Marshall Thompson
Marshall Thompson
Marshall Thompson was born in New Jersey around 1906 to a family that had a long history in the city. His father, George Robeson Thompson, was justice of the peace, and his grandfather, John Reeve Thompson, was a member of Camden’s first City Council. He was one of at least 7 children born to the Thompsons. The family lived at 1113 South 4th Street when the Census was taken in 1910. By January of 1920 they had moved to 325 Walnut Street.
Marshall Thompson married at the age of 21, and his wife, the former Emma Holloway, bore a daughter, Caroline, around 1928. On March 1, 1928 Marshall Thompson was appointed to the Camden Police Department along with the following men: Francis Guetherman, August Riehm, William Schriver, Edward Shapiro, John V. Wilkie, Earl Wright, Edward Cahill, Walter Vecander, Stanley Bobiak, Paul Edwards, Leon Feltz, George Getley, Joseph Lack, Thomas Stanton, Otto Toperzer, and Frank Wilmot. Vecander’s younger brother Harold Vecander joined the force on September 20, 1940. Both brothers were still on the force in January of 1949.
At the time of his appointment to the police force, Marshall Thompson and his family were renting a home at 943 North 32nd Street in Camden’s Cramer Hill neighborhood. His parents had also moved to Cramer Hill, living at 900 Beideman Avenue.
In 1936 Officer Thompson was often partnered with Sergeant Nathan Petit. Camden Courier-Post columnist Dan McConnell, wrote this about Officer Thompson in his November 3, 1939 column:
Marshall Thompson, one of Camden’s finest, is a talented pianist. He never took a music lesson.
Officer Thompson had been taught to play by his mother, Harriette Thompson.
Marshall Thompson had been promoted to Detective by 1947. He then lived at 126 North 32nd Street in East Camden. He was still working as a detective with the Camden Police department as late as December of 1957. He retired from the Camden Police Department on a police pension sometime prior to 1967.
Three Men Nabbed in North Camden Row
Camden Courier-Post —
One Gets 60 Days for Attack on Plain Clothes Cop
Three young men were found guilty of disorderly conduct in police court this morning when they were charged with creating a disturbance in front of a restaurant near Sixth and Market streets.
Fiore Rossi, 23 years old, 329 Mickle Street, brother of ‘Pee Wee’ Rossi, local pugilist, was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail. Thomas O’Neill, 22 years old, 204 Berkley Street, was fined $20 and sentence was suspended on John Develin, 21 years old, 1002 Penn Street.
Rossi was charged with severely beating August Fortune, a policeman assigned to special duty at the restaurant.
Patrolman Fred Mueller testified that at 3:30 o’clock Sunday morning he had told the men to “move on” from Fifth and Market Streets when he found them creating a disturbance. The men walked away and in front of the restaurant again became boisterous. Moeller and policeman Marshall Thompson then arrested O’Neill who had become “sassy.” The other two objected to the arrest, and when Fortune came from inside the building to assist his brother officers, he was struck in the face and knocked down by Rossi. The three succeeded in taking the men to headquarters.
Rossi this morning admitted hitting Fortune but said he did not know he was an officer and “thought he was a wise guy trying to go big with a woman.”
Police Raid Five Camden Places in Weekend Cleanup of Rum Sellers
Camden Courier-Post —
LIQUOR IS SEIZED AND PROPRIETORS HELD FOR HEARING
Four Alleged Speakeasies Downtown and One in East End Visited
PATRONS ARE ‘SLATED’
Police raided five alleged disorderly houses over the week-end, seizing whisky in four South Camden places and arresting ten men in an East Camden dwelling.
Early yesterday a squad of Third district police descended upon the home of Mrs. Carrie Becker, 38, at 1245 North Thirty-third street. With ten men arrested as material witnesses, she was committed to the city jail in default of $500 bail to await arraignment in police court today.
The men are Joseph Backer, Jr., 22; Harry E. Renders, of National Park; Charles Luers, 27, of 612 North Second street; George W. Rush, 25, of 3337 Farragut avenue; Joseph Benson, 21, and Charles Benson, 17, of 2132 Watson street; Edward Marshman, 21, of 20 Morse street; John Ferall, 25, of Maple Shade; John Grogan, 20, of 1028 North Twenty-second street, and Charles Dudley, 23, of 1012 North Third street.
The South Camden raids were made by Lieut. Ralph Bakley, Detectives Vernon Jones and Thomas Cheeseman and Patrolman Marshall Thompson.
The first place visited was the home of George Thomas, 44, colored, at 134 Clinton street. Police said they confiscated five gallons of whisky and 100 bottles of home brew.
James Williams, 44, colored, of 519 South Second street, was arrested in his home and a small quantity of whisky taken.
John B. Simons, 36, proprietor of a cigar store at 207 Clinton street, was arrested and a small quantity of whisky taken. Six one-gallon jugs of alleged whisky were seized in the grocery of Samuel Arnow, 45, at 534 Kaighn avenue. All four men were released in $100 bail each on charges of allowing disorderly persons to congregate on their premises.
Judge Jails 2 Men Getting City Relief
Camden Courier-Post —
Pancoast Says He Will Send Intoxicated Offenders to Cells in Future
Police Judge Pancoast Saturday expressed angry impatience with men who get relief orders on the plea that they have no money with which to purchase food but in some strange manner can procure liquor.
He sentenced two such men to 30 days each in jail, and declared that all future offenders of this ilk can expect nothing but jail sentences, as he will accept no excuses.
Those sentenced are Edward Maxwell, 38, of 110 State Street, and Earl Eckman, 38, of 412 Liberty street.
Both admitted they are on the city relief list. They are married, Eckman having eight children and Maxwell one.
Policeman Marshall Thompson testified he found Maxwell stretched out on the sidewalk at Ninth and State Streets, at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, completely intoxicated. Maxwell said he had a wife and child, and Judge Pancoast asked:
“You can’t buy any food, yet you have enough money for liquor. Where did you buy it?”
“I didn’t buy it,” answered Maxwell. “A fellow had some wine and give me some.”
After passing sentence, Judge Pancoast heard Eckman’s case. The prisoner’s wife, Jane, testified she has eight children, gets a food order, but doesn’t get any money from her husband, although he occasionally does an “odd job.”
