In 1906 Charles A. Wolverton began serving as assistant prosecutor of Camden County, a post he held until 1913. During his time as prosecutor he appointed Lawrence Doran as an investigator. Doran would become Chief of Detectives, and serve in that capacity for many years. Charles A. Wolverton married around 1910. His wife Sara was a doctor of medicine. The Wolvertons were blessed with a son, Donnell K. Wolverton, in 1912. Charles A. Wolverton entered state government as special assistant attorney general of New Jersey in 1913 and 1914. He was elected to the state legislature, serving as an Assemblyman from 1915 until 1918. He became speaker of the Assembly in 1918. During World War I years he also held the post of Associate Federal Food Administrator for Camden. At
the time of the 1920 Census Charles and Sara Wolverton were renting a
home at 330
State Street
in North
Camden.
In 1926, Charles A. Wolverton was elected to Congress as a Republican. He was sworn in on March 27, 1927, would serve continuously until January 3, 1959, a total of 16 terms. During his time in Congress he was chairman, of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, in the Eightieth and Eighty-third Congresses. Donnell K. Wolverton graduated from Princeton with honors in 1933. At the time of the 1930 Census, Charles Wolverton and family resided at 505 State Street in North Camden. His neighbor, at 513 State Street, was prominent Camden attorney Samuel J.T. French Sr. and his family. The 1932 Congressional race featured the two as opposing candidates, which must have been interesting, as they lived only six doors apart. The sons of both men followed their fathers into law, although not into politics. Sadly, Sarah Wolverton would pass away in 1938. Charles Wolverton had moved to Merchantville by 1947, where he was living at 2 Oak Terrace. By 1956 Charles A. Wolverton had moved to an apartment at Greenleigh Court in Merchantville NJ. He was not a candidate for re-nomination in 1958. He resumed the practice of law in Camden NJ, where he died on May 16, 1969. Survived by his son Donnell K., Charles A. Wolverton was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, next to his wife Sara. In addition to his political activity, Charles A. Wolverton was a member of the Freemasons, Knights Templar, Shriners, Elks, and the Rotary Club. |
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Trenton Times May 23, 1916 |
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CAMDEN POST TELEGRAM * July 19, 1916 |
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MURDERER’S
WIFE SUPPLIED REVOLVER, SMUGGLING IT IN COVERED BY FRUIT Confessing Supplying Pistol, in Spite of Husband’s Denial That She Was Guiltless, Mrs. Ashbridge Is Held Without Bail on Charge of Conspiracy in Aiding and Abetting Escape From Jail With Wilson T. Ashbridge under guard in a cell in what was formerly known as Murderer’s Row, the police and county detectives today redoubled their energies towards the capture of George E. Thompson, the forger who escaped with Ashbridge from the County Jail on Monday night after murdering one keeper and wounding another. Stirring the police of all cities in the East to renewed activity, another circular was sent out today by the authorities giving notice of the reward of $500 offered for Thompson’s capture. Attention was strongly directed in the circular due to the fact that one of the fingers of Thompson’s left hand is missing. The gun with which Ashbridge murdered jailor Isaac Hibbs and wounded Jailor Ellis was smuggled into the jail by Mrs. Ashbridge on Saturday morning. With it went a box of cartridges. The weapon and bullets were passed to Ashbridge in a basket of fruit, being at the bottom of the basket. The jailors were busy at the time she called and as she frequently had brought her husband fruit they did not take precaution to search the basket. Mrs. Ashbridge bought the gun and cartridges on the written request of her husband. Her confession as to the very grave part she played in the escape and murder was made to the Prosecutor late yesterday afternoon after she had first insisted she had no knowledge if how the gun got into the jail and after her husband had repeatedly declared that the revolver was supplied by Thompson. The revolver, fully loaded, was still carried by Ashbridge when he was captured in the Keystone Hotel...... ..... by Recorder Stackhouse without bail for conspiracy in aiding and abetting the escape of her husband and George E. Thompson from the County Jail on Monday night. The court room was packed to suffocation by a morbidly curious crowd, composed primarily of women. A strange silence spread through the court room when the little woman was led into the court room by Captain Schregler. The regular formality of placing prisoners in the dock was dispensed with the woman's case. Prosecutor De Unger pointed to the high witness chair and Mrs. Ashbridge sat in it. She evaded the gaze of the crowd, looking intently at the floor and through a window on the Washington Street side. She wore a blue skirt and a white waist. She was without her hat. her hair was carefully arranged and she wore nose glasses. Resting her chin on her right hand her arm and hand were seen to tremble slightly. So quiet was the room that a pin dropping could have been heard. "Mrs. Marian Ashbridge," called the Recorder. "Yes, Sir" was the faint reply of the woman, who did not even look up at the call of her name. "This complaint charges you with delivering to Wilson Ashbridge and George E. Thompson a pistol and aiding and abetting them in escaping from the County Jail, where they had been lawfully committed. Do you plead guilty or not guilty," said the Recorder as he read the complaint. "The woman said nothing. Detective Schregler was then called as the complainant. He told of the confession made by the woman and produced the revolver which the woman purchased and which Ashbridge used in his daring escape. The gun, Captain Schregler said, was purchased in a pawnshop at Eleventh and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, on Friday of last week and was delivered to Ashbridge on Saturday morning along with a box of cartridges. "Marian, I will hold you without bail,": said the Recorder. As the woman was being led from the court room by Captain Schregler and Sergeant Reed the crowd made a rush for the door leading from the court room, whereupon orders were given by the police to the crowd and many were prevented from rushing out. Everybody seemed anxious to secure a closer look at the unfortunate woman. Visitors were denied Mrs. Ashbridge. Not even her children were permitted to be brought before her, although the broken-hearted mother asked for them. "Oh, God, I don't know why I did this; why I left the little ones to go with Wilson," tearfully expostulated Mrs. Ashbridge to the kind-hearted matron, who spent the best part of last night with the distraught woman. "If I could only see little Marian," sobbed the woman in the arms of Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who informed her that perhaps she could see them today. Last eveneing the only support Mrs. Ashbridge had was a cup of tea. The morning she sipped a portion of a cup of coffee. She told Matron Kirkpatrick that she was not hungry. :Everybody hounded me, I had no friends, and that's why I went with my husband, becasue he was the only friend I had left," said Mrs. Ashbridge. "He was a good boy, but was easily led." The wife said even before her marriage that Ashbridge would run around with other girls, but he always returned to her and she forgave him. She said he seemed to have a spell over her and she couldn't leave him. "I love my husband, still and will stand by him to the end," sobbed the little woman to Mrs. Kirkpatrick. She told how her relatives disowned her and how after her father's death she went to live with strangers. When her husband fostered the plan to escape she willingly consented to aid him. She drew $100 out of the bank and purchased clothes and the gun and bullets. She never faltered in her plan. "My heart aches for that woman," said Matron Kirkpatrick this morning to a Post-Telegram reporter. "She's a good girl, but was easily led into her present predicament. It only goes to show what a woman will do for the man she loves, no matter how base a wretch he may be. Mrs. Ashbridge is more to be pitied than scorned. Recorder Stackhouse this morning produced a copy of the marriage of the couple, performed by him on July 28, 1914. The marriage was performed at the instance of Assistant Prosecutor Butler after Ashbridge wronged the girl. Constable William E. Headley and William C. Ashbridge, the latter father of the murderer, were witnesses. As told in yesterday's Post-Telegram, Ashbridge and his wife and their captors arrived at the City Hall from Chester shortly after 2:00 o'clock. After a brief stay they were taken to the Court House and turned over to Prosecutor Kraft, Ashbridge being taken into the Prosecutor's private office and Mrs. Ashbridge being placed under guard in the ante room. Taking full blame for the murder of Hibbs and the wounding of Ellis, Ashbridge declared that none of the shots were fired by Thompson. "I shot both men," he declared, "but Thompson gave me the gun. He had it since Saturday." He repeated this assertion several times in the course of his examination, adding each time that his wife had no part in supplying the firearm. His voluntary insistence in..... .... exercise corridor of their cells in response to his request that he wanted to show him a note that had been left for him, he asked the aged keeper to step inside the corridor. Evidently suspecting something was wrong Hibbs refuse to enter the corridor. When Ashbridge repeated his request that Hibbs step inside, Thompson, why was immediately behind Ashbridge, said something to the murderer. Ashbridge could not exactly recall what the expression was. At any rate it was then that he fired and Hibbs fell to the floor with his death wound. To take Hibbs keys and open the door leading from the exercise room to the corridor was the work of but an instant. It was then that Ellis confronted Ashbridge at the other end of the corridor. He refused to throw up his hands when the murderer so ordered. Instead, the plucky jailor grappled with the slayer, who again brought the gun into play, twice wounding the remaining jailor. Ashbridge did not say why he wanted Hibbs to step inside the corridor. One surmise is that the pair had planned to get the old man into the corridor, overpower him, take his keys and after gagging him place him in a cell, depending ion the gun to awe any prisoners who might make an outcry. But whatever their plan was in this respect it miscarried. Hibbs would not enter the corridor and was shot down where he stood. Thompson carried both his own and Ashbridge's coats when they fled,. As Ashbridge had decided to do the talking with Hibbs when the jailor came to lock them in their cells it was agreed that it would not be wise for the murderer to be wearing a coat. This might look suspicious to Hibbs and in all likelihood he would refuse to open the door. Hence it was decided that Thompson should take both coats. He also carried Ashbridge's cap and his own Panama. The coats and harts were adjusted as they ran down the spiral stairway leading to the street. They walked slowly into Sixth Street; increasing their pace up Sixth Street after crossing Market and after turning into Cooper walked very rapidly. They turned north on Third Street to Main and thence to the Vine Street ferry, where they caught the boat leaving at 7:15 for Philadelphia. Landing on the other side the fugitives exchanged hats. They walked rapidly to Broad Street Station, where Mrs. Ashbridge was in waiting, this arrangement having been made when she smuggled the gun in to her husband on Saturday morning. Accompanied by Thompson the Ashbridges walked out Market Street to Thirty-second Street. Here Thompson left them and after walking the street for a brief while longer the slayer and his wife boarded a trolley car for Chester, where a few hours later the murderer's short-lived liberty was so dramatically terminated. Although jailor Ellis still insists that three shots were fired before he was attacked and in spite of the positive declaration of Alfred Williams, the trusty, that three shots were fired at Hibbs, Ashbridge claims that Hibbs was shot only once and that two bullets were used on Ellis. He said that the three empty shells which the detectives found in his pocket contained the only bullets fired in the jail. The post mortem examination made yesterday by County Physician Stem bears out his contention as to the number of shots fired. Only one bullet was found and that had penetrated the jailor's heart. "That's the truth about the shooting," declared Ashbridge. "I fired the shots- three of them in all- and the gun was given me by Thompson. My wife had nothing to do with it. Don't blame her." Enroute back to the prison from which he had made his tragic getaway on Monday night, Ashbridge passed through the ante room where his wife was under guard. He stopped, kissed her, gently caressed her cheek, told her not to worry and passed on to the jail, from whence his next exit will be to the electric chair. Haggard and very weak Mrs. Ashbridge was at once taken before the Prosecutor. With due regard for her condition Mrs. Ashbridge was handled very gently. At first she insisted that she had no part in getting the gun, but under skillful handling she finally broke down and confessed that she had supplied the revolver. She stated that on Friday night she received a letter from her husband telling her that he planned to escape from the jail on Monday night and that he needed a revolver to make certain that his scheme would not fail. He requested that she procure the pistol and cartridges and personally deliver them on Saturday. being anxious to aid her husband in every way possible she readily decided to do as he requested. Accordingly she purchased the needed articles