Ralph A. Bakley
Ralph A. Bakley
RALPH A. BAKLEY was born in New Jersey on January 10, 1881 to Clara and Ridgeway Bakley. He was the youngest of three sons, being born after Lewis and David Bakley. The family was living on York Street just before he was born. They had moved to 213 North 9th Street by 1887, and by 1890 to 582 Pine Street. When the Census was taken in 1900 the family lived at 583 South 6th Street. The elder Bakley then worked as a day laborer. Ralph Bakley grew up and remained in this neighborhood through at least 1929.
As a young man Ralph Bakley was well known locally as an athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. In a column published in the Camden Courier-Post, Dan McConnell wrote in November, 1939:
This department has been advised by Lewis A. Lee, chief clerk of the city health bureau, that Winfield Clark, aide to Frank B. Luker, was in error when he gave the names of several players on the old Camden Wheelmen baseball team.
Mr. Lee says those guys played on the Camden City team, Lew admitting that he covered first base for the Wheelmen. And he also told us that Acting Police Chief Ralph Bakley once aspired to be a professional pugilist, but he gave up that idea when another fighter gave him a fistic shellacking in a scrap at the old Globe A. C. in Philadelphia many years ago.
Bakley was a stellar outfielder in his younger days. Mr. Lee informed us. We can say that Bakley has done a fine job as one of the better liked police executives of Our Town.
Ralph Bakley was married in 1903 to Caroline, also known as “Carrie.” The 1906 City Directory lists Ralph Bakley at 641 Line Street, working as a metalworker. 1910 Census and 1914 Directory lists Ralph Bakley at the same address with his wife Carrie. No children by 1910. He was then a foreman. A court officer, W. Frank Garrison lived just two doors down, and may have, in time, helped Ralph Bakley secure his appointment to the police department. A daughter, Clara Bakley was born around 1912. On June 1, 1915 Ralph Bakley was appointed to the Camden Police force by Mayor Charles Ellis. In 1916 another child, Sarah Bakley, was born.
When he registered for the draft in September of 1918, Ralph Bakley was living at 544 South 6th Street. By 1920 and through at least 1924 he and his family lived at 542 South 6th Street. Sadly it appears that Carrie Bakley died around 1926, leaving Ralph Bakley to take care of his two daughters. The 1927 and 1929 City Directories show that he had relocated to 602 Clinton Street. The 1930 Census shows that he, his daughters and his widowed mother were at that address. Ralph Bakley did in time, however remarry.
The 1920s were good professionally to Ralph Bakley. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1922 by then-Mayor Frank S. Van Hart, and at the end of the decade he was in line for a promotion to Lieutenant, which came through in January of 1930 from the office of Commissioner Dr. David S. Rhone.
On July 1, 1939 Commissioner Mary Walsh Kobus promoted Ralph Bakley to the rank of Acting Captain. Unexpectedly, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey died in his sleep of a heart attack on September 15, 1939. He was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken NJ on September 18, 1939. Captain Ralph Bakley was named Acting Chief of Police a few days later by Commissioner Mary Kobus, Camden’s Director of Public Safety. A few months later, the New Jersey State Civil Service Commission called for a test for the Chief’s position. Ralph Bakley scored third, with George Frost getting the top score. Chief Bakley continued to serve in the position of Acting Chief until March of 1942, when Chief Frost was confirmed in the position. Ralph Bakley retired few days later.
Acting Chief Bakley had lived in the 1930s and 1940s with his second wife, Josie, on North 31st Street. Upon retirement he moved to Somers Point, New Jersey, where he died in December of 1945.
Jailed for Being Drunk and Noisy
Camden Courier —
When Policeman R. Bakley and John Peace, a neighbor, testified that he was continually drunk and disturbing the neighborhood, Smith Forney, aged 20, of 28 South Eighth street, was sentenced to 30 days in the country jail by Recorder Blackmun in Police Court this morning.
“This man is a reputed hard guy”, said the patrolman, “one of the kind who breaks bail bats.”
It was stated that Forney was habitually drunk and, according to Peace, used vile language that distracted everyone in the vicinity. When Forney advanced to the witness stand his father jumped up in the rear of the court room with a remonstrance, which was sternly silenced by court attaches.
World War I Draft Card
Ralph A. Bakley — World War I Draft Registration Card
5 Policemen Added to Detective Detail
Camden Courier-Post —
Dolan, Sapanore, Truax, Kelly and Smith Assigned
Pleas by Captain Golden of the Detective Bureau that the department was undermanned and overworked has resulted in the assigning of five policemen as acting detectives.
They are William Dolan, acting sergeant of the First District; Rox Sapanore [sic], Frank Truax, Edward Smith and Anson Kelly.
Dolans’ place is being taken by Sergeant Ralph Bakely, transferred from the Third District. Sergeant John Potter goes from the Second District to the Third to replace Bakely, and Patrolman John Skolski becomes acting sergeant to replace Potter.
Patrolman William Whaland becomes acting sergeant to take over the duties of Sergeant James Clay, who is seriously ill in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital of pneumonia.
Liquor Raid Fines Enrich City $1020
Camden Courier-Post —
Small Cigar Stores Draw Big Penalties; Late Closing Costs Saloon $100
Patrons of speakeasies, their proprietors and 13 youthful craps players paid a total of $1020 into Camden city’s treasury yesterday in fines and forfeitures.
The fines and forfeitures were those of small operators caught in raids by police in virtually every section of the city Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Fines of $100 each were paid by four proprietors charged with violation of a city ordinance forbidding the congregation of disorderly persons on their premises. Another alleged proprietor was fined $100 on the same charge and an additional $300 for operating without a license.
Hearings for proprietors of three other places were postponed until Wednesday at the request of police.
The fines came on the eve of the new Grand Jury’s vice probe. Walter J. Staats, Grand Jury foreman, former treasurer of the Victor Talking Machine Company and now treasurer of the Smith-Austermuhl Company, yesterday turned over to Prosecutor Baldwin, a number of anonymous letters he received informing him of alleged violators. Staats, who conferred with the prosecutor on today’s session of the Grand Jury, declined to give out any statement on what he hopes the jury will accomplish, but declared that it is not interested in anonymous letters. He said that if letters are signed, the senders will be questioned, but unsigned letters were generally valueless bits of spite work.
Cigar Dealer Fined $300
George Palmer, proprietor of a cigar store at 2315 Federal street, raided by District Detectives Louis Schlam and Walter Smith early Sunday morning, was fined $300. Detective Walter Smith testified six patrons were arrested and a small quantity of beer was found. The sleuth asserted that John DiLorenzo, 36, of 22 Marlton pike, whose home also was raided Sunday, “dumped” some liquor.
William Stettler, 47, of 1137 South Fourth street, pleaded guilty of violating the city ordinance as proprietor of the Harry Bach Cafe, where he and ten men were arrested at 12:03 a. m. Sunday. Lieut. Ralph Bakley testified that six weeks ago he had warned Stettler to close at midnight and the proprietor grew abusive. He was raided Sunday morning when the establishment was found open three minutes after midnight. A $100 fine was imposed on Stettler in court yesterday.
Oyster Shop Raided
Schlam and Smith raided the oyster saloon of Joseph Dugan, 2222 Federal street, at 2:45 a. m. Sunday. Dugan was held in $500 bail when alleged liquor was found. He was fined $100.
Max Levin, 48, grocery proprietor of 530 Kaighn avenue, was arrested on charges of violating the state prohibition act after a raid on the store. He furnished bail of $500 to insure his appearance before Judge Pancoast tomorrow.
Five men were arrested at a cigar store at 2314 Federal street. Two empty bottles which police said smelled of whiskey were seized and the alleged proprietor, William Hopkins, 38, was fined $100.
