Herman
F.
Niessner

HERMAN F. NIESSNER was born March 8, 1891 in Pennsylvania, the son of German immigrants. His father, Frederick Niessner, a machinist for Baldwin Locomotive in Philadelphia, brought his family to the Cramer Hill section of Camden in 1894. Frederick Niessner purchased his lot from Alfred Cramer that year, and built twin houses at 1226 and 1228 DuPont Street.

As a teenager and as a young man Herman Niessner was active in team sports in East Camden and Cramer Hill, playing baseball, football, and basketball as late as 1914.

Herman Niessner married Mattie Schiller, the daughter of Camden political figure Jacob Schiller, around 1910. The young couple was living at 36 North 21st Street in East Camden when their first child was born in 1911. By 1914 Herman Niessner had brought his family back to Cramer Hill, where they lived at 927 North 27th Street, the City Directory shows his occupation as printer. 

When Herman Niessner registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 another child had been born. The family was still at 927 North 27th Street in Cramer Hill. When the 1920 Census was enumerated, he lived with his wife Mattie, son Herman W. and daughters Flora and Gladys at 907 North 32nd Street in Cramer Hill. Another son, Elmer, was born shortly after the 1920 census. Herman Niessner was the working as an engraver in a print shop. The family's next door neighbors at 917 North 32nd Street at the time was the Oliver Purnell family, their son Private Oliver R. Purnell, had died of combat related injuries overseas during World War I. Charles F. Sorg, who was active in Camden political circles, wasliving at 925 North 32nd Street by 1924, and by April of 1930 Camden police officer Marshall Thompson had moved in a few doors away at 943. The 1924 and 1929 City Directories show the family living at 907 North 32nd Street in Cramer Hill. The 1929 Directory also indicates that he was working in real estate at the time. The Niessner family remained at 907 North 32nd Street through at least 1942. Meanwhile, across the street, the Harry C. Sharp Elementary School had been built, opening its doors to students in October of 1922.

At some point Herman Niessner became attracted to Socialism and was active politically as a Socialist. He ran as the Socialist Party candidate for U.S. Representative from New Jersey 1st District, 1920; was the candidate for Governor of New Jersey, and was the candidate for U.S. Senator from New Jersey, 1932. 

In 1924 Herman Niessner attended the 1924 Convention of the Socialist Party of America which was held July 6 - 8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. His co-delegates from New Jersey were Alfred Altert, George Bauer, Charlotte Bohlin, James B. Furber, George H. Goebel, and Leo M. Harkins. With George Goebel, Henry Jager, Harry Nelson, Morris Stempa and Andrew Wittel, he was elected to represent New Jersey at the  17th National Convention of the Socialist Party of America Convention which was held May 20-24, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After World War II Herman F. Niessner moved to Washington DC. His son, Herman W. Neissner, was living at 2910 Adams Avenue in Cramer Hill when the 1947 City Directory was compiled.

Herman F. Niessner was last a resident of Pennsauken NJ. He died of leukemia in April of 1966.

1905-1906 BASEBALL

This picture was labeled "Herman F. Niessner - Baseball". My best guess as to the identity of this team is that the R A C stands for the R____ Athletic Club, possibly the Reliance Club. Herman Niessner was born in 1891 and appears to be in his mid-teens. This would date the photo at about 1905 or 1906.  

Front, with baseballs and book: Unknown
First Row, prone:  Herman Niessner, William Niessner.  
Second row, kneeling: Unknown, Unknown
Back row, 2nd from left:  Max Wolff    

Click on Image to Enlarge

1905-1906 BASEBALL

This picture was also labeled "Herman F. Niessner - Baseball", and is another pose pf the team pictured above.  

Front row: Unknown,  William Niessner
Middle row:  Herman Niessner; Max Wolff, unknown, unknown, unknown
Standing: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown

Click on Image to Enlarge

1910-1911 BASEBALL

This picture was taken a few years after the photos. This team belonged to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, which then stood at North 25th and Howell Streets in East Camden. I estimate that this picture is from 1910 or 1911. 

