Introduction
WILLIAM C. HORNER was born in Stockton Township, what is now Camden, New Jersey in 1869. He was the son of Lemuel D. Horner Sr. and his wife, the former Emma Louise Carter. The Horners had come to the area around 1795 and at one time owned a large farm north and west of what is now Westfield Avenue, with land in both present-day Camden and Pensauken Township. Lemuel Avenue in East Camden is named after Lemuel D. Horner. William Horner was the second of six children, coming after sister Anna Horner. William was followed by Minnie Horner, Lemuel H. Horner, John Morgan Horner, and Emma Horner.
William C. Horner married Mary S. Beideman on July 6, 1892 at Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church in Camden, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Rebecca and Benjamin C. Beideman, who owned a large farm at the corner of North 35th Street and River Avenue. Beideman Avenue was named after the Beideman family, who had much property in the immediate area. Daughter Adalisa Horner was born in June of 1893, son Russell E. Horner arrived in July of 1894. Another son, Melvin B. Horner, was born in 1895, but died at the age of two months. A final child, Benjamin B. Horner followed in 1901.
The 1896 City Directory shows William C. Horner, fireman, at the corner of North 36th Street and Rosedale Avenue. The 1898 edition shows him as a butcher, at 322 North 36th Street. William C. Horner and brothers Lemuel and John were all members of the Third Infantry Regiment, New Jersey National Guard and all served during the Spanish-American War. William C. Horner was discharged from service in December of 1898 and returned home to his wife and children. In the spring of 1899, the Town of Stockton was annexed by the City of Camden, bringing what is now known as Cramer Hill and East Camden into the city. Stockton’s police were disbanded and new policemen were appointed. One of the first of the new policemen was William C. Horner. He was promoted to Sergeant on September 25, 1899.
By the summer of 1900 William C. Horner had moved to 308 North 36th Street. Tragically, Russell Horner drowned on June 22, 1908 while swimming in the Delaware River. The Horners stayed at the North 36th Street address into 1911. In 1912, Mary Horner’s widowed mother, Rebecca Beideman passed away, and the Horners moved into the Beideman farmstead at 3517 River Avenue where they remained through 1914. The family moved to 116 North 34th Street in 1915, and 226 North 32nd Street in 1916. City Directories from 1917 and 1918 have William C. Horner and family residing at 4006 Westfield Avenue.
The 1920 Census shows William and Mary Horner at 4013 Westfield Avenue. This appears to be a duplex, and the other unit at the address was occupied by the Horner’s daughter Adalisa Horner Starkey, her husband Edward and their children. In 1921 William Horner and family moved to 227 North 42nd Street, where they lived to at least 1931.
Sergeant Horner had served as acting Captain of the Third Police District, all territory north of the Cooper River, on occasion early in his career. In June of 1927 he was put in charge of the district once again, and held the post as late as August of 1931. He was put in charge of the police department’s missing persons bureau in the fall of 1931, then made desk sergeant at police headquarters in December of that year. After several months of booking prisoners, Sergeant William C. Horner put in for his pension, which was granted effective September 15, 1932.
By November 16, 1934 William and Mary Horner had moved to 2129 43rd Street in Pennsauken, just over the Camden–Pennsauken border. Their son Benjamin B. Horner remained at the North 42nd Street address until his death in 1952. William C. Horner passed away at home on February 14, 1943 and was buried at Bethel Cemetery in Pennsauken. His wife joined him on June 17, 1948.
Old Stockton’s Three Parks Kept Police Force on Jump
Camden Courier-Post —
Sergeant Horner Recalls Days When Horse-Drawn Patrol Toted Woozy Celebrants From Moist Recreation Centers to City Hall
East Camden used to have three parks “in the old days”—and to hear a veteran like Police Sergeant William C. Horner tell it—they certainly kept the police force “on its toes.”
Sergeant Horner, who has seen more than a quarter century of service on the police force in East Camden and is now head of the city missing persons bureau, often tells of those days.
“There was John Hoosey Park at the foot of Twenty-seventh street, Stockton Park at Twentieth and Federal streets, where Buck’s farm is now, and Pavonia Park at River road and State street,” Sergeant Horner said.
“A lot of folk from Philadelphia and other towns used to come out to the parks during the summer. There were picnic benches and dance pavilions and often some of them would imbibe too freely. It certainly used to keep us busy.
“Down in North and South Camden they used to use pushcarts to take drunks into headquarters but by the time the old town of Stockton was annexed to Camden as East Camden in 1900, the city had a horse-drawn patrol wagon that used to come slanging and clattering up Federal street from Fifth and Arch streets to be loaded with indiscreet park celebrants and sent back to headquarters.”
The old Stockton police force, according to Sergeant Horner, included 12 men with a captain and a sergeant. The captain when the annexation occurred was Robert Abbott, a brother of William S. Abbott, a member of the board of education. The former captain is now on the pension list.
Sergeant Horner can remember the days when farmland stretched from Twenty-seventh street on Federal street as far as Merchantville and along Westfield avenue from Twenty-eighth street as far as Parry.
“Anybody who moved away in those days and came back now would never recognize East Camden in these days with its paved streets, big shopping districts and acres of houses. The place sure has changed,” Sergeant Horner says.
Death of Melvin B. Horner
Camden Daily Courier —
Melvin B., son of William C. and Mary Horner, died last night. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock, and interment will be made at Bethel Cemetery.
Deaths
Camden Post —
Deaths.
HORNER—On August 12th, Melom B. son of William C. and Mary Horner, aged two months. Relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services on Wednesday afternoon, August 14th, at 3 o’clock from his parent’s residence, Cove Road and Westfield avenue. Interment at Bethel Cemetery.
Company ‘L’ Survivors to Hold Reunion Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Third New Jersey Volunteer Infantrymen Marched Away 30 Years Ago; Many Members Now Prominent in Camden Business Circles
Nearly 30 years ago—on May 2, 1898, to be exact—Company “L” of the Third New Jersey Volunteer Infantry marched away from Camden to war.