in a Philadelphia pawnshop on Friday afternoon, paying $3.00 for the pistol and 67 cents for the cartridges. She kept them over night and on Saturday safely delivered the weapon and bullets to her husband in the bottom of a basket of fruit. At the same time Ashbridge asked her to go with him and when she agreed to share his fate he told her to meet him in Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, shortly after seven o'clock on Monday night. He further told her that he had carefully studied the situation and did not see how it was possible for his plan to miscarry. On Monday morning she sent her children to the home of Mrs. Anna Dick and later in the day sent the letter to Mrs. Dick telling of her "rash deed" and enclosing $10 for the children. As Mrs. Ashbridge told her story she spoke in a very low tone. Most of the time her eyes were cast down and as she concluded her brief narrative she sobbed convulsively and was in a state of utter collapse. Reviving somewhat when given cold water Mrs. Ashbridge was turned over to the police and taken back to City Hall to await her hearing this morning. The prison key stolen by Ashbridge from Hibbs' murdered body was recovered this morning by Detective Doran in the yard of Dr. Frank, 2025 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. The recovery of the key was sue to information given by Ashbridge, after he had been locked up in jail yesterday afternoon. Ashbridge, when questioned as to the whereabouts of the key, said that Thompson had it and that he had seen him toss it over a wall of a residence near Twenty-third and Chestnut Streets on Monday night while he and his wife and Thompson were walking to Thirty-second Street. Detective Doran and Constable Voight went to Philadelphia late yesterday afternoon and searched in vain for the key in the vicinity of Twenty-third and Chestnut Streets until darkness came on. Detective Doran renewed the search early this morning. There is a high wall fronting the yard at the home of Dr. Frank, and a search of the grounds resulted in the finding of the key, which was returned to Sheriff Haines. Ashbridge is confined in a large cell in what is known as Section E. As cellmates he has two persons who are being held as witnesses to the crime. Sheriff Haines has assigned three constables, Gardner, Ford, and Addison. They will work on eight-hour shifts and will see that Ashbridge does not attempt any further escape or try to end his life. Sergeant Detective Kane of the Chicago Police Department today took to Chicago Alfred Williams, who was an eyewitness to the murder of Hibbs. Williams, an Italian, served six months here on a charge of false pretence in obtaining money from a number of Italian grocers under the pretence that he represented the Roma Grocery Company. After his arrest and sentence here the police of Chicago lodged a detainer against Williams who is wanted in the West for a like crime. The body of Jailor Hibbs will be exposed to view tonight at his home, 913 South 8th Street. Services will be conducted by Reverend Harry Bradway, pastor of Eighth Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Members of the Seventh Ward Republican Club, Mutual Aid and the Liberty Beneficial Society will attend in a body. Tomorrow morning the body will be taken to Langhorne, where services will be held in the Friends Meeting House, after which interment will be made in the burial ground by the Schroeder-Kephart Company. Friends may call this evening to pay their respects. Ashbridge will not be tried until December. On the day he was listed for trial of murdering Mrs. Dunbar his lawyer, Assemblyman Wolverton, was ill. In the interim the entire panel of jurors for the April term of court was discharged following a case of alleged tampering. This makes it necessary that he be held until September for trial unless the Court should otherwise decree, which is hardly likely. Ashbridge is 22 years old and not 27, as previously stated. His real age was disclosed by the certificate of his marriage. He was 20 when he wedded two years ago, The Howard Marshall who mailed a letter to a woman in Baltimore is not Freeholder Howard Marshall of the Eighth Ward, as was reported to the Prosecutor yesterday. Mr. Kraft's investigation disclosed that Freeholder Marshall does not know either Ashbridge or Thompson and that as a matter of fact the Marshall in question is an East Sider and to relative to the freeholder, who was naturally much upset at being mistakenly dragged into the case. E.S. Fry, proprietor of the Keystone Hotel, Chester, where the couple were caught, told the story of the capture both to the city police and Prosecutor Kraft. "Late on Monday night I received a call from another hotel, requesting that I take care of a man and his wife for the evening," said Mr. Fry. "I waited until a little before midnight when the couple arrived. He seemed nervous and registered in a shaky hand, and I was suspicious that there was something wrong." "I did not pay much attention to the way he registered until the next morning when I examined the register and saw that he had neglected to register his wife. He signed 'Mr. Smythe, Washington, D.C.' I communicated my suspicions to my wife and told her to go observe the couple, too. Then I went out on the porch and picked up a morning newspaper. On the front page were the pictures of the two men who escaped." "I instantly recognized Ashbridge, but was not just sure of my identity of the man, so I decided to get a better look at him. At the breakfast table I observed him more closely and feeling sure of my ground I called Captain Schregler, afterward securing the service of two negro policemen, whom I placed on guard outside the hotel, giving them orders not to allow the couple to leave. The officers, William Padgett and William Robinson, took their positions outside the hotel, ready for the signal to enter when I gave it." "Ashbridge arose." "What's the matter," he exclaimed. "You know what's the matter," replied Mr. Fry, who brought in Captain Schregler and Detective Hunt. Schregler and Hunt instantly recognized the fugitive. Before Ashbridge had a chance to move his arms were pinioned by his sides and Policeman Hunt had extracted the murder gun from his right hip pocket. It was fully loaded. In the same pocket were seventeen additional cartridges and in a suitcase in his room, Number 9, was a fresh box of cartridges. "The little wife was crying bitterly," said Mr. Fry. "She leaned her head upon his shoulder and the husband tried to console her." Captain Schregler sent a telegram to Chiefs Gravenor and Hyde with the startling news that Ashbridge had been caught. On the way back to Camden Mrs. Ashbridge began to cry. She was sitting beside Captain Schregler, and he tried to console her. Her sobs increased, and Ashbridge called to her to "take it easy". This seemed to quiet her a bit, and Schregler spoke to her kindly, saying that she would not be blamed very much for her part in the escape. "That's nopt worrying me" she answered. "I am worried about 'Wil'." "well you women beat me" was Schregler's comment. "What did you want to help him escape for, anyhow? He had beaten you, deserted you for another woman and when she turned him down, he killed her. Yet you make up with him, leave your kids and risk everything to help him escape. Seems to me the worse men treat you women, the more you will do for them." "Lots of truth in what you say'" remarked Mrs. Ashbridge, with a sigh. Mr. Fry was the center of attention. Everybody seemed anxious to hear his story. "I'm not going back until I collect that $500 either," he was heard to say. The capturer was formerly coroner of Delaware County. Scenes of excitement were prevalent when the automobile of Chief Gravenor with Detective-chauffer David Hunt at the wheel, Captain Schregler and the prisoners in the rear and Chief Dodd, of the Pennsylvania Railroad police force in the front seat came from the Federal Street Ferry. E.S Fry, the hotel proprietor who caught the Ashbridges, was also in the car. Ashbridge and his wife were instantly recognized. The news spread like wildfire and was passed along the route of the machine to police headquarters. Thinking that the prisoners would be brought to the Prosecutors office, a battery of newspapermen and photographers were camped on the Court House plaza. When someone cried in bellowed tones "There they go", the scribes and photographers started in hot pursuit behind the automobile. The officers upon reaching the City Hall had to fight their way through the dense crowd which had gathered outside Police Headquarters. Many stood tiptoed to get a good glance at the prisoners who were abashed at their predicament. Pulling her black straw hat over her face, Mrs. Ashbridge leaned on her husband's arm. To hide his face the murderer pulled the Panama hat, which he had secured from Thompson, over his countenance. Preliminary questioning was done by Captain A.L. James, after which the officers and prisoners were escorted upstairs to the office of Chief Gravenor. Still clenching the stump of a cheap cigarette in the corner of his mouth, Ashbridge had a pitiful look on his face. He was much thinner than he was when he was arrested for the murder of the Dunbar girl. On his upper lip was a small mustache, which he raised during the last week. His beautiful and baby-like eyes still retained their piercing stare. The murderer looked wild-eyed at persons in the room. He seemed to take delight in singling out persons in the room and "staring them out". None seemed courageous enough to return Ashbridge's strange stare. He looked distressed but the only betraying sign of nervousness was his incessant twitching of his fingers. Sweated on the couch in the chief's room, Ashbridge talked freely. His wife dried away the tears as they trickled down her reddened face but after regaining her composure she seemed quite calm. She intently watched Captain Schregler and Detective Hunt as they searched through her husband's clothes. When the trip for the Court House was being arranged the two prisoners, still handcuffed together, walked in the outer room of the chief's office. It was then that the wife broke down slightly. She choked back a sob and leaned her head on her husband's shoulder. Ashbridge did likewise and patted her on the back, at the same time, saying something in a suppressed tone of voice. The only persons in the room at the time were Assistant Chief Hyde and a Post-Telegram reporter. Neither was able to catch the words uttered. Captain Schregler, Chief Gravenor, and Detective Hunt later entered the room and the start for the Court House was made. The crowd below which was camped about the entrance to the building awaited with patient expectancy, when the news was spread that the prisoners were leaving the building. Camera men took their positions, ready to snap the couple, but the Ashbridges fooled them. Before the door leading to the street was opened Ashbridge drew his wife to him and with their free hands pulled their hats over their faces, thus eluding the photographers, who resorted top every means to secure a photograph. Once inside the automobile the prisoners seemed content until the Court House was reached when another large crowd was on hand to great them. Both repeated the trick of hiding their faces. After Ashbridge was taken to his cell his wife was ordered taken to the detention department in the City Hall. Captain Schregler and Detective Hunt half-carrying the sobbing and broken-hearted woman, who has aroused some sympathy for her courageousness in taking such a desperate chance for the man she loved, the father of her children and a cruel murderer. "What other woman would do as much as she has for her husband," was the query advanced by one of the spectators in the Court House corridor as Mrs. Ashbridge passed through on her way to the waiting automobile. |
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Camden Post-Telegram * July 20, 1916 |
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FORGER
THOMPSON STILL AT LIBERTY Evidently in hiding, George E. Thompson, who escaped from prison with Wilson Ashbridge on Monday night after Murdering one jailor and wounding another, is still at liberty. No trace of him has been found after he left Ashbridge and Mrs. Ashbridge at Thirty-second and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, on Monday night, and the police and county officials have assumed a policy of watching, waiting, in the hope that the hundreds of circulars sent to the police all over the country will be productive of the capture of the fugitive or at least some real clue as to his whereabouts. Ashbridge
has not eaten anything since his return to the jail. This, however, is
not regarded by the prison officials as a hunger strike. A man who had
gone through what Ashbridge experienced in the last three days is
naturally not hungry and the fact that he had not touched the food
served to him is not causing any worry. Just as soon as his nerves
settle a bit and he becomes resigned to his fate Ashbridge will likely
eat as heartily as before. The
murderer is much more composed today than he was yesterday. Practically
all of yesterday he spent pacing the narrow confines of his cell in
Murderers’ Row and for the greater part of the time he was crying.
Toward evening he became less restless. A little after 9:00 o’clock he
threw himself on his bunk and was soon in a sound sleep, which lasted
until 6:00 o’clock this morning. The
food handed into the double murderer through the opening in the door of
his cell has been taken out untouched, and not a mouthful of the
nourishment has been taken by the prisoner. He drank freely of water and
craves for tobacco, which thus far has been denied him. The food served
him is the same given the other prisoners. In the morning it is half a
loaf of bead and a cup of coffee. For dinner they get pea or bean soup
with bread, and for supper some sort of stew or soup with bread and
sometimes boiled potatoes with the skins on. Fish is served on Friday.
