Introduction
Samuel E. Johnson
SAMUEL E. JOHNSON was born in 1879 in Pennsylvania. He began service with the Camden Police Department on April 19, 1910, and served 40 years before applying for his pension in July of 1950. He retired the following month.
Samuel Johnson served as an Officer until 1920, when he was promoted to detective. At the time of the 1920 census, he was living at 526 North Front Street with wife Fredericka (Freda), daughter Mildred, 17, and mother-in-law Clara Staron. The Johnsons were still at that address in April of 1930, when the census was retaken. Samuel Johnson was elevated to sergeant in 1928, and lieutenant, in 1930. In 1942 he was raised to Captain by the Public Safety Director Mary Walsh Kobus. Captain Johnson was named acting police chief from December of 1947, replacing George E. Frost. Samuel Johnson served as acting chief for two years, when he was relieved by Gustav Koerner in December of 1949.
By 1947 Samuel and Freda Johnson had moved to 211 Elm Street. He applied for his pension in July of 1950, a mandatory retirement at 65 law having been passed covering police and firemen. His last day on the police force was August 31, 1950, when he retired along with Captain John T. Garrity, Detective Frank Crawford, and Patrolman Harry Stahl.
On April 3, 1954 a banquet was held at Kenney’s restaurant on Market Street in honor of retiring Camden Police Department detective August Pfleiderer. Joseph Mardino chaired the committee which put the banquet together. Other members of the committee include Clifford Carr, Harry Tracy, George Ellis, Nathaniel Jones, James Mulligan, Russell Maurer, Samuel E. Johnson, Edward C. Garrity, Frank H. Ryan, james m. o’neill, Stephen M. O’Keefe, Edward J. Quinlan and Joseph Webster.
Samuel E. Johnson died at his home at 211 Elm Street, Camden on March 14, 1962 and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery on March 17. He was survived by three sisters and two grandchildren.
Wed Man and Girl Located in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
WED MAN AND GIRL LOCATED IN CAMDEN
Couple Arrested and Returned to Their Former Homes in Bristol, Tenn.
Phila. Man Held in Connection With Two Damage Suits for Total of $30,000
Declared to have left a very comfortable home, Ethel Griffen, 17 years old, of Bristol, Tenn., was found in an apartment with John Mabe, 30 years old, of the same city, at Third and Penn streets, Camden, by the police yesterday. They were placed under arrest by City Detective Samuel Johnson, and were taken back to their home town. Mabe has a wife and three children.
Detective Captain Schregler received word several days ago of the disappearance of the couple. He instituted a search in Camden, found the girl working in a hotel while Mabe was employed in a local plant.
“I’m glad to get back home,” said Mabe, “and they can’t get me back fast enough.”
He told the police he had planned to work in Camden and send money to his family in Bristol.
“But how about the girl?” Mabe was asked.
“She followed me here,” he replied.
“Yes, I followed him,” admitted the girl. “We have been friends for some time. I know his wife and he is acquainted with my family.”
Robbers Take Jewelry
Camden Courier-Post —
Man Returns to Elm Street Home to Find Thieves had Jimmied Window
When Joseph Verneeren returned to his home at 221 Elm Street last night, he discovered thieves had taken jewelry and money.
A diamond ring and a $300, a wrist-watch worth $35 and $7 in money had been taken, Verneeren told the detective bureau.
City Detective Samuel Johnson found that entrance had been gained by jimmying a side window. Johnson said he believed the robbery was the work of the same gang who had been pulling off petty thefts in the neighborhood for the past few weeks.
Suspected Sniper Charges Frameup by ‘Real Phantom’
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Letter Written by His Enemy, Downtown Youth Insists
NEW SHOTS HIT AUTO AND FIRE ALARM BOX
Courier Reporter Locates Most Sought By Police At Jasper Street Home
SUSPECTED SNIPER CHARGES FRAMEUP BY ‘REAL PHANTOM’
Police Letter Written by His Enemy, Downtown Youth Insists
NEW SHOTS HIT AUTO AND FIRE ALARM BOX
Courier Reporter Locates Most Sought By Police At Jasper Street Home
Admitting that he is the man for whom Camden police searched for four days after receipt of an anonymous letter declaring him to be South Jersey’s “phantom sniper,” Eugene Marshall, 21 years old, of 404 Jasper street, today charged that he was the victim of a plot by an enemy he suspects as being the real “ghost gunner.”
Young Marshall, a former taxicab driver, was found by an Evening Courier reporter to whom he voiced his suspicions regarding the writer of the “tip-off note” now in possession of Detective Captain John Golden.
“I want to see that letter,” Marshall declared. “I understand that it’s sprinted, but just the same I think I’d recognize who did it. If it’s the man I think it is, I’ll tell his name and they can question him.”
Thinks Enemy Is Sniper
The letter, which Captain Golden received ten days ago, was signed “A Gunman.”
“That’s just what this fellow is,” was Marshall’s assertion. “and I think he’s the sniper and is trying to put the blame on me.”
It was after Captain Golden received the anonymous letter, purporting to be a “tip” on the identity of the sniper, that city detectives watched vainly for four days in the vicinity of Fourth and Jasper streets.