With Cuba liberated and the sinking of the Maine avenged, they marched back again.
From that day to this the members of the company have never again gathered together. But on the thirtieth anniversary of the date they went to war surviving members will conduct their first reunion in Camden. On Thursday night at the 114th Regiment Armory here veterans of Company “L” will meet to make plans for the reunion. All surviving members are invited to attend this meeting.
Lorenzo D. Dyer, long a resident of Camden and now a business man in New York, was captain of the company formed in Camden. Next in command was an ambitious young first lieutenant, Winfield S. Price by name, now mayor of Camden and holder of the military rank of brigadier-general. The late Henry J. House was second lieutenant. Years later he wrote his name large on the pages of peace-time heroism when he was burned to death in the Hunt-Wilkinson upholstery factory fire in Philadelphia, after rescuing nearly a dozen girls from the flames.
Hard Boiled “Top Kick”
A hard-boiled “top-kick” of Company “L” was first Sergeant William B. Wells, now the foreman of the Evening Courier’s composing room. Lemuel D. Horner, Jr., East Camden undertaker, was a sergeant in the outfit as were William Godfrey, Richard S. Perks, John J. Fearon and the late William Owen Fury. Corporals were John W. Wickland, Henry E. Dyer, Charles H. Friant, Barent S. Travis, William T. Thorp, and the late John Turner. Thorp is still in the army, a sergeant in charge of the 114th Infantry armory.
Patrick H. Harding, attorney and member of the County Park Commission, was a private in Company “L.” So was William C. Horner, acting police captain of the Third District.
One of the two musicians of the company was Robert Cusick, now a Pennsylvania railroad detective.
Those on the roster who are known to have died were Charles D. Black, John H. Hann, Walter S. Hoagland, Martin J. Mullin, Robert V. Stine, Clarence Lee and Frank McSorley.
Others on the company’s roster, many of whom are still in South Jersey as well as many others who have scattered and whose exact whereabouts is unknown to their former “buddies,” are: Leonard M. Andrus, William G. Britton, Charles W. Coleman, Frank A. Cheshire, Rollin C. Cowperthwaite, Mayhew S. Dilks, Frederick C. Daeters, Stephen I. Drain, George Davenport, William D. Elfreth, Roland E. English, George G. Eckendorf, Henry R. Elliott, Louis Erbe, George H. Friant, George Fitzgerald, John C. Fitzgerald, John W. Farley, Harry O. Goukler, William B. Goukler, Walter A. Gosling, George Habermehl, Andrew C. Hewitt, Maurice Howard, William Hilbmann, Warrington Isard, William C. Johnson, Calvin L. Jansen, Edward A. Johnston, Frank M. Kirkbride, Irving Landenberger, William A. Lynch, Alvah D. Lawyer, William F. Millet, John Muir, Louis Morris, Frank S. Pedrick, Clarence E. Powell, William M. Peak, Harry L. Pelley, Maurice Packer, Frederick Robinson, Robert B. Rich, Jacob Rich, Thomas Rich, Frank A. Reed, Robert E. Reilly, Ernest Rouketty, Thomas H. Staples, Preston Stratton, August Schoeflen, William C. Scudder, Francis A. Turton, Frederick D. Taylor, Howard B. Wilkins, Clifford Walmsley, Benjamin Young, John Ward, Ernest G. Gardener, George Knowles, Michael McConaghey, Jr., John A. Robertson, George Goddall, John Dickinson, Samuel Devine, John Cress, William Hunsinger, Louis Klein, Frederick Fillion, William H. Palmer, Albert Rickert, Benjamin Blackman, William Smith, Roland Lee, John Stevenson, Charles Beimler, Robert Maguire, John Caum, Herbert Stanley and S. Dickinson.
Notes of the Camp
Camden Daily Telegram —
Windy and cold yesterday.
There is very little washing of clothes now done by the soldiers. The colored folks in the vicinity of the camp do all and slinging for a small sum.
No more pay until January. Wonder where we’ll receive it, asked Turton, here or in Cuba? I don’t know where you are going to receive yours, said Thorp, but I’m going to receive mine in my hand.
William C. Horner and Edwin Johnston left for home to-day. Both men have been honorably discharged from the service. In the departure of William, the Third New Jersey loses the biggest man in the regiment. Both men have been mindful of their duties, true to their company and loyal to their country and the word, “Excellent” written in bold letters on each discharge is well merited.
“Bob” Rich is now the proud possessor of a beautiful gold watch. “Bob” had money to burn yesterday so he went down to the town and bought the watch and chain for a goodly sum. He is now going around dangling the chain as though he is a brother to the man who discovered work.
The cook kitchens are rapidly nearing completion. As usual, Company L is having trouble of its own with the lumber. The pile which has lain at the head of L street for the past couple of days has proved such a temptation to the other companies that they have made away with nearly half of it. “Bill” Beasley borrowed a hatchet and Turton borrowed a saw yesterday to start work on the kitchen. The work is progressing slowly. At this writing both men are trying to borrow some nails.
William Horner Appointed Patrolman
Camden Daily Courier —
The appointment by Mayor Hatch of William Horner as patrolman will be very satisfactory here. “Bill” was a volunteer in the late war, and while he was not in actual battle, his disposition was good, and he would have given a good account of himself in action. He is a giant in size, and is perfectly familiar with the ground here.
Added to the “Finest”
Camden Daily Courier —
Mayor Hatch Names Fifteen New Policemen this Afternoon
Six Out of the Lot Have Worn the Blue Before—William Horner Made a Sergeant—A Great Crowd Filled the City Hall Corridors This Morning Ready to Don Uniforms.
