John S. McTaggart
John S. McTaggart
JOHN STEPHEN McTAGGART was born on August 1, 1888 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mary and Hugh McTaggart Sr. Hugh McTaggart was a plumber by trade. The McTaggart family moved to Camden in the early 1890s. They lived at 645½ Van Hook Street from 1893 to 1895, then moved to 630 Jackson Street in 1897, 498 Jackson Street in 1898, and 1010 Sycamore Street by 1899. When the census was taken in the summer of 1900 the family resided at 1102 Sycamore Street. Nearby neighbors, according to the Census sheet, included Camden police officer Camillus Appley at 1118 Mount Ephraim Avenue and Dr. Paul Litchfield at 1123 Kaighn Avenue.
The 1910 Census shows John McTaggart working at Camden Forge. He was living with his widowed mother and siblings at 681 Van Hook Street in Camden's Eighth Ward. Still living at 681 Van Hook Street, by 1914 he had been appointed to the Camden Fire Department, where he served for several years. The McTaggarts had moved to 1710 Broadway by June of 1917. John McTaggart was still a Camden fireman at that time. On June 14, 1917 John McTaggart was injured when the trolley car he was a passenger on collided with a coal truck belonging to Richard M. McAllister. The injuries may have contributed to him leaving the Fire Department, as with America involved in World War I, he and several other firefighters left the department for better paying jobs at the shipyards.
Still single when he registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, John McTaggart married Anna J. Schoen before the year had ended. They had known each other since at least 1912. He was working as a chipper in one of the shipyards when the Census was taken in 1920 and when the 1921 City Directory was compiled. He was then living at 562 Division Street with his wife, Anna, and a step-son. Both John and Anna McTaggart were active members of the Sixth Ward Republican Club in these years.
Returning to public service, on July 6, 1922 John McTaggart was appointed to the Camden Police Department. He was given a beat on Broadway north from Kaighn Avenue to Line Street, and he would stay on that beat for his entire career. He became quite well known along Broadway, both for his work as a policeman and for his charitable activities and was quite popular. Beginning in 1931, annual “A Night in Ireland” banquets were held in his honor. On two occasions the affair grew so popular that it had to be held in Camden's Convention Hall. Other venues for the affair included the Eagles Hall, the Sixth Ward Republican Club at 506 Chestnut Street, and the Labor Temple.
John McTaggart's marriage did not last, as Anna deserted him shortly before the 1927 City Directory was compiled. The Directory shows him living with his widowed mother and siblings at 1710 Broadway. The 1930 Census shows John McTaggart living with his widowed mother Mary at 1295 Sayrs Avenue. Also residing there was older brother Hugh, older sisters Belle and Esther, and a younger sister, Mary. All of his siblings then residing at home had never married. A Camden firefighter, William Wood, lived next door at 1291 Sayrs Avenue. In 1936, John McTaggart married a divorcee, Ruth M. Borden, but the marriage was struck by tragedy, as the new Mrs. McTaggart died in 1937. John McTaggart married again in 1938, to Pauline Schaffroth. The couple lived at 1381 Kenwood Avenue. Sadly, their life together was cut short when John McTaggart passed away on November 29, 1941.
John McTaggart's brother, James McTaggart, was also a member of the Camden Police Department. James McTaggart's twin sons, Joseph McTaggart and Francis McTaggart, after serving together overseas during World War II, both served for over 25 years with the Camden Fire Department.
Committee Named Ten New Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
COMMITTEE NAMED TEN NEW FIREMEN
Increase Provides for Installation of New Company, No. 7. / OTHERS ADVANCED TO MEET CHANGES
City Council's Fire Committee last night made provision for the installation of Engine Company No. 7 by the appointment of ten new members of the department. Some of the new appointees will be assigned to the new company, which will be located at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, and the rest of the complement will be made up of experienced fire fighters. The company goes into service July 1. The men appointed last night are:
First Ward—H. L. Curry, Jr.
Second Ward—Robert Bricee.
Third Ward—Clarence Madden.
Fourth Ward—William Cason.
Fifth Ward—William Laird.
Sixth Ward—George Boone.
Seventh Ward—Edward Simpson.
Eighth Ward—John McTaggart.
Ninth Ward—Roy Smith.
Tenth Ward—J. Ora Burris.
