Henry C. Moffett
Henry C. Moffett, Camden City Detective — Camden Post-Telegram, July 1, 1905
HENRY CLAY MOFFETT, who was also often referred to in the press as Harry Moffett, was the son of Charles C. “Chauncey” Moffett, who was a member of City Council in 1876, and later janitor at Camden’s City Hall.
Henry C. Moffett was born in Philadelphia on March 19, 1858. His father brought the family to Camden around 1869, settling in a two-story frame home in the 300 block of Liberty Street, a few doors away from Memorial Methodist Protestant Church, where Boston Corbett had been pastor in 1867. The elder Moffett ran an “eating saloon.” He was also politically active, and was elected to the Camden County Board of Freeholders from the Fifth Ward in 1878. After his term as Freeholder expired, Charles C. Moffett took his family to Kansas and tried farming, but returned to Camden in short order. By the time the 1881 City Directory was compiled, the family was back on Liberty Street. Charles C. Moffett and family are shown at 306 Liberty Street up to 1878, in Kansas in the 1880 Census, and at 304 Liberty Street from 1881 through 1887. This may have been the same house or Moffett may have owned both properties, as Sanborn maps show that the house numbering was irregular in the 1870s and 1880s.
Henry C. Moffett worked for a time at the C.B. Coles lumber yard, then, in 1885, started his own lumber business in partnership with William Shivers, at 55–67 Delaware Avenue. He is listed in City Directories at 308 Chestnut Street from 1884 through 1888. The partnership dissolved in 1899. Henry Moffett next worked for the Public Service gas and electric utility as a claim representative and as a detective. City Directories give his address as 602 Broadway from 1894 to 1901.
On July 1, 1905 he was appointed to the police department as a detective by Mayor Charles H. Ellis. On his first day he made an arrest, taking into custody the arsonist who set the fire that destroyed George Shimer’s textile mill at the head of North 5th Street. When George V. Murry was made the Camden Police Department’s first Black detective in 1912, from 1912 through 1919 he was partnered with Henry C. Moffett.
Henry C. Moffett was living at 304 Liberty Street when he joined the police department in 1905. The 1906 Directory has him at 266 Kaighn Avenue. He is listed at 298 Kaighn Avenue from 1907 through 1914 and at 1464 Bradley Avenue from 1915 through 1918. He then moved to 1434 Ormond Avenue, his last address.
Henry C. Moffett began having health issues around the beginning of 1918. He suffered a stroke and died several days later, on January 24, 1920 at his home at 1454 Ormond Avenue in Camden’s Parkside section.
Henry Moffett was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Grisenwaithe Moffett, and one son, Charles Moffett. He was buried at Harleigh Cemetery. She joined him on October 27, 1936. Charles died in 1942.
For City Council, Fifth Ward
Camden Post —
HENRY C. MOFFETT.
Republican nominee.
Fifth Ward City Council Election Results
Camden Post —
FIFTH WARD. CITY COUNCIL.
Moffett. — Bailey.
First precinct — 230 — 185
Second precinct — 185 — 160
Third precinct — 237 — 195
652 — 530
Business Change
Camden Post —
Councilman Moffett, late with C. B Coles, and Mr. Will. Shivers, formerly with Hill Morrison, have formed a partnership and have their lumber yard on Delaware avenue below Market.
Burglary on Liberty Street
Camden County Courier —
The back shutter of Mr. Joseph Chambers’ residence at 308 Liberty street was forced open with a jimmy by two burglars about three o’clock Monday morning, and an entrance effected. They ransacked the down stairs portion of the house and found seven dollars in money, and a new silk dress. Several other articles were secured and tied in a bundle, when Councilman Moffett, who resides at No. 304, heard the suspicious noises and came out into his yard. He saw that something was wrong, and called out, “Whose there?” No answer come for a few minutes and then the robbers ran hastily out, scaled a fence and escaped. They took the money and dress with them but left the other things behind.
Liberty Street — Joseph Chambers — Henry C. Moffett
History of Camden County, New Jersey (1886)
THE LUMBER-YARD of Shivers & Moffett is located on the west side of Delaware Avenue, below Market Street. It was first started in January, 1885, by the present firm, the individual members being William M. Shivers, who had been for a long time with Mr. Morrison, the lumber dealer, above Market Street, and Henry C. Moffett, late with C.B. Coles. The yard has a frontage of four hundred and fifty feet on Delaware Avenue and is one thousand five hundred feet in depth to the port warden’s line. The stock consists of all kinds of builders’ lumber. The trade extends to Pennsylvania, through Southern New Jersey and to points along the Delaware River.
History of Camden County, New Jersey by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. — 1886
1890 Historical and Industrial Review of Camden, New Jersey
SHIVERS & MOFFETT, LUMBER, DELAWARE AVENUE
NO review of Camden’s industries would do the city’s commercial activity justice were it to fail to call attention to the importance of the lumber industry in our midst. Among the representative houses in this department is that of Shivers & Moffett which this well-known firm established in 1885. They occupy a neatly arranged office, adjoining which is an enormous yard of 120x300 feet in dimensions half stocked with general builders’ lumber of the most approved stock excellence.
The business done is a large one and is constantly developing in consequence of the energy and aim which is put into it by its enterprising owners, who employ seven assistants in the transaction of business.
Mr. Shivers is a native of Camden County and Mr. Moffett of Philadelphia. The latter gentleman has been one of our city councilmen. Both are wide-awake and pushing merchants whose success is richly merited.
1893 Camden City Directory Advertisement
SHIVERS & MOFFETT (William M. Shivers and Henry C. Moffett), lumber, 55 to 67 Delaware
W. M. SHIVERS. — H. C. MOFFETT (Late with C. B. Coles.)
SHIVERS & MOFFETT, Lumber Yard,
WEST SIDE DELAWARE AVE, Nos. 57 to 67.
Below Market Street,
Telephone No. 203. — CAMDEN, N. J.
The Mayor’s Appointments
Camden Daily Telegram —
He Announced Several This Noon.
COMMISSIONERS OF INSTRUCTION.
The Old Members Re-named With the Exception of the Member From the Seventh Ward—Police Appointments and Resignations.
Mayor Westcott this noon made the following appointments as Commissioners of Public instruction:
Messrs. George D. Borton, of the First ward; Samuel Iszard, of the Second ward; Charles H. Ellis, Jr., of the Sixth ward, and James Hanson, to succeed Charles Hewston, of the Seventh ward.
The officers of the Commission hold over another year.
The following appointments were made on the police force:
First Ward—James Elberson, Charles Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Second Ward—No appointments.
Third Ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Stein.
Fourth Ward—No appointments.
Fifth Ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth Ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh Ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth Ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks (colored).
Ninth Ward—No appointments.
Mayor Westcott has requested the resignation of all the members of the police force who served under the Police Commission, to take effect May 1. They are Policemen Peall, Horner, Painter, Mullane, Miller and Reed.
POLITICAL POINTERS.
Who will be the postmaster?
Who will be the next prosecutor?
Many of the ward workers are suffering from election colds.
The name of Harry Moffitt was left out of the columns of honorable mention with the other hustlers of election day.
Senator Rogers and Messrs. Stafford and Watson, of the House are fully coming up to the expectations of their constituents.
If the Mayor could arrange it to hold his hearings a trifle earlier it would be a great source of satisfaction to the Camden afternoon papers.
There is still great anxiety on the part of the public as to the outcome of the present session of the legislature. Thus far their public acts have been highly commendable.
The abolishment of the Police Justice act restores to office the City Recorder, Benjamin M. Braker, who would be qualified to act in place of the Mayor should the Chief Executive be taken sick.
Jos. Potter, the new member of Council from the First ward is a man of wide business experience and will prove much advantage to the many large financial interests that will come under his care.
Owing to the satisfactory working of the present school commission in the two second-class counties up the State, the legislature made no change in the mode of placing the members as was anticipated.
Jos. B. Fox, of the Fourth ward, is what might be termed an old reliable, having had a long and varied experience in public affairs. He is always conservative in the expenditure of city money. He is always safe to trust.
