Introduction
John J. Crean was a Democratic political figure in Camden, NJ who served as assistant city solicitor and later acting city solicitor of Camden. He was chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee and served as a Ninth Ward county committeeman. Crean lived in the Ninth Ward for 27 years and was president of the Ninth Ward Democratic Association for five years before becoming county committeeman in 1937.
New Dealers Prepare To Shift Key Officials
Camden Courier-Post —
General Housecleaning Predicted After Secret Parley of ‘Big Four’; Leaders Reported Not in Full Accord on Patronage
Editorial: “Upholding Faith of the People Is Keeping Faith in the Courts” appears on page six.
A general housecleaning of key city officials was predicted yesterday afternoon following a secret conference of the “Big Four” at Hotel Walt Whitman.
Attending the session were State Senator Albert S. Woodruff and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republicans, and Harry L. Maloney and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrats.
Rumors that the charges were to be made today could not be verified last night. Commissioner George E. Brunner said no meeting of the City Commission had been called for today. A meeting could be called if requested by Brunner, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., New Deal commissioners.
After the conference silence was maintained by the “Big Four.” They declined to discuss what happened.
Other reports filtering from the conference room were that a few surprises await the political public in new appointments to be made at city hall, surprises which will be contrary to the gossip on appointments circulated the last few weeks.
The leaders were together for two hours or more, but they were reported not in entire agreement about the patronage setup when their conference concluded.
Indications were that, with perhaps but one or two changes, the rumored lineup of appointees of the New Deal, as forecast in recent reports, will hold when the appointments are made by the city commission.
Favored for Jobs
Under the arrangements which has [sic] been conjectured by New Deal observers the last few days, the leaders are said to have agreed on these appointments:
For police judge—Firmin Michel, Democrat.
For city solicitor—Carl Kisselman, Republican.
For city prosecutor—Mitchell H. Cohen, Republican.
For assistant city solicitors—Edward V. Martino, Republican, and John Crean, Democrat.
For city clerk—Clay W. Reesman, Republican, former city commissioner, and for assistant city clerk, former Commissioner William D. Sayrs, Jr., Republican.
For director of charities—Pauline Caperoon.
For purchasing agent—Abe Fuhrman, Democrat. In the event Commissioner Harold W. Bennett resigns, as rumored, Fuhrman would be named by the New Deal commissioners to fill that vacancy.
The three New Deal commissioners who are to vote the appointments are Brunner, Mrs. Kobus and Hartmann.
Kobus Assumes Duties
Mrs. Kobus yesterday took over the directorship of public safety after a 15-minute conference with Mayor Frederick von Nieda.
“We spoke of routine matters in the department,” she said. “I wanted to know his ideas that he had started working on so I could continue them.”
Asked whether she intended to confer with police heads soon, Mrs. Kobus answered in the negative.
“I talked to them before the injunction proceedings were started,” she said, referring to von Nieda’s action which restrained her from taking over the duties of the department for several weeks.
“I hope for the co-operation of all members of the police and fire departments,” the city’s first elected woman commissioner added.
In addition to the police and firemen, Mrs. Kobus now has charge of the electrical bureau, bureau of charities, police court, traffic court, municipal motors, transportation department and city clerk.
The appointments may be expedited as a result of the ruling by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd Tuesday that the board of commissioners has specific legislative authority to allot the municipal departments as it sees fit. The decision validated the action of the city commission assigning Commissioner Kobus as director of public safety in charge of the police and fire departments, and included the ruling that von Nieda cannot be removed as mayor.
When asked whether the commission could remove present holders of key jobs and make new appointments Justice Lloyd said that it is a question he may have to pass on later. In view of his decision, however, pointing out that the commission has special legislative authority to transfer the directorships among the city commissioners, it is believed by observers that he also will permit ousters and reappointments in the key municipal jobs.
Future of WCAM Awaits City Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Highest Bidder to Receive Lease of Municipal Radio Station
The future of Camden’s municipally owned radio station WCAM probably will be decided today at a special meeting of the city commission.
The present lease negotiated March 1, 1935, with the Broadcast Advertising Company, 1716 Federal street, expires February 1.
In order to provide for a new lease the City Commission must first approve a resolution authorizing advertisements for bids.
Under the terms of the present lease, the company headed by Mrs. Rud Preisendanz, whose late husband was former president, pays $1500 a year. The contract calls for the company to pay all operating, maintenance, studio and office expenses.
