Introduction
Eli Morgan Hunt
ELI MORGAN HUNT was born on May 13, 1882 in Camden, New Jersey, one of 10 children of James H. Hunt and his wife Mary. He was named after Eli Morgan, whom his father had supported politically during Morgan’s unsuccessful bid for election as Camden County sheriff in 1881.
The Hunt family had moved in the late 1870s from Gloucester City to 819 Kaighn Street, which was renamed Dauphin Street in January of 1882. James Hunt in time became involved in local politics, and over the years held a number of positions. By 1894 James Hunt, then the Fish Warden, and his family was living at 316 Line Street.
When the 1900 Census was taken two of Eli Hunt’s siblings were then living at his parents home, sisters Theodosia and Katherine. Sadly, four of the Hunt children had by then died. Three other siblings had moved out, including older brother George H. Hunt. The 1900 Census says that James Hunt was then a constable in Camden, a political appointment not without a measure of local influence.
City Directories show that by 1906 and as late as 1914 Eli Hunt was a member of the United States Navy. During these times his brother George H. Hunt was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, very probably through the political influence of his father, James Hunt. His sister, Theodosia, was also politically active.
Theodosia Hunt married coal and ice merchant Joseph Henry Conaghy sometime after 1900. The 1906 City Directory shows the Conaghys living at 246 Pine Street, where Joseph Conaghy also conducted his business, the Eagle Ice & Coal Company. The 1910 Census shows that Joseph Conaghy had gone into the tavern business. He was then operating a bar at 601–603 Kaighn Avenue, where he and Theodosia made their home; they later operated a bar known, appropriately enough, as Conaghy’s, at 950 South 5th Street.
Eli Hunt came back to Camden from the Navy after the 1914 City Directory was compiled. By September of 1918 he had been appointed to the Camden Fire Department. He was then living at 330 Beckett Street. This would remain his address through 1929. Eli Hunt served with Engine Company 3 during the 1920s.
Sister Theodosia Hunt Conaghy was widowed in the early 1920s. In 1923 Mrs. Conaghy was appointed to the position of matron at the Camden County Jail, adjacent to the courthouse at Broadway and Federal Streets.
On April 4, 1928 Eli Hunt, then a driver at Engine Company 3, was promoted to junior captain. On the same date, brother George Hunt, then a junior captain at Engine Company 7, was promoted to senior captain.
When the 1930 Census was taken, Eli Hunt was living with his sister Theodosia Hunt Conaghy and nephew Eli E. Conaghy at 814 South 6th Street. This would be his address through the spring of 1942.
Eli Hunt retired on disability on March 1, 1937 after serving the Camden Fire Department for nearly two decades. He registered for the draft in April of 1942. He passed away in 1944 and was buried at New Camden Cemetery.
Sister Theodosia Hunt Conaghy retired from her post at the County Jail after 27 years service in 1950 at the age of 75. She passed away in December of 1957.
Brother George Hunt and his wife Louise were still at 342 Line Street when the 1947 City Directory was compiled.
A nephew, Eli E. Conaghy, was a longtime Camden resident, an iron worker and veteran of World War II, having been drafted at the age of 42.
Murder and Bloodshed in Camden Primary Elections
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphian Shot Dead, Another Fatally Wounded and a Policeman Terribly Slashed in Fights at the Republican Congressional Primaries
JOE GODDARD
Blood was shed in Camden city and county last night, the result of the fiercest political battle that was ever fought in the First Congressional district of New Jersey, and the sum total of the casualties is one man dead, another lying at the point of death in the Cooper Hospital, another, a policeman, on a cot near by, suffering from stab wounds, from which he is not likely to recover, and numerous cracked skulls.
So vigorously were the Republican primaries contested that numerous fights developed. Crowds of repeaters went from Philadelphia to Camden, and these were the cause of the numerous riots, for such they were, at the polling places.
