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Portrait and * *
* * Biographical

RgGORD

HUNTERDON

AND

WARREN COUNTIES

New Jersey

Gontaining Portraits and Biographies of many well known
Citizens of the Past and Present.

Together with Portraits and Biographies of all the Presidents

of the United States.

«$• *f* «f* •>!• •$• *?• ♦§•
*******

CHAPMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY
New York Chicago

1898

-1.

preface:

"HK greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the
present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its
people." In conformity with this idea, the Portrait and Biographical Record of this
county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical
matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men
and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none
among those comprising this great and noble state, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public.
In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming
generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have
accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have
become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of
the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and
whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to
succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,"
content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — ' 'They have
done what they could. ' ' It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left
the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession,
and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the
Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every
woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after.

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the
fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would
otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and every
opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and
the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence.
In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed i*n this volume. For this
the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give
the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some
member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of
the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though
repeated calls were made at their residences or places of business.

Chapman Publishing Co.

July, 1898.

Portraits and Biographies

OF THE

PRESIDENTS

OF THE

UNITED STATES

gpll

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

^"""HE Father of our Country was born in West-
/C moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732.
V2/ His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball)
Washington. The family to which he belonged
has not been satisfactorily traced i in England.
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi-
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence
and John. The former married Mildred Warner,
and had three children, John, Augustine and
Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children,
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his second mar-
riage, George was the eldest, the others being
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and
Mildred.

Augustine Washington, the father of George,
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property.
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt.
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi-
dence. George received only such education as
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a
short time after he left school, when he received
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling
was rather defective. 'Remarkable stories are
told of his great physical strength and develop-
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged
■x among his companions, and was early
noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and
veracity which characterized, his whole life.

When George was fourteen years old he had a
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant
was secured for him, but through the opposition
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two

years later he was appointed surveyor to the im-
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business
lie spent three years in a rough frontier life,
gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being
trained for active service against the 1 French and
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West
Indies with his brother Lawrence, whjo werlt there
to restore his health. They soon returned, and
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not
long survive him. On her demise the estate of
Mt. Vernon was given to George.

Upon the arrival of Robert Binwiddie as Lieu-
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia
was reorganized, and the province divided into
four military districts, of which the northern was
assigned to Washington as Adjutant- General.
Shortly after this a very perilous mission, \ivhich
others had refused, was assigned him and ac-
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The distance to be traversed was about, six hun-
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey
was to be made without military] escort, through
/a- territory occupied by Indians, j The trip was a
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his
life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and
put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj.
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo-
nel, war was then begun' against the
French and Indians, in which Washington took

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

a most important part. In the memorable event
of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat,"
Washington was almost the only officer of dis-
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor.

Having been for five years in the military serv-
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du-
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the
valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon
after he entered the Legislature, where, although
not a leader, he took an active and important
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha
(Dandridgc) Custis, the wealthy widow of John
Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the
provinces, ' ' The cause oi Boston is the cause of
us all! ' It was then, at the suggestion of Vir-
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5,
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten-
tions of England were plainly apparent. The
battles of Concord and Eexiugton had been fought,
and among the first acts of this congress was the
election of a . commander-in-chief of the Colonial
forces. This high and responsible office was con-
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but
upon the express condition that he receive no sal-
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex-
penses, and expect congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this
country were so long confided. The war was
conducted by him under every possible disadvan-
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses,
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth.
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com-
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the

Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning
all connection with public life.

In February, 1789, Washington was unani-
mously elected President, and at the expiration
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected.
At the end of this term many were anxious that he
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration
of his second term as President, he returned to his
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining
years free from the annoyances of public life.
Eater in the year, however, his repose seemed
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the army, but he chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command, he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara-
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 12
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain,
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma-
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the
14th. On the 18th his body was borne with mili-
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and
admiration. The more we see of the operations
of our government, and the more deeply we feel
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common
interest, the more highly we must estimate the
force of his talent and character, which have been
able to challenge the reverence of all parties,
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as
extended as the limits of the globe, and which we
cannot but believe will be as lasting as the exist-
ence of man.

In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect
and well proportioned, and his muscular strength
•reat. His features were of a beausiful sym-
metry. He commanded respect without any ap-
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious
without being dull.

JOHN ADAMS.

30HN ADAMS, the second President and the
first Vice-President of the United States, was
born in Braiptree (now Quincy) Mass., and
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735.
His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated
from England about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of
John were John and Susannah (Bo3dston)
Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited
means, also engaged in the business of shoe-
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical
education at Harvard College. John graduated
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school
of affliction, ' ' from which he endeavored to gain
relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town.
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes-
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by
what he termed ' ; the frightful engines of ecclesi-
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calviu-
istic good nature," of the operations of which he
had been a witness in his native town. He was
well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He
gradually gamed a practice, and in 1764 married
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary
taxation turned him from law to politics. He
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting,
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be-
came very popular throughout the province, and
were adopted word for word b)' over forty differ-
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and
became one of the most courageous and promi-
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was
chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
islature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele-

gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent-
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis-
tinguished himself by his capacity for business
and for debate, and advocated the movement for
independence against the majority of the mem-
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res-
olution in Congress that the Colonies should
assume the duties of self-government. Pie was a
prominent member of the committee of five ap-
pointed June 11 to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jeffer |
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it
through Congress iu a three-days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independ-
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm
with the glow; 'of excited feeling, he wrote a letter
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy.
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question
was decided that ever was debated in America;
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de-
cided among men. A resolution was | passed
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free land in-
dependent states.' The day is passed. The
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as
the great anniversary festival. It ought to-be
commemorated as the day of deliverance by
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games,
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from
this time forward forever. You will think me
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas-
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration
and support and defend these States; yet, through
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and
gloty. I can see that the end is worth more than
all the means, and that posterity will triumph,

JOHN ADAMvS.

although you and I may rue, which I hope we
shall not."

In November, 1777, -Mr. Adams was appointed
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben-
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in
arms and money from the French government.
This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it
separated him from his home, compelled him to
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to
great peril of capture by the. British cruisers, who
were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold 1 iin-
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the
British cabinet might be found willing to listen
to such proposals. He sailed for France in No-
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where
he negotiated important loaus and formed im-
portant commercial treaties.

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was
signed, January 2i, 1783. The re-action from the
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr.
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After
suffering from a continued fever and becoming-
feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to
land to drink the waters of Bath. While in
England, still drooping ami desponding, he re-
ceived dispatches from his own government urg-
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health
was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he
made the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr.
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here
he met face to face the King of England, who
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng-
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he
was accomplishing but little, he sought pe

to return to his own couutry, where he ar-
rived iu June, T788.

When Washington was first chosen President,

ims, rendered illti trioi 1 his signal

services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice-

President. Again, at the second election of Wash-
ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice-
President. In 1796, Washington retired from
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,
though not without much opposition. Serving
in this office four years, he was succeeded bj- Mr.
Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the
great French Revolution shook the continent of
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy
the French people in their struggle, for he
had no confidence in their power of self-govern-
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted iu behalf of the French people. Hence
originated . the alienation between these distiu-
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of
the one whose sympathies were with England,
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with
France.

The Fourth of Jul}', 1826, which completed the
half-century since the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, arrived, and there were but
three of the signers of that immortal instrument
left upon the earth to hail its morning light.
And, as it is well known, on that day two of
these finished their 'earthby pilgrimage, a coinci-
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For
a few days before Mr. Adams had been ra]
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On
being requested to name a toast for the cus-
if the day, he exclaimed
"Independence forever!" When the da] was
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the 6
of cannons, lie was asked by one of his attend-
ants if he knew what day it was? He re;
' ' O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God
bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of
; 'eat and glorious

day." The last words he uttered were, " J«
son But he had, at one o'clock,

I >irit into the hands of his God.

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

"HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2,
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va.
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran-
dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in London. To them were
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his
father died. He received a most liberal educa-
tion, having been kept diligently at school from
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he
entered William and Mary College. Williams-
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and
going much into gay society; yet he was ear-
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in
his morals. In the second year of his college
course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study.
He thus attained very high intellectual culture,
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan-
guages.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly,
and distinguished himself by his energy and
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for
greater action. The policy of England had awak-
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col-
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had
ever entertained soon led him into active politi-
cal life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar-

ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful,
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow.

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important com-
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ-
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef-
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson,
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper.
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal
changes before it was submitted to Congress. On
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4,
1776.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor.
Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his
mansion was in possession of the British troops.
His wife's health, never very good, was much
injured by this excitement, and in the summer
of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni-
potentiary to France. Returning to the United
States in September, 1789, he became Secretary
of State in Washington's cabinet. This position
he resigned January 1, 1794. In 1797, he was
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re-
elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin-
ton being elected Vice-President.

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad-
ministration was disturbed by an event which
threatened the tranquillity and peace of the Union;
this was the conspiracy of Aarou Burr. Defeated
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor-
dinary man formed the plan of a military ex-
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south-
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new repirblic. This was generally supposed
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has
not been generally known what his real plans
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far
more dangerous character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de-
termined to retire from political life. For a period
of nearly forty years he had been continually be-
fore the public, and all that time had been em-
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon-
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of
his life to the service of his country, he now felt
desirous of that rest which his declining years re-
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad-
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for-
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon,
was the most distinguished residence in the laud.

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an-
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde-
pendence, great preparations were made in every
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer-
son, as the framer and one of the few surviving
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their
festivities. But an illness, which had been of
several weeks' duration and had been continually
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita-
tion.

On the 2d of July the disease under which he
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants entertained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was

perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand.
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked
of those around him the day of the month, and
on being told it was the 3d of Juty, he ex-
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per-
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver-
sary. His prayer was heard — that day whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our
land burst upon his eyes, and then they were
closed forever. And what a noble consummation
of a noble life ! To die on that day — the birth-
day of a nation — the day which his own name
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un-
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that
was wanting to fill up the record of his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham-
pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they
had cheered and animated their desponding coun-
trymen; for half a century they had labored to-
gether for the good of the country, and now hand
in hand they departed. In their lives they had
been united in the same great cause of liberty,
and in their deaths they were not divided.

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be-
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair,
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and
his command of temper was such that his oldest
and most intimate friends never recollected to
have seen him in a passion. His manners, though
dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his
hospitality was so unbounded that all found at
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his
language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ-
ings is discernible the "care with which he formed
his style upon the best models of antiquity.

JAMES MADISON.

3 AMES MADISON, "Father of the Consti-
tution," and fourth President of the United
States, was born March 16, 1757, and died
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The
name of James Madison is inseparably connected
with most of the important events in that heroic
period of our country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were laid. He was
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the
United States to be called to his eternal reward.

The Madison family were among the early emi-
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va.
It was but twenty -five miles from the home of Jef-
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustri-
ous men from their early youth until death.

The early education of Mr. Madison was con-
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col-
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to
study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him-
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of
constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency
to his subsequent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study
of law and a course of extensive and systematic
reading. This educational course, the spirit of
the times in which he lived, and the society with
which he associated, all combined to inspire him
with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for
his life-work as a statesman.

In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of

age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con-
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The
next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen-
eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky -lov-
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but
those who had witnessed the talent, energy and
public spirit of the modest young man enlisted
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to
the Executive Council.

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re-
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia-
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence.
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il-
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately
assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions
among them. For three years he continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential mem-
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no
national government, and no power to form trea-
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law.
There was not any State more prominent than
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na-
tional government must be formed. In January,
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject.
Five States only were represented. The conven-
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the
place of the Confederate Eeague. The delegates
met at the time appointed. Every State but
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing-

JAMES MADISON.

ton was chosen president of the convention, and the
present Constitution of the United States was then
and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind
and no pen more active in framing this immortal
document than the mind and the pen of James
Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was
felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a
conglomeration of independent States, with but
little power at home and littl e respect abroad. Mr.
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up
an address to the people of the United States, ex-
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and
urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all,
and went into effect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs.
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas-
cination, whom he married. She was in person
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the
very peculiar society which has constituted our
republican court as did Mrs. Madison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of
war. British orders in council destroyed our com-
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult.
Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no
charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to
think of an American ship brought to upon the
ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great non-
chalance he selects any number whom he may
please to designate as British subjects, orders them
clown the ship's side into his boat, and places them
on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by
compulsion, the battles of England. This right

of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov-
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re-
linquish.

On the 18th of June, 181 2, President Madison
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison,
on the 4th of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a
large majority, and entered upon his second term
of office. This is not the place to describe the
various adventures of this war on the land and on
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found-
ations of its renown in grappling with the most
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance
of a British fleet, early in February, 18 13, in
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast
of the United States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as
mediator. America accepted; England refused.
A British force of five thousand men landed on the
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, b)' way of
Bladensburg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the
streets of the metropolis. The whole population
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs.
Madison in the White House, with her carriage
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return,
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war.
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not
go back without danger of being captured. But
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion,
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash-
ington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and
on February 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his
second term of office expired, and he resigned the
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe.
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and
there passed the remainder of his days. On June
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell
asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849.

JAMES MONROE.

(TAMES MONROE, the fifth President of the
United States, was born in Westmoreland
Q) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an-
cestors had for many years resided in the province
in which he was born. When he was seventeen
years old, and in process of completing his educa-
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great
Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies,
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence.
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this
time he left school and enlisted among the pa-
triots.

He joined the army when everything looked
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters
increased from day to day. The invading armies
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored
the cause of the mother country, but disheartened
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified
at the prospect of contending with an enemy
whom they had been taught to deem invincible.
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went
right onward undismayed through difficulty and
danger, the United States owe their political
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks
and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die in her
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey.
In four months after the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van-
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy
he received a wound in the left shoulder.

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was
promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re-
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army.
He, however, receded from the line of promotion
by becoming an officer on the staff of Eord Ster-
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778,
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be-
coming desirous to regain his position in the
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued with consid-
erable ardor the study of common law. He did
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy
served as a volunteer during the two years of his
legal pursuits.

In 1782 he was elected from King George
County a member of the legislature of Virginia,
and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the
Executive Council. He was thus honored with
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty-
three years of age, and having at this early period
displayed some of that ability and aptitude for
legislation which were afterward employed with
unremitting energy for the public good, he was
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the
Congress of the United States.

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of
the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the
Republican party, that it gave too much power to
the Central Government, and not enough to the
individual States. Still he retained the esteem
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the
United States Senate, which office he held for

JAMES MONROE.

four years. Every month the line of distinction
between the two great parties which divided the
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was
growing more distinct. The differences which
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub-
lican party was in sympathy with France, and
also in favor of such a strict construction of the
Constitution as to give the Central Government as
little power, and the State Governments as much
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while
the Federalists sympathized with England, and
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could pos-
sibly authorize.

Washington was then President. England had
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of
neutrality between these contending powers.
France had helped us in the struggles for our
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now
combined to prevent the French from escaping
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag-
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener-
ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se-
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol-
icy of the Government, as the minister of that
Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven-
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem-
onstration.

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr.
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and
held the office for three years. He was again
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv-
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known
as the province of Louisiana, which France had
but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their
united efforts were successful. For the compara-
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the

entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui-
siana were added to the United States. This was
probably the largest transfer of real estate which
was ever made in all the history of the world.

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to
obtain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against
those odious impressments of our seamen. But
England was unrelenting. He again returned to
England on the same mission, but could receive
no redress. He returned to his home and was
again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon
resigned to accept the position of Secretary of
State under Madison. While in this office war
with England was declared, the Secretary of War
resigned, and during these trying times the
duties of the War Department were also put upon
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President
Madison, and the most efficient business man in
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re-
signed the Department of War, but continued in
the office of Secretary of State until the expira-
tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe
himself had been chosen President with but little
opposition, and upon March 4, 1S17, he was in-
augurated. Four years later he was elected for
a second term.

Among the important measures of his Presi-
dency were the cession of Florida to the United
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun-
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: ' ' That
we should consider any attempt on the part of
European powers to extend their sj^steui to any
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety," and that "we could not view
any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or
controlling American governments or provinces
in any other light than as a manifestation by
European powers of an unfriendly disposition
toward the United States."

At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re-
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un-
til 1830, when he went to New York to live witli
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th
of July, 1831.

JOHN OUINCY ADAMS.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

(TOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President

I of the United States, was born in the rural
\Z) home of his honored father, John Adams, in
Ouincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over
his childhood during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but eight years of
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence,
listening to the booming of the great battle on
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he took a tearful
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu-
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers.
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half
in Paris, where his father was associated with
Franklin and Eee as Minister Plenipotentiary.
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis-
tinguished men, and he received from them flat-
tering marks of attention.

John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad.
Again John Ouincy accompanied his father. At
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil-
igence for six months, and then accompanied his
father to Holland, where he entered first a school
in Amsterdam, then the University at Ee}rden.
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus-
sian court, as his private secretary.

In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl-
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark,
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth
year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri-
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel-
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the
most distinguished men on the continent, examin-

ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he
again became associated with the most illustrious
men of all lands in the contemplation of the
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the
human mind. After a short visit to England he
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies
to study until May, 17S5, when he returned to
America to finish his education.

Upon leaving Harvard College at the age of
twenty, he studied law for three years. In June,
1 794, being then but twenty-seven years of age,
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min-
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in
July, he reached Eondon in October, where he
was immediately admitted to the deliberations of
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego-
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain.
After thus spending a fortnight in Eoudon, he
proceeded to The Hague.

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por-
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to
Portugal, upon arriving in Eoudon, he met with
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but
requesting him to remain in Eondon until he
should receive his instructions. While waiting
he was married to an American lad}-, to whom he
had been previously engaged — Miss Eouisa Cath-
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson,
American Consul in Eondon, and a lady en-
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish-
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797,
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav-
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so-
licited his recall.

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen
to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and
then was elected Senator of the United States for
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep-
utation, his ability and his experience placed

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

him immediately among the most prominent and
influential members of that body.

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh.
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col-
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense
student. He devoted his attention to the lan-
guage and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade;
to the European system of weights, measures and
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa-
tions: while he kept up a familiar acquaintance
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the
universities of Europe, a more accomplished
scholar could scarcely be found. All through
life the Bible constituted an important part of his
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters
every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of
his numerous friends in public and private life in
Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United
States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the
eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr.
Adams continued Secretary of State.

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's
second term of office, new candidates began to be
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr.
Adams brought forward his name. It was an
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral
votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people,
the question went to the House of Representa-
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to
Mr. Adams, and he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates
now combined in a venomous and persistent as-
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more
disgraceful in the past history of our country than
the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa-

triotic man. There never was an administration
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de-
voted to the best interests of the country, than
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps,
was there an administration more unscrupulously
and outrageously assailed.

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An-
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected
Vice-President. The slavery question now be-
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No-
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death,
he occupied the post as Representative, towering
above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the
House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never
was a member more devoted to his duties. He
was usually the first in his place in the morning,
and the last to leave his seat in the evening.
Not a measure could be brought forward and es-
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery-
party in the Government was sublime in its
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery,
he was threatened with indictment by the grand
jury, with expulsion from the House, with assas-
sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and
his final triumph was complete.

On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to
address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again
stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms
of those around him. For a time he was sense-
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro-
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened
his eyes, looked calmly around and said "This
is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause
he added, " I am content." These were the last
words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent."

ANDREW JACKSON.

s —

G\ NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President
LA of the United .States, was born in Waxhaw
/ | settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few
days after his father's death. His parents were
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived
in deepest poverty.

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called,
grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form ungaiufy, and there
was but very little in his character made visible
which was attractive.

When only thirteen years old he joined the
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion.
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv-
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boj\

Andrew supported himself in various ways, such
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school,
and clerking in a general store, until 17S4, when
he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He,
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse-
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788,
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then
a part. This involved many long journeys amid
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re-
peat a skirmish with "Sharp Knife."

In 1 79 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman
who supposed herself divorced from her former
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties,
two years later, to find that the conditions of the
divorce had just been definitely settled by the
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per-
formed a second time, but the occurrence was
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson
into disfavor.

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennesse
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabj
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxvil]
to frame a constitution. Five were sent fro]
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackso
was. one of the delegates. The new State w;
entitled to but one member in the National Hou:
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chose
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode 1
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its se
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Dem|
cratic party, and Jefff rson was his idol. He a<
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated En!
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Was]
ington, whose second term of office was the
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congres
A committee drew up a complimentary address I
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of tl
address, and was one of the twelve who vot<
against it. He was not willing to say that Ge
Washington's administration had been "wise
firm and patriotic."

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United Stat
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and return<
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of tl
Supreme Court of his State, which position J
held for six years.

When the War of 18 12 with Great Britain co:
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chai
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that the.
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jac
son, who would do credit to a commission if 01
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Ge
Jackson offered his services and those of twentl
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepts
and the troops were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly expected to ma.
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. W
kinson was in command, he was ordered to c

ANDREW JACKSON.

scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez,
and after a delay of several weeks there without
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack-
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the
comfort of his soldiers, .won for him golden opin-
ions, and he became the most popular man in the
State. It was in this expedition that his tough-
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory."

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking part as second in a duel
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en-
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds.
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering,
news came that the Indians, who had combined
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Dakes to ex-
terminate the white settlers, were committing the
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec-
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone
just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and
unable to mount his horse without assistance,
gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala.

The Creek Indians had established a strong
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River,
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be-
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand
men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder-
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their
fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th
of March, 18 14. The bend of the river enclosed
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with
an ample supply of arms, were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter.
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul-
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly
every one of the nine hundred warriors was

killed. A few, probably, in the night swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war.

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who
were the allies of the Indians. No man of less
resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con-
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major-
General.

Date in August, with an army of two thousand
men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola,
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the
little fort, and from both ship and shore com-
menced a furious assault. The battle was long
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was
blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name.
Here his troops, which numbered about four
thousand men, won a signal victory over the
British army of about nine thousand. His loss
was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was
twenty-six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be
mentioned in connection with the Presidency,
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams.
He was, however, successful in the election of
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins
of government, he met with the most terrible
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom
he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps
never been surpassed. From the shock of her
death he never recovered.

His administration was one of the most mem-
orable in the annals of our country — applauded
by one part}', condemned by the other. No man
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired
to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1S45. The
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de-
voted Christian man.

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

\A ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi-
Y dent of the United States, was born at Kin-
(y derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body
rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a
simple inscription about half-way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded
by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles,
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life
was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts,
and he gained many signal victories, his days
passed uneventful in those incidents which give
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi-
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplar}' piety.

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic
studies in his native village, and commenced the
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa-
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re-
quired of him before he could be admitted to the
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con-
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with
indefatigable industry. After spending six years
in an office in his native village, he went to the city
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the
seventh year.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years

of age, commenced the practice of law in his na-
tive village. The great conflict between the Fedei al
and Republican parties was then at its height.
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi-
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while
hstening to the many discussions which had been
carried on in his father' s hotel. He was in cordial
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo-
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy
both in his town and State.

His success and increasing reputation led him
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson,
the county seat of his county. Here he spent
seven years, constantly gaining strength by con-
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men
who have adorned the Bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, a victim of con-
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr.
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in
items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty
years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate,
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's
administration. In 181 5, he was appointed At-
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al-
bany, the capital of the State.

While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that ' 'universal suffrage' ' which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

of governing the State. In true consistency with
his democratic principles, he contended that, while
the path leading to the privilege of voting should
be open to every man without distinction, no one
should be invested with that sacred prerogative
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in
the welfare of the State.

In 1 82 1 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate, and in the same year he took a
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of
his native State. His course in this convention
secured the approval of men of all parties. No
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to
promote the interests of all classes in the com-
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active
and useful legislator.

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt-
ing the ' 'State Rights' ' view in opposition to what
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the
United States contributed so much towards eject-
ing John Q. Adams from the 'Presidential chair,
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize
a political army which would secretly and stealth-
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr.
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few then thought could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State.
This position he resigned in 1831, and was im-
mediately appointed Minister to England, where
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however,

when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jacksonv
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he
took his place at the head of that Senate which had
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador.

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr.
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United
States. He was elected by a handsome majority,
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving
New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton,
"the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power
to appoint a successor."

His administration was filled with exciting
events. The insurrection in Canada, which
threatened to involve this country in war with
England, the agitation of the slavery question,
and finally the great commercial panic which
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis-
dom. The financial distress was attributed to
the management of the Democratic party, and
brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March,
1 84 1, he retired from the presidency.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, ol
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had
now fortunately a competence for his declining
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he
still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death,
on the 24th of July, 1S62, at the age of eighty
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a
healthy old age probably far more happiness than
he had before experienced amid the storrny scenes
of his active life.

WIUJAM HENRY HARRISON,

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

pGJlUJAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth
\Al P^si^ent of the United States, was born
V V at Berkeley, Va., February 9, 1773. His
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti-
mate friend of George Washington, was early
elected a member of the Continental Congress,
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir-
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben-
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both
candidates for the office of Speaker.

Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov-
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His
son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child-
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel-
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school educa-
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where
he graduated with honor soon after the death of
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to
stud}' medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence.

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends,
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign
from President Washington. He was then but
nineteen years old. From that time he passed
gradually upward in rank until he became aide
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned
his commission. He was then appointed Secre-
tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri-
tory was then entitled to but one member in Con-

gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that po:
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern ]
tory was divided by Congress into two poi t
The eastern portion, comprising the regio;
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called
Territory northwest of the Ohio." The w
portion, which included what is now called •
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the I
ana Territory." William Henry Harrison,
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed b?
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territor
immediately after also Governor of Upper I
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as 1
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs
was invested with powers nearly dictatoria
the then rapidly increasing white population,
ability and fidelity with which he discli
these responsible duties may be inferred fro
fact that he was four times appointed t
office — first by John Adams, twice by Tl
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Mad

When he began his administration there
but three white settlements in that almost b
less region, now crowded with cities and res
ing with all the tumult of wealth and t
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, 1
opposite Eouisville; one at Vincennes, o
Wabash; and the third was a French settle

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Ha:
reigned was filled with many tribes of In<
About the year 1806, two extraordinary
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose a
them. One of these was called Teeumsc
"the Crouching Paidher;" the other O
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecur/.ieh wa
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great:

■

arc.

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse-
verance in any enterprise in which he might en-
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator,
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In-
dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur-
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con-
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great
slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its
march. When near the Prophet's town, three
Indians of rank made their appearance and in-
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer-
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the
next day to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted
with the Indian character to be deceived by such
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his
night's encampment, he took every precaution
against surprise. His troops were posted in a
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o' clock
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting
in conversation with his aides by the embers
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning,
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In-
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then,
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera-
tion which superstition and passion most highly
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply pro-
vided with guns and ammunition by the English,
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a
shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and
Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as
the rocks around them until day dawned, when
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo-
net and swept everything before them, completely
routing the foe.

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British, descending from the

Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable
force, but with their savage allies rushing like
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp-
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into
a state of consternation which even the most vivid
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at
Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances,
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi-
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity
and courage, but he was found equal to the
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet
all the responsibilities.

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member
of the National House of Representatives, to rep-
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was
with a force of reason and power of eloquence
which arrested the attention of all the members.

In 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec-
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry
Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni-
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the
close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nom-
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani-
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was
signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web-
ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of
the most brilliant with which any President had
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes
of the country more sanguine. In the midst of
these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April,
just one month after his inauguration as President
of the United States.

JOHN TYLER.

(fOHN TYLER, the tenth President of the
; United States, and was born in Charles
Q) City County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was
the favored child of affluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered
William and Mary College, and graduated with
much honor when but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi-
duity to the study of law, partly with his father
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the
practice of law. His success was rapid and as-
tonishing. It is said that three months had not
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the
docket of the court in which he was not retained.
When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis-
lature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party,, and warmly advocated the measures
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving
nearly the unanimous vote of his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear-
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos-
ing a national bank, internal improvements by
the General Government, and a protective tariff;
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu-
tion and the most careful vigilance over State
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous
that before the close of his second term he found
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in
Charles City County to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in
the State Legislature, where his influence was
powerful in promoting public works of great
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in-
creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad-
ministration was a signally successful one, and his
popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of
the United States. A portion of the Democratic
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way-
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as
his opponent, considering him the only man in
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr.
Tyler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon tak-
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke
against and voted against the bank as unconsti-
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im-
provements by the General Government, and
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson,
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned
the principles of the Democratic party. Such
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in
perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo-
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show-
ered compliments upon him. He had now at-
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been
very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to
public business, his private affairs had fallen into
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac-
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de-
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation.
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for
the better education of his children, and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom-
inate a President. The majority of votes were
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much
to the disappointment of the South, which wished

JOHN TYLER.

for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President.
It was well known that he was not in sympathy
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice-
President has very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it
happened that a Whig President and, in reality,
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen.

in 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice-
President of the United States. In one short
month from that time, President Harrison died,
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu-
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of
April he was inaugurated to the high and re-
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long
life he had been opposed to the main principles of
the party which had brought him into power.
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se-
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them,
and thus surround himself with counselors whose
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the
other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in
harmony with himself, and which would oppose
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen-
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi-
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats,
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer,
that God would guide and bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re-
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however,
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac-
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed
without alteration, and he sent it back with his
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-

ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se-
verely touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the
President into their arms. The party which
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster,
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued
an address to the people of the United States,
proclaiming that all political alliance between the
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs
and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un-
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur-
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he
brought himself into sympathy with his old
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his
term he gave his whole influence to the support
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his
successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re-
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak-
able relief. The remainder of his days were
passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County,
Va. His first wife, Miss Uetitia Christian, died
in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844,
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and
intellectual accomplishments.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C.
Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler re-
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem-
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the
Government over which he had once presided, he
was taken sick and soon died.

JAMES K. POLK.

(JAMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of
I the United States, was born in Meeklenburgh
Q) County, N. C. , November 2, 1795. His
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and
soon after followed by most of the members of the
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val-
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently
called Maury County, they erected their log huts
and established their homes. In the hard toil of
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk
spent the early years of his childhood and youth.
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth,
until he became one of the leading men of the
region. His mother was a superior woman, of
strong common sense and earnest piety.

Very early in life James developed a taste for
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob-
tain a liberal education. His mother's training
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught
him punctuality and industry, and had inspired
him with loft}- principles of morality. His health
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for
commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when,
at his earnest solicitation, his father removed
him and made arrangements for him to pros-
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur-
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could
scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his

studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in
the autumn of 18 15, entered the sophomore class
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow-
ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a
religious service.

Mr. Polk graduated in 18 18, with the highest
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class,
both in mathematics and the classics. He was
then twenty-three years of age. His health was
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville,
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta-
tion, the ' ' Hermitage, ' ' but a few miles from
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac-
quainted before.

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersoniau Republican
and James K. adhered to the same political faith.
He was a popular public speaker, and was con-
stantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the
stump. He was a man of unblemished morals,
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth-
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823,
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee,
and gave his strong influence toward the election
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of
the United States.

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His
bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis-
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred

JAMES K. POLK.

from the fact, that for fourteen successive years,
or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent
and a popular speaker. He was always in his
seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke
it was always to the point, without any ambitious
rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he
performed his arduous duties to a very general
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on
the 4th of March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk,
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State.
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo-
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville.
In 1 841 his term of office expired, and he was
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but
was defeated.

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in-
augurated President of the United States. The
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress,
and the last act of the administration of President
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu-
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap-
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union.
As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im-
mediately demanded his passports and left the
country, declaring the act of the annexation to be
an act hostile to Mexico.

In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be
received into the Union on the same footing with
the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the
country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex-
as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected
batteries which commanded the Mexican city of
Matamoras, which was situated on the western

banks. The anticipated collision soon took place,
and war was declared against Mexico by President
Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad-
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor,
whose army was first called one of " observation,"
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered.
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was
brought on.

"To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our
hands. We now consented to peace upon the
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of
Upper and Dower California. This new demand
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred
thousand square miles. This was an extent oi
territory equal to nine States of the size of New
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma-
jestic States to be added to the Union. There
were some Americans who thought it all right;
there were others who thought it all wrong. In
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired
from office, having served one term. The next
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay-
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his
health was good. With an ample fortune, a
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be-
fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge
— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis-
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his
age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

G7ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of I
I. the United States, was born on the 24th of
fcSc November, 1784, in Orange County, Va.
His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant,
his father, with his wife and two children, emi-
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path-
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In
this frontier home, away from civilization and all
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but
few social and educational advantages. When
six years of age he attended a common school,
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluutness and decision of
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli-
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's
large but lonely plantation.

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United
States army, and he joined the troops which were
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson.
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith,
a young lady from one of the first families of
Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then
been promoted to that rank) was put in command
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at-
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri-
son consisted of a broken company of infantry,
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians,
stealthily, and in large nnmbers, moved upon the

fort. Their approach was first indicated by the
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade.
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep-
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav-
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their
chief would come to have a talk with him. It
was evident that their object was merely to ascer-
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages,
kept them at a distance.

The sun went down; the savages disappeared;
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his
post. Every man knew that defeat was not
merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con-
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired.
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro-
moted to the rank of Major by brevet.

Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was
placed in such situations that he saw but little
more of active service. He was sent far away
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw-
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to
wear away the tedious hours as one best could.
There were no books, no society, no intellectual
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re-

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain,
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and
efficient, part.

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re-
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi-
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom-
ised they should do. The services rendered here
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government, and as a reward he was ele-
vated to the high rank of Brigadier- General by
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap-
pointed to the chief command of the United
States troops in Florida.

After two years of wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay-
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of
command, and was stationed over the Department
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he
removed his family to a plantation which he pur-
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world,
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed
upou him.

Iu 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which
was then claimed by the United States. Soon
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred
upou Gen. Taylor, and his name was received
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na-
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories
over forces much larger than he commanded.

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena
Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on
every one's lips. The Whig party decided to

take advantage of this wonderful popularity in
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon-
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency.
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce-
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli-
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote.
It was not without chagrin that several distin-
guished statesmen, who had been long years in
the public service, found their claims set aside in
behalf of one whose name had never been heard
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It
is a nomination not fit to be made. ' '

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a
fine writer. His friends took possession of him,
and prepared such few communications as it was
needful should be presented to the public. The
popularity of the successful warrior swept the
laud. He was triumphantly elected over two
opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf-
ferings were very severe, and probably tended to
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California
was pleading for admission to the Union, while
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen.
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington
to be far more trying to the nerves than battles
with Mexicans or Indians.

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the
9th of Jul}r, 1850. His last words were, "I am
not afraid to die. I am read}'. I have endeav-
ored to do my duty." He died universally re-
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec-
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

\A ILXARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President
Jr of the United States, was born at Summer
OJ Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 7th of
January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos-
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi-
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities.
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished promise, though she
was not permitted to witness the high dignity
which he finally attained.

In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender
advantages for education in his early years. The
common schools, which he occasionally attended,
were very imperfect institutions, and books were
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then
in his character to indicate the brilliant career
upon which he was about to enter. He was a
plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking,
kind-hearted. The sacred iuflueuees of home
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid
the foundations of an upright character. When
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small village, where
some enterprising man had commenced the col-
lection of a village library. This proved an in-
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even-
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections
which he made were continually more elevating
and instructive. He read history, biography,
oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled

in his heart a desire to be something more than a
mere worker with his hands.

The young clothier had now attained the age
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear-
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap-
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh-
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev-
olence,— Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill-
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so
much impressed with his ability and attainments
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de-
vote himself to the study of the law. The young
man replied that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu-
cation had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood
had so much confidence in him that he kindly
offered to take him into his own office, and to
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate-
fully the generous offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion
about a collegiate education. A young man is
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu-
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi-
ters through university halls and then enters a
law office is by no means as well prepared to
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill-
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at
the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to
intense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas.
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com-
menced the practice of law. In this secluded,
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited,
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of

MILLARD FILLMORE.

adorning any station she might be called to fill, —
Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo-
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad-
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member
of the Bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of
Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre-
sentative from Erie County. Though he had
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The
State was then Democratic, and he found himself
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy,
ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de-
gree, the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a
seat in the United States Congress. He entered
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours
of our national history, when the great conflict
respecting the national bank and the removal of
the deposits was raging.

His term of two years closed, and he returned
to his profession, which he pursued with increas-
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two
years he again became a candidate for Congress;
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His
past experience as a Representative gave him
strength and confidence. The first term of service
in Congress to any man can be but little more
than an introduction. He was now prepared for
active duty. All his energies were brought to
bear upon the public good. Every measure re-
ceived his impress.

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute,
and his popularity filled the State. In the year
1847, when he had attained the age of forty-
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla-
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi-
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec-
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande,
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought

one or two successful battles with the Mexicans,
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for
the presidency. But it was necessary to associate
with him on the same ticket some man of repu-
tation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore
became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their
candidates for President and Vice-President. The
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President,
of the United States.

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor,
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be-
came President. He appointed a very able cabi-
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was
Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all
measures of transient conciliation. The popula-
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable
that the power of the Government should soon
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa-
mous compromise measures were adopted under
Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex-
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March,
1853, he, having served one term, retired.

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr.
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri-
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It
was generally supposed that his sympathies were
rather with those who were endeavoring to over-
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age,
and died in Buffalo, N. Y.; March 8, 1S74.

FRANKLIN PIERCK.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

fRANKIJN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi-
r») dent of the United States, was born in Hills-
| ' borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His
father was a Revolutionary soldier, who with his
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder-
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un-
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank-
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in-
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman.

Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children,
was a remarkably bright and handsome boy,
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won
alike the love of old and young. The boys on
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved
him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman,
always speaking kind words, and doing kind
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which
taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in
body and mind a finely developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820,
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me.
He was one of the most popular young men in
the college. The purity of his moral character,
the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a
universal favorite. There was something pe-
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi-
dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous
and loving nature.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office
of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished

lawyers of the State, and a man of great private
worth. The eminent social qualities of the young
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man,
and the brilliant political career into which Judge
Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr.
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi-
dency. He commenced the practice of law in
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent
the town in the State Legislature. Here he
served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen Speaker of the House by a very large
vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being
then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren
commenced his administration. He was the
youngest member in the Senate. In the year
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one
admirably fitted to adorn every station with which
her husband was honored. Of the three sons who
were born to them, all now sleep with their par-
ents in the grave.

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up
his residence in Concord, the capital of New
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General
of the United States; but the offer was declined
in consequence of numerous professional engage-
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs.
Pierce's health. He also, about the same time,
declined the nomination for Governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called

FRANKLJN PIERCE.

Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint-
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a
portion of his troops at Newport, R I., on the
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol-
dier.

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na-
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, very frequently taking an active part in
political questions, giving his cordial support to
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party.
The compromise measures met cordially with his
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en-
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law,
which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the
North. He thus became distinguished as a
' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The
strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con-
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate
for the Presidency. For four days they contin-
ued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the
Virginia delegation brought forward his name.
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can-
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una-
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec-
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

His administration proved one of the most
stormy our country had ever experienced. The
controversy between slavery and freedom was
then approaching its culminating point. It be-
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible
conflict between them, and that this nation
could not long exist ' ' half slave and half free. ' '

President Pierce, during the whole of his admin-
istration, did everything he could to conciliate the
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict even-
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso-
lution of the Union were borne to the Ncrth on
every Southern breeze.

Such was the condition of affairs when Presi-
dent Pierce approached the close of his four-
years term of office. The North had become
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas-
ures of Government which they approved, and
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta-
bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil-
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav-
ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci-
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon
came, and he was left alone in the world without
wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which
divided our country into two parties, and two
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin-
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave
his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with
which he had ever been allied. He declined to
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen
the hand of the National Government. He con-
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his
death, which occurred in October, 1S69. He was
one of the most genial and social of men, an hon-
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia-
tion of suffering and want, and many of his
towns-people were often gladdened by his material
bounty.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

(TAMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President
I of the United States, was born in a small
C2/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge
of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat-
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire-
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop-
erty save his own strong arms. Five years after-
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride,
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim,
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure
part in the drama of life. When James was eight
years of age, his father removed to the village of
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school,
and commenced a course of study in English,
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col-
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars
in the institution.

In the year 1809, he graduated with the high-
est honors of his class. He was then eighteen
years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health,
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en-
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits,
lie immediately commenced the study of law in
the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the
Bar in 181 2, when he was but twent3'-one years
of age.

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower
House. During the vacations of Congress, he

occasionally tried some important case. In 1831
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes-
sion, having acquired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi-
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus-
sia. The duties of his mission he performed
with abilitj', and gave satisfaction to all parties.
Upon his return, in 1833, ne was elected to a seat
in the United States Senate. He there met as
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal-
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by
President Jackson, of making reprisals against
France to enforce the payment of our claims
against that country, and defended the course of
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the
supporters of his administration. Upon this
question he was brought into direct collision with
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad-
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re-
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of
anti-slavery documents by the United States
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery,
he advocated that they should be respectfully re-
ceived, and that the reply should be returned
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the
subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for-
eign government as in any of the States where it
now exists."

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency,
Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and a?
such took his share of the responsibility in the

JAMES BUCHANAN.

conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed
that crossing the Nueces by the American
troops into the disputed territory was not wrong,
but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid
man can read with pleasure the account of the
course our Government pursued in that movement.

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and
extension of slavery, and brought all the energies
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso.
He gave his cordial approval to the compromise
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive
Slave Paw. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis-
sion to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con-
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi-
dency. The political conflict was one of the most
severe in which our country has ever engaged.
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the
enemies of slavery, received one hundred and
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
one hundred and seventy- four, and was elected.
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont,
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857,
the latter was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score
years and ten. His own friends, those with
whom he had been allied in political principles
and action for years, were seeking the destruc-
tion of the Government, that they might rear
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation
whose corner-stone should be human slaver}-. In
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed
principles, consistently oppos.e the State Rights
party in their assumptions. As President of the
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to
administer the laws, he could not, without per1
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en-
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there-
fore did nothing.

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra-

tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand-
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass.
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were
elected and the control of the Government were
thus taken from their hands, they would secede
from the Union, taking with them as they retired
the National Capitol at Washington and the
lion's share of the territory of the United States.

As the storm increased in violence, the slave-
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr.
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress
had no power to enforce its laws in any State
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union
must and shall be preserved ! ' '

South Carolina seceded in December, i860,
nearly three months before the inauguration of
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts,
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots
of military stores were plundered, and our cus-
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by
the rebels.

The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na-
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow
weeks to glide away and close the administration,
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long-
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra-
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled
its billows of flame and blood over our whole
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his
wish that our country's banner should triumph
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his
Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1S68.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Gl BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi-
Ll dent of the United States, was born in Hardin
I I County, Ky. , February 12, 1S09. About
the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, and while still a young man,
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil-
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the
youngest of the boys, and the father of President
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his
father's death.

When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia.
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub-
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be,"
exclaimed the grateful son, " I owe to my angel-
mother. ' ' When he was eight years of age, his
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly
family was the usual lot of humanity. There
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals.
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly
attached, was married when a child of but four-
teen years of age, and soon died. The family-
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln
sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi-
grated to Macon County, 111.

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite
diligently at this until he saw the family com-
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to

his father his intention to leave home, and to go
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa-
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un-
contaminated by a single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to
Springfield, where he was employed in building
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine,
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What-
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his
employers. In this adventure the latter were
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed
a store and mill under his care.

In 1S32, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a
company. He returned to Sangamon County,
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated.
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again
became a candidate for the Legislature and was
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him
to study law. He walked from New Salem to
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of
books, carried them back, and began his legal
studies. When the Legislature assembled, he
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839
he removed to Springfield and began the practice
of law. His success with the jury was so great

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

that he was soon engaged in almost every noted
case in the circuit.

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques-
tion. In the organization of the Republican party
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at
once became one of the leaders in that party.
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the
Senate, form a most notable part of his history.
The issue was on the slavery question, and he
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In-
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr.
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a
far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chi-
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to
twenty-five thousand. An immense building
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo-
date the convention. There were eleven candi-
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H.
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It
was generally supposed he would be the nomi-
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the
nomination on the third ballot.

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con-
stitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this
good and merciful man, especially by the slave-
holders, was greater than upon any other man
ever elected to this high position. In February,
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop-
ping in all the large cities on his way, making
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with
much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassi-
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to
"get up a row," and in the confusion to make
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren-
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret
and special train was provided to take him from
Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected

hour of the night. The train started at half-past
ten, and to prevent any possible communication
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr.
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by
all loyal people.

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to
other prominent opponents before the convention
he gave important positions; but during no other
administration had the duties devolving upon the
President been so manifold, and the responsibilities
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with,
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans,
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of
himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour-
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had
been made for his assassination, and he at last
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he,
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char-
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a
disappointment if he should fail them, very re-
luctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes
Booth entered the box where the President and
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his
brain. He died the next morning at seven
o'clock.

Never before in the history of the world was
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death
of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which
will fitly become a model. His name as the
Savior of his country will live with that of Wash-
ington's, its Father.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

61 NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President
LJ of the United States. The early life of An-
/ I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov-
erty, destitution and friendlessness. He was born
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par-
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites"
of the South, were in such circumstances that the)'
could not confer even the slightest advantages of
education upon their child. When Andrew was
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living
with her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one
day, and being unable either to read or write, was
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen-
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at
work there. He often read from the speeches of
distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary
ability, became much interested in these speeches;
his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with
a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet,
and with the assistance of some of his fellow-
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches.
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com-
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul-
ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu-
ally ten or twelve hours at v, ork in the shop, and
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de-
vote such time as he could to reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at

Greenville, where he married a young lady who
possessed some education. Under her instructions
he learned to write and cipher. He became
prominent in the village debating society, and a
favorite with the students of Greenville College.
In 1828, he organized a working man's party,
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected
him Mayor, which position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in
political affairs, identifying himself with the work-
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he
was elected a member of the House of Represent-
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty-
seven years of age. He became a very active
member of the Legislature, gave his support to
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen.
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843,
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc-
cessive elections held that important post for ten
years. In 1 853, he was elected Governor of Tenn-
essee, and was re-elected in 1S55. In all these
responsible positions, he discharged his duties
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the
warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr.
Johnson was elected United States Senator.

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would
probably prove "to be the gateway out of which
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage
to freedom, and become merged in a population
congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup-
ported the compromise measures, the two essen-

ANDREW JOHNSON.

tial features of which were, that the white people
of the Territories should be permitted to decide
for themselves whether they would enslave the
colored people or not, and that the free States of
the North should return to the South persons who
attempted to escape from slavery.

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic;
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son
of a carpenter. ' '

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860,
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held
that "slavery must be held subordinate to the
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn-
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln,
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov-
ernor of the State, and he established the most
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama-
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was
elected Vice-President of the United States, and
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865,
became President. In a speech two days later he
said, "The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime
and must be punished; that the Government will
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong
not only to protect, but to punish. * * The
people must understand that it (treason) is the
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished. ' '
Yet his whole administration, the history of which
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with,
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi-
ples laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut-
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of

"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of
impeachment were preferred against him, and the
trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was
at length submitted to the court for its action. It
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar-
ticle so would it vote upon all . Thirty-four voices
pronounced the President guilt}-. As a two-thirds
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great
majority against him. The change of one vote
from the not guilty side would have sustained the
impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term,
was but little regarded. He continued, though
impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own
party did not think it expedient to renominate
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash-
ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin
introduced him to the President's chair. Not-
withstanding this, never was there presented to a
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name,
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville,
Tenu., taking no very active part in politics until
1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle,
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess,
and took his seat in that bod}-, at the special ses-
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi-
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous
health, but on reaching the residence of his child
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis,
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc-
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 A. m.,
July 31 , aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with
every demonstration of respect.

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

I) J LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi-
K'l dent of the United States, was born on the
\J 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-
school education. At the age of seventeen, in
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid,
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy,
honest character. He took respectable rank as a
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of
Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the
Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en-
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal
service of daring and skillful horsemanship.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant
returned with his regiment to New York, and
was again sent to one of the military posts on the
frontier. The discovery of gold in California
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec-
tion of the interests of the immigrants. P.ut life
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned
his commission and returned to the States. Hav-
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little I

skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering
into the leather business, with a younger brother
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me
for the army; though I have served him through
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga-
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and
see Uncle Sam through this war too."

He went into the streets, raised a company of
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov-
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza-
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf
of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1861,
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were
such that he was- soon promoted to the rank of
Brigadier-General, and was placed in command at
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Paclu-
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River.
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un-
furled in its stead.

He entered the service with great determina-
tion and immediately began active duty. This
was the beginning, and until the surrender of
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont,
a few days later, he surprised and routed the
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory.
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson.
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately
made a Major-General, and the military district
of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well
how to secure the results of victory. He imme-
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen.
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of
the city with over thirty thousand men and one
hundred and seventy -two cannon. The fall of
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from
which he was laid up for months. He then
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of
strategic and technical measures put the Union
army in fighting condition. Then followed the
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of
February, 1864, Congress revived the grade of
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties
of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed
National troops for an attack upon Richmond,
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de-
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble
under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd-
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened

with closely-packed thousands. His plans were
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam-
paigns, which were executed with remarkable
energy and ability, and were consummated at the
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.

The war was ended. The Union was saved.
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de-
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in-
strument in its salvation. The eminent services
he had thus rendered the country brought him
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi-
date for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated
for the Presidency, and at the autumn election
received a majority of the popular vote, and two
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and
ninety-four electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th ot
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for
a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec-
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect-
oral votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen.
Grant started upon his famous trip around the
world. He visited almost every country of the
civilized world, and was everywhere received
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect
and honor, private as well as public and official,
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen
of the United States.

He was the most prominent candidate before
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for
a renomination for President. He went to New
York and embarked in the brokerage business
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune,
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary-.
The General was attacked with cancer in the
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never
complaining. He was re-instated as General of
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885,
the nation went in mourning over the death 01
the illustrious General.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

RUTHERFORD R HAYES.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth
President of the United States, was born in
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost
three months after the death of his father, Ruther-
ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and
maternal sides was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter,
married Sarah Dee, and lived from the time of
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn.
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn.
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born.
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having
been among the wealthiest and best families of
Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand-
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

The father of President Hayes was an industri-
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a

mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow,
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris-
tian principles. After the close of the War of
1 81 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he
resolved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail-
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in-
spection was first made, occupying four months.
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22,
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three
months before the birth of the son of whom we
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement,
found the support she so much needed in her
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had
adopted some time before as an act of charity.

Rutherford was seven years old before he went
to school. His education, however, was not neg-
lected. He probably learned as much from his
mother and sister as he would have done at
school. His sports were almost wholly within
doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso-
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del-
icate consideration for the feelings of others which
were marked traits of his character.

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest
interest in his education; and as the boy's health
had improved, and he was making good progress
in his studies, he proposed to send him to college.
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home;

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro-
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown,
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head
of his class in 1842.

Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow,
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de-
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge,
Mass., where he remained two years.

In 1S45, after graduating at the Law School, he
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and
shortly afterward went into practice as an at-
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre-
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious
of distinction in his profession.

In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am-
bition found a new stimulus. For several years,
however, his progress was slow. Two events
occurring at this period had a powerful influence
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club,
a body embracing among its members such men
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others
hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar-
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of
our Presidents was more universally admired,
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon
American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young
men of high character and noble aims, and lured
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his
bashfulness and modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of-
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City
Council elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at

the Bar was among the first. But the news of
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to
take up arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright and illustrious.
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo-
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers.
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of
his old regiment. At the battle of South Moun-
tain he received a wound, and while faint and
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that
won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment,
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General,
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha
division, and for gallant and meritorious services
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General.
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant
and distinguished services during the campaigns
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his
arduous services, four horses were shot from un-
der him, and he was wounded four times.

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress
from the Second Ohio District, which had long
been Democratic. He was not present during the
campaign, and after the election was importuned
to resign his commission in the army; but he fi-
nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing-
ton until I can come by way of Richmond. ' ' He
was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the
third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re-
publican party in the Presidential contest, and
after a hard, long contest was chosen President,
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877.
He served his full term, not, however, with satis-
faction to his party, but his administration was an
average one. The remaining years of his life
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he
passed away January 17, 1893.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

(TAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President
I of the United States, was born November 19,
Q) 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga
County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and
Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England
ancestry, and from families well known in the
early history of that section of our country, but
who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio,
early in its settlement.

The house in which James A. was born was
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs,
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay.
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted,
and a log barn built. The household comprised
the father and mother and their four children,
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May,
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time
James was about eighteeu months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps,
can tell how much James was indebted to his
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty
years succeeding his father's death. He now
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon,
Ohio, near their birthplace.

The early educational advantages young Gar-
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the
most of them. He labored at farm work for
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and
manhood; neither did they ever forget him.
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym-
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of

want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple,
plain, modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap-
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious
to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strong^
opposed. She finally consented to his going to
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that
he should try to obtain some other kind of em-
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland.
This was his first visit to the city. After making
many applications for work, and trying to get
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc-
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal.
He remained at this work but a short time, when
he went home, and attended the seminary at
Chester for about three years. He then entered
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other
work. This school was started by the Disciples
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in
order to help pay his way. He then became both
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram,"
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854
he entered Williams College, from which he grad-
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col-
lege as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places
where he happened to be.

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem-
ber 11, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom
all the world loved. To them were born seven
children, five of whom are still living, four boys
and one girl.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and
three years later he began to speak at county
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker
wherever he was. During this year he. was
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission
as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi-
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He
was immediately put into active service, and be-
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was
placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the able
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky.
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished,
although against great odds, and President Lin-
coln commissioned him Brigadier-General, Janu-
ary 10, 1862; and "as he had been the youngest
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now
he was the youngest General in the army." He
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its
operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of
the general court martial for the trial of Gen.
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re-
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the
" Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen.
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick -
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General.

Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug-
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest
member in that body. There he remained by
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi-
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator
Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot
think of a question which has been debated in

Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the
American people, in regard to which you will not
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on
one side stated, in almost every instance better
than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings
by Mr. Garfield."

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect-
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of
June, of the same year, was nominated as the
candidate of his party for President at the great
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol-
lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever
opened its existence under brighter auspices than
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew
in favor with the people. By the 1st of July
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi-
nary work of his administration, and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will-
iams College. While on his way and at the
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired
directly at his back. The President tottered and
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has
been very truthfully said that this was ' ' the shot
that was heard around the world." Never before
in the history of the nation had anything occur-
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment as this awful deed. He was
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For
eighty days, all during the hot months of July
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how-
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and
by his magnificent bearing taught the country
and the world one of the noblest of human les-
sons— how to live grandly in the very clutch of
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great
in death. He passed serenely away September
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be-
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely
ever had done on the death of any other great
and noble man.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi-
dent of the United States, was born in Frank-
lin County, Vt. , on the 5th day of October,
1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr.
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi-
grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire-
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc-
cessful ministry.

Young Arthur was educated at Union College,
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies.
After his graduation he taught school in Ver-
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex -Judge E. D. Culver
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and
room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten-
tion of practicing in the West, and for three
months they roamed about in the Western States
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re-
turned to New York, where they hung out their
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al-
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar-
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con-
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog-
nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr.
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav-
ing two children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb-
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in

LOfC

1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed.
The Judge decided that they could not be held by
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of
that State to assist in an appeal. William M.
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to
represent the people, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long
step was taken toward the emancipation of the
black race.

Another great sendee was rendered by Gen.
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen-
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf,
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next
day the company issued an order to admit colored
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car
companies quickly followed their example. Be-
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines
refused to let them ride at all.

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of
the Second Brigade of the State of New York,
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1 861, he was
made Inspector-General, and soon afterward be-
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these
offices he rendered great service to the Govern-

IOO

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor-
gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form-
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York,
was added to the firm. The legal practice of this
well-known firm was very large and lucrative,
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa-
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent.

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of
the Port of New York by President Grant, No-
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy,
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the
famous National Republican Convention held at
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the
greatest political convention that ever assembled
on the continent. It was composed of the lead-
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously
and with signal tenacity for his respective can-
didate that was before the convention for the
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for
Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the his-
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand-
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his
election.

Finally the election came, and the country's
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in-
augurated March 4, 188 1, as President and Vice-
President. A few months only had passed ere
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the
assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of
suffering — those moments of anxious suspense,
when the hearts of all civilized nations were
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of
the noble, the good President. The remarkable
patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible
suffering man has ever been called upon to en-
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was

certainly godlike. During all this period of
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every
action displayed only an earnest desire that the
suffering Garfield might recover to serve the re-
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be-
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in
deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as
never before in its history over the death of any
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon-
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious
to know what he would do, what policy he would
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers.
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected
during the President' s long illness, and many im-
portant measures were to be immediately decided
by him; and to still further embarass him he did
not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many
on this point. Under these trying circumstances,
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern-
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized
his administration. He served the nation well
and faithfully until the close of his administra-
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate
before his party for a second term. His name
was ably presented before the convention at Chi-
cago, and was received with great favor, and
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one
of the opposing candidates, he would have been
selected as the standard-bearer of his party for
another campaign. He retired to private life, car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American
people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac-
tory to them and with credit to himself. One
year later he was called to his final rest.

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

jTEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the
twenty -second President of the United States,
was born in 1837, in the obscure town of
Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still
standing to characteristically mark the humble
birthplace of one of America's great men, in
striking contrast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in origin and
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject
of this sketch was three years of age, his father,
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N.
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles
from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour
was born.

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned
way, and presumably distinguished himself after
the manner of all village boys — in doing the
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis-
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four-
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the
village school, and expressed a most emphatic de-
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa-
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos-
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville
seemed to be a position in a country store, where
his father and the large family on his hands had

considerable influence. Grover was to be paid
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second
year. Here the lad commenced his career as
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ-
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length
of time.

But instead of remaining with this firm in
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re-
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity
of attending a High School. Here he industri-
ously pursued his studies until the family re-
moved with him to a point on Black River known
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y.
At this place his father died, after preaching but
three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept,
at a small salary, the position of under-teacher
in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully
for two years, and although he obtained a good
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers-
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some
charm in that name for him; but before proceed-
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock-
breeder of that place. The latter did not speak
enthusiastically. 'What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked
the old gentleman; " do you, indeed? Whatever

104

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

put that into your head ? How much money
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I
haven't got any."

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at
$50 a year, while he could look around. One
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of-
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and
told them what he wanted. A number of young
men were already engaged in the office, but Gra-
ver's persistency won, and he was finally per-
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his
board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and
regular. On the first day of his service there, his
senior employer threw down a copy of Black-
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and
students, as they thought that was enough to
scare young Graver out of his plans; but in due
time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve-
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather
than for chasing principles through all their
metaphysical possibilities. "Let us quit talking
and go and do it, ' ' was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County,
N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish-
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was
eiected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring-
ing about certain reforms in the administration
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of-
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance
of duty has generally been considered fair, with
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted
out and magnified during his Presidential cam-
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an

iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a
time for plain speech, and my objection to your
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the
people and to worse than squander the people's
money." The New York Sun afterward very
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra-
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom-
mended him for Governor of the Empire State.
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and
his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made,
if any, were made very public throughout the na-
tion after he was nominated for President of the
United States. For this high office he was
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo-
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com-
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P.
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F.
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was
elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re-
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United
States, in which capacity his term commenced at
noon on the 4th of March, 1885.

The silver question precipitated a controversy
between those who were in favor of the continu-
ance of silver coinage and those who were op-
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter,
even before his inauguration.

On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part-
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. In the
campaign of 1888, President Cleveland was re-
nominated by his party, but the Republican candi-
date, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, was victorious.
In the nomination of 1892 these two candidates
for the highest position in the gift of the people
were again pitted against each other, and in the
ensuing election President Cleveland was victori-
ous by an overwhelming majority. Since the
close of his second term, he has resided in Prince-
ton, N. J.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

BENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third
\\ President, is the descendant of one of the
,J historical families of this country. The first
known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison,
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be-
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subsequently
paid for this with his life, being hung-October 13,
1660. His descendants came to America, and
the next of the family that appears in history is
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa-
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem-
ber of the Continental Congress during the years
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.

Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a
successful career as a soldier during the War of
1 8 12, and with a clean record as Governor of the
Northwestern Territory, was elected President of
the United States in 1840. His career was cut
short by death within one month after his in-
auguration.

President Harrison was born at North Bend,

Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful
one of a country lad of a family of small means.
His father was able to give him a good education,
and nothing more. He became engaged while at
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he
determined to enter upon the study of law. He
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two
years. At the expiration of that time young Har-
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to
get married at once, take this money and go to
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law.
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket,
he started out with his young wife to fight for a
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian-
apolis, which was even at that time a town of
promise. He met with slight encouragement at
first, making scarcely anything the first year.
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to
his calling, built up an extensive practice and
took a leading rank in the legal profession.

In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-

io8

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw-
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his
time at first in mastering military tactics and drill-
ing his men, and when he came to move toward
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of
the best drilled and organized in the army. At
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and
for his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made
a Brigadier- General, Gen. Hooker speaking of
him in the most complimentary terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another
person was elected to the position. From the
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence,
but having been nominated that year for the same
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the
State, and was elected for another term. He then
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most
trying attack made his way to the front in time to
participate in the closing incidents of the war.

In 1S68 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for
him a national reputation, and he was much sought
after, especially in the East, to make speeches.
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the
campaign, and was elected to the United States
Senate. Here he served for six years, and was
known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and
strongest debaters in that bod}'. With the ex-
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the
practice of his profession, becoming the head of
one of the strongest firms in the State.

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country.
The convention which assembled in Chicago in
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief stand-
ard-bearer of the Republican part}- was great in
every particular, and on this account, and the at-

titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a
deep interest in the campaign throughout the
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his
home. This movement became popular, and from
all sections of the country societies, clubs and
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re-
spects to the distinguished statesman.

Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum-
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations,
and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore-
most rank of American orators and statesmen.
Elected by a handsome majority, he served his
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom-
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a
change and he was defeated by his predecessor
in office, Grover Cleveland.

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and
his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called
upon at an early age to take part in the dis-
cussion of the great questions that then began to
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade
desired to be pitted with him again. With all
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora-
torical effect, but his words always went like bul-
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi-
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the
most distinguished impromptu speakers in the
nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great
weight, and many of his terse statements have
already become aphorisms. Original in thought,
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day.
By his first wife, Caroline (Scott) Harrison, he
had a son and daughter. In 1896 he married
Mrs. Mary (Scott) Dimmick, and they, with their
daughter, reside in Indianapolis, Ind., where he
has made his home since early manhood.

william Mckinley.

pQlLLIAM McKINLEY, who was inaugu-
\ A / rated President of the United States in 1897,
Y V was born in Niles, Ohio, January 29, 1843.
The family of which he is a member originated
in the west of Scotland, and from there removed
to the north of Ireland. According to the fam-
ily tradition, James and William McKinley emi-
grated to this country from Ireland and founded
the two branches of the family in the United
States, one settling in the north, the other in the
south. At the time of their arrival, James was
twelve years of age. He settled in York County,
Pa., where he married and spent his remaining
years.

David, son of James, and the great-grandfather
of William McKinley, was born May 16, 1755,
and three times enlisted in the service of the
colonies during the Revolutionary War, serving
seven months after his first enlistment in June,
1776, spending six months at the front in 1777,
and again in the following year serving eight
months. December 19, 1780, he married Sarah
Gray, who was born May 10, 1760, and died
October 6, 1814. For fifteen years he lived in
Westmoreland County, Pa., and thence removed
to Mercer County. One year after the death
of his first wife he married Eleanor McLean
and about the same time settled in Colum-
biana County, Ohio, but afterward made his home
in Crawford County, where he died August 8,
1840.

James, grandfather of William McKinley, was
born September 19, 1783, married Mary (or
"Polly") Rose, and with his family moved to New
Lisbon, Ohio, in 1809. Their eldest son, Will-
iam, Sr. , was born in Mercer County, Pa.,
November 15, 1807, and in 1827 married
Nancy Allison, a woman of noble and strong
character and consistent Christian life. For some
years he was engaged as manager of iron fur-
naces at different places. From Niles he re-

moved to Poland, because of the educational ad-
vantages offered by Poland Academy. In 1869
he established his home in Canton, and here he
died November 24, 1892. His widow lives at
the family residence in Canton, and with her are
her daughter, Miss Helen, and two orphan
grandchildren.

Of the family of nine children, William, Jr. , who
was seventh in order of birth, was born during
the residence of his parents at Niles, Ohio, Jan-
uary 29, 1843. His boyhood years were spent
in that place and Poland, where he studied in the
academy. At the age of seventeen he entered
Allegheny College, but illness caused his return
to Poland, and on his recovery he did not return
to college, but taught a country school. At the
opening of the Civil War, though only eighteen
years of age, he immediately wanted to enlist.
As soon as he could overcome the objections of
his mother, he enlisted, in May of 1861, as a
private in Company E, Twenty-third Ohio In-
fantry. The regiment was commanded by Col.
W. S. Rosecrans, who afterward, as general, led
his forces on many a bloody battle field, and the
first major was Rutherford B. Hayes, afterward
President of the United States. As a gallant
soldier Mr. McKinley soon won promotion, serving
for a time as commissary sergeant, later was pro-
moted to the rank of second lieutenant for gal-
lantry at Antietam, and then won his way up-
ward until, at the close of the war, he was pro-
moted to major by brevet. July 26, 1865, after
more than four years of hard service, he was
mustered out with his regiment.

With Judge Charles E. Glidden, of Mahoning
County, Mr. McKinley began the study of law,
which he afterward carried on in the Albany
(N. Y. ) Law School, and in 1867 was admitted
to the bar. Beginning the practice of his pro-
fession in Canton, he soon became prominently
known among the able attorneys of the city. His

112

WltLlAM McKINLEY.

first connection with political affairs was in 1869,
when he was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark
County, and this office he held for two years.
In 1876 he was nominated for Congressional
honors and was elected to the Forty-fifth Con-
gress, afterward by successive re-elections serv-
ing for fourteen years. In March of 1890 he in-
troduced the celebrated McKinley tariff bill,
which was passed and became a law. In the fol-
lowing year, 1891, he was elected governor of
Ohio, and two years afterward was re-elected to
that high office, which he filled in such a manner
as to command the respect not only of his own
party — the Republican — but his political op-
ponents as well. The connection of his name
with the tariff bill and his prominence in the Re-
publican party, together with his force and elo-
quence as a speaker, brought him into national
fame. In the campaign of 1892, for a period of
more than three months, he traveled over a
territory extending from New York to Nebraska,
making speeches in the interest of the Republi-
can platform. Those who heard him speak,
whether friends or opponents of his political
opinions, cannot but have admired his logical
reasoning, breadth of intellect, eloquence of speech
and modesty of demeanor. During the campaign
of 1894 he made three hundred and seventy -one
speeches and visited over three hundred towns,
within a period of two months, addressing perhaps
two million people.

The tariff issue and all the intricate questions
of public revenue that are interwoven with it,
constitute the most complicated problems with
which a statesman has to deal. To master them
in every detail requires an intellect of the high-
est order. That Major McKinley thoroughly un-
derstands these questions is admitted by all who
have investigated his official utterances on the
subject, beginning with the speech on the Wood
tariff bill, delivered in the house of representatives
April 15, 1878, and closing with his speech in
favor of the tariff bill of 1890, which as chairman
of the ways and means committee he reported to
the house and which was subsequently passed and
is known throughout the world as the McKinley
tariff bill of 1890. He opposed the Wood bill be-
cause of a conviction that the proposed measure

would, if enacted, prove a public calamity. For
the same reason, in 1882, he advocated a friendly
revision of the tariff by a tariff commission, to be
authorized by congress and appointed by the
president. In 1884 he opposed the Morrison
horizontal bill, which he denounced as ambiguous
for a great public statute, and in 1888 he led the
forces in the fight against the Mills tariff bill.

As governor of Ohio, his policy was conserva-
tive. He aimed to give to the public institutions
the benefit of the service of the best man of the
state, and at all times upheld the legitimate rights
of the workingmen. Recognizing the fact that
the problem of taxation needed regulation, in
his messages of 1892, 1893 and 1894, he urged
the legislature that a remedy be applied. In
1892 he recommended legislation for the safety
and comfort of steam railroad employes, and the
following year urged the furnishing of automatic
couplers and air-brakes for all railroad cars used
in the state.

When, in 1896, the Republican party, in con-
vention assembled at St. Louis, selected a man to
represent their principles in the highest office
within the gift of the American people, it was not
a surprise to the public that the choice fell upon
Major McKinley. The campaign that followed
was one of the most exciting in the history of
the country since the period of reconstruction.
Especial interest centered in the fact that the
point at issue seemed, not, as in former days,
free trade or protection, but whether or not the
government should declare for the free coinage of
silver. This question divided the voters of the
country upon somewhat different lines than the old-
time principles of the Republican and Democratic
parties and thus made the campaign a memorable
one. The supporters of the gold standard main-
tained that silver monometallism would precipi-
tate a panic and permanently injure the business
interests of the country, and the people, by a
large majority, supported these principles.

January 25, 1871, Major McKinley was united
in marriage with Miss Ida Saxton, who was born
in June, 1S47, the daughter of James A. Saxton.
Their two children died in 1874, within a short
time of each other, one at the age of three years
and the other in infancy.

HUNTERDON

AND

WARREN COUNTIES

NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCTORY

glOGRAPHY alone can justly represent the progress of local history and portray with accuracy
the relation of men to events. It is the only means of perpetuating the lives and deeds of
those men to whom the advancement of a city or county and the enlightenment of its people
are due. The compilers of this work have striven to honor, not only men of present prominence,
but also, as far as possible, those who in years gone by labored to promote the welfare of their com-
munity. The following sketches have been prepared from the standpoint of no man's prejudice,
but with an impartial aim to render justice to progressive and public-spirited citizens and to collect
personal records that will be of value to generations yet to come.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten
soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to preserve the
memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory
have been in proportion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt were
built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhumations made by the
archaeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the
memory of their achievements. The erection of the great obelisks was for the same purpose.
Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and
monuments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the
ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but
this idea — to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them
costly in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the lives and character of those whose memory they
were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The
great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums,
monuments and statues are crumbling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecayiug, immutable method of
perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent and perpetual in its
action; and this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are indebted for the introduction of the admirable
system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world
calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which
his children or friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass
away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be
forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits; for the same reason
we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only
truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone; to do this we
are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public
record.

JOHN I. BLAIR.

BIOGRAPHICAL

30HN INSIvEY BLAIR. Among the most
distinguished citizens of the state of New
Jersey is the subject of this sketch. Nor is
his fame merely local, as for nearly a half-cen-
tury he has been ranked with the leading and
influential railroad magnates of the United
States. The history of his life is thoroughly in-
teresting, containing, as it does, the annals of
great obstacles overcome, of persistence and
determination in carrying out whatever was
undertaken, of genius and well-directed energy,
of strict adherence to the noblest and highest
principles of action and of regard for the welfare
of his brother-men. Now, in the evening of
life, he is passing his days peacefully and hap-
pily, serene in the knowledge that he has been
an important factor in the advancement of the
civilization of the great and glorious nineteenth
century.

The life of Mr. Blair very nearly spans this
century, as he was born August 2, 1802. His
birthplace was upon a farm on the banks of the
Delaware River, near Foul Rift, about two miles
below Belvidere, N. J. He sprang from stanch
Scotch-Irish ancestry, the name of Blair having
been a familiar one in Scotland and in the north-
ern part of Ireland for the past six centuries.
They were always found upon the side of civil
and religious liberty when the contest raged in
their section of the world; and when the battle-
ground was transferred, during the past two
centuries, to the fresh and fruitful West on this
continent, different members of the Blair family
crossed the Atlantic, casting in their lot with the
fortunes of our colonies, only changing the base

of operations, the name, here as elsewhere,
always being a synonym for freedom.

The great-great-grandfather of John I. Blair
bore the same Christian name, which appears to
have been a favorite one in the family for genera-
tions. His son Samuel, emigrating to this coun-
try about 1730, married into the family of Dr.
Shippen of Philadelphia, owner of large tracts of
land on Scott's Mountain, including the mineral
lauds of Oxford Furnace, N. J. Upon this
property Mr. Blair took up his residence, living
there until his death. His son John married
Mar)' Cline, of Greenwich, N. J., and the five
sons born of their union were John, Samuel,
James, William and Robert. He was a man of
much force of character, and was engaged in
preaching, to some extent, in the vicinity of his
home near Scott's Mountain. He departed this
life in 1798, aged eighty-four years. James, the
father of the subject of this article, was born in
Oxford, N. J., August 5, 1769, and died upon
his homestead, "Beaver Brook," where he had
resided during the greater part of his career, Au-
gust 5, 1816. He had married Rachel Insley, and
left the following-named children to mourn his
loss: Samuel, Mary, William, John I., Robert,
Catherine, D. Bartley, Elizabeth and Jacob M.

John I. Blair was reared upon a farm, and re-
ceived but limited advantages in the way of an
education in his boyhood, as he attended the dis-
trict schools, then of a poor description, and even
then, merely during the winter terms prior to his
twelfth year. He obtained his initial experience
in the business world at this time in the store of
his cousin, Judge Blair, of Hope, N. J., with

120

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

whom he remained three years. The death of
his father then necessitated his return to the old
homestead, in order that his widowed mother
might be relieved of some of the responsibility
pertaining to the management of the place. A
little later, however, he was enabled to return to
the mercantile career which he had marked out
in his ambitious youthful dreams. His employ-
ment this time was found in the establishment of
Squire DeWitt, to whose direction and kindly in-
terest he attributes his successful start in life.

In 1819 our subject located in Blairstown, N.
J. (then known as Gravel Hill, but since re-
named in his honor), and for the following forty
years he was engaged in merchandising, his field
of operations being constantly enlarged, until he
was the owner of five flourishing stores within a
radius of fifteen miles. As his wealth increased
he invested extensively in various industries,
flouring mills, factories in which cotton goods
were made, etc. , etc. At length he gave much
of his attention to the wholesale trade, and was
gradually drawn into relations with some of the
largest and most important enterprises of the
country. His acquaintance with the Scrantons
began in 1833, when he assisted them in leasing
the mines at Oxford Furnace, N. J., which mines
had been operated before the Revolutionary war.
In 1846 the Scrantons removed to the town now
known as Scranton (Pa.), and in October of that
year was organized the Lackawanna Coal and
Iron Company, with Mr. Blair as proprietor of
one of the mills. In this enterprise he became
associated with such men as William E. Dodge,
Anson G. Phelps, Moses Taylor, Roswell
Sprague, L. L. Sturges, Dater & Miller and
George Buckley. The success which the com-
pany above mentioned attained is so generally
known that no special record of the fact is neces-
sary. In 1S49 they bought and rebuilt the rail-
road between Ovvego and Ithaca, N. Y., and in
1850-51 they secured an outlet for their coal and
iron by constructing a line from Scranton to
Great Bend, it then being termed the Leggett's
Gap Railroad.

A plan formulated by Mr. Blair and Colonel

Scranton in 1852 proposed the separation of the
western division of their road, Leggett's Gap,
from the Iron Company proper, it to be consoli-
dated with a new company, not yet organized,
and the line extended to the Delaware River.
The latter, spoken of as Cobb's Gap Railroad,
was renamed, acting upon the suggestion of Mr.
Blair, who proposed the appropriate title of the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. He pro-
cured the right of way for the road and the
entire line, including the Warren branch, with
its Delaware River Bridge, the Vass Gap Tunnel
and a temporary track through Vanness Gap.
This road, opened for business May 16, 1856,
now comprises a system of some seven hundred
miles in length, reaching from New York to
Lake Ontario; branching in even- direction;
transporting many millions of tons of coal annu-
ally and having cost over $100,000,000.

The organization and construction of the
Warren Railroad, in 1853, evinced the great bus-
iness capacity and tact of Mr. Blair. Books of
subscription were opened by the commissioners;
the requisite amount of stock subscribed for; di-
rectors and officers chosen; the survey of the
route adopted, and the president authorized to
file it in the office of the secretary of state; full
power delegated to the president to construct the
road and to make contracts or leases for connect-
ing with other roads; and the right of wa}'
through important gaps secured; all within the
space of two hours. Mr. Blair was chosen presi-
dent, and the next day but one found him in
Trenton filing his survey, about one hour in ad-
vance of the agents of the Morris & Essex Rail-
road. One day later the engineers and repre-
sentatives of the latter arrived in Trenton on the
same errand as he had been bent upon, 011I3' to
find that all of the passes and gaps below the
Water Gap had already been secured by their
vigilant competitor; whereupon the}' made a
move to obtain all of the crossings above the
Water Gap, on the New Jersey side, paying ex-
orbitant sums for right of way through farms,
etc., and planning to span the river at two
points. Their scheme was defeated, however,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

121

by their successful rival, which caused the Dela-
ware, Lackawanna & Western to be constructed
through the gap on the Pennsylvania side, cross-
ing the river several miles below their high-
priced passes and crossings. A contest in the
courts and legislature of New Jersey resulted in
the sustaining of the Warren Railroad.

While the above facts evince the growing
power of Mr. Blair in the way of surmounting
difficulties, even as the iron horse climbs and
passes over the Pocono Mountains on his way to
the coal fields of Pennsylvania, yet it is toward
the close of the war of the Rebellion that we see
the sphere of his action rapidly enlarging. Go-
ing to the fertile prairies of Iowa, Nebraska and
the Dakotas he constructed long lines of rail-
roads, thus opening up and developing vast re-
gions. The first railroad laid through the state
of Iowa, connecting with the Union Pacific at
Omaha, was built by Mr. Blair. He employed
upwards of ten thousand men for eight months
in carrying out this gigantic labor, tracks being
laid at the rate of a mile a day ofttimes, and
sometimes a stretch of fifty miles being con-
structed without a house within sight along the
way. Our subject was the ruling spirit in all
these great enterprises; the confidence which he
possessed among the eastern capitalists was un-
bounded, and never did he seek in vain for the
means with which to push forward his work.
He knew no such word as fail, and whenever he
desired subscriptions of capital the only trouble
was in limiting the amount ready to be subscribed.
In his western railroad-building enterprises, Mr.
Blair followed the forty-first degree of latitude,
wherever practicable, as he had learned that this
is the wheat and corn belt. The roads thus con-
structed by him, with their branches, now form
the system of the Chicago & Northwestern, tap-
ping one of the most productive and rich farm-
lands in the United States.

Among the numerous railroads of the countr}'
with which Mr. Blair has been connected, often
as one of the leading organizers and original di-
rectors, are the following: the Lackawanna &
Bloomsburg; Delaware, Lackawanna & Western;

Union Pacific; Chicago & Northwestern; Oregon
Pacific; Chicago & Pacific; Chicago, Iowa &
Dakota; Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern;
Sioux City & Yankton; Sioux Falls & Dakota;
St. Louis & Hannibal; Cedar Rapids & Missouri
River; Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul; Green Bay
& Stevens Point; Sioux City & Pacific; Iowa Falls
& Sioux City; Cayuga & Susquehanna; Bangor
& Portland; New York, Susquehanna & West-
ern; the Warren Railroad; the Sussex Railroad;
the Maple River Railroad; the Mount Hope Rail-
road and the Blairstown road, which last was
built by him alone in 1876-77 for the convenience
of the town in which he has made his home. Mr.
Blair has been the president of the Belvidere
National Bank for over sixty years, or almost its
entire existence, and has been largely interested
in several coal and zinc companies, such as the
Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company; the Pitts-
burgh and Wheeling Coal Company, etc.

The influence of a man of broad and humani-
tarian ideas, such as have always predominated
in the case of John I. Blair, is utterly beyond
estimation. He has been very liberal toward
churches and educational institutions; he has
founded professorships in Princeton College and
many others, and in 1897 completed a dormitory
at the cost of $150,000 in the college mentioned.
He erected and donated to the Presbytery of
Newton, N. J., one of the best preparatory schools
in the United States. This Blairstown Seminary
was later endowed by him with an additional
$150,000. More than eighty towns in the west
were laid out by him, or through his instru-
mentality, and fully one hundred churches were
built and fostered by his influence and gener-
osity. Along the lines of the railroads which he
laid out in the western states, numerous colleges
and schools sprang up, and to many of these he
has given substantial support. He is a strong
Presbyterian in religious belief, and among his
ancestors were many clergymen and noted educa-
tors.

One of the organizers of the Republican part}',
Mr. Blair has been an ardent supporter of its
principles. During the. war he was among the

122

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

foremost men who held up the hands of the chief
executive, and even in the darkest hours of our
national crisis he freely loaned large sums of
money to the administration. He firmly be-
lieved that the policy of protection for American
industries would develop our resources and
wealth as a country and that under the system
the highest rates of wages for the workingman
could be paid, and the history of the past thirty
years has fully justified his theory. In 1868 Mr.
Blair was persuaded by his friends to run for the
governorship of New Jersey. He was not
elected, and with this exception, he has never
been a candidate for any public office. As long
as his strength permitted, he attended every con-
vention of the Republican party as a delegate,
and in numerous ways has manifested his pa-
triotism.

In 1826 Mr. Blair married Nancy Locke,
whose grandfather, Captain Locke, a soldier in
the American Revolution, was killed in a skir-
mish at Springfield, N. J. Mrs. Blair died in
1888, and of their four children but one, DeWitt
Clinton, survives. Marcus L- was the eldest
born; Emma L- was the wife of Charles Scribner,
the New York publisher; and Aurelia was the
wife of Clarence G. Mitchell, a lawyer.

Endowed with a magnificent constitution,
which he has not enfeebled with tobacco or stim-
ulants, Mr. Blair is still sound in body and mind,
though in his ninety-seventh year. Though he
has relegated to others the active cares of his vast
enterprises he receives daily accounts of them,
and passes his opinion upon the merits of all mat-
ters coming beneath his notice. His wealth has
been variously estimated from twenty to sixty
million dollars.

AMBERT T. WARMAN, a prosperous and
I C progressive agriculturist, residing one mile
\_^J north of Stockton, Delaware Township,
Hunterdon County, has been a life-long resident

of this immediate vicinity and has been actively
interested and concerned in the upbuilding and
development of the same. He carries on general
farming and dairying upon his fine homestead of
one hundred and thirty-two acres, and takes great
pride in keeping everything about his place in a
neat and thrifty manner. His right of franchise
he uses in behalf of the candidates and platform
of the Democratic party, and though he is nat-
urally desirous to see his own principles triumph,
he is not a politician in the ordinary acceptation
of the term; nor is he an office-seeker, as the
only position of a public character that he has ever
been induced to hold was that of township com-
mitteeman, a minor place of merely local import-
ance. As a business man he is to be relied upon
to the letter, as he strives to be entirely reliable,
punctual in meeting all obligations and faithful
to all duties imposed upon him.

The youngest in a family of seven children,
three sons and four daughters, Lambert T. War-
man was born on a farm adjoining the one where
he now lives April 24, 1834. His parents were
Jacob and Sarah (Bodine) Warman, natives of
Kiugwood and Delaware Township, respectively.
The father was a well-to-do farmer, and was a
man who was universally esteemed as a citizen,
neighbor, friend, and in the relations of the
home circle was especially kind, generous and
worthy of admiration. He died in 1854, regret-
ted by all who had known him. His two eldest
children, Hester and Elizabeth, and Asher, the
fifth of the family, are deceased. Sybila lives on
a farm in this township, as does also her sister,
Sarah C. ; William S., the eldest son, is an
energetic farmer and business man of the vicinity
ofOakdale, N. J.

When he was a lad of about eight years our
subject removed to the farm now owned by him,
his father having bought the place, which he
proceeded to improve and cultivate up to the time
of his death. Lambert T. received his education
in the public schools of this district, and has
added thereto much wisdom gained in the more
practical school of life and experience. From an
early age he worked with his father on the farm,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and by the time he was nineteen, the year that
his father died, he was fully qualified to under-
take the entire management of the homestead.
Since then he has carried on this farm and has
made many valuable improvements.

October 31, 1862, Mr. Warman married Mary
Ellen Craven, a native of Bucks County, Pa.
They have three children: S. Anna and Emma
Cornell, who are at home; and William S., whose
residence is in the town of Stockton, near here,
and who is engaged in the coal and wood busi-
ness. The Warman family is identified with the
Presbyterian Church of Stockton.

GlNTHONY KIIXGORE has for the past
/ I four years been the editor and manager of
J 1 the Hunterdon County Democrat, a repre-
sentative journal of the state of New Jersey, and
one that has been longer in existence than any
published in this county. With a large class of
our best citizens it occupies a place that no other
paper could fill, and, as it aims to give the latest
and best account of current events transpiring in
the busy world, as well as a thorough resume of
local affairs and things pertaining to the interests
of this particular region, it deserves the support
of the public.

A native of this county, Anthony Killgore was
born near Annandale, Jul}' 13, 1856. When he
was an infant his parents removed to Flemington,
and here the boy grew to manhood. He received
his preliminary education in the public schools
here, and later was a student in the classical and
commercial high school of Lawrenceville, N. J.
At the age of nineteen years he took up the study
of pharmacy, and subsequently opened drug
stores at Plainfield and Flemington. When
about twenty-five he abandoned the retail drug
trade, and for six years traveled for wholesale
drug houses of New York City. The last three
years of this period he was in the employ of the
celebrated firm of Seabury & Johnson, of New

York, London and Hamburg. In 1888 he con-
nected himself with the interests of the wealthy saw
manufacturer, William Disston, of Philadelphia,
and established the Pleasant Valley Stock Farm
in Woodstown, N. J.

The following year Mr. Killgore was sent to
California by Robert Steele, of Philadelphia, to
purchase a stallion for his Cedar Park farm near
that city. In furtherance of his patron's wish,
he bought the celebrated " Woodnut," 2.i6j4,
paying $20,000 for him. In 1891 Mr. Killgore
left Woodstown, and, buying a piece of property
in the vicinity of Flemington, made numerous
changes and improvements upon the place, which
is now known as Meadow Park farm. From
here he has sold a great many highbred trotting
horses, shipping them to distant parts of the
United States and to Canada and Germany. For
years the proprietor has been greatly interested
in fine horses, and has been esteemed an author-
ity on the subject, his articles being eagerly
sought for by the leading journals of the turf.
July 1, 1894, he assumed the management of the
Democrat, owned by his father, and has since de-
voted considerable of his time and attention to
this enterprise.

May 1 6, 1877, Mr. Killgore married Louise E.
Dunham, whose father was the late C. C. Dun-
ham, of Flemington. They have one child, Jen-
nie Dunham.

Robert J. Killgore, father of the gentleman
whose name heads this article, was born February
29, 1820, near Germantown, Mason County, Ky.
His parents were Charles and Lucy (Ficklin)
Killgore. On the 3d of January, 1843, he mar-
ried Alice, daughter of Aaron Van Syckel, of
Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, N. J.
Taking his wife to Kentucky, he resided there
until October, 1S45, when he returned to Bethle-
hem Township, and for eight years was occupied
in managing a homestead near the Bethlehem
Baptist Church. He then purchased another
tract of land adjacent to Annandale, and three
years later removed to a farm in Raritau Town-
ship, where he dwelt for some years. About
1S70 he removed to Flemington, where he still

124

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

resides. For many years he has held various
local offices, and in 1869 was elected surrogate,
and held the same until 1874. October 1, 1875,
he became the owner of the Democrat, buying the
paper from the heirs of Charles Tomlinson, and
personally superintended the same until 1895,
when he placed it in the hands of his son. Of
his ten children six are now living, Mary V.,
Alice, Robert, Charles, Lora and Anthony.

~. ' 0>l^(||§§®(4<) 1-

0 FORGE M. DAWES, well known as a real-
I— estate owner and retired business man of
\Ji Washington, was born in Mount Pleasant,
Hunterdon County, N. J., in October, 1S51, be-
ing a son of William and Mary Ann (Queen)
Dawes, natives respectively of Newark, N. J.,
and Hunterdon County. His father, who is one
of the most prominent citizens of Washington,
was for many years proprietor of one of the lead-
ing hotels here, but is now living retired from
business. During the first administration of
President Cleveland he was appointed associate
judge of Warren County, which office he filled
with efficiency. He is a colonel in the state
militia and fraternally is a prominent Mason. In
his family there are two sons and two daughters.
Jennie is the wife of A. J. Hankius, a farmer re-
siding in Hamburg, Mich. ; Althea T. married
William W. Hunt, who is employed in the cus-
tom house of Jersey City; and Theodore B. is the
postmaster at Washington.

The education of our subject was obtained in
the public schools of Belvidere. At the age of
twenty-one he associated himself with his father
in the hotel business, and this connection contin-
ued for a number of years. Under the first ad-
ministration of President Cleveland he was ap-
pointed postmaster at Washington, which office
he heid for four years. This is the only public
position he has held, as he has never been an of-
fice seeker. For more than twelve years he was
collector for the New York Life Insurance Com-

pany, and owns the building formerly the prop-
erty of this company, it being a large, three-story
brick structure, situated on the corner of Wash-
ington and Belvidere avenues, the finest corner
in the place. He also owns the postoffice build-
ing; his residence at No. 123 Washington avenue,
which was the old Vliet homestead for many
years, is the property of Mrs. Dawes.

In 1891 Mr. Dawes married Miss Anna C. Vliet,
daughter of Judge Joseph Vliet, one of the most
prominent attorneys and judges of this county for
years, a man who was highly respected for his
just dealings with all and his unswerving integ-
rity. A Democrat in politics, he was prominent
in his part}'. During his service of more than
twenty years as judge he tried twenty cases of
homicide. At the time of his death, in 1879, he
held the office of judge. He was attorney for the
First National Bank from the time of its organ-
ization, and was also attorney for the Morris &
Essex Railroad Company, and prosecuting attor-
ney for twenty years. In religious belief he was
connected with the First Presbyterian Church.
By his marriage to Christiana, daughter of Jacob
Creveling, he had a son and daughter, Daniel
and Anna C. The former was a man of promi-
nence, and his death, in 1897, was widely
mourned. Concerning him we quote the follow-
ing from the Washington Tidings:

" Death has again claimed as a victim one of
Washington's most prominent citizens, in the
person of Daniel Vliet, who passed away at the
home of his sister, Mrs. George M. Dawes, Mon-
day evening, at eleven o'clock. He had been
confined to his bed only two weeks, suffering un-
told agonies from contraction of the nerves, so
that death came as a . welcome relief. His pa-
tience and suffering during his last days were
wonderful. Born in 1845, he was fifty-two years
of age at death. He was admitted to the bar as
attorney in 1879 and always practiced his profes-
sion here. Among his legal brethren he was re-
spected for his ability, sterling integrity and hon-
esty. He was a worthy descendant of his grand-
father, Major-General Garrett Vliet, of the old
New Jersey militia, and his father, Judge Joseph

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

125

Vliet, who was four times appointed prosecutor
of the pleas of Warren County, and finally ele-
vated to the bench, in which position he died Jan-
uary 7, 1879.

" Attorney Vliet's practice was confined prin-
cipally to his office work and acting as trustee
for many large estates. He possessed the entire
confidence of his clients. Besides holding various
positions of trust at the time of his death, he was
a director in the First National Bank of Wash-
ington, and attorney for the same; secretary and
a director of the water company; secretary of the
cemetery association, and was also formerly sec-
retary of the Washington Building and Loan As-
sociation. In character he was modest and unas-
suming. He always labored under the disadvant-
age of having a delicate constitution. He made
his home with his sister, Mrs. George M. Dawes,
their relations as brother and sister being ideal in
the wealth of affection they bestowed on each
other. He was a faithful attendant and member
of the Presbyterian Church. Such men can illy
be spared from the community."

EL-ARK PIERSON is the editor and proprietor
of the Lambertville Record. In October
1897, this well-known exponent of Repub-
lican party principles celebrated its quarter of a
century anniversary. During this period the
paper grew from a small sheet, run on a hand-
press, to its present dimensions, and in equal pro-
portions rose in the estimation of the reading
public. The subject of this review has been
solely responsible for these changes, and great
credit is due him for the efforts he has made to
elevate the journal to a position of influence in the
community. The immense power of the press
cannot be over-estimated, and, as many believe,
it transcends even that of the pulpit. Perhaps
slowly, but just as surely, the minds of the people
are reached and influenced by the journals they
read, and none but the best should be allowed to

enter our homes. Especially is this an imperative
duty owed by parents to their children, whose
minds, being in a formative condition, are quick
to absorb errors as well as truth, and are unable
to separate the wheat from the chaff, as their
elders are more apt to do.

The Piersous of this locality trace their lineage
back to Abraham Pierson, the first president of
Yale College. Two Presbyterian ministers, de-
scendants of this common ancestor, settled in New-
ark, N. J. , and from there went to Morris County,
where their families were reared. The great-
grandfather of our subject enlisted in the war of
the Revolution, and at one time, when his com-
mand were greatly in need of more men, he re-
turned home, obtained a musket, and taking his
fourteen year old son with him, participated in
the battle of Stony Point. In Morris County the
father of our subject, Lewis Pierson, was born.
He became an inhabitant of Lambertville when it
was a small place, and started the first tinware
store here. He married Elizabeth Clark, of
Newark, and to them four children were born.
One of the number died in infancy. George is in
the employ of the Delaware & Raritan Canal
Company. JaneS. married Henry H. Gallagher,
of Lambertville.

Clark Pierson was born in July, 1836, in Lam-
bertville, and had but limited advantages for ob-
taining an education, as he was but eleven years
old when he began learning the trade of printing.
Then for two 3'ears he was in the office of the su-
perintendent of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad,
of Lambertville. When but twenty-one he be-
came the publisher of the Beacon, a paper
which he edited and conducted with fair success
for ten years, gaining in the meanwhile thorough
and practical knowledge of all kinds of work
coming under the head of journalism. Selling
out his interest in the paper in 1869 he invested
his means in a spoke manufactory, and was con-
nected with that industry for about two years.
His talents were manifestly along the line of jour-
nalism, however, and in 1872 he established the
Record, which he has since devoted himself to
managing. It is an able exponent of the best

126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

interests of the general public hereabout, and gives
a review of the local events, together with a sum-
mary of the great concerns of the busy outside
world. In his personal politics Mr. Pierson is a
Republican of no uncertain kind. In his twenty-
second year he was elected superintendent of the
city schools, in 1878 was appointed postmaster,,
which position he held to the satisfaction of all
concerned. He is a member of Am well Lodge
No. 12, F. & A. M., of which he is worship-
ful master; and is past commander of St. Elmo
Commandery No. 14, K. T. A trusted member
of the Baptist Church, he has been president of
the board for several years and was a trustee for
thirty years.

In 1865 Mr. Pierson married Amanda C.
Bodine, of Mt. Holly, N. J., but she died about
ten years later. In 1877 he married Lida,
daughter of J. Benner Evans, of Chester County,
Pa. He has two children, Jessie E. and Grace.

EWIS C. BEATTY, a prominent business
|C man of Hope, Warren County, comes from
I J one of the respected old families of the county.
Here the happy days of his youth were passed,
and here, after he has spent many of the years of
his prime in the busy outside world, he has re-
turned to quietly pass the remainder of his life.
He is unassuming in manner and not ambitious
for official distinction, preferring to attend strictly
to his own affairs, though not to the neglect of his
duties as a citizen.

The father of our subject was the late Judge
George H. Beatty, who was born near this village
in 181 2. His whole life was spent in Warren
County and for several years he was the proprie-
tor of what is now the Union Inn in Hope. Later
he settled on a farm adjacent to the town, and in
addition to cultivating the place he dealt to some
extent in cattle and livestock. He had made his
start in a financial way, in his younger days, by
his dealing in western livestock. In his political

faith he was a strong Democrat, and his first step
over the threshold of public life was during the
'40s, when his friends and neighbors elected him
to represent them in the state assembly. He
served them for one term and in 1879 he was
elected state senator for a term of three years.
About 1882 he was honored by being elected
judge of the Warren County courts, and, in short,
he was distinctively a leader in the ranks of his
party and in his time. He lived to the ripe age
of eighty-two years, dying in .1894. His father,
whose Christian name was also George, was like-
wise a native of this count}'. Judge G. H. Beatty
married a daughter of Charles Swasey, and of their
six children, four are still living, viz.: Josephine;
Marcella, wife of Joseph E- Kirk; George W., of
Pennsylvania; and Lewis C. The mother died at
the age of eighty-one years.

The birth of Lewis C. Beatty took place Novem-
ber 27, 185 1, in the town of Hope, and here, with
his brothers and sisters, he grew to maturity, his
education being gained in the public schools. He
made several trips to the west, buying stock, and
being associated with his father in that business
for a few years in his early manhood. When he
was Hearing his majority he graduated from
Kingston Business College, where he had pursued
a practical commercial course. Afterward he ob-
tained a position in the office of the auditor of the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company in Pittsburg,
and kept that position as long as he cared to do
so, some three years. In 1S83 he was appointed
deputy in the state prison in Trenton, N. J., and
was an official in that institution for eleven
years, faithfully meeting all the requirements of
the place, and giving entire satisfaction to his
superiors. In 1S94 he returned to this, his old
home, and opened a general store in partnership
with Jacob Albert, the style of the firm being
Beatty & Albert. They keep a full line of sup-
plies commonly found in an establishment of this
kind, and have built up a good patronage among
the people of this vicinity by their fair dealing.
Mr. Beatty uses his ballot on behalf of the nom-
inees of the Democracy, but is not a politician in
the ordinary sense. He owns a good farm near

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

127

this town and is the executor of his father's estate.
His family were Episcopalians, but he is not
identified with the church.

NON. ELIASJ. MACKEY, sheriff of Warren
County, is a resident of Belvidere and. is
well and favorably known in this portion of
the state. His ancestors have dwelt in Oxford
Township, this county, for more than a century,
and have invariably led lives of quiet usefulness
and industry. An uncle of his, Jeremiah Mackey,
represented this section in the New Jersey senate
when the county was first organized. John
Mackey, father of our subject, followed farming
during his entire life, and was very liberal in his
support of worthy public enterprises. Among
other things which were of benefit to his com-
munity and were fostered by his influence,
material or otherwise, was the old Oxford Church,
which was founded by him and largely main-
tained by his means thereafter. He died in 1864,
and was survived by his faithful helpmate, whose
maiden name had been Mercy Pritt, thirty-one
years. She was ninety-two years of age when
death claimed her, in 1893. Four of her six
children are living at this writing. Marshall P.
is a farmer of this vicinity, and William is a
member of the legal profession in Belvidere,
while Elizabeth, also a resident of this place, is
the widow of William Armstrong.

The birth of Elias J. Mackey occurred in
Oxford Township July 12, 1842. Until he was
about eighteen years old he attended the district
schools or those of Belvidere during the winter
season, and worked on the old homestead the re-
mainder of the year. After leaving school he de-
voted all his time and energies to the management
of a farm for several years. In 1875 he was
elected to the general assembty of the state on the
Democratic ticket, and served most acceptably to all
concerned for three years. He has frequently held
township offices, has taken great interest in poli-

tics, and has often attended conventions in the
capacity of a delegate. He owns two good farms
in this county, in addition to which he has some
Florida property. He is a member of the Masonic
order, is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Red
Men, and is a Knight of Pythias. He was elected
sheriff in the fall of 1896, his term to extend for
three years.

April 17, 1862, Mr. Mackey married Sarah E.
Hoff, daughter of John H. Hoff, and grand-
daughter of Thomas Lomason. Of the eleven
children born to them eight are yet living, viz.:
Laura, wife of Philip Miller, of this county;
Addie M., wife of George E. Merritt, of Phillips-
burg; John H., of Washington, this county;
William A., who married Hattie M. Good; Fran-
ces M., wife' of John R. Good, of Philadelphia;
Carolene, Winfield S. and Mertie P., the three
youngest at home.

Gl MOS THATCHER is an enterprising, prac-
l\ tical agriculturist of Raritan Township, Hun-
I I terdon County, and from his earliest recol-
lections has been closely associated with the
history of this region. His forefathers also
were farmers of this township, and assisted ma-
terially in the development of its advancing civil-
ization. He was named in honor of his paternal
grandfather, Amos, whose entire life was passed
in this immediate locality.

Born November 27, 1842, in Raritan Township,
our subject is a son of Robert and Margaret
(Trout) Thatcher, both natives of this township.
In his youth he was a pupil in the district schools
of his home neighborhood, later attended East-
man's Business College in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ,
and since then he has constantly added to his
fund of knowledge by reading and observation.
Until he was about nineteen he lived at home
upon the old farm, and then was for three years
in the hotel business with his father. Later he
was concerned in running a store in partnership

128

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with the senior Thatcher for a similar period of
time. Removing to a farm, he next was occupied
in agricultural pursuits for three years more, and
finally purchased a homestead situated just out-
side the corporation limits of Flemington.

It was in 1869 that he bought the fine farm
where he has since made his home. Altogether
he owns at this time two hundred acres of im-
proved laud, from which abundant harvests are
garnered each year, yielding a golden reward to
the fortunate possessor of the property. On the
place is a splendid orchard of twenty acres, from
which has been gathered some years as high as
thirty-five hundred bushels of luscious peaches.
This product finds a ready sale at good prices in
the neighboring large cities and towns and from
this source alone Mr. Thatcher has made a fort-
une. In politics he is a Democrat, and supports
by his ballot the platforms and candidates of that
part}'. He was elected freeholder March 12,
1896, for a term of three years.

In 1869 the marriage of Mr. Thatcher and
Isabella Capner was solemnized. They have
had seven children, named as follows: Maggie,
Robert, John C, Louise, Hugh N., Amos and
Katie. Two of the number, Maggie and Louise,
have been summoned to the better land. The
family is highly respected in this community, and
the young people are bright, ambitious and well
educated.

h~}~ — i>m§&$*<»- — m —

Cp\ SA SUYDAM is one of the old and respected
l\ citizens of Raritan Township, Hunterdon
/ • I County, and for several generations his an-
cestors have been occupied in cultivating and im-
proving land in this region. Originally natives
of Holland, they possessed the notable character-
istics of that people, honesty and uprightness and
fairness in all their dealings with their fellows,
and industry and diligence in their own business
affairs. Thus the Suydams are justly entitled to
a high place in the annals of this county, for they

assisted materially in establishing it upon a sound
basis of good citizenship and were no small factors
in the development of its natural resources.

The great-grandfather of our subject was the
first one of the family to settle permanently in
Hunterdon County, as far as known, and here his
son John, the next in the direct line of descent, was
born and reared to mature years. Henrj^, father
of Asa Suydam, was likewise a native of this
county, and throughout life was a farmer in his
immediate locality. He married Miss Hannah
Stires, of this county, and three sons were born to
them, viz.: Daniel, Asa and John T. The last-
mentioned died when but three years old. The
parents of these children were earnest Christians,
striving day by day to do their whole duty toward
God and man, and by their own example to guide
and inspire their sons in right ways of conduct.
The father's busy and useful life was brought to
a close when he was in his sixty-fourth year.
His widow died in 1S73.

The birth of Asa Suydam took place in Raritan
Township, June 3, 1825. On the old homestead
he gained practical knowledge of all kinds of agri-
cultural duties, and was therefore ably qualified
to take entire charge of a farm when he was of
mature age. He remained at home until he was
about twenty-three, when he started out in his
independent career. At this time he was married
to Catherine Higgins, and for three years lived
with his father-in-law, aiding in the cultivation of
his place. Later he returned to the home of his
fathers, eventually purchasing the land in 1855.
This farm then comprised a quarter-section, or one
hundred and sixty acres, and to the original tract
the owner has since added another eighteen acre
lot. In 1858 he set out a peach orchard, and has
nearly fifty acres planted with peach and apple
trees. He takes pride in keeping everything
about his farm in a thrifty manner, and the place
is justly considered one of the most valuable in
the township.

Mr. Suydam was first married, as previously
stated, in 184S, to Miss Higgins, and five children
were born to their union, viz.: Hannah, Annie
M., Henry, Ella R. and Catherine. The mother

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

129

died in 1S66 and about two years afterwards our
subject married Mrs. Rachel Reid, a sister of his
first wife.

In his political convictions Mr. Suydam is a
Republican. He has never been an aspirant for
official positions, as he prefers to devote his time
and energies to his own business affairs and to his
church. For years he has been a very active
worker in the Baptist Church of this township,
and been • a deacon in the same some forty-five
years and clerk of the official board for twoscore
years.

(ILLIAM O'NIEL is a member of the firm
of Simersou & O'Niel, editors and pro-
prietors of the Warren Journal, pub-
lished in Belvidere. He is a very progressive,
up-to-date business man, and by his energy and
wide-awake plans has succeeded in accomplishing
much in the promotion of industries that have ac-
crued to the lasting benefit of this community.
He takes deep interest in everything which has
as its object the welfare of the public, and his
influence can always be safely relied upon on be-
half of every good cause. He stands high in the
ranks of the Democratic party, and has often
been sent as a delegate to its conventions. When
he had scarcely passed his majority he was
made town clerk, after which he acted in the
capacity of tax-collector for several years. From
1884 to 1894 he served as county surrogate,
contrary to the received custom in this county
being re-elected to the same office.

The parents of the above-named gentleman
were Michael and Hannah (Ronan) O'Niel,
natives of Ireland. The father came to America
in 1837, taking up his permanent abode in
Belvidere. He reached the extreme age of ninety-
four years, his death occurring in September,
1897. He had married before leaving his old
home, and to himself and wife were born nine
children. The aged mother is still living.

William O'Niel was born in this town Septem-

ber 27, 1852, and obtained his elementary education
in the public schools of the place. When he was
but thirteen years of age he started out to earn
his own livelihood, entering the employ of the
Belvidere Delaware Railroad Company. He
served in all kinds of capacities, gradually being
promoted until attaining the position of station
agent. He abandoned railroading when he un-
fortunately lost a leg, as the result of an accident.
He is now one of the largest stockholders and a
director in the Belvidere Water Works Company
and was one of the organizers of the Warren
Wood- working Company, one of the best indus-
tries of this place. At present he is a director
and manager of the concern. In the spring of
1 89 1 he bought an interest in the Warren
Journal. This paper was then owned by John
M. Simerson, whose father and grandfather before
him had published the journal, long an influential
dispenser of the news to the people of this
county.

In October, 1882, Mr. O'Niel married Agnes
E. Warner, daughter of the late Lyman Warner,
an old Connecticut family, but at the time re-
sidents of Belvidere, where he manufactured
the Warner carriage wheel. They have three
children, a son and two daughters, named in the
order of their birth, Chester W., Helen H. and
Bessie Richmond.

ON. CHARLES B. SMITH, M. D., one of
the leading physicians of Washington and
twice mayor of the city, was born in Beth-
lehem, Hunterdon Count}', in 1867, and is the
only son of Alfred G. and Elizabeth (Cornish)
Smith. His father, who was a native of Warren
County, this state, during his early life operated
a mill, but failing health forced him to retire from
the business and seek emplo}mient of a different
nature. He then purchased a farm, the super-
vision of which he still continues, having accu-
mulated a comfortable fortune from the same. His

13°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

home is near Asbury. Politically he is a Demo-
crat, but has never held, nor desires to hold,
public office of any kind. His father, Jacob
Smith, was a well-to-do farmer of Hunterdon
Count}'.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was
Joseph Cornish, a large and prosperous merchant
of Bethlehem, whose son, Joseph B. Cornish, is
the well-known manufacturer of organs and
pianos. The only child of his parents, our sub-
ject was given ever}' advantage that the schools
of the county afforded, attending both the gram-
mar and high schools of Washington. His early
boyhood years were passed on his father's farm
near Bethlehem, and after fourteen years of age he
lived near Washington. He had a natural taste for
medicine and deciding to choose it as his profession
he began to study under a competent instructor.
For two years he carried on his readings, mean-
time also teaching school. He then entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore,
from which after a three years' course he gradu-
ated with high honors in 1891.

Since graduating Dr. Smith has engaged in
practice in Washington, where he has gained a
reputation as a reliable and skillful physician.
His services are in demand, day and night, and
his practice extends into the surrounding country.
In 1891 he married Miss Mary S., daughter of
Robert K. Richey, a retired merchant of Asbury.
They are the parents of one child, a daughter.
In 1893 the doctor erected a residence on West
Washington avenue, and in this house, which is
one of the most elegant in the town, he now
makes his home.

The connection of Dr. Smith with civil affairs
reflects credit upon his ability and proves his in-
terest in the progress of his town, Dike all the
members of the family as far back as the record
extends, he is a stanch adherent of Democratic
principles. In 1895 he was elected mayor of
Washington and in that position gave such uni-
versal satisfaction that the following year he was
re-elected by almost the entire vote of the place.
Fraternally he is connected with Mansfield Dodge
No. 36, F. & A. M., the Senior Order American

Mechanics, Royal Arcanum and Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is a firm friend of the
public schools and has been a valued member of
the board of education. The State Medical
Society numbers him among its members, and
other associations connected with his profession
receive his sympathy and support. He is con-
nected with the local branch of the State Building
and Loan Association, an organization that has
contributed materially to the improvement of
Washington. With his wife, he holds member-
ship in the Presbyterian Church and for six years
or more he has been one of the trustees of the
congregation.

PETER G. SCHOMP, a well-known citizen of
Readington Township, Hunterdon County,
<3 comes from one of the old pioneer families of
this region, his ancestors having settled here at a
very early day in our colonial history. In fact,
the annals of western New Jersey could not well
and truthfully be written were the name of
Schomp omitted from the records. The gentle-
man of whom we write has been president of the
Farmers' Mutual Assurance Association of New
Jersey for the past eight years, having been annu-
ally re- appointed to the office. Moreover, he was
a director in the Citizens' Mutual Life Insurance
Company of this state. A Democrat in his polit-
ical standing, he has officiated as collector of this
township, but has never sought or desired public
positions.

The father of our subject, Jacob G. Schomp,
was a native of Readington Township, and was
one of the oldest residents here at the time of his
death, which occurred in October, 1S96, when
eighty-nine years of age. In his youth he
learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it to
some extent in connection with farming, later
giving his attention exclusively to the manage-
ment of his property. When he was a young
man he was considered to possess an excellent

HON. DANIKL F. BKATTY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

133

education for the period, and taught school for a
few terms. In politics a Democrat, he held local
offices of a minor nature and was a freeholder of
this township during one term. His wife, who
bore the girlhood name of Eliza Van Fleet, died
in 1885. They had but two children, Peter G.
and John, the latter of whom died in 1896.

Peter G. Schomp was born in Readington
Township April 24, 1846, received a district-
school education, and learned surveying, which
business he has followed more or less for thirty
years, formerly with Judge Joseph Thompson,
now deceased. His main pursuit, however, has
been farming, in which he has been very success-
ful. In 1 87 1 he married Annie, daughter of
Andrew and Keturah Suydam. The father was
a respected resident of this township, but has been
called to the better land. The union of Mr. and
Mrs. Schomp has been blessed with one daughter,
Vera, who is still at home. They are members
of the Reformed Church, and he was for a number
of years treasurer of the congregation; has served
as elder and deacon in the same, and has often
been sent as a delegate to the synod. He takes
great interest in religious matters and is a liberal
contributor to the finances of the denomination.

HON. DANIEE FISHER BEATTY. The
name of Beatty is a household word in
many parts of the United States, but while
all lovers of music have learned to admire the
celebrated Beatty organs and pianos, compara-
tively few are familiar with the history of their
talented inventor and manufacturer. Daniel
Fisher Beatty was born August 14, 1848, on the
summit of Schooley's Mountain, near Beattys-
towu, in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County,
N. J., being a son of George W. and Elizabeth
(Fisher) Beatty. His paternal grandfather,
James Beatty, emigrated to America from the
north of Ireland during the latter part of the
eighteenth century, and settled in New Jersey,

where he died at eighty-six years of age. One
of his sons, John, was the father of Maj. Samuel
Beatty, of Stark County, Ohio, who served with
distinction in the Mexican war and in the late
rebellion, rising from private to the rank of
major-general of the army.

Of a family of four daughters and six sons,
Daniel Fisher Beatty was third among the sons.
In early life he evinced not only a rare business
capacity, but also a decided taste for music and
for the rustic scenes in the mountains surround-
ing his native home. In the reception room of
the old homestead the visitor is shown the in-
strument (an old-fashioned melodeon long since
out of date) which first inspired the musical ge-
nius of the boy, and on which he practiced his
first lessons. His love for rural surroundings
continues to the present and furnishes the rea-
son for his remaining in his suburban location
rather than following the precedent set by
other large manufacturers, that of establishing
headquarters amid the hum and bustle of a
large city.

From an early age it was clearly evident that
Mr. Beatty had more taste for music than for
agriculture. Instead of following the plow, he
was accustomed to take his music book and
sally forth to the field, where he would soon be
immersed in the mysteries of the art; or, seated
beside a cool spring of never-failing water, he
would devise improvements in his contemplated
occupation. Thus were instilled in his mind
the first conceptions of his art. While still at
home upon the farm, he- led the church choir
of his neighborhood. His education was limited
to such opportunities as the common schools
afforded, but his lack of classical study was com-
pensated for in a great measure by his quick
perception, clear insight into the nature of
things, and the readiness with which he appro-
priated the results of science and philosophy. It
is his habit to perceive and generalize rapidly,
and to come directly to his conclusions, which
are found to be safe and accurate.

Perhaps the quality which has been the most
prominent factor in the success of Mr. Beatty is

134

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his practical common sense in business matters.
This quality enables him to arrange his plans
with reference to the best financial results.
Recognizing this trait, his father was led to
entrust him with all his financial affairs while yet
the son was in his minority. Starting out in life
for himself without a dollar, he secured employ-
ment as a salesman, and finally advanced to the
manufacture of the instruments that bear his
name. Through industry and fair dealing he
succeeded beyond his fondest expectations. For
a time he had his large factories in Washing-
ton, where he had a large building, divided
into seven departments, connected by electric
bells, telephone and telegraph, so that news
could be received and transmitted to all parts of
the world. To give an idea of the extent of his
business, it may be stated that in one 3'ear alone
he spent $387,000 in advertising and paid the
government $72,000 for stamps. Of late years
he has had his organs made under special con-
tract in a factory in Chicago, while the Beatty
pianos were always made in New York and Bos-
ton. It is estimated that his business has
amounted to a million dollars per annum. In
one year he shipped more than seventeen thou-
sand organs and pianos.

January 22, 1885, Mr. Beatty married Miss
Emily H. Barnes, daughter of Lewis and Emily
Barnes, of Warren County. The character of
Mr. Beatty is winning. Unlike many men of
genius he is approachable and genial in manner.
He is generous in his contributions to projects of
public importance and takes a warm interest in
local affairs. Five times he has served as mayor
of Washington and his administration, while con-
servative, was also progressive and of benefit to
the commercial welfare of the town. In Masonry
he has attained the highest degree but one in the
Scottish rite, also Knight Templar York rite and
a member of the Mystic Shrine, also an Odd
Fellow. In 1878 he made a tour of Europe and
attended the Paris Exposition; in 1890 he trav-
eled thirty- nine thousand miles, completing a
tour of the world, and on his return published a
book concerning his travels. With his wife he

holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
Church and he has been heard to say, with some
pride, that the first money he ever made was by
working as sexton of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and that money he at once donated to
the Sunday-school.