On the far left separated slightly from the group is  Joe Snyder.  
First row, from left:  Unknown, John Hansen, Unknown, Unknown
Back row, from Left: Unknown, Unknown, Max Wolff (tallest), Herman Niessner, Unknown 

Click on Image to Enlarge

1911 FOOTBALL

The 1911 Dudley football team. 

Click on Image to Enlarge

1911-1912 BASKETBALL

The "S A" or "A S" 1911-12 Basketball team,  champions of one of the many sports leagues that existed in Camden in those times. The team is most likely St. Andrew's in the Camden Church League.

In the center, in street clothes is Mr. King. 
First row, from left: Joe Snyder, Herman Niessner
Second row, from left: Max Wolff, Mr. King, John Hansen
Standing: Unknown, Unknown, "Mulligan"

Click on Image to Enlarge

1911-1912 BASKETBALL

Another photo of the "S A" or "A S" 1911-12 Basketball team.

In the center, in street clothes is John Hansen. 
First row, from left: Joe Farrell, Jim Snyder
Second row, from left: Charles Lynch, Hansen, John Allen
Standing: Unknown, Unknown, Frank Parker

Click on Image to Enlarge

36 and 34 North 21st Street - Camden, New Jersey

This photo was captioned by Herman Niessner's wife, Mattie as "36 N. 21st St." Her first son was born here in 1911. Her father, Jacob Schiller, lived a few doors away at 44 North 21st Street. By 1914 Herman and Mattie Niessner had moved to 927 North 27th Street.

Swimming in the Delaware - July 25, 1915

From the album of Herman Niessner, this photo was taken on the banks of the Delaware on July 25, 1915. It is worth noting that William "Bill" Niessner and Herman Niessner are wearing the "S A" shirts that were worn in the basketball team photo above.

Front row, from left:  
Bill Niessner, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Herman Niessner, Leo Harkins.

Top row, from left:  
Davies, Frett, Cunningham, Allen  

CARD PARTY PLANNED

Members of the 'Camden" Branch of the Socialist Party will hold a card party at the headquarters, 312 Market Street tonight. Mrs. Mattie Niessner, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, is in charge 
of arrangements. 

Camden Courier-Post- June 28, 1933

UNEMPLOYED UNION TO PLAN FOR FOURTH
Leaders Aim to Have Demonstration Similar to That of Labor Day

Plans for a Fourth of July demonstration, similar to labor demonstrations staged throughout the world each year on May 1, will be formulated tomorrow night at a mass meeting conducted by the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, according to an announcement yesterday by Frank J. Manning, president.

Manning said the meeting in Convention Hall Annex would be addressed by Mark Starr, professor of economics, and Josephine Colby, instructor of English, of Brookwood Labor College, and by three students of the college.

The Unemployed Union tomorrow night, will demand that the city commission hold a public hearing on housing conditions in Camden and the proposal of the union to establish municipally operated living quarters, Manning said.

Dr. A. L. Stone, city health director and chairman of the Camden city emergency relief administration, will be asked for his conclusions on representation of the union on the city relief board, Manning said.

The demonstration on July 4, according to Manning, will start with a parade at 10 a. m., to be followed by a mass meeting on the steps of the City Hall plaza, before the buses and automobiles leave for Kirkwood Lake, where a picnic will be held in the afternoon.

The parade will assemble at Second and Cooper Streets, Manning said, and will march on Cooper Street to Fourth, to Newton Avenue, to Broadway, to Federal Street, to the City Hall.

The Unemployed Union, according to Manning, will co-operate with the Socialist Party for the picnic. Norman Thomas has been invited to speak, he said.

The three Socialist candidates for Assembly - Manning, Charles W. Sherlock and Herman F. Niessner- will present their platforms. In addition. numerous athletic events; including a baseball game, have been arranged, he said.

"The Unemployed Union urges all workers and farmers in Camden county to assemble for a mighty labor demonstration on July 4," Manning said. "We shall make known our demands for action to relieve unemployment, to end inhuman wages and ruinously low prices for our products. We shall set forth the plans at the Continental Congress of Workers and Farmers, with which the union is affiliated, for wiping poverty from the face of the earth and for building a world with plenty and happiness for all.

"We shall hold a short mass meeting on the steps of City Hall Plaza at which the New Declaration of Independence of the Continental Congress will be read.

