Introduction
JOHN H. CARROLL was born in Rhode Island in 1861 to Bernard Carroll and his wife, the former Rose Diamond. He opened a saloon in Camden at 922 South 3rd Street in 1885. In 1890 he built a hotel at that location, the corner of South 3rd and Cherry Street, which he operated well into the 1930s. He booked many famous entertainers of the day to appear at his establishment, including the great Ethel Waters. John H. Carroll also operated an excavating business, and took part in the construction of Yorkship Village. He also had a stable where he kept horses and rented wagons next door at 914 South 3rd Street, the corner of South 3rd Street and Joint Alley. Another enterprise he engaged in was construction; his firm did all the excavating and grading when Yorkship Village was erected in 1918 and 1919.
John Carroll passed away on April 20, 1932 and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in what was then Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) NJ. William Asheville was operating the tavern at 922 South 3rd in 1936, according to the New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory. By 1947 John Carroll's hotel had become a private residence.
From South Jersey: A History 1624–1924
JOHN H. CARROLL— Sound principles and fair dealing offer no short cut to success or worldly goods, but they never fail in the end. Something of this sort crops out all through the career of John H. Carroll, horse dealer, teamster, and hotel owner, of Camden, New Jersey.
Mr. Carroll was born in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, September 28, 1861, and attended the public schools of the town. His father, Bernard Carroll, was born in England; his mother, Rose Diamond Carroll, was from Scotland, and was brought to America by her parents as a child. She died in 1909. Bernard Carroll, likewise, came to the United States in extreme youth and married here. He engaged in the liquor business at Valley Falls, Rhode Island; he served for three years and nine months in the Union Army as a private in the Civil War; and in 1857 won the 100-yard dash amateur championship of the United States. He was active in Republican politics at Valley Falls, where he died in 1914.
John H. Carroll left home at an early age and traveled with Barnum’s circus for five years, after which he took up the barber’s trade in Camden. He returned to Rhode Island to enter business with his father, and remained with him in Valley Falls for two years. He returned to Camden in 1885, and opened a retail liquor store. In 1890 he erected the building at Third and Cherry streets in Camden, known as Carroll’s Hotel. In 1904 he established the John H. Carroll Hauling, Grading, Excavation and General Contracting business, and has carried on the business in Camden since that time. Some of his larger excavation and grading jobs have been in connection with various United States Government concerns; The Tidewater Company, at Fairview, New Jersey; Yorkship Village, and the new Reading Railroad Terminal at Camden, New Jersey; also Victor Talking Machine Company; and Public Service Company, Camden, New Jersey. He is a Republican and has been committeeman from the Fifth Ward for many years. He belongs to the Fifth Ward Republican Club; is a Catholic and attends the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Mr. Carroll is known all through New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania for his philanthropic activities. He has no connection with any organized charitable work; but engages in philanthropy as an individual. Often he has provided room and board free for indefinite periods for unfortunate men and boys, and helps them get a new start in life. He likewise lends them money and takes no security except their good faith and honesty which he trusts for repayment. This has been his habit since he opened Carroll’s Hotel. Such is his reputation for kindness to the unfortunate that if a worthy person has fallen into bad luck and has no place to sleep, the neighbors will send him to John Carroll by force of habit, and the appeal seldom fails. Mr. Carroll is quick to detect shams and imposters, and he spurns the shiftless tramp. He expects those he helps to work at anything he finds for them until they get something more to their taste to do.
Philadelphia Inquirer — October 29, 1893
John Carroll — South 3rd Street
Of the seventeen men registered from John Carroll’s saloon, at 922 South Third street, only five, it is said, are entitled to vote. Notices were left at the place yesterday for the other twelve men to appear in person and show cause why their names should not be stricken from the list.
Fourteen Caught in Saloon Round-Up
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Latest Haul Made by the Law and Order League in Camden
There was another round-up of Camden county liquor dealers yesterday. Complaints were made against fourteen persons by George B. M. Adams, an agent of the Law and Order League.
Those for whom warrants were issued are: Walter S. Hubbs and wife, charged with running a speak-easy in Pensauken township; John Keefe, of Fogarty avenue and Carman street; Thomas Farnham, Ninth and Lawrence streets; John Daly, 321 North Seventh street; William Gallagher, 106 Kaighn avenue; Charles E. Bakley, 2318 Federal street; John H. Carroll, Third and Cherry streets; John H. Jones, 517 North Front street; George W. Hoskins, 505 Main street; William Convery, Eleventh and Carpenter streets; John Opfer, Front and Pearl streets; Joan Dugan, Front and Pearl streets; Michael J. Walsh, 503 Federal street.
