Introduction
JACOB FREDERICK VOIGT was born in New Jersey in July of 1856. His parents were born in Germany. Little else is known of his early life, save that he was fluent in his parents’ language to the point that he was employed as a court interpreter later in life. He married early in 1881 and was living in Moorestown, New Jersey when his wife Annie gave birth to their son, Frank Voigt, on October 3, 1881.
J. Fred Voigt first appears in Camden’s City Directories in 1885. He was living at 332 Berkley Street and had a small business at Fourth and Federal Streets. The 1887–1888 and 1888–1889 City Directories show him living at 20 South 4th Street, where he had a cigar store. A staunch Republican, J. Fred Voigt was rewarded with an appointment to the Camden Fire Department in January of 1889. He was then living at 443 Mickle Street.
J. Fred Voigt resigned from the Fire Department in July of 1891. He worked as a special officer, either for the city of Camden or as an officer of the court in 1892. By the summer of 1893 J. Fred Voigt had moved to 204 South 5th Street and opened up a cigar store at this location. The Voigts remained at this address into 1899. J. Fred Voigt served as a Constable in 1897 and again in 1900. He was employed at the Camden County jail in 1902 and 1903 during the time Paul Woodward was incarcerated there, and assisted Sheriff Christopher Mines Jr. with Woodward’s execution for murder on January 7, 1903.
The 1900 Census shows J. Fred Voigt, wife Anna and son Frank at 527 Mickle Street. By 1906 they had moved to 326 Warren Avenue. J. Fred Voigt was then working as a court interpreter, according to the City Directory. Son Frank Voigt passed the New Jersey bar examination in March of 1910. When the Census was taken in April of 1910 J. Fred Voigt was sergeant-at-arms of the Camden District Court. He held that position until March of 1912. The 1914 Camden City Directory indicates that he was working for the Camden Police Department and living at 636 Penn Street, around the corner from his son Frank, who lived at 635 Linden Street. Both J. Fred Voigt and Frank Voigt had moved out of Camden by the summer of 1918.
When the census was taken in January of 1920, J. Fred Voigt was working at the Camden County Jail. He was living with a cousin, Elizabeth Martin, at 231 East Kings Highway in Haddonfield, New Jersey. J. Fred Voigt was still living with his cousin at the East Kings Highway address when the census was taken in April of 1930. He then owned a sandwich shop, according to the Census. J. Frederick Voigt passed away during the 1930s.
Four Firemen Hurt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A False Alarm in Camden Results in a Serious Accident.
Four firemen, members of the Camden Fire Department, were nearly killed while answering an alarm of fire yesterday afternoon. The injured are: Frank Turner, driver of the hose car, breast bone broken and seriously hurt internally; Jacob Kellum, tillerman, legs crushed; Frederick Voight, hoseman, cuts of the head; Henry Grosscup, foreman, breast hurt.
The accident happened while turning the corner of Fourth and Cooper streets. The truck was about to turn the corner when the tiller for some unknown reason failed to work properly. The result was that the horses slipped on the asphalt pavement and were precipitated to the ground. The truck at the same time came in contact with a tree with terrific force.
The large ladder which is on the top of the truck flew off and cleared the three men who were riding on the hose cart off of their seats and knocked the big white horse attached to the same down in the street. As the ladder was leaving the truck Tillerman Kellum got his legs entangled in the rungs and was also knocked into the street.
Driver Turner was on his seat driving when he was struck in the breast with the end of the ladder, which broke one of the bones and otherwise injured him. Hoseman Voight was also on the box and the side of the ladder struck him in the head. Fireman Grosscup was riding on the cylinder of the hose cart when he was suddenly swept off by the ladder. His injuries are the slightest of any.
The four men were immediately picked up by their brother firemen and conveyed to No. 2 engine, when a physician was summoned. The latter attended to their needs and decided that all of the men would recover.
Bad boys were the cause of the accident. About two days ago the boys in the neighborhood of Front and Erie streets throwed bricks at the fire alarm box until they broke the door of the apparatus, which is known as No. 6 box.
An old lady who lives near by, thinking that the boys might pull the alarm and call out the department, decided to make an effort to prevent it. Yesterday afternoon she got a piece of wood and was in the act of closing the door and using the wood to make the catch, when the latter caught in the wire and turned in an alarm.
EXCISE COMMISSIONERS MEET.
