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 Stackhouse 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, 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 $200 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 2318 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 5[?]0 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
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 swore in the officers late yesterday, stated this morning that he has not yet determined where he will station them. That will be done within a few days, the commissioner averred.
Two more lieutenants remain to be appointed apropos of a recent city ordinance which stipulated that the new stations will not be designated until all seven lieutenants are 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, 956 Pine street; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Benson street; Acting Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley, 602 Clinton street; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street, who has been acting captain, and Acting Lieutenant George Ward, 1437 Kaighn avenue.
Patrolman Clarence Thorn was also sworn in as sergeant of the mounted squad of the department. He succeeds Welch.
The lieutenancies pay an annual salary of $2500, and one year from this date, each of the lieutenants will be eligible to take Civil Service examination for elevation to a captaincy, which carries a yearly stipend of $3200.
The five who were made lieutenants were among ten members of the department who recently took the Civil Service examinations for lieutenancy. Welsh [sic] and Laib were among the three having the highest ranking in the tests, being second and third respectively. Under Civil Service rules, the director had to select at least one of the three first in ranking in the examination, but he could select any other six.
The ten who took the examination and their grades as unofficially announced in Trenton follow:
Sergeant John T. Potter, 298 Burwood avenue, 89.64; Sergeant Walter T. Welch, 518 Benson street, 87.75; Sergeant Charles Laib, 76 South Twenty-fourth street; Acting Lieutenant Bakley, 602 Clinton street, 87.11; Sergeant George W. Frost, 956 Pine street, 86.31; Acting Lieutenant Ward, 1437 Kaighn avenue, 85.83; Sergeant Herbert Anderson, 496 Newton avenue, 84.79; Sergeant Samuel E. Johnson, 526 North Front street, 84.71; Sergeant Harry G. Newton, 118 North Twenty-fifth street, 83.18, and Acting Lieutenant Cunningham, 1114 Kaighn avenue, 81.78.
Promoted for Merit on Force
Camden Courier-Post —
[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
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 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 T. Potter, Herbert Anderson and Harry I. Newton, did not receive lieutenancies, although Potter had the highest percentage in the tests.
City Policeman Drowns in Lake at Blackwood
Camden Courier-Post —
Body of Joseph S. [sic] Ward Found Near Upset Canoe
OFFICIALS START PROBE IN DEATH MYSTERY
Tragedy Comes as Climax to Outing by Social Club
JOSEPH G. WARD
An intensive investigation into the mysterious drowning of Joseph G. Ward, a Camden motorcycle policeman, was opened today by Police Chief William Ritter, of Gloucester township, following the recovery of Ward’s body in Blackwood lake.
Ward drowned when a canoe he occupied overturned. He was 34, attached to the Second Police District, and lived at 1572 Louis street. The body was found by searchers led by Chief Ritter and Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the Camden police, after an all-night search.
Ward’s father, Joseph Ward, Sr., who has been seriously ill, collapsed when informed of his son’s death. He operates a cafe on Mt. Ephraim avenue near Decatur street. The drowning victim’s mother also is reported to be ill. The tragedy has aggravated her condition.
The drowning is a tragic aftermath of an outing yesterday of the Moonlight Social Club, which rented a clubhouse at Blackwood two months ago. With Ward on the outing were Clifford Del Rossi, a driver of the Second District police patrol; Theodore “Dorie” Guthrie, Second District detective, and other members of the Camden police department whose names have not been learned.
Chief Ritter reported today having only meager clues as to the circumstances of the drowning. Ward is believed to have been in the canoe alone. Coroner Melvin Cain is expected to conduct an autopsy today or tomorrow.
Chief Ritter said there is no suspicion of foul play, as Ward’s body was unmarked. It was recovered at [?]:30 a. m. by William [sic] McGrath, a city detective, who had been diving for it with George Hess, near the clubhouse of the Moonlight Social Club.
The overturned canoe was found last night in the lake by girls who also have a clubhouse at Blackwood. Police Chief Ritter, with Peter English and Walter Wilkie, all of Blackwood, began grappling immediately for the body.
Ward is believed by Chief Ritter to have drowned when the canoe upset. Whether he had a companion or companions in the boat is not known, but Ritter reported today that he found four hats in the rear of Ward’s automobile parked near the lake.
Auto Window Broken
In addition to finding the four hats, Ritter also discovered that the left rear window had been broken. How the glass was smashed, Ritter would not venture to say, pending completion of his investigation.
The upset canoe was found opposite the summer home of Sheriff E. Frank Pine which borders the lake on the Camden county side. North of Pine’s place is the social club’s headquarters. The girls’ club is on the Gloucester county side.
Ward was a brother of Urquhart Ward, superintendent of Camden sewage disposal plants and Thirteenth Ward Republican county committeeman, and Robert Ward, a Third District detective. He was appointed to the force in 1925. He was married but had been separated from his wife.
Ward, it was learned today, left Camden yesterday at 4:30 p. m. with Del Rossi and Guthrie. They were expected back at midnight.
Ward had stopped for Del Rossi at the latter’s home, 417 Winslow street, and the two then went to Guthrie’s home on Ferry avenue near Eighth street.
Reaching Blackwood, Ward parked his car near the lake and after exchanging greetings with members of the social club, informed Del Rossi that he was going out into the lake in a canoe.
Del Rossi said today that he did not go into the canoe with Ward, having informed him that he wanted to get some sleep. Del Rossi said he waited a half hour for Ward to return from canoeing, but Ward failed to appear and Del Rossi reported for work at midnight, when he learned his companion on the trip was missing.
Exonerated In Scandal
The drowning victim was one of the central figures in a police scandal in 1927. Suspended from the force February 23 of that year on charges of extortion, he was exonerated by the State Civil Service Commission after a hearing and returned to duty in the Second District the following July 2.
Ward had been accused with Policeman John Smith and a pensioned former officer, Maurice Mensch, of an attempt to “shake down” Michael Matthews, a storekeeper, 60, of 801 Florence street. He denied the charges against him, including an accusation that he had spoken disrespectfully about the then Mayor King with a remark that “King is no good.”
