Mahlon F. Ivins Sr.
Mahlon Fowler Ivins Sr. was a prominent businessman and Republican politician in Camden County in the 1880s and 1890s. He owned a successful sign and house painting business, and employed, among others, Amos R. Dease. His son, Mahlon F. Ivins Jr., was also involved in the civic life of Camden, N.J.
His first wife, Anna, passed away in January of 1891, leaving three children, Mary Emma, Lillie May, and Mahlon F. Ivins Jr. A fourth had died in infancy. Mahlon F. Ivins Sr. remarried in January of 1892 to Miss Cornelia C.W. Lewis of Camden. She became a charter member of the Woman's Club of Camden, N.J. in 1895.
Mahlon F. Ivins Sr. was active with New Jersey Lodge No. 1, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Ivins Street, between Mt. Vernon and Chestnut, and Front and 2nd Streets, was named for him. A grandson, Paul Mathis, the son of his daughter Mary Emma, became famous as a professional dancer and dance instructor.
Biographical Review — 1897
Biographical Review of Camden County, 1897 — Mahlon Fowler Ivins Sr.
First Ward Republican Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
About 1000 persons were present at the meeting of the First Ward Republican Club, at Morgan’s Hall on Saturday evening. Maurice A. Rodgers, President of Councils, presided. Seated on the platform were ex-United States Senators William J. Sewell and Alexander G. Cattell, City Clerk D. Cooper Carman, City Solicitor J. Willard Morgan, Assemblymen Adam Clark Smith and John Harris; Councilman W. P. E. Miller, Frederick A. Rex, John Campbell, Jr., M. F. Ivins, W. J. Browning, Isaac Githean, Rev. Maurice A. Bronson and others.
Judge Armstrong made a few preliminary remarks and then introduced Senator Plumb, of Kansas. The latter made an eloquent address on the tariff question and urged upon all who were interested in the welfare of the government to adhere to the principles of the Republican party and vote for protection.
Col. A. Louden Snowden next spoke upon the subject and was received with much applause.
After the meeting a reception was held at Gen. Sewell’s residence, Fifth and Linden streets.
Philadelphia Inquirer, January 16, 1888 — William J. Browning, Maurice A. Rogers, D. Cooper Carman, William J. Sewell, J. Willard Morgan, Adam Clark Smith, John Harris, W.P.E. Miller, Frederick A. Rex, John Campbell Jr., Mahlon F. Ivins Sr., Isaac Githean, E.A. Armstrong, Rev. Maurice Bronson, Col. A. Lowden Snowden, Preston B. Plumb
Camden Republican Outlook
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The present outlook is that there will be perfect harmony throughout Camden in the Republican ranks, and the following candidates will be named: First ward, the present incumbent, J. Leyton Wescott; Second ward, Freeholder, Cooper B. Hatch will succeed John Campbell; James H. Lane will be renominated and re-elected in the Third; Maylon F. Ivins will be unopposed in the Fourth ward, Dr. John D. Leckner will have opposition in the Fifth ward, but he will be returned. Eugene B. Roberts will be renominated and re-elected in the Sixth ward, as will Joseph Starr and Charles H. Sharp in the Seventh and Ninth wards respectively. The present indications are that Excise Commissioner Fury will be the next Councilman from the Eighth ward.
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 6, 1897
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 1897 — Mahlon F. Ivins Sr.
County Collector Ivins
Philadelphia Inquirer —
• County Collector Ivins wiped out every penny of the floating indebtedness of Camden county yesterday upon the payment of a $5000 note due the Central Trust Company.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 8, 1897
(news brief — city tax payment to county)
City Treasurer Felton yesterday paid $5000 to County Collector Ivins on the taxes due the county, leaving a balance of $26,431.10 which the city still owes.
Col. Felton Committed Suicide in His Office
Camden Daily Courier —
Closed the Place Up Tightly and Turned on Gas Jet.
