John S. Smith
John S. Smith
JOHN S. SMITH had a long and varied career as a bar owner in Camden and Atlantic City, as a party official in Camden County’s Democrat organization, as a detective in the Camden County Prosecutor’s office, and as New Jersey’s first boxing commission chairman.
John S. Smith was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in June of 1866. He was the son of Samuel Smith, a ship carpenter, and his wife Annie. The 1880 Census shows the family living in Alexandria, Virginia, where John Smith worked as a laborer. Besides John, the family included daughters Elizabeth and Martha, and a granddaughter, May Smith.
John S. Smith first turns up in Camden City Directories in 1885, working as a ship carpenter and boarding at 809 North 3rd Street. On November 28, 1886 John S. Smith married Rebecca A. Price at Union Methodist Episcopal Church at South 5th and Mount Vernon Streets in South Camden. He was then working as a ship carpenter.
In March of 1889 a son, Fitzhugh Lee Smith, was born. Another child had been born to the couple, but had passed by the time of the 1900 Census. The Smiths and father Samuel were then living at 815 North 3rd Street, the corner of North 3rd Street and York Street, in North Camden.
By 1888 John S. Smith had opened up a saloon at 34 Erie Street in North Camden which he operated as late as 1893. He also became very active in politics as a Democrat, and rose to prominence in Democrat city and county circles. Although John Smith appears to have had no prior police experience, he was, in April of 1893 appointed to the Camden Police Department as the Lieutenant for the First District, which covered Center City and North Camden. He apparently only served for a year or so in this position before a shift in political power in Camden restored the Republican party to control.
John Smith left the saloon at 34 Erie Street, and was listed at 931 North 3rd Street in the 1893 Directory, and at 929 North 3rd Street in the 1894 and 1895 Directories, working as a laborer. In 1896 he is listed as a polisher, living at 905 Point Street. Directories from 1897 through 1899 reveal that John S. Smith lived and operated a saloon at 643 North Front Street, the southwest corner of Front and Vine Streets.
Just prior to the compilation of the 1900 Camden City Directory John S. Smith took a position as a county detective, working for the Camden County prosecutor. He lived at 815 North 3rd Street from the time he was appointed detective through 1906, then moved to West Collingswood, where he was listed in Directories through 1909.
John S. Smith left the County Prosecutor’s office in April of 1910. Directories from 1910 through 1913 show John Smith operating a saloon at 342 Federal Street. He served briefly as a detective, then relocated to Atlantic City, where he operated the Hotel Malatesta from at least 1915 through 1920. The hotel was located at 1134 Atlantic Avenue, at the corner of Atlantic and South North Carolina Avenues. John S. Smith also served for a time as a detective with the Atlantic County prosecutor’s office.
In April of 1918 New Jersey Governor Walter Edge appointed John S. Smith to be the chairman of the newly formed State Boxing Commission.
Last a resident of Atlantic City, John S. Smith passed away on April 21, 1921.
Warrants for Special Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Warrants for Special Officers
Justice Schmitz, of Camden, last evening issued warrants for the arrest of Samuel Collins and Jacob Schiller, Jr., special officers at Stockton Park. They are charged by John S. Smith and Charles J. Welsh, of Camden, with assault and battery with a blackjack, at the picnic of the Volksfest Verein at Stockton Park yesterday afternoon.
[Camden Police Board Trial Results]
Trenton Evening Times —
The police board of Camden has concluded the trial of Lieutenants Lee and Foster and Policemen Ralph Bond, William Repley and George Anderson, and found them guilty of insubordination. Their successors were immediately elected. They are John A. Smith, Lieutenant First district; J. Harry Neutze, Lieutenant Second district. On motion by Justice Paul Chief Davis was instructed to transfer Caleb Williams from the City Hall to the street.
An Exciting Roll Call
Philadelphia Inquirer —
AN EXCITING ROLL CALL.
A Camden Policeman Tried to Murder His Lieutenant In the Station.
CAMDEN, N. J., July 4.—Patrick Clark, a Third ward policeman, made two attempts at roll call to murder Lieutenant John S. Smith.
Clark entered the station house under the influence of drink and proceeded to where the lieutenant stood. He pulled his revolver from his pocket and fired two shots, when Smith fell to the floor. As Clark raised his arm to shoot the third time Chief of Police Davis grabbed his arm. The bullet from the revolver was embedded in the door.
The room was crowded with policemen at the time. The lieutenant had part of his ear shot away by the first bullet, and the second one grazed the skull above the ear. Clark was arrested and placed in a cell. He declared that he intended to kill Smith and was willing to hang if his aim had been successful.
Clark had a grievance against Smith, who had ordered him to appear before the chief for dereliction of duty.
Crime Runs Riot Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CRIME RUNS RIOT OVER IN CAMDEN
A Murder, an Attempted Murder and Two Bold Robberies Within a Few Hours.
Mrs. Copliein's Assassin Confesses, But Says the Fatal Shot Was Accidental.
A Girl Struck on the Head By a Hatchet in the Hands of Some Person Unknown—Burglars Use Chloroform and Ransack a House.
Crime is rampant in Camden and two residents are in fear of their lives. Within a radius of a few squares a murder, an attempted murder and two robberies were committed in ten hours. The murder was the shooting of Mrs. Lizzie Copliein on Friday, an account of which was published in The Inquirer yesterday.
Stanley Murray made a confession at the City Hall yesterday morning, in which he said he had stolen a revolver from James A. Jordan's hardware store on Baring street, at Seventh and Sycamore streets, and went into Mrs. Copliein's store to sell it. He was not careful in handling the loaded gun and fell pulling the trigger and the shot was fired accidentally. He saw Mrs. Copliein stagger, and, becoming frightened, ran from the store.
An inquest will be held next Tuesday morning. Mrs. Copliein will be buried to-morrow.
An Attempted Murder.
About half-past 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, within a square of the scene of the Copliein crime, pretty 19-year-old Mary Morrison was attacked by two supposed burglars. There is considerable mystery attached to this case.
James Morrison's grocery store is occupied by Mr. Morrison and his wife, Adjoining the store on the second floor live Mrs. Morrison's daughters, Mary, Celia and Maggie, and in the two back rooms live his two sons and Walter Weeks, a barber, also a relative.
Hit With a Hatchet.
Miss Morrison was awakened by a noise about 2.30 o'clock and attempted to get out of bed, when she was struck on the head with a hatchet. She fell back unconscious and the intruder escaped. The noise awoke her sister Celia, who called to her father. He immediately sent for a physician, who declares that the wound is quite serious.
The assault was at first supposed to have been committed by a burglar. He was told that the burglar had effected an entrance through the window below, but on investigation he found the dust on the window sill was quite undisturbed.
The chief says he told Mr. and Mrs. Morrison he could lay his hands on the person who had committed the deed and asked if there was a suspect in the house. They answered they did not think any one in the house had done it. He was chief left.
They Were Chloroformed.
Burglars visited the drug store of Francis Crossley, 729 Chestnut street, Camden, and after chloroforming the inmates ransacked the establishment. They secured about $10 and several valuables.
The firm of Toone & Hollinshed, of Broadway and Kaighn avenue, was also robbed of $500 worth of goods.
Chief of Police Davis, Lieutenant Smith and Patrolman Guthridge drove Jordan, 19, to Gloucester, where they arrested Charles A. Jordan, 29, of 1119 Sycamore street, Camden.
Says It Was Accidental.
Jordan made a confession and said he had stolen a revolver from James A. Jordan's hardware store on Baring street, Seventh and Sycamore streets, and went into Mrs. Copliein's store to sell it. He was handling the loaded gun and fell pulling the trigger and it was fired accidentally.
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 5, 1893
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 11, 1893
Lieutenant Smith Acquitted
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LIEUTENANT SMITH ACQUITTED.
Charged With Illegally Placing Two Names on a Poll List.
Lieutenant of Police John S. Smith was tried and acquitted in the Camden Criminal Court yesterday on charges of fraudulent registration in connection with the recent election. He had the names of Thomas Gray and Edward McGraw placed on the registry list of the First precinct of the First ward, and took an affidavit that they lived on a canal boat at the foot of Third street.
City Assessor J. Oscar Nichuals, a Republican, testified for the State that he was unable to find Gray and McGraw at the place given as their residence. Benjamin Reed, who is engaged in the canal boat business, testified that Gray and McGraw lived in Philadelphia.
Lieutenant Smith, in his own behalf, said two men came to him and asked him to place their names on the registry list.
Judge Vroom charged the jury in favor of the defendant, who was found not guilty.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OVER IN CAMDEN.
* The City Clerk reports the following vital statistics for the month ending January 15: Marriages, 350; deaths, 150; births, 125.
* The Board of Health reports the following cases of contagious diseases during the past month: Typhoid fever, 37; scarlet fever, 12; diphtheria, 20.
* Mary Franks and Blanche Yetter, of Gloucester City, were held in $300 bail by Justice Schmitz last night, charged by Mrs. Dyer with perjury.
* Charles E. Fish, who has assisted the superintendent of the Evergreen Cemetery for a number of years, died suddenly yesterday of heart disease.
* The Democratic City Committee organized last night by electing Louis Shepard chairman, John A. Smith secretary and John Dugan treasurer.
* Early yesterday morning thieves robbed the saloon of Joseph G. Callen, 1143 Broadway, of a quantity of cigars and liquors, and took several dollars from a nickel-slot machine.
* Justice Way yesterday held Harry Long in $300 bail charged with illegal voting in Stockton township on election day. John Evans furnished $200 bail on a charge of interfering with election officers in the Third ward.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 5, 1894
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 6, 1894
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 11, 1894
Camden Democrats
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN DEMOCRATS.
Lively Fight for Members of the Executive Committee.
The election of members of the Camden County Democratic Executive Committee was held last night. The principle contests were in Camden city, where a bitter fight occurred in several wards. Especially was this the case in the First ward, where ex-Police Lieutenant John S. Smith, who now holds a position in the Philadelphia Mint, was a candidate against Committeeman John Dugan. One board held forth in the Dugan residence, while the Smith board occupied the curbstone in front of the house and received the ballots in a cigar box.
The contest in this ward will have to be settled by the Executive Committee. The result in the other wards is as follows: Second, B. F. Lyons; Third, W. H. Getty; Fourth, John Welch; Fifth, Harry Sheer; Sixth, Andrew Lecoy; Seventh, David Corbett; Eighth, Thomas W. Vickers; Ninth, Charles F. Reese.
Camden News Condensed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS CONDENSED.
• The West Jersey Democratic League at a meeting last night decided to disband and sell the club house.
• Private Watchman John Jacobs, who claims to have been badly beaten by ex-Police Lieutenant John S. Smith during a dispute at the Democratic primary election Monday night, yesterday had Smith held in bail on a charge of atrocious assault.
• As the result of the vote against expelling William J. Thompson from the Americus Club fifteen members have resigned.
• “Captain Jack” Graham, against whom ex-Policeman John A. Smith secured a verdict of $500 by default, applied in the Camden court yesterday to have the case reopened. He made an affidavit that he had not been notified of the trial. The court granted a rule to show cause.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OVER IN CAMDEN.
The Democratic County Executive Committee organized yesterday by electing Gottlieb Mick, chairman; Newkirk Wentz, secretary, and Joseph Whittington, 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.
1897 Camden City Directory
1897 Camden City Directory
1898 Camden City Directory
1898 Camden City Directory
Licenses Transferred
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LICENSES TRANSFERRED.
The following transfers were granted: Caroline Hoelzle, of Front and Vine streets, to John S. Smith; William C. Miller, from 524 Liberty street, to 574 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.
Camden Family Ill From Poison
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN FAMILY ILL FROM POISON
Doctor Who Attended Them Believes There Was Arsenic in Their Food
ALL SUDDENLY STRICKEN
After Eating Breakfast They Were Prostrated and a Physician Was Summoned
DETECTIVES AT WORK
Authorities Searching for a Motive for Crime, But Must Wait for Result of Chemical Analysis
A mysterious poisoning case has put the Camden police authorities on their mettle. All the members of a household at 459 William street, with the exception of a child, were suddenly stricken on Friday last with violent pains in the abdomen after eating breakfast. A doctor, who was called in, prescribed antidotes for arsenical poisoning. He says his patients received an overdose, and to this they owe their lives. They are all weak, but no longer out of danger. The police tried to keep the case quiet, and it was not until yesterday, when the patients were pronounced out of danger, that the facts became known to the public.
The victims are: Harry R. Morgan, a railroad baggage porter, employed at the Federal Street Depot; Mrs. Hannah Morgan, his wife; Mrs. Rebecca Morgan, widow, mother of Harry Morgan; Mrs. Clara Carter, widow, a cousin of Harry Morgan, who boarded with the family; and Charles Aplebuck, a motorman employed on the Camden and Suburban Railway, who was also a boarder.
The only member of the household not stricken was Lillie Morgan, the 12-year-old daughter of Harry Morgan. The others were taken ill shortly after eating breakfast on Friday morning. The breakfast consisted of fried ham, fried mashed potatoes and turnips, prunes, bread and butter, tea and coffee. Mrs. Rebecca Morgan drank tea, while all the others had coffee.
Aplebuck, the boarder, had his breakfast about 4 o'clock, as he had to leave early to go to work. The meal was prepared by Mrs. Hannah Morgan, who called the other members of the family some two hours later and ate breakfast with them. All ate heartily of the food except the girl Lillie. Her meal was confined to a few sips of coffee, a roll and a pickle.
As Harry Morgan ate he felt a burning, griping sensation in his stomach. He felt ill, but proceeded to his place of employment; he kept at work until noon, but then had to give up and returned home. Shortly after Morgan left the house his wife, mother and cousin were all taken ill with similar symptoms. Mrs. Rebecca Morgan was the only one afflicted; she was sent to summon Dr. Wallace McGeorge at 521 Broadway. The doctor was out of the city and it was fully an hour before his wife could return the call. When he reached the house he found the three women in a serious condition. Dr. McGeorge was called in again to treat Harry Morgan when the latter reached home.
Later in the afternoon Charles Aplebuck returned from work and declared that he had been sick in the same way. He went to Dr. McGeorge's office for treatment.
On Saturday morning Mrs. Rebecca Morgan seemed somewhat better, and thinking that a cup of tea might do her good she made some from the same tea that had been used the morning before. She drank the tea and ate the soda cracker. She was again taken violently ill with symptoms the same as she displayed on Friday. She was again given medicine.
All the patients are now believed to be out of danger, but Harry Morgan's eyes are so affected that he is compelled to wear dark glasses.
There is a mystery about the poisoning which the police authorities are trying to solve. They have been at work on the case for three days, but no arrest has yet been made, although County Detectives John S. Smith and John Cherry are said to have a suspect under surveillance. Both Harry Morgan and his mother say they have no enemies.
Charles Aplebuck and Mrs. Clara Carter, the two boarders, suffered the same as other members of the household. It is reported that they were recently engaged to be married, but the engagement was broken off.
Doctor McGeorge has portions of the tea, coffee and prunes served at the Friday morning breakfast. He placed these samples in jars and they are at the disposal of the proper authorities.
County Detective Smith, who has been at work on the case since last Friday, says he has gone as far as he can until an analysis is made of the food to determine if it contained poison. A sample of the tea was taken to a Camden chemist for analysis, but when he asked $50 for his services the authorities took it away.
Democrats Confer
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DEMOCRATS CONFER
Tame Meeting of the State Committee Held at Asbury Park
TALK OF REORGANIZATION
Rabid Free Silverites Get No Chance to Whoop Things Up—County Committees to Be Elected
From a Staff Correspondent.
ASBURY PARK, N. J., Aug. 7.—The New Jersey Democratic leaders held their front here to-day under the auspices of the party in New Jersey as regards Bryan and national issues, the conference amounting to nothing. It is hoped to set a cut-and-dried State committee meeting at which special precautions were taken to prevent any outbreak of personal and factional strife. In consequence there was a woeful lack of enthusiasm.
It was the largest gathering of members of the Democratic party in New Jersey. The member from each of the counties except Salem, Passaic and Hudson was present, and “Bob” Davis, the doughty Hudson leader, was on deck to represent that strong-hold. Davis, by the way, disclaimed any ambition to assume the reins as State chairman after his own election as senator.
Nearly all the county organizations were represented either by the county chairman or a member of the State Committee. “Bill” Daly was on deck with just the state of mind and the assortment of adjectives you would expect from a man who had traveled all the way from a free silver county in Virginia, where he is a member of the State Committee.
South Jersey was represented by Committeeman John T. French, of Atlantic; David W. English, of Cumberland; and Bowman S. Cox, of Gloucester. Other South Jersey Democrats present were former State Senator George Pfeiffer, Edward Iredell and Editor Carpenter, of Woodbury. They got their heads together and County Detective John S. Smith and former Senator George Pfeiffer appeared with a carefully prepared dissertation on Democracy and its mission in correcting the evils of the time. Unfortunately he did not have a chance to present it without obtaining the sense of the convention that there should be no speeches or discussion of anything but the business in hand. After the meeting was over some more of the ultra-free silver men delivered themselves of vehement effusions to the chance to whoop things up for Bryan.
Gilbert Now in Jail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GILBERT NOW IN JAIL
County Detective Cherry, of Camden, at an early hour yesterday morning arrested Charles Gilbert, for whom he had been searching since Thursday afternoon. Gilbert was committed by Justice Finley without bail on a charge of uttering a forged check, which he passed on Saloonkeeper Flood at Second and Stevens streets.
Gilbert was arrested at his home, at 227 Benson street. He was seen entering the house about 1o'clock yesterday morning by Policemen Harry and Robert Miller and they at once notified Detective Cherry.
County Detectives Smith and Cherry have been running out several clues in connection with the bogus checks that have turned up in Camden during the past fortnight. They believe that they the work of an organized gang of swindlers and arrests may follow shortly.
Camden Democrats Split
New York Tribune —
CAMDEN DEMOCRATS SPLIT.
THE COUNTY DEMOCRACY WILL NOMINATE A TICKET OF ITS OWN.
