Introduction
Dr. George M. Beringer Sr.
DR. GEORGE M. BERINGER SR. was born February 3, 1860 in Philadelphia PA to Levi D. and Rebecca Reinhart Beringer. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia in 1876, and from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1880, and began practicing pharmacy in Philadelphia. On October 3, 1882 he married Estella Wolfe of Camden NJ.
In 1892 the Beringers moved to Camden. George Beringer opened a pharmacy at 500 Federal Street which would survive into the 1950s. On May 13, 1900 the business barely escaped being destroyed when a large fire destroyed many homes and businesses in the 500 blocks of Federal Street and Taylor Avenue. George Beringer continued his education, receiving a Masters degree in pharmacy in 1903 and a Doctorate in 1914 from the University of the State of New Jersey.
Two sons were born to the Beringers, George M. Jr. in 1884, and Franklin L. Beringer the following year. Sadly, Franklin L. Beringer passed away in 1907.
Dr. Beringer was frequently called as an expert witness in State and Federal courts. He edited the American Journal of Pharmacy from 1917 to 1921, was the Chairman of the Board of trustees of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy from 1910 to 1921, was a member of the committee of revision of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia and of the National Formulary. A prolific writer on subjects relating to pharmacy, he authored two pamphlets in 1917, Pharmaceutical Service in the French Army and The Departments of the Government Need the Advice of the Drug Trade. He also authored several hundred articles in the pharmacy journals of his day. He was President of the American Pharmacists Association in 1914, and was a member of the American Chemists Society, and the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia.
In his non-professional life, Dr. Beringer enjoyed gardening. He was a member of the Philadelphia Botanical Association and the Camden Dahlia Society. He also was member of the Rotary Club of Camden and served at one time as a member of the Camden City Planning Commission.
Dr. & Mrs. Beringer had two sons, George M. Jr., born in 1883, and Franklin L. Beringer, who died young. The Beringers made their home for many years at 414 North 5th Street, near the corner of North 5th and Fulton Place, and were there from the 1910s through the time of the 1920 census. 414 North 5th Street was one of the homes taken and razed to make way for the Delaware River (Ben Franklin) Bridge, which was completed and opened to traffic in 1926.
Dr. George M. Beringer died in 1928, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, who joined him in 1940.
George M. Beringer Jr., who had followed his father into pharmacy, conducted the business after his father’s passing for many years. George M. Beringer Jr. and his family lived for many years at 1033 Cooper Street. George M. Beringer Jr. married Ada DuBell, the daughter of William DuBell and sister of Charles G. DuBell, the founders of the DuBell Lumber Company. George Beringer Jr. died in 1948. His son, George M. Beringer III, who was also involved in the family business, died in 1954.
Signature
Signature of Dr. George M. Beringer, from South Jersey: A History 1624–1924
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A black horse was stolen from Julius Taylor’s stable at 1193 Penn street.
Jurors for the April term of court were drawn yesterday by Sheriff Baird.
George M. Berringer, a Camden druggist, has caused the arrest of Samuel B. Gaw, of Philadelphia, in Newark, N. J., on the charge of getting him to advance $25 on a bogus check.
Henry L. Bonsall, editor of the Camden Post, read a very interesting paper last evening at the Court House before the new Camden County Historical Society, of which he is president. The paper was on “Personal Recollections.”
Chief Elfreth, of the Fire Department, and his driver, Joseph Maxwell, came near being run down by a train at Fifth street and Bridge avenue while answering an alarm of fire on Monday night.
Destructive Work of Flames in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FLAMES’ WILD LEAP
Three Blocks Were Burning, When Aid Was Summoned From Philadelphia
4 ENGINES RESPONDED
Quaker City Fire Fighters Mastered the Foe and Were Heartily Cheered
ESTIMATED LOSS $225,000
Children playing with matches started a conflagration in Camden yesterday afternoon that destroyed nearly half a hundred buildings, rendered about forty families homeless and caused the destruction of $225,000 worth of property. It was the biggest fire in the history of the city and for a time threatened the destruction of several blocks of buildings in the heart of the city. So rapidly did the fire spread that the local Fire Department was unable to cope with the flames and called on Philadelphia for aid. Chief Baxter sent four engine companies across the river and it was due to their valiant efforts that the fire was mastered, and the block bounded by Federal and Fifth streets and Broadway and Hudson street was saved from destruction.
The flames started about 3 o’clock in the rear of the Market House, the south side of Federal street, between Fourth and Fifth streets. Arthur Rose, 6 years old, of 325 Taylor avenue, and Thomas Pinkerton, 3 years old, of 408 Taylor avenue, were playing in the rear of the market house, which extended through to Taylor avenue. The Delaware and Atlantic Telegraph and Telephone Company used the rear half of the building as a storage house for valuable electrical appliances, telephones, batteries, etc. Just outside the building were piled up 300 wooden cross arms for electric poles.
Fun for the Boys
The lads had some matches and set fire to a string hanging out of a barrel filled with excelsior. Then they stepped back and clapped their hands in childish glee as they saw the fire creep slowly up the string. In a moment the excelsior had caught fire and the barrel burst into flame setting fire to the pile of cross arms and some equally inflammable material inside the market house.
