Introduction
William D. Hart
WILLIAM D. HART served as a detective on the Camden Police Department in the 1900s. He had previously served as a constable and as a Justice of the Peace.
William D. Hart was born in New Jersey in June of 1858. Learning the cigar makers’ trade, he was living on Carman Street above Broadway when the 1878 City Directory was compiled. The 1880 Census shows him with his parents, Leonard and Sarah Hart, at 588 Carman Street. Also at home were younger siblings Byron and Addie. The 1882–1883 Directory gives an address of 4 Day Street, and tells that he worked as a cigar maker for H.H. Franks.
William D. Hart married Bessie Gilling in 1883. His wife Bessie bore a son, Harry Franks Hart, in 1884. The Directories show the Harts at 411 Federal Street from 1884 through at least mid-1888. Throughout this period William D. Hart worked as a cigar maker. He also became involved in local politics, and for his efforts was rewarded with the posts of Constable and Justice of the Peace, in which he served from 1888 through at least the beginning of 1891.
By the end of 1890 William D. Hart and family had moved to 508 Federal Street, where they would remain through most of the 1890s.
William D. Hart was working as a cigar maker in Philadelphia in 1898. He and wife Bessie were then living at 514 Berkley Street in South Camden. In 1899 he was appointed to the Camden Police Department as a detective. He was then living at 3 South 5th Street. When the Census was taken on June 1, 1900 William and Bessie Hart and their son Harry were living at 109 Broadway.
The 1906 City Directory gives his address as 412 South 5th Street. William and Bessie Hart were still residing at that address as late as 1914.
William D. Hart passed away prior to the January 6, 1920 census enumeration. His widow Bessie was still living at 412 South 5th Street. Her brother, Frederick William Gilling, lived with her.
William Drake Marwood Derrickson — William Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Marwood Derrickson, colored, who was recently released from the County Jail, where he had served three months for keeping a disorderly house in the Eighth ward, is again in trouble. Early yesterday morning he and another colored man, named William Drake, got into an altercation at Seventh and Sycamore streets. The quarrel was brought to a hasty close by Derrickson, who drew a revolver and shot Drake in the shoulder, causing only a slight wound. An attempt was made to keep the matter quiet, but Policeman Hart heard of the fracas and reported it to the chief of police last night. Both parties will probably be arrested to-day.
Camden Primaries
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Republicans Elect Delegates to the State Convention.
There were contests at the Republican primary election in Camden last night in the First, Fourth, Eighth and Ninth wards. In the last two wards the fight for ward leadership was hotly contested. The result in the Eighth could not be ascertained at a late hour last night. There were several fights around the polls in this ward. The police took a hand and some of the participants are nursing sore heads.
All the delegates to the Gubernatorial convention, with possibly two or three exceptions, will be for Senator Rogers on the first ballot and for John Kean, Jr., on the final vote. Dr. A. H. Lippincott seems to have secured a majority of the delegates to the Coroner’s convention, defeating Charles N. Robinson, the colored candidate.
In the First ward the First Ward Republican Club named a ticket against the leaders, but polled only about forty votes out of over 280. The Gubernatorial delegates elected were George A. Frey, W. H. Tice, Jacob S. Justice, F. F. Patterson, Jr., W. J. Browning and John B. Adams.
The Williams faction defeated the Lee-Dease combination in the Fourth ward by a majority of 225 out of 421 votes polled, and elected as delegates George W. Johnson, C. E. W. Moore, John Baker and William D. Hart.
The contest in the Ninth ward was spirited. The Lee ticket was defeated by the faction lead by Tax Receiver Husted by a majority of 117 votes. The delegates elected are William Ireton, A. J. Millette, Charles Preusch and Dr. P. W. Beale.
Stockton Republicans elected W. W. Mines, Jr., Harry Davis and D. W. Pierce as delegates to the State Convention.
Camden Democrats last night made nominations for Gubernatorial delegates and will elect next Monday night. There are no contests.
Cooper B. Hatch — Samuel Dodd — John Foster — William Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Lieutenant John Foster was yesterday appointed chief of police by Mayor Hatch to succeed Chief Dodd, recently removed. The new chief, who has been acting in that capacity of late, has been connected with the department for years and is a capable and popular officer. The appointment bears out Mayor Hatch’s promise that efficiency and attention to duty will be the only requisites for promotion in the police department. William Hart, of the Fourth ward, has been appointed city detective.
In Police Dragnet
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Successful Raid on an Alleged Pool Room in Camden
SEVEN MEN CAPTURED
Keefer, Who Says He Spent His Employers’ Money in the Place, Identifies the Prisoners
The Camden police yesterday raided the alleged poolroom at 25 South Third street, where Walter H. Keefer, former manager of the Merchantville Light and Power Company, claims he lost $254 belonging to his employers. Seven men were captured in the raid, including W. Harry Getty and Charles Metz, who were committed in default of $1500 bail each as principals. The others were James Boone, of Fourth and Benson streets; George Armstrong, Charles Loriaux, George Smith and Victor Thompson. Each furnished $300 bail except Thompson, who was unable to get surety up to a late hour.
The police for months past have been trying to get evidence against this alleged poolroom. The place was so closely guarded that the officers could not get direct evidence that the law was being violated. The details of the raid and the successful manner in which it was carried out were made known at the hearing before Recorder Nowrey last evening. The defendants were represented by Lawyer John J. Crandall. Mayor Hatch, City Counsel Bleakly and Councilman Silvers, of the Third ward, were interested spectators. Before the prisoners were brought in Deputy Sheriff Hartshorn appeared with Walter H. Keefer, who was brought over from the county jail to identify the proprietors and employes of the alleged poolroom. The prisoners scowled at Keefer as they were brought into the hearing room.
City Detective Hart was the first witness. He said he swore out the warrant for the raid from information obtained from Keefer.
Keefer, the star witness, was next called. He pointed out Metz as the man who operated the “ticker,” collected the bets and paid the winnings. Keefer said he had played the races there on Monday last and on several other occasions. He stated that W. Harry Getty guarded the door and scrutinized every one who applied for admission.
Police Captain Boyle testified that he made the raid, assisted by City Detective Hart and Officers Painter, Shaw, Robert Miller and George Anderson. When they knocked Getty opened the front door just enough to peer out at them. A chair prevented the door from being opened wide. The warrant was read, but Getty refused to admit them. They then broke the chair and forced an entrance. Rushing up stairs they found the door to the third-story back room barred. They forced the door and found themselves in what appeared to be a furnished bedroom. Wires ran through a rear window, but there was no telegraph instrument or other evidence of a poolroom.
The men in the room were placed under arrest and a search was instituted for evidence. They found a man hiding in a closet and took him into custody. A locked box was found on the mantelpiece in the front room. Mrs. Getty claimed that it contained her jewelry. The officers finally found a key that opened the lock. The “jewelry” consisted of the missing telegraph “ticker.” Several about the New Orleans races and betting were seized.
Policeman Shaw said that Loriaux told him the wires were cut and the “ticker” carried over into the front room while the police were coming up the stairs. Officers Painter and Anderson gave corroborative testimony.