All entered bail before Justice Schultz for hearings to-day except Opfer, Gallagher and Walsh. The latter was locked up and the other two sent word they would appear this morning. The complaints will at once be submitted to the grand jury.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
*In an attempt to rob the saloon of John Carroll, northeast corner Third and Cherry streets, Camden, early yesterday morning Ernest Baker, colored, aged 31 years, of 770 Kaighn avenue, was shot by the former and dangerously wounded. Two other men accompanied Baker, one of whom, Frank Johnson, also colored, was captured. The other man escaped. Baker was taken to the Cooper Hospital, where it was found the bullet had entered through his right eye. His condition is serious. Johnson was taken to the City Hall and held without bail by the Recorder.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 17, 1906
** Howard Davis, a negro, who was one of the trio that broke into the saloon of John H. Carroll in December, 1904, was given eighteen months in State Prison by Judge Joline yesterday.
** Howard Davis, a negro, who was one of the trio that broke into the saloon of John H. Carroll in December, 1904, was given eighteen months in State Prison by Judge Joline yesterday.
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.
Many Accused of Election Frauds
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden County Grand Jury Returns Fifty-five True Bills of Indictment
Most of Them Are Impounded by Order of Court, While Constables Get Busy
In a partial presentment made before Supreme Court Justice Garrison, in Camden, yesterday, the grand jury returned fifty-five true bills as a result of its probe into alleged election irregularities. Judge Garrison at once ordered County Clerk Patterson to impound most of the true bills until the defendants are apprehended and held in sufficient security to guarantee their appearance at court for trial. Bench warrants were issued and the force of constables was busy last night trying to locate those indicted.
As an evidence of how grave the accusations are in the eyes of the law, Common Pleas Court Judge Joline demanded $6000 bail when Policeman Samuel Flick, of the Twelfth ward, was arrested by County Detective Doran in the court room. Flick is under six indictments, two for perjury and four for false registration. He was at once taken before Judge Joline when security was furnished by Isaac Shreeve, a fellow policeman of the accused officer.
Among those indicted was Francis J. McAdams, a Democrat and secretary of the County Board of Elections. He is specifically accused of larceny. His offense involved the removal from the county clerk’s office of the poll book of the Sixth precinct, Fifth ward, over which there was more or less trouble. Its whereabouts was not known until McAdams was summoned before the jurors.
Most of the others are indicted under the general offense of “violating the election law.” The most important of those whose names were made public is John Broome, a Republican Councilman from the Second ward. With James Smith, Thomas Noland and A. L. James, the latter a police captain. Councilman Broome is supposed to know something about a missing bail bond which was given for Noland’s appearance at court. He was charged with repeating, and Broome went his bail.
Martin Carrigan, a fireman, and Albert Shaw and James Lewis, policemen, are indicted for violations. Police Sergeant John Golden has five counts against him, while William C. Parker, an election officer, has two. Other defendants include Daniel Woods and Joseph Sparks, who, with Carrigan, are charged with conspiracy. John H. Carroll, Charles B. Crane and Harris D. Stow are accused of violations also.
There are about forty additional indictments against persons whose names were not divulged. It was stated, however, that in most instances these include alleged “phantoms,” whose names appear on the registry list as living in places occupied by other persons. They are charged with false registration, but the chances are that but comparatively few arrests will be made in this phase of the matter.
The fact that it was announced that the presentment was but partial indicates that the probe is not ended. It is asserted that it has just begun and that the finding of indictments presented yesterday is merely the opening wedge for even more searching investigation. When the jurors will be summoned again is not known, Prosecutor Scovel desiring to clean up the calendar, which is greatly overburdened at present, before conducting any further investigation.
Among the seventy-eight true bills found by the grand jury yesterday in connection with the ordinary Criminal Court business and aside from the election cases were indictments against the officers of the Young Republican Club of the Second ward and the Camden Aerie, No. 65, Fraternal Order of Eagles. They are specifically charged with giving indecent exhibitions, and in addition the organizations are accused of keeping disorderly houses.
Dan Smith Takes Sam Lodge’s Place
Camden Post-Telegram —
After a service of twenty-seven years, Fireman Samuel Lodge, of No. 3 Engine Company, was retired last night by City Council on recommendation of the Fire Committee. The veteran fighter of the flames will go out of service on August 1.