Camden, Oct. 11 (Special).—The feud between the two wings of the Democratic party in Camden County has broken out afresh, and there are to be two tickets in the field as a result of last Saturday's County Convention. The two-hour caucus which preceded the convention agreed upon a ticket which promised to unite the two factions. This ticket included Freeholder Gottlieb Mick, leader of the County Democracy and the implacable foe of “the Duke of Gloucester.” Therefore, when the caucus adjourned, word was telephoned to “the Duke” and he was angry.
“What in — are you fellows trying to do?,” he cried over the wire.
“We're trying to fix up a harmony,” replied County Detective John S. Smith.
“Harmony be —,” shrieked “the Duke.” “Break away. Nominate anybody except Mick.”
So the convention under Detective Smith's lead, nominated ex-Judge Thomas McDonell for Sheriff. That gave the regulars the whole ticket, and left the County Democracy in the lurch.
As a result, the leaders of that faction will meet to-morrow to fix a date for holding a convention of their own for the nomination of a ticket. The principal reason for this is that if their ticket should poll the heaviest vote at the coming election they would receive official recognition as the second political party. They would, therefore, have to be recognized in the State convention as the representative Democrats of the county. The better element of the party has been earnestly striving for this for years.
One Week More of Campaigning
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ONE WEEK MORE OF CAMPAIGNING
Republican Ticket Will Sweep Camden County With a Big Majority
Democrats, Hopeless of Success, Are Having a Factional Fight on the Side
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 24, 1900
Camden Democrats on the Watch
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN DEMOCRATS ON THE WATCH
They Hope to Make a Hit at the Spring Election Two Weeks Hence
Camden Democrats will make an active campaign during the next two weeks in the hope of carrying some of their Councilmanic candidates through at the municipal election on March 13. A campaign committee of five will be in charge of affairs, both factions in the party being represented in the committee, which is composed of County Detective John S. Smith, chairman of the City Committee; former State Senator George Pfeiffer, Jr., chairman of the County Committee; State Committeeman Harry B. Paul, former Judge Howard Carrow and City Recorder Joseph E. Nowrey.
The Democrats could not secure control of City Council if they elected their candidates in every ward, but if they carry three or four wards it would do much to strengthen the party for next fall's contest. The fight will be made in wards where dissension exists in the Republican ranks.
The saloonkeepers of Camden are still smarting under the turndown they received in their efforts to have the license fee cut down from $500 to $300 and the subsequent indictment of many of their number for Sunday liquor selling. The liquor dealers are now organized as they have never been before. The Camden Liquor Dealers' Association is a close corporation and keeps its secrets well. It has leaked out that they propose to cut the Republican candidates, as they blame the Republican leaders for most of their troubles. The association has been raising a “pot” to aid the election of the Democratic candidates for City Council. The saloonkeepers are very reticent about discussing this subject, as they depend upon the Republican Excise Commissioners for their licenses.
The Democrats held their primary election last evening and named the following candidates for City Council: First ward, John H. Irwin; Second ward, former State Senator and County Chairman George Pfeiffer; Third ward, James Noone; Fourth ward, Lewis Holl; Fifth ward, George Horneff; Sixth ward, Ben Meloney; Seventh ward, William Hollman; Eighth ward, William Jennings; Ninth ward, Frank H. Powell; Tenth ward, Abel Lewis; Eleventh ward, William Petzell; Twelfth ward, Thomas H. Cook.
Abbatto Hanged in Camden Jail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ABBATTO HANGED IN CAMDEN JAIL
Quick Work by Sheriff Sell in Executing the Murderer of Genaro De Feo
Condemned Man Died Without a Struggle, and Was Buried in Potters’ Field
John Wesley Sell, Sheriff of Camden county, had his first hanging yesterday, and he made a record for celerity in launching Francisco Abbatto into eternity. The earliest moment that the hanging could take place, under the order of the court, was 10 o’clock. Within 6 minutes after the hour struck Abbatto was standing on the gallows. A minute later the trap was sprung, and five minutes later the man was dead.
Abbatto slept soundly during his last night on earth. He was up betimes yesterday morning, and dressed himself in the black suit of clothes which he knew would be his death garments. He declined to eat any breakfast, but drank a cup of coffee. At 8 o’clock the priests came to prepare the condemned man for the end. They were Father Pozzi, of East Vineland, and Father Caruso, of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, of Philadelphia.
FINAL PREPARATIONS.
The persons authorized by law to witness the execution, about forty in number, gathered in the Sheriff’s office by half past
New Jersey Delegates Ready to Start for Kansas City
Philadelphia Inquirer —
NEW JERSEY DELEGATES READY TO START FOR KANSAS CITY
They’re All for Bryan and “Silver Bill” Daly Is at Their Head
BOB DAVIS STAYS AT HOME
Will Work With Tammany for a New York Man for Vice President
[Article about New Jersey Democratic delegation heading to the Kansas City Democratic National Convention in 1900, supporting William Jennings Bryan for President. Features portraits of Theos. Ferrell, Robert Davis, Johnston Cornish, and J. E. Martine as New Jersey delegates-at-large, along with Congressman William D. Daly as Hudson district delegate and chairman, James J. Nanning, County Detective John S. Smith of Camden, and George Pfeiffer Jr.]
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 30, 1900
Murder Witness on the Rack
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Murder Witness on the Rack
County Detectives Smith and Cherry and City Detective Painter, of Camden, are investigating the death of Cornelius Preston, whose body was found in Big Timber Creek, near Westville, on March 5, 1899. Yesterday they had William Smith, of Camden, who furnished the clue to Preston's alleged murder, taken before Prosecutor Lloyd for examination. The Prosecutor will not divulge the information given him by Smith until the detectives have had an opportunity to verify it.
Glad Welcome for Mr. Bryan
Trenton Evening Times —
GLAD WELCOME FOR MR. BRYAN
The Local Democracy Does Itself Proud to Greet the Candidate.
TRENTON FOLKS OUT ENMASSE
Republicans Are As Eager As Any to See the Form and Hear the Voice of He Who Makes the Nation Pause to Harken to His Silvery Eloquence. The Details of His Coming, His Staying in Town and His Departure Hence.
BRYAN’S ITINERARY.
To Arrive 3:05 P.M. Broad Street Station. To Speak at Opera House 3:20 P.M. To be Driven North on Broad and East on Perry to Swamp Angel, Where a Speech Will be Delivered From His Carriage at 4 P.M. To be Driven Down South Clinton Avenue to Pennsylvania Depot.
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 23, 1900
Hill Meets Death Without a Shudder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HILL MEETS DEATH WITHOUT A SHUDDER
Camden Wife Murderer Goes to the Gallows With Calm Resignation—Scenes and Incidents Attending the Execution
[Portrait of Rev. H. S. Gascoyne] SHERIFF JOHN WESLEY SELL Caut him who sent the murderer to doom.
Skill in Genius
At the steps to the scaffold the clergyman separated and stopped to either side. The Sheriff proceeded between Sell and Voigt, but he walked to the center of the scaffold and with a pleasant smile, which continued while Sheriff Sell was reading out Hill's record, he opened the lever. Hill adjusted the noose about Hill's neck and drew the cap. Then he sprung the lever of the trap, and Hill's body fell in the drop and was caught midway by the rope. The body swayed almost imperceptibly.
When Hill's body was cut down it was found that the rope was entangled with his wrists. Those who attributed the absence of a death struggle to this entanglement were not deterred, but insisted that justice was done and the gallows were properly adjusted to the weight and height of the condemned man.
County Detective John S. Smith and Rev. Charles D. Sinkinson marched behind Hill.
At the steps to the scaffold the clergyman separated and stopped to either side. The Sheriff proceeded between Sell and Voigt, but he walked to the center of the scaffold and with a pleasant smile, which continued while Sheriff Sell was reading out Hill's record, he opened the lever. Hill adjusted the noose about Hill's neck and drew the cap. Then he sprung the lever of the trap, and Hill's body fell in the drop and was caught midway by the rope.
Religious devotion, in which Robert F. Hill, who was convicted last year of murdering his wife in Camden, participated, yesterday at the county jail, started him calmly toward his death on the gallows. He was awaked by his spiritual advisors, Rev. Charles D. Sinkinson and by County Detective John S. Smith, who were talking with him S o'clock. He was hanged at 10:10 A.M. Hill was declared dead at 10:23.
Hill met his end with great composure. He seemed to be impatient for the end, and thanked his spiritual advisors for their attentions. On the scaffold he smiled blandly and in a clear voice said several times “I am innocent.” He prayed earnestly and died in an upright position with comparatively little suffering.
Hill Prayed Aloud
Religious devotions, to which Hill, who was convicted of wife murder last year, devoted the greater part of the hours of his incarceration, continued to the last. He seemed to be impatient for the end, and thanked his two spiritual advisors, Rev. Charles D. Sinkinson and County Detective John S. Smith, who were with him at his devotions, numbering nearly two score of men.
Story of His Crime
Hill shot Mrs. Robert F. Hill, who had come from Burlington, N. J. to Camden last October, September 15, 1900, and then tried to kill himself. He was hurried to Cooper Hospital, where he later recovered. His wife was immediately transferred to the county jail. The shooting occurred at 507 North Third street, and was the result, it is believed, of Hill's quarrel over Mrs. Hill and “alleged misconduct.” Hill and his wife had been separated a year. After his recovery he was held for murder, and on November 18, he was tried before Justice Garrison, on November 16, to be sentenced by Justice Garrison. The Court refused to give Hill a reprieve. His attorneys appealed to give Hill a new trial. The Court refused to grant Hill a reprieve, but four times appealed the matter and on January 26 the Board of Pardons rejected Hill's sentence to life imprisonment.
Tracing Alleged Firebugs
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Tracing Alleged Firebugs
For ten days County Detective John Smith has been investigating several fires that have recently occurred in the southern part of Camden county. He has secured evidence against a certain party of prominence, who is now under surveillance. Detective Smith says an arrest will be made shortly.
Prisoner Fought in State Capitol
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PRISONER FOUGHT IN STATE CAPITOL
Samuel Warwick Taken Into Custody in the Assembly Chamber After Struggle
HE THREATENED OFFICIALS
Sheriff Sell and Prosecutor Lloyd Caused the Arrest of the Man, Who Is Somewhat Eccentric
Special to The Inquirer.
TRENTON, N. J., March 19.—A sensation was created in the Assembly Chamber this afternoon when County Detective John F. Smith, of Camden, placed Samuel G. Warwick, of Glassboro, under arrest on a warrant charging him with threatening to take the lives of Sheriff J. Wesley Sell and Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd. Warwick, who is somewhat eccentric, was standing at the rail of the house when Detective Smith placed him under arrest.
Warwick, who is of rather spare build, protested loudly, and Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Tantum went to the assistance of Smith, but the two big officials were unable to quiet the prisoner, and two additional men were pressed into service. Warwick was finally handcuffed and taken to Camden by Smith.
Imaginary Wrongs
For many weeks Warwick has been hanging about the legislative halls endeavoring to induce some one to introduce a bill to reimburse him for imaginary wrongs he claims to have suffered while serving a term in State prison. He was sent to prison for forgery, and upon being released sought to bring an action against the State on the ground that he had been rendered speechless because of the ill treatment he received in the prison.
In an unguarded moment one day at the State House he broke forth into good, strong speech. Nothing daunted, however, he has kept up his endeavor to get legislation reimbursing him for his alleged injury.
Held Up Nomination
It was stated by one of the Senators to night that Warwick was the means of holding up the nomination of Judge Jessup, of Gloucester county, by the Senate for upwards of a week. The cause of the delay was sought for in vain by some of Judge Jessup's friends. It then leaked out that Warwick had entered a protest with several of the Senators against Judge Jessup. It was Judge Jessup who sentenced Warwick to prison.
The threats that Warwick has been making against Sheriff Sell and Prosecutor Lloyd have been so virulent and repeated that it was deemed necessary to take him into custody. He was taken to Camden this afternoon.
Pending an examination as to his sanity, Warwick was committed to jail in default of $1000 bail by Justice Schmitz, of Camden, last night, on the charge of threatening to kill Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd and Sheriff John W. Sell. Some time ago Warwick was sentenced to pay a fine for robbing his boarding mistress, and in default was committed to the county jail. Under a custom prisoners are allowed to serve a day for each dollar of the fine imposed, but it was not allowed in this case. After serving several days over the usual allotted time he paid his fine and then demanded a rebate of $1 for each day. Because the Prosecutor and Sheriff refused his demand he made threats against their lives.
Camden Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NOTES
•• The Automobile Company was incorporated yesterday, with a capital of $100,000.
•• The funeral of Mrs. E. E. Read, widow of the late Edmund E. Read, took place yesterday from her residence, 606 Cooper street.
•• Michael Kelly, 32 years old, of 604 South Sixth street, had his right foot crushed while working on the railroad at Williamstown yesterday.
•• The Camden Board of Health yesterday instructed the solicitor to collect $175 from Haddon township for care by physicians of small pox patients in the Camden Municipal Hospital.
•• William Martin, 29 years old, of 636 Chestnut street, had the fleshly part of both legs badly lacerated yesterday by a pair of ice tongs falling from a shelf while he was stooping over. He was taken to Cooper Hospital.
•• Grant Lord, brought from St. Louis, by County Detective John S. Smith, on a charge of forging the name of William Althouse, of Philadelphia, to a check for $150, was yesterday committed to jail by Recorder Stackhouse. The complaint against Lord was made by Edward Carminy, who indorsed the check.
•• A broken switch at Second and Bridge avenue caused the wreck of a freight car of the Pennsylvania Railroad yesterday. While assisting the wrecking crew to clear the track Howard Buckeleer, 22 years old, of Bordentown, was struck on the head with a piece of iron and badly injured. He was removed to the Cooper Hospital.
Found Body at Foot of Stairs
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FOUND BODY AT FOOT OF STAIRS
Mystery in the Death of Pole in Camden—Five Men Placed Under Arrest
Coroner Litchfield is investigating the death of Frank Taianoski, a Pole, 35 years old, of Olyphant, Pa., whose body was found early yesterday morning at the foot of a stairway at 1049 Diamond street, Camden. Jacob Chopper, Peter Oplushi, John Schwenze, John Vannank and Stanlaus Weruski, Hungarians, who cannot speak English, were arrested by County Detectives Smith and Cherry on suspicion of knowing something about Taianoski’s death.
Shortly after 3 o’clock yesterday morning Coroner Litchfield was awakened by two men, who told him to go to 1049 Diamond street, where a man was being killed. Thinking it was a ruse to get him out of the house to do him bodily injury the Coroner refused to go. Some time after Edward Wolfe, an English speaking Pole, told the Coroner that there was a dead man at the Diamond street house. Coroner Litchfield at once went to the house and found Taianoski’s body at the foot of the stairway. Surrounding it were the five Hungarians, two of whom were recognized as the early morning visitors.
Nothing could be gleaned from the men, who told conflicting stories. One, who said he was a room-mate of the dead man, stated he had arrived home late and had fallen over the body. On examining the body the Coroner found Taianoski had received a bad fracture of the skull, which had caused his death.
Taianoski was a miner and went to Camden three weeks ago. His wife has been sent for in the hope that she can aid the officials in untangling the mystery. The body is now at the Morgue.
Officers Traced Woodward's Steps
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OFFICERS TRACED WOODWARD'S STEPS
Camden Authorities Rest After Weaving What They Believe to Be Strong Chain of Evidence About the Alleged Youthful Murderer
[Portraits: Detective William D. Hart | Detective John Painter — Camden City detectives who have done some good work in helping to bring about a solution of the murder mystery.]
In less than one week from the discovery of the bodies of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, near Haddon Heights, the city and county authorities of Camden have apparently solved the mystery of the most cruel murder in the history of the county. Paul Woodward the authorities are certain is that murderer. The motive was robbery. The officers say Woodward expected to get a large sum of money. A form of chloral used by photographers was administered. An overdose was given and death resulted where unconsciousness only was planned.
In the cell formerly occupied by Francis Abbatto, who was executed for an atrocious murder, Woodward is acting like a crazy man. In another wing of the jail Mrs. Edith Barber, his alleged paramour, refuses to eat and the authorities believe she is trying to starve herself to death.
Authorities Rest
Independent of Woodward's latest confession the authorities have built such a stone wall of facts against him that at the conclusion of yesterday's work the officials practically took their first rest since the discovery of the crime.
Mrs. Annie Irving Keeler, who was retained to defend Woodward, has withdrawn from the case, it is said on the advice of her physician. It is known, however, that at an interview with Woodward in jail yesterday he abused Mrs. Keeler.
Mrs. Woodward, mother of Paul, has been released from jail after making a complete statement and giving the law officers the right to enter and search her home at will. County Detective Smith yesterday found several more important witnesses.
Wanted to See Prosecutor
On Friday afternoon, while Prosecutor Lloyd was in consultation with George M. Beringer, the expert chemist, Woodward expressed a desire to see the prosecutor. He was taken to the latter's office and in a half hour's conversation talked freely of his crime. He said he had known both the boys for a long time. Attaches of the prosecutor's office say Woodward thought the boys' parents were wealthy and that it would be easy for them to get possession of a large sum of money. It was an easy matter for him, with the wonderful tales of adventure he had read, to so fill the boys' heads that it would be no trouble for him to lure them from home, drug and rob them and have several hours' advantage of flight before the discovery of the crime.
Left on Wednesday
Last Wednesday was fixed for the departure of the trio. They left according to schedule, going by trolley to West Collingswood. The Prosecutor has traced the trio along the White Horse pike and at a stop made at the Cyclers' Rest, where soft stuff and pies were purchased from Miss Lillian Martin. Then they entered the field. Here it was that a drink was suggested, according to the authorities. Filling a can Woodward, after pretending to drink, gave it to the boys. Between them they emptied it. The Jennings boy fell unconscious on the spot. The Coffin boy wandered away. Shortly afterwards, the authorities say, Woodward robbed their bodies, came to Camden and wrote a letter to Mrs. Barber, which the authorities have. When arrested he had just returned from her home, near Marlton, N. J. The watch which the Jennings boy wore has not been recovered, although the authorities are on its track and expect to get it.