With it all no one can yet positively tell who will receive the Congressional nomination at Woodbury to morrow. At midnight both the adherents of Congressman Loudenslager and the supporters of J. Alpheus Vansant were claiming the victory.
Shot and Killed
A few minutes before the closing of the polls at the Fifth precinct of the Third Ward, Camden, last night, John Morrisy, of Manayunk, wearing a Vansant badge, was shot and killed. During the melee Policeman Harry Miller, aged 40 years, of 321 Beckett street, was cut in the abdomen. Both were taken to Cooper Hospital.
Surgeon Stewart pronounced Morrisy dead on his arrival. Policeman Miller was operated on, and the surgeons say he has a fighting chance for his life.
The police have under arrest George Murray, colored, aged 35 years, of 649 Locust street, and Henrietta V. Bland, of 639 Locust street, who are said to be eye-witnesses to the shooting. The arrest of the man who it is claimed fired the fatal shot is, the police say, a question of a few hours.
Joe Goddard Shot
Joseph J. Goddard, aged 35 years, of Phoenixville, Pa., a once noted pugilist, was shot by Constable Robert Washington at “Dog Corner” during the primary election. The bullet, a thirty-two caliber, entered the left temple about an inch and a half above his eye and imbedded itself in his brain.
He was taken to Merchantville and treated by Dr. Lawrence and afterwards removed to Cooper Hospital. Surgeons there say he will die.
Washington immediately surrendered to Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville, was given a preliminary hearing before Justice Longstreth, and committed to the county jail.
Been Living at Matchtown
Goddard of late had been living with Benjamin Forrest, a saloonkeeper at Matchtown, a settlement just outside of Merchantville, and in Pensauken [sic] township. It is said he led a gang of repeaters to the “Dog Corner” primaries. Soon after their arrival a row was started and Washington felled to the ground by a blow from a base ball bat. While lying on the ground Goddard attempted to beat him and he fired the shot which will likely prove fatal.
During the melee Constable Isaac Fowler was stabbed in two places by an unknown man. The wounds are not considered serious. Fighting continued from the opening to the closing of the polls.
Ed. Matlack, of Dudley, was badly cut in a fight on the Camden line. He went to Merchantville and Dr. Jennings sewed six stitches in his wounds.
Morrisy’s Appearance
Morrisy, the dead man, was about 35 years old. He was in the company of several Philadelphians and spent nearly all the afternoon in the Third ward in the company of a policeman, by whom he and his companions were introduced as members of the Washington, D. C., police force on a short vacation.
The Third ward was the battleground of the Loudenslager-Vansant contest yesterday. A large majority of the city officials live there. From the minute of the opening of the polls in the various precincts there were outbreaks on either side that were only quelled by cooler heads.
It became noised about shortly after the polls opened that repeaters under the guidance of three Philadelphians, one of whom was colored, were at work in the ward.
Help Summoned
Shortly before 8 o’clock word was sent to the Second precinct of the Third ward by a police officer working in the interest of Vansant in the Fifth precinct that unless help arrived Loudenslager would carry the precinct.
In less than five minutes Policeman Edward Hartman, in citizen’s clothes, and several other men, one of whom was deceased, came on the scene. At that time there were at least 500 persons around the polls, many of whom were women.
What followed is told by John G. Helm, a butcher, of 600 South Third street, and Eli Hunt, son of Deputy Game Warden Hunt. Both agree that Morrisy attempted to vote. As he did so Policeman Robert Miller, a Loudenslager worker, took him by the arm and told him he could not vote. At that instant the policeman was struck by a blackjack and knocked towards the gutter. Policeman Albert Keaser, a Loudenslager worker, pushed his way into the crowd and tried to prevent trouble. Policeman Harry Miller, a Vansant worker, struck Keaser with a blackjack, knocking him to his knees. As Keaser fell he grappled with Harry Miller and they rolled on the pavement.