The headquarters of the Police Department and the office of Mayor Hatch at the City Hall this morning was the centre of attraction for a score or more of citizens who are quite anxious to don a policeman’s uniform and become one of the Mayor’s finest. No matter if the life of a policeman is not a happy one, so long as there are $17 per week in it. The gathering was brought about by the rumor having gone forth that the Mayor would some time to-day make the appointment and swear in the men appointed. Hence the gathering and the looks of expectancy upon the faces of those that would a copper be. They were doomed to disappointment, however, as Mayor Hatch, after calling two or three into his private office and swearing them in, informed the rest that he would name the full list to-morrow. To a “Courier” reporter the Mayor stated that he had some of the men picked, but would not give out their names until he had them all ready. The appointments are made under an ordinance recently passed instructing the Mayor to increase the police force of the city. It will give an additional policeman to each ward.
However, at three o’clock this afternoon Mayor Hatch had finished the work of selecting the new men and announced the list as follows:
First ward—William Lyons. Second ward—William Thompson. A. Lincoln James. Third ward—Isaac Toy. Fourth ward—James Tatem. Fifth ward—Casper Hart. Sixth ward—Thomas Brothers. Seventh ward—John Anderson. George Purnell. Eighth ward—Alfred F. Snow. Ninth ward—David Clark. Tenth ward—Thomas Reed. Howard McPherson. Eleventh ward—Edward R. Thomas. Twelfth ward—John Zane.
Of these a number of the names are quite familiar because their owners have worn the blue before. These are James, Hart, Brouthers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The latter, now appointed from the Twelfth ward, was in the old days of Republican rule, in Stockton, the chief of police of that place. For years previously he had been on the county’s constabulary force.
Mayor Hatch also announced the appointment of William Horner to be sergeant of the Third district.
Ninth Ward Police Named to Expanded Camden Force
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s Police Force Increased
Mayor Hatch, of Camden, yesterday afternoon announced the appointment of fifteen additional policemen, as follows:
First ward, William Lyons; Second ward, William Thompson and A. Lincoln James; Third ward, Isaac Toy; Fourth ward, Jas. Tatem; Fifth ward, Casper Hart; Sixth ward, Thomas Brothers; Seventh ward, George Purnell and John Anderson; Eighth ward, Alfred S. Snow; Ninth ward, David Clark; Tenth ward, Thomas Reed and Howard McPherson; Eleventh ward, Edward R. Thomas; Twelfth ward, John Zane; sergeant in the Third district, William Horner.
Included in the list are the following who have served as policemen before: James, Hart, Brothers, Anderson, Reed and Zane. The appointments are made under a recent ordinance passed by City Council providing for an increase in the police force. The men will go on duty on October 1.
Sudden Death of Lemuel Horner
Camden Post-Telegram —
Father of Police Sergeant William Horner Fatally Stricken With Apoplexy This Morning.
Lemuel Horner, a life long resident of the East Side, died at his home, Thirty-sixth and Westfield avenue suddenly this morning of apoplexy.
Mr. Horner had not been feeling well the past few days and retired last evening at an early hour.
This morning he arose and did some chores about his place. Between 8 and 9 o’clock, without apparent warning, he was suddenly stricken down while in the house and died before a physician could reach his side, although it took less than ten minutes for Dr. J. L. Artz to reach the house.
Mr. Horner owned and operated the farm at Thirty-sixth street and Westfield avenue for the past thirty years and was surrounded by the members of his family who settled in the immediate vicinity of the farm.
His wife, Mrs. Susan Horner, is an active W. C. T. U. worker and a well known lecturer on temperance.
His eldest son, William, is Sergeant of Police in the Third district. Mr. Horner leaves several grown up sons and daughters, who reside in Rosedale.
The deceased was in his seventies and had always been regarded as a liberal and progressive citizen.
Great Throngs at the Funeral of Chief Foster
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Witnessed Greatest Demonstration of Its Kind Since Gen. Sewell’s Burial
THOUSANDS PAID TRIBUTE TO DEAD
CROWD ABOUT THE FOSTER HOME AND PICTURE OF THE DEAD CHIEF
Not since the memorial funeral of United States Senator William J. Sewell has Camden witnessed such an expression of regret and sorrow as was evidenced at the obsequies of Chief of Police John Foster, which took place from his home, 292 Mt. Vernon street, yesterday afternoon. Practically all Camden paid lasting tribute to the stricken chief, who had been one of the most popular officials of the city. From other places, too, came many who swelled the throng about the house until the streets were literally packed with those anxious to give evidence of the high esteem in which they held the man.
From Philadelphia came Superintendent of Police John B. Taylor, a personal friend of Chief Foster; Captain James Hamm, Captain Dungan, Captain Campbell, Captain Callahan and thirty-four lieutenants, all in uniform. Baltimore, Washington, Norristown, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City and other places were represented by police officials. City, county and State officers were there and everyone unmistakably demonstrated the regard and respect in which he held Chief Foster, who had made such a valiant but fruitless battle against death.
Thousands Viewed Remains
From 7 to 9 o’clock Saturday night, all of yesterday morning and until the service began in the afternoon a constant stream of persons in all walks of life passed through the house, taking a last view of he who lay so peacefully amid a profusion of flowers. It is conservatively estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 persons viewed the body. Thousands more would have done likewise, for the line constantly increased, until it reached a block or more. The doors were finally closed to permit the conducting of the services.
In a full dress black suit the body reposed in a handsome mahogany casket, with silver trimmings. On the cover of the casket was a silver plate, bearing this simple inscription:
John Foster
Born October 5, 1839.
Died March 1, 1906.
The features were life-like and gave little evidence of the weeks of intense suffering through which Chief Foster passed before the end came. At the head of the casket stood Policeman Albert Shaw, while at the foot was Policeman Camillus Appley. At the doors on guard were Policemen George Kappel, George Kleaver, Albert Snow and Casper Hart. Captain Arthur Stanley had charge of the detail of officers.
