Richard Donnelly
RICHARD ROSCOE COMPTON DONNELLY SR. was born September 14, 1890 to Roscoe C. Donnelly and his wife Ella. The Donnelly family was living in Cumberland County as far back as the 1870s.
Roscoe Donnelly was a glassblower by trade. Sometime in the 1890s Roscoe Donnelly moved his family, which consisted of his wife, and sons Richard and Adolph, to the town of Cicero, in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana where he followed that trade. The family was living there at the time of the 1900 Census.
By 1910 Roscoe Donnelly, now a widower, had returned to New Jersey, settling in Bridgeton NJ. He was still working as a glass blower, and sons Richard and Adolph were also working at a glass factory as helpers.
On June 5, 1917 Richard Donnolly registered for the draft. By this time he had wed, and his wife Rose Ella had bore on son Richard R.C. Donnelly Jr. The Donnelly’s were still living in Bridgeton, where Richard Donnelly worked as a laborer at a canning factory. Shortly thereafter Richard Donnelly moved his family to Camden. He found work as a “special officer,” another term for security guard, at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard at Broadway and Morgan Boulevard. When the Census was taken in January of 1920 the Donnellys were boarding at 747 Woodland Avenue with the family of William Marcus, who also was a “special officer” at the shipyard.
Richard Donnelly and his family do not appear in the 1925 Camden City Directory. His brother Adolph does, however, residing at 2205 South 7th Street, in the same neighborhood where his older brother had been living in 1920.
Richard Donnelly joined the Camden Police Department in the early 1920s. By 1928 he had been promoted to detective in the Third Police District, which consisted of Cramer Hill and East Camden. He was often partnered with Detective Louis Schlam. By 1929 the two were neighbors, the Donnelly family living at 1017 Bergen Avenue, the Schlams at 1039 North 34th Street. Father Roscoe was living at the Bergen Avenue address in 1929, employed as a watchman at the Progressive Weaving Company at 3252 River Road.
The 1930 census shows the Donnelly family still renting at the same address on Bergen Avenue. There were three children by April of 1930, Richard Jr., 14; James M, 9; and Rose M., two months old. Father Roscoe still lived with them. In 1932 the family moved to 1243 North 26th Street.
On September 15, 1931 Detectives Donnelly and Schlam escorted James H. Kessler to the Skillman Village for Epilectics in Skillman, New Jersey. Kessler had been committed to Skillman by Judge Samuel M. Shay.
Richard Donnelly Jr. married Grace Berry in 1936. In May of 1940 Richard and Rose Ella Donnelly were at Moore’s Beach in Cape May County when a small house fire broke out and caused their house at 1243 North 26th Street to collapse.
In August of 1942 Richard Donnelly was fishing at Green Creek with ex-Mayor Frederick von Nieda and his partner, Louis Schlam, when Schlam suffered a fatal heart attack.
Richard Donnolly retired on pension on April 30, 1944. He and his wife had moved out of Camden by the time the 1947 City Directory was compiled, and he was not on the force in January of 1949. Richard Donnolly passed away on June 24, 1951.
World War I Draft Registration Card
World War I Draft Registration Card — Richard C. Donnelly, 1917
Cops and Firemen in First Practice
Camden Post-Telegram —
Bluecoats and Ladder Climbers Get Ready for Field Day
MR. YOUNGER IN CHARGE
Firefighters Have Large Team of Athletes
Charles Younger, physical director of the Camden Y. M. C. A. and in charge of the candidates for the police and firemen teams which will compete in the first annual police and fire field day on September 19 at Forest Hill Park, sends his proteges through their stiffest workout of the season yesterday morning with several of the committee in attendance.
Plans were arranged between Younger and Captain Stehr, of the First district, to build a temporary track around the local high school’s gridiron. Meanwhile, both the police and fire candidates will do their stuff under the watchful eye of Professor Younger on the Forest Hill track, outside of the enclosed athletic field.
