F. Morse Archer Sr.
F. Morse Archer Sr.
F. Morse Archer Sr. was born in Camden November 27th, 1873. A graduate of Princeton University in 1894 and Harvard Law School in 1897, he passed the bar in New Jersey. After practicing law in Camden and serving as Camden County prosecutor, he was elected president of the National State Bank of Camden, which became the First Camden National Bank & Trust. He continued in that post until his retirement in 1947.
F. Morse Archer passed away in Florida on February 1, 1950. His son F. Morse Archer Jr. became a prominent lawyer in South Jersey, co-founding the Archer & Greiner law firm that bears his name today.
Camden Political Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Prohibitionists have nominated Robert T. Lee, of the Second ward, for Mayor, and Alexander Heith, of the Fourth ward, for Recorder. Councilmanic nominations will be made next week.
Justices George Thompson and David Rankin have withdrawn as candidates for the Republican nominations for Alderman in the Fifth ward, in favor of Recorder B. M Braker.
John Furey will run as an independent candidate for City Council in the Eighth ward.
James O. Smith and Gabriel Hill have withdrawn from the contest for the Republican Councilmanic nomination in the Eighth ward. This leaves the field clear for Benjamin E. Mellor.
F. Morse Archer is the latest name mentioned in connection with the Republican nomination for City Recorder.
A mass meeting was held by the Committee of One Hundred last evening in Wilder [sic] Hall. Addresses were made by several of the Committee’s candidates.
Three mass meetings were held on Friday night, under the auspices of the Third, Fifth and Ninth Ward Reform Clubs.
Carteret Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: William White, Al Lemmon, Carteret Club, Martin V. Bergen, Dr. Frederick Smith, and F. Morse Archer.
Engagement Announced
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The engagement has been announced of Attorney F. Morse Archer and Miss Bessie M. Chaldlee, of Bridesburg, Pa.
The Love Affairs of the Official Shiner
Camden Daily Courier —
Ernest Waples Gets One Year and His Troubles Get an Airing.
Ernest Waples was the centre of a comedy in the Criminal Court late yesterday afternoon, which suddenly turned to a tragedy for him. Ernest bore the rather dubious title of “Official bootblack to the City Hall.” He came to Camden ten years ago, a “kid” in short pants and chocolate hued face. Rather an “innocent kid” was he, but the allurements of crap and Baxter street sassiety led him from the strict and narrow path. He had been driving for a doctor but that must have made him sick for he threw up the reins and became a bootblack. Humble as the occupation was, honors fell on him thick and fast. It was not long before he was known as the “official bootblack.” The police also knew Ernest as a boy who hung around ex-Chief Dodd’s office listening for tips relative to raids on policy and crap shooters. Forthwith he was banished and his descent to degradation was rapid. He became a frequenter of Baxter street dives and a character known to the police. Time and again he was arrested for scrapping and stealing. The last time previous to yesterday Judge Armstrong warned him that if he came before him again he would surely go to State prison. Yesterday the dark form of Ernest loomed up again in the dock, this time charged with three assaults on divers persons. The divers persons were Mary Douglass, a reluctant “cullud leddy,” whose head Waples split open at a sociable gathering on Baxter street, Policeman Donovan, a colored cop with an Irish name, whom Ernest found no easy mark, and John Mason, a black beauty, whose face bore the dent of a brick fired by the self-same tough young gent in the dock.
Waples was in love with Julia. He denied being married to her but admitted he paid her board. Or rather she paid his. Shortly after his arrest Julia herself was jugged and the two used to send each other dime novels. In the novels they also used to send each other the most tender love messages which the jailers capped and which Assistant Prosecutor Archer produced in court yesterday, while Julia glared and Earnest [sic] snickered.
“Who gave you that mark?” asked Mr. Archer.
“Which one?” asked Julia, “dis or dat or dem dere?”
She evidently had them all labeled.
“I mean the one on your face,” said Mr. Archer.
“Oh, I got dat drinking beer.”
“What! do you bleed every time you drink beer?”
“Not ‘less some one bangs me.”
Judge Armstrong acquitted Waples of the assaults on Mary Douglass and Policeman Donovan, but convicted him on the assault on Julia Mason.
“You’re a tough, bad man, your actions and appearance denote that,” Judge Armstrong.
“Nothin’ bad ‘bout me,” protested Waples.
“Silence!” roared a constable with a cavernous voice.
Judge Armstrong then sentenced Waples to one year in the State prison.
“When I get out I’ll do you up,” he said to Turnkey Entriken who had testified against him as he was taken back to jail. He got off lucky. Spectators expected to see him get five years.
Julia Mason’s trial on the charge of assault was postponed on account of the illness of the man whom she slugged.
One Year for Waples
Camden Post-Telegram —
The Bean of Baxter Street Banished from His Old Haunts.
Ernest Waples, the pride of Baxter street, will be missing from his usual haunts on that thoroughfare for at least one year, which was so decreed by Judge Armstrong, yesterday afternoon, when he adjudged him guilty of a charge of assault and battery on his inamorata, Julia Mason. Ernest fully expected more than he got from the Court, as he told Constable Voigt, when he was removed to the County Jail, that he expected to get two years. There were three charges against him for assault and battery, but he was found guilty on one only. The first complaint tried was the one made against him by Mary Douglass. When Mary went on the stand she said she did not want anything done to him but after threatening to put her in jail, she reluctantly answered the questions. She admitted that she and Ernest had an argument and that he struck her, but said he did not hurt her.
Ernest, in his own defense, denied striking her and said he only placed his hand on her. Two other Baxter street belles took the stand and their evidence showed they had a warm spot for Ernest and did not want him to be banished from their sight.
The next charge which he confronted was that of assault and battery on Policeman Donovan. Officer Donovan was not positive as to who did injure him and there was not much in this case. Waples was then charged with throwing bricks and glassware at Julia Mason, one of which struck Julia, causing her to have a hemorrhage of the head. Julia said she did not think Ernest hit her and could not tell who did strike her.
At this point Assistant Prosecutor Archer flashed up a number of letters from Waples to Julia, which had been intercepted. The contents of the letters showed that Ernest had struck Julia and he was posting her as to how to testify and save him from doing time at Trenton.
Just before Julia left the stand Judge Armstrong succeeded in getting her to admit that Ernest had struck her in the head with a tumbler. The Court then told Waples that he was a bad man in the community, and adjudged him not guilty of the charges made against him by Mary Douglass and Policeman Donovan, but found him guilty of assault and battery on Julia and sentenced him to one year in the State Prison.
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.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case
On October 1, 1902 Paul Woodward murdered two young boys by giving them poison. Frank T. Lloyd, then Camden County prosecutor, was responsible for leading the investigation and prosecuting the case. F. Morse Archer was then serving as Assistant County Prosecutor and was involved in the investigation and the trial. Woodward was arrested on October 4, 1902. He was indicted, tried, convicted of murder in the first degree, and on January 7, 1903 executed at the Camden County Jail.
People involved in the case included: Joseph Jennings — Jennings’ Third Regiment Band — Frank T. Lloyd — Dr. William S. Jones — William D. Hart — Dr. Paul N. Litchfield — F. Morse Archer — John Foster — John Painter — John Cherry — Isaac Toone — Paul Woodward — George M. Beringer — Charles G. Garrison — J. Wesley Sell — Christopher J. Mines Jr. — Frederick A. Rex — J. Frederick Voigt — George F. Kappel — Isaac Toy — Harry S. Scovel — Francis Ford Patterson Jr. — John S. Smith — O. Glen Stackhouse — Hugh Boyle — Charles D. Ridgley — Francis Abbatto — Eli Shaw — Lafayette Gruff — Annie Irving Keeler — David Kaighn — George Leathwhite — George J. Pechin — Elmer E. Cox — T.L. Bear — Patrick Harding — Frank S. Albright — William J. Paul — Thomas Walton — David E. Barry — Edward Wilcox — Dr. William H. Iszard — Dr. J.F. Leavitt — Dr. William H. Knowlton — Dr. William Miles — Dr. George H. Chapman
Other people involved: John Coffin — W. Price Jennings — Mrs. Edith Barber — Rev. C.A. Adams — Rev. John Lyell — Rev. William H. Fishburn — Rev. Gilbert Underhill — Rev. John Warnock — Harry Bowen — Joseph Simpkins — Ann Somers — William May — Lillian Martin — James Sheiding — Harry H. Robinson — Edwin Hillman — William Robinson — George Asay — William Powell — William Anderson — Charles Eiley — Thomas J. Atkinson — Wilson English — Harry Avis — George H. Stineford Sr. — John M. Hyde — William Heggan — John St. Clair — Charles S. Hess — William Rex — Daniel J. Horgan — Isaac Siebert — W. Wilmer Collins, Druggist — Major Edward Coffin — William Coffin — William Coffin Jr. — Kingston Coffin — Fayetta Jennings — Charles May — Mary Eiler — William F. Smith — Lee Hubert — Maurice Daniels — Thomas Woodward — Bella Woodward — James Bland — James Morrisey — Samuel Paul — Fred George
Missing Camden Boys Murdered in a Field
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Young John Coffin and Price Jennings Believed to Have Been Poisoned—Companion Arrested and Committed to Jail
John H. Coffin
Price Jennings.
Where body of young Jennings was found.
Where Coffin’s body was found.
The discovery of their bodies cold in death, the victims of an atrocious double murder, yesterday solved the mystery surrounding the disappearance from their homes in Camden on Wednesday of John H. Coffin, the 11-year-old son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, his chum and playmate, the 13-year old son of Josephus Jennings, leader of Jennings’ Third Regiment Band, of Camden.
Paul Woodward, 18 years old, a companion of both the boys, is charged with their murder and is locked up in the county jail awaiting the further action of the authorities. There are no evidences of external injuries and the only theory to which the police can attribute the cause of death is that the assassin of the boys administered poison to them, and it is along this line that County Physician Jones and Prosecutor Lloyd are conducting an investigation.
The details surrounding the atrocious crime makes it one the like of which has never been known in the criminal history of this section of the country. The youth of the boys, their heretofore relations of good companionship, and many other circumstances make of it an almost unparalleled crime, and while there is said to be every evidence of a motive for the murder, in the opinion of those who are in close touch with the case, it is an instance in which the work is that of a degenerate boy in whom all sense of right and wrong have long since been dead. Certain it is that the crime has stirred the people of Camden and vicinity to a feverish heat to which it has not been stirred since the days following the murder of Annie Leconey.
Found in a Field
The bodies of both the lads were found yesterday morning in a field near the Haddon Heights Station of the Reading Railroad on what is known as the Lippincott farm, about a quarter mile from Station Avenue. The body of young Jennings was found lying in a clump of bushes and less than forty yards away lay the remains of Coffin. Both bodies were stiff and in a state of decomposition. Coffin’s body was the first discovered, and it was not long after when that of his companion was found.
No sooner did the news of the discovery become known than the greatest excitement prevailed through the city of Camden and its suburbs. All sorts of rumors began to circulate, some of them hinting that the bodies were in a horribly mutilated condition and that the work was that of a negro. In a short time, however, whatever element of mystery there was about the case, so far as present indications go, was dissipated when the identification of the bodies was made and the arrest of young Woodward was accomplished soon afterwards.