Judge Pancoast didn’t even ask Eckman where he got his liquor, but pronounced sentence immediately.
“I’m not going to tolerate this any longer,” declared the court. “When someone getting a food order is found drunk, I’m going to send him to jail immediately. There won’t be any excuses.”
Rodgers, Ex-Boxer Nabbed Again in Raid
Camden Courier-Post —
Whisky and 65 Bottles Also Seized by Cops in Segal Street Speakeasy — Modest Moonshinery Found in ‘Empty’ House
James “Jimmy” Rodgers, 28, former boxer, fell into the hands of police again last night when they raided a speakeasy at 1000 Segal Street, allegedly operated by him.
One gallon of whisky and 65 pint bottles were confiscated by the raiders, who were led by District Detectives Walter Smith, Marshall Thompson and Harry Kyler.
Three others were arrested. One of them, James Greer, 35, of 332 North Second street, placed a charge of possession of stolen goods against Rodgers when police unearthed some articles stolen from Greer two months ago.
Others arrested were Thomas Spencer, 33, of the Segal Street address, and John D. Wood, 35, of 928 Kimber Street.
Rodgers has fallen afoul of the law on numerous occasions. He has been arrested several times for operating speakeasies. He was also arrested as a material witness in the “Shooey” Bonner murder two years ago.
He will be given a police court hearing today.
Detectives raided a vacant dwelling at 225 Chestnut Street last night and seized a “moonshine” plant consisting of two stills, 36 barrels of mash and oil and gas stove cookers.
The place had been under observation by Detective Vernon Jones for two weeks.
No one was inside when Jones and Patrolmen George Hemphill and John Houston entered. A 50 gallon still was on the second floor and a 35 gallon still on the first floor.
Jimmy Rodgers Is Given 180 Days
Camden Courier-Post —
Former Boxer Jailed on Speakeasy Charge, Held on Stolen Goods Count
James “Jimmy” Rodgers, 28-year-old former boxer who on numerous occasions has run afoul of the law, was sentenced yesterday to serve 180 days in the county jail for operating a speakeasy at 1000 Segal Street.
In addition, he was held without bail by Police Judge Pancoast on a charge of possession of stolen goods. The goods were identified by their owner, James Greer, 35, of 332 North Second Street, who was in the speakeasy when police raided it Monday night.
Greer turned state’s evidence against Rodgers in police court yesterday, and for a reward, received a suspended sentence.
District Detective Harry Kyler, Marshall Thompson and Walter Smith raided the speakeasy and confiscated 65 pints of whisky in bottles and a gallon of whisky in a jug. Kyler testified Rodgers was not there when the raiders entered the place but appeared later and was arrested.
3 Others Nabbed
Three others were arrested in the place. These were Greer, Thomas Spencer, 33, who gave the speakeasy as his home address, and John D. Wood, 35, of 928 Kimber Street. Spencer has been arrested approximately 75 times, the police said.
The detectives, when searching the premises, found a suitcase filled with shoestrings, collar buttons and other merchandise. Greer identified the case and its contents as having been stolen from his car when it was parked on Segal Street near Front some time ago. He lodged the complaint of possession of stolen goods against Rodgers.
Rodgers was arraigned on three charges, including the stolen goods count. The other complaints were that he sold beer without a license and violated Section 422 of the city ordinances which prohibits disorderly persons to congregate on the premises.
Rodgers pleaded not guilty on all three charges, and told the court he had “nothing to say.” He was fined $200 on each of the charges of violating Section 422, and selling without a license, and when he did not pay, he was sentenced to 90 days on each of the two counts. He was committed to the county jail without bail on Greer’s complaint of possession of stolen goods.
Greer testified that he had purchased liquor in Rodgers’ place several times, as late as last night. Greer’s sentence was suspended.
Spencer Refuses to Talk
Spencer refused to testify against Rodgers. He said he did not know “what was going on there” and that he was there painting.
“You won’t be painting there for 90 days,” retorted the court in pronouncing sentence.
Wood, the other man arrested in the place, did not appear in court and forfeited $10 security he had posted after the raid.
Rodgers has been arrested several times for operating speakeasies. He was also arrested as a material witness two years ago in the murder of William “Shooey” Bonner.
Spencer was arrested so often when he resided in Gloucester that he became known as “Gloucester’s Peck’s Bad Boy,” the police said. Since moving to Camden he has been arrested nearly 50 times, police stated.
The majority of his arrests have been on charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct, but in 1925 and in 1926, he was arrested on a charge of larceny of automobile. Again in 1929 he was charged with non support, when he was ordered to pay his wife $10 weekly. Back in 1916 he was arrested on a charge of stealing a gold watch.
Four Men Arrested in Shooting Threat
Camden Courier-Post —
Four men were arrested last night as the result of an alleged threat to shoot one of them.
Michael Di Orio, 30, of 245 Pine street, was held in $1000 bail on a charge of threatening to kill George Hettrick, 23, of 905 Moore street, who was held in $500 bail as a material witness to the case. Others held as witnesses are Ralph Di Servio, 21, of 307 Pine street, and James Liccketto, 24, of 640 South Third street.
Hettrick, according to Sergt. Gustav Koerner, said Di Orio threatened to “give him the works” while he was attending a party Monday night. The others were with the accused, Hettrick said. Detectives Walter Smith, John Trout and Marshall Thompson nabbed the trio at a restaurant and said Hettrick identified them at police headquarters.
Sunday Raids on 2 Saloons Trap Owners
Camden Courier-Post —
Nine Drinkers Nabbed as Witnesses as Police Continue War
THREE WOMEN ARRESTED IN NORTH CAMDEN PLACE
Continuing their drive against alleged violators of the Sunday closing ordinance, police yesterday raided two cafes and arrested the proprietors and nine patrons.
The drive was widened Saturday at the direction of Chief of Police Arthur Colsey to include investigation that minors were being sold alcoholic beverages in saloons and taprooms here.
In Sunday raids a week ago three saloon owners were arrested. Two were fined and one of them obtained a continuance of his hearing on the charges.
The first raid yesterday was made by Police Lieut. George Frost and Detective Marshall Thompson on a saloon at 939 North Third street.
