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.
Not checked against a scan. The following items on this page are transcribed from site copies or printed books whose scans are not in the scan mirror, or are captions for photographs with no printed text; their wording has not been verified against the printed page:
- Jobless Son Kills Jake Schiller Who Saves Boy's Wife From Gun — Camden Evening Courier — September 18, 1933 (story body is a site copy; only the portrait strip is scanned)
Camden Mayor Advises Saving in City Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Only Expenditures for Actual Needs of Municipality Recommended to Council
Mayor Ellis, of Camden, in presenting his annual message to City Council yesterday at its reorganization for the ensuing year, stated that in accordance with the government’s plea for the conservation of our resources, he refrained from offering suggestions that would mean the expenditure of large sums of money. His recommendations were therefore along lines of what he termed the city’s actual needs.
Pointing out that labor scarcity and war restrictions on materials had hampered street construction by the Highway Department, the Mayor stated since the establishment of the city-owned plant 161,[?] square yards of asphalt have been laid, in addition to an almost equal amount of resurfacing and patching, at a cost of much less than charged by private contract. He advocated the purchase of a boat to patrol the river front during the war, and called attention to the need of more men in both the Police and Fire Departments.
In discussing the proposed bridge connecting Camden and Philadelphia, Mayor Ellis stated New Jersey is in readiness to enact the need [sic] legislation, and that all that is necessary to give the project the impetus that will mean its construction is the taking of the necessary steps by the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Mayor Ellis spoke of the wisdom of the establishing of the auxiliary pumping station of the municipal water plant, and stated that during the year it is planned to bore more artesian wells. He urged that a special committee be appointed to supervise and lend financial aid to the summer war gardens. In connection with the library, the Mayor advocated the purchase of such books as will fit the youth of the city for the changed conditions brought about by the war.
Council confirmed a number of appointments recommended by Mayor Ellis. William H. Davis was reappointed a member of the City Board of Assessors, and Howard M. Cooper and Thomas French were made members of the Board of Library Trustees, the first succeeding himself, and the latter Wilbur F. Rose, resigned. Dr. A. Haines Lippincott was appointed police and fire surgeon, succeeding the late Dr. E. A. Y. Schellenger. Herbert A. Munger was reappointed a member of the Sinking Fund Commission for three years.
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.
There are but two new members of City Council, William J. Kelly, of the Eighth ward, and Clifford K. Deacon, of the Tenth ward.
Advertisement
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 —
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 centred down to Frederick Triplett, Hubert Pfeil and A. C. Kraft, although these are by no means all who would like to have the plum. Sheriff Nowrey said yesterday he would not indicate his preference, but allow the matter to go to the county committee. In this event Triplett has a good chance.
By far a more important job, but which is not ready for the Democrats to wrangle over, is that of the Collector of Internal Revenue, now held by Isaac Moffett. He hails from Gloucester county and has had the position since McKinley’s administration. It will likely not be until after President-elect Wilson is inaugurated that this position will be open. Councilman Thomas Littlehales and Harry M. Knight, who was recently defeated for surrogate, are being mentioned for the place. The latter is said to have the county committee back of him.
Although Mayor Ellis’ term does not expire until the end of next year, there is already much talk regarding what the Republicans intend doing. The fact that he has had three terms does not mitigate against his chances for renomination, for it is generally conceded he has been successful as the city’s chief executive.
Says Civil Service Prevents Removal
Philadelphia Inquirer —
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 bilked for the job, one of the few p’ums 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 Ridgway 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.
President Hallinger appointed the committees for the ensuing year as follows:
Legislative committee—Howard A. Walton, chairman; George W. Jessup, Raymond L. Warren, William B. Hambleton, John A. Ackley.
Arbitration committee—Frank J. Burr, chairman; R. A. Rockhill, Maurice B. Rudderow, Ralph D. Baker, Edgar A. Freeman.
Membership committee—William Schmidt, chairman; Charles S. Ackley, Meyer Baker, Charles G. Jessup, Clinton I. Evans.
