Introduction
THOMAS GUTHRIDGE was born in New Jersey in December of 1854 to Mr. and Mrs. John Guthridge. His father worked as a gardener.
When the 1880 Census was taken, John Guthridge was a widower. The family, which included Thomas and siblings William, John, Deborah, and Richard, as well as a niece, Mary, lived at 427 Walnut Street.
William Guthridge was active in local politics in the 1890s. He was appointed Fish and Game Warden by Governor Werts on April 19, 1892. He was again appointed by the State Fish and Game Commission in April of 1895. He was still working in that capacity as late as November of 1907. He died the following year. The City Directory for 1906 states that he lived at 341 Spruce Street. He moved to Audubon shortly after the 1906 Directory was compiled.
Thomas Guthridge also served as a Fish and Game Warden. He was appointed to the Camden Police Department in 1902. He was still working as a policeman when he died, on January 26, 1918.
Thomas Guthridge’s wife, Mary D. Guthridge, became quite active in local politics after women were given the right to vote. Serving on the Camden County Board of Freeholders from Camden’s 7th Ward, she was the first woman to take a seat as a Camden County Freeholder, joining that body in 1930 and serving through at least 1931. Brother John Guthridge also served for a time with the Camden Police, as a special officer.
Camden’s News Jottings
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Quiet New Year’s Day, With Little Worth Chronicling.
New Year’s was an exceedingly quiet day in the city across the river. All of the public buildings and banks were closed. The various ferry companies did a rushing business, owing to the number of people who crossed the river to see the Quaker City New Year shooters. A number of clubs had open house, but there were no other special features or observances.
The choir boys of the St. John P. E. Church early yesterday morning serenaded the attendants at the Cooper Hospital and sang some excellent selections.
Excise Inspector Samuel Wilson has had his salary of $1,000 stopped by City Comptroller Derouse. This is done in accordance with a recent decision of the Supreme Court.
Thomas Guthridge, aged 24 years, while celebrating the incoming of the New Year accidentally shot himself in the hand. He was admitted to the Cooper Hospital.
George Jones, of 824 Division street, fell on the ice yesterday and badly lacerated his hand.
Camden’s News Budget
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Train Dashes Into a Wagon, Injuring Two Men—Council Meeting.
As the Bridgeton accommodation train to Camden reached Chestnut street, in that city, at 4.40 o’clock yesterday afternoon, belated by the terrific storm which had flooded the tracks below Wenonah, it struck a furniture wagon, owned by Thomas Guthridge, demolishing it and seriously injuring Mr. Guthridge about the arms and body and injuring Charles L. Roehr, of 829 South Fourth street, Camden, very badly about the head. Both men were taken to the Cooper Hospital. Another man, who was in the wagon with them, escaped injury.
The train was running slowly at the time of the accident. The wagon had crossed the track and turned up Seventh street. The engine struck the rear of the vehicle, and the felloe of one of the wheels clung to one of the engine’s driving wheels. Roehr may die.
At a meeting of Camden’s City Council last night the bond of City Comptroller-elect Rex for $10,000 was approved. The bondsmen were F. H. Rex, Congressman C. A. Bergen and M. V. Bergen. The award of the commissioners for the opening of Seventh street, from Royden to Pine streets, was confirmed. It gives Joseph Hatch $3,500 and Deborah Jones $360.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Thomas Guthridge, who was run down at the Mount Vernon street crossing, wants $10,000 damages from the West Jersey Railroad Company for personal injuries. The suit was commenced yesterday, and also a suit for $500 by the executors of A. T. Davis’s estate, for a wagon smashed in the accident.
Crime Runs Riot Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Murder, an Attempted Murder and Two Bold Robberies Within a Few Hours.
Mrs. Copliein’s Assassin Confesses, But Says the Fatal Shot Was Accidental.
A Girl Struck on the Head By a Hatchet in the Hands of Some Person Unknown—Burglars Use Chloroform and Ransack a House.
Crime is rampant in Camden and two residents are in fear of their lives. Within a radius of a few squares a murder, an attempted murder and two robberies were committed in ten hours. The murder was the shooting of Mrs. Lizzie Copliein on Friday, an account of which was published in The Inquirer yesterday.