Lodge has had many experiences in fighting the flames in the years he has been in harness, and ever since its organization he has been a member of the Centreville company. “Sam” has always been generally well liked, so that his passing into retirement has the well wishes of his host of friends, who hope he will have many years of pleasure and enjoyment. His letter of resignation also contained thanks to the Fire Committee and officials of the department for their kindnesses of the past.
Daniel Smith was appointed regular engineer to take Lodge’s place. This is a popular appointment for “Dan” is very favorably known among the younger element. He has been connected at No. 3 for nearly a decade.
Robert Whitley was made a regular stoker at No. 3, while Joseph Nevins was appointed an engineer to go from house to house to fill in on the “days off” of other engineers.
John H. Carroll was given the contract to furnish horses to the Department at $315 each.
Johnny Carroll O. K.’d for County Committee
Camden Courier —
Johnny Carroll, proprietor of a cabaret at Third and Cherry streets, was last night endorsed by the Fifth Ward Republican Club for county committeeman, to succeed himself.
Louis Bantivoglio, incumbent councilman from the Fifth ward, was endorsed as a candidate for re-election.
Women Endorse Johnny Carroll; ‘Harmony in 5th’
Camden Courier —
John H. Carroll, saloonkeeper of Third and Cherry streets, was unanimously endorsed for county committeeman by the Fifth Ward Women’s Republican Club last night.
The meeting was held in the club rooms, Mt. Vernon street, and was largely attended. Mrs. Kate Marlow was endorsed as county committeewoman and Louis Bantivoglio as Republican candidate for Council.
Carroll and Bantivoglio, who are both candidates to succeed themselves, already had been given the endorsement of the Men’s Republican Club in the Fifth Ward.
“There is perfect harmony in the Fifth Ward,” said Councilman Julius Allendorf today in announcing the action of the committee, “and an easy victory seems certain.”
Frelinghuysen Majority Seen in Camden County
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Aside from the United States Senatorial contest interest in the primary election in Camden today centres on one fight on the county ticket, two on the city ticket and several ward contests. Camden county is expected to give a big majority for Senator Frelinghuysen, who is opposed for renomination by George L. Record.
Justice of the Peace Simon Wilkinsky, of the Sixth ward, is contesting with Congressman F. F. Patterson for the nomination for Congress in the First New Jersey District, which comprises Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties. Wilkinsky is little known and the renomination of the Congressman by a large majority is predicted.
The contest for the Republican nomination for Surrogate is the only ripple on the county ticket. Harry Reeves, the incumbent, is opposed by Irving Buckle, former Freeholder and for a score of years active in the Republican organization. He resigned as county committeeman from the Fourth ward to make the fight against Reeves, who has the backing of the regulars. An odd twist to the campaign was taken yesterday when Leon Buckle, son of the candidate, filed a petition as an independent candidate for Surrogate at the general election. The law requires that such petitions be filed previous to the primary. Should the elder Buckle happen to win the nomination the son would, of course, withdraw his petition as an independent.
The contest on the city ticket is for the office of Recorder, which is the title held by the police magistrate. O. S. Stackhouse, the incumbent, is opposed by David Rankins, former Freeholder and former Overseer of the Poor. Mayor Frank S. Van Hart, City Treasurer George A. Frey and Receiver of Taxes A. B. Sparks are without opposition for nomination on the Republican ticket.
On the Democrat side Robert A. Irving is not opposed for the nomination for Surrogate. Nor is there any fight on the city ticket, the lone candidates being: For Mayor, Victor King; for Recorder, George W. Tash; for Receiver of Taxes, Benjamin S. Moloney; for City Treasurer, Isaac Albertson.
Assemblymen T. Harry Rowland, J. Heulings Coles and Willard T. Gibbs will be renominated by the Republicans without opposition. Their Democratic opponents, also unopposed, will be C. Lawrence Gregorio, John J. Tischner and Frank B. Hambleton. Frank J. Leonard and Dr. William H. Pratt are unopposed for the Republican nomination for Coroner. The Democrats have no candidates on their ballot for these places. Two nominees will be chosen by the voters writing their names on the ballots.
Much interest is being manifest in the contest for the two places on the Democratic State Committee. One man and one woman are to be named. Mrs. Katherine M. Donges, now a member of the committee, is opposed by Mrs. Mae Hawkins. Mrs. Donges was in the limelight some weeks ago when she is alleged to have said at a Democratic gathering that Senator Runyon, who is to be the Republican candidate for Governor, was drunk at a meeting in Camden. Senator Runyon is a pronounced dry and Mrs. Donges was severely criticized by members of both parties for her alleged remarks. …though Senator Runyon demanded an apology Mrs. Donges has neither affirmed or denied making such remarks. She is paired with State Committeeman Edward Kelleher, whose opponent is Albert Neutze.