"July 4 must be made the occasion for building up, the solidarity and power of farmers and workers. A powerful well-rounded labor movement could drive corruption and graft out of our public life, abolish sweatshops and build a workers' world of peace, plenty and freedom."

Regarding the platform of the three Socialistic candidates for Assembly, Manning said:

"Our platform will be constructive and in the interests of the workers and farmers of the state. We shall go into every corner of this county with our platform and we shall also challenge our opponents to meet us in debate so that the voters may have a chance to know where all the candidates stand on important issues."

Camden Courier-Post * February 3, 1938

Puts Capitalism on Defensive

To the Editor: 

Sir-Mr. Meves thinks that because the Socialists want to usher in a new system in which we shall transplant the present (dog-eat-dog) competitive system with one of co-operation, that we should prove our point.

The very opposite should be the rule.

Socialism has never been in power, therefore has nothing to defend.

Capitalism has been in power and therefore must prove that it can give life, liberty and happiness to all the people. Just now it is responsible for 16,000,000 people being totally or partially unemployed. It must answer to this terrible indictment. These people are not lazy, they simply can't get work.

From your reasoning you would think that we, the Socialists, are responsible for this monstrosity. You and your system are responsible.

With all the master minds of capitalism working on this problem there is more unemployment today than ever before and things are decidedly bad and getting worse. Just now they are arguing about a 40-hour week when a 20-hour week would just about give all the people work.

Under capitalism it is generally agreed that you can't get a decent job if you are under 21 because you lack experience, and you are not wanted after you are 35; so you have about 14 years in which to acquire a home which they take from you a few years later.

At this point I am not going to discuss the disease of war which is festering under capitalism, nor am I going to discuss gangsterism, lynching, graft, corruption, racketeering and the many other ills of this system.

This country, which is rich. and abundantly so, in natural resources could be a paradise for all the people, but capitalism has made for many of us nothing but misery, where we are actually starving in the midst of plenty.  

HERMAN F. NIESSNER

Camden Courier-Post - February 11, 1938

P.T.A. THROUGHOUT NATION TO HONOR MOVEMENT'S FOUNDERS WEDNESDAY
41st Anniversary Will Be Observed by Broadcast in Afternoon
HOMEMAKERS OFF AIR
4th Annual Child Welfare Institute Being Planned for April
WILL HOLD 4 CLASSES

The desire to carry on toward the goal envisioned by founders of the Parent-Teacher Association will be emphasized throughout the country in honor of the 41st anniversary of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.

A Founders Day broadcast will be heard on the Parent-Teacher Radio Forum next Wednesday from 4.30-5 p. m. over the NBC blue network. 

Mrs. Percy Powell, Mrs. Fred M. Raymond and Miss Mary England are in charge of the program.

One of the vital topics to be considered that day is "What needs to be 
done for children today?"

The celebration of Founders Day started by Mrs. David O. Mears in 1910, thirteen years after the organization of the National Congress of Mothers, and the "birthday gifts" from local units are used for the extension of this service to childhood so that it may be carried to every girl and every boy in the country. 

Americanization

Mrs. Herbert Schoellkopf, county Americanization chairman, urges every parent-teacher member to display the American flag on three important birthdays being celebrated this month, namely: Lincoln's 
Birthday, February 12; Founder's Day, February 17, and Washington's Birthday, February 22.

Word has been received of the cancellation of the "Homemakers Forum" on station WOR. The series of talks on the adolescent which were to have been given on this program, are available in mimeographed form from the office of the home demonstration agent, Miss Mary M. Leaming, room 208, courthouse, Camden. In requesting this information, the name of the particular talk desired and the definite number of copies needed should be specked.

Parent-Teacher members are looking forward to the fourth annual Child Welfare Institute to be held in April. Plans for this institute are being formulated by Albert M. Bean, superintendent of Camden county schools, who is general chairman. The theme this year will be "Guidance" being divided in four classes pertaining to career, character, community and health.

