Russell O. Young
Russell O. Young
RUSSELL O. YOUNG was born in Pennsylvania in 1904 to Robert J. and Rachel Young. By 1915 the Young family, which included older brother George, had moved to Camden and were living at 685 Fairview Street in Camden’s Eighth Ward. By 1920 Russell Young’s father had died. Russell was working as an office boy for a real estate firm.
Russell Young was appointed to the Camden Police department on April 3, 1928. He served with the mounted police unit for five years, then when the mounted police were disbanded, spent the next twelve years as one of Camden’s motorcycle policemen. After serving as an acting detective for four years, Russell Young was promoted to Detective on December 2, 1952, and retired after nearly 35 years service in 1963.
By November of 1930 Russell Young had married and was living at 7 Fairview Court. The 1931 City Directory shows Russell Young and his wife Dorothy still at 7 Fairview Court. In 1937 Russell Young moved to 1133 Bergen Avenue in Camden’s Cramer Hill section. He remained at that address for the rest of his days. Russell Young died on November 17, 1977, survived by his wife Dorothy, twin daughters Dorothy and Elizabeth, and a son Russell E. Young. His daughter Dorothy was married to Camden policeman Earl Flanagan.
Photos
Officer Russell Young (fourth from Left)
Gang Bullets Are Fatal to ‘Joe’ O’Connor
Camden Morning Post —
Another Dead
South Camden Man Dies From Shooting on Street, Nov. 13
ARREST EXPECTED WITHIN FEW HOURS
Victim Adheres to Code Of Keeping Lips Sealed to End
Joseph O’Connor, “man about town,” is dead.
Critically wounded on the early morning of November 13, the man who police say “lived by his wits alone,” died on his cot in the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital at 4:45 p. m. yesterday.
Police were spurred to renewed activity by the death of O’Connor. Detective Sylvester McGrath said an arrest would be made in a short time, possibly today.
It was rumored that a prominent South Camden “racket man” has been disclosed as the killer and police were searching for him. This could not be confirmed, however, when police were questioned.
Wide Search Instituted
A dragnet was thrown about the city and all district stations were notified to pick up anyone known to have been friendly with O’Connor with the idea of gaining additional information.
A search was also being made for the two men who took O’Connor to the hospital. It was learned police know the identity of one of these men.
Surrounded by his closest relatives and constantly watched by a police guard. O’Connor breathed his last abiding by the gangland code by which he is alleged to have lived.
He would not “squeal” on those who shot him down at Fifth and Walnut streets while he was on his way to his home “from somewhere.” In moments of consciousness he steadfastly refused to name his assailants.
O’Connor was in a delirious condition for more than 24 hours before his death and police would not disclose whether he had unwittingly divulged the names of his slayers. They admitted that several promising clues have been unearthed.
The shooting was the second time in 18 months that O’Connor had been put “on the spot.” He was seriously wounded April 28, 1929, at Broadway and Kaighn avenue by John Doris, notorious gangster. Doris was sentenced to ten years for that crime and subsequently was stabbed to death by a fellow convict at Trenton.
3 Cars in on Kill
As in the previous shooting affray O’Connor refused to tell police the names of those who ambushed him, thus abiding by the code of silence which fear of reprisal inspires.
O’Connor, who resides at 520 Walnut street, was enroute to his home on the morning of November 13 and was walking in Walnut street, near Fifth, at 3:30 a. m., when a volley of shots rang out. He was struck in the leg and stomach and lost a great amount of blood before his wounds were treated.
Witnesses saw three cars leave the vicinity immediately after the shots were heard. One of the machines bore a Pennsylvania license plate. One man was seen running west on Walnut street and was picked up by one of the cars after he had traversed about a block. A short time later a stranger appeared at the hospital with O’Connor.
Delivers the Victim
“Take this man and fix him up,” the stranger told attendants. “I’m going and don’t try to stop me.”
Hospital attaches claim the stranger was a tall, thin man, apparently young. He wore a tan overcoat and light cap. When he left the hospital he entered an expensive sedan and was driven away by a second man who had remained at the wheel.
