Introduction
Joseph H. Forsyth, 1926
JOSEPH H. FORSYTH was born in Burlington County NJ on May 30, 1879 to Joshua and Luisa Hatch Forsyth. His father was a farmer, and at the time of the 1880 census the family lived in Pemberton NJ. His uncle was Cooper B. Hatch, who was Mayor of Camden NJ from 1898 to 1902. By 1920 Joseph Forsyth had established himself in Camden NJ, and had a prosperous real estate and insurance business, trading as the Cooper B. Hatch Company, at 315 Market Street. At the time of the 1920 census he was living at 708 Cooper Street with his wife Hazel.
Joseph Forsyth served as a state senator from Camden in the 1920s, and was still serving in that capacity as late as 1928. In January of that year he proposed a bill in the State Senate exempting Camden from participation in the state Civil Service system. While the bill had support from many of the old guard Republican politicians locally and state wide, it did not deter the movement to institute Civil Service regulation of government jobs in New Jersey, which by the mid-1930s was virtually universal throughout the state.
Joseph Forsyth passed away on November 7 of that year, leaving a large estate. From his estate he established the Cooper B. Hatch Foundation, to aid crippled children from poor families.
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Camden Courier-Post —
315 Market Street — March 16, 2003
Motor Vehicle Agent Takes in $7,000
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Motor Vehicle Agent Forsythe has taken in over $7000 thus far in registering autos and licensing drivers.
Jack Johnson Is Stopped in Camden
Trenton Times —
CAMDEN, May 10.—Jack Johnson, champion heavyweight pugilist, was yesterday forced to buy a New Jersey auto license. When persons passing along Haddon Avenue near the Camden City Hall saw the pugilist in his automobile going at a slow rate, and Motor Policeman Jeff Key alongside, they thought that Johnson was in some kind of trouble.
It was learned that Johnson was speeding in Merchantville when seen by the policeman, who asked him where he kept his license, as it was in front of his car.
“Why, I was hunting for the place to get one,” was Johnson’s reply.
Instead of going down Market Street to the office of the person who issues the licenses he went out Haddon Avenue. Key held him up and escorted him to the office of Motor Vehicle Agent Forsyth. “As often as you have been in Camden it is strange you forgot the location of this office,” declared the policeman.
“Oh! that is all right,” said Johnson. “I have two cars, so give me two tourist’s fifteen-day licenses.” He paid the fees and was allowed to proceed.
Camden Democrats Cast Eyes at Jobs
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Democrats Cast Eyes at Jobs
Many Seeking the Motor Vehicle Agency Which Pays Salary of $1400 a Year
Numerous Camden Democrats want Sheriff Nowrey to act the role of Kris and place something in their stockings in the way of a job. Especially is this true in connection with the soon-to-be-vacant motor vehicle agency, which pays $1400 a year, and which is now held by Joseph Forsyth, a Republican.
During last week Sheriff Nowrey, who is Democratic county chairman, and thus pretty well able to dictate what shall be done, has been importuned by several factional camps to indicate just what he desires. The situation has centered down to Frederick Triplett, Hubert…
Says Civil Service Prevents Removal
Philadelphia Inquirer —
SAYS CIVIL SERVICE PREVENTS REMOVAL
Joseph Forsyth, Late Agent of Motor Vehicles, Does Not Recognize Successor
Recently appointed agent of motor vehicles after a strenuous campaign in the ranks of the local Democracy, Alfred C. Kraft, of Camden, yesterday learned that Joseph Forsyth, his Republican predecessor, does not mean to relinquish that office, claiming that he is under the protection of civil service. As a result State Commissioner Lippincott has been appealed to by Kraft to get him the actual possession of the office. Forsyth, who is a nephew of former Sheriff Cooper B. Hatch, asserted that Kraft had never made any formal demand for the office and that anyhow he considered himself qualified to retain its possession unless removed for cause.
Kraft is a brother of Lawyer William J. Kraft, one of the leaders in South Jersey Democracy, and he was indorsed by the Democratic County Committee after Sheriff Nowrey had concluded to let that body decide what was becoming a very displeasing controversy. For several weeks after this indorsment the commission failed to arrive, and it was freely hinted that Kraft was being bulked for the job, one of the few plums after which Camden Democrats have been scrambling. Matters were becoming somewhat strained when the longed-for commission arrived.