None of this has looked good to Ashbridge, who probably would not touch
a more tempting menu. At
any rate he has not asked for anything for the very simple reason that
he is not hungry. Seemingly
more composed and realizing the gravity of her position, Mrs. Ashbridges
still languishes in the detention Department of Police Headquarters,
where she is under the care of the kindly matron, Mrs. Kirkpatrick. The
woman frequently expresses her regret for her rashness. She confides in
Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who has given her every care. “I don’t know why I did it,” said Mrs. Ashbridge to the matron several times. "Oh, I wish someone had shot me, because I deserved it," she tearfully cried when the matron tried to console her. To Jailor Fred Lechleidner, who knew her when she was a little girl, Mrs. Ashbridge also expressed regret for her act. Since her hearing yesterday the woman has talked very little of her husband. When mention is made of his name she seems indifferent, and the police suspect that her affections for her murderer-husband are cooling. When told that Mrs. Gick had agrees to take her two children to Wildwood for a vacation, Mrs. Ashbridge smiled and clapped her hands in joy. "Thank God for that; I know they'll be alright now" she said to the matron. For supper last night Mrs. Ashbridge ate a chop, a large quantity of tomatoes and potatoes, a cup of tea and some sliced peaches. She said she felt much better after eating. For her breakfast she ate two slices of toast and drank a cup of coffee. Mrs. Kilpatrick said she slept soundly all thorough the night and arose about six o'clock this morning. The circular being sent out to the police all over the country contain front and side likenesses of Thompson and read as follows: $500
REWARD On July 17th, 1916 at 7 o'clock p.m., George E. Thompson, alias Francis Murphy, shot and killed a jailor at Camden County Jail, Camden, New Jersey, shot and wounded another jailor, and escaped. George E. Thompson, alias Francis Murphy, is white, 41 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches in height, weighs 175 pounds, has dark brown hair mixed with gray, very bushy, light complexion, gray eyes, smooth face, first and middle finger of his left hand are missing, wears nose glasses. He was confined in the County Jail on charges of forgery and obtaining money under false pretences. He is well-educated and represents himself as an attorney-at-law. Bertillon measurements: 70; 70; 91-0; 19-1; 15-4; 0-2; 12-4; 24-4; First and L.M. Fing missing; 8-4; 43-8. Five hundred dollars reward will be paid for the arrest or information leading to the arrest of this man. The circular, which is signed by Prosecutor Kraft and Chief of Police Gravenor, discloses the fact that the first and middle fingers of the fugitives hand are missing. In the prior descriptions mention was made of but one finger gone. The fact that two of his fingers are gone should serve to make his capture all the more certain should he venture out in Public. City and county detectives spent several hours in Philadelphia last night scouring the Tenderloin and other places where crooks are likely to gather, but no trace of the fugitive could be found. Asked today if he would represent Ashbridge for the murder of Hibbs, Charles A. Wolverton, who is counsel for Ashbridge on the charge of shooting the Dunbar woman, said: "As an officer of the court I am subject to whatever order Judge Garrison may make. In representing Ashbridge in the former matter I am operating under an order of the Court which was made by Judge Garrison on the application of Ashbridge for counsel to represent him, as he was without means to employ counsel. For a great many years it has been the custom of the Court of this country to grant such requests and this was accordingly done when Ashbridge made application; in fact, it is a right that the accused person has under the laws of the State. Whether I will be appointed to act for him in this last case I do not know. The matter is entirely in the hands of Judge Garrison, who has the right to appoint any member of the Bar he desires." Provisions for the temporary care of the Ashbridge babies- Marian and Thomas- was made last night. Mr. and Mrs. Gick, of 2744 Pierce Avenue, East Camden, notifying Secretary Walsh, of the S.P.C.C. that they would take the kiddies with them to Wildwood this afternoon. Jailor Ellis is rapidly recovering at Cooper Hospital, Police Surgeon Schellenger stating today that is condition is fine. |
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October
1920 |
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(Mt. Holly) New Jersey Mirror - October 20, 1920 |
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Hacked Remains of David Paul, Missing Bank Messenger, Discovered by Gunners. The Authorities of Burlington county have another baffling murder mystery to solve. On Saturday four duck hunters, William and James Cutts, and C.B. Inston, of Tabernacle, and George W. Duncan, of Audubon were passing through the pine forest at Irick's Crossing, near Tabernacle, when their attention was attracted by an automobile track following an old and rarely used trail leading to a stream toward which the gunners were making. As the car was miles off the nearest traveled road the tracks aroused the curiosity of the men and they followed them. In a short time they came upon a freshly made mound over which dead leaves had been thrown. Leading to the mound from the shallow stream nearby were tracks of men and also marks as though some heavy object has been dragged by the men making the tracks. Thinking perhaps that a deer had been shot and secreted there, one or two of the men scratched around the end of the mound with sticks and within six inches of the surface a human foot was unearthed. This put an unexpected phase upon the situation and the gunners decided to let Sheriff Haines continue the investigation. Word was hastily phoned to the jail at Mount Holly and the Sheriff and Detective Parker lost no time in reaching the scene of the tragic discovery. The new-made and crude grave was then opened under the Sheriff's direction. The body proved to be that of a man, fully dressed except for his coat which was lying buried deeper and under the body. The feet were tied with a heavy rope such as is used in towing automobiles and they were resting upward and back over the dead man's head. As soon as the features were uncovered Sheriff Haines recognized the dead man as David S. Paul, of Camden, a bank runner, who had been reported missing by the Broadway Trust Company of Camden ten days before, with $65,000 in cash and liberty bonds and $12,500 in checks besides a number of cancelled checks. The body was badly mutilated and it was evident that a brutal murder had been committed. Apparently Paul had been dead but a few hours and the remains were in a good state of preservation when discovered by the merest chance by the gunning party. There was a deep gash on the head as though made by a axe or hatchet, and the forehead was crushed in. Another ghastly wound just above one ear, alone was sufficient to have caused almost instant death. Every indication pointed to the man having been killed and buried within twenty-four hours of the discovery of the crime. The rigor of death had not yet set in and the victim's face appeared to have been freshly shaven. The marks on the ground accompanying the feet tracks leading from the stream about a hundred feet away, were quickly explained when the body was unearthed. Evidently those who brought the body to the unfrequented spot had attempted to secret it in the stream, but finding the water too shallow to conceal the corpse, they had dragged it out again by the rope which bound the feet and pulled it to the spot where the grave was quickly made and the body of the unfortunate man shoved into it. The clothes which Paul wore bore every evidence of being new. The shoes also had evidently just been purchased and the soles bore no evidence of wear. A search of the body failed to reveal any of the cash which the bank messenger is alleged to have taken when he so suddenly dropped out of sight while on his way across the ferry to go to a bank in Philadelphia to take the money, securities and checks for his employers. Only one cent was found in the pockets of the dead man. In the coat was a bundle of checks, said to have been cancelled. There had been no attempt to conceal the identity of the dead man. His watch which had stopped at 9:37, was found in his pocket and a stickpin and in his tie and (as written) a pair of sleeve buttons remained in the cuffs. How the dead man came to his untimely end and how his body happened to be buried in the far away spot in the pines miles from any human habitation, was a mystery when the body was first discovered and it seems to be as much so today, although the authorities here, as well as those of Camden and Philadelphia, are exerting every effort to run down the criminals. It will be recalled that Paul, who was 59 years of age , enjoyed the confidence of the bank officials by whom he had been employed for many years. He was a recent visitor in Mount Holly where he had a son, Harry Paul, and other relatives. On the morning of October 5 Paul started across the river to Philadelphia in company with another bank employee with a satchel said immediately afterward to contain $10,000 in cash and $12,500 in checks. This statement has since been revised and the amount of cash and Liberty Bonds that Paul carried is now variously stated to have been from $45,000 to $65,000. Upon reaching the other bank the other employee became separated from Paul whether by accident or through Paul's design is not yet known and after an attempt to find him at the ferry house, he went at once to the bank and reported his companion's disappearance. The Central Trust Company was immediately notified and after all efforts to get in touch with the missing messenger had failed the Camden and Philadelphia police were asked to locate Paul. Nothing more was seen or heard of him until his hacked body was discovered in the pines near Tabernacle ten days after his disappearance. What the missing bank runner did during the interim, where he spent his time or with whom he associated while the police of the county were searching for him has not yet been learned but it is expected that the mystery will be solved before long. One clue which seemed to put under suspicion the occupants of a yellow car turned out to be valueless when the owner, hearing of the authorities suspicions, came forward, gave his address as Haddonfield and proved that he drove a party in his yellow car inspecting some real estate in the pines shortly before the discovery of the body of the murdered man. Detective Parker yesterday said that he had just picked up what he considered the first piece of valuable evidence in the case since he stated to work on it on Saturday. He declined to state what this evidence was for the present. There are endless theories being advanced as to how the dead man met his fate and in explanation of his disappearance with the large sum of money entrusted to his custody. Some officials incline to the view that Paul was killed either in Philadelphia or Camden and his body taken to the lonely spot at Irick's Crossing in the confident belief that it never would be discovered or at least not until time had obliterated identifying marks. Another theory is that the murdered man was taken alive in the automobile and killed near the spot where his body and rifled clothes were found. There is no means of telling which theory is correct at this time, quite as possibly both theories are at fault. The body was taken in charge by Coroner Isaac Clover who ordered it removed to the undertaking establishment of Cline & Sons, at Vincentown. There Dr. Longsdorf, of Mount Holly and Dr. Stein, of Camden, performed an autopsy, the result of which showed that Paul come to his death by wounds to the head, probably inflicted by a dull axe or hatchet. There was a conference in Mount Holly on Sunday in which officers of Camden and Burlington counties participated. Those taking part were reticent after coming out of the room in which that meeting was held. In the discussion of the crime and the preparation of plans for running down the murderers, if there were more than one, were Sheriff Haines, Clifford R. Powell and County Detective Parker, of this county, and Prosecutor Wolverton, and Detectives Schregler and Doran, of Camden county. A reward of $1,000 offered by the Broadway Trust Company for the apprehension of Paul shortly after his disappearance is to be increased now for information leading to the capture of his murderers. It is easily the most mystifying case that had come to the attention of the Burlington county officials for many years but they express confidence that it will be solved and the criminals run down. |
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(Mt. Holly) New Jersey Mirror - December 22, 1920 |
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It took the jury only twenty minutes to find Frank J. James guilty of the murder of David S. Paul, at he conclusion of the sensational trial in Camden on Monday night. The verdict carried with it the infliction of the death penalty upon the self-confessed slayer of the bank messenger, the jury refusing the appeal of the prisoner's counsel to exercise clemency and recommend life imprisonment instead of capital punishment. The verdict came at the end of the five-day trial, during which the defendant's oral and written confessions were admitted in evidence in the face of counsel's strenuous objection. Dapper and apparently self-possessed, James entered upon his ordeal last Wednesday but as the trial wore on and damning evidence piled up against him his confidence petered out and several times he collapsed, once having to be taken from the court room in order to allow him to regain his composure. The Camden court house was besieged by a great crowd which clamored for admission to the court room in which the trial was held but the greater number of curiosity seekers were turned away. James offered insanity in his own defense but the evidence sought to be introduced to show that insanity existed in James' family was ruled out and after this failure the insanity defense was virtually abandoned, lawyer Harris admitting to the court during his argument that acquittal would not be asked on the ground of the prisoner's mental irresponsibility. Emphasis was made of the jury's right to find the prisoner guilty of first degree murder with a recommendation to life imprisonment instead of simply finding him guilty of first degree murder, which without the recommendation mentioned carries with it death by the electric chair. A stirring appeal was made by lawyer Harris to the sympathy of the jury and the counsel was visibly affected by his own feelings as he spoke. He had known James from boyhood and his appeal for clemency evidently came from the heart. At the conclusion of argument Supreme Court Justice Katzenbach delivered his charge to the jury in part as follows: "It now becomes your duty to render a verdict on the question of the guilt of Frank J. James. You must be governed by the evidence; in determining questions of fact sole responsibility is upon you. Any comment I may make on the evidence is only to aid you. If there be in your minds a reasonable doubt you must acquit the defendant. 'Reasonable doubt' however, is not a 'possible doubt', because everything in human affairs is open to possible or imaginary doubt. "You will therefore, be justified in assuming that a criminal homicide was committed. The law provides that all murders committed in attempting to commit a robbery shall be of the first degree. You have three choices-of declaring James not guilty, of rendering a verdict of murder in the first degree with no recommendations, or of rendering a verdict of murder in the first degree with recommendations that he be sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor, and under the law I must be guided by your recommendation if so made." The jury was then sent from the court room and a recess was taken. This was at 4 o'clock. Upon resuming, an hour and a half later, the jury was summoned, it having been announced to the court that a verdict had been reached. When the foreman spoke for the twelve men composing the jury there was a tense stillness in the crowded court room. James seemed to be the most self-possessed of any of the principals in the trial. He presented a picture of composure although the grim set of his jaw indicated the great mental stress under which he was laboring. When the verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree was announced many of those in the room were visibly affected by the words which meant death to the accused man but James, who had almost miraculously recovered his nerve after the break-down during the early stages of the trial, was unmoved. As he was led away to his cell he turned and cast a searching glance over the crowded court room, looking for his relatives but they were not there, having anticipated what the verdict would be and wishing to avoid any more distressing scenes. As he passed out of the court room, to which he will be returned for sentence to the electric chair, James said to the officer who had him in charge, "It is no more than I expected." Counsel for the defense at once filed application for a new trial, and was given ten days in which to file his reasons. It is understood that his appeal will be based on three exceptions to the rulings of Justice Katzenbach. The crime for which James is believed to be certain to pay the death penalty, was one of the most brutal in the criminal annals of Camden County. According to James's confession he conspired with Raymond Schuck to decoy the bank messenger with whom they were both on friendly terms, into an automobile, while Paul was on his way from his place of employment to another financial institution with a large sum of money for the latter. Accordingly they timed their movements so that they met Paul soon after he had left the Central Trust Company on Broadway, and offered to take him to the Camden ferry. When they had entered the almost deserted driveway which parallels the iron shed on Market street leading to the ferry house, James struck Paul from the rear with a heavy piece of automobile spring, repeated blows rendering him unconscious. Paul was pulled back into the rear part of the car and Schuck it is claimed, at James's direction, started out of the city. On the way Paul partly recovered consciousness and pleaded for his life but James again struck him and later fired two shots into his victim's head with the latter's own revolver. The flight of the murderers with their victim's body then led them over into Burlington County. They kept going until they reached a lonely spot at Irick's Crossing near Tabernacle where they pulled the dead man out of the car and tying his feet threw the body into a shallow stream. |
