James P. Croker
JAMES P. CROKER was born in Pennsylvania in 1865 to Irish-born parents, Richard and Mary Croker. When the Census was taken in 1870, the family lived in Philadelphia's 25th Ward, and consisted of his parents, older sister Catherine “Kate,” 9, older brother Thomas, 6, and sister Mary, 3. Three more children were with the family by 1880, Richard, Margaret, and Edward. The family lived at 1059 Hewson Street in Philadelphia. Richard Croker worked as a “marine fireman”— i.e., in the engine room of a steam-powered ship. By this time Thomas, then 16, was working on one of Philadelphia's wharfs, probably as a stevedore, and Katie was working as a seamstress.
By 1888 both James and Thomas Croker had moved to Camden. Thomas Croker first appears in Camden City Directories in 1888. He was then working as a teamster, residing at 1810 Broadway. James Croker resided nearby, at 1631 Fillmore Street, occupation given as laborer.
James Croker soon switched professions, and residences. He worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for a few years as a brakeman. The 1891 Directory lists his address as 1824 Broadway. The 1892–1893 edition has him at 560 Van Hook Street, the 1893–1894 edition at 557 Van Hook Street, and the 1894–1895 Directory lists an address at 1646 South 6th Street.
During these years Thomas Croker had been involved in the saloon business. The 1890 City Directory shows that he had moved to 434 Pine Street, and that he was then the proprietor of a saloon at South 3rd and Division Streets. Thomas Croker also managed an amateur baseball team, the Shamrock Club, which may or may not have been affiliated or sponsored by his business. The 1893–1894 Directory shows Thomas Croker still living at 434 Pine Street, but he was not in business for himself at that time. He continued working as a bartender, and was employed by James Trainer at the corner of Locust Street and Kaighn Avenue.
James P. Croker was still living in the Eighth Ward, at 1646 South 6th Street and working for the railroad when the 1894–1895 City Directory was compiled, but by the summer of 1894 had gone into the bar business, first at 512–514 Ferry Avenue. In July of 1894 James P. Croker acquired the liquor license for 400 Jasper Street from William Brown. By the latter half of 1895 Thomas Croker was working there as a bartender. Thomas Croker took another stab at owning a bar in late 1899 or early 1900. This business venture was not successful, as by 1903 the bar had changed hands. The 1906 City Directory indicates that he was living at and working as a bartender at his brother James Croker's current establishment, Croker's Tammany House, 1944 Broadway. The 1910 Census does not list Thomas Croker in Camden, and he is not listed in the 1910–1911 City Directory either, indicating that he had either moved from the City or had passed away.
James P. Croker was quite successful at 400 Jasper Street, and remained at that location into the early 1900s. He sponsored an amateur baseball team that competed on both sides of the Delaware in the 1890s, was an active member of the Eighth Ward Republican Club and the Royal Arch Association, a statewide group of saloon owners and operators.
By 1903 James P. Croker had moved his operation to 1944 Broadway, and at some point during his tenure as the owner of the building, he and the F.A. Poth Brewery, located around a short walk away at South 6th and Bulson Streets, got together to have the wall painted with the advertisements that still can be seen today. The bar was known as The Tammany House, and a social club, known appropriately enough as The Tammany Club, met there as well.
James P. Croker had married Mary Whalen, daughter of Patrick and Mary Ann Whalen. Sadly, she died in July of 1908, at the age of 39. James P. Croker soon remarried, but tragedy struck again when his wife Catherine died in December of 1912. The Crokers resided at 564 Viola Street at the time of her death. By 1914 James Croker again was wed, to Elizabeth “Bessie” Smith.
James P. Croker was still in business at 1944 Broadway as late as 1912. By the time the 1914 City Directory was compiled, James P. Croker had moved his business to 1223 Broadway. He and his wife Elizabeth “Bessie” Croker resided at 1010 South 5th Street.
By 1924 James P. Croker had left the bar business. He was then living at 583 Line Street, where he operated a small fleet of taxicabs. He was still at that address as late as April of 1930, with his wife and mother-in-law, Delia Smith. James P. Croker was then working as an automobile salesman.
The Crokers do not appear in the 1940 Camden City Directory. James P. Croker had most likely passed away or had left the city by this time.
1944 Broadway
1944 Broadway — Northeast Corner of Broadway & Jefferson Street
North Wall of 1944 Broadway — F.A. Poth Brewery advertisement
Saloons for Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
NEW JERSEY NEWS — SALOONS FOR CAMDEN — The Excise Board Turns Out Another Big Batch of Retail Licenses.