Charles Loriaux swore that he had been in the place only eight minutes when the police swooped down on it. He admitted telling Officer Shaw that the “ticker” was hustled out of the room when they heard the police trying to get in.
George Armstrong admitted having been in the pool room before.
“What did you go there for?” asked Recorder Nowrey.
“Do you wish me to incriminate myself?” asked Armstrong, after hesitating some time.
The Recorder did not press the question.
James Boone, who said he had resided at Fourth and Benson streets for the past twelve years, claimed that he went to the alleged pool room to hear the result of a handicap race at Lexington. He admitted being there before to get similar news.
George Smith swore that he went there to hear the results of horse races. He admitted that he had bought pools there before.
For several terms of court there has been an indictment hanging over Getty’s head on a charge of conducting a pool room at Seventeenth and Federal streets with George W. Sterling, but for some reason it has never been moved. Chief of Police Foster stated last evening that one of the reasons for the dismissal of Police Captain H. Frank Pettitt was that Getty’s place on South Third street was in his district and he failed to suppress it or secure evidence on which a raid could be made.
That there is war to the death between the police and the policy dealers was shown yesterday by a bold retaliatory move of Washington Ketline, who brought suit for damages against Policemen Henry Miller and Isaac Brown. The officers furnished $1500 bail each. Ketline was arrested by the officers a few days ago on the charge of engaging in policy selling. Ketline placed some pieces of paper in his mouth that the officers supposed were policy slips. Because he refused to open his mouth, Ketline says, the policemen used him roughly. Ketline has already served a sentence for policy writing.
John Baxter — Jeremiah Ryan — William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 22, 1899 — John Baxter — Jeremiah Ryan — Mary Ryan — South 26th Street — Washington Street — Cooper Hospital — E.A. Armstrong — James Brown — Harry Horton — Federal Street — 24th Street — Mrs. Lizzie Sullivan — Master Street — John Foster — William P. Walsh — Anna Baxter
William D. Hart — Arthur Stanley
Bridgeton Evening News —
The Camden police authorities were informed that a number of human bones had been found on the meadows near Fourth street and Atlantic avenue. Detective Hart and Captain of Police Stanley learned that the bones had been left in a building by a medical student.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case
Philadelphia Inquirer — to
On October 1, 1902 Paul Woodward murdered two young boys by giving them poison. Frank T. Lloyd, then Camden County prosecutor, was responsible for leading the investigation and prosecuting the case. William D. Hart was involved in the investigation, and arrested Woodward on October 4, 1902. He was indicted, tried, convicted of murder in the first degree, and on January 7, 1903 executed at the Camden County Jail.
Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared
John Coffin, 11 years old, son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, 14 years old, son of Leader Joseph Jennings, of the Third Regiment Band, are missing from their homes and the Camden police have been asked to locate them.
They started for the Trenton fair Wednesday and failed to return. All intermediate points have been communicated with, but the lads have not been heard from.
Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing
Nothing has yet been learned as to the whereabouts of John H. Coffin, the eleven-year-old son of William Coffin, division agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, fourteen years old, son of Joseph Jennings, leader of the Third Regiment Band, the two Camden boys who disappeared on Wednesday when they left, it is presumed, for the Trenton fair.
The Coffin boy has light hair, brown eyes and weighs 64 pounds. When he left home he wore a blue cheviot suit, knee trousers, a blue and green golf cap and a pink and white shirt waist. While somewhat older the Jennings lad bears a striking resemblance to his missing companion.
When the boys disappeared Price Jennings had about $10, but the Coffin boy had nothing of value about him except a small silver watch. The police of near-by cities have been communicated with, but they are unable to find any trace of the missing boys.
Named: Philadelphia Inquirer, October 5, 1902, Frank T. Lloyd, Dr. William S. Jones, Dr. Paul N. Litchfield, F. Morse Archer, John Foster, John Painter, John Cherry, Isaac Toone, Paul Woodward, George M. Beringer, Charles G. Garrison, Christopher J. Mines Jr., Frederick A. Rex, George F. Kappel, Isaac Toy, Harry S. Scovel, Francis Ford Patterson Jr., Hugh Boyle, Patrick Harding, Frank S. Albright, Thomas Walton, Dr. William H. Iszard, and George H. Stineford Sr..
Named: Such Is the Belief of Prosecutor Lloyd and Others in the Case, Woodward Declares Not Guilty of the Awful Crime, and Two Boys to Be Buried To-day at Trinity Baptist Church. Chemist George M. Beringer analyzing organs of the deceased boys..
Woman Involved in Camden Mystery
After Being Questioned by the Prosecutor She Is Committed to the County Jail — Believed to Be an Important Arrest
A woman named Mrs. Barber was committed to the county jail as a material witness. O. Glen Stackhouse issued the commitment for Woodward. The funerals of the two boys took place yesterday afternoon, guarded by Police Captain Boyle and Policemen Kappel, Toy and Ridgeley. A pathetic incident occurred at the Cooper School during recess when the school flag was at half mast.
Woodward Has Knowledge of Camden Murder
So Confessed to Officers, Who Searched New York at Prisoner’s Instance
No Hand in the Crime
But Said He Knew Name of the Man Who Committed Awful Deed. Woodward was taken to the scene of the tragedy and closeted with the Prosecutor. Lawyer Harry Scovel engaged as counsel. Harry Bowen, Joseph Simpkins, Eli Shaw, and Mrs. Edith Baker mentioned as witnesses.
Camden’s Mystery Is Still Unsolved
While Authorities Are at Work, Public Watch and Wait. Weaving a Net About Paul Woodward, the Young Suspect Now in Jail
It is now generally believed that the Camden county authorities have succeeded in establishing a clear case against young Paul Woodward, who is in the county jail, charged with the crime of taking away the lives of little John Coffin and Price Jennings. It was just a week ago yesterday when the boys went on their trip to Haddon Heights from which they were destined never to return alive.
Since the discovery of the bodies last Saturday partially hidden in rain soaked weeds, the Prosecutor’s office, assisted by County Detectives Smith and Cherry and City Detectives Painter and Hart, have left no stone unturned.
Prosecutor Lloyd yesterday reiterated his statement that Woodward had made no confession, but it is generally conceded as true that the accused youth did tell a story in which he makes some one else the principal criminal in the case.
Several incidents transpired yesterday that threw off the monotony of waiting for developments. Joseph Jennings, brother of one of the murdered boys, was taken to the cell in which Woodward is confined. He had no difficulty in recognizing the prisoner before. But as to whether he ever saw him in company with the dead lads he was not permitted to say.
There was much excitement about the Court House when it became rumored that Mrs. Edith Barber, the woman detained as a material witness against Woodward, had the small pox. To allay the alarm County Physician Jones called in representatives of the Board of Health, who concluded she had no sign of the disease.
After matters quieted somewhat the woman was taken into the Prosecutor’s office and questioned. When taken back to her cell she was crying and appeared to be almost unable to walk.
