John L. Willis Jr.
John L. Willis Jr.
JOHN LOUIS WILLIS was well-known in fraternal circles in North Camden and was politically active after World War I and the democrat leader of Camden’s 10th Ward. After the election of 1922 when Camden changed to a commission form of government, he was given a job in the city assessor’s office. He was quite active in Camden Lodge No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose and other fraternal organizations such as the Improved Order of Red Men and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. John L. Willis was also quite active with the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association, the Carnation Social Club, the Camden Maennerchor Yearly Benefit Association and the Don’t Worry Social Club.
Great-granddaughter Michelle Willis wrote the following:
I do not know a whole lot about him. He was my grandfather’s (Harold Louis Willis) father. His name is John Louis Willis Jr. He was born April 17th 1882 in New Castle, Delaware. His parents were John L. Willis and Sophie Middleton. He moved to 528 North 5th Street in Camden NJ sometime between 1904 and 1905 with his parents and siblings. His brother was Foster Willis who was also part of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association. His sister Sophie (Sophie C. Willis Goodyear Smith) married Otis Smith who was the care taker of Pyne Poynt Park. In 1905 John L Willis’ occupation was a brass finisher. In 1908 he married Helen Cooper Lange whose father Ernest Lange lived across the street at 625 North 5th Street. Her mother Kate Streich Lange died when she was about 7. At some point she was placed in an orphanage.
Her orphanage bible is still in our family with a date of 1902 on it. At some point after that she reunited with her father who had remarried. John L Willis Jr. and Helen Cooper Lange had 3 children George William Willis (1908–1978) Gladys Eleanor Willis (1909–1910) and my grandfather Harold Louis Willis (1919–1999). In 1913 John L. Willis’ occupation was listed as an iron worker. He moved in 1914 to 522 Vine Street. His parents also moved with him to that address. His occupation at that time was listed as a Sheet metal worker. Between September of 1918 and January 1920 he moved to 723 York Street in Camden and his occupation was listed as a superintendent. About 1923 he became a clerk in the assessors office. He died from pneumonia on June 7th 1930. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken NJ.
Doings in the Social World
Camden Post-Telegram —
A very pleasant evening was spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mulford, 722 Pearl street, on Saturday, it being the eighteenth birthday anniversary of their son Albert. The program was commenced by Mr. Mulford with an address in his son’s behalf and he then sang a song entitled “Only Had Fifty Cents.” He then introduced Mr. John L. Willis, Jr., as entertainer of the evening. Mr. Willis started a bunch of fun by introducing the Ellmore Bros., the comedians, who made it very pleasant for all. At 11 p. m. the guests were ushered to the table by Albert Mulford, where lots of good things were awaiting the hungry ones. Mr. Mulford received several useful presents and at 12 p. m. all departed for their respective homes.
Those present were: Misses Elva Ross, Georgiana Ross, Helen Lange, Sophia Willis, Nellie Willis, Ruby Richter, Mabel Mulford, Gertrude Dalbow, Viola Dalbow, Lillian Dalbow; Messrs. Joseph Bennett, George Comly, Albert Murray, John Coll, James Woods, Ed. McDonald, Percy Dudley, Clifford Mulford, Fred Theis, Master William Willis, Edward Wells, William Lukings, John L. Willis, Jr., Foster E. Willis, Albert Mulford, Harry W. Watson.
News Notes of the Poynts
Camden Daily Courier —
Interesting Bits Gathered Here and There in North Camden
A very pleasant and interesting evening was spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Willis, Sr., 628 North Fifth street, on Wednesday evening, April 17. It marked the twenty-fifth birthday anniversary of their son, John L. Willis, Jr.
Mr. Willis has many associates in North Camden so, of course, the event called together quite a number of his intimate friends who spent the evening in playing games of all sorts and several song selections were rendered by George Glenn, Sr., and Edward Jacobs. But to top it all off George Glenn, Jr., had to sing his sentimental song entitled “Somewhere somebody’s waiting for you.”
At 11 p. m. the guests were ushered to the dining room by Mr. Willis, where a table laden with things to suit all tastes awaited the hungry ones. Mr. Willis received many useful presents. At a late hour all departed for their respective homes, wishing Mr. Willis many future birthdays and expressed themselves as having had a delightful time. Those present were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. John L. Willis, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Glenn, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan, Foster E. Willis, George Glenn, Jr., John Zook, William Willis, Percy Dudley, Charles Kelter, E. Jacobs, John L. Willis, Jr., Misses Nellie Willis, Helen J. Lange, Elva Ross, Georgia Ross, Mary Campbell, Carrie Ledner, Fannie Conrow, Alice Borgard.