••i+;^0::\ «■£;•- ~e~

cJEORGE NEWTON BEST, M. D., of Rose-
— mont, Hunterdon County, has been emi-
^ nently successful as a physician, and during
the twenty-three years of his practice has ac-
quired an extensive patronage. He is frequently
called for consultation to various parts of the sur-
rounding country and ranks well with the med-
ical fraternity. But well and favorably known as
he is in this field, he is even more widely known
as a botanist. His numerous contributions to the
science of plants have gained for him a reputation
not confined to his own state or country and have
caused him to be recognized as an authority in
his specialty. He furnished valuable data for the
Catalogue of the Plants of New Jersey and is now
assisting in the preparation of the forthcoming
Synoptical Flora of North America. He is a
member of the Torrey Botanical Club of New
York and of the New Jersey Natural History
Society and is also identified with the Hunterdon
County Historical Society.

Our subject, a son of Cornelius and Elsie (Al-
paugh) Best, was born in the Round Valley,
Hunterdon County, October 16, 1846. His early
life, with the exception of one year, when he was
employed as a clerk in a store, was passed upon
his father's farm. He was a pupil in the com-
mon school of the neighborhood and, being an
apt student, made rapid progress in his work
there. He was but twenty-one years of age when
he obtained a school in the country and conducted
the same for two or three terms. Later he went
to Pennington Institute, where he prepared him-
self for Lafayette College. That well-known in-
stitution of learning he entered in the class of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

135

1873, but left its halls in his junior year in order
to take charge of a select school at Riegels-
ville, Pa.

While Dr. Best was occupied in teaching in
Pennsylvania he took up the study of medicine
with Dr. A. S. Jordan. ■ He was graduated in
due course of time from the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania, being one of the
class of '75. The same year he located in Rose-
tnont, and has since resided here, giving close
attention to his professional duties. He has al-
ways been an earnest student and is a frequent
contributor to the medical literature of the times.
He is an associate editor of the Lehigh Valley
Medical Magazine and is a member of the Hun-
terdon County Medical Society; the Medical
Society of New Jersey; the American Medical
Association and the Lehigh Valley Medical Asso-
ciation. Fraternally he is identified with the
Masonic order.

In 1877 the marriage of Dr. Best and Miss
Hannah Wilson was solemnized in Delaware
Township. Mrs. Best is a daughter of Richard
and Mary Wilson, respected citizens of Delaware
Township.

KEV. J. DE HART BRUEN has been pastor
of the Presbyterian Church in Belvidere for
the past fifteen years, during which period
he has built up a large congregation and has so
conducted the affairs of the flock that every de-
partment.is in excellent working order and is a
power for good in the community. Possessing
the foundations of a good education and well-
balanced mental qualities he adds thereto much
experience in his chosen field of labor and that
earnest zeal for the saving of souls and the eleva-
tion of his fellow-man, without which the rest
counts for but little with a minister of the Gospel.
Our subject is of English descent, and has in
his possession records of his family dating back
as far as 1230. The old family estate was near
Stapleford, Chester County, England. One of

his ancestors, Obadiah Bruen, was one of the
founders of the city of Newark, N. J., and five of
the Bruens were freeholders of Newark in 1750.
One of the number was with Washington during
the war for independence and accompanied him
on that memorable crossing of the Delaware on
the night of the battle of Trenton. The father
of our subject, Rev. James M. Bruen, was edu-
cated in the University of Pennsylvania and later
pursued his religious studies in the Union Theo-
logical Seminary, after which he preached for
many years in Irvington, N. J. He was a
scholar, thoroughly conversant with the Greek
language, and possessed great literary ability.
For some years prior to his death, which event
occurred January 30, 1881, he was an invalid,
and during this period the sweetest traits of his
noble Christian manhood shone forth. His faith-
ful wife, Anna Maria, was a daughter of William
W. Miller, of Hunterdon County, N. J. He
was a man of undoubted talent, and though his
death took place at the untimely age of twenty-
eight years, he had already manifested the power
of his genius to such an extent that most compli-
mentary resolutions of regret were passed at a
special meeting of the bar held at Trenton, N. J.,
for that purpose. Jacob Miller, his brother, was
a member of the United States senate for twelve
years, at the same period as was the brilliant
statesman, Henry Clay.

The birth of Rev. Mr. Bruen occurred in New
Windsor, Orange County, N. Y., December 17,
1S47. He was an only son and was afforded the
best of educational privileges. He attended
Newark Academy and later studied with Dr.
George Seibert, a professor at Bloomfield Theo-
logical Seminar}'. In 1S68 he entered the Union
Theological Seminary, graduating in 1871, and
received his degree of Master of Arts from Will-
iams College the same year. During 1871 he
taught English literature and philosophy at
Miss Graham's Select School for Young Ladies,
New York City, this being while he was still a
student. His first pastorate was at Summit, N.
J., and there he remained for seven years. He
was the first pastor of that church, and his con-

I36

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gregation consisted of twenty- three persons at
the time he took charge of the little flock. Great
success attended his efforts for good and in seven
years over two hundred additions were made to
the original number. A well-constructed edifice
as a house of worship was erected in the mean-
while and the pastor's salary was raised four
times. In 1879 ne resigned to assume charge of
a church at Clayton, N. J., where he resided for
four years. The membership during this period
was doubled and the Sunday-school attendance
was trebled. In 1S83 he resigned in order to be-
come pastor of his present church, to which he
has indeed been a faithful shepherd. The num-
ber of members has been doubled in the interim,
while the number of Sunday-school pupils is
three times as many as when he came here. He
is chairman of the temperance committee of the
state synod, and is a director and on the advisory
board of the Blair Presbyterian Academy.

June 1, 1871, Mr. Bruen married Margaret W.,
daughter of Henry Munro, of New York City, of
an old Scotch Revolutionary family. Of the
four children born to this union three are living,
viz.: James Bay ley, a graduate of Princeton Col-
lege and now a student of law at Albuquerque,
N. M. ; Henry Munro, who is attending the
Union Theological Seminary; and Norman Jay,
a student in Lafayette College. The mother of
these children died at Belvidere in Jul}', 1884.
Mr. Bruen was again married, in December,
1886, his wife being Elizabeth M. Brookfeld,
daughter of John B. Brookfeld, of Belvidere.
Two sons were born of their union, namely:
DeHart B., who died at the age of seven years;
and Alexander McWhorter, at home.

61 NTHONY MELICK TRIMMER. It is not
LI only a duty, but a pleasure to fitly com-
/ I memorate the life of a good man, and in no
better or more enduring manner can this be done
than on the printed page, whereon is traced some

faint tribute to his worth. In the hearts and mem-
ories of his friends is the truest monument to a
noble citizen, but, as time goes on, these must in-
evitably fail and to future generations naught be
preserved but the page whereon is inscribed his
virtues. The kind and faithful father, husband and
friend whose name stands at the beginning of this
sketch was called to the better land May 27,
1893. F°r nearly forty years he had been a res-
ident of Clinton, Hunterdon County, and no one
was more highly respected and universally
esteemed here than he. In everything that
made for the good of this communtiy, for bet-
ter government, for progress, he was foremost,
and for a number of years prior to his death he
officiated as a justice of the peace.

A native of Hunterdon County, Mr. Trimmer
was born in German Valley, January 24, 1824,
and was therefore in his seventieth year when
death summoned him to his reward. In his early
life he followed agricultural pursuits, and con-
tinued so to do until a few years after his mar-
riage. In 1 85 1 he removed from German Vallet-
ta a farm near New Germautown, known as the
Melick homestead, and later he occupied the
place called the Leigh farm, it being situated
near Clinton. In 1855 he settled permanently in
this town, and engaged in the insurance business
from that time until his death. He was one of
the oldest registers of policies in this section of
the state, and the business is still continued, A.
Lincoln Smith having succeeded him in the firm.
In February, 1894, the style was changed to
Baker & Smith. Mr. Trimmer was a member of
the Order of American Mechanics, and was a
charter member of Star Lodge of Clinton. In his
political faith he was an uncompromising Repub-
lican, as he believed thoroughly in the policy
outlined by that party. For years he was a con-
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and
contributed liberally of his means and influence
toward the work of the same. He was generous
and kindly toward the poor and unfortunate, and
on account of his deeds of unostentatious helpful-
ness, his memory is tenderly enshrined in the
hearts of a host of friends.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J37

In all his joys and sorrows Mr. Trimmer had a
faithful helpmate, one whose daily cheer and
sunshine of spirit was a benediction to him along
the rugged journey of life. Her maiden name
was Mary Maloney, her father having been
Daniel Maloney, a Philadelphia merchant. Mrs.
Trimmer was born and reared in the Quaker
city, and by her marriage became the mother of
two children: a daughter, Mary A., who is the
wife of William C. Freeman, now connected with
the New York Journal; and James M., who died
May 6, 1S93. Mrs. Trimmer finds a solace for
her lonely hours in caring for those less fortu-
nately circumstanced in a financial way than it
is her lot to be. She is loved and looked up to
by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance,
her devoted friends being legion.

QACOB JORDY, an honored old resident of
I Raritan Township, Hunterdon County, has
Q) lived upon his present homestead for nearly
forty years. He is an example of what may be
accomplished by a young man who has neither
means nor influential friends, but who is industri-
ous, persevering and upright in principle. In
his youth and early manhood he was obliged to
work very hard, and many a time did he feel al-
most discouraged, but he bravely met each day's
struggle for bread, and, by economy and strict
denial to himself of the luxuries of life, at last
won a position of respect in the community and a
competence for old age.

The birth of Jacob Jordy occurred in France,
May 21, 1823, his parents being Jacob and Dora
(Storum) Jordy. He passed his boyhood upon a
farm, and there acquired a rugged constitution
and love for Nature in all her varied moods. In
the government school he received a good gen-
eral education and when he was about fifteen he
began serving an apprenticeship of three years
at the shoemaker's trade. Subsequently he
worked at this business until the Revolution of

1848 in France, when he joined the army and
served in the ranks seven years, a part of the time
being occupied in making shoes for the soldiers.

Desiring to enjoy the blessing of living in a
country where freedom was a well-established fact,
and having heard much from his childhood of the
advantages to be obtained in America, Mr. Jordy
set sail for the United States, and landed on these
hospitable shores after a tedious voyage of about
forty days, in 1852. He proceeded direct to
Flemington, N. J., there established himself in
his old trade of shoemaking and was thus oc-
cupied for the next quarter of a century. In
the meantime he bought his little farm where he
still resides, a place of twelve acres, in 1859.
During the past few years he has given his atten-
tion to his garden and has more than made a liv-
ing for himself and family from the crops which
he gathers each year on his farm.

Before coming to the western world Mr. Jordy
married Miss Wilhelmina Miller, of his own
country. They have had a family of sons and
daughters of which they may be justly proud.
In the order of their birth they are named as fol-
lows: George, Frederick, Charles, Lafayette,
Lewis, Wilhelmina, Caroline, Magdaline and
Belle.

r~REDERICK A. DALRYMPLE, now repre-
Ty senting the Thorley Food Company, of
I Chicago, in the states of New Jersey, New
York and Pennsylvania, has made his home in
the pretty town of Milford, Hunterdon County,
for a number of years, and is esteemed one of our
best citizens. He has taken an active part in
local politics, and was quite a leader in the Democ-
racy while in the northern part of this count}'.
In 1S87 he was elected assessor of Holland
Township, for a three years' term, and in 1890
was elected collector for a year, being re-elected
upon the expiration of his term of office for a
period of three years. He was at the head of the
movement which endeavored to have this town

138

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

incorporated, but the measure failed, on account
of insufficient support from the people. He has
always had at heart what he believed would be
for the welfare of his community, and has done
his share in the support of worthy enterprises.

The paternal grandfather of the above-named
gentleman was Samuel R. Dalrymple, a native
of Kingwood Township, this county. He resided
there the greater part of his life and was the
owner of a large and valuable estate. He died
at the age of seventy-four years, after having
lived for sixteen years prior to that event in the
town of Little York, Hunterdon County. He
was one of the earliest settlers of that village,
and lived to see it developed into a thriving
place. His son Eli was the father of our subject.
He was born in Kingwood Township, and for
more than a quarter of a century was a resident
of Little York. He was one of the most prosper-
ous farmers of that vicinity, and in carrying out
his business he became well known and respected
throughout the county. For years before his
death, which occurred when he was sixty-two
years of age, he was a valued member of the
Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant. He
was three times married, Frederick A. being the
only child of his third marriage. This wife and
mother, who died when forty-two years of age,
was Hannah M., daughter of Frederick A. and
Elizabeth (Metier) Apgar.

Frederick A. Dalrymple was born May 27,
1859, in Little York, and upon his father's farm
he quietly and happily spent his boyhood. When
he was seventeen he left home, and, going to
New York, he became an employe of his uncle,
head of the wholesale grocery house of Apgar &
Company. He continued with this firm for two
years, after which he returned to the scenes of
his youth, with the intention of trying his hand
at farming. He lived upon a small farm, and
was quite successful in its management, but he
had had a taste of the more active and breezy life
of the commercial man and he could not settle
down at that time to the routine of agriculture
for long. At the end of three years he sold out
and came to Milford, this being in 1885. He

became the purchaser of the old-established firm
of D. E. Coughlin & Company, dealers in coal
and farm implements, etc., and added to it a
stock business. He followed these lines of trade
successfully for seven years, and in 189 1 went to
New York, where he carried on a commission
business with J. J. Fredericks for three years.
Later he secured employment as a traveling
salesman for the Walter A. Wood Machine Com-
pany. He worked in the interests of that firm
three years, since which he has been an agent for
the house of the Thorley Food Company, of Chi-
cago.

Fraternally Mr. Dalrymple is a member of
Perseverance Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F. , of Mil-
ford, has passed all the chairs in the same and
has served as its representative to the grand
lodge of the state. He also holds membership with
the Masons, belonging to Orient Lodge, F. & A.
M., of Frenchtown. He and his family attend
the Presbyterian Church of this place. In 1882
he married Laura Cole, of Milford, and two chil-
dren brighten their union, Cora May and Flora
being the names of the little ones. Mrs. Dal-
rymple is a daughter of Andrew J. Cole, of this
town, and was reared to maturity here.

■•£V-tQ:-v<<> « — :-

"7 VERT J. BERGEN, M. D., of Washington,
*t) is a member of an old family of this state.
__ The genealogical record shows that his
grandfather, Evert J. Bergen, was born in 1780,
and engaged in farming in Somerset County , where
he died in 1864; he married Jane Stryker, whose
birth occurred in 1804-. Preceding him in line of
ancestry was James Bergen (born 1755, died
1830), who in 1779 married Anna Van Vorhees,
the latter dying in 1852, at ninety-one years of
age. The preceding generation was represented
by Evert (born 1717, died 1776), who married
Jane Hagermau in 1739. His father, Hans Jar-
vis Bergen, was a son of Jarvis Hanson Bergen,
who was the third son of Hans Hanson Bergen,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

139

born in 1649, married in 1678 to Sarah Strycker,
of Flatbush, Dong Island. The previous genera-
tion, the first in America, was represented by
Hans Hanson Bergen, who removed from Nor-
way to Holland and from Holland to America in
1633. In 1639 he married Sarah Rapalii, and
they were the parents of the first white child born
on Manhattan Island.

The father of our subject was Peter S. Bergen,
a native of Somerset Count}', N. J., and a promi-
nent and successful merchant of Somerville, also
a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of that city. He married Rebecca Dilts,
daughter of Daniel Dilts, who in 1812 purchased
from his father the old homestead in Morris
County, and afterward continued the owner of
the place until his death. He was a man of
temperate habits and sterling principle, and was
characterized by strict integrity in all his busi-
ness relations. He was kind and charitable to
the poor and always sought to promote the wel-
fare of others. By his industry and careful man-
agement he acquired a competency, which his
children inherited. He and his wife were de-
voted members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He was a member of a family that set-
tled in Hunterdon County in 1741 and has since
been closely associated with the history of this
section.

In Somerville, N. J., Dr. Bergen was born
Jul}' 11, 1846, being one of a family of three sons
and'one daughter, the latter of whom, Julia, died
at the age of twenty-two years. One of the sons,
Frank, is a prominent lawyer of Elizabeth. The
education of our subject was begun in the public
schools of Somerset County and continued in
Princeton College. Through the kindness of
John Taylor Johnson, president of the Jersey
Central Railroad, he was given a scholarship in
the University of New York City and thus re-
ceived advantages that would otherwise have
been impossible. In 1877 he graduated from the
medical department of the university , and at once
commenced the practice of his profession in
Somerset Count}'. His health, however, was
poor. It was thought that he had consump-

tion and that he would not live long. Hoping
that a change of climate would enable him to re-
gain his former strength, he went to Kansas and
remained for five years, returning to Warren
County completely restored in health. Since
then he has resided in Washington.

Dr. Bergen was married in 1869 to Sarah M.
Gallaway, daughter of James Gallaway, who was
born in England and for many years was a mer-
chant tailor in Somerset County, N. J. One
daughter, Julia, was born of this union. Politi-
cally Dr. Bergen was identified with the Demo-
crats until 1896, when the division of the parties
on the currency question caused him to vote for
McKinley and identify himself with the Republi-
cans. For fifteen years he has occupied a com-
fortable residence on Broadway. In 1887 he was
elected coroner of the county, receiving a ma-
jority of nearly twenty-five hundred. He has a
large practice, that extends through the sur-
rounding country and demands his close atten-
tion. However, he finds time to keep pace with
modern thought and development, especially in
scientific pursuits, and has constructed machinery
of his own in order to experiment with the
X-rays.

'HEODORE F. SWARER has been en-
gaged iu the undertaking business in Clin-
ton, Hunterdon County, for several years,
and has won an enviable reputation for the sys-
tematic way in which he meets all the require-
ments and responsibilities of one iu this difficult
position. He keeps a fine assortment of coffins
and caskets of the best manufacturers, at prices
that satisfy all classes of customers, from the most
humble to the wealthiest. He is thoroughly com-
petent in his line, and the tenderness and tact
which he always manifests on the occasions when
his offices are called into requisition are gratefully
remembered, and are the result of his genuine
Christian nobleness of character.

A son of Abraham W. and Elizabeth (Hender-

140

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

shot) Swarer, our subject was born September 8,
1846, in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County.
His father was likewise a native of this county,
having been born November 11, 1 8 1 1 . He
learned the weaver's trade in his early manhood,
and also devoted considerable of his time to agri-
cultural pursuits. His father, Samuel Swarer,
was born in this county also, and, as his surname
indicates, was of German descent. His parents,
in fact, were both children of the Fatherland.
Samuel Swarer lived to attain the advanced age
of ninety-three years. Of the four brothers and
sisters of our subject, all save one grew to matu-
rity. Martha J. is the wife of Alexander Parks,
of Mendon, N. J., and Sarah C. is Mrs. William
Case, of Pittstown, N. J. John H. is a blacksmith
in Cherry ville, N. J.

The youth of Theodore F. Swarer was similar
to that of all other farmer lads, his time being
divided between working on the farm and attend-
ing school. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced serving an apprenticeship to the black-
smith's trade with H. H. Reed, of Readington.
He remained two years with him and then started
into business upon his own account in the same
town. He soon removed to Three Bridges, N. J. ,
where he staj?ed about two years, still employed
at his trade. About this time he married Zadelia
Q. Higgins, who came from an old and well-
known family of this county, her parents being
John and Rhoda (Carkuff ) Higgins. Soon after
his marriage our subject removed to the village
of Reaville, and there built up an extensive busi-
ness as a blacksmith, wheelwright and carriage
manufacturer. January 20, 1890, his wife, the
mother of his two children, John H. and Hannah
R., was summoned to the silent land. She was a
devoted wife and mother, a respected neighbor
and friend, beloved by all who knew her. The
son, John H., is carrying on his father's old busi-
ness in Reaville, and is a promising young man.
Hannah R. , the daughter, is the wife of George
Corson, of Clinton.

September 8, 1890, Mr. Swarer moved to Clin-
ton, and in partnership with L- C. Case opened a
furniture and undertaking establishment, under

the firm name of Case & Swarer. This connec-
tion continued in force about two years and was
then dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Case
taking the furniture department and Mr. Swarer
continuing the undertaking. Since 1897, in con-
nection with his undertaking establishment, he
has conducted a livery business, in which he has
been successful. His equipment is the best ob-
tainable, and to his enterprise in this direction
the village of Clinton is indebted for an establish-
ment that would reflect credit upon any com-
munity.

For twenty years Mr. Swarer has been a valued
worker in the Presbyterian Church. In 1891 and
1892 he was a member of the city council of
Clinton. He was reared in the doctrines of the
Democratic party and adhered to the same until
recently, when, on account of the policy adopted
by that organization, he transferred his allegiance,
and now supports the Republican platform, which
is more in accord with his principles. February
17, 1892, Mr. Swarer married Miss Mary Alte-
mus, daughter of our respected citizen, Charles
W. Altemus, and his wife, whose maiden name
was Lucinda Moore.

30HNJ. BIGGS, whose postoffice address is
Barley Sheaf, Hunterdon County, N. J., is
one of the practical and enterprising agricult-
urists of Readington Township. He is a native of
this county, having been born in 1840. His
parents, John O. and Sarah A. (Labertoux)
Biggs, were also both natives of this portion of
the state, as was also his grandfather, David
Biggs. He is one of five children, of whom Peter
and Margaret are deceased, and the others are
Sarah and Nicholas.

June 24, 1863, Mr. Biggs married Mary, only
daughter of David and Rebecca (Baker) Lowe,
both natives of this county. She has one
brother living, Elijah H., and one unnamed died
in infancy. Her paternal grandfather, John

GEORGE L. ROMINE, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lowe, was born and reared and passed his mature
years in this county, where he owned a large
estate. She was born August 8, 1843, on the
old Baker farm, where she now lives, and
which she owns. Here her girlhood days passed
pleasantly and rather uneventfully, her education
being obtained in the district schools of the period.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Biggs has been
blessed with four daughters, viz. : Sarah R. ,
Annie M., Maggie E. and M. Viola.

The Baker farm is a valuable one, comprising,
as it does, one hundred and fifty acres of highly
cultivated land, suitable for the production of
any variety of crops commonly raised in this
region. The farm buildings are commodious
and well kept and everything about the place
shows the care bestowed upon it by the thrift}'
occupants. Mrs. Biggs holds membership with
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is liberal
in her gifts to worthy charities and religious un-
dertakings. Mr. Biggs favors the principles and
candidates of the Democratic party, and has never
sought or desired public office.

cjEORGE L. ROMINE, M. D., well and

□ favorably known as a practicing physician
of Lambertville, became a member of the
Hunterdon County Medical Society in 1880, and
four years later was elected its president. He is
also a member of the New Jersey State Medical
Society, the Lehigh Valley Medical Association
and was chosen as the president of the last-named
body in August, 1895. Upon numerous occasions
he has been called upon to present to these several
societies the result of his widely extended expe-
rience and research in his chosen field of effort
and labor and, in addition, his frequent articles
contributed to leading medical journals of this
country are highly commended.

The birth of Dr. Romine took place on his
father's old homestead, about three miles from
Lambertville, April 17, 1852. There he passed

his boyhood, attending the district schools until
he was fourteen. He then entered Stockton
Academy, which was located near, and at the
same time he continued to live at home. The lad
was very ambitious and determined to become a
scholar, so he pursued his higher studies with
great zeal and eagerness for four years. One of
his most ambitious plans was to enter the medi-
cal profession, but this seemed out of the question,
as he did not possess the requisite means. There-
fore for a few years he was obliged to forego his
own wishes and worked on the farm. When he
was about twenty-three he began the study of
medicine by himself and in 1876 he registered as
a pupil under Dr. Lewis C. Rice, of Lambertville.
A year later he entered the medical department
of the University of Pennsylvania and graduated
therefrom three years subsequently. In large
measure he paid his own way during this period,
and soon after his graduation he located in this
town, since which time his progress has been
marked. His clientage has been constantly in-
creasing in numbers and importance, and, having
made a specialty of diseases of the nose, throat
and ear, his work along that line has added
much to his practice. He is a Republican, and
does his duty as a voter, but has little time for
politics beyond that. In 1SS4 he was elected a
member of the city council on the Republican
ticket, and gave good satisfaction to all concerned.
Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the blue
lodge, chapter and St. Elmo Commandery, K. T. ,
of Lambertville. When comparatively a young
man he became identified with the Presbyterian
Church. February 17, 1S81, he married Cathe-
rine Bellis, who was born in Hopewell, N. J., and
was then a resident of Ringgold, N. J., her
parents being John and Sarah Bellis.

The first representative of the Romine family
in America was James Romine, of Monmouth
County, N. J., who owned land there as early in
the last century as 1709. He was a native of
England, and after the war of the Revolution in
the United States, some of his descendants settled
in Hunterdon County, among these being Furman
Romine, the grandfather of our subject. This

144

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

worthy man located on a farm three miles from
this town, in fact, the identical place where the
birth of the doctor occurred. Charles Romine,
the latter' s father, was born on the old farm in
1812. He married Clarissa, daughter of John
and Martha (Sergeant) Reading, of this county.
Of the eight children of Charles and Clarissa
Romine, six grew to mature years, and five
are still living. Clarinda, the eldest, grew to
womanhood and married Andrew Butterfoss, and '
lives in Frenchtown, N. J. Richard H. is a
farmer of Delaware Township. Lucy never mar-
ried and still lives on the old home place. Fur-
man was in partnership with George Agnew in
the milling business in Titusville, N. J., until he
died a few years ago. John R. is a civil engi-
neer in McKeesport, Pa.

The first maternal ancestor of Dr. Romine to
come to America was Col. John Reading, who
crossed the ocean from England in colonial days
(1685), accompanied by his wife and two children,
John and Elsie. The two latter were sent back
to England to be educated, after which they re-
turned to America. The boy, John, in time be-
came a very prominent man and the owner of a
large tract of land near Raven Rock, N. J. ; sub-
sequently he was elected governor of the state of
New Jersey. His son, Joseph, was appointed a
captain of militia by Governor Belch, and in 1776
was made judge of the court of common pleas.
Judge Reading had a sou also named Joseph, a
man of prominence and great integrity, whose
son, John, was the grandfather of Dr. Romine.
Mrs. Martha (Sergeant) Reading was a daughter
of Lohman and Lydia Sergeant, who were of Ger-
man extraction and lived in the neighborhood of
Raven Rock.

*N3*£=

30SIAH C. BRITTON, who has served the
people of Raritan Township, Hunterdon
County, as township treasurer, and has
filled various other minor positions of trust and
honor, is a representative farmer of this locality.

In addition to managing his desirable home-
stead with ability, he has been very successful in
his financial operations and investments and is
to-day well-off in this world's goods. The regular
line of products raised in this region is grown
upon his farm, and from his orchards alone he
reaps abundant harvests each year. Industrious
and enterprising, he deserves prosperity, and is
gradually acquiring a competency.

Born in Readington Township, this county,
May 19, 1842, our subject is a son of John A.,
and grandson of Nathaniel Britton, both natives
of this county, and of English descent. John
A. married Sarah Cole, and of their five children
only two survive, Margaret, Henry L- and
Charity having been called to the silent land.
John W. is a resident of Flemington. The father
was a farmer by occupation, and also worked to
some extent as a mason, which trade he had
learned in early manhood. He was a useful
member of the Baptist Church and was beloved
and esteemed for his innate nobility of character,
which constantly found expression in his daily
life. Death claimed him in 1876, at the ripe age
of seventy-two years, and his mortal remains
were placed to rest in Stanton cemetery. His
faithful wife had died many years before, in 1851,
and was buried in the same church- yard.

Josiah C. Britton was deprived of his loving
mother's tender care and guidance when he was
but nine years old. His education was that of
the farmer lads of his day, perhaps sufficient for
the period but falling below the standard of to-da}',
when every child has advantages greatly above
those of his parents. In 1847 his father pur-
chased the farm of one hundred acres, a mile and
a-half northwest of the town of Flemington, now
in the possession of our subject. After the
latter's marriage in 1867 he bought this property,
and has ever since been engaged in its improve-
ment and cultivation. The fine orchard on the
place comprises twenty-five acres, eighteen acres
of this being planted with peach trees and the
remainder in apple and pear trees. Politically
Mr. Britton is a Democrat, using his franchise in
favor of the platform and nominees of his party.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

145

He is identified with the Baptist Church of Flem-
ington, being one of the elders in the congrega-
tion.

The marriage of Mr. Britton and Miss Ellen
C. Ewing was celebrated in 1867. Nine chil-
dren came to bless their hearts and home, and
the happy family circle is still unbroken by death.
In order of birth they are as follows: Bertha,
Mrs. W. S. Barton; George E., a farmer; John
A., a graduate of Cornell University; Harry W.,
a graduate of Stewart's Business College; Josiah
H., Russell, Hannah, Martha and Walter.

-3 — i £>K®($§|iH+K-»-

Gl UGUSTUS K. SMITH has been the pro-
I I prietor of a hardware store in Clinton
/ I during the past ten years, and keeps a
complete assortment of stoves, tinware, plumbers'
and gas-fitters' supplies, etc. In the spring of
1888 he bought this establishment from the ex-
ecutors of the estates of John S. Madison, the
business being located on East Main street until
1896, when Mr. Smith removed to more com-
modious quarters, his present place. He pos-
sesses good financial ability, is methodical and
enterprising, and is strictly upright and fair in
all his dealings, thus winning the confidence of
the people.

Our subject's father, Asher Smith, was a native
of Union Township, Hunterdon County, born in
1809. He learned the tailor's trade, which he
followed in early life, but from 1850 until his death
gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. He
voted the Democratic ticket, and religiously was
a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married Mary A. Stires, who was
born in the same township as himself ten years
after his birth, in 18 19. They were the parents
of seven children, viz.: Augustus; Mary E., un-
married; John O., who lives near Pittstown
Eemuel and James, who died in childhood
Alexander, who was employed as a carpenter bv
the New Jersey Central Railroad, and was killed

at Junction by the falling of a pile of lumber upon
him in a car; and Daniel, who was killed by
a horse when seventeen years old.

Augustus K. Smith was born about three
miles from Clinton, in Union Township, Hunter-
don County, September 30, 1840. His educa-
tional advantages were rather limited, being
confined to a few months' schooling during the
winters, while the rest of the year he was needed
on the farm. Dike many a man of his day he
has had to rely chiefly upon his own efforts and
private study in order to become well informed-
His most important step in his early manhood
was in his choice of a wife; he was married
November 18, 1863, to Mary E. Hulsizer, whose
parents were Mahlon and Adeline (Sharp)
Hulsizer. She was born in Clinton Township
June 21, 1840.

After his marriage Mr. Smith settled down in
Union Township, in the vicinity of his old home,
and engaged in farming there two years, after
which he was similarly occupied on a homestead
in Warren County, N. J. Returning to this
county he located in Clinton, where he has since
made his home. For a few years he dealt in live-
stock and produce, and then became interested in
the manufacture of cigars. He employed from
six to eight hands for a few years, but in 1876,
on account of the financial panic, was obliged to
give up the business practically, though he still
carried it on in a small way for some time. The
next ten or twelve years he was the owner of a
bath house in High Bridge, which enterprise was
moderately successful. During the past decade
he has been in the hardware business here, as
stated at the commencement of this article. In
matters of a political nature he holds fast to the
principles set forth by the Democracy, and
fraternally is a Mason, being associated with
Mansfield Dodge No. 36, F. & A. M., of Wash-
ington, N. J. He is a member of the Presby-
terian Church of Clinton, of which he is a regular
contributor.

To the marriage of Augustus Smith and wife
two sons and two daughters have been born:
Mahlon, a motorman, employed in adjacent

146

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cities; Mary E., wife of William C. Fredricks,
a bookkeeper of the Bee Hive Store, in Newark;
Daniel S., who received a classical education in
Petty 's Academy in Hydestown, N. J., later was
employed in various humble capacities in the
office of the Clinton Democrat and is now in his
third year of the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania; and Frances E., who
has been cashier and bookkeeper in the store of
W. S. Black, of Clinton, for the past five years.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Smith was Asher
Smith, Sr. , who was a wheelwright by trade,
which calling he worked at in connection with
farming throughout life. His homestead was
located where Jutland now stands. He was one
of the honored early members of the old stone
Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem and was loved
and esteemed by all who knew him.

30HN FITTS, a retired farmer residing in
Washington, was born in Oxford Town-
ship, Warren County, N. J., near the old
Summerfield church, May 6, 1824. He is of
direct German descent, as indicated by his name.
About one hundred and seventy-five years ago
his great-grandfather emigrated from Germany
and settled in Washington Township, Warren
County, where he took up a large tract of land.
The next in line of descent, our subject's grand-
father, was born and reared in that township,
where he operated a farm until his death. He
was a man of excellent character and an earnest
member of the Presbyterian Church.

The father of our subject, Christopher Fitts,
was born in Washington Township, and when a
mere lad served in the War of 181 2. In connec-
tion with the occupation of a farmer he followed
the cooper's trade. Politically he was a Demo-
crat, always stanch in his allegiance to the party.
As his wife he chose Mary Petty, whose father
owned a farm one mile north of Washington and
whose family was among the oldest in this sec-

tion; her mother was a member of the Strader
family, also among the oldest and most influen-
tial in the county. When quite a young man
Christopher Fitts was killed as the result of an
accident. His wife died at the age of fifty-four
years. They were the parents of four sons and
one daughter: Samuel, a farmer; Jonathan, who
died, leaving several children; Jacob, who re-
sides in Washington; John; aud Sarah Ann, who
passed from earth at seventeen years of age.

After the death of his father our subject was
taken into the home of his paternal grandfather,
who dying, bequeathed him the old homestead in
Washington Township. At that time he was
nineteen years of age. He continued to make
his home there until 1855, when he sold the
property and purchased a large farm near
Asbury, this county. In 1894 he retired from
farm work and moved to town, where he has no
business cares except the supervision of his
farm.

In 1845 Mr. Fitts married Miss Eydia Car-
hart, daughter of Samuel Carhart, who was a
soldier in the War of 18 12, a Whig in politics and
a farmer by occupation. He was a descendant
of Scotch ancestors who settled in Warren
County more than two hundred years ago. Mr.
and Mrs. Fitts became the parents of eleven
children, namely: Julia, who is the wife of Will-
iam Shipman, of Belvidere; John W., a merchant
in Washington; Enoch G., who is with his older
brother; Joseph, a traveling man, whose head-
quarters are in St. Joseph, Mo.; Mary J., wife of
William Hiner and a resident of Franklin Town-
ship, Hunterdon County; Henry, who is unmar-
ried and resides at home; Tirzah Alva, wife of
Jacob Miller; Addie, wife of Benjamin Hutchin-
son, a merchant of Morris Count}-, N. J. ; Maggie,
wife of Herman Wood, of Newark, N. J.; Rosa,
whose husband, Oscar Osmon, is a farmer at
Harmony, Warren County; and Jesse C, a mer-
chant at Oregon, Holt County, Mo.

For years Mr. Fitts adhered to Democratic
principles, but a realization of the injury wrought
by the liquor traffic led him to ally himself with
the Prohibitionists. For some time he was jus-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

147

tice of the peace and also overseer of the poor.
After the death of his first wife, which occurred
in 1882, he was united in marriage with Mrs.
Stott, formerly Annie Rosenberry, of Phillips-
burg, N. J. For the past fifty-seven years he
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and he has served the congregation as
Sunday-school superintendent, steward, trustee
and treasurer; in fact, in every important official
capacity except that of pastor.

REV. GEORGE H. YOUNG, rector of Zion
Episcopal Church of Belvidere and also of
St. James' Church of Delaware, N. J., has
been located in Belvidere for the past four and
a-half years, and is engaged in a grand and far-
reaching work for the uplifting of humanity. He
has had much experience in his chosen field of
labor and possesses the sympathy and love for
mankind and the earliest desire to help them that
bring inevitable results for good. He is a man
of excellent education and good attainments.

A native of Norfolkshire, England, born June
7, 1S62, Mr. Young is a son of George C. and
Lydia (Woods) Young. The father, now living
a retired life, was formerly a physician, and is
a graduate of Edinburgh University. He came to
the United States in 1874, settling in the state of
New York. For some years he has made his
home in Washington, N. J. He is the editor of
the Red Cross Knight, the official organ of the
Knights of Malta. To himself and wife, who
was a daughter of Robert Woods and a native of
Cambridgeshire, England, four children were
born. She died in 1876.

The higher education of Rev. George H.
Young was obtained in St. Stephen's College
and in the General Theological Seminary in
New York. From the first-named institution he
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in
1S85. While continuing his studies he acted as
lay missionary in charge of a church at Washing-

ton, N. J., and largely owing to his zeal the
beautiful new house of worship there was erected.
The architecture of the church is of a very unique
style, and it was designed by the celebrated
architect W. Halsey Wood. Our subject was
ordained a deacon in 1888, and a year later was
admitted to the priesthood, both ceremonies be-
ing performed by Bishop H. C. Potter of New
York. Then he officiated as chaplain of St.
Luke's Hospital up to the time that he was as-
signed to be rector of St. Andrew's Church, in
Walden, N. Y. In October, 1893, he came to
his present charge, where he soon found great
favor with not only the members of his congrega-
tions, but with the public in general.

June 27, 1889, Mr. Young married Ruth,
daughter of the late William Sweeny, who at
one time was the sheriff of Warren County, N. J.
Four children, two sons and two daughters, came
to bless this union, and in order of birth are named
as follows: Samuel, Ruth, George and Susan.

~LIAS VOSSELLER has been numbered
^ among the representative business men of
__ Flemington, Hunterdon County, for nearly
thirty years. He is the proprietor of a well-
stocked stationery and book store, and, in addi-
tion to that line of goods, keeps a full line of
pianos and other musical instruments of stand-
ard make. He has been treasurer of the Flem-
ington Building and Loan Associaton (No. 4),
which has been particular^ successful, and to
the timely assistance of which many a citizen
hereabout owes his pretty home or valuable
farm.

In the early part of last century one Jacob
Vosseller left his ancestral home in the Fa-
therland and founded a new one in the
United States. At first he settled in Schoharie
County, N. Y., but afterwards removed to Somer-
set County, N. J. There he was married, and
had a son Luke, born in 1762. He died in 1842,

148

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and his son Jacob was the father of the subject
of this article. Jacob Vosseller was a successful
farmer of Somerset County during his lifetime.
He married Margaret Van Fleet, by whom he
had ten children, named as follows: Elizabeth
Ann, John, Margaret, Sarah, Henry, Theodore,
Elias, Dora, Mary L. and William. John mar-
ried Marietta Van Fleet, and is a farmer of
Somerset County. Margaret married Augustus
Reger, a merchant and farmer of Somerset Coun-
ty. Sarah is the widow of John S. Voorhees, a
farmer aud carpenter of Somerset County. Mary
E. is the wife of John B. Myers, a dealer in coal
in Raritau, as is also William, the youngest of
the family. Elizabeth A., Henry, Theodore and
Dora are deceased.

Elias Vosseller was born in Somerset County,
October 2, 1836, and, after completing the pub-
lic school course, attended the Delaware Literary
Institute in Franklin, N. Y., from which in-
stitution he graduated. From that time until
1870 he was occupied in teaching school and
classes in music, but in the year mentioned he
opened his present business. He has been blessed
with success, and has always enjoyed a large
share of the trade of his fellow-townsmen. For a
number of years he was in the fire department
service here, and in many ways has been identi-
fied with the prosperity of this community. In
regard to his standing on political questions, he
is a Republican, and has never sought or wished
for official positions. Religiously he is a Presby-
terian, for many years has been an elder in the
church here, for seventeen years was the organist,
and for a quarter of a century has filled the place
of superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was
elected corresponding secretary of the Hunter-
don County Historical Society at its organization,
which office he has retained without intermission
from that time to the present.

The good wife of our subject was a member of
the choir of the Presbyterian Church, and a
teacher in the Sunday-school for years. In her
girlhood she was Julia A. Sleeper, her parents
having been Hudson and Amanda Sleeper,
farmers of Otsego County, N. Y. The marriage

of Mr. and Mrs. Vosseller has been graced with
three children: Harold A., who is married and is
in business in Cleveland, Ohio; Bertha, now a
teacher of music in Wilson College, Chambers-
burgh, Pa.; and Elizabeth, her twin sister, who
is at home.

PETER S. LATOURETT is a highly re-
spected citizen of Readington Township,
>5 Hunterdon Count}'. He was born and has
always resided in this locality, and, in fact, his
dwelling place has been from infancy the same
old home that shelters him now. His forefathers
for several generations have been associated with
the upbuilding and development of this immediate
section of the county, as here his great-grandfa-
ther Latourett settled upon his arrival in Amer-
ica from his native country, France, and here his
children aud children's children were born aud
passed their lives. The grandfather of our sub-
ject, another Peter, was a native of Readington
Township, and was a successful farmer here.
He lived to the extreme old age of ninety-six
years. During the war of the Revolution he of-
fered his services to the Continental arm}', fol-
lowing the example of LaFayette and others of
French origin or parentage.

Peter S. Latourett, named in honor of his
thrifty grandsire, was born April 28, 1819, being
the only child of his parents, Thomas S. and
Margaret (Schonip) Latourett, both natives of
this township. The father was a carpenter as
well as a farmer, and was quite successful in his
financial enterprises. After his death his fine
homestead of two hundred acres became the prop-
erty of our subject. For several years when in
his prime he held local offices, such as tax col-
lector, committeeman, etc. In national elections
he has always voted the Democratic ticket.

November 16, 1S42, Mr. Latourett married
Christiana DeMott, who was born and reared in
this county. One son and one daughter were
born of this union, Thomas S. and Margaret.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

149

The daughter is deceased, but the son is now
managing the old farm for his father. He
chose for his wife Harriet Hunt, of this neighbor-
hood, and their four children are named re-
spectively, Susan, Margaret, Eva and Peter S.,
Jr. Our subject and wife are members of the
Reformed Church.

HENRY O. CARHART, M. D., of Blairs-
town, has been located in this place for over
ten years, during which period he has been
steadily engaged in a successful practice. A
student of the profession, he keeps in touch with
medical societies, medical journals, etc., and is in
sympathy with the spirit of science and progress.
He is a member of the Warren County Medical
Society, and a few years ago was president of the
same. He also is connected with the State Med-
ical Society, and is retained as medical examiner
for a number of important insurance societies,
railroad corporations, etc.

Robert B. Carhart, father of the doctor, is a
well-known merchant of Phillipsburg and at pres-
ent is a freeholder there. He is affiliated with
the Democratic party. For a number of years he
was engaged in the manufacture of wall paper in
Belvidere, his native village. His father, Will-
iam Carhart, was born in Hunterdon County and
located in Belvidere when a boy. He was a
cabinet-maker by trade, established a sash, door
and blind factory, and became one of the prosper-
ous business men of the town. He died at the
ripe age of eighty years. Robert B. Carhart
married Catherine S. Bryan, daughter of John
M. Bryan. Six sons came to bless their union,
but only two are left, the doctor and Bartley B.,
the latter of Phillipsburg. The mother is still
living.

Henry O. Carhart was born in Belvidere
June 13, 1863, and was four years old when his
parents moved to Phillipsburg. There he grew
up, being educated in the public schools. Eater

he attended Jefferson Medical College in Phila-
delphia, graduating therefrom in 1886. The fol-
lowing 3'ear he practiced under the guidance of
Dr. J. H. Griffith, and in 1887 he came to Blairs-
town, and buying out the practice of Dr. Arm-
strong, settled down to business. He is surgeon
for the Second Regiment of New Jersey Uniform
Rank of the Knights of Pythias. He is medical
examiner for the Mutual Eife Insurance Company
of New York, for the New York Life Insurance,
the Pennsylvania Mutual Life of Philadelphia
and the Northwestern Life Insurance of Mil-
waukee. Fraternally he is identified with the
Masons, belonging to Blairstown Lodge No. 165,
F. & A. M., of this place, of which he is past
master, and to Baldwin Chapter, R. A. M., of
Newton, N. J. In the Odd Fellows' society he
is a member of the local lodge, and with the Red
Men he is past sachem of Kittatinny Tribe, of
Blairstown. He is, moreover, a member of
Marksboro Council of the Royal Arcanum, and
medical examiner for the same and for the order
of the Golden Star. Politically he is a Democrat.
In 1894 he was elected collector of Blairstown,
and in 1897 was re-elected for three years. He
is very popular with our best people, and has
reached his present position in the esteem of all
who know him entirely through his own merits.

ORENZO S. D. KERR is prominent not
C only in the business circles of Frenchtown,
_f/ but also in civic affairs, and at this writing
he holds the responsible position of mayor, which
he is filling in a manner reflecting the highest
credit upon his own abilities. To this office he
was elected in 1896, after having served efficient-
ly as a member of the city council for three
terms. In politics he favors the protection plat-
form advocated by the Republican party and
gives its candidates his support. However, he
is deeply interested in the temperance cause and
leans toward the Prohibition parly.

15°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Kerr was born in Kingwood Township,
Hunterdon County, in 1842, and is a son of Abel
and Mary Ann (Search) Kerr. His father, who
was a son of William Kerr, was born in King-
wood Township, and there spent the larger part
of his life, but twelve years before his death he
removed to Frenehtown, where he remained un-
til he died. He was an influential citizen and a
successful farmer. Politically he adhered to
Republican principles. At the time of his death
he was seventy-two years of age. His wife, who
was a daughter of William Search, was sixty at
the time of her death. She was a woman of sin-
cere Christian character and a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their nine
children only four survive, namely: Bartlett;
Mary E., wife of J. C. Wilson; William, who
lives in Bucks County, Pa. ; and Lorenzo S. D.

At the age of twenty-five our subject went to
the state of Delaware, where he was engaged in
the lumber business for six years. About 1875
he located in Frenehtown, where for the past ten
years he has owned and carried on a spoke, rim
and wheel factory, being one of the leading busi-
ness men of the place and having the next to the
largest factory of its kind in Hunterdon County.
In addition he is engaged in the fruit business,
owning a fruit farm in Bucks County, Pa. In
politics he is an active Republican.

August 30, 1864, Mr. Kerr enlisted as a mem-
ber of Company H, Thirty-fourth New Jersey
Infantry, Colonel Lawrence's regiment, and served
until the close of the war, being stationed at May-
field and Memphis, and in the vicinity of New
Orleans. While in Kentucky he was seized with
fever and for several weeks was confined to the
hospital. For some time he has been a trustee
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he
is a member. Fraternally he is connected with
Lodge No. 95, K. of P. His first wife was Mary
E. Wilson, a daughter of Richard Wilson, who
at her death left four children: Harvey H.; Ger-
vas H. ; May, wife of William Arnwine; and
Richard W. W. His second wife bore the maiden
name of Martha J. Bellis and is a daughter of
Emly H. Bellis. One child blesses this union, a

son named James Lester. Mrs. Kerr was first
married to Runyon Apgar, by whom she had two
children, Roscoe and Emly B.

'HOMAS LEQUEAR. Almost the entire
life of this gentleman was spent on the farm
where he was born in 18 19" and where, in
1896, his eyes were closed in death. The prop-
erty is the old family homestead and has been in
the possession of the representatives of various
succeeding generations, having been originally
granted by the English government to Thomas
Lequear, a native of France and an early settler
of America. Coming to this country he settled
in Hunterdon County and at once commenced the
improvement of his grant in Kingwood Township.
Upon this place afterward resided his son Thomas
and grandson John, the latter being the father of
our subject.

When a boy, the subject of this sketch spent
six years on a farm near Rosemont, in Delaware
Township, but with that exception he was a life-
long resident of Kingwood Township. Follow-
ing the example set by his ancestors, he chose
agriculture for his occupation, and to it all the
years of his active life were devoted. He was an
industrious, persevering man, ambitious to keep
his place under first-class cultivation and im-
proved with neat buildings. As he became older,
of necessity he retired to some extent from man-
ual labor, but he continued the supervision of his
farm interests until his death, at the age of
seventy-seven years.

In the political affairs of his day Mr. Lequear
always maintained a warm interest, and he was
well posted concerning the issues of his age. His
first vote was cast for William Henry Harrison in
1840. Upon the organization of the Republican
party he became one of its enthusiastic sup-
porters, and afterward always supported its men
and measures. His marriage in 1S45 united
him with Mary Barcroft, daughter of Richard

JOHN B. HOPEWELL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

153

and Eliza (Lequear) Barcroft, a lady of noble
character and great worth. She passed away in
1882, at the age of sixty-two, leaving four chil-
dren: Elizabeth; Caroline; John B., living in
Germantown, Pa.; and Martha. Stacey B. died
at the age of five years.

• < ^*>(ii|)®<+c<« — «—£—

(JOHN B. HOPEWELL, president of the
I Flemington Water Company and also of the
G/ Flemington Gas Company, is one of the
most reliable business men of the town of Flem-
ington. He has been largely interested in
numerous of the leading financial enterprises of
this place, and has always been confidently relied
upon to do all that was in his power to advance
the welfare of this community. He has made
Flemington his home since boyhood, and feels
patriotic pride in all of our industries, improve-
ments and steps in the direction of progress.

The father of the above-named gentleman,
John C. Hopewell, was born at Mount Holly,
Burlington County, N. J., November 26, 1814, a
son of Becket and Rebecca Hopewell. In early
life he was apprenticed to learn the hatter's trade,
completing the same when about nineteen. He
then followed his calling in Philadelphia for three
years, after which he embarked in independent
business for himself, but the panic of 1837 caused
him to sell out. In 1842 he came to Flemington,
and was here in the same trade for about five
years, then returning to the Quaker city, where
he was very successful during the next seven
years that he was in the commercial world.
Giving up his store, he retired to Flemington,
and erected here a fine residence. He was not
long idle, however. In 1 859 he built the gas works
here, and the next year the water-works plant.
Then he became a director in the Hunterdon
County National Bank, and in 1865 was elected
its vice-president. In 1864 he built the sub-
stantial brick building in which the banking
establishment is situated. In addition to it, the

post-office and a store are on the ground floor,
and various offices on the second, and a public
hall on the third floor. The same year, 1864,
he was largely instrumental in securing the
steam-engine and other appliances for the fire
department. From 1858 until he declined re-
election in 1878, on account of advanced age, he
was the president of the Hunterdon County
Agricultural Society. Though an ardent Re-
publican, he would never accept public positions.
September 10, 1835, he married Ann, daughter
of Abraham Housell, a native of Flemington.
He died April 30, 1888, at the age of seventy-
four years and his wife died June 12, 1885, when
seventy- one years old.

John B. Hopewell was born in Philadelphia,
July 1, 1 84 1, was a pupil in the public schools of
that city for a -few years and completed his ed-
ucation in the seminary at Bethlehem, Pa. He
then engaged in the mercantile business in Flem-
ington for about five years. A friend of his,
who was cashier in the Hunterdon County
National Bank, desiring an assistant, prevailed
upon our subject to accept a position for a few
months. This was in 1864, and it resulted in
Mr. Hopewell's being given the place -of cashier,
for the friend resigned in a short time, thus leav-
ing a vacancy. Young Hopewell had already
made a good record for faithfulness and ability,
and was promoted from one place to another,
always giving entire satisfaction to the officials of
the bank. For the long period of thirty -one
years he was connected with the institution, and
only resigned in 1895, on account of the pressing
demands of his outside investments and interests
upon his time and attention. He settled up his
father's estate, and, as previously mentioned, is
president of the Water and Gas Companies of
Flemington, besides being secretary of the Cem-
etery Association, etc. While an earnest Re-
publican, he has never been ambitious for public
position, nor would he ever accept such honor and
responsibility.

May 17, 1866, Mr. Hopewell married Annie
M. F., daughter of George F. Crater, then of
Flemington. Of their three children one died

154

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

when but a few months old. The elder daughter,
Annie, is the wife of a dry-goods merchant of
New Brunswick, N. J. Bessie R. , who is at home,
is musical in her tastes, and is helping to train
the choir of children in the Presbyterian Church
with which the family are identified. Mr. Hope-
well is one of the main stays of the church, and
has been president of the board of trustees for
several years, and has sung in the choir for about
thirty-five years. He enjoys the genuine respect
and regard of all who have the pleasure of his
acquaintance.

EaHgjj

pQlLLJAM H. BREWER, a progressive
\ A / young agriculturist of East Amwell Town-
V V ship, Hunterdon County, is now carrying
on the old homestead which formerly belonged
to his father. He is practical and thoroughly
equipped by experience to property conduct a
valuable tract of land, such as has been handed
down to him, and the care and attention bestowed
upon the place by him are plainly manifested b}'
the neat appearance of everything and the air of
thrift and enterprise about the premises.

Since his first recollections, our subject has
been connected with this fine old home, as here
his birth occurred February 17, 1861, and here
his boyhood and thus far his manhood have been
spent. He is the second William in the direct
line who has owned this place, though he is the
only one who was born here, as his father was a
native of Raritan Township, and the grandfather
was born in Readington Township, this county.
The father married Gertrude Wert, a native of
this district, and daughter of Abraham Wert, a
respected citizen of this community. Two chil-
dren were born to William and Gertrude Brewer,
our subject's brother being Elisha W., who lives
on a farm near the town of Three Bridges, N. J.
The father and grandfather of our subject followed
farming. After his marriage, October 11, 1854,
to Miss Wert, Mr. Brewer moved to the farm

where his son and namesake now resides, and
here the rest of his life was passed uneventfully.
He was born July 29, 1825, and died February
19, 1889, and rests in the old Presbyterian ceme-
tery. He was an elder in the Amwell Presby-
terian Church for about twenty years, and was a
very active and interested worker in the church.

William H. Brewer remained with his father
after he had reached his majority, giving him his
assistance and lightening his shoulders of the
burdens of responsibility that were more and more
burdensome to him in his declining years. The
farm which he inherited comprises eighty-four
acres, besides which there is another tract of
woodland — some sixteen acres. The owner
raises a general line of crops and is somewhat of
a dairy farmer. For years he has been a mem-
ber of the same church as had been his father,
and after the death of the senior Brewer he was
elected to serve as an elder in the congregation
in his place, and has since done so. For fifteen
years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school, and takes great interest in the work, as
he became a member of the church himself when
he was but twelve years old, and a pupil in the
Sunday-school. His mother, a most estimable
lady, is a member of the same church. She
makes her home with her son William H.

The marriage of Mr. Brewer and Miss Adelaide
Nonamaker was solemnized in 1886. She is the
daughter of Silas Nonamaker, and grew to woman-
hood in this community. To Mr. and Mrs.
Brewer three daughters were born.

gENJAMIN BEOYS, the popular postmaster
of Stanton, Hunterdon County, has held
this position for the past twelve years, hav-
ing been appointed during the administration of
President Harrison. He is stanch in his al-
legiance to the Republican party in general elec-
tions, but in local affairs prefers to vote for the
best man, rather than for party candidates.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i55

Since 1S86 he has been actively engaged in busi-
ness in Stanton, conducting a store stocked with
a fine line of varied merchandise suitable to meet
the demands of the trade.

Our subject is a native of London, England,
his birth having occurred there March 6, 1853.
He is a son of Maurice and Emma (Smith)
Bloys, both of England, the former a prosperous
grain merchant. When he was just entering
upon his business career, Benjamin Bloys con-
cluded to cast in his lot with the people of the
United States, as he believed that greater oppor-
tunities are here afforded a young man of push
and determination to succeed. . In 1873 he made
the voyage to America, coming direct to New
Jersey. For a period he was occupied in farming,
and in 1886 started his general store at Stanton.
In his own country he had acquired an excellent
education, and, having met the requirements of
our count}' school examiners, he obtained a
school, and engaged in teaching for about five
years with gratifying success. He enjoys the es-
teem of the whole community, whether in a busi-
ness or social way, and is noted for his correct
judgment and excellent financial methods. He
is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and his
estimable wife is a member of the Reformed
Church of this place.

December 24, 1890, Mr. Bloys married Laura
M. Berkaw, a daughter of John V. Berkaw, who
was postmaster of Stanton for the extremely
long period of forty years. Mrs. Bloys is a na-
tive of this township, and by her marriage has
become the mother of a bright little son, named
Benjamin Berkaw Bloys.

HON. RICHARD S. KUHL, state senator,
was elected in 1894 on the Democratic ticket
to represent Hunterdon County. A notable
fact in connection with this event is that this was
the only county in the whole state that had a
Democratic majority, and, as the numerous

friends of our subject urge, his personal popu-
larity undoubtedly had a great influence on the
result. He has served on many important com-
mittees and has made a record worth}' of emula-
tion. The good of the public is the matter near-
est to his heart and he can be confidently relied
upon to advocate only such things as he honestly
believes are right and best.

Born on a farm situated about three miles from
this place August 25, 1841, Richard S. Kuhl is a
son of Leonard P. Kuhl, who was well and
favorably esteemed in this county during his
whole life. He was born in October, 1800, fol-
lowed farming and milling as a means of obtain-
ing his own and his family's livelihood, and for
a quarter of a century was a justice of the peace
or held some other more or less important office
in the township. His ideas were far in advance
of those of his day, and possessed much weight
with his neighbors and associates. A faithful
Christian, he was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and at the time of his death, in 1857, was
an elder in the same. He was a son of Paul
Kuhl, who was born in this county, and was of
German descent. He, too, was an influential
man in his neighborhood ; was ordained an elder
in the Presbyterian Church in 18 16 and died in
1861.

The mother of Senator Kuhl was Dorothy Sut-
phin before her marriage. She was born in 1810,
and died in 1892, her life having been filled with
goodness manifested toward all with whom she
came in contact. From early years she was con-
nected with the Presbyterian Church. Her father,
Abraham Sutphin, was of German lineage, but
was born in Hunterdon County, and kept a
country store here in the early part of this cen-
tury. To L. P. and Dorothy Kuhl six children
were born. Paul was a sergeant in the Union
army and was killed during the eight days' battle
of the Wilderness. Henrietta married Maj .
Lambert Boeman, who had enlisted as a private
in the Fifteenth New Jersey Regiment and was
promoted to be major of the same regiment, and
while acting colonel of the Tenth New Jersey and
leading his command at the battle of Cedar Creek

156

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was killed. His widow is now residing in Flem-
ington. Elizabeth B., twin sister of our subject,
is the wife of John D. Van Lieu, of Des Moines,
Iowa.

The boyhood of Richard Kuhl was spent upon
his father's farm near this place, and when he
was nineteen he had received only the advantages
of the common schools in the way of an educa-
tion. He then entered the Lawrenceville high
school, managed by Dr. H. S. M. Hammel, and
two years later began the study of law in the
office of Bennett Van Sickel, of Flemington, now
a justice of the supreme court of New Jersey.
In 1864 Mr. Kuhl was admitted to the bar as an
attorney and in 1867 was made a counsellor.
For two years he was associated with Hon.
Abraham V. Van Fleet, vice-chancellor of this
state, and in 1887 Governor Green appointed him
judge of the court of common pleas for Hunter-
don County. This position he held most credit-
ably until 1 89 1. He holds membership with the
Presbyterian Church, which he joined when a
youth, and in 1869 he was ordained a deacon and
in 1888 a trustee in the congregation. Frater-
nally he is a Knight Templar Mason.

DE WITT TAYLOR, who has been engaged
It in the practice of law in Belvidere, Warren
|_^ County, for the past twenty-two years, has
won a high place in the regard of his associates
and fellow-citizens. To his own ambition and
energy he mainly owes his enviable position in
the community, for, his father having died when
he was a youth, he was forced to learn early the
severe lessons of self-reliance and independence of
others' assistance.

A native of Northampton County, Pa., born
October 28, 1850, he is a son of William S. and
Nancy (DeWitt) Taylor, whose family comprised
but two children, a sou and daughter. The fa-
ther was much respected by his neighbors, was
very liberal and public-spirited and was a faith-

ful member of the Presbyterian Church. His life
occupation was that of agriculture, in which pur-
suit he was quite successful. Death cut short his
career when he was in the prime of manhood, in
1865. His widow is still living, being now in
her seventy-fifth year. She was a daughter of
James and Morgant DeWitt, and a member of an
honored old family whose ancestors left France
early in the eighteenth century. The Taylors
came to America from Holland several genera-
tions ago, and have chiefly followed farming in
this and other states.

Having completed his education in the public
schools of his native county, L. D. Taylor came
to Belvidere, where he obtained employment as a
clerk, working for different firms for three years,
then going to Philadelphia he entered a business
college, and after finishing the course, returned
to this place and for three years more was a stu-
dent in Professor Knighton's Classical Academy.
Having made up his mind to enter the legal pro-
fession, he then began the stud}' under the direc-
tion of Judge W. H. Morrow, and in February,
1876, was admitted to the bar, three years later
being admitted as counsellor, and appointed a
supreme court commissioner and a special master
in chancery by the late Chancellor Runyon. Since
that time he has been busily occupied in practice
and has been prospered in his chosen work. His
connection with various important cases of general
interest has brought his name prominently into
public notice, and has built up for him a reputa-
tion for ability and knowdedge of the law. At
the time of the great ring trials in this count}-,
when several officials of high standing were tried
and sent to prison for malfeasance in office, he
was attorney and counsel for the board of free-
holders. He is a director in the Warren County
National Bank. In politics he is an independent
Democrat. For fourteen years he was one of the
trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of this
place, but resigned from the office in 1896.

October 21, 1885, Mr. Taylor married Miss
Sara M. Thackston, then a resident of Brooklyn,
N. Y. She is a daughter of Thomas C. Thack-
ston and Miss Catherine Nelson, of Virginia, who

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

157

is a direct descendant of Thomas Nelson, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two daughters, Mar-
guerite Nelson and Gladys Thackston.

-^>-5~ -♦v5**>£i0,K «-:<♦•- •

fi)G) AL/TER F. HAYHURST, a prominent
\ A/ attorney and counsellor-at-law in Lam-
VY bertville, Hunterdon County, was ap-
pointed by Governor Griggs as prosecutor of
pleas for this region in 1896, and has made a
reputation for fairness,- keenness and impartial
justice and truth that is most creditable to him
and his constituents. During the eighteen or
more years that he has been occupied in the duties
of his profession in this town, he has won the
confidence and respect of the people. Four years
he acted in the capacity of city solicitor, and for
several years he was city surveyor. He has been
connected in one way or another with many of
the business concerns and other institutions of
the town calculated to advance our local interests.
W. F. Hayhurst was born September 21, 1856,
in Attleborough, Bucks County, Pa., and came
with his parents to Lambertville when a child.
He was a great student and book- worm, spend-
ing all of his spare time in reading whatever he
could find in the way of literature. He earned
the money with which to pay for his higher edu-
cation by clerking in stores, and when about
twenty he began his legal studies under the
direction of Charles A. Skillman. He also was
employed as a civil engineer in the laying out of
the Lambertville water works at the same time
that he was studying law. He was admitted to
practice as an attorney in 1880, and three years
later was made a counsellor. He is a director in
the Centennial Building and Loan Association;
for years was a member of the Fleet Wing Hook
and Ladder Company; and treasurer of the Fire-
men's Relief Association, and is a life member of
the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. In
1893 he was grand chancellor of the grand lodge

of the Knights of Pythias; is a member of Lone
Star Lodge No. 16, K. of P.; of Leni Lenape
Lodge No. 15, I. O. O. F. , in which he has
passed all the chairs, and served for several years
on the law and supervision committee of the
grand lodge. As president of the Hunterdon
County Historical Association he carried on some
effective work in that direction. In the Repub-
lican party he is a leader of no little influence, as
he is a worker in the state league of Republican
clubs, and was a member of the county board of
elections. Under the old law, since declared
unconstitutional, he was suggested as a candidate
for the judgeship, and his real popularity with
both political parties has been evinced more than
once.

November 14, 1883, Mr. Hayhurst married
Florence M., daughter of C. Frank Moore, who
served with distinction in the late Civil war, and
was long one of the sterling merchants of this
place. He was devoted to the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, making her interests his own. Mrs.
Hayhurst is a granddaughter of Sidney Black-
well, to whose energy is due much credit for the
early development of this city. The two chil-
dren of Mr, and Mrs. Hayhurst are, Cuthbert,
born in 1887; and Sydney Blackwell, born in
1890.

The first of the Hayhurst family to settle in
America was one Cuthbert Hayhurst, a native of
Yorkshire, England. With his wife, Mary, and
children he came on the good ship "Welcome,"
with William Penn, landing at Upland October
29, 1682. In 1654, 1655 and 1656 he had been
imprisoned for his opinions, as he had adopted
the religious belief of the Society of Friends and
was a recommended minister of the same. He
therefore sought a home in a land where freedom
of thought was possible. He secured a grant of
five hundred acres of land situated on the banks
of the Neshaminea Creek, Bucks County, Pa.,
but died before the papers were made out, and
was buried September 2, 1683. His widow,
however, received the deed to the property Octo-
ber 29, 1685, and it descended to their five chil-
dren. One of them, Cuthbert, was born in

158

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

England February 29, 1678, and died in Middle-
town, Pa., June 22, 1733. He married Mar}'
Harker, and of their five children, John was the
great-great-grandfather of our subject. This an-
cestor was born in 1728 or 1729, and married
Mary Wiggins June 9, 1762. In December,
1776, the officers of one branch of Washington's
army were quartered in his house, near the old
Eagle Tavern, in Makefield, Pa. One of his
seven children was Bezaleel, born in Makefield
February 2, 1766. He was noted for his gravity
and seriousness of deportment, and for his energy
and physical strength. April 6, 1788, he married
Susan Smith, and removed a few years later into
the forest with his household, settling near the
present site of Catawissa in 1793. Of his seven
children, Thomas, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Upper Makefield March 6, 1789.
He was a school teacher and a surveyor, a man
of unusual attainments for those times in the
wilderness. October 22, 1818, he married Mar-
tha Crossdale, and ten children blessed their
union. He died in Philadelphia May 26, 1861.

Jeremiah, father of W. F. Hayhurst, was born
in Middletown, Pa., September 25, 1819, and is
still living, his home being in Lambertville,
where he has been for years past, and is most
highly esteemed. In his youth he worked for
his father in the pottery business, and later went
to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to complete his educa-
tion. He was a natural student and was especially
gifted as a mathematician. After his graduation
he accepted a position as a teacher of lan-
guages and mathematics, and subsequently went
to Kenuett Square, Chester County, Pa., where
he opened a boarding-school, which he success-
fully conducted several years. Among his pupils
were many who later became famous in some of
the walks of life, Bayard Taylor being one of
these.

When he was about thirty-two years of age
Jeremiah Hayhurst married Mary E. Forwood.
Soon after this event he took up the study of
dentistry with the assistance of Dr. Anderson,
and finished his course in the Philadelphia Dental
College. He did not at once settle down, but

traveled from one town to another for a time,
until he was made a clinical instructor at his
alma mater, and later a member of the faculty.
After conducting an office in Attleborough (now
Eanghorne) for a few years, he removed to Lam-
bertville in the fall of 1862. He was one of the
originators of the New Jersey Dental Society,
was its president and was chairman of the state
board of dental examiners, and represented the
same in the National Association. He has often
prepared and read papers before these several
notable bodies, and was selected to deliver an
address on the history of dentistry before the
World's Congress at the Columbian Exposition
in Chicago. In former years he was very active
in political affairs as a Republican, and was a
justice of the peace for years. In religious
belief he adheres to the faith of his ancestors, is
a recommended minister in the Society of Friends,
and in 1895 attended the Yearly Meeting in Bal-
timore.

r"ORREST A. RICE is, in the estimation of
r?) Democrats and Republicans alike, one of the
I most efficient and popular postmasters that
has filled this position in Flemington for years
past. He has been a citizen of this place for
about a quarter of a century and deserves great
credit for the manner in which, by his own merits
and hard work, he rose from a humble, poor lad
without financial resources to a place in the com-
munity worth}' of respect.

His grandfather, Albert Rice, was a native of
Connecticut, but in his early manhood he re-
moved to Trenton, N. J., where he engaged in a
wholesale and retail grocery business. He had
three children: Albert; Hiram, who succeeded
him in business; and Hettie. Albert Rice, father
of our subject, was born in Trenton, and while a
mere lad became familiar with the details of his
father's extensive trade, so that, upon the death
of the senior, he and his brother took up the
work and made a success of it. He married

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

159

Anna Garwood, daughter of George Garwood, a
business man of Trenton. Albert Rice died when
in the prime of life, in 1858. He had been a
faithful member of the Methodist Church and in
his political standing was a Republican. Some
years subsequent to his death his widow remar-
ried, her husband being Charles S. Joiner, a
printer by trade, and a resident of Trenton.
They had two children, Lewis G. and Lilliam M.

The birth of Forrest A. Rice took place in
Trenton, April 24, 1856. He attended the public
schools of that city until he was about twelve
years of age, when he became independent enough
to leave home and go forth to seek his own liveli-
hood. Locating in Frenchtowu he commenced
learning the printer's trade, and was employed
on a newspaper for some time. In 1872 he came
to Flemington, and entered the office of the Hun-
terdon County Democrat under Charles Tomlinsou.
Upon the death of that gentleman the paper was
purchased by Robert J. Killgore. The young-
man remained with the new management until
May 1, 1894, and is even now sometimes called in
to settle some complication, for he is thoroughly
posted in journalism in all its phases. He was
appointed postmaster of this town May 1, 1S94,
and during his term he has given complete satis-
faction to all of our citizens. He has been par-
ticularly courteous and obliging, as every one has
remarked, contrary to the way many public offi-
cials have of meeting inquiries and suggestions.
For two years he was secretary and treasurer of
the board of street commissioners of Flemington
and has been the chairman of the Democratic
executive committee of Hunterdon County since
1885. He is a member of Flemington Lodge No.
94, I. O. O. F. ; Adelphi Encampment No. 19;
Wichcheoke Tribe No. 24, Order of Red Men;
and Flemington Council No. 731, Royal Arca-
num.

In October, 1873, Mr. Rice married Josephine
Opdyke, daughter of William R. Opdyke, of
Frenchtown. They have five children: Stella,
born May 23, 1874, now the wife of Howard P.
Barrass, of this place, and mother of one child,
Forrest H.; Albert A., born December 13, 1877,

and a druggist by occupation; Eveline, born
October 8, 1878, and an assistant in the postoffice;
Charles G., born April 5, 1882; and W. Earl,
born May 23, 1S84. The family are members or
attendants of the Baptist Church of Flemington,
and enjoy the respect of all who are acquainted
with them. Mrs. Rice's grandfather, Amplius
B. Chamberlin, of Locktown, was a pioneer in
the early politics of this county, was elected sheriff
on the Democratic ticket in 1844, and again
served the people as their representative in the
state legislature.

QEUBEN A. WILLIAMSON, a well-to-do
|^\ and enterprising farmer of Alexandria Town-
y\ ship, Hunterdon County, has been a life-
long resident of this portion of the state, and has
been thoroughly identified with its best interests
since he arrived at maturity. His people on both
sides of the family have been for generations in
New Jersey, and have been noted for sterling
qualities as business men, citizens and neighbors.

The birth of our subject occurred in Bethlehem
Township, Hunterdon County, in 1842. He is a
son of Peter Williamson, a native of the same
locality. He spent his early manhood there,
later removing to Union Township. He was a
practical farmer, and made a competence for him-
self and family. Politically he was a Democrat,
and at various times he served as a freeholder or
in other local offices, always acquitting himself
with honor. Death closed his busy and useful
career in 1877, when he was about sixty-nine
years of age. His father was John Williamson,
who was a farmer in Bethlehem Township
throughout his life. He lived to a good old age,
dying when seventy-five. He, in turn, was the
son of Peter Williamson, of the same locality, and
thus the line can be traced back to the original
founder of the family in this state, he having
come here from Germany.

The mother of Reuben A. Williamson was

i6o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charity, daughter of Charles and Leah (Hoag-
land) Clifford, who were of Holland-Dutch ex-
traction. Mrs. Williamson, now past her nine-
tieth birthday anniversary, is still in the enjoy-
ment of good health, and retains to a remarkable
degree all of her faculties, and can read or sew
without the aid of glasses. She is living with
her son, of whom we write, and is loved and re-
vered by all who know her. By her marriage
with Mr. Williamson she had seven children, of
whom Ann M. married Mahlon Fox; Charles
died at the age of thirty-nine years; Mary Jane
died in infancy; John R. is a resident of Union
Township; Reuben A. is next to the youngest, who
is Joseph, of Union Township. John Clifford,
the grandfather of Mrs. Williamson, was a soldier
in Captain Horton's company, and served all
through the war of the Revolution, and was with
Washington when he crossed the Delaware. He
attained the ripe age of ninety-four 3'ears. One
of his grandsons, the uncle of Mrs. Williamson,
was a member of the New Jersey legislature for
nine years, this period including the War of 18 12.
He was a Democrat and quite active, holding the
offices of justice of the peace, etc., in his own
community.

Until the year of the Centennial, 1876, Reuben
A. Williamson continued to dwell in Bethlehem
and Union Townships, with his parents. He
then removed to his present home, where he has
since been very actively occupied in the cultiva-
tion and improvement of the place. He owns
one hundred and twenty-six acres of fine land,
well adapted for general farming purposes. By
industry and strict attention to business he has
made a good livelihood, and has provided against
the needs of the future by laying aside a compe-
tence. He is one of the committeemen of this
district and takes commendable interest in the
promotion of all measures which in his estimation
will accrue to the good of the people. His right
of suffrage is used by him on behalf of the De-
mocracy.

In 1872 Mr. Williamson married Sarah, daugh-
ter of Charles and Olivia Roundsville. Five
children came to bless their hearthstone: Lewis

E. ; Charles R. , now a teacher in the public
schools; Raymond; Olive R. and Sarah. The
family attend the Presbyterian Church of Mount
Pleasant, being identified with the same as mem-
bers. Our subject is an Odd Fellow, belonging
to Perseverance Lodge No. 30, of Milford.

©GjlLLIAM G. CALLIS, the popular editor
\ A I and proprietor of iheHvLnterdon Republican,
V V is a native of Flemington, in which town
the journal is published. He has always con-
ducted his paper in an able, manly way, making
it an apt exponent of the principles of the Re-
publican party. The journal is a bright, newsy
sheet, very popular with most of our citizens,
and devoted largely to the interests of this
vicinity. Its policy is somewhat conservative,
always thoughtful, and on the side of progress
and advancement and purity and uprightness in
public offices. ■

Joseph Callis, the grandfather of our subject,
was a native of England, but became a citizen of
the United States about 1800. His son James,
father of William G. , was born in Flemington
and was engaged in watch-making here many
years. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and was connected with the Sons of
Temperance. His wife, whose maiden name was
Ann Gallaher, was likewise born and reared in
this county, and of the six children born to this
worthy couple but two, Elizabeth and William
G., survive. The others were Mary, Sarah,
Caroline and John.

The birth of William G. Callis occurred Janu-
ary 8, 1844, in Flemington. Having completed
his education in the public schools of this town,
he entered the printing office of the Republican
and literally worked his own way up to be at last
the head of the establishment. From actual
experience he learned every detail pertaining to
the newspaper business, and in about nineteen
years after entering the office he purchased the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

161

entire plant. This event took place in 1881,
since which time he has conducted the journal
without any opposition to his own plans. Person-
ally he has been greatly interested in politics,
but, owing to the demands of his business upon
his time, would never accept an office of public
trust and responsibility. He is a director in the
Hunterdon National Bank and has passed all the
chairs in Darcy Lodge No. 37, F. & A. M.,
of Flemington.

-^—}~

•»>k®kp®h<«-

~t-—

HON. JOHN R. FOSTER. The gentleman
whose name heads this article is now rep-
resenting this district in the senate of New
Jersey, having been elected thereto in the fall of
1897. His nomination to this important position
was a case of the office seeking the man, as the
Democratic party in Hunterdon County, where
he resides, had great difficulty in deciding upon a
fitting man to carry their banner against the
heavy opposition of trusts and corporations com-
bined for their defeat. It was therefore deter-
mined in the councils of the party that their
candidate must be free from all entanglements
whatever with corporations, one who had the
confidence of the people, and who could be relied
upon to advance their interests. In all respects
Mr. Foster had these difficult requirements, and
that he stands high in the estimation of the
people was attested by the handsome majority
which he received.

Mr. Foster was born in Somerset County, N.
J., March 1, 1844, being a son of Nathaniel
S. and Mary Ann (Skillman) Foster, who were
also natives of this state. The first of the Fosters
to come to America from England were friends
and associates of William Penn, and settled in
Bucks County, Pa. Andrew, the grandfather of
our subject, was a native of Bucks County, and
was there occupied in agricultural pursuits. Of
his children Andrew removed to Ohio, and from
him is descended the Fosters of that state. Ben-

jamin also went to the West. Nathaniel S. was
born July 1, 1800, near Lambertville, N. J., to
which place his parents had removed from Penn-
sylvania. Here he was engaged in farming until
1836, when he went to Somerset County, N. J.
He was married in 1824 to the daughter of William
Skillman, who had conducted blacksmith shops
in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. Seven
daughters and four sons came to bless the union
of Nathaniel Foster and wife. The eldest, Mary
Catherine, died when young; William S. is a res-
ident of Kansas; Jacob is in Illinois; Andrew
Jackson died at the age of five years; Catherine
married Henry R. Wycoff, a farmer of Somerset
County; Ann Rebecca married Andrew J. Cahill,
of Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth, now deceased,
married Isaac R. Reed, who lives in Ohio; Mary
S. is the widow of William W. Wolverton, of
Somerset Count}-; Carrie Matilda married George
Conger, and resides in New Brunswick, N. J.;
John R. is the next of the family; and Josephine
died when three years old.

The early educational advantages of John R.
Foster were not of the best, as he attended school
little more than the winter's term until he was
fifteen years of age, in the meanwhile giving
much of his time to farm work. When he was
eighteen he began to receive wages, and was thus
employed until about the time of his marriage,
which event took place April 29, 1871, the lady
of his choice being Amanda, daughter of John T.
and Rebecca (Cole) Cole. They have one son,
William W., born October 15, 1872.

For the first ten years after his marriage Mr.
Foster lived upon a rented farm which he leased
for that period. In 1880 he purchased a farm of
eighty acres, situated near Flemington Junction,
but, owing to failing health, he sold the place in
1888 and took an extended tour through the
West, being gone from home about seven
months. In the spring of 1889 he bought his
present farm of ninety-five acres near the town of
Three Bridges. He was one of the first in this
region to engage to any extent in dairying, and
has built up a good trade in this line.

In political matters Mr. Foster has not followed

l62

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

blindly the dictates of any party, though in prin-
ciple he has always been a Jeffersonian Demo-
crat. He has always favored the nomination of
men who uphold the principles of the constitution,
and is opposed to measures which benefit the rich
or corporations. When urged to accept nomina-
tions for various positions, he has always de-
clined, save once, when he served as a township
committeeman for two terms, and when he be-
came 5 candidate for the seuatorship in 1897 it
was only because he was strongly urged to do so, as
a duty that he owed the people. For years he has
been an indefatigable student of political economy,
all his spare time having been given to this sub-
ject, and few men are better posted than he.
This was evidenced in the stirring campaign of
the fall of 1897, and his victory (a majority of
nearly eight hundred votes) was the more marked
as there was nothing to call out a heavy vote,
there being no election for county or state offices
outside the legislative ticket. When but eighteen
years of age Mr. Foster united with the Reformed
Church, and wherever he has resided he has
been connected with some congregation and been
actively engaged in church work. For a number
of years he was superintendent of the Sunday-
school in Pleasant Run, and held a like position
in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Stanton,
being also a member of the official board of the
same. He was a licensed exhorter there, and
since locating at his present home he has been
a deacon in the church at Three Bridges.

|~}ETER C. YOUNG, M. D., has been actively
\y engaged in the practice of his profession in
\3 the town of Ringoes, Hunterdon County,
for about a quarter of a century, and, in addition
to the merely local patronage which he enjoys, he
has a large country practice. The physician who
would succeed must be thoroughly posted in the
latest and best methods employed by his profes-
sional brethren, must be wide-awake, courteous

and possessed of great tact and enterprise. In
short, very few understand the varied qualities
which the family practitioner is expected to man-
ifest at all times and under all circumstances.
The subject of this review has built up a reputa-
tion that is truly enviable and justly deserved.

The doctor's father, Theodore J. Young, was a
farmer of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon
County, and there both he and, in turn, his father,
John Young, were born and passed their lives.
The first wife of Theodore J. Young was Miss
Ann Case, and the two children born to them,
Mar}' and Oliver I,., are both deceased. After
the death of his first wife he married her sister,
Mary, and the only child of their union is the
doctor. Eater the doctor's father married Han-
nah E- Moore, and of their children John is a
resident of Philadelphia; Mrs. Samuel Slaber
lives in Philadelphia; Clinton makes his home
in Wilmington, Del.; and Annie lives in the
Quaker city with her mother.

Until 1857 Theodore J. Young was engaged in
carrying on his farm, but at that time he removed
to Ringoes, and here continued to reside as long
as he lived. Having purchased the Washington
Hotel, now managed by John Burns, he carried
it on for years with success. Death put an end
to his busy and useful career when he was in his
sixty-fifth year, and he is now sleeping his last
sleep in the quiet cemetery of Clover Hill. A
faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church, he left to his children a heritage more
lasting and much more to be desired than wealth
or large estates, the heritage of an unblemished
name.

Dr. P. C. Young was born on the paternal
farm near Wertsville, East Amwell Township,
September 4, 1852, and was but five years of age
when he came to Ringoes. He grew to man's
estate in the town, attending the public schools,
where he obtained a good general education.
Then he pursued the higher branches of study
with Dr. Andrew Earison, and was but eighteen
when he commenced reading medicine under the
direction of Dr. Cicero Hunt, of Ringoes. Hav-
ing finished his preliminary work, he entered the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

163

medical department of the University of Pennsyl-
vania, and was graduated therefrom, in due pro-
cess of time, March 13, 1873. Returning home,
he opened an office and has since devoted all of
his time and energies to the practice of the heal-
ing art. The only secret society with which he
is associated is that of the Odd Fellows, as he be-
longs to Powhatan Lodge of this place.

The doctor was first married July 20, 1872, to
Annie Blackwell, who died November 30, 1873.
Subsequently he married Ella Blackwell, whose
death occurred in 1888. March 21, 1893, he
wedded the lady who now bears his name, and
who was formerly Annie M. Tunison. Their
marriage has been blessed with a little daughter,
born August 21, 1895, and named Magdeline.
The doctor and his estimable wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church and are counted
among the best members of local society. They
are interested in whatever tends to promote the
welfare of their fellows and are liberal towards
the support of various benevolences.

V A H. ALBERT is one of the honored old
V residents of Hope Township, Warren
(f) County, and since 1850 has made his
home on the farm near the village of Hope, this
property having formerly been known as the
Miller place. For a quarter of a century he
served his fellow-townsmen as supervisor of roads,
and in other local positions. He always has done
his share toward the support of measures which
he deemed for the good of the community in
which his lot was cast. A Democrat in his politi-
cal creed, he has never been a politician in the
modern sense.

Jacob Albert, father of our subject, was born in
the city of Philadelphia, but came to this county
when a boy, and was brought up by his uncle, for
whom he had great affection. He stayed with
the uncle until he was eighteen, according to an
agreement, and then the youth learned the shoe-

maker's trade, which he then proceeded to follow
for several years. Having thus laid aside a fair
sum of ready money, he went to Mansfield Town-
ship, where he invested it in a farm. After liv-
ing upon the place for forty years he sold it, and
removed to a homestead which he owned upon
the Jennie Jump Mountains. At that time he
was one of the most extensive land holders in the
region, as his estates comprised six farms. Dur-
ing the rest of his career he operated the farm on
the mountain side, and to his credit be it said,
that his snug little fortune was entirely made by
his own industry and toil, for he commenced life
a poor boy, with no one to look to for any aid.
He was a Democrat, and religiously was con-
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
was one of the most sturdy advocates of the Free
Union Church. He died at the ripe age of eighty-
seven years. His faithful helpmate, whose girl-
hood name was Betsy Molett, departed this life
when about sixty-five years of age. She was a
daughter of John Molett, and by her marriage
became the mother of eight children, of whom
four survive: M. H.; James; Samuel, of Colum-
bia; and Elizabeth, wife of Albert Gruver.

M. H. Albert was born in Mansfield Township
in 1818, and lived in that locality until he was
eighteen, when he went, with the other members
of the family, to their new home upon the beauti-
ful Jennie Jump Mountains. He continued to
live at home, aiding his father in the management
of the farm, and attending to many of his busi-
ness interests, up to about 1850. He then came
to the farm where he is still making his home.
In addition to owning this valuable place he fell
heir to one of his father's farms on the mountains,
and besides he owns several other tracts of land.
He has always followed agricultural pursuits,
and has been prospered.

In all of his undertakings for many years past
Mr. Albert has been assisted, cheered and
strengthened by the loving advise and counsels
of his devoted wife, whose maiden name was Jane
Cook. They were married in 1854 and have a
son and a daughter: Margaret, wife of Israel
Cyphers; and Jacob, who is a member of the firm

164

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Beatty & Albert, of Hope. Mrs. Albert is a
daughter of Consider and Margaret (Howell)
Cook. The father was a native of this county,
and having mastered the mason's trade, he took
contracts for buildings, bridges, etc. He died
when fourscore years old. Mr. and Mrs. Albert
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
the former having been a trustee and steward for
a quarter of a century.

p G\ ALTER D. GULICK. Though beginning
\ A / in business with a very small capital, Mr.
V Y Gulick has succeeded in acquiring pros-
perity and a position among the foremost citizens
of Washington, where he is engaged as a lumber
merchant and wholesale grain dealer. Not far
from his lumber yard, on Belvidere avenue,
stands his elegent residence, completed a few
years ago at a cost of $6,000, and standing on a
slight eminence that commands a fine view of the
town and country. The house is surrounded by
a large lawn, adorned with shrubs and trees,
while in the rear is a substantial modern stable.

Near Morristown, in Morris County, N. J., the
subject of this sketch was born in 1861. His
father, Ezra P. Gulick, a native of Warren
County, was for years the proprietor of a mill and
farm situated near Hackettstown, Warren
County, but is now living retired from business.
At the outbreak of the late war he joined the
Union forces and remained in the service for nine
months, when he was honorably discharged.
Politically he has always been a Democrat. He
has held almost all of the township offices and has
been very prominent in local affairs. Fraternally
he is a Mason. He is one of the leading mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
serves as superintendent of the Sunday-school.
At this writing he resides at Vienna, Warren
County. His father, Derrick Gulick, was a life-
long and highly respected resident of this county.

The mother of our subject was Clara Force, a

native of Hunterdon County and the daughter of
Thomas Force, a well-to-do farmer. She had
but two children, Walter D. and Annie, wife of
Simon A. Ayers, a farmer residing near Hacketts-
town. The early years of our subject's life were
spent at his father's home and in the mill. He
attended the public school at Hackettstown and
the Centenary Collegiate Institute in Hacketts-
town. At the time of attaining his majority, in
1882, he embarked in the general mercantile
business at Vienna, where he continued for eight
years. During four years of this time, under the
first administration of President Cleveland, he
was postmaster at Vienna. Selling out in 1889,
he came to Washington and purchased from L.
G. Salmon one of the oldest lumber yards in the
city and here he has since remained. That he
has been successful is evinced by his large yard
and extensive business. Within his yard may be
found all kinds of lumber, as well as mason's ma-
terials, lime, cement, sash, doors, etc. In addi-
tion to his lumber trade he has a large wholesale
grain business, in which he gives employment to
a number of hands.

In 1885 Mr. Gulick married Miss Estella Hay,
daughter of Isaac Hay, a farmer of Sarepta,
Warren County. Two children were born of
their union, Jennie and Charles L. As a Demo-
crat Mr. Gulick has taken an active part in local
affairs, but has never sought office. While in
Vienna he served as town clerk, as well as post-
master. Fraternally he is connected with the
Odd Fellows, and in religious belief is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GlNDREW YETTER is a large operator in
|_1 lumber, and that, too, chief! y with various
/ l railroad companies. It is a matter worthy
of comment that this estimable citiztn of Blairs-
town, Warren County, has been the sole architect
of his fortunes. He started out in the journey of
life empty-handed, depending entirely upon his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

165

native resources, and not even having had a good
education, in the ordinary sense. He, however,
possessed great will-power, and was industrious,
attentive to his own affairs, and methodical in all
his transactions. Thus in time he has become
influential and prosperous, and may well be
pointed out to the younger generations as a fitting
example of what may be accomplished by one
who has the requisite amount of pluck and per-
severance.

Born in Sussex County in 1836, our subject is
a son of Jacob Yetter, a native of the same local-
ity. He passed his whole life in that immediate
vicinity and was noted for his quiet, industrious
characteristics. He entered into his final rest
when he was about seventy-three years of age.
His father, Yost Yetter, was born in Germany,
and was among the early settlers of Sussex Coun-
ty. The wife of Jacob Yetter was a Miss Eliza-
beth Gruver in her girlhood. Of their nine chil-
dren six are living, viz.: Hannah Jane, widow of
Andrew J. Rice; Christina, widow of Isaac
Keeue; Mary, wife of Isaac Sinister; Simeon,
Andrew, and George, a resident of Blairstown.
The mother departed this life when in her eighty -
third year.

Andrew Yetter lived in his native county until
he reached man's estate, when he embarked in
the butcher's business, carrying on the enterprise
there for several years. In 1858 he came to
Blairstown, and for the succeeding four years was
occupied in the same line of business. After-
wards he became interested in the wholesale and
retail commission trade, buying direct from farm-
ers and shipping produce to New York markets.
During the several years that he gave this branch
of commerce his attention he also entered into
other enterprises, as when he was for five years a
partner in the firm of A. H. Smith, of Blairstown,
for about eighteen years was connected with
Robert Craig (firm Yetter & Craig), and for a
year was concerned in a mercantile establishment
in Polina.

In 1875 Mr. Yetter commenced dealing in lum-
ber, buying large tracts of timber, and then man-
ufacturing all kinds of lumber and railroad ties.

His land was chiefly located in Pennsylvania and
New Jersey, and for years he has manufactured
about one hundred thousand ties, which he dis-
poses of to the various railway corporations of
this portion of the United States. Besides, he
manufactures large quantities of special lumber _
used in cars and locomotives and car-repairing.
He has been active as a builder of houses, etc.,
as well, and now owns thirteen residences in
Newton, N. J., and twelve double houses in
Blairstown. Much of his success he attributes to
the fact that he has always personally looked
after his own finances, and has been his own
bookkeeper.

In his political faith Mr. Yetter is a Democrat,
and has served as a freeholder of Blairstown for
some time with credit. His wife, whom he mar-
ried in 1856, was Miss Martha J. Opdyke, daugh-
ter of John W. Opdyke, of Sussex County. They
have no children. Mrs. Yetter is a member of
the Presbyterian Church, and is respected and
loved by all who have the pleasure of her ac-
quaintance.

—t-— t»ffi

9®HC"ik

~S—-f-

TjHARLES A. SKILLMAN. This honored
l citizen of Lambertville, often and justly
>_J termed the Nestor of the Hunterdon Coun-
ty bar, commenced the practice of law in 1S52 in
this city. He is the oldest member of the county
bar, and is in active practice. In all enterprises
affecting the local welfare he has been influential
on the side of progress and improvement, and
many an infant industry or institution has he fos-
tered and aided.

One Captain Skillman came to America with
the English forces in 1664, and assisted in the
capture of New Amsterdam (now New York)
from the Dutch, and afterwards settled in Long
Island. From that doughty soldier the subject
of this article is descended. The grandfather of
Charles A. was Cornelius Skillman, who owned
a valuable homestead in Mercer County, N. J.,

i66.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

early in this century. Abraham, father of our
subject, was born on that farm in 1802, and when
he arrived at maturity was occupied in the man-
agement of the place. He belonged to a company
of light horse, and was one of the body-guard
detailed to attend General La Fayette on his trip
from Princeton to Trenton. His sword, worn
upon this memorable occasion, is now the prop-
erty of Charles A. Skillmau. The Skillmans
were Whigs and members of the Dutch Reformed
Church in the early days.

The birth of C. A. Skillman took place in Hope-
well, N. J., December 16, 1S27. In 1848 he
graduated from Princeton College. He then
turned his attention to the study of law, reading
under the direction of Hon. William Halstead,
of Trenton, N. J., and was admitted to the bar
in 1851. The following year he opened an office
for practice in Lambertville, where he has since
made his home and place of business. In 1858
he was appointed prosecuting attorney of Hunter-
don County, and filled the position for five years
with great credit to himself. For years he has
been solicitor for the Belvidere division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company; for a quarter
of a century was secretary of the Lambertville Gas
Company, and is a director and the treasurer of the
Lambertville Water Power Company, capitalized
at $50,000; and is president of the Lambertville
City Water Company, which furnishes water for
domestic purposes and to the fire department.
Frequently he has served as city solicitor and as
president of the council. Since the Republican
party was formed he has been loyal to its princi-
ples. From the beginning to its successful ter-
mination Mr. Skillman was connected with a
local building and loan association, which did
much for our citizens and helped to place this
town in a prosperous condition. In the estima-
tion of his professional brethren, his opinion is
acknowledged as having weight, for he has read
deeply in almost every department of jurispru-
dence, and is qualified by wide and varied expe-
rience. In 1853 he joined the Masonic order,
and for a long period has been president of the
board of directors, having charge of the financial

operations of the lodge here. Over twenty years
he has been an elder in the Presbyterian Church
and active in its work.

In 1854 Mr. Skillman married Sarah A. Skill-
man, of Ringoes, N. J., and they have three
children. One daughter is the wife of James S.
Studdiford, teller in the Lambertville National
Bank; another daughter is married to Samuel W.
Cochran, a druggist of this place, and the only
son, Hervey, is in business in Philadelphia.

HENRY EUGENE PARK. During a period
of over twenty years this gentleman, now
serving in the capacity of county clerk of
Hunterdon County, has occupied public positions
to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He
has been a worker in the Democratic party of
western New Jersey and has frequently attended
its conventions and aided in its councils. In 1876,
and again in the following }rear, he was elected
assessor of Tewkesbury Township. In 1882 and
1883 he was elected a freeholder from the same
locality; in 1S85 was appointed deputy collector
of internal revenues and in 1887 was reappointed
to this office with additional territory under his
jurisdiction. In November, 1893, he was honored
further by being elected county clerk of this his
home county, his term to run until November,
1898. He received a good majority and was the
popular choice.

A son of Col. James and Maria Park, our sub-
ject was born near New Germantown, Hunterdon
County, August 1, 1848. He was educated in the
public schools of his native town and in Monroe-
ton, Pa. In 1867 he commenced the study of
dentistry with Dr. Charles H. Dayton, of New
Germantown, remaining with him for two years.
Then, in 1869, he went into business in New
York City with his former preceptor, Dr. Dayton,
and succeeded very well from the first. Sub-
sequently he practiced in Somerville, N. J., and
then returned to his native count}-. Here he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

167

not only has given much time to the practice of
dentistry, but has also engaged in farming to some
extent, dealing in live stock, raising and shipping
peaches in season, etc. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Odd Fellows' society.

February 5, 1873, Mr. Park married Miss Anna
L. Bell, daughter of John J. and Caroline Bell, of
Hackettstown, N. J.

3 ROSS LAKE. On the corner of Belvidere
avenue and Church street, in Washington,
stands the New Windsor Hotel, of which
Mr. Lake is the proprietor. The hotel is one of
the best in the county. It contains about forty
rooms, lighted by electricity, heated by steam,
and equipped with all modern improvements.
The wide piazzas and large grounds give it a
homelike appearance that at once attracts the
traveler. Two free busses run between the hotel
and the depot. Much of the popularity of the
place is due to the proprietor, who is a model
landlord, accommodating and agreeable, striving
in every way possible to secure the comfort of
his guests.

Born in Delaware Township, Hunterdon
County, N. J., April 22, 1848, our subject is the
second son of Jacob and Sarah (Ross) Lake.
His father, who was born in Hunterdon County
in 1808, was a successful farmer and also took a
deep interest and active part in the affairs of this
county. In politics he was a Democrat and by
this party he was elected to a number of local
offices. He died in 1880, when he was seventy-
three years of age. His wife, who still survives,
was born in Pennsylvania and now resides with
her sons J. Ross and W. Howard, dividing her
time between them. Her older son, M. Harris,
resides at Copper Hill, N. J., and is proprietor of
the wheelwright and carriage works there.

In the common schools of Hunterdon County
and Locktown Academy our subject obtained his
education. At the age of nineteen he embarked

in the mercantile business at Lambertville, N. J.,
where he remained for five years, and then went
to Philadelphia. For sixteen years he was con-
nected with the well-known firm of Strawbridge
& Clothier, in that city. From 1884 to 1888 he
was in the railroad postal service. In 1894 he
came to Washington and began the management
of the New Windsor Hotel, of which he hassince
been the head. Fraternally he is connected with
Mansfield Lodge No. 36, F. & A. M., at Wash-
ington.

The marriage of Mr. Lake took place in 1880
and united him with Miss Martha Thomas, an
estimable lady, and the daughter of Jonathan
Thomas, who for many years was a successful
business man in Montgomery County, Pa., but
now makes his home with his daughter at the New
Windsor Hotel. Though now eighty-nine years
of age, he retains the use of his mental faculties,
is hale and heart}', and always cheerful and
pleasant. The oidy daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Lake is Emily Thomas Lake, who is now attend-
ing school in Hackettstown, N. J., and is being
given excellent educational advantages.

" LIAS C. SEVERS is one of the most lion-
's ored residents of Alexandria Township,
mmm Hunterdon County, within whose bound-
aries he has made his home since he was a lad
of seven years. He is the owner of a very desir-
able homestead, which he takes pride in keeping
in a thrifty condition, and by his neighbors and
friends he is considered to be very practical and
methodical in all his business transactions. He
is a model citizen, his influence always being
given, as far as he knows, to the cause of right,
law and order, and all worthy measures can be
sure of his support.

The father of the above-named gentleman was
Manuel Severs, who was born near the town of
Clinton, in Union Township, this county. There
he spent his early days, coming to this township

1 68

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.-

about 1852. Buying the Matthews property near
Mount Pleasant, he proceeded to cultivate and
improve the place during the rest of his life. He
followed the shoe-makers' trade for twenty-two
years, making a good living in that manner, and
subsequently he decided that he would retire to
the quiet life of a farmer. In this direction as
well he met with success. In politics he was
affiliated with the Republican party. For several
years he was secretary and collector for the
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
in other ways he was before the public, always
showing ability and genuine talent in the man-
agement of finances. He died when about
seventy-eight years of age. Religiously he was
a devout Presbyterian, and held membership
with the same church which our subject and
family now attend. His wife bore the maiden
name of Mary Young, she having been the
daughter of William Young. Their marriage
was blessed with two sons, Levi and Elias C.
Mrs. Severs was seventy-two years old when
death released her from her earthly cares and
toils. She was also a faithful member of the
Presbyterian Church. The grandfather of our
subject was Abram Severs, a native of this
county, and his father was born in England,
came to this country at an early day, and located
in Clinton,

Elias C. Severs was born in the neighborhood
of Clinton in 1845, and there resided until he was
seven years old, then coming to Alexandria
Township with the other members of the family.
Since he was large enough to handle farm imple-
ments he has been actively occupied in the culti-
vation of the soil, and by his industry and well-
directed efforts he has made a comfortable liveli-
hood for his family. He has been interested to
a certain extent in raising peaches and fruit for
the city markets, and derives a good income from
dairying. He is an active Republican, and is
now a member of the board of registration. For
a quarter of a century he has been an elder in the
Presbyterian Church, and for thirty years he has
been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In
all his relations with his fellow-men he seeks to

be true, just and kind, not selfish or ready to
take an advantage of another, but endeavoring to
follow the teachings of the Golden Rule.

In 1868 occurred one of the great events in the
life of our subject, for in that year he chose for
his companion and counsellor, helper and friend
along the remainder of his journey the lady who
still shares his joys and sorrows and to whose
love and sympathy he attributes a large measure
of his success in life. Her girlhood name was
Cora Rapp, her parents being Philip and Eleanor
(Ruth) Rapp. Mr. and Mrs. Severs have one
child, Carrie, who is the wife of Herbert B.
Weller, of Mount Pleasant, N. J.

*^fe

"3 IDEON MOORE, an honored citizen of Hun-
_ terdon County, is a prosperous merchant of
,_J Stockton, keeping a general stock of gro-
ceries, boots, shoes, etc. For the past thirty
years he has been engaged in farming and sur-
veying and for twenty years occupied the respon-
sible position of commissioner of deeds. In his
political faith he is a stanch Republican, and
during the '60s was elected to his first official
post, that of township superintendent of public
schools. The good of the public has ever been
his chief aim, and in each place that he has held
he has endeavored to forward the interests of his
fellow-men.

The father of the above, Asa Moore, was born
in this township in 1806, and here grew to matur-
ity. He early turned his attention to agriculture
and in time became one of the most prosperous
farmers in his section. He was a sou of Gideon
and Catherine (Yorks) Moore, the former a na-
tive of New Jersey, of German descent. Asa
Moore married Mary, daughter of John and
Elizabeth White. She was born in 179S in what
is now Kingwood Township, and there was reared
to womanhood and married.

Gideon Moore of this sketch was born on the
parental homestead in this township, November

D. C. BLAIR.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

171

19, 1836, and acquired his education in the com-
mon schools, and later in Madison University, of
Hamilton, N. Y., and Trenton Academy. Hav-
ing thus become thoroughly equipped for those
days, he commenced his career as a teacher, and
during the following eight years very success-
fully conducted schools in this count}'. After-
wards he settled down to the uneventful routine
of farming, and was thus engrossed until he
opened his present store in 1896. Of his three
sisters only one is now living, viz. : Catherine,
the widow of Jacob C. Johnson.

In 1864 Mr. Moore married Elizabeth Sutton,
whose parents were Jonas and Mary (Bessou)
Sutton, of this township. Five children came to
bless their hearthstone, but three of the number
have been summoned to the silent land. Theo-
dore S., a practical business man, is married and
has one child. He is at present engaged in well
drilling. Mary E., the only daughter, is the
wife of Frank Whitlock.

-4 — S £3^®|$|i0®£*e-) «— -f-

EWITT CLINTON BLAIR. This honored
*\ citizen of Belvidere is vice-president of the
(*} Belvidere National Bank, owns a beautiful
summer home here and has always been very act-
ive in the support of all enterprises of a character
calculated to accrue to the lasting benefit of this
place and vicinity. From his youth he has been
noted for his genuine patriotism and unselfish de-
votion to his country, and in times of peace and
war alike he has ever been ready to do every-
thing in his power for the land of his birth.

A son of the railroad magnate and financier,
John I. Blair, in whose honor Blairstown, War-
ren County, was named, the subject of this sketch
was born and reared in the place just referred to.
The date of his birth is September 6, 1833. When
he had completed his elementary education he en-
tered Blair Hall, preparatory to his course in
Princeton College, which followed. He gradu-
ated from that well-known institution of learning

in 1856, and soon thereafter took up the study of
law with J. G. Shipman, whose history appears
upon another page of this volume, and to whose
guiding care and kindly encouragement many of
the leading members of the New Jersey bar of to-
day owe much of their standing in the profession.

Later Mr. Blair continued his legal studies in
the law school of Harvard University, and upon
returning home in 1858 was admitted to the bar
of this, his native county, and opened an office
for practice in Belvidere. Two years passed
away, and he established himself in practice in
New York City, and had just obtained a good
start when the war broke out. In April, 1861,
he was one of the first to respond to the presi-
dent's call for volunteers. He went zealously to
work and soon had rallied around himself one
hundred men, brave and true, and at his own ex-
pense he took them to Trenton and offered their
services and his own to the governor. The con-
tingent happened to be full at that time, and the
governor was obliged to refuse them, and there-
fore Mr. Blair once more took the company over
the ground, returning them to their homes at his
own expense. Personally, though, he was not
to be put off, as he had determined that he should
offer himself upon the altar of his country's liber-
ties, to fight for her, and if need be, die in de-
fense of the stars and stripes. He therefore went
to New York City and enlisted in the Twenty-
second Regiment of the state troops for nine
months' service. The regiment was first ordered
to the metropolis, to prevent it from meeting with
violence from rioters and mobs. Later, when at
Harper's Ferry, he and some of his comrades
came very near being captured by Stonewall
Jackson and his command.

Upon the expiration of his term of enlistment
Mr. Blair found that his law library had been
stolen and his personal effects scattered, and the
result was, for that and some other reasons super-
added, he concluded to abandon his profession
and enter the banking business. He is now a
partner in the extensive banking house of Blair
& Company, of No. 33 Wall Street, New York.
His father, John I. Blair, is president of the Bel-

172

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

videre National Bank, and he has been the vice-
president of the same for the past twenty years.
He is also interested extensively in railroad en-
terprises.

While Mr. Blair claims his residence in New
Jersey and spends most of his time at Belvidere,
he owns a home in New York City, spending his
winters there. The lady who gracefully presides
over the hospitalities of his home was formerly
Miss Mary A. Kimball, and they were married
in 1863. Their two children are: C. Ledyard, a
member of the New York firm of Blair & Com-
pany, and John Insley, a graduate from Princeton
College in the class of 1898.

HON. JOHNSTON CORNISH. Both through
his connection with one of the most promi-
nent business enterprises of Washington
and through his influence in public affairs, Mr.
Cornish has become one of the most noted men in
Warren County. In his character may be found
two widely differing traits, a genius for directing
large enterprises and perseverance in superintend-
ing matters of detail. While he has naturally
been desirous to secure financial success, yet his
has not been a selfish life, but his services have
been at the command of his fellow-citizens and
plans for the advancement of town or county
have received his fostering support. It is not
strange, therefore, that he has gained the good
will and confidence of those with whom he has
been brought into contact.

The ability displayed by Mr. Cornish is his by
inheritance, for his father is a man of far more
than ordinary intelligence and enterprise. Joseph
B. Cornish, the founder of the Cornish organ and
piano works in Washington, was born in Hunter-
don County, N. J., where he spent his early
years. For some time he was engaged in the
mercantile business in Washington, but during
the '70s he took charge of the organ and piano
manufactory, and through his energy and judg-

ment the business has become a large and profit-
able one. The main building of the factory is
150x400 feet in dimensions and four stories in
height. Steady employment is furnished to four
hundred hands, and it speaks volumes for the
manner in which these employes have been
treated when we say that during all these years
there has never been a strike in the factory.
The pianos and organs are sold in all parts of the
United States, and also in Asia, Europe, Africa
and South America. Business ability seems to
be a family trait, for Joseph B. Cornish, Sr. ,
grandfather of our subject, was also a successful
business man, being a merchant and tanner in
Hunterdon County.

Born in Bethlehem, N. J., in 1857, the subject
of this review was reared at the family home in
Hunterdon County and received his education in
the schools here and in those of Warren County,
completing his studies in the commercial college
at Easton, Pa. At the age of twenty-one he was
taken into partnership by his father and has ever
since been connected with the works. Tike his
father, he is a strong adherent of the Democratic
party. He has served as mayor of Washington,
in which capacity he promoted the municipal in-
terests and fostered plans for local advancement.
From 1889 to 189 1 he served as a member of the
state senate, during which time he was a mem-
ber of a number of the important committees aud
took an active part in promoting measures for
the benefit of the state and the increased pros-
perity of the people. In 1892, shortly after the
close of his term of service as senator, he was
elected to congress. In that body, as in other
positions of less importance, his support was
always given to public-spirited measures, and
the nation had in him a patriotic and progress-
ive official. Since his retirement from con-
gress he has devoted his attention to the man-
agement of the business with which he has been
so long connected.

In 1885 occurred the marriage of Mr. Cornish
to Miss Margaret Banker, of New York. They
are the parents of one son, Joseph B., Jr., who
is now twelve years of age. Fraternally Mr.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

173

Cornish has attained a high degree in the Ma-
sonic order, and he is also a member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of
Pythias, the Order of Red Men and the Elks.
In religious connections he is identified with the
First Presbyterian Church of Washington.

RUSLING S. HOPPOCK. Though now en-
gaged in farming, Mr. Hoppock considers
that his principal occupation in life has been
that of a teacher. For twenty-three successive
years he was employed as an instructor in the
public schools of Hunterdon County, and during
nine years of that time he was a teacher in his
own district in Alexandria Township. He taught
in the Milford school for five years, being prin-
cipal there during the first three years. He was
unusually successful in school work, having the
power to interest his pupils even in the driest of
text-books, which under his intelligent presenta-
tion were given life and meaning. Retiring
from school work in 1893, he turned his attention
to farming, which he has since followed.

In Mount Pleasant, where he has resided for the
past thirty years, Mr. Hoppock was born in 1839.
His father, Joseph Hoppock, was born in Dela-
ware Township in 1809 and settled in Alexandria
Township when a young man, locating near
Hickory, where he spent the remainder of his
life except its last few years. As a farmer he was
enterprising and successful and was well and
favorably known throughout the county. He
took great interest in church work and was for
years a deacon in the Christian Church at Little-
york. His death occurred in 1883, when he was
seventy-four years of age. He was a son of
Joseph Hoppock, Sr., who resided upon a farm
in Delaware Township until his death.

The mother of our subject, Lareiue, was a
daughter of Johnson and Permelia (Mettler)
Runyan. Like her husband, she held member-
ship in the Christian Church. At the time of

her death, in 1894, she was eighty-five years of
age. Three children were born to her, namely:
Permelia, deceased; Rusling S. ; and Mary Jane,
the widow of Nelson Halsey. Our subject was
educated in the public schools of this part of the
county. Before he was eighteen 3'ears of age he
commenced to teach and this profession he fol-
lowed for twenty-three years, retiring about 1893
to engage in farming. In politics he is a Re-
publican. He was elected justice of the peace
and served for five years. Under the adminis-
tration of President Garfield he was appointed
postmaster at Mount Pleasant and held the office
for eight consecutive years and again for four
years under President Harrison. For several
years he was a trustee of the schools and he was
also president of the Hunterdon County Teachers'
Association for some time.

In 1862 Mr. Hoppock was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah E. Romine, daughter of Asa and
Sarah (Fulper) Romine. Two children, both
daughters, were born to bless their union. Anna
Lillie, the elder of these, is the wife of Harmon
K. Wright. Lizzie, the younger daughter, is at
home wdth her parents. The family are identi-
fied with the Christian Church, to the work of
which Mr. Hoppock has been a generous con-
tributor.

UILLIUS FORMAN. Though over a quar-
^ ter of a century has swiftly rolled away
(*) since the death of this worthy man his mem-
ory is still tenderly enshrined in the hearts of a
wide circle of friends and relatives. The}' recall
with pleasure his noble deeds and words, his pre-
cept and example, whereby all who came within
the radius of his influence were uplifted and un-
consciously, perhaps, made better. In the sum-
ming up of men's lives, only this remains, only
this is enduring — the character, and the good ac-
complished in the world. Riches and honor are
naught in a short space of time and when a few
decades have passed all is forgotten save the

J74

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

goodness of a man and the influence he exerted
on his generation for the promotion of the true
and right and the overthrow of the powers of
darkness.

Mr. Forman was a native of Hunterdon
County and spent nearly his whole life within its
boundaries. His birthplace was near Pittstown,
and the date of the event was June 23, 1812.
His father was Robert Forman, a respected citi-
zen and farmer of Alexandria Township. Our
subject was reared upon the parental homestead,
which was situated in the neighborhood of the
little village then known as Littletown. He had
one brother and three sisters, viz. : Mortimer,
Mary, Sydney and Elizabeth. Their mother was
a Miss Rakestraw in her girlhood.

In his youth Duillius Forman was a pupil in
the public schools, and being naturally bright
and quick to learn, he soon mastered all that was
taught in the district schools of the period. While
quite young he went away from home to Easton,
Pa., where he had a cousin, and this relative em-
ployed him in his general store as a clerk for
some time. Eater he went to Eambertville,
where he was engaged in merchandising for a
number of years, meeting with success. While
a resident of the town he was thoroughly identi-
fied with its best interests, and was active in all
public enterprises looking toward the good of the
people. He held membership with the Presbyte-
rian Church of the place, and contributed liber-
ally of his time, influence and means to the work
of the church and charities. The last four years
of his life were passed in Williamsport, Pa.,
whither he removed his business about 1857.
While in the midst of his busiest and seemingly
most useful period of manhood, death called him
to the silent land, at the age of forty-nine 5'ears.

In 1852 Mr. Forman married Margaret C. ,
daughter of John Duckworth, and three children
were born to them. Only one of them is still
living, viz. : William, whose wife was formerly
Mary E. Rittenhouse, she being a daughter of
William Rittenhouse, a well and favorably known
citizen of this county. The young couple have
one child, Mabel M. The widow of our subject is

a lady who is honored and loved by all who
know her, and she is now making her home
with her only surviving child, William, in the
town of Milford. John Duckworth, father of Mrs.
Forman, was one of the most influential men of
this community, Milford, in his time. He ma-
terially assisted in the establishment of the Bel-
videre Delaware Railroad, which runs through
this place, and has been of untold benefit to
this section. He was a member of the com-
mittee who were authorized to purchase land
from farmers and owners for the road and was
very active in getting everything in running
order. All local interests received his encour-
agement and no member of the Milford Chris-
tian Church was held in higher esteem than he.
For many years he was the clerk of the church,
and in its various departments he was a hard
worker, zealous for the plea of unceremonial,
primitive, genuine Christianity. His faithful
companion and helpmate along life's journey was
Hannah, daughter of John and Mary M. (Mil-
leck) Hulsizer. Of the nine children who came
to cheer their hearthstone but three are 5'et
living: Caroline, widow of Samuel Teets; Sa-
rah, widow of A. J. Farrand; and Mrs. For-
man. The parents of her father were John and
Mary (Wolverton) Duckworth.

SHRISTIE B. SNYDER has been deputy
surrogate of Warren County since 1894 and
is making a good record as an official. In
the political field he has been active and inter-
ested, doing efficient service in behalf of the
Republican party. The cause of education finds
in him a sincere champion and devoted friend,
and in 1890 and again in 1894 ne was elected to
be a member of the Phillipsburg Board of Educa-
tion, he being then a resident of that city.

Our subject is a native of Elizabethport, Union
County, N. J., his birth having taken place
March 24, i860. His father, Benedict Snyder,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

r75

of Mannheim, Germany, came to America in
1842, and settled in the town of Elizabethport,
N. J. At that time he followed the occupation
of gardening, but ere long he obtained a position
with the New Jersey Central Railroad Company,
and continued in their employ for many years.
He was an honest, industrious man, a good pro-
vider for his family and kind and courteous to
all with whom he came into contact. His death
occurred in December, 1895. His wife, who is
still living, is now about sixty years of age, and
was born in Germany, a daughter of an influen-
tial man there, who, among other offices, held
that of sheriff for years. Her maiden name was
Christiana Paulman. Of the thirteen children
born to Benedict and Christiana Snyder all but
three are living at the date of this writing.