“If you want to catch him,” the letter stated, “follow this letter and see the sniper come out of a house on Jasper street at 7 o’clock Wednesday night near a saloon corner. He will have on a dark coat and light pants and is about 5 feet 11 inches tall with a cap pulled over his eyes.”
The description exactly fits Marshall.
“Sure, I’m the fellow that letter meant,” Marshall said. “But I’m no more the sniper than you are. I’m pretty sure I know who wrote the letter, though, and I think he’s the sniper. According to the paper, the letter ended up with the words ‘Till we meet again.’ Well, those are the same words this fellow used to me when I left him the last time we were together.”
Shot Hits Fire-Alarm Box
Perhaps the “sniper” or perhaps some imitator of his activities today fired a bullet or some similar missile through the glass key-window of a fire-alarm box at Kaighn Avenue and Hyde Park. It was the twenty-seventh incident of the sort since Thanksgiving Day, bullets and other missiles having been flung previously through auto windshields, and windows of doors of stores and dwellings in Camden, Collingswood, Audubon, Gloucester and Delair.
Police Sergeant Walter Mattison was notified of the drilling of the fire alarm box glass at 11:30 o’clock this morning. The hole in the glass was described by police as being one which appeared to have been caused by a .22 calibre bullet. No bullet or other missile was found and no one in the neighborhood, among those questioned had heard the report of a gun.
If the “sniper” or other mischief maker fired at the box with the intention of setting off the alarm, he failed. No alarm sounded and the incident was not discovered until a patrolman passed and happened to notice that the box had been damaged.
Hits Battered Sedan
Meanwhile, the twenty-sixth shot attributed to the “phantom sniper” was added to the long list of similar incidents during the weekend. For saking the main thoroughfares, the mysterious marksman—if, indeed, the same person is responsible—stalked his game through side streets of South Camden, where two other silent shots were fired last week.
A battered old sedan was the twenty-sixth target of the “sniper” or snipers. A bullet-like missile, which vanished just as have most of the others, drilled a hole in a rear window of the ancient car, narrowly missing Joseph Carone, 20 years old, of 30 Morris street, Gloucester.
Carone had sold the car to Donato Aceto, 32 years old, of 681 Van Hook street, a watchman at the Reading railroad crossing at Broadway and Salem street, Gloucester. The young man was steering the old machine which was being towed by Aceto’s car. At Seventh street and Woodland avenue the mysterious missile tore through the rear window of the sedan, whistled past Carone’s head and vanished.
He started at first to realize what had happened. Carone waited until the two cars had crawled along for a hundred yards before he thought of the “phantom sniper.” Then, a search for the missile began but to no avail. He reported the incident to William Booth, a florist, of 692 Van Hook street, who notified police. Detective Samuel Johnson investigated and heard Carone’s story.
Found Wounded on Sidewalk at Kaighn Point
Camden Evening Courier —
Seals Lips as Police Seek to Learn Identity of Assailant
EIGHT UNDER ARREST IN SUSPECT ROUNDUP
Surgeons at Hospital Find Four Jagged Bullet Holes in Body
Victim of the gang feud—he denounced on his death bed, Joseph “Mose” Flannery, 26, picturesque Eighth ward political worker, was dying today in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
Mortally wounded, his body riddled with bullets, Flannery was shot some time shortly before 4 a. m. today as he stood on the sidewalk outside a saloon at Front and Kaighn avenue.
Four or five men, grouped closely about the prone body of the political worker, hailed a truck which took Flannery to the hospital at 4.15.
Eight men had been arrested by police, seven charged with being a material witness, and the other being held at police headquarters “on suspicion.”
They were James L. Hawkins, 37, declared by police to be proprietor of the saloon at 101 Kaighn avenue; Walter Novak, 22, 442 Jackson street; Russell Sage, 25, of 407 Mechanic street; Joseph Novak, 34, of 508 Jackson street; Eugene Murphy, 51, of 101 Kaighn avenue; “Cuzzy” Scarduzio, 27, who gave police no home address, and Joseph Moll, 25, of 101 Kaighn avenue, all held as material witnesses; and Patrick Driscoll, 25, of 1225 South Third street, held “on suspicion.”
Cause of Shooting Unknown
Despite a far-reaching investigation, Flannery’s assailant or assailants, the details of the shooting, and its cause remained undetermined this noon. Every available county and city detective was engaged in the probe as Camden gangland’s victim hovered between life and death in the hospital.
Realising doctors had given him but a few hours to live, Flannery continued to maintain his silence concerning how he was shot, and which he had adopted when he was carried into the hospital on a stretcher.
“My lips are sealed and if I don’t live to get the fellows who did this my gang will get them,” he told physicians when placed on the operating table at 4:30 a. m.
At 9 o’clock this morning, the doctors had given up hope for his recovery, but Flannery still was alive at 2.30 this afternoon.
South Camden virtually buzzed with rumors to the effect that Flannery’s fate was the result of a war in the bootleg ring; that it was the aftermath of a feud over slot machines; that it was a case of “women,” and that it could be linked up with the shooting in January of Joseph Cimini, by Joseph Devon, known as “Polack Joe.”
