Introduction
Sylvester “Wes” McGrath, c. 1932
Sylvester “Wes” McGrath
SYLVESTER WESLEY MCGRATH was born on November 26, 1879 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of Sylvester McGrath and Catharine “Kate” Jordan Walker. According to the 1880 Census, both his parents were born in Ireland. The 1900 Census indicates, however, that his mother was born in New York of Irish parents.
The 1880 Census shows Sylvester McGrath and his parents on Guilford Street in Philadelphia. The elder McGrath worked as a laborer. Later Census records show that 4 more children had been born, three of whom were alive in 1900.
The McGrath family first appears in Camden City Directories in 1892. By this time Catherine McGrath was a widow. The 1892–1893 Directory shows the family at 1051 Diamond Street. The 1894–95 and 1895–1896 lists them at 603 St. John Street. By the time the 1896 Directory was compiled, Sylvester McGrath was working as a machinist in Philadelphia. He and his mother had moved to 607 St. John Street. The following year’s Directory reveals that Sylvester McGrath and his mother had moved to 817 Dauphin Street, and that he had begun work at a morocco “patent leather” factory. He followed this trade through at least 1900. The McGraths moved to 821 Dauphin Street in time for the compilation of the 1898 City Directory.
In late 1898 or early 1899 Sylvester “Wes” McGrath married Gertrude Colbeck who was born in Camden on March 15, 1877. A daughter was born in September of 1899. Four more children would follow—Helen, Sylvester “Buddy,” Catharine and Myrtle. The 1900 Census shows the family at 615 St. John Street. They moved to 819 South 6th Street by 1910, by which time “Wes” McGrath had found a new line of work, as a bartender. The 1910–1911 City Directory shows “Wes” McGrath and family at 620 Division Street, his widowed mother Catherine was still living at 819 South 6th Street. By 1914 “Wes” McGrath and his family had moved to 605 St. John Street where he lived out his days.
“Wes” McGrath was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on March 14, 1913. He was assigned to Engine Company No. 7, 1115 Kaighn Avenue, as a Hoseman who made $960 per year according to the 1914 Chief Engineer’s Report. His wife’s uncle, Elmer Burkett, also worked at Engine Company No. 7 as a Stoker and his yearly salary was $1020.
“Wes” McGrath transferred to the Camden Police Department on July 16, 1918. He was appointed a City Detective on September 1, 1927. In the August 20, 1929 Camden Courier is an article on Sylvester and his partner Joseph Carpani. The article “Sleuths Here Play Big Part in Shore Murder Inquiry” said
The record for long distance detecting is claimed for Joseph Carpani and Sylvester McGrath, both of whom, although Neptune City is more than 70 miles away, have aided materially in the investigation of the holdup and murder which occurred there last Saturday. It was their quick work in tracing Robert Tully. Through a source they couldn’t reveal, they found Tully in a rooming house at 115 North Fourth Street. Carpani and McGrath who pal together and always work as a team were assigned to this case. Carpani lives at 568 Royden Street, McGrath at 605 St. John Street, just around the corner. The two are friends and study a great deal together in the field of criminology, languages and sociology.
Sadly, Gertrude Colbeck McGrath died October 29, 1931 at their home, 605 St. John Street, Camden.
“Wes” McGrath remained a City Detective until he retired on March 15, 1933. He died September 27, 1948 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery.
Eagle Ball Was Grand Success
Camden Daily Courier —
Camden Aerie No. 65, Fraternal Order of Eagles – roster listing includes James Kennedy – Sylvester McGrath among the new appointees.
Hertline Removed from Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After seeing gallant service for nineteen years, William Hertline, lieutenant of the East Side Fire Company, has been removed by the Fire Commissioners of Council on charges of neglect of duty. Sylvester McGrath has been appointed to the service and John H. Lennox to the vacant lieutenancy.
Camden Fire Department
1914 Chief Engineer’s Report
Engine Company No. 7
Location 1115 Kaighn Avenue. Second-class Metropolitan Engine and Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon. Went into service July 1, 1910. Carries 900 feet of 2½-inch hose.