Police scouted the theory that O’Connor may have been slain by friends of Doris, seeking revenge. Detective Sylvester McGrath asked O’Connor if the shooting had been done by any of Doris’ friends to which O’Connor replied:
“I didn’t squeal on Doris, I never said he shot me.”
Was Known to Police
O’Connor was the brother-in-law of Albert Saunders, who was recently acquitted on a charge of murdering Angelo Solury, a U. S. sailor, at the “Little Club,” a South Camden speakeasy, last June. O’Connor was in court during the first day of the trial.
“I don’t know if O’Connor was a racketeer,” said Detective Captain John Golden, “however, I do know that he didn’t work, so he must have lived by his wits.”
O’Connor had been arrested twice previous to being shot by Doris. He was arrested in Gloucester on a disorderly conduct charge, and in 1924 he was arrested on a grand larceny charge but acquitted.
O’Connor’s wife, Louise, his parents and a brother, Raymond, were at his bedside when he died.
Patrolman Russell Young who was on guard at the bedside said O’Connor was unconscious for an hour before death.
Man Is Beaten, Robbed and Left Unconscious
Camden Courier-Post —
Found unconscious near Seventh and Fairview streets shortly before midnight, John C. Tighe, 61, of Swedesboro, was taken to Cooper Hospital. When revived, he told the police he had been robbed of a gold watch and $15.
Policeman Russell Young found Tighe and took him to the hospital when he saw blood flowing from a cut across the man’s right eye.
According to the policeman, Tighe said he came to Camden on business and had several drinks in a grocery on Broadway south of Kaighn avenue. Tighe said the next thing he knew he was opening his eyes in the hospital.
Cops and Firemen Will Elect Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Herbert Bott Is Unopposed for Presidency of Camden Association
The Camden Police and Firemen’s Association will hold election of officers today at its headquarters, 1175 Whitman Avenue, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Herbert Bott is unopposed for re-election as president. William Thorn is unopposed to replace Richard Middleton for financial secretary and Walter Vecander is unopposed for the new post of assistant financial secretary. All these are police officers.
The police trustees will be named from the following nine candidates: William Marter, George Ward, William Britner, Joseph Shreeve, William Schriber, Joseph Mardino, Joseph Dunnett, Leon Feltz and Russell Young. Two police sergeant-at-arms will be chosen from among Stanley Wirtz, Harry Cattell, Joseph Schultz and George Clayton.
Three candidates are seeking the post of vice president, which goes to a fireman. They are William Spencer, Charles Edwards and Albert Dukes. Warren Rich, a fireman, is slated to succeed himself as recording secretary and Winfield Leviseur is unopposed for the new post of assistant recording secretary, which goes to a fireman.
Four fireman trustees will be chosen from ten candidates. They are Charles Cook, Henry Baumgartel, Walter Eastlack, Arthur Batten, William Getner, William Toy, Lawrence Newton, James Young, Russell Anderson and William Taylor. Three firemen are seeking two posts as sergeants-at-arms. They are William Judge, John Mulligan and Furman Price.
Salesman Dies in Collision of Auto and Bus
Camden Courier-Post —
Victim Near Home When Accident Occurs; Driver Held
John A. Ashton, 36, a salesman, of 316 Boyd Street, was injured fatally last night when his automobile and a Public Service bus collided 100 feet from his home. He died in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital at 8:10 PM, an hour and five minutes after the crash.
The bus was driven by Joseph Clark, 50, of 504 North Fourth street. He was held in $1000 bail for the grand jury on a charge of manslaughter. The crash occurred at Boyd Street and Baird boulevard. According to Policeman Russell Young, on duty at the traffic light at Baird and Admiral Wilson boulevards, a man whose name he did not obtain told him both cars were proceeding on Baird boulevard and that Clark attempted to pass Ashton’s car on the right as Ashton turned right into Boyd Street. Ashton’s car was forced onto the island separating the two traffic lanes on Baird boulevard. Ashton was thrown to the road.
