He Announces the Names
Camden Daily Telegram —
The Mayor Appoints the New Force To-day.
MANY OLD OFFICERS TAKEN BACK.
Some Surprise Manifested at the Mayor’s Appointment of Dodd Instead of Jones—This Afternoon All the Names Will be Announced.
The Mayor stated this morning to the newspaper fraternity that he would not announce his nominations for the police department until four o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that these would be announced this morning and in consequence there were a number of applicants for appointment on the force early this morning at the City Hall, hoping that the lightning would strike them.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor in addition to his nomination of Chief Dodd and Lieutenants Foster and Pettit appointed Frank Matlack, Jacob Woodsides, Alfred Hayden and John Dall, all of the Sixth Ward. The above were policemen under Mayor Westcott, before the Democratic Police Commission took charge of the Department.
Patrolman Griffin, Democrat, tendered his resignation yesterday to Mayor Westcott, to take effect to-day.
The appointment of Chief Dodd was quite a surprise to the public in general, as it was thought that Captain Jones would be named for the position. Many believed such an appointment would be in very good form, as Captain Jones’ knowledge of men and his military training would have made him a chief par excellence. The Mayor, however, probably thought that as Mr. Dodd had been so unceremoniously kicked out by the Democrats, it was nothing more than justice to again offer him the position which he had filled in a creditable manner for a number of years.
APPOINTED ON THE FORCE.
Mayor Westcott this afternoon made the following appointments:
First Ward—William E Cromly, George Cable, Henry R. Curtis, O. Glen Stackhouse.
Second Ward—Lincoln James, John Pratt, Samuel Bakley, Benj Middleton.
Third Ward—William Selby, Albert Myers, Edward Hartman.
Fourth Ward—Caleb Williams, Richard Golden, William Schregler, Ralph Bond.
Fifth Ward—William Harvey, Harry Mines and Oscar Weaver.
Sixth Ward—Jacob Woodsides, Frank Matlack, Albert Hayden and John Dall.
Seventh Ward—Josiah Sage, Henry Peters, Charles Lederman, Wm. Butts.
Eighth Ward—Alexander Alcorn, Chas. Leightenberg, Ferdinand Laird
There was no appointments made for the Ninth ward.
Over in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Articles of incorporation were filed yesterday by the American Metal Edge Box Company.
The police were notified yesterday that William Ilgenfritz, 14 years old, of 1121 Mickle street, was missing.
Jacob N. Wise, 65 years old, fell from a step at Delaware and Market streets yesterday and broke his hip. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
A number of church people have filed a remonstrance with the excise Commission against granting a liquor license to Charles Gorden, of Ninth street and Ferry avenue.
Mrs. Victor Kline, of 526 Vine street, discovered a burglar in the house early Tuesday morning, but the thief fled at her approach, leaving a lot of clothing and silverware which he had bundled up, ready to take away.
Charles E. Wilson was committed by Recorder Mowrey [sic] last night, charged with stealing two overcoats from the Camden Turning Mill, at Front and Arch streets. He was captured at the Federal Street Ferry by Policemen [sic] Hartman.
Bessie Hughes was held by Justice Schmitz yesterday for a further hearing on a charge of stealing household goods from the boarding house of Mrs. Marshall, at 121 Market street. Some of the missing goods were found at the defendant’s home.
Among the latest victims of the grip in Camden are Mayor Hatch, Chief of Police Foster, City Clerk Harry Kramer, former City Counsel J. Willard Morgan, Charles R. Baron, New Jersey editor of the Philadelphia Record, and Policemen George Cooper, Harry Miller, James Ware and George Anderson.
TAYLOR SHOT TO KILL HIM
Camden Daily Telegram —
EXTRA!
Sumner Derrickson Dangerously Wounded During a Row.
THEY FOUGHT OVER A WOMAN
The Participants All Had Their Guns and Knives Ready to Murder.
CAPTURED AFTER A HARD CHASE
The Man Who Did the Shooting Ran from Seventh and Sycamore Streets to the Federal Street Ferry With an Excited, Yelling Mob at His Heels—A Ferryboat Held Until the Police Arrived and Took the Fleeing Man Into Custody—The Wounded Man and His Brother Known as Bad Men.
Robert, alias Charles Taylor, colored, made a desperate attempt last night to murder Sumner Derrickson. Taylor is locked up at the City Hall and Derrickson is at the Cooper Hospital with a bullet wound in his abdomen. The doctors there say that Derrickson is resting easily to-day and that he is in no immediate danger of dying. Taylor claims that he shot Derrickson in self defense.
ROW OVER A WOMAN.
The shooting was the outcome of jealousy. Taylor and Charles Derrickson and the latter’s brother, Sweeney Derrickson, were gambling in a house on Baxter street, between Ann and Seventh streets. A dispute arose and Taylor says that the Derricksons, who are known as bad men, chased him from the house. Sumner Derrickson, Taylor says, had a gun, and Sweeney Derrickson had a knife. At Seventh and Sycamore streets Taylor states that he found his pursuers were pressing him too closely. He turned as he ran and drawing his pistol fired at the two men. The bullet struck Sumner Derrickson in the abdomen and he fell to the ground with a groan. Sweeney stopped to look after his wounded brother and Taylor continued his flight.
SURGEONS FOUND THE BALL.
The wounded man was taken to the Cooper Hospital where the surgeons found the bullet had taken an upward course and lodged beneath the skin in Derrickson’s chest. The ball was extracted and Derrickson was made as comfortable as possible for the night.
The news of the attempted murder spread rapidly and the police were notified at once. An alarm was sent throughout the city and every effort was exerted to capture Taylor who had fled from the scene of the shooting as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran down to Kaighn avenue with the evident intention of taking a ferryboat to Philadelphia where he lives. The crowd that followed him, however, prevented Taylor making his escape in that direction. Like a hunted animal he turned up Second street toward the northern section of the city. The crowd increased each moment and the excitement of the chase became intense.
EXCITEMENT WAS INTENSE.
Policeman Fitzsimmons joined the throng which by this time was yelling “Catch the murderer” and “Lynch him.” People who were retiring threw up their windows in alarm thinking that the police and the crowd were in pursuit of another man suspected of the double murder of Mrs. Zane and Mrs. Shaw of week ago. The chase grew hot along Second street, but Taylor proved himself fleet of foot and reached the Federal street ferry in time to catch the 10.45 p. m. boat.
POLICE CAPTURE TAYLOR.
Collector Andrew Frazee had been notified of the attempted murder and recognized Taylor as the man wanted. He instructed Gateman William Barnard to hold the boat while he sent word to the police that Taylor was at the ferry. The patrol wagon was sent there in a hurry.
In the meantime Policemen Al. Myers and George Cable had arrived and Policeman Fitzsimmons arrived a second later almost winded by his long run. Two respectable colored porters were taken into custody at first, but the policemen soon discovered their mistake and found Taylor crouched up in one corner of the boat. Policeman Fitzsimmons recognized Taylor by a scar on his neck and quickly grabbed him by the throat. The fellow made no resistance and was taken to the waiting patrol wagon by the three officers. Here he was hustled into the vehicle and sent to the City Hall. When arrested the revolver with which the shooting was done was found in Taylor’s pocket, but that individual had cutely reloaded the empty chambers as he ran so as to destroy what evidence there was against him.
Derrickson, brother of Sumner, was formerly of the firm of Reed & Derrickson who several years ago ran the notorious negro resort known as Olive Park where John Hill, a colored youth, shot Joseph Dodson, also colored. Hill afterwards was hanged for his crime and the police broke up the den where the tragedy occurred.
TAYLOR GIVEN A HEARING.
Taylor was given a hearing this morning by Mayor Westcott. The complaint was made by Lieutenant John Foster and accused Taylor of assaulting, shooting and attempting to kill Derrickson. Lawyer Jackson appeared for the defendant.
Edward Fortie, one of the men who was with Derrickson when the shooting occurred, stated that he did not see the first shot, but when the second and third shots were fired Taylor was starting down Kaighn avenue. Fortie and Jordon, with Derrickson, then started to run.
Ida Burton said she saw Taylor and Lawrence Anderson talking at Seventh and Baxter streets. Taylor went slowly toward Derrickson and suddenly pulled a revolver from his pocket and fired point blank at his victim. When questioned by the Mayor she said she saw all of the shots, but when cross-examined by Lawyer Jackson she denied having seen the firing of the first shot.
Aubrey Thompson, who was about fifteen yards distant, said he saw the first shot fired at some one setting back of the station at Seventh and Kaighn avenue. He then saw Taylor go down Kaighn avenue.
Several other witnesses were heard who said they saw the shots fired, but who were not positive as to whom they were directed at.
Policemen Al Myers and George Cable, who made the arrest, said they found the man on a Federal street ferryboat hiding behind an ash cart. Taylor said he had no revolver, but on the way to the City Hall Patrolman Golden found a 32-calibre revolver with three loaded chambers.
Mayor Westcott held Taylor to await the result of Derrickson’s injuries.
Taylor hails from Washington, D. C., and it was stated on good authority that he is wanted in Philadelphia and his native city for misdemeanors.
Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
General Sewell, wife and daughter, are now in Rome.
Harrison H. Voorhees, of this city, has been appointed solicitor for Holly Beach, Cape May county.
The Grocers’ Association sent James R. Carson delegate to the convention of the National Grocers’ Association, which met in New York on Wednesday.
After half century of long and faithful service as superintendent of the Camden and Philadelphia Ferry Company, Captain Andrew B. Frazee will retire May 1 to a well-deserved and richly earned rest.
William C. Dayton and family will spend the summer at Cape May.
Martin J. O’Brien was married on Wednesday by Father O’Brien, of Kellyville, Pa., to Miss Maggie Longworth, of Third and Royden streets. Nuptian [sic] mass was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Andrew Lyons was best man and Miss Cecelia O’Brien, a sister of the groom, bridesmaid. The ushers were Messrs. Martin Coyne, Secretary John M. Kelly, Francis Xavier O’Brien and ex-Assemblyman O’Brien.
Charles Livingstone, of Ferry avenue and Fillmore streets, entertained a number of friends at his home Tuesday evening.
Lieutenant John Foster has been acting as Chief of Police during the time that Chief Dodd was attending the Grand Lodge of the Legion of the Red Cross.
Postmaster Paul is able to attend to business after a protracted illness.
Howland Croft, senior member of the firm of Howland Croft Sons & Co., started on Thursday for California.
Oliver M. Smith and Mary A. Gregory were united in marriage at the home of the bride’s parents, Third and Mickle streets, by Rev. J. B. Graw, Wednesday night.
Bluecoats for East End
Camden Daily Courier —
EIGHT OF THE NEW GUARDIANS OF THE PEACE NAMED.
Captain Albert Will Have Charge of the New District—Former Chief Abbott Among the Batch of New Appointees.
Eight of the prospective policemen from the Eleventh and Twelfth wards were at the City Hall this morning. They were called into the office of Chief Foster, and then one by one were introduced by the Chief to Mayor Hatch in his private office. The interview with the Mayor was apparently satisfactory, as each man when he emerged from the office of the Mayor wore a broad smile.