Charles Sayrs, of the Seventh ward, who had a short experience in the present Council, but enough to make him feel at home among public affairs, is neck and ears in work between his real estate business and Councilmanic duties.
The colored people of the lower section of the city are anxious to see Squire Drake, the ex-Republican and ex-member of the School Board, come out of the Court House, where he holds a position under the Thompson Freeholders.
“Father” Figner is a proud sire. He was a member and president of Council in his days, and now sees his son treading in his footsteps. Mr. Figner, Jr., having been sent to Council from the Sixth ward on Tuesday by a large majority.
A special election will not be necessary for the new Board of Freeholders, as the City Council and Township Committees will appoint Freeholders who will serve until the Spring of 1895. The appointments will be made about the middle of May.
Arthur Bedell is spoken of as a candidate for the presidency of the new City Council. He is a stalwart and is never afraid to define his position on all public questions. He is one of those men who makes strong, warm friends and also creates an opposition of like force.
William D. Brown, the Secretary of the Board of Education, and Fred A. Rex, Treasurer, are quite pleased over the report of the committee on accounts and Expert O’Shaughnessy, they having examined the books of Messrs. Rex and Brown and found them correctly kept.
The library of the Camden public schools is one to be highly appreciated and much is due to the care with Miss Blowe the librarian has attended to her duties. She will hold over another year and should be allowed to retain the office as long as she merits it, and she surely does now.
J. R. Carson, the retiring member of Council from the First ward, is highly spoken of by his associates on committees and by Clerk Varney for the mature judgment displayed in the management of city affairs. It is with a general expression of regret that the city is to lose his service.
The reform in the Board of Freeholders can’t come too soon. If the public is to judge of the care of property given by the Democrats in the county, by the “hog combine” in this city, an inventory of the public property when turned over will make interesting reading. Ex-officials guarantee to save enough in the Board, if returned to their offices, to pay the expense of a special election, if one was necessary.
W. J. Bradley has been asked if he was a candidate for president of the new City Council. His reply was that he had not sought it in the first place, and would not seek it now, but whether he became president or remained merely a member on the floor, he would endeavor to discharge his duties in the interests of the city. He is commended by all who came in contact with him during the past year as one who had a new Camden at heart.
Photos
Susan Moffett, wife of Charles C. Moffett
Funeral of Mrs. Moffett
Camden Daily Telegram —
City Officials Act as Pall Bearers for a Noble Woman.
The funeral of Mrs. Susan Moffett, wife of Janitor Charles C. Moffett, of the City Hall, was held this afternoon from the residence of her son, Henry Moffett, No. 602 Broadway. The services were conducted by Rev. J. R. Mace, pastor of the Broadway M. E. church, and interment was made in Harleigh Cemetery. A large number of Mrs. Moffett’s friends attended the funeral and followed her remains to the cemetery.
The pall bearers were ex-Mayor Jesse Pratt, City Clerk T. P. Varney, Supervisor of Highways John Blowe, Tax Receiver William A. Husted, City Engineer Levi Farnham and Assessor C. J. Mines. The body was laid out in a brown silk dress and reposed in a black cloth covered casket with silver trimmings. The floral tributes were numerous and consisted of twelve rosebuds representing twelve grandchildren, a “Gates Ajar,” from her son Henry; a pillow, from her three daughters; a bouquet, from the Broadway M. E. church; a setting sun, from her son Walter, and a sheaf of wheat, from the officials of the city.
Funeral of Mrs. Moffett
Camden Post —
Laid to Rest This Afternoon in Harleigh Cemetery.
Mrs. Susan Moffett, wife of ex-Councilman Moffett, the custodian of the City Hall, was buried this afternoon in Harleigh Cemetery.
The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Mace at the residence of deceased's son, ex-Councilman Moffett, 602 Broadway. The floral offerings were profuse and beside a sheaf of wheat, wreaths, bouquets, gates ajar, crescent and pillows from members of the family and friends, included a large field of wheat and sickle from the city officials.
Hotelkeeper James Flood, of Second and Stevens streets, is having more than his share of misfortune. A few weeks ago his wife died, and to-day white crape fluttering from his door tells of the death of his little girl.
[illegible at the crop edge] John E. Fennelly, the restaurant keeper of No. 3 South Second street, also lost a child last night.
Janitor Moffett’s Sudden Death.
Camden Daily Courier —
Friends in Camden Surprised and Shocked By the News.
The numerous friends of Charles C. Moffett, janitor of the City Hall for nearly a decade, were pained and shocked to learn that he had dropped dead on the farm of his son-in-law, William Keyes, at Brandywine Hundred, Delaware, just as the village church bells were ringing for morning service yesterday. Heart disease was the cause of death.
Mr. Moffett left the City Hall on Saturday to visit his son-in-law apparently in good health and spirits.
“Keep my end up until I get back, Charley,” he said cheerily to Hall Officer Lederman, who bade him good by and assured him that he would. Officer Lederman was at the hall when Chief Dodd was notified by telephone yesterday of Mr. Moffett’s death, and the remembrance of their parting chat brought tears to his eyes.
Mr. Moffett was beloved by all who knew him and the officials and attaches at the hall will no doubt sadly miss his cheery presence. He was true-hearted, loyal, generous, kindly, jovial, with an inflexible hatred of hypocrisy and deceit; always open, honorable, above-board, and without a known enemy in the world. About a year ago his wife died and shortly afterwards he was stricken with paralysis, from the effect of which he never wholly recovered.
The deceased was sixty-five years of age. Previous to settling in this city he conducted a restaurant at Second and Arch streets, Philadelphia. Years ago he was a prominent Republican in the old South ward, Camden, and served several terms in City Council. In 1871, while a member of Council, he was appointed a member of the commission which erected the new City Hall, another member of which died several months ago, Frederick Bourquin. Last January Mr. Moffett was unanimously re-elected janitor of the City Hall buildings for the fourth consecutive term.
This morning the remains were removed from Delaware to the residence of his son, Harry C. Moffett, at Broadway and Line streets. Two sons, ex-Councilman Henry C. Moffett, of the lumber firm of Shivers & Moffett, and Walter Moffett, and three daughters survive him.
Death of Janitor Moffett
Camden Post —
The Custodian of the City Hall Dies Suddenly.
A telegram was received yesterday announcing the sudden death of Janitor Charles C. Moffett, of the City Hall, on a farm near New Castle, Delaware. Mr. Moffett left this city on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by his daughter and grandchild, to spend Sunday, apparently in good health, although he has suffered from heart trouble for several years. Mr. Moffett was aged about 65 years, and was a universal favorite with the officials of the city government, and was respected by all who came in contact with him. Mr. Moffett was for a number of years engaged in the restaurant business in Philadelphia. He had been the janitor of the city hall for nine years, and was elected last February for a term of three years. He was for several terms a member of Camden city council and served as a member of the building committee on the present city hall. He was the father of Henry Moffett, of the lumber firm of Shivers & Moffett. Mr. Moffett leaves two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Moffett, his wife, died about one year ago.
The remains were brought from Delaware to the residence of his son, H. C. Moffett, to-day. Two sons, ex-Councilman Henry C. Moffett, of the lumber firm of Shivers & Moffett, and Walter Moffett, and three daughters survive him.
Young Woman Ended Her Life
Camden Daily Telegram —
Miss Clara Moffett Shot Herself at Her Home.
BOUGHT CARTRIDGE AND REVOLVER
The Deadly Weapon and Bullet Sold Her by a Young Clerk at the Hardware Store of James Rutherford on Broadway.
Miss Clara Moffett, sister of ex-Councilman Harry W. Moffett, shot herself in the breast yesterday afternoon at her brother's residence, Broadway and Royden street, and died from the effects of the wound at five o'clock this morning.
Miss Moffett has been a sufferer from brain trouble for some time past, and was brought to Camden by Mr. Moffett from Delaware on Monday, in order that he might be near her in case matters took a turn for the worse.
When Miss Moffett arose yesterday morning she seemed in excellent spirits. She ate a hearty breakfast and after sitting around for awhile she told her brother she felt like taking a little exercise, and would like some money. Mr. Moffett provided his sister with funds and donning her hat and coat she started down Broadway. She went direct to Rutherford's hardware store, at Broadway and Chestnut streets, where she singled out one of the boy clerks from whom to make her purchase. She told him she wanted a revolver and one cartridge. The boy without calling his employer sold the weapon and cartridge to the woman and she left the store.