The committee also made provision for the superior officers of the company by advancing present members of the department. William Buzine was made engineer, Thomas Nichols was elected captain, Joseph Maxwell was chosen lieutenant, Daniel Smith and Arthur Wingate were advanced to stokers and Newton Ash was promoted to extra engineer. Henry Knowles was made houseman for the new company.
The men advanced last night will not necessarily be assigned to No. 7, and the matter of placing them will be disposed of at a later meeting.
Deno Is Captain of New Company
Camden Post-Telegram —
DENO IS CAPTAIN OF NEW COMPANY
At last night's meeting of the Fire Committee of City Council the following appointments were made for the new fire house at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue, to take effect July 1: Captain, William Deno; lieutenant, John H. Lutz; engineer, William K. Buzine; stoker, James Navin; drivers, Richard Master, Joseph Sparks; hosemen, Boone, Simpson, Smith.
Thomas Nicholas, of the Eighth Ward, was made captain of Broadway fire company, and John H. McTaggart, of the Eighth Ward, one of the recent appointees, was sent to the fire house on Kaighn avenue near Sixth street.
Firemen Trapped in Burning Store
Camden Post-Telegram —
FIREMEN TRAPPED IN BURNING STORE
Seven Fight Their Way Out After Being Surrounded by Flames.
BLAZING CHILDREN PERIL WHOLE BLOCK
Caught like rats in a trap in a fire that threatened the entire business block on the east side of Broadway between Chestnut street and Kaighn avenue, yesterday morning, seven firemen, back to back, fought their way through flames and smoke escaping with singed hair and eyebrows and slight burns of the face, head and hands.
And while these brave men were battling against great odds, the father and mother of two pretty little girls, aged eighteen and thirty months, were alternately laughing and crying, or praising a plucky little woman who saved their tots from being burned to death.
Six of the firemen—Captain Charles Robinson, Captain Samuel Price, Lieutenant Harry Haines, Morton Clark, James McDermott, John McTaggart—were from the Kaighn avenue house. The other was Roy Smith, of the Chemical Company from House No. 7.
The children who were saved from an awful fate are: Florence Erlick and Martha Erlick, and their rescuer is Mrs. Tillie Sackett, of 1122 Broadway.
Three stores, 1118, 1120, 1122 Broadway, were practically gutted and the upper stories in the rear badly damaged, the whole entailing a loss estimated at $6,500 of which the major portion is covered by insurance. The police arrangements were perfect, the entire block being roped off within a few minutes after the fire alarm was turned in at Broadway and Kaighn avenue by Reserve Policeman Matlack.
Harry Erlick conducts a dry goods, notion and gents’ furnishing store at 1120 Broadway. About 10.45 o’clock he left the front of the store to go to the kitchen, leaving the little girls, Florence, aged 30 months, and Martha, aged 18 months, at play in the store, his wife being out on an errand. Only a short time elapsed when he was startled by the screams of Florence and rushing into the kitchen saw her standing near the coal stove trying to beat out the fire in a paper belt that she had around her body.
As Mr. Erlick entered she ran towards him, the blaze from the belt setting fire to some of the goods on the counter. Thinking only of his children, Mr. Erlick beat out the fire on the little one’s clothing but by this time the flames were rapidly spreading over the rear of the store.
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FIREMEN TRAPPED
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Believing that the little ones were all right he took them into the store 1122 occupied by Edward T. Sackett, manager of a branch office of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. Calling to Mrs. Sackett to care for them, he started for the door to turn in an alarm. As Mrs. Sackett rose to go to the little ones she discovered that Martha’s dress was on fire and before she reached the child the dress of Martha was ablaze.
With great presence of mind Mrs. Sackett threw both children to the floor and covered them with a big rug, instantly smothering the flames, and she then tore off the children’s garments to be sure that there was no further danger. In the meantime the firemen had been summoned and by the time the companies from Kaighn Avenue arrived the flames were blazing above the roof of 1120. The children were then taken to the home of friends where it was found they were only slightly burned.
Assistant Chief Cox, of the southern district, immediately ordered a general alarm and it was undoubtedly due to this that the block was saved, for the frame buildings were rapidly going in the rear when powerful streams from nearly every engine in the Camden district checked the rapid spread of the flames and in less than thirty minutes the fire was out.
The seven firemen who had a close call went into the front of Mr. Erlick’s store with hose from two chemical engines to hold the blaze in check until water could be forced by the engines, and although they were fighting fiercely they were making but little progress owing to the inflammable nature of the stock and the fact that the building was frame and very old.
