Edward H. Martin

Edward H. Martin was born in Camden NJ on July 8, 1898. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Camden.

In 1922 Edward H. Martin was hired as a clerk in district court, and in 1924 he was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms, in the court of Judge Rudolph Ayres. He later served under Judges Frank F. Neutze, Joseph Varbalow, Bartholomew A. Sheehan, and Edward V. Martino. When the county system expanded to include district court, he served under Judge Martino and Judges Rocco Palese, Anthony C. Mitchell, Mitchell Cohen, and Benjamin Dzick.

Edward H. Martin served as Sergeant-at-Arms in district court for 35 years. By 1947 he had settled with his wife Ruth at 103 Terrace Avenue in East Camden. After World War II Edward H. Martin founded a private detective agency. After retiring from public employ in February of 1959, he spent a month touring Europe with his wife Ruth, and then devoted his full attention to his detective business.

Staunch Catholics, the Martins had audiences with Popes Pius XII and John XXIII. A lifelong resident of Camden, Edward H. Martin passed away in September of 1975.

Bleakly Amending It to Apply to Camden and Trenton Alone

Amendment of his city district court bill to apply only to Camden and Trenton in order that opposition in other sections of the state will be overcome is being considered by Assemblyman F. Stanley Bleakly, of Camden.

The measure, now before the Legislature, would take from city district court judges their power of appointing court employees.

In Camden this applies to Judge Frank F. Neutze, a Democrat. Such power would be placed in the hands of municipal governing bodies. In discussing the bill Bleakly said that he introduced it at the request of the Camden City Commission as an economy measure. He contended it would save the city $5400 a year.

“It is only fair,” he declared, “that the city governments, which must foot the bill for district court expenses, should have some control over how many employees are appointed for Political Purposes’

“Let me say now that this is no ripper legislation. It is not motivated for political purposes; it is purely an economy and home rule bill, like the bills to lift mandatory appropriations.

“The Camden city district has 11 employees. Courts in other sections of the state fewer

“The City Commissioners saw in this difference a chance to economize, but under the law they were powerless to do anything.

“As originally introduced, the bill applied to all district courts, county and city alike. Because there are less employees in courts elsewhere in the state and because the situation is entirely different than it is here, certain objections were raised. Therefore, I have drawn up amendments.

“These amendments, in addition changing the act so that it would so apply only to cities of the size of SE Camden and Trenton, protect those now employed in the district court.

Such protection was not provided in the original bills.

“Under the amendment, any changes in the personnel of the Camden district court will be made in accordance with the civil service list.

In other words, the only ones to go would be the last ones taken on, regardless of their politics. If the bill goes through there will be just as many or within one as many Democrats as there will be Republicans.

To Retire Hillman

“It is planned, I understand, to retire Edwin A. Hillman, clerk of the court and a Republican, who has been ill for some time. His salary is $3000 and his pension of $1200 would mean a net saving of $1800 to the city. His successor would be chosen strictly on civil service qualifications, not through politics.

“The dropping of one clerk and two sergeants-at-arms at $1200 a year each would mean another saving of $3600, or a total of $5400. Those that would go would be the newest ones on the civil service list.”

The present district court setup shows six Republican and five Democratic employees. In addition to Hillman, they are William Sauerhoff, Clemson England, Benjamin Manning, Republican sergeants-at-arms; Edward Dennis, Edward Martin, Harry Daily, Democratic sergeants-at-arms; Charles Ferat, assistant of clerk, Republican; John Bissinger, small claims clerk, Democrat; Imlay Binkert, deputy clerk, Republican, and Frank Suttill, clerk, Democrat.

Sergeant-at-Arms Accused of ‘Holding Up’ Order Issued by Court

Edward Martin, sergeant-at-arms in the Camden District Court, has been suspended by Judge Joseph Varbalow on charges that he attempted to hold up a court order, and used profane language in a public office.

The suspension is indefinite, Judge Varbalow said, until he “turns the matter over to see if any further punishment should be given. Martin had no comment to make when questioned on the suspension.

Judge Varbalow said the charges arose over a case in his court involving Frank Schofield and James Pennington. The former had obtained an attachment on funds of Pennington, who is leader of an orchestra known as Pennington’s Californians.

“When the case came up for a hearing in my court,” Judge Varbalow said, “Schofield, who was the plaintiff, failed to appear. I then I signed an order directing the clerk of the court to return the money held up in the attachment, to Pennington.

“Martin acted as a constable in the matter. He went to the clerk, Charles Ferat, and told him to hold up the order for an hour or so, until he, Martin, could get in touch with Schofield’s counsel, Rudolph Eisener,” Judge Varbalow continued.

“Ferat refused to hold up the order, and Martin called him a profane name. The matter was reported to me and I summoned Martin, Ferat and two other witnesses to my office on Saturday.

“At that time Martin admitted he had made a mistake and said he was sorry it had happened. He said he meant no wrong by his actions.

“I have suspended Martin for two reasons. First, because no sergeant-at-arms has the power to hold up a court order and second, because he was engaged in an argument in a public office, during which he used profane language.”

Herbert Richardson, counsel for Martin, would not discuss the case today. “I don’t know what it is all about as yet, so naturally I have nothing to say. I feel that the matter will straighten itself out,” Richardson said.

Ed Martin will be best remembered for his initiative and aggressive manner. And he knew the machinery of the court, the various features of clerical and making services. Because of his long service in the court he had many and close contacts with the members of the bar and the public which it served and he knew the full functions of the court.

Lauds Aide

County Judge Martino commented:

During my 13 years as judge of the district court my burden was lightened by the cooperation of Ed Martin, who, to my sorrow, has decided to retire.

“The Camden District Court under the present economic situation and development going on in this area processes over 6000 cases per year, and the ability which Ed Martin possessed to expedite the various suits in the proper channels will be sorely missed by the entire office and the county judge who takes his turn in presiding in that court.

Superior Court Judge Burton said:

Being a sergeant at arms is not the most desirable vocation in life, for it entails the service of writs, executions and dispossessing of his fellow man from his property.

“Most men who have chosen this occupation are not looked upon with favor or respect, but occasionally our judicial system is blessed with an individual who has the understanding and human respect for his fellow man in distress, the kindness and approach and the willingness to give of his own time to help a deserving individual. Ed Martin is possessed of these qualities and traits, and many more.