Matthews had told former Police Chief James E. Tatem that Ward and Smith had entered the store and introduced Mensch as “the biggest prohibition guy in the country and a great friend of President Coolidge.” They had agreed to “forget” charges of violating the dry law, which otherwise would be made, if Matthews would pass them $100, the storekeeper had charged.
Several witnesses for Ward attacked the story related by Matthews, and Ward himself insisted at the hearings that he had not said anything to Matthews about raid or money. His testimony was corroborated by Smith and others.
Since his reinstatement after being cleared of the charges, Ward proved to be a very efficient officer, according to Captain Arthur Colsey, stationed at headquarters. Other police officials also spoke well of the policeman.
New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang
Camden Courier-Post —
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 vice 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 “Big Bill” 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 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 veritable arsenal of revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, repeating rifles and hundreds of ammunition, all hidden in closets or secret caches under the floors. An opium “layout,” hacksaw, pairs of colored eyeglasses and silverware 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 the son of Freeholder Leonard Brehm at Front and Kaighn avenue two weeks before the Wierman slaying wore green glasses to escape identification.
The detectives aided by state troopers executed their raids with a precision which prevented any of the suspects from resisting or escaping. Two men attempted to slip through the ring, but one surrendered after a single shot was fired at him, and the other 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 764 South Berwick street, Philadelphia.
Joseph Conti, 34, of 708 South Eighth street, Philadelphia.
Catherine Christman, 28, of 2202 Filbert street, Philadelphia.
Marco Reginelli, 32, of Apartment 2, at 143 North Thirty-fourth street, Camden.
Mrs. Mary Reginelli, 24, his wife, same address.
Committed Without Bail
All six were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in the city police court this afternoon. As they were arrested in a joint complaint charging each with carrying concealed deadly weapons was lodged against them by Detective Louis Schlam, member of the vice squad. An additional complaint charging possession of narcotics was placed against Conti and Catherine Christman.
All of the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded to the county jail without bail. Prosecutor Baldwin stated he did not immediately fix bail, but would hold them for further investigation. They will be finger-printed and “mugged” so that county authorities can obtain their police records.
Bartluci has been arrested four times in Philadelphia since 1926, but each time was released or exonerated. The charges were inciting a riot in 1926.
[The page-one text breaks off here; the lines joining it to the page-two text below are not in the crops.] 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 Christian [sic] 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 revolver, 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 mounted squad, was held in the offices of Police Chief Lewis H. Stehr, who is confined to Cooper Hospital.
Although it was rumored about police headquarters prior to the meeting that the “law was to be laid down,” Major Dickinson stated afterward that nothing unusual had taken place.
“I called the men together,” he declared, “so that I could become better acquainted with them and learn the various manipulations of the districts of which they have charge.”
The major in answer to questions by reporters said that no changes had been made in the personnel of the department.
Those attending the conference were Inspector of Traffic Charles T. Humes; Lieutenants Charles Laib, of the traffic bureau; George Ward, of the First District; Ralph Bakley, of the Second; Walter Welch, of the Third, and George Frost, of the Fourth, and Sergeant Clarence Thorn, of the mounted squad.
Funeral for Stehr to Be Held Saturday
Camden Evening Courier —
City in Mourning as Rites are Planned—Burial Will Be in Harleigh
FUNERAL FOR STEHR TO BE HELD SATURDAY
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 Bakely 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.
Cops Express Sorrow
A letter of condolence was sent to Mrs. Stehr today along with a resolution adopted by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Camden Local No. 35. The letter read:
“It is with heartfelt regret and with deepest sympathy that we offer condolences to you in this hour of bereavement. The sudden action of the Almighty in plucking this noble man from our midst has overwhelmed us with sorrow and regret that words alone cannot express. This, however, being the desire of the Lord, we feel that the benevolent performance of our beloved chief so ably executed upon this humble earth, will be amply rewarded in a celestial sphere not made by man.
“We sincerely trust, we, his brothers and friends, have lessened your grief in this, our expression, of what your faithful husband has meant to us, the members of the P. B. A. as well as yourself.
“Respectfully yours, “CLIFFORD A. FLENNARD, “President.”
The resolution declares: “Whereas this local feels that it has sustained a severe loss in the passing of its greatest force for good, and “Whereas we deeply deplore his passing, “Be it resolved that it is the unanimous opinion of the membership of this organization that the death of Lewis H. Stehr, chief of police of the City of Camden, N. J., has caused great sorrow among us. His good deeds in life might well cause one to write a never-ending stream of eulogies but in this case we wish to call him and always think of him as a friend, a word that is applied to him whole-heartedly and in the fullest sense of the word. It is impossible to express to what extent we shall miss him but we shall always and forever remember Chief Stehr as a friend whose place made vacant by death will be very difficult to fill.
“Be it further resolved that Camden Local, No. 35, P. B. A., also wishes to extend its sympathies to Mrs. Stehr and to offer whatever assistance possible at this time of her bereavement and at any other time this organization may find it in its power to do so.
“Be it further resolved that we also extend our sympathies to his relatives and friends who are no doubt feeling his passing as deeply as we do so.”
Copies of the resolution were sent to Director of Public Safety David S. Rhone, Mrs. Stehr and the press. The resolution was passed at the regular meeting of the local yesterday. The resolution was signed by Flennard, the president, and Joseph Keefe, the secretary.
Chief George W. Black, secretary of the International Chief of Police Association, sent his regrets and letter of condolence to Captain Arthur Colsey and asking that a floral design be sent to the funeral at the association’s expense.
Mayor Expresses Sorrow
Mayor Price issued the following statement: “I was very greatly shocked to learn of the death of Chief Stehr. While I understood he was in a serious physical condition, I did not anticipate his death.
“Chief Stehr had devoted practically his entire lifetime to the service of the city, having entered the police department in his early youth, and is entitled to the commendation of his fellow citizens for his efforts in the public service.”
Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, when apprised of the police chief’s death, said: “The news of Chief Stehr’s death was a terrible shock. I feel a personal loss, as we were close friends. I knew him since I was a young boy, and our contacts in the past two years were most pleasant.”
Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin declared: “The suddenness of the death of Chief Stehr comes as a shock to those of his friends who were wishing him well in his illness. His passing naturally causes grief to those whose work brought them into close contact with him.”
City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman said: “The passing of Chief Stehr is a great loss to the community. We were all hoping that Chief Stehr was on the road to recovery and only several days ago when I inquired at the hospital, I learned that his condition was greatly improved. His sudden passing is a terrible shock.”
Pallbearers Named for Stehr Funeral
Camden 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 Bakely 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
SMITH AT CITY HALL
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 Naylor 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. Naylor, 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 and Louis Dei 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.
Naylor, 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 was requested 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 with the exception of George Clayton will report direct to Humes and Laib instead of to headquarters.
Ralph Bakley, who has been acting sergeant 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 new Fourth District. 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 district.
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 Raid Five Camden Places in Weekend Cleanup of Rum Sellers
Camden Courier-Post —
LIQUOR IS SEIZED AND PROPRIETORS HELD FOR HEARING
Four Alleged Speakeasies Downtown and One in East End Visited
PATRONS ARE ‘SLATED’
Police raided five alleged disorderly houses over the week-end, seizing whisky in four South Camden places and arresting ten men in an East Camden dwelling.
Early yesterday a squad of Third district police descended upon the home of Mrs. Carrie Becker, 38, at 1245 North Thirty-third street. With ten men arrested as material witnesses, she was committed to the city jail in default of $500 bail to await arraignment in police court today.
The men are Joseph Backer, Jr., 22; Harry E. Renders, of National Park; Charles Luers, 27, of 612 North Second street; George W. Rush, 25, of 3337 Farragut avenue; Joseph Benson, 21, and Charles Benson, 17, of 2132 Watson street; Edward Marshman, 21, of 20 Morse street; John Ferall, 25, of Maple Shade; John Grogan, 20, of 1028 North Twenty-second street, and Charles Dudley, 23, of 1012 North Third street.
The South Camden raids were made by Lieut. Ralph Bakley, Detectives Vernon Jones and Thomas Cheeseman and Patrolman Marshall Thompson.
The first place visited was the home of George Thomas, 44, colored, at 134 Clinton street. Police said they confiscated five gallons of whisky and 100 bottles of home brew.
James Williams, 44, colored, of 519 South Second street, was arrested in his home and a small quantity of whisky taken.
John B. Simons, 36, proprietor of a cigar store at 207 Clinton street, was arrested and a small quantity of whisky taken. Six one-gallon jugs of alleged whisky were seized in the grocery of Samuel Arnow, 45, at 534 Kaighn avenue. All four men were released in $100 bail each on charges of allowing disorderly persons to congregate on their premises.
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 Sergeant 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, T. Harry 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 a large 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 fourth-floor courtroom, while Judge Austin H. Swackhamer will hold court on the second floor.
Thirteen defendants will face court today, 11 for trial and two to enter pleas.
One of the two who will enter pleas is Mrs. Mable J. Steyer, of 4603 Conshohocken avenue, Philadelphia, who is under indictment on the charge of manslaughter by automobile. She is charged with the death of William Sharkey, of Berlin, on the White Horse pike last February. Six times Prosecutor Baldwin has endeavored to have the woman in court, but she refused to appear. She visited in the prosecutor’s office several days ago and was released under $1000 bail. 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.
The other defendant who is scheduled to appear to plead is Harry Willingmyer, charged with assault and battery.
The 11 defendants who are listed to stand trial today include Dr. C. N. Mason, of 85 Lincoln avenue, Delaware township. Dr. Mason is charged with false pretense in obtaining $1000 from Gustave Huseman, of 616 Rogers avenue, Merchantville. The other defendants are John Uboldi, larceny; Albert Cohen, false pretense; James Jordan, assault and battery; Herman Romaine, statuatory [sic] charge; Harold Nickturn, larceny, and four indictments against the much arrested Howard C. Franklin, Oaklyn automobile dealer who is charged with false pretense.
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.
Several roadhouse proprietors whose establishments were recently raided, are also scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for trial. They include Harry Fleisher, 300 Rand street; John Cernivo, of Camden; Thomas Gibbons, of Gloucester; Walt Mills, alleged proprietor of the Maze Cafe in Stratford; Edward J. Walsh, alleged proprietor of the Little Grill, in West Collingswood Heights; Owen Sweeney, alleged proprietor of the Haddon Lake, at Mt. Ephraim; William Marshall, alleged proprietor of the Royal Haven Inn, at Berlin; Conrad Bittner, 456 Broadway, Gloucester, and Harry Underwood, also of Gloucester. There are two indictments against Underwood.
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.
Other defendants on tomorrow’s trial list are Louis Ward and Dean Kessler, larceny; Pasquale Massi, Jacob Melzer and Frank Atwater, attempted breaking and entering; Louis Scott, Edward Brady, Carl Pisco, Joseph Pisco, carrying concealed deadly weapons; Jim Jackson and Woodrow Stevens, breaking and entering; Frank Mucci, disorderly house; W. H. Seckel, false pretense; Davis Keese, statuatory [sic] charge, and Gustave Seletos, three indictments for false pretense.
On Wednesday ten defendants are scheduled to go on trial in the criminal courts. They are:
Roland Davis, desertion; William Bopergola, Tony Basile, Joseph Gogenti, Frank Carofolo, statuatory [sic] charges; Edward North, larceny; Joseph Carboni, larceny from person; George Huber, larceny; Roland Davis board bill; George Walters, tampering with meter.
Judge Shay will be asked tomorrow to sign court orders authorizing the prosecutor’s office to destroy all the liquors seized in the various roadhouse raids during the past year. The liquor is at present stored in the cellar of the old court house under lock and key.