Clem Bridgeman, 36, was arrested as the owner, while Mrs. Mary Frank, 64, who lives in an apartment over the taproom, was named by him as his partner. She was released in $10 bail, with bail for Bridgeman set at $500 for a hearing in police court today.
Frost said he found six customers sitting at tables in the saloon with drinks in front of them.
The customers were held in $10 bail each as material witnesses. They said they were Miss Monica Aument, 23, of 1493 Kenwood avenue; an unidentified woman, who, Frost said, was too intoxicated to talk; Albert Moyer, 53, of 419 Erie street; Charles Luers, 30, of 10 York street; Charles Sevcik, 45, of 225 Milton street; Ernest Ridge, 42, of 619 Cedar street, and Archibald Knox, 25, of 97 North street.
In the second place, at 773 Central avenue, Detectives Frank Wilmont and Joseph Schultz arrested the licensee, Louis Bruten, 58, colored, of that address; Eugene Clark, 43, of 907 Ferry avenue, and William Clark, 41, and Davis Ray, 34, both of New York City. Bruten was released in $500 bail and the patrons in $10 for hearings today.
In Camden Police Court Saturday the hearing of John Lynch, 32, former Camden policeman and proprietor of a saloon at 201 Cooper street, was continued by Judge Lewis Liberman until Wednesday on application of City Prosecutor John H. Reiners.
Lynch is charged with violating Section 422 of the city ordinance in allowing disorderly persons to congregate on his premises and is at liberty in $500 bail.
Cafe Owner Fined for Sunday Sales
Camden Courier-Post —
South Camden Saloonkeeper Granted Continuance of Hearing After Raid
A North Camden saloonkeeper was fined $50 with the alternative of serving 50 days in Camden County jail yesterday by Police Judge Lewis Liberman as police continued the drive against Sunday sales.
The saloonkeeper is Clement Bridgeman, 36, of 939 North Third street.
Louis Bruten, 58, colored, who operates a saloon at 773 Central avenue, was arrested for illegal Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. He was granted a continuance yesterday by Judge Liberman until September 3. Bruten told the court he wanted to obtain the services of an attorney.
Meanwhile Camden police under orders of Chief Arthur Colsey were continuing their investigation opened last Saturday into reports that minors were being sold liquor in various sections of the city. It was reported proprietors of a number of liquor establishments would be ordered to appear before Chief Colsey today for questioning. The probe resulted from facts uncovered by Patrolman John V. Wilkie with the arrest of a runaway Maple Shade girl last week.
It was reported the State Department of Alcohol Beverage Control had detailed several investigators to Camden to conduct a separate inquiry into the matter of selling liquor to minors. At Newark, Deputy Commissioner Garrett in charge of law enforcement said he knew nothing of the report.
Bridgeman entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of violating Section 5 of the Camden city ordinance covering the sale of liquor on Sunday.
Lieutenant Frost presented as evidence 13 glasses, all of which contained beer, which he said were seized when he and Thompson followed a customer into Bridgeman’s establishment Sunday afternoon.
Five men and two women were in the place, Lieutenant Frost testified, three of the men standing up against the bar and two men and the women along with Bridgeman were seated in the backroom.
Bridgeman protested he sold no beer, giving away to all who were in his place because they were friends of his. Mrs. Mary Frank, 64, who resides in an apartment above the saloon and said she was a half-owner of the establishment, was also arrested by the raiders.
Seven of the eight persons arrested in addition to Bridgeman, appeared in police court yesterday. They were charged with disorderly conduct and being material witnesses. The missing person, Ernest Ridge, 42, of 619 Cedar street, forfeited $10 security which he posted.
The others who were discharged with 30-day suspended sentences included: Mrs. Frank, Miss Monica Aument, 23, of 1493 Kenwood avenue; Mrs. Marie Fisher, 41, of 1031 Segal street; Albert Moyer, 53, of 419 Erie street; Charles Luers, 30, of 10 York street; Charles Sevcik, 45, of 225 Milton street and Archibald Knox, 25, of 97 North street.
In finding Bridgeman guilty, Judge Liberman declared the saloonkeeper had no authority to sell or even give beer away to his friends in a taproom on Sunday.
Cops Beat Out Flames in Woman’s Clothing
Camden Courier-Post —
A South Camden woman was burned seriously yesterday when her clothing caught fire while she was working in the kitchen of her home.
Mrs. Ihlelgn Brown, 35, of 1026 South Second street, is in serious condition in Cooper Hospital. She was taken to the hospital after two policemen, Sergeant Nathan Petit and Marshall Thompson, smothered the flames with blankets.
After her clothing caught fire, Mrs. Brown ran to the second floor of her home, where her husband, Abraham, was sleeping. He shouted to a neighbor who called police.
False Alarm Leads to Arrest of Three
Camden Courier-Post —
Girl Accused of Vagrancy When Found in Closet of House With Smoking Stove
A passerby who thought he saw a house afire on Taylor Avenue near Third street, turned in an alarm that brought four fire companies on a monkey run yesterday. It required more than five minutes to find the house reported afire when the apparatus pulled up at the alarm box at Third and Federal streets.
Two policemen, Sergeant Nathan Petit and Marshall Thompson, who followed firemen to the scene were quicker than that for they found the house and a young woman hiding in the closet on the second floor. She was arrested along with a woman and a man.
Taken to police headquarters the young woman, who identified herself as Margaret Pone, 17, of Park Avenue, Maple Shade, was held on a charge of vagrancy.
Margaret Johns, and Louis Archer, 39, both Negroes, who were also found in the three-story dwelling at 230 Taylor Avenue, were also held as material witnesses.
The reported fire turned out to be the smoking stove.
7 Held as Cops Raid Card Game in Home
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Seize 2 Decks of Cards, Pair of Dice; Miss Cash
Seven men were arrested last night when police raided a private home after receiving a “tip” that a card game was in progress.
William J. Stephan, 29, of 403 Friends avenue, the scene of the raid, was arrested as the alleged proprietor and held in $2000 bail for a hearing today before Judge Lewis Liberman.
Others arrested are John H. Ridge, 42, of 418 North Third Street; Ernest Ridge, of Milner Hotel, Delaware avenue and Market street; Nat Green, 34, of 562 Carman Street; John Podhar, 31, of 1944 Bristol street, Philadelphia; Charles Luffy, 32, of 1418 Erie avenue, Philadelphia, and Robert Ramsey, 23, of the Camden Y. M. C. A. All were held in $100 bail as material witnesses.