City Plan Commission Appointed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A City Plan Commission for one year was appointed as follows: T. Gordon Coulter, F. A. Finkeldey, George Kappell, William C. Davis, Theodore T. Kausel, Allen Jarvis, Frank S. Vanhart, Frederick von Nieda and Joseph Forsyth, the last three being members of City Council. Dr. Charles P. Tuttle, Dr. H. F. Bushey, Chief of Police Gravenor and Policeman Charles Whaland were appointed the Police Pension Fund Commission.
Wm. P. Hallinger Board President
Camden Post-Telegram —
Wm. P. Hallinger Board President
Much Important Business Transacted at Real Estate Men’s Annual Meeting.
A-SHAPED SIGNS ARE IN DISFAVOR
At the annual meeting of the Camden Real Estate Board at the Hotel Ridgeway these officers were elected: President, William P. Hallinger; vice president, Raymond L. Warren; treasurer, Joseph H. Forsythe; secretary, Robert D. Clow, Jr.; trustees, three years, George W. Kirkbride and Meyer Baker.
Fire Company From Many Places Called To Battle River Town Blaze
Camden Daily Courier —
FIRE CAPTAIN HURT; BUILDING WRECKED; DAMAGE IS $15,000
Fire Company From Many Places Called To Battle River Town Blaze
ALARM SPREAD BY PUPILS
Boys And Girls Carry Out Books And Desks Until Forced Out of Building
While firemen from Camden and a half dozen other towns battled with flames, scores of children carried books and desks from the two Delair school houses this morning until flames forced them back. The loss is estimated at $15,000.
Captain Charles F. Fitzsimmons, Jr., of Engine Company No. 2, Camden, was badly burned about the hands fighting the flames.
One school house was burned to the ground, while the other was so badly damaged a new building will have to be erected.
The school buildings were located on Engard avenue above River avenue. They were frame structures connected by a low one-story entrance. They were built in 1890, and conducted by the Board of Education of Pensauken [sic] township. The schools were two-story frame structures with four rooms each.
Teachers Discover Flames
Miss Maude Henke, one of the teachers, smelled smoke when she arrived at one of the schools at 8 o’clock. Smoke was pouring out of a radiator, she said. She began an investigation. On opening the basement door, she was greeted by a burst of flame.
Children Spread Alarm
Running out into the street, Miss Henke found a group of school children. She told them to spread the alarm.
Delair has no fire department. The youngsters ran to homes nearby to get help. Word was telephoned to Pensauken [sic] and Merchantville. When fire companies from those towns arrived on the scene they telephoned for aid from Camden, Palmyra, Riverton and Riverside.
Women in Bucket Brigade
Bucket brigades were organized by the men and women of Delair and they were carrying water to the buildings when the volunteer companies arrived.
The children were forced from the building by the firemen. The youngsters managed to save hundreds of dollars’ worth of books before the flames and smoke comelled [sic] the firemen to stop them. They carried out the teachers’ desks and the school’s old organ.
Miss Mary Schleinkoffer, the principal, Mrs. Helen H. Cubberley and Miss Henke, the teachers aided the children in rescuing the school property.
One Building In Ashes
The volunteer firemen worked with difficulty in battling flames with chemical apparatus. The building on the north side was burned to the ground.
The flames were fast destroying the second structure when the Camden firemen arrived under Deputy Chief W. W. Patterson. They were accompanied by Councilman Joseph H. Forsyth, of the committee.
The local firemen were able to quickly control the flames when they began to pump water into the blazing building from their powerful apparatus. Unable to enter the structure because of the flame and smoke, they scaled the roof and poured tons of water into the building.
Captain Fitzsimmons was burned on the hands as he climbed up the hot tin roof.
Hold School in Church
Before the Camden firemen had extinguished the last embers the school teachers and children were moving their desks and books into the Delair Methodist Episcopal Church nearby. Rev. Ellwood Stevens, the pastor, tendered the teachers the use of the building until a meeting of the board of trustees can be called.
