Introduction
Frank Doris was born in Pennsylvania around 1906 to Joseph Doris Sr. and his wife Mary. His father was born in Pennsylvania, his mother in Ireland. She had come to America in the 1880s. His mother’s name was reported as Mary in the 1910 Census and as Emma in later records.
The 1910 Census shows the Doris family at 546 Randolph Street in Philadelphia. Of the six children born to the family, five were living: James, 10; Joseph Jr., 9; Frank, 6; John, 4; and George, who was 11 months old at the time of the census. The Census gives Joseph Doris’ occupation as “special police” and states that he worked in theatres. Joseph Doris Sr. passed away in February of 1917.
The four of the Doris boys got into trouble as youths, and in the case of Joseph Jr., Frank and John, serious trouble. On December 19, 1918 Joseph Doris Jr. was wounded in a gun battle with Philadelphia police. Frank Doris was involved in a shooting in 1922, and in 1926 took part in a bank robbery where a Philadelphia policeman was shot and killed. For this offense he and three other members of the gang that robbed the bank were executed in March of 1927. The gang went to their deaths refusing to give up the name of the man who escaped.
Frank Doris had married Ethel Phillips in 1919. It is unknown as of this writing as to whether there were any children from this marriage.
Younger brother John Doris, who also had a long record in Philadelphia, began coming over to Camden when his mother and younger brother moved to 132 York Street in the late 1920s. In April of 1929 he got into a fight with a local gangster, Joe O’Connor. John Doris was shot and seriously wounded O’Connor. Even though O’Connor refused to testify against him, John Doris was convicted and given a ten year prison sentence. He was serving his sentence at Trenton State Prison when he was stabbed on April 10, 1930. Mortally wounded, he too refused to name his assailant, and no one was ever charged with his murder.
Younger brother George, who also had a police record in Philadelphia, was arrested on robbery charges in Camden in June of 1930. Both George and his mother were using the surname McGovern when they moved to Camden; this may have been his mother’s maiden name.
Man Shot in Quarrel Over Young Woman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Man Shot in Quarrel Over Young Woman
Assailant Escapes by Threatening Pursuer After Seriously Wounding Rival
In a quarrel over a young woman in a room at 1025 Walnut street last evening, John Villano, 26 years old, of 2124 South Fifteenth street, was shot and seriously wounded by a man who escaped after a short chase. Villano is in a critical condition at the Jefferson Hospital.
Lieutenant Belshaw and Detective Scheller, of the murder squad, are searching for the assailant, whose name is said to be Frank Doris, but whose address the police do not know.
The quarrel began over Margaret Hastings, 20 years old, who told the police she was a waitress in an Atlantic City restaurant. Villano is said to have gone to see Miss Hastings at her room in the Walnut street apartment house last evening and to have found Doris there.
A quarrel followed, and Dorris shot Villano twice, once in the left arm and the second time through the lungs, the bullet entering the left armpit and passing through the right armpit.
Romeo Berna, of Twelfth street near Bainbridge, who heard the shot, rushed into the apartment. He tried to stop the fleeing assailant, but Doris threatened him with his revolver. The assailant escaped after a pursuit of a block.
Miss Hastings was taken into custody by the police of the Fifteenth and Locust streets station and then sent to the Twelfth and Pine streets station. The wounded man operates a fruit stand at Eighth and Walnut streets.
Man Is Shot When He Forces Door to Room
Harrisburg Patriot —
Man Is Shot When He Forces Door to Room
Philadelphia, Jan. 19.—John Vallini, a fruit dealer, who was shot last night while visiting Miss Margaret Hastings, a cabaret performer, in a rooming house, died today. The girl, who recently came here from Atlantic City, was held as a material witness, and the police are seeking Vallini’s assailant. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Frank Doris, of this city, in connection with the case.
Miss Hastings was said to have told the police that she had never before seen the man who did the shooting.
According to the police, Vallini was in her room last night when there was a knock at the door. The girl answered it and a man pushed his way in. Seeing Vallini, the intruder, without a word, struck Miss Hastings in the face, and she fell unconscious.
As Vallini sprang forward to protect her, the man fired twice. One bullet struck Vallini in the side and the other was embedded in the floor near where the girl lay.
Vallini died without regaining consciousness.
Later developments, the police said, led them to believe that Vallini had broken into Miss Hastings’ room and was shot by a man already there. Romeo Verna, a friend of the slain man, was quoted as having said that he and Vallini went to the girl’s room and when they received no response to their knocks, Vallini forced the door. A few minutes later he heard a scuffle, followed by shots. Then a man, a stranger to him, rushed out with a pistol in his hand and fled down the steps.
Doris, for whom the police are searching, is known to them as “Tenderloin Frankie.”