Then the mystery began to clear somewhat. Both boys disappeared from their homes on Wednesday afternoon. When they failed to return that night the police were notified and a description of them was sent around the country adjacent to Camden and also to Philadelphia. Some persons said they had gone to Trenton to the fair, while others told of having seen them in the vicinity of Haddon Heights Station. Nothing came of these statements at the time, and meanwhile the boys failed to return home. Coffin’s father was of the opinion that the boys had been kidnapped, but this theory was not held by the police.
First Body Discovered
Late Friday night, Clarence Kreuson, whose home is at Haddon Heights, and a friend of his, Frank Johnson, who lives in this city, were returning from an afternoon of blackbird shooting. While crossing the field they came across the body of a boy. It was lying in the bushes, half concealed, and when they made a closer examination they discovered that life was extinct. In alarm Kreuson and his companion ran to the home of A. H. Wood, near-by, and communicated their intelligence. Wood immediately sent a telephone message to Coroner Litchfield in Camden, apprising him of the discovery. That official, through some misunderstanding, thought it was a man named Brown who had been talking to him. He hitched up his horse and drove to Haddon Heights, but was unable to locate the body. He was also unable to locate anyone named Brown. Further investigation was, therefore, postponed until yesterday morning, when the Coroner again visited the scene and found the body in the bushes.
From the clothing worn it was thought at first it might be Coffin’s, and after it had been brought to the Morgue, William Coffin, the lad’s father, was sent for. He was accompanied by Kingston Jennings, elder brother of the other missing boy. Mr. Coffin when nerved to look at the remains, exclaimed, “My God, it’s Price. Where is my boy. He must be found.” The identification was then made complete by the dead boy’s brother.
Meanwhile a number of persons had been going over the field where the body had been found in the search for clues that might lead to a discovery of the murderer of the boy, when one of them chanced across the remains of the other lad lying under a dead tree. This body was identified on the spot by Detective Curtis, of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The lad’s body was also taken to the Morgue and laid on a slab alongside of his chum.
Police at Work
The police in the interim had not been idle, and after scouring the vicinity of the place where the bodies had been found, came across Lillian Martin, the 15-year-old daughter of J. Wilson Martin, who conducts a “Cyclers’ Rest” at Collings avenue and the White Horse pike. She remembered having seen two boys answering the description of the dead lads in their place on Wednesday. They were accompanied by an older and a taller boy. Jennings seemed to have considerable money and purchased three pies and three bottles of soda water. After that they left the place and she never saw them again until she looked upon their bodies.
Prosecutor Frank Lloyd at once set to work, and Detective Hart was sent in search of young Woodward. Inquiry at his home, at 221 Benson street, brought the response that he was not at home. His mother learned what he was wanted for, and about 2 o’clock sent for Detective Hart and turned the boy over to him. She accompanied him to the Prosecutor’s office and, talking to the newspaper reporters, said that beyond being addicted to the use of cigarettes Paul was a good boy. She persisted that he could not have committed the crime as he was home all of Wednesday, Thursday and yesterday until the afternoon, when he went to Philadelphia to visit relatives. What the police are reported to view with importance is a statement that the mother is also alleged to have made to the effect that on Wednesday he had bothered her a great deal about money for a hat and shoes. While the authorities will make no admission, it is intimated that the motive they ascribe for the crime is robbery, and that the fact that Jennings had $10 when he disappeared was what led to his murder, and the murder of the other little fellow followed as a necessity for hiding the crime, as well as to get possession of a silver watch he is said to have had.
Identified Woodward
After young Woodward was taken into the Prosecutor’s office, besides the Prosecutor there were present Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Court Stenographer Berry, Chief of Police Foster, of Camden; Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville, and Detectives Painter and Hart. In a few minutes Detective Cherry arrived with Lillian Martin. The latter had been cautioned not to say anything to anybody, either in or out of the room. She was inside for less than thirty seconds, and when she came out she is reported to have said that Woodward was the young man whom she had seen with the boys on Wednesday in her father’s place. She was taken back a second and a third time, and after the latter, it is said, she told the detectives that she was certain he was the person. She then left for her home, where she resisted all attempts to interview her.
In the meantime Recorder Stackhouse issued a commitment for Woodward on the oath of Detective Cherry, charging the young man with the murder of Coffin. Jennings’ name was not mentioned, as Coffin’s answered the same purpose.
While this was going on County Physician Jones was holding an autopsy in the basement of the jail, where the morgue is located. A personal examination showed that there were no external marks of violence, and in order to clinch the result of the autopsy he summoned from Philadelphia Professors Copeland and Rosenberger, of the Jefferson Hospital. Dr. Copeland performed the autopsy, and was at work until nearly 6 o’clock, when it was announced that no results other than that death was not due to external injuries, had been accomplished.
Prosecutor Lloyd said: “There was a double murder. Of that much we are certain. Death was not due to external injuries. What we suspect you will have to conjecture. The organs of both the boys have been sent to a chemist for examination. More than that I cannot say, except that we have arrested Paul Woodward on suspicion and that he is charged with the murder. The same man that killed one of the boys no doubt killed the other. All I ask now is that judgment be suspended for a few days, when I believe all will be cleared up.”
Woodward Visited Mr. Coffin
Mr. Coffin, whose home is at 305 North Third street, yesterday said: “It’s an awful blow that has come to me and I hardly know what to say. It does seem to me that Paul Woodward exerted an evil influence over my boy. I remember now that on Thursday he came to the house and wanted me to hire him to look for John. He then said that he thought he could find him.”
At the Woodward home it was stated that the mother and father of the boy had gone to Philadelphia. Charles May, a boarder, said there would be no trouble in proving that Paul was home all day of Wednesday, as well as the day following. He said that on each of those nights the boy had been in bed by 8 o’clock. This testimony, he said, would be corroborated by the boy’s mother, father, sister and himself. The only time Paul was out of the house, he said, was when he went several errands for his mother.
Late yesterday afternoon Coroner Litchfield empaneled the following jury: David Kaighn, George Leathwite, Isaac Toone, George J. Pechin, Elmer E. Cox and T. L. Bear. At 5 o’clock they viewed the remains, after which the bodies were sent to their respective homes. No date for the inquest has been fixed.
The stomach and other organs of both the youthful victims are in the possession of George M. Beringer, a druggist and chemist, at Fifth and Federal streets. Last night he said he had begun his examination, but it would take him probably a day or two more to complete his analysis.
Woman Involved in Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After Being Questioned by the Prosecutor She Is Committed to the County Jail—Believed to Be an Important Arrest
Crowds in Front of the Jennings Home During Funeral
George M. Beringer.
The Camden chemist who is making an examination of the internal organs of the two boys.
While mystery apparently as absolute as ever still obscures the motive and the criminal in the case of John Houseman Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the unfortunate Camden lads whose trip to the country at Haddon Heights last Wednesday resulted so tragically, it is surmised from hints dropped now and again the matter may soon be cleared. However, those who are working so assiduously to bring the guilty person to justice are as close-mouthed as the proverbial clam, and but meagre information reaches the public.
Last night a woman, about 45 years old, was committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse. On the commitment her name is given as Mrs. Barber. She was committed on complaint of County Detective John Cherry “as a material witness to prove certain allegations pending against one Paul Woodward, who is committed to the county jail charged with the murder of one John Coffin.”
The woman was placed under arrest after a long conference in the Prosecutor’s office. Prosecutor Lloyd said last night that the woman lives on a farm at Marlton, and that she is a very important witness in the case, so important, in fact, that she cannot regain her freedom without a good round sum being put up for her security.
Woodward Again Examined
The investigation into the case was somewhat retarded yesterday owing to an attack of rheumatism that made Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd remain at home. The day’s responsibility rested on F. Morse Archer, the assistant prosecutor. The latter yesterday morning had Woodward brought into his office, where he underwent for the sixth time a thorough cross-examination. Mr. Archer said Woodward had made no confession, as had been rumored. On the contrary, he still maintained his innocence.
In answer to a question Mr. Archer said: “We are doing our best and while we are in possession of information which we consider important and vital to the case, it is impossible at this time to make it public.”
On the other hand, County Physician Jones was very emphatic in this particular, saying the boys were murdered beyond a doubt.
Boys’ Funerals
Yesterday afternoon the funeral of the boys took place at the same hour and within a square of one another’s homes. Although the hour set for the obsequies, 2 o’clock in the afternoon, had been kept secret scores of persons stood about in knots discussing the tragedy and eager to get a glimpse of the caskets containing the remains of the boys.
Police Captain Boyle and Policemen Kappel, Toy and Ridgeley guarded the houses, and no one except relatives and intimate friends were permitted to enter. But when the caskets were carried from the houses the crowd could not be kept back. Many persons crowded about, and the mourners entered the carriages between two solid phalanxes of curiosity seekers.
The services over Jennings were conducted at his home, 219 North Third street, by Rev. C. A. Adams and Rev. John Lyell. At the Coffin home, 305 North Third street, Rev. William H. Fishburn had charge of the obsequies. Companions of the boys acted as pallbearers. Jennings was buried at Evergreen and Coffin at Harleigh Cemetery.
George M. Beringer, a Camden chemist, who has the important duty of discovering, if possible, traces of poison in the stomachs of the boys, said yesterday he is making a thorough chemical analysis and is of necessity proceeding slowly. He said he will not be able to report the result for some days to come.
A pathetic little incident occurred at the Cooper School during recess yesterday morning when the children, school mates of the lads, gathered about and listened to the muffled beats of a drum. The school flag was at half mast and in every room there was a flag draped with black crepe. The youngsters were visibly affected.
Woodward Has Knowledge of Camden Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
So Confessed to Officers, Who Searched New York at Prisoner’s Instance
NO HAND IN THE CRIME
But Said He Knew Name of the Man Who Committed Awful Deed
YOUTH’S STRENUOUS DAY
Taken to the Scene of the Tragedy and Closeted With the Prosecutor
It is believed the authorities of Camden have cleared up the mystery surrounding the deaths of John Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, the boys who mysteriously disappeared from their homes on October 1 and were found dead in a field. That the boys were murdered and that the law officers believe a strong case has already been made out against Paul Woodward, the suspect, there seems to be no doubt.
Last night, after a conference of the detectives at Prosecutor Lloyd’s home, the latter official gave out the following statement: “There is absolutely no truth in the story of Woodward’s confession. However, the State has enough to make a clear case against Woodward.”
Ever since the discovery of the bodies the city and county detectives have worked unceasingly on the case. On Sunday afternoon, while Woodward was being examined in the Prosecutor’s office in the county buildings, he admitted, it is said, that while he had no hand in the commission of the crime he knew the name of the man who did.
Gave a Name
He gave, it is said, the name of a white man who committed the murder, and said he was then in hiding in New York. He furnished the detectives with his whereabouts in that city.
Acting on this information Detectives Painter and Smith went to New York and made a thorough search, following closely the prisoner’s suggestions. The search proved fruitless.
On Monday Detective Painter learned that John Farmer, a colored man, employed by John H. Carroll, of Haddon Heights, had seen Price, Coffin and Woodward together in the field in which the bodies of the boys were afterwards discovered. Yesterday Farmer was brought to the Prosecutor’s office, where he stated that he had seen the boys alive in the field at 5 o’clock on the afternoon of the day they disappeared.
Last to See Them Alive
He was confronted with Woodward, and in his presence told the story. At its conclusion Woodward exclaimed, “You’re a liar!”