Miss Schleinkoffer said school sessions would be resumed Monday in the church and in the upper stories of a store near the scene of the blaze.
There has been an agitation in Delair for several months to have a new school erected because of the crowded conditions. The Parent-Teachers Association this week drafted resolutions urging the Board of Education to relieve the congestion in the school. About 125 children attended the schools.
Cause Is Unknown
Miss Schleinkoffer was unable to tell just what caused the blaze. Firemen believe spontaneous combustion was responsible. There was a big pile of rubbish in the basement, they say. Another theory is it started in the coal pile in the basement. The flames had gained a big headway when the fire was discovered.
New Firemen Assigned for Two Platoons
Camden Post-Telegram —
NEW FIREMEN ASSIGNED FOR TWO PLATOONS
Double Shift System Becomes Effective at 8 O’clock on Saturday Morning
One Ten Hours; Other 14 Hours
Saturday morning at 8 o’clock the two-platoon system of the Fire Department becomes effective. At that hour the first shift will go on duty and remain until 6 p. m., when the second squad goes on, remaining until 8 a. m. That will be the procedure in the department henceforth, the schedule being so arranged that every third day there will be a 24-hour shift to let the other off. Every man will have 24 hours off every sixth day.
The arrangements were completed last night at a meeting of Council’s Fire Committee, when assignments were made of the fifty-six recent appointees to the department. With Chief Carter at headquarters will be stationed in reserve shifts Deputy Chiefs Nicholas and Patterson. Battalion Chiefs Wade and Browning will be stationed with their shifts at No. 3 engine house.
At last night’s meeting Congressman F. F. Patterson, Jr., Mayor Charles H. Ellis, President of Council David Jester and Chairman of the Fire Committee Joseph Forsyth made addresses in which they all spoke appreciatively of the fire-fighting force and offered their congratulations to the men in getting what they had sought after many years of effort. Chief Carter was particularly praised for the efficient manner in which he has developed the department. The chief also spoke, thanking the representatives of the city in behalf of the men for the boon given them in the two-platoon system, which means the fire fighters will be able to spend more time with their families.
Everything has been worked out to the least detail and it is anticipated the new system will work without any difficulties.
The assignment of the new men to the various companies follow:
Engine Company No. 1—Alfred E. Green, Charles Errickson, Charles Cook, Leroy Hatchett.
Engine Company No. 2—Howard Lamdon, Edgar Ellander, John K. Voll, Harold E. Lorang, Chester J. Andreas, Harry G. Layton.
Engine Company No. 3—Charles Haines, August Haverkamp, Louis Quinton, Chas. S. Clements, Frank Kuda.
Engine Company No. 4—Frank A. Obermann, Walter P. Gray, Albert Ruber, Fred Schucker, Harry Kleinfelder.
Engine Company No. 5—Richard A. Ferris, Frank Fennrio.
Engine Company No. 6—William H. Reed, Manuel J. Kane, Edward Perairia, Thomas Shanahan, Rocco di Varino.
Engine Company No. 7—August Scholl, Lawrence H. Matthews, Nicholas Romain.
Engine Company No. 8—Adam Mead, Frank Sapp, William J. Taylor, William Wood, Samuel Oshushek, Edward C. Crane.
Engine Company No. 9—Keenard Naylor, Daniel McSurdy, John Mohofeld.
Engine Company No. 10—William Swarts, Hugh Rementer, Harry Greenan, Rocco Abbott.
Hose and Chemical Company No. 2—Lawrence Newton, Edward Hauser, William Getner.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1—Tom Cunningham, Leonard Magee.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 2—John Gaylor, Walter G. White.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 3—David Ellis, George A. Addison, John Mulligan, David Humphreys, Albert Dukes.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 4—George A. Quimby.
Chief’s driver—Tenny G. Hutchinson.
Development Body for Camden Named
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DEVELOPMENT BODY FOR CAMDEN NAMED
Mayor Ellis’ Commission to Study Changes New Bridge Will Bring.