Frank Doris, Murder Suspect, Is Arrested
Harrisburg Patriot —
Frank Doris, Murder Suspect, Is Arrested
Philadelphia, Jan. 20.—Frank H. Doris, known to police as “Tenderloin Frankie,” who has been sought by police in connection with the fatal shooting of John Villano at the apartment of Margaret Hastings Wednesday night, tonight surrendered to police. He refused to discuss the case.
Villano, who died Thursday morning, is said by police to have told friends Doris stepped behind a curtain and shot him when he went to the woman’s room. The woman was held by police as a material witness.
Suspect Waives Hearing in Death of Girl Singer
Harrisburg Patriot —
Suspect Waives Hearing in Death of Girl Singer
Philadelphia, Jan. 23.—Frank M. Doris, charged with killing John Villano, in the room of Margaret Hastings, a cabaret singer, last week today waived a hearing and held without bail to await the action of the coroner. Doris surrendered to the police last Friday night. He denies he did the shooting.
Frank Doris Held in Villano Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Frank Doris Held in Villano Murder
Detained Without Bail to Await Action of Coroner on Friday
Charged with being implicated in the shooting of Frank Villano, a fruit merchant, who died from wounds he received in the apartments of Margaret Sailer, at Tenth and Walnut streets, last Wednesday, Frank Doris, 19 years old, of 307 North Marshall street, yesterday was held without bail by Magistrate Renshaw to await the action of the coroner. Miss Sailer was not present at the hearing.
Doris was sought by detectives for two days following the shooting, and finally surrendered after his friends had raised a defense fund of $2500.
As the defense decided to waive a hearing, but one witness testified at the magistrate’s hearing. He was Detective Peter Sheller, of the murder squad, who attempted to obtain an ante-mortem statement from the wounded man, but failed. The detective testified that physicians had told him Villano was in no serious danger, but Villano died before the statement could be obtained.
It is believed Doris will be arraigned before Coroner Knight on Friday when an inquest will be held. Margaret Sailer who is being held in Morals Court, at Twelfth and Wood streets, also will be produced then as a witness.
Indict Doris for Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Indict Doris for Murder
The grand jury found true bills of indictment charging Frank M. Doris with murder and manslaughter for the shooting of John Villano, 27 years, of 2124 South Fifteenth street, on January 19 last, in a rooming house on Walnut street above Tenth, as a result of rivalry over a young woman known as Margaret Hastings.
Girl’s Low-Voiced Tale Acquits Youth
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Girl’s Low-Voiced Tale Acquits Youth
Testifies Jealous Attack by Spurned Suitor Preceded Villano Killing
Margaret Hastings, 23-year-old divorcee and former cabaret singer, took the witness stand yesterday before Judge Barnett in Quarter Sessions Court and described in a low, scarcely audible tone the events which led up to the killing, in her room at 1025 Walnut street, of John Villano, fruit-stand vendor, whose jealousy for her affection cost him his life last January.
After a trial lasting only one day the jury arrived in eight minutes at a verdict acquitting 20-year-old Frank M. Doris, known as “Tenderloin Frankie,” of the slaying of Villano. Testimony showed that the bullet which killed Villano came from his own revolver, which was discharged as he and Doris grappled with each other when the fruit vendor obtained admittance to Margaret Hastings’ room.
The girl, attired neatly in a black dress with a white collar, silk stockings and low pumps, showed plainly that the tragedy in which she had been a central figure had affected her deeply. Assistant District Attorney Maurer, who prosecuted the case, and John R. K. Scott, attorney for Doris, several times requested that she speak louder, but the girl pleaded that she was “a bundle of nerves” and unable to raise her voice. She was attacked by Villano with the butt-end of his revolver but a moment before he engaged in the struggle with Doris which ended in his death, and the girl appeared at the Coroner’s inquest with a badly discolored eye. Yesterday she said that the force of Villano’s blow had been so great that it had been necessary to take several stitches in the flesh above her eye.
Bandit Sentenced to Death Penalty
Trenton Evening Times —
Bandit Sentenced to Death Penalty
Second of Accused Quartet Condemned to Die For Killing Policeman
(Associated Press)
PHILADELPHIA, May 26.—Harry Bentley, one of four men charged with killing a policeman in an attempted bank messenger robbery, was today convicted of murder in the first degree with death as the penalty.
The jury retired late yesterday and was locked up for the night. It reported its verdict when court opened today.
Bentley is the second of the quartet to receive the death penalty. The first was Joseph Curry, who was convicted two weeks ago.
The other two men to go on trial are William Juliano and Frank Doris. Like Bentley and Curry they will receive separate trials.