In a confab over the arrangement of the cinder track, Stehr suggested that a 100 and 220-yard straightaway be constructed on the west side of the field.
Joe Connell, of the Highway Department, also gave the field a once-over, as did Captains Golden and Humes. After the members of the committee had inspected the grounds, they witnessed the candidates going through the paces.
Archie Riess, who is in full charge of the “cops,” declared that but nineteen men would be candidates for his team while Walter A. Mertz, of Engine Company No. 1, acting as manager for the firemen, declared he had twenty-nine candidates on his list. These men will compete next Tuesday, but first they will have an opportunity for field day. The events will be run off separately, that is, the “cops” in division and the firemen in another. The bluecoats who will compete this Tuesday are as follows: Everett Joslin, Joseph McDonald, Vernon Jones, Frank Nelson, Bill Rogers, Harold Dunnit, John Bright, Edyard Callahan, Walter Larson, Gus Pfliderer, Clarence Phifer, Thomas Welch, Stanley Wirts, Charles Naylor, George Rothwell, Richard Donnelly, Lester Gleason and Joe Keefe.
The firemen who will also attempt qualification for field day include Fred Schacker, Harry Wagner, Chris Moll, Harry Huda, Arthur Laird, Herman Havercamp, Frank Huda, Harry Kleinfelder, William Poeble, Tom Shanley, Harrison Pike, William Hood, Lester Anderson, William Wood, George Townsend, Allen Palmer, William Mertz, Nelson Hubbs, James Mogan, John Strauss, Frank Oberman, Edward Mensales, John Mulligan, Frank Kates, William Hare, Joseph Andrews and Harry Leigh. From the present outlook, “Cops” appear strongest, coming out second best. The firemen are confident of finishing once more in front of the bluecoats. The leader will be Stehr’s cohorts at the last Armory meet.
The tug-of-team of eight men will also be selected by the firemen’s leader. Merts will choose his varsity from Layton, Smith, Lennox, Walker, Pike, Palmer, Moll, Greenan, Laird, Mulligan, Haver, Merigan and Camp.
The Camden Athletic Club may stage a free exhibition of a motorcycle polo game during the meet. Stehr favors this arrangement, as no extra minutes of actual time is taken up. The local club is willing to donate their services without charge. Nelson Hubbs, local manager, has dates at the Trenton, Long Harbor, Allentown and Bridgeton fairs, while his riders have already performed in many eastern states. The “Camden Blue Devils,” as they are known, will furnish more thrills in the forty minutes than sport lovers have ever seen in the east, declares Nelson Hubbs. If they are on the bill at the games, they will also give an exhibition of trick and exhibition stunt.
Blue Devils No. 1 — Joseph Bernurt, captain; Frank De Vivey, Carl Preisman and Edward Moll.
Blue Devils No. 2 — Charles Ellis, captain; George Gummel, Bennett Arnold, Clayton Alberson.
Camden Courier-Post — January 31, 1928
ALARM CHASES ROBBER
Bell Rings and Would-Be Burglar Flees Hardware Store; Suspect in Custody
A burglar who attempted to break into the Elwood Antrim hardware store, 1541 Federal street, was frightened away when a burglar alarm went off. After a chase, police arrested a suspect, who is being detained at headquarters pending investigation.
The suspect gave his name as Walter Gibbs, 214 Friends avenue. He was arrested at Seventeenth and Federal streets by District Detectives Schlamm and Donnolley.
Worthing Truland, a watchman, 1616 Federal street, was awakened when the alarm went off. He then saw a man leaping the back fence.
The detectives happened to be passing at the time and started a search of the neighborhood. A half hour later they saw Gibbs, at Seventeenth street and placed him under arrest. Gibbs will be given a hearing tomorrow.