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(Mt. Holly) New Jersey Mirror - December 29, 1920 |
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The trial of Raymond W. Schuck for the murder of David S. Paul, has been postponed from January 4 to February 7. Application for the postponement was made before Supreme Court Justice Katzenbach at Camden on Monday, by J. Russell Carrow, counsel for Schuck. Prosecutor Wolverton did not interpose any objection. The ground on which the postponement was asked was that time might be given for the drawing of a special jury panel. The postponement of Schuck's trial may result in putting off the sentencing of his confederate in crime, Frank James, already convicted of murder in the first degree. The State may want to use James as a witness against Schuck. The latter claims that he entered into no plot with James to murder Paul and that he had nothing to do with the actual killing, James said that Schuck was as deep in the revolting crime as the former and that as a matter of fact Schuck struck some of the blows that caused death. There is no attempt made to conceal the enmity between the two former friends. |
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(Mt. Holly) New Jersey Mirror - February 6, 1921 |
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Faces
Jury With a Smile: Mystery Woman Appears; Twice postponed, the trial of Raymond W. Shuck, of Camden, for the murder of David S. Paul, the bank messenger whose body was found in a shallow grave in the pines of this county last fall, was commenced in the Camden county court on Monday. Supreme Court Justice Katzenbach and County Judge Kates were on the bench. There was the same large crowd present at the sessions on the opening day as attended the trial of Frank J. James, who earlier was convicted of murder in the first degree for his part in the dastardly murder and is now awaiting sentence. Shuck, dapper and apparently confident of escaping the electric chair, sat beside his counsel, J. Russell Carrow, while the jury was being selected and appeared to take a keen interest in the selection of the talesmen. Frequently he leaned over to confer with his lawyer as though to offer suggestions as to the acceptability of otherwise of members of the special panel who were being questioned by Prosecutor Wolverton or Judge Carrow. Back in the audience sat Shuck's well-dressed and rather good looking young wife who had their small son with her. She was accompanied by friends and seemed to have the personal sympathy of everybody in the court room. She had remained steadfast in her faith in her accused husband and even in the face of evidence of his infidelity, her apparent affection for Shuck did not waver. Six hours were expended in securing twelve men tried and true, who were acceptable to both the State and defense. Counsel for Shuck challenged the array of talesmen on the grounds that there were no women in the panel. The challenge was not allowed by Supreme Court Justice Katzenbach, presiding judge. Finally the jury was made up and the trial at once began. Jacob Hill, a farmer., of Merchantville, was the first juror accepted and was consequently selected as foremen. Hill is a personal friend of the Shuck family. The other jurors follow: John H. Sibley, clerk, 576 Line Street, Camden; Charles Myers, painter, Pennsauken; Benjamin Hoffman, real estate, 1323 Broadway, Camden; William P. Fowler, manager, Westmont; George Riggs, retired, Merchantville; Charles Fells, farmer, Gloucester Township; Harry App, carpenter, Merchantville; Nathan Holland, huckster, Pennsauken; Harry Fifield, mechanic, 712 Haddon Avenue, Camden; William H. Gourley, farmer, Pennsauken; Joseph Keegan, retired, Haddon Heights. Keegan is sightless. Despite his condition he was accepted after withstanding cross-examination. When Prosecutor Wolverton, with out attempt at oratory of the theatrical but in an even, conversational tone, opened the case for the State and outlined to the jury what the prosecution would undertake to prove, Shuck at times gulped hard and seemed to be having a difficult time to preserve his outwardly calm demeanor. The Prosecutor made it clear at the outset that the State would contend that Shuck had the part of the principal in the murder of Paul and that he dealt some of the blows which resulted in the bank messenger's death. Not only did the Prosecutor charge that Shuck dealt death-causing blows upon Paul but he also alleged that Shuck on two occasions previous to October 5 conspired with James to hold up and rob Paul of sums of money he was carrying. He named the north walk to Federal street ferry as the advantageous spot where the holdup could be staged. That allegation came as a great surprise and it is believed weakened Shuck's defense. The Prosecutor averred that he could prove to the jury that Shuck and James had twice before October 5 arranged to holdup, but failed to carry it out because their nerve failed them. The Prosecutor recited the details of the Paul murder. He explained that Shuck's previous statements that he knew nothing of any plot to rob Paul. He charged that Shuck was aware of the conspiracy and that he was a willing conspirator. Graphically did the Prosecutor relate how Paul was unmercifully beaten in James' automobile in the rear of the Market street walk to the Pennsylvania ferries. He further alleged that Shuck helped toss Paul over the front seat into the back of the car where James fiendishly wielded the automobile spring flange. It was also charged that Shuck dealt the finishing blows which silenced the pleading Paul, who begged for his life. The placing of Paul's body in the swamps at Irick's crossing near Tabernacle, Burlington county, and at the burial of the body later were related by the Prosecutor, who also told of how Shuck hid the money first in his own home and later in a grave in the Shuck family lot in Evergreen Cemetery. In closing the Prosecutor asked the jury to return a verdict of murder in the fist degree. The appearance of a handsomely dressed and rather striking looking young woman when the trial was begun, lent a new phase to the situation that was watched keenly by those who knew the facts. The young woman is known by the officers who have been working on the case as "Mysterious Mary". It is alleged that she kept $1,300 which Shuck left in her custody over night after the murder, he promising to buy her a $480 fur coat the next day, which he did. It is not alleged that this young woman with whom Shuck's relations are hinted to have been more than platonic, had any guilty knowledge of the crime or of her admirer's participation in it. She is believed to have told a straight story to the Prosecutor and it is the understanding that her presence at the trial is intended as a subtle threat by the State that if Shuck undertakes to lie on the stand and further becloud the situation, the woman known to (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5, WHICH WAS MISSING FROM THIS COPY OF THE PAPER...). |
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(Mt. Holly) New Jersey Mirror - February 23, 1921 |
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Harry Paul, of Mount Holly, son of David S. Paul, the murdered bank runner, of Camden, had been in attendance at the trial of Raymond Shuck, one of the murderers of the elder Paul, in Camden, when he was interviewed by a newspaper reporter on Monday. Here is what he said after stating that his mother has been in failing physical condition ever since the tragedy, and that he feared she would die as the result of her grief and the shock of the crime. "No matter what happens to these men- Schuck and James- it will not bring my father back to me. "I feel terribly sorry for the families of James and Shuck. No one has any idea of my sympathy for them. "But as for the men themselves, their conscience must be racked by the knowledge that their days seem to be numbered, and their end will be the electric chair. I cannot say I want to see them die as murderers. I cannot move myself to voice such an expression. "I cling to the belief, however, that if they do escape the death penalty, it would be a horrid example for other men with evil in their minds." It took the jury at Camden yesterday less than an hour to return a verdict of first degree murder against Raymond W. Shuck for his part in the murder of David S. Paul. The defendant had been subjected to a grueling cross-examination lasting nearly ten hours in all, by Prosecutor Wolverton, said to have been the longest line of interrogation of a murder defendant ever pursued in a trial in New Jersey. Shuck claimed that he was not a party to the actual murder but was compelled to drive the murder car and help dispose of the body of the victim at Irick's Crossing, near Tabernacle, this county, under threats of death by Frank James, already convicted of murder in the first degree and awaiting the sentence that will send him the electric chair. There was marked feeling between the two accused men when James appeared as a witness for the State. He made no effort to escape his own responsibility for the crime but stoutly maintained that Shuck had assisted in planning the crime and was equally guilty with him. Large crowds witnessed every session of the long trial which lasted all of last week and over into this, being concluded yesterday afternoon after the noon recess. It was evident that J. Russell Carrow, counsel for the prisoner, was fighting to save his client from the chair and that life imprisonment would be a welcome alternative. Even some of those who had worked on the case for the State were not sure that Shuck would be called upon to pay the extreme penalty for his complicity in the foul murder. A recommendation for mercy, included in the jury's verdict of first degree murder would under the law have required the court to pass a sentence of life imprisonment instead of capital punishment. Strangely enough, this bill was introduced and sponsored by Prosecutor Wolverton, when he was a member of the House Assembly some years ago. Shuck's wife stood by her dissolute husband throughout his trying ordeal and aided him in every way in his fight for life. She was evidently on the verge of collapse during the closing hours and when called to the stand fainted before she had been under the Prosecutor's questioning more then two or three minutes. She was not called back, nor was she in the court room when her faithless husband was pronounced equally guilty of the murder of Paul and started on his way to the death chair. He will be sentenced on a date to be fixed later by the court. |
| CAMDEN DAILY COURIER - JANUARY 24, 1922 | |
Charge
Detective Murry Protected Vice![]()
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John
B. Kates - Walter Keown - George
Ward - Howard Fisher -
James E. Tatem
Elisha A. Gravenor - E.G.C. Bleakly - Anthony "Babe" Paradise - "Pye" Calletino George Murry - William Draper - Tony Latorre - Ira Hall - George V. Murry Harry "Dutch" Selby - Gus Davis - Albert "Salty" Cook - Ned Galvin - James Wilson Sycamore Street - Pine Street - Rosetta Blue - Deena Howard - Minnie Draper Harry Knox - Blanche Martin - Jesse Smith - Antonio Pelle - Ethel Murray Paulo Genovese - Nazzara DeVecches - Nino Mercandino - South 2nd Street - South 3rd Street - South 4th Street - Line Street - Pine Street Ann Street - Baxter Street - Sycamore Street |
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| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 6, 1922 |
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Elisha
A. Gravenor - E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
A. Wolverton George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper -Anthony Latorre |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 12, 1922 |
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IRA HALL IS DISMISSED,
EVIDENCE Criminal prosecution of Detective George Murry and Policemen Tony Latorre, William Draper and Ira Hall for their alleged "protection" of vice in the downtown underworld loomed today. At a sensational hearing before the police committee of City Council last night it was unanimously decided to turn the mass of evidence against the four men, gathered by City Solicitor Bleakly, over to Prosecutor Wolverton's office. At the hearing, Policeman Hall was summarily dismissed from the department, classed as a "moral degenerate" and roundly flayed when, after he acted as his own attorney, he was cross-questioned by every member of the police committee. Hall was the only one of the quartette of accused officers who made any attempt to defend himself. Murry, Latorre and Draper resigned several days ago. At the police committee session last night it was the sense of the members that their resignations was a tacit admission of guilt and that their mere removal from the police department is not sufficient punishment for their underworld activities. The grand jury convened on Tuesday of this week. The next step will be the presentation of evidence gathered by Mr. Bleakly against the four men to the prosecutor's office who, in turn, will turn it over to the grand jury. Quick action may be expected, it was predicted today in official circles. Policeman Hall's friendship for Anthony Paradise, charged with peddling "dope", was brought out at last night's hearing. |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 12, 1922 |
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E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
A. Wolverton George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper -Anthony Latorre |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 12, 1922 |
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E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
A. Wolverton - Edward West
- Howard Fisher George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper - Anthony Latorre Anthony "Babe" Paradise - Minnie Draper - Jessie Smith 2nd Street - 26th Street - Pine Street |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 13, 1922 |
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E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
H. Ellis -
Elisha
A. Gravenor - Charles
A. Wolverton George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper -Anthony Latorre Howard Fisher - Albert D. Archer |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 16, 1922 |
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E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
H. Ellis -
Elisha
A. Gravenor - Charles
A. Wolverton George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper -Anthony Latorre Dr. A. Haines Lippincott - Gus Giuseppi Guarino - Benson Street Edward West - Lewis Stehr Jr. |
| CAMDEN COURIER * JANUARY 25, 1922 |
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E.G.C.
Bleakly - Charles
H. Ellis -
Elisha
A. Gravenor - Charles
A. Wolverton George Murry - Ira Hall - William Draper -Anthony Latorre Dr. A. Haines Lippincott - Gus Giuseppi Guarino - Benson Street Edward West - Lewis Stehr Jr. |
| CAMDEN COURIER - JANUARY 30, 1922 |
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Former
Detective Murry Drops Dead In Street George Murry, ex-city detective, who resigned from the police department after being charged with promoting vice In the Third and Fifth Wards, was found dead on a doorstep near Locust and Line Streets shortly after nine o'clock last night. A death certificate issued by Coroner Holl ascribes Murry's death as due to apoplexy, superinduced by acute indigestion. Grand Jury Probe Starts Murry's death came as a tragic aftermath of his exposure as a protector of prostitution and dope selling in the downtown tenderloin, in the role of which he is said to have amassed a snug fortune. His death automatically puts to an end the proceedings that were begun to present his activities in the tenderloin before the Grand Jury with a view of bringing criminal prosecution. Murry will be buried Thursday afternoon at Mt. Peace Cemetery, of which he was part owner. Funeral services will be conducted at the home and in the Macedonia Church, 3rd and Spruce Street, at noon. Neighbors Find Body Murry was 50 years old. According to his wife, Mrs. Cora J. Murry, former city detective had been suffering for several days with indigestion. After supper last night, Mrs. Murry said, her husband complained of feeling ill and she gave him a tablespoon of baking soda. He shortly after decided to take a walk in the belief the air might benefit him. Half an hour later, neighbors came upon his lifeless body across a doorstep on Locust street, between Beckett and Line Streets. The
body was carried to the Murry home, at 649 Locust Street, a few doors
away. Two physicians were called. Owing to
the storm, the doctors were delayed in reaching the house. Dr.
