Introduction
John T. Garrity
JOHN THOMAS GARRITY was born in Pennsylvania on January 27, 1884 to John J. and Letitia Garrity. The Garrity family came to Camden in the 1890s, the elder Garrity working as a blacksmith in one of Camden’s many shipyards.
The 1906 City Directory shows the family was living at 2002 Broadway. John T. Garrity was living with his parents and was working as a laborer. The 1910 Camden City Directory shows the family at 1604 Broadway.
The 1914 Camden City Directory shows John T. Garrity living with his parents at 1819 South 6th Street. John T. Garrity was then serving with the Camden Fire Department. By September of 1918 he had left the department to take a higher paying job as an electrician and wireman at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard. A number of other Camden firefighters also left during this period to take defense jobs. When World War I ended and defense work began to subside, John T. Garrity was able to secure an appointment to the Camden Police Department.
By February 5, 1920 the family had settled at 2515 Morgan Boulevard, in the Fairview section of Camden. John T. Garrity was still single and living with his parents and five of his siblings, older sister Elizabeth and younger children Edward, Thomas, Leo and Catherine.
John Garrity’s first day as a member of the Camden police force was January 1, 1920. He first worked on horseback, as part of Camden’s mounted police. He was promoted to sergeant in July of 1930, lieutenant in 1940, and to the rank of captain on June 30, 1944. During the last years of his career he was in charge of Camden’s Third Police District.
Married to wife Marion, John T. Garrity remained at the Morgan Boulevard address for the rest of his days. The marriage produced three children, a son, John T. Garrity Jr., and two daughters. There was also a stepson, Raymond Hall.
Captain Garrity applied for his pension in July of 1950, after a mandatory retirement at 65 law was passed covering police and firemen. His last day on the police force was August 31, 1950, when he retired along with Captain Samuel E. Johnson, Detective Frank Crawford, and officer Harry Stahl. John T. Garrity worked for the Park View Apartments in Collingswood, New Jersey after leaving the police department.
John T. Garrity passed away on January 13, 1964 at Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. He was buried at New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr.
John T. Garrity’s younger brother, Edward Garrity was active in Republican politics, served twice as Camden’s Director of Public Safety and one term as a member of the City Commission.
Firemen to Play Baseball for Red Cross
Camden Post-Telegram —
Under the direction of Fireman Frank Gondolf, a base ball team is being organized among the down town firemen to play the uptown firemen. The proceeds of the fiasco will be given the Red Cross. The down towners will be represented by Frank Gondolf, Jack Garirty, John McTaggart, Wes McGrath, Harry Chambers, “Bill” Casson, “Chappie” Lennox, George Pursglove and two other “dark horses.”
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
NO. 3 FIRE COMPANY GUESTS AT BANQUET
Superintendent William Miles, of MacAndrews & Forbes Company, the Host.
GIVEN IN APPRECIATION OF MEN’S EFFICIENCY
The members of No. 3 Engine Company were tendered a supper last night, prepared at their headquarters at Broadway and Emerald street, through the courtesy of Superintendent William L. Miles, of the MacAndrews & Forbes Manufacturing Company. The members of the company have long been favorites of Superintendent Miles, and at the time of the last fire at that place he told them he was going to show his appreciation of their work, by giving them a banquet. The date was set for last night and was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind ever given in South Camden. The table was set in the rathskellar of the fire house, and was decorated with flags and every man was also presented with a miniature flag.
The toastmaster of the evening was City Assessor F. Walter Toms, and the following were guests: Councilmen William Mills and William J. Kelly, County Freeholder Howard Marshall, County Committeeman Thomas Leeson, Dr. George Williams, Member of Board of Education Charles H. Mills, Battalion Chief Thomas Nicholas, Captain Frank Chambers, Lieutenant William J. Rose, Engineer Daniel Smith and Robert Whitley, William Miller, Russell Benson, Arthur Wingate, Roy De Haven, Jules Hubert, John Garrity, John A.S. Hunt and Harry Stone.