From the time that he arrived at suitable years
until he was sixteen, C. B. Snyder was a student
in the public schools of Phillipsburg, whither his
parents had removed with the family about 1866.
He was fortunate in obtaining a position as store-
keeper for the New Jersey Central Railroad Com-
pany and later learned the trade of a machinist,
which he followed for some fourteen years. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the Uniform Rank of the
Knights of Pythias. March 24, 1S83, he mar-
ried Ida Griggs, and of the four children born to
them, one sou and one daughter alone remain,
viz. : Clarence D. and Elva J. Mrs. Snyder's
father is Henry Griggs, a highly respected citizen
of Johusonburg, Warren County, N. J.

^JEORGE A. ANGEE, prosecutor of the pleas

a of Warren County, was appointed to this
responsible position in the spring of 1896 by
Governor Griggs, and enjoys the distinction of
being the first Republican who has held the
office for a long period of years. He has been
very active in the support of the principles and
candidates of the party, frequently making stir-
ring and eloquent campaign speeches, and being

sent as a delegate to conventions. He is popular
in Belvidere, where he has been engaged in prac-
tice for several years, and was elected by a good
majority to act as mayor of the place in 1890,
which office he held three years, giving entire
satisfaction.

The father of the above, Richard Angle, was
born in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was a farmer by
occupation, and removed with his family to War-
ren County, N. J., when he was a youth. He
was a man of most exemplary character, and left
to his children that best of all legacies — a name
above reproach. From his boyhood he was con-
nected with the Methodist Church, being very
active in its various departments of usefulness.
He held the office of steward and was also super-
intendent of the Sunday-school for a period.
His death occurred in November, 1892. His
wife, Catherine, is a daughter of John De Pue,
and is a distant relative of the renowned Judge
De Pue. She is still living, being about three-
score and ten years of age. They had two chil-
dren. The daughter, Elizabeth, is the wife of
John C. Amey, a merchant of Belvidere.

George A. Angle was born in Rocksburgh,
Warren County, N. J., September 9, 1853, and re-
ceived his early education in the public schools of
that locality. Eater he became a student at Pen-
nington Seminary, at Pennington, N. J., and was
prepared for college by i the well-known Dr.
Knighton, of Belvidere. In 1872 he entered
Eafayette College, in Easton, Pa., and graduated
therefrom in 1876 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. Three years afterward the same college
bestowed upon him the additional degree of Mas-
ter of Arts. Next he took up legal studies and
was guided in his work by the late J. G. Ship-
man, and since being admitted to the bar in 1879
he has been steadily occupied in practice. His
knowledge of the law is profound, his judgments
accurate, his pleading logical, and his insight
into the motives and springs of human conduct
unusually keen. He is a financier of no small
ability, and in everything that effects the general
welfare he is active and interested. One of the
organizers and now a director in the Warren

176

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Wood-working Company, his influence and means
have been used to materially promote that indus-
try, and in other directions he has been of great
value. For years he has been a pillar in the
local Methodist Church and one of the trustees,
at this writing being secretary and treasurer of
the board.

In November, 1891, Mr. Angle married, in
New Haven, Conn., Nettie, daughter of Ira T.
Smith. They have two children, a son and
daughter, named respectively, Gertrude De Pue
and Richard S.

Gl NDREW T. CONNET. Among the reli-
j 1 able business men of Flemington, Hunter-
/ I don County, is this sterling citizen, who
has been a resident of this town and thoroughly
identified with the best interests of the place since
before the war. A patriot in the truest sense, he
has stood by his country in times of peace as well
as in her hour of especial need, during the war.
The soldier boys who wore the blue are very dear
to his heart, and in 1 880 he was one of the first to
encourage the organization of a post of the Grand
Army here, and it was duly chartered that year,
himself being chosen as its first commander.

A native of this state, Mr. Connet was born in
the town now known as Brookside, in Morris
County, February 4, 1842. His father, Samuel,
was also born in that county, and though he was
a mason by trade, he was occupied in saw-milling
in partnership with his brother for years. He
was an old-line Whig, and later a Republican.
To himself and wife, who was Hannah Thomp-
son prior to their marriage, nine children were
born, of whom five survive. Ellen A. is the
wife of W. H. Post, of Batavia, N. Y. John is
an attorney in Flemington. Sarah is the wife of
Peter S. Hyler, a farmer of Raritau Township.
Charles conducts the home farm in Reading-
ton Township. When he was but six years of
age our subject removed with his parents to Les-

ser Cross-roads, and three years later to Reading-
ton Township, this county. He grew to man-
hood there, gaining a public-school education.

In starting out on his business career Mr. Con-
net took a position as a clerk in a mercantile
house in Readington, N. J., and afterwards was
for a year and a-half in a similiar place in Somer-
ville. In i860 he went to Flemington and en-
gaged with Davis & Coon as a clerk. Upon the
breaking out of the war he was one of the first
to respond to the call of his country for aid, and
though but nineteen years old, enlisted for the
three months' service in Company H, Third Regi-
ment of New Jersey. In the following 5'ear he
re-enlisted in Company D, Thirty-first Regiment,
as a private and was made an orderly. Decem-
ber 25 of that year he was commissioned lieu-
tenant, which office he held until June 24, 1863.
During his first enlistment his regiment was de-
tailed to guard the provision train at the battle
of Bull Run, and participated in the rout. In
the engagement of Chancellorsville, in which six-
teen thousand Union men were lost, he was act-
ively engaged as a member of the Thirty-first
Regiment.

Returning to Flemington from the southern
battlefields Mr. Connet was in the employ of
Anderson & Nevius for a year, after which he en-
tered into partnership with Maj. A. V. Bonuell,
in the hardware business. In 1866 he and W.
H. Fulper bought out the firm of Anderson &
Nevius, for whom he had formerly worked, and
for many years, in connection with Messrs. Fulper-
Nevius & Anderson, he was engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Flemington. January 1, 1895,
he entered the wholesale produce business in
Flemington, in connection with W. E. Trewin.
Since then he has been occupied in conducting
this large enterprise. In January, 1897, he pur-
chased his partner's interest and is now carrying
on the concern alone. He was a bookkeeper in
the Hunterdon County National Bank for six
years, from 1876 to 1882. For about twenty
years he has represented leading fire and life in-
surance companies. In 1S88 he started the rais-
ing of poultry on the fine farm which he owns in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

177

Readington Township, using incubators and the
most approved modern methods. He has been
very successful and now has a large plant. In
politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he be-
longs to Darcy Dodge No. 37, F. & A. M.;
Flemington Lodge No. 94, I. O. O. F., and Lam-
bert Boeman Post No. 48, G. A. R., of the latter
having been the quartermaster for many years.
In May, 1866, Mr. Connet married Joanna S.
Nevius, daughter of Abraham D. and Mary K.
Nevius. They have had four children, one of
whom is deceased. Frederick N. is a mechanical
engineer and designer in Providence, R. I. Earle
T. is a resident of New York; and Hugh Irving
is at home. The only daughter, Joanna N.,
died when twelve years old. Mr. and Mrs. Con-
net are members of the Presbyterian Church, and
the former enjoys the honor of having held the
office of elder continuously for a longer term of
3^ears than any other member of the congrega-
tion.

- '■ - >~ -■♦'■^;i'i^5.'K«-C:'»— ~* — '— —

q) CURSON YOUNG, M. D. Probably few
__ of the citizens of Washington are better
J known in other parts of the state and country
than the gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch. His professional knowledge is extensive
and thorough, and in addition to his large private
practice he held the chair of physiology in the
Eclectic Medical College of New York City. He
is also of an inventive turn of mind, and patented
the automatic mechanical railroad block system
that has attracted considerable attention. Re-
cently he completed a patent called the car sash
lifter and lock, which is intended to raise win-
dows in railroad cars or residences, and is so con-
structed that by turning a little knob on the side
of the car the window can be raised with ease and
held at any height. The Pullman Car Company
are negotiating for the patent, which, if intro-
duced, will be a great convenience to the travel-
ing public, who have for years rebelled at the
present very unsatisfactory method.

A native of the county of Cambridge, England,
born in 1840, Dr. Young was educated at Rugby
and Eton, and studied medicine at Edinburgh,
Scotland, and Leeds, England. For nine months
he was employed in Guy's hospital and for six
months was in St. Bartholomew's, London, after
which he made a tour of Europe, visiting hospi-
tals in various cities. From Europe he proceeded
to Palestine, where he spent nine months in Jeru-
salem and other historic spots of the Holy Land.
Thence he went to Egypt, where he investigated
points of historic interest in Cairo, Alexandria and
other places. He visited Athens, once the seat of
learning and the centre of the literary world ; and
Rome, once the proud mistress of the earth. He
returned to England in 1870 and on the 21st of
June set sail for America, where he spent some
time in the large cities, but decided to establish
his home in Washington, N. J. Here, and in
Port Jervis and New York City, he has practiced
his profession.

The literary work of Dr. Young is of an im-
portant nature. Among his professional writings
are "Climatical Changes and Diseases," "Life,
Health and Disease," "Therapeutics in Nature,"
"Puerperal Mania," "The Loneliness of Genius,"
"Physiology for the People," and "Mortality, or
Death without Pain. ' ' He is also the author of
an "Ancient and Modern History of the Order of
Knights of Malta," or "The Order of St. John
of Jerusalem of Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta," with
a complete account of their institution in the year
1048, and of their exploits and achievements, in
consecutive order to the year 1897, embracing all
the events connected with this illustrious order in
the Holy Land, Syria, Europe and America,
illustrated with maps, charts, cuts and portraits;
published in two volumes.

Dr. Young is proud of the fact that his father
and grandfather were members of the Order of
Knights of Malta. He himself joined Clermont
Commandery No. 62, at Phillipsburg, N. J., in
1889, and in 1892 organized Siloam Commandery
No. 124, at Washington. He was made Grand
Commander of New Jersey and has done much
for the order in this state. He is an active worker

1 78

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Peter the Hermit and occupies a chair in the
Sovereign Priory. His work on the order re-
quired years of research and careful study, both
in Europe, Asia and Africa. To facilitate his
studies he recently purchased, at great cost, two
large volumes that were shipped to him from
England. For five years he has been editor of
the Red Cross Knight, the journal of the order.
He is also a member of the Sons of St. George
and the Knights and Ladies of Honor.

In 1861 Dr. Young married Miss Lydia Wood,
daughter of Hon. Harry Wood, of England.
They are the parents of four children. Rev.
George H. Young, who is rector of the Episcopal
Church of Belvidere, N. J., is represented else-
where in this volume. Samuel McCauley Young
resides in Washington and is engaged in business
in New York City. Florence M. is the wife of
John Thornton, of Washington ; and Grace A. is
married and resides in New York City. In relig-
ious belief the family are identified with the Prot-
estant Episcopal Church.

¥1

RICHARD MCDOWELL, master mechanic of
the Belvidere Division of the Pennsylvania
Railway Company at Lambertville, Hun-
terdon County, is a man who deserves the highest
credit for the way in which he overcame the un-
usually difficult obstacles that were in his path-
way in the start of his career, and rose to a posi-
tion that commands respect and admiration.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, January 8, 1824, he is a
son of Robert and Mary (Taft) McDowell, na-
tives respectively of Scotland and Ireland. The
father died when our subject was but four years
old, and about four years later the mother came
to America with her two children, locating near
Crescentville, Philadelphia.

Young McDowell had learned to read and
write in the Emerald Isle, and, being an apt
student, made rapid progress in the schools of
this country. When he was about eighteen he

began serving an apprenticeship to the mechanic's
trade in Bridesburg, near the Quaker city.
During this period, four years, he received low
wages, but his pay gradually increased as he be-
came more skillful. Though his mother had
married again, they were poor, and the. 3'outh
was resolved to be independent, and managed to
pay his own way after leaving school.

June 24, 1845, Richard McDowell married
Elizabeth D. Jones, of Bridesburg. She was born
in Wales, and with her parents came to the
United States when about eight years old, in
1832. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
McDowell, and three of the number died in child-
hood. John Wallace, who is married and has
two children, is an electrician in New York.
Celia and Annie live at home. Harry is a jeweler
in New York and Charles is a druggist in Yon-
kers, N. Y. Both of the last-mentioned sons are
married, but neither has children.

Prior to his marriage, our subject had been en-
gaged in the manufacture of machinery used in
the weaving of cotton and wool into cloth, but,
desiring wider experience and a knowledge of
locomotive construction, he removed to Hazleton,
Pa., where he worked for two years in the shops.
Thence going to Philadelphia, he was in the
steamship construction works about a year and a-
half. The next few years he was employed as
foreman in a locomotive manufactory in Trenton,
N. J. On New Year's day, 1855, he came to
Lambertville, where, after a few years of work in
the machine shops he became master mechanic,
which position he has ably filled ever since.
Early in the old log-cabin campaign he became
an enthusiastic worker in the Whig part}-, and in
1856 he voted for John C. Fremont. Until Gen-
eral Grant was strongly advocated for a third
term in the presidential chair, he remained firm
in his allegiance to the Republican part}-, but at
that time renounced it, and has since been an
ardent Democrat. He had the honor of being
the first mayor of Lambertville after it was in-
corporated as a city. He was then the Republi-
can candidate, but, as he was elected, and as the
city was undeniably Democratic in tendency, the

JOHN C. JOHNSON, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

181

inference is plain that man}- of the opposition
voted for him from personal friendship and esteem
for him, rather than to abide by their own party
candidates. He has frequently been sent as a
delegate to the conventions of his party. In re-
ligious faith he is a Presbyterian, and holds
membership with the church in this city. In
1845 he became connected with the Odd Fellows,
and has occupied all the chairs in the lodge. In
addition to this society he is identified with the
Masonic order.

(JOHN C. JOHNSON, M. D. No one in the
I medical fraternity of northern New Jersey is
\Zs more highly honored or thoroughly respected
and looked up to as an authority than the gentle-
man whose name stands at the beginning of this
sketch. For almost half a century a resident of
Blairstown, Warren County, and for a similar
period a medical practitioner of reputation for
skill and genuine ability in his noble work, he is
justly accounted one of the prominent citizens of
this community, and is entitled to a place of
honor in its annals.

The doctor conies from an old and highly re-
spected family in these parts. The Johnsons
from whom he is descended were French- Hugue-
nots (called Jansens) , who emigrated from France
to Brussels and thence to Brooklyn, N. Y., and
later removed to Hunterdon County, N. J., in
the course of a generation or two. Henry John-
son, great-grandfather of our subject, was an
officer in the Revolutionary war, having the rank
of quartermaster. He was a native of Hunter-
don County, subsequentty removed to Sussex
County, where he owned and carried on a farm
near Newton until shortly before he died, at the
advanced age of ninety years. He was an elder
in and a prominent supporter of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Newton in its beginning, and
enjoyed the regard of everyone. His sou, Henry,
the next in descent to the doctor, died when but

fifty-two years old. He was born in Sussex
County and was one of the early settlers in Johu-
sonburg, where he was occupied in merchandis-
ing for some time.

The doctor's parents are William H. and Anna
(Couse) Johnson. The father was born in Sus-
sex Count}', and passed nearly his whole life in
the town of Newton. In his active business life
he was engaged in carrying on a store in that
place, being ranked with the best and most sub-
stantial citizens of the town. He was an ardent
Whig, and was postmaster of Newton under the
first President Harrison and again under Taylor.
A faithful and consistent Christian, he exempli-
fied in his early life the faith he professed, and it
was ever one of his chief objects to lend a help-
ing hand to those less fortunate than himself.
He held membership with the Presbyterian
Church. He died in his home in Newton, July
9, 1S63, aged sixty-eight years. His wife, who
was equally active in the Presbyterian Church,
lived to attain her eighty-fifth year, her death
taking place in Newton also. In her family
there are five children who yet survive: Henry
W. (twin brother of the doctor), cashier of the
Dong Branch Banking Compaii}'; John C; Cathe-
rine H.; Samuel, surrogate of Sussex County;
and Mary, wife of William W. Woodward, a
merchant of Newton.

The birth of Dr. John C. Johnson occurred in
Lewisburg, Sussex County, October 21, 1S28,
and he grew to mature years in the pretty village
of Newton. There he entered upon his studies,
and having completed the general branches and
his classical course in Newton Academy he took
up medical study under the direction of Dr. John
R. Stuart, of his home town. Later he attended
lectures in the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in New York City, graduating therefrom
March 8, 1850, with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine. June 3, 1850, he located permanently
in Blairstown, and now enjoys the distinction of
having been the longest engaged in practice here
of any physician in the place. Indeed, with but
two exceptions, he has been longer in active and
uninterrupted practice than any of the medical

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

profession in Warren County, and since 1852 he
has been a member of the Warren County Medical
Society, in which he has served both as presi-
dent and secretary. He is, moreover, a member
and fellow of the Medical Society of New Jersey,
and in 1867 was its president. In the Presbyte-
rian Church he has been an active and valued
member for many years. For thirty-four years
he has acted in the capacity of an elder, besides
serving in other positions, such as a trustee,
etc. He is also a director in the Blair Presbyte-
rial Academy. The only office he has filled was
that of school trustee; he has never held a politi-
cal position. He was first a Whig, afterward a
Republican.

January 15, 1862, Dr. Johnson married Anna
L. Howell, daughter of John R. and Sarah
(Armstrong) Howell. They have one child, a
daughter, Sarah A. All the family hold mem-
bership with the Presbyterian Church.

30HN NEWTON LOWE, M. D. The medi-
cal profession is one that in all ages and
localities has called to its practice men of
superior intelligence and depth of character.
None else can succeed, for the profession demands
men of brains and untiring perseverance. One
of the well-known physicians of Milford is the
subject of this article, who has had many years
of experience in practice and has gained a
thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of
its every department and phase. For some years
after entering upon the profession, he followed
the regular school in his practice, but succeeding
years of investigation and study led him to alter
his views and to abandon the old school for the
new, which he now practices.

The office of Dr. Lowe is located at his home
on North Main street. He settled in Milford
April 1, 1870, coming here from Titusville,
Mercer County, N. J., where he had practiced
for several years. After graduating from the

medical department of the University of New
York in 1862 he followed the school of allopathy
until 1865, since which time he has been a
homeopathist. He has been highly successful
and ranks among the foremost in his profession
in the county of Hunterdon, which has been his
life-long home. A man of broad education, cul-
tured and well informed, he has the regard of all
with whom professional or social relations have
brought him into contact.

Dr. Lowe's father, John J. Lowe, was a lead-
ing farmer of his day in Hunterdon Count}'.
Interested in public affairs, he was a man of
influence among his neighbors. In 1830 he took
the first census ever taken in the northern part of
the county. He was especially devoted to re-
ligious work and was an earnest member of the
German Reformed Church. When in life's
prime, at the age of forty, he was called from
earth. The family of which he was a member
dates back several generations in Hunterdon
County, where his father, John Lowe, was born
and where he died at eighty years of age. The
mother of our subject was Catherine Conovers,
daughter of Garrett and Margaret (Regan) Con-
overs, and an active member of the Reformed
Church. In her family there were eleven chil-
dren and of these the doctor was seventh in order
of birth.

WILLIAM H. BARTLES, M. D., is living
retired from the active duties that for
years commanded his whole energies, and
enjoys life in his beautifully appointed home in
Flemington, Hunterdon County. Here he is
surrounded by his books, music and the treas-
ures collected during a lifetime, and here he
takes great pleasure in extending hospitality to
his numerous friends. He has ever taken great
interest in the welfare of this town, for here the
happy days of his boyhood were passed, and here
he has returned to spend the remainder of his
life.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The doctor is of direct German descent on the
paternal side. His great-grandfather, while
serving under Frederick the Great of Prussia,
was captured by the French, but succeeded in
making his escape from Paris, and came to
America prior to the Revolutionary war. He was
married in Philadelphia, but soon afterwards
removed to New Germantown, Hunterdon
County, where he engaged in manufacturing for
several years. In 1793 he removed to what is
now Bradford, N. Y. , and was there occupied in
the flour and lumber trade. He built the first
mills there and shipped his products down the
Susquehanna River to Baltimore and other
Atlantic or' sea-board cities. His son Andrew
was the grandfather of the doctor. About 1790
he was a farmer in the vicinity of New German-
town. He married Catherine, daughter of John
Plum, of New Brunswick, N. J. , a lieutenant in
Washington's army during the Revolutionary
war. Andrew was the father of eight children,
of whom, Charles, born March 18, 1801, was the
father of our subject.

The birthplace of Charles Bartles was the old
home of the family near New Germantown. He
began his higher education under the tutelage of
Rev. Ernest L- Hazelius, a well-known Lutheran
minister, also studied under the direction of Rev.
Dr. Studdiford, of Lesser Cross-roads, and Rev.
Horace Galpin, of Lamington, N. J. September
19, 1819, he was enrolled in the junior class in
Union College, William H. Seward being in the
senior class at that time. Mr. Bartles graduated
in 1 82 1, and reached home on the twenty-first
anniversary of his birth. He entered the law
office of Nathaniel Saxton, where he spent four
years in study, at the same time paying off the
debt that he had incurred to complete his col-
lege education. When twenty -five he was free
of such incumbrance, but stood on the threshold
of his future career without a dollar. The next
fifteen months he taught school here, and as soon
as he was admitted to the bar, which was in
1824, he commenced practice. He succeeded
from the start, and for thirty years gave himself
up completely to his professional duties.

In conjunction with the law, he began to make
investments in real estate as earl}- as 1832, and
from that time until i860 handled large tracts of
property. In 1850 he became interested in rail-
road matters and succeeded in securing the road
that- gave direct communication with Philadel-
phia. It was called the Flemington Railroad
and he was president of the same until it was
purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany. In 1854 he became a member of the firm
of Reading, Fisher & Company, extensive manu-
facturers of lumber and owners of large tracts of
timberland in Pennsylvania. This land was
doubly profitable, as coal was deposited there in
great quantities. Mr. Bartles was very instru-
mental in securing the completion of the Dela-
ware & Rariton Canal and the Camden & Am-
boy Railroad; was elected president of the Hun-
terdon County Bank in 1858, which position he
held for years, or as long as his health permitted;
and, with John D. Hopewell, seeing the import-
ance of having a good water supply in Fleming-
ton, and the advantages of gas for the town, gave
his influence towards the organization of the
present companies, which were incorporated in

i859-

For fully sixty years Charles Bartles dwelt in
one house in this place. In the spring of 1833
he married Eliza, daughter of Neal Hart, of this
village. She died February 25, 1845, leaving
three sons and a daughter. Subsequently Mr.
Bartles remarried, his second wife having been
Eliza E. Randall, of New Hartford, N. Y. She
departed this life March 19, 1877, and left two
children. Four of the children of Mr. Bartles
survive, viz.: Dr. William H.; Charles J., a
lawyer of Williamsport, Pa.; Joseph, general
manager of the Standard Oil Company, in St.
Paul, Minn.; and Margaret R. , wife of Stephen
C. McCandless, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dr. Bartles received an excellent education,
studying largely under private tutors. Having
completed a course in Trenton Academy, he next
entered Rutgers College, graduating therefrom
in 1859. The following year he pursued legal
studies under the supervision of Judge Scudder

184

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at Trenton. About this time he decided that he
should not adhere to the profession of law, and
accordingly he went to Philadelphia and ma-
triculated in Jefferson Medical College, from
which institution he was duly graduated. In
order that he might have the practical experience
so necessary to a young physician, he went
through every department of the Philadelphia
Hospital, spending eighteen months in this man-
ner. During a part of the war he was acting
assistant physician in the large army hospital
at Portsmouth Grove, near Newport, R. I. Re-
turning to the Quaker city, he established
himself in practice, and was located there some
four years. In 1872 he became one of the staff
of physicians in the Pennsylvania Hospital for
the Insane, and remained in that position for
fifteen years, or until he resigned from active
practice. During his very arduous and unre-
mitting labor his health had become somewhat
impaired, and he concluded to retire permanently
from his professional work. His opinion is con-
sidered invaluable in mental diseases, and he is
still often called into consultation with other phy-
sicians. For a time he was one of the directors
of the Hunterdon County National Bank. Polit-
ically he is a Republican. Since 1892 he has
been treasurer of the board of trustees of the
Presbyterian Church of Flemington, and is
greatly interested in promoting the prosperity of
the congregation.

V A ICHAEE MEAGHER. The characteris-
Y tics necessary for success are the same in
(jj all parts of the world. Industry, good
judgment, perseverance and sound common sense
are indispensable requisites. Without them, suc-
cess is impossible; with them, one may hope to
attain at least a fair degree of prosperity. It is to
the possession of these qualities that Mr. Meagher
owes his high financial standing and his reputa-
tion as a successful business man. Coming to

America a poor boy, he relied upon his hands and
brain to lay the foundation of his fortune. He
worked at whatever occupation he could find, and
carefully saved his earnings, which he invested
in such a manner as to pay a large interest on the
original investment. As a consequence of his
efforts he is now the owner of the largest real-
estate interests in Washington, where he resides.

Mr. Meagher was born in the parish of Emly,
Ireland, in February, 1844, and is a son of
Timothy and Mary (Day) Meagher. When he
was small his father died and his mother after-
ward married again. William, the oldest brother
of Michael, came to America when young, but
has not been heard from for many years, and his
whereabouts are unknown; Daniel, another
brother, was a farmer in New Jersey, where he
died some years ago; Mary, the only sister, is the
wife of Thomas Keeler, of New York. Accom-
panying his sister to the United States, Michael
Meagher settled in Somerset County, N. J., but
after three years he came to New Hampton, and
five years later went to Clarksville, N. Y., where
he was employed for a year. His next home was
in Clinton, where he spent four 3'ears clerking
for Mr. Weller, the hotel man there, and for a
short time he also had a livery stable.

In 1873 Mr. Meagher came to Washington and
embarked in the livery business, renting the barn
that he now owns on Belvidere avenue. But he
soon purchased the property, and also bought
several business houses and three lots, 70x200
feet. Eater he bought a lot on Church street and
erected a house. He resides in one of the finest
residences in the place, which he purchased about
1886 and which is located on the corner of Church
street and Belvidere avenue. In 1S89 he pur-
chased what is now the New Windsor Hotel, of
which J. Ross Eakeis the proprietor. It is situ-
ated on the corner of Church and Belvidere, sur-
rounded by spacious grounds, heated throughout
by steam, and lighted by electricity and gas. It
is one of the finest hotel properties in the county.
The main building was erected for a private resi-
dence by a retired contractor of New York City
and cost about $25,000. Since its purchase by

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

185

Mr. Meagher a large dining room and kitchen
have been added, also three stories containing
well furnished suites of rooms. In addition to his
other possessions, Mr. Meagher owns several fine
farms in Washington Township, two of which are
in the borough. From one of his farms he sold
twenty acres for the cemetery grounds. His
livery stable is well equipped with horses and
vehicles of every description, and is conducted in
a systematic and successful manner.

By his marriage to Jennie, daughter of Jackson
Hornbecker, of Washington, Mr. Meagher has
four daughters, Mary, Lizzie, Jennie and Annie,
refined and accomplished young ladies. Politi-
cally a Democrat, Mr. Meagher is interested in
party matters and is always pleased when his
party scores a victory. He and his family hold
membership in the Catholic Church.

"HEODORE S. BIRD, after a very active
and useful life in the. great metropolis of
our Atlantic seaboard, returned to the
neighborhood in which his youth was passed,
Clinton, Hunterdon County, and intends to pass
his declining years in this place. Having been
diligent in his business affairs during his early
manhood and prime, he is now justly entitled to
quiet and restful enjoyment, and is surrounded
by numerous comforts and luxuries which his
forethought and industry have provided.

The parents of our subject were John and
Catherine (Whitehead) Bird. He was born in
Union Township, this county, in 1828, and was
reared to maturity upon his father's farm. John
Bird removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., in later years
and lived to be eighty-four. His estimable wife,
the mother of our subject, died in young woman-
hood, in the early '30s, when her sou Theodore
was a mere child. He had but limited advant-
ages for the acquisition of an education, being a
pupil in the district schools for a few months each
year until he was half way through his teens.

By that time he had decided that the life of an
agriculturist was not to his taste, and he there-
fore learned the carpenter's trade. For a few
years he was employed in the building of houses,
barns, etc., in his own county. When he reached
his majority he went to New York, and there
worked as a ship carpenter for more than thirty-
two years. In 1890 he came to Clinton, where
he has a pleasant home and numerous friends.
In the matter of political opinion he is a Demo-
crat.

The first wife of Mr. Bird was Miss Lydia
Bloomfield prior to their marriage, which was
solemnized in 1851. She departed this life in
1883, and but one child of their union survives,
viz., Addie, who is married and lives in New
Haven, Conn. A son, Theodore, died when in
his twenty-third year. In 1890 Mr. Bird mar-
ried Mrs. Emily Bonnell, daughter of Wesley and
Catherine (Tinsman) Bird, who were of Warren
and Hunterdon County families, respectively.
By her marriage with Mr. Bonnell, Mrs. Bird
had five children: Irene, wife of Dr. Walter D.
Hasbrock, of Rondout, N. Y.; Harry R., a drug-
gist in Clinton; Margaret, wife of Chester A.
Tomson, a coal dealer in Clinton; Helena, wife of
John Y. Bellis, of Chester; and Milton, who re-
sides at home. Mrs. Bird is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and the other members of
the family circle also attend its services.

— ) — 8 »vH}n©K«-C;«--

(JOHN C. REEVES is the senior member of the
I firm of Reeves & Terriberry, dealers in lumber
G/ and builders' materials in Clinton, Hunter-
don County. He is a business man of ability and
executive talent, and stands high in the estima-
tion of all who know him, whether in a social or
public or private way. He has the good of his
fellow-townsmen deeply at heart, and is always
ready to do all that lies within his power to pro-
mote their welfare. He has been very active
and interested in public affairs touching the local

i86

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

good, and has at different times occupied posi-
tions of trust and responsibility. He lias hitherto
rendered his allegiance to the Democratic party,
but during the last campaign preferred to stand
independent of its restrictions. He is a thinker,
and decides for himself all great questions involv-
ing principles, as he is not one of that multitude
who are ready to take the opinions of others,
party-machines, perhaps, as their own, nothing
doubting.

The father of the gentleman of whom we write
was George Reeves, a native of Somersetshire,
England, who came to America in his early man-
hood, locating in this county. Here, on a farm,
engaged in the peaceful routine of agriculture,
he spent the remainder of his busy and useful
life. He died at his home in April, 1858, and
was survived several years by his devoted wife.
Her maiden name was Margaret Henry, and her
birthplace was in this section. To them five
sons were born, viz.: Henry E., of Flemington;
William C, deceased; Sylvester, who died at the
age of fifteen years; John C, and Andrew J., a
retired shoe merchant of Junction, N. J.

John C. Reeves was born in what is now called
Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon Count}', March
7, 1 S3 2. He grew to manhood on the old farm,
and after leaving school commenced the business
to which he gave his time and attention for a
quarter of a century — that of carpentering and
building. In 1882 he started a lumber yard in
Glen Gardner, which he successfully conducted
for fifteen years, disposing of it in the spring of
1897. In 1888, in partnership with Stewart
Terriberry, he founded the large lumber yards in
Clinton. They keep an extensive assortment of
all kinds of lumber used in the trade, and have
built up a lucrative business.

In the various fraternities of this region
Mr. Reeves stands especially high. He is past
master of Lebanon Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M., and
holds the office of high priest in Clinton Chapter
No. 37, R. A. M. He has the honor of being a
member of the Masonic Veterans' Association of
the grand lodge of New Jersey, to which no one is
eligible save those who have been master-masons

for twenty-one years and a member of the grand
lodge, to which only past masters are admitted.
Religiously Mr. Reeves is a Presbyterian, being
identiSed with the Musconetcong Valley Church.
December 3, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Reeves
and Mary A. Bowlby was solemnized. She was
a daughter of David and Margaret (Shafer)
Bowlby, farmers of Hunterdon County, and of an
old pioneer family of the Musconetcong Valley.
Mrs. Reeves was called to her reward May 1,
1890, and was placed to rest in the Musconetcong
Valley Cemetery. She left two children to mourn
her loss: William A., who is a teller in the
Clinton National Bank, and Frank A., now liv-
ing in Glen Gardner.

"REUBEN POWNELL ELY, an honored old
^ citizen of Lambertville, Hunterdon Count}',
\ stands very high in the estimation of all
who know him. Of late years he has lived re-
tired from active toil, as his years well warrant,
but he has not been idle, for he has, among
other things, spent much time in tracing the his-
tory of the Ely family, one of the most ancient in
the connected annals of this country and Eng-
land. As a result of his untiring and diligent
research, and of others of his family who have
gladly lent him the valuable assistance, he has
probably the most exhaustive and trustworthy
accounts of the Joshua Ely family to be found in
America. In addition to this he is an authority
on events and history of the communities in
which his life has been spent, and his accurate
memory is a matter of comment to everyone.
The limits of a work of this kind would be ex-
ceeded were a half or a quarter of this mass of
material relating to him and his family used, but
we are glad to be able to give the following inter-
esting summary:

Tradition has it that all of the Elys in the
United States are descended from three brothers
who came to these shores from England, but at

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

187

widely separated periods in our colonial history.
The name is certainly most ancient and respected,
as in the early Saxon chronicles it is related how,
in 673 A. D., St. Ethelred began the "minster
of Ely," and the convent in the city Ely, Cam-
bridgeshire, was constructed in 870 A. D., on the
island of Ely, separated from the mainland by the
Ouse River. The beautiful cathedral of Ely is
still an object of great interest to travelers in
England, and the bishopric of the same was
founded in 11 70.

Nathaniel Ely settled in Springfield, Mass., in
1628, and possibly was a brother of the Richard
Ely who located in Lynne, Conn., in 1660, hav-
ing come there from Plymouth, England, where
he was a ship merchant. The third Ely, from
whom our subject is descended in direct line, was
Joshua Ely, who came to these shores from Not-
tinghamshire in 1685. He located in Trenton,
N. J., where he bought of Mahlon Stacy four
hundred acres of land, paying for the same forty-
seven pounds, ten shillings, sterling. A part of
this laud was afterwards sold and divided into
city lots. This Joshua Ely left England with
his wife and two sons, Joshua, Jr., and George,
and a third son, John, was born during the voy-
age. It is from the second son, George, that our
subject is descended. In the last will and testa-
ment of the senior Joshua Ely he provided that if
his son George persisted in marrying Christian,
daughter of Nathaniel Pettit, a near neighbor,
the said son should be cut off with twenty
pounds, and have no share in the estate. He
did not marry Christian, but married her sister,
Jane Pettit, in 1703, being then but twenty-one
years of age. Therefore he came in for his full
share in the estate, and was the owner of one
hundred acres in Trenton vicinity. When the
city was incorporated in 1746 he served as a
member of the city council, as the records show.
He died in 1750 and an inspection of the inven-
tory of his property shows that he was a rich
man for that period.

Of the three sons and three daughters which he
left the eldest was Joshua, born March 16, 1704,
in Trenton, where he lived until he attained the

age of man's estate. He married Elizabeth Bell,
also of Trenton, and for several years rented a
farm on the Delaware River. He afterwards
purchased some four hundred acres, situated
about a mile north of New Hope, Pa. From
that time on his name frequently appears in the
township records, as well as in the records of the
Society of Friends, to which both himself and
wife belonged, though none of his ancestors had
before been connected with the same. In 1752
he was made an elder and in 1758 a minister in
the society. He died July 15, 1783, leaving his
land to his four sons and his personal property to
his three daughters, all of whom lived to have
families of their own. The third sou, John, was
born in Solebury Township, on the farm which
his father was then renting (May 28, 1738), and
as his inheritance he received the fourth part of
the homestead, on which stood the house and farm
buildings which had been erected by his father.
He was twice married, his first wife being Sarah
Simcock, and their marriage being celebrated in
the Friends' Meeting-house in Buckingham, No-
vember 11, 1764. They had five children, one
of whom, Asher, was the grandfather of our sub-
ject. He was born July 11, 1768, and married
Eleanor, daughter of John and Mary Holcombe.
He was a farmer and lived upon that part of the
Ely farm so often referred to in this narrative.
The deed from his father was dated April 23,
1808, and the price set upon it three thousand
pounds, current money of Pennsylvania. He
died in 1855 and his wife the following year.

Of the nine children of Asher and Eleanor
Ely, John H., the father of our subject, was
born March 6, 1792, and was twice married, his
first wife having been Elizabeth Pownall, who
was born June 30, 1786. They were married'
November 11, 18 12. She was a daughter of
Reuben and Mary Pownall, whose land joined the
Ely tract on the north.

Reuben P. Ely, the second child of his parents,
was born June 7, 18 15, and began life as a
farmer in Solebury Township, Bucks County,
Pa. Later he was interested in various business
ventures and was usually successful in his enter-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

prises. He married Violetta Duer, December 4,
1851, and has two children, Elizabeth F. and
Sarah W. The mother was born January 1 1 ,
1818, and was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah
Duer.

PETER C. HOFF, a dealer in coal, and pro-
prietor of a livery establishment in Lambert-
>3 ville, Hunterdon County, is one of the
substantial citizens of this place. His life history
is one of unusual type, and the obstacles which
he has had to overcome in making a position for
himself in the business world were certainty
numerous enough and difficult enough to have
utterly disheartened most men. He is made of
the kind of mettle that stands the test of adversity,
however, and one cannot but have the greatest
admiration for him in view of what he has done
in the battle of life. To him the synonym is not
a light one, for it has been wholly realized in his
case.

Born in Somerset Count}', N. J., October 13,
1821, our subject at nine years of age went to
work for a farmer near Griggstown, but as the
man was unkind to him the lad ran away from
his inhospitable home at the end of two years.
He soon obtained another place, remaining there
for two years, but all of his little earnings went
to his father. He was next employed by a Dr.
Davis, and while working for him he had an
experience which came near finishing his career.
In company with a hired man he went in a wagon
to a distance, and at a certain point they forded
the Raritan River. The current was so strong
and deep that the wagon-bed was lifted off the
wheels and floated down stream, with our hero
clinging desperately to it. He was at last res-
cued, more scared than hurt, but his troubles
were not over for that clay, for before he went to
sleep that night he accidentally broke his leg,
and, as there were no doctors near, his aunt set
it as best she could. For a few years he was em-
ployed by various men, none of whom took much

interest in the boy, nor did the}' give him enough
compensation for his toil to make him ambitious
of achieving greater things. For two years he
was engaged in training race horses for Major
Low, and carefully saved his earnings only to
have them stolen at last. Then, for a year or
two, he drove tow horses on the canal. His next
venture was to learn the coach-maker's trade in
Lambertville, the first year receiving $20 for
the year, and each succeeding year for four years
getting an additional $5. At length he started
into business for himself with an exceedingly small
capital, thus being in every way at a great disad-
vantage, but at the close of the year he had about
$400 clear. He went to New York in 1845,
and after serving in the capacity of a clerk in a
grocery for a time, he opened a store of the same
kind in New York City, and conducted it with fair
success four years. In 1851 he returned to this
place and carried on a dry-goods and grocer}'
store for a number of years in partnership with
Martin E- Reeve. In 1864 he sold out, and, going
to Tennessee, was appointed horse inspector in the
Army of the Cumberland, and served as such un-
til the close of the war, at $150 per mouth.

In 1866 he became a partner in the firm of
Jamieson, Murray & Co., owners of a foundry
and machine works in Trenton, N.J. Since 1867
he has been a resident of Lambertville, and occu-
pied in a coal and livery business. September 1,
1847, he married Sarah H. Marshall, of this
place, daughter of Philip and Sarah Marshall.
Her brother, James Wilson Marshall, was the
noted miner who discovered gold at Sutter's
Mills, in California, in 184S. In 1852 our subject
went to the Pacific slope by way of the Isthmus
of Panama, and was gone over eight months.
During this period he joined his brother-in-law
and was fairly successful in the pursuit of fortune.
He returned the same year. In December, 1S54,
he removed to Frenchtown and went into the
ready-made clothing business; he returned to
Lambertville in 1856, and again went into busi-
ness with his old partner, M. L. Reeve, and con-
tinued in business until he sold out in 1864 to
join the army. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff had two chil-

TYX&2S

??'/**

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

191

dren, but the son, Charles C, is deceased. The
daughter, Mary A., a most amiable aud charming
young lad}', is her father's comfort and right
hand since the wife and mother was summoned
to the silent land March 23, 1895.

Formerly a Democrat, Mr. Hoff voted first for
James K. Polk in 1844. Later he was a Whig,
and since the organization of the Republican
party he has been stanch in his allegiance to the
same. With the exception of three years when
he served as treasurer of this town, Mr. Hoff has
never held office. Religiously he is a Baptist,
and has acted as treasurer of the church here.
When he attained his majority he joined the Odd
Fellows, and is still affiliated with them, and is
also a member of the Masonic order, belonging to
Amwell Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M.

6>G\ ALTER S. HIBSHMAN, M. D., is one of
I A / the promising young physicians ofHunter-
V V don County, having his office in Milford.
A native of Franklin County, Pa., his early edu-
cation was obtained in the public schools of the
Keystone State, and afterward he was a student
in Wooster (Ohio) University, from which he re-
ceived the degrees of A. B. and A. M. The
degree of M. D. he received from the Medico-
Chirurgical Institute of Philadelphia aud after his
graduation he was employed for one term as resi-
dent physician at the Institute Hospital. For a
short period he practiced his profession in Envinna,
Pa., from which place he came to Milford in June,
1896. He has built up a valuable and growing
practice in this section and also in Bucks County,
Pa. , where he is frequently called in consultation
or for medical treatment. Besides his private
practice he is medical examiner for the Pruden-
tial Insurance Company of Newark, N. J.

In his fraternal relations Dr. Hibshman is con-
nected with the Patriotic Order Sons of America
and he is also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega

of the college fraternity. In 1895 he was united
in marriage with Miss Hannah Elizabeth Mills,
daughter of E. S. Mills, and their union has been
blessed by the birth of two children, twins, Ger-
trude and Leonora. The doctor and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Milford.
The}- are popular in the social circles of the place
and are welcomed guests in the best homes of the
community.

The doctor's father, Rev. H. H. W. Hibshman,
D. D., was for many years a prominent minister
in the Reformed Church of Pennsylvania and was
a man of broad information and deep spirituality,
whose influence in his denomination was great;
he died in April, 1896. His ancestors had been
prominent in the history of Pennsylvania, of which
they were early settlers. He married Alice Jane
Clark, daughter of Edwin Clark, who gained fame
as an inventor of the roller flour mill system.
Seven children were born of their marriage,
namely: Rev. E. Clark, pastor of a church at
Stroudsburg, Pa. ; Allen Porter, a retired farmer re-
siding in Eschbach, Pa. ; Rev. A. H. , who lives in
Shippensburg, Pa.; Rev. H. E.,of Mount Pleasant,
N. Y. ; Walter S. , the subject of this sketch; Roy
S., now a student in college; and Margaret M., a
pupil in the Lancaster (Pa.) high school.

0ENNIS V. L. SCHENCK. Numbered
among the sterling old citizens whose in-
dustry and enterprise have been most im-
portant factors in the development of Hunterdon
County is this farmer of Delaware Township.
He was born in Somerset County, N. J., Decem-
ber 3, 1820, being a son of Gilbert Scheuck, a
native of the same locality, and grandson of John
Schenck, who served gallantly in the colonial
struggle for independence. From these worthy
ancestors the subject of this article inherited
sturdy, honest, industrious traits of character,

ig2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the exercise of which has brought to him a fair
measure of this world's goods and the genuine
regard of all his neighbors and acquaintances.

In 1859 D. V. L- Schenck was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary E. Carle, whose father was
Judge Samuel Carle, a rich and influential
merchant and representative citizen of Hunterdon
County. He was a leader in the Democratic
party, and was for fifteen years a county judge.
In his official capacity he acquitted himself with
ability and much credit to himself and constitu-
ents. He was the administrator of numerous
estates, and his fellows placed the utmost con-
fidence in his integrity. He accumulated a goodly
property, and was generous in the distribution of
his money. He was born in Hunterdon County,
but was in business in Somerset County, N. J.,
several years, his home being at Neshanic Sta-
tion.

John E. Schenck, son of D. V. L- and Mary E.
Schenck, was born near Mount Airy, Hunterdon
County, July 21,1861, and grew to mature years in
that locality. He went to the country schools,
where he obtained the rudiments of his education,
supplementing this later by a course in the
Trenton Business College. Therehe took the entire
practical business studies, save the part relating
exclusively to banking. Then he returned to the
old home, and was interested in its management
until he was twenty-five. The following year he
was in business in Philadelphia, and upon New
Year's day, 1889, he opened a livery and sale
stable in Eambertville. His maternal grandfather,
Judge Carle, previously mentioned, gave the
young man financial aid on the start. He has a
well-equipped establishment, keeps a fine line of
carriages and road-carts and good horses. He
is building up a sure and regular patronage, and
deserves the support of the people in this vicinity,
as he endeavors to please. Like his father before
him he holds to the principles of the Republican
party, and cast his first vote for James G. Blaine.
Socially he belongs to Lone Star Lodge No. 16,
K. P., and is past chancellor of the same.

November 4, 1891, Mr. Schenck and Miss
Jennie Lear were united in marriage in Lambert-

ville. Mrs. Schenck is a daughter of Mahlon and
Fannie (Yates) Lear, and by her marriage has
become the mother of one child, Fannie, born
in this town September 16, 1S92.

— — i — j — •^H1;1tl£)K»-C;» — *— <-

HEODORE D. VAN SICKEL, D.D.S., is
one of the representative members of the
dental profession in Hunterdon Count}' and
during the comparativelyshort time that he has
been established in the town of Lambertville has
succeeded in building up an enviable reputation
for excellent work. In few of the professions
have greater strides been made in this progressive
decade or two past than in the one to which he
belongs. He has the advantage of having
recently studied the most approved methods of the
time and is therefore particularly well fitted to
meet the most difficult requirements in the shape
of bridge-work, plates, crown-work, splints,
obturators, etc. In manner he is kindly and
courteous and readily wins friends by his genial
characteristics.

Dr. Van Sickel is a native of New Jersey, his
birth having occurred in the town of New Bruns-
wick, July 26, 1871. He isa sou ofWilliam and
Lydia (Dean) Van Sickel, most worthy and re-
spected citizens of Middlesex Count}-. The
father was a native of the same locality as was
our subject, and was reared on a farm. In his
youth he learned the mason's trade, his first
wages being nine cents a day, and later he
became a successful contractor and builder. The
doctor was about eight years old when his father
bought a farm near Blackwell's Mills, N. J., and
there he resided about four years. The home-
stead was then sold, and the family moved back
to New Brunswick, so the lad's education was
mainly gained in the schools of that place. He
was an apt student and made fine progress in his
school work. At the asre of seventeen he entered

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i93

the dental office of Drs. Hull & Iredell, and was
four years an apprentice to the profession there.
Having thus laid a good foundation for future
endeavor, he now matriculated in the New York
College of Dentistry, remaining there three years.
He was duly graduated in 1895 and at once
settled in Lambertville. While in college he was
a member of the Psi Omega Society, and still is
associated with the same. In politics he is an
ardent Republican and cast his first presidential
vote for Harrison in 1892.

While still a student in college, Dr. Van
Sickel married Miss Anna Augusta Clickner,
daughter of Edwin L. Clickner, of New Bruns-
wick, the ceremony being performed October 13,
1894. Mrs. Van Sickel is a young lady of
charming manners and intellectual attainments,
presiding over her home with grace and dignity.
Both she and her husband are members of the
Baptist Church of New Brunswick, where they
are numbered among the most energetic workers
in the congregation.

WAMUEh G. LUNGER, ex-mayor of the
7\ thriving little city of Clinton, Hunterdon
\~J County, is one of the solid business men of
this place, and has always been actively inter-
ested in the promotion of its welfare. He comes
from old and honored families in this vicinity, his
ancestors having settled hereabouts several gener-
ations ago, and were among the founders of this
county's prosperity.

George G. Lunger, father of our subject, was
a life-long resident of Hunterdon Count}', and,
while chiefly occupied in agricultural pursuits,
was also for a period engaged in mercantile en-
terprises. In the affairs of this county he was
quite prominent, holding many local offices to
the satisfaction of all concerned. After acting in
the capacity of collector, he was honored by the

more responsible position of sheriff, and discharged
his arduous duties with fidelity to the least
detail. His useful, active life was rounded out
to almost fourscore years, and when death claimed
him he passed away from his community re-
gretted and mourned by all who had known him.
He died April 11, 1891, aged seventy-nine years,
three months and nine days. His faithful com-
panion, whose maiden name was Rebecca Lawshe,
was born in this county, and is still living, now
over eighty years of age.

Samuel G. Lunger was born in 1847, upon his
father's homestead, in Hunterdon County. In
his boyhood he had only such educational advan-
tages as the district school afforded. He became
a practical farmer under the direction of his father
on the home farm, where he continued to dwell
until he was twenty-five years of age. The fol-
lowing two years he was in the government em-
ploy, engaged in carrying the mail from High
Bridge to German Valley. About 1873 he entered
the butcher's business in High Bridge, and
was successfully occupied in this enterprise in
that village until 1882, when he sold out and
went to Philadelphia. After a two years' resi-
dence in the Quaker city he removed to Clin-
ton, arriving here June 10, 1885. Since that date
he has carried on a meat market here, and has
gradually built up a large and remunerative trade.
Mr. Lunger is identified with the Odd Fellows'
society and the Knights of Pythias. In the lodge
of the last-named organization he has passed
through all the chairs, and has enjoyed the honor
of being sent as its representative to the grand
lodge. In his political affiliations he is a Demo-
crat, and, while not an aspirant to official honors,
he has been called upon in a few instances to
occupy public positions in this vicinity, and has
acquitted himself with ability. When living in
High Bridge he was assessor of that township.
Here he has been a member of the common coun-
cil and has served as mayor of the city.
vThe marriage of Mr. Lunger and Margaret
Bogart took place in 1867. Mrs. Lunger is a
daughter of Isaac Bogart, of Hampden, N.J. Of
the children born to our subject and wife five are

i94

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

still living, viz.: Minnie, now the wife of Charles
A. Woolley, of Boston, Mass.; Helen, John, Car-
roll and Robert. Mrs. Lunger is a consistent
Christian, and is identified with the Presbyterian
Church as a member.

GlNDREW CRATER. Not far from the
i 1 pretty village of Pleasant Run, Hunterdon
/ I County, is situated the home where Mr.
Crater resided until his death. He was a pro-
gressive and successful business man and farmer,
and was well and favorably esteemed throughout
Readington Township, where he lived all of his
mature life. His forefathers were closely associ-
ated with the upbuilding and development of this
section of the state since its early settlement and
came here originally from Germany. As a family
they have been remarkable for sturdy indepen-
dence, industry, reliability, integrity and all that
goes to make good citizens. Almost without
exception they have preferred the quiet, peaceful
avocation of a fanner, and in every case have
been successful in the acquisition of a good liveli-
hood.

The father of our subject, Peter A. Crater, is a
well-to-do farmer of Hunterdon County. He is
the son of Philip, and grandson of Matthias Cra-
ter, both of whom were natives of this county and
practical agriculturists. Peter Crater married
Matilda Apgar, a resident of his own neighbor-
hood, and to their union six children were born.
Three of the number are deceased, and the others
ill the order of their births are Eliza A. , Rebecca
and Lydia.

Andrew Crater was born in Hunterdon County,
September 12, 1846. In his boyhood he attended
the common schools, where he gained a knowledge
of the three "R's" and other useful information
amply sufficient for the ordinary purposes of life.
At the same time he learned everything essential

to the proper management of a farm, and was
thus qualified to assume charge of one of his own
when he arrived at maturity. When he died he
was the proprietor of an improved homestead of
some seventy-two acres, all of which yielded
abundant harvests in return for the care bestowed
upon the place.

September 28, 1880, Mr. Crater married Sarah
Smith, a daughter of Ralph Smith, of this county.
They had only one child, Andrew J., Jr. They
were members of the Reformed Church, and were
interested in religious and benevolent enterprises.
In his political belief Mr. Crater was a Democrat.
He never aspired to office, but preferred to attend
strictly to his own affairs. He commanded the
respect and high regard of all with whom he ever
had any dealings, whether in a business or social
manner; and his death, on May 19, 1898, was
mourned by all who knew him. On the 13th
of the same month his wife passed away.

[I UKE S. BEACKWELL has been a life-long
I C farmer and for over forty years has been en-
|_2f gaged in the cultivation of his desirable
homestead, which is situated in East Amwell
Township, Hunterdon County. Ever since the
First National Bank of Hopewell was started a
few years ago, he has been one of the directors of
that institution. Though he possessed few ad-
vantages in his youth in an educational way. as
compared with those now afforded every school-
child, he is well posted and intelligent, having
become so by reading and observation, and gen-
eral experience in the hard school of life. Po-
litically he is a Republican, and is a firm believer
in the present standard of the monetary system.
For years he has been an influential member of
the Dutch Reformed Church of Clover Hill, and
has served the congregation in the capacity of
elder.

The fifth in a family of seven children born to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i9S

Jacob and Mary (Van Dyke) Blackwell, L. S., of
whom we write, was born in Hopewell Township,
Mercer County, N. J., November 21, 1823.
The other brothers and sisters are: Ann M., de-
ceased; Nathaniel D., also deceased; Elizabeth,
widow of Jacob S. Manners, who was a farmer of
this township, and died in 1881, at the age of
sixty-nine years; J. V. D., a resident of Werts-
ville; Benjamin, of Pennington; and Margaret,
who died in infancy.

The parents of our subject died when he was
eight years old, but he continued to live in the
neighborhood of his old home until he was about
sixteen, when he came to this locality. From
that time until 1857 he worked for the brother-
in-law previously mentioned, Jacob S. Manners.
Forty-one years ago he settled upon the farm
where he still makes his home. There are
eighty-four acres in the homestead, and the
owner has another tract of woodland, some thirty
acres additional. He deserves great credit for
the success which he has made, as he started out
to make his own way in the world at eight years
an orphan, and unaided by influence, friends or
wealth. He is practically self educated and self
made, and has won a competence by industry and
unremitting attention to business. He was mar-
ried in September, 1868, to Sarah Sutphin,
daughter of R. J. and Rachel A. Sutphin. The
mother was born in 1807, is still living and en-
joys fair health. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell have
no children.

qJEORGE I. GARDNER, of Belvidere, was
__ born in this vicinity, and has always lived
J hereabouts. In a business way he has been
active, and in the promotion of local improvements
his influence is ever given to the progressive idea.
Upright in all his dealings with his fellow-men, he
merits and receives, in gratifying measure, their
high regard.

The great-grandfather of our subject was a
native of Scotland and bore the Christian name of
William. At a very early day in the annals of
this county he came to America, and made his
home permanently in Harmony Township, where
he was an influential man and extensive land-
holder. He donated the ground on which was
built the old Harmony Church, and in the neigh-
boring church 3'ard he and many of his descend-
ants are peacefully resting. The father of our
subject, James Gardner, was born in Harmony
Township, and followed agricultural pursuits in
his early manhood. He won the love and esteem
of all with whom he came into contact, as his life
was above reproach. For years he was a great
worker in the First Presbyterian Church of Har-
mony. In 1857 he removed to Belvidere, and
there continued to make his abode while he lived.
His death, which occurred in 1883, was deeply
deplored by his large circle of earnest friends,
and was felt to be a great loss to the community.
His faithful wife, whose maiden name was Ruth
Cole, is still living, now in her eightieth year, and
five of their ten children survive.

George I. Gardner was born January 8, 1842,
and when he arrived at a suitable age began at-
tending the local schools. At seventeen he com-
menced farming in earnest, but the arduous life
proved too hard for his strength, and when he
reached his majority he came to Belvidere, and
embarked in the lumber business and in contract-
ing for buildings. Since that time he has kept
steadily at work along these lines, and has met
with success. In this town he has erected three
hundred or more houses, etc., or more than all
other contractors. Still, his time has not been
fully occupied in meeting the needs of the local
trade, and he has consequently taken contracts
elsewhere, anywhere in the county. In Phillips-
burg, for instance, he has put up about thirty
houses. His structures always give complete
satisfaction, as he carries out to the letter every
detail of his contracts. In politics a Democrat,
he discharges his duty as a voter, but has never
aspired to official distinction. By his marriage
with Maria, daughter of Samuel Williams, of

196

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Water Gap, Pa., June 8, 1863, he has the follow-
ing children: Charles; Elizabeth, Mrs. Samuel
Belford; Samuel W. and Henrietta.

Samuel W. Gardner was born August 18, 1872,
and was educated in the Belvidere schools. When
he was in his fifteenth year he went in business
with his father, and gradually assumed more of
the responsibility connected with the manage-
ment of the same, until 1891, when the firm name
was changed to the present style, S. W. Gardner
& Co. In the spring of 1897 he was elected a
member of the city council by his political col-
leagues, the Democrats of this locality. Frater-
nally he stands high, belonging to Warren Lodge
No. 13, F. & A. M., is also a member of the
Royal Arch Masons at Washington; De Molay
Commandery No. 6, K. T., of Washington,
N. J., and is also identified with the Red Men.
May 29, 1895, his marriage with Carrie, daugh-
ter of Jacob Shield, was solemnized.

• -■••>»> OCyK'-c; 1 — 1-~ '-

AVID ROBERSON. Alist of the men who,
«) after years of toil and persevering effort have
Q) retired from business cares and are enjoying
the fruits of former labor, would include the name
of Mr. Roberson, of Frenchtown, a well-known
citizen and a retired farmer. For some twelve
years he has been a director in the Union National
Bank. In other ways he is closely identified with
local enterprises and has contributed to the ad-
vancement of the place where he resides.

The birth of Mr. Roberson occurred in King-
wood Township, Hunterdon County, December
18, 1820. His father, Pearson, who was a son of
Jonathan Roberson, a life-long resident of King-
wood Township, was born January 30, 1796, and
died May 22, 1857, at about sixty-one years of
age. Born near Baptistown, he engaged in farm-
ing in Kingwood Township and was one of its
leading agriculturists. In religion he was con-
nected with the Baptist Church, as was also his

wife, Rebecca (Lair) Roberson, who was born
June 10, 1794, and died May 4, 1884. They
were the parents of eight children, all but one of
whom are still living, viz.: David, Jonathan, Will-
iam, John, Wilson; Jane, wife of Samuel Thatcher;
and Joseph.

When twenty-one years of age the subject of
this sketch went to Locktown and was there em-
ployed on a farm for three years. He then re-
moved to his present home in Frenchtown, where
he gave his attention to farming pursuits until
1862. The following year he was appointed sex-
ton of Frenchtown Cemetery, a position that he
held for twenty-two successive years. He is now
living in retirement from business and farming
duties, surrounded by every comfort that can en-
hance the happiness of life. Fraternally he is
connected with Arion Lodge, F. & A. M., in
which he has passed the chairs, and is also a
member of Lambertville Chapter, R. A. M. In
religious belief he is a Methodist and his family
also attend that church.

In 1844 Mr. Roberson was united in marriage
with Miss Ellen Eichlin, daughter of Samuel
Eichliu. Their five children are as follows:
John, who is now living in Ohio; Emma, who is
at home and is her father's housekeeper; Sarah
Ann, deceased; Henry C, of Frenchtown; and
James W., who resides in Lambertville. The
wife and mother died in 1890, at the age of sixty-
seven years.

(JACOB VEIT, of Flemington, is one of her
1 most worthy German-American citizens, and
Q) one who richly earned his right to be called
a patriotic son of this commonwealth during his
long and arduous service in defense of this nation's
liberties in the late civil conflict. He was born
in Wittenberg, Germany, May 16, 1842, and came
to seek a new home in America when he was a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

197

youth of about fourteen years. He had received
a general education in the schools of his Father-
land, and, as soon as possible after his arrival in
this country, or about a year later, he went to
school through the winter term, working in the
meantime to pay his expenses. His was a hardy,
industrious nature, and the difficulties that would
have seemed insurmountable to many a lad but
served to spur him on to redoubled zeal in over-
coming them.

The first of our subject's family to leave home
and native land was his brother Christian, who
located in Philadelphia in 1850. There he was
engaged in the butchering business until the out-
break of the war, when he enlisted for nine
months' service, later resuming his former oc-
cupation. The father, Jacob Veit, who was a
cooper by trade, and worked at that calling in
Germany, was the next of the family to decide
that he would henceforth live beneath the stars
and stripes. He crossed the ocean in 1852, ac-
companied by his wife, whose maiden name was
Katherine Dibbler. They had but two chil-
dren, Christian and Jacob.

Jacob Veit, of this sketch, found employment
for the first year after he landed in the United
States, in a stable in Flemington, as a stable-boy,
and was similarly occupied until September 23,
1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Ninth
New Jersey Infantry, being mustered in October
1. He was assigned to Reno's First Brigade, and
went on Burnside's expedition January 3, 1862,
serving altogether three years and ten months.
After the first year he was detailed as orderly for
Major Stewart, who was successively promoted
to lieutenant-colonel, colonel and brigadier-
general. This valiant officer he followed
throughout his brilliant campaigns, sharing his
good or evil fortune, as the case might be. With
the exception of one battle, when he was sick
with typhoid fever, he participated in all the
numerous battles and engagements which his
company had with the enemy. Among these
were the following: Capture of Roanoke Island,
February 8, 1862; Ft. Macon, N. C, April, 25;
Young's Cross-roads, Jul)- 27; expedition to

Washington, October; Rowells' Mills, November
2; Goldsboro Expedition, December 11; Deep
Creek, December 12; near Kingston from De-
cember 13-16; White Hall, December 17; ex-
pedition to Port Royal, January 20, 1863; Point
Comfort, N. C, July 6; Deep Creek, July 12;
march to Winton, N. C. , July 25. After his re-
enlistment January 18, 1864, he was in thebattles
and skirmishes of Deep Creek, N. C. , February
7; Cherry Grove, April 14; Point Walthall, May
6, 7; Swift Creek, May 9, 10; Drury's Bluff, May
12 and 17; Cold Harbor, June 3-13. With the
Second Brigade, Second Division, Tenth Army
Corps, he was in the encounters at Weir Bottom
Creek, June 16; Petersburg, Va., June 20, Aug-
ust 24; Mine Explosion, July 30; Gardner's
Bridge, December 7; Foster's Bridge, December 10;
Butler's Bridge, December 11; Southwest Creek,
March 7, 1865; Wise's Ford, March S-n and
Goldsboro, N. C, March 21. He was transferred
to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-
third Army Corps, April 3, and was finally
mustered out of the service July 12, 1865.

At the close of the war Mr. Veit returned to
Flemington and bought out a livery establishment
and has continued in this business ever since.
He has been prospered financially, and stands
well in the business community. In local affairs
he votes for the one whom he considers best for
an}' given office, and in general elections his
support is given to the Democracy. He has
never sought or held official positions, preferring
to live the quiet life of a private citizen. He is a
charter member of Lambert Boeman Post No. 48,
G. A. R., of this place. His wife belongs to the
Woman's Relief Corps, connected with the post,
and has been chaplain of the same for the past
ten years. She was united in marriage with Mr.
Veit August 7, 1866, she then bearing the name
of Lavenia Van Doren. Her father, Jacob Van
Doren, and her mother, Sarah, were natives of
this county, and resided on the old family home-
stead in Readington Township. Mrs. Veit has
two brothers and one sister living, Joseph C,
Lncelia and H. S. O. Van Doren. Of the five
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Veit two are de-

198

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ceased, viz.: Annie L. , who married B. Frank
Harris, of South Plainfield, N. J., and left one
daughter, Delia M.; and John J., the second child.
Sadie C. is at home; Edward A. graduated from
Stewart's Business College, of Trenton, N. J.,
March 18, 1898; and Odelbert J. is a student in
the high school. Mrs. Veit is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, which her husband attends,
and to which he lends material assistance. She
is also identified with the Needlework Guild
of the church and is active in various kinds of
benevolences.

Q ENJAMIN F. HONNESS, now postmaster
VS of Clinton, was appointed to this position by
\_j President McKinley in September, 1897, and
received his commission on the first of the follow-
ing month. He was formerly the efficient mayor
of this place for two years, and has been for years
one of the reliable standard-bearers of the Repub-
lican party in this section. He is giving general
satisfaction to all parties in his present position,
is accommodating and very popular, and deserves
the commendation of his fellow-citizens.

The parents of the above were Michael and
Elizabeth (Fritts) Honness. The father, who
was of German descent, died when Benjamin F.
was a mere child, and the latter unfortunately
has no remembrance of him. He was a native of
this county, and carried on a farm in Lebanon
Township. He, in turn, was a son of George
Honness. Benjamin F. Honness was born upon
his father's homestead in this county, November
7, 1827, and until he was ten years old he lived
with his widowed mother. At that tender age
he was obliged to leave home to make his own
livelihood as best he could, and for a period of five
years worked for his board for neighboring farm-
ers. At the end of that time he was apprenticed
to a tailor, C. W. Altemus, of Clinton, and was
employed solely in that line of business for four

years. Then he accepted a clerkship in the post-
office, filling that position in connection with his
tailoring business. In 1S53 he became a mem-
ber of the firm of Hummer, Hackett & Honness,
and was interested in general merchandising for
the next two years.

In 1856 Mr. Honness became an employe of
the Hope Express Company, as a messenger on
the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad,
his route lying between New York and Great
Bend, Pa., for thirteen years. The run was then
extended to Binghamton, and he removed from
Great Bend, where he had made his home for
more than a dozen years, to Binghamton, remain-
ing there about six years. In 1876 he was given
the express agency at Newark, N. J., and held
the position for ten years, at the expiration of
which time the company sold out to the United
States Express Company, and with the new cor-
poration our subject continued to render faithful
service for two years. He then resigned and
came to Clinton, where, a year later, he pur-
chased the hardware store of John A. Young, in
partnership with William C. Butler, the firm be-
coming Honness & Butler. After six years of
successful enterprise Mr. Honness retired from
the firm, and enjoyed a much-needed rest for a
few years, afterwards occupying the public offices
already mentioned. Fraternally he is a Mason,
and has been a member of Stewart Lodge No. 34,
F. & A. M., for some time. He was formerly an
Episcopalian, but as there is no church of that
denomination here he has identified himself with
the Presbyterian Church.

January 21, 1857, was the date of the first mar-
riage of Mr. Honness. The lady of his choice
was Elizabeth S. , daughter of Alexander and
Susan (Sharp) Probasco. She died in April,
1859, leaving one daughter, Ada V., now the
wife of Prof. George C. Sonu, of the Newark high
school. June 2S, 1864, Mr. Honness married
Sarah A. Foster, whose parents were Thomas
and Sarah (Young) Foster. She is a sister of
John Y. Foster, deceased, editor of the Frank
Leslie publications for a number of years and
prominently before the people of this state at one

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

199

time as the secretary of the New Jersey Republi-
can Committee. The union of Mr. and Mrs.
Honness was blessed with three children: Robert,
who died in infancy; John Foster, a real-estate
and insurance man of New York City, and who
married Catherine, daughter of Rev. J. Clement
French, of Newark; and George G. , a civil en-
gineer, in the employ of the Passaic Water Com-
pany of Paterson, N. J., his home being in
Newark. Both sons attended the military school
in Reading, Pa.

ROBERT A. MONTGOMERY is one of the
most enterprising business men of Eambert-
ville, Hunterdon County, of which place he
is a native son. From his early years he has
been connected with the various interests of the
town, and has been foremost in promoting all
local industries and institutions that he believed
beneficial to our people. In political matters he
takes his stand on the Republican party plat-
form, and is now serving as a chairman of the
county commissioners, representing the first
ward.

Born May 4, 1861, Robert A. Montgomery is
a son of Robert and Mary (Roberts) Montgom-
ery. In his boyhood he attended the public
schools, and by the time that he was fifteen he
had mastered the most practical branches of mod-
ern education. He then took a position as a
clerk in the store which he now owns, and grad-
ually learned the details of the business, so that
he at last felt competent to undertake the enter-
prise on his own responsibility. For a time,
when he was nineteen or thereabout, he was a
fireman on the Belvidere branch of the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad Company. Returning then to
this town, he became the proprietor of the store
on Cottage Hill, buying the establishment
largely on borrowed capital. This indebtedness
he was soon enabled to meet and by his strict atten-

tion to his business in all its details he has been
prospered in a financial point of view. At pres-
ent the demands of the trade keep several clerks
busy, and from time to time the owner has been
compelled to enlarge his stock and accommoda-
tions. In 1889 he began taking contracts for the
building of fine roads, macadamized and other
kinds, and also employs about two hundred men
at crushing stone and making paving-blocks. He
handles about $150,000 to $200,000 worth of such
stone each year, having built up a very large
business. This company is known as the Dela-
ware Quarry and Construction Company, and its
office is at No. 24 Exchange Place. Mr. Montgom-
ery was elected the president of the same in 1893
and has served as such up to the present time. He
is also president of the Stockton Stone Company.
December 13, 1S82, Mr. Montgomery married
Alma Hunt, of Milford. She was a native of
that place and is a daughter of Noah and Rachel
(Robeson) Hunt. To our subject and wife a
son and a daughter have been born, Richard, in
1885 and Maroan, in 1888. The family have a
very pleasant home situated on Cottage Hill.
They attend the Presbyterian Church. Frater-
nally Mr. Montgomery belongs to St. Elmo Com-
mandery, and is present commander of No. 14, K.
T. , and has been the high priest of Wilson Chapter
No. 13, R. A. M., of Eambertville. He is very
fond of athletic sports, and is the treasurer of the
Eambertville Athletic Association.

— •^>(|§f§)®£fr:

"3 EORGE STIEEWEEE, a sterling citizen of
— Readington Township, Hunterdon Count)',
^J comes from old and thoroughly respected
families of this section of the state of New Jersey.
His great-grandfather Stillwell was a soldier in
the colonial struggle for independence in America,
and his descendants have always been character-
ized with great patriotism and love for their coun-

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

try, a due regard for the rights and welfare of
their fellows and in private life have been marked
for their honest, industrious and homely virtues.

The father of the subject of this article was
John Still well, a native of Hunterdon County.
In his younger years he was a merchant at White
House, and at one time was engaged in the card-
ing and weaving of wool into cloth. Later he
was a successful farmer. He was a son of Nich-
olas Stillwell, who with his father was an early
settler of this county. John Stillwell was a Whig
in politics, and joined the ranks of the Republi-
can party upon its organization. He married
Elizabeth Longstreet, a native of Somerset Coun-
ty. She died December 31, 1897, at the age of
ninety-five years, and was probably the oldest
woman in this township. The husband and
father departed this life in November, 1869. Of
their seven children four are still living, viz.:
Martha, widow of the late William Johnson;
Mary, wife of Marion Welsh, of this vicinity;
Elizabeth and George. Rev. Aaron L. and John
V., and Catherine A. , Mrs. PeterT. Haver, of Leb-
anon Township, are deceased. The parents were
members of the Reformed Church and reared their
family in the ways of righteousness and useful-
ness to mankind.

The birth of George Stillwell occurred March
20, 1832, in this county, and from his earliest
years he has been interested in agricultural pur-
suits. He received a district school education
and is largely self made in this respect, as he has
been quite a reader and student, his aim being to
keep fully in touch with the spirit of progress.
In November, i860, he married Catherine, daugh-
ter of the late Peter Schomp, of Readington Town-
ship. Seven children came to bless their hearts
and home and six of them survive. Peter is a
successful attoruey-at-law in Bayoune, N. J. ;
John V. is a resident of White House Station;
Aaron L. lives in this locality; Rosina is the wife
of Peter S. Herder, of this township; George also
lives in this neighborhood; and Eliza L. is at home.
Our subject has been fortunate in his various
financial and business undertakings, has reared
and educated his children to take useful places in

society and has won the love and respect of all
who know him — a record of which any one might
well be proud. In matters of political moment
he uses his ballot and influence for the Republi-
can party principles and candidates, and has him-
self occupied the position of committeeman in this
township. For many years he and his estimable
wife have been members of the Reformed Church
of White House, he having acted as deacon and
elder in the same.

30HN G. GROSS, a worthy German-Amer-
ican citizen of Belvidere, has resided here
for twenty-two years. During this period he
has been proprietor of a bakery and confectioner}'
store. Though not a native of America, he is a
patriotic son of his adopted country. In the local
fraternities he is active and has been chancellor
commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge,
junior deacon in the Masonic lodge, and a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows' society and the Red Men.

John G Gross was born in the province of Wur-
temberg, Germany, February 24, 1849, and was
one of five children of John G. , Sr. , and Barbara
(Graf) Gross. His father was a farmer by occupa-
tion and was a man of prominence in the Lutheran
Church. He passed his whole life in the Father-
land, dying in 1885. His good wife survived
him only a few years, her death occurring in
1892. Of the four living children, Margaretta is
the wife of Jacob Meyer and lives in Germany ;
Jacob and Christiana (the latter unmarried) are
still in Germany. Frederick, the eldest son, is
deceased.

In his youth our subject attended the govern-
ment schools in Germany. At fourteen he left
school and worked at the upholstering trade for
about three years. In 1S71 he enlisted in the
army, in the war between his country and France,
and served for two 3'ears, passing through many

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

20 1

of the severe privations as well as the inevitable
clangers incident to the lot of a soldier. Then,
upon his return home, he was employed at his
trade until he decided to come to America. It
was in the Centennial year of our great country
that he made the voyage to his new home, and
since that time he has been stanch in his
allegiance to the United States. May 9, 1876, he
married Barbara, daughter of George Kurtz, of
Germany, and their three sons living are: Charles,
William and Harry.

(TAMES G. EWING, of Raritan Township,
i Hunterdon County, is a self-made and self-
O educated man, and through all kinds of diffi-
culties persevered in the task he had set before
him until he arrived at a position of respect and
influence in the community wherein his lot was
cast. The man who overcomes obstacles and
wins in spite of opposing circumstances is a man
who commands the esteem of all true-hearted
Americans, for in this land, more than in any
other, the nobleness and inherent strength of
character which will not be daunted is the
highest criterion of sterling worth.

The Ewings are of Scotch extraction, and the
paternal grandfather of the above was James
Ewing, who was born across the Atlantic March
24. J755. and came to this fair land during its
struggle for independence. He located after that
war in Mercer County, N. J., and there followed
his profession as a teacher and was also more or
less employed in surveying. He was a learned
man for his time and was a minister of no small
repute in the Baptist denomination. He was
twice married. His labors ended in 1806, and
his burial place is in the cemetery at Hopewell,
N.J.

Gideon, father of our subject, was born Janu-
ary 22, 1784, in Mercer County. At an early

age he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade,
receiving but little save his board and clothes.
During his youth he was allowed to attend the
district schools some in the winter time, but he
was mainly obliged to rely upon his individual
efforts in the acquisition of knowledge. Upon
attaining his majority he removed to this town-
ship, settling in Klinesville, where he bought a
small piece of land and thereon erected a black-
smith shop. For about forty years he worked
industriously at his trade, and was the admir-
ation of all who knew him for his strength and
fine physique. Altogether, he was a resident of
Klinesville sixty-six years, and was the owner of
two excellent farms at the time of his death,
which event occurred December 23, 1871.

October 20, 1805, Gideon Ewiug married Mary
Quick, and seven children came to gladden their
hearthstone: Amelia, born February 4, 1808;
John G. , April 27, 1810; Elizabeth, September
22, 1812; Jerusha, June 27, 1815; Martha, Decem-
ber 12, 1817; Susan, March 16, 1S20; and James
G. James G. and Martha are the sole survivors
of the entire family. The mother died August

3i, 1855-

James G. Ewing was born in Klinesville, July
11, 1823, and there grew to manhood. When he
started out in life for himself he commenced
working a farm on shares, and thus got his
financial beginning. It was in 1856 that he came
to his present homestead, a well-improved farm
of eighty-seven acres, about a mile arid a-half
distant from the town of Flemington. He has
carried on general farming enterprises and in all
his undertakings has been ably seconded by his
faithful wife, to whom he credits much of his suc-
cess in life. They were married November 9,
1852, she being then Miss Annie Higgins, one of
the six children of John and Rebecca (Schenck)
Higgins. The others were named as follows:
Mary S., Catherine, Nathaniel, John S. and
Rachel. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ewing
was blessed by two children: John H., born No-
vember 1, 1853, and Furman R., bora July 28,
1859, died November 24, 1861. The surviving
sou is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College

202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and is one of the leading physicians of Fleming-
ton. He married Julia Sullivan and has three
children living: Annie, Alice and Edith, one
having died, viz. : Charles F. Our subject and
wife are members of the Baptist Church, his
membership dating from 1848, and he has been a
trustee in the congregation. In accordance with
his temperance principles, he uses his ballot on
behalf of the nominees of the Prohibition party.

r\ETER P. SCHOMP is of the fourth genera-
yr tion of Schomps bearing the Christian name
\3 of Peter, and comes from one of the repre-
sentative old families of Hunterdon County, his
forefathers having settled here in the pioneer
days of New Jersey history. He is a leading and
prosperous agriculturist of Readington Township,
as was his father before him, and like that
honored man, has been a life-long resident of this
locality.

The parents of our subject were Peter and
Sarah M. (Van Fleet) Schomp, both natives of
this county. They were very active in the Re-
formed Church of Readington, were liberal and un-
failing in their kindness to the poor, and in every
respect were ideal citizens. Mr. Schomp held
many official positions in the church, such as
that of deacon and elder, etc., and in his death,
which event took place in 1886, the people of this
community, to whom he had greatly endeared
himself, felt that they had indeed met with an
irreparable loss. In politics he was a Republican ,
and public spirited at all times. Of his children
the following survive: Mrs. George Stillwell;
Peter P. ; Mrs. William Probasco, of Flemington,
N. J.; Eeah, wife of George W. Cole; Margaret,
wife of Sanford Pickle, of Somerville, N. J.; and
Winfield. John V., Jacob P. and Emma, Mrs.
William McCrea, are deceased.

Peter P. Schomp was born February 2S, 1S45,

in Readington Township, and is largety self
educated, as the district school which he attended
in his boyhood did not afford very liberal advan-
tages to the ambitious youth of the period. He
has always been connected with farming duties,
and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-
six acres of valuable land under good cultivation.
This is his home property, and in addition to
this he has another tract of ninety- nine acres.
His success in a business way is to be attributed
solely to his sound judgment and correct methods
of transacting his financial affairs, and to his
industry and perseverance in whatever he under-
takes. He is a respected member of society in
this section of the state, and with his good wife
is active in religious and benevolent work. They
hold membership with the Reformed Church of
Readington. His right of franchise he uses in
favor of the nominees of the Republican party.

'The marriage of Mr. Schomp and Sarah A.
Dalley, of this county, was celebrated November
24, 1869. She was born September 21, 1845, a
daughter of John E. and Rebecca (Dilley) Dalle}',
natives of Hunterdon County. The father died
in 1880. Mrs. Schomp has three brothers living:
John J., in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Devi, in the west;
and Peter, in this township. The two children of
our subject and wife are Peter and Ida.

Gl ARON J. THOMPSON is one of the best
LI known citizens of Hunterdon County, within
/ I the boundaries of which not only he but his
honored father, the late Judge Joseph Thompson,
was born and always resided. For forty years
he has been officially connected with the Farmers'
Mutual Fire Assurance Association of New Jer-
sey, and during the past thirteen years he has
served in the capacity of secretary of the organi-
zation.

The birth of the subject of this review occurred

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

203

December 11, 1837, on a farm in Readington
Township. Here he grew to man's estate, leav-
ing school when he was about fifteen on account
of poor health. Active out-door life, however,
soon restored him to his accustomed vigor, and
he became active and energetic in the business
world. When his father and other prominent
men organized the fire association, in which he is
still interested, he was made assistant secretary
and eventually succeeded his senior in the secre-
taryship upon the latter' s retirement from the
office in 1885. He is a man of good executive
ability, understands thoroughly the details of the
business, and is the "right man in the right
place." In affairs affecting this neighborhood
he has always taken commendable interest, his
influence being ever cast on the side of progress
and advancement. In politics he is a Republican,
For years he has been a member of the Reading-
ton Reformed Church and is now one of the elders
in the same. He enjoys the friendship and good
will of everyone, being highly esteemed for his
sterling qualities of head and heart.

In 1 86 1 Mr. Thompson married Anna L.
Rarick, who was born in this locality, and they
became the parents of four children, three of
whom survive, viz.: Anna D., who is a mission-
ary in Japan in the interests of the Reformed
Church; Rev. Elias W., who is the pastor of the
Broadway Reformed Church of Paterson, N. J.;
and Josephine A., wife of Jacob Kershaw, of
Somerville, N. J. In 1880 our subject married
Abbie H. Thomas, of Metuchen, N. J.

Judge Joseph Thompson, the father of our sub-
ject, was in many ways a most remarkable man,
one of the foremost of his time in western New
Jersey. From worthy, upright ancestors he in-
herited characteristics that commanded the admir-
ation of his associates, and his life was truly
without blot or blemish, save in very trivial mat-
ters. His grandfather, John, was born in Scot-
land April 15, 1730, and married Judick Bodine,
of Holland extraction. This worthy couple had
but one child, a son, John, born near White
House Station, Hunterdon County, in 1772.
The little family were compelled to flee for their

lives in 1778 when residing on the Susquehanna
River, and this terse statement, written in a Bible
belonging to the family, tells briefly and quaintly
the sad result: "On the 9th of June, A. D. 1778,
John Thompson departed this life. Was killed
and scalped by ye tory and Indians at Shemokem."
The son John was afterward bound out as an
apprentice to a tailor in Readington. He mar-
ried before he was twenty-one, and later bought
the farm Brookye, later known as Pleasant Run.
This place he owned and lived upon the remain-
der of his life. He was a justice of the peace
more than a score of years, and was judge of the
Hunterdon County court for a period of thirty-
two years.

From his boyhood Judge Thompson gave prom-
ise of unusual talents and diversified genius.
Born September 30, 1808, he worked at the loom
that he might earn money for the purchase of
books necessary in his studies; later taught dis-
trict schools in this county; at various times was
a surveyor, and in 1857 moved to the farm where
he made his home for fifty-six years. This prop-
erty was formerly the home of his wife's grand-
father, Abraham Post, a hero of the Revolutionary
war. When he was but twenty-eight the judge
became associated with his father as judge of the
Hunterdon County court. This position he held
for fifteen years, and then, as the house he occu-
pied was found to be on the Somerset County side
of the boundary line, he served for a like period in
the courts of that county. In the course of his
life he settled numerous estates, and it is a notable
fact that so mature and just were his judgments
that no decision ever given by him was ever
finally reversed. He was an intense believer in
the ultimate triumph of the right, and did all in
his power to bring about such a happy state of
affairs. In all public questions he did his duty
as a citizen and patriot, furthering all movements
of progress that were founded on truth and good-
ness, and always having due regard for the wel-
fare of others. A man of deep religious nature,
he was an elder in the Reformed Church and a
leader in all its departments of useful activity.
For sixty-eight years he was very much con-

204

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cerned in the management of the Sunday-school
at Pleasant Run, he having been the originator of
the school and a regular attendant, rarely miss-
ing a meeting save for illness.

In 1830 Judge Thompson married Ann Post.
They had eight children, two of whom died in
infancy. Three of his sons became ministers of
the Gospel. Rev. John Bodine Thompson, D. D.,
of Trenton, N. J., is engaged in literary work,
and his name is known in foreign lands as well as
in America. Rev. Abraham Thompson, for
many years pastor of a church at Pella, Iowa,
and later, in New York City, died a few years
ago at his father's residence. Rev. Henry Post
Thompson, formerly in charge of a congregation
in Peapack, was afflicted with paralysis in later
life. He was the author of several volumes of
most noble purpose, that of uplifting and making
better his fellow-men. Aaron J., of this biogra-
phy, has been previous^ mentioned at length.
One of Judge Thompson's daughters is the wife
of P. H. Bousquet, an eminent lawyer, of Pella,
Iowa; and the other is the wife of Aaron Hoff-
man, of this township. The father of these chil-
dren was summoned to his reward October 23,
1893-

-4— J »>3+M'

HENRY ATEN is, without question, one of
the most progressive, wide-awake and
business-like citizens of Hope Township,
Warren Count}'. For nearly thirty years he has
owned and carried on the boundary farm formerly
known as the Bulkley homestead, and is still
dwelling thereon. In addition to managing this
large and valuable farm he operates an iron
foundry and machine shop, where he manufact-
ures all kinds of farm machinery and imple-
ments. He owns another well-improved farm in
this township, and owes to himself alone the
success that now crowns his years of toil. His
motto has always been, apparently, "work and

perseverance," and certainly, labor and pluck ac-
complish wonders when persistence in any given
line of action is added thereto.

The senior Henry Aten was a native of this
township, and was engaged in agricultural avoca-
tions within its boundaries during his whole life-
time. He provided well for his large family,
rearing his children to become sterling citizens
and desirable residents of any community. His
ballot he used in favor of the principles set forth
by the Democracy. He was a faithful member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the
age of fifty-eight years, regretted and loved by all
who had known him. His wife bore the maiden
name of Sarah Henry, her father having been
John Henry. She died at the age of forty-four
years and of her nine children only four survive.
Herbert is the eldest of them, and his home is in
Susquehanna County, Pa. Caroline is the wife
of Benjamin Treadwell; and Margaret is the wife
of L- Scott. The father of Henry Aten, Sr., was
Herbert Aten, a native of Knowlton Township,
and a farmer throughout his active life.

Henry Aten of this sketch was born upon his
father's farm in Hope Township, September 27,
1838, and there he learned at an early age to-
handle the plow and to wield other implements
which he has since been engaged in manufactur-
ing in extensive quantities. When he was about
eighteen he began an apprenticeship to the car-
penter's trade, following the same for twelve
years with slight interruption. In 1870 he pur-
chased the farm where he may still be found, and
ere many years had rolled away he had made a
place for himself among the representative agri-
culturists of this section. He also gained the
respect and admiration of all his associates, and
has often been called upon by them to hold offices
of honor and trust. For several years he has
served on the town committee and in 1895 was
elected a freeholder, his term to run three years.
Socially he is identified with the Hope Tribe
No. 52, Order of Red Men, and has been keeper
of the wampum. He is also a member of Inde-
pendence Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M.

January 8, 1870, Mr. Aten married Elizabeth

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

205

V., daughter of Daniel S. Ayers, and two chil-
dren grace their union, Lulu and H. Floyd. The
family attend Hope Methodist Episcopal Church,
the parents being active members of the congre-
gation. Mr. Aten has been a trustee and steward
of the church, and has been zealous in the work.
He enjoys the love and respect of a large circle of
neighbors and friends, who have been drawn to
him by the ties of many long years of pleasant
association. He merits their good will, for his
deeds and words have ever been exerted toward
the betterment of mankind, and not towards his
own selfish aggrandizement.

GlARON HOFFMAN has been for nearly
LI forty years engaged in cultivating his desir-
/ I able farm in Readington Township, Hunter-
don County. The success that he has achieved
entitles him to rank among the most capable busi-
ness men of this vicinity, and his worthy, blame-
less life deserves the commendation of all, as it
most freely receives from those who have known
him best. He was born in this county, in
January, 1S33, and is a son of Peter and Amy
Hoffman. The Hoffmans have long been identi-
fied with the development and prosperity of this
county, and are notable for their sterling
qualities as citizens and patriots. The father of
our subject was a farmer and life-long resident of
Tewksbury Township. Of his children six
survive: Aaron, Frederick, George, Peter; Emily,
Mrs. Jacob Philhower; and Mary, Mrs. Wesley
Fisher.

In his boyhood Aaron Hoffman did not have
the educational advantages which are now
afforded every child, but he made the best of such
as he possessed, and by private reading and
observation became well informed. He early
learned the duties of farm life and devoted him-
self assiduously to agriculture. Since i860 he

has given his time and attention to the carrying
on of the farm where he may be found to-day,
and he may well be proud of the thrifty appear-
ance of everything about the place. The farm
comprises one hundred and thirty-one acres, and
is furnished with good buildings, fences, etc.
Like his father before him he is a Republican.
He is public-spirited and takes an active part in all
local affairs, having served as a trustee of his
school district in order to manifest the interest
which he has in the proper education of the rising
generation.

Mr. Hoffman has been twice married, his first
wife having been Mary Ann Hildebraut in her
maidenhood. They had three children, of whom
one is deceased, while the others are Nathaniel
B. K., a graduate of Rutgers College, of New
Brunswick, N. J., and a civil engineer by profes-
sion; and Emalida, wife of J. F. Voorhees. The
present wife of our subject was formerly Miss M.
Eliza Thompson, daughter of Judge Joseph
Thompson, recently deceased. (See his sketch on
another page of this volume.) Mr. and Mrs.
Hoffman are valued members of the Reformed
Church of Readington. The former has served
the congregation in the capacities of elder and
deacon, and is literally one of the pillars of the
church. He enjoys the love and high esteem of
all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, as
does also his estimable wife.

Gl BRAM S. CASE, of Three Bridges, Hunter-
I I don County, is a wide-awake, enterprising
/ 1 young business man. He is thoroughly in-
terested in the promotion of local prosperity and
improvements and can always be relied upon to
do his full share toward the upbuilding and ad-
vancement of his community. He has been too
much occupied in his diversified business affairs
to take any active part in politics, and is quite in-

206

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dependent of party ties, preferring to give his sup-
port to the men whom he deems best qualified to
represent the people, regardless of their part}' affil-
iations.

The parents of our subject were Jacob and Mar-
garet (Schomp) Case. The father was born and
reared in Raritan Township, Hunterdon County,
and from the time that he arrived at manhood he
was occupied in agricultural pursuits. He has
favored the Republican party, and has been a
freeholder for several years, though he has not
been at all desirous of holding public office. Of
his children four are living, viz. : Clarinda, wife
of George N. Smith, of Easton, Pa. ; Anthony L- ,
a farmer and auditor of this county; Abram S ,
and Anna H., who is at home.

Abram S. Case was born in Raritan Township,
this county, September 26, i860. He was first
a pupil in the public schools, but later attended
private institutions of learning in Flemington and
Somerville, owing to his earnest wish to have
better advantages than were afforded by the com-
mon schools. After he had worked for about a
year on the farm, he concluded that that business
was not to his taste, and that he could find an oc-
cupation in which his natural financial talents
might be better employed. In 1885 he bought
the hotel at Three Bridges, and has since con-
ducted the same very successfully. Eater he com-
menced dealing in grain, hay, feed,' coal, farm
machinery, etc., and though not located in a large
town, he transacts an extensive business in these
various lines, it amounting to $50,000 or $60,000
and sometimes $75,000 a year. During a season
he has had pressed as high as five thousand tons
of hay, his shipments running over five hundred
car-loads. He handles some fancy driving stock,
and his excellent judgment in the selection of
young horses has made him noted throughout this
section as an authority on the subject. In short,
he brings to bear upon every enterprise rare exec-
utive ability and native shrewdness and pene-
tration.

December 27, 1883, Mr. Case married Martha
W., daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Kuhl)
Van Eiew, formerly of this county, but now of

Des Moines, Iowa. Six children were born to
our subject and wife: Elizabeth V. L., October
5, 1884; Jacob L., May 15, 1886; Margery C,
March 28, 1889 (died March 19, 1897); Martha
K., October 28, i892;Pauline, November22, 1894,
and Ruth, December 16, 1896. Mrs. Case is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, to which her
husband is a regular and generous contributor.

EWIS C. POTTS. Among the leading
It agriculturists of Readington Township,
|_J Hunterdon County, ranks the gentleman
whose name heads this review. He has always
been identified with the upbuilding and progress
of this section, as here it was that his infancy
and youth were spent, and here he has made his
home in manhood. His ancestors, too, for sev-
eral generations were numbered with the enter-
prising citizens of the county, and, as a family,
have ever been noted for sterling qualities which
command the respect of all with whom they have
any dealings whatever.

Born August 19, 1851, Lewis C. Potts is the
sixth in order of birth in the family of eight
children whose parents were Joseph and Catherine
(Manning) Potts, both natives of Hunterdon
County. The others are as follows: Susan,
Christiana, Mary, Jane, Martha, Ella (deceased)
and Francis. The father of Joseph Potts was
William Potts, a well-to-do farmer of this town-
ship. Joseph Potts was himself an influential
man in his neighborhood; owned a large and de-
sirable homestead and served in the capacity of
committeeman several years.

From his earl}' years Lewis C. Potts has been
accustomed to the routine work of a farm, and is
now a progressive and practical business man.
He owns a valuable homestead of eighty-six
acres, it being situated not far from the thrifty
town of Stanton. In 1895 he was elected a free-

DAVID S. BELIJS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

209

holder, his term of office to run for three years,
and previously he was a member of the committee
of appeals two terms. In political affairs he uses
his franchise on behalf of Democratic nominees.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, belonging to Sunnyside Dodge No. 234,
and is also connected with the Farmers' Alliance
and the Masonic lodge at Flemingtou.

October 25, 1S76, Mr. Potts married Jane
McCloughan, who was born and reared to
womanhood in this immediate vicinity. They
are the parents of one child, a son, John
McCloughan. Mrs. Potts is a lady who is be-
loved by all who know her, and is a great worker
in the Reformed Church of Stanton, where she
holds membership. The McCloughans origi-
nated in Ireland, the great-grandfather of Mrs.
Potts, Dr. John McCloughan, having come to
America in the early days of the annals of New
Jersey, and settled upon a large tract of land
which he purchased near Clinton.

sS|$£N*

survivor. The father was an elder in the same
church with which David S. has long been con-
nected.

David S. Bellis of this sketch was born in
Raritan Township, near Copper Hill, January
11, 1819, and from his early years he was thor-
oughly familiarized with every detail of agri-
cultural work. He remained on the farm with
his father until he was thirty years of age, when
he married. He then managed the old home-
stead for some twelve years, and afterward pur-
chased the farm in Raritan Township which he
still owns. He continued to live thereuntil 1882,
when he retired and came to Flemington. Be-
sides owning the one hundred acres in the farm
just mentioned, he owns a homestead in Fleming-
ton. In politics he is a Republican; he has never
been ambitious of holding official positions, and
merely strives to do his duty as a voter. He is
a member of the Presbyterian Church of Fast
Amwell, having been connected with the same
for sixty years. October 10, 1849, he married
Ann Marsh, and their only child, Flla, is the wife
of Augustus Van Saut.

►-» •v2hK®$§|§®H<» « — ^

0AVID S. BEDLIS is one of the oldest and
most respected farmers of Hunterdon Coun-
ty, and for the past few years has been liv-
ing retired from active labors, making his dwell-
ing-place in Flemington. For several genera-
tions his family have been numbered among the
citizens of the county, and his grandfather, Will-
iam Bellis, who was a native of this locality, was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

The parents of our subject were likewise born
and reared in Hunterdon County, and owned a
good farm in Raritan Township, not far distant
from Flemington. They were named respectively
David and Eleanora (Schenck) Bellis, and their
children were nine in number and as follows:
Ralph S., Catherine, John W., Mary, Margaret,
Elizabeth A., David S., Garrett and Hiram. Of
the entire family circle, our subject is the only

NON. DAVID LAWSHE. In the fall of 1897
this respected citizen of Stockton, Hunter-
don County, was elected to represent this
district in the state legislature. He was a candi-
date of the Democratic party, and was elected by
a handsome majority. His service on behalf of
the public is well and favorably known in this
portion of the state, extending, as it has, over a
period of nearly twenty years. Early in the 'Sos
he was elected and for four years was the clerk of
elections; in 1888 he was elected to the office of
township collector and during the succeeding five
years was a member of the board of commis-
sioners and of appeals. His attitude on the sub-
ject of better facilities and a higher standard of
instruction of the rising generation being known

2IO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and commended by the people, they chose him
to act on the local board of education, electing
him for a term of three years, beginning with the
spring of 1896. In everything tending to ad-
vance the good of the community where he has
always dwelt he is actively interested, casting his
influence on the side of progress.

The birth of David Lawshe occurred near
Ringoes, September 28, 1844. He is the young-
est of seven children, whose parents were David
and Elizabeth A. (Hice) Lawshe. But two of
the sisters of our subject are now living, viz.:
Lydia, wife of B. A. Holcombe and Emeline,
wife of John M. Wilson. The father was a native
of this township, and was occupied in farming up
to the time of his death, which event took place
four months before the birth of our subject. The
lad grew to manhood under the loving guidance
of his mother, and his elementary education was
gained in the public schools. Later he was a
student in the Trenton Business College, and
soon after leaving there he found employment as
a clerk in a hardware store in Lambertville. This
position he kept during the next three years,
after which he removed to the old Lawshe home-
stead. Eight years he cultivated and managed
the farm, gaining quite a reputation as an agri-
culturist. In the spring of 1S79 he became man-
ager of a branch of a Lambertville mercantile
store owned by Mr. Fisher. Three years later
this store was sold out, and for a short period
our subject was employed by Mr. Fisher in Lam-
bertville. About this time he found himself in
such a financial condition that he decided to
invest some of his means in the handle factory
which had been established by Charles T. Fisher
here some twelve years previously, and this en-
terprise has been conducted by Mr. Lawshe since
in an advantageous manner.

November 10, 1870, Mr. Lawshe married
Sarah Elizabeth Fisher, daughter of Johnson
Fisher, of this town. To their union one child
has been born, Mary Belle, who is at home with
them. Religiously Mr. Lawshe is a Presbyterian,
for twenty-three years has been an elder in the
same church; for twelve years has been a mem-

ber of the board of trustees and for twenty-four
years has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school. In the Odd Fellows' lodge of this place
he has filled all the chairs and is besides a mem-
ber of the Masonic order and the Royal Arca-
num. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of
all who know him, and is an upright, honorable,
patriotic man and citizen, of whom any commun-
ity might justly be proud.

(TAMES R. KLINE, deceased, was numbered
I among the representative citizens of Hunter-
G/ don County during his entire lifetime. For
several generations the Klines have been active,
progressive business men of this section of New
Jersey, noted for traits of honesty, sobriety, in-
dustry and patriotism. The sterling old citizen
of whom we write was no exception to this rule,
and was loved and respected by all with whom
he came in contact.

The parents of the above were Henry M. and
Sarah (Ramsey) Kline, both natives of Hunter-
don Count}'. The former was engaged in mer-
chandising here for many years with success, and
died February 29, 1848. His wife survived him
several years, being called to her reward May 22,
1872. James R. Kline was born in 1827 in
Klinesville, Hunterdon Count}'. His early edu-
cation was obtained in the vicinity of his old
home and was finished in the schools of Fleming-
ton. When he was a young man he came to
Clinton and started in business as a clerk in a
store. He spent several years in that position,
and in the meantime allowed no opportunity to
pass whereby he might advance himself in knowl-
edge of financial affairs and proper methods of
conducting the same. When the First National
Bank of Clinton was organized he became One of
the directors, and upon the death of the president
of that institution, Mr. Foster, he was chosen to
act in his stead. From that time until death put

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

211

an end to his labors he most creditably discharged
the duties of this responsible place. He was for
years a member of Stewart Lodge, F. & A. M.

In i860 Mr. Kline married Frances Aletta
Dunham, a daughter of Aaron and Cather-
ine (Kline) Dunham. Aaron Dunham was
born in this county and came from a family
that settled here in the eighteenth century,
and were thereafter thoroughly associated with
the best interests of western New Jersey. Mrs.
Catherine Dunham was also a native of this
county, and was a daughter of an honorable old
family in this section. Mrs. Kline is one of eight
children born to her parents, and is still making
her home in Clinton, where death bereaved her
of her kind and loving husband May 23, 1895.
As they had no children they adopted and brought
up as their own child James C. Field, now a prom-
ising young business man (a druggist) of Somer-
ville, N. J. They also adopted Sarah E. Dun-
ham, who is still living with her foster-mother,
and is her loved companion, confidant and friend.
Mrs. Kline has been for many years a faithful
member of the Presbyterian Church, a valued
worker in the same and a generous subscriber to
its various charities.

pQlLLIAM LAUER, manager and part owner
\Al °f tne Spoke Manufacturing Company of
VV Lambertville, Hunterdon County, is one
of the representative citizens of this place. In
tracing the history of himself and family a most
unusual example of patriotism is to be noted: that
his paternal grandfather, Philip Lauer, who was
born in America, but was of German descent,
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, serv-
ing under Washington; Rev. William Lauer,
father of our subject, was a hero of the War of
1812, and he of whom we write served in the Civil
war.

Rev. William Lauer was a native of Philadel-

phia, received a liberal education in the city
schools, and in his youth became connected with
the Mount Zion Christian Church on Christian
street. Later he was a zealous and energetic
minister of the church, and was actively engaged
in the work of saving souls for over fifty years.
He became quite famed for his enthusiastic min-
istry, and preached in various parts of his native
state and in New Jersey. He founded the Chris-
tian Churches at Carversville, Pa., and another in
Finesville, N. J. Starting in the pastoral field
before he was twenty, he continued until shortly
before his death, at the age of seventy-seven
years. Late in life he drew a pension for his
services in the War of 1812. He was twice mar-
ried, and was the father of seventeen children.

William Lauer of this sketch is a son of his
father's second marriage, his mother being Mary
(Bowers) Lauer. Of his brothers and sisters
eleven grew to maturity and but five are now liv-
ing. He was born in Bucks County, Pa., March
2, 1843, and was only eight years old when his
family removed to Burlington County, N. J.
There he remained until the beginning of the
Civil war, receiving a fair education in the public
schools. April 18, 1861, he was among the very
first in the land to respond to the president's call
for troops, by presenting himself for enlistment in
the Company I, Twenty-third Pennsylvania In-
fantry. He was assigned to guard duty on the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad until June, and was
at Harper's Ferry with Patterson, thus missing
the battle of Bull Run, but took part in several
skirmishes in Winchester, Martinsburg, etc.
After receiving his honorable discharge he served
until the close of the war in the government em-
ploy, six months in the forage department at
Fortress Monroe, and was then sent with the Four-
teenth Army Corps to the front of Richmond and
Petersburg. During Grant's Cold Harbor cam-
paign he had charge of the ammunition trains,
and later he was with Butler at Bermuda Hun-
dred in charge of land transportation.

When the clouds of war had rolled away, our
subject returned to this state, and for a time
worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the track

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

construction department. Subsequently he came
to this county, and commenced working in a saw-
mill, and in 1868 moved to Lambertville, where
he has since made his home. At first he was em-
ployed in the concern with which he is connected
at this time, as a mechanic, at $g a week, but at
the end of two years he was placed in charge
of the shipping department. This position he faith-
fully held ten years, then being made a member
of the firm in recognition of his fidelity, and put
at the head of the manufacturing plant. During
the twenty-nine years he has been connected with
this enterprise the business has developed re-
markably and whereas twenty men were formerly
employed over six times as many are now neces-
sary to handle the trade. They have a very large
foreign trade, which is yearly increasing, and
have constantly more orders on hand than they can
fill. At the time that Mr. Lauer became a mem-
ber of the firm the others chiefly interested were
Messrs. Finney and Clossen, the former of whom
died in 1884, while the latter withdrew from the
business 1893. After the death of Mr. Finney,
Mr. Lauer took entire charge of the business, and
the management has since been in his hands.

As his father was a strong Abolitionist and
Republican, our subject early imbibed his prin-
ciples, and cast his first presidential ballot for
Lincoln. He belongs to the order of Red Men,
and to the Grand Army of the Republic. July
25, 1867, he married Hannah M., daughter of
Jacob and Sarah (Lair) Crouse, of Milford, N. J.
They have one child, a daughter, Cynthia, who
is at home.

0BADIAH H. SPROUL, M. D., ex-president
of the New Jersey Medical Society, is one of
the most distinguished members of the pro-
fession in this portion of the United States. He
has been a regular attendant at the meetings of
this organization for over thirty years and served

as an officer of the same for some years. His
elevation to the presidency was a just recognition
of his devotion to the field of medical practice
and his high standing therein. The state so-
ciety numbers many of the brightest and most
able men in the medical world, and its proximity
to the great centers of medical research and
learning, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore,
keeps it fully abreast of the latest discoveries in
the healing science.

Dr. Sproul was born in Middlesex County, N.
J., in 1844, being a son of Rev. Samuel Sproul, a
well-known Baptist clergyman, and grandson of
Oliver Sproul, a farmer and mechanic of Mon-
mouth County, N. J. The family is of Scotch-
Irish stock. The doctor's mother was a Miss
Holmes, of Monmouth County, and was a de-
scendant of good old New England stock, sev-
eral of her ancestors having made records in the
war of the Revolution.

After leaving the public schools the doctor pre-
pared for college under the direction of his father,
who was a scholar and a man of much more than
ordinary attainments. The young man was en-
gaged in teaching in the public schools for two
years, and in the meantime took up medical
studies. In 1866 he graduated from the medical
department of the University of Pennsylvania.
Then for the long period of twenty-four years he
was a practitioner of Stockton, on the Delaware
River, and in 1890 he came to Flemington, suc-
ceeding to the practice of the late Dr. Shannon.
Owing to the fact that there are extensive stone
quarries along the Delaware River, much surgical
work is demanded, and in this direction the
doctor is especially well posted and experienced.

From his early manhood the doctor has been
interested actively in promoting the good of the
Republican party. Frequently he has been called
upon to serve in county conventions, and in 1894
he was elected surrogate of Hunterdon County,
receiving a majority of over one hundred and
fifty votes. This was the more remarkable as
the county usually has a Democratic majority ot
from eighteen to twenty-four hundred votes.
For twenty years, when he was living in Stock-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

213

ton, he was the clerk of the district, and for
years he has been identified with the public
school system. He is past master of Orpheus
Lodge No. 137, F. & A. M.; is past high priest of
Wilson Chapter No. 13, R. A. M. , and is a mem-
ber of St. Elmo Commandery No. 14, K. T. , of
Lambertville. Religiously he is connected with
the Baptist Church.

In 1S68 Dr. Sproul married Amy H. Dilts,
and three children blessed their union: Florence
M., wife of V. C. Hyde, of Flemiugton; Eleanor
C. and Samuel H. L. The son is deceased.

*F^£N^

q) EORGE L. BELL, deputy county clerk of
™ Hunterdon County, is a highly respected
^Jl citizen of Flemington, in which town he
has made his home for the past thirteen
years. He has been devoted to the interests of
the Democracy since he arrived at mature years,
and has ever been a sincere friend of the people.

A native of the Empire state, Mr. Bell was
born in Rochester, November 29, 1850, and re-
ceived his education in the common schools of
that cit)'. Coming to the state of New Jersey
about the time that he reached his majority, he
settled m Somerville, and there took up legal
studies. He was admitted to the bar during the
year of the Centennial, and at once started in
upon his career as a practitioner, meeting with
fair success from the first.

His ability was soon recognized and in 1882 he
was employed in the clerk's office of Union Coun-
ty, serving in that office for five years with credit.
In 1885, having removed to Hunterdon County
in the meantime, he was appointed deputy clerk
of this county, and has acted in that capacity up
to the present. He has given complete satisfac-
tion to his superiors, and of late years almost the
whole business pertaining to the office has de-
volved upon his shoulders. However, being

thoroughly trustworthy and capable, he has no
difficulty in meeting all the requirements of the
position, and is a general favorite with all who
have business dealings with him.

~~+-i »>*>(©)•;«<• e— S—

EHARLES E. CONNET, of Readington
Village, Hunterdon County, is one of her
most enterprising young business men. He
takes great interest in everything pertaining to
the upbuilding and development of this portion of
the state, and does his full share in the promotion
of its prosperity. In March, 1894, he was elected
on the Republican ticket to the office of collector
of Readington Township, his term to run for three
years. While serving in that responsible position
he acquitted himself most acceptably, and won
the approval of his political opponents as well as
the commendation of those of his own party who
had given him their support at the polls.

The birth of our subject occurred on the old
homestead of the family in this township, Septem-
ber 25, 1855, his parents being Samuel and
Hannah (Thompson) Connet, sterling old settlers
of this region. The father spent most of his life
in this immediate locality, and for a long period
was occupied in the management of his farm in
Readington Township. His father, Samuel, Sr. ,
was of English descent and was a soldier in the
War of 18 12. Samuel Connet, Jr., was a Repub-
lican, and was a patriotic citizen. To him-
self he owed the prosperity that crowned his
old age, for he had been a great worker and by
his well-directed efforts gradually acquired a
competence. A member of the Reformed Church
of Readington, he aided in its support by his
influence and money, and was never slow to re-
spond to the request of the poor and needy for
assistance. To his widow and children he left a
valuable and well-improved farm, and what is
much better, an honorable and unblemished name.
His labors completed, and his busy and useful

214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life-work done, he was summoned to his reward,
December 18, 1887. His widow, who was loved
and highly respected in this vicinity, was born
March 29, 1817, being a daughter of Andrew and
Susan (Lane) Thompson, both natives of this
county. She died March 9, 1897. Her great-
grandfather, Harmon Lane, is believed to have
been the first settler on the above mentioned farm.
Her marriage with Samuel Connet was solemn-
ized January 10, 1835, and of their nine children
five are still living. Eleanor A. is the wife of
W. H. Post, of Batavia, N. Y.; Andrew T. is a
resident of Flemington, N. J.; John L. lives in
the town of Flemington; and Sarah is the wife of
Peter S. Hyler. Stephen, Susan, Peter and
William are deceased.

(TOHN LUNGER, deceased, was a member of
I the common council of Clinton, Hunterdon
Q) County, and also of the board of education,
in both of these places manifesting a high regard
for the advancement of our local affairs and a
commendable concern in that important matter of
the education of children. Wherever he was
known his name stood for all that is right, pro-
gressive, patriotic and of lasting benefit to the
public.

John Lunger was born in the town of Blooms-
bury, Hunterdon County, iii 1846. His father,
George G. Lunger, was likewise a native of this
county, and at one period held the position of
sheriff of this region. Both in the capacity of a
public official and as a private citizen he won the
good will of all his associates, and his demise was
a loss to his community. His wife, formerly Re-
becca Lawshe, came from an old and respected
family in this county, and here she was born and
reared. She is still living and in the enjoyment
of reasonably good health, though she is over
fourscore years.

Until he was about sixteen John Lunger re-

mained on the home place, attending the common
schools. Having determined to seek some other
means of earning his livelihood than that of farm-
ing, he commenced serving an apprenticeship to
the harness-maker's trade. In 1870 he located
in Clinton, and afterward not only dealt in har-
ness, blankets, lap-robes and other similar sup-
plies, but also carried on a boot and shoe depart-
ment and a gentlemen's furnishing goods depart-
ment. He carried a well-selected and varied
assortment of goods in these lines, and had a re-
munerative trade. He had an abiding faith in
the superiority of the principles of the Republican
party, with which organization he was associated
during his entire life. The only offices he held
were those mentioned above, member of the coun-
cil three years and clerk of the board of education.
He was a member of the Masonic order, belong-
ing to the blue lodge.

In 1874 Mr. Lunger married Miss Jennie Har-
dy, daughter of William and Margaret (Berry)
Hardy, all natives of this county and highly re-
spected citizens. The only child of our subject
and wife is Emma F., who with her mother holds
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church
of this place and is an active worker. Mr. Lun-
ger was a trustee of the congregation for twelve
years and was a liberal contributor to the finan-
cial needs of the church. His death occurred
March 24, 1896.

HOWARD LAKE, ex-member of the
New Jersey state legislature and ex-sher-
iff of Hunterdon County, is the genial and
popular proprietor of Lake's Hotel, in Fleming-
ton. This well-equipped house was erected by
him in 1895, and though there were already two
other large and flourishing hostelries in the town,
it came into prominence at once, partly owing to
the esteem in which the owner is held, and partly

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

215

owing to the fact that everything about the hotel
is thoroughly modern and up-to-date and con-
ducted in a business-like manner.

The Lake family is of English origin, and at a
remote period in the history of the United States,
three brothers of the name came to seek perma-
nent homes for themselves and children in this,
the land of promise. One of the brothers settled
in Long Island, another in Philadelphia, and the
third in Delaware Township, this county. From
the last- mentioned our subject is descended.
Cornelius Lake, great-grandfather of W. H., was
an influential man in his day and community, and
was constantly consulted by his neighbors in re-
gard to their property interests, deeds, wills, etc.
He was himself an extensive land-owner and
farmer, and his son John, next in the line of de-
scent, followed closely in the senior man's foot-
steps in all things. John Lake married Ann
Dilts, and their children were: Ezuba Jane, who
married John Fauss, of Delaware Township; Ja-
cob; Nancy, wife of John Sweazy, of Delaware
Township; Susan, Mrs. John Clawson, of Penn-
sylvania; and Mary. They are all deceased.

Jacob Lake married Sarah Ann, daughter of
Abner Ross, a well-to-do farmer of Bucks Coun-
ty, Pa., and they became the parents of the sub-
ject of this article. The father was a distiller of
all kinds of grain and fruit in his early manhood,
and later devoted himself exclusively to agricult-
ural pursuits. Favoring the Democratic party
he was of great assistance in local campaigns, but
would never accept official positions for himself.
His widow is still living and enjoys good health,
though she was born in October, 181 7, and is
consequently past fourscore years. She has
three sous living: Martin Harris, a carriage-
maker in Copper Hill, N. J.; J. Ross, proprietor
of the Windsor House in Washington, N. J., and
W. Howard, of this sketch.

The birth of our subject occurred in Delaware
Township, Hunterdon County, April 21, 1850.
Early in life he started out to make his own liveli-
hood, and it is a fact of unusual note that he has
never yet worked for wages or on a salary for an-
other. His first financial venture was to invest

his small savings in live stock, and before he was
twenty he had accumulated quite a sum of money.
At that time he started out as a miller, and, hav-
ing mastered the details of the business, worked
at the calling most industriously for about twenty
years. In the meantime he also conducted a
large farm and was engaged in raising and deal-
ing in stock. In 1882 he bought a homestead,
which he still owns. The hotel which he has
owned and carried on for the past three years is
one of the most pleasant that it is the lot of the
traveling public to meet in many a day. It is
fitted up with steam heat, electric lights and all
the appointments of a first-class hotel of the pe-
riod, and is largely patronized in the summer
season by wealthy New Yorkers, fleeing from the
discomforts of city life in hot weather, but desir-
ous of a comfortable home.

November 5, 1873, Mr. Lake married Addie S.
Wilson, of Oak Grove, Hunterdon County, daugh-
ter of Josiah and Mary A. Wilson, members of
the Society of Friends. Mrs. Lake is also identi-
fied with the Friends, and is much loved by all
who know her. The only son of Mr. and Mrs.
Lake died in 1880, aged four years. Their only
daughter, Blanche, is exceptionally bright and
business-like, and is ol material help to her father,
as she purchases the necessary supplies for the
hotel. She is an active worker in the Presbyte-
rian Church.