His Family at Stone Harbor
The Real Estate Operator’s Confidential Clerk Made a Startling Discovery When He Opened the Office This Morning—He Had Been Acting Strangely for Weeks.
Colonel George G. Felton, the well known real estate dealer, former City Treasurer and Deputy Quartermaster of the National Guards, committed suicide sometime last night or early this morning by asphyxiating himself in the Felton building, northeast corner of Second and eFderal [sic] streets.
The suicide caused a great sensation when it became generally known and a large crowd of people surrounded the building all morning until the removal of the body by Funeral Director Fithian Simmons to his office on Market street. Mr. Felton resided at 413 Washington street, but his family has been summering at Stone Harbor.
The death of Col. Felton was not discovered until half-past 7 o’clock this morning, when Confidential Clerk Smith on opening the doors of the office detected the smell of gas. Col. Felton had been absent from the office for several days and Clerk Smith’s suspicions were aroused, knowing that County Colector [sic] Mahlon F. Ivins was a bosom friend and business confidante of Col. Felton, he hastened across the street to his office and informing him of his misgivings, asked him to assist him in making an investigation. Before accompanying Mr. Smith to the Felton building, Collector Ivins ‘phoned to the City Hall and the police in turn notified Coroners Robinson and Litchfield. The Central station also directed Policeman George Kappel to take charge of the premises and when he arrived there was joined by Policeman Harry Hiller. Chief Foster and Captain Boyle were also soon on the scene.
Accompanied by Mr. Ivins, Clerk Smith returned to the Felton building. Passing through the main office they treaded their way down a dim, narrow corridor to the private examining room of the U. S. Pension physicians. Opening the door the stench of gas was so overpowering that it nearly knocked them down. They, however, bravely ventured into the room and threw open the windows, the gas escaping into the street and enabling them to pursue their gruesome search. They found it on a sofa in a corner of the room, a small but high ceilinged apartment. On the sofa lay the dead body of Col. Felton, disrobed of his outer garments and wearing a calm, peaceful expression in sad discord with his worldly troubles. Overhead the gas stove connection was on full tilt, graphically explaining the mode of death. On a chair nearby were found his trousers and vest, while his hat, coat and watch were found in his own main office.
Coroners Litchfield and Robinson gave a certificate of death of heart failure, superinduced by inhaling gas. From the pink discoloration about the wrists where the blood was leaving the veins, Dr. Litchfield said that the body had been dead at least six hours, though he may have been dead ten or twelve.
Col. Felton was seen to enter his building at exactly 12.10 o’clock this morning. A citizen, whose name is withheld at his own request, had been talking with Night Watchman Clarence Hires on Federal street. He bade Hires good night and when he reached Second street saw the Colonel come around the corner. He came as though to enter his office by the front door, but turned and going back up Second street entered the side-door. Mr. Hires says the light was burning in the Colonel’s front office from 7 o’clock last night to 5 o’clock this morning, when he went off duty and Mr. Smith found it still burning when he arrived.
Colonel Felton has been acting strangely for several weeks and had not been at his office for two or three days.
When asked by anxious friends what the trouble was, he would put his hands to the side of his head and complain that it was in bad shape. He was seen in the hotel at Haddon avenue station on Saturday afternoon. He carried a grip and appeared very cheerful. Asked if he had been to the shore he replied no, he had been down the country, Bridgeton.
Grocer Charles F. Eastlack, by whom Col. Felton was at one time employed, went to Stone Harbor this morning to notify the family of his death. Col. Felton leaves a widow and adopted daughter, Miss Leona Felton.
Col. George G. Felton was born at Westville, Mass., and was fifty-six years of age. He had been a resident of this city for about quarter of a century. Previous to that he was engaged in the grocery business at Burlington. On coming to Camden, he entered the employ of Grocer Charles F. Eastlack, at Third and Washington streets, but later entered the employ of his brother, Charles H. Felton, who had an extensive real estate business. On the death of the latter the Colonel went into the same business for himself, his brother’s widow continuing the old business under the name of Charles H. Felton & Co. It is not known, however, whether business troubles impelled him to end his life.
