Introduction
Hon. J. Leighton Westcott, Former Mayor of Camden
JOHN LEIGHTON WESTCOTT served as Mayor of Camden from 1892 to 1898. He is not to be confused with John W. Wescott, who served as a judge in Camden for many years, beginning in 1885.
John L. Westcott was born in Cumberland County NJ on June 10, 1850. His family moved to Camden when he was 14 years old. He learned the printer’s trade with his brother, and followed that line of work until becoming Mayor of Camden in the election of 1892, succeeding Jesse W. Pratt. Reelected in 1895, he served a second term, leaving office in 1898.
On January 28, 1897 Mayor John L. Westcott was one of several dignitaries who were in attendance at the opening of the Catholic Lyceum, attached to the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Broadway at Market Street. Other attendees included New Jersey Governor John W. Griggs, late Attorney-General Samuel H. Grey, Camden city solicitor J. Willard Morgan, Senator H. W. Johnson, Sheriff David Baird Sr., then-Assemblymen Louis Derousse and Scovel, Postmaster Harry B. Paul, ex-Judge Armstrong, Architect Henry S. Dagit, J. J. Burleigh, George A. Frey, and H. L. Bonsall. The Lyceum would evolve into Camden Catholic High School.
During the Westcott administration, Cooper Park at 2nd and Cooper Streets was purchased by the city. This park was renamed Johnson Park in later years.
John Westcott was married to Deborah Fortiner, a member of a prominent Camden family. The Westcott family made its home at 315 Pearl Street in Camden in the 1880s and 1890s. This home was razed to make way for the Delaware River Bridge in the 1920s. Deborah Westcott passed away in 1898, leaving him with three grown daughters, Mary, Helen and Melvina “Millie” Westcott. In his later years he lived at 221 North 3rd Street.
John Leighton Westcott died of appendicitis on January 12, 1906. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery (plot N127).
Biographical Review
Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Camden and Burlington Counties — 1897
Hon. John Leighton Westcott, Mayor of Camden, was born June 10, 1850, in Cedarville, Cumberland County, son of Joel and Mary (Leighton) Westcott. The Westcotts are an old Cumberland County family. Of English extraction, they came to New Jersey from Long Island. Joel Westcott, who was born in Cumberland County, and resided there during the greater part of his life, was in business in Philadelphia for a number of years. He also lived for some time in Cedarville and later in Camden, where he died at the age of seventy-seven. He was quite a successful man, took a lively interest in town affairs, and he was honored with election to several local offices. His wife, who was born in Philadelphia, passed away in her sixty-third year. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Ames, who was engaged in business in Philadelphia when a young man, and died at the age of forty-nine; Henry, a wheelwright in Media, Pa.; Robert, a graduate of Princeton College, and a clergyman of the Presbyterian church, settled at Clarinda, Ia., who recently died; George, who enlisted for service in the Civil War as a private in the Third New Jersey Regiment at the age of eighteen, was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, received in the neck a bullet that could not be found, and died of the effects in his thirtieth year; Mary, who died at the age of eighteen; Margaret and Anna, unmarried, who reside in California; and John L., the subject of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family.
John Leighton Westcott, having received his early education in the common schools, entered a printing-office in Philadelphia at the age of fifteen. He learned the printer’s trade with his brother, and subsequently followed it until he was elected Mayor of Camden. He came to Camden with his father when about fourteen years of age, and has since made his home here, winning general respect and popularity. A member of the Republican party, he has been active in local politics for a number of years. He represented the First Ward in the City Council for four years. He was first elected Mayor in 1892, and his administration throughout the ensuing term was such as to greatly increase his popularity. In 1895 he was re-elected after a hot contest. At that time the Republican party was divided, and the Democrats nominated a Republican candidate for the mayoralty in order to catch a part of the Republican vote.
However, Mr. Westcott’s personal record was such that he was endorsed not only by the members of his own party, but also by a number of Democrats; and his re-election was hailed with enthusiasm.
Mr. Westcott was married in 1873 to Deborah J., daughter of Samuel Fortiner, of Camden, a member of one of the old families of this city. He has now three daughters, namely: Helen A., a teacher in Camden; Mary Elma and Mellie A., still beneath the parental roof-tree.
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.
Drink-Sellers Arraigned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Efforts to Stop Violations of the Sunday Law in Camden.
The Camden police are keeping up their efforts to suppress Sunday liquor selling. The following saloon keepers appeared before Mayor Westcott, of Camden, yesterday, and pleaded not guilty: F. A. Shuster, of Front street and Kaighn avenue; Tim. Clayton, of Third and Mechanic streets; James Croker, of Fourth and Jasper streets; F. Joseph Rouk, of Eighth street and Ferry avenue; John Murschell, of Broadway and Jefferson street, and Gottlieb Jung, of Ferry avenue and Jackson street.
Warrants have also been issued for Adam T. Davis, Jr., of Second street and Kaighn avenue, and Mary [?]ang, of Fillmore and Jackson streets, on similar charges. Davis is seriously ill and was unable to be present yesterday.
Chief of Police Dodd is the complainant in all the cases. The saloon keepers will be given a hearing next Friday.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Walter F. Toms and ex-City Surveyor Jacob H. Yocum are the latest additions to the list of candidates for the position of Chief Engineer of the Water Department. City Council will elect at its meeting next Thursday night.
No one having identified the corpse of the man found drowned at Gloucester last Sunday it was buried in Potter’s Field yesterday.
The Camden bicycle ordinance has been certioraried to the Supreme Court to test its legality. Lawyer Rex yesterday served the writ on Mayor Westcott. George B. Fithian, who was fined by the Mayor for driving on a bicycle path, is contesting the ordinance.
Game Warden Guthridge yesterday arrested Bladimer Blominski, a Polander, for killing a thrush. The bird cost him $20, as that was the amount of fine imposed by Justice Braker.
A large delegation from Camden Lodge, No. 15, F. and A. M., attended the funeral of David G. Patterson, a Past Master of the lodge, at Woodbury yesterday.
Rev. Matthew Register, colored, was held in $500 bail by Justice Colding, charged with threatening to do bodily harm to Helen Jones, of 1008 Kaighn avenue, who, it is alleged, did not appreciate the attention paid to her by the preacher.
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
Two Saloonkeepers Plead Not Guilty to Sunday Selling
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Saloonkeepers Thomas Feahrion and James A. Vansciver, who were arrested charged with selling liquor on Sunday, pleaded not guilty before Mayor Westcott yesterday, and their cases were set down for trial on Thursday.
Camden Post-Telegram
Camden Post-Telegram —
EX-MAYOR J. L. WESTCOTT DEAD AFTER VERY BRIEF ILLNESS
He Was Stricken With Appendicitis, and Surgeons Feared to Operate Because of a Heart Affection.
Former Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, of Camden, died at his home, 221 North Third street, of appendicitis, this morning.
The former Mayor has been unwell for many months, although he has been able to be about and was on the street on Monday, when he was compelled to go to bed owing to the severe pains in his back.
A physician was called in diagnosed the case as appendicitis. Owing to the weak condition of Mr. Westcott’s heart, the physicians were fearful that an operation would result fatally, and deferred using the knife.
The illness of the former Mayor was made known to the members of the First Baptist Church by the Rev. John W. Lyell at the revival services last night. Mayor Westcott is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Frome, Misses Helen and Mellie Westcott.
John Leighton Westcott was born June 10, 1850, in Cedarville, Cumberland County. He was the youngest of eight children. He had five brothers, one of whom became a Presbyterian clergyman and another was a Second Lieutenant in the Third New Jersey Infantry in the Civil War, the latter receiving a bullet in the neck in battle, which caused his death some years later.