They were there only a few minutes when they were startled by the crashing of glass and in turning they saw the backs of the store ablaze on fire and that a sheet of flame was extending across the front of the building.
“Back to back and fight both ways” shouted Captain Robinson and the men obeyed, two streams being directed against the front of the store and two in the rear. In what seemed like an age, according to a statement made by Captain Robinson, after returning to the house, but in reality only a short space of time, the men had quenched the fire in the front part of the store and then attacked the rear body.
The flames rapidly communicated to the provision store of Mrs. Mary Palosky, 1118 Broadway. Two frame buildings on the north, by this time several of the engines were in service and lines of hose were run to the backs of the three houses where the fire could be fought to better advantage. When it looked as if H. Nurock’s store at 1124 Broadway, would be licked up, ladders were brought into play and extra streams were run in from the upper stories from Broadway, and from that instant all danger of a big conflagration was over.
The insurance on the Palosky’s household goods expired less than a month ago and they decided that they would not take out any more policies until after the first of the year, although a great many of their household goods were saved, their loss on stock and other goods is estimated at $1,000. The property is owned by Samuel Shane. The estimated loss is $500, covered by insurance.
Mr. Erlick places his loss at $2,000, with insurance. The property is probably damaged to the extent of $1,000. It is owned by Joseph Hermann and is fully insured.
No. 1122 is owned by the estate of Harry Pinsky. The property is damaged to the amount of $500. The loss of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. may amount to $1,000, and that of the tenant, Edward T. Sackett, $500, all covered by insurance.
Peter Gray and Harvey Watts, stationed at headquarters, were off duty at the time, but hearing of the fire returned to the house and went to the scene with the supply wagon.
After the fire a chorus of praise went their way though Gray had a rib cracked he remained on duty until the fire was out and when Chief Elfreth wanted to send him to a hospital Gray drove the team back and then went home.
And during the fire Jeweler Nurock’s store was heavily guarded by policemen and when everything was over he not only congratulated the officers but the heads of the Fire Department, stating that too much praise could not be given for the excellent service rendered. This view was shared by many other business men of the neighborhood.
Pallbearers at Funeral of Bert Hibbs
Camden Post-Telegram —
Samuel Price, Charles H. Fitzsimmons, Jr., Morton Clark and John McTaggart, of the Kaighn avenue fire house, were pallbearers at the funeral of Bert Hibbs, who was killed by a negro at Seventh and Sycamore streets, early Sunday morning. Interment was made in the Friends Cemetery, Langhorne, Pa.
Fireman Fred Hall Buried
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With fellow firemen acting as pall-bearers, the funeral of Fireman Fred Hall, who died Wednesday after several weeks of illness, took place yesterday from his home at 807 Mt. Vernon street, Camden. The services were in charge of Rev. William Brubaker, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The pall-bearers were Firemen Martin Clark, J. N. Ellis, William Rose, George Hunt, Seth Monnell and John McTaggart, all connected with the company of which Hall was a member. In honor of him Nos. 1 and 2 firehouses were closed for two hours. Interment was made in Harleigh.
Lightning Starts Fires, Hits Trees, Stuns Three Boys
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LIGHTNING STARTS FIRES, HITS TREES, STUNS THREE BOYS
Costly Blazes in Camden—Youths Under Awning Badly Shocked
Sudden Torrent of Rain, High Wind and Bolts Cause Widespread Damage
Sudden and furious was the electrical storm which yesterday afternoon took Philadelphia, Camden and nearby towns by surprise. Fires were started by lightning in many sections, rain fell in torrents and the wind rose suddenly and played wide-spread havoc.
Camden was the centre of the disturbance and suffered the heaviest damage. Three boys were severely shocked there and the total damage from fires mounted to the $50,000 mark.
Every piece of apparatus in the Camden Fire Department was pressed into service at one and the same time, only quick response to the alarms averting disastrous blazes in two instances.
The three Camden boys who were shocked, A. Goldberg, 15 years old; Richard Noon, 14 years old, and Howard Robbins, 9 years old, living at 310, 336 and 330 North Tenth street respectively, were all taken to the Cooper Hospital.