Wealth of Flowers
Surrounding the casket and extending around the walls of the room were beautiful floral emblems, roses, carnations, lillies, and in fact every variety. Some of the designs and those who contributed them follow: The patrolmen, “Gates Ajar,” six feet tall and composed of American Beauty roses, lilies of the valley, and surmounted by four white doves; Fifth Ward Republican Club, an immense urn of galax leaves and assorted flowers; Fireside New Years’ Association, a banner piece of roses, carnations, lilies of the valley and narcissus blooms; the Camden reporters of the local and Philadelphia newspapers, a four-foot scroll of galax leaves, in the centre of which was a shield of violets with a band of white carnations, on which was inscribed, “Our Friend;” from the daughters of Chief Foster, “Gates Ajar,” composed of Easter lilies, roses, carnations, daffodils, narcissus and asparagus ferns; from Mrs. Foster, the widow, a pillow of roses, carnations and lilies of the valley. Beautiful designs were also given by Mayor Charles H. Ellis, the International Association of Police Chiefs, Ionic Lodge of Masons, First Italian Republican Club, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Massoit Tribe of Red Men, John Carroll, John R. Campbell and various city officials. These flowers filled two carriages and a patrol wagon.
Services at the House
The services at the house took place at 2 o’clock and were in charge of Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church. After the family had taken the last view the casket was borne to the hearse by Sergeant Albert Gravenor and Policeman John Brothers, representing the Police Department; former Senator Maurice A. Rogers and George Hammond, representing the Masonic bodies; former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, representing Massoit Tribe of Red Men, and Albert Shaw, from the Fifth Ward Republican Club.
A few minutes prior to the bringing out of the casket the members of Ionic Lodge of Masons formed themselves into a long lane through which the dead chief’s body was borne. Leading the pallbearers were six Camden policemen, who acted as a guard of honor. These included Policemen Thomas Brothers, Camillus Appley, Robert Calkett, Jules Busch, Thomas Murphy and Harry Mines, the largest men of the force. The Philadelphia police also had a guard of honor in Captain James P. Hamm, Captain Francis Callahan, Captain Dungan and Captain Campbell.
Funeral Cortege
The funeral cortege was composed of the following: Sergeant William Horner and a detail of thirty-four men from the three districts; members of the Fifth Ward Republican Club, cabs containing Mayor Ellis, Councilmen and city officials, Ionic Lodge of Masons and the hearse followed by the cabs containing the mourners. The route gone over was from the house to Third street, to Walnut street, to Broadway, to Benson street, to Haddon avenue and to Harleigh Cemetery. All along the route hundreds of persons lined the curbs, while many followed the cortege to the grave. As the procession passed the City Hall the bell in the tower was tolled at minute intervals.
At Harleigh Cemetery the casket was lowered in a cavity on a sunny slope to the southward. There the Masons held their services over their departed brother, Worshipful Master Aaron G. Matlack having charge of the beautiful ceremony.
It was a funeral that Camden will remember for many a day. And Chief Foster’s memory will be kept green for the next month by many political and social organizations as well as private citizens, who will display black draped flags at half mast.
Camden Police Team Ready
Camden Daily Courier —
Sergeants McClung and James Make Final List of Players for Battle
The First Game at Two P. M.
The fat cops and lean cops, also the medium cops are in shape for the fray next Saturday afternoon. Sergeants McClung and James are shaping their men up for the battle, and give promise of putting up a good game of ball against the Brotherlylovers. Of course the boys from across the river are good ones at the business, but the Camden boys will let them know that they have been playing base ball when they finish.
Sergeant McClung has made a corrected list of his line-up published in Saturday’s “Courier.” The list follows: BIG BILL HORNER, first base; WILLIAM HILL, second base; LINCOLN JAMES, third base; HOWARD SMITH, short stop; HOWARD McPHERSON, left field; LEWIS STEHR, center field; WILLIAM MILES, right field.
The game between the police officers will be called at two o’clock and immediately afterwards the Camden and M. W. Taylors will enter the lists for a battle.
The Camden police team will be strengthened by a pitcher from the Camden regulars. The admission for this game will be 15 and 25 cents and the receipts will go to the Firemens’ Relief Fund.
Base Ball — Opening the Season at Camden’s Grounds
Camden Daily Courier —
Twelfth and Federal Sts. — Saturday, April 14th.
Receipts of This Day for Benefit of the Courier’s Firemen Fund
2 Games: At 1.30 Camden Police vs. Philadelphia Police. At 3.00 Camden vs. M.W. Taylor.
Tickets on Sale at Courier Office, or at Grounds on Saturday, 15 and 25 Cents.
Heroic Chum Near Dies As Boy Drowns
Camden Post-Telegram —
Young Son of Police Sergeant Loses His Life in the River as He Steps Into Hole.
Body Found After All-Night Search
Russell Horner, aged 14 years, son of Sergeant of Police William Horner, of 808 North Thirty-sixth street, was drowned in the Delaware off the old Red Mill, Pea Shore, yesterday afternoon. The body was recovered this morning by Anson Nicholson, a grocer, of Thirty-sixth and Trinity streets. Coroner Fithian gave a certificate in accordance with the facts.
Russell, a bright and active boy, able to swim only a few strokes, went bathing yesterday afternoon near the old mill with a boy named MacBurney and another companion. Some years ago a channel was dug to the wharf so that a small steamboat could make a landing there. While the boys were paddling about in the water Russell stepped into a hole on the edge of the channel and was soon beyond his depth. He sank from sight and as he rose he appealed for help. Young MacBurney, who can swim went to his assistance, and Russell caught him by the throat, both going to the bottom where MacBurney managed to free himself.
MacBurney managed to reach shore in a greatly exhausted condition and gave the alarm. A number of persons dived for the body, but without success. In the meantime the police were notified and Captain Albert and Policemen Abbott, Palmer and Johnson went to the scene.
The officers and a number of friends of Sergeant Horner grappled all through the night and early morning at one time six boat crews being at work. Believing that the constant stirring up of the water would send the body shoreward on the early morning tide Mr. Nicholson grappled accordingly and he found it in very shallow water.