At fifteen years of age John Leighton Westcott entered a printing office in Philadelphia, became thoroughly proficient in the trade, and followed it until his election as Mayor of this city. He had taken up his residence in this city while working in Philadelphia and upon attaining his majority became active in politics as a Republican. He was elected to City Council as representative from the First ward and was re-elected, serving in that body for a period of four years. He was nominated and elected Mayor in 1892, succeeding Jesse Pratt. In 1895 he was renominated and re-elected, serving in all two full terms.
Mr. Westcott was a careful and conservative official, in manner quiet and even-tempered, and his administration was on the whole satisfactory to the public. After his retirement from the mayoralty he filled no public office, but on several occasions called upon to serve on the grand and petit juries and as a member of public committees. During his incumbency of the office the Mayor acted as committing magistrate at the City Hall and was allowed to retain fees as well as being paid a salary.
Mr. Westcott was a member of several secret societies, including the Freemasons. He is to be found this morning that Mrs. McCusker had informed police that Mr. McCusker had struck her, but that when the police arrived to arrest Mr. McCusker, both denied it. Mr. Westcott was a widower and leaves three daughters. His demise leaves but two ex-Mayors, C. B. Hatch and Joseph E. Nowrey.
News of a Day in the City of Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fremont Shaw, aged 22 years, said to be the son of wealthy South Jersey parents, is locked up at the city prison in Camden until his people are heard from. The young man appears to be suffering from hallucinations as the result of taking morphine. He was found wandering about the streets yesterday by Policeman Murray.
Albert Birney, a Florida negro, was tried and convicted before Judge Joline in the criminal court in Camden yesterday on a charge of attacking Alexander Shorts with a razor. He was sentenced to two years in State prison.
The body of Charles Larsen, aged 22 years, who was killed Monday as the result of a fall from an eight-story Philadelphia building, arrived at his home, 710 Florence street, Camden, to-day.
Ethel Elzener, aged 1[?] years, of 322 Division street, Camden, had a portion of her hand crushed off in a factory at Ninth and Market streets yesterday, when it was caught in machinery. She was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Charles Illupie, aged 3 years, of 560 South Second street, Camden, yesterday swallowed the contents of a bottle containing ammonia and turpentine while he was temporarily left alone. The child’s mouth was badly burned.
A man who has been collecting clothes presumably for the Salvation Army, was arrested in Camden yesterday. Instead of turning the clothing over to the Army the fellow sold it for whisky. He said his name was Walter Hunt. He was sentenced to thirty days in the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse.
Former Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, who died Friday, was buried yesterday from his home, 221 North Third street, Camden, many officials and business men being in attendance. The services were in charge of Rev. John Lyell. The pall bearers were Mayor Charles H. Ellis, former Mayors C. B. Hatch and Joseph E. Newrey, Senator William J. Bradley, S. S. Iszard and William Shillingsburg. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Postmaster Berber yesterday appointed John Holland a regular letter carrier to succeed the late John Amer.
The first of a series of organ recitals was given last night at St. Paul’s P. E. Church under the direction of S. Wesley Sears, of St. Clement’s Church, Philadelphia.
The Dilmore New Year’s Association has reorganized by electing these officers: President, William Yann; vice president, William Hunsinger; recording secretary, Charles Mathis; treasurer, William Dilmore; scribe, George R. Thompson.
With a million dollar capital the National Window Glass Company was incorporated yesterday with John A. MacPeak, D. M. Callahan and J. C. Clow as incorporators.
Camden Republican Outlook
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Westcott has begun proceedings against himself in order to get a decision as to his right to commit prisoners. Ex-Judge Armstrong yesterday certioraried to the Supreme Court the cases of Allie Calvo and Raymond Calvo, whom the Mayor committed for breaking and entering.
Four Members off the Board of Public Instruction.
THREE WERE REAPPOINTED.
His Honor also Announces Another Batch of New Policemen and Asks for the Resignation of the Democratic Hold-overs.
Mayor Westcott this morning made the following appointments of members of the Board of Public Instruction: George D. Borton, D, First ward; Samuel Iszard, R, Second ward; Chas. H. Ellis, Jr., R, Sixth ward, and James Hanson, Jr., D, Seventh ward. Messrs. Borton, Iezard [sic] and Ellis are reappointments. Mr. Hanson succeeds Charles Hewston of the Seventh ward, whose term expires to-day. The new member is an oilcloth printer with a highly honorable record, his appointment giving great satisfaction all around.
The Mayor also announced the following new appointments on the police force:
First ward—James Elberson, Chas. Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Third ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Steen.
Fifth ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks, the latter colored.
No appointments were announced in the Second and Ninth wards.
Policeman Tommy Reed, of the Second ward, sent in his resignation last night. Peall, of the Second, and Thomas, of the Third, are expected to follow suit to-day.
In fact, the Mayor has asked for the resignations of all the holdovers of the Police Commission, with the exception of House Sergeant John Beard, of the Second ward, who, besides being a good officer, knows how to mind his p’s and q’s.
The Mayor thinks he will have to dismiss Mullane and Painter, as they give no sign of submitting gracefully.
Harry Miller, of the Third ward, will be allowed to remain until May 1st on account of the recent loss of his child.
It is said that Charley Sink will not get there in the Ninth. Billy Fish is said to have the inside track.
Wm. Ripley, of the Seventh ward, made a good and faithful policeman, and was fired like the rest, but it is said will not go back right away.
Sam Sheer was a “cop” under ex-Mayor Ayres and ought to know the ropes.
Harry Richmond, of the Fourth ward, will not resign. He says he will make them prefer charges. Well, Bob Miller was fired because he only had one eye.
My! but what a lot of men there are in this town who would like to wear helmets!
After searching for a week the police captured Coragues Diangro, who is charged with setting fire to a property from which he was ejected. Mayor Westcott committed him for trial yesterday.
Failing to pay fines amounting to $100 for selling liquor illegally, William Banks, a saloon-keeper, of Beach and Erie streets, was committed to the county jail yesterday by Mayor Westcott.
Esther Tingle, alias Mary Wilson, was held in bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday on a charge of stealing $18 from Miss Minnie Schoonmaker, of 304 Kaighn avenue, last July.
Theodore Jackson, charged with embezzling $15 from John Evans, and Michael Turner, accused of stealing a set of harness from William H. Jones, were committed to jail by Mayor Westcott yesterday.
Howard Johnson, driver of a coal wagon that ran over 3-year-old Hugh Birchall, was held by Mayor Westcott yesterday to await the result of the child’s injuries.
Charles Steel, of Kaighn and Mount Ephraim avenues, was held in bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday for trial on Friday, charged with selling liquor on Sunday and allowing gambling in his place.
Matthias Martin, of 1062 Line street, who was arrested Sunday night for cutting Philip Glassner, 715 Ringgold street, in the head, was committed to the county jail yesterday by Mayor Westcott in default of $500 bail.
Armory Bright With Booths.
The Food Exposition Will Open In a Blaze of Glory.
The village of booths at the Armory presents a beautiful appearance. The Floral Exchange, of Philadelphia, are making the interior of the big drill room beautiful. Colonel Cooper declares that it has never presented such a beautiful sight as at present.
His Honor, J. L. Westcott, will formally open the exposition to-night at 8.30 o’clock, although the doors will be opened at 7. Chairman Carson, of the Retail Grocers’ Association, will respond and Manager Buckley will speak on behalf of the exhibitors.
—The Democrats will hold their city convention to-night.
—Resolutions indorsing the Republican nominations have been adopted by the Sixth Ward Republican Club.
—The Committee of One Hundred had twenty-five men at work yesterday serving circulars to citizens of Camden appealing for funds to carry on the campaign.
—Ex-Assemblyman Joseph M. Engard and Councilman Charles H. Ellis, Jr., were among the speakers at the opening of the new quarters of the Hebrew Republican Club last night at Rogers’ Hall, Fifth and Chestnut streets.
—Councilman-at-Large W. R. E. Miller states that he is thankful for the letters congratulating him upon his nomination, but he desires to inform his friends that they are mistaken, as it is R. R. Miller, who received the Republican nomination as his successor.