To plan for the future development of the city, and to study the changes that will come with the building of a new Delaware River bridge, a commission was appointed for Camden yesterday by Mayor Joseph R. Ellis. William L. Roberts, of the Second ward, is chairman of the commission. The other members of the commission are City Solicitor Lewis Farnham, Martin Schreiber, three years; Councilman Joseph Forsyth, four years; E. H. Sapp, one year; Wellington Barto, J. J. Blanchard, and Charles H. Ellis.
Forsyth to Introduce Gasoline Pumper Ordinance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
It was announced in Camden yesterday by Councilman Joseph Forsyth, chairman of the fire committee, that at Wednesday’s meeting of Council an ordinance will be introduced providing for four additional hosemen to look after the new gasoline pumper or engine. It has already been installed in the firehouse at Twenty-seventh and Hayes avenue, but owing to the lack of men has not been put into actual service.
Enlightened Support for Bill No. 10
Camden Evening Courier —
ENLIGHTENED SUPPORT FOR BILL NO. 10
Camden may well be proud of its showing in Trenton yesterday.
Camden showed the rest of the State that its leading citizens are intensely interested in civic affairs.
For did not two busloads of them journey up to the State capitol to attend the hearing on Senator Forsyth’s Bill No. 10?
Headed by that outstanding civic leader, “Mickey” Brown, of the Eighth Ward the flower of Camden’s patriotic citizenry, invaded the Senate gallery, and showed their intense interest by cheering or jeering every speaker for or against the bill.
As one of Mr. Brown’s cohorts described it to the editor of The Courier:
“Did we give them Simple Service guys the raspberry—and how.”
“This here Senator Forsyth certainly had the gang with him. ‘Mickey’ is one swell cheerleader. I yelled meself hoarse. An ele-gant time was had by all.”
“And to think I might of missed the whole jamboree if I hadn’t bumped into Mickey at Jones soft drink emporium when I was getting my morning glass of buttermilk.”
“Hello, Foghorn,” says Mickey. “Ain’t you the guy what used to holler ‘Rags-any-old-rags’? How’s the old pipes today?”
“As good as ever when I keeps ‘em moist, but very poor when they’re dry,” I tells Mickey.
“Come along and we’ll keep ‘em moist,” says me friend Mickey.”
“And that was the way I got in on the party.”
“You ask me what it was all about. Gosh, you’re ignorant for an editor.”
“Senator Forsyth’s Simple Service bill to make it simpler to get jobs for guys what do their bit on election day?.”
The Courier congratulates Senator Forsyth on the enlightened support which his bill has evoked.
Patrons, Patronesses Announced for First Military Ball
Camden Courier-Post —
Patrons and patronesses for the first military ball of the Camden Post No. 960, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening February 3 in the Elks auditorium, Seventh and Cooper Streets, are announced today.
The following prominent men and women are listed: Mrs. J.W. Connor, Miss C.M. Day, Mrs. J.H. Forsyth, Mrs. H.J. Goodyear, Miss B. Graham, Mrs. R.E. Green, Mrs. E.F. Haines, Mrs. J. Hood Jr., Mrs. W. Hurley, Mrs. J. Jarrell, Mrs. T. Keefe, Mrs. J.F. Kobus, Mrs. L. Liberman, Mrs. F.L. Lloyd, Mrs. M.A. Logan, Mrs. T.P. McConaghy, Mrs. F.F. Neutze, Mrs. L.K. Marr, Mrs. J.A. Pennington, Mrs. M.E. Ramsey, Mrs. E. Truax, Mrs. S.M. Shay, Mrs. W.J. Staats, Mrs. B.G. Tarburton, Mrs. R.W. Waddell, Mrs. E. Watson, Mrs. E.P. Wescott, Mrs. C.A. Wolverton.
David Baird Jr., William T. Boyle, Isaac Ferris, William Hurley, John Hood Jr., John Jarrell, Victor King, William J. Kraft, Thomas Keefe, Joseph F. Kobus, Hon. Edmund B. Leaming, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, James H. Long, L.K. Marr, Dr. Thomas P. McConaghy, Hon. Frank F. Neutze, Samuel P. Orlando, Albert E. Simmons, Edwin Watson, Ethan P. Wescott.
Invitations have been extended to United States Senators Walter E. Edge and Edward I. Edwards, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Governor A. Harry Moore, General John J. Pershing and other national, state and local officials to attend the annual military ball of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here February 3.