Clement T. Branch, of 721 Walnut
Street, the first physician to arrive, said he believed Murry had died
as he fell. Mother Died 2 Years Ago, Same Hour Besides his widow, Murry is survived by eight children, ranging in age from two months to 18 years. Curiously, Murry's mother died exactly two years ago, to the very hour. Murry was colored, although many persons were unaware of his race because of his light complexion. He was a tall, powerful man. He was more than six feet in height and weighed about 230 pounds. His complexion was ruddy and his hair iron gray. Murry’s death was a passing incident in the tenderloin today. Before he was shorn of his power, which he wielded proudly and with great vigor, his decease might have caused a great flurry. Murry, in the height of his power, was formidable, and a man whose favor the denizens and habitués of the underworld crave; stripped of that power, he was ignored and deserted as rats would desert a sinking ship Boss For Many Years His loss of power probably worried Murry more than the outcome over the exposure of the criminal phase of the exposure. Murry had been the undisputed political “boss” of the Third and Fifth wards for years. The transition was to great; his fall too disgraceful. Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton pointed out today that with Murry dead, the presentation of evidence of vice conditions in the Fifth Ward to the Grand Jury would be dropped for the present and in all probability for good. The reason is obvious, said Mr. Wolverton. “There’s nobody to convict.” United States Started Probe Murry’s downfall was due largely to the activities of attaches of the United States Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Bureau, who investigated vice conditions here at the request of the Camp Dix military authorities. Officers of the camp complained many of the men had contracted contagious diseases during visits to the tenderloin in South Camden. A series of meetings was held under the auspices of the bureau and a number of women prominent in social welfare work in the city. With the co-operation of the Federal authorities, the local police began a “cleanup” of the tenderloin. No one was spared. Dope peddlers, prostitutes, bootleggers and gamblers fell in the clutches of the authorities. Questioned, their stories seemed to coincide on one fact- that Murry was the “invisible government” which sanctioned or frowned upon their industry and who had to be “greased” if they wished to ply their trade without molestation or criminal prosecution. Three Other Members Accused Three other members of the police department were accused of malfeasance along with Murry. They are Policemen William Draper, Tony Latorre and Ira Hall. The three men were dismissed by the police committee of City Council. Hall, who opposed his dismissal and demanded a trial, was excoriated by the committee and summarily dropped from the department. Murry resigned form the force declaring that the evidence against him was untrustworthy, having been obtained from dope fiends and “other irresponsible people”. It was understood, however, that he resigned, believing it would put an end to the proceedings. He seemed to worry over the contemplated action by the Grand Jury. Said He Amassed Wealth Murry, however, boasted openly he had amassed wealth while he reigned as the “tenderloin boss.” “I’ve got mine,” he declared only recently. “I’ve got enough to keep me and my family in clover for the rest of our lives. If they let up on me and don’t push this jail thing, I’m willing to lay down.” In addition, Murry was specifically charged with accepting graft from dope peddlers and with “tipping off” criminals against whom warrants were issued in City Hall. City Solicitor E.G.C. Bleakly drew up the complaint and charges against the detective. Commenting on the charges when the were first made public, Mr. Bleakly said: “From the statements I have obtained it would seem this officer has been exerting himself as a protector instead of a detector of crime and criminals. If the facts elicited are true, Detective Murry, instead of protecting the good name and citizens of our city, as he was paid to do, has been accepting pay from the citizens of the underworld to protect them in their evil practices.” In Department 16 Years Murry was a member of the police department for 16 years, having been appointed in 1905. He was made a detective in 1913. |
| Charles A. Wolverton - Arthur H. Holl |
| CAMDEN COURIER - JANUARY 31, 1922 | |
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George
V. Murry -
Joseph Totarella - James
Corea - John S. Roberts Charles A. Wolverton - Arthur H. Holl |
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| Camden Courier-Post - January 7, 1928 |
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Civil War Vet Seeks Proof Of Service to Get Pension Faced with the prospect of going to the poorhouse or starving to death, an 84 year-old Camden Civil War veteran was today attempting to find someone to substantiate his story that he once served in the Army of the Republic. Andrew Jackson, who lives at 134 North 37th Street, has enlisted the aid of Congressman Charles Wolverton in his “fight to live.” “I enlisted at Plymouth MA in the Twenty-Ninth Company,” he says. That was back in ’64. When I was discharged I was too proud to accept a pension. I thought the money should go only to men who were totally disabled. Now I need help. My house is mortgaged and I can’t make both ends meet.” The Pension Bureau has no record of Jackson having served in the Twenty-ninth Company and no members of that outfit are still alive to substantiate the Camden man’s story. His only hope to receive government aid is to locate his discharge. He has also written to Plymouth officials asking for a list of men recruited in his company. |
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Camden Courier-Post - January 7, 1928 |
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23 YOUNG AMERICANS ANXIOUS TO BECOME GENERALS OR ADMIRALS |
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Twenty-three South Jersey youths are shown taking the United States Civil Service Examination to qualify for appointments as students at West Point and Annapolis. Congressman Charles A. Wolverton will appoint one boy to the Military Academy at West point and two boys to the Naval Academy at Annapolis. |
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23
TAKING EXAMS FOR U.S. ACADEMIES Twenty-three
candidates for appointment to the United States Military or Naval
Academies participated in the preliminary examinations held in Camden this
morning. All
of the youths reside in the First Congressional District of New Jersey,
and have attended South Jersey high schools or preparatory schools.
Congressman Charles A.
Wolverton will appoint one youth to a vacancy at the military academy
at West Point NY, while two youths will be named for the naval training
institution at Annapolis MD. The
tests today were held at the Camden Y.M.C.A. under the supervision of the
United States Civil Service Commission. Earl C. Sheffer and Charles G.
Powell were examiners, while Miss Dora E. Yuschincky, private secretary to
Congressman Wolverton,
also officiated. After
the papers are marked and graded by the commission, they will later be
sent to Congressman Wolverton to aid him in making his appointments. The
tests today are but preliminary examinations, for after receiving their
appointments, the candidates must qualify at their respective academies to
gain entrance as students Two
youth took examinations for both West Point and Annapolis. They are John
W. Parr and Louis G. Soistman Those who took the tests for Annapolis are as follows:
Harry L. Broy, John Milton
Davidson, George R. Fink, Norman W. Frazier, Frederick Holton, Edward
Leigh Hutchinson, John Louis Koehler, Charles W. Larzelere Jr., John H.
Peterson, Alvin B. Pitman 3rd. Charles R. Skerrett, John
R. Spiers and Robert S. Irving. The youth who took the West Point Examinations are Albert S. Adams, Dominic Apostoli, James Winfield Coutts, Joseph J. McCullough, Benjamin F. Mercer, C. Harlow Miles, Harry W. Young, and William A. Nichols. |
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Camden Courier-Post April 3, 1928 Michael Walsh |
| Camden Courier-Post - October 23, 1931 |
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Political Paragraphs A. Harry Moore, Democratic candidate for governor, is scheduled to speak at the meeting of Gloucester Democrats in the city hall there next. Wednesday night. The meeting will be in charge of Mayor J. Emerson Jackson and the county Democratic committee. Gloucester Republicans tonight will hold a rally at the headquarters of the city committee, 104 North King Street. The Polish-American Women's Citizens Club, in its recent resolution pledging support to David Baird, endorsed a candidate for the first time in the club's six-year history, according to Mrs. Priscilla Ciechanowski, secretary. The club is two to one for Baird, she said. Other officers are Mrs. A. Bec, president; Mrs. H. Stojak, vice-president, and Mrs. A. Skierska, treasurer. A huge new sign, in vivid lettering, has appeared on the east side or Admiral Wilson Boulevard, south of Baird Boulevard, urging a vote for Baird November 3. It is one of the largest campaign signs in Camden County. Congressman Charles A. Wolverton is appearing almost everywhere with Baird. The congressman is one of the gubernatorial nominee's ablest campaign advisers. He was with the candidate at the Trenton convention of the New Jersey Taxpayers' Association Wednesday. David Tattersdill, Broadway merchant, is among the latest members of the Speakers' Bureau at Republican headquarters, Broadway and Stevens Street. He is one of the organizers of the Forty-second Street Baird Boosters' Club. Seventy-two hundred applications for challengers were received Tuesday afternoon, the deadline, by the Camden County Board of Elections. Of the total, 4000 were for challengers for Republican candidates and the remainder for Democratic candidates, including those seeking office as governor, freeholder, justice of the peace and various borough and township offices. No Socialist or prohibition applications for challengers were filed here. Joseph
A. Varbalow, former assistant prosecutor, was so eager to read Moore's
speech he had to borrow a cent from Chief of County Detectives Lawrence
T. Doran to buy the Morning Post. |
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Camden Courier-Post * October 29, 1931 |
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BAIRD TO ADDRESS HEBREW LEAGUE David Baird, Jr., Republican nominee for governor, will make his final appearance in the current election campaign Monday night, in his "own home town," when he will address a monster rally at the Hebrew Republican League, at the Talmud Torah, 621 Kaighn avenue. The Hebrew league reorganized formally at a luncheon in the Hotel Walt Whitman. Lewis Liberman, assistant city solicitor, was elected president; Sig Schoenagle, Samuel Shaner, Israel Weitzman, vice-presidents; L. Scott Cherchesky, secretary, and Samuel Label, treasurer. Trustees of the league include Hyman Bloom, Mitchell E. Cohen, Benjamin Friedman, Jacob L. Furer, Isadore H. Hermann, Carl Kisselman, Edward Markowitz, Louis L. Markowitz, Harry Obus, Maurice L. Praissman, Samuel Richelson, Meyer L. Sakin, Julius Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenkrantz and Jack Weinberg. In addition to former Senator Baird, speakers at the Jewish rally will include Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republican state committeewoman and vice chairman of the county committee; Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Congressman Benjamin Golder, of Pennsylvania, and State Senator Samuel Salus, of Pennsylvania. |
Camden Courier-Post - October 31, 1931 |
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BAIRD
AND LARSON AT BIG RALLY TODAY David Baird and Governor Morgan Larson will be the principal speakers this afternoon at a rally of more than 5000 Republican workers and other Baird supporters at Convention Hall. Walter S. Keown, chairman of the Camden County Republican Committee, and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, State committeewoman and vice chairman of the county committee, will preside at the rally. E. Bertram Mott, chairman of the State committee; Representative Charles A. Wolverton and other State and county leaders are expected to attend. Workers from all sections of the county are expected at the meeting. Reports received at Republican headquarters will be made to the workers on the progress of the campaign. Leaders in Baird's campaign for election as Governor said last night that reports from various sections of the State show increasing Baird strength in Democratic strongholds, principally Hudson county. They said his popularity throughout the State has increased materially in the closing days of the campaign, assuring his election by a large margin. "Voters are intelligent and they have been able to see through the smokescreen the Democratic speakers have created in desperate attempts to blind them to the real facts," said Mrs. Verga. "They have been informed of the scandalous conditions in Hudson County, and they will, make certain next Tuesday that the Hague stranglehold will not reach to other sections of the State. "The
increasing strength of Baird
throughout the State has made his opponents frantic, and they are
resorting to desperate means in a futile effort to turn the tide. They
are aware that the citizens of the State do not intend to be hoodwinked
by promises and will vote for a man who truly has their interest at
heart, and will do all within his power to advance the cause of the
State and its citizens. He has demonstrated his ability and sincerity
many times, not only in the interest of the people of South Jersey, but
for citizens throughout the State. “I
am confident he will be elected by large plurality and will be the
greatest Governor in the history of the State.". |
| Camden Courier-Post - March 19, 1932 |
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Wolverton
Hits At Dry Charges Congressman Charles A. Wolverton of Camden; made it plain yesterday that he will not permit dry leaders to attack him for his vote on the Linthicum-Beck resolution to go unanswered. Two attacks were made on him yesterday, Rev. James K. Shields, state superintendent of the AntiSaloon League, referred lo him as a speckled trout. Dr, Grafton E. Day, vice chairman of the New Jersey State Prohibition Committee inferred that an earlier statement by Wolverton explaining his views was untrue. "I am preparing a reply to Dr. Shields and in it I will tell a few things of interest to the voters”, Wolverton declared, “As for Dr. Day" the congressman said, "sincere but n1istaken.” Vote Surrender Superintendent Shields said in his attack on the Congressman: "Messrs. Wolverton, Perkins and Eaton, who were supported by the drys on their past records or personal pledges, did not wait for even a majority of one branch of congress, and that the wetter of the two, before they ran up the white flag, "If referendums to the people are so sacred, why were not these men willing to submit their opinions to a referendum of the people of their districts before lending their influence to the promotion of the wets' program '? Had they been willing to do this and been elected, no dry would have any right to complain. 'Dry As Ever’ “A letter this week, from one who voted Mr. Wolverton in his last election, speaks of how the congressman resented being questioned by one who asked him his stand on prohibition, saying: I am just as dry as I ever was." Of course, no one can deny that it raises the query- how dry is that? -for his vote, as well as that of Perkins and Eaton, counted just as much as the vote of Beck, Linthicum, Tinkham or LaGuardia in promoting the wet program. "Furthermore,
it is interesting to see how quickly the Association Against it the
Prohibition Amendment has added to its string of fish these three, fine,
speckled trout from New Jersey." Dr. Day’s letter Dr. Day sent the following reply to the Congressman: "I am in receipt of your letter giving your reasons for joining the wets. Knowing you as I have for 30 years I am not surprised nor do I blame you. Prohibition as we have had it, is discredited, but I am disappointed with your alibis. "Of course you quibble as to what President Hoover said and you forgot that he said that he was for the 18th amendment and wanted it to succeed, but that is a small matter with politicians. "Of course also you know that your statement 'this method is the only legal and constitutional way now available by which the will of the people can be ascertained' is not true. "In addition for purpose of your own you seem to forget that ours is a representative government and that the 'consent of the governed' is obtained by and through our representatives, but I'll not argue this. As you know there has been no real effort on the part of the Republican party in Camden to enforce the prohibition law. As you know saloons are licensed and these saloons by common knowledge sell intoxicating liquors, are in fact speakeasies, "That other speakeasies and worse places exist is also common knowledge. "Thus the bootlegger, the gangster, the racketeer, the kidnaper, is encouraged and grows out of this lawless speakeasy protected by the Republican party and its representatives. "Knowing these facts it is fair to assume that, as one of the inner circle of the Republican party you have approved the speakeasy and its attendant products, the bootlegger, etc., which has brought all law into disrespect or contempt. Since you are not willing to wage a fight to support the prohibition law, you propose in effect to surrender to the lawbreaker and become lawfully 'particeps criminis' with the liquor seller, "That's quite an easy way out. If I had thus encouraged such lawlessness as exist in Camden and had been able to get away with it for years, I suppose that I too, would follow the line of least resistance and become a champion of the wets. "The wets are rejoicing over your coming to them openly. The prohibitionists are to be congratulated that you with the other two formerly dry Congressmen from New Jersey have aligned yourself with your party as wet. "Your action perhaps more than any other thing that could occur in South Jersey, has shown the real drys, the prohibitionists, the utter hopelessness of non partisan prohibition. "Had your party enforced the law in Camden and elsewhere, there would have been no demand for its repeal. "The shameful, studied and purposeful betrayal of prohibition by the Republican party constitutes one of the most disgraceful chapters in the history of our country. "Prohibition has been betrayed, Prohibition has not yet been tried. Your party has scoffed at and scorned the law. Good riddance to you and your kind. "If
the people will now elect prohibitionists, prohibition will yet
prohibit.". |
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Camden Courier-Post - March 28, 1932 |
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CAMDEN VET GRANTED MAXIMUM U.S. PENSION Washington March 27.— Alfred Beardsley, 2992 Constitution road, Camden, N. J ., who served in the Spanish-American War and who has been on pension for several years, has been granted the maximum federal limit as a result of favorable action on a petition presented by Congressman Charles A. Wolverton. Another
resident of Camden, Chester Burnett, 710 Spruce
Street, a veteran of World War service, has been granted disability
allowance, Wolverton, sponsor of Burnett's petition, was advised.. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 4, 1933 |
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WOLVERTON
FAVORS U. S. PATRONAGE PROBE Washington, June
4.-Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, of Camden, N. J., a Republican,
voted with the solid Democratic majority for a resolution to have the
Civil Service Commission and federal departments investigated to
determine why certain states, including New Jersey, are not receiving
their proper quotas of civil service jobs. Introduction of
a table showing the number of U. S. appointments allocated to each state
and the number each now has, disclosed states near the District of
Columbia and a few others having as many as five times their quota,
while more distant states in some instances had only a fractional part. In the case of
New Jersey, it was found that the allocation is 1089 jobs, whereas there
are only 406 persons from that state in the federal service in the
classifications concerned. "I voted for the investigation because I want to see New
Jersey residents get their fair share of employment in the government
service," was Wolverton's only comment. |
| Camden Courier-Post * June 4, 1933 |
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Vets in Colorful Memorial Crowd Convention Hall More than 2500
persons attended a joint veterans memorial observance in Convention
Hall
which followed a parade of veterans and civic organizations yesterday
afternoon. To the martial
strains of bands and bugle corps, the participants marched from Fifth
and Cooper
to Seventh
Street; south to Haddon
avenue, then to Line
Street and the Convention
Hall. The parade was
headed by a squad of motorcycle
police under Acting Sergeant William Taylor. They were followed by the
band, headquarters, howitzer, medical and service companies of the 114th
Infantry in command of Capt. Mahlon
F. Ivins, Jr. Then came the
massed colors, National Guard, Naval Reserve, Disabled American Veterans,
John J. Pershing Camp No.9, United War Veterans, Gen. John A. Mather Post
No. 18, Spanish War Veterans with their fife and drum corps and the Clara
E. Waller Auxiliary; Posts 518 and 980 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and
their bugle corps; Mt. Ephraim Junior Legion, No. 150; and, bugle corps;
Public Service American Legion Post and bugle corps; Westmont American
Legion Post and bugle corps; 50 Pennsylvania Gold Star Mothers led by Mrs.