Recent reports indicate several persons have sought to lease the station. It is rumored officials of WCAU, the Columbia Broadcasting System outlet in Philadelphia, would seek the station for short wave and experimental broadcasts.
Firmin Michel, city solicitor, would not disclose identity of prospective bidders.
John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor, has prepared information and data in connection with the plans for a lease. He said the city is interested in getting more revenue from the station. It is understood the lease will be awarded to the highest bidder.
When the present lease was approved the only other bidder was Clarence Moulette, a clerk in the department of revenue and finance.
Moulette’s bid at that time was $1800 for the first year, $2400 for the second year and $3000 for the third year, plus 10 percent of the gross receipts over $25,000.
Sale Resolution Defeated
Mayor George E. Brunner revealed last August that he had an offer of $30,000 for the station.
The proposal for the sale was defeated by the city rulers. Commissiones [sic] Frank J. Hartmann led the opposition. He averred the call letters WCAM are an advertising asset to the city.
When the resolution was brought up for a vote, Hartmann and Commissioners Frederick S. von Nieda and Harold W. Bennett voted against it. Mayor Brunner also voted no on the resolution.
The original cost of WCAM, when first operated with 1000 watts power, was approximately $30,000. An ordinance creating a bureau of broadcasting was approved September 18, 1926. Prior to that time the city operated a second-hand transmitter bought for $10,000 from Robert Galvin, who operated the first commercial radio station in the city.
WCAM has for several years divided time with stations WCAP, Asbury Park, and WTNJ, Trenton. The station equipment has been expanded under permits of the Federal Communications Commission.
3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session
Camden Courier-Post —
Hint Legal Bars Placed Around Jobs During Parley
NEW DEALERS NOT NOTIFIED
A special meeting held in secret session by the three Republican members of the Camden City Commission late yesterday, occasioned wide speculative rumors in political circles last night.
Reports persisted resolutions were passed placing legal barriers about jobs to prevent dismissals by the New Deal Non-Partisan group which takes control of the city today, with seating of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
Mayor Tells of Meeting
Reached at his home shortly after 1 a. m. today, Mayor von Nieda admitted the meeting was held to “correct some resolutions.”
“What were the resolutions about, Mayor?” he was asked.
“Why, I don’t know as I should say anything about them right now. You probably will get it all later,” the Mayor answered.
“Did the resolutions have anything to do with adding safeguards to the jobs of any present city employees?” he was asked.
“Yes, they did,” the Mayor replied.
“How many resolutions were there?”
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, I should say.”
“How many employes are effected [sic]?” he was asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, maybe.”
“Who called the special meeting of the city commission?” he was asked.
“Why, I am not sure. But I think it was City Solicitor Bleakly who called it. He said the resolutions should be attended to.”
Asked why Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary Kobus were not notified of the meeting, the Mayor said: “So far as I know, they were not notified the meeting was to be held. It is possible, though, they were not notified.”
Another rumor held measures were passed placing various posts under civil service commission rules, while a third rumor, from more authentic sources, alleged several amendments were made to resolutions passed at meetings, of the commission, previous to the naming of Meyer L. Sakin and John R. DiMona as assistant city solicitors.
This rumor occasioned speculation that the measures appointing the two lawyers, as originally passed, were defective in original form and probably would not bear out Republican contentions the New Deal commissioners cannot remove the men from the three year appointments.
Report Finances Discussed
Other rumors indicated the measures concerned city finances.
The commissioners attending the meeting, it was said, were Mayor von Nieda, Harold W. Bennett and Leonard, with City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Sakin, DiMona and City Clerk Otto E. Braun in attendance.
Leonard said “nothing special” occurred, and he would “talk about it in the morning.” Commissioners George N. Brunner and Mary W. Kobus declared they were not notified.
The session, it was said, was not held in the commission chambers, but in an adjoining room on the second floor, and lasted half an hour, between 5 p. m. and 5:30 p. m. Other reports were the session lasted to 7 p. m.
Braun, reached by telephone, admitted a special meeting had been held but refused to give any further information.
Plums Discussed
Meanwhile, rumor and speculation continued on how the jobs will be divided among New Deal Republicans and Democrats today. The city clerk and city solicitorship posts will go to Republicans, and the city police judgeship and city purchasing agent jobs will be awarded to Democrats.
This was reported as the tentative agreement reached last night between the leaders of both wings in the New Deal forces.