The menu, prepared by Chef Arthur Wingate, was:
Oyster Cocktail
Salted Peanuts — Cream Mints
Olives — Celery — Pickled Onions
Roast Turkey, a la Miles
Cranberry Sauce — Peas — Corn
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Mashed White Potatoes — Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Coffee — Cigars.
After the banquet Toastmaster Toms made a very neat little speech and called on Superintendent Miles, who responded in a very energetic talk on streets and other municipal matters, especially the Fire Department, saying he had been in many cities, but he had never met the equal of the men composing Camden’s Department, either for personnel or efficiency.
Each of the other guests read interesting addresses, as well as members of the company, all being profuse in their thanks to Superintendent Miles for his splendid remembrance. All complimented Chef Arthur Wingate for the manner in which he had prepared the feast and Lieutenant Rose for the decorations.
World War I Draft Card
John T. Garrity — World War I Draft Card
Ash Can Girl ‘Out’ Again; Parents Held
Camden Courier-Post —
ASH CAN GIRL ‘OUT’ AGAIN; PARENTS HELD
Dad Who Took Her Rejoins Mother; Anna Loses Home
Anna Rickowska* — 11-year-old child who lived for two weeks in an ash can has been driven from home again.
But Anna, profiting in a measure from her experience of only three days ago, will not sleep in an ash can this time.
She told her plight to Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Camden County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Anna’s mother and father are under arrest and will face the child today in police court.
It was only three days ago that Judge Pancoast placed Anna in her father’s care. Her mother, he declared, was unfit to care for her. The child had accused her of being a habitual drunkard.
And Anna was pleased by the decision. Her eyes glistening, her blond tresses tumbling about her head, she joyfully walked from the courtroom with her dad — the man who promised to be good to her.
Anna soon was disillusioned. The father and mother, who had been estranged, took up their lives together again. The girl was taken back to the home at 1401 Rose Street, the home she had been ordered from more than two weeks before.
Things became even worse than before. In her story to Mrs. Walsh last night, Anna declared that added to the abuse of a drunken mother was that of her father, Ignatius.
And finally, on Wednesday night, her parents beat her and threw her from the house.
She went to the home of an aunt, Mrs. Minnie Blake, of 1213 Lansdowne Avenue, who cared for her until last night when she again sought out her benefactor of a few days ago.
According to Sergeant John Garrity and Patrolman Edward Suski, the child’s parents had been drinking last night.
Anna remained at the home of the aunt until today and Judge Pancoast will make another decision as to who shall have her custody.
* Correct Spelling is Raczkowski. Correct address is 1402 Rose Street.
Cop Shakeup Today; Ax for 4th District
Camden Courier-Post —
COP SHAKEUP TODAY; AX FOR 4TH DISTRICT
Humes Due to Be Personnel Inspector, Replaced by Ward or Anderson
A resolution abolishing the fourth police district will be adopted by the City Commission Thursday at its semi-monthly meeting.
A general shakeup in the police department is scheduled for announcement immediately after the meeting by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety.
Chief among the scheduled changes is appointment of Inspector Charles T. Humes, now stationed at police headquarters, to inspector in charge of personnel of the entire department.
Humes would be succeeded at police headquarters by either Lieut. Herbert Anderson or Lieut. George Ward.
Anderson commands the fourth district, which will merge with the second police district under command of Lieut. Ralph Bakley.
Ward heads the first district police. In the event he replaces Humes, he will be succeeded by Anderson.
A number of sergeants also will be shuffled. Sergt. Edward Hahn, now stationed in the third district, and Sergt. John Garrity, of the fourth, will be transferred to the traffic squad. Two acting sergeants now in the traffic bureau, George Jefferis and James Wilson, will be patrolmen.
Sergt. Edward Carroll, of the fourth, will go to the third district to replace Hahn. The other sergeant from the fourth district, John Skolski, will become a desk sergeant at headquarters.