The Camden City Excise Board held another meeting yesterday afternoon to act upon license applications. Lawyer Joline again made his appearance as counsel for the Women's Christian Temperance Union and asked that the board defer action so as to allow objections to be made to certain applicants. His request was not granted, and the Board unanimously voted licenses as follows:
First Ward—John H. Jones, 940 North Front; Frank Campbell, 9 Market; John Beck, northeast corner Second and Vine; John Chambers, 201 Market; Albert E. Kaiser, northeast corner Front and York; Thomas McKenna, 35 North Front; John Egner, 101 Arch; John Hettmansperger, Second and Market; Hirman Schenck, 943 Point; John G. Feran, Second and Arch; John McGowan, 19 North Third; John Wise, Second and Pearl; Henry Lenot, northwest corner Fourth and Market; Elmer W. Barr, 107 Pearl; Theodore G. Ludig, Point and Vine.
Second Ward—Peter Ginty, Second and Birch; John Devin, 409 Market; John Zanner, 505 Main; John W. Davis, 227 North Ninth; Solomon Geyer, Twelfth and Federal.
Third Ward—William H. Dugan, Front and Federal; George Wasserman, 201 Clinton; Hughey Fitzpatrick, Second and Mickle; William H. Getty, 210 Federal; James Flood, 300 South Second; John W. Sutton, 451 South Third.
Fourth Ward—John A. Oetgel, Fifth and Arch; John O'Connell, 119 South Fifth; Thomas F. Bell, 503 Federal.
Fifth Ward—Moses Gour, Locust and Mechanic; George Brehm, Front and Kaighn avenue; Harry Pierce, 324 Pine; Thomas McCormick, 1149 South Third; F. H. Shuster, 1120 South Front; Roberts & Sidell, Locust and Kaighn avenue; Mary A. Davis, Second and Kaighn avenue; John Paul, 909 South Fourth; Charles Burns, Third and Spruce; James Hatfield, 345 Spruce; Patrick J. McGoohan, 804 Pine.
Sixth Ward—John H. Toy, 1023 Broadway; Frank Ross, Sixth and Spruce; William T. Stanton, Fifth and Chestnut; Nicholas Dillon, 818 Broadway; John Kleinfelder, 640 Pine; William Elliott, Fourth and Chestnut; Joseph S. Callun, 1143 Broadway; Jacob Bissell, Broadway and Washton; Albert Straighton, 830 South Fourth; A. Riger, 403 Kaighn avenue; John J. Cox, Fourth and Mechanic; Henry Cline, 531 Chestnut; Charles Lesher, Broadway and Lemon; Paul F. Zaiss, 406 Kaign avenue.
Seventh Ward—John, 1068 Kaighn avenue; Gustav Schworer, 705 Chestnut; John Clifton, 201 Sycamore; Joseph Stroess, Orchard and Chestnut; Stephen Phipps, 563 South Seventh.
Eighth Ward—John Derry, 574 Vanhook; Gottleib Jung, 16 Ferry avenue; John Snuffen, Haddon and Pear; Henry Schropp, 1701 Ferry avenue; W. Wilgocki, 701 Liberty; Jacob Cook, Broadway and Ferry avenue; Joseph Hyde, 600 South Sixth; Charles Burnt, Ninth and Central avenue; James Croker, 512 and 514 Ferry avenue; Jacob Marshall, Broadway and Jefferson; Jacob Krouse, 1186 Kaighn avenue.
Ninth Ward—Philip Berger, Seventh and Clinton; Jacob Neihelmer, 636 Federal; Peter Hislop, 22 South Eighth; Thomas O'Hara, 600 South Sixth.
The board reconsidered its action in granting a license to Mary M. Roug, of 510 Jackson street.
License Changes In Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
License Changes In Camden.
The Camden City Excise Board last night passed a resolution that all licenses which remained unpaid for on Monday should be revoked. Retail licenses were granted Henry Felden, 634 North Sixth street; Samuel Fenner, 625 Ferry avenue, and William F. Sands, Haddon avenue and Line street. The applications of John Ross, West and Clinton streets and Herman Meier, 825 Market street, which had been refused at a previous meeting, were reconsidered and granted. Gustav Bohwoeri was granted a wholesale license at 707 Chestnut street. William Brown's license at 400 Jasper street was transferred to James P. Croker.
Over In Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OVER IN CAMDEN
City Assessor Charles Pedigree was last evening re-elected to represent the Twelfth ward in the Republican City Executive Committee.
With one-half of the capital stock of $50,000 said to be paid in, the D’Olier Engineering Company filed incorporation articles yesterday.