Former City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, defeated on the New Deal ticket, and Howard B. Dyer, former deputy city clerk, are mentioned as possibilities for city clerk. Reports also mention the name of William D. Sayrs, former commissioner, and until Tuesday an executive in the real estate division of the state highway department. He resigned the office, which paid a $5000 per year salary.
Carl Kisselman and former Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese are mentioned as the chief contenders for the solicitorship, with two Democrats to be appointed as assistants. Among these candidates are Thomas M. Madden, E. George Aaron, John Crean, Jr., Milton Nurock, Mitchell Cohen, John Morrissey and Leon H. Rose.
Sidney Kaplan and Gene Mariano are said to be receiving chief consideration for police judge. Reports were that it would likely go to Kaplan if he prefers it.
Abe Fuhrman is conceded the best chance for the office of city purchasing agent.
Richman Supported
There is a strong sentiment among Democrats to reward Grover C. Richman, former assistant attorney general, and there is a strong rank and file tide to have the Democrats demand the post of city solicitor for him. This may change the tentative agreement.
Because Reesman was a candidate and has been a supporter of Senator Woodruff for years, he is favored for the city clerk job. Reesman was formerly chairman of the Republican county committee.
Dyer was deputy city clerk under the late Frank S. Albright, and was dismissed after the split between former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., and the Woodruff-Verga-Sayrs group.
Dyer is a former secretary of the Republican County Committee and was a member of the committee from the Sixth Ward. He moved recently to the Thirteenth Ward. He is now an inspector in the State Alcoholic Beverage Control department under Commissioner D. Frederick Burnett.
It is expected that most jobs will be discussed at a conference to be held by the leaders today.
It is almost equally certain that the contemplated removals or some of them at least, will be subject to legal contest by the organization Republicans. What plans they may have have not been disclosed.
2 New Faces Will Appear On Camden Election Board
Camden Courier-Post —
By Mercury
There will be two new faces on the Camden County Board of Elections after March 1.
The terms of Charles J. Clark, Democrat, and William A. E. King, Republican, expire and Mercury has learned that neither will be reappointed.
The names of the appointees must be in the hands of the Governor by the first of the month, for confirmation, by the Senate. The names are submitted to Governor Moore by the respective State Committee chairmen who in turn usually accepts them from the State Committee members and county chairmen.
State Republican Chairman Clayton Freeman will send the Republican nomination to the Governor. Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, state committeeman, has a letter from Freeman asking for the name of the Republican member to be appointed. It is likely that Freeman will send to the governor whatever name is given him by the Camden County members.
Thumbs Down on King
Hanna, Mrs. Florence Baker, state committeewoman and herself a member of the county election board, and Dr. Leslie H. Ewing, county G.O.P. chairman, have been holding numerous conferences on the subject.
Dr. Ewing has definitely turned thumbs down on King, Mrs. Baker, too, has refused to recommend King and it was said that Hanna will not recommend him.
As a matter of fact, Mercury learns. Dr. Ewing has a list of prospective candidates. The origin of the list is unknown but it includes a number of city and county candidates. Among these are William Lehman, manager at the Republican headquarters; George Tarter and Meyer Sakin, attorneys; Charles S. Wright, of East Camden; Jack Weinberg; George Roberts, of Collingswood; Curtis Walter, Pennsauken tax collector, and Harry Willson, Pennsauken assessor.
Mrs. Baker for Sakin
Mrs. Baker is reported to be for Sakin.
It wasn’t known who Hanna is for, but reports have it that he may recommend George Walton, of Haddonfield. If Hanna does recommend Walton, who is from out in the county, it would leave the way open for appointment of a city member in the event Mrs. Baker, who accepted the membership temporarily, resigns.
Who the Democratic appointee will be is conjectural but it won’t be Clark, who has been at odds with the city-county Democratic organization.
A number of names have come in for consideration, among them being John Morrissey, chairman of the excise board; Bart Sheehan, former assemblyman; Robert Wren, Pennsauken committeeman; John Crean, of Haddonfield; John Trainor, of Haddon Township, and Sidney Kaplan.
Dinner Will Honor Ninth Ward Leaders
Camden Courier-Post —
9th Ward Democrats to Dine
Democrats to Fete Mrs. Soistmann, Moore, Crean in Hof Brau Tomorrow
Three Ninth ward Democratic leaders, state Committeewoman Mary Ellen McVeigh Soistmann, Freeholder Oscar Moore and County Committeeman John J. Crean— will be honored tomorrow night at a dinner in Weber’s Hof Brau.