The children, trembling with fear when they saw the result of their playful deed, ran to their homes. Young Pinkerton rushed into his house, directly across the street, and told his father, William Pinkerton, that the market house was on fire. But a square away, at Fifth and Arch streets, is the headquarters of the Camden Fire Department. It took Pinkerton but a minute or two to run there and give the alarm. This was at 3:05 o’clock.
As quickly as possible the firemen responded. So rapidly did the flames spread that by the time the firemen reached the burning building the market house, with a frontage of about 100 feet on Federal street and extending through to Taylor avenue, was like a roaring furnace. The building had a high, oval roof. Fanned by a strong westerly breeze, the flames rushed through the shell like building and began to spread on both sides. The flames also leaped across Taylor avenue, a fifteen-foot thoroughfare, and began to gut a row of fifteen two-story brick and frame buildings on the south side.
As soon as Chief Elfreth arrived on the scene he saw that he had a desperate battle before him. Alarm after alarm was sent in quick succession, until every piece of fire apparatus and every fireman in the city was summoned to the scene. This force included four combined engine and hose companies, three additional hose companies from the East Side and South Camden, two chemical engine companies and two hook-and-ladder truck companies. Then the big extra engine kept at fire headquarters for emergency purposes was brought out and pressed into service. Scores of old volunteer firemen lent a hand with the hose, and the entire police force was called out.
Still the flames could not be gotten under control, and continued to spread. Within fifteen minutes after the firemen arrived on the scene the roof of the market house fell with a roar that could be heard for squares.
Now the fire took a great leap and assumed the proportions of a conflagration. The westerly breeze had carried a shower of sparks up Taylor avenue, and, jumping Fifth street and Samuel Davis’ livery stable, on the west side, they set fire to the roof of Joseph Swing’s house, at 509 Taylor avenue. The dwelling was soon in a fierce blaze and the flames extended to the rear of the wholesale drug and patent medicine store of William Cowgill, at 518 Federal street.
By this time it was seen that the entire block of business houses and dwellings on Federal street east of Fifth was in danger. The local firemen had all they could do to cope with the flames in the lower block, as the fire had leaped across Federal street to the roofs and fronts of several buildings on the north side. Aid was needed, and Chief of Police Foster, at 4:20 o’clock, telephoned to the Electrical Bureau in Philadelphia. Word was telegraphed to Chief Baxter, of the Fire Department, and although he had just subdued a big blaze in his own city and many of his men were still at work, the Chief promptly dispatched Engine Companies Nos. 6, 21, 22 and 43 to Camden, in charge of Assistant Chief Edward A. Waters.
Philadelphia to the Rescue
Too much credit cannot be given the Philadelphia firemen for the work they did, as it was due entirely to their efforts that the block above Fifth street was saved. As the Quaker City fire companies dashed up Federal street they were greeted with cheers from the crowd of spectators that drowned the roar of the flames. The engines were quickly put in service and streams were turned on the blazing Cowgill store, which was then nothing but a shell. The fire in the rear had destroyed the dwelling houses, Nos. 509-11-13-15-17-19-21-23 Taylor avenue, and Nos. 516 and 520-22 Federal street were gutted.
Foreman George Hood, of Engine Company No. 6, of Philadelphia, in trying to escape from a falling roof while fighting the flames in William Grosscup’s house, at 510 Federal street, ran outside and collided with a hitching post with such force as to break one of his ribs. Twelve members of the Camden Emergency Medical and Surgical Corps, with Doctor H. H. Davis at their head, were present. After examining Foreman Hood, they sent him to Cooper Hospital. The Emergency Corps also rendered aid to a man who went into convulsions over the excitement of seeing his house burning and to Mrs. James Morris, of No. 1 South Fifth street, who ran a nail through her foot.
Fire’s Wild Sweep
With the addition of the Philadelphia fire fighters to their force the Camden firemen tackled the fire with renewed energy and soon the streams from the nine engines got the mastery of the flames. Then it was merely a matter of drowning out the blazes in detail. The wide swath cut by the flames may be judged from the fact that 47 buildings were destroyed or badly damaged, and the fire’s ravages extended to four blocks.
The market house, on Federal street, above Fourth, was burned to the ground only the front wall being left standing. The old postoffice building on the east was gutted and M. S. Irvin’s grocery store and dwelling adjoining was badly damaged. On the west of the market house B. F. Sutton & Sons jewelry store and dwelling and Barber Charles Williams’ residence, at 412 and 410 Federal street, were damaged in the upper stories. The flames burned the fronts and roofs of Nos. 415 to 423 Federal street, on the north side. On Taylor avenue a row of thirteen brick and two frame houses on the south side and Nos. 403 and 427-29 on the north side were gutted. Houses Nos. 1 to 15, on the west side of South Fifth street, burned out in the rear and the roofs were destroyed. Cowgill’s drug store, at 518 Federal street, was burned to the ground, and Nos. 514, 516, 520 and 522 were gutted. On Taylor avenue, above Fifth street, Nos. 519-11-13 were destroyed, nothing but the brick chimneys being left standing. The fire gutted Nos. 515 to 523. The roof of the wholesale and retail drug store of George M. Beringer, northeast corner of Fifth and Arch streets, caught fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished. The building is filled with chemicals and valuable drugs.