Took the Blackjack
Keaser took the blackjack away from his brother officer. In the meantime Policeman Robert Miller went into the thick of the fight and struck George Murray, now under arrest, over the eye with a blackjack. The man who was killed worked his way into the centre of Beckett street, and as he stood facing the crowd half a dozen pistols were drawn and five shots rang out in quick succession.
Morrisy staggered across Beckett street to an alley in the rear of the houses on the east side of Third street, reeled and fell to the ground. He was carried into the yard of one of the adjoining houses and the patrol wagon summoned.
Murderer Escaped
According to Mr. Helm, the colored man who fired the fatal shot ran down Beckett street to Locust street.
With the shooting of Morrisy the fight did not end. Help came to Policeman Keaser and during his rescue Policeman Harry Miller was cut across the abdomen a distance of about four inches.
Coroner F. Neall Robinson held a view on Morrisy’s body. He stated that the bullet pierced Morrisy’s thumb of his right hand and entered his body near the centre of his heart.
In the dead man’s clothes were found a 48-calibre centre fire revolver with the chambers filled, a note book with a number of addresses in Philadelphia, and a small photograph of two girls, one of whom is evidently his sister.
Mayor Investigates
Besides the investigation being conducted by the county authorities one is being made by order of Mayor Nowrey. According to a statement made by the latter official last night, all kinds of propositions had been made to him looking to the relieving from duty of a number of policemen, that they might take part in the primaries. He instructed the captains of police to see that all policemen should do duty on their respective shifts.
During the progress of the primaries a reporter of The Inquirer saw Morrisy and several others standing around the polls in the Second precinct of the Third ward. The reporter asked a prominent city official what the men were doing there. The official replied: “They are not here to vote. We heard an attempt was to be made to take these polls by force, and we’ve got them here to fight and hold our end up.”
When Assistant Prosecutor Archer asked Policeman Harry Miller in Cooper Hospital if he knew who the dead man was, he replied that he only knew him as Reddy, and that he came over from Philadelphia to help out in the Third ward.
Joe Goddard’s Career
Joe Goddard, who was born in Pyramid, N. S. W., November 25, 1861, came to this country in 1892. He claimed the Barrier championship, and under the direction of Billy Madden was touted as a world beater. He was present at the fight between Sullivan and Corbett at New Orleans, and subsequently challenged Corbett, but the latter would not accept. At that time there were many good judges of pugilism who really thought that Goddard would have a chance against the then champion, and the latter (Corbett) was severely criticised for not taking up Goddard’s defi, particularly as it was accompanied by a good sized forfeit. Later on it became apparent that Goddard was nothing but a big, strong fellow, willing to take a punching for the purpose of getting the coin. His most important fight, and the one that gave some prominence for a while, was with Peter Maher at Coney Island on December 8, 1892. Peter was knocked out in the third round after having Goddard at his mercy in the second. For the last five years or so Goddard has lived in Philadelphia or Phoenixville.
POLICEMAN HARRY MILLER.
Jottings from South Camden
Camden Daily Courier —
Budget of Chat from the Lower Section of the City
PERSONAL NOTES OF INTEREST
George Staib, of 1308 Broadway, who recently underwent a delicate operation, is recovering in the Jefferson Hospital.
The William M. Dilmore Club will hold its annual election of officers on Thursday night at its headquarters, Fourth and Kaighn avenue.
The business men of Eighth street, between Line and Kaighn avenue, have donated $50, which will be used as prizes for the New Year associations which pass that way.
Thursday night the Fireside New Year Association will parade over the following route to advertise its ball, which takes place Friday night at Turner Hall: Form on Kaighn avenue, right r[?]ting on Third, to Pine, to Second, to Chestnut, to Front, to Kaighn avenue, to Broadway, to Federal, to Second, to State, to Fourth, to Market, to Second, to Federal, to Haddon avenue, to Benson, to Sixth, to Kaighn avenue, to Broadway, to Walnut, to Fifth, to Spruce, to Fourth, to Kaighn avenue.