Lieut. Bakley and 11 Police Suspended in Feitz Inquiry
Camden Courier-Post Evening Courier —
LIEUT. BAKLEY AND 11 POLICE SUSPENDED IN FEITZ INQUIRY
3 Sergeants Included in List Set Down by Chief Colsey
JUSTICE LLOYD JOINS PROBE INTO MURDER
Chief of Police Arthur Colsey at noon today announced the indefinite suspension of Lieut. Ralph Bakley, commander of the Second district of Camden police, and 11 other policemen in connection with the investigation into the killing of Detective William T. Feitz.
The full list of those suspended is as follows:
Lieut. Ralph Bakley, Sergt. John Garrity, Sergt. Walter Mattison, Acting Sergt. Edward Leonard, Sergt. Richard Cornog, Policemen George Weber, Joseph Leonhardt, Leon Branch, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd today entered the investigation into the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz in an alleged South Camden disorderly house Sept. 2.
The jurist, upon returning from his Summer vacation at Seaside Park, called an immediate conference with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando of Camden county and Police Chief Arthur Colsey of this city.
Although no confirmation could be obtained officially, it was learned from authoritative sources that Justice Lloyd would take up the charges made earlier in the week by Prosecutor Orlando that graft and corruption exist in the Camden police.
May Probe Suicide
The jurist was also expected to delve into the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Emma Heisler, who met her death as the operator of the disorderly house where Feitz met his death at 243 Sycamore street.
Mrs. Heisler, who was detained in the Camden detective bureau at the order of Detective Lieutenant George Ward instead of being locked up, jumped from a fifth floor window of Ward’s office September 4 while two detectives assigned to guard her were nearby.
The progress of the police investigation into the killing of Feitz, whom police declare was shot when he surprised three bandits in the act of holding up 30 inmates and patrons, will be presented by both Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey.
Mickey Blair to Give Up
Mickey Blair, a boxer whose real name is Michael Tenerelli, 25, who has been living in New York City, but whose Camden address is 833 South Fourth street, is to be surrendered to Camden police for questioning in connection with the murder of Feitz.
He has been sought by detectives for grilling since a few hours after the shooting of Feitz.
His attorney, Edward V. Martino, of 540 Cooper street, notified Chief Colsey today that he would surrender Tenerelli or Blair to the police in Camden at 1 p.m. today.
“Mickey knows absolutely nothing about the killing of Feitz,” Martino told newspapermen. “Learning through a friend that police were seeking him for questioning, he called me Saturday night and asked me to ascertain the facts.”
“I learned that police wanted to talk to him and telephoned him to that effect in New York City where he has been staying for the past few weeks. He later called me back and told me that he would be in Camden at 1 p.m. today.”
Martino revealed that Tenerelli or Blair said he had been in Camden prior to the killing of Feitz and also on Labor Day, the day following the shooting of the detective. He was here to attend the funeral of a brother-in-law, Martino said.
Neither Chief Colsey nor other police or detective officials would comment upon what they hoped to learn from Tenerelli that might bring to early an arrest of the killers.
Prosecutor Orlando at the conference with Justice Lloyd in his City Hall-Court House offices, was to present a complete report on the murder of the detective together with statements obtained from all persons who figured in the crime.
Will Probe Numbers
Prosecutor Orlando stepped in and assumed nominal charge of the investigation last Thursday when he ordered police to submit to him all reports and statements of witnesses. However it was learned that the police are still directing the search for the killers. The conference between Justice Lloyd, Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey comes on the eve of swearing in the September Grand Jury tomorrow at which time the grand jurors will be ordered among other issues to probe into the “numbers” racket in Camden county.
Grand Jury Vice Probe to Be Ordered by Lloyd; Stewart Quizzes Cops
Camden Courier-Post Evening Courier —
GRAND JURY VICE PROBE TO BE ORDERED BY LLOYD; STEWART QUIZZES COPS
FEITZ MURDER, CITY GRAFTING TO FACE INQUIRY
Action Follows Parley With Orlando and Mayor on Conditions
MORE SUSPENSIONS OF POLICE INTIMATED
Mickey Blair Quizzed on Detective’s Killing; Stewart Warns, ‘Clean Up’
Ward Reported on Way Out as Detective Chief
Reports around Camden police and detective headquarters today were to the effect that Lieutenant George Ward was on “his way out” as head of the Detective Bureau.