In politics Mr. Lake adheres to the creed of his
father, and his work for the success of his party
has been frequently recognized in his being elect-
ed to various important offices. The first nomi-
nation which he was prevailed upon to accept
was that of candidate to the legislature in 1882.
He was duly elected and served most satisfactor-
ily for three terms, and in 1888 was nominated
for sheriff. There were eight candidates and he
received a majority vote of forty-eight over all the
others, but at the ensuing election he was defeat-
ed by about one hundred votes. In 1891 he was
again nominated for the same position and re-
ceived ninety-two of the one hundred and five
votes of delegates, thus making it practically
unanimous, as many of the other votes were com-

2l6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

plimentary to a favorite aspirant for the office.
In former elections he had taken no active part,
but this time worked with his friends and was
elected by a large majority, and held the place
for the term of three years. Fraternally he is a
member of Lackatong Lodge No. 94, I. O. O. F.

cJODFRIED W. GEBHARDT is one of the
_ honored German-American citizens of Hun-
^_J terdon County who have been very influen-
tial in the progress and development of its best
interests and business prosperity. For over a
quarter of a century he has made his home in
Clinton, where he has carried on a boot and shoe
business. He is loyal to the flag of his adopted
country and truly patriotic in every sense. It
has often been pointed out that the English
people owe much of their best blood, ideas, phi-
losophy and literature even, to the influence of
the German and Saxon element, and true it is
that the people of this fair land owe, in addition
to this, much of the sturdy self-respect and
prominence among civilized nations to the pres-
ence and intermingling with us of the sons of the
Fatherland. They are noted for their independ-
ence, honesty and industry; loyalty to good law
and order, and everything which goes to make a
reliable citizen, one that can be depended upon
to do his duty in times of peace and war alike.

Born in the province of Wittenberg, Germany,
our subject is the son of Christian and Sophia
(Algier) Gebhardt, who were of the same locality,
and spent their entire lives in the home of their
childhood. The date of the birth of young God-
fried is October 9, 1830, and in 1844, when he
was consequently in his fifteenth year, he left the
shelter of the parental roof and for a period as-
sisted an uncle in the management of his farm.
Thence, going to the capital of Suttgardt, he
worked in that city until he was seventeen, when
he returned home. During the next two years

he learned the shoemaker's trade, and concluded
that he would seek a home and livelihood in the
New World. At first he located on Staten
Island, being there for a year or more.

The youth sustained many severe trials for the
first few years of his abode in this land. He had
little knowledge of the language, he was quite
inexperienced as a workman, and everything
seemed to work against his success for a long
time. He received but $2 a month, then $3
for several months, and once, after working
very industriously and steadily for two months,
his employer would pay him only half of the
amount they had agreed upon, which was
only $4 for the two months at that. The lad
possessed the right spirit, and though he was
naturally somewhat discouraged, he did not give
up for a moment, but resolutely determined that
he would wrest success from failure itself, if per-
severance and will and work counted for any-
thing. July 8, 1851, he landed in the vicinity
of Clinton, and after following his trade in differ-
ent parts of the country for eleven years, in 1862
he located permanently in Clinton. Since that
year he has conducted a boot and leather busi-
ness in connection with his trade and has been
prospered. He was careful of his earnings and
investments, and at length became the owner of
considerable good business property here. In
1861 a disastrous fire swept one of the prominent
streets of Clinton, and five store buildings belong-
ing to Mr. Gebhardt were destroyed. He im-
mediately rebuilt two stores and two dwelling
houses to replace the former structures, and was
soon on his feet financially. He carries a large
and well-selected stock of boots and shoes, and
commands a large share of the trade of this sec-
tion, being recognized as the leader in his line in
Clinton.

March 11, 1854, Mr. Gebhardt married Jane
Cavanaugh, of Hunterdon County. She died
February 26, 1S8S, and of her children five sur-
vive. Joseph K., John and Jacob are business
men in New York City. William C. is a rising
young attorney-at-law; and Katie is the wife of
John Y. Tunison, a confectioner and market-man

REV. HENRY S. BUTLER, D. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

219

of Clinton. March 22, 1893, our subject mar-
ried Rebecca Schertzinger, who was born in Ger-
man)'. She is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Fraternally Mr. Gebhardt is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, hav-
ing been connected with the same for twenty-
three years. He has filled many of the places of
honor in the lodge; has probably initiated more
members into the lodge than any other officer
here and is the present efficient warden.

Since coming to Clinton Mr. Gebhardt has
been prominently identified with the growth and
development of its various interests and he is
recognized as one of the energetic and enterpris-
ing men of western New Jersey. In him Clinton
has a stanch and powerful supporter of its enter-
prises.

|")EV. HENRY SEYMOUR BUTEER, A. M.,
U^ D. D. During the fourteen years of Dr.
1*1 Butler's pastorate in Blairstown, Warren
County, he has met with gratifying success in
his beloved work of winning souls to the service
of the Master, and the influence which he has ex-
erted for good in the community is very great.
He is a man of broad and liberal mind, generous
sympathy with his fellow-men and deep sense of
his responsibility. Beyond most of his minister-
ial brethren, he is gifted with executive ability
and wisdom in the management of ecclesiastical
affairs, which may account for his selection as
chairman of the Presbyterial committee on
foreign missions. After the death of Rev. Dr.
Imbrie, of Jersey City, he was elected chairman
of the same committee in the synod of New Jer-
sey. To its connection with the large and grow-
ing Blair Presbyterial Academy, which is richly
rewarding its generous founder's liability in its
present success and future promise, the Blairs-
town Presbyterian Church is partly indebted for
its prominent place in the sisterhood of churches

in this section of New Jersey. It is a live and
aggressive body, full of zeal for the cause of
Christianity and destined to occupy a yet larger
sphere of usefulness.

The ancestors of Dr. Butler were among
the early settlers of Connecticut, residents of
Wethersfield and Hartford. His paternal grand-
father was a seafaring man, engaged in the then
profitable trade with the West Indies. The em-
bargo of 1807 deprived him of his employment
and he exchanged his property in Hartford for a
tract of wild land on the Blaudford Hills of
Hampton County, Mass. He removed thither
with his wife and six children in December, 1811.
One of his sons, Henry Butler, father of the doc-
tor, was then a boy of six years. When he was
fifteen he went to Hartford and clerked at first
for J. Granger & Co. Two }-ears later he went
to New York City, becoming a clerk and sales-
man for Skidmore & Wilkins, and afterwards for
Caleb O. Halstead & Co. , wholesale dry-goods
merchants. In time he became a member of the
firm of Halstead, Brokaw & Co. and Brokaw,
Butler &Co., and later president of the American
Exchange Fire Insurance Company. His busy
and useful life in the metropolis covered more than
threescore years. He died at the home of his son
in this town at the ripe age of eighty-six. Both he
and his wife, Martha, were members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, he being an
elder in the congregation. His wife's father,
Horace Hinsdale, was an elder of what is now
the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and after-
wards of the First (Remson Street) Church of
Brooklyn.

Their youngest child, Rev. H. S. Butler, was
born in New York City, December 19, 1840. He
was dedicated to the ministry by his devout
mother, who, dying of consumption when he was
but eighteen months old, took pains that he
should learn of her earnest wishes on this subject
as soon as he was old enough to understand. It
. made a great impression upon his 3'outhful mind
and was the initial impetus in the direction of his
energies. His preliminar)' education was gained
in the select school of Joshua Huntington, M. D.,

2 20

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic In-
stitute, from which he graduated in one of its
first classes. In 1858 he entered Princeton Col-
lege and graduated four years later. Owing to
circumstances connected with the Civil war, then
in progress, his father's means had become re-
duced, so that it became advisable for him to
teach for a season before taking up his theologi-
cal studies. He accordingly took charge of the
Putnam County Seminary, at Red Mills Cnow
Mahopac Falls), N. Y. In September, 1863, he
returned to Princeton, there completing his the-
ological course. He received the degree of Mas-
ter of Arts in 1865 and was appointed a tutor in
the college.

In July, 1866, he accepted a call to the
churches in Columbus and Bustleton, N. J., and
having been ordained the following October, he
entered upon his active ministerial work. Before
two years had passed the young man was forced
to abandon his charge on account of ill health,
and he spent a year in recruiting and supplying
churches. Then followed a happy and useful
pastorate of almost fifteen years in the Clearfield
(Pa.) church. An interesting feature of his in-
stallation there was the dedication, on the same
day, of a beautiful house of worship, costing
$45,000. This fine edifice was erected largely
through the efforts of Hon. William Bigler, for-
mer governor of Pennsylvania and United States
senator, then a ruling elder of the Clearfield
church. During his pastorate there, Dr. Butler
was permitted to see a very substantial growth of
the church, both material and spiritual. The rela-
tions between him and his people were very har-
monious and their mutual attachment very strong.
Clearfield County was then undergoing rapid de-
velopment; the timber was being fast removed
and coal was becoming the main article of trade
and export. In consequence, new towns were
springing up in hitherto desolate regions and
there was thus abundant opportunity for mission-
ary effort. From his central location at the
county seat he was enabled to organize and direct
movements for supplying the prevailing spiritual
destitution and was instrumental in forming sev-

eral new churches. Of these, the one at DuBois,
with its five hundred members, is especially nota-
ble.

In 1876 Dr. Butler was elected Moderator of
the Presbytery of Huntingdon; of the Harrisburg
Synod in 1880 and by appointment of the Gen-
eral Assembly, was Convener of the consolidated
Synod of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, in 1882.
At New Brunswick, in 1895, he was chosen
Moderator of the Synod of New Jersey; and on
November 20 and 21 of that year conducted a
successful state convention in the interest of
foreign missions, in the Fourth Presbyterian
Church, Trenton.

A wholly unlooked-for desire on the part of the
Presbyterian Church of Blairstown, that he
should take charge of the important work here,
which involved also the presidency of the direc-
tors of the academy, led to Dr. Butler's giving
up his cherished work in Clearfield and vicinity,
as it became his conviction that his duty lay here.
The Blairstown Academy was founded by Hon.
John I. Blair, and was donated by him, with its
goodly buildings and endowment, to the Newton
Presbytery. It was in March, 1884, that our
subject entered upon his pastorate and important
duties here, and in the following January he was
honored by L,afa)rette College in the bestowment
of the degree of Doctor of Divinity. The congre-
gation of Blairstown is one of unusual strength
from both a material and spiritual point of view.
Among the deceased elders whose lives were of
untold benefit to the church may be mentioned
Henry D. Gregory, Ph. D., principal of the
Blair Academy and later vice-president of Girard
College, and Charles E- Vail, the late secretary
of J. I. Blair. Through the able persistence of
the latter, the church was put upon a financial
basis which makes it a model: a policy as ably
carried out by his brother and successor as trus-
tee and elder, William H. Vail, M. D. Dr. J.
C. Johnson, also, the "beloved physician," has
long been recognized as a model elder.

May 8, 1867, Dr. Butler married Miss Maria
T. Patterson, of Pound Ridge, N. Y. Her
father, Rev. William Patterson, enjoyed the rare

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

221

distinction of spending his whole ministerial life
of fifty-three years in the same charge, and was
greatly beloved by all. The first child of Dr.
Butler was born November 4, 1868, and was
named Courtlandt Patterson. He was dedicated
to the ministry and is now (1898) pastor of the
Calvary Presbyterian Church of Riverton, N. J.
Five other children were born in Clearfield, of
whom three sons, William, Joseph and Henry,
lie buried upon the hillside overlooking that
town. The fourth son, Horace Graham, is in
business in Chicago, 111. , and the only daughter,
Emma Seymour, is pursuing studies at home.
The doctor's sympathies are with the Republican
party.

(JOSEPH W. SILVARA, M. D. Among the
I medical fraternity of Hunterdon County this
Q) enterprising physician of East Amwell Town-
ship ranks high. For about thirteen years he
has been located in the pretty little town of
Ringoes, his practice covering much of the sur-
rounding country as well. He is devoted to his
chosen work, and is thoroughly abreast of the
progressive spirit of the age, an age which has
made a more complete revolution in the matter of
treatment of disease than in almost any other di-
rection of science. He is a member of the Hun-
terdon County Medical Society, and since 1880
has been connected with the Odd Fellows. In
1883, 1884 and again in 18S5 he had the honor of
being sent as a representative to the grand lodge
of the state of Pennsylvania.

The father of the above, Joseph W. Silvara.Sr. ,
was also a member of the medical profession.
He was born in the town of Silvara, Bradford
County, Pa., and took up the study of medicine
when but seventeen years of age. He earned the
money with which to take himself through col-
lege, and in 1S41 graduated from the University
of New York City. Settling in White Haven,
L,uzerne County, Pa., he continued in practice as

long as he lived. His labors were very ardous
and were a severe strain upon his mind and
physical strength, as he rode for sixty miles
around to attend patients, and, having gained a
very favorable reputation, especially in surgical
cases, he was in great demand. Death found him
at his post of duty, as he died when out upon one
of his long rides, in 1849, in the town of Hawley,
Pa. He married Ellen Morgan, by whom he had
four children: Emily, now the wife of James N.
Prior, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Emanuel, who was
drowned at the age of sixteen years at White
Haven; Joseph W., of this sketch; and Thomas,
who died when seventeen years old.

The birth of our subject occurred in White
Haven, Pa., November 2, 1848, and he was thus
but a year old when death deprived him of his
loving father's care and guidance. The mother
removed to Stroudsburg after that sad event, and
from his fifth to his twenty-first year the doctor
lived with an uncle in Lacon, 111. He received
very good educational advantages, and graduated
from the L,acon high school. For a year or so
he carried on his uncle's farm. His next move
was to go to Bloomsburg, Pa., where he entered
a drug store and served an apprenticeship of three
years. Afterwards he was for another twelve-
month in the same position but with a good
salary. During this period he had made up his
mind that he would enter the medical profession,
and having bought a few books relating to the
subject, he started on this difficult undertaking.
For two years Dr. Tewksbury, of Ashley, Pa.,
where he was then residing, directed his ambitious
efforts, and at last, in the winter of 1872, and
again in the following year, he was a student in
Ann Arbor (Mich.) University. The last year
of his course he passed in Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, graduating with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine March n, 1874. His initial practice
was in the town of Parsons, a suburb of Wilkes-
barre, Pa., and there he was located three years.
The eight following years he practiced in
Cresco, Pa., and in the fall of 1885 came to settle
permanently in Ringoes. The first three years
he was associated with Dr. Robbins, then a candi-

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

date for state senator, and since then he has been
alone, and has certainly met with gratifying suc-
cess and his full share of the public patronage.
August 6, 1890, he married Miss Cora Hunt, of
this village. The}' have a pretty and happy
home and delight to entertain therein their
numerous friends.

(31 NDERSON W. GREEN has had long and
LI successful experience as a fanner. In 1867
/ I he bought the John Bray farm in Kingwood
Township, Hunterdon County, where he has
since resided, giving his attention to the raising
of general farm products and to the dairy busi-
ness. The place contains eighty acres and is im-
proved with neat and well-equipped buildings.
An air of thrift pervades the entire farm that
speaks volumes for the energy and industry of
the owner, who has indeed spared no pains to
make of the estate one of the finest in the town-
ship.

The father of our subject, Samuel Green, was
born in Delaware Township, where the first
thirty years of his life were spent. From there
he went to Doylestown, Pa., where he followed
the wheelwright's trade. For a number of years
he carried on a spoke factory at Doylestown. He
was a successful business man and accumulated
a competency. Though not an office seeker
he was interested in politics and was a decided
Democrat in his opinions. His death occurred
in 1888, when he was eighty-six years of age.
Our subject's grandfather, Richard Green, was
probably a native of Delaware Township; he was
for years a leading farmer of that locality and
died there when about eighty. Of his father,
Samuel, nothing definite is known.

By the marriage of Samuel Green to Hannah
Fisher, one child was born, the subject of this
sketch. The wife and mother died when fifty-
six years of age. When only six years old

our subject began to work for others and from
that time forward he was self supporting. The
necessity of earning a livelihood prevented him
from securing the education that he desired; the
knowledge he possesses is the result of self culture
rather than schooling. However, his habits of
close observation and careful reading enabled
him to gain a broader fund of information than
many possess who are his superiors in educational
advantages.

The childhood and youth of our subject were
passed in Kingwood Township, where he was
born in 1835. But in 1856 he went to the west
and for three years worked on a farm in Grundy
County, 111. On his return to Kingwood Town-
ship he was for a time employed by others, but
in 1861 started out for himself, working on shares
a tract of eighteen acres and planting it to peach
trees. For several years he engaged in the fruit
business, but since establishing his home on his
present farm he has carried on general farming.
He is a Republican in political belief, but is not
active in public affairs. His family attend the
Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a con-
tributor to its support.

(JOSEPH HOUSED is an honored old resident
I of Raritan Township, Hunterdon County,
(*/ and has been occupied in the cultivation and
improvement of his valuable homestead here for
over a quarter of a century, as he purchased the
place and settled thereon in 1872. Comprised
within the boundaries of the farm are one hun-
dred and eight acres, all of which is well adapted
to the purpose of general crops grown in this
region.

Joseph Housel, Sr. , was a native of Raritan
Township, and, having reached manhood, chose
for his future companion and sharer of his joys
and sorrows, Rebecca Dusenberry. By their mar-
riage the}' had seven sous and one daughter,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

223

named as follows: Henry, Charles, Theodore,
Wilson, John, Samuel, Sarah A. and Joseph, Jr.
Sarah A., Henry, Theodore and John are deceased.
Samuel was a soldier in the late war and the last
heard of him he was in a hospital in Tennessee.

The birth our subject occurred in this town-
ship February 2, 1826. Here he was reared to
maturity, receiving a good education in the dis-
trict schools of the period. His father gave him
practical training in the duties of farm manage-
ment, and with him he continued to dwell until
after passing his majority. He then set out to
make his own way in the world by working for
neighboring farmers, and was thus occupied dur-
ing some eight years. At the end of this period
he rented a farm in Raritan Township, and later
removed to Somerset County, where he remained
until 1872. Returning to the place of his youth,
he next bought the old Quick homestead, as his
farm was formerly styled, and here he may be
found to-day. He has always preferred a quiet
life, and has never desired official distinction,
though he does his duty as a voter, his choice
being the candidates and platform of the Dem-
ocracy .

In October, 1856, Mr. Housel married Sarah
Boughner. To them four children were born.
Johnson, the eldest, is deceased; Janet is the wife
of William Couover, a farmer of this township;
Rebecca is the wife of John W. Higgius, of East
Amwell Township; and Susie completes the fam-
ily. The wife and mother died February 22,
1898.

GJlNDREW FLEMING, a worthy old citizen
LJ of Readington Township, Hunterdon County,
/ I departed this life in 1886, aged about eighty
years. His loss was deeply felt by his old neigh-
bors and associates, and his memory is cherished
in the hearts of many of the residents of this
community. In business life he won success by
unremitting industry and effort, and wherever he

went his name became a synonym for truth and
honest}'. In all his dealings with his fellow-men
he was so thoroughly reliable, upright and just
that his word was considered as good as his bond,
and no other guarantee was necessary. In all
the relations of life, as citizen, friend and neigh-
bor, but especially as husband, father and son,
did his noble character shine forth, and he en-
deared to himself a host of acquaintances.

Born October 23, 1805, Mr. Fleming was a
son of William and Elizabeth (Cook) Fleming.
His birth took place in Hunterdon County, and
here he was reared to maturity. After his mar-
riage in 1838 he removed to what is known as
Branchburg Township, Somerset County, N. J.,
and was there engaged in farming for forty-five
years. In his declining years he wished to return
to Hunterdon County, and accordingly passed
his last days in Readington Township, living re-
tired from arduous labor. While in Somerset
County he served as a justice of the peace, was
actively concerned in every good work started in
the community where he dwelt, and feeling the
great loss that he had himself sustained in not
having received a good education in the primitive
schools of his boyhood, he was particularly inter-
ested in the matter of providing the rising genera-
tion with the best possible advantages. For
some twenty-four years he was the treasurer of
the Farmers' Mutual Fire Assurance Association
of New Jersey, and was also a director in the
same for about twenty-three years. On political
affairs he was well posted, and though he was a
little partial to the Democracy, he usually voted
for the candidate whom he considered would
best carry out the wishes of the better classes of
society.

As previously mentioned, Mr. Fleming was
married in 1838. The lady of his choice was
Margaret, daughter of John and Charity (Lomp-
ing) Lawshe, natives of this county. The father
of Mrs. Fleming died when he was still a young
man. She was born May 10, 1817, and spent
her early years in what is now Union Township,
there attending the old-fashioned pay schools of
the period. She is highly esteemed and beloved

224

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

by a large circle of friends in this township, and
her memory is held dear by numerous old neigh-
bors in the various localities in which it has been
her lot to reside. Of the children born to herself
and husband the following are yet living, viz.:
John; Jane; Ann, wife of Alonzo Butler; George
Robbins; Kate, wife of Alfred Butler, and Asher.
John Fleming was born in Branchburg Town-
ship, Somerset Count}-, N. J., June 4, 1839, and
received his education in the public schools of the
same township, where he resided until coming
here with the family. From 1867 to 1882 he
engaged in teaching school and in 1884 settled
where he still makes his home. He is unmarried
and resides with his mother. He is a member of
the Reformed Church, in which he has served as
elder and superintendent of the Sunday-school.
For a number of years he has been a member of
the board of education of Readington Township.

I" REDERICK F. LEAR is the owner and pro-
K) prietorof the Lambertville roller mills, which
I have been established in Lambertville since
1S83. He was at first in partnership with Isaac W.
Holcombe and William B. Niece, under the firm
name of Lear, Holcombe & Niece, which com-
pany was formed in 1883 and dissolved February
3, 1896. Since that time Mr. Lear has carried
on the business alone. In addition to the flour-
ing mill interests he adds that of lumber for build-
ing purposes and does an extensive business in
this line. His mill is equipped with a fine new
roller process, the capacity of the original mill
being thereby increased three-fold. He com-
mands a large share of the local trade and finds
ready sale for the surplus product in adjacent
towns.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lear was born
in Bucks County, February 13, 1845, and the first
years of his life were spent upon his father's farm.
He was a pupil in the neighborhood schools, later

attending the normal in Carversville, Pa. The
demand for teachers being very great he left his
studies and took charge of a school in the vicinity
of his boyhood home. Thus he was occupied for
three winters, farming during the rest of the year.
He concluded to begin housekeeping about this
time, as he had laid aside a snug little sum of
money. November 30, 1869, Sarah E. George,
with whom he had grown up a school-mate and
an old-time friend, became his wife. Her parents
were Samuel and Margaret (Fox) George. Sev-
eral years followed in which our subject was oc-
cupied in managing his father's old homestead.

In 1874 Mr. Lear formed a partnership with his
uncle, E. D. Fulmer, the firm name being changed
to E. D. Fulmer & Co. About two years after-
wards the uncle retired from the business and Mr.
Lear continued alone until 1883. The mills had
a capacity of but thirty-five barrels per day, and
it was not before 1883 that he was enabled to put
in new machinery. Years ago he had a sawmill
and manufactured great quantities of lumber, and
now deals in stock that is shipped in from various
points.

Mr. and Mrs. Lear have two children, Lavina
May, born in January, 1881, and Joseph, born in
September, 18S3. They are members of the
Presbyterian Church, Mr. Lear being a trustee
in the same. In politics he is a Democrat, but is
not active nor has he ever been prevailed upon to
accept public office. His interest in educational
matters, however, led to his taking a place on the
school board, where he served for a period. He
is a director and stockholder of the Lambertville
National Bank. Fraternally he is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

The parents of our subject were Joseph G. and
Lavina (Fulmer) Lear, both natives of Bucks
County, Pa. He was next to the youngest in a
family of eleven children of Arnold Lear. Born
in 1815 he lived to be seventy -three years old,
and died July 20, 1888, loved and mourned by all
who had known him. He was born and passed
his entire life on the farm where the subject of
this narrative was also born and reared. He was
a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

was an elder and a deacon in the same and was
prominent in all good works. He had but two
children. The daughter, Mary C, is the wife of
Dr. W. H. Kunsmau, of Bucks County, Pa., and
has one child. The old homestead upon which
our subject was reared, consisting of about one
hundred and fifty acres, is now the property of
himself and sister, Mary C. Kunsman.

— -»>+H» =''+<••

(ILLIAM C. TOMSON is general manager
and on the editorial staff of the Leader,
published in Milford, Hunterdon County.
He is a gentleman of wide experience in this
field, and is thoroughly practical, understanding
journalistic work in every detail. In his youth
he commenced at the bottom round of the ladder
and from that lowly position worked upward by
his own merits to a place of honor and responsi-
bility. In local politics he is quite a leader,
being one of the standard-bearers of the Re-
publican party. His fellow-citizens called upon
him to serve in the capacity of clerk of Holland
Township a few years ago and he fully satisfied
their most sanguine expectations in the manner
with which he met every obligation of the office
during his three years' term.

The Tomsons have been established in Hunter-
don County for several generations and have
been noted for honest, good citizenship. The
father of our subject is Nahum W. Tomson, who
was born in the vicinity of Milford and has re-
sided hereabouts all his life. He carried on gen-
eral farming during his active career, also dealing
to a considerable extent in stone, for he was the
owner of a quarry. He has always been very
active in the support of the Republican party and
has occupied various local public positions of
trust and honor. For several years he was
surveyor of the township highways. In 1S85 he
retired from the arduous work of the farm, and
has since been leading a retired life, his home

being in Milford. His father, William Tomson,
was born in this township and spent his whole
life on the homestead which he had inherited
from his father, with the exception of a few y
prior to his death, when he removed to Milford
and built the house now occupied by Ins son,
Nahum. He was summoned to his final f;est in
1 86 1 . The wife of the last-mentioned was Hjinnjah ,
daughter of Benjamin W. and Matilda (|'.loom)
Alpaugh. She is still living and in the ei
ment of excellent health. The family is rioted for
longevity, our subject's grandmother Tomson
having attained ninety-six years, and his grand-
mother Alpaugh having been eighty-one at the
time of her death. The only brother of our sub-
ject is Rev. G. W. Tomson, of Clayton. N. J.

William C. Tomson was born September 25,
186 1, and reared near Milford. He acquired his
general education in the public schools, and was
nineteen when he entered the office of ;he Milford
Leader. He learned the printer's trade, was em-
ployed first in one capacity and then in another,
until he became thoroughly conversant with the
business in every department. e remained in
the office under six managements, finally becom-
ing the foreman of the actual printing depart-
ment. At last, owing to some dissatisfaction and
misunderstanding, he resigned his position,
bought a printing outfit and started into business
on his own account. He then engaged in job and
commercial printing for the next three years, at
the end of which time, or in 1891, the manage-
ment of the Leader engaged him as editor, he
to take the general supervision. The paper was
established in 1880 and has become one of the
acknowledged leaders of thought in this portion
of the state.

In 1 88 1 Mr. Tomson married Jennie, daughter
of Henry and Ann Aten. of this county, and they
have one child, Charles A. They are both mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mil-
ford, Mr. Tomson having served as local preacher
for several years. He has passed ali the chairs
in Perseverance Lodge No. 30, I. 0. O. F. , is
also a member of Ridgeley Pre1 . ssociation

for Odd Fellows, and belongs to Camp No. 12,

: it -.'otic Orel
and admired
into contact, I
iiiut'itiesof head and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

■of America. He is respected
. ith whom it is his lot to come
is a man of most sterling
I eart.

1ULJAM B. HOC £ENBURY has made his
home on a ft near Eocktown, in King-
wood Township, 1 uterdou Count}', since
the year 1855, when he ' ght the Higgins farm
of eighty-three acri 1 farmer he is ener-

getic and industrious rough perseverance

he has brought his pla> r excellent cultiva-

tion and rendered its acreaj profitable. In the
Grange he is an active work< - and for the past
1 a.y-two years has s treasurer. His

opinions upon public questions ire firm and not
easily changed when once formed. The Demo-
cratic party receives his allegiance and its candi-
dates his support. For three years he was a
freeholder. He is deeply interested in the public
schools, and for twenty-one years rendered effi-
cient service as a school trustee.

In ; township where he now resides Mr.
Hockenbury was born in 1824. His father,
John, a native of Hunterdon County, spent the
most of his life in Kingwood Township, where he
followed the trade of a shoemaker and also car-
ried on farm pursuits. In politics he was a
stanch Democrat. Among the offices that he
held were those of overseer of the poor and over-
seer of roads. Every enterprise started for the
benefit of the community received his warm sym-
pathy and, if possible, his active support. He
was a member of the old-school Baptist Church
and one of the active workers in his denomina-
tion. Attaining a need age, he died when
eighty-two years of age.

Malcolm Hockenbury, our subject's grand-
father, emigrated to America from Germany
when fourteen years of age, and settled near
Frenchtown, Hunterdon Counlj . He died when

in middle life, when our subject's father was a
boy of eight years. The mother of our subject
was Sarah, daughter of John Sutton, and a
woman of noble character, a faithful member of
the Baptist Church until she died, at sixty years
of age. Of her eight children, five are living:
Dinah, wife of Mahlon Pegg; D. Bateman, John
S., William B. and Asa B. Two daughters, Mrs.
Jane Horner and Mrs. Mary Snyder, are deceased.
The early years of our subject's life were quiet-
ly passed in Kingwood Township. When he was
thirty years of age he purchased the place where
he has since resided, and to the cultivation of
which he has since given his attention. His
marriage in 1854 united him with Miss Catherine
Chamberlin, daughter of A. B. Chamberlin, Sr.
She remained his helpmate until her death, which
occurred in December, 1889, at the age of fifty-
three years. Four children were born of the
union, all daughters, namely: Elizabeth; Flor-
ence, wife of J. F. Wagner; Jane, Mrs. Joseph
Foss; and Sadie, who married R. H. Foss. The
family attended the Baptist Church.

(JACOB O. KLJNE, who is a practical miller
I and good business man, has been the pro-
(2/ prietor of the mill in Readington Township,
Hunterdon County, near Flemington Junction,
for the past eight years and enjoys the patronage
of all of the people of this district. The Kline
family have been identified with the development
and growth of Hunterdon County for over a
hundred years and at all times they have been noted
for sturdy, industrious, law-abiding qualities.
The grandfather of our subject, Peter A., was a
native of Readington Township, and was a tanner
by trade.

John S. Kline, father of Jacob Kline, was like-
wise born in this township, and followed fanning
and carpentering with success. He married
Sarah Carkhuff, who was born and reared in this

CLIFFORD MILLS, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

229

vicinity, and to them were born seven children:
John W., William S., Peter S., Amanda E.,
Jacob Q., Ezekiel and Devi.

J. 0. Kline was born March 13, 1853, on his
father's old homestead in Readington Township.
He attended the common schools of the period,
gaining general knowledge of the practical
branches. When he was about nineteen he began
learning the milling business with Brokaw &
Higgins, of Three Bridges, and has since followed
this occupation. He is a Democrat in his polit-
ical convictions, and the only official position
which he has ever been induced to accept was that
of postmaster of Rowland Mills. He is a member
of the Grand Fraternity.

January 24, 1877, Mr. Kline married Annie E.
Schomp, whose people are old settlers of this
district. Four children came to grace the home
of our subject and wife and were named respect-
ively, Howard E. , Russell, Sadie and Jessie. Mrs.
Kline is a lady who is loved by all who have the
pleasure of her acquaintance and she holds mem-
bership with the Presbyterian Church.

ELJFFORD MILLS, M. D. It is always dif-
ficult for a young professional man to gain
a footing in a community, and it is always a
work of years and patience for him to acquire a
large and lucrative practice. However, it is oft-
times effected by the marked ability, fitness for
the chosen work, kindness and gentleness of dis-
position of the young practitioner, his presence
bringing cheer and confidence into the sick-
room. Thus it has been with the subject of this
sketch. He is a genuine student, is unencum-
bered with the dogmas of the old-style physician,
and is thoroughly practical, wide-awake, and up
to the spirit of the progressive age in which he
lives. It needs no prophet to predict for him a
most promising future, judging from what he has

already accomplished, and the best wishes of a
host of his sincere friends accompany him in this
chosen work.

Among the early settlers in Long Island were
two brothers, Timothy and Jonathan Mills, who
had emigrated to that point from the extreme
northern part of Ireland. From the first-men-
tioned our subject is descended. Nehemiah
Mahlon Mills was married in New York City and
removed to Morristown, N. J., at an early day.
His son, Nehemiah Mahlon, Jr., born in New
York, came with his parents to this state, and
upon arriving at maturity married Susan Slack,
of Stanhope, and their youngest child is the doc-
tor. N. M. Mills was a carpenter and contractor
in Morristown for some years, but the work be-
ing too arduous for his health he bought a farm
in Morris County, and proceeded to engage in
its cultivation until about 1893, when he retired,
and is quietly passing his declining years in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former years of toil.
He has always supported the Republican party
by his ballot, and has never sought or accepted
office. Religiously he is connected with the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the eleven
children born to himself and wife all are living
save two. The others in the order of birth are
named as follows: George, Mary, Harriet (wife
of Russell Chase, of Newark), Harvey, Annie
(a teacher), Jennie, Julia, John and Clifford.
George is a prominent business man of Morris-
town, and operates a large planing-mill there.
Harvey is in business with him and John is a
graduate of Rutgers College, class of '97, and
is now studying law in Newark.

Dr. Clifford Mills was born December 1, 1875,
in Morristown, and received his education in the
excellent public schools of the place. After
graduating from the high school he attended
Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, and
duly graduated from that well-known institu-
tion in March, 1897, with the degree ofDoctor of
Medicine. His course had included considerable
actual practice, and he therefore felt himself com-
petent to enter at once upon the chosen work of
his life. He opened an office for practice in

2jO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Califon, and is rapidly winning the respect of his
brethren in the profession, as well as the regard
and confidence of our citizens. He is a young
man of frank and manly ways, and has the faculty
of readily making friends, and what is more, of
retaining them. He is a member of the Knights
of the Golden Eagle, and examining physician
for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New
York for Califon.

RALPH D. HUFF, a business man of Blairs-
town, has made his home here for the past
seven years. Born in Hardwick Township,
Warren County, in 1856, he is a son Barnet S.
Huff, who was a native of Stillwater, Sussex
County, N. J. From 1854 to 18S6, in which
year he died, he was occupied in the cultivation
of his fine farm situated in Hardwick Township,
the one adjoining this. He was a man of prom-
inence among his neighbors, and bore a high re-
putation for honor and uprightness in word and
deed. In his political relations he was a Repub-
lican. For several years prior to his death he
was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Still-
water. He was born in 1828 and was conse-
quenlly fifty-eight years old when he entered
into his final rest. His father, Joseph Huff, was
born in 1800 and always resided in Sussex Count}',
where he was born. He became a prosperous
man of affairs, and owned large estates. Death
put an end to his earthly labors when he was
seventy-two years of age. His father, Joseph
Huff, Sr., was a native of Germany, and upon his
arrival in the United States he settled in Sussex
County, where his name has since been known,
handed down from one generation to another.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Hannah Divers. She is a daughter of Jacob
M. and Mary Ann (Voss) Divers, and her grand-
father, John Voss, was a native of Germany, and
upon his arrival in this country made a perma-

nent home near White Pond, Warren County.
Mrs. Hannah Huff is now living at the home of
our subject in Blairstown. She had three
daughters by her marriage with Mr. Huff: Eliza-
beth, the wife of Lewis Roy; Ella, Mrs. Philetus
Luse; and Mary, deceased.

Ralph D. Huff remained with his parents on
the farm until he was grown, and was educated
in the district schools; in the year 1891 he came
to Blairstown. Here he followed the pursuits of
surveying and conveyancing for about four years,
after which he purchased a furniture and under-
taking business. This he has since successfully
conducted, winning a large and remunerative
patronage.

In 1 88 1 Mr. Huff married Gertrude, daughter
of Isaac R. Kerr, and two children grace their
union, Nellie and Clarence. Since lie was twenty-
five years of age Mr. Huff has held membership
with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife and
children are also attendants upon the services of
the local church. Politically he is a Republican.
Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fel-
lows, and is treasurer of the local lodge. He is
also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of
America and is a trustee in the order. He is a
member of Blairstown Lodge No. 165, F. & A.
M. He has the respect and high regard of all
who are acquainted with him, whether in a bus-
iness or social manner.

~ MANUEL TOMSON. This sterling citizen
*e) of Clinton, Hunterdon Count}-, is the pro-
__ prietor of the Clinton House, which he has
conducted with ability for the past sixteen years.
Prior to assuming its management he had con-
siderable experience in this same line of business,
and, in fact, has been interested in the same for
nearly a quarter of a century. Since assuming
the management of this well-known and popular
hotel, he has by untiring energy been able to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

•231

place the house among the leading hotels of
western New Jersey. He has thoroughly re-
fitted the premises at great expense, has built a
large addition and equipped it with steam heat
and water system, including bath rooms of latest
style. In fact his hotel is modern in every re-
spect and a credit to his push and energy. His
affable and kindly manner in his association with
his guests has won for him hosts of friends, who
hold him in high esteem. His personal qualities
are such as to make him an ideal host.

About sixty-five years ago the birth of our
subject occurred in Warren County, N. J., the
date of the event being December 24, 1833.
His parents were Lefford and Amanda (Hise)
Tomsou, both of whom were natives of Hunter-
don County, but removed to Warren County
soon after their marriage. The father was a
farmer during his whole life and took an active
part in the affairs of the little community in
which his home was situated. He died in 1872,
and was followed to the silent land in 1887 by his
beloved wife. Her mother, Mrs. Hise, attained
the extreme age of one hundred years and six
months; her mother lived to be ninety-eight, and
grandfather Hise was ninety-six at the time of
his death.

Having been reared upon a farm, and early
initiated into its various kinds of work, young
Tomsou adopted the occupation of agriculture,
following the same for a number of years with
fair success. He gained a knowledge of the ordina-
ry branches of learning in the public schools, and
added thereto, year by year, the wisdom acquired
in the actual battle of life. In 1875 he started in
what was to him a new and doubtful business
venture, but, as it turned out, one that was des-
tined to reward him with financial prosperity.
He embarked in the laborious business of carry-
ing on a hotel, which he purchased at Mount
Pleasant, N. J. He sold out in about a year, and
then was the owner and manager of a hotel in
Glen Gardner, N. J. In April, 1882, he became
the owner of the popular Clinton House, made
some desirable improvements therein, and is still
earnest in his endeavor to furnish the best pos-

sible accommodations to the public. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to
the Order of American Mechanics. In his polit-
ical convictions he is a Republican, and, while
not an aspirant to official distinction, he has
served in the capacity of constable and in minor
positions.

The marriage of Mr. Tomson and Elizabeth
Ann Staats, daughter of a well-known Warren
County family, was solemnized in 1856. Three
children still remain to them: Sanford R., a
practical farmer of this locality; Elmer E., who
is in business with his father; and Chester, a coal
merchant of this town. The mother is a member
of the Presbyterian Church and is loved by all
who know her.

P QlLXIAM H. DAERYMPEE has been a life-
\ A / ^onS res^ellt °f Kingwood Township, Hun-
YV terdou County. Purchasing the Francis
Horner farm in 1873, he at once established his
home upon it and began the cultivation of the
laud. In various branches of agriculture he has
been successful. Not only has he engaged in
raising general farm products, but he has also
devoted considerable attention to the fruit bus-
iness and has on his place a large number of trees
that are in excellent bearing condition. In addi-
tion, he carries on a dairy business.

Born in this township in 1843, our subject is a
son of James Dalrymple, also a native of King-
wood, where he spent his life engaged in general
farming. In politics he was a Republican, active
in party affairs. From early youth he was a
member of the Baptist Church and his Christian
faith brightened his declining years. At the time
of his death he was eighty-two years of age. His
father, John, son of Jesse Dalrymple, was for
several years a resident of Franklin Township and
a farmer there. He was an active worker in the
Baptist Church and one of its deacons. The

232.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

marriage of James Dalrymple united him with
Margaret Hoff, daughter of William and Mary
(Snyder) Hoff, and an earnest member of the
Baptist Church. She died when about sixty-eight
years of age. Of their ten children only four are
now living: William H.; John, of Jersey City;
Martha, wife of Joseph L,awshe; and Elmer, a
resident of Pittstown.

At the age of fourteen our subject began to work
for others and from that time until he was twenty-
seven he assisted farmers. Saving his earnings,
in 1873 he was able to purchase property and
begin independently. Since then he has met with
uniform prosperity and has become well-to-do.
Politically an active Republican, he is a local
leader in his party. Among the positions he has
held was that of road overseer. He is a member
of the Locktowu Grange and keeps posted in mat-
ters pertaining to agriculture. For some time he
has been a trustee and deacon in the Baptist
Church.

In 1S71 Mr. Dalrymple established domestic
ties, being united in marriage with Miss Hannah,
daughter of Peter and Mar}' Dalrymple, and a
resident of this county. A son and daughter came
to bless their union, the former being Howard,
and the latter Carrie, wife of Wilson Cline. Mr.
and Mrs. Dalrymple have a grandchild, Estelle
Cline, of whom they are very fond. The family
stand high in the estimation of the people of the
township and have many friends among the best
people here.

— 1 — •^-O^CDK*"^ — c — ^~~

G\ AMANDUS SCHUBERT, D. D. S. The
j\ science of dentistry has reached a fine art,
/ I and now is recognized as an important ad-
junct to medical science. Dr. Schubert has built
up a good reputation in Blairstown, Warren
County, where he established himself in practice
over fifteen years ago. He is a member of the
alumni of the New York College of Dentistry, is

an honorary member of the students' society of
the same institution and belongs to the New Jer-
sey State Dental Society. In 1890 he attended
the Tenth International Medical Congress, in
Berlin.

Peter Schubert, the doctor's father, was a na-
tive of Meldorf, Germany, but passed the most of
his life in Altona, Germany. He was a surgeon
of much renown in his day, took a very promi-
nent part as such during the war of 1848 and in
the Franco-Prussian war. In 1872 he retired
from active professional work, and continued to
live and enjoy his quiet home in Hamburg, Ger-
many, for many years longer. At the time of his
death in 1890 he was seventy-three years of age.
His wife, who survives him, was formerly Maria
Henrietta Conradi. She was born in Hamburg,
being a daughter of the well-known surgeon Dr.
Johannes Conradi, of that city. Her brother, Dr.
Theodore Conradi, was noted as a physician, and
was the head of the Sailors' Hospital and Asylum
at Hamburg from the date of its organization un-
til his death. Mrs. Schubert is still a resident of
Hamburg, and is now in her seventy-eighth year.
Of the four children born to herself and husband
only two, Emma, widow of Capt. Edward Sam-
met, of Hamburg, and Arthur, a dentist in Altona,
are left in Germany. Emil is a well-to-do mer-
chant in the city of New York.

A. A. Schubert was born in Altona, Germany,
June 9, 1854, and in his boyhood received his
education in the government schools of his home
place. He went to the city of Hamburg while
still a youth, and there it was that he had his first
experience in the commercial world. Entering a
dry-goods store, he served an apprenticeship to
the business, and in 1872 he decided to come to
America. Settling in New York, he remained
there about six years, still occupied in the dry-
goods trade. In 1878 he went to Europe and
took up the stud}- of dentistry with his brother
Arthur, but returned the same year and in 1S80
became a student in the New York College of
Dentistry, from which institution he graduated in
1882 with the degree of D. D. S. He came to
Blairstown in the following year, and has since

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

2 33

devoted his whole time and energies to his prac-
tice. Fraternally he is a member of Blairstown
Lodge No.i65,F.&. A.M., of this town, and is past
master of the same. In 1889 he assisted materi-
ally in the organization of a fire company for the
better protection of the place in case of fire, and
the company is now known as the Blairstown Hose
Company. He was its second foreman and its
first secretary and treasurer, and is still a member
of the company. Since 1869 he has held mem-
bership with the Lutheran Church. In 1884 he
married Miss Marie Winter, daughter of George
Winter, of Germany, an officer under the Duke of
Hesse-Darmstadt. The doctor and his accom-
plished wife have one child, Amanda. In politics
he is independent.

3 AMES ANDERSON is an honored old citizen
of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon
County, and has passed his entire life in this
and the adjacent township of Raritan, occupied
in agricultural pursuits. He has been faithful to
all duties imposed upon him as a neighbor, son,
husband aud father and has striven to promote
the prosperity of his own community. Earnestly
endeavoring to meet such responsibilities, he has
held his own personal interests secondary in im-
portance and has never sought public office or the
praise of his associates.

Next to the youngest son in the family of
eleven children, our subject was born July 18,
1836, his parents being Samuel and Matilda
(Porter) Anderson. The others are as follows
in order of birth: John W., Peter T., William J.,
Timothy, Abraham, Theodore, Ralph, George
James, Emlie and Harriet. Only three are
now living. James Anderson attended the com-
mon schools during the winter season, as was
customary in his boyhood, while during the re-
mainder of the year his time was spent in arduous
farm work. He early became familiar with every

detail of agriculture, and continued to live on the
old homestead in Raritan Township, where he was
born, until 1880. At that time he removed to the
fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres
which he had purchased in this township, aud
here he has since been engaged in making im-
provements and otherwise increasing the value of
the place. In addition to owning this property,
he still has in his possession the old home farm
of one hundred and thirty-three acres, this being
rented out to a responsible tenant.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Anderson is a
Democrat and has always voted for the principles
and candidates for that party since becoming a
voter. In 1892 he retired for a time from active
labor, living in the town of Reaville, but at the
end of five years or so he became anxious to re-
turn to the old routine of life in which his youth
aud prime had been passed, and he has since
managed his farm in East Amwell Township.
February 16, 1882, he married Lucella Bateman,
who was born and grew to womanhood in Raritan
Township. She is a daughter of George and
Amelia (Britton) Bateman. Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson have two daughters: Annie, now in
her thirteenth j'ear, and Hattie, twelve years of
age.

MMETT J. DIVERS, a prosperous merchant
't) of Blairstown, is justly entitled to credit for
__ the manner in which he has built up his
successful business. The great-grandfather of
our subject on the paternal side of the family was
Henry Divers, who settled at a very early day in
Hardwick Township, where he has since been
represented by some of his descendants. The
next in the line of descent was his son Jacob, who
was a life-long farmer and one of the most suc-
cessful financiers in his locality during his career.
He lived to reach nearly fourscore years ere
death put an end to his labors. His sou John V.
was the father of our subject. He was born in

234

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Hardwick Township, and was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits there for many years. In 1877
he retired to pass in rest and quiet his remaining
days, and has since resided in Blairstown. In
his political faith he is a stanch Democrat. Em-
mett J. is the only child of his marriage with
Arminda C. Savercool, whose father was Isaac
Savercool, of Hardwick Township. Mrs. Arminda
Divers is also still living, and with her husband
is passing happily along the declining pathway
of life, happy because of a past well spent and of
a future bright with increasing hope.

Emmett J. Divers was born March 21, 1865, in
this county, and has always lived within its
boundaries. With his parents he came to Blairs-
town in 1877 and was educated in the public
schools here. Then for eight years he was a
clerk in the general store of A. H. Smith. In
1892 he embarked in an enterprise of his own,
opening a gentlemen's furnishing goods store. He
has met with success, and numbers among his
patrons many of the best dressers in the town and
locality. In political matters he adheres to the
training he received from his father, and votes
the Democratic ticket. He is a member of Blairs-
town Hose Company and has been the secretary
of the organization. He is identified with the
Masons and is a member of the Red Men.

October 24, 1893, he married Miss Emma Vliet,
a daughter of Daniel and Marietta (Decker)
Vliet, well-known citizens of this place. The
young couple have one child, John Daniel, named
in honor of his two grandfathers.

*N3|£N+

0SCAR RITTEN HOUSE is one of the enter-
prising young business men of Clinton, Hun-
terdon County, and is actively concerned in
whatever effects the interests of the people of this
community. In regard to politics he is to be
found on the side of the Democracy, and has been
a member of the city council. For several years

he has conducted a clothing and gentlemen's fur-
nishing goods store, catering to the best trade in
this town and vicinity. Success has smiled upon
him, and by his courteous, accommodating way
of dealing with his customers, he has made them
steady patrons, and many of the number are
warm personal friends.

Our subject bears a name that is known and
honored far and wide in this section of New
Jersey, as representatives of it have been asso-
ciated with our local history from the pioneer
days. Without exception those who have had
the name have been noted for sterling qualities,
for patriotism and loyalty to the government, law
and order. The father of Oscar Rittenhouse was
William Rittenhouse, a native of this count}'.
He was a good business man, and was engaged
in mercantile pursuits in connection with agricult-
ure. He died on New Year's da}', 1892, and by
a host of sincere friends he is still tenderly
esteemed and remembered. His estimable wife,
who was a Miss Ida Brewer in her girlhood, is
still living, and in the enjoyment of fair health.

Oscar Rittenhouse was born August 19, 1869,
in Baptistown, this county, and in his boyhood
he was a pupil in the district schools. He passed
sixteen years of his life on the farm, but deter-
mined that he would not make agriculture his
main business pursuit. Having acquired a foun-
dation of business knowledge, he obtained a posi-
tion as a clerk when he was about seventeen, and
during the following three or four years devoted
himself assiduously to mastering the details of the
mercantile establishment with which he was con-
nected. In 1890 he started into business upon
his own account in Clinton and soon built up a
lucrative trade. The establishment he conducts
is complete in every detail. He carries a large
and well-selected stock, and his enterprise has
enabled him to make his business a leading factor
in Clinton. His store would be a credit to a
much larger city.

January 3, 1893, Mr. Rittenhouse married
Lizzie, daughter of Cornelius C. Hoff, a promi-
nent and well-known citizen of Frenchtown, this
county. To them have been born two children,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

>35

a son, William O., named for his grandfather,
and a daughter, Janet E. Mrs. Rittenhouse is an
active member of the old- school Baptist Church
of Kingwood.

•••:>*:■-• f0;->s:-»-

^J FORGE W. COLE, who owns and operates
_ a portion of the original old Cole homestead,
^ a valuable tract of one hundred and forty
acres, is a sterling citizen of Readington Town-
ship, Hunterdon County. Here his ancestors
settled upon their arrival from Germany, and
here, generation after generation, had lived and
died, adding to the prosperity and steadily ad-
vancing civilization of this state by their lives of
busy industry and usefulness, and by their un-
wavering fidelity to the law and high regard for
the welfare of the majority.

Of the ten children born to our subject's
parents, but two are now living, viz., Sarah E.
and himself. The father, David O. Cole, was a
well-to-do farmer of this community, and held
the office of freeholder for a period. He was a
Democrat in his political belief. His good wife
bore the maiden name of Agnes Cutter, and she,
too, was a native of this township. David O.
Cole was summoned to his reward when he had
reached the ripe age of sixty-two years.

George W. Cole was born in his father's old
home in Readington Township, August 22, 1837,
and from his earliest recollections has been asso-
ciated with a rural life. He possessed natural
talent for agriculture, and when he arrived at the
age to choose his life occupation, he determined
to remain in the honored vocation of the majority
of his forefathers. He has been successful in his
undertaking, and has always taken great pride in
keeping his farm in a thrifty condition. He has
served his fellow-citizens as a committeeman and
as a freeholder, and has discharged his duty as a
voter, his ballot being given to the candidates of
the Democracy.

Mr. Cole has been twice married. October 18,
1864, Anna M. Shurts, a native of Somerset
County, N. J., became his wife. They had two
sons and a daughter, named respectively, Charles
E., K. Luella and Frank A. The mother died
in January, 1877, when but thirty-two years of
age. The present wife of our subject was formerly
Mrs. Leah (Schomp) Polhemus. She was born
and reared in Readington Township, and was
first married to Henry Polhemus. To the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Cole two daughters have been
born, Agnes S. and Mabel Leonore. The family
are members of the Reformed Church of Reading-
ton and are greatly respected wherever they are
known.

"1ARTON HUFFMAN is an enterprising
C\ young business man of the town of Ringoes,
_^ Hunterdon County, and is considered one
of her leading citizens. He is always to be found
on the side of local improvements and public ad-
vancement along any line, and is foremost in the
upholding of law and order. As a business man
he has the requisite traits for success, but is quiet,
unassuming and faithful to duty, and is not over-
ambitious for making or laying up a fortune. He
prefers to act according to the dictates of his con-
science, to lend a helping hand to those less for-
tunate than himself, and in short to make the
world a better and happier place for his presence.
Barton Huffman is one of New Jersey's native
sons, he having been born in Lebanon, Hunter-
don County, October 28, 1857. He was reared
on a farm until he was in his sixth year, when
his parents, William E. J. and Catharine A.
(Porter) Huffman, removed to the town of Three
Bridges, in the same county. There his boyhood's
happy days passed rapidly away, he in the mean-
time acquiring a liberal education in the public
schools of Flemington, N. J. When about fifteen
he went with the rest of the family to a farm near
Copper Hill, and when he arrived at his majority

236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

took charge of the homestead, which he man-
aged successfully several years, or until 1893,
since which time he has lived in Riugoes. He
purchased a hay press, which he converted into a
roller mill and deals in fertilizer, coal, farm im-
plements of all kinds and also buys and sells grain
in large quantities.

Fraternally Mr. Huffman is a member of the
Junior Order United American Mechanics, be-
longing to the Ringoes Dodge. In religion he is
a Presbyterian and is a member of the church
here. October 16, 1883, he married Rebecca
Reed, daughter of Levi Reed, of Wertsville, N. J.
Their home is a pleasant one and the abode of
happiness and good cheer.

30HN BURNS, of East Amwell Township,
Hunterdon County, deserves great honor for
the way in which he fought and suffered dur-
ing the late Civil war in defense of his adopted
land. To all intents and purposes he is an
American, though Ireland claims him as her
native son, he having been born in County Ros-
common, in June, 1845. He came to the United
States with his mother when he was but seven
years old, and joined his father, who had pre-
ceded them to make a home for them in the
land of liberty. He had settled in Lambert-
ville, N. J., and in that vicinity the lad lived
several years. His father died in 1854 and
a year later our subject went to Morris County
and began working for an uncle. He then re-
turned to Lambertville and was employed in
farming near there until the breaking out of the
war.

In 1862 John Burns enlisted as a private soldier
in Company A, Fifteenth New Jersey Infantry,
and was mustered in at Flemington. The first
engagement in which he took part was the battle
of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, after
which he participated in the noted battles of

Gettysburg, Rappahannock, the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania Court-house and many minor skirm-
ishes and encounters. In the last-named en-
counter with the enemy, from May 8-12, he was
seriously wounded, being shot by a minie-ball in
the shoulder, another ball entering his hip, and
still another lodging in his leg. At first he was
conveyed to the field-hospital; thence was sent to
the hospital at Fredericksburg, and finally was
transferred to one at Washington, D. C. Al-
together he languished in hospitals for nearly
eleven months. At the end of that time, and as
soon as his returning health and strength would
permit, he rejoined his regiment, then stationed
below Petersburg, and stood faithfully at his post
of duty during the remainder of the war.

June 16, 1865, our subject found himself once
more in Lambertville, which seemed like home to
him, though he had no home of his own to return
to, and he soon diligently set to work. For a
year and a-half he was employed at the harness-
maker's trade in Frenchtown. In 1867 he went
to Kansas and purchased a farm in Coffey Coun-
ty. After living thereon a few months he became
somewhat homesick, and returned to New Jersey,
finding employment in Lambertville with the
railroad company. His next move was to open
a barber shop in Oxford, Warren County, and
conducted the same about a year, after which he
worked in the railroad shops of the same town
two years. By this time he had accumulated suf-
ficient to purchase a farm in West Amwell Town-
ship, and having done so, he managed the place
for six years. Going back to Kansas, he tried
renting a farm there for twenty months, but at
the end of that period he once more became dis-
gusted with Kansas, and bought a farm near
Lebanon, N. J. This homestead he cultivated
successfully ten years or more, then sold out to
good advantage. About this time he concluded
to embark in an entirely different enterprise, and
carried on a hotel in Pittstown for a year, later
managing one at Point Pleasant, Pa., for a similar
period. In 1890 he became the owner of the
Washington Hotel at Ringoes, and has since suc-
cessfully conducted the same.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

237

The first marriage of Mr. Burns took place in
1869, when Sarah E. Corkhuff became his wife
Four children were born to them, viz.: Ella A.
Sarah E., Annie A. and Mary H. The two last
mentioned are deceased. November 16, 1883
Mr. Burns married Mrs. Mary A. (Cole J Henry
widow of John R. Henry. The three children
born to our subject and wife are respectively
John B., Jennie W. and Cora S. Fraternally Mr
Burns is connected with Boeman Post No. 48
G. A. R., of Flemington, and is a member of
Magnolia Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F. , of French-
town. In politics he is a Republican.

KICHARD D. SHAFER, a practical farmer
of Readington Township, Hunterdon Coun-
ty, is a native of this county, his birth hav-
ing taken place in the neighboring locality of
Clinton Township, April 5, 1829. During the
nearly threescore and ten years of his life, he
has dwelt within the borders of Hunterdon Coun-
ty, and has been actively interested in whatever
has tended to advance the welfare of the people
among whom his lot has been cast. His is a
record of which he may justly be proud, and is a
legacy which should be more highly prized by
his children than houses and lands, for his name is
above reproach and is held in the greatest respect
by all who know him. The life of a good man
in a community has a far-reaching influence, and
all who come within the sphere of the worthy
subject of this article are insensibly uplifted and
made better.

Of the nine children born to William J. and
Christiana (Demott) Shafer, three have been
called to the silent land, viz. : John, the eldest
son; Julia A. and William, the youngest son.
The others are: Elizabeth, Mary, Rachel A.,
Delilah, Richard D. and Margaret E. The fa-
ther was a successful agriculturist and was a man
who was beloved for his man}' estimable qualities.

In political matters he was to be found support-
ing the Democratic party. His busy and useful
life came to a close when he was in his sixty-
fourth year.

Richard D. Shafer owns and cultivates a farm
of over one hundred and seventy-five acres. It
is well improved and is one of the most valuable
homesteads in this locality for the raising of a
general line of crops. Everything about the
premises bears the stamp of its thrifty and prac-
tical proprietor, who takes great interest in su-
pervising repairs and various changes for the bet-
ter which he has made from time to time.

The marriage of Richard D. Shafer and Anne
Maria Kennedy took place February 17, 1853.
They became the parents of three children, the
eldest son deceased. The second son, Fremont
Kennedy, was educated in Washington, N. J.,
in 1892, and married Lydia L., only daughter
of Cornelius Wyckoff, of Vliettown, and has since
resided on the homestead farm near White House.
The daughter, J. Rose, who attended school at
Washington, N. J., married Silas, son of John
G. Schomp, of Bedminster; they have two chil-
dren, Richard Shafer and John G., and reside on
what was formerly known as the Anderson farm.
Mrs. Anne Maria Shafer died October 26, 1891.
She was a daughter of B. S. and Phebe (Free-
man) Kennedy (married in 1820) and had ten
sisters and four brothers, all born in Warren
County. Herself and all of her sisters but two
either taught school, music or painting. Two of
the- brothers, William F. and Daniel F., were
the first organ builders of Washington, Warren
County. Thomas J. is a lawyer in Jersey City.
Her great-grandfather, Samuel Kennedy, came
to this country from Scotland and was a practic-
ing physician, but after he settled here he studied
for the ministry. He established his home at
Basking Ridge, where he lies buried. His edu-
cation was received in Edinburgh and he was a
man of wide range of knowledge. His son, Sam-
uel Kennedy, M. D., grandfather of Mrs. Shafer,
first married a Miss Beavers, and after her death
was united with Anna Shafer. He was a physi-
cian at Johnsonburg, Warren County, and his

238

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

practice extended from Eastern, on the Delaware,
to Lamington, a distance of sixty miles. The
most of his first wife's children settled in Canada
and Ohio.

One of the older sisters of Mrs. Shafer, Eme-
line M., married James Melick, a well-known
farmer of New Germantown. Rosetta R., one
of the younger members of the family, became
the wife of Philip G. Vrom, formerly of Plucke-
min, but for some time a resident of Bayonne and
principal of one of the larger schools there. Ber-
netta is a well-known music teacher; and Henrietta
is a successful artist and portrait painter. All
are members of the Mechanicsville Methodist
Episcopal Church.

Mr. Shafer is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of White House. Of kind dis-
position, he is ready to lend a helping hand to
the worthy who are in unfortunate circumstances.
He is a thoroughgoing Republican. The only
official position he ever held is that of township
committeeman.

(ILLIAM B. PRALL, a leading farmer
of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon
County, was born upon the old homestead
which he now owns and dwells upon, and which
has been in the family for several generations,
having been left as an inheritance to the great-
grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch by his father. The great-grandfather
mentioned, Peter Prall by name, was a soldier in
the war of the Revolution. He was born on the
farm where William W. Fisher now resides. The
father of Peter Prall was Abraham, and his
grandfather was Aaron, who came to this vicinity
about 1730, and settled on land in this township
now in the possession of Henry Kline.

The parents of William B., of whom we write,
were Abraham and Hannah (Bellis) Prall. The
father was born upon the homestead now owned

and occupied by Edward Durham, in the year
181 1. His death occurred in 1843, after which
event his widow continued to carry on the old
farm with the assistance of her sons, W. B. and
Abraham, between whom the property was di-
vided ultimately. She was born March 23, 1813,
and died in 1883. The Pralls were all identified
with the old United Presbyterian Church, which
is one of the landmarks of East Amwell Town-
ship.

William B. Prall was born April 10, 1834, and
was reared to maturity upon the farm where he is
to be found to-day. His education was obtained
in the neighborhood schools of that period, and
as his father died when the lad was young, the
responsibilities of life fell upon his shoulders at
an early age. He took full charge of the farm
when he was about eighteen, and upon reaching
his majority he fell heir to his portion of the es-
tate. In 1874 he erected the substantial and
comfortable house within whose hospitable walls
many a friend and passing traveler have since been
entertained. He has made man}' other good im-
provements, such as planting trees, building
fences, etc. As the farm is situated on the Brook
road leading from Ringoes to Wertsville, it is
convenient to both towns. Mr. Prall has been
engaged in raising a general line of crops and
also does a dairy business. He has always been
stanch in his allegiance to the Republican party
and has been township committeeman since 1S94,
and was formerly a commissioner for a time.

January 30, 1855, Mr. Prall married Elizabeth
Quick, of East Amwell Township. Five chil-
dren have been born to them, viz. : Abraham W. ,
September 11, 1855; Cornelia, July 14, 1857;
Annie C. , November 27, 1858; Hannah, March
23,1866; and William B., Jr., March 14,1871. The
eldest son resides in Ringoes, and is in the employ
of Barton Huffman. He married Mary E. Horn,
and has four children, Andrew, Edith, Lizzie and
Clarence. Cornelia, the eldest daughter of our
subject, died when less than a year old, July 9,
1858. Annie C. is the wife of Levi H. Quick, of
this township, and has one child, Hattie. Hannah
is the wife of David C. Hill, a farmer of this

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

239

neighborhood, and has a daughter, Cornelia A.
William B. married Emma J. Johnson, Febru-
ary 24, 1898, and resides with his father on the
homestead. Our subject is a member of the Rea-
ville Presbyterian Church, and has served as an
elder in the same for about twenty years.

-~-i •>!-»"• ' (jY1 •■C*C{* 1— ".

GjSHER W. VAN DOLAH, who is engaged
Ll in farming in Kingwood Township, Hunter-
/ l don Couuty, was born in Delaware in 1832
and is a descendant of one of the old families of
this county. The first of the name to locate in
America was Hendrick Van Dolah, who emi-
grated from Holland about 1735 and three years
later bought a tract of land in Delaware, where
the remainder of his life was passed. He died at
an advanced age and was buried in Barber's Cem-
etery. His son, Garrett, who was a farmer and
died at about eighty-two years, had a son, Henry
Van Dolah, who was born and reared in Dela-
ware, and spent his entire life on the old home-
stead, engaging in its cultivation and also follow-
ing the trade of a wheelwright. He died when
about forty-five years of age.

Next in line of descent was our subject's fa-
ther, John Van Dolah, who was born in Dela-
ware, but in 1858 removed from there to King-
wood Township, Hunterdon County, where he
afterward made his home with his son. By trade
a blacksmith, he followed this occupation for
many years, but in later life followed farm pur-
suits. He died at the age of eighty-one, in the
faith of the Baptist Church, to which he had long
belonged. His wife was Grace Opdycke, a
daughter of Joshua and Mary (Wolverton)
Opdycke; she attained the age of seventy-four
years, and, like her husband, was a member of
the Baptist Church. Their family consisted of
two children, Asher W., and Mary, the deceased
wife of Henry F. Trout.

When a boy our subject attended the public

schools near his father's home and, while his edu-
cational advantages were meager in comparison
with those afforded children of the present gener-
ation, 3'et he availed himself of them to the
utmost, and acquired a broad and valuable fund
of information. In 1858 he bought the Richard
Barcroft place near Barbertown, and here he has
since resided, engaged in general farming, but
making a specialty of fruit growing. He is a
Democrat in political sentiments and for three
years served as town committeeman. For some
time during the '60s he was captain of Company
B, Hunterdon County Brigade. Fraternally he
is a member of the Amwell Lodge of Masons at
Lambertville. His family are Baptists and he
himself inclines to that faith.

WILLIAM P. DEMOTT. In the history of
a new country like America, when large
and perhaps more tempting territories are
constantly being opened for settlers in the west,
there is a natural tendency toward leaving the
old and tried and venturing forth into a possible
Golconda, and when it is found, that in certain
sections dwell families whose property has been
handed down from father to son, for several suc-
cessive generations, it becomes a matter of com-
ment and admiration. The worthy citizen of
whom we write comes from the sturdy, industri-
ous, honest and reliable old Holland-Dutch stock,
which has been a most important factor in the
development and progress of New York and New
Jersey. Over one hundred and forty years ago
his great-grandfather, Jacob Demott, left his na-
tive land, and, accompanied by two of his
brothers, crossed the Atlantic to found new
homes in the land of promise, America. April 2,
1757, he bought the farm of two hundred acres,
which has descended to his posterity, and con-
tinued to till the soil and improve the place as
long as he lived. About a year subsequent to

240

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the date of his settlement here his son Richard
was born (April 14, 1758) and he, in turn, in-
herited the old farm.

William P. Demott is the third son in a family
of ten surviving children of Richard S. and
Maria (Probasco) Demott, three others having
died. Those living are as follows: Richard R.,
George R., William P., Alfred, Martha, Mary,
Emily, Amanda, Susan and Isabelle. William
P. Demott was born March 16, 1850, on the old
estate and has always given his entire attention
to the management of the property since it came
into his hands. He is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and is quite independent of party in
matters of political import.

December 4, 1886, Mr. Demott married Annie
M. Kinney, who has always resided in this town-
ship. They have two children, Roscoe and Irv-
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Demott are valued mem-
bers of the Reformed Church of Stanton, the for-
mer having served the congregation as treasurer
for several years and also as elder.

EALEB FARLEY QUICK. No one in Rar-
itan Township, Hunterdon County, is more
worthy of being represented in the history
of her sterling citizens than is the gentleman
whose name stands at the head of this sketch. It
is the name of one who has led a life above re-
proach— a name honored and respected by all
who have the pleasure of acquaintanceship with
its possessor. He has always followed the quiet,
peaceful routine of agriculture, and, though he is
a stanch Republican, and has filled the office of
surveyor of highways, was justice of the peace,
for eight years commissioner of deeds and occu-
pied other minor offices, he has never sought
public honors, but has shunned them when pos-
sible. In the Presbyterian Church he has been
an elder for about fifteen years, though his mem-

bership extends over a much longer period, and
he has occupied one seat in the church for half a
century.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
John P. Quick, a native of Raritan Township.
Gideon Quick, father of C. F. Quick, was also a
native of this township, and here married Sarah
Fisher. Their children were: Jacob, born in
1818, and died in 1S96; John, born July 17, 1820;
Anne, born August 7, 1823, and died November
26, 1837; Caleb, of this sketch ; George W., born
July 29, 1830, and died October 5, 1835; Mary
C, born June 5, 1835, and died March 18, 1854;
Martha W., born August 22, 1837, and died April
15, 1854. The mother departed this life Novem-
ber 21, 1837, aged thirty-six years, she having
been born July 8, 1801. The second wife, whose
maiden name was Clara L. Raj', became the com-
panion and helpmate of our subject's father
September 28, 1840, and died May 16, 1873.
Their children were: Sarah A., born July 9, 1S41;
Jane E., born January 24, 1845, and now the
wife of George Comstock, of New York City; and
Amanda M., born January 30, 1847. The father,
who was a life-long farmer on the old homestead,
where he was born February 17, 1793, died July
21, 1872. He was a faithful member of the Am-
well First Presbyterian Church of Reaville and
was beloved and respected by all who knew him.

Caleb F. Quick was born July 25, 1825. He
grew up on the old homestead, remaining with
his father until he was twenty-two 3'ears old.
The following five years he lived on an adjoining
farm, and at the end of that time he purchased
the place of one hundred and two acres whereon
he has since dwelt. Forty-five j'ears have
elapsed since then, and in the meantime he made
substantial improvements in the way of buildings,
fences, etc., and greatly increased the value of
the farm. He owns another tract of thirty acres.
His neighbors place such confidence in his excel-
lent judgment, as well as in his absolute integrity,
that he has frequently been called to settle up
estates as executor and administrator.

November 24, 1847, Mr. Quick married Cathe-
rine B. Holcombe, who was born January 26,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

241

1828, and died July 23, 1892. They had three
children: Sarah C. , born September 4, 1849;
Martha, born in 1854, and now the wife of John
O. Holcombe; and Frances B., born in 1857 and
now the wife of William N. Reed.

GlMOS M. HART, M. D., a leading member
LA of the medical profession of Hunterdon
/ I County and for years a prominent citizen of
the town of Ringoes, has a reputation for skill
and ability in his favorite field of endeavor that is
more than local and is well deserved. His pa-
tients, particularly many suffering from chronic
and hereditary diseases, are scattered throughout
this and adjoining states and some of the number
are treated and prescribed for by means of corres-
pondence. He has had wide experience and was
qualified both by nature and training for the prac-
tice of the healing art. His broad and kindly
sympathy with the sick and afflicted is not the
least secret of his success and his cheering pres-
ence is a boon wherever he goes.

Dr. Hart was born near Pennington, Mercer
County, September 20, 1833. His boyhood was
passed upon a farm, his education being gained
in the schools of the district and in the local sem-
inary and Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa. He
remained on the old homestead belonging to his
father, Aaron Hart, until i860, when he came to
Ringoes. Here he was instructed in medicine
and directed in his studies by Mrs. Bennett, M.
D., who was then a very prominent physician in
this community.

In the autumn of 1862 Dr. Hart succeeded Dr.
Bennett in her practice hereabout and has since
prospered beyond his expectations. He owns a
half interest in the old homestead in Mercer
County, where he was born, it being a valuable
place of two hundred and ten acres, and in addi-
tion to this has a farm in this county of thirty
acres. When the Ringoes Canning Company was

established in 1892 Dr. Hart was one of the men
in getting it started and has since been a stock-
holder and is now president of the concern. For
twelve years he has been treasurer of Powhatan
Lodge No. 72, I. O. O. F. , of Ringoes. He was
president of the board of trustees of the same lodge
and was a prime mover in the building of suitable
quarters for the society. With the Masonic or-
der he is connected with Darcy Lodge No. 37,
F. & A. M. , of Flemington; with Wilson Chap-
ter No. 13, R. A. M., and St. ElmoCommandery,
K. T., of Lambertville. In his political affilia-
tion he is a Republican.

March 22, 1859, Dr. Hart married Elizabeth T.
Wilson, of Ringoes. Four children blessed their
union, viz.: Fannie J., wife of William J. Brown
(a farmer in the neighborhood of Ringoes) and
mother of two children, Alice M. and Harry H.;
Clarence; Elmer and Laura. The doctor is the
president of the board of trustees of the Presby-
terian Church of this place and takes great inter-
est in the success of the various departments of
its work. Personally he is very popular with all
who know him and stands high in the estimation
of his professional brethren.

'Y'-RA HILL, whose home is in Raritau Town-
ship, Hunterdon County, is a native of this
X vicinity, having been born here April 6,
1863. Following the calling of his father, he is
a miller and farmer, thoroughly understanding
everj' detail of the two lines of industry. In
1894 he purchased the property of his father, and
has since carried on the mills, which are situated
on the Neshanic River, in Raritan Township.
Besides the regular grist and feed mill there is
another one for the purpose of reducing bone to
fertilizer, and still another mill is used for the
manufacture of cider. Mr. Hill is the owner of
a valuable farm located three miles southwest of
Flemington, on the Copper Hill road, this place

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

comprising eighty-three acres. He is a reliable
business man, meeting every promise or obliga-
tion with promptness and absolute fidelity, and
thus he has built up a reputation for integrity
which is most desirable. He possesses the re-
spect of all persons with whom he has ever had
any dealings, and his customers are always his
sincere friends.

William Hill, father of our subject, was also born
in Raritan Township, and was the son of Thomas
Hill. When he arrived at maturity he chose for
his companion and helpmate along the remainder
of his journey of life, Mary Ann Higgins. Their
eldest son, Thomas, was named in honor of the
father of William Hill. The young man is now
engaged in the hay, feed and coal business in
Flemington. Augustus, the next son, is a resi-
dent of Neshanic, N. J. Cornelia, the eldest
daughter, is the wife of George Britton; Alvin is
occupied in farming near Larisons Corners;
Bessie is still at home with her mother.

November 14, 1893, the marriage of Ira Hill
and Miss Mary E. Kuhl was solemnized. They
are members of the Presbyterian Church and take
active part in the promotion of its prosperity. In
political matters our subject is liberal, preferring
not to bind himself to any party, but rather to
use his ballot as he deems best and using his in-
fluence in favor of the best man rather than the
party candidate.

-? — j •>»'-(:(J)fKll<> e— 2-—

EVI REED, an honored and representative
It old citizen of Hunterdon County, has dwelt
Lv for the past half a century in East Am well
Township. He has been a committeeman of this
district for several terms, is an active Republican,
and has tried in every way to advance the best
interest of the neighborhood in which his lot has
been cast, and to use his influence for good in all
circumstances. It was in the spring of 1847, soon
after his marriage, that he came to his present

home, and to him is due the credit of having made
all the substantial improvements upon the place.
Within its boundaries are one hundred and forty-
five acres, almost all of this being suitable for cul-
tivation of pasturage.

Richard Reed, great grandfather of our subject,
was a native of England. Having come to Amer-
ica, he decided to settle permanently in New Jer-
sey, and finally located on the farm where Levi,
of this sketch, was born. There his son John and
grandson Richard, the latter our subject's father,
were born. This old estate, situated in what is
now known as West Amwell Township, Hunter-
don County, is now in the possession of David
Larison. The grandfather of our subject was a
patriotic son of America, and fought in the war of
the Revolution.

Levi Reed is next to the youngest of the eight
children of Richard and Rebecca (Young) Reed,
the others being named as follows: William,
Mary, Theodore, Rachel, Richard, Betsey A. and
John. Of the entire family circle he and one
sister, Rachel, are the only survivors. She is the
wife of James D. Pierce, of Somerville, N. J.
The birth of Levi Reed occurred June 21, 1821,
and he was but an infant when death deprived him
of the tender protection and loving guidance of a
father. He grew up on the farm and gave his
dutiful assistance to his mother in the work of the
place until he was sixteen, when he went to Rea-
ville to learn a trade, and there served an appren-
ticeship of four years. Going to Clover Hill at
the expiration of that period he worked for another
four years at his trade.

His marriage with Miss Sarah Nevius was cel-
ebrated in 1846 and in the spring of the next year
he took his bride to a home in East Amwell Town-
ship, and they have here passed their entire happy
life together. They have been blessed with four
children, viz.: Catherine A. , Sarah R., William
N. and Richard. The last-named died when but
four years of age. Catherine A. is the wife of
Edward Nichalson, Jr., of Bucks County, Pa.,
and is the mother of two children, Emma, Mrs.
William Baker, of Trenton, N. J., and Lizzie, at
home. Sarah R. married Barton Huffman, who

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

243

is represented elsewhere in this volume; William
N. has charge of the farm and lives with his
parents in the old home. For a helpmate he
chose Fanny Quick, daughter of Farley Quick,
and they have one bright little girl, Bertha 0.
The Reed famil}' are members of the Reformed
Church of Clover Hill.

EHARLES H. DARMON, postmaster at Mil-
ford and one of the well-known business men
of this place, was born in Gloucester Coun-
ty, N. J., in 1854, being a son of William Dar-
mon, M. D., a successful physician who engaged
in practice in Washington, D. C, and Philadel-
phia for a number of years, and died in the latter
city in 18S9, at the age of seventy-four years. The
grandfather, William Darmon, was a life-long
resident of New Jersey and was, it is thought, a
native of Salem County. By the marriage of Dr.
Darmon to Beulah R. Smith, a daughter of Ann
T. Smith, of Salem, there were born nine chil-
dren, and of these six are still living. They are
named as follows: Hannah, who is the widow of
William Sprague, of Philadelphia; Mary, wife of
Joseph March; Samuel, a commission merchant
residing at Philadelphia; Emma, a physician en-
gaged in practice in Philadelphia; Charles H.;
and Isaac, whose home is in Philadelphia. The
mother of this family was identified with the Bap-
tist Church of which Russell H. Conwell is the
pastor. She died in Philadelphia when seventy-
three years of age.

When a child of seven years the subject of this
sketch accompanied his parents in their removal
from Gloucester County to Washington, D. C,
and during the five years spent in the latter city
he was a pupil in the public schools. Afterward
he attended the public school at Crumpton, Md.,
for a number of years. At the age of fifteen he
accompanied the family to Philadelphia, where
he completed his education. In 1877 he gradu-

ated from the University of Pennsylvania and the
same year came to Milford, where he purchased
the drug stock of James McPherson, and has
since successfully carried on a drug business.

Always a champion of the Republican party,
the services rendered by Mr. Darmon in its be-
half resulted in his appointment to the office of
postmaster in July, 1897. He also served as
deputy collector for the township. Local measures
receive his support, and at this writing he is pres-
ident of the Milford Delaware Bridge Company
and secretary and treasurer of the Milford Union
Cemetery Company. In 1880 he married Miss
Marietta Smith, daughter of William L. and
Rachel Smith. They are members of the Presby-
terian Church and for twelve years he has been
one of the trustees of the congregation. Frater-
nally he has been connected with Perseverance
Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., since 18S5, and holds
the offices of treasurer and past district deputy.

(JOSEPH R. CASE. The farming interests of
Hunterdon County have an able represent-
(~) ative in the subject of this sketch, who has
for many years owned and operated a farm in
Alexandria Township. The estate that he culti-
vates (known as the old Wesley Johnson farm)
contains one hundred and twenty-eight acres,
divided into fields of convenient size for the pas-
turage of stock and raising of grain. Since he
bought the place in 1878 he has introduced a
number of improvements, has bought modern
farm machinery and erected some substantial
buildings, thereby making the farm one of the
best in the neighborhood.

September 29, 1851, the subject of this article
was born near Freuchtown, to John and Elizabeth
A. (Rittenhouse) Case, also natives of Hunter-
don County. He was the youngest of three sons,
his brothers being Elijah R. and Dr. Levi W.
His maternal grandfather was Elijah Rittenhouse ;

244

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his paternal grandfather, Godfrey Case, a native
of Alexandria Township, engaged in farming
here until his death, at seventy-five years. He was
a son of William, whose father came to America
from German}*. Our subject's father owned a saw-
mill above Frenchtowu for fifty years and fol-
lowed the lumber business, together with farm-
ing, during his entire active life. His death
occurred when he was about seventy years of age,
and his wife passed away when sixty-six.

Remaining with his parents until twenty-three,
our subject then went to Virginia, where he en-
gaged in farming for four years, and he is still the
owner of a farm there, as well as some land in
North Carolina. In 1878 he settled on the farm
where he now lives, and here he has since carried
on farm pursuits. While not active in public af-
fairs, he is a stanch Democrat and supports the
candidates of his party. He was a member of the
Alliance and the Grange, and in religious con-
nections, with his family, holds membership in
the Presbyterian Church at Mount Pleasant. In
1876 he married Miss Mary I. Draucker, daugh-
ter of Adam Draucker, of Nottoway Count}-, Va.
They have a family of eight children, namely:
John W., Ella B., Jessie M., Levi W., EmmaB.,
Annie E., Joseph R., Jr., and Albert D.

3ACOB S. SUTPHIN, a highly esteemed
citizen of East Amwell Township, Hun-
terdon County, is one of the brave soldier
boys who donned the blue and went to the de-
fense of their country in the days of her great peril
during the Civil war. He was a young man
then, barely twenty-two years of age, and full of
patriotism and courage. In times of peace he
has been no less a truly loyal citizen, ever ready
to do his entire duty as a voter and as a son of
America to unhold her laws and work for her
best interests.

The Sutphins are well known farmers of Hun-
terdon County, having been located in this sec-
tion of New Jersey for several generations, and
have been noted for sturdy, industrious traits of
character and for strict integrity of word and
deed. The parents of our subject were Ralph
and Rachel Ann (Bellis) Sutphiu. The birth of
Jacob S. Sutphin took place in Raritan Township,
this county, August 23, 1840. He lived at home
with his parents until after reaching his majority,
and was then qualified for whatever was in store
in the future for him. He had received excel-
lent school advantages, and was thoroughly com-
petent to manage a farm and to carry on business
transactions.

About this time the war was in progress, and
he felt it his duty to offer his services to the
Union. He enlisted as a private soldier in Com-
pany B, Thirty-first New Jersey Infantry, in
August, 1862, being mustered in at Flemington.
With his regiment he was sent to Washington,
where he was on duty for nine months, the term
of his enlistment, after which he returned to his
old farm life, taking .charge of the place. He
continued to live there until 18S0, when he moved
to the home where he has since resided, he hav-
ing purchased the same in 187S. It comprises
one hundred and eighty-one acres, adapted for
general farming and dairying. The owner makes
a specialty of raising fruit and has four thousand
bearing peach trees, and two thousand others
which will be matured in a short time. A ready
market is found for the product each year, and
nets the proprietor a goodly income. In politics
he is a Republican, and socially he is identified
with Post No. 108, G. A. R., of Hopewell, and
has served as sergeant-major and commander of
the same. He is a member and has officiated as
a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church.

December 9, 1873, was an eventful day in the
history of Mr. Sutphiu, as then it was that Miss
Alida Fisher became his wife. She is a daughter
of Caleb F. Fisher, a native of this township.
Her paternal grandfather was Jacob, and her
great-grandfather was Peter Fisher, who origi-
nally settled upon the farm where she was born.

CAPT. RICHARD B. READING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

247

Of the two children born to our subject and wife,
one died in infancy, and the other is Raymond,
who is still at home, and aids in the manage-
ment of the farm. They are all most worthy
people and possess the confidence and respect of
all who know them.

EAPT. RICHARD B. READING. To the
philosopher or student of human nature
there can be no greater pleasure than to
trace the history of one who has risen from poor
and humble surroundings to a high place of honor
and influence by the strength of his own person-
ality, and the use of the talents with which he was
endowed. In this land where true worth is the
only real measure of nobility, we point with
pride to our Lincolnsand Garfields.who overcame
poverty and obscurity in the straightforward path
of duty, and justly feel that the greater credit is
due them for the heights to which they have
reached.

In following up the story of the life of Captain
Reading one can find naught save that which
elicits one's admiration for the man. Heredity
did much for him, in that his ancestors were hon-
est, God-fearing people, striving to do their duty
toward their fellow-men. He is a descendant of
that John Reading who was one of the honored
early settlers of Hunterdon County. The par-
ents of the captain were George Jackson and
Eliza C. (Swallow) Reading, natives of this
(Hunterdon) county.

Richard B. Reading was born in Raven Rock,
Hunterdon County, June 28, 1843, and passed
his whole life in that vicinity up to the time that
he removed to Lambertville, a few years ago.
In his boyhood he went to the district school in
the winter and worked on the farm with his fa-
ther the rest of the year. When he was but nine
or ten years old he began to carry water and run
errands for the men who were then engaged in

the construction of the Belvidere Division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1859 he commenced
working in the blacksmith shop of the railroad
company at Raven Rock, the first year receiving
$25 for the twelve months of work.

At the end of two years he was given journey-
man's wages, and was soon made foreman. His
father had charge of a construction corps at this
time, and the young man joined his forces, work-
ing as a track laborer for some time. He was
too ambitious to keep at this business very long,
however, and, coming to Lambertville, he en-
tered a railroad telegraph office, and, having
learned the business, was sent back to Raven
Rock to take a position at the station there as an
operator. From 1864 to 1869 he served the cor-
poration in that place, then being transferred to
the superintendent's office in this town. In 1871
he was returned to Raven Rock to straighten up
the accounts of his successor there, as he had de-
faulted. In that position he was retained until he
resigned in 1895, and came to Lambertville.

In the field of politics Captain Reading has
been very prominent. He cast his first presi-
dential ballot for Lincoln in 1864, and has done
much for the success of the Republican party in
this state. In 1887 his merits were officially
recognized by his being appointed a member
of the New Jersey State Republican Committee,
on which he has acted ever since, now being one
of the executive committee. Prior to the date
just mentioned he had distinguished himself while
a member of the Hunterdon County Republican
Committee, of which he was chairman for three
years, as to him was largely due the fact that the
county went Republican twice while he held the
office. In 1877 he was appointed fish commis-
sioner for this county by Gov. George B. Mc-
Clellau, and occupied that position six years. In
1885 he was elected secretary of the New Jersey
senate for three years, and won the respect and
commendation of all. In 1888 Governor Greene
appointed him riparian commissioner of New
Jersey, and as such he served three years. At
this time he is general and special agent for rail-
way companies in the legislature. In both the

248

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies he holds high
rank. In the latter he has taken all the degrees
and is noble grand and past representative to the
grand lodge of Pennsylvania. With the Masons
he has taken the Knight Templar degree and
served as past eminent commander. He also
belongs to Lulu Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Phila-
delphia; and is a member of the order of Elks of
Trenton. July 16, 1897, he was appointed as in-
spector of rifle practice and was placed on the
staff of Colonel Bamford.of the Seventh Regiment,
with the rank of captain.

In 1866 Mr. Reading married Sarah Morris,
of Point Pleasant, Pa. She was born in Bucks
County, Pa., and is a daughter of Elias and
Elizabeth (Seese) Morris. The captain and wife
have three children, the eldest of whom, Willard
B., was born in Raven Rock in 1868. He grad-
uated from Trenton Business College and is now
an employe of the Pennsylvania Railway Com-
pany. Richard B., Jr., was born in Raven Rock
in 1876 and graduated from the Trenton Business
College in 1897. Bertha M.,the only daughter,
is attending college at Hackettstowu, N. J.

— «>H®^®Jf<l-

DWIN HUTCHISON, who died August
*&) 21, 1897, was a native of Belvidere. His
__ career was replete with adventure and dan-
ger, owing to the nature of his life occupation, as
he was a detective, and his death resulted from
the effects of a struggle with four men who were
breaking the law by stealing rides on the railroad.
His service was solicited by the government on
several occasions when unusual daring and skill
were required in some direction, and for years
he was occupied in bringing criminals into the
hands of justice. He was a man of quiet deter-
mination.

When he was untimely cut down by the hand
of death, Mr. Hutchison was in the prime of
vigorous manhood and activity. He was born

November 1, 1S54, and always made his home or
headquarters in Belvidere. His parents were
Zachariah D. and Catherine (Lake) Hutchison,
the former of Scotch-Irish extraction. For
twenty-eight years Z. D. Hutchison has been in
the employ of the Belvidere & Delaware Bridge
Company. His wife died in 1865, and of their
three children onl}r one survives, Eleanor, wife of
O. H. P. Reimer, of this place.

The education of Edwin Hutchison was ob-
tained in the Belvidere schools, and when he was
sixteen he commenced learning the trade of a ma-
chinist. On two occasions he acted in the capac-
ity of policeman, and in the spring of 1884 was
appointed state detective by the governor, hav-
ing in the meantime made more than a
local reputation. He held the office of state
detective for thirteen years, or until his death.
He was chief of police and constable in Bel-
videre for a number of years and did some
very clever work during the great strikes
in the coal regions in Pennsylvania, and also
during other strikes in New York, Newark, Jer-
sey City, Perth Amboy and elsewhere. In his
possession were letters from dozens of prominent
judges, lawyers, statesmen and business men in
this part of the United States, commending his
shrewdness, general ability, intrepidity and
fidelity to duty. For a long period he was en-
gaged in special work for the Delaware, Lack-
awanna & Western Railroad and he was still in
the employ of that corporation at the close of his
career. He is survived by his wife, whose maiden
name was Lillie Pearson, and to whom he was
married July 26, 1884.

PNETER STAATS is a substantial citizen and
y? progressive farmer of East Amwell Township,
^3 Hunterdon County. He has lived upon one
farm, the one which he now owns and cultivates,
for over twenty years, in the meantime having

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

249

made good improvements upon the place, and ma-
terially increased its value. All local enterprises
find in him a sincere friend, but he has never been
an aspirant for public office. He prefers to do his
duty as a humble citizen, giving his support to the
principles and candidates of the Republican part}',
and to devote his time and attention to his home
and own business affairs. He is especially inter-
ested in religious work and gives liberally of his
time and means to the support of the Amwell
Presbyterian Church, with which he holds mem-
bership. In the spring of 1897 he was appointed
to serve as an elder in the congregation, and pre-
viously acted in the capacity of a trustee for about
a dozen years.

The parents of Peter Staats were John B. and
Lucretia S. (Sutphin) Staats, natives of Hunter-
don County. The Staats family, as may be infer-
red from the name, originated in Holland many
generations ago. The birth of Peter Staats oc-
curred in Hillsboro Township, Somerset County,
December 31, 1854. He was reared in that vicin-
ity, and until he wTas seven years of age lived in
the village of Hillsboro. Then, with his parents,
he removed to a farm near by, and received prac-
tical training in agricultural employments and
pursuits. His education was acquired in the
public schools of his home neighborhood, and
when he was twenty- three years old he left home
to make his own way in the world as best he
might.

The first year in the independent career of our
subject he rented land, and diligently worked from
morning until night in order that he might have
a sufficient sum of money to make a payment upon
a homestead of his own. The following year he
had succeeded so well that he purchased the place
where he now resides, it comprising ninety-one
acres. This was in the fall of 1877, and from that
day to this he has been prospered, though he has
had reverses, as it falls to the lot of all mankind
to have such backsets. He aims to keep posted
in all modern methods of fanning, is a member of
the Grange and takes leading agricultural jour-
nals.

The marriage of Mr. Staats and Miss Maria V. N.

Sebring was celebrated September 13, 1876. She
was born in the same place as her husband, being
a daughter of Isaac and Cornelia S. Sebring. To
the marriage of our subject and wife two children,
a son and a daughter, were born, named respect-
ively John B. and LUlie F. , and they are both still
at home with their parents. The family enjoy
the regard and esteem of all who know them, and
their warm personal friends in this community are
legion.

NR. RICHARDS has engaged in business
in Belvidere for a period of about twenty
years. By his energy and correct methods
of carrying on business he has won the principal
trade of the townspeople in his line. He owns
and conducts a market, and in addition ships
considerable produce to New York City.

The Richards family were among the early
settlers of Orange County, N. Y., but the grand-
father of our subject was a wealthy land owner
of Sussex Count}', N. J., and donated the site of
the court house at Newton. The father of H. R.
was Francis G. Richards, who was born in Pas-
saic County, N. J., and died in 1S85. By occu-
pation he was an undertaker for the most part,
though he also carried on a cabinet-making shop,
and at one time was the owner of a meat market.
He was a good citizen, liberal and public spirited,
and possessed the love and respect of all who
knew him. Religiously he was a member of the
Reformed Church. His undertaking business is
still managed by his widow, who is now in her
eightieth year, yet very active and a good finan-
cier. Of her eleven children all survive save one.
Her maiden name was Sarah Brown.

H. R. Richards was born in Passaic County,
N. J., September 19, 1856, and when he was a
mere lad of thirteen he left school in order to earn
his own livelihood. Having mastered the details
of the butcher's business, he decided to settle per-
manently in Belvidere and opened a market,

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which he has since managed. He has acquired
a competence and is a stockholder in the Warren
National Bank. Fraternally he is an Odd Fel-
low, and he holds membership with the First
Presbyterian Church. He married first Mary A.
Schultz, daughter of Palmer Schullz, of Moun-
tain View, Passaic County, N. J., who died in
1890, leaving two children, Francis P. and Gor-
don J. He married his present wife, Elizabeth
D. Perry, July 28, 1892.

EWIS SUTPHIN. There has been much
It said in regard to the respective merits of
|_J life in the city and life in the country,
and though a multitude of young men leave
the farm ever}' year to seek a more or
less precarious livelihood in the great cities,
already crowded in every avenue aud pur-
suit with countless thousands read}', eager and
capable to hold almost any position that might
offer, undoubtedly those who choose to quietly
and industriously devote themselves to agriculture
are the wisest. True it is that great fortunes are
occasionally made by men of unusual genius and
enterprise, but the vast majority utterly fail, aud
ultimately return to the old farm, or else wearily
toil in the factory, store or office for little more
than sufficient to keep the soul and body together.
The farmer lives near to the great heart of
nature, enjoys the pure air, free from the dust
and smoke of the city, may have on his table the
freshest and choicest of food from the garden and
orchard, aud pure water, untainted by sewerage;
these blessings, and a thousand others, of which
he is scarcely conscious perhaps, are his heritage.
When the time came for him to make a choice
of occupation, the subject of this article deter-
mined that he would follow the calling of his
father. He was born on the farm where he now
resides in East Amwell Township, Hunterdon
County, June 3, 1S29. Here he grew to man's

estate and received good training in agricultural
affairs. When he was twenty he began to work
the farm on shares, and in i860 purchased the
place, which numbers one hundred and seven
acres, suitable for general crops and dairying.
Mr. Sutphin has been very successful in his busi-
ness enterprises, and possesses the respect of all
with whom he has ever had any dealings. In
politics he is a Republican, and the only position
of public character that he has ever been induced
to hold was that of road supervisor.

The partner of Mr. Sutphin's joys and sorrows
bore the maiden name of Ann Waldron. They
were married February 18, 1859, in Raritan
Township, where the bride was born in 1842.
They have had nine children, four of whom are
deceased. Those living are: Arthur L., who is
a resident of Clover Hill; Cora, who is the wife
of Alvin Hill, of this township; Lewis C. , Jr.,
Howard C. and Annie W. , who are at home.
Elizabeth, who married George Whitenack, died
August 10, 1885, and Julia E. died January 15
of the same year. John C. and Samuel died in
infancy. The family are members of the Presby-
terian Church of Reaville, and for thirty years
our subject has been a deacon in the congrega-
tion.

pQlLLIAM McCREA, who was elected to
\ A / the board of freeholders of Hunterdon
V V County, and served as such most credit-
ably for five years, was for two years of that
period a director and for a similar length of time
on the finance committee of that honorable body.
In his political convictions he is a stanch Demo-
crat, warmly seconding the principles advanced by
his party, and using his franchise on behalf of its
nominees. By occupation he is a farmer, and is
the proprietor of a valuable homestead in Read-
ington Township.

The parents of our subject were Archibald and
Rachel (Alpaugh) McCrea, both of whom were

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

251

natives of this county. The father was a direct de-
scendant of that revered minister, Rev. McCrea,
whose daughter, Jane, was massacred by the In-
dians during the war of the Revolution in 1777,
the red men having been incited to the cruel deed
by the British, who wished to take revenge upon
the family for their heroic aid and sympathy with
the rebellious colonists of the mother country.
Archibald McCrea grew to manhood in Hunter-
don County, and, after his marriage, concluded
to try his fortune in Illinois. He accordingly re-
moved to Fulton County, and while a resident
there the war came on, and he enlisted as a vol-
unteer in Company G, One Hundred and Third
Illinois Infantry. He faithfully stood at the post
of duty for nearly three years, participating in
many engagements and battles of importance, and
was finally captured and sent to that frightful
prison, Andersonville, where he who entered
"left hope behind." He did not long survive
the privations and cruelty of his treatment there,
and thus his life was a sacrifice to his love for his
country. Death would have appeared to him
much kindlier had he come on the swift wings of
a bullet than in the long-drawn-out suffering of
that foulest of foul prisons, and fate seemed terri-
bly cruel to have reserved him for this, when it
had spared him in countless engagements with
the enemy on the fair field of battle. He left a
widow and three children to mourn the loss of a
kind father and husband. In 1865 they returned
to Hunterdon County.

William McCrea, who was born in Fulton
County, 111., January 23, 1859, is, nevertheless,
practical^ a Hunterdon County boy, as he was a
mere child when he was brought back to this
neighborhood, and here he was reared to ma-
turity and has always made his home. He is the
only survivor of his family. As soon as he had
reached a suitable age he commenced to work on
a farm and has always persisted in this occupa-
tion, and with good success. He has had to rely
solely upon his own resources in the battle of
life, and has wrought out for himself a name for
industry, honesty and other sterling virtues of a
manly character. He eminently deserves the

genuine respect that is freely accorded him by
those who have always known him, and his place
in local society could hardly be filled. Both he
and his good wife are members of the Reformed
Church of Readington, he being a deacon at this
time. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd
Fellows' society, belonging to the White House
Station lodge.

November 29, 1882, Mr. McCrea married
Emma Schomp, daughter of the late Peter
Schomp, of this township, of whom mention is
made elsewhere in this volume. They became
the parents of one child, a daughter, Mary E. ,
who is at home. Mrs. McCrea died February 26,
1896, and on the 18th of May, 1898, Mr. McCrea
married Mrs. Maria Schomp (nee Berkaw.)

»®S*<4 «— f-

GJ1 BRAHAM J. PRALP is a representative of
LI the men of energy, ability and enterprise
/ ) who have made Hunterdon County promi-
nent in the state. His name is associated with
the agricultural interests of East Am well Town-
ship, where he owns and resides upon the old
homestead where he was born, April 28, 1840.
He is a son of Abraham and Hannah (Bellis)
Prall, who were highly respected citizens of this
community for many years.

Having finished his education in the public
schools of his district, Abraham J. Prall started
out to make his own way in the world by remov-
ing to a part of his father's farm and engaging in
cultivating the tract. He had early learned by ex-
perience and practice under his parents' judicious
instruction everything necessary to the proper
management of a farm, and was still enabled to
turn to them for further advice whenever it was
required. With characteristic energy he at once
began to make substantial improvements on the
farm, and, in fact, has constructed most of the
buildings, fences, etc. , on the place. He owns
one hundred and ten acres here, and does a gen-

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

eral dairy and farming business, having succeeded
from the first. He is a Republican in his politi-
cal standing, and is greatly interested in the suc-
cess of that organization. At the same time he
is not a politician in the ordinary meaning of the
term, nor has he ever sought or desired public
office. In church work and charitable enterprises
he takes an active part, and since 1867 he has
been an elder in the Reaville Presbyterian Church,
and has also served as a trustee of the same.

January 27, 1861, Mr. Prall married Miss
Mary, daughter of David S. Hill. To this mar-
riage seven children were born, of whom the
eldest, Adeline H., born November 2, 1861, is the
wife of V. B. Lowe, of Newark, N. J.; William
B., born July 4, 1864, is deceased; David S., born
December 10, 1865, holds a responsible position as
an inspector in a store in Omaha, Neb. ; Mary, born
April 11, 1868, is the wife of Harry D. Phillips;
Carrie, born June 25, 1872, is the wife of Joseph
Phillips; J. Scofield was born January 27, 1875;
and Horace G., the youngest, was born Marcn 6,
1881.

30HN W. HOFFMAN is the owner and
manager of the Hoffman House, in New
Germantown, Hunterdon County. This is
one of the cleanest, cheeriest, most homelike hotels
to be found in the county and the traveler is
always sure of a hospitable welcome and all the
accommodations of our modern civilization. The
proprietor is thoroughly conversant with the bus-
iness, and caters to the wishes and needs of the
public in a manner that wins for him regular
patronage from the best class of people who find
themselves in this locality.

The subject of this article is a young, energetic
man, progressive and enterprising. He was born
April 12, 1S66, in Fox Hill, now Fairmount,
Morris County, just over the boundary line of
this county. He is a son of Isaac A. and Mary

A. (Eick) Hoffman, and a grandson of Jacob
Hoffman, who was a shoemaker by trade and
owned a good farm near Califon, in this county.
Isaac A. Hoffman is a farmer by occupation, and
makes his home near White House. In his fam-
ily there are five children, of whom John W. is
the eldest, and the others are Myrtle, wife of
Melancthon Apgar, of White House, an employe
of the New Jersey Central Railroad; Harry C,
William and Mamie.

The boyhood of our subject was spent with his
parents on the home farm, where he led the usual
happy, careless life of the farmer's boy, a part of
his time being given to attending the district
school, and the remainder divided between work
and play. At the age of twenty-two he accepted
the general agency for T. C. Fielding's emble-
matic charts for various fraternal orders. The
company is a Boston (Mass.) organization, sole
publishers of this style or class of engraving in
the United States. Though he had had no previ-
ous experience to amount to anything in the
world of business, young Hoffman made a suc-
cess of his venture, and remained with this one
firm for a period of eight years, giving entire sat-
isfaction.

April 20, 1889, Mr. Hoffman married Etta,
daughter of Milton G. and Nancy (McNair)
Horton, who w'ere natives of Morris County, N.
J. Mrs. Hoffman was born in Fairmount, and
by her marriage has become the mother of three
children: Floyd, who died when but ten months
old; Florence and Blanche.

After residing a year in Fairmount after his
marriage, our subject removed to German Valley,
Morris County, where he lived five years, while
traveling on the road as a salesman. He then
purchased the New Germantown Hotel of Samuel
Clark, and has since carried it on under its pres-
ent name. He has made many important
changes in the building, placing the parlors on
the southern side of the house, adding a reading-
room, putting in steam heat, and making other
modern improvements. The dining room is
bright, clean and well appointed in ever)' respect
and the food served is very appetizing and invit-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

253

ing, consisting largely of fresh country produce,
well cooked. In political affairs, Mr. Hoffman's
views coincide with the policy of the -Democratic
party, and socially he belongs to Chester Lodge
No. 209, I. O. O. F. , of German Valley, and is
past grand of the same. He is also affiliated with
the Masonic order, belonging to Prospect Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M. A Knight of Pythias, he is
a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 123, of Califon,
and in the Order of Red Men he is associated
with Shabbekong Tribe No. 46, of Junction,
N.J.

HON. WILLIAM H. MARTIN. For about
thirty years this gentleman has been an
honored citizen of the flourishing town of
Frenchtown, Hunterdon County, and for twenty-
three years of this time he has been connected
with the Union National Bank here. He is now
serving his twelfth year as the president of this
well-known institution, which is one of the most
substantial ones in the state. Mr. Martin stands
among the well-known financiers and politicians
of western New Jersey. He is a loyal Democrat
and he has never been defeated for any office for
which he was a candidate, although his home dis-
trict has usually gone Republican at other elec-
tions. From 1888 to 1890 inclusive he was a
member of the assembly, and each year that he
ran for the position he received an increased ma-
jority. In 1891, after an exciting and hard-
fought campaign, he was elected senator by a
plurality of nearly a thousand votes, his opponent
having been Capt. John Shields, a man of in-
fluence and high standing in the ranks of the
Republicans. In 1893 he acted as chairman of
the committees on riparian rights and state prison
and was a member of the committees on railroads
and canals and corporations.

Senator Martin was born in New Jersey, June
17, 1846, his birthplace being in the vicinity of
Little York, Hunterdon County. He received a

good general education. He developed an espe-
cial aptitude for commercial transactions and
since 1875 he has been engaged in business in
Frenchtown. He has met with success in his
various undertakings and has held local positions
of trust and responsibility with credit to himself
and friends. In January, 1887, he was elected a
director of the Alexandria Bridge Company and
the following year was made president of the con-
cern. November 17, 1887, he was elected presi-
dent of the Union National Bank, to fill the va-
cancy caused by the death of Hugh E. Warford,
and he has continued to hold this position up to
the present time.

In 1873 Mr. Martin first came before the pub-
lic in an official capacity, he being then elected
tax collector for the borough of Frenchtown by a
large majority. The succeeding year he was re-
elected, receiving a still greater number of votes,
after which he was a member of the common
council, being elected for four successive j^ears,
beginning with 1S77. In 1881 he was chosen
mayor of the town and re-elected the next year.
In all of his varied public life he has ever sought
to promote the welfare of his fellows in every pos-
sible way and to this he doubtless owes much of
his success.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of one
child, a daughter, Ella J., now the wife of Rev.
W. A. Long, D. D., of Newton, N. C. Mrs.
Martin was in maidenhood Miss Lizzie Mettler,
and is a daughter of Levi Mettler, of Kingwood.

3ACOB A. SPECHT is engaged in general
merchandising in New Germantown, Hun-
terdon County. He has been the proprietor
of the store that he now operates, for nearly twen-
ty years, carrying a well-selected stock of hard-
ware, dry goods, boots and shoes, hats, caps,
clothing, etc. In his business affairs he has
shown excellent judgment and foresight, fairness

254

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in all his dealings with others and perseverance
in whatever he has undertaken. Thus he has
wrought out for himself a success that he richly
deserves and at the same time possesses the confi-
dence and respect of the whole community in
which he dwells.

The parents of our subject were John and Eliz-
abeth (Kinkel) Specht, who were much- respected
citizens in their home place in the province of
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. The father was a
farmer when in early life and in his prime and for
years was the burgomaster of his own village, a
position of honor and responsibility, as every Ger-
man knows. Of his six children three are now
living in America: John, who is mentioned upon
another page of this work; Henry, who lives near
Lake Hopatcong, N.J.; and Jacob A.

The birth of the subject of this review took
place in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 15,
1838. He was a student in the government
schools during the required period, and when he
was but fifteen he bade adieu to all the friends of
his boyhood and set sail for America, the prom-
. ised laud. His elder brother, John, had preceded
him about six years and was then located in New
Germantown. Therefore the youth came direct
to this town and here he has always dwelt since,
with the exception of two or three years when he
was absent serving his apprenticeship. At first
he tried the shoemakers' trade, working in Me-
chanicsville, and as this business was not at all to
his taste he learned that of cabinet-making. This
he followed for several years in this town and vi-
cinity, after which he was employed for a year or
two in his brother's tanyard. In 1862 he entered
the store of J. R. Fisher, of this place, as a clerk,
serving in that capacity for a year, when the firm
sold out and then for two years longer he was in
the employ of the successors of Mr. Fisher, Messrs.
Honeyman and VanDoren. In 1865 Mr. Specht
purchased the interest of Mr. Honeyman, the bus-
iness being conducted thereafter under the name
of Van Doren & Specht until 187 1. Mr. Fisher
then became a member of the firm, succeeding
Mr. Van Doren, whose share he bought, and the
style of the company was changed to Fisher &

Specht. As such they did business, building up
a large and paying trade, but in 1880 our subject
withdrew from the concern, selling out to William
P. Fisher, who wished to become a member of
his father's enterprise. At this time our subject
established an independent business, which has
commanded a large share of the patronage of his
old customers, as well as claiming that of many
new ones.

Politically Mr. Specht is associated with the
Democratic party and has officiated in numerous
local positions of trust and honor, among these
having been a freeholder. He was formerly a
member of the Masonic fraternity but is not now
active in the same. He is a valued member of
the Lutheran Church and has been an officer in
the same. January 1, 1868, he married Emeline,
daughter of John B. and Maria (Abel) Melick.
She is a native of this county, as are also her
parents. The only child in the family of our
subject and wife is Everetta, an accomplished
}'oung lady and the organist in the Lutheran
Church.

jILLIAM BARRY, Jr., is the proprietor
and manager of a well conducted livery in
Belvidere. He is a young man of energy,
and has succeeded in winning a large and re-
munerative patronage in this vicinity. He has
been a great lover of fine horses as long as his
memory reaches into the past, and is consid-
ered by all to be a competent judge of superior
horse flesh. It was in the spring of 1S90 that
he established himself in business in this, his
native town, and from the first his success
seemed assured. His livery is one of the best
in the county, and is equipped with good car-
riage and saddle horses, and a fine line of car-
riages, carts and light road vehicles. The
traveler may be sure of courteous treatment on
the part of the proprietor, and to the local cit-
izen he needs no special recommendation, for

-yyvW&^''ru'^

j} *f£ " &£&

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

257

he has always resided in Belvidere, where his
merits as a business man are favorably esteemed.
The birth of William Barry, Jr., occurred
thirty-eight years ago, February 22, i860. His
father, William Barry, Sr., is still living, being
about sixty years of age, and still hale and
hearty. He is a native of Ireland, and came to
America about forty-seven years ago, since which
time he has been chiefly engaged in railroading,
in various capacities, now being road supervisor.
His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine
Driscoll, is also a native of the Emerald
Isle, and is about sixty years of age. Of their
ten children seven survive. Our subject was a
pupil in the public schools of this town until he
was about eighteen years old, when he started
forth to make his own way in the world. For a
short time he worked for a railroad company. He
is reliable and popular with his patrons. He is
unmarried, and in religious belief is a Catholic.

■»>K®(©)®^<)-

(JOHN V. STILLWEEE, an energetic and
I progressive }roung business man of White
Q) House Station, Hunterdon County, has been
located in this bustling railroad town scarcely two
and one-half years, but in the meantime has built
up a large and remunerative trade. He is a
dealer in all kinds of pine, spruce and hemlock
lumber, in coal of various kinds, in fertilizers,
adamant wall plaster, dry goods and groceries.

A son of our well-known citizen, George Still-
well, of whom notice appears in another part of
this volume, John V. was born July 29, 1865, in
Readington Township, and was reared to man's
estate upon the parental homestead. In the dis-
trict schools near his home he received his ele-
mentary education, adding to this the experience
obtained in the world's battlefields, and the re-
sults of his private reading and study. He is a
Republican in political convictions, and is greatly
interested in the success of his favorite princi-

ples. July 1, 1897, under President McKinley,
he received the appointment of postmaster. He is
identified with the Independent Order of Fores-
ters, which has a lodge in White House Station,
andEodgeNo. 207, I. O. O.F., ofWhite House.
In November, 1891, was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Stillwell and Annie Demott, whose
father, J. R. Demott, is a leading citizen of Stan-
ton, N. J. The union of our subject and wife
has been blessed with one daughter, Edna, and a
son, John. The family attend the Reformed
Church, and are liberal supporters of its many
departments of usefulness and activity.

QlMPSON S. STOUT is one of the native
7\ sons of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon
C*y County, his birth having taken place upon
the farm adjoining the one which he now owns
and cultivates, November 28, 1840. From his
boyhood he was thoroughly patriotic, and while
the shadows of the Civil war were becoming more
and more serious, he could scarcely be restrained
from enlisting in the defense of his loved country.
Finally, in September, 1862, he volunteered in
Company D, Thirty-first New Jersey Regiment,
as a private soldier, and was mustered into the
regular service at Flemington. With his regi-
ment he went to Washington, D. C, thence to
Bell Plains and Fredericksburg, and at the end
of nine months returned home to the cruiet rou-
tine of farm work.

The parents of our subject were Nathan and
Mary A. (Fisher) Stout. They were most
worthy people, loved and esteemed by all who
knew them. Thoroughly congenial and happy
in their wedded life, they were not long separated
by death, for when the aged husband was sum-
moned to his reward his faithful wife rapidly
failed, and about a week later was placed by his
side in the quiet cemetery. The father was in
his eightieth year, while the mother was eighty-

253

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three years and three months old. With the ex-
ception of onr subject their children have all
passed to the better land. The eldest, William
F., died September 18, 1872, at Independence,
Iowa. Henry H., the next of the family, was a
lieutenant in Company K, Fifth Wisconsin In-
fantry, having risen from the ranks; was killed
at the battle of Spottsylvania Court-house, May
10, 1864, and lies buried in the National Ceme-
tery at Fredericksburg. Lucretia died September
7, 1873, and Mary Y. died December 23, 1891.
The Stout family in America is descended from
Richard Stout, a native of Nottinghamshire,
England. He married Penelope Van Princes and
on coming to America settled in Middletown,
Monmouth County, N. J.

When he returned from the southern battle-
fields Mr. Stout devoted himself to the cultiva-
tion of the old farm on which he had always
lived. He continued to manage the place until
1 89 1, when he removed to the fine homestead
where he may be found to-day. He has a place
containing two hundred acres, and another tract
of two hundred acres more, including the wooded
or timberland property. One farm near Quaker-
town owned by him has eighty-six acres, and
another farm in West Amwell Township contains
forty acres. He is a charter member of the Lam-
bert Boeman Post No. 48, at Flemington, and is
affiliated with the Republican party. He mar-
ried Miss Julia H. Smith October 15, 1884. She
is the daughter of Robert R. and Rebecca (Young)
Smith, natives of this county, now deceased.

DIJAH HOLCOMBE, a prominent agricult-
>) urist of Hunterdon County, has owned and
_ _ carried on the farm where he now makes his
home for nearly forty years. It is situated in
Delaware Township and contains one hundred
and thirty acres within its boundaries. Arable
and in a high state of cultivation, it is a very de-

sirable and valuable place, being equally well
adapted for the raising of cereals and ordinary
crops or for dairying and fruit growing. The
proprietor of this homestead is a practical man of
affairs, and, having given much of his life to agri-
culture, is thoroughly acquainted with the sub-
ject in all its details.

The father of our subject was John Holcombe,
a native of this township, and son of Thomas
Holcombe, also born in Hunterdon County.
John Holcombe married Maria Holcombe, and
four children were born to their union, viz.:
Mary, Cornelia, Thomas and Elijah, of this
sketch. The last-mentioned was born in the
township of West Amwell, Hunterdon County,
January 20, 1828, and was a lad of eight years or
thereabout when, with the rest of his family, he
removed to East Amwell Township. As was the
custom at that time he worked on the farm with
his father during much of the year, only attend-
ing school in the winter season, and thus his
learning at the age of fourteen, when he left home,
was rather rudimentary. Friction in the outside
world, observation and experience and reading,
however, soon made him competent to meet the
ordinary requirements of life, and his native
talent and quick mind readily grasped and mas-
tered every difficulty as soon as it presented itself.
When he was fourteen years old he started out to
make his own way in the world, and began serv-
ing a three years' apprenticeship to the tailor's
trade in Hopewell. Subsequently he followed
this calling for five years, after which he entered
a store at Wertsville, and was employed there for
two years. His next venture was to invest in a
hotel business at Wertsville, and during the next
six years he was quite successful in the inter-
prise. Having sold out, he purchased the farm
where he has since dwelt, and from that time to
the present he has devoted his whole attention to
the cultivation of his property. He is a Republi-
can in politics, and in religious faith is a Presby-
terian, and gives liberally to the cause.

February 21, 1857, Mr. Holcombe married Miss
Mary E. Sutphin, who was born and reared in
this county and is a daughter of Derrick and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

259

Elizabeth Sutphin, of old and respected families
in this portion of New Jersey. The union of our
subject and his estimable wife was graced by
seven children, but three of the number are de-
ceased, John S., Abraham, and Maria, who mar-
ried William Runkle and left one child, Mary H.
Those who remain are Cornelia A., wife of Will-
iam H. Hilliard; Catherine, wife of William
Quick; Oliver, in Philadelphia; and Hannah, at
home.

P)ETER V. DAERYMPLE. It is quite fitting
\X that the lives of good and useful men should
\S be perpetuated in history by those who have
been uplifted and made better by their example
and influence. No one came within the scope of
the honored citizen whose name stands at the
head of this sketch without being benefited in
one way or another, and the annals of Hunterdon
County would be sadly incomplete if his name
were omitted. His life nearly spanned this
century and came to a close in 1897.