5 New Lieutenants Appointed by Rhone Await Assignments
Camden Courier-Post —
Two More Patrolmen to Be Promoted Under New Ordinance; One Made Sergeant
Promoted for Merit on Force
[Names printed at the foot of the left-hand block:] WALTER T. WELCH — CHARLES LAIB — RALPH W. BAKLEY
[Names printed at the foot of the right-hand block:] GEORGE W. FROST — GEORGE WARD — CLARENCE THORN
5 NEW LIEUTENANTS APPOINTED BY RHONE AWAIT ASSIGNMENTS
Two More Patrolmen to Be Promoted Under New Ordinance; One Made Sergeant
Pending official designation of their new posts, five members of the Camden police department who were appointed lieutenants yesterday and a sixth who was named sergeant continued in their former capacity when they went on duty today.
Director of Public Safety David S. Rhone, who announced the promotions and reported the officers late yesterday, stated this morning that he has not yet determined where he will station them. He expects to do so within a few days, the commissioner averred.
Two more lieutenants remain to be appointed under provisions of a recent ordinance which stipulated that the new stations will not be designated until all seven lieutenants have been named. One will be placed in charge of each of the four police districts, and one each in the traffic and motorcycle squads, and one at headquarters.
Those who were elevated to lieutenancy are: Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood Avenue; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street who was acting captain, and Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue. Patrolman Clarence Thorn was also sworn in as sergeant of the mounted squad of the department.
The ten who took the Civil Service examinations for lieutenancy and their grades as unofficially announced in rank order: Sergeant John T. Potter, 298 Burwood avenue, 89.64; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood avenue, 89.27; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street, 87.11; Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street, 86.31; Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue, 84.71; Sergeant Harry G. Newton, 118 North Twenty-fifth street, 82.18; Acting Lieutenant Cunningham, 1114 Kaighn avenue, 81.78.
Pending official designation of their new posts, five members of the Camden police department who were appointed lieutenants yesterday and a sixth who was named sergeant continued in their former capacity when they went on duty today.
Director of Public Safety David S. Rhone, who announced the promotions and reported the officers late yesterday, stated this morning that he has not yet determined where he will station them. He expects to do so within a few days, the commissioner averred.
Two more lieutenants remain to be appointed under provisions of a recent ordinance which stipulated that the new stations will not be designated until all seven lieutenants have been named. One will be placed in charge of each of the four police districts, and one each in the traffic and motorcycle squads, and one at headquarters.
Those who were elevated to lieutenancy are: Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood Avenue; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street who was acting captain, and Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue. Patrolman Clarence Thorn was also sworn in as sergeant of the mounted squad of the department.
The ten who took the Civil Service examinations for lieutenancy and their grades as unofficially announced in rank order: Sergeant John T. Potter, 298 Burwood avenue, 89.64; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Burwood avenue, 89.27; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street, 87.11; Sergeant George W. Frost, 906 Pine street, 86.31; Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1479 Brooklyn avenue, 84.71; Sergeant Harry G. Newton, 118 North Twenty-fifth street, 82.18; Acting Lieutenant Cunningham, 1114 Kaighn avenue, 81.78.
2 Police Officers Made Lieutenants
Camden Courier-Post —
Rhone Reported Ready to Make Five Patrolmen Sergeant
Reports that five members of the Camden police department will be promoted to sergeants tomorrow were circulated, today after announcement that two sergeants had been appointed lieutenant.
Those who, according to rumors, will be elevated to sergeant are Nathan Petit, of the second police district, to be assigned to the traffic squad; Gus Koerner, detective bureau; Walter Rowand, first district; Frank Truax, Second district, and Edward Hahn, third district.
The two new lieutenants who took oath of office yesterday are Samuel Johnson and Thomas Cunningham. The former was a sergeant of police attached to the detective bureau and will continue in that department, while Cunningham, while a sergeant, was acting lieutenant in day command at the fourth district. He remains in that district, The appointments were announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety.
Both were immediately administered oaths of office by Dr. Rhone’s secretary, Bayard M. Sullivan, at the director’s office, Lieutenant Cunningham is already eligible for retirement, having served more than 20 years on the city police force.
The two appointments complete the seven lieutenancies created n by a city ordinance. Ten members of the police department passed civil service examinations for the post, which pays an annual salary of $2500. Each must serve one year as lieutenant before becoming eligible to take examination for captaincy.
The five previously appointed lieutenants are George Frost, now night commander of the fourth district; Walter Welch, third district; Charles Laib, a sub-commander of the traffic bureau under Captain Charles T. Humes, traffic Inspector; Ralph Bakley, second district; and George Ward, first district.
The other three candidates who passed the examination, Sergeants John Potter, Herbert Anderson and Harry I. Newton, did not receive lieutenancies, although Potter had the highest percentage in the tests.
Camden Courier-Post — May 5, 1930
Named: Joseph G. Ward, Louis Street, Florence Street, Decatur Street, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Ralph Bakley, Clifford Del Rossi, Theodore Guthrie, Sylvester “Wes” McGrath, Urquhart Ward, Robert Ward, Victor King, James E. Tatem, and Arthur Colsey.
Camden Courier-Post — June 3, 1930
Six prisoners arrested in East Camden this morning as bandit suspects are shown above as they pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying weapons. From left to right they are: Catherine Christman, 28; Joseph Conti, 34; Nicholas Bartluci, 23; John Fisher, 38; Mrs. Mary Reginelli, 34, and Marco Reginelli, 32. The photograph was taken in police court. The six are believed by county authorities to be members of a gang which killed a Camden man in a Bellmawr holdup and which conducted a series of daring holdups netting them about $25,000.
NEW VICE SQUAD IN 3 RAIDS NABS 6 AS SUSPECTS IN BANDIT GANG
Police Believe Prisoners Know Something of Wierman Murder
PROSECUTOR BALDWIN SEEKS SPEEDY TRIAL
Indications Point to Sextet Staging Recent Holdups Netting $25,000
Arrested by the new Camden police squad today in three East Camden dwellings, four men and two women are believed by county authorities to be members of a bandit gang which collected $25,000 and murdered a Camden man in a series of eight holdups during the past two months.
Prosecutor Baldwin expressed belief that the suspects were either implicated in, or know who executed the shooting of William “Bel” Wierman, alleged Camden beer runner, during a holdup April 28 at the Bellmawr County Club. He announced he would ask the grand jury this afternoon to indict them on charges made against them this morning made by the city police, and would probably place them on trial here next week.
Meanwhile, all victims and witnesses to the daring holdups in and near the city will be summoned to the courthouse to attempt to identify the prisoners.
He highly complimented the newly created vice squad on its efficient raids made after a week of painstaking investigation.
Firearms Seized
In each residence police seized a sizable arsenal of revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, repeating rifles, and hundreds of ammunition, all hidden in walls or secreted under floors. An opium “layout,” hacksaw, pairs of colored eyeglasses and tear-ware were also confiscated. The discovery of the tinted eyeglasses in the residence was of significance to Police Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, who pointed out that one of the armed bandits who held up a man at Front and Kaighn avenue two nights before the Wierman slaying wore glasses to escape identification.
Detectives aided by state troopers raided the three residences, which prevented any of the suspects from resisting or escaping. Two attempted to slip through the ring, but one surrendered after a single shot was fired at him, and one was captured while trying to scale a rear fence.
The suspects gave their names as: John Fisher, 38, of 41 South Thirty-third street, Camden; Nicholas Bartluci, 23, of 784 South Wick street, Philadelphia; Joseph Conti, 34 of 708 South Eighth st., Philadelphia; Catherine Christman, 28, of 2202 Perth street, Philadelphia; Mary Reginelli, 32, of Apartment 2, at 143 North Thirty-fourth street, Camden; Marco Reginelli, 24, his wife’s address.