The authorities lay great stress on Farmers’ story, for he was the last man to see the boys alive and to their minds almost fixes the hour of the murder.
A prominent jail official said last night that Woodward said yesterday to a fellow prisoner: “I’ll never give the man away who done the job.”
In his cell last night Woodward was a picture of abject misery. He was trembling like an aspen leaf. He has barely touched his food for the last two days. His only consolation seems to be in cigarettes, of which he daily consumes several packs.
Taken to the Scene
The feature of yesterday was the taking of Woodward to Haddon Heights. He was driven to the scene of the murder in a double team and was accompanied by Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, County Detective John S. Smith and City Detective John Painter. Woodward was carefully manacled and guarded during the trip.
The party went over the field where the bodies were found in an endeavor to arouse some emotion in the youth that might lead to a confession. Instead he simply smoked cigarettes and picked up a few chestnuts lying about, and was apparently unmoved.
After going over the field he was taken to several places in the vicinity where persons saw the ill-fated lads last Wednesday afternoon. It was stated that in one instance at least Woodward was positively identified as the young man last seen with the boys late in that afternoon. From 1 o’clock until after 6 he was kept on the move.
When Assistant Prosecutor Archer arrived at the court house he was besieged with questions, but after a talk with his chief over the telephone he said: “The administration of justice would be seriously hampered if at this time the facts in the case were given to the public. The case is now in a critical stage.”
At Prosecutor’s Home
After coming in from the country the prisoner was taken to Prosecutor Lloyd’s home on the East side. Here Woodward was kept until after 6 o’clock, all the time being under a cross fire of questions. At half-past 6 he was admitted to the county jail, still manacled and still smoking cigarettes. He was visibly affected, trembling like a leaf.
Late yesterday afternoon County Detective Cherry and City Detective Hart visited the home of Woodward on Benson street and brought back with them some clothing and about fifty novels. The latter were of a trashy order.
Harry Bowen and Joseph Simpkins, a trolley crew on one of the West Collingswood cars of the Camden and Suburban Railway Company, were examined by Assistant Prosecutor Archer. They had charge of a car that left Camden at 10 43 and arrived at West Collingswood at 11 13 Wednesday morning. It is believed that on this car the two dead boys and Woodward went to West Collingswood and from there walked over to Haddon Heights.
Money for Defense
Mrs. Woodward, mother of the accused boy, was at the Court House yesterday and said her father had sent her $5000 with which to use in defense of his grandson. She claimed to have engaged the services of Harry S. Scovel, who defended Eli Shaw. Mrs. Woodward also said that the Mrs. Barber arrested Monday night was a personal friend of the family, and that Paul had simply boarded with her.
County Physician Jones has advanced a theory as to the killing of the boys. He maintains poison was administered with no intention of killing. According to his theory, the boys were given “knockout drops,” or chloral, in sufficient quantities to kill a man. It was the intention of the murderer, however, to just give them a sufficient quantity to render them unconscious, and while in this state discover them at the solicitation of the boys’ families and receive a reward.
Camden’s Mystery Is Still Unsolved
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While Authorities Are at Work, Public Watch and Wait. Weaving a Net About Paul Woodward, the Young Suspect Now in Jail
Paul Woodward.
Mrs. Edith Barber.
It is now generally believed that the Camden county authorities have succeeded in establishing a clear case against young Paul Woodward, who is in the county jail, charged with the crime of taking away the lives of little John Coffin and Price Jennings. It was just a week ago yesterday when the boys went on their trip to Haddon Heights from which they were destined never to return alive.
Since the discovery of the bodies last Saturday partially hidden in rain-soaked weeds, the Prosecutor’s office, assisted by County Detectives Smith and Cherry and City Detectives Painter and Hart, have left no stone unturned.
No Confession
Prosecutor Lloyd yesterday reiterated his statement that Woodward had made no confession, but it is generally conceded as true that the accused youth did tell a story in which he makes some one else the principal criminal in the case.
Several incidents transpired yesterday that threw off the monotony of waiting for developments. Joseph Jennings, brother of one of the murdered boys, was taken to the cell in which Woodward is confined. He had no difficulty in recognizing the prisoner before. But as to whether he ever saw him in company with the dead lads he was not permitted to say.
Wild Rumor
There was much excitement about the Court House when it became rumored that Mrs. Edith Barber, the woman detained as a material witness against Woodward, had the small pox. To allay the alarm County Physician Jones called in representatives of the Board of Health, who concluded she had no sign of the disease.
After matters quieted somewhat the woman was taken into the Prosecutor’s office and questioned. When taken back to her cell she was crying and appeared to be almost unable to walk.
Woodward spent the day in his cell, smoking cigarettes as usual. He was visited in the morning by Lawyer Harry Scovel, who has not yet been engaged as counsel, as reported. Again in the afternoon Lawyer Scovel visited the youth in company with Woodward’s mother. At first Mrs. Woodward was denied admittance, but after waiting on the jail steps for nearly an hour she was permitted to go in and see her son. Lawyer Scovel and Mrs. Woodward were with the young man for a couple of hours.
Talked a Whole Lot
To all questions Lawyer Scovel said: “Woodward talked a whole lot, but I have nothing to say.”
He said he had not confessed to him. On the other hand Woodward had maintained his innocence.
When asked if Woodward could have a hearing if he demanded it Mr. Archer said he could. Asked if enough evidence was in hand to hold him, Mr. Archer said there was.
“On a simple assault charge?”
“No, sir, for the crime he is charged with—committing the murder of John Coffin,” replied Mr. Archer.
Coroner Litchfield said last night he would not set a date for the inquest before some time next week. Despite all reports to the contrary, Coroner Litchfield says Chemist George M. Beringer, who is analyzing the internal organs of the boys, will not complete the work before the end of the week.
Prosecutor Lloyd, who is still confined to his home with rheumatism, would make no statement last night, although admitting that the day’s work had not resulted in anything of material importance.
Unraveling the Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Prosecutor Lloyd Declares That Woodward Is the Guilty Man
NO MORE ARRESTS LIKELY
Weaving Web Around Alleged Slayer of the Murdered Boys
“Beyond all question the murderer of these little boys is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can now be allayed,” said Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd last night in making the first important statement concerning the tragedy of last week, when John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two Camden lads, were murdered in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights. The mystery which has enshrouded the case since the discovery of the bodies last Friday has almost been cleared up with the exception of the report of Chemist George M. Beringer, who is making an analysis of the internal organs of the boys.
Prosecutor Lloyd gave out the following statement shortly before 8 o’clock at his home on the East Side:
“Because of a suspicion that more than one person was engaged in the murder of these little boys the State has been obliged to work with much secrecy and to withhold from the press the result of our work. That suspicion is now removed. Beyond all question the murderer is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can be allayed. Woodward was alone the perpetrator of this crime.
Case Nearly Complete
“It is my duty to say this much in view of the deep public concern and the apprehension of other parents having little ones, but it would be improper for me to state the character or the quantity of evidence upon which our conclusions are based. I will only say that with the exception of the report of the chemist, which has not yet been received, the State’s case is almost complete.
“Woodward himself has made a number of statements, which, while not confessions, will be materially helpful toward securing his conviction.”
This statement precludes the possibility of another arrest being made in connection with the case, as has been currently reported during the week.
There were several conferences held yesterday between Assistant Prosecutor Archer and Detectives Smith, Cherry, Painter and Hart and Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville. During one of the conferences John Farmer, the colored man who recognized Woodward as having been seen with the boys last Wednesday afternoon, was called in and closely questioned. Following the detectives departed apparently on several different clues.
Detectives Hard at Work
Detective Hart subsequently returned with a Mrs. Somers, said to reside on Royden street. She was interviewed by the Assistant Prosecutor, but what connection she has with the case the authorities refused to divulge. The woman refused to talk.
Louis Ross, a German, who resides near Haddon Heights, was also called into the Prosecutor’s office late in the afternoon. At first he was thought to be an important witness, but it was afterwards learned that he knew little about the case.
Detective Robert J. McKentry, of Philadelphia, and Detective Smith took over the river Mrs. William H. Hubbert and another young woman. It is at the home of Mrs. Hubbert, at West Philadelphia, that Woodward said he was present last Friday night.
Woodward became rather obdurate yesterday, refusing the usual prison fare. He waited until his mother sent him coffee and other victuals. The accused youth was at first placed in the cell formerly occupied by Lafayette Gruff, the wife murderer, who was hanged September 19. He has now been placed in another cell.
Woodward on Trial for Coffin Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Less Than Six Weeks After Alleged Crime Case Is Called in Camden Court — The Prisoner’s Appearance — What State Will Try to Prove
Six weeks ago yesterday John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two rosy-cheeked Camden lads, left their comfortable homes for a boyish romp in the country. Three days later their bodies were found lying half concealed among a wild growth of bushes in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights.
Yesterday Paul Woodward, termed a cigarette fiend and a reader of trashy novels, was placed on trial in Camden before Judge Garrison, on indictments charging him with the murder of John Coffin.
Directly the doors of the court room were opened a crowd of men and women made a mad rush for seats, and the constables with difficulty restrained them. In a few minutes every seat had been taken and the throng awaited expectantly for a glimpse of the accused youth. The space reserved for members of the bar was filled, too, with many lawyers interested in the outcome of what doubtless will prove one of the most famous murder trials in Camden county.
Court Opened
A few minutes after 10 o’clock Judge Garrison arrived, court was formally opened and Prosecutor of the Pleas Frank T. Lloyd read the list of the State’s witnesses, nearly sixty in number. In the meantime Constable Christman had been dispatched for Woodward, and before the Prosecutor had completed reading the list of witnesses the accused youth appeared by way of the “Bridge of Sighs,” which connects the county jail with the Court House.
Immediately he was the cynosure of all eyes, but he did not appear to heed the gaze of the spectators. Pulling up his trousers with a sailor-like motion he walked buoyantly to his seat in the prisoner’s dock. His counsel, Lawyers Robinson and Daniels, of Philadelphia, and William Rex, of Camden, greeted him with, “How do you feel, Paul?”
He Couldn’t Kick
“All right; I can’t kick,” he replied, nonchalantly, and he settled himself down in the chair until only the top of his peculiarly shaped head was visible. He was less excited than many spectators. He had the appearance more of an undersized boy than a man—he is 25[?] years old, and not 19[?], as has been stated.
His hair, jet black, was plastered down on his head with scrupulous care. In fact, he very evidently took more pains in arranging his hair than his clothing, which was ill-fitting. His low-cut vest had fancy gilded buttons as large as a quarter, while his trousers, the same he wore when apprehended for the crime, were of a coarse material, navy blue, and several sizes too large for him.
Prisoner’s Parents There
Shortly after court convened, Woodward’s parents appeared, accompanied by a little girl, said to be Woodward’s sister. The family occupied seats among the spectators, taking keen interest in the proceedings.
Prosecutor Lloyd moved the indictment against Woodward for the murder of John Coffin. The other indictment, charging him with the murder of Price Jennings, will not be pressed unless in the event of an acquittal in the Coffin case. After Lawyer Rex had introduced his Philadelphia colleagues, the task of securing a jury was begun. The entire panel of forty-eight was exhausted when only ten jurors had been selected. A special panel was called before the other two were secured.