Curry in his trial was identified as the man who killed Policeman Harry M. Cooper. Bentley on the stand yesterday denied he was a member of the robber gang, testifying that he was on an errand in the neighborhood of the attempted robbery when he was arrested and falsely accused.
The attempt to rob William O. Miller, the messenger for the Olney Bank and Trust Company, occurred May 4. Miller had approximately $100,000 in a motor car standing outside a branch bank in the northeastern part of the city when attacked by the bandits. They were repulsed and fled. They were pursued and firing killed Cooper.
Last of Bandit Gang Must Die in Chair
Trenton Evening Times —
Trenton Evening Times — June 11, 1926
Jersey Raid Is Admitted by Robbers
Trenton Evening Times —
Named: Harry Bentley, Joseph Curry, William Juliano, Frank Doris, Harry M. Cooper, Olney Bank & Trust, William O. Miller, Lawrence T. Doran, Ethan Wescott, Matthew Overnack, and C. Stuart Patterson.
Death Certificate
Death Certificate – Frank Doris
Dying Convict Refuses to Identify Assailant After Mystery Attack
Trenton Evening Times —
Dying Convict Refuses to Identify Assailant After Mystery Attack
John Doris, 25, of Camden, serving 10 years at the State Prison here, was stabbed by an unknown assailant this afternoon as guards rounded up 500 prisoners for inspection before dinner. The 12-inch blade of a bread knife stolen last night from the prison hospital, was sunk into the victim’s lower intestines. His death is expected momentarily.
Doris was marching with squads of other prisoners from the shops to their cells in Wing 2, where the fatal shooting of Guard Frank Butcher took place a few weeks ago. On the third tier of the latticed cell chamber, with the convicts crowded against the iron guard rail, someone lunged the knife into Doris.
The victim sank to the floor without an outcry. Guards attracted by the restless movement among the convicts rushed to the spot. Doris’ lower abdomen was gashed open. He did not lose consciousness. Colonel Edward B. Stone and other prison officers questioned him after he was swiftly taken to the prison operating room. Doris smiled weakly at his questioners attempts to make him “squeal” on his assailant. He refused to answer questions.
With prison officers still trying to make him talk, he took ether administered by physicians. Dr. Martin W. Reddan performed an operation, assisted by Dr. C. Walter Carroll. It was found that his intestines were punctured in several places. The physicians reported to Colonel Stone that Doris has not a chance to live.
Knife Was Stolen
The knife used in the stabbing was reported missing from the prison hospital last night and Colonel Stone ordered a thorough search of all convicts and their cells. The search was futile.
As is customary before the noonday meal, all prisoners are returned from the shops to their cells before mess, to submit to a count and search. The convict who had the knife probably feared detection in the search and was speeded in his resolve to attack his victim. With Doris’ lips sealed by the underworld code, the motive for the assault is as mysterious as the identity of the assailant.
Doris worked in the print shop of the prison. He “locked” with another prisoner in Wing 2, hotbed of intrigue. His cellmate was already in their cell when Doris was stabbed.
Doris’ brother was electrocuted in Harrisburg last week, for murder. Another brother, George, resides at 132 York Street, Camden. The victim is married and his wife resides at 1105 North Street, Philadelphia. He was received at the prison last September to serve 3 years for carrying a concealed deadly weapon and 7 years for atrocious assault and battery.
The butt and part of a blade stump of the knife used in the attack were found beside Doris. The knife was snapped off and six inches of the blade are believed to be in Doris’ body.
Chief County Detective James Kirkham and Detective Frank Naples went to the prison soon after the stabbing and tried to procure an ante-mortem statement from the dying man before he went under ether. Doris would not talk to them.
Colonel Stone was mystified at the manner in which the knife was concealed during the search for the weapon last night. He was also at a loss for a motive for the assault. Convicts who were well acquainted with Doris shrugged their shoulders and would say nothing about the affair, if they did know anything.
Late this afternoon Colonel Stone was informed by deputies that a clue to the assailant had been found. The identity of the stabber had not been established at the time this edition of The Times went to press.
Lips of Knifed Convict Sealed as Death Nears
Trenton Evening Times —
Trenton Evening Times — April 11, 1930
Prison Closely Watched After Deadly Knifing
Trenton Evening Times —
Suspicion Closing Around Prisoner
Trenton Evening Times —
Suspicion Closing Around Prisoner
But Prison Stabbing Probe Still Fails to Uncover Definite Evidence
A whisper from the underworld last night narrowed suspicion down to a single State Prison convict as the perpetrator of the knife attack costing the life of John Doris, another inmate.
Unsupported by any evidence to warrant an indictment or trial, prison authorities as well as county officials find themselves at a standstill in their investigation.
Because of the bitter hatreds that exist among the penned up thugs and racketeers, the “tip” from gangland is alternately viewed as a good lead and as a blind “steer.”