At Loss for Motive
Police were at a loss to name the motive. Acting Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, in charge of the investigation, said the probe had not reached the point where anyone person could be accused of shooting Flannery, or where the gun fire could be traced to anything but a “gang feud.”
“Mose” Flannery had been shot. He probably would die. That much was known. The rumors naturally followed for Flannery was well-known, not only in the close-mouthed circle in which he moved, but throughout the city as well.
“Mose” Flannery is one of the most picturesque figures in Camden’s political “gangland.” For several years he has been a slot machine distributor in Camden and Philadelphia.
When “Polack Joe” Devon shot and killed Joseph Cimini, Philadelphia gambler in the Sixth Ward Republican Club early in the morning of January 14, last, Flannery was arrested as a material witness. It was disclosed by police that Flannery and Cimini had gone into the club together a few minutes before Devon’s gun pumped death into Cimini’s body after the Philadelphian had quarrelled with Devon.
Flannery was considered the most important of the material witnesses connected with the Cimini murder. Sage, arrested on suspicion this morning in connection with the felling of Flannery, was another “important” witness in the Sixth Ward Club shooting affair.
James Bonner, who was mysteriously shot several months ago, was questioned today by detectives but was not held. Walter Selby, a taxicab driver, also was taken before Chief of Detectives Golden and County Detective Chief Doran, but he too was released after being closeted with the officials for more than an hour.
Sage Ordered Held
After questioning Sage, Acting Assistant Prosecutor Orlando ordered that the man be held.
In the meantime, Flannery lay on a hospital cot, propped up on his side, his pain deadened by opiates. He mumbled incoherently to members of his family grouped about him. At times he lapsed into a state of unconsciousness.
The doomed political worker early today had asked for a priest. Rev. Father John J. Henry went to the hospital. “Joe,” he said, “you’re dying. You’d better give police a statement.”
Flannery was said by doctors to have replied he would tell nothing, that if he lived, “he’d settle,” and that if he died, “my gang will take care of that.”
After a session in which more than a dozen men were questioned, Captain Golden and Detective Chief Doran shortly before noon went to the scene of the shooting. They found evidence that a scuffle in the saloon at Front and Kaighn avenue had preceded the shooting.
Tables had been overturned. Glasses had been broken. Forty cents in change was found on a table beside a picture of a small baby. There was an empty glass on one table, another glass half-filled with beer on the bar.
Bullets Meant for Novak?
It was reported that police had been informed by one of those they questioned that the bullets which ripped their way through Flannery’s body had been meant for Walter Novak who they said had been standing at “Mose’s” side at the time of the shooting. The police officials refused to confirm that rumor. Novak had told them, Capt. Golden said, he was not with Flannery at the time. Later Novak admitted to being on the corner near the saloon, police said.
Police recalled that Novak was arrested several months ago in the alleged theft of a slot machine from the store of Louis Schectman, in Broadway near Line street. Novak was apprehended after a wild chase through South Camden streets.
Schectman at first told police Novak was one of two men who entered his store, and at the point of a gun, robbed him of a nickel slot machine. Testifying in a hearing in police court several days later, Schectman said he hadn’t kept a slot machine in his store, and that two men unknown to him stole a box of cigars and escaped in an automobile.
As far as could be learned by an Evening Courier representative, the case against Novak never was settled.
The bullets were fired from a “pump” gun and were of .32 calibre. According to Detective Thomas Cheeseman, they could have been fired only from a gun of the type common to gangsters who “shoot to kill.” Cheeseman said a “pump” gun was designed to hold nine shells or “wads,” as they are commonly known. The leaden bullet is surrounded by a coating of asbestos, which breaks from the lead upon the firing of the gun and allows the lead to enter its target.
Police were following every clue which developed, no matter how scanty. Detectives combed the Front street and Kaighn avenue neighborhood, it was learned, in an effort to discover the haunts of the gang known by police to center in that part of the city.
Chief of Police Lewis W. Stehr was asked if police would act against the owners of the habitats of the “Front and Kaighn avenue” gang or if a routine investigation into the shooting of Flannery would be conducted. Chief Stehr said the usual investigation was being made and would continue.
While members of the political worker’s family talked with Flannery, and while investigation of the shooting by county detectives and police was under way, doctors said the man who lives at 346 Jackson street, couldn’t “live out the day.”
Flannery had a bullet wound two inches in diameter in his back. Another bullet had pierced his abdomen, and he had been shot in both elbows, physicians said. Doctors said the bullets were two inches long and three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
It was shortly after 4 a. m. when Charles Foulk, of 219 Point street, driver of The Courier-Post delivery truck, was hailed by a group of men standing on a corner at Front street and Kaighn avenue.
“Have you got time to take a man to the hospital?” one of the group asked Foulk, according to the story he told Captain John Golden, chief of city detectives.
Flannery was lifted into the rear of the truck, two men jumped on the running board and the run for West Jersey Hospital began.
Walter Wartman, of 315 North Second street, another Courier-Post employe, who had assisted in the delivery of Morning Posts at the Reading Ferries, was with Foulk.
