Introduction
Howard Carrow circa 1900
Howard Carrow was born in Camden, Kent County, Delaware on September 30, 1860 to Margaret and Edward Carrow. Howard Carrow’s forebears were of Scotch-Irish and English extractions. They were principally farmers and lived in Maryland and Delaware for several generations. Mr. Carrow’s family came to Bridgeton right after the Civil War and resided there until 1873 when they moved to Camden.
Howard Carrow was educated in public and private schools and by tutors. He was prepared for college, but circumstances prevented his going. He studied law in the office of Thomas Harned. On October 16, 1878 at the residence of Samuel B. French, corner of Cooper Street and Front, Howard Carrow helped found the Camden chapter of the Young Men’s Christian Association, better known as the Y.M.C.A, along with George H. Davis, W. Howard Curtiss, Bartram L. Bonsall, Samuel B. French.
While not attending to work and his education Howard Carrow was quite interested in baseball. In 1881 he helped organize a team in Camden with J.K.R. Hewitt and John L. Semple, who later became a noted defense lawyer in Camden. In June of 1882 Howard Carrow was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney. He became a counselor in 1885.
Howard Carrow was first married to Emma Bender, the daughter of Captain Robert S. Bender. A son, J. Russell Carrow was born on September 9, 1887. The Carrows lived at 515 North 4th Street through at least the middle of 1888. By the middle of 1890 the family had moved to Merchantville. The Carrows owned a large home at 39 North Maple Avenue. Besides J. Russell Carrow, the family also included younger daughters Margaret Linda and Helen.
Howard Carrow soon rose in Camden’s legal circles and also as a force in Democrat party politics. On merit he was appointed Judge of the District Court of the city of Camden by Governor Leon Abbett for a five-year term in April of 1891, a remarkable achievement for a man not yet 30 years of age. After leaving the bench, Howard Carrow returned to his law practice in Camden, at 207 Market Street. He was offered the post of Camden County prosecutor by Governor George T. Werts in 1894 but business reasons prompted him to decline.
Howard Carrow was also prominent in local and in particularly state-wide New Jersey Democratic politics. Not being closely allied to Gloucester’s William Thompson propelled Howard Carrow’s career politically, as he became prominent in the wake of Thompson’s loss of power when racetracks were banned in New Jersey. Carrow was being considered for a run for State Senator by New Jersey’s Citizens League in October of 1893, when Thompson obtained the nomination for Howard M. Cooper.
In 1894 Howard Carrow was named a member of the commission appointed by Governor Werts to suggest amendments to the state constitution respecting the judiciary system. Howard Carrow gave a speech at the meeting of the Democrat League in October of 1894, and was named permanent chairman of the New Jersey State Democrat party committee on September 26, 1895. On May 7, 1896 he was considered as a delegate to the 1896 Democrat National Convention, which nominated the late Chancellor Alexander T. McGill for Governor. In 1898 he was made a Member-at-Large of the Democratic State Committee, where he served until 1912. He attended the national convention as a Delegate-at-Large from New Jersey in 1904. In September of 1907 he helped launch Woodrow Wilson’s political career by helping Wilson gain the nomination for New Jersey governor. On April 28, 1908 he was named as a Delegate-at-Large to the national Democrat convention. He was made a member of the National Democratic Committee in 1908, but declined re-election in 1912. Politics in New Jersey was often a full-contact sport. In August of 1911 he was central in removal of James R. Nugent as chairman of the state Democrat Party.
Howard Carrow retired from politics to accept an appointment from Governor Wilson as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Camden County. He resigned that position in 1913 to become Circuit Court Judge for Atlantic, Burlington, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May Counties.
Howard Carrow also sat on the Board of Directors of the Security Trust Company bank in Camden, located at 301 Market Street.
Sadly, Emma Bender Carrow passed away in 1909, and daughter Margaret Linda also died young. Son J. Russell Carrow followed his father into the practice of law, and into politics as a Democrat. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in November of 1911. That same year father Howard Carrow served as president of the New Jersey Bar Association. On September 26, 1912 J. Russell Carrow was nominated for the State Assembly as a Democrat from Camden along with Albert Neutze and Bernard A. Gallagher. They ran against a Republican slate consisting of Isaac Coles, Albert DeUnger and John B. Kates. J. Russell Carrow was elected and served one term in the Assembly. His most notable achievement was the introduction of a bill naming the violet as New Jersey’s state flower.
On June 22, 1913 Howard Carrow married Miss Margaret Helm of Trenton, New Jersey. It was a double wedding, as his son J. Russell Carrow also took a bride that day.
Howard Carrow passed away at home, on Easter Sunday morning, April 16, 1922.
New Base Ball Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A new base ball club has been organized in Camden, with J. K. R. Hewitt as president, John L. Semple, vice president, H. Carrow, secretary and treasurer. Some of the best players in the old clubs are said to have attached themselves to the new organization,
Democratic Mass Meeting at Third and Market Streets
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Democratic mass meeting will be held at Third and Market streets this evening. Addresses will be made by John W. Wescott, Howard Carrow, C.G. Garrison and others.
The Logue Assault.
Camden Post —
Stratton and Mellon on Trial in Court.
LOGUE’S STORY OF THE ATTACK
The Young Woman Tells Her Story —Damaging Evidence Against the Defendants.
In the Quarter Sessions Court yesterday afternoon the case of John F. Stratton and Henry Mellon, the two young men charged with the murderous attack upon Joseph Logue, near Starr’s crossing, Tenth and Line streets, on May 6th, was begun. Ex-Judge Wescott and Howard Carrow conducted the defense and Prosecutor Jenkins appeared for the State. In response the latter’s command for witnesses to take the benches on the right of the bar enclosure, fourteen persons arose from the audience and took seats there.
The first witness was Logue himself, who had been confined in the Cooper Hospital about ten days suffering from his injuries. He is a tall, well-built young fellow of 32. “On the evening of May 6th,” he said, “I was in company with Miss Sarah Lewine; I was walking along Haddon avenue. We started from Third and Royden street. We walked out Benson to Haddon avenue and out to Newton avenue, and turned up Newton avenue toward Federal street. Just after we crossed the Camden and Atlantic railroad, these two men sprang up and the tallest one, Stratton, took hold of the lady and the smaller one, Mellon, took hold of me. I asked them what they wanted and they said they arrested me. I asked them what I had done and they said I would find out. Stratton kept telling Mellon to take the woman away. Mellon pulled open his coat and showed what looked like a star, saying that was his authority for making the arrest. He hit me in the head with a blackjack. Then when I tried to get away Stratton stabbed me in the side with a knife.”
“Do you identify either of these men?” asked Mr. Jenkins.
“Yes, sir; I am positive Stratton is the tall one. Mellon looks like the smaller man of the two. I described the two men before I was arrested.”