Dissatisfaction with the manner in which both police and detectives have handled the investigation so far into the Feitz murder will result in Mayor Stewart, director of public safety, ordering a change in detective chiefs today, as it was authoritatively learned.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, commander of the First Police District, will succeed Lieutenant Ward as it was reported, the latter being sent back to that police precinct which he formerly commanded.
“A sweeping investigation of all phases of crime” in Camden County, will be the first order given the new September Grand Jury today after it is sworn in at Camden Courthouse by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
That was the decision reached by Justice Lloyd after three hours of separate conferences with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, of Camden County, and Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety. During the conferences held in Justice Lloyd’s offices at City Hall-Courthouse, the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz, alleged graft and corruption in the Camden police department and protected vice were thoroughly discussed.
Today, Mayor Stewart, who has inaugurated his own personal investigation of existing conditions in the police department, continued to question and take statements from police officials, patrolmen and detectives. Twenty-three patrolmen were ordered before the mayor yesterday in addition to the 12 others who were indefinitely suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Tenerelli Quizzed
Michael Tenerelli, 25, also known as Mickey Blair, former Camden lightweight boxer, was still being questioned at police headquarters in connection with the murder of Detective Feitz. Tenerelli who surrendered to police here yesterday after returning from New York, is booked as a material witness and on a charge of conspiracy in a robbery. Both charges were ordered placed against Tenerelli by Prosecutor Orlando who has assumed direct charge of the investigation. He is being held without bail.
Seven other men and women taken into custody by police after the shooting of Feitz in the alleged disorderly house operated by the late Mrs. Emma Heisler at 243 Sycamore street were to have been arraigned in Camden Police Court today on orders of Prosecutor Orlando and then turned over to the county authorities.
Police Chief Colsey warned all detectives and patrolmen in the department that further suspensions will follow justified complaints of vice anywhere in the city limits if it can be traced to police neglect.
Chief Colsey also admitted that the 12 patrolmen and detectives suspended yesterday on his orders, will receive no pay as long as their suspensions last.
In addition to Lieutenant Bakley, Sergeant Cornog and acting Sergeant Leonard, the other suspended include Sergeant Walter Mattison of police headquarters; Sergeant John Garrity, District Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt who was with Feitz when he was shot; Patrolmen Leon Branch, George Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones, all attached to the Second district station.
Calls for Cleanup
“All vice must be eliminated absolutely and entirely in Camden. This means all types of vice, including the numbers racket, gambling houses, disorderly houses, horse-race bookmaking speakeasies and everything else though it may not be specifically enumerated here. In the future if any complaint of vice comes in, and is proved to be justified, and is attributable to negligence on the part of any patrolmen of police officer, immediate suspension or dismissal of the negligent officer of the force will follow without question.”
Bribery Charged by Grand Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
BRIBERY CHARGED BY GRAND JURORS
26 Other Persons Named in 111 True Bills on Numbers
KLOSTERMANS TO FACE TRIAL
2 Speakeasy Owners Paid Hush Money, Graft Probers Hear
COLSEY DROPS ACCUSED MEN
A bumper crop of 111 indictments was returned yesterday by the September grand jury probing gambling against alleged numbers operators alone.
In addition, Mickey Blair, free on bail as a material witness in the murder of Detective William T. Feitz, was indicted among 26 individuals on graft and bribe-taking charges, and 111 wholesale indictments constituted the first visible results of the grand jury probe of vice in Camden in connection with the police vice graft probe conducted by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
Those indicted: Patrolman Thomas C. Cheeseman, 30 indictments; Patrolman Vernon Jones, 30 indictments; Patrolman George Weber, also known as “Bucky Weaver,” 20 indictments; Patrolman Frank Wilmot, one indictment.
Left: Thomas Cheeseman. Right: Vernon Jones.