Foulk said one of the men jumped from the truck when it reached Mt. Ephraim and Atlantic avenues. The other went into the hospital, whispered a few words to Flannery, and then raced out the main entrance.
Mose’s Companion Escapes
Mrs. Edward McGrath, supervisor of nurses, called Policeman Frank Malec who for several days has been guarding a man known as “Two-Gun” Kelly, and Malec gave chase to the unknown companion of Flannery. Malec saw the man disappear on Mt. Ephraim avenue, but couldn’t find him in a search of the neighborhood.
In the meantime, City Detective William Boettcher, who had been working the morning shift, had notified Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando; Lawrence T. Doran, chief of Camden county detectives; Capt. Golden, and had called City Detectives George Ward, Louis Shaw, Thomas Cheeseman and Howard Pike to investigate the shooting.
Boettcher said Flannery refused to “talk.” “You are a policeman and I’m no friend of the police. I’ll never tell,” Flannery told the officer, Boettcher declared.
Later Flannery told physicians, “I have learned my lesson and hope this will be an example to other young men.”
Witness in Cimini Shooting
Flannery was held as a material witness in the fatal shooting of Joseph Cimini, 31, in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, early in the morning of January 14. Joseph Devon, known as “Polack Joe” fired the shot that killed Cimini. Devon was arrested but the case never came to trial.
Devon now is at liberty on bail and is under indictment for manslaughter in connection with Cimini’s death. Flannery also was released under bail.
While police continued their investigation, Flannery, still determined to refuse information to detectives and doctors, was surrounded by his wife, his 4-year-old son, his mother and father, and his 19-year-old brother James. Calling “Jim” to his side, Flannery, according to physicians, said, “I want you to promise me you’ll never get mixed up in these gang wars.” “Jim” promised, Detective Boettcher said.
Novak Under Suspicion
In their search for the “mysterious” companion of Flannery on the ride to the hospital, police pointed a suspicioning finger at Walter Novak who they had held “on suspicion.”
According to information given them by Foulk, the truck driver, Flannery, during the ride from Front and Kaighn avenue to the hospital, whispered, “Where are you taking me, Walt?” He was told the hospital was the truck’s destination, Foulk told police.
Detectives said Novak might have been the “Walt” to whom Flannery spoke. Novak said he was 22, was a “salesman” and lived at 442 Jackson street.
Taken by Strategy
Scarduzio’s arrest resulted from a piece of strategy on the part of Chief of County Detectives Doran. Doran with several members of his staff and city detectives were in the bar-room of the saloon at 101 Kaighn avenue when the telephone rang before noon.
Doran picked up the receiver and the party on the other end asked if Joseph Moll, son of former Policeman Frank Moll, was there.
Figuring that the persons might be some one who could help the authorities unravel the mystery, Doran answered:
“Yes, this is Joe Moll.”
“Well, I want to see you right away,” continued the other party.
“Will you come right down to 674 Fairview street. I want to see you,” finished the unidentified speaker who then hung up.
Doran with Captain of Detectives Golden hurried down to the address given and there found Scarduzio in the home of Garfield Del Duca.
Scarduzio, it is said, was more surprised to see the authorities than they were to find him as Chief Doran had been searching for “Cuzzie” for several hours.
He said he had nothing to do with the shooting of Flannery. Limping when the detectives escorted him from the house, Scarduzio was first taken to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital to discover whether or not he was suffering from any bullet wounds in the legs.
Scarduzio Not Shot
Doctors later said Scarduzio had not been shot and the man who had been surprised at the Del Duca home was taken to police headquarters.
He “knew nothing about the shooting,” Scarduzio told Captain Golden and County Detective Chief Doran. There were stains, possibly bloodstains, on Scarduzio’s trousers, the police said. “Cuzzy,” as he is known in police circles, wore a clean white shirt, and that fact sent detectives from headquarters on another tangent in their investigation.
Scarduzio was asked where he had left a “bloody shirt” he was reported to have been wearing early today. According to police, he denied his shirt was bloody, and refused to give them any information.
City Detectives David Hunt, Samuel Johnson, and Walter Smith were dispatched on the “side” investigation.
Detective Thomas Cheesman, of the city hall staff, also holds two warrants for the arrest of Scarduzio in connection with the holdup of a saloon in Gloucester several weeks ago and the theft of an automobile.
Moll was arrested while sleeping in a room over the saloon near Front and Kaighn avenue. He was arrested by Chief Doran, Captain Golden and Detective Ray Sapanore. Moll has been in police tolls several times recently, the last time in connection with the mysterious shooting of Bonner near the spot where Flannery fell.
Woman Describes Auto
The movements of an automobile bearing Pennsylvania license and containing several men whom she said ran out of the saloon near Front and Kaighn avenue an hour after Flannery was shot, were described to police officials late this morning by Mrs. Mary Brown, who lives near the saloon.
She was questioned at detective headquarters after she had reported seeing the car drive onto the Spruce street pier, four men alight and board a motorboat which set off across the Delaware river in the direction of Philadelphia.
According to Mrs. Brown, the driver of the “mysterious” automobile turned the car about and raced north on Front street.