Ex-Judge Wescott’s rigid cross-examination failed to shake his story in any detail. He identified Stratton, who was taken to him in the hospital, as the taller man of the two.
“What were you doing out there?” asked ex-Judge Wescott.
“Taking a walk.”
“Who was the lady?”
“Miss Sarah Lewine.”
“How long have you known her?”
“About six years.”
The next witness was Miss Lewine, a chestnut-haired, ruddy complexioned young woman, of about thirty summers. “I was to meet Mr. Logue at eight o’clock that night,” she began with a smile, “but it might have been a few minutes after.”
She corroborated Logue’s testimony, adding that as the men came up to them she pulled Logue’s coat to signal him to keep quiet. “After Mr. Logue was cut,” she said, “the two men ran past me. Mr. Logue came back to me and said he was stabbed, and that I should go home.”
She was unable to identify either of the defendants as the assailants of that night. Mr. Wescott tried hard to entangle her as to her ability to determine the difference in the sizes of the two men as they lay upon the ground, but she refused to be tangled up and adhered rigidly to her story with marked indications of deepest truth and sincerity.
“Now, Miss Lewine, you have frequently heard that one of the men was tall and the other short, haven’t you?” asked Mr. Wescott.
“Didn’t I see them?” answered the witness pertinaciously, and all further questioning failed to get more from her.
Christopher Smith, of 1904 Fillmore street, employed as night watchman on the Line street sewer, then in course of construction. On the night of the assault he saw Stratton and Mellon about 7 o’clock. Mellon came up to him and spoke, and shortly afterwards Stratton came up. Mellon took a knife out of his pocket, continued Smith, and handed it to Stratton. The latter said “If anybody bothers me, I’ll cut the d— guts out of them.” The blade, I guess, must have been three or four inches long. The handle was of bone, I think. They stayed there about half an hour and it was dark when they left, walking up Haddon avenue.
The point where the defendants were seen by Smith is a square from where the assault was committed. Mr. Jenkins tried to show that both young men frequented this particular locality, but it was objected to and withdrawn. Smith admitted that he saw Mellon have a blackjack one night at Haddon avenue and Line street. Stratton was with him at the time. That was on Friday, May 4th, two days before the assault.
The Court took a recess at this point till this morning.
When the case was resumed this morning Logue produced in evidence, the coat he wore the night he was assaulted, exhibiting the hole cut by the knife and the blood stains from the wounds in the head and side.
Then Dr. Henry Jarrett, resident physician of the Cooper Hospital, was called. He testified as to the wounds received and said the knife thrust might have been fatal if it had gone in deep enough, or Logue might have bled to death if a large enough blood vessel had been severed.
“Could he have bled to death from either of the wounds?” asked Mr. Jenkins.
“No, sir.”
“How long have you been practicing?” asked Mr. Wescott.
“I have been at Cooper Hospital since July 28th, last.”
“When did you graduate?”
“A year ago last April.”
“That will do.”
Charles R. Locke, a fellow employe of Mellon’s at the paper mill, 83 Cooper St., saw Mellon have, on the Friday before the assault, a large knife, such as sailors carry, with a blade two and a half or three inches long. It had a rough bone handle.
Knight Haines, a boy, on the Saturday night before the assault, between 8.30 and 9.30 saw Stratton and Mellon on the lots in front of the city hall, within a short distance of where Logue was attacked. Stratton and Mellon were on their hands and knees and when they recognized him they said: “Oh, is it you? Don’t give us away.” He said Stratton had a knife and Mellon a blackjack.
“Did you have a girl with you?” asked Mr. Wescott.
“I don’t know,” said Haines, smiling.
Logue Tells His Story
Camden Daily Courier —
LOGUE TELLS HIS STORY.
STRATTON AND MELLON ON TRIAL FOR INTENT TO KILL.
The Young Man Who Was Assaulted and Stabbed Exhibits His Knife Wounds in Court—Sentence Suspended on Adams.
Thomas McLaughlin and Luke Elliot were acquitted yesterday afternoon of a charge of assault and battery. In the case of the State against Josiah Adams and William Laycock, for inhumanly beating and burning a valuable young cow, Adams was convicted and Laycock was acquitted. Adams was recommended to the mercy of the court.
The trial of John H. Stratton and Henry Mellon, charged with an assault and battery with intent to kill Joseph Logue near the city hall on May 6th, was begun last evening and continued this morning. Logue and Miss Sarah Lewine both swore to the facts of the assault. Logue and the woman were walking near the city hall, when the defendants came up and representing themselves to be police officers, attempted to arrest them for some alleged offense when, in the melee that ensued the assault was committed, which consisted in the stabbing of Logue with a penknife. The intent to kill was sought to be established by the fact that Christopher Smith, a night watchman in the vicinity, testified that he saw Mellon give Stratton a knife the night of the assault and had seen Mellon have a blackjack several days previous. This morning Logue exhibited to the jury the coat and vest he wore during the night of the assault, and the penknife punctures each had received. Dr. Jarret the resident surgeon testified that he saw Logue and treated his wound, which
WAS A DANGEROUS ONE.
Charles R. Lock testified he saw Mellon have a knife the Friday before the assault. Knight Haines said he saw the two defendants the day before the assault and one had a knife and the other a blackjack. The men seemed surprised when they saw witness and asked him “not to give them away.” Mayor Pratt, before the defendants were given their preliminary hearing, testified that the two men admitted that they were at the scene of the assault. Witness gave defendants a hearing in his private office. The defendants had counsel—Lawyer Denard Corbia—but as Prosecutor Jenkins objected he was not permitted to be at the hearing, which was entirely secret.
With this testimony the state closed, when Lawyer Carrow, representing Stratton, asked for his discharge on the ground that he had not been identified.
The motion was denied and the defendants, who were placed on the stand, denied having anything to do with the assault. The case will last all day.
Thomas Atkinson, for keeping a disorderly house, was fined $30 without costs.
Josiah Adams, convicted of cruelly beating and burning a cow, was discharged, sentence being suspended.
The trial of ex-Constable Jacob Meyer, for shooting his brother, was postponed until next term and the defendant’s bail increased from $500 to $1000.
Camden’s News Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Prominent Builder Fails—His Liabilities Far Exceed His Assets.
The failure of George Matthews, one of the most prominent builders in Camden, was announced yesterday. His liabilities are figured at $17,000. Mr. Matthews, who has been sick with typhoid fever for some time, attributes his downfall to his book-keeper. He claims that during his illness the latter has had full control of his affairs and that he misused the funds and decamped. Matthews’ assets are put at $2,000. He has confessed judgment to Lawyer Howard S. Carrow and ex-Sheriff Fredericks to the amounts of $550 and $1,700 respectively. The other principal creditors are: Smith & Pfeiffer, $4,500; Grant Stockham, $1,600; Klosterman & Bros., $1,000; J. H. Berryman, $1,000; Charles B. Coles, $5,000. There are also a number of small creditors.