According to Motorcycle Policeman Thomas Welch, who arrived a moment after the accident, the bus continued a block after hitting the car before it was stopped. Ashton was picked up by Welch, who commandeered an automobile and took him to the hospital. He died of a fractured skull and internal injuries. Coroner Arthur H. Holl issued the death certificate. Lieutenant Nathan Petit, who lives nearby, assisted Welch.
Clark was arrested at the Public Service car barns by Welch and Policeman Stanley Wirtz.
Ashton was employed as a salesman for the W.S. Quinby Coffee Company, Philadelphia. He is survived by a widow, Miriam, and a daughter, Marilyn, one year old.
Birthday Pig Gives Cop on Circus Duty ‘Circus’ of His Own
Camden Courier-Post —
It was “circus day” two or three places yesterday, including Motorcycle Policeman Russell Young’s home, at 1260 Browning Street, and police headquarters— in fact, everywhere he went with his new pig, “Geraldine.”
Young was 29. “Geraldine” was the birthday gift from Acting Sergeant James Wilson. Presentation was at the circus lot, where Young was on duty. The pig enjoyed riding around all afternoon in Young’s sidecar until hunger set it a squeal.
Then it was another “circus” quieting the pet. Finally Young got a nursing bottle, some milk and got his gift to sleep and headed homeward, where “Geraldine” and her owner gave the folks a surprise party.
Man Held in Threat as Woman Faints
Camden Courier-Post —
Landlord, Seeking Rent, Denies He Intended to Shoot Tenant
Residents along the 900 block on Howard Street were thrown into a turmoil at 9:15 a.m. yesterday by a reported shooting, after a woman, screaming for help, ran from her home and fainted on the street.
The police arrested Charles Bensley, 73, of 936 Howard Street, charged with threatening to kill Mrs. Anna Morgan, 55, of 934 Howard Street, and carrying concealed deadly weapons.
A few minutes later Police Judge Pancoast held Bensley without bail for the grand jury. He admitted having the pistol at the hearing, but had denied possession of the weapon when first arrested.
“Were you going to shoot her?” the court asked.
“No,” Bensley replied, “I don’t know what made me do this, I think I’m half-crazy. I own the house and wanted to collect the rent or make her move.”
When Motorcycle Patrolmen Russell Young and George Getley arrived in front of Bensley’s home, 100 neighbors were crowding the street outside.
Bensley, they said, eluded them and ran out the front door after pretending to make for the back. He was grabbed by August Hasher, 41, of 217 Erie street, a bystander.
Meanwhile, a motorist had taken the unconscious Mrs. Morgan to Cooper Hospital when she fainted in front of her home. She was questioned at the hospital by Detectives Clifford Del Rossi and George Zeitz.
The detectives quoted Mrs. Morgan as saying that Bensley, who owns the house in which she lives, came into her home this morning to talk about rent which was two months overdue.
“He asked me,” she said, “if I had received a court notice to move, and I said I had, but was waiting for an eviction notice.
“Then he said, ‘Well, I’m going to take the law in my own hands’, and with that he pulled out a pistol and began brandishing it. I ran out the front door calling for help and then I fainted. That’s all I remember.”
Bensley admitted asking Mrs. Morgan to move out. The police found a 38-caliber revolver and a box of bullets hidden behind a rafter in the cellar of his home, they said.
Man Sits in Auto; Gets 90-Day Jail Sit
Camden Courier-Post —
Amedio Sottolano, 25, of 305 South Third street, will probably be more careful where he sits down in the future. He sat down in a strange automobile at Broadway and Federal streets early yesterday and as a result he is sitting down in the county jail for 90 days.
Russell Young, a motorcycle policeman, saw Sottolano in the car and questioned him. Unable to give a satisfactory answer except he was “just sitting down,” Young placed him under arrest.
In police court yesterday Young told Judge Lewis Liberman that since Nov. 7, 1928, Sottolano had been arrested 10 times on charges of disorderly conduct, malicious mischief, loitering, larceny and other charges. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Cedars of Lebanon Plan Charity Ball
Camden Courier-Post —
Floor Show to Be Added Feature of Dance Here on Saturday
Plans for a snappy floor show as an additional feature of the second annual charity ball of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Camden Forest No. 5, were announced yesterday.