Detectives John Trout, John Kaighn and Patrolmen Marshall Thompson and Earl Hamby conducted the raid and said they confiscated two decks of cards and a pair of dice. They said a quantity of money on the table was scooped up by the players before they reached the playing room.
Acting Chief Hurt in 3-Alarm Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Junkyard Swept; Couple Forced to Flee as Fire Menaces Home
Two persons were forced to leave their home last night when a three-alarm fire damaged a junkyard owned by Rocco Fanelle and Sons at 263 Cherry street. Patrolman Marshall Thompson, one of the first on the scene, warned George W. Jackson and his wife, Flora, living at 265 Cherry street, of their danger and aided them in removing part of their furniture in the living room to the dining room.
Acting Battalion Chief Leonard Megee was injured slightly when he fell while inspecting the damage.
The first alarm to be turned in came from the fire box at Third and Spruce streets at 8.18 p.m. When Chief John Lennox arrived on the scene and discovered flames issuing from both floors of the storage building he ordered the second alarm pulled at 8.35 and at 8.46 p.m. another was ordered.
Firemen were hampered in fighting the blaze due to the great amount of smoke caused by the burning rags and paper bailed [sic] and stored on the two floors.
Six hose lines were played on the building. Deputy Chief Walter Mertz said the flames were under control after a half hour’s battle.
The damaged furniture in the Jackson home was covered partially by insurance, Jackson said.
Thief Bites Off End of Captor’s Finger
Camden Courier-Post —
Seized by the owner of a bicycle which he allegedly was trying to steal, Thomas Fletcher, 25, of 814 South Second street, bit off the end of Herman Lundy’s right forefinger last night at Broadway and Liberty streets in his efforts to escape.
Lundy, 19, of 530 Kaighn avenue, clung to Fletcher, however, until Police Sergeant Nathan Petit and patrolman Marshall Thompson arrived and arrested the man. He was charged with mayhem and attempted larceny.
The police rushed Fletcher to detective headquarters as an angry throng of more than 50 men assembled and began muttering ominously against the prisoner.
Lundy told police he saw Fletcher attempt to take his bicycle, parked near the butcher shop where he worked, and that someone called police while he grappled with the man.
Bike Thief Sentenced on Charge of Mayhem
Camden Courier-Post —
Charged with mayhem and larceny, Thomas Fletcher, 25, of 814 South Second street, was sentenced yesterday to six months in jail on the latter charge by Police Judge Mariano and held in $5000 bail for the Grand Jury on the other charge.
Appearing against Fletcher was Herman Lundy, 19, of 530 Kaighn avenue, his left hand in a sling.
Lundy charged that Fletcher bit off the end of his left forefinger when he grappled with the man to prevent theft of his bicycle.
Sergeant Nathan Petit and patrolman Marshall Thompson, who arrested Fletcher, told Judge Mariano that 200 persons were assembled around the man and threatening him when they arrived at the scene.
Fletcher told the court he was drunk. The policemen said he was not. They told Judge Mariano that Fletcher recently was released from Ancora, where he had served six months on a larceny charge.
Police Jailer Hurt as Bosco Hurls Platter
Camden Courier-Post —
Barber Indicted in Murder Cuts Patrolman With Shattered Plate — Officers Grab Arms, Lead Him Back to Cell
Sam Bosco, Camden barber indicted and arrested on a murder charge last Friday, went temporarily berserk in the city jail late Saturday, police revealed yesterday.
In a fit of nerves and rage, according to the police, the heavy-set prisoner flung a platter of food in the face of the jailer, Policeman William Michalak, who had opened Bosco’s cell to give him a hot meal he brought from a nearby restaurant.
Bosco then menaced the jailer with a jagged fragment of the platter that shattered on the cell floor. Michalak rang an alarm which attracted Police Lieut. Herbert Anderson, detective Thomas Murphy, Motorcycle Policeman Marshall Thompson, Sgt. Gus Koerner and Policeman James McLaughlin from the adjacent police headquarters in City Hall.
Anderson and Murphy went into the cell tier at the end of which Bosco stood, still brandishing the piece of broken dish. After grabbing his arms, they led him back to his cell. He offered no resistance.
“I was excited,” he told them later.
Cops Seek Owners of Chance Boards
Camden Courier-Post —
60,000 Pieces of Illegal Paraphernalia Taken to City Hall
Camden police were searching last night for the owners of 60,000 illegal punchboards seized in a raid late Thursday night at a South Camden three-story building.
Acting on Commissioner Mary W. Kobus’ orders, Detectives Thomas Murphy and Clifford Carr were trying to uncover evidence which would lead to the arrest of the punchboard owners on charges of possessing illegal gambling devices. Commissioner Kobus directed that charges be placed against the proprietors when located.
Seizure of the boards was made by Carr, Murphy and Patrolman Marshall Thompson when they entered a building situated on the south side of Viola street, east of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines tracks.
Last night the paraphernalia was being transferred from the building to a room on the fifth floor of the City Hall in city-owned trucks by city employees. The boards were valued at between $10,000 and $15,000.
The Viola street property is listed on city records as belonging to the Goodwin Company, Inc., with a notation that all tax bills are to be sent to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
The seizure was made on the first floor of the building, which was vacant on the second floor and housed a dress shop on the third. The raid followed orders by the commissioner for police to watch any transfer of the business from Philadelphia to this city following police raids last month in Philadelphia.
Draft Registrant Leaps 5 Floors to Death at City Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
Sleuths Vainly Try to Grab Florida Man Who Asked About Status
A 30-year-old Florida descendant of one of North Carolina’s blue-blooded families walked into police headquarters Saturday afternoon and asked them to check his status with a Florida draft board.
Two hours later the man was dead, his crushed body lying on the Market street pavement of the City Hall after he leaped from a fifth floor window in the City Hall detective bureau. The jump was made before the eyes of three detectives all powerless to reach him in time.
Identified tentatively as Manly McDowell, he had told detectives he was living at the Dixie Hotel, Florida. He was dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital. The man’s head was crushed and his arms and legs were broken.
