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 —
JOHN J. LLOYD, Floor Manager.
Clowns, witches, ghosts and fairies rubbed shoulders with tramps, knights, courtly gentlemen and pages at the fourth annual grand mass ball held last evening by the Camden Eagles at their aerie on Broadway. Many attempts were made to estimate the crowd of dancing maskers, but as guests kept going and coming throughout the entire evening the effort was finally abandoned and a conservative estimate of 2,000 persons was placed as the figures.
The Eagles, always good hosts, outdid themselves last evening both as to decorations and open house generosity. The big dance hall on the second floor was elaborately decorated in appropriate trappings. The Hallowe’en colors were everywhere found next the national colors, while the big stage at the west end of the hall was gotten up to represent a corn field with its shocks of corn and here and there a rosy pumpkin peeping out from behind the fodder. The crowd, however, overran the ball room and filled all the big rooms of the building to overflowing.
Early in the evening the crowds began arriving and Chairman Charles F. Sattler and other members of the committee on arrangements were kept on the jump greeting the influx of arrivals and caring for their needs. By the time that Prof. Anthony J. Oberst’s orchestra struck up the strains of “The Enchantress” the first waltz of the evening, the big dance hall was well filled with masked couples.
A two-step, a polka and two waltzes were danced before the hour set for the grand march, the feature of the evening. When the floor had finally been cleared for this event John Everham and Mrs. W. A. Curlis, in full costume, took the head of the column and led the dancers through the rather intricate mazes of the march and two-step that followed.
Some time after the march, the judges of the evening began their work. The judges, Dr. E. J. McConaghy, William Buck and Thomas Edwards, had a difficult task because of the many beautiful fancy and comic costumes seen on the floor. They finally weeded out the winners, however, and presented the long list of valuable prizes. The $5 prize for the most comical pair was won by Mrs. W. A. Curlis and her escort, John Everham; the $5 prize for the fancy dress couple was won by Miss Alice Davis and her escort. The ladies’ prizes were as follows: Picture, Edith Johnson; chocolate set, Rose Marino; picture, Florence Williams; Umbrella, William Gormley; berry set, Bessie Haines; blue clock, Francis Lenz; berry bowl, Alice Parrish and sugar bowl, Mrs. Howard Smith.
The prizes for gentlemen were as follows: Large picture, John Blendewald; pillow, Columbo Marino; picture, Peter J. Carey, of the Aquinas Social Club; umbrella, Allen Marris; box of cigars, Clarence Marris; stein, William Miller, and pillow, Edward C. Jacobs.
The work of judging completed the dancing was once more in full swing and the fun ran high. During the course of the evening Floor Manager John J. Lloyd and his corps of assistants were kept on the jump caring for the arrangements and keeping the crowded dance floor in good order. Too much credit cannot be given the hard-working members of the various committees that arranged the affair, for the thorough manner in which they performed their duties.
The full dance program was as follows: 1, waltz, “The Enchantress;” 2, caprice, “Oh! You Little Bear;” 3, quadrille, plain, “Happy Time;” 4, two-step, “I Want to Be in Dixie.”
INTERMISSION.
5, waltz, “Take Me Back to the Garden of Love;” 6, polka, “Waiting for the Robert E. Lee;” 7 Grand March, “Spirit of Independence;” 8, two-step, “Ray Time Soldier Man.”
INTERMISSION.
9, waltz, “Island of Roses and Love;” 10, two-step, “Rag Time Goblin Man;” 11, Jack-O’-Lantern Dance, “Just a Dream of You, Dear;” 12, two-step, “Baboon Baby Dance.”
INTERMISSION.
13, waltz, “That’s How I Need You;” 14, polka, “My Little Persian Rose;” 14 [sic], quadrille, lancers, “Remick’s Operatic;” 16, two-step, “Rum-Tum-Tiddle.”
INTERMISSION.
17, waltz, “I’d Like to Live in Loveland;” 18, caprice, “I’m the Guy;” 19, quadrille, polka, “Marion;” 20, two-step, “Wonderful Boy.”
INTERMISSION.
21, Waltz, “My Palace of Dreams;” 22, polka, “I’ve Got the Finest Man;” 23, two-step, “Mellow Melody;” 24, “Good Morning.” Good Bye Everybody. Music by Prof. Anthony J. Oberst.
The committee in charge consisted of the following gentlemen: Charles F. Sattler, chairman; John J. Lloyd, secretary; James F. Cleary, Atlie F. Hoover, Michael Durkin, Ralph R. Reynolds, Harry M. Dey, William S. VanBlunk, William Rudolph, J. Kessler Jenkins, John M. Gray, Arthur M. Gray, George W. Garton, Herbert J. Tidd, William J. Vander-Straeten, James Carr, James O’Hara, E. Vanderslice, Frank S. Devereaux, Anthony J. Oberst, George Lezenby, William F. Sheer, William M. Petzelt, George S. Dilmore, John Freeman, Frank Applegate, M. Marino, Michael Caulgeld, Harry Antrim, Samuel C. Fisler, Samuel Curlis, James Kennedy, Sylvester McGrath, John H. Riddle and Charles W. Gingenbach.
The floor managers were John J. Lloyd, Chairman; Herbert J. Tidd, Arthur Gray, William Cleary, Michael Durkin, Garry Miller, Claude Chew and James Cahill.
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 |
Hertline Suspended
Bridgeton Evening News —
To take the place of William Hertline, who was suspended as a member of the Camden Fire Department for disobeying orders of the chief, Frederick Morse was yesterday appointed lieutenant of No. 1 Hose Company, in the East Side, and John Lennox was made lieutenant of No. 7 Engine Company, Eleventh street and Kaighn avenue. Sylvester McGrath was appointed to fill the vacancy in the department.
Engine Company No. 7
Chief Engineer's Annual Report — 1914
1115 Kaighn Avenue
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 headquarters, 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 [sic], 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 6:08 p.m. yesterday.
A startling development, a “tangent” 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.
City Detective John Kowalski, known as “Happy Kowal,” was ordered dropped from the police payroll this morning by Chief of Police Lewis W. Stehr. He is charged with beating up Joseph Moll, 25, son of former Policeman Frank Moll, and James Bonner, of 907 North Front street.
At the same time that the Kowalski suspension order was revealed, County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran and Capt. John W. Golden, chief of city detectives, announced that of 18 persons arrested yesterday and today, 13 were being held in police headquarters, two had been released under bail, and three had been cleared of any connection in the Flannery murder.
Funeral services for “Mose” Flannery will be held at 8:00 a. m. Saturday at the undertaking parlors of Frank L. Leonard, 1451 Broadway, and will be followed by requiem mass in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Broadway and Ferry avenue at 9:30. Rev. Fathers Kelly, Henry and McCorriston will officiate. The body may be viewed in the Leonard parlors Friday evening.
Two of those in cells today are women, and detectives declare the two “know more than they have told of the background of the slaying of “Mose” Flannery.” Of those released after questioning, two were women.
Woman Tells of Fight
The four women were arrested through a strategic move by city detectives made yesterday in a house at 103 Kaighn avenue, which had been raided a month ago. The proprietor had been arrested and fined [illegible] for maintaining a disorderly house. Seven alleged inmates of the place also had been arrested, but released on their promise to leave the city.