Woodward spent the day in his cell, smoking cigarettes as usual. He was visited in the morning by Lawyer Harry Scovel, who has not yet been engaged as counsel, as reported. Again in the afternoon Lawyer Scovel visited the youth in company with Woodward’s mother. At first Mrs. Woodward was denied admittance, but after waiting on the jail steps for nearly an hour she was permitted to go in and see her son. Lawyer Scovel and Mrs. Woodward were with the young man for a couple of hours.
To all questions Lawyer Scovel said: “Woodward talked a whole lot, but I have nothing to say.”
When asked if Woodward could have a hearing if he demanded it Mr. Archer said he could. Asked if enough evidence was in hand to hold him, Mr. Archer said there was.
“On a simple assault charge?”
“No, sir, for the crime he is charged with—committing the murder of John Coffin,” replied Mr. Archer.
Coroner Litchfield said last night he would not set a date for the inquest before some time next week. Despite all reports to the contrary, Coroner Litchfield says Chemist George M. Beringer, who is analyzing the internal organs of the boys, will not complete the work before the end of the week. Prosecutor Lloyd, who is still confined to his home with rheumatism, would make no statement last night, although admitting that the day’s work had not resulted in anything of material importance.
Prosecutor Lloyd Declares That Woodward Is the Guilty Man
NO MORE ARRESTS LIKELY
Weaving Web Around Alleged Slayer of the Murdered Boys
“Beyond all question the murderer of these little boys is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can now be allayed,” said Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd last night in making the first important statement concerning the tragedy of last week, when John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two Camden lads, were murdered in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights. The mystery which has enshrouded the case since the discovery of the bodies last Friday has almost been cleared up with the exception of the report of Chemist George M. Beringer, who is making an analysis of the internal organs of the boys.
Prosecutor Lloyd gave out the following statement shortly before 8 o’clock at his home on the East Side:
“Because of a suspicion that more than one person was engaged in the murder of these little boys the State has been obliged to work with much secrecy and to withhold from the press the result of our work. That suspicion is now removed. Beyond all question the murderer is now in jail and the public’s anxiety can be allayed. Woodward was alone the perpetrator of this crime.
Case Nearly Complete
“It is my duty to say this much in view of the deep public concern and the apprehension of other parents having little ones, but it would be improper for me to state the character or the quantity of evidence upon which our conclusions are based. I will only say that with the exception of the report of the chemist, which has not yet been received, the State’s case is almost complete.
“Woodward himself has made a number of statements, which, while not confessions, will be materially helpful toward securing his conviction.”
This statement precludes the possibility of another arrest being made in connection with the case, as has been currently reported during the week.
There were several conferences held yesterday between Assistant Prosecutor Archer and Detectives Smith, Cherry, Painter and Hart and Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantsville. During one of the conferences John Farmer, the colored man who recognized Woodward as having been seen with the boys last Wednesday afternoon, was called in and closely questioned. Following the detectives departed apparently on several different clues.
Detectives Hard at Work
Detective Hart subsequently returned with a Mrs. Somers, said to reside on Royden street. She was interviewed by the Assistant Prosecutor, but what connection she has with the case the authorities refused to divulge. The woman refused to talk.
Louis Ross, a German, who resides near Haddon Heights, was also called into the Prosecutor’s office late in the afternoon. At first he was thought to be an important witness, but it was afterwards learned that he knew little about the case.
Detective Robert J. McKentry, of Philadelphia, and Detective Smith took over the river Mrs. William H. Hubbert and another young woman. It is at the home of Mrs. Hubbert, at West Philadelphia, that Woodward said he was present last Friday night.
Woodward became rather obdurate yesterday, refusing the usual prison fare. He waited until his mother sent him coffee and other victuals. The accused youth was at first placed in the cell formerly occupied by Lafayette Gruff, the wife murderer, who was hanged September 19. He has now been placed in another cell.
More Arrests in Camden Mystery
Paul Woodward’s Mother and Two Men Locked Up in the County Jail—Woman Lawyer to Defend the Prisoner
Following the statement given out Thursday night by Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd that the authorities have the right man in jail for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, whose bodies were found near Haddon Heights just a week ago to-day, the story of a confession by Paul Woodward, the accused youth, as exclusively told in The Inquirer last Wednesday, yesterday became public property. In this confession by Woodward he denies having killed the boys. He has told half a dozen stories already, all of which are different with the exception that he maintains he did not commit the crime. He says the motive was robbery and that he put a New York thug on the track of the boys last Wednesday week when the murdered lads were supposed to have a considerable sum of money on them. Woodward was to receive a reward, $50 for turning the youngsters over to the New Yorker.
The accused youth says he escorted young Coffin and Jennings out the White Horse pike to Haddon Heights, where they fell in with the mysterious person from New York whom the detectives made a fruitless effort to locate. Other stories told by Woodward were found to have in them no truth whatever.
In the mind of the Prosecutor, Woodward is alone guilty of taking the lives of the boys. When asked whether Woodward had made a complete confession he declined to discuss the subject.
Contrary to the inference to be gathered from the prosecutor’s statement, three additional arrests were made yesterday. There was much surprise when it was learned that Mrs. Woodward, mother of the prisoner, had been arrested by County Detectives Smith and Cherry. With her were also taken in custody Charles May, 60 years old, and William May, an East Indian, both of whom boarded at the Woodward home on Benson street. Prosecutor Lloyd said: “It was deemed advisable to lock them up as witnesses and possible accessories after the fact.”
Annie Irving Keeler, Camden’s woman lawyer, announced yesterday afternoon she had been retained by Mrs. Woodward to defend the latter’s son. Mrs. Keeler at once endeavored to see the client, but she was denied admittance to the jail by the prosecutor, who said she had no right to see Woodward unless he himself had sent for her.
Mrs. Keeler then went to the jail door and demanded admittance of Jailer Entriken. She was permitted to enter and visited Woodward’s cell, where she conferred with the prisoner for nearly an hour. Prosecutor Lloyd went to Haddon Heights yesterday afternoon in company with County Physician Jones and County Detective Smith. The Prosecutor for the first time went over the field where the boys were slain. Woodward was again questioned by the Prosecutor yesterday. He was taken to the Prosecutor’s office, where at the same time was Chemist George Beringer, who is analyzing the boys’ internal organs. Woodward and Chemist Beringer were alone in the office for ten minutes. Mr. Beringer held a conference with the Prosecutor that lasted one hour and twenty minutes. It was stated he had not presented his report of the chemical analysis.
OFFICERS TRACED WOODWARD'S STEPS
Camden Authorities Rest After Weaving What They Believe to Be Strong Chain of Evidence About the Alleged Youthful Murderer
[Portraits: Detective William D. Hart | Detective John Painter — Camden City detectives who have done some good work in helping to bring about a solution of the murder mystery.]
In less than one week from the discovery of the bodies of John Houseman Coffin and Walter Price Jennings, near Haddon Heights, the city and county authorities of Camden have apparently solved the mystery of the most cruel murder in the history of the county. Paul Woodward the authorities are certain is that murderer. The motive was robbery. The officers say Woodward expected to get a large sum of money. A form of chloral used by photographers was administered. An overdose was given and death resulted where unconsciousness only was planned.