Col. Felton was prominent in political, military and society circles. In 1892 he was appointed by Mayor Wescott a member of the Board of Public Works.
In 1896 he was appointed City Treasurer to fill the unexpired term of the late F. F. Michellon. In 1897 he was elected City Treasurer for two years, his election being contested by his Democratic rival, Freedom C. Lippincott, but was confirmed by the County Board of Elections.
He was Deputy Quartermaster on the Governor’s staff and a member of the Masonic order and A. O. U. W.
Colonel Felton was active in building and loan association circles. He was treasurer of the Mechanics’ and Workingmen’s Building and Loan Association and was former secretary of the People’s. He was also a director of the Security Trust Company. He had also been a director in the Central Trust.
Mrs. Felton will arrive from Stone Harbor this evening, when arrangements for the funeral will be made. The flag at Post 5 Hall is flying at half-mast in Col. Felton’s memory, for he was a Grand Army veteran, having gone to the front when a mere boy.
Notable Growth of Labor Unions
Membership of the Telegraphers Union Increasing in the West.
By “The Courier’s” Own Wire.
Chicago, July 7.—President Samuel Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor, was in Chicago yesterday on his way to San Francisco, and while here addressed a meeting of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union. President Gompers expressed himself as pleased with the action of the telegraphers in organizing, and with the condition of labor organizations throughout the country. He stated that there were more unions and larger memberships of the same than at any time in the history of labor. President MacDonald, of the Telegraphers’ Union, said that the membership was increasing, and that there were similar unions now established at Milwaukee and Kansas City. About five hundred telegraphers were present at the meeting.
Florist Fish Dies Suddenly
Expired Yesterday Morning at Pleasantville Where He Was Visiting Friends.
Walter C. Fish, a well known florist of Broadway and Spruce streets, this city, died suddenly early yesterday morning at Pleasantville, N. J., where he had been visiting friends since the Fourth. For some months past he has not been well and complained frequently of pains in his head.
Yesterday morning he arose as usual, and at about half-past 6 o’clock was taken with severe pains in the head. He continued to grow worse and two physicians were summoned. They ministered to the sick man, but without any apparent success, and at twenty minutes after 7 o’clock he died.
A member of the family could not state this morning just what Mr. Fish’s malady was. It was thought probably that he suffered from brain trouble.
The body was brought to this city yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock, and the funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon next at 2 o’clock. Mr. Fish was a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 3, A. O. U. W., Improved Order of Heptasophs; Camden Conclave, No. 215; Witherspoon Circle, No. 1, Brotherhood of the Union.
“Just a Gentle Touch.”
That Was All, But Joseph’s Watch and Money Went With It.
Annie McAntee, alias Hayes, twenty-four years old, of Philadelphia, and Joseph Costello, thirty years old, also of Philadelphia, were arraigned before Recorder Stackhouse this morning on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. The twain were picked up by Policeman Matlack on Sunday morning about 3 o’clock at Third and Walnut streets, very much the worse for liquor.
The aimless wanderings of the couple and their suspicious actions first caught the attention of the policeman and he followed them. Costello became tired of walking and went to sleep on a convenient door step. At this stage of the game the Hayes woman was seen by the officer to abstract something from the clothes of the sleeping man, and then to slip away and hide behind a tree on the opposite side of the street. In a few moments the man awoke and not seeing the woman started off down Walnut street. As soon as he was out of sight the woman skipped down Third
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Judge Joline yesterday allowed the final accounting of the estate of the late Rev. Dr. J. B. Graw.
The F. S. McPherson Company, to manufacture drugs, filed articles of incorporation at the County Clerk’s office. The corporators are Frank S. McPherson, Sigmund Sceonagle [sic] and H. F. Stockwell, all Camden people.
Joseph Leonard was arrested last night by Policeman Pooley on a charge of writing policy. Leonard lives at Ninth and Ferry avenue, Camden, where Police Captain Stanley captured a policy outfit some days ago.