Barking dogs frightened off burglars who attempted to rob the saloon of James Croker, at Fourth and Jasper streets, early yesterday morning.
It is reported that Governor Voorhees will today appoint former Judge Richard T. Miller a member of the State Fish and Game Commission, to succeed Henry S. Budd, of Burlington, who recently resigned.
John L. Lattimore, of 1120 Locust street, an employe of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company, broke his leg yesterday by jumping from a car in the Bulson street yard. He was admitted to Cooper Hospital.
Attorney John L. Semple has been retained by the Italian societies of Camden to endeavor to secure a reprieve for Murderer Francisco Abbatto, until his appeal for clemency can be heard by the Board of Pardons. Abbatto is under sentence to be executed on May 10. Yesterday cards for the execution were sent out by the Sheriff.
The funeral of Howland Croft, the worsted goods manufacturer, was largely attended yesterday afternoon. Services were held at his late residence, at 204 Cooper street, and fully five thousand persons viewed the remains. Camden Lodge of Elks conducted services at the grave in Harleigh Cemetery.
Drink-Sellers Arraigned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DRINK-SELLERS ARRAIGNED
Efforts to Stop Violations of the Sunday Law in Camden.
The Camden police are keeping up their efforts to suppress Sunday liquor selling. The following saloon keepers appeared before Mayor Westcott, of Camden, yesterday, and pleaded not guilty: F. A. Shuster, of Front street and Kaighn avenue; Tim. Clayton, of Third and Mechanic streets; James Croker, of Fourth and Jasper streets; F. Joseph Rouk, of Eighth street and Ferry avenue; John Murschell, of Broadway and Jefferson street, and Gottlieb Jung, of Ferry avenue and Jackson street.
Warrants have also been issued for Adam T. Davis, Jr., of Second street and Kaighn avenue, and Mary Hang, of Fillmore and Jackson streets, on similar charges. Davis is seriously ill and was unable to be present yesterday.
Chief of Police Dodd is the complainant in all the cases. The saloon keepers will be given a hearing next Friday.
Camden Jottings
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN JOTTINGS
The school census just completed shows that Camden has 15,200 children of school age.
Joseph Fitchio, of Philadelphia, who was crushed by a gravel car at Delair last week, died in the Cooper Hospital yesterday.
A sneak thief stole a coat and some valuable papers from the residence of Landis Thomas, at 116 Kaighn avenue, yesterday.
Richard Banks, of Swedesboro, was struck by a train last night at that place, but was not seriously injured. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Assistant Train Master John W. Truax, of the Amboy division, who has recently been suffering from hemorrhages, went to Atlantic City yesterday to recuperate.
William Robinson, of 813 South Eighth street, a conductor on the Market street trolley line, was caught between two cars last night and had his shoulder crushed. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
William Thomas, a farm hand, was killed by a train while walking on the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad near the Fish House, Wednesday night. The body is at the Camden Morgue awaiting the arrival of relatives from Baltimore.
Vice Chancellor Martin P. Grey was presented with a handsome bouquet of flowers at the first session of court held by him in Camden yesterday. He reserved decision in the cases of George W. Borden against Mary L. Earle, and Mark L. Sooy against Edward Rigg, Jr., involving the construction of mills.
Saloonkeepers George Charles, of Broadway and Walnut street; James Croker, of Fourth and Jasper streets; Joseph Hyde, of Sixth and Market streets; and B. J. Lyons, of Tenth and Market streets, will be given a further hearing next Tuesday by Mayor Westcott, charged with violating the ordinance requiring saloons to be exposed to public view on Sundays.
James P. Croker Base Ball Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The James P. Croker Base Ball Club has organized at the old headquarters, Fourth and Jasper streets, for the coming season, and would like to hear from all first-class clubs. All communications should be addressed to James P. Croker, Manager, 400 Jasper street, Camden, N. J.
Grand Jury Is Ready to Quit
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GRAND JURY IS READY TO QUIT
But the Law and Order Crusade in Camden Will Be Kept Up
The Camden county grand jury concluded its labors yesterday and will make a final presentment on Tuesday next. The grand jury was in session twenty-eight days, during which time forty-three cases against Gloucester City saloonkeepers were considered and all but three of the accused, it is reported, were indicted. In the county 153 specific complaints against thirty-seven persons were heard. In the speak easy cases indictments were found, it is said, while the tavern-keepers were allowed to go free.
Attorney D. Clarence Gibboney, of the Law and Order Society, whose agents gathered evidence against the accused, says this is not the end of the crusade. He seems satisfied with the work accomplished, having forced half a dozen tavern-keepers out of business.