At the Toone & Hollinshed store, one of the largest in Camden, and which is located in a three-story building, the fire had its origin in the basement. At the height of the blaze, which raged fiercely in the basement, Miss Anna Brennan, chief bookkeeper, mounted a fire escape to the second floor. Standing by a window from which the smoke issued in thick volumes, she superintended the rescuing of the firm’s books. Not until all had been taken out did she leave her post. Fireman John McTaggart, of Chemical Company No. 1, rescued the books.
There was such thick, pungent smoke issuing from the windows that several firemen were temporarily overcome, but they were revived and went back to work. Harry Green, of Engine Company No. 1, was badly cut about the hands by falling glass.
It was stated by Thomas Hollinshed, a member of the firm, that the damage to the store and stock would total at least $25,000. Click on images to download the PDF file of the complete story.
Mother of Fireman John McTaggart Ill
Camden Post-Telegram —
Mrs. Mary G. McTaggart, of 1709 Broadway, mother of Fireman John McTaggart, is bedfast as the result of pneumonia. According to the attending physician, Mrs. McTaggart is a very sick woman, but hopes are maintained for the estimable woman’s recovery.
World War I Draft Card — June 5, 1917
World War I Draft Registration Card for John S. McTaggart, registered June 5, 1917.
Ten Injured in Clash of Truck and Trolley
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TEN INJURED IN CLASH OF TRUCK AND TROLLEY
Camden Victim of Collision Hit by Second Auto When Released From Hospital
Ten persons were injured yesterday afternoon during a storm when an auto truck belonging to Richard McAllister crashed into a Haddon Heights trolley car beneath the overhead bridge of the Pennsylvania Railroad on Broadway, Camden. Those hurt suffered cuts and bruises and were treated at Cooper Hospital. The injured include the following:
James Dare, 26 years old, of 1135 Sherman street, motorman of the car; Joseph Davis, a negro, 45 years old, of 817 Clare street, the driver of the truck; John McTaggart, 29 years old, of 709 Broadway, a city fireman; Frederick Dill, 31 years old, of 2229 Carman street; Albert Smith, 33 years old, of 539 Roberts street; Harry Kay, 25 years old, of 204 Elm street; Herbert Dewees, 22 years old, of 2816 High street; William Haggerty, 25 years old, of 2816 High street; Frank Shank, 39 years old, of 54 North street, and Mrs. Minnie Rosenberg, of 2225 South Juniper street, Philadelphia. All were able to leave the hospital except Mrs. Rosenberg.
The storm had resulted in a holdup of the Haddon Heights line and the car struck was the first of about a dozen cars to proceed toward the ferry. The auto truck was going down Broadway on the southbound track at a high rate of speed when the tires skidded on the wet rails, causing the machine to strike the car with such force as to tear away part of the front platform.
When Dill, one of those injured in the accident, left the hospital for his home he was struck by an auto driven by W. B. Eldridge, of Merchantville, as he alighted from the car. He was taken back to the institution and, after receiving treatment for scalp wounds, was taken home in the police ambulance. Click on images to download the PDF file of the complete story.
Firemen to Play Baseball for Red Cross
Camden Post-Telegram —
Under the direction of Fireman Frank Gondolf, a base ball team is being organized among the down town firemen to play the uptown firemen. The proceeds of the fiasco will be given the Red Cross. The down towners will be represented by Frank Gondolf, Jack Garrity, John McTaggart, Wes McGrath, Harry Chambers, “Bill” Casson, “Chappie” Lennox, George Pursglove and two other “dark horses.”
Lost Once, Plaintiff Renews Damage Suit
Camden Daily Courier —
Suit was begun today by Fireman John S. McTaggart of 1709 Broadway, to recover $10,000 from Richard McAllister, the coal dealer, as compensation for injuries received when he was hurt in a collision between a trolley car and one of the defendant’s auto coal trucks. McTaggart is represented by former William C. and Lawyer Samuel T. French. The case was tried once before when the plaintiff lost out. The accident occurred on June 14, 1917.
McTaggart Gets $2,500 Verdict
Camden Daily Courier —
McAlister Must Pay For Accident While P.S.R. For Once Escapes In the case of John McTaggart, a former city fireman, against the Public Service Railway Company and Richard McAlister, the coal dealer, a jury before Circuit Court Judge Lloyd yesterday afternoon returned a verdict for $2500 against McAlister. It was an echo of the accident of June 14, 1917, when a coal truck and a Haddon Heights trolley car collided on Broadway near Mickle street. McTaggart was a passenger on the car and the terrific impact threw him on the floor, resulting in injuries of the back of an alleged permanent character.