Detective Harry Kyler was walking through police headquarters in the City Hall basement, when Patrolman Marshall Thompson called his attention to McDowell’s request. The man wanted to know if any notifications had been sent out by the board to him lately, explaining that for the past several months he had been traveling in the South and had been out of touch with his local board.
Asks for Cigarette
Kyler took McDowell to the Detective Bureau and telephoned Miami police asking them to check McDowell’s draft status and his record. Kyler told McDowell to sit down until the return call was made.
The detective told Acting Sergeant John Opfer about the man, then left to answer another call. On his return at 5.55 p. m, Kyler learned of the leap.
Others besides Opfer in the bureau were Detectives Heber McCord and Clifford Del Rossi. All three said McDowell drank considerable water and smoked several cigarettes but gave no indication of contemplating suicide.
Opfer said McDowell sauntered over to the accident bureau to McCord and asked for a cigarette. McCord gave him one, then turned his back. After several puffs, McDowell put the cigarette on a filing case, leaped to the top of a table and out the window. Opfer saw the man ascend the table and yelled to McCord to stop him. McCord was too far away to grab him.
Makes Grab in Vain
DelRossi, meanwhile, walked into the bureau just in time to see the man going out of the window. He also attempted to grab him.
Acting Desk Sergeant Frank Nelson had reported off duty a short time before and as he turned the corner of the city hall on the Market street side, he saw the man’s body on the pavement. Believing him to be a heat victim, or drunk, Nelson went over to investigate just as the police ambulance arrived.
Five minutes after the death plunge, the return call was made from Miami police which said McDowell was not wanted by either police or draft board. They said the draft board had been instructed to get in touch with Warren Steiffell, employed in the Brooklyn State Hospital, Brooklyn, N. Y., whenever they wanted to reach McDowell. Kyler later learned Steiffell had been inducted into the Army and stationed at Madison Barracks, Watertown, N. Y. A call to the barracks revealed Steiffell was on 48-hour leave.
Was Hospital Orderly
Attaches at the hospital said they knew McDowell as a former orderly, who had worked in hospitals in the New York City area. Kyler learned the man had worked as an orderly last year for several months at the Pilgrim State Hospital, Brentwood, N. Y.
Kyler contacted an aunt yesterday, Mrs. W. A. Leslie, of Morganton, N. C., who said McDowell’s only living close relative was a sister, Mrs. W. J. Verbeck, of Manlius, N. Y. Word was sent to the sister of McDowell’s death and she is expected to arrive here today to make positive identification.
Life Hereabouts
Camden Courier-Post —
Reprinted From The Courier-Post, Sept. 7, 1949.
“KIDS…LITTLE KIDS…murdered in their own home.”
Tears were streaming down the face of a lovely little lady as she spoke those words.
In front of her, in the middle of the carpet, was a spot, sort of whitish, where someone had tried to remove the blood of a little boy…a little boy who was “going on three”…a little boy who never harmed no one…
Just down the block a bit, people were perring [sic] through a big plate glass window, looking at a “hobby horse” in a barber shop that is closed.
At the base of the standard which held the wooden horse in place was another blotch of blood…the blood of another little boy “just past six” who was having his hair cut in preparation for his first trip to school the next day….
In the back seat of an automobile parked a little farther away was another great stain…where another boy died.
And the killer says: “I’m glad I did it, but I’m sorry about the children.”
WE ARRIVED at the scene of the Mad Mission of Cramer Hill after all of the shooting was over. Walt Carley and Jake Weiner, Courier-Post scribes, had arrived with the cops. They witnessed the capture and went on to do a great job of reporting the terrible tragedy.
We walked along the street peering in windows where only minutes before, people were happy and gay—and now they were dead.
Two holes showed in the front screen of a home near the center of the block. Detectives Stanley Bobiak and William Deery, identification chief, approached and Bobiak looked into the home.
“Was anyone shot in here?” Bobiak queried through the window.
“My little boy was killed,” replied the tearful voice of a mother whose anguish was pitiful to see and hear.
This was a terrible thing that happened in Our Town.
HUMAN beings are a funny bunch. And cops are human beings. The shooting was over and there was this bluecoat and that bluecoat insisting that he was “first on the scene.” You could have had a couple of dozen “firsts” if you were interested in that. And all those who said they were first and were not given credit for it would have been sore.
But that was after the shooting was over. When the chips were down, when a maniac was shooting innocent men, women and children and was still on the loose with that big Luger, that is when the cops of Our Town proved they rank right up there with the best in the world.
Through the years, there has been many an occasion where we witnessed the bravery of Camden policemen.
This time we missed, but we know what happened from the lips of reliable newspapermen and other witnesses.
We know that Russ Maurer stepped out into the clear, while other cops covered him with their guns, to hurl tear gas into the home of the man who was bent on kill. Russ could have paid with his life, because the killer seldom missed. That was a brave act.
THERE were Charley Hance, Ev Joslin, Cecil Picou, Tommy Carr, Bill Moll, Sid Nelson, Barney Tracy, Bill Kelly, Marshall, Thompson, Vince Conley, Lennie Andruzza and dozens of others closing in on the killer, inch by inch.
Kelley and Tracy on a roof, moving in, Bill with a machinegun, Barney with gun in hand…exposed like the other cops for a quick shot that might mean death.
Picou and Bill Rogers…moving the wounded and the dead…with the killer still free…Johnny Ferry stepping into the clear to keep the slayer from shooting from the upper front windows of his home.
NO WORDS of ours can give comfort to those families which suffered so much with the loss of dear ones. We can only say that everyone we met throughout Our Town mourned with them.
But we can say a word about the police and the manner in which they tackled this job.
And out of all them there we will take Ev Joslin and say that Ev will never be outdone where courage is concerned. We have seen that courage through the years and we have heard many a cop say they will take Ev as their sidekick in a tough situation any day.
So the only way we can give Our Cops their proper due is to say that every one of them who participated in the Mad Mission of Cramer Hill was just as courageous, just as mindful of their sworn duty, just as concerned over the safety of others, forgetting themselves as the man we picked as a symbol of courage.
And whointhehell cares who got here first or who struck the killer?
Camden Courier-Post
Camden Courier-Post —
Marshall Thompson — Walter H. Lehman. Printed captions: “DEATH WEAPON with which Walter H. Lehman, 22, of 1822 South Seventh street, ended his life early today, is shown in the hands of Detective Marshall Thompson” and “WALTER H. LEHMAN.”