—War Veterans’ Association, No. 1, last night adopted resolutions indorsing the Republican candidates and proposing Under Sheriff H. L. Hartsnorn as a candidate for Sheriff next fall. George E. Martin presided. Addresses were made by City Treasurer Felton, Mayor Westcott, Councilmen Potter and Hillman, Recorder Braker and Candidates R. R. Miller, E. E. Reed, Jr., Arthur Bedell and A. F. Shultz. A collation was served.
Saloonkeepers Thomas J. Farnan, of Ninth and Lawrence streets, and J. A. Vansciver, of 517 Arch street, pleaded guilty before Mayor Westcott, yesterday, of selling liquor on Sunday and were fined $50 and costs each.
William Gladding, who was held in bail last week charged with stealing a revolver, was required to furnish $500 additional bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday on the charge of carting away a ton of coal from an empty house, at Fourth and Federal streets.
Damsels in a Scrap.
Clara Green, Minnie Depew and Rachel Gibbs, colored, together with Edw. Jackson, also colored, engaged in a free fight on Baxter street last night and spent the rest of the night in the city lockup. This morning they were given a hearing by the Mayor and sentenced to ten days each.
Charles Monroe and Alfred Robinson, colored, were committed to the county jail yesterday by Mayor Westcott, charged with stealing two hats from the store of William J. Ross, of 401 Kaighn avenue. Samuel Albert identified them as the men he had bought the hats from for 35 cents.
Charles Butler was given a hearing yesterday by Mayor Westcott, on the charge of shooting Louis Tinson in the leg, and was held to await the result of Tinson’s injuries. All the witnesses testified that the shooting was apparently accidental.
Plumber William Mount, of 1123 Carpenter street, was fined $50 and costs by Mayor Westcott yesterday, charged with violating the plumbing code.
Charged with robbing the till of Saloon Keeper Jonathan J. Cox, of Fourth and Mechanic streets, of $1.38, Charles McCann was committed to the county jail by Mayor Westcott.
Mayor Westcott yesterday sentenced James Walker, a beggar with a bogus broken arm, to twenty days’ imprisonment.
James Foster was held in bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday charged with striking James Taylor, colored, in the face with a beer glass.
John Bamford admitted to Mayor Westcott yesterday that he had stolen an $8 pair of spectacles from Mrs. Annie Evans. He was committed in default of bail.
Margaret McDonnell, a junk dealer, of Second and Stevens streets, was held in $800 bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday charged with receiving stolen goods. A warrant has also been issued for her husband. The stolen goods consisted of lead and linotype metal found in possession of a Philadelphia junk dealer who claimed to have purchased them from the McDonnells. Some of the stolen goods were identified yesterday by the owners.
Thomas Williams was held in bail by Mayor Westcott yesterday charged with assault and battery on Lydia Lecount.
Over in Camden.
Mayor Westcott yesterday held Cornelius Schlater, of Pavonia, in bail, charged with robbing huckster’s wagons at the Vine street ferry.
Andrew Gabala, of 326 Atlantic avenue, was held in bail yesterday by Mayor Westcott, charged with assault and battery on his sister-in-law, Josephine Smith.
MAYORALTY TALK OVER IN CAMDEN
Election Not Far Off, But Leaders Cannot Agree on a Candidate
UP TOWN VS. DOWN
Committee of One Hundred Confident of Winning This Time—Democrats Divided
Camden’s municipal election, which will be held five weeks hence, promises to be one of the most hotly contested campaigns ever held in that city. The Committee of One Hundred, inspired by steady gains in the past, will make strenuous effort to wrest the control of municipal affairs from the Republicans. The prospects for their success seem brighter than in any previous campaign. A Mayor, Recorder and ten Councilmen are to be elected. The ordinances cutting off the fees of city officials will probably be passed in time to affect the officials elected this spring.
Although the election is not far distant the Republican leaders cannot agree upon a candidate for Mayor.
John Campbell, Jr., a wealthy real estate dealer, was urged to accept the nomination, and petitions were being circulated amongt he [sic] business men in his favor, but he announced yesterday that he would not stand.
City Clerk Varney and Street Supervisor John Blowe want a candidate from the lower section of the city, where the big Republican majorities are returned. Ex-Potmaster [sic] Henry B. Wilson, a coal dealer of Kaighn’s avenue, is the leading down-town candidate. City Counsel J. Willard Morgan is said to favor his candidacy. Harry Wolfe, Director of the Board of Freeholders, is looming up as a down-town candidate. He is backed by City Assessor Chris J. Mines, who aspires to be something more than a ward leader.
Mayor Westcott, who has had two terms, will not be a candidate for renomination. Isaac Doughten, the fearless foreman of the present grand jury, declines to stand as a candidate.
An effort is also being made to bring out R. H. Reeve, of the Second ward, for the Republican nomination for Mayor. He was a candidate for City Treasurer on the Committee of One Hundred ticket two years ago. It is claimed that he can divert some of the reform vote to the Republican ticket.
As the Committee of One Hundred name their candidates in secret conclave, but little is known of their plans. Either Cooper B. Hatch or Lewis H. Mohrman may head their ticket. Hatch came near defeating Mayor Westcott three years ago. Mohrman is the Reform leader in Council. Both are from the Second ward. Ex-Senator Maurice Rogers, of the Fifth ward, would like to head the Reform ticket.
The Democrats are split into two factions, the Regular and the County Democracy, and these are again divided on the question of making a hopeless fight with a straight ticket or indorsing the Committee of One Hundred nominees with the prospect of winning.
There will be a warm contest for the Republican nomination for City Recorder, which is to become a salaried position. The Councilmanic contests are still far from being settled.
Camden Political Chat
The Committee of One Hundred has certiorarled the ordinance creating two new precincts in the Fourth ward. The writ is returnable on February 19. Copies were served on City Clerk Varney and the County Board of Elections yesterday.
The County Board of Elections made several changes yesterday in precinct election boards. Secretary Fitzgerald called attention to precinct boards filling vacancies without notifying the County Board. The matter will be investigated.
Committee of One Hundred challengers started in yesterday to canvass for the spring election.
The Registry Boards will sit on next Tuesday, and again on the 18th instant.
The Sixth Ward Republican Club has indorsed Justice Charles M. Baldwin for the Republican nomination for Recorder.
Friends of Councilman Jesse C. Bond, of the First ward, want him to accept renomination on the Committee of One Hundred ticket.
The First Ward Republican Club has indorsed the candidacy of Joseph Potter for City Council. He also has the support of the Camden Republican Club. He was defeated for re-election as a Councilman last spring.