As finally selected, the jury composes the following: George Asay, Voorhees township, foreman; William Powell, Gloucester township; William Anderson, Pensauken; Charles Eisley, Waterford; Thomas J. Atkinson, Fourth ward; Wilson English, Tenth ward; Harry Avis, Second ward; George H. Stinford, Sr., Fifth ward; John M. Hyde, Twelfth ward; William Heggan, Tenth ward; John St. Clair, Third ward; Charles S. Hess, Fifth ward.
Case Presented
It was two o’clock in the afternoon before Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer opened for the State. He said the State would show the cause of death to be the result of strychnine poisoning; that on the Monday and Tuesday preceding the disappearance of the boys Woodward was seen loitering about the Linden public school inquiring for Coffin and Jennings; that he met them the following Wednesday at Front and Penn streets and was heard to make an appointment to meet them in the country; that he did meet them on the White Horse pike and was seen entering the lane off Chew’s Landing road to the spot where the bodies were found. Mr. Archer also said the State would prove the defendant appeared at the Coffin house the day following the disappearance of the boys and offered his services to locate them. He said it would be proven Woodward showed a friend valuables and money taken from the bodies before the boys were known to be dead. The State would offer statements made by the defendant and on the strength of the above a verdict of first degree was asked.
First Witnesses
Clarence Krewson and Harry Patton, of Haddon Heights, were the first witnesses called. They told how they came across the body of Jennings lying under a chestnut tree while they were returning from a blackbird hunt. They described the general appearance of the body and said there were no evidences of a struggle.
Mary Ward, colored, told how she had found the body of Coffin while piloting a newspaper man to the spot where young Jennings lay.
County Physician William S. Jones described the postmortem examination. He said he did not ascertain the cause of death. There were no external marks or bruises and nothing to indicate as to how the boys had met death. He testified to removing the viscera of both boys and turning them over to Chemist George M. Beringer in hermetically sealed glass jars.
Professor William C. Copeland, of Jefferson Medical College, told how he had made an autopsy on the bodies. He said they were carefully examined for evidences of external bruises, but none were found. He said there were some marks of discoloration, which probably resulted from postmortem changes. There were no evidences of death from unnatural causes.
Judge Garrison adjourned court until this morning, when Professor Copeland will resume his testimony.
Wagner’s Trial for Stabbing Miller
Camden Daily Courier —
Witnesses Say Policeman Keaser Held Fellow Officer When He Was Knifed.
CUT DURING THIRD WARD RIOT
The main court room was crowded with interested Third warders this morning, when the first of the criminal complaints growing out of the riots at Third and Beckett streets, on the night of July 28, last, during the Congressional primary, was taken up. It charged Charles Wagner with assault and battery on Policeman Harry Miller. Judge Joline was on the bench. Prosecutor Lloyd appeared for the State and the defendant was represented by Lawyers Fred A. and William F. Rex. Some little trouble was experienced in getting a jury.
After Prosecutor Lloyd outlined the case, Policeman Miller was called to the stand. He said that on the night in question just before the close of the polls, a fight ensued between ex-Policeman “Bob” Miller and John Morrisey, the man who was killed. A general racket followed and “Bob” Miller, Policeman Keaser and others were brutally assaulting George Murray with a blackjack, when witness went to Murray’s aid. Keaser, he said, turned on him and grappled.
MILLER STABBED.
“He had a hold of me and I of him,” said Miller, “and while we were standing in that position, this man Wagner came up in front of me, jabbed his knife in my stomach, turned it like that (giving his hand a twist) and pulled it out. Keaser still had a hold of me and I could not help myself. Wagner ran away after stabbing me.”
Miller said he was taken to Cooper Hospital and was there four weeks.
On cross-examination by Mr. Rex, Miller said he was positive that Wagner was his assailant and denied saying in the hospital the morning after the stabbing, that he did not know who cut him. He also denied hitting Keaser with his blackjack.
When questioned concerning Morrisey, the man who was killed, Miller said he only met him that day and did not know whether he was a voter or not.
DIDN’T WANT DETAILS.
Mr. Rex tried to get the witness to detail a talk he had with Morrisey, but Mr. Lloyd objected. Mr. Rex seemed so anxious to carry the point that Mr. Lloyd said he was willing to withdraw the objection, provided Mr. Rex would not object to detailed conversation responses to his questions. Mr. Rex promptly vetoed the proposition and withdrew his questions.
Harry Selby, son of former Policeman Selby, followed on the stand. He said he did not see the stabbing, but that a few moments before the polls closed he saw Wagner try to stab Miller at the window of the polling place. The two, it appears, had had some words.
Dr. Grimes, of the Cooper Hospital staff, said that he helped dress Miller’s wound and that it was a dangerous one.
SAW WAGNER KNIFE MILLER.
William Laws, colored, corroborated Miller’s testimony. He said he saw Policeman Keaser hold Policeman Miller while Wagner stabbed him. This hapepned [sic] he said about four minutes of 8 o’clock.
Policeman Edward Hartman told of seeing Wagner having an open knife in his hand, of seeing him jab at several people and that he grabbed at him.
“You saw all of that did you?” asked Mr. Rex.
“I certainly did,” replied the officer.
“Then why didn’t you as a policeman arrest him?”
“I tried to, but his brother interfered.”
Mr. Rex had no more questions to ask.
George Murray, also told of seeing defendant have a knife in his hand.
Detectives Smith and Cherry told of making an unsuccessful search in this city for Wagner and finally locating him at Waterford living with a woman.
Detective Cherry said that Wagner told him that he had been at Hammonton.
“Hammonton is in Camden county, isn’t it?” asked Mr. Rex.
“No, sir, Atlantic county.”
“My geography is twisted somewhat commented Mr. Rex.” With these witnesses the State rested.
WAGNER DENIES CHARGE.
Addressing the jury Mr. Rex said the defense would be an alibi. Wagner then took the stand. He said he lived at 666 South Second street and that on the night of July 28, left the polling place about quarter of eight o’clock.
“Did you have a penknife in your hands at all?”
“No, sir.”
“Did you cut Harry Miller?”
“No, sir.”
In answer to questions by Mr. Rex, Wagner said he was with Constable “Bo” Bates nearly every day while in Waterford.
Cross-questioned by Mr. Lloyd Wagner said he went to Waterford on July 30—two days after the stabbing. He went down, he said, to visit a Mrs. Fox. His visit lasted until the middle of September, the time of his arrest. Previous visits he said never extended over a week. He said he had no knowledge that he was wanted for any crime until two weeks later when he read in the papers that he was charged with stabbing Miller. He told Mr. Bates about it. He further said that no trouble had occurred at all while he was at the polls.
Charles Cahill, a clerk at the Reading terminal, said he was at the polls and that at about quarter of eight o’clock he went up Beckett street in company with Wagner and another man. About fifty feet away, he said he went into an alley and Wagner proceeded up the street. Witness said he returned to the polling place just as the trouble began. He did not see Wagner.
Questioned by the Prosecutor Cahill said he was present as a challenger.
“Are you of the same political party that was holding the election?”
“I vote for the best man,” snapped Cahill in reply.
DIDN’T HAVE ANY POLITICS.
The Prosecutor repeated the question several times only to receive evasive answers such as “I was a Republican for that night,” and “I’m for the best man,” until Judge Joline was compelled to sharply admonish the witness to answer the question. Even then the spectators were in doubt as to Cahill’s politics, as he said he guessed he didn’t have any politics.
Owen McDonald testified to seeing Wagner and two other men pass up the street and despite the general excitement, Mr. McDonald said he watched Wagner until he got to Fourth street.
With the testimony of Butcher John Heim to the effect that he did not see Wagner at all around the polls until after the trouble was over court took a recess.
Policeman Albert Keaser was the first witness called this afternoon. He said he was present when the row started, that he took a blackjack from George Murray and also took a similar weapon from Policeman Harry Miller. The latter, he said, had hit him with the weapon. Witness said he saw Wagner leave the polling place and at that time Miller was not cut.
“Did Mr. Archer, the Assistant Prosecutor, tell you that he had a talk with Miller and that Miller said he didn’t know who cut him?”
Mr. Lloyd objected to the question, but expressed a willingness to allow it, provided Mr. Rex would let him call Mr. Archer to the stand.
Mr. Rex would not do so and the Prosecutor pressed his objection. It was sustained.
On cross examination Keaser denied saying to a man named Ogden that Wagner was “the fellow who did Miller.”
BEAT FELLOW POLICEMAN.
Policeman John Wagner, another of the defendants, said his brother went away before the fight started. In detailing the fracas Wagner voluntarily said he hit Harry Miller in the head with his jack and that he also hit Policeman Hartman.
Policeman Truitt also said he saw Wagner leave the polling place just before the fight started. While Mr. Lloyd was cross examining the witness Mr. Rex objected to the form of a question and remarked the “Court has ruled on that several times and I suppose I’ll get the same ruling.”
Judge Joline rebuked Mr. Rex for making such a statement. Mr. Rex begged the Court’s pardon, made the objection in regular form and it was sustained.
Mrs. Anna Hutner, a sister of the defendant, said she saw him go away about quarter of 8 o’clock and that he did not come back during the trouble. She explained her presence there by saying she had gone to prevent George Murray from shooting her brother.
William Ridgway said he was present during the trouble but did not see Wagner.
Constable “Bo” Bates said that Wagner was in his company nearly every day while he was visiting Waterford and that he made no attempt to escape.
SHIELDED WAGNER.
Prosecutor Lloyd’s only question was:
“You as an officer of this court knew that this man was accused of stabbing Harry Miller and you did not report it to the authorities, is that right?”
“Yes, sir; it is.”
When asked why, by Mr. Rex, the witness said the authorities could have got him at any time.
The defense rested and Mr. Lloyd called Mr. Ogden to the stand in rebuttal. He testified that Keaser told him that Wagner did Miller. Before the question was answered Judge Joline again rebuked Mr. Rex for his manner.
Argument commenced at 2.45 o’clock.
Another Case in Third Ward Riot
Camden Daily Courier —
Policeman Keaser and Ex-Policeman “Bob” Miller on Trial for Assault.
WAGNER JURY COULD NOT AGREE
In the Criminal Court this morning George V. Tucker, who was convicted of a charge of assault and battery, was sentenced by Judge Joline to pay a fine of $50 and costs and stand committed until the money is paid.
Henry J. Shuster pleaded guilty to a charge of embezzling $260.16 from King David Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he was treasurer. Shuster served three months in the County Jail last spring on a similar charge. At that time he said he used the money to care for his wife, who was ill. It appears that he did use part of the money for this purpose, but that he squandered a large sum in poker playing.
Rev. Q. C. Davis, pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist church, testified that since Shuster has been out of jail he has led a correct life, and at the present time has a good position.
Prosecutor Lloyd made an appeal for clemency.
Judge Joline announced that he was not ready to decide the case and it went over.
POLICEMEN ON TRIAL.
The indictment against Policeman Albert Keaser and ex-Policeman Robert Miller, on charges of assault and battery on George Murray, was then moved. This is the second case to be tried as the outcome of the election riot, in the Third ward during the primary election last July. Considerable time was occopued [sic] in securing a jury.
After the jury was sworn Assistant Prosecutor Archer outlined the case, in which he said the two defendants at that time were policemen and the alleged assault took place at the polling place at Third and Beckett streets, and during the row, Robert Miller, struck George Murray several times with a blackjack. Keaser, it is alleged, assisted Miller in the assault.
