Introduction
Joey Powell
JOEY POWELL was another one of the fine crop of boxers that came out of Camden in the 1920s and 1930s. He was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 17, 1909 to John J. Pawelek and his wife the former Katarzyna Zajac. His parents had moved to Camden not long after the birth of his brother Stanley Pawelek. Five daughters were born after Joseph’s birth, Nellie, Teresa, Cecilia, Mary and Angela Pawelek. Both brothers “Americanized” their names in the 1920s and were in the newspapers quite often, Joey Powell as a boxer. Stanley Powell for getting in trouble with the law.
Joey Powell remained active in boxing after he left the ring as a member of Camden’s Veterans Boxing Association Ring 6. His list of well-wishers for the banquet program of 1959, which honored Sgt. Ray Smith, is an interesting mix of boxing figures, policemen, politicians, journalists, and bar owners. He was also active in his community, with St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Camden, the Polish American Citizens Club of Camden, the South Jersey Chapter of the Polish American Congress, and he served many times as the chairman of the committee which sponsored and organized Camden’s Pulaski Day parade and celebrations.
Last a resident of Deptford, New Jersey, Joey Powell died at home in November of 1992.
Spearing May Give Michaels Real Tilt
Camden Courier-Post —
East Camden Lightweight is Rapidly Developing Into Windup Performer
Joe Spearing, of East Camden, who meets Joey Michaels, Riverside slugger, in the eight-round semi-final to the Roxie Allen-Emory Cabana bout at Public Service Park on Friday night, is rapidly fighting his way into the windup class.
It only has taken two bouts for Spearing to become one of the best drawing cards in this section. And that despite the fact that he had been on the sidelines for the past year before he met Patsy Carlo, of South Camden, here about a month ago. However, that bout “made” Spearing. He held the hard-hitting Italian even in a sensational six-round fracas and then won the decision over Carlo in a return bout.
The fact that Spearing was picked to lose both bouts with Carlo made his showing all the more noteworthy. He took all Patsy had, and the latter is one of the best punchers in this neck of the woods, without blinking an eye and handed out plenty in return. He is the most improved battler in the city, his long layoff evidently having done him a world of good.
Both After Windup Bouts
Owing to his sensational bouts with Carlo, local fans are vastly interested as to how he will fare against the slugging Michaels. It will be Joey’s first bout here since Cabana knocked him out in the first round of a scheduled eight-rounder and as the latter is particularly anxious to regain his lost prestige by bowling over Spearing in short order, the fuss should develop into a torrid contest.
Spearing is the sort of scrapper that can “take it” and may again fool the critics by scampering through to a decision over Michaels. The East Camden mauler has an iron-bound chin and Michaels may find it just as difficult to floor him as Carlo did in both bouts in which he faced Spearing.
Anyway, the two Joes appear to be due to make a fight of it. Spearing is battling to reach the main event division, while Michaels also is making a determined bid to get back in the feature class and that’s reason enough for them to give their best efforts.
Three other events round out the night’s program. Kid Boots, of Riverside, meets Joe Lill, U. S. Marine Corps, in the main preliminary of six rounds, while Joe “Kid” Kelly, of Camden, clashes with Freddy Brady, of Philadelphia, in the second six-round tilt. Frankie Mack, of South Camden, appears in the six-round curtain raiser along with Joe Powell, of Whitman Park.
Michaels Anxious To Beat Spearing
Camden Courier-Post —
Riverside Youngster Out to Erase Cabana Defeat; Spearing Has Iron Jaw
The Joe Spearing-Joey Michaels bout, which is slated as the semi-windup to the Roxie Allen-Emory Cabana fight at the Public Service Park on Friday night, is attracting nearly as much interest as the windup.
Spearing is rapidly becoming one of the best drawing cards in this section. Joe was on the sidelines for nearly a year before he exchanged wallops with Patsy Carlo, of South Camden, about a month ago. Spearing fooled the experts by holding the rugged Carlo even in this fight and then climaxed his showing by winning the decision in a return bout.
Spearing took a lot of punishment in those two battles, but he took all of Carlo’s best without a murmer and handed out enough himself to convince the fans that he was “there” after his long layoff.
And now comes the test against the hard-punching Joey Michaels. There is no denying the fact that the Riverside youngster packs a mean wallop, and although Michaels dropped a decision to Cabana in his last time out, his previous great record still is vividly in the minds of the fans.
Michaels Trying Comeback
Michaels is out to erase that Cabana defeat, and hopes to climb back into his winning stride against Spearing.
Spearing has proved that he can “take it” and it remains to be seen if Michaels can make an impression on his iron jaw. Carlo couldn’t make Spearing whince, and now it remains to be seen if Michaels packs a hard enough punch to dent it.
Spearing can throw quite a few punches himself, and if Michaels gets in the way of one of his vicious swings, he may hear the “birdies peep” for the second time.
At any rate, there is bound to be plenty of action, as Spearing is fighting to get into windup fights, while Joey has to prove that he deserves another chance to fight in the feature bouts.
Three other events round out the night’s program. Kid Boots, of Riverside, meets Joe Lill, U. S. Marine Corps, in the main preliminary of six rounds, while Joe “Kid” Kelly, of Camden, clashes with Freddy Brady, of Philadelphia, in the second six-round tilt. Frankie Mack, of South Camden, appears in the six-round curtain raiser along with Joe Powell, of Whitman Park.
Allen Takes Thumping But Gets Even Break
Camden Courier-Post —
Ringside Howls Greet Draw Decision in Allen-Cabana Bout
SPEARING BEATS K.O. KID
A chorus of 1000 enraged voices raised in a discordant howling protest against the decision of a draw handed down by Referee Ray Smith at the conclusion of the eight-round principal bout between Roxie Allen and Emory Cabana at the Camden City A. C. boxing show at the Twelfth and Federal streets ball field last night filled every nook and corner of that old hall.