Stanley Murray made a confession at the City Hall yesterday morning, in which he said he had stolen a revolver from James A. Jordan’s hardware store on Baring street, at Seventh and Sycamore streets, and went into Mrs. Copliein’s store to sell it. He was not careful in handling the loaded gun and fell pulling the trigger and the shot was fired accidentally. He saw Mrs. Copliein stagger, and, becoming frightened, ran from the store.
An inquest will be held next Tuesday morning. Mrs. Copliein will be buried to-morrow.
Chief of Police Davis, Lieutenant Smith and Patrolman Guthridge drove Jordan, 19, to Gloucester, where they arrested Charles A. Jordan, 29, of 1119 Sycamore street, Camden.
Camden Police Raid Crap Shooters
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden police yesterday made several raids on gangs of crap shooters, but most of the participants were too elusive to be captured. Policemen Lovett, Cattell and Guthridge each made an arrest.
John Guthridge Fatally Stricken
Philadelphia Inquirer —
John Guthridge, aged 75 years, father of Game Warden William Guthridge and Policeman Thomas Guthridge, died suddenly at his home, 814 Linden street, Camden, from heart failure. He was stricken as he was returning from his work at the dinner hour. Coroner Beale gave a certificate of death from heart failure.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The funeral services over the late John Guthridge, father of Game Warden William Guthridge and Policeman Thomas Guthridge, took place yesterday afternoon at his home, 814 Linden street.
Thief Returned Fire of Camden Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Early yesterday morning Policeman Dolan and Special Officer Guthridge had a running revolver fight with a burglar near Eighth and Penn streets, Camden, that ended in the thief making his escape, though wounded. Policeman Dolan found the front windows of the home of R. C. Bowne, Jr., 803 Penn street, open, and stationed Guthridge at the rear of the house. The policeman saw the thief packing silverware and vaulted through the window after him. The man ran out the back way. Guthridge called on him to stop and as he did not do so the officer shot at him.
Both officers jumped a number of fences in close pursuit and thief and pursuers landed in Ninth street, the latter about thirty feet away. A rapid exchange of shots took place. Guthridge fired the last shot from his revolver as the fugitive was turning into Cooper street and he stumbled and almost fell.
The thief with his revolver kept the officers at a safe distance and finally escaped in the labyrinth of alleys near Tenth street. Daylight revealed a trail of blood.
Camden Man “Held-Up” an Excursion Train
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A man standing in the middle of the inbound track of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad at Seventh and Kaighn avenue, Camden, last night, resulted in the Cape May excursion train being stopped and considerable subsequent excitement. The man, Smith Clifton, aged 60 years, stood directly in the way of the engine, with his hands outstretched. Continued whistling failed to move Clifton, and the engineer brought the train to a standstill so suddenly that the passengers were hurled from their seats.
A crowd soon gathered, and Clifton was told to get out of the way. He refused, however, saying he had been injured and wanted the train to take him to the hospital. Clifton was finally pushed from the track and then he ran to the Eighth street swamp and disappeared.
The excitement attracted almost a thousand men and boys, who surrounded the swamp. After an hour’s search Policemen Brothers and Guthridge captured Clifton. He was found to be uninjured and was locked up at the City Hall. He is believed to be insane.
Dog Frightened Church Goers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While many persons were going to church yesterday morning, considerable excitement was created at Broadway and Mechanic street, Camden, when a large dog ran about, frothing at the mouth and trying to bite everything in sight. There was a wild scamper for safety and as far as could be learned no one was bitten. Policeman Thomas Guthridge subsequently shot the dog.
Camden Authorities Condemned by Hill
Trenton Evening Times —
Trenton Man, Charging Police With Assault, Declares He Has Been Shamefully Treated.