Detectives said that the two women detained today were believed to have been in the Kaighn avenue house at the time bullets rained out of an automobile at Front street and Kaighn avenue and found their mark—“Mose” Flannery.
The women are Rita Leslie, 21, of 3816 North Tenth street, and Joyce Harris, 23, of 1011 North Twelfth street, both of Philadelphia.
It was a story of a fight in a house at Sixth and Van Hook streets told by the Leslie girl early today that led the investigators to believe that Flannery’s fatal slaying was the result of an argument “over a woman.”
Detectives were investigating the story of the Lewis [sic] girl when Detective Kowalski made the alleged attack on Moll and Bonner.
It was shortly after 12:30 a. m. today when County Detective Chief Doran and Captain Golden were questioning “witnesses” in Golden’s private office. Moll and Bonner were awaiting their “turn,” and were seated in the main room at the detective bureau. Detectives were at their desks. Among them was Detective Wesley McGrath.
Detective Hits Prisoners
The door from the corridor was flung open and Detective Kowalski entered.
What followed was recounted today by Chief of Police Stehr, whose account of the alleged assault he said was based on details given him by witnesses.
According to Chief Stehr, Kowalski, without warning, approached Moll and with clenched fist, struck him full in the face, kicked his shins, and then turned on Bonner, on whom he repeated the performance. McGrath tried to stop his fellow detective, but Kowalski brushed him aside and struck Moll again in the mouth, the blow cutting Moll’s lip. Kowalski, according to eye-witnesses, then repeated his attack on Bonner.
(Continued on Page Ten)
Three Arrested in Flannery Death
(Continued From Page One)
William D. McDonald, a court stenographer, who had been sitting at a desk, smoking, rushed into Golden’s private office. Doran and Golden hurried into the main room and seized Kowalski. Others who entered the room at the time of the attack were James Hollis, chauffeur for Captain Golden, and several men called into the investigation.
The suspension order was given to Captain Golden by Chief Stehr this morning but had not reached Kowalski, who was scheduled to report for work at 4 p. m. today. He has the right to ask for a trial before the police board.
Stehr said he had received no official statement but had been informed by Captain Golden that Kowalski “might have had a few drinks.” Stehr said he would investigate the reports that Kowalski was intoxicated.
Kowalski had been an efficient detective, Chief Stehr said. The suspended officer joined the city police force in 1919, and has been a detective for a year and a half.
Many Suspects Grilled
Suspected of being Philadelphia gunmen, two men who gave their names as Samuel Katz, 29, of 208 North Franklin street, and James Wallace, 26, of 670 North Eleventh street, both of Philadelphia, were arrested today and held as “material witnesses.”
Questioned last night after they were taken to city hall from the house at 103 Kaighn avenue, Naomi Carey, 19, of 5325 Callowhill street, and Jean Kenny of the Bell Ridge apartments, Fifteenth and Spruce streets, both of Philadelphia, were released shortly after midnight.
William Bonner, 27, brother of James Bonner, arrested “on suspicion” at 9 p.m. yesterday by Policemen Arthur and Bunker, was released in $500 bail as was Patrick Driscoll, 25, of 1225 South Third street.
Theodore Baker, 22, of 222 West Merchant street, Audubon, arrested yesterday and suspected of being the driver of a taxicab which carried the Flannery slayers, was released today after detectives marked “no complaint” against his name on the police blotter.
In addition to those arrested yesterday, Henry Matorisch, 26, of 232 Graisbury avenue, Audubon, and John H. Kenny, 33, of the Bell Ridge apartments, Philadelphia, were detained by police as material witnesses.
Matorisch was arrested at 2:35 a. m. today by Sergt. John Skolski. Kenny was “picked up” yesterday by policemen at Front street and Kaighn avenue.
Seven others were in cells, including some of those who asked a truck driver to take the mortally wounded Flannery to the hospital early yesterday.
They were: James L. Hawkins, 37, declared by the police to be the owner of the saloon at 101 Kaighn avenue; Walter Novak, 22, of 442 Jackson street; Russell Sage, 25, of 407 Mechanic street; Joseph Novak, 34, of 508 Jackson street; Eugene Murphy, 51, of 101 Kaighn avenue; Joseph “Cuzzy” Scarduzio, 30, of 419 Winslow street, and Joseph Moll, 25, of 101 Kaighn avenue.
Twice yesterday detectives impersonated racketeers in answering telephone calls in the Front street and Kaighn avenue neighborhood. On one occasion, County Detective Chief Doran answered a call which told him of the whereabouts of “Cuzzy” Scarduzio and which led to Scarduzio’s arrest.
Police “Trap” Women
Arrest of the four girls in the house at 103 Kaighn avenue resulted from similar strategy of other investigators, City Detective Thomas Cheeseman revealed today.
The telephone at 103 Kaighn avenue rang yesterday afternoon while detectives were searching the house which was then vacant. One of the officers answered. The voice on the other end of the line asked for “Joe.” Detectives said Joseph Moll was the “Joe” sought.
“This is Joe,” answered one of the detectives.
“Is it all right for us girls to come over from Philadelphia tonight?” a woman inquired.
The impersonator of “Joe” assured the inquirer “it would be O.K.”
The four women arrived at the Kaighn avenue address shortly after [text missing between crops] which had its climax with the arrest of “Cuzzy,” surprised in the home of Garfield DelDuca, 674 Fairview street, by Doran and Golden.
After Rita Leslie had informed police of a party which ended in a fight in the saloon at 101 Kaighn avenue last Monday night detectives left headquarters shortly before midnight, their mission not revealed, but said to be a search for a man who police said ran a “shady” business near the spot where Flannery was “given the works.”
Says They’re Lying
“I don’t see why the other girls are lying,” Rita was said to have told her questioners. “We had nothing to do with the shooting. I’m just telling you about what happened before. I don’t know anything about how Flannery was shot and I don’t think the other girls do, either.”
Details of the “fight” in the saloon were not revealed by police, but they said they were convinced that an argument “over a woman,” in which Flannery took a prominent part, had a bearing on the case and would be “run down” to the limit.
That there was a “woman in it” police were certain. Tall, strong-featured blonde, Flannery looked more the part of a “model for a collar ad” than he did the underworld “worker” police declared him to be.
“Mose” was a “sheik” to young women in his “set,” police said, as they investigated the report that Flannery struck a woman in a house at Sixth and Van Hook streets last week, and that the woman’s “man” had sought revenge and had been successful.
It was that information which led to the arrest of the four Philadelphia women last night.
‘Cuzzy’ Held as Suspect
“Cuzzy” Scarduzio was questioned more rigidly than any of the others, and shortly before last midnight detectives took a step which they refused to explain, but which was seen as significant.
While they held the other men as material witnesses, they deferred slating Scarduzio in the police docket until the last minute. And when they did, they slated him “on suspicion,” and marked it as an arrest by Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives.
The dead political worker was a son of James and Mary Flannery, who now live at 1123 Princess avenue. Flannery in 1924 married Anna M. Bogga, from whom he had separated after a stormy married life during which Flannery several times was arrested on his wife’s complaint.
“Mose” Flannery was raised in Camden, and in the Eighth Ward. His avocation was politics, and even before he was of age he was a power in the turbulent Eighth Ward. Later his underworld activities led him mostly to South Philadelphia, but always, at election time, he came back to work in the Eighth.