The residents along Taylor avenue are of the poorer class and they made desperate efforts to save their possessions. Furniture was carried out and piled promiscuously in a heap on Fifth street. Much of it is so badly damaged that it is useless.
Plenty of Water
There was a scarcity of water when all the engines first started to work on the fire, but this was quickly remedied by Chief of the Water Department F. Walter Toms telephoning to the Pavonia Pumping Station and having the five-million gallon emergency pump put to work sucking water from the Delaware River and adding it to the artesian well supply. When the Philadelphia firemen found they had a pressure of from 100 to 139 pounds from a 10-inch main with five other engines taking a supply from the same source they declared they would like to have an equal force at some of the fires in their city.
The flames were gotten under control about 5:45 o’clock and shortly after 7 o’clock, after they had rendered all the service possible, the Philadelphia firemen returned across the river. They were greeted with rousing cheers as they drove back to the ferry. Camden Lodge of Elks, at Broadway and Federal streets, kept open house for the firemen and the restaurants of Edward Foster and S. B. Morris furnished food to the firemen without cost.
THIEVES AT WORK.
Sneak thieves took advantage of the flight of those whose homes were being burned out and began to pillage the houses of valuables under the guise of carrying furniture out to places of safety. Mrs. Robert Wible, of No. 3 South Fifth street, reported to the police that a gold watch and three gold rings were stolen from her house. Several articles of value were carried off from other houses, but the owners could not tell what was missing until they got their goods straighten out from the pile in which they were thrown.
Policeman Toy caught a man who is said to have taken a pocketbook out of Charles Foulon’s residence, at 524 Federal street. He was locked up and gave the name of Harry A. Miller, of 235 Berkley street.
When Chief of Police Foster telephoned to Philadelphia for assistance Superintendent Quirk generously offered to send a squad of policemen across the river to help the Camden blue coats protect property. While appreciating the offer Chief Foster thought the Camden policemen would be able to handle the situation.
After the flames were gotten under control Post 5, G. A. R. Hall, at Fifth street and Taylor avenue, and the old armory building, at West and Bridge avenue, were placed at the disposal of the homeless. Kind neighbors provided temporary quarters for the little ones.
During the services in North Baptist Church last evening a collection was taken for the fire sufferers that netted $110.89. John W. Cheney, C. W. Nichols and F. W. Potter were appointed a committee to distribute the money. Additional subscriptions will be received by the New Jersey Trust and Safe Deposit Company, at Third and Market streets, where Mr. Potter is paying teller.
The fire was so hot that the first line of hose run down Taylor street was burned up before a stream of water could be sent through it. The boys who started the fire were parolled by the police in the custody of their parents. Each lad accused the other of applying the match to the string.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case
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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. George M. Beringer was called on to examine and investigate the forensic evidence of the crime, and to testify at the trial. Woodward was arrested on October 4, 1902, was indicted, tried, convicted of murder in the first degree, and on January 7, 1903 executed at the Camden County Jail.
People mentioned in connection with this case: 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 – 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 – Hugh Boyle – George H. Stineford Sr. – Frank S. Albright – Thomas Walton – Dr. William H. Iszard – Cooper School – Trinity Baptist Church – Linden School
Philadelphia Inquirer, October 5, 1902. Mentioned: 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, Benson Street, North 3rd Street. Click image for PDF.
Camden’s Mystery Is Still Unsolved
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Paul Woodward’s Mother and Two Men Locked Up in the County Jail—Woman Lawyer to Defend the Prisoner
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MORE ARRESTS IN CAMDEN MYSTERY. Click image for PDF.
Woodward Writ to Be Argued To-Day
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Woodward Smiled When He Heard Death Verdict
Philadelphia Inquirer —
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.
More Arrests in Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Paul Woodward’s Mother and Two Men Locked Up in the County Jail—Woman Lawyer to Defend the Prisoner
Mrs. Keeler Demanding Admittance to the Camden County Jail.
Mrs. Annie Irving Keeler,
Camden’s female lawyer, who has been engaged to defend young Woodward.
Following the statement given out Thursday night by Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd that the authorities have the right man in jail for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, whose bodies were found near Haddon Heights just a week ago to-day, the story of a confession by Paul Woodward, the accused youth, as exclusively told in The Inquirer last Wednesday, yesterday became public property. In this confession by Woodward he denies having killed the boys. He has told half a dozen stories already, all of which are different with the exception that he maintains he did not commit the crime. He says the motive was robbery and that he put a New York thug on the track of the boys last Wednesday week when the murdered lads were supposed to have a considerable sum of money on them. Woodward was to receive a reward, $50 for turning the youngsters over to the New Yorker.