Committed Without Bail
Six were arraigned before Judge in the city police court this morning. As they were arraigned in a joint session, a blanket charge with carrying concealed deadly weapons was lodged against them by Detective Leonard Pancoast of the vice squad. An additional complaint charging possession of narcotics placed against Conti and Catherine Christman.
All of the suspects pleaded not guilty. They were immediately committed to the county jail without bail. Prosecutor Baldwin stated he would hold them for further investigation. They will be finger-printed and “mugged” so that county authorities can obtain their police records.
Each suspect has been arrested from one to four times since 1926. Each was released or exonerated. The most recent cases were inciting a riot in 1925.
Continued on Page Two
Vice Squad and ’Arsenal’ Seized in Raids
The arsenal collected by Camden’s special vice squad in raids on three East Camden houses today is shown above. Members of the squad are shown with various exhibits, including repeating rifles, shotguns and revolvers. From left to right they are Detectives Walter Smith, Vernon Jones, Lieutenant Walter Welch, Joseph Mardini, Theodore Guthrie, James Paradise and Howard Smith. Four men and two women were arrested in the raids, and are being held on suspicion of being members of the bandit “mob” which conducted eight large holdups, netting them $25,000, and murdered an alleged Camden beer runner.
The arsenal collected by Camden’s special vice squad in raids on three East Camden houses today is shown above. Members of the squad are shown with various exhibits, including repeating rifles, shotguns and revolvers. From left to right they are Detectives Walter Smith, Vernon Jones, Lieutenant Walter Welch, Joseph Mardini, Theodore Guthrie, James Paradise and Howard Smith. Four men and two women were arrested in the raids, and are being held on suspicion of being members of the bandit “mob” which conducted eight large holdups, netting them $25,000, and murdered an alleged Camden beer runner.
Vice Squad Nabs 6 Bandit Suspects
(Continued from Page One)
suspicion of hold-up and robbery in 1927, 1928 and 1929.
Conti is a familiar figure in the Philadelphia underworld, according to police, and it is believed that he may be the same Joseph Conti who was arrested as a witness in a recent gang murder in that city.
All of the prisoners treated their arrest with levity. Conti, while being led from the courtroom after his hearing jocularly remarked to Patrolman Everett Joslin:
“Wait, and I’ll get a machine gun out of my shoe for you.”
All the men were handcuffed when arrested in police court.
Conti and the Christman woman were arrested when police broke down the door of a house at 3719 Highland avenue, Camden. Fisher and Bartluci were seized at the South Thirty-third street address, while the Reginellis were captured in their apartment.
Conti made a desperate bid for freedom when he saw the detectives, armed with shotguns, repeating rifles, revolvers and tear bombs. The suspect dashed through the rear door, but came to an abrupt standstill when a member of the vice squad, Detective James Paradise, fired one shot at him.
Bartluci also attempted to escape and was clambering over a rear fence when he fell into the arms of Detectives Walter Smith and Vernon Jones.
All were arrested “on information received,” the only explanation the police would give. It was revealed that the special vice squad, organized by police heads a few days after a Camden bank messenger was robbed of $6700 in broad daylight May 23, has had the three dwellings under surveillance for the past week.
The raiders first visited the Highland avenue place at 5:15 a. m. An automobile was in front of the house, and Conti and the Christman woman were in it, according to detectives. When the suspects saw the police, they leaped from the car and ran into the house, locking the door after them.
Batter Down Door
Under the leadership of Detective Theodore Guthrie, the vice squad members quickly surrounded the place, and Detectives Smith and Jones knocked at the front door. There was no response, and the detectives then battered the door down, rushing into the dark interior with drawn revolvers.
They found Catherine Christman, but Conti had fled out the rear. Detective Paradise’s shot changed his mind about escaping.
Then a thorough search was made of the premises for weapons or possible loot. In closets, under beds, the detectives found weapons of all description. Baseboards and the floors were hammered, and several traps were found to contain weapons when floor boards were ripped up.
The raiders took their prisoners to City Hall, and then descended upon the South Thirty-third street house, at 6:30 a. m. There they had to force open the front door when their demands for entrance met no response. They arrested Fisher, who made no attempt to resist when he saw it was futile. Bartluci, however, dashed into the rear yard, but was captured.
Here, another thorough search uncovered weapons, and when the prisoners and confiscated material had been disposed of, the raiders sped to the North Thirty-fourth street apartment, forcing the front door open at 7:30 a. m. after surrounding the place.
Those who participated in the raids were the following members of the vice squad, headed by Detective Guthrie: Paradise, Jones, Walter Smith, Clarence Bunker, Louis Schlam, Clarence Arthur, Howard Smith and Joseph Mardini. With them were Sergeant Wilfred L. Dube and Detective Andrew Zopesky, of the state police.
Seized in Raid
The following is a list of what was seized in each place:
At 3719 Highland avenue: One automatic 12-gauge shotgun, serial numbers filed off to prevent tracing to the buyer; one bolt action high-powered .38-calibre rifle; one .38-calibre short-barrelled revolver, loaded; one .38-calibre long-barrelled ravolver, loaded; one hacksaw and blade; one box of 50 12-gauge buckshot cartridges, one pair of green glasses, three dozen silver spoons, 10 rifle bullets, 33 .38-calibre bullets, two bunches of keys, one handbag and a complete opium layout, including an extra pipe and a quantity of opium.
At 41 South Thirty-third street: One .45-calibre Colt automatic, loaded; one .45-calibre side-break revolver, loaded; one extra clip of 20 bullets, one 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun, two barrels; four dozen 12-gauge shells, four dozen rifle bullets, 32 .38-calibre bullets and three .45-calibre long rifle bullets.
At 143 North Thirty-fourth street: One automatic .12-gauge shotgun, Remington, Model 11, serial number 324870; one sawed-off shotgun, serial number filed off; one .32-calibre Savage automatic, six dozen 12-gauge shells, 13 .38-calibre bullets for a Luger revolver, eight dozen .32-calibre bullets, one dozen .25-calibre bullets and a pair of amber-colored glasses.
Dickinson Confers With Lieutenants
Camden Evening Courier —
New Police Deputy Denies ‘Laying Down Law’ to Aides; Shakeup Unlikely
Major Charles V. Dickinson, newly appointed deputy director of public safety, today held a two-hour conference with heads of the city police department.
The meeting between the new police ruler and the commanders of the four districts, the traffic bureau and the…
Funeral for Stehr to Be Held Saturday
Camden Evening Courier —
City in Mourning as Rites are Planned—Burial Will Be in Harleigh
With the city in mourning today, funeral arrangements were being completed for Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr, who died yesterday in Cooper Hospital. Hundreds of friends will view the body in state tomorrow between 7 and 10 p. m. at the Schroeder Chapel, Broadway and Royden streets. Many others will attend the funeral services, which will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday at the chapel.
Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
A list of honorary pall bearers was compiled today, as well as the police escort. The police stations in the four city districts were draped in black and flags were at half-mast today, and will remain so for 30 days.
The pallbearers will be Lieutenants Ralph Bakley and George Ward; Sergeants George Nowry and Frank Truax; Policemen Thomas Cheeseman and Harry Kyler.
Honorary pallbearers are Sergeants Herbert Anderson and John Skolski; District Detective Archie Reiss, Policemen John Kowal and Clarence Phifer, and Donald Swissler, clerk of the chief’s office.
There will be a guard of honor formed by the mounted squad of the police department which will be changed every two hours while the body is viewed. Funeral arrangements are in charge of Lieut. George Ward.
The police of the city will view the remains Friday at 7.30 p. m. at the funeral parlors.
(Continued on Page Two)
Mrs. Anna Stehr had been at the bedside of her husband constantly since he was stricken Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday nurses assured her her husband’s condition was unchanged and she was making Christmas purchases at Chief Stehr’s request when he died. Condolences were being received by Mrs. Stehr from many city and county officials as well as legions of friends. Deputy Public Safety Director Charles V. Dickinson and Captain Arthur Colsey, police chief clerk, were to convey to Mrs. Stehr today the official condolence of the city.