Buses will leave headquarters of the Ninth Ward Democratic Association, Sixth and Berkley Streets, at 7.15 p. m. and will return at 11.30 and 12 p. m.
Mrs. Soistmann, member of the county committee since 1934, has lived in the Ninth ward for 31 years. She became state committeewoman last year. She is a daughter of the late Patrick J. McVeigh, one of the old-time Democratic leaders.
Moore has lived in the Ninth ward for 32 years. He was elected freeholder last November when the ward was swung from the Republican column.
Crean, who has lived in the ward for 27 years, was president of the Ninth Ward Democratic Association for five years, retiring in September, 1937, to become county committeeman. He also is an assistant city solicitor.
Test Case Planned on Police Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
City to Oppose Sergeant’s Plea Against Paying Two Percent Assessments
A test suit to clarify the law governing a two-percent assessment against the pension salary of James R. Clay, retired Camden police sergeant, will be brought by the City of Camden through Firmin Michel, city counsel.
This was learned yesterday when counsel for Clay confirmed the report. Michel, after first ruling the money was illegally deducted for a period of several years, decided to oppose the writ of mandamus sought by Alex Schueneman, Jr., attorney for Clay.
John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor, stated the legal department deemed it advisable to settle the matter in the Supreme Court in an effort to clarify the law. Crean spoke in the absence of Michel, who was not available for a statement.
Under the act concerning pensions, four percent of salary is deducted and contributed to the police and firemen’s pension fund. The two percent is in addition to the regular pension assessment. This amount is set aside for the pensions of widows of deceased pensioners.
Schueneman contends that inasmuch as Clay has no immediate survivor to receive a pension he should receive his pension salary without the additional two percent assessment.
“The point in question is debatable and the law is not entirely clear,” said Crean. “The city does not want to deprive any pensioner of his rightful amount. The law should be clarified by the court. The city legal department will oppose the writ of mandamus in the form of a test case.”
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd issued the rule to show cause why a mandamus should not issue. The case will be heard later in the month by Supreme Court Justice Ralph W. E. Donges.
Baird Aides Held Seeking City Rule
Camden Courier-Post —
Orlando Warns Democrats at Fete to Moore, Crean and Mrs. Soistmann
David Baird Jr., and his allies have already arranged their slate for the next city commission election and are laying plans to recapture the city government of Camden. Democrats should know of this movement and prepare to thwart the proposed plans at once.
This warning was given by County Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando last night, at a testimonial dinner in the Hof Brau at which three Ninth Ward Democrats were feted, and at which 500 were present. The trio honored comprised Mrs. Mary Ellen Soistmann, state committee woman; Oscar Moore, freeholder, and John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor and county committeeman.
While the three guests were feted and presented with wrist watches and other tokens, the affair took on a love feast aspect for the three New Deal commissioners and all shades and leanings of Democratic leadership.
Mayor George E. Brunner was toastmaster and took occasion to poke fun at the G.O.P. and its tribulations over the county headquarters.
Brunner Jests at G.O.P.
“I have just received word,” said the Mayor with due solemnity, “that the Republican county committee of whom I read today was having trouble over their headquarters, have finally solved their troubles tonight.”
“I understand they are giving up their present location and have just been presented by the Bell Telephone Company with a booth, and are now looking for another tenant to whom the committee can sublet half the space.”
Orlando’s warning came after he congratulated the special guests. He said:
“I have every reason to believe that Dave Baird and the rest of the Republican chieftains are already laying their plans to capture the city commission. They are working to the end with their own slate, so that they can take from the people of Camden the good government which they have received for some time.
“We Democrats do not want to take this warning lightly, we want to remember that Baird and his chieftains are already working toward capturing the government of Camden, and this is something that we want to prevent at all hazards.”
Orlando also congratulated the gathering as an indication of the growth of the party, and the faith that the people of Camden come to have in the Democratic party and in its principles.
The prosecutor also prophesied greater honors in the future for the triumvirate who were the guests of the occasion.
Disclaims Harmony Rift
Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, postmaster and long a figure in Ninth Ward affairs declared she resented any newspaper stories that hinted that there was the slightest rift in the Democratic party.
She told of the trouble the Democrats in the Ninth Ward, which, she declared, had never elected a Democratic freeholder until Oscar Moore was chosen. Mrs. Hyland told of detectives shadowing her home during election, and of the struggles that she and Moore had known together in fighting for the party in that bailiwick.
“I want to say” continued the postmaster, “that we must all be impressed by the spirit of harmony that this gathering means has come to pass.