Police Invite Bandits to Nice Shooting Party
Camden Courier-Post —
But Yeggs Must Leave Gats at Home While Cops Practice With Camden’s new Desperado Eliminators
Wanted: Targets for Camden’s new desperado eliminators. Bandits, burglars, snipers and their ilk are requested by Chief of Police James E. Tatem to apply at police headquarters Monday morning at 10 o’clock, when a practice shooting party will be held.
Chief Tatem said today Camden’s bandit-chasing squad is “just rarin’ to go” with six new automatic rifles guaranteed to shoot full of holes the toughest bandit in less time than it takes to say “Aligoop.”
For the further enlightenment of the bandit fraternity, Chief Tatem announced detailed instructions on how to use the new carbines will be given this afternoon at 3 o’clock to bandit chasing police by Captain Arthur Colsey and Herman Engle, a representative of Stein Brothers, this city.
The rifles arrived at police headquarters yesterday afternoon. They will be distributed in each of the city’s three police districts in the campaign to rid the city of desperadoes.
The weapons can fire a magazine of 20 shots in a few seconds. They will be mounted in the three red bandit chasing coupes used by the district squad members. One of the coupes is now being used by Archie Reiss and Vernon Jones in South Camden, while two others are expected to be delivered within a few days, according to Chief of Police James E. Tatem. They will be assigned to Walter Smith and Joseph Carpani, First district detectives and Louis Schlam and Richard Donnelly in the East Camden district.
Swivel attachments make it possible to fire the guns from a fixed point in an automobile. Detached they may be fired from the shoulder. Besides firing a magazine of 20 shots without stopping, they can be adjusted to single fire, using .45 caliber cartridges.
Instruction in the adjustment and use of the weapons will be given today by a representative of the company that sold them— at $175 each— to the city.
Camden Burglar Slain; Cop Wounded in Gun Duel
Camden Courier-Post —
City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, wounded three times in a gun battle with a burglar suspect early this morning, is shown in his bed at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, talking to Detective Benjamin Simon. The latter, who was two feet behind Ashenfelter when the latter was hit, is shown telling the wounded man that the burglar, Charles Rettberg, 21, was killed in the volley of machine gun and revolver shots. The shooting occurred at the rear of a chain store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue.
Wounded Sleuth and Companion
Camden Courier-Post —
TWO SUSPECTS HELD IN FATAL FIGHT AT STORE
Detective Robert Ashenfelter in Serious Condition at Hospital
NO WARNING IS GIVEN AS SLEUTH IS FELLED
’Tip’ on Robbery at Thirty-Second and Pierce Given By Telephone
A burglar was shot and killed by policemen armed with a machine gun after he critically wounded a city detective during a gun duel in the rear of an East Camden store early this morning. The slain man was Charles Rettberg, 21, 1189 North Thirty-sixth street.
In grave condition at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital is City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, 39, of 119 Manheim avenue, Oaklyn. Ashenfelter, who is married, was shot three times, one bullet lodging over his heart, another in his right shoulder and another went through the right hand.
Two men are under arrest on suspicion of being Rettberg’s accomplices in the fatal attempt to rob the American Store on the southeast corner of Thirty-second street and [continues on -07b]
[Continued from -05b]
Pierce avenue. They are Theodore Rettberg, 24, brother of the dead man, and a man who gave his name as Melvin James, 38, of Pottstown, Pa.
Theodore Rettberg was arrested at his home after the shooting when detectives found his clothing soaked by rain. James, who is believed to be a Camden man despite the address he gave, was found lying on the front step of the store prior to the shooting, ostensibly intoxicated. He was armed.
Police believe that James was feigning intoxication and actually was the lookout. Clothing worn by a third man seen running across a vacant lot immediately after the shooting tallied with that found in Theodore Rettberg’s room, according to the police.
A truck said by the police to be owned by Theodore Rettberg was found parked within half a block from the store.
Both James and Theodore Rettberg denied any implication in the attempted robbery, although they were subjected to questioning for several hours by Captain John Golden, of the city detectives, and Chief Lawrence T. Doran, of the county detectives.
