Introduction
HARRY G. NEWTON was born April 1, 1884 to Charles G. and Emma Newton. When the Census was taken in 1900 the Newton family resided at 2833 Sherman Avenue in Cramer Hill, near the Pavonia railroad station. The elder Newton gave his occupation as car builder, and that probably referred to work at the nearby railway repair shops.
Harry G. Newton married around 1902. He was working as a house painter and living just across the tracks from his former home, at 2826 Howell Street, with his wife Annie and children Ella, Charles, and Harry. Two more children would come during the 1910s, Emma and Lawrence.
By September of 1918 Harry G. Newton and family had moved to 713 North 28th Street in Cramer Hill. He had by this time became a policeman.
The 1924 Camden City Directory shows Harry G. and Annie Newton at 118 North 25th Street. Harry G. Newton had reached the rank of Sergeant by April of 1930. He was serving in the First Police District, which covered center city and North Camden at that time. By 1930 it appears that Annie Newton had passed away. Harry G. Newton was by then living with his second wife, the former Mrs. Irene Kain, at 118 North 25th Street, between High and Howell Streets, with his son Lawrence and stepdaughter Ethel Frances Kain.
On August 31, 1935 Sergeant Newton was transferred to the Third Police District, which was headquartered on Federal Street adjacent to the fire house at North 27th Street in East Camden. This was quite convenient for Sergeant Newton, who still lived at 118 North 25th Street, just a short walk away.
Harry G. Newton passed away on March 10, 1940 and was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey. His family appears to have remained in the neighborhood of north 35th and High Streets through at least 1959. Harry Newton’s younger brother Laurence W. Newton served with the Camden Fire Department during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, reaching the rank of Battalion Chief.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden county’s Board of Taxation yesterday dismissed the appeal of the Pennsylvania Railroad which sought a cancellation of the tax assessment of 1913 on a bridge partly in Audubon and partly in Haddon Heights. The assessment was for $10,000.
After sixteen years of service, Policeman James Ware has filed a petition for retirement on a pension. He has been disabled as a result of being struck on the head while making an arrest.
Convicted of selling liquor contrary to law, Samuel Suders was sentenced to 45 days in jail dating from his commitment. His time will expire today.
Mayor Ellis yesterday appointed Walter Smith, Second ward, and Harry Newton and Frederick Scharr, of the Eleventh ward, as members of the police force.
After its annual inspection of the municipal water plant at Morris Station, Council’s Water Committee is highly pleased with the conditions. Mayor Ellis, Comptroller McCord and other prominent men were guests of the committee.
Sunday Ordinance to Be Tested in Higher Court
Camden Courier-Post —
Sunday Ordinance to Be Tested in Higher Court
SUNDAY ORDINANCE TO BE TESTED IN HIGHER COURT
Camden’s so-called liberal Sunday ordinance is to be carried to a higher court to test its validity. Harry C. Kramer, as counsel for Louis Weisban, of Twenty-eighth street and Polk avenue, made that announcement yesterday, when his client was fined $10 by Recorder Stackhouse for selling a scrub brush and some soap powder last Sunday to Policeman Harry G. Newton, who acted under instruction from Chief of Police Gravenor.
Attorney Kramer asserted the ordinance is class legislation and absurd, in that it permits the sale of tobacco, cigars, etc., on the Sabbath, while bread, butter and other necessities are tabooed.
3 Policemen Hurt as Car Hits Ambulance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Policeman Harry Newton, of Twenty-sixth and Sherman avenue, received a probable fracture of the skull; Policeman George R. Thompson, of 251 Mt. Vernon street, had his face and head badly lacerated, while Policeman Robert Abbott, of 110 North Twenty-third street, was cut and bruised. Stratton was seriously hurt by his self-inflicted wound.
When the call for aid came the ambulance, in charge of Patrolmen J. Oscar Weaver and Thompson, was sent to the Stratton house. It was crossing Westfield avenue at Thirtieth when a trolley car crashed into the rear. The three injured men were thrown against the side of the machine, although it was not wrecked. Weaver and Sergeant Golden took them to the hospital.
Stratton had been despondent, according to his wife, and it was while she was in the yard that she heard the shot, finding her husband lying on the floor with a bullet wound over his heart.
Mounted Officer Injured
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Harry Newton, a mounted officer in East Camden, was injured about the head and legs yesterday when a fractious horse he was riding became frightened at a trolley car and fell over on the rider. Newton was taken to Cooper Hospital.
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Registration Card for Harry Gill Newton, September 12, 1918.
