Robert C. Ward
Robert C. Ward
ROBERT CHARLES WARD was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 24, 1888 to John Alexander Ward and his wife, the former Katherina Heffner. He was the second of four children, coming after Elizabeth and before Urquhart Ward and Joseph Ward. Sadly, Elizabeth died quite young. John A. Ward brought his family to Camden in the early 1910s.
The 1920 Census shows the Ward family at 1264 Mechanic Street. Robert Ward, after serving in the United States Navy during World War I, had recently been appointed to the Camden Police Department. Urquhart Ward was working as a plumber, and his father as a plumbers helper. Joseph Ward, an Army veteran, was working as a steamfitter, was appointed to the police department in the mid-1920s. Sadly, Joseph Ward died in May of 1930 in a boating incident.
Robert Ward married Matilda Cromeyn in 1920. The young couple lived with his parents at 1264 Liberty Street through 1923. By 1926 they had moved to 1268 Liberty Street. The 1930 Census shows the Ward family which by then included sons Robert C. Ward Jr. and John A. Ward, was still living at 1268 Liberty Street. Sons Joseph and Urquhart A. Ward II were born in 1931 and 1932, and a fifth son, Edward, was born around 1938. By 1940 the Wards had moved to 1275 Mechanic Street.
On June 6, 1925 Patrolman Robert Ward was shot at South 6th and Everett Streets as he stepped up to an automobile to question its occupants. One of these suspects was captured. Ward recovered and returned to duty after being in the hospital for weeks.
By October of 1931 Robert Ward had been promoted to Detective. As a result of injuries suffered when he was shot, Robert Ward retired from the police department early in 1933. Robert Ward died on June 24, 1940 as a result of hemorrhages from the bullet wound he had received on June 16, 1925. He was 51 years of age. After a funeral mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart he was interred at New Camden Cemetery. His wife joined him in October of 1951.
Cop Shot as He Quizzes Auto Bandit Gang
Camden Courier —
2 MEN CAUGHT BUT 5 ESCAPE AFTER SHOOTING
Robert Ward Dying as Result of Murderous Attack on Sixth Street
QUINTET COMMANDEERS MOTOR FOR GETAWAY
Victim’s Brother and Fellow Cop Witness Affray — Gun Battle Follows
Autoist Gets $5 Tip
The bandits who made Fred Klosterman drive them to Gloucester early today after shooting policeman Robert Ward had varied ideas on recompense. “Let’s give him $500,” one bandit said as he pulled out a wad of bills that made Klosterman’s eyes bulge. “No, let’s give him five bullets,” chimed in another bandit brandishing a revolver that made Fred’s heart waver. They compromised by forcing a $5 bill into Klosterman’s hand and telling him to “beat it.”
Policeman Robert Ward is dying in the Homeopathic Hospital from a bullet wound below the heart and which was inflicted by a gang of seven Philadelphia “stick-up” men early this morning.
Two of the bandits later were captured hiding under a porch after all seven had escaped after their automobile had hit a fireplug and the engine had stalled.
The other five highwaymen held up an autoist and compelled him to drive them to Gloucester, where police now are trying to pick up their trail. The autoist is Fred Klosterman, 14 years old, 1123 Whitman avenue. One of the bandits held a revolver in Klosterman’s side during the ride from Camden to Gloucester. His life was threatened several times.
Shortly after their capture, the two men were taken to the hospital where the dying policeman identified Dillon as the man who had shot him. “The fellow on the left shot me,” Ward said as he pointed to Dillon. Both Dillon and Branin have police records in Philadelphia. Branin was in a shooting episode in Philadelphia two weeks ago. All the seven bandits are said to be members of the “Bailey gang,” one of the most notorious bands of criminals in the East.
The shooting occurred at 2 o'clock at Sixth and Everett streets and was witnessed by Urquhart Ward, Thirteenth Ward plumber and brother of the injured patrolman, Policeman John Searock and former Policeman Carl Quinton.
