Morris Odell
Morris Odell was born in New Jersey in May of 1863 to John H. and Isabella Odell. His father was a farmer, and in 1860 the family lived in Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The 1880 Census shows that he was living with his older brother Lawrence, sister-in-law Sarah, and nephew Morris in Madison, New Jersey, which is in Middlesex County. Morris Odell was then working as a clerk in a store, according to the census sheets.
The 1883–1884 and 1884–1885 Camden City Directory shows Morris Odell living at 442 Bridge Avenue. He was then working as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Morris Odell married Althea Flaglor Hayes on February 19, 1885. The Odells lived briefly at 612 South 2nd Street, then moved to Burlington, where they resided through at least the early part of 1888.
Morris Odell continued to work for the railroad through the 1880s and 1890s. While in Burlington Morris and Althea Odell started a family. On March 28, 1886 a son, Lawrence Bisset Odell was born, followed by daughters Mabel Hayes Odell on October 3, 1887 and Isabella on April 8, 1889.
Morris Odell is listed as a fireman in the 1889 Burlington City Directory. He appears to have been a pretty good baseball player in these times, as evidenced by a newspaper article stating that he was the center fielder for the Burlington Reserve Base Ball team that year. The Odells had returned to Camden for good by the time the 1890–1891 City Directory was compiled, and took up residence at his former home at 442 Bridge Avenue. Another son, Floyd, came on March 25, 1891, and a daughter, Lillian Middleton Odell, on July 27, 1894. Sadly, and all too common at the time, one of the Odell children, Mabel, passed on February 20, 1894. The family was then still living at 442 Bridge Avenue. The 1897 and 1898 Directories show the family at 316 Bridge Avenue. They moved to 232 Mickle Street in time for the compilation of the 1899 Directory. By the spring of 1900 they had moved to 315 Mickle Street in South Camden, where they lived across the street from the home of the late poet Walt Whitman, who lived across the street at 328 Mickle Street, and of architect Stephen Decatur Button, who had lived at 330 Mickle Street.
Morris Odell had come to Camden as an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad, worked through 1900 as a fireman. He had job skills however that would take him considerably farther. He appears to have gone into politics as a Republican and by 1904 had been appointed to the position of Assistant City Clerk, where he worked for many years under William D. Brown. When Brown was appointed Camden County Clerk in December of 1920 in the wake of Francis Ford Patterson Jr.’s election to Congress, Morris Odell was elevated to the position of City Clerk.
Morris Odell also belonged to Camden Lodge 293, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He was elected Exalted Ruler of the Camden lodge in 1912, and in December of 1913, when the Elks lodges throughout around New Jersey formed a state-wide organization, was elected its first President.
The 1910 Census indicates that daughter Isabella had wed. Morris and Althea Odell and their remaining children then lived at 732 Washington Street. The 1914 Camden City Directory shows the Odells at 771 Wright Avenue. The three children were still at home. Lawrence Odell had for the moment left the railroad to operate a fish business at 315 Broadway. Floyd and Lillian were both working as clerks. Floyd married soon afterwards and moved to Cramer Hill.
Morris Odell was still working in the City Clerk’s office and active in Elks affairs on a state-wide basis as late as November of 1922. He passed away at home on January 4, 1923.
By the time the 1924 Camden City Directory was compiled Morris Odell had passed away. Althea Odell was then living at 550 Washington Street. Mrs. Odell was living at 400 Chambers Avenue in 1940 and at 401 South 7th Street in 1943. She had passed by the time the 1947 City Directories listings were assembled.
Of Morris and Althea Odell’s four surviving children, what became of daughters Lillian and Isabella is not known as of this writing. Oldest son Lawrence Odell returned to his father’s original vocation, working for the railroad for many years. He resided for a number of years with his mother. The 1940 Camden City Directory shows him working as a stationary engineer and living at 310 South 5th Street. Lawrence Odell passed away on August 30, 1942 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Younger son Floyd Odell married Edna May McMeekin and moved to Cramer Hill. A grandson, Morris McMeekin Odell, was born June 24, 1915 to Floyd and Edna, named after his two grandfathers. Floyd Odell worked in Camden’s shipyards.
Morris McMeekin Odell was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on July 31, 1941. He reported for duty the next day, and remained with the department into the mid 1960s. His son, Robert M. Odell, who is the great-grandson of the subject of this article, was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on August 1, 1961. Robert M. Odell retired from the Camden Fire Department on February 1, 1993. Between father and son, the Odells had served the City of Camden continuously for over 61 years.
