H. Frank Pettit
H. FRANK PETTIT was born Harry Frank Pettit on February 8, 1859 to William H. Pettit and the former Abigail Ward. He rarely if ever used his full name; most records and news articles refer to him as H. Frank Pettit or Frank Pettit. His father was a farmer. The 1870 Census shows the family living near Blackwood, New Jersey, where William H. Pettit engaged in farming. The family came to Camden in the 1870s. The 1878 City Directory shows them living at 1234 South 3rd Street, where William Pettit had a grocery store. The Pettits were in Camden’s Eighth Ward when the 1880 Census was taken, doing some farming, with no specific address given.
H. Frank Pettit had wed prior to the 1880 Census enumeration. He and his young wife Deborah lived with his parents. William Pettit left Camden for Woodbury, where he passed away in 1885. H. Frank Pettit stayed in Camden. The 1884 and 1885 City Directories show him farming on the “Haddonfield Pike” in 1884 and on the “Haddonfield Pike below Kaighn Avenue” in 1885. At some point in the 1880s his marriage to Deborah ended, probably with her passing. He soon however would remarry and change careers.
On February 1, 1887 H. Frank Pettit married Anna Margaret Weber. A daughter, Mabel E. Pettit was born on June 23, 1889 in Camden. Active in the 1880s in fraternal circles through his membership in the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, H. Frank Pettit also became involved in local politics. When a son was born on April 19, 1894 the Pettits named the boy Maurice Alexander Rogers Pettit, after Maurice A. Rogers, state senator from Camden in the 1890s.
The 1887 City Directory shows H. Frank Pettit living at 1538 Kaighn Avenue and working as a salesman, a trade he would follow up until 1895. The 1891 City Directory shows him living at 410 Royden Street, the 1892 and 1893 editions at 614 West Street, and the 1894 and 1895 directories show him at 618 West Street. He also became involved in local politics in Camden.
H. Frank Pettit’s political activities resulted in him being given a position as a Lieutenant on the Camden Police Department in 1895 and later promoted to Captain. He was demoted from this post by Chief of Police John Foster and Mayor Cooper B. Hatch in February of 1899 and shortly after was dismissed from the Police Department.
H. Frank Pettit and his family are listed in Camden City Directories from 1896 through 1898 at 445 Line Street. The 1900 City Directory and Census shows H. Frank Pettit at 457 Berkley Street; the family lived there as late as 1908. By 1909 they moved to 758 Wright Avenue in Camden’s Ninth Ward. H. Frank Pettit was elected to City Council from the Ninth Ward in 1915. The Pettits lived at the Wright Avenue address as late as 1918. After leaving the police department, H. Frank Pettit worked as a traveling salesman, and spent a number of years pursuing that line of work in the lumber trade.
The 1920 Census, taken in January of that year, shows H. Frank and Anna Pettit living with relatives at 4 Springfield Avenue in Merchantville, New Jersey. H. Frank and Anna Pettit bought a home in Manasquan, New Jersey in the 1920s. H. Frank Pettit became active in local politics and served for a decade or so as Justice of the Peace in Manasquan. He passed away on March 27, 1935. Anna Pettit joined him in 1940.
Maurice Pettit stayed in Merchantville into the 1940s. He worked for the State of New Jersey for many years. When he passed in 1955 he had recently been appointed head of the Division of Motor Vehicles agency in Westfield, New Jersey.
George Reeser Prowell's History of Camden County, New Jersey — 1886
Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 2
In 1886 George Reeser Prowell wrote the following about Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 2:
LENNI LENAPE TRIBE, No. 2, is the oldest existing tribe of the order in the State, and in numbers and wealth the strongest and richest in the United States. It was instituted May 10, 1850, by Great Incohonee William B. Davis, assisted by Francis Fullerton, of Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 8, of Pennsylvania, and Great Chief of Records of the United States. These were the charter members: Nathaniel Chew, William F. Colbert, John T. Davis, Timothy C. Moore, Sylvester Rainhard, Joseph Shipley, Daniel S. Garwood, William Beckett, George Wood, E.D. Brister, John Wood, Joseph Myers, Albert Robertson, John W. Hoey, James B. Richardson, Robert Maguire, Joseph B. Hawkins, James O. Stillwell and Anthony Joline. The officers were as follows: P., Timothy C. Moore; S., Nathaniel Chew; S.S., John Wood; J.S., William F. Colbert; C. of R., Joseph Myers; K. of W., Albert Robertson.
Lenni Lenape has had an eventful career, at times flourishing and at other times so short of funds that a few faithful members paid expenses and benefits out of their private purses, but persistence won at last and a flood tide of prosperity set in, which has continued until the Lenni Lenapes number seven hundred and thirty-two and the wampum belt contains $21,370.89.
Among its members are these Past Great Sachems: George W. Watson, John T. Davis, Charles H. Gordon, Thomas J. Francis and Daniel M. Stevens; and of its Past Sachems these are living: Timothy C. Moore, Henry A. Breyer, Lewis Zeigler, Samuel J. Fenner, Edward J. Steer, William F. Farr, Samuel D. Watson, George Horneff, George A. Cairoli (Brother of Mrs. Emma Horneff—PMC), Thomas J. Rowand, Samuel A. Owens, Benjamin M. Braker, Lambert Banes, George Pfeiffer, William Sheridan, Thomas F. Muckelson, Hope Sutton, James P. Moore, D.D. Worts, Leonard L. Roray, Benjamin J. Price, John A. Hall, B.S.M. Branning, Abraham Davis, Harry B. Garrison, Walter E. Garwood, George A. Rogers, William C. Davis, Frank P. Jackson, H. Frank Pettit, John A. Harbeson, John Quick, Angus B. Cameron, Lewis Z. Noble, George Leathwhite, Conrad F. Austermuhl, John K. Seagrove, Charles L. Vansciver, Harry Hoffman, Harry B. Tyler, James H. Reeve and George W. Davis. The officers are: P., G.W. Davis; S., Edward Francis; S.S., Samuel Baker; J.S., Joseph Watson; C. of R., L.Z. Noble; K. of W., C.F. Austermuhl; Trustees, T.J. Francis, T.F. Muckelson, J.K. Reeve, Leonard L. Roray and H.F. Pettit.
George Reeser Prowell's History of Camden County, New Jersey — 1886
Knights of the Golden Eagle
George Reeser Prowell wrote the following about this organization:
KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE.
The Knights of the Golden Eagle is a secret benevolent institution, founded in Baltimore, Md., February 6, 1873, and is now in successful operation in the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey, California, Ohio, New York, Iowa, Georgia, Connecticut, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Colorado, Virginia, Illinois, Alabama and the District of Columbia. It is based upon the most liberal principles consistent with future prosperity, and has for its motto, “Fidelity, Valor and Honor,” a trinity of graces which are taught in its ritual.
The order has for its main object the promotion of the principles of true benevolence, associating its members together for purposes of mutual relief against the trials and difficulties which attach to sickness, distress and death, so far as they may be mitigated by sympathy and pecuniary assistance. It studiously avoids all sectarian and political controversy, and aims to cultivate the social, moral and intellectual feelings of its members, and to promote their welfare in all the walks of life.
The Order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle was introduced into the State of New Jersey in the summer of 1883, Camden Castle, No. 1, being instituted in August of that year with twenty-four members. During the year 1884 four new castles were instituted, at Millville, Camden, Mount Holly and Salem, respectively. The membership, at the close of the year, being five hundred and eighty-four. In 1886 the number of castles was increased to ten, with a membership of one thousand and one, and from January 1, 1886, to the present time thirteen new castles have been formed, and the membership increased to over two thousand.