Those who have thus far been named, and who will be given their stars as soon as the present force resign or are removed are: Joseph Schmid, Charles D. Ridgely, Samuel Flick, Alberton L. Matlock, Rowland C. E. English, Horatio Sewell, Ferdinand Sell and Robert Abbott. The latter is acting captain of the annexed district, which will be in charge of of [sic] Captain Albert when the reorganized force goes on duty.
Camden’s New Chief of Police
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Lieutenant John Foster was yesterday appointed chief of police by Mayor Hatch to succeed Chief Dodd, recently removed. The new chief, who has been acting in that capacity of late, has been connected with the department for years and is a capable and popular officer. The appointment bears out Mayor Hatch’s promise that efficiency and attention to duty will be the only requisites for promotion in the police department. William Hart, of the Fourth ward, has been appointed city detective.
Police Win Again
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Trolley Company’s Latest Attempt at Track-Laying Easily Stopped
TROLLEY MEN ARRESTED
Mayor Hatch Rushed Out and Ordered Police to Clear the Street—Strategy That Was Not Successful
The Camden and Suburban Railway Company’s latest attempt to lay an additional track on Haddon avenue, Camden, was not a success. Their men were easily routed by the police yesterday. George Danks, foreman of a gang of laborers, and Willis Godfrey, colored, took picks and attempted to tear up the concrete foundation on the street, but were arrested and held for further hearings next Thursday. It is probable that the courts will be appealed to before the attempt to lay tracks on Haddon avenue is renewed.
During the clash with the city authorities yesterday General Manager Walter E. Harrington, of the trolley company, was present with a stenographer, and the latter made notes of all that was said and done. Mr. Harrington admitted that this was for the purpose of commencing legal proceedings.
Nearly 1600 people collected along Haddon avenue early yesterday morning in anticipation of a clash between the police and trolley employes. Mayor Hatch and Chief of Police Foster were on the scene by 6 o’clock. They had a large detail of policemen on hand to prevent any attempt to lay rails on the street. About a square away over 100 laborers and as many carts were gathered at the trolley company’s car barn.
Strategy
The opposing leaders looked over the ground carefully and mapped out plans of action. Everybody was on the qui vive for an outbreak of hostilities. The police guard, however, looked so formidable that the trolley forces had recourse to strategy. Picking out about fifty of the old employes of the company they were sent into the car barn under cover. The rest of the laborers were told to hand in their time cards and were then dismissed for the day. They were told that work would not be begun until to-day.
The ruse worked well. Scouts for the police reported that operations had been suspended and no work would be done until to-day. Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster returned to their offices at the City Hall, some of the policemen were sent back to their beats in the different wards, which had been left unprotected while they were on duty on Haddon avenue. The crowd of spectators dispersed.
About a half hour later, when everything was quiet, about 50 men and carts sallied from the car barn. The men had picks, shovels and railroad ties. A rush was made for Haddon and Newton avenues. A watchful police saw the trolley company’s flying force and quickly passed the word along the line. A messenger was dispatched to City Hall to rout out Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster. They came rushing from the building and were quickly on the scene of action.
When the laborers arrived they found a platoon of police drawn up ready to receive them. The laborers were accompanied by General Manager Harrington, who had Stenographer Berry by his side. Wherever the general manager went the stenographer was with him taking notes of all that was said. Police Captain Stanley ordered the men to disperse.
“Captain,” said Mr. Harrington, “we propose to lay a double track on this street, in accordance with an ordinance granting a franchise to the West Jersey Traction Company.”
“Well, I’m here to stop you,” said the doughty little captain.
“Under whose orders?” was asked.
“Under orders from my superior,” replied the captain.
“Very well,” said Mr. Harrington, and turning to one of his foremen he ordered him to take the men back to the barn.
Defeat
While this colloquy was going on Foreman Danks and Willis Godfrey got their work in. Taking picks they drove them into the concrete foundation for the asphalt pavement. Before a second stroke could be made two policemen walked up and arrested the pick wielders.
“I protest against the illegal arrest of those men,” exclaimed Manager Harrington to Mayor Hatch. He repeated this several times before the Mayor paid any attention to him. Finally, turning to the general manager Mayor Hatch asked:
“Have you a permit to tear up this street?”
“No, sir,” answered Mr. Harrington.
“Then, Chief, clear the street,” ordered the Mayor, addressing Chief of Police Foster.
A charge was made on the crowd and General Manager Harrington and his stenographer were hustled to the sidewalk together with the laborers.
Foreman Danks and Godfrey were taken before Recorder Nowrey and held in $50 bail for a further hearing next Thursday.
The trolley company’s next move will probably be made in the courts.
Policeman Butts’ Funeral
Camden Post-Telegram —
Church Was Crowded During the Services.
The funeral services over Policeman William Butts were held yesterday afternoon and hundreds of people of both colors paid their last respects to the memory of the dead guardian. The services were held in the Macedonia A. M. E. church, at 2 o’clock, but for several hours previous to that hour, the body was exposed to view at the late home of the deceased on South Eighth street.
The procession to the church was led by Mayor Hatch, Chief Foster and a detail of forty policemen, and following them were representatives from local and State Masonic bodies, Knights of Pythias, Fisher Guards and Robeson Post G. A. R. The church was crowded during the service.
SEWELL CLUB RESOLUTIONS.
At a meeting of the William J. Sewell Republican Club, held on Friday evening, a committee of five was named by the president, William H. Jones, to report resolutions on the death of the late William M. Butts, which committee prepared the following resolutions:
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst William Miles Butts, the first president of this club, and to whose interest and attention its success is in a large measure due. Be it therefore
Resolved, that the club enter upon its minutes a minute that in the death of William M. Butts, the club has lost a faithful, earnest and enthusiastic member and the members a genial companion and the city of Camden a faithful and capable officer, whose place it will be hard to fill. Be it further
Resolved, That the club house be draped for the space of thirty days.
John Foster, Camden’s Chief of Police
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Chief Foster has risen from the position of patrolman to the head of the police department by sheer merit. He is an able, energetic and incorruptible official, and has brought the Camden police force to a higher state of efficiency than it had ever attained.
John Foster, Camden’s Chief of Police — Philadelphia Inquirer, November 5, 1899
JOHN FOSTER was a noted policeman in Camden in the 1890s. Born in Bloomfield NJ in 1859, his parents moved to Camden in 1861. He attended school in Camden, before going to work as a hatter at the age of 17. When the Census was taken in 1880 John Foster had married Mary Hanle. The couple lived at 702 South 3rd Street, and were the parents of a daughter, Louisa, not quite a year old. At least three more children would follow before Mrs. Foster passed in the spring of 1894.
John Foster continued working as a hatter until 1888. Active in local Republican politics, he became a member of the Camden police force when the Republicans swept into office in a landslide that year. The Foster family by then was living at 345 Pine Street. John Foster was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on March 12, 1892, and was put in charge of the southern part of Camden, solving many notable cases and making numerous arrests. Like most other Republicans, he was dismissed by the thoroughly partisan Police Commission in March of 1893, but was returned to the Department at his rank the following year, when the Commission was, in its second year of existence, disbanded.
John Foster was appointed Chief of Police in 1899, succeeding long-time Chief Samuel Dodd. That year’s City Directory shows him residing at 247 Pine Street.
In 1895 John Foster served as the first Exalted Ruler of Camden Lodge 293 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Other charter members included Frank A. Ward, Charles L. Bowman, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, Dr. J. F. Leavitt, Fred W. George, T. L. Bear, William M. Fithian, Everett Ackley, Fithian S. Simmons, Philip Wilson, Paul E. Quinn, John N. Kadel, William G. Maguire, Frank B. Sweeten and Maurice Hertz.
Chief Foster oversaw the expansion of Camden’s police department at the same time as Camden expanded with the annexation of Stockton Township, which brought what is now known as East Camden and Cramer Hill within the city limits. Chief Foster served under both Republican and Democrat mayors. Last a resident of 292 Mount Vernon Street, he was still serving as Chief of Police when he died on March 1, 1906 at Jefferson Hospital.
John Foster was succeeded as Chief of Police by Elisha A. Gravenor.
Lieutenant John Foster
Biographical Review — Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Burlington and Camden Counties, New Jersey — 1897
LIEUTENANT JOHN FOSTER is a very popular officer of the Camden city police force. A son of James and Ann (Leach) Foster, both of English birth, he was born in Bloomfield, N. J., October 18, 1859. His grandfather, John Foster, was overseer in a large mill in England. He lived to be fourscore. James Foster, Lieutenant Foster’s father, came to America when a young man, and worked as a hatter in Newark and Philadelphia for half a century or more. He has been a resident of Camden since 1861, and is now in the employ of the city government. He is seventy-six years old. He and his wife attend the Episcopal church. They are the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: Benjamin; James; John; Frank; Alice, wife of Fred Kelterer, of Camden; and Joseph, a merchant in this city.
Lieutenant John Foster was a child when his parents removed to Camden, and he acquired his education in the common schools of this city. When he was seventeen years old he began to learn the hatter’s trade, and was employed thereat in Newark until he attained his majority. He then followed his trade in Camden and Philadelphia until 1888, being appointed patrolman in that year. In March, 1893, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and is now senior in command, with office at the No. 2 Patrol House, Chestnut Street. He has charge of the southern district, his control extending through half the city and including the southern wards. As a shrewd detective and a competent and active police officer he has distinguished himself so that his name is respected throughout this section of the country, and he has been detailed for work on nearly all the important criminal cases. One of his recent captures was George Moness, the murderer of Ella Ford. This man he, in company with another officer, followed to Philadelphia, and brought to bay in a cellar. Moness died in prison. The first murderer captured by Lieutenant Foster was John Hill, who killed Joseph Dodson. Hill was hanged, as was William Moulton, the murderer of Lydia Hoyt, Moulton also being captured by Mr. Foster, with the aid of Coroner Jeffries. A famous capture was that of two Italian murderers, whom he took unassisted. They are now serving a twenty-year sentence in State prison. William Robinson, who killed James Gould on Sixth Street, was also taken by Lieutenant Foster. Robinson was sentenced in January, 1896, to twenty years in prison. Lieutenant Foster’s captures of thieves and minor offenders have been too numerous to mention. In his present position he has twenty-five men under his command. He has two valuable tokens of esteem received from his men — a gold badge and a beautiful revolver. But it is not in police circles alone that he is esteemed, for he has a host of friends in other walks of life; and, as a guardian of the public safety, always on the alert and ready to meet danger face to face, he has the respect and esteem of the community.
Lieutenant Foster was married in 1879 to Mary Hanle, a native of Holmesburg, Pa., and daughter of Joseph Hanle, a prominent citizen of Camden. Mrs. Foster died in April, 1894, aged thirty-five years. She left four children — Louie, Lilly, Alice, and Abbie.
Lieutenant Foster is a member of various Republican clubs of this city. He belongs to the Order of the Shield of Honor and the American Mechanics. He attends worship at the Episcopal church, of which his wife was a member.