GI Ends Life With Gun in Parked Car
Camden Courier-Post —
GI Ends Life With Gun in Parked Car
Walter H. Lehman Due to Return to Fort Dix Today
By WALTER N. CARLEY
Minutes after two patrolmen questioned him about parking, a 22-year-old South Camden man, who entered the army two months ago, ended his life early today by firing a bullet through his head.
Walter H. Lehman, 1822 South Seventh street, was discovered about 6 a. m. seated behind the wheel of his coupe parked along the west side of the Black Horse pike, facing south, between Burma and Olympia roads.
A .32 calibre bullet had entered his head through the right temple and came out through the left temple. The death weapon was lying in his lap partly covered by his right hand. County Physician Cavalli said death was instantaneous and self-inflicted.
Said He Was Sleepy
About 5.30 a. m. Patrolmen Edward Watson and Joel White, passed the Lehman car as they were driving south on the pike in a patrol wagon. Seeing no driver they stopped and walked back.
Lehman, the officers said, was lying across the seat and rose when they spoke.
“What is the matter?”
Watson said Lehman, who was in civilian clothes, smiled and replied:
“Nothing, I was a little sleepy and I thought I would take a little nap before proceeding.”
Watson said he advised Lehman that was the best thing to do rather than have an accident. Lehman, Watson said, thanked them for stopping and the officers drove away. They said they stopped at the newsstand at Black Horse pike and Collings road and returned north on the pike, noticing the car with Lehman apparently lying on the seat.
Was on Vacation
A short time later Acting Sergeant Frank Cavallo and Patrolman Frank Senator [sic] drove past the car and saw Lehman seated…
(Continued on Page 2 — Column 7)
2 Thugs Break Arm of Woman, 60, Flee With Handbag on Broadway
Camden Courier-Post —
Robbed on Way to Church:
A 60-year-old South Camden woman was admitted to West Jersey hospital Sunday night after she was injured while battling two youths who stole her purse on Broadway near Liberty street.
Mrs. Lillian Heard, of 535 Mechanic street, who told police she was on her way to services at the Union Methodist Church, Fifth and Mt. Vernon streets, when attacked, suffered a broken left arm.
Two youthful suspects were chased from the scene to Second street and Kaighn avenue by passersby who rushed to aid Mrs. Heard when she screamed.
A search of the neighborhood failed to uncover any persons answering the description given by Mrs. Heard but Detective Leon Branch said the youths answered the desciption [sic] given by Mrs. Rose Garriola, of 306 Cherry street.
She told Detective Marshall Thompson two youths snatched her purse Saturday night at Spruce and Coates streets.
Mrs. Heard said she was walking on the west side of Broadway above Liberty street when the two overtook her. She said one grabbed her purse and the other held her arm.
As Mrs. Heard battled to save her purse, which she said contained only about 90 cents and some keys, she fell to the curb, pulling one of the youths to the street with her.
Lester F. Cranmer, of 2251 Gross avenue, Pennsauken, who was visiting at Broadway and Mechanic street, heard Mrs. Heard scream and went to her aid. An unidentified passerby called police.
Mrs. Garriola told police her purse contained $14 in addition to keys and cards.
Burglary Victims Recover $4360 In Stolen Goods
Camden Courier-Post —
Display at City Hall Rivals Oriental Bazaar In Variety Shown
Loot valued at $4360 by detectives was returned to its owners in detective headquarters in city hall Tuesday night.
Headquarters resembled an Oriental bazaar as the stolen articles were spread over seven tables, two large desks, and hung on clothing racks.
Detectives are holding George Wilmer, 30, of 521 Liberty street, a parolee, whom they suspect of being Camden’s daytime “phantom burglar” who has been plaguing the department for the last three months. To date police say they have charged Wilmer with 29 counts of breaking and entering and two counts of attempting to break and enter.
Captain of Detectives Thomas Murphy said that Tuesday night’s display was only a portion of the loot and that police believe Wilmer pawned a quantity of the goods in Philadelphia. They also suspect he sold some to secondhand and antique dealers, Murphy said.
The display that met the claimants when they went to headquarters looked like a mail order catalog come to life. There were women’s dresses, men’s suits and top coats, several types of radios, an oil space heater, binoculars, cameras; costume jewelry, empty wallets and even a clothes chest with the clothing still in it.
Missing from the collection were two parakeets which detectives returned to their owner Thursday because—unlike the other items—the birds had to be fed.
Assisting Capt. Murphy in the identification and return of the stolen items were: Detective Sergeants Earl Quinton, William Neal, William Kelly and Clifford Carr, and Detectives William O’Brien, John Huston, August Pfleiderer, George Ellis and Marshall Thompson.
Crowd Views Articles
According to Capt. Murphy the claimants, their addresses, the stolen objects and their estimated value are:
Mrs. Waid Young, 526 Washington street, electric sewing machine, woman’s jewelry, $358; Miss Catherine Sparks, 110 South Fourth street, table model radio, $19; Mrs. Ethel Kelly, 1068 Princess avenue, jewelry, $155; Mrs. Leo Jekel, 548 Haddon avenue, table model radio, portable typewriter, woman’s ring, $85; William Snyder, 1304 Park boulevard, table model radio, $55; Milfred Layser, 416 Chambers avenue, carpenter’s tools, a dress coat, $175; James Glennon, 802 Mt. Ephraim avenue, jewelry, $300; Mrs. Williams Cogswell, 914 Linden street, clothing and jewelry, $1242.50.
Mrs. Lena Bruns, 772 Line street, metal clothes chest with clothes, tool chest, jewelry, $125; Mrs. Anna Halliwell, 870 Haddon avenue, foreign money, no value given; Mrs. Martha Oehlert, 643 Mt. Vernon street, oil space heater, jewelry, $138; Mrs. William J. McCaffrey, 1030 Spruce street, antique clock, $400; Mrs. Lillian Simons, 412 Taylor avenue, clothing and jewelry, $20.