The Grand Castle of New Jersey was instituted July 16, 1884, the officers at institution being: Past Grand Chief, John P. Price; Grand Chief, Joseph H. Minnett; Grand Vice-Chief, William A. Garrison; Grand Master of Records, Daniel M. Stevens; Grand Keeper of Exchequer, P. P. Achenbach; Grand Sir Herald, George J. Robertson; Grand High Priest, Henry F. Bacon; Grand First Guardsman, S. Luther Richmond; Grand Second Guardsman, George W. Stevens.
The present officers are: Past Grand Chief, William A. Garrison, Westville; Grand Chief, Henry P. Bacon, Salem (P. O. Box 200); Grand Vice-Chief, Irving W. Kelly, Perry and Montgomery Streets, Trenton; Grand Sir Herald, P. P. Achenbach, 712 Carman Street, Camden; Grand High Priest, John S. Broughton, Trenton; Grand Master of Records, E. D. Senseman, 580 Clinton Street, Camden; Grand Keeper of Exchequer, F. A. Buren, Merchantville; Grand First Guardsman, George Williams, Wrightsville; Grand Second Guardsman, William F. Perry, Quinton.
The next annual session will be held in Camden on the first Wednesday in March, 1887.
Camden Castle, No. 1, was instituted August 9, 1883, with the following officers: P. C., Joseph T. Fortiner; N. C., Charles Brown; V. C., Joseph Rubicam; H. P., John C. Newhouse; V. H., Watson Stevens; K. of E., Charles Aston; C. of E., Herman Rosade; M. of R., E. D. Senseman; Sir H., Joseph C. Madara; W. B., William B. Vannaman; W. C., John J. Pierson, Jr.; Ens., George A. Bingham; Esq., William S. Caume; 1st G., John J. Pierson, Sr.; 2d G., Thomas T. Madara. The present officers are: P. C., Robert F. Stockton; N. C., Birtus A. Wagner; V. C., Edwin F. Jones; H. P., William S. Carels; V. H., George Cook; M. of R., Howard M. Sexton; C. of E., Herman Rosade; K. of E., Charles Brown; S. H., William P. Fowler.
The lodge meets every Friday evening at Lincoln Hall, Third and Market Streets. The membership is three hundred and forty.
Washington Castle, No. 3, was instituted April 4, 1884. The officers at institution were: P. C., John N. Madara; N. C., Daniel M. Stevens; V. C., H. Frank Pettit; V. H., Andrew G. Vannaman; H. P., James H. Reeves; K. of E., Elmer E. Cox; C. of E., Samuel A. Barto; M. of R., George W. Stevens; Sir H., George S. Fox; W. B., C. O. Pedrick; W. C., James Hoagland; Ensign, Lemuel Pike; Esq., James Hartley; 1st G., John Allen; 2d G., W. B. Waters. The present officers are: P. C., Joseph W. Jackson; N. C., James Spence; V. C., William B. Gibbs; H. P., H. W. Howland; V. H., John P. R. Carney; M. of R., George W. Stevens; C. of E., Charles Sayre; K. of E., Elmer E. Cox; S. H., William B. Slocum.
The lodge meets every Friday night, at Wildey Hall, Fifth and Pine Streets. The number of members is two hundred and thirty-three.
Red Cross Castle, No. 6, was instituted January 28, 1885, with the following officers: P. C., W. H. Tyler; N. C., F. T. Steinbach; H. P., Adam Hoffman; V. H., Hiram Walton; M. of R., Geo. S. Bundick; C. of E., Isaac Buzby. The present officers are: P. C., Frederick Fearn; N. C., Adam Hoffman; V. C., Joseph M. Taylor; H. P., E. O. Smith; M. of R., Walter Hart; C. of E., John Neff; K. of E., Moses Gour; S. H., D. Ewan.
The lodge meets every Monday night, at Gour’s Hall, 249 Kaighn Avenue. The number of members is seventy-five.
White Cross Castle, No. 19, was instituted August 20, 1886, with the following officers: P. C., William H. Snyder; N. C., Richard Twelves; V. C., W. D. Reel; H. P., Morris E. Michel; V. H., Joseph Engard; M. of R., W. H. Wagoner; C. of E., Richard A. Outwater; K. of E., Frank Mester; Sir H., George W. Reese; W. B., E. W. Shallcross; W. C., Harry E. Horner; Ens., Morris Odell; Esq., C. E. Swaney; First Guard, W. H. Strang; Second Guard, C. E. Bowker.
The lodge meets every Monday night at the northwest corner of Second and Federal Streets, Camden. The present membership is ninety.
Monarch Castle, No. 9, was instituted November 11, 1886, the officers at institution being: P. C., George L. Frazee; N. C., Charles E. Lane; V. C., Samuel R. Murray; H. P., N. N. Wentz; V. H., J. K. Hibbs; M. of R., Frank S. Fithian; C. of E., Abram H. Allen; K. of E., Thomas B. Woolston; S. H., James Rudolph; W. B., Horace J. Parks; W. C., C. P. Baker; Ens., William H. Smith, Jr.; Esq., George Ewan; First Guard, Charles H. Savidge; Second Guard, George Ewan. The present officers are: P. C., John W. Mickle; N. C., George C. Vankirk; V. C., Edwin S. Titus; H. P., R. M. Coffman; V. H., D. P. Steiner; M. of R., E. D. Senseman; C. of E., Abram H. Allen; K. of E., Washington Bucknell; Sir H., William M. Callingham; W. B., Charles Kain; W. C., Theo. Austermuhl; Ens., William M. Strohl; Esq., John F. Wilkins; First Guard, Jacob E. Miller; Second Guard, William P. Riker.
Meetings are held every Wednesday night at the northwest corner of Fourth and Federal Streets. The present membership is one hundred and thirteen.
Knights of the Golden Eagle
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Special Session of the Grand Castle of New Jersey.
A special session of the Grand Castle, K. G. E., of New Jersey, was held in the hall of Monarch Castle at Camden on Friday evening. The past chief’s degree was conferred upon forty past chiefs and the secret work of the order was exemplified by Grand Instructor Strang, of No. 19. A committee of nine, consisting of Past Chiefs Walter A. Barwis, of Mt. Holly; James B. Nixon, of Atlantic City; F. M. Lewis, of Bridgeton; W. A. Fowler, of Camden; Daniel M. Stevens, of Camden; H. K. Seddinger, of Cramer Hill; E. M. Tilton, of Haddonfield; W. H. Strang, of Camden, and George L. Frazee, of Camden, were appointed to make arrangements for the proper representation of the State of New Jersey in the parade in honor of the Supreme Castle at Washington, D. C., in May next. P. C. H. Frank Pettit, of Washington Castle, No. 3, was appointed to fill the vacancy in the post of Grand Vice Chief and was installed into his new office. The following nominations were made: For Grand Chief, H. Frank Pettit, No. 3; for Trustee, W. A. Fowler, No. 9 [?] W. D. Reel, No. 9.
Knights of the Golden Eagle
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The annual session of the Grand Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was held in Bridgeton last Tuesday. Past Chief Pettit, of Camden, presided until the installation in the afternoon, when Grand Chief Wm. W. Hewitt, of Bridgeton, occupied the chair. About 200 Past Chiefs were present. The reports showed that there were 41 castles in the State, with a membership of 4,189; 357 sick members had been relieved during the year; there had been 20 deaths, and 757 persons had been initiated during the year. In the evening there was a parade with over 500 Knights in line. Lieutenant General Louis E. Stilz, of Philadelphia, with his staff, was present. The town was generally illuminated. The following are the new officers: Past Grand Chief, H. Frank Pettit, Camden; Grand Chief, William N. Hewitt, Bridgeton; Grand Vice Chief, George L. Frazee, Camden; Grand High Priest, Dr. H. A. Bennett, Point Pleasant; Grand Master of Records, E. D. Senseman, Camden; Grand Keeper of Exchequer, F. A. Buren, Merchantville; Grand Sir Herald, F. Wayland Potter, Camden; Grand First Guardsman, George Wimer, Palmyra; Grand Second Guardsman, Edward F. B[?]on, Salem. Trenton was decided upon as the place of the next annual meeting.