All of the members were present at the regular meeting of the Excise Commissioners last night. The following transfers were made: James Hughes, 600 Walnut street, to Albert Kemble; John Korn, Front and Kaighn avenue, to William Brosch; Josiah Jones, Haddon avenue and Sycamore street, to W. H. Stevens; William Brosch, Fifth and Federal streets, to James P. Dunn; S. H. Long, 837 Broadway, to Augusta Hostic; Henry Seums, 510 Jackson street, to Jacob Miller. A special license was granted the Camden Leidertafel for their ball next Monday night.
A LAWYER IN TROUBLE.
Timothy J. Middleton, a prominent member of the Camden bar, was arrested on a capias yesterday and held in $10,000 bail by Sheriff Baird. The complainant against Middleton is Miss Lizzie Frey, who claims that Middleton collected about $5,000 on an insurance policy for her and refused to pay it over. If the court should render a verdict against the lawyer his bondsmen would have to pay the amount.
CAMDEN NOTES.
William P. Bond, while at work in the Camden Iron Works, yesterday, had his arm crushed.
At a meeting of the Board of Freeholders yesterday Superintendent Adams, of the Almshouse, reported that he had 169 paupers in the institution, the largest number he has had any time since he has been in charge.
During the rush of the crowd to get into the court house to witness the Leconey trial yesterday one of the men in the crowd had his pockets picked of a valuable gold watch. The case was reported to the Prosecutor, who detailed a detective to work it up.
Mayor Pratt yesterday committed William Stockley and William Haines to jail on the charge of robbing the clothing store of John Davis on Fourth street, below Spruce.
Fireman Fred Voight Resigned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman Fred Voight, against whom charges were made at the last meeting of the Fire Commissioners, has resigned, to take effect immediately.
Philadelphia Inquirer – July 26, 1891
Named: Philadelphia Inquirer, July 26, 1891. See also: PDF version. Related: Jesse Pratt, Engine Company 2, C. Howard Hunt, Federal Street, North 2nd Street, Penn Street, and Kaighn Avenue.
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.
One Year for Waples
Camden Post-Telegram —
The Bean of Baxter Street Banished from His Old Haunts.
Ernest Waples, the pride of Baxter street, will be missing from his usual haunts on that thoroughfare for at least one year, which was so decreed by Judge Armstrong, yesterday afternoon, when he adjudged him guilty of a charge of assault and battery on his inamorata, Julia Mason. Ernest fully expected more than he got from the Court, as he told Constable Voigt, when he was removed to the County Jail, that he expected to get two years. There were three charges against him for assault and battery, but he was found guilty on one only. The first complaint tried was the one made against him by Mary Douglass. When Mary went on the stand she said she did not want anything done to him but after threatening to put her in jail, she reluctantly answered the questions. She admitted that she and Ernest had an argument and that he struck her, but said he did not hurt her.
Ernest, in his own defense, denied striking her and said he only placed his hand on her. Two other Baxter street belles took the stand and their evidence showed they had a warm spot for Ernest and did not want him to be banished from their sight.
The next charge which he confronted was that of assault and battery on Policeman Donovan. Officer Donovan was not positive as to who did injure him and there was not much in this case. Waples was then charged with throwing bricks and glassware at Julia Mason, one of which struck Julia, causing her to have a hemorrhage of the head. Julia said she did not think Ernest hit her and could not tell who did strike her.
At this point Assistant Prosecutor Archer flashed up a number of letters from Waples to Julia, which had been intercepted. The contents of the letters showed that Ernest had struck Julia and he was posting her as to how to testify and save him from doing time at Trenton.
Just before Julia left the stand Judge Armstrong succeeded in getting her to admit that Ernest had struck her in the head with a tumbler. The Court then told Waples that he was a bad man in the community, and adjudged him not guilty of the charges made against him by Mary Douglass and Policeman Donovan, but found him guilty of assault and battery on Julia and sentenced him to one year in the State Prison.
Abbatto Hanged in Camden Jail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Quick Work by Sheriff Sell in Executing the Murderer of Genaro De Feo
Condemned Man Died Without a Struggle, and Was Buried in Potters’ Field
FRANCISCO ABBATTO.
