Mrs. Dick, of East Camden, who was caring for the children. The envelope cautioned her not to open the letter until 7:00 o’clock last night.
Mrs. Ashbridge said in the note that she was going to do a rash act and might not see the children again.
In the cell occupied by Thompson the following note was found by Detective Painter.
Ashbridge has made up his mind to leave this place. I have decided to go with him.
“It may seem like suicide and if anything happens send my body to the University of Pennsylvania
“THOMPSON
Seventeen loaded cartridges were also found in the cell.
The detectives and their prisoners were accompanied to Camden by E.S. Fry, proprietor of the Chester hotel, where the couple were caught.
There is no question but that Mrs. Ashbridge knew all about the plan to escape. Where she met her husband has not been discovered.
A reward of $1,000— $500 for each— was today offered by the Prosecutor.
Joseph Logue Dies, Fireman 22 Years
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSEPH LOGUE DIES, FIREMAN 22 YEARS
Cousin of Late David Baird Passes Away at Private Hospital
Joseph Logue, veteran Camden firefighter, died at 2 o’clock this morning in Bellevue Private Hospital, following brief illness of uraemia. He was a cousin of the late David Baird. The 22 years he served in the local Fire Department was a member of Engine Company No. 4, Fourth and Vine streets.
“Joe” Logue was one of the old school firemen. He was a familiar figure in North Camden where he lived for more than 40 years. One of his hobbies was checkers. He claimed to be the checker champion of North Camden.
He was appointed as a hoseman on April 15, 1898 and retired on a pension on March 1, 1920. After his retirement, Logue spent his time taking long walks and playing checkers. He was a daily visitor to the Camden bridge plaza.
When Logue joined the fire department there were no motor-equipped fire engines. The apparatus was drawn by speedy horses. For many years Logue drove a pair of spirited horses that drew old No. 4 pumper. Many of the grown-up North Camden residents as boys and girls remember Logue as he drove his favorite fire horses.
He lived for many years at 932 North Second street. Logue was a man of large physique and was regarded as a wit because of his inherited Irish humor. He is survived by his wife, Fannie, and his brother, David Logue, who was warden of the county jail for more than 35 years.
Funeral arrangements are being completed by Undertakers Joseph H. Murray & Son.
Joseph Logue
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral services for Joseph Logue, veteran Camden fireman, who died early yesterday morning in the Bellevue Hospital after a short illness, will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. from the funeral parlors of Joseph H. Murray & Sons, 631 Market street. Interment will be in the Arlington Cemetery.
Logue, a resident of North Camden for over 40 years, was a member of the Camden Fire Department for 22 years, retiring on a pension in 1920. Since that time he spent his time in daily walks and playing checkers. He claimed to be the checker champion of North Camden.
The deceased joined the fire department when there were no motor vehicles, but only horse-drawn engines. He was connected with pumper No. 4 for several years.
Logue, who resided at 932 North Second street for many years, is survived by his widow, Fannie, and a brother, David, who was formerly warden of the county jail for 25 years.
Logue Leaves Family $11,600
Camden Courier-Post —
LOGUE LEAVES FAMILY $11,600
2d St. Man Names Cousin to Care for Widow and Paralyzed Brother
The will of Joseph Logue, 922 North Second street, names his cousin, John J. Robinson, 342 State street, as executor and trustee of his $11,600 estate. The will was probated yesterday.
Robinson is instructed to permit the widow Fanny Logue, to live in the East Camden home, and to enjoy its rentals for the duration of her lifetime. He also is directed to support and maintain the widow as well as the deceased’s paralyzed brother, David, from the income of the estate.
If the widow or the brother are taken ill and the income is insufficient for their needs, permission is granted Robinson to use part of the principal for the two relatives.
On the death of the widow and brother, $1000 of the estate is to go to a niece, Mary Joyce. The residue of the estate is to be divided among David Logue’s children, James, Sarah and Annie Logue; Mrs. Barbara Hawkins, Mrs. Annie Andrus and Mrs. Mary Crawford. Should any of the heirs die, the share will go to the survivors in equal parts. The Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company is named executor in the event that Robinson’s death precedes that of the widow and brother of the testator.
Carmella Tronco is named sole heir to the $5000 estate left by her husband, Salvatore. A son, Nicola Tronco, 620 South Fifth street, is named executor. Another son, Anthony, and two daughters, Mrs. Rose Iacovelli and Mrs. Victoria Escano, all of Camden, also survive.
David Logue Dies, Ex-Warden of Jail
Camden Courier-Post —
Passing Recalls Sensational Break, Murder at County Prison
David Logue, former Camden county jail warden, died yesterday at his home, 825 Penn street, after a lingering illness. He was 73.
Logue was a jailor in the county institution for about 17 years, and when the courthouse was opened in 1906 he was made warden. He held that office until five years ago, when he was stricken with paralysis and retired on pension.
Logue was warden when Wilson Ashbridge and George Thompson, alias Murphy, made their jailbreak in August of 1916, but was not in the building that night. Ashbridge was waiting trial on a charge of murdering an actress at Tenth and Federal streets, while Thompson had been arrested for passing worthless checks.
The two prisoners shot their way out of jail, killing one jailor, Isaac Hibbs, and seriously wounding another, Joseph Ellis. Both men were recaptured later, and Ashbridge was sent to the electric chair while Thompson was convicted of second degree murder.
The deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Anna Logue, and five children. They are Mrs. Mary Crawford, of Pleasantville; Mrs. Anna Andrus, of Camden; Mrs. Barbara Hawkins, of Collingswood; Miss Sarah Logue, of Camden, and James I. Logue, of Collingswood.
Funeral services will be held 2 p. m. Friday at his late residence. Rev. George H. Hemingway, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.