Frank J. Suttill

Frank J. Suttill was born on September 8, 1893 in Pennsylvania. His family moved to Camden County in 1902. He was the first Democrat ever elected to the post of County Clerk in the county. He ran for New Jersey State Assembly in 1926 and for Register of Deeds in the county in 1930, but lost both elections. At the time of the 1930 census, Frank Suttill was living in Whitman Park at 1121 Sheridan Street with his wife and two children. He was then working as a sheet metal worker.

Frank J. Suttill was named to serve on the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden in 1940, and later served as its Executive Director. He was deeply involved in the construction of the William Stanley Ablett Village and Chelton Terrace public housing projects in the early 1940s. Frank J. Suttill was elected County Clerk for Camden in 1940 and would serve in that capacity the rest of his life.

By 1950 he was living at 284 Park Avenue in Collingswood, NJ. He moved to 451 Magill Avenue in Collingswood, where he made his home until his passing in October of 1970.

More than 200 World War veterans last night pledged their support to A. Harry Moore, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, at a meeting of the Camden County A. Harry Moore Veterans’ League, held in the Fourteenth Ward Democratic Club, Seventh and Morgan streets.

The veterans, including members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Camden county, were addressed by Judge Frank F. Neutze, who was a lieutenant during the war; Ralph Wescott, Haddonfield freeholder candidate; Frank Suttill and Edward L. Canning.

Judge Neutze, chairman of the Camden league, announced that 678 veterans of Camden county have now pledged their support to Moore.

Candidacy of Moore to Be Expounded at Meetings in City and Suburbs

The campaign for A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local Democratic candidates, will be carried into six wards of the city and in seven communities of the county tonight.

All meetings and speakers are as follows:

Second Ward Democratic Club, 841 Market Street; Eugene Aumetre, John Crean, Vincent Gallagher, Leon H. Rose and Charles Woods.

Fourth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 455 Berkley Street; Samuel T. French, Victor King, Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and Rev. Robert H. Jackson.

Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Street; Frank Connor, Albert Melnik and Thomas Madden.

Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Vine Streets; Boyd Morrison, Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles Degnan and David L. Visor.

Seventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue; Dr. Leroy Baxter, of Jersey City; Isaac Eason, Dr. Clement Branch, Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving and Frank Suttill.

Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street; Boyd Morrison, Firmin Michel, Victor King, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving.

Gloucester City Democratic Club, 308 Monmouth street; Boyd Morrison, Gene Mariano, Joseph Varbalow.

Magnolia A. Harry Moore Club, Evesham and Gloucester avenues; Firmin Michel, Edward L. Canning, John Delaney, Marie V. Kelley and Francis Homan.

Lindenwold Colored Voters’ Club, Blackstone Hall, Lindenwold, Eugene Aumetre, William Williams and Oliver Bond.

Somerdale Club, Whelen home, Somerdale road and Oggs Avenue; Marie V. Kelly, David L. Visor and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland.

Somerdale Democratic Club, Leone Hall, Warwick Road and Helena Avenue; Samuel P. Orlando, Aaron Heine, Lawrence Gregorio and E. George Aaron.

East Haddonfield Democrat Club, Crescent and Berlin Road; Edward L. Canning, Albert Melnik and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

East Haddonfield Improvement Association, Batesville, Delaware Township; Ralph Wescott, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Mrs. Florence Melnik.

More than five speakers from North Jersey will appear at as many meetings as possible.

Bleakly Amending It to Apply to Camden and Trenton Alone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Such protection was not provided in the original bills.

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

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

To Retire Hillman

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

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

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

The Eagle Fire Hall, Erial road and Clearview avenue, Pine Hill, will be the scene of a huge Democratic rally and mass meeting tonight when state, county and local candidates and workers will address the voters.

Included among the local candidates who will speak are George F. Seib, for mayor; George McWilliams and Eldridge Scott, for borough council, three years; and John M. Ashenfelder, for borough council, un-expired term, and Mrs. Lillian Scott. Seib, who will act as chairman of the meeting, and Mrs. Scott are members of the Democratic county committee from Pine Hill.

The county candidates who will speak include Francis G. Homan, for state senator; Anthony F. Marino, for Assembly; Albert S. Marvel, Jr., for sheriff; Victor J. Scharle, for register of deeds; Ernest Dubin, Frank J. Suttill, Frank M. Lario, and others.

Frank J. Suttill, deputy clerk of the Camden City District Court, will address the Twelfth Ward Democratic Club tonight at its clubhouse, Federal Street near Twenty-seventh Street.

Suttill will deliver a “Resume of the Roosevelt Administration’s Achievements.” He also will discuss whether the Constitution should be amended and the power of the U. S. Supreme Court be curtailed.

In accordance with the new practice of the club, Bernard J. Tracy, county committeeman, arranges with some outstanding member of the Democratic Party to address the members each month.