The affair, the first of its kind in Camden since the war, will be conducted by Post No. 980 in Elks auditorium.
Among the others who have been invited are: Frank T. Strayer, commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Eugene P. Carver, Jr., senior national vice commander; Harpur M. Tobin, junior vice commander; Mayor Winfield S. Price, Commissioners Reesman, Rhone, Sayrs and Smith; Senator Joseph H. Forsyth, Commander Francis W. Hoffman, U. S. N. R.; Lt. Col. George L. Selby, N. J. N. G.; Charles Rosendahl, Commander Lakehurst Air Station; Charles V. McCarthy, state commander; George Keefe, Lt. Commander U. S. N. R.; Arthur S. Grabowsky, senior vice commander; Charles W. Gilmour, chief of staff, state department, V. F. W., and Mrs. Florence E. Stark, national president; Mrs. Grace Davis, national secretary; Mrs. Margaret Soffell, state president of the ladies’ auxiliaries.
Gold star mothers of this vicinity have been invited to attend as guests of the post as well as post commanders of all the veteran organizations in Camden county.
The bugle corps of North Penn Post No. 676, of Glenside, Pa., consisting of 40 buglers, will be one of the attractions. The Phillips Bohemian orchestra will render the dance music during the evening.
John A. Pennington, post commander, heads the general committee. The other officers are James W. Connor, vice chairman; John Rouh, secretary, and Charles R. Bozian, treasurer.
Judge Shay to Be Next Prosecutor
Camden Courier-Post —
JUDGE SHAY TO BE NEXT PROSECUTOR
Camden Trenton Bureau
Trenton, Jan. 31 — The name of Judge Samuel M. Shay, of the Camden County Court of Common Pleas, has been handed to Governor Moore as the choice of the Camden Democratic organization for prosecutor, succeeding Ethan Wescott.
The name was submitted to Governor Moore last night by a delegation of Camden Democrats, headed by Edward J. Kelleher.
That Governor Moore will send the nomination to the State Senate appears certain, and it not likely that any serious objection will be raised in that body, inasmuch as Judge Shay’s reputation is of the highest and he has been twice before confirmed for the judgeship by the Senate.
Sees Drastic Changes
The choice of Judge Shay was a big surprise in state Democratic ranks, and started a flurry of speculation. If Judge Shay is appointed to the prosecutorship it will leave a vacancy on the bench of the Court of Common Pleas. Although the Camden Democrats are said to be a unit in supporting Shay and also on the other changes they contemplate, no definite word leaked out as to who will be Shay’s successor on the bench.
Judge Shay’s appointment as prosecutor, it was said by Camden Democrats who were here last night, mean drastic changes to the personnel of the Camden Prosecutor’s office. One of the rumors in effect is that District Court Judge Frank F. Neutze will be elevated to the County judgeship and that Prosecutor Wescott will succeed Neutze. It is also rumored that Judge Shay’s present post may go to either former Judge William T. Boyle or former Judge William C. French.
Another rumor is that Samuel P. Orlando will be named first assistant prosecutor and that either Francis G. Homan or Lawrence Gregorio, the incumbent will be named second assistant prosecutor.
The names of former Police Judge John T. Cleary and Assistant Prosecutor Joseph A. Varbalow also figure in the rumor. Cleary has been mentioned as first assistant prosecutor several times.
Term is 5 Years
Judge Shay is now serving his second term as Judge. He was reappointed for a five-year tenure of office last March. The term of the prosecutor’s office also is five years.
The proposed changes are said to be steps toward a complete reorganization of the Democratic party in South Jersey.
State Senator Joseph H. Forsyth, whose ‘O. K.’ is necessary before the appointment of Judge Shay could become official, under the “Senatorial courtesy rule” would not comment on the situation here today.
Interviewed in the Senate Chamber prior to the opening of today’s session, Senator Forsyth refused to admit that Governor Moore had sent for him last night and had discussed the appointment of Judge Shay. Forsyth’s answer, however, indicated that he had been in conference with the Governor on the subject last night.