Engine Company No. 7
Camden Fire Department Engine Company No. 7 from the 1914 Chief Engineer's Report
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Rank ↕ | Age ↕ | Address ↕ | Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles A. Todd | Captain | 52 | 618 S. Fourth Street | $1,140.00 |
| Joseph Sparks | Lieutenant | 31 | 624 S. Fifth Street | $960.00 |
| John A. Dold | Engineer | 53 | 1301 Park Boulevard | $1,140.00 |
| Elmer Burkett | Stoker | 47 | 1009 Penn Street | $1,020.00 |
| Roy Smith | Driver | 30 | 607 Carman Street | $960.00 |
| William Hunsinger | Driver | 37 | 741 Walnut Street | $960.00 |
| George Boone | Hoseman | 38 | 605 Mt. Vernon Street | $960.00 |
| Sylvester McGrath | Hoseman | 35 | 605 St. John Street | $960.00 |
| Horace Cairns | Hoseman | 42 | 621 Newton Avenue | $1,020.00 |
Engine Company No. 7 – 1914 Chief Engineer’s Report
Engine Company 7 on Kaighn Avenue — c. 1914
Camden Courier-Post —
(photograph — Engine Company 7 on Kaighn Avenue, circa 1914)
[Photograph of horse-drawn fire engine with uniformed crew in front of the Engine Company 7 station on Kaighn Avenue, circa 1914. No caption text visible in the image.]
South Camden Siftings
Camden Post-Telegram —
SOUTH CAMDEN SIFTINGS
On their way home to breakfast this morning, Firemen Joseph Sparks and Wesley McGrath, of No. 7 Engine Company, Kaighn avenue near Tenth street, when they alighted from a trolley car at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, saw a horse that had lost its balance and fallen in the mud which covered the streets. Examining the animal Sparks discovered that it was the horse he used prior to becoming a member of the fire department. Sparks and McGrath gave a hand in helping lift it to its feet and in so doing they fell in the slimy mud. After it was helped to its feet the firemen looked as though they had emerged from a mud pond.
Elwood Levis, of West and Clinton street, is spending a week at Atlantic City.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Erricson, of West and Clinton street, have returned after a week’s sojourn at Atlantic City.
At the meeting of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association held this evening in their quarters, Broadway and Kaighn avenue, the semi-annual nomination will take place.
Little Nickie Romaine, son of Nick Romaine, of 1496 Mt. Ephraim avenue, is suffering from lacerations about the forehead received in a fall in his yard. He was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital.
There was a merry fishing party yesterday at Anglesea, and some Eighth warders returned to this city with plenty of fish. Among those who took the trip were Harry Schortt and James Long.
Mr. and Mrs. William Wardoff and children, of Mechanic street, are visiting friends in Atlantic City.
Mrs. Margaret Loyd and daughter, Miss Pearl Loyd, of South Camden, spent last week in Washington, D. C.
A pleasant surprise party was last night tendered Miss Dorothy Schultz, of 776 Line street. A happy time ensued for all present and fine refreshments were served.
Clarence Jetters and Harry Thilow, of South Camden, will on Friday motor to Bowers’ Beach.
Well known in downtown social circles as one of the leading officials of the Alpha Club, Charles Goodwin, one night last week, took as his bride Miss Margary Andrus, of 812 Birch street.
Firemen to Play Baseball for Red Cross
Camden Post-Telegram —
Under the direction of Fireman Frank Gondolf, a base ball team is being organized among the down town firemen to play the uptown firemen. The proceeds of the fiasco will be given the Red Cross. The down towners will be represented by Frank Gondolf, Jack Garirty, John McTaggart, Wes McGrath, Harry Chambers, “Bill” Casson, “Chappie” Lennox, George Pursglove and two other “dark horses.”
World War I Draft Card
World War I Draft Card – Sylvester Wesley McGrath
Detective Badge
Detective badge – Sylvester Wesley McGrath, Camden Police Department
Police Identification Card
Camden Police Department identification card – Sylvester Wesley McGrath
3 ‘Baby Burglars’ Admit 6 Robberies
Camden Courier-Post —
12-Year-Old Boys Sent to Detention Home After Looting Stores
Three “baby burglars” stood in police court today and admitted to Judge Bertman that during the past three months they had robbed six business houses in the city. They were committed to the House of Detention without bail for their appearance in Juvenile Court.
The boys are John Pukas, 668 Central Avenue; Bruno Brozozouski, 1747 Master Street, both 12 years old, and Frank Hotel, 1845 Broadway, 10 years old. They were arrested last Saturday morning as they were forcing their way into a rear window of the Hanover Shoe Company store, 1131 Broadway. They were captured by John Campbell, a private watchman.