Guest Speaker

CAMDEN ZONE

Broadway — Mrs. Ralph Jones, county magazine chairman, was the guest speaker at the meeting Tuesday night. A playlet in commemoration of Founder's Day was presented by a group from the Northeast-Sewell association. Mrs. Thomas Melchore presided. Mrs. George Lee, welfare chairman, has made arrangements for an industrial tour on February 21. Mrs. Walter Gross attended the meeting of the Home Demonstration Extension on Monday. Mrs. C. Fred Becker, parent discussion group 
leader, is holding a meeting in the school on Tuesday at 1.30 p. m. A donation of $1.25 was approved to be given the recreation committee toward the New York trip of the winners in the sewing contest held recently.

Cassady—Mrs. M. Moullette, Summer round up chairman, has appointed a committee to assist her in her work. They are Mrs. E. Hudson, president; Mrs. R. Bowen, vice president; Mrs. H. Mount, 
secretary; Mrs. A. Reinhold and G. McGrath Kershaw. The executive committee will hold a meeting next Wednesday at the home of Mrs. K. Hudson at 8 o'clock.

Cooper—Health night was held at the regular meeting Monday. Mrs. G. Kramer, county health chairman, spoke on the importance of correct food for children. A play was presented by the Seventh grade English class, under the direction of Miss E. Hanna. A violin solo was rendered by Miss A. Claypool, accompanied at the piano by Miss V. Merwall. An educational trip has been planned for this afternoon at 1.30.

Cramer — The county president's message echoes from the release were read by Mrs. William Rowntree, president, at the meeting last week. A gift of $1.25 was sent to the committee on the Doll Dressing Contest. Mrs. Arthur Fichter, membership chairman; Mrs. Fred Creag-er, welfare 
chairman, and Mrs. William Rowntree, president, attended the city group meeting last week. The executive committee will meet at the home of Barney Brown, vice president, 2566 Baird boulevard, on Tuesday night at 8 o'clock. The association is sponsoring a three-act comedy, "Here Comes Charlie," to be given by the Queen Esther Society of Asbury M. E. church, on Thursday night, February 17, at 8 o'clock in the school auditorium.

H. H. Davis—Members of the discussion group met in the school yesterday under the leadership of Mrs. William Allen, discussion group chairman, followed by rehearsal for the Founder's Day play arranged by Miss Kathleen Willetts, Founder's Day chairman. A candle lighting ceremony will also be given in observance of Founder's Day, at the meeting Thursday. Calvin Chambers will compile the publicity record book to be displayed at the annual luncheon. A trip to an industrial plant is planned for next Wednesday afternoon. A bus will leave the school at 1 p. m.

Dudley—Mrs. Elizabeth James and Mrs. Sarah Miller who were in charge of purchasing of basketball suits for the school team, reported that donations of $10.65 have been received from business people and friends. The executive committee has approved sending $1.25 to the Recreation Commission toward the New York trip for winners of the Doll Dressing Contest. Mrs. Clara Batten, chairman of the committee in charge of purchasing a new banner, has been authorized to purchase 
same as soon as possible. Mrs. Florence Fiedler, newly appointed summer round-up chairman, is making plans for a thorough survey of the school neighborhood in order to enlist the aid of the parents of preschool children. Founders' Day exercises will be held tonight at the meeting.

McKinley—Harry Roye will speak at the meeting next Tuesday night. There will also be a Founders' Day ceremony. Those taking part will rehearse Friday at 3.30 a. m. at the school. Mrs. Rudolph Koerner will hold a study group meeting at her home next Wednesday at 2.00 p. m. Next Thursday a covered dish luncheon will be held by Mrs. R. Koerner and Mrs. Morris Sellers at the home of Mrs. R. Koerner, Fremont and Thirty-fifth street. On Thursday a meeting on character education will be  held at the school at 3.30 p. m. Miss Alice Butler, general secretary of the Y. W. C. A., fill speak.

Liberty & Starr—The meeting of the executive committee will be held ext Thursday night at the home of Mrs. Charles Baden, 954 Pine street. Mrs. Emily S. Hurd, publicity chairman, who served as chairman of the judging committee of the sewing contest sponsored by the Recreation commission, recently acted as judge o f the sewing contest held by the T A. at SS. Peter and Paul school on Tuesday  night.