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 meetnig [sic] 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-conscious condition as the result of drinking liquor, were held in $500 bail each yesterday by Judge Garfield Pancoast pending a police investigation.
They are George Burrell, 20, of 1208 Thurman street, and Dominick Ravieri, 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. Pancoast 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.
Lieut. Bakley and 11 Police Suspended in Feitz Inquiry
Camden Evening Courier —
3 Sergeants Included in List Set Down by Chief Colsey
JUSTICE LLOYD JOINS PROBE INTO MURDER
Chief of Police Arthur Colsey at noon today announced the indefinite suspension of Lieut. Ralph Bakley, commander of the Second district of Camden police, and 11 other policemen in connection with the investigation into the killing of Detective William T. Feitz.
The full list of those suspended is as follows:
Lieut. Ralph Bakley, Sergt. John Garrity, Sergt. Walter Mattison, Acting Sergt. Edward Leonard, Sergt. Richard Cornog, Policemen George Weber, Joseph Leonhardt, Leon Branch, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmont [sic], John Houston and Vernon Jones.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd today entered the investigation into the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz in an alleged South Camden disorderly house Sept. 2.
The jurist, upon returning from his Summer vacation at Seaside Park, called an immediate conference with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando of Camden county and Police Chief Arthur Colsey of this city.
Although no confirmation could be obtained officially, it was learned from authoritative sources that Justice Lloyd would take up the charges made earlier in the week by Prosecutor Orlando that graft and corruption exist in the Camden police.
May Probe Suicide
The jurist was also expected to delve into the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Emma Heisler, 38, alleged operator of the disorderly house where Feitz met his death at 243 Sycamore street.
Mrs. Heisler, who was detained in the Camden detective bureau at the order of Detective Lieutenant George Ward instead of being locked in a cell, jumped from the fifth floor window of Ward’s office September 4 while two detectives assigned to guard her were nearby.
The progress of the police investigation into the killing of Feitz, whom police declare was shot when he surprised three bandits in the act of holding up 20 inmates and patrons, will be presented by both Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey.
Mickey Blair to Give Up
Mickey Blair, boxer whose real name is Michael Tenerelli, 25, who has been living in New York City, but whose Camden address is 833 South Fourth street, is to be surrendered to Camden police for questioning in connection with the murder of Feitz.
He has been sought by detectives for grilling since a few hours after the shooting of Feitz.
His attorney, Edward V. Martino, of 540 Cooper street, notified Chief Colsey today that he would surrender Tenerelli or Blair to the police in his office at 1 p.m.
“Mickey knows absolutely nothing about the killing of Feitz,” Martino told newspapermen. “Learning through a friend that police were seeking him for questioning, he called me Saturday night and asked me to ascertain the facts.”
“I learned that police wanted to talk to him and telephoned him to that effect in New York City where he has been staying for the past few weeks. He later called me back and told me that he would be in Camden at 1 p.m. today.”
‘Attended Funeral’
Martino revealed that Tenerelli or Blair said he had been in Camden prior to the killing of Feitz and also on Labor Day, the day following the shooting of the detective. He was here to attend the funeral of a brother-in-law, Martino said.
Neither Chief Colsey or other police or detective officials would comment upon what they hoped to learn from Tenerelli that might bring an early solution of the murder and lead to the arrest of the killers.
Prosecutor Orlando at the conference with Justice Lloyd in his City Hall-Court House offices, was to present a complete report on the murder of the detective together with statements obtained from all persons who figured in the crime.
Will Probe Numbers
Prosecutor Orlando stepped in and assumed nominal charge of the investigation last Thursday when he ordered police to submit to him all reports and statements of witnesses. However it was learned that the police are still directing the search for the killers.
The conference between Justice Lloyd, Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey comes on the eve of swearing in the September Grand Jury tomorrow at which time the grand jurors wil [sic] be ordered among other issues, to probe into the “numbers” racket in Camden county.
Feitz Funeral Photographs
Camden Evening Courier —
Police officials and fellow officers of Detective William T. Feitz, Jr., slain last Sunday in a disorderly house in Sycamore street, attended the funeral services Saturday. Top photo shows pall-bearers removing Feitz’s body from the undertaking establishment of Coroner Arthur H. Holl at left. The pall-bearers, left to right, are Patrolmen Joseph Leonhardt, Feitz’ companion the night he was slain; Otto Taperscer, Delaware Palmer, William Weaver and Paul Jackson. Lower photo shows police officials at the services. Left to right, Lt. Herbert Anderson, Chief Colsey, Lt. Ralph Bakely, E. Howard Broome, secretary to Mayor Stewart, and Lt. George Ward.
Grand Jury Vice Probe to Be Ordered by Lloyd; Stewart Quizzes Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
FEITZ MURDER, CITY GRAFTING TO FACE INQUIRY
Action Follows Parley With Orlando and Mayor on Conditions
MORE SUSPENSIONS OF POLICE INTIMATED
Mickey Blair Quizzed on Detective’s Killing; Stewart Warns, ‘Clean Up’
Questioned in Feitz Murder
Michael Tenerelli, 25, known in pugilistic circles as Mickey Blair, is shown above during a lull in the questioning by detectives investigating the murder of District Detective William Feitz. Tenerelli surrendered to police yesterday and on order of Prosecutor Orlando was held without bail on charges of being a material witness and with conspiracy in a robbery in connection with the holdup in progress in the South Camden alleged disorderly house at the time Feitz was shot.
Ward Reported on Way Out as Detective Chief
Reports around Camden police and detective headquarters today were to the effect that Lieutenant George Ward was on “his way out” as head of the Detective Bureau.
Dissatisfaction with the manner in which both police and detectives have handled the investigation so far into the Feitz murder will result in Mayor Stewart, director of public safety, ordering a change in detective chiefs today, it was authoritatively learned.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, commander of the First Police District, will succeed Lieutenant Ward as it was reported, the latter being sent back to that police precinct which he formerly commanded.