Police was unable to determine how many times Charles Rettberg had been shot, or who had killed him. Detective Ashenfelter emptied his revolver at the trapped men, while Policeman Frank Evans manned the machine gun.
The fatality occurred at about 2.15 (Continued on Page Two)
Burglar is Slain; Sleuth Wounded
(Continued from Page One)
a. m. Desk Sergeant Gus Koerner received an anonymous telephone call at police headquarters shortly after 3 a. m. The caller declared that burglars were breaking into the American Store at “Thirty-second Bergen avenue.”
“You meaned Thirty-second and Pierce?” quizzed Koerner.
The caller mumbled something and hung up without giving his name. His mistake in the address — Thirty-second street and Bergen avenue run parallel to each other—led police to believe the caller was a stranger in that section of the city, if not in the city itself.
Koerner dispatched Policemen Evans and Charles Wainwright to the scene in a bandit chaser, which is equipped with a portable machine gun. Koerner also notified the detective bureau, and Ashenfelter and Benjamin Simon started out in another car. A third call was made to [continues on -10b]
[Continued from -09b]
the Third district police station by Koerner, and the patrol crew, Joseph Shreeve and Elwood Humphreys, hastened to the store.
Evans and Wainwright arrived first, parking their car when they saw James sprawled on the front step. They questioned him, but he talked normally. Ashenfelter and Simon arrived in their car. Believing James was a lookout and that the burglar or burglars might still be in the place, the two detectives ran toward the rear to cut off escape from that exit.
Ashenfelter was about two feet ahead of Simon. With his gun in hand, Ashenfelter reached the rear of the building and started to turn the corner.
Burglar Opens Fire
Without warning a shot rang out from the interior of the shed at the rear. The bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right hand, tearing the butt off his revolver before entering his chest. The revolver dropped from his hand.
Ashenfelter sank to his knees, crying, “They got me!” Nevertheless, he grasped his revolver in his uninjured left hand and emptied it into the shed, as a rain of fire came through the door from the inside at the already wounded detective. One bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right shoulder, but the other three missed him.
Unable to reload, Ashenfelter drew himself to his feet and staggered out of line of fire. He fell into the arms of Simon, who pulled him out of danger.
Meanwhile Evans, hearing the shots, left Wainwright in front of the building with the wounded man and Simon. Seizing the machine gun, Evan’s ran to the rear. He pointed it at the door and shouted.
“Come out or I’ll shoot.”
There was no answer. Evans waited a moment, again shouted his warning, then fired a long burst from the machine gun. Seven bullets crashed through the door and wall of the shed.
The Third district patrol arrived and Ashenfelter was placed in it. He had attempted to rise three times, but on each occasion he slumped to the ground.
Hearing no sound from inside, police tore the door off its remaining hinge. They found Rettberg lying on the floor in a line with the door. He was dead. In his right hand was a 25-calibre pistol. All its cartridges had been discharged. Near his body also were a brace, bit and jimmy.
Patrolman Humphreys then saw a man running east across the vacant lots in the rear of the store. Humphreys shouted to him to stop but when his command was not heeded, fired a shot at the fleeing figure. The fugitive disappeared on Bergen avenue, but not before Humphreys ascertained that he wore a yellow shirt.
Gun Found on Suspect
James was searched, and a .38-calibre revolver was found in his possession. He denied knowledge of the attempted robbery, and was taken to police headquarters.
A short time later, District Detectives Louis Schlam and Richard Donnelly, and Policemen Charles Johnson and Lewis Smith, all of the Third District, went to Rettberg’s home. There they found Theodore Rettberg clad only in underwear. He denied he had been at the store or with his brother, but the officers declared they found a bright yellow shirt and a pair of duck trousers in his room. The two articles of clothing were wet. As it had been raining at the time of the robbery, Theodore Rettberg was arrested on suspicion.