“I have not made up my mind as to my attitude on the nomination of Judge Shay,” Senator Forsyth said. “I want to take up the matter with the Governor first. I do not think it would be proper to give my decision to the newspapers before I discuss the matter with the Governor.”
Headed by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Gregorio, County Detective Frank Cocchilaraley and Justice of the Peace Jack O’Grady, a delegation of Camden Democrats were scheduled to arrive in Trenton this afternoon for a conference with Governor Moore in the interest of Prosecutor Wescott.
O’Grady stated he will present letters from the Bricklayers and Iron-workers Unions urging the reappointment of Wescott. Cocchiaraley is heading a group of South Camden Italians who are also favoring the reappointment of Wescott.
Bar Urges Forsyth to Raise Neutze Ban
Camden Courier-Post —
BAR URGES FORSYTH TO RAISE NEUTZE BAN
Resolution Asks Senator to Permit Confirmation as Prosecutor
The Camden County Bar Association today was on record as urging State Senator Joseph H. Forsyth to permit confirmation of Judge Frank F. Neutze as Camden county prosecutor.
The association, composed of attorneys of both political parties, adopted a resolution yesterday which came upon Senator Forsyth to withdraw his opposition to Neutze.
Meanwhile, however, the Republican State Senators conferred at Trenton and decided to withhold confirmation of most of Governor A. Harry Moore’s important appointments. Neutze’s nomination, sent to the Senate after Forsyth had refused to approve the appointment of Judge Samuel M. Shay to the post, is among these, as is the nomination of Judge Charles Egan as Hudson county prosecutor.
The Camden county Republican organization, it is known, favors retention of Ethan P. Wescott as prosecutor until after the November election. Wescott is now serving as acting prosecutor under temporary appointment as deputy attorney general, to which position he was recently named by Attorney General Edward L. Katzenbach upon expiration of his regular term as prosecutor. Unless the senate confirms Neutze, it was said at Governor Moore’s office today, no further nominations to the post will be sent to the senate.
The Republican state leaders are also anxious to block approval of any of the governor’s nominations because of the hope of electing a Republican governor in the fall. If they should succeed in doing this, the way would then be open for the nomination and confirmation of a Republican prosecutor in Camden who would take over the office from Wescott.
In its resolution endorsing Judge Neutze for the appointment and urging his confirmation the bar association made no reference to county criminal affairs but limited its comment to a recital of Neutze’s qualifications for the post of prosecutor.
Whereas The Hon. A. Harry Moore, Governor of the State of New Jersey, has seen fit to twice honor the Hon. Frank F. Neutze, a member of the Camden County Bar Association, the second time naming him to the office of prosecutor of the County of Camden.
And Whereas, The office of prosecutor of the pleas, is an office of great importance to the people and bar of Camden county, and of particular interest to this association.
And Whereas, The nomination of Judge Neutze is now before the Senate of the State of New Jersey for confirmation.
And Whereas, On account of our association with Judge Neutze as a practicing attorney and our experience before him as judge of the Camden City District Court, we are certain of his ability and integrity.
And Whereas, We are certain of the efficient manner in which he has handled the position of judge of the said Camden District Court and feel that he would be equally efficient as prosecutor.
And Whereas, We are satisfied that it is our duty to give to the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, State Senator from Camden, the benefit of our judgment and experience.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the Camden County Bar Association that these facts be called to the attention of the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, State Senator from the County of Camden, and that he be urged to use his best endeavors to secure the confirmation of the nomination of the Hon. Frank F. Neutze as prosecutor of the pleas of Camden county.
And Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution, signed by the secretary and under the seal of this association, shall be immediately forwarded to the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, Senator from the County of Camden.
After passing the Neutze resolution yesterday, the bar association elected these officers: Judge William T. Boyle, president; Joseph H. Talt, and Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, vice presidents; Judge Neutze, treasurer; and George M. Stevens, secretary.
Mrs. Mabel Forsyth Robbed of Gems and Cash in Erie Hotel
Camden Courier-Post —
Word was received last night that Mrs. Mabel Forsyth, widow of former State Senator Joseph H. Forsyth, and her son and three sisters were robbed at Erie, Pennsylvania, en route to the Chicago fair.