Went to Camden High
He went to the local schools and was widely known. He was a year or two in Camden High School, and would have graduated with the class of 1923. It was often said that he wasn’t even 26, but nearer 24. There were stories that he said he was older so he could vote before he was of age.
His rise in gangdom was meteoric, as it was in politics. His fellow gangsters were wont to say “Mose has got brains.” Judges before whom he appeared at first told him he was making a mistake—that he had a good future before him if he followed the right trail.
He spoke well and dressed well. He looked like an earnest, enthusiastic young professional man.
An order to close the Kaighn avenue saloon and revoke the license of James L. Hawkins, its proprietor, was issued by David S. Rhone, city director of public safety.
Commissioner Rhone instructed Chief of Police Lewis W. Stehr to “close up the saloon at once.” The orders were carried out immediately and two policemen placed on guard at the spot where Flannery crumpled up under gun fire.
Rhone Refuses Statement
Commissioner Rhone absolutely refused to make any statement in connection with the case, nor would he discuss his order to Chief Stehr to close the saloon.
“You’ll get no statement from me,” Rhone told a newspaper man. “I don’t care to be quoted in the newspapers. I’ve given my orders to Chief Stehr. If you want to know about them, talk to him.”
“As head of the department—the
Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here
Camden Courier-Post —
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
In Gang Shooting
JOHN DORIS
Brother of Frank Doris, who was electrocuted for murder in connection with the Olney Bank robbery. John Doris is under arrest for shooting an alleged racketeer here yesterday.
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 pugilist and now operator of the Nonpariel Club, $2500 bail; Joseph Simms, cook in the Nonpariel 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, $500; William J. Merrick, 1128 Liberty street, $2500; Lorenzo Cole, 920 Jefferson avenue, $500; Ernest Matsius, 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 Nonpariel Club, Second 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 severe 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 with Doris, 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 lunged through the glass panel 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. Connors collapsed near the corner as he cried “Get the wagon. I’m shot.”
Sage, the suspect denied bail, tried to put the fugitive board [sic] a Philadelphia-Pitman bus, police said, but the driver refused to take him as passenger because he said he was not permitted to make stops in Gloucester, where Sage asked the driver to discharge Doris.
Meanwhile available detectives and patrolmen were hurried to the scene. When the search ended Doris had been in a cell in Camden police headquarters several hours as a “drunk.”
Picked Up as Drunk
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. All asked for him by his right name except the woman. She asked first for Doris and then for “John King.” This was the alias Doris gave when “slated.” He was questioned in his cell by Detective Sergeant Samuel Johnson, but it was not until he actually was identified as the assailant that police were certain they had the right man.
As Detectives Koerner, Cheesman, Carpani, McGrath and Troncone continued to bring suspects into headquarters for questioning, Selah, one of those arrested near the scene of the shooting, was asked as a detective pointed to Doris:
“Is that the man?”
Selah nodded.
Doris Record Bad
Doris has a criminal record that dates back to his school days. Once, Judge James E. Gorman, Philadelphia, told him he was headed for the electric chair—an end that looms as a distinct possibility. Doris also was suspected in the murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, in Kaighn avenue, between Front and Second streets, a few doors from the Nonpareil Club.
So far as Camden authorities were able to determine last night, Connors has no police record. He has been linked, they said, to a beer racket and is known as a frequenter of gambling joints, police said, but local records show no mark against him.
Machine Gun Holds Mystery
Two mysterious elements stand out to further baffle scrutiny of the motives behind the shooting. One is the sudden closing of two South Camden gambling joints—one in a second floor room in Broadway, below Kaighn avenue and the other at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue. These places, both operating at full blast, closed their doors on Friday without an explanation that could be reconciled with the circumstances.
The other mysterious touch to yesterday’s affair was an apparently well-authenticated report that police arrested a man in a car with a machine gun. Efforts to learn the identity of this man were fruitless.
Speculation concerning the closing of the gambling houses jumped from rumors of a war of rival gamblers, to warnings of a holdup or of a police raid. Paraphernalia was removed from both places and sentries posted to spread discreet warnings for patrons to keep away. The place at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue was closed by police three months ago. Its reopening was unexplained.
The shooting spurred police officials to what Chief Lewis Stehr declared would be a wholesale cleanup of South Camden’s hangouts, and gaming dens.
“Orders went out three months ago,” said Stehr “to clamp on the lid. We have been working hard to keep it on. This shooting may have no significance in itself, but it stresses the need to wipe out the practice of carrying weapons.”
Extra details of plain clothesmen were on duty in the Kaighn avenue district last night, Stehr announced.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd, Merchantville, recently appointed to serve the district including Camden, declared he intends to review the facts in yesterday’s shooting to determine if his intervention in alleged Camden racketeering is warranted.
Justice Lloyd’s charge to the April grand jury demanding a curb on the carrying of firearms and asking a campaign to curb the influx of Philadelphia criminals into South Jersey, caused widespread anticipation of a general review of vice conditions here.
Commissioner David S. Boone, director of public safety, said the police department “has its hands full” in attempting to execute orders for a cleanup he issued some months ago.
He declared he issued special orders yesterday to Chief Stehr as a result of the most recent shooting. But he declined to disclose their purport.
The shooting was subject of a lengthy conference of the county’s law-enforcement officers in the prosecutor’s office. Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives and Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor, refused to comment on the possible effect the shooting might have on demands for a review of conditions here.
Doran, who entered the investigation on orders of the prosecutor’s office, attempted unsuccessfully to induce the wounded man to name his assailant. He permitted Connors’ brother, Raymond, to see Joseph, hoping that the brother would aid him.
Instead, Raymond walked to his brother’s side and whispered:
“Don’t say a word. Keep your mouth shut.”
Doran arrested him immediately as a material witness.
Scene of Shooting That Renewed War on Gangdom
—Courier-Post Photo
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, 506 Kaighn avenue, with the gunman in pursuit.
Gang War Figure
Camden Courier-Post —
Gang War Figure
Action Delayed in Gang Shooting
Camden Courier-Post —
Shooting Witness
MRS. ROSE GIBBS
Who is held as material witness in shooting of Joseph Connors Sunday night near Broadway and Kaighn avenue.
Indictment of Doris in Flannery Murder Revealed After Arrest
Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese was prepared last night to go to the bottom of all charges against John Doris, brother of an executed Philadelphia bandit murderer, in an effort to determine whether to press for his immediate trial on indictments accusing him of the killing of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, or to seek other indictments first on charges of shooting Joseph Connors, at 6 a. m. Sunday.
The condition of Connors, a reputed Gloucester racketeer, remained the same last night in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where doctors said the crisis was not yet passed. He has bullet wounds in the lung, abdomen and the hand, physicians saying it was too soon to predict whether he had a chance for recovery.
Doris Arraigned
Doris was arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast yesterday charged with shooting Connors near Broadway and Kaighn avenue, after a brawl which took them into two resorts and finally ended on the street outside. The judge held him for grand jury action on that charge, and was about to close the case when City Detective J. Wesley McGrath took the stand and revealed that Doris was wanted in the mysterious murder of “Mose” Flannery, Camden racketeer, seven months ago at Front street and Kaighn avenue. Pancoast promptly denied him bail.