A city-wide man-hunt had been made for Joseph “Cuzzie” Scarduzio, detectives said after the “surprise arrest” on Fairview street. Police had heard rumors Scarduzio, known by them to be a “pal” of Flannery, had been standing by “Mose” when he was “given the works” by the yet unknown gunman or gunmen. They had heard, detectives announced, that Scarduzio, coatless and hatless, had been seen leaving the scene of the shooting, his clothes spattered with blood from the wounds of his friend.
Camden detectives said they doubted if Philadelphia gangsters were responsible, believing, they announced, that the shooting was local to the Camden gang center they knew existed.
City Detective Walter Smith shortly after noon brought a South Camden bartender into police headquarters for questioning.
The man said he was Frank Smith, and tended bar in a saloon in the 1800 block on Broadway, near Ferry avenue, and said he had overheard three men telephone for a taxicab to take them to Front street and Kaighn avenue. Smith placed the time after midnight, according to police, and detectives doubted if the three men were connected with the Flannery “case.” Smith was not held by police.
(photograph — Scene of Shooting at 101 Kaighn Avenue)
Camden Evening Courier —
Joseph “Mose” Flannery was shot while standing in front of a saloon at 101 Kaighn avenue, and after there had been a scuffle inside the barroom, police had determined today. The above photo shows the property on the northeast corner of Front street and Kaighn avenue, the arrow showing the window where the fight occurred inside the saloon. The cross marks the spot where the picturesque Eighth ward political worker was felled by bullets.
Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here
Camden Courier-Post —
GANGSTER SHOT AS RACKETEERS OPEN WAR HERE
But as Connors raised his hands, the other pulled a pistol and began firing at point-blank range. Connors screamed and ran back toward the restaurant, the pistol still in readiness in pursuit.
Shot Shatters Pane
Three shots were fired. One crashed through a window of the United Shoe Repair Shop on the opposite side of the street at 505 Kaighn Avenue.
In his haste to escape, Connors collapsed near the glass pane of the restaurant door, cutting his hands and face.
The wounded man ran through the kitchen into Amber Street at the rear. Doris pursued him as far as Broadway but turned from the chase when a group of pedestrians ran toward him.
A few seconds later, Connors staggered into the restaurant, holding onto his stomach, ran through the kitchen into a back room, looking for a way out. And Doris, the gun still in his hand, followed, but tripped and fell, and then got up and continued the chase.
Almost identical testimony was given by James Sims, also a cook.
Doris was the only witness for the defense. He “remembered nothing” of how he happened at being “punched in the nose, some place in South Camden.” Doris was on the stand only a few minutes. As he left, Keown rested his case.
Doris first was tried in the Connors’ shooting last June. Arraigned on charges of atrocious assault and battery and carrying concealed deadly weapons, he was returned to the county jail pending a second trial when the jury, although believing him guilty, disagreed as to his charge. The first trial was comprised of eleven women and three men.
Doris, in addition to being involved in the Broadway and Kaighn Avenue shooting, is believed by police to hold the key to solution of the mysterious murder of Joseph “Mose” Flannery, for which he is under indictment.
Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here
Camden Courier-Post —
GANGSTER SHOT AS RACKETEERS OPEN WAR HERE
Gloucester Man Near Death After Attack at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue
FELLED NEAR QUARTERS OF CAMDEN GAMBLERS
Brother of Frank Doris Accused After Police Round Up 10 Men
Shooting of an alleged racketeer at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, near the threshold of one of South Jersey’s notorious reputed gambling joints, threw Camden police into renewed warfare on gangdom yesterday.
Like the shots that riddled Hughy McLoon, the dwarfed Philadelphia hunchback—shots that blew off the lid off Philadelphia vice and police corruption—those that echoed in the recognized rendezvous of Camden gangdom promised to have far-reaching effects.
The victim was Joseph Connors, 28, of 135 North Broadway, Gloucester, alleged beer racketeer. With a bullet in his lungs and another in his abdomen, he was conceded “an even chance” to live at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital last night.
John Doris, 24, brother of Frank Doris, who died in the electric chair for murder during the Olney Bank holdup is under arrest charged with the shooting.
A roundup by a special squad of detectives immediately following the shooting resulted in the arrest of 10 men, among them some well-known gangsters and racketeers. All were held in bail as material witnesses.
Those netted in the roundup and the bail demanded follow:
Russell Sage, 426 Mechanic street, several times suspected in Camden gang shootings, held without bail for trying to help Doris escape; James “Jimmie” Toland, former Philadelphia paplist and now operator of the Nonpareil Club, $2500 bail; Joseph Simms, cook in the Nonpareil Club, $500 bail; Charles Riehm, 1051 Haddon avenue, manager of the club; William Kelly, alias Leo Morton, 425 Van Hook street, $500; Harry Selah, 1240 South Third street, a spectator who named Doris as the assailant; William J. Merrick, 1128 Liberty street, $2500; Lorenzo Cole, 920 Jefferson avenue, $500; Ernest Matsios, 506 Kaighn avenue, $500; Leo McKenna, 426 Mt. Vernon street, $500.