The accused youth says he escorted young Coffin and Jennings out the White Horse pike to Haddon Heights, where they fell in with the mysterious person from New York whom the detectives made a fruitless effort to locate. Other stories told by Woodward were found to have in them no truth whatever.
Woodward Alone Guilty
In the mind of the Prosecutor, according to his statement of Thursday night, Woodward is alone guilty of taking the lives of the boys. Prosecutor Lloyd, who has been confined at his home on the East Side with rheumatism, was at his office yesterday for the first time in several days. When asked whether Woodward had made a complete confession he declined to discuss the subject.
More Arrests Made
Contrary to the inference to be gathered from the prosecutor’s statement, three additional arrests were made yesterday. There was much surprise when it was learned that Mrs. Woodward, mother of the prisoner, had been arrested by County Detectives Smith and Cherry. With her were also taken in custody Charles May, 60 years old, and William May, an East Indian, both of whom boarded at the Woodward home on Benson street. When asked the significance of the three arrests Prosecutor Lloyd said:
“It was deemed advisable to lock them up as witnesses and possible accessories after the fact.”
Annie Irving Keeler, Camden’s woman lawyer, announced yesterday afternoon she had been retained by Mrs. Woodward to defend the latter’s son. Mrs. Keeler at once endeavored to see the client, but she was denied admittance to the jail by the prosecutor, who said she had no right to see Woodward unless he himself had sent for her.
Admitted to Jail
Mrs. Keeler then went to the jail door and demanded admittance of Jailer Entriken. She was permitted to enter and visited Woodward’s cell, where she conferred with the prisoner for nearly an hour.
Prosecutor Lloyd went to Haddon Heights yesterday afternoon in company with County Physician Jones and County Detective Smith. The Prosecutor for the first time went over the field where the boys were slain.
Woodward was again questioned by the Prosecutor yesterday. He was taken to the Prosecutor’s office, where at the same time was Chemist George Beringer, who is analyzing the boys’ internal organs. Woodward and Chemist Beringer were alone in the office for ten minutes. Mr. Beringer held a conference with the Prosecutor that lasted one hour and twenty minutes. It was stated he had not presented his report of the chemical analysis.
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.
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.
Deep Mystery Still Envelops Camden Tragedy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Authorities Apparently at Sea Regarding Theory for Lads’ Taking Off
THEY WERE MURDERED
Such Is the Belief of Prosecutor Lloyd and Others in the Case
WOODWARD UNDER FIRE
Declares Not Guilty of the Awful Crime—Two Boys to Be Buried To-day
Not since the Shaw murder of a few years ago has the Camden public been so much aroused as it is over the mysterious deaths of Price Jennings and John Houseman Coffin, the two lads of prominent families whose bodies were found Saturday morning lying in an uncultivated field at Haddon Heights.
City and county officials yesterday strove with all their abilities to throw some light on the mystery, but nothing of a startling character was evolved and the motive for the crime seems to be obscure.
As was to be expected, crowds of the morbidly curious tramped through the rain, over muddy roads and through a wild growth of brambles and weeds to get a view of the two spots where the bodies were found. Pieces of the chestnut tree, bark, limbs and leaves were carried off as mementoes. The spot where Coffin was found was marked by a pole stuck in the ground and from the top of which fluttered a piece of an umbrella covering.
The Motive Debated
During the day Prosecutor Lloyd, who is conducting the investigation, would say little. When pressed as to the motive of the crime he said he was of the opinion that it was either a case of malicious killing resulting from degeneracy, or the result of a desire for robbery.
A local physician, prominently identified with the case, said he is firmly convinced it is a clear case of murder. Whether the boys met their death by means of poison or strangulation he would not say, but inferred it was one of these methods that had ended their lives.
George M. Berringer, the Camden chemist, to whom were given the internal organs of the boys for analysis, began his work yesterday. He said it would take until to-morrow and probably longer to complete his analysis. He also said he would not stop if he found no traces of chloral, but would make a thorough examination in an endeavor to find any poison that might have been administered. In consequence of the length of time it will take to make the analysis Coroner Latchfield said he would not hold an inquest in the case for a week at least.
Detectives on the Scene
County Detectives Smith and Cherry and City Detective John Painter spent a portion of yesterday going over the scene of the tragedy. They reported they had found no new developments.
The work of weaving a web of guilt about Paul Woodward, the youth who was arrested charged by William Coffin, father of one of the boys, on information received from Detective Cherry, with “unlawfully, feloniously and of his malice aforethought, killing and murdering one John H. Coffin,” is proceeding rather slowly. The detectives yesterday started to run out the stories as given out by Woodward concerning his whereabouts on the days covering the disappearance of the dead boys.
Woodward was taken before Prosecutor Lloyd yesterday morning. The boy’s mother was also present. He was the centre of a crossfire of questions, but stolidly stood by his previous statements. He could not be shaken in a single instance, it was stated. The Prosecutor said it is a mistaken idea that Woodward is dull and listless. On the contrary he says his answers to questions give evidence of a fairly bright mind.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Prosecutor Lloyd late last night gave out this statement: “I have had Woodward under examination two or three times during the day. He reported his movements for the last week and adhered tenaciously to his original story that he had nothing to do with the doing away of the two children. I am awaiting the result of the chemical analysis of the organs of the two boys. There were no signs of strangulation, no bruises, scratches or scars excepting a slight cut on the left hand of one of the boys.”