Sonny James with the recording and broadcasting orchestra that bears his name, will supply the music— interspersing swing for the youngsters with waltzes for the old-timers.
James will present as the floor show attraction The Musical Aces and Their Queens, radio performers.
Harold Stephans, vocalist with the orchestra, also will be featured.
The ball is scheduled for Saturday night at Hotel Walt Whitman.
The general committee consists of the membership of all other committees, which are:
Executive: Joseph C. Brown, Grand Tall Cedar, ex-officio; William E. Strouse, chairman and Daniel W. Forsyth, secretary and treasurer.
Grand Conductor: Walter W. Giffins.
Reception: Paul C. Ireton, leader; George Murray, Walter Morris, William Rohrer, Harry Holt, Vic Marx, Charles Ackley, Howard Dahl, Francis Gaskill, Frederick von Nieda, and Frank Hartmann.
Tickets, Walter Mattison; door, Louis Bull and Paul B. Miles, press, Frank H. Ryan. Electrical, Wilbur Peters; wardrobe, Charles Neil, William Strong, Elmer Burgess, Taylor Kellogg and Charles Green; safety, Lieut. George W. Frost, Frank Jaggard, Russell Young and Francis Gutherman; decorations, Fred Knodel, Charles Dorrman, Harry Sykes, Harry Flowers, Merton McCormick, Edward Zimmerman and William Delbaugh.
2 Dope Users Given Year, $1,000 Fines
Camden Courier-Post —
Two South Camden men who refused to “cooperate” in naming their source of supply of narcotics were given jail sentences of one year and $1000 fines today by Municipal Court Judge Dzick.
The pair, Robert Anthony, 23, of Cherry st. near 7th, and Hugh Johnson, 23, of Cherry st. near 8th, pleaded guilty to the charge of using narcotics.
They were arrested in their homes Thursday night by Detective Russell Young and state police narcotics squad members. After pleading guilty, Dzick asked the men where they obtained the narcotics.
Johnson said they got it at 23rd st. and Erie ave., Philadelphia, from a man who he knew only as “Pete.”
Dzick said he believed both knew the identity of the supplier and refused to tell the court. He then levied the maximum sentences.
Russell Young Named District Detective
Camden Courier-Post —
Patrolman Russell Young, 1133 Bergen ave., was promoted to detective rank by Police Chief Gus Koerner today. Young, who has been serving as acting detective in the Third Police District for the last four years, has 25 years of service.
Two Suspects Held in Bail of $25,000 Each
Camden Courier-Post —
10 Burglaries:
Two suspects, linked by police with 10 burglaries in the city during the last 6 weeks, were held in $25,000 bail each today by Municipal Judge Marino.
Held on one count each, pending a continuing investigation and a further hearing Tuesday, the men were identified as William J. Porter, 26, of Fern st. near 8th, and Howard James, 25, of Fogarty ave. near Federal st.
Marino commended police work in cracking the case and four detectives assigned to it, Marshall Thompson, Thomas Scarduzio, George Ellis and Russell Young.
James, a brother-in-law of Porter, was in the county jail to await grand jury action on a charge of breaking into a Cooper st. service station Dec. 11, police said, when the case broke Wednesday.
Street Attack Suspect
Porter was wanted for questioning in the stabbing of Miss Joann Green, 19, of 313 Chestnut st., Tuesday night, according to police.
Scarduzio said police searched Porter’s house Tuesday night but he could not be found. However, Scarduzio said, Ptl. Richard Brooks picked up a cash box in the house.
Wednesday, when the box was shown to Sgt. Earl Quinton, he suggested it may have been taken from the Asam Wallpaper Co., 1001 Market st., Nov. 17, according to Scarduzio. The box was later identified as the one taken from that concern, Scarduzio added.
Caught at Gun-Point
Detectives returned to the house Wednesday in an effort to pick up Porter. While Thompson and Young covered the front of the house, Scarduzio went to the back. Scarduzio said he apprehended Porter at gun-point as Porter fled from a rear door.