Eli Hunt, son of Constable James Hunt, is home to spend the holidays with his parents. He is a member of the crew of the battleship Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert James yesterday had a Christmas family reunion at their home on Broadway. About forty persons participated in the event, which was pronounced by all as an occasion long to be remembered.
Mrs. Matthew Acker, of 806 Pine street, is recovering from an illness of several days.
William Daly, of the battleship Virginia, is home on a furlough for the Christmas holidays.
Kaighn avenue and Broadway business men say they never had such a rush as that of Saturday night. Everyone seemed to be anxious to lay in a store of food and gifts. All sorts of stores were, in many instances, almost depleted of stock. This morning there was comparatively little poultry to be had. Christmas trees and greens had disappeared, too, for on Saturday everything in this line was toted off by men, women and children. All of which shows this era of prosperity is being enjoyed to the limit.
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Registration Card – Eli Morgan Hunt
Eli Hunt and Thomas Clark to Hunt Deer
Camden Post-Telegram —
Eli Hunt, of No. 3 engine house, and Thomas Clark, of No. 10 Company, will leave to-morrow for Cumberland, short distance below Millville, where they will place their headquarters in readiness for a stay of several days during deer season.
South Camden
Camden Courier —
SOUTH CAMDEN
Fire damaged a bedroom on the second floor at the home of Hyne Miller 972 Ferry Avenue, yesterday afternoon. The fire was caused, it is said, by a child playing with matches, which set fire to a bed covering. Firemen from No. 3 Engine and No. 2 Truck Company extinguished the blaze.
Eli Hunt, of No. 3 Engine Company, Broadway and Ferry Avenue, lost his glasses at the fire on Ferry Avenue.
Promoted Firemen Take Posts Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Lennox Deputy Chief; Eight Others Elevated as Captains Here
A new deputy chief, a battalion chief and eight new senior and junior captains will assume their posts today in the fire department. The men were promoted yesterday afternoon, along with the announcement of eleven new appointments of firemen, who will go into service April 15.
The new deputy chief, John H. Lennox, now is second in command when his platoon is on duty. He was acting deputy since the naming of Thomas Nicholas as chief two years ago.
The new battalion chief is Rollo Jones. Jones succeeds George B. Wade, who retired January 1.
Junior captains advanced to senior captains, with salaries increased to $2,400, are William H. Harring, Truck Company No. 1, Clarence Madden, Engine Company No. 6, and George Hunt, Engine Company No. 7. The new junior captains advanced from the ranks, with new salaries of $2,280 a year, are David Ellis, driver for Chief Nicholas for nine years, George Saunders, hoseman of Engine Company No. 9; Eli Hunt, driver of Engine Company No. 3, and William Van Pfefferle, hoseman, Engine Company No. 1.
All the promotions were from the civil service eligible list. The captains will be assigned tomorrow.
The new firemen, also civil service eligibles, will start with salaries of $1,500. Each year of service brings an increase, until five years in the department pays $2040 annually. The new men are Thomas F. Gibbons, Byron M. Davis, John S. Anderson, William H. Toy, Leo J. Tompkins, Horace T. Molan, Lawrence Bolton, George W. Garner, Felix E. Bendzyn, Harry H. Hess and Charles Jones.
Chief Lennox is one of the most popular firefighters in the organization. “Chappie” is the nickname by which he has been known for years. He was appointed a fireman January 1, 1908. He was promoted to a captainship October 1, 1915, and was assigned to Engine Company No. 8.
His promotion to deputy chief gives the department two men in that standing, one in command of each platoon on duty. His new salary will be $2,8[8]0 a year. He will be stationed at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets. He lives at 633 Clinton street. William W. Patterson is the other deputy chief.
Battalion Chief Jones will receive $2,520 a year. He has been in command of Engine Company No. 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He will be sent to command Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Ferry avenue.
He was a former senior captain of Engine Company No. 4. For a number of years he was an instructor in fire school methods of life saving. He lives at 536 York street.