Frankie Mack, 126 pounds, of Camden, stopped Joe Powell, 128 pounds, of Camden, after end of first round.
Joe Kid Kelly, 126 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Freddie Brady, 126½ pounds, of Philadelphia, in six rounds.
Tommy Kid Boots, 175 pounds, of Roebling, won referee’s decision over Joe Lill, 180 pounds, of U. S. Marines, in six rounds.
Joe Spearing, 135 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Joey Michaels, 143 pounds, of Riverside, in eight rounds.
Emory Cabana, 129 pounds, of Philadelphia, fought draw with Roxie Allen, 138 pounds, of Camden, in eight rounds.
Referee—Thomas Walters (first three bouts); Sgt. Ray Smith (last two).
Timer—George Dean. Announcer—Joe Valentine.
This howling mass assembled at the local ball plant hoping to see Allen, regarded as the premier “lightweight” puncher of these parts, take a slamming from the shifty son of Maine’s woodlands around Sanford. They feasted their eyes on the unusual sight of Allen catching rights and lefts to the head and body. They saw Cabana clout his ever-moving target around the roped enclosure in four of the eight innings, losing but three, one of which was by a slim margin. They watched the popular Cabana fight to a standstill in the other frame and gloried in the scene of a reeling, leg-weary Roxie, with left eye battered, make his uncertain way toward his stool when the fight ended.
But the decision that called the affair even came like a lightning bolt from the sky and they cut loose their shrieking protest in a venomous volume that could be heard for blocks around the premises.
Cabana Gets Early Lead
Coming out of his corner with fire in his eyes and dynamite in his upholstered fists, Cabana lashed away at Allen to win the first two heats. These frames were treats to the patient patrons who have frequently flocked through the Camden Club’s turnstiles, hoping for just such a scene. Allen did better in the third session, for he earned an even break, but Cabana was right back at him in the fourth and carried that chapter, boosting his lead to almost an insurmountable edge.
Roxie heard plenty of barking when he went back to his stool at the end of the fourth and he came out a changed clouter when the gong signaled for the fifth heat. It was the real Allen fighting back, jabbing, right-crossing, and he also pecked away with a series of one-twos in the sixth, shaving a considerable chunk off Cabana’s lead. Emory decided to do some more hustling on his own hook when the seventh started, but Allen retained a slim margin when they took the next rest.
In the eighth and final round Cabana came out the stronger, although Allen tried to trim him down with long right leads and light jabs. After this resulted to Cabana’s advantage Allen shifted his tactics and bulled the former Maine mauler over the four sides of the ring. It was a furious rubbing, heeling, clinching round, with Cabana deserving the nod due to his greater aggressiveness and cleaner punches. Allen showed much of his old self in this round, but he was whipped when he ambled to his stool.
Allen in Typical Form
Barring the first two rounds it was a typical Allen fight. Taking it from start to finish it was the usual pleasing Cabana mode of battling. In the initial rounds Emory was more than the rugged, rushing slashing, two-fisted knuckler that Camden fans have seen before. He tore in from the sound of the first bell, connected well with his long right crosses and sweeping left hooks to the belt and when he feinted it was just too bad for Roxie. The latter exhibited flashes of creditable work but he was often backing and did not add to his prestige.
There might have been a few who felt that Allen deserved a draw and there might have been some in that gallery of mixed minds who may have given him the decision but if there was one person inclined toward either of those turns he or she did not let it be known to that motley, screaming mass that yelled in protest of the verdict. They looked like an enraged mob with their hands waving high and their voices pitched to the limit, seemingly aching to reach the object of their ire but held in restraint by some invisible bonds.
To the writer it is hardly conceivable how the three rounds that are granted to Allen could balance against the four frames that Cabana earned even if an allowance of any one of the latter innings could be shifted to Roxie’s credit.
Question Over Allen’s Weight
There was considerable comment heard around the ringside and back in the dressing barn as well as throughout the gallery over the weight figures.
At 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon it was announced that Cabana surprised everybody with 129 pounds while Allen’s weight was given as 138 pounds. When the fighters were brought into the ring after the first two bouts owing to threatening weather it was announced that Cabana’s poundage was 131 with Allen scaling at 138 pounds. It was frequently heard that Roxie tipped the beam at 141 yesterday afternoon and came in around 144 last night.
Since starting his comeback here several weeks ago Joe Spearing, the husky local lightweight has done some tall thumping and he added another nick in his knuckles when he beat down Joey Michaels, the Riverside knocker, in the semi-windup of last night’s bill.
Michaels took the aggressive at the start and whipped over some speedy rights and lefts, forcing Spearing to the pedal act for two rounds. The latter, however, rated as one of the strongest boxers in the local ring racket, has always been a slow starter and he didn’t get going until the third heat. But from then on the youthful blond Burlington county slugger was in plenty of trouble.
Joey came out for the third much the same manner that he whaled away in the previous rounds, but a couple of Spearing jabs and two right uppercuts followed by a series of rights and lefts that contained a bundle of sting slowed him down a peg and marked the turning point of the battle. When the bell sent them to rest Michaels bled from the nose but it was merely a slight trickle that didn’t look dangerous.
After winning the first and second Michaels trailed Spearing in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth while the seventh was even. The final frame went to Michaels. It was a hard fight and Referee Smith was given a far more pleasing round of applause than that which marked his return to the ring after the Allen-Cabana tilt.
Tommy Kid Boots, that 175-pounds of handsome, bull-like fighting stock from Roebling, gave Joe Lill, a former marine, a good thumping about the head and body in the main preliminary contest. Lill scaled 180 pounds and gave Boots loads of grief for a couple of rounds, but when all was said and done there was really only one and that was the big slam and slug boy from Roebling.
Joe Kid Kelly, a slim Irish lad, gave a foe named Freddie Brady a beating in the second duel. Brady who hails from Philadelphia, likes to have his residence announced as Panama but it didn’t matter to Kelly as he was clouting O. K. and let them fly hard and often in the direction of Mr. Brady’s fizz. Joe might have put the boots to Freddie if he had worked downstairs but that’s neither here nor there, he won the decision.
