George S. West
GEORGE S. WEST was born in Boston MA on September 12, 1851. His parents moved to Camden the following year. His father, who had been a soldier in the regular Army in the Mexican War, raised a company of volunteers in Ohio, but died of natural causes in 1861.
George S. West received his education in Camden’s public schools. He trained as a machinist, but did not follow that trade, instead engaging a salesman of wholesale clothing and notions. He eventually opened up his own business, an auction house, which prospered. He married Miss Mary Charles in 1876.
George S. West involved himself in military affairs and politics, as a Republican. He served three one year terms on Camden City Council from the Fourth Ward in the 1880s, and was elected for a five year term as the Camden County Surrogate in 1887, at which time he closed his auction business to devote himself to his new position. George S. West was re-elected in 1892 for another five years. As a military man, he had by 1897 risen to the command of Company D, Sixth Regiment of the New Jersey National Guard, and was instrumental in the construction of the 6th Regiment Armory.
George S. West was also involved in fraternal activities. He was a 32nd degree mason, a member of the Lulu Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Philadelphia, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Brotherhood of United American Mechanics, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
George S. and Mary West lived in the late 1880s at 21 South 5th Street in Camden. They moved around 1890 to 101 South 5th Street.
Biographical Review
1897
George S. West, Surrogate of Camden County and a resident of the city of Camden, was born September 12, 1851, in Boston, Mass., son of Samuel and Mary (Weldon) West. Samuel West, who also was a native of Boston, settled in Camden in 1852. A soldier in the regular army, he served in the Mexican War, fighting on the Rio Grande, under General Zachary Taylor, and distinguishing himself for bravery. Though troubled by a wound received in Mexico, he was eager to participate in the wear of the Rebellion, and raised a company of volunteers in Ohio. After receiving the command of the company, he never reached the battlefield, as his old wound; caused his death in 1861, when he was forty-four years old.
George S. West was educated in the public schools of Camden. He subsequently learned the machinist’s trade; but, having no taste for labor of that kind, he sought and obtained the position of salesman in a wholesale clothing and notion house of Philadelphia. Afterward he opened a large auction house in Camden, which he successfully conducted until 1887. In the mean time he had taken an active part in politics as a Republican, and his character and energy had made him popular with both parties. Beginning in 1885, he was elected a member of the City Council for three successive years, representing Ward Four. In 1887 he was elected County Surrogate on the Republican ticket, receiving, it is stated, the largest majority ever given a candidate for that office in this section. On that occasion he gave up his auction business, and thereafter devoted his whole attention to the duties of his office. Having completed his term of five years with credit, he was re-elected for another term in 1892.
In 1876 Mr. West was married to Miss Mary J. Charles, of Camden, and now has one son, Hayden A., who is studying medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Camden Republican Club. Taking much interest in military affairs, he is Commander of Company D, Sixth Regiment of the National Guards, and chairman of the committee on the new armory. It was largely through his instrumentality that the State was induced to appropriate one hundred and forty-eight thousand dollars for the erection of that handsome structure. He is a Knight Templar Mason, has taken the thirty-second degree, and is a member of the Lulu Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Philadelphia. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Brotherhood of United American Mechanics, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is popular with all classes of men, and is a leading spirit in social events. Mrs. West is a Deaconess of the Baptist church. Mr. West is not a church member.
Politics in Jersey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Bolting Sheriff’s Convention Meets at Merchantville—Party Matters Mixed.
The second convention, or what will hereafter be known as “Daubmann’s Bolters’ Sheriff Convention,” was held at Merchantville yesterday. The famous twenty-five delegates, who stood for the ex-Sheriff for seventy consecutive ballots on last Thursday, at the regular convention, were present, so were delegates from the Third and Fifth wards and Waterford. The latter were the seven men who were defeated in a contest at the regular convention. Charles H. Fowler, of Gloucester City, and Charles P. Fackler, of the Fourth ward, Camden, were made permanent chairman and secretary respectively. The whole thirty two delegates voted for Mr. Daubmann, and he was, therefore, declared the nominee of the convention.
