1886-1939
Justina Eller was the third policewoman appointed in 1918 with Margaret Dugan and Etta Fallon. They were the first and for many years only policewomen.
Justina worked interviewing women prisoners, catching shoplifters, and was assigned to the casualty squad and the censor bureau. She died on duty in 1939 with the Deputy Chief stating, “Like a good member of the police force Miss Eller died on duty…She was an excellent policewomen.”
Justina was born in Brooklyn. Before becoming a policewomen, the Newark News listed her as secretary of a group of striking cigarmakers and she was quoted by the Newark Star and Evening News as a leader of the strike, speaking to the girls about their options. In 1905, she worked at the cigar factory, which is likely how she became involved with the strike.
Justina lived on South 17th Street and South 19th Street which her mother in 1920 and 1930, and on Holland Street in 1910, listed as a clerk in an Insurance Office, and in 1900 on Springfield Ave.
Bibliography
“Justina Eller, City Policewoman”, Newark News, June 23, 1939.
Census records
“Ten Policemen Appointed in 1903 Have Reunion” Newark News Aug 1, 1935
“Sunday Shows Produce” Newark News Feb 27, 1925
“Mrs. Stokes” Newark News Aug 11, 1908
“Strikers Will Not Reconsider” Newark News Oct 3, 1908
“Mayor Guest at Dance Given by Girls on Strike” Newark Star Sept 30, 1908
“Girl Strikers Remain Loyal” Newark Star Sept 19, 1908
“Labor Leaders to Dance with Girl Strikers” Newark Star Sept 29, 1908