End of the Turn Fest
Philadelphia Inquirer —
German Athletes Paraded and Some of the Prizes Were Awarded.
The three days’ session of the seventeenth turnfest of the Philadelphia District Turn Verein came to a close last evening in Camden. The various societies formed in line at 10 o’clock in front of Turner Hall and marched over the principal streets. A platoon of police under command of Lieutenant Foster, headed the line. Mayor Westcott and invited guests in carriages followed. Then came the City Band, the rifle section of the Philadelphia Turngemeine [sic], the Active Turners of the visiting societies, a cavalcade of Turners, ladies classes in carriages and coaches and the boys and girls classes.
The contests at Stockton Park included individual bar exercises, horse work, rope climbing, jumping, running, putting the shot, pole vaulting, dumb bells, bicycle races and wrestling.
At a late hour last night the judges had not finished awarding the prizes. Emil Lingerman and H. Doerschner, of the Camden Turn Verein, secured the first and second prizes respectively for wrestling. Emil Doerschner, of the same society, was awarded first prize for field sports. J. Scharf, of the Camden Turn Verein, won the mile bicycle race in 3.10 3-5.
The Philadelphia Turngemeinde took the first prize for team work. The Camden Turn Verein made more points, but were handicapped by having but fourteen men in the team against the winning society’s thirty-six men.
The visiting societies will be entertained to-day at Washington Park.
Stolen Horses Recovered in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Two valuable horses stolen from West Chester have been recovered in Camden through the efforts of Police Lieutenant Foster and Policeman Harvey.
Camden News Condensed.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mrs. Mary Foster, wife of Lieutenant of Police John Foster, died yesterday.
George Brooks, colored, was badly injured by being caught between the bumpers of a freight train.
Frank Grapewine was committed to jail in default of $200[?] bail, charged with improper conduct with Lizzie Blackfelt.
The funeral of John Cooper, a descendant of the Cooper family, which settled at Cooper’s Point before the Revolution, took place yesterday.
Joseph T. Wilson has brought suit against the estate of William G. Kafrer, who was murdered by a burglar, to recover $[?]000 on old judgments.
Three injunctions to stop work on the extension of the trolley roads outside of Bridgeton were granted by Supreme Court Justice Reed yesterday.
Camden circles of the Brotherhood of the Union celebrated the birthday of George Lippard, founder of the order, by a street parade last night.
Camden Policemen Raid a Sunday Liquor Seller
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Swoop Down on a Saloon Where Three Men Were About to Quench Their Thirst With Foaming Lager Beer. Other Violations Reported
Despite the vigorous crusade of the Camden County Law and Order League and the heavy penalty imposed by Judge Armstrong last week, when he sentenced several Camden saloonkeepers to State prison and the county jail for Sunday liquor selling, some liquor dealers continued to violate the law and defy the authorities yesterday. The police were on the alert, and swooped down on one saloon, where they said they found several men about to quench their thirst with beer. The place raided was the saloon of Henry Hayes, at 824 South Third street.
The raid was made by Captain Stanley, Sergeant Hyde and Policemen Cunningham, Nowrey, Weaver and Harvey, on a warrant issued by Justice Stackhouse, on complaint of Mrs. Ida Buckingham, of 25 North Second street, a member of the Salvation Army. The proprietor, Robert Forbes, John McKenna and William Ivins, who were in the barroom at the time, were taken in custody. Hayes was given a hearing at once by Justice Stackhouse. It was testified that on July 8 James Buckingham, husband of the complainant, went into Hayes’ saloon and bought several glasses of beer. When he got ready to leave Hayes declined to let him go, saying the police were watching on the outside. Buckingham swore he was kept a prisoner for over two hours.
“Judge, can’t I sue Hayes for falsely imprisoning my husband?” asked Mrs. Buckingham, at this point.
Captain Stanley was then sworn, and testified that he saw six colored men come out of Hayes’ gate while he was waiting for an opportunity to make the raid, and then McKenna, Forbes and Ivins went in and he followed them. This was a signal to the policemen in waiting, who jumped an adjoining fence, and, pushing their way by the person tending the back door. When they entered Hayes was back of the bar. Captain Stanley said Hayes had three glasses of beer in his hand, and placed them in front of the men just as the policemen came in.
“I got between the men and the beer and the officers took charge of the barroom,” said Captain Stanley. “I know it was beer because I tasted it. That is something I have not done for over twenty years.”
Sergeant Hyde and the policemen corroborated Captain Stanley as to the facts of the raid and two of the policemen testified that it was beer which Hayes placed on the counter.
When McKenna, Forbes and Ivins were asked if they had anything to say Mrs. Hayes tried to stop them from testifying. Chief of Police Foster threatened her with arrest and as she would not desist he put her out of the hearing room. McKenna was the only one of the three to testify. He said he ordered the beer, but did not have time to pay for it before the policemen came in. Hayes denied selling beer to Buckingham on July 8.
Captain Stanley then made a charge against Hayes of selling liquor yesterday and he pleaded not guilty. He was committed in default of $500 bail. The other three prisoners were held in their own recognizance to appear when wanted as witnesses.
The reports of the captains and sergeants of police to Chief Foster last night show that six saloonkeepers in the southern part of the city were selling liquor yesterday.
First Dry Sunday in Half a Century
Gloucester City Saloonkeepers Dispensed Soft Drinks or Closed Their Places
For the first time in fifty years Gloucester City experienced a dry Sunday yesterday. The sentence of several Camden saloonkeepers to imprisonment for Sunday liquor selling had its effect and at last the Camden County Law and Order League crusade against violators of the excise laws is bearing fruit.
“Positively no intoxicating liquors sold to-day. All kinds of soft drinks for sale, and birch beer on draught,” was the sign displayed on many of the summer gardens along the Gloucester City beach yesterday. The hotelkeepers had their doors thrown wide open so that all who passed could see what was going on inside. Many of the liquor dealers, instead of dispensing “soft” drinks to the thirsty, closed their saloons and went away for the day.
There were a number of Law and Order agents about looking for evidence of Sunday liquor selling, but they met with little success.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The police made 297 arrests during July, which is 89 less than last month, and 79 less than July of last year.
The Woman’s Park Association has offered $50 towards a fund for the establishment of public baths this summer.
Joseph Lewis of Sewell, was fined $1.75 by Recorder Nowrey yesterday for bicycle “scorching.”
The body of the unknown man, found drowned in Cooper’s Creek last Sunday, was buried in the Potter’s field yesterday.
George Marple, of 1814 Mulford street, was held in ball [sic] by Justice Chester on a charge of receiving a bridle stolen from Freeholder Rhoads.
Chief of Police Foster declares that while Sunday liquor selling still continues the fourteen persons arraigned for drunkenness before Recorder Nowrey last Monday morning were nearly all arrested on Saturday night.
George Thomas, of Rudderow avenue, East Side, a blacksmith, employed at the Pavonia car shops, was forging a piece of iron yesterday when the iron slipped from the anvil and falling on his arm broke his wrist.
While at work at the Keystone Leather Works, at Seventeenth and Carman streets, East Side, yesterday afternoon, Frederick Myers, of 2630 Federal street, had his arm caught in the machinery and severely lacerated.
Ella Riley, seventeen years old, of the East Side, who was recently committed to the House of the Good Shepherd, in Philadelphia, has been reported to Overseer of the Poor Jefferis as being mentally afflicted. The overseer will investigate the report to-day, and if necessary, have the girl removed to Camden and examined as to her sanity.
On the Conductors and the Motormen
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TROLLEY GIFTS ARE INDORSED IN NEW JERSEY
Coin Is Already Falling Into the Hands of the Men Who Handle Rope and Brake
EX MAYOR JACKSON, Of Gloucester City
SURROGATE G. S. WEST, Of Camden
JOHN S. SMITH, Of Camden
EX MAYOR BEASTON, Of Gloucester City
HERBERT STETSER, Of Gloucester City
JOHN CHERRY, Of Camden
JUSTICE F SNYDER, Of Gloucester City
CLAYTON G. SAGERS, Of Gloucester City
TALK WITH MEN WHO RUN THE CARS
Loud in Their Praise of The Inquirer’s Suggestion to Give to Worthy and Deserving Workmen
There is a determined effort in Camden to keep pace with other cities that have indorsed The Inquirer’s plan to give cheer to trolley conductors and motormen.
George S. West, Surrogate of Camden county, has been identified with all sorts of public movements, and is therefore qualified to speak with some authority about The Inquirer’s suggestion. “It is a good one,” he said yesterday. “I hope the people of Camden will act on it on Monday, and act liberally. These car men deserve a generous contribution.”
John Cherry and John S. Smith, Camden county detectives, use the trolley cars freely, and with characteristic readiness they had something to say about The Inquirer’s idea. “Tell the riders that hold free passes to remember the trolley men,” said Smith, while Cherry nodded assent. Cherry added: “We will contribute our share to the crew of every car we use on Monday.”
Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd, of Camden county, said: “I approve of The Inquirer’s effort for the car men heartily, and I am glad to see The Inquirer push it so earnestly.”
John Wesley Sell, Sheriff of Camden county, said: “Yes, sir; put me down as one who indorses The Inquirer’s suggestion, and will act on it on Monday. The car men have always had my sympathy in their perpetually trying situations, and I would like to see everybody combine in a response to The Inquirer’s suggestion.”
Chief of Police John Foster, of Camden, is an earnest advocate of better treatment of men who spend their lives on the street in all sorts of weather. “The Inquirer’s idea of Christmas contributions to trolley men,” said he, “is one of the most practical suggestions I have ever heard of. I vote for it with both hands, and I hope the people of Camden will do their duty on Monday. I will do my part.”
“How would you like to be the conductor?”
Thus spoke Conductor George Gannett when he alighted from his car at the corner of Market and King streets, Gloucester City, yesterday afternoon after his day’s work, and holding up his change bag said to his fellow conductors waiting for their cars:
“This is what The Inquirer has done for me.”
There was just $6.35 in the bag, and that amount was given him in nickels and pennies through the suggestion of The Inquirer on his eight trips. Such was the case among other conductors on the Camden, Gloucester and Woodbury trolley cars, and together with the motormen they returned home to their families wreathed in smiles, as they were sure of having a Christmas turkey.
On all the cars of the Woodbury trolley road the passengers would either drop an extra nickel or say “keep the change.”
Conductor Gannett said to an Inquirer reporter after leaving the trolley office that he did not think he would get so much, but when the nickels came pouring in on every trip he opened his eyes and said to his motorman: “The Inquirer is a great paper and maybe we will not have turkey galore.”
Camden Trolley Men Wreathed in Smiles
Camden trolley men are looking with eagerness to a Christmas offering from their passengers on Monday, and some of the conductors are already wreathed in smiles over tips already given them by riders who do not expect to be in town on Monday. It is refreshing to see a meek-looking and mild-mannered conductor look closely at the change tendered him for a fare, and then smile expansively when he sees an extra coin for himself and the motorman.