After being taken back to the jail yesterday Woodward began to act queerly. At times he would wave his hands and arms like a windmill. He followed this by jumping to and fro like a hobby-horse in action. He varied this by crouching on the floor of his cell and barking like a dog. At night he screamed and yelled until sleep was impossible for the rest of the prisoners. A threat of Jailor John Lee to lock him up in the dungeon caused him to cease.
Coroner Litchfield said last night that the analysis of the boys' stomachs will not be completed for two weeks and that the inquest will not be held until that date.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case, October 1902 – January 1903
John S. Smith was one of the Camden County detectives who investigated the Paul Woodward murder case of 1902–1903. The complete coverage of this case from the Philadelphia Inquirer and other newspapers is presented below. See also the dedicated page on Paul A. Woodward.
Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TWO CAMDEN BOYS HAVE DISAPPEARED
John Coffin, 11 years old, son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, 14 years old, son of Leader Joseph Jennings, of the Third Regiment Band, are missing from their homes and the Camden police have been asked to locate them.
They started for the Trenton fair Wednesday and failed to return. All intermediate points have been communicated with, but the lads have not been heard from.
Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TWO CAMDEN BOYS ARE STILL AMONG MISSING
Nothing has yet been learned as to the whereabouts of John H. Coffin, the eleven-year-old son of William Coffin, division agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, fourteen years old, son of Joseph Jennings, leader of the Third Regiment Band, the two Camden boys who disappeared on Wednesday when they left, it is presumed, for the Trenton fair.
The Coffin boy has light hair, brown eyes and weighs 64 pounds. When he left home he wore a blue cheviot suit, knee trousers, a blue and green golf cap and a pink and white shirt waist. While somewhat older the Jennings lad bears a striking resemblance to his missing companion.
When the boys disappeared Price Jennings had about $10, but the Coffin boy had nothing of value about him except a small silver watch. The police of near-by cities have been communicated with, but they are unable to find any trace of the missing boys.
[Photo caption: JOHN H. COFFIN. The above photograph was taken two or three years ago, but is a good likeness of the boy as he appears to-day.]
Missing Camden Boys Murdered in a Field
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MISSING CAMDEN BOYS MURDERED IN A FIELD
Young John Coffin and Price Jennings Believed to Have Been Poisoned—Companion Arrested and Committed to Jail
[Photo captions: John H. Coffin — Price Jennings — Where body of young Jennings was found — Where Coffin's body was found.]
The discovery of their bodies cold in death, the victims of an atrocious double murder, yesterday solved the mystery surrounding the disappearance from their homes in Camden on Wednesday of John H. Coffin, the 11-year-old son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, his chum and playmate, the 13-year old son of Josephus Jennings, leader of Jennings' Third Regiment Band, of Camden.
Paul Woodward, 18 years old, a companion of both the boys, is charged with their murder and is locked up in the county jail awaiting the further action of the authorities. There are no evidences of external injuries and the only theory to which the police can attribute the cause of death is that the assassin of the boys administered poison to them, and it is along this line that County Physician Jones and Prosecutor Lloyd are conducting an investigation.
The details surrounding the atrocious crime makes it one the like of which has never been known in the criminal history of this section of the country. The youth of the boys, their heretofore relations of good companionship, and many other circumstances make of it an almost unparalleled crime, and while there is said to be every evidence of a motive for the murder, in the opinion of those who are in close touch with the case, it is an instance in which the work is that of a degenerate boy in whom all sense of right and wrong have long since been dead. Certain it is that the crime has stirred the people of Camden and vicinity to a feverish heat to which it has not been stirred since the days following the murder of Annie Leconey.
Found in a Field
The bodies of both the lads were found yesterday morning in a field near the Haddon Heights Station of the Reading Railroad on what is known as the Lippincott farm, about a quarter mile from Station Avenue. The body of young Jennings was found lying in a clump of bushes and less than forty yards away lay the remains of Coffin. Both bodies were stiff and in a state of decomposition. Coffin's body was the first discovered, and it was not long after when that of his companion was found.
No sooner did the news of the discovery become known than the greatest excitement prevailed through the city of Camden and its suburbs. All sorts of rumors began to circulate, some of them hinting that the bodies were in a horribly mutilated condition and that the work was that of a negro. In a short time, however, whatever element of mystery there was about the case, so far as present indications go, was dissipated when the identification of the bodies was made and the arrest of young Woodward was accomplished soon afterwards.
Then the mystery began to clear somewhat. Both boys disappeared from their homes on Wednesday afternoon. When they failed to return that night the police were notified and a description of them was sent around the country adjacent to Camden and also to Philadelphia. Some persons said they had gone to Trenton to the fair, while others told of having seen them in the vicinity of Haddon Heights Station. Nothing came of these statements at the time, and meanwhile the boys failed to return home. Coffin's father was of the opinion that the boys had been kidnapped, but this theory was not held by the police.
First Body Discovered
Late Friday night, Clarence Kreuson, whose home is at Haddon Heights, and a friend of his, Frank Johnson, who lives in this city, were returning from an afternoon of blackbird shooting. While crossing the field they came across the body of a boy. It was lying in the bushes, half concealed, and when they made a closer examination they discovered that life was extinct. In alarm Kreuson and his companion ran to the home of A. H. Wood, near-by, and communicated their intelligence. Wood immediately sent a telephone message to Coroner Litchfield in Camden, apprising him of the discovery. That official, through some misunderstanding, thought it was a man named Brown who had been talking to him. He hitched up his horse and drove to Haddon Heights, but was unable to locate the body. He was also unable to locate anyone named Brown. Further investigation was, therefore, postponed until yesterday morning, when the Coroner again visited the scene and found the body in the bushes.
From the clothing worn it was thought at first it might be Coffin's, and after it had been brought to the Morgue, William Coffin, the lad's father, was sent for. He was accompanied by Kingston Jennings, elder brother of the other missing boy. Mr. Coffin when nerved to look at the remains, exclaimed, “My God, it's Price. Where is my boy. He must be found.” The identification was then made complete by the dead boy's brother.
Meanwhile a number of persons had been going over the field where the body had been found in the search for clues that might lead to a discovery of the murderer of the boy, when one of them chanced across the remains of the other lad lying under a dead tree. This body was identified on the spot by Detective Curtis, of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The lad's body was also taken to the Morgue and laid on a slab alongside of his chum.
Police at Work
The police in the interim had not been idle, and after scouring the vicinity of the place where the bodies had been found, came across Lillian Martin, the 15-year-old daughter of J. Wilson Martin, who conducts a “Cyclers' Rest” at Collings avenue and the White Horse pike. She remembered having seen two boys answering the description of the dead lads in their place on Wednesday. They were accompanied by an older and a taller boy. Jennings seemed to have considerable money and purchased three pies and three bottles of soda water. After that they left the place and she never saw them again until she looked upon their bodies.
Prosecutor Frank Lloyd at once set to work, and Detective Hart was sent in search of young Woodward. Inquiry at his home, at 221 Benson street, brought the response that he was not at home. His mother learned what he was wanted for, and about 2 o'clock sent for Detective Hart and turned the boy over to him. She accompanied him to the Prosecutor's office and, talking to the newspaper reporters, said that beyond being addicted to the use of cigarettes Paul was a good boy. She persisted that he could not have committed the crime as he was home all of Wednesday, Thursday and yesterday until the afternoon, when he went to Philadelphia to visit relatives. What the police are reported to view with importance is a statement that the mother is also alleged to have made to the effect that on Wednesday he had bothered her a great deal about money for a hat and shoes. While the authorities will make no admission, it is intimated that the motive they ascribe for the crime is robbery, and that the fact that Jennings had $10 when he disappeared was what led to his murder, and the murder of the other little fellow followed as a necessity for hiding the crime, as well as to get possession of a silver watch he is said to have had.
Identified Woodward
After young Woodward was taken into the Prosecutor's office, besides the Prosecutor there were present Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Court Stenographer Berry, Chief of Police Foster, of Camden; Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville, and Detectives Painter and Hart. In a few minutes Detective Cherry arrived with Lillian Martin. The latter had been cautioned not to say anything to anybody, either in or out of the room. She was inside for less than thirty seconds, and when she came out she is reported to have said that Woodward was the young man whom she had seen with the boys on Wednesday in her father's place. She was taken back a second and a third time, and after the latter, it is said, she told the detectives that she was certain he was the person. She then left for her home, where she resisted all attempts to interview her.
In the meantime Recorder Stackhouse issued a commitment for Woodward on the oath of Detective Cherry, charging the young man with the murder of Coffin. Jennings' name was not mentioned, as Coffin's answered the same purpose.
While this was going on County Physician Jones was holding an autopsy in the basement of the jail, where the morgue is located. A personal examination showed that there were no external marks of violence, and in order to clinch the result of the autopsy he summoned from Philadelphia Professors Copeland and Rosenberger, of the Jefferson Hospital. Dr. Copeland performed the autopsy, and was at work until nearly 6 o'clock, when it was announced that no results other than that death was not due to external injuries, had been accomplished.
Prosecutor Lloyd said: “There was a double murder. Of that much we are certain. Death was not due to external injuries. What we suspect you will have to conjecture. The organs of both the boys have been sent to a chemist for examination. More than that I cannot say, except that we have arrested Paul Woodward on suspicion and that he is charged with the murder. The same man that killed one of the boys no doubt killed the other. All I ask now is that judgment be suspended for a few days, when I believe all will be cleared up.”
Woodward Visited Mr. Coffin
Mr. Coffin, whose home is at 305 North Third street, yesterday said: “It's an awful blow that has come to me and I hardly know what to say. It does seem to me that Paul Woodward exerted an evil influence over my boy. I remember now that on Thursday he came to the house and wanted me to hire him to look for John. He then said that he thought he could find him.”
At the Woodward home it was stated that the mother and father of the boy had gone to Philadelphia. Charles May, a boarder, said there would be no trouble in proving that Paul was home all day of Wednesday, as well as the day following. He said that on each of those nights the boy had been in bed by 8 o'clock. This testimony, he said, would be corroborated by the boy's mother, father, sister and himself. The only time Paul was out of the house, he said, was when he went several errands for his mother.
Late yesterday afternoon Coroner Litchfield empaneled the following jury: David Kaighn, George Leathwhite, Isaac Toone, George J. Pechin, Elmer E. Cox and T. L. Bear. At 5 o'clock they viewed the remains, after which the bodies were sent to their respective homes. No date for the inquest has been fixed.
The stomach and other organs of both the youthful victims are in the possession of George M. Beringer, a druggist and chemist, at Fifth and Federal streets. Last night he said he had begun his examination, but it would take him probably a day or two more to complete his analysis.
Deep Mystery Still Envelops Camden Tragedy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DEEP MYSTERY STILL ENVELOPS CAMDEN TRAGEDY
Authorities Apparently at Sea Regarding Theory for Lads' Taking Off
THEY WERE MURDERED
Such Is the Belief of Prosecutor Lloyd and Others in the Case
WOODWARD UNDER FIRE
Declares Not Guilty of the Awful Crime — Two Boys to Be Buried To-day
[Note: Image pwood-100602-inq-1.jpg contains only the headline block. Full article text begins in pwood-100602-inq-2.jpg through inq-8.jpg. See full transcription of Oct 6 article in context of this image set.]
Woman Involved in Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOMAN INVOLVED IN CAMDEN MYSTERY
After Being Questioned by the Prosecutor She Is Committed to the County Jail—Believed to Be an Important Arrest
[Photo caption: Crowds in Front of the Jennings Home During Funeral]
[Portrait caption: George M. Beringer — The Camden chemist who is making an examination of the internal organs of the two boys.]
While mystery apparently as absolute as ever still obscures the motive and the criminal in the case of John Houseman Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the unfortunate Camden lads whose trip to the country at Haddon Heights last Wednesday resulted so tragically, it is surmised from hints dropped now and again the matter may soon be cleared. However, those who are working so assiduously to bring the guilty person to justice are as close-mouthed as the proverbial clam, and but meagre information reaches the public.
Last night a woman, about 45 years old, was committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse. On the commitment her name is given as Mrs. Barber. She was committed on complaint of County Detective John Cherry “as a material witness to prove certain allegations pending against one Paul Woodward, who is committed to the county jail charged with the murder of one John Coffin.”
The woman was placed under arrest after a long conference in the Prosecutor's office. Prosecutor Lloyd said last night that the woman lives on a farm at Marlton, and that she is a very important witness in the case, so important, in fact, that she cannot regain her freedom without a good round sum being put up for her security.
Woodward Again Examined
The investigation into the case was somewhat retarded yesterday owing to an attack of rheumatism that made Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd remain at home. The day's responsibility rested on F. Morse Archer, the assistant pro-secutor. The latter yesterday morning had Woodward brought into his office, where he underwent for the sixth time a thorough cross-examination. Mr. Archer said Woodward had made no confession, as had been rumored. On the contrary, he still maintained his innocence.
In answer to a question Mr. Archer said: “We are doing our best and while we are in possession of information which we consider important and vital to the case, it is impossible at this time to make it public.”
On the other hand, County Physician Jones was very emphatic in this particular, saying the boys were murdered beyond a doubt.
Boys' Funerals
Yesterday afternoon the funeral of the boys took place at the same hour and within a square of one another's homes. Although the hour set for the obsequies, 2 o'clock in the afternoon, had been kept secret scores of persons stood about in knots discussing the tragedy and eager to get a glimpse of the caskets containing the remains of the boys.
Police Captain Boyle and Policemen Kappel, Toy and Ridgeley guarded the houses, and no one except relatives and intimate friends were permitted to enter. But when the caskets were carried from the houses the crowd could not be kept back. Many persons crowded about, and the mourners entered the carriages between two solid phalanxes of curiosity seekers.
The services over Jennings were conducted at his home, 219 North Third street, by Rev. C. A. Adams and Rev. John Lyell. At the Coffin home, 305 North Third street, Rev. William H. Fishburn had charge of the obsequies. Companions of the boys acted as pallbearers. Jennings was buried at Evergreen and Coffin at Harleigh Cemetery.
George M. Beringer, a Camden chemist, who has the important duty of discovering, if possible, traces of poison in the stomachs of the boys, said yesterday he is making a thorough chemical analysis and is of necessity proceeding slowly. He said he will not be able to report the result for some days to come.
A pathetic little incident occurred at the Cooper School during recess yesterday morning when the children, school mates of the lads, gathered about and listened to the muffled beats of a drum. The school flag was at half mast and in every room there was a flag draped with black crepe. The youngsters were visibly affected.
Woodward Has Knowledge of Camden Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD HAS KNOWLEDGE OF CAMDEN MURDER
So Confessed to Officers, Who Searched New York at Prisoner's Instance
NO HAND IN THE CRIME
But Said He Knew Name of the Man Who Committed Awful Deed
YOUTH'S STRENUOUS DAY
Taken to the Scene of the Tragedy and Closeted With the Prosecutor
Camden's Mystery Is Still Unsolved
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN'S MYSTERY IS STILL UNSOLVED
While Authorities Are at Work, Public Watch and Wait. Weaving a Net About Paul Woodward, the Young Suspect Now in Jail
[Portrait caption: Paul Woodward — Portrait drawn from life.]
[Portrait caption: Mrs. Edith Barber.]
It is now generally believed that the Camden county authorities have succeeded in establishing a clear case against young Paul Woodward, who is in the county jail, charged with the crime of taking away the lives of little John Coffin and Price Jennings. It was just a week ago yesterday when the boys went on their trip to Haddon Heights from which they were destined never to return alive.
Since the discovery of the bodies last Saturday partially hidden in rain soaked weeds, the Prosecutor's office, assisted by County Detectives Smith and Cherry and City Detectives Painter and Hart, have left no stone unturned.
No Confession
Prosecutor Lloyd yesterday reiterated his statement that Woodward had made no confession, but it is generally conceded as true that the accused youth did tell a story in which he makes some one else the principal criminal in the case.
Several incidents transpired yesterday that threw off the monotony of waiting for developments. Joseph Jennings, brother of one of the murdered boys, was taken to the cell in which Woodward is confined. He had no difficulty in recognizing the prisoner before. But as to whether he ever saw him in company with the dead lads he was not permitted to say.
Wild Rumor
There was much excitement about the Court House when it became rumored that Mrs. Edith Barber, the woman detained as a material witness against Woodward, had the small pox. To allay the alarm County Physician Jones called in representatives of the Board of Health, who concluded she had no sign of the disease.
After matters quieted somewhat the woman was taken into the Prosecutor's office and questioned. When taken back to her cell she was crying and appeared to be almost unable to walk.
Woodward spent the day in his cell, smoking cigarettes as usual. He was visited in the morning by Lawyer Harry Scovel, who has not yet been engaged as counsel, as reported. Again in the afternoon Lawyer Scovel visited the youth in company with Woodward's mother. At first Mrs. Woodward was denied admittance, but after waiting on the jail steps for nearly an hour she was permitted to go in and see her son. Lawyer Scovel and Mrs. Woodward were with the young man for a couple of hours.
Talked a Whole Lot
To all questions Lawyer Scovel said: “Woodward talked a whole lot, but I have nothing to say.”
He said he had not confessed to him. On the other hand Woodward had maintained his innocence.
When asked if Woodward could have a hearing if he demanded it Mr. Archer said he could. Asked if enough evidence was in hand to hold him, Mr. Archer said there was.
“On a simple assault charge?”
“No, sir, for the crime he is charged with—committing the murder of John Coffin,” replied Mr. Archer.
Coroner Litchfield said last night he would not set a date for the inquest before some time next week. Despite all reports to the contrary, Coroner Litchfield says Chemist George M. Beringer, who is analyzing the internal organs of the boys, will not complete the work before the end of the week.
Prosecutor Lloyd, who is still confined to his home with rheumatism, would make no statement last night, although admitting that the day's work had not resulted in anything of material importance.
Unraveling the Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Prosecutor Lloyd Declares That Woodward Is the Guilty Man
NO MORE ARRESTS LIKELY
Weaving Web Around Alleged Slayer of the Murdered Boys
“Beyond all question the murderer of these little boys is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can now be allayed,” said Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd last night in making the first important statement concerning the tragedy of last week, when John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two Camden lads, were murdered in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights. The mystery which has enshrouded the case since the discovery of the bodies last Friday has almost been cleared up with the exception of the report of Chemist George M. Beringer, who is making an analysis of the internal organs of the boys.