The two Wards and Quinton had been in attendance at a political meeting and were on their way home in an automobile when they met Searock, who had gone off duty at midnight. Urquhart Ward, driving the car, offered to take Searock home.
They were on their way down Sixth Street when they saw a car parked in the shadows near Everett Street. There was no tail light on the car and Policeman Ward, becoming suspicious, told his brother to stop the car and he got out and went over to the other machine.
When Ward reached the side of the automobile, he demanded to know what the party was doing on the street at that hour of the morning.
Gang Opens Fire
“Stick ’em up” were the words that came from the car and floated across the street to the ears of Searock, Quinton, and Urquhart Ward.
Simultaneous with the demand came a volley of revolver shots from the car. The first shot hit Ward, who was within inches of the machine and he dropped to ground with a loud groan. Two other shots were fired as the policeman lay on the ground but went wild. Ward attempted to pull his revolver as he went down, but he did not have the strength to use his weapon.
Searock, with drawn revolver, Quinton, and Ward’s brother dashed towards the machine. As they did so, the machine started down the street, but the driver evidently was all excited as the car had proceeded only a few yards when it ran ahead onto a fire-plug and the engine stalled.
Shots Are Exchanged
Seeing that escape was impossible in the automobile, the bandits scrambled from the machine one after the other and fled in all directions at top speed. Searock emptied his revolver at the fleeing forms but it was not known if any of the men were hit. Neither of the captured men was wounded.
Three of the bandits fired shots back at Searock, Quinton, and Urquhart Ward as they ran.
The shots aroused the entire neighborhood and several civilians joined in the chase and subsequent hunt for the men throughout the neighborhood. Ward was sent to headquarters by Searock and police in all parts of the city as well as at the suburbs were notified as to be on the lookout for the men.
Klosterman Tells Story
It was shortly after three o’clock that Klosterman met up with the other five bandits and had the big thrill of his life. Klosterman is a six-foot, athletic chap and is known for his ability to take care of himself. He had heard the shooting and joined in the chase.
“I was driving along Lansdowne Avenue near Louis Street shortly before 3 o’clock when the five men suddenly jumped out of the darkness and commanded me to stop.” Klosterman said this morning in describing his thrilling experience. “Two of the men had revolvers and I decided it would be foolish not to obey.”
“When I asked them what they wanted, one of the men spoke up and said ‘drive us to the ferry.’ I asked what ferry and he replied ‘Gloucester’.”
“Realizing that it would be foolhardy to refuse, I told the men to jump in. One of the men got in beside me in the front seat and jammed a revolver into my side and telling me that I had better not try any ‘monkey business’.”
“Thinking that the men were not familiar with Camden, I decided to take a long chance, in spite of the revolver in my side, and I drove up to Chestnut Street and down to Sixth, where the Second District police station is located, hoping some of the officers would be outside.”
“The man sitting beside me was quick to notice the station, however and he commanded me to step on the gas, violently exclaiming ‘What in the he__ did you drive past that police station for, don’t try anything like that again or I’ll blow your damned head off.’”
“I tried to tell them that it was a firehouse, but they told me I was a liar and told me to get to Gloucester as quickly as I could or else they would knock me off and drive the car themselves.”
“I thought it best for my health to obey orders after that and I took them to the Gloucester ferry. When I got there the bandits evidently changed their plans when they saw there was no boat in the docks.”
Held Whispered Confab
“One of the men held his hands over my ears while they had a whispered conversation, after which they told me to drive them to Buena Vista Park, which I did.”
“After we got there, the bandits climbed out and the two men with the guns pointed at me and told me to get back to Camden as fast as that old boat will go and don’t stop to talk to anybody.”
Klosterman said he considered himself fortunate to get away from the bandits and he put on full speed and went to the Camden police headquarters and informed the night sergeant of his experience. The police were combing the Whitman Park section for the bandits at that time, and then immediately shifted their activities to Gloucester and that vicinity.
According to Klosterman, the driver of the car was wounded in the face. He wore a handkerchief over the wound.
