John Dugan
JOHN DUGAN is recorded as having served as an extra man with the Camden Fire Department’s Hook & Ladder Company. He was appointed on April 8, 1876 replacing Josiah Davis. He served for one year, being replaced in turn by Alexander Wilson in April of 1877. Fire Department records state that John Dugan worked as a watchman and at the time of his appointment was living on Linden Street near Point Street.
John Dugan was born in Ireland in May of 1845, according to the 1900 Census. He was living in New Jersey in the late 1860s when he married. His wife Annie bore him a son, William, around 1868. When the Census was taken in Camden’s North Ward. John Dugan appears in the 1870 Census, living in Camden’s North Ward, and working as a laborer. Eight more children followed the Census, John Jr., Hugh, Kate, Rebecca, Matthew, James (who sadly died, quite young), James A., and Marie.
As stated above, John Dugan was living on Linden Street near Point Street when appointed to the Fire Department in April of 1876. Within the next two years he opened a livery, boarding and exchange stable on North Front Street south of Linden Street. He also bought and sold horses. The 1880 Census shows his address as 102 Linden Street. Also living at 102 Linden Street was Jacob Rettberg and his wife Margaret. Jacob Rettberg owned a large wagon works on Market Street, and it may well have been with his assistance that John Dugan went into business.
In late 1884 or early 1885 John Dugan acquired the building at 100 Pearl Street, a block north from his previous residence, and opened a saloon, or, to use the parlance of the times, a hotel. This would be the Dugan family’s address through at least 1900. John Dugan operated both businesses as late as 1893. By the latter half of 1894 he had divested himself of the livery, and concentrated on the bar business. His son, Hugh F. Dugan, operated a bar at 129 Walnut Street in the 1890s.
John Dugan was active in local politics as a Democrat in the 1890s. He was still in the bar business and living at 100 Pearl Street when the 1900 Census was taken. Living at 100 Pearl Street at that time were John and Annie Dugan, sons Hugh, Robert, Matthew, and James A., daughter Mary G., daughter-in-law Catherine and Julia, and granddaughters Helen and Regina Dugan. Annie Dugan died not long afterwards, and son James A. Dugan passed in 1903.
John Dugan seems to have retired by 1906, when the City Directory only states an address, 106 North 2nd Street. Son Hugh F. Dugan, who owned and operated a successful establishment, the Avenue Hotel, at 6 Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia, passed away in 1908. John Dugan and his family were gone from Camden, either having moved or died, by the time the 1910 Census was taken. John Dugan’s son Robert and daughter Marie had moved to Philadelphia by that time.
John Dugan was not related to John F. Dugan, who served with the Camden Fire Department many years after the John Dugan family had left Camden.
Recovered
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Recovered.—The owner of the sorrel mare which John Dugan, at Front and Linden streets, Camden, retained on suspicion of having been stolen, has been identified by the owner and returned to him. Miller or Morris, the man who offered to sell the animal, had stolen her from his uncle, residing in Somerset county, N. J. He has since been arrested and will be brought to New Jersey for trial.
John Dugan, Livery, Sale, Boarding & Exchange Stables
Camden City Directory — 1882
Gentlemen's Driving Park at Merchantville
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The fall meeting at the Gentlemen’s Driving Park at Merchantville yesterday afternoon was attended by about fifteen hundred persons, including many ladies. The track was in splendid condition. The majority of the horses entered were the property of private citizens of Camden and vicinity. The first race was of the three minute class. In this race the summary was:
John Dugan entered b. g Star — Judge Horner entered b. m Gleanor — Joseph Shinn entered blk. g. Dick — No Name entered b. g Dandy — Joseph Armstrong entered b. g Walkhill — Gleanor’s time, 2 51½, 2 56, 2.51.
Across the Delaware River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Across the Delaware River
Quiet Days at Gloucester—What Is Going On in Camden County.
Frank F. Patterson, Sr., formerly editor and proprietor of Camden Courier, is negotiating for the purchase of the Newark Press-Register.
Henry McNeil was discharged from the Camden County Prison on Saturday after serving a thirty days’ sentence for larceny. He wanted to remain in the institution, but the officials refused to let him retain his old quarters. Determined to have his wish he went away from the jail and assaulted the first man he met, which happened to be Harry Smith. He was re-arrested and his request granted when Mayor Pratt sent him back to his old cell to await trial for assault and battery.