During this morning hundreds of friends of Sergeant Horner lined the shore and watched the men at work. Sergeant Horner is suffering terribly, while Mrs. Horner is on the verge of collapse. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Russell Horner’s Funeral
Camden Daily Courier —
The funeral of Russell Horner, the fourteen-year-old son of Police Sergeant Horner, who met his death by drowning in the Delaware River while in swimming with some other companions on Monday afternoon, will take place to-morrow afternoon from the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Emma Horner, 3519 Westfield avenue. The funeral services will occur at 3 o’clock. Interment will be made in Bethel cemetery. By reason of the drowned boy’s parents having been residents of this section of the city for so many years, the funeral will doubtless be largely attended.
Drowned Lad’s Funeral
Camden Daily Courier —
The funeral of Russell Horner, the fourteen-year-old son of Police Sergeant William C. Horner, took place at three o’clock this afternoon from the residence of the lad’s grandmother at Thirty-sixth street and Westfield avenue, and people from all over the nearby surroundings attended. The Horner family were very well known in this section of the county, having been numbered among the first to make this section their home. The drowned lad’s playmates in large numbers paid their respects to their departed comrade by viewing the body. Interment was made in Bethel Cemetery.
Death Notice — Ruth Anna Beideman
Camden Post-Telegram —
BEIDEMAN—On April 25, 1912, Ruth Anna, widow of Benjamin C. Beideman, in her 73rd year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday afternoon, April 29, at 2 o’clock, at her late residence, 3517 River avenue, Camden, N. J. Interment Bethel Cemetery.
Boy’s Brutal Murderer Collapses at Hearing
Camden Post-Telegram —
Trio Accused of Murder. Coursey Firing the Shots.
Coursey Breaks Down While Story of Cold-Blooded Killing of Karl Kellmann Is Told by Detective.
Two “Pals,” Too, Accused of Crime
Collapsing when arraigned in Police Court this morning before Recorder Stackhouse on the charge of killing Karl Kellmann, aged 18 years, of 2919 High street, at Twenty-seventh and Sherman streets, shortly before midnight Saturday, Fred Coursey, alias “Mexican Pete,” alias “Cowboy Pete,” aged 20 years, of 121 North Twenty-first street, who admits firing the fatal shots while committing robbery, and Harry Duffield, aged 21 years, of 407 North Forty-first street, who acknowledged masking his face with a handkerchief and being with Coursey, sobbed piteously, resting their heads on the railing of the dock, while John Painter, the veteran detective, was briefly reciting the story.
When Recorder Stackhouse asked what became of the young man who was shot and Painter replied that he died, Coursey and Duffield sobbed afresh, and when Recorder Stackhouse committed them without bail Policemen Frost and Kay had to help them.
Linnans Staley, aged 21 years, of 1819 Federal street, who confessed that he was in the robbery plot but later got scared and hid in the bushes, was scarcely able to stand, and when his mother broke down as he was committed as a principal he staggered and would have fallen but for Sergeant McClong.
Prosecutor Boyle announced this morning that the Grand Jury will be recalled for Thursday of this week and the case will be made the special order of the day.
Without the slightest clue to start with in the most brutal murder committed in recent years in Camden county, police and detectives under the personal direction of Chief Gravenor in two hours arrested two of the three prisoners and obtained their signatures to confessions and before sunrise the other was lodged behind the bars at the City Hall.
According to their statements to the police the prisoners while drinking on a lot near Twenty-first and Federal streets on Saturday night planned to go to a lone spot near Twenty-seventh and Sherman streets to hold someone up to get money and jewelry to buy more drink. Coursey had a 38-calibre cowboy pistol and Duffield used Coursey’s bandanna as a mask. Staley weakened before the spot selected was reached and at the time of the murder was hiding in a clump of weeds a short distance away.
The murdered boy was the son of Karl and Lulu D. Kellmann. He was a member of the Bible class of Grace Presbyterian Church, East Side, and active in church work.
Saturday night was the closing of a carnival given on High street between Twenty-seventh and Thirtieth streets. Karl was there and made several purchases. At one booth he bought a necktie, from another some ice cream and a box of candy and spent some time conversing with the young ladies connected with the church.
When it grew rather late he noticed that Misses Bertha and Bessie Skillen, of 815 North Thirty-fourth street, the latter a teacher in Grace Church Sunday-school, were without an escort and he volunteered to see them home. They accepted his invitation to be their escort. He saw them safely home and he was on his way back and had reached a point on the east side of Twenty-seventh street south of Sherman street and near the foot of the bridge that spans the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks when two men jumped out from behind a tree and as one commanded him to hold up his hands the other began to shoot.
The first shot struck him in the breast and turned him partially around. The next ploughed a hole through his neck, knocking him down, and the third went wide.
Screaming for help he tried to rise to his feet and was on his knees when Night Yardmaster Albert Ludlow and Brakeman Joseph Wittick, who were on the opposite side of the bridge, ran to his assistance. By the light of their lanterns they saw that he was seriously hurt and they took him to ‘Squire Sasse’s house nearby to await the arrival of the ambulance. As the railroaders sped across the bridge Ludlow saw a man run down the tracks in the direction of Seventeenth street.
In the signal tower at Pavonia station known as C. B. the operator, Thomas Sink, heard the shots and cries for help and ‘phoned to Captain James at Police Headquarters that a murder had been committed. Sink also saw a man run down through the weeds and bushes on the east side of the bridge toward the railroad tracks.
Policeman Hurlock and Schmid, ‘Squire and Mrs. Sasse and several others were out on the street before the railroad men reached the Sasse home and all hurried to ‘phones to notify police headquarters.
In less than five minutes by use of the red light system Captain James had every officer on duty on the East Side hurrying to the scene, officers stationed at every bridge, ferry house and railroad terminal, and the downtown auto with Detectives Schregler, Painter, Brothers and Moffett on its way to East Camden.
On information from the railroad men Sergeant Horner took all the East Side officers and the four detectives and they worked westward among the cars while Captain James started Policemen Colsey and Kelly to walk eastward from Fifteenth street until they met the main body.