A search of the place by daylight turned up loot believed connected with robberies in which the two suspects are implicated, Thompson said. Included in the find were 20 new paint brushes, barber shop supplies and a letter scale.
At first, Porter denied any knowledge of breaking and entering, Thompson stated. James was brought from the jail and questioned by Thompson more than three hours. Thompson said James finally admitted the jobs and implicated Porter, who later confirmed James’ statements, Thompson said.
Thompson reported James admitted breaking into a grocery at 635 Carman st. Nov. 2 and looting a barber shop at 303 S. 3rd st. of $304 in equipment Nov. 9.
Other Victims
The two of them allegedly broke into the office of an engineering firm Nov. 7, taking a computing machine valued at $500 and took $650 in appliances from Thrifty Buyers Store, 313 Market st., Nov. 13.
The wallpaper firm was entered Nov. 17 when $712 in cash and $200 worth of postage stamps was taken. On Dec. 10, they purportedly entered Asam’s again and ransacked the second-floor offices of Camden Ink and Color Co. and Cutler Metal Co.; the Fitwell Coat Co. on the third floor, and the Wilkie W. Faust Co., next door at 1011 Market st.
Scarduzio said a warrant has been issued for Porter’s wife, Jean, charging her with assault and battery on the Green girl. The girl underwent an emergency operation Tuesday night in Cooper Hospital, after being left there by Porter, Scarduzio said.
Police also disclosed that Porter was wanted on an assault and battery warrant issued on complaint of his wife.
Woman Held in S. Camden Fatal Knifing
Camden Courier-Post —
Row at Party:
Municipal Judge Marino today held a 36-year-old woman without bail for a further hearing Friday in the fatal stabbing of a South Camden man early today.
Miss Evalena Watkins, of the 1200 block S. 3rd st., was charged with the death of James W. Atkins, 27, of 1225 S. 3rd st. He was pronounced dead at West Jersey Hospital.
Det. Lt. William D. Neale said Atkins was stabbed in the heart while at a party in a first-floor apartment of his house. He lived on the second floor.
Marino also set $25,000 bail for Willie Simmons, 31, also of the 3rd st. address, as a material witness.
Two Report Emergency
Police received a call at 4 a.m. from off-duty Ptl. James Johnson, who said he had been requested by Miss Watkins and Simmons to call an emergency patrol.
Ptl. Edward Fulton and Leo Tompkins answered the call and found Atkins sitting on the first-floor hall steps in a crouched position. They took Atkins to the West Jersey Hospital but he was dead on arrival.
Dets. Russell Young and John Huston were called. They notified Dube, Neale, the city homicide squad of Acting Lt. Vincent Conley, Nathan Jones, William O’Brien and County Det. James P. McLaughlin.
Guests are Questioned
Several guests at the party, including Miss Watkins, Simmons, Mrs. Atkins, the victim’s wife, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Perry, were taken to detective headquarters for questioning.
Dube and Neale said they learned Atkins had been stabbed following an argument in the stairway of the first floor. He and his wife had been guests at a party in the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Neale said.
Neale said Mrs. Atkins was just returning from her apartment when the stabbing occurred. Neale said Mrs. Atkins told him she witnessed the assault.
Neale said witnesses told him the group had been at a party in the Perry apartment and they had been drinking.
Det. Young 35-Year Vet, To Retire
Courier-Post —
City Detective Russell O. Young, 58, retired Thursday on a disability pension after nearly 35 years on the Camden police force.
Young was appointed a patrolman April 3, 1928. He served as a mounted policeman for the first five years of his service. When the police horse patrol was disbanded, he served as a motorcycle patrolman for the next twelve years. He has been in the detective division for the remainder of his service.
Young received 10 citations during his police career.
He lives at 1133 Bergen ave., with his wife, Dorothy R. He has twin daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Flanagan, wife of Camden Ptl. Earl Flanagan, and Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell of Mount Ephraim, and a son, Russell, of Camden. He also has eight grandchildren.