CAMDEN COURT JURORS DRAWN
Sheriff Sell, in Judge Voorhees’ Presence, Selects Men Who Will Report Next Month
A panel of 120 jurors was drawn yesterday by Judge Voorhees, in Camden, who sat for Armstrong, who is on his vacation. The jurors drawn are principally business men and men of more than average intelligence. The panel is as follows:
John H. Rockhill, Clark J. Hurff, David E. Barry, Spencer Cummons, Frank P. Sullivan, Oliver D. Wood, John J. Campbell, George F. Casselman, William F. Seeb, James T. Saunders, Harry Sutphin, Joseph C. Moore, William Mackintosh Jr., Merritt A. Pike, Benjamin Hair, William H. Dole, Sr., Marlton H. Stow, William Stone, John J. Brady, Samuel C. String, Ernest Wentz, William H. Cole, Oscar C. Welsh, Charles R. Deacon, Edward Glass, Richard Kronenberger, Mahlon Harden, Charles H. Peters, Armor P. Shannon, Robert Bassett, Jr., John Rutland, Christopher Wensch, John Logan, Benjamin Pratt, Edmund Carmany, Edward C. Hampton, Charles H. Lawrence, John Hor, William W. Garrigues, Horace E. Fox, Russell Williams, Walter Davis, William Powell, George W. Burroughs, John H. Irvin, Nathaniel F. Goff, Alexander Wilson, George B. Fithian, William Whitely, Jacob Reichel, Robert W. Harper, Isaiah Amos, Alfred E. Colgan, William H. Lewis, William West, George E. Magill, Henry F. Snyder, Benjamin F. Haines, John Thomas, Jr., Charles Chrispin, Philip Knauff, John Dankleman, John J. Smith, Frederick M. Chamberlain, Emil Mutschler, Wesley Mitchell, John R. Campbell, Edward O’Connor, J. Leighton Westcott, William Lee, Silas Letchford, John E. Hogan, Harry Hover, James W. Fogg, Harry T. Winters, Jr., Henry L. Harrop, Theodore Belding, Henry C. McKee, Samuel Barnett, John McEvoy, Howarth Law, William Sean, Cooper Wiltsey, Joseph M. Ashton, Alexander Weill, Spencer W. Moore, John W. Johnson, William Houck, Robert J. Houckel, R. Cooper Watson, Smith W. Birch, Lewis H. Pelouze, William R. Rogers, James A. Taylor, William Mercer, Lemuel H. Pike, Charles W. Havens, James S. White, William Tatem, M. Churchman Meeteer, Thomas H. Jones, George Moore, George W. Ottinger, William M. Kaighn, John R. Wolf, William Claus, Charles S. Stafford, George Thomas, Charles O. Perry, Lewis Grosscup, Nicholas Williams, William Rushworth, Robert J. Clyde, John F. Snyder, Henry M. Burrough, John H. Supplee, Samuel Ridgway, Charles Poulon, Jr., Joseph B. Evaul and William M. Haney.
The jurors will report the third Tuesday in September.
John Sailor a Policeman
Camden Daily Courier —
Mayor Westcott Names Him to Succeed Harry Miller in the Third.
Mayor Westcott this morning announced the appointment of John Sailor, of the Third ward, as a patrolman, to be located at the No. 2 Patrol House. The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Harry Miller, also of the Third ward.
The Mayor’s Appointments
Camden Daily Telegram —
He Announced Several This Noon.
COMMISSIONERS OF INSTRUCTION.
The Old Members Re-named With the Exception of the Member From the Seventh Ward—Police Appointments and Resignations.
Mayor Westcott this noon made the following appointments as Commissioners of Public instruction:
Messrs. George D. Borton, of the First ward; Samuel Iszard, of the Second ward; Charles H. Ellis, Jr., of the Sixth ward, and James Hanson, to succeed Charles Hewston, of the Seventh ward.
The officers of the Commission hold over another year.
The following appointments were made on the police force:
First Ward—James Elberson, Charles Wilbur, Samuel H. Sheer.
Second Ward—No appointments.
Third Ward—John Sinclair, E. D. Stein.
Fourth Ward—No appointments.
Fifth Ward—Albert Shaw, Charles Fitzsimmons.
Sixth Ward—Abraham Jackson.
Seventh Ward—Alfred Sayres, Edward Hyde.
Eighth Ward—Thomas Buchanan, Jacob A. Hicks (colored).
Ninth Ward—No appointments.
Mayor Westcott has requested the resignation of all the members of the police force who served under the Police Commission, to take effect May 1. They are Policemen Peall, Horner, Painter, Mullane, Miller and Reed.
POLITICAL POINTERS.
Who will be the postmaster?
Who will be the next prosecutor?
Many of the ward workers are suffering from election colds.
The name of Harry Moffitt was left out of the columns of honorable mention with the other hustlers of election day.
Senator Rogers and Messrs. Stafford and Watson, of the House are fully coming up to the expectations of their constituents.
If the Mayor could arrange it to hold his hearings a trifle earlier it would be a great source of satisfaction to the Camden afternoon papers.
There is still great anxiety on the part of the public as to the outcome of the present session of the legislature. Thus far their public acts have been highly commendable.
The abolishment of the Police Justice act restores to office the City Recorder, Benjamin M. Braker, who would be qualified to act in place of the Mayor should the Chief Executive be taken sick.
Jos. Potter, the new member of Council from the First ward is a man of wide business experience and will prove much advantage to the many large financial interests that will come under his care.
Owing to the satisfactory working of the present school commission in the two second-class counties up the State, the legislature made no change in the mode of placing the members as was anticipated.
Jos. B. Fox, of the Fourth ward, is what might be termed an old reliable, having had a long and varied experience in public affairs. He is always conservative in the expenditure of city money. He is always safe to trust.
Charles Sayrs, of the Seventh ward, who had a short experience in the present Council, but enough to make him feel at home among public affairs, is neck and ears in work between his real estate business and Councilmanic duties.
The colored people of the lower section of the city are anxious to see Squire Drake, the ex-Republican and ex-member of the School Board, come out of the Court House, where he holds a position under the Thompson Freeholders.
“Father” Figner is a proud sire. He was a member and president of Council in his days, and now sees his son treading in his footsteps. Mr. Figner, Jr., having been sent to Council from the Sixth ward on Tuesday by a large majority.
A special election will not be necessary for the new Board of Freeholders, as the City Council and Township Committees will appoint Freeholders who will serve until the Spring of 1895. The appointments will be made about the middle of May.
Arthur Bedell is spoken of as a candidate for the presidency of the new City Council. He is a stalwart and is never afraid to define his position on all public questions. He is one of those men who makes strong, warm friends and also creates an opposition of like force.
William D. Brown, the Secretary of the Board of Education, and Fred A. Rex, Treasurer, are quite pleased over the report of the committee on accounts and Expert O’Shaughnessy, they having examined the books of Messrs. Rex and Brown and found them correctly kept.
The library of the Camden public schools is one to be highly appreciated and much is due to the care with Miss Blowe the librarian has attended to her duties. She will hold over another year and should be allowed to retain the office as long as she merits it, and she surely does now.
J. R. Carson, the retiring member of Council from the First ward, is highly spoken of by his associates on committees and by Clerk Varney for the mature judgment displayed in the management of city affairs. It is with a general expression of regret that the city is to lose his service.
The reform in the Board of Freeholders can’t come too soon. If the public is to judge of the care of property given by the Democrats in the county, by the “hog combine” in this city, an inventory of the public property when turned over will make interesting reading. Ex-officials guarantee to save enough in the Board, if returned to their offices, to pay the expense of a special election, if one was necessary.
W. J. Bradley has been asked if he was a candidate for president of the new City Council. His reply was that he had not sought it in the first place, and would not seek it now, but whether he became president or remained merely a member on the floor, he would endeavor to discharge his duties in the interests of the city. He is commended by all who came in contact with him during the past year as one who had a new Camden at heart.
Lead Pipe Larceny at 238 Burns Street
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charged with the larceny of lead pipe from an empty house, at 238 Burns street, John Ferick was held in bail yesterday by Mayor Westcott.
Censured the Mayor
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Political Club Angered by Interference With Sparring.
The members of the First Ward Republican Club of Camden do not feel as kindly toward Mayor Westcott as they did before he sent Lieutenant Pettit and a squad of policemen to stop a boxing bout at their club rooms on Monday evening. The boxing was to be part of their Washington’s Birthday celebration. The Mayor heard it was to be a battle for blood and he squelched it. The club members expressed their indignation by passing resolutions censuring the Mayor.
The Mayor lives in the First ward. The members of the club say he has weakened himself politically by interfering with their entertainment. On the other hand, the Mayor says he acted in accordance with public sentiment, which is opposed to prize fights or sparring matches.
Fire Set at French’s Ice House Charged
Philadelphia Inquirer —
• Charged with attempting to set fire to W. C. French’s ice house at the foot of Clinton street wharf, John Maguire was committed to the county jail yesterday by Mayor Westcott.
Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dr. J. S. Baer has returned from a two months’ trip to Oregon.
Mrs. John Bassett, of Norfolk, Va., is visiting relatives in this city.