Frankie Mack gashed Joe Powell in the first round of the opener and when the boys sat down Inspector Edward A. Welsh decided it might be too dangerous to allow the bout to go on. Powell had an ugly wound over his right eye and faced serious injury if the bout were permitted to go farther than it did. Noone saw a punch open Joe’s forehead and it is felt that he received the cut accidentally during a clinch.
Firpo and Wilson Clash in Windup Here Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Lively Battle Anticipated as Pennsgrove Scrapper Trades Wallops With Philadelphia Foe in Eight-round Headliner at Convention Hall
POWELL BATTLES DAN TAUB IN SEMI-FINAL
By Steve O’Keefe, Sports Editor, Morning Post
Camden will welcome the return of King Biff, tonight. A five-bout bill, featuring Young Firpo, of Pennsgrove, in the main event, will be presented by the Camden City A. C. at the Convention Hall and in the view of Matchmaker Jim Toppi the huge civic shed should shake under the impact of punching by the 10 rival knucklers.
Firpo, now being groomed as one of the outstanding lightweights in this vicinity is hitting harder than ever before during his ring career but his eight-round clash with Tommy Wilson another stiff puncher, is regarded as a dangerous step. If the anticipated knockout wallop lands on the wrong chin tonight the stock of Firpo preferred is due to tumble into the depths and as a result the flow of bets that has followed the Pennsgrove youth throughout the Winter season in Philadelphia, seems to have been checked by a fear that Wilson will “cross up” the dope on the duel.
With this bout as the topnotcher, Camden fans feel assured of a pleasing finale tonight. This added to Matchmaker Toppi’s emphatic prediction that the preliminary bill promises everything desired indicates an evening crammed with exciting entertainment.
Firpo Hits Hard in Drills
Firpo, a former caddie, became popular here several years ago when he first punched his way into the pugilistic picture but it was not until last Fall that he really became a polished performer. Tackling some of the “big game” in Philadelphia he fought courageously and with marked success. His latest triumph was at the expense of Johnny Sheppard, the Boston veteran, at the Philadelphia Arena. This followed a victory over Al Bryant, New York Negro, in a bout abbreviated by the solid smacks of the Pennsgrove pounder.
During his gym drills in Philadelphia Firpo has displayed amazingly well-timed pokes and appears even more aggressive than heretofore. He went through a pair of strenuous four-round workouts and his sparring partners gladly welcomed the sound of the quit signal.
Wilson breaks into the boxing game here by way of Millville where he has been slugging away at foes with reckless abandon. The Philadelphian toppled Lew Jackson, another Pennsgrove ringster, in two rounds recently and prior to that hit his way to a victory on points over Joey Powell, of Whitman Park. These two triumphs alone rate him high here but those who have watched him in action declare that his real worth can be determined best when pitted against a boring battler of the Firpo type.
There may be a few rounds of the usual “warming up” process before the fireworks begin but after that it will be a case of who connects with the sharpest sock, if he wins tonight, has sharpest sock. Firpo, if he wins tonight has a “shot” pending with Emory Cabana here two weeks hence. Matchmaker Toppi also has another bout in view, a return scrap between Roxie Allen and Alf Ros, the Algerian who beat the focal Italian at Newark several weeks ago.
The eight-round companion feature tonight will show Joe Powell in his return to a local ring against Danny Taub, of Philadelphia. Powell has hung up a creditable record during the past year but finds the Taub tussle tonight in the nature of a severe test for the Quaker City rap artist has won 22 battles without a miss.
Nick Trajan, of Palmyra, meets “Reds” Foy, of Camden, in the third six-inning contest. Harry Little, former Middle Atlantic A. A. U. title-holder, is slated to mingle with Davey Taylor of Merchantville, in the second fuss while Stewart Guest tackles Teddy Baldwin, of Philadelphia, in the opener.
12 Questioned, 2 Men Held in Murder Probe
Camden Evening Courier —
Comrades Eager to Avenge Feitz, Shot 4 Times in Back at Holdup
ORLANDO CONDUCTS OWN INVESTIGATION
Mad Scramble of 20 to Escape Tragedy Scene Described by Sleuth
The greatest man-hunt in the history of the Camden police department was under way today to apprehend the murderers of Detective William T. Feitz, slain early yesterday when he surprised bandits holding up 20 persons in a South Camden disorderly house.
Feitz, recently promoted from a patrolman, was shot four times in the back as he attempted to reach the front door of the establishment at 243 Sycamore street to summon aid.
Police today said they “had a pretty good idea” as to the identity of his slayers, although none has been charged with the crime.
A “mystery blonde” was arrested in the case early today in Atlantic City by Detective Stanley Wirtz. Police refused to reveal her name and will not allow anyone to talk to her.
A man, first believed to have been the trigger-man, arrested in Philadelphia early today, was released by police after a few minutes’ questioning. Two men are being held “incommunicado” in connection with the case, while a dozen material witnesses were being questioned at detective headquarters.
Probe Rushed
The investigation into the shooting, begun within a few minutes of the slaying continued throughout the day and night without a break.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey took personal command of the probe with Detective Lieut. George Ward and Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner.
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who “sat in” yesterday as police questioned a score of witnesses, stated this morning he will open his own investigation today. He intimated “new developments” may throw a startling light on the case.
Feitz’ slayers escaped as 20 inmates and frequenters of the alleged disorderly house scrambled mainly for freedom beneath the eyes of Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt, who sat inside the place in a police radio car.
Leonhardt told his superiors he was so startled by the shooting he failed to act until after the slayers had escaped.
Feitz and Leonhardt had driven to the scene in the radio car, after trailing a suspicious sedan for 15 minutes through a maze of South Camden streets.
Followed 3 Men
The sedan had stopped near the Sycamore street place and three of the men had entered the dwelling. Feitz followed and Leonhardt remained in the car.