“A sweeping investigation of all phases of “crime” in Camden County, will be the first order given the new September Grand Jury today after it is sworn in at Camden Courthouse by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
That was the decision reached by Justice Lloyd after three hours of separate conferences with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, of Camden County, and Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety. During the conferences held in Justice Lloyd’s offices at City Hall-Courthouse, the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz, alleged graft and corruption in the Camden police department and protected vice were thoroughly discussed.
Today, Mayor Stewart, who has inaugurated his own personal investigation of existing conditions in the police department, continued to question and take statements from police officials, patrolmen and detectives. Twenty-three patrolmen and detectives were ordered before the mayor yesterday in addition to the 12 others who were indefinitely suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Tenerelli Quizzed
Michael Tenerelli, 25, also known as Mickey Blair, former Camden lightweight boxer, was still being questioned at police headquarters in connection with the murder of Detective Feitz. Tenerelli who surrendered to police here yesterday after returning from New York, is booked as a material witness and on a charge of conspiracy in a robbery. Both charges were ordered placed against Tenerelli by Prosecutor Orlando who has assumed direct charge of the investigation. He is being held without bail.
Seven other men and women taken into custody by police after the shooting of Feitz in the alleged disorderly house operated by the late Mrs. Emma Heisler at 243 Sycamore street, were to have been arraigned in Camden Police Court today on orders of Prosecutor Orlando and then turned over to the county authorities. Bail, Prosecutor Orlando declared, would be “sufficiently high” to insure their later appearances when wanted.
However there were no appearances of material witnesses or others in the Feitz investigation before Judge J. Harry Switzer in Camden Police Court during its session today and it was unofficially reported that the prosecutor had changed his plans.
Police Chief Colsey warned all detectives and patrolmen in the department that further suspensions will follow justified complaints of vice anywhere in the city limits if it can be traced to police neglect.
Chief Colsey also admitted that the 12 patrolmen and detectives suspended yesterday on his orders, will receive no pay as long as their suspensions last.
In addition to Lieutenant Bakley, Sergeant Cornog and Acting Sergeant Leonard, the others suspended include Sergeant Walter Mattison of police headquarters; Sergeant John Garrity, District Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt who was with Feitz when he was shot; Patrolmen Leon Branch, George Weber, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones, all attached to the Second district station.
Interviews Police
Three of the suspended officers, Mayor Stewart revealed, were among those interrogated yesterday. They are Lieut. Ralph A. Bakley, commander of the Second Police District or Division “H” in which territory the alleged disorderly house existed where Feitz was fatally shot; Sergeant Richard Cornog and Acting [lines between the bottom of crop 15 and the top of crop 16 are not captured in the scanned crops]
Edwin Andrews, Winslow township; Joseph Dougherty, 140 Prospect avenue, Merchantville.
William Tomlinson, Glendale, Voorhees township; Edmund S. Stafford, 546 Stevens street; Harry Buffington, 123 East Clinton avenue, Oaklyn; Samuel A. Dobbins, 2599 Baird boulevard; Charles H. Thatcher, 129 Kendall boulevard, Oaklyn; Richard S. Thompson, East Zane avenue, Collingswood; Benjamin F. Stemmer, 420 Third Avenue, Haddon Heights; Horace J. Harvey, 721 Amherst avenue, Audubon; H. B. Cox, Evesham avenue, Voorhees township; Dr. Walter F. Wood, Collingswood; John W. Underwood, 801 Cumberland street, Gloucester; Clarence Alloway, Blackwood; Charles A. McWilliams, Blackwood; Louis G. Clark, Barrington; Albert J. Cline, 18 East Crystal Lake avenue, Westmont; Robert Bushbeck, First avenue, Pine Hill, Harry Burkhardt, Bell road, Mt. Ephraim; George T. Schuster, 223 Woodland terrace, Collingswood; Chesley L. Hutchins, 711 Market street, Gloucester and Otto Vierling, Evergreen avenue, Runnemede.
The order of Justice Lloyd for a wide grand jury probe of crime follows upon a decision he made 10 days ago to have the same body open an investigation into the “numbers” racket in Camden city and county. At that time he declared he did not believe any graft or corruption existed in the Camden police department in connection with the operation of the lottery game here.
Tenerelli was identified, Colsey said, as a frequenter of Mrs. Emma Heisler’s disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street, where Feitz was killed, and was booked as a material witness in the Feitz murder, and on a charge of “shaking down” Mrs. Heisler by force, prior to the murder.
Unlike Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death after 60 hours freedom in the detective bureau, Blair was slapped without bail into the “cold storage” or incommunicado cell in the bureau.
Blair, after surrendering to Colsey, was sent to the “downstairs” jail and kept there until about 4 p. m. yesterday. Then he was questioned for an hour and a half by Prosecutor Orlando and Colsey.
Blair denied all knowledge of the murder, Colsey said, after the grilling ceased, but added that two inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s house, whom he would not identify, named Blair as one of several men who had come several times to Mrs. Heisler’s place, attempted to extort money from her and, failing, had “held up the place” or a “shakedown.”
This coincided with the statement of Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner, on the day Feitz was killed, that the place had been held up several times, and Mrs. Heisler, because of the nature of her occupation, would not report the holdups.
Prosecutor Orlando, subsequently, had stated that Feitz met death in an attempt to block a “shake-down” holdup of the place.
Boxer Is Identified
Both the inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s place, held incommunicado, looked at Blair in the new detective bureau “lineup” room and identified him as a shakedown visitor, but said he was not in the house on the night of the murder, Colsey said.
The chief then was asked if he believes friends of Blair staged the fatal shake-down and killed Feitz, and replied:
“That’s what we want to know. We don’t know yet. But we are getting somewhere and will solve this case.”
The two inmates of the Heisler house were brought back to the lineup room a second time, took another look at Blair through the screen that made him a “high-lighted” figure and prevented him from seeing them and reaffirmed their previous statements, Colsey said.
