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William M. May (1888–1935), known as "Indian Bill," lived in East Camden for more than two decades. He first came to public attention in December 1910 after a suicide attempt following Elsie Staley's rejection of his marriage proposal, and remained a recurring figure in Camden newspaper reports for the next 25 years.
William May pleaded guilty to threatening the life of Elsie Staley and was sentenced by Judge Joline to three months in the Camden County Jail.
Nicholas Small was taken into custody by Special Officer Troncone on suspicion of maltreating Elsie Staley, the girl whose refusal had led William May to attempt suicide.
William May was locked up in the county jail on a charge of threatening the lives of Elsie Staley and William Rose after he found her in Rose's company.
William May was discharged from Cooper Hospital days after slashing his breast over Elsie Staley's refusal to marry him; no charge of attempted suicide was brought against him.
William M. May, a young Indian living behind 1819 Federal Street, slashed his chest with a penknife after Elsie Staley, 14, refused his marriage proposal for a second time at Christmas.