The first witness called was George Murray, the complainant, who testified that while standing near the polling booth with some tickets “Bob” Miller, without any provocation, beat him with a blackjack. He said that Policeman Keaser and John Wagner came to Miller’s assistance. During the row, Policemen Hartman and Harry Miller came to his aid.
BEATEN WITH A BLACKJACK.
On cross-examination witness said he had no pistol or blackjack, but that Miller came up to him and deliberately struck witness with a blackjack. He denied that he said on the steps of the Third Ward Republican Club, in the presence of John Rodan, that if a certain —— would come along he would kill him.
William Laws, who testified in yesterday’s trial, gave corroborative testimony as to the blackjacking. He said that Murray did nothing to provoke the assault.
Spencer Moore, also gave corroborative testimony.
Policeman Harry Miller testified to seeing “Bob” Miller beating Murray with a blackjack while out in the middle of Beckett street. The witness said he surged in the crowd and struck at Keaser at the same time exclaiming:
“What are you trying to do, kill this man?”
The witness said he was thrown down, and was pulled up on his feet by Keaser, who grappled with him. He heard thre [sic] or four pistol shots.
The witness identified a blackjack, in the possession of Lawyer Rex, which he used on the night of the primaries.
Howard Roberts, a son of Assemblyman Roberts, also gave corroborative testimony.
DEFENSE OPENS.
At the afternoon session of the court the defense opened. Counsel said that the defendants were justified in using force to put Murray into subjection.
Policeman Toy testified that he saw the occurrence and thought that “Bob” Miller, was acting as a peacemaker. He saw Murray shoot off a revolver.
Daniel Ayres testified to seeing the riot and heard Murray say that he would get some one before the night was over. He saw Murray shoot off a revolver under a tree.
Ex-Policeman “Bob” Miller admitted that he struck Murray while attempting to arrest him. He also testified that he was knocked down and beaten and that some person had attempted to stab him. He exhibited his clothing which was soiled and cut.
Policeman Shaw testified that on July 28 he went to Third and Beckett streets and found George Murray in his home, where he was under arrest by Detective Hart. Witness recovered a revolver from the wife of Murray.
Mrs. Widener, who was a witness in the trial yesterday, gave the same line of evidence in this case.
CHEESEMAN SENTENCED.
At the noon recess Judge Joline imposed sentence on Thomas J. Cheeseman, the former secretary of Thomas Jefferson Council, No. 138, Jr. O. U. A. M., who was convicted of a charge of false pretenses on Thursday last. Before sentence was imposed Rev. J. R. Mason, pastor of the Kaighn Avenue M. E. church, and Rev. Robert Wesley Peach, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, made appeals to the court for clemency in his case. Judge Joline sentenced Cheeseman to three months in the County Jail and a fine of $150 and costs.
After being out for seven hours without being able to agree on a verdict the jury in the case of Charles Wagner, tried yesterday on a charge of stabbing Policeman Harry Miller, at the time of the same election riot, were discharged at 10 o’clock last night.
Royal Welcome for Ex-Sheriff Baird
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New Jersey State Leader Meets With an Enthusiastic Reception in New York Harbor on His Return Home From Europe—Camden Men Extend Cordial Greeting
STATE ASSESSOR DAVID BAIRD
From a Staff Correspondent.
NEW YORK, Sept. 4.—Not since the time the lamented Sewell some years ago returned from the Emerald Isle, where he looked upon the graves of his ancestors, was perhaps such an enthusiastic welcome accorded a Jerseyman as that which greeted State Assessor David Baird, of Camden, on his return from Europe to-day. Every county in the State, from Sussex to Cape May, was represented among the two hundred and some odd friends of the returning voyager. Camden, of course, where was originated the idea of giving Mr. Baird a surprise welcome, sent the greater number of shouting admirers. They boarded a special train at Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, which left at 7 o’clock. Arriving in Jersey City shortly before 10 o’clock, they took the steamer Sea Gull, which had hardly swung away from the pier before the Fuerst Bismarck, on which Mr. Baird was returning, loomed up in the fog. The Camden City Band immediately struck up “Home Again,” while the two hundred men on the Sea Gull waved flags and hats in the direction of the big steamer. Soon Mr. Baird appeared on the upper deck, and a cheer went up from the smaller boat that drowned the band’s “Home, Sweet Home.” While the Bismarck warped her way into the dock the passengers on the Sea Gull, which kept close to the ocean liner, anchored up against an appetizing luncheon.
A committee headed by ex-Sheriff John Wesley Sell escorted the State Assessor from his steamer to the reception boat, where he shook the hand of each passenger. There was a trip up the Hudson, and about 4 o’clock the reception party, with Mr. Baird, left for South Jersey. “The Sheriff,” for everybody knows him as such, reached Camden about 7 o’clock, where another enthusiastic reception awaited him. Seldom has such a representative party of prominent Jerseymen gotten together on a like occasion. Among them were the following:
County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr., former Sheriff John W. Sell, Judge Charles V. D. Joline, ex-Judge E. Ambler Armstrong, Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd, Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Postmaster Robert L. Barber, Senator William J. Bradley, Under Sheriff William D. Brown, Thomas P. Curley, Charles F. Currie, Register of Deeds Isaac W. Coles, Councilman E. W. Delacroix, John J. Burleigh, John Cherry, William Graeff, Assemblyman Theodore B. Gibbs, Assemblyman John S. Roberts, ex-Sheriff Henry J. West, ex-Senator George Pfeiffer, Postmaster Maurice B. Rudderow, of Merchantville; Irving Buckle, Samuel Wood, Jonathan Watson, City Treasurer Richard R. Miller, Street Commissioner Lewis H. Mohrman, David M. Anderson, G. William Barnard, Edward H. Chew, William Coffin, Dr. John B. Davis, Dr. H. H. Davis, Samuel S. Elfreth, Chief of Camden Fire Department; Councilman Charles H. Ellis, Levi E. Farnham, John Blowe, J. Palmer Earl, Samuel P. Jones, president of City Council; George W. Turner, City Solicitor Henry M. Snyder, Lewis Stehr, Assistant Postmaster Charles P. Sayrs, Henry J. Rumrille, William M. Palmer, Frank Peterson, Martin J. O’Brien, State Comptroller J. Willard Morgan, J. Alpheus McCracken, John R. McCabe, A. G. McCausland, superintendent of the Atlantic City Railroad; Joseph Kolb, John M. Kelly, E. E. Jefferies, Jacob S. Justice, Robert Jaggard, Harry L. Jones, former Senator Herbert W. Johnson, Upton S. Jefferys, William Kettler, John D. Courter, County Physician William C. Jones, County Collector Mahlon F. Ivins, City Controller Samuel G. Hufty, ex-Assemblyman Ephraim T. Gill and Francis R. Fithian.
Others who joined in giving Mr. Baird a royal welcome were United States Marshall Thomas J. Alcott, of Mt. Holly; Speaker of the House John Herner, of Palmyra; Assemblyman J. Boyd Avis, of Woodbury; State Treasurer Franklin O. Briggs, Mayor Charles Y. Flanders, of Burlington, Clerk in Chancery Edward C. Stokes, ex-Senator Richard C. Miller, of Salem; Nathan W. C. Hays, of Burlington; Irving Maguire, of Palmyra; Internal Revenue Collector Isaac Moffett, Richard B. Reading, Senator George L. Shinn, of Ocean county; Judge Thomas W. Trenchard, of Cumberland; Factory Inspector John C. Ward, and many others.
Fürst Bismarck
1903
Clerk Patterson on Second Term
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Popular Camden County Official Takes Oath of Office and Entertains Bondsmen and Others
County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, of Camden, at noon yesterday took the oath of office for a second term of five years. The oath was administered by Judge Joline in the presence of Mr. Patterson’s office force.
After taking the oath of office Mr. Patterson’s first official act was to reappoint Howard Truax as deputy county clerk and Frank Voigt as his assistant.
During Mr. Patterson’s previous term of office he made a host of friends through his courtesy and attention to those who called upon him for information.
Last night County Clerk Patterson gave an elaborate dinner at the Hotel Bellevue-Stratford to his bondsmen and several political friends.
Mr. Patterson under a recent law furnished a bond for $25,000 with the following bondsmen: Frank F. Patterson, Sr., David Baird, John W. Sell and William J. Bradley. These, including the following well-known Jerseymen, were Mr. Patterson’s guests at the banquet: Judge Charles G. Garrison, Judge A. B. Endicott, Judge C. V. D. Joline, Congressman H. C. Loudenslager, State Comptroller J. Willard Morgan, Assemblymen H. S. Scovel, Theodore B. Gibbs and Samuel P. Jones, Senators John G. Horner, J. Boyd Avis, Wood McKee and W. H. Jackson, State Assessor David Baird, Sheriff Frank C. Somers, Register Edward S. Delacroix, Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd, Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Surrogate Harry Reeves, Deputy Sheriff William D. Brown, Howard Truax, Robert Leyburne, Theodore N. Patterson, Wolcott J. Patterson, Irving Buckle, Joseph Burt, William S. Jones, John J. Leyburne, E. A. Y. Schellenger, Henry J. Cloud, Charles Middleton and Edward W. Humphreys.
—Photo by Gutekunst
FRANK F. PATTERSON, JR.
Clerk of Camden county, who was sworn into office for a second term yesterday.
More in the Net of Bar Committee
Philadelphia Inquirer —
End of Arrests of Persons Suspected of Election Frauds in Camden Is Not in Sight
In carrying out their plan to bring to justice all persons who are alleged to have been guilty of fraud in connection with the recent election in Camden, the members of the special committee of the Camden County Bar Association, of which Lawyer F. Morse Archer is the chairman, yesterday caused several additional arrests George Murray, a policeman, was held in $500 bail by Justice Thompson on a charge of illegal registering of a voter while Charles D. Crane, an election officer in the Third precinct, Third ward, was held in $1000 bail on two charges, one of attempting to vote illegally, made by Jacob Wagner, and another of aiding and abetting illegal voting, the complainant being Daniel J. Hiland. The complainants are Democratic workers.
In addition to these, John Stockton, Martin Carrigan and Joseph Sparks were held in $500 bail on a charge of “urging” a vote declared to have been fraudulent. It was stated there are numerous other cases, so many in fact that it is impossible to state where the end will be. The prosecutions will involve persons scattered throughout the city and county, and it is asserted that both the grand jury and Prosecutor Scovel will be kept busy for weeks to come.
With respect to the Crane case, it is alleged that he was an election officer in the Third ward, and that he left his station for several hours, visiting several other districts, where he is said to have attempted to vote. In one instance he is alleged to have gone in the Fourth ward, where Stockton and the others are said to have urged that his vote be taken, although knowing that he was not the man he represented himself to be. After an absence of four or five hours, Crane, it is said, returned to his district. Murray, the policeman, is alleged to have placed the name of a man on the list whom he knew was not a resident of the precinct.
While Democratic election workers have thus far been the complainants, it is declared that much of the information was gathered by members of the Bar Association’s committee, which visited most of the precincts in Camden. They assert that the conditions were nothing short of appalling, as will be shown in good time. Not only Republican, but Democratic workers and election officers are said to be involved. It is the intention of the committee to go ahead irrespective of who the investigation strikes, and prosecutions are to be vigorously pressed.