Gold Badges to Be Given 15 City Cops
Camden Courier-Post —
Fifteen retired Camden City policemen will be honored by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Local 35, Wednesday night at the Police and Fire Club, 1175 Whitman Avenue.
Police Chief William H. Neale, will present awards. The awards will be gold retirement badges mounted in wallets. The men receiving them will have served 20 or more years.
According to Patrolman Robert Mentz, PBA secretary, this is the first time since 1960 that retirement badges have been presented. The ceremonies will follow the organization’s business meeting.
Awards will be made to: Edward Suski, Harry Cattell, Clifford DelRossi, Frank Gutherman, John Houston, Thomas Kauffman, William Stibi, Leon Feltz, Russell Young, Henry Leutz, George Ellis, Everett Joslin, Ralph Cline, John Kaighn and former Chief Gustav Koerner.
R. O. Young, 72, City Detective
Camden Courier-Post —
Russell O. Young, a retired Camden city detective, died Thursday at West Jersey Hospital, Northern Division, Camden. He was 72.
Mr. Young, a Camden resident, joined the Camden police force in 1928 and retired in 1963. He was a member of the Ionic Lodge 94 F&AM, the Excelsior Consistory, the Crescent Temple and Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Local 35.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy R.; a son, Russell E. of Berlin; two daughters, Dorothy R. Flanagan of Pennsauken and Elizabeth Campbell of Audubon; one sister, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Edward P. Leonard Jr. Funeral Home, 35th and River streets, Camden. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery, Camden. Friends may call Sunday after 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where masonic services will be held at 8 p.m.
Death Notice — Russell O. Young
Camden Courier-Post —
YOUNG — On November 17, 1977, Russell O. Age 72 years. Husband of Dorothy R. (nee Boulton) of Camden, N. J. Also survived by one son Russell E. of Berlin, N. J. Two daughters, Dorothy R. Flanagan of Pennsauken and Elizabeth E. Campbell of Audubon, N.J. One sister Laura Brett of Virginia. Eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mr. Young was a retired Camden City Detective. He joined the police force April 3rd, 1928 and retired January 16, 1963. Mr. Young was a member of Ionic Lodge Number 94 F & AM, the excelsior consistory, the Crescent Temple and the P B A Local Number 35. Relatives and friends also all organizations of which he was a member, are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday 11am at the EDWARD P. LEONARD JR. FUNERAL HOME, 35th St. & River Ave., Camden, N.J. Interment Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday after 7pm at the funeral home. Masonic services 8pm. Parking on premises.
In Memoriam — Russell O. Young
Camden Courier-Post —
YOUNG — In sad and loving memory of my dear husband Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. The face I loved is now laid low. His loving voice is still. The hand so often clasped in mine, Lies now in death’s cold chill. I often sit and think of him when I am all alone. For his memory is the only thing that grief can call its own. Sadly missed by wife Dorothy.
YOUNG — In loving memory of my dear father Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. One year has passed since that sad day, The one I loved was called away. God took him home, it was His will, But in our hearts he liveth still. Sadly missed by daughter Betty, Husband Edward and children.
YOUNG — In sad and loving memory of my dear father Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. What would I give to clasp his hand, his happy face to see. To hear his voice and see his smile, that meant so much to me. The rolling stream of life rolls on, but still the vacant chair. Recalls the love, the voice, the smile, Of the one who once sat there. Sadly missed by daughter Dorothy, Husband Earl and children.
YOUNG — In sad and loving memory of my dear father Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. Just a thought of sweet remembrance, just a memory sad and true. Just the love and sweet devotion, Of one who thinks of you. Sadly missed by son Russell, wife Doris and children.
YOUNG — In sad and loving memory of our dear brother-in-law Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. We do not forget you, nor do we intend. We think of you often, and will to the end. Gone and forgotten by some you may be. But dear to our memory you ever will be. Sadly missed by sister-in-law Edna and brother-in-law John.
YOUNG — In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law Russell O. who passed away November 17, 1977. Our family circle has been broken, A link gone from our chain. But though we’ve parted for a while. We know we’ll meet again. Sadly missed by sister-in-law Rachel and brother-in-law Sam.