News Notes of the Poynts
Camden Daily Courier —
Interesting Bits Gathered Here and There in North Camden
CARNATION SOCIAL’S ANNUAL BANQUET.
The Carnation Social held its annual banquet at the home of Joseph A. Forbes, 616 North Fifth street, on New Year’s eve, and it proved to be a grand success. The evening was spent to everybody’s liking, as there were several games procured to make it pleasant for all who attended. But the most interesting part of the evening was up to John L. Willis, Jr., who entertained the guests with his talking machine and fully 100 records of up-to-date selections. He was assisted by Foster E. Willis. There was also some very delightful singing rendered by Mr. Errickson, Mr. Binker, Mr. Glenn and Miss Helen J. Lange. At 11 p. m. the guests were ushered to the table by the president of the social, J. Willis, Jr., which was laden with things suitable to all hungry one, and some one said they heard Mr. Glenn say he was going to eat all night. But Mr. Forbes gave him a hot chase. At 4 a. m. all departed for their respective homes, stating it was the best time they had had all year and wishing the “social” the best of success for the next banquet. Those who participated in the banquet were Miss Katherine Baake, Miss Helen J. Lange, Miss Grace Moniote, Miss Fannie Conrow, Miss Ida Conrow, Miss Marguerite Pierce, Miss Anna Ambrose, Miss Elva Ross, Miss Alice Borgard, Miss Nellie Willis, Miss Ruby Vandegrift, Mrs. Joseph A. Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Willis, Jr., Frank Errickson, John L. Willis, Jr.; Foster E. Willis, William J. Willis, Imly Binker, Joseph A. Forbes, Carl Starn, William Ehrman, Percy Dudley, John C. Zook, George C. Glenn, Jr.
Grist of Newsy Bits Gathered in North Camden and Up Pyne Poynt
Camden Post-Telegram —
The degree team of Washington Camp, No. 21, P. O. S. of A., under the direction of Brother John L. Willis, Jr., Degree Master, will journey to the headquarters of Camp 25, at Twenty-seventh and Saunders streets, to-morrow evening.
The degree team will perform the initiatory ceremony on six candidates for admission to Camp 25. All the members of Camp 21 are urged to go along with the degree team, and all who do go will have a good time. Camp 21 has the best degree team in the State of New Jersey, or so the local boys believe. It has been called to perform ceremonies for many different camps in this section of the State.
The following are the officers of the degree team: John L. Willis, Jr., past president; Clarence R. Gaunt, president; E. R. Adams, vice president; George W. Dobbins, master of forms; Percy H. Dudley, conductor; Allen Jarvis, inspector; Ralph C. Madden, chaplain; Samuel R. Smith, guard; William J. Steele, right sentinel; Milton C. Pritchard, left sentinel; William J. Steel, lecturer.
Patriotic Sons of America Conducting Successful Home
Camden Post-Telegram —
President Has Built Up a Well Balanced Family Entertainment In Order of Home-Study in Good Work
The Patriotic Order Sons of America has in operation at Seventh and Linden streets, one of the most successful family entertainment homes conducted in North Camden. President John L. Willis, Jr., has under his supervision one of the most complete systems for home study and self-improvement. The membership of the organization is not only interested in the work of the order, but are deeply concerned with all the activities and amusements that center around the home. The president has charge of all the home proceedings and he is to be commended for the efficient manner in which he is conducting the work.
The order permits its membership to use the home at their pleasure during the evening hours. Billiards, pool, card games, and other indoor amusements are freely allowed. The home is opened every evening from seven until eleven o’clock. There is a reading room, a library, and a meeting hall connected with the home. The president stated that the membership has shown remarkable interest in the work of the organization.
The officers in charge are: John L. Willis, Jr., President; Daniel J. Kern, Vice-President; Charles Hanson, Secretary; David Murphy, Treasurer; E. C. Smith, Herald; William J. Wilenski, Conductor, and Daniel L. Palmer, Trustees.
The organization is making great strides toward accomplishing the objects of the order, which are to improve the social condition of its members, to educate them in the principles of patriotism, and to aid them in their struggles for a competent livelihood.
Letter to the Post-Telegram
Camden Post-Telegram —
Editor of the Post-Telegram.