Nurses Receive Diplomas
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Diplomas were last night conferred on eight young women at the commencement exercises of the Cooper Hospital Training School for Nurses at the First M. E. Church. The graduates were: Clara Evelyn Brandt, Camden; Mabel Devitt, Moorestown; Bertha Elliott Marriott, Pleasantville; Rebecca Day McNutt, Berkley, Md.; Edith Marie Owens, Burlington; Ida Margaret Stephenson, Pleasantville; Mary Kathryn West, Cape May, and Magdalena May Winters, Swedesboro. Dr. Rufus M. Jones, of Haverford College, and Miss Susan C. Francis, director of the Pennsylvania Division of the Red Cross Nursing Service, made addresses. The diplomas were awarded by Alexander C. Wood, vice president of the Board of Managers, and the class pins were presented by F. Morse Archer, chairman of the Training School Committee.
War Work Director Named
Philadelphia Inquirer —
F. Morse Archer, president of the National State Bank, is to direct the Camden drive for the war work fund. Former Judge William T. Boyle and William J. Strandwitz are the vice chairmen; Walter J. Staats is the treasurer and E. A. Stoll and David S. Rash, Jr., are the directors. The work in Camden city is to be done in six districts and the captains are E. G. C. Bleakly, James H. Long, William L. Hurley, F. B. Wallen, Wilbert Pike and Volney Bennett. Camden county’s quota is $227,500.
The F. Morse Archer House, Haddonfield NJ, 1926
The F. Morse Archer House in Haddonfield NJ, 1926 — Built by the James W. Draper Co.
Choral Group of Organ Club Has New Name
Camden Courier-Post —
Singers Form Musical Art Society According to Plans Made at Founding
The Choral Association of the Camden Chapter, National Association of Organists, has become a separate organization. From now on it will be known as the Musical Art Society
The group, at its start here, was sponsored by the Camden Chapter with an aim to establish it as a separate group as soon as a successful working basis was reached.
Patronage has been forthcoming which has assured the society of a place in the musical activities of the community. The plan is to develop a sound choral group, capable of producing serious choral works in artistic manner.
The society’s membership list is still open. Voices, both male and female, are needed. Singers with ability at reading are especially urged to make themselves known. Applications, under the new society’s plan, should be sent to Edna M. Llewellyn, Fourth Avenue and Kings Highway, Haddon Heights.
Rehearsal will continue at the First Baptist Church here on the first, second and third Mondays of every month.
Present patrons are Wilfred W. Fry, Mrs. Fry, Charles K. Haddon, Mrs. Walter J. Staats, Hon. E.G.C. Bleakly, Mrs. Elwood A. Harrar, Mrs. F. Morse Archer, A. Wilbur Nash, Dr. Edward M. Sullivan, J. Walter Levering, Dr. Joseph E. Roberts, William G. Moore, Mrs. Mary L. Neer, Mrs. J. Harry Knerr, Mrs. Ada M. Eckenhoff, Mrs. Charles A. Reynolds, and Joseph D. Brisby.
The former choral association will retain its officers under the new title of the Musical Art Society, with the exception of the post of secretary. Miss Llewellyn will replace Walter M. Smith temporarily.
The officers are: Henry S. Fry, director; Miss Llewellyn, treasurer; Ada M. Eckenhoff, librarian; Robert M. Haley, president; Marion V. Taylor, Evelyn Lawrence, Stanley Nelson, Harry W. Schwartz, Marjorie Riggins Seybold, F. Marie Wesbroom-Dager and Howard S. Tussey, executive board.
The society will present at least two public concerts in the spring, one in April at the North Baptist Church and the spring concert, which has been tentatively scheduled for May and will probably take place in the First Baptist Church.
Moran Appointed to Traffic Board
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: James V. Moran, F. Morse Archer, and Enoch “Nucky” Johnson.
47 More Men Join League to Aid Baird
Camden Courier-Post —
Professional and Business Leaders Back Camden Man for Governor
Forty-seven more prominent professional and business men yesterday joined the Baird-for-Governor Business Men’s League and pledged themselves to work actively in interest of David Baird Jr., for governor, and add special impetus to his campaign.
The league was organized this week at an enthusiastic meeting of 18 outstanding Baird supporters in professional and business life at the Camden Club, 315 Cooper Street. The league membership is open only to business, professional and industrial leaders who are not holding public office and who are not politicians.
The latest enrollments among community leaders pledging themselves to devote themselves to the Baird cause are the following:
F. Morse Archer, president of the First Camden National Bank; Clinton. L. Bardo, president of the New York Shipbuilding Company and of the New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association; George C. Baker, of the BakerFlick Company; Watson Shallcross, president of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce; Howard J. Dudley, Broadway merchant; Thomas E. French, prominent attorney; J. David Stern, publisher of the Courier-Post newspapers and of the Philadelphia Record; Wellington K. Barto, of the West Jersey Trust Company; Dr. Joseph Roberts, Cooper Hospital; William Clement, of the Clement Coverall Paint Company; Robert Wright, of the Haddonfield National Bank; Arthur J. Podmore, of the Camden Pottery Company; Nathan Leopold, Haddonfield druggist; Dr. J. Edgar Howard, of Haddonfield.
Dr. Alfred N. Elwell, of this city; Edward Preisendanz, Clarence Peters, N. Franks, of Franks & Sweeney; U. G. Peters, Ralph D. Baker, prominent real estate man; Archibald Dingo, George Bachman, Sr., and George Bachman, Jr., Dr. O. W. Saunders, Henry Cooperson, Leon Cooperson, Herman Z. Cutler. Charles Bauman, Harry Rose, George Austermuhl, Walter Gulick, Albert Voeglin, Howard Fearn, John A. Schlorer, Ernest L. Bartelt.
William S. Casselman, George M. Carr, J. Price Myers, Carl R. Evered, former president of the Camden County Real Estate Board; Francis B. Wallen, former president of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce; William H. Alff, Edmund J. Alff, Harry Pelouze, Walter Campbell, Dr. Thomas R. Bunting, Joseph F. Kobus and Henry E. Kobus.
Enrollments, it was announced, may be made through the following committee of the league:
Ludwig A. Kind, Thomas Gordon Coulter, Charles H. Laird, Walter J. Staats, Frank C. Middleton, Jr., Frank J. Hineline, William T. Read, Charles S. Boyer, W. W. Robinson, George R. Pelouze, Paul A. Kind, Dr. Paul A. Mecray, Jerome Hurley, Harry A. Moran, James V. Moran, William J. Strandwitz, former Judge Lewis Starr and Frank C. Norcross.
First Camden National Bank & Trust Co. (advertisement)
Camden Courier-Post —
The Directors
A. D. Ambruster
S. C. Childs
Edward B. Humphreys
Edward E. Shumaker
F. Morse Archer
Elias Davis
Henry H. Lippincott
Frank C. Somers
David Baird, Jr.
Burleigh B. Draper
Albert C. Middleton
Frank L. Starr
Ralph D. Baker
Isaac Ferris
William T. Read
J. B. Van Sciver, Jr.
Killam E. Bennett
Le Roy A. Goodwin
Wm. W. Robinson
Lawrence M. Verga
Rudolph W. Birdsell
Eugene F. Haines
Charles W. Russ
Oliver C. Willits
William T. Boyle
William D. Sherrerd
Charles A. Wolverton
The Officers
F. MORSE ARCHER
President
BURLEIGH B. DRAPER
Vice-President
ISAAC FERRIS
Vice-President
A. D. AMBRUSTER
Vice-President & Trust Officer
JAY KNOX
Asst. Trust Officer
S. C. KIMBLE
Cashier
THEO. THOMPSON
Assistant Cashier
ORLANDO M. BOWEN
Assistant Cashier
Wm. K. COOK
Assistant Cashier
JULIAN K. POTTER
Assistant Cashier
FIRST
CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK & TRUST CO.
Founded 1812. Oldest in South Jersey
Downtown Office
Broadway & Sycamore
Main Office
Broadway & Cooper
Philadelphia Office
223 Market Street
Last Rites Arranged for W. H. Canning, Jr.
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at a funeral establishment at 1401 Princess avenue, for William H. Canning, Jr., 59, senior bookkeeper of the First Camden National Bank & Trust Co., who died Thursday. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
The following will serve as honorary pallbearers:
F. Morse Archer, John W. Rockafellow, John J. Bannan, Emory Bowers, James J. Lutz, George Shannon, A. D. Ambruster, Charles G. Jessup.
William M. Lewis, Frederick B. Ambruster, Walter W. Giffins, Harry C. Waples, Hugo Narr, Robert E. Bromley, Wilmer E. Foster and J. Claud Simon.
Mr. Canning, whose home was at 4115 Carman street, had been employed by the bank for 38 years. He was for 19 years treasurer of the Provident Building & Loan Association of Camden.
Mr. Canning is survived by his widow, Amie; a son, Raymond; a daughter, Mrs. Marna A. Cooper, Merchantville; his mother, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Canning, two sisters and a brother, Frank Canning, and Mrs. Ella M. Robinson, of Elizabeth, and Edward L. Canning, Collingswood.
F.M. Archer Sr., Camden Banker, Dies in Florida
Camden Courier-Post —
Civic Leader, 76, Was Resident of Haddonfield
F. Morse Archer Sr., 76, widely known banker, chairman of the board of directors of the First Camden National Bank & Trust Co., died in St. Anthony’s hospital, St. Petersburg, Fla., at 8.45 p. m. Wednesday.
At his bedside were his wife, Mrs. Bessie C. Archer; his two sons, F. Morse Archer Jr., of Moorestown, a Camden lawyer and Evan Chandlee Archer, of Haddonfield, and his two daughters, Mrs. Richard L. Fitzwater Jr., of Haddonfield, and Mrs. Henry B. Guthrie Jr., of New York city. The family is flying home and will reach here today. Ten grandchildren also survive.
Long a resident of 570 Warwick road, Haddonfield, Mr. Archer and his wife had gone to Florida Jan. 24 to spend a month at Pass-A-Grille Beach. Mr. Archer was stricken ill Saturday night and removed to the St. Petersburg hospital.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. in the residence. The Rev. Bryant M. Kirkland, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Haddonfield, will officiate. There will not be a viewing, and it was requested that flowers be omitted. Burial will be in Colestown cemetery, under the direction of Charles T. Murray, Camden funeral director.
Born in Camden Nov. 27, 1873, the son of Benjamin F. and Mary Sloan Archer, Mr. Archer was graduated from the Episcopal Academy, Philadelphia, in 1890. He was a member of the class of 1894 at Princeton university and was graduated from the Harvard Law school in 1897, being admitted to the New Jersey bar the same year.
On June 14, 1900, he was married to Bessie M. Chandlee, of Philadelphia. From 1906 to 1918, Mr. Archer was a member of the law firm of Grey and Archer. For six years he was an assistant Camden county prosecutor.
In 1918 he was elected president of the National State Bank of Camden. In 1922, when the bank became the First National State Bank of Camden, he continued as president, and in 1927 when the bank was established as the First Camden National Bank & Trust Co., he was again elected president, continuing in that office until July, 1947, when he became chairman of the board, a post he had held since.
He was elected president of New Jersey Bankers Association in 1927.
Mr. Archer was a director of the Camden Fire Insurance Association; the Philadelphia & Camden Ferry Co.; the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co., Philadelphia; the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad Co., the Esterbrook Pen Co., and had been a director of the American Dredging Co.
He was regional chairman and member of the U. S. Treasury Victory Fund Committee during War I, and a member of the advisory committee of the Third Federal Reserve district of the Reconstruction Finance Corp.