Mrs. Emma Hejsler, 38, alleged proprietress of the house, and Cornelius Murphy, 50, doorkeeper, headed a list of 14 witnesses held by police for questioning or as material witnesses.
Murphy was booked early today as a material witness, with Thomas Bonelli, 27, of 207 Walnut street; Edward Grapatin, 32, of 246 Kaighn avenue; Joseph McKenna, 30, and Catherine Lougheed, 32, an inmate, and Edith Miller and Edna Butler, colored domestics employed by Mrs. Heisler.
Joseph Powell, 25, former Camden boxer, and Stanley, his brother, were the two men held incommunicado. Police refused to reveal what connection either had with the murder, although stating they were merely being held pending investigation.
Feitz died five minutes after being admitted to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where he was taken by Leonhardt and McKenna, who stopped in his flight from the house to assist the wounded policeman. Three .32-calibre slugs were buried in his back and a fourth had pierced his wrist.
Lieutenant Ward today clamped down on news of the investigation, ordering all detectives and police to refuse information to news reporters.
Orlando said he would make known facts in the case known to him later today.
The Heisler woman, said by police to be the sister-in-law of Patrolman George A. Ward on duty at Second and Sycamore streets the night Feitz was killed, was questioned by Detective Sergeant Stanley Wirtz. Officers refused to disclose the results of their inquiry.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd last night declared the case would be investigated by the September Grand Jury. It will not, he said, assume more importance in that body’s deliberations than the numbers racket.
Note Lack of Noise
Investigators were at a loss to understand, with Leonhardt, seated in an automobile on a quiet side street within 20 feet of where a holdup was taking place, did not hear any accompanying sounds. The belief was expressed that 20 men and women, being robbed, would become hysterical and noisy. The Sycamore street house is a ramshackle, two-story structure, with no vestibule leading into the parlor. There is no porch.
Powell drove first to the Lougheed woman’s home, where Mrs. Hiegler, the Lougheed woman and Grapatin alighted. He then drove to Atlantic City with the unidentified girl, he said.
Police, advised of Powell’s presence in the house, dispatched the license number of his green sedan over the police teletype system.
Powell was apprehended at Folsom, 40 miles from Camden, as he was heading to Atlantic City with the unidentified girl. Sergeant Albert T. Varreiman of the Mt. Ephraim state police barracks stopped Powell’s machine and took him into custody. Powell was alone.
Feitz’s murder was a climax to half an hour’s scrutiny by him and Leonhardt, into the suspicious actions of the four bandits. A car in which they were riding was sighted in the neighborhood by the two detectives at 2 a. m.
Trailed Car Fifteen Minutes
They trailed it in their police car for 15 minutes, as it wound through the narrow streets, repeatedly passing the Sycamore street house. Finally, the detectives saw the bandits park their machine on Locust street. Three of them emerged, walked down Sycamore street, and entered the house.
According to Leonhardt, neither he nor Feitz obtained the license number of the bandit car.
Upon seeing them enter the place, Leonhardt drove the police car around the block and stopped in front of the house.
Feitz and Leonhardt sat outside in their machine for 15 minutes. Finally, Leonhardt said, Feitz opened the door and stepped to the sidewalk.
“I’m going in there and see what’s going on,” he said.
Turning, he walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. Leonhardt said the door was opened after a short pause, and Feitz entered. The door was closed.
Hears Bandits’ Guns
Almost immediately, Leonhardt heard the muffled roar of the bandits’ revolvers. Feitz’s body came flying through the door. Pandemonium followed as the persons in the house went wild, neighbors came to doors and windows. Almost immediately, the street was filled.
Leonhardt was so shocked he was unable to drive. An unnamed witness drove the police car with Feitz’s body in it to the hospital.
Prosecutor Orlando indicated his office will step into the probe today.
Shooting Reconstructed
With the aid of witnesses, police yesterday were able to reconstruct the shooting.
“Feitz walked into the house just as the three bandits were holding up the inmates,” Detective Gus Koerner said.
“Witnesses say that when the doorbell rang, the three bandits conferred briefly and decided to admit whoever was at the door. They thought it was another frequenter. ‘They let him in; we’ll take his money too,’ one of the witnesses said a bandit ordered.”
One of the bandits went to the door, opened it and admitted Feitz. The detective took five steps into the living room, pausing at the door of the dining room, where he was recognized by a bandit who was frisking the inmates. “This bandit shouted: ‘It’s a dick; let ’im have it!’”
Shot in Back
As Feitz reached for his revolver, the man who had admitted him shot him in the back. Feitz attempted to reach the front door, apparently to call Leonhardt, “and three more slugs tore into his body.”
“It is not known whether the shooting was done by only one of the bandits, or whether all three fired. We do not know whether Feitz opened the front door himself or whether the bandits opened the door and pushed him to the street.”
“The front door was broken later by police, who struck it with their blackjacks in order to gain admittance. Leonhardt told me he is unable to clear up this point, as everything happened too quickly.”
“He said he suddenly heard shots, and a moment later, saw Feitz’ body on the pavement.”
Under the direction of Detective Lieut. George Ward, Camden was subjected yesterday and last night to a fine tooth-combing for suspects. All police leaves were cancelled, and all patrolmen volunteered to do active duty until some results of the probe are forthcoming.
A series of raids on known disorderly houses resulted last night in the arrests of more than 20 persons, all of whom were taken to police headquarters and lined up for the perusal of witnesses. It is not known whether this scrutiny brought results.
Chief Colsey declared last night the murder will be the signal for an intensive “cleanup” of the city. Policemen in patrol cars were dispatched on prowl duty, ordered to pick up everyone of a suspicious nature.
City officials and citizens voiced their regrets at the killing. Feitz was the father of two children, a boy and a girl. Their names could not be obtained last night. He was estranged from his wife, who resides in Cape May with the children.