At the time of his failure Mr. Matthews had a contract for 100 houses in Organe [sic], N. J., and also a contract for a $16,000 mill building.
NOTES.
Henry Cox, a married man, living at 306 Locust street, disappeared from his home last week. His friends think that he strayed away while in a state of mental aberation [sic].
John Haines, a well-known farmer of Haddonfield and a member of the Society of Friends, died on Sunday.
Henry Anderson, of the Fifth ward, was appointed a letter-carrier by Postmaster Browning yesterday.
Professor Ayres, of the Manual Training School of Philadelphia, explained the workings of his school to the Camden Board of Education last night. The members were well pleased with the professor’s talk and will make an effort to establish a similar institution in Camden.
The Republicans hold their conventions to-day. Frank F. Michellon and W. B. E. Miller will be nominated for City Treasurer and Councilman-at-large, respectively.
George Anderson, of Leipsic, Delaware, employed as a brakeman on the Atlantic City Railroad, had a leg cut off yesterday by falling under the wheels of the engine.
Harry M. Dey, a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, living at 330 Bridge avenue, was thrown from the train at Palmyra yesterday and had a leg broken.
Camden Division, No. 14, Sons of Temperance, celebrated their twenty first anniversary at Morgan’s Hall, last night.
‘Squire Cassady yesterday held Ephraim Hillman and Policeman Peters in $500 bail each on the charge of libeling Mrs. Mary Hillman. This is the outcome of the statement made by Hillman that Mrs. Hillman confessed to striking the blow which killed Herman Seideman, for which crime his son was hung.
Camden’s Official Vote
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Judges Compute the Results of the Recent Election—Other Trans-Delaware News.
The Board of Returning Judges met at the City Hall yesterday and canvassed the vote of Tuesday’s election. J. Oscar Nichnals, of the First ward, acted as chairman. Before the count was commenced, Lawyer Howard Carrow handed in two protests, one was from Jacob Neutze, who was beaten for City Council in the Fourth ward by Dr. William S. Jones, the Republican candidate; the other was from Emil Mettler, the Democratic candidate for Freeholder in the Eighth ward, who was defeated by Henry Sparrow, the Republican candidate. All of those mentioned as elected in the Camden edition of THE INQUIRER of Wednesday were returned accordingly.
The vote on Excise Commissioners was as follows: Cherry, 4,168; Fury, 4,313; Lewis McDowell, 4,415; Scheimer, 2,044; Kendall, 2,790; Cleary, 2,782; Cowperthwaite, 666; Hatton, 667; Bowden, 660. Kellum was the highest man on the Citizens’ ticket, he receiving 2,018 votes. The next board will be composed of Cherry, Fury, McDowell, Republicans, and Scheimer and Kendall, Democrats. Before the board adjourned a protest was presented by Samuel Mowery, the only defeated Republican Councilmanic candidate, against Dr. John W. Donges, of the Eighth ward, taking his seat. Cleary is also going to contest the seat of Kendall, who only defeated him by eight votes. Both men are Democrats.
Camden County Bar Association — circa 1894
Members of the Camden County Bar Association pose for a photograph during their annual shad dinner, around 1894.
From left (first row) Judge Charles Joline, Supreme Court Justice Charles Garrison, Judge Richard R. Miller, vice chancellor Henry C. Pitney, Supreme Court Justice Alfred Reed, Benjamin Shreeve, Caleb Shreeve, George H. Pierce; (second row) William Casselman, Edwin Bleakly, J. Willard Morgan, Peter Voorhees, Samuel Beldon, Frank Shreeve, Schuyler Woodhull, Lewis Starr, H. S. Scovel, George Vroom, Charles Wooster, and Howard Carrow; (third row) Samuel Robbins, E. A. Armstrong, Thomas Curley, unknown Philadelphia lawyer, Charles Stevenson, H. F. Nixon, Henry I. Budd, Israel Roberts.
Gov. Werts Makes Appointments
New York Times —
Some of Them Confirmed by the Senate and Some Rejected.
TRENTON, N. J., May 17.—Gov. Werts appointed the following as the commission of twenty to suggest amendments to the Constitution for the revision of the judicial system of the State:
At Large—John P. Stockton, Allan McDermott, William Walter Phelps, Samuel H. Grey; First District—Howard Carrow, George Hires; Second District—William M. Lanning, Edward Stokes; Third District—George C. Ludlow, Henry Mitchell; Fourth District—Carman F. Randolph, J. Frank Fort; Fifth District—Garret A. Hobart, John D. Probst; Sixth District—Frederick Frelinghuysen, Edward Halbach, Jr.; Seventh District—Joseph D. Bedle, Col. E. A. Stevens; Eighth District—John Kean, Jr., J. M. C. Morrow.
The Governor nominated William A. Newell for lay Judge of Salem County, William T. Hoffman of Monmouth for Circuit Judge in place of Senator Voorhees, (declined,) and John I. Holt of Passaic (Speaker of the House) as Riparian Commissioner in place of R. B. Reading, (withdrawn.)
Senator Voorhees’s declination of the Circuit Judgeship was made upon the ground that, having been elected to the Senate, he owed it to his constituents to serve out his term.
The Senate this afternoon confirmed the appointments for the Constitution Commission and the Riparian Commissioner. Major E. J. Anderson, the nominee for State Prison Supervisor was confirmed by a vote of 18 to 2. Senator Skirm (Rep., Mercer,) and Senator Drake (Dem., Morris,) voted against him. The nominations of Wilson S. Jenkins for Prosecutor of Camden County and John Gaunt for lay Judge of Camden County were rejected.
Action on other nominations was as follows:
State Fish Commissioners—Messrs. Clark, Page, Pfeifer, and Frothingham, confirmed.
Lay Judge of Salem County—William A. Newell, referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Circuit Court Judge—William T. Hoffman of Monmouth, referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Lay Judge of Hudson County—Albert Hoffman, rejected.
Lay Judge of Gloucester County—Bowman S. Cox, rejected.
Lay Judge of Cape May County—S. H. Bennett, confirmed.
Prosecutor of Gloucester County—Perry Belmont, rejected.
Lay Judge of Burlington County—Joseph H. Gaskill, confirmed.
Inspector of Factories and Workshops—Lawrence T. Fell, referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Trustees of Home for Feeble-Minded Women—B. F. Lee, B. F. Thorn, and M. P. Gray, confirmed.
Lay Judge of Hunterdon County—W. H. Baker, confirmed.
Lay Judge of Union County—John W. Crane, confirmed.
Lay Judge of Essex County—Major Herman P. Schalk, confirmed.
Prosecutor of Essex County—Elvin W. Crane, confirmed.
Major by Brevet—Capt. John R. Stevens.