The manager of the store, Charles Schultz, 1618 Pierce avenue, stated it was the second time burglars had visited the establishment. About a month ago robbers stole $100 worth of goods, entering the place by forcing the shed door and then drilling a number of holes around the lock of the inner rear door.
This leads police to believe that Rettberg was implicated in the first robbery, as the same method of entrance was tried this morning. The thieves took off one hinge of the rear shed door and in that manner, opened that door this morning. Then the thieves attacked the door leading from the shed to the rear room of the store. A number of holes had been drilled around the bolt and a hole large enough to admit a man’s hand had been punched through the door.
However, Schultz had barricaded the inside door to prevent a second burglary. He had braced a heavy timber against the door, nailing the other end to the floor.
Hospital physicians at first feared that Ashenfelter had no chance for recovery. This forenoon, they said his condition had become fair, although it was too serious to permit them to remove the bullets.
The wounded detective was conscious this afternoon, and when Simon visited him, asked,
“Did they get him?”
“Yes, he’s dead,” Simon informed him.
“That makes me feel better,” sighed Ashenfelter. “That does me more good than medicine, and now I’ll get better quick. I’m glad they got him, for he tried to kill me and almost did.”
Camden Courier-Post — August 24, 1931
COPS AND FIREMEN IN FIRST PRACTICE
Bluecoats and Ladder Climbers Get Ready for Field Day
MR. YOUNGER IN CHARGE
Firefighters Have Large Team of Athletes
Charles Younger, physical director of the Camden Y. M. C. A. and in charge of the candidates for the police and firemen teams which will compete in the first annual police and fire field day on September 19 at Forest Hill Park, sends his proteges through their stiffest workout of the season yesterday morning with several of the committee in attendance.
Plans were arranged between Younger and Captain Stehr, of the First district, to build a temporary track around the local high school's gridiron. Meanwhile, both the police and fire candidates will do their stuff under the watchful eye of Professor Younger on the Forest Hill track, outside of the enclosed athletic field.
In a confab over the arrangement of the cinder track, Stehr suggested that a 100 and 220-yard straightaway be constructed on the west side of the field.
Joe Connell, of the Highway Department, also gave the field a once-over, as did Captains Golden and Humes. After the members of the committee had inspected the grounds, they witnessed the candidates going through the paces.
Archie Riess, who is in full charge of the "cops," declared that but nineteen men would be candidates for his team while Walter A. Mertz, of Engine Company No. 1, acting as manager for the firemen, declared he had twenty-nine candidates on his list. These men will compete next Tuesday, but first they will have an opportunity for field day. The events will be run off separately, that is, the "cops" in division and the firemen in another. The bluecoats who will compete this Tuesday are as follows: Everett Joslin, Joseph McDonald, Vernon Jones, Frank Nelson, Bill Rogers, Harold Dunnit, John Bright, Edyard Callahan, Walter Larson, Gus Pfliderer, Clarence Phifer, Thomas Welch, Stanley Wirts, Charles Naylor, George Rothwell, Richard Donnelly, Lester Gleason and Joe Keefe.
The firemen who will also attempt qualification for field day include Fred Schacker, Harry Wagner, Chris Moll, Harry Huda, Arthur Laird, Herman Havercamp, Frank Huda, Harry Kleinfelder, William Poeble, Tom Shanley, Harrison Pike, William Hood, Lester Anderson, William Wood, George Townsend, Allen Palmer, William Mertz, Nelson Hubbs, James Mogan, John Strauss, Frank Oberman, Edward Mensales, John Mulligan, Frank Kates, William Hare, Joseph Andrews and Harry Leigh. From the present outlook, "Cops" appear strongest, coming out second best. The firemen are confident of finishing once more in front of the bluecoats. The leader will be Stehr's cohorts at the last Armory meet.
The tug-of-team of eight men will also be selected by the firemen's leader. Merts will choose his varsity from Layton, Smith, Lennox, Walker, Pike, Palmer, Moll, Greenan, Laird, Mulligan, Haver, Merigan and Camp.