He Announces the Names
Camden Daily Telegram —
The Mayor Appoints the New Force To-day.
MANY OLD OFFICERS TAKEN BACK.
Some Surprise Manifested at the Mayor’s Appointment of Dodd Instead of Jones—This Afternoon All the Names Will be Announced.
The Mayor stated this morning to the newspaper fraternity that he would not announce his nominations for the police department until four o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that these would be announced this morning and in consequence there were a number of applicants for appointment on the force early this morning at the City Hall, hoping that the lightning would strike them.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor in addition to his nomination of Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Foster and Pettit appointed Frank Matlack, Jacob Woodsides, Alfred Hayden and John Dall, all of the Sixth Ward. The above were policemen under Mayor Westcott, before the Democratic Police Commission took charge of the Department.
Patrolman Griffin, Democrat, tendered his resignation yesterday to Mayor Westcott, to take effect to-day.
The appointment of Chief Dodd was quite a surprise to the public in general, as it was thought that Captain Jones would be named for the position. Many believed such an appointment would be in very good form, as Captain Jones’ knowledge of men and his military training would have made him a chief par excellence. The Mayor, however, probably thought that as Mr. Dodd had been so unceremoniously kicked out by the Democrats, it was nothing more than justice to again offer him the position which he had filled in a creditable manner for a number of years.
APPOINTED ON THE FORCE.
Mayor Westcott this afternoon made the following appointments:
First Ward—William E Cromly, George Cable, Henry R. Curtis, O. Glen Stackhouse.
Second Ward—Lincoln James, John Pratt, Samuel Bakley, Benj Middleton.
Third Ward—William Selby, Albert Myers, Edward Hartman.
Fourth Ward—Caleb Williams, Richard Golden, William Schregler, Ralph Bond.
Fifth Ward—William Harvey, Harry Mines and Oscar Weaver.
Sixth Ward—Jacob Woodsides, Frank Matlack, Albert Hayden and John Dall.
Seventh Ward—Josiah Sage, Henry Peters, Charles Lederman, Wm. Butts.
Eighth Ward—Alexander Alcorn, Chas. Leightenberg, Ferdinand Laird
There was no appointments made for the Ninth ward.
Camden’s Police Shake-Up
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Lieutenant Pettit Makes an Explanation and Chief Dodd a Denial.
Lieutenant Pettit, of the Camden police department, is concerned over the exposure of his failure to execute a warrant against the gamblers at 503 Federal street, which was given to him two months prior to the time Chief Dodd raided the place. He claimed yesterday that the day after receiving the warrant he was told at headquarters to hold off until more definite information was secured.
This is denied by Chief Dodd, who says Lieutenant Pettit was urged to execute the warrant, and the raid was organized by himself because of Pettit’s inactivity.
The raid and consequent controversy have opened up inquiries as to poolrooms and poker rooms, which are said to be in operation in the central part of the city.
Censured the Mayor
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Political Club Angered by Interference With Sparring.
The members of the First Ward Republican Club of Camden do not feel as kindly toward Mayor Westcott as they did before he sent Lieutenant Pettit and a squad of policemen to stop a boxing bout at their club rooms on Monday evening. The boxing was to be part of their Washington’s Birthday celebration. The Mayor heard it was to be a battle for blood and he squelched it. The club members expressed their indignation by passing resolutions censuring the Mayor.
The Mayor lives in the First ward. The members of the club say he has weakened himself politically by interfering with their entertainment. On the other hand, the Mayor says he acted in accordance with public sentiment, which is opposed to prize fights or sparring matches.
Camden’s Tragedy Still a Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden's Tragedy Still a Mystery
Two Men Arrested In Stockton, But They Easily Prove an Alibi.
POLICE ARE PUZZLED
Officials Believe the House Was Entered By a Burglar.
MRS. ZANE’S WILL FOUND
Her Son Questioned and the Police Start On a New Clue—Eli Shaw Reticent.
Camden's double murder mystery remains unsolved. The assassin who shot down Mrs. Emma Zane and her daughter, Mrs. Sarah M. Shaw, at their home, No. 242 Line street, just before dawn Tuesday morning, is still at large. There is apparently no clue to his identity. Two arrests were made by the Stockton police yesterday, but the suspects can account for their whereabouts on the morning of the murder, and they will probably be released to-day. The rewards for the apprehension of the murderer now amount to $1000.
Public interest in the terrible crime grew keener yesterday. All day long the street in front of the house on Line street from which two black streamers fluttered was blocked by curious throng. People gathered in groups on the streets throughout Camden and discussed the details of the mysterious murders. The air was filled with rumors of arrests and with theories of the wildest sort, but at nightfall when the police and the county officials compared notes they were forced to admit that no ray of light had penetrated the mystery.
Prosecutor Wilson H. Jenkins and the Camden police officials got together yesterday and practically agreed to push their investigation along the lines of a theory that the murder was committed by some one who entered the house for the purpose of robbery.
A MYSTERIOUS LETTER.
Later in the afternoon Chief Dodd received a mysterious letter from Philadelphia, and he immediately dispatched Lieutenant Foster and Detective Sergeant Sergeant Beard to Philadelphia to run out what appeared to be a new and important clue. The chief stated that he did not expect his two assistants to return until a late hour. He would not admit that suspicion had been directed to any one by the examination of Edward Zane, but it was learned from other sources that such was the case. Edward Zane, it is stated, was asked to account for his whereabouts on Monday night, and he did so, but the police officials decline to tell what he said.
Soon after the officials separated a telephone message was received from Stockton that two men were under arrest there on suspicion of being concerned in the murder. The suspects were “a tall man and a short man,” answering to the description of the mysterious couple who have been blamed with crimes in all parts of the country. The police jumped to the conclusion that these were the two suspicious looking characters that had been seen in the neighborhood of the Zane house a few minutes before the shooting.
The men under arrest gave the names of Harry O. Geesey, of 3032 Market street, and John J. Doonan, of 661 North Thirty-eighth street, Philadelphia. They had visited several saloons in Stockton during the morning and Geesey had handed a 32 calibre revolver to Proprietor Klecmann of the Stockton Park Hotel, with the remark:
“Take this revolver. I’ve got into trouble with it and don’t want it.”
The hotel proprietor notified Chief Johnson, who took the men into custody.
They said they are steam fitters employed at the Pennsylvania Railroad shops at Thirty-second and Market streets. They were paid on Monday and while carousing together they drifted over into Camden.
PROVED AN ALIBI.
They said they went to the West Jersey Hotel and registered about midnight Monday night and slept there until 6 o’clock Tuesday morning.
Donan admitted that he got the revolver from the house of a colored man named John Polk, who lives in East Camden.
Chief Johnson last night visited Polk’s residence and corroborated this statement. An Inquirer representative visited the West Jersey Hotel and found Geesey’s and Doonan’s names on the register. They occupied room No. 39 together and registered after midnight. The police officials said the men would be released this morning.
Young Eli Shaw, who is still staying at the home of his mother’s cousin, Foster S. Zane, at 321 Beckett street, made a brief visit to his home yesterday about 11 o’clock. It was his first appearance there since the morning of the tragedy. He did not enter the darkened front parlor, where the bodies of his murdered grandmother and mother lay, but passed on to the sitting room, where a group of mourning relatives and sympathetic neighbors were gathered.
Some one began to refer to the tragedy, and the young man, with a look of anguish on his pale face, raised his hands and cried:
“Oh, don’t speak of that; I can’t bear it; I’ve suffered so much already.”
YOUNG SHAW RETICENT.
After remaining in the house a few minutes young Shaw, in company with a friend, went to a Federal street tailor to be measured for a mourning suit. This gave the newspaper men their first opportunity to question him, but he had apparently been instructed not to talk about the murders. He said:
“I have made my statement to both lieutenants of police, and would prefer that you go to them for any information.”