When the boys were taken to police headquarters and questioned by City detectives Dolan and McGrath, they admitted their life of crime began three months ago. The said they sold a large amount of their loot which amounted to several thousand dollars.
In police court they admitted breaking into the jewelry store of Samuel Windthorp, 1029 Broadway, and stealing jewelry valued at $450; the Atlantic Cotton Company, 1041 Broadway, and taking several hundred pennies out of the cash register. When they broke into the store they entered through the only window that was not equipped with a burglar alarm.
They also admitted entering the Boston Shoe Shop, 1104 Broadway, and stealing 15 pairs of shoes and $58.75 in cash. Then they confessed to breaking into the Sugar Bowl, 453 Kaighn Avenue and the Dudley Furniture Company, Broadway and Sycamore Street. In the latter place the youngsters stole a box of cigars. They also said they entered the hardware store of J.R. Leaming, 1015 Broadway, and stealing a dollar’s worth of pennies out of the cash drawer.
“The trouble with you boys is that you have been petted and pampered too much by your parents,” Judge Bertman said. “You should be committed to some institution, and I’m going to hold you without bail and send you to the House of Detention.”
Camden Man Is Held on Bad Check Charges
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Haddon Avenue, Sylvester McGrath, Emil Muckensturm Jr., and Louis Meher.
18 Persons Are Nabbed, 3 Released by Police
Camden Evening Courier —
Detective Suspended for Beating up Two Witnesses Awaiting Questioning
18 PERSONS ARE NABBED, 3 RELEASED BY POLICE
Cops Cruising in Bandit Chaser Nab Trio Near Scene of Crime
Joseph “Mose” Flannery was shot down and mortally wounded because he challenged another racketeer's claim to the love of a woman.
Of that police were certain today as they resumed the investigation of the murder of the Eighth ward political worker who died in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital at 6:06 p.m. yesterday.
A startling development — “negligent” in the probe of the shooting at Front street and Kaighn avenue came today when a Camden city detective was indefinitely suspended on charges of assaulting two men who were awaiting questioning at detective headquarters.
[Article continues on additional pages — 19 pages total of coverage]
Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here
Camden Courier-Post —
JOHN DORIS
Portrait photograph of John Doris, Camden racketeer, associated with the gang shooting at Second and Kaighn avenue, April 1929.
Scene of Shooting That Renewed War on Gangdom
This diagram shows where John Doris shot down Joseph Connors, alleged racketeer, in a mysterious feud of Camden’s underworld. Doris, gunman, gangster and racketeer, shot his foeman at point-blank range. The dotted line shows how the victim ran for his life into the American Restaurant, 306 Kaighn avenue, with the gunman in pursuit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Action Delayed in Gang Shooting
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: John Doris, Frank Doris, Joseph O’Connor aka Joseph Connors, Rocco Palese, Joseph “Mose” Flannery, Sylvester McGrath, Lawrence T. Doran, Broadway, and Kaighn Avenue.
Sleuths Here Play Big Part in Shore Murder Inquiry
Camden Courier —
The record for long distance detecting is claimed for Joseph Carpani and Sylvester McGrath, both of whom, although Neptune City is more than 70 miles away, have aided materially in the investigation of the holdup and murder which occurred there last Saturday. It was their quick work in tracing Robert Tully. Through a source they couldn’t reveal, they found Tully in a rooming house at 115 North Fourth Street. Carpani and McGrath who pal together and always work as a team were assigned to this case. Carpani lives at 568 Royden Street, McGrath at 605 St. John Street, just around the corner. The two are friends and study a great deal together in the field of criminology, languages and sociology.
City Policeman Drowns in Lake at Blackwood
Camden Courier-Post —
CITY POLICEMAN DROWNS IN LAKE AT BLACKWOOD
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.
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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, (Continued on Page Three)
Camden Policeman Drowns in Lake
(Continued from Page One)
began grappling immediately for the body.
Ward is believed by Chief Ritter to have drowned when the canoe upset. Whether he had a companion or companions in the boat is not known, but Ritter reported today that he found four hats in the rear of Ward’s automobile parked near the lake.
Auto Window Broken
In addition to finding the four hats, Ritter also discovered that the left rear window had been broken. How the glass was smashed, Ritter would not venture to say, pending completion of his investigation.