22 Firemen Assigned to New Stations
Camden Courier-Post —
12 Rookies and 10 Promoted Men Go to Posts
Twelve new firemen and ten men promoted several weeks ago were assigned to their new stations yesterday by Chief Thomas J. Nicholas. With these appointments, the department complement of 200 men is completed.
John H. Lennox, newly named deputy chief, will make his headquarters at the Fifth and Arch streets station. Rollo Jones, promoted from senior captain to battalion chief, succeeding George Wade, recently retired on pension, will move to Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Ferry avenue.
Three men were promoted from junior to senior captaincies. They are: William Heron [sic], who moved to Company No. 2; George Hunt, Company No. 8, and Clarence T. Madden, Company No. 5.
Taken from the ranks, the following will be stationed as junior captains: David R. Ellis, Company No. 7; Clarence Newton, Company No. 5; William Van Pfefferle, Truck Company No. 2; Eli Hunt, Company No. 9, and George Saunders, Company No. 6.
The new firefighters and their stations are: Lawrence Bolton [sic], Company No. 9; John S. Anderson, Company No. 4; Byron M. Davis, Company No. 1; George W. Garner, Company No. 4; Lawrence Milton, Company No. 5; Thomas Gibbons, Company No. 4; Leo J. Tompkins, Company No. 2; Felix Bendzyn, Company No. 7; Horace T. Molan, Company No. 7; William E. Toy, Company No. 9; Harry H. Hess, Company No. 11, and Edward Callahan, Truck Company No. 4.
Engine Company 9
John Voll, Edward Peraria, Howard Gick, Captain Eli Hunt and George Townsend, firefighters from Engine Company 9, based on Twenty-seventh Street, take a moment together following a fire on a rainy night in December 1928, seen here in the first row from left to right. The blaze involved the offices of Leon E. Todd at 2623 Westfield Avenue. Todd was a realtor who helped develop Medford Lakes.
Veteran Fire Captain Honored At Retirement Ceremonies
Camden Courier-Post —
Eli Hunt Bids Farewell to Fellow Members of City Force
Officials Laud Term of Service
Quits Chasing Fires
Capt. Eli Hunt
The sound of a fire alarm means nothing except fond memories to Junior Capt. Eli Hunt, now, as he sits in his chair at home and lives over the many experiences he has gone through while a fireman with Engine Company No. 3, 1813 Broadway.
Captain Hunt took formal leave Saturday from his comrades, the smoke-eaters of one of the busiest fire houses in the city. The 55-year-old veteran was retired March 1 for disability, and the lads he led in many a fierce battle with flames, decided to show their old skipper that their hearts were with him now that he would respond to no more alarms.
Captain Hunt, his face seamed and lined with years of activity as a fire-fighter, sat silent while Battalion Chief Charles Erickson [sic] told the old smoke-eater that he was only retired, but that in spirit he was still a member of the Camden fire department.
The captain smiled with satisfaction as Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, told Captain Hunt that he was a gallant old fire-fighter, and had fought along the traditions that had made the Camden department one of the best.
Flowers Presented
Satisfaction and smiles still rode the captain’s face as Acting Capt. Edward MacDowell presented him with a bouquet of flowers. He was still grinning in glee when Acting Captain Rich gave him another gift. He still retained that smiling face as Commissioner Kobus presented him with a beautiful smoking set, the gift of his old comrades.
Then, as he sat silently in his chair, the fact that he was no longer a fire-fighter of Camden save in memory and spirit, rolled down upon him and the pent emotion gave way, it could not longer be dammed.
Tears ran like rivulets down the grizzled face of the retired captain, and he didn’t attempt to stop them either, as one handkerchief against that torrent of weeping would have been as effective as trying to stop a hole in a levee with a toothpick.
Standing in formation, too, were his old boys, and everyone of them had a suspicious moisture in his eye, as they gazed upon the old skipper, now ready to retire to a merited if not entirely welcome retirement.