Prosecutor Lloyd gave out the following statement shortly before 8 o’clock at his home on the East Side:
“Because of a suspicion that more than one person was engaged in the murder of these little boys the State has been obliged to work with much secrecy and to withhold from the press the result of our work. That suspicion is now removed. Beyond all question the murderer is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can be allayed. Woodward was alone the perpetrator of this crime.
Case Nearly Complete
“It is my duty to say this much in view of the deep public concern and the apprehension of other parents having little ones, but it would be improper for me to state the character or the quantity of evidence upon which our conclusions are based. I will only say that with the exception of the report of the chemist, which has not yet been received, the State’s case is almost complete.
“Woodward himself has made a number of statements, which, while not confessions, will be materially helpful toward securing his conviction.”
This statement precludes the possibility of another arrest being made in connection with the case, as has been currently reported during the week.
There were several conferences held yesterday between Assistant Prosecutor Archer and Detectives Smith, Cherry, Painter and Hart and Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantsville. During one of the conferences John Farmer, the colored man who recognized Woodward as having been seen with the boys last Wednesday afternoon, was called in and closely questioned. Following the detectives departed apparently on several different clues.
Detectives Hard at Work
Detective Hart subsequently returned with a Mrs. Somers, said to reside on Royden street. She was interviewed by the Assistant Prosecutor, but what connection she has with the case the authorities refused to divulge. The woman refused to talk.
Louis Ross, a German, who resides near Haddon Heights, was also called into the Prosecutor’s office late in the afternoon. At first he was thought to be an important witness, but it was afterwards learned that he knew little about the case.
Detective Robert J. McKentry, of Philadelphia, and Detective Smith took over the river Mrs. William H. Hubbert and another young woman. It is at the home of Mrs. Hubbert, at West Philadelphia, that Woodward said he was present last Friday night.
Woodward became rather obdurate yesterday, refusing the usual prison fare. He waited until his mother sent him coffee and other victuals. The accused youth was at first placed in the cell formerly occupied by Lafayette Gruff, the wife murderer, who was hanged September 19. He has now been placed in another cell.
More Arrests in Camden Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MORE ARRESTS IN CAMDEN MYSTERY
Officers Traced Woodward’s Steps
Philadelphia Inquirer —
OFFICERS TRACED WOODWARD’S STEPS
Camden Authorities Rest After Weaving What They Believe to Be Strong Chain of Evidence About the Alleged Youthful Murderer
[Portraits: Detective William D. Hart | Detective John Painter — Camden City detectives who have done some good work in helping to bring about a solution of the murder mystery.]
In less than one week from the discovery of the bodies of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, near Haddon Heights, the city and county authorities of Camden have apparently solved the mystery of the most cruel murder in the history of the county. Paul Woodward the authorities are certain is that murderer. The motive was robbery. The officers say Woodward expected to get a large sum of money. A form of chloral used by photographers was administered. An overdose was given and death resulted where unconsciousness only was planned.
In the cell formerly occupied by Francis Abbatto, who was executed for an atrocious murder, Woodward is acting like a crazy man. In another wing of the jail Mrs. Edith Barber, his alleged paramour, refuses to eat and the authorities believe she is trying to starve herself to death.
Authorities Rest
Independent of Woodward’s latest confession the authorities have built such a stone wall of facts against him that at the conclusion of yesterday’s work the officials practically took their first rest since the discovery of the crime.
Mrs. Annie Irving Keeler, who was retained to defend Woodward, has withdrawn from the case, it is said on the advice of her physician. It is known, however, that at an interview with Woodward in jail yesterday he abused Mrs. Keeler.
Mrs. Woodward, mother of Paul, has been released from jail after making a complete statement and giving the law officers the right to enter and search her home at will. County Detective Smith yesterday found several more important witnesses.
Wanted to See Prosecutor
On Friday afternoon, while Prosecutor Lloyd was in consultation with George M. Beringer, the expert chemist, Woodward expressed a desire to see the prosecutor. He was taken to the latter’s office and in a half hour’s conversation talked freely of his crime. He said he had known both the boys for a long time. Attaches of the prosecutor’s office say Woodward thought the boys’ parents were wealthy and that it would be easy for them to get possession of a large sum of money. It was an easy matter for him, with the wonderful tales of adventure he had read, to so fill the boys’ heads that it would be no trouble for him to lure them from home, drug and rob them and have several hours’ advantage of flight before the discovery of the crime.
Left on Wednesday
Last Wednesday was fixed for the departure of the trio. They left according to schedule, going by trolley to West Collingswood. The Prosecutor has traced the trio along the White Horse pike and at a stop made at the Cyclers’ Rest, where soft stuff and pies were purchased from Miss Lillian Martin. Then they entered the field. Here it was that a drink was suggested, according to the authorities. Filling a can Woodward, after pretending to drink, gave it to the boys. Between them they emptied it. The Jennings boy fell unconscious on the spot. The Coffin boy wandered away. Shortly afterwards, the authorities say, Woodward robbed their bodies, came to Camden and wrote a letter to Mrs. Barber, which the authorities have. When arrested he had just returned from her home, near Marlton, N. J. The watch which the Jennings boy wore has not been recovered, although the authorities are on its track and expect to get it.
After being taken back to the jail yesterday Woodward began to act queerly. At times he would wave his hands and arms like a windmill. He followed this by jumping to and fro like a hobby-horse in action. He varied this by crouching on the floor of his cell and barking like a dog. At night he screamed and yelled until sleep was impossible for the rest of the prisoners. A threat of Jailor John Lee to lock him up in the dungeon caused him to cease.
Coroner Litchfield said last night that the analysis of the boys’ stomachs will not be completed for two weeks and that the inquest will not be held until that date.
Another Arrest in Murder Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ANOTHER ARREST IN MURDER CASE
West Philadelphian and a Supposed Companion of Young Paul Woodward Taken in Custody
There is but little remaining in the way of a mystery for the Camden county authorities to clear up in the murder case of little John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, of Camden. After working practically day and night during the past week Prosecutor Lloyd and his able assistants have brought to light such strong evidence against Paul Woodward, the young man in the county jail charged with the crime, that it will be next to impossible to refute it.
The sixth arrest in the case was made yesterday, when James Sheiding was taken into custody by County Detective Smith and committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse as “a material witness.” Sheiding, who lives in West Philadelphia, was lured across the river to Camden, when Detective Smith at once took him in custody.
The prisoner is believed to be the companion of Woodward who, on the Friday night preceding the discovery of the murdered boys, was in the company of the accused murderer. On that occasion it is said Woodward had considerable money and that Sheiding assisted him in spending it.
Woodward did not give any evidence yesterday of being insane. On the other hand he was very quiet and evidently saw the futility of trying to make the Prosecutor believe him to be of unsound mind. He utterly refused to take part in the regular Sunday jail services. His whole concern seemed to be as to whether or not his mother would visit him to-day. He was of the opinion yesterday that his mother had gone to West Chester, where she is said to have relatives of means. Woodward thinks such a visit would result in him having sufficient funds with which to engage counsel.
Mrs. Edith Barker, the woman witness against Woodward, is very ill. Two of her children are ill with typhoid fever and the worry over this in connection with her important part in the case has made her one of the most wretched prisoners ever incarcerated at the county prison. Prosecutor Lloyd tried to have her admitted to a hospital, but his efforts were unavailing.
In all probability the case will come up before the present grand jury and be tried this month. Prosecutor Lloyd said last night that as soon as Chemist Beringer has made his report on his analysis of the viscera of the boys the Coroner's inquest will be held. Immediately the court will be asked to take up the case.
Speedy Trial for Young Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
SPEEDY TRIAL FOR YOUNG WOODWARD
But little developed in the murder case in Camden, for which Paul Woodward is incarcerated in the county jail. Prosecutor Lloyd has everything well in hand and his sole object is to have a speedy trial of the accused youth. He said yesterday his office would give out nothing further before the trial.
It is said Woodward has declared he gave John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the murdered boys, bichloride of gold and not chloral. He is also reported to have said he did not intend giving such a large dose as would terminate fatally.
While as yet Woodward has no counsel it is probable he will be defended by Lawyer Edwin Hillman, who will be named by the court.
To Hurry Along Woodward Trial
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TO HURRY ALONG WOODWARD TRIAL
Paul Woodward, the youth accused of the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the Camden boys whose bodies were found near Haddon Heights last Saturday week, may possibly be indicted for the crime to-day or to-morrow. Prosecutor Lloyd has the case so well in hand that he will present the facts before the grand jury this morning.
The State has practically concluded its investigation with the exception of making the necessary preparations for the trial. It is believed the grand jury will speedily find a bill of indictment against Woodward, and he may know his fate before the end of the present month.
Harry H. Robinson, a Philadelphia lawyer, was yesterday engaged to defend Woodward.
Woodward Indicted for Cruel Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD INDICTED FOR CRUEL MURDER
The case of Paul Woodward, who is charged with the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, was considered by the Camden County Grand Jury yesterday. Among the witnesses were the father and aunt of the Jennings boy. The prisoner was promptly indicted.
There will be no inquest. Coroner Litchfield says the facts of the killing and that the boys met their death by violence being manifest to the authorities.
Morphia Killed Two Camden Boys
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MORPHIA KILLED TWO CAMDEN BOYS
Chemist Beringer Makes His Report to Prosecutor Lloyd—Another Witness in Murder Case
George M. Beringer, the chemist who made an analysis of the organs of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, who were found dead near Haddon Heights two weeks ago, has made a report of his findings to Prosecutor Lloyd.
Must Now Produce Woodward in Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MUST NOW PRODUCE WOODWARD IN COURT
Counsel for Paul Woodward, the young man accused of the murder of John Coffin and Price Jennings, two Camden boys, yesterday applied to Judge Garrison, at Mount Holly, for a writ of habeas corpus for their client. The application was granted and made returnable Friday next at Camden.
It is said the object of Woodward's counsel is to make the State show its hand as to the evidence it has against the alleged youthful murderer. In all probability the indictments will be presented and the writ dismissed.
Woodward Writ to Be Argued To-day
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD WRIT TO BE ARGUED TO-DAY
The rule granted by Judge Garrison last Tuesday to show cause why Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer, should not be released on habeas corpus proceedings will be argued in Camden to-day. The indictment against Woodward may be presented and the case hurried toward the trial which will take place this term.
Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd was able to be at his desk again yesterday after an attack of rheumatism.
Young Woodward Indicted by Jury
Philadelphia Inquirer —
YOUNG WOODWARD INDICTED BY JURY
He Is Charged With Robbery and Murder in the Bill Presented to Judge Garrison
Two indictments against Paul Woodward, charging him with the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the two boys whose bodies were found in a field near Haddon Heights, have been presented to Judge Garrison.
Jurors to Try Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Jurors to Try Woodward
Sheriff Sell, in Camden, yesterday drew a special panel of forty-eight jurors, twelve of whom will try Paul Woodward, charged with the murder of John Coffin. The trial will begin November 12. Woodward will be arraigned to-day before Judge Garrison to plead to the indictment charging him with murder.
Woodward Says He Is Not Guilty
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD SAYS HE IS NOT GUILTY
Paul Woodward, in Camden yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the indictments charging him with the murders of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the two Camden boys whose dead bodies were found near Haddon Heights a month ago.
Woodward was taken from the county jail to the court-room, where Justice Garrison was waiting to hear the plea. The accused youth did not give any evidence of emotion.
After listening to the reading of both indictments Woodward answered “not guilty” in a firm voice.
Prosecutor Lloyd then moved for the trial to take place Wednesday, November 12.
Woodward Placed on Trial To-Morrow
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD PLACED ON TRIAL TO-MORROW
To-morrow morning Paul Woodward will be placed on trial before Judge Garrison in Camden, charged with murder of John Coffin, whose body, with that of Price Jennings, was found October 1 near Haddon Heights.
Woodward's counsel and Prosecutor Lloyd had a conference yesterday. The latter stated he had fifty-seven witnesses to be heard. Woodward is confident of being acquitted.
Woodward's Trial Today
Trenton Evening Times —
WOODWARD'S TRIAL TODAY
Camden Lad Accused of Killing Coffin and Jennings.
By Publishers' Press Direct Wire.
Camden, Nov. 12.—Just seven weeks ago today John Coffin and Price Jennings, two Camden lads, left their homes without informing their families of their destination. After being missed for twenty-four hours, search was instituted and four days afterward their dead bodies were found in a field near Haddon Heights, six miles from Camden.
Today Paul Woodward, who was seen with the boys in the neighborhood of the scene of their death, the evening before, was placed on trial charged with the murder of John Coffin.
After the formal preliminaries the work of empanelling the jury from the special venire of forty-eight citizens was begun. There was an unusual number of jurors who could not change their convictions formed from newspaper reading, and the result was the panel was exhausted with only ten men in the box.
Woodward on Trial for Coffin Murder
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Less Than Six Weeks After Alleged Crime Case Is Called in Camden Court — The Prisoner’s Appearance — What State Will Try to Prove
Six weeks ago yesterday John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two rosy-cheeked Camden lads, left their comfortable homes for a boyish romp in the country. Three days later their bodies were found lying half concealed among a wild growth of bushes in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights.
Yesterday Paul Woodward, termed a cigarette fiend and a reader of trashy novels, was placed on trial in Camden before Judge Garrison, on indictments charging him with the murder of John Coffin.
Directly the doors of the court room were opened a crowd of men and women made a mad rush for seats, and the constables with difficulty restrained them. In a few minutes every seat had been taken and the throng awaited expectantly for a glimpse of the accused youth. The gallery reserved for members of the bar was filled, too, with many lawyers interested in the outcome of what doubtless will prove one of the most famous murder trials in Camden county.
Court Opened
A few minutes after 10 o’clock Judge Garrison arrived, court was formally opened and Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd read the list of the State’s witnesses, nearly fifty in all, and then the list of men had been dispatched for Woodward, and before the Prosecutor had completed reading the list of witnesses the accused youth entered the court room.
He Couldn’t Kick
“All right, I can’t kick,” he replied, nonchalantly, and he settled himself down in the prisoner’s dock with only the top of his peculiarly shaped head visible.
His hair, jet black, was plastered down on his head with scrupulous care. In fact, he very evidently took more pains in arranging his hair than his clothing, which was ill-fitting. His low-cut vest had fairly gilded buttons as large as a quarter, while his trousers, the same as were worn when apprehended for the crime, were of a coarse material, navy blue, and several sizes too large for him.
Prisoner’s Parents There
Shortly after court convened, Woodward’s parents appeared, accompanied by a little girl, said to be Woodward’s sister. The family occupied seats among the spectators, taking keen interest in the proceedings.
Prosecutor Lloyd moved the indictment against Woodward for the murder of John Coffin. The other indictment, charging him with the murder of Price Jennings, will not be pressed unless he is acquitted in the Coffin case. After Lawyer Rex had introduced his Philadelphia colleagues, the task of securing a jury began. The entire panel of forty-eight was exhausted when only ten jurors had been selected. A special panel was called before the other two were secured.
As finally selected, the jury comprises the following: George Agar, Woodlestown township, foreman; William Powell, Gloucester township; William Anderson, Pennsauken; Charles Fraley, Waterford; Thomas J. Atkinson, Fourth ward; Wilson English, Tenth ward; Harry Ames, Second ward; George J. Simford, Fifth ward; John M. Hyde, Twelfth ward; William Hogan, Tenth ward; John St. Clair, Third ward; Charles S. Hill, Fifth ward.
Case Presented
It was two o’clock in the afternoon before the testimony began. Rev. D. Home Arbuckle opened for the State. He said the State would show that the bodies found were the remains of John Coffin and Price Jennings, and show how Woodward was loitering about the Lippincott schoolhouse, when he met them the following Wednesday at Front and Penn streets at the White Horse pike, and was seen entering the lane off Collings landing road to the spot where the bodies were found. The counsel also said the State would prove that Woodward’s hat was used to help locate them. He said it would be shown that Woodward was a cigarette fiend, and that items were taken from the bodies before the boys were known to be dead. The State offered statements made by the defendant, and conviction of first-degree murder was asked.
First Witnesses
William Coffin, father of the murdered boy, of Haddon Heights, was among the first witnesses called. He told how his son was returning from a hunt in the woods. A physician who had conducted the postmortem examination testified that there were no external marks of violence on the body. The coroner adjourned court until morning.
Frog Killed in Jersey Court
Philadelphia Inquirer —
FROG KILLED IN JERSEY COURT
Queer Experiment in Trial of Youth for Murder of Two Boys
By Associated Press to The Patriot.
CAMDEN, N. J., Nov. 13.—A frog was poisoned in court to-day to show a jury the agonies of a human being dying as a result of being poisoned with strychnine.
Paul Woodward, who is alleged to have lured two boys, Brice Jennings and Paul Coffin, from this city, into the woods, and having caused their death with strychnine, was on trial, and Professor Marshall, of the University of Pennsylvania, was testifying. He took some of the poison extracted from the liver of Paul Coffin and forced it into a live frog.
The jury and all others in court became intensely interested. In a few minutes the frog went into convulsions. The professor explained the action of the drug as the frog, writhing, exhibited all the agonies the boy had suffered as he died. The experiment caused a sensation in the court room.
Woodward Bought Poison, Says Druggist
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD BOUGHT POISON, SAYS DRUGGIST
Woodward's Parents on Stand; Boy in a Rage
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD'S PARENTS ON STAND; BOY IN A RAGE
State Rests Its Case and the Defense Opens With an Effort to Prove an Alibi. Father and Mother Say Paul Was at Home.
“I wish I had a good gun; I'd get a bead on Lloyd and plug him sure,” Paul Woodward is said to have remarked yesterday to Constable Christman as he crossed the “bridge of sighs” from the Camden Court House to the county jail at the conclusion of the fourth day of his trial on the charge of killing John Coffin. He was angered at the merciless cross-examination of his mother by Prosecutor Lloyd during the last half hour of the session.
A few minutes before court adjourned he leaned over to Lawyer Robinson, one of his counsel, and uttered a string of oaths.
