Introduction
George Goetz was born on September 11, 1830 in the village of Lintdorf, Kingdom of Wuertemberg, Germany. At the age of 20 he came to America. In 1856 he moved to Camden, where for a number of years he was in the employ of James Elwell, Esq. He later engaged in the hotel business at 336–338 Arch Street, and was a member of at least thirteen civic and fraternal organizations. He died on September 23, 1875 and was buried at Camden Cemetery with Masonic honors.
336–338 Arch Street
336–338 Arch Street, Camden
Named: 1885 Sanborn Map, 336, and 338 Arch is the building which had been George Goetz’s business.
Abe Lower Opens the Campaign
Camden Democrat —
On Wednesday night, this “champion of light weights” in the radical party, in company with Howard Lee, Willim [sic] Lee, Boston Peter, and others, opened the campaign in their usual way at Goetz’s Hotel. Lower accosted John Sands, Jr., of Gloucester City, who was present, and asked him why he did not put on a Grant cape and cap. Sands replied that he did not belong to that party, and that he was marshal of the Greeley and Brown Club of Gloucester City. Then it was that Lower struck Sands, and the crowd joined him in kicking and beating their victim in a cruel manner. When Sands recovered himself, he found that $17 and his hat had been taken from him. On Thursday morning Sands made complaint before Justice Cassady. On his way home, in company with Michael Kelly, he was attacked by the same party, led on by a Philadelphia rough named William Osburn. Lower made a blow at Sands, and the rest of the gang made for Kelly, but he was more than a match for them all, although struck by a brick in the back, thrown by Howard Lee. Kelly planted the blows all around. Bip—and down went one. Squlp—and a foot lifted Lower clear. Flam—and a blow by the ear “made the thunder for to roll” in that fellow’s ear. So, in turn, he put the “moral power” of goat town on each—laying them out in perfect order. Such a set of “soreheads,” profusely bandaged, are rarely seen. As the fight progressed, President Hackett of the City Council came up and ordered policemen Smith and Hollinger to arrest the whole party. They went over to the offenders, had a talk with them, and walked off. Having refused to make the arrests, Mr. Hackett started for the Mayor’s office to make complaint. If Mayor Gaul fails to bring them to account, he will fall short of his duty. Lower was subsequently arrested, and taken before Justice Cassady, to whom he was quite impertinent—wishing him to know that he, Lower, was “one of the sovereigns,” &c. He was held to bail for assault and battery and riotous conduct. George Gilbert and Thos. Lee are his sureties. Unless a severe penalty is placed upon these offenders, we shall have these disgraceful scenes frequently enacted between this and the election.
Death of a Worthy Citizen
Camden New Republic —
Death of a Worthy Citizen.—At an early hour on Thursday morning Mr. George Goetz died after a short illness. The deceased was born, on the 11th of September 1830, from humble parents in the beautiful village of Lintdorf, Kingdom of Wuertemberg, Germany, and when but 20 years of age, the spirit of liberty drove him to Columbia’s shore, he was soon noted for his industry. In 1856 the deceased moved to Camden and for a number of years he was in the employ of James Elwell, Esq. On quitting his services the deceased engaged in the hotel business and he has been eminently successful. Seven children were born to him but he was selected to witness the burial of them all. Following his beloved ones to heaven, the deceased will be remembered for many years to come by numerous friends, and the many lodges and societies of which he was an honored member will accompany his earthly remains to their resting place on Monday next.
GOETZ
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GOETZ.—On the 23d inst., GEORGE GOETZ, in the 45th year of his age. The relatives and friends of the family, also Mozart Lodge, No. 125, A. F. A. M.; Kane Arctic Lodge, No. 115, I. O. O. F.; Fred D. Stuart Encampment, No. 51; Nonpareil Grove, A. O. of D.; Herman Conclave, No. 53, U. O. S. W. M.; Washington Lodge, No. 5, A. O. of G. F.; Humboldt Lodge, No. 28, K. of P.; Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 2, I. O. R. M.; Company B, Sixth Regiment, N. G. S. N. J.; Philadelphia Deutsche Hospital Verein, Camden Maennerchor, Philadelphia Schutzen Verein, and the Camden Schutzen Verein, are invited to attend his funeral, from his late residence, Fourth and Arch streets, this Monday, the 27th Instant, at 2 P. M. To proceed to Camden Cemetery.
Large Funerals
Camden New Republic —
Large Funerals.—The late George Goetz was buried from his residence on Fourth street, on Monday last, with masonic honors. Deceased having been a member of not less than thirteen different organizations, his funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Camden, the various lodges turning out in great strength. The German singing societies, Maennerchor and Liedertafel executed some beautiful songs at the grave, in the Camden cemetery.