“Thank you,” is uttered in tones that makes the riders smile at one another in pleasure. The conductor returns to the rear platform and beams on the passengers within the car, and when he reaches up and pulls the signal to the motorman to stop the car, the sound of the bell seems to be really musical.
Vice Chief of Glassblowers Speaks To the Editor of The Inquirer.
The Philadelphia Inquirer deserves great credit for the interest it has taken in the conductors and motormen of three States. There is none more worthy to be helped. These men suffer more through exposure for the comforts of the people than any other class of workmen. Wishing all street railway workmen shorter hours and more home comforts, I am, very sincerely, W. M. DOUGHERTY, Vice President Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association of United States and Canada.
From the Hammonton South Jersey Republican.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has originated a novel and praiseworthy scheme, viz.: That patrons of trolley cars everywhere in paying their fare give the conductor an extra cent or more on Monday next. At night all this surplus money will be divided between the conductor who hands it in and his motorman, and will go far toward making for their families a merry Christmas. A great scheme—worthy of a great paper.
From the Camden Democrat.
Camden will doubtless respond most cheerfully to the thoughtful and timely suggestion of The Philadelphia Inquirer to remember the trolley conductors and motormen on Monday next, the day before Christmas. This the local travelling public are requested to do by handing to the conductor in conjunction with their regular fare an extra cent, nickel or dime, according to their individual inclination and means. These extra pennies are to be divided between the regular car men and designed, of course, to help in adding to the material accessories of their Christmas dinner. The plan is a most praiseworthy one, and commends itself to the practical consideration of every patron of our street car lines.
Gift to Colonel Murphy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While drilling the Camden police force in the Third Regiment Armory yesterday afternoon Colonel Daniel B. Murphy was surprised by the presentation to him in behalf of the policemen of a gold-mounted ebony cane. The drill was suddenly interrupted by Chief of Police John Foster, and then Policeman Pedrick, in a neat speech, presented the cane to the dumfounded colonel.
Camden’s Pride Parades Before City’s People
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Foster, Chief of Police
His Honor Mayor Hatch and the Judges Reviewing the Parade
Samuel S. Elfreth, Chief of Fire Dept.
Policemen and Firemen Make Their Initial Turnout and Present a Creditable Appearance—Reviewed by Officials—How the Departments Have Grown
With a line up that could not be surpassed by the famous “Broadway Squad” of New York, Camden’s policemen, or most of them, turned out in review yesterday. The military carriage of the men excited much favorable comment, especially among those who were not aware that the men have been drilled every week for a year past by Colonel D. B. Murphy, of the National Guard of New Jersey. The policemen were followed by an array of firemen and a variety of apparatus that made many of the natives gasp in astonishment. Altogether the procession was a revelation to Camden residents who thought they were well informed about their city.
The procession was headed by Jennings’ Third Regiment Band. Then came Chief John Foster, of the Police Department, followed by a line composed of Police Captains Stanley, Alberts and Doyle and Sergeant Bentley. Following them under the silken folds of “Old Glory,” which he carried with a steady grasp, was Policeman George A. Donovan, a colored member of the force. Two platoons of forty policemen each were led by Sergeants Horner and Hyde. The police patrol wagons and the city ambulance brought up the end of the policemen’s line. The total police force of the city consists of ninety nine men.
The City Band, followed by Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, of the Fire Department, in a carriage, marked the head of the firemen’s line. The seventy-two men of this department were in two sections, the first being led by Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, of the department headquarters, and the second by Assistant Chief Benjamin Kellum of the East Side. Between the two sections marched the Ivy Fife and Drum Corps. The apparatus in line consisted of six hose carts, five engines, three hook and ladder trucks, two chemical engines and a supply wagon.
The growth of Camden’s police department may be seen by a comparison of the present with the year 1862, when six policemen sufficed to protect the entire city, which was then divided in three wards. In 1876 there were only sixteen policemen in the city and nine regular firemen under one chief. There were, however, thirty extra men subject to call by the chief.
The parade yesterday was reviewed by Mayor Hatch and the City Councilmen from the balcony on the Broadway side of the Court House.
Col. Felton Committed Suicide in His Office
Camden Daily Courier —
Closed the Place Up Tightly and Turned on Gas Jet.
His Family at Stone Harbor
The Real Estate Operator’s Confidential Clerk Made a Startling Discovery When He Opened the Office This Morning—He Had Been Acting Strangely for Weeks.
Colonel George G. Felton, the well known real estate dealer, former City Treasurer and Deputy Quartermaster of the National Guards, committed suicide sometime last night or early this morning by asphyxiating himself in the Felton building, northeast corner of Second and eFderal [sic] streets.
The suicide caused a great sensation when it became generally known and a large crowd of people surrounded the building all morning until the removal of the body by Funeral Director Fithian Simmons to his office on Market street. Mr. Felton resided at 413 Washington street, but his family has been summering at Stone Harbor.
The death of Col. Felton was not discovered until half-past 7 o’clock this morning, when Confidential Clerk Smith on opening the doors of the office detected the smell of gas. Col. Felton had been absent from the office for several days and Clerk Smith’s suspicions were aroused, knowing that County Colector [sic] Mahlon F. Ivins was a bosom friend and business confidante of Col. Felton, he hastened across the street to his office and informing him of his misgivings, asked him to assist him in making an investigation. Before accompanying Mr. Smith to the Felton building, Collector Ivins ‘phoned to the City Hall and the police in turn notified Coroners Robinson and Litchfield. The Central station also directed Policeman George Kappel to take charge of the premises and when he arrived there was joined by Policeman Harry Hiller. Chief Foster and Captain Boyle were also soon on the scene.
Accompanied by Mr. Ivins, Clerk Smith returned to the Felton building. Passing through the main office they treaded their way down a dim, narrow corridor to the private examining room of the U. S. Pension physicians. Opening the door the stench of gas was so overpowering that it nearly knocked them down. They, however, bravely ventured into the room and threw open the windows, the gas escaping into the street and enabling them to pursue their gruesome search. They found it on a sofa in a corner of the room, a small but high ceilinged apartment. On the sofa lay the dead body of Col. Felton, disrobed of his outer garments and wearing a calm, peaceful expression in sad discord with his worldly troubles. Overhead the gas stove connection was on full tilt, graphically explaining the mode of death. On a chair nearby were found his trousers and vest, while his hat, coat and watch were found in his own main office.
Coroners Litchfield and Robinson gave a certificate of death of heart failure, superinduced by inhaling gas. From the pink discoloration about the wrists where the blood was leaving the veins, Dr. Litchfield said that the body had been dead at least six hours, though he may have been dead ten or twelve.
Col. Felton was seen to enter his building at exactly 12.10 o’clock this morning. A citizen, whose name is withheld at his own request, had been talking with Night Watchman Clarence Hires on Federal street. He bade Hires good night and when he reached Second street saw the Colonel come around the corner. He came as though to enter his office by the front door, but turned and going back up Second street entered the side-door. Mr. Hires says the light was burning in the Colonel’s front office from 7 o’clock last night to 5 o’clock this morning, when he went off duty and Mr. Smith found it still burning when he arrived.
Colonel Felton has been acting strangely for several weeks and had not been at his office for two or three days.
When asked by anxious friends what the trouble was, he would put his hands to the side of his head and complain that it was in bad shape. He was seen in the hotel at Haddon avenue station on Saturday afternoon. He carried a grip and appeared very cheerful. Asked if he had been to the shore he replied no, he had been down the country, Bridgeton.
Grocer Charles F. Eastlack, by whom Col. Felton was at one time employed, went to Stone Harbor this morning to notify the family of his death. Col. Felton leaves a widow and adopted daughter, Miss Leona Felton.
Col. George G. Felton was born at Westville, Mass., and was fifty-six years of age. He had been a resident of this city for about quarter of a century. Previous to that he was engaged in the grocery business at Burlington. On coming to Camden, he entered the employ of Grocer Charles F. Eastlack, at Third and Washington streets, but later entered the employ of his brother, Charles H. Felton, who had an extensive real estate business. On the death of the latter the Colonel went into the same business for himself, his brother’s widow continuing the old business under the name of Charles H. Felton & Co. It is not known, however, whether business troubles impelled him to end his life.
Col. Felton was prominent in political, military and society circles. In 1892 he was appointed by Mayor Wescott a member of the Board of Public Works.
In 1896 he was appointed City Treasurer to fill the unexpired term of the late F. F. Michellon. In 1897 he was elected City Treasurer for two years, his election being contested by his Democratic rival, Freedom C. Lippincott, but was confirmed by the County Board of Elections.
He was Deputy Quartermaster on the Governor’s staff and a member of the Masonic order and A. O. U. W.
Colonel Felton was active in building and loan association circles. He was treasurer of the Mechanics’ and Workingmen’s Building and Loan Association and was former secretary of the People’s. He was also a director of the Security Trust Company. He had also been a director in the Central Trust.
Mrs. Felton will arrive from Stone Harbor this evening, when arrangements for the funeral will be made. The flag at Post 5 Hall is flying at half-mast in Col. Felton’s memory, for he was a Grand Army veteran, having gone to the front when a mere boy.
Notable Growth of Labor Unions
Membership of the Telegraphers Union Increasing in the West.
By “The Courier’s” Own Wire.
Chicago, July 7.—President Samuel Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor, was in Chicago yesterday on his way to San Francisco, and while here addressed a meeting of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union. President Gompers expressed himself as pleased with the action of the telegraphers in organizing, and with the condition of labor organizations throughout the country. He stated that there were more unions and larger memberships of the same than at any time in the history of labor. President MacDonald, of the Telegraphers’ Union, said that the membership was increasing, and that there were similar unions now established at Milwaukee and Kansas City. About five hundred telegraphers were present at the meeting.
Florist Fish Dies Suddenly
Expired Yesterday Morning at Pleasantville Where He Was Visiting Friends.
Walter C. Fish, a well known florist of Broadway and Spruce streets, this city, died suddenly early yesterday morning at Pleasantville, N. J., where he had been visiting friends since the Fourth. For some months past he has not been well and complained frequently of pains in his head.
Yesterday morning he arose as usual, and at about half-past 6 o’clock was taken with severe pains in the head. He continued to grow worse and two physicians were summoned. They ministered to the sick man, but without any apparent success, and at twenty minutes after 7 o’clock he died.
A member of the family could not state this morning just what Mr. Fish’s malady was. It was thought probably that he suffered from brain trouble.
The body was brought to this city yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock, and the funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon next at 2 o’clock. Mr. Fish was a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 3, A. O. U. W., Improved Order of Heptasophs; Camden Conclave, No. 215; Witherspoon Circle, No. 1, Brotherhood of the Union.
“Just a Gentle Touch.”
That Was All, But Joseph’s Watch and Money Went With It.
Annie McAntee, alias Hayes, twenty-four years old, of Philadelphia, and Joseph Costello, thirty years old, also of Philadelphia, were arraigned before Recorder Stackhouse this morning on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. The twain were picked up by Policeman Matlack on Sunday morning about 3 o’clock at Third and Walnut streets, very much the worse for liquor.