Harry Gill Newton registered for the World War I draft on September 12, 1918 at Local Board No. 4, Public Library Building, East Camden, New Jersey. At the time he was living at 713 North 28th Street, Camden, and employed as a policeman for the City of Camden. His nearest relative was listed as his wife, Annie N. Newton, at the same address. Newton was 34 years old, of medium height and build, with blue eyes and black hair.
East Camden Sergeant
Camden Daily Courier —
East Camden Sergeant
East Camden Sergeant
East Camden may draw a sergeant from the eligible list. The results of the examination shows Harry Newton and John T. Potter, of the Third district and Robey Thompson of the Second as the three high men. Newton and Potter had excellent averages and it is believed either has a good chance to land the honor. The Third, it is argued, is entitled to a sergeant. None was named to succeed former sergeant Ferdinand Sell who was pensioned several months ago.
East Camden Notes
Camden Post-Telegram —
East Camden Notes
The Cramer Hill Building and Loan Association meets this evening in St. Joseph’s Hall, 25th and Howell Streets.
Matthew H. Vance and family, of 2839 Hayes Avenue, were week-end visitors at Wildwood.
Mrs. John Frea and daughter, Doris, of 413 North 27th Street, are visiting friends at Bridgeton.
There will be a meeting of the carnival committee of St. Joseph’s Church this evening in St. Joseph’s Hall, 25th and Howell Streets. Further arrangements will be made for the carnival next week.
Joseph Shreeves, of the auto crew, Third district police station, is on his vacation, and expects to spend a few days at the shore.
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kelley, of 2827 Pleasant Street, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kelley, are on a motor tour which will take in Niagara Falls and Canada.
Roland Kelley, of the Third district auto crew, is back on the job after a two weeks’ vacation.
Policeman Harry Newton, of the Third district, has started on his vacation and will spend the time at Seaside Heights.
Motorcycle Policeman William Boettcher is acting driver of the police auto while Joseph Shreeves is on his vacation.
5 New Lieutenants Appointed by Rhone Await Assignments
Camden Courier-Post —
Two More Patrolmen to Be Promoted Under New Ordinance; One Made Sergeant
Pending official designation of their new posts, five members of the Camden police department who were appointed lieutenants yesterday and a sixth who was named sergeant continued in their former capacity when they went on duty today.
Director of Public Safety David S. Rhone, who announced the promotions and reported the officers late yesterday, stated this morning that he has not yet determined where he will station them. He expects to do so within a few days, the commissioner averred.
Two more lieutenants remain to be appointed under provisions of a recent ordinance which stipulated that the new stations will not be designated until all seven lieutenants have been named. One will be placed in charge of each of the four police districts, and one each in the traffic and motorcycle squads, and one at headquarters.
Those who were elevated to lieutenancy are: Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood Avenue; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street who was acting captain, and Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue. Patrolman Clarence Thorn was also sworn in as sergeant of the mounted squad of the department.
The ten who took the Civil Service examinations for lieutenancy and their grades as unofficially announced in rank order: Sergeant John T. Potter, 298 Burwood avenue, 89.64; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood avenue, 89.27; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street, 87.11; Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street, 86.31; Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue, 84.71; Sergeant Harry G. Newton, 118 North Twenty-fifth street, 82.18; Acting Lieutenant Cunningham, 1114 Kaighn avenue, 81.78.
2 Police Officers Made Lieutenants
Camden Courier-Post —
Rhone Reported Ready to Make Five Patrolmen Sergeant
Reports that five members of the Camden police department will be promoted to sergeants tomorrow were circulated today after announcement that two sergeants had been appointed lieutenant.
Those who, according to rumors, will be elevated to sergeant are Nathan Petit, of the second police district, to be assigned to the traffic squad; Gus Koerner, detective bureau; Walter Rowand, first district; Frank Truax, Second district, and Edward Hahn, third district.
The two new lieutenants who took oath of office yesterday are Samuel Johnson and Thomas Cunningham. The former was a sergeant of police attached to the detective bureau and will continue in that department, while Cunningham, while a sergeant, was acting lieutenant in day command at the fourth district. He remains in that district. The appointments were announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety.
Both were immediately administered oaths of office by Dr. Rhone’s secretary, Bayard M. Sullivan, at the director’s office. Lieutenant Cunningham is already eligible for retirement, having served more than 20 years on the city police force.
The two appointments complete the seven lieutenancies created by a city ordinance. Ten members of the police department passed civil service examinations for the post, which pays an annual salary of $2500. Each must serve one year as lieutenant before becoming eligible to take examination for captaincy.
The five previously appointed lieutenants are George Frost, now night commander of the fourth district; Walter Welch, third district; Charles Laib, a sub-commander of the traffic bureau under Captain Charles T. Humes, traffic Inspector; Ralph Bakley, second district; and George Ward, first district.