Woodward on the Stand
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There was great surprise manifested when Lawyer Daniels, in outlining the defense, said it would be proven Woodward could not have been present when the crime was committed, and the subsequent attempt to prove an alibi. Woodward may be placed on the stand to-day and it remains to be seen how his story will stand the keen cross-examination of Prosecutor Lloyd. One of the features of the trial has been the manner in which the jury has noticed every move and characteristic of the defendant as he sits in the prisoners' dock.
The jurymen were yesterday taken out for exercise. They were accompanied by constables and walked about the streets for some time.
Several letters have been received at the county jail, where Woodward is incarcerated, from persons who are desirous of securing the young man's brain in the event of him being convicted and hanged.
Woodward Smiled When He Heard Death Verdict
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD SMILED WHEN HE HEARD DEATH VERDICT
Camden Trial Came to a Sudden End With the Jury Returning a Conviction of Murder in the First Degree, After Deliberating Less Than an Hour
[Illustration caption: Attorney Robinson Making His Address to the Jury. Paul Woodward in Foreground.]
[Photo caption: Interior View of Camden Court House in Which the Case Was Heard and Which Has Been the Scene of Many Famous Murder Trials.]
Paul Woodward was last evening found guilty of murdering little John Coffin, whose body, with that of W. Price Jennings, was found in a field near Haddon Heights on October 4. Woodward’s trial began last Wednesday before Judge Garrison in Camden.
The jury retired at 3.45 o’clock, after a brief charge by Judge Garrison. At twenty minutes to 5 o’clock an agreement had been reached, but it was two minutes to 6 o’clock before Judge Garrison arrived, he having gone to his home at Merchantville.
In the meantime Woodward had been brought into the court room, and after the jury had filed in he was told to stand up. He arose without a tremor, looked at the ceiling, at the Judge and then turned to the twelve men who had his fate in their hands. His peculiar features lit up with a broad grin when the County Clerk said:
“Jury look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jury.”
Guilty of Murder
Then when the jury was finally asked for its verdict and the foreman had solemnly announced “Guilty of murder in the first degree,” Woodward, apparently unmindful of the import of the words, turned to his counsel and laughed with a low chuckle. Each juror was polled and each man repeated “guilty of murder in the first degree.”
“The prisoner may retire,” said Judge Garrison, and with a sidelong glance at his counsel Woodward was led across the “bridge of sighs” to his cell in the county jail. He laughed loudly and slapped his custodian on the back in a playful mood, as if the whole proceedings had been a joke, but when he reached the jail he let go a tirade of profanity against the Prosecutor and those who appeared against him. He remarked that he did not care what became of him, all he cared for, he said, was his mother.
Motion for New Trial
Lawyer Rex immediately made a motion for a new trial, Judge Garrison stating he would hear argument on a date to be set. The jury was then discharged.
One of the features of the last day was the reappearance of Woodward’s mother, haggard, careworn and her eyes swollen with weeping. She was recalled to testify she had sworn falsely on Saturday when she denied even having been convicted of crime.
The climax in the defense’s case occurred in the morning, when Woodward, the defendant, was placed on the stand to testify. When he took his seat his eyes roamed about the room. He looked everywhere except in the direction of the jury. He admitted he was with the murdered boys, but denied absolutely having killed them. The alibi the defense tried to build about him during the period of the boys’ disappearance, was practically destroyed by contradictions made by Woodward concerning his movements. All the statements he made to Prosecutor Lloyd immediately following his arrest, he said, were false. He said he told the different stories because he was “scared.” The defense also tried to prove both boys were alive on Friday, October 3.
The defense called Dr. J. A. Leuf as an expert. He described the effects of strychnine on the human system. He said there were several other poisons that might have similar effects.
No Rebuttal Testimony
To the surprise of the assemblage no rebuttal testimony was given, Prosecutor Lloyd at once beginning his argument. He spoke for over an hour and at times was eloquent. He said the State asked for nothing but a first degree verdict, as the facts developed could have no other result consistent with the oath of the jury. It was a case of premeditation because there was first, an attempt at robbery, and second, because there was an attempt to do great bodily harm. The State, he said, had proved the crime against Woodward and followed him almost to the death bed of the boys.
Lawyer Robinson opened for the defense. He spoke for over an hour. “Paul is not guilty and if you follow the evidence you must acquit him,” concluded the defense.
Judge Garrison’s charge lasted just four minutes. He explained the law covering the case. He said anyone administering poison for robbery was guilty of murder in the first degree. If, however, it was not proven to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant administered the poison, then he should be acquitted.
The jury then retired at 3.45.
Another postal card was received yesterday, asking for Woodward’s brain, but these seekers after the convicted man’s gray matter will be disappointed.
Thinks Woodward Is Deficient
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THINKS WOODWARD IS DEFICIENT
That Paul Woodward, the Camden murderer of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, is mentally deficient is likely to be made the basis of a plea by his counsel for commutation of the death penalty in his case before the Board of Pardons. That his conduct since conviction has been such as to furnish some ground for the appeal is believed by some of those with whom he has come in contact.
Far from being impressed by his terrible position Woodward laughs and jokes with his jailers.
He does not want ordinary prison fare. He asked a turnkey if a convicted murderer was not entitled to have his meals, including wine, brought from a restaurant. When he was jocularly told that he was, he exclaimed:
“Maybe I won’t live high! Then, I don’t care for myself; all I care for is my mother.”
During the day he saw James Bland, who is accused of the murder of James Morrisey. To Bland he said:
“Oh! don’t you get gay; you won’t eat your Christmas dinner either.”
Woodward Desires No Spiritual Advice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD DESIRES NO SPIRITUAL ADVICE
Counsel for Paul Woodward, convicted for murdering John Coffin, have little hopes of getting a new trial for their client. The Board of Pardons may be asked to commute his sentence.
When asked whether he wanted a spiritual adviser yesterday Woodward replied: “No. I guess they could do me no good.”
No New Trial for Murderer Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
NO NEW TRIAL FOR MURDERER WOODWARD
Counsel for Paul Woodward, convicted of murdering John Coffin, will not ask Judge Garrison for a new trial to-day, as they had announced.
The Board of Pardons will be appealed to, when counsel will try to prove the irresponsibility of the convicted man, who may be sentenced to-day.
Woodward to Go to Gallows on January 7
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD TO GO TO GALLOWS ON JANUARY 7
Camden Murderer Hears His Doom With a Smile, Then Curses Wildly
VISITED BY PARENTS
They Tell the Prisoner an Effort to Secure Life Imprisonment Will Be Made
Justice Garrison in Camden yesterday sentenced Paul Woodward to be hanged on January 7 for the murder of John Coffin and Walter Price Jennings near Haddon Heights on October 1.
Smiled, Then Swore
When sentence was pronounced Woodward smiled. As Sheriff Mines escorted him across “the bridge of sighs” he uttered vile curses and said that everybody connected with the case was a liar and that he was innocent. The prisoner's counsel withdrew the motion for a new trial. The death watch will be placed on duty to-morrow.
Death Watch on Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Death Watch on Woodward
The death watch was yesterday placed on Paul Woodward, the young man in the Camden County Jail under sentence of death for murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings. He is under surveillance day and night. Yesterday he acted queerly, as though making an effort to have his jailors believe him insane.
Woodward Had Many Vices
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD HAD MANY VICES
Some Things That Prosecutor Lloyd Held Back
From the Prosecutor's office in Camden it is learned that much more evidence was in hand than that which was presented against Paul Woodward, convicted of murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings and who is under sentence to be hanged. The Prosecutor had knowledge that Woodward blackmailed a South Camden woman and her husband, almost resulting in a separation. Then he is said to have proposed to a young man a scheme of operating a “knock-out” resort.
One of his plans for getting money, it is said, was to play detective by going to certain women, telling them of misconduct on the part of their husbands and demanding a fee for watching the latter. Then he would turn around and work the same scheme on the men.
Were His Ruin.
Kalamazoo Gazette —
WERE HIS RUIN.
Cigarettes Make Him a Demon and a Murderer.
Camden, N. J., Nov. 28.—“Cigarettes have been my ruin. I will never smoke another,” said Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer of John Coffin and Price Jennings, who has been sentenced to death.
“Since I was a small boy I have smoked those things,” Woodward continued, “and they have driven me crazy. Yes, I am dangerously crazy. I do things against my own will.
“Cigarettes Made Me Dangerously Crazy”
Salt Lake Tribune —
“CIGARETTES MADE ME DANGEROUSLY CRAZY”
So Says Paul Woodward, the Condemned Murderer of Two Boys.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1.—“Cigarettes have been my ruin. I will never smoke another,” said Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer of Paul Coffin and Price Jennings, in the Camden jail.
“Since I was a small boy I have smoked those things,” Woodward continued, “and they have driven me crazy. Yes, I am dangerously crazy. I do things against my own will. Sometimes I feel some demon within me that impels me to do injury to my dearest friends.”
Good Price for Expert Testimony
Philadelphia Inquirer —
GOOD PRICE FOR EXPERT TESTIMONY
Camden county will have to pay $3100 for the expert testimony which figured in the State's case in the murder trial of Paul Woodward, who was convicted of murder. The bill was presented to Auditor George, of the Board of Freeholders, yesterday. The bill is divided as follows:
Dr. Marshall, toxicologist, $1200; Geo. M. Beringer, chemist, $1200; Dr. Cophn and assistants who performed the autopsy on the bodies, $350; Professor Hobart Hare, medical expert, $300, and $50 for sundries.
Murderer Woodward Visited by a Minister
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MURDERER WOODWARD VISITED BY A MINISTER
Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John's P. E. Church, Camden, visited Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer, in the Camden county jail yesterday and had a long talk with him. After the interview Woodward expressed himself as well pleased with the clergyman's visit and said he liked the minister better than any of the others who had called.
To one of the jailors he said he realized that he must die and when the time came he would walk unflinchingly to the gallows.
Woodward's mother and sister, the latter a pretty girl not yet out of her teens, and a student in a Philadelphia college, called on the doomed man yesterday and spent several hours with him.
Will Try to Save Woodward's Neck
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Will Try to Save Woodward's Neck
An effort will be made to-day by counsel for Paul Woodward, the Camden youth, under sentence to be hanged January 7, for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, to have a special meeting of the Board of Pardons held to present Woodward's case. The board will be asked to commute Woodward's sentence to life imprisonment on the ground he is mentally unsound.
Annoys Prisoners With “Music”
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Annoys Prisoners With “Music”
Paul Woodward, the Camden youth under sentence to be hanged January 7, is the bane of the inmates of the county jail. Some days ago visitors gave him a few pennies. With the money he had Death Watch Voigt purchase a tin whistle and a mouth organ. With these instruments, which he cannot play half well, he annoys the inmates of the jail all night long.
Murderer Given Talking Machine
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MURDERER GIVEN TALKING MACHINE
Woodward, Condemned Boy Slayer, Operates Phonograph in the County Jail
IS HAVING LOTS OF FUN
Familiar Strains Ring Through the Cells to Youthful Prisoner's Great Delight
Plenty of Amusement for Young Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PLENTY OF AMUSEMENT FOR YOUNG WOODWARD
Between his tin whistle, mouthorgan and gramaphone and book of “Arabian Nights,” Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer who will be hanged January 7 for murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent a busy Sunday. His new diversion, the gramaphone, was of course his main attraction. He has about eighty records of songs, speeches and orchestral music. These selections broke the monotony to many scores of prisoners, the squeaky voices and musical notes being heard all over the jail.
Woodward has given his whole thought to his amusements. If he dreads January 7 he gives no evidence of the fact.
Pardon Board on Woodward's Case
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PARDON BOARD ON WOODWARD'S CASE
Governor Will Reprieve Prisoner If Action Is Not Taken by December 24
Special to The Inquirer.
TRENTON, N. J., Dec. 16—The case of Paul Woodward, the condemned Camden murderer, is to be considered by the Court of Pardons. This was promised to-day by Governor Murphy to Lawyer Fred A. Rex. Governor Murphy says if the case has not been reached when the court adjourns, December 24, he will grant Woodward a reprieve until some action is taken.
Mr. Rex’s ground for appeal is that there was some intermarrying of relatives in Woodward’s family which might justify a degree of insanity that would warrant the commutation of the condemned man’s sentence.
In the jail at Camden Woodward continues to amuse himself with his gramophone. He is sanguine of getting his death sentence commuted. He eats and sleeps regularly and apparently does not worry in the least.
Knife Found in Woodward's Cell
Philadelphia Inquirer —
KNIFE FOUND IN WOODWARD'S CELL
Its Discovery Apparently Explains the Murderer's Declaration That He Would Never Be Hanged
The seeming confidence with which Paul Woodward, sentenced to be hanged January 7 in the Camden county jail for the murder of the Jennings and Coffin boys, expressed himself that he would not be executed was easily accounted for when in a search of his cell the other day a pocket knife with an edge as keen as a razor was found.
Several times had the officials searched the cell thoroughly as they supposed. Each time Wodward met their efforts with a mocking laugh. Convinced that there was something hidden one of the “watch” placed his fingers in a pipe in the cell and pulled forth the knife. Woodward has not done very much talking since—except to his favorite keeper.
Trying to Save Woodward's Neck
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TRYING TO SAVE WOODWARD'S NECK
The New Jersey Court of Pardons, in secret session, yesterday, gave a hearing to counsel for Paul Woodward, the Camden murderer, who is under sentence to be hanged on January 7. Counsel asked for a commutation of sentence on the ground of insanity.
The court postponed decision in the matter until next Tuesday, in order to give counsel an opportunity to present testimony.
Murderer Woodward Had Merry Christmas
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MURDERER WOODWARD HAD MERRY CHRISTMAS
Paul Woodward, the youthful murderer in the Camden County Jail under sentence of death for killing John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent a happy Christmas.
It was a happy one because he had plenty to eat—stewed chicken, mince pie, candy, etc.—and also because he has an idea he will not be hanged, at least on January 7.
Last Effort to Save Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LAST EFFORT TO SAVE WOODWARD
Lawyer Frederick A. Rex, counsel for Paul Woodward, the youth under sentence to be hanged January 7 for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, will go to Trenton to-day to ask that Woodward's sentence be commuted to life imprisonment.
Woodward's counsel has little prospect of getting anything favorable from the Board of Pardons, however.
Woodward's Last Hope Vanished
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD'S LAST HOPE VANISHED
Court of Pardons Refuses to Interfere in Case of Camden's Condemned Murderer
Special to The Inquirer.
TRENTON, N. J., Dec. 30—The Court of Pardons in special session this afternoon refused to interfere in the case of—
Murderer Woodward Unconcerned
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Murderer Woodward Unconcerned
Paul Woodward, who next week will be hanged for murdering little John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent the greater part of yesterday in his cell at the Camden county jail reading his Bible. While apparently unconcerned, he is being closely watched to prevent him from committing suicide. Sheriff Mines yesterday sent out invitations to the execution, January 7.
Unconcerned at Death's Approach
Philadelphia Inquirer —
UNCONCERNED AT DEATH'S APPROACH
Despite the fact that Paul Woodward, Camden's youthful murderer, has but a few days to live, he is in no wise affected. His appetite is as good as when he was first incarcerated. He is living high, being supplied from a near-by restaurant by order of Sheriff Mines. Yesterday he was visited by his father, mother and youngest sister. Later Rev. John Warnock called on him.
Woodward's Last Sunday on Earth
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD'S LAST SUNDAY ON EARTH
Listens to Religious Services in Jail and Threatens to “Call Down” Ministers
Paul Woodward, who has but two days more before he will be hanged for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent his last Sunday in his cell at the county jail in Camden reading and smoking. He listened to the devotional services held in another part of the jail with apparent interest, but remarked: “If those preachers say anything about me I'll call them down.” Woodward ate an enormous dinner ordered from a near-by restaurant, consisting of stewed chicken, fried oysters, rolls, coffee and other things.
“I’ll Be a Dead One”—Woodward
Philadelphia Inquirer —
“I'LL BE A DEAD ONE”—WOODWARD
Nearing Day of Doom, Camden Murderer Facetiously Addressed a Grand Juryman Yesterday
With a little over twenty-four hours between him and eternity, Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer, who will be hanged to-morrow morning for the cruel murder of two boys, continues his nonchalant manner.
After a brief visit from his father and mother yesterday Woodward took out his harmonica. A few minutes later the jail was filled with the strains of “In the Good Old Summer Time.” Then he took a turn at several marches. These selections were a prelude to his midday meal. This consisted of roast lamb, sweet potatoes, French peas, one-half dozen raw oysters, minced onions (raw), stewed fruit.
Woodward's Nerve Fast Leaving Him
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WOODWARD'S NERVE FAST LEAVING HIM
Paul Woodward will be hanged at the Camden County Jail this morning, shortly after 10 o'clock, by Sheriff Mines, for the murder of two boys. Unless he regains his wonted nonchalance he will undoubtedly create a scene.
The condemned youth arose yesterday early, ate a hearty breakfast and read the newspapers. Then he whiled away the morning by playing popular airs on his harmonica.
When the dinner hour approached he said:
“Well, this will be my last dinner. It's up to me to eat and I want my favorite dish. It's rabbit.”
Woodward Hanged To-Day
Wilkes-Barre Times —
WOODWARD HANGED TO-DAY
CAMDEN, N. J., Jan. 7.—Paul Woodward, the youthful murderer of the boys, John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, was hanged at 10:01 this morning.
Sheriff Christopher J. Mines conducted the execution, which was his first, with decency and dispatch.
The crime for which Paul Woodward forfeited his life was the murder of two boys, John H. Coffin and W. Price Jennings, aged 11 and 14 years, respectively. The former was the son of Wm. Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania railroad company and the latter of Joseph Jenkins, the well known leader of the Third Regiment band.
Paul Woodward Goes to Gallows
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PAUL WOODWARD GOES TO GALLOWS
Murderer of Two Camden Boys Was Executed Without Creating a Scene
DECLARED HIS INNOCENCE
Floral Offerings From the Family, Body Was Interred in a Philadelphia Cemetery
Murder Case Finally Closed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Murder Case Finally Closed
The last chapter in the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, for which Paul Woodward was recently hanged, was enacted yesterday when Prosecutor Lloyd directed County Clerk Patterson to cancel the indictment charging Woodward with the murder of young Jennings. It was done simply to make the records in the case complete.