John Wesley Sell, Sheriff of Camden county, had his first hanging yesterday, and he made a record for celerity in launching Francisco Abbatto into eternity. The earliest moment that the hanging could take place, under the order of the court, was 10 o’clock. Within 6 minutes after the hour struck Abbatto was standing on the gallows. A minute later the trap was sprung, and five minutes later the man was dead.
Abbatto slept soundly during his last night on earth. He was up betimes yesterday morning, and dressed himself in the black suit of clothes which he knew would be his death garments. He declined to eat any breakfast, but drank a cup of coffee. At 8 o’clock the priests came to prepare the condemned man for the end. They were Father Pozzi, of East Vineland, and Father Caruso, of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, of Philadelphia.
FINAL PREPARATIONS.
The persons authorized by law to witness the execution, about forty in number, gathered in the Sheriff’s office by half past 9 o’clock. County Clerk Barber administered the oath to the twelve citizens appointed by Judge Garrison to see that the sentence of death was carried out. They were County Physician W. S. Jones, Dr. Alexander McAlister, Dr. S. Ramsdell, Dr. E. A. Y. Schellinger, Dr. A. H. Lippincott, Dr. Joseph Nicholson, Dr. Paul N. Mecray, Upton S. Jeffreys, Harry B. Paul, Charles R. Bacon, William H. Cole and County Detective John S. Smith.
The death jury were taken through the jail to the loft at the Broadway and Federal streets corner of the building, where the gallows awaited its victim.
A few minutes before 10 o’clock the Sheriff led his deputies and the newspaper men across the “Bridge of Sighs” to the jail, and they joined the group in the death chamber. The clock struck 10, and all was ready to execute the mandate of the law. Five minutes later a door at the foot of the gallows, leading into the jail opened, and the condemned man was seen walking to his doom.
QUICK EXECUTION.
The two priests were in the lead. They were silent, for they had finished their ministrations in the jail. Abbatto was supported on either side by Constable Voight, of the death watch, and County Detective Smith. He was pale, but he walked with a firm step. He paused an instant at the foot of the gallows, cast a furtive glance at the dangling rope, and then mounted the thirteen steps to the platform. The officers stepped back when they had placed the condemned man at the centre of the trap. An instant Abbatto stood gazing at a ray of sunlight on the floor, and then the black cap shut the light from his eyes. Quickly but carefully Sheriff Sell adjusted the noose, and then, at 10 07, as the murderer swayed like a reed in the wind the silence was broken by the crash of the falling trap doors and the body fell a distance of six feet.
Abbatto’s hands were manacled behind his back, but his legs were not pinioned. He did not struggle and only a few tremors shook his body. In five minutes the doctors found that the heart had ceased to beat, but the body was allowed to hang for twenty-eight minutes. Then it was taken in charge by Morgue Keeper O’Brien, and after the doctors had gotten through with it, it was buried in potter’s field. Death was due to strangulation, and the face of the dead man was not distorted.
ABBATTO’S CRIME.
Francisco Abbatto was hanged for the murder of Genaro DeFeo. The crime was committed on the night of April 22, 1899, in the woods near Blue Anchor, Camden county. After stabbing DeFeo to death, Abbatto hacked his victim’s head off. Both body and head were found in the woods by searchers eight days later. Abbatto boarded with DeFeo, and was enamoured of his wife. He induced Mrs. DeFeo to go to New York with him to search for her husband. When they returned Abbatto was arrested. At his trial he claimed that he had killed DeFeo during a quarrel. The Court of Errors and Appeals sustained the conviction and Governor Voorhees refused to grant a reprieve.
Still Probing Sunday Liquor Selling Cases
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Rumors That Grand Jury May Ignore Complaints Turned Down by Previous Grand Jury
The grand jury of Camden county heard additional witnesses of the Law and Order League yesterday on complaints against Sunday liquor sellers. The witnesses in the case of Rev. C. B. Fisher, who claims he was assaulted at Gloucester City on Sunday, were also heard.
It was rumored about the court house that the cases of the forty-eight saloon-keepers which were ignored by the former grand jury would also be ignored by the present body, because the members do not want to cast a slight on the previous grand jury. The rumor, however, is believed to be without foundation, owing to Justice Garrison’s charge on the point.