Pallbearers Named for Stehr Funeral
Camden Evening Courier Morning Post —
Body Will Lie in State Tonight—Burial Tomorrow Afternoon
Funeral arrangements were completed yesterday for Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr, who died Wednesday in Cooper Hospital following a heart attack.
The body will lie in state tonight between 7 and 10 p. m. at the Schroeder Chapel, Broadway and Royden streets. The funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday at the chapel. Thousands of friends are expected to view the remains.
Burial will be in Harleigh cemetery.
A police escort and a list of honorary pallbearers was compiled yesterday. All police buildings in the city were draped in black and flags over municipal buildings were at half-mast and will remain so for 30 days.
The active pallbearers will be Lieuts. Ralph Bakley and George Ward; Sergts. George Nowry and Frank Truax; Policemen Thomas Cheeseman and Harry Kyler.
Honorary pallbearers are Lieut. Herbert Anderson, Sergt. John Skolski, District Detective Archie Reiss, Policemen John Kowal and Clarence Phifer and Donald Swissler, clerk of the chief’s office.
There will be a guard of honor formed by the members of the mounted squad. A fire truck will convey the flowers to the cemetery.
The police of the city will view the body at 7:30 p. m. tonight at the funeral parlors.
Members of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, of which Chief Stehr was an active member, will assemble at their headquarters at 7 p. m. and march to the funeral parlors. They will be led by John J. Breslin, president of the club.
Rev. Edward Weeks, pastor of the Union M. E. Church, Fifth and Mt. Vernon streets, will conduct the services.
30 Cops Shifted Today in Opening of New District
Camden Courier-Post —
Shake-Up in Camden Force is Most Drastic in History
Drastic shifts in the Camden police department, affecting more than 30 members of the force became effective at 8 a.m. today.
The shake-up, announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety, is the result of creation of a fourth police district.
The outstanding changes are the promotion of Sergeant of Detectives George Ward to acting lieutenant in the First district, supplanting Sergeant Samuel Nayler, who is sent to headquarters, and the return to the city detective bureau of Acting County Detective Howard Smith.
Smith was detailed to the second district today and was assigned to a robbery investigation in the thirteenth ward.
District Captaincies Abolished
With the shifts, the rank of district captain is abolished. Instead, lieutenants will be in charge of the districts. Captains will be in charge only of the traffic and detective bureaus and headquarters, Commissioner Rhone said.
The removal of Sergeant Nayler from the First District was not unexpected, since he had been “on the carpet” last October as a result of a speakeasy shooting in his district. Nayler, though holding the rank of sergeant, was acting captain of the district.
He was threatened with dismissal by Chief Stehr and Commissioner Rhone if the vice conditions in the First District were not cleaned up. The situation came to a climax with the wounding of Charles Arini in Louis Del Duca in a speakeasy at Third and Mickle streets in October. It was reported Naylor was to be removed from the district several times since.
Ward Again Promoted
Ward was promoted to sergeant of detectives two months ago. Under the transfer, he is promoted again, remaining as acting lieutenant for a year, until he takes an examination for a lieutenancy.
Other police officers now acting-lieutenants will become lieutenants after examination.
Nayler, who was in charge of the First district for several years, will serve as desk sergeant under Capt. A. Lincoln James.
The return of Smith to the city detective bureau is required by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, it is understood. Smith has been a county detective for more than eleven years. He first was transferred to the prosecutor’s office at the request of Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton. Although a Republican, he was retained there under Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott. Although some surprise was occasioned by the announcement of Smith’s return to the city force, inasmuch as the new prosecutor is a Republican, it was said that Baldwin wished to begin his term with an entire new force.
Worked For City Also
Although Smith acted for the county and was paid by the county, he received a salary of $1 a year to retain him in the city so that he could be recalled at any time.
Through the shift, Sergeant Charles Laib, serving under Traffic Inspector Charles T. Humes, is elevated to acting captain of the traffic department. In the future all motorcycle men will report direct to Humes and Laib instead of to headquarters.
Ralph Bakley, who has been acting lieutenant of the First District, has been named acting lieutenant of the Second District, and Thomas Cunningham, who was acting captain of the Second District, becomes acting lieutenant of the Third. William Horner, who has been acting captain of the Third District, is elevated to the rank of acting lieutenant and remains in charge of that.
Local Police Heads Greeted at State Prison
Camden Courier-Post —
Headed by Major Charles V. Dickinson, local police officials made a tour of inspection yesterday of the state prison at Trenton. Photo shows Colonel George L. Selby, chief deputy warden at the prison, greeting Major Dickinson and his companions at the prison gates. Left to right, those in the photo are: Patrolman John Stevenson, Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, Captain Arthur Colsey, Major Dickinson, Lieutenant George Frost, Colonel Selby, lieutenants George Ward, Ralph Bakley and Walter Welch. The police officials were the guests of Colonel Selby at luncheon before the tour.
Liquor Is Seized and Proprietors Held for Hearing
Camden Courier-Post —
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.
2 Cops Go on Trial Tuesday as Echo of Election Row
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey City Democrat Charges Bakley and Truax Violated Law
2 COURTS IN SESSION
Two Camden police officers, Lieut. Ralph W. Bakley, commander of the Second District, and Patrolman Frank Truax, are scheduled to go on trial in Criminal Court tomorrow on an indictment charging them with violation of the election laws.
The charge resulted from the arrest of Joseph Tumulty, Jersey City attorney and Democratic challenger at the Camden city polls during the gubernatorial election last November. Mayor Roy R. Stewart will be summoned as a defense witness, according to the officers’ counsel Harry T. Rowland. The latter added that Major Charles V. Dickinson, deputy superintendent of police, Captain Arthur Colsey, business men, several bankers and a score of other character witnesses will be called to the stand.
Two Courts in Session
The case is one of the larger number listed for trial, pleas or sentences this week by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin in an attempt to clear up the Criminal Court calendar to permit adjournment in July. Two criminal courts will be in session today, tomorrow and Wednesday. Judge Samuel M. Shay will preside in the first court today, and Judge George Austin H. Swackhamer will hold court on the second floor.
One of the two who will enter pleas is Mrs. Mable J. Steyer, of 4603 Conshohocken avenue, Philadelphia, who is charged with responsibility for manslaughter by automobile. She is charged with the death of William Sharkey, on Berlin-Cross Keys Horse pike last February. Six times Prosecutor Baldwin has endeavored to have her appear, and she has refused to appear. She visited in the prosecutor’s office several days ago and was turned over to the sheriff. She had previously forfeited the same amount of bail. She is charged with driving her automobile on the wrong side of the pike and crashing into the car operated by Sharkey.
Another defendant who is scheduled to appear to plead is Harry Willingmyer, charged with assault and battery.
Tomorrow, Arthur “Gyp” Del Ducca, convicted disorderly house keeper, will be sentenced by Judge Swackhamer. Del Ducca was convicted in the criminal court last Wednesday of operating a resort at 764 Fairview street. Charles Fanelli, of 319 Penn street, who was convicted of holding up John Weeks, of Eighth and Tabor road, Philadelphia, on November 13, last, and robbing him of $50, will also be sentenced on Tuesday.
Walter Kennedy, former Camden boxer who fought under the ring name of Walter West, is also scheduled to go on trial tomorrow on a charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Kennedy, who is a shell-shocked World War veteran and former Camden soft drink parlor proprietor, is charged with attempting to hold up a Public Service bus on State street, four months ago.
Cop Shakeup Today; Ax for 4th District
Camden Courier-Post —
Humes Due to Be Personnel Inspector, Replaced by Ward or Anderson
A resolution abolishing the fourth police district will be adopted by the City Commission Thursday at its semi-monthly meeting.