The aimless wanderings of the couple and their suspicious actions first caught the attention of the policeman and he followed them. Costello became tired of walking and went to sleep on a convenient door step. At this stage of the game the Hayes woman was seen by the officer to abstract something from the clothes of the sleeping man, and then to slip away and hide behind a tree on the opposite side of the street. In a few moments the man awoke and not seeing the woman started off down Walnut street. As soon as he was out of sight the woman skipped down Third
Alleged Policy People Arrested
Philadelphia Inquirer —
One of the Most Fruitful Raids in Years Was Made in Camden Yesterday
One of the most successful policy raids in years, in Camden, was made under the supervision of Chief of Police Foster yesterday. Sergeant Hyde and squad arrested Thomas F. Waters, alias “Uncle Frank,” aged 73 years; Isaac G. Johnson, seven persons, male and female, white and colored, and captured a quantity of drawings, “dream books” and plays, at 2[?]7 Division street.
Captain Stanley, Sergeant Reeder [sic] and squad arrested four women and secured a lot of paraphernalia in a house on Locust near Line street. The alleged proprietor is still at large.
Policeman Sayrs arrested Gilbert Massey, aged 70 years, at 727 Sycamore street, on the charge of being a policy writer.
At the hearings before Justice Stackhouse, Waters, Johnson and Massey were committed in default of $1000 bail each. The witnesses were released. The complaints were made by an agent of the Fidelity Detective Agency.
Police Disperse Socialist Crowd
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Meeting Was Scheduled in Camden, But It Was Prohibited for Fear of Trouble
Considerable excitement was created in Camden last night by the attempt of members of the Camden branch of the Socialistic party to hold an open air meeting at the junction of Broadway, Newton avenue and Mt. Vernon streets. The meeting was stopped by orders of Mayor Hatch. Chief of Police Foster, Captain Stanley, Sergeants Reeder [sic] and Stackhouse and twenty-five patrolmen were kept busy dispersing the large crowd which gathered. For a time it looked as though there would be serious trouble.
George H. Geabel, of Newark, N. J., who was expected to deliver the principal address, said to Chief Foster that it was an abridgement of the freedom of speech, that neither he nor his party were anarchists or Nihilists. He insisted that Czolgosz is a Nihilist. The Chief replied that their attitude might not be understood by the large crowd gathered, and violence might be done them, and it was his duty, therefore, to stop the meeting.
Miller and Matlack Sentenced to Dismissal
Camden Daily Courier —
Two Policemen Lose Their Stars Through the Election Riots.
THE REPORT NOW GOES TO COUNCIL.
The Police Committee’s Finding Was Unanimous So Far as the Four Members Present Were Concerned—Hansen [sic] Did Not Attend Last Night’s Session.
The action of the Police Committee of Council, in the matter of the officers accused of unbecoming conduct and intimidating voters at the recent congressional primaries, will meet with general approval. There has been entirely too much of police interference at the polls, both at primary and general elections, and by officers who in other respects were faithful and efficient. Their party or factional zeal is no excuse for such conduct. The Police Committee, under the leadership of Ben Lawton, whose intelligence and integrity are unquestioned, gave the accused a full hearing, and an impartial view of its action will be its general indorsement.
The Police Committee of City Council last night discharged Policeman Robert Miller, of the First district, and W. L. Matlack, of the Third district, from the police force, as the result of the fight participated in by them at the recent primary election.
The charges against Policeman Albert Keaser, also of the First district, were not sustained.
Matlack was charged by John Corbett, Judge of the election in one of the precincts of the Twelfth ward, with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Miller was charged by George V. Murry with intimidating voters, assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer. Murry also charged Keaser with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The members of the committee were all present except Councilman James S. Hanson. The meeting was called for 7:30 o’clock, but Chairman Lawton waited until 8 o’clock for Mr. Hanson. There were four members present, Messrs. Jones, Leas, Broome and Lawton, and the rumor was that the Councilmen were equally divided in their opinions and were waiting for Mr. Hanson to come and cast the deciding vote. A fifteen minutes’ caucus settled the matter and Assistant City Clerk Morris Odell then announced the decision.
Mr. Miller was the only one of the three policemen at the City Hall, and when he learned of his discharge he walked into Chief Foster’s office and said: “Well, I am fired, but there is one thing I can say, and that is, that as long as I have been on the force I’ve been an officer and done my duty.”
The action of the committee will be embodied in the report to be submitted to City Council.
The discharge of Miller and Matlack will make two vacancies on the police force, to be filled by Mayor Nowrey.
Missing Camden Boys Murdered in a Field
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Young John Coffin and Price Jennings Believed to Have Been Poisoned—Companion Arrested and Committed to Jail
John H. Coffin
Price Jennings.
Where body of young Jennings was found.
Where Coffin’s body was found.
The discovery of their bodies cold in death, the victims of an atrocious double murder, yesterday solved the mystery surrounding the disappearance from their homes in Camden on Wednesday of John H. Coffin, the 11-year-old son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, his chum and playmate, the 13-year old son of Josephus Jennings, leader of Jennings’ Third Regiment Band, of Camden.
Paul Woodward, 18 years old, a companion of both the boys, is charged with their murder and is locked up in the county jail awaiting the further action of the authorities. There are no evidences of external injuries and the only theory to which the police can attribute the cause of death is that the assassin of the boys administered poison to them, and it is along this line that County Physician Jones and Prosecutor Lloyd are conducting an investigation.
The details surrounding the atrocious crime makes it one the like of which has never been known in the criminal history of this section of the country. The youth of the boys, their heretofore relations of good companionship, and many other circumstances make of it an almost unparalleled crime, and while there is said to be every evidence of a motive for the murder, in the opinion of those who are in close touch with the case, it is an instance in which the work is that of a degenerate boy in whom all sense of right and wrong have long since been dead. Certain it is that the crime has stirred the people of Camden and vicinity to a feverish heat to which it has not been stirred since the days following the murder of Annie Leconey.
Found in a Field
The bodies of both the lads were found yesterday morning in a field near the Haddon Heights Station of the Reading Railroad on what is known as the Lippincott farm, about a quarter mile from Station Avenue. The body of young Jennings was found lying in a clump of bushes and less than forty yards away lay the remains of Coffin. Both bodies were stiff and in a state of decomposition. Coffin’s body was the first discovered, and it was not long after when that of his companion was found.
No sooner did the news of the discovery become known than the greatest excitement prevailed through the city of Camden and its suburbs. All sorts of rumors began to circulate, some of them hinting that the bodies were in a horribly mutilated condition and that the work was that of a negro. In a short time, however, whatever element of mystery there was about the case, so far as present indications go, was dissipated when the identification of the bodies was made and the arrest of young Woodward was accomplished soon afterwards.
Then the mystery began to clear somewhat. Both boys disappeared from their homes on Wednesday afternoon. When they failed to return that night the police were notified and a description of them was sent around the country adjacent to Camden and also to Philadelphia. Some persons said they had gone to Trenton to the fair, while others told of having seen them in the vicinity of Haddon Heights Station. Nothing came of these statements at the time, and meanwhile the boys failed to return home. Coffin’s father was of the opinion that the boys had been kidnapped, but this theory was not held by the police.
First Body Discovered
Late Friday night, Clarence Kreuson, whose home is at Haddon Heights, and a friend of his, Frank Johnson, who lives in this city, were returning from an afternoon of blackbird shooting. While crossing the field they came across the body of a boy. It was lying in the bushes, half concealed, and when they made a closer examination they discovered that life was extinct. In alarm Kreuson and his companion ran to the home of A. H. Wood, near-by, and communicated their intelligence. Wood immediately sent a telephone message to Coroner Litchfield in Camden, apprising him of the discovery. That official, through some misunderstanding, thought it was a man named Brown who had been talking to him. He hitched up his horse and drove to Haddon Heights, but was unable to locate the body. He was also unable to locate anyone named Brown. Further investigation was, therefore, postponed until yesterday morning, when the Coroner again visited the scene and found the body in the bushes.
From the clothing worn it was thought at first it might be Coffin’s, and after it had been brought to the Morgue, William Coffin, the lad’s father, was sent for. He was accompanied by Kingston Jennings, elder brother of the other missing boy. Mr. Coffin when nerved to look at the remains, exclaimed, “My God, it’s Price. Where is my boy. He must be found.” The identification was then made complete by the dead boy’s brother.
Meanwhile a number of persons had been going over the field where the body had been found in the search for clues that might lead to a discovery of the murderer of the boy, when one of them chanced across the remains of the other lad lying under a dead tree. This body was identified on the spot by Detective Curtis, of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The lad’s body was also taken to the Morgue and laid on a slab alongside of his chum.
Police at Work
The police in the interim had not been idle, and after scouring the vicinity of the place where the bodies had been found, came across Lillian Martin, the 15-year-old daughter of J. Wilson Martin, who conducts a “Cyclers’ Rest” at Collings avenue and the White Horse pike. She remembered having seen two boys answering the description of the dead lads in their place on Wednesday. They were accompanied by an older and a taller boy. Jennings seemed to have considerable money and purchased three pies and three bottles of soda water. After that they left the place and she never saw them again until she looked upon their bodies.
Prosecutor Frank Lloyd at once set to work, and Detective Hart was sent in search of young Woodward. Inquiry at his home, at 221 Benson street, brought the response that he was not at home. His mother learned what he was wanted for, and about 2 o’clock sent for Detective Hart and turned the boy over to him. She accompanied him to the Prosecutor’s office and, talking to the newspaper reporters, said that beyond being addicted to the use of cigarettes Paul was a good boy. She persisted that he could not have committed the crime as he was home all of Wednesday, Thursday and yesterday until the afternoon, when he went to Philadelphia to visit relatives. What the police are reported to view with importance is a statement that the mother is also alleged to have made to the effect that on Wednesday he had bothered her a great deal about money for a hat and shoes. While the authorities will make no admission, it is intimated that the motive they ascribe for the crime is robbery, and that the fact that Jennings had $10 when he disappeared was what led to his murder, and the murder of the other little fellow followed as a necessity for hiding the crime, as well as to get possession of a silver watch he is said to have had.
Identified Woodward
After young Woodward was taken into the Prosecutor’s office, besides the Prosecutor there were present Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Court Stenographer Berry, Chief of Police Foster, of Camden; Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville, and Detectives Painter and Hart. In a few minutes Detective Cherry arrived with Lillian Martin. The latter had been cautioned not to say anything to anybody, either in or out of the room. She was inside for less than thirty seconds, and when she came out she is reported to have said that Woodward was the young man whom she had seen with the boys on Wednesday in her father’s place. She was taken back a second and a third time, and after the latter, it is said, she told the detectives that she was certain he was the person. She then left for her home, where she resisted all attempts to interview her.
In the meantime Recorder Stackhouse issued a commitment for Woodward on the oath of Detective Cherry, charging the young man with the murder of Coffin. Jennings’ name was not mentioned, as Coffin’s answered the same purpose.