Peter V. Dalrymple, formerly of Kingwood,
was born February 23, 1S11, in this county,
wherein his ancestors had resided for several
generations. His father, John Dalrymple, passed
his whole life within the limits of this county,
being occupied in farming. He married Wilhel-
mina Vanderbelt and to them were born seven
children, of whom but two are now living,- viz.:
Sarah M., who is the widow of Joseph Case; and
Armina, widow of Herman Eittle. John Dal-
rymple, who was a member and a deacon in the
Baptist Church for many years, lived to be about
fourscore years old. His father, Jesse, was a
native of Alexandria Township, this county.

The subject of this narrative was reared upon
a farm, and quite naturally decided to adopt the
same means of gaining a livelihood as had his
forefathers. For over thirty years he was occu-
pied in the management of his valuable home-
stead in Kingwood Township. Success came to

crown his industrious efforts, and during the last
years of his life he had abundant means where-
with to surround himself with many of the
luxuries as well as all necessities. In his po-
litical convictions he was an adherent of the
principles of the Republican party. For years he
was connected with the Baptist Church, was very
active in the advancement of all worthy religious
and charitable enterprises, and for some years
was a deacon in the congregation. Happily and
peacefully his life drew to its close, and eighty -six
summers had passed over his head ere the sum-
mons came and the "well done, good and faithful
servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Eord"
resounded in his ears.

In 1839 was solemnized the marriage of Peter
Dalrymple and Mary Ann, daughter of George
and Rachel (Godown) Hicre. Of the nine chil-
dren that came to bless their union all but two
are still living and are as follows: G. Watson;
Rachel J.; Hannah, wife of William Dalrymple;
Sarah, Mrs. Joseph Hoff; Rutser; Emma, wife of
A. E. Roberson; and Charles M., of Ridgefield
Park, now engaged in teaching school. Hattie
died when thirty-two years old, and Marietta died
at the age of eighteen months.

"T DWARD M. BEESEEY, D. D. S., has been
V) engaged in the practice of dentistry in Bel-
_ videre for over a quarter of a century, and
is one of the most prominent of her citizens. He
is a native of Dennisville, Cape May County, N.
J., born June 22, 1845. His education in the
higher branches of knowledge was gained in the
West Jersey Academy, at Bridgeton, and the
Pennsylvania Dental College, in Philadelphia,
where he graduated in 1867. His initial work
in his profession was at Absecon, Atlantic
County, N. J. In 1S71 he came to Belvidere,
and has since made this place his home. His
practice is large and lucrative, and his ability

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has been recognized by his fellow-dentists, who
elected him as a member of the state board of
examiners in dentistry.

He served as sergeant- at-arms in the New
Jersey senate from 1870 to 1873, and in 1882 was
engrossing clerk of the same honorable body.
He has always been a stanch Republican.
Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Warren
Dodge No. 13, F. & A. M. November 11, T873,
he married Carrie A., daughter of Israel Harris,
who for forty years was cashier of the Belvidere
National Bank. The eldest child of the doctor
is Eleanor, who is a practicing physician in
Newark, N. J. The other daughter, Mary, is
the wife of Frank Matthews, of Brooklyn, N.
Y. ; and Maurice, the only son, is a graduate of
Belvidere high school in the class of '98.

The paternal grandfather of the doctor, Thomas
Beesley, born in December, 177 1, came from
England to America in 1778, settling at Beesley 's
Point, on the New Jersey coast. He owned
large tracts of land there, and the place was
named in his honor. A brother of his, John
Beesley, was killed in the Revolutiona^ war.
His sou Maurice, father of our subject, was born
at Beesley's Point, May 16, 1804, and died in
Dennisville, January 13, 1882. He studied med-
icine at Salem, N. J., graduated from the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania in 1828, ranking high in his
class, and continued in the practice of the healing
art fifty-four years. In 1840 and again in 1841
he served as a member of the New Jersey state
legislature and from 1842 until 1844 was one of
the governor's counsel. During this time he
strongly advocated the establishment of a state
lunatic asylum, and it was largely through his
efforts that the institution was at last erected.
He was one of the committee appointed to select
the site. In 1845 he was elected a charter mem-
ber of the New Jersey State Historical Society,
and though his time was very fully occupied
with divers affairs, he still found time to collect
much valuable information relative to the history
of the state and in regard to the geology of the
southern portion of it. Among his effects was
a rare old scrap-book, which he bequeathed to

our subject, and in which there are some doc-
uments of great value, one being a letter writ-
ten by William Penn in 1682. He was an
author of some repute and wrote the early his-
tory of Cape May County. Dr. Maurice Beesley
married Susan, daughter of Amos C. Moore, of
Dennisville, and to them were born four children.
She died in June, 1894.

••>3*>

s§*<t e—

|ILSON THOMAS, senior member of the
firm of W. & W. E. Thomas, has been en-
gaged in the milling business at Milford for
many years, and has become well known as a re-
liable and enterprising business man. For some
time he also carried on a trade in lumber, coal
and plaster, but his principal occupation has been
that of milling. When a youth of seventeen he
began to work in his father's mill, where he
learned the trade, and since then he has been en-
gaged in business on the same spot. On the re-
tirement of his father in 1852, he and his brother
Edward succeeded to the business under the firm
name of W. & E. Thomas, and their connection
continued until January, 1893, when he bought
out his brother's interest and took into partner-
ship his son Wilson Egbert Thomas.

Born in 1829 in Solebury Township, Bucks
County, Pa. , the subject of this sketch is a son of
Mordecai and Grace (Wilson) Thomas. His
father, whose birth occurred in Bucks Count}- in
1797, remained in his native place until 1S43,
when he removed to Milford, N. J., and estab-
lished a flour mill. In 1852 he was succeeded
in the business by his sons, and in 1854 he died at
the age of fifty-seven. His life occupation had
been that of miller and he was thoroughly in-
formed regarding the trade. Politically he sup-
ported the Whig ticket. His wife, who was a
daughter of Jesse and Amy Wilson, of Philadel-
phia County, Pa., died in 1887, at the age of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

261

eighty-five. She was a member of the Society of
Friends. Three children were born of their
union: Wilson; Edward, who was in partner-
ship with his brother for forty-one years,
and died in 1896, at the age of sixty-five years;
and Frances, wife of Samuel Thomas, of Phillips-
burg, Warren County.

Our subject's grandfather, Jonathan Thomas,
was born in 1768 and spent the most of his life in
Philadelphia County; he died in Bristol, Bucks
County, in 1842, at the age of seventy -four.
During early life he followed the miller's trade,
but afterward retired to a small farm. His'father,
Mordecai Thomas, who was born in 1743 or 1744,
was a son of Daniel Thomas, born in 171 1 and
died in 1760. The latter was a son of Daniel
Thomas, Sr. , who came to America from Wales
in 1700 and in 1705 married Miss Catherine
Morris.

Until about twelve years of age our subject re-
sided in Newhope, Pa., from which place he ac-
companied his parents to Bristol, also in Bucks
County, and thence came toMilford, N. J., April
1, 1843. He attended the public schools of the
various places where he lived and acquired a fair
education there and in a select school in Philadel-
phia County, where he was a pupil for a few
years. At the age of seventeen years he began
to learn the miller's trade, which he has since
followed. As a citizen he is public-spirited and
gives his allegiance to measures calculated to
benefit the town and count}'.

In 1855 he was elected a director in the Mil-
ford Delaware Bridge Company at Milford. The
year following he was elected treasurer and filled
the office for forty-two years, and is treasurer at
the present time. Subsequently he filled both
offices and is still one of the directors. He is al-
so president of the Milford Union Cemetery Com-
pany, having held the office since 1875, and is
the only officer living who was associated with its
incorporation in 1858. He votes the Republican
ticket, but other than that has not taken any
part in politics, preferring to give his attention to
his business.

In i860 Mr. Thomas married Miss Lizzie S. Eg-

bert, daughter of Judge William and Elizabeth
(Van Sickel) Egbert. They have only one child,
Wilson Egbert, who is in partnership with his
father. The family are identified with the Pres-
byterian Church, in which Mr. Thomas has been
an elder, trustee and treasurer for some years.

G| UGUSTUS GREEN is the owner of a farm
LI in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County,
/ I and also owns a blacksmith shop in Bap-
tistown, where he has made his home since early
manhood. Though himself a native of Delaware
(born there in 1852) he is a member of an old
Hunterdon County family. His father, Emanuel
Green, was born in Clinton, this county, but
spent the greater portion of his life in Delaware,
where he followed the blacksmith's trade at
Grove for thirty-five years or until his death.
In addition, he also devoted some attention to
farming. Politically he was a Republican and
took an active interest in matters pertaining to
local and national progress. For many years he
served the Methodist Episcopal Church as a
steward and trustee, in which capacities he re-
mained until his death, at sixty-five years.

The grandfather of our subject, John Green,
was born in Hunterdon County and for some
time was engaged as a blacksmith in Clinton,
later following the same occupation for many
years at Grove, Del. The political principles
that he espoused were similar to those adopted by
the Republican party on its organization. By
his consistent Christian life he upheld the doc-
trines that he professed, those of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he was a trustee and
steward. He died when about seventy-two years
of age, and among those who attended his funeral
were forty-two blacksmiths, all of whom were
relatives.

To the marriage of Emanuel Green and Rachel
Reading, daughter of Asher Reading, there were

262

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born five children, of whom three are living:
Carrie, wife of William Lawshe; Augustus; and
William, who resides in Flemiugton, N. J. The
mother is still living and resides on the old home-
stead at Grove. Until t wenty -two years of age the
subject of this sketch made his home in Delaware,
where he learned the blacksmith's trade under
the supervision of his father. From Delaware he
came to New Jersey and settled at Baptistown,
purchasing the place owned by Nathan Dalrymple,
which he has since operated. He is also the pos-
sessor of an eighty-six acre farm in Kingwood
Township. Not caring for official position, he
discharges his duties as a private citizen b}' cast-
ing his vote, in local elections, for those whom he
believes to be best qualified to represent the peo-
ple. In national politics he supports Republican
principles. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Sergeantsville, while his
family attend the Baptist Church. In fraternal
relations he is an Odd Fellow and belongs to the
lodge at Frenchtown.

In 1874 the subject of this sketch married Miss
Henrietta Roberson, daughter of Daniel B. Rober-
sou. Three children bless their union, as follows:
Howard, who is a teacher in the public school of
Baptistown; Verner and Harry, who are at home.

REV. AEVIN A. KING. During the five
years' pastorate of this most worthy laborer
in the Master's vineyard in the pretty town
of Glen Gardner, he has been blessed wonder-
fully, and under his ministry the number of
members in the church has been almost doubled.
The First Lutheran Church, over which he pre-
sides, is in a thriving condition, giving promise
of a bright future of usefulness in this commun-
ity. The building has been repaired and painted,
as has also the parsonage, and both are neat and
attractive in appearance.

The birth of Rev. A. A. King took place in

Easton, Pa., February 16, 1868, and thus he is
in the prime of manhood, usefulness and activity.
His parents were Samuel and Mary A. (Roth)
King, both natives of Easton. The father was
a contractor by occupation and was quite success-
ful in his business ventures. His family com-
prised three sons and three daughters, viz. :
Elamanda, wife of John Narr, of Hanover, Pa.;
Milton H., whose home is on College Hill, while
his place of business is in Easton; John F., who
is in partnership with his brother Milton; Savilla,
wife of Samuel Shortz, a farmer of Northampton
Count}', Pa.; Alvin A.; and Cora E., wife of
Charles Frey, an employe of the government
steel works of Bethlehem, Pa.

In his youth A. A. King remained at home
with his parents, receiving his initial training in
knowledge in the local schools. When he was
twelve he entered the preparatory department of
Nazareth Hall, in the town of that name in
Pennsylvania, and there pursued his studies five
years. Then he went to Atchison, Kas., where
he obtained a position as a clerk in a grocery.
At the end of a year or so he became a traveling
salesman, his territory being the states of Kansas,
Colorado and Nebraska. He was still in the
employ of the old firm and continued with them
altogether three years. He had now barely ar-
rived at his majority, and, returning home, he
entered Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg,
where he pursued a three years' course, after
which he entered the theological seminary of the
same place, graduating in the class of 1893. He
was licensed to preach the year before, and he was
ordained in Allentown, Pa. January 1, 1894, he
was called to his present pastorate, and has been
generally liked here in all church circles, as he is
liberal and broad-minded in his views, devoted to
the uplifting of his brother-men and fervent in
Christian spirit. Dike a true patriot and public-
spirited citizen, he takes great interest in local
affairs, and in political matters uses his franchise
in favor of the Republican party.

October 9, 1894, Mr. King married Alice A.
Reimer, daughter of John D. Reimer, of Stone
Church, Pa. She was born in that place and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

263

there grew to womanhood. She is a lad}' of good
education and social attainments and is a true
helpmate to her husband, being of great assist-
ance to him in his noble work.

^FORGE FRITTS, a well and favorably
_ known farmer of Union Township, Hunter-
^ don County, has been carrying on a busi-
ness in coal and farm implements in Pattenburg
for the past two years in addition to the cultiva-
tion of his valuable homestead. He is a much-
respected citizen, and shows his patriotism by the
interest which he takes in the support of all in-
dustrial enterprises, improvements, etc., inaugu-
rated for the benefit of the public. He uses his
ballot in furtherance of what he earnestly believes
to be for the lasting good of the commonwealth.
He is a Republican, and has never been a politi-
cian in the ordinary sense of the term, as he pre-
fers to attend to his own affairs and has no aspir-
ations to public office.

Born January 13, 1846, in Lebanon Township,
our subject is a son of Jacob D. and Catherine
(Beavers) Fritts. The father was a farmer in
this county during his entire active life. He re-
moved from Lebanon Township to Fairmount,
and from that place to Clinton, where he passed
his declining days, his death occurring in 1890.
His family comprised three sons and a daughter.
Adeline, now deceased, was the wife of Noah S.
Tiger; Isaiah and Ralph B. are prosperous and
enterprising agriculturists of Clinton Township.
When he was but a child, George Fritts re-
moved with the family to the vicinity of Clin-
ton, and received his education in the village
schools. He was married in December, 1867,
the lady of his choice being Mary E., daughter
of Asher and Martha (Hull) Smith. She was a
native of Bethlehem Township, born near West
Portal, and, having enjoyed excellent educational
opportunities, is a woman of pleasing attainments.

Mr. and Mrs. Fritts have no children of their own,
but have an adopted daughter, Carrie E., to
whom they are giving the best advantages in
their power.

In the spring succeeding his marriage Mr.
Fritts settled in Bethlehem Township, and devoted
himself assiduously to farming. Later he re-
moved to Clinton Township, and still later came
to his present home. He holds membership with
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Norton, but
attends the church of this same denomination in
Pattenburg. During his residence in the first-
mentioned town he held the office of steward in
the congregation. He is an interested worker in
the cause of Christianity, and is liberal in his
contributions to the church and worthy benevo-
lences. He was recently honored by being ap-
pointed visitor to the State Board of Agriculture,
for the Fourth Congressional district, by Gov-
ernor Griggs.

3teN*

(JOHN D. LARISON. Hunterdon County is
I one of the most fertile and productive coun-
G) ties in the state and its farmers are enterpris-
ing, self-reliant and progressive. Among these
the gentleman of whom we write occupies an hon-
ored and respected place, as he is well and favor-
ably known throughout this section and is ac-
counted a man of public spirit, ever ready to
assist in all matters pertaining to the welfare of
the people. The cause of education finds in him
a sincere friend and champion, and for two years
he was a member of the board of education in
Delaware Township, in which district his farm is
situated.

Andrew Larisou, grandfather of the above, was
a native of West Am well Township, Hunterdon
County. Our subject's father, Benjamin Larison,
was born in Kingwood Township, this county,
and like the majority of his ancestors was a farmer
by occupation. For his companion and helpmate
on the journey of life he chose Hauna A. Holcomb,

264

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew
her. Their children were nine in number, John
D., born December 12, 1846, being the seventh
of the family.

To the elementary education gained in the com-
mon schools of this neighborhood our subject has
added wide general information through his pri-
vate study and reading and by the sterner knowl-
edge acquired in the battle of life. From his boy-
hood he delighted in the free, open air existence
of the agriculturist and determined to follow in
the footsteps of his father in the choice of an oc-
cupation. When he was nineteen years old he
took charge of this farm, carrying it on thence-
forth without any division of the responsibility.
That he has succeeded well is evident by the fine
condition of everything about the premises, as he
takes just pride in the appearance of his buildings,
fences, etc. The farm consists of one hundred
acres of arable land one and a-half miles north of
Stockton, on the old Flemiugton road. In former
years the owner devoted much time to the busi-
ness of peach-growing and derived a good income
from that source alone.

December 11, 1872, Mr. Larison married Delia
Bodine and four children came to bless their union.
The eldest son, Andrew B., is employed in the
mills at Lambertville; William is at home and
aids in the care of the farm, and the two younger
children, Annie and Carman, are also at home.
In his political preference Mr. Larison is a Repub-
lican. Religiously he is a Baptist and holds mem-
bership with the church of that denomination in
the village of Sandy Ridge.

30HN B. WELDER, proprietor of the Union
Hotel, at Clinton, Hunterdon County, was
born in Warren County, N. J., September 6,
1836, and is a son of Peter and Frances (Miller)
Weller, both natives of that county. Peter Wel-
ler, the father of our subject, was for many years

prominently identified with the growth and de-
velopment of his section of the state. He was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and held in high
esteem by all who knew him. The death of his
wife occurred during his early life and his own
followed in 1845, while yet in the prime of life.

John B., our subject, was then left an orphan
at the age of nine. Thrown upon his own re-
sources, his early life was such that habits of fru-
gality and self-dependence were formed which in
after years were to lead him to prominence and
a competency. His education was acquired in
the public schools of his native place, Uniontown
and Stewartsville, N. J., and later in Easton, Pa.
His entry into the commercial world occurred in
1855, when he procured employment in a general
store at New Hampton in the capacity of clerk,
and later in a similar position in Green's Mills,
N. J. Some three years were spent in these two
situations, when, in view of the ability he had
shown, he was taken into partnership by his
brother, Andrew J. Weller, of Easton, Pa., the
firm style being Weller & Brother.

This association was continued until 1857, when
Mr. Weller purchased the Union Hotel at Clinton,
N. J., entering what was to be his life-long enter-
prise. Since assuming the control of the above
property he has become one of the most popular
and widely known hotel men of his state, and his
house is noted for its homelike comforts and com-
mendable service, as well as the kind and affable
demeanor of its proprietor and his wife. Aside
from his above interest he has been prominently
identified with the growth and development of the
village and has been ever ready to assist in any
enterprise tending to advance its interests. His
charities are many and varied, though always
given in an unostentatious manner. Politically
he is a Democrat, and although not a politician
in the ordinary acceptation of the term he has
been called upon to fill various positions of trust
and honor and in which he has served with marked
ability. He is a member of Stewart Lodge No.
34, F. & A. M., and De Molay Commandery.

In 1875 Mr. Weller married Anna M., daugh-
ter of Peter Kent, a prominent and well-known

EDWARD HUMPHREY MOORK, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

267

resident of Northampton Count}-, Pa. She is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, is highly
esteemed throughout the community and is act-
ively engaged in various religious and charitable
works. Her personality is striking and her many
acts of kindness have endeared her to a host of
friends and acquaintances.

~ DWARD H. MOORE, M. D., has been lo-
V) cated in White House Station, Hunterdon
__ Count}', for three years only, but has
already gained an enviable reputation, not only
among the inhabitants of this region, but among
his professional brethren as well. He joined the
Hunterdon County Medical Society at Fleming-
ton in 1897, and was honored by being elected
its third vice-president, in which capacity he
served until April, 1898, when he was elected
second vice-president.

Born in Somerset County, N. J. , Dr. Moore is in
the prime of early manhood, as the records show
that his birthday was November 29, 1867. He
is one of ten children of George and Eliza M.
(Hiler) Moore, both of whom were natives of this
state. Two of their family are deceased, and
those who survive are named in the order of
birth as follows: Philip H., John, George, Will-
iam, Edward H., Charles, Mary and Elizabeth
D. George Moore, Sr., was a farmer and miller,
and won the love and regard of all who knew
him. He died November 27, 1894, at the age of
sixty-nine years. His father-in-law, Mr. Hiler,
was a man of considerable prominence and held
numerous offices of trust and responsibility,
among them those of assemblyman, freeholder
and overseer of the poor.

E. H. Moore was born and brought up on a
farm, and studied in the neighborhood schools,
after which he attended private schools in Chester
and Dover, N. J. Having decided to enter the
medical profession, he took his preliminary studies

under the instruction of Dr. Frederick Johnson,
of Stanton, and in the course of time graduated
from the Baltimore College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, his degree of Doctor of Medicine being
dated 1892. Later he took a post-graduate
course in the medical department of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, receiving
a diploma therefrom in 1893.

In no department of science or learning is
greater progress being made than in the art of
healing and he who would keep in accord with the
spirit of the times must be a student and thor-
oughly awake and practical in theory and appli-
cation. The doctor is in every respect equal to
these demands and is of earnest, painstaking dis-
position, making the best of each opportunity
that presents itself whereby he may advance in
knowledge. At the same time he holds to those
old, true and tried methods that have been
proven of great value on a thousand occasions.

0 LIVER I. BLACKWELL. Since 1879 this
sterling citizen of Ringoes, Hunterdon
County, has been engaged in the practice of
law here, and has been actively identified with
all enterprises of a character affecting the general
public hereabouts. From 1890 to 1893 he was
counsel for the board of freeholders, an elective
office, and in 1879 he was elected township clerk
of East Amwell Township, for a five years' term.
In his political affiliations he is a Democrat.
Fraternally he is a member of Powhatan Lodge
No. 72, I. O. O. F., of Ringoes.

The birth of O. I. Blackwell took place on the
old family homestead near Larison Corners, Rar-
itau Township, Hunterdon County, October 3,
1857. This fine old estate, comprising two hun-
dred acres, is now the property of our subject,
and was settled upon by his grandfather, Andrew
Blackwell, about 1830. He was a thrifty agricult-
urist and good business man, and was a native

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Mercer Count}', N. J. His son and namesake,
Andrew, married Miss Mary Hunt, daughter of
Dr. Cicero Hunt, a prominent physician of that
day in this vicinity, and their two children were
Oliver I., of this sketch, and Ella, who married
Dr. P. C. Young, and died in 1888.

In his boyhood and youth our subject attended
the neighboring schools and graduated from Rin-
goes Seminary in 1875. Soon afterwards he en-
tered the law office of Senator Richard S. Kuhl,
of Flemington, and, after devoting himself assid-
uously to the study of legal lore, he was admit-
ted to the county bar in November, 1879. The
same year he was appointed master in chancery.
From the very first his success in his chosen avo-
cation seemed assured, and he soon built up a re-
munerative practice. In the past he did consid-
erable surveying and was interested in various
enterprises. Religiously he is a Presbyterian,
and is a member of Kirkpatrick Memorial Church
of Riugoes, being a deacon in the congregation at
this time.

The marriage of Mr. Blackwell and Miss
Maggie W. Miller, of Mahopac Falls, Putnam
County, N. Y., was solemnized June 13, 1888.
She was born July 9, 1857, and is a daughter of
Rev. Alexander Miller, who at one time was the
loved pastor of the Ringoes Presbyterian Church.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell has been
blessed with two children, Ella, born August 17,
1891, and Mary H., born July 2, 1893.

— >--

•»>K®||1|®<*<>-

(JOHN SPECHT, a retired businessman of
I New Germantown, Hunterdon County, is a
G/ striking example of what a man can accom-
plish when he is strong and resolute in the pur-
suance of a good purpose in life. He is a native
of Germany, and landed in this country when a
youth of less than twenty, without home, friends
or capital to help him in the new world. Every-
thing seemed against him, the mere fact of his

being an entire stranger to the English language
being not the least of his difficulties. But he
had a brave heart, and was determined to win
success by earnest effort and hard work. The re-
sult is the only comment necessary, perhaps, to
those who know him and his circumstances, and
it may well inspire and encourage many another
youth who is now setting out to fight the battles
of life. He found, as they will, that the only
secret of success is honest, industrious work, per-
severance and the exercise of common sense.

Born December 8, 1830, John Specht is a son
of John and Elizabeth (Kinkel) Specht, of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany. His boyhood was passed
quietly and uneventfully in the Fatherland, and
he became more and more earnest in his desire
to come to America. Leaving home with his
elder brother, Henry, he started for the hospit-
able shores of the United States in 1849, coming
direct to German Valley. Here he entered the
employ of Isaac Sharp, who was engaged in run-
ning a tannery and leather business. The young
man had worked at this trade in his own coun-
try, and was consequently familiar with the de-
tails of the business. After remaining two years
with his first employer he went to the town now
known as Fairmount, where for a year he
worked for John and Aaron Vescellius, tanners.

Then Mr. Specht came to New Germantown,
and started into business for himself in an old
abandoned tauyard. He was repeatedly urged
by many of his friends not to embark in this
venture, as several other parties had done so
here and failed, but he quietly persisted, believ-
ing that he could and would make it a success.
Commencing in a small wa}-, he enlarged the
capacity of the plant from time to time, event-
ually building up a large and remunerative trade.
It is said there were at that time eighteen tan-
neries in this county; there is now not a single
one, but, in spite of the competition which our
subject then had to contend with, he prospered.
He not only supplied the local trade, but shipped
considerable stock to the city markets. He con-
tinued to manage the tannery until 1S92, when
he sold out and retired from business. Since

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

269

then lie has handled hides and leather to some
extent, as he is naturally active and does not de-
sire to live in idleness, though he is justly en-
titled to a rest from toil after the long years he
has been so actively occupied. He is a Democrat
in politics, and since he has left his business cares
he has served the people of his community for
four years as collector of taxes. He was one of
the original stockholders of the First National
Bank of Clinton. For thirty-five years, or until
quite recently, he held one office or another in the
Lutheran Church, and is considered one of the
most substantial pillars in the congregation.

April 3, 1868, John Specht married Anna E.,
daughter of Edward and Keturah (Prall) Up-
dyke. She was born in the town of Pattenburg,
Hunterdon County, and by her marriage has be-
come the mother of two daughters, Louisa and
Elizabeth. The younger of the two is a grad-
uate of the state normal school in Trenton, N.
J., and is now a successful teacher in the local
schools. Both daughters are living: at home.

HON. JOHN KUGLER, ex-judge of the
Hunterdon County court, is one of the repre-
sentative and loyal citizens of this section of
New Jersey. The Kugler family have been iden-
tified with the development and increasing pros-
perit}' of this county for several generations, and
have always been esteemed for their sterling
characteristics. They come from sturdy, indus-
trious and thrifty German stock, and are noted for
fidelity to duty and patriotism.

The father of the judge, James Kugler, was a
native of Kingwood, Hunterdon County, born in
1797, and, with the exception of three years
which he spent in the adjoining state of Pennsyl-
vania, resided in the vicinity of his birthplace all
his days. In his early manhood he and his
father were interested in boating on the Delaware
River, but later he settled down to agricultural

pursuits. He was very successful as a business
man and farmer and became the owner of large
tracts of finel3- improved land. He was active in
the furtherance of plans having as their end the
advancement of the people's interests, and in his
political leaning he was a Democrat. He depart-
ed this life at the age of seventy-three years. His
father, John Kugler, was also a native of this
county, and accumulated an extensive fortune.
His calling in life was that of a tiller of the soil,
and in the exercise of his duties he was always
prompt and faithful. He died at the good old
age of seventy-one. His father, John Kugler,
was a son of Germany and passed the first four-
teen years of his career in that beautiful country.
Then, with the other members of his family, he
came to America, and proceeded to fight the
serious obstacles that were in the pathway leading
to success. He mastered the English language,
worked at farming, and finally became the owner of
a homestead. His first property, situated near the
village of Tumble, is now in the possession of
George W. Kugler.

The mother of our subject was Miss Eliza Rit-
tenhouse in her girlhood, she having been a
daughter of Jonathan and Julia (Bray) Ritten-
house. She became the mother of nine children,
only five of whom are now living, viz.: John;
Oliver; Harriet; George W., a lumber dealer of
Gloucester County, N. J., having large interests
in timbered land in North Carolina; and Willson,
a farmer of this locality. The mother was a de-
voted member of the Baptist Church, and died
strong in the Christian faith, as she had ever
lived, her summons to her reward coming when
she was nearly eighty years old.

Judge Kugler was born near the old Methodist
Episcopal Church in Kingwood in 1823. He re-
mained at home on the farm until he was nine-
teen, when he went to live with his maternal
grandfather, Mr. Rittenhouse. For several years
he carried on the homestead belonging to his ven-
erable relative, and after his death the young
man removed to a farm near Flemington, the
county-seat of this county. Eight years he was
situated in Alexandria Township, and at the ex-

270

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

piration of that period he purchased (in 1857) his
present home and farm comprising one hundred
and seventy-five acres. Since then he has de-
voted his time and attention to the raising of a
general line of crops, and has been prospered.

Mr. Kugler is a Democrat and for a number of
years served as a committeeman of Alexandria
Township, and acted in a similar capacity in
Kingwood for some time, besides being a free-
holder of the last-mentioned place three years,
elected without opposition. In 1870-71 he was a
member of the general assembly of the state, and
was on the committee on asylums and reform
schools. In 1893 he was appointed by Governor
Werts and confirmed by the senate as judge of
the county courts, his term to run for three years.
He has since retired to private life.

In 1849 Mr. Kugler married Mary Schamp,
who died when but thirty-eight years, leaving six
children. William died at seven and Ella at two
years. Harriet is the wife of Albert Fritts. James
is the oldest surviving son. Mary is the wife of
George Evans. Huldah is the widow of James
Alpaugh. The second wife of our subject is
Mary, daughter of Mahlon M. and Catherine
(Ritteiihouse) Thatcher. The children of this
marriage are as follows: Ella, wife of Charles B.
Rittenhouse; Annie, at home; William and John,
twins, the last-named dying in infancy; and
Martha E., a teacher at Morristown, N. J. The
family attend the Baptist Church.

"RANK S. GRIM, M. D. In no profession
>) is a clearer mind or better judgment re-
quired than in that of the medical practi-
tioner's. Constant study and application are
necessar5' in order that one may be in touch with
the spirit of progress, and, perhaps, in few other
lines of science are more startling discoveries
made than in the causes of disease and methods
of treatment. The young physician of the period

has the immense advantage of having no old
worn-out ideas rooted in his mental makeup, as,
unfortunately, too many of the older members of
the profession undoubtedly have. Though the
gentleman of whom we write has been engaged
in practice in Baptistown scarcely three years, he
has already become well known and his clientage
is steadily increasing.

His father, Dr. George W. Grim, was a lead-
ing physician of Revere, Bucks County, Pa., for
many years, standing equally high with the other
members of his profession and with the public at
large. Politically he was a Democrat, and at one
time was a candidate for the office of state sena-
tor. He served as chairman of the count}' Demo-
cratic committee as school director, and in various
local positions of trust. He assisted in organiz-
ing the lodge of the Knights of the Golden Eagle
and that of the Red Men, and was one of the most
prominent members of the same. He died at the
age of sixty 3'ears, having been a faithful member
of the German Reformed Church for years, and
having led a life that was above reproach. His
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Koons, of
Montgomery County, Pa. Of their eleven children
the following are yet living: Harvey, a physi-
cian of Revere; Dr. George M., of Ottsville, Pa.;
Florence, wife of O. H. Bigley, of Doylestown,
Pa.; Webster G., an attorney of Doylestown; F.
S.; Harry E., an attorney at Perkasie, Pa.; Cora,
wife of William Rufe, a merchant of Riegelsville,
Pa. ; Nora, a twin sister of Cora, a teacher in the
Revere grammar school; and James S., a member
of the junior class of Lafayette College. The
mother of this fine family may justly be proud of
her children, who are all active and noble citizens
of the several communities in which they dwell.
She is still living, being sixty-six years of age,
her home in Revere. She is identified with the
German Reformed Church as a member.

Dr. Frank S. Grim was born in the town of
Revere, Pa., March 10, 1868, and when of a suit-
able age was sent to the public school of his na-
tive place. Later graduating from the state nor-
mal at Kutztown, he engaged in teaching for four
years. He then enrolled himself as a student at

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

271

Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Pa.,
graduating therefrom in 1895 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He passed the examinations
required by the New Jersey board of medical ex-
aminers, and purchased the practice of Dr. E. D.
Leidy, of Baptistown. In politics he adheres to
the training of his father, and deposits his ballot
in fa voi of the Democracy. In 1895 he married
Mary E. , daughter of Caspar and Catherine Fab-
ian, of Revere. The young couple are members
of the German Reformed Church. Fraternally
the doctor is a member of the Knights of the
Golden Eagle of Revere, the Odd Fellows of
Frenchtown, and the Royal Arcanum of Eambert-
ville. Mrs. Grim is a graduate of the state nor-
mal at Kutztown, Pa., and taught school in
Bucks County, Pa., for ten years.

^EORGE C. PEDRICK, one of the most en-
_ terprising citizens of Flemington, Hunterdon
^Ji County, has been in business here ever since
he arrived at man's estate. Commencing his com-
mercial career entirely without capital he deserves
great credit for the success that he has wrought
out for himself. He possesses those qualities that
are essential to prosperity to a young man with-
out funds or influential friends, industry, perse-
verance and good judgment. By the exercise of
these characteristics he has won a place in the
regard of those who have been associated with him
in the business world, and he stands no less high
in the best society of this town.

The parents of the above-named gentleman are
H. E. and Mary (Schmidt) Pedrick, the former
a native of Ethia, Tompkins County, N. Y., and
the latter of Germany. H. E. Pedrick was born
and reared in the town of Mount Holty, and is
now engaged in the manufacture of brick in
Flemington. George C, of this sketch, was born
January 4, 1860, on a farm in the vicinity of this
place, and received his education in the district

schools. When he was still a mere boy he went
into the employ of William H. Fulper, the well-
known merchant, and remained with him for
thirteen years, during which time he became
thoroughly proficient in every detail of work per-
taining to the business. He won the good-will
of his employer by his honesty, punctuality and
regard for his superior's interests, and when at
last the young man told him of his ambition to
enter business on his own account Mr. Fulper
generously came to his assistance, helping him to
get a start.

Until 1S92 Mr. Pedrick was a member of the
firm of Nevis & Pedrick, but for the past five or
six years has been carrying on a clothing store
alone. He receives a fair share of the patronage
of our citizens and strives to meet their wishes
with honest goods at reasonable prices. In the
fraternities he is identified with the Masonic
order, is past grand of the Odd Fellows' society,
and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. In the
Methodist Episcopal Church of this place he is
looked upon as one of the most reliable members,
one that can be depended upon for active work,
and at present he is a steward in the congregation.

May 3, 1883, Mr. Pedrick married Jennie Hunt,
of Eambertville, daughter of E. L- Hunt, a miller
of that town. They have five children, named in
order of birth: Russell, Reba, Beatrice, William
and Gilbert.

-:— j ♦•>i>vQ;j->C-» «— :

(|ACOB DIETS, Jr., a freeholder of East Am-
I well Township, Hunterdon County, was
(2/ elected to that position on the Democratic
ticket in 1895 for a term of three years. From
1874 to 1877 he was a township committeeman;
from 1884 to 1 89 1 was tax collector, and for the
long period. of twelve years was a school trustee.
He has always taken commendable interest in the
welfare of the people of this community, and has
done all within his power to promote their good.

272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The Dilts family have long been respected, in-
dustrious and thrifty agriculturists of Hunterdon
County. The great-grandfather of the gentle-
man of whom we write was Henry Dilts, who
was one of the early settlers of Delaware Town-
ship. He was naturalized by an act of legislature
in 1744. His son, Jacob, the next in the line of
descent, married Sarah Heath, and bought the
old homestead which is now owned and carried
on by our subject. The latter's parents were
Hiram and Beulah (Chamberlin) Dilts, natives
of Delaware and East Amwell Township. Their
family comprised six children, of whom the
eldest, Dewis, is deceased; Clarinda is the widow
of Jacob F. Larison, of Raritan Township; Jacob,
the first of the name in this family, died in in-
fancy; Maria L,. is the wife of John B. Fisher, of
Hopewell Township; Emeline is the wife of Ed-
ward B. Holcombe, of Mt. Airy, N. J. ; and Jacob,
of this sketch, is the youngest. The father was a
life-long farmer and was fairly successful in his
business undertakings. He lived to the good old
age of seventy-five years, dying in April, 1879,
and was placed to rest in the quiet cemetery at
Darison Corners. For many years he was a
faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and
all who knew him loved and esteemed him. His
widow is still living, and though she has reached
the unusual age of ninety-four years, enjoys very
good health. She is now making her home with
her daughter, Mrs. Holcombe.

Jacob Dilts was born on the farm where he
may still be found, December 8, 1848, and from
his first recollections he has been closely asso-
ciated with the annals of this immediate locality.
His education was gained in the district schools
of the neighborhood, and, as soon as he was old
enough, he began to aid in the work of the farm.
Then, with his father, he carried on the home
place in harmonious spirit as long as his senior
lived, and upon his death fell heir to the farm.
There are one hundred and eleven acres in the
same, and it is suitable for general farming and
dairying. A member of the Odd Fellows' society,
he is identified with Powhatan Dodge No. 72, of
Riugoes, and has served as district deputy in the

same, and is also a member of the Flemington
Encampment. In the Presbyterian Church of
which he is a member he has been one of the
board of trustees, and has held other official posi-
tions.

November 1, 1S67, Mr. Dilts married Martha,
daughter of John and Sarah J. (Dean) Housel.
Four bright, enterprising sons are the children of
their union, viz.: Orville H., a merchant of Rin-
goes; Hiram, who is a telegraph operator and
station agent at Taylorsville, Pa. ; Dewis C. and
Frederick A., who are still at home and assist
their father in the work of the farm.

3UDSON B. RITTENHOUSE. One of the
neat and well-improved farms of Hunterdon
County lies in Kingwood Township and is the
property of Mr. Rittenhouse, under whose super-
vision it is kept in a high state of cultivation and
improved with the embellishments of modern
farms. It comprises seventy acres, planted to
grain or devoted to the pasturage of stock, for
dairying is carried on here with success. It is
the old homestead of the family and one of the
well-known places in the township.

The father of our subject was Jeremiah Ritten-
house, a native of Kingwood Township and by
occupation a farmer. He was an energetic and
persevering man and reached a commendable de-
gree of success in the cultivation of his land.
When a young man he affiliated with the Demo-
crats, but in later years he became a Prohibition-
ist and a stanch opponent of the saloon. For a
number of years he served as a deacon in the
Baptist Church. His death occurred when he was
fifty-eight years of age. His father, Daniel Rit-
tenhouse, was a native of Kingwood Township,
where he remained until his death, at sixty-nine
years.

Our subject's mother, who makes her home
with him, was Elizabeth Burkett, a daughter of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

273

Charles Burkett. In her family there were four
children: Judson B., Andrew, Jennie and Mary
(deceased) . Judson B. was born in Alexandria
Township in 1865 and grew to manhood upon the
home farm, the management of which he after-
ward assumed. He is well informed concerning
public questions and in politics gives his support
to the Republican party. He has passed all of
the chairs in Magnolia Lodge of Odd Fellows and
is interested in the work of the fraternity. Reared
in the Baptist faith, he has identified himself with
that denomination and for some years has offi-
ciated as one of the deacons of his church.

(STANFORD VANDERBELT is a prosperous
?\ farmer of Hunterdon County, who, without
\yj assistance from others, but solely by the
exercise of good judgment, sound common sense
and perseverance, has arrived at a position of in-
dependence and influence. He is the owner of a
farm situated in Kingwood Township and con-
sisting of seventy-seven acres, devoted to the rais-
ing of general farm products. Here he has re-
sided since 1891, meanwhile maintaining the land
under a high state of cultivation and introducing
needed improvements.

The father of our subject, Peter Vanderbelt,
was born in Holland Township, Hunterdon
County, but in early life moved to Kingwood
Township, where he became a large and success-
ful farmer and also followed the trade of a miller
until failing health forced him to retire. In poli-
tics he adhered to Republican principles. He
was interested in local matters, and for three
years held the office of commissioner for this town-
ship. The Christian Church had in him one of
its faithful members and its doctrines he always
supported earnestly. When seventy-four years of
age his earth life ended. By his marriage to Mary
Cooley, daughter of John L. and Sarah Cooley,
he became the father of ten children, of whom

seven are still living, viz. : Elmira, wife of Theo-
dore Myers; Mary E., who married J. C. Amwine;
Caroline; Abbie C, Mrs. Alton Spoor; Rachel;
Stanford and Augustus G. The wife and mother
was an amiable and intelligent woman and a sin-
cere Christian. She died at the age of sixty- two.

During the residence of his parents in Holland
Township the subject of this sketch was born in
1862. When he was eleven he accompanied the
family to Kingwood Township, where he grew to
manhood upon the home farm. At the age of
twenty-two he started out for himself and since
then has been self-supporting. In 1891 he pur-
chased the John Brink farm, where he carries on
general farming. He is an energetic man, with
considerable force of will and determination of
character, and what he starts out to do he usually
accomplishes. The Republican party contains
the principles that he believes are best adapted to
secure the progress of the nation and the perpet-
uation of the federal government; consequently he
is active in his support of its men and measures.

In 1878 Mr. Vanderbelt was united in marriage
with Catherine Warne, daughter of Daniel and
Elizabeth Warne, of this county. They are the
parents of one child, Ada. The family attend the
Presbyterian Church of Baptistown, with which
Mrs. Vanderbelt is identified and to the support
of which our subject is a contributor.

WILLIAM V. PRALL, whose home is in
Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County,
has been for the past five years in the em-
ploy of the North Virginia Bridge Works, of
Charlestown, W. Va., representing the company
in the counties of Somerset, Hunterdon and War-
ren, N. J. The first year thirteen iron bridges
were erected under his supervision, and he has
been kept very busy indeed in carrying out con-
tracts. He follows farming to some extent also,
and has a valuable place under fine cultivation.

274

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The grandfather of our subject was a physician,
his residence being in the town of Reaville, this
county. The father of William V. is William
R. Prall, a native of Hunterdon County, as was
also the mother, Sarah (Lance) Prall. He was a
prominent man in his day, holding from time to
time important local offices of responsibility and
honor. His first wife was Elizabeth Runkle, by
whom he had two daughters: Mercy R., deceased,
formerly the wife of Alexander R. Risler, of
Elizabeth City, N. J. ; and Evelyn, who with her
husband, Caleb Shiner, is deceased also. Dur-
ing the life of his first wife, William R. Prall set-
tled in Glen Gardner, and engaged in merchandis-
ing, also operating the Rowland Mill, which en-
terprises he carried on for years. Fraternally
he was a Mason, and for twenty years he was a
justice of the peace, then resigning the position.
Politically he was a Republican. He died at his
home in Changewater, January 20, 1877, and is
buried in Spruce Run Cemetery. His second
wife, mother of our subject, died July 5, 1888.

William V. Prall, of this sketch, was born March
2, 1842, and is the only child of his mother.
Until he was eighteen years of age he remained
at home, obtaining his education and helping in
his father's business concerns. He finished his
studies with a course in Bryant & Stratton's com-
mercial school, after which he entered the em-
ploy of William Waggoner, of Bound Brook.
Eater he clerked for about a year for J. C. Davis,
whose store was destroyed by fire, and he was
then forced to seek another position . The follow-
ing eighteen months he was with Victor Castner,
of Changewater, and was next shipping clerk
for the Brown & Co. lumber mills in Whitehaven,
Pa. , about six months. Desiring to see some-
thing of the country he went on a trip throughout
the west, but was not tempted to locate per-
manently there. Returning he began working as
a carpenter, and his first task was on the building
now occupied by S. Fleet, of Glen Gardner.
After two years in the carpenter's field of en-
terprise he taught school for one season in
Changewater. Since then he has followed his
trade of carpentering more or less. In 1876 he

again traveled in the west, and located at Clinton,
Mo. , with the intention of remaining there, but
the climate did not agree with him, and by the
advise of his physician he returned to his native
state. In the fall of 1878 the old homestead came
into his possession, and two years later he sold it,
reserving a lot on which he built a substantial
home for himself. Since then he has bought
sixty-two acres of land, and has cultivated the
same, also raising live stock. For three years he
has been interested in the Farmers' Mutual In-
surance Company of Readington.

When he was but little past his majority, Mr.
Prall commenced his active public life by being
installed as clerk of his home township. This
position he held acceptably for five years, since
which time he has been almost continually in
one local office or another, and has served as a
justice of the peace eight years. Until within a
few years he was a very ardent Republican, but
he has changed his attitude somewhat, and is
now independent. Since he was twenty-one he
has been a member of the Masonic order, be-
longing to Mansfield Lodge No. 36, F. & A. M. ,
of Washington, N. J. September 24, 1879, Mr.
Prall married, in Easton, Pa., Rachel, daughter of
Josiah and Anna (Fritts) Apgar, of Lebanon
Township originally. A daughter is the only
child of our subject and wife, Miss Laura, now a
school girl.

-j — »^X.£E)} •;■!<• 1- -«—:——

30HN SCHOMP. Prominent among the old
families to whose sterling characteristics is
due much of the prosperity which the state
of New Jersey enjoys is the one represented by
this well-to-do farmer of Readington Township,
Hunterdon County. It has long been a recog-
nized fact that the wealth of a country consists
very largely in the class of men who till the soil,
as upon the result of their labors depend all com-
mercial enterprises. This state has been partic-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

275

ularly fortunate in her sturdy farmers, who have
remained here for generations, and have devel-
oped our resources to a remarkable degree.

The birth of John Schomp occurred June 30,
1840, he being a son of Henry and Sarah (Nay -
lor) Schomp, both natives of Hunterdon County.
Their family comprised six children, but three of
the number died in infancy. Margaret is still
living, and Ira, who has never married, resides
on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in this
neighborhood. John Schomp, Sr. , was a life-
long farmer, and was, moreover, a hotel-keeper
for several years. In his political affiliations he
was a Republican. His father, Henry G.
Schomp, was born in this vicinity, and passed
his whole life, some eight}'-eight years, in the
county boundaries.

Since he was a mere lad, John Schomp, of this
sketch, has been devoted to the management of
a farm. He received a general education in the
common schools of his home district, and was
given practical instruction in business affairs by
his father. For a period he was interested in
the distillery business. His present homestead
is a tract of thirty-one acres. September 12,
1885, he married Helena Cole, whose father,
John T. Cole, was a farmer of this township.
Following the example of his father, Mr. Schomp
uses his right of franchise in favor of the nominees
of the Republican partyr. He is deeply interested
in whatever tends to the betterment of his fel-
lows, and does his share toward the promotion of
public enterprises.

0AVID BARTRON. During the years that
have elapsed since he entered upon the prac-
tice of the legal profession, Mr. Bartron has
built up an important practice and has been re-
tained as counsel in many well-known cases.
His time has been given closely to the demands
of his practice and he has held no offices except

such as were in direct connection with his pro-
fession. For four years he served as borough
attorney, in which capacity his good judgment
and acute reasoning faculties were of the greatest
value to the municipal interests. Admitted to
the bar in 1880, he opened an office in Hacketts-
town, but after three years removed to Oxford,
where he spent eight years, and from that place
came to Washington, his present place of resi-
dence.

Mr. Bartron was born in Tranquility, Sussex
County, N. J., August 27, 1849, and is a descend-
ant of one of the old families of this state. Three
brothers bearing the name of Bertrand (the origi-
nal spelling) came to America from France, one
settling in Philadelphia, another in Reading, and
the third near Easton, Pa. In their native land
they had been men of wealth and influence, and
in their several localities each soon acquired
prominence. David Bartron owned a farm of two
hundred and ten acres in Hunterdon County and
on his death this was inherited by his two sons,
the old will written by the father being now in
the possession of our subject. One of the sons,
James, who was born in Hunterdon County-, was
a soldier in the Revolution and fought under
General Washington for several years. He died
at the home place, in the house where his son
and grandson also passed away.

David, son of James Bartron, was born in Hun-
terdon County, where he followed farming and
the shoemaker's trade until his death. He had
a son, Elisha M. , our subject's father, who was
born in Warren County and there spent his en-
tire life, engaged in farming and the manufactur-
ing of boots and shoes. He was a Republican in
politics and during the war was a strong sup-
porter of the Union. He married Eleanor A.
Cooper, daughter of Aaron and Margaret Cooper,
and a native of Warren County, her maternal an-
cestors having come here from Germany. She
had one daughter and three sons. Elizabeth B.
is the wife of .George Potter, of Burton, Mich.;
Ruel C. lives on the old home place in Warren
County; and Sylvester H. is in Detroit, Mich.

After attending the public schools for some

276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

time, our subject entered the Pennington Semi-
nary near Trenton, N. J., and remained a student
there until his graduation in July, 1874. He then
began the study of law in the office of Lock-
wood & Post, in New York City, where he re-
mained for one year. At the end of that time he
entered the law office of J. C. Allen, a noted
lawyer of Hackettstown, with whom he spent
four years and was admitted to the bar in 1880.
He has since engaged in professional practice and
has gained a valuable clientage. He has taken
an active part in the affairs of the Democratic
party and stands high in its ranks. Fraternally
he is a member of Mansfield Lodge No. 36, F. &
A. M., the Royal Arcanum and the Improved
Order of Red Men. In religious belief he is iden-
tified with the Presbyterian Church.

In 1886 Mr. Bartron married Jennie E. Weston,
daughter of Charles B. and Caroline Weston.
She was born in Massachusetts, but was brought
to New Jersey by her parents in 1865, her father
erecting a large nail factory at Oxford and con-
tinuing to conduct it until his retirement from
business cares in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Bartron are
the parents of a daughter, Jean Pauline.

ORENZO D. HAGAMAN, attorney-at law
I C and a prominent citizen of Frenchtown, was
l_2f born near Ringoes, Hunterdon County, in
1S57, being a son of Lewis and Sarah E. (Mat-
thews) Hagaman. His father, who was a native
of the same place as himself, removed to French-
town in 1884, where he died May 24, 1896, at
seventy-nine years of age. By trade he was a
carpenter, which he followed for some years, and
later was engaged in the stock business. Politi-
cally he voted the Democratic ticket, but was not
active in the part}'. His father, Abram Haga-
man, was born near Ringoes in January, 1786,
and engaged in farming there until his death, in
1868, at the age of eighty-two. The father of

Abram was Abram, Sr. , whose father, also of the
same name, was born near Sandy Ridge, Hun-
terdon County, and the latter' s father, Abram,
came to Hunterdon from either Somerset or Mid-
dlesex County, this state. By his marriage to
the daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Burroughs)
Matthews, Lewis Hagaman had two children, but
Lorenzo D. is the only survivor. The mother
died in 1859, when twenty-three years of age.

After the death of his mother our subject was
taken into the home of his grandparents, by
whom he was educated and under whose careful
oversight he grew to manhood. He attended
the Pennington and Ringoes seminaries and
graduated from the latter in June, 1875. After-
ward he began the study of law under Hon. John
T. Bird, of Trenton, and was admitted to the bar
of Hunterdon County in February, 1882. At
once upon completing his studies he opened an
office at Frenchtown, where he has since engaged
in legal practice. In addition to the law he is
local agent for the Continental, German- Ameri-
can and New York Insurance Companies, for
Frenchtown and vicinity. Politically he is a
Democrat. For three years he was city clerk.
In 1886 he was elected a member of the city
council and served until 1889. In 1889 he was
elected mayor of Frenchtown, which position he
filled two years. In 1888 he married Carrie
Rockafellar, daughter of Samuel and Zeruah
(Duckworth) Rockafellar, and a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is one
of the trustees.

Fraternally Mr. Hagaman is a member of
Orion Lodge No. 56, F. & A. M., Wilson Chap-
ter, R. A. M., and St. Elmo Commandery, K.
T. , and is past master in the blue lodge. In the
lodge of Odd Fellows at Ringoes he has passed
all of the chairs, also those in Home Lodge No.
95, K. of P., and has served for four years as a
member of the finance committee of the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey for the Knights of Pythias.
In the Junior Order United American Mechanics
he has been treasurer of the council, and in the
Manhattan Tribe of Red Men has served as pre-
siding officer. Since coining to this place he has

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

277

been attorney for the city of Frenchtown and the
Union National Bank. As a lawyer he is quick,
far-seeing and logical, with acute reasoning facul-
ties and force of will, qualities which have con-
tributed to his success in the profession.

KICHARD ASHCROFT. By training and
inclination Mr. Ashcroft is a farmer, and
the success that has come to him in agricult-
ure proves that he acted wisely in following his
preference in this direction. In 1876 he bought
the Rittenhouse farm near Frenchtown, and there
he made his home for a number of years, remov-
ing from that place to the old Presbyterian par-
sonage that he now owns and occupies. He is
the owner of two farms aggregating one hundred
and thirty acres, upon which he engages in
dairying and general farming.

The Ashcroft family is of English origin. The
father of our subject, James Ashcroft, Sr., was
born near Manchester, England, in 1804, and
some years after his marriage to Sarah Irlam he
came to America, settling near Philadelphia in
1838. His son, Richard, was born in England
in 1839 and at the age of nine months was
brought to the United States by his mother. For
some years the family resided near Doylestown,
Pa., but in 1858 removed to New Jersey, settling
in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County,
where the father died at the age of seventy-three.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Oak Summit and had many warm friends among
the people of his neighborhood. In his family
there were eleven children, viz.: John, Alice,
William, Arenia, Richard, James, Alfred, Samuel
E., Sarah A., Edwin and Jennie.

Educated in the public schools of Bucks
County, Pa., our subject accompanied his par-
ents to New Jersey in 1858 and remained with
them until twenty-five years of age, when he
rented a farm near Kingwood Hotel. In 1S76 he

bought his wife's old homestead near French-
town, and there he engaged in raising general
farm products. Eater, however, he removed to
his present home. He is deeply interested in the
cause of temperance and both in theory and prac-
tice upholds Prohibition principles. For some
time he has been a trustee in the Baptist Church
of Frenchtown. Fraternally he is connected with
the Shepherds of Bethlehem. In 1867 he mar-
ried Mary Jane, daughter of Garner Rittenhouse,
and they are the parents of two children: Annie
Mary, Mrs. Ross Wolverton; and James Irving,
of Pittstowu, Hunterdon County.

ANIEE P. CASE. Much has been said by
^ philosophers and able reasoners on the sub-
(*) ject of the relative importance of the strictly
commercial man of business and the farmer, by
whose labor are produced the food supplies of the
people, and these wise men have always come to
the conclusion that the two classes are mutually
necessary and dependent upon each other, and
therefore of equal value to any state. If any-
thing, the farmer is the more independent man of
the two, and upon him rests the foundation of
any prosperous nation. New Jersey has ever
been fortunate in her agriculturists, for they have
developed her resources to the utmost limit, and
the great cities adjacent to her territory depend
largely upon her for food products.

Among the enterprising farmers of Raritan
Township, Hunterdon County, is the subject of
this article. He is the possessor of a valuable
tract of nearly two hundred acres, suitable for
raising ordinary crops, and also used for dairying.
He is a native of this vicinity, having been born
on the farm now owned by Peter Shepherd, De-
cember 28, 1854. His parents were David A.
and Susan E. (Pierson) Case, natives of the same
township. They had five children, the eldest of
whom, John R., lives near Quakertown; Joseph D.

278

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is a resident of Delaware Township; Jonathan is
a resident of this township; Susan E. is deceased;
and Daniel P. is the youngest. The father was
a life-long agriculturist, and passed his last years
in Franklin Township. He died in 1894, at the
good old age of eighty-two years. His wife was
fourscore years old at the time of her death, in
1891.

When he was a youth of fifteen, Daniel P. Case
went to East Amwell Township, where he worked
on a farm for two years, and then, going to Dela-
ware Township, he found employment in the same
line for a similar period. From that time until
1894 he resided in Franklin Township, and while
there acted in the capacity of register of the town-
ship, having been elected by his political friends,
the Republicans of that locality. For the past
four years he has lived upon the farm which he
purchased in 1894.

Mr. Case attended the seminar}' at Ringoes
after finishing his elementary studies in the public
schools, and is to-day a well- informed man upon
the various subjects of general interest. In 1879
he married Minnie Sturm, ofSunnyside, daughter
of Frederick Sturm, and they have four children,
viz.: Eeslie J., Fred S., Recttor D. and John P.
Mr. and Mrs. Case are members of the Baptist
Church of Flemingtou, and stand high in the re-
gard of all who have the pleasure of their ac-
quaintance.

»m

~e — f-

(T OSEPH WIEEIAMSON. Few men in Hun-
I terdon County more thoroughly enjoy the
G/ confidence and genuine esteem of their neigh-
bors and associates than does he of whom we
write. He was born on the old family home-
stead in Delaware Township where he.is living
to-day, and has spent the greater part of his life
within the walls of his present home. From 1885
to 18S8 he enjoyed the honor of being county
collector for Hunterdon County, he having been

elected for a three years' term by the board of
freeholders. He was also justice of the peace for
two terms of five years each. He has also served
as a judge of elections for nine years, and has
often been sent as a delegate to district and
county conventions of the Democratic part}-, to
which organization he gives his political alle-
giance.

Abraham Williamson, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of Germany, and came to
America prior to the war of the Revolution, in
which conflict he took part. Afterwards he set-
tled in Delaware Township, on the tract of land
which has descended to his grandson, Joseph.
By trade he was a weaver, but his main occupa-
tion in life was that of farming. His five children
were Richard, Abraham, Sarah, Eleanor and
Matthias. The last-mentioned, born on this
homestead, February 22, 1787, married Susan
Slack October 13, 1832, and their third child was
Joseph, of this sketch. Their two elder children,
Asher, born November 14, 1835, and Sarah E.,
born August 2, 1837, both died on the same day,
September 5, 1S42, with that dread disease, scar-
let fever. The youngest of the family, Margaret,
born January 2, 1844, and widow of Bartlett
Hand, resides in Kingwood Township, this
county. The father, who held various local offi-
ces, such as constable, died March 6, 1875. His
wife, a devout member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, died July 27, 1S59.

Joseph Williamson was born October 10, 1839,
and when he was of a suitable age began attend-
ing the district schools. He was naturally very
apt and quick to learn, and made the best of such
advantages as were within his reach, and thus
when he was uearing his majority we find him
himself conducting a school. For several winter
terms he was thus employed, making a success of
the undertaking. From the time he was twenty-
one until 1877 he had charge of the management
of the old homestead, and at the time last men-
tioned he removed to the farm near Sergeants-
ville, Hunterdon County, formerly belonging to
his wife's father. This property he purchased,
and cultivated about twelve vears, then returuins:

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

279

to his old home here, where he owns one hun-
dred and forty acres. It is a fine place and has
a peach orchard of some three thousand trees.
In addition to this farm, Mr. Williamson still
owns the tract of fort)' -three acres at Sergeants-
ville before mentioned. He has passed all of the
chairs in Orpheus Lodge No. 137, F. & A. M.,
of Stockton, N. J.

In December, 1864, Mr. Williamson and Miss
Mary A. Gordon, a native of this township, were
united in marriage. They have a nice family of
five children, viz.: Franklin P., Kate G., Mat-
thias, John H. and Frederick B., born in the
order named.

^JEORGE WILLIS TITMAN, M. D., of
— Hackettstown, is a member of a family that
^\ has been long and honorably associated with
the history of Warren Count)'. The first of the
name to locate in America was Ludwig Tittman
(as the name was then spelled) , who crossed the
Atlantic and landed in Philadelphia in 1730. Seven
years later he purchased a tract of farming land,
four hundred acres, near Blairstown, N.J. The
farm became the property of his son George, who
also purchased two hundred and twenty-six acres
in Oxford Township, now Warren County, in 1775.
The latter tract descended through the latter' s
son George and grandson George to our subject's
grandfather, who bore the same name and who
was born on the old homestead. Orphaned by
his father's death when he was a mere lad, he
took charge of the farm and the management of
the family interests at the age of fourteen years,
and from that time on his life was a busy and
active one. Not only was he prominent in busi-
ness circles, but in politics also he was active,
and as a member of the Democratic party wielded
a wide influence in his locality. In 1S4S he was
elected sheriff of Warren County and filled that
position for three years.

The maternal ancestors of Dr. Titmau were
also early settlers of America. The Curtis family
was founded in this country by Henry Curtis,
who received a grant to land situated at Windsor,
Conn., and whose son Samuel was born on that
place in 1649. The doctor's great-grandfather,
Deacon Joseph Curtis, was first lieutenant of a
company that served in the Revolution and took
an active part in securing the independence of the
colonies. He had a son, Lathrop Willis Curtis,
M. D., who studied medicine under Dr. Mussey,
and was a graduate of Dartmouth College. The
state board of Vermont granted him a certificate
to practice in that state, and this paper, bearing
date of 1829, is now in the possession of our sub-
ject. In 1832 he removed to Illinois, then con-
sidered the far west. There he established his
home in Fulton County and built the first frame
building erected in Canton, later the county-seat
and a prosperous city. He was widely known
among the pioneers of Fulton County, where he
built up a successful practice and where he con-
tinued to reside until death. He was a Royal
Arch Mason and stood high among the members
of the fraternity.

The father of Dr. Titman was Marshall Tit-
man, a native of Bridgeville, Warren County,
where he spent the greater part of his life, en-
gaged in the mercantile and grain business.
Interested in public affairs, he took an active part
in matters pertaining to the township and county.
In politics he affiliated with the Democrats, and
upon the party ticket was elected to various
offices of a local nature. For a time he held the
position of deputy sheriff. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Born in 1831,
he was sixty-four years of age at the time of his
death, in 1895. His wife, Mary P. (Curtis)
Titman, was born in May, 1833, and died in
August, 1897, at sixty-four years of age. She
was a sincere Christian and a member of the
Presbyterian Church.

The subject of this review, who was the only
child of his parents, was born in Bridgeville June
20, 1863, and in boyhood was a pupil in the
Belvidere Academy and afterwards at Blair Hall

28o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Academy, N. J. In the spring of 1880 he began
to study medicine under the preceptorship of Dr.
Daniel Gardner, of Woodbury, N. J., and in the
fall of the same year he entered Hahnemann
Medical College of Philadelphia, where he took a
full course of lectures, graduating in 1883. He
continued his studies as assistant to one of the
faculty. In October, 1883, he opened an office
at Germantown, in the suburbs of Philadelphia,
where, as the years passed by, he became the
possessor of an important and lucrative practice.
This he sold in October, 1897, and returned to
his native county, where he has since resided at
Hackettstown. He is related to many of the
most prominent people of this locality, and is
also on the maternal side a connection of the
Wright family, which is one of the oldest in
America.

The marriage of Dr. Titman united him with
Miss Leonora Stephens, daughter of Samuel
Stephens, of Hackettstown. They have two
children, Willis and Leonora. As were both his
grandfathers, he is identified with the Masonic
fraternity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Titman are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown.

(tjAMUEL CLARK. In perusing the history
/\ of this sterling old citizen of New German-
\~J town, Hunterdon County, the most casual
reader finds much of interest, and his numerous
friends here and elsewhere will be thoroughly
pleased to have the privilege of tracing the story of
his life. Indeed, his life very nearly spans this
century, and he has been a witness of much of the
marvelous growth and development of the United
States. Having lived in the state of New Jersey,
he is practically one of her sons, though he is a
native of a sister state.

Abel Clark, the father of our subject, was born
in Connecticut, and was a youth of a dozen years
or more at the time of the Revolutionary war. He

was about sixteen, and with some other lads of
about his age was engaged in herding some cattle
near the shores of the ocean, when a British gun-
boat landed some soldiers and captured the boys,
as well as the cattle, taking them on board the
ship. The men of the home colony were, with few
exceptions, away fighting the battles of their
country, and thus the boys were an easy prey to
the enemy. Young Clark was conveyed to New
York, where he was imprisoned six months, or
until General Washington was in Long Island,
and secured the lads freedom by exchanging a
British soldier for him. Afterwards Abel Clark
participated in several skirmishes, and when the
war had come to a happy termination he returned
home to Old Milford. There he married Lois
Smith, and six sons and a daughter were born to
them; of these our subject is the only survivor.

The birth of Samuel Clark occurred in the
vicinity of Old Milford, Conn., April 1, 1810.
From the time he was twelve years until eighteen
he attended private schools during the winter
season, thereby gaining his education. When he
was sixteen he went to Great Falls, N. H., to
learn the mason's trade. The great man of his
home neighborhood, hearing that he was going,
gave him $5 to take with him, a wonderful
sum to a lad in that early da}'. While working
as an apprentice, having bound himself for a term
of four years, he was employed in different places
in New Hampshire and New York, receiving only
$3 a month, and this amount he had to turn
over to William Winship, the man to whom he
had bound himself. When his time was up he
turned his attention to carpentering during the
winter, making $1 1.50a month. In the following
spring he went to Geneva, N. Y. , and remained
there three years, doing mason work. He then
started out as a salesman for Holt & Chidsey, of
Geneva, which firm later removed to Easton, Pa.
The young man stayed in the employ of that com-
pany about seven years, and with them came west-
ward to Easton, driving a team through New York
and this far.

In 1836 he settled in Lebanon, N. J., where he
established himself in business, and conducted a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

281

store successfully for twelve years. He then sold
out, investing the sum realized in a hotel and
small farm. The hotel he carried on successful!}-
for twenty-four years, then rented it until 1896,
when he sold out his interest in the same, and
has since lived retired from business. He was a
pioneer in the fruit or peach culture, planting the
first orchard in this locality. He has occupied
about every office in the township, discharging
the duties of each post with fidelity and to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned. Formerly a
Henry Clay Whig, he later became a Democrat,
but is liberal in his views. He was once nomi-
nated for the assembly and for sheriff and has
been a freeholder of Tewksbury Township.
Though he has been so often before the public in
these different capacities, he has been more active
in the promotion of the political interests of friends
than he has in his own. During the Civil war
he was past the age of service, but his ardent
patriotism was not satisfied until he had thorough-
ly manifested his willingness to be actively repre-
sented, and, after doing all in his power to aid the
Union cause, he furnished two men for the ranks,
to go in his stead. Many years ago he helped to
establish a Masonic lodge in this locality, this
being Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., for-
merly of Peapack, but later removed to White
House and theu to Clinton. Mr. Clark is a past
master of this lodge.

October 29, 1836, the marriage of Samuel Clark
and Sarah, daughter of James Ramsey, of Leba-
non, was solemnized. The Ramseys are old and
influential people in these parts, and some of them
are represented in this volume. Of the seven
children born to our subject and wife four are liv-
ing, viz.: Alvah, a prominent attorney of Somer-
ville, N. J. , and at present a member of the legis-
lature; George, a farmer in the neighborhood of
Lebanon; John, a stock dealer in Califou; and
Charles, an attorney in the city of Honolulu,
Hawaii. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are exceptionally
well preserved, both being in complete possession
of their faculties, physically and mentally. They
celebrated their golden anniversary in 1886, and,
are consequently now in the sixty-third year of

their happy married life, a record that is rarely
surpassed. One of their grandchildren, George
Martin, Jr., is in business in New York City, and
makes his home with his grandparents. He is at
this time a member of the New Jersey legislature.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both members of the
Dutch Reformed Church of Lebanon, one of the
oldest congregations in this count}'. They enjoy
the love and high regard of all who know them,
and their well-wishers are legion.

EVI HOLCOMBE, who was postmaster of
I C Ringoes, Hunterdon County, under Presi-
Ly dent Cleveland's first administration, is an
active Democrat, and has filled numerous public
offices to the satisfaction of all concerned. Since
1877 he has been a justice of the peace and from
1889 to 1896 was assessor of East Amwell Town-
ship. He has made his home in Ringoes for the
past twenty -three years and since 1882 has been
agent for the Mercer County Mutual, the Hills-
boro Mutual and the Continental Insurance Com-
panies, the last of New York City.

The father of our subject, George B. Holcombe,
was a farmer and cattle-buyer of this county, and
was for three years sheriff of this county, and
also served as assessor several years. He re-
moved to Lambertville about 1843, and made
his home there thenceforth. His first wife was
Louisa Holcombe, and Levi, born July 1, 1842,
was their eldest child. John, the next, is now a
merchant of Lambertville. Martin Y. B. is a
farmer of West Amwell Township. Eveline is
the wife of Charles Price, of Trenton. The sec-
ond wife of George B. Holcombe bore the maiden
name of Ann L. Robbins. Their family were as
follows: Andrew, a resident of Neshanic Station,
N. J. ; Frank, a lumber merchant of Cedar Point,
Kan.; Etta, of Kansas; Albert, a resident of
Trenton, N. J.; Kate, deceased wife of Charles

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Capper, of Snow Hill, Md.; Georgia, second wife
of Charles Capper; and Victor B., a merchant in
Trenton, N. J.

Levi Holcombe was reared in Lambertville,
and educated in her public schools. When he
was about seventeen he began working as a car-
penter, serving an apprenticeship at Reaville, and
later followed his trade in the car shops of Lam-
bertville. During a part of the war he was in
the construction corps, and while acting in that
capacity witnessed the battles of Missionary Ridge
and Lookout Mountain. Returning to Lambert-
ville, he continued to reside there until 1875,
since which time he has made Ringoes his place
of residence. He is secretary of the cemetery
association and a member of the vigilance com-
mittee. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar
Mason and is a member of Leni Lenape Lodge
No. 15,1. O. O. F., of Lambertville and is a mem-
ber of the encampment. He has held all the
offices in the lodge and is past grand patriarch of
the state of New Jersey. Religiously he is a
Presbyterian, is a deacon in the church at Rin-
goes, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school fifteen years.

The marriage of Mr. Holcombe and Mary M.
Williamson was solemnized in 1863. Edwin,
their eldest son, is foreman with the Knicker-
bocker Ice Company; Charles is engaged in the
undertaking business in Ringoes, and was post-
master of this place during Cleveland's last ad-
ministration; Calvin C. is a clerk in the employ
of Orville Dilts; and Julia completes the family.

HOWARD SUTTON, general merchant in
Fairmount, Hunterdon County, is carrying
on the business that was founded here by
his grandfather, and in which he was succeeded
by his son, the father of our subject. Thus he is
of the third generation of Suttons who have at-
tended to the needs of this community in a com-

mercial way, and it may be truly said that no
more enterprising, and at the same time thor-
oughly reliable, trustworthy and upright busi-
ness men have ever lived in this section.
They have enjoyed the confidence of all who
have had dealings with them, and from father to
son had descended that strict regard for the rights
and welfare of others that has endeared each of
them in turn to our citizens.

The modern and finely equipped establishment
now managed by Howard Sutton bears little re-
semblance to the one formerly carried on by his
predecessors, though that was sufficient for the
times. In 1894 he removed from the old dingy
store building to a new one across the way — the
one in which he is now to be found. This is
stocked with fresh, inviting goods of the diversi-
fied description necessary in a store of this nature.
Mr. Sutton succeeded to his father in the business
in 1888 and for six years was located in the old
store.

In the ranks of the local Democracy Mr. Sutton
stands high, and though he has never been an
office-seeker he has accepted several positions at
the earnest solicitations of his friends. He fre-
quently represents this section in the various con-
ventions of his party, and is now serving his
second term as township clerk. During the first
administration of President Cleveland Mr. Sutton
was appointed by him to the office of postmaster
of Fairmount, and held the position for four
years. When Mr. Cleveland was again in the
presidential chair,- Mr. Sutton was once more
honored by being made postmaster, and is still
acting in that capacity. He is a member of
Rialto Lodge No. 163, I. O. O. F., of High
Bridge; is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Fi-
delity Lodge No. 123, of Califon, and has filled
all the chairs and is past chief of Califon Castle
No. 32, Knights of the Golden Eagle.

Mr. Sutton was born on the old family home-
stead February 13, 1862, his parents being George
B. and Lydia (Hoffman) Sutton. He received a
good general education and when he was nineteen
years old entered his father's store, remaining
there until he attained his majority. Desiring

WILLIAM CRAIG.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

285

then to see something of his native land before
he settled down for serious routine work, he went
to the west, and was for about a year in Illinois.
Returning home he was employed as formerly in
the store for about a year, and then visited in the
west for several months again. The next time
that he came back he did so with the determina-
tion of making this his permanent home, as he
has done. He became the owner of the business
by purchase in 1888, his father retiring.

November n, 1891, Mr. Sutton married Emma,
daughter of William H. and Mary (Lance) Ander-
son, of Califou. They have two bright little
daughters, Lena and Nancy.

-j 02+M

H<0-

-~ 1— ;-

|ILLIAM CRAIG, a successful business
man and agriculturist of Tewksbury Town-
ship, Hunterdon County, is also the pro-
prietor, with his brother, Richard F. , under the
style of W. & R. F. Craig, of the Pottersville
flouring mill, formerly owned by his father.
This mill is a model one of the size, is fitted with
the improved roller process, and as fine flour is
manufactured here as can be found in any of the
more extensive mills of the countiy. Though in
no sense of the word an officeseeker, Mr. Craig
has from time to time been prevailed upon to ac-
cept local positions of more or less importance,
and has always acquitted himself with credit. He
was elected on the Democratic ticket as township
clerk, and acted in that capacity for eight years.
He was also collector for this section three years
and since 1886 has been a justice of the peace,
being now in his fourth term as such. Educa-
tional matters find in him one who is deeply con-
cerned, and since 1889 he has been a school trus-
tee of the New Germantown district. In 1894
he was elected clerk of the board of education for
Tewksbury Township, and is yet acting in this
important office.

A sou of Robert and Elizabeth (Fields) Craig,

our subject was born May 21, 1S41, and with
his eight brothers and sisters was reared to ma-
ture years upon the paternal farm. (See sketch
of his brother, Henry F. Craig, on another page
of this work.) The education of William Craig
was completed in the academy in Caldwell,
Essex County, N. J. He continued to live on
the home farm long after he had reached his ma-
jority, and in 187 1 built the house which has
since sheltered himself and those dear to him.
After his marriage he settled down upon a por-
tion of the old homestead, where he has been of
late years especially interested in growing peaches
and in dairying. When his father's estate was
settled in 1895 ne became the purchaser of the
flour mill previously mentioned.

February 13, 1872, William Craig married
Mary W., daughter of Jonathan and Jane (Kline)
Dawes, of Stanton, N. J. The former was a very
prominent figure in this county in his generation,
and was elected a member of the legislature,
serving in the sessions of 1841-42. Three chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig: Jona-
than D., named for his grandfather, and now in
his senior year in Lafayette College; William
Warren Blauvelt, named for Rev. William W.
Blauvelt, pastor of the Lamington (N. J.) Pres-
byterian Church for more than fifty years; and
Edith F. Rev. W. W. Blauvelt gave to his
namesake a Bible with this inscription within it:
"From William W. Blauvelt, pastor of your
parents, grandparents and great-grandparents."
Still another generation of the lad's ancestors,
whom the recorder omitted to mention, was Hen-
drick Field, his great-great-grandfather, who
was also a member of the congregation presided
over by Rev. Mr. Blauvelt. Since his early life
Mr. Craig, our subject, has been a member of
the same church, since 1888 has been a trustee of
the board and for five years has been its presi-
dent.

Moses Craig was the first of his family to come
to this county. He emigrated here from the
north of Ireland with a Presbyterian colony,
which formed the original church at Lamington,
Somerset County, about 1730. He bought what

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is still the homestead farm in Tewksbury Town-
ship, in 1757, and died July 31, 1777. The prop-
erty descended to his son Robert, who was born
November 15, 1734. He married February 7,
1756, and some time after the death of his wife
in 1777 (she leaving several children) he mar-
ried Elizabeth Taylor, by whom he had four sons
and a daughter. One of these, William, born in
1785, was the grandfather of our subject. His
father died when he was a mere boy, and upon
attaining his majority he and his brother Joseph
bought out the interest of the other heirs in the
homestead.

In 1822 William purchased the interest of
Joseph, and when he died he willed the estate to
his son Robert, father of our subject. Robert
Craig was born March 10, 1815, and became one
of the most influential citizens of this locality. A
Democrat in politics, he held numerous official
positions of trust and honor, to the entire satis-
faction of all concerned. During the war, when
much money was handled, he, in his capacity of
committeeman and treasurer, won the commen-
dation of all, and altogether he was on the town-
ship committee about a quarter of a century. He
was one of the pillars in the Eamiugton Presby-
terian Church, and for many years was a ruling
elder in the same. In the fall of 1887 he pur-
chased the mill property at Pottersville, remod-
eled it and put in the improved roller process,
this making it first-class in every respect. He
was very active and energetic up to the last, and
when death summoned him he was at the post o{
duty. December 22, 1892, while walking to his
house, after he had been working at a spring,
where he had a hydraulic ram to force the water
to his residence, he suddenly fell dead. Death
came to him as he would have wished, without
lingering illness or wasting disease, and found
him ready. He was a man of whom his children
may justly be proud, and his memory is cher-
ished in a multitude of friendly hearts. Among
his records of the old church are many of great
interest, some dating back to 1740. The first
pastor there was Rev. James McCrea, whose
salary was forty pounds a year, English money,

until 1748, when it was increased by a third.
The accounts of the expenses of the church are
all in pounds, shillings and pence, English style.
January 9, 1840, Mr. Craig married Elizabeth,
daughter of Richard H. Field, of Lamington.
They had nine children, as follows: William;
Richard F., who married Alice L. , daughter of
David Welsh; Sarah E., wife of Henry M. Kline,
of Clinton; Gertrude, deceased wife of David
Dunham, of High Bridge Township; Henry F. ,
represented elsewhere in this volume; Mary L. ,
wife of William B. Dunham, of Pottersville, N.
J.; Margaret V., who married William Waldron,
a farmer of New Germantown; Anna B., wife of
John Skillman, now operating part of the old
homestead; and Robert, unmarried.

ROBERT S. PRICE, of Hackettstowu, War-
ren County, is now serving his eighteenth
year as county superintendent of schools,
and is one of the representative citizens of
this portion of New Jersey. He is a man of
superior attainments and natural talents, being
eminently cpaalified for the responsible position
he has filled so long and so acceptable to all con-
cerned. Though particularly interested in the
subject of education for the young, he is a man of
such broad ideas that he is deeply concerned in
everything tending towards the elevation and up-
lifting of humanity, and in promoting the high-
est interests cf the state.

The grandfather of the above-named gentleman
was David Price, who was born in Wales, and came
to America in the latter part of the last century,
settling in Warren Count}*, near Hackettstown.
He married here Miss Anna Ayers, a native of
this locality, and a daughter of Ezekiel Ayers,
who a century ago owned a large portion of the
land where Hackettstown is located. Mrs.
Price lived to be over ninety years old. Their
son Archibald, born in this place, where he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

287

spent his entire life, was the father of our sub-
ject. When he reached his majority he engaged
in the meat and live-stock business. After being
successfully occupied in this enterprise about
thirty-five years he retired from business, though
he still continued to be very active both in mind
and body until a few days prior to his death,
which occurred in February, 1889, when in his
eighty-first year. In local affairs he was always
actively interested, and in national issues he
voted the Democratic ticket. At various times
he held official positions, being a member of the
common council, tax collector, etc. He married
DydiaSagur, of Hunterdon County, and she is
still living, aged eighty-four years. She is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a
lady who is beloved by all who know her. Her
father was of German descent and was a school-
teacher by profession. To Archibald and L/ydia
Price six children were born: Edgar died at
eighteen years of age; William is a resident of
Newark, N. J.; Elizabeth A. married Charles N.
Downs, ofHackettstown; Roberts., of this sketch,
is next in order of birth; Archibald is a resident
of Morristown, N. J., and Theodore a resident of
Newark, N. J.

Robert S. Price was born December 31, 1840,
in Hackettstown, and was a pupil in the com-
mon schools until he was about eighteen. He
then attended the state "model school " in Tren-
ton, N. J., after which he took a course at the
Commercial College in Newark, N. J. Choosing
the law as a profession, he began studying under
the instruction of Col. C. H. Valentine, of Hack-
ettstown, and was duly admitted to the bar and
successfully followed the profession for six 3'ears.
In 1867 he was one of the promoters of the
Hackettstown Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
and drew up the charter for the company, of which
he was elected secretary, holding that office for
fifteen years or until he was appointed county
superintendent of schools. He is still a director
in the company. Up to the time that he was ap-
pointed county superintendent of schools he was
occupied in the practice of law and in discharging
the duties of the secretaryship of the insurance

company just noted. Unusual distinction is his,
as he has been appointed to his present position
for six succeeding terms by the state board of
education, and is the only man in this county
who has ever held the office for more than two
terms. He also served his fellow-citizens in the
capacity of mayor, member of the common coun-
cil and cit}' clerk. Fraternally he is connected
with Independence Dodge No. 42, F. & A. M.,
of Hackettstown.

A faithful and earnest worker in the Presbyte-
rian Church, he was remarkablj' successful as
superintendent of the Sunday-school for years.
In 1880 he married Mary J. Johnson, daughter
of William L. Johnson, a prominent business
man of Hackettstown, and they have one daugh-
ter, Mabel S.

(lOHN W. COODEY. The family represented
I by this gentleman originated in Europe.
Q) From that country Philip Cooley came to
America and settled in Alexandria Township,
Hunterdon County, where he became the owner
of a large tract of land. His son, Philip, Jr.,
who was born in Hunterdon County, had a son,
George H., our subject's father, who was born
in Kingwood Township, where, and in Alexandria,
he spent his active life engaged in farm pursuits.
Politically he affiliated with the Democrats, and
in religious belief was identified with the Method-
ist Episcopal Church. His death occurred in
1870, when he was but forty years of age. His
marriage united him with Elizabeth Roberson,
daughter of John and Grace Roberson, and an
earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. She survived her husband some years,
dying at the age of fifty-five.

Of three children that comprised the family,
our subject is the sole survivor. He was born
in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County, in
1859, and was reared in that township and

283

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bethlehem and Holland. When twenty years of
age he went west and spent one year in Illinois,
but not liking the prospects there returned to
New Jersey. In 1894 he bought a farm near
Frenchtown and here he engages in raising
fruits and berries, as well as general farm prod-
ucts. The place contains ninety-three acres and
is improved with a substantial set of buildings,
adapted to their varied needs.

The political belief of Mr. Cooley brings him
into sympathy with the Democratic party, which
ticket he always votes. He has never cared for
public office, but has preferred to devote himself
entirely to the labor of cultivating his farm.
Matters relative to the public welfare receive his
attention and all progressive plans have his sup-
port. He and his family attend the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he is an active mem-
ber. His marriage, August 4, 18S6, united him
with Arah Eichland, daughter of Samuel and
Jane Eichland. One child blesses their union, a
son named Eldon E.

P^ETER B. SROPE is one of the old and hon-
y? ored business men of Hunterdon County,
\S and for nearly half a century he has been en-
gaged in general merchandising in Pattenburg.
He located here when the railroad was being con-
structed through here, and has been a witness of
the prosperity and development of this region.
He has been the architect of his own fortunes,
having won a competency by years of untiring en-
ergy and well-applied industry.

Grandfather Christopher Srope was a native of
Germany, as was also his wife, Thankful. Our
subject's parents were John and Eleanor (Smith)
Srope, who lived and died in the vicinity of Nor-
ton, N. J. The father was a blacksmith by trade,
and had a large family for which to provide, but
he was an honest, hard-working man, a kind
husband and father, and did as well by his chil-
dren as he was able. His nine sons were as fol-

lows: Eewis and Christopher, both deceased;
Jacob; William, deceased; John; Theodore, de-
ceased; Peter B., Henry and Robert P. The
three daughters were: Anna and Thankful, both
deceased, and Mary, wife of Stryker Taylor, of
Ogle County, 111.

Peter B. Srope was born January 24, 1821, in
Norton, N. J., and remained at home only until
he was eleven years of age, when he went to live
with Peter Bodine, of the same neighborhood.
He was a member of that worthy man's house-
hold about three years, after which he resided
with his brother Christopher two years. At the
end of that time he commenced serving an ap-
prenticeship to the tailor's trade, and worked at
that calling faithfully five years. Returning to
the place of his birth he bought a little home,
and in September, 1844, he and his newly-made
bride commenced housekeeping. She was Lydia,
daughter of George G. Cramer, whose home was
near Lebanon, this county.

During the six years following his marriage our
subject carried on a tailoring establishment in
Norton, but the confinement of the work at last
told upon his health and he decided to give up
the business. Believing that out -door life would
be of benefit to him he bought a farm, and about
the same time opened a store in Norton. This
concern he was connected with some three years,
and then, selling out, he bought the mill property
at the point now known as Sunm-side, paying
$11,000 for the same. At the expiration of two
years he sold it for the same amount, and in its
stead purchased the Hoffman mill, of Round Val-
ley, managing this with ability for ten years or
more. His wife having died, he removed to a
farm in Round Valley, but sold this land a few
months later at an advanced price. In 1S50 he
came to this town, bought a lot and proceeded to
establish himself permanently in business. He
has not allowed his time or attention to be di-
verted to other enterprises since, and has been
very successful. Though not an office-seeker,
he has been induced to accept local positions now
and then, and in politics he is a stanch Demo-
crat.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

289

To the marriage of Peter B. Srope and wife,
Eydia, five children were born, viz.: George K. ,
a collector of Union Township; Barker, who is in
the grocery business in Newark; Peter S., named
for his father, in the coal trade in Jersey City;
Catherine K., the wife of Henry Smith, a farmer
of Pittstown; and Ella, the wife of Sloan Hulsi-
zer, a telegraph operator of Bloomsbury, N. J.
For many years Mr. Srope has been identified
with the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, has
been a valued worker in the same and has held
the office of trustee. Mrs. Lydia Srope departed
this life September 11, 1871. Mr. Srope married
Mary (Bowlby) Anderson December 9, 1875.
There are no children by this marriage.

— — v~ i »>S-il *• bCj; •■>£■! « — 5

61 EBERT H. RITTENHOUSE succeeded to
LA the responsible position of cashier of the
/ I Hunterdon County National Bank in Flem-
ington on New Year's day, 1895, his predecessor
having been the well-known John B. Hopewell,
who had occupied the post for three decades and
is represented elsewhere in this volume. The
subject of this article has had wide and varied
experience as a business man and financier, and is
pre-eminently the man for the place he holds.
He stands as high in the ranks of the Masonic
order here as he does in the business community.
He is past master of the blue lodge, was a char-
ter member of the chapter in Clinton, and the
first high priest of the same and also belongs to
the commandery and to the Royal Arcanum. In
his political faith he adheres to the Democratic
party, to which his father also gives allegiance.

That worthy citizen of this county, John P.
Rittenhouse, was born on a farm about six miles
west of Flemington, May 17, 1820. His father,
Samuel, was born within ten miles of the same
place in 1765 and died in 1852. The family dates
back to the early settlement of this region and
has been very influential in the upbuilding and

improvement of this locality. The Samuel re-
ferred to was a boy at the time that the Revo-
lutionary war was in progress, and, as his father,
Isaac, kept the inn then, as now, known as the
Rittenhouse Hotel, Washington and some of his
officers were entertained there at one time. The
great general gave the lad, grandfather of our
subject, a "hard dollar," which was kept in the
family until recently, when it was unfortunately
lost.

In early life John P. Rittenhouse was a school
teacher, and also learned the harness-maker's
trade. Then, for a time, he engaged in farming,
but in 1849, when the "gold-fever" broke out, he
was one of the first to be infected, and as he had
not sufficient means to get to the Pacific coast, he
was in despair. Through a friend he at length
made arrangements to ship on the schooner
Olivia bound for California with a cargo of
supplies for the miners. He took a tenth interest
in the cargo, and when they finally reached San
Francisco and trouble rose among the parties in-
terested, he and one or two friends bought the
whole outfit, and sold it in Sacramento at a good
profit. About a year of life in the west was suf-
ficient for him and he returned home, to devote
himself once more to agriculture. In 1856 and
1857 he was a member of the New Jersey legis-
lature, and in 1858 was appointed inspector in
the custom house in New York. In 1866 he
engaged in the hotel business and two years
later was made deputy sheriff of Hunterdon
County, and in 1871 was elected sheriff, which
office he held acceptably three years. In 1881
he purchased a hotel in Ringoes, and carried it
on until 189 1, when he retired from active
business.

In 1845 John P. Rittenhouse married Susan
Ann Hoffman, who died in 1888, and left three
children. Hawley O., born in 185 1, passed the
required examination for entrance into the United
States navy when he was but fifteen, and is now
on the United States man-of-war Baltimore in
Japanese waters. The youngest son, Claude D.,
is in the drug business in Wahpeton, the county-
seat of Richland County, N. D.

2QO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

A. H. Rittenhouse was born near Flemington,
February 26, 1854. In youth he went to New
York City, where he was employed in a wholesale
dry-goods store four years. Returning at the ex-
piration of that period he was for six years in the
employ of W. H. Fulper and then became teller
in the Clinton (N. J.) National Bank. He occu-
pied that position seven years, and then entered
into partnership under the firm name of Hall,
Trewin & Rittenhouse, and purchased the mer-
cantile establishment of the late William H. Ful-
per, where he had formerly been a clerk. Five
years later he withdrew from the firm, and turned
his attention to the wholesale produce and com-
mission business for three years. The past three
years he has been the cashier of the bank. In
1879 he married Mary, daughter of Alexander
Risler, of Elizabeth, N. J. They have had three
children: Hawley H., Alberta, and one who died
in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church.

G] NDREW B. ROBERSON, a very successful
t_l farmer of Kingwood Township, has resided
/ 1 in the vicinity of Baptistown during his
whole life, and has been numbered among the
most thrifty agriculturists of Hunterdon County
since he embarked in his independent career. He
makes a specialty of dairy farming, is wise and
judicious in his investments and business ventures,
and is rapidly advancing towards assured pros-
perity .

A man who was prominent in the affairs of his
community and particularly in the church was the
father of our subject, Daniel B. Roberson. He
was a native of Kingwood Township, and was
one of the leading farmers of the same, and an
extensive owner of finely improved land . He be-
came very well-off and influential, being con-
sidered one of the leading financiers of his county.

In political affairs he was very active and aggres-
sive, and did much to advance the interests of the
Republican party, to the principles of which he was
devoted. For nearly half a century he was a
member of the Baptist Church, and for years was
deacon. The cause of Christianity was very dear
to him, and in every possible manner he sought
to aid in its triumph. He lived to the good old
age of seventy-six years, and died, regretted by a
host of sincere friends whom he had bound to him-
self by a thousand acts of kindly sympathy. His
was a character which comprised all that goes to
make up a noble, honest, upright man. He was
a son of Francis Roberson, who was also a native
of this township. He was a successful farmer
and was the proprietor of large tracts of land.
He was affiliated with the Whig party, and was a
member of the Baptist Church. His was a long
and useful life, as death claimed him only when
he was in his ninety-fourth year.

The mother of our subject was a Miss Jane
Reading in her girlhood, she being a daughter of
John Reading. By her marriage she became the
mother of eight children, two of whom are de-
ceased. The others are: Eliza, wife of Watson
Dalrymple; Andrew B.; Etta, wife of Augustus
Greene; Edward; Martha, wife of A. Tintsman;
and Abel, a farmer of this district. Watson Rober-
son, the only survivor of the family of Francis
Roberson, is a resident of Doylestown, Pa.

Andrew B. Roberson was born on the old home-
stead in 1 85 1, and early acquired knowledge of
farming in all its details. When he was twenty-
four years of age he left home to make his own
independent livelihood. He removed to a farm
owned by his father, and this he afterwards pur-
chased. He has seventy-eight acres in the home
tract and twenty acres situated in another farm.
Like his revered father he is always greatly con-
cerned in the promotion of all public enterprises
and is a stanch Republican.

In 1875 Mr. Roberson married Augusta Martin,
daughter James C. and Clarissa (Duckworth)
Martin. They have two living children: George
M. and Markley L. The family are identified
with the Baptist Church, as the Robersons have

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

291

been for many generations. Our subject is a
member of the Junior Order of American Mechan-
ics and belongs to the Oak Grove Grangers
Association.

3 AMES ASHCROFT, of Kingwood Township,
Hunterdon County, is a descendant of Eng-
lish ancestors. His father, after whom he
was named, was born near Manchester, England,
in 1804, and married Sarah, daughter of William
Irlam. In 1838 he crossed the Atlantic to Amer-
ica and subsequently was joined by his family,
they making their home first near Philadelphia
and later near Doylestown, Pa. In 1858 they
settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by
Hiram Rittenhouse and known as Ashcroft's Cor-
ner, in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County.
On that place the wife and mother died in April,
1867, and here also his death occurred in May,
1876. They were the parents of eleven children,
namely: John, Alice, William, Arenia, Richard,
James, Alfred, Samuel E., Sarah A., Edwin and
Jennie.

The eldest son, John, did not accompany the
family to America, but remained with his grand-
mother in England until he was twenty-one years
of age. He then left England on a vessel bound
for Australia, but was never heard from after he
embarked on the ship at Liverpool. William mar-
ried Sarah A. Philkill, daughter of Ben Philkill,
and they have two children, a son and daughter.
Arenia married Sylvester Burket, by whom she
had a son and daughter; and after the death of her
first husband she became the wife of John Fulper.
Richard married Mary J. Rittenhouse, daughter
of Garner Rittenhouse, and they have a son and
daughter. Alfred chose as his wife Sophia Cher-
ry, daughter of Thomas Cherry; they have no
children. Samuel E. died in 1863, at the age of
seventeen years. Sarah A. became the wife of
Hiram Rittenhouse, son of Garner Rittenhouse,

and they have one son living. Edwin married
Ann, daughter of Aaron Dalrymple; they have no
children. Alice and Jennie died in infancy.

During the residence of his parents near Doyles-
town, Pa., the subject of this sketch was born in
1842. He was sixteen when he came to New
Jersey and afterward he continued to reside at
home until his father's death. In 1878 he bought
his present farm, where he has since been success-
ful as a general farmer. He has been active in
local affairs and is stanch in his allegiance to the
Republican party, upon which ticket he has been
candidate for assessor, collector and committee-
man. Interested in educational matters, he ad-
vanced the welfare of the local schools during his
service for several terms as a member of the school
board.

The marriage of Mr. Ashcroft united him with
Susan R. Burd, daughter of John S. and Sarah
(Hoff) Burd, and granddaughter of William Hoff.
They have an only son, J. Wilford. The family
are identified with the Presbyterian Church, in
the work of which Mr. Ashcroft is interested.
Fraternally he is a member of Done Star
Dodge, Shepherds of Bethlehem, at Frenchtown.

~~ DWARD WARNE, who is a prosperous far-
>) mer of Kingwood Township, Hunterdon
_ County, was born in Broadway, Warren
County, this state, November 5, 1848, and is a
son of Daniel Warne, a resident of Baptistown.
When he was seven years of age he accompanied
his father in his removal from Warren County to
Pennsylvania, where he spent the ensuing three
years. Afterward, for three years, the family re-
sided in Fauquier County, Va., and then spent a
similar period near Washington, N. J. Coming
to Hunterdon County in 1866, this has since been
the family home.

When a young man the subject of this sketch
learned the trade of a carpenter and this occupa-

292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tion he followed for a number of years. In 1882
he bought the Thomas Slater farm in Kingwood
Township and upon its fifty- five acres he has since
engaged in dairying and general farming. A
thoughtful man, interested in all the questions of
the age and well informed concerning public af-
fairs, he has formed decided opinions concerning
national issues. Realizing the grave danger to
the nation of the increasing use of intoxicants by
its people, he gives his allegiance to the Prohibi-
tion party. He is a local leader of his party
and in 1891 was its candidate for the state as-
sembly. He is an officer in the Baptistown Pro-
hibition Club and one of its most influential mem-
bers. Temperance work has always engaged his
sympatlry and received his earnest attention.

In 1877 Mr. Warue was united in marriage
with Josephine R. Dalrymple, daughter of Joseph
and Margaret Dalrymple. They have no children,
but a nephew, David C. Warne, makes his home
with them. The family attend and support the
Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. and Mrs.
Warne are members and active workers.

-i »-3+>^|5l9j+C;«-

3 AMES W. ALTEMUS & BRO. This
well-known business firm of Clinton, Hun-
terdon County, was established here just
thirty years ago, since which time a generous
share of the county's patronage has fallen to its
portion. The firm owns a granite and marble
yard, and undertakes to furnish the finest monu-
ments, etc., with the best skill and finest designs
known in the trade. Nor is the custom of the
firm confined to this locality, as their orders fre-
quently are from a distance, and the)' have even
erected monuments in beautiful Greenwood Ceme-
tery, Brooklyn, and in other of the celebrated city
burial places. The Robert Todman memorial
monument on Atlantic avenue, Greenwood, and
the Grandin tombstone at Bethlehem church-
yard, in this county, among many others of note,

were put up by this firm, and are especially de-
serving of mention for their acknowledged artistic
merit. This business was commenced here in
1868 and ten years later the founder, Herman
Altemus, admitted his brother J. W. to the firm,
the style becoming as at present. Their methods
of doing business are beyond question, and their
reputation for strictly following out to the letter
their contracts have won them the confidence and
respect of the public.

Herman Altemus, who took the initiative in
starting this prosperous concern, was born July
24, 1846, in the town of Clinton, Hunterdon
County. His parents were Charles W. and Lu-
anda M. (Moore) Altemus, the former a native
of Philadelphia, born March 14, 1813, and the
latter born February 16, 18 19. The father de-
parted this life January 26, 1883, after having
survived his faithful wife but a year and a-half, she
having died July 22, 1881. They lie side by side
in the cemetery at Bethlehem. The father was a
tailor by trade, and followed that vocation, in
connection with keeping a clothing store in Clin-
ton, for half a century or more. He was an in-
fluential and highly respected citizen, took an
active part in local affairs, and was several times
honored by being elected mayor of the town; besides
serving as its postmaster some twelve years. Of
his large family of thirteen children all but two
lived to maturity, and six of the number are still
surviving. James W. is the partner of our sub-
ject, Herman; Mary is the wife of Theodore
Swarer, of Clinton; William is a resident of Tren-
ton; Walter is a merchant of Knowlton, La., and
David is engaged in business in Plaquemine, La.

The early years of Herman Altemus were spent
uneventfully in his native town, he attending the
public schools as soon as he reached a suitable
age. He was but sixteen when his ardent pa-
triotism led him to enlist in the defense of the old
flag, which he has loyally stood by in peace and
war. He became a soldier in Company E, Thirty-
first regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, his su-
perior officers being Captain Holt and Colonel
Berthold. He served faithfully for nine months,
the term of his enlistment, at the expiration of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

293

which he was honorably discharged. Upon his
return from the battlefields of the south, he went
to Easton, Pa. , where he spent five years in learn-
ing the details of the stone cutting trade. He
then came back to his native place and opened
the marble yard with which his name has since
been associated. He has given his allegiance to
the Republican party, and has often been selected
as the standard-bearer of that organization. At
different times he has been a member of the coun-
cil and in 1894 was elected to the responsible po-
sition of assessor of Clinton for a term of three
years and at the expiration of his first term was
re-elected for a second.

February 20, 1868, Mr. Altemus married Mar-
garet, daughter of Amandus and Lucinda Paul,
of Easton, Pa. Their union has been blessed with
four children: John, who is following the same
trade as his father, in Ouincy, Mass.; Ida, Agnes
and Raymond, a student in Pennsylvania busi-
ness college of Easton, Pa. Mr. Altemus is
identified with the Masonic order, belonging to
Stewart Eodge No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton,
and to Clinton Chapter No. 37, R. A. M. He
has filled all the chairs in both lodges, and is past
master and past high priest.

(TOHN C. HAYNES is one of the most enter-
I prising young farmers of Hunterdon County,
\ZS and for several years has been especially in-
terested in the raising of fine thoroughbred
poultry. In this branch he has won wide celeb-
rity, as he has taken prizes time and again for
fowls he has exhibited and is considered to be
an authority on this subject. In 1891 he was
awarded the New Jersey special prize for the best
collection of poultry, and for a number of years
he has won important prizes in the annual Madi-
son Square poultry and pigeon shows. He is
vice-president of the New Jersey Poultry Associa-
tion, is officially connected with the Garden State

Association and the American Leghorn Club, the
American Wyandotte Club and the Game and
Game Bantam Club of America.

Joseph A. Haynes, the father of our subject,
was born in Sussex Count}', N. J., and from his
youth has been engaged in railroading. For
many years he was a conductor on the New Jer-
sey Central Railroad, finally was appointed sta-
tion agent at Elizabethtown, which post he held
for five years, and during the past twenty years
has been located at Plainfield, N. J., as agent
there. He was married January 3, 1864, to Mary
C, daughter of John C. Cramer, and of the chil-
dren born to them who survive, the elder in John
C. and the other is Sarah C, wife of Francis
Palmer, a business man of Brooklyn, N. Y.

John C. Haynes was born in Anuandale, N. J.,
November 4, 1865, and since his early childhood
he has made his home with his maternal grand-
father on the farm known as the Anuandale
Poultry Farm, in Clinton Township. He received
a good education in the schools of this locality,
finishing his studies in Plainfield. He has al-
ways assisted in operating the old homestead
here, and since he was a mere lad he has been
interested in the poultry and nursery business.
In 1885 he established the Annandale Nursery,
now well known throughout this section of this
state. He is an enthusiast on the subject of rais-
ing fine fowls, and he has had as many as thirty
varieties of standard stock in his yards at one
time.

When but twenty-two years of age our subject
was nominated and elected on the Republican
ticket to the office of township clerk, his friends
winning the day, though there was an unusually
large number of votes polled by the opposition.
He was re-elected the succeeding year, and in 1895
was sent as a delegate to the state convention
which nominated J. W. Griggs for governor. The
same year he was the choice of his party for as-
semblyman from this county. In addition to
managing his regular business affairs Mr. Haynes
is a popular auctioneer, his services being in great
demand in all sections of the county, and even in
adjoining ones. In his social relations he is de-

294

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

servedly esteemed, his ready and brilliant con-
versional powers, his genuine courtesy and kind-
ness of manner making him a great favorite
wherever he goes. He is district grand chief,
past chief and has filled other offices in the Order
of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and is also a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
belonging to Vesper Lodge No. 239, of Lebanon.
May 8, 1889, Mr. Haynes married Minnie E.
Bowers, who was born in Somerville, Somerset
County, April 24, 1868. Her parents are Jacob
F. and Josephine (Meyers) Bowers. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Haynes a little daughter,
Lulu C, has been born. They are both members
of the Reformed Church of Auuandale.

30HN INGHAM. During the long period of
thirty-five years this citizen, whose death
occurred July 21, 1892, was one of the sub-
stantial and enterprising business men of Phillips-
burg, Warren County. For more than a score of
years he was the efficient and trusted superin-
tendent of the Warren Foundry, and largely to
his energy, skill and business methods are due
the success of this establishment, as he firmly
fixed their reputation for reliability and excel-
lence of work turned out of their plant. He won
the esteem and genuine regard of those who were
under his supervision, as well as the confidence
and good will of his superiors.

In tracing the history of John Ingham one is
struck with the manly, determined character that
manifested itself in his actions from the time
that he was a mere boy. He was born at Sower-
by Bridge, Yorkshire, England, April 17, 1830,
being one of nine children. His parents, then in
somewhat straightened circumstances, were com-
pelled to have their sous enter the world-struggle
for a livelihood at an early age. Thus, at a time
when John Ingham should have been attending
school he was at work in the woolen mills of

Bradford. The lad was naturally of a mechani-
cal turn of mind and this quality was developed
by the studies and experiments which he con-
stantly pursued. He secured employment in the
Bowling Iron Works next, with the intention of
learning the molder's trade, but was soon deterred
by the rule which he found was in force, that none
but the sons of iron-molders were permitted to
learn the trade. He was, however, but fifteen
when his skill and intelligence led to his being
placed in charge of a gang of men engaged in the
handling of heavy castings.

At the end of two years, seeing that there was
no prospect of further advancement, the ambitious
youth thought that he would go to Australia/but,
as his means were not sufficient to convey him to
that far-away land, he came to the United States.
During the tedious voyage of five weeks' duration
the ship encountered severe storms and the pas-
sengers suffered greatly, as the hatches were
closed much of the time, owing to the high seas,
and ship-fever broke out, resulting in the death
of several unfortunates each day. The fever so
greatly dreaded did not overcome young Ingham
until after he had reached land, but he was soon
obliged to enter a hospital, remaining there for
thirteen weeks. At last he was sent out as well,
but he was still very weak and had but $1 in
the world. Without friends, in a strange laud,
the future looked very dark, but he had a brave
heart and would not submit to defeat. One day
he met a man who had crossed the Atlantic on
the same ship and in their conversation this ac-
quaintance spoke of a friend of his who owned an
iron foundry in Milford, Pa. Our sturdy young
hero decided that he would go there and seek
employment, did so and was successful. At the
end of a year he removed to Sussex County, N.
J., where he was employed at a small foundry for
a few months. Then he worked in Hay's foun-
dry, on Fourteenth Street, New York City, until
1857. By this time he had become a skilled
mechanic, quick aud active, aud was ready for
a position requiring larger abilities of both mind
and workmanship. In March, 1857, ne came to
Phillipsburg, and contracted to complete a pipe

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

295

contract which the Warren Foundry was engaged
in making for the city of Washington. He was
so successful in this and other contracts that the
directors, on February 13, 1871, elected Mr.
Ingham to succeed John F. Ward as superintend-
ent, which office he held up to the time of his
death.

From the day that he located in Phillipsburg
until he was summoned to the silent land, Mr.
Ingham was thoroughly interested in the devel-
opment and welfare of this city. He was an earn-
est supporter of the Republican party from the
birth of the organization. Years ago he served
as a school trustee and as a member of the town
council. He was a regular attendant of the Main
Street Methodist Episcopal Church and substan-
tially aided in its maintenance. He was not a
member of the church, although he was an active
trustee of the board for several years. He was
a true friend to the poor and needy and in the
hearts of many a citizen here his memory is
cherished for the unostentatious good that he
was constantly doing. He left a wife and four
children and two sisters who are still in England.
He was married to Isabella McKane and to them
were born three daughters and one son, viz.:
Mary, wife of Isaac Z. Hamlin; Mrs. Emma
Spettigue, widow of William R. Spettigue; Miss
Bella and James, all residents of Phillipsburg.
James is assistant superintendent of the Warren
Foundry and Machine Company.

[""RANK P. BUNNELL, has been numbered
r3 among the successful merchants of Blairs-
| town for over twenty years. He has been
quite active in the support of local affairs of bene-
fit to the community and has officiated in the ca-
pacity of town clerk for three years and during a
period of similar length of time was collector. A
charter member of Blairstown Hose Company No. 1
he has been treasurer of the same several years.

In brief, he takes commendable interest in all that
tends toward the advancement of the welfare of
the place and people.

The birth of Frank P. Bunnell took place upon
his father's large homestead near Wallpack, Sus-
sex County, April 25, 1853. Until he was twen-
ty years of age he remained at home assisting on
the farm and during the winter terms attending
the local schools. His education was finished in
Blair Hall, where he pursued the higher branches
of stud}'. He then began clerking in the general
dry-goods store of Theodore F. Margarum, of
Newton. Later he spent five months in Waverly,
N. Y., and in the fall of 1874 he came to Blairs-
town. Here for eighteen months he clerked in a
general store. In 1876 he embarked in business
on his own account by buying out a confectionery
store, and this he has conducted successfully up
to the present time. During this period he has
enlarged the scope of his business, adding a de-
partment of gentlemen's furnishing goods and
general notions. He owns the property on which
the store stands and enjoys the patronage of our
best citizens in his particular lines.

In 188 1 Mr. Bunnell married Ella M. Cham-
berlin, a daughter of George M. Chamberlin, of
Easton, Pa. Two sons were born to them,
George David and Clarence C. In October, 1897,
the parents met with a sad loss in the death of
their son Clarence, then in his seventeenth year.

Mr. Bunnell is a Democrat. Fraternally he is
identified with the Red Men and is keeper of the
wampum in the home tribe. He is a trustee of
the Presbyterian Church, of which congregation
his wife and son are also members. For the past
two years he has been the president of the Young
People's Society of Christian Endeavor and in
every department of church activity and useful-
ness he is deeply interested.

The parents of the above-named gentleman
were David and Catherine Decker (Smith) Bun-
nell. The father was born on the old farm once
owned by his grandfather near Wallpack, Sussex
County, in 1806. On this homestead he contin-
ued to dwell until up to the last three years of his
life, spending the balance of his life with his chil-

296

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dren. He was au influential farmer when in his
prime, and in addition to being the owner of val-
uable farms in Sussex County he had others in
Illinois and New York. In political matters he
was a Democrat. For over half a century he was
an elder in the Wallpack Reformed Church and
very zealous in the work of the same. Death
closed his earthly career in February, 1894, when
he was eighty-eight years of age. He married in
1 83 1 and eleven children blessed his union. The
mother died in 1891, at the ripe age of fourscore
years. Of their five surviving children Henry
resides in Waverly, N. Y. ; Mary is the widow of
George C. Stull; J. W. lives in Wallpack; Mar-
tha J. is the wife of John Young, of Tri States,
N. Y. , and F. P. is the subject of this article.

(7JTEWART TERRIBERRY, a member of the
7\ firm of Reeves & Terriberry, dealers in lum-
\~J ber and building material in Clinton, Hun-
terdon Count}', is one of the most respected citi-
zens of this thriving town. He has always been
an earnest and active worker in the promotion
of the best interests of the place, and from time
to time he has held official positions of responsi-
bility and honor to the entire satisfaction of his
friends and neighbors. He stands high in the
estimation of all who have the pleasure of his
acquaintance, ranking equally well in the business,
social and church circles of this community.

The family name of our subject was materially
changed by the preceding generation, it having
been originally Durnburger. Jacob Durnburger,
the paternal grandfather of the gentleman of whom
we write, was of German parentage. He was a
farmer by occupation and resided on Schooley's
Mountain, Morris County, N. J., and there his
children, who altered the family surname, were
born. The parents of our subject were Nathan
and Margaret (Stires) Terriberry, both natives
of Hunterdon County. The father was a practi-

cal and prosperous farmer, and accumulated a
large amount of real estate. He was devoted to
the work of the Baptist Church of Junction, aided
in the erection of the present house of worship,
and gave liberally of his substance to the cause of
Christianity. He was a man whose life of good
works and practical philanthropy won him the
love and high esteem of all with whom his lot
was cast. He was the father of nine sons and a
daughter, several of whom lived to maturity and
have become prominent factors in the various
communities where they dwell. John, the eldest,
died in 1888; George is a practicing physician of
Paterson, N. J.; Jacob died in his youth; Stewart
is the next in order of birth; Calvin is a noted
surgeon of Paterson, and has won a truly enviable
reputation for skill throughout this and adjoining
states; Whitfield, twin-brother of Calvin, is a
successful lawyer, whose home is in Plainfield,
N. J., but whose office is in New York City;
W. Judson left home soon after the war and is
the master mechanic of the Union Pacific Railroad
Company, his home being in Denver, Colo.; An-
drew M. is a merchant of Somerville, N. J. ;
Catherine, widow of Willis Hunt, of Plainfield, is
now keeping house for her brother Whitfield, who
is a bachelor; Alfred, who died at the age of nine-
teen years, was a student in Pennington Univer-
sity, where he contracted a fever which resulted
fatally.

Stewart Terriberry was born December 7, 1845,
in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, and
grew to manhood under the loving and uplifting
influences of a good home. He attended the pub-
lic schools of that locality, and was about tweuly
when he accepted a position as assistant agent at
Junction, with the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Two years later he was advanced in the service
and for a number of years was conductor on
freight trains. The last seven years of his em-
ployment with the railroad he was a conductor on
a passenger train, his run being at first from
Hampton to Elizabeth and Bergen Port and later
(after the construction of the High Bridge branch)
he ran from Phillipsburg to Port Oram and
Rockaway. In 1S88 he severed his connection

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

297

with the company and went into partnership with
John C. Reeves in the lumber business. The
yard which they established in Clinton was the
first one of any importance here, and the business
has steadily grown until it is one of the most
flourishing concerns in this vicinity.

Mr. Terriberry is a pronounced Republican in
his political views. He has officiated in several
of the leading positions in Lebanon Lodge No. 6,
F. & A. M., of Glen Gardner, and is a charter
member of that bod}'. December 12, 1871, he
married Grace, daughter of John and Julia (Phil-
lips) Crater, of this count}'. They have two
promising sons: Nathan S., employed by the Ar-
mour Packing Company, of New Bedford, Mass.,
and Joseph F. , with the great department store of
Hahne & Co., of Newark, N. J.

"DWARD THOMAS, one ofMilford's most
'p prominent and influential citizens, was born
_ „ in New Hope, Pa., December 13, 1830. He
was the son of Mordecai and Grace Thomas. His
parents moved from Bristol, Pa., to Milford, N. J.,
when he was thirteen years of age, and from that
period until the time of his death he resided in
his mansion, beautifully situated on the Delaware
River, and once occupied by ex-governor Ludlow,
Daniel Van Syckel, Samuel Parry and Mordecai
Thomas.

Edward Thomas formed a co-partnership in the
milling business January 12, 1852, with his
brother Wilson Thomas, which continued more
than forty years, and was dissolved by mutual
consent January 16, 1893. The firm also owned
a coal and lumber business in connection with the
manufacture of flour.

Mr. Thomas was a successful business man, a
person of excellent natural and acquired abilities
and his word was always considered as good as
his bond. He was by birth a member of the So-
ciety of Friends, and in his last illness gave a

most beautiful testimony to his faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. In 1857 ne married Virginia Van
Syckel, daughter of Daniel Van Syckel and Mary
Carhart, his wife. He is survived by his wife and
four children: Isabella, married to Rev. Horace
D. Sassaman; Frances, married to Dr. Thomas
Craig Detwiller, of Lancaster, Pa.; Howard Van
Syckel Thomas, of Buffalo, N. Y., and Susan
Spencer Thomas. Mr. Thomas died May 8, 1896.

(TjEYMOUR R. SMITH, president of the
?\ Hackettstown National Bank, has been of-
\~J ficially connected with this reliable banking
institution for the past twenty-two years and is a
prominent business man of Hackettstown. He
enjoys the friendship of a large circle, both here
and in Sussex, his native county, where he has
spent a portion of each year for many years, hav-
ing a beautiful summer home in the pretty town
of Waterloo. In numerous local industries he
has been actively interested, and at present is the
president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company
of Hackettstown and is a director in the City
Electric Light Company.

Peter Smith, father of our subject, was born in
Morris County, N. J., but removed to Waterloo,
Sussex County, when in early manhood. There
he engaged in mercantile pursuits, was concerned
in an iron manufactory and also carried on a farm
for years. Entirely self-made in a business sense,
he achieved success and won the high regard of
all who knew him. For a long period he was a
member of the board of freeholders and from 1861
to 1864 was in the state senate, having been
elected on the Democratic ticket by the largest
majority ever received by any man in his county.
One of the original promoters and directors in the
Hackettstown National Bank, which was incor-
porated April 3, 1855, ne was appointed president
of the institution upon the death of Mr. Rea in
1864, and from that time until his death, in 1877,

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(at the age of sixty-eight years) he continued to
serve in that eapacit}\ When he was a young
man he united with the Methodist Church, and
was very active in the same until a short time be-
fore he died. His father, John Smith, was gen-
eral of a troop of the home militia in Sussex
County. He was a farmer, iron merchant and
general business man. In politics he was a
Democrat, and in religion a Methodist. He died
in 1859, aged eighty-four years.