Frank T. Lloyd — William T. Feitz — Emma Heisler — Roy R. Stewart — Glenn Brown — Michael Tocco — Thomas Cheeseman — Vernon Jones — George Weber — Frank Wilmot — Howard Fisher — Joseph Leonhardt — Frank F. Neutze — Arthur Colsey — Lawrence T. Doran — Samuel P. Orlando
George Weber — Howard Fisher — Joseph Leonhardt — Frank Martz — Crawford Smith — Carman Street — Charles Simonin — Fairview Street — John Studinger — Federal Street — Samuel Ford — John Geronio — Cooper Street — James Davis — Mt. Vernon Street — Oscar Conway — Mitchell Street — Mary Angelo — Pine Street — Thomas Kirk — Carpenter Street — Samuel Karon — Mt. Ephraim Avenue — Walter Hart — Thurman Street — Frank Kulczynski — Orchard Street — Clarence Arthur — Clifford Del Rossi — Benjamin Simon — Leon Branch — Walter Smith — Howard M. Smith — Mickey Blair — Anna Smallwood — Fred Klosterman — Joseph Klosterman
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Camden Courier-Post —
2 MORE ARRESTED IN NUMBERS WAR
Pair Seized Few Hours After Neutze Gives 12 Heavy Sentences
Action yesterday backed up the assertions of Camden county and city law officials that they are out to break the back of the numbers racket here.
Judge Frank F. Neutze, in criminal court, meted out sentences of from one to six months and fines of from $100 to $250 to 12 minions of the “highups.”
A few hours later two more alleged number writers fell into the police net. Both suspects were jailed in default of $2000 bail each for hearings in police court today.
Alleged to be carrying 120 numbers slips and $203.30, Dominick Mozzare, 25, of 6816 Highland avenue, was arrested at Twenty-seventh street and River road at 3 p. m. by Acting Sergeant Louis Schmidt and Patrolmen Paul Edwards and Elwood Humphreys.
An hour or so earlier, Horace Gunby, 27, colored, 1863 South Tenth street, was picked up at Seventh street and Ferry avenue by Sergeant John Garrity and Acting Sergeant Earl Cunningham. They said Gunby carried several numbers slips and a small amount of money.
Gives Heaviest Sentences
In cracking down on 12 of the defendants hauled before him in Camden County Criminal Court Judge Neutze adopted a policy of issuing the heaviest jail sentences possible and imposing the heaviest fines under the law to all convicted or confessed underlings of the numbers barons.
Those who received the heaviest sentences were Andrew Pointkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, alleged lieutenant of the Klosterman brothers, under indictment as gambling barons; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, also an alleged Klosterman aide, and Frank Martz, 235 Erie street. Each was sentenced to six months and fined $250. Martz is a second offender.
Fred Klosterman — Joseph Klosterman — Dominick Mozzare — Highland Avenue — Louis Schmidt — Paul Edwards — Elwood Humphreys — Horace Gunby — South 9th Street — John Garrity — Earl Cunningham — Frank F. Neutze — Garfield S. Pancoast — Rocco Palese — Samuel P. Orlando — Joseph A. Varbalow — Crawford Smith
‘Ireland Night’ Set by 6th Ward Club
Camden Courier-Post —
‘IRELAND NIGHT’ SET BY 6TH WARD CLUB
G.O.P. Unit to Honor Patrolman John S. McTaggart Tuesday Night
The third annual “Night in Ireland” which is given each year in honor of Patrolman John S. McTaggart by the Sixth Ward Republican Association, will be held March 16 in the Eagle’s Hall, 415 Broadway.
More than 3000 tickets have been sold. A number of Camden city officials and civic leaders are expected to attend.
Among the guests will be Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey and several state executives.
The committee arranging the details is headed by Sergeant Edward Carroll, chairman, Sergeant John Garrity, Mrs. Katherine Cunningham and Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs.
McTaggart has been in the city employ for 27 years. He was appointed to the fire department in 1916 and a few years later was transferred to the police department.
He is widely-known in the Sixth Ward for his charitable work among the poor and is one of the “old school” policeman who believes it is better to explain the law to a trivial offender than arrest him.