In the cell formerly occupied by Francis Abbatto, who was executed for an atrocious murder, Woodward is acting like a crazy man. In another wing of the jail Mrs. Edith Barber, his alleged paramour, refuses to eat and the authorities believe she is trying to starve herself to death.
Authorities Rest
Independent of Woodward's latest confession the authorities have built such a stone wall of facts against him that at the conclusion of yesterday's work the officials practically took their first rest since the discovery of the crime.
Mrs. Annie Irving Keeler, who was retained to defend Woodward, has withdrawn from the case, it is said on the advice of her physician. It is known, however, that at an interview with Woodward in jail yesterday he abused Mrs. Keeler.
Mrs. Woodward, mother of Paul, has been released from jail after making a complete statement and giving the law officers the right to enter and search her home at will. County Detective Smith yesterday found several more important witnesses.
Wanted to See Prosecutor
On Friday afternoon, while Prosecutor Lloyd was in consultation with George M. Beringer, the expert chemist, Woodward expressed a desire to see the prosecutor. He was taken to the latter's office and in a half hour's conversation talked freely of his crime. He said he had known both the boys for a long time. Attaches of the prosecutor's office say Woodward thought the boys' parents were wealthy and that it would be easy for them to get possession of a large sum of money. It was an easy matter for him, with the wonderful tales of adventure he had read, to so fill the boys' heads that it would be no trouble for him to lure them from home, drug and rob them and have several hours' advantage of flight before the discovery of the crime.
Left on Wednesday
Last Wednesday was fixed for the departure of the trio. They left according to schedule, going by trolley to West Collingswood. The Prosecutor has traced the trio along the White Horse pike and at a stop made at the Cyclers' Rest, where soft stuff and pies were purchased from Miss Lillian Martin. Then they entered the field. Here it was that a drink was suggested, according to the authorities. Filling a can Woodward, after pretending to drink, gave it to the boys. Between them they emptied it. The Jennings boy fell unconscious on the spot. The Coffin boy wandered away. Shortly afterwards, the authorities say, Woodward robbed their bodies, came to Camden and wrote a letter to Mrs. Barber, which the authorities have. When arrested he had just returned from her home, near Marlton, N. J. The watch which the Jennings boy wore has not been recovered, although the authorities are on its track and expect to get it.
After being taken back to the jail yesterday Woodward began to act queerly. At times he would wave his hands and arms like a windmill. He followed this by jumping to and fro like a hobby-horse in action. He varied this by crouching on the floor of his cell and barking like a dog. At night he screamed and yelled until sleep was impossible for the rest of the prisoners. A threat of Jailor John Lee to lock him up in the dungeon caused him to cease.
Coroner Litchfield said last night that the analysis of the boys' stomachs will not be completed for two weeks and that the inquest will not be held until that date.
Another Arrest in Murder Case
West Philadelphian and a Supposed Companion of Young Paul Woodward Taken in Custody
There is but little remaining in the way of a mystery for the Camden county authorities to clear up in the murder case of little John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, of Camden. After working practically day and night during the past week Prosecutor Lloyd and his able assistants have brought to light such strong evidence against Paul Woodward, the young man in the county jail charged with the crime, that it will be next to impossible to refute it.
The sixth arrest in the case was made yesterday, when James Sheiding was taken into custody by County Detective Smith and committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse as “a material witness.” Sheiding, who lives in West Philadelphia, was lured across the river to Camden, when Detective Smith at once took him in custody.
The prisoner is believed to be the companion of Woodward who, on the Friday night preceding the discovery of the murdered boys, was in the company of the accused murderer. On that occasion it is said Woodward had considerable money and that Sheiding assisted him in spending it.
Woodward did not give any evidence yesterday of being insane. On the other hand he was very quiet and evidently saw the futility of trying to make the Prosecutor believe him to be of unsound mind. He utterly refused to take part in the regular Sunday jail services. His whole concern seemed to be as to whether or not his mother would visit him to-day. He was of the opinion yesterday that his mother had gone to West Chester, where she is said to have relatives of means. Woodward thinks such a visit would result in him having sufficient funds with which to engage counsel.
Mrs. Edith Barker, the woman witness against Woodward, is very ill. Two of her children are ill with typhoid fever and the worry over this in connection with her important part in the case has made her one of the most wretched prisoners ever incarcerated at the county prison. Prosecutor Lloyd tried to have her admitted to a hospital, but his efforts were unavailing.
In all probability the case will come up before the present grand jury and be tried this month. Prosecutor Lloyd said last night that as soon as Chemist Beringer has made his report on his analysis of the viscera of the boys the Coroner’s inquest will be held. Immediately the court will be asked to take up the case.
Speedy Trial for Young Woodward
But little developed in the murder case in Camden, for which Paul Woodward is incarcerated in the county jail. Prosecutor Lloyd has everything well in hand and his sole object is to have a speedy trial of the accused youth. Edwin Hillman mentioned as a witness.
To Hurry Along Woodward Trial
Paul Woodward, the youth accused of the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, may possibly be indicted for the crime to-day or to-morrow. Prosecutor Lloyd has the case so well in hand that he will present the facts before the grand jury this morning. Harry H. Robinson mentioned as a witness.
Woodward Indicted for Cruel Murder
The case of Paul Woodward, who is charged with the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, was considered by the Camden County Grand Jury yesterday. Among the witnesses were the father and aunt of the Jennings boy. The prisoner was promptly indicted.
There will be no inquest. Coroner Litchfield says the facts of the killing and that the boys met their death by violence being manifest to the authorities.
Morphia Killed Two Camden Boys
Chemist Beringer Makes His Report to Prosecutor Lloyd—Another Witness in Murder Case
Chemist George M. Beringer has made his report to Prosecutor Lloyd on the chemical analysis of the internal organs of the murdered boys. Paul Woodward continues to be held in the county jail awaiting trial.
Must Now Produce Woodward in Court
Counsel for Paul Woodward, the young man accused of the murder of John Coffin and Price Jennings, two Camden boys, yesterday applied to Judge Garrison, at Mount Holly, for a writ of habeas corpus for their client. The application was granted and made returnable Friday next at Camden.
Woodward Writ to Be Argued To-day
The rule granted by Judge Garrison last Tuesday to show cause why Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer, should not be released on habeas corpus proceedings will be argued in Camden to-day. The indictment against Woodward may be presented and the case hurried toward the trial which will take place this term.
Young Woodward Indicted by Jury
He Is Charged With Robbery and Murder in the Bill Presented to Judge Garrison
Paul Woodward is indicted by the Camden County Grand Jury. He is charged with robbery and murder in the bill presented to Judge Garrison. Prosecutor Lloyd presents the case.
Jurors to Try Woodward
Sheriff Sell, in Camden, yesterday drew a special panel of forty-eight jurors, twelve of whom will try Paul Woodward, charged with the murder of John Coffin. The trial will begin November 12. Woodward will be arraigned to-day before Judge Garrison to plead to the indictment charging him with murder.