The wife of Peter Smith was Maria Johnson in
her girlhood. She is also a native of Sussex
County, and though now in her eighty-eighth
year is quite active in mind and body. Like her
husband, she is a faithful member of the Method-
ist Church. Of their children we note the fol-
lowing: John died when fourteen years old; Sam-
uel T. is a leading citizen of Waterloo, N. J. , now
retired from business cares; Matilda is the wife of
O. R. Van Doren, of Newark, N. J.; Caroline,
who died in 1875, at the age of thirty-three years,
was the wife of Harvey Cook, of New York;
Peter D. makes his home in Waterloo, N. J.; our
subject is the next in order of birth; Nathan A. is
living at Newark, N. J. ; the youngest died in in-
fancy. Samuel T. is vice-president of the Wash-
ington (N. J.) National Bank; was a member of
the state senate from 1873 to 1876 and served as
judge of Sussex County for two terms, or ten
years. Peter D., also a prominent citizen of
Waterloo, is vice-president of the Waterloo Ice
Company and was a senator from Sussex County,
from 1888 to 1 89 1.

S. R. Smith was born August 14, 1847, in
Waterloo, N. J., and received his higher educa-
tion in Pennington and Rutgers College, gradu-
ating from the last-named institution in 1868
with the fourth honor of his class of twenty-one
members. Soon afterwards he entered into busi-
ness with his elder brothers, Samuel T. and Peter
D. , under the firm name of Smith Brothers. They
were the proprietors of a grist and sawmill which
the)' carried on in connection with a general store
until they closed out their interest in 1S91. Ow-
ing to his father's declining health, he was made
vice-president of the Hackettstown National Bank

in 1876, and served as such until 1S90, when he
became the president of the same. He is a stanch
Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to Indepen-
dent Lodge No. 42, F. &A. M., of Hackettstown.
In 1873 he married Miss Charlotte E. Snover,
who was a native of the same place as himself.
They have one son, Peter L. , who is now attend-
ing school.

q) FORGE W. KUGLER resides upon the old
„ family homestead in Kingwood Township,
J Hunterdon County, where he was born in
1846. Purchasing the property in 1879, he set-
tled upon it in the spring of the following 3'ear
and has since engaged in its cultivation. While
he raises the various cereals his specialty has been
the raising of fruit, and upon his place he has a
large number of trees, comprising the principal
varieties of fruits. The homestead consists of
one hundred and six acres and bears a full
equipment of substantial farm buildings. In ad-
dition to this property he owns thirty acres near
by.

Upon this place in 181 1 the father of our sub-
ject, Samuel R. Kugler, began his connection
with human activities. The greater part of his
life was passed here engaged in farm pursuits and
he was one of the leading and most prosperous
farmers in his locality. Politically he was a Dem-
ocrat, not active in public affairs, but stanch in
his allegiance to the principles he professed. His
death occurred in 1879, when he was sixty-eight
years of age. He was a son of John Kugler, to
whom reference is made in the sketch of Judge
John Kugler upon another page.

The mother of our subject was Eliza, daughter
of Edward and Betsy Rittenhouse. She was an
active member of the Baptist Church and died at
the age of seventy-eight. Of her nine children
five are now living, namely: Hannah, who is the
widow of Stacey Risler; Elizabeth, widow of Sam-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

299

uel B. Johnson; George W. ; Anderson B., who
lives in South Carolina; and Theodore, who lives
in Kingwood Township. With the exception of
five years spent upon a farm near Locktown the
entire life of our subject has been passed upon the
homestead where he was born. Farming has been
his life work and in it he has met with success,
being considered one of the efficient and energetic
agriculturists of the township.

In political belief Mr. Kugler is a Democrat,
firm in his allegiance to the party of his choice.
For six years he held the office of committeeman
of Kingwood Township and for four years he
served as a member of the school board. He at-
tends the Baptist Church and his wife is one of
its active workers. All matters tending to pro-
mote the welfare of the people receive his support
and he is classed among the public-spirited citi-
zens of the township. In 1875 he married Miss
Emma E. Bodine, daughter of William aud Mary
(Bellis) Bodine. The three children born of their
union are named William Harvey, Mary E. and
Addie.

P^AUL C. LARUE, of Baptistown, Hunterdon
L/' County. The family of which this gen-
K-' tleman is an honored representative was
founded in America during the seventeenth cen-
tury, when several persons bearing the name of
Larou (as it was then spelled) crossed the
Atlantic, settling in northern New Jersey and
southern New York. Afterward one family re-
moved to Virginia and another to the Ohio River,
purchasing land on what is now the site of Louis-
ville, Ky. The family originated in France, and
was of the Huguenot faith, its members sharing
in the great conflict for religious toleration that
made the seventeenth century memorable in the
history of the ages. They were persecuted on
account of their faith, and were often in peril of
their lives, but with unwavering courage clung
to the faith they had espoused.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Abraham
Larue, was a son, it is thought, of the founder of
the family in America. He owned a farm near
Sergeantsville, in Delaware Township, Hunter-
don County, his place being in later years known
as the Lee farm. By his wife, Mary, he had a
son, Uriah Larue, who married Permelia Gordon,
of Delaware Township, and with her removed to
Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, about
the year 1802, purchasing the farm now owned
by William Dubon and others. Here during the
summer months he engaged in farming and car-
pentering, while in the winter months he con-
structed fanning mills for the farmers of the
neighborhood. After a short time he purchased
a farm near King's Mills, now owned by Ash
Butler. About 18 12 he also bought the farm
now owned by Mr. Clawson, in Readington Town-
ship, but when preparing to remove to this place
he was taken ill with typhoid fever and soon
died. His widow aud children then settled upon
the Readington farm, which the oldest son,
Gordon, with the aid of the other members of the
family, carried on for a number of years.

The family of Uriah Larue consisted of four
sons and three daughters, all deceased, namely:
Amy, Thomas, Gordon, Franklin, Elisha, Mary,
Ann and Ura. The eldest, Amy, married Tunis
Cole, of Readington, both now deceased, leaving
no children. When a boy Thomas fell on the
ice and sustained injuries that resulted in his
death. Franklin married Mary Kiney, of Read-
ington Township, and removed to Ohio, but
later returned to New Jersey and died at French-
town. The children of Franklin were: Thomas
G., who died unmarried; Amy Ann, who is the
wife of Barton Carkuff of Coal City, 111.; and
Maggie, who married Andrew Van Wicklin, of
Brooklyn, N. Y., but both are now deceased.
Elisha, the fourth son of Uriah, married Mary
Sharp, of Readington, and had five children; he
and his wife are deceased. Their children are
named as follows: Hannah, wife of Abraham
Creagar, of Anuandale, Hunterdon County;
Thomas, who married a Miss Cronce and resides
at Freuchtown; Baker, who is married and lives

300

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Delaware; Anna, wife of John Smith, of Read-
ington Township; and Mary, deceased wife of
David Cole, of Readington. Mary Ann, daughter
of Uriah Larue, died at Frenchtown, N. J., where
the youngest child, Ura, also passed away.

Of the sons of Uriah, Gordon was the eldest
who survived to mature years. He was born in
Delaware Township in 1S00, was a farmer by
occupation, and died November 18, 1871, on the
farm now owned by William Dubon in Franklin
Township. His wife, who was Anna Cole, of
Readington, was born in that township Novem-
ber 22, 1801, and died January 9, 1879. In
religious faith both were identified with the
Dutch Reformed Church. They were the parents
of four sons and one daughter: Uriah,. T. G.
G. W. , Elisha L-, Paul C, and Sarah, who died
in infancy. Uriah married Aniy Burd; their
only son, Elisha Gordon Larue, died unmarried.
T. G. G. W. married Susan Fritts, of Clinton
Township, and they had two sons, the elder of
whom died in infancy, and one daughter, Anna,
who married David Sharp, a farmer of Lebanon.
The surviving son, William A. , married Laura
Strobel, of Sussex County, and resides in Easton,
Pa., where he is engaged in the laundry business.
T. G. G. W. and his wife are Presbyterians,
while his brother Uriah and his family are Bap-
tists. Elisha L. , the third brother of our sub-
ject, married Helen Smith, of Clinton Township,
who, like himself, was identified with the Meth-
odist Church. They died, leaving two sons:
Mahlon G., a fireman in Keyport, N. J.; and
T. G. G. W., now of Trenton, N. J., where he
is engaged in the bakery business.

The subject of this sketch, who was the young-
est of his father's sons, was born in Franklin
Township in 1839. At the age of eighteen he
began to learn the carpenter's trade, but farming
has been his principal occupation in life. From
1861 until 1889 he resided on a farm purchased
from his father-in-law, but in the latter year he
came to Baptistown, where he has since lived re-
tired. He is the owner of three farms that aggre-
gate about three hundred and fifteen acres. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows

and the Patrons of Husbandry, while in religious
belief he and his family are Baptists. In 1861 he
married Mary E. Hoff, of Kingwood Township.
Two children blessed their union. The son,
John G. , who resides upon a farm owned by his
father and situated two miles east of Baptistown,
is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Baptist Church. By his marriage to Anna
Chamberlain he has one child, Blanche. Our
subject's daughter, Anna J., married Levi Bar-
ron, of Bucks County, Pa., but now residing on
his father-in-law's farm at Baptistown. They
have one child, Ethel.

-••>»•• ;:Q^; £<-.•- ~s— :

WILLIAM W. FISHER is a land-owner and
substantial business man of East Amwell
Township, Hunterdon County, and has
spent his whole life in this immediate vicinity.
In everything pertaining to the upbuilding and
development of the resources of this locality he
has taken an active interest, doing his full share
as a citizen. He is a member of the Grange and
in the past held various offices of minor import-
ance here, such as township committeeman, etc.
In his political convictions he is a Republican.

The Fisher fainily, of which our subject is a
most sterling representative, has long been asso-
ciated with the history of this portion of Hunter-
don County. The great-great-grandfather of the
above was one Peter Fisher, a native of German}-,
who came to America and settled permanently in
this count}-, where many of his descendants have
since dwelt. His sou William was born in what
is now known as West Amwell Township, as was
also William's son William, the latter being the
father of our subject. The latter' s mother bore
the maiden name of Mary Dilts. To her mar-
riage two children were born; William W. , of this
sketch, and Mary, who married Theodore Young
and died in 1844. William Fisher, Sr. , was born

WILLIAM SfTPHIN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

303

in 1798 and departed this life in 1870. The farm
which he owned and carried on during his life-
time was purchased by his father about 1830.

William W. Fisher was born in that part of old
Amwell Township now called Delaware Town-
ship, March 23, 1824. When he was about three
years old his parents removed to East Amwell
Township and in 1833 the family settled on the
farm which our subject has since been interested
in managing, wholly or in partnership with his
father. Most of the improvements 011 this home-
stead he has assisted in making and many of them
were entirely his own undertaking. He owns
one hundred and forty-eight acres comprised
within his home farm and another valuable place
of eighty-four acres. His education was acquired
in the district schools and in the more difficult
school of life, and he is to-day a man of general
information. For twenty years he has been an
elder in the United First Presbyterian Church and
for many more years has been connected with the
same congregation as a member. He was one of
the organizers and for a time a director of the
Flemington National Bank.

In 1853 Mr. Fisher married Miss Sarah E.
Laning, of Delaware Township. She faithfully
shared his joys and sorrows and cheered and com-
forted him along the highway of life until her
death, March 20, 1894. They have had two chil-
dren: Martha, who died when fourteen years of
age, and Mar}', who became the wife of Joseph
Van Marter and is the mother of four children:
Joseph W., who died in infancy; Sarah, William
and Alice.

(ILLIAM SUTPHIN, a highly respected
citizen of Ringoes, and now living retired
from business cares, has j ustly earned his
present quiet and comfort by a past of industry
and enterprising effort. That each person who
strives to do his duty and earn his own livelihood
occupies a position in the busy world as honor-

able as that occupied by any other bread-winner
is now a generally accepted fact in America, and
he who has tilled, improved and increased in
value a tract of land has done much for his own
and succeeding generations. Our subject may
lay claim to having done this, and not only
this, but has never neglected to do his duty as a
citizen of this commonwealth in supporting law
and order and the general good of the neighbor-
hood in which his lot was cast.

A native of East AmwTell Township, Hunter-
don County, William Sutphin was born on a
farm near Wertsville, October 21, 182 1. He is a
son of Arthur, a native of the same township,
and grandson of Derrick Sutphin. The mother
of our subject was Mary Cox in her girlhood.
By her marriage she became the mother of
twelve children, nine of the number surviving to
mature years. In order of birth they are as fol-
lows: Derrick, Edward, Joseph C, Ann, William,
Lewis, Mary, Sarah and Jacob. Lewis and Will-
iam are the only members of the large family
circle living to-day, and the former carries on the
old homestead at Wertsville.

Until he was thirty-five years old, William
Sutphin continued to live with his parents, but
from the time that he attained his majority he
was engaged in carpentering. He then pur-
chasd a farm of eighty acres not far distant from
his old home, and cultivated and improved the
place from 1851 to 1876. He sold out in the
year last named and bought a valuable farm of
one hundred and thirty acres near Ringoes.
Many substantial changes for the better were in-
stituted by him during his residence there, a
period of some eight years, and in 1884 he came
to live permanently in the town of Ringoes. In
1876 and 1877 he was a freeholder of East Amwell
Township, and in political affairs he is a Repub-
lican. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, belong-
ing to the Ringoes church of that denomination.

March 10, 1S55, Mr. Sutphin was first mar-
ried, the lad}- of his choice being Charity
Chamberlin. They had no children, and in 1S63
the wife died. Subsequently, in 1S68, our sub-
ject married the lady who now bears his name

3<H

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and who was then Catherine Davis. The elder
child of their union, Annie C. , is the wife of
Howard Dilts, and the younger, Milton, is an en-
terprising young agriculturist and resides on the
farm owned by the senior Sutphin in East Am-
well Township.

"HEODORE BALDERSTON, D. D. S., is a
leading member of the dental profession in
Hunterdon County, and has been occupied
in the work of his chosen field of enterprise in the
town of Eambertville for over ten years. He has
acquired a reputation for thoroughness, skill and
practical knowledge of dentistry, and richly de-
serves the large patronage which the people of
this vicinity give him. Rapid progress has been
made in the treatment of the teeth and the artistic
supplanting of those which are useless, and the
successful practitioner must keep full}' up to the
wisdom of the times in this branch, perhaps more
than in any other profession. The public de-
mands excellent work, and are satisfied with
nothing but the best, and, realizing this, the sub-
ject of this article aims to adequately fulfill their
wishes. He is a great student, takes the leading
journals published in the interests of dentistry,
and adds to all wide experience.

The parents of the doctor were David and Anna
(Moore) Balderston, natives of Bucks and Lan-
caster Counties, respectively. The father was a
farmer, owned a valuable homestead, and was a
man of considerable importance in his neighbor-
hood. Until a few years prior to his death he
was a Republican, later voting for the nominees
of the Prohibition party. For the long period of
eighteen years he held the position of supervisor
of his township, discharging the duties that rested
upon him with fidelity. Religiously he was a
Friend. His busy and useful life was brought to
a close May I, 1895, when he was seventy years
of age. His wife was a daughter of Jeremiah and

Elizabeth E. Moore. The five children born to
David and Anna Balderston were named as fol-
lows: Walter; Elizabeth M.; Ma}', who died in
infancy; D. Newlin and Theodore. Walter is
married and has one child, James. He is a res-
ident of New Hope, N. J., and is engaged in the
manufacture of rubber boots. The only sister
living is now in Langhorne, Pa.; D. N., the
youngest of the family, was a student in the Will-
iamson schools of Delaware County, Pa., and
graduated from there in March, 1896. He is now
employed in an electrical establishment at Phila-
delphia.

Theodore Balderston was born on his father's
farm in Bucks County, Pa., January 13, 1861,
and passed his boyhood days there. He was
given the advantages of a general education, such
as could be gained in the district school, and con-
tinued to live at home and assist his father in the
work of the farm until he was twenty-three years
old. In addition to this he had been quite suc-
cessful in his sales of fertilizers to the farmers of
his region. For two years he was a student in
the Trenton normal school, and while there con-
ceived the idea of entering the dental profession.
Accordingly he went to Philadelphia, and be-
came enrolled in the Pennsylvania Dental College,
pursuing the regular routine of work until his
graduation in 1886. Returning to New Hope,
Pa., he practiced there for about a year, after
which he came to Eambertville and opened a
first-class office. He is kept very busy and is
doing very well in every point of view. In 1884
he cast his first presidential ballot for James G.
Blaine, and since that time has been a loyal
worker for the Republican party. In Unity
Lodge No. 300, I. O. O. F., of New Hope, Pa.,
he has filled all the chairs. He is also a member
of Vashti Lodge No. 190, Daughters of Rebekah,
to which order his wife belongs. Besides he is a
Knight of Pythias, a member of Lone Star Lodge
No. 15, of Eambertville.

July 2, 1889, Mr. Balderston married Sallie V.
Smith, of New Hope, Pa. She was born in that
town November 10, i860, and is a daughter of
James P, and Hannah (Chamberlain) Smith.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

305

One child, Reba, born March 18, 1894, brightens
the home of onr subject and his estimable wife.
The doctor adheres to the faith of his father, and
is identified with the Society of Friends.

(TAMES M. APGAR. No employe of the
I Central Railroad of New Jersey is more re-
Q) spected and popular, both with the traveling
public and with the other railroad men, than is
this genial and business-like conductor. His run
is from High Bridge to Hibernia, his home being
in the first-mentioned town. He has reached his
present position by absolute merit, having
worked his way upward and won the approval
and confidence of his superiors by his strict
regard for the proper handling of all his duties.
In general he is quite enterprising, and is an
earnest believer in the future of the flourishing
town of High Bridge. In 1896 he erected here
the fine brick building known as the Apgar
Block. It is the best structure of the kind in the
town, it being thoroughly modern and conven-
ient in every respect; having three stores on the
first floor, offices and dwelling apartments on
the next story and a hall 36x52 on the third
floor.

A son of Matthias A. and Amanda (Linaberry)
Apgar, our subject was born in New German-
town, N. J., February 20, 1852. He is an only
son and his sister Mary is the wife of William
Walters, of Dunellen, N. J. The father was a
native of Hunterdon County, and followed his
trade of a mechanic and carpenter for mauy years.
From 1861 to 1870 he was engaged in merchan-
dising in High Bridge and later kept a store in
White Hall. Since his death his wife has made
her home with her son James M. Matthias A.
Apgar was the third of a family of six sons and
four daughters, the others being as follows:
Nathan, deceased; Charity, wife of Euke Swick,
of New Germantown; Adam, deceased; Cather-

ine, who is married and lives in Califon; Ben-
jamin and Frederick, twins; Nicholas, of Leb-
anon; Emeline, widow of Jacob Thomas and
Julia, who is married. The father of these chil-
dren was Adam Apgar, a native of this state, and
for many years the "village blacksmith" of Cal-
ifon.

Until he was nine years of age James M. Apgar
resided with his parents in New Germantown,
then removing to High Bridge. He attended
school here and was only about fourteen years old
when he commenced working on the steam -
shovel, when the high grade was being made near
this place. He then entered upon an apprentice-
ship at the Taylor Iron & Steel Works, serving
in different capacities at intervals for seven years.
In the meantime he was employed for periods in
his father's store, and when eighteen was for a
time with Hewes & Philips, of Newark. There
he started to learn the molder's trade, but gave it
up on account of illness, and returned to High
Bridge.

In 1873 the financial panic caused the Taylor
Works to shut down and Mr. Apgar was com-
pelled to look elsewhere for occupation. Going
where the ore mines were being opened, he found
employment as a carpenter in the construction of
the necessary buildings connected with the plant.
From there he went to White Hall and en-
tered his father's store. In 1875 he became a
member of the engineers' corps, in the con-
struction of High Bridge branch of the Cen-
tral New Jersey Railroad, and continued with
the force until the work was completed. On New
Year's day, 1877, he was offered a position as a
brakeman with the company, was subsequently
promoted to be baggage-master, conductor of a
local freight train and finally was made a regular
passenger train conductor. As such he has
served to the satisfaction of all for eight years.
In his political creed he is independent of party
restrictions, voting as he deems best under given
circumstances. Socially he is a member of Ri-
alto Lodge No. i6r, I. O. O. F., of High Bridge,
and of Lalhantaug Tribe No. 164, Order of Red
Men, of High Bridge.

306

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The first marriage of Mr. Apgar was solem-
nized February 18, 1879, the lady of his choice
being Martha J., daughter of Henry Haltman.
She died May 24, 1880, leaving one child, named
Jennie M. November 29, 1883, Mr. Apgar was
united in marriage with Annie F. Burnett, by
whom he had one son, Grover C.

ROBERT A. COLE. In every thriving com-
munity there may be found a certain number
of substantial, reliable, patriotic citizens,
who may always be counted upon to uphold the
laws, to do all in their power to promote the best
interests of the people and who quietly and unas-
sumingly "pursue the even tenor of their ways"
in times of peace. Among such citizens of
Hackettstown, men who are largely accountable
for her prosperity and high standing in Warren
Count}' is the gentleman whose name heads this
review.

The parents of our subject are Benjamin and
Eustatia (Clawsou) Cole, both natives of New
Jersey, the former of Sussex County and the latter
of Hackettstown. The father is still living, is
now about seventy-eight years of age, and is mak-
ing his home with his son, Robert A. He was a
blacksmith by trade, and followed that calling
during the greater part of his active life. His
loving wife, a lady who was highly esteemed by
all who knew her, died at the age of seventy-two
years.

The birth of Robert A. Cole occurred March
18, 1846, in this city , and here his early years
were passed. He was a student in the public
schools, and later attended Pennington Seminary.
When he was but seventeen he began clerking in
a dry -goods store here, but in less than a year his
ability had received higher recognition, and he
made a step higher in the ladder leading upward
to success. Upon the 1st of January, 1S64, he
took his place at a desk in the banking institution

with which he is still connected. For three
months he occupied a clerkship, and was then
promoted to be teller and bookkeeper. In that
capacity he acted until 1873, when he was again
promoted, this time becoming the cashier of the
bank. A quarter of a century has passed since
then and he is still faithfully at his post of duty,
in the meantime having gained the entire con-
fidence and approval of all patrons of the bank,
as well as of its officials.

His right of suffrage Mr. Cole uses in behalf of
the principles and candidates of the Republican
party, but has never been a politician in any
sense, nor desirous of office. The cause of edu-
cation is one that is dear to his heart, and he is
now a trustee of the Centenary Collegiate Insti-
tute of Hackettstown, one of the best preparatory
schools in the country. In the local Methodist
Episcopal Church with which he holds member-
ship he is quite active and at this time is a trustee
in the same.

••■>»;v;i0 '■■-■>£;•- ~«~ >

V A ORRIS A. COLE, of Readington Town-

Y ship, Hunterdon County, is a worthy repre-
fc) sentative of one of the old pioneer families

to whose energy and good citizenship is due much
of the prosperity which this community now en-
joys. Too little attention and too little credit are
given those sturdy, honest, hard-working tillers
of the soil, those men who wrought the founda-
tions on which is reared the beautiful edifice of
our commonwealth, and their children who have
entered into their fair heritages realize not what
was borne by them. The Coles are of German
descent, and the name is found in the records of
the first settlers of Readington Township. Ezekiel
Cole, the great-great-grandfather of our subject,
was a farmer of this township and was a justice
of the peace. Obadiah, his son, next in descent,
was born in this locality and owned large estates.
The father of Morris A. Cole was Ezekiel D.,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3o7

son of David O., and grandson of the Obadiah
just mentioned. Ezekiel D. Cole married Lettie
A. Alpaugh, of this county, and five children
were born to them, viz.: David, Morris A., Alice,
Hebron E. and Solomon. Morris A. was born
April 27, 1844, in Readington Township, and
was reared to manhood upon his father's farm.
He received a good education in the public
schools and was thoroughly trained in business
methods and in the practical routine of farm work
by his judicious parents. He stands high in the
estimation of his neighbors and is noted for his
sterling characteristics. In the spring of 1890 he
was elected to serve as overseer of the poorhouse
of this township, his term of office to run for six
years. He belongs to the Farmers' Mutual In-
surance Company, of the northern part of New
Jersey, and is secretary and collector for the
same. In politics he is a Republican, and favors
a silver monetary standard.

April 27, 1871, Mr. Cole married Margaret L-,
daughter of Peter S. and Rebecca A. (Cole)
Dalley. She is a native of this locality and
passed her girlhood on a farm in Readington
Township. Three daughters and one sou have
been born of their marriage, and are named
respectively, Urania, Margaret L-, Eva and
Clarence.

HON. E. MILTON WILSON has been en-
gaged in general merchandising in Blairs-
town for over twenty-two years and is con-
sidered one of the enterprising citizens of this
wide-awake town. He is always ready to give
his earnest support to the organization of new
industries, enterprises, or societies which have
for their objects the upbuilding and elevating of
this communit}' or the public in general.

The birth of Mr. Wilson occurred in Hardwick
Township, Warren County, N. J., September 17,
1854. He is a son of Lemuel F. L. Wilson, who
was born in Hunterdon County, but who passed

the greater portion of his life in this county, a
portion of his attention being claimed by his farm
in Hardwick Township. He devoted much time
to the settling of estates and doing other legal
business for his neighbors. He was quite active
in Democratic party politics, and was known in
all sections of this and neighboring counties.
He served as township committeeman, assessor
and justice of the peace for many years. He was
a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
the time of his death, June 1, 1897, prior to
which he had long been a loved member of the
church. His life came to a close when he had
attained more than the allotted age of man, three-
score and ten, as he was in his seventy-sixth
year. His father was Walter Wilson, a native of
Hunterdon County, whence he removed to Ox-
ford and then to Blairstown Townships, arriving
here in 1837. He was a very active man, and
possessed a vigorous constitution. He lived- to
the ripe age of ninety-two years, and for forty-five
years of that time did not know what it was to
be ill, even to a slight degree. The Wilsons
were very early settlers in Hunterdon County,
and were of English descent.

The mother of Mr. Wilson of this sketch was
Miss Mary A. Titman, she being a daughter of
George and Mary Titman. She is still living
and enjoys fair health for a person of her age, as
she is seventy-four years old. Her home is now
in Blairstown, and with her resides her daughter
Emma. Another daughter, MaryL-, widow of F.
M. Smith, also lives in Blairstown. Cassie is the
wife of Alonzo Hill, of Hardwick. The aged
mother of these children is a devout member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The early life of our subject was passed on the
farm. His education was obtained in the district
schools and Blairstown Academy, and when he
was twenty-two years old he entered into partner-
ship with F. M. Smith in a mercantile business
in Blairstown. They continued together for
three years, at the end of which time Mr. Wilson
bought out his partner's interest, since which
time he has conducted the business alone. He
keeps a well-selected stock of goods, varying

3o8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in quality and prices to meet the needs of the
people. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic
order, Blairstown Lodge No. 165, F. & A. M.,
and with the Odd Fellows he is a member of
Puritan Lodge of Blairstown, in which he has
passed all the chairs. He is past sachem of
Kittatinny Lodge No. 126, Improved Order of
Red Men of this place, and is connected with
Marksburg Council, Royal Arcanum. From
1892 to 1894 he was a member of the legislature of
New Jersey, having been elected on the Demo-
cratic ticket. He made a creditable showing
while representing the people, serving on several
important committees, and all classes were satis-
fied with him in every respect. During Cleve-
land's first term, from 1882 to 1886, he held the
postmastership of Blairstown. He has been quite
a leader in his party, as well as in business, fra-
ternal, social and church circles. For over ten
years he has been president of the board of edu-
cation, and has manifested great interest in the
subject of providing better facilities and advan-
tages for the rising generation in this direction.
In 1879 Mr. Wilson married Celestia Rosen-
krans, daughter of Avert Rosenkrans, of Wall-
pack, N. J. They have three children, Roscoe
M., Alice R. and Edith R. The family attend
the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Wilson being a
member of the same. They have a pleasant
home and enjoy the friendship of a multitude of
old associates.

(ILLIAM BELLIS is one of the prominent
citizens of Raritan Township, Hunterdon
County, and was born upon the old home-
stead which he cultivates at the present time.
This valuable farm was first owned and managed by
the great-great-grandfather of the above, he having
come here to make his permanent abode early in
the eighteenth century. The parents of our sub-
ject were William and Abi (Housel) Bellis. The

former was very active in the organization and
maintenance of the Presbyterian Church, and for
a great many years was an elder in the congrega-
tion. The cause of education found in him a
sincere friend, as indeed did every worthy move-
ment or object. His life was a busy and useful
one, and his chief pleasure consisted in being
able to extend a helping hand to those less fortu-
nately situated than himself. Until his last
illness he possessed remarkable good health.
His death occurred when he was in his eighty-
eighth year, and he is sleeping his last sleep
beside his faithful wife, who died in her sixty-
eighth year, and was interred in Amwell Ceme-
tery.

William Bellis is one of two children born to
William and Abi Bellis that survive, two others
having died. His sister Louisa lives with him
and superintended his household affairs until he
was married, in June, 1890. The birth of our
subject took place August 1, 1847, anc^ ne was
reared and educated in this neighborhood. His
elementary education was obtained in the local
schools, after which he studied the higher
branches of learning in the Flemington high
school, and later attended a private one in Hights-
town, N. J.

Upon his entrance into the business world Mr.
Bellis located in Flemington, and, at the end of
a year or so, decided to study law. Having been
instructed and guided in that direction by Judge
R. S. Kuhl, he was admitted to the bar, but
never actually practiced, as his parents were
growing old and needed him at home, and he
consequently resigned his own more ambitious
plans. He carries on the farm, which comprises
one hundred and sixteen acres. The place is
well adapted to the raising of a general line of
cereals and ordinary crops and Mr. Bellis keeps
a fine grade of live stock, including high-grade
horses. In politics he is a strong believer in the
merits of the Prohibition party over all others
existent. For some years he has been an elder
in the Amwell United First Presbyterian Church,
and at present is the president of the Hunterdon
Countv Christian Endeavor Union. His life

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

309

record is one of which any man might well be
proud, as it is replete with good and noble
actions, unselfish thought for others' welfare and
earnest effort to help and elevate all with whom
he comes into contact, whether in the business
or social world.

PROF. GEORGE FLEMING is the efficient
principal of Junction Academy, having been
*9 in this position for the past nine or ten
3'ears. He is an able educator, and is recognized
as such among those of the same calling. Dur-
ing a period covering fourteen years he has
served as county school examiner of Hunterdon
County under the administration of three county
superintendents, and has given entire satisfaction.
He was president of the County School Teachers'
Association at different times in the existence of
that organization. While he does not adhere
strictly to the old-fashioned methods, and is not
in haste to adopt all of the educational theories
advanced so freely nowadays, he is in favor of
whatever is progressive and in the spirit of true
improvement. In his school-room work one of
his chief objects is to train the youth under his
care to good and useful citizens, as he rightly
holds that mere knowledge of books and theories
is the least important part of the learning that
the pliant minds of children should acquire.

George Fleming was born February 12, 1845,
at Milltown, in Somerset County, N. J., about
four miles west of Sonierville. In 1850 his
father removed to a farm a mile east of Reading-
ton, and there the subject of this sketch was
reared to manhood. The elder Fleming was a
man of energetic disposition and was quite prom-
inent in public affairs of his community. He
was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Mutual
Fire Assurance Association, and for over twenty
years was the treasurer of that company. He,
Andrew Fleming, was born in 1805; married

Margarette, daughter of John Lawshe and Char-
ity Lompings, and had several children who lived
to maturity, viz.: John, born in 1839; Jane, 1841;
Ann, 1843; George, 1845; Levi, 1847 (died in
1875); Robins, 1856; Kate, 1857; Asher, 1859.
Ann married Alonzo Butler, now of Frenchtown,
N. J., and Kate is the wife of Alfred Butler, of
Urbana, Ohio. Andrew Fleming departed this
life in 1886.

In tracing the history of the Fleming family it
is found by the record that one Malcolm Flem-
ing died near Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ire-
land, in 1736. His three sons, Thomas, Andrew
and William (1) came to America about 1750 and
settled in Hunterdon County, near Bethlehem
Presbyterian Church (familiarly known as the
"New Stone Church"). Several of the family
are buried in the old church-yard near. Will-
iam (1) had two daughters and one son, Andrew
(2). Andrew (2) died in 1785. There is a tra-
dition in the family that he served in the Revolu-
tionary war. His widow, Rebecca, died in 1821.
They had five children: William (2), born in 1769;
Eleanor, 1771; Martha, 1773; Malcolm, 1775;
and Margaret. William (2), who was born in
1769, married Elizabeth Cook, who was born in
1768 and died in 1849. Their children were
Eleanor, 1800-1878; Jacob Cook, 1802-1874;
Thomas, 1804-1883; Andrew (3), 1S05-1886; Jo-
anna, -1S07-1880; William, 1809-1872; Tyler,
1811-1839; Abbott, 1813-1896.

The school days of Professor Fleming were
spent in the district in the neighborhood of his
father's farm. Some of his teachers were of good
ability, and though he did not have the advan-
tages afforded many of the young people of this
period he made the best of his opportunities, and
by private study and earnest endeavors became
very well informed. He, with two or three
other young men, formed an algebra class, which
met once or twice a week to study that branch
under the direction of Sylvester Robins, a former
teacher. In 1867 he left home to take charge of
the Ridge school near White House. He found
a boarding place in the home of Peter Green,
near the school. Mr. Green had an only daugh-

3io

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ter, an attractive young lady, and in the course
of time an attachment sprang up between the
teacher and the aforesaid young lady, this result-
ing in their being married December 24, 1868.
The following spring Mr. Fleming bought a farm
near White House, built a house and again be-
came a farmer. This was at the time of the high
prices at the close of the Civil war, and as time
elapsed, farming became less profitable and he
resumed teaching for several years, having charge
of both farm and school.

In 1873 Professor Fleming was chosen princi-
pal of Mondalia Academy, in Glen Gardner, and
removed to that place, where he remained four
years. Then he was invited to take charge of
the academy in Clinton, and held that position
four years. In 1881 he settled in Readington,
near the home of his boyhood, and during the
three years that he was principal of the public
schools of the town, he was particularly success-
ful and happy. From there he went in 1884 to
Valley, or as it is more generally known now,
West Portal. The iron mines in that vicinity
were being worked with much enterprise at that
time, and the school which he conducted there
for five years was very flourishing. He resigned
to accept his present position, in which he has
met with gratifying success. He has been iden-
tified with the several churches of the various
places in which he has dwelt. In 1868 he united
with the Methodist denomination in White
House and soon after became a member of the
official board. At the present time he is con-
nected with the Methodist Church of Junction; is
president of the trustees, treasurer of the stewards
and Sunday-school superintendent. In early life
he used his ballot in favor of the Democracy, but
since the organization of the Prohibition party
he has usually rendered it his allegiance, though
he is not bigoted, and sometimes votes for some
other candidate.

As before mentioned Professor Fleming mar-
ried the daughter of Peter Green and wife (for-
merly Esther M. Miller). Mrs. Fleming, whose
given name is Esther Ann, was born in 1S50, in
Sergeantsville, N. J. The children born to our

subject and wife are: Peter Green, 1870, now en-
gaged in the machinery business in Elizabeth,
N. J.; he married Ida May, daughter of Alfred
Barber, of Raritan, N. J., and had three children,
Myrtle D., Alfred B. and Malcolm; Margarette,
1872, is the wife of Rev. Thomas Houston, of
Elizabeth, and her children are: Elizabeth F. ,
George Fleming and Thomas; Myron, 1874, a
machinist of Elizabeth, married Beatrice Hadley,
of that city, Eouisa Johnson, 1876, is a teacher
in Junction Academy; and the younger children
are Esther Miller, 1878; Mabel Victoria, 1887;
and Andrew Carlos, 1891.

" • ^2*:i ; © - " - '"^ • ' " ~* — f"

GlUGUSTUS W. CUTEER, ex-mayor of
Li Hackettstown, Warren County, has been
/ 1 very active and aggressive in the promotion
of the welfare and advancement of the best in-
terests of the people of this place and vicinity.
To his influence and material aid many of the in-
dustries and permanent benefits which have ac-
crued to the advantage of the inhabitants of this
community are directl\r traceable, and a histon-
of our achievements and increasing civilization
would be wholly incomplete were his own life-
sketch omitted.

The great-great-grandfather of our subject was
Silas Cutler, a man of much distinction in his
time. He was a member of the first continental
congress of the United States, served as one of
the committee of safety and at one time was
speaker of the house. His son, Abijah, great-
grandfather of our subject, fought for the liberty
of America in the war of the Revolution.

Silas C. Cutler, father of A. W., was a native
of Morristown, Morris County, N. J. He was a
scholar, a graduate of Princeton College and of
New York Medical College. For several years
he was successfully engaged in practice, and for
a period was president of the New Jersey State
Medical Association. Death cut short his career

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3ii

when he was in the prime of manhood, being but
forty-three years old. He had married Sarah V. ,
daughter of Judge Stephen Vail, of Morristown,
N. J., and sister of Alfred Vail, who, with Pro-
fessor Morse, invented the telegraphic system.
Mrs. Cutler lived to be seventy-five years of age,
and died, regretted by a large circle of loving
friends. Her grandfather, Joseph Vail, was
brigadier-general of the New Jersey Cavalry dur-
ing a part of the war of the Revolution.

Augustus W. Cutler was born in Morristown,
N. J., September 2, 1840. After leaving the
common schools in 1854 he attended a seminary
in Deckertown, N. J., and in 1855-56 was a
student in Nazareth, Pa. He was about twenty
years of age when he came to Hackettstown,
since which time he has made his home on the
farm originally owned by his grandfather, Judge
Stephen Vail, from whom he inherited the place.
About fifty acres of this tract lies within the city
limits of Hackettstown, and as the town is grad-
ually spreading in this direction it bids fair to
rise in value, and eventually be subdivided into
residence lots.

In political affairs Mr. Cutler is a Democrat of
the independent order. He was a member of the
common council for five or six years and in 1889
was elected a freeholder, after which he was a
director of the board for seven years and is the
present incumbent. He is a member of the board
of water commissioners and of the board of health.
For two years he was the efficient and popular
mayor of this city, and at the expiration of that
time resigned his position. When the boundary
lines were established between Somerset and
Morris and Hunterdon and Morris Counties he
was one of the three commissioners appointed by
the supreme court to establish the lines. In all
these varied positions he gave entire satisfaction
to the public and acquitted himself most admir-
ably.

September 16, 1863, Mr. Cutler married Miss
Catherine M. Fairclo, who was born in Chester,
N. J., and came to Hackettstown with her par-
ents in 1854; her mother is still living, aged
ninety-two. They have one son, Silas C, named

in honor of his grandfather. He is engaged in
railroading. He was married October 19, 1892,
to Augusta Valentine and they have three chil-
dren, Kathryn, Augustus and the youngest
daughter, Ray. They reside in Hackettstown.

~? LIJAH R. ROBINSON is the genial and
"a) popular station agent of the Lehigh Valley
__ Railroad Company in Pittstown, Hunterdon
County. Though he has held this position here
but seven years, he has been in the employ of this
railway corporation for a much longer period, in
fact for a quarter of a century. He is considered
one of their most reliable, punctual and wholly
trustworthy men, and with the general traveling
public he is equally esteemed. In former years
he took a very active part in political affairs, giv-
ing his influence and votes to the Democracy.
During some four years he was a member of the
board of freeholders of this county, was president
of the same honorable body all but a year of that
time; served as township committeeman and was
clerk of the board for three years and also occupied
the position of justice of the peace. In these
several places he won the high praise of all inter-
ested in public matters by his fidelity to his
duties and his patriotic regard for the rights of
the people, as he always earnestly labored for
their benefit.

This branch of the Robinson family in the
United States is a very old and honorable one,
dating back to that revered old clergyman, good
old Lucius Robinson, who was the pastor of many
of the little band of Puritans that came to found
new homes on the bleak shores of New England
in the early days of Plymouth Colony. The
paternal grandparents of our subject were William
and Sarah Robinson, and his parents were Jacob
and Martha (Menagh) Robinson. The father,
Jacob, was born in 1807 in Berks County, Pa.,
and upon arriving at man's estate came to Hun-

312

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

terdon County. He learned the shoemaker's
trade in Palmyra, and worked at this occupation
in connection with farming until old age. He
lived to be seventy-seven years old, and lies buried
at Locust Grove Cemetery in this township. In
politics he was an old-school Democrat, and reli-
giously was a Presbyterian. Though only moder-
ately successful in a financial point of view he
reared a large family to lives of usefulness in the
busy world, and his charities were numerous and
unpretending.

His widow died in January, 1897, when in her
eighty-seventh year. For about sixty-five years
she was a faithful member of the old stone
Presbyterian Church, and was "a mother in
Israel. ' ' Her parents were William and Elizabeth
Menagh, who came to America from the northern
part of Ireland, and were of stanch Protestant
stock. Of the children born to herself and hus-
band, the eldest, Sarah, died in infancy; William,
who served for nine months in the Thirtieth New
Jersey Volunteers during the late war, died in No-
vember, 1892, at the age of fifty-nine years; Hugh
M., another brave soldier-boy, offered his life to
his country in the Civil war, was a lieutenant in
the Thirty-first Regiment of New Jersey, and died
at Bellplains, Va. , of typhoid fever contracted by
exposure and hardships endured in his army life;
Thomas Burkitt served in the Thirty-eight
Regiment of this state in the war; (Margaret, the
widow of Thomas P. Burkitt, is living near Lock-
town, this county) Elijah R. is the next of the
family; Louisa P. is the wife of S. M. Suydam, of
this county; and Mary J. married Theodore
Geary, of Trenton, N. J.

The birth of E. R. Robinson occurred at the old
homestead in Alexandria Township, Hunterdon
County, June 19, 1843. He remained with his
parents until the war came on, when his youthful
patriotism could hardly be restrained by their ad-
vice and entreaties, and he finally ran away from
home to enlist. This was in September, 1862, he
at that time becoming sergeant of Company F in
the Thirty-first New Jersey Regiment. Upon the
expiration of his time of enlistment (nine months) ,
he re-enlisted in the Thirty-eight Regiment of

state troops for service during the war, and served
until the close of the war, thus making about
twenty-one months altogether. Though he was
actively engaged in many important campaigns
and in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericks-
burg and Petersburg and others, he was never
wounded nor taken prisoner.

When the cruel strife had ended, Mr. Robinson
returned home and turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits for a number of years. In 1873
he began working on the Lehigh Valley Railroad
in the construction corps, and in the two years
that followed his ability and faithfulness to duty
won favorable notice from his superiors. In 1875
he was given the position of agent at Jutland,
Hunterdon County, and remained there until
1891, when he was transferred to this post, his
son succeeding to his old position in Jutland,
which is only a few miles from here. Our subject
still has his home in Jutland. He is a member of
Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton,
N. J., and of Capoolong LodgeNo. 185, I.O.O.F.,
of the same town.

January 31, 1869, Mr. Robinson married Fran-
ces E. Best, of Franklin Township, this county.
Their two children are Anna K. , who is the wife
of William Williams, of Easton, Pa., and George
M., who, as previously mentioned, has charge of
the station at Jutland, and has been connected
with railroading since he was fifteen. Mr. Robin-
son, his wife and daughter are members of the
Presbyterian Church; he has been for the past
ten years treasurer and president of the board of
trustees of the same.

HARRY LATIMER, a prominent citizen of
High Bridge, Hunterdon County, is thor-
oughly patriotic and is a man of public
spirit. His own interests he ever holds second-
ary to the general good, and in all his dealings
with his fellows he is noted for his sterling integ-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3i;

rity and uprightness. He has hosts of sincere
friends and well wishers in this community, where
he has endeared himself to the residents by his
.worthy characteristics of heart and head. He is
an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and
has from time to time officiated in various local
positions of trust and honor. For two years he
was treasurer of this township, and for three years
he served as a member of the Republican com-
mittee of the township. He stands very high in
the fraternities, being past master of Stewart
Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton, and is
past noble grand of Rialto Lodge No. 161, I. O.
O. F. , of High Bridge. He was presented with a
handsome past master's jewel by the Clinton
lodge in appreciation of his services there.

Our subject is the eldest surviving child in a
family of thirteen, whose parents were Edward
C. and Lydia A. (Emmett) Latimer, both natives
of New York state. The father was an iron-
molder by trade, and followed this calling dur-
ing active life. His living children are as fol-
lows: Harry; George and Frank, employed by
the Taylor Iron Works, of this place, the latter
being superintendent of the wheel department;
Walter, engaged in the plumbing business in
Bridgeport, Conn.; Carrie, wife of Frederick R.
De Groff, a policeman in Jersey City; Ella, wife
of J. W. Beavers, a merchant of Califon, N. J.;
Grace H., wife of George T. Newhall, of New
Haven, Conn.; Edward C, who is in partnership
with his brother Walter in Bridgeport, Conn.;
Lydia A., named for her mother and now the
wife of Edson Clinton, of New Haven, Conn.;
and Lizzie and Ida, who are unmarried and are
residents of Jersey Cit}r.

Harry Latimer was born in the city of New
York, August 22, 1854, and spent the first nine
years of his life in the metropolis. Then with
his parents he removed to Poughkeepsie, on the
Hudson, and lived in that pretty town until he
was sixteen. The father at that time took a posi-
tion with the High Bridge Iron Works, and our
subject found employment in the forge depart-
ment of the same concern for eighteen months.
He then commenced a regular apprenticeship to

the tinner's trade under the supervision of Peter
Doyle, of Glen Gardner. After serving the three
years of this period he worked as a journeyman
about a year in Easton, and from there went to
Brooklyn. In 1879 he returned to High Bridge
and laid the foundations for his present business
in a small way. Gradually, as success came to
him in reward for his persistent efforts, he en-
larged his business, and now has a fine stock of
light and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware and
general house-furnishing goods. He is a prac-
tical tinner and an authority on the subject of
stoves and hardware.

In the year of America's Centennial jubilee Mr.
Latimer was married, in Glen Gardner, Hunter-
don County, to Adelaide Flatt. Her parents
were William and Susan (Perry) Flatt, who were
both natives of Morris County, N. J. Mrs. Lat-
imer, however, was born in High Bridge and was
reared to womanhood in this place and in Glen
Gardner. Four children grace the union of our
subject and wife: William, who is his father's
able assistant in the business; and Walter R. ,
Blanche and F. Irving, who are attending school.

•••>»•• ^QK*-^ — «^-

GEORGE CLARK is one of the substantial
— I farmers of Clinton Township to whose enter-
^Ji prise and public spirit much ofitsprosperit}-
and high standing in the township of Hunterdon
County is due. He owns a section of the orig-
inal old Ramsey farm, which estate has been in
the possession of the family for over a century.
In 1883 he built the creamer}7 which is located on
this farm, and is now conducting it with success.
He buys and ships milk and other dairy products
in great quantities, handling about seventy-five
cans of milk alone per day, and is recognized as
the leader in this industry in his section of the
state.

A son of Samuel and Sarah (Ramsey) Clark,
our subject was born in this vicinity October 25,

3*4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1842. His father was a native of Connecticut, born
April 1, 1809. He was a resident of Lebanon for
years, but afterwards removed to Germantown,
where he carried on a hotel for twenty years. He is
still living and in fairly good health. He and his
brother Austin married sisters, the brother's wife
being named Rachel Ramsey. Samuel and Sarah
Clark had seven children: Austin, Alva A.,
George; Maggie, wife of George T. Martin, of
New York City; John B., of.Califon, N. J. ; Ophe-
lia, Mrs. James Raub, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
Charles, a prominent lawyer of Brooklyn.

The boyhood of George Clark passed quietly
under the parental roof, and his education was ob-
tained in the public schools of Germantown, N. J. ,
March 20, 1866, he married Anna, daughter
of Frederick and Mary A. (Craig) Lane. Mr.
Lane was a highly respected citizen of Somerset
County and owned one of the finest estates in Bid-
minster Township. He was an exemplar}' Chris-
tian, and was very active in the work of the Pres-
byterian Church. He was born December 22,
1813, and died October 7, 1873. His family was
a large one, comprising fourteen children, but
they were very happy together and never lacked
for the necessities and many of the so-called lux-
uries of life.

After his marriage Mr. Clark settled upon
part of the Ramsey farm, renting the same for a
number of years or until he could get a fair start
financially. About 1879 he purchased from the
heirs one hundred acres of the homestead, and five
years later bought an additional tract, adjoining
the other. In the place where he is now making
his home there are one hundred and sixty-two
acres. He has made most of the improvements,
building a comfortable residence and barns, and
otherwise greatly increasing the value of the
farm, which is a model one in every respect. He
uses his franchise on behalf of the candidates of
the Democratic party, but has never been a seeker
after official honors. Among his friends and ac-
quaintances Mr. Clark is held in high esteem. He
is a progressive citizen, ever ready to assist with
his time and means any enterprise tending toward
the advantage of the community. To such men

Hunterdon County is indebted for her present
high standing among her sister counties. With
his good wife and their two children, George N.
(who is referred to in another part of this volume)
and Marjorie R. , he holds membership with the
Reformed Church of Lebanon.

30HN W. HENDERSON. During the long
period of twenty-three years that this worthy
citizen has served as justice of the peace in
Califon, Hunterdon Count}', he has made a record
of which he may be justly proud, and one which
is seldom eclipsed. He enjoys the distinction of
never having had a single judgment of his set
aside by the higher courts, a fact which speaks
plainly for the wisdom, fairness and excellent
knowledge of the general law which he has in-
variably manifested. In 1881 he was appointed
commissioner of deeds and has held this office
continuously since, and in 1894 was appointed no-
tary public as well, by Governor Abbott. In
1890 he was the United States census enumera-
tor for Tewksbury Township. Politically he is
faithful in his allegiance to the Republican party.
The great-grandfather of the above-named
gentleman was a native of Scotland. He came
to America at an earl}' date, settling in the vicin-
ity of Asbury, Warren County, N. J. There
his son John, grandfather of our subject, was
born. He followed agricultural pursuits in the
same county, and married a Miss Ritchie, by
whom he had a family of seven sons and two
daughters. Of these children, Joshua O. was the
father of John W., of whom we write. He
learned the tailor's trade in his youth, and fol-
lowed that calling until the loss of his right
thumb, as the result of a felon, caused him to
abandon his trade and turn his attention to farm-
ing. From that time until his death, which oc-
curred in 1885, he made his home in Readington
Township, this county. He was a Republican

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3i5

and a member of the Methodist Church. In 1838
he married Mary B., daughter of Andrew Stout,
of German Valley, and the nine children born to
them were named as follows: Andrew, Joseph,
Sarah J., Hester A., Benjamin F., John W.,
Wilbur F., Almira and Susan S. The eldest,
Andrew, died in March, 1876; Sarah J. died in
1S85; Joseph is a resident of Norfolk, Neb. ; Wil-
bur F. , of White House, N. J., and the three sis-
ters all live in the town of High Bridge, N. J.
Hester is the wife of George Wycoff; Almira mar-
ried Henry H. Hope, and Susan is the wife of
William J. Ladlie.

John W. Henderson was born in Tewksbury
Township April 1, 1847. Until he was fourteen
years old he attended the local schools during the
winter terms and the remainder of the year gave
most of his time to the assisting of his father in
the management of the farm. When in his
fifteenth year the lad left home to make his own
way in the world henceforth, and took a posi-
tion with a farmer at $4.50 a month and
board. The next six years he worked very
industriously, always considering his employer's
interests, and at the end of this period he was
earning a salary of $200 and expenses. One of
the innate qualities of his character has al-
ways been noticeable — that of fidelity to duty,
no matter under what circumstances, and this
it is which was wrought out for him the love
and respect of all with whom he has come into
business relations. When he was about twenty,
he commenced learning the harness-maker's
trade in New Germantown, remaining in the em-
ploy of William B. G. Price for three years.

A young man of twenty-three when he came
to Calif on, Mr. Henderson has long been looked
upon as one of our representative men of affairs.
At that time he opened a harness shop for him-
self, but at the expiration of that period he sold
out to John Williamson. From boyhood he had
felt the need of better advantages in an educational
way, and assiduously devoted many an hour to
study that his companions gave to recreation.
He now spent much of the time for a twelve-
month in preparing himself for teaching, and hav-

ing succeeded in meeting the requirements of the
examining board, he engaged in training the
young idea for the succeeding eight years with
gratifying success. For ten years he was much
interested in the raising of peaches and fruit.
He was but twenty-seven when he was elected a
justice of the peace, and from that time to the
present he has served the public in some official
position or positions. The entire confidence of
his associates is reposed in his known and tried
honor, and he is frequently called upon to settle
up estates and act in the capacity of trustee. He
is a member of Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. & A.
M., of Clinton, and is past chancellor of Fidelity
Lodge No. 123, K. P., of Califon.

For over a quarter of a century Mr. Henderson
was cheered by the companionship of his faithful
and devoted wife, to whom he was united in mar-
riage December 16, 1871. She was Mary, daugh-
ter of Leonard N. Flomerfelt, of Califon. Death
claimed her upon the 17th of March, 1897,
and her loss is deeply felt by the many friends to
whom she had endeared herself in a thousand
ways during her busy, cheerful life. For twenty-
years Mr. Henderson has held the offices of
steward and trustee in the Methodist Church of
this town, and is also treasurer of the board. He
was largely instrumental in the building of the
beautiful new church structure, which was
started in September, 1891, and was completed
and dedicated May 6, 1892, entirely free from
debt. The amount necessary in the building was
$8,400, all raised by subscription.

WlARSHALL F. APGAR, superintendent of
V the forge department of the Taylor Iron
lO and Steel Company, is a young man who
has worked his way up from the foot of the lad-
der, and has won a deservedly high place in the
estimation of his superiors. Faithful, industrious
and honest, he is thoroughly reliable and to be

316

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

depended upon, and his genuine merit is recog-
nized by all who know him. The Taylor Iron
and Steel Company, as everyone in this section
of the state knows, is one of the most important
industries, and is situated in High Bridge, Hun-
terdon County. A length}' account of this plant
is to be found in the sketch of the president of
the works, Lewis H. Taylor, printed elsewhere
in this volume.

A worthy representative of an honored old
family of this county, our subject was born April
20, 1861, his parents being Benjamin and Emma
(Wier) Apgar, and his paternal grandfather
Adam Apgar. The last-mentioned was born and
lived near Califon, and was a blacksmith in that
town. His son and grandson seem to have in-
herited his talent for mechanics and iron-work-
ing. Benjamin Apgar was a millwright by trade
and erected most of the mills in this portion of
the county. He has also put in much of the
machinery in the forge and iron works, and is now
employed here, and has charge of the construc-
tion of buildings and the placing of new machin-
ery. He has been twice married and is the
father of the following children: Marshall F. ;
Sarah, wife of Wilmer H. Apgar, a telegraph
operator of High Bridge; and Augusta, wife of
John Backus, of Centralia, Kas.

In his youth Marshall F. Apgar attended the
common schools of his home neighborhood until
he was about fourteen years of age, when he
commenced serving an apprenticeship to his
father as a millwright. He soon afterwards be-
came one of the employes of the company with
which he is still connected, at first in the forge
department in a minor capacity, but by degrees
worked his way to the front ranks. Since Janu-
ary, 1889, he has held his present responsible
position, and has from one hundred and forty to
one hundred and fifty hands under his super-
vision. In political affairs he is to be found
using his ballot on behalf of the Republican
party, and fraternally he is a Master Mason, be-
longing to Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M.,
of Clinton.

In August, 1884, the marriage of Mr. Apgar

and Emma C. Hoffman, daughter of Frederick
and Mary A. ( Keeter) Hoffman, of Morris County,
was solemnized. One child who came to bless
their home has since died, but four bright, prom-
ising little ones remain, viz.: Augusta D.,
Stanley, Harold and Benjamin Frederick. The
youngest was named in honor of his two grand-
fathers. The family has a pleasant home, whose
hospitable doors are always open to receive and
welcome the many friends of our estimable and
respected subject and his charming wife.

NENRY M. KLINE is an honored resident of
Clinton, Hunterdon County, of which place
he has been the efficient mayor for several
terms. During the prime of his life he was busily
engaged in mercantile ventures, and he has not
altogether retired from commercial life, as he is
of too energetic a nature to rest in idleness. He
attends to various investments, is an assignee,
collector, etc. , and has served the people of this
vicinity as an assessor and in other minor posi-
tions. He favors all progressive movements, and
is a sincere friend to education. When the Clin-
ton Electric Light Company was first talked of,
he was one of its most enthusiastic supporters,
was very influential in getting the same started
and afterwards was made its vice-president. He
possesses genuine talent as a financier, and has
the wisdom gained in a wide business experience,
extending over man}' years.

H. M. Kline was born in the town of Clinton,
Hunterdon County, April 22, 1845, and in this
neighborhood received his elementary education.
In his youth he learned the printer's trade, and
followed that occupation for about three years.
Then for a similar period he was a collector for a
New York business firm, and finally he embarked
in general merchandising in Clinton, N. J. There
he remained during some thirty years, being
blessed with success, and during the last few

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3i7

years laying aside a competence for old age. In
1893 he retired from the mercantile business and
since then he has been a resident of Clinton, N. J.
In numerous ways he has endeavored to promote
the welfare of our citizens, and while acting as
mayor and as a member of the council his influ-
ence was notably on the side of law, order and
progress. He is an honorary member of George
W. Taylor Post No. 9, G. A. R. With his bal-
lot he supports the nominees of the Democratic
party. In company with his good wife, whose
girlhood name was Sarah Craig, he holds mem-
bership with the Presbyterian Church. Their
marriage took place in this county October 21,
1868, at the home of the bride's father, Robert
Craig, a respected citizen.

The parents of H. M. Kline were Oliver and
Lucinda B. (Leigh) Kline. They were both
born and reared to maturity in this county. The
father was a quiet, unostentatious man, diligent
in his business affairs, and for years was occupied
in speculation in wool, cattle, etc. He died about
1 89 1, loved and regretted by all who had known
him. He was a son of H. M. Kline, whose fa-
ther, Christopher, was a native of Germany and
who was an early settler in this state. Mrs.
Lucinda Kline died in 1890. She was a descend-
ant of Thomas, first Lord Leigh of Stanley, in
County Warwick, England.

0AVID C. CRAMER, one of the honored old
citizens of Clinton Township, Hunterdon
County, owns a valuable and well-improved
homestead in the vicinity of the town of Annan-
dale. For many years he has made a specialty
of dairying on quite a large scale, and has been
very successful in the venture. He is a practical
business man, active and progressive in his
methods, and by his own industry and perse-
verance has won a competence for his declining
years.

A native of Clinton Township, our subject has
been a life-long resident of this neighborhood,
and here, where he is so well known, he is most
highly esteemed. His father, John S., and
grandfather, Mathias Cramer, were born on the
farm that he now owns. This tract of land was
originally taken up by the great-grandfather of
our subject, Noah Cramer. John S. Cramer,
born in 1796, was the second child in his parents'
family. His brothers and sisters were: Mary
(now deceased), wife of John W. Lowe, of Clin-
ton Township; Nancy, wife of Benjamin Boss;
David W., deceased; Catherine, wife of Captain
Bird; Matilda, wife of David W. Deliker; and
Matthias. The wife of John S. Cramer bore the
maiden name of Catherine Creer. They had
several children, of whom three survive: Matthias,
a miller in Hamden, N. J.; John C, and David C,
the subject of this sketch. The father departed
this life June 5, 1891.

David C. Cramer was born September 16,1831,
and soon after his marriage he took charge of the
home farm, operating it until it came absolutely
into his possession. He has kept up the place in
good shape, making necessary improvements,
and everything about the homestead shows the
care and attention he bestows upon it. For years
he dealt extensively in cattle and horses, buying,
selling and shipping to various points. Later he
became interested in the dairy business, and has
kept from forty to fifty cows, making a specialty
of the live-stock business. He is a member of
the Masonic order, belonging to Stewart Lodge
No. 34, of Clinton; to Clinton Chapter No. 37,
R. A. M., and to De Molay Commandery No. 6,
K. T., of Washington, N.J. He is a charter
member of Clinton Lodge, which he assisted in
organizing. In his political relations he is con-
nected with the Democracy.

In 1850 Mr. Cramer married Miss Harriet
Sharp, and to their union two children were born.
Austin, the son, lives on the old homestead,
which he helps to manage. He is married and
has three children. December 29, 1897, his
daughter Laura became the wife of Howard
Sharp, of Easton, Pa. The wedding was one of

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the noteworthy affairs of the season, and over one
hundred invited guests were present. Marilda,
the daughter of our subject, is the wife of A. L-
Ramsey, of this township.

y- -••2hi}-')(T)j"J-c-*- --«--:-

" MLY H. BEEEIS has for more than twenty
^ years engaged in the cultivation of the old
__ homestead where he was born. The place
comprises seventy-four well-cultivated acres and
is situated in the township of Kingwood, Hunter-
don County. In the house where he now lives
Mr. Bellis, in 1822, first saw the light of day.
He is a son of Samuel Bellis, a native of Alex-
andria Township, but a resident of Kingwood
during the greater part of his life. By trade a
carpenter, he engaged quite extensively in work
at his trade, erecting many buildings in his lo-
cality. In addition, he did considerable business
as an undertaker, and also superintended the
management of his farm. He was well known
throughout the county and was respected as a
man of the highest integrity and worth of charac-
ter. A Methodist in religion, he assisted in the
erection of the first church of that denomination
at Everittstown, and for years held office as a
trustee and class-leader of the congregation.
When he passed away in 1875 he was eighty-
eight years of age. He was a son of John Bellis,
who spent the most of his life as a farmer in
Alexandria Township, dying there at seventy-five
years.

By the marriage of Samuel Bellis to Mary,
daughter of Paul Kels, four children were born,
and two of these are now living: Emly H. and
Lncinda, widow of Absalom Apgar. The mother,
who died at the age of about sixty-two, was an
active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The entire life of our subject has been spent in
Kingwood Township, upon the family homestead
where he was born. Farming has been his prin-
cipal occupation in life, though he has also done

considerable carpentering and in his younger
years taught school for a short time. In 1876 he
purchased the old homestead and has since carried
it on. With his wife he holds membership in the
Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder.

. In 1850 occurred the marriage of Mr. Bellis to
Miss Elizabeth Pittinger, daughter of William
and Elizabeth (Stout) Pittinger. They are the
parents of an only daughter, Martha J., who is
the wife of E- S. D. Kerr, of Frenchtown.

BOGARDUS, D. D. S., is considered the
V) leading dentist in the pretty town of Phillips-
__ burg, Warren County. From his earl}'
years he has been familiar with the work per-
taining to the profession, as his father also fol-
lowed the calling for man}' years, and gave him
able and practical instruction. In every one of
the professions, there has been marked progress
during the past few years, and this is especially
true of the dental art. The public demands ex-
cellent skill in this direction and under the pres-
ent systems of our dental colleges, students are
required to pass rigorous examinations ere they
are admitted to the rank of graduate dental sur-
geons. After taking a full course in the New
York College of Dentistry, the subject of this arti-
cle was examined by the boards for that purpose
iu both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and is
thus qualified to practice in either state. He is a
student and keeps posted on all recent discoveries
in his line by taking the leading journals devoted
to dentistry.

The Bogardus family originated in Holland
several generations ago. The father of the doctor
was S. W. , a native of New York state. During
the Civil war he was in the Union army with the
rank of first lieutenant, and the sword which he
carried is now in the possession of his son. Dr.
S. W. Bogardus came to Phillipsburg in 1S82
and continued actively engaged in practice until
his death, which took place in 1S90. His wife, who
is also a native of the Empire state, was Sarah
A. Rose before their marriage. She is still liv-
ing, being seventy-three years of age.

JOHN W. READING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

321

Our subject was born in the town of Matawan,
Monmouth Count}-, N. J., June 24, 1853, and is
one of ten children. He received an excellent
education in the public schools of this state, sup-
plementing such instruction with a course in the
higher branches in Matawan Institute. Having
determined to adopt his father's calling, he went
to New York, and, as previously stated, com-
menced his studies in dentistry. After he had
completed the same he returned home, and began
his practice with his father, who was of much as-
sistance to the young man. The doctor is a lover
of fine horses and owns some.

In November, 1876, Dr. Bogardus married
Mar}', daughter of Jacob Eilenburg, of Strouds-
burgh, Pa., and they became the parents of a
child, who was not long permitted to remain with
them, but in its infancy was summoned to the
home above. The doctor politically is identified
with the Democratic part}'.

(JOHN W. READING. Among the honored
I old .citizens of Hunterdon County no one
(2/ is more justly entitled to representation in
her history than is he whose name heads this
article. His busy and useful life, almost span-
ning this wonderful century of progress and intel-
lectual and commercial activity, has been entirely
passed in this locality. He was born in Dela-
ware Township, within whose limits he still
dwells, August 17, 18 12.

Asher Reading, father of our subject, was born
in New Jersey, near Black's Eddy, Pa., and after-
wards lived near Rosemont.- He followed agri-
cultural pursuits as a means of gaining his liveli-
hood, and in addition to this he had learned the
tinner's trade and worked at that occupation' to
some extent. He married Margaret Wolverton,
and had a family of eight children, viz.: Nancy,
who married John Golden; John W. ; Kensel,

whose home is in Davenport, Iowa; Mary, de-
ceased; Sarah, wife of Joseph Opdyke, of this
county; Samuel, deceased; Rachel, wife of Eman-
uel H. Green; and Margaret, wife of Asa Cronce,
now living on the old home place.

The public schools of this locality were poorly
managed and bore little resemblance to the finely
equipped ones of to-day, when the subject of this
sketch was a boy, and he is mainly self edu-
cated. He continued to live at home with his
parents until he was twenty-seven years of age,
when he moved to the farm where he is still
making his dwelling place. This homestead
comprises one hundred and nineteen acres, de-
voted to the raising of a general line of cereals,
etc., usually grown in this portion of the state
and certain large fruits, such as apples and
peaches.

Mr. Reading has been a practical and success-
ful farmer, and won his high place in the esteem
of his neighbors and associates by a life of the
utmost integrity and uprightness. His right of
suffrage he has always used on behalf of the
Democratic party, and though he has avoided
official distinction, he has sometimes been called
upon to act in minor positions in this commu-
nity, and has each time given full satisfaction to
all concerned in the same. He is a director in
the Flemington National Bank, and for years
has been president of the Centre Bridge Com-
pany, at Stockton. This company erected the
first bridge across the Delaware River between
Trenton and Eastou.

Although not a member of any denomination
Mr. Reading attends the Methodist Church in
Rosemont and sometimes is present at the serv-
ices of the Methodist Church in Sergeants-
ville. His religion has been a matter of his
daily life and practice, and is not limited to de-
vout lip-service. As all men should do, he has
endeavored to use whatever influence he pos-
sessed in the helping and uplifting of his fellow-
man, and many a one has been materially aided,
comforted and made better by his wise assistance
and timely sympathy. Though he is much past
the allotted age ofmau, according to the Psalmist,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he is remarkably strong and well, in both mind
and body, and gives promise of living many years
longer.

In 1839 J. W. Reading married Lucinda Gor-
don, and to them three children were born. Gor-
don, the only son, is deceased, as is also Delilah
Ann, the youngest of the family. Sarah Eliza-
beth married Charles T. Fisher, who has since
died, and she is now living with her aged father
on the old homestead, giving to him most
loving and dutiful care in his declining days.
She has one daughter, Maud V., who is the wife
of Everett Johnson, and resides in New York.

(1 WALTER INGHAM is the superintendent
I of the Warren Foundry and Machine Com-
C/ pany, of Phillipsburg, one of the largest es-
tablishments of the kind in this portion of the
state. Since he became superintendent of the
works, some six years ago, the capacity of the
plant has been increased about twenty-five per
cent, and seven hundred men are now employed.
. Two locomotives and crews are required to do the
necessary shifting in the j^ards, and everything
about the establishment is on a large scale. In
this foundry was cast the first twelve-foot-long
pipe ever made in any country.

The father of the above, Charles Ingham, was
a native of Bradford, England. He was a fine
mechanic, and understood thoroughly all kinds of
work pertaining to the foundry business. His
brother, John, who was also well up in the busi-
ness and was manager of the Warren Foundry
and Machine Company here, sent for him to come
to this country and accept a position as foreman
in the works here. Accordingly Charles Ingham
crossed the Atlantic in 1867, and from that time
until his death, February 8, 1889, was connected
with the shops, and was quite a prominent man
in Phillipsburg for years. He married, while in
England, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas

Walmsley, manager of a large woolen mill in
Bradford. She is still living, and is now in her
sixty-fourth year. Her only other child is Bea-
trice, who is unmarried and resides with her.

J. Walter Ingham was born in the city of Brad-
ford, England, June 2, 1856, and was but eleven
years old when he came with his parents to
America. He attended the public schools of
Phillipsburg for about five years, becoming famil-
iar with all the most practical elements of educa-

tion. In li

he was first connected with the

Warren foundry, and learned the trade of a ma-
chinist. He was promoted to the position of fore-
man in 1S80, having served a long apprentice-
ship, and proved himself to be fitted for the place
in every way. Upon the death of his uncle he
was made superintendent, and for the past five
years has officiated in that capacity with great
credit to himself. In politics he is a Republican.
October 21, 1880, Mr. Ingham married Elmira
Wagner, a daughter of Henry Wagner. They
have three children: William, who is attending
the Moravian Institute, at Bethlehem, Pa. ; Bertha
and J. Walter, Jr.

NOCH B. SUYDAM, a well-known business
'S man of Pittstown, Hunterdon County,
__ makes his home in Ouakertown, in the same
township. His financial operations have been
quite extensive and have not been confined to
this particular locality. For years he has trans-
acted a large commission business, being con-
nected with a substantial firm in New York
City, in which metropolis some of his busy
life has been passed. In a political way he
stands high in this, his native county, and is
counted on as one of the most effective workers
in the ranks of the local Democracy. For four
years he acceptably filled the office of clerk and
was township committeeman during a period of
ten years. Then for eight years he served as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

323

township treasurer, and in each and all of these
places of responsibility and trust he proved him-
self worthy of the people's confidence in every
particular.

The eldest son in a family of eleven children,
E. B. Su3'dam was born December 19, 1S49, in
Raritan Township, his parents being Jacob and
Nancy (Hartpence) Suydam. The other brothers
and sisters were as follows: Samuel M., a well-
to-do farmer of this county; Isaac, a commission
merchant in Ouakertown, N. J.; Joanna, wife of
Enos McPherson, of this county; Horace, who
died in infancy; Julia S., wife of Edward Wilson,
a farmer of this locality; Matilda, who married
Thomas Halley, of Delaware Township, this
county; Catherine, deceased; Taylor, a farmer of
this county; Eliza H., a resident of Ouakertown;
and Christopher C, a farmer of Delaware Town-
ship. The father of this family was born, reared
and always lived upon a farm. He resided in
Raritan or Delaware Townships until his death,
at the age of about threescore and ten years.
He survived his first wife, who died when fifty-
three years of age, and later married Catherine
Happock, by whom he had two children. He
was a member of the Baptist Church and politi-
cally was a Democrat. His parents were of old
county families here, and of Holland extraction.

E. B. Suydam continued to live with his father
on the old farm until he was of age, when he
began clerking in a general store in Quakertown.
At the end of a year he went to Flemington, and
after clerking for a time, entered a business col-
lege in Trenton, N. J. His next venture was in
the fruit business in Scranton, Pa., and after a
few years' experience in managing a store he
went to New York City, in 1876, and was inter-
ested in a general produce and commission house
five years. Another twelve mouths he passed in
Pittstown, and returning to the great metropolis,
was manager of a branch fruit and produce firm
there for a year. Nine years followed, in which
time he was a member of the firm of Kilby &
Suydam, who had stores in the old market and
on Washington street. Selling out his share in
the enterprise, Mr. Suydam has since been con-

nected with Porter C. Little, of Pittstown, in
the grain and fertilizer business, the firm title
being Suydam & Little, and he is also one of the
New York firm of G. Ferman & Co., in the com-
mission trade.

June 23, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Suydam and Miss Alice M. Agans, a native of
the township. They have two daughters, Viola
and Leila, both at home with their parents.

-5 0^®(ili)®I*C;« «—H — —

7JASPER E. APGAR, one of the most hon-
C ored citizens and business men of Califon,
*J Hunterdon County, was called to his re-
ward April 27, 1893. He was then in the prime
of vigorous manhood, his plans and hopes being
at the fullest tide of success and his life bright
with promise of yet greater things. In all mat-
ters that concerned the community in which his
useful career had been spent he was active and
thoroughly interested, doing more than his fair
share in the work of progress and advancement
of the public good. Thus, when the relentless
angel of death claimed him, the blow was a very
sad one, not only to the hosts of sincere friends
to whom he was endeared by a thousand associa-
tions, but to the neighborhood in general. His
memory is tenderly cherished in the hearts of
scores who learned to love him for his sterling
traits of character, his loftiness of aim and his
genuine regard for the rights of others.

The birth of Mr. Apgar occurred on the old
family homestead at Mount Grove, near Cokes-
bury, Hunterdon County, April 11, 1850. He
was the eldest of five sons and a daughter whose
parents were Emanuel and Hannah (Hildbrant)
Apgar. The others were James, who is a farmer
near Fairmount, N. J.; Benjamin, a farmer in
the vicinity of Port Murray, N. J.; Matthias,
who was burned to death in the Mound Grove
schoolhouse many years ago; Fannie, wdio has
never married and makes her home with her

3-'4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

mother in Fairmount; and Jacob E., of Middle
Valley. The boyhood of our subject passed quiet-
ly and without unusual event on the old farm,
his education being such as the district school
afforded. He made the very best of his advan-
tages, however, and was such an apt student that
he was in charge of a school for two years prior
to reaching his majority. At twenty he entered
into partnership with Peter Philhower, in a mer-
cantile business, which they carried on with
profit until the spring of 1874.

The business was then moved from Cokesbury,
the former location, to Califou, and in 1877 Mr.
Apgar retired from the firm. He then turned
his attention to the buying and selling of timber
land, to the cutting of lumber, telegraph poles,
etc. He procured a portable mill and did much
of his own sawing, moving his mill from one
tract of his timber to another. This enterprise
was his chief line of business until his death, and
by industr}' and careful investments he had ac-
cumulated a comfortable fortune by that time.
He owned two valuable farms, one in Morris
County. This place comprises one hundred and
eighty acres, and was stocked and operated by
himself. The other farm, of about the same size
and situated at Port Murray, Warren County, he
rented to tenants. He was a man of marked
financial ability, successful in the majority of
his undertakings, because they were usually
plans of wisdom and foresight, and above all, he
was never grasping or overreaching. He gave
his support to the Republican party but was in
no sense of the word a politician.

February 13, 1873, a marriage ceremony per-
formed by Rev. I. A. Blauvelt united the desti-
nies of Mr. Apgar and Mary E. Neighbour. She
was born in Califou, N. J., January 9, 1850, and
by her union with our subject became the mother
of one sou, Edsou, born November 23, 1873.
Mrs. Apgar is a daughter of Conrad R. and Mary
H. (Sharp) Neighbour, well-known and re-
spected citizens of this county. Mrs. Apgar and
her dutiful and affectionate son reside in the
pretty home that has been theirs for a number of
years, in the town of Califou. He seems to have

inherited his father's talent for business, and is
carrying on the plans of his senior with ability.
He completed his education in the Somerville
classical school, where he remained for two
years, after which he had entered upon an aca-
demic course in Easton, preparatory to becoming a
student in Lafayette College. His plans were in-
terrupted by the death of his esteemed father,
and he returned home to comfort his mother and
to take up the work which his parent had just
laid down.

The funeral sermon at the home of Mr. Apgar
over his mortal remains was preached from the
beautiful text found in 1 Cor., 13 ch., 12 verse,
Rev. S. H. Jones, who was the minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Califon at that
time, officiating. Mr. Apgar was deepty interested
in church work and was very liberal in his dona-
tions to religious enterprises. When the new
Methodist Episcopal Church was erected he was
one of the foremost in the cause, and, in propor-
tion to his means, certainly one of the most gen-
erous of its members. He gave $1,000 outright
to the new structure and before his death be-
queathed $2,000 more to it. His benevolence
and charity towards the poor and needy were
among his lovable qualities, and it is safe to say
that he had not an enemy, with cause, in the
world.

30HN HEFFERNAN, deceased, the late
pleasant, accommodating proprietor of the
Union House, in High Bridge, Hunterdon
County, was a native of Ireland, and to that fact
doubtless owed much of the good humor, wit and
shrewdness which were among his marked char-
acteristics. He fought the battle of life single-
handed, as he began' as a poor boy and worked
his way upward by his own independence, in-
dustry and will-power. For six years after he
bought the hotel, he operated it with ability, until
the time of his death.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

325

The birth of the above-named gentleman took
place in Count}7 Tipperary, December 23, 1833.
When he was a lad of about twelve years he ac-
companied his parents to America on a visit to his
elder brother who had preceded them and had
located in New Haven, Conn. Our subject re-
mained with this brother, but made several trips
to the Emerald Isle, in order that he might
keep in touch with those he held dear, and re-
newing the association of his boyhood. In 1857,
while on one of these visits home, he accepted a
position on the constabulary force of Dublin, and
kept this office about three years. The attrac- .
tions of America proving too much for him in the
long run, he recrossed the ocean in i860. It hap-
pened that he took passage in the Connaught,
a fine vessel of the Galway line, sailing from the
port of Galway. When about one hundred and
fifty miles distant from that point the ship took
fire, but the passengers were luckily rescued,
being taken on board the Minnie Shaffer, a
coasting brig from New York.

Young Heffernan entered the New Haven ma-
chine shops of New Haven in i860, with the in-
tention of serving an apprenticeship to the black-
smith's trade, but, not liking the business, he gave
it up and found employment in the carriage de-
partment of the same concern. Altogether he
was there for a period of nine years, giving good
satisfaction to his superiors and earning a repu-
tation for faithfulness and attention to duty. In
1S65, while on a trip looking for a place for future
location, our subject met John O. Stevens, the first
superintendent of the New Jersey Central Rail-
road. That gentleman offered him a position as
section boss from High Bridge out five miles, and
when the road changed hands he was given the
oversight of the track from Annandale toEaston.
During this time the fill of one hundred and five
feet in height and thirteen hundred feet long was
made.

In 1877 Mr. Heffernan built a pretty and com-
fortable home in this town, and in 1892 opened
the hotel which he afterward carried on. Every-
thing about the hotel is neat and inviting to the
traveler, excellent meals are served and the vari-

ous apartments are homelike and restful. In his
labors the proprietor was greatly aided by his wife,
whose maiden name was Rose McCann. She
was also born in Ireland, and by her marriage
became the mother of five children. Of these
Mary is the wife of Martin Erving, a machinist
living in Junction; Margaret is the wife of James
Martin, of Jersey City; Nellie is with her parents;
William J. is an employe of the Taylor Steel and
Iron Works; and Mark L. is now nine years old.
The family are identified with the" Catholic
Church. In his political views Mr. Heffernan is
affiliated with the Democratic part}7, and frater-
nally belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

3 AMES HOFF is one of the prominent and
highly respected residents of Ouakertown, in
which place he has made his home for about
twenty-five years. For years he has been a
very active supporter of the Republican party
platform, and is always much interested in
whatever concerns the general public welfare.
His personal worth and popularity have fre-
quently been made manifest by the fact that he
has been chosen to occupy local positions of
responsibility and honor, and at all times and
under all circumstances he has diligently striven
to do his whole duty to his fellows. In 1S84
he was elected collector of taxes for his home
district, he then being a resident of Franklin
Township. This position he continued to fill
with credit for some five years. In 1888 he
was appointed by Governor McClellan commis-
sioner of deeds for Hunterdon County, and in
1894 he was reappointed to this office.

The father of the above-named gentleman,
Thomas Hoff, was a native of Alexandria Town-
ship, and passed his entire life in that district,
his attention and labors being devoted to agri-
cultural enterprises. He was an honest, indus-
trious man, caring little for public life, never de-

326

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sirous of office, and, beyond his own affairs, was
chiefly concerned in the advancement of the pros-
perity of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which he was long identified as a zealous mem-
ber, being one of its official board. He died at
the age of fifty-seven years, regretted by a large
circle of neighbors and acquaintances, whom he
had endeared to himself by his sterling character.
His father, Thomas Hoff, Sr. , was born near the
boundary line of Franklin Township, and he, too,
followed farming pursuits as a means of obtaining
a livelihood.

Thomas Hoff, the father of our subject, was
twice married, his first wife having been Ade-
laide, daughter of Christopher Little. After her
death, Thomas Hoff married Ann Dalrymple,
whose father was James Dalrymple. To this
marriage there were born ten children, five of
whom are living and as follows: Adelaide, wife
of Joseph Rea; James; Samuel; Rachel, wife of
George Anderson; and Lydia Ann, wife of Peter
Snyder. The mother, who was a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and very
active in all good works, died at the advanced
age of eighty-six years.

The subject of this review was born in the
same township as was his father before him, the
date of his birth being 1842. He remained at
home, giving his parents his dutiful care and
service, until he was twenty-four years of age,
when he started out to make his own independent
way in the world. He had acquired a good gen-
eral education in the common schools and was
fully equipped to meet the duties of farm man-
agement. He continued to give himself up to
agriculture for a few years, but in 1875 was con-
strained to part with his farm, owing to his
inability to longer engage in laborious work.
The reason for this was disease in his left leg,
rendering amputation necessary in 1878. Since
the Centennial year he has lived in the village of
Ouakertown. In 1879 he was elected by his
friends to the office of justice of the peace, and
has held the position for twenty years contin-
uously.

In 1865 James Hoff married Elizabeth C. Ste-

venson, daughter of Samuel C. Stevenson. They
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Hoff has held various official positions in the
congregation, such as steward, class-leader,
superintendent of the Sunday-school, etc., and
has been actively engaged in the advancement of
the cause of Christianity for over forty years.
The church which he attends was struck by light-
ning August 4, 1895, while the people were com-
ing from one of the services. Twenty-nine were
injured and one killed; Mr. Hoff was struck by
the lightning, and lay helpless for some time as
a result.

TEWART ANTHONY, though still in the
prime of life, has acquired an ample com-
petence for his future needs, and is now
iving retired from the arduous duties that have
hitherto occupied him. In 1896 he concluded to
rent his valuable homestead, to which he had de-
voted many of the best years of his life, and since
that time has dwelt in Pittstown, where he has a
pleasant home.

As his surname would imply to the student of
names, Mr. Anthony is of German descent, and
possesses many of the most worthy characteristics
that mark the sons of the Fatherland. He was
born in 1853, in Morris County, near the border-
line separating that county from Hunterdon.
His father, Joseph H., was a blacksmith by trade,
and followed that calling during his whole career.
He was born in Hunterdon County, but moved
across the boundary into Morris County, in his
young manhood, and carried on a shop near
Pleasant Grove. He died in 1856, leaving a
widow and three small children. The mother
was formerly Mary Beatty, her parents having
been John and Elizabeth Beatty; and her three
children were respectively: Louis, who died when
about twenty-two years old; Stewart, of this
sketch; and Elizabeth, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Anthony is still living, her home being in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

327

Hackettstown, N. J., and is one of the most
valued members of the Presbyterian Church
there. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Paul Anthony, a farmer of this county, who
lived to reach the extreme age of ninety years.
His father was born in Germany.

The boyhood of Stewart Anthony was passed
with his mother and he was scarcely fifteen years
old when he started forth to earn his own living
by working on farms for neighbors. After he
had reached his majority he went to New York
City, and finding employment, stayed in that
metropolis two years or more. The next two
years he engaged in farming near Woodglen,
Hunterdon County, and in 1878 he bought a
homestead in Union Township. Here he gave
his time and attention to the cultivation and im-
provement of his farm for eighteen years, and in
the spring of 1896, finding a suitable and reliable
tenant, he rented it, and came to live in town.

In 1S75 Mr. Anthony married Julia A. Ander-
son, whose parents were Daniel and Mary
(Anthony) Anderson. One child, a son, Lewis
Anthony, now in Trenton, N. J. , was born to our
subject and wife. She died in 1890, aged thirty-
six years. The lady who now bears the name of
our subject was Miss Maggie Little before her
marriage. Her parents are Daniel and Sarah M.
(Hoff) Little, of Frenchtown, this count}'. Mr.
Anthony is a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian
Church, and takes an active interest in promoting
religious work and worth}- philanthropies.

HON. JAMES E. MOORE, who was a mem-
ber of the New Jersey senate for the three
years from 1885 to 1887 inclusive, has held
the position of collector for the Morris Canal in
Phillipsburg, Hunterdon County, for the past
seventeen years. He has been very prominently
before the public time and again while serving
in official capacities and stands very high in the

general estimation. During the dark days of the
war he became a citizen of this place and ever
since that time, some thirty-five years ago, he has
been thoroughly identified with the best interests
of the town and concerned in its upbuilding and
progress.

The father of our subject was Adam Moore,
who was born and lived in Morrisville, Pa. , where
his forefathers have dwelt for a number of gene-
rations. He was a hat manufacturer by occupa-
tion and made a good livelihood for his family,
which comprised his wife, Margaret, daughter of
Phineas Ely, a Quaker of New Hope, Pa.; and
their six children, only one of whom has been
called to the silent land as yet.

James E. Moore was born in the village of New
Hope, Pa., July 16, 1841, and his educational
advantages consisted of attending school more or
less for about three years. He learned the cigar-
maker's trade, but did not like the business and
ultimately gave it up. At the first call for troops
he enlisted in Company E, Third New Jersey
Infantry, and served for the three months of his
term. He then came to this town, taking a po-
sition as a telegraph operator and acting as such
from 1863 to November, 1875. At that time he
was elected to the office of county clerk, and
therefore was a resident of the county-seat, Bel-
videre, for the succeeding five years, or until No-
vember, 1880. In the spring following he came
here as agent and collector for the Morris Canal
Company, with which corporation he is at the
present time. In April, 1867, he was honored
for the first time in being called upon in a public
position. He was elected town clerk, and con-
tinued to occupy this post of trust until February,
1876 (having been re-elected nine times), when
he gave up the office in order to accept that of
county clerk to which he had been elected. Dur-
ing the years of 1891, 1892 and 1893 he was sec-
retary of the board of managers of the state hos-
pitals, and for three years he was a member of the
board of education.

In the fraternities Mr. Moore stands deservedly
high, and is identified with about all of the local
orders represented. With the Masons he has

328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

reached the Scottish Rite degree, is past master
and past high priest and past district grand
master. As a Knight of Pythias he ranks as past
grand chancellor and past supreme representative
and in the Ancient Order of United Workmen he
also has been an official member. He has passed
all the chairs in several other orders and is past
grand and past chief patriarch of the Odd Fel-
lows' society.

December 3, 1868, Mr. Moore married Rebecca
J. Person, daughter of Jacob Person, of this place.
They have had four children, viz.: John C, who
married Annie Smith and now resides in San An-
tonio, Tex.; Elizabeth, wife of George M. Firth,
of Phillipsburg, N. J.; Margaret and Harry B.
The family has a pleasant home, and a generous
hospitality has always radiated from its cheerful
walls.

•i^jsmS)®}*^* « — t-

"HEODORE McPHERSON has been a life-
long resident of Hunterdon County, and
enjoys the genuine respect and high regard
of all who know him. Born February 15, 1836,
in Raritan Township, he is the youngest in a
family of seven children, whose parents were
Asa and Eliza (Porter) McPherson. The father
came from a family which traces its ancestry
back to Scotland, but his own father, Samuel,
was a native of New Jersey, and here he was
born February 2, 1798. Reared on a farm in this
count}', he always devoted himself to agricultural
duties and was particularly successful in the rais-
ing of sheep. He was a man of strong, com-
manding physique, and of equally superior men-
tal abilities. His life was a busy and useful one
and in his own community he was universally
admired and loved. Late in life he became a
Republican. He was actively concerned in the
Presbyterian Church with which he was identi-

fied. He attained more than the allotted years of
man, as he was eighty-two at the time of his
death. His wife, a native of Clinton Township,
this county, died in January, 1864, at sixty-three
years of age.

Theodore McPherson is one of three surviving
children, three of his brothers and sisters having
died in infancy or when young. One brother,
Samuel, is an enterprising farmer of this county;
and Amos is a real-estate man in Sioux City,
Iowa. Mary married William W. Conover, and
is now deceased. Our subject was brought up
on the farm in a practical way, and when
quite young was familiar with the various kinds
of farm work. From a long line of agricult-
ural ancestors he inherited love for Nature and
an out-door life, and many other qualities, such
as industry, perseverance and fortitude, and
by the steady exercise of these he has wrought
out for himself a livelihood, and what is far bet-
ter, a name that is above reproach among his
fellow-men. When he reached his majority he
rented the old home place for several years, after
which he purchased the farm which he has since
cultivated, this place lying in Franklin Township.
This farm comprises one hundred and sixty-eight
acres and is well adapted to the raising of ordi-
nary cereals, etc., and is especially valuable for
the growing of fine fruit.

In his political views Mr. McPherson is a Re-
publican. Better facilities for the young in the
line of education is one of his favorite ideas, and
for two years he served as a school trustee for
his own district. He has held other local offices,
such as that of registrar of the township, but he
has never been desirous of holding public posi-
tions. With his wife he holds membership with
the Presbyterian Church, the church of his fore-
fathers, and during the past decade he has been
an elder in the congregation. January 25, 1866,
he married Annie Stout, of Union Township,
Hunterdon Count)-, and their only son, Asa, is
with them on the farm, and is of great assistance
to his father in the management of the place.
He married Miss Lizzie Lair, of this township,
and they have one daughter, Florence.

J. H. BEATTY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

331

3ACOB H. BEATTY. The municipal in-
terests of Hackettstown, under the super-
vision of the mayor, Mr. Beatty, are very
carefully guarded and intelligently conserved.
Measures tending to the advancement of the
place are encouraged, as well as those plans that
promise to enhance its commercial importance.
The people, appreciating the efforts of their
mayor, elected him in 1897 to serve for a second
term, and he is the present incumbent of the
office. In addition, he is one of the successful
business men of the city, and as a contractor
has probably done more business than any other
man in his line here during the past twenty
years.

Born in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon
County, N. J., September 21, 1845, Mr. Beatty
is a member of a family that has been represented
in New Jersey for a number of generations, the
first of the name to settle here having been his
great-grandfather, James, a native of the north
of Ireland. His father, Jacob P., was a son of
John Beatty, both natives of Hunterdon County.
During active life he followed the occupation of a
huckster. Though not active in public affairs,
he was always stanch in his allegiance to the
Democratic party-. He died when about fifty
years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Catherine Hill, was born in Hunterdon
County, and died here at eighty-five years of age.
Of her three children one died when young; the
elder of the surviving sons is David, a farmer of
Morris County, this state.

When a boy the subject of this article was a
pupil in the local public schools. At the age of
fifteen he began to work as a farm hand and con-
tinued in that occupation until twenty, when he
apprenticed himself to the stone, brick and
plasterer's trade, serving at it for three years.
Coming to Hackettstown, he worked at his trade
for eight years in the employ of others, and then
commenced independently as a contractor, since
which time he has been one of the leading busi-
ness men of the place. By his marriage to
Elizabeth Curl, of Warren County, he is the
father of five children, namely: Minnie; John C,

who is a drug clerk in Connecticut; Mary, James
Madison and Harry.

As a supporter of Democratic principles, Mr.
Beatty has been active and influential in local
politics, and has been elected on the party ticket
to a number of local offices of responsibility. In
1887 he was chosen to serve as a member of the
common council and while in that position was
the first to advocate high licenses for hotels
and saloons. In 1896 he was elected mayor and
the following year was re-elected. He is prom-
inent in the Masonic fraternity as a member of
Independence Lodge No. 42, and is also actively
identified with the Patriotic Order Sons of
America and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.

VyiOSES De WITT, who died at his home
Y about three miles north of Phillipsburg,
(f) Warren County, November 13, 1895, was
a successful agriculturist and a representative cit-
izen of the community in which he dwelt during
his whole busy and useful life. At the time of
his demise he was nearly eighty-two years of age,
and he was ready to leave this vale of tears the
more cheerfully on account of the fact that his
loved wife, his friend and constant companion,
had been called from his side some six years pre-
viously. When in the prime of his manhood he
served his fellow-citizens as assessor of his town-
ship, and as a public servant was chiefly distin-
guished for the part which he took in bringing to
justice the famous "ring" politicians when he
was a member of the board of freeholders of War-
ren County.

Moses De Witt was born in March, 1814, and
received only an ordinary education, such an one
as was offered by the schools of his boyhood, but
he was pre-eminently one whose education does
not stop with the school-room. His intellect de-
veloped steadily all along his life, as he was a

332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

great student and reader, and, as one of his most
intimate friends was wont to remark, " his com-
panions were the great men of all ages, the states-
men, authors and soldiers of modern lands, par-
ticular!}' of America, being admitted to his closest
friendship." The fact that many of these men
had, like himself, been afforded no special ad-
vantages in the way of classical or collegiate ed-
ucation was one that made them doubly his
brothers, and he came to the conclusion that the
so-called higher training was not of real benefit;
that the genius or talent of a man would come to
the front without such supplementary props.
Matters relating to our government and progress,
measures of state and diplomacy excited his live-
liest interest, and it would have been extremely
difficult to find one better posted on all such lines
of current history than he. He was a very enter-
taining conversationalist, possessing a fund of
anecdotes and illustrations which embellished his
discourse, and his read}' wit and brightness of
description are well remembered by his associates
and hosts of friends.

Though he never connected himself with any
denomination Mr. De Witt was a practical Chris-
tian, putting into daily operation the highest
principles of conduct that could animate any man.
He was thoroughly in love with the good, the
true, the upright and just; and all shams, frauds,
deception and dishonesty were hardly endurable
to him. He was too generous and kindly by na-
ture to become wealthy; his purse and time were
too freely used for the benefit of the needy for him
to lay aside a fortune. But such is the highest
kind of Christianity, and it has not a few times
appeared to the philosophers of the ages that a
man who was thoroughly in sympathy with his
fellow-men could not possibly become rich, or, in
the event of wealth being bequeathed to him,
could he long continue to hoard it while the cries
of the suffering and needy were ever in his ears.

Never- failing hospitality was one of the distinct-
ive characteristics of Mr. De Witt, and in this he
was ably seconded by his good wife, who was in
her girlhood Deuora Eommasson. His home was
cheerful and tastefully furnished, being abundant-

ly supplied with books and the leading journals
of the day. Among the latter was a religious
paper in whose pages was always printed Tal-
mage's sermons, which he took great delight in
perusing. He was a great admirer of the learned
divine, who may be said to have been the real
spiritual adviser of our subject. Mr. DeWitt
attended the Upper Harmony Presbyterian Church
to some extent and was placed to rest in the cem-
etery adjoining the sacred edifice.

gjEORGE M. RINEHART is one of theinflu-
— ential agriculturists of Hunterdon County,
^Jj his home having been for nearly forty years
in Clinton Township, about half a mile west of
the village of Cokesbury. Here he owns a valu-
able farm of one hundred and eight acres, and
gives his time and attention to raising a general
line of cereals, fruit and live-stock. He has been
very successful, having begun his business life
without means, and by his own individual efforts,
perseverance and economy has acquired a com-
fortable fortune. He has taken an interested part
in public affairs, and has held most of the local
offices, including that of freeholder, and in 1896
was elected justice of the peace of High Bridge
Township proper. He is a good citizen, a true
friend and neighbor, and is respected by all who
have ever had any dealings with him.

Born February 18, 183S, our subject is a son
of John and Jane (Moore) Rinehart, natives of
Morris and Hunterdon Counties, respectively.
Some time after their marriage this worthy couple
removed to this county, buying land near New
Germantown, and there they spent the remainder
of their lives. The father was very successful in
his financial enterprises, and after his death his
estate amounted to over $50,000 on its settlement
in 1895. His father, Martin, was a native of
Morris County, and he in turn was a son of God-
frey Rinehart, who was of German birth, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

333

emigrated from the Fatherland to Morris Count}',
N. J., where he lived thenceforth. During the
Civil war John Rinehart was very active in rais-
ing substitutes and funds for the Union cause,
and was what was then known as a war Demo-
crat. His brother Peter wras a hero of the War of
1812, and laid down his life for his country.
John Rinehart was an influential member of the
local Lutheran Church, giving liberally of his
means to its support.

To the marriage of John and Jane Rinehart ten
children were born, and not one of the number
has been removed by death. All of the sons
and sons-in-law are well-to-do farmers, each liv-
ing upon his own homestead, and all useful citi-
zens of the several communities in which they
dwell. They are as follows: Martin, a farmer of
Somerset County; Catherine, wife of Henry C.
Hoffman, of Tewksbury Township; Mary A.,
wife of James Fisher, of Tewksbury Township;
George M.; John, a farmer of Tewksbury Town-
ship; David, of Clinton Township; Joseph E.
and William, of Somerset County; Emma, wife
of Peter Dane, of Tewksbury Township; and
Charles, of the same township.

George M. Rinehart was an infant when his
parents came to this county, and his youth was
spent on the old homestead. He attended the
public schools and early learned the practical
side of agriculture. November 14, 1861, he mar-
ried Hannah C. Alpaugh, daughter of Conrad
and Mary (Sutton) Alpaugh. They commenced
housekeeping on one of the farms owned by the
wife's father, and have always resided on this
place since. In 1879 Mr. Rinehart purchased
the farm, and has since materially improved it
by adding good buildings, fences, etc. , and has
greatly increased its value in many ways. For
some time he was interested in dairying, but now
follows general farming. The union of himself
and good wife has been blessed with four chil-
dren: William C, who is engaged in farming in
this county; Emma, wife of Edgar W. Farley, of
Somerset County, an employe of the New Jersey
Central Railway Company; Charles, now assist-
ing his father in the management of the home

farm; and Jennie, who is still at home. Frater-
nally our subject is a member of the Odd Fellows
and Masonic orders, and in politics is a Democrat.
He has long been an official member of the
Cokesbury Presbyterian Church, and has been an
elder for years.

~)EV. CHARLES G. BIKLE was born No-
rf vember 14, 1871, at Smithsburg, Md., a son
\ of John L. and Georgia V. Bikle. He at-
tended the public schools and the academy at
Hagerstown, Md., graduating from the latter in
1888. In the fall of the same year he entered
Gettysburg College, at Gettysburg, Pa., from
which he graduated in 1892 with the degree of
A. B. While in college he was a member of the
Phrenakosmian Literary Society and the Alpha
Tan Omega Fraternity. He entered the Luth-
eran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in the
fall of 1892 and graduated in 1895, receiving at
the same time from Gettysburg College the de-
gree of A. M. In November of 1895 he became
pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Spruce Run, N. J.

The history of this church is best told in an
historical sermon, delivered by Mr. Bikle one
year after he accepted its pastorate. We quote
from it as follows:

" 'A people which takes no pride in the noble
achievements of remote ancestors will never
achieve anything worthy to be remembered by
remote descendants,' says Macaulay, and one
greater than Macaulay has written from his ex-
perience and observation, 'The glory of children
is their fathers. ' It is in this spirit that we under-
take to recall to your minds the struggles and
success of the past in the history of this congre-
gation, hoping that the record of the past may
not only kindle in our hearts gratitude, but that
by it we may be inspired to make every effort in
order that its future may be worthy of its past.
The first record of preaching service held in this

334

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

community is dated 1775, when on every fourth
Sunday Rev. Graaf, then pastor at German
Valley and New Germautown, preached to the
people who gathered in the barn owned by Fred-
erick Fritts and now the property of Andrew
Van Syckle. Here for twenty-five years these
faithful men and women heard the Word of God
proclaimed by the friend and student of the great
and gifted Muhlenburg, the founder and organizer
of the Lutheran Church in America.

"Rev. Graaf was pastor until 1808 and was
evidently a believer in infant baptism, for he
baptised three hundred and twenty-two before
the church was built and seventy afterwards.

"In the year 1800 a church building necessary
to show permanence and thus win the confidence
of the community was decided to be desirable.
Plans were completed and the building com-
menced in the first year of this century.

"Tice Crater, grandfather of our own William
Crater, gave an acre of land upon which the
church could be erected. James Force was
another liberal contributor. These two were
Presbyterians, and they in connection with the
Lutherans, among whom were the Bangharts,
Andrew, Abram and Thomas and George Fritts,
worked harmoniously together in completing the
structure. The church thus became a union
church and remained so for thirty-five years.

"The building was a frame one painted red
and was known as the Red Church. Back of it
was a cemetery, the oldest record on any of its
tombstones being: George Banghart, December
31, 1S06, aged sixty-three years. On the interior
of the church building were galleries on two sides
and in the rear, each row of seats being a step
higher than the one in front of it; the pulpit, of
course, was after the style of Colonial days, a box
style perched high in the air, and reached by
means of winding stairs. The music, on ac-
count of which people were drawn from far and
near to the church, was under the direction of
George Fritts, father of our neighbor, Joseph
Fritts. In those days there was no organ, but
even without it the grand old tunes that never
die were inspirations both to minister and people.

One of his favorite tunes was Peterborough, still
a favorite with this congregation. The ministry
of Rev. Graaf ended in the year 1808, eight j'ears
after the building of the church, and after thirty-
three years of faithful service.

"The second pastor of the three combined
churches was Ernest Lewis Hazelius, who be-
came the pastor in August, 18 15. He was a very
learned and devout Christian man and, after leav-
ing those congregations, became professor of theol-
ogy in the first Lutheran seminary established in
this country, viz. : Hartwick Seminary. After-
wards he became professor at Gettysburg and then
at Lexington, S. C.

"February 12, 1810, a meeting of representa-
tives of the three congregations was held at
which the following resolution was passed:

' ' 'Resolved, That the one-fourth of the parson-
age known as the Glebe land, belonging to the
hitherto united four Lutheran congregations of
New Germantown, German Valley, Spruce Run
and Plukamiu shall hereafter belong to Spruce
Run Congregation; Plukamin having in the
meantime died away. '

"At the same meeting Spruce Run Congrega-
tion paid into the hands of Andrew Bardies $100,
that being their share toward the repairs of the
parsonage property at New Germantown.

"Under this ministry, in 1810, the congregation
was fully organized by the election of trustees,
the following notice for that meeting having been
posted on the church door:

' ' 'advertisement.

" 'The Lutheran Congregation of Spruce Run
are hereby invited to attend on Monday, the 26th
of May, 1810, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, for
the purpose of electing seven trustees for the said
congregation, according to an act of the Legisla-
ture passed the 13th day of June, 1799.

" 'Ernest Hazelius.'

"At that meeting the trustees elected were:
Daniel Anthony, Frederick Fritts, Jr., William
Fritts, Philip Anthony, Christopher Martinis,
John Reinhard and Andrew Miller.

"An interesting item in connection with this

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

335

meeting was the election of 'George Fritts and
Richard Crozat for the purpose of keeping order
in the meeting house at the time of public wor-
ship.' Their duty was, I believe, to waken those
whose unconscious slumbers put them beyond the
minister's influence and disturbed the solemnity
of the service. Do we need them?

"Although seven trustees were elected, the
names of only six are on the articles of incorpo-
ration, and thus it is filed in the clerk's office at
Flemington. This document bears a seal of red
wax.

"Under the ministry of Rev. Hazelius there
were ninety-eight children baptized, on one occa-
sion a family of five children whose ages ranged
from one to thirteen. On another occasion six
children of one family received this sacrament.
The people still held to the good old doctrine of
infant baptism. His pastorate ended in 1815.

"The next pastor was David Hendricks, who
served the congregation from i8i6to 1822. He
was a graduate of Union College, New York, and
went from this charge to Saddle River, N. J.
From his records he baptized in the three con-
gregations ninety-eight children, and eighty-six
of these are credited to Spruce Run Congrega-
tion.

"Then began the ministry of Rev. Henry
Pohlman. He was elected by the three congre-
gations on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August,
1S22, and at a union meeting of the congregations
on the 1 8th a call was extended and was ac-
cepted.

"Rev. Pohlman has the distinction of being
the first student to enter and to graduate from
Hartwick Seminary, and was there under the
professorship of another former minister of this
congregation — Rev. Hazelius.

' 'Of this pastor some of you have distinct recol-
lection. It was under his ministry in this state
that the Rev. David Kline was converted, and by
him regarded as his spiritual father, having been
confirmed and ordained by him. Thus there
seems to be a line of affection and influence run-
ning through the lives of the different ministers

who have served this congregation, which made
their labors doubly strong.

"Pastor Pohlman was noted for his strong
common sense, his unswerving devotion to the
truth, and his untiring energy in every church
work. His influence was not limited to the con-
gregation which he served, but was felt in wider
circles. Few men are to-day more widely known
in the Lutheran Church than your former pastor,
Henry N. Pohlman. He was president of the
New York and New Jersey Synod, of the New
York Synod, and three times president, of the
General Synod of the United States.

' 'Under his ministry the church here began to
strengthen. His first communion list shows an
increase of nine in attendance, and during his
pastorate of eleven years he baptized one hundred
and sixty-three. Rev. Pohlman owned a beautiful
white horse by the name of Charlie and he often
related that the horse while conveying him to his
appointment would occasionally take the liberty
to stop. His master would then begin to sing
Old Hundred and the horse would move off quite
lively.

"Rev. Pohlman's connection with this church
was dissolved in 1833, when it was deemed best
that the Spruce Run Congregation should become
independent. The territor}' at that time was too
extensive for one man to supervise and minister
to, and the congregation under Rev. Pohlman
having increased to over one hundred, a separate
call was issued from Spruce Run Congregation
to Rev. Robert Collyer, who accepted it, and on
the 2d of September, 1834, became the first pastor
of the church as an independent organization.

"For fifty-nine years it had been identified
with the sister churches of Germantown and
German Valley, and now, having reached man-
hood, or ought we to say womanhood, it pro-
ceeded to exercise the privileges which this man-
hood afforded.

"Soon the desire became strong for a new
church to supplant the old one which had done
service for thirty years, and a movement was
started by the pastor to that end. It was success-
ful, as is seen by reference to the proceedings of a

336

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stated meeting of the congregation held in the
old church on March 5, 1835. Among those
who were present were: Morris Fritts, Andrew
and Abram Banghart, Philip Crater, Leonard
Hipp, George Fritts, Jacob Vosler, Daniel Cast-
ner, Thomas Hunt, D. Peter, F. Baylor and
others.

"The land for the new church was bought of
Daniel Castner, to the left of the old church prop-
erty and near where the middle gates of the old
cemetery now stand. H. S. Farley was the
builder. Benjamin Fritts had charge of the
stone work and the walls were a testimony to
what he considered the proper way to build a
church, and like Solomon of old, who built the
temple of cypress trees, which last a thousand
years, so did Father Fritts place the stone walls
to stay, and after thirty-six years of service and
exposure they could hardly be torn down.

"This second was a stone church, 55x40 feet,
and its service was made famous by the singing
of the large choir under the leadership of Thomas
Banghart. Here for the first time musical in-
struments were introduced into the service; the
first ones being a clarinet and a bass violin, after-
ward an organ. Under the inspiration of the
choir and the gifted leader, the congregation
sang, and even to-day you hear reports of the
grand singing of Uncle Tom Banghart and his
choir. He led the choir for twenty-eight years.

"We might philosophize or moralize a little
here. Under the inspiration of the new building,
the consecrated preacher, and the fine music, the
congregation took on new life and increased in
membership. Rev. Collyer labored somewhat at
a disadvantage, the parsonage at that time being
what is now the homestead of Isaiah Bryan.
This new church was built as a Lutheran church,
the Reformed and Presbyterian part of the congre-
gation having in part been absorbed by the Luth-
erans after the withdrawal of their minister, Rev.
Wack, who for some time had held services on
alternate Sundays for the Reformed and Presby-
terian members of the congregation.

"During the great revival of 1840 under Rev.
Pohlmau, the Rev. Lambert Swackhamer began

a campaign of preaching in this district and
soon centered his operations at Mount Bethel,
where he organized a congregation, and in 1844
succeeded in putting up the present building — the
builder being Frederick Swackhamer — and even
to this day it is by some called the Swackhamer
or the Swack Church. After the departure of
Rev. Swackhamer, the congregation having be-
come involved in debt, the building was sold to
Moore Castner, whose property it remained for
a short while, when it was bought by the Albright
Methodists. Their efforts to build up a congre-
gation were unsuccessful, neither could the}* pay
the debt on the church, and it again became the
property of Moore Castner and was in his name
until 1S68.

"In i860 Rev. Peter Strobel became pastor.
He was elected at a congregational meeting held
June 10. The installation sermon was preached
by Rev. H. Pohlman, a former pastor. Rev.
I. C. Duy, of New Germantown, gave the charge
to the pastor and the Rev. William Strobel, a
brother, delivered the charge to the congregation.
Rev. A. Hiller, of German Valley, conducted
the introductory service. Thus were the three
divided sisters united at this installation. The
audience was large and the occasion one of deep
solemnity and interest.

"October 30, 1864, Rev. Strobel severed his
connection with the Spruce Run Congregation,
although he continued his labors until the end
of November. The record further states that
'At my recommendation the congregation has
given a call to my friend, Rev. David Kline, of
Brunswick, N. Y.;' the wisdom of the change
had been discussed by the two ministers at the
meeting of the General Synod held at York, Pa.,
in 1864, the question of exchange having met
the approval of both.

"During the pastorate of Rev. Strobel the con-
gregation took large strides in membership. At
one communion, held January 6, 1861, thirty-
seven members were added by confirmation.

"A very interesting item connected with the
history of this church is that after the dissolution
of the connection between the New York and New

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

337

Jersey Synod and the separate formation of the
New Jersey Synod, the first meeting of the latter
was held in this church October n, 1861, and its
first president was the Rev. H. Kline, the fourth
pastor of this church, and the delegate from this
congregation was John A. Fritts.

"The correspondence between the congregation
and Rev. Kline resulted in his receiving a call
and he began his pastoral work here in December,

1864. He was installed ou the 8th of February,

1865. At his first communion there were over
one hundred members who received the sacra-
ment, and on May 20 there were forty-six ad-
mitted to membership, this being the largest
number ever admitted at one time in this church.

"During his pastorate Rev. Kline added to the
church one hundred and twenty and baptized
eighty-four. His attention was centered and he
determined to work on the neglected district
at Mount Bethel, where the old Swackhamer
Church yet remained, the property of Moore
Castner. His Christian earnestness, together
with his Lutheran pride, led him until on May
14 he organized Mount Bethel as a Lutheran
Church. The first trustees were: George Bang-
hart, William R. Prall, Conrad Davis, Benjamin
Johnson and Peter C. Apgar. The next year
the property was purchased for $500 and a deed
given to the Evangelical Lutheran S}'nod of New
Jersey for the house and cemetery; the Synod
having advanced $300 of the amount necessary,
and the Synod yet holds the deed for the prop-
erty. This was a good work begun by the Rev.
Kline and continued by the Rev. Traver, the last
recorded meeting being at the end of the latter' s
pastorate, January 12, 1885, when the last trust-
ees elected were: John Smith, Jacob Terriberry,
Isaiah Bryan, Watson Banghart and Joseph B.
Fritts. During the pastorate of Rev. Kline the
growing needs of an increasing congregation de-
manded a new church building and subscription
papers were circulated for the building of a
church at Spruce Run or at Clarksville. Before
the papers were handed in it was determined to
build at each place a new church and the follow-
ing resolution was passed:

"That each person having subscribed toward
the erection of a Lutheran Church either at Spruce
Run or at Clarksville, before it was determined
to build a church in each place, be permitted to
erase his name from the subscription where it now
is if he so desires to do, that he may subscribe the
same or more if he choose to aid in building the
church to be erected where he prefers having it.
' 'The corner stone of the new church — the
third in the history of the congregation and the
one in which we are now worshipping, was laid
July 30, 1870. Again the services of Dr. Pohl-
man, the old friend and former pastor of the con-
gregation, were called for and he conducted the
service with appropriate ceremony, and according
to the account by the pastor 'It was a fine day,
there was a large assemblage and everything
passed off pleasantly and satisfactorily.' Upon
the corner stone was cut this inscription: Spruce
Run Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church, Erected
A. D. 1870.

' 'The old stone church was vacated on the 5th
of March, 187 1, when Pastor Kline preached a
sermon from the text II Cor., V chapter and 17
verse, 'Old things have passed away, behold all
things have become new. '

"The new church was dedicated March 9,
187 1, by the friend of pastor and people, Dr.
Pohlman. That makes this year besides being
the anniversary of the present pastorate also the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the building of the
present church.

"Rev. Kline was at a congregational meeting
by vote given permission and was requested to
give to the new congregation preaching every
Sabbath evening or afternoon.

' 'The lecture room of the church at Clarksville
was dedicated and the officers installed by Rev.
Kline. On the 6th of June, 1874, the congrega-
tion became an organization separate from the
mother church altogether and elected a pastor of
its own. At the same time a new call from this
church with an increase in salary was given to
Pastor Kline, which he accepted.

"On November 4, 1877, the pastor preached a
stirring sermon 011 the parable of the virgins, lay-

333

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing particular stress upon the foolishness of the
five thoughtless ones. He felt ill ofter the serv-
ice and did not have an afternoon meeting as was
his custom, and before the sun rose on a new day
he had gone to his deserved rest and reward,
followed with the benedictions of loving friends.

"The succeeding pastor was Chester H.
Traver; many of you know him and happy have
been all the references concerning him which I
have heard since I have been here. He was the
only one of your pastors I have personally known.
He was elected January 6, 1878, and remained as
pastor until May 23, 1885. During his time of
seven years he admitted eighty-seven to member-
ship and baptized thirty-four. It was during the
administration of Rev. Traver that this congre-
gation adopted the constitution for the govern-
ment of churches connected with the New York
and New Jersey Synod.

"The next pastor was Rev. V. F. Bolton, who
took charge of the congregation on October 1 ,
1885, and remained pastor until May 31; 1895.
The present pastorate began November 3, 1895.
During the year we have preached eighty-nine
sermons, made twenty Wednesday evening ad-
dresses; assisted at four funerals and conducted
and preached at four others. We have added
to the church twenty-eight members, making
the present membership of one hundred and
twenty-six, as reported to Synod. We have
baptized eight children and eight adults; have
buried one member, Wilson Warman; have lost
three by letter. We have married three couples;
made two hundred and one pastoral visits (not
counting the twenty-six made during the two
weeks of probation and criticism, which was a
wonderful proof of your hospitality and a severe
test of my endurance) , forty-five of which were
calls on the sick.

"We have come nearer raising the apportion-
ment this year than any year since the church
has been a member of the New York and New
Jersey Synod, having reported at Synod as
raised on the apportionment $123.42 and this in
spite of evident financial distress.

"Mount Bethel, closed for ten years, has opened

its doors and services have been resumed and
are held twice a month; the other two outposts
have had preaching regularly once a month.

"A Wednesday evening prayer service has
been started. A Christian Endeavor Society
organized has now fifty members; Sunday-school
has added thirty-two new scholars and now num-
bers nearly one hundred. The first catechetical
class in ten years was organized and had twenty-
three members; a long-needed cemetery has been
purchased and is now ready for use.