Meanwhile, the menace of “Death Valley,” as No. 2 wing of the prison has come to be known because of the tragedies that occur periodically there, is being given renewed consideration. With Doris slain just a month after Frank Butcher, a deputy, was shot down in the same wing, “Death Valley” has been living up to its reputation. In addition, the tragedy which cost the life of Joseph Tinney occurred in the same place.
Another outbreak may be in the making because Doris had many friends among the convicts. According to the prison authorities, Doris had not “squealed” or given any information concerning others in the institution.
The investigation has brought to light that a prisoner, whose name has not been disclosed, was hit over the head in the sight of several prisoners in the yard several days ago. The blow has no serious results but an effort to identify his assailant also failed. Doris did not figure in that offense, the authorities feel certain.
Prosecutor Charles H. English, who went to the prison Friday to aid personally in the inquiry, stated last night that “there doesn’t seem to be much possibility of getting any further information at the present time.”
The wing is said to contain more than 20 killers, although all are not serving time at present for such offenses. Several lifers are also reported included.
Although the total in that wing approximates 450, with the men scattered in four tiers of cells, only two guards are on duty. A suggestion has been made that a “crow’s nest” be built so that a full view of the interior can be commanded.
Doris’ body was transferred from the Swayze & Margerum morgue on Greenwood Avenue yesterday afternoon to Philadelphia. Doris’ mother, who buried another son 10 days ago after he had been electrocuted in Pennsylvania for murder, arranged for the burial with B. H. Cavanaugh, Philadelphia undertaker. The funeral will be held Tuesday, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in that city.
Five Convicts Are Isolated in Knife Probe
Trenton Evening Times —
Five Convicts Are Isolated in Knife Probe
‘Chair for Somebody,’ Warden Comments, As Prison Investigation Continues
Colonel Edward B. Stone, warden of the State Prison, today placed two more prisoners in solitary confinement, making a total of five convicts now in solitary confinement for refusing to “squeal” on the murderer of convict John Doris.
“It means the chair for somebody,” said Colonel Stone, “and it will be harder to make them talk. But if it’s possible, we’ll break their ungodly code of honor and make them come through.”
Gangsters Attend Funeral of Doris
Trenton Evening Times —
Gangsters Attend Funeral of Doris
Slain Convict Buried in Phila. After 2000 View Body
Doris Kin Held in Attempt to Rob Store Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: George Doris, John Doris, Frank Doris, Joseph Carpani, William Henlon, George Schuyler, Milton Cahill, William Boettcher, Pomerantz Dress Company, Keystone Stationary Store, Garfield S. Pancoast, Royden Street, Broadway, and Market Street.
Gangland Is Blamed in Camden Shooting
Trenton Evening Times —
Gangland Is Blamed in Camden Shooting
(Associated Press)
CAMDEN, N. J., Nov. 13.—Joseph O’Connor, 29, of this city, was shot and seriously wounded near his home at Fifth and Walnut Streets today. His assailant, who fired from an automobile, escaped. Police believe Philadelphia gangsters did the shooting as one of three cars that drove away from the vicinity bore Pennsylvania license tags.
This was the second attempt made on O’Connor’s life within 18 months. He is a brother-in-law of Albert Sandes, who is on trial charged with the murder of a sailor in a brawl here a year ago.
On April 28, 1929, O’Connor was shot in the abdomen and chest. John Doris, brother of Frank Doris, one of the executed Philadelphia Olney bank bandits, was convicted of the shooting and sentenced to 10 years in State Prison at Trenton, where he was stabbed to death by another convict in April of this year.
Gang Bullets Are Fatal to ‘Joe’ O’Connor
Camden Morning Post —
Gang Bullets Are Fatal to ‘Joe’ O’Connor
Another Dead
South Camden Man Dies From Shooting on Street, Nov. 13
O’Connor’s Slayer May Be Trapped by Delirium of Victim
Camden Morning Post —
O’Connor’s Slayer May Be Trapped by Delirium of Victim
Dead Man Reported to Have Dropped Hint in Muttering Before End Came
Arrest Expected Soon
Joseph O’Connor
Camden Morning Post —
Joseph O’Connor
Funeral services will be held tomorrow for Joseph O’Connor, Camden gangster who died Tuesday in West Jersey Hospital.
Doris Brothers’ Pal Is Given Six Months
Camden Courier-Post —
Doris Brothers’ Pal Is Given Six Months
James Trainer Jailed on Charge of Loitering With Intent to Steal
Found guilty of “loitering with intent to steal,” James Trainer, 31, was sentenced to six months in the county jail by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast today. Trainer pleaded not guilty and gave as his address the home of the Doris brothers’ mother, Mrs. Emma McGovern, 132 York Street.