Records at the prosecutor’s office disclosed Doris was indicted secretly by the grand jury two days after the killing of Flannery, September 20, 1928. The indictment was kept secret when it was learned Doris had disappeared and Judge Shay automatically ordered the indictment impounded against a fugitive.
Palese Studies Case
The Flannery case was placed before the grand jury by former Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who left his notes with the indictment in the office when he relinquished his post to Palese.
“I will study the case tomorrow,” Palese said last night. “Until I do, and can learn the strength of the old case against Doris in the Flannery murder, I can’t say which charge I might take before a jury, provided, of course, that we can get an indictment in the Connors case against the youth.”
Connors, who is 28, lives at 135 North Broadway, Gloucester. He has been arrested twice, once in Gloucester for disorderly conduct in 1924, and later on a grand larceny charge, on which he was acquitted.
Doris is a brother of the late Frankie Doris, who with three other youths went to the electric chair for the murder of a policeman in the famous Olney Bank robbery in Philadelphia. The man held here was tried and acquitted of another murder charge in Philadelphia, at which time the trial judge predicted that he, too, would die in the chair.
A detainer warrant asking that Doris be held for the Philadelphia police was received by Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, in the afternoon. According to the detainer, Doris is wanted in “the State of Pennsylvania” on charges of being a fugitive from justice; carrying concealed deadly weapons, and attempting to kill. No amplification of the charges is made in the warrant which was turned over to Warden Edward Powell of the county jail.
Doris pleaded not guilty to charges of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, before he was held for the grand jury.
A few minutes before Doris was arraigned yesterday, Mrs. Rose Gibbs, 18, of 411 Henry street, was arraigned as a material witness in the shooting. She repeated the story that she told detectives, in which she said Connors accused Doris of stealing her pocketbook, and an argument ensued. She was held in $500 bail as a material witness.
It was revealed that 12 men were arraigned before Judge Pancoast at a special hearing on Sunday and held as material witnesses in the shooting. Included among these were Connors’ brother and Russell Sage, who was also held as a material witness in two other Camden gang shootings, one of which was the Flannery case.
Mrs. Gibbs declared that she, Connors and Eli Conaghy, 28, of 814 South Sixth st., were at a party in the 2200 block on Broadway, and went to the Nonpareil Club, Second street and Kaighn avenue. There they met Doris and Sage. Mrs. Gibbs said she suddenly missed her pocketbook, which contained $4, and she told Connors, who accused Doris of taking it. An altercation between the two men started, and all five left the club. Mrs. Gibbs said she parted from the men outside. The men went into a restaurant, came out later, and the shooting followed.
Doris has a long criminal record, though but two minor convictions rest against him. Police dockets show him arrested as follows: January 7, 1925, arrested tried and acquitted in the murder of Joseph Rika, Philadelphia; December 12, 1925, arrested for larceny of automobile, dismissed; August 23, 1926, arrested for gambling, fined $13.50; September 11, 1926, gambling on the highway, dismissed; January 9, 1927, arrested as suspicious character, dismissed; April 9, 1927, arrested for disorderly conduct, sentenced to ten days; February 26, 1928, arrested for carrying concealed deadly weapon, and aggravated assault and battery, and was found not guilty; February 26, 1929, arrested and found not guilty of assault and battery and carrying a weapon.
Connors was arrested but twice, as far as police can learn. Once he was arrested in Gloucester on a disorderly conduct charge, while in 1924, he was tried on a charge of grand larceny, and was acquitted.
Sage was held as a material witness in the fatal shooting of Joseph Gannon, Philadelphia, in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, for which Joseph “Polack Joe” Devon received a state prison sentence, and in the murder of Flannery. He was arrested June 3, 1919, on a charge of larceny of a car on complaint of Margaret Chapman, 410 Federal street.
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 —
Body of Joseph S. [sic] Ward Found Near Upset Canoe
OFFICIALS START PROBE IN DEATH MYSTERY
Tragedy Comes as Climax to Outing by Social Club
JOSEPH G. WARD
An intensive investigation into the mysterious drowning of Joseph G. Ward, a Camden motorcycle policeman, was opened today by Police Chief William Ritter, of Gloucester township, following the recovery of Ward’s body in Blackwood lake.
Ward drowned when a canoe he occupied overturned. He was 34, attached to the Second Police District, and lived at 1572 Louis street. The body was found by searchers led by Chief Ritter and Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the Camden police, after an all-night search.
Ward’s father, Joseph Ward, Sr., who has been seriously ill, collapsed when informed of his son’s death. He operates a cafe on Mt. Ephraim avenue near Decatur street. The drowning victim’s mother also is reported to be ill. The tragedy has aggravated her condition.
The drowning is a tragic aftermath of an outing yesterday of the Moonlight Social Club, which rented a clubhouse at Blackwood two months ago. With Ward on the outing were Clifford Del Rossi, a driver of the Second District police patrol; Theodore “Dorie” Guthrie, Second District detective, and other members of the Camden police department whose names have not been learned.
Chief Ritter reported today having only meager clues as to the circumstances of the drowning. Ward is believed to have been in the canoe alone. Coroner Melvin Cain is expected to conduct an autopsy today or tomorrow.
Chief Ritter said there is no suspicion of foul play, as Ward’s body was unmarked. It was recovered at [?]:30 a. m. by William [sic] McGrath, a city detective, who had been diving for it with George Hess, near the clubhouse of the Moonlight Social Club.
The overturned canoe was found last night in the lake by girls who also have a clubhouse at Blackwood. Police Chief Ritter, with Peter English and Walter Wilkie, all of Blackwood, began grappling immediately for the body.
Ward is believed by Chief Ritter to have drowned when the canoe upset. Whether he had a companion or companions in the boat is not known, but Ritter reported today that he found four hats in the rear of Ward’s automobile parked near the lake.
Auto Window Broken
In addition to finding the four hats, Ritter also discovered that the left rear window had been broken. How the glass was smashed, Ritter would not venture to say, pending completion of his investigation.
The upset canoe was found opposite the summer home of Sheriff E. Frank Pine which borders the lake on the Camden county side. North of Pine’s place is the social club’s headquarters. The girls’ club is on the Gloucester county side.
Ward was a brother of Urquhart Ward, superintendent of Camden sewage disposal plants and Thirteenth Ward Republican county committeeman, and Robert Ward, a Third District detective. He was appointed to the force in 1925. He was married but had been separated from his wife.
Ward, it was learned today, left Camden yesterday at 4:30 p. m. with Del Rossi and Guthrie. They were expected back at midnight.
Ward had stopped for Del Rossi at the latter’s home, 417 Winslow street, and the two then went to Guthrie’s home on Ferry avenue near Eighth street.
Reaching Blackwood, Ward parked his car near the lake and after exchanging greetings with members of the social club, informed Del Rossi that he was going out into the lake in a canoe.
Del Rossi said today that he did not go into the canoe with Ward, having informed him that he wanted to get some sleep. Del Rossi said he waited a half hour for Ward to return from canoeing, but Ward failed to appear and Del Rossi reported for work at midnight, when he learned his companion on the trip was missing.
Exonerated In Scandal
The drowning victim was one of the central figures in a police scandal in 1927. Suspended from the force February 23 of that year on charges of extortion, he was exonerated by the State Civil Service Commission after a hearing and returned to duty in the Second District the following July 2.