Mrs. McTaggert Wins First Prize at Eagles' Ball
Camden Post-Telegram —
Mrs. John McTaggert in the role of the Belle of Sweet Potato Hill won first prize for comics at the Eagles’ ball last night. The prize was in the shape of a cut glass vase. Mrs. McTaggert, who is the wife of former City Fireman McTaggart, made the assemblage roar with laughter in her outlandish costume.
Nine New Police From Nine Wards
Camden Daily Courier —
NINE NEW POLICE FROM NINE WARDS
Mayor Van Hart Swears In New Recruits—5 More To Join
Nine men, representing as many wards, were sworn in as members of the police department by Mayor Van Hart today. Five more men, residents of the five remaining wards, will be named within the next few days.
The new appointments are being made to augment the number of traffic men and for additional police protection in the wards. The new policemen are as follows:
Frank Murray, 817 Kimber street, Second ward; Edward C. Hahn, 938 North Fifth street, Tenth ward; Walter Christy, 2203 Howell street, Eleventh ward; Albert Yost, 3101 Waldorf avenue, Twelfth ward; Frank Pintozzi, 321 Cherry street, Fifth ward; John McTaggart, former fireman, 461 Lansdowne avenue, Sixth ward; Frank Sattler, 1268 Jackson street, Thirteenth ward; Walter Larson, 829 Sylvan street, Fourteenth ward; August Pflederer, 918 Pine street, Seventh ward.
Policeman's Wife Taken in Apartment
Camden Courier-Post —
POLICEMAN’S WIFE TAKEN IN APARTMENT
Arrested With ‘Other Man’ in Phila. on Charge of Officer Here
Arrested together in a Philadelphia apartment after detectives had broken in, Mrs. Anna McTaggart, 45, wife of a Camden policeman, and Louis Lafferty, 50, were held in $500 bail each, for a further hearing on charges of misconduct.
The couple were arrested on complaint of John McTaggart, 42, of 1710 Broadway, who has been a member of the Camden police department for the past 16 years.
McTaggart then retained Detective Frank H. Miller, who said he traced the couple to Baltimore and finally to 6507 Elmwood avenue, Philadelphia. Last midnight, Miller and McTaggart entered the apartment, and Miller took them into custody. They were arraigned before Magistrate Hamburg, who held them for a further hearing. The Camden officer stated that he has already instituted a suit for divorce in the Chancery Court. The McTaggerts have been married eight years, and have no children.
300 Police Officials of State Meet Here
Camden Courier-Post —
78 Departments Represented at Benevolent Association Session
More than 300 state officers and delegates representing 78 New Jersey police departments were present yesterday at a meeting of the State Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association at Tenth Street and Kaighn Avenue yesterday.
All state officers were present at the afternoon meeting, including State President Dennis Byrne, of New Brunswick; First Vice President Henry Miller, of Rahway; Second Vice president, August Harasdzira, of Garfield; Recording Secretary Michael McKeever, of Trenton; Financial Secretary Thomas Higgins, of West Orange, and State Treasurer William Mallon, of West New York.
Police work used in various cities was discussed. Plans were made for the state convention in Wildwood September 14, 15 and 16. Everett Joslin, Herbert Bott and George Weber were named local delegates to represent the local union, No. 35 at the Wildwood convention.
Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr welcomed the delegates. A telegram of welcome was read from Director of Public Safety David S. Rhone, who is in Washington.
The committee in charge of yesterday’s meeting consisted of Clifford Flenard, president of Local No. 35; Stanley Wirtz, Edward Cahill, Frank Wilmot, John McTaggart, James McTaggart and Howard Henery.
Police Sergeant Truax Buried at Harleigh
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Sergeant Frank Truax, who died Thursday night from a complication of diseases, was buried yesterday in Harleigh Cemetery.
More than two score policemen, as well as city officials, attended services at the funeral parlor of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway. Rev. E.M. Munyon, pastor of Eighth Street M.E. Church, officiated. More than 50 cars were in the procession that wound its way to the cemetery. A patrol wagon was used to carry the flowers sent by numerous individuals and organizations.
Pallbearers, all policemen, were John Cole, Joseph Leonhardt, John McTaggart, Andrew Truman, William McGrath, Paul Jackson, Joseph Mardino, and Clarence Boyer.