Before adjourning yesterday the grand jury, it is reported, found indictments against Albert Davis and Harry Derrickson, conductor and motorman of the Camden City Railway, who were charged with responsibility for the death of Annie Neuschvander, of Philadelphia, killed October 1st last year, in a collision between their car and an Atlantic City Railroad train in Gloucester City.
On the instruction of the Law and Order Society agents ninety-eight warrants have been served on Camden saloonkeepers, who are charged with barroom ordinance violations. Sixty-seven of the defendants appeared before Justice Stackhouse yesterday and entered pleas of not guilty. The others will probably enter bail to-day. The cases will probably not be taken up until the December term. The accused are: Dorr Andrews, Jacob Banck, Jacob Breidinger, Julius Brown, Frank Castle, Philip Cassidy, Frank Campbell, Annie Cannon, John H. Carpenter, Frank Christianser, Philip Connelly, James Cowan, James Croker, Neill Coyle, Frank Currid, Sam Jones, Charles Devlin… [and others].
Want Liquor Men Put on the Rack
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden County Law and Order League Hints That Political Pull Saves Offenders
The Camden County Law and Order League is endeavoring to bring to punishment the saloon and tavern keepers who escaped indictment in the recent round up of liquor sellers charged with violating the law. The September and December grand juries indicted 168 liquor dealers out of 216 against whom complaints were filed by the League, and it was currently reported that strong personal and political influences were exercised in behalf of the forty-eight who escaped.
The league supplied the grand jury with a list of the names, places and charges against the accused liquor sellers. Among the Camden City saloonkeepers named was James Croker, 400 Jasper street.
We'll Be Good, Cry Saloonkeepers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WE’LL BE GOOD, CRY SALOONKEEPERS
Signing a Pledge to Observe the Law in the Hope of Escaping Punishment
Old Complaints Have Been Revived. Two Men Held for Intimidating a Witness
The Camden county saloonkeepers who have been selling liquor on Sundays are reminded by members of their own fraternity that they had paid little heed to the law. There was an ominous ring in Justice Garrison's recent charge to the grand juries. The scheme is to organize an association ostensibly for the purpose of aiding the authorities in the enforcement of liquor law, every member subscribing to a solemn pledge not to sell liquor on the Lord's day.
Camden saloonkeepers now have an association, but it has exerted little protection against those who were accused of violating the law.
The grand jury acted on Sunday complaints which Secretary Hann, of the Law and Order Society, filed against them. Sixty-seven of the defendants appeared before Justice Stackhouse yesterday and entered pleas of not guilty. Among those named were James Croker and many others throughout Camden county.
Caught Up in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAUGHT UP IN CAMDEN
The Camden District Epworth League will meet in annual conference to-day and to-morrow at St. George's M. E. Church, on the East Side.
Howard Bell, colored, of Mt. Ephraim, was held in $300 bail by Justice Schmitz yesterday on a charge of assault and battery on George Morris.
Judge Armstrong, in the License Court yesterday, fixed the license fee of Anthony Petry, Pennsauken township, at $300. Petry's place is right over the line and the fee heretofore has been $150.
Hereafter hay and straw will not be transported by the ferry boats plying between Philadelphia and Camden unless it is baled. The ferry companies were notified yesterday that the Treasury Department would rigidly enforce an old marine law prohibiting the transportation of loose hay and straw.
The Eighth Ward Republican Club will elect new officers to-night. The following have been nominated without opposition: President, J. H. Wilson; vice presidents, J. O. Smith and A. Snow; recording secretary, J. A. Collins; financial secretary, T. D. L. Coverly; treasurer, James Croker. Board of Directors—William Chamberlain, Albert James, F. Walter Toms, John Wheeldon, B. S. Mellor, E. S. Mills and Thomas Mather.
A Delightful Dance
Camden Evening Courier —
A DELIGHTFUL DANCE.
Reception Given by the Eighth Ward Republican Club.
The reception of the Eighth Ward Republican Club in the chapel, Broadway and Emerald street, last night, was largely attended and a social success. About 200 couples were present.
The grand march was led by Mr. Alfred Snow and Miss Mary Collins. The floor directors were: Frank Chambers, William James, James Harker.
The officers of the club are: Albert James, president; vice presidents, Samuel Cook, Alexander Purnell; corresponding secretary, Harry Schropp; financial secretary, F. D. L. Covely; treasurer, James Croker.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
Joseph De Lecce, aged 41 years, of Second street and Taylor avenue, was badly injured during a fight near his home yesterday. His injuries were dressed at Cooper Hospital.