While this was going on County Physician Jones was holding an autopsy in the basement of the jail, where the morgue is located. A personal examination showed that there were no external marks of violence, and in order to clinch the result of the autopsy he summoned from Philadelphia Professors Copeland and Rosenberger, of the Jefferson Hospital. Dr. Copeland performed the autopsy, and was at work until nearly 6 o’clock, when it was announced that no results other than that death was not due to external injuries, had been accomplished.
Prosecutor Lloyd said: “There was a double murder. Of that much we are certain. Death was not due to external injuries. What we suspect you will have to conjecture. The organs of both the boys have been sent to a chemist for examination. More than that I cannot say, except that we have arrested Paul Woodward on suspicion and that he is charged with the murder. The same man that killed one of the boys no doubt killed the other. All I ask now is that judgment be suspended for a few days, when I believe all will be cleared up.”
Woodward Visited Mr. Coffin
Mr. Coffin, whose home is at 305 North Third street, yesterday said: “It’s an awful blow that has come to me and I hardly know what to say. It does seem to me that Paul Woodward exerted an evil influence over my boy. I remember now that on Thursday he came to the house and wanted me to hire him to look for John. He then said that he thought he could find him.”
At the Woodward home it was stated that the mother and father of the boy had gone to Philadelphia. Charles May, a boarder, said there would be no trouble in proving that Paul was home all day of Wednesday, as well as the day following. He said that on each of those nights the boy had been in bed by 8 o’clock. This testimony, he said, would be corroborated by the boy’s mother, father, sister and himself. The only time Paul was out of the house, he said, was when he went several errands for his mother.
Late yesterday afternoon Coroner Litchfield empaneled the following jury: David Kaighn, George Leathwite, Isaac Toone, George J. Pechin, Elmer E. Cox and T. L. Bear. At 5 o’clock they viewed the remains, after which the bodies were sent to their respective homes. No date for the inquest has been fixed.
The stomach and other organs of both the youthful victims are in the possession of George M. Beringer, a druggist and chemist, at Fifth and Federal streets. Last night he said he had begun his examination, but it would take him probably a day or two more to complete his analysis.
Camden Policemen Must Pay Debts
Camden Post-Telegram —
The Police Committee of Camden City Council has decided to compel policemen to pay their debts. Chief Foster has been instructed to notify all officers to settle claims against them within ten days.
If this order is not complied with, or some satisfactory arrangement is not made with the creditors, delinquents will be summarily dealt with. This action was taken at the instance of numerous tradesmen and professional men.
No Clue to Bandits, But Suspects Spotted
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden police have not the slightest clue as to the identity of the five men who early Saturday morning created a furor on the outskirts of the city by holding up a bridge tender, blowing up a safe and doing other acts that marked them as being desperadoes. The entire police force was at work yesterday, but the description given by Till and the officers who had the encounter with the emulators of the wild and woolly West was so meagre that there was practically nothing to work on.
Chief of Police John Foster said last night to an Inquirer reporter: “We have not learned anything that might lead to the arrest of the desperadoes. In the event of suspects being arrested it would be a difficult matter to connect them with the case, because no one seems to be in position to give a description. I am of the opinion that they are professionals from the manner in which they did their work.
Acquainted With Locality
“Another thing seems evident, and that is the robbers were acquainted with the locality in which they operated. They either were personally acquainted with East Camden or made it a point to get acquainted.
“This William Thallman, who is wanted in Burlington county, where the police believe him to be the head of a gang of thieves, may possibly know something about the Pavonia affair. From what I have learned he appears to be a desperate character, just one who would have the nerve to lead a gang of men to do the work of Saturday morning. Of course this is mere supposition, and it is impossible to say he is one of the men we are looking for. Another thing that might possibly connect him with the case would be his knowledge of East Camden, which is an important factor.”
Early yesterday morning a dispatch was received from Elizabeth in which it was stated that three suspicious characters had been arrested. According to the dispatch the trio were found in a box car that came from Camden. City Detectives John Painter and William Hart were at once sent to Elizabeth to take a look at the suspects. When they arrived they found the prisoners were boys and a brief line of questioning soon disposed of the theory that they had anything to do with the Camden affair. The detectives, who returned last night, said the boys were Philadelphians and had jumped a freight for a ride.
Special Officer Hare, of the Pennsylvania Railroad, noticed a group of men loitering about the Pavonia Station. Their actions were suspicious, and he took one into custody. The police were of the opinion that the prisoner might know something about the bandits, but he convinced them that he was in total ignorance of the thieves. He gave the name of D. Donovan, no home. He is still held by the police, but with no expectation of throwing any light on the identity of the men wanted so badly.
Perhaps no one had a better opportunity of giving a description of the men than Oscar Till, the bridgetender at the State street bridge, who, at the points of pistols held by two men, tied a mask over the face of a third. But even he cannot recall his midnight visitors sufficiently to furnish the police with anything to work on.
“I was too badly scared to know what they looked like,” he said. “When a couple of men are pressing cold steel to your temples, with a command to do a certain thing or die, you generally do the thing asked. I had no time to think about descriptions or anything else. The business I had to attend to was to tie the mask on the bandit, and I attended strictly to that business.”
Ralph Haines, the night operator at the tower, who was shot at repeatedly as he poked his head out of the window inquiring as to the cause of the explosion at the Pavonia station, was commended yesterday for his cool-headedness. After dodging bullets repeatedly, one of which came within an inch of his head, he dropped to the floor, crawled over to the “ticker” and asked the main office for help. Haines could see the men in silhouette but was too distant to recognize any characteristics that might lead to identifying them.
Last night numerous reports were received at Camden police headquarters of suspicious characters being seen in various parts of the city. A trolley car conductor reported at 10 o’clock that several men with dark lanterns were observed loitering about Haddon and Kaighn avenues. Sergeant Hyde, with a squad of officers, was sent to the locality, but the men had disappeared. Another report came from Fairview street near the ship yard at the lower end of the Eighth ward that suspicious-looking persons were hanging about the neighborhood, but no one could be found there when the officers arrived.
Police Guard Gas Tank
Philadelphia Inquirer —
More Men Put to Work and No Trouble Occurs
Thirty men were put at work yesterday on the big gas holder being constructed at Locust and Walnut streets, Camden, in place of the striking riveters. Eighty men from the Camden Iron Works assisted them in lowering the base of the tank.
It was expected trouble would ensue between the workmen and the strikers, but Chief of Police John Foster had a large squad of officers at the scene all day preventing any disturbance.
George Daly, one of the strikers, was held in $600 bail by Recorder Stackhouse, charged with assaulting Edward S. Strang and Charles F. Watkins.
Camden Police Form Organization
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A branch of the State Police Beneficial Association was formed in Camden yesterday by the election of Sergeant Edward Hyde president; Sergeant C. O. Pedrick, vice president; Sergeant Albert Gravenor, financial secretary; Sergeant David Bentley, recording secretary; Sergeant John Reeder, treasurer, and Chief John Foster, Sergeant William Schregler and Sergeant George Nowrey, trustees.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 12, 1905
** William Jansen, of Schemeron street, Brooklyn, has written to Chief of Police Foster asking him to locate his wife, Grace Annie Jansen, who has been missing from home since December 17.
New Officers Sworn In
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Henry C. Moffett, of the Fifth ward, Camden, was appointed a city detective by Mayor Charles H. Ellis yesterday. Moffett was immediately detailed for duty by Chief Foster. John Brothers, James Clay, Lewis Stehr and Virginia Troncone were sworn in as patrolmen. Brothers was deputy keeper at the State Prison, Trenton, for a number of years.
Detective Moffett Begins His Duties
Camden Post-Telegram —
Henry C. Moffett is now a full-fledged detective. The Mayor appointed him this morning and Moffett at once reported to Chief Foster.
HENRY C. MOFFETT, The new City Detective who went on Duty To-Day. —Cut loaned by Philadelphia Inquirer.
James Clay, Lewis Stehr, Jr., John Brothers and Virginia [sic] Troncone were sworn in as patrolmen.
Beggar Made Threats When Refused Alms
Camden Post-Telegram —
BEGGAR MADE THREATS WHEN REFUSED ALMS
The first arrest in conformity with Chief of Police Foster’s strict orders to abate the tramp nuisance, that of worthless hoboes harassing housewives at back doors, was made by Policeman Charles Fitzsimmons yesterday afternoon. The prisoner is a Fishtowner named Edward Lynch, who, although 41 years of age and able-bodied, is apparently too light for heavy work, for he has been begging about South Camden for several weeks.
Yesterday afternoon Policeman Fitzsimmons detected Lynch begging at back gates and then followed him to Fourth street and Kaighn avenue, where he accosted a man for a nickel and because refused threatened to “paste him one on the snout.”
It did not take “Fits” long to nab the abusive hoodlum by the coat collar and hustle him to the patrol box.
In Police Court this morning, Detective Harry Moffett said that Lynch was a pal of Mike McGurk, the thieving tramp sent to jail for three months by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday, for helping himself to an overcoat from Leaven’s clothing store on Kaighn avenue above Third, and had served time before.
Lynch had nothing to say and was given thirty days in the county jail.
Foster (death notice)
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FOSTER.—On March 1, 1906, JOHN, son of James and the late Ann Foster, aged 46 years. Relatives and friends, also Ionic Lodge, No 94, F and A.M., Mercantile Lodge, No 4, Shield of Honor; Fifth Ward Republican Club, Police Department and Camden Republican Club and city officials, are invited to attend the funeral, on Sunday, March 4, at 1 P.M., from his late residence, 292 Mount Vernon st., Camden, N.J. Interment at Harleigh Cemetery. Remains can be seen Saturday, from 7 to 9 P.M.
John Foster — James Foster — Ionic Lodge No. 94. F & A. M. — Fifth Ward Republican Club — Mount Vernon Street
Chief Foster to Be Buried To-morrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Acting Chief of Police William Schregler in Camden yesterday received many letters from persons all over the country expressing regret over the death of Chief of Police John Foster. Among them was a letter from Richard Sylvester, of Washington, D. C., president of the National Association of Police Chiefs and a warm personal friend of Chief Foster. The funeral, which will take place to-morrow from the home at 2[?]2 Mt. Vernon street, promises to be one of the largest the city has witnessed for many months. Captains, lieutenants and sergeants of the Philadelphia force and delegations from near-by cities will attend.
Great Throngs at the Funeral of Chief Foster
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Witnessed Greatest Demonstration of Its Kind Since Gen. Sewell’s Burial
THOUSANDS PAID TRIBUTE TO DEAD
CROWD ABOUT THE FOSTER HOME AND PICTURE OF THE DEAD CHIEF
Not since the memorial funeral of United States Senator William J. Sewell has Camden witnessed such an expression of regret and sorrow as was evidenced at the obsequies of Chief of Police John Foster, which took place from his home, 292 Mt. Vernon street, yesterday afternoon. Practically all Camden paid lasting tribute to the stricken chief, who had been one of the most popular officials of the city. From other places, too, came many who swelled the throng about the house until the streets were literally packed with those anxious to give evidence of the high esteem in which they held the man.