The Camden Athletic Club may stage a free exhibition of a motorcycle polo game during the meet. Stehr favors this arrangement, as no extra minutes of actual time is taken up. The local club is willing to donate their services without charge. Nelson Hubbs, local manager, has dates at the Trenton, Long Harbor, Allentown and Bridgeton fairs, while his riders have already performed in many eastern states. The "Camden Blue Devils," as they are known, will furnish more thrills in the forty minutes than sport lovers have ever seen in the east, declares Nelson Hubbs. If they are on the bill at the games, they will also give an exhibition of trick and exhibition stunt.
Blue Devils No. 1 — Joseph Bernurt, captain; Frank De Vivey, Carl Preisman and Edward Moll.
Blue Devils No. 2 — Charles Ellis, captain; George Gummel, Bennett Arnold, Clayton Alberson.
Cleveland Plain Dealer — August 25, 1931
Cleveland Plain Dealer — August 25, 1931
3 Men Quizzed in Gun Fight of Cops and Thief
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Robert Ashenfelter, Lawrence T. Doran, Charles Rettberg, Theodore Rettberg, James Melbourne aka Melvin James, John Golden, Frank Evans, Benjamin Simon, Louis Schlam, Richard Donnelly, North 36th Street, Pierce Avenue, North 32nd Street, and Beideman Avenue.
Held in East Camden Gun Battle
Camden Courier-Post —
Two of the three purported accomplices of the burglar slain by police yesterday, and the young woman whose statements helped to implicate them, are shown in the above photographs. Above are James Melbourne, center, and Theodore Rettberg, left. The latter is a brother of Charles Rettberg, 1189 North 36th Street, shot in a gun battle yesterday with Detective Robert Ashenfelter, who was seriously wounded, and Policeman Frank Evans. Miss Emmalinda Canilus, a material witness, is shown at right. Melbourne and Rettberg confessed to planning the robbery with the youth who was slain, the police say.
Alleged Pals of Slain Burglar
Camden Courier-Post —
Three alleged accomplices of Charles Rettberg, 21-year old East Camden burglar shot and killed by a detective, are shown during their police court hearing today. From left to right they are Gordon McCrae, Theodore Rettberg, a brother of the slain youth, and James Melbourne.
Bullet Upsets Theory Thief Shot Detective
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Robert Ashenfelter, Lawrence T. Doran, Charles Rettberg, Theodore Rettberg, James Melbourne aka Melvin James, John Golden, Frank Evans, Benjamin Simon, Louis Schlam, Richard Donnelly, Mrs. Emma Bowden, Dr. H. Wesley Jack, North 36th Street, Pierce Avenue, and Beideman Avenue.
3 E. Camden Youths Nabbed as Suspects
Camden Courier-Post —
Three East Camden youths were arrested and held “on suspicion” early yesterday when policemen said they failed to explain satisfactorily why they were at Twenty-fourth and Howell Streets at 1:30 a. m.
Sergeant Edward Hahn and District Detective Richard Donnelly made the arrest. The youths gave their names as Charles Bowers, 17, of 1024 North Twenty-sixth street, Henry Allhiser, 17, of 2415 Howell Street, and James Devenney, 17, of 1161 North Thirty-third street. They will be questioned today.
Camden Courier-Post — June 2, 1932
MOTORIST IS FINED $25 FOR PASSING RED LIGHT
Benjamin Rosner, 35, of 1443 Mt. Ephraim avenue, paid $25 in police court yesterday for passing a red light. He explained to Judge Garfield Pancoast that he didn’t stop when chased by detectives because he thought they were holdup men.
Detectives Richard Donnelly and Louis Schlamm testified they were waiting today in their automobile for the light to change at Haddon and Newton avenues, and when Rosner passed it, they chased him.