After taking a short walk Miss Moffett returned to her brother's house. Her actions were those of a person perfectly balanced. After chatting a few moments with members of the household she went up stairs to the third story back room, and putting the revolver to her breast pulled the trigger. The shot was heard by those down stairs and Drs. Donges and Braymer were called in, but their efforts were of no avail, the young woman breathing her last at 5 o'clock this morning. A few minutes before the end came Miss Moffett called for her mother and father several times, and died with her mother's name on her lips.
Miss Moffett, it is said, attempted to end her life twice before, once by taking poison and then by inhaling illuminating gas.
County Physician Jones gave a certificate of death by suicide.
Side-Splitting Farce Goes On
Camden Daily Telegram —
Chairman Burrough Did Not Sit With the Committee.
HE IS SAID TO BE DISGUSTED
Additional Charges Against Policemen, But the Witnesses Fail to Substantiate the Specifications Made by Office Seekers.
The Police Committee of City Council, last night, resumed the hearings of the charges against the policemen. The Council chamber was again crowded with prospective policemen and office seekers of all descriptions. Chairman Burroughs of the committee was absent and it was stated that he was disgusted at the manner in which the farce is being carried on. The other two members of the committee were present and Mr. Silvers, the Third ward statesman, acted as chairman. He was flanked on the right by His Honor, the Mayor. Previous to the hearings the Mayor heard some suggestions from his new adviser, who is William H. Sparks, of kidney cure fame, and a Democrat who had been an office seeker in the Democratic party for a number of years. Dr. “Mark Hanna” Davis for some reason or other is not participating in the deliberation of the Reformers. It is said that he is disgusted and was heard to make the remark that there are but two political parties, the Republican and Democratic, and he did not believe in Reform.
E. G. C. Bleakley, after some delay, moved the charges against Policeman Bond. Officer Bond was charged by ex-Policeman “Ikey” Shreeve with being asleep in the post office building on March 15, and also with leaving his post of duty.
The first witness called was the complainant, and he testified that on the morning in question he found Policeman Bond asleep in the post office building, about 4 o’clock. The witness fixed the time by a man on the street asking him the hour. He knew he was asleep from the fact that he heard him snoring.
Policeman Bond, in his own defense, admitted going into the post office to light his pipe, but denied being asleep. He stated that he did not see Mr. Shreeve, but saw Constable Voight.
John Hefferan was called, and testified that on the morning in question he was with Policeman Bond about 6 o’clock on Federal street.
Irving L. Buckle, a newspaper carrier, testified that he saw Bond on Federal street between half-past 3 and 4 o’clock.
Thomas A. Stockham also testified that he saw Officer Bond on the morning in question about 3 o’clock.
Joseph Robinson, night watchman at the post office, said that he never saw Mr. Bond asleep in the building.
The next case that was moved was the charges against Policeman A. Lincoln James. The charge in the case was made by a young man named John J. Browning, of Cedar street, near Fifth. He charged James with being in an intoxicated condition on the morning of April 13, in the saloon of Edward McCabe, No. 900 Market street. The first witness called in this case was the complainant. He testified that he was in McCabe’s saloon and saw James there about midnight and believed him to be intoxicated. On cross-examination he said he had been drinking and that James treated him. He said that he was not an applicant for a position on the police force.
The next witness in this case was a gem. He is known as John J., alias “Limpy,” Logan, and is a familiar figure on Market street between Fourth and Sixth at all hours of the day and night. He was recently appointed as a watchman in the Water Department, by the Reform Water Committee, but his appointment was one of those which was held up by a writ of certiorari. Logan swore that he saw James in McCabe’s saloon and said the policeman had about nine drinks. He felt certain that James was intoxicated and that he was half drunk when he came into the saloon. The witness on cross examination admitted that he had plenty of beer and that they were coming at a good gait.
John Dorsey, a companion of Logan, corroborated the testimony of his bosom friend and became very indignant when asked if James did not treat him. He said that he had been drinking and paid for all he got.
Policeman James admitted that he was in McCabe’s saloon on the date mentioned. He said he had been in Stockton and arrived at McCabe’s about midnight and while there he had four glasses of beer.
Edward McCabe, the proprietor of the saloon, testified that James was in his place about midnight, but denied that he was intoxicated.
I. Newton Hillman and Hilton Taylor also testified to seeing James and were positive that he was not in an intoxicated condition.
The charges against Policemen Elwyn Steen and William Comley were then taken up. Both of the men were charged with the same offense and were placed on trial together. Lawyer Grey opposed to going to trial without Comley being present as he said he had been informed that he was sick.
Mr. Bleakley opposed his motion and said that Comley was seen in the corridor of the hall early in the evening.
The committee decided to go on with the hearing.
The charge in this case was made by Thomas Neville who swore that both of the policemen were seen to enter the office of Messrs. Shivers & Moffett, on the morning of May 6, at 12.15, and that they remained there until 1.30 a. m.
Counsel for Policeman Steen admitted that his client was in the office of Shivers & Moffett on the date specified, but denied that he remained as long as was charged.
Policeman Steen was put on the stand and testified that on the morning of May 6 he met Policeman Comley, who informed him that he believed there was some person in the office of Shivers & Moffett and Comley asked him to go with him. He said that when they reached the office they found a window open. They then made a search of the premises and also the lumber yard. He testified that the place had been frequently robbed and that Messrs. Shivers & Moffett had furnished Policeman Comley with a key, for the purpose of going through the place.
Henry Moffett, a member of the firm of Shivers & Moffett, testified that the firm had furnished a key to Policeman Comley.
At this juncture Mr. Bleakley went through the crowd and finally landed ex-Excise Commissioner Jacob Gnang on the stand. He said that he knew Policeman Comley and saw him standing in the corridor of the Hall early in the evening.
After considerable delay, occasioned by a conference, between the committee, Mayor Hatch, Acting City Clerk Kramer and Lawyer Bleakley, the committee decided not to take up any more charges and adjourned the hearings until to-morrow night.
As soon as Mayor Hatch reached the Police Department he ordered Chief Dodd to suspend Policeman Comley.
No decisions were given in the other cases.
Fire in Stable; Man in Jail
Camden Post —
SUSPECTED OF STARTING A BLAZE IN THE LUMBER DISTRICT.
Prompt Work by the Firemen Doubtless Saved Thousands of Dollars—Richardson's Hearing Before the Recorder.
A fire in the lumber district between Market and Federal streets early this morning, is said to have been the work of a drunken vagrant. The fire was in a stable in the lumber yard of Shivers & Moffett, No. 55 Delaware avenue. Harry and Walter Moffett were standing in front of the office at twenty minutes of eight o'clock, when Reuben G. Scudder, secretary of the Scudder Lumber Company, ran up to them and shouted that their stable was on fire. Almost simultaneously the clang of the fire appartus [sic] was heard coming down Arch and Market streets. The flames leaping from the gable roof of the barn had been seen at Market street ferry and someone had sent in an alarm from there. Engine companies Nos. 2 and 4, the chemical and truck responded in a jiffy, and succeeded in saving the stable from total destruction. Just previous to the arrival of the firemen Walter Moffett bravely rescued four of the firm's fine, big horses from the burning stable. The damage to the building, which was an old two story frame was confined to the second floor, where were the hay and feed and seventy-five pairs of pigeons The pigeons, with the exception of several squabs whose necks were wrung, flew up to the old cupola of the West Jersey Hotel, where they cooed mournfully over being burned out of house and home.
A sensational incident of the fire was the arrest of a man suspected of having set the stable on fire. The man was arrested by Policeman Alfred Sayrs by order of Fire Chief Elfreth and locked up in the city prison for a hearing when he got sober. The man was apparently a “bum.” He was drunk and interfering with the work of the firemen. Several persons, among them Reporter Bonsall, it is said, saw him come out of the stable when the fire started. On being placed in a cell he fell in a drunken stupor.