“Has any evidence been found of anything having been stolen from the house?”
“I don’t know,” was his reply.
“Are any of the possessions of your grandmother missing?”
“I can’t tell. The police have been there and can tell you if anything was stolen.”
“You are the only person that knew what was in the house and could tell if anything is missing, are you not?”
“I have not been in the house since yesterday morning and cannot tell anything about it.”
“Is Charles Higgins, whose name has been connected with the case, a relative of yours or of the Zane family?”
“He is a distant relative of the family,” was Shaw’s non-committal reply.
“There are conflicting reports about two men having been seen in the house by you. Did you see any one when you came down stairs?”
“As I stated before, I have made a statement to the police lieutenants, and would prefer that you go to them for any information,” he replied and walked away.
AIDING THE POLICE.
The police have obtained some additional information in regard to two men who were seen in the neighborhood of the Zane house shortly before the murders were committed. Howard Ross, an engineer, living at Third and Pine, says he left his home Tuesday morning at a quarter past 4 o’clock. He had just reached Third street when two men came dashing almost into him. They had run diagonally across Pine street. He says one was rather tall, say five feet ten inches high, wore a derby hat and dark clothes. The other was shorter and stouter than the first described. When Ross reached Line street he heard some one calling murder, was unable to locate the cries and went on to his work.
O. B. Blizzard, of 249 Line street, adds to this that he saw the elder woman, Mrs. Zane, at 10 o’clock Monday morning, the day before the murder, talking to a tall man. They appeared to be quarreling. He thinks he could identify the man.
James C. Carey [sic], of 225 Pine street, while on his way home, about 1 o’clock Tuesday morning, saw two men as described above sitting on a doorstep at Liberty alley and Pine. They disappeared soon after he saw them.
REWARDS AMOUNT TO $1000.
The Camden County Board of Freeholders at its regular monthly meeting yesterday unanimously voted to offer a reward of $500 for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the murderer or murderers. This is in addition to the $500 reward offered by the city of Camden.
The rewards have started a number of amateur Sherlock Holmeses at work on the case. Among the professional sleuths seen in the neighborhood yesterday was Detective Garrison, “the Jersey Hawkshaw.”
Coroner Lippincott last evening empaneled the following jury: William A. Husted, foreman; Thomas Binker, M. J. O’Brien, William Anderson, Chas. Folwell and John Irwin. The jury will view the bodies at 10.30 o’clock this morning. The inquest will not be held before Monday or Tuesday of next week.
The funerals of the two murdered women will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. They will be buried in the same plot in Harleigh Cemetery. The services will be conducted by Rev. John W. Marshall, pastor of the Broadway M. E. Church, and Rev. William A. Massey, pastor of the Wiley M. E. Church.
James Hough, who was arrested as a suspect by Policeman Myers on Tuesday afternoon, was released yesterday. There was no evidence to connect him with the crime.
“Persons Unknown” Held Responsible
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Coroner’s Jury Does Not Connect Eli Shaw With the Camden Murders.
DEARTH OF NEW FACTS
At the Inquest the Prosecution Fails to Bring Out Any Evidence, That Is Particularly New.
There was positively nothing in the testimony adduced at the inquest on the death of Mrs. Zane, in Camden, yesterday, to add any weight to the theory of the prosecution, backed up by circumstantial evidence, that Eli Shaw murdered his mother and grandmother.
The verdict was rendered in accordance with the evidence. In other words, the responsibility for the killing of the two women, as stated in the verdict in the case of Mrs. Zane, was not placed upon Eli Shaw, but upon “a person or persons unknown” to the jury.
If Prosecutor Jenkins has any strong evidence aside from the facts already brought out at his disposal he did not see fit to show his hand. There was a general belief that such was the case. If it is not, then, in the opinion of many a Camden wiseacre, Eli Shaw has more than a good chance of having his forehead remain clear of the brand of Cain.
That it is the intention of the prosecution to lay considerable stress upon the contradictory nature of young Shaw’s statements subsequent to the double tragedy seemed apparent from the nature of the testimony at the inquest. That Prosecutor Jenkins, who conducted the inquest and examined the witnesses, made this phase of the investigation so prominent leads to the belief that he intends to emphasize it later on.
SHAW’S STATUS UNALTERED.
In the meantime Eli Shaw remains in jail on the original commitment, based upon the charge of the Chief of Police. Lawyer Scovel, however, proposes to apply for a writ of habeas corpus, to secure, if possible, his client’s release. Scovel was quietly elated at the verdict of the Coroner’s jury, although he did not have much to say.
“We are not complaining,” he remarked, with a smile of satisfaction, when questioned concerning the verdict. “The result of the inquest certainly does not weaken Eli Shaw’s defense.”
Shaw himself offered to make a statement for use in the Coroner’s investigation, but his counsel did not desire it. He was not at all nervous, according to Mr. Scovel, over the inquest, but bore himself with a calm air, which caused Mr. Scovel to exclaim more emphatically than before: “I tell you, Shaw is an innocent man.”
And now the attorney will try to secure a ruling that there is not sufficient evidence to hold Shaw. He is confident that his client will be released from prison, or at least admitted to bail.
COURT ROOM CROWDED.
An immense crowd surged about the doors of the Camden Court House at the time set for the opening of the inquest. Men and women fought to get in when the doors were finally opened, and the scene resembled an incipient riot. One woman was carried in fainting. Others screamed as they were swept off their feet and almost thrown into the room by the struggling men, and then laughed as they found seats and breathlessly rearranged their clothing. In a few moments the room was filled and hundreds were turned away.
Coroner Lippincott read the names of the witnesses, an [sic] they retired into the ante-room—all but one. This one was Eli Shaw, whose name headed the list, but who was not brought to the inquest.
The jurymen took their places. They were Tax Receiver William A. Husted, foreman; Morgue Keeper Martin J. O’Brien, Freeholder William Anderson, Charles S. Folwell, John Irwin and Thomas Benkert.
NO STATEMENT FROM SHAW.
Before calling any witnesses, twenty-seven of whom had been subpenaed, Prosecutor Jenkins turned to Shaw’s counsel, Lawyer Henry S. Scovel, and said: “I see here the representative of the defendant. If he wishes to make a statement he can have that permission.” Mr. Scovel replied that the defendant had no desire to make any statement. The first witness called was Edward Zane, a son of the murdered Mrs. Zane. He was sworn by the Coroner. After telling how he had heard of the murder while in Philadelphia, where he resides, he was asked concerning his conversation with Eli Shaw at Foster Zane’s house a few hours after the murder. He said: “I asked him (Shaw) how it occurred. He said that he had heard a noise in the house while up stairs. His mother had also heard it, and he followed her down stairs. He stepped into the room where his grandmother slept and told her to lie still. His mother then lit a match, which was quickly followed by a pistol shot, and she fell. He then gave the alarm. That is all he had to say to me.”
The witness had last seen his mother and sister alive four weeks ago.
County Physician W. S. Jones was the next witness. He described the wounds on the bodies of the murdered women.
“In Mrs. Zane’s case the bullet entered the left side of the head, far back, and about three inches above the ear. The bullet went through the skull. There was internal hemorrhage and compression of the brain. The bullet did not enter the brain. In the case of Mrs. Shaw I held a post-mortem examination at the Cooper Hospital the morning of the tragedy. The bullet had entered on the right side, one inch above the ear. It was found back of the left eye, just back of the left orbit.”
“Was the course of the bullet level?” asked Prosecutor Jenkins.
“Slightly downward,” said the Doctor, indicating the course of the bullet.
“That wound caused death, did it?”
“Yes. It went through the brain.”
“Any questions, gentlemen of the jury?” asked the Coroner.
A SIGNIFICANT QUESTION.