A general shakeup in the police department is scheduled for announcement immediately after the meeting by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety.
Chief among the scheduled changes is appointment of Inspector Charles T. Humes, now stationed at police headquarters, to inspector in charge of personnel of the entire department.
Humes would be succeeded at police headquarters by either Lieut. Herbert Anderson or Lieut. George Ward.
Anderson commands the fourth district, which will merge with the second police district under command of Lieut. Ralph Bakley.
Ward heads the first district police. In the event he replaces Humes, he will be succeeded by Anderson.
A number of sergeants also will be shuffled. Sergt. Edward Hahn, now stationed in the third district, and Sergt. John Garrity, of the fourth, will be transferred to the traffic squad. Two acting sergeants now in the traffic bureau, George Jefferis and James Wilson, will be patrolmen.
Sergt. Edward Carroll, of the fourth, will go to the third district to replace Hahn. The other sergeant from the fourth district, John Skolski, will become a desk sergeant at headquarters.
Skolski will replace Sergt. Stiles Whitaker, now a headquarters desk sergeant. Whitaker will return to his former post, duty at the city banks.
3 Held in Raids
Camden Courier-Post —
Arraigned on charges of assault and battery following a police raid on an alleged disorderly house, one man was held under $500 bail for the grand jury and two other persons were held under $1000 each as material witnesses in police court yesterday.
The man charged with assault is Louis Bader, 19, of 538 Kaighn avenue. He is charged with attacking Samuel Arnow, of 534 Kaighn avenue, following a raid in which Arnow was held for violation of city ordinance No. 422, charging him with allowing disorderly persons to congregate at his store.
Herman Weintraub and his wife, Anna, of 546 Kaighn avenue, were held under $1000 bail each as material witnesses after Arnow charged Bader “tipped” the police to Arnow’s place.
Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the Second district, who led the raid, testified that he had not received a “tip” on the place and raided the store because of observations of law violations. Arnold was fined $100 on the charge.
$650 Fines Levied as Echo of Raids
Camden Courier-Post —
One Man With “Faulty Memory” is Given 60-Day Sentence
Fines totalling $650 were levied against alleged proprietors of disorderly houses arraigned before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday.
Nine inmates of an East Camden house were given suspended sentences, while one who claimed that in numerous visits to the place he failed to see any intoxicating liquors, was given a 60-day sentence “for a faulty memory.”
George Thomas, 44, colored, of 134 Clinton street, forfeited $300 security when he failed to appear in court. He was arrested by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley and a group of raiders early yesterday when they discovered five gallons of whisky and 100 bottles of home brew in the place. A warrant was issued for Thomas’ arrest.
Bakley and Truax Freed by Court in Election Row Case
Camden Courier-Post —
BAKLEY AND TRUAX FREED BY COURT IN ELECTION ROW CASE
Indictments on Charges by Jersey City Democrats, Quashed at Trial
POLICEMEN EXONERATED
Indictments against Police Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley and Sergeant Frank Truax, growing out of election disorders last November, were quashed before a crowded Criminal Court yesterday when prosecution was dropped.
Approximately 75 policemen, from Deputy Director Charles V. Dickinson down, business men and others were waiting to testify for the accused officers when the three Democratic attorneys from Hudson county who had preferred the charges asked that the case be dropped.
The latter are Joseph Tumulty, of Jersey City, nephew of the private secretary to President Wilson; his brother, John Tumulty, also of Jersey City, and Charles Rubenstein, of Bayonne. Their charges of assault and battery and false arrest had brought three indictments of four counts each, against the defendants.
T. Harry Rowland, attorney for the policemen, at first objected strenuously to disposing of the case without a jury verdict, but consented to quashing the indictments after a conference with his clients. Judge Austin H. Swackhamer, who came from Gloucester county to assist Judge Samuel M. Shay, then ordered the case dismissed, saving what might have been a lengthy and expensive trial.
Political Sores Healed
The sudden denouement of a case which had attracted statewide attention, indicated that bitter feelings, engendered during the election campaign which sent A. Harry Moore back to the governor’s chair over David Baird, of Camden, had been forgotten.
The Tumultys and Rubenstein were among a score or more of attorneys sent here by the Hudson county Democratic organization on election day last November to aid Camden county Democrats at the polls. The three attorneys were on duty at the Third precinct of the Fifth ward, a difference arose over a point of law and the policemen were called in. The North Jersey men said they were roughly handled and then arrested, later obtaining their release.
When the case was called in court yesterday, the three lawyers conferred with Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin for 15 minutes. Baldwin then told the judge the plaintiffs wanted to drop prosecution, since they had no personal grievance against the policemen and felt the officers only were following the orders of superiors.
“I would like to have a jury in the box to hear this, and bring in a verdict of not guilty,” Rowland objected. “We have prepared this case at a great disadvantage, scouring the highways and byways for witnesses, and if these plaintiffs have suffered a change of heart, that does not compensate these policemen for the ridicule and criticism they have suffered on account of these indictments. If they want to drop the case, let it be done before a jury and a verdict of not guilty be returned.”
Judge Questions Request
Judge Swackhamer said, “You don’t expect me to order that, do you?”
“I do not feel I can agree to that, either,” said Baldwin.
“But I want a jury verdict so that these charges cannot be resurrected at some time in the future,” Rowland persisted.
“I cannot guarantee immunity from indictments,” retorted the prosecutor. “These lawyers have assumed a fair attitude. They came here prepared to go ahead and we are ready to do so. But they realize the policemen are merely wage earners, and they bear no malice.”
Rowland conferred with his clients during a five-minute recess while the witnesses were ordered outside. On their return, Rowland addressed the Court.
“I must confess the wisdom of my clients is greater than my own,” he said. “They feel, as I do, it would take a week to try this case and put the county to great expense. I’ve known these men all my life. As a kid I worked in a foundry and Bakley was my foreman. But they are willing to take the criticism as good police officers and co-operate with the prosecutor. We feel we’ve had our day in court, and have no further objection to quashing of the indictments.”
Two Places Raided by Camden Cops on Gambling Charges
Camden Courier-Post —
One Said to Be Dealing in ‘Numbers,’ Other One in Racing Bets
NINE MEN ARRESTED
Two alleged gambling establishments, one dealing in “numbers” and the other in horse racing, feel [sic] prey to police raids yesterday. Nine men were arrested.
A store front dwelling at 338 Kaighn avenue, alleged by police to be the collection agency for a Philadelphia “number bank,” was visited by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley and Detective Thomas Cheeseman. Two men were taken into custody. Blank “number slips” sufficient to take in several thousand dollars were seized, police said.
An earlier raid by Lieutenant George Ward and patrolmen of the First district was made at 112 North Second street where seven men were arrested and betting sheets confiscated.
Joseph Connors, 32, of 869 North Twenty-first street, Philadelphia, alleged proprietor of the Kaighn avenue place, was released in $100 cash bail, and Max Aronson, 45, of 425 Stevens street, was freed in $30 cash security. They will be arraigned in police court this morning. Aronson, police said, was arrested several weeks ago in a “number raid” on an office in the Finance building, Sixth and Cooper streets.
Tony Miller, 34, charged with being proprietor of the horse race gambling establishment, was released in $100 bail for a hearing today.
The others, charged with being material witnesses, were held in $10 security each. They gave their names as Thomas Telto, 42, of 1424 Federal street; Thomas Maner, 40, of 414 North Fourth street; Thomas Wright, 30, of 345 Penn street; William Brown, 39, of 115 North Third street; Clinton Krane, 43, of 145 State street and Leonard Winner, 35, of 1021 Grant avenue, Collingswood.
Youths Dazed by Rum; Police Probe Ordered
Camden Courier-Post —
Two youths who were found in a semi-comatose condition at the request of drinking liquor, were held in $300 bail each yesterday by Judge Garfield Pancoast pending a police investigation.