Driver Charles Hall said that when he left the stable about 7 o'clock the door was locked It was found open when the fire broke out. The loss is estimated at several hundred dollars, fully insured. The firm of Shivers & Moffett are loud in praise of the good work of the firemen. If it had not been for their prompt arrival and quick action there is no telling what damage might have been done, as all around was lumber, and sparks were flying about in myriads in all directions.
The prisoner was given a hearing before the Recorder at 10:30. He gave the name of James C. Richardson.
William M. Shivers, of the firm of Shivers & Moffett, had sworn out a warrant, charging the man with setting fire to the barn. In support of his charges he said the man was seen coming out of the stable after it was discovered to be on fire.
Howard Bonsall said he saw the beginning of the fire and saw a man who looked like the prisoner at the door of the stables, but could not positively identify him.
Charles Robinson, of the chemical engine, saw the man on a ladder when they arrived. He was trying to secure squabs out of a pigeon roost. He refused at first to come down from the ladder when ordered, but when he did come down pulled the ladder after him. He positively identified the man.
Officer Sayrs, who made the arrest, testified that he saw the man on the ladder before the firemen arrived.
Richardson, in his own defense, said that he desired to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” and then went on to tell that he went in the saloon of Moses Redman, 46 Delaware avenue, at 4:30; he had one or two drinks and was there until after the engines went by to the fire. He then ran out and went to the stable, where he tried to help the firemen manipulate the hose, until he was ordered to stop.
Redman, the saloonkeeper, corroborated the man's story as to his time of arrival and departure from the saloon, as did a man named George Williams, who was also in the saloon.
The evidence being so conflicting, each witness positively identifying the prisoner, Recorder Nowrey adjourned the case for a further hearing.
Shivers & Moffett Assign
Camden Daily Courier —
Partnership Differences Lead to the Downfall of an Old Lumber Firm.
The lumber firm of Shivers & Moffett has made an assignment for the benefit of its creditors. William D. Lippincott is the assignee.
The assignment, is is [sic] said, was precipitated by a disagreement between the members of the firm, William M. Shivers and Henry C. Moffett. The firm is an old one, dating back fifteen years.
Mr. Moffett to-day said that the firm was not prepared to make public a statement of its assets and liabilities.
Up to three o’clock the assignment papers of the firm had not been recorder [sic] in the Surrogate’s office. More developments are expected.
Police Take a Hand at the Primaries
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch’s Men in Blue Forcibly Removed a Ninth Ward Precinct Board
Anti-Hatch Candidate in the Seventh Ward Withdrew to Prevent Trouble!
Camden Republicans held their primary elections last evening. Candidates for City Council, Justices of the Peace, Aldermen and Constables were chosen. There was a hot fight in the Ninth ward, where Mayor Hatch’s policemen took a hand in the game in order to help out Lewis H. Leigh, the Mayor’s Councilmanic candidate. In the Second precinct there were three vacancies in the primary board. The power to fill these vacancies was vested, under the party rules, in Frazier Baker, ward committeeman of that precinct. He was absent through illness, but sent a letter naming three men to fill the vacancies.
City Committeeman Edwin Hillman claimed the right to fill the vacancies in the absence of Baker and he named John Harris, Harry Moffett and George Emory to sit with James Scanlin, the only primary officer present. This did not suit the supporters of the Mayor’s candidate, and they set up a separate ballot box.
The board named by Committeeman Hillman continued to take ballots until Chief of Police Foster, Captain Stanley and a squad of officers arrived and ordered them out of the polling place. They refused to leave and the police forcibly ejected them. Moffett held on to the ballot box. The Leigh faction cast their ballots in the other box. The City Committee will be asked to throw out the votes for Leigh, who claims to have carried the ward by 302 majority.
The contests in the other wards were tame. The threatened trouble in the “bloody” Seventh did not materialize, as City Committeeman John Carmany, the anti Hatch candidate, withdrew to save the official heads of several petty office holders. Isaac V. Bradley, who was backed by the Hanson faction, was nominated without opposition.
In the Eleventh ward William B. Carter defeated William Keaser by over 100 majority, and in the Twelfth ward Councilman Theodore Leas received 306 votes and William Klesele 48.
The slated Councilmanic candidates in the other wards were nominated without opposition, as follows: First ward, Robert Smith; Second, E. G. Locke; Third, Harry Silvers; Fourth, William Z. Gibson; Fifth, Benjamin Lawton; Sixth, Edwin Stevens; Eighth, Benjamin E. Mellor; Tenth, William B. Cannon.
Will Be Mayor’s Private Secretary
Philadelphia Inquirer —
James Clay.
Mayor Ellis, of Camden, to-day will announce the appointment of five additional members of the police force.
James Clay, of the Fourth ward, will act as the Mayor’s private secretary and house sergeant. Henry Moffett, of the Fifth ward, will be made a detective, and the others to be appointed patrolmen are: Virginia [sic] Troncone, First ward; Lewis Stehr, Jr., Fifth ward, and John Brothers, Sixth ward.
Detective Moffett Begins His Duties
Camden Post-Telegram —
Henry C. Moffett is now a full-fledged detective. The Mayor appointed him this morning and Moffett at once reported to Chief Foster.
HENRY C. MOFFETT, The new City Detective who went on Duty To-Day. —Cut loaned by Philadelphia Inquirer.
James Clay, Lewis Stehr, Jr., John Brothers and Virginia [sic] Troncone were sworn in as patrolmen.
New Officers Sworn In
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Henry C. Moffett, of the Fifth ward, Camden, was appointed a city detective by Mayor Charles H. Ellis yesterday. Moffett was immediately detailed for duty by Chief Foster. John Brothers, James Clay, Lewis Stehr and Virginia Troncone were sworn in as patrolmen. Brothers was deputy keeper at the State Prison, Trenton, for a number of years.
Prisoner Committed to a Charge of Arson
Camden Post-Telegram —
PRISONER COMMITTED TO A CHARGE OF ARSON
John William Prestly Admits That He Set Fire to the Shimer Mill, But Claims it Was an Accident.
MILL COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
TRENTON FIRE BUG MAY BE ARRESTED.
John William Prestly — Charles R. Shimer — Henry C. Moffett — Charles Stevenson — Joseph Nece — State Street — William Archer — George Breitenstien
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Frank Ireland, Calvin Kircher Wesley Huff and Robert Barnes, boys, whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, were committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday to await action on the part of Prosecutor Lloyd, who will probably have them sent to the reform school. According to Detectives Moffett and Hart, the youthful defendants are four of a gang that has been preying on local stores recently.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Bryant Smith, who was whirled about in a fly wheel at a paper mill, will probably have one of his feet amputated at the Cooper Hospital.
The cruiser Washington, recently launched at the New York shipyard, will be given a dock trial on Monday.
The Camden Hebrew relief fund has reached $694.38.
Frank Ireland, Calvin Kircher, Wesley Huff and Robert Barnes, boys, whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, were committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday to await action on the part of Prosecutor Lloyd, who will probably have them sent to the reform school. According to Detectives Moffett and Hart, the youthful defendants are four of a gang that has been preying on local stores recently.
An unknown boy while passing the grocery store of E. S. Moore, 527 South Sixth street, yesterday lit a match and deliberately threw it into a can of gasoline. There was an explosion that shook the neighborhood and a slight fire resulted. The boy escaped.
Beggar Made Threats When Refused Alms
Camden Post-Telegram —
The first arrest in conformity with Chief of Police Foster’s strict orders to abate the tramp nuisance, that of worthless hoboes harassing housewives at back doors, was made by Policeman Charles Fitzsimmons yesterday afternoon. The prisoner is a Fishtowner named Edward Lynch, who, although 41 years of age and able-bodied, is apparently too light for heavy work, for he has been begging about South Camden for several weeks.
Yesterday afternoon Policeman Fitzsimmons detected Lynch begging at back gates and then followed him to Fourth street and Kaighn avenue, where he accosted a man for a nickel and because refused threatened to “paste him one on the snout.”
It did not take “Fits” long to nab the abusive hoodlum by the coat collar and hustle him to the patrol box.