Woman Questioned
Mrs. Heisler, regarded by police as a key witness, was questioned several hours in detective headquarters by Chief Colsey, Ward, Orlando and Koerner. The officers refused to disclose the results of their questioning.
No adequate description of the bandits could be furnished by any of the witnesses, Koerner said. Two were described as being of average height, one taller. Two were dark, the third blond.
None of the three was masked. Each was armed.
Mrs. Heisler and Murphy were held without bail as material witnesses. Powell, accompanied by Camden detectives, left for Atlantic City to show them where he dropped off the unidentified girl inmate of the house. They had not returned at a late hour last night.
According to Murphy, two of the bandits previously had visited the house as patrons, and at one time attempted to “shake down” Mrs. Heisler. She resisted their demands, Murphy declared.
Other persons arrested as material witnesses who, after hours of questioning, were released in their own recognizance, include:
Frank Adams, 21, of 938 Atlantic avenue; Joseph McDonald, 20, of 1605 South Sixth street; Henry Gorba, 19, of 17 North Twenty-first street and Edward McKenna, 31, of 1304 Broadway.
Edith Miller, 28, colored, of 205 Sycamore street, and Edna Butler, 32, also colored, 1122 South Second street, who were arrested and held as witnesses, are inmates of the house, Koerner said.
Police said the bandits, in their search for booty, forced their victims to remove their shoes during the holdup to ascertain whether they were concealing any money. Only $8 was taken.
An autopsy performed on Feitz’s body yesterday by Coroner Arthur H. Holl and County Physician Edward B. Rogers showed that two of the bullets had penetrated the detective’s body. Coroner Holl, in whose undertaking establishment the detective’s body lay last night, declared Feitz was virtually instant.
Chief Colsey last night denied Feitz and Leonhardt were acting under orders to watch the Sycamore street house.
“There have been general orders out to clean up all disorderly houses for a long time,” Colsey said.
“I imagine the detectives were more interested in what the four men were doing than they were in the house. I talked at great length with Leonhardt and he told me neither he nor Feitz knew the place was a disorderly house.”
Leonhardt could not be reached last night to give his version of the affair. Colsey said Leonhardt was taking an active part in police efforts to solve the crime.
“If I had known the house in Sycamore street was a disorderly house,” Colsey said, “I course have ordered it raided long ago.”
Feitz and Leonhardt were assigned to detective duty from the uniformed ranks last week, replacing former Detectives Thomas Cheeseman and Vernon Jones, who are now reduced to the rank of patrolmen.
Chief Colsey said the reason Cheeseman and Jones were reduced was “merely for the good of the department.” He would not amplify that statement.
According to Detective Rox Saponare, Cheeseman is the brother-in-law of Mrs. Heisler, charged with operating the house. According to Orlando, he was active in the investigation of the killing, could not be reached last night to comment.
Commended for Bravery
Feitz was appointed to the police force March 1, 1928. He was appointed to the detective bureau last week by Mayor Roy R. Stewart. In 1931, Feitz was commended for bravery in arresting three men in a holdup at a chain grocery store at Locust street and Kaighn avenue.
Last week, the same store was robbed, and Feitz arrested three other men for the theft.
Leonhardt, 39, resides at 512 Division street. The last arrest he made in company with Feitz was at 12.45 a. m. the morning of Feitz’ death. The officers nabbed Cecilia Spencer, 28, colored, at 806 Locust street, a block from the Sycamore street house, on charges of soliciting.
Chief Colsey and other city officials reached Feitz’ bedside in the hospital too late to see him alive. The officer died without regaining consciousness. Funeral arrangements were not completed last night.
The estrangement from his wife two years ago. He lived with her and their children at 1062 Langham avenue. He resided recently at the Liberty street address with his widowed mother, Mrs. Pauline Feitz, who last night was prostrated at the news of her son’s death.
Chief Colsey last night absolved Leonhardt of any negligence in not chasing the killers. The police declared Leonhardt’s first duty was to look to the condition of Feitz.
Chief Colsey said Mayor Stewart, vacationing in Ocean City, will not return until tomorrow morning. Any investigation into possible negligence on the part of police in permitting the Sycamore street house to operate, will be conducted after the mayor returns, Colsey said.
‘Joey’ Powell Rearrested as County Opens Holdup Probe
Camden Courier-Post —
Orlando Acts as City Cops Free Former Boxer in Payroll Plot
FRAMEUP CHARGED BY ANOTHER SUSPECT
Prisoner Says Ex-Fighter Got Him in on Theft, Tipped Police
Joseph “Joey” Powell, former boxer who was arrested by city police in connection with a South Camden holdup and subsequently released, was rearrested by county detectives last night.
Powell was taken into custody on orders of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who also ordered the arrest of a second suspect.
Camden police turned the case over to the prosecutor’s office after the arraignment of Walter Lewandowski, who was caught in a police trap Friday night as he allegedly attempted to steal an $800 payroll at the Eavenson & Levering Company’s plant at Fourth Street and Ferry Avenue. He formerly was employed there.
Two Others Implicated
Lewandowski implicated Powell, 25, of 46 Woodland Avenue, and Leonard Rogalski, 20, of 1219 South Tenth Street, in a plot to steal the payroll, according to Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Powell thereupon was taken into custody and questioned, then, according to Colsey, he was released temporarily, in his own recognizance, pending further investigation. Rogalski was not arrested until County Detectives James Wren and Casimir Wojtkowiak took him in last night. The same detectives arrested Powell. Both suspects were charged with attempted holdup and robbery and committed to the county jail.
Lewandoski, 24, of 924 Atlantic Avenue, also in county jail, committed without bail by Police Judge Lewis Liberman Saturday.
According to Chief Colsey, Lewandowski made a statement in which he accused Powell of plotting the holdup and making him the “goat.”
“The holdup was Powell’s idea,” Colsey quoted Lewandowski as saying. “He got me in on it, and Rogalski was supposed to take part, too. Rogalski got ‘cold feet’ though, and Powell sent me in while he was supposed to watch outside.”