The Legislature adjourned to-night to reconvene next Wednesday night. It is thought the adjournment until September will occur next Thursday night or Friday morning.
The breaking up to-night was attended by many scenes of disorder in the House. Books, pamphlets, and bills rolled up in heavy wads were hurled about the chamber and there was a great deal of howling and shrieking.
Carrow Mentioned for Supreme Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Circuit Court Judge Miller and District Court Judge Carrow are mentioned as available candidates for the Supreme Court judgeship made vacant by the appointment of Justice Reed as Vice-Chancellor.
Benton Hall Case
Camden Post —
BENTON HALL CASE
Lawyer Crandall Asks for a New Writ of Error.
CASE OUT OF THE COURT’S HANDS
Judge Carrow Asks for a Reconsideration of Sentence in the Case — Still Trying to Keep Harriet Smith from State Prison.
Edward Benton and Joseph Hall, who were sentenced to three months each on conviction for criminal libel and whose appeal to the Supreme Court was dismissed on Tuesday, owing to the neglect of Counselor John J. Crandall, who failed to appear, have not yet given up their fight.
Judge Carrow has been retained, and the case assumes another phase. In court this morning Prosecutor Jenkins declared that if ever there was a manifestation of counsel’s neglect this was one.
The court gave Crandall an opportunity for argument tomorrow, when it is expected the remitater [sic] will arrive.
Lawyer Wm. J. Kraft said that Judge Carrow was counsel in the case also, and would have something to say.
“If Carrow is in the case I’ll withdraw,” declared Lawyer Crandall.
Later on Judge Carrow appeared and asked that the Court reconsider the sentence of three months in jail and make the sentence a fine. He said that while he had not been acting openly he had all along been associated with the defense. He placed the case in Mr. Crandall’s hands.
Mr. Carrow did not appear as hired counsel, but the defendants were friends of his and he made this plea for them. Obvious punishment was already had. The crime was not of a serious character. The publication was made in good faith and for the good of the public. The defendant’s did not know that Kappel and Cable was the same man. There was some foundation for the article and it was admitted at the trial that money had been unlawfully obtained.
A fine, Judge Carrow said, would dispose of the matter, and the best element of this county wanted the sentence reconsidered.
The Court said it could do nothing now as it was out of the Court’s hands, but the matter could be heard when the records arrive from the Supreme Court.
In the matter of Harriet Smith, who was sentenced to one year in State Prison for policy writing, County Physician Jones was called to the stand. He said he had examined Mrs. Smith’s condition in jail and found her suffering from palpitation of the heart. Dr. Jones said that in his opinion there was nothing to prevent her being taken to State Prison.
Dr. McAllister corroborated Dr. Jones’ statement, he having also examined Mrs. Smith.
Counselor Harry S. Scovel, who with Mr. Rex appeared for the defendant, said he had nothing more to say, but that Judge Wescott had been brought into the case and would make a motion the nature of which Mr. Scovel did not know.
The Court laid the matter over until tomorrow to hear Judge Wescott, who is in Trenton today.
Mrs. Grantz, wife of Police Officer Grantz of Stockton, who got three months for assault and battery, appeared before the Court but could say nothing through her sobs. Judge Vroom questioned her for some time relative to her husband’s business and her family and then said the Court would consider the matter.
Evil Doers Quake
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Hatch, of Camden, Starts in to Wipe Out Speak-Easies
FIRST RAID A SUCCESS
Fines Imposed by Recorder Nowrey for Operating Gambling Machines. Sunday Sellers Hope to Escape
Mayor Cooper B. Hatch is making life miserable for evil doers in Camden. After waging relentless warfare on Sunday liquor sellers and seizing all the gambling machines in saloons and cigar stores, he is now clearing out speak-easies. The first raid was made yesterday afternoon, when Captain Stanley, Sergeant Hyde, Detective Painter and Policeman Shaw swooped down on Mrs. Mary Mahan’s house, at 1062 South Front street. They found nearly enough liquor there to stock a saloon. There were two cases of bottled beer, five gallons of whisky, a large quantity of California wines, and other “wet” goods. This was all confiscated and was sent to the City Hall, together with Mrs. Mahan and a young girl.
For some time past Mayor Hatch’s private detectives have been gathering evidence against speak-easies and disorderly houses in different parts of the city, and several more arrests will be made.
The saloonkeepers arrested about ten days ago for operating slot machines in their places were arraigned yesterday before Recorder Nowrey. Maurice Hertz, of Locust street and Kaighn avenue, was the first to be tried. He was represented by former Judge Howard Carrow. The complaints against Hertz charged him with operating nickel-in-the-slot gambling machines on July 2 and 9.
Harry Williams, one of Secretary Gibboney’s detectives, who was employed in the recent Sunday liquor crusade, testified that he played “The Owl” in Hertz’s saloon on July 9. He lost five cents on the red but hit the black and quit even. On cross-examination Williams refused to tell by whom he was employed, and Recorder Nowrey would not compel him to answer. Detective Fields swore that he was with Williams in Hertz’s place, and also played the slot machine. Police Captain Stanley said he found four of the slot machines in Hertz’s place when he made the raid.
At this point Judge Carrow moved to dismiss the complaint, as it was dated in the year “189.” Decision was reserved, and the other complaint was taken up. Judge Carrow wanted this set aside on the ground that it did not specify the premises where the law was alleged to have been violated. Recorder Nowrey overruled the motion.
Detective Graper said he played the slot machine at Hertz’s saloon on Sunday, July 2. On cross-examination he refused to give his address, but said he worked for Mayor Hatch. He didn’t know, he said, whether he was on the city pay roll.
David B. Kaighn and other Kaighn avenue residents testified that they never saw slot machines in operation in Hertz’s place, but had seen them standing in the office.
Hertz, in his own defense, said he was agent for the slot machines, and those found in his office were samples to be examined by prospective purchasers.
Recorder Nowrey sentenced Hertz to pay a fine of $50 and costs. Judge Carrow gave notice that he would appeal the case, but the Recorder refused to permit Hertz to depart without paying the fine.
Peter Kelly, of Eighth street and Ferry avenue, was also convicted and paid his fine.
John Keefe, of Haddon avenue and Carman street, and Marshall Hutchinson, of Ninth and Walnut streets, pleaded guilty and were fined $50 and costs each. There were about seven more cases, which Recorder Nowrey adjourned until next Wednesday.
The 130 saloonkeepers rounded up in the recent crusade against Sunday liquor selling were in high glee yesterday over the discovery of a law that they hoped would save them from punishment for their alleged misdoings. This law was passed in 1874, and makes it unlawful to prosecute any person by indictment for violations of the liquor laws in municipalities where city ordinances provide punishment for such offenses. As the Supreme Court has set aside the Camden excise ordinance, the saloonkeepers hoped to escape further prosecution.