The search proved fruitless and as they returned to the bridge one of the men picked up a green bandanna with yellow spots and sheep burrs embedded on it on the incline near the signal tower. Later he recalled that the man who went down the slope wore a Khaki shirt and cap.
The handkerchief was recognized as the kind used by “Indian Bill” May, and Detectives Brothers and Policeman Abbott were sent to arrest him. They found May and Eugene Cafferty asleep in a moving van in Marlton avenue. “Indian Bill” soon established an alibi.
Detective Schregler and a couple of officers who were sure that the description of the man with the khaki shirt tallied with Duffield started for his brother’s house, but failed to find him there. About this time the downtown auto turned into Twenty-seventh street to get Karl’s father, mother and sister and take them to the hospital. Councilman Finkeldey and a friend shouted to the crew that a woman was down and out on a step nearby, but the crew yelled back that they were on an emergency run and the woman would keep until they returned. Fireman J. H. Vickers walked across the street to investigate and found that the supposed woman was Duffield and that he seemed to be asleep.
Vickers shook him and as he got up he said something about the shooting that aroused Vickers’ curiosity and he ‘phoned to Police Headquarters. Captain James immediately notified Chief Gravenor, who was on the scene and the latter sent Detective Moffett to investigate. When Moffett arrived he learned that Duffield had taken a Westfield avenue car. Moffett returned to the bridge and he and Detective Painter and Chief Gravenor took the down-town auto for Duffield’s home.
Painter went to the front door and saw Duffield in the act of taking off his shoes. Moffett in going around to the back door to prevent his escape that way passed by the window at which Duffield was sitting.
Grasping Duffield by the collar Moffett pulled him through the window to the ground. As soon as he landed on his feet, according to the Chief and detectives, Duffield said that Coursey did the shooting.
Placing him in the auto they next drove close to Coursey’s home and with Policeman Potter who knew the man wanted, the detectives entered the house with drawn revolvers while other officers guarded all avenues of escape.
Coursey was found awake on a cot and while he was covered with revolvers Detective Painter searched his trunk and found the weapon that he later admitted using. It was empty. The detectives late yesterday afternoon found three used shells adjoining the house near a spot where Coursey said he had thrown them.
In order to keep the men apart they were taken to the City Hall separately and questioned and after they decided to tell all Sergeant E. B. McClong reduced their statements to writing and they signed them. It was on the strength of these statements that Staley was arrested.
Young Kellmann was taken into the hospital at 12.20 a. m. Chief Surgeon Schellenger saw at a glance that there was no hope for him and so notified Captain James, and Sergeant McClong was sent to the hospital to get all information possible.
The unfortunate youth could only speak a few words at a time because of the hemorrhages. All Sergeant McClong was able to get from him was that he was told to hold up his hands and that the shooting instantly began. The only description he could give was that they were small men and that the attack was so sudden that he could not tell whether they were black or white.
The injured young man kept asking the doctors if he was going to die, but they did not answer. He was conscious when his father and mother arrived and then sank rapidly until the end, dying at 1.50 o’clock, 90 minutes after he was admitted. Mother and father were prostrated and were taken home by the up-town auto.
County Physician Jones conducted the autopsy yesterday morning. He said that either wound would have caused death. The bullet in the breast pierced the right lung at the top and lodged in the cavity. It is now in the doctor’s possession. The other bullet went clear through the neck.
Coursey and Duffield have been working in the Pavonia car yard. The former was born in El Paso, Texas, but has lived East nearly all his life. He is an expert shot and was a member of the vaudeville team of Coursey & Cook, according to their letter heads presenting a fifteen-minute thriller.
Duffield was only recently paroled for robbing Gallagher’s saloon, Nineteenth and Federal streets of a lot of drinkables. Staley has been arrested several times on petty charges but was never convicted of crime. When Duffield’s coat was examined at the City Hall, it was found to contain sheep burrs.
To a reporter Coursey said that whenever he was drinking he had to get his gun and shoot something or somebody. He insisted that all were in on the job and that they let the man who preceded Kellman go over the bridge without molestation because he didn’t look as if he had any too much money.
Yesterday morning Assistant Prosecutor Wolverton and Stenographer Cleary called at the City Hall. The prisoners were examined by Mr. Wolverton and their statements taken by Mr. Cleary, but there was little or nothing new elicited.
Police Carnival Was a Gigantic Success
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Considered one of the most successful events ever given in Camden, the second annual industrial show and carnival of the Camden Police Beneficial Association came to a close in the Third Regiment Armory Saturday night with the “crowning of the queen.” Miss Margaret Rudolph, daughter of Chas. Rudolph, of Master street, was accorded that honor. It is estimated that during the week more than 50,000 persons visited the armory and participated in the festivities.
The committee that had charge of the affair included Milton Stanley, Captain Edward Hyde, Sergeant E. B. McClong, Frank Crawford, Peter Gondolf, William Lyons, Harry Miller, Arthur Colsey, Thomas Reed, William Potter, Tabor Quinn, Charles Whaland, George Anderson, Albert Shaw, Sergeant Horner and Thomas Cunningham.
Sergeant’s Daughter Weds
Camden Daily Courier —
Sergeant of Police William E. Horner, of this city, announces the marriage of their daughter, Miss Adalisa, to Edward H. Starkey, a well known Camden young man. The nuptials were quietly performed yesterday at Port Norris by Rev. Charles D. Whitton.
Immediately following the ceremony the happy couple left for Niagara Falls on a honeymoon. Both are exceedingly well known here and upon their return congratulations are awaiting them by the bushel.
Captains Shifted
Camden Courier-Post —
Sergeant William Horner, First District, North Camden, to become captain of the Third District, where he lives.
Captain Arthur Colsey, now deputy to Chief Tatem, to go to Second District as captain in command.