“Instead he beat it because he had tipped off the police that the place was going to be held up.”
Released After Quiz
On the strength of Lewandowski’s statement, patrolman Edward Suski was sent to arrest Powell. After questioning, however, the former pugilist was released.
“We found no evidence against Powell,” Colsey explained. “Lewandowski’s story looked like an attempt to get himself off easier.
“We turned the case over to the prosecutor’s office, as we always do after making an arrest that seems to clear up the case.”
Lewandowski was captured by Sergeant Gus Koerner and City Detective Clifford Carr. The detectives were tipped off that the factory office was to be held up and laid in wait for the man.
When Lewandowski showed up, Carr and Koerner pointed revolvers at him. He fled down a stairway and Carr fell on him. The two grappled and the detective says the man pointed a .32 caliber pistol at him. Carr overpowered him with blow on the head with the butt of his revolver.
Wirtz Ordered to Face Inquiry by Mrs. Kobus
Camden Courier-Post —
Carr and Koerner Will Be Questioned In Holdup Case
CAUTION IS URGED BY JUSTICE LLOYD
Detective Stanley Wirtz, suspended by Police Chief Arthur Colsey yesterday pending investigation into charges that he supplied the guns and an automobile for a holdup, has been ordered to appear today before Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
Wirtz, who has been in charge of the city accident bureau, will be asked to “give his side of the story,” Commissioner Kobus said.
Later the public safety head will question City Detective Clifford Carr and Police Sergeant Gus Koerner in connection with the capture of an alleged bandit last Friday night, in an attempted holdup of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll clerk.
Doran Accuses Wirtz
County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran yesterday charged that Wirtz had supplied the guns and automobile to be used in the holdup and then posted Carr and Koerner inside the plant to capture the bandits.
Wirtz, Doran said, admitted the charges in a statement given in the office of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.
No motive for the detective’s action were revealed by Doran.
Following the questioning of Wirtz and Sergeant Koerner at the prosecutor’s office, both men visited the office of Justice Frank T. Lloyd late yesterday.
Justice Lloyd said later he had conferred with Commissioner Kobus in regard to the case.
“I advised the commissioner,” Justice Lloyd said, “to go cautiously with the investigation and gather the facts before taking any action. It is a common thing for officers to lay traps for men who are prone to commit crime, although they have no business to encourage crime. I think it is bad policy to suspend any policeman before the facts of the case have been heard.”
The charges against Wirtz came after an investigation was ordered into a statement made by Walter Lewandowski, 24 of 924 Atlantic Avenue, who was captured when he attempted to hold up a clerk at the wool scouring company, Ferry Avenue and Jackson Street. Lewandoski claimed he had “been framed” and named Joseph Powell, a police stool pigeon, as the one who planned the holdup and then informed Wirtz of the plans.
Powell has been a police informer for some time, according to Chief Colsey. The latter said he had taken Powell into custody for questioning and had released him in his own recognizance. Chief Colsey admitted Powell had given police the tip resulting in Lewandowski’s arrest.
When Lewandowski was nabbed, his gun was loaded with blank cartridges. This gun, according to Chief Doran, was given by Wirtz to Powell, who in turn gave it to Lewandowski. Another youth, Leonard Rogalski, 20, of 1219 South Tenth Street, was supposed to take part in the holdup, but “got cold feet and ran away” police were told by Lewandoski.
Doran’s statement follows:
Stanley Wirtz, Camden city detective, supplied the gun and the automobile used in the attempted hold-up of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll office Friday night. Statements were given us by three suspects all tally.
Walter Lewandoski worked at the Eavenson & Levering plant, but was laid off there February 28. On March 3 he had money coming to him and he returned to the plant. Joseph Powell accompanied him. Powell talked to Lewandoski then of the payroll, and suggested the holdup. Powell then got in touch with Stanley Wirtz, and told him that Lewandoski was going to stick up the payroll March 4.
Wirtz on that night loaned Powell a car but someone got cold feet, and the holdup was not attempted. The following week, on March 13, last Friday, Wirtz took a car to Powell’s home and there turned over to him two guns and the automobile. Wirtz then had detectives posted at the scene to arrest the bandits when they made the holdup attempt.
Powell met Lewandowski and Rogalski and drove them to the plant. There Powell turned over to his two companions the two guns that had been given him by Wirtz. Rogalski got cold feet and refused to go through with the holdup. Powell then went into the plant with Lewandowski. After Lewandowski went in the door, Powell ran from the building.
Sergeant Gus Koerner and Detective Clifford Carr, hiding in the office arrested Lewandowski. Powell knew where these officers were hiding.
Wirtz was outside the building. He did not catch Powell.
Chief Doran said that no one implicates Koerner or Carr in any way in the statements received.
Koerner said:
I was doing police work. I was brought into this case on a tip that a holdup was going to be staged and I had no knowledge of the guns or the car. I didn’t know what it was all about but merely was there to perform my duties as a policeman.
Wirtz is 37 and lives at 1197 Thurman Street. He was one of the first of the new policemen to be appointed to the department in 1924 after Civil Service was put into effect following the adoption of Commission government in 1924. He is a veteran of the World War and got a special rating for that reason when he took the Civil Service examination. In 1931 Wirtz was appointed as an accident investigator in the detective bureau and has served in that capacity ever since. He has a good reputation as a policeman and has never been in trouble before.
About four years ago Wirtz figured in an automobile accident that caused serious injury to one of his legs.
Rogalski was not arrested until County Detectives James Wren and Casimir Wojtkowiak took him in Monday night. The same detectives arrested Powell. Both suspects were charged with attempted holdup and robbery and committed to the county jail.
Lewandowski also is in county jail, committed without bail by police Judge Lewis Liberman Saturday.
Wirtz to Hear Fate in Bandit Quiz Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Colsey Doubts Cop Will Face Charges; Case to Go to Grand Jury
Decision on any action to be taken against Stanley Wirtz, suspended Camden detective charged with having furnished the guns and automobile for a holdup, will be made today by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus and Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Wirtz, with Sergeant Gus Koerner and Detective Clifford Carr, was questioned yesterday, and decision was reserved.