From Philadelphia came Superintendent of Police John B. Taylor, a personal friend of Chief Foster; Captain James Hamm, Captain Dungan, Captain Campbell, Captain Callahan and thirty-four lieutenants, all in uniform. Baltimore, Washington, Norristown, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City and other places were represented by police officials. City, county and State officers were there and everyone unmistakably demonstrated the regard and respect in which he held Chief Foster, who had made such a valiant but fruitless battle against death.
Thousands Viewed Remains
From 7 to 9 o’clock Saturday night, all of yesterday morning and until the service began in the afternoon a constant stream of persons in all walks of life passed through the house, taking a last view of he who lay so peacefully amid a profusion of flowers. It is conservatively estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 persons viewed the body. Thousands more would have done likewise, for the line constantly increased, until it reached a block or more. The doors were finally closed to permit the conducting of the services.
In a full dress black suit the body reposed in a handsome mahogany casket, with silver trimmings. On the cover of the casket was a silver plate, bearing this simple inscription:
John Foster
Born October 5, 1839.
Died March 1, 1906.
The features were life-like and gave little evidence of the weeks of intense suffering through which Chief Foster passed before the end came. At the head of the casket stood Policeman Albert Shaw, while at the foot was Policeman Camillus Appley. At the doors on guard were Policemen George Kappel, George Kleaver, Albert Snow and Casper Hart. Captain Arthur Stanley had charge of the detail of officers.
Wealth of Flowers
Surrounding the casket and extending around the walls of the room were beautiful floral emblems, roses, carnations, lillies, and in fact every variety. Some of the designs and those who contributed them follow: The patrolmen, “Gates Ajar,” six feet tall and composed of American Beauty roses, lilies of the valley, and surmounted by four white doves; Fifth Ward Republican Club, an immense urn of galax leaves and assorted flowers; Fireside New Years’ Association, a banner piece of roses, carnations, lilies of the valley and narcissus blooms; the Camden reporters of the local and Philadelphia newspapers, a four-foot scroll of galax leaves, in the centre of which was a shield of violets with a band of white carnations, on which was inscribed, “Our Friend;” from the daughters of Chief Foster, “Gates Ajar,” composed of Easter lilies, roses, carnations, daffodils, narcissus and asparagus ferns; from Mrs. Foster, the widow, a pillow of roses, carnations and lilies of the valley. Beautiful designs were also given by Mayor Charles H. Ellis, the International Association of Police Chiefs, Ionic Lodge of Masons, First Italian Republican Club, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Massoit Tribe of Red Men, John Carroll, John R. Campbell and various city officials. These flowers filled two carriages and a patrol wagon.
Services at the House
The services at the house took place at 2 o’clock and were in charge of Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church. After the family had taken the last view the casket was borne to the hearse by Sergeant Albert Gravenor and Policeman John Brothers, representing the Police Department; former Senator Maurice A. Rogers and George Hammond, representing the Masonic bodies; former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, representing Massoit Tribe of Red Men, and Albert Shaw, from the Fifth Ward Republican Club.
A few minutes prior to the bringing out of the casket the members of Ionic Lodge of Masons formed themselves into a long lane through which the dead chief’s body was borne. Leading the pallbearers were six Camden policemen, who acted as a guard of honor. These included Policemen Thomas Brothers, Camillus Appley, Robert Calkett, Jules Busch, Thomas Murphy and Harry Mines, the largest men of the force. The Philadelphia police also had a guard of honor in Captain James P. Hamm, Captain Francis Callahan, Captain Dungan and Captain Campbell.
Funeral Cortege
The funeral cortege was composed of the following: Sergeant William Horner and a detail of thirty-four men from the three districts; members of the Fifth Ward Republican Club, cabs containing Mayor Ellis, Councilmen and city officials, Ionic Lodge of Masons and the hearse followed by the cabs containing the mourners. The route gone over was from the house to Third street, to Walnut street, to Broadway, to Benson street, to Haddon avenue and to Harleigh Cemetery. All along the route hundreds of persons lined the curbs, while many followed the cortege to the grave. As the procession passed the City Hall the bell in the tower was tolled at minute intervals.
At Harleigh Cemetery the casket was lowered in a cavity on a sunny slope to the southward. There the Masons held their services over their departed brother, Worshipful Master Aaron G. Matlack having charge of the beautiful ceremony.
It was a funeral that Camden will remember for many a day. And Chief Foster’s memory will be kept green for the next month by many political, and social organizations as well as private citizens, who will display black draped flags at half mast.
Philadelphia Inquirer — March 5, 1906
Philadelphia Inquirer, March 5, 1906 — Dr. William Shaffer — Haddon Avenue — Wright Avenue
Camden’s New Police Chief
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Promotes Sergeant Gravenor to Vacant Post.
Camden, March 21.—In appointing Elisha A. Gravenor chief of police of Camden yesterday, Mayor Ellis, addressing him, said: “I will not say that the department is not up-to-date, but I want you to exert your every energy to improve the service and make it thoroughly up-to-date to the satisfaction of the people and myself.”
The new chief is from the Tenth ward and was house sergeant. He succeeds the late Chief of Police John Foster. Patrolman Jacob Woodside, of the Second district, was appointed sergeant. He is from the Sixth ward, Mayor Ellis’s bailiwick.
James Foster Dead in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
James Foster, aged 8[?] years, father of late Chief of Police John Foster, died yesterday at the home of his son-in-law, Ferdinand Ketterer, 1117 Broadway, Camden, after a lingering illness. Mr. Foster had the distinction of having been the only city employe to be placed on the pension roll outside of the fire department. He was employed in the Water Bureau for nearly two score years, and it was not until he celebrated his eighty-eighth birthday that he was prevailed upon to retire.
Photos
John Foster, Chief of Police — Philadelphia Inquirer, February 23, 1901
Camden Cops of 32 Years Ago Valiant Crew Under ‘Sam’ Dodd
Camden Courier-Post —
By BEN COURTER
(Another of a series of articles on Camden municipal matters and personalities of yesteryear.)
One night some 40 years ago there was great ado in police headquarters. Chief Sam Dodd was talking to Patrolman John Dall in something after this wise:
“See here, John, why didn’t you make your 10 o’clock pull last night?”
“I did,” returned Dall.
“No, you didn’t,” asserted the chief.
“See here, whiskers, I tell you I did,” retorted Dall with rising umbrage.
“The tape don’t say so,” insisted Dodd.
“I tell you I did make that pull, and furthermore, whiskers, I’m not going to let any iron man make a liar of me,” said Dall with finality.
And that was the end of it with the chief stalking away yanking at his long black whiskers out there in the room where City Clerk Billie Brown now holds sway. It might be said it was a case of red whiskers talking down black whiskers, for since Chief Sam sported those of ebon hue, so did Dall chin “nannies” of somewhat sandy-reddish coloring and both wagged threateningly in the hot colloquy.
It was not long after the call system had been installed in the department and the veterans on the city beats didn’t take kindly to it. It didn’t always operate with precision and under such circumstances there was usually a tiff with Dodd. But cops like Dall didn’t give a hang for their superior then and usually told him what was on their minds.
Sometimes the sentiments were like tobasco, hot and burning. But with all his puffing and snorting and yanking of whiskers, Dodd was a pretty good sort after all, not vindictive and disinclined to cause any trouble.
Age Of Whiskers
We are printing today a somewhat ancient picture of the Camden police force, not all, but most of it as it appeared some 32 years ago. And it may readily be seen it was an age of whiskers and mustaches, for only two of those valiant members of Camden’s “finest” of the period are smooth shaven. The balance run all the way from Dodd’s famed chin adornment to dragoons, soup strainers and what today would pass for Charlie Chaplins. It was something of an anomaly for not only a cop but likewise the average man of the street to sport a smooth shaven phiz. Girls of the period put their shapely tootsies right down on any swain who didn’t have whiskers by way of full sweeping beards, burnsides, goatees, mutton chops or, at the very least, something that would pass for a mustache. So it may be seen from the very early period of adolescence it was the aim of every member of the sterner sex to coax ‘em out—that is, the blonde, black, red or whatever hue nature had colored the facial spinach-to-be.
No one on that first row but sports some hirsute adornment. On the left there is William A. Schregler, tall and somewhat rangy just after his recovery from the burglar’s shot in Cooper Hospital yard. It is “Old Schreg,” appointed March 12, 1892, who became the city’s first detective captain. Next to him is Rox Comley, a mighty popular cop in his day, and then Jules Bosch, “Schreg’s” own special pal, appointed the same day. It was Jules we have often mentioned as the first regular traffic cop with Charlie Hose at Broadway and Federal. Next is Lieut. John Foster with his coal black mustache, right beside Chief Dodd and his classic whiskers, whom Foster was soon after to supplant. Dodd wears his then familiar wide brimmed black hat, long favorite headgear of the G. A. R. veterans. The chief is looking as if he didn’t like posing before the cameraman, which he didn’t by a darn sight, as he would say. Lieut. H. Frank Pettit is next in line. Then big and brawny Harry Mines.
Mines, you must know, was, and is for the matter of that, youngest brother of the late former Sheriff Chris Mines, Fifth ward leader and Baird’s lieutenant. Harry was considered by the newspapermen the Adonis of the force; not only a strapping young man, but handsome as well. He’s still going strong, too, out at Dudley Grange park. Then there is “Ed” Hartman, stormy petrel of the force and about whom much might be said because of his complications in the political battles of years ago such as the primary battle in the Third ward where Morrisey was killed and the famous or infamous “double cross” some 20 years ago. Charlie Wilbur ends the line.
Valiant Second Line
On the second row there is Thomas Brothers, appointed April 21, 1894, and about whom we had something to say last week. Ralph Bond is the next. He was appointed about a month before. Ralph, who had done amateur circus stunts in his earlier years, was certainly one of the most popular members of the outfit and was in the thick of every activity about town. He died only last year, mourned by a great host of friends. Then comes Dall and George Kappell, who became head of a heating company. A husky man was George and his sudden end a few years ago while he was tolling the bell given the church at Townsends Inlet, where he spent the closing years of his life, came as a distinct shock. There is Si Sage at his elbow and then Eddie Hyde, former chief, who died a few weeks ago. George Selby, father of Col. George Selby, now assistant state prison keeper, is next, with E. B. McClong ending the line. McClong was long chief clerk of the department.
First in the third row is Ed Powell with John Sinclair, now in the water department, second, and seemingly looking but little older after all these years. William Laird follows with Ben Middleton, one of the Pratt appointees of ‘86 next. Who do you suppose the next one is? None other than Alfred L. Sayers, long after street commissioner and now banker. Outside of getting a little stouter, “Allie” is going Sinclair a good race in retaining his old time appearance, except there now is no mustache. John Anderson, son of William Anderson, the “Tall Sycamore of the Seventh,” is next in line.