Dear sir:—On Saturday morning I met with a serious accident in my place of employment, Merritt & Co., and was taken to the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, West and Stevens street, by a gentleman who happened to be on Arch street above Front with an automobile. If possible through your paper I would like to learn who the person was as I feel I owe him a great deal of praise and credit for his kindness. Would be pleased to have the gentleman communicate with me if he will. Thanking the Post-Telegram for the insertion of this article in this worthy cause, I remain
Respectfully yours,
JOHN L. WILLIS, JR.,
628 North Fifth street.
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Registration Card — John Louis Willis Jr. Registered September 12, 1918. Address: 522 Vine Street, Camden. Occupation: Foreman, Dexter Metal Mfg. Co., Front and Arch Streets, Camden.
Glorious Fourth for Pyne Poynt
Camden Post-Telegram —
A. A. Appoints Committee to Plan for Celebration Details
Other News Items in North Camden
At a meeting of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association held last night in the club headquarters at Fifth and Erie streets, the following committees were appointed for the coming Fourth and July celebration.
Joseph G. Corson, president of the association, presided at the meeting which was largely attended and shows the interest the members are taking in this year’s celebration.
John L. Willis, Jr., one of the best known young men in North Camden, and who for some time has taken a great interest in the work of the association was elected to the office left vacant by the retirement of Mr. Them. Members of the club accorded Mr. Willis a wonderful ovation at the result of his election, and he to-day is being showered with congratulations.
Willis Injured at Dexter Metal Plant
Camden Post-Telegram —
Willis Injured at Dexter Metal Plant
John L. Willis, Jr., of 716 York street, one of the best known residents of North Camden and vice president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association, was injured about the head at the plant of the Dexter Metal Company where he holds a responsible position, when he was thrown under a loaded truck.
Mr. Willis, who was rendered unconscious, was rushed to the office of Dr. James Smith, Sixth and Vine streets, where a number of stitches were taken in the gash inflicted in his head.
John L. Willis, Jr., of 716 York street, one of the best known residents of North Camden and vice president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association, was injured about the head at the plant of the Dexter Metal Company where he holds a responsible position, when he was thrown under a loaded truck.
Mr. Willis, who was rendered unconscious, was rushed to the office of Dr. James Smith, Sixth and Vine streets, where a number of stitches were taken in the gash inflicted in his head.
July 20, 1922: John L. Willis, Jr., of 723 York street, who was injured at the Dexter Metal Company plant, where he holds a responsible position, has returned to his place of employment.
Pyne Poynters
Camden Daily Courier —
Away to Regain Health
Justice of the Peace Charles A. Them, Fifth and Grant streets, is spending a short vacation on the farm of T. Walter Reese, Mantua. Mr. Them is endeavoring to regain his health, having been ailing for the past ten months. He is well known in the Poynts, where he has resided nearly all his life, and is president of the Tenth Ward Republican Association. A card from him was received by John L. Willis, Jr., 723 York street, stating that he is improving rapidly.
PYNE POYNTERS
John L. Willis, Jr., 723 York street, who was severely injured recently when a pile of steel fell upon him, is recovering rapidly and is able to follow his daily occupation again. Foster Willis, his brother, who had his arm broken at Pyne Poynt on July 4, is improving slowly.
Miss Bonita Cox, 616 Vine street, is spending a few days with her sister, Mrs. Harry De Larentrie, Twenty-seventh and River road.
Mrs. Helen Willis, her sons, George and Lewis, and Mrs. Sophia Willis, 723 York street, are spending a vacation at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Mentz, Waterford. They will return early next week.
Install Officers at Camp 86, P.O.A.
Camden Post-Telegram —
Ella R. Cox Elected to Represent Camp No. 86 at State Meeting
To Give Moonlight Wednesday Evening
Camp No. 86, Patriotic Order of Americans, at their regular meeting Monday evening in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Sixth and Elm streets, elected Mrs. Ella R. Cox as a representative to the session of State camp to be held in Atlantic City in October.
Brother John L. Willis, Jr., well-known throughout fraternal circles, was appointed camp correspondent.
John L. Willis (center)
John L. Willis Jr. (center)
Oberman Wallops Willis, Then 'Rescues' Him Later in the Day
Camden Daily Courier —
Two personal combats—both sanguine but bloodless—upheld the reputation of the “Fightin’ Tenth” ward at yesterday’s primaries.
Shortly before noon, near a polling place, Frank Oberman, a city fireman, hit John L. Willis, campaign manager for the Edwards’ Republican faction. Oberman was electioneering for the Organization slate. He claimed Willis made an insulting remark in which his ancestry figured.
Late in the afternoon, however, Oberman went to Willis’ rescue when a voter started to attack Willis, according to eye-witnesses.