Burlington’s New Club
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Burlington, March 21.—The Burlington Reserve Base Ball Club organized last night. The players are as follows: John Barkley, catcher; John Rodman and George Sison, pitchers; Harry Phillips, first base; Edward Thompson, second base; David Avery, third base; Win Lippincott, short stop; Morris Odell, centre field; Thomas Allen, left field; Elwood Hepworth, right field. Harry Phillips was elected manager, and Edward Thompson, captain.
Odell
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Odell.—On February 16, 1894, Mabel H., daughter of Morris and Althea F. Odell, aged 6 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, from the parents’ residence, 442 Bridge Avenue, Camden, N.J. Interment private.
Miller and Matlack Sentenced to Dismissal
Camden Daily Courier —
Two Policemen Lose Their Stars Through the Election Riots.
The Report Now Goes to Council.
The Police Committee’s Finding Was Unanimous So Far as the Four Members Present Were Concerned—Hanson Did Not Attend Last Night’s Session.
The action of the Police Committee of Council, in the matter of the officers accused of unbecoming conduct and intimidating voters at the recent congressional primaries, will meet with general approval. There has been entirely too much of police interference at the polls, both at primary and general elections, and by officers who in other respects were faithful and efficient. Their party or factional zeal is no excuse for such conduct. The Police Committee, under the leadership of Ben Lawton, whose intelligence and integrity are unquestioned, gave the accused a full hearing, and an impartial view of its action will be its general indorsement.
The Police Committee of City Council last night discharged Policeman Robert Miller, of the First district, and Albertson Matlack, of the Third district, from the police force, as the result of the fight participated in by them at the recent primary election.
The charges against Policeman Albert Keaser, also of the First district, were not sustained.
Matlack was charged by John Corbett, Judge of the election in one of the precincts of the Twelfth ward, with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Miller was charged by George V. Murry with intimidating voters, assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer. Murry also charged Keaser with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The members of the committee were all present except Councilman Hanson. The meeting was called for 7:30 o’clock, but Chairman Lawton waited until 8 o’clock for Mr. Hanson. There were four members present, Messrs. Jones, Leas, Broome and Lawton, and the rumor was that the Councilmen were equally divided in their opinions and were waiting for Mr. Hanson to come and cast the deciding vote. A fifteen minutes’ caucus settled the matter and Assessor Clerk Morris Odell then announced the decision.
Mr. Miller was the only one of the three policemen at the City Hall, and when he learned of his discharge he walked into Chief Foster’s office and said: “Well, I am fired, but there is one thing I want to say, and that is, that as long as I have been on the force I’ve been an officer and done my duty.”
The action of the committee will be embodied in the report to be submitted to City Council.
The discharge of Miller and Matlack will make two vacancies on the police force, to be filled by Mayor Nowrey.
Trenton Times
Married in Spite of Many Obstacles.
Missing Divorce Decree, Late Bride and Absconding Best Man Mark Ceremony of Noted Couple.
Camden, Nov. 4.—That the course of true love never did run smooth was illustrated yesterday when Morris Odell, the well-known city official, and Alice Ralph, daughter of the late Julian Ralph, the celebrated writer and social leader, were married in this city.
Upon Mr. Bigelow was devolved the task of preventing the groom, who had been divorced from his first wife, from discovering that the necessary documents could not be obtained until after the ceremony. The bride was retained in her room when the guests assembled and the ceremony was put through and the breakfast received.
Shortly after the nuptials Mr. and Mrs. Odell started for their honeymoon to Europe. The bride and bridegroom will make their home in New York.
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Inquirer
This Camden Couple Got a Big Surprise
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Inquirer
Convicted on His Cousin’s Complaint
Camden Post-Telegram —
S. Linokoski, a Russian, was tried before a jury in Police Court this noon on a charge of misdemeanor preferred by Annie Nevlin, his cousin, who resides in North Camden. The jury was made up of the following: Albert Austermuhl, foreman; Harry Foulkes, William Fithian, Louis Munyan, Louis Leigh, Edward Holloway, Walter Smith, Crawford Smith, Charles Adkins, Hollis Lightfoot, Morris Odell, George W. Kruck.