Every car and every boat that entered Gloucester City from Philadelphia and Camden, yesterday, carried crowds to the Point or the place that made ambrosia famous one year ago. Men with their second-best girls were conspicuous along the river front. “Is this Gloucester Gardens?” asked a well-dressed young man of another. “Yes,” was the reply. “Well, I thought it wasn’t. I was only down here once before, and there was an abundance of beer and music,” he added. It was no wonder the man was surprised to find such a change in the place. The front of every saloon was closed, and in only one or two instances was the little side-door racket worked to the advantage of those who indulged in the ardent spirits. Just as an Inquirer reporter was about to embark on the train he was accosted by a well known Gloucester man, who was anxious that he should go and take a drink with him. Upon being thanked and his offer refused he left saying, “If you want it I can take you to a dozen places where you can get anything you want to drink.” Out on the base ball grounds a game of shinny was in progress. The hot sausage man was there, selling his sandwiches, so was a microscope fakir, who was rapidly disposing of his common instruments. The only other business man on the shore was a soft drink vender.
George McGlaughlin, of Camden, was the first giller to fish for shad. He laid out his net in the Delaware river early this morning. The season for fishing with a seine net opens April 12.
Liveryman and saloon-keeper John Dugan, of Front and Pearl streets, Camden, has struck in a lottery for $5,000.
George Rogers, the sick convict who was removed from the Camden County Jail, is in a paralytic condition at the Cooper Hospital.
News in Camden County
Philadelphia Inquirer —
News in Camden County.
The Camden Horse Car Company has contracted with the Johnson Company, of Johnstown, Pa., for seven miles of new track.
Mrs. Rebecca Wright, mother-in-law of City Recorder Baker, of Camden, died Sunday at 255 Kaighn avenue. She was 85 years old.
Ex-Editor Bartrom L. Bonsall and Charles Sprangler both wish to be director of the next Board of Freeholders of Camden county.
At a meeting of the Camden Board of Education last night the committee appointed to investigate the Lee-Seller’s contest, reported in favor of seating the latter. Treasurer Rex’s bond for $30,000 was approved.
Application was made before Vice Chancellor Bird, in Camden, yesterday, for a renewal of the injunction to restrain the Camden and Atlantic Railroad from placing electric railroad poles on Atlantic avenue, Atlantic City.
Walter Kelly was arrested by Detective Henry yesterday and committed by Magistrate Cassady on the charge of being the burglar who stole $339 and a gold watch from under the pillow of John Dugan, of Front and Pearl streets, while he slept.
More Licenses in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
More Licenses in Camden.
City Excise Board Still Increasing the Number of Saloons.
The Camden City Excise Board last night granted the following retail liquor licenses: Patrick Kilmartin, northwest corner Seventh and Birch; Hugh F. Dugan, 129 Walnut; John J. Murphy, 914 North Second; Thomas Eagan, 469 Market street. The latter had previously been refused by both the city and county boards.
Special licenses were granted to Frank Mester for the Turn Verein ball, Henry Schultz for the Maennerchor ball, and W. M. Souders for the Annual State Poultry show in the Sixth Regiment Armory from January 16 to 23.
These transfers were made: John Wall, 1008 Sycamore, to James F. Wall; John J. Murphy, 517 North Front, to J. W. Bockius; Anton Kluge, 914 Market, to Dennis Devine.
John Dugan and Son Robert at Washington
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Dugan and son Robert are taking in the sights at Washington.
John Dugan, Hotel
Camden City Directory — 1894
S. E. Corner Front and Pearl Streets — Camden City Directory, 1894
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Over in Camden.
* The City Clerk reports the following vital statistics for the month ending January 15: Marriages, 350; deaths, 150; births, 125.
* The Board of Health reports the following cases of contagious diseases during the past month: Typhoid fever, 37; scarlet fever, 12; diphtheria, 20.
* Mary Franks and Blanche Yetter, of Gloucester City, were held in $300 bail by Justice Schmitz last night, charged by Mrs. Dyer with perjury.
* Charles E. Fish, who has assisted the superintendent of the Evergreen Cemetery for a number of years, died suddenly yesterday of heart disease.
* The Democratic City Committee organized last night by electing Louis Shepard chairman, John A. Smith secretary and John Dugan treasurer.
* Early yesterday morning thieves robbed the saloon of Joseph G. Callen, 1143 Broadway, of a quantity of cigars and liquors, and took several dollars from a nickel-slot machine.