Auditing committee—Anthony J. Oberst, chairman; Leon E. Todd, William Derham.
Ways and means committee—George W. Kirkbride, chairman; T. Yorke Smith, Eldred I. Hibbs, Henry Budney, Carl Evered.
The board passed a resolution asking City Council to pass an ordinance prohibiting large A- or V-shaped signs being placed on properties in Camden, either for rent or sale. This is one of the many actions that have been taken by the Real Estate Board with a view of better protecting the property owner’s interest. It is the feeling of the members that the extension sign, known as A- or V-shaped signs, are a detriment to properties, and also to the appearance of the city.
It is considered that properties will rent just as well by the advertising in the newspapers, and from the personal work by the office organizations as by having them defaced with signs.
Five new members were elected to membership as follows: T. Yorke Smith, Leon E. Todd, Howard C. Walton, Francis C. Ely, of Camden, and John A. Ackley, of Vineland.
Practically all of the real estate men of Camden and the suburbs who do any business are affiliated with the Camden Board, and it is hoped that within the next few months all of the active real estate men of Camden county will be members of this wide-awake organization. The membership committee, of which William Schmidt is chairman, expects to call in the near future on the real estate agents who have not yet become associated with the board.
It was reported at this meeting by a number of the members that since the April meeting, at which time the minimum rate of commission for selling properties up to $10,000 was increased from two per cent. to three per cent., that no objections were made by the owners, as the latter appreciate that the real estate offices are under great expense, and also appreciate the fact that they not only receive the service from one office, with whom they place exclusive agency of their property, but from every member of the Board.
The Camden Real Estate Board was started in 1916 by a few agents who saw a future for real estate men, by uniting for the purpose of standardizing the business. Edgar A. Freeman was elected president and through his hard and earnest efforts the Board grew to a membership of thirty men in 1917. Geo. W. Jessup succeeded Mr. Freeman as president, and the past year has shown such marked improvement that the agents now appreciate the fact that by co-operating better results are obained [sic] in handling of client’s properties and the people at large are beginning to realize it, for by listing their property with one agent who is a member of the Board any member can and will sell said property.
It is the intention of the members who will be known as “Realtors” to place on all new signs, in addition to his name the words, “or by any member of Camden Real Estate Board.”
It is hoped that the property owners will back up the agents in this movement, and in listing properties for sale to list same with only one agent or realtor, as they are then assured the services of every member of the Camden Real Estate Board.
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 in 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 —
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 8 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 resective [sic] shifts Deputy Chiefs Nicholas and Patterson. Battalion Chiefs Wade and Browninw [sic] 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. Loring, 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
Citizens’ Papers Granted 221; Ashes of Sailor Suicide to Be Sent West
To plan for the future development of the city and to study the changes that will come with the building of the Delaware River bridge, a commission was appointed for Camden yesterday by Mayor Ellis. The Mayor’s action was in compliance with a resolution of City Council passed after a careful study of the benefits of zoning had been made.
Councilman Joseph Forsyth, of the Second ward, is chairman of the commission and will serve for three years. The other members of the commission are City Engineer Levis Farnham, Martin Schreiber, three years; Councilmen Wellington Barto, J. J. Blanchfield, two years; Councilmen William H. Roberts, E. H. Sapp, one year.
One of the aims of the commission is to establish zones to which certain characters of buildings will be restricted in order to prevent industries from encroaching on residential sections. This plan, it is argued, will stabilize realty values and is strongly advocated by the Real Estate Board and Chamber of Commerce.
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.
Officials Invited for Military Ball
Camden Courier-Post —
Governor, Senators, Pershing May Attend Affair of Vets Here Feb. 3
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 Soffel, 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 P. 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 —
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. Carr, and Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, vice presidents; Judge Neutze, treasurer; and George M. Stevens, secretary.
Bar Urges Forsyth to Raise Neutze Ban
Camden Courier-Post —
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 [?] 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.