The upset canoe was found opposite the summer home of Sheriff E. Frank Pine which borders the lake on the Camden county side. North of Pine’s place is the social club’s headquarters. The girls’ club is on the Gloucester county side.
Ward was a brother of Urquhart Ward, superintendent of Camden sewage disposal plants and Thirteenth Ward Republican county committeeman, and Robert Ward, a Third District detective. He was appointed to the force in 1925. He was married but had been separated from his wife.
Ward, it was learned today, left Camden yesterday at 4:30 p.m. with Del Rossi and Guthrie. They were expected back at midnight.
Ward had stopped for Del Rossi at the latter’s home, 417 Winslow street, and the two then went to Guthrie’s home on Ferry avenue near Eighth street.
Reaching Blackwood, Ward parked his car near the lake and after exchanging greetings with members of the social club, informed Del Rossi that he was going out into the lake in a canoe.
Del Rossi said today that he did not go into the canoe with Ward, having informed him that he wanted to get some sleep. Del Rossi said he waited a half hour for Ward to return from canoeing, but Ward failed to appear and Del Rossi reported for work at midnight, when he learned his companion on the trip was missing.
Exonerated In Scandal
The drowning victim was one of the central figures in a police scandal in 1927. Suspended from the force February 23 of that year on charges of extortion, he was exonerated by the State Civil Service Commission after a hearing and returned to duty in the Second District the following July 2.
Ward had been accused with Policeman John Smith and a pensioned former officer, Maurice Mensch, of an attempt to “shake down” Michael Matthews, a storekeeper, 60, of 801 Florence street. He denied the charges against him, including an accusation that he had spoken disrespectfully about the then Mayor King with a remark that “King is no good.”
Matthews had told former Police Chief James E. Tatem that Ward and Smith had entered the store and introduced Mensch as “the biggest prohibition guy in the country and a great friend of President Coolidge.” They had agreed to “forget” charges of violating the dry law, which otherwise would be made, if Matthews would
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
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.
Gang Bullets Are Fatal to ‘Joe’ O’Connor
Camden Morning Post —
Named: Joe O’Connor, John W. Golden, Sylvester McGrath, Russell Young, Broadway, Kaighn Avenue, South 5th Street, Walnut Street, “Little Club” speakeasy, West Jersey Hospital, Albert Saunders, Angelo Solury, and John Doris.
O’Connor’s Slayer May Be Trapped by Delirium of Victim
Camden Morning Post —
Named: Joe O’Connor, Sylvester McGrath, Stephen McKiernan, South 5th Street, Walnut Street, and West Jersey Hospital.
Manager Is Shot in Second Holdup of Store in Week
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Sylvester McGrath, John Cullen, Stanley Janasz, John Makowski, James Murray, Arthur Holl, Dr. Edward Rogers, Gordon Feltz, John Drexel, and Lansdowne Avenue.
Graveyard Catch of Two Suspects Hits Crime Wave
Camden Morning Post —
Named: Sylvester McGrath, Harry Yates, Howard Bean, George Schuyler, Michael Quinn, Harry Schwartz, Lansdowne Avenue, and Princess Avenue.
2 Bandits Face Death as Manager of Store Dies of Holdup Wound
Camden Courier-Post (Morning Edition) —
Named: Howard Bean, Joseph Carpani, Walter F. Keown, Dr. Charles Ley, Sylvester McGrath, Anthony Melloch, Herman Natal, Anthony Quigley, Michael “Mickey” Quinn, George Schuyler, Harry Schwartz, Stanley Sheldon, Harry Yates, Nathan Wine, Bronislaw Ziemba, Evergreen Cemetery, Harleigh Cemetery, South 7th Street, Federal Street, Haddon Avenue, Kaighn Avenue, Lansdowne Avenue, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Norris Street, and Princess Avenue.
Holdup Victim Dies
Camden Courier-Post (Evening Edition) —
Named: Sylvester McGrath, John Cullen, Stanley Janasz, John Makowski, James Murray, Arthur Holl, Dr. Edward Rogers, Gordon Feltz, John Drexel, and Lansdowne Avenue.