Upon the suspension of the twelve members of the force and the installation of a new acting second district commander and new acting sergeants to relieve those suspended, Chief Colsey said he issued the following order to the entire department:
Calls for Cleanup
“All vice must be eliminated absolutely and entirely in Camden. This means all types of vice, including the numbers racket, gambling houses, disorderly houses, horse-race bookmaking speakeasies and everything else though it may not be specifically enumerated here.
“In the future if any complaint of vice comes in, and is proved to be justified, and is attributable to negligence on the part of any patrolmen of police officer [sic], immediate suspension of the negligent members of the force will follow without exception.”
Chief Colsey also said he will recommend that bail of $2000 be set in all numbers racket cases in future, and that all arrested be held for grand jury action, except in cases where innocent players are brought in.
‘Prompted by Facts’
In making public the suspensions of the policemen, Chief Colsey said his action was “prompted by facts” uncovered during the course of his investigation.
In announcing the taking over of the murder investigation, Prosecutor Orlando said:
“As a result of my conference with Justice Lloyd it has been decided that the prosecutor’s office from this time on will take charge of the murder investigation.
“In doing so, however, it does not mean that the city police will cease acting in the matter and will act with just as much zeal as is within their command in bringing about the apprehension of those responsible.
“This investigation has been taken over by this office by reason of the policy assumed in other murder investigations. Hereafter all murder investigations in Camden county will be under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office and at the same time through co-ordinated efforts of this office and the police department of the particular community where the murder takes place.
“As far as developments are concerned, there is nothing new in the case except the arrest of Mickey Blair, who was surrendered by his counsel and who is in the custody of the police until he is committed.”
Lieutenant Walter Welch in command of the Third Police District was assigned by Chief Colsey to replace Lieutenant Bakley and make the suspensions of all sergeants and patrolmen in that precinct effective immediately. Sergeant John Potter of the Third District was named an acting lieutenant to replace Lieutenant Welch as commander of that precinct.
Welch said he will instruct every policeman under his new command that he must work in harmony with earnest efforts to stamp out vice.
“If they do not do this,” Welch said, “I do not want them. They will be of no use to me. They know what to expect if they fail to cooperate. My efforts will be directed to maintaining order without vice in the Second district, just as I have done in the Third.”
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.
Sleuth to Retire
WALTER SMITH
Feitz to Be Given Funeral of Hero
Camden Evening Courier —
100 Policemen Expected to Attend Rites Today—Officials to Be Present
William T. Feitz, Jr., Camden’s first policeman to be murdered in line of duty, will be laid to rest this afternoon with the honors of a hero.
Probably half of the police force of more than 200 men will turn out in their nattiest uniforms to attend the funeral services for their slain comrade and accompany his body to the grave. Feitz was shot to death early Sunday when he walked into a disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street. Three gunmen suspected in the slaying escaped.
A crowd of close to 1000 persons is expected to gather about the undertaking establishment at 1401 Princess avenue, where the services will be held. Rev. Christian M. Hansen, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kenwood and Kaighn avenue, will officiate.
Colsey to Attend
Police Chief Arthur Colsey and all high officials of the department will attend, and some of the five city commissioners are expected to be present. Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of the department of public safety, was not certain this morning whether the pressure of business in his office would permit him to attend. If he cannot be there, his secretary, E. Howard Broome, will represent him.
More than 20 automobiles are expected to be in the funeral procession. The cortege will be led by a dozen motorcycle police, four more will drive slowly beside the hearse and another quartet will bring up the rear.
Chief Colsey, Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, Feitz’ superior as commander of the Second district; Lieutenant George Ward, in command of the detective bureau, and other police officials will ride in a car immediately behind that occupied by members of Feitz’ family.
Most of the policemen attending will meet at Central station, in the basement of city hall, at 1 o’clock. The services will begin at 2 p. m.
1500 Pass Bier
Nearly 1500 persons thronged the funeral parlors last night when the body of the slain detective, only recently promoted from patrolman, was placed on view. His mother, Mrs. Pauline Liebich Feitz, with whom he lived at 1125 Liberty street, fainted when she saw her son’s face for the first time since he died.
Later she recovered sufficiently to sit in a chair and watch the procession as it filed past her son’s body.
Taken to a davenport and revived, Mrs. Feitz lay there moaning in her grief as Mayor Stewart, Chief Colsey, Lieut. Ward, Lieut. Bakley, and 100 other policemen in uniform filed past the bier.
Again, when the Camden Elks Club held its memorial service for departed members, she fainted. Frank M. Travaline, exalted ruler, and Albert Austermuhl, secretary, with other officers and a quartet from the club were holding the service, eulogizing Feitz and lamenting his death when Mrs. Feitz swooned the second time.
From 6.30 until 10.30 p. m. a steady stream walked past the detective’s bier. Old women hobbled in, and many children were among those to look at Feitz. Police said hundreds of curious men and women came from Philadelphia to see the body.
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.
John M’Taggart’s Wife Dies As Friends Honor Him at Party
Camden Courier-Post —
“They’re there to have fun and don’t let anything interfere with their good time.”
That was the message of Policeman John McTaggart, “charitable cop of the Sixth ward,” to his boss, City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, last night as hundreds were assembling to dance and make merry at a “Night in Ireland” in his honor given by the Sixth Ward Republican Association.
McTaggart was at the bedside of his wife, Ruth, 4[?], who was dying in West Jersey Hospital, while dance orchestras swung into live rhythms at Eagles Hall, 415 Broadway.
At 8.32 p. m., Mrs. McTaggart died, but few of the “Night in Ireland” celebrators learned of it and, in accordance with the wishes of the absent guest of honor, “the show went on.”
Biggest Show Ever
The irony of it all was that it was the biggest “show” ever put on for McTaggart, whose “Night in Ireland,” since it was established several years ago, has become a Camden tradition.
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 at 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.”
Believes Good Job Done
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.
Colsey, with the others, declined to comment on the conference and referred all inquiries to Mrs. Kobus.
“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.
“I think Camden is remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements and I want it kept that way.