Ward had been accused with Policeman John Smith and a pensioned former officer, Maurice Mensch, of an attempt to “shake down” Michael Matthews, a storekeeper, 60, of 801 Florence street. He denied the charges against him, including an accusation that he had spoken disrespectfully about the then Mayor King with a remark that “King is no good.”
Matthews had told former Police Chief James E. Tatem that Ward and Smith had entered the store and introduced Mensch as “the biggest prohibition guy in the country and a great friend of President Coolidge.” They had agreed to “forget” charges of violating the dry law, which otherwise would be made, if Matthews would pass them $100, the storekeeper had charged.
Several witnesses for Ward attacked the story related by Matthews, and Ward himself insisted at the hearings that he had not said anything to Matthews about raid or money. His testimony was corroborated by Smith and others.
Since his reinstatement after being cleared of the charges, Ward proved to be a very efficient officer, according to Captain Arthur Colsey, stationed at headquarters. Other police officials also spoke well of the policeman.
Gang Bullets Are Fatal to ‘Joe’ O’Connor
Camden Morning Post —
GANG BULLETS ARE FATAL TO ‘JOE’ O’CONNOR
Another Dead
South Camden Man Dies From Shooting on Street, Nov. 13
ARREST EXPECTED WITHIN FEW HOURS
Victim Adheres to Code Of Keeping Lips Sealed to End
Joseph O’Connor, “man about town,” is dead.
Critically wounded on the early morning of November 13, the man who police say “lived by his wits alone,” died on his cot in the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital at 4.45 p. m. yesterday.
Police were spurred to renewed activity by the death of O’Connor. Detective Sylvester McGrath said an arrest would be made in a short time, possibly today.
It was rumored that a prominent South Camden “racket man” has been disclosed as the killer and police were searching for him. This could not be confirmed, however, when police were questioned.
Wide Search Instituted
A dragnet was thrown about the city and all district stations were notified to pick up anyone known to have been friendly with O’Connor with the idea of gaining additional information.
A search was also being made for the two men who took O’Connor to the hospital. It was learned police know the identity of one of these men.
Surrounded by his closest relatives and constantly watched by a police guard. O’Connor breathed his last abiding by the gangland code by which he is alleged to have lived.
He would not “squeal” on those who shot him down at Fifth and Walnut streets while he was on his way to his home “from somewhere.” In moments of consciousness he steadfastly refused to name his assailants.
O’Connor was in a delirious condition for more than 24 hours before his death and police would not disclose whether he had unwittingly divulged the names of his slayers. They admitted that several promising clues have been unearthed.
The shooting was the second time in 18 months that O’Connor had been put “on the spot.” He was seriously wounded April 28, 1929, at Broadway and Kaighn avenue by John Doris, notorious gangster. Doris was sentenced to ten years for that crime and subsequently was stabbed to death by a fellow convict at Trenton.
3 Cars in on Kill
As in the previous shooting affray O’Connor refused to tell police the names of those who ambushed him, thus abiding by the code of silence which fear of reprisal inspires.
O’Connor, who resides at 520 Walnut street, was enroute to his home on the morning of November 13 and was walking in Walnut street, near Fifth, at 3.30 a. m., when a volley of shots rang out. He was struck in the leg and stomach and lost a great amount of blood before his wounds were treated.
Witnesses saw three cars leave the vicinity immediately after the shots were heard. One of the machines bore a Pennsylvania license plate. One man was seen runing [sic] west on Walnut street and was picked up by one of the cars after he had traversed about a block. A short time later a stranger appeared at the hospital with O’Connor.
Delivers the Victim
“Take this man and fix him up,” the stranger told attendants. “I’m going and don’t try to stop me.”
Hospital attaches claim the stranger was a tall, thin man, apparently young. He wore a tan overcoat and light cap. When he left the hospital he entered an expensive sedan and was driven away by a second man who had remained at the wheel.
Police scouted the theory that O’Connor may have been slain by friends of Doris, seeking revenge.
Detective Sylvester McGrath asked O’Connor if the shooting had been done by any of Doris’ friends to which O’Connor replied:
“I didn’t squeal on Doris. I never said he shot me.”
Was Known to Police
O’Connor was the brother-in-law of Albert Saunders, who was recently acquitted on a charge of murdering Angelo Solury, a U. S. sailor, at the “Little Club,” a South Camden speakeasy, last June. O’Connor was in court during the first day of the trial.
“I don’t know if O’Connor was a racketeer,” said Detective Captain John Golden, “however, I do know that he didn’t work, so he must have lived by his wits.”
O’Connor had been arrested twice previous to being shot by Doris. He was arrested in Gloucester on a disorderly conduct charge, and in 1924 he was arrested on a grand larceny charge but acquitted.
O’Connor’s wife, Louise, his parents and a brother, Raymond, were at his bedside when he died.
Patrolman Russell Young who was on guard at the bedside said O’Connor was unconscious for an hour before death.
JOSEPH O’CONNOR
South Camden man died in hospital without violating gangland code of silence, and refused to tell who showered him with bullets on November 13.
O’Connor’s Slayer May Be Trapped by Delirium of Victim
Camden Morning Post —
Dead Man Reported to Have Dropped Hint in Muttering Before End Came
ARREST EXPECTED SOON
Joseph O’Connor’s loyalty to the code of gangland may have been in vain.
For police were more certain than ever last night that they would capture the murderer before many hours have passed.
Detective Sylvester McGrath informed newspaper men he was carrying a photo around with him of the man police believe “did the trick.”
He would not reveal the identity of the man whose photograph he has but did say he expected to arrest him shortly.
Both county and city police have been feverishly active in the O’Connor case since the death of the South Camden “man about town” on Tuesday.
O’Connor died at 4.45 p. m., in the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital after having been shot down by unknown assailants in the early morning of November 13. He was on his way home when shot down at Fifth and Walnut streets.
For nearly two weeks the wounded man lay on a cot in the hospital without uttering one word that would give police a clue to his attackers. But he was delirious for 24 hours before his death and police would not diclose [sic] whether or not he had unwittingly dropped a clue as to the name of his slayer.
Whether the photograph that McGrath has is that of a prominent South Camden racketeer could not be learned.
A persistent rumor around the city links a recent inmate of the county jail in the slaying. The man is alleged to have been connected with the attempted jail breaks of Stephen McKiernan.
Police know the man’s name, but would not divulge it, and an order for his arrest has probably been issued to all policemen in the city and county.
Manager Is Shot in Second Holdup of Store in Week
Camden Courier-Post —
Manager Is Shot In Second Holdup Of Store In Week
Same Gang Returns and Flees With Only $5 Loot
VICTIM NEAR DEATH: HE ATTACKS THUG
Two Boys, Imprisoned, Later Give Alarm From Lansdowne Avenue
Shot down last night by the same bandits who robbed him of business papers a week ago, John Cullen, 22, manager of an American Store at 1201 Lansdowne avenue, is near death in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
Physicians fear he will not recover from a bullet wound in the lung under the heart inflicted by one of the holdup men when Cullen struck out at them in an effort to protect himself.
Police have obtained descriptions of the assailants from Cullen and from two youthful employes whom they forced into a rear section of the store. The boys, John Drexel, 16, of 1242 Lansdowne avenue, a clerk, and Gordon Feltz, 13, of 1417 Louis street, an errand boy, notified police and aided Cullen after he dropped to the floor of the store.