Independent candidates for Coroner were nominated as follows; First district, Dr. Willis Hunt; Second district, Charles Pedigree, of Stockton township, was chosen by the bolters on the eighth ballot over Dr. Stanton, the regular nominee. Third district, William C. Sloan.
Both tickets as completed to date are as follows: Regular Republican ticket: For Senator—Richard N. Herring. Sheriff—David Burd. Surrogate—George R. West. Coroners—First district, Samuel Izard; Second district, Dr. J. G. Stanton. Third district, Hon. H. M. Jewett.
The “kickers,” “bolters” and anti Sewell ticket will be as follows: Senator—Edward Dudley. Sheriff—Jacob O. Daubmann. Surrogate—George West, the regular Republican nominee. Coroners—First district, Dr. Willis Hunt; Second district, Charles Pedigree. Third district, William O. Sloan.
The Republicans of Camden county met last night in their respective wards, townships and boroughs, and named delegates to be elected to attend the Legislative conventions. Captain Adam C. Smith says he is in the fight in the First Assembly district to stay. Major F. C. Woolman and Captain W. B. E. Miller are also candidates. In the Second district the contestants for the nominations are John Harris, David C. Vannots and Assemblyman Young.
Mr. Edward Dudley, who was nominated by the bolting Senatorial delegates, yesterday sent a half column letter of acceptance to B. L. Bonsall, John D. Glover and Peter Arrison, the committee appointed by little “Tommy” Harnard’s convention to notify him that he was the choice of the bolters.
The Legal Executive Committee.
Messrs. Chew and Spangler, the respective chairmen of the Senatorial and Surlevalty Conventions, met yesterday morning in accordance with the party rules, and appointed the new Republican County Executive Committee for the ensuing year. Mr. Robinson, chairman of the Surrogate’s Convention, was not present. The committee consists as follows.
First ward, George Barrett; Second, John Campbell, Third, William H. Chandler; Fourth, William F. Reed; Fifth, J. D. Leckner, M. D.; Sixth, John Corbitt; Seventh, John Blowe; Eighth, James Ware; Stockton township, Geo. W. Molineaux; Merchantville borough, Wm. H. Moses; Delaware township, Clayton Stafford, Haddon township, A. W. Clements; Centre township, John Hutchinson, Waterford township, Adam Sloan; Winslow township, Simon McDougall; Gloucester township, Geo. H. Higgins; Gloucester City, First ward, John Gourley; Second, Frederick Burckman.
Political Pointers.
John Harris will undoubtedly be the Republican candidate for the Legislature in the Second district.
Harry B. Paul, of the First ward, wants the Democratic nomination for Sheriff.
Hon. George Pfeiffer leads the Democrats for the nomination of Senator. David M. Chambers is also mentioned.
The friends of Mr. Dudley announced yesterday his intention of remaining in the field for Senator, although he is reported as offering to compromise on the basis that he is to be made the candidate for Senator and Mr. Baird for Sheriff, giving Mr. Herring the Assembly nomination in the Third district.
Chairman Heber Robinson, of the Surrogate’s Convention; Thomas Harnard, chairman of the “bolting” Senatorial Convention, and Charles P. Fowler, who presided at the “Daubmann bolting” Convention yesterday, it is said, are going to form another Executive Committee. Hence two tickets and two Executive Committees.
Jottings.
The dead body of an infant was found near the Timber Creek bridge, on the West Jersey Railroad, yesterday. It is believed that the babe was thrown from a window of a passing car. County Physician Gross will make an investigation.
The Board of Education of Camden held an adjourned meeting last night. Nothing of importance was transacted.
The Co-operative Association of Camden has elected these officers: President—George W. Tenner. Treasurer—Benjamin M. Braker. Directors—John H. Doerr, David Jones, L. D. Sheppard, H. C. Hopper, A. J. Hoey and Frank Warren.
The following sentences were imposed at the Camden Criminal Court yesterday: John O’Hara, larceny, fined $5; Raymond Mills, assault and battery, two years in the penitentiary; Charles Mead, breaking and entering five years.