John M’Taggart’s Wife Dies As Friends Honor Him at Party
Camden Courier-Post —
JOHN M’TAGGART’S WIFE DIES AS FRIENDS HONOR HIM AT PARTY
“They’re there to have fun and don’t let anything interfere with their good time.”
That was the message of Policeman John McTaggart, “charitable cop of the Sixth ward,” to his boss, City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, last night as hundreds were assembling to dance and make merry at a “Night in Ireland” in his honor given by the Sixth Ward Republican Association.
McTaggart was at the bedside of his wife, Ruth, 46, who was dying in West Jersey Hospital, while dance orchestras swung into live rhythms at Eagles Hall, 415 Broadway.
At 8.32 p. m., Mrs. McTaggart died, but few of the “Night in Ireland” celebrators learned of it and, in accordance with the wishes of the absent guest of honor, “the show went on.”
Biggest Show Ever
The irony of it all was that it was the biggest “show” ever put on for McTaggart, whose “Night in Ireland,” since it was established several years ago, has become a Camden tradition.
Mrs. Kobus was there and she had as a guest State Senator Arthur F. Foran, Republican, of Hunterdon county. Also Mayor George E. Brunner, of Camden; James V. Moran, Camden merchant; Police Judge Gene R. Mariano, of Camden; Police Chief Arthur Colsey; Police Lieut. Ralph Bakley; Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino; City Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, and Horace R. Dixon, president of the Good Government League of Camden.
Two floors and a basement, with dancing on each, were required to accommodate the throng.
Commissioner Kobus and Senator Foran were called on for short addresses, but each carefully avoided reference to the death of Mrs. McTaggart. The absence of McTaggart was generally noted but the word passed around he would be along “later,” being detained on “special duty.”
Ill Since Feb. 20
On previous similar occasions, one of them attended by Governor Harold G. Hoffman, Mrs. McTaggart was equally with her husband a guest of honor. McTaggart, widely known for his interest in civic affairs and charitable deeds in the Sixth Ward, is an honorary bodyguard to Governor Hoffman at Sea Girt on each Governor’s Day for Camden county.
Mrs. McTaggart was admitted to the hospital from her home, 1293 Sayres avenue, February 20, for an operation.
Members of the committee for last night’s party were Edward Carroll, chairman; William D. Sayrs, assistant city clerk; John Garrity and Kathryn Cunningham.
Funeral Service Held for Mrs. M’Taggart
Camden Courier-Post —
FUNERAL SERVICE HELD FOR MRS. M’TAGGART
High requiem mass was celebrated in Sacred Heart Church Saturday for Mrs. Ruth McTaggart, 46, of 915 Broadway, who died Tuesday in West Jersey Hospital. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
Mrs. McTaggart was the wife of Patrolman John McTaggart. She passed away while friends of her husband were staging their annual frolic in his honor at Eagles hall.
Hundreds of persons viewed the body last night at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway. Patrolmen William Hughes and Otto J. Topercer formed a guard of honor last night, while a police escort accompanied the funeral procession.
Pallbearers were Sergeant John Garrity, Patrolmen Edward Leonard, George Weber and Clarence Boyer; George Attison, a fireman, and F. Earl Fearon.
Clayton New Chief of Police Society
Camden Courier-Post —
CLAYTON NEW CHIEF OF POLICE SOCIETY
Elected President of Camden Beneficial Association; Other Officers Picked
Captain George “Babe” Clayton, chief clerk of the police department, was elected unanimously yesterday as president of Camden Police Beneficial Association, succeeding the late Edward Middleton.
Detective William Dolan and Traffic Patrolman John B. Stanton were re-elected vice president and recording secretary, respectively. Neither was opposed.
Two offices were contested on friendly terms. Archie Reiss, principal clerk in the detective bureau, was elected financial secretary over Lieut. George Frost, the vote being 34 to 28. Sergt. Edward Carroll defeated Sergt. Walter Mattison for treasurer 38 to 23.
Sergt. Albert “Dick” Cornog was elected without opposition as sergeant-at-arms.