Clark Hill, a well known potter of No. 435 Centre street and employed as a foreman at a Camden pottery, who was brutally assaulted on Tuesday evening by a Camden policeman named Thomas Guthridge, in “Al” Davis’ saloon, Broadway, Camden, on a Tuesday evening, December 17, is still confined to his home and under the care of a physician. When seen by a Sunday Advertiser reporter at his home last evening, Mr. Hill was suffering severely from pains in his head. Replying to a query of the reporter, Mr. Hill said: “The authorities of Camden have treated me shamefully, and I begin to believe that the stories told to me by friends of the policeman who so murderously assaulted me without the least cause or provocation are true, namely: That Guthridge has a big political pull and that the authorities have combined to let him escape if it is possible to do so. This brutal policeman, who weighs 340 pounds, was drinking with another officer in his brother-in-law’s saloon, when I entered. Just as I was drinking my glass of beer this big bully, who was drunk, swung on me and struck me a crushing blow on the neck, telling me to the floor. When I recovered my senses he stood over me ready again to assault me, but was pulled away by his brother officer and my friends. I went to police headquarters and entered my complaint against him, but not until ten days afterward was he arrested. He was released on $500 bail and I was told that he would be vigorously prosecuted. I was removed to my home and Dr. H. M. Beatty has been in attendance upon me until last week when Dr. James J. McGuire took charge, Dr. Beatty having gone South.
“I am afraid that I shall be an invalid for life because of the terrible blow the policeman gave me. I was notified of a hearing of the case before the police committee in the city hall, Camden on the 27th of last month. Assistant City Solicitor Wilfred B. Wolcott was assigned to prosecute the case against Hill, but the whole proceedings partook more of a farce than of a trial. I had eight witnesses who saw the assault, but they were not allowed to testify, and the case was dismissed.
ASKED TO DROP CASE
“Before the alleged trial, while we were assembling in the city hall, I was approached by Davis, the saloonkeeper, who asked me not to prosecute the case. ‘I don’t care for the man,’ said Davis, ‘but his wife is my sister, and I am pleading for her sake.’ I refused to drop the case, however, and a little later he followed me and in a threatening manner said: ‘Say, you’d better let alone Guthridge. He’s a big political pull and you’ll get the dump.’ Then as he walked away he said: ‘Look out for yourself. You’re due for another beating.’
“I have waited to see if the grand jury would indict the man, but so far nothing has been done. I am now going to retain the best lawyers in Trenton and shall prosecute the case to a finish.
“In my own home I am being hounded by friends of this policeman. Before I quit this fight…” [Mr. Hill stated that an individual connected with Camden authorities came to his home, frightened his wife.] “I have lost nine weeks’ from my work and have been under the care of a doctor ever since. I was assaulted. My head continually pains me. I have acute spinal irritation and my heart is affected all as a result of the policeman’s assault upon me.
“Before I was assaulted I never was sick a day. I have been foreman at the Camden pottery for the past seven years. Since I have been there, I have asked the chief of police of Camden and also Mayor Ellis, for permission to carry a revolver to protect myself, but this privilege has been refused me.”
“Murrell Dobbins, president of the Camden pottery will vouch for my character and standing, and I am too well known in this city to want a voucher for me. I am a sick man, my health has been shattered by a man who is paid by the city of Camden to protect people and I ask that justice be meted out. I want to add that a man who said that he represented the chief of police of Camden came to my boarding house in Camden and asked my landlady to appear at the hearing and swear that I was drunk on the night Policeman Guthridge assaulted me, but she indignantly refused to do so.”
Burglars Caught at Pistol’s Point
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Alleged Notorious Robber Attempts to Pick Lock in Camden Jail
About to break into the home of Deputy Collector of the Port Harry L. Jones, 606 Cooper street, Camden, two alleged burglars, said to have country-wide reputations, were caught in the act by Policemen George Horner and Howard Smith early yesterday morning with drawn revolvers. The prisoners gave the names of Fred Lenz, 31 years old, and Henry Miller, 19 years old, both of which are believed to be aliases.
Both officers went to the rear of the Jones home, which immediately adjoins that of Edmund E. Read, president of the Board of Education, which was robbed less than a week ago. They had hardly secreted themselves in the shed when they saw the two men climb over the fence. Then, with drawn revolvers and a dark lantern, the intruders began the work of effecting an entrance. The bluecoats suddenly appeared and, placing revolvers in the faces of the burglars, ordered them to throw up their hands. So surprised were the two men that they submitted without a struggle.
When they were placed in cells at the city jail Lenz tried to escape by picking the lock. His effort was prevented by Policeman Thomas Guthridge, who had also been placed in the cell in the guise of a burglar.
Both men were committed to prison without bail by Recorder Stackhouse and their records will be looked up. Shortly before the arrest of the two an attempt was made to break into the home of Dr. Paul Mecray, Fourth and Cooper streets, but the robbers were frightened away by a coachman.