Sergeant Truax was 50 and resided at 1129 Kenwood Avenue. He died five minutes after being taken to Cooper Hospital. He had been a member of the police department since 1917, and was made a sergeant in 1930. He is survived by a widow, Linda, and a sister, Mrs. Viola Wilkinson.
Banquet to Honor John S. McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
BANQUET TO HONOR JOHN S. M’TAGGART
Popular Patrolman Will Be Guest at G.O.P. Club in Sixth Ward
A testimonial dinner will be tendered Patrolman John S. McTaggart, well known member of the Camden police force, at 8 p. m. next Friday at the Sixth Ward Republican Club.
Officer McTaggart, who resides at 806 South Sixth street, is particularly popular in the Sixth ward. He has worked there a number of years and distributes a large quantity of food and clothing to the poor throughout the year. His charitable activities have made him innumerable friends. He was a member of the city fire department before becoming a policeman. He was working in William Mills’ butcher shop, at Broadway and Jackson street, in 1910 when he was appointed to the fire department by Monte Bessor, then a city councilman. McTaggart was the youngest man to have ever won appointment to the fire department.
Acting Mayor Frank S. Van Hart transferred McTaggart to the police department in 1922.
Among the invited dinner guests will be former U. S. Senator David Baird, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, the five city commissioners and a large group of Sixth ward Republicans.
Blood Donated to Aid Wife of Camden Cop
Camden Courier-Post —
BLOOD DONATED TO AID WIFE OF CAMDEN COP
Mrs. Ruth McTaggart, wife of Policeman John McTaggart, of the Camden police department, underwent a blood transfusion in West Jersey Hospital last night to prepare her for a possible operation. Mrs. McTaggart has been in the hospital for several days. Her husband on occasions has acted as bodyguard for Governor Harold G. Hoffman.
The blood donor was M. J. Savage, of 6521 Rogers avenue, Merchantville, manager of the Western Auto Stores, 1032 Broadway. He was selected from among 15 members of the police department and friends of the McTaggarts, who volunteered for the transfusion and were tested for the required blood type.
'Ireland Night' Set by 6th Ward Club
Camden Courier-Post —
‘IRELAND NIGHT’ SET BY 6TH WARD CLUB
G.O.P. Unit to Honor Patrolman John S. McTaggart Tuesday Night
The third annual “Night in Ireland” which is given each year in honor of Patrolman John S. McTaggart by the Sixth Ward Republican Association, will be held March 16 in the Eagle’s Hall, 415 Broadway.
More than 3000 tickets have been sold. A number of Camden city officials and civic leaders are expected to attend.
Among the guests will be Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey and several state executives.
The committee arranging the details is headed by Sergeant Edward Carroll, chairman, Sergeant John Garrity, Mrs. Katherine Cunningham and Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs.
McTaggart has been in the city employ for 27 years. He was appointed to the fire department in 1916 and a few years later was transferred to the police department. He was the youngest member of the fire department in the few years he was attached to that bureau.
He is widely-known in the Sixth Ward for his charitable work among the poor and is one of the “old school” policeman who believes it is better to explain the law to a trivial offender than arrest him.
He is rarely seen in the police court and has often told his friends he prefers to take an intoxicated man home than send him to jail.
He has lived in Camden for 48 years, most of the time in the ward in which he now resides. His parents are natives of Ireland.
A number of acts of vaudeville have been engaged as well as two orchestras which will furnish music for dancing.
John McTaggart's Wife Dies As Friends Honor Him at Party
Camden Courier-Post —
John M’Taggart’s Wife Dies As Friends Honor Him at Party
“They’re there to have fun and don’t let anything interfere with their good time.”
That was the message of Policeman John McTaggart, “charitable cop of the Sixth ward,” to his boss, City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, last night as hundreds were assembling to dance and make merry at a “Night in Ireland” in his honor given by the Sixth Ward Republican Association.
McTaggart was at the bedside of his wife, Ruth, 46, who was dying in West Jersey Hospital, while dance orchestras swung into live rhythms at Eagles Hall, 415 Broadway.
At 8.32 p. m., Mrs. McTaggart died, but few of the “Night in Ireland” celebrators learned of it and, in accordance with the wishes of the absent guest of honor, “the show went on.”