The Republicans have Councilmanic contests in four of the fourteen wards. In the Fifth Ward Councilman Louis Bantivoglio is opposed by J. H. Williams, negro. The latter’s name appears on the primary ballot, but yesterday he announced he had withdrawn from the race. This leaves the field free to the present Councilman. John H. Carroll and John P. Shaw are rival candidates for the County Committee.
There is a lively contest in the Seventh ward for the nomination to succeed Mayor Van Hart in Council. The aspirants are Joseph B. Davis and William Frost. The latter has the backing of Patrick Carr, who seeks to wrest the county committeemanship from Street Commissioner Alfred L. Sayers. Carr has also filed a petition as an independent candidate for Council at the general election. The petition is defective and was sent back to Carr by County Clerk William D. Brown with instructions to amend it to comply with the law. Carr will withdraw as an independent candidate in the event of Frost winning at the primary today.
Councilman John Rogers and Charles E. Hill are rival contestants in the Tenth ward. In the same bailiwick Charles S. Wolverton and Samuel Edwards are fighting for the County Committee place, which is now held by Wolverton. There is also a contest for the female place on the County Committee.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman John Dobbins is being opposed for renomination by Mrs. Lizzie P. Abbott.
The Democrats have three Councilmanic contests. In the Thirteenth ward the opposing candidates are Edwin L. Aument and Frederick Stanton. Walter J. Farrell and John B. Dean are rivals in the Third ward, and S. Raymond Dobbs and Harry McCloskey are contests in the Fourteenth ward.
Camden county Socialists yesterday named a city and county ticket by petition as follows: Surrogate, Herman Neissner; Coroners, Francis Stratton, Clara K. Stamm; Assembly, Morris Steppa, Thomas Heil, Albert Bardsley; Mayor, Albert H. Starr, Stratton; Recorder, George A. Harkins; City Treasurer, John McAlack; Receiver of Taxes, Richard Davies. A petition as a Socialist candidate for Council in the Eleventh ward was filed by Leo M. Harkins. Independent petitions for Council were filed by William Smith, Eighth ward, and Joseph Wood, Fifth ward.
John Carroll Honored by Fifth Ward Club
Camden Courier-Post —
John H. Carroll, Fifth Ward Republican county committeeman, was honored last night by fellow-members of the Fifth Ward Republican Club at its meeting at the organization’s headquarters, 271 Kaighn avenue.
The club tendered a reception to the veteran political leader in token of his recovery and return from Cooper Hospital after a long period of illness.
Leo B. Rea, vice president of the club, served as toastmaster. Speeches were made by Mayor Winfield S. Price, Commissioners Clay W. Reesman and David S. Rhone, Bernard Bertman, police judge; Theodore Kausel, general manager of county institutions at Lakeland and Freeholders George Cotter, Thirteenth Ward, and Leonard Brehm, Fifth Ward.
The reception was in the charge of the club’s house committee, including William Kensler, R. Gimillo, and Charles H. Elfreth. Harley C. Shinn, is president of the club; Rea, vice president; Kirby Garwood, treasurer; George W. Nichols, secretary, and Elfreth, financial secretary.
Recollections
Talk about coincidence. I was at a barbeque today. All the older and I mean older people were from South Camden. They issued me a green card for being from Pyne Point. When I say older, I mean a good 20–30 years older than myself.
Some how 3rd & Cherry came up. One older lady had lived there for years and she asked if I remembered Johnny Carroll’s club there. She said he used to book famous acts in there. Ethel Waters was one name I remember. She also mentioned that he was in Republican politics. She has to be well into 80’s and she made a big fuss about the place and famous entertainers there. Lo & behold I look at website updates and John Carroll was there!
John Ciafrani
September 5, 2004
I walked down Joint Alley as a youth thousands of times. It was about one block from our barber shop. It was a small alley street running from 3rd to 4th Street between Cherry and Spruce. It has a very interesting history and was the residence of a popular Camden figure—Johnny Carroll—who rented horses and wagons to Camden City before Camden had its own fleet. He also had a beautiful tavern, for its time, and some beautiful girls, as I am told by my brothers.
Where the red building is used to be a candy store owned by Mr. Abbott. Most children would stop there on their way to school in the morning and after lunch for one-penny candy. The gray building across the alley on the right is where Mr. Carroll had his saloon & stables.
Enrico Doganiero
September 1, 2006