This second altercation occurred at the Northeast school. A voter, name unknown, swung at Willis, witnesses say. Oberman grabbed his arm. At the same time he seized Willis about the waist and held him in the air while he pacified the irritated voter.
Oberman is stationed at Fire House No. 4 and is a powerfully built man. Nobody was arrested.
Willis Receives Birthday Congratulations
Camden Daily Courier —
John L. Willis, Jr., 723 York street, is receiving hundreds of congratulations on his 42nd birthday anniversary. Willis is a Democratic leader in the Tenth ward and one of the best known members of that party in the city. He is employed in the Assessors office at City Hall.
Colsey Reelected Camden Moose Head
Camden Courier-Post —
Willis Defeats Mulvihill in Stiff Fight for Vice Dictatorship
For the fourth time Thomas A. Colsey will head Camden Lodge of Moose as dictator.
Colsey was reelected last night for his second successive term. He twice before filled the position of dictator and will begin his fourth term on April 28, when the newly-elected officers are installed.
The only contest in the election was for the office of vice dictator.
John L. Willis, Jr., who was backed by Dictator Colsey and the “Regulars,” defeated Michael J. Mulvihill. Willis won by a majority of 94 votes. The vote was Willis 225, Mulvihill 131.
Other officers elected were George E. Danford, prelate; Charles J. Harper, treasurer; Dennis J. Cooney, trustee; David B. Peterson, delegate to supreme convention; Charles J. Harper, alternate; Joseph B. Jones, delegate to state convention.
Friends Give Surprise to North Camden Man
Camden Courier-Post —
John L. Willis, Jr., prominent North Camden fraternal and Non-Partisan political worker, was presented with a traveling bag by a group of friends of the Don’t Worry Social at a birthday surprise dinner at his home, 723 York street, in honor of his election as vice dictator of Camden Lodge, No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose.
Among the friends who attended the gathering were Joseph Leaming, Mr. and Mrs. M. Gilroy, Mr. and Mrs. E. Gray, Miss Margaret Bryant, Mr. and Mrs. James Chalmers, Mrs. Sophie Goodyear, Charles Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. G. Devereaux, Miss Marion Jarvis, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mason, Mr. and Mrs. W. Dudley, Sr., Mrs. Lottie Rubright, Miss Anna Mae McBlaine, Joseph D’Autrechy, Mr. and Mrs. B. Matthes, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Sweeten, Mr. and Mrs. L. Maiese, Mrs. Laura Austins, Mr. and Mrs. Foster Willis, Mr. and Mrs. William Willis, George Willis, Charles Willis, Mrs. Sophia Willis, Master Lewis Willis, E. Lange, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Willis, Jr., and William Willis, of Wilmington, Del.
Mannerchor Society Elects 1928 Officers
Camden Courier-Post —
William Maurer is the new president of the Camden Mannerchor Yearly Beneficial Association. Other officers elected at the meeting held in the association’s hall at 1063 North Twenty-seventh street, are: Christian Fink, vice president; John L. Willis, Jr., secretary, and Leopold Stazeski, treasurer.
Three trustees were named, Joseph Schmidt, William Opperman and Ernest Lange.
Willis was named secretary for the fifth consecutive term. He is prominent in the activities of German singing societies here, and is vice dictator of Camden Lodge No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose.
John Willis Dies, Well Known Moose
Camden Courier-Post —
Tenth Ward Political Leader Factor in Non-Partisan Movement
John L. Willis, Jr., 48, a clerk in the city assessor’s office and a political leader in the Tenth Ward, died early yesterday after an illness of six months.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 2 p. m., at the home, 823 York street, and burial will be private in Arlington Cemetery.
Mr. Willis was a former vice dictator of Camden Lodge of Moose. He was elected in 1927 and re-elected the following year, but resigned shortly afterwards because of ill health.
Mr. Willis was one of those credited with swinging the Tenth ward to the Non-Partisan candidates seven years ago. He was one of the most enthusiastic backers for former Mayor Victor King, and it was his influence that enabled the Non-Partisans to win the Tenth ward. Shortly after the Non-Partisans took office he was made an assessor.
Mr. Willis was active in the P. O. S. of A. and Red Men, as well as the Moose, being a past president of Camp No. 107, P. O. S. of A.
A resident of North Camden 26 years, he is survived by his widow, Helen C. Lange Willis, two sons, George and Lewis; two brothers and a sister.
Grave Marker
John L. Willis Jr. — Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken, NJ