Bandits Flee With $5
Unable to obtain the day’s receipts from the safe, the bandits escaped with $5 from a cash drawer. Last week’s holdup occurred at 6.05 p. m., November 19, as Cullen was leaving the store. As he stepped out the door, the two men stepped up to him, drew pistols and grabbed a packet of letters he was about to mail. The letters contained sales reports and requisitions for stock. They ran around the corner and disappeared down Louis street.
At 5.55 p. m., last night, Cullen, who lives at 1088 South Commons road, Fairview, had just placed the day’s receipts in the safe. He directed Drexel to lock the front door.
Drexel was about to turn the key when the same bandits forced open the door. Stalking into the store with pistols drawn, one of them covered Cullen. The other man ordered the two boys into a narrow passage behind an ice box and forced them to lie down between bags of sugar.
Victim Describes Event
The wounded manager, questioned at the hospital by Detective Sylvester McGrath, and the boys, who told their stories to Detective Lieutenant Samuel Thompson, described the events which followed in quick succession.
The bandit covering Cullen gruffly ordered him to open the safe.
Cullen knelt and attempted to follow the order, but he said he was so nervous he was unable to work the combination.
“Come on, open it. Hurry up!” the bandit ordered as his companion, after warning the boys to remain silent behind the icebox, joined him.
“I’m doing the best I can,” Cullen replied. Then, attempting to stall for time, he told the bandits:
“Go outside. I can’t open this with you standing over me. I’ll bring the money to you.”
At that remark one of the bandits struck him in the jaw. Cullen said he was uncertain whether the man used his fist or the butt end of his gun.
“Don’t hit me again,” Cullen pleaded. “I’m doing this as quickly as I can.”
The same bandit drew off to strike him again.
Shot Attacking Bandit
“I went for him,” Cullen told police, “and then he shot me.”
The bandits then ran from the store. The terrified boys, when they heard the door slam, ran from their uncomfortable prison.
“I’m shot, Jack,” Cullen gasped to Drexel.
As Feltz ran to his side, Drexel dashed across the street to the Camden Meat Company, on the opposite corner of Lansdowne avenue and Louis street and telephoned police. Motorcycle Policeman Nathan Wine was dispatched to the scene.
Meanwhile Feltz with difficulty aided the wounded man to stagger to the steps outside, where a passerby assisted in making him as comfortable as possible until Wine arrived.
Wine commandeered a laundry truck operated by Russell Kaighn, of 642 North Eighth street, in which Miss Dorothy Austin, 1443 Broadway, was also riding. They took Cullen to the hospital.
Dr. Charles Ley, police surgeon, who examined the wounded man, said he feared he was suffering from an internal hemorrhage.
Suspect Not Identified
Cullen and the boys failed to identify as one of the bandits an armed man who was arrested several hours later at Third and Penn streets by Mounted Policeman Earl Wright.
Wright became suspicious of a hatless man whom he saw leaving a house at 219 Friends avenue. As the man saw Wright he ran north to Penn street. Wright chased him and, threatening to shoot the fugitive, halted him at Third street. A 22-calibre pearl-handled pistol was found on him. One of the five chambers was empty.
Taken to police headquarters, the man said he was John Yovankin, 22, of Forked Landing road, Maple Shade.
Immediately after his arrest Detectives Walter Smith and Alfred Shires raided the house on Friends avenue and arrested Irma Marconi, 18. She and the Maple Shade man are being held on suspicion.
Though police brought several suspects before the holdup victims, one of them a former employe of the store, they were unable to identify any as the bandits.
Police said they had an establishment under surveillance and expected an arrest early today.
According to Cullen and the boys, both bandits appeared to be foreigners. One was about 18 and the other, 22. The younger man, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, wore a dark overcoat and cap, while the other, slightly taller, wore a dark gray overcoat and a light felt hat.
Cullen has a wife, Virginia, and a daughter, Jacqueline, a year old.
Witnesses in Holdup [photo caption]
John Drexel, 16, of 1242 Lansdowne avenue, left, a clerk in the American Store at 1201 Lansdowne avenue, and Gordon Feltz, 13, of 1417 Louis street, an errand boy, were held at bay last night by two bandits who shot their employer, John Cullen, 22, of 1988[sic] South Commons road. Drexel notified police after the bandits escaped.
Graveyard Catch of Two Suspects Hits Crime Wave
Camden Morning Post —
GRAVEYARD CATCH OF TWO SUSPECTS HITS CRIME WAVE
Men Caught in Cemetery, Deserted Stolen Car, Police Say
SECOND PAIR CAUGHT CONFESS ROBBERY
Drive Lands 14 Persons in Jail Over Weekend in Camden
A wave of banditry that has been sweeping this locality during the past week, was temporarily checkmated over the weekend when a police dragnet caught four alleged bandits, two of whom confessed to holding up a South Camden chain store.
Ten other robber suspects were either sentenced to jail or fined by Judge Pancoast.
Police also recovered a stolen automobile which had been used by bandits in an attempted holdup of a South Camden grocer. Two revolvers and a sawed-off shotgun were found under the seat in the car.
Two of the alleged bandits were trapped in a cemetery where they are said to have fled after their automobile, a stolen car, crashed into a pole, yesterday, at Lansdowne and Princess avenues.
A sawed-off shot gun, a .38 calibre revolver and several boxes of shells were found by police a short distance from where the suspects were captured.
Followed to Cemetery
At police headquarters the men, who said they are Harry Schwartz, 27, of 608 Cantrell street, and Michael Quinn, 22, of 856 Craney street, both of Philadelphia, denied knowledge of the guns and the auto crash and declared they were in the cemetery to “keep a date with two girls.”
Shortly before noon yesterday police were notified of an automobile crash. The informer said that two men had jumped from the car, one carrying a carpetbag, and dashed in the direction of Collingswood.
Patrolman Howard Bean and George Schyler went to the scene in a bandit chaser car. They followed the general direction taken by the men and were informed by several pedestrians they had entered Harleigh cemetery.
The patrolmen started to make a search of the cemetery and saw two men standing beside a tree. They fled.
Admit to Jail Sentences
In the meantime Motorcycle Policeman George Smith, of the Collingswood police, joined in the chase and helped trap the men as they were about to climb a fence.
They were arrested on suspicion and placed in a cell. Questioned by Detective McGrath, the men admitted to having served time in jail but would not disclose the reason.
Philadelphia and surrounding police have been asked to identify the men.
Harry Yates, an employee of the cemetery, found the shotgun and revolver, as well as the carpetbag which proved to be empty, near where the police first saw the men.
The automobile figuring in the crash was a sedan, that had been reported to police as stolen on October 31, from Broad and Buttonwood streets, Philadelphia. It is the property of the Guy A. Willey Motor Company, 415 North Broad street, Philadelphia.
MICHAEL QUINN
HARRY SCHWARTZ
Two Philadelphia men who were arrested yesterday in a cemetery after police had chased them following an automobile crash at Lansdowne and Princess avenues. The men were seen to leave the wrecked car carrying a bag. The bag, a sawed-off shotgun, a .38 calibre revolver and several boxes of ammunition were found near where the men were captured.