Policeman Ward was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital in the police ambulance. The bullet had just missed his heart and physicians believe it punctured one of his lungs. His condition was reported as critical this morning. Little hope is being held for his recovery.
Chase Precedes Capture
The capture of Dillon and Branin was preceded by a thrilling chase over the railroad bridge at Kaighn Avenue and through a number of streets in that vicinity. The two bandits proved fleet of foot and out distanced their pursuers. They tried to borrow hats during the chase and also pleaded with a woman to let them hide in her house, admitting that “the cops are after us.”
Several persons who attended a ball at Tenth and Kaighn Avenue joined Policeman Schilke and Pflederer in the pursuit of Dillon and Branin.
Several of the dancers were standing outside the hall talking about the shooting when one of them saw two forms skulking across the railroad bridge that crosses Kaighn Avenue, near Tenth.
The men crouched down as they crossed the bridge in an effort to avoid being seen.
Schilke, Pflederer and several of the civilians started down the street and reached the bridge just in time to see the men dash down the incline and disappear into Sycamore Street. An exciting chase through the streets followed but the two bandits finally eluded their pursuers and dropped out of sight. The searchers then spread out in a dragnet fashion to comb the neighborhood.
Schilke and two civilians were walking along Ninth Street when they noticed two forms in the darkness on a porch.
“Come out of there” yelled Schilke as he pulled his revolver.
“Don’t shoot, we’ll come out” came back the frightened response and the two bandits meekly, but sullenly, gave themselves up.
Dillon Is Identified
Prior to being sent to police headquarters, the men were taken to the hospital where Policeman Ward positively identified Dillon as the man who fired the shot that hit him. Ward’s brother also identified Dillon as the bandits were standing at the patrol box at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn avenues awaiting the arrival of the wagon.
The machine abandoned by the bandits is a Buick touring car with a Pennsylvania license. It is believed to be a stolen car.
Detective Wood, of Philadelphia, today declared he is sure the bandits are the same gang that ran wild in Philadelphia two nights this week. Last Sunday night Branin is said to have engaged in a revolver duel with Lew Pistoff at Second and South Streets. Two weeks ago the Bauley gang took part in a battle at Seventy-ninth and Tinicum Streets, Philadelphia during which more than 690 shots were exchanged by the bandits and police.
Policeman Ward is 35 years old and lives at 1288 Liberty Street. He has a wife, Matilda, and a four-year-old son, Robert Jr. He was appointed on the force May 28, 1918 and has been in the motorcycle squad for some time.
Benjamin Allen, 38 years old, colored, Eighth and Van Hook Streets, was arrested in suspicion this morning. He likely will be released today, however.
Dillon Changes Name
Dillon was grilled this morning by Prosecutor Wescott, Chief of Detectives Doran and Captain of Detectives Schregler. He said his correct name is Edward C. DeGora. He admitted serving a term in the Glen Mills reformatory when he was 17 years old and that he had served a year in the Eastern Penitentiary in 1922 for stealing automobiles.
DeGora told the police he was driving the car at the time it hit the fireplug. His right wrist is fractured, a souvenir of the collision, he said.
Joseph Branin, brother of the other man under arrest appeared at police headquarters this morning to learn the charges against his brother. He said the abandoned car belonged to him and that he loaned it to Edward last night. He said that he had loaned the car on many other occasions.
Police were satisfied that Joseph was not a member of the party of bandits, but he was held in $500 bail as a material witness.
Ward Shooting Thwarted Bank Theft, Cops Say
Camden Courier —
Two Members of Bandit Gang — Courier Photo. Edward Brannin, 24 years, 1412 Porter street, and Edward Dillon, 21 years, 1641 North Phillip street, Philadelphia, were in the bandit “mob” that shot and seriously wounded Policeman Robert Ward, early Saturday. The shooting took place when Ward stopped an automobile containing seven armed men. Ward and Dillon were captured after a chase. A third member of the gang is under arrest in Philadelphia. The other four escaped.