Sensational Assault and Battery Case
Camden Post —
The State moved the indictment against Joseph Logue for assault and battery on Sarah Louwin, living at Fifth and Cooper streets. Lawyer Harry Scovel was counsel for Logue. The witness being unable to speak loud enough, she was brought to a chair in front of the jurors.
Sarah Louwin testified that Logue kicked her on the 15th of last April, at Second and Penn streets. He had also struck her in the eye.
On cross examination the witness admitted that she had sued Logue for breach of promise.
Mr. Scovel—Haven’t you been before the Mayor a number of times for assault on Logue, and weren’t you angry because Logue was with another girl?
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Mr. Scovel in opening said that Logue was not guilty of the striking; that Mrs. Louwin had conceived a passion for him which had not been reciprocated. She now sought to get “even” with Logue for going with other ladies.
Joseph Logue, 129 Birch street, testified that he had known Sarah Lowan for nine years; that he had taken her out a number of times. On the 15th of April, while in company with Fannie Ellingsworth, Sarah Louwin attempted to choke him and he pushed her away to prevent it. He did not strike her.
John Lee, James Baird, ex-Sheriff Baird, Martin Fullerton, Joseph Robinson, Mary Simpson, John Edgert, James Lenox, Surrogate West, testified to the good character and reputation for peace and quietness of the defendant.
Fannie Ellingsworth testified that she was with Logue on the 15th of April, and Sarah Louwin had come up to them and began to abuse Logue. He had only pushed her away.
Both sides were given five minutes for argument.
Mr. Scovel said “hell had no fury like a jealous woman.” He claimed that no striking had been proven.
Prosecutor Ridgway said it had been admitted by the defense that Logue had pushed the woman away, and this was assault and battery.
Judge Hugg said in his charge, that the act of touching a person in anger was assault. “This is the law, gentlemen. The facts are with you.”
Mr. Scovel objected to the charge and Judge Hugg said he had said nothing about the facts in the case; they were with the jury.
The jury were out but ten minutes and returned with a verdict of not guilty.
Sewellites Coming to Trenton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Eight Special Cars to Bring Up the Camden Cohorts To-Morrow.
CAMDEN, N. J., Jan. 12—Should the weather prove favorable Camden county will pay deserved honor to General William J. Sewell on Monday night at Trenton, after the caucus has decided upon him as the next United States Senator from New Jersey to succeed John R. McPherson. Camden is proud to have the mantle of high position placed upon the shoulders of one of her sons and will recognize it in a fitting manner by sending an organization that will reflect great credit upon the city and upon the gentleman whose name they bear. Eight special cars will leave Federal street depot Monday afternoon loaded down with members of the Sewell Association. They will be accompanied by Winkler’s celebrated Seventh Regiment and the City Bands. Upon both sides of each car long streamers bearing the name of the “W. J. Sewell Association, Camden, N. J.,” will be placed.
It is confidently expected to take at least 400 men, and this number may be increased before the start is made from the City Hall. Following are the members of the Executive Committee: W. J. Browning, George S. West, Harry C. Sharp, Walter Phillips, C. J. Mines, Jr., T. P. Varney, Charles Sayrs, J. O. Smith and Jesse Carey.
The special train will leave Camden at 3:20 P. M., and will return the same night, probably, leaving Trenton about 11:30, after the session is over.
The handsome banner presented to the association will be carried by Chief Standard-bearer Joseph Bromley, while William White, of the Fifth ward, will carry the handsome silk flag.
Wants His Son Off the Bermuda
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Surrogate George S. West, of Camden, whose 17-year-old son is a passenger on the steamer Bermuda, is alarmed at the reports that the steamer is engaged in carrying arms and ammunition to the Cuban insurgents. He was assured that the Bermuda was going on an ordinary trip for fruit. Yesterday he telegraphed the Spanish Consul at Key West to have his son taken off the Bermuda.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE Y. W. C. T. U. was celebrated last evening, when Mrs. K. Raphael, of Ocean Grove, made an address.