Woodward spent Saturday night and yesterday in the manner of prisoners who are charged with petty offenses. Once, Saturday night, he is said to have cried. Aside from this evidence of feeling he slept and ate his food as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
All the necessary arrangements for the funeral of the two boys have been completed and they will be buried this afternoon, young Coffin from his home, 305 North Third street, and Jennings from his home, 213 North Third street. Both funerals will be strictly private and no one except the respective families will be permitted to see the bodies.
Say Boys Were Seen
Several stories came from Haddon Heights to the effect that the boys were seen Wednesday afternoon near the spot where their bodies were found.
John Mann, colored, says he saw the two boys about 11 o’clock Wednesday morning on the Haddonfield road. Later he saw them under the chestnut tree in company with a man about 35 years old.
Edward Lippincott, who has a farm just below the scene of the murder, said a man who serves him with ice saw the boys about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. While he was not positive they were the boys, they tallied with the description.
The theory has been advanced the ill-fated lads met their deaths through eating some poisonous berry, but residents say there is nothing about there that would cause their death.
From what several persons say who saw the bodies before they were moved, they must have been laid down carefully, especially that of young Coffin, under whose head had been placed his hat neatly folded.
The small bottle of pellets taken from Woodward, which it was expected would figure in the case, were given back to him yesterday. They were simply homeopathic remedies given him at the Hahnemann Hospital.
The Trinity Baptist Sunday school yesterday adopted resolutions of regret and condolence on the death of young Jennings.
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.
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.
Morphia Killed Two Camden Boys
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Chemist Beringer Makes His Report to Prosecutor Lloyd—Another Witness in Murder Case
George M. Beringer, the chemist who made an analysis of the organs of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, who were found dead near Haddon Heights, two weeks ago, has made a report of his findings to Prosecutor Lloyd.
It was stated yesterday by an official in a position to know that Mr. Beringer found traces of enough morphia in each of the boys’ stomachs to kill a man. What seems to puzzle the authorities is to learn in what manner it was administered. It is not believed it was given them in a liquid and there were no traces of food such in which it could have been secreted.
The authorities yesterday discovered another witness who saw the three boys together in the field a short distance from where the bodies were found. They refuse to divulge his name.
No day has as yet been fixed for the trial of the alleged murderer, Young Paul Woodward, but it is believed if Prosecutor Lloyd’s health will permit the case will be disposed of early in November. Woodward spends most of his time in smoking cigarettes and discussing with all who will converse with him his chances for being sent to State prison.
Officers Traced Woodward’s Steps
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Authorities Rest After Weaving What They Believe to Be Strong Chain of Evidence About the Alleged Youthful Murderer
Detective William D. Hart
Detective John Painter
Camden City detectives who have done some good work in helping to bring about a solution of the murder mystery.
In less than one week from the discovery of the bodies of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, near Haddon Heights, the city and county authorities of Camden have apparently solved the mystery of the most cruel murder in the history of the county. Paul Woodward the authorities are certain is that murderer. The motive was robbery. The officers say Woodward expected to get a large sum of money. A form of chloral used by photographers was administered. An overdose was given and death resulted where unconsciousness only was planned.
In the cell formerly occupied by Francis Abbatto, who was executed for an atrocious murder, Woodward is acting like a crazy man. In another wing of the jail Mrs. Edith Barber, his alleged paramour, refuses to eat and the authorities believe she is trying to starve herself to death.
Authorities Rest
Independent of Woodward’s latest confession the authorities have built such a stone wall of facts against him that at the conclusion of yesterday’s work the officials practically took their first rest since the discovery of the crime.
Mrs. Annie Irving Keeler, who was retained to defend Woodward, has withdrawn from the case, it is said on the advice of her physician. It is known, however, that at an interview with Woodward in jail yesterday he abused Mrs. Keeler.
Mrs. Woodward, mother of Paul, has been released from jail after making a complete statement and giving the law officers the right to enter and search her home at will. County Detective Smith yesterday found several more important witnesses.
Wanted to See Prosecutor
On Friday afternoon, while Prosecutor Lloyd was in consultation with George M. Beringer, the expert chemist, Woodward expressed a desire to see the prosecutor. He was taken to the latter’s office and in a half hour’s conversation talked freely of his crime. He said he had known both the boys for a long time. Attaches of the prosecutor’s office say Woodward thought the boys’ parents were wealthy and that it would be easy for them to get possession of a large sum of money. It was an easy matter for him, with the wonderful tales of adventure he had read, to so fill the boys’ heads that it would be no trouble for him to lure them from home, drug and rob them and have several hours’ advantage of flight before the discovery of the crime.