It was 8 a. m. when the ceremonies started down in the ancient camp of the firefighters on Broadway. Battalion Chief Erickson [sic] made a neat and effective speech.
Remains In Spirit
“You are not retiring from the department,” he said, “you are still a member though no longer active. Don’t figure that you are done as a fireman because you are not.
“You’ve earned your rest and you can feel assured now that you have retired that you owe the city of Camden nothing, you have given her the best that was in you, the finest ability you commanded and the loyalty which you know.
“Your boys are sorry to see you depart, but when you go they know that you go to a rest you have merited and an ease that rightfully belongs to you.”
Commissioner Kobus followed in like strain, expressing her delight as being able to have a part in the ceremonies.
“We have to hurry this up,” said the commissioner laughingly, “for I never come down to this firehouse that an alarm does not sound.”
“You are not retiring from the department,” said the director, “you have come up from the ranks and will remain an inspiration to these young firemen, even if you be away from them.
Set Good Example
“You have given them a splendid example to follow by your own loyal, splendid service to Camden. You are something of an ideal for these men to follow, and so long as they stand by the ideals of yourself and the gallant old firefighters of the department, Camden will still have the best department of any city in the United States.
“You are getting a rest period and you earned it. You don’t want to feel that you have retired, you just want to remember that the boys in the department will be with you as you take the rest that you have earned.
“You retire with the respect of everybody in the department, and no higher honor could be paid to any member of the fire department than to merit and hold such respect.”
Captain Hunt was compelled to retire as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident on Oct. 20, 1935. He had been to National Park where he has a kennel of hounds, the captain having been an ardent hunter when physically sound.
Hurt Severely
It was his usual 24-hours off day and as he drove through Woodbury on the way to Camden his car was struck by another at Thorofare. Captain Hunt was injured so badly that he was in the hospital for two months, with concussion of the brain, his injuries leaving a lesion that has made locomotion a mite difficult, although Captain Hunt is able to stand without the aid of his cane.
“I’m going to take life easy,” he said, after he had gathered his presents and been photographed numerous times.” [sic] I have many relatives living around whom I haven’t seen for some time, so I guess I spend a good bit of leisure going around and getting acquainted with them.
“But don’t forget, retired or not, I’m still a fireman and will probably jump out of bed as usual when I hear the alarm.”
Junior Captain Hunt joined the department on August 1, 1918, as a hoseman in Engine 3, where he was honored today. He was promoted to junior captain and assigned to Engine 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets in April, 1928. He returned to his old company, however, as a junior captain in March, 1932, and retired on a pension last Monday.
Captain Hunt battled against some of the worst fires in Camden’s history.
For five and one-half hours he was on duty when flames attacked the plant of the Eavenson Soap Works on Delaware avenue and Penn street on Jan. 21, 1919. He worked straight through for 28 hours when Sitley & Sons’ grain and feed plant, burned at Chelten avenue and the Pennsylvania railroad.
In connection with the latter fire it started on Hunt’s day off, and he was compelled to forego his leisure, as the department had but a single platoon in those days. He was in the fight against the fire at the U. S. Naval aircraft factory in Gloucester, June 8, 1920, the Baker-Flick blaze on Dec. 21, 1921 and another fire in the Eavenson Soap Works on Oct. 20, 1922.
World War II Draft Card
World War II Draft Registration Card – Eli Morgan Hunt
Eli M. B. Hunt Dies, In Fire Department
Camden Courier-Post —
Services for Eli M. B. Hunt, 62, retired captain of the Camden fire department, will be held tomorrow, 2 p. m., at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway. Capt. Hunt died Friday at his home on Beach road, National Park.
He joined the fire department Aug. 1, 1918, as a hoseman with Engine Company 3, at 1813 Broadway, and retired March 1, 1937. He is survived by a sister and a brother. Prior to moving to National Park, he lived at 814 South Sixth street.
Burial
Eli Morgan Hunt – New Camden Cemetery