Foreman Husted inquired: “Doctor, did you find any other mark of violence on Mrs. Zane’s body?”
“No, sir.”
Morgue Keeper O’Brien, one of the jurors, wanted to know how long Mrs. Zane had been dead when the witness saw her. Doctor Jones replied that he could not tell accurately.
Another juror asked: “Well, Doctor, in your opinion, how long had she been dead when you saw her?”
“About five minutes, I should say,” was the reply
Policeman Steen, who responded to Eli Shaw’s cries of murder, was next called. He described his entrance to the Line street house. Eli was standing in the sitting room with his night shirt on. The witness told of finding the bodies and searching the house. The place did not seem to have been broken into by burglars.
“Did you examine Mrs. Zane’s bed for blood?” he was asked.
“No, sir. The lieutenant did.”
“Did you see any blood in Mrs. Zane’s room?”
“Yes, on the window sill; it looked like a hand print.”
“Didn’t you see any on Mrs. Zane’s bed?”
“No, sir. I didn’t look.”
“Do you know what time it was when you got to the house?”
“No. I didn’t look. It wasn’t yet daylight.”
“When you went up to the third story did you use matches?” asked the prosecutor.
“I can’t say. We all had matches. The gas in the third story must have been lit, because we could see. Perhaps Mr. Lane lit it.”
“Did you see any blood in the third story?”
“No. All the time I was there I didn’t have a chance to look. I was looking after the people who were shot.”
NO SMOKE APPARENT.
Morgue Keeper O’Brien put the important question:
“You say you got to the house immediately after Shaw cried for help. Did you notice any smoke in the house such as would come from the discharge of firearms?”
“No, sir. There was nothing like that.”
One of the jurors wanted to know if Steen heard moans when he went up the stairs. The witness said he did, but couldn’t tell where they came from. He went into Mrs. Zane’s room first, and it was light enough to see in there. The light came from the street electric lamp.
Juror Benkert wanted to know about Mrs. Zane’s position in the chair where the policeman found her. The witness said she looked as if she had been shot while in the chair. The wound was next to the window.
“Then,” said Juror Benkert, “some one must have put his arm behind her or around in front of her to reach back and shoot her on that side?”
“It would seem so,” said the witness. “It looked to me as if Mrs. Zane had put her hand to the wound, and then rested her bloody hand on the window sill.”
An important witness came next. This was Harry Delamater, of No. 30[?] Line street, a personal friend of Eli Shaw, who was held in $1000 bail by ‘Squire Stackhouse some time ago because he refused to make any statement to Prosecutor Jenkins at the time of the preliminary examination of witnesses. His statement follows:
“Eli told me about the shooting, as nearly as I can remember, as follows, in the presence of several other people: He said that he was up, and hearing a noise, he hurriedly put on his pants. His mother was also up at the time, and they went down stairs together. Eli was first and his mother was right behind him. His mother pushed open the door of the back room, which was slightly ajar; they went in, and Mrs. Shaw pointed to some clothing on the floor, just as she struck a light. The match had no sooner been ignited before a shot was fired. He ran down stairs and gave the alarm.
GRANDMOTHER’S REPLY.
“He made practically the same statements to Lieutenants Foster and Pettit while I was there. He also said that he looked into the front room, saw his grandmother in bed, and asked his mother not to disturb her, as she was asleep. He ran up stairs, got a pistol, and rushed down and tried to fire it to attract attention, but it would not go off. He also said that when he heard the shot fired he ran into his grandmother’s room and said, ‘My God, some one is in the house and is shooting.’ He got a sort of sleepy groan, as some one awakening, for a reply.”
As Mrs. Zane was dead or dying by the time Eli said he called her and received a reply, this statement was received with particular interest.
James E. Tatem, of 619 South Fifth street; Frank B. Haines, of 561 Washington street, and Albert Fogg, of 615 South Fifth street, who were also in Foster Zane’s house on the evening after the tragedy when Eli Shaw told his story of the tragedy, were next called in rapid succession. Their testimony was for the most part a repetition of Delamater’s statement.
Albert Fogg testified that Shaw said he rushed into his grandmother’s room immediately after his mother was shot and cried:
“Get up, grandma; for God’s sake, get up; ther’s [sic] some one in the house.”
“Did he say his grandmother made any response?” asked the Prosecutor.
“No, sir.”
Albert Hollingshead was called, but had nothing to testify to.
Policeman John Painter, who found the revolver in the chimney, gave his testimony concerning his find. The revolver was brought in and, after wrestling with it for a few minutes, to the consternation of everyone else in the court room, Hall Officer Beard succeeded in unloading it. Painter identified the weapon. He also said:
“We made an examination of the chimneys. We found that there was a stove hole in Mrs. Zane’s room, but it was not opened. We found one in Eli’s room on the third floor, which was or had been recently opened. We also found a spot of blood on the door leading into Eli’s room, which looked as though it had been a large drop.”
Police Lieutenant Pettit was called to corroborate Painter’s story. He examined the pistol thoroughly when it was found. It looked as though it had been discharged recently. There was fresh oil about the hammer, some burnt powder could be seen at the muzzle, and it had an odor of burnt powder about it.
NO TRACE OF BURGLARS.
Lieutenant Pettit said he examined Mrs. Zane’s bed. There was no blood on the pillows or bolsters. The only blood he saw was one little spot on the under sheet, near the foot. In the third story he saw one spot of blood on the doorsill of Eli Shaw’s room. The Lieutenant said he found a hammer in Mrs. Shaw’s room in the third story. There were stains on it that might have been blood stains. An examination was made for traces of a burglar’s work. The witness described the position of the windows and said that in his opinion no burglar had ever gone through those windows.
Policeman Shaw identified the hammer, and Officer Beard told how he tried to get the weapon identified in Philadelphia pawnshops. It exploded while being examined in one of those establishments.
William Stein, a gunsmith, told that the bullets found in the bodies of the women were 32-calibre, the same as those used in the revolver found in the house. Guy Viskinski corroborated the story of the accidental discharge of the weapon in a pawnshop.
LANE TESTIFIES.
One of the most important witnesses was Charles Lane, who lives at 646 South Third street, and who was next called. He is the neighbor who first heard Eli Shaw’s cries for help and responded. He was in bed when he heard cries of “Help! Help! Murder!” The cries were repeated three or four times. He got up and dressed hurriedly. He ran around and found Eli Shaw in his night shirt on the front step. Shaw cried:
“Oh, Mr. Lane, mom and grandmom are shot!”
Just at this moment the witness’ son came running up, and they went in the hallway.
“My son asked for a light,” said the witness. “Shaw brought us two matches. He said: ‘Don’t go upstairs yet; they may be up there yet.’ Then Officer Stein came in. I said to Shaw: ‘Haven’t you got anything to defend yourself with?’ and Shaw handed me a revolver. I cocked it and he said: ‘There’s nothing in it.’ Then we struck some matches and went upstairs.”
“Was Eli Shaw’s night shirt outside his pantaloons when you first saw him on the steps?” asked the Prosecutor.
“Yes; it hung down almost to his feet.”
Continuing his story of the search, Mr. Lane said they went first to the second story front, and there found Mrs. Zane sitting in a chair near the window.
She was in her night clothes, her head was sunk on her chest, her eyes were closed, and blood trickled down her face. She was gasping for breath, “just like this,” said the witness, drawing in his cheeks like a person almost suffocated. He was describing Mrs. Zane’s dying agonies.
Mr. Lane said he called to Mrs. Zane. “Em! Em!” but she made no response. “I had known her for forty years,” said the witness to the jury in explanation of his familiar manner of addressing the woman. Then he said they went into the next room and found Mrs. Shaw on the floor moaning and weltering in her own gore. He spoke to her, but she could not answer. He described the position in which Mrs. Shaw lay. Then, he said, the searchers went up to the third floor. The Prosecutor asked if they found any lights. The witness said no; they had to light the gas in the third story front room. They found the gas lit in the dining room on the first floor when they first entered the house.