City Counsel Bleakly, after looking up the matter yesterday, said: “A house in which the unlawful sale of liquors is habitually made is an indictable nuisance, although there is a city ordinance prescribing penalty for such sales. Such traffic is not only a breach of the city law, but is also forbidden by the State law.” This decision was made by Judge Van Syckel in 1880, in the Court of Errors and Appeals, and was reaffirmed in 1888. It is now a State law.
The Excise Commission, at its regular meeting next Wednesday evening, will probably adopt a substitute ordinance against Sunday liquor selling to conform to the city charter, under the Supreme Court’s decision setting aside the old ordinance.
Camden Democrats on the Watch
Philadelphia Inquirer —
They Hope to Make a Hit at the Spring Election Two Weeks Hence
Camden Democrats will make an active campaign during the next two weeks in the hope of carrying some of their Councilmanic candidates through at the municipal election on March 13 A campaign committee of five will be in charge of affairs, both factions in the party being represented in the committee, which is composed of County Detective John S. Smith, chairman of the City Committee; former State Senator George Pfeiffer, Jr., chairman of the County Committee; State Committeeman Harry B. Paul, former Judge Howard Carrow and City Recorder Joseph E. Nowrey.
The Democrats could not secure control of City Council if they elected their candidates in every ward, but if they carry three or four wards it would do much to strengthen the party for next fall’s contest. The fight will be made in wards where dissension exists in the Republican ranks.
The saloonkeepers of Camden are still smarting under the turndown they received in their efforts to have the license fee cut down from $500 to $300 and the subsequent indictment of many of their number for Sunday liquor selling. The liquor dealers are now organized as they have never been before. The Camden Liquor Dealers’ Association is a close corporation and keeps its secrets well. It has leaked out that they propose to cut the Republican candidates, as they blame the Republican leaders for most of their troubles. The association has been raising a “pot” to aid the election of the Democratic candidates for City Council. The saloonkeepers are very reticent about discussing this subject, as they depend upon the Republican Excise Commissioners for their licenses.
The Democrats held their primary election last evening and named the following candidates for City Council: First ward, John H. Irwin; Second ward, former State Senator and County Chairman George Pfeiffer; Third ward, James Noone; Fourth ward, Lewis Holl; Fifth ward, George Horneff; Sixth ward, Ben Meloney; Seventh ward, William Hollman; Eighth ward, William Jennings; Ninth ward, Frank H. Powell; Tenth ward, Abel Lewis; Eleventh ward, William Petzell; Twelfth ward, Thomas H. Cook.
The Eli Shaw Confession
New York Times —
CAMDEN, N. J., March 27.—Sensational testimony was adduced to-day at the trial of William H. Hay and Howard K. Sloan, formerly reporters for a Philadelphia newspaper, on the charge of conspiring to injure the reputation of Eugene J. Darnell of this city. The defendants caused to be published a confession alleged to have been made to them by Eli Shaw of Camden, in which he admitted killing his mother and grandmother. Shaw had been tried twice and acquitted of the charge. The alleged confession implicated Darnell as an accessory after the fact. He was arrested on a warrant sworn to by Sloan, but proved an alibi and was released. Shaw repudiated the story and Darnell caused the arrest of the reporters on the charge of conspiracy.
Eva Wood, Shaw’s former fiancée, testified that on the day of the publication Shaw told her that every word of the story was true.
During the recess taken by the court, Eva Wood attempted to slap the face of ex-Judge Howard Carrow, Darnell’s counsel, because, in addressing the jury, the lawyer had made remarks reflecting upon her character.
After recess Shaw was called to the stand and denied emphatically the testimony of his former fiancée, as well as that of the detective and policeman. The case is now in the hands of the jury.
Glad Welcome for Mr. Bryan
Trenton Evening Times —
The Local Democracy Does Itself Proud to Greet the Candidate.
TRENTON FOLKS OUT ENMASSE
Republicans Are As Eager As Any to See the Form and Hear the Voice of He Who Makes the Nation Pause to Harken to His Silvery Eloquence. The Details of His Coming, His Staying in Town and His Departure Hence.
BRYAN’S ITINERARY.
To Arrive 3:05 P. M. Broad Street Station.
To Speak at Opera House 3:20 P. M.
To be Driven North on Broad and East on Perry to Swamp Angel, Where a Speech Will be Delivered From His Carriage at 4 P. M.
To be Driven Down South Clinton Avenue to Pennsylvania Depot.
The Democrats of New Jersey today have Col. William Jennings Bryan, Presidential candidate of the National Democratic party, as their guest, and in order to do him honor have gathered in Trenton’s famous Opera House—the scene of many political triumphs—to listen to the teaching of his doctrines from his own lips.
Mr. Bryan is scheduled to arrive here at 3:05 P. M., coming in his special car on the Camden and Amboy Division and alighting at the Broad street depot, within the shadow of Roeblings’ enormous mills. He will be escorted through New Jersey by a special delegation from the State Committee and will be greeted at Broad street depot by a committee of prominent local Democrats, consisting of Col. Lewis Perrine, ex-Judge Robert S. Woodruff, Joseph L. Naar, ex-Senator Jonathan Blackwell, G. D. W. Vroom, John H. Scudder, Gen. Richard A. Donnelly, ex-Mayor Daniel J. Bechtel, William F. Gordon, William J. Convery and ex-Assemblyman James W. Lanning.
Together the State delegation and Trenton committee will escort Mr. Bryan to the Opera House, where he will again be greeted by a second reception committee of Trentonians composed as follows: William F. Gordon, chairman; Harry S. Provost, secretary; William S. D’Arcy, H. M. Slack, William H. Hatfield, John R. Chattin, Alfred Wilson, William McGill, Jr., Jules A. Charles, Jr., E. Furman Hooper, Frank S. Katzenbach, Jr., Daniel J. Bechtel, T. J. Hurley, William J. Backes, G. Taylor Lee, Charles H. Gallagher, George W. Stout, George Wenzel, Howard Heath, Charles M. Heath, Harry K. Naar, A. C. D. Wilson, N. J. Loos, H. C. Hartpence, John J. Strasser, George B. La Barre, Charles Staiber, C. M. Hattersley, Daniel J. Haggerty, Jesse Thorn, Howell Brades, Lafayette Hooper, James West.
These combined reception committees will then escort Mr. Bryan to the stage of the Opera House, from which he will address the convention of State League of Clubs for upwards of three quarters of an hour.
Upon his entrance in the hall Ruhlman’s band will play “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the delegates and spectators will wave small American flags.
From the Opera House, at the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Bryan will be driven up North Broad street and through Perry to the Swamp Angel, near the State Schools. He will there make an open-air speech from his carriage. It is expected that he will reach the Swamp Angel at 4 o’clock.
From the Swamp Angel he will be driven to Clinton street depot, where he will board his special car “Rambler” and proceed to Princeton Junction, his next stopping place.