The resolution is as follows:
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. Carr, and Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, vice presidents; Judge Neutze, treasurer; and George M. Stevens, secretary.
Each of these officers except Neutze were re-elected. Neutze succeeds Elmer ti Van Name, treasurer for more than 10 years, who asked to be relieved of the post.
At a meeting last week 60 members of Raymond C. Thomas Post, American Legion, adopted a resolution urging confirmation of Judge Neutze for the post of prosecutor. Neutze is a war veteran and a member of the Legion.
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.
In Family Tragedy
Camden Evening Courier —
JACOB SCHILLER WILLIAM SCHILLER
Jobless Son Kills Jake Schiller Who Saves Boy’s Wife From Gun
Camden Evening Courier —
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.
Mrs. William Schiller, who had had her husband arrested several months ago, said she believed he had become mentally deranged, but Police Judge Pancoast was informed that an alienist had examined young Schiller in July and pronounced him sane.
Couple Separated
Young Schiller had been living with his father at the Carman Street address, while Mrs. Schiller has been residing with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John I. Green, 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. The cause of the estrangement has not been revealed by police, but it is stated that young Schiller refused to consent to a reconciliation.
“Jake” Schiller was a Republican worker in the Twelfth ward for years, and was at the time of his death inspector of city street lights.
Were Alone at Home
The father and son were at home 9:00 p.m. Saturday night and apparently were quarreling when the young Mrs. Schiller, her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller and another sister, Mrs. Lottie Bennehler, reached the house.
“Don’t come in here,” the older Schiller shouted as they started to enter the front sun parlor. But Miller did enter and said young Schiller was clutching a revolver in his right hand. He declared he closed in on his brother-in-law and tried to wrench the revolver from him. Two shots rang out and the father fell to the floor.
Patrolman Joseph Keefe was standing at Twenty-fifth and Federal Streets when two boys ran up and told him there was a shooting at Twenty-fifth and Carman Street. He ran to the scene and said he reached there in time to see young Schiller shooting up the street at his wife.
Keefe said Schiller ran into the house when he saw him. Aided by Miller, Keefe overpowered Schiller and placed an iron claw on his right hand after disarming him.
Jacob Schiller Jr., another son, learning of the shooting, went to his father’s home and took him to Cooper Hospital in a passing automobile. As he was being taken into the hospital he failed to recognize City Detective Robert Ashenfelter and died five minutes later.
Expresses No Regret
Police Sergeant John Potter joined Keefe and Miller and they took young Schiller to police headquarters.
Keefe said the son expressed no regret at shooting his father.
At about 5 a.m. today, Policeman Keefe was patrolling his “beat” when he passed the Schiller home on Carman Street. He noticed the front door was standing open, and he went inside to investigate.
The officer saw a note on a smoking stand. Picking it up, he read:
“Dear Everybody:
“Please forgive me … You have all been so wonderful … But I couldn’t go on to see you all suffer for what is my fault … Lottie was right … He killed his father because of insane love for me … But he didn’t. I killed Pop and now am sending Bibs to jail for my weakness.
“Tell him I love him and ask my poor mother and dad to forgive me. I should have done this long ago and saved everyone all this suffering … I love Billy and I know he loves me but I am afraid he has been turned against me. But I forgive him for all.
“Gussie”
“Gussie” is Mrs. Schiller.
Finds ‘Gussie’ Hysterical
Keefe ran to Federal Street, but could not see Mrs. Schiller.
Meanwhile, Constable Dugan of the Twelfth Ward, saw Mrs. Schiller walking on Federal Street near the Cooper River. She was mumbling to herself and was in a hysterical condition, Dugan said.
Dugan telephoned police headquarters. City Detectives Rox Saponare and Maurice DeNicoli went out Federal Street and took her back with them to detective headquarters. There they sought to quiet her, but she continually sobbed.
“I want to take the blame—if I hadn’t gone to Pop’s home he would be living now.”
“Pop wanted to save me,” she said. “and he was shot. I can’t eat or sleep. I think I’m going crazy.”