The Waterford Township Committee yesterday deposited with County Clerk Patterson $3, which had been awarded to Mrs. Emma Menard for damages. She refused to take the sum.
County Collector M. F. Ivins yesterday received from J. Willard Morgan, State Comptroller, a communication in which he was informed that Camden county’s quota for State school purposes will be $75,226.32. The quota would be $115,732.80, but the State made an appropriation of $40,506.48, leaving the balance for the county to raise.
Royal Welcome for Ex-Sheriff Baird
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New Jersey State Leader Meets With an Enthusiastic Reception in New York Harbor on His Return Home From Europe—Camden Men Extend Cordial Greeting
STATE ASSESSOR DAVID BAIRD
From a Staff Correspondent.
NEW YORK, Sept. 4.—Not since the time the lamented Sewell some years ago returned from the Emerald Isle, where he looked upon the graves of his ancestors, was perhaps such an enthusiastic welcome accorded a Jerseyman as that which greeted State Assessor David Baird, of Camden, on his return from Europe to-day. Every county in the State, from Sussex to Cape May, was represented among the two hundred and some odd friends of the returning voyager. Camden, of course, where was originated the idea of giving Mr. Baird a surprise welcome, sent the greater number of shouting admirers. They boarded a special train at Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, which left at 7 o’clock. Arriving in Jersey City shortly before 10 o’clock, they took the steamer Sea Gull, which had hardly swung away from the pier before the Fuerst Bismarck, on which Mr. Baird was returning, loomed up in the fog. The Camden City Band immediately struck up “Home Again,” while the two hundred men on the Sea Gull waved flags and hats in the direction of the big steamer. Soon Mr. Baird appeared on the upper deck, and a cheer went up from the smaller boat that drowned the band’s “Home, Sweet Home.” While the Bismarck warped her way into the dock the passengers on the Sea Gull, which kept close to the ocean liner, anchored up against an appetizing luncheon.
A committee headed by ex-Sheriff John Wesley Sell escorted the State Assessor from his steamer to the reception boat, where he shook the hand of each passenger. There was a trip up the Hudson, and about 4 o’clock the reception party, with Mr. Baird, left for South Jersey. “The Sheriff,” for everybody knows him as such, reached Camden about 7 o’clock, where another enthusiastic reception awaited him. Seldom has such a representative party of prominent Jerseymen gotten together on a like occasion. Among them were the following:
County Clerk Frank F. Patterson, Jr., former Sheriff John W. Sell, Judge Charles V. D. Joline, ex-Judge E. Ambler Armstrong, Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd, Assistant Prosecutor F. Morse Archer, Postmaster Robert L. Barber, Senator William J. Bradley, Under Sheriff William D. Brown, Thomas P. Curley, Charles F. Currie, Register of Deeds Isaac W. Coles, Councilman E. W. Delacroix, John J. Burleigh, John Cherry, William Graeff, Assemblyman Theodore B. Gibbs, Assemblyman John S. Roberts, ex-Sheriff Henry J. West, ex-Senator George Pfeiffer, Postmaster Maurice B. Rudderow, of Merchantville; Irving Buckle, Samuel Wood, Jonathan Watson, City Treasurer Richard R. Miller, Street Commissioner Lewis H. Mohrman, David M. Anderson, G. William Barnard, Edward H. Chew, William Coffin, Dr. John B. Davis, Dr. H. H. Davis, Samuel S. Elfreth, Chief of Camden Fire Department; Councilman Charles H. Ellis, Levi E. Farnham, John Blowe, J. Palmer Earl, Samuel P. Jones, president of City Council; George W. Turner, City Solicitor Henry M. Snyder, Lewis Stehr, Assistant Postmaster Charles P. Sayrs, Henry J. Rumrille, William M. Palmer, Frank Peterson, Martin J. O’Brien, State Comptroller J. Willard Morgan, J. Alpheus McCracken, John R. McCabe, A. G. McCausland, superintendent of the Atlantic City Railroad; Joseph Kolb, John M. Kelly, E. E. Jefferies, Jacob S. Justice, Robert Jaggard, Harry L. Jones, former Senator Herbert W. Johnson, Upton S. Jefferys, William Kettler, John D. Courter, County Physician William C. Jones, County Collector Mahlon F. Ivins, City Controller Samuel G. Hufty, ex-Assemblyman Ephraim T. Gill and Francis R. Fithian.