* Justice Way yesterday held Harry Long in $300 bail charged with illegal voting in Stockton township on election day. John Evans furnished $200 bail on a charge of interfering with election officers in the Third ward.
Camden Democrats
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Democrats.
Lively Fight for Members of the Executive Committee.
The election of members of the Camden County Democratic Executive Committee was held last night. The principle contests were in Camden city, where a bitter fight occurred in several wards. Especially was this the case in the First ward, where ex-Police Lieutenant John S. Smith, who now holds a position in the Philadelphia Mint, was a candidate against Committeeman John Dugan. One board held forth in the Dugan residence, while the Smith board occupied the curbstone in front of the house and received the ballots in a cigar box.
The contest in this ward will have to be settled by the Executive Committee. The result in the other wards is as follows: Second, B. F. Lyons; Third, W. H. Getty; Fourth, John Welch; Fifth, Harry Sheer; Sixth, Andrew Lecoy; Seventh, David Corbett; Eighth, Thomas W. Vickers; Ninth, Charles F. Reese.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Over in Camden.
The Democratic County Executive Committee organized yesterday by electing Gottlieb Mick, chairman; Newkirk Wentz, secretary, and Joseph Whittington, treasurer. In the contest between John S. Smith and John Dugan, as representative from the First ward, Smith was seated.
* On the charge of stealing axes and saws from South Jersey Railroad cars, John Boyle was held in bail yesterday by Mayor Westcott.
* The will of Colonel Edward M. Heyl, inspector-general, United States Army, who died in Chicago on the 2d inst., was probated in Camden yesterday. His widow is the executrix.
* Judge Miller yesterday heard testimony in the suit of Thomas Yardley, receiver of the Keystone National Bank, of Philadelphia, against Charles McGlade, of Atlantic City, for payment of a check of $1475. McGlade claims to have paid the money to Gideon Marsh, the missing president of the bank. Decision was reserved.
John Dugan, Hotel
Camden City Directory — 1896
S. E. Cor. Front and Pearl Streets — Camden City Directory, 1896
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Over in Camden
Pure water has almost rid Camden of typhoid fever. Only one case was reported to the Board of Health during the past month.
George Anthony, formerly a harness manufacturer in Philadelphia, and who started a chinaware business in Camden in 1876, is dead at the age of 75 years.
An unknown young German, killed on the railroad at Haddon avenue station while stealing a ride, was buried in Potter’s Field yesterday by Morgue Keeper O’Brien.
William Weikel, a Kaighn’s Point ferry employe was held in bail by Justice Schmitz yesterday on a charge of burglary preferred by Mrs. Annie Levic, his mother-in-law.
Saloonkeeper John Dugan, of Front and Pearl streets, was fined $50 by Recorder Nowery yesterday for selling liquor on Sunday. Two policemen testified that they bought liquor in his place.
James Williams, arrested under the name of William A. Cumminsky on suspicion of being a check raiser, told such an incoherent story to Recorder Nowery yesterday that it is suspected that his mind is affected. He was committed for ten days.
Under Sheriff Christopher J. Mines entered upon the duties of his new office yesterday. Last night the Fifth Ward Republican Club tendered him a reception. Sheriff Sell says there will be no changes made at present in the jail force.
Lawyer Adam R. Sloan, as attorney for Henry Noelle and Charles O. Eisle, began suits in the Circuit Court yesterday against Henry Milhinger, each of the plaintiffs claiming $5000 damages for malicious prosecution. They had been arrested for stealing apples on complaint of Milhinger.
Notwithstanding the rigid enforcement of the Excise law by Mayor Hatch, there is no apparent diminution in the number of applications for renewal of liquor licenses. Licenses will expire at the end of the year and over 200 application blanks have already been taken out. The license fee will remain at $500.
Fourteen Caught in Saloon Round-Up
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fourteen Caught in Saloon Round-Up
Latest Haul Made by the Law and Order League in Camden
There was another round-up of Camden county liquor dealers yesterday. Complaints were made against fourteen persons by George B. M. Adams, an agent of the Law and Order League.