Later, she was permitted to return to the home.
Young Schiller had been held in the city jail over the weekend. Today he was taken into police court. He wore no necktie and carried a raincoat over his arm. He was represented by counsel, C. Lawrence Gregorio, who said he had been retained “by friends” to act as attorney for the accused man.
City detective Benjamin Simon had signed the complaint in which he charged “on information received” that Schiller did feloniously and with malice aforethought shoot and kill his father.
The complaint was read to him and Gregorio told him not to say anything, as Judge Pancoast would enter a plea of “not guilty” in his behalf. This was done by the court and Schiller was then held without bail pending grand jury action. He was taken to the county jail.
Declared Sane
After the hearing, Mrs. Etta C. Pfrommer, acting overseer of the poor, told Judge Pancoast that on July 26, Dr. Harry Jarrett, Broadway and Cherry Street, well known alienist, had examined young Schiller and declared him sane. The examination was made on the request of Mrs. Schiller in police court on the previous day. At that time young Schiller had been released by the court in the custody of his father.
County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran, who was among the first to question young Schiller Saturday night, said the man did not seem repentant over what he had done. He said Schiller did not give authorities much information. According to Doran, young Schiller declared he had objected frequently to his father that he did not want his wife to come to their home.
“It doesn’t seem possible,” said young Mrs. Schiller some hours after the tragedy. “It seems as though it was only a dream. I don’t seem to remember anything.
“Poor Bill. He must have been crazy. He idolized his father. You can blame this all on the depression. He has been without work since they eliminated summer policemen two years ago. He has been worried as a result of being unable to obtain work. Just recently he started to drink.
“Bill intended to shoot me but his father tried to get the gun away from him and I believe it went off accidentally. Nothing could convince me that Bill would shoot his father in cold blood.
“I went to his father’s home last night to try to effect a reconciliation with my husband. He had been drinking.”
Registered as Sober
The police docket at headquarters shows Schiller registered as sober. The entry was not made until 2:15 a.m., and the shooting occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m.
Relatives said the father had attempted for months to patch up the marital difficulties of the couple.
Young Schiller had been living lately with his sister, Mrs. Bennehler, 2530 Bank Street and his wife with her parents at 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. He formerly lived at that address with his wife. He was appointed a summer policeman in 1929 and served until they were all dismissed two years ago.
Coroner Holl and Dr. Edward B. Rogers, county physician, yesterday performed an autopsy on the senior Schiller’s body and ascertained that death was due to an internal hemorrhage caused by a bullet wound of the upper portion of the abdomen. They said a .32-calibre revolver had been used in the shooting.
Camden Lodge of Elks will hold services tomorrow night at the Schiller home, at which time the body will be on view. The funeral will be private on Wednesday with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
Judge Pancoast last night recalled that young Schiller was arrested two months ago after he had kept his wife a prisoner on a lot all night. At that time “Jake,” as he was affectionately known to his friends, tried to act as a mediator between his son and daughter-in-law.
The young Mrs. Schiller at that time told Pancoast she believed her husband was deranged and asked permission to have him examined by physicians she would name. Pancoast released young Schiller in the custody of his father. The police judge said the examination had apparently not been made as no commitment papers had been sent through his office.
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. East Camden was then the town of Stockton and the scene of Saturday night’s shooting was a farm. Schiller recalled to friends that he drove cows through a pasture on which his house now stands.
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.
Schiller had been melancholy over the death of his wife on February 13 last, friends said.
When his son was arrested he remarked to Pancoast: “What is next?”
Figured in Shaw Case
None was more in the public eye 35 years ago in South Jersey than Schiller. It was then that he figured prominently in one phase of the locally celebrated Shaw murder trial.