“I don’t want you, and I will not myself believe all you read in the newspapers declaring we are fighting among ourselves, for if there is anything like that in progress, I don’t know anything about it and I don’t believe you do, either.”
County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, hailed as “The Father of the Democratic Party in Camden County” contrasted the spectacle before him with the harmony dinner which he and others sponsored years ago.
“We sold 150 tickets,” he said, “and gave away 150 more, and when the sponsors reached the hall at 7 p.m., the hour of the dinner, there wasn’t a single other person on hand. Later the hall was filled, and it held 200 guests. 200 to attend a Democratic harmony dinner that embraced all of Camden county.”
Officials Laud Guests
Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, postmaster of Haddonfield; Police Judge Gene R. Mariano and others also congratulated the guests. Mayor Brunner introduced Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann by calling attention to the cleanup campaign now under Hartmann auspices.
“Just as Hartmann is making Camden a cleaner city in which to live,” said the Mayor, “so has Commissioner Kobus made the city clean from crime. The streets are clean, the city is clean, and this has only been made possible by the efforts of the three commissioners who have worked in harmony, and who are going to continue to work in harmony.” Crean, Moore and Mrs. Soistmann spoke their thanks to those present for the banquet, the gifts and the sentiments expressed.
Seriously Hurt — Swerved Auto to Avoid Dog
Camden Courier-Post —
Six Ribs Are Broken and Lung is Punctured — SWERVED AUTO TO AVOID DOG
John J. Crean, acting city solicitor of Camden and chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee, was injured seriously yesterday when his automobile left the road, plunged into a stream and overturned near the General Hospital at Lakeland.
Crean had swerved his car quickly to avoid striking a dog, and the wheels on one side struck the end of the embankment and the car overturned on a 12-foot drop into the stream. The water was about 18 inches. Crean was able to extricate himself and wade across the stream. He stood at the side of the road where he was picked up by Louis Mutchler, Blackwood justice of the peace, and Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, of Camden, chairman of the Mental Hospital Committee. Quinlan was en route to the hospital.
Crean suffered fractures of six ribs and a puncture of the lung. Dr. Frank O. Stem, medical director of the Mental Hospital, said his condition was serious.
Crean had just left the General Hospital where he had visited his mother, a patient in the hospital. She was not informed of the accident. Crean also is confined in the same hospital.
He had left the hospital at 12.30 p.m. and was starting to Trenton to see his brother, Rev. Father Richard T. Crean, assistant chancellor of the R.C. Diocese of Trenton, with whom he was to have Christmas dinner.
Camden Courier-Post — July 4, 1941
Named: Camden Courier-Post, July 4, 1941, South 5th Street, Carman Street, North 27th Street, Garfield Avenue, Division Street, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Sayrs Avenue, North 9th Street, and Sycamore Street.
City Property Sale Authorized
Camden Courier-Post —
Public sale of 11 city-owned tax title lien properties and lots by Acting City Counsel John J. Crean, was authorized.
The properties and lots, their locations and minimum prices acceptable are: 325 Mickle street, $50; one lot, Ninth and Everett streets, $50; 3015 Saunders street, $300; 821 South Ninth street, $200; 504-06 North Fifth street, $750; 428 South Second street, $250; one lot, South Collings and Alabama roads, $300; 430 South Second street, $250; 760 Vanhook street, $100; 210-12-14-16 Channing terrace, $150, and one lot, Broadway near Lester terrace, $1000.
Henry Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies
Camden Courier-Post —
Trucks of Flowers in Funeral Cortege
Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.
Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.
The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.
A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.
Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V. F. W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D. A. V.
Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.
An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.
The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.
File Past Bier
A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.
Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.
James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.
Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Embraces Widow, Daughter
Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.
Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.
American Legion and V. F. W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.
Freeholders Arrive
Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.
Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.
Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets, led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin’s successor.
County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.
Outstanding Floral Tribute
Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.
A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.
The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.
The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.
Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.
Others at Bier
Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.
Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.
Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.
Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.
Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor’s office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.
Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.
James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.
Camden Courier-Post — September 26, 1951
Judge Boyle Rites Held After 600 Pay Tribute
Nearly 600 persons including jurists, lawyers and business associates paid their respects Tuesday night at the bier of former Common Pleas Judge William T. Boyle.
The viewing was held in a funeral home at Kings Highway and Haddon avenue, Haddonfield. There were many floral tributes.