Widow’s Home Robbed
Camden Courier-Post —
WIDOW’S HOME ROBBED
$1000 in Items and $100 in Cash Taken by Burglar During Night
Thieves entered the second-floor apartment of Mrs. Flora B. Scannell, a widow, at 29 North Third street, last night, and stole jewelry valued at $1000 and $100 in cash which she had hidden in a bureau drawer.
Mrs. Scannell discovered the robbery when she returned home early today. City Detectives Joseph Carpani and Sylvester McGrath were detailed to investigate. Among the stolen jewelry were two expensive diamond rings.
Entrance was gained by forcing a door to the apartment.
Youth Cleared in Killing Dad, Admits Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Samuel M. Shay, Henry N. Mallett, Sylvester McGrath, Fred Musick, North 9th Street, and North 22nd Street.
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 dollar 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.
Camden Police Detective Bureau
1932
Camden Police Detective Bureau – 1932
Bandit’s Bullet Halts Pursuers
Camden Courier-Post —
Two Youths Escape After Robbing North Camden Grocery Store
A bullet whizzing past them caused several men to cease pursuit of two bandits on Elm street near Ninth Saturday night after the pair had obtained $18.75 in the holdup of a grocery store proprietor at 841 Elm Street.
The victim was Herman Kacmowitz, whose store was broken into and robbed twice recently. Kacmowitz said the two youths, about 17 years old, entered and asked for candy. When he started to get it, one pointed a pistol at him and demanded that he “stick ’em up.”
While the one “covered” him the with the weapon, the other robbed the cash register. As they fled, Kacmowitz ran after them screaming. His alarm attracted the attention of several men passing, who started in pursuit of the bandits east on Elm street. One fired a pistol, however, and the men abandoned the chase.
The youths were about five feet five, Kacmowitz said, and wore gray caps. One had a dark gray overcoat and the other’s was a light gray.
Detectives Joseph Carpani and Sylvester McGrath are investigating.
A purse-snatching and theft of a leather bag from an automobile also were reported to police. The theft of brass and copper fittings also is under investigation with a 17-year-old youth under arrest.
Anna Whiteman, 16, 1606 Pershing Street, reported that two boys, about 15, snatched her purse containing $1 while she walked with a companion, Ada Hans, 16, of 1342 Lansdowne Avenue, on Lansdowne near Norris Street. She pursued the boys but was compelled to give up the chase when she slipped and fell.
A black leather bag was stolen from the car of Frank Grotaski, of Cape May, parked Saturday night at Fifth and Arch Streets. The door of the car was forced open. The empty bag, minus clothes and letters it had contained, was found later by two boys in an alley on South Sixth street, near Stevens.
At liberty, under $500 bail, George Dotterer, 17, of 928 North Twenty-fourth street, is charged with larceny, although the brass and copper fittings he is suspected of stealing have not been identified as to ownership.
Dotterer was arrested by Patrolman Herbert Botts when the youth asked for aid in recovery of the fittings from a junk man to whom he had “sold” the goods. He said the man, George Elliott, of Twenty-fourth and Pierce avenue, kept the fittings and refused to pay him.
Botts presumed after examining the fittings “they could not have been picked up as junk” and arrested the youth in the belief they had been stolen from the Pavonia railroad shops. Detective Sergeant Joseph Tully declared the fittings had not been stolen from the shops. The boy is to face Police Judge Garfield Pancoast this morning.
World War II Draft Card
World War II Draft Card – Sylvester Wesley McGrath
‘Wes’ McGrath, Ex-Sleuth, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Sylvester “Wes” McGrath, 68, retired Camden city detective, was found dead in bed this morning in the home of a daughter, Mrs. James M. Fallon, 811 North Twenty-eighth Street.
Mrs. Fallon called Dr. J. Edward Brown, of Pennsauken, who pronounced Mr. McGrath dead. Coroner Inglesby issued a certificate giving a heart attack as the cause of death.
Mr. McGrath, who was born in Philadelphia, lived in Camden more than 50 years. He was a member of the Ninth Ward Republican Association.
McGrath served a number or years in the city the fire department. He was transferred to the police department July 16, 1918. He was appointed a detective September 1, 1927, and retired March 15, 1933.
Also surviving are three other daughters, Mrs. Edward Paul, Mrs. William Seeds and Miss Ethel McGrath, all of Camden, and seven grandchildren. His wife, Gertrude, died in 1931.
Funeral arrangements are being made through B. C. Schroeder & Sons, 715 Cooper Street.