They are George Burrell, 20, of 1208 Thurman street, and Dominick Ravieli, 17, of 325 Division street. They were arrested at Fourth and Chestnut streets by Police Lieut. Bakley. Bakley testified they were in such a stupor that it was necessary to take them to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital where their stomachs were pumped.
The youths first declared they found the liquor, but after questioning by Judge Pancoast, admitted buying it in a South Camden speakeasy. They were held in bail for a further hearing next week. Pan-coast ordered the police to learn where the youths obtained the liquor.
2 Gambling Raids Enrich City by $210
Camden Courier-Post —
One man was fined $50 and eight forfeited $160 securities when they failed to appear in Camden police court yesterday after raids on two alleged gambling establishments.
The only man who appeared for a hearing before Judge Pancoast was Tony Miller, 34, charged with being the proprietor of horse race betting establishment at 112 North Second street. Six men arrested as material witnesses forfeited $10 each.
Securities of $50 each were forfeited by Joseph Connors, 32, of 869 North Twenty-first street, Philadelphia, and Max Aronson, 45, of 425 Stevens street, arrested in a raid at 338 Kaighn avenue. Lieut Ralph Bakley said the place was a numbers writing headquarters.
Those who forfeited securities in the Second street raid gave their names as Thomas Telto, 42, of 1424 Federal street; Thomas Maner, 40, of 414 North Fourth street; Thomas Wright, 30, of 345 Penn street; William Brown, 39, of 115 North Third street; Clinton Krane, 43, of 145 State street, and Leonard Winner, 35, of 1021 Grant avenue, Collingswood.
Junk Shop Yields Rum So Owner Pays $50
Camden Courier-Post —
Arrested after the police raided his junk shop at 513 Liberty street, Nathan Katz, 35, was fined $50 by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.
Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, commander of the Second District, testified that he found two pints of liquor in the office of the junk shop when he entered the place on a search warrant.
Katz pleaded guilty to violating city ordinance 422.
Arrest in Court Ends 2-Year Hunt
Camden Courier-Post —
Visitor at Hearings Before, Pancoast Jailed for Failure to Pay Fine
The urge which prompted Albert Barlow, 37, of 755 Spruce Street, to visit police court yesterday as a spectator landed him in the county jail as a prisoner.
Sought for more than two years on charges of failing to pay installments of a $200 fine imposed when he was found guilty of a liquor law violation, Barlow a former city employee, was arrested by Clifford Schemely, county probation officer.
Schemely was notified that Barlow was in court by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the second district, who saw him sitting in a front row of the court-room just before the hearings started.
Bakley knew there was a warrant out for Barlow but he was not in possession of it at the time so the police official telephoned Schemeley from Police Judge Garfield Pancoast’s office.
The probation officer hurried to the courtroom armed with a copy of the warrant, served it on him and led him from the courtroom just as Judge Pancoast entered the room to open the hearings.
Schemeley said that Barlow was arrested in February, 1931, and was fined $200 by Common Pleas Judge Samuel M. Shay. He was ordered to pay the fine in installments, Schemeley said, but he disappeared on March 23 of the same year.
Barlow was placed in a cell at the county jail and will be arraigned before Judge Shay next week.
Two Storekeepers Are Penalized for Illegal Beer Sales
Camden Courier-Post —
One Goes to Jail in Default of Paying $50 Fine — 60 DAYS FOR TIPSY MAN
Two excuses offered by two men for the presence of beer in their stores failed to impress Police Judge Pancoast yesterday. One storekeeper went to jail for 30 days in default of a $50 fine and the other storekeeper was fined $200.
Charles Yatzus, 43, of 1036 Central Avenue, went to jail because he was unable to explain how he was able to purchase beer and whiskey when he was on the verge of becoming a charge of the city emergency relief administration.
After Lieutenant Ralph Bakley had testified beer and whisky were found in his store, Yatzus said he was expecting friends from Wilmington and had purchased the liquor for use while they were at his house. Then he said he didn’t have any money and was running a small store to keep from becoming an emergency relief charge.
Angelo Teto, 42, of 1024 South Third Street, insisted Earl Foy, 1016 South Sixth Street, came into his store to buy a bottle of root beer and not 3.2 beer. Foy, who said he was directed by Lieutenant Bakley to make a “buy” of beer at Teto’s store, testified Teto told his 11 year-old daughter to get a bottle of beer from the ice box. Before the deal could be completed, Foy said, Detective Vernon Jones entered the store.
Foy said Teto ordered his daughter to return the beer to the icebox, saying he recognized Jones. The beer, Teto said, was purchased for his own use. Teto insisted that Foy had asked for root beer and was to be served root beer. Judge Pancoast said he did not believe Teto’s excuse and fined him $200.
Because he refused to follow the friendly advice of a policeman and “go home to sober up,” Louis Schechtman, 48, of 2374 Broadway, is in the county jail today, beginning a 60-day sentence, in addition to paying a $25 fine.
He faces another hearing tomorrow on charges of selling beer illegally.
Schechtman, according to Motorcycle Policeman George Jefferis, was creating a disturbance at Broadway and Fairview Street yesterday. He became abusive when told to “go home and sober up,” Jefferis said, so he went to jail. Judge Pancoast sentenced him to 60 days on the charge of being intoxicated.
Robert Powell, 430 Stevens Street, a taxicab driver, filed a charge of disorderly conduct against Schechtman, alleging Schechtman refused to pay a taxicab bill of $12.35. The disorderly charge brought a fine of $25.
Lieutenant Ralph Bakley alleged Schechtman had been violating the temporary beer law of New Jersey by selling beer without a license. Judge Pancoast said Schechtman will be taken into court tomorrow morning for a hearing on the beer charge.
Policeman Suspended on Drunken Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden policeman was suspended indefinitely and relieved of his badge yesterday on a charge of drunkenness on duty.
The patrolman is Alfred Trusty, colored, of 1858 South Ninth Street. He is attached to the Second police district.
Chief of Police john w. golden ordered the suspension after he had received telephone calls informing him there was “a drunken policeman raising cain downtown.”
Golden ordered Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, commander of the district, to investigate. Trusty was brought into the station house by Sergeant Mattison. He has been ordered to appear before Golden today.
Camden Evening Courier — September 3, 1934
Police Chief Arthur Colsey examining a bullet hole in the wall of the living room of 243 Sycamore Street. ABOVE LEFT: Police Chief Arthur Colsey and detectives leaving the house at 242 Sycamore Street, where Detective William T. Feitz was slain. INSET: Detective William T. Feitz
Camden Evening Courier — September 10, 1934
Left to right: Lt. Herbert Anderson, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey, Lt. Ralph Bakley, E. Howard Broome, secretary to Mayor Roy R. Stewart, Lt. George A. Ward
Named: Arthur Colsey, Ralph Bakley, William T. Feitz, Frank T. Lloyd, Samuel P. Orlando, George Ward, Michael Tenerelli aka Mickey Blair, John Garrity, Walter S. Mattison, George Weber, Joseph Leonhardt, Leon Branch, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, and Vernon Jones.
Camden Evening Courier — September 11, 1934
Named: Arthur Colsey, Ralph Bakley, William T. Feitz, Frank T. Lloyd, Samuel P. Orlando, Emma Heisler, George Ward, Michael Tenerelli aka Mickey Blair, Edward V. Martino, John Garrity, J. Harry Switzer, Walter S. Mattison, Edward Leonard, Richard Cornog, George Weber, Joseph Leonhardt, Leon Branch, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston, Vernon Jones, John Potter, Walter Welch, and Herbert Anderson.
Walter Smith Gets Pension From City
Camden Courier-Post —
Detective to Be Retired as of Feb. 15 After 18 Years’ Service
Walter Smith, for 18 years city and district detective, has been placed on the pension list.