Police Declare Bandits Planned Big Robbery at Westville
Wounded Patrolman Has Chance to Live
Robbers Displayed Unusual Daring by Returning to Scene of Crime
Police today declared the shooting of Policeman Robert Ward frustrated an attempt to rob the new bank at Westville.
Two of the seven bandits are being held in the city jail without bail while further arrests were promised in the early future by detectives working on the case. The arrests will cause a big sensation both in Camden and Philadelphia, police intimate.
Physicians at the Homeopathic Hospital, where Ward has been since he was shot down early Saturday morning, today said the wounded policeman has an even chance for recovery. It was at first thought that the bandit’s bullet had penetrated his left lung and that no hope was held for his recovery.
The shooting of Ward occurred on Sixth street near Everett street. With several companions he was in an automobile going south on Sixth. When he saw an auto parked in the darkness without any tail light he went to investigate and was shot down.
Assailant Identified
Edward Dillon, 21 years old, one of the men under arrest, has been identified by Ward as the man who shot him. Edward Brannin, 24 years old, is the other man under arrest.
The other five men made their escape by commandeering the auto of Fred Klosterman after their own bandit car had hit a fireplug and was wrecked. They still are at liberty.
Police who are investigating the shooting are firm in the belief that the bandits were on their way to rob the new bank at Westville when they were discovered by Ward. The sleuths would not divulge the source of their information or their reasons for the belief, however.
When asked if Dillon or Brannin had “peached,” the police would neither confirm nor deny reports to that effect.
Bandits Were Daring
The daring of the five men who forced Klosterman to take them to Gloucester shows the character of the bandits and bears out the statement of Detective Wood, of Philadelphia, that they are members of the famous “Francis Bailey Gang,” of Philadelphia. This gang has been involved in several shooting affairs lately.
The abandoned automobile was found in Gloucester by the police, more than two miles from the scene of the shooting and the wreck. Police now believe one of the five bandits, after the journey to Gloucester, secured another automobile and braved arrest by going back to Sixth and Everett and towing the damaged car to Gloucester.
Examination of the car shows that the bandits had removed several articles that would have been damaging evidence. One of the reports is that the bandits had an acetylene tank concealed in the car and which was to be used in blowing the safe at Westville. They had an elaborate kit of burglar’s tools.
It is further reported that the five men hid in Gloucester all night and quietly made their escape after daybreak. It is further reported that the identity of at least two of the men is known to the police.
2 Men Denied Bail in Ward Shooting
Camden Courier —
Alleged Bandits Charged With Assault and Intent to Kill
Edward C. Dillon, 21 years old, 1641 North Phillip street, and Edward Brennan, 23 years old, 1114 Porter street, Philadelphia, were held without bail by Recorder Cleary today on charges of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill.
Dillon has been identified by Policeman Robert Ward as the man who twice shot him when he attempted to investigate the suspicious actions of seven men in the vicinity of Sixth and Everett streets early last Saturday. Ward is in a serious condition at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, suffering from a bullet wound below the heart and another in his left lung.
Joseph Brennan, 25 years old, 1114 Porter street, Philadelphia, brother of one of the suspects, claims to be the owner of the motorcar abandoned by the bandits. He was released under $500 bail as a material witness.
Dillon appeared unmoved when brought into court but Edward Brennan was nervous and frequently shifted from one foot to the other as his counsel, Walter H. Keown, conferred with Prosecutor Bertman in efforts to secure their release under bail.
Photos
Robert C. Ward — Early 1920s
Robert C. Ward (group photo)
City Policeman Drowns in Lake at Blackwood
Camden Courier-Post —
Body of Joseph S. Ward Found Near Upset Canoe
Officials Start Probe in Death Mystery
Tragedy Comes as Climax to Outing by Social Club
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 3:30 a.m. by William 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.
Camden Policeman Drowns in Lake (Continued from Page One)
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.
‘Forgotten’ Holdup Recalled in Capture of Fifth as Bandit
Camden Courier-Post —
Police last night cleaned up an old case of highway robbery that occurred at Second and Mt. Vernon Streets last August when Edward A. Turner, 48, of 1104 Cresson Street, was robbed of his watch, chain and knife.