Constable Frederick Voight went to Gloucester City last evening with warrants for James Augenbach and John Cole, charged by Rev. Fisher with abuse and attempted assault. Augenbach and Cole each appeared before Justice Schmitz in Camden and furnished $[?]00 bail for their appearance in court. Voight also served a warrant on William Riley, at Berlin, charged with selling liquor illegally. Riley furnished bail to Justice Schmitz. A warrant has been issued for Charles Young upon a like charge. Young is the manager and treasurer of the Trout Run Club, near Berlin.
Lawyer Gibbony, of the Law and Order League, at the request of the grand jury, gave that body a general review of his work. He detailed the crusade, and stated his instructions as received at the beginning from Mayor Hatch and Prosecutor Jenkins, the latter since deceased. He was questioned upon his bill for detective work in the liquor cases, which the Board of Freeholders has so far refused to pay. Several of the jurymen expressed themselves of the opinion that the bill should be paid.
Has Two Charges to Answer
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Justice Snyder, of Gloucester City, yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of John North, a saloon-keeper of Fourth and Water streets, that city, on a charge preferred by Mrs. Joseph Fanning, of the larceny of $18, a liquor license certificate and a revolver. North had not answered to the charge up to a late hour last night, owing to the fact that he was taken to Camden earlier in the day by Constable Voight, on a charge of assault and battery, with intent to kill, preferred by Robert Harvey, before Justice Schmidt.
Hill Meets Death Without a Shudder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Wife Murderer Goes to the Gallows With Calm Resignation—Scenes and Incidents Attending the Execution
Sheriff John Wesley Sell, Upon whom the unpleasant duty devolved to execute the law’s mandate.
Rev. H. S. Gascoyne, Who was one of Murderer Hill’s spiritual advisers, and who accompanied him to the gallows.
With a brave smile, born of resignation and Christian faith, Robert F. Hill paid the legal penalty in the Camden county jail yesterday for the murder of his wife on June 9, 1900. Sheriff John Wesley Sell sprung the trap of the scaffold at 10.10 A. M. Hill was declared dead at 10.22½ and the body was cut down at 10.40.
Hill was awakened by his request at 5.30 o’clock in the morning, and he ate sparingly of a beefsteak, which was brought to him from a neighboring restaurant. Afterward he slowly smoked a cigar. His aged father, his brother, William, and his sisters, Violet and Pearl, were talking earnestly with him at 8 o’clock, when his spiritual advisers, Rev. H. S. Gascoyne and Rev. Charles D. Sinkinson arrived. At 8.30 o’clock his relatives took final leave of him, and Hill exchanged his blue serge suit for a suit of black cloth.
Hill Prayed Aloud
Religious devotions, in which Hill almost joyfully participated, consumed nearly an hour. Twice Hill prayed aloud, forgiving his enemies and asking forgiveness for himself. The two clergymen also prayed and joined Hill in singing a hymn. Hill seemed to be impatient for the end, and declared that he wanted to die and would not accept his freedom if he could get it.
While Hill was at his devotions Sheriff Sell was busy with preparations for the execution.
The witnesses, numbering nearly two score, were in the execution room at 10.09 o’clock, when Sheriff Sell signaled to Jailer David Logue to bring the condemned man. The death procession was led by Revs. Gascoyne and Sinkinson. Then came Hill with a happy smile, which broadened as he gazed upward at the rope and its noose.
County Detective John S. Smith and Death Watch Fred Voigt marched behind Hill.
Still in Smiles
At the steps to the scaffold the clergymen separated and stepped to either side. Hill was conducted up the steps by Smith and Voigt, but he walked to the centre of the trap alone and with a pleasant smile, which continued while Sheriff Sell was drawing over his face the black cap that shut out his last view of the world. Sheriff Sell adjusted the noose about Hill’s neck and drew it tight. Then he sprung the lever of the trap, and Hill’s body fell to the length of the rope and swung to and fro, but no other movement was visible.
When Hill’s body was cut down it was found that the rope was entangled with the black cap, which was probably due to the fact that Hill wore a high collar. His features were not distorted, but instead wore the smile with which he ascended the scaffold.
Undertaker E. J. Strickland removed the body after he had secured a death certificate from County Physician Jones and buried it in the New Camden Cemetery.
About one hundred persons were gathered about the jail during the preparations for the execution, but they hastened away when the click of the falling trap was heard.