In Police Court this morning, Detective Harry Moffett said that Lynch was a pal of Mike McGurk, the thieving tramp sent to jail for three months by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday, for helping himself to an overcoat from Leaven’s clothing store on Kaighn avenue above Third, and had served time before.
Lynch had nothing to say and was given thirty days in the county jail.
Woman Sent Negro Into the Street
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Planted Him Between the Eyes With Her Fist When He Insisted on Entering Her Home
When Mrs. George R. Thompson, of 350 Sycamore street, Camden, answered a ring of the door bell last night she was confronted by a big negro, who asked if Mr. Thompson was in. Mrs. Thompson replied that he was not, and the negro, placing his foot in the doorway, attempted to enter.
“You cannot come in here,” said Mrs. Thompson.
“Oh, yes I can,” replied the fellow, as he seized her by the left wrist.
Mrs. Thompson although a nervous woman, is quite an athlete, and quick as a flash she shot out her right first [sic] and planted a blow squarely between the negro’s eyes, sending him sprawling into the sidewalk. Then, of course, she screamed loudly for help, but before assistance came the negro escaped through a nearby alley.
In speaking of the affair Mrs. Thompson, whoes [sic] wrist plainly showed the effect of the negro’s grip, said that before ringing the bell the negro tapped on the window shutter and on the door as her husband has been in the habit of doing for years.
The case was reported to police headquarters, and Detective Muffett [sic] was assigned to investigate. Mr. Thompson is also gunning for the negro.
Boy Ball Player Killed in Fight With His Chum
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Boy Ball Player Killed in Fight With His Chum
Had Quarreled Over Matter of False Note at Mandolin Concert
DIED IN PATROL AFTER A BEATING
Two Associates of Victim Fled to Camden, But Were Soon in Custody of Police
WILLIAM PFROMMER. WALTER BRYEN. —Photos by Sherman, Camden.
A boyish quarrel over a musical note on Thursday night last had a tragic sequel yesterday when three Camden boys came to blows at Twelfth and Spring Garden streets and, one received injuries from which he died soon afterwards at the Hahnemann Hospital. His two companions fled, but were later arrested in Camden.
Before last Thursday night the three boys, Robert Beasley, aged 15 years, of 321 Birch street, Camden; Walter Bryen, aged 17 years, of 206 Milton street, Camden, and William Pfrommer, aged 17 years, of 634 Point street, Camden, were close friends. They were members of the Stirling Mandolin and Guitar Club, of Camden, and their mutual fondness for music made them almost inseparable.
In athletics as well as in music their tastes were alike. They played base ball together, went rowing or sailing in the same boat or vied with one another in various other tests of strength and skill. That their friendship, which had invariably been characterized by so marked a spirit of good fellowship, should have terminated so tragically, entirely surprised those who knew them.
Quarreled Over Note
The three boys were employed at the establishment of the Haines, Jones and Cadbury Company, dealers in plumbers’ materials, at 1136 Ridge avenue. Young Beasley, the one to lose his life, owed his position to Pfrommer, and yet it was with Pfrommer that he quarreled over what seemed to those who were present a most trivial matter. The Stirling Mandolin and Guitar Club took part in a musical entertainment in Camden on last Thursday night. Several times they received encores for the lively airs they played, and when they finally retired from the stage the thought of an impending quarrel was remote from their minds. As they prepared to leave a dispute arose abruptly between young Beasley and Pfrommer as to whether there had not been a false note played by one or the other while one of the airs was being rendered.
According to a statement made by Pfrommer to the police last night, young Beasley left him and the others in an angry frame of mind. Pfrommer says the boy evidently harbored resentment against him, for a mutual acquaintance brought him word on Friday night that Beasley was awaiting an opportunity to thrash him. For the first time since they had known one another the two boys worked side by side without a friendly glance or a kindly utterance directed toward each other.
First Rumors of Fight
But yesterday morning, according to Pfrommer, and his statement is corroborated by that of young Bryen, Beasley still showed no disposition to make peace with his former friend. Bryen’s sympathies were with Pfrommer in the matter.
Before noon, the hour at which the employes of the Haines, Jones and Cadberry [sic] Company quit work on Saturday, it had become circulated in the establishment that Beasley and Pfrommer were going to fight it out. Not long after the noon hour and while the employes of the establishment were still pouring into Ridge avenue, Beasley and Pfrommer came face to face at Twelfth street, Pfrommer claims that Beasley struck the first blow. They came to blows, however, and Beasley proved himself the better with his fists than his opponent. According to Bryen he watched the two boys battling until Pfrommer’s face was badly cut and one of his eyes closed. Then he says he interefered [sic], whereupon Beasley turned on him. While Pfrommer sat down upon a curb-stone to recover from his exertions and the effect of the blows he had received Beasley, fighting gamely, showered blows upon Bryen. But the latter was fresher and his opponent was almost exhausted. Suddenly a blow from one of Bryen’s fists sent young Beasley reeling backward. His head struck the ground and when it became apparent that he was unconscious Pfrommer and Bryen fled. Both say that they had no idea that his condition was serious.
It was at one o’clock that young Beasley fell to the ground. Two minutes later the police of the Tenth and Buttonwood streets station had set in motion machinery of the law that within half an hour gave warning to every police district in this city and to the Camden police of the escape of Pfrommer and Bryen and put detectives on their trail.
Died in Patrol Wagon
At two minutes after 1 o’clock Policeman William Devine rang for a patrol wagon that was to be young Beasley’s death bed. He died just as it reached the Hahnemann Hospital. In the meanwhile Lieutenant Ewing, Sergeant Austin and Special Policeman McClain had obtained a description of the fugitives, and before 1.30 o’clock House Sergeant Bisbing was flashing it, with a report of the tragedy, to the Electrical Bureau and the office of Superintendent of Police Taylor.
Before 2 o’clock Sergeant Auston [sic], Special Policeman McClain and detectives of the Central Office were on their way to Camden. With the co-operation of the Camden police and the aid of James McDonald, aged 15 years, of 1523 North Twenty-fourth street, and Theodore Forgeng, aged 15 years, of 1223 North Twenty-fifth street, who had witnessed the fatal fight, Pfrommer and Bryen were soon taken into custody. Each still wore the uniform of the Peerless Base Ball Club, of Camden, of which both were crack members. They had on this uniform when they came to blows with young Beasley.
From Bryen’s mother it was learned that he went to see a base ball game at River avenue and State street, East Camden. Detectives Moffett, Hart and Painter, of the Camden police, with Special Policeman McClain and the boys went there. Bryen is acquainted with Detective Moffett, and as soon as he saw the sleuth he surrendered himself. Bryen then took the policeman to the house of Pfrommer’s brother-in-law, at Twenty-ninth street and Garfield avenue, where Pfrommer was found.
After being told of Beasley’s death he expressed a willingness to go to headquarters and tell all he knew.
In the presence of the detectives, Sergeant Austin informed the boys they were charged with a serious offense, and that, while they did not have to talk, he would like them to make a statement as to just what had occurred, at the same time warning them what was said would be used against them. Both boys made statements which Sergeant Austin reduced to writing.
Arrest Woman on Another's Charge
Trenton Evening Times —
CAMDEN, July 28.—Mrs. Katie Tabler, pretty and stylishly dressed, of Hightstown, was arrested at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal yesterday afternoon by Detective Moffett as she stepped from an inbound train, on a warrant issued by Justice Bartlett, of Hightstown, on a charge of alienating the affections of William G. Hamel, of Hightstown. Mrs. Tabler was accompanied by two pretty and handsomely dressed children, a boy of twelve years old, and a girl of nine. The warrant was sworn out by Hamel's wife.
Moffett took them all to the City Hall, and when the situation was explained to Sergeant McClong he declined to lock the woman up on the ground that there was no such crime, and that the only recourse Mrs. Hamel had was by a civil suit. McClong consulted Recorder's Clerk Knight, and the latter advised McClong not to imprison the woman. She was released a minute later and with her children, left for Philadelphia, theatening [sic] suits for those responsible for her detention.