At the time of the hold-up, Turner told police there were four or five colored men in the robbery. Detectives Robert Ward and Clifford Carr arrested Earl Bundy, 17, of 819 Sycamore Street, who they said had the articles in his possession; also Charles Wing, 17, of 1012 Francis Street; Sherman Smith, 17, of 161 Ivins Street and William Jackman, 16, of 152 Sycamore Street. The last three pleaded guilty and were sentenced to Rahway Reformatory by Judge Samuel Shay.
Bundy pleaded not guilty and was lodged in the local jail.
Last night Ward and Carr with Patrolman Luke captured Oscar Moore, 19, of 135 Mt. Vernon Street as the fifth bandit. He will be held without bail on the same charge as the others.
Stolen Garage Loot Found in Auto as 4 Men Are Nabbed
Camden Courier-Post —
Four Suspects Caught as Series of Weekend Robberies Keep Police Busy
Trio Held at Gloucester for Robbing Store at Westville Grove
Oil Stove Is Stolen
Loot valued at several hundred dollars was recovered and four men arrested over the weekend as many robberies were reported to police throughout South Jersey.
Three of the men arrested were captured in Gloucester when merchandise stolen from a Westville Grove store and garage was found in their automobile. The fourth man was arrested in Camden.
Those under arrest in Gloucester, are Joseph Rietseh, 47, of 1245 Palmer street; Joseph Dorman, 18, of 103 Chango street, and Charles Headley, 18, of 936 North Fourth street, all of Philadelphia.
The loot found in their car consisted of automobile tires, cigarettes, safety razors, tubes and other articles. It had been stolen from the store and garage of George A. Fields, Delsea Drive, Westville Grove.
The three men were arrested by Patrolmen Walter Lane and William Fowler, who stopped their car because it had but one headlight.
Taken back to Westville the three men were held without bail for the grand jury by Recorder Charles H. Benner.
Held For Theft
When he walked down Federal Street with an oil stove Armstead Saunders, 56, of 314 Taylor Avenue, was stopped by the police Saturday night.
An investigation revealed he had picked it up as he passed the second-hand store of W. L. Ernest, 408 Federal Street, according to Patrolmen Walter Patton and Raymond Stark. Saunders will have a hearing today before Police Judge Pancoast, on a charge of larceny.
James Josephson, 3320 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, a salesman for the Household Institute of New York reported the loss of two cases of aluminum ware and an investigation was conducted by Detective Sylvester McGrath. Upon information he entered the apartment alleged to have been tenanted by John Harrigan, of 1289 Dayton Street and found the merchandise. Harrigan is said by the police to have left the apartment. The goods are valued at $150.
William H. McMakin, of 119 West Pine Street, Audubon, reported to Detective Robert Ward that he was held up at Pine Street near Fifth on Sunday morning by three young men. They relieved him of his watch, valued $35, and his drivers license. McMakin was unable to describe the culprits.
William Harris, 53, of 1731 Fillmore Street, told Detective Clifford Carr he was relieved of his wallet containing $6.90 by an unknown man at Haddon Avenue and Copewood Street, Sunday morning. He described the man as being about 27 years old and wearing a light cap.
Thieves entered the candy shop of Jones Wilson, Park Boulevard and Kaighn Avenue, Saturday night and took three cartons of cigarettes, some candy and soda valued at $23.
Hair Clipper Stolen
Waclaw Hermanolski, 1322 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, reported to police that someone entered his barbershop through a rear window and stole an electric hair clipper, massage vibrator and $15.
A grocery store operated by Joseph S. Eskowitz, of 1022 Broadway, was entered early yesterday and the thieves took three dozen cans of malt syrup valued at $12. Detective Benjamin Simon discovered the burglar gained his entrance by cutting a pane of glass out of the back window.