Veteran Boxers’ association, 868 Mt. Ephraim avenue, record player, amplifier and recorder, $100; John McNutt, 1620 Ferry avenue, jewelry and clothing, $300; Romeo Simonelli, 404 Haddon avenue, men’s and women’s clothing, $94; Mrs. Theresa Auletto, 929 South Third street, jewels, $405; Mrs. Vera Doughton, 1023 South Sixth street, table model radio, $16; Emidio Giorgi, 1353 Princess avenue, clarinet and man’s suit, $125.
Three Men Held Without Bail in Tavern Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Trio Nabbed at Shore Identified by Victim Of $2000 Theft Here
Three men suspected of the $2000 robbery of a Camden woman tavern owner last Friday were held without bail for further hearing by Judge Dzick today.
Dzick acted in compliance with a request by Detectives Marshall Thompson and George Ellis, who said the investigation was not complete. The three were arrested Sunday in Atlantic City.
Booked on charges of armed robbery were Stanley Slagle, 22, of 1408 Broadway; James J. Lenahan, 24, of 1734 Broadway, and Robert Sharp, 26, of 19 N. Johnson blvd., Gloucester.
Identified as Boxer
Slagle was identified as a middleweight boxer, who started to fight last fall and appeared twice at a Philadelphia club.
Arrested at 2 a. m. Sunday the men were returned to Camden, where they were identified by Miss Mary Lynch, 44, who operates Lynch’s Cafe at 3rd and Erie sts. Charles Clark, 33, of 538 N. Front st., a patron who was slugged on the head with a blackjack, was able to identify Lenahan and Sharp as participating in the daylight holdup, according to Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy.
Murphy said the men will be included in a police lineup Tuesday at 8 p. m. so that other victims of holdups in the area during the past year may view the suspects.
Atlantic City police said Patrolmen Adelmo Fidelli and Edward Shaw, acting on information from Camden detectives, nabbed Lenahan in the Nomad Club.
Fifteen minutes later, other officers took Sharp and Slagle into custody in the Jockey Club.
Shore police said they had been notified Camden authorities in a raid on an apartment in Camden had learned from a girl-friend of one of the men that she was to meet them in Atlantic City.
Some Money Recovered
Murphy said $600 of the stolen money was recovered on the men, in addition to $125 discovered in the apartment in the 1700 block on Broadway.
The detective captain said Detectives George Ellis and Marshall Thompson, who along with Detectives Harry Tracey and Sgt. William Kelly returned the suspects from the shore, had spent 43 hours without sleep on the trail of the bandits.
Murphy said the key to the capture was a license number obtained by Patrolman Oliver Morgan from an automobile seen near the scene of the holdup.
Car Was Stolen
The car, Murphy said, had been stolen from John J. Hegar, 640 Federal st., a certified public accountant, who was unaware of the theft until after the car was recovered Saturday on 7th st., between Liberty st. and Kaighn ave.
Later Saturday, Murphy related, Detective Harry Kyler and Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley obtained information linking Lenahan to the job and, still later, the apartment in Camden was raided.
Discovered in the apartment, Murphy said, were a .45-calibre automatic and the cash, found hidden under a chair cushion.
Murphy said Lenahan and Sharp, under questioning Sunday night in Camden, admitted their part in the holdup. Slagle, however, denied knowledge of the crime, Murphy added.
Discarded Weapons
Reconstructing the holdup and the trail of the gunmen, Murphy named Sharp as driver of the getaway car and said the men drove around the city and then later threw a shotgun and blackjack from the car.
The men went to Philadelphia, Murphy continued, where they purchased new clothes and wrist watches and other accessories and agreed to meet in Atlantic City.
Murphy said all have police records, Lenahan having been paroled in July from state prison after serving a term for grand larceny in Atlantic City. Sharp was released from state prison last year after serving a term for larceny of an automobile in Camden County and Slagle was released from the prison where he was sent for robbery, Murphy said.
Holdup suspects booked at police headquarters
Camden Courier-Post —
HOLDUP SUSPECTS are shown as they were booked Sunday on charges of armed robbery of a Camden tavern which netted $2000 Friday. Left to right are Stanley Slagle, 22; Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley; James Lenahan, 24; Detectives Marshall Thompson and George Ellis, and Robert Sharp, 26. Desk Sgt. John V. Wilkie records the information.
—Courier-Post Photo
Ransackers Tour Building on Market St.
Camden Courier-Post —
Cash, Stamps Taken
Burglars took between $30 and $40 cash and 200 three-cent stamps during the night while ransacking office and warehouse space of five firms in a building at 10th and Market sts.
Breaking through connecting doors after scaling a ladder in the rear of 1011 Market st., the thieves invaded Wilkie W. Faust & Sons millwork firm, a storage space of Cutler Metal Products Co., offices of Camden Ink and Color Co., Fit-Well Coat Co. and Asam Bros. Inc., a wallpaper firm. The latter three have entrances at 1001 Market st.
Dets. George Ellis and Marshall Thompson said the petty cash and stamps were taken from Camden Ink and Color where desks and filing cabinets were rifled. John Erickson, 5754 Irving ave., Pennsauken, owner, fixed the loss.
Entrance there was through the storage area of the Cutler firm where a broken glass in a door apparently cut someone. Blood was spattered on the door and floor.
The investigators said a ladder at the rear of the building permitted the thieves to force a second-floor window of the Faust firm. But Wilkie W. Faust Jr., of Wynnecote, Pa., said nothing appeared to be missing. He was called by John Gosik, a special watchman, who notified police when he discovered the entry at 4 a. m.
Joseph Allman, 1250 Stirling st., Philadelphia, manager of the coat firm, told detectives he found nothing missing.
At the wallpaper office, Andrew Oliver, 615 Graymar rd., Moorestown, said desks and cabinets were ransacked but nothing was missing.
Two Suspects Held in Bail of $25,000 Each
Camden Courier-Post —
10 Burglaries:
Two suspects, linked by police with 10 burglaries in the city during the last 6 weeks, were held in $25,000 bail each today by Municipal Judge Marino.
Held on one count each, pending a continuing investigation and a further hearing Tuesday, the men were identified as William J. Porter, 26, of Fern st. near 8th, and Howard James, 25, of Fogarty ave. near Federal st.
Marino commended police work in cracking the case and four detectives assigned to it, Marshall Thompson, Thomas Scarduzio, George Ellis and Russell Young.