Lawyer's Assailant Caught
Bevington (NJ) newspaper —
LAWYER'S ASSAILANT CAUGHT.
Walter B. Humphreys Arrested in Philadelphia on Old Charge.
Walter B. Humphreys, a former real estate dealer of Camden, and a fugitive from justice since November last, was arrested at Nineteenth street and Fairmount avenue, Philadelphia, yesterday, by County Detective John S. Smith and Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville. He was taken to the Central Station, and was remanded for a hearing to-day before Magistrate Kochersperger.
Humphreys is wanted by the Camden authorities to answer a charge of assault and battery on Lawyer William P. Early. The assault took place in the office of Humphreys, at Second and Market streets, where the lawyer was effecting a settlement between Humphreys and his wife. At the time Humphreys had just paid a fine of $300 for an assault and battery on his wife, and did not feel that the settlement was satisfactory, and it is alleged that he knocked the lawyer down and then threw him out in the street.
Wagner's Trial for Stabbing Miller
Daily Courier —
WAGNER'S TRIAL FOR STABBING MILLER
Witnesses Say Policeman Keaser Held Fellow Officer When He Was Knifed.
CUT DURING THIRD WARD RIOT
The main court room was crowded with interested Third ward warders this morning, when the first of the criminal complaints growing out of the riots at Third and Beckett streets, on the night of July 28, last, during the Congressional primary, was taken up. It charged Charles Wagner with assault and battery on Policeman Harry Miller. Judge Joline was on the bench. Prosecutor Lloyd appeared for the State and the defendant was represented by Lawyers Fred A. and William F. Rex. Some little trouble was experienced in getting a jury.
After Prosecutor Lloyd outlined the case, Policeman Miller was called to the stand. He said that on the night in question just before the close of the polls, a fight ensued between ex-Policeman “Bob” Miller and John Morrisey. A general racket followed and “Bob” Miller, Policeman Keaser and others were brutally assaulting George Murray with a blackjack, when witnesses went to Murray's aid. Keaser, he said, turned on him and grappled.
MILLER STABBED.
“He had hold of me and I of him,” said Miller, “and while we were standing in that position, this man Wagner came up in front of me, jabbed his knife in my stomach, turned it like that (giving his hand a twist) and pulled it out. Keaser still had a hold of me and I could not help myself. Wagner ran away after stabbing me.”
Miller said he was taken to Cooper Hospital and was there four weeks.
On cross-examination by Mr. Rex, Miller said he was positive that Wagner was his assailant and denied saying in the hospital the morning after the stabbing, that he did not know who cut him. He also denied hitting Keaser with his blackjack.
When questioned concerning Morrisey, the man who was killed, Miller said he only met him that day and did not know whether he was a voter or not.
DIDN'T WANT DETAILS.
Mr. Rex tried to get the witness to detail a talk he had with Morrisey, but Mr. Lloyd objected. Mr. Rex seemed so anxious to carry the point that Mr. Lloyd said he was willing to withdraw the objection, provided Mr. Rex would not object to detailed conversation responses to his questions. Mr. Rex promptly vetoed the proposition and withdrew his questions.
Harry Selby, son of former Policeman Selby, followed on the stand. He said he did not see the stabbing, but that a few moments before the polls closed he saw Wagner try to stab Miller at the window of the polling place. The two, it appears, had had some words.
Dr. Grimes, of the Cooper Hospital staff, said that he helped dress Miller's wound and that it was a dangerous one.
SAW WAGNER KNIFE MILLER.
William Laws, colored, corroborated Miller's testimony. He said he saw Wagner holding Policeman Keaser hold Policeman Miller while Wagner stabbed him. This happened he said about four minutes of 8 o'clock.
Policeman Edward Hartman told of seeing Wagner having an open knife in his hand, of seeing him jab at several people and that he grabbed at him.
“You saw all of that did you?” asked Mr. Rex.
“I certainly did,” replied the witness.
“Then why didn't you as a policeman arrest him?”
“I tried to, but his brother interfered.”
Mr. Rex had no more questions to ask.
George Murray, also told of seeing the defendant have a knife in his hand.
Detectives Smith and Cherry told of (CONTINUED ON FIFTH PAGE.)
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WAGNER'S TRIAL FOR STABBING MILLER
(CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.)
making an unsuccessful search in this city for Wagner and finally locating him. Wagner, they said, was a peddler. Detective Cherry said that Wagner told him that he had been at Hammonton.
“Hammonton is in Camden county,” replied the State. “No, sir, Atlantic county.” With these witnesses the State rested.
Addressing the jury, Mr. Rex said the defense would be an alibi. Wagner then took the stand. He said he lived at 908 South Second street and that on the night of July 28, last, during the Congressional primary, he was at his home from 7 o'clock until after midnight. He was accompanied by witnesses and did not go out during the evening.
Casper Cahill, a clerk at the Readel-Gaskill Co., followed on the stand. He said that he was present at about quarter of eight o'clock on the night in question in company with Wagner and another man, a boy, near the polling place. He did not see Wagner use a blackjack or knife. Cahill said he was present as a challenger at the polling place, not as a member of any party that was holding the election. “I am a Republican,” snapped Cahill in reply.
The Prosecutor repeated the question several times and the witness gave the answers such as “I was a Republican challenger” until Judge Joline was compelled to admonish him sharply. Cahill then said that on that night before the trouble was over court was taken.
Patrolman Albert Keaser was the first witness called this afternoon. He testified, Detectives said, that the only one afflicted were County Detective Smith and Cherry indorsed that. He said, hit body. A policeman's widow said that there was a policeman on Keaser at the time of the trouble.
“Did Mr. Archer, the Assistant Prosecutor?” Mr. Lloyd arose to protest Miller and Miller said that Miller said he didn't know who cut him. He had no difficulty with Miller and Miller said he didn't know who cut him but expressed a willingness to allow Mr. Rex to call Mr. Archer to the stand. Mr. Rex moved for a mistrial. Mr. Lloyd objected. The judge denied the motion.
On cross examination Keaser denied saying to a man named Ogdan that Wagner was “the fellow who did it,” but added he had no doubt that Wagner was the person.
BEAT FELLOW POLICEMAN.
Policeman John Wagner, another of the defendant's relations just sworn, said that he did not see the stabbing but that before the fight started. While Mr. Lloyd was saying that he objected to the question as incompetent, the clerk was asking if he did not see several times and I suppose I'd get the same ruling.
Mrs. Anna Hutner, a sister of the defendant, said she saw him go away in another direction at the time of the rioting and that he did not come back during the trouble. The following witnesses said the same thing. A number of these were women. Mrs. Hutner closed the defense and Mr. Rex asked no rebuttal. He testified that Wagner did not come home until three o'clock. The prosecution moved for a retrial, but was rebuked again by Mr. Rex who again rebuked by the judge for his manner.
William Ridgway said he was present during the trouble but did not see Wagner.
SHIELDED WAGNER.
The Prosecutor's only question was: “You as an officer of this court know that this man was accused of stabbing a fellow officer, and it is your duty to report it to the authorities, is that right?”
“Yes, sir, it is.”
“Then why, by Mr. Rex, the witness said he was the authorities could have done. Wagner did nothing.”
The defense rested and Mr. Lloyd called for a rebuttal. He testified that Keaser told him that Wagner did Miller. The prosecution moved again rebuked Mr. Rex for his manner.
Argument commenced at 4 p. m.
Elks Are Ready for the Burnt Cork
Trenton Evening Times —
ELKS ARE READY FOR THE BURNT CORK
Great Preparations for Their Show Next Wednesday Night.
The minstrel performance to be given at Taylor Opera House next Wednesday evening under the auspices of Trenton Lodge of Elks promises to be fully up to the high standard of other entertainments given by this popular organization. The membership of the lodge includes many of the city's best-known business and professional men, and they and their friends will fill the theatre with an audience of which the most famous actor might be proud. The profits of the evening will be devoted to charity—one of the rocks upon which the order of Elks was founded.
The performance will open with the first part usual with minstrel shows and the stage setting is to be a revelation, originated by that past master of the art, Charles P. Stevenson, whose artistic work has made him popular with managers whose attractions play at Taylor Opera House. The gentlemen in the semi-circle will be attired in their very best clothes, and altogether the picture will be captivating.
The end men will be laden with new jokes and local hits will be many. The vocal solos will include “My Old United States,” “The Queen of Charcoal Alley,” “Down in Indiana,” “Home Ain't Nothing Like This,” “Dreaming as She Sleeps,” “The Gambling Man,” “Leonore,” “Forever More,” and “No Sweeter Words Were Ever Said.”
The finale of the first part will be a very funny skit, entitled “The Trust Busters,” in which the entire company will take part.
The olio will include Craig and Ardell, funny musicians, whose sketch is entitled “I've Got Another Job Now;” William D. Hall, famous for his songs and monologues; Herbert Lloyd, a comedy juggler, and the Meeker-Baker trio, comedy acrobats. The specialties of all these performers are of a high-class and are sure to meet with great favor.
The evening will close with the sketch entitled “The Faith Cure,” a rollicking farce in which all hands will participate.
The performance will be under the direction of Marshall Taylor, manager of theatres in Wilmington, Camden and other cities, and most of the performers will be members of the Camden Lodge of Elks. One of the stars is John S. Smith, a Camden county detective, who is noted for his wit and other entertaining qualities. The committee of Elks who will receive the patrons of the show consists of C. P. Field, W. Taylor Ivins, Edwin F. Fitzgeorge, Frank A. Warner, Harry B. Salter, James M. Atwood and Charles P. Stevenson.
Camden Man Charged With Embracery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Man Charged With Embracery
Charles J. Welsh was held in $1000 bail by Justice Schmitz in Camden yesterday on a charge of embracery preferred by County Detective John S. Smith. It is charged that Welsh, who was at one time a prominent Democrat, gave $5 to Cassimer P. Burton, a petit juror, for “his influence” should he be drawn on a case to come up next week and in which Welsh is the plaintiff.
Philip Szymakarhse, a boy in the employ of the defendant, was held in $100 bail as a witness.
Camden Elks Moving on City of Baltimore
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN ELKS MOVING ON CITY OF BALTIMORE
Camden Lodge, No. 293, B. P. O. Elks, will turn out in force at the annual gathering in Baltimore, which takes place to-day and continues until Saturday. The local Elks will be officially represented to-day by Samuel Kilpatrick, the alternate, as George D. Borton, the Exalted Ruler, will not be able to get down until to-morrow.
A large number went to Baltimore last night and many more will follow to-day. At least a hundred Camden Elks will be in attendance. The delegation last night was headed by Marshall W. Taylor, John G. Colsey, County Detective John S. Smith, John Irwin, Frank Peterson, Jas. Long, Joseph Kolb, Frank Fithian, Fred J. Newton, Joseph H. Pfeiffer, John McCabe, Martin Frand, Sheriff C. J. Mines, Joseph Burt, Isaac Moffett, ex-Sheriff Henry J. West, Richard Mason, Thomas P. Curley, John Fort, D. Harry Condit and John Beaston.
Young Bridge Builder Who Took Kate McCormick From Atco, Tells “Inquirer” of Conquests
Philadelphia Inquirer —
[Portrait: KATE McCORMICK AND WILLIAM HEISER, POSED ESPECIALLY FOR THE INQUIRER. Young married man and 14-year-old girl of Atco, N. J., who eloped with him, were photographed for The Inquirer as they left Market street ferry in the custody of Detective John Smith.]
YOUNG BRIDGE BUILDER WHO TOOK KATE McCORMICK FROM ATCO, TELLS “INQUIRER” OF CONQUESTS
GIRL WHO ACCOMPANIED HIM RETURNS CONTRITELY TO HER PARENTS, AND SAYS SHE THINKS SHE WAS HYPNOTIZED
As a breaker of women's hearts William Heiser confesses that there are few twenty-year-old youths in the world who can compare with him.
The years of imprisonment which he now knows are confronting him for deserting his wife and eloping with fourteen-year-old Katie McCormick, of Atco, N. J., may check his powers of allurement, which, the police say, amount to hypnotism. Heiser was brought here last evening together with Miss McCormick by County Detective John Smith, of Camden, who had captured the runaways near Newport, Pa.
Both looked fagged out as a result of their week's flight about the country. The bright yellow dress of the girl that had been her pride on many spring Sundays was faded and torn. The faces of both were dirty, and the girl had left home hatless. But when Heiser was questioned upon the subject of his conquests he brightened up wonderfully.
“How many girls have told me they loved me?” he said in response to a question. “Oh, I couldn't begin to tell. Two hundred at least. Why, in Atco alone during the three months I was there I had—”
“Are you going to tell, Will?” interposed Katie.
A String of Conquests
“Yes, I'm in for it now, so I don't care. Let me see. First there was — — that I kept company with. Then there was you” (pointing to Miss McCormick). “Then I went next with — —. Then I kept company with — —. Next I was in love with — —, and then you followed again. Let's see, that makes six, counting you twice. You were my second and sixth,” said the youthful Lothario, patting Katie's arm as he spoke.
“Is it true that you are married?”
“Yes, I was married when I was only seventeen. That's three years ago. My wife is in Pottsville. She knows that I go with other girls. She can't help knowing. The girls all follow me. I don't know how I do it. They get mad sometimes when they see how many I have following me around, but the only way I can lose them is to move.”
Fears She Is Hypnotized
The above brief extracts from a talk with Heiser after his arrival here last evening seem to make it plain why he was ordered to leave Atco just before his elopement with Miss McCormick. The little girl since Heiser's arrest weeps and laughs by turns. She says at times that she loves Heiser, and at other times she says that she fears him and believes he has hypnotized her.
“He looks at you so that you just feel you must do as he says. I knew it was wrong to go with him, but I couldn't resist when he looked at me. I am sorry for his wife,” and then Katie burst into tears. A few minutes later Heiser agreed to allow his picture to be taken for The Inquirer. Turning to Katie, he said sharply: “Stop crying.” The girl instantly dried her eyes and stood calmly while the photograph was taken.
Heiser is said to have records in Philadelphia, Pottsville, Scranton, Newport, Harrisburg and other places fully equaling his Atco exploits, and officers stated last evening that numerous charges would probably be brought against him. He was taken through Philadelphia and locked up.
ELOPER HEISER BLITHELY SAYS HE IS HEART-BREAKER
Continued From First Page
in the Camden jail, he having waived requisition.
Miss McCormick was met at the Market street ferry by Constable Bow Bates, of Atco, who had a note from the girl’s father. Bates left Camden with the girl last evening, and at a station near Atco he was met by Mr. McCormick, who drove his daughter home in a carriage, having planned to arrive at a late hour, so as to avoid curious crowds.
Camped Out in Rain
The last two nights before their capture Heiser and the girl camped out. The second night they were cared for in a gypsy encampment, near Port Royal. The entire story of their adventures, as told by themselves and by Detective Smith, is extremely interesting.
Heiser went to Atco the latter part of April. He is a bridge builder by trade, and was part of the crew of a big dredging machine, stationed at a point where a railroad bridge is being erected over the main road of the town. The first night after his arrival in Atco Heiser struck up an acquaintance with a girl, and from that time on he passed all his evenings in company with different girls of the town.
He says he is only twenty years old. He is slightly below medium height, and has a rather attractive face, with clear-cut features and light hair. Among the friends he made was Miss McCormick, but townspeople say that he was more often seen in company with other girls. His actions became so pronounced that several parents complained to his employer and ordered him not to visit their daughters again. Finally one man consulted Lawyer Sloan, of Camden.
How Elopement Was Planned
The lawyer wrote Heiser a letter telling him to leave the town at once or he would be prosecuted. The lawyer also wrote to Heiser’s employer, and the young man was at once discharged. This was one week ago to-day. Heiser received the money and loitered about Atco during the remainder of the day. In the evening he saw Miss McCormick and a girl named Miss Ella Smith, walking to the residence of George Brown, where a church entertainment was to be held. Heiser joined the girls, and induced Miss McCormick to leave her friend and walk with him. Then, according to the girl, the following conversation took place:
“Katie, would you feel badly if I left town?” began Heiser.
“You know I would,” replied the girl.
“Well, I’ve got to go. I’m going to-night, and I want you to go with me.”
Miss McCormick says Heiser kept looking at her until she replied: “If you are going, then I’m going, too.”
With this brief preliminary the elopement began. Miss McCormick was dressed for the evening’s entertainment. She had no wrap and no hat. Her hair is a golden yellow and exceedingly heavy. She wears it puffed up about her head and seldom wore a hat when going short distances.
Walked Three Miles To Train
In order to avoid the townspeople, the two struck off through a field, walking three miles to Berlin, a neighboring town. From there they took a train for Camden and came to Philadelphia for the night. Early the next morning they took a train for Newport, Pa., where Heiser’s mother has a furnished house that happened to be without a tenant. Friday afternoon the two did a great amount of shopping and laid in a month’s supply of eatables as they planned to stay in-doors for a few weeks and so avoid notice until the sensation caused by their disappearance had died away.
But, while the youngsters were thus planning, the town of Atco was in a ferment. When Kate did not return home late Thursday night her father made a few inquiries, but came to the conclusion that she had stopped over night with some friend. Her mother argued that she could not have gone any distance without taking her hat and coat. On Friday morning, however, when her father learned that she had last been seen with Heiser, he quickly secured photographs of the two and went to Camden, where he asked the aid of the police in searching for his daughter. He swore out a warrant charging Heiser with abducting a minor child.
Wanted to Horsewhip Heiser
Other fathers and mothers in Atco were deeply concerned in the search as stories of Heiser’s actions there kept multiplying. It was owing to the strong feeling among the farmers that Heiser was not taken to Atco last night, as it was known that the citizens had banded together to horsewhip him and give him a coat of tar and feathers.
The fancied security of Heiser was roughly shaken Monday when he saw the Philadelphia newspapers and learned that the detectives were on his trail. A grocer of whom he had purchased goods telegraphed to the Camden police, telling of Heiser’s presence in the town, but a friend of Heiser’s gave him the tip that the alarm had gone out and that he had better make his escape.