Louis E. Barnes, 21, colored, employed by the police department to catch a colored man who has been reported preying on unemployed and collecting money from them in promise of a job, has informed police that such a man got away from him on October 24. He is known to the police and will be picked up, they said.
Barnes said the man being sought told him to give him $2.50 for a white coat and he would get him a job in the kitchen of the Cooper Hospital. When Barnes returned with the money the man had disappeared.
Family Photos
Named: Robert C. Ward Family, circa 1930, and Matilda Ward with sons John & Robert Jr..
Named: Robert C. Ward Family, circa 1933, and Robert C. Jr., Urquhart A., Joseph G., & John A. Ward.
Gladney and Roy Smith Ask to Leave Fire Service
Camden Courier-Post —
“Bob” Ashenfelter, Shot in Duel With Burglars, Asks Pension
John Sheeran Claims Disability
Applications of four policemen and two veteran firemen for pensions will be considered today at a special meeting of the Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission in the offices of Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Included in the list are Detective Robert Ashenfelter and Accident Investigator John Sheeran, both seeking retirement because of disability suffered while members of the department.
Others whose pension request will receive consideration at today’s session include Patrolmen Robert Ward and Jesse Smith and Charles M. Gladney and Roy M. Smith, members of the fire department.
Ashenfelter, who is 40, and lives at 352 Berwood street, was one of the first members of the police force to receive the Gold Star when that award for bravery was established by Mayor Stewart in 1931. He was appointed to the force by Mayor Victor King on July 1, 1926, and served as a motorcycle policeman until April 17, 1929, when he was appointed acting detective.
Ashenfelter Pension Decision Is Deferred
Camden Courier-Post —
Ashenfelter Pension Decision Is Deferred
Three policemen and two firemen were granted pensions yesterday afternoon by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Pension Commission but action was deferred on the application of Detective Robert Ashenfelter.
Ashenfelter seeks retirement because of disability. As his application was not accompanied by a proper medical report action was delayed. He will be examined by Dr. Garnet P. Summerill, police surgeon.
The commission approved the applications of Robert Ward, police investigator of accidents; Patrolmen John Sheeran and Jesse Smith and Firemen Charles M. Gladney and Roy M. Smith.
Robert Ward Dies; Former Detective
Camden Courier-Post —
Bullet Wound Received in 1925 Causes Death of Pensioner at 51
Robert Charles Ward, 51, 1275 Mechanic street, a pensioned Camden detective, died early yesterday from the effects of a bullet wound he received in the chest June 16, 1925. His death came after he had been in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital a week suffering from hemorrhages.
He was a brother of Urquhart Ward, who has been active in Thirteenth ward politics for a number of years. In addition he is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mathilda Ward, and five sons, Robert C., Jr., John A., Jr., Joseph G., Urquhart and Edward, who is four months old.
Ward was shot through the left lung when he went to question six men in an automobile at Sixth and Everett streets. Two of the men opened fire and after Ward fell, the machine speeded away, but was wrecked when it struck a fire plug. Two of the men were captured and later jailed but the others escaped. The wound affected the policeman’s voice to the extent that he spoke in a whisper.
He was retired on pension early in 1933, after serving 15 years on the force. In his application for pension he cited the fact that his wound and its effects seriously hampered him in the performance of his duties.
He was a World War veteran, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. He was at one time active in the Camden Lodge of Elks.
The funeral will be held at the home at 8 a.m. Friday, followed by Solemn High Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church at 9 o’clock. Burial will be in New Camden Cemetery.
Invoice For the Burial of Robert C. Ward
From Harry Leonard, Funeral Director, 2850 Federal Street, Camden, N.J. — June 1940
Named: Invoice for the burial of Robert C. Ward, Harry Leonard, Funeral Director, June 1940, and Funeral complete: $281.00.
Invoice For the Burial of Matilda Ward
From Harry Leonard, Funeral Director, 2850 Federal Street, Camden, N.J. — October 1951
Named: Invoice for the burial of Mrs. Matilda Ward, Harry Leonard, Funeral Director, October 1951, and Funeral: $330.00.