The irony of it all was that it was the biggest “show” ever put on for McTaggart, whose “Night in Ireland,” since it was established several years ago, has become a Camden tradition.
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Mrs. Kobus was there and she had as a guest State Senator Arthur F. Foran, Republican, of Hunterdon county. Also Mayor George E. Brunner, of Camden, Democratic state committeeman; James V. Moran, Camden merchant and president of the New Jersey Sales Tax Repeal Association; Police Judge Gene R. Mariano, of Camden; Police Chief Arthur Colsey; Police Lieut. Ralph Bakley; Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino; City Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, and Horace R. Dixon, president of the Good Government League of Camden.
Two floors and a basement, with dancing on each, were required to accommodate the throng.
Commissioner Kobus and Senator Foran were called on for short addresses, but each carefully avoided reference to the death of Mrs. McTaggart. The absence of McTaggart was generally noted but the word passed around he would be along “later,” being detained on “special duty.”
On previous similar occasions, one of them attended by Governor Harold G. Hoffman, Mrs. McTaggart was equally with her husband a guest of honor. McTaggart, widely known for his interest in civic affairs and charitable deeds in the Sixth Ward, is an honorary bodyguard to Governor Hoffman at Sea Girt on each Governor’s Day for Camden county.
Mrs. McTaggart was admitted to the hospital from her home, 1293 Sayres avenue, February 20, for an operation. Members of the committee for last night’s party were Edward Carroll, chairman; William D. Sayrs, assistant city clerk, John Garrity and Kathryn Cunningham.
Mrs. McTaggart Rites to Be Held Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
MRS. M’TAGGART RITES TO BE HELD TOMORROW
Fellow officers of Policeman John McTaggart will form a guard of honor when friends call to pay their last respects to Mrs. Ruth McTaggart tonight at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway.
Mrs. McTaggart, who was 46, died in West Jersey hospital Tuesday night while friends of her husband were staging their annual frolic in his honor at Eagles’ Hall. Policeman McTaggart, known as “the charitable cop of the Sixth ward,” was at his wife’s bedside when she died.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey and Commissioner Mary W. Kobus have arranged for the guard of honor tonight and for a police escort for the funeral procession tomorrow. High requiem mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery. Pallbearers have not yet been selected.
Hundreds Pay Tribute to Mrs. McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
HUNDREDS PAY TRIBUTE TO MRS. M’TAGGART
Hundreds paid tribute last night to Mrs. Ruth McTaggart, wife of Patrolman John McTaggart, at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway.
Mrs. McTaggart died Tuesday night in Cooper Hospital while hundreds of her husband’s friends were paying tribute to him at a St. Patrick’s Day party in Eagles Hall.
Patrolmen William Hughes and Otto Topercer were a guard of honor last night at the funeral home. Commissioner Mary W. Kobus and Police Chief Arthur Colsey have arranged for a police escort for the funeral today. High requiem mass will be held at 10 a. m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Funeral Service Held for Mrs. McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
FUNERAL SERVICE HELD FOR MRS. M’TAGGART
High requiem mass was celebrated in Sacred Heart Church Saturday for Mrs. Ruth McTaggart, 46, of 915 Broadway, who died Tuesday in West Jersey Hospital. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
Mrs. McTaggart was the wife of Patrolman John McTaggart. She passed away while friends of her husband were staging their annual frolic in his honor at Eagles hall.
Hundreds of persons viewed the body last night at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway. Patrolmen William Hughes and Otto J. Topercer formed a guard of honor last night, while a police escort accompanied the funeral procession.
Pallbearers were Sergeant John Garrity, Patrolmen Edward Leonard, George Weber and Clarence Boyer; George Addison, a fireman, and F. Earl Fearon.
M'Taggart Patrolling His Honeymoon Trail
Camden Courier-Post —
M’TAGGART PATROLLING HIS HONEYMOON TRAIL
Policeman John McTaggart was not patrolling his usual beat along Broadway today. The reason is that the patrolman was married yesterday and he and his bride are on a honeymoon.
McTaggart was married to Miss Pauline Schaffroth, of 714 Magill avenue, Collingswood, by the Rev. John Griffith in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Broadway and Ferry avenue. They will live at 1491 Rose street.
For 16 of the 17 years McTaggart has been on the police force, he has pounded the beat on Broadway from Kaighn avenue to Line street, and is well liked by the business men in the area. He began his service with the city as a fireman, serving 10 years, and then became a policeman.