Motive in Doubt
Motive for the shooting was so tangled in the mazes of gangland’s intrigues of love, avarice and rivalry that police confessed they were unable to fathom it. Gangland’s glib explanation was that Doris and Connors quarreled over change for a $5 bill in the Nonpareil Club at Broadway and Kaighn avenue several hours before the shooting.
The shooting took place in front of the American Restaurant, 506 Kaighn avenue after the two men had engaged in a bitter quarrel at a table inside. Other patrons saw both arise and punch viciously. Doris suffered several cuts on the face in the exchange. Then the fighters walked out to the street to finish the battle.
But as Connors raised his hands, the other pulled a pistol and began firing at point-blank range. Connors screamed and ran back toward the restaurant, the pistol still in readiness in pursuit.
Shot Shatters Pane
Three shots were fired. One crashed through a window of the United Shoe Repair Shop on the opposite side of the street at 505 Kaighn avenue.
In his haste to escape, Connors collapsed near the glass pane of the restaurant door, cutting his hands and face.
The wounded man ran through the kitchen into Amber street at the rear. Doris pursued him as far as Broadway but turned from the chase when a group of pedestrians ran toward him.
A few seconds later, Connors staggered into the restaurant, holding onto his stomach, ran through the kitchen into a back room, looking for a way out. And Doris, the gun still in his hand, followed, but tripped and fell, and then got up and continued the chase.
Almost identical testimony was given by James Sims, also a cook.
Doris was the only witness for the defense. He “remembered nothing” of how he happened at being “punched in the nose, some place in South Camden.” Doris was on the stand only a few minutes. As he left, Keown rested his case.
Doris first was tried in the Connors’ shooting last June. Arraigned on charges of atrocious assault and battery and carrying concealed deadly weapons, he was returned to the county jail pending a second trial when the jury, although believing him guilty, disagreed as to his charge. The first trial was comprised of eleven women and three men.
Doris, in addition to being involved in the Broadway and Kaighn avenue shooting, is believed by police to hold the key to solution of the mysterious murder of Joseph “Mose” Flannery, for which he is under indictment.
Racketeer Shot in Gang Outbreak
(Continued from Page One)
He was “sent in” by Policeman Joseph Leonhardt after telling an incoherent story of “bumping off” a guy. Leonhardt sized him up as helplessly drunk and arrested him near the Nonpareil Club less than 30 minutes after the shooting.
It was not until later, when Doris’ friends, a woman among them, called police headquarters for news of him. Asked for “John King,” the right name except the woman. She asked first for Doris and then for “John King.” This gave Detective Johnson the alias, but it was not until he was actually arrested that police were certain they had the right man.
A squad of detectives Koerner, Cheeseman, Carpani, McGrath and Troncone continued to bring suspects into headquarters for questioning. Selah, one of the first questioned on the night of the shooting, was asked as a detective pointed to Doris: “Is that the man?” Selah nodded.
Records Bad
Doris has a criminal record that dates back to a few days. An attorney, Judge James E. Gorman of Philadelphia, told him he was headed for the electric chair—an end that looms as a distinct possibility since Doris is suspected in the murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, in Kaighn avenue, between Front and Second streets, a few years ago.
So far as Camden authorities were able to determine last night, Connors’ place as a peer in the underworld is that of a beer racketeer and is known as a frequenter of gambling joints, police said, but local records show no mark against him.
Machine Gun Helds Mystery
Two mysterious elements stand out. Further doubt as to the motive of the shooting: One is the sudden closing of two South Camden gambling joints—one in a second floor room on Broadway, the other at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue. These places, both operating at full blast, closed their doors today for the first time.
Speculation concerning the closing of the gambling houses jumped from gambler to gambler as rival gangland warnings of a holdup or a police raid. Paraphernalia was removed from the places. One of them was alleged to spread discreet warnings for patrons to keep away. The place at Tenth street on Kaighn avenue was “given the works” three months ago. Its opening was unexplained.
The shooting spurred police officials to clean up in “their district.” Detective Sylvester McGrath said an arrest would be made in a short time. “Orders went out three months ago to close the lid. We have been working hard to keep it on. This shooting may have forced things into the open. There is need to wipe out the practices of carrying weapons.”
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd was recently appointed to serve the district in Camden, declared he intends to review the facts in yesterday’s shooting to determine if a general investigation of Camden racketeering is warranted.
Justice Lloyd’s charge to the April grand jury demanding a curb on the carrying of guns launched an earlier campaign to curb the influx of Philadelphia criminals into South Jersey.
5 New Lieutenants Appointed by Rhone Await Assignments
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: John Potter, George Frost, Walter Welch, Charles Laib, Ralph Bakley, George Ward, Herbert Anderson, Samuel Johnson, Harry Newton, Thomas Cunningham, and David S. Rhone.
Promoted for Merit on Force
Camden Courier-Post —
Portraits of officers promoted for merit: Walter T. Welch, Charles Laib, Ralph W. Bakley, George W. Frost, George Ward, and Clarence Thorn. Camden Courier-Post, January 25, 1930.
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 Potter, Herbert Anderson and Harry I. Newton, did not receive lieutenancies, although Potter had the highest percentage in the tests.