Two Alleged Gangsters Trapped by Cops in Harleigh Cemetery
Camden Courier-Post —
Two Alleged Gangsters Trapped by Cops in Harleigh Cemetery
BANDITS ROUTED BY CAMDEN GROCER
Four Held for Grand Jury in Drive to Curb Crime
Trapped by police in Harleigh Cemetery, two alleged gangsters were arraigned in police court today and held without bail for the Grand Jury when they pleaded not guilty to carrying concealed deadly weapons.
Arrest of the pair marked a weekend in which two bandits were routed in a battle with a South Camden grocer and two other suspects were arrested on charges of carrying concealed deadly weapons.
One of the latter was nabbed by police in the automobile of Dr. Charles Ley, police surgeon, 20 minutes after the car was reported stolen early Sunday morning.
According to Detective Sylvester McGrath who signed the formal complaints against the two alleged gangsters caught in the cemetery, both are out on parole from prison in Pennsylvania.
The pair gave their names and addresses as Michael Quinn, 22, of 856 Craney street, and Harry Schwartz, 27, of 608 Cantrell street, both of Philadelphia. They were represented in court today by Walter S. Keown.
According to Motorcycle Policeman Nate Wine, he arrested Murray near Broadway and Federal street Saturday night after customers in a nearby store told him the man was carrying a gun. The policeman said Murray threw away six bullets before he was captured.
Guns Found
A sawed-off shotgun, a .38-calibre revolver and several boxes of shells were found by the police in Harleigh Cemetery a short distance from where they captured the other two suspects.
The suspects were alleged to have fled into the cemetery when their automobile hit a pole at Lansdowne and Princess avenues, but they told the police after their arrest that they were in the cemetery “to keep a date with two girls.” They denied knowledge of the guns.
Shortly before noon yesterday police were notified of an automobile crash. Their informant said two men had jumped from the car, one carrying a carpetbag, and dashed in the direction of Collingswood.
Patrolman Howard Bean and George Schuyler went to the scene in a bandit chaser car. They followed the general direction taken by the men and were informed by several pedestrians they had entered Harleigh cemetery.
The patrolmen started to make a search of the cemetery and saw two men standing beside a tree. They fled.
Admit to Jail Sentences
In the meantime Motorcycle Policeman George Smith, of the Collingswood police, joined in the chase and helped trap the men as they were about to climb a fence.
They were arrested on suspicion and placed in a cell. Questioned by Detective McGrath, the men admitted to having served time in jail but would not disclose the reason.
According to Philadelphia police records Schwartz was sentenced to from three to ten years in jail after his arrest on April 4, 1927, for forcing his way into a Pennsylvania railroad gasoline station and was released on parole, Nov. 4, of this year.
The records also show Quinn was sent to a reformatory in 1917 for removing fixtures from a vacant house, again in 1924 on suspicion of arson. He was put on probation for larceny of an automobile. He was twice found not guilty on the same charge in 1925 but later the same year was sentenced to from five to ten years in jail for larceny of an automobile. He is still on parole from that sentence, according to police records. In September of this year Quinn was found not guilty of stealing an automobile in Philadelphia.
Harry Yates, an employee of the cemetery, found the shotgun and revolver, as well as the carpetbag which proved to be empty, near where the police first saw the men.
The automobile figuring in the crash was a sedan, that had been reported to police as stolen on October 31, from Broad and Buttonwood streets, Philadelphia. It is the property of the Guy A. Willey Motor Company, 415 North Broad street, Philadelphia.
Two bandits held up and attempted to rob Bronislaw Zemba, who operates a small grocery store at 160 Norris street. When the grocer grabbed a knife and attempted to chase the bandits they fired their gun at him and then fled. One bullet pierced a window directly over the head of the grocer.
The men jumped into a waiting automobile and escaped. Zemba, however, noticed the license number of the car and reported to police.
Several hours later Detective Joseph Carpani located the automobile on Mt. Ephraim avenue, opposite Evergreen Cemetery.
The tags on the automobile were those of Arthur Quigley, 2014 Broadway, while the car had been stolen from Herman Natal, 1254½ Kaighn avenue.
Carpani found two revolvers, one a .38-calibre and the other .38, and a sawed-off shotgun under the front seat of the car.
Arrested in the automobile of Charles Ley, police surgeon, 20 minutes after the car was reported stolen, Stanley Sheldon, 23, of 1621 Olympia road, pleaded guilty in police court today to charges of stealing an automobile and carrying concealed deadly weapons.
Policeman Anthony Melloch testified that he found a pair of brass knuckles on Sheldon when he arrested the man in Dr. Ley’s car at 1:20 a. m. yesterday. The car was reported stolen at 1 a. m. from Seventh and Federal streets while Dr. Ley was eating at a restaurant nearby. Melloch found it at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn avenues.
Sheldon was held without bail for the grand jury. Brass knuckles are “deadly weapons,” according to the law.
2 Bandits Face Death As Manager of Store Dies of Holdup Wound
Camden Courier-Post —
Shot Fired in Robbery of Grocery is Fatal to John Cullen
BALDWIN TO ASK SUPREME PENALTY
Shooting is Admitted by Pair, But Plea of Accident is Made
Holdup Victim Dies
JOHN CULLEN
The grim spectre of the electric chair today loomed over two Camden youths, one 18 and the other 19, following the death of a chain store manager whom they admittedly shot […]. The victim, John Cullen, […] of 1088 South Common road, […] died at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital […] today […].
[… about ten lines too faded to read in the print; legible fragments: “physicians last night”, “Baldwin”, “Cullen’s death”, “would”, “con[…]”, “John”, “Stanl[…]”, “New[…]”, “[…]rt street” …]
[…] its bullet[…] are equally gu[…] the law, as the slayi[ng occurred] during the act of rob[bery …] the prosecutor said he [would cer]tainly ask that both [go to the] electric chair.
When they were arr[aigned in police] court Saturday mornin[g on] charge[s] of atrocious assault and [bat]tery, both Makowski and Jones [pleaded not] guilty and were held without [b]ail for the grand jury. Prosecutor Baldwin said he would allow that charge to remain until he presents the case to the grand jury next Monday, when he will seek murder indictments. The prosecutor pointed out that the youths are held without bail and that rearraignment on a formal charge of murder is not necessary “unless an attempt is made by an attorney to effect their release on a writ of habeas corpus. In the event of such an attempt, the charge will be changed to murder.”
Cullen made a valiant fight for his life in the hospital. A .32-caliber bullet lodged directly under his heart, penetrating a lung with resultant internal hemorrhages. The bullet missed several arteries by the barest of margins, otherwise Cullen would have died instantly.
An autopsy was conducted late this morning by Dr. Edward B. Rogers, county physician, and it was determined that Cullen had died of internal hemorrhages. The bullet was found and will be used by the state in evidence to establish the means of death.
The victim’s father, William Cullen, of Crisfield, Md., arrived here today to make arrangements for the funeral, which will be in charge of Arthur B. Holl, of Parkside. Services will be held tomorrow evening at the dead man’s home, with Rev. Thomas Martin, pastor of the Fairview Community Church, officiating. Then the body will be taken to Crisfield Wednesday for burial.
In addition to his wife and child, the deceased is survived by his father, mother, Mrs. Olivia Cullen; a sister in Merchantville and a brother living at a Camden hotel.
James Murray, 37, of Florence, gun-toting suspect, pleaded guilty in police court today to a charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons and was held without bail for the Grand Jury.