Parkside—Mrs. Robert Simmington, council chairman, and Mrs. Rocco Palese, city chairman, gave brief talks at the meeting last Thursday night. Corsages were presented to them by Mrs. Sinclair Sondie, program chairman. Proceeds from the sale of a cake will be sent as a Founders' Day gift to he National Congress to be used or extension work.

North-East & Sewell — Mrs. Grace Dill, discussion group leader, attended the meeting in City Hall Monday under the direction of Miss Mary Leaming, home demonstration agent. A meeting of the discussion group was held in the Sewell school on Tuesday afternoon.

Sumner—The ways and means committee met at the home of Mrs. Grace Thomas, president, on Monday. Plans for various entertainments for the months of February, March and April were made. A membership campaign was launched. The topic of discussion at the meeting on Wednesday was "How the School Prepares for Home and Family Life."

H. C. Sharp—The regular meeting was held Friday. Gordon Carrigan presided. The Rev. Eric A. Osterle of Collingswood. discussed "Youth Problems." "Founders' Day" was observed, also the ninth birthday of this unit. A large birthday cake was lighted by the past presidents, and a large candle lighted by Miss Ethel Lee for Founders Day. Miss Lee was congratulated for her wonderful co-operation with all presidents and P.T.A. work; and was presented with a corsage of red roses. Each president in turn was presented with a red rose bud buttonaire by Miss Esther Bauer, who had charge of the program, assisted by Miss Maier and Mrs. Barton. Each president gave a "Reminiscent" of his service. They were as follows: Chester Knaub, Harry Krattenmaker, Herman Neissner, Gordon Carrigan, Howard Stewart, Raymond Price.

Washington — Rev. E1wood A. Harrar spoke Tuesday at the Founders Day meeting Tuesday. Mrs. Howard Weeden, city juvenile probation chairman, was guest speaker. Miss Charlotte V. Dover, former principal of the school, was also a guest. A brief history of the association were called upon to speak. John White was the first president. He was followed by Jacob Grosmick, Mrs. Wilbur Cassedy, and the present president, Mrs. Richard Baker. Mrs. F. Kau ff man reports the cake sale a success. Mrs. William Mitchell reported plans to form a First Aid class that will be given a course by the Red Cross.

H. B. Wilson—Plans were made for the Founders Day program at the executive committee meeting Thursday afternoon in the school. Mrs. Lawrence Miller was named chairman. Miss Harriet Reiners will speak on character education at the next meeting. The basketball team was furnished with suits by the unit.

Yorkship—After a short business session with Mrs. James L. Ferris presiding, the monthly meeting was turned over to Mrs. J. P. McMillion, county chairman of alcohol and narcotics. Rev. H. S. Lepperd, of Fairview M. E. Church, spoke. Mrs David Pyper, chairman of ways and means, announced plans for a care party to be held on February 18. Proceeds will be used for expenses to carry on the monthly dances and Annual Field Day. The discussion group met today in teachers lunch 
room. Mrs. Malcolm Steck, leader, will use as a topic "What Interests Adolescence." As a special feature for the monthly dances the organization has arranged to have a half hour of dancing instructions before the regular dancing begins. Attending the city group meeting at City Hall were Mrs. James L. Ferris, president; Mrs David Pyper, Mrs. M. Johnson, Mrs. Eleanor Wynn, Mrs. W. Clemmens Mrs. George Mehaffey and Mrs. Harold Turner attended.

Lincoln—Dr. Helen Schrak gave a talk on health and a report on health conditions of the children of this school at the last meeting. A Founders Day sketch was presented by Mrs. M. Beaumont, Mrs. G. Welmrich, Mrs. E. Schelpat and Mrs. K Conlin.

******

I always found my grandfather, Herman Niessner, to be a truly broad-minded person interested in almost everything.  After the family moved from Cramer Hill, after the war, they lived for a while in Washington, D.C. and so did I.  He would take me on walks and point out with great interest the various houses of worship, cemeteries, bowling alleys-----we once went together to a funeral in the Capitol building---I don't know whose.  He seemed to view everyone and everything with equal interest; I never heard or sensed any prejudice or malice in him.  He died of leukemia, a consequence of years of working with printer's ink.

Leslie Short
October 2007