The elder Anderson came from the same county in Ireland as former Senator Baird and there was warm friendship between the two. William Butts, the first colored policeman appointed to the force, is next and old timers have a very kindly remembrance of him. He was gentlemanly, courteous and a credit to his race. Then we have John Painter, about whom much has been said, but all too little at that. John, we will remind you, is the oldest living member of the force, having been named a cop June 30, 1883. But it is only creeping years and not his spirit that makes him the veteran he is. Frank Matlack, who was appointed March 12, 1892, is next. Surely everybody downtown recalls him as Tom Brother’s side kick on traffic duty at Broadway and the “avenue.”
Another good colored cop, the second appointed to the force, starts the fourth row. He was William Hicks who could sing at camp meetings down there in the cedar woods until he had ‘em all howling. Albert Haydon, the second in line, later entered the fire department and he died but a couple of weeks ago. Abe Jackson, the third, was a Sixth warder, a cop of the old school who didn’t know the meaning of fear. It was his real delight to tackle the roughs and toughs who sometimes invaded Camden in the race track days. Then we have “Al” Shaw, whose father, Edward H. Shaw, was one of the city’s first marshals and whose son, “Lew,” is now a city detective. “Al,” with Tom Griscom, a veteran iron worker, visits city hall every day in the year just for old time’s sake, for Shaw has been pensioned since 1917. Edward Steen, long superintendent of the New Camden Cemetery, is next, with Sam Bakely and Al Meyer at the end of that line.
Record As Chief
As to the fifth row there is “Cale” Williams, with Charlie Lederman, one of the first regular hall officers. Then there is E. A. Gravenor, who later served the longest term as chief of the department, from the death of Foster in 1906 to the advent of Hyde in 1922. Tom Buchanan is third and Samuel Cox comes next, with William Horner, who had been appointed on April 13, 1880. He has long since been dead. Godfrey Eisenhardt, the next, was the baker boy rescued from the burning ferryboat, New Jersey, in the winter of 1856. Harry Curtis, to his left, was long after a detective of the P. R. R.
The one on the end of that row is somewhat in doubt as to identity. “Linc” James thought it might be George Johnson, but Lew Lee says it is John Barnett. Perhaps some old-timer may remember.
Casper Hart, who was later to die from injuries received in a fall from the patrol wagon, starts the sixth and last row. His was a familiar figure in the Fifth ward years ago. Then comes Charlie Fitzsimmons, of whom we have already spoken. Then Captain James, these many years at headquarters and another of the old-timers seemingly keeping ahead of Father Time. He supplied much of the information about his fellow cops of long ago, along with Frank Albright. Oscar Weaver is next to him, with Charles Ridgeley, William Fish, son of the city’s famed city gardener, Jacob Fish, and George Cooper ending the array. George, by the way, is still hale and hearty, and possessed of that great voice that used to boom over the wire from headquarters.
Most of these men have passed on but they have left records, as a rule, which the cops of the younger generation may well emulate. A cop, you know, is somewhat in the category of a school teacher. When the younger generation comes in contact with them they are inclined to regard them a bit too strict, but with mellowing years there is altogether a different impression with most of them being placed on pedestals.
There were other policemen of the period the picture was taken who didn’t happen to get to the hall in time for this photo, which Tom Stanger, now at detective headquarters and then a traveling salesman, well recalls being taken. Something will be said of these missing ones next week.
Here’s Camden’s Finest, With Whiskers, in 1898
Camden Courier-Post —
Reading from left to right, those in the picture are: First row, William A. Schregler, Rox Comley, Jules Bosch, Lieutenant John Foster, Chief Samuel Dodd, Lieutenant H. Frank Pettit, Edward Hartman and Charles Wilbur. Second row, Thomas Brothers, Ralph Bond, John Dall, George Kappell, Silas Sage, Edward S. Hyde, George Selby and E. B. McClong. Third row, Edward Powell, John Sinclair, William Laird, Benjamin Middleton, Alfred L. Sayers, John Anderson, William Butts, John Painter and Frank Matlack. Fourth row, Thomas Hicks, Alfred Haydon, Abe Jackson, Albert Shaw, Edward Steen and Samuel Bakely. Fifth row, Caleb Williams, E. A. Gravenor, Thomas Buchanan, Samuel Cox, George Horner, Godfrey Eisenhardt, Harry Curtis and John Barnett. Sixth row, Casper Hart, Charles Fitzsimmons, A. Lincoln James, Oscar Weaver, Charles Ridgely, William Fish and George Cooper.
Police Shakeups of Today Mild Compared to Years Ago
Camden Courier-Post —
Force Changed Every Time Political Regime of City Shifted; Larry Doran Fired for Crossing Street to Get Cinnamon Bun; Old Patrol Recalled
By BEN COURTER
(Another in a series of articles on municipal affairs and personalities of yesteryear.)
Ben Courter
In “the good old days” when Camden’s police department was just about getting under way in accordance with the amended charter of 1872, the men in the ranks were the football of politics. Even if the phrase “to the victor belongs the spoils” had not yet been coined, it was in active force. A change of administration always meant a violent shakeup in the personnel of the department.
It has been so many years since Camden has had a real political shakeup, aside from the nonpartisan movement of seven years ago, that the younger element can have no personal recollection of upheavals marking the aftermath of Democrats succeeding Republicans or vice versa. Many of the men resigned on principle, but others stood their ground and with the faithful hungry for place on the police force it was necessary to take drastic measures.
Sometimes it did not require a party turnover, for bitter factional scraps resulted in reprisals. It then fell the lot of the police committee of city council to conduct hearings. They were usually acrimonious affairs with partisans of the G. O. P. often showing more spleen than in a strict party fight. These hearings were as a rule public, attracting big crowds of opponents and advocates of the accused. The charges ranged from conduct unbecoming an officer to neglect of duty and everything between.
Sometimes the charges were altogether ridiculous, as for instance when Larry Doran, now chief of the county detectives, was accused of going out of his beat to buy a cinnamon bun. He happened to be an appointee of Mayor Joseph E. Mowrey and no one questioned Doran’s ability as a cop or of his sincerity in patrolling his beat. But the Republicans had come back into the fold some 25 years ago and it was determined Larry should get out. Thus came the charge based on someone’s discovery he had crossed the street early one morning to get a bun. No one imagined it a very heinous offense at best, but it was all in the game of politics and the finding of the police committee was a foregone conclusion.
Findings, Usually Sustained
In some instances appeals were made to higher courts, but very little came of it since the committee was considered within its power to dismiss an officer if it saw fit. All necessary was to have the report accepted by council and since that was overwhelmingly Republican the work of the committee was a mere formality. Politics continues to play an important part in the appointments of cops or firemen, but for the past six years they have been under civil service, thus affording at least a measure of protection unless there actually has been some dereliction of duty.
Even though there were the changes wrought by political and factional wars, many men withstood the storms through the years. As a matter of fact it is evident that most of the men who have been accepted as representative of the force have had little difficulty in holding down their beats.
Mention has occasionally been made of one of Camden’s most spectacular police chiefs, Samuel Dodd. When he was first appointed by Mayor Pratt in the 80’s he was in the prime of life and certainly not inclined to give quarter to anyone. But he met with his first difficulties in the race track regime with the dual police departments, when the Democratic commission appointed William A. Davis in his stead. He was reinstated in 1893 after the Republicans had gained control of the state and had abolished the commissions.
Dodd then went along without further trouble until the advent of Hatch who appointed John Foster in 1898. Dodd was born in Burlington in 1841, but came to Camden as a young shoemaker and made himself vitally important to his fellow workers. In the 80’s Camden was a shoemaking and leather center. There were over 100 factories and hundreds of persons were employed. Thus it became an important factor in politics. Dodd loomed as a mayoralty candidate. Everything was cut and dried for him to enter the field when Pratt ran in 1885, but Dodd was prevailed upon to get out of the fight with the promise of being made police chief. That was later carried into effect.
Many years Chief Dodd has been dead, but old-timers around the city hall still have a very vivid recollection of him and his long coal black whiskers, which he had a habit of yanking when under some excitement.
First Patrol Wagon
It was during Dodd’s regime Camden sported its first patrol wagon, in May of 1893. It was something of an epochal event for Camden. Men nearing middle life who then were boys vividly recall the sensation created by the appearance of the little red wagon with “Camden Patrol” painted in gold on the red sides, not forgetting the big gong near the driver’s seat. And as the high steppers speeded through the city streets with a drunk or victim of an accident that gong was everlastingly sounded until the whole populace was brought to the doors. Chief Stehr’s father, Lewis H. Stehr; Oscar Weaver, “Si” Sage and “Nitchie” Golden were the first in the department who operated that famous wagon. It was the forerunner of the automobile police patrol and ambulance put in service July 14, 19[?].
When the first patrol went into service Camden’s streets were veritable “rocky roads to Dublin.” They were paved with cobble, even Broadway, Federal street and Kaighn avenue. Only Cooper street and a part of Benson sported asphalt blocks. Hence it was the object of the driver to pick out the best route possible by using horse car or trolley tracks if possible.
It certainly was no pleasure trip to the hall for a drunk and a road of torture to any unfortunate being toted to the hospital. But even at that it was an improvement over the archaic method of taking prisoners to jail by way of a pushcart. I have already mentioned in these annals the Roman holiday such an incident furnished the kids of the generation. If John Painter or Charlie Fitzsimmons pushed a cussin’ drunk from Kaighn Point to the hall they were sure to have a yelling mob of kids at their heels. Unfortunates who were ill or injured were usually taken to the hospital in horse-drawn cabs. But of course the conveniences of today were not even dreamed about.
Lieutenant Tommie Cunningham is among the veterans on the force who recalls those days of long ago, for last Tuesday marked the thirty-sixth anniversary of his appointment to the department. Tommie has seen the department grow from less than half a hundred men to five times that number. In all that time he has pounded a beat in South Camden or had charge of a detail of men or a district as at present.
“Jake” Woodside
In recalling some of the old-timers mention must also be made of Jacob Woodside, who was appointed October 1, 1898. He hailed from the Sixth ward and was among the valiant crew who sported luxurious mustaches. He was in his later years a sergeant in the Third district. Woodside, who had many staunch friends throughout the city, died several years ago.
Then there is “Cul” Errickson who was made a cop September 15, 1898, by Mayor Hatch. He was for many years sergeant at headquarters; a big, good-natured cop, too. He has been enjoying life these several years as a pensioner up around New Egypt.
Certainly one of the most substantial members of the force was Capt. Arthur A. Stanley, who was in charge of the downtown district for many years. He was appointed by Mayor Hatch July 15, 1898. Captain Stanley was a Civil war veteran and prominently identified with the G. A. R. He has been dead for many years. His son, Milton Stanley, was a detective in the department and also at the prosecutor’s office, but for several years has been living on a farm in South Jersey.
There is another veteran of the force still in harness, George Nowrey, brother of former Mayor Nowrey, appointed by Mayor Hatch August 1, 1898. He has been a sergeant in the department for many years.
On the same day Nowrey was appointed, John Reader was made a member of the force. He, too, was a sergeant when he died several years ago. He was father of Dr. A. B. Reader and Attorney Lawrence Reader, the latter one of the most prominent young men of the city when he died during the flu epidemic in 1918. “Larry” also was a member of council from the Thirteenth ward.