NIGHT SHIRT EXHIBITED.
Coroner Lippincott took the stand next and showed the jury Shaw’s night shirt, on which there were many spots of blood. Some were very small, others approached the size of a pea. When he had finished making this gruesome exhibit, he returned to the stand and detailed what he had heard of the conversation between Eli Shaw and Prosecutor Jenkins.
“He said that he did not see any one when his mother was shot, did not see her fall, and did not see the flash of the pistol. He also said that he had tucked his night shirt into his trousers before he went downstairs.”
Officer Sinclair was called but stated that he knew nothing of the case on the morning it occurred.
Mrs. Knight, who lives next door to where the tragedy occurred, said that she had made an examination of the bureau drawers, and as far as she had any knowledge, nothing was taken or removed. This closed the taking of testimony, and at ten minutes of 1 o’clock, the jury retired to deliberate.
After a few moments they returned and the foreman read the verdict, finding “That Mrs. Emma Zane came to her death from a pistol shot wound at the hands of a person or persons unknown to this jury.”
Some one attempted to applaud, but no one seconded the attempt and it was given up. Shaw was shortly after notified of the verdict and received the news with satisfaction.
Probing Camden Tragedies
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PROBING CAMDEN TRAGEDIES
Grand Jury Investigating the Zane-Shaw Murders.
The Camden grand jury yesterday took up the charge against Eli Shaw of murdering his mother and grandmother. Among the witnesses examined were County Physician Jones, Dr. Marcus Mines, Police Lieutenants Foster and Pettit, Policemen Steen, Shaw, Sinclair and Painter, Charles and Alonzo Lane and Coroner Lippincott. The case will be continued to-day, as over a dozen witnesses are yet to be heard.
George Mordorf, who shot Cigar Dealer Mather in his store in Camden, was arraigned in the Camden Court yesterday. He pleaded not guilty and said he did not want counsel.
Here’s Camden’s Finest, With Whiskers, in 1898
Camden Courier-Post —
Reading from left to right, those in the picture are: First row, William A. Schregler, Rox Comley, Jules Bosch, Lieutenant John Foster, Chief Samuel Dodd, Lieutenant H. Frank Pettit, Edward Hartman and Charles Wilbur. Second row, Thomas Brothers, Ralph Bond, John Dall, George Kappell, Silas Sage, Edward S. Hyde, George Selby and E. B. McClong. Third row, Edward Powell, John Sinclair, William Laird, Benjamin Middleton, Alfred L. Sayers, John Anderson, William Butts, John Painter and Frank Matlack. Fourth row, Thomas Hicks, Alfred Haydon, Abe Jackson, Albert Shaw, Edward Steen and Samuel Bakely. Fifth row, Caleb Williams, E. A. Gravenor, Thomas Buchanan, Samuel Cox, George Horner, Godfrey Eisenhardt, Harry Curtis and John Barnett. Sixth row, Casper Hart, Charles Fitzsimmons, A. Lincoln James, Oscar Weaver, Charles Ridgely, William Fish and George Cooper.
Jack the Hugger Fails to Appear
Philadelphia Inquirer —
POLICE LIEUTENANT PETTIT SET a trap to catch the mysterious “Jack the Hugger,” on Friday evening, but the hugger did not appear in his usual haunts.
Story That Is Strange and Sad
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, March 15, 1898 — Emma Zane, Sarah Shaw, Eli Shaw, Wilson H. Jenkins, Line Street, Samuel Dodd, John Foster, John H. Beard, Edward Zane, Harry G. Geesey, John J. Doonan, Charles Kleeman, Stockton Park Hotel, West Jersey Hotel, John Polk, East Camden, Foster S. Zane, Beckett Street, Charles Higgins, Howard Ross, South 3rd Street, Pine Street, O.B. Blizzard, James H. Carey, Liberty Alley, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, William A. Husted, Thomas Benkert, Martin J. O’Brien, William Anderson, Charles Folwell, John Irwin, Rev. John W. Marshall, Broadway M.E. Church, Rev. William A. Massey, Wiley M.E. Church, James Hough, Policeman Albert F. Meyer
Camden’s Council Guarded by Police
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Their Services Were Not Needed, However, as the Crowd Was Orderly
A BRIEF SESSION HELD
President Taylor Names Four Committees—Roberts and Shafer Were Absent
When Camden’s City Council was called together in adjourned meeting last night the gallery was crowded with interested citizens and another large throng filled the space between the members’ desks and the walls of the chamber. A detail of twenty police, under Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Pettit and Foster, were scattered about the chamber to preserve order, but their presence was not needed.
Neither John S. Roberts nor Dr. William Shafer, the contestants for a seat as representative from the Third ward was present. Mr. Roberts was absent by advice of his counsel, it was stated. It could not be learned why Dr. Shafer did not appear. Another absentee was Charles E. Day, one of the Committee of One Hundred Councilmen from the Fifth ward, who was taken suddenly ill on Wednesday. Mr. Day is rapidly improving and will probably be out in a day or two.
There was no roll call. President Taylor announced the following committees:
Finance—Jessup, Burrough, Devinney, Silvers and Ellis.
Streets—Gibson, Maloney, Bond, Jessup and George.
Police—Burrough, Silvers and Gibson.
Fire—Southard, Burrough, Day, Devinney and Mills.
Council then adjourned until next Thursday evening, when the remainder of the standing committees will possibly be announced.
Chairman Jessup, of the Finance Committee, said, after the Council meeting, that he was unable to say just when the Finance Committee would get together and arrange to sell the bonds for paving the city’s six principal streets with asphalt. Mayor Hatch yesterday signed the ordinance authorizing the paving of the streets.
Counsel for the Committee of One Hundred were busy last night securing witnesses for the hearing before Supreme Court Commissioner Joline to-day, relative to the assault upon City Clerk Varrey [sic] last Friday, and the failure to obey the Supreme Court’s writ of certiorari. About thirty witnesses have been subpenaed by the Republicans.
City Clerk Varney got out of bed yesterday, but his physician states that he may not be able to leave his room for a week. Assistant City Clerk Young is improving rapidly and was about his home yesterday, but several days must elapse before he can resume his duties.
City Clerk Kramer will pay off all election officers to-morrow.
The papers in City Clerk Varney’s quo warranto proceedings against Harry C. Kramer were filed in the Supreme Court at Trenton yesterday.
Death of a Pastor
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Sudden Demise of Rev. W. A. White in Camden
Fatally Stricken While Attending Conference—His Flock Shocked by the News
Gloom was cast over the New Jersey Methodist Episcopal Conference in Camden yesterday by the sudden death of Rev. William A. White, who for the past four years has been stationed at Atlantic City. He was 60 years old and was a prominent member of the Conference. He expired from congestion of the lungs at the residence of Police Lieutenant Frank Pettit, No. 445 Line street, Camden, where he was staying while attending Conference.
While strolling along the boardwalk at Atlantic City about six weeks ago, Rev. Mr. White tripped over a nail. He has since been a sufferer from lung trouble, but his illness was not considered serious and he took an active part in the proceedings of Conference. His illness took a critical turn on Saturday, and he died shortly after 12 o’clock yesterday morning.
At the last session of Conference efforts were made to have Rev. Mr. White transferred to Long Branch. The Bishop finally assigned him to a pastorate in Trenton, but the congregation of the Central M. E. Church at Atlantic City, where he had been located for three years, entered such a strong protest that the Bishop reconsidered the appointment and sent him back to Atlantic City. While filling this pastorate he has succeeded in paying off the debt on the church. A delegation from Red Bank was in Camden during the past few days endeavoring to secure Mr. White’s appointment there, while his Atlantic City congregation were working just as hard to secure his return for another year.