The home of J. E. Rossell, 309 North Second street, the family being away, was entered, but the intruders were frightened off.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Policeman Thomas Guthridge was bitten on the hand by a dog at Tenth and Kaighn avenue yesterday.
Hill Threatens to Sue Camden Maker
Trenton Evening Times —
Resents Story of Attack Made on Him by Policeman—He is Slowly Recovering.
Clark Hill, of 435 Centre street, foreman of the Camden Pottery company of Camden, has threatened the Camden Daily Courier of Camden with a suit for criminal libel, unless a derogatory article about him published in that paper January 6, is contradicted. The story alleges to state the facts that surrounded the assault made upon him by a Camden policeman, December 17. Mr. Hill has been ill at his home here for ten weeks, having been partially paralyzed by the blow he received back of his left ear. He is now able to be out.
He brands the article in the Camden paper as a fabrication, but particularly resents the charge that he “began arraigning Roosevelt in no mild terms and accused his administration of being ‘rotten.’” The article also intimated that Hill was intoxicated.
Mr. Hill, who was a potter in this city for more than twenty years prior to taking a foreman position seven years ago, said yesterday that the whole article was false.
“It was not a political discussion with Policeman Guthridge,” he stated. “I never referred to the name of President Roosevelt, nor to the government. I have been a member of the Patriotic Order of Americans for thirty-two years and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics for seventeen years and these facts are sufficient proof that I am not of anarchistical tendencies. I am also a holder in the name of Nathan Hale Council of the Jr. O. U. A. M.
“There were only a few potters in Camden when we desired to see one another we met at one of the saloons on Broadway. I was at Davis’ place on Broadway with a few friends. I had seen this same Policeman and was talking with him about a moving picture show across the street. Guthridge, who is the brother-in-law of Adam, and who was drunk when he came into the place, walked up and without the least warning, reached me from the rear, struck me a stinging blow behind my ear.
“I could not see after I had been struck, but I grappled with Guthridge. The policeman who was with Guthridge, him, separated us. I turned to Policeman Mines and said ‘You a police officer, you saw that, did you?’ He said nothing, but he did not answer me. Addressing Davis I said, ‘You saw that, didn’t you?’ He refused to answer. But this Guthridge spoke up and said ‘Shut up, I’ll give you another whack.’”
Mr. Hill has suffered severely from his injury and for a time it was feared he would lose his eye. It will be a long while before he will be able to resume work.
It was only after much difficulty that Mr. Hill was able to have action taken against Guthridge, and it now asserts that many have told him that his case would fall before the grand jury, and that this has actually happened. He considers that he did not receive fair treatment from the mayor, who has passed the case to his department, and who he declares sent him to various persons. He is now to be given a hearing before the police committee of common council of Camden, New Jersey, and Hill hopes to be able to attend the meeting.
“Murrell Dobbins, president of the Camden Pottery company, is working in the interest of this man Guthridge. He is a valuable employee, and is assisting in the prosecution.”
Sues Policeman for Big Damages
Trenton Evening Times —
Trenton Man Charges that He Was Injured by Bluecoat in Camden
Clark Hill of 58 Hermitage Avenue has started suit in Mercer Circuit Court against Patrolman Thomas Guthridge of Camden to recover $5,000 damages. This litigation is the outcome of a personal encounter between Hill and Guthridge in Camden more than a year ago.
Hill and Guthridge met in Camden and engaged in words concerning a political campaign. Hill is alleged to have said something about McKinley that didn’t suit Patrolman Guthridge, who was off duty at the time.
Hill alleges that Guthridge struck him with such force that his neck was dislocated. This the defendant denies. He says all he did was place his hand over Hill’s mouth and caution him to cease the anti-McKinley talk.
Hill tried to have Guthridge indicted before the Camden County Grand Jury, but when the jury was ready to hear the complaint the complainant did not appear. He later sought to have Guthridge removed from the Camden police force.
Still later Hill went to the office of Prosecutor Harry S. Scovel at Camden and there charged that the attempt to have Guthridge indicted had been obstructed. John Lefferts Conard is counsel for the Camden policeman and Stephen C. Cook represents Hill. The case will be tried at the next term of Mercer Court.