Since retiring as president of the bank and becoming chairman of its board, Mr. Archer had maintained an office at the bank at Broadway and Cooper street.
During both War I and War II, Mr. Archer was active in bond drives and for many years was prominently identified with civic and welfare agencies, being a director of Cooper hospital.
A Republican, Mr. Archer was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia, the Nassau club of Princeton, the Tavistock Country club, the City club of Camden, and the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield.
For several years he was treasurer of the Camden County Community Chest and the American Cancer Society and was one of the spearheads of the annual Cross rollcall.
Honoring Mr. Archer’s service to both the community and his bank, a testimonial dinner was given Oct. 9, 1947, following his resignation as president of the bank, and his election as board chairman.
Dubbed by his classmates at Princeton as “Mud,” Mr. Archer later won the affectionate title of “chief” from his business associates, and at the testimonial dinner he was lauded this wise:
His sense of humor, his insight into the basic worth in men, his conviction that character heads all assets, and his unpublished moves of kindness and inspiration have been priceless contributions to those who have crossed his path. Our small group is daily favored by the warmth of his presence and friendship.
News of Mr. Archer’s death cast a shadow of sorrow over the bank as it opened today.
Henry Knepper, president of the bank, voiced the feelings of his fellow officers:
The loss of Morse Archer’s guiding influence will be deeply felt, not only by the directors, officers and employes of the bank, but by the whole community which so long knew and loved him for his fairness, justice, wide and self-sacrificing community service and his genuine friendliness.
Other civic and professional leaders of the city were equally affected by news of Mr. Archer’s death. It was agreed by all that Mr. Archer, as a symbol of integrity, had been largely responsible for Camden’s successful weathering of the chaotic days of the business and banking depression of the early 1930s.
It was Morse Archer who rallied the financial support and solidarity which saved Camden from the banking casualties suffered so widely elsewhere in that period.
Stern the maverick publisher cuts in
Camden Courier-Post —
By STEPHEN M. O’KEEFE
Former Courier-Post City Editor
George A. Frey sold the Courier Dec. 15, 1919. It was just a business deal. That is the way it was generally received in Camden’s business and political community.
But Frey’s departure and the purchase by a stranger stirred fears among Courier employes who had grown to feel that they were part of an institution.
It was soon apparent that the transaction was to be a turning point in the city’s history as well as the newspaper’s. The impact was to extend throughout South Jersey. Even Philadelphia would feel it.
THE NEW owner was J. David Stern, who sold his newspaper interests in Springfield, Ill., to buy the Courier. Within a few years of his arrival, Camden’s economy perked up, the face of the city changed and a political dynasty that had maintained rigid control for more than 25 years toppled.
Stern’s purchase of the Courier was shrouded in secrecy. One man, however was privy to the sale. He was Walter L. Tushingham, the business manager. “Tush” had a reputation as a trusted repository for secrets and private business matters.
It was not until many years had passed that Stern revealed that he had paid Frey $144,000 for 80 per cent of the Courier stock. The other 20 per cent was owned by Tushingham, who persuaded Stern to buy and remained in the setup.
Tushingham, long the main cog at the Courier, had experienced a series of frustrations in arranging for necessary improvements and expansion of the plant. Adjoining properties had been purchased and $75,000 had been appropriated for a new press. Frey was a stickler for economy and he put restraint upon such expenditures which delayed the expansion.
TUSHINGHAM was shackled. They [sic] way business was moving, he knew more revenue was obtainable but the Courier plant was operating at capacity. This was the situation early in 1919 when “Tush” and Stern were brought together by F. Morse Archer, then president of the First National Bank in Camden. Stern had consulted Archer about the possibility of making a purchase, at the suggestion of a mutual friend.
Archer had told Stern that there was hardly any hope of purchasing either the Courier or Post-Telegram. He said both papers were owned by men beholden to former U.S. Sen. David Baird, who dictated Republican Party matters and had a grip upon much of the city’s business affairs. Baird, he counselled, controlled the newspapers and he had no wish to see an outsider distrub [sic] matters.
According to Stern, in his memoirs printed in 1962, the $200,000 price tag Tushingham quoted was too high. He told “Tush” he was not interested.
In his book Stern later gave Tushingham’s account of the situation in Camden. According to the book, Tushingham admitted, the price is high. If it were less, someone in Baird’s organization would take it over.
“FREY IS SURE to consult the Senator, who won’t relish the deal. In the present setup, the Senator has it all to himself. When he wants something in or out of the paper he doesn’t bother to ask Frey or me. He calls the city editor direct. The boys are all on his payroll.
“If Baird lets Frey sell, it will only be because Baird doesn’t want to match the offer or keep his old friend (Frey) from getting the high dollar.”
After stating that he had lost interest, Stern came back to “Tush” and agreed to make an offer for Frey’s stock. His friends and relatives advised against the investment, but a staunch advocate was his wife Jill (born Juliet E. Lit).
Arguing against the purchase were her uncles, Samuel and Jacob, who ran Lit Brothers department store. Both, however subsequently helped with substantial advertising accounts and influenced other Philadelphia merchants in that direction.
STERN CITED $20,000 as the Courier’s earnings in one year prior to the purchase. He said in five years the paper grossed $1 million and that figured climbed to $3 million in 1947, when he retired.
When the Courier-Post joined the Gannett group Sept. 1, 1957; the purchase price of $5 million was, according to Stern’s reckoning, “28 times the high price I paid in 1919.”
The maverick publisher (his own term) neglected to compare the dingy, rundown property he bought with the vastly larger and more modern facility that replaced it under the management of his successors, the late Harold A. Stretch and his family.
Stern regarded Walter L. Tushingham as one of the best assets he acquired in the deal with Frey.
“TUSH” VIRTUALLY dedicated his life to the Courier, from the time he started in 1894 as a $5-a-week bookkeeper. As a boy of 15, he had earned pennies peddling garden produce from the wagon of his father, who later became pastor of Calvary Methodist Protestant Church in East Camden. His son put his savings into Banks Business College to obtain the training he required for the job at the Courier.
“Tush” had a brief fling at publishing, in 1893, when he set up “The Stockton News,” a weekly. It was discontinued after a few issues, but the experience gave him an insight into the complexities he would face at the Courier.
AN EXHIBITION of poor judgment in the handling of some news stories — with the Courier suffering in comparison with Philadelphia papers — triggered changes in the editorial department.
Harry T. Saylor was brought in as managing editor. Gifted writer, keen analyst and master of tact are but a few of Saylor’s attributes. He adjusted to the crude circumstances he saw when he arrived at the Courier. He was a big portly man with a fine sense of humor and he openly displayed pleasure in his work, an enthusiam [sic] which infected many of his associates. In the years that followed he capably filled the editor’s chair in all Stern newspapers.
OTHER KEY imports were Elmer C. Pratt, master printer and mechanic; Fred Wilhite, advertising executive, and Alfred Neef, accountant and investor.
In later years, Stern recounted that he brought 20 former Springfield employes to Camden to enliven the Courier. They did that, in good measure, but there was an abundance of local talent in every department.
Frank H. Ryan was a standout. William B. Wells was another. They were survivors of the low-pay, hard-times era. Each served more than 50 years.
Wells, as foreman, and Ryan, his assistant and top makeup man, were laboring in the shop when Stern directed the first big political triumph in the early 1920s. Tushingham was closer to the situation, having engineered the transaction which made Stern the publisher.
AMONG Tushingham’s legion of friends was Newton B. T. Roney, whose father had worked in the Courier pressroom. Roney had studied law, but shifted to real estate developments with a measure of success. He harbored a dream of building an elaborate theater at Broadway and Pine Streets, then the heart of Camden’s commercial district.
The theater foundation was laid and part of the structure raised when Roney experienced financial difficulties.
Roney went to see Baird. He asked, but was turned down. Appealing to other sources, he learned that word had been spread about Baird’s rejection. He could not get financing from any bank, he related a few years afterward. Roney’s dream faded and he soon left for Florida.
IN TIME, title to Roney’s dream changed to other hands. The project eventually was completed and opened as the Towers Theater.
Within a few years after he departed, reports came back about Newt Roney’s making big money in land along the ocean side of Miami Beach.
Roney planned well, worked diligently and met with astounding success. His beachfront paradise, named Roney Plaza, was the first of many hotels that transformed Miami’s oceanside to a vacation wonderland. This project was underway when Roney returned to Camden.
THE STERNS and the Roneys met and in 1922, on a visit, Roney asked Stern to lunch. His companion on that bright June day was Edward J. Kelleher, then a struggling Democrat with ideals and ideas.
The three launched into a discussion of Boss Baird. Roney had expressed his aversion to Baird in a previous chat with Stern, who on this occasion was being drawn into a Roney plot to avenge the Towers theater setback. For the record, Stern offered no resistence [sic].
Stern was more than casually acquainted with Baird. He accompanied Baird to the Republican National Convention in 1920 at Chicago. The big deal there, the nomination of Warren G. Harding for President, disgusted Stern but Baird regarded it as part of the game.
In the discussion with Roney and Kelleher, Stern said he was open to suggestions. Roney cited as a key figure the Democratic City chairman, Patrick J. Harding, a personable attorney who enjoyed reminiscing about his days at the Courier before becoming a lawyer.
HARDING WAS regarded as a good lawyer, had a lot of such friends, served as municipal solicitor and engaged in such profitable corporation work, as that of Public Service. He also was counsel for the Republican-controlled Camen [sic] County Board of Freeholders. His appointment was convincing evidence that Baird “took care” of Democrats, too. Roney put the point directly to Stern:
“Will the Courier back Ed Kelleher against Harding?”
The answer was just as direct in the affirmative. Roney put up a few thousand dollars initially and told Kelleher to start the ball rolling. Stern promised ample publicity. Roney knew — Stern was only then to learn — that Kelleher was a clever strategist and a natural politician. Hardin [sic] was ousted from the party chair.
AT THE NEXT session, Roney and Kelleher dealt with building up the Democratic organization. Stern matched Roney with $2,500 and Kelleher said he could pick up small donations to round out the $10,000 he estimated would be needed to form new clubs and to reorganize some of the old units.
Part of Kelleher’s night-and-day labors was to bring to Stern some long-concealed property tax data which would provide interesting political stories in the Courier.
Baird was upset. The Post-Telegram lashed Stern as a carpetbagger whose aim was to ruin the city.
Harry Saylor showed mastery in the treatment of every issue. He sprinkled humor, sound philosophy and plainly-worded common sense through the Courier columns. His occasional shaft at the Post-Telegram proved sharp and subtle. The people loved it. The circulation climbed.
THE VOICE OF the Post was its publisher, a long-time faithful ally of Baird and a congressman, Francis F. Patterson Jr. As a principal, Patterson had been rewarded with a share of appointments handed to those favored in the Baird system.
Patterson was a rugged printer in the late 1800s, part of whose duty was to deliver papers as a post-rider. His many years of ease came after the turn of the century. He and Frey were just nice neighborley [sic] rivals. Both were secure and affluent.
That smooth way of life vanished with Frey and Stern’s arrival. The long period in his comfortable groove had lulled Patterson into a passive outlook. He did not seem to have the vim that propelled him into a saddle and over miles of Gloucester county backroads.