She was accompanied by Mrs. Grace Gerry, Mt. Holly, and Miss Josephine Hendrickson, Mt. Holly, sisters, and her son Jack and a chauffeur. They stayed over night Wednesday in a hotel at Erie. When they arose in the morning they discovered several hundred dollars’ worth of their jewelry and $300 in cash had been taken by a hotel thief.
Mrs. Forsyth formerly lived on Cooper street, near Seventh, and later, in Haddonfield. She now resides in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.
Jobless Son Kills Jake Schiller Who Saves Boy's Wife from Gun
Camden Courier-Post —
JOBLESS SON KILLS JAKE SCHILLER WHO SAVES BOY’S WIFE FROM GUN
SLAYER CRAZED BY SEPARATION, RELATIVES SAY
Dazedly Insists He Had No Intention of Shooting Sire
ESTRANGED WIFE SEEN IN SUICIDE TRY
Slain Man Long Was Prominent Figure in Camden Politics
Jacob Schiller, 72, for 45 years a political figure here, is dead, shot by his own son.
The slayer, William Schiller, 30, a former summer policeman now unemployed, was held over today to the grand jury on a charge of murder. He made no comment whatever during his police court hearing.
A few hours later, young Schiller’s wife, Augusta, whom he had also tried to shoot, was found wandering through the city street, in a hysterical condition.
She had written a note which police believed showed intent to commit suicide, and had staggered dazedly through the streets last night. Both in her note and in her incoherent statements to detectives she declared she was to blame for the tragedy.
She said her father-in-law had tried to save her and was killed in the attempt.
The slaying occurred Saturday night at the elder Schiller’s home, 2420 Carman Street. It climaxed an estrangement between young Schiller and his wife, with “Jake” Schiller attempting to reconcile the couple.
Few political workers were better known than “Jake” Schiller. He was born in Philadelphia and was brought to Camden in early life by his parents, who conducted a saloon near Twenty-third and Federal Streets.
He was originally a Democrat but became a Republican through persuasion of the late U. S. Senator David Baird and remained a friend of the former leader for 40 years.
He made his last political stand for leadership of the Twelfth Ward in 1926 when he supported the candidacy of Sergeant Ray Smith against Commissioner Clay W. Reesman for ward committeeman. Schiller was supporting Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and the late Senator Joseph H. Forsyth in a campaign against former Congressman Francis F. Patterson and State Senator Albert S. Woodruff.
Reesman won and among the first to visit the hospital after learning of the shooting was the city commissioner. Reesman was his latest chief as lights inspector as he was attached to the highway department. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna also visited the hospital.
“In all the years I have known him he has always been an enthusiastic and loyal friend with a good heart for everybody in trouble,” Congressman Wolverton said when he learned of Schiller’s death.
Mrs. Forsyth, Widow of N.J. Solon, Weds
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Forsyth, Widow of N.J. Solon, Weds
First Mate, Senator From Camden Co., Died in 1928
Mrs. Hazel Hendrickson Forsyth and George E. Hill, of Drexel Hill, Pa., former register of wills of Delaware county, were married Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia.
The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Christian Koppel, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Chester, Pa.
After a wedding trip to New York, the couple will go to the bride’s home in Seaside Park, where they will spend the spring and summer.
The bride is the widow of former State Senator Joseph H. Forsythe of Camden county.
Senator Forsyth, who died Nov. 7, 1928, left an estate of more than $1,350,000. In his will he bequeathed approximately $400,000 to seven nephews and nieces and directed the residue to be held in trust for his widow. While the will stipulated that upon the death or remarriage of his widow, the principal was to be divided among the nieces and nephews, a stipulation of agreement was signed by the latter heirs and Forsyth’s widow several weeks ago under which she received outright an unannounced part of the principal.
An accounting filed in Camden county orphans court last Feb. 7 showed a balance of $806,428 in the estate remaining for distribution. In his will, Senator Forsyth directed a $100,000 trust fund be set up to be known as the Hatch Memorial Fund, in honor of Cooper B. Hatch, Mary Hatch and Louisa H. Forsyth, for use in treating poor crippled children. Cooper B. Hatch, who was mayor of Camden from 1897 to 1901, was an uncle of the senator.