Mrs. Hamel, the police say, has evidence sufficient to warrant a civil suit. Detective Moffet [sic] claims that an elopement was planned between Hamel and Mrs. Tabler, but that the arrest stopped it for the present.
Hurt in Trolley Crash
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Woman and City Detective Injured in Camden
Two persons were injured, one seriously, in a rear-end collision between two trolley cars at Ann street and Kaighn avenue, Camden, last night. City Detective Harry C. Moffett, of Third street and Kaighn avenue, and Mrs. Sarah Kindy, of 721 Kaighn avenue, were the victims. Mrs. Kindy, who is 55 years of age, was in the act of alighting from a barn-bound Gloucester car at Ann street when a Kaighn avenue car collided with it with great force, throwing the woman violently to the ground. She was carried to her home nearby and Dr. Paul N. Litchfield was summoned. She is hurt internally and the physician states that her condition is serious.
Detective Moffett, also a passenger on the Gloucester car, was thrown to the floor of the car and was rendered unconscious. He quickly revived and was able to go to his home. He is badly bruised.
Escaped Patient Captured
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Five hours after he escaped from a sanatorium at Byberry, Pa., Michael Morgan was captured in Camden by Detectives Brothers and Moffett.
Shots Fly After Fleeing Suspect
Camden Post-Telegram —
While Policeman Boyer was standing at Broadway and Pine street last night about 9 o’clock his attention was attracted by a crowd of men chasing a young man out that thoroughfare. As he started to investigate he was blocked by an automobile and the young man turned south on Broadway and into Division street, heading east. Seeing that Detective Moffett and Special Fitzsimmons were in close pursuit Boyer gave chase and was rapidly gaining on the young man as he turned into Division street.
Coursey Breaks Down While Story of Cold-Blooded Killing of Karl Kellmann Is Told by Detective
Camden Post-Telegram —
Two “Pals,” Too, Accused of Crime
Harry Duffield. Fred. Coursey. Linnans Staley.
Trio Accused of Murder, Coursey Firing the Shots.
Collapsing when arraigned in Police Court this morning before Recorder Stackhouse on the charge of killing Karl Kellmann, aged 18 years, of 2919 High street, at Twenty-seventh and Sherman streets, shortly before midnight Saturday, Fred Coursey, alias “Mexican Pete,” alias “Cowboy Pete,” aged 20 years, of 121 North Twenty-first street, who admits firing the fatal shots while committing robbery, and Harry Duffield, aged 21 years, of 407 North Forty-first street, who acknowledged masking his face with a handkerchief and being with Coursey, sobbed piteously, resting their heads on the railing of the dock, while John Painter, the veteran detective, was briefly reciting the story.
When Recorder Stackhouse asked what became of the young man who was shot and Painter replied that he died, Coursey and Duffield sobbed afresh, and when Recorder Stackhouse committed them without bail Policemen Frost and Kay had to help them.
Linnans Staley, aged 21 years, of 1819 Federal street, who confessed that he was in the robbery plot but later got scared and hid in the bushes, was scarcely able to stand, and when his mother broke down as he was committed as a principal he staggered and would have fallen but for Sergeant McClong.
Prosecutor Boyle announced this morning that the Grand Jury will be recalled for Thursday of this week and the case will be made the special order of the day.
Without the slightest clue to start with in the most brutal murder committed in recent years in Camden county, police and detectives under the personal direction of Chief Gravenor in two hours arrested two of the three prisoners and obtained their signatures to confessions and before sunrise the other was lodged behind the bars at the City Hall.
According to their statements to the police the prisoners while drinking on a lot near Twenty-first and Federal streets on Saturday night planned to go to a lone spot near Twenty-seventh and Sherman streets to hold someone up to get money and jewelry to buy more drink. Coursey had a 38-calibre cowboy pistol and Duffield used Coursey’s bandanna as a mask. Staley weakened before the spot selected was reached and at the time of the murder was hiding in a clump of weeds a short distance away.
The murdered boy was the son of Karl and Lulu D. Kellmann. He was a member of the Bible class of Grace Presbyterian Church, East Side, and active in church work.
Saturday night was the closing of a carnival given on High street between Twenty-seventh and Thirtieth streets. Karl was there and made several purchases. At one booth he bought a necktie, from another some ice cream and a box of candy and spent some time conversing with the young ladies connected with the church.
When it grew rather late he noticed that Misses Bertha and Bessie Skillen, of 815 North Thirty-fourth street, the latter a teacher in Grace Church Sunday-school, were without an escort and he volunteered to see them home. They accepted his invitation to be their escort. He saw them safely home and he was on his way back and had reached a point on the east side of Twenty-seventh street south of Sherman street and near the foot of the bridge that spans the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks when two men jumped out from behind a tree and as one commanded him to hold up his hands the other began to shoot.
The first shot struck him in the breast and turned him partially around. The next ploughed a hole through his neck, knocking him down, and the third went wide.
Screaming for help he tried to rise to his feet and was on his knees when Night Yardmaster Albert Ludlow and Brakeman Joseph Wittick, who were on the opposite side of the bridge, ran to his assistance. By the light of their lanterns they saw that he was seriously hurt and they took him to ’Squire Sasse’s house nearby to await the arrival of the ambulance. As the railroaders sped across the bridge Ludlow saw a man run down the tracks in the direction of Seventeenth street.
In the signal tower at Pavonia station known as C. B. the operator, Thomas Sink, heard the shots and cries for help and ’phoned to Captain James at Police Headquarters that a murder had been committed. Sink also saw a man run down through the weeds and bushes on the east side of the bridge toward the railroad tracks.
Policeman Hurlock and Schmid, ’Squire and Mrs. Sasse and several others were out on the street before the railroad men reached the Sasse home and all hurried to ’phones to notify police headquarters.
In less than five minutes by use of the red light system Captain James had every officer on duty on the East Side hurrying to the scene, officers stationed at every bridge, ferry house and railroad terminal, and the downtown auto with Detectives Schregler, Painter, Brothers and Moffett on its way to East Camden.
On information from the railroad men Sergeant Horner took all the East Side officers and the four detectives and they worked westward among the cars while Captain James started Policemen Colsey and Kelly to walk eastward from Fifteenth street until they met the main body.
The search proved fruitless and as they returned to the bridge one of the men picked up a green bandanna with yellow spots and sheep burrs embeded [sic] on it on the incline near the signal tower. Later he recalled that the man who went down the slope wore a Khaki shirt and cap.
The handkerchief was recognized as the kind used by “Indian Bill” May, and Detectives Brothers and Policeman Abbott were sent to arrest him. They found May and Eugene Cafferty asleep in a moving van in Marlton avenue. “Indian Bill” soon established an alibi.
Detective Schregler and a couple of officers who were sure that the description of the man with the khaki shirt tallied with Duffield started for his brother’s house, but failed to find him there. About this time the downtown auto turned into Twenty-seventh street to get Karl’s father, mother and sister and take them to the hospital. Councilman Finkeldey and a friend shouted to the crew that a woman was down and out on a step nearby, but the crew yelled back that they were on an emergency run and the woman would keep until they returned. Fireman J. H. Vickers walked across the street to investigate and found that the supposed woman was Duffield and that he seemed to be asleep.
Vickers shook him and as he got up he said something about the shooting that aroused Vickers’ curiosity and he ’phoned to Police Headquarters. Captain James immediately notified Chief Gravenor, who was on the scene and the latter sent Detective Moffett to investigate. When Moffett arrived he learned that Duffield had taken a Westfield avenue car. Moffett returned to the bridge and he and Detective Painter and Chief Gravenor took the down-town auto for Duffield’s home.
Painter went to the front door and saw Duffield in the act of taking off his shoes. Moffett in going around to the back door to prevent his escape that way passed by the window at which Duffield was sitting.
Grasping Duffield by the collar Moffett pulled him through the window to the ground. As soon as he landed on his feet, according to the Chief and detectives, Duffield said that Coursey did the shooting.
Placing him in the auto they next drove close to Coursey’s home and with Policeman Potter who knew the man wanted, the detectives entered the house with drawn revolvers while other officers guarded all avenues of escape.