Comptroller Hollingshed and family have returned from Cape May.
Lawyer Wartman has returned after a two weeks’ gunning trip through Canada.
Miss L. Kimble, of North Fifth street, is spending a ten-day sojourn at Newport, Pa.
Miss Burnice Bacon, of North Fourth street, has come home after a pleasant stay at Seaville.
Mr. Wolf and family, of North Camden, have returned home after a three months’ stay at Pitman Grove.
Mayor Westcott has brought his family to the city from Brown’s Mills.
Howard Butcher is again on duty after his summer vacation.
The family of ex-Sheriff David Baird have returned from Cape May, where they have been summering.
Police Officer Harry Curtis, of the First ward, enjoyed his week’s outing in Atlantic City.
Only a Boys’ Trick.
Camden Daily Telegram —
Walter Jervis was caught by Special Officer Harry Miller while in the act of crawling through the fence of the skating park, last night. He was arrested but Mayor Westcott released him this morning.
Pastor Sawn Takes Action
Camden Daily Telegram —
Causes the Arrest of Davis Durand On a Serious Charge.
Davis Durand, of Seventh and Walnut streets, was arraigned before Mayor Westcott this morning on a charge of keeping a disorderly house and was held for court in the sum of $300.
The complaint against Durand was made by Rev. J. E. Sawn, pastor of the Eighth Street M. E. church, who said the place was frequently the scene of drunkenness. He testified to seeing drunken boys in front of the place a week from last night, and said he was told that a fight had started inside, which continued until after midnight. While this fight was in progress on the street he came near being struck with a stone. Rev. Mr. Sawn also accused Durand of keeping his pool table going on Sunday. Mr. Sawn was corroborated in his several statements by Charles Farr.
South Camden Siftings
Camden Daily Telegram —
The Camden Horse Railroad Company has taken the summer cars from off the Broadway line and this morning began running on ten minute time.
R. H. Comey this morning took out a permit for the construction of a frame building one story high, 37x50 feet, as an addition to the dye works on Jefferson street.
On a charge of congregating about the corner at Eighth street and Kaighn avenue, William Cook and Charles Martin were given five days by Mayor eWatcott [sic] this morning.
A large white streamer bound around the edge with blue, and across the centre of which appears in red letters: “J. B. V. S. & Co.,” now floats from the northwest corner of J. B. Van Sciver & Co.’s new annex.
Life was made miserable for the deck hands on the ferryboat Suffolk County during the storm on Saturday by the passengers demanding umbrellas to keep the rain off of them as it came pouring through the cabin roofs.
Camden Bicycle Ordinance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden bicycle ordinance has been certioraried to the Supreme Court to test its legality. Lawyer Rex yesterday served the writ on Mayor Westcott. George B. Fithian, who was fined by the Mayor for driving on a bicycle path, is contesting the ordinance.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE Y. W. C. T. U. was celebrated last evening, when Mrs. K. Raphael, of Ocean Grove, made an address.
THE ANNUAL CAKE CUTTING OF the J. H. Trainer New Year’s Association was held last evening in Berkley Hall. There was dancing and a cake walk.
JAMES C. WARE, JR., OF THE Eighth ward, was yesterday appointed by Mayor Westcott as a policeman to succeed Samuel Cox, resigned. Ware will go on duty today.
SURROGATE WEST PROBATED THE will of Frank H. Randall yesterday with his widow, Mary E. Randall, as sole heir and executrix of the estate.
THE FOURTH ANNUAL BALL OF the St. Francis Beneficial Society was held in Turner Hall last evening and was the most successful one ever given by that organization. There was a large attendance and the decorations were very tastefully arranged.
ELI HUDSON WAS ARRESTED ON A bench warrant last evening to answer a charge of embezzlement. While locked up in the county jail some time ago he was taken ill with typhoid fever and was released pending his recovery.
Shot Her Husband.
Camden Post —
EXTRA!
And Hid The Pistol Under The Refrigerator.
SAYS SHE DID NOT DO IT.
But The Dying Man Says She Did.
The Husband Was Jealous and Suspicious.
WIFE VIOLENT AND VENGEFUL
Husband Dead—The Wife Behind The Bars.
CHARGED WITH HIS MURDER.
McCusker’s Ante-Mortem Statement—Another Chapter in Camden’s Horrors.
Michael McCusker, about 3[?] years old, superintendent of the Union News Company, at Federal street station, was shot in the abdomen at his home, 206 Benson street, about 10.15 o’clock last night. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital, where the surgeons performed an operation at midnight, and died at six o’clock this morning.
Mrs. McCuskter [sic] was placed under arrest and is locked up at the City Hall, her husband having made a statement in which he accused her of committing the deed.
Mrs. McCusker informed Policeman Steen, who was among the first to arrive upon hearing a shot fired, that her husband shot himself during a struggle for the possession of the revolver. After telling him this she ran to the house of Mrs. McGann, mother of her husband, 430 south Second street, and informed them that he had shot himself.
HAD BEEN A STRUGGLE.
When the officer entered the house he found the wounded man lying in the entry writhing in agony. He sent in a call for the patrol wagon, which arrived in charge of Sergeant Golden and Policeman Zanders. The carpets indicated that there had been a struggle before the shooting took place. Golden desired to remove the wounded man to the hospital, but his relatives objected, and much time was lost in a vain search for a physician. Finally, Golden put the man on a litter and placed him in the wagon.
His story is corroborated by Harry Laird, a railroad conductor of 439 Trenton avenue. Laird said he was about to turn into Benson street, at Second, on his way home, when he was met by Mrs. McCusker who emerged from Daniel Hughes’ cigar store on the corner. She was wringing her hands and cried: Oh, Mike is shot! What shall I do?
Laird went over to the house and was joined by Policeman Steen. They entered together and found the injured man lying in the hallway with a pillow under his head.
What’s the matter, Mike? asked Laird.
My wife shot me; that woman there, he replied, as he pointed to her.
Oh! don’t say that, Mike, said the woman.
I do say it, and I mean it.”
As they were about to drive away William Stees and his wife, friends of McCusker arrived, and when the wounded man recognized them he said: “Bill, Florence shot me.” Sergeant Golden overheard the conversation and he ordered Mrs. McCusker to get in the wagon to assist with her husband.
On the way to the hospital McCusker said: “My wife shot me.”
Golden turned to Mrs. McCuskter [sic] and said: “Mike tells me that you shot him and hid the revolver. What did you do with it?”
Mrs. McCusker answered: “Did Mike tell you that? You will find the revolver in the kitchen under the refrigerator.”
When McCusker was placed on the operating table he was informed that in all probability the wound would prove serious and was asked to make a statement. William A. Husted, a notary, took his deposition. He said that he usually gets home at 6.30 but he did not reach home last night until nearly 8 o’clock, as he stopped at a barber shop intending to take a ride on his bicycle after supper. He said that he did not go out as he intended, and he and his wife got into a family quarrel, and during the excitement he made serious accusations which angered her. She ran upstairs, he declared, and secured his new five chambered [?]2-calibre revolver that he kept under his pillow, and came down stairs with it in her hand.
Her actions convinced him that it was necessary for his protection to secure the weapon, he said, and during the struggle for its possession, he charges, she raised the hammer, aimed it at him and pulled the trigger.
DECLARES SHE DID NOT DO IT.
When Mrs. McCusker arrived at the city prison and saw the door of the cell open for her she went into hysterics and shouted: ‘Don’t put me in that place; put me in a room. Oh! Don’t put me in there.’ She declared that she did not shoot her husband intentionally.
Upon returning to the house Sergeant Golden made a search of the room designated by Mrs. McCusker and found the revolver under the refrigerator, as she had stated. The police also found Clarence Smith, a boarder, who occupies a room in the second story. He said that he heard loud talking, which was followed by a shot and a scream by Mrs. McCusker.