THE POST-TELEGRAM could not agree with some of Stern’s ideas of progress. Patterson tried to fight Stern and his ideas. Camden readers were receptive to change. Political disclosures, in language that was new to them excited their interest. They bought it in increasingly daily doses. The Post-Telegram suffered decline.
Roney occupied a grandstand seat and kept counsel with the other members of the trinity. He and Kelleher introduced Victor King to Stern as a potential candidate for mayor. The tall and lanky King, a caricature of the comic-strip character Andy Gump, was the opposite of Fran [sic] S. Van Hart, then acting mayor. Van Hart was the Old Guard replacement for Charles H. Ellis, mayor from 1905 to 1922, where he became postmaster.
In the fever of the imes [sic], fanned by the slanted columns of the Courier, King won at the polls. Even Stern confessed amazement. The margin of victory was only 800 votes.
CAMDEN IN THE 1920s was far different from today. Horse troughs stood at many corners — drinking fountains for pedestrians, too. Horses and wagons were common, also carriages. Automobiles and light trucks had noticeably increased, but every motor vehicle in the city at a given time would not cause a traffic jam.
The city then still had a number of dirt streets and quite a few surfaced with cobblestones. Hundreds of sidewalks were bricked — but without mortar.
Stern and the the [sic] Courier moved to a higher plateau of influence, and advertising revenue was climbing. So were expenses, particularly expanding the plant for a new press and a far greater amount of equipment than longtime Courier craftsmen had ever seen.
EVERY department had more space. Elmer Pratt directed the installation, working around the clock through many weekends. He was mechanical superintendent but did regular chores as a printer.
Expanding the plant at 3rd and Arch was not easy. Construction workmen spent weeks weaving around Courier mechanics.
Trouble soon cropped up with the new press, a giant marvel compared to its steam-powered predecessor. The old press had been converted to electric power in 1927 before it was sold to a South American publisher. The conversion was made by William Morton, who helped Eldridge R. Johnson develop the Victor Talking Machine and ran a nearby machine shop.
NOR WAS everything hunkydory in Camden’s political environment. Ed Kelleher had managed to knit the long-repressed Democrats in the wards into a coalition with independent, non partisan citizenry and quite a number of unhappy or uncontrolled Republicans. Most were identified with the Non-Partisan League and they were feeling their oats. The practical Roney and Kelleher, however, knew they had merely reached first base.
The two men huddled with Stern and came up with an idea — campaign for a new form of government for the city. The plan was worked out expertly, emphasizing the advantages of a compact, five-man governing group, each member accountable to voters all over the city.
The new plan was kept secret for a while. It was embodied in an exhaustive survey for the council by Mayor King. The new mayor startled the Old Guard and the city at large by calling for a referendum on a City Commission form of government. The speech prompted an abundance of favorable copy in the Courier; not so favorable comment in the Post-Telegram.
IN MARCH, 1923, the change was approved. In May, the voters elected the entire Non-Partisan League ticket. This put Baird and his organization out of business for the first time in 25 years.
Stern and the Courier were the chief beneficiaries of the change. The publisher — and now politician — was to know the stress of carrying water on both shoulders.
Patterson and the Post-Telegram were to feel the worst effect. With the downward turn of fortune, a frustrating decline in advertising and circulation revenues, the P-T was a loser each day.
STERN CALCULATED the advantages in buy [sic] the Post-Telegram, but Patterson wouldn’t consider a deal with Stern. He approached Baird and asked for a loan needed to fight Stern. Baird said he wanted Patterson to keep the competition and suggested a smaller loan. The Post publisher wouldn’t agree.
“The full amount or nothing,” Patterson declared.
Baird matched his stubbornness. Back in the office Patterson shared his misery with Upton S. Jefferys, the editor, and Frank S. Albright, city editor. Upton owned five shares of P-T stock. He and Albright had given their best efforts for many years, but the outlook was bleak.
THIS WAS the situation when Patterson saw Ed Kelleher enter the office. The two were not strangers, but Patterson had little reason to regard him warmly.
Kelleher came right out with an offer to buy the Post-Telegram. Patterson replied with equal candor:
“You know that I know, Ed, that you don’t have anough [sic] money to buy this paper.”
Kelleher put a hand in a coat pocket and was about to inform Patterson that he had come prepared to negotiate.
“I’m sure I know who you represent,” Patterson stated. “My answer is no.”
KELLEHER DREW a check from his pocket and placed it before Patterson. The publisher took a quick glance at the amount. It was $75,000. He then summoned his son, Frank F. Patterson 3d.
“Here, Frank, you’re the treasurer here; this is your department.”
Kelleher thought he was hearing a change of attitude by Patterson. The younger Patterson stared at both men. He glanced at both sides of the check as would an accountant, then turned to his parent.
“What am I supposed to do with this, Father?” he asked.
THE REPLY was intended for Kelleher:
“You are supposed to tear it up and throw the pieces in the waste basket, Son.”
Young Patterson obeyed.
Keleher [sic] accepted the gestured [sic] as finale. One minute later he was walking along Federal Street to the Courier building to report to Stern.
J. DAVID STERN
JAN. 11, 1922 edition of the Camden Post-Telegram
The lay of the land long ago
By ROSEMARIE MURRAY
Courier-Post Staff
Corn sold for 62 cents a bushel, oats for 45 cents a bushel and bran for 17 dollars a ton in Camden, according to the October 2, 1876, market listings for that day. Sounds a little different from today?
The price of grain isn’t the only thing that has changed since that date. As The Daily Post recorded the local events, the news of Camden seemed cheerful.
Most of the area churches was [sic] housed a large following on Sunday evenings to hear their pastors’ thoughts on faith. On October 1, the Centenary M.E. Church welcomed 15 new members.
BUT THE biggest religious event of that day in Gloucester, was the baptizing of four female converts in the river. The Rev. Thomas Taylor of the Baptist Church performed the ceremony.
The usually busy streets and stores of Camden were nearly deserted on Saturday as the notably heavy rains of that September continued to pour down on the city.
Also in September, 72 persons were jailed in Camden County for a variety of reasons, the most serious being assault and battery. One person was arrested for engaging in prize-fighting. But most arrests were charged with vagrancy or drunkeness [sic].
Local train schedules were listed on the front page of The Daily Post.
There were quite a few runs — including lines through Gloucester and Mt. Ephraim.
But who would want to leave Camden with the price of school shoes at $1.49 at B. Franklin Hirst’s.
Camden also had its share of problems, noted the Post.
Many of the pavements throughout the city contained loose bricks which became particularly annoying during rainstorms. Every time someone would step on one, he would find his shoes splattered with mud and water.
The irregular numbering of houses was aggravating as well. Broadway was the sixth street from the river but on Pine Street above Broadway, the houses were numbered 600, 603 etc.
CELEBRATING its second birthday, on October 2, 1876, The Daily Post reprinted a prospectus which had appeared in its first issue, a small portion of which appears below:
“Realizing the necessity from the departure from the traditional policy of partisan journalists, The Daily Post will be entirely independent . . . under the domination of no party, clique or corporation and be influenced by no considerations save those which conduct to the best interest of a community from which alone it will endeavor to deserve and derive support.”
The October 2 issue testified to the publisher’s promise. And at 2 cents a copy, how could the readers go wrong?
CAMDEN DAILY POST looked like this when it started on its second year in October, 1876.
Courier-Post History Part 2
Federal to the corner of 3rd and Federal Streets.
BOTH PLANTS were steam-powered until after World War I, and gas lights provided illumination so deficient that both management and labor today would brand them intolerable.
There was enough rivalry between the advertising salesmen of the two papers to keep them hustling for business but department stores in the city generally divided their appropriations.
The Courier had a showcase the Post-Telegram lacked. A big bay window on 3rd Street, gave pedestrains [sic] a view of the Hoe press as it printed and folded hundreds of papers a minute and issued them neatly on conveyor belts, called a “fly.” Crosstown trolley riders also had a chance to see the excitement. Down the street, the P-T was printed in the rear of the row building, a sweatshop by today’s standards.
ADJOINING the steam-hot engine room at the Courier, but at the street level, was a six-foot square enclosure where a big barrel of paste, used to wrap bundles, gave off a sickening odor. It was a haven for millions of flies and mosquitoes and was, without doubt, the worst condition of the plant, but it was regarded as part of the job.
In 1917-18, the circulation department operated with one bicycle, a rented wagon and horse and a hand-drawn express wagon. During a period of expansion, a second bicycle was purchased. Later a second horse and wagon was added to further speed up delivery.
The circulation department was managed by Charles A. Van Fossen. He was tall, rather trim and under the dusty conditions in the cellar he occasionally had a jaw bulging with chewing tabacco [sic]. Some pressmen also were wont to have bag of Beechnut handy, like Tom Foulkes and Charley Harbois, who doubled in the circulation department and the pressroom.
BOTH THE Courier and the Post-Telegram presented city, suburban and sports news with features that were fairly comparable in columns devoted to social and fraternal calendars, the religious organizations, entertainment groups and civic clubs. Each subscribed to the United Press news service, employing a telegrapher who typed copy from signals received over Morse apparatus.
The two papers grew evenly, each having a circulation of about 12,000, until the waning days of 1919 when it was announced that the Courier had been sold.
Obituary: S. Conrad Ott
West Jersey Press —
S. Conrad Ott, one of Camden’s successful lawyers, died at his home in Merchantville from a weakening of his heart produced by a long and severe illness.
Mr. Ott was not a native of Camden, but spent practically all of his business life in this city. He was born in Philadelphia fifty-four years ago and after a short time with the R. G. Dun Agency in that city he came to Camden and became a newspaper reporter. He worked for both the old Camden Daily Post and the Daily Courier and was also the representative in Camden of certain Philadelphia papers. For a time he served as city editor of the Courier and while engaged in this work he studied law. In 1899 he was admitted to the bar of New Jersey and rapidly made a name for himself in his chosen profession.
Mr. Ott was a man of great industry. His activities were many and varied, but he always had time to do well those things to which he turned his attention. He served for many years as clerk of the Grand Jury; and more recently has had many important cases as Referee in Bankruptcy. At the time of his death he was president of the Camden Bar Association and was also solicitor of the West Jersey Trust Company. In building association matters he was also very active, and for many years and up to the time of his death was secretary of the Stockton Building and Loan Association, one of the strongest and most successful institutions of this city.
In church affairs he also took a leading part and for several years he taught the Men’s Bible Class of the Linden Baptist Church. This class at that time was the largest of any class in South Jersey.
Mr. Ott is survived by his widow, who was Miss Mary Anthony, of Philadelphia.
The funeral services were held on Wednesday. They were in charge of Rev. Frederick Blaser, pastor of the Linden Baptist Church.
Rev. George Peck, some years ago pastor of the church and a close personal friend of the deceased, came down from Vermont to attend the services. Both clergymen spoke feelingly and lauded the life of the one whom they had known so well.
The honorary pall-bearers included men with whom Mr. Ott had been associated in the legal profession, banking, newspaper and church work. They were William Early, vice president of the Bar Association; F. Morse Archer, president of the First National State Bank; Lawyer Joseph Carr, Mr. Ott’s law partner; Oscar J. Clair, Austin M. Clark, E. Spencer Webster, Jacob H. Lippincott, Dr. Harry Jarrett, Andrew McIntyre, Charles H. Laird, Jr., Congressman Francis F. Patterson, Jr., and City Treasurer George A. Frey.