The two had spent all their money, so were forced to take to the fields and woods. They tramped about ten miles, Heiser thinks, when the girl became exhausted, and they were obliged to pass the night in the woods. It was raining, but the two were too tired to mind and went to sleep under a big tree. The next day they begged their meals. Heiser told the girl that he had friends in a town near-by, and that from them they could get money to get to Virginia, where he has relatives.
Sheltered by Gypsies
Toward evening they came upon a gypsy camp. By this time Heiser and Kate looked something like gypsies themselves. At any rate they were taken in by the wanderers and passed a comfortable night. The next day they were overtaken at Tuscacora by a Newport constable and taken to Port Royal, where they awaited the arrival of Detective Smith, who started from Camden when the first report came of their presence in Newport.
Heiser and the girl were so wearied from their flight that they hailed the arrival of their captor as if he was a deliverer. The girl at first was inclined to cling to Heiser, but when she learned that her parents were ready to forgive her she declared that she had not wanted to leave home and would not have done so if Heiser “had not looked at me so.”
Detective Smith induced Heiser to waive requisition, but then a long dispute arose with the local authorities over the question of the expenses incurred by the prisoners, and it required nearly a day to straighten this out. A lawyer meanwhile had met Heiser and had urged him to demand formal requisition, and this caused further delay so that it was nearly 7 o’clock last night before the two were finally brought to Philadelphia. Heiser showed no fear of trial, but was anxious that he be tried in Camden.
“I don’t want those Atco fellows to get hold of me,” he said.
He was not formally placed under arrest until he reached the Camden side of the ferry. Quite a crowd gathered about him as he was being taken to the jail, but the presence of the tired-out looking girl beside Heiser prevented any demonstration. Miss McCormick is tall for her age. She says that she knows Heiser is married, but he told her that he is unhappy with his wife, and she felt sorry for him.
After Heiser was locked up Detective Smith left Camden for Pottsville to find Mrs. Heiser, and if possible induce her to appear at the hearing to be given the prisoner.
Jail Breaker Captured
Philadelphia Inquirer —
JAIL BREAKER CAPTURED
Camden Detectives Find One Missing Man in Philadelphia
County Detective John S. Smith, of Camden, and Special Officer Sullivan yesterday captured Daniel O'Rourke, one of the sextet of prisoners who escaped from the county jail in Camden early Friday morning. O'Rourke was picked up at Fifth and Kater streets, Philadelphia, and taken to the Second district station house.
He told Detective Smith he was the one responsible for the jail breaking. He said he cut his way out by means of a pocket knife, which he used as a file. O'Rourke will be held pending requisition papers.
Requisition for Burton Woman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Requisition for Burton Woman
County Detective Smith went to Trenton yesterday, where he procured requisition papers for Ida Burton, colored, who is wanted in Camden to answer a charge of causing the death of James Brown, also colored, who died election night from a wound in the head. The woman will be removed from Media, Pa., to Camden to-day.
Philadelphia Inquirer — October 12, 1905
Accused of Killing a Camden Chinaman
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ACCUSED OF KILLING A CAMDEN CHINAMAN
Special to The Inquirer.
BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 13.—Gee Ott, proprietor of a Chinese restaurant, and Hom Yun Kam, well-to-do laundryman, were committed to jail without bail this morning in the police court, on the charge of having murdered Don Quon You, a Chinaman, at Camden, N. J., in April, 1898. The two Baltimore Chinamen were arrested late last night by Detective John Smith, of Camden, on a warrant charging them with the murder.
Detective Smith was accompanied by two Chinamen, Nipoo Lee and Moy Ying. Nipoo Lee claims to have been a witness of the murder, and testified before the court. May Yong resides in Philadelphia, and is an interpreter. The Baltimore Chinamen deny having been in Camden at the time of the murder.
Nipoo Lee's story is that on April 18, 1898, he entered the laundry of his friend Don Quon You, 514 Kaighn's avenue, Camden. He says he found the back door locked and when he forced his way into the rear room he saw You struggling with two Chinamen, one of whom struck him over the head with a coupling pin. He says he can positively identify Gee Ott and Hom Yim Kam as the men he saw in the room.
Prosecutor Lloyd Notified
County Detective John Smith last night notified Prosecutor Frank Lloyd, of Camden, of the arrest of the two Chinamen in Baltimore who are accused of the murder of Don Quon You in Camden seven years ago. The murdered Chinaman was known to his patrons as Charley Lee and the crime was one of the most mysterious in Camden's criminal history. All the authorities could learn was that two Chinamen were seen to enter the laundry. About an hour later Lee or You was found stretched on the floor in a back room, his head beaten to a shapeless mass with a coupling pin which was found alongside the body. Several Chinamen were arrested, but they proved their innocence and were discharged. Two weeks ago two Chinamen visited Prosecutor Lloyd. The latter was somewhat astonished when one of them said he had witnessed the crime of seven years ago. He says he was paying a social visit to You when two Chinamen entered and after a brief conversation attacked the ill-fated Celestial, beating him to death with a coupling pin.
Camden Lodge No. 293, B.P.O.E. — Membership Ballot Notice
Document —
Camden Lodge No. 293, B. P. O. E.
CAMDEN, N. J., April 13, 1906.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER:—
You are requested to attend the regular Stated Meeting, April 18, 1906, at 8 o'clock, at which time the following named applicants for membership will be balloted for:
[TABLE] CANDIDATE | AGE | OCCUPATION | RESIDENCE | RECOMMENDED BY | COMMITTEE Thomas H. Edwards | 37 | Shoe Man'f'g | 423 Benson St. | Bro. John H. Switzer | Bro. John Harris; W. Penn Corson; Asa L. Roberts Francis J. Bicker, M.D. | 46 | Physician | Fillmore and Vanhook Sts. | “ John S. Smith | ” H. H. Davis; J. Willard Morgan; Geo. B. Bond Charles W. Bossle | 21 | Hatter | 706 Linden St. | “ Jos. Bossle, Sr. | ” J. R. McCabe; H. B. Francis; B. H. Shivers John Morgan, Jr. | 27 | Real Estate Agent | Merchantville, N. J. | “ John W. Barr | ” Wm. F. Rex; D. Harry Condit; Frank E. Gardimer Howard Callingham | 23 | Bookkeeper | Orston, N. J. | “ Jos. Bossle, Sr. | ” Thos. J. Moore; Samuel B. Crall; Jas. H. Eyster G. Frank Travis | 34 | Tailor | 320 Spruce St. | “ John W. Barr | ” John H. Switzer; Wm. G. Maguire; Chas. W. Brecker Theodore Stiles, Jr. | 42 | Meat and Provision Dealer | 27 N. Third St. | “ C. W. Brecker | ” Wm. Shillingsburg; Jas. T. Bailey; F. S. D. Johnston C. F. Taylor | 35 | General Storekeeper | Collingswood, N. J. | “ Thos. J. Moore | ” Samuel B. Crall; J. H. Eyster; H. I. Cooper Frank Reiss | | Cotton Duck Salesman | Collingswood, N. J. | “ S. H. Wilkinson | ” Thos. J. Moore; Samuel B. Crall; J. H. Eyster Edward M. Wright | 35 | Produce Com. Merchant | Merchantville, N. J. | “ John Stewart | ” Al. I. Smith; M. W. Taylor; H. H. Voorhees [/TABLE]
Attest: J. FRED. NEWTON, Secretary
ALEX. J. MILLIETTE, Exalted Ruler
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 20, 1906
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 4, 1906
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 8, 1906
County Detective Smith Yesterday Lodged George Miller
Philadelphia Inquirer —
•• County Detective Smith yesterday lodged George Miller in the county jail to answer an indictment for wife desertion. Miller was arrested in Philadelphia and detained in Moyamensing Prison pending a requisition.
Washington DC Times — May 8, 1907
Prisoner Back From Tampa
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PRISONER BACK FROM TAMPA
Detective Had to Put Up Cash Before Getting His Man
County Detective John S. Smith returned to Camden yesterday from Tampa, Fla., where he secured William V. Lowe, charged with embezzling about $900 from Frank Lee Dickinson, by whom he was employed. On arriving at Tampa Detective Smith declares the authorities presented him with a big bill for the arrest of the man.
It was only after paying it that Lowe was given into his custody. Altogether this bill amounted to $68.25, that amount being charged for Lowe's arrest, board, commitment and release.
Detective Smith Had Bad Fall
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Detective Smith Had Bad Fall
Running to catch a car, yesterday, County Detective John Smith, of Camden, fell, and broke his right arm.
Brained With Ax, Women Lie Dead
Philadelphia Inquirer —
BRAINED WITH AX, WOMEN LIE DEAD
Two Victims of Mystery Attack in Farmhouse Near Blackwood Terraces, Camden County
FARMER'S WIFE KILLED
Italian Domestic, Though Severely Injured, May Recover—Two Negroes Arrested
[Portraits of Gibson and Dorsey]
BLACKWOOD TERRACES, Camden County, August 20.—Lying in pools of blood, one dead and one dying, two women were found this morning in the farm house of Edward Horner, near here, by Horner himself, who returned at 7 o'clock from a trip to Philadelphia. One of the women was Mrs. Horner, who was killed; the other was a young Italian domestic servant, Grazietta Natoli, whose skull was fractured and who is not expected to live.
Two negroes, Zach Gibson and Will Dorsey, both of whom had been employed by Horner, are under arrest, charged with the crime.
open the door he was surprised to find it securely fastened. He thought it had stuck at the bottom, and on looking down he saw two pools of blood, one of which had overrun, and crimson drops were falling to the ground a foot below. With superhuman force he smashed in the door, when he nearly fainted from the terrible scene that met his gaze.
Near the end of a long kitchen table lay his wife, her head resting in an ever-widening pool of blood. He stooped and placed his hand over her heart, but it had been stilled in death. Her face was almost unrecognizable because of the great gush of blood that had flowed from two horrible wounds on her head. He was about to go out and call for help when in the dim light he saw the form of the Italian woman. He found she was still alive and then he gave the alarm.
In an inconceivably short space of time farmers from miles around had flocked to the stricken house. One of these, John Thomas, who has a place across from the Horner farm, about half a mile distant, hastily procured a horse and team and drove at a mad pace into Camden with the dying Italian domestic. He arrived at the Cooper Hospital at 7 o'clock and two hours later, almost to the minute, Mrs. Natoli breathed her last without regaining consciousness. She was about to become a mother.
In the meantime the various county officials arrived. County Physician W. S. Jones. Coroner J. W. Fithian. County Detectives Smith and Cherry. Chief of Police Gravenor and others.
An autopsy was held on the body of Mrs. Horner by Drs. Jones and Fithian.
They found that her skull had been crushed in two places. The wound on the front of the head was shaped like a spearhead and was about three and one-half inches long. An examination showed that the blow that had inflicted this injury had been of such force as to split the skull in twain. The other wound, of a similar character, was at the base of the skull, the bones being crushed like an egg-shell. A subsequent examination made of the body of Mrs. Natoli at the hospital showed that the left side of her skull had been crushed with one terrible blow.
When a search was instituted for the weapon with which the crime had been committed it could not at first be located. It was subsequently found at the rear of the house. It was an old axe that had been used to cut wire from bales of hay, and the butt end was covered with blood and hair, showing that it was in that wise the victims had been struck by the murderer.
Horner, the stricken husband, a man 65 years old, threw the first light on the mystery and he gave a clue that finally resulted in the arrest of the negro Gibson and later of Dorsey. He said he had been having considerable trouble with his help this year. One of the men, who proved to be Gibson, was discharged about three weeks ago after a violent quarrel. At that time the negro left with the remark:
The Threat
“All right. I’ll get even. I’ll burn your barn.”
No more was seen of the man until just before Horner left for his trip to Philadelphia on Monday night. Then the farmer was surprised to see the man enter the farm yard and he appeared to be in a repentant mood. He pleaded with Horner to give him work, but as the farmer had little time to spare he told him to return in the morning. Then Gibson asked for permission to sleep in the barn and this was given him. The last seen of the negro, until his subsequent arrest, was when he left the house to go to the barn. That was about 11 o’clock Monday night, after Horner had returned from Philadelphia.
Armed with this information, County Detective Smith, who had been on the scene since 6 o’clock in the morning, began a search for Gibson. His quest led him into the southern section of Camden, known as Centreville.
In company with Policeman Valentine the detective found Gibson at 1831 South Eighth street. He was immediately placed under arrest and taken to the office of Prosecutor Scovel. He wore a defiant mien and sought to throw off any suspicion connecting him with the crime by declaring his entire ignorance of it.
Stripped of his clothing, he was carefully examined, but no blood marks were found on his body. When his pockets were searched, however, a pawn ticket, on which the ink was hardly dry, was found. It was issued by a Philadelphia pawnbroker at 125 Market street, and was given in exchange for a watch. A handkerchief literally soaked with blood, was also found in one of his pockets, together with a revolver. As to the handkerchief, he said the blood came from his nose.
Meanwhile a “flyer” had been sent out to all of the pawnbrokers at 9 o’clock, and just after Gibson had been taken into custody, Reader, the Market street broker, entered the office of Prosecutor Scovel and excitedly said that a negro had been in his place just twenty minutes before he was apprised of the crime and had pawned two watches. Reader had the watches with him. One bore the name of “Edward Horner.” The other was a woman’s watch, with long pendant chain. The pawnbroker was given a view of Gibson, and he exclaimed:
“That is the man that pawned these watches this morning, just exactly at ten minutes past nine o’clock. There is not the least question but what it is he.”
Gibson never moved, but looked at the officials and the pawnbroker with a defiant glare. He was then placed in a cell in the county jail, to await trial, which Prosecutor Scovel promises will be a speedy one.
Shortly after Gibson’s arrest Detective Smith received information which resulted in him seeking Dorsey. The negro was found at his home, on Mulford street. When taken to the office of Prosecutor Scovel, he at first denied having any knowledge of the matter. In fact, he endeavored to create the impression he was not acquainted with Gibson, but seeing the absurdity of this, he finally acknowledged being out with Gibson Monday night. Then he admitted he was with Gibson when the watches were pawned.
Horner was taken to the jail, and after positively identifying Gibson as the negro who had made the threats, and who Monday night asked to be taken back as a farmhand, the farmer also identified the watches as belonging to him and his wife. The revolver found on the negro was one of two which were stolen.
With tears coursing down his cheeks the stricken husband, who is 65 years old, spoke of the tragedy in a tear-choked voice.
“It is all too terrible to talk about,” said he. “I can’t realize it all. Why, only Sunday we had a family reunion here, when I celebrated my sixty-fifth birthday. My wife then plagued me, saying I wasn’t that old by far, and with our children and grandchildren we spent one of the most pleasant of days.
“How I ever got into that room,” continued he, speaking of when he broke in the door only to find his wife and the domestic stretched on the floor and weltering in their own blood. “I cannot tell. My poor wife lay between the end of the kitchen table and the door that leads into the shed. I saw that her eyes were closed, and when I saw those terrible pools of blood I at once realized a crime had been committed. I felt of her heart to see if she was still alive, but it had stopped beating, and then I knew she was past all earthly aid. Then I found that other poor woman and knew that she was still alive. I gave the alarm, but just how I cannot tell. I cannot realize it all,” concluded he, with a choked voice.
The house in which the murder occurred is an old structure built along Colonial lines. It is part of what is known as the Michelson estate, the farm being 70 acres in extent. The Horners have been farmers all their lives, and are known throughout South Jersey. The barn that was destroyed lay about three hundred feet to the south of the dwelling, and beside it were a number of smaller frame structures. It was in one of these that the Italian woman, her husband and the other farm help lived.
The news of the tragedy spread to surrounding communities with great rapidity and a large crowd was soon gathered about the place. Had the murderers been found at the time they would undoubtedly have been given short shrift. Three daughters survive the murdered Mrs. Horner: Mrs. Anna Marter, Mrs. Edward Megargee and Mrs. Isaac Beideman.
Camden Police Sure They Are the Right Men
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN POLICE SURE THEY ARE THE RIGHT MEN
Detectives Find Plenty of Evidence Connecting Two Negroes
Camden officials are convinced that there is now no question but that Charles Gibson and Stephen Dorsey, the negroes arrested in connection with the double murder on the Horner farm, located on the Broads, a road about a mile south of Camden, are the right men. They have been formally charged with the County Criminal Court with the murder and it is believed that Prosecutor Scovel is confident of conviction. Scovel has virtually stated as much in the following statement late yesterday afternoon from his office in Camden: “As a result of the investigation in the case of the Horner murder. Any further investigation will simply add to the chain of evidence against Charles Gibson and Stephen Dorsey have been formally charged with the murder of Mrs. Frances Horner, the widow of Edward Horner, the farmer, and Victoria Antoll, 22 years old, the Italian domestic. No mistakes have been taken. Justice will be done, and the guilty parties will be punished.”
Getting the Evidence
County Detective Smith, who arrested the men a few hours after the horrid deed was committed, made the complaint against them before Justice Schmitz on information received. He has worked on the case in connection with County Detective John Cherry and has used a chain of circumstantial evidence which has woven about the defendants such as it is believed the defendants cannot escape. They have traced the men from the field. Here the men had been a drink a short time before they were arrested.
Since Tuesday night the police and the tenant in the case have located virtually every movement of Wagner, and until he go to Fourth street. As Harry Keaser, so the defendants tell the table to fill his pipe and go to work he felt a burning, griping sensation in his stomach. He felt ill, but proceeded to his place of employment; he kept at work until noon, but then had to give up and returned home. The defendants to tell you they had been conscious on the morning after the stabbing, that he did not know who cut him. He also denied hitting Keaser with his blackjack.
Chair Not Ready for Negro Murderers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CHAIR NOT READY FOR NEGRO MURDERERS
Dorsey and Gibson Will Have Respite Until Completion of Death Chamber at Trenton
As the result of a visit made to the Trenton State prison by Detective John Smith, of Camden, Prosecutor Scovel has advised Supreme Court Justice Garrison that it will be impossible to have Charles Gibson and Stephen Dorsey electrocuted for the murder of Mrs. Frances Horner on the week beginning with November 11.