The friends of Mr. McCusker told the police that the couple had been married five years, but had not lived happily.
The surgeons at the hospital said that the bullet entered the abdomen. From the condition of the wound the bullet had penetrated the intestines, which prevented any attempt to locate it by probing.
HUSBAND AND WIFE.
Michael McCusker was about 3[?] years of age, while his wife is about 28 years of age. Her maiden name was Coffee, and it is said that she came orginally [sic] from New York. She was a woman of attractive appearance and is said to have been separated from her husband two or three times. Their boarder, Clarence Smith, who is said to have been asleep in the house at the time of the shooting, is said to be a brother-in-law to Mrs. McCusker’s sister.
Michael McCusker had the reputation everywhere of being quiet but good natured, and was apparently highly esteemed by all who knew him. He leaves four sisters and a brother, Stephen McCusker, who is the employ of the Union News Company at the foot of Federal street.
D. J. Russell, the saloon keeper at Second and Benson streets, said this morning that while McCusker and his wife were not what might be called drinking people, they bought a small kettle of beer occasionally, and in fact had a kettle filled shortly before the shooting last night.
‘Squire Schmitz of Market-street, said this morning that Mrs. McCusker had frequently had her husband haled before him and held to keep the peace, alleging that he, McCusker, had threatened to take her life.
McCusker, the ‘squire says, always said that the woman’s accusation and complaint was “a — lie, and only a ruse to get me out of her way for awhile.”
The ‘squire says he always regarded McCusker as being a peaceable and truthful man.
AT THE HALL.
Lawyer Francis B. Weaver who has been Mrs. McCusker’s attorney upon several occasions, has been retained to defend her.
This morning shortly after 9 o’clock Prosecutor Jenkins and Assistant Prosecutor Carson called at the city hall and the prisoner was taken into the mayor’s hearing room and privately examined.
During the course of the examination Lawyer Weaver appeared with Mrs. Smith, mother of the defendant, and demanded to be admitted to the examination as counsel for the accused woman.
Chief Dodd, evidently acting under the instructions of the prosecutor, told Lawyer Weaver that it mattered not who he was or who he represented he could not be admitted to the examination, and he was not.
Lawyer Weaver remarked that this kind of action was what would result in the acquittal of Shaw.
What was developed at the private examination could not be learned, as the Prosecutor and Chief Dodd refused to have anything to say. Mayor Westcott arrived at 11.30 o’clock and the prisoner was arraigned for a hearing. The Mayor in reading the charge said:
‘Florence McCusker, you are charged with assaulting, shooting and killing Michael McCusker.’
The prisoner exclaimed: “Oh!” and burying her head in her hands sobbed bitterly.
Lawyer Weaver said his client would waive a hearing, and she was committed to the city prison.
A lady residing in the vicinity of Fourth and Market streets said this morning: “Mrs. McClusker lived near my house for a while. She was a rather showy-looking blonde, and I frequently saw her on the street. Her husband was the better one of the two, and I always understood that while they separated frequently she invariably ran after him to get him back.”
County Physician Jones will hold an autopsy on McCusker today. Coroner Lippincott, who has charge of the case, says no date has yet been fixed for the inquest.
No time to lose if you wish to join the embroidery class. Classes will soon form. Inquire at Varney’s.
STOCKTON.
Items of Interest to Readers Across Cooper’s Creek.
At last night’s meeting of town council the Camden and Suburban Railway company presented petitions asking the privilege of laying a double track on Riverroad from Cooper avenue to new Cove road; also on Westfield avenue from its intersection with Federal street to Forty-second street.
A resolution fixing a hearing on the petition for the thirtieth instant was adopted.
The treasurer reported a balance on hand of $63,754.63.
The appointments of J. C. Johnson, Frank Schocklin and Chris Waltz as fire wardens by the Stockton, Penn and Pavonia companies respectively were approved.
The joint committee on parade asked council to furnish an escort of police for the Thanksgiving Day demonstration. The request will be complied with.
The board of education requested that the janitors be sworn in as special officers to protect the property of the schools. The question arose as to the authority to swear in special officers, and the town attorney will give an opinion on the subject.
Bills to the amount of $687.32 were ordered paid. The ordinance compelling the sprinkling of streets used by railway companies by said companies was passed. The Westfield avenue sidewalk came in for a good share of discussion again. An ordinance making the width of the sidewalk on Broad street fifteen feet was introduced. Frank Mathias was awarded the contract to erect the retaining wall at Garfield avenue at a cost of $271.25.
A bill in favor of B. F. Sweeten & Son of $29.57 was ordered paid. A bill in favor of the same firm to laying cross covered gutters on Riverroad was laid over.
NOTES.
Silas Betts, V. R. Blackwell and Officer George Palmer went gunning yesterday in south Jersey.
The Stockton wheelmen will have a club run to Burlington via Mt. Holly on Sunday.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Taylor, on Merrel avenue, Rosedale, was the scene of a pretty event last evening, the occasion being the marriage of their daughter, Lillian, to Mr. Harry A. Dick. The ceremony was performed in the parlor, amid a profusion of chrysanthemums and palms, by the Rev. J. B. Whitton, pastor of Bethel M. E church, in the presence of a host of friends and relatives of the contracting parties. Miss Lillie Grant, of Philadelphia, cousin of the bride, acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Arthur Sharp, also of Philadelphia, was the best man. Miss Stella Buck rendered ‘The March of the Friares,’ A reception followed the ceremony, at which the happy couple were congratulated Among those present were: Rev. J. B. Whitton, Alfred Taylor, Harry Dick and wife, Mrs. Buck and daughter, Mrs. Horner and son, Mrs Stark, Mamie Euckenhofer, and William R. Dauuenhower, all of Cramer Hill; Dr. Wm. Taylor and wife, Mrs. Charles and Miss Tillie Grant, Arthur Sharp, Benjamin Taylor. all of Philadelphir, and many others.
The Stockton Hose company will have a smoker next Monday evening at headquarters.
Instructions by capable teacher. No charge for embroidering lessons. For particulars inquire at Varney’s.
B. & O. Improvements Finished.
The improvements on the main line of the Baltimore and Ohio west of and between Martinsburg, W. Va. and North Mountain, was completed November 1. They cover a distance of nearly four miles, starting three miles west of Martinsburg, and extending some distance west of Myers’ Hole which is near the North Mountain station. At Myers’ Hole the line was changed, taking out some very objectionable curvatures, and the road bed raised nearly fifteen feet, eliminating two grades of 43 feet per mile, which came together at Myers’ Hole and substituting therefor an almost level track. This point on the road has always been a dangerous one and many freight wrecks have occurred there. Apart from doing away with the dangerous feature of two sharp down grades coming together, as was the case in this instance, the saving in operation of the road by the change will be very large, as it enables the tons per train to be greatly increased and reduces the liability to accident to the minimum.
At Tablers the road bed has been lowered about 13 feet, and the same at Tabbs, besides taking out objectionable curvature and reducing the rate of grades at these points from 42 feet per mile to 10 feet per mile, thus increasing the cars that can be hauled per train. Though these improvements have cost quite a sum of money, the expenditure is fully justified by the great saving in operation.
Delair.
Musical entertainment at the Delair Methodist church, this evening at 8. The choir of the church have secured the following eminent talent: Mr. Albertus Shelley, the eminent violin soloist, assisted by Mr. C. Virgil Gordon, pianist; Miss Helen Mar Wilson, the celebrated reader and elocutionist; soprano soloist, Miss Bishop, and the inimitable Damico Brothers, guitar and mandolin virtuosi. Admission, fifty cents.
An amateur entertainment is being arranged by the Athletic Association that will eclipse anything in that line heretofore attempted.
Collingswood.
A meeting of the borough commissioners will be held in Tatem’s hall tonight, when the trolley and the electric light questions will be discussed. A petition is in circulation against the suburban improvement company being granted a five years’ contract for the exclusive lighting of the town.