Mary E. Hewson; Elks color
guard and the Salvation Army and band. G. A. R. Vets
In Line Three veterans of the G. A. R., in
flag-draped automobiles, participated in
the parade. They were John W.
Coleman, 76, of 31 North Thirty-fifth
street, who served with the 19th Pennsylvania Cavalry; William A. Morgan,
93, of Clementon, who was with the 104th Doylestown Infantry, and Leonard
L. Roray, 89, of Glassboro, who served with Company H, Third New
Jersey Cavalry. Ceremonies at Convention
Hall opened with advance of the colors to the stage and
invocation by Rabbi Nachmann Arnoff. Rev. Charles
Bratten Du Bell, former chaplain of the 114th Infantry, delivered a
memorial address, taking as his subject the career of General
"Stonewall" Jackson. Congressman Charles
A. Wolverton after paying tribute to the G. A. R., Spanish American
and World War veterans, promised that Congress would make provisions to
support widows and orphans of veterans who need aid before adjournment
this Summer. Criticizes
Veteran Cuts He attacked any
plan for balancing the national budget which does so at the expense of the
veterans. "There are
two ways to balance the budget,'" he said. "One is to take the
money from the veterans and federal employees. The other is to require
wealth to help." American Legion,
Veterans of Foreign Wars and United Spanish War Veterans memorial services
and rituals also featured the program. Rev. Lewis A. Hayes, of Westmont,
pronounced the benediction. C.
Richard Allen, past county commander of the American Legion, was
master of ceremonies. The committee included Samuel Magill, Jr., chairman; Edward A. Stark, A. F. Klein, Joseph A. Kohler, Joseph Whyling, James J. Burke, Norval McHenry, Charles Buzine, William Amberg, James Milne, William P. Breen, William Miller, William Reinholdt; Edward J. Wintering, William Eisele, William Lloyd, Joseph F. Markley, Frank Ellis, D. J. Connors, Joseph Lounsberry and Charles M. Jefferies.. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 6, 1933 |
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South
Jersey Veterans Congratulate Wolverton Two South
Jersey veterans organizations last night congratulated
Congressman Charles A. Wolverton for his stand on pensions in the present
congressional fight. He
received the following night letter: "Camden
Post, 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the South Jersey Federation of
Veterans admire and appreciate your stand in regard to veterans
legislation as expressed in your speech in Convention Hall, Camden, on
June 4, and we feel sure in the belief that you will stand until the
battle is won. By
order of HENRY
G. ARMSTRONG, Post Commander. A similar
telegram was signed by Ruliff A. Marshall, chairman of the federation, and
Hilbman as secretary. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 7, 1933 |
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Wolverton Urges Boost in Veteran Allowances Washington,
June 6.-Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, of Camden, N. J., opposed
adjournment of Congress until there is an upward revision in benefits for
World War veterans, and in the pensions payable to others. Under
the economy bill, the administration proposed to effect savings which
would necessitate 50 percent slashes in the compensation for some grades
of disabled war veterans, and lesser to others in the service connected
class, while all non-service connected cases would be stricken from the
files. Although
there was strong opposition to this program when the appropriation for
the veterans' administration was before the House, the original
proposition carried. In the Senate,
however, an amendment was adopted
to limit the President to 25 percent cuts. This action will require appointment of conferees on the part of each body of congress. If the conference does, not reach an agreement, members of the House will have another opportunity to vote on the measure. Congressman Wolverton was not prepared today to state whether he would consider a 25 percent limitation to be sufficient assurance to the veterans or whether a stricter limit should be voted. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 10, 1933 |
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SOUTH JERSEY BOY ENDS FIRST WEST POINT YEAR Karl W. Schwering, of 322 Haddon avenue, Collingswood, has successfully completed his first year work as a cadet at the U. S. Military Academy, West Point. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schwering will spend a few days with their son, and attend the academy's graduation exercises. Karl was appointed by Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and entered the academy last July 1. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 12, 1933 |
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WOLVERTON IS WARY OF VET COMPROMISE Washington, June 11 - The White House compromise on war veterans' benefits, as delineated to date, is not satisfactory to Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, of Camden, N. J. The rebellious congress, surprised at the drastic reductions in compensation and pensions proposed under the schedule announced by Budget Director Lewis Douglas, has been told the President is agreeable to limiting reductions in service-connected cases to 25 percent of the amounts now being paid, and permitting those now being compensated under a presumption of service connection, six months in which to establish the fact that their disabilities are due to the war. Congressman Wolverton, sponsor of dozens of bills under which veterans of the Spanish-American War benefit, is much interested in this angle of the bill. It is expected that he will withhold his support unless there is a change in the regulation requiring veterans under 62 years of age to prove service connection. It is impossible to furnish such proof after the lapse of nearly 35 years and in view of the inadequate medical records kept in the war of 1898, he claims. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 17, 1933 |
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'ALL-NATIONS REVUE' PUT ON BY MISSION By ARCHIE HALL Europe was transferred to Third and Arch Streets last night, musically, vocally and spiritually, if not physically, when the "All-Nations Revue" was presented by C. Harold Lowden, noted Camden organist and composer, as one of the series of "indoor camp meetings" being conducted by Wiley Mission. The event was held in the old mail sorting room of the former
federal building, and a portion of the program was broadcast over WCAM, utilizing the new broadcasting apparatus
recently installed in the room converted into an auditorium. During the program,
Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M.
E. Church and founder and superintendent of the mission, Prior to the broadcast, Rev. Ella Nace, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, spoke for the "camp meeting" portion of the program. Before the mission "went off the air," Rev. Nace sang a hymn in Pennsylvania. Dutch. Bernard Poland, a member of the National Male Quartet, and associate of Henri Scott in concert and operatic work, directed the singing and also sang a tenor solo. Greetings from the Italian residents of Camden were extended by Rev. A. M. Galloppi, pastor of Italian Baptist Christian Center. William Viehweg sang a German song. Mrs. Blanche Goodwin, colored, sang "Nothing Between," a typical Negro spiritual. Brevity of the broadcast prevented the mission presenting all selections Lowden arranged. Plans for another "All-Nations Revue" will be made by Lowden. The large auditorium of the mission was filled with representatives of many nationalities, the largest crowd since the "Indoor camp meetings" started last Monday night. Tonight's program will be in charge of a delegation from the
Philadelphia Highway Mission and Jail Workers. The delegation will be headed by a band. Monday night has been set aside for the postal workers when "Welcome Back" night will be held. The clerks and carriers will present their own program, and the oldest men in point of service in each branch will be honored. |
| Camden Courier-Post - June 21, 1933 | |||||||
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| Camden Courier-Post - June 21, 1933 |
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STRATFORD BOY ENTERS U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY Edward S. Arentzen, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Arentzen, of Stratford, has entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland through appointment by
Congressman Charles A. Wolverton. Young Arentzen entered He was an honor student at Haddon Heights High School in the graduating class of last year, and later took a short course at Temple High School. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 22, 1933 |
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EDGE TO SPEAK HERE AT G.O.P.