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, however, said he would place the case before the grand jury.
The charge involved the attempted holdup of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll, in which one of the alleged bandits was captured at the scene last Friday night.
“No charges have been preferred against Wirtz,” Mrs. Kobus announced after the investigation.
“And I don’t believe any charges will be made,” Colsey commented, adding:
“Commissioner Kobus and I are going over the reports and statements of all concerned at 10:00 AM tomorrow and a decision will be made then.”
Suspended Tuesday
Wirtz was suspended Tuesday after County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran announced Wirtz had admitted supplying the pistols and car, allegedly used in the abortive attempt to obtain a $800 payroll at the wool-scouring plant.
Wirtz was still under suspension last night, Colsey announced.
William B. Macdonald, court stenographer, recorded the statements made by each man.
Koerner and Carr were “planted” in the office of the company before the holdup and frustrated the attempted crime, capturing Walter Lewandowski, 24, of 924 Atlantic Avenue.
“All three made full statements to us,” Colsey said and then declined to reveal what the statements contained.
Denies Stories Clash
Asked if there was any conflict between the statements made to Doran and those made to Mrs. Kobus and him, Colsey said:
“No, I wouldn’t say so.”
Wirtz appeared briefly before the commissioner and chief at the start of their probe, which was conducted in Mrs. Kobus’ office. He left the room after about two minutes and told reporters, sitting outside:
“I refused to make a statement. I made one yesterday and that is enough.”
Mrs. Kobus, however, said Wirtz did not refuse to make a statement but, instead, asked for a little time to consider his statement.
“He said he had been in court all day and was nervous,” Mrs. Kobus said.
No Charges Made
Asked for a statement at the conclusion of the investigation, Mrs. Kobus said:
“No charges have been preferred against Wirtz. This was not a hearing on any charge. This was an investigation of reports which I read in the newspapers. It is the duty of the police officials to investigate any such report, and Wirtz and the other two detectives who figured in the case were called in to make statements. This was not a trial and I do not care to make a statement now about what went on.”
The suspension of Wirtz came after an investigation was ordered into a statement made by Lewandowski.
Lewandowski charged that he had been “framed” by Joseph Powell, a police stool pigeon. He named Powell as the one who “planned the holdup” and said Powell then informed Wirtz of the plans.
Rearrest Made
Doran said Wirtz admitted dealing with Powell and giving Powell two pistols and an automobile for use in the holdup. As a result Powell, who had been arrested and released by city police, was rearrested by the county detectives.
In addition, Leonard “Rags” Rogalski, 20, of 1219 South 10th Street, was arrested by the county detectives. They said Lewandowski told them Rogalski originally was intended to take part in the holdup but got “cold feet,” and backed out at the last moment.
Powell, Lewandowski and Rogalski are held in the county jail.
When informed last night of the statements made by Mrs. Kobus and Colsey, Prosecutor Orlando said:
“I have nothing to do with the discipline of the police department. I will present the full facts of this holdup to the grand jury and that body may take any action it desires.”
Jury to get Case
Asked if he would request an indictment against Wirtz, Orlando said:
“I will give the grand jury the full facts. The members will decide for themselves what action to follow.”
Doran was in conference briefly with Mrs. Kobus and Colsey before the three detectives were questioned. He said he gave them statements made by Lewandowski, Powell and Rogalski, and also by Wirtz.
Later Doran returned to Mrs. Kobus’ office with a copy of charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons, preferred in 1930 against Lewandowski in 1930, when Lewandowski was 18.
This charge was no-billed, Doran said.
“He was listed as a mental case,” Doran said, “and was examined by the county physician and pronounced O.K.”
Accused Boxer Comes To Defense of Zied
Trenton Times —
CAMDEN, April 3 (—).—Joseph Powell, a boxer, declares that Charles Zied, convicted slayer, was “outside the house when the shots were fired” that killed a Camden detective during a holdup in September, 1934.
Zied was saved from the electric chair at Trenton last Tuesday night by a 30-day reprieve from Governor Harold G. Hoffman, so that further evidence in the case could be investigated.
Powell, awaiting Grand Jury action on a charge of attempted holdup, said yesterday he did not know Zied, “but from the picture I saw in the paper, I am certain he was one of the men who came out of the house at about the time I did.”
Zied was condemned to die for killing Detective William T. Feitz at a Camden dwelling.
Boosts Iron Lung Movement
Camden Courier-Post —
Boosts Iron Lung Movement
To the Editor:
Sergeant Ray Smith has expressed his interest in saving human life by suggesting and offering to co-operate in furnishing an Iron Lung, which is so much in need.
I believe the sergeant’s offer should inspire every citizen to give a helping hand to obtain this Iron Lung, without any hesitation.
It is not necessary to wait and stage a Christmas charity show.
A remark has been made that a certain fighter learning that the boxing show staged here on Christmas was a charity affair boosted his purse to $1000.
JOSEPH POWELL.
1256 Whitman Avenue.
Life Hereabouts by Charley Humes
Camden Courier-Post —
LIFE HEREABOUTS by CHARLEY HUMES
DOWN MEMORY LANE with that Old Gang of Yours is a few of the guys who’ll tell you Tatum was as good as or the best man in the land … from the time that Taylor and Glimits managed Rocky Robinson, … the days of Johnny Allen … Rocky Eddie Chaney … Shamus Maguire … Pee Wee Ross … Jabbering Jackie Hindle … Watson Finch … lots and lots of fun.
The days when Camden was the Mecca for Philly fight fans getting the paper with Rocky Robinson as challenger, Benny Leonard, Pete Herman … Jimmy Wilde … Gene Tunney … fighting in the Arena on all given Wednesday nights.