James, a brother-in-law of Porter, was in the county jail to await grand jury action on a charge of breaking into a Cooper st. service station Dec. 11, police said, when the case broke Wednesday.
Street Attack Suspect
Porter was wanted for questioning in the stabbing of Miss Joann Green, 19, of 313 Chestnut st., Tuesday night, according to police.
Scarduzio said police searched Porter’s house Tuesday night but he could not be found. However, Scarduzio said, Ptl. Richard Brooks picked up a cash box in the house.
Wednesday, when the box was shown to Sgt. Earl Quinton, he suggested it may have been taken from the Asam Wallpaper Co., 1001 Market st., Nov. 17, according to Scarduzio. The box was later identified as the one taken from that concern, Scarduzio added.
Caught at Gun-Point
Detectives returned to the house Wednesday in an effort to pick up Porter. While Thompson and Young covered the front of the house, Scarduzio went to the back. Scarduzio said he apprehended Porter at gun-point as Porter fled from a rear door.
A search of the place by daylight turned up loot believed connected with robberies in which the two suspects are implicated, Thompson said. Included in the find were 20 new paint brushes, barber shop supplies and a letter scale.
At first, Porter denied any knowledge of breaking and entering, Thompson stated. James was brought from the jail and questioned by Thompson more than three hours. Thompson said James finally admitted the jobs and implicated Porter, who later confirmed James’ statements, Thompson said.
Thompson reported James admitted breaking into a grocery at 635 Carman st. Nov. 2 and looting a barber shop at 303 S. 3rd st. of $304 in equipment Nov. 9.
Other Victims
The two of them allegedly broke into the office of an engineering firm Nov. 7, taking a computing machine valued at $500 and took $650 in appliances from Thrifty Buyers Store, 313 Market st., Nov. 13.
The wallpaper firm was entered Nov. 17 when $712 in cash and $200 worth of postage stamps was taken. On Dec. 10, they purportedly entered Asam’s again and ransacked the second-floor offices of Camden Ink and Color Co. and Cutler Metal Co.; the Fitwell Coat Co. on the third floor, and the Wilkie W. Faust Co., next door at 1011 Market st.
Scarduzio said a warrant has been issued for Porter’s wife, Jean, charging her with assault and battery on the Green girl. The girl underwent an emergency operation Tuesday night in Cooper Hospital, after being left there by Porter, Scarduzio said.
Police also disclosed that Porter was wanted on an assault and battery warrant issued on complaint of his wife.
Ten Retired Camden Policemen Praised, Receive Gold Badges
Camden Courier-Post —
At Benevolent Group Dinner:
By James M. Neville
Ten retired members of the Camden Police Department answered their last roll call Tuesday night.
They received gold retirement badges and lifelong membership cards in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association at the second annual dinner of Local 35 in Kenney’s.
Their ages ranged from 52 to 65 and collectively they represented a total of 327 years of service to the city.
“You have put aside badges and clubs and now the new men can take over,” commented guest speaker County Judge Anthony C. Mitchell.
Lauded By Judge
“You can go home tonight and look in the mirror and say: ‘I wasn’t the worst cop in the world,’ for some of you are among the finest men we’ve had in the department over the years. You deserve your reward of retirement now,” the judge said.
E. George Aaron, commissioner of police, who was toastmaster, said some of the retiring men being honored by more than 125 members and guests “have given good and long service.”
“I’ve worked with them and I’ve lived with them,” continued Aaron.
“We have one of the finest and hardest working police departments in the state or anywhere. I even think the public is now aware of that, with a new respect for the policeman today.”
Retiring Officers
Those retiring in the year 1957–58 are:
Insp. Walter E. Rewand, with 41 years; Det. Harry Kyler Sr., 35; Sgt. John Stanton, 35; Det. Benjamin Simon, 34; Ptl. Samuel Corsella, 32; Sgt. Karl Friedrichs, 31; Insp. Thomas P. Murphy, 30; Det. Marshall Thompson, 30; Det. Sgt. Clifford Carr, 30, and Ptl. William Thorn, 29.
Insp. Anthony Skolski, in charge of the patrol division, was also presented with a gold card in a leather case for outstanding service, along with a lifelong membership.
Sgt. Joseph Hooven was given a silver card and lifelong membership for outstanding work. Hooven is in charge of auto investigation division.
Juvenile Problem
In lauding the hard tasks confronting the policeman of today, both Judge Mitchell and Commissioner Aaron rapped the soft attitude of the public toward juveniles who consistently break the law.
“Unfortunately everybody is worried about the juveniles,” Judge Mitchell said.
“We are not worried, as we should be, about the man who has his car stolen, his purse robbed, his daughter molested.
“Instead, everybody’s worried about poor little Johnny, who’s always in trouble with the police.
“Sometimes you have to struggle just to keep your hands off Johnny. You even feel like doing what his father should have done.
“The ability of today’s patrolman to hold within the line of duty, keep his hands off, hold his patience with little Johnny, is commendable.”
Law Change Urged
“What Judge Mitchell has said is important to you policemen,” said Aaron. “Before I entered police work I considered myself something of a reformer. But ever since I came up against these youngsters who don’t mind breaking the law, I’ve found it very disturbing.
“I’d like to see the Legislature pass a law reducing the age from 18 to 16.
“I have no quarrel with arguments about broken homes and other causes for misbehavior, but we must see to it that these youngsters do not do more damage.”
The commissioner pointed out that only two percent of the youth in the nation can be classified as delinquent.
‘But that adds up to a considerable number when you figure it out,’ he stated. “Besides, we have first-hand evidence that these youngsters can be real nasty. Some are sadistic and cruel to a point that few adults realize.
Defiance Shown
“When taken into custody, these youngsters know that nothing is going to happen to them, which doesn’t make the job of the policeman any easier.
“It seems to me that a lot of these youngsters must be taught they can’t do wrong before 18 years of age and get away with it.”
Second Vice President Mike Lombardi, of Maple Shade, informed the membership that plans are underway to present a bill in the Legislature which will provide policemen with three-fourths full pay, instead of one-half, for 20 years service.
Other speakers included Sen. Joseph W. Cowgill who said he would vote for any legislation favoring policemen.
“I have always and will always support any legislation which is reasonable,” he added.
“The Camden police department has lost much in the retirement of these 10 good men.”