Trustees elected are Acting Police Chief Ralph Bakley, Acting Lieut. John Garrity, Detective Joseph Mardino, Acting Lieut. Herbert Bott and Patrolman Edward Leonard.
1000 Attend ‘Night in Ireland’ To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
1000 ATTEND ‘NIGHT IN IRELAND’ TO HONOR PATROLMAN MCTAGGART
Acting Chief Bakley and Ex-Governor Hoffman Among Guests; Carroll and Garrity Head Committee; Officer Served 21 Years
More than 1000 persons last night celebrated a “Night in Ireland” party in honor of John McTaggart, popular Camden policeman who has been assigned to a beat on Broadway for many years. The affair was held in Labor Temple, Broadway and Royden street.
Among the guests of honor were former Governor Harold G. Hoffman and Acting Chief of Police Ralph Bakley.
Annual parties in honor of McTaggart have been conducted for the past 10 years and on two occasions the affair grew so large it was sponsored by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association and staged in Convention Hall. A committee of policemen headed by Sergts. Edward Carroll and John Garrity had charge of the party this year.
McTaggart has served in the Department of Public Safety for 31 years. The first 11 years he was in the fire department. His 21 years as a patrolman have been spent almost entirely on a beat on South Broadway.
Henry Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies
Camden Courier-Post —
TRUCKS OF FLOWERS IN FUNERAL CORTEGE
Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.
Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.
The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.
A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.
Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V.F.W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D.A.V.
Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.
An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.
The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago.
File Past Bier
A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.
Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.
James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.
Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Embraces Widow, Daughter
Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.
Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.
A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd.
Freeholders Arrive
Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Outstanding Floral Tribute
Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone. A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.
Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell; Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford; Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller; Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.
Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets, led the highway bureau employees. County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education.
Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.
James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.
World War II Draft Card
John T. Garrity — World War II Draft Card
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
KOERNER MADE POLICE CHIEF; CARROLL, MATTISON PROMOTED
Johnson, Garrity Move as Aaron Shifts Officers
Capt. Gustav Koerner, youngest of six men holding that rank in the department, today was named Camden police chief.
Public Safety Director Aaron announced the appointment and the 53-year-old Koerner, a member of the department 26 years, was sworn in by County Judge Sheehan in Aaron’s office.
Aaron announced the promotion of Detective Capt. Edward Carroll, 56, to police inspector, and the promotion of Lieut. Walter Mattison, 63, to captain, replacing Chief Koerner in command of the first police district and police headquarters.
Transfers Announced
Capt. John Garrity, from command of the police school, was named to command of Third Police District, vacant since the retirement on pension two weeks ago of Capt. Richard Cornog.
Capt. Samuel Johnson, who has been acting police chief since the resignation Jan. 1, 1948 of Chief George H. Frost, to command of the detective bureau, succeeding Carroll.
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George H. Frost, who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Capt. Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
4 COPS, 4 FIREMEN, WIDOW OF ONE WIN CITY PENSIONS
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today. The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65. Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually.
Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years. He was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard. Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942.
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401.
J. T. Garrity Sr. Veteran Police Captain Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
J. T. GARRITY SR. VETERAN POLICE CAPTAIN DIES
John T. Garrity Sr. of 2515 Morgan blvd. died yesterday in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A former Camden City police captain, he retired in 1950 after 31 years on the force. He also was a fireman four years prior to his police duty. Mr. Garrity was employed by the Park View Apartments at the time of his death. Born in Philadelphia, he lived in Camden 73 years.
He was a member of the Firemen’s Benevolent Association and Retired Police and Firemen’s Association of New Jersey.
Surviving are his wife, Marian; a son, John T. Jr. of Collingswood; two daughters, Mrs. James Rodman of West Berlin, and Mrs. Albert Olsen of West Collingswood; a stepson, Raymond Hall of Chicago; two brothers, Albert of Thorofare, and Thomas of Camden; 12 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Friends will meet Friday at 8:30 a.m. in the Zembruski Funeral Home, 1643 Mount Ephraim ave., Camden. Requiem high Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Broadway and Ferry ave. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.