RECEPTION Former Ambassador Walter E. Edge today sent word to the committee in charge, that he will speak at the reception and dinner being given June 29 to Commissioner Clay W. Reesman and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga in honor of their election as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Camden County Republican Committee. In addition to Ambassador Edge, United States Senators Hamilton F. Kean and W. Warren Barbour have accepted invitations. Others on the speaking list are: Mrs. Edna B. Conklin, member of the Republican State committee from Bergen county; former U.S. Senator David Baird, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Registrar of Deeds Joshua C. Haines and Assemblywoman Isabella C. Reinert, retiring chairman and vice chairman of the county committee. The reception is being held at the Walt Whitman Hotel, with tickets being distributed through county committee members. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 23, 1933 |
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WOLVERTON LEADS IN BIOGRAPHY SPACE Washington, June 22- Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, of Camden, leads the New Jersey congressional delegation in point of space utilized to record his autobiography in the new congressional record, just off the press, while the state's only woman representative, Mary T. Norton, of New Jersey, was a close second. Wolverton required 21 printed lines in the book to record the events which he considered proper for the purpose of a biographical sketch. Mrs. Norton filled 20 lines. The honors for brevity go to Congressman William H. Sutphin, of Matawan, who has the shortest biography in the entire boo, reading as follows: "William H. Sutphin, Democrat, of Matawan, N. J." Senator Hamilton F. Kean, of Elizabeth, utilized 16 printed lines, as against six used by Senator W. Warren Barbour, of Locust Point. The autobiographies range all the way from the one line length employed by Congressman Sutphin to upwards of 50 lines; some record high points of their political careers only, realizing it is generally known that the subject of the sketch is its author, while many others are of a type illustrated by that of Congressman F. H. Shoemaker, of Minnesota, who refers to himself as "the stormy petrel of Minnesota politics," and "an uncompromising fighter against special privilege and has a reputation for tipping over and wrecking political machines." . |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 23, 1933 |
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Congressman
Charles A. Wolverton
commented on the passing of Clara
S. Burrough,
long-time principal of Camden
High School: "I greatly deplore the fact that Miss Burrough has passed away. She was a wonderful leader. I was among her first students at Camden High School, graduating under her in 1897. To her I owe much of my success. I had a warm affection in my heart for her. She aided the faculty and school to attain greater heights. Her devotion to the Camden school system was a monument to education 'of 'our city." |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 29, 1933 |
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STATE
G.O.P. CHIEFS SPEAK HERE TONIGHT A testimonial dinner will be given tonight by the Camden County Republican Committee in honor of party leaders with former Governor Edward C. Stokes as principal speaker. Those to be honored are Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, vice chairman of the county committee and state committeewoman; Assemblyman Isabella C. Reinert, former vice chairman; Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, new chairman of the county committee, and Joshua C. Haines, register of deeds, the retiring chairman. Other speakers will include Mrs. Edna B. Conklin, national committeewoman from Bergen county; Congressman Charles A. Wolverton; former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., U. S. Senators Hamilton F. Kean and W. Warren Barbour and E. Bertram Mott, state chairman. State Senator Albert S. Woodruff will be toastmaster. Carlton M. Harris, chairman of the dinner committee, said last night that reservations have been made at the Hotel Walt Whitman for 500 guests and the committee is swamped with applications. Other members of the committee in charge of the dinner are William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer, and Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, secretary. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 29, 1933 |
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FILM
SUIT HEARING CALLED TOMORROW Arguments will be heard tomorrow in U. S. District Court here by Judge .John Boyd Avis on fixing a date for the resumption of hearing testimony against Warner Brothers and 13 subsidiaries in a suit charging violation of anti-trust laws. The suit to restrain Warner Brothers interests was filed in Federal court last .January by the Victoria Amusement Company, independent owners of a chain of theatres in Camden and vicinity. Joseph Varbalow, part owner of the company and counsel, will ask the court to fix July 5 and 6 as days for taking additional testimony in the case, which has been postponed several times. A. Merritt Lane, Newark, counsel for the Warner Brothers interests, will object to further testimony being taken until September. In affidavits filed with the court yesterday he states that he understood the case was not to be reopened until the Fall and he has arranged to take a Mediterranean cruise beginning July 1. Actual trial of the case has not been started as Warner Brothers have filed a bill of appearance, contending Judge Avis lacks jurisdiction in the matter because the contracts for New Jersey theatres owned by the defendants are signed in home offices in other states. Lane contends the New Jersey, theatres merely apply for picture contracts and they do not become legal until approved by the home office in New York. Lane lost a legal skirmish when Judge Avis refused to permit the transfer of the case to the U. S. courts in New York for the taking of testimony. The Victoria Amusement Company ,contends that Warner Brothers interests exercise an unlawful monopoly and restraints in distributing 100 motion pictures. It is charged favoritism is shown Warner Brothers theatres over independents, in violation of the Sherman and Clay antitrust laws. Thirteen subsidiaries of' Warner Brothers and, Albert Warner have been cited to appear tomorrow by Varbalow, who will have Congress man Charles A. Wolverton and Harvey F. Garr, as associate counsel. Among the defendants are the Stanley Company of America, First National Pictures Distributing Corporation, Vitagraph, Inc., First National Pictures, Inc., Warner Brothers Theatres Inc., and Stanley Company, of Camden. A number of secondary defendants are mentioned. |
| Camden Courier-Post - June 30, 1933 | ||||||
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Camden Courier-Post - September 18, 1933 |
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Camden Courier-Post - September 2, 1935 |
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WOLVERTON
BACKS CONGRESS ACTION Constitutional arguments before a test case has been settled by the Supreme Court, have no place in debates on legislation affecting the public welfare, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton said after his return from Washington Saturday. The
('congressman referred to the Guffey coal bill in particular, passage of
which he urged in the House before adjournment last week. Wolverton has
received a letter from William Green, president of the A.F. of L.,
thanking him far his support of the measure. While there may be a question of constitutionality, Congressman Wolverton said there was no question of the merit of the Guffey coal bill, which the President signed Friday, to relieve disgraceful working and living conditions of soft coal miners. The duty of Congress, he contended, is to attempt to relieve the conditions, and not argue on constitutionality. If the Supreme Court finds the law unconstitutional, Congress than has at least done its part, he stated. Quote From Speech Congressman Wolverton quoted as follows from his argument at the time of the bill's passage, as recorded in the Congressional Record: Mr. Speaker, the legislation now under consideration seeks to remedy a condition that adversely affects the welfare of thousands of workers their families and dependents. While there is a. difference of opinion as to the constitutionality of the act, yet there is no difference of opinion as to the meritorious purpose of the legislation. The unfavorable living and working conditions of those who labor in our coalmines has in some localities approached a disgrace. Time and time again the attention of the nation has been directed to these unwholesome conditions through prolonged efforts of mine workers seeking to correct them. No one in this House can plead ignorance of their existence. Nor will anyone deny the propriety or the duty of Congress to better such conditions by appropriate legislation. Opponents Offer No Remedy "Those who have attacked the proposed legislation and charged that it was unconstitutional, do not offer any remedy in its place. I cannot believe that our constitution, designed to protect the general welfare, has left us impotent to remedy a condition acknowledged to be detrimental to the welfare of such a large portion of the people. "It is the that eminent 'constitutional lawyers, both in Congress and out of Congress, have expressed differing views; with aspect to the constitutional features involved. Some have argued that the proposed legislation is clearly within the purpose and intent of the constitution and within the power of Congress to enact. Others have argued with equal sincerity and ability to the contrary. Who is right? Who is, wrong? Mere difference of opinion as to its constitutionality does not make it unconstitutional in fact. The binding answer can be made only by that great tribunal set up by the constitution, and which through our entire history as a nation has assumed the right to determine the constitutionality of acts of Congress- the Supreme Court of the United States. Leave It to Court "Furthermore, the fact that there has been so often a divided opinion in the court itself when passing upon constitutional questions, and, the right' of congress to enact certain legislation, inclines me to the opinion that when there is a wrong to be remedied, or a right to be asserted, there is sufficient justification for congress to act. If the Supreme Court subsequently upholds the constitutionality of the desired legislation then the good sought thereby is an accomplished fact. If, however, the court holds otherwise it may at least by its decision indicate the course that might constitutionally be followed by congress in future legislation. The sole duty of congress is to provide legislation which to the best of its ability, recognizes established principles previously laid down by the court. When it is a new path that is being trod the difficulty may be greater, but this does not of itself justify a refusal to act until there is a unanimity of favorable opinion. "Therefore,
being convinced of the need of this particular legislation, at this time.
I shall cast my vote for its enactment. If its constitutionality shall
hereafter be questioned, and the court shall find it to have been within
the right of congress to enact such legislation then I shall be happy in
the thought that I have made my contribution to an effort to improve the
living and working conditions of a class of workers who are sorely in
need. If, however, it should be found otherwise by the court, then I all1
conscious that in my, effort to help those in need, I have at least done
no harm to others.". |
| Camden Courier-Post - February 8, 1936 |
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Reserve Officers Plan 6th
Military Reception, Ball The
sixth annual military reception and ball under the auspices of
the Reserve Officers' Association will be held at the Hotel Walt
Whitman next Friday, February 14. Honor guests will include
officials of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard of the
United States and of the reserve corps of New Jersey,
Philadelphia and vicinity. Congressman and Mrs.
Charles A.
Wolverton, Mayor and
Mrs. Frederick von
Nieda, Rear Admiral S. Robison, U.S.N.,
(retired) and Mrs. Robison, Brigadier General Cyrus S.
Radford, U.S.M.C., (retired) and Mrs. Radford: Commander George
W. Keefe, U.S.N.R. and Mrs. Keefe and Col. E. O. Howell, Jr.,
commanding officer of the 309th Infantry, and Mrs. Howell, will
be among the honor guests. Jack
Wright will conduct the Penn Troubadors in providing music for
dancing the grand march which will be held late in the evening.
A reception in honor of Admiral Robison will follow. The
committee for the reception and ball is composed of the
following:
Capt. Henry Rosenfeld, Jr., of Mt. Holly, chairman; Capt. Luther
M. Mkitarian and Lieut. E. Bernard Weaver of Camden, president
of the local chapter of the reserves association; Lieut. John
B. Ward of Chews Lieut. William DeH. Washington, of Riverton;
Lieut. Robert Creighton, Lieut. Roy Evans, N.G.N.J., Ensign
Robert
Winkel of Audubon; Ensign Garold A. Moneysmith of Westmont; Lt.
Chas. Richardson and Lieut. John Neath of Haddonfield. |
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| Camden Courier-Post - February 2, 1938 |
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V.
F. W. Post Auxiliary Stages Party for 16th Anniversary Sixteen years ago the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mathews-Purnell Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was instituted. Last night the "coming out party," as the occasion was described by Mrs. Mary W. Kobus, Director of Public Safety, was celebrated by the women and the soldiery of the post. The affair had a dual importance, as it was not only the birthday of the auxiliary, with guests from the various parts of the State in attendance, but three gold star mothers were guests of honor. Two of those, gray-haired, solemn and maternal, were mothers of the heroes who died in France and for whom the post was named. With these gold star mothers were the fathers of these same lads. The parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Purnell, while the fifth member of the group, the third mother who gave up her son, is Mrs. Louise Atger. Parents Receive Honors As the names of these parents were called the entire gathering arose and stood in silent tribute. The event was at O'Donnell's restaurant, Thirty-ninth and Federal streets, and John Mullin, of Atlantic City, past department commander, was toastmaster. Mullin cited the affair as "the 16th wedding anniversary" of the auxiliary, as the speaker declared the auxiliary had married the post on that day 16 years ago. Mrs. Kobus was the first speaker. She is an honorary member of the auxiliary. "This night marks your entrance into society" said the commissioner, facetiously, "for whenever a girl gets to be 16 she puts on a new dress, comes out and starts to step out. I hope 'that you will always work with the post as harmoniously in the future, as you have done in the past. "On behalf of the City of Camden I want to congratulate the auxiliary and also to welcome the distinguished guests who are visitors tonight from other parts of our state." Mrs. Mildred Reed, president of the auxiliary, extended the welcome of the organization and congratulated the committee headed by Mrs. Theresa Mungioli, past president, for the manner in which they had functioned to make the dinner such a success. Commander Lauds Women Associated with Mrs. Mungioli on the committee were Mrs. Minnie Martin, Mrs. Anna Jackson, Mrs. Betty Donlon and Mrs. Helen J. Cholister. Charles Hewitt, commander of the Mathews-Purnell Post, extolled the women for their aid to the men, remarks which were emphasized by Freeholder Raymond G. Price, of the Eleventh ward, also a past commander of the post. "It is only fair to say," declared Price, "that it has been the women who have kept our post together. There have been times when we were ready to disband, throw up the sponge, but always the women stepped into the breach then, and carried us through the stress, emergency and trouble and kept the post alive." Mrs. Florence Stark, past national president, who instituted the auxiliary 16 years ago, marveled, she said, at the manner in which the growth and influence of the auxiliary had so far expanded and extended. Mrs. Stark also told of the meeting of the national defense committee which she had attended in Washington, and informed the members that Congressman Wolverton had delegated Mrs. Stark to present his regrets that official business detained Wolverton at the national capital. County Organization Praised Frances Fullam, introduced as a "Hudson County Democrat" recited the experiences she had known as she went on tour of the state with the commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently. "I want to say," asserted the, speaker, "that the turnout in Camden county was the best in the staff and that the county has every reason to feel proud of the strength and influence which it exerts in the ladies auxiliary in New Jersey." Mrs. Hazel Hines, Camden county president of the auxiliary, extended her congratulations as did County Commander Charles Franks and others, including Mrs. Maud Ryan, of Atlantic City, Mrs. Catherine Corbett of Pennsauken, and Mrs. Carrie Bean, senior vice president of the Department of New Jersey. Mrs. Mungioli was then called upon to congratulate her fellow workers for their unstinted help in making the affair the signal success which every speaker emphasized. Mrs., Joseph Snyder led the gathering in singing "The Star Spangled Banner," Commissioner |
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Camden Courier-Post - February 3, 1938 |
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Washington in Review By C. A. Wolverton During the past week the subject of National Defense has taken a place of importance that is shared only with the business problems facing the country. The Navy appropriation bill that carried substantial sums for replacing obsolete ships of war, as well as providing some new ones, together with the President's declaration that a necessity exists for our nation to further increase our naval, army and air forces, has created this condition of increased interest in our national defense, Particular interest attaches to the naval arm of our defense because the Navy is considered, and properly so, our "first line of defense." The question of whether our Navy should be increased in size and efficiency raises the further question- If we do so, will it promote peace or provoke war? There can be no question more vital to the welfare of our people than one which raises, directly or indirectly, the question of peace or war. Those who favor an increase in the size of the Navy do so upon the basis that additional strength given to the Navy will be additional protection against nations less peaceably inclined than ourselves. Those who oppose the increase do so because of a belief that to provide such additional strength will tend to create the spirit of war within our own Nation, or provoke other nations to the belief that we have an intent to engage in war. Peace Our National Desire This nation throughout its entire, history has given unmistakable evidence of a desire to follow the paths of peace. We have constantly endeavored to promote peace and good will among the nations of the world. We have led in every movement to substitute arbitration and other conciliatory methods for settlement of differences among nations. We have sought time and again to bring about limitation of armaments. We have by precept and example advanced the cause of peace. There is no desire among our people more pronounced than that for peace. It is the very heart and soul of America. Those who claim that our desire for peace can only be truly and properly evidenced by a policy of disarmament, in whole or part, over look the purpose and intent with which we provide strength to our Navy. If the purpose or intent with which it is done determines whether it is right or wrong. If the purpose is to enable the Nation to become an aggressor and wrest from weaker nations territory or to accomplish other unworthy ends, it is wrong and deserves the condemnation of all peace loving people. If, however, there is no such ulterior motive and no other purpose than to provide national security against possible aggressor nations who may seek to disturb our peace, then it is right and with no apologies due to anyone. There can be no honest doubt as to the high purpose and good intent with which this Nation makes provision for naval strength. To doubt the true purpose and intent with which it is done is to doubt the honesty of the heart and soul of America. To do so would be to attribute to America the same unworthy motives that have actuated certain other nations in the course they have pursued in recent months. As long as the desire of our people is for peace, the Navy will never be other than an instrument for good. China Neglected Defense Responsibility to provide adequate national defense is increased as we consider the dreadful ravages of war now being experienced by China. Without provocation or any justifiable cause the people of that peaceable nation are being scourged by the hand of a tyrant power without conscience and intent only upon destruction, with no thought other than to conquer and take unto itself the land of another. The unfortunate condition of China today is the result of a failure upon its part to provide an adequate national defense. Had it done so there would be peace and not war in that land today. The logic and reason of those in our own land who advise decreasing our naval and military forces as a means to promote our national peace, is destroyed in the face of this awful catastrophe in China. If such logic or reasoning is correct then China, a peace-loving nation with no navy, should be enjoying peace today and feel assured of it for all time. Not until Japan and other aggressor nations are peaceably inclined can any nation depend upon its mere desire for peace as a sufficient means to preserve its peace and national security. National Duty With turmoil, wars and rumors of war throughout the world our nation cannot longer fail to recognize the dangers that are lurking about us, nor is there any justification for failure to provide adequate national defense in these troublesome times. A failure to do so invites war, but national peace can be made more certain and more sure by making our Navy, as the "first line of defense," so strong and efficient that no nation will dare to challenge our desire to remain at peace. With confidence in the peaceful intention of our people and knowledge that the purpose of providing greater strength for our Navy ·and armed forces is to promote peace not war, there is not only a pronounced and favorable attitude upon the part of Congress to assume and fulfill its responsibility to protect and preserve our national security but a sense of right and justification in so doing. |