Story of His Crime
Hill shot his wife, Edith, three times on Saturday night, June 9, 1900, and then shot himself in the breast over the heart. His wife was instantly killed, but Hill was hurried to Cooper Hospital, where he was detained about a month and then transferred to the county jail. The shooting was done at the home of Hill’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Wheldon, 1229 South Third street, and was the result, it is believed, of a quarrel over Mrs. Hill’s alleged misconduct. Hill and his wife had separated five times because of his charges or suspicions, but at his trial for the murder he failed to prove that his wife had been unfaithful to him.
Hill was placed on trial on October 2, 1900; found guilty of murder in the first degree on October 3, and sentenced by Justice Garrison, on November 16, to be hanged on January 16, 1901.
On December 7 the Court of Errors and Appeals refused to give Hill a new trial. On January 10 Governor Voorhees refused to grant Hill a reprieve, but four days later he reconsidered the matter and reprieved Hill until yesterday, February 5. On January 26 the Board of Pardons, in special session, refused to commute Hill’s sentence to life imprisonment.
Constable Voigt Touring Europe
Philadelphia Inquirer —
County Detective Cherry yesterday received a letter from Constable Fred Voigt, who, with Lawyer Harry Scovel, is touring Europe. Constable Voigt said they arrived in Cherbourg safe and well and are enjoying the continental sights immensely. They will return about September 1.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case
October 1, 1902 to January 14, 1903
On October 1, 1902 Paul Woodward murdered two young boys by giving them poison. Frank T. Lloyd, then Camden County prosecutor, was responsible for leading the investigation and prosecuting the case. Woodward was arrested on October 4, 1902, and was quickly indicted on murder charges. Woodward was tried and found guilty in November of 1902. J. Fred Voigt was then working at the Camden County jail, and one of his duties was to monitor Paul Woodward, who had been sentenced to death, with sentence to be carried out on January 7, 1903. J. Fred Voigt was present and assisted Sheriff Christopher J. Mines Jr. with the execution.
Related people and organizations: Joseph Jennings — Jennings’ Third Regiment Band — Frank T. Lloyd — Dr. William S. Jones — William D. Hart — Dr. Paul N. Litchfield — F. Morse Archer — John Foster — John Painter — John Cherry — Isaac Toone — George M. Beringer — Charles G. Garrison — J. Wesley Sell — Christopher J. Mines Jr. — Frederick A. Rex — George F. Kappel — Isaac Toy — Harry S. Scovel — Francis Ford Patterson Jr. — John S. Smith — Hugh Boyle — Frank S. Albright — Thomas Walton — Dr. William H. Iszard — George H. Stineford Sr. — Samuel M. Jaquillard
Annoys Prisoners With “Music”?
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Paul Woodward, the Camden youth under sentence to be hanged January 7, is the bane of the inmates of the county jail. Some days ago visitors gave him a few pennies. With the money he had Death Watch Voigt purchase a tin whistle and a mouth organ. With these instruments, which he cannot play half well, he annoys the inmates of the jail all night long.
Paul Woodward Goes to Gallows
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Murderer of Two Camden Boys Was Executed Without Creating a Scene
DECLARED HIS INNOCENCE
Floral Offerings From the Family, Body Was Interred in a Philadelphia Cemetery
Paul Woodward.
Just fourteen weeks to the day after the commission of his crime Paul Woodward, the murderer of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, boys, was hanged at the county jail in Camden yesterday by Sheriff Christopher J. Mines. The youthful murderer walked to his death with a ghastly countenance and quivering lip. The drop fell at 10.03 and ten minutes later physicians pronounced him dead.
Woodward arose at half past 6 o’clock yesterday morning, after a sound sleep. He sent for the Prosecutor, to whom he protested his innocence.
Rev. John Warnock, the condemned man’s spiritual adviser, was offering the last words of consolation when Woodward was summoned by the Sheriff. Clad in a neat-fitting black suit, and with his hands manacled behind him, he was escorted to the execution room by County Detective Smith, Death Watches Paul and Voight, and Rev. Mr. Warnock. The court and Sheriff’s juries were awaiting with bared heads. Sheriff Mines stood near the foot of the gallows as the prisoner entered the door leading to the jail corridor.
Woodward, pale as death, had just a moment’s time before Sheriff Mines took him by the arm, led him up the thirteen steps to the platform, adjusted the black cap, knotted the rope, and a moment later the trap opened. Woodward shot down until his feet nearly touched the floor. The rope twisted and the body swung around for a few minutes. The physicians present said death had been painless. The body was taken down at 10.42, placed in charge of undertakers and deposited in a handsome casket, on the lid of which was
PAUL A. WOODWARD, Died January 7th, 1903, In his 25th year.