The slain man, who was married and the father of a year-old daughter, was manager of the American Store at 1201 Lansdowne avenue. A clerk and an errand boy were with him in the store as he was about to close for the day, when Makowski and Jones entered.
Bandit Hit Cullen
With drawn revolvers, the bandits forced the young clerk and errand boy to lie down behind a counter in the rear of the store. One of the bandits obtained $5 from the cash register and then ordered Cullen to open the safe so they could get the day’s receipts. Nervous, Cullen obeyed, but when he hesitatingly knelt before the safe, one of the bandits struck him. Again the bandit attempted to hit Cullen, but the manager threw out his arm to defend himself.
A single shot rang out, and the bandits fled. The clerk, John Drexel, 16, of 1242 Landsdowne [sic] avenue, and the errand boy, Gordon Feltz, 13, of 1417 Louis street, summoned aid, and Cullen was taken to the hospital.
Drexel told Detective Sylvester McGrather that he had recognized one of the bandits as John Makowski, against whom he had played football about three weeks ago. McGrath went to the manager of the football team on which Makowski played, obtained his address and was also informed that Makowski’s “buddy” was Jones.
Makowski was arrested at his home about four hours after the holdup. Jones was captured early Saturday morning at his home. Detectives also found an empty .32-calibre revolver on a bureau in Jones’ bedroom, as well as eight cartridges and one discharged shell.
Both suspects admitted being in the store that evening, but denied the crime. They were taken to the hospital, where Cullen identified them. However, the wounded man could not say which had fired the shot. City and county detectives continued the questioning, and the two suspects are finally said to have confessed the holdup.
Jones is declared to have admitted it was his gun which was discharged, but he said the gun accidentally exploded and that he had not intended to shoot Cullen. Makowski admitted throwing his gun from a bus while going across the Camden Bridge after the holdup.
Cullen also identified Jones as one of two bandits who on Nov. 19 confronted him as he was leaving the store and stole business papers from him. He was not certain whether Makowski was in the previous holdup.
Although Makowski did not fire the shot, he is as guilty of the crime of murder as Jones, the prosecutor pointed out. Statutes provide that where a murder is the result of a robbery or holdup, all participants are guilty of the worst crime, as it is an outgrowth of the original crime.
The most celebrated example of how that law is effected was in the case of the four Olney bank bandits, who were arrested for the shooting of a Philadelphia policeman some five years ago. One of the bandits was under arrest and disarmed before the shooting began. Nevertheless, he was charged with murder along with the other three and was electrocuted with them.
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 —
Confessed Bandit
Confesses He and Pal Robbed Two Bus Drivers in Pennsauken Township
CAUGHT BY POLICE AFTER AUTO CHASE
Boy Who Jury Cleared in Father’s Death, Had Promised to Be ‘Good’
Reino A. Thompson.
Arrested yesterday, Thompson, 19, of 805 Linden street, and Henry N. Mallett, 21, of 119 North Ninth street, both of Camden, admitted holding up two bus drivers at Haddonfield road and Park avenue, Pennsauken township, on August 5. Last April Thompson was exonerated of blame in the killing of his father.
A Camden youth who was cleared by the grand jury in the killing of his father was one of two who confessed yesterday to holding up two bus drivers at Haddonfield road and Park avenue, Pennsauken township, on August 5.
He is Reino A. Thompson, 19, of 805 Linden street. His companion is Henry N. Mallett, 21, of 119 North Ninth street, Camden.
Thompson was arrested near Maple Shade after their car was driven into a ditch. Mallett escaped but was arrested at his home.
Police say both youths also admitted they were on their way to hold up another bus driver when Merchantville police became suspicious, and chased them.
The bus drivers, Leon Garringer, of 4725 Poplar avenue, Pennsauken township and Fred Crowder, of 6308 Shelbourne street, Philadelphia, were seated in Garringer’s bus at the end of the route at 11 p. m., August 5, [sic] A coupe drove up beside them. One of the occupants drew a pistol and took $20 from Crowder and $15 from Garringer.
Three hours later a coupe was found abandoned at Cedar and Cooper avenues, Pennsauken. It had been stolen from Warren F. Marshall, of Paulsboro.
Policemen Halt Car
At 2.25 a. m., yesterday, Policemen Edward J. Hare and Herbert A. Davidson, Jr., of Merchantville, became suspicious of an automobile, which they had stopped at Maple and Westminster avenues. Mallett produced his driver’s license, but said a friend had lent them his car and that he had no registration card. The car is believed to have been stolen.
The police ordered Mallett and Thompson, who was a passenger, to drive to the police station at Maple avenue and Centre street. Instead of stopping at the station, the car turned from Centre street into Park avenue, where a pistol was dropped. The police gave chase.
The suspects continued on toward Maple Shade. Near Haddonfield road, a second pistol was thrown from the car.
The police were gaining on the speeding car when it was turned into a ditch at Park avenue and Forked Landing road. Both occupants fled from the car.
Thompson was caught a few hundred feet away but the other youth disappeared.
Marshall’s driver’s license stolen the night of the bus holdup, was found in the car.
Both Admit Holdup
Under questioning by Merchantville police, Thompson confessed his part in the bus holdup and named Mallett as his accomplice. Mallett was arrested yesterday afternoon at his home by Camden City Detective Sylvester McGrath. Mallet also confessed.
The youths told the police they were on their way to Moorestown pike and the East End Hotel, Pennsauken township, terminus of another bus line, where they planned another holdup.
Tags on the car ditched yesterday were stolen from the automobile of Fred Musick, 111 North Twenty-second street, Camden.
The youths were held by Merchantville for a hearing today on charges of carrying concealed deadly weapons. They will be turned over later to Pennsauken authorities on the holdup charge.
Thompson was arrested on April 9 for the killing of his father, Frederick, 45. The son and his mother testified the father had attacked them while drunk. The youth punched his father, who fell and struck his head on a curbstone, dying of a fractured skull.
In thanking the grand jury for his release Thompson declared:
“I’m going to lead a good life and help my mother and family.”
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.
‘Victims’ of Sniper Held for Explosion
Camden Courier-Post —
Detective Testifies Pair Were Injured in Mystery Blast at Home
Early on the morning of February 3, when two young men arrived at Cooper Hospital and said they had been wounded by South Jersey’s “phantom sniper,” there was a mysterious explosion at the home of one of them.
This was disclosed today by City Detective McGrath, when he testified against George Zimmerman, 22 years old, 2252 Mickle street, and John Connors, 23, 541 Grant street, in Police court.
Charged with having explosives in their possession, the men were held for grand jury action. Zimmerman’s bail was fixed at $[?],000 and Connors’ at $2,000.
Zimmerman’s home is not far from the spot where 20 sticks of dynamite and a quantity of glycerin were found on February 7.
Detective McGrath testified Connors admitted the explosion had occurred in Zimmerman’s home. McGrath said he went to Zimmerman’s home, found most of the windows in the house had been broken and learned from neighbors that an explosion had been heard on February 3.
Zimmerman denied having had any explosives and Connors denied making the statement attributed to him by the detective.
At the hospital, where Zimmerman was treated for a wound on his left leg, and Connors for an injury to his forehead, the men said they had been walking along the entrance road near the Federal street bridge when they heard an explosion, saw a flash and noticed an automobile which had passed them turn into Newton avenue. Then they discovered they had been wounded, they asserted, and blamed the “phantom sniper.”