Those for whom warrants were issued are: Walter S. Hubbs and wife, charged with running a speak-easy in Pensauken township; John Keefe, of Fogarty avenue and Carman street; Thomas Farnham, Ninth and Lawrence streets; John Daly, 321 North Seventh street; William Gallagher, 106 Kaighn avenue; Charles E. Bakley, 2318 Federal street; John H. Carroll, Third and Cherry streets; John H. Jones, 517 North Front street; George W. Hoskins, 505 Main street; William Convery, Eleventh and Carpenter streets; John Opfer, Front and Pearl streets; Joan Dugan, Front and Pearl streets; Michael J. Walsh, 503 Federal street.
All entered bail before Justice Schultz for hearings to-day except Opfer, Gallagher and Walsh. The latter was locked up and the other two sent word they would appear this morning. The complaints will at once be submitted to the grand jury.
Prison Doors Open for Saloonkeepers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Prison Doors Open for Saloonkeepers
Judge Armstrong Imposes Severe Punishment on Liquor Sellers Who Disregarded His Warning and Persisted in Violating the Law
The worst fears of Camden saloonkeepers, convicted of selling liquor illegally, were realized yesterday morning when Judge Armstrong imposed sentences of imprisonment upon them instead of the usual fine and costs. Moreover the sentences were severe, ranging from six months in the county jail to one year in State prison. The officials of the Law and Order League believe this is a death blow to the Sunday liquor traffic in Camden county. Those sentenced are Thomas J. McNamee, Henry Felden, William C. Reilly, John H. Jones and Peter J. Kelly, each of whom will have to serve one year in State prison at hard labor, and remain there until the costs of prosecution are paid.
John J. Keefe, Thomas J. Farnum and Walter O. Hubbs were each sentenced to six months in the county jail, and to pay a fine of $100 and costs.
Michael J. Walsh and George W. Hoskins were sentenced to six months each in the county jail and fines of $50 and costs. William Convery was sentenced to six months in the county jail and a fine of $150. Judge Armstrong said this case was different from the others in that the defendant stood trial, the others having entered pleas of guilty, and it was only because he is a man of seventy-four years of age, and a cripple that the man was not sent to State prison.
In the case of Pauline Everly, a widow, sentence was suspended, as one of her sons is dying of consumption, and several younger children are in need of their mother’s attention.
In passing sentence on the saloonkeepers Judge Armstrong said: “When, a few weeks ago, from this place, with all the force and solemnity that words should have coming from this place, I gave clear and distinct warning that any one foolhardy enough to again violate the law as to the sale of liquor on Sunday, might, if convicted, expect imprisonment. I imagined the evil would be stopped. Your presence here shows how greatly I was mistaken. You have defied the law. You have discredited the sincerity of its officers. In your cases you have shown that mildness and leniency was a mistake. To repeat it would be worse than a mistake.
“One of you, while being favored with time in which to pay your fine, continued the violation. Some of you, by the police reports, after your arrest on this charge, on July 1 and July 8, repeated your offense. And, incredible as it may seem, the police department reports that some of you were apparently doing business last Sunday.
“Either you do not care for imprisonment or you say plainly to society that you will not be bound by the rules it has made in its wisdom to regulate its affairs.
“As has been said time and time again, the disregard of the law is the serious thing—not the offense itself. The law must be respected. It shall be obeyed. If the punishment now inflicted proves inadequate, it will be increased until the legislative limit is reached.”
Judge Armstrong, after passing sentence, directed Prosecutor Lloyd to notify the City Excise Board of the court’s action.
Saloonkeepers indicted and yet to be tried are John Dugan, at whose trial the jury twice disagreed; D. J. Wood, Charles Young, Patrick Carr, John Deltz, Joseph M. Dole, Gotlieb Foehl and Frank Gallagher.
Dugan
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DUGAN.—March 3, 1903. James A. son of John and late Anna Dugan. Relatives and friends of family are invited to attend funeral, Friday morning, 7:30 o’clock, from his aunt’s residence, Mrs. McCormick, 210 Market, Camden, N. J. High mass Church of Immaculate Conception, 9 A. M. Interment private. St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Hugh Dugan
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Many men of prominence attended the funeral services over Hugh Dugan, a widely known hotelman, which took place yesterday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Solemn high mass of requiem mass celebrated. Rev. J. A. Sullivan being the celebrant, Rev. Dean B. J. Mulligan, dean, and Rev. E. J. Morrissey, subdeacon. The pall-bearers included State Assessor David Baird, David L. Henderson, William L. Hurley, John McFeeley, Richard Schwoeri, Joseph Staub, Edward Trainor. Interment was made in the Calvary Cemetery.