THE ANNUAL CAKE CUTTING OF the J. H. Trainer New Year’s Association was held last evening in Berkley Hall. There was dancing and a cake walk.
JAMES C. WARE, JR., OF THE Eighth ward, was yesterday appointed by Mayor Westcott as a policeman to succeed Samuel Cox, resigned. Ware will go on duty today.
SURROGATE WEST PROBATED THE will of Frank H. Randall yesterday with his widow, Mary E. Randall, as sole heir and executrix of the estate.
THE FOURTH ANNUAL BALL OF the St. Francis Beneficial Society was held in Turner Hall last evening and was the most successful one ever given by that organization. There was a large attendance and the decorations were very tastefully arranged.
ELI HUDSON WAS ARRESTED ON A bench warrant last evening to answer a charge of embezzlement. While locked up in the county jail some time ago he was taken ill with typhoid fever and was released pending his recovery.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The will of Isaac V. Brown, of Berlin, was admitted to probate yesterday by Surrogate West.
A big crowd of Camden Elks will go to Trenton to-day to participate in the annual clam bake of Trenton Lodge, B. P. O. Elks.
Recorder Nowrey held Samuel Suders in $500 bail yesterday, charged with larceny as bailee of $5 from John J. Jordan.
Frank Melton, 28 years old, of 1048 Ferry avenue, was overcome by heat yesterday while at work in Farr & Bailey’s oil cloth works. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
While fishing at the head of Third street yesterday Fred George Gregory, 6 years old, of 212 Byron street, fell in the Delaware River and was drowned.
The body of an unknown man, about 38 years old, and weighing 170 pounds, was found yesterday in the Delaware River at the foot of Bulson street. The body was taken to the Morgue where it awaits identification.
On the Conductors and the Motormen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Trolley Gifts Are Indorsed in New Jersey
Coin Is Already Falling Into the Hands of the Men Who Handle Rope and Brake
Named: Ex-Mayor Jackson of Gloucester City, Surrogate G. S. West of Camden, John S. Smith of Camden, Ex-Mayor Beaston of Gloucester City, Herbert Stetser of Gloucester City, John Cherry of Camden, Justice F. Snyder, and Clayton G. Sagers.
Talk With Men Who Run the Cars
Loud in Their Praise of The Inquirer’s Suggestion to Give to Worthy and Deserving Workmen
There is a determined effort in Camden to keep pace with other cities that have indorsed The Inquirer’s plan to give cheer to trolley conductors and motormen.
George S. West, Surrogate of Camden county, has been identified with all sorts of public movements, and is therefore qualified to speak with some authority about The Inquirer’s suggestion. “It is a good one,” he said yesterday. “I hope the people of Camden will act on it on Monday, and act liberally. These car men deserve a generous contribution.”
John Cherry and John S. Smith, Camden county detectives, use the trolley cars freely, and with characteristic readiness they had something to say about The Inquirer’s idea. “Tell the riders that hold free passes to remember the trolley men,” said Smith, while Cherry nodded assent. Cherry added: “We will contribute our share to the crew of every car we use on Monday.”
Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd, of Camden county, said: “I approve of The Inquirer’s effort for the car men heartily, and I am glad to see The Inquirer push it so earnestly.”
John Wesley Sell, Sheriff of Camden county, said: “Yes, sir; put me down as one who indorses The Inquirer’s suggestion, and will act on it on Monday. The car men have always had my sympathy in their perpetually trying situations, and I would like to see everybody combine in a response to The Inquirer’s suggestion.”
Chief of Police John Foster, of Camden, is an earnest advocate of better treatment of men who spend their lives on the street in all sorts of weather. “The Inquirer’s idea of Christmas contributions to trolley men,” said he, “is one of the most practical suggestions I have ever heard of. I vote for it with both hands, and I hope the people of Camden will do their duty on Monday. I will do my part.”
“How would you like to be the conductor?”