It was during the second trial of Eli Shaw for the murder of his mother and grandmother, Mrs. Anna Shaw and Mrs. Emma Zane. They were found shot to death in September, 1897, in their bedroom of their home on Line Street near Third. Detective John Painter had found a revolver hidden in the chimney, one of several points in the circumstantial evidence that resulted in the indictment of Shaw. He was then a widely known young man about town and his arrest caused a big sensation. As time drew near for the trial feeling was intense, for there were adherents for and against the son and grandson, those arguments often grew bitter.
Henry Sidney Scovel, then one of the prominent criminal lawyers of Camden county, was retained to defend Shaw. Scovel was son of James Matlack Scovel, himself one of the leading barristers of this section. When the trial of Shaw was under way the city was astounded when it was charged Scovel had tampered with the jury. It was Schiller who made the charge.
The trial stopped abruptly. Scovel emphatically denied the story of Schiller and demanded vindication. An indictment for embracery was returned and at a trial, which had Camden on the tip toe of expectancy for days, it developed there was absolutely nothing to verify the charge, and Scovel was acquitted. He acted in two subsequent trials of Shaw, the second being a disagreement and the third acquittal for the son and grandson of the slain women.
Schiller, strangely enough, in later years became friendly with Scovel and when the latter was prosecutor from 1905 to 1912, “Jake,” as he was familiarly known, was usually to be found in the office at the courthouse. Scovel was then a white haired man of flowery speech and impressive personality who let bygones be bygones.
Long Excise Inspector
For more than 20 years Schiller was inspector of the Excise Commission in Camden. It was during the days when the principal object of the inspector apparently was to keep the saloonmen in line. He was considered pretty good at that job, by no means an unimportant one from the organization viewpoint. It was also during that period the city had its troubles enforcing the Sunday liquor laws. There were those who considered they had enough pull to keep their back or side doors open on the Sabbath to let in their regular thirsty trade. Some succeeded in getting by, but “Jake” had his own troubles in keeping the boys straight and sometimes causing their arrest, although that was not frequent by any means.
His reign as inspector, too, was in the halcyon days of free lunch and schooner beers. Saloonmen themselves were against the lunch idea eventually since it meant too much of a financial burden. Jake kept tabs on the recalcitrants so that the liquor dealers knew who was obeying the order and who was “cutting corners” to get some extra trade.
Schiller was virtually raised with the saloon trade since his father was one of the old time German beer garden owners here, having had a place at Fourth and Line Streets. That was in the days when that section was largely populated by the German, English and Irish families lately come from the motherlands. When he was a boy, Schiller entered the U. S. Navy and served several years. When he came out he went to the old Town of Stockton, now East Camden, where he opened a saloon on Federal Street near Twenty-fourth. At that period, some 45 years ago, Stockton seethed with politics and it was just as natural for a young man to get into the game as it was for a duck to swim. Jake at that period was a Democrat and during the battle in the middle 90’s when the West Jersey Traction and the Camden Horse Railway Company were fighting for the rail franchises in the town he was a candidate for council from the old Second Ward. The late Robert Lee was the Republican candidate and won out by the narrow margin of two votes. In later years Schiller became a Republican and was elected a constable.
Never Ran From Scrap
Throughout his career Schiller never quite forgot his training in the navy, particularly with reference to boxing or fighting at the drop of a hat. He was a scrapper in his early years and never ran from a fight. That was just as true in political battles, frequent then around the polls, as in purely personal matters. And Jake would battle for a friend just as readily as for any personal reason. He was usually in the thick of the political fracases of the years when it was the accepted thing to fight at the drop of a hat. But he also had lots of native wit which kept things interesting when he was a frequenter of the prosecutors’ office during the Scovel and Wolverton regimes. In late years, with the approach of age, he had tempered his propensity to get into an argument and liked nothing more than to tell of “the good old days” when he helped the elder Baird in his organization battles.
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.
Schiller was also a familiar figure at the Elks Club, where he was an ardent card player. But after the death of his wife he gave up this pastime, contenting himself with watching the games. He was also a frequent visitor among old friends at the courthouse.
Mrs. Forsyth, Widow of N.J. Solon, Weds
Camden Courier-Post —
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.