Woodward Says He Is Not Guilty
Paul Woodward, in Camden yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the indictments charging him with the murders of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the two Camden boys whose dead bodies were found near Haddon Heights a month ago. The plea was entered before Judge Garrison. Prosecutor Lloyd will present the case at trial.
Woodward’s Trial Today
Camden Lad Accused of Killing Coffin and Jennings.
Camden, Nov. 12.—Just seven weeks ago today John Coffin and Price Jennings, two Camden lads, left their homes without informing their families of their destination. After being missed for twenty-four hours, search was instituted and four days afterward their dead bodies were found in a field near Haddon Heights, six miles from Camden.
Today Paul Woodward, who was seen with the boys in the neighborhood of the scene of their death, the evening before, was placed on trial charged with the murder of John Coffin.
After the formal preliminaries the work of empanelling the jury from the special venire of forty-eight citizens was begun. There was an unusual number of jurors who could not change their convictions formed from newspaper reading, and the result was the panel was exhausted with only ten men in the box.
Woodward on Trial for Coffin Murder
WOODWARD ON TRIAL FOR COFFIN MURDER
Less Than Six Weeks After Alleged Crime Case Is Called in Camden Court — The Prisoner's Appearance — What State Will Try to Prove
Frog Killed in Jersey Court
Queer Experiment in Trial of Youth for Murder of Two Boys
CAMDEN, N. J., Nov. 13.—A frog was poisoned in court to-day to show a jury the agonies of a human being dying as a result of being poisoned with strychnine.
Paul Woodward, who is alleged to have lured two boys, Brice Jennings and Paul Coffin, from this city, into the woods, and having caused their death with strychnine, was on trial, and Professor Marshall, of the University of Pennsylvania, was testifying. He took some of the poison extracted from the liver of Paul Coffin and forced it into a live frog.
The jury and all others in court became intensely interested. In a few minutes the frog went into convulsions. The professor explained the action of the drug as the frog, writhing, exhibited all the agonies the boy had suffered as he died. The experiment caused a sensation in the court room.
Woodward Bought Poison, Says Druggist
WOODWARD BOUGHT POISON, SAYS DRUGGIST
Woodward Smiled When He Heard Death Verdict
Continued coverage of the trial. Lawyer Maurice Daniels outlining the defense. Thomas Woodward and Bella Woodward, parents of the condemned man, in attendance.
Woodward Spent a Quiet Sunday
Apparently Buoyed Up by the Efforts of His Counsel, Who Now Have Their Inning
Paul Woodward, the young man on trial for his life before Judge Garrison, charged with the murder of little John Coffin, spent a quiet Sunday in his cell in the Camden county jail. He ate his meals as usual and gave no evidence whatever of being affected by the ordeal through which he has passed since last Wednesday. Since the defense has opened its case he appears to be more cheerful, presumably expectant of something occurring before the end of the trial that will strengthen his chances of acquittal.
There was great surprise manifested when Lawyer Daniels, in outlining the defense, said it would be proven Woodward could not have been present when the crime was committed, and the subsequent attempt to prove an alibi. Woodward may be placed on the stand to-day and it remains to be seen how his story will stand the keen cross-examination of Prosecutor Lloyd. One of the features of the trial has been the manner in which the jury has noticed every move and characteristic of the defendant as he sits in the prisoners’ dock.
The jurymen were yesterday taken out for exercise. They were accompanied by constables and walked about the streets for some time.
WOODWARD SMILED WHEN HE HEARD DEATH VERDICT
Camden Trial Came to a Sudden End With the Jury Returning a Conviction of Murder in the First Degree, After Deliberating Less Than an Hour
[Illustration caption: Attorney Robinson Making His Address to the Jury. Paul Woodward in Foreground.]
[Photo caption: Interior View of Camden Court House in Which the Case Was Heard and Which Has Been the Scene of Many Famous Murder Trials.]
Paul Woodward was last evening found guilty of murdering little John Coffin, whose body, with that of W. Price Jennings, was found in a field near Haddon Heights on October 4. Woodward’s trial began last Wednesday before Judge Garrison in Camden.
The jury retired at 3.45 o’clock, after a brief charge by Judge Garrison. At twenty minutes to 5 o’clock an agreement had been reached, but it was two minutes to 6 o’clock before Judge Garrison arrived, he having gone to his home at Merchantville.
In the meantime Woodward had been brought into the court room, and after the jury had filed in he was told to stand up. He arose without a tremor, looked at the ceiling, at the Judge and then turned to the twelve men who had his fate in their hands. His peculiar features lit up with a broad grin when the County Clerk said:
“Jury look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jury.”
Guilty of Murder
Then when the jury was finally asked for its verdict and the foreman had solemnly announced “Guilty of murder in the first degree,” Woodward, apparently unmindful of the import of the words, turned to his counsel and laughed with a low chuckle. Each juror was polled and each man repeated “guilty of murder in the first degree.”
“The prisoner may retire,” said Judge Garrison, and with a sidelong glance at his counsel Woodward was led across the “bridge of sighs” to his cell in the county jail. He laughed loudly and slapped his custodian on the back in a playful mood, as if the whole proceedings had been a joke, but when he reached the jail he let go a tirade of profanity against the Prosecutor and those who appeared against him. He remarked that he did not care what became of him, all he cared for, he said, was his mother.
Motion for New Trial
Lawyer Rex immediately made a motion for a new trial, Judge Garrison stating he would hear argument on a date to be set. The jury was then discharged.
One of the features of the last day was the reappearance of Woodward’s mother, haggard, careworn and her eyes swollen with weeping. She was recalled to testify she had sworn falsely on Saturday when she denied even having been convicted of crime.
The climax in the defense’s case occurred in the morning, when Woodward, the defendant, was placed on the stand to testify. When he took his seat his eyes roamed about the room. He looked everywhere except in the direction of the jury. He admitted he was with the murdered boys, but denied absolutely having killed them. The alibi the defense tried to build about him during the period of the boys’ disappearance, was practically destroyed by contradictions made by Woodward concerning his movements. All the statements he made to Prosecutor Lloyd immediately following his arrest, he said, were false. He said he told the different stories because he was “scared.” The defense also tried to prove both boys were alive on Friday, October 3.
The defense called Dr. J. A. Leuf as an expert. He described the effects of strychnine on the human system. He said there were several other poisons that might have similar effects.
No Rebuttal Testimony
To the surprise of the assemblage no rebuttal testimony was given, Prosecutor Lloyd at once beginning his argument. He spoke for over an hour and at times was eloquent. He said the State asked for nothing but a first degree verdict, as the facts developed could have no other result consistent with the oath of the jury. It was a case of premeditation because there was first, an attempt at robbery, and second, because there was an attempt to do great bodily harm. The State, he said, had proved the crime against Woodward and followed him almost to the death bed of the boys.
Lawyer Robinson opened for the defense. He spoke for over an hour. “Paul is not guilty and if you follow the evidence you must acquit him,” concluded the defense.
Judge Garrison’s charge lasted just four minutes. He explained the law covering the case. He said anyone administering poison for robbery was guilty of murder in the first degree. If, however, it was not proven to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant administered the poison, then he should be acquitted.