Manager Is Shot In Second Holdup Of Store In Week
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Dorothy Austin, John Cullen, John Drexel, Gordon Feltz, Samuel Johnson*, Russell Kaighn, Dr. Charles Ley, Irma Marconi, Sylvester McGrath, Alfred Shires, Walter Smith, Nathan Wine, Earl Wright, John Yovankin, North 3rd Street, North 8th Street / Broadway, Friends Avenue, Lansdowne Avenue, Louis Street, Penn Street, and South Common Road
* Samuel Johnson was erroneously named “Thompson” in the above article.
"Cops Are Shifted by Mayor Stewart"
Camden Courier-Post,
Cops Are Shifted by Mayor Stewart
Retirements on Pension Cause Changes; Sergeant Petit, Traffic Head
Police Sergeant Nathan Petit yesterday was named head of the city traffic bureau to succeed Lieut. Charles L. Laib, who will retire on pension tonight.
A number of other transfers to fill vacancies left by other members of the police department who are to accept pensions were made yesterday by Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Lieut. Samuel Johnson will be assigned in charge of police headquarters in place of Capt. A. Lincoln James and will serve also as a desk-sergeant on the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift daily. Policeman William Robertson will be made an acting desk-sergeant to fill the vacancy left by Johnson.
Policeman Frederick Watson, who has been doing special work in the detective bureau, will be returned to police headquarters to work at his old position of jailor in place of Samuel Hibbert, another pensioner.
Detective William Boettcher will be assigned to take over the duties of Detective Thomas Stanger, who also will retire tonight. Stanger has been in charge of Bertillion records and police photographic work for many years.
Rumors to the effect that Lieutenants George Ward and George Frost would be shifted from their present positions were spiked in the an- (Continued on Page Two)
Faulty Alarm Causes Bank Robbery Scare
Camden Courier-Post —
A crossed wire in the Camden Safe Deposit & Trust Company’s burglar alarm system caused a bank robbery scare for a few minutes yesterday afternoon.
At 2.28 p. m., the alarm connecting the bank, at Broadway and Market Street, with police headquarters, sounded. Lieutenant Samuel Johnson immediately communicated with every patrolmen and motorcycle policeman available in the business section.
A horde of bluecoats descended upon the bank, but found a prevailing calm. No one, either in the bank or outside, knew what was wrong. There had been no holdup and no one had touched off the alarm.
Bank officials said they had been having some trouble with the alarm system, and they laid the false warning to a crossed wire.
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 your 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.
Johnson Gets Ward’s Job as Kobus Orders Cop Shakeup
Camden Courier-Post —
Shaw Made Assistant in Place of Koerner
In a shakeup of Camden police officials yesterday afternoon Lieutenant Samuel E. Johnson was named acting chief of detectives by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
Lieutenant George A. Ward, who has been in charge of the detective bureau for a year, was transferred to take Johnson’s place in charge of headquarters.
Detective Louis Shaw was made assistant to Johnson, replacing Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner. Koerner was transferred to the Second District, for radio car and street duty. The new order became effective at 4:00 PM yesterday.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey announced the changes in the bureau after a two-hour conference with Commissioner Kobus yesterday afternoon.
Maurice Di Nicuolo, who has been an acting detective, was transferred to the First Police District, with former Acting Detective Clifford Del Rossi returning to his old post in the detective bureau.
In the only other transfer announced, Sergeant Harry Newton was switched from the First Police District to the Third, with Sergeant Edward Carroll going from the Third to the First.
Although no other changes were made public, it is believed yesterday’s are a forerunner of numerous shifts to be made today or early next week.
“These changes are being made for the good of the service,” Commissioner Kobus declared. “There will be other transfers of officers and men so that all the police may familiarize themselves with all the branches of the department.”
Lieutenant Johnson was appointed a policeman on January 1, 1910. After 10 years as a patrolman, he was promoted to a detective, where he made a splendid record. On November 28, 1928 he was made a sergeant, and again promoted on April 8, 1930, when he became a lieutenant.
Ward was appointed a policeman on August 2, 1917, promoted to detective January 1, 1927, sergeant November 14, 1928 and lieutenant on January 24, 1930.
Johnson was a detective sergeant when former Police Chief John W. Golden was head of that bureau, but later was transferred to police headquarters.
Ward has been in and out of the detective bureau several times. He served for a time as the commander of the First District and later was in charge of the police headquarters on the 12:00 midnight to 8:00 AM shift. He was a political lieutenant of former Public Safety Director David S. Rhone.
Jailed and Quizzed in Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Stanley Powell, Whitman Avenue, Frank Gromacki, Broadway, Samuel Shane, Mary Shane, Harry Gassell, Liberty Street, Samuel E. Johnson, American National Bank, Kaighn Avenue, Clifford Carr, Heber McCord, Joseph Carpani, Lane’s Garage, Haddon Avenue, and Line Street.
Thieves Syphon Gas from Parked Autos
Camden Courier-Post —
THIEVES SYPHON GAS FROM PARKED AUTOS
Gasoline thieves are active in Camden and suburbs, motorists were warned yesterday by Detective Lieut. Samuel Johnson.