Brunner Lauds Rulers for $40,000 Saving by Co-operation in Offices

$302,000 IS VOTED ON STREET BONDS

All departments of the city government were operated within the budget appropriations during 1937 and the city’s saving, as a result, was $40,000, Mayor George E. Brunner announced yesterday. “I believe it is the first time in years that all departments have finished a year without a single departmental deficit,” Brunner commented.

The Mayor expressed public thanks and commendation to his fellow commissioners for “whole-hearted cooperation with me, as the city’s chief fiscal officer, in giving the taxpayers a break.” Brunner’s announcement was made at the meeting of the city commission in connection with approval of routine interdepartmental transfers of unspent funds to balance the various bureau budgets. Figures for the individual departments were not released.

The commission approved the form of a $302,000 bond issue to pay the Pennsylvania railroad and subsidiaries for the right of way in Seventh street, purchased but not paid for by a previous commission.

The bonds will mature serially and will bear interest at 3% percent.

An ordinance amending the 1924 ordinance on protection, regulation and control of trees, in city parks and streets was passed on final reading.

Michel Explains Ordinance

Commissioner Frederick von Nieda asked Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., to explain the new provisions, and Hartmann referred him to City Solicitor Firmin Michel, who explained:

The 1924 ordinance vested powers to permit plantings or removals and to fix penalties in the “Department of Parks,” which does not exist.

The amendment vests these powers in the Bureau of Parks, the body which has control of trees and “other arboreal improvements.”

The amendment also substitutes for specific arbitrary penalties for violation, as provided in the original ordinance, the blanket city ordinance penalties of fines not to exceed $200 and imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both.

“In my opinion the old penalties were not valid because they were not left to the discretion of the magistrate presiding,” Michel said. “The city has the right to fix penalties, but must not attempt to take away the discretionary rights vested in magistrates.”

The vote was unanimous after this explanation.

City Fund Increased

Approval of two resolutions providing adjustments on taxes and other liens on two properties will give the city $1450 in cash.

The commission approved acceptance of $1000 from Sylvan I. Seligman in settlement of unpaid taxes and liens, including the year 1937, on premises designated as the North side of Baird boulevard, Bridge boulevard and Maplewood street.

The other resolution provided acceptance of $450 in settlement of municipal claims on a property at 331 Royden street. The adjustment was made with the Beckett Building & Loan Association.

“In both these cases Mayor Brunner was successful in obtaining more money than was offered originally,” Hartmann said.

In the first settlement, Hartmann said, the original amount was doubled and in the latter instance the amount was increased to give the city $150 additional. He then commended the Mayor for his record of driving consistently good bargains in tax settlements.

The election of three constables was approved. Hartmann nominated Peter Giardini, of 331 Beckett street, and Cyril J. Hughes, of 2262 South Eighth street. Commissioner Mary W. Kobus nominated Eugene Livingston, of 1025 Cooper street. All were elected for three year terms.

Bonds posted by James P. Conaghy, of the Sixth ward, and Frank J. Suttill, of the Seventh ward, both elected constables two weeks ago, were approved.

Title Sales Approved

Sale of three tax title certificates on as many properties was approved. Margaret A. Powell purchased the certificate covering the property at 506 Broadway upon agreement to pay all municipal liens.

Walter Dumbleton purchased certificates on property at 130 North Eleventh street and 2012 Arlington street, under a similar agreement.

Seven properties were acquired by payment of $175 for assignment of deeds. A resolution authorized the payment of $75 to Edward Handlers and wife for deeds covering 1418, 1420 and 1422 South Fourth street; payment of $75 to Elvena Simpson, for properties at 136, 138 and 140 Stanley street, and $25 to the Juniper Investment Corporation, covering premise’s at 1029 Segal street.

The commission approved cancellation of taxes and liens on three properties acquired by foreclosure.

A used car sales license for Walter Viegel, 1169 Cooper street, and transfer of the license of George R. Van Sciver from Twelfth and State streets to 2610 Federal street, were approved. Hartmann objected to granting licenses to dealers who leave cars parked in city streets.

“Between billboards, used car lots and cars parked in our city streets the City of Camden looks swell,” Hartmann said. He voted in favor of both licenses.

Rulers Approve Resolution Setting Up New Department Under Brunner

TRUCKS OF FLOWERS IN FUNERAL CORTEGE

Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.

Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.

The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.

A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.

Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269. V. F. W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D. A. V.

Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.

An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.

The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.

File Past Bier

A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.

Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.

James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.

Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.

Embraces Widow, Daughter

Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.

Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.

American Legion and V. F. W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.

Freeholders Arrive

Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.

Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.

Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets; led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin’s successor.

County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.

Outstanding Floral Tribute

Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.

A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.

The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.

The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.

Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.

Others at Bier

Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.

Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.

Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.

Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.

Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor’s office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.

Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.

James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.

Democrats to Slate Rest of Ticket at Parley Monday