Col. Bryan began his tour through New Jersey this morning at Camden. He stopped at the Hotel Lafayette, in Philadelphia, last night and was received at 9 o’clock this morning at the hotel by the following party of Jerseymen, who will act as his escort while in the State today and tomorrow: Senator Johnston Cornish, who will be pilot-in-chief; State Committeeman H. B. Paul and Judge Howard Carrow, of Camden; W. J. Keyes, of Sussex; John T. French, of Atlantic; James W. Lanning, of Mercer; Judge W. W. Cutler, of Morris. Beside these were William K. Devereux, Secretary of the State Committee; Elector-at-Large Thomas H. Birch and former Judge Glasgow, of Burlington; former Postmaster H. H. Postoll and Charles J. Collins, of Atlantic; former Assemblyman William J. Thompson and County Detective John S. Smith, of Camden.
After a reception the committee escorted him to Washington Park, where a meeting was held and Mr. Bryan made a speech. After the meeting the tour of the State was started and Trenton will be reached somewhere between 3 and 4 o’clock.
After leaving Washington Park Mr. Bryan proceeded northerly, speaking at Westville, Riverside and Burlington.
After leaving Trenton he will speak at Princeton Junction to students and thence go to New Brunswick. Leaving the latter place at 6:40 P. M., he will proceed to Elizabeth and from thence to Jersey City, where he will address five meetings tonight.
Tomorrow will be passed in the upper counties of the State.
Judge Carrow Hears Annulment Suit
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Former Judge Howard Carrow, sitting as a special Master in Chancery, in Camden, yesterday took testimony in the suit of Mrs. Reba Rupertus, of Palmyra, for a decree annulling her marriage to John Rupertus. It is declared the man already had a wife when he married the plaintiff, on November 16, 1904. Judge Carrow announced he would recommend that the woman’s petition be granted.
Greater Camden the Slogan at Board of Trade Banquet
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MAYOR CHAS H. ELLIS
JUDGE C V D JOLINE
EX-JUDGE HOWARD CARROW
EDMUND E. READ JR.
Men Prominent in Business Affairs Sound Praises of Growing City at Annual Feast
A greater, more progressive Camden was the watchword at he [sic] annual banquet given by Camden’s Board of Trade last night. And that this means something is evident from the fact that it came from the city’s “Captains of Industry” to the number of two hundred.
It was Camden’s rejuvenated Board of Trade that gave the banquet and the interest taken was manifested by the presence of representatives from every business concern of any prominence in the city.
All Represented
There were bankers besides just ordinary business men, professional men of every character, and all were imbued with the spirit to make of Camden a place that will be known on the map throughout the country. William L. Hurley, president of the board, presided at the banquet.
“Generally speaking, we are satisfied with our city,” said Mayor Charles H. Ellis in responding to the toast, “Camden as it is,” “but, of course, there is room for improvement in many respects, and it rests with you gentlemen, you members of the Board of Trade to largely aid in solving our municipal problems.”
Former Judge Howard Carrow acted as toastmaster and, beside Mayor Ellis, those who responded to toasts were Congressman James H. Davidson, of Wisconsin, who spoke on “Boards of Trades;” Judge of the Court of Common Pleas C. V. D. Joline, “Camden’s Eighty Years;” Lawyer Edmund E. Read, president of the Board of Education, “Camden’s Future.”
One of the features of the occasion was the presentation of a life-size oil painting of President William Leonard Hurley. [sic] to the board, by Lawyer Harry C. Kramer. This came as a complete surprise to President Hurley, but he expressed his thorough appreciation of the honor.
Senator Philander C. Knox, of Pennsylvania, was among the specially invited guests and a warm welcome awaited him, but he was unavoidably detained.. [sic]
Some good points to Camden’s credit were enumerated in the menu cards as follows:
“Camden has within its borders a population of nearly 100,000 and shipbuilding firms that can either supply a launch or the greatest battleship; the largest lace curtain manufacturers in America; a talking machine that speaks every known language; iron works that make enough pipe to girdle the earth; leather manufacturers who tan skins from all parts of the globe; the largest furniture house, whose products reach the Philippines; banks and trust companies whose resources are not affected by panics; artesian water that can be taken without adding anything.”
The committee in charge of the occasion included John T. Dorrance, chairman; Edwin G. C. Bleakly, Harry C. Kramer, David A. Henderson and Samuel W. Sparks.
Among the Guests
Among the participants were Congressman Harry C. Loudenslager, Francis Howell, Walter Wood, Elmer E. Long, George W. Jessup, former Judge Joseph Gaskill, Volney G. Bennett, Wilbur F. Rose, Alexander C. Wood, George A. Frey, Charles A. Reynolds, Vice Chancellor E. B. Leaming, Heulings Lippincott, Charles K. Haddon, Fithian S. Simmons, Joseph B. Van Sciver, David Jester, Frank B. Sitley, Alpheus McCracken, Thomas S. Nekervis, DeCourcy May, Watson Depuy, Lionel C. Simpson, John M. Kelly, G. George Browning, William J. Browning, Isaac Ferris, John C. Danenhower, John R. McFeeley, Elias Davis, Anthony Kobus, Captain John B. Adams.
Policeman Is Accused
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dismissed by Committee of Camden City Council
Policeman Robert Colkett, of the Third ward, Camden, who until a year ago was president of the Camden Police Beneficial Association, was dismissed from the department last night by the Police Committee of City Council. He was accused, among other things, of neglecting his beat.
The hearing took on all the appearances and dignity of a regular court trial. The accused policeman was represented by former Judge Howard Carrow, who will appeal the case to court.
New Judge Sworn In
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Howard Carrow Takes Seat in Camden County Court
With many of his professional friends as witnesses, Judge Howard Carrow was sworn in as presiding officer of the Camden Court of Common Pleas yesterday. The formal ceremony took place at the Court House, the oath being administered by County Clerk Patterson.
Representing the County Bar Association, Lawyer William J. Kraft, former law partner of the judge, gave a brief address of felicitation, to which Judge Carrow responded. Prosecutor Boyle was the first to offer congratulations and he also arranged for Judge Carrow’s first session of court, which will take place Thursday.
One of the pleasing features of the occasion was the presence of nearly a dozen former law students of Judge Carrow, many of whom have become prominently identified with the bar.
Murder Cases on in Camden Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Prosecutor and His Assistant Will Be Kept Busy at This Term of Court
Beginning with tomorrow, Prosecutor Boyle and his assistant, Charles A. Wolverton, will be kept busy in the Camden Criminal Court disposing of many cases, including four defendants charged with murder. This is the first term of court in which there have been so many such cases for many years.
Yesterday Supreme Court Justice Garrison fixed Monday, April 22, as the date when he will preside at the trial of Roland Evans, who shot to death David Green in a house on Sycamore street on December 26 last. The State will press for a first degree. Lawyers Herbert Drake and William Harris have been assigned to defend Evans.