' 'Thus with the history of one hundred and
twenty-one years back of us filled with the in-
spiration that comes from the arduous labors of
Graaf, the intellectual ability of Hazelius, the
consecrated devotion of Pohlman and the earnest
Christian character of Kline and the memory of the
men and women in the pew, who have lived and
labored, giving their hearts' best affection, their
minds' best thought, and their hands' best help to
the cause of Christ and the success of the church
of Christ here established, we stand to-day, by the
mercy and providence of God, at the entrance of
new and grander opportunities and the call comes
ringing down through the century: Be not false
to your own best interests, to the welfare of the
church and to the cause of Christ, but give
Spruce Run Church the inspiration of 3-our life
and energy, your prayer and purse, your loyalty
and love, and with the Spirit as the great brood-
ing power, there shall come as a result, a life
whose influence shall quicken church and com-
munity. Awake ! O Zion; put on thy strength;
O arm of the Lord. ' '

—}- — •■>0{©;K+C;» ' — >-

[""RANCIS ASBURY APGAR, M. D. For
j>) over twenty j'ears this prominent physician
I of Hunterdon County has been engaged in
practice in New Germantown. He enjoys the
patronage of almost all of the leading families of
this section, and is kept very busy. A deep
student, he is constantly engaged in research,

STIRKS FRITTS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

34i

takes the best journals devoted to medicine and
practice, and is well posted in everything pertain-
ing to the profession.

Casper Apgar, grandfather of our subject, was
born in the neighborhood of High Bridge, Hunt-
erdon Count}', and was a farmer by occupation.
He was twice married, his first union being with
Elizabeth Best. His children were named as
follows: Ann, wife of Daniel Seals, of High
Bridge; Elizabeth, Mrs. John P. Sutton, of the
same locality; Jacob B., Emanuel, John R. ,
Casper P. and Andrew. Casper P. is the father
of the doctor and is still living. He has resided
upon his present homestead in Washington
Township, Morris Count}', N. J., ever since he
was married. The lady he chose to share his
joys and sorrows along the highway of life was
formerly Rachel Philhower, who died in 1897.
To this worthy couple eleven children were born.
Only three sous and two daughters, however,
attained mature years. Oakley, deceased, was
engaged in the nursery business in Califon;
Sarah Elizabeth is the wife of Peter B. Huffman,
a farmer of Woodglen; Howard S. is managing a
farm in Morris County and Hannah M. is the
wife of Charles Hoffman, who is employed by the
United States Express Company in Elizabeth.
The father of these children has long been an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
is a trustee and steward of the same, and, in ac-
cordance with his principles of temperance, he is
affiliated with the Prohibition party.

Dr. F. A. Apgar was born upon his father's
farm in Washington Township, Morris County,
July 23, 1851. He received his early education
in private schools, later he attended the Bellevue
Hospital Medical College, and was graduated
March 1, 1876. He immediately came to New
Germantown, and here was initiated into the
work of his chosen profession. He had very
soon made a respected position for himself, and
established a reputation for skill that brought
him a constantly increasing clientage. He is
now in his office but two hours a day, in the
early morning, as his outside practice keeps him
steadily on the go the remainder of the day, and

often far into the night. He is the examiner for
several of the leading life insurance companies.
In his political faith he is a Prohibitionist. In
the Methodist Episcopal Church where he holds
membership he has been a trustee and is now one
of the stewards.

February 22, 1877, Dr. Apgar was married to
Elmira Hester, whose father, Simon B. Fisher,
is a well-known citizen of Hackettstown, N. J.
The only child of the doctor and wife is Miss Ida
Mabel, a graduate of Hackettstown Centenary
Collegiate Institute. The family have a very
pleasant home, bearing the evidences of the re-
fined and literary tastes of its inmates.

(7) TIRES FRITTS, who comes from one of the
7\ old and respected families of New Jersey,
\~) nas been a life-long resident of Hunterdon
County, and is at present engaged in various
mercantile enterprises in the village of Lands-
down, Franklin Township. He is always actively
concerned in whatever movements seem calcu-
lated to advance and uplift the community in
which he dwells, and does his whole duty as a
citizen and voter, in the support of law and order
and prosperity.

The father of our subject* Joseph Fritts, was
born in 1802, and grew to manhood and spent
his whole life in Clinton Township, this county.
From a business point of view he was very suc-
cessful, as he became the owner of large and valu-
able tracts of land and mills, in addition to man-
aging his own farm with ability. In his political
convictions he was a Democrat, and by his many
friends and acquaintances was chosen to represent
his district in the New Jersey state legislature in
1840. He held many local offices at one time or
another, and was a very public-spirited man. For
years he was one of the most valued members of
the Reformed Church in his home neighborhood .
His busy and useful life was brought to a close
when he had attained his seventy-seventh year.

342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

His father, Charles Fritts, likewise achieved suc-
cess, rising from being a poor " bound " boy to a
position of respect and influence in the commu-
nity. Joseph Fritts married Annie, daughter of
' ' Squire ' ' Aller. She lived to the extreme age
of ninety-one, dying in August, 1895. Of her
nine children five are yet living, viz. : Mary,
wife of David McCloughen; Joseph A., Stires,
Emanuel and Oliver.

The birth of Stires Fritts occurred in Clinton in
1838. His boyhood was passed on a farm, and
he continued to assist in the cultivation of the
same until he was twenty-seven years of age. At
that time he became interested in the manufac-
ture of flax and husks, and operated a mill for
that purpose during a period of twenty 3rears.
This mill, situated in this township, has a capa-
city of about one hundred and fifty tons of raw
material per year. In 1885 Mr. Fritts sold out
his interest in the mill property and embarked in
his present enterprises, as dealer in coal, field
seeds, fertilizer, peach baskets, etc. Unlike his
father, he has never taken much active part in
politics, and would never accept office, though he
discharges his duty as a voter in accord with his
convictions, the Democracy being the party of his
preference.

In 1864 Mr. Fritts married Margaretta Pro-
basco, daughter of Theodore Probasco, and
they have a son and daughter. Lizzie is the
wife of Emley H. Deats, whose sketch is to
be found elsewhere in this work. Elmer R., the
only son, is at home with his parents. The
family attend the Presbyterian Church, Mrs.
Fritts being a member of the congregation. They
are held in the highest respect by all who know
them, and are numbered among the substantial
and reliable people of this locality.

3 MITCHELL REESE, M. D., president of
the board of education in Phillipsburg, is one
of the representative citizens of Warren
County, and stands high in social, professional

and business circles of this portion of the state.
His influence and material aid are always given to
the promotion of the welfare of his fellow-citizens,
and that he is very popular with them is well
manifested by the fact that though this is a
Democratic locality, he has been kept for years
in office as a member of the board of education,
being elected on the Republican ticket. The sub-
ject of better school advantages for the rising gen-
eration is one in which all good citizens should
be actively interested, as he believes, and in this
direction lies the solving of many of the most
serious questions that now confront us as a na-
tion. For this reason, if no other, it is the duty
of every patriot and lover of America to uphold
the hands of those who are seeking to elevate
the public-school system.

A native of Phillipsburg, born July 27, 1858,
Dr. J. Mitchell Reese has always been thoroughly
interested in and identified with the progress and
upbuilding of the town. His father, Adam
Reese, was a man of great genius and executive
ability, and, had he been afforded the opportun-
ities for an education that are now open to every
child at this day, he would have made a grand
success of his life in a financial way. However,
in spite of unusual difficulties which he en-
countered, he was fairly prosperous, and was a
man of undoubted influence. He established a
plant in Phillipsburg for the manufacture of farm
machinery and was a pioneer in this line.
Among many other valuable inventions and
improvements which he brought forth for the
benefit of the world was the original self-raking
harvesting machine, and the now rich and power-
ful McCormicks owed much to his genius, as they
bought some of his most practical patents, and
proceeded to manufacture the machines that have
since wrought a complete revolution in the
methods of agriculture. He was very liberal and
enterprising and Phillipsburg owes much to him.
An ardent Republican, he was enthusiastic for
the success of his party, but would never accept
official honors. One of the founders and most
active members of the First Presbyterian Church
of this place, he occupied many of the official

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

343

positions in its management and was a generous
contributor to its work. His busy and useful life
came to a close in June, 1897, ar)d with deep re-
gret and earnest sense of loss his fellow-townsmen
mourn his absence from the place he filled so long
and well among them. His father and two uncles
were earlj' settlers just across the Delaware River
in Pennsylvania. The wife of Adam Reese,
whose maiden name was Rachel Arnold, was a
daughter of Thomas Arnold, of Easton, Pa. She
died in 1884, and of their four children three sur-
vive: the doctor; Alice, wife of William Ash-
more, agent for the New Jersey Central, in this
place; and Adam Reese, train dispatcher for the
same corporation.

Dr. J. Mitchell Reese, after completing his pub-
lic-school education in Phillipsburg, was a student
in Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. His inclina-
tions seeming to lie in the direction of the prac-
tice of the healing art, he took up preliminary
work under the guidance of Dr. J. F. Shepherd,
of this place, and graduated from Bellevue Hos-
pital Medical College, New York City, in 1883.
Since that time he has been actively engaged in
practice here at his old home. He has been
president of the Warren County Medical Society,
and is still a member, and is connected with the
Lehigh Valley Medical Association and the New
Jersey Medical Society. Under the administra-
tion of President Harrison he served four years
as a member of the board of pension examiners
for the fourth congressional district. For many
years he has been surgeon for the Pennsylvania
and Delaware, Lackawanna & Western lines at
Phillipsburg. During a period of several years
he was a member of the county Republican com-
mittee and fourteen years has served as a mem-
ber of the board of education, all but four years
of this time having been its president. He be-
longs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and is medical examiner for the same. A Knight
of Pythias, he has been very prominent in that
order, having passed all the chairs, and now being
a member of the Uniform Rank. The doctor
was the captain of Ortygia Division three years,
at the end of which time he was elected colonel

of the Second Regiment, K. of P. , of the state.
In February, 1896, he was further honored by
being elected brigadier-general of the New Jer-
sey Brigade, U. R. His uniformly agreeable
and courteous manners and his pleasing person-
ality win for him scores of friends wherever he
goes, and his true and sterling worth is a mat-
ter of general comment by those who know him.
The marriage of Dr. Reese and Miss Emma
Scammell, daughter of John Scammell, of Tren-
ton, N. J., was solemnized in April, 1S95. Mrs.
Reese comes of an old and honored family ; one
of her ancestors is mentioned in history as an
aide to General Washington. To the doctor and
his estimable wife has been born a daughter,
Dorothy Arnold.

[3GJILLIAM KLINE, M. D., a well and favor-
\A/ a^y known physician of Phillipsburg,
Y V Warren County, is a worthy representative
of one of the oldest and most respected families of
New Jersey. His ancestors were natives of Ger-
many and settled in Somerset County, N. J., in
1720, since which time the Klines have been act-
ively engaged in agricultural pursuits for the
most part. The parents of Dr. Kline are William,
Sr., and Elizabeth (Baker) Kline, the latter a
daughter of Jacob Baker, of Northampton County,
Pa. The father of our subject is a farmer of this
county, and for fifteen years was collector of Lo-
patcong Township.

Dr. Kline is one of two children and was
born in Harmony, Warren County, September 2,
1865. In his boyhood he was a pupil in the pub-
licschools, and in 1885 graduated from what isnow
known as Easton Academy, after which he entered
Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., for a two years'
course. In the fall of 1S88 he matriculated in
the medical department of the University of Penn-
sylvania, graduating with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in 1891. He then remained at home

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two years, while in the meantime he looked
around for a suitable place to locate permanently
as a practitioner. In the spring of 1893 he be-
gan his career as a member of the medical pro-
fession in Phillipsburg, and during 1894 and 1895
he was city physician. He has succeeded very
well in building up a clientage and has won an
enviable reputation for his ability in his chosen
line of work. Formerly he was a member of the
Red Men's order, and at present he is identified
with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent
Order of Elks. In April, 1898, he was elected a
member of the common council of the first ward
as the candidate of the Democratic party.

June 20, 1894, Dr. Kline married Caroline F.
Flumerfelt, granddaughter of Jesse Flumerfelt,
a prominent official of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company for many years. He was very well
known in this section of the country, and was a
man of superior business talents. The doctor and
wife have one daughter, Frances E. They are
very popular in the town, have a large circle of
friends and enjoy entertaining them in their pret-
ty and tasteful home.

—•»©•!<•• — •— *-

3 AMES BELFORD, a retired business man of
Mauch Chunk, now residing in Belvidere,
Warren Count}', has made his home here for
about fourteen years, and enjoys the respect and
high regard of all who know him. In 1894 and
1895 he served as a member of the town council,
having been elected to that office by his Demo-
cratic friends. He has led a very busy and event-
ful life, and richly deserves the rest and quiet
which he now enjoys, as the result of the judi-
cious management of his affairs and investments.
The father of our subject was George Belford,
of Scotch descent, and an extensive coal operator
in Pennsylvania. He was a warm personal friend
of Judge Packard, whom he appointed as his
executor in his will. The history of Mr. Belford

is that of an essentially self-made man, one who
started out in his youth without means and fought
his early battles for a livelihood against odds that
would have discouraged any man who had not
possessed strong determination to succeed, and
rare talent as a financier. Prosperity came at last
to crown his efforts, and at his death his estate
was valued at nearly $500,000. To all worthy
public enterprises and benevolent objects he was
a liberal contributor, and though a Lutheran by
preference, he held membership with the Presby-
terian Church of Mauch Chunk. He died in
1873, and his wife survived him about seven years.
She was Miss Hannah Rhine Smith before their
marriage, her family having been numbered among
the first settlers of Germantown, Pa. The chil-
dren of Mr. Belford and wife were named as fol-
lows: Hiram, who resides in Allentown; James;
Selinda, wife of Edward Shorts, a prominent law-
yer of Wilkesbarre, Pa. ; Edward, of Belvidere;
Harriet, wife of Clemson T. North, of Wilkes-
barre; Nathan M., of Bergen Point, N. J.;
Charles, of Philadelphia; and Annie, wife of A.
W. Booth, of Bergen Point.

James Belford was born in Mauch Chunk, Pa.,
July 8, 1836, and after completing his preliminary
education in the public schools attended Vande-
veer's Academy, at Easton, Pa. In 1854 he en-
tered the employ of the Lehigh Coal and Navi-
gation Company in the engineering corps, as-
sisting in the survey of the Lehigh Canal, and
Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad. Subse-
quently he took charge of the company's coal
office at Mauch Chunk for a year. He was next
with the German PennaCoal Company, of Mauch
Chunk and was in charge of their shipping de-
partment for seventeen years. In 1S72 he as-
sumed the management of his father's store at
Ackley, Pa., remaining there for two years, at
the expiration of which period he retired from
business cares. He had located in Belvidere the
previous year, and has since been a citizen of the
place. While in Mauch Chunk he joined the
Masonic order, but has not been active in the
same for a number of years.

June 21, 1S59, Mr. Belford married Ellen B.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

345

Hutchinson, who died in 1881, and left two chil-
dren: Dianna Sherlock, now the wife of Edmund
H. Carhart, of Belvidere; and Richard, who is at
home. The father of Mrs. Belford, Samuel
Hutchinson, was for thirty years cashier of the
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. In June,
1883, Mr. Belford married Mrs. Julia B. Simpler.
Her father, Joseph Mackey, a soldier of the late
war, and still living, has reached the extreme age
of ninety-six years. By her previous marriage,
Mrs.- Belford had one son, Claude A., a graduate
of Girard College, aud now holding a very responsi-
ble position in the land department of the Land,
Title and Trust Company of Philadelphia. Mr.
aud Mrs. Belford attend the Presbyterian Church.
Politically he is a Democrat of conservative ten-
dencies.

Gl BRAM R. VAIL, one of the honored old res-
LJ idents of Hunterdon County, has been en-
I I gaged in farming in the vicinity of Quaker-
town for the past forty-seven years. He is in-
dustrious and thrifty in his methods and has ac-
cumulated a goodly competence by his own
efforts. About the time that the Civil war closed
he turned his attention to the raising of fruit and
has been very successful in this branch of agri-
culture, some of his time being also devoted to the
nursery business, with good financial results.

Our subject comes of a good old New Jersey
family, it having been represented here for sev-
eral generations. The old records of the family
give the following, among other dates and par-
ticulars in regard to them: The paternal grand-
father of our subject, born July 3, 1744, bore the
same Christian name as himself. This ancestor
married Margaret Fitz Randolph, September 28,
1768, and died September 11, 1824. She was
born September 7, 1746, and died October 2,
1812. Their ten children were as follows: James,
born July 1, 1769; Daniel, January 3, 1 771; James
(second of the name), January 3, 1773; Mercy,

February 19, 1775; John A., February 9, 1777;
Phoebe, May 16, 1779; Elizabeth, February 17,
1782; Ephraim M., April 4, 1784; Margaret, May
23, 1786, and Christian, July 11, 1788.

The birth of the father of our subject, John A.
Vail, took place in Green Brook, N. J., in 1777,
and later he located near the town of Newmarket,
now known as Dunellen, N. J. , and in that locality
his remaining years were spent. He was a hatter
by trade, and carried on a small farm with ability.
In his religious belief he was a Friend, and was
very active in all good works, whether in church
or in public life. He died, lamented by all who
had ever had the pleasure of his acquaintance,
when he was about fifty-five years of age, June
28, 1832. He was twice married, his first wife
having been Rachel Webster. She was bom
December 13, 1784, and died September 19, 1805,
leaving one child, Hugh W. , whose birth had oc-
curred the preceding year, and who died in 1879.

The first marriage of John A. Vail took place
June 3, 1803. His second wife, whom he married
March 27, 1817, bore the maiden name of Deb-
orah Harned. She died at the age of seventy-
three years, December 6, 1S61. She was a faith-
ful member of the Friends' Church and was be-
loved and thoroughly respected by everyone who
came beneath her sweet, womanly influence. Of
her six children but two are yet living: A. R., of
this sketch, and Jacob L. , whose home is in Des
Moines, Iowa. In order of birth the children
were as follows: Jonathan H., born February 23,
1S1S; Gilbert, November 23, 1819; Rachel W.,
March 23, 1S21; Abram R., February 16, 1823;
John E., May 12, 1824; and Jacob L-, March 10,
1831.

The early years of Abram R. Vail were passed
quietly upon his father's farm where his birth had
occurred. He was educated in the same locality
(Newmarket) in the public schools, and later was
privileged to attend one of a higher order in
Dutchess County, N. Y. His father died when
the lad was but nine years of age, and he
continued to reside with his mother until 1851.
At that time he struck out for himself, and, com-
ing to Quakertown, he purchased the farm where

346

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he still makes his home, and from that day to
this has been occupied in the cultivation and im-
provement of the place. He adheres to the re-
ligious faith of his forefathers, and with his fam-
ily attends the services of the Friends' Meeting-
house. He has reared several children to lives ot
usefulness, has always done his full duty as a citi-
zen and strives to advance the peace and righte-
ousness of the community in which his lot has
been cast.

In 1845 Mr. Vail married Jane D., daughter
of Jonah Vail, of Green Brook. To this wortlry
couple the following children were born: Adelia,
wife of Samuel L- Robinson; John A., of Trenton,
N. J.; Fowler W., of Dunellen, N. J.; Franklin
P., who died in 186 1; Lizzie D., wife of Josiah A.
Trimmer, of Phillipsburg, N. J. ; Howard E. , who
is at home; Rebecca H. (1st) , deceased; Rebecca H.
(2d) wife of Elsworth Case, of Phillipsburg; Amy
Clara, wife of William Gary; and Laura D., wife
of John Trout, of Ouakertown.

"T LMER E. CARHART is one of the most
C) popular young business men of Phillipsburg,
_ Warren County. In all things relating to
the cause of education, city government and pub-
lic improvements and matters that affect the wel-
fare of his fellow-citizens he is very actively
interested, and is always to be found on the side
of progress. For the past six years he has offici-
ated as treasurer of the board of education, hav-
ing been elected to that position in December,
1 89 1. A little over ten years ago he embarked in
the boot and shoe business, and in 1891 his
brother, C. V., entered into partnership with
him, under the firm name of E. E. Carhart &
Bro. They have since conducted a thriving
trade in this city.

The parents of our subject are Samuel and Sa-
rah H. Carhart. The father, who was a native of
Warren County, and was engaged in railroading

for many years, died in August, 1890. He was a
practical business man and was considered one
of the most efficient and trustworthy employes of
the corporation with which he was connected.
His wife, a daughter of Cornelius Vorhees, and a
native of Middle Valley, Morris County, N. J., is
now about sixty years of age, and is making her
home with her son of whom we write. Two of
her five children are deceased, and the three sons
who survive are: Elmer E. ; Cornelius V., to
whom we have previously alluded; and W. L., a
resident of Hoboken, N. J.

E. E. Carhart was born in the village of Beat-
tystowu, Warren County, July 14, 1861, and was
a lad of twelve years when with the other mem-
bers of the family he removed to this place. He
attended the public schools of Phillipsburg from
that time until he was sixteen, and gained a prac-
tical education. In 1877 he and his father opened
a fruit, fish and oyster market and carried on the
business three years. At the expiration of that
period he became an employe of the Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western Railway Company, be-
ing located in Hoboken and attached to the train
service department. In December, 1882, he re-
turned to Phillipsburg, and for the next five
years was employed by the New Jersey Central
Railroad, or until he was forced to resign his posi-
tion owing to an injury to his hand. In Septem-
ber of that year (1S87) he decided to embark in
the boot and shoe business, in which venture he
has been prosperous.

In his political convictions he stands by the prin-
ciples of the Democracy. In 1889 he was elected
and returned for five years as freeholder for the
second ward of Phillipsburg, and for three years
of this period was a director of the county alms-
house. He is a member of the Knights of Pyth-
ias, and holds the honor of being assistant adju-
tant-general for the state, of the Uniform Rank of
that order. He is also connected with the Junior
Order of American Mechanics, and with the
Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, having been
the treasurer of the last-named since 1SS5, and
having been sent as the delegate of the same to
three national conventions of the order.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

347

June ii, 1890, Mr. Carhart married Anna B.
Ewing, daughter of Joseph Ewing, of Phillips-
burg. He stands high in railway circles, and is
chief car-inspector for the New Jersey Central
system. Mr. Carhart and wife are identified with
the Presbyterian Church, the former being one of
the trustees of the congregation.

DGAR I. CREGAR is a worthy representa-
^ tive of a sterling and honored family of
__ High Bridge, Hunterdon County. His
grandfather, Andrew Cregar, was the owner of
a large tract of land, on a portion of which this
flourishing town is now situated. The father of
our subject, Andrew, Jr., was, in turn, the owner
of the property, and assisted in platting the town.
Though much of the original ground has been
sold off, there still remains to the gentleman of
whom we write a valuable piece comprising
seventy acres, this lying adjacent to the limits of
High Bridge. He has sold considerable of this
as town lots, and still meets the demand in this
direction as it recurs. In addition to having en-
tire management and watchful supervision of his
valuable homestead, he is in the fruit commission
business at No. 316 Washington street, New York
City, having been thus occupied for the past three
years.

The birth of Edgar Cregar took place October
15, 1849, he being a son of Andrew and Harriet
T. (Dance) Cregar. He was reared under the
influences of a good home and judicious and lov-
ing parents. When he reached a suitable age
he began attending the local schools and after
completing his rudimentary education, entered
the Chester Classical Academy in Chester, N. J.
He has taken great interest in the cause of educa-
tion and is an earnest advocate of advancement in
the courses of public instruction to the rising
generation. He commenced the duties of agri-
culture while he was yet a mere lad, and has

always since given more or less attention to these
pursuits. He has a model farm, everything
about the place showing the constant care and
good management of the owner. For a number
of years, and, indeed, until recently, he operated
the coal yards of High Bridge, but at present
they are leased by the firm of Van Sickel & Apgar.
In politics Mr. Cregar has taken an active part
and has performed efficient service in the numer-
ous official capacities hereabouts. Among others,
he has been assessor and township committeeman,
having been elected by his Republican friends,
who are legion in this community.

September 3, 1868, and just after leaving
school, Mr. Cregar married Margaret J. Bleek-
man, daughter of John and Sarah (Manley)
Bleekman. Mr. Bleekman was a prominent busi-
ness man and real-estate dealer in New Bruns-
wick, N. J. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Cregar has been blessed with three children, viz. :
Raymond Dewitt, Harriet D. and Sarah E. In
accordance with his principles, Mr. Cregar is
giving his children good educational advantages.
Raymond is a graduate of the Cleveland (Ohio)
Commercial College; Harriet is a graduate of the
high school of New Brunswick and the younger
daughter is receiving private tutoring from Rev.
A. Mershon, of Annandale, preparatory to enter-
ing the Kuoxville Seminary. All three are bright
and promising young people of whom any parent
might be justly proud.

(3 IDAS GIBBS. For nearly a quarter of a
?\ century this representative citizen of Belvi-
\yJ dere, Warren County, has been employed by
the United States Gas Improvement Company,
of Philadelphia, the largest concern of the kind in
this country. He has erected gas plants in all parts
of the United States, and thoroughly understands
every detail of the business. The great corpora-
tion with which he has been so long connected

348

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was organized in the year 1882 by his brother,
W. W. Gibbs, whose career has been truly re-
markable. He started out to make his own way
in the world a poor boy, literally empty-handed,
and steadily worked his way upward until now,
in middle life, he is a millionare, with vast busi-
ness interests and investments in various parts of
the land. Among others, he is president of the
Marsden Company, of Philadelphia, and he it
was who took and filled the contract for the build-
ing of the fine bridge over the Hudson River at
Poughkeepsie.

Silas Gibbs, born in Hope, Warren County,
July 9, 1849, is one of the seven children of Levi
B. and Ellen (Vannatta) Gibbs. The father,
now in his eightieth year, has always been a
strong Republican since the party was organized,
and served as the postmaster of Hackettstown,
N. J., under the administration of President
Harrison. He was born near Hope and pursued
the business of carriage making when in his
active years. The Gibbs family is of German
origin. Our subject had an uncle, the late Jacob
Vannatta, who was a noted lawyer of Morris-
town, N. J. He is also first cousin to ex-Governor
Werts. Mrs. Ellen V. Gibbs departed this life
in 1S95, leaving the following-named children:
W. W., previously alluded to; Martha, wife of
L. I. Cook, of Hackettstown; Silas; Mary, wife of
Hugh McDonald; Whitfield, a resident of Decker-
town, N. J.; and Elizabeth V., Mrs. Augustus G.
Winter, of Philadelphia.

Up to the time that he was fifteen years old,
Silas Gibbs was a student in the public schools of
Hope, after which he commenced learning the
trade of his father, that of carriage making. He
continued to work at that calling for a period ex-
tending over ten years, and then accepted an
opening in the United States Gas Improvement
Company, with which he has since been connected.
He is a practical constructing engineer, and su-
perintending the construction of the plant. In
his political convictions he is a Republican, and
religiously is a Methodist in belief.

September 8, 1875, Mr. Gibbs was united in
marriage with Josephine Decker, with whom he

had grown up in the old home neighborhood.
Her father was Isaac J. Decker, and two of her
brothers were ministers of the Gospel. The
eldest of them, I. Dayton, was a graduate of
Yale and subsequently studied in Germany. The
other, William, is a Presbyterian minister in
Lewiston, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have one
child, Raymond S.

:— S ••>» ■•■'Q5 •>£;••

(JOSEPH H. FIRTH, one of the most prom-
I inent and enterprising men of business in
G/ Phillipsburg, Warren County, has been the
proprietor of the Madison Square Hotel here since
the 6th of August, 1895. This popular and
commodious hotel is conveniently located, is well
equipped and managed and is a favorite stopping-
place for the commercial traveler and all others
who may be passing through this busy railroad
city. The hotel is noted for its excellent cuisine,
the brightness and cheerfulness of each and every
apartment, and the general air of comfort and
homelikeness that pervades the place.

Born February 22, 1859, Joseph H. Firth is a
native of Phillipsburg, and with the exception of
a few mouths spent elsewhere he has been identi-
fied with the upbuilding and development of this
place during his whole life. The interest which
he has always taken in all things having for their
object the improvement of the town makes him
considered one of our best and most valued citi-
zens. In 1884 his abilit}' and influence were fitly
recognized by bis being elected to the position of
freeholder, and four years later he was chosen to
serve as a member of the city council, with which
honorable body he has officiated ever since.
Four years of this period he acted as president of
the council, and succeeded in forwarding numer-
ous measures that have accrued to the benefit of
our townspeople. He was formerly chief of the
fire department here and secured the adoption of
the Gamewell Fire Alarm system. Thus, in

■J}

O
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>

•s.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

35i

various ways, he has been an earnest worker and
an interested supporter of local enterprises and
improvements.

The education of Mr. Firth was wholly obtained
in the public schools of Phillipsburg. At the age
of eighteen he began learning the trade of a ma-
chinist, and after a time he concluded to try his
fortunes in the west. Going to Omaha, Neb., he
remained there for ten months, but, not feeling
that he desired to make his permanent home in
the west, he finally returned home, believing that
there could be found no better state than that in
which he had grown to maturity. Here he was em-
ployed at his trade five years, then being promoted
to be foreman of the Warren Foundry. This re-
sponsible position he occupied until August,
1895, or for over two decades. He is now the
agent for the firm of Firth & Ingham, and is set-
tling up their estate. He is possessed of good
financial ability and wise judgment in the manage-
ment of business affairs, and merits the high place
which he is given by his associates. In political
matters he is a Democrat. In the fraternities
he belongs to Delaware Dodge No. 52, F. & A.
M., being past master of the same; is past high
priest of Eagle Chapter No. 30, R. A. M., and
is connected also with the Order of Red Men and
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

On the 26th of July, 1880, Mr. Firth was united
in marriage with Miss Margaret A. Lewis, of
Portsmouth, Ohio. They have one child, Eliza-
beth A.

EVI B. GIBBS, a retired business man re-
liL siding in Hackettstown, has spent the
|_J greater part of his life in Warren County
and is well known as one of its reliable and enter-
prising citizens. He was born in what is now
Hope Township October 16, 18 18, and is a son
of Christopher and Susanna (Bunting) Gibbs,
also natives of this count)'. Little is known con-
cerning the remote family history or the date of

its first representation in America. However,
it is supposed that our subject's grandfather,
John Gibbs, was born in Rhode Island, whence
he came to New Jersey and settled upon a farm.
During much of his life he made his home in
Warren County and here he died when advanced
in years. By occupation a farmer, Christopher
Gibbs devoted himself to the cultivation of the
family estate in Hope Township, and here his
death occurred when he was forty-five years of
age. In politics he was a Whig and in religious
belief a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In his agricultural operations he was
fairly successful and doubtless would have become
well-to-do had his life been spared to old age.
His wife was a member of the Quaker Church
and a faithful adherent to its doctrines. She died
at the age of about seventy.

The boyhood years of our subject's life were
uneventfully passed on the home farm, where he
was reared to habits of industry that proved of
the greatest value to him in after days. At the
age of sixteen, in March, 1836, he began an
apprenticeship in a carriage shop, where he re-
mained until October, 1839, meantime gaining a
thorough knowledge of the trade, which he after-
ward followed, in the employ of others, for two
years. In 1843 he purchased the carriage shop
in Hope, which he continued to carry on success-
fully until 1873, during that long period becom-
ing known as an honest and energetic business
man, one who was true to every obligation and
honorable in every transaction. On retiring from
the business, he made his home in Newark for a
number of years, but in 1879 came to Hacketts-
town, where he has since continued to reside.

March 9, 1842, Mr. Gibbs was united in mar-
riage with Miss Ellen Vanatti, of Warren County,
an estimable lady and one who retained through-
out her life the friendship and warm regard of
her associates. She passed away in 1895, leaving
seven children, all but one of whom are now liv-
ing. When the Republican party was organized
Mr. Gibbs became one of its first supporters and
from that day to this he has never wavered in his
allegiance to party measures and principles.

35-'

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Under the administration of President Harrison,
he held the appointment of postmaster at Hack-
ettstown, an office that he filled in such an able
manner as to gain the commendation of all,
irrespective of political beliefs.

r^ROF. Y. C. PILGRIM, principal of the
yr Phillipsburg high school, is one of the lead-
fS ing educators of Warren County, and indeed
of the western part of New Jersey. His methods
of teaching are largely original and are thorough-
ly practical and progressive. Pupils and public
alike receive his plans and ideas in regard to ed-
ucational matters with respect and commendation
and give him their hearty co-operation in carry-
ing them out. In September, 1896, he went into
partnership with I. W. Schultz, under the firm
name of Schultz & Pilgrim, and purchased the
Warren • Democrat, a paper that had been pub-
lished weekly, and within a few months the new
proprietors commenced issuing it daily. The
journal is one of merit and general popularity
with the reading public.

On the paternal side of the family Professor
Pilgrim is of German descent, while on the ma-
ternal side he is of French origin. For several
generations the Pilgrims have resided in Orange
County, N. Y., and Frank Pilgrim, grandfather
of our subject, was a prominent man there in his
day. James W., father of the professor, was a
native of Orange County and in early life was a
teacher in the northern part of this state. He is
still living in Orange County, N. Y., where he
has filled county offices time and again, and is
now about sixty years of age. His wife, Eme-
line, who died in 1877, was a daughter of Jacob
Garrison, a prominent and wealthy citizen of
Orange County. The only sister of our subject,
Alice, is the wife of W. A. Onderdonk, and the
only brother is C. L,., both of whom make their
homes in Orange Count)-.

Born in Warwick, Orange Count}', N. Y., Aug-
ust 5, 1867, Y. C. Pilgrim is now in the prime of
early manhood. Having completed a course of
study at the Newton (N. J.) Collegiate Institute
he entered Lafayette College, graduating there-
from in 1889 with the degree of bachelor of phi-
losophy. Since then he has been made a master
of sciences. In the fall of 1889 he began teach-
ing in a private school in New York City, and in
1890 was called to occupy the position for which
he has proven himself so well qualified, that of
principal of the Phillipsburg high school. His
classes in the languages have been especially
worth}' of approbation, as he instituted an entire-
ly new method of work in this direction and the
results are most satisfactory to all concerned.
During his vacations and leisure moments he de-
votes considerable time to journalistic work and •
has been connected with the New York World
and other leading papers. He is undoubtedly a
young man of great talent, with a most promising
future before him. February 8, 1890, Mr. Pil-
grim married Abbie T. Lerch, a graduate of the
Phillipsburg high school. They have no chil-
dren, but lost one son. Mr. Pilgrim is past mas-
ter of Delaware Lodge No. 52, F. & A. M., and
is also an Odd Fellow. Religiously he is a Pres-
byterian, as is also his wife, and they hold mem-
bership with the First Church of this city.

0AVID R. EMERY. To some of the actors
in the drama of life the stage of action is of
small proportions, though the successive
acts played thereon are none the less important,
both to those who participate in the drama and to
those who are indirectly influenced thereby.
From the day of his birth up to the present time,
over three-quarters of a century, the gentleman of
whom we write this brief tribute has lived upon
one farm situated in Readiugton Township, Hun-
terdon County. Here, where he is thoroughly

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

353

known, he is held in the deepest respect and
esteem, for his career has been a useful one and
in all activities whereby the public might be as-
sisted he has taken the interest of a local citizen.
Now, in the declining years of his life, he is re-
tired from the "heat and burden" of daily toil,
and is enjoying a season of peaceful content.

David R. Emery was born November 13, 1821,
in his father's old family residence, and of five
children he and one sister, Mary, are all who sur-
vive. His parents were Peter and Anna (Rocke-
fellow) Emery, both natives of Hunterdon Coun-
ty. In boyhood he attended the district school
and his time passed pleasantly in the varied occu-
pations and amusements of the country lad. Be-
fore he had reached his majority he had become
well grounded in habits of industry and perse-
verance and gave promise of the success that he
later won. Following his father's example, he
continued as a farmer, as he preferred the com-
paratively independent, free, out-door life of the
tiller of the soil.

October 24, 1854, Mr. Emery married Elizabeth
Lane, a native of his own township, and from his
boyhood a friend and playmate. They had but
one child, a son, Andrew L., who married Emma
Van Dome, of this vicinity, and their only child
is Theodore V., a sixteen-year-old school boy.
Mrs. Emery is a daughter of Andrew C. Lane,
who was a prosperous farmer of this township, and
spent his whole life within its limits. Our sub-
lect and his estimable wife have long been valued
members of the Reformed Church, and Mr.
Emery has served as an elder for many years.

IILLIAM L. SCOTT. Numbered among
the very best citizens of Hunterdon Coun-
ty, of which he is a native, the subject of
this article deserves special mention. Not only
has he always nobly done his duty as a private
citizen of this great commonwealth, but in times

of peace and war alike, as well as when serving
his fellows in public positions of responsibility and
trust, he has kept his record above reproach.
Since he settled down in his independent life he
has been mainly occupied in farming upon his
valuable and well-improved homestead situated in
Franklin Township, and there he may be found
to-day.

Born August 14, 1842, William L. Scott passed
his first years upon the farm owned by his father,
and was early taught the various affairs pertain-
ing to the proper management of a homestead.
His youthful enthusiasm and patriotism led him
to enlist in the defense of his country when he
was about twenty years of age in 1862. He be-
came a member of Company D, Thirtieth Regi-
ment of New Jersey Infantry, and during his ten
months' service he participated in several hard-
fought battles, including Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville. When his term of enlistment
had expired he returned home, remaining there
until September 3, 1864, when he again offered
his services to his struggling country, and was
assigned to Company B, Thirty-eighth New Jer-
sey Infantry, and was promoted to sergeant in the
company. From that time until peace had been
declared he was in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Sewell, stationed at Bermuda Forks,
Powhatan and City Point. He reached home
once more upon the 4th of July, 1865, and a
year later commenced farming upon his own ac-
count upon his present homestead, where he has
dwelt ever since. In politics he is a Republican ;
was a freeholder for three years, was overseer of
the poor for eight years, a member of the town-
ship committee for four years, and was re-elected
to that office in 1896, to serve for another three
years. He has always been quite active in public
affairs, and was a candidate for the position of
sheriff in 1890. He is identified with Lambert
Boeman Post No. 48, G. A. R.; and Lackalong
Lodge No. 114, I. O. O. F., in the latter having
passed all the chairs.

The marriage of William L- Scott and Miss
Hannah Willson, daughter of Samuel Willsou
(who, with his family, is a member of the Society

354

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Friends), was solemnized December 26, 1868.
Samuel Willson was a son of Dr. Samuel Will-
son, and was one of the first settlers in Hunter-
don County, N. J. The father of the subject of
this article, John W. Scott, was a native of this
county. He was a mason by trade and followed
the calling very actively until he was about sixty
years of age, in connection with farming. He
died when seventy-six years old, loved and re-
spected by all with whom it had ever been his lot
to come into contact. He was a Republican, but
was never very active in political affairs. His
father, who bore the name of George W. Scott,
was the founder of the Scott family in Franklin
Township, and he also followed the mason's
trade. The mother of William L. Scott bore the
maiden name of Frances White, she being a
daughter of John White. The union of John W.
and Frances Scott was blessed with six children,
viz.: George W. ; Elizabeth, wife of George W.
Lake; John, who was sergeant of Company D,
Thirtieth Regiment New Jersey Infantry, and
died in the service; Catherine, wife of Levi Hice;
William L. and Charles B. The mother of this
family was a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and lived to attain the ripe
age of eighty-six years.

-:—-: ♦•2+M

HS^O 1 !

HB. HOWELL occupies the very responsible
position of superintendent of the public
schools of Phillipsburg, Warren Count}-,
and that he is giving entire satisfaction to all con-
cerned needs no other argument than the state-
ment that he has been twice re-elected to the
office. He makes it a point to know what is
transpiring in every department of educational
work, and is thoroughly posted and abreast of the
times in methods and systems being tried in
different portions of the country. While in a
certain sense conservative, he is not averse to
progressive measures, so-called, and has himself

instituted many changes for the better in our
local methods since he assumed the duties of his
position.

Professor Howell comes from one of the rep-
resentative old Warren County families, having
been born on a farm near this town February 2,
1862. His father, H. B. Howell, was one of the
brave soldiers of the Civil war, one who wore the
blue, and whose life was lost in the defense of his
country. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and
enlisted in a company that went to the conflict
from that state. He died in 1862, the year in
which our subject was born, from fever contracted
during the exposure and privations of army life
in the field. He was an enthusiastic patriot, and
offered himself to his country while still very
young and a student at Lafayette College. He
had married Ellen, daughter of Lawrence Lom-
masson, and she is still living, aged fifty-six
years.

After graduating from the Phillipsburg high
school, Mr. Howell entered Lafayette College,
and completed his course there in 1886, and in
1889 received the degree of Master of Arts. He
originally was a member of the class of 1881, but
spent several years in Texas, teaching for a few
terms and being variously occupied. Im-
mediately after his graduation from Lafayette
College he was appointed principal of the Phillips-
burg high school, and as such he spent the next
four years. In 1890 he was elected superintend-
ent of our public schools. He is one of the county
board of examiners and belongs to the State
Teachers' Association, besides which he finds
sometime to devote to literary or journalistic
work. Under his direct supervision there are
forty teachers, and pupils to the number of fifteen
hundred.

According to the admirable system now in use
in our schools and introduced by Superintendent
Howell, abstract theories are superseded as far as
possible and the children are taught to observe
the phenomena of everj--day life, and to make
practical applications of such knowledge. A
lover of literature of the highest type, he en-
deavors to inculcate the same tastes in those

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

355

with whom his influence is maintained. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and is con-
nected with Delaware Lodge No. 52, F. & A. M.
March 29, 1887, he married Anna F. Smith and
they have two children, Anna C. and John E.
The father of Mrs. Howell was the late Thomas
Smith, of Belvidere, N. J., and one of her an-
cestors was Anne Halstead, a heroine of the
Revolutionary war period'.

P GJlLLIAM P. JOHNSON is one of the hon-
\ A / ored old residents of Hunterdon County,
V V and the history of its representative busi-
ness men and farmers, those who have been the
bone and sinew of its greatness and prosperity,
would be sadly lacking were his name omitted by
any chance. Until within recent years he has
been actively engaged in the management of his
fine homestead in Readington Township, but is
now enjoying a well-earned rest, though he is
still living on the old home place.

The parents of the above-named gentleman
were Dr. William and Elizabeth (Stockton)
Johnson. The father was a noted physician of
his day and was in every way a brilliant and in-
fluential man. He was of exceptional education
and attainments, and, being well posted in the
history of the leading families of Readington
Township of his generation, he compiled a work
giving such facts as he was conversant with.
Both the doctor and his good wife were born and
reared in Princeton, N. J. Of the eleven children
born to them, seven are deceased. Those who
remain are Thomas, William P., Richard C. and
John V.

William P. Johnson was born in February,
1816, in the village of White House, Hunterdon
County, and grew up in that place, receiving his
education in the public schools. Arriving at an
age when he desired to make his own living, he
entered a general store, and for several successive

years he followed mercantile pursuits. He was
variously located during this period in the towns
of New Brunswick, Flemington and White
House. In 1850 he purchased the farm which
has been his place of residence ever since. He
owns one hundred acres of valuable land, well
improved with substantial buildings and with a
peach orchard which has three thousand bearing
fruit trees.

January 10, 1846, Mr. Johnson married Miss
Mary A. Emery, of Clinton Township, daughter
of John and Christiana Emery, natives of this
county. Together they have journeyed along the
pathway of life ever since, sharing each other's
burdens and joys. They had two children: Lou-
isa P., now Mrs. Charles W. Daggett, the mother
of one child, Rosemary, and Harriet M., now
Mrs. Henry Bishop, who is the mother of four
children, Mar}' K., Alfred, Louisa J. and Olive
F. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the
Reformed Church. Politically our subject has
always used his right of franchise on behalf of
the nominees of the Republican part}'.

HON. HENRY SCHENCK HARRIS. As
one of the members of the bar of Warren
Count}', this gentleman occupies a promi-
nent place. During a period extending over
twenty-five years he has from time to time come
frequently before the public as counsel in cases of
more than local interest, and has won a reputa-
tion in the legal profession. In the realm of pol-
itics he has had some experience. He has been
firm in his allegiance to the Democracy and has
been active in the support of its principles. In
1880, after a very exciting contest, he was elected
a member of congress from the fourth congres-
sional district of this state, comprising the coun-
ties of Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Somerset.
His opponent on this occasion was Gen. Judson
Kilpatrick, a very popular man with his party

356

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

friends. Mr. Harris served for his two years'
term in the house with distinction and ability, be-
ing a member of numerous important committees,
such as the committee on naval affairs and one of
the board of visitors to the United States Naval
Academy, etc.

Born December 27, 1850, in Belvidere, Warren
County, H. S. Harris is, and has been for many
years, one of the representative citizens of the
place. His father, Israel Harris, a native of
Readington, Hunterdon County, N. J. (born June
S, 1820, died in November, 1891), was for a long
period cashier of the Belvidere Bank, he having
taken up his residence in this town in 1845. He
was a leading Odd Fellow of the state, being
grand master of New Jersey and for six years a
representative to the grand lodge of the United
States. He married Susan, daughter of John and
Eliza Lawrence (Everett) Stuart. She died in
August, 1894. Of their five children four survive.
Carrie is the wife of E. M. Beesley, of Belvidere;
Franklin V. is a lawyer of Atlantic City, N. J.;
and Charles E. is a member of the bar of this
county and is now occupying the position of
county clerk, his home being in Belvidere. The
paternal grandfather of our subject, Henry S.
Harris, was for half a century a physician of War-
ren County, N. J. Through his paternal grand-
mother, Permelia (Stout) Harris, he is a direct
descendant of John Hart, of New Jersey, one of
the famous signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence.

It was the privilege of Henry S. Harris, of this
sketch, to obtain a classical education. After
leaving the public schools of Belvidere he studied
under the tutelage of Rev. Frederick Knighton
and was graduated from Princeton College in
1870. Three years later he was admitted to the
bar as an attorney, and in June, 1876, as a coun-
sellor. Since then he has been very successfully
engaged in practice in Belvidere. In March,
1877, his ability was recognized by his being ap-
pointed prosecutor of the pleas of Warren County
by Governor Bedle. While serving in that ca-
pacity he was brought into special prominence
through his connection with the famous Warren

County trials of 1878, wherein twelve high offi-
cials of the county were indicted, convicted and
sent to the penitentiary for conspiracy, forgery
and embezzlement. These cases are among the
most noted in the annals of New Jersey and at-
tracted widespread interest. Mr. Harris was
counsel for the state in the trial of James J. Titus
for the murder of Tillie Smith (September, 1886),
and was retained for the defense in the case of
Samuel C. Carpenter, who was indicted for the
murder of Rachel Blackwell. This trial took
place in July, 1896, and resulted in the acquittal
of Carpenter. In the extensive litigation between
the United States Pipe Line Company and the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western and the Penn-
sylvania Railway Companies, Mr. Harris was the
counsel for the first-named corporation. He is
employed as legal advisor of the same, also of the
Lehigh & New England Railway Company in
this county, and represents niany other corpora-
tions in special cases. At present he is counsel
for the board of freeholders of Warren County.
He is a member of the New Jersey Society of the
Cincinnati, representing Surgeon Jacob Harris,
of the Third New Jersey Regiment of the Conti-
nental Line.

August 19, 1874, Mr. Harris married Martha,
daughter of the late Anthony B. Robeson, of Bel-
videre. She died January 22, 1894, leaving one
daughter, Roberta Robeson, who is still living.
Another daughter, Susan E. S. , died December
7, 1880, aged three years.

Q ENJAMIN EGBERT, deceased, was one of
JC\ the most successful fruit growers and gen-
\_J eral agriculturists of Hunterdon County, and
was highly regarded as a business man, as a
neighbor, friend and citizen in the community in
which he dwelt. In 1S40 he became a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church ofOuakertown,
and from that time until his death he was one of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

357

the most valued workers in the same. The cause
of Christianity was very dear to his heart and at
all times he held church interests paramount to
his own personal welfare. In word and deed he
was a man of upright character, one who could
be trusted to the uttermost, and one on whom
everyone came to rely with confidence that he
would be just and generous, honorable and true,
no matter what the circumstance. He was sum-
moned to his reward at the age of seventy-seven
years, February 10, 1891. His loss has been felt
to be a public one indeed, and he is sorely missed
in the home, in the church, and in the community
which he formerly brightened and uplifted by his
mere presence.

Born near the town of Pattenburg, this county,
November 19, 18 13, the subject of this sketch was
a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Carkhuff) Eg-
bert. The father was a tanner and currier by
trade, and followed that calling in conjunction
with that of agriculture. He was a very active
and prosperous business man and was for some
years judge of the county court. He died March
28, 1848. His eight children have all been called
to the better land.

The boyhood of Benjamin Egbert, of whom we
write, was passed quietly and happily upon his
parents' old homestead near the pretty town of
Pattenburg. His education was such as was to be
had in the common schools of the day, supple-
mented with such knowledge as was to be ob-
tained from experience and private reading and
study. In 1840 he moved to a farm near Cherry -
ville, and there resided until he settled in Quaker-
town, in 1890. Thus, half a century and more
he devoted to rural pursuits, which he enjoyed
thoroughly. In his political convictions he was a
Democrat until Fisk became a candidate for the
presidency, subsequent to which time he was con-
nected with the Prohibition party. For years he
had been very much interested in the cause of
temperance, and ultimately came to believe that
this issue was the chief one confronting the
nation.

Benjamin Egbert was twice married, his first
union having been with Miss Margaret Sine.

They were married in October, 1836, and became
the parents of nine children, only three of whom
are now living: Emeline, wife of Andrew Street-
er; Rebecca, wife of John Tunison; and Mary,
wife of John Schomp. March 24, 1883, Mr. Eg-
bert married Martha A. Stevenson, daughter of
Samuel C. Stevenson. She is still living in their
pleasant home in Ouakertown, and is an estim-
able lady, beloved by all who have the honor of
her acquaintanceship.

jOATHANIEE BRITTONBOILEAU, M. D.,
\ I is a prominent citizen of Hunterdon County,
\l2 his home being in Jutland. He has always
been intensely interested in everything affecting
the public welfare, and has ever devoted himself
to the elevation and prosperity of his fellow-men.
He is a man of broad ideas, liberality of thought
and nobility of purpose, and his influence has
always been directed toward the strengthening of
good and upright and just things.

The doctor is a native of Pennsylvania, his
birth having taken place in Bucks County, June
26, 1833. He is the youngest in a large family,
his parents being Col. Daniel and Jane (Ruck-
man) Boileau. The father was born in Phila-
delphia, Pa., in 1785 and died in 1858. He was
a farmer by occupation and was recognized by
his cotemporaries as a man of unusual ability
and talent. Though he had but a district-school
education, he was a greatstudent, a deep thinker,
and in every sense was self-made. For years he
was a justice of the peace and notary public,
besides holding other minor offices, and was
elected to the state legislature, where he remained
for years, meeting the responsibilities of the
position with dignity and fidelity. For a long
period, and up to the time of his death, he was
colonel of the militia company. His wife died
in 1852, in her sixty-third year. Both were placed
to rest in Red Hill Cemetery, in Bucks County.

353

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

For the last thirty-five years of his life he was a
ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and
very active in religious affairs. A leader in his
community, he had the utmost confidence placed
in his judgment and business methods, as well
as in his absolute integrity, and was often called
upon to settle up estates and finances for his
neighbors. The wife and mother was a woman
of gentleness, unselfishness and most lovable
qualities. The esteem and affection of all who
knew her was her rightful tribute, and it was
freely bestowed upon her by a large circle of
sincere friends.

Of the children born to Colonel Boileau and wife
six are still living. Mary A., deceased, was the
wife of Justus K. Long, of Bucks County. Eliza
is the widow of John Younken, of Mount Carmel,
111., and is now residing in the east. James R.,
deceased, was a prosperous merchant of Bucks
County, was county treasurer and was also a
member of the legislature. William F. , deceased,
was an extensive lumber dealer of Easton.
Caroline, who married L. F. Sassaman, of Bucks
County, had a son, Horace D., a Presbyterian
minister of Mount Pleasant, N. J.; and Edward,
another son, is a merchant of Toledo, Ohio, doing
business under the firm name of Shaw & Sassa-
man. Samuel, of Easton, is president of the
Phillipsburg National Bank, has been very active
in the field of commerce, and has occupied nu-
merous public offices, and has served as a mem-
ber of the legislature. John K. is a retired
merchant of Milford, N. J. Jane is the widow of
Dr. Asher Riley, of Frenchtown, in which place
she still makes her home. Sarah is the widow of
Lemuel Greer, who was a professor in Mountain
Seminary, of Birmingham, Huntingdon County,
Pa.

Dr. Boileau was named for an own cousin
of his father, Nathaniel Britton Boileau, who was
well known in the annals of Bucks County.
From December 20, 1808, until December 16,
1 8 17, he was secretary of the commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, or as we would to-day term it,
secretary of state, serving under Governor Snyder.
He was also speaker of the house and adjutant-

general of the state. A man of rare ability and
sterling uprightness of word and deed, he was
remarkably free from the selfishness that charac-
terizes too many of the statesmen of to-day un-
fortunately, and his incorruptibility was often
shown forth by his public speeches and letters, as
well as by his daily actions. He held that a
patriot should not stand by his party if it did
not nominate men of principle, that elections were
reduced to a mere farce when candidates corrupt,
despicable and capable of being bribed were to
be supported, regardless of such demerits, merely
as a mark of allegiance to a party. He was born
in 1763 and died March 16, 1850. He was a
graduate of Princeton and was a great scholar
and literary men. His grandfather was one
Jacob Boileau, who lived on Staten Island, N. Y.
He or his father emigrated from France in con-
sequence of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes
in the reign of Louis XIV. The wife of this
Jacob Boileau was called Anne. Their son Isaac
was born in Staten Island December 19, 1722,
and departed this life December 22, 1803. He
married Rachel, daughter of Nathaniel and
Elizabeth B. Britton. She was born October 2
1724, was of English descent, and her life came
to a close February 14, 1814. Their most distin-
guished son was the Nathaniel Britton Boileau
to whom we have referred at length above.

The subject of this article, Dr. N. B. Boileau,
is a member of the Hunterdon District Medical
Society, has a number of times represented his
count}' society in the state organization and has
been sent as a delegate to the National Medical
Association. In politics he uses his franchise in
favor of the Democratic part}'. He has been
very active in using his influence for his party,
but, like the notable man for whom he was
named, he believes in reserving his right of
choice to a certain degree, and would not know-
ingly vote for a man utterly corrupt and unwor-
thy of the confidence of the people. He fre-
quently contributes articles of much merit to vari-
ous literary journals, his subjects covering a variety
of subjects, from political to scientific and med-
ical. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, and

JOHN R. HAVER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

361

since 1SS0 he has held the position of elder.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic
order, belonging to Orion Lodge No. 56, F.
& A. M., of Frenchtown.

March 17, 1863, the doctor married Miss
Nancy, daughter of Dr. John and Cornelia Blane.
To the doctor and wife three daughters were
born, viz.: Mary B., Caroline S. and Eleanor.
The youngest, Eleanor, is a pupil in the private
schools of Easton, Pa.

—5 •'•>» > (yfj)j •-■; «-c- • •

(JOHN R. HAVER is one of the most highly
I respected citizens of Hunterdon County
Q) within whose boundaries his whole life has
been spent. Since attaining manhood he has
been occupied in agricultural pursuits, and has
been very successful in making a livelihood for
himself and family, and in affording them man}'
advantages. His well-improved and neatly kept
farm is situated in Readington Township, near
the village of Potterstown, and comprises ninety-
five acres of desirable land.

The parents of our subject were William E.
and Margaret A. (Emory) Haver, both natives
of this state. Their family numbered five chil-
dren, but Emily K. and Peter are deceased, and
the others are William, John R. and Elmira.
The father was a tiller of the soil, as was also his
father before him. The latter, Peter Haver, was
born and reared in this county, and lived to a
good old age. He was a man of considerable in-
fluence in his comrnunit}', and for years he was a
justice of the peace.

The birth of John R. Haver occurred in his
father's homestead April 27, 1838. His boyhood
was passed quietly in the pursuits common to
farmer lads, and after he arrived at a proper age
he commenced attending the district schools.
From a long line of ancestors who had devoted
themselves to farming he had inherited a genuine
liking for the occupation, and before he reached

his majority he had determined to follow in their
footsteps. In 1859 he commenced business upon
his own account, and had just fairly started on
the highway leading to success when the dark
days of war came on. September 27, 1863, he
enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Regiment of
New Jersey Volunteers, to serve for nine months.
He participated in many engagements in which
his regiment was called to the front, among these
being the celebrated battle of Chancellorsville.
October 26, 1864, he was honorably discharged
from the army at Flemington, N. J. Since then
he has been occupied in managing his homestead
and financial affairs.

In November, 1866, Mr. Haver married Mar-
garet Conover, a native of Readington Township,
and the daughter of John R. and Annie G.
(Melick) Conover. Seven children were born to
this union: one who died in infancy; William E.,
George A., Christopher B., James A., Stella B.
and Ida M. Our subject and his estimable wife
are members of the Reformed Church of Lebanon.
In his political convictions he is a Republican.

30HN WATSON ALLEGER, who is engaged
in the manufacture of peach baskets in Clin-
ton, Hunterdon County, has been a resident
of this place only eight years, but is a native of
this county, and has always been interested in
the development of this region. He is a zealous
Republican, and in 1894 was elected a member of
the town council, was re-elected in 1896 and
again in 1S97. He was instrumental in advanc-
ing public improvements, such as the. water sys-
tem now in vogue here and the electric light
plant. In 1898 he was elected mayor of Clinton.
The great-grandfather of the above was a na-
tive of France and was an early settler in Hunter-
don County, where some of his descendants have
always resided since. His son Benjamin was a
carpenter and builder, his work being chiefly ac-

362

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

complished in Readington Township. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Smith, by whom he had four chil-
dren, Ezra, Hiram, Shadrack and Mary. Ezra,
the father of our subject, had no advantages to
amount to anything in the way of an education,
and when quite young he learned the shoe-
maker's trade. He never followed this calling,
however, but gave his attention solely to agricult-
ure. In political matters he was a Democrat,
and religiously he was a Methodist. In 1828 he
married Sarah, daughter of John H. Hummer, of
this county. They had five children, of whom
John Watson is the eldest. Alice became the
wife of Baltus Pickell, of this county. Mary is
the widow of Joseph P. Trimmer, and resides in
Washington, N. J. E. Wesley is a contractor
and builder in Washington, N. J.; and Hiram
W., of the same town, is a manufacturer of
organs, being one of the first in this line of enter-
prise in the state. The mother of these children
died in October, 1838, and subsequently the
father married Sarah Moore, who bore him six
children, viz.: Ezra M., of Stanton; Sarah Ann,
who wedded Thomas Coats, of Ouakertowu;
Euphemia, wife of Maurice Brink, of Belvidere,
N. J.; Samuel, of Belvidere; Lemuel, of Franklin
Township; and Jane, Mrs. Judson Arnwiue, of
Franklin Township.

John Watson Alleger was born near Stanton,
October 12, 1830. He has had to rely entirely
upon his own efforts in the matter of an educa-
tion, as his attendance at school was limited to
about three months altogether. He has been
quite a reader, however, and contact with the
world and a natural power of observation have
served him in good stead. He was a child of but
eight years when death deprived him of a loving
mother, and he then went to live with her par-
ents- He stayed with them until he was four-
teen, when he went to the home of an uncle and
began learning the carpenter's trade. He then
worked at this business for a contractor in Fleni-
ington, and was sent to all parts of the county.
The following five years he was in Belvidere, a
part of this period working for himself indepen-
dently. After another three years at his trade in

Washington, N. J., he became an employe of the
Fairbanks Scale Company, and remained with
them for a quarter of a century, putting up their
scales in various parts of this country and Canada.
In 1890 he settled in Clinton, built the Music
Hall, and soon started in his present industr}',
the manufacture of peach baskets, which have a
great sale in this peach-growing state.

The pretty home of Mr. Alleger on West Main
street was erected in 1833, and was in a sadly
run-down condition when he purchased it. He has
practically rebuilt it, added many modern improve-
ments, and now has one of the best residences in
the town. He is identified with the Masonic
order, having joined it in 1861, and is now con-
nected with Warren Dodge No. 13, F. & A. M.,
of Belvidere, and with Clinton Chapter No. 37,
R. A. M. April 15, 1874, the marriage of Mr.
Alleger and Maria Miller, of New York, was
solemnized. She has in her possession a treasure
indeed, a book of four hundred pages, which
though in writing is as perfect a piece of work as
though engraved. It was written by her father,
Peter Miller, in 1822, and is entitled " Anecdotes
Collected from Various Sources, by Peter Miller."
He was a book-binder by trade, and himself bound
this volume, which has not a blot on any of its
pages and is in a good state of preservation. Mr.
Alleger possesses some of the accoutrements worn
by his grandfather in the War of 18 12.

^JEORGE W. BEATY a wealthy and prorn-
_ inent merchant of Califon, Hunterdon
^Jl County, has been located here but ten )'ears,
but has succeeded in building up a very large and
lucrative trade. He is a self-made man in the
strictest sense, as he has always had to rely solely
upon his own resources. The prosperity that he
now enjoys he richly deserves, for it was accu-
mulated by long years of honest, unremitting toil,
and by the exercise of upright business methods.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tf.i

The Beatys are of Scottish origin, our subject's
ancestor having come to this county at a very-
early period in its history. His grandfather,
James Beaty, was a farmer of Lebanon Township,
in this county, in the latter part of last century.
He married a Miss Sliker, by whom he had a fam-
ily of three daughters and five sons, namely:
.Alexander, Ann, Mary, John, Jacob, Elizabeth,
James and George. Ann married Frederick
Lanse; Mary became the wife of Jacob Anthony,
and Elizabeth the wife of John Waters.

Jacob, the father of our subject, was born in
Lebanon Township, April 20, 1801. He early
picked up the trade of a millwright and worked
at this calling and as a carpenter to some extent,
also carrying on a farm in Mansfield Township,
Warren County, for years. He was first a Whig
and later a Republican in political faith.' In the
Baptist Church with which he was identified he
was a great worker, and he was ever ready to lend
a hand to the needy and afflicted. About 1822 he
married Eva, daughter of Philip Anthony, of
Lebanon Township, and their children were as
follows: Charles, deceased; Amos, a retired citizen
of Mansfield Township, Warren County; Ann,
widow of Reuben Marrel, of Vienna, Warren
County; Tamson and Mary, both deceased;
George W. ; Whitfield, deceased; Jacob and Alex-
ander, of Mansfield Township; and Henry, of
Knowlton Township, Warren County. Mr.
Beaty died in 1871 and was buried in the Bap-
tist churchyard in Port Murray. Mrs. Beaty
died in 1892.

George W. Beaty was born in Warren County,
December 2, 1S34. He attended school and aided
his father in the work of the farm until he was
twenty-two years of age, when he started out to
"paddle his own canoe." He opened a store in
the town of Anthony, and conducted it for twenty-
seven years. At the beginning he was very care-
ful, and did not expend a large amount of money
in stock, but as the years passed he was enabled
to branch out, and in time he had built up a pay-
ing business, his sales running as high as $18,-
000 per annum. In 1888 he came to Califon, and
went into partnership with John Beavers. This

connection existed about four years, Mr. Beaty
then buying out the others interest and taking his
son John into the firm. Three years later he
also admitted his other son, Elston, and the firm
name became as at present, George W. Beaty &
Sons. The large store building occupied by them
was principally erected by himself. The main
part is 66x86, two stories and basement in height,
with a hall overhead used for lodge purposes, etc.
The firm carry a fine stock of general dry goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, furniture and hard-
ware, and the sales have increased from about
$10,000 to $23,000.

Though he has found his time very fully occu-
pied, Mr. Beaty always does his duty as a voter.
He is a strong Republican, and has never desired
official distinction, but on two occasions yielded
to the earnest wishes of his neighbors and was
collector and committeeman. He is a member of
the Knights of the Golden Eagle and of the Order
of Red Men.

December 12, 1855, Mr. Beaty married Mar-
garet Jane Waters, daughter of John Waters, of
Lebanon Township. They have three living
children: Alice, who is the wife of Walter Ramsey,
of Scranton, Pa.; John and Elston, previously
mentioned. Mrs. Beaty is a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, and her husband, while not
connected with the church, is a more generous
contributor to its expenses, and likewise to the
Methodist Church, than any one member of
either. He is a true friend to those who are in
need, and many such an one has called down
blessings upon his head.

EORNELIUS MESSLER owns a valuable
farm situated about a mile south of the town
of White House, Readiugton Township,
Hunterdon County. He is of the sturdy, thrifty
Holland-Dutch ancestry, that stock to which in
great measure is due the prosperity and material

364

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wealth of New York state and adjoining sections
of country. The founder of this family in Amer-
ica was one Tennis de Metsellear, who emigrated
from Holland and settled in Albany, N. Y. , in
1 641. The paternal grandfather of our subject,
Cornelius Messier, was a native of Hunterdon
County, where he became an extensive land
holder in time, and when the dark days of the
colonial struggle for independence came on he
responded to his patriotic impulses and fought
for her liberty.

The father of our subject was Isaac Messier,
who was an influential citizen and agriculturist
of this county, and held numerous local offices.
He was born and grew to manhood in this re-
gion, and subsequently was the fortunate posses-
sor of large tracts of land. He married Henri-
etta Reger, of this county, and their two children
were Cornelius and Sarah C.

Cornelius Messier was born in Readington
Township, July 7, 1835, and from his boyhood was
trained in the duties of farm management. He
is considered an efficient and practical farmer,
and has his fine homestead of eighty acres under
good cultivation. In national elections he votes
the Republican ticket, while in home affairs he
believes in supporting suitable men, rather than
party nominees.

February 19, 1858, Mr. Messier married Ellen
J. Davis, who was born and brought up in this
township, and five children were born of their
union: Mary E-, Susan A., Hattie, Isaac and H.
Martin. Susan and Hattie were educated in the
higher branches in Trenton, N. J., and later
were successful teachers. Isaac is a graduate of
a theological seminary and is now a minister in
the Reformed Church in Sharon, N. Y. Hattie
was the matron of the Seattle general hospital of
Seattle, Wash., for one year, and is now attend-
ing a medical college in Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs.
Messier is a member of the Reformed Church of
White House, N. J.

Our subject and wife may well be proud of the
high standing which they have in the neighbor-
hood where their lives have been passed. They
have reared noble sous and daughters to take

places of usefulness in the great world, giving
them excellent educational advantages and every
opportunity possible for self-improvement. No
one is able to truly say that Mr. Messier has not
done his duty in each respect toward his family,
his neighbors and the general public, for his
name is above reproach.

• »)2-«M(§§)®Jt-C{t 1 'r-

MLEY H. DEATS is one of the most enter-
'y prising young business men of Pittstown,
mmm Hunterdon Count}-, of which place he has
been a resident since he was about six years of
age. For several years he was interested in lum-
ber transactions here, but for the past six or seven
years he has given his attention to the milling
business, of which he is making a success finan-
cially. He possesses those qualities of nature
and training which rarely fail of being prospered
in the world of commerce, and withal is so thor-
oughly honorable and upright in all his dealings
with others that his fellow-citizens place the
utmost confidence in his word.

The father of our subject, Emley O., sou of
Hiram Deats, was also a native of this county,
and passed his whole life within its boundaries.
He died when in the prime of manhood, being
but thirty-five years of age. He was a member
of the Baptist Church at Cherryville, and was a
faithful Christian in his daily life. For some years
prior to his death he was employed in the agri-
cultural works at Pittstown. The mother of the
subject of this article was Miss Lizzie Hoff in her
girlhood. She was a daughter of Philip and
Mary Hoff. She had but the one child, Emley
H., and died when he was an infant.

The birth of Emley H. Deats occurred in 1867,
in the vicinity of Baptistown, Hunterdon County,
and in 1873 he came to live in Pittstown. His
education was obtained in the excellent public
schools of this place and in the South Jersey In-
stitute, at Bridgeton, N. J. He embarked in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

365

business here about 1888 and soon won for him-
self a high place among our merchants and citi-
zens. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic
order, being identified with Stewart Lodge No.
34, F. & A. M., of Clinton.

The marriage of Mr. Deats and Miss Lizzie P.
Fritts was solemnized in 1889. She is a daughter
of Stires Fritts (whose sketch is published in
another part of this volume) , and by her marriage
has become the mother of two bright children, a
son and a daughter, named respectively, Leland
F. and Marguerite H. The parents are both
members of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church,
of which he is a trustee. In his political belief
he is affiliated with the Republican party.

(JOHN A. LAUGER is numbered among the
I wide-awake, enterprising young business
Q) men of the pretty town of High Bridge,
Hunterdon Count}-. He is a native of this place,
his birth having occurred here about a quarter
of a century ago, upon the 8th of September,
1873. He is a son of Samuel G. and Margaret
(Bogart) Lauger, who are respected citizens of
Clinton, N. J.

The first nine years of the life of our subject
were happily and quietly spent in this his native
town, after which, with his parents, he removed
to Philadelphia. His father was engaged in
business in the Quaker city for a period of three
years or more, at the expiration of that time lo-
cating in Clinton, where he has since made his
home. Thus, his son, John A., was chiefly
reared to manhood in the two towns of High
Bridge and Clinton, and received his education
principally in their public schools. From the time
'he was twelve years old he helped his father what
he could in the senior's business, and thus learned
the details of the same while still a mere lad. He
continued to work with his father until the winter
of 1896, when he went to New York City and

found employment with Alexander McCarty, a
proprietor of a market at the corner of Fourth and
Sixth avenues. There he stayed for several
months, carefully husbanding his resources, and
finally, in the spring of 1897, decided to embark
in business on his own account.

Having looked around he came to the con-
clusion that there was no more promising town
than that of High Bridge and here heaccordingl}-
settled. He has already won the confidence and
patronage of many of the best families of the place,
and is on the high tide of prosperity. He keeps
a fine assortment of meats, etc. , in his line, and
strives to please his customers. He has thus far
confined his efforts to the immediate trade of the
townspeople, and finds that he is kept very busy
in meeting their wants.

In political affairs Mr. Lauger is a true-blue Re-
publican, and is thoroughly patriotic. He is
master of his trade and is a practical man of busi-
ness. From his early youth he has been entirely
dependent upon himself for a livelihood, and with-
out capital or influential friends has accomplished
whatever of success he now enjoys. February 22,
1896, Mr. Lauger married Miss Maude Leather-
man, who was born in Pennsylvania and has
lived for several years in High Bridge. The young
couple have a pretty and comfortable home, and
the best wishes of a host of sincere friends, both
here and elsewhere, are theirs.

EHARLES W. LEIGH, of Clinton, Hunter-
don County, is one of her most aggressive,
wide-awake business men. He is actively
interested in the commercial, political and social
life of the town, and thoroughly endorses indus-
tries, improvements, etc., wdiich tend toward the
development of our local resources. In 1891 he
helped to organize the creamery here, which was
originally operated by a stock company, and in
February, 1896, he and his partner, James

366

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Wyckoff, became the sole proprietors of the enter-
prise. It is prospering and brings a good income
to the owners.

Our subject comes of distinguished ancestry,
and as his name indicates he is of fine old English
stock. He is a descendant of Thomas, first Lord
Leigh of Stanley, County Warwick, England.
Five generations ago the first of the family set-
tled in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County.
He bore the Christian name of Joseph, and his
son Ichabod, next in the line of descent, married
Ann Stout, and their eldest son was Samuel.
This Samuel was a soldier in the war of the
Revolution, and was granted a life pension of
$30 per annum for his services in the time of his
country's need. He chose for his wife Amy
Blackwell, and their ninth child was Samuel, the
grandfather of our subject. He wedded Mary
Taylor, and their eldest-born was John T. , father
of Charles W., of this sketch.

The birth of John T. Leigh occurred near
Clinton, April 19, 1821. He had but limited
advantages for obtaining an education, and was
handicapped by poor health, and was not strong
enough to stand farm work. When he was but
twelve years of age he went to New Brunswick,
and until he reached his majority was engaged
as a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He
thoroughly mastered the details of the business,
and upon arriving at his majority he embarked
in the commercial world on his own account,
opening a store in Clinton. He conducted this
business for about sixteen years, when he was
obliged to give it up on account of failing health.
For a few years he operated a farm just south of
the bridge, near Clinton, he having purchased
the same previously, and later he engaged in the
manufacture of bricks there, and erected the sub-
stantial brick residence which stands on the place.
During the war he was active in support of the
Union cause, and in his political faith he was an
ardent Democrat until about fifteen years before
his death, when he espoused the cause of the
Prohibition party as a matter of principle. In
partnership with two of his brothers, under the
style of Leigh Brothers, he was for some time

occupied in doing an extensive business in grain
and wool, buying and selling. At one time they
were the most extensive speculators of wool in
this section; and they also dealt in live-stock.

John T. Leigh was a trustee and deacon in the
Baptist Church, and was one of the prime movers
in establishing the same, and contributed from
$7,000 to $10,000 to the building. He was one
of the founders of the Clinton National Bank,
and continued as a director in that institution
until his death. In short, he was foremost in all
local enterprises, and was loved, admired and
respected by all who knew him. Largely through
his efforts the town of Clinton was incorporated,
and its citizens honored him by choosing him to
serve as the second mayor.

January n, 1844, Mr. Leigh married Fannie,
daughter of Aaron and Mary (Van Syckle) of
Norton, N. J. Of the seven children born to
them three still survive: Bennett V. , cashier in
the Clinton National Bank; Emily B., wife of
A. L. Allen, an attorney in Chicago; and Charles
W. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Leigh
married her cousin, Mary Van Syckle, in 1S65.
Of the children who came to bless their union,
seven are still living, viz. : Bessie, wife of Howard
Eilenburg; Fannie V., wife of William Weaver,
of New York City; Lida, wife of Harry F. Angle,
a jeweler of Clinton; Walter V., who is learning
the jeweler's trade; Frank V., now serving an
apprenticeship to the druggist's business in New
York; Robert E. and Harold. Mr. Leigh died
July 9, 1892.

Charles W. Leigh was born near this town,
February 11, 1857, and received his education in
the public schools of Clinton and Lewisburg, Pa,,
later attending Bryant & Strattou's business col-
lege in Philadelphia, where he remained a year.
As his father followed the policy of allowing his
sons to choose their own occupation unbiased by
him, young Leigh concluded to take charge of
the dairy business on one of his senior's farms,
and from that time until the death of his father
he bought and sold live-stock. He was one of
the first in this section to bring cattle here from
the west. When he was about thirty he went

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

367

to Wisconsin, purchased a carload of milch cows,
and, though it was a long trip for this kind of
stock, he brought them here successfully. He
has continued to buy cattle, ship them here, and
fatten them for the markets, and in connection
with this he runs his creamery; he also handles
brewers' grain, selling a couple of carloads a
week. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and
was a member of the town council in 1895 ar>d
1896. He belongs to Capoolong Lodge No. 185,
I. O. O. F. , of Clinton, is past grand of the same
and is also a charter member of Clinton Encamp-
ment No. 14, of which he is past chief patriarch.
October 29, 1878, Mr. Leigh married Carrie V.
Terriberry. Her father, Frederick Terriberry, is
now a citizen of Griunell, Iowa. Mrs. Leigh is a
native of New Jersey, but with her parents re-
moved to Princeton, 111., when she was a child of
about five years. To our subject and wife one
child has been born, Mabel, a bright young girl,
loved by all who know her.

30HN D. CREGAR is the proprietor of one of
the finest and best-kept farms in Hunterdon
County, it being situated in Clinton Town-
ship, within two miles of the town of Aunandale.
The numerous and well-filled buildings on the
place give evidence of the fertility of the soil and
the industry and judicious system of the owner in
the management of his affairs. He is a practical
agriculturist, and his pleasant and well-appointed
home speaks in no uncertain tones of his good
judgment and artistic taste.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Andrew Cregar, who was born on the farm for-
merly known as the River John Cregar place,
but is now owned by William Yawger. It is lo-
cated in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County.
Andrew Cregar was a farmer during his entire
life, as have been most of his descendants. The
father of our subject was William Cregar, a sub-

stantial citizen of Union Township, this count}',
in his earlier manhood, and later of this locality,
for he spent his last days on the homestead now
in the possession of John D., of this sketch. To
himself and wife, Elizabeth Dilts, four children
were born: Charity C, wife of Edgar Lance, of
High Bridge Township; John D. ; Andrew C, a
farmer of Lebanon Township; and Thomas B., a
farmer of this township.

John D. Cregar was born March 4, 1836, near
Norton, Union Township, Hunterdon County,
and in his youth he acquired practical experience
in the duties of a farm. He was educated in the
neighborhood schools, at a time when such schools
were supported by popular subscription. When
he was about twenty years old his father removed
to this township, buying the farm now owned by
our subject, and which has since been his home.
He remained with his father, giving his attention
to the cultivation and improvement of the farm,
and gradually assuming more and more of the
manifold duties until his father's death, in 1867,
when he bought the place from the other heirs.
He owns one hundred and sixty-three acres here,
another farm of one hundred and forty-eight
acres adjoining, and sixty-eight acres in Lebanon
Township and interests in other estates. For a
quarter of a century he devoted much attention
to dairying, shipping large quantities of milk to
the cities, and he also has been interested in
growing fruit and raising stock. He is not a
politician, simply doing his duty as a voter, his
ballot being given to the nominees of the Repub-
lican party. Religiously he is identified with
the Baptist Church of Clinton, and for eighteen
years has been a deacon in the same.

November 1, 1S64, Mr. Cregar married Mary
E. Bodine, daughter of Peter and Susan (LeFoy)
Bodine. The father was born in Hunterdon
County, and was a son of John Bodine, whose
home was at Three Bridges. Peter Bodine
was a farmer by occupation, and when Mrs.
Cregar was born was living in Washington,
Warren County, N. J., but soon returned
here, settling in Union Township, where he
bought a farm and spent the rest of his life. He

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was a member of the Baptist Church for a num-
ber of years prior to his death and was esteemed
by all who knew him. His children were as
follows: Elizabeth L., wife of Holloway Van
Sickle, of Holland Township; Daniel S., a busi-
ness man of Stockton, N. J.; John T., deceased;
Harriet C, who died in early womanhood; Hettie,
who never married; Abraham L-, deceased;
Catherine, widow of Asa C. Hill, of Medina, N.
Y.; Jane, widow of Ezra Dewitt, of Scranton,
Pa.; and Mary E. , Mrs. Cregar.

The only living son of our subject and wife is
Peter Bodine, a graduate of the South Jersey In-
stitute, of Bridgeton, N. J., where he completed
the scientific course; then graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania with the degree of
Bachelor of Science, and is now taking a series of
studies in the Philadelphia Medical College.
Another son, William Westcott, a young man of
great promise, died when in his nineteenth year.

••^H^i^M+cjV

~t — '-

HENRY F. CRAIG. Prominent among the
progressive and prosperous agriculturists of
Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County,
is the worthy citizen of whom we write. He is
one who strives to do his whole duty as a neigh-
bor, patriot, friend, as a father, husband and son,
and, as a direct result of his uprightness and integ-
rity of character, his friends are legion. In all
measures calculated to advance the best interests
of the community in which he dwells he takes an
active part, and for the past four years he has
served as a member of the township committee,
two years of this time having been the treasurer
of the board. His right of franchise is used by
him in favor of the platform and nominees of the
Democracy.

Born September 8, 1850, Henry F. Craig is one
of nine children, all but one of whom survive at
this writing. The other brothers and sisters are
named as follows: William, a resident of this

township; Richard F. ; Sarah E. , wife of Henry
M. Kline, of Clinton; Mary, wife of William B.
Dunham, of Somerville, N. J.; Maggie, wife of
William Waldron, of New Germantown; Anna,
wife of John Skillman, now living on the old
homestead of the family; and Robert, also on the
old farm. Gertrude, the sister who is deceased,
was the wife of David Dunham, of Clinton. The
parents of these children were Robert and Eliza-
beth (Fields) Craig, who came from old and re-
spected county families. (See sketch of William
Craig elsewhere in this volume for ancestral
history.)

The boyhood days of our subject passed with
small event, as is common among farmer lads,
whose time is spent in the quiet routine work of the
homestead when not attending school. He con-
tinued to reside under the old rooftree until he
was grown to maturity, becoming thoroughly
familiar with all of the business of the farm.
September 29, 1875, he married Mary E. Wy-
ckoff, daughter of Christian and Eetitia (Conover)
Wyckoff. The young couple dwelt upon the old
homestead of our subject's father during the next
four years, he being busily engaged in managing
the place in the meantime. In February, 1880,
they removed to the home where they may be
found to-day. It was formerly owned by Robert
Craig, father of Henry F., and is a finely im-
proved tract of land, comprising one hundred and
eighty acres. Hereon are substantial buildings,
fences, etc., all going to make up a model place.
Mr. Craig has carried on general farming, raising
grain and fruit, and dairying to some extent. He
has a large peach orchard, and ships large quan-
tities of the fruit to the city markets annually.

One of the main aims of Mr. Craig in life is to
bring up his children to be good and useful citi-
zens of the several communities in which it may
be their lot to dwell. To this end he is giving
them excellent advantages in the way of an edu-
cation, and, aided by his good wife, the home in-
fluences surrounding them from the cradle have
been of the best. They are named in order of
birth: Edgar F., Charles W., Henry A. and
Gertrude Dunham. Charles is now a student in

HON. GEORGE M. SHIPMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

37i

Ryder's Business College in Trenton, and Henry
is attending the Delaware Academy of Delhi, N.
Y. Mr. and Mrs- Craig are members of the
Presbyterian Church in Lamiugton. Her father,
Christian Wyckoff, was born in Middlebush,
Somerset County, N. J., and removed from that
locality to this county many years ago. He is
still living, being eighty-four years of age, and is
making his home with his son, Cornelius Wyckoff,
of this township.

ON. GEORGE MARSHALL SHIPMAN.
As was his distinguished father before him,
Judge Shipman is a leading member of the
bar of Warren County, though his reputation is
not confined to the limits of the same. More
than twenty years have passed by since he was
admitted to professional practice. He is a native
of Belvidere and has spent most of his life in this
pretty and enterprising town, in the upbuild-
ing and improvement of which he takes a deep
interest.

The birth of our subject occurred April 20,
1850. He is a son of Jehial and Mary Louisa
(Morris) Shipman, whose history may be found
elsewhere in this work. In his home life he
lived in an atmosphere of literature and books.
While he had the inspiration of his father's
companionship and talents to quicken his am-
bition and his example to emulate, yet much of
his subsequent success in life has been due to
the mental and moral training imparted to him
by his mother, who is a woman of superior
mental gifts and character. Her father, Will-
iam C. Morris, was for many years prosecuting
attorney for the county of Warren, and her
mother was the daughter of the late Gen.
William Stryker, a distinguished Jerseyman.

Under the tutelage of Rev. Frederick Knigh-
ton, D. D., of Belvidere Classical Academy, the
subject of this sketch was prepared for college.

In June, 1870, at the early age of twenty years,
he graduated from Princeton, in the classical
course. He then began the study of law under
his father, and three years later was admitted to
the bar. In June, 1876, he became a counselor.
He was a partner of his father until the latter's
death, and since then has practiced alone. In
numerous civil and criminal cases in the county
annals he has been actively engaged on one side
or the other, and was connected with the noted
murder trials of Patrick Ward, Titus, Bolak,
Andrews and others. In the winter of 1898
Governor Griggs appointed him presiding judge
for the county of Warren, in the court of com-
mon pleas. Since the death of his father he has
taken his place as counsel for the Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western, the New York, Susque-
hanna & Western; the New Jersey Central and
the Lehigh and Hudson Railroads. He is a di-
rector in the East Bangor Slate Company, and a
director and attorney for the Belvidere National
Bank, vice-president of the Belvidere Water Com-
pany, director of the Warren Woodworking
Company and other large concerns. Socially
he is a member of the Easton (Pa.) Pomfret
Club. He is actively connected with the Ameri-
can Bar Association.

As a lawyer Mr. Shipman takes front rank
among the leading members of the bar of New
Jersey, and as a pleader in the higher courts of
the state, United States, district and supreme
courts, he has won distinction. His papers,
which are prepared with great thoroughness,
show broad knowledge and familiarity with the
application of the principles of law. As an ad-
vocate before court or jury, he brings to bear a
mind thoroughly trained and cultured. He is a
clear, logical and eloquent speaker, always pre-
senting his case with ability and skill. In po-
litical affiliations he is a stanch Republican and
one of the leaders of his party in the state.

June 26, 1878, Judge Shipman married Anna
Louisa Wilson, daughter of Richard D. and Mar-
garet (Stewart) Wilson, of Belvidere. They have
three children, Margaret, Jehial G. and George
M. The family are identified with the First

37^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Presbyterian Church, of which Judge Shipruan
has been a member since his boyhood; after the
death of his father he was chosen to succeed him
as a ruling elder.

R ALTIS PICKELL, a life-long resident of
l^\ Readington Township, Hunterdon County,
i J is one of her prosperous and thoroughly
practical agriculturists. In everything that bears
upon the good of the people of this locality he is
active and interested, always doing his full share
in matters of improvement or in the support of
general measures for his neighbors' welfare. He
is the owner of a desirable homestead of one hun-
dred and thirty-two acres, well improved with
substantial farm buildings, fences, etc. He aims
to keep everything about the place in a thrifty
manner, and is esteemed one of the best farmers
of this region.

Our subject was born February 6, 1832, in
Readington Township, and is a son of Abraham
and Eliza (Vorhees) Pickell. They too were
natives of Hunterdon County and were farmers
by occupation. Their family numbered eight
children, only two of whom are living at the
present time, Frances A. and the gentleman of
whom we write. The grandfather, Baltis Pickell,
was likewise born and reared in this county, and
here passed his mature life, his attention being
given to rural enterprises. His ancestors were
Holland-Dutch people, who came to America be-
fore the Revolutionary war and since then the
family has been resident in New Jersey for the
most part.

In the midst of country sights and occupations,
Baltis Pickell's early days rapidly passed away,
and before he had attained his majority he was
well equipped as a practical farmer. Such edu-
cation as he had gained was that afforded by the
district schools of his home neighborhood, to-
gether with such a fund of general information as

he had picked up by reading and observation.
From 1864 to 1876 he was engaged in the butcher
business, but has also followed farming since his
early manhood. In politics he is a Democrat.

January 6, 1861, Baltis Pickell married Alice
A. Alleger, who is of French descent, though her
ancestors settled in Hunterdon County more than
a hundred years ago. Mrs. Pickell grew to wom-
anhood in this county, and by her marriage has
become the mother of three children, viz.: John
L-, Fannie V. and Minnie. The family are all
church members, Mr. Pickell being a Methodist
and his wife a Baptist. They stand very high in
the regard of their associates, and are sterling
people in every sense.

30HN FRANKS has made his home in Phil-
lipsburg for about thirty years, and is now
agent and train dispatcher for the Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western Railroad, for this town
and also for Easton, across the river. He is act-
ively interested in several local enterprises, being
a man who believes in fostering home industries,
both in a narrow and in the wider or national
signification of the term, for he is a Republican,
and an eloquent exponent of the party principles.
He is president of the Warren County Gas Light
Company; is treasurer of the No. 4 Building and
Loan Association of Phillipsburg; is a director of
the People's Water Company of this place, and is
the owner of a paying coal business. During the
campaign preceding the election of President Gar-
field he organized a Garfield Republican Club,
paying all of the expenses incident to the main-
tenance of the same for three months, and in many
ways was of great assistance to the party. In the
fraternities he is a Mason, belonging to Inde-
pendent Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M. ; Eagle Chap-
ter No. 12, R. A. M., and DeMolay Commandery
No. 6, the two last mentioned being of Washing-
ton, this county.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

373

The birth of John Franks took place in the
town of Changewater, Hunterdon County, N. J.,
June 4, 1840. His father, George Franks, was a
native of England, and came to the United States
in 1 82 1, landing in the city of Baltimore, and lived
in that neighborhood a few years. He built the
Changewater mill and operated it in 1852.
Later he removed to Newark, where he engaged
in the manufacture of portable gas machines, and
still later he ran a mill in Stanhope, Sussex
County, N. J. In 1864, when superintendent of
the Sussex Railroad, he was killed in a collision.
His good wife, the mother of our subject, had died
twenty years before, in 1844, leaving six children.
Of these, Henry and Anna, wife of Lawrence Mc-
Kinney, are residents of Newark, N. J.; Mary,
who is unmarried, and Jennie, wife of John Clark,
reside in Washington, D. C. A brother of George
Franks is a retired officer of the British army, and
was a participant in every battle of the Crimean
war.

Leaving school when but ten years of age, John
Franks had meager opportunities of obtaining an
education, but by reading and study, as well as by
keen observation of men and events that have
come beneath his notice, he is to-day a well-
informed man. He was forced to begin earning
his own livelihood at a time when he should have
been in school, and up to 1852 he worked in his
father's mill. Afterwards he learned the trade
of a locksmith at Newark, N. J., and remained
there until 1856. From that date until the out-
break of the war he was his father's right hand
man in the Stanhope mill. In 1861 he enlisted
in Serrill's First New York Company of Engin-
eers, and served all through the long and trying
war period. He was one of the first of the white
troops to enter Richmond April 3, 1865, on the
day of the evacuation of the city by the Confeder-
ates. He was honorably discharged with the
rank of captain in July, 1865.

On returning from years of struggle and hard-
ship on southern battlefields, most men found it
difficult in the extreme to collect their scattered
business energies and to settle down to the hum-
drum ways of peace, and so it was in the case of

Mr. Franks. He was not long idle, however,
but accepted the first employment that presented
itself by which he might honestly earn his living.
He became a laborer on the tracks of the Morris
& Essex Division of the Delaware, Lackawanna
& Western Railroad. In 1866 he was promoted
to be foreman of a gang of workmen, and a little
later he was made clerk in the freight office of the
company at Hackettstown. Then he was given
a position as an extra agent, and thus, from one
place to another, he was gradually promoted, un-
til in February, 1868, he was sent to take charge
of the coal department at this point, which
handled about two thousand cars of coal a day.
In 1S72 he was given the additional work of
freight master, and in these two capacities he
served for twenty years. In 1892 he was made
agent and train dispatcher, and still occupies this
responsible post. He was married April 9, 1864,
to Isabel, daughter of Francis D. Lawrence, of
Sussex County, N. J.

ON. LAWRENCE HAGER TRIMMER.

This well and favorably known citizen of
Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County, is
one of her representative men, both in the busi-
ness and political world. When he started out
in life he was obliged to depend entirely upon his
own resources, and has advanced step by step
until he now holds a truly enviable place in the
estimation of all who have the pleasure of his
acquaintance. To his numerous financial enter-
prises we will refer later, mentioning here the
active part he has always taken in promoting the
welfare of the Democratic party, to whose plat-
form and principles he is devoted. In ac-
knowledgment of the debt that they owed him
in this regard his many political friends have
often brought forward his name as a candidate
for positions of honor and responsibility, and,
having been elected, he has ever shown the spirit

374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of unwavering fidelity to the duties thus imposed
upon him, and has sought the good of the public
rather than his own. Among the positions which
he has creditably filled are those of township
committeeman and member of the legislature.
He represented this second congressional district
in the assembly of the state in 1889, 1890 and
1 89 1, or three terms.

The Trimmer family is one of the old and
highly respected ones of New Jersey, it having
been founded here in October, 1738, by one John
Trimmer, whose first residence in America was
in Philadelphia. At his death, in January, 1749,
he left a valuable estate of three hundred acres
situated in Amwell Township, this county. His
eldest son, Matthias, had removed to German
Valley some time prior to 1748, as the records
show. He married Anna M. Neighbour, by
whom he had ten children. His death took place
in 1793. His third child, Jacob, first married A.
Mary, daughter of Christopher Kern, and their
four children were: Jacob, Christopher, George
and Matthias. The last-mentioned, the grand-
father of our subject, was born in 1785 and died
August 31, 1 85 1. He married Elsie Bodine and
had ten children, of whom Anthony, the sixth in
order of birth, was the father of L. H. Trimmer.

The birth of Anthony Trimmer occurred Febru-
ary 16, 1 S22, in Lebanon Township. During his
early years he helped with the farm work, attend-
ing school in the winters. When he was about
twenty-one he bought a farm of one hundred
and thirty acres in his native township, and car-
ried on this place until 1853, when he sold out
and invested the amount realized in a homestead
situated in Middle Valley, it being known as
the Aaron Howell farm. On this land, a tract
of two hundred and forty acres, he resided until
1874, when he rented the farm, which in 1891
was purchased by our subject. In all local affairs
Anthony Trimmer took deep interest, doing his
full share towards the advancement of the peo-
ple's welfare. For years he was a township
committeeman and an enthusiastic Democrat.
Up to the time of his death, which event occurred
in February, 1S96, and for some years previous,

he was an elder in the German Valley Presb}r-
terian Church. He married Mary, youngest
daughter of Andrew Weise, and their children
were as follows: Matthias, a business man of New
York; Andrew, of Hackettstown ; L. H., of this
sketch; Mary, wife of Jacob Hann, of Hacketts-
town; Alice, deceased wife of Dr. Levi Farrow;
Morris, who when eleven years of age fell over
a wheelbarrow while playing and broke his
neck; William S., who died of typhoid fever in
January, 1896; George B., who when about
twelve years old fell on the ice while skating and
burst a blood-vessel in his head, this causing his
death two days afterwards; Annie, wife of Charles
A. Baker, who is in business in Ledgewood;
Nellie, Mrs. E. D. Naughtright; and Charles,
who was a victim of an accident. When he was
twenty years of age he was caught between the
bumpers of some cars and his arm was crushed,
and from the resulting shock he never recovered.
Mrs. Trimmer is still living, being now in her
seventy-fifth year. She makes her home with
her daughter, Mrs. Naughtright, and is in the
enjoyment of excellent health.

Lawrence Hager Trimmer was born November
21, 1847, near his present residence. He may be
truly said to be self educated, as his advantages
were very meager when he was a boy, and it has
been mainly through his own energy that he has
become the well-informed man of the world that
he is to-day. He worked on a farm until he
reached his majority, when he turned his atten-
tion to milling, and has continued in this line of
business activity. His mill property was bought
by him in 1870 and has since been operated by
him. It is run by water-power and is now
chiefly used in the manufacture of peach baskets.
The factory is one of the largest in the county,
turning out four thousand baskets per da}'. It is
the policy of the owner to run the plant at its
fullest capacity the year round, in order to give
employment to some thirty hands, who would
otherwise have difficulty in making a livelihood,
especially in winter. In 1875 he embarked in
the lumber business, as he owned a portable mill,
and, having purchased a tract of timber, would

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

375

proceed to cut it and convert it into lumber. He
continued thus about ten years, and in 1887
bought some fine timberland near Thomasville,
Ga., but sold this two years later to the Quitman
Lumber Company.

Recentl}' Mr. Trimmer became largely inter-
ested in the Middle Valley Trap Rock & Mining
Company, which furnishes crushed stone, especi-
ally suitable for macadamized roads. The plant
and quarry are situated about a mile and a-half
from the town of Middle Valley. The rock found
here is the hardest in the state, and the plant has
a daily capacity of four hundred tons, it being
run by an engine of one hundred and fifty horse
power. The company was organized April 6,
1897, with L- H. Trimmer as president; John
Wise, vice-president; Lemuel Neighbour, treas-
urer; Silas Weise, secretary; and Philip R.
George, manager, but now the entire stock is
held by our subject and Mr. Neighbour. The
former gives his whole time to the management
of the business, which has increased to such an
extent that the New Jersey Central Railway
found it expedient to run a branch track to the
plant, though it is some distance from the main
line. The railroad has also erected a station
near the house of Mr. Trimmer, and he has had
a switch put in there at his own expense. The
name of the station is Crestmoor.

In short, Mr. Trimmer has led a very busy and
useful life, bringing to bear upon all of the
problems that have confronted him, whether in
the commercial world or elsewhere, rare good
judgment and superior executive ability. His
many and varied personal interests have not con-
sumed all of his time and attention, however, as
he has taken a commendable share in public
affairs and has strongly at heart the progress of
the community in which he dwells. Socially he
belongs to Lebanon Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M.;
Mansfield Lodge No. 42, I. O. O. F. ; Fidelity
Lodge No. 123, K. of P., and the Knights of
Honor.

February 26, 1869, Mr. Trimmer married
Elizabeth, daughter of William Dufford, of Morris
County, N.J. They have had fourteen children,

of whom six are deceased, viz.: Leila; Frank and
Olive, twins; Grace, Annie and L. H., Jr. The
eight who survive are: Edwin, who is studying
dentistry in the Philadelphia Dental College;
May and Millie D., twins, the former the wife of
W. A. Hoffman; Leona; Lamont, who is attend-
ing school in Hackettstown ; Anthony, GroverC.
and Samuel K. Mrs. Trimmer is a member of
the Lower Valley Presbyterian Church, to the
support of which her husband renders substantial
financial aid and in which he acts as one of the
trustees.

->- y- -•••:2-«><':(T,),->C-«- * -

5JEORGE L. SHILLINGER is a very in-
_ fluential business man of Phillipsburg, and
J is equally prominent in political circles of
this community. Few enterprises or industries
which have added materially to the wealth and
welfare of this place have not received his sup-
port during a long period of years, and he is
always safely counted upon to do all in his power
as a patriotic citizen in the promotion of worthy
concerns or improvements.

The perusal of the history of a man who has
risen by his own strength of character and true
merit to a high place in any locality is always
interesting, and is especially so in the case of Mr.
Shillinger of this sketch. He was born in North-
ampton County, Pa., Jul}' 10, 1857, an(l attended
the district school in the winters until he was
fourteen, when he commenced clerking in Stew-
artsville, Warren County, N. J. At the end of a
year he worked again on a farm for a time, then
was a clerk in Phillipsburg, and subsequently was
a canal boy on the Morris Canal one summer.
The following winter he went to school again,
and the next season returned to a former em-
ployer, James Gardner, working as a clerk, un-
til, at the age of nineteen, he became a partner in
the firm, and so continued three years. Then,
buying the interest of the others, he carried 011

376

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the store for eleven years, since which time he has
been a resident of Phillipsburg, and has owned a
well-equipped store here ever since. Before leav-
ing Stewartsville he served for three years as
postmaster under a Democratic administration.
At present he is a director in the Phillipsburg
silk mill, is a member of the city board of trade,
is a trustee and treasurer of the glass works here,
a stockholder in the Phillipsburg Manufacturing
Company (farm machinery) and the Furniture
Manufacturing Company, of the latter concern
having been one of the most active organizers;
also stockholder in the horse shoe works and
stockholder in the water works of Phillipsburg.

In 1894 Mr. Shillinger was elected to the posi-
tion of surrogate of Warren County, the first Re-
publican ever honored with the office in this coun-
ty, and his victory was the more marked because
his majority was sixteen hundred and forty votes.
He is a power in the ranks of his party, and has
proved a most efficient officer whenever he has
been called upon to fill public positions, as he has
frequently done. He was a school trustee in Stew-
artsville; was a freeholder here for four years, was
a director of the Warren County almshouse for
three years, and for four years was one of the com-
mittee (and chairman of the same) of the Morris
Plains asylum. In religious belief he is a Luth-
eran, and belongs to the church at Stewartsville.
He was elected as a delegate to the general synod
of the denomination, which convened in Mans-
field, Ohio, in 1890, this being an honor which is
coveted by ministers as well as laymen in the
church. In the fraternities he is connected with
the Odd Fellows, being past grand master in the
same, and is a member of the Red Men. In
January, 187S, Mr. Shillinger married Mattie,
daughter of Tunis Gardner. They have four
children, Ada, Annie, Jennie and George L.

Jacob, father of George L. Shillinger, was born
in Northampton County, Pa., July 27, 1S33.
His parents, George and Catherine (Eberlay)
Shillinger, were both natives of Germany. The
father settled on the Delaware River, in North-
ampton County, Pa., and there followed farming,
though for a time he was in the employ of the

government in the manufacture of gun-stocks.
He was a member of the Easton (Pa.) Lutheran
Church. He died in the year 1867, aged seventy-
six years, and his good wife survived him but five
years. Of their five sons, only Jacob is now liv-
ing. He was employed as a cooper for several
years in his early manhood, but since 1861 has
been interested in milling. In the fall of 1866 he,
in company with his brother-in-law, Isaac Kich-
line, bought the old mill property in Phillips-
burg, it being supplanted in 1876 by a new one.
This burned down later, and another building
was put up by the firm. After the death of his
brother-in-law, in 1877, Mr. Shillinger bought
out the interest of the heirs, and continued to
run the mill until September, 1S95, when he
rented it to his two sons, Stewart A. and Samuel
F. , who are now managing the same. Stewart
A. married Mabel Barber and Samuel F. mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of John I. Bird. The
marriage of Jacob Shillinger occurred August 10,
1856, the lady of his choice having been Louisa,
daughter of Samuel Kichline. They are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, and are most wor-
thy citizens.

(JACOB K. LEWIS, an honored old citizen of
White House, Hunterdon Count)-, is a native
Q) of Somerset County, N.J., his birth having
taken place April 20, 1838. He is the only sur-
viving child of a family of four whose parents were
Samuel and Eleanor (Layton) Lewis, both natives
of this state. Those who have died are Eveline,
Isaac and Samuel. The grandfather of our sub-
ject, Isaac Lewis, was born and always resided in
this state, but his father was a native of Holland.
The family has long been numbered among the
thrifty, industrious people of New Jersey, and
have been noted for their patriotism and loyalty.
Samuel Lewis was a prominent man in his neigh-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

377

borhood, and held man)' local positions of respon-
sibility and trust, such as assessor, collector of
taxes, poor-master, etc.

From his early recollections Jacob K. Lewis
lived on a farm, as his father conducted a good
homestead, in addition to running a tannery. He
remained in Somerset County until he came to
White House. Here he is engaged in black-
smithing and is also an undertaker. He is an
Odd Fellow, belonging to White House Lodge
No. 207, and in political affairs he is to be found
on the side of the Prohibition party, to the prin-
ciples of which he is deeply devoted. By a life of
the utmost probity, integrity and straightforward-
ness of conduct he has won the esteem and good-
will of a large circle of friends and associates. In
his business he has been prospered, and is now
well-to-do.

November 2, 1878, Jacob K. Lewis and Cathe-
rine Neff were united in marriage. Mrs. Lewis
was born and reared to womanhood in New Jersey.
She is the fourth of seven brothers and sisters,
the others being, David, John, Fannie, Abraham,
Jacob and George. Their parents were Jacob and
Elinor (Biggs) Neff, both of this state, and far-
mers by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are
valued members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and lend their influence toward the sup-
port of all worthy religious enterprises in this
vicinity. '

ROBERT FENWICK, M. D., a retired phy-
sician of Junction, Hunterdon County, is a
native of England, having been born April
14, 18 19, in the county of Durham, near New-
castle-on-Tyne. He came to America in 1842,
and since the termination of the Civil war has
made his home in this town. He received a good
general education in his native land and there
took up the study of medicine under the instruction
of a preceptor. For a time after his arrival in
this country he engaged in teaching, in the mean-

time keeping up his medical work, and at last he
entered the New York University, graduating
from the medical department with a degree in
1854.

The doctor began the practice of his profession
in Auuandale, but during the panic of 1857 he
went to Mayville, N. Y., and established himself
in business. While living there the war broke
out, and he enlisted on the three months' call, in
June, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fourth New
York Regiment. Upon his return he found three
doctors in his vacant place, and he concluded to
re-enlist in the service. He was commissioned
surgeon in the One Hundred and Forty-sixth
New York Regiment, and remained throughout
the war. He participated in the numerous en-
gagements in which the Fifth Army Corps was
concerned, including the battles of Appomattox,
Gettysburg, Antietam, Bull Run, etc. He was
not, like some of the army surgeons, safely keep-
ing himself in the rear of danger, but was noted
for the daring and bravery which he constantly
manifested, and many a narrow escape did he
have. In one instance he was in the forefront of
a battle-line, attending to a wounded soldier,
when his colonel ordered him back. He had in-
tended to take part in a charge that was planned,
but the colonel would not hear to it, and fortun-
ately he obeyed, as the charge was disastrous in
the extreme, and the poor colonel, among many
others, was killed. At the battle of the Wilder-
ness, as he was caring for a soldier in the thickest
of the struggle, a shell exploded near him, and
it would have appeared that his time had come. A
young man who was assisting him was killed,
but the piece of the shell which did the work
grazed his coat, and another fragment tore across
the back of his hand, severing all of the tendons,
this being the extent of his injuries. The wound
was very painful, and after three months had not
healed, but he returned to his post of duty, never-
theless. His regiment was then in front of
Petersburg and was greatly reduced in numbers,
owing to the terrible struggle at Cold Harbor.

The doctor was next at Weldon Railroad, and
then at Hatchies Run. At the last-mentioned

373

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

place a laughable incident occurred. Some rebels
were partaking of their evening mess in a little
hollow, when the members of a brass band, who
were returning to the Union camp, lost their way
and seeing the camp-fire drew near. The}' no
sooner perceived that the party around the fire
was of the enemy than the latter discovered them,
and there was nothing for them to do but to make
a charge. With a blast on their musical instru-
ments the Union band dashed forward, command-
ing the rebels to surrender, which they did, as
they had been taken by surprise and were un-
armed. They were greatly chagrined when they
found they had been captured by a brass band,
but they made the best of the situation, and fra-
ternized immediately after they had surrendered.

When the war clouds rolled away the doctor
returned to his interrupted practice, and at once
settled in Junction, where he had to begin at the
beginning again and laboriously build up a repu-
tation and clientage. He succeeded fairly well in
his endeavor, but found that the best energy and
endeavor of his life had been spent on the battle-
field of his adopted country. He has been con-
nected with the local Grand Army post for a
number of years, but has not recently attended
the same. He uses his franchise on behalf of the
Republican party, and is loyal to its principles,
which he believes are for the best interests of the
people.

February 9, 1849, the doctor married Sarah B.,
daughter of George and Mary Henry, of Bethle-
hem, this county. Of their children those living
are: Georgiana, born November 3, 1849, wife of
Adam Riuehart, of Pennsylvania; Fannie, Mrs.
Abraham Van Derveer, of Dover, N. J.; How-
ard, born March 7, 1853, and now a conductor
on the New Jersey Central Railroad, his home
being in Junction; Kate, born July 1, 1856,
wife of William J. Hodge, of Kearney, N. J. ;
Sarah Helen, born October 23, 1862, wife of W.
E. Smith, of Scranton, Pa., but she died March
25, 1898; Robert, Jr., born April 7, 1865, a con-
ductor on the Central Railroad, with his home
in Junction; and Barbara, born October 17, 1869,
wife of Peter Hardy, of this place; George,

born April 20, 1867, was a conductor on the
Central Railroad, and was killed at Mauch Chunk,
when in his twenty-seventh year. Mary Bertha,
born September 6, 1871, died May 31, 1895.

KEV. S. J. ROWLAND, pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church of Clinton, Hunterdon
County, is in the prime of his life and useful-
ness, and during the period that he has ministered
to the spiritual needs of this congregation he has
been blessed. His influence for good is a power
in this community beyond his own most sanguine
expectations, and his man}' quiet acts of kindness
and generosity towards the poor and needy and
suffering makes his name associated with a prayer
or blessing on the lips of many whom the world
knows not of. In his daily life he puts into active
practice the noble principles that he teaches, and
this it is that raises him to an exalted place in the
estimation of all who know him.

The parents of the above are James and Mar-
garet (McNeily) Rowland, natives of Delaware
County, N. Y. , and Ireland, respectively. The
father has been a life-long agriculturist, a good
and patriotic citizen, a kind neighbor and friend,
and a tender husband and father. His wife came
to America with her parents when she was a child
and was reared to womanhood in Delaware County,
N. Y. The worthy couple, though now advanced
in years, are still in the enjoyment of perfect
health and the possession of all their faculties.

Rev. S.J. Rowland was born in West Kortright,
Delaware County, N. Y., November 17, 1852, and
obtained his primary school education in the pub-
lic ones of that locality. Later it was his privilege
to attend the Delaware Literary Institute in Frank-
lin, and afterwards he was a student in Stanford.
In 1873 he matriculated in Princeton College,
graduating from that institution of learning four
years subsequently. He then entered the theolog-
ical seminary at Princeton, where he completed

JOHN GRANDIN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

38i

the required course of study in 1880. During the
vacations and intervals in his collegiate career the
young man engaged in teaching, meeting with
success in that line of work. Having been admit-
ted to the ministerial office he was placed in charge
of a congregation in Dayton, N. J., and at the end
of two years and a-half of earnest endeavor in that
field he was transferred to Fayetteville, N. Y.
In 1884 he came to his present pastorate, where
he has been a very active and zealous worker in
the Master's vineyard.

August 6, 1884, the marriage of Mr. Rowland
and Miss Sadie B. Schneck, a charming and
accomplished young lady of Dayton, N. J., was
solemnized. She is a daughter of the well-known
citizen of that place, George W. Schneck. A son
and daughter blessed the union of our subject and
wife, called respectively, Reginald and Nina.

*J=^£

30HN GRANDIN. The life of a good man
has an influence that is very far-reaching, an
influence that cannot be estimated, and truly,
"their works do follow them." When the pil-
grim is worn and wearied with the struggles of
life's battlefield the gentle angel of death bids
him rest from his labors and enter into his reward.
Among the men whose upright, noble lives helped
to uplift and better humanity in the community
in which their lot was cast was numbered for
years the worthy citizen whose name is placed at
the beginning of this review. He was a native of
Hunterdon County, his birth having taken place
upon the old homestead where his father had
settled in the latter part of the last century. His
birthplace was the old farm house in Hamden
that had been erected by his senior, and this
building is still standing in a fair state of preser-
vation.

The Grandin family originated in France, those
of the name in this country being descendants of
Daniel Grandin, who emigrated to America from

France about 1725 and located in Monmouth, N.
J. His sons, John and Philip, later removed to
Hunterdon County, where they purchased an es-
tate of some one thousand acres. They followed
agricultural pursuits and also built a milling
property, where they manufactured cloth, the en-
tire surrounding country being supplied from
this source in early days. The water right of
this mill was granted in 1752 and transferred to
them in 1759. No family occupied so prominent
a place in the early history of this section, and
their influence was potential in shaping the early
commercial, social and religious life of this com-
munity.

In his boyhood and youth John Grandin made
the best of his opportunities, which were meager
enough, at least in an educational way, for the
schools of that day were of little account in the
sparsely settled districts of the country. He
early learned the practical duties of agriculture,
and when he arrived at a suitable age he em-
barked in business for himself. As the years
passed he took a place among the enterprising
and successful farmers of the time, and gained
for himself a reputation for fairness, justice and
strict integrity of word and deed that was worth
more than mere worldly possessions, and is a
legacy of which his children were justly proud.
He was quiet and unassuming, attending to his
own affairs, and whenever the chance came in his
way, was ready and glad to lend a helping hand
to a neighbor or to the poor. Nature gifted him
with a keen, quick intellect, and he frequently
did notary work or other things which the
ordinary man of his period felt himself incapable
of attempting. His long and useful career was
brought to a close January 13, 1884, and his
memory is cherished by the hosts of friends whom
he had endeared to himself by his noble qualities.

September 17, 1S16, the marriage of Mr.
Grandin and Elizabeth H. Reading was solemn-
ized. Together they passed along the rugged
journey of life, sharing each other's burdens and
pleasures until the beloved wife and mother was
summoned to the silent land, October 14, 1842.
Thenceforth the bereaved husband pursued his

*S2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

routine of work and effort alone for over forty years,
but was ever cheered by the thought that in a
little while, after all, they should be reunited, to
part no more. Their union was blessed with five
children, viz.: Daniel, Mary, Elizabeth, Dr. John
F. and Jane E. Of the entire family only the
youngest, Miss Jane, survives. She is a lady of
most lovable characteristics, a sincere Christian,
and a valued worker in the Presbyterian
Church. Her home has been in the town of
Clinton for a number of years, and in this lo-
cality she has numerous friends, who esteem her
most highly.

•♦•>»;N0>>^> — t— s-

[~~ RANCIS ROBERT LEE. The life which
f3 this narrative sketches was spent inHunter-
| f don County, where it began in 1S02 and
closed in 1892. Spared to attain an age which
few reach, Mr. Lee did not, with advancing 3rears,
lose his interest in his fellow-men, but retained to
the last the progressive spirit that had character-
ized him when in his prime. The latter part of
his life was quietly passed in Baptistown, where
he and his family were surrounded by the com-
forts his industry had accumulated and rendered
possible. The majority of his co-workers have
passed away, but he is remembered by the pres-
ent generation as a man of worth of character
and unflinching honesty.

William Lee, father of our subject, was born in
1752 and throughout life followed the calling of
a teacher, having charge of schools in different
parts of Hunterdon County. In early years he
identified himself with the Presbyterian Church,
with which he remained connected until his death,
at the age of eighty years. By his marriage to
Mary McCollom, he had a family often children,
but all of these are now deceased. Francis Rob-
ert was reared near Patteuburg and when quite
young turned his attention to farming, which he
made his lifework. In 1833 he purchased the

farm situated one mile from Baptistown and now
owned by his children. There he made his
home for thirty-five years, engaged in the culti-
vation of the place. Finally, however, he re-
tired from active labor, and removed to the vil-
lage of Baptistown, where he resided until his
death, thirty years later.

When the Republican party was organized Mr.
Lee became one of its adherents, being a support-
er of the theory of protection of home industries.
Later, however, realizing the injury wrought
by the liquor traffic, he became a Prohibitionist,
and ever after gave his allegiance to the party
pledged to oppose the saloon. In the Baptist
Church he served as a deacon for half a century
and his conduct was always consistent with his
profession as a Christian. To that church also
belonged his wife, Esther, daughter of Joseph
and Susan Dalrymple, and a woman of estimable
character. She passed away at the age of seven-
ty-five, some 3'ears before her husband's death.
Of their eight children three are now living.
Ann H., who resides in Baptistown; Mary, wife
of Archibald Trout; and Elizabeth, Mrs. J. M.
Pittinger. The deceased children were named
William, Joseph, Samuel, Sarah and Charles M.,
the latter being a young man of superior ability,
a graduate of Geneva (N. Y.) College and after-
ward a practicing physician at Ringoes, Hunter-
don County, until his death at thirty-two. He
married Caroline Waldron, of New York state,
and they became the parents of a son, Charles M.
W. , who is now a medical student in Philadel-
phia.

Gl NDREW J. REEVES, who for over three
1 I decades has been numbered among the
J J leading citizens of Junction, Hunterdon
County, has taken great interest in everything
pertaining to the upbuilding and development of
the place. He was very prominently connected
with the movement which resulted in the incor-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

333

poration of Junction asaborough, which measure
has been of undoubted benefit to this community,
in that the taxes have been reduced and more
local improvements inaugurated than ever before
were feasible. Since then he has been a member
of the council, and has been noted for his favoring
of all things in the way of progress. He votes
the Democratic ticket, and has officiated as a
committeman for a number of 3rears.