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Camden Courier-Post - February 8, 1938 |
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WOLVERTON
ASSAILS FARM BILL Washington Feb. 8.—Farmers in the eastern section of the United States are "the forgotten men" when Congress legislates in the field of agricultural relief, Representative Charles A. Wolverton of Camden, said today in pointing out that the new farm bill means "absolutely nothing" to the tillers of South Jersey. “There seems to be an impression in the minds of those who draft our bills for farm relief that farming exists only in the south, the midwest, and the west; there never is a thought for agriculture along the Atlantic seaboard,” the Camden legislator protested. That
condition, he explained was responsible for the fact that New Jersey
agriculture, through its organizations and by individual expression,
opposed the bill now before Congress. There is a possibility, but only a
slight one be added, that the soil-preservation program embodied in the
new bill may be helpful to Jersey farmers, but he predicted the
government’s experts would find it difficult to devise better methods
for conservation than are now practiced in the state. |
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Camden Courier-Post - February 10, 1938 |
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Happenings in Washington By Charles A. Wolverton The fog of uncertainty that obscures the Administration's policy for rehabilitation of distressed business is no less in its denseness than that which surrounds our national policy in foreign affairs. In this time of international turmoil and uncertainty with one-fourth of the world's population engaged in war, it is natural that our people should be greatly concerned with respect to, our foreign policy. Consequently, the question "What is our foreign policy?" is continually being asked and no satisfactory answer has yet been given. The President is the only one who can speak authoritatively. To him is given the authority under the Constitution to initiate our policy with foreign nations. Up to the present time the President has refused to say anything more illuminating than "Everybody knows what it is." Unfortunately "nobody" knows. It is that lack of knowledge that causes the question to be asked and is creating the constantly growing fear that we may eventually become involved in some entangling alliance that may lead to serious consequences. BASIS FOR. FEAR That this sense of fear is not without basis is made evident; by Charles A. Beard, the most outstanding historian in America; who is now in Washington engaged in writing the third volume of his book "Rise of American Civilization." In the February issue of Events, a magazine devoted, to foreign affairs, he has written an article entitled "Roosevelt's Place in History," in which he says, "Hovering over the scene is the prospect of war," and then in discussing the President's attitude, he states, "Believing that he is under moral obligation to help decide the age-long quarrels of Europe and Asia, President Roosevelt has resisted every effort of Congress and the country to impose limits on his powers of Intervention abroad. More than this, he has managed to destroy the letter and spirit of the first neutrality legislation and to acquire for himself almost dictatorial powers over American economy in relation to diplomacy and war by the Neutrality Act of 1937. He would not have, done this unless he believed that he was bound to help pass on the righteousness of foreign quarrels and intended to use all his powers, old arid new, for such interventionist purposes." In view of the many protestations of the President against war there is naturally upon the part of some a hesitancy to accept this analysis of his international philosophy in its entirety even though expressed by such an informed and recognized authority as Dr. Beard. It does nevertheless indicate that in the minds of thoughtful people there is some justification for the fear that is the outgrowth of the President's refusal to definitely declare the policy to be pursued in foreign affairs. QUARANTINE OF AGGRESSOR NATIONS A feeling of concern has been apparent since the President delivered his famous speech at Chicago, last Fall, in which he spoke frankly and openly against "aggressor" nations and the duty of the United States to '''quarantine'' such nations. What was meant by the term "quarantine" he did not make plain either then or at any time since. It has naturally created the thought that it might include something aggressive in character as distinct from purely defensive action. It could very easily mean something different than our "defense of our own land" policy. It is this uncertainty as to its real meaning that creates a feeling of fear or concern. All of this uncertainty could be quickly dispelled if the President would make known what is actually in his mind, and, l1articularly if he would give some definite assurance that there is no intention to adopt any course of action or policy that would be otherwise than strict neutrality. INCREASED ARMAMENT PROGRAM A further element that has directly influenced and increased the interest of our people in ascertaining the future foreign policy of the Administration has been the proposal recently submitted to, Congress, by the President, for an $800,000,000, armament program. Hearings on the bills that, have been introduced to make it effective are now being held. Congress is definitely in favor of whatever is necessary to provide adequate national defense. This attitude is undoubtedly in accord, with the desire of our people. But there is an equally pronounced unfavorable attitude toward any expenditures that would create military or naval strength beyond what is strictly necessary from a defensive standpoint. It therefore becomes a matter of great importance to determine whether our naval forces are to be hereafter employed for "defensive" purposes only, or, be extended for use as a "quarantine" force against “aggressor" nations 'involved in controversies no tour own. Of course, It is unthinkable that anyone, high or low, in the nation, would contemplate the use of our navy or military forces for purposes of aggression but real concern does exist as to whether it is contemplated to make use of either for "quarantine" purposes that would take either or both beyond the area within which they would properly be used for defensive purposes. There is need for a clear, frank and definite expression of policy in our foreign affairs. A recent statement on the floor of the Senate by Senator Pittman, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee is not sufficient to calm the troubled minds of our people. The circumstances require that the statement shall come from the President, and no one else. |
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Camden Courier-Post - August 26, 1941 |
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Henry
Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating. Services
were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city
hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid's Episcopal
Church. The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone. A guard of honor lined both sides of' city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin's age, 44 years. Hundreds of men and women waited
outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession
filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city
employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill,
both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August
Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past
commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P.
Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269. V. F. W.; and William
Miller, past State commander, D. A. V. Three trucks were required to carry
the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National
Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place. An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers. The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse. File Past Bier A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute. Services were conducted by Camden
lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the
Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past
commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C.
Richard Allen, past department commander. James W. Conner, chief clerk of the
city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted
rites at the grave. Mayor Brunner and Commissioners
Kobus, Aaron, and
Rhone
came early and remained throughout the hours of
viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in
deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Embraces Widow, Daughter Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in
prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her
daughter. Mrs. Kobus
embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner.
They were in tears. Three firemen and three policemen
maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn,
George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen
Arthur Batten, Warren Carter
and William Reed. American Legion and V. F. W. members
in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A
detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John
Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz,
assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the
stairways leading to the
second
floor. Freeholders Arrive Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and
Freeholders
John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino
Francesconi,
Stanley Ciechanowski,
Earl Armstrong
and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American
Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied
the freeholders. Employees
of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by
Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having
150, the largest number. Frank
A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P.
Carr, superintendent of Streets;
led the
highway bureau employees.
Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first
assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as
acting
director until the City Commission elects Mr.
Magin's successor. County
Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City
Clerk Clay W.
Reesman,
Fire Chief John H. Lennox and
James A. Howell, chief of
the
city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert
Austermuhl, secretary of
the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece. Outstanding Floral Tribute Outstanding
among the floral tributes was a six-toot broken circle of varied
flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and
Commissioners
Kobus, Aaron, andRhone. A
floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association.
The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League
of
South
Jersey,
an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which
he
was the first president, was a large floral pillow. The freeholders and county officials
gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of
the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and
fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and
several Democratic clubs. The floral tributes came in such
numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his
assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber
proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket. Among prominent officials and
citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A.
Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P.
McCord, city
comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No.
10, New Jersey Civil Service Association. Others at Bier Others were Sue Devinney, secretary
to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights
and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing
Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education. Sgt. Ray
Smith, chairman of the Elks
Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert
Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr.
Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing
Authority; Postmaster Emma E.
Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the
Camden local assistance board. Also
former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and
wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D.
Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson
and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter
P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J.
Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title
bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski,
building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor. Oliver H. Bond,
housing manager of
Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph
Varbalow, acting city
counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul
Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T.
Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and
Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the
Camden County permanent registration bureau. Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F.
Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican
City Committee; Dr, Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of
the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl
Kisselman, Harry A.
Kelleher, Samuel T. French
Sr., former Freeholder Walter
Budniak,
Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J.
Kelleher, William
Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor's
office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education. Also John C. Trainor, member of the
Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio
Mecca, funeral director;
Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former
Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of
the county park commission. James O’Brien, commander of the
Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans
at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county
vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial
services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 29, 1951 |
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Congress Responsibility at New Peak, "At no time has the responsibility of Congress and the responsibility of the citizen been greater than at present," Congressman Charles A. Wolverton told an audience Saturday night celebrating the anniversaries of Corp. Mathews-Purnell post 518, VFW, and its auxiliary. The congressman was principal speaker at a banquet in St. Anthony of Padua parish hall marking the 30th anniversary of the VFW post and the 29th anniversary. of its auxiliary. Wolverton praised the leaders of the post and commended its record in community activities. He also paid tribute to the Gold Star mothers who were present as honor guests. Sketches Own Career He then sketched his own career in Congress in order to show the great changes which the country has undergone in recent times. "When I went to Congress," he said, "we were in an era of prosperity and then came the depression followed by World War II and the Korean situation. At no other time have I had such an overpowering sense of my responsibilities as a member of Congress as I now have. Our citizens should also be aware of the enormity of their responsibility. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 27, 1955 |
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Wolverton Sees Rohrer Making Great Senator Congressman Charles A. Wolverton today said "that the soundness and common sense approach of William G. Rohrer to public problems, as evidenced in his platform, will make him an outstanding senator." Rohrer is the Republican candidate for State Senate. "On
returning to Camden County after a one-month tour of the capitals of
Europe, including Moscow, I am deeply gratified to find on every hand a
fervent enthusiasm among the people for the candidacy of William G. Rohrer
for the State Senate," said Wolverton. "What
makes this enthusiasm so significant is that it is shared by both
Democrats and independent voters along with Republicans. During my absence
I note that an independent group has organized to promote the cause of
Bill Rohrer as an outstanding citizen who will certainly make an
outstanding senator. They are not interested in party labels but in a man
whose good citizenship will be carried to Trenton with him. Constructive
Platform "It
is the exercise of his citizenship through the years in behalf of so many
of the more unfortunate that has impressed every one with the fact that if
it has been. Bill Rohrer's religion to do good as a citizen, we can have
no better guarantee that our interest could not be in better hands at
Trenton. "I am pleased, too, to note in all the campaign statements by Bill Rohrer that I have read, he has not been talking politics, but has advanced a constructive platform that aims at a direct solution of the problems that must be met on the legislative level. It is characteristic of Bill Rohrer that he seeks to do things and plan the doing rather than talk about them in terms of platitudes and political promises. He was definite in describing a seven-point plan for municipal aid; he was definite in his plans to do something for the aged. Believes In Teamwork President Eisenhower believes in teamwork, so does Bill Rohrer. If we are to get welfare programs on the national and state level in keeping with the demands of our modern civilization, it must come about through men who can work with Eisenhower on the state level. I refer particularly to the school aid, health and highway programs, which are subjects of coordinated national leadership, but which must function on the state level under state legislation. " ‘Heart In Government' We need Bill Rohrer in Trenton when these questions come before the legislature. He should be sent there by the people to put more heart in government because we know he can do he can do it. He
has been intimately associated with the Red Cross, the Girl Scouts, the
YMCA, YWCA, Association for the Blind and with movements in behalf
of the handicapped, The
work he has accomplished in this field is our assurance that New Jersey
government will have more heart in
it with Bill Rohrer
sitting in the Senate. "One
of the best ways to be a good citizen is to exercise the right of
franchise. The privilege of possessing the ballot and not using it is
frequently to condone the things that should be corrected in government or
to withhold support for that which is good. The
candidacy of Bill Rohrer is a challenge to every citizen who has not voted
in recent elections to support the highest kind or principles for good
government as typified by
this most outstanding
citizen of ours. Greater
Unity Seen "Behind
his leadership we can give to Camden County a strong two-party system and
a greater unity of purpose in achieving maximum benefits for all in
government. I urge every one to be a good citizen on November 8 by
electing an outstanding citizen on that day, and to give him at the same
time the support of his colleagues on the ticket, who have committed
themselves to the platform and principles that Bill Rohrer has told the
people will be his guide in his service to them." |