1000 Attend 'Night in Ireland' To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
‘TIS THE WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN
1000 Attend ‘Night in Ireland’ To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Acting Chief Bakley and Ex-Governor Hoffman Among Guests; Carroll and Garrity Head Committee; Officer Served 21 Years
More than 1000 persons last night celebrated a “Night in Ireland” party in honor of John McTaggart, popular Camden policeman who has been assigned to a beat on Broadway for many years. The affair was held in Labor Temple, Broadway and Royden street.
Among the guests of honor were former Governor Harold G. Hoffman and Acting Chief of Police Ralph Bakley.
Annual parties in honor of McTaggart have been conducted for the past 10 years and on two occasions the affair grew so large it was sponsored by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association and staged in Convention Hall. A committee of policemen headed by Sergts. Edward Carroll and John Garrity had charge of the party this year.
McTaggart has served in the Department of Public Safety for 31 years. The first 11 years he was in the fire department. His 21 years as a patrolman have been spent almost entirely on a beat on South Broadway.
John McTaggart Faces Operation
Camden Courier-Post —
Faces Operation
JOHN McTAGGART
Patrolman McTaggart, 53, Camden’s Broadway cop, early today was removed to Cooper Hospital for an appendicitis operation. Patrolman McTaggart was stricken at his home at 1381 Kenwood avenue. Dr. David S. Rhone, city commissioner, and his personal physician, ordered his removal to the hospital.
Dr. Rhone and Inspector John V. Wilkie waited at the hospital for the arrival of McTaggart. Dr. Paul M. Mecray, Jr., was summoned for an operation. McTaggart was bodyguard to former Governors Morgan F. Larsen and Harold G. Hoffman at Governor’s Day receptions at Sea Girt.
Policeman McTaggart Needs Blood Donors
Camden Courier-Post —
POLICEMAN M’TAGGART NEEDS BLOOD DONORS
Blood donors will be sought today by Cooper Hospital for Patrolman John McTaggart, it was announced last night after the veteran policeman’s condition became grave.
McTaggart, who is 53, was removed to the hospital early yesterday with an internal disorder.
The Broadway policeman will have his blood “typed” this morning after which the appeal for donors will be issued. McTaggart lives at 1381 Kenwood avenue. He first entered the city’s employ 40 years ago as a fireman and 11 years later joined the police department.
M'Taggart's Illness Takes Critical Turn
Camden Courier-Post —
M’TAGGART’S ILLNESS TAKES CRITICAL TURN
Patrolman John McTaggart, Camden policeman, was in critical condition in Cooper Hospital last night.
Hospital officials called members of the policeman’s family at 5.30 a. m. when his condition became more serious. He has been in the hospital since Sept. 3.
According to his personal physician, Dr. Paul E. Mecray, McTaggart’s health had been failing for about eight months. The physician said he ordered him to the hospital in September in hope an operation might help him, but stated his condition has never improved sufficiently for him to perform the operation.
John McTaggart, Camden Policeman for 19 Years, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Long Illness Fatal
Note: The obituary below contains several errors: his length of service with the Fire Department, the claim he went straight from the Fire Department to the police, and the omission of his first marriage.
John M’Taggart, Camden Policeman for 19 Years, Dies
Central Figure of ‘Night in Ireland’ Had Been in Hospital Since Sept. 3
Patrolman John McTaggart died early today in Cooper Hospital where he had been patient since September 3. He had been in failing health for more than eight months. He was 53.
Surviving the police veteran are two brothers, James who also is a policeman, and Hugh, an employe of the New York Shipyard. A nephew, John McTaggart, son of James was at the bedside when death came.
The Sixth ward patrolman was a veteran of the Department of Public Safety, having served in uniform for the past 31 years. He started as a fireman. For 12 years he served in the fire department, then in 1922 decided he would rather be a policeman. He was appointed a patrolman on July 5, 1922, and served as such until his death.
During his 19 years on the police force, Mr. McTaggart pounded the same beat on Broadway from Kaighn avenue to Line street. For this entire period he pulled one box, No. 232, at Broadway and Spruce street. He was well liked by business men in the area.
For several years Mr. McTaggart was the guest of honor at an annual party on St. Patrick’s night, entitled “A Nite in Ireland.” This occasion was an old custom. (Continued on Page 24—Column 5)