The jury then retired at 3.45.
Another postal card was received yesterday, asking for Woodward’s brain, but these seekers after the convicted man’s gray matter will be disappointed.
Thinks Woodward Is Deficient
That Paul Woodward, the Camden murderer of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, is mentally deficient is likely to be made the basis of a plea by his counsel for commutation of the death penalty in his case before the Board of Pardons. That his conduct since conviction has been such as to furnish some ground for the appeal is believed by some of those with whom he has come in contact.
Far from being impressed by his terrible position Woodward laughs and jokes with his jailers.
He does not want ordinary prison fare. He asked a turnkey if a convicted murderer was not entitled to have his meals, including wine, brought from a restaurant. When he was jocularly told that he was, he exclaimed:
“Maybe I won’t live high! Then, I don’t care for myself; all I care for is my mother.”
During the day he saw James Bland, who is accused of the murder of James Morrisey. To Bland he said:
“Oh! don’t you get gay; you won’t eat your Christmas dinner either.”
Woodward Desires No Spiritual Advice
Counsel for Paul Woodward, convicted for murdering John Coffin, have little hopes of getting a new trial for their client. The Board of Pardons may be asked to commute his sentence.
When asked whether he wanted a spiritual adviser yesterday Woodward replied: “No. I guess they could do me no good.”
No New Trial for Murderer Woodward
Counsel for Paul Woodward, convicted of murdering John Coffin, will not ask Judge Garrison for a new trial to-day, as they had announced.
The Board of Pardons will be appealed to, when counsel will try to prove the irresponsibility of the convicted man, who may be sentenced to-day.
Woodward to Go to Gallows on January 7
Camden Murderer Hears His Doom With a Smile, Then Curses Wildly
Visited by Parents
They Tell the Prisoner an Effort to Secure Life Imprisonment Will Be Made
Justice Garrison in Camden yesterday sentenced Paul Woodward to be hanged on January 7 for the murder of John Coffin and Walter Price Jennings near Haddon Heights on October 1.
When sentence was pronounced Woodward smiled. As Sheriff Mines escorted him across “the bridge of sighs” he uttered vile curses and said that everybody connected with the case was a liar and that he was innocent. The prisoner’s counsel withdrew the motion for a new trial. The death watch will be placed on duty to-morrow.
Yesterday afternoon the condemned man was visited by his father and mother, who buoyed him up with the statement that every effort will be made to have the Court of Appeals commute his sentence to life imprisonment. So far the young murderer has refused to have a spiritual adviser.
Judge Garrison named the following as the court jury to attend the execution: Patrick Harding, Frank S. Albright, William J. Paul, Thomas Walton, David E. Barry, Edward Wilcox, Dr. William H. Iszard, J. F. Leavitt, William H. Knowlton, William Miles and George H. Chapman.
Death Watch on Woodward
The death watch was yesterday placed on Paul Woodward, the young man in the Camden County Jail under sentence of death for murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings. He is under surveillance day and night. Yesterday he acted queerly, as though making an effort to have his jailors believe him insane.
Woodward Had Many Vices
Some Things That Prosecutor Lloyd Held Back
From the Prosecutor’s office in Camden it is learned that much more evidence was in hand than that which was presented against Paul Woodward, convicted of murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings and who is under sentence to be hanged. The Prosecutor had knowledge that Woodward blackmailed a South Camden woman and her husband, almost resulting in a separation. Then he is said to have proposed to a young man a scheme of operating a “knock-out” resort.
One of his plans for getting money, it is said, was to play detective by going to certain women, telling them of misconduct on the part of their husbands and demanding a fee for watching the latter. Then he would turn around and work the same scheme on the men.
Were His Ruin.
Cigarettes Make Him a Demon and a Murderer.
“Cigarettes have been my ruin. I will never smoke another,” said Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer of John Coffin and Price Jennings, who has been sentenced to death. “Since I was a small boy I have smoked those things,” Woodward continued, “and they have driven me crazy. Yes, I am dangerously crazy. I do things against my own will.”
“Cigarettes Made Me Dangerously Crazy”
So Says Paul Woodward, the Condemned Murderer of Two Boys.
“Cigarettes have been my ruin. I will never smoke another,” said Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer of Paul Coffin and Price Jennings, in the Camden jail. “Since I was a small boy I have smoked those things,” Woodward continued, “and they have driven me crazy. Yes, I am dangerously crazy. I do things against my own will. Sometimes I feel some demon within me that impels me to do injury to my dearest friends.”
Good Price for Expert Testimony
Camden county will have to pay $3100 for the expert testimony which figured in the State’s case in the murder trial of Paul Woodward, who was convicted of murder. The bill was presented to Auditor George, of the Board of Freeholders, yesterday. The bill is divided as follows:
Dr. Marshall, toxicologist, $1200; Geo. M. Beringer, chemist, $1200; Dr. Cophn and assistants who performed the autopsy on the bodies, $350; Professor Hobart Hare, medical expert, $300, and $50 for sundries.
Murderer Woodward Visited by a Minister
Rev. Gilbert R. Underhill, rector of St. John’s P. E. Church, Camden, visited Paul Woodward, the condemned murderer, in the Camden county jail yesterday and had a long talk with him. After the interview Woodward expressed himself as well pleased with the clergyman’s visit and said he liked the minister better than any of the others who had called.
To one of the jailors he said he realized that he must die and when the time came he would walk unflinchingly to the gallows.
Woodward’s mother and sister, the latter a pretty girl not yet out of her teens, and a student in a Philadelphia college, called on the doomed man yesterday and spent several hours with him.
Will Try to Save Woodward’s Neck
An effort will be made to-day by counsel for Paul Woodward, the Camden youth, under sentence to be hanged January 7, for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, to have a special meeting of the Board of Pardons held to present Woodward’s case. The board will be asked to commute Woodward’s sentence to life imprisonment on the ground he is mentally unsound.
Annoys Prisoners With “Music”
Paul Woodward, the Camden youth under sentence to be hanged January 7, is the bane of the inmates of the county jail. Some days ago visitors gave him a few pennies. With the money he had Death Watch Voigt purchase a tin whistle and a mouth organ. With these instruments, which he cannot play half well, he annoys the inmates of the jail all night long.
Murderer Given Talking Machine
Woodward, Condemned Boy Slayer, Operates Phonograph in the County Jail
Is Having Lots of Fun
Familiar Strains Ring Through the Cells to Youthful Prisoner’s Great Delight
Paul Woodward, sentenced to be hanged on January 7 in the Camden jail, asked permission of Sheriff Mines to have a talking machine in “Hangman’s Row” so that his fellow-prisoners might not be annoyed by his attempts to perform on a whistle and harmonica.
The request was granted. Last night the strains of “Lead, Kindly Light,” and “Abide With Me,” followed by a number of Sousa’s marches rang through the jail. The prisoners joined in the chorus of the songs. The condemned man got a whole lot of delight out of the phonograph, which he manipulated until a late hour.