Coursey was found akwake [sic] on a cot and while he was covered with revolvers Detective Painter searched his trunk and found the weapon that he later admitted using. It was empty. The detectives late yesterday afternoon found three used shells adjoining the house near a spot where Coursey said he had thrown them.
In order to keep the men apart they were taken to the City Hall separately and questioned and after they decided to tell all Sergeant E. B. McClong reduced their statements to writing and they signed them. It was on the strength of these statements that Staley was arrested.
Young Kellmann was taken into the hospital at 12.20 a. m. Chief Surgeon Schellenger saw at a glance that there was no hope for him and so notified Captain James, and Sergeant McClong was sent to the hospital to get all information possible.
The unfortunate youth could only speak a few words at a time because of the hemorrhages. All Sergeant McClong was able to get from him was that he was told to hold up his hands and that the shooting instantly began. The only description he could give was that they were small men and that the attack was so sudden that he could not tell whether they were black or white.
The injured young man kept asking the doctors if he was going to die, but they did not answer. He was conscious when his father and mother arrived and then sank rapidly until the end, dying at 1.50 o’clock, 90 minutes after he was admitted. Mother and father were prostrated and were taken home by the up-town auto.
County Physician Jones conducted the autopsy yesterday morning. He said that either wound would have caused death. The bullet in the breast pierced the right lung at the top and lodged in the cavity. It is now in the doctor’s possession. The other bullet went clear through the neck.
Coursey and Duffield have been working in the Pavonia car yard. The former was born in El Paso, Texas, but has lived East nearly all his life. He is an expert shot and was a member of the vaudeville team of Coursey & Cook, according to their letter heads presenting a fifteen-minute thriller.
Duffield was only recently paroled for robbing Gallagher’s saloon, Nineteenth and Federal streets of a lot of drinkables. Staley has been arrested several times on petty charges but was never convicted of crime. When Duffield’s coat was examined at the City Hall, it was found to contain sheep burrs.
To a reporter Coursey said that whenever he was drinking he had to get his gun and shoot something or somebody. He insisted that all were in on the job and that they let the man who preceded Kellman go over the bridge without molestation because he didn’t look as if he had any too much money.
Yesterday morning Assistant Prosecutor Wolverton and Stenographer Cleary called at the City Hall. The prisoners were examined by Mr. Wolverton and their statements taken by Mr. Cleary, but there was little or nothing new elicited.
Haggerty Missed Kellmann’s Fate
Camden Post-Telegram —
Carman Street Man Passed Youth’s Slayers Shortly Before the Murder.
SPOKE TO DUFFIELD ON RAILROAD BRIDGE
Through the efforts of Detectives Painter and Moffett the identity of the man who crossed the railroad bridge at Twenty-seventh street just previous to the murder of Karl Kellmann on Saturday night has been established.
He is William Haggerty, of 2806 Carman street.
In their signed confessions Duffield and Coursey said that soon after reaching the bridge, bent on robbery, a man aproached [sic] but they decided not to hold him up. A few minutes later Kellmann came along and the killing followed.
According to Mr. Haggerty’s statement he had been visiting friends near the river front and was on his way home. As he approached the bridge he saw two men acting suspiciously and as he drew nearer he decided to be on the alert.
As he came up to them he saw that one of them was Duffield and after speaking to him pleasantly went on without being interfered with. The detectives are also investigating a rumor to the effect that prior to the murder the three young men attempted to hold up a railroad man on the lots near Twenty-seventh and Saunders streets.
Yesterday afternoon a young woman found a 38 calibre cartridge alongside of the house where Coursey lived and within a few feet of the spot where the three empty shells from Coursey’s gun were thrown. It was turned over to Detective Brothers.
More Witnesses in Kellmann Murder
Camden Post-Telegram —
Police Find Two Other Men Who Met Slayers at the Bridge.
ONE CONVERSED WITH DUFFIELD
Two more important witnesses in the Karl Kellmann murder case, according to Chief of Police Gravenor, were located yesterday by Detectives Painter and Moffett and Policeman Abbott.
Berthold Neuman, of 2813 High street, it is stated, crossed the bridge at Twenty-seventh street, a short time before the murder and saw two men acting suspiciously. He had not gone far before he heard what later proved to be pistol shots, but at the time he thought the noise was caused by the explosion of signal torpedoes on the tracks.
Great stress is laid on the importance of the statements of Stewart Dahm, a railroad man, of 2303 Mickle street. According to Chief Gravenor Dahm, while crossing the lots near Twenty-sixth street and the railroad heard some one say “Let’s get the — — —“ and an instant later he was confronted by William Duffield, one of the three men held for murder.
It is claimed that at that time, Coursey, alias “Cowboy Pete,” with his pistol plainly visible, and Staley were but a short distance away. Acording [sic] to the written police report Dahm said he answered Duffield by saying “Oh, you’re drunk again,” and Duffield and the others immediately left in the direction of the bridge.
Arrested for Desertion
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Although he has a wife and six children, William Burns, aged 33 years, of 30[?]7 Janney street, Philadelphia, was arrested at 308 Benson street, Camden, by Detectives Moffett and Murray on a charge of desertion, and Recorder Stackhouse held him pending requisition papers.
Fugitive Leaps From Window
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Taken by surprise after entering the home of John Hildebrand, at 5[?]4 North Twenty-seventh street, East Camden, Edward Finn, aged 17 years, of 2617 Howell street, leaped from the second-story window and escaped. He was arrested later by Detective Moffett and Murray and held pending a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse today. Finn told the police that after he had entered the Hildebrand house he heard someone coming upstairs and then leaped from the window. He secured $62 in cash and a gold watch and chain. He is also accused of robbing the home of Mrs. Maggie McClosky, at Second and Pine streets.
Two Negroes Arrested for Murder in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Bullet Through Heart Killed Hageney—Pockets Looted, But Assailant Missed Gold Watch
That the highwayman who murdered Francis Martin Hagency [sic] at Twenty-seventh street and Marlton ave., on Thursday night, is the same one who shot and killed Rev. T. M. L. Childrey on the White Horse pike five weeks ago, is the belief of the Camden police. The cobined [sic] force of city and county detectives are at work on the case, and thus far two suspects have been arrested, an armed negro and a colored woman being taken into custody yesterday. The prisoners are Henry Thomas, aged 23 years, and “Brownie” Jones, aged 20 years. They were arrested at 636 Locust street by Detectives Moffet and Murray, following receipt of word that they had quarreled and that the man had threatened to kill the woman. Thomas carried a loaded pistol, a blackjack and a box of cartridges. They deny any knowledge of the crime.
The police claim that six persons who were recently held up in various sections of the city, yesterday identified the negro as their assailant.
The slain man was 33 years old and lived at 418 Reed street, Philadelphia. He was murdered and robbed while walking along a lonely section of Twenty-seventh street from Pensauken township, where he had spent the evening with Thomas Martin. He formerly lived in what is known as the Highland section, moving to Philadelphia three years ago after the death of his wife. He was employed at the Washington street wharf as a munition checker for the British Government.
The robber used but one bullet to murder his victim. The shot struck him in the breast just over the heart, and severed an artery leading to that organ. A post-mortem examination was made by County Physician Stem and Coroner Pratt, and although they probed for an hour, they were unable to locate the bullet. The slain man’s brother, John Hageney, of 1240 South American street, Philadelphia, claimed the body, which will be buried on Monday at Calvary Cemetery.
Hageney’s lifeless body was found by John A. Wenderoth, of 2305 Mickle street, and George O. Prince, of 212 North Thirty-eighth street, while driving along Twenty-seventh street in an automobile. The head light of the car revealed the prostrate form on the side of the road. The dead man lay on his face, and the pockets of his trousers had been turned inside out. One cent lay on the ground near the body, and the slain man’s straw hat was six feet away. There was no money left in the clothing, but in his haste, the murderer overlooked a lady’s watch which Hageney carried in the small pocket of his trousers. It belonged to his dead wife.