Many Robberies Keep Police Busy
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Transom Burglar Loots Another Saloon at Twentieth and Market
Men Arrested in Crowded Department Store Are Held for Trial, as Is Also Alleged Pickpocket
The “transom burglar,” who has been robbing saloons recently, gained entrance early yesterday morning to the saloon of Andrew Breslin, Twentieth and Market streets, and carried away several bottles of liquor and cigars valued at $3.50. The rubber climbed in through a transom in the usual way, and escaped with his plunder without being detected.
In trying to escape arrest on Friday evening Frank Eldridge, a negro, suspected of robbery near Eighteenth and Market streets, fled to the roof of a house on Goncha street. Since the police climbed to the roof he struggled with Policemen Smith and Guthridge, of the Eighth ward, and the struggle lasted fifteen minutes, during which one of the policemen narrowly escaped falling from the housetop.
Sneak Thieves in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Clothing Reported to Have Been Stolen From Several Homes
Sneak thieves have made their presence in Camden felt the past day or so in the way of residents having clothing stolen from the entries of their homes. Policeman Guthridge last night arrested John Donahue, of Philadelphia, who, it is said, was wearing an overcoat stolen from the home of James Bentley, secretary of the Business Improvement Association. Donahue was held for a hearing before Recorder Stockhouse today.
While Dr. C. B. Sharp, of 504 Broadway, was visiting Dr. J. S. Baer, of 565 Steven street, a thief purloined his overcoat. The police have warned Camdenites to keep their front doors locked.
Mercer Jury Frees Camden Policeman
Trenton Evening Times —
After a twenty-minute deliberation this morning a jury in Mercer Court acquitted Philip Knauff, the Camden policeman charged with perjury.
Prosecutor Crossley appeared for the state and J. Lefferts Conard and former Prosecutor Scovel of Camden County represented the defendant.
The charge was the result of Knauff giving testimony in the civil suit of Clark Hill of this city against Patrolman Thomas Guthridge of Camden for damages. The case was heard in the Mercer Circuit of the Supreme Court June 10, 1910, and Hill was given a verdict.
Hill After Crossley; Asks Governor’s Help
Trenton Evening Times —
Clark Hill, of 58 South Hermitage avenue, who figured some time ago in Camden and Mercer county courts on account of an atrocious assault made on him in a Camden saloon by Thomas Guthridge, a Camden policeman in 1907, has asked Governor Wilson to review the action of Prosecutor Crossley in the matter of the civil suit, instituted against the officer in 1911.
Mr. Hill alleges that Prosecutor Crossley held up an indictment for perjury against Daniel Dick, another Camden police officer until he escaped from the State. Mr. Hill forwarded his charges to Governor Wilson last Wednesday and received an acknowledgment from the executive that the request for an investigation would be considered.
Police Pallbearers at Charlotte Guthridge Funeral
Philadelphia Inquirer —
At the funeral of Mrs. Charlotte Guthride from her home at 422 Walnut street yesterday, the pull [sic] bearers were all policemen, including Captain Edward Hyde, John Brothers, Thomas Brothers, and Thomas Guthridge, a nephew of the deceased.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
There was a mad dog scare at Broadway and Mt. Vernon street yesterday when a stray canine chased pedestrians in every direction. It was dispatched by Policeman Guthridge.
Woman Drugged in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Meets Man, Becomes Senseless and Is Attacked by Gang
Asserting she had been drugged and led to a lonesome place along the river front in South Camden, Mrs. Mary Anderson, aged 30 years, of 310 Pemberton street, yesterday told Recorder Stackhouse in Camden that she narrowly escaped from a gang of men. This was borne out by Sergeant Snow and Policemen Guthridge and Broome, who rescued her from a gang. An investigation is being made.
Mrs. Anderson said she crossed the river at Kaighn’s Point, according to the police, and met a man whom she knew slightly. He invited her to have a drink and she went to a nearby saloon, where a glass of ginger ale was ordered. Afterwards, the woman related, her senses became dulled and when she recovered consciousness she was in a swampy place. In the meanwhile a pedestrian notified the police, but the men escaped. Mrs. Anderson was found on the verge of collapse. Recorder Stackhouse had her sent home.