They caught up with him at Haddon avenue and Carman street, and when Schlamm opened the door of his car the detectives said Rosner attempted to kick Schlamm.
Man Saved From Gas
Camden Courier-Post —
A man who, according to the police, attempted suicide by inhaling illuminating gas, was saved yesterday afternoon by his sister who found him unconscious.
Louis Fox, 23, of 2406 Federal Street, was found in his room by his sister, Mrs. Sarah Finkelstein, of the same address. Mrs. Finkelstein and her husband conduct a store at 2501 Federal Street. When Mrs. Finkelstein returned to her home shortly before 3 p.m., she found her brother.
Detectives Richard Donnelly and Louis Schlamm took Fox to Cooper Hospital, where physicians said he would recover.
Young Man Recovers From Inhaling Gas
Camden Courier-Post —
Louis Fox, 23, of 2406 Federal Street, whose unsuccessful attempt at suicide landed him in Cooper Hospital suffering from inhaling gas fumes, is out of danger.
The young man was found unconscious at his apartment Tuesday with a gas jet open in the room. Detectives Louis Schlamm and Richard Donnelly took him to the hospital where he was questioned by Detective George Zeitz.
Fox will be arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast upon his release from the hospital, according to Zeitz.
Camden Courier-Post — October 13, 1936
MERCHANTVILLE DRIVER HELD ON TIPSY CHARGE
Charged with drunken driving, Preston Fisher, 33, of 8124 Fisher avenue, South Merchantville, was held by Camden police last night in $500 bail for a hearing in police court this morning.
The charge was made by Policeman Richard Donnelly, who with Policeman Fred Garbrecht arrested Fisher at Twenty-seventh and Thompson streets. Donnelly said Fisher was driving his car “in circles” and that he found a half-pint bottle of whisky in the machine.
At police headquarters Lieutenant George Ward and Sergeant Raymond Stark, after Fisher had undergone tests to determine whether he was intoxicated, said that in their opinion he was not and so informed Policeman Donnelly. The latter, however, insisted that the charge stand.
Camden Detective Dies While Fishing
Camden Courier-Post —
Heart Attack Kills Louis Schlamm; Thrown into Water as Boat Capsizes
Avalon, Aug. 14 — Louis J. Schlamm, 55, veteran Camden city detective, died of a heart attack while fishing in Townsend’s Inlet near here today.
The outboard boat capsized when Schlamm toppled over and tossed him and Billy Schlamm, a 14-year-old nephew, into the Inlet waters. The boy swam about until a nearby coast guard boat of the Inlet station reached him.
The coast guardsmen recovered the body within a few minutes. Dr. Frank Dealy, a local physician, examined the body and reported no water in the lungs.
Richard Donnelly, a Camden patrolman, and who had been Schlamm’s “partner” as a district detective for several years, was vacationing here also. He said Schlamm had difficulty getting the motor of the boat started to go on the trip, and expressed belief the exertion may have induced the attack.
Schlamm was here with his wife, Mary, in a cottage on Fourth avenue.
Yesterday Schlamm fished at Green Creek with former Mayor Fred von Nieda, and other Camden friends. He had organized many fishing parties for Camden patrolmen during the Summer months.
In addition to his widow, the veteran detective is survived by two daughters and two sons, one of whom was at Pearl Harbor with the Navy when the Japanese made their Dec. 7 attack. Several brothers and sisters also survive.
Schlamm had been a member of the police department for 25 years. He was appointed Aug. 27, 1917, under the late Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
He was promoted to detective in 1924 during the term of Mayor Victor King and in March, 1932, was awarded a merit badge for his part in foiling a chain store robbery at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue which resulted in a gun fight with armed men. Detective Robert Ashenfelter was seriously wounded in the battle.
Schlamm had been a resident of East Camden for 40 years. His home was at 804 North Thirtieth street.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at funeral parlors, 804 North Twenty-seventh street, Camden. Burial will be in Arlington cemetery.