Announcement of Rev. Mr. White’s death was made in all the Camden Methodist churches yesterday.
Camden to Go Dry
Philadelphia Inquirer —
That the Camden reformers are in earnest in their crusade against Sunday liquor selling in that city is shown by an order that was issued by Acting Chief of Police Foster to the policemen last evening. The order sets forth that Mayor Hatch and the captains of police have become convinced from personal observation that many of the saloons are doing business on Sundays by means of back doors and alleys.
The officers are instructed to report in writing all such places or any place that they have reason to suspect. The order further states that “the neglect of any policeman to render such a report will render him subject to reprimand, fine or dismissal.” The order is signed by Acting Chief of Police Foster and was read to the officers at roll call last evening and will also be read at roll call this morning.
The crusade against Sunday liquor sellers was instituted last week, when some ten or a dozen were arraigned before Recorder Nowrey and each one was convicted and fined $50 and costs. J. “Denny” Clark figured as the principal witness against the accused in each case. He has not yet finished his work of collecting evidence and has brought similar charges against four other saloon keepers, all of whom will have a hearing on next Thursday morning before the Recorder. The latest complaint made by him was filed yesterday against Saloon Keeper Frank Rawle, of Sixth and Spruce streets.
Since the crusade of the Camden officials against Sunday liquor selling has been inaugurated the Stockton saloon keepers, who indulge in Sunday traffic, have noticed an increase in their business. Some of the Stockton saloon keepers make but little pretense of attempting to conceal their illegal business.
Police Captain Pettit and a squad last evening raided an alleged “speak-easy” at Second and Chestnut streets and captured a lot of beer and liquors. Mrs. Annie Murphy was locked up as the proprietress.
Captain Pettitt Reduced.
Camden Daily Telegram —
Hall Officer Boyle Promoted to the Captaincy.
Mayor Hatch, this morning, issued an order to take effect at once, reducing Captain of Police Frank Pettit to the rank as a patrolman and promoted Hall Officer Hugh Boyle to the captaincy of the Northern district. Policeman John Pedrick has been made hall officer in place of Boyle. Captain Pettit was assigned to do street duty in Policeman Pedrick’s place. Mayor Hatch has given no reason for the changes made.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Justice Garrison yesterday refused to allow a writ of certiorari in the case of Police Captain H. Frank Pettit until the Police Committee of City Council renders judgment on the charges made against him. Pettit is suspended from duty.
In Police Dragnet
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Successful Raid on an Alleged Pool Room in Camden
SEVEN MEN CAPTURED
Keefer, Who Says He Spent His Employers’ Money in the Place, Identifies the Prisoners
IN POLICE DRAGNET
Successful Raid on an Alleged Pool Room in Camden
SEVEN MEN CAPTURED
Keefer, Who Says He Spent His Employers’ Money in the Place, Identifies the Prisoners
The Camden police yesterday raided the alleged poolroom at 25 South Third street, where Walter H. Keefer, former manager of the Merchantville Light and Power Company, claims he lost $254 belonging to his employers. Seven men were captured in the raid, including W. Harry Getty and Charles Metz, who were committed in default of $1500 bail each as principals. The others were James Boone, of Fourth and Benson streets; George Armstrong, Charles Loriaux, George Smith and Victor Thompson. Each furnished $300 bail except Thompson, who was unable to get surety up to a late hour.
The police for months past have been trying to get evidence against this alleged poolroom. The place was so closely guarded that the officers could not get direct evidence that the law was being violated. The details of the raid and the successful manner in which it was carried out were made known at the hearing before Recorder Nowrey last evening. The defendants were represented by Lawyer John J. Crandall. Mayor Hatch, City Counsel Bleakly and Councilman Silvers, of the Third ward, were interested spectators. Before the prisoners were brought in Deputy Sheriff Hartshorn appeared with Walter H. Keefer, who was brought over from the county jail to identify the proprietors and employes of the alleged poolroom. The prisoners scowled at Keefer as they were brought into the hearing room.
City Detective Hart was the first witness. He said he swore out the warrant for the raid from information obtained from Keefer.
Keefer, the star witness, was next called. He pointed out Metz as the man who operated the “ticker,” collected the bets and paid the winnings. Keefer said he had played the races there on Monday last and on several other occasions. He stated that W. Harry Getty guarded the door and scrutinized every one who applied for admission.
Police Captain Boyle testified that he made the raid, assisted by City Detective Hart and Officers Painter, Shaw, Robert Miller and George Anderson. When they knocked Getty opened the front door just enough to peer out at them. A chair prevented the door from being opened wide. The warrant was read, but Getty refused to admit them. They then broke the chair and forced an entrance. Rushing up stairs they found the door to the third-story back room barred. They forced the door and found themselves in what appeared to be a furnished bedroom. Wires ran through a rear window, but there was no telegraph instrument or other evidence of a poolroom.
The men in the room were placed under arrest and a search was instituted for evidence. They found a man hiding in a closet and took him into custody. A locked box was found on the mantelpiece in the front room. Mrs. Getty claimed that it contained her jewelry. The officers finally found a key that opened the lock. The “jewelry” consisted of the missing telegraph “ticker.” Several about the New Orleans races and betting were seized.
Policeman Shaw said that Loriaux told him the wires were cut and the “ticker” carried over into the front room while the police were coming up the stairs. Officers Painter and Anderson gave corroborative testimony.
Charles Loriaux swore that he had been in the place only eight minutes when the police swooped down on it. He admitted telling Officer Shaw that the “ticker” was hustled out of the room when they heard the police trying to get in.
George Armstrong admitted having been in the pool room before.
“What did you go there for?” asked Recorder Nowrey.
“Do you wish me to incriminate myself?” asked Armstrong, after hesitating some time.
The Recorder did not press the question.
James Boone, who said he had resided at Fourth and Benson streets for the past twelve years, claimed that he went to the alleged pool room to hear the result of a handicap race at Lexington. He admitted being there before to get similar news.
George Smith swore that he went there to hear the results of horse races. He admitted that he had bought pools there before.
For several terms of court there has been an indictment hanging over Getty’s head on a charge of conducting a pool room at Seventeenth and Federal streets with George W. Sterling, but for some reason it has never been moved. Chief of Police Foster stated last evening that one of the reasons for the dismissal of Police Captain H. Frank Pettitt was that Getty’s place on South Third street was in his district and he failed to suppress it or secure evidence on which a raid could be made.
That there is war to the death between the police and the policy dealers was shown yesterday by a bold retaliatory move of Washington Ketline, who brought suit for damages against Policemen Henry Miller and Isaac Brown. The officers furnished $1500 bail each. Ketline was arrested by the officers a few days ago on the charge of engaging in policy selling.
Ketline placed some pieces of paper in his mouth that the officers supposed were policy slips. Because he refused to open his mouth, Ketline says, the policemen used him roughly. Ketline has already served a sentence for policy writing.
Camden Cops of 32 Years Ago Valiant Crew Under ‘Sam’ Dodd
Camden Courier-Post —
By BEN COURTER
(Another of a series of articles on Camden municipal matters and personalities of yesteryear.)
One night some 40 years ago there was great ado in police headquarters. Chief Sam Dodd was talking to Patrolman John Dall in something after this wise:
“See here, John, why didn’t you make your 10 o’clock pull last night?”
“I did,” returned Dall.
“No, you didn’t,” asserted the chief.
“See here, whiskers, I tell you I did,” retorted Dall with rising umbrage.
“The tape don’t say so,” insisted Dodd.
“I tell you I did make that pull, and furthermore, whiskers, I’m not going to let any iron man make a liar of me,” said Dall with finality.
And that was the end of it with the chief stalking away yanking at his long black whiskers out there in the room where City Clerk Billie Brown now holds sway. It might be said it was a case of red whiskers talking down black whiskers, for since Chief Sam sported those of ebon hue, so did Dall chin “nannies” of somewhat sandy-reddish coloring and both wagged threateningly in the hot colloquy.