The next case to be tried will be that of William Graedwell, who brained his boarding mistress, Mrs. Georgeanna Gilliand, with an ax in her home in East Camden. After that will come to trial Stefano Torcesso, who stabbed to death Nunzioto Imperato in a duel over a girl. The last of the quartet of murder cases will be that of Charles Ford, who shot to death Mrs. May Effie Wagner, his erstwhile housekeeper.
About two hundred persons against whom indictments have been returned by the grand jury will be called upon to enter pleas tomorrow. Prosecutor Boyle will then begin to dispose of the cases on Tuesday before Judge Carrow, it being his intention to so systematize matters that everything will be cleaned up by the beginning of summer.
Judge Carrow Sentences Two
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Acknowledging that he had made an effort to feloniously assault Sarah Watkins, the fifteen year-old daughter of his employer, Charles Bush, a negro, was yesterday sentenced by Judge Carrow in the Camden Criminal Court to not less than one year and not more than two years in the State Prison. Bush who worked on the Watkins’ farm, near Haddonfield attacked the child on May 15 while she was alone in the house.
Freed at the last term of court on a charge of murdering John Gideon, her negro paramour, Elizabeth Green, a white woman, was yesterday sentenced by Judge Carrow in Camden to six months in the county jail on a charge of stealing $3 from James Oliver, also colored. After the woman had declared that she had been drinking heavily and that she had no knowledge of taking the money, Prosecutor Borle [sic], classing her as a menace to society, asked that she be sent away for a long term. The court, however, refused to send her to State Prison.
Freed on Murder Charge
New York Times —
Aged Farmer Released After Having Been Sentenced to Thirty Years.
Special to The New York Times.
MAYS LANDING, N. J., July 18.—William Strong, an aged man, who was sentenced to thirty years in prison a year ago for the murder of his wife, was released to-day.
The Supreme Court reversed the verdict and Strong was brought back to the county jail. To-day his counsel, ex-Judge Howard Carrow, made a motion before Justice Samuel Kalisch that the old farmer should be released on his own recognizance, and the State concurring through Prosecutor C. L. Goldenberg, he was set free and departed for the home of a brother, at Glassboro.
The Supreme Court having ruled out of the evidence an alleged confession extorted from the superstitious old man by a boardwalk “medium,” and the exhibition of the dead woman’s throat showing finger prints, the State was powerless to convict.
Children’s Home Seeks Abandoned Baby
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In behalf of the New Jersey Children’s Home, Judge Carrow will be asked to give that organization the custody of the abandoned baby girl found near Crystal Lake, Westmont, several days ago.
Law Keeps Democrats at Home
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Law Keeps Democrats at Home
Prominent Democrats had their plans set awry yesterday in Camden with respect to participating in the inaugural ceremonies because the law made it mandatory to draw the jurors for the April term of court. Sheriff Nowrey, who was one of the leading spirits of the Democratic demonstration and parade prior to marching to Washington, was compelled to leave the festivities Monday night in order to arrive in Camden in time to draw the jury yesterday morning at 10 o’clock. His duty done, he immediately left once more for the capital.
Common Pleas Court Judge Carrow, before whom the panel was drawn, was unable to get to Washington at all.
Joseph Nowrey — Howard Carrow
Mrs. Horkheimer Gets $1,500 Verdict
New York Times —
MAYS LANDING, N. J., May 18.—Mrs. Benjamin Horkheimer won a verdict of $1,500 today before Judge Howard Carrow in her suit against the executors of the estate of the late Morris Horkheimer, a wealthy Philadelphia manufacturer. She sued for $5,000, the bequest left to her late husband. The defense endeavored to show that the amount had been paid by the executors. One of the defendants was Edmund Horkheimer, head of a film company in California, who was co-executor with Mrs. Cecelia Horkheimer of Atlantic City.
Security Trust Company — Bank Directory, March–December 1916
301 Market Street, Camden, N. J.
JOSHUA E. BORTON, President
HENRY D. MOORE, Vice President
C. H. POLHEMUS, Secretary and Treasurer
WALTER T. PRATT, Assistant Treasurer
HOWARD M. POTTER, Trust Officer
Thomas E. French, General Counsel
Directors:
Sue for Salaries
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Judge Carrow, in the Camden Circuit Court, yesterday heard testimony without a jury in the cases of I. Somers Taylor and George W. Johnson, a patent attorney at Washington, against the Penrose Motor Company. Taylor, an engineer, claims $1,5[?]0 for services, and Johnson $1,3[?]5.95. They had been employed by the Engineering Development Company which was taken over by the Penrose concern.
Former Judge Carrow Dies in Merchantville
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Was Among Democratic Leaders of New Jersey and Headed State Committee
Special to The Inquirer.
MERCHANTVILLE, N. J., April 16.—Howard Carrow, until recently Circuit court judge of New Jersey and formerly judge of the Common Pleas court of Camden, died this morning at his home on West Maple avenue. Judge Carrow was confined to his home with a cold last week, but was apparently convalescent and had planned to be at his office in Camden tomorrow. He strolled about the grounds of his residence before breakfast, but soon after eating was seized with an attack of the heart while reading and died in about twenty minutes.
Judge Carrow was born in Camden, Del., September 30, 1860, and came to Camden, N. J., in 1873, and studied law in the office of Thomas B. Harned, being admitted to the bar in June, 1882. He was first appointed to the bench of the Camden District court in 1891 and in 1895 was made permanent chairman of the Democratic State Committee. He was a delegate to the National conventions of 1904 and 1908. Woodrow Wilson, when Governor, appointed him to the Camden County Common Pleas bench in 1912, from which he resigned in May, 1913, when he was named to the Circuit court judgeship for the counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester.
Judge Carrow is survived by his wife, Margaret H. Carrow and two children, J. Russell Carrow, formerly Prosecutor of the Pleas of Cape May county, and now a member of the Camden County Board of Taxation, and Miss Helen Carrow.
Judge Carrow Is Dead at 62 Years
Trenton Times —
MERCHANTVILLE, N. J., April 17.—Former Circuit Court Judge Howard Carrow died suddenly yesterday of heart disease. He was 62 years old. Mr. Carrow formerly was Chairman of the Democratic State Committee and was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1904 and 1908.
He was judge on the Common Pleas bench in Camden when appointed in 1913 to the Circuit Court by Woodrow Wilson, then Governor of New Jersey.
Death Notice of Howard Carrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CARROW.—April 16, HOWARD CARROW, aged 6[?]. Funeral services Wed., 2 P. M., late residence, 39 W. Maple ave., Merchantville, N. J. Int. Harleigh Cem.