Plenty of Amusement for Young Woodward
Between his tin whistle, mouthorgan and gramaphone and book of “Arabian Nights,” Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer who will be hanged January 7 for murdering John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent a busy Sunday. His new diversion, the gramaphone, was of course his main attraction. He has about eighty records of songs, speeches and orchestral music. These selections broke the monotony to many scores of prisoners, the squeaky voices and musical notes being heard all over the jail. Woodward has given his whole thought to his amusements. If he dreads January 7 he gives no evidence of the fact.
Pardon Board on Woodward’s Case
Governor Will Reprieve Prisoner If Action Is Not Taken by December 24
TRENTON, N. J., Dec. 16—The case of Paul Woodward, the condemned Camden murderer, is to be considered by the Court of Pardons. This was promised to-day by Governor Murphy to Lawyer Fred A. Rex. Governor Murphy says if the case has not been reached when the court adjourns, December 24, he will grant Woodward a reprieve until some action is taken.
Mr. Rex’s ground for appeal is that there was some intermarrying of relatives in Woodward’s family which might justify a degree of insanity that would warrant the commutation of the condemned man’s sentence.
In the jail at Camden Woodward continues to amuse himself with his gramophone. He is sanguine of getting his death sentence commuted. He eats and sleeps regularly and apparently does not worry in the least.
Knife Found in Woodward’s Cell
Its Discovery Apparently Explains the Murderer’s Declaration That He Would Never Be Hanged
The seeming confidence with which Paul Woodward, sentenced to be hanged January 7 in the Camden county jail for the murder of the Jennings and Coffin boys, expressed himself that he would not be executed was easily accounted for when in a search of his cell the other day a pocket knife with an edge as keen as a razor was found. Several times had the officials searched the cell thoroughly as they supposed. Each time Woodward met their efforts with a mocking laugh. Convinced that there was something hidden one of the “watch” placed his fingers in a pipe in the cell and pulled forth the knife. Woodward has not done very much talking since—except to his favorite keeper.
Trying to Save Woodward’s Neck
The New Jersey Court of Pardons, in secret session, yesterday, gave a hearing to counsel for Paul Woodward, the Camden murderer, who is under sentence to be hanged on January 7. Counsel asked for a commutation of sentence on the ground of insanity.
The court postponed decision in the matter until next Tuesday, in order to give counsel an opportunity to present testimony.
Murderer Woodward Had Merry Christmas
Paul Woodward, the youthful murderer in the Camden County Jail under sentence of death for killing John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent a happy Christmas. It was a happy one because he had plenty to eat—stewed chicken, mince pie, candy, etc.—and also because he has an idea he will not be hanged, at least on January 7.
Last Effort to Save Woodward
Lawyer Frederick A. Rex, counsel for Paul Woodward, the youth under sentence to be hanged January 7 for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, will go to Trenton to-day to ask that Woodward’s sentence be commuted to life imprisonment. Woodward’s counsel has little prospect of getting anything favorable from the Board of Pardons, however.
Woodward’s Last Hope Vanished
Court of Pardons Refuses to Interfere in Case of Camden’s Condemned Murderer
TRENTON, N. J., Dec. 30—The Court of Pardons in special session this afternoon refused to interfere in the case of Paul Woodward, the Camden murderer under sentence to be hanged January 7 for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings.
Murderer Woodward Unconcerned
Paul Woodward, who next week will be hanged for murdering little John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent the greater part of yesterday in his cell at the Camden county jail reading his Bible. While apparently unconcerned, he is being closely watched to prevent him from committing suicide. Sheriff Mines yesterday sent out invitations to the execution, January 7.
Unconcerned at Death’s Approach
Despite the fact that Paul Woodward, Camden’s youthful murderer, has but a few days to live, he is in no wise affected. His appetite is as good as when he was first incarcerated. He is living high, being supplied from a near-by restaurant by order of Sheriff Mines.
Yesterday he was visited by his father, mother and youngest sister. Later Rev. John Warnock called on him.
Woodward’s Last Sunday on Earth
Listens to Religious Services in Jail and Threatens to “Call Down” Ministers
Paul Woodward, who has but two days more before he will be hanged for the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, spent his last Sunday in his cell at the county jail in Camden reading and smoking. He listened to the devotional services held in another part of the jail with apparent interest, but remarked: “If those preachers say anything about me I’ll call them down.” Woodward ate an enormous dinner ordered from a near-by restaurant, consisting of stewed chicken, fried oysters, rolls, coffee and other things.
“I’ll Be a Dead One”—Woodward
Nearing Day of Doom, Camden Murderer Facetiously Addressed a Grand Juryman Yesterday
With a little over twenty-four hours between him and eternity, Paul Woodward, the youthful Camden murderer, who will be hanged to-morrow morning for the cruel murder of two boys, continues his nonchalant manner. After a brief visit from his father and mother yesterday Woodward took out his harmonica. A few minutes later the jail was filled with the strains of “In the Good Old Summer Time.” Then he took a turn at several marches. These selections were a prelude to his midday meal. This consisted of roast lamb, sweet potatoes, French peas, one-half dozen raw oysters, minced onions (raw), stewed fruit.
Woodward’s Nerve Fast Leaving Him
Paul Woodward will be hanged at the Camden County Jail this morning, shortly after 10 o’clock, by Sheriff Mines, for the murder of two boys. Unless he regains his wonted nonchalance he will undoubtedly create a scene.
The condemned youth arose yesterday early, ate a hearty breakfast and read the newspapers. Then he whiled away the morning by playing popular airs on his harmonica. When the dinner hour approached he said: “Well, this will be my last dinner. It’s up to me to eat and I want my favorite dish. It’s rabbit.”
Woodward Hanged To-Day
CAMDEN, N. J., Jan. 7.—Paul Woodward, the youthful murderer of the boys, John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, was hanged at 10:01 this morning. Sheriff Christopher J. Mines conducted the execution, which was his first, with decency and dispatch. The crime for which Paul Woodward forfeited his life was the murder of two boys, John H. Coffin and W. Price Jennings, aged 11 and 14 years, respectively. The former was the son of Wm. Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania railroad company and the latter of Joseph Jenkins, the well known leader of the Third Regiment band.
Paul Woodward Goes to Gallows
Murderer of Two Camden Boys Was Executed Without Creating a Scene
Declared His Innocence
Floral Offerings From the Family, Body Was Interred in a Philadelphia Cemetery
Just fourteen weeks to the day after the commission of his crime Paul Woodward, the murderer of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, boys, was hanged at the county jail in Camden yesterday by Sheriff Christopher J. Mines. The youthful murderer walked to his death with a ghastly countenance and quivering lip. The drop fell at 10.03 and ten minutes later physicians pronounced him dead.
Woodward arose at half past 6 o’clock yesterday morning, after a sound sleep. He sent for the Prosecutor, to whom he protested his innocence.
Rev. John Warnock, the condemned man’s spiritual adviser, was offering the last words of consolation when Woodward was summoned by the Sheriff. Clad in a neat-fitting black suit, and with his hands manacled behind him, he was escorted to the execution room by County Detective Smith, Death Watches Paul and Voight, and Rev. Mr. Warnock. The court and Sheriff’s juries were awaiting with bared heads. Sheriff Mines stood near the foot of the gallows as the prisoner entered the door leading to the jail corridor.