Joyriders and youths with jallopies are believed responsible for many cases where gas has been syphoned from auto tanks when cars are parked in the street.
Six garages in the rear of the Liberty Bottling Company at 1135 Liberty Street were broken into and gas stolen. Complaints have also been made by motorists whose cars were parked at night on Roosevelt Plaza.
Salesman Slain; Girl Questioned
Trenton Times —
Salesman Slain; Girl Questioned
Camden Murder Victim Found Shot Few Feet From Home
CAMDEN, N. J., March 30 (AP).—Pearson Lessy, 34-year-old furniture salesman, was found shot to death today on a lawn a few feet from his home. Five bullets had entered his body. An attractive 21-year-old brunette was taken into custody and held as a “material witness.” The young woman was booked as Miss Louise Abate, of Camden.
She was quoted by Police Lieutenant Samuel Johnson as saying she had spent the week-end with Lessy and that he left her home about 45 minutes before his body was found.
She told investigators, Johnson said, that Lessy recently had received several threatening telephone calls from an unidentified man who warned: “Stay away from my girl.”
Lessy was the former husband of Charlotte Cloverdale, a singer who uses the professional name of Cariotta Dale. He obtained a divorce in 1938, saying she preferred a career to marriage.
Police expressed belief Lessy was slain as he stepped from his automobile. Two bullets entered his head and three struck his arms.
Camden Police Heads Shuffled
Trenton Times —
Named: George W. Frost, David S. Rhone, Samuel Johnson, Nathan Petit, and George E. Brunner.
Accused Officer Studies Payroll
Camden Courier-Post —
All of the officers were fully exonerated of ANY wrongdoing.
Named: Nathan Petit, David S. Rhone, Louis T. Goldman, Bruce A. Wallace, Anthony Skolski, Charles Hance, Martin Nelson, George Getley, Everett Joslin, James Wilson, Walter Vecander, Anthony Palese, Edward Garrity, Samuel E. Johnson, James Bishop, Joseph Weller, Charles Howard, and John Williams.
(appointment photo)
Camden Courier-Post,
SIGNING ON AS a new patrolman is William Bennett, 27, of 313 North Eleventh Street. Watching are Director of Public Safety Rhone, Police Judge DiMona, and Police Chief Johnson. New officers, grouped from left to right, are James J. Large, William J. Miller, William C. Lewis, Edward W. Campbell, Carmin J. Fuscellaro, Charles W. Richards, Robert J. Kelly, and Francesco Senatore.
[Photo of signing ceremony at city hall] SIGNING ON AS A new patrolman is William Bennett, 27, of 313 North Eleventh street. Watching are Director of Public Safety Rhone, Police Judge DiMona, and Police Chief Johnson. New officers, grouped from left to right, are James J. Large, William J. Miller, William C. Lewis, Edward W. Campbell, Carmin J. Fuscellaro, Charles W. Richards, Robert J. Kelly, and Franciesco Senatore.
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George W. Frost, who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Captain Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
Gustav A. Koerner – George W. Frost – E. George Aaron – Mary MacClennan – John Garrity – Walter Mattison – Albert Cornog – Edward Carroll – Samuel Johnson – Walter Rowand – Frank Call – George Brunner – Angelo Malandra – James J. Mulligan – Bart A. Sheehan – Nathaniel Petit – David S. Rhone – Mitchell Cohen – Charles T. Humes
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post,
4 COPS, 4 FIREMEN, WIDOW OF ONE WIN CITY PENSIONS
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today. The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65. Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68. Fire department members include Deputy Chief Clarence Madden, 67, and Firemen John Prucella, 75; Spencer Smith Sr., 68, and Frank L’Esperance, 66. The eight men will retire Aug. 31, with each receiving one-half of the average annual salary of the last three years.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually. Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years. Johnson, who will receive $2019 annually, was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard. Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942. He was cited by former Chief John Golden.
Stahl Appointed in 1917
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401. Chief Madden, 2760 Mickle street, is serving as fire commander for the second fire district at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He was appointed July 1, 1910 and assigned to Engine Co. 5, Fifth and Arch streets. In 1922 he was raised to lieutenant, and six years later became senior captain. Madden was named battalion chief Nov. 21, 1944 and deputy chief on Dec. 16, 1949. Madden will receive about $2000, with the others drawing approximately $1358 annually.
Prucella, 919 Penn street, was sworn in on Nov. 1, 1911 and joined Engine Co. 5. Since 1933 he has been serving at No. 6 Engine Co., Front and Linden streets. Smith was appointed May 1, 1914 and assigned to No. 1 Engine Co., Fourth and Pine streets. He has been attached to No. 10 Engine Co., Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, since 1920. Frank L’Esperance, 604 Clinton street, is also a member of No. 10 Engine Co., where he has been attached since 1938. He was appointed June 6, 1918 and served with No. 5 and No. 3 engine companies.
S. Johnson, Police Head, Dead at 83
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: George W. Frost, Samuel Johnson, Camden Lodge 111, Loyal Order of Moose, and Elm Street.
200 Friends Pay Tribute to Chief Johnson
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Samuel E. Johnson, Elm Street, William Cahill, and William Neale.