Left on Wednesday
Last Wednesday was fixed for the departure of the trio. They left according to schedule, going by trolley to West Collingswood. The Prosecutor has traced the trio along the White Horse pike and at a stop made at the Cyclers’ Rest, where soft stuff and pies were purchased from Miss Lillian Martin. Then they entered the field. Here it was that a drink was suggested, according to the authorities. Filling a can Woodward, after pretending to drink, gave it to the boys. Between them they emptied it. The Jennings boy fell unconscious on the spot. The Coffin boy wandered away. Shortly afterwards, the authorities say, Woodward robbed their bodies, came to Camden and wrote a letter to Mrs. Barber, which the authorities have. When arrested he had just returned from her home, near Marlton, N. J. The watch which the Jennings boy wore has not been recovered, although the authorities are on its track and expect to get it.
After being taken back to the jail yesterday Woodward began to act queerly. At times he would wave his hands and arms like a windmill. He followed this by jumping to and fro like a hobby-horse in action. He varied this by crouching on the floor of his cell and barking like a dog. At night he screamed and yelled until sleep was impossible for the rest of the prisoners. A threat of Jailor John Lee to lock him up in the dungeon caused him to cease.
Coroner Litchfield said last night that the analysis of the boys’ stomachs will not be completed for two weeks and that the inquest will not be held until that date.
Another Arrest in Murder Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
West Philadelphian and a Supposed Companion of Young Paul Woodward Taken in Custody
There is but little remaining in the way of a mystery for the Camden county authorities to clear up in the murder case of little John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, of Camden. After working practically day and night during the past week Prosecutor Lloyd and his able assistants have brought to light such strong evidence against Paul Woodward, the young man in the county jail charged with the crime, that it will be next to impossible to refute it.
The sixth arrest in the case was made yesterday, when James Sheiding was taken into custody by County Detective Smith and committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse as “a material witness.” Sheiding, who lives in West Philadelphia, was lured across the river to Camden, when Detective Smith at once took him in custody.
The prisoner is believed to be the companion of Woodward who, on the Friday night preceding the discovery of the murdered boys, was in the company of the accused murderer. On that occasion it is said Woodward had considerable money and that Sheiding assisted him in spending it.
Woodward did not give any evidence yesterday of being insane. On the other hand he was very quiet and evidently saw the futility of trying to make the Prosecutor believe him to be of unsound mind. He utterly refused to take part in the regular Sunday jail services. His whole concern seemed to be as to whether or not his mother would visit him to-day. He was of the opinion yesterday that his mother had gone to West Chester, where she is said to have relatives of means. Woodward thinks such a visit would result in him having sufficient funds with which to engage counsel.
Mrs. Edith Barker, the woman witness against Woodward, is very ill. Two of her children are ill with typhoid fever and the worry over this in connection with her important part in the case has made her one of the most wretched prisoners ever incarcerated at the county prison. Prosecutor Lloyd tried to have her admitted to a hospital, but his efforts were unavailing.
In all probability the case will come up before the present grand jury and be tried this month. Prosecutor Lloyd said last night that as soon as Chemist Beringer has made his report on his analysis of the viscera of the boys the Coroner’s inquest will be held. Immediately the court will be asked to take up the case.
Good Price for Expert Testimony
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden county will have to pay $3100 for the expert testimony which figured in the State’s case in the murder trial of Paul Woodward, who was convicted of murder. The bill was presented to Auditor George, of the Board of Freeholders, yesterday. The bill is divided as follows:
Dr. Marshall, toxicologist, $1200; Geo. M. Beringer, chemist, $1200; Dr. Coplin and assistants who performed the autopsy on the bodies, $350; Professor Hobart Hare, medical expert, $300, and $50 for sundries.
Camden to Have Another Daily Newspaper
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden is to have another daily newspaper. The stockholders met yesterday and elected these officers: President, George M. Beringer; vice president, William E. Anthony; secretary, Newton B. T. Roney; treasurer, John Danenhower. It will be called the Daily News, and while it is to be a business proposition, it will be established mainly for the advocacy of the Colby-Record movement in New Jersey. It will be opposed to present local political conditions.
Want Property for Wharves
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s Board of Trade has received much support from the local business men in connection with the contemplated project for the city to purchase the extensive Dialogue property. Located below Kaighn’s Point and of considerable area, the property is looked upon as ideal for the establishment of municipal wharves. A special committee of the board, including Charles S. Boyer, George M. Beringer, William J. Cooper and Charles M. Curry, has been looking into the proposition and it was stated yesterday that the movement will shortly be brought to a focus. At present the property is in the hands of a receiver and the committee believes it could be purchased at better advantage than if a private corporation was in possession.
The Smoke Nuisance and Its Abatement
Camden Board of Trade —
Camden Board of Trade, May 1916 — featuring Dr. George M. Beringer.
Police Department Changes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There were a number of changes in Camden’s Police Department yesterday, by Mayor Ellis. He appointed Sergeant John Golden successor to Captain Hugh Boyle, recently placed on the pension list. Patrolman Howard Smith was made a city detective, and Hall Officer James Clay was made a hall sergeant. Motorcycle Policemen Jefferson Kay and Charles Laib were appointed traffic sergeants, while Patrolmen Edmund Pike and Albert Cornog were made traffic policemen. Patrolman Robert Abbott was appointed a sergeant. Mayor Ellis has received the resignations of G. M. Beringer and Myers Baker as members of the City Plan Commission, the first getting out because of pressing business and the other because of going to Camp Dix.