It’s a 24-Hour Job
“Law enforcement is a 24-hour day in and day out job. It is a job requiring everlasting vigilance and 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.
CAPT. GEORGE CLAYTON — All officers were elected for one year. Detective Dolan served as acting president after Middleton’s death.
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 —
NUMBERS KING FELLED AS CAP CUTS INTO HIS
Near Death in Hospital After Shooting Outside House Adjoining Cafe
‘WELCHING’ ON PAYOFF AMONG RUMORS PROBED
Four blasts from a pump gun last night felled Fred Klosterman, convicted South Camden numbers baron and cafe operator, outside his Club Cadix, Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street.
Klosterman, 39, was believed dying today in West Jersey Hospital. He was shot by one or more assailants in an automobile which blocked his parked car in which he was seated.
Before lapsing into semi-consciousness, Klosterman told police he could not understand why he was shot. He said he knew of no enemies. He could give no description of his assailant or of the car in which they escaped.
Detectives were investigating several possible motives for the murder attempt.
One was a report that Klosterman “welched” on paying off bets when the number “444” hit Friday.
Arrested Many Times
Klosterman had been arrested many times for numbers activities during the past decade and was on parole from a three-to-five year State prison sentence, served with his brother, Joseph.
Two months ago, police said someone fired a shot through the window of Klosterman’s saloon and broke the mirror behind the bar. The shooting occurred after hours and no one was in the place. The shot was fired after Joseph Osinski, 21, was shot in the leg in the office of the R and M Amusement Company. Osinski, police said, was employed by a man formerly associated with Klosterman.
The mystery shooting occurred at 10:05 p. m. when Klosterman, who lives at 1048 Mechanic street, next door to the saloon, went to the street in front of his home to put his automobile in a garage for the night. An hour before, he and his wife had returned home from a motion picture theatre.
So far as police were able to learn, there were no witnesses to the shooting. Alfred Giffins, of 1111 Mechanic street, said he heard the firing of shots and ran outside to see what was the matter. He found Klosterman lying on the pavement, his face smeared with blood, and a red stream forming slowly on the sidewalk from the gaping wounds in his body.
Taken to Hospital In Car
Giffins commandeered the first car that came along Mt. Ephraim avenue. It contained a male driver and two girls. The man took Klosterman to the hospital, two blocks away, and left before nurses could obtain his name. According to Acting Det. Sergeant Benjamin Simon, he received a call from Klosterman’s wife, Victoria, that her husband had been shot in front of their home. Simon, with Detectives Edward Mills, Edward Mardino [sic] and Gus Pfleiderer, went to the house, where they met Mrs. Klosterman. She said her husband had been removed to the hospital. They found Klosterman in the receiving ward, conscious but weak from loss of blood.
Simon reported Klosterman said he and his wife had returned from a motion picture show a short time before. He left his car in front of his home, parked against traffic and at an angle to the curb. After going inside with Mrs. Klosterman he went outside again to put his car in the garage.
Car Driven in Front of Him
As he took his seat behind the wheel, Klosterman told Simon, another car approached from the west. It halted in front of his car.
There was a blast from a shotgun. He was struck with the first blast, he said, and ducked down below the dashboard.
Three more blasts followed in quick succession. Three slugs entered his left shoulder a few inches above the heart. Another lodged in his chin and a fifth in his upper lip. Others struck the right side of the windshield and right front window.
The assailants’ car sped west on Mechanic street to Tenth and disappeared north on Tenth street.
Klosterman said he could not obtain the license number of the car, although police were investigating a report the car was a brown sedan with New Jersey plates.
Klosterman said he was able to open the door of his car and slumped to the sidewalk, where he was found by Githens.
The shotgun slugs that struck Klosterman were about the diameter of a lead pencil.
Police Guard at Bedside
An emergency operation for removal of the pellets from his face was performed by Dr. H. Wesley Jack.
After questioning by Simon, Klosterman was questioned by County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran. He repeated his earlier story. William B. Macdonald, court stenographer, took down his entire statement.
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, and Police Chief Ralph Bakley, also were present. They ordered a police guard posted at his bedside.
Klosterman, with his brother, was paroled from state prison July 9, 1936, after serving part of a three-to-five year sentence imposed by the then Judge Frank F. Neutze.
The brothers were convicted by a Criminal Court jury on two of four indictments charging them with numerous violations growing out of their numbers business, then said to have a “bank,” or headquarters, at the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club, 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue.
Fined $3000 Each
When Judge Neutze passed sentence, and fined each defendant $3000 in addition to the jail terms, he lashed them for “paying politicians for protection.”
“These politicians can be found in the Third and Fifth wards of Camden,” he said. “Some of them come from Philadelphia. You couldn’t have carried on this business for such a long time without help and consent of certain influential persons in your part of the city.”
A factor in the conviction was subpoenaing of the bank accounts of the accused brothers and testimony of bank officials their bank deposits averaged more than $2000 a day.
Judge Neutze emphasized he would hand out stiff terms when he recalled the defendants were acquitted on one numbers charge in January, 1935, and had gone back into the racket immediately.
This referred to a case heard in Criminal Court before Judge Samuel F. Shay in June, 1933, when both men were convicted and the convictions appealed by their attorney. They were released in $2000 bail each pending the appeal.
Fined in Police Court
In May, 1934, Assistant Prosecutor Isaac Eason announced in court the county was unwilling to stand the expense of a new trial, and asked the sentences be revoked and the defendants made to pay fines of $500 each. Judge Neutze agreed.
On June 14, 1933, Joseph Klosterman was fined $200 by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast for operating a numbers bank in a florist shop on Mt. Ephraim avenue, not far from where his brother was shot last night.
In December, 1931, Joseph Klosterman pleaded guilty to allowing disorderly persons to congregate in his establishment and was fined $100, also by Pancoast.
After the Grand Jury returned the indictments that led to the 1935 trial, Fred Klosterman disappeared from the city. He finally surrendered in February, 1935, and with his brother was placed on trial two months later.