Others who joined in giving Mr. Baird a royal welcome were United States Marshall Thomas J. Alcott, of Mt. Holly; Speaker of the House John Herner, of Palmyra; Assemblyman J. Boyd Avis, of Woodbury; State Treasurer Franklin O. Briggs, Mayor Charles Y. Flanders, of Burlington, Clerk in Chancery Edward C. Stokes, ex-Senator Richard C. Miller, of Salem; Nathan W. C. Hays, of Burlington; Irving Maguire, of Palmyra; Internal Revenue Collector Isaac Moffett, Richard B. Reading, Senator George L. Shinn, of Ocean county; Judge Thomas W. Trenchard, of Cumberland; Factory Inspector John C. Ward, and many others.
Fürst Bismarck
1903
Republicans Looking About for a Sheriff
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WILLIAM D. BROWN, Deputy Sheriff of Camden county, who is likely to succeed Sheriff Herbert W. Johnson, who resigned last Monday in consequence of ill-health.
Republican leaders of Camden city and county will hold a conference in Camden to-morrow night, at which some definite action will be taken toward the appointment of a successor to Sheriff Herbert W. Johnson, who resigned last Monday. Just who the man will be no one at this time appears to know. Half a dozen prominent Republicans are mentioned, including Under Sheriff William D. Brown, ex-County Collector M. F. Ivins, Postmaster Maurice B. Rudderow, of Merchantville; William C. Coffin, Harry C. Sharp and Senator William J. Bradley. As far as the latter is concerned, he said, yesterday, he was not a candidate and does not desire the office.
Governor Murphy will not make the appointment until the local leaders have decided on someone.
Recital at Catholic Lyceum
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Many Well Known Persons Attended Musical Event in Camden
Constantine Von Sternberg, the noted pianist, gave a recital before a select assemblage at the Catholic Lyceum, Camden, last night. The program consisted of classical selections, mainly from Russian composers. The following acted as patronesses:
Mrs. B. F. Archer, Miss Mary A. Burroughs, Mrs. John J. Burleigh, Mrs. William Casselman, Miss Cassidy, Mrs. William Coffin, Mrs. William Clark Dayton, Mrs. Richard Develin, Mrs. W. L. Hurley, Mrs. Mahlon Ivins, Mrs. Frank T. Lloyd, Mrs. F. Williamson Marcy, Mrs. Stephen Pfeil, Miss Laura Peabody, Mrs. F. A. Rex, Mrs. John F. Starr, Mrs. Oliver Smith, Mrs. Joseph Watson, Mrs. James S. Woodward, Mrs. George Bergen, Mrs. Ehret, Edgewater Park; Miss Wilson, Riverton, and Miss Whittal, of Woodbury.
Central Trust Company — 1906 Officers & Directors
From an 1906 City Directory advertisement for the Central Trust Company:
A. McCRACKEN, President
C. T. SHARPLESS, Vice-President
T. S. NEKERVIS, Treasurer
C. CHESTER CRAIG, Trust Officer
WILLIAM C. JONES, Solicitor.
Directors: A. McCRACKEN, T. S. NEKERVIS, CASPER T. SHARPLESS, CHARLES HELM, CHARLES BOSCH, FITHIAN S. SIMMONS, A. J. FULLMER, GEORGE A. MUNGER, Mahlon F. IVINS, JESSE W. STARR III, RICHARD F. SMITH, CONRAD SCHWOERER, W. LEONARD HURLEY, WILLIAM C. JONES, KILLIAM E. BENNETT