Joseph F. Kobus and his brother Henry were the sons of Anthony Kobus, who established a shoe business at 943 South 4th Street in 1858, later relocating it to the corner of South 4th and Spruce Streets. Joseph, born in Camden in 1863, along with his brother, successfully managed the business until their retirement in the early 1930s. Anthony Kobus was also involved in the Broadway Trust Bank and, upon his passing in 1920, Joseph and Henry moved the business to a nearby building at 934 Broadway in 1924.
In his youth, Joseph Kobus developed a keen interest in crosswords, cryptograms, and similar puzzles. In 1883, he became one of the founding members of the National Puzzlers League and remained an active member throughout his life.
Joseph Kobus’ second wife, Mary Walsh Kobus, made her mark as one of Camden’s early female politicians. She served on the City Commission and held the position of Director of Public Safety in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Like her husband, Mary was an accomplished puzzler and served as the president of the National Puzzlers League in 1929.
After the passing of his brother Henry in April 1939, Joseph Kobus, who was already dealing with kidney problems, took a turn for the worse and passed away on June 9, 1939. He is survived by his wife Mary and a son, Harry Kobus, from his first marriage.
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Joseph F. Kobus
Joseph F. Kobus and his brother Henry were the sons of Anthony Kobus, who established a shoe business at 943 South 4th Street in 1858, later relocating it to the corner of South 4th and Spruce Streets. Joseph, born in Camden in 1863, along with his brother, successfully managed the business until their retirement in…
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Mary W. Kobus
Mary Walsh Kobus was one of the first female politicians to rise to prominence in Camden NJ. Born Mary Walsh in New Jersey around 1876, she married well known Camden businessman Joseph Kobus around 1910, and was the daughter-in-law of Anthony Kobus, who founded the Kobus shoe business and also served as president of the…
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Hats ‘Boss’ Kobus Wears, Much Like Queen Mary’s
Camden Courier-Post – September 17, 1941 The political boss of Camden is a motherly, gray-haired woman who wears hats like those effected by Queen Mary of England. Nevertheless, and in spite of the fact that she denies it vehemently, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus, Camden’s Director of Public Safety and president of its Board of Education,…
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Kobus Named Head of Puzzlers Group As Convention Ends
Camden Courier-Post – Feburary 24, 1936 ‘Nedmac’ (Spell It Backwards) Elected; Wife Retires as Vice President NEW WORDS PRESENTED By THOMAS O’HALLORAN Joseph F. Kobus, retired Camden merchant, was elected president of the National Puzzlers League, Inc. at the closing session yesterday of its 105th semi-annual convention. The convention opened Saturday in the Hotel Walt…
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National Puzzlers to Hold Semi-Annual Session Here
Camden Courier-Post – February 20, 1936 Amateur Creators of Brain Twisters Open Three-Day Conclave Tomorrow Mrs. Kobus to Greet Delegates onArrival Puzzledom, that world of crypto-grams, psychology and pseudonyms, will have its capital in Camden beginning and continuing through Sunday. It will be the 105th semi-annual convention of the National Puzzlers’ League, Inc. Back in…
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