Smith applied for a pension to take effect April 1 but the Police and Fire Pension Commission voted to place him on the retired list as of February 15. Attending the hearing on the application were Mayor Roy R. Stewart, Fireman Newton Ash and Policeman George Clayton. Commissioner Harold W. Bennett and John J. Robinson, other members of the commission, were absent.
The widow of former Police Chief Elisha A. Gravenor applied for a pension. He died recently in Maryland. She will receive $1000 yearly.
The chief had received $1700 on the retired list.
Smith was appointed to the force by Mayor Charles H. Ellis on April 30, 1914, and three years later was made a plainclothesman.
He was paired with the late David Kates, Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, and Detectives John Trout, Louis Schlam and Joseph Carpani.
Police Force Politics Banned Commissioner Kobus Declares
Camden Courier-Post —
Calls for 100% Efficiency and Promises Square Deal for All in Talk to Commanders; Stresses Fact Colsey is Chief
“I want 100% efficient police department and not a political machine.”
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, new director of public safety, made that declaration yesterday afternoon at a joint police-press conference in her office at city hall before she was served with a writ restraining her from taking that office.
Commissioner Kobus was the kindly mother talking to her “boys” for the most of the conference—but at times she became the stern parent—with the birchrod in the cupboard—as she instructed the police heads to “divorce themselves from politics.”
“For many years I have nursed in my heart a desire to see Camden with a 100% efficient police department,” the commissioner said. “Now that time is at hand.”
“I have known all of you men for many years,” she told the assembled commanders, “and I don’t care what your respective political affiliations might be. You have a right to you opinions, but I want the police department to divorce itself from politics.
“You must know what is going on in your city and you must let me know. I must have 100 percent cooperation if I am to succeed in this new undertaking.
“If you have any complaints, don’t go around and growl, undermining the department. Lay your cards on the table, I guarantee you a fair deal.
“Chief Colsey is head of the police department and not in name only. You others in the rank you occupy are also commanders in fact and not in name. It is up to you.”
The commissioner urged a closer co-operation between police and the press and concluded by saying she wanted her “family” to be honest-to-goodness policemen “because there is no room in the department for those who are not.”
Attending the conference was Chief Arthur Colsey, Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, chief clerk of the bureau; Lieutenants George Frost, Ralph Bakley, Walter Welch, Samuel E. Johnson and George Ward.
Wife Dies as Friends Honor McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Kobus was there and she had as a guest State Senator Arthur F. Foran, Republican, of Hunterdon county. Also Mayor George E. Brunner, of Camden, Democratic state committeeman; James V. Moran, Camden merchant and president of the New Jersey Sales Tax Repeal Association; Police Judge Gene R. Mariano, of Camden; Police Chief Arthur Colsey; Police Lieut. Ralph Bakley; Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino; City Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, and Horace R. Dixon, president of the Good Government League of Camden.
Two floors and a basement, with dancing on each, were required to accommodate the throng.
Commissioner Kobus and Senator Foran were called on for short addresses, but each carefully avoided reference to the death of Mrs. McTaggart. The absence of McTaggart was generally noted but the word passed around he would be along “later,” being detained on “special duty.”
Ill Since Feb. 20
On previous similar occasions, one of them attended by Governor Harold G. Hoffman, Mrs. McTaggart was equally with her husband a guest of honor. McTaggart, widely known for his interest in civic affairs and charitable deeds in the Sixth Ward, is an honorary bodyguard to Governor Hoffman at Sea Girt on each Governor’s Day for Camden county.
Mrs. McTaggart was admitted to the hospital from her home, 1293 Sayres avenue, February 20, for an operation.
Members of the committee for last night’s party were Edward Carroll, chairman; William D. Sayrs, assistant city clerk, John McGarrity and Kathryn Cunningham.
Kobus Warns Cops to Keep City Clean
Camden Courier-Post —
Expresses Belief Camden is ‘Remarkably Free of Vice and Gambling’
Expressing the belief that Camden is “remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements,” City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, yesterday said she wants the police to keep it that way.
Failure to comply with her order, she told a dozen police officials in an hour-long conference in her office, will result in “serious consequences.”
The session was held behind closed doors, but Commissioner Kobus later said she “laid down the law to those in charge of enforcing it.”
Police Chief Arthur Colsey headed the group, the others being Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, director of police personnel; Acting Lieutenant Herbert Botts, Acting Lieutenant of Detectives Louis Shaw, Acting Lieutenant John Skolsky, Lieutenant George Frost, Lieutenant Walter Welch and Sergeants Frank Evans, Nate Pettit, August Koerner, Edward Hahn and Harry Newton.
“I told them,” the latter said, “that I believed they and their men had done a good job in cleaning up conditions in Camden six months ago and I want it kept that way.
“I think Camden is remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements and I want it kept that way.
“Law enforcement is a 24-hour job. It’s a job requiring everlasting vigilance—those in charge of enforcement have got to be on their toes all the time.
“I think our police department is doing a good job, but just the same, I don’t want any letdowns and I told Chief Colsey and his subordinates that I don’t. We have rid the city of a lot of unpleasant elements and we are going to keep rid of them.
“I also told Chief Colsey and his staff that I want all members of the department to co-operate fully with other law enforcement agencies of the county. I particularly desire that reports on cases submitted to the grand jury be as complete and detailed as possible.”
Clayton New Chief of Police Society
Camden Courier-Post —
Elected President of Camden Beneficial Association; Other Officers Picked
Captain George “Babe” Clayton, chief clerk of the police department, was elected unanimously yesterday as president of Camden Police Beneficial Association, succeeding the late Edward Middleton.
Detective William Dolan and Traffic Patrolman John B. Stanton were re-elected vice president and recording secretary, respectively. Neither was opposed.
Two offices were contested on friendly terms. Archie Reiss, principal clerk in the detective bureau, was elected financial secretary over Lieut. George Frost, the vote being 34 to 28. Sergt. Edward Carroll defeated Sergt. Walter Mattison for treasurer 38 to 23.
Sergt. Albert “Dick” Cornog was elected without opposition as sergeant-at-arms.
Trustees elected are Acting Police Chief Ralph Bakley, Acting Lieut. John Garrity, Detective Joseph Mardino, Acting Lieut. Herbert Bott and Patrolman Edward Leonard.
In Front of Convention Hall — About 1940
Late 1930s photo of Camden Police Department vehicles lined up on Argonne Street in front of Convention Hall. Photo courtesy of the Lillian Colsey Slomick family.
Late 1930s photo of Camden Police Department vehicles lined up on Argonne Street in front of Convention Hall, along with police and officials from Camden’s city government. Photo courtesy of the Lillian Colsey Slomick family.
My Best Guess — From Left: Unknown Sergeant, Walter Welch, Henry Magin, Ralph Bakley, Chief Arthur Colsey, Mayor George Brunner, Mary W. Kobus, David Rhone, Unknown civilian
Fred Klosterman Hit by Pump Gun Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
Fred Klosterman — Acting Chief Ralph Bakley
Bakley—a Real CHIEF—Wins Praise for Cool Job at Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
Acting Police Head Still Directing Safety Work at Scene
ALL HIS ORDERS WIN ATTENTION
By CHARLES L. HUMES
Officially he is the “Acting Chief” of the Camden Police Department. But his men call him “Chief.” And they’re mighty proud to give him the title so far officially denied him.
He is Ralph Bakley, the man who stands up in every emergency faced by the city’s law enforcing authorities.
More than 200 of Philadelphia’s finest will attest to his ability today—from Director of Public Safety James “Shooey” Malone down to the traffic cops from across the river who stood on Camden street corners for the first time during Tuesday’s fire disaster.
Bakley today, more than ever, before stands on his record.
Directs All Safety Work
For it was this veteran policeman of the Camden department who directed the police personnels of two cities and the activities of hundreds of volunteer policemen and constables in Camden’s greatest crisis.