Lawyer William P. Walsh represented the defendant and Assistant City Solicitor Wilfred B. Wolcott the prosecution. The complainant, through S. Kaplan acting as interpreter, claimed that she came to this country from Russia fourteen months ago at the solicitation of her cousin, the defendant, whom she knew from childhood. She said he sent her fifty roubles, or $38.50 in American money, to come to America.
The defense was that the accused was not responsible for the complainant’s condition. The jury, however, found the defendant guilty this afternoon. Recorder Stackhouse required him to furnish a bond for $300 for the payment of $2 a week to the complainant and pay the costs of prosecution.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Arrest Stirs Religious Circles
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer
Jersey Elks Organize at Camden.
Delegates from all parts of New Jersey, representing practically all the lodges of the Order of Elks, held their first quarterly meeting at the headquarters of Camden Lodge yesterday and perfected an organization known as the New Jersey Association of B.P.O. Elks. Among the officers elected was Morris Odell, of Camden, as exalted ruler.
Philadelphia Inquirer
Birth Certificate Issued by Morris Odell
Birth certificate signed by Morris Odell as City Clerk — December 4, 1921
Buch Selected as State Head of Jersey Elks
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New President Urges Higher Ideals For Order. Dearden Is Trustee
Modified Volstead Act Is Advocated
Atlantic City, N.J., July 11.—Joseph G. Buch, Past Grand Exalted Ruler of Trenton Lodge, No. 105, B.P.O.E., was elected President of the State Association of Elks at the annual convention of that body held here yesterday. Mr. Buch has long been associated with the Trenton Lodge of Elks and has been active in philanthropic movements there for a number of years.
Vice President Morris Odell, of Camden, presided at the sessions. Four vice presidents were chosen for the ensuing year, each to preside over a district, according to a new division of the state.
Following are the vice presidents: Thomas Mooney, of Burlington, south district; Henry Gilhause, of Hackensack, northwest; B. T. Foulkes, of Orange, northeast; William J. Reichly, of Asbury Park, central. Trustees elected were S. J. Dunnion, of Montclair, and Albert E. Dearden, of Trenton.
The State association, numbering 40,000, drew up a resolution favoring the modification of the Volstead act, and urging the brewing of “wholesome” beer. It was mentioned in the resolution that the association favored non-intoxicating beer and was against anything stronger.
In his speech following his election, Mr. Buch said: “I can assure you I appreciate very much being elected to the presidency of the New Jersey Elks’ Association and in accepting the honor conferred upon me with a deep feeling of appreciation and a keen sense of the duties and responsibilities connected with the office.
“At the present time quite a number of lodges are holding Flag Day exercises in public halls as well as public parks. During the coming year, I would like to see every Elk lodge in the State hold a public demonstration on Flag Day. The Order of Elks was the first fraternity to adopt Flag Day, and the flag should not have a room for a select few, but before a room an audience can be harbored in the community. There is no question but what the public schools would co-operate.
“Quite a number of lodges are having an outing for the poor. This surely is very commendable and it would be a wonderful thing if we could say that during the year 1922–1923 every lodge in the state had set aside a day for the poor kiddies. There is no question but what kindly acts of this character will soften the hardest of hearts, and once started I feel that it would be continued indefinitely.
“It would help every lodge to set aside a day as an outing for crippled children. We who are so strong of limb and body little realize what suffering there is among the poor crippled children, and a day’s outing would certainly make their misfortune lives much happier as well as making us feel that we have done something worthwhile.”
Trenton Times
Elks Plan Survey in Educational Campaign.
Elks of New Jersey will conduct a survey in connection with the plan to further educate the crippled children of the State. Several conferences have been held between Joseph Ralph, of Columbia University; Prof. Arthur D. Dean, of Columbia University; Dr. Harris M. Cohen, head of the United States Veterans’ Bureau at Washington; Morris Odell, of Camden, and others interested in the work for disabled veterans in the city.
Trenton Times
Camden Clerk Dies.
Joseph G. Bucci, proprietor of Hotel Penn and president of the New Jersey State Elks Association, received word today of the death of Morris Odell, city clerk of Camden. Mr. Odell, a frequent visitor to this city, had a number of friends here. He was prominently identified with the Elks and was the first president of the New Jersey Elks Association.