Charles Leslie, of Blackwood, was held in $300 bail by Justice Baldwin, yesterday, on the charge of assault and battery, preferred by Walter Garwood. The latter recently acquired title to a piece of property. Leslie, it is said, cut down some peach trees on it, and during the quarrel that followed Garwood was struck.
The Camden police were notified yesterday that a gold watch, neck chain and $15 in money were stolen from Robert Hamilton's hotel, at Gibbsboro.
Edward Roosevelt, of 110 Mt Vernon street, brother-in-law of Oswald, who is serving three years for killing his wife and children, was held in bail by Justice Thompson, yesterday, charged with assaulting Thomas Croker, of 831 Dauphin street.
Joseph Fine, of Sixth and Sycamore streets, was committed in default of bail by Justice Baldwin, yesterday, on the charge of assaulting his wife Ida.
Despite the search of friends of Mrs. Bessie Hickey, of 761 Division street, who mysteriously disappeared last Monday with her eight-months-old baby, not the slightest clue has been obtained to her whereabouts.
Down Bishops' Law Cry to Democrats
Trenton Times —
DOWN BISHOPS’ LAW CRY TO DEMOCRATS
Liquor Dealers of the State Will Make Appeal in Ensuing Legislature
Atlantic City, Dec. 19.—A long debate over the Bishops’ Law was a feature of the annual meeting yesterday in this city of the Royal Arch Association, composed of liquor license holders in all parts of the State.
After the secret session the statement was made by President George C. Dilmore that the suggestion had been made, and it is likely the suggestion to the Legislature that a referendum clause be added to the Bishops’ bill which will permit communities to vote on the question of being controlled by its provisions.
He also pointed out that two citizens could cause the revocation of a license, and that the license holder had no defense, which put him at a disadvantage. While he did not say so it is understood that the new Democratic majority in the House of Assembly will favor them with additional legislation which will make the bishops’ law less restrictive and annoying than it is now.
The following officers were elected: Past Valiant Commander, George H. Bates; Grand Valiant Commander, George S. Dilmore, Camden; Lieutenant Valiant Commander, Samuel P. Phoebus; Treasurer, James K. Carmac; Grand Orator, Charles S. Daubman, Camden; Grand Orator, Edward Carmany; Captain of the Guard, Joseph Hyde; Grand Conductor, Charles Sattler, of Camden; Trustees, Louis Kuehnie, Charles M. Spede, Martin Name, of this city, and William Charles Daubman. Arthur Bedell and James Croker, of Camden. State Organizer James Eckert.
President Dilmore announced that he would appoint a committee of three members from each of the associations in the State who would draft a substitute for the present law that would be sent to the Legislature.
Death Notice — Mary R. Croker
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CROKER.—July 7, 1908. MARY R. CROKER, wife of James P. Croker and daughter of Mary Ann and the late Patrick Whalen, in her 39th year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral, on Friday morning, July 10, at 8 o’clock, from her husband’s residence, Broadway and Jefferson ave., Camden, N. J. High mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, at 9 A. M. Interment at St Mary’s Cemetery, Gloucester, N. J.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden News Notes
The Board of Education has appointed Drs. Marcus K. Mines, Frederick Jones Jr., W. P. Wingender and W. K. Browning as assistant medical inspectors at salaries of $400 each. This is in compliance with a recent law of the State.
In a fall from a scaffold at the New York Shipbuilding plant yesterday John Wagner, 24 years old, of 1038 Mechanic street, received a bad shaking up beside a sprained back. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
It is reported that a number of industrial concerns where girls are employed are not adequately protected by fire escapes, a subject that will probably be investigated.
Members of the class of 1908 have been given the privilege of placing a memorial marble in the High School, a custom that is likely to be followed by other classes.
The fact that Supreme Court Justice Garrison has taken such a decided stand in the election fraud probe has caused considerable uneasiness in certain quarters.
Policeman Lewis Hamel, who was suspended from the force pending a trial on charges of dereliction of duty, yesterday resigned. Policeman George West, who is accused of conduct unbecoming an officer, was suspended by Mayor Ellis yesterday.
Death Notice — Catharine A. Croker
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CROKER.—8th Inst. CATHARINE A., wife of James P. Croker, aged 45. Relatives and friends invited to funeral, Wed., 8 A. M., from husband’s residence, 564 Viola st., Camden, N. J. High mass at Church of the Sacred Heart, 9 A. M. Interment St. Mary’s, Gloucester.