Roy French and his brother left this morning on a gunning trip.
The regular weekly prayer meeting will be held tonight in the Methodist church.
After serious illness, like typhoid fever, pneumonia, or the grip, Hood’s Sarsaparilla has wonderful strength-giving power.
Trustees’ sale, 4-story brick residence, 190 Cooper street, Thursday, November 11th, at 12 o’clock noon, by Thomas & Sons, at Philadelphia office, 201 Bourse building, Philadelphia. Newly painted and papered. $2,000 may remain on mortgage at 5 per cent. Sale positive; no reservation.
F. S. Simmons, 309 Market street Camden, N. J. Phone No. 9.
Lodge room for rent, $10 per quarter. Apply to F. G. Hitchner, Fifth and Benson streets.
The News From Jersey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LOUIS T. DEROUSSE
Louis T. Derousse, speaker of the last House of Asembly [sic], is slated for the Camden Postmastership. The full four years’ terms of Harry B. Paul, the present Postmaster, will not end for several months yet, but it is reported that Paul is to be appointed a City Assessor by Mayor Westcott, who has to name a Democrat at the next meeting of City Council to succeed Assessor Samuel Wentz. In that case Postmaster Paul would tender his resignation, to take effect as soon as his successor is appointed. Mr. Derousse has the endorsement of United States Senator Sewell and his appointment as Postmaster seems assured.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
President of City Councils Charles H. Ellis, Jr., is suffering with symptoms of typhoid fever.
George E. King, Gloucester City’s defaulting treasurer, is said to have been located at Charlotte, N. C.
After an illness of two weeks from the grip, Chief of Police Dodd was able to return to duty yesterday.
Owing to Commissioner Beldon being engaged in the courts the investigation of the affairs of Camden county, which was to have been begun yesterday, has been again postponed until later in the week.
Mrs. Mina Geist, whose place at Second and Arch streets, was raided Saturday night, pleaded guilty before Mayor Westcott yesterday of selling liquor without a license and paid a fine of $50 and costs.
Obsequies of Henry B. Wilson
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The funeral of former Postmaster Henry B. Wilson, of 34[?] Mt. Vernon street, Camden, was attended yesterday by a large number of prominent business men of that city. Members of the Camden Commission of Public Instruction also attended in a body. Services were held in St. John’s P. E. Church and were conducted by the rector, Rev. G. R. Underhill. The floral offerings were profuse, there being nearly a hundred different designs. The pallbearers were Arthur W. Williams, Samuel T. Bailey, Attorney-General Samuel H. Grey, Herbert C. Felton, Elias Davis, Ex-Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, Dr. H. H. Davis and Frank L. Vinton. Interment was made at Evergreen Cemetery.
Licenses Transferred
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The following transfers were granted: Caroline Hoelzle, of Front and Vine streets, to John S. Smith; William C. Miller, from 524 Liberty street, to [?]74 Vanhook street; Moses Hughes, 1157 Federal street, to Peter Petrick.
Commissioner Cooper called the attention of the board to the fact that Xavier Schnurr, of Third and Spruce streets, had been before Mayor Westcott, charged with selling liquor to minors and that sentence was suspended. About ten days later Schnurr, he said, was fined by the Mayor for disorderly conduct. Colonel Cooper said something should be done by the board, but no action was taken.
The board will meet again next Wednesday evening.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Democratic County Executive Committee organized yesterday by electing Gottlieb Mick, chairman; Newkirk Wentz, secretary, and Joseph Whitington [sic], treasurer. In the contest between John S. Smith and John Dugan, as representative from the First ward, Smith was seated.
On the charge of stealing axes and saws from South Jersey Railroad cars, John Boyle was held in bail yesterday by Mayor Westcott.
The will of Colonel Edward M. Heyl, Inspector-general, United States Army, who died in Chicago on the 2d inst., was probated in Camden yesterday. His widow is the executrix.
Judge Miller yesterday heard testimony in the suit of Thomas Yardley, receiver of the Keystone National Bank, of Philadelphia, against Charles McGlade, of Atlantic City, for payment of a check of $1475. McGlade claims to have paid the money to Gideon Marsh, the missing president of the bank. Decision was reserved.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Westcott has been indorsed for renomination by the Liberty Park Republican Club.
The body of Captain George Deitz, of [?]60 Mount Vernon street, who fell overboard from his scow and was drowned, was recovered in Cooper’s Creek yesterday.
Dennings Clark, who fractured his skull and had his eye punched out by a fall in front of a saloon at West and Clinton streets, has recovered sufficiently to leave the Cooper Hospital.
William H. Still, colored, who shot his wife four times at their home, near Snow Hill, several weeks ago, can get out of the Camden County Jail on $500 bail pending trial. Judge Vroom fixed the amount of bail yesterday, as Mrs. Still is out of danger.
Fires yesterday caused $200 damage at Albert Fleet’s residence, [?]00 North Ninth street, and a loss of $25 at the home of Samuel Harring, [?]19 North Front street, while at Mrs. Boyson’s house, Point and Elm streets, a hundred pigeons were burned to death.
Samuel Harmon, a colored sneak thief, made the mistake of attempting to strip a clothes line in Policeman Schregler’s back yard while the officer was at home eating his dinner. Harmon will regret his mistake during the thirty days he is to spend in the county jail.
Favorable reports were presented yesterday at the third annual meeting of the Woman’s Baptist Union in the North Baptist Church, and these officers were elected: President, Mrs. J. M. Hare; vice-presidents, Mrs. Joseph Cramer, Mrs. John W. Lyell; corresponding secretary, Mrs. S. M. Sampson; treasurer, Mrs. S. O. Hugg.
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.
Camden Republican Outlook
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The present outlook is that there will be perfect harmony throughout Camden in the Republican ranks, and the following candidates will be named: First ward, the present incumbent, J. Leyton Wescott; Second ward, Freeholder, Cooper B. Hatch will succeed John Campbell; James H. Lane will be renominated and re-elected in the Third; Maylon F. Ivins will be unopposed in the Fourth ward, Dr. John D. Leckner will have opposition in the Fifth ward, but he will be returned. Eugene B. Roberts will be renominated and re-elected in the Sixth ward, as will Joseph Starr and Charles H. Sharp in the Seventh and Ninth wards respectively. The present indications are that Excise Commissioner Fury will be the next Councilman from the Eighth ward.
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.
Charles Berry’s Funeral.
Camden Daily Courier —
The funeral of Charles G. Berry, one of the bravest and most popular firemen in this city, took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon from his late residence at 226 Point street.
The firemen attended the funeral in a body, and the members of the First Ward Republican Club were represented in a large body, while Mayor Westcott, Councilman Robert Smith, George Barrett, and many other prominent men of this city viewed the body.
Rev. A. G. Lawson of the North Baptist Church preached the funeral sermon, after which the body was taken to Philadelphia where it was interred in Glenwood Cemetery. The body lay in a black cloth covered casket and was dressed in his fireman’s uniform with the cap lying on the breast.
A profusion of floral offerings lay around the coffin. Among these were a pillow with the words “Comrades of No. 4,” a fireman’s hat from No. 4 Company, cut flowers from Jesse Conley, a design of white roses from James Dunn and Joseph Love, two of his closest friends, a pillow from his family a handsome design from the Republican League and lilies from Councilman Smith.
The pall bearers were Chief Samuel Elfreth, of the Fire Department; Foreman Amadee Middleton, of No. 4; Engineer Frank Turner and Edward Hartman, Walter Browning, Robert Sheer, William Bogia and Charles Kay, all members of the Fire Department.
All the friends of the deceased accompanied the body to the ferry and there left the pall-bearers and family with his Philadelphia friends, who took the body to the cemetery.