Detective Smith found that the execution chamber will not be completed before December, and the negroes will have that long to live at least.
Thieves Follow Circus
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Thieves Follow Circus
Well-Known Camden Men Relieved of Their Wallets
With the departure of a circus, which visited Camden on Saturday, the fact was developed yesterday that a perfect horde of the light fingered gentry were in the wake of the show. As a consequence, a large number of persons reported to the police that they had been relieved of small articles, principally cash.
One of the largest losers was George Hammond, known throughout New Jersey in Masonic circles. He was riding on a Broadway trolley when he discovered that he had been robbed of a wallet containing $65 in notes. Chief Clerk Bowman H. Shivers, of the Highway Department, was relieved of $31 while he was also aboard a trolley car.
The work of the thieves became so pronounced that the detective and police force finally went on the cars themselves. Within a short time Detectives John Smith and Marcus Carroll captured a man giving the name of Felix McCabe as he was pulling what was supposed to be a wallet from the pocket of a passenger. A subsequent investigation proved the wallet to be a tobacco pouch. The fellow was sent to the county jail for a hearing this morning.
Probing Camden's Saloons
Jersey Journal —
Probing Camden's Saloons
Inquisitor Backes Threatened to Jump on a Flippant Inspector
President Fisk Grills City Officials
Camden, Aug. 11.—How the excise inspector fails to inspect, how the police close their eyes when laws are being violated, how the saloons pay political tribute and dives flourish under the eyes of the police, were parts of the revelations produced before Gov. Fort's excise investigators yesterday. Most of the questions were fired by Peter Backes, member of the State Board, and who was counsel for the Church Union which stood sponsor for the famous Bishops' bill.
President Fisk also asked some questions and the grilling which some of the city officials got was enough to keep them shaking for a month. Excise Inspector Jacob Schiller was disposed to be flippant and defiant of the probers, but Mr. Backes said: “Answer my questions properly or I will jump all over you in a minute.” Asked what his duties consisted of, Schiller replied: “To see that every saloon in the city has a license.” He seemed to enjoy the laughter that followed this bit of wit.
Trunk Murder Mystery
Washington DC Evening Star —
TRUNK MURDER MYSTERY.
Camden Officials Probing for Clues in Revealed Crime.
CAMDEN, N. J., August 17.—Evidence was discovered today by Coroner Fithian and County Detective John S. Smith which had led them to believe that the trunk found in a ravine near here yesterday by picnickers, containing the partly decomposed body of a man with a bullet in the abdomen, was placed there on the night of March 10 last.
Jacob Henrickson and Josiah Rudderhow, two farmers, who live within a hundred yards of the place where the trunk was found, were questioned today, and both tell of a mysterious occurrence in March, which may have had something to do with the case.
Henrickson says he was returning home from Camden about 11:30 o'clock on the night of March 10, and saw a team attached to what appeared to be a milk wagon standing near the place where the body was found yesterday. He called to the men who were with the team but received no answer.
Clue to Trunk Mystery
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CLUE TO TRUNK MYSTERY.
CAMDEN, Aug. 20.—Statements indicating that he looks for an early solution of the trunk murder mystery were made by Assistant Prosecutor of the Pleas Wolverton after he had conferred for three hours with County Detective John S. Smith. Exactly what this new clue is the officers refuse to say.
Washington DC Evening Star — August 22, 1908
Attorney General Aiding Prosecutor
Bevington (NJ) newspaper —
ATTORNEY GENERAL AIDING PROSECUTOR
Members of State Mutual’s Board of Directors Summoned Before Grand Jury in Camden.
Vice Chancellor Leaming, in Camden yesterday granted the application of the receivers of the State Mutual Building and Loan Association to eliminate the names of 1100 shareholders who have disposed of their holdings to a speculating company.
All of the members of the Board of Directors of the association were summoned as witnesses before the grand jury yesterday. These included such prominent men as Rev. Dr. F. R. Brace, Israel G. Adams, Judge Harry Douglass, J. Willard Morgan, Charles B. Coles, A. C. Havens, T. W. Synott, P. Kennedy Reeves, former Judge Joseph Gaskill, H. O. Newcomb, S. Stanger Izard and J. Frank Shull. None of them testified, however, they being told to return today.
County Detective John S. Smith, who has been making an investigation for Prosecutor Scovel in the northern section of the State, was called as a witness, as was also Frank C. Sayres, an expert accountant who worked over the books of the association.
Attorney General Edmund O. Wilson was before the grand jury with the Prosecutor. It is understood that he explained some of the phases of the crimes act.
While former Judge E. Ambler Armstrong, the association’s president, has not been subpoenaed, it is said he has made a request to appear before the grand jury.
Searching for Murderer
Philadelphia Inquirer —
SEARCHING FOR MURDERER
Believed to Have Written Note to Throw Detectives Off Trail
Returning from a search after Charles Neibel, the man who murdered his wife at Winslow three weeks ago, County Detective John Smith, in Camden, yesterday stated that there may be important developments within a day or so. Neibel is reported to have been seen near Vineland, since a letter was found in which it was intimated that he was about to commit suicide.
It is now believed by the authorities that the murderer wrote the note merely to throw pursuers off his trail. Last night Detective Smith again went to Cumberland county in an effort to locate the man, who is thought to be in hiding.
Run Down at Last After Long Chase
Philadelphia Inquirer —
RUN DOWN AT LAST AFTER LONG CHASE
Young Man Accused of Robbing South Carolina Bank Is Captured in South Jersey
After eluding the police of the country since last January, Daniel E. Motley, 22 years old, wanted in Kingstree, S. C., where he is alleged to have stolen $10,000 from the Lake City National Bank, was located yesterday a few miles below Woodstown, Salem county, by County Detective John S. Smith, of Camden. Motley was formally committed to the Camden county jail to await requisition papers.
According to Detective Smith, the prisoner was the assistant cashier of the bank. When he took the $10,000, as alleged by the authorities, it nearly resulted in the institution going to the wall, because it only had a surplus of $20,000.
Every important city in the country was asked to look out for Motley. Detective Smith, in an employment agency in Philadelphia, overheard the proprietor say he had sent a young Southerner to Salem county because the latter was anxious to get out of the city. It was only after a search through several farms that Detective Smith located Motley. Motley said he had been all over this country, South America, parts of Europe and in Nova Scotia since he had left Kingstree.
Aged Man Jailed on a Serious Charge
Philadelphia Inquirer —
AGED MAN JAILED ON A SERIOUS CHARGE
Former Treasurer of Camden Fire Association Arrested in Trenton, Was Well-Known on East Side
Special to The Inquirer.
TRENTON, N. J., Jan. 9.—Frederick A. Buren, until six months ago treasurer of the William Penn Hook and Ladder Company, of Stockton, near Camden, was placed under arrest here, charged with the embezzlement of $1500 of the company’s funds. He was arrested here at the request of the Camden authorities, who have been tracing him for some time, and who finally learned that he was living here and working as an insurance collector.
Buren took his arrest very coolly and made no protest when told that he would have to be locked up until the Camden police came for him. Later he declared that the whole affair was due to a misunderstanding which could readily be straightened out when he got back home.
Prisoner Brought to Camden
F. A. Buren, arrested in Trenton on the charge of embezzlement, was brought to Camden last night by Detective John Smith and locked up in the county jail. He was formerly treasurer of the Stockton Volunteer Fire Association in East Camden, where he resided until about eight months ago, when he left the city. He is 70 years old, was a former freeholder from the old township of Stockton. He was engaged in the lumber business, and, it is said, the missing money was placed in the business by Buren, who failed. The warrant was sworn out by William O. Carter, president of the association, and issued by Justice of the Peace John Barr, of Camden. The man is well known.
Detective Smith Turns in Badge
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DETECTIVE SMITH TURNS IN BADGE
[Portrait: DETECTIVE JOHN SMITH]
Announcement is made of the resignation of County Detective John S. Smith, of Camden, and one of the best-known sleuths in this part of the country. He sent his notice to quit to Prosecutor Scovel yesterday, and he will step out on May 15. It is his intention of embarking in the hotel business.
Since 1898 Detective Smith has taken an active part in running to earth all sorts and conditions of criminals.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
** Thrown to the pavement by stepping on a loose brick, Mrs. Annie Brown, aged 61 years, of Fourth and Webster streets, sustained fractures of small bones of the right hand.
** A handsome portrait of Street Commissioner Sayrs was yesterday suspended from the wall at the headquarters of recently Engine Company No. 7. It is the gift of the Seventh Ward Republican Club.
** Isaac Minsky, of Newark, has been chosen rabbi of the Congregation of the Sons of Israel, whose synagogue is at Eighth and Sycamore streets.
** Accused of the theft of 100 pounds of cable wire from a storehouse of a telephone company at West Collingswood, the case will be arranged before Recorder Stackhouse for a hearing tomorrow.
** Stolen last Wednesday from its anchorage in Philadelphia, a motor boat belonging to James S. Mackell, of 2222 North Fourth street, Philadelphia, has been restored to its owner by the Camden police. The boat was found by the police near a dredger after the thieves had abandoned it.
** The Philadelphia Sand Lime Brick Company filed articles of incorporation in the office of the County Clerk yesterday. The capital is $100,000, and the incorporators are Frank R. Hansell, John A. McPeak and I. G. Clow.
** Charging that fire caused by sparks from a locomotive destroyed their ice house, stables, barn and carriage house, Francis A. Muckenstrum and wife, of Rosedale, yesterday instituted suit in the Supreme Court at Camden against the Atlantic City Railroad Company for $10,000. The fire took place on the morning of August 12, and all the buildings and their contents, with the exception of the dwelling were consumed.
** Former County Detective John A. Smith, of Camden, is again in the sleuthing business. Governor Fort having made him a member of the State Detective Board. Roland C. Bayne, of Trenton; Jacob Dunn, of Hackensack, and George A. Hoffman, of Passaic, were also named. The appointment confers power to make arrests anywhere in the State.
Doran Made County Detective
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Doran Made County Detective
Prosecutor Scovel, of Camden, yesterday appointed Lawrence Doran, a former Democratic policeman, as County Detective, to succeed John S. Smith, who gave up sleuthing to enter the hotel business. Doran was third on the Civil Service eligible list, and in announcing the appointment the Prosecutor says he picked Doran because of his experience as a policeman and his well-known courage. Doran takes up his new duties next Monday.
DAVID BAIRD TO FACE GRAND JURY
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DAVID BAIRD TO FACE GRAND JURY
Will Be Witness in Investigation of Bribery Charges in Camden Election
Former State Assessor David Baird will be one of the witnesses before the Camden County Grand Jury, probably today, in the consideration of the charges of ballot frauds at the last election. Mr. Baird was to have been before the Grand Jury last Friday, but because of his severe illness he was not able to be present.
There is said to be consternation in the political forces of Camden County. The severe charge of Supreme Court Justice Garrison at the opening of the term of court will probably result in the returning of indictments if there is evidence enough to warrant it. Up to date more than 20 witnesses have been called and examined by the jury and there is talk that if indictments are found men prominent in the life of Camden will be affected. There is said to be much uneasiness in certain quarters.
Among the important witnesses so far called have been Edward Hartman, a former sergeant of police, and John S. Smith, a former county detective. These men are said to have known something of the election plans.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
Taken to Cooper Hospital apparently injured, Joseph Bryan, of Germantown, early yesterday morning attacked the physicians and nurses, but was subdued by Patrolman Crawford. He was later given ten days in jail by the Recorder.
Philip Marlow, who has been arrested many times for annoying his wife, was given still another chance by Judge Boyle yesterday. Marlow was warned that if he returns all of his past failures to make good will loom up against him.
Jennings’ Band entertained a large assemblage on the Court House plaza last night.
It is likely that former County Detective John S. Smith may be appointed to succeed County Detective Harry Cheeseman, resigned. As a sleuth for many years Mr. Smith won an enviable reputation of more than local renown.
Boy Thought Slain Concealed in Cave
Philadelphia Inquirer —
BOY THOUGHT SLAIN CONCEALED IN CAVE
Mother, Who Sent Him Food, Declines to Tell Why He Hid
EGG HARBOR CITY, July 24.—Just why John Weber, the 18-year-old boy, should have lain a month concealed in a cave in the woods while the country was being scoured for him and a man had been arrested upon suspicion of killing him is a problem the county authorities are seeking to solve.
Weber was found yesterday by County Detective John S. Smith and Marshal Stieff of this city, who learned that his mother had been providing food for him all the time he was so strangely absent. Mrs. Weber was obliged to admit the truth after a siege of questioning, but she vouchsafed no explanation for her action, and it is presumed that the boy was concealed to avoid some unknown family complication. Herbert McMicken, who had been detained upon suspicion of knowing the lad’s fate, but who steadfastly denied all knowledge of his whereabouts, was promptly freed and taken to his home in Wading River.
There are many features of the case which puzzle the county authorities, and rigid investigation is being made.
Camden Police Officials Honored
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Police Officials Honored
Special to The Inquirer.
JERSEY CITY, N. J., June 2.—At the annual meeting of the New Jersey State Police and Detectives, held here today. John S. Smith, formerly county detective of Camden, and now located at Atlantic City, was elected chief, and Frank H. Miller, of Camden, was elected captain. Walter S. Le Tourneau, of Camden, was elected secretary and treasurer. The State police force consists of twenty-five officers, who are commissioned by the Governor.
Mention May for New Commission
Trenton Evening Times —
MENTION MAY FOR NEW COMMISSION
Believe Governor Would Name Trenton Man, If Appointment Would Be Acceptable
Governor Edge stated today that he has not yet decided upon the men who are to make up the State Boxing Commission. He plans to have one member who has closely followed the sport and two others, who, while interested, would not be swayed by professionalism. Two of them he would desire to be of mature years and men of competence.
It is taken for granted that John S. Smith, hotel keeper in Atlantic City, and former county detective in Camden, will be selected. The Governor would also like to have Dr. J. E. Raycroft of Princeton University on the board. Dr. Raycroft resigned his place on the Board of Managers of the State Hospital here last month to take up war camp activities with the Fosdick Commission and may not be able to devote his time to the boxing commission. The Governor also has in mind the selection of a Y. M. C. A. athletic director for one of the places.
The highest compliments are also being paid Charles A. May, of this city, by friends who would like to see him on the board. There is a strong possibility that Mr. May might be named if he would be willing to serve.
Boxing Commissioners
Philadelphia Inquirer —
BOXING COMMISSIONERS
Governor Edge Appoints W. E. Cann, George Crain and John Smith
TRENTON, N. J., April 2.—W. E. Cann, of Elizabeth; George S. Grain, of Orange, and John S. Smith, of Atlantic City, were today appointed by Governor Edge as the commission under which eight-round boxing bouts recently legalized by the State Legislature are to be conducted.
Bouts supervised by the commission must be conducted in such a way as to avert any justifiable criticism, a statement from the Governor’s office today said.
Smith, who is known among his friends as “Big John,” was county detective in Camden for many years. Accompanying this announcement the executive said:
“I have called a meeting of the Commission in my office for 10.30 o’clock Saturday morning next, in order that I may outline to it my views as to the general policy to be pursued. I have individually interviewed the members of the Commission in order to impress upon them that the utmost care must be exercised in order that boxing in New Jersey, as conducted under the provision of this act, should be such as to avert any possible justifiable criticism.”
Boxing Chairman Smith, 58, Dies
Jersey Journal —
[Portrait: JOHN S. SMITH.]
BOXING CHAIRMAN SMITH, 58, DIES
Atlantic City, April 22.—John S. Smith, president of the State Boxing Commission, died in the Hotel Whittle yesterday afternoon of internal hemorrhages following an operation for appendicitis. Mr. Smith was operated on ten days ago in the Atlantic City Hospital. He was proprietor of a number of Atlantic City hotels, including the Malatesta.
Mr. Smith was 58 years old and the father of Lee Smith, president of the Camden Sportsman Club, and promoter of a number of large boxing bouts held in the Third Regiment Armory in Camden. He was former County Detective of Camden and later of Atlantic County. He won fame in several murder cases. He also was proprietor of the Smith Hotel, in Camden, before coming to Atlantic City seven years ago.
TWO OPERATIONS.
Mr. Smith died following a second operation. He was first operated on about two weeks ago and showed considerable improvement, but he suffered a relapse Monday and blood poisoning developing necessitated a second operation last night.
Mr. Smith was appointed by former Gov. Walter E. Edge when the commission was formed. It was largely through Mr. Smith’s efforts that boxing was legalized in New Jersey, and when the first commission was organized his associates elected him chairman.
Mr. Smith’s term recently expired and, although a Republican, it was believed he would be re-appointed by Gov. Edwards. Mr. Smith was a member of the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders. He leaves a wife and son.
John S. Smith
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 22, 1921
Boxing Board Chairman Dies at Atlantic City
Trenton Evening Times —
Trenton Evening Times, April 22, 1921
A Chip Off the Old Block
Camden Courier-Post —
Excerpt from Dan McConnell’s Scrapbook column:
The axiom of like father, like son is particularly apt in the life of F. Lee Smith, new Democratic leader of Delaware Township.
His is a political heritage handed down by his late father the beloved John S. Smith, former Camden County detective and first boxing inspector, who later was a freeholder in Atlantic County when he operated the once-famous Malatesta Hotel.
Until his death the elder Smith was affectionately known as “Rye Beach” Smith.
For many years, when this writer was the skipper of a 16-foot sailing skiff that skimmed over the then non-polluted waters of the placid Delaware River, the elder Smith operated a tavern in a section nicknamed “Rye Beach.”
The beverage bistro was the meeting place of all North Camden fight and baseball fans and the walls were adorned with greats of the prize ring and baseball diamonds of those pristine days. The place afterwards was a gospel mission.
Later John Smith opened a more ornate drinkery at Fourth and Federal Streets. The sports celebrities and the faithful gathered there. It was a meeting place for veteran newspapermen, who quaffed amber brew from long stems.
In those days officials in positions to enforce the law had no qualms about petty gambling. A popular game at Smith’s tavern was played with an electric fan, the blades of which were numbered. The older newspaper boys passed the time away playing for the cost of the drinks.
Carry on, F. Lee Smith.