From South Jersey: A History 1624–1924
GEORGE M. BERINGER—As a practicing pharmacist, as a manufacturer of pharmaceutical preparations and ethical medicines, as an expert in State and Federal courts in cases involving medicines and poisons, as an editor and author of notable repute in his profession, and as a leader in scientific and professional societies, Dr. George M. Beringer, the distinguished pharmacist of Camden, New Jersey, has few rivals to compete with him for supremacy in his profession. His manifold activities cover practically every phase of pharmacy, and whenever vital decisions affecting the profession are to be made his suggestion or advice is generally sought.
George M. Beringer, who designates himself simply as chemist and pharmacist, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1860, the son of Levi D. and Rebecca (Reinhart) Beringer. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and in the Central High School of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1876, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from which he received the Master’s degree five years later.
His early education developed a predisposition toward the sciences and he decided to take up the drug business as a vocation. Within a few weeks after graduating from high school he entered the employ of Bullock & Crenshaw, a leading Philadelphia firm engaged in the wholesale and retail drug business and in the supplying of chemicals and laboratory apparatus. Determined to thoroughly master student detail of his chose calling, he became a student in pharmacy and chemistry at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and was graduated from in l880. The degree of scholarship to which this testifies is the better realized when it is recalled that he was then only twenty years of age. Not contented with his knowledge of analytical chemistry and the methods of research, he took post-graduate instruction in the evenings with Dr. Henry Leffmann, the noted chemist and toxicologist, of Philadelphia, in the doctor’s private laboratory. In 1903, in recognition of his attainments and the valuable contributions to the various fields of science related to pharmacy, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy conferred upon, him the honorary degree of Master of Pharmacy. In 1914, the University of the State of New Jersey bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Pharmacy.
After his graduation, George M. Beringer continued the practice of pharmacy in Philadelphia, where he remained with his preceptors for twelve years more. During the period he rose rapidly in the esteem of the profession, and the important responsibilities which devolved upon him, he ably managed.
In 1892, he resigned to engage in business on his own account. He purchased the retail pharmacy of the late Albert P. Brown, which had been established at the northeast corner of Federal and Fifth streets, Camden, since 1862, and enjoyed the confidence of the medical profession and the patronage of the leading citizens of Camden City and surrounding suburban communities. This business under the management of Mr. Beringer has been continuously developed and expanded until it now embraces, in addition to the thoroughly equipped retail pharmacy, a wholesale department and laboratories for the manufacture of high class medical and pharmaceutical supplies, perfumes and toilet articles. The demands of this growing business became such, that in 1921 it was incorporated under the name of George M. Beringer, Inc., and properties situated at the southeast corner of Federal and Fifth streets with a frontage of forty feet and a depth of one hundred and forty-five feet with light and street ways on three sides, were purchased as the site for the future home of the business and to meet the present and future needs of the greatly expanded enterprise. This corporation is destined to become one of the largest in the country and its business is becoming more and more national in its scope, Dr. Beringer’s unimpeachable reputation giving the firm a standing that is of incalculable value, in the pursuit of the manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical preparations and reliable standard medicines.
His scientific connections are many. In 1892 he was chosen as the director of the Microscopical Laboratory, then conducted by the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and performed the duties of this position for two years until the association turned the laboratory over to the botanical department of the institution. For four years (1917–1921) he was editor of the American Journal of Pharmacy, the oldest American publication in its field. He has served as a member of the Committee of Revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia for the decade 1910–1920, and also during two revisions as a member of the Committee of Revision of the National Formulary. For a period of twenty-eight years (1893–1921) he was a trustee of his alma mater, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and chairman of its board of trustees from 1910 to 1921. In 1913–14 he was president of the American Pharmaceutical Association, which bears the same important relations to pharmacy as the American Medical Association bears to medicine. Of this organization he has been a member for many years and presided at the annual meeting held in Detroit in 1914. He is a member also of the American Chemical Society, the Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Botanical Club, which he served for a time as president; the National Pharmaceutical Service Association, of which he was president during 1917–19, the period of American participation in the World War; and the New Jersey Pharmaceutical Association, of which he was president in 1905; and he is an honorary member of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association and of the Maryland Pharmaceutical Association.
Dr. Beringer has written many articles published in current pharmaceutical publications. He has served the State and Federal Government as chemical expert in several noted criminal cases, as well as in civil cases requiring special knowledge of toxicology, chemical methods and trade conditions. He is an adherent of Democratic principles in politics and was a member of the first Camden City Plan Commission. He was active in the Camden Board of Trade and has been a director in its successor, the Camden Chamber of Commerce, serving on a number of important committees. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his club affiliations are the Rotary Club, the Civic Club, the Camden Club, and the Philadelphia Botanical Club.