Thus spoke Conductor George Gannett when he alighted from his car at the corner of Market and King streets, Gloucester City, yesterday afternoon after his day’s work, and holding up his change bag said to his fellow conductors waiting for their cars:
“This is what The Inquirer has done for me.”
There was just $6.35 in the bag, and that amount was given him in nickels and pennies through the suggestion of The Inquirer on his eight trips. Such was the case among other conductors on the Camden, Gloucester and Woodbury trolley cars, and together with the motormen they returned home to their families wreathed in smiles, as they were sure of having a Christmas turkey.
On all the cars of the Woodbury trolley road the passengers would either drop an extra nickel or say “keep the change.”
Conductor Gannett said to an Inquirer reporter after leaving the trolley office that he did not think he would get so much, but when the nickels came pouring in on every trip he opened his eyes and said to his motorman: “The Inquirer is a great paper and maybe we will not have turkey galore.”
Camden Trolley Men Wreathed in Smiles
Camden trolley men are looking with eagerness to a Christmas offering from their passengers on Monday, and some of the conductors are already wreathed in smiles over tips already given them by riders who do not expect to be in town on Monday. It is refreshing to see a meek-looking and mild-mannered conductor look closely at the change tendered him for a fare, and then smile expansively when he sees an extra coin for himself and the motorman.
“Thank you,” is uttered in tones that makes the riders smile at one another in pleasure. The conductor returns to the rear platform and beams on the passengers within the car, and when he reaches up and pulls the signal to the motorman to stop the car, the sound of the bell seems to be really musical.
Vice Chief of Glassblowers Speaks
To the Editor of The Inquirer.
The Philadelphia Inquirer deserves great credit for the interest it has taken in the conductors and motormen of three States. There is none more worthy to be helped. These men suffer more through exposure for the comforts of the people than any other class of workmen. Wishing all street railway workmen shorter hours and more home comforts, I am, very sincerely,
W. M. DOUGHERTY,
Vice President Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association of United States and Canada.
From the Hammonton South Jersey Republican.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has originated a novel and praiseworthy scheme, viz.: That patrons of trolley cars everywhere in paying their fare give the conductor an extra cent or more on Monday next. At night all this surplus money will be divided between the conductor who hands it in and his motorman, and will go far toward making for their families a merry Christmas. A great scheme—worthy of a great paper.
From the Camden Democrat.
Camden will doubtless respond most cheerfully to the thoughtful and timely suggestion of The Philadelphia Inquirer to remember the trolley conductors and motormen on Monday next, the day before Christmas. This the local travelling public are requested to do by handing to the conductor in conjunction with their regular fare an extra cent, nickel or dime, according to their individual inclination and means. These extra pennies are to be divided between the regular car men and designed, of course, to help in adding to the material accessories of their Christmas dinner. The plan is a most praiseworthy one, and commends itself to the practical consideration of every patron of our street car lines.
Camden Elks Hold a Lodge of Sorrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Lodge, No. 293, B. P. O. Elks, held its annual Lodge of Sorrow yesterday in the Masonic Building in the presence of an assemblage that taxed the seating capacity of the theatre. The music was under the direction of Professor James C. Warhurst, assisted by the choir of the North Baptist Church. Splendid renditions were given by the North Male Quartet and the St. Cecelia Ladies’ Quartet.
The opening ceremonies were in charge of Exalted Ruler George D. Borton. These were followed by prayer by Rev. Dr. Clarence A. Adams, of the Trinity Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Kittredge Wheeler, pastor of the North Baptist Church, delivered the oration. Then the impressive ceremony of turning out the lights as the name of each dead brother was called took place.
The absent brothers were Gideon H. Burt, Owen R. Jones, J. Oscar Nicholas, M. D. Dickinson, Harry M. Anderson, Joseph B. Feenier, Ernest H. Longstreth, Hamilton Markley, Howland Croft, John S. Mathis, Rev. Dr. George W. Gates, Charles F. Reese, James McCormick, Charles K. McPherson, James Baird, William F. Claus, Harry B. Paul, George S. West, Frank S. Jones and Sheriff Christopher J. Mines.