Tribute to Judge Carrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
As a mark of respect to the memory of former Judge Howard Carrow, who died suddenly Sunday at his home in Merchantville, Judge Rudolph S. Ayres yesterday adjourned the sessions of the Camden district court, where Mr. Carrow formerly presided. He was also formerly Common Pleas judge and judge of the Circuit Court. His funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon, from his home, 39 Maple avenue, Merchantville.
Many Pay Tribute to Ex-Judge Carrow
Trenton Times —
CAMDEN, N. J., April 20.—Howard Carrow, former Circuit Court judge, who died Sunday, was buried yesterday from his home in Merchantville.
Religious services were conducted by the Rev. Harold Morse, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Sherman G. Pitt, pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.
The honorary pallbearers were Supreme Court Justice Charles C. Black, former Supreme Court Justice Charles Garrison, Circuit Court Judge Frank T. Lloyd, Harvey F. Carr, president of the New Jersey State Bar Association; Joshua C. Borton, president of the Security Trust Company; S. Conrad Ott, president of the Camden County Bar Association; former Judge Charles V. D. Joline, former Judge Lewis Starr, Attorney Harry R. Coulomb and former Prosecutor William J. Kraft.
Among those who paid their final respects to the memory of the deceased jurist were Vice Chancellor E. B. Leaming, Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton, Assistant Prosecutors Burling and Straw, Judges Samuel M. Shay, Rudolph S. Ayres and James V. McAdams.
The Young Syndicate
Camden Courier-Post —
FROM AN OLD DIRECTORY
‘Coop’ Carman and Willard Morgan Led Movement for New Blood in G.O.P. Culminating in Bitter Battles of Race Track Days
Second in a new series of articles on Camden affairs and personalities of yesteryear inspired by a 50-year-old directory.
By BEN COURTER
Allusion to officials of Camden half a century ago has brought a flood of memories to older residents and particularly those interested in the political game—the great American game. While the directory of 1882 speaks of Richard C. Thompson holding the office of city clerk, mention of whom was made last week, it also was stated that D. Cooper Carman had held the office from 1884 until his death in 1889, at the early age of 35 years. It is Carman’s name which has revived in the minds of veteran political workers his activity and that of the “young syndicate,” which had concluded, as is the case in all organizations, it was time for old stagers to step aside for those of more youthful years.
BEN COURTER
Carman had been elected to city council in the Spring election of 1882 from the Fourth Ward, his home then being at Broadway and Federal street, where the Munger & Long building now stands. But his election was contested by Frederick M. Bourquin and Carman did not serve. Two years later he was again elected, at the same time appointed city clerk, and this resulted in another contest in which the court laid down the dictum that a member of council could not vote for himself for public office. “Coop,” as he was known to his familiars, promptly resigned from Council and was promptly elected city clerk.
The ‘Young Syndicate’
With Carman, as former City Clerk William D. Brown recalls, was associated J. Willard Morgan and Henry M. Snyder, something of a balance between the two.
That combination carried things along pretty much as they pleased for a time and as one of the developments Maurice A. Rogers, down in the Fifth Ward and a councilman, was taken up as a Senatorial candidate against Colonel George Pfeiffer, Jr., a decade later to be the builder of Camden’s artesian water plant. The colonel, long one of Camden’s most popular men, had defeated the Republicans as a result of the factional fight between Henry L. Bonsall, editor of the Post, and Thomas Dudley, famed consul to Liverpool during Civil War days. But with the “young syndicate” back of him, Rogers won the Senate seat in 1890, taking his office January 1, 1891.
But in the meanwhile Carman suddenly died at his mother’s home, at 11.10 on the night of September 11, 1889. At the time apoplexy was given as the cause. His sudden demise caused a profound shock and at his funeral four days later leaders in business and politics paid homage, with such men as Gen. William J. Sewell, Sinnickson Chew, Howard Carrow, Wilson Jenkins, E. A. Armstrong, B. M. Braker and many others attending. The bell in the old City Hall tower tolled as the cortege passed on the way to old Camden cemetery. And even yet, after these more than four decades, “Coop” Carman is quite vividly recalled by those who were then active on the political stage.
Carman’s Death Big Loss
Carman’s death was a big loss to the “young syndicate,” but it did not halt its activity. Since Rogers had won so easily in the 1890 election it was concluded there would be nothing to it when he was renominated for another two-year term. Rogers was by no means friendly to “Billy” Thompson’s race track, then in the heyday of its popularity with the sports of Gloucester City, a period when that community had all the earmarks of a wild and wooly western city, attractive to thousands of lovers of horseflesh, touts, gamblers and the usual hangers-on.
Thompson concluded it would be far better to have someone in the Senate from Camden county who would regard his interests with more favor than Rogers.
Thus he decided on Frederick A. Rex, his personal counsel, a very able young attorney, and a Republican. Since at that time the Democratic police commission was in control of the cops it was considered easy to get possession of the polls. As Brown recalls it, the rivals of Rogers planned a “zero hour” at which cops, at the crack of a pistol, were to descend on polls considered close at the primaries, frighten off the regular voters and corral enough to elect Rex.
Particular effort was to be made to sweep the Sixth Ward, where Thad Varney, elected city clerk to succeed Carman, was “boss,” and thus give him a political black eye. In Varney’s precinct in particular when the rumpus started “Brockie” Deno and “Al” Haydon, both widely known firemen now dead, grabbed the ballot box, lowered it down a chimney, fished it out when the racket was passed, went to Avis’ livery stable, and later to Varney’s home, where the votes were counted. In these sophisticated days such counting would unquestionably not be considered “according to Hoyle,” but then anything went just so the particular faction had its bag of tricks in effective operation. Anyhow, Rogers won the primaries, but there still was the general election to hurdle and Thompson was by no means beaten. He had plenty of money and many followers, some sincere, many just sycophants.
Repeaters Foiled
It was charged a scheme was on foot to bring repeaters from Philadelphia, not an unusual procedure in the political game of Camden years ago in either party. One of the “young syndicate’s” lieutenants learned the plot, told General Sewell, who sent the informant to Dave Martin, then Philadelphia’s political boss, who heard the story. The upshot was General Sewell himself saw Martin later, who was quite willing to aid Jersey’s G.O.P. leader, flooded Camden with sleuths from over the river and such close tabs were kept on the repeating army its efforts were halted from the very dawn of that very stirring election day. Rogers was elected, was made president of the Senate and for a time loomed so large on Jersey’s political horizon he had gubernatorial aspirations, but they never were realized.
Thus out of the old yellowed book Frank Albright, city clerk of the present epoch, dug from the archives memories are revived of a very gallant young politician, “Coop” Carman, and some of the stirring incidents that make up Camden’s political history. The “young syndicate” was just one of the episodes, as the first “reform” outbreak in 1882, or the Committee of 100 scrap of 1897, or the Non-Partisan upheaval of ‘23, but such never lose interest to those who have joined those movements with enthusiasm, even though they were often not altogether satisfied with what had been accomplished.