Camden Courier-Post
Some Old Hall Familiars
Crumbling City Building Brings to Mind Many Who Once Took Active Part in Affairs of Camden and Spirited Political Scraps
By BEN COURTER
Walk along Haddon avenue these days of old City Hall destruction with veterans in politics like Fred W. George or Charlie Elfreth or Frank Fithian and they will tell you they can see in memory’s eye a veritable host who once trod the corridor, rapidly crumbling away. One doesn’t need to be a sentimentalist to stop for a space in the midst of hat [sic] is left of the once proud municipal pile to bring to mind for the moment some who once took an active part in the city’s affairs, who had their partisan fights and who were as a rule, “good fellows.”
Of course, those who composed Camden’s official family back in ’74 when the corner stone was laid have passed on. Boys like Joe Kobus or Dr. D. Louis Ireton who saw the corner stone laying are now men well along life’s journey and they too have memories of the Hall through the many years. Mayor John H. Jones, as related in a previous article, died the year the Hall was started. He was succeeded by John Morgan who served a year. Then came James W. Ayres, Claudius W. Bradshaw, Jesse W. Pratt, J. Leighton Wescott and Cooper B. Hatch, all of whom have died. The surviving mayors who once held forth in the office at the southwest corner are Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles H. Ellis, Frank H. Vanhart, Victor King, General Winfield S. Price. With the advent of Mayor Roy Stewart quarters were taken in the great stone pile at Sixth and Market.
The City Clerks
Joseph C. Nicholls was city clerk when the Hall was started, succeeded by Joseph Bontemps, Fred W. Tarr, Frank F. Michellon, Richard C. Thompson, D. Cooper Carman, Thad P. Varney, Morris Odell and William D. Brown, all of whom have died. The survivors are Colonel Harry C. Kramer, now at Washington, Isaac V. Bradley, “Al” White and Frank S. Albright, the last of the clerks in the old building and now happily with us in the new structure.
But there were scores more who were familiar figures in the nearly two generations that have passed. One expects to see, for instance, Levi Farnham, city engineer for nearly two score years, come tramping out of the wrecked corridor to make his way to see how Farnham Park is progressing. There is sure to be memories of the hearty laugh of “Pete” Young, who was Varney’s assistant, and like as not there will be heard the gruff note from “old” Colonel Sam Hufty, “watchdog of the treasury for many a year and a job his father held before him. One can see, too, George A. Frey, long city treasurer who was quite rightfully proud when the experts, who made the survey in 1923, reported that of the more than $18,000,000 he handled every penny was accounted for.
And surely passing what is left of what used to be the police department one can hear the hearty laughs of “Bill” Schregler or Jules Bosch or the pestering gasps of poor old Cale Williams who had the asthma and whose difficulties in getting calls under the new fangled signal system were rather tragic. Captain Hugh Boyle had a better time of it in getting those calls and so did Jimmie Tatem, later chief and now retired. Looking in the old police room one can see the domino game of 35 years ago going on with Schreg and Billy Husted, Dan Hassett or John Courter, Jimmie Polk, Frank Albright or Billy Paul interested as if it was a huge staked poker game. Peculiarly enough the uplifters of the time never fussed about that domino game, which, after all, was played to while away the late hours of night until something turned up.
The Old Health Board
Across the way were Gene Roberts, the perennial secretary of the old Board of Health; Henry B. Francis, the “admiral” who fought with Farragut, or Joe Starr, who did his part in rounding up the property owners to get the Line Ditch swamp filled in and graded. Of all that board only Reuben Gaskill survives. Dr. John F. Leavitt, many years health physician, is living in retirement.
Up in the Council Chamber, now virtually gone, old-timers will tell you they can yet hear Fred Finkelday in a brush with Joe Potter, the later of the councilman-at-large, or the booming voice of John Broome bringing order out of chaos. John’s brother, Howard, by the way, was for a time an efficient water engineer who died at the early age of 35 of pneumonia. His son is now secretary to Mayor Stewart.
Theer [sic] was the ill-fated George Felton, treasurer, who ended his life; Billy Doyle and J. Fred Newton, William Osler, Water Chief Hollingsworth, John McCabe, Constantine Scout and Larry King, all quite kindly recalled by many who pass the crumbling old Hall. One wonders what City Gardeners “Uncle Jake” Fish or John Schilke would say with their lawn all awry these days of destruction, a lawn they worked early and late to keep green throughout the Summer. Most of these have passed as the Hall is passing and even after the wreckers have finished their job who doubts but that the plot changed into a breathing spot along the Seventh street boulevard will not continue to have these memories to the older residents of Camden?