Mr. Charles Berry was born in Philadelphia, in 1854. He graduated from the Friends’ Central School and attended the Chester Military Academy. When he left school he went with John Mundell, the shoe manufacturer of Philadelphia, and became foreman of Mr. Mundell’s extensive works. Ten years ago he came to Camden and was foreman of George Martin’s shoe factory, and from there he went to Deitrich’s place, on Market street, where he held a similar position, which he gave up to enter the fire department. He has been a fireman for three years, and was known as one of the bravest and best men in the department.
First Ward Club Had a Jolly Time
Camden Daily Courier —
Annual Election and Feast of Fun Held Last Night.
PATTERSON ELECTED PRESIDENT
Hospitality was rampant at the First Ward Young Republican Club last night. The occasion was the annual meeting. Following the election of officers there was a delightful entertainment and a splendid feast, the honors being done by Captain William E. Alberts, simply resplendent facially in his new bunch of whiskers; Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse, who salivated more buttered ham sandwiches than George Kappel did fried oysters; Eph Hires, the school janitor, who saw to it especially that no one was unattended to; Exciseman Joseph Kolb, who insisted on everybody taking something every other minute; John Beard, who was happy over being elected a ward committeeman, and a number of others who looked after the comfort of the many guests in fine style.
The officers elected were: President, County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr.; Vice President, Freeholder George P. Pechin; Treasurer, Thomas Walton; Board of Directors, Court House Superintendent Joseph Burt, Captain William Alberts, Walter Banks, E. T. Hires, William Lyons, Charles Cook, William Weaver and Robert Finley. Joseph Baumeister was re-elected secretary and none better could have been selected as he had everything down pat.
An Italian orchestra with an Irishman playing the flute furnished the music, and there was great fun when Walter Banks got under a rubber plant and roared out “Under the Bamboo Tree.” The cosy club rooms were prettily and patriotically decorated and pretty nearly everybody in te [sic] town was there, from Cooper’s Point to Centreville. Among them were Senator William J. Bradley, ex-Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, Fire Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, who warmed up on ginger ale; President of City Council Samuel P. Jones, Councilman Joseph Potter, County Clerk, Frank F. Patterson, Jr., whose re-election as president of the club was hearty and unanimous; Dr. John F. Leavitt, whose heroism and devotion to duty where disease stalks, has made Camden the healthiest city in the world; ex-County Physician William Iszard, Freeholder George Pechin, Fireman Joseph Logue, the owner of the great and only “Dewey;” Tony Mecca, president of the popular Italian Republican Club, and many others of equal note. The cigars were elegant, the menu grand, the orchestra in full harmony with the happy occasion, outside of playing “In the Goold [sic] Old Summer Time,” and the guests will ever remember the event as one of the pleasantest of incidents.
Camden’s Warring Factions
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Furey Now in Council, But Out of the Excise Commission.
There was more excitement at the meeting of Camden City Council last night than there has been since the days when the Republicans had only a small majority. The trouble was over the selection of a Councilman to fill the vacancy in the Eighth ward, caused by the resignation of Isaac Ferris.
The Republicans caucused previous to the meeting, Excise Commissioner Furey receiving the largest vote of his party. Some of the members, however, refused to make the choice unanimous and carried their refusal into the Council chamber. Mr. Furey was nominated by Chairman Lane, of the caucus. Frank Burdsall, of the Second ward, nominated ex-Councilman Charles Helmbold. The vote resulted as follows:
For Furey—Messrs. Barber, Beale, Bedell, Hatch, Hogate, Jefferis, Lane, Miller, Roberts, Ross, Sharp, Smith, Starr, Wescott, Leckner, Lee. Total, 16.
For Helmbold—Messrs. Burdsall, Donges, Githens, Hammond, Jones, Lawton, Lord, Rogers, Scheperkotter—9.
Messrs. Donges, Scheperkotter and Lord are Democrats. As soon as the decision was announced Donges and Scheperkotter created a sensation by handing in their resignations. Mr. Furey moved to accept them, but Councilman Rogers moved to lay them over. The latter motion prevailed.
Mr. Snyder then asked the City Solicitor if Mr. Furey could hold the position of excise commissioner and Councilman at the same time. The City Solicitor decided that he could not and his position as excise commissioner was declared vacant. Councilman Edward E. Jefferis, of the Sixth ward, nominated Charles Lederman, of the Seventh ward, for the vacancy in the Excise Commission, and Mr. Burdsall nominated George A. Frey, editor of the Courier. Five ballots were taken without a result. Both Messrs. Schepperkotter and Donges, after handing in their resignations, left the Council chamber.
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 1, 1891. Political figures including John A. Furey, James M. Lane, Dr. John W. Donges, Dr. John D. Leckner, Cooper B. Hatch, Howard Lee, John Leighton Westcott, George F. Hammond, Isaac Ferris Sr.
Along Memory Lane
Camden Courier-Post —
By Ben Courter
Camden cops who once wheeled dead drunks, sometimes howling drunks, a mile or so through the streets to City Hall are becoming few and far between. There are few who remain, either active or retired, who fought roughneck gangs single handed, who never deigned to send in a riot call. Encounters with a terror like old Mike Kelly, who could wallop half a dozen ordinary men when filled with “red eye” are but legends of the department.
All this and much more is recalled in the death of William Harvey in his 83rd year, a typical “English heart o’ oak” in the good old days when a man was simply compelled to show his mettle to remain alive and kicking and a policeman down at old Kaighn Point. Certainly in the late ‘80s and for a quarter a century later Kaighn Point would have been altogether lost without this doughty arm of the law. He was part and parcel of it as were the veteran shad fishermen, the oystermen from off the pungies, the hard boys from the fishing and ice boats who could whip their weight in wildcats and yell for more, such as “Big Bill” Zaiser, “Tar Heel” Henry, the Bearn boys and others, most of whom have gone the way of all flesh.
Harvey, who lived for many years at 1010 South Second street, was in the heydey [sic] of his strength when he was appointed a policeman by Mayor Pratt on August 26, 1886. He was out a few months in the hectic days of ‘93–’94 when the Democratic police commission was in power, but with the ousting of that outfit Harvey returned on March 31, 1894, and remained until retirement on March 1, 1912.
It was during that early period that he used to scare us kids when he chased us home after dark. The youngsters of that generation were wont to yell “Billy Grab All,” and then beat it in more or less terror. It was not until later they learned his value in preserving order in a mighty scrappy area.
There was an organization known as the Avenue Club with headquarters below Front street which played high jinks on Sundays in particular, regarded as an abomination by the church goers. Harvey was detailed to break it up. Well we recall one Sunday afternoon in the then provincial town when Harvey made a raid, a single handed raid. We forget the exact number, but as we recall it 21 of the “avenooers” were marched two by two with the valiant “Bill” at the head all the way to City Hall, a good mile and a half away. And the one-man raid was effective.
It was in the fierce election fight incident to the old race track days in ‘94 as a small kid we see in memory’s eye “Old Bill” Harvey badly beaten in front of a polling place on Mt. Vernon street. Democratic enemies blackjacked him, kicked and cuffed him, used him for a football. Even then he refused to take the count, but a Democratic cop “necked him” and took him to the hall. We were frightened stiff when we saw his battered, blood-stained face. No mercy in those hard days, for Harvey was jailed and excoriated as a “rioter”!
But he had his comeback not long after and the rough boys were nearly shoved off the face of the map when the “organization” returned in force with J. Leighton Wescott as mayor. When the patrol wagons did away with pushcarts, when the call system was inaugurated, when the force was increased, conditions eased up. In his later years Harvey delighted in “flivvering” about, spent many a happy hour with the old timers in fire or patrol houses, frequently recalled the glorious days when it was just as easy to find a real scrap as it was to eat a hearty meal.
In his early days Harvey had followed the sea and it seemed to me he never lost the roll of the deck. Certainly he never lost that indomitable spirit born of the freedom of the wave, never called quits in a tight corner, never raised the white flag. “Old Bill” sure was the epitome of all that meant a real cop when it was a survival of the fittest.