Captain William Schregler, captain of detectives until two years ago, to return to that post;
Captain of Detectives Edward King, who replaced Schregler, to return to his former rating as a detective;
Chief Tatem to remain as chief;
Captain John Golden, remaining in command at First District.
Other developments at City Hall today were:
Bertman Criticizes Raid Minus Warrant
Camden Courier-Post —
Inveighs Against Unreasonable Searches in Freeing Couple
“Someone once said that a man’s house is his castle; no truer words were spoken. Our forefathers inserted an iron-bound clause in the Constitution, which protects our citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the law has been held so sacred that no one has dared tamper with it.”
Thus spoke Judge Bertman in Police Court today as he criticized the police for summarily searching a private house at 126 North Thirtieth street on two occasions, without first obtaining a search warrant.
The case was that against Conrad Bristol, 47 years old, and his wife, Elizabeth, 37 years old, jointly charged with maintaining a house frequented by disorderly persons. The witnesses against them were Captain William Horner, in charge of Third District police, Sergeant Walter Welch and Detective Louis Schlam.
Schlam had testified that the police had made two visits to the house and had made a thorough search, when Bertman asked if they had secured search warrants. “No,” said Schlam, “but Bristol gave us permission to search the premises.” “If they did,” Bertman answered, “it was under duress, coercion or ignorance of their rights. It would have been comparatively easy for the police to have obtained search warrants.”
Sergeant Welch testified that a gallon of whisky was found in a chicken coop. It was testified that the first raid was conducted on June 20, 1927, and a still seized, but no arrests made. Both Schlam and Welch said that the police had no evidence that the Bristols ever sold liquor or were engaged in any commercial enterprise with liquor.
Bristol said he was a grocery clerk. “We had this liquor in the house for our own use. We never sold a drop at any time,” he declared. After cautioning the two defendants against permitting disorder on their premises, Bertman suspended sentence.
30 Cops Shifted Today in Opening of New District
Camden Courier-Post —
Shake-Up in Camden Force is Most Drastic in History
Smith at City Hall
Drastic shifts in the Camden police department, affecting more than 30 members of the force became effective at 8 a.m. today.
The shake-up, announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety, is the result of creation of a fourth police district.
The outstanding changes are the promotion of Sergeant of Detectives George Ward to acting lieutenant in the First district, supplanting Sergeant Samuel Nayler, who is sent to headquarters, and the return to the city detective bureau of Acting County Detective Howard Smith.
Smith was detailed to the second district today and was assigned to a robbery investigation in the thirteenth ward.
District Captaincies Abolished
With the shifts, the rank of district captain is abolished. Instead, lieutenants will be in charge of the districts. Captains will be in charge only of the traffic and detective bureaus and headquarters, Commissioner Rhone said.
The removal of Sergeant Nayler from the First District was not unexpected, since he had been “on the carpet” last October as a result of a speakeasy shooting in his district. Nayler, though holding the rank of sergeant, was acting captain of the district. He was threatened with dismissal by Chief Stehr and Commissioner Rhone if the vice conditions in the First District were not cleaned up.
Ward Again Promoted
Ward was promoted to sergeant of detectives two months ago. Under the transfer, he is promoted again, remaining as acting lieutenant for a year, until he takes an examination for a lieutenancy.
Nayler, who was in charge of the First district for several years, will serve as desk sergeant under Capt. A. Lincoln James.
The return of Smith to the city detective bureau is required by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin. Smith has been a county detective for more than eleven years. He first was transferred to the prosecutor’s office at the request of Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton. Although a Republican, he was retained there under Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott.
Worked For City Also
Although Smith acted for the county and was paid by the county, he received a salary of $1 a year to retain him in the city so that he could be recalled at any time.
Through the shift, Sergeant Charles Laib, serving under Traffic Inspector Charles T. Humes, is elevated to acting captain of the traffic department.
Ralph Bakley, who has been acting lieutenant of the First District, has been named acting lieutenant of the Second District, and Thomas Cunningham, who was acting captain of the Second District, becomes acting lieutenant of the Third. William Horner, who has been acting captain of the Third District, is elevated to the rank of acting lieutenant and remains in charge of that.
Horner, Middleton, Bunker In Headquarters Shift
Camden Courier-Post —
Sergeant William Horner, head of the missing persons bureau, was transferred yesterday to desk sergeant at police headquarters. He will replace Acting Sergeant Edward Middleton, who will be shifted to operator of the police “call board.”
Middleton replaces Joseph Bunker and the latter is shifted to the Fourth District as a patrolman. Bunker is a Summer policeman.
The missing persons bureau will be changed to the identification bureau and will be under the supervision of Detective William Boettcher.
Ex-Convict Denied Bail as Suspected Burglar
Camden Courier-Post —
Clarence Johnson, 25, colored, of 225 Railroad avenue, Camden, is being held without bail in the county jail as a burglar suspect.
He was arrested after a chase in Pennsauken Saturday afternoon, when he was seen leaving the home of Mrs. Viola Pohlsen, 4302 Westfield avenue.
Sergeant William Horner, of the Camden police, who was nearby and has been ill, noticed the man in the rear of several houses. When he saw Johnson enter the Pohlsen cellar by an open rear door he called to him to come up. Johnson came up and ran.
Herbert Townsend, 934 Linden street, Camden, a Boy Scout who was visiting nearby, gave chase and kept up with Johnson until several men seized him. Johnson carried a ring of skeleton keys, but nothing that had been stolen in the neighborhood.
Police said they found in Johnson’s pockets papers showing he was paroled April 18 from the Western Penitentiary at Rockview, Pa., after serving 18 months of a three-year sentence for a Philadelphia robbery. Apparently nothing had been stolen from the Pohlsen home. Johnson was held without bail at a hearing before Recorder George E. Yost.
Murphy and Pedigree To End Long Service With Camden Police
Camden Courier-Post —
Veterans at City Hall, Lauded by Superiors, Will Be Among 13 Cops and Firemen to Go on Pension Before First of Year
Sergeant Thomas J. Murphy, one of Camden’s best known and most efficient policemen, and Joseph “Si” Pedigree, police switchboard operator, are among the 13 members of the police and fire departments who have already retired from active duty on pension, or are to accept half-salary on retirement before the first of the year.