Requiem high Mass was sung today in Christ the King R. C. Church, Haddonfield. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
Judge Boyle, one of the most revered members of the bar in this state, was a member of the law firm of Boyle, Archer & Greiner. He died Friday in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital where he had been a patient 13 weeks. He was 79. He resided at 45 Linden avenue, Haddonfield.
Admitted to the bar in 1894, he was appointed Camden county prosecutor in 1912. A year later he was named to the common pleas court where he served until 1917. He was a director of the First Camden National Bank & Trust Co.
Headed Bar 10 Years
President of the Camden County Bar Association for 10 years and head of the New Jersey Bar Association in 1932 and 1933, he was an official of the American Bar Association for six years and a member of the American Law Institute.
A Rotarian and life member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as president of the Catholic Lyceum and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Judge Boyle had been a member of Christ the King Church since its organization.
In 1947, Judge Boyle was made a Knight of St. Gregory by Pope Pius XII in recognition of service to his community and the Catholic Church.
Members of Christ the King Church Holy Name Society participated in services for Judge Boyle at the viewing with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre, pastor, officiating.
The Camden County Bar Association adjourned its meeting Tuesday night so members could attend the viewing. Also present were members of the Camden Council Knights of Columbus and of the Camden Rotary club.
Judges at Viewing
Among those attending the viewing were Supreme Court Justice Albert E. Burling, Superior Court Judge Elmer F. Woods, Superior Court Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, retired; County Judge Bartholomew J. Sheehan, and District Judge Edward V. Martino, county bar association president.
Also Edward T. Currie, state bar association vice president; Mayor Donald Connolly, of Trenton; Dr. Emma Dillon, state bar association secretary; William C. Gotshalk, city commissioner; Prosecutor Cohen, Assistant Prosecutor Asbell, Ralph W. Wescott, register of deeds, and F. Morse Archer Jr. and Frederick P. Greiner, law partners of Judge Boyle.
Also Gene R. Mariano, former prosecutor; John J. Crean, city solicitor; Miss Maude Lawrinson, assistant trust officer of First Camden National Bank & Trust Co.; J. Hartley Bowen, Haddon Heights councilman; Leo B. Rea, county court clerk; Jerome L. Hurley, head of the Hurley Stores; Eugene F. Verga, contractor; Emmons G. Elzey, real estate broker; William B. Macdonald, former court stenographer; Sylvan Fletcher, Camden Trust Co., treasurer, and Isador Herman, assistant city solicitor.
Also Fred Albert, court stenographer; Howard C. Wickes Sr., Camden industrialist; Herbert Richardson, former chancery court sergeant at arms; Dr. Everett H. Hemphill, of Haddonfield; Robert Y. Garrett Jr., Haddonfield school board president; William Lipkin, federal referee in bankruptcy.
Bar Group Present
Bar Association members and attorneys attending included: John H. Reiners Jr., J. Claude Simon, J. Norman Brierley, Carl Kisselman, Carl Geiges, Frank M. Travaline, Vincent L. Gallaher, Lawrence White, Henry Stockwell, Grover C. Richman Sr., Byron Seabrook, William Zink, Neil F. Deighan Jr., S. Robert Teitelman, Bryan B. McKernan, William F. Hyland Jr., Donald Wolverton and Joseph Lipkin.
Also present were members of the Bishop Bayley Building & Loan Association, of Camden.
Judge Boyle is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Mary B. Armstrong, Haddonfield; three sisters, Mrs. Morris Hertz and Mrs. John Cleary, both of Camden, and Mrs. B. F. Gillespie, Atlantic City; a brother, Frank, Camden, and three grandchildren. Judge Boyle’s wife, Emma W. Boyle, died in April, 1950.
Camden Courier-Post — November 14, 1978
City Schedules Sale of Garage Building
Camden Courier-Post —
The City of Camden will sell a one-story public garage building at 2626 Carman street containing 28 individual garages, which it acquired for unpaid taxes, in city commission chambers next Tuesday, Solicitor John J. Crean announced. The commission set $2500 as the minimum acceptable bid.
Seven other tax-delinquent properties also are scheduled for sale, as follows: vacant land 40 by 100 feet on east side of Twenty-seventh street 60 feet south of Garfield avenue, $250; two-story frame store and dwelling at 555 Division street, vacant, $150; vacant land 77 by 21 feet on east side of Mt. Ephraim avenue 40 west north of Sayres avenue, $100; lot at 523 South Fifth street, $75, and vacant dwellings at 215 North Ninth street, 903 Florence street and 211 Sycamore street for $50 each.