HOW MANY will remember when our own Eddie Garrity, who now occupies an important post in the city government, was a boxer … with plenty on the ball … boxing out of a big gym around here … fighting at the Thirteenth Ward Republic Club … trying for fame on Louis Street, Whitman Avenue section
THEN AND THEY DOWN the memory lane again when a man named Dopey John and a man named Kaplan … a fighter … and there was a guy boxing around here named Mickey Blair … When Sergeant Ray Smith is Robinson … the days of Willie Robinson … the days of Willie Graham, then a wider stationed right here … the days of Young Jordan … Frankie McLaughlin … Neil McLaughlin … and gave us much of this informational … Joe Spearing did.
Veterans Boxing Association Ring 6 — 11th Annual Banquet
Joey Powell’s Well-Wishers
Also Extend Best Wishes To Sergeant Ray Smith
1931 — 127 lbs.
Dick Graminga, Charles Humes and Tony Georgette — Managers
Eddie Prince, Lew Sparks and Jack Blackburn — Trainers
Joseph Grochowski — Al Bunker — Ed Kaszycki — Andy Friday — John Skiba — John Dombrowski — Walter Szalanski — Nick Pawlak — Wm. O’Brien — Bill Neil — Wm. Schultz — Tom Scarduzio — Peter Paull — Barney Tracey — Dave Hainsworth — Walter Zimolong — Edward Shapiro — Thomas McLaughlin — John Opfer — Vallie Francesconi — Tom Ryan — Leon Lucas — Jesse Urban — Bobby Zimmerman — Joe (Kid) Murphy — Pee Wee Wilson — Jackie Gleason — Joe Vitarelli — Al Daley — Frankie Youker — Joe McEvoy — Frank Valenti — Jim McFadden — Charles Bauer — George Ballantine — James O’Neill — Dorothy Dougherty — Agnes McHenry — Vicky Dangler — Francis Souders — Loretta and Reds — Bart — Roger Cotton — Leon McCarthy — Kenneth Geitz — Joe Daubman — Norman Jacobson — Nick Colofrancisco — Chris Rago — Charles Myers — Ray Cohand — Paul Harduk — Charles Wells — Carl Stolinski — Walter Wilson — Steve Straub — Charley Kmiec — Jimmy Tyler — Joe Dorfy — William Vogel — John Campbell — Steve O’Keefe — Sam Laird — Ed Rickter — Don Cragin — John Odorisio — Michael Przywara — Walter Paleszewski — Watson Burdalski — Stanley Snajkowski — Frank Drabik — John P. Kawczak — Frank Kulesa — Steve Kirby — James R. Asher — Polack Tony — Stephen Yakopczyna — Helen and Chick — Don Wilson — James Monaghan — George Carr — Bill Jentsch — John Greenan — Charles Galasso — Don’s Barber Shop — Joe Shaw — Ben Gutowski — Tom Bristow — Joseph Stelmach — Leon Hood — George Saunders — Mike Borman — Anthony Cirelli — Bob Hardy — Frank Hardy — Benny DePalma — Frank Padulla — Mike Yack — Stanley Powell — George Kroecker — A Friend — The Fox — Tom Fish
Powell Tough in Battle Back
Camden Courier-Post —
By Doug Frambes, Courier-Post Staff
Joey Powell grew up when times were tough but Powell was resilient.
In the boxing arena or on the mean streets of Camden, Powell always more than held his own.
Now Powell is in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital fighting, with his customary vigor, physical problems tougher than any foe he met in the ring.
There has been no diagnosis, but Powell continues to undergo a battery of tests for intestinal problems.
He is approaching the situation with the confidence he always displayed as an amateur and professional featherweight fighter.
“Joey Powell was a featherweight all his life at 118 weight,” said his former manager, Tony Gengerke. “He was conscious every minute he was in the ring.
“During those depression days, Powell fought regularly in the Philadelphia-Camden area and also made a tour of Florida, where he often battled heavier fighters.
“To me, boxing was fun,” remarked Powell. “Maybe I never was as serious about it as I should. I always kept in good physical shape and enjoyed the training. But it never came to a point where I was willing to give up everything else and just concentrate on the sport.”
The aggressive attitude he took into the ring did not manifest itself outside. Powell spent his life caring about other people, dedicating his time and efforts to assisting anyone in difficulty was a part of his life-long creed.
For years, he regularly wrote letters to the editor of the Courier-Post. Although he lacked much of a formal education, his letters always were well constructed and clear in meaning. And, always they were an advocacy of some individual or cause he thought worthwhile.
Although he is 80, Powell’s friends transcend any chronological age.
“I would enjoy hearing from some of them. Cards and letters can be addressed Room 657, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, 1600 Haddon Ave., Camden, N.J. 08103.
Joey Powell, 82, Former Professional Boxer
Camden Courier-Post —
DEPTFORD — Funeral services will be Wednesday for Joey Powell, 82, a former professional boxer from Camden.
He died Friday at his home.
Mr. Powell, using the ring name of Pat Murphy, fought more than 70 fights as a featherweight during the 1920s and 30s. During the Depression, he continued his career by fighting heavier boxers in the lightweight and welterweight classes. He was knocked out only once, by a boxer who outweighed him by 20 pounds.
Mr. Powell won his last 14 matches by knockout before retiring from the ring in 1937.
Mr. Powell then worked for the Camden school system in a variety of maintenance positions, retiring about 1970.
Mr. Powell belonged to the Polish American Citizens Club for more than 45 years. He was a 50-year member of the South Jersey Chapter of the Polish American Congress, where he served as vice president for many years.
An active community leader in the Whitman Park area of Camden, Mr. Powell had served as chairman of the Pulaski Day Parade in Camden many times.
An avid dancer, he also headed various activities at St. Joseph’s Church in Camden.
He is survived by his daughter, Dorothy Hoffman, with whom he lived; a sister, Tessie Atkinson of Camden; two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
A viewing will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Zembruski-Anyzek Funeral Home, 1643 Mount Ephraim Ave., Camden. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.