Nine men have turned in their “tools” within the past month and four other applications have been approved and will become effective in the next two months. Two other vacancies left by the deaths of Deputy Chief William W. Patterson and Policeman Fred Schaar, will make the entire number of the two departments 15 men less on January 1, 1933. None of the vacancies will be filled, according to Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Although the actual reasons for the large number of men retiring is not known, it is reported through the police and fire departments that the men are anxious to have their applications approved before a rumored 5 percent pay cut is ordered.
Murphy Praised
Sergeant Murphy’s pension will become effective December 30. Both Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden and Captain Arthur Colsey, chief clerk of the police department, expressed regret at the veteran officer’s decision.
“Sergeant Murphy is one of the most efficient officers we have ever had in the police department,” the two officials said. “He is well-versed in the law and for many years has handled his position as desk sergeant at police headquarters with unerring judgment.”
He is 65 years old and resides at 545 Vine street. He was appointed on August 13, 1902. His son, Thomas J. Murphy, Jr., is also a policeman and is now covering the “beat” his father “worked” years ago.
Pedigree entered the city service as a fireman in 1900 and served in that department. He is also 65 and lives at 49 South Twenty-seventh street. He has worked on Sergeant Murphy’s shift as operator for the past 10 years.
Horner to Retire
Sergeant William C. Horner, of the police department, a member for 33 years, tops the list of veterans to bid adieu to the trials and troubles of a policeman. He will receive $90.65 a month.
Horner is well known in East Camden. He has worked nearly all of his 33 years as an officer in the third district and commanded that section for several years. He recently was made desk-sergeant at police headquarters and decided to “take the pension” after spending several months “booking” prisoners. He is 65 and lives at 2129 Forty-third street. His pension was granted and made effective Sept. 15.
Policeman Harry Bakely, 60, of 918 State street, a policeman for 24 years; Irving Varley, 56, of 1703 South Fourth street, a policeman for 25 years, and James M. Ellis, 52, of 776 Walnut street, a fireman for four years and a policeman for 17, all have accepted pensions effective Oct. 1.
Policemen William Bryant, 51, of 228 Cedar avenue, Woodlynne, and Samuel Hibbert, 55, of 730 Market street, will cease their official duties on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, respectively. Bryant was appointed Jan. 1, 1908, and Hibbert July 10, 1911. All of the policemen retiring will receive $83.30 a month.
May Not Be Replaced
When asked if the men leaving the service would be replaced, Mayor Stewart said they would not.
“I don’t know what I will do later on,” the mayor said, “but as far as I know now, these men’s places in the police and fire departments will not be filled.
“I feel that under present conditions, the men now policing the city can do it almost as efficiently as with the added number, that is if we do not have any outbreaks of crime.
“Chief Nicholas will be replaced by an acting chief whose salary will not be advanced.”
Horner [Death Notice]
Camden Courier-Post —
HORNER—On November 15, 1934, Sallie (Beideman), widow of Harry E. Horner, age 83 years.
Widow of Harry E. Horner, relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services Monday, at 2 o'clock, at the residence of her brother, William C. Horner, 2128 43rd St., Camden. Interment private, Colestown Cemetery. Friends may call this evening.
Horner [Death Notice]
Camden Courier-Post —
HORNER—On November 15, 1934, Sallie (Beideman), widow of Harry E. Horner, age 63 years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, at 2 o'clock, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Mr. William C. Horner, 2128 43rd St., Camden. Interment private, Colestown Cemetery. Friends may call this evening.
William C. Horner Dies; Rites Thursday
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral services for William C. Horner, 73, a retired Camden police sergeant who died Sunday in his home, 2129 Forty-third street, Pennsauken township, after an illness of several months, will be held in the home at 2 p. m. Thursday. Burial will be in Bethel cemetery.
Sergt. Horner served 34 years in the police department and most of that time was stationed in East Camden. He was born in the old “peashore” section of what was formerly Stockton township before the merger with the city of Camden. He retired on a pension 10 years ago.
He was a brother of Lemuel D. Horner, East Camden funeral director. Others who survive are the widow, Mary S.; a son, Benjamin B., of Camden; a daughter, Mrs. Edward Starkey, of Camden; another brother, John M., of Camden, and two sisters, Minnie R. Horner, of Camden, and Mrs. Charles D. Whitton, of Millville, and four grandchildren.
Horner [Death Notice]
Camden Courier-Post —
HORNER—On February 14, 1943, William C., husband of Mary Horner, age 73 years.
Relatives and friends of the family, also Camden Police Department and Colonel Edward B. Stone, Camp No. 61, United Spanish War Veterans, are invited to attend the funeral services on Thursday at 2 o'clock from his late residence, 2129 43rd St., Camden, N.J. Interment at Bethel Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday evening.
Camden Courier-Post — June 18, 1948
William C. Horner
Camden Courier-Post — November 15, 1952
Benjamin B. Horner
Starkey [Death Notice]
Camden Courier-Post —
STARKEY
On March 22, 1983, Adalisa Horner, Age 90, at Hampstead, Md. Resident of Pennsauken. She is survived by a son Edward H. Jr., Pennsauken. Three daughters, Mrs. Evelyn Nanassy, Bricktown, Mrs. Kathryn Eberhardt, Leisuretown and Mrs. Mildred Wolfinger, Hampstead, Md. Twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was a member of Temple Lutheran Church, Pennsauken. Funeral services will be held 10am Saturday at the EICHEL FUNERAL HOME, 3323 Maple Ave., Pennsauken, N.J. Relatives and friends will call from 9-10am Saturday. No evening viewing. Interment Bethel Memorial Park. Contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Lutheran Church, Rt. 130, Merchantville Ave., Pennsauken, N.J.