It was not long after the call system had been installed in the department and the veterans on the city beats didn’t take kindly to it. It didn’t always operate with precision and under such circumstances there was usually a tiff with Dodd. But cops like Dall didn’t give a hang for their superior then and usually told him what was on their minds.
Sometimes the sentiments were like tobasco, hot and burning. But with all his puffing and snorting and yanking of whiskers, Dodd was a pretty good sort after all, not vindictive and disinclined to cause any trouble.
Age Of Whiskers
We are printing today a somewhat ancient picture of the Camden police force, not all, but most of it as it appeared some 32 years ago. And it may readily be seen it was an age of whiskers and mustaches, for only two of those valiant members of Camden’s “finest” of the period are smooth shaven. The balance run all the way from Dodd’s famed chin adornment to dragoons, soup strainers and what today would pass for Charlie Chaplins. It was something of an anomaly for not only a cop but likewise the average man of the street to sport a smooth shaven phiz. Girls of the period put their shapely tootsies right down on any swain who didn’t have whiskers by way of full sweeping beards, burnsides, goatees, mutton chops or, at the very least, something that would pass for a mustache. So it may be seen from the very early period of adolescence it was the aim of every member of the sterner sex to coax ‘em out—that is, the blonde, black, red or whatever hue nature had colored the facial spinach-to-be.
No one on that first row but sports some hirsute adornment. On the left there is William A. Schregler, tall and somewhat rangy just after his recovery from the burglar’s shot in Cooper Hospital yard. It is “Old Schreg,” appointed March 12, 1892, who became the city’s first detective captain. Next to him is Rox Comley, a mighty popular cop in his day, and then Jules Bosch, “Schreg’s” own special pal, appointed the same day. It was Jules we have often mentioned as the first regular traffic cop with Charlie Hose at Broadway and Federal. Next is Lieut. John Foster with his coal black mustache, right beside Chief Dodd and his classic whiskers, whom Foster was soon after to supplant. Dodd wears his then familiar wide brimmed black hat, long favorite headgear of the G. A. R. veterans. The chief is looking as if he didn’t like posing before the cameraman, which he didn’t by a darn sight, as he would say. Lieut. H. Frank Pettit is next in line. Then big and brawny Harry Mines.
Mines, you must know, was, and is for the matter of that, youngest brother of the late former Sheriff Chris Mines, Fifth ward leader and Baird’s lieutenant. Harry was considered by the newspapermen the Adonis of the force; not only a strapping young man, but handsome as well. He’s still going strong, too, out at Dudley Grange park. Then there is “Ed” Hartman, stormy petrel of the force and about whom much might be said because of his complications in the political battles of years ago such as the primary battle in the Third ward where Morrisey was killed and the famous or infamous “double cross” some 20 years ago. Charlie Wilbur ends the line.
Valiant Second Line
On the second row there is Thomas Brothers, appointed April 21, 1894, and about whom we had something to say last week. Ralph Bond is the next. He was appointed about a month before. Ralph, who had done amateur circus stunts in his earlier years, was certainly one of the most popular members of the outfit and was in the thick of every activity about town. He died only last year, mourned by a great host of friends. Then comes Dall and George Kappell, who became head of a heating company. A husky man was George and his sudden end a few years ago while he was tolling the bell given the church at Townsends Inlet, where he spent the closing years of his life, came as a distinct shock. There is Si Sage at his elbow and then Eddie Hyde, former chief, who died a few weeks ago. George Selby, father of Col. George Selby, now assistant state prison keeper, is next, with E. B. McClong ending the line. McClong was long chief clerk of the department.
First in the third row is Ed Powell with John Sinclair, now in the water department, second, and seemingly looking but little older after all these years. William Laird follows with Ben Middleton, one of the Pratt appointees of ‘86 next. Who do you suppose the next one is? None other than Alfred L. Sayers, long after street commissioner and now banker. Outside of getting a little stouter, “Allie” is going Sinclair a good race in retaining his old time appearance, except there now is no mustache. John Anderson, son of William Anderson, the “Tall Sycamore of the Seventh,” is next in line.
The elder Anderson came from the same county in Ireland as former Senator Baird and there was warm friendship between the two. William Butts, the first colored policeman appointed to the force, is next and old timers have a very kindly remembrance of him. He was gentlemanly, courteous and a credit to his race. Then we have John Painter, about whom much has been said, but all too little at that. John, we will remind you, is the oldest living member of the force, having been named a cop June 30, 1883. But it is only creeping years and not his spirit that makes him the veteran he is. Frank Matlack, who was appointed March 12, 1892, is next. Surely everybody downtown recalls him as Tom Brother’s side kick on traffic duty at Broadway and the “avenue.”
Another good colored cop, the second appointed to the force, starts the fourth row. He was William Hicks who could sing at camp meetings down there in the cedar woods until he had ‘em all howling. Albert Haydon, the second in line, later entered the fire department and he died but a couple of weeks ago. Abe Jackson, the third, was a Sixth warder, a cop of the old school who didn’t know the meaning of fear. It was his real delight to tackle the roughs and toughs who sometimes invaded Camden in the race track days. Then we have “Al” Shaw, whose father, Edward H. Shaw, was one of the city’s first marshals and whose son, “Lew,” is now a city detective. “Al,” with Tom Griscom, a veteran iron worker, visits city hall every day in the year just for old time’s sake, for Shaw has been pensioned since 1917. Edward Steen, long superintendent of the New Camden Cemetery, is next, with Sam Bakely and Al Meyer at the end of that line.
Record As Chief
As to the fifth row there is “Cale” Williams, with Charlie Lederman, one of the first regular hall officers. Then there is E. A. Gravenor, who later served the longest term as chief of the department, from the death of Foster in 1906 to the advent of Hyde in 1922. Tom Buchanan is third and Samuel Cox comes next, with William Horner, who had been appointed on April 13, 1880. He has long since been dead. Godfrey Eisenhardt, the next, was the baker boy rescued from the burning ferryboat, New Jersey, in the winter of 1856. Harry Curtis, to his left, was long after a detective of the P. R. R.
The one on the end of that row is somewhat in doubt as to identity. “Linc” James thought it might be George Johnson, but Lew Lee says it is John Barnett. Perhaps some old-timer may remember.
Casper Hart, who was later to die from injuries received in a fall from the patrol wagon, starts the sixth and last row. His was a familiar figure in the Fifth ward years ago. Then comes Charlie Fitzsimmons, of whom we have already spoken. Then Captain James, these many years at headquarters and another of the old-timers seemingly keeping ahead of Father Time. He supplied much of the information about his fellow cops of long ago, along with Frank Albright. Oscar Weaver is next to him, with Charles Ridgeley, William Fish, son of the city’s famed city gardener, Jacob Fish, and George Cooper ending the array. George, by the way, is still hale and hearty, and possessed of that great voice that used to boom over the wire from headquarters.
Most of these men have passed on but they have left records, as a rule, which the cops of the younger generation may well emulate. A cop, you know, is somewhat in the category of a school teacher. When the younger generation comes in contact with them they are inclined to regard them a bit too strict, but with mellowing years there is altogether a different impression with most of them being placed on pedestals.
There were other policemen of the period the picture was taken who didn’t happen to get to the hall in time for this photo, which Tom Stanger, now at detective headquarters and then a traveling salesman, well recalls being taken. Something will be said of these missing ones next week.
Traveling Men Elect
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Commercial Traveling Men’s Association of South Jersey held its annual meeting in Camden yesterday at which these officers were elected: President, H. Frank Pettit; vice president, Charles Chronister; secretary and treasurer, Sylvester Corson; executive committee, George L. Fox, John Prentice and Redding Havens. The association will take up with the railroad companies the subject of poor connections in South Jersey.