Introduction
John F. Blackson was born in Delaware on April 10, 1889. By the 1930 census, he had moved to Camden, New Jersey, where he operated a paperhanging business. He lived with his wife Mary at 638 Cherry Street, later moving to 238 Sycamore Street.
In the mid-1940s, Blackson was selected as the first manager of the Chelton Terrace Public Housing project located at 8th and Chelton Avenue. He was discharged in 1946 but reinstated after a New Jersey civil service appeal. In 1948, he was suspended with intent to terminate and subsequently arrested for misappropriation of federal funds.
Blackson died in Camden, New Jersey in November 1967.
Blackson Jailed On Federal Fund Theft Charges
Camden Courier-Post —
Blackson Jailed On Federal Fund Theft Charges
John F. Blackson, 58, of the Sycamore street, manager of the Chelton Terrace housing project, was arrested early today charged with misappropriation of federal funds. He is being held in city jail in default of $5000 bail. Blackson was arrested at the direction of Joseph A. McComb, chairman of the Camden Housing Authority. Acting Desk Sgt. Henry Leutz set the bail pending Blackson’s arraignment Monday before a U.S. commissioner. Blackson, under a five-day suspension as project manager for failing to carry out instructions of the Camden Housing Authority, McComb said. The arrest followed a one-and-one hour meeting with city officials and members of the authority including Director Martin E. McKenzie, an authority member, and Joseph J. Jablonski, chief accountant.
Call for Audit
McComb said the authority has wired John Kervick in New York, calling for a federal audit by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The charge against Blackson, McComb said, was brought after receipts showing they had paid their rent had been credited by Blackson, McComb said. McComb said the investigation will continue, but he declined to say how much money he thought was involved. Preliminary reports showed a shortage of more than $300, he said. Barnett announced Blackson’s suspension on Wednesday following instructions from McComb.
Was Reinstated
Barnett said Blackson “failed to make proper remittances and operated his office contrary to the rules from the authority.” He said Blackson failed to make daily reports as required by the authority. “Two years ago Blackson was charged with having improper discrepancies, but at that time it was decided he had to adhere to regulations on submission of forms and accounts. Through Camden Council No. 1 of the American Federation of Labor and service organization, Blackson filed an appeal with the civil service commission which ordered him reinstated. Blackson has held the project manager post for about five years. He received $3000 annually. Alfred Zimmerman, president of the Camden Civil Service association, said Blackson’s suspension was unjustified and should be rescinded. This was after the saving of about $1500 in back wages restored.