The other three candidates who passed the examination, Sergeants John Potter, Herbert Anderson and Harry G. Newton, did not receive lieutenancies, although Potter had the highest percentage in the tests.
Camden Miss Goes on Visit Returns Mrs.
Camden Courier-Post —
Frances Kain, Daughter of Police Sergeant’s Wife, Weds Detroiter
Miss Frances Kain, 22, daughter of Police Sergeant and Mrs. Harry G. Newton, is now Mrs. Martin B. Parmer.
That was revealed yesterday at the home of the bride’s parents, where she returned to receive the parental blessing, having eloped with Parmer, who is 27 on August 1.
Miss Kain was visiting her sister-in-law, Mrs. Edwin Kain, at Hazelton, Pennsylvania, last week, on her vacation, when the elopement was planned.
She and her future husband went to Wilkes-Barre, where they were married by Justice of the Peace William E. Jones.
Parmer is the son of Mrs. Phoebe Parmer of Detroit, Michigan. He was graduated from Ferris College, Michigan, while the bride is a graduate of the Atlantic City High School.
The couple will make their home with the Newtons at 118 North Twenty-fifth street, until January 1, after which they will locate permanently in Hazelton.
Johnson Gets Ward's Job as Kobus Orders Cop Shakeup
Camden Courier-Post —
Shaw Made Assistant in Place of Koerner
In a shakeup of Camden police officials yesterday afternoon Lieutenant Samuel E. Johnson was named acting chief of detectives by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
Lieutenant George A. Ward, who has been in charge of the detective bureau for a year, was transferred to take Johnson’s place in charge of headquarters.
Detective Louis Shaw was made assistant to Johnson, replacing Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner. Koerner was transferred to the Second District, for radio car and street duty. The new order became effective at 4:00 PM yesterday.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey announced the changes in the bureau after a two-hour conference with Commissioner Kobus yesterday afternoon.
Maurice Di Nicuolo, who has been an acting detective, was transferred to the First Police District, with former Acting Detective Clifford Del Rossi returning to his old post in the detective bureau.
In the only other transfer announced, Sergeant Harry Newton was switched from the First Police District to the Third, with Sergeant Edward Carroll going from the Third to the First.
Although no other changes were made public, it is believed yesterday’s are a forerunner of numerous shifts to be made today or early next week.
“These changes are being made for the good of the service,” Commissioner Kobus declared. “There will be other transfers of officers and men so that all the police may familiarize themselves with all the branches of the department.”
Lieutenant Johnson was appointed a policeman on January 1, 1910. After 10 years as a patrolman, he was promoted to a detective, where he made a splendid record. On November 28, 1928 he was made a sergeant, and again promoted on April 8, 1930, when he became a lieutenant.
Ward was appointed a policeman on August 2, 1917, promoted to detective January 1, 1927, sergeant November 14, 1928 and lieutenant on January 24, 1930.
Ward has been in and out of the detective bureau several times. He served for a time as the commander of the First District and later was in charge of the police headquarters on the 12:00 midnight to 8:00 AM shift. He was a political lieutenant of former Public Safety Director David S. Rhone.
Kobus Warns Cops to Keep City Clean
Camden Courier-Post —
Expresses Belief Camden Is ‘Remarkably Free of Vice and Gambling’
Expressing the belief that Camden is “remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements,” City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, yesterday said she wants the police to keep it that way.
Failure to comply with her order, she told a dozen police officials in an hour-long conference in her office, will result in “serious consequences.”
The session was held behind closed doors, but Commissioner Kobus later said she “laid down the law to those in charge of enforcing it.”
Police Chief Arthur Colsey headed the group, the others being Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, director of police personnel; Acting Lieutenant Herbert Botts, Acting Lieutenant of Detectives Louis Shaw, Acting Lieutenant John Skolsky, Lieutenant George Frost, Lieutenant Walter Welch and Sergeants Frank Evans, Nate Pettit, August Koerner, Edward Hahn and Harry Newton.
“I told them,” the latter said, “that I believed they and their men had done a good job in cleaning up conditions in Camden six months ago and I want it kept that way.
“I think Camden is remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements and I want it kept that way.
“Law enforcement is a 24-hour job. It’s a job requiring everlasting vigilance—those in charge of enforcement have got to be on their toes all the time.
“I think our police department is doing a good job, but just the same, I don’t want any letdowns and I told Chief Colsey and his subordinates that I don’t. We have rid the city of a lot of unpleasant elements and we are going to keep rid of them.
“I also told Chief Colsey and his staff that I want all members of the department to co-operate fully with other law enforcement agencies of the county. I particularly desire that reports on cases submitted to the grand jury be as complete and detailed as possible.”