It has been a veritable rule in the Camden Police Department in the past decade, that whenever serious trouble arises to “call on Bakley.”
Through strikes and storms, holiday traffic problems and celebrations, Bakley has stood out as one of the finest police officials in the history of the city.
And Tuesday they “called on Bakley” again.
The holocaust; the entire central section threatened; thousands of lives endangered, and a traffic problem that was probably the worst in the history of the entire State.
Calls Out Every Man
And Bakley stood up. He was at the scene within a few minutes of the first alarm. Sensing its proportions, he immediately ordered every man in the department to report for duty.
Bakley went to the fire—and is still there 24 hours later.
With the flames only a few yards away, Bakley established his “headquarters” on the pavement in front of 826 Market street. The heat was terrific and during the first hour, he was overcome and nearly collapsed.
Dr. Garnett Summerill, police and fire surgeon, revived him and advised him to stay at one spot instead of circulating around the fire zone.
Dr. Summerill ordered a bucket of ice and bathed Bakley continuously throughout the early hours of the fire as the chief directed his men.
He used all the knowledge and ability that are his from long years of police work. As men reported for duty, he had a place for them. Never did he duplicate an order.
Dispatches 20 Volunteers
Shortly after the fire had spread to the Cooper street homes, Bakley was approached by Boatswain’s Mate John O’Brien, of the Naval Militia.
“I have 20 men; we are at your disposal,” O’Brien reported.
They were immediately dispatched to aid in guarding the furniture of the evicted families.
Squads of Philadelphia police arrived. They all reported to Bakley for assignment. Quickly he relieved the Camden men from traffic duties and assigned them to the fire area. Philadelphia traffic policemen were sent to every intersection within 10 squares of the fire.
The National Guard reported. It was Bakley who gave them their assignments. He kept himself promptly apprised of the turn of events. Sergeants and lieutenants reported to him constantly throughout the day and night. He relieved tired and foot-weary patrolmen for brief rest periods.
Wins Malone’s Praise
But Bakley stayed on the job. Grand juries often condemn police officials. The present grand jury has questioned Bakley in its investigation of conditions in Camden.
Members of that jury were present at the fire Tuesday. They saw Bakley in action—doing the greatest job any police official of this city has been called upon to do.
It was a tribute to the veteran “cop” who many years ago was regarded as competent, efficient and astute.
And “Shooey” Malone, one of the nations outstanding police officials, made this remark:
“You’ve got a great police chief here. He performed a swell job today.”
For “Shooey” came over with his men—and willingly took orders from Bakley.
Trenton Times — August 9, 1940
Camden Jury Asks Police Shake-up; Mrs. Kobus Ouster Urged As Head of Public Safety Dept.
In a sweeping report charging “mismanagement and inefficiency,” a Camden County Grand Jury recommended the resignation of City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus and proposed a drastic shake up in the city’s police department. Key recommendations included that Lieutenant George Frost be named chief of police to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Arthur Colsey; that Lieutenants Ralph Bakley, Walter Welch and George A. Ward be assigned to duty in charge of the first, second and third police districts respectively; and that all acting lieutenants and acting sergeants revert to their regular rank and pay. Read the full six-page Trenton Times article (PDF)
1000 Attend ‘Night in Ireland’ To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
Acting Chief Bakley and Ex-Governor Hoffman Among Guests; Carroll and Garrity Head Committee; Officer Served 21 Years
More than 1000 persons last night celebrated a “Night in Ireland” party in honor of John McTaggart, popular Camden policeman who has been assigned to a beat on Broadway for many years. The affair was held in Labor Temple, Broadway and Royden street.
Among the guests of honor were former Governor Harold G. Hoffman and Acting Chief of Police Ralph Bakley.
Annual parties in honor of McTaggart have been conducted for the past 10 years and on two occasions the affair grew so large it was sponsored by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association and staged in Convention Hall. A committee of policemen headed by Sergts. Edward Carroll and John Garrity had charge of the party this year.
McTaggart has served in the Department of Public Safety for 31 years. The first 11 years he was in the fire department. His 21 years as a patrolman have been spent almost entirely on a beat on South Broadway.
Camden Courier-Post — March 7, 1942
Ralph Bakley — Daniel Smith
Served 27 Years, Rising to Acting Chief; Fire Captain Retires
Police Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, 61, yesterday was granted a pension by the Camden Police and Fire Pension Board, meeting in the office of Mayor Brunner.
He was pensioned at his own request, after nearly 27 years’ service in the police department, where he rose from patrolman to acting chief for several years.
The pension board also granted a similar request made by Captain Daniel Smith, 69, who has been a member of the fire department for 42 years. He has been senior captain of the fire station at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets.
Bakley’s pension will become effective April 15, but he will leave the department at once on vacation due him for the last two years.
Smith’s Retroactive
Smith’s pension will be retroactive to March 1, when he made the request.
Bakley resides at 934 North Thirty-third street. He had been a member of the police department for 26 years, 10 and one-half months, having been appointed in 1915 by the late Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Bakley begin as acting chief two years ago after the death of Chief Arthur Colsey, then the New Jersey Civil Service Commission called for an examination for the post. He placed third in the examination, which was headed by Police Chief George Frost.
For two years, Commissioner Mary W. Kobus refused to name a police chief, but suddenly changed her mind a week ago and named Frost a few minutes after she had been informed she was to be relieved of the directorship of the public safety department.
Frost Named by Rhone
The new public safety head, Dr. David S. Rhone, named Frost chief of the department last Friday.
Bakley has stated to friends on several occasions during the last two years that he would like to retire, but he had always been prevailed upon to remain in the department.
Smith resides at 224 South Twenty-seventh street. He was named a fireman in 1900 and distinguished himself in the line of duty on several occasions to win several promotions.
World War II Draft Card
Ralph A. Bakley — World War II Draft Registration Card
Ralph Bakley Dies; Ex-Police Official
Camden Courier-Post —
Veteran of 27½ Years on Camden Force Ill Several Months at Shore
Somers Point, Dec. 4.—Ralph A. Bakley, 64, former acting police chief and police lieutenant at Camden, died yesterday at the Shore Memorial hospital, Somers Point, after an illness of several months with a heart ailment.
Mr. Bakley retired three years ago from the Camden police force after serving 27½ years. He was born in Camden and since his retirement had been living at 501 Connecticut avenue.
Mr. Bakley was appointed a patrolman on June 1, 1915, by the late Mayor Ellis. He served as a patrolman until Aug. 22, 1922, when the then mayor, Frank S. Van Hart, appointed him a sergeant, the only promotion made while Van Hart was mayor.
Promoted by Dr. Rhone
Commissioner Rhone appointed Mr. Bakley a lieutenant on Jan. 24, 1930, when he was serving a previous term as director of public safety. On July 1, 1939, former Commissioner Mrs. Kobus named Mr. Bakley an acting captain and inspector of personnel. Seven weeks later he was named acting chief.
A few months later, the State Civil Service Commission called for an examination for the chief’s position, and Mr. Bakley placed third with the present chief, George Frost, first. Mr. Bakley served for another year until Frost was appointed by Dr. Rhone in March, 1942.
A few days later, Mr. Bakley retired and was granted a pension by the Camden Police and Fire Pension Board. During his service he was commander of all three of the city police districts and police headquarters. He formerly lived at 401 North Thirty-first street.
Survived by Widow
Mr. Bakley is survived by his widow, Mrs. Josie Bakley; two daughters, Mrs. Clara Holder, and Mrs. Sarah MaCulley, of Collingswood; four stepchildren, William, of Camden, and Ellis Ratcliffe, with the Army in Germany; Mrs. Clara Paterson, of Brooklawn, and Mrs. Evelyn Hahn, of Merchantville, and two brothers, Lewis Bakley and David Bakley, of Camden.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in a funeral home at 804-06 North Twenty-seventh street, Camden.