Dr. Beringer married, October 3, 1882, Estella F. Wolfe, of Camden, daughter of George Washington Wolfe and Ezilda (Rendolph) Wolfe, and they are the parents of two children: 1. George M., Jr., born January 30, 1884, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and now associated with his father in business. He was formerly president of the New Jersey Pharmaceutical Association, and member of the State Board of Pharmacy. 2. Franklin L., born December 27, 1885, died August 9, 1907.
Rotary Club Lends to 16 College Boys
Camden Courier-Post —
Eight Camden Youths, Now Graduates, Are Repaying Loans
Eight Camden boys last September were able to continue their studies in college and universities because, back in 1923, a Camden service club established a loan fund to aid worthy students.
Eight Camden boys, graduates of college, now are repaying various amounts of money advanced them from the College Loan Fund of the Camden Rotary Club. Five years ago, the club raised by subscription among its members a fund of $2,500. This has been augmented each year by appropriations from the club funds, and now the college loan fund amounts to nearly $5,000.
College and university students, both boys and girls, from Camden County, are eligible to borrow.
The fund is administered by a board of trustees, including Dr. George M. Beringer, chairman; Arthur E. Armitage, Treasurer; Charles H. Wagner, George Vollner, and Edward A. Mechling.
No Interest is charged until one year after graduation. It is the hope of the Rotary Club that loans will be re-paid “first obligation” during the “first year out.”
Of the sixteen students helped by the fund, four have gone to Syracuse University, two each to Gettysburg, Lehigh and Springfield and one each to George Washington University, University of Delaware, Rutgers, Swarthmore, Cornell and the Silver Bay School.
To add to this fund the Rotary Club will produce during the centennial celebration in Camden next month one of the most elaborate semi-professional shows ever staged in this region. This “Rotary Revue” will be staged at the New Walt Whitman Theatre, Forty-eighth Street and Westfield Avenue, February 27 and 28.
William M. Ogden, product of the dramatic school of Syracuse University and a protégé of Miss Lucy Dean Wilson, is in charge of the production. It will feature, among other acts, the Newton Coal Serenaders, who are well known from their frequent weekly radio broadcasts of the Newton Coal Radio Forum. Through the generosity of Charles A. Johnson, president of the George B. Newton Coal Company, Clarence Fuhrman, Camden musician, will be guest-conductor at both performances.
“We Make It”
Camden Courier-Post —
It has always been our policy, wherever possible, to make, ourselves, the medicines we supply.
You are thus assured of freshest material, most skillfully handled.
Again and again, comparison of “Bought” with “Home Made” preparations has convinced us of the wisdom of this.
The statement, “We Make It Ourselves,” carries a meaning all its own to our friends.
“IN PRESCRIPTIONS BERINGER LEADS” — BERINGER, FIFTH & FEDERAL, BELL 3543
Garage Watchman Foils Whiskey Theft
Camden Courier-Post —
Tells Police of Man With Box; Liquor From Drugstore Found
A second attempt within ten days by thieves to steal whisky valued at several thousands of dollars from the drug store of George Beringer, Fifth and Federal streets, was frustrated over the week-end by the alertness of a night attendant at a garage at Fifth and Arch streets.
It was about 2 o’clock Sunday morning when James Robertson, night attendant at the garage of Herman Z. Cutler, Fifth and Arch streets, saw a man carrying a box up an alley almost directly opposite the garage. Robertson, suspicious, telephoned police headquarters at city hall.
“Come to Fifth and Arch streets right away,” Robertson urged the police sergeant on duty. “A man is acting suspiciously in this neighborhood. He looks like a thief.”
Policemen Joslin, Cattel, Reese, Jones, Petit and Carroll were dispatched to the scene. When they arrived, the mysterious stranger sighted by Robertson had disappeared.
Further search proving unavailing, the police sought the box the man had carried into the alleyway. They found it in the establishment at 503 Federal street, occupied by a washing machine company. The thief had entered the place by forcing a side window, and left the box, a case of whisky, inside.
Further investigation revealed that the thief and possible accomplices had entered the drug establishment by climbing a shed in the rear to the second floor. They then lifted themselves to the third floor. There they broke open a shutter on one of the windows and entered. Going to the cellar, the thieves broke open a closet where the whisky was stored. They apparently aimed to remove one case of liquor at a time.
Ten days ago both the Beringer establishment and the washing machine firm’s headquarters adjoining were broken into and robbed.
Normal Middleton, 308 Penn street, manager of the place next to the Beringer store, said nothing was stolen from there in the weekend robbery. A check-up is being made by Beringer employees today to determine what was taken at that establishment.
The Beringer Family Plot at Harleigh Cemetery, Camden NJ
The Beringer family plot at Harleigh Cemetery, Camden NJ.
We Celebrate
Camden Courier-Post —
the 80th anniversary of the founding of this business, and the 3rd of location in our present quarters, June 6th-11th.
We extend a special invitation to our many friends to call during the week and be our guests at the fountain. Many special values have been prepared for your benefit.
Every customer, during the week, will be in competition for 10 Anniversary Prizes. “In prescriptions, Beringer leads.” BERINGER, HADDON AVE & PARK BOULEVARD, BELL 3543