Neighbors said that since the brothers gained their parole in July, 1936, they parted company. Fred, they said, continued to rule the South Camden numbers racket but his brother dropped out.
Scarduzio Jailed by Orlando After Gun Play in Restaurant
Camden Courier-Post —
Action Follows Police Failure to Report On Shooting
PROBE ORDERED BY MRS. KOBUS
Nick Scarduzio, 39, former Summer policeman, was held last night without bail for grand jury action on a charge of atrocious assault and battery and intent to kill as a sequel to a gun-play row at 3 a. m. Saturday in a South Camden restaurant.
Scarduzio was taken into custody by County Detective Wilfred Dube on orders of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.
Investigation of police failure to report immediately the shooting affray was promised by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
“I wasn’t apprised of this case until 4.30 o’clock yesterday,” Mrs. Kobus said. “Ordinarily our policemen aren’t required to report little barroom brawls. This is different. I intend to investigate thoroughly. I shall interview these policemen this afternoon and until I have talked with them, I will await developments.”
Brother Slain December 24th
Scarduzio was a brother of Andrew Scarduzio, Eighth ward political worker, who was fatally shot in a Bellmawr taproom on December 24 during a brawl in which the brothers sought to eject three men who demanded entry to the place at 5.30 a. m. after the cafe had been closed for the night. Andrew was employed as the cafe handyman.
Arrested by Dube on “information received,” Nick Scarduzio, who lives at 419 Webster street, and who has had numerous encounters with police, allegedly went berserk when requested by a patron of Mike Patsourakas’ restaurant at 1806 Broadway to refrain from profanity in the presence of several women diners.
Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives, said he obtained statements of several witnesses.
Doran said he learned Scarduzio entered the restaurant after visiting a nearby taproom and was in a “disagreeable mood.”
Taking a place at the counter, Scarduzio became loud, Doran said he learned, and was accosted by Robert Wolfe, 32, of 1128 Langham avenue, another diner.
Wolfe requested Scarduzio to calm down, witnesses told Doran, whereupon Scarduzio reached across the counter and seized a knife with which he threatened Wolfe and later picked up a heavy sugar bowl and hurled it, striking Wolfe on the head.
Wolfe raised his hands in defense, Doran quoted the witnesses, and Scarduzio whipped out a gun and fired two shots. His aim was diverted when Patsourakas grabbed his arm and Wolfe dashed toward the rest of the place as the other diners scattered.
More Shots Fired
Scarduzio attempted to follow Wolfe, according to Doran, and the fleeing man hid behind a box in a rear room. Scarduzio raced past him into an alleyway where, the detective chief said, he saw another figure and fired two more shots. Wolfe later was taken to Cooper Hospital where three stitches were used to close the wound caused by the sugar bowl.
Doran said three city policemen arrived later at the scene, but that subsequent investigation revealed no account of the incident was on city police records. No report was made to the city detective bureau.
Orlando ordered the county detective bureau to investigate the case and Scarduzio’s arrest followed. Doran also related that the weapon which was taken from Scarduzio by Patsourakas and “broken” was later taken over by city police.
Chief of Police Ralph Bakley, who was taking reports from the three city officers, said there was nothing said by them about taking the gun from the restaurant owner. He will question them on that phase of the case later today, he said.
Was Special Officer
Scarduzio was employed last month by Commissioner Kobus as a special officer making a check on all-day parkers in the city business section. Doran said he learned the man is no longer employed by the city.
The city police report, made yesterday afternoon, according to Mrs. Kobus, follows:
“I have to report that about 3 a. m. Saturday, Jan. 20, we were cruising in scout car south on Broadway. We were stopped by a young man at Broadway and Ferry avenue. He told us there had been a fight in a restaurant located two doors south of Ferry avenue on the east side of Broadway. Officer (Oliver) Morgan and I entered the restaurant and we saw all the patrons sitting down. We asked if there had been any trouble and they said there had been a fight but that it was all over. So we left the place after we searched all persons in the place for a gun, not finding any. ‘One man had been hit on the head with a sugar bowl.’ He refused to make any charge and also refused to go to a hospital.”
The report was signed by Carl Fredericks and Oliver Morgan. Policeman Paul Jackson, the foot patrolman on that beat, made a similar report, Bakley said.
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 on 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.
Camden Jury Asks Police Shake-up
Trenton Times —
Mrs. Kobus Ouster Urged As Head of Public Safety Dept.
CAMDEN, N. J., Aug. 9 ([?]P).—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.
Informed of the action, Mrs. Kobus declared:
“I am not resigning. I was elected by the people.”
The jury, which has been sitting since April, made these specific recommendations:
1—That Mrs. Kobus resign as director of public safety and be replaced by another city commissioner.
2—That Lieutenant George Frost be named chief of police to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Arthur Colsey. The position has been held by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, as acting chief.
3—That Lieutenants Bakley, Walter Welch and George Ward be assigned to duty in charge of the first, second and third police districts, respectively. They have all been on other assignments.
4—That all acting lieutenants and acting sergeants revert to their regular rank, and that hereafter all promotions be decided by examination “with utter disregard for politics.”
5—That the Camden police personnel be increased from 176 to “at least 250” officers and men.
Its report, the grand jury said, was based on evidence “which has convinced this body that the police department is functioning in an exceedingly inefficient and desultory fashion.”
The jury declared that Bakley’s appointment as acting chief was made “for purely political reasons” and added that “the rank and file of the department has little or no respect for its superiors.”
1000 Attend ‘Night in Ireland’ To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Tis the Wearin’ of the Green
—Courier-Post Photo
Ex-Governor Harold G. Hoffman was among the prominent guests at the “Night in Ireland” celebration in honor of John McTaggart, “Broadway’s Irish Cop” last night in Labor Temple. In the above picture Betty Sullivan is shown pinning a shamrock on McTaggart.
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
Lt. Bakley Quits, Is Granted Pension
Camden Courier-Post —
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 [sic] 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.