Fugitive Leaps From Window
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Taken by surprise after entering the home of John Hildebrand, at 564 North Twenty-seventh street, East Camden, Edward Finn, aged 17 years, of 2617 Howell street, leaped from the second-story window and escaped. He was arrested later by Detective Moffett and Murray and held pending a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse today. Finn told the police that after he had entered the Hildebrand house he heard someone coming upstairs and then leaped from the window. He secured $62 in cash and a gold watch and chain. He is also accused of robbing the home of Mrs. Maggie McClosky, at Second and Pine streets.
Two Sailors Convicted of Assault in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TWO SAILORS CONVICTED OF ASSAULT IN CAMDEN
Four Other Bluejackets Acquitted on Charge of Attacking Patrolman Louis Shaw
Two of six sailors, who have been in the Camden prison since November 20, were convicted yesterday by Judge Kates at a special session of Criminal Court on a charge of assault and battery on Policeman Louis Shaw. Those found guilty are Joseph A. Grainer and Thos. J. Percival. Elmer R. Bahan, Roy Smith, Harold Cummings and Harold Norstedt, acquitted, were remanded to the custody of an officer from League Island.
Shaw was attacked by a group of sailors at Second and Walnut streets when he warned a negro against buying liquor for the bluejackets. He was knocked down and repeatedly kicked about the face and head, his nose being broken and his scalp badly torn.
Shaw was positive that Grainer led in the attack. Detective Moffett testified that after being arrested Percival admitted that he punched the officer. Denying the assault, Grainer said he was drunk when he came to Camden. Percival said the only knowledge he had of the fight was when he was struck on the head by Shaw’s blackjack.
In deferring sentence until next Monday Judge Kates told Grainer and Percival that they need not expect persons to respect their uniforms if they did not respect themselves.
Boy Confesses to Stealing Church Window Lead
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Taken into custody by Detectives Moffett and Murray, Thomas Hansby, a colored boy, is declared by the police to have confessed to stealing the lead fastenings from the stained glass windows at the Wynn Memorial Baptist Church.
50 Taken in Vice Raids
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Determined to Get Rid of “Undesirables”
During a crusade against vice a number of raids were made in several parts of South Camden early yesterday morning. In the dragnet the police and detectives caught young and old and whites and blacks. Police officials stated that it was another move toward ridding Camden of undesirables. Just about the time Captain of Police Lewis Stehr and officers raided the alleged disorderly house of Louis Jackson, 74 years old, at 1814 Kossuth street, City Detective Stanley and officers raided the home of Etta Shorts, 20 years old, of 717 Baxter street. Sergeant Snow and officers raided the homes of David Castin, 27 years old, 731 Baxter street, and Robert Fisher, 3[?] years old, 1721 South Seventh street. City Detectives Moffett and Murray arrested Mary Peoples, 3[?] years old, in a raid on her house at [?] Joint alley. More than fifty men and women were arrested in the raids and ordered held as witnesses for their appearance before Recorder Stackhouse this morning.
Two Sailors Convicted of Assault in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Four Other Bluejackets Acquitted on Charge of Attacking Patrolman Louis Shaw
Two of six sailors, who have been in the Camden prison since November 20, were convicted yesterday by Judge Kates at a special session of Criminal Court on a charge of assault and battery on Policeman Louis Shaw. Those found guilty are Joseph A. Grainer and Thos. J. Percival. Elmer R. Bahan, Roy Smith, Harold Cummings and Harold Norstedt, acquitted, were remanded to the custody of an officer from League Island.
Shaw was attacked by a group of sailors at Second and Walnut streets when he warned a negro against buying liquor for the bluejackets. He was knocked down and repeatedly kicked about the face and head, his nose being broken and his scalp badly torn.
Shaw was positive that Grainer led in the attack. Detective Moffett testified that after being arrested Percival admitted that he punched the officer. Denying the assault, Grainer said he was drunk when he came to Camden. Percival said the only knowledge he had of the fight was when he was struck on the head by Shaw’s blackjack.
In deferring sentence until next Monday, Judge Kates told Grainer and Percival that they need not expect persons to respect their uniforms if they did not respect themselves.
Henry C. Moffett Claimed by Death
Camden Daily Courier —
HENRY C. MOFFETT CLAIMED BY DEATH
Widely Known Sleuth, Victim Of Apoplexy, Had Notable Career
HAD TERM IN COUNCIL
Henry C. Moffett, one of the most successful of city detectives, died this morning shortly before 9 o’clock, at his home, 1454 Ormond avenue, Parkside, from apoplexy. He was 62 years old, and is survived by a widow and one son. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.
Moffett had been in ill health for the past two years, at times being confined to his home through rheumatism and other maladies. Several days ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis. His condition became serious and a turn for the worse this morning presaged the end.
Detective Moffett was one of the best known men in Camden, being a native son and all his life interested in local affairs. His father, Chauncey Moffett, was a member of City Council in 1876, when the present City Hall was built, then in the midst of a cornfield. The son, in his early years, was foreman at C. B. Cole’s lumber yard, at Kaighn’s Point. He was considered an expert counter, being able to compute the contents of a lumber pile by merely sizing it up with his eye. In later years he was a partner in the lumber firm of Shivers & Moffett, located at Delaware avenue and Federal street. When that was dissolved he became a claim representative of the Public Service.
In 1905 he was appointed a city detective by Mayor Ellis. Moffett at once evidenced his ability as a sleuth, for the first day he was in active service he arrested a man named Priestley, who was later given a term for setting fire to a mill up town. Later he and Detective George Murray “paired up,” and through their efforts many thieves and highwaymen were rounded up. It was his specialty, Moffett showing an uncanny ability to round up that class of criminals. His latest exploit was in corralling the highwaymen who terrorized pedestrians along Mt. Ephraim avenue and in the Centerville section during the fall.
Moffett was a big man physically, in his younger days being an athlete of some reputation. The only elective office he ever held was as a member of City Council, he representing the Fifth ward in the late 80’s, about the time the late Dr. John D. Leckner was looming as a South Camden political factor. Moffett had an affable, genial personality, and the Police Department regrets his passing exceedingly.
George V. Murry — Ormond Avenue — Charles Chauncey Moffett — Dr. John D. Leckner — Charles H. Ellis — C.B. Coles
Henry C. Moffett Dies; Was City Detective
Camden Daily Courier —
Henry C. Moffett who died Saturday was a city detective fifteen years. When appointed he had no special training, but a natural aptitude for ferreting out crime. As a veritable Nemesis for highwaymen and robbers he ran to earth nearly all he was assigned to trail. Effective praise came by way of citizens who always felt safe when they knew Moffett was “on the job” during a reign of public excitement when the under world emerged from darkened places to prey. The epitome of all encomiums is best expressed by emphasizing his value as a public servant who served, who delivered the goods.
Moffett — Funeral Notice
Camden Daily Courier —
MOFFETT — On Jan. 24, 1920, Henry C., beloved husband of Elizabeth Grisenwalthe Moffett, aged 61 years. Relatives and friends and members of Camden Police Department are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services, Wednesday, at 2 p.m., at his late residence, 1454 Ormond Ave., Camden. Interment at Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday evening.
Mrs. Moffett Funeral Will Be Held Monday
Camden Courier-Post —
MRS. MOFFETT FUNERAL WILL BE HELD MONDAY
Funeral services will be held at 10.30 a. m. Monday at the Joseph H. Murray & Son parlors, 408 Cooper street, for Mrs. Elizabeth G. Moffett, 78, of 454 Ormond avenue, who died Thursday. Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery.
Mrs. Moffett was the widow of Henry C. Moffett, former city detective. She is survived by a son, Charles C., of the Ormond avenue address, and two grandsons.
Chas. Moffett Dies After Heart Attack
Camden Daily Courier —
CHAS. MOFFETT DIES AFTER HEART ATTACK
Charles Moffett, 58, son of the late Henry C. Moffett, a Camden detective, died yesterday at his home, 1470 Kenwood avenue, after a heart attack suffered Friday.
He operated a construction business until a few years ago. He is survived by two sons, Henry C., Audubon, and William A., Woodbury. Services will be held Saturday at 10 a. m. at the funeral home of Joseph H. Murray and Son, 408 Cooper street. Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery.
Charles C. Moffett — Kenwood Avenue — William A. Moffett — Henry C. Moffett II