Woodward, pale as death, had just a moment’s time before Sheriff Mines took him by the arm, led him up the thirteen steps to the platform, adjusted the black cap, knotted the rope, and a moment later the trap opened. Woodward shot down until his feet nearly touched the floor. The rope twisted and the body swung around for a few minutes. The physicians present said death had been painless. The body was taken down at 10.42, placed in charge of undertakers and deposited in a handsome casket, on the lid of which was: PAUL A. WOODWARD, Died January 7th, 1903, In his 25th year.
In a cab the family followed the hearse to a Philadelphia cemetery, where interment was made. Just before the execution took place two floral pieces were taken into the jail to be placed on the casket. It was reported that they were sent by Woodward’s family. One was a pillow of carnations and roses having in the centre in immortelles the word “Innocent.” The other was a palm-shaped arrangement of greens and white carnations, tied with a satin ribbon on which were the words “Too Soon.”
The statement sworn to by Woodward before J. Fred George, notary public, was given out after the execution. It was a lengthy document. The youth admitted meeting young Coffin and Jennings, but said his original intention was not robbery. The two boys and he, he said, had agreed to rob several houses in the country. The boys weakened and refused to be a party to the robberies. Then, according to the statement, he decided to kill the boys for self-protection. He said he had provided himself with pies in advance and the poison was placed in them. Two other statements were given out by Woodward. Both were rambling stories and contradictory.
Murder Case Finally Closed
The last chapter in the murder of John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, for which Paul Woodward was recently hanged, was enacted yesterday when Prosecutor Lloyd directed County Clerk Patterson to cancel the indictment charging Woodward with the murder of young Jennings. It was done simply to make the records in the case complete.
Robert F. Miller — William D. Hart
Camden Daily Courier —
Named: Camden Daily Courier, January 26, 1903, Robert F. Miller, George V. Murry, F. Morse Archer, Harry Miller, Edward Hartman, John T. Rodan, Ike Toy, and Albert S. Shaw.
John Coates — William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Wealthy Camden Man’s Funeral
The funeral of John Coates, one of Camden’s richest men, occurred yesterday from the residence of his son-in-law, Dr. O. B. Gross, 700 Market street. The services were conducted by Revs. R. A. Roderick and C. K. Binder. Interment was in Harleigh Cemetery.
Some time ago when Mr. Coates lived at 124 West street he went to the residence of City Detective Hart early in the morning and declared he had been robbed. The detective searched the house and in a trunk without a lid found $10,000 in bank notes, and interest-bearing securities amounting to over $100,000. After this incident Mr. Coates placed his wealth in the keeping of a trust company. He was the owner of a large number of houses.
William D. Hart — William Harvey — George Willingmyre
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Strenuous Camden Youth Is Jailed
George Willingmyre, who shot into a crowd of women and children Monday and performed other stunts that aroused the southern section of Camden, was arrested at Centerton, Burlington county, yesterday by Constable Gilbert. Detective Hart and Policeman William Harvey were at once sent to bring the youth to Camden.
When he appeared before Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse he faced two charges of shooting Mrs. Helene Lotowski, aged 28 years, of 1219 South Tenth street, and Mrs. Caroline Zersch, aged 38 years, of 1270 Mechanic street, two of the six persons who received the contents of Willingmyre’s gun when he fired into the crowd.
Willingmyre claimed he shot a dog. He was committed to the county jail in default of $1500 bail.
J. Oscar Till — John Foster — John Painter — William D. Hart — Edward S. Hyde
Philadelphia Inquirer —
No Clue to Bandits, But Suspects Spotted
The Camden police have not the slightest clue as to the identity of the five men who early Saturday morning created a furor on the outskirts of the city by holding up a bridge tender, blowing up a safe and doing other acts that marked them as being desperadoes. The entire police force was at work yesterday, but the description given by Till and the officers who had the encounter with the emulators of the wild and woolly West was so meagre that there was practically nothing to work on.
Chief of Police John Foster said: “We have not learned anything that might lead to the arrest of the desperadoes. Another thing seems evident, and that is the robbers were acquainted with the locality in which they operated.”
Early yesterday morning a dispatch was received from Elizabeth in which it was stated that three suspicious characters had been arrested. City Detectives John Painter and William Hart were at once sent to Elizabeth to take a look at the suspects. When they arrived they found the prisoners were boys and a brief line of questioning soon disposed of the theory that they had anything to do with the Camden affair.
William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The bodies of two infants were found at Avon and Beckett streets, Camden, yesterday. The first, that of a girl, was uncovered from a pile of papers by William Bostick, a rag dealer, while an ash man found the other, a boy, in an ash barrel. The bodies were taken to the morgue and Police Captain Boyle and Detective Hart were detained to make an investigation.
William D. Hart — Dr. Addison B. Reader
Philadelphia Inquirer —
May Have Jack-in-the-Box
Supposed Visitor to Reader Home, in Camden, Arrested
Emil Steinhauer, aged 25 years, of 452 Henry street, Camden, was arrested by Detective Hart last night on a charge of being the man who startled the household of Dr. A. B. Reader, 1135 Kaighn’s avenue, Sunday, by suddenly appearing in different parts of the home. All the explanation Steinhauer would make was that he was looking for a minister to go to a blind relative.
Mabel Andrews — William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dressed in the height of style, Mabel Andrews, aged 16 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Deniel Andrews, of Beach Haven, N. J., was arrested as she stepped from a train at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal in Camden last night by Detective Hart. Mabel was on her way to see the sights of the city. She is being held as a runaway.
John Painter — William D. Hart — J. Oscar Till
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Say Bandit Hunt Points to Marine
Camden Police Grow More Positive, Connecting Thallman With Hold-Up
The Camden police are growing more positive in their belief that William Thallman, who escaped from League Island Navy Yard and whose house at Riverside was found to be stocked with plunder, could throw some light on the recent hold-up at Pavonia.
City Detectives Hart and Painter were at work all day yesterday on clues that might lead to the detection of Thallman’s whereabouts, but little or nothing had resulted up to a late hour last night. Amos Fowler mentioned as a witness. J. Oscar Till involved in the investigation.
Frank T. Lloyd — William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Frank Ireland, Calvin Kircher, Wesley Huff and Robert Barnes, boys whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, were committed to the county jail by Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse yesterday to await action on the part of Prosecutor Lloyd, who will probably have them sent to the reform school. According to Detectives Moffett and Hart, the youthful defendants are four of a gang that has been preying on local stores recently.
William Pfrommer — William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 27, 1906, William Pfrommer, Walter Bryen, Robert Beasely, James McDonald, Theodore Forgeng, Birch Street, Milton Street, Point Street, North 24th Street, North 25th Street, River Avenue, State Street, Henry C. Moffett, and John Painter.
William D. Hart
Philadelphia Inquirer —
City Detective William Hart is seriously ill at his home, 412 South Fifth street. He is in a very weakened condition.