In a cab the family followed the hearse to a Philadelphia cemetery, where interment was made.
Just before the execution took place two floral pieces were taken into the jail to be placed on the casket. It was reported that they were sent by Woodward’s family.
One was a pillow of carnations and roses having in the centre in immortelles the word “Innocent.”
The other was a palm-shaped arrangement of greens and white carnations, tied with a satin ribbon on which were the words “Too Soon.”
Those who witnessed the hanging were surprised at the cool manner in which the murderer conducted himself just before the execution. He had been fully expected to make a scene.
The statement sworn to by Woodward before J. Fred George, notary public, was given out after the execution. It was a lengthy document. The youth admitted meeting young Coffin and Jennings, but said his original intention was not robbery. The two boys and he, he said, had agreed to rob several houses in the country.
The boys weakened and refused to be a party to the robberies. Then, according to the statement, he decided to kill the boys for self-protection. He said he had provided himself with pies in advance and the poison was placed in them.
Two other statements were given out by Woodward. Both were rambling stories and contradictory.
Long Ride With Prisoner
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Detectives Bring Alleged Murderer From Los Angeles
County Detectives Smith and Cherry arrived in Camden last night from Los Angeles, Cal., with Giovanni Cancelli, the Italian who is wanted for shooting to death Dominick Mercurio, a fellow countryman. The murder occurred last April at Fish House, and resulted from a quarrel over the possession of five cents. It was one of the longest trips ever made by Camden county officials after a prisoner. The detectives left Camden on November 4 and traveled nearly 7000 miles. Cancelli was safely landed in the county jail. He has already been indicted.
Court Officer Voigt also returned last night from Worcester, Mass., with Frank Millet. The latter is wanted on the charge of wife desertion.
Some Shifts in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New County Detective Will Be on the Job Tomorrow
Harry E. Cheeseman, of the Twelfth ward, Camden, will begin his duties as a county detective in the office of Prosecutor Boyle tomrow [sic] morning. Announcement of the appointment came the past week, coupled with the statement that he was eligible because he had outstripped all his competitors in a civil service examination. There were a number of Democrats who were after the place, which was held by Marcus N. Carroll, who resigned shortly after the appointment of Prosecutor Boyle.
It was also rumored yesterday that when Judge French assumes charge of the District Court on April 1 he will have Frank X. Devereaux, of the Sixth ward, as his sergeant-at-arms, a position which Fred Voight has held for several years. Voight is a stalwart Republican and will not remain in the position. Devereaux has been prominently mentioned in connection with thec oming [sic] apointment [sic] to fill the vacancy in the County Board of Taxation. It is likely that William Schmid will get that plum, however.
Philadelphia Inquirer – March 15, 1910
FRANK VOIGT.
Young Camden lawyer who has just been admitted to practice.
Landed Big Shark at Stone Harbor
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Well-Known Camden Men Had an Exciting Time of It at Fishing Contest
Some Great Catches Were Made in the Space of About Four Hours
Special to The Inquirer.
STONE HARBOR, N. J., July 24. — At the present time nearly all the inside fishing from Wildwood to Sea Isle City is being done in Great Channel, adjacent to this resort. For the past ten days there has been an immense quantity of weakfish caught in these waters, and very few caught anywhere else. Even the outside fishermen have had very poor luck with weakfish, while all other sea fish have been running strong.
On a recent fishing excursion to Great Channel from Wildwood a number of prominent Camden officials had an exciting time of it hauling in weakfish and an immense hammer-head shark, which had two well developed tails. This party was composed of Court Interpreter Frederick Voigt and Benjamin and Samuel Johnson. This party in four hours’ fishing landed 132 weakfish, 7 flounders and 58 “hake,” or king fish, while Court Officer Voigt hooked and landed a hammerhead shark, weighing over 200 pounds, and which was 8 feet 8 inches in length.
Another party which was fishing in opposition to the Voigt boat was made up of Park Commissioner George Leathwhite, a retired plumber, of Camden; Clerk of the District Court Edward Hillman and Rev. Dr. Isaac W. Bagley, a former prominent Harrisburg divine, all of Camden. Commissioner Leathwhite and his party in Charles Grier’s motor boat anchored within ten feet of Court Interpreter Voigt’s boat and the greatest fishing battle of the season was on. It was conceded that Mr. Voigt’s boat won out largely on account of the immense shark which gave them more fish per pound than the other boat. Commissioner Leathwhite’s boat caught 60 weakfish, 80 “hake” and 7 sheepshead.
Active preparations are being made here by the builders of this resort, South Jersey Realty Company, for the erection of the 1100 feet steel draw bridge over Great Channel, which is to give this beach connections with the mainland.
Judge French Sworn In
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Succeeds Samuel Jones on District Court Bench
Sworn in yesterday as District Court judge of Camden, to succeed Samuel P. Jones, Attorney William C. French was presented with a big floral horseshoe by the Sixth Ward Democratic Club, the presentation speech being made by County Detective Cheeseman. Many members of the bar witnessed the administering of the oath by Deputy Clerk Truax, and on behalf of the assembled lawyers a congratulatory address was made by William J. Kraft.
After making a fitting response, Judge French appointed Frank S. Deveraux sergeant-at-arms to succeed Fred Voight, resigned.
Two Suspects Admit Having Robbed House
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Admitting having robbed one house and making an attempt in another instance, George Laws, aged 19, of 2804 Mitchell street, and Edward Thomas, aged 22, of 413 North Twenty-eighth street, were yesterday held by Recorder Stackhouse in Camden pending further inquiry. They confessed to ripping the water pipe from a vacant house at Twenty-second and Howell streets and then going to the home of Frederick Voigt, 222 North Thirty-second street, where they were detected in the act by a neighbor of Voigt’s.
From a description given by the neighbor Policeman Palmer arrested the pair.
Philadelphia Inquirer – January 26, 1915
M. Cohen, aged 15 years, was yesterday taken to the State Home for Boys by Constable Voigt. The boy has been arrested on numerous occasions.
Penrose Arrested for Indebtedness
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN, Feb. 27. — Motoring through Camden today, Hallock A. Penrose, of Philadelphia, a relative of United States Senator Penrose, was arrested by Deputy Voight on a capias issued by John H. House, a New York capitalist, on breach of contract. House alleges Penrose failed to make good three notes totaling $14,184.03 and interest. Penrose turned over Star Street stock on which House received $8,649.16 and he now sues for balance together with damages for injured credit.
Stockton Annexed Against Protest Of Democrats.
Camden Courier-Post —
Fifty years ago, the old town of Stockton was annexed to the City of Camden over the protests of Democratic members of the town council.
But a Republican Legislature approved a bill introduced by former Justice Frank T. Lloyd on March 24, 1899. He was a member of the Assembly at the time. He resided then in the structure now occupied by the Sheltering Arms Home at Eighteenth street and River avenue.
The town of Stockton had been in existence five years when the annexation took place. Merchantville and Pennsauken township were part of the original Stockton Township with the present East Camden area. Merchantville received its charter as a borough 75 years ago this month. In 1892. Pennsauken township withdrew, from the. township to become a separate municipality.
For two years East Camden remained in the township. In 1894 Alfred Cramer, founder of Cramer Hill, launched a movement to create the town of Stockton and the first governing body was elected. Edward Dudley, then a leading lawyer, was elected councilman-at-large, which entitled him to preside as mayor. William S. Abbott, a lifelong resident, became clerk.
The town was divided into three wards. Fred Voigt and Justice Lloyd also served with Cramer and Dudley in the town council. The town hall was on the triangle, at Twenty-seventh and Federal Streets.
Albert Plum and William C. Reeves were justices of the peace. Samuel M. Jaquillard served on the Board of Freeholders as did W.O. Buck and Joseph Funfer. Charles E. Allen was a member of the Board of Education.
After the annexation Abbott was elected to Camden City Council. Others elected were Dr. William H. Kensinger, now a resident of Florida; Frederick S. von Nieda, Frederick H. Finkeldey, president of the first Playground Commission; Arthur R. Gemberling, now of Woodstown.
Other active citizens were Lemuel D. Horner, undertaker; Dr. H. F. Hadley, Jacob Bendinger, proprietor of the Rosedale Inn, and Walter L. Tushingham, former vice-president and general manager of the Courier-Post Newspapers.