The birth of A. J. Reeves took place in the
township of Lebanon, in this county, February
14, 1835. His father, George Reeves, was a na-
tive of England, coming from his former home
direct to Hunterdon County, and here spending
the remainder of his days. He followed farming
in Bethlehem Township for years prior to his
death, which event occurred in 1858. He was a
Democrat politically, and in religion was a Meth-
odist, being a trustee in the church. For his
wife he chose Margaret Henry, of this county,
and of the five children born to them three are
now living. Henry E. is a resident of Fleming-
ton and John C. makes his home in Clinton. Will-
iam C, who lived to maturity, and Sylvester,
who died while young, are the two who have been
called to the silent land.

In his youth our subject had small advantages
in an educational way, but made the best of such
as he had, and in time became the well-informed
man that he is to-day, mainly by reading and
practical experience in the business world. When
he was about eighteen years of age he left home
and began learning the trade of a shoemaker. At
this calling he was employed several years in
different places prior to coming to Junction.
After coming to this place he conducted a
boot and shoe store, which he carried on for
twenty-six years. He sold out his stock in 1896,
since which time, in order not to be idle, he does
repairing. He was careful of his means, making
a practice of laying aside a portion of his earnings,
and from time to time investing his funds judi-
ciously. In this manner he gained a foothold
financially , and for a number of years he was a
director of the Clinton National Bank, and still
holds considerable stock in that well-known insti-

tution. In 1867 he settled in Junction, where he
owns some property and has built several houses.
The cause of education finds in him a sincere
champion, and he is ever to be- found on the side
of better facilities for the rising generation. His
services, during the fourteen years that he has
been a member of the board of education here,
have had a beneficial effect upon our local school
system in many respects. Since 1890 he has been
treasurer of Minerva Lodge No. 60, I. O. O. F.,
of Junction, and is also identified with Hero En-
campment No. 42.

March 6, 1867, Mr. Reeves was united in mar-
riage with Adeline Rinehart, whose father was
the late Peter Rinehart, of Bethlehem Township.
The only child of our subject and his estimable
wife is Carrie, now the wife of Dr. W. J. Hardy,
of Belmont, Allegany County, N. Y.

Gl UGUSTUS HINKEL is a worthy represent-
LJ ative of the Fatherland, which country has
J J contributed much toward the development
and prosperity of New Jersey, through her vigor-
ous, true-principled sons, who have made this
their adopted country and home, and have given
of their sturdy manhood to advance civilization.
This gentleman of whom we write has been
a resident of Lebanon, Hunterdon County, for
the past twenty-two years, and during this period
has lent his influence to the support of all enter-
prises calculated to accrue to the lasting benefit
of the town.

A son of Frank and Mary Hinkel, our subject
was born in the province of Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, March 19, 1849, and was educated in
the schools of his native land. He served an ap-
prenticeship of three years as a blacksmith, and
when but seventeen he, in company with two
other youths of about the same age, left home
and sailed for America, the land of promise.
Going to Philadelphia, where he had some distant

384

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

relatives whom he had never seen, Augustus
Hinkel thus made his start in the New World in
the Quaker city. He had all of the disadvan-
tages which confront the stranger in a strange
laud, the unknown language, the lack of friends
and influence, and he was, moreover, almost with-
out funds. He had a brave heart and willing
hands, however, and it was not long ere he had
gained a footing, from which time onward the
way was easier. He followed his trade in Phila-
delphia for about a year, then going to New Ger-
mautown, Hunterdon County. There he worked
as a journeyman several years, and in 1875 he
embarked in business on his own account, by pur-
chasing his employer's shop. He did general
blacksmith work, painting and repairing vehicles
and similar work.

In 1876 Mr. Hinkel sold out his business in
New Germantown, and removing to Lebanon,
bought out David Brown, rebuilding the shop,
enlarging and increasing its capacity as his in-
creasing trade demanded. He is a thorough me-
chanic, being master of his trade, and at present
does some manufacturing in addition to job work.
His wife's father, George N. Apgar, formerly car-
ried on the same shop originally established by
his father, Henry Apgar, and in addition to this
ran an undertaking establishment. Five years
ago Mr. Hinkel, in company with Peter S. Niper,
opened an undertaking business, and is still in-
terested in the same. In political matters he is a
Democrat. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging
to Stewart Lodge No. 34, of Clinton, and also is
a member of Vesper Lodge No. 239, I. O. O. F. ,
of Lebanon.

While a resident of New Germantown Mr. Hin-
kel was first married, his wife being Ernestine
Kern, who, like himself, was a native of Ger-
man}'. They became the parents of two children:
Ernestine, who died in infancy, and Mary, now
the wife of Gustav Eleert, of Newark. The lady
who now bears the name of our subject was for-
merly Alma Apgar, of this vicinity, and daughter
of George N. Apgar. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkel are
members of the Reformed Church of this place,
he having held a number of official positions in

the congregation. He deserves great credit for
the success he has attained, as it is the result of
his years of honest, industrious toil and sturdy
purpose to win in the way he had marked out for
himself.

'HEODORE MILLER, M. D. For about a
quarter of a century this successful physi-
cian has been established in a large and
constantly growing practice in Califon, Hunter-
don Count}'. During the five years just elapsed
he has made a specialty of gynecology or the
diseases of women, and has been particularly
fortunate in his dealings in this branch of medical
science. From his early student days he has
been unremitting in his researches, as he is of the
class of progressive men who are not satisfied
to stand still, but are ever pressing onward to
greater success and wider knowledge in the
chosen field of their efforts. Besides attending
to the demands of his profession the doctor has
owned and carried on a well-equipped drug store
here, but of late his time has been so fully oc-
cupied that he has placed in charge of the store
his nephew, Dr. John Miller, who is his right
hand assistant in many ways.

The paternal grandparents of our subject are
John and Mary L. (Lane) Miller. The former
was a native of England, came to America when
a young man and thenceforth dwelt in the
neighborhood of Flemington, N. J. His wife
was born in New York City and was a descendant
of Anne Kajans, a well-known character in the
history of New York state. The children of
John and Mary (Lane) Miller were: Charles, of
Flemington; John, Jr., and Phoebe, who became
the wife of Acker Moore, of Sand Brook, Hunter-
don County. John Miller, Sr., was a blacksmith
by trade, and followed that calling in Morris
County until late in life, when he removed to
Califon, here passing his declining days. He
died in 18S2, being survived six years by his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

385

faithful wife, and they lie side by side in Tower
Valley Cemetery. In her girlhood Mrs. Miller
was Mary L- Ribbons. Of their children the fol-
lowing survive: Ada, wife of John Apgar, of
Califou; Theodore; Dr. Henry H., of Lebanon;
Jacob N., a farmer of this locality; John B., a
blacksmith in Powell, N. J.; Leonard F., of
Califon; Morris, a resident of Stephenburg, N. J.,
and father of Dr. John Miller, previously men-
tioned; and Charles, a retired merchant of this
place.

The birth of Dr. Theodore Miller took place
August 16, 1853, in Middle Valley, and in his
boyhood he helped his father dutifully at the forge
and in many other ways. He was of a studious
turn of mind and seemed gifted by nature with
unusual ability. He early determined to have a
first-class education, and after leaving the com-
mon schools he entered Stoutenburg Seminary,
at Schoolish Mountain, N. J. Later he was a
pupil in the Collegiate Institute in Matawan,
and when he was but sixteen he obtained a school
and for the next four years taught with very
marked success. In the meantime he was him-
self a student, reading medical works under the
tutelage of Dr. J. S. Lindabury, of Mouutainville,
for three years. After pursuing a course in the
New York University he graduated therefrom in
the spring of 1873. He immediately opened an
office for practice in Califon, and has been here
up to the present time. His reputation has be-
come more than local and he ranks high in the
estimation of his brother-physicians.

In the fraternities the doctor is identified with
Fidelity Lodge No. 122, K. of P., of which he is
a charter member; he is also a Mason, belonging to
Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. &. A. M., of Clinton.
Politically he is a Democrat. Both he and his
wife are connected with Lower Valley Presbyte-
rian Church. His first marriage was with Emma
G. Welsh, daughter of David Welsh, and to this
union one child, Nellie, was born. Her mother
died in October, 1878, since which time she has
lived with her grandparents. October 5, 1882,
the doctor married Carrie N. Leigh, whose
parents were Gabriel and Hannah R. (Latowrette)

Leigh, of Potterstown, N. J. Three children
were born to our subject and wife, Carrie; two
died in early childhood and their sole surviving
child is Clare. They have a pleasant home and
take genuine delight in entertaining within its
hospitable walls their hosts of friends.

3 AMES P. GARY. The record of the Gary
family shows that it was founded in America
by four brothers who came from Scotland
and settled, one in Maryland, another in South
Carolina, the third in Georgia, and Peter (our
subject's ancestor) near Croton, in New Jersey.
Among the other pioneer settlers they were
known for their integrity of character and energy
of disposition. Peter Gary, Jr., a son of the
original pioneer, spent his entire life in the neigh-
borhood of Croton, where he was known as the
rake maker. He died when about fourscore
years of age. His son, Mahlon, who was born
near Croton, learned the wheelwright's trade in
youth, and this he followed until his death, at the
age of forty-five. He chose as his wife Sarah,
daughter of William and Rachel (Evans) Case;
she was a life-long adherent of the Baptist faith
and was a woman of much sweetness of heart and
sincerity of character. Her life was prolonged
beyond the usual span of existence, closing when
she was ninety-one years of age. Of her eight
children four are now living, namely: Mary, who
is the widow of John Madison; Peter, who resides
in Raritan, N. J.; James P.; and Ruth, wife of
C. Philhour.

At the family homestead in Raritan, near Cro-
ton, the life here sketched began in 1S26. Until
sixteen years of age the boy remained on the
home farm, but in 1842 he went to Washington,
Warren County, and there learned the wheel-
wright's trade, which he followed for some time.
For seven years he was an employe in a machine
shop at Ouakertown. In 1856, coming to Bap-

;S6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tistown, he bought his present homestead, a farm
of fifty acres, situated in Kingwood Township,
and in 1867 he increased his possessions by the
purchase of the William Roberson farm of eighty-
one acres. He has carried on farm pursuits and
the wheelwright's trade since 1857, ar>d ^as
been quite successful financially.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Gary has been
chosen on his party ticket to occupy a number of
responsible local offices. For five years he was
justice of the peace and from 1870 until 1874 he
held the position of postmaster at Baptistown,
both of which he filled in a manner satisfactory
to all and indicative of his ability and intelli-
gence. He and his family attend the Baptist
Church, in the work of which he is interested and
to which he is a contributor. In 1856 occurred
his marriage to Miss Elizabeth L. , daughter of
Samuel and Mary Ann (Leonard) Dalrymple.
Four children bless their union: William; Mary
E., wife of John R. Sutton; Mahlon G.; and
Frank L. , who are engaged in the mercantile bus-
iness at Reaville, Hunterdon Count}'.

-:- }-• ■♦;2-iH@K •-!<♦• < "'■-

HORATIO P. MILBERN is the proprietor of
the Pattenburg Hotel, in Pattenburg, Hun-
terdon County, having had charge of it
since the spring of 1890, when he became its pur-
chaser. The house is a large, well-appointed
structure, affording pleasant and ample accom-
modations to the traveling public. Since he as-
sumed the management he has renovated and re-
furnished a large share of the rooms, making
many improvements and greatly raising the stand-
ard of the establishment.

Few men have led a more eventful and busy
life. For over a quarter of a century Mr. Mil-
bern was occupied in railroad construction, and
hi the discharge of his manifold duties was em-
ployed in nearly every state and territory of the
Union, the sole exceptions being New Hamp-

shire, Vermont, Florida and Washington. Among
the railroads which he assisted in building is the
Union Pacific and among the varied departments
of labor in which he was employed are stationary
engineer, foreman of steam-shovel gang, steam-
pumps, etc. etc. In the early part of 1890 he
determined to settle down, as he was about tired
of the numerous moves which he was always
having to make, owing to the nature of his em-
ployment, and, having seen all portions of this
fair land and dwelt in scores of towns, he yet
preferred to return to the county of his birth, to
pass his remaining years among the familiar
scenes of his youth.

The eldest of six children who survive of a
family originally numbering eleven, H. P. Mil-
bern was born March 10, 1840, in Reaville, Hun-
terdon County. His parents were Joseph and
Catherine (Carkuff) Milbern, and his surviving
brothers and sisters are: Nancy, wife of Mahlon
Smith, of Nebraska; Sarah, wife of Bishop Smith,
of Jersey City; Margaret, Mrs. John Hand, of
Glen Gardner; Jonas, a machinist of New Durham;
and Lycurgus, a railroad man of New Durham.
The early advantages of our subject, especially
in the way of an education, were extremely
meager. He began to earn his own living when
but nine years old by working for neighboring
farmers and from the time that he was seventeen
has been entirely dependent upon his own re-
sources. When the war broke out he enlisted in
Company H, Third New Jersey Infantry, and at
the end of three months, the term of his enlist-
ment, he returned to the service, becoming a
private in Company G, Thirtieth New Jersey
Regiment. During the following nine months he
participated in the numerous and ofttimes disas-
trous battles in which his regiment was con-
cerned, among these being that of the first Bull
Run conflict. He was wounded in that memor-
able battle but remained in the ranks, doing gal-
lant service in behalf of the stars and stripes he
has ever held dear. Afterwards began his rail-
road experience, which extendend up to eight
years ago, when he justly felt that his arduous
and active career should begin to flow in more

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

387

peaceful channels. The boys who wore the blue
and fought under the same flag with himself have
always maintained a warm place in his heart,
and since locating here he has joined the Lam-
bert Boeman Post No. 48, G. A. R., of Fleming-
ton. In his political faith he has always been a
Democrat.

The first marriage of Mr. Milbern was cele-
brated March 9, 1863, when Miss Catherine
Hoagland became his wife. They had two chil-
dren, but both died and the mother followed
them to the better land August 8, 1890. The
present wife of our subject was formerly Rosie J.
Lake, a daughter of John Lake, whose home is
near Flemington. Mr. and Mrs. Milbern have
one child, Lizzie. Mrs. Milbern is a member of
the German Reformed Church.

(3AMUEL J. CARHART, proprietor of a
j\ general store in Annandale, Hunterdon
C*y County, is a man who has risen from an
humble position to a place where he commands
the respect and admiration of all. By his own
individual effort, by honest hard work and un-
tiring perseverance at whatever he undertook he
gradually made a place for himself, and is now
numbered among the well-to-do and influential
citizens of this county. Not only in the com-
mercial field, but in the social circles of this town
as well, he is welcomed and popular. He is an
Odd Fellow, connected with Stuart Lodge No.
154, of Trenton, belongs to the German Valley
Encampment and to the Knights of the Golden
Eagle and is identified with Mutual Lodge No. 64,
Knights of the Golden Chain, of Trenton.

S. J. Carhart was born December 5, 1852, in
Springfield Farm, near Calvert, Cecil County,
Md. His father, Larison J., was a native of
Pennsylvania, but for a number of years has been
a prosperous farmer of Maryland. Of the four
children born to himself and wife, Demaris C.

Hambleton, only two are still living. Our sub-
ject was but thirteen years old when he lost his
mother, and the home was broken up. He went
to live with an uncle, Capt. Samuel Bonnell, near
Clinton, remaininig with that worthy man until
he was in his twentieth year. His education
was obtained in the common schools and Clinton
Academy. Upon entering the business world he
found employment as a traveling salesman for a
Geneva nursery company of Geneva, N. Y., for
two years, after which, about 1877, ne located at
Newtown, Pa., and was foreman of a nursery
company there four years. His next employ-
ment was with William Daltou & Co., of
Trenton, N. J. This great concern, dealing in
wholesale groceries, do an annual business of
about a $1 ,000,000.

Young Carhart commenced with them in an
inferior position at small wages, and gradually
worked his way up until he occupied one of the
most responsible posts in the management. This
was due to the faithfulness he manifested and his
steady application to business, but his health be-
came somewhat impaired by this very means,
and he at last resigned. He bought a stock of
goods at Middle Valley soon afterwards, and con-
ducted a store there successfully five and a-half
years. In addition to carrying on this business
he also ran a coal yard for a time with profit. In
1893 he sold out his former ventures and re-
moved to Annandale, where he purchased the in-
terest of his predecessor and put in a clean stock
of goods. Here he has done remarkably well,
and his trade is constantly on the increase. In
the best sense of the term he is a natural financier
and business man, far-seeing, methodical, punct-
ual in meeting all obligations, obliging and
courteous to one and all. One needs but to step
inside of his well-appointed place of business to
form a good idea of the volume of his custom, as
a scene of bustling activity is always presented to
the observer. In political matters he is a Re-
publican.

October 14, 1875, Mr. Carhart married Lucinda
Gano, daughter of John Gano, of Norton, Hunt-
erdon County. He was a successful farmer, and

;88

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Carhart had
four sons living, viz. : John B. , Arthur I. and
Oliver A. , twins, and Leon. Another infant son
was claimed by death, and also the only little
girl. Mary D., who died when in her twelfth
year. The parents are members of the Methodist
Church of Lebanon, are active in Sunday-school
and Christian Endeavor work and are liberal con-
tributors to the general funds of these depart-
ments. Mr. Carhart is a member of the official
board of the congregation, and has been president
of the Endeavor Society.

(7JANFORD R. TOMSON, numbered among
C\ the prosperous and practical agriculturists of
\~J Union Township, Hunterdon County, is
the sterling citizen whose name stands at the be-
ginning of this memoir. He has devoted his life
to agriculture, and is a man of wide experience
in everything pertaining to the management of a
farm. From boyhood he has enjoyed the free out-
door life of the countryman, the independence
that is the heritage of the tiller of the soil, in a
much greater degree than of any other class.

A son of E. Tomson, proprietor of the Clinton
Hotel, our subject was born in Warren County,
N. J., January 27, 1859, and spent his boyhood
and youth in his native state. He was given the
advantages of a public-school education, becom-
ing well informed on the more practical branches
of knowledge. When he was eighteen he con-
cluded that he would try his fortunes in the west,
which held out flattering inducements to the
young man starting out upon a business career.
Going to Des Moines Count)', Iowa, he was there
engaged in farming for a period of three years,
after which he removed to Henry County.
Buying eighty acres near the county-seat,
Mount Pleasant, he devoted himself to the
cultivation and improvement of- the place until
1894, when he sold it and returned to his old

home. He became the owner of what was known
as the Capt. Samuel Bonnell farm, a tract of two
hundred and four acres, and has since given his
attention to the raising of the crops commonly
grown in this region. He makes a specialty of
raising thoroughbred Poland-China hogs, and
keeps a large number. By industrious applica-
tion and unwearying effort he has acquired a com-
petence before reaching middle life, and is justly
entitled to the high position of respect in which
he is held by his associates and neighbors. He
has never aspired to public office, and merely does
his duty as a voter, giving his ballot to the
nominees of the Republican party.

While making his home in Iowa Mr. Tomson
met the lady whom he subsequently married,
January 19, 1SS1. She was formerly Alveretta
Stivers, daughter of John and Sarah (Vander-
mark) Stivers. A native of Illinois, she was
born in Lawrence County, and lived there until
she was about thirteen years of age, when she
went to the home of her grandfather Vandermark,
in Des Moines County, Iowa, there attaining
maturity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tomson are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Clinton, and for three years the former has been
a trustee of the congregation. He is interested
in whatever makes for the advancement and sub-
stantial progress of the community in which he
dwells, and is a true patriot, giving his influence
to righteousness. In the family of himself and
wife there are five bright, promising children,
viz.: Annie, Emanuel (named for his paternal
grandfather), Ora Alice, Bessie and Lester.

cJEORGE N. CLARK was born upon the old

_ homestead in Clinton Township, Hunterdon

J County, which he now owns and operates.

He is thoroughly known in this neighborhood,

and to his praise be it said, that no citizen of the

community is more highly esteemed. He posses-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

39i

ses the enthusiasm and energy of early manhood,
and at the same time is practical and far-seeing to
a marked degree. In the advancement of the best
interests of this locality he ever strives to do his
.full share, and any measure worthy of the public
support is certain to receive his influence and
ballot.

The Clark family to which our subject belongs
is an old and honored one in Connecticut. His
grandfather, Samuel J., was born in that state
and is still living, though well along in years,
his home being in Germantown, Hunterdon
County, N. J. The parents of George N. Clark
are George and Annie (Dane) Clark, natives of
New Jersey. (See their sketch, which appears
elsewhere in this volume. )

As previously mentioned our subject is a native
of this township, the date of his birth being May
22, 187 1. After receiving an elementary educa-
tion in the district schools of the neighborhood
he finished his higher education in the classical
school in Somerville, N. J., then pursuing a busi-
ness course in Stewart's Commercial College, of
Trenton, N. J. From boyhood he had been ac-
customed to aid in the manifold duties of farm
management with his father. On completing his
education he returned to agricultural pursuits,
which he enjoyed much more than city or town
life. He remained on the home farm until the
spring of 1895, when he took possession of the
Ramsey homestead formerly owned by his great-
grandmother Rarnse3\ There are one hundred
and ten acres in the place, which is finely adapted
to general farming purposes. Mr. Clark makes a
specialty of dairying, keeps about twenty-five
cows, and makes a comfortable' income from this.,
source alone. A creamery, founded and con-
ducted by his father, is situated near, in fact, be-
ing located upon apart of the farm. The matter
of peach growing is a favorite hobby with him,
for he owns a fine orchard of twenty-five acres of
trees.

October 12, 1893, Mr. Clark married Susie,
daughter of David C. and Anna (LaRue) Sharp,
who died January 14, 1895. December 23, 1897,
he married his second wife, Margaret, daughter

of Joseph and Susan (Johnson) Ramsey, of Ham-
den. They are members of the Reformed Church
of Lebanon. For two years he has been the treas-
urer of the society of Christian Endeavor, and he
is also identified in Sunday-school work. He is
connected with the order of Odd Fellows, being a
member of Vesper Lodge No. 239, of Lebanon,
and in his political relations he is affiliated with
the Democratic party. Gifted by nature and
training with excellent business qualifications,
Mr. Clark is steadily advancing along the high-
way leading to success; and, judging by what he
has already accomplished, it is safe to predict for
him a bright and promising future.

UTHER HOFFMAN is the proprietor of the
C Lebanon Stock Farm, situated in Clinton
~) Township, Hunterdon County. This place
is the old family homestead, where he was born,
reared to manhood and has spent his whole life.
He has had a very active, successful career, re-
plete with prosperous business ventures and invest-
ments. He has been particularly judicious, far-
seeing and energetic in the management of his
affairs and his public spirit has redounded to the
benefit of the people of this neighborhood in large
measure.

Grandfather Henry Hoffman was a Hollander
by birth and was a settler in this county in the
latter part of the eighteenth century. His son,
William H., father of our subject, was born here
in 1800, and in 1822 he married Anna Van Fleet.
Soon afterwards he bought the property now owned
by his son Luther. He started without means and
by the help of his faithful wife accumulated a
goodly estate. He was very-industrious and am-
bitious, and when death put an end to his labors
he was the owner of about five hundred acres of
well-improved land. He was a member of the
Reformed Church in his last years, and contrib-
uted liberally to benevolences. He died January

39-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3, 1863, at the old home, where his wife continued
to dwell until she, too, received the summons,
October 4, 1884. A brother of his was the well-
known Judge Jacob H. Hoffman, who for many
years served as judge of the court of common
pleas and was a prominent figure in the eyes of
the public.

Luther Hoffman was born November 1, 1839,
and is the only surviving son born to his parents,
the others, Henry and John, being deceased. A
sister, Elizabeth, is the widow of George P.
Young, of Lebanon; Mary A. is the wife of Abra-
ham B. Van Fleet, of Somerset County; Cather-
ine is the widow of Ross J. Shurts; and Jane is
the wife of John H. Krymer, of Plainfield, N. J.
In his boyhood our subject received an ordinary
education and with his father he learned the de-
tails of farming, in time succeeding to the man-
agement of the homestead.

December 11, 1861, Mr. Hoffman married Em-
ma, daughter of William G. Alpaugh. She was
born in the town of Clinton in 1841, and both
her parents were likewise natives of this county.
After their marriage the young couple settled
down upon the farm here, and have since been
interested in dairying, as well as in general agri-
culture. About 1875 Mr. Hoffman built a cream-
ery and engaged in buying, selling and shipping
milk in large quantities. He was among the first
in this vicinity to recognize the merits of this line
of enterprise, and in 1881 he, in company with
George Clark (elsewhere spoken of in this work)
organized a company and started a creamery in
Middle Valley, N. J. The milk gathered in that
locality was the first shipped over the High Bridge
branch of the New Jersey Central Railroad. Mr.
Clark is still in partnership with him in the sale
of creamery products and brewers' grains, in
which they do a profitable business.

Perhaps more than any other man in this neigh-
borhood, Mr. Hoffman has advanced the grade of
the stock raised. In 1890 he brought here a car-
load of Clydesdale horses, among them the famous
prize-winner, Drumskeoch, No. 6696, registered.
Years ago he started in the enterprise of raising
road horses and always keeps a few fine animals

on his farm. Of late years he has devoted a large
part of his time to the raising of Jersey stock and
road horses, his enterprise in this direction easily
placing him among the leaders in these industries
in his section. About 1880 he also became inter-
ested in the breeding of Poland-China hogs, and
now owns a number of recorded swine of this va-
riety. In conjunction with his numerous other
business ventures he raises fine peaches; has over
three thousand trees, and all of the most select
kinds.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are both active and val-
ued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Lebanon. He joined the denomination when
he was a young man of twenty years, and was
one of the prime movers in the building of the
Lebanon Church and is a charter member of the
congregation. Since then he has been an officer
in the church and for years was superintendent of
the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Republi-
can; has been an active worker for the cause, and
with the exception of the few years that he held
the position of committeeman he has never occu-
pied any public place. The only child of Mr. and
Mrs. Hoffman was Jennie W. , who was born Oc-
tober 23, 1873, and died September 24, 1887.
She was of a very sweet and lovable disposition
and her presence was like a ray of sunshine in
her home.

61 LPHEUS C. YOUNG is a successful farmer
LA of Readington Township, Hunterdon County,
/ I and though past threescore and ten years
is still hale and hearty and active in mind and
body. He has always resided in this county, and
was born within its boundaries in the year 1826.
His family have long been numbered among the
leading people of this portion of New Jerse}-, and
have been noted for characteristics of industry,
uprightness and genuine worth.

The parents of our subject were natives of
Hunterdon County and lived upon a farm. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

393

father, John R. Young, was a man of influence
and was held in great respect in his own com-
munity, frequently being called upon to hold
local offices. To himself and wife, Elizabeth
(Hill) Young, there were born nine children, and
but two of the number survive. Newton K. , the
only living brother of our subject, makes his home
in Pennington, N. J.

A. C. Young is a man of good education and
general attainments. He was a pupil in the
district schools, and was not content with such
learning as was to be gained under the old style
system of training, but aided thereto by private
study and reading. In 1849 he married Ellen A.
Phillips, who was born in Somerset County, N.
J., and the only child of this union was William
H, now in Mexico. The mother died June 13,
1S80, at the age of fifty-eight years.

In December, 1882, Mr. Young married
Elizabeth V. Phillips, a sister of his first wife,
but death claimed her December 16, 1S85, when
she was in her fifty-fifth year. December 4,
1886, our subject married the lady who now bears
his name. She was formerly Margaret C. (Skull)
Breece, is of English ancestry, and a native of
Atlantic County, N. J. She is a member of the
Reformed Church of White House Station, Hunt-
erdon County.

From 1869 to 1876 Mr. Young was engaged in
the commission business in New York City with
fair success. Afterwards he devoted himself ex-
clusively to farming for several years, and then
became interested in dealing in fertilizers, in con-
nection with his other enterprises. In his polit-
ical relations he is a Democrat.

-f— » »>*3®1§§I®<*<>-

(SYLVESTER VANSYCLE, M. D., has been
7\ actively engaged in practice in Clinton,
\Z/ Hunterdon County, for over forty-five years
and long since took a place among the rep-
resentative physicians of western New Jersey.

In every possible manner he has shown his inter-
est in local progress, has aided by his means and
influence worthy industries and institutions.
Among other concerns in which he has money
invested was the Clinton Bank, of which he was
a director for some years.

A native of Union Township, this county, the
doctor was born in 1826, his parents having been
Aaron and Mary (Bird) Vansycle. They were
both likewise of this county, and spent their lives
here. Aaron Vansycle was a merchant and
speculator in land, and was quite successful in
his many ventures. He was affiliated with the
Democratic party, and was never prevailed upon
to occupy positions of public honor and trust.
His father, whose Christian name was also Aaron,
was the second sheriff of this county, his term ex-
tending from 1803 to 1806. The doctor's father,
who was loved and respected by all who knew
him, died January 4, 1852. His estimable wife
departed this life in 1861.

Our subject received a good education in the
neighborhood schools, later was enrolled as a
pupil in the Easton (Pa.) schools and entered
Princeton College in 1843. Having completed
the full course by the time that he was at his
majority, he began the study of medicine, and
graduated from the medical department of the
New York University. Then for three years he
was a student under the celebrated Dr. Valentine
Mott. Two years were next devoted by him to
actual work in the Bellevue Hospital, after which
he was employed in the quarantine hospital for
a year. In July, 1851, he located in Clinton,
where he soon built up an excellent practice.
Like his father before him, he has always given
his vote to the nominees of the Democratic party,
and has not been an aspirant for official distinc-
tion. His life has been a very busy and useful
one, and never has he neglected the suffering
ones who appealed to him for assistance, no
matter how poor and unable to render him com-
pensation they might be.

The partner of the doctor's joys and sorrows
was formerly Miss Mary Carhart, who was a
daughter of John and Mary Carhart, the father a

394

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

native of the Old Dominion. The marriage of the
doctor was celebrated March 24, 1853. Of the
six children who blessed this union three are still
living. John C. is a prominent merchant of
Macon, Ga. ; William is a resident of Clinton, and
Laniar is engaged in merchandising in New York
City. Our subject and wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church.

^JEORGE W. SNYDER, a prominent and in-
— fluential citizen of Quakertown, Hunterdon
^_J County, has been very active in his support
of the Democratic party and is a recognized
leader in its ranks in this section. Upon several
occasions his name has been brought forward by
his multitude of warm friends for public posi-
tions of trust and honor, and when elected in
due course of time he has invariably given com-
plete satisfaction to all concerned in the matter,
and not alone to those of his own political opin-
ions, but to those of the opposition as well. He
was elected town clerk and served as such with
ability for three years. Eater he was assessor
for a period of seven years, discharging his duties
with promptness, fidelity and justice.

The birth of George W. Snyder occurred near
Frenchtown, Hunterdon County, December 31,
1856, on the farm owned and carried on by his
father, David Snyder, who was a much-respected
citizen of that locality. The mother of our sub-
ject was a Miss Ruth Rittenhouse in her girlhood,
and her ancestry is traced back to some of the
founders of this county, with the history of
which they have ever since been distinctively
connected. The boyhood, youth and early man-
hood of George W. were spent upon farms in
Franklin Township, in the vicinity of his birth-
place. As the years rolled by he became con-
vinced that agriculture was not his forte, or rather
that he should not choose that means of making
his livelihood altogether. In 18S6, when he was

entering upon the third decade of his career, he
left home and went to New York, where he soon
found employment as a salesman for the firm of
George Furman & Co., commission merchants.
He has continued with this house ever since, and
has won golden opinions from his superiors by
his strict attention to their interests. He makes
his home and headquarters in Quakertown.
Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows'
order, belonging to Eopatcong Lodge No. 114,
of Quakertown.

The marriage of Mr. Snyder and Miss Ella
Hiner, daughter of William 0. Hiner, of Allen-
town, was solemnized July 1, 1886. They have
one little daughter, Ethel, the sunlight of their
pretty and hospitable home. Mrs. Snyder and
Ethel attend the Methodist Church of this place.

T" DWARD HARMER is a valued employe of
V) the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Since
__ 1862 he has been an engineer, his run being
from Hackensack to Jersey City, and for the past
thirty-seven years has followed engineering. A
native of New Jersey, his birth occurred in New
Brunswick, November 28, 1828. He stands well
in the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities, and
is very popular among the railroad men. He
gives his political allegiance to the Republican
party, is a patriotic American, and is to be com-
mended for the loyal manner in which he meets
every duty imposed upon him as a citizen of this
great commonwealth.

On the 5 th of April, 1891, the marriage of Ed-
ward Harmer and Mrs. Clara M. Tetlow was sol-
emnized. At the time she was the widow of John
Tetlow, who was born in Philadelphia and de-
parted this life in 1884, at the age of sixty years.
He was a member of the Odd Fellows' order and
always voted the Republican ticket. Religiously
he was a Baptist and very active in church and
benevolent work. In all his dealings with his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

395

fellow-men he was above reproach, and merited
the esteem of his associates, which was freely ac-
corded him. To the marriage of John Tetlow
and his wife, Clara, one child, a son, was born.
He bears the name of William W. Tetlow, and is
a bright, promising young man of nineteen. He
makes his home with his mother and between
them exists a bond of such love and perfect sym-
pathy as is rarely seen but is none the less
beautiful.

Mrs. Clara M. Harmer was born in Germany,
July 22, 1848. She is a daughter of Julius and
Florentine (Schmidt) Kline, both natives of the
Fatherland. Of their nine children but two are
now living, Julius and Clara. When she was a
year old Mrs. Harmer was brought to America by
her parents, who located in the city of New York.
The father was a cabinetmaker by trade, and was
an expert workman in his line. The education of
his children was obtained largely in the public
schools of Jersey City, and when she was twenty-
four years old Mrs. Harmer married for the first
time. She is a lady of excellent education and
general attainments. She is a member of the
Reformed Church, to which denomination her
parents belonged.

EHARLES F. FELMLY, an enterprising
young business man, is proprietor of a large
livery stable and carriage repository in
Flemington. In local politics, as well as in com-
mercial circles, he is quite an important factor.
In the spring of 1894, when living in Raritan
Township, he was elected a freeholder, and re-
ceived a majority of about fifty votes, although he
is a Republican, and the township usually goes
one hundred Democratic. In the spring of 1897
he was elected to serve as one of the trustees of
Flemington for a term of three years.

The grandparents of the above, Charles and Eliza
(Fox) Felmly, were natives of Hunterdon County,

born near High Bridge. Moses Felmly, father of
our subject, was born in this county in Septem-
ber, 1826, and from the time that he was fifteen
years old has been engaged in the blacksmith's
trade, though of late years he has also farmed to
some extent. He was in business in one place
for fifty-five years. In November, 1845, he mar-
ried Amy A., daughter of Charles Fox, of High
Bridge, N. J. Of the ten children born to them
eight are living: Elizabeth, wife of W. B. Wood-
ruff, of Phillipsburg, N. J. ; Oliver H. , of the firm
of Flemer & Felmly, of Springfield, N. J.; Char-
lotte, widow of J. S. Lake, whose home is near
Lake Hopatcong; Mary, wife of George A. Al-
paugh, 'a farmer of Lebanon, N. J.; Charles F. ;
Ella, at home; Minnie, wife of George Lewis, of
Roseville, N. J. ; and John, who is employed by
his eldest brother.

Charles F. Felmly was born in the town of Leb-
anon, N. J., January 13, 185S, and assisted on
the old farm while attending the public schools of
that neighborhood. His studies were completed
in a private school, and in 1879 he commenced
working for his brother, selling nursery stock.
He was thus occupied during a period of eight
years, but in 1882 he located in Asbury Park, and
in the summer season conducted a livery busi-
ness and also ran a milk route. In 1887 he went
to Clinton and embarked in the livery business,
and, January 7, 1891, he came to Flemington,
where he has succeeded in building up a very large
and remunerative trade. He has a fine stable,
keeps a good line of carriage horses, and, on ac-
count of the demands of the business, in January,
1898, he built a two-story carriage repository,
capable of accommodating one hundred vehicles.
His sales for 1897 figured up about one hundred
and fifty vehicles. This was the more remark-
able as the bicycle craze seemed to paralyze the
carriage business in most other cities and towns,
where there is but little demand for anything
running on more than two wheels.

Mr. Felmly is a member of Stewart Lodge No.
134, F. &A. M. , and is also identified with the
Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Flem-
ington volunteer fire department. His wife is a

396

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

member of the Presbyterian Church and to its sup-
port he is a liberal contributor. November 16,
1887, he married Minnie, daughter of Michael
Banghart, of Glen Gardner. She is finely educa-
ted, and prior to her marriage was successfully-
engaged in teaching in this count}'. Mr. and Mrs.
Felmly have two sons, Charles F. , Jr. , and Lloyd.

ROBERT H. KENNEDY was born and has
always dwelt on his father's old homestead,
which is situated near the boundary line be-
tween Warren and Hunterdon Counties, it being,
however, within the limits of the first-mentioned
county. He has always been noted for his liber-
ality and public spirit, his earnest support of the
educational cause, law and order and everything
pertaining to good citizenship. He is a man of
excellent business ability and settled his father's
large estate in a manner which reflected great
credit upon him. For several years he has been
devoted to general agriculture, fruit-growing, etc. ,
and is very practical and successful in his various
undertakings.

The ancestral history of the above is of more
than usual interest, as he comes from a very old
and honored family of Scotland, later of Ireland,
whither some of them fled on account of religious
persecution, as they were of the Catholic faith.
However they were early represented in the Re-
formed or Protestant Church, and in 1538 one
Alexander Kennedy, of Ayr, a finely educated
young man of eighteen years, was burned at the
stake in Glasgow for having written a poetical
satire against the Franciscan friars. Jane Ken-
nedy and Mistress Curie were the two maids of
honor who were permitted to attend the ill-fated
Mary Queen of Scots to the scaffold, February
7, 1587. Previously Gilbert Kennedy, sixth earl
of Cassilis, was one of the embassadors sent to
France to arrange for the marriage of Mary to
the dauphin. James Kennedy, who lived in the

sixteenth century, was archbishop of St. Andrews.
His mother was a descendant of King David II.
of Scotland. The archbishop is said to have been
one of the most powerful and influential statesmen
in Scotland in his day, and through his interven-
tion Henry of England after his misfortune was
received and protected by Scotland.

William Kennedy, great-great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in
1695, was married there and in 1730, accompan-
ied by his brother Robert, sailed for America.
They located in Bucks County, Pa., and there
Robert died, leaving no children to perpetuate his
branch. Thus William was the founder of this
line of the family in the United States. He owned
large tracts of land which he leased out in small
farms. His original home is owned by his great-
granddaughter, Miss Emma Kennedy, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y. His wife bore the maiden name of
Mary Henderson. Their son Robert, the great-
grandfather of our subject, married Elizabeth
Heurie and removed to New Jersey, settling on
Pohatcong Creek, in Greenwich Township, then
Sussex, now Warren Count}'. He became con-
cerned in the erection of mills, buying sites, put-
ting up mills and then leasing the same. At one
time he controlled all the mills from Kuowlton to
Flemingtou. During the war of the Revolution
he was a zealous patriot, furnishing flour and
supplies to the continental troops. He was bri-
gade wagon- master in charge of from eighteen to
twenty-four teams. In the archives of the New
Jersey Historical Society is the record of a mili-
tary order directing Capt. Arthur Henrie to take
a squad of men and convoy Kennedy's brigade of
teams from the forks of the Delaware to the camp
at Morristown. He was born near Tunicum,
Bucks County, March 28, 1733, and died April
12, 1813, and buried in Greenwich Cemetery.

Robert H. Kennedy, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born at Burnt Mills, Warren County,
August 12, 17S7. On arriving at man's estate
he married Miriam, youngest daughter of John
Key. He was the executor of his wealthy father's
property and satisfactorily settled the same, it
comprising over three thousand acres of land,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

397

slate quarries, mills, etc. No man in his locality
was more looked up to and admired than he, and
besides filling even- official position in his own
neighborhood he was chosen to fill higher offices
and was four terms in the state legislature. He
was appointed an aide of Governor Pennington
and was chosen as a delegate to the national con-
vention of about 1835. He died January 29, 1859,
and was interred in the Greenwich Cemetery.

The father of our subject was Henry Robert,
born at the old homestead at Burnt Mills, June
10, 1815, and of a family of ten children he was
the only one who lived to maturity. He finished
his education in New Brunswick and proceeded
to follow in the footsteps of his father, attending
to his farms and mill property interests. At the
time of his death, March 26, 1884, he was the
owner of over one thousand acres of land. He
was influential in many ways, lending his support
to all worthy enterprises. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the Bloomsbury National Bank, was
made its first president and acted as such till death
put an end to his labors. He was also a manager
of the State Asylum in Trenton, N. J., and was a
member of the Historical Society of New Jersey.
Politically he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian
school, and was for three terms a member of the
state legislature. He was an active and official
member of the Presbyterian Church of Blooms-
bury, being an elder in the same for a great many
years. He was survived by his wife, who was
formerly Elizabeth Frelinghuysen, daughter of
Gen. John Frelinghuysen. She died on the 27th
of January, 1891, and was placed to rest by the
side of her husband in the Presbyterian Church-
yard in Bloomsbury. Their children were: John
Frelinghuysen, who is on the old homestead;
Miriam K., deceased; Robert H.; Theodore F.,
who owns a portion of the family estate; Beulah
E. , deceased wife of Theodore Hance; and Lou-
isa, who died unmarried.

The gentleman whose name stands at the be-
ginning of this biography, Robert H. Kennedy,
was named for his grandfather. He was born
May 12, 1843, on the farm where he is still living.
He has always given his attention to agricultural

pursuits, and for some years was occupied in wind-
ing up his father's estate. He lives quietly in his
pleasant home, where he is surrounded with evi-
dences of a refined taste. He is liberal in his po-
litical view, choosing to reserve the right to vote
for whom he thinks most suitable for a given posi-
tion without being tied to a party. He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church of Greenwich.
He and his father were among the organizers of
Bethlehem Lodge No. 152, F. & A. M., of
Bloomsbury, and were charter members of the
same. The lodge was originally named Kennedy
Lodge in honor of the father.

September 8, 1864, Mr. Kennedy married Ara-
bella, daughter of Charles E. Williamson, of Hun-
terdon Count}-, and to their union four children
were born: Miriam Kay, wife of Lewis Fox, a
stock-dealer of Asbury; Elizabeth La Grange, at
home; Charles E. W. , in business in New York
City; and Henry R., who died in childhood.
Mrs. Kennedy departed this life May 13, 1871.
December 7, 1874, Mr. Kennedy married Rachel,
daughter of Judge Abraham Warne, of Broadway,
Warren County, well known in that county as an
able and brilliant representative of the bench.
The only child of this marriage is Frederick Fre-
linghuysen, who is now in his senior year in La-
fayette College and intends to soon enter the
law school in New York City.

**vni§!

SS+C-I t-K-

WILLIAM J. ILIFF is the owner and mana-
ger of the Junction Hotel, in Junction,
Hunterdon Count}'. This was formerly
known as the National Hotel, and after Mr. Iliff
had entered into negotiations for the property in
1890, and before he had actually taken possession
of it, the old building was destroyed by fire.
This was a severe loss to him, but he rallied man-
fully, put up a modern structure in place of the
old one, and proceeded as though nothing had
happened. He has succeeded even beyond his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

expectations, and commands a large share of the
patronage of the public who are traveling through
this locality.

The grandfather of our subject was William
Iliff, who was born in Nottingham, England,
and came to America when the father of William
J. was a lad of fifteen years. He was a tailor by
trade, and at first located in Philadelphia, mov-
ing thence to Flemington. In 1824 William
Iliff, Jr., married Elizabeth, daughter of David
Kinney, of Readington Township, and, with the
exception of a few years spent in Sussex County,
the remainder of his life was passed in New Ger-
mantown. He was a justice of the peace for
many years, and was a lo'cal preacher in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. To himself and
wife were born the following children: David K.,
who lived in Aurora, 111., served as justice of
the peace and constable, and is now deceased;
William J., of this sketch; Philip M., deceased;
Charles F. , a carriage manufacturer of Savannah,
Mo. , who was massacred by the Indians when on
a business trip in the southern part of Nebraska
on the Platte River; George, formerly of LaFay-
ette, Ind. , and who lost his life as the result of
wounds received at the battle of Missionary Ridge,
dying in the hospital in Chattanooga; Esther,
wife of John Tiger, of New Germantown; and
Daniel K., whose home is in the state of Wash-
ington. The second wife of William Iliff was
Rachel Smith, of Andover Furnace. By their
union there was one daughter, Mary E., who
married Isaac Rowe, a farmer of the neighbor-
hood of Chester, N. J. The father departed this
life in 1877.

William J. Iliff was born October S, 1S28, in
New Germantown, and received an ordinary
school education. During his last year in school
he took up surveying, which he afterwards com-
pleted. When he was eighteen he began serving
an apprenticeship to the carriage-maker's trade
in his native town, under the supervision of
James Bunn, with whom he remained three years.
He then followed this trade for several years in
Hackettstown, Plainfield and other towns in the
state. In i860 he became a clerk in the store of

Phiueas K. Apgar, of Cokesbury, this county,
and was in his employ about two years. In the
meanwhile he had surveyed at intervals, and
when living in Cokesbury he was elected on the
Democratic ticket to the legislature, and was re-
elected the two succeeding terms, serving for
three }Tears. At the expiration of this period he
was appointed deputy warden of the state peni-
tentiary at Trenton, and acted as such for a year,
after which he was for a like duration of time in
the car works of that city. In 1870 he removed
to High Bridge, and was engaged in business
there eight years, and was in turn constable,
justice of the peace and coroner.

In 1878 Mr. Iliff decided to try his fortunes in
the west, and accordingly moved to Edwards
County, Kas., where he took up a claim of land.
After living upon it a year, he settled in Mc-
Pherson, Kas., where he was to meet the great
affliction of his life in the death of his beloved
wife, she being called from his home December 9,
1 88 1. He had married in July, 1862, Mary,
daughter of Mahlon and Ann (Shurts) Johnson,
and she had been a true friend, companion and
helpmate. His children were married and he
was left alone, so his thoughts turned backward
to the friends and scenes of his 3routh and he de-
cided to settle in his native state for his declining
years. While he was in Kansas he was the first
surveyor of Hodgman Count)-. In 1S89 he re-
turned to New Germantown, thence went to
Junction, and in 1890 bought the hotel which he
has since carried on. He not only built a new
structure complete, but all the furniture and fit-
tings were also new a few years ago. Formerly
he was very active in the Masonic order, but his
frequent changes of residence have led to his
dropping out of the ranks. He is past grand
and chief patriarch of the encampment of Odd
Fellows. In earlier years he was prominently
connected with various social and fraternal asso-
ciations, but now gives his whole time and atten-
tion to his business affairs. He has three daugh-
ters. Ida E. is the wife of Charles W. Dwelle,
formerly of McPherson, Kas., but now living in
Elizabeth, N. J., as he is postal clerk between

JOSIAH KKTCHAM.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

401

New York and Pittsburg; Alice K. is the wife of
Henry Eicher, of Peoria, 111.; and Bessie is the
wife of William Osborne, an engineer living in
Harvey, 111.

30SIAH KETCHAM, editor and publisher of
the Belvidere Apollo, the leading Republican
paper of the county of Warren, was born in
Hope Township, this county, and is the son of
the late Andrew and Jane (Vroom) Ketcham.
Andrew Ketcham was a son of Josiah Ketcham,
who descended from the Ketcham family that
settled at Pennington, N. J. , early in the last
century, having come to New Jersey from Long
Island. Three brothers came to Long Island
from England, and having lived there for a time,
one remained, a brother moved to Pennsylvania
and another to New Jersey, whence the subject
of this sketch descended. The members of this
branch of the family displayed the sturdy and
solid cpialities which characterized their ancestors
in England and Scotland. Mr. Ketcham 's grand-
father, whose name he bears, was a surveyor and
literary man. Andrew Ketcham, the father, was
a man who possessed to a remarkable degree the
sterling qualities of his ancestors, and was for
nearly forty years an elder in the Presbyterian
Church. For generations the family have been
connected with the Presbyterian Church, and
their political affiliations have been with the old
Whig and Republican parties.

Jane Vroom was a daughter of Samuel Vroom
and Martha Peterson. The Vroom and Peterson
families were prominent in the northern part of
the state before the Revolution, and the grand-
father of Martha Peterson was a member of the
New Jersey legislature when the colony was
subject to the mother county. Mrs. Ketcham
was a woman of more than ordinary intellectual
gifts. She had remarkable discernment, keen in-
sight into human nature and rare literary appreci-
ation.

Josiah Ketcham was primarily educated in the
district schools. Later he took the regular classi-
cal course at Hackettstown, and subsequently
carried on private studies under the preceptorship
of Rev. Dr. Freeman. After having for a time
engaged in teaching school, he took up literary
work.

Coming to Belvidere in 1871, he purchased the
Belvidere Apollo, of which he has since been the
editor and publisher. This has always been a
stanch and conservative Republican paper, ever
abreast of the times, and a pioneer in all things
that promise to promote the welfare of the town
and the prosperity of the people. Ever since its
organization the county has been overwhelmingly
Democratic. It is thus at once evident that it
required herculanean efforts to build up and main-
tain, in the interests of the minority party, such a
journal as the Apollo has been. The early his-
tory of the paper shows some of the struggles ex-
perienced in the effort to maintain it, in spite of
the fact that it numbered among its editors and
publishers some of the brightest minds of the
state.

The paper was founded in 1824. Its founder
and first editor was the late George G. Sickles,
father of Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, and a man of
marked intellectual ability. Among the other
editors of note was Alexander C. Wilson, who
resigned his connection with this paper in order
to accept the position of managing editor of the
New York Times, on the founding of the latter
paper. The present editor has occupied the posi-
tion many years longer than any of his prede-
cessors. As an editor he brings to his task a
mind well equipped by years of study, wide read-
ing and experience, which has enabled him to
build up a paper wielding a potential influence
among all classes in Warren County. He is an
easy, graceful and forceful writer, and his
editorials are always terse and interesting.

June 11, 1874, Mr. Ketcham married Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of the late Joshua and Effie
(Rooff) Hardin, of Sussex County, N. J. Four
daughters were born to their union: Charlotte C,
Eva H., Marie H. and Margaretta E. , to whose

4-02

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

education the most careful attention has been
paid. The family is identified with the First
Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, in which Mr.
Ketcliam officiates as an elder. Twice he has rep-
resented the Newton presbyter}' in the Presby-
terian General Assembly of the United States.
He has for years been an active worker in the
Sunday-school and interested in advancing its
usefulness. Politically he has from youth been
identified with the Republican party and a leader
in this part of the state. In recognition of his
services in behalf of the party he was, in April,
1898, appointed postmaster of Belvidere by Presi-
dent McKinley.

gEORGE B. SUTTON, an old and highly
respected citizen of Fairmount, Hunterdon
County, is living retired from the busy and
arduous cares to which he devoted himself as-
siduously during his vigorous manhood, and is
enjoying the rest which he richly deserves. He
lives in a pretty and comfortable home, which he
erected in 1883 in the village. The competence
which he has laid aside for old age and the prop-
erty which represents years of labor on his part
have not been easily acquired, but have been
earned by honest industry and perseverance, and
he is entitled to great credit for the manly way in
which he has met every duty, however taxing,
during his whole long life.

Born March 15, 18 18, George B. is a son of
Richard and Mary (Bunu) Sutton, and grandson
of John and Elizabeth Sutton. His birthplace
was the old homestead near this town, now in
the possession of James Apgar. Richard Sutton
was born July 10, 1790, and the old store build-
ing which was afterwards occupied by his son and
grandson, in turn, in the mercantile business,
was erected by him in Fairmount in 1829 and is
still standing. After it was completed he rented
it for two years, and then took it himself and

thenceforth devoted himself to carrying on a gen-
eral store. To himself and wife, Mary, nine chil-
dren were born, as follows: John, June 17, 18 10;
David, October 10, 1811; Aaron, September 16,
1 8 13; Andrew, October n, 18 15; George, March
15, 181S; Julia Ann, June 24, 1820; Mary, June
14, 1823; Martha, February 20, 1825; and Lem-
uel, February 10, 1829.

George B. Sutton followed agricultural pur-
suits until he was about forty years of age, and
made a good living for himself and family by buy-
ing produce from farmers and others and selling
it in the markets of Newark. About 1858 he en-
tered into partnership with Conrad Apgar and
together they carried on the store here for two
years or more. From i860 until 1888 Mr. Sut-
ton was in the enterprise alone, then selling out
to his son Howard, who is now the proprietor of
the store. He owns two valuable farms of about
one hundred and forty acres each, and in addition
to this has some town property. He rents his
farm and derives a good income from this source.
He has never been a politician, and has held few
offices, and those only when requested to do so.
He was township collector once for a term of
three years. He is not identified with any re-
ligious body, though he contributes liberally to
the support of different churches.

April 2, 1840, Mr. Sutton married Lydia Ann
Hoffman, who was born April 2, 1820. They are
both remarkably well preserved, are seemingly
quite vigorous in mind and body, and bid fair to
live many years to come. Another fact quite
unusual is that of their large family of twelve
sous and daughters not one has yet been sum-
moned from the circle by the angel of death, and
thus their whole number, fourteen, is unbroken.
Melissa, born May 11, 1841, is the wife of Jacob
Lutes; Paul, born November 1, 1S43, enlisted at
the age of eighteen years in Company A, Thirty-
first Regiment of New Jersey Infantry, and served
until the expiration of his term; Silas W., born
February 7, 1846, is a farmer in Missouri; Elmira,
born February 24, 1848, is the wife of John
Barkmau, a veteran of the late war, and now a
farmer of German Valley; Stephen D., born July

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4°3

17, 1850, is cultivating the old Sutton homestead
owned by the family for three generations; Mary
E., born November 5, 1852, is the wife of Philip
Eick, and lives near Fairmount; Ebenezer H.
is in Newark, N. J.; Harmon Hoffman, named
for his maternal grandfather, born March 3, 1857,
owns the old Hoffman farm, were his mother
was brought up; Susan H., born December 13,
1859, is the wife of William J. Moore, of Potters-
ville; Howard is represented elsewhere in this
volume; Ellis P., born February 2, 1864, is the
proprietor of the Pottersville Hotel; Albert, born
October 17, 1866, is in the livery business in Mis-
souri.

0UINTUS E. SNYDER, M. D., is one of the
successful physicians now engaged in prac-
tice in Hunterdon County. He is a man of
large experience in his chosen profession, and
keeps thoroughly in touch with all the modern
methods and treatments of disease. He possesses
the esteem and high regard of his medical breth-
ren and enjoys a remunerative practice in Quaker-
town and the surrounding country.

Born in Northampton County, Pa., in 1842,
the doctor is a son of Daniel Snyder, who was
also a native of that county, and therein spent
his whole life. He was a farmer and a very suc-
cessful business man, owning large tracts of land,
which he kept under fine cultivation. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church and active in re-
ligious enterprises. In his political faith he held
to the principles of the Democracy. Death claimed
him at the age laid down by the Psalmist as the
usual time of man-kind — threescore and ten
years. His father, John H. , was born and lived
in Northampton County, and was also a tiller of
the soil. The Snyder family originated in Ger-
many, but several generations have resided in
this portion of the United States, and have been
remarkable for traits of thrift, industry and hon-
esty. The mother of our subject was a Miss

Anna Kachliue in her girlhood, and by her mar-
riage with Daniel Snyder she became the mother
of eight children, only four of whom survive:
Mary E., wife of George Noble; Stephen; Quintus
E. and Susan C, wife of Charles D. Long. The
faithful and devoted mother was summoned to
her reward when she was in her seventieth year.

Dr. Q. E. Snyder lived at home with his par-
ents on the old farm in the Keystone state until he
was about seventeen years old. He had made the
best of his opportunities in the matter of gaining
an education, and spent a short time at the Phil-
lipsburg Academy, where he perfected himself in
some of the higher branches. His first venture
into the world of business was when he took a
position as a clerk in the mercantile house of Ja-
cob Hay, in Easton, Pa. He next went to Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and found employment in the ship-
yards on gun-boats. In 1863 he commenced
teaching near Easton, and successfully conducted
a school for two winters, in the meantime de-
voting such spare hours as he could muster to
medical studies, as he had determined to enter
the profession. In 1865 he enlisted in Company
H, Two Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania
Regiment, serving until the end of the war as as-
sistant hospital steward, at Winchester and
Washington. In 1866 he regularly began the
study of medicine under the instruction of James
Cavanaugh, M. D., of Easton, and ultimately
graduated from the celebrated Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, of New York City, in 1S6S.

Upon settling himself in practice the doctor
concluded to try his fortunes at South Bethlehem,
Pa., and was located therefor about six years.
In 1879 he went to Kansas, and remained in that
state actively occupied in the discharge of the
manifold duties of his healing art until six years
more had elapsed. In 1S81 he returned to the
east, and settled in Everittstown, N. J., and in
1884 he came to Quakertown, where he has since
made his home.

June 22, 1S69, Dr. Snyder married Isabella,
daughter of Peter Best, of Stockton, N. J., and
four daughters have come to grace this union,
viz. Ella May, Annie C, Valeria Jane and Min-

4°4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nie B. The doctor is a member of the Lutheran
Church, in whose doctrines he was reared, but he
is a regular attendant upon the services of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of this place at the
present time. Fraternally he is a Mason, and is
a member of Dallas Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M.,
of Easton.

HON. WILLIAM H. BAKER. Prominent
among the citizens who have made the
town of Clinton, Hunterdon County, what
it is to-day, one of the thriving, energetic business
places of this section, is the gentleman whose
name stands at the beginning of this review.
For a long series of years he has been actively
concerned in the advancement and upbuilding of
this town and has ranked high in the commercial,
social, religious and political affairs of this com-
munity. Under the present charter of Clinton
he was the first town collector, serving as such
for three years, was later elected clerk and acted
in that capacity two terms, after which he was
treasurer for a time. Subsequently he was again
honored by being elected collector, serving in that
capacity for four years, for years officiated on the
board of health, at last being chosen its presi-
dent. May 17, 1894, he was commissioned judge
of the court of appeals by Governor Werts, his
tenure of office to run until 1899, but owing to
the abolishment of the position by the state law,
he vacated the same in April, 1896.

The father of the judge, Rev. J. James Baker,
was born in England, and came to America with
his parents when young, settling in this county.
He entered the Baptist ministry, and labored
faithfully in the Lord's vineyard for more than
forty years. His life, which was a benediction
and blessing to humanity, terminated November
2, 1888. His loved wife, whose maiden name
was Elizabeth L. Nicholson, did not long sur-
vive him, as she died March 23, 1S92. They
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary

December 11, 1882, and the occasion will never
be forgotten by those who were so fortunate as to
be present. The touching and suitable words of
the judge were impressive in the extreme, and
his reverent tributes to the aged couple were
echoed in the hearts of every auditor. Of the
thirteen children born to the worthy pair, eight
are yet living, and occupying good and useful
places in the several communities in which they
make their homes.

The birth of William H. Baker occurred in
Paoli, Chester County, Pa., September 5, 1838,
and his elementary education was such as was
afforded by the public schools of the day. Before
he reached his majority he came to Clinton, and
entered the drug store of his brother, Dr. B. N.
Baker, as a clerk. In 1865 he became the sole
owner of the business, which he has conducted
ever since, and thus it will be seen that he is one
of our pioneer business men.

In 1865 Mr. Baker married Marj^ E. Brown,
daughter of David and Orpha Brown, of Delhi,
N. Y. Her death occurred in December, 18S4.
Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker
the eldest, Lillian, is the wife of A. L. Smith, of
Clinton; and Grace and Elsie are at home with
their father. A valued worker in the Presby-
terian Church, the judge has served as president
of the board of trustees, is treasurer of the church
at present and for many years has been superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school. He belongs to
Stewart Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., acted as
worshipful master of the same from 1S79 to 1882,
and is a member of the grand lodtre.

»-- -•OO-^Qi ;•>£•.••- ~c-

jALTER BRINTON has been superintend-
ent of the steel department of the Taylor
Iron and Steel Company of High Bridge
since 1895 and had already made a creditable
record with this concern, and was promoted on
his genuine merits, His superiors find that their

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

405

confidence has not been misplaced or over-esti-
mated, for the young superintendent is thoroughly
trustworthy and capable. He has been con-
nected with iron-working and steel manufacture
since his early years and is a practical man, un-
derstanding at a glance what must be done, and
possessing that generalship and power of com-
manding men absolutely essential in order to meet
the demands of such a responsible position as he
holds. At the same time he is not only respected,
but thoroughly liked by those who are under him,
for he is one who is a general favorite wherever
he goes.

The Brinton family to which our subject be-
longs has been well and favorably known in
Pennsylvania since the sixteenth century. Born
September 28, 1863, in Christiana, Lancaster
County, Pa., Walter Brinton is one of the four
children of Lewis and Mary (Bowk) Brinton.
The father was born in the same vicinity as was
his son Walter, but the mother was a native of
Beaver, near Pittsburg. Their other children
were: Rilla W. , deceased; Charles E.; and Dydia
S., wife of Thomas Jopson, of Germantown, Pa.
The family were of the faith of the Society of
Friends.

At the age of sixteen years Walter Brinton
commenced serving an apprenticeship in the
Christiana Machine Works, remaining with that
corporation eight years. He then entered the
employ of the Chester Rolling Mills, of Chester,
Pa., and continued there until he removed to
this place. In the meantime the plant was
merged in that of the Wellman Iron and Steel
Company. For two years Mr. Brinton was in
the blast furnace department, after which he was
employed in the Bessemer steel plant, and for
some time prior to its closing down under the fi-
nancial depression of 1893 he was in charge of
that branch of the work. In 1894 he accepted a
position as assistant superintendent of the steel
manufacturing department of the Taylor Iron
and Steel Works, and at the end of eighteen
months was placed in full charge of the same.

While living in Chester, Pa., Mr. Brinton
married Elizabeth Brown Fwing, December 18,

1890. Mrs. Brinton was born at Brandywine
Hundred, Pa., her parents being John and Agnes
(Brown) Ewing, both natives of Scotland. For
years Mr. Ewing was connected with the textile
mills of Bancroft, Pa., and later moved to Ches-
ter, where he was employed in the yards of John
B. Roach, the pioneer shipbuilder of the United
States. Mr. and Mrs. Brinton have three, daugh-
ters, Rilla C. and Agues E. (twins) and Helen
Erskine. Mr. Brinton is a stanch Republican,
taking an active interest in the success of the
party principles and policy. The cause of educa-
tion is one which appeals strongly to him, and
since coming to High Bridge he has been direct-
or of the school board. When a resident of
Chester he officiated three years as secretary of
the board of education, carrying out effective
plans. He is a member of Rialto Dodge No. 161,
I. O. O. F., of High Bridge. He was reared in
the Quaker faith, and has never identified him-
self with any religious body.

£J FORGE W. RACE! Identified with the
_ farming interests of Hunterdon County
^| throughout almost his entire active life,
Mr. Race has gained a large acquaintance among
the residents of the county and is especially
prominent in Franklin Township, where he owns
and operates a farm. He is a son of Halloway
H. and Charlotta (Seabold) Race, further men-
tion of whom, as well as of the Race family, may
be found in the sketch of Dr. Henry Race, pre-
sented elsewhere in this volume.

In Franklin Township, where he was born in
1S36, the boyhood days of the subject of this
sketch were passed, his time being given to
school duties, farm work and the usual sports of
boyhood. Trained to agriculture, he naturally
chose this as his life occupation and his sub-
sequent success shows that he did not err in his
choice. In early manhood, with a desire to see

4-o6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the west, he went to Ohio and Iowa, where he
was employed on farms for a year. However,
he did not consider those states as superior to
New Jersey in farming facilities and opportun-
ities, and he therefore returned to his native place,
where he has since resided. During the late
war he enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth New
Jersey Infantry, in which he served for nine
months and was then honorably discharged.

On returning from the war Mr. Race made
his home with a brother for some time, mean-
while carrying on farm work. Forming a part-
nership with his brother, Jacob S., they pur-
chased the farm where they have since resided,
engaging in the raising of cereals and stock.
Our subject's attention has been given closely to
his chosen occupation, and he has had little de-
sire to mingle in public affairs. However, he
keeps himself posted concerning politics, and al-
ways votes the Democratic ticket. Fraternally
he is connected with the local lodge of Odd Fel-
lows, in which he has passed all of the chairs and
is past grand. His family are Methodists and he
himself favors the doctrines of that denomination,
to which he contributes generously. February 2,
1867, he was united in marriage with Susan
Hibler, daughter of William and Ellen Hibler,
and they are the parents of one child, a son,
William H.

BENEZER FRANCIS, foreman of the
'e) foundry of the steel department of the Ta}'-
_ lor Iron and Steel Works of High Bridge,
Hunterdon Count}', is a man of wide experience
in his chosen field of business, and thoroughly
understands it to the smallest detail. From his
boyhood he has given his whole time and atten-
tion to a mastery of the trade, and being ener-
getic and industrious he has risen by his own
merits to a position of responsibility and trust.
He enjo3-s an enviable reputation for fidelity to

duty, for punctuality, accuracy and in short, for
all of the essential qualities of a first-class work-
man and superintendent of others' work.

The birth of our subject took place in Briton
Ferry, Glamorganshire, Wales, April 21, 185S,
his parents being Ebenezer and Mary Miriam
(Tasker) Francis. The father was superintend-
ent and a stockholder in an iron works in his
native country, and later lived in Newport,
Monmouthshire. There he followed the same
occupation, and became financially concerned in
the iron works there. When our subject was a
lad of twelve years he accompanied his parents
to America and settled at Harrisburg, Pa. The
father was employed in a foundry there until
shortly prior to his death, in February, 1893. Of
his six living children, Edward returned to
Wales, and is now superintendent of an iron
foundry; Annie is the wife William Williams,
chief engineer and draughtsman of the large
works at Tredegar, Wales; Joseph and Francis,
twins, are both in the same calling as is our sub-
ject, though one is in Chester, Pa., and the
other in Phcenixville, Pa.; and William is a
draughtsman in Point Breeze Oil Works, Phila-
delphia.

Ebenezer Francis, of this sketch, served an ap-
prenticeship to the molder's trade in the Weimar
Iron Works at Lebanon, and, at the end of a
year, upon his father's resigning his position with
the companj' and removing to Harrisburg, the
lad followed his example and worked as formerly
for another year as a molder. The father then
sent the young man back to Wales, where he
could have better opportunities of completing the
trade, and there he dwelt for seven years, always
steadily continuing in his favorite pursuit. He
was now but little past his majority, and upon
his arrival once more in the New World he found
employment in the Southwark Foundry and Ma-
chine Company in Philadelphia as a molder. In
a short time he went to Chester, and for four
years was employed by Robert Wetherill & Co. ,
engine makers. Thence he went to the Standard
Steel Casting Company, of Thurlow, Pa., now
known as the American Steel Casting Company,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD.

407

and at intervals, when the foreman was absent,
on account of illness or other causes, he supplied
his place and won experience. He next accepted
a position as foreman of the steel casting depart-
ment of the Pacific Rolling Mills Company, of
San Francisco, and under his supervision the
hulls and machinery castings of the first steel
vessels ever constructed on the Pacific slope were
made. Among the boats for which these cast-
ings were furnished were the Charleston, San
Francisco and Monterey.

When this work was completed Mr. Francis
returned to the east, and the following September
took charge of the steel casting department of
the Wellman Iron and Steel Company. The
post he held until four years had rolled by,
when the firm suspended operations and he be-
came the foreman of the steel foundry of the
Midvale Steel Company of Philadelphia. Two
years more passed by and he found that stead}',
confining work was beginning to tell seriously
upon his health, and in consequence he took a
long vacation. In August, 1897, he accepted
the position which he is now occupying, but still
has his home in Chester, Pa. He has under his
direction about one hundred men.

In February, 1SS9, Mr. Francis married Ame-
lia, granddaughter of the late Samuel Archibald,
of the firm of Reney, Son & Archibald, ship-
builders, and connected with the United States
navy. She is a daughter of George and Agnes
Archibald, and by her marriage has become the
mother of one son, Charles W. Mr. Francis was
brought up in the Methodist Episcopal faith,
but is not connected with the denomination.
He is a member of the Knights of the Golden
Eagle, and politically is a Republican. In com-
mon with so many of his nationality Mr. Francis
is a musician of no little talent and is, moreover,
possessed of artistic tastes in another direction.
As a recreation he has taken up photography,
and in the midst of his busy life he has found
time to make a study of it. He is abreast of the
latest discoveries in this rapidly developing art,
and produces many pictures that compare favor-
ably with those of professionals.

EHARLES A. RINEHART is the owner of a
very desirable farm in Tewksbury Town-
ship, Hunterdon County, and was born on
this same homestead about forty- seven years ago.
The farm comprises one hundred and forty acres
of arable land, suited for the raising of grain
and other crops common to this climate. The
proprietor has been particularly successful in the
growing of fruits of various kinds, and has a fine
orchard containing ten thousand peach trees. He
gives some attention to dairying, and is
thoroughly practical and a good financier. He
has had no time for politics beyond doing his
duty as a citizen and voter, and his preference
is for the platform and nominees of the Democ-
racy.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Martin Riuehart, who was a farmer of Morris
Count}', and was identified with the Presbyterian
Church in Fairmount. He married Mary Al-
paugh, and their son, John, was born in Morris
County, near the town of Fox Hill (now called
Parker) March 5, 1807. In those early days he
had but small opportunity to acquire an educa-
tion, and was chiefly his own teacher. Novem-
ber 4, 1830, he married Jane Moore, who was
born April 2, 1S10, and was a daughter of George
and Elizabeth Moore of this township. Ten sons
and daughters were born to them, named as fol-
lows: Martin, a farmer of Somerset County;
Catherine, wife of H. C. Hoffman, whose farm is
near that of our subject's; Mary Ann, wife of
James G. Fisher, a retired farmer of Pottersville;
George Moore, a farmer near Cokesbury; John
and Joseph E., owning farms in the vicinity of
Pottersville; David, a farmer near Lebanon; Will-
iam, of New Germantown; Emma, wife of Peter
Dane, residing near New Germantown; and
Charles A. The father carried on the paternal
homestead for a number of years after his mar-
riage, and about 1850 bought the farm now
owned by our subject. Here he continued to
dwell until the death summons came to him, July
11, 1893. He built the house 011 this place in
1 85 1 and was quite successful in his varied busi-
ness undertakings. Politically he was a Demo-

408

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

crat, and religiously a Lutheran. He was very
active in the work of the church in New German-
town, and occupied many of the official positions
in the congregation.

Charles A. Rinehart was born November 28,
185 1, and as he was the child of his father's old
age, he was of great use to his senior as a youth,
aiding him in the general farm work, and reliev-
ing him of many of the burdens which were be-
ginning to weigh upon" him. He continued to
live with him until long after his marriage, and
it was not until 1888 that he left the old roof-tree.
At that time he bought a farm lying between
New Germantown and Lamington, and carried
this place on for about five years. When his
father died in 1893 he sold his other property
and purchased the old home where he was born
and where the most of his life had been passed.
January 26, 1876, he married Mary Angeline,
daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Lindaberry)
Apgar, the former a farmer of High Bridge
Township, his home being near Cokesbury. To
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart five chil-
dren have been born, viz. : John Emmett, who as-
sists his father in the work of the farm; Jennie
M., now attending school in Trenton; Florence,
Ada and Blanche.

DWARD HUMPHREY is the genial "mine
V) host" of the Glen Gardner (Hunterdon
_ . County) Hotel, one of the best conducted and
most comfortable and inviting hotels in the county.
He is quite a prominent figure in local politics,
has occupied various public positions of responsi-
bility and honor with credit to himself and to the
satisfaction of his constituents. In 1888 he was
elected collector or treasurer of Hunterdon
County, and served acceptably in that capacity
for four years, after which, in 1S96, he was re-
elected for a term of three years, and is still dis-
charging the duties of this important office.

Edward Humphrey is a native of this county,
his birth having occurred in Union Township,
January 15, 1840. He is one of the six sons of
Lewis and Elizabeth (Apgar) Humphrey, the
others being: William, deceased, formerly a
wholesale merchant in Philadelphia; Lambert,
proprietor of the Union House in Flemington,
N. J.; Randolph, deceased; Samuel, in the whole-
sale business in the Quaker city; and JohnD.,
deceased. The father was born in 1809 in this
county, and here also occurred the birth of his
wife, the date of the event being 1806. They
lived for the most part near the town of Norton,
where Mr. Humphrey owned and carried on two
farms. He also operated a sawmill, ran a dis-
tillery for some years, and accumulated quite a
comfortable fortune.

During the boyhood of our subject, Edward
Humphrey, he assisted his father in his various
pursuits, and was a pupil in the district school.
When he was twenty-four years of age he estab-
lished a mercantile business in Norton, and at
the close of two years he sold out and embarked
in a new venture. He bought and sold woodland
property and cut timber, which he disposed of
to the railroad company. April 1, 186S, became
to this town, and bought the Clarksville Hotel,
as it was then called. He changed the title of
the house, at once inaugurated man}- desirable
improvements and changes and proceeded to
build up the reputation of the place. The hotel
is a modern, four-story building, the rooms be-
ing light, pleasant and well furnished. Hot and
cold water is in every part of the building" and
man)' other conveniences are afforded the traveler,
not usually to be found outside the larger towns
and cities. With the exception of one 3'ear,
1 88 1, when E. Tompson, now of Clinton, ran
the hotel, our subject has personally supervised
the business for thirty years, during which period
he has won a multitude of friends, owing to his
honorable methods and his cheerful, kindly man-
ner.

Until 1880 Mr. Humphrey voted the Republi-
can ticket, but since that time he has given his
support to the Democracy. He has been very

SAMUEL STOCKTON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

411

active and energetic in political matters, and in
1 88 1 was nominated on the Democratic ticket for
the place of collector of the township, and was
also endorsed by the Republicans. His election
was, therefore, practically unanimous, there be-
ing only a few scattering votes of opposition.
Then, as previously related, he has efficiently
served as county treasurer several years, having
been twice elected. Over a score of years has
he been connected with the National Bank of
Clinton as a director, and in 1870, when the
Clarksville Building and Loan Association was
organized, he was chosen its treasurer and thence-
forth acted as such as long as the company was
in existence, it being successfully brought to a
close in 1880. Fraternally he is a member of
the Masonic order, belonging to Lebanon Lodge
No. 6, F. & A. M., of Glen Gardner.

June 1, 1865, Mr. Humphrey was united in
marriage at the home of the bride, with Mercy
M. Brittian, daughter of Henry V. Brittian, of
Asbury.

(7> AMUEL STOCKTON, a well-known citizen
/\ and business man of Lambertville, Hunter-
\~J don County, is a native of this place, he
having been born March 28, 1844. He is a Re-
publican, and voted first for Lincoln in 1864. He
was made a notary public in 1889 by Governor
Greene, and has served as trustee of schools.
Ma}' 10, 1897, he was reappointed morgue keeper
for the term of three years, and this is the third
term that he has served consecutively, his first
appointment being in 1891.

The parents of our subject were Lieut. Samuel
S. and Eliza A. (White) Stockton. The father
was born in New Hope, Bucks County, Pa.,
June 22, 1822, and the mother was a native of
Ithaca, N. Y., born about 181 1. In 1844 the
lieutenant started in the undertaking business in
Lambertville, and followed it until the war broke
out, when he left his brother Edward C. in charge

of his affairs and went forth to fight the battles
of his country. He enlisted for three years in
Company H, Sixth New Jersey Infantry, being
made first lieutenant. Poor health compelled
him to resign his position at the end of about a
year and a-half, and he died February 14, 1869.
He took part in many battles and engagements,
and the hardships that he endured undoubtedl}'
hastened his death. In politics a Democrat, he
served in the council in Lambertville, and he was
connected with the Odd Fellows' society and
encampment and also was identified with the
Masons. A prominent member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, he held various offices,
such as class-leader, etc., and possessed the
love and confidence of all who knew him.

Samuel Stockton was a pupil in the public
schools of this city. In early youth he learned
the cabinet-maker's business under his father
and afterwards conducted his father's business
until his death. During the progress of the war
he was a member of the Pennsylvania emer-
gency army and was on duty about two months.

He is the eldest of three children, his sister be-
ing Adeline C, who married John O. Hull, now
deceased, and has two sons and a daughter.
Thomas died and left two children, George and
John. In 1864 Mr. Stockton married Emma A.
Barber, of this city, daughter of Cornelius H.and
Cornelia M. (Britton) Barber.

After his father's death Samuel Stockton suc-
ceeded him in the undertaking business. He has
had charge of about three thousand funerals, and
made the first interment in River View Cemetery,
September 25, 1878. He has had more experi-
ence in his particular line than any other man in
this section of the state, and perhaps in the whole '
of New Jersey. He is the inventor of several ap-
pliances valuable to those of his profession, and
is thoroughly practical. He was the first presi-
dent of the Undertakers' Association of Hunter-
don and Warren Counties, and was sent by them
as their delegate to the national convention held
in Baltimore, March 7, iSSS. He is the chaplain
of Maj. C. A. Angel Post No. 20, G. A. R.; is
past sachem of Tuscorora Tribe No. 11, Improved

4i:

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Order of Red Men; is noble chief of Delaware
Castle No. 196, Knights of the Golden Eagle,
of New Hope, Pa.; is past sir knight commander
of Evening Star Castle No. 15, Ancient Order
Knights of Mystic Chain; past captain of Adju-
tant J. S. Studdiford Camp No. 34, Sons of Vet-
erans; is division chaplain of the Sons of Veter-
ans of New Jersey, and is a member of Dela-
ware League No. 10, Improved Order of Red
Men.

_v_, £s*$a«

M+C-l-

~t — h

C|OHN D. HOFFMAN is one of the young-
I est business men of Lebanon, Hunterdon
(2) County, but has already made a place for
himself in its commercial circles, and is recog-
nized as an energetic, live citizen, who is certain
of success in a financial way and of winning an
influential and desirable place in the busy world
of action. Even before he was of age he had em-
barked in the coal, grain and feed business, which
he is still carrying on with ability. He seems to
have inherited from some of his ancestors that
keenness of judgment, systematic method of
transacting business, absolute uprightness of
dealing with others that merits and usually in-
sures success.

The Hoffmans are numbered among the pion-
eers of this section of New Jersey, and have been
prominent in various of its fields of business ac-
tivity. They have been land-holders and law-
abiding citizens, noted for integrity and sound-
ness of principle, and many of the representatives
of the name are spoken of in the pages of this
volume. Their sons and daughters have inter-
married with the best and most influential fam-
ilies of these western counties and their worthy
characteristics have been handed down to the
present generation. John Hoffman, of German
descent, removed from Schoharie County, N. Y.,
to this vicinity in 1764, and took up his abode on
a tract of land situated about a mile east of Leba-
non village. This property was kept in the fam-

ily until recently, and was owned in the present
generation by Nathan Hoffman. Henry, a son
of the founder of the family in these parts, was
the great-grandfather of our subject. He mar-
ried Rebecca Dilts, of one of the old Hunterdon
County families, and they had several sons, whose
names are among the best known in this locality,
viz.: John H., Peter, William H., Henry, Jo-
seph, Jacob, George H., Ralph and two daugh-
ters who died in early womanhood.

Grandfather Jacob Hoffman married Mary
Porter, who was born three miles south of Leb-
anon, being a daughter of Timothy L. Porter, an
honored old resident of that section. The oldest
son of Jacob and Mary Hoffman was named in
honor of his grandfather, Timothy Porter, and
their other children were Oliver H., Martin,
Seward and William H. Timothy Porter Hoff-
man, the father of John D., of this sketch, was
well known in the vicinity of Lebanon, and was
extensively engaged for many }rears in buying,
selling and shipping to the city markets live-
stock, which he mainly procured in the western
states. With the exception of a few years, when
he was in the far west, his whole life was passed
in Lebanon Township, where he was respected
and held quite an influential place among his
neighbors. He had no time for politics be3'ond
doing his duty as a voter, and was a loyal citizen,
upholding the laws and standing by good gov-
ernment. He was born August 12, 1832, and
departed this life March 14, 1892, then being
placed in the quiet cemetery of the Reformed
Church of Lebanon. He married Catherine E.
Rockefellar and their only child is John D.

The birth of J. D. Hoffman took place Novem-
ber 12, 1875, on the parental homestead near
Lebanon, and there he dwelt until the death of
his loved father, since which time he has resided
with his maternal grandfather. He inherited
the valuable farm formerly the property of his
father, and owns other real estate, much of which
is leased to responsible tenants. He obtains a
good income from these sources, and, as pre-
viously stated, has been engaged in the coal and
grain business for several years with gratifying

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4i3

results. He is a young man of commendable
principle and praiseworthy habits, and enjoys
the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
Socially he is a member of Vesper Lodge No.
239, I. O. O. F. , of Lebanon, and in politics is
affiliated with the Democracy. Religiously he
adheres to the ancient faith of his fathers, being
a member of the Reformed Church of Lebanon.

EWIS S. PERRY, an enterprising young
! C business man of High Bridge, Hunterdon
|_J Count j', is one of the energetic and public-
spirited citizens of this place, always fully awake
to whatever promises to be beneficial to our peo-
ple. He cast in his lot with the residents of this
community some six years ago, since 1892 hav-
ing conducted a restaurant and news depot. He
has built up a large and paying custom and merits
the success with which he is blessed, for it is the
result of his earnest efforts to meet the needs of
the public.

Born in the town of Peapack, Somerset County,
September 26, 1871, our subject is the son of
Augustus and Addie (Klotz) Perry, who were
natives of Sussex and Morris Counties, respect-
ively. They removed to Hunterdon County in
1871, when Lewis was an infant, and the family
has since dwelt in High Bridge. The grand-
father of our subject, Daniel Perry, was a native
of Sussex County, as was also the great-grand-
father, James. The great-great-grandfather, Dan-
iel Perry, was a near relative of the famous Com-
modore Perry of the United States navy, and,
as is supposed, was a native of Scotland.

Lewis S. Perry was educated in the common
schools of High Bridge, and when he was but
fourteen years of age he commenced his business
life as a news agent on the Central New Jersey
Railroad, running between High Bridge and Lake
Hopatcong for seven seasons. He had but just
reached his majority when he opened his restau-

rant here, in connection with a news stand, where
all of the leading journals and periodicals of the
day are to be found. He is making a thorough
success of his enterprises, and is popular among
the citizens and traveling public.

June 14, 1893, Lewis S. Perry married Addie
Apgar, daughter of David L. and Elizabeth
(Seals) Apgar. Mrs. Perry is one of the native
daughters of High Bridge, and by her marriage
has become the mother of two bright little ones,
Lelah R. and Olive E. Mr. Perry is one of
four brothers, the others being Abram K., of
Brooklyn, employed in the elevated railroad;
Theodore, also a resident of Brooklyn, and a
painter by trade; and Clarence, who is at home
with his parents. The father is a painter by
trade, and has been very active in local public
affairs here. He was one of the board of regis-
tration under the Australian system, has frequently
acted as a delegate to conventions of the Demo-
cratic party, and was foremost in getting the
town of High Bridge incorporated. Lewis S. Perry
is affiliated with the Democratic party. Fraternall}'
he is a member of the Junior Order of American
Mechanics, belonging to Peerless Council No.
218, of High Bridge, and held the office of treas-
urer with the same. A Patriotic Son of America,
he is identified with Camp No. 40, of Glen Gard-
ner.

30HN W. BEAVERS has been engaged in
general merchandising in the town of Cali-
fon, Hunterdon County, for several years,
and has made a reputation for fair dealing, up-
rightness and correct business methods well
worthy of emulation. He makes a point of do-
ing a strictly cash business, and thus obtains the
better and more desirable class of patronage. In
every reasonable manner he seeks to promote the
well-being of his fellow-citizens, and is always in
the front of every measure calculated to advance
the prosperity of this town. As a patriot and

4i4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

good citizen he upholds law and order, and votes
in accordance with the dictates of his conscience.

Grandfather Joseph Beavers was a native of
this county, was a farmer by occupation, and
owned the old homestead where the birth of the
subject of this article afterward took place. He
met with fair success in life, and left a valuable
estate at his death. He held quite a prominent
position in the community in which he dwelt,
and was a justice of the peace and a freeholder,
besides occupying minor offices. His daughter
Elizabeth married Henry Bruner, who was a car-
penter by trade, and whose home was in Middle
Valley, N. J. George B., the younger son, was a
miller, and resided in different parts of this
county up to the last quarter of a century prior
to his death, when he dwelt in Glen Gardner.

William C. Beavers, father of our subject, was
the elder son of his parents, and his whole life
was passed upon the homestead where he first
saw the light. From time to time he was called
upon by his neighbors to serve in local positions
of trust, and among these he was a freeholder
and collector. Death put an end to his labors ere
he had commenced the down-grade of his life
journey, as he died in i860, when our subject was
but five years old. He had married Mary A.
Banghart and four children were born of their
union: George, who died while in the Federal
army, in the south; Abigail; Andrew, now a
resident of Flanders, N. J.; and John W.

The birth of John W. Beavers occurred Decem-
ber 9, 1855, not far from Califon, and his early
days were quietly spent upon the old farm. His
elementary education was such as was afforded by
the district schools, and later he entered the state
normal school at Trenton, finishing with a
course in the New York College of Pharmacy that
consumed two years. As he was needed at home
he returned and took charge of affairs there until
the death of his mother, in November, 1885.
The property was then disposed of, and the
young man embarked in the business world in
Califon, and has been here ever since. He was
alone as a general merchant for three years, and
in 1S8S entered into partnership with George W.

Beatty. This connection, under the firm name ot
Beatty & Beavers, flourished during a period of
five years, at the expiration of which time Mr.
Beatty, desiring to take his son into partnership,
bought out the interest of our subject. The lat-
ter was not in business during the succeeding
few months, but was making his plans, which he
subsequently carried out, of again entering the
commercial world, this time alone as at first. He
carries a full line of general dry goods and no-
tions and commands a fair share of the local
trade.

On account of his strong feeling on the subject
of temperance Mr. Beavers is an advocate of the
platform of the Prohibition party, and is treasurer
of the township committee of the same. He
holds membership with the Dower Valley Presby-
terian Church. April 22, 1 8S 1, he married Ella,
daughter of Edward C. and Lydia Datimer,
of High Bridge. To their marriage three chil-
dren were born, but of these only one survives,
Joyce, born December 25, 1897.

HON. BARTDETT C. FROST, now serving
his third term as mayor of Phillipsburg,
Warren County, was first elected to this
responsible position on the Republican ticket in
the spring of 1S96. His personal popularity was
largely accountable for his victory, as this town
usually polls a fair Democratic majority. He
was re-elected in 1897 and 1S98. Undoubtedly
a strong reason for his being proposed as mayor
is the fact that he has always been a power in
the promotion of every enterprise that has been
started here for years, and his fellow-citizens
realized that they could trust the town's interest
to no better hands.

The birth of our subject occurred in Deeds,
Androscoggin County, Me., March 17, 1S33.
His parents, Oliver P. and Esther (Jennings)
Frost, were natives of the same locality. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4'5

father, who was of English descent, was a farmer
in a small way, and was a blacksmith by trade.
He died in 1S63, having survived his wife
twenty-one years. Four of their six children are
living, viz.: Orintha, widow of D. Jennings, of
Dowell, Mass.; Deborah, widow of W. W. Wil-
son, of the same city; Esther, wife of Jeremiah
Buxton, of Yarmouth, Me., and the subject of
this sketch.

After receiving a liberal education in the public
schools of his native state, B. C. Frost attended
the Wesleyan Seminary of Maine for a period of
three years. In 1852 he took charge of a school
as teacher, and in the fall of 1854 he came to New
Jersey and taught for one winter in the schools of
Clarksville, Hunterdon County. Then for another
year he was similarly occupied in Spriugtown,
Warren County, and during all this time that he
was employed in educational work in this state
he was quietly pursuing the stud}' of law. One
year he was a pupil in the Albany law school;
then he taught again for a year at the "Forge"
Warren County, and in due course of time was
admitted to the bar in 1858 by the supreme court.

It was in i860 that Mr. Frost cast in his lot
with the inhabitants of Phillipsburg, and two
years later he was admitted as a counsellor-at-
law. Just after the war, in 1865, he became con-
nected with the Phillipsburg Mutual Building and
Loan Association, and in 1867 with the Building
and Loan Association of Phillipsburg, and con-
tinued secretary of both associations until they
matured and were successfully wound up. These
companies were very useful in the growth and
upbuilding of this town, and when their affairs
were closed a few years ago, everything was in
good order, and no one had any cause for dissat-
isfaction with the manner in which the enterprise
had been conducted. Since the People's Water
Company of Phillipsburg was organized in 1886
he has been one of the directors in the company,
and space forbids further enumeration of the
many industries, etc., with which he has been
concerned here. For two terms he served as cor-
poration attorney for the city and five years was
attorney for Lopatcong Township. With the

exception of one vote cast for Greeley, Mr. Frost
has been faithful in his adherence to the Repub-
lican party since casting his first ballot for
Fremont in 1856. A member of the Masonic
fraternity, he belongs to Delaware Dodge No. 52,
F. & A. M., and to Eagle Chapter No. 30,
R. A. M. He is a Knight Templar, being a
member of DeMolay Commandery No. 6, at
Washington, N. J.

In Easton, Pa., March 17, 1874, Mr. Frost and
Mary D-, daughter of Jacob B. Balliet, were
united in marriage. Four children were born to
them and were named as follows: Bartlett C, Jr.,
deceased; Evander, a law student in his father's
office; Orville, deceased; and Margery, at home.
Mr. Frost is recognized as one of the leading law-
yers of Phillipsburg, and is the oldest practi-
tioner here.

Wl ORRIS R. ALBRIGHT, a well-known
J business man of Junction, Hunterdon
(S County, has been a worker in the ranks of
the Republican party, in whose principles he
earnestly believes, and has been a member of the
election board ever since he came to this place,
about nine years ago. The high position in
which he stands in the confidence of the people
was manifested in March, 1895, when they
elected him to serve as collector of the borough
of Junction for a term of three years. He has
made a thoroughly satisfactory officer, promptly
and systematically discharging ever}' duty of the
position.

The Albright family originated in Germany
many generations ago, and have been represented
in the state of Pennsylvania for a long period.
Samuel L. Albright, father of our subject, was
born in Northampton County, Pa., and is now
living retired from active business life. In his
early manhood he followed the carpenter's trade,
subsequently turned his attention to agricultural

416

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pursuits, and later engaged in merchandising.
He has voted the Republican ticket since the or-
ganization of the party, but has never been an
aspirant to political honors. For many years he
has been a valued worker in the Presbyterian
Church, having been a trustee, elder and super-
intendent of the Sunday-school. He married
Mary Ann, daughter of John Able, of this count}',
and to them were born six sons and two daugh-
ters. John Calvin is a druggist and physician in
South Amboy, N. J.; George Peter is a school
teacher in Oxford, N. J. ; Morris R. is the next
in order of birth; Anna Margaret is the wife of
George La Rue, of Kingstown, N. J.; William
Herbert is a student in the Medico-Chirurgical
College of Philadelphia; Whitfield K. is a drug-
gist, clerking with his eldest brother in South
Amboy; Josiah Coleman is at home; and Cather-
ine Rachel is a graduate of the state normal and
is now engaged in teaching.

Morris R. Albright is a native of the village of
Martin's Creek, Northampton County, Pa., born
June 29, 1 86 1. He acquired a good education in
the public schools, and when he had attained his
majority he was placed in charge of a school.
He had prepared himself for the position by dili-
gent study, and met with success in his peda-
gogic work, during the seven years which he de-
voted to the business. For the last three years
of this period he spent all of his spare time in the
study of pharmacy, and subsequently he was a
clerk in a drug store in McKeyport, N. J. , for a
year, in order to gain necessaty experience. 1 11
1889 he came to Junction and bought out the
druggist here, since which time he has conducted
the business. In 1S97 he erected his present
building, a structure 24x40 feet in dimensions,
the second story being occupied as a barber shop.
Mr. Albright is a practical watch and clock re-
pairer, and at intervals in his other business de-
votes some time to this line. Pie is a member of
Shabekoug Tribe No. 46, Improved Order of Red
Men, of Junction, and also belongs to the Junior
Order of American Mechanics, Hunterdon Coun-
cil No. 94. Religiously he is a Presbyterian,
holding membership with the local congregation,

and is interested in the work of the Sunday-
school, being a teacher in the same, and also the
secretary.

October 22, 1892, Mr. Albright married Mar-
garet, daughter of our respected citizen, Ezra
Nason, the late mayor of Junction. The young
couple have one promising little son, William
Harvey.

• — ♦>«•}-• (i,(£>i • ; «-<« — t— f-

KOBERT Q. BOWERS. This successful
business man of Hackettstown, who is the
senior member of the firm of Bowers & Son,
was born in this place March 26, 1831. He is
of German descent, being a grandson of Jacob
Bowers, who came to America from Germany and
settled on a farm near Belvidere, Warren County,
continuing to reside there until his death when in
middle life. The father, Michael Bowers, a
native of this county, was orphaned at an early
age and being without means was bound out as
an apprentice. In spite of lack of advantages, he
worked his way from poverty to independence,
and became well-to-do. The greater part of his
life was spent in Washington, Warren County,
where he was proprietor of a foundry. In politi-
cal belief he was a Democrat and in religious beliel
held membership with the Methodist Episcopal
Church. His death occurred when he was about
seventy-eight years of age. Two sons, Robert O.
and John (who is a resident of Delaware) were
born of his union with Hannah Quick, a native
of Warren County, but deceased at the age of
thirty years.

During his boyhood days our subject assisted
his father on the home farm and in the foundry.
On attaining his majority he formed a partner-
ship with his father in the management of the
foundry at Washington, where he remained for
six years. About 1S5S he came to Hackettstown
and purchased the foundry of which he has since
been the proprietor and manager. The great

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4i7

issues before the people of the present age receive
his thoughtful attention. Believing the liquor
traffic to be the greatest curse of our nation, he
gives his support to Prohibition doctrines and en-
deavors, by precept and example, to weaken the
power of the ' 'whiskey ring. ' ' He and his family
are identified with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which he has been a steward and
trustee for many years.

The marriage of Mr. Bowers took place July 1,
1852, and united him with Miss Elizabeth P.
Kenneman, of Washington, Warren County.
They became the parents of six children, all but
one of whom are now living. Margaret, the eld-
est of the family, is the wife of James H. Stitzer,
of Philadelphia; Sarah married John Seward
Lampson, of Dover, N. J.; Michael B., who was
born in Washington, this county, has spent al-
most his entire life, however, in Hackettstown,
and since 187S has been the junior partner in the
foundry business; Robert Q., Jr., is now em-
ployed in the foundry business at Washington;
William, the youngest son, died when twenty-
one years of age; and Laura, the youngest of
the family, is the wife of F. H. Gulick, of Phila-
delphia.

""RASMUS L. REIGLE, M. D. Though
V) his residence in the town of Bloomsbury,
_ „ Hunterdon County, extends over less than
a decade, the enterprising young physician whose
name commences this sketch has built up a large
and lucrative practice, having about all that he
can attend to satisfactorily. He is a member of
the local board of health and has been township
physician since 1893, and besides is the official
examiner for two of the old-established life in-
surance companies here. He stands well in the
estimation of everyone, no less than in that of
the members of his own profession. He is a
student, keeping fully posted on all new discov-
eries in the realm of science and medicine, and is

not burdened with a multitude of the old, worn-
out theories of the former generations of those
who practiced the healing art.

The family of which the doctor is a sterling
representative originated in Germany, as the
name implies. John Reigle, his grandfather,
came to America about 1790, and located in
Bucks County, Pa. He was a cabinet-maker by
trade, and followed that business in the vicinity
of the town of Erwinna. He was a master in his
line, and perseveriugly worked at it during his
active life, making a good livelihood for his fam-
ily. He was a Lutheran in religious faith, and
was very active in the promotion of the interests
of his denomination. He married Rosanna
Moser. Of their five children Joseph M., the
doctor's father, was next to the eldest.

Born in Bucks County, Pa., Joseph M. Reigle
first saw the light of day in 1S1S. He was edu-
cated in the common schools of the vicinity of
his parental home, later being privileged to at-
tend one in Philadelphia for a time. Early in
his career he decided to become an agriculturist,
and his whole life was devoted to that pursuit in
his native county. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics, and religiously was a Lutheran. He mar-
ried Catherine, daughter of George Maust, a
neighboring farmer. Thirteen children came to
bless their home and eight of the number are yet
living, the others having died in infancy. Syl-
vester resides in Holland Township, Hunterdon
County; Joseph H. lives in Bucks County, Pa.;
Ella married Levi Lanning, of this county; El-
kanah is in Bucks County; Erasmus is the
next in order of birth; Lorenzo D. is in
this county; Lucretia is the wife of Hugh Shu-
man, and lives on the old Reigle homestead
in Bucks County; and Estella is making her
home with our subject and attends to his com-
fort in various ways, being his devoted friend and
companion.

Dr. E. L. Reigle was born at Erwinna, Bucks
County, Pa., April 1, 1863. He learned the ele-
mental branches of knowledge in the public
schools of his native place, later was a student in
the Frenchtown Academy and for a period at-

4i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tended Rutgers College in New Brunswick.
Then, for eighteen months he engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits in Philadelphia, later spending
three years as a traveling salesman for the firm of
Garrettson & Co., of the Quaker city. In
the meantime he devoted considerable time to
hard study, hispreceptor being Dr. O. E. Snyder,
of Quakertown, this count}'. Subsecjuently he
graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Phil-
adelphia in 1889, with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine. He at once located in Bloomsbury,
arriving here in May, 1889. He has been par-
ticularly successful in the treatment of diseases of
children. The first year after became here there
was an epidemic of influenza, and he was re-
markably fortunate in meeting this enemy, so
that his reputation was assured. Fraternally he
is a member of the Order of Red Men, is an Odd
Fellow and belongs to the Junior Order of Ameri-
can Mechanics. He holds membership with the
Methodist Church, and is always to be counted
upon to use his influence and means for whatever
will prove of benefit to his fellow-citizens. Dike
his father before him he uses his franchise in fa-
vor of the principles and nominees of the Democ-
racy.

IVy AHDON HULSIZER is one of the honored
I y old residents of Hunterdon Count}', as were
|(S his parents before him. Both of his grand-
fathers were patriots who offered their services
or lives, if the need came, to this country in her
struggle for independence during the Revolution,
and from them our subject doubtless inherited his
love for liberty, regard for the rights of his fel-
low-men and many of the sterling and hardy
virtues for which he has always been noted.
Born and reared in this county, he has always
been interested in its upbuilding and growth, and
has done all that was in his power to promote its
best and most lasting institutions and laws.
David Hulsizer, father of our subject, was a

prominent man in his time in this county, and
served his fellow-citizens in many capacities,
such as justice of the peace, judge of the county
court, etc. His chief life occupation was that of
agriculture, and prosperity crowned his efforts.
He died in 1862 and had been preceded to the
grave by his wife some ten years. She bore the
maiden name of Mary Chamberlain, and was
reared to womanhood in this, her native county.

The birth of Mahlon Hulsizer took place in
1815, and his education was obtained in the pub-
lic schools of his locality, which were excellent
and under good teachers. When a mere child he
was initiated into the mysteries of agriculture,
and from that day to the present he has been
thoroughly identified with the business. He
owns one hundred and sixty -five acres of finely
improved land, a part of which is situated along
the Dehigh Valley Railroad, thus making it es-
pecially valuable. The buildings upon the place
are neat and substantial, and everything about
the farm is kept in a thrifty manner, reflecting
great credit upon the proprietor. For more than
twenty years he was a member of the county
committee, and he has also been a judge of elec-
tions, though he has never desired office, merely
accepting such places to accommodate his neigh-
bors. No man stands higher in the regard of his
associates than he, and his whole life is like an
open book, that "he who runs may read," for it
is the record of deeds of goodness quietly and un-
ostentatiously performed, of innumerable acts of
kindness and charity toward those less fortunate
than himself, of patience, gentleness and unfail-
ing courtesy towards all.

The sharer of Mr. Hulsizer's joys and sorrows
along his journey of life is still with him, cheer-
ing and assisting him in all his hours of sadness.
They were married in 1839, and were blessed
with seven children. Mary Elizabeth is the wife
of Augustus K. Smith; Emily Caroline is the wife
of Thomas J. Stires; Ellen C. married A. B.
Demott; Annie is Mrs. Joseph Stires, of Somer-
ville; Jacob S. resides in Allendale; and David
S. and Christopher complete the number. The
mother of these children was Mary Sharp before

JOSEPH M. ROSRBKRRV.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

421

her marriage, and is a daughter of David Sharp,
a respected citizen of this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Hulsizer are members of the old-school Baptist
Church and have always supported by their
means and influence all worthy enterprises.

(JOSEPH M. ROSEBERRY. Nearly twenty
I years have passed since this highly respected
V~) citizen of Belvidere, Warren County, was
admitted to the bar, and during this period he
has built up for himself a reputation that is
indeed enviable. His ability as a lawyer, though
great and well recognized in this portion of the
country, is, however, not secondary to his talent
for business, and his mind, life and character are
well rounded, commanding the esteem of all who
know him. His services to the Republican part}',
with which great political body he is enrolled,
have been and are most valuable. For several
years he was chairman of the Warren County
Republican committee, and has succeeded very
materially in organizing the forces and making it
a power in this locality, having reduced the
Democratic majority over fifteen hundred.

On the paternal side Mr. Roseberry is de-
scended from one of the early settlers of this
county. His great-grandfather, John Roseberry,
was a man of considerable wealth when he came
to America. He made a permanent home in
Phillipsburg in 1750, and owned about fifteen
hundred acres, embracing nearly the whole site
of the present city. He married Margaret,
daughter of William Phillips, the founder of
Phillipsburg, in whose honor it was named. A
brother-in-law, Gen. John Phillips, served in the
Revolutionary war.

From Michael, a sou of John Roseberry, is de-
scended Joseph M. Roseberry, Sr. , born in Octo-
ber, 1804, who was a farmer by occupation, but
did not confine himself to that one line-of enter-
prise. He was remarkably good as a financier,

and through the exercise of judicious care and
correct methods became very well off, as at his
death his estate, with what he had previously
given to his children, was estimated to be about
$150,000 in value. In the work of the Presby-
terian Church, with which denomination he was
connected, he was very active, contributing liber-
ally to religious and charitable enterprises. Had
he so desired he might have held various positions
of responsibility and honor, but he was not am-
bitious of public recognition. For his wife he
chose Sally A. , daughter of Abraham and grand-
daughter of Benjamin DePue. The latter was a
commissary in the war of the Revolution and
married Catherine, daughter of Col. Abraham
Van Campen, who commanded a regiment of
New Jerse)' troops in the French and Indian
wars, and was the first judge of old Sussex
County. The original DuPue (spelled in French
Dupuis or Dupuy) ancestor in America was a
Huguenot whose Christian name was Nicholas;
from him are descended Chauncey M. Depew
and other men of national repute. He emigrated
from Artois, France, in October, 1662, and
bought land in New York City — the site of the
present Produce Exchange building and was
classed as one of its wealthiest citizens. Our
subject's father departed this life August 5, 1SS7.
Nine of his children survive him, and two of the
number and a brother-in-law are lawyers.

J. M. Roseberry, of this sketch, was born in
Oxford Township, Warren County, December 3,
1852. After finishing his preliminary studies in
the schools of Belvidere and Blairstown Academy
he entered Princeton College, in 1S73. He grad-
uated four years later, in the meantime having
spent one year in opening an iron mine in Scott
Mountain near here. His alma mater bestowed
upon him the degrees of Bachelor of Philosophy
and Master of Arts, and he still belongs to a fel-
lowship class of 1877 and contributes to two
endowment funds. Determining to enter the
legal profession, he took up the study of law
under the direction of J. G. Shipman & Son, and
at the expiration of three years was admitted to
the bar as an attorney. He became a counsellor-

422

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at-law in 1887 and has a large legal business.
He is one of the counsel of the United States
Pipe Line Company in its struggle in the courts
with the Standard Oil Company, and the railroads
in laying its line of pipes through New Jersey.
His uame has been prominently before the public
owing to his connection with various important
cases, railway suits, murder trials, etc. At one
time he had control of the Osmun iron mine, and
from time to time he has made profitable invest-
ments in real estate, farms and owns considerable
mining property, etc. He holds membership
with the First Presbyterian Church, and is very
liberal in his contributions to its expenses.

August 15, 1891, Mr. Roseberry married Mary
Winter White, and their only child, Joseph
White, was born April 29, 1897. Mrs. Rose-
berry is a daughter of Thomas White, and is a
direct descendant of one Alexander White, who
settled in Greenwich, N. J., long prior to the
Revolutionary war. His three sons were Will-
iam, Alexander and Samuel. William, the eld-
est, resided in the fine old family mansion, White-
hall, which was built of stone, and though
constructed over a century ago, is still standing
and in a fair state of preservation. Lieut. Will-
iam White was the first man from Sussex County
(then comprising the territory of the present
Sussex and Warren Counties) to join the army
of Washington, at Boston, Mass. After having
had his papers properly certified to by the free-
holders of his home county, he proceeded with
his younger brother, Samuel (a lad under age)
to give his services to the cause of freedom and
independence. The brother lost his life in the
ensuing war, while he, William, shipwrecked all
of his goodly estates and property for the same
great object; and the old. homestead, including
the stately residence, Whitehall, passed into the
hands of his other brother, Col. Alexander
White, who had also been a soldier in the same
war. President William Henry Harrison stopped
at the old homestead on one occasion. The
property has continued in the family up to the
date of this writing and is now owned by William
B. White, a direct descendant of Col. Alexander

White, who at the time of his death had sixteen
hundred acres of land. About 1760 Alexander
White, Sr. , donated the land known as the White
burying-ground, in Oxford Township, to the com-
munity, and it is a tradition that one of the White
family built a church of bricks imported from
England.

"WHITEHALL," near Belvidere, N. J., was
erected before the revolutionary war and was
the home of Lieut. Wtoiam White, first soedier
of Sussex (now Warren) County, who joined
with his brother the army of washington at
Boston, Mass., in 1775. Later WHITEHALL was

THE RESIDENCE OF COL. ALEXANDER WHITE.

30HN TODD, a wealthy and influential citi-
zen of Clinton Township, Hunterdon County,
owns a pleasant home here, where he and his
family pass a portion of each j'ear. He has been
engaged in business enterprises in New York
City for nearly half a century and has justly
earned the title of self-made, for he commenced
his financial life at the bottom rounds of the lad-
der, and by his own efforts worked his way to the
top. He overcame the difficulties of being a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stranger in a strange land, of being without
money or influential friends, and by his own
merits commanded the respect of all with whom
he came into contact before many years had
rolled away.

The birth of John Todd occurred in County
Down, Ireland, May 29, 1829, his father being
Thomas Todd, a strict Protestant in religious be-
lief. When he had reached his majority, or with-
in a few months thereafter, our subject concluded
to seek a home and fortune on the shores of the
New World. Bidding farewell to all his old friends
and associates, he sailed to the United States,
landing in New York City in 1851. He soon
found employment in a box manufactory in the
metropolis, and, having learned the details of the
business, he decided that he would stick to it as
a means of obtaining his livelihood in the future.
That very Scotch -Irish trait of perseverance is
undoubtedly one of the chief secrets of his suc-
cess in life, and it seems to the biographer, whose
duty it is to trace the histories of men, that it
would be very profitable to man}' of them were
they to emulate Mr. Todd's example in this re-
spect, as obviously thousands of comparative
failures in life are due to restless and unreason-
able changes from one occupation to another
and from one location to another. His prac-
tical sense and genuine ability soon obtained
promotion for our subject, and for several years
he was the foreman of the factory. The plant
is situated at Nos. 150 and 152 Baxter street,
and since 1862 has been the property of Mr.
Todd, he having purchased it at that time.
In 1875 he bought the farm in this township,
and has since devoted considerable time to its
management. He is a lover of fine stock, and
owns some thoroughbred Alderney cattle. The
place comprises ninety-two acres and is well im-
proved, affording a delightful summer home to
the family, whose city residence is on Eighty-
seventh street. In 1S97 Mr. Todd retired from
business and intends to pass his declining years
on his home farm. He is a member and has
served as an elder in the Phillips Presbyterian
Church in New York and when here is a faith-

ful attendant upon the services of the Clinton
Presbyterian Church. He votes the Republican
ticket.

In 1858 he married Mary, daughter of John
Macklin, formerly of Clinton. The children
that blessed the union of our subject and wife
are: Andrew Thomas, who is in business in the
metropolis; Alexander M., a lumber merchant of
the same city; Ada E. , Mary E., William H.
and Alice A. Mrs. Todd comes from an honored
old family of this county, her father having been
prominent in local affairs, and her uncle, Rev.
Alexander Macklin, having been the first Pres-
byterian minister in Clinton. The elder sons of
Mr. Todd are active young business men, giving
promise of inherited ability. The second son is
the senior member in the firm of A. M. Todd
& Co., which owns a lumber yard at the
foot of Third street on the East River. His
brother, William H., is a bookkeeper for this
firm, and our subject is also financially interested
in the business.

— -y— t — «>3-»>'e(T3^'>C\« — ' — s-

ON. IRWIN W. SCHULTZ, ex-mayor of
Phillipsburg, Warren County, occupies an
enviable position in the regard of his fellow-
citizens, and is justly esteemed one of our best
and most representative men. With the excep-
tion of the railroad corporations here, there are
few enterprises of any magnitude or general use-
fulness to this community with which he is not
now or has been connected. No one could be
more patriotic or more thoroughly in sympathy
with every movement calculated to benefit the
people of his own neighborhood than he is and
has been in the past. In fact the mere enumera-
tion of the various concerns which have received
his material aid and influential support would ex-
ceed the limits of this article, and therefore only
a few will be mentioned.

I. W. Schultz was born in Phillipsburg, De-

424

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cember 6, 1855. Having completed his public-
school education he graduated from Lafayette
College, Eastou, Pa., at the close of a classical
course in 1879. He next took up the study of
law with William M. Davis, of Phillipsburg, and
was admitted to the bar as an attorney in Novem-
ber, 18S1, and as counsellor in 1885. Immed-
iately opening an office, he embarked in the prac-
tice of his chosen profession, and from the first
his success was assured, for his abilities were
well recognized by a large circle of acquaintances
while he was a mere youth. In 1883 he was
elected city auditor and served one year. In
1884 he was elected mayor of Phillipsburg and
served one year, then refused re-election.

From the time that the large and prosperous
industry of the Phillipsburg silk mills was organ-
ized he was interested in the two plants and was
president of the Phillipsburg Silk Mill Company
for two years, which gives employment to a large
number of persons. In 18S9 he was appointed
law or resident judge of the court of common
pleas of Warren County and continued in that
responsible position until 1892, when he resigned
in order to attend to the administration of an es-
tate. In September, 1896, he and W. C. Pilgrim,
under the firm name of Schultz & Pilgrim,
bought the Warren Democrat and in the follow-
ing December began issuing the Warren Daily
News- Democrat. Our subject takes an active
part in the management of this journal, which is
one of the best papers of the kind published in
this part of the state of New Jersey.

Among the fraternities Mr. Schultz stands de-
servedly high. He belongs to Delaware Lodge
No. 52, F. & A. M.; Montana Lodge No. 2, K.
of P., and was district deputy of the same; is an
Odd Fellow and is identified with the Patriotic
Order Sons of America. June 3, 1886, Mr.
Schultz married Jessie B., daughter of Dr. Sam-
uel Glenn, of Washington, N. J.

The parents of Mr. Schultz are Alexander and
Selinda (Smith ) Schultz, who were married in
June, 1854. The father was born in Prussia,
Germany, April 8, 1S2S, and came to America in
1853. He resided in New York City until the

year 1864, when he removed to Phillipsburg.
In politics he is independent, and for three
years he was a member of the city council.
Religiously he is a Lutheran. His wife was a
daughter of Michael Smith, and some of her an-
cestors were patriots of the wars of the Revolu-
tion and 1812. Five children were born to Al-
exander Schultz and wife, but only two are liv-
ing: I. W. and Louis G., the latter a lawyer at
Fort Worth, Tex.

C) FORGE J. BUCKLEY is an industrious,
— reliable farmer of Readington Township,
^ Hunterdon County, his home having been
for the past ten years on the well-improved
homestead where he may be found to-day. He is
a native of German}', and came to America a
poor boy, to seek an honest manner of earning
his livelihood and to found a home when it
should appear best. He has been a life-long ag-
riculturist, and from a very early age was
thoroughly familiar with farming in all its prac-
tical details. Commencing his career in New
Jersey without friends or influence, a stranger in
a strange laud, he persevered through all diffi-
culties, mastered the English language in time,
and acquired a competence.

In a family numbering six children whose par-
ents were Matthias and Catharine (Stores) Buck-
ley, our subject is the fourth in order of birth.
His brothers and sisters are named as follows:
Catherine, Pauline, Louis, Maria and Matthias.
The parents were natives of Germany and were
well-to-do farmers. George J. was born Novem-
ber 25, 1838, on the parental homestead, where he
remained until he was fifteen years of age, re-
ceiving an education in the neighboring schools.
In 1S54 he decided to come to America with his
brother Matthias. He came direct to this state
and worked on a farm for many years — in fact

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

425

he was in the employ of Susan A. Regar, a wid-
ow, for a long period of thirty -one years, or until
May, 1887.

Having laid aside a goodly competence, Mr.
Buckley felt himself amply justified in buying a
farm for himself and establishing a home in 1887.
He was married on the 25th of May, that
year, to Sarah C. Messier, a native of this
township, and together they at once started
housekeeping on their new farm, which comprises
eighty-one acres. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley are
much respected in this locality, and are mem-
bers' of the Presbyterian Church. In his political
belief he is affiliated with the Republican party.

Gl BEL BRINTON HARING, cashier of the
LJ Union National Bank of Frenchtown, Hun-
/ 1 terdon County, has occupied this responsi-
ble and trustworthy position for nearly twenty
years and has given complete satisfaction to the
general public as well as to his superior officers
in this well-known financial institution, where he
has been employed for twenty -seven years. He
may be said to be a self-made man, in the best
sense of the word, as he has relied upon his own
resources from his early youth, and has literally
been the "architect of his own fortunes." From a
long line of sterling upright ancestors he inherited
traits of the strictest integrity and justice, and
sound patriotism and love of country.

The gentleman of whom this is a sketch comes
of German stock, with a slight intermixture of
French blood. His paternal grandfather came
from Germany to the United States when in
young manhood and took up his abode in Bucks
County, Pa., whither his two brothers had pre-
ceded him. Both of these brothers were active
participants in the colonial struggle for independ-
ence, and one of them was commissioned by the
general assembly to collect arms and ammunition
for the continental army, which office he filled

with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of
all concerned. On the maternal side, the great-
grandfather of our subject was a native of Ger-
many, though his wife was from France. Grand-
father Haring removed from Bucks County to
Milton, Pa., then a frontier town, where he re-
sided many years.

There David Haring, the father of A. B. Har-
ing, was born and reared. When he was a mere
youth he decided to become a potter, and to carry
out his plans he located in Nockamixon Town-
ship, Bucks County, where there was a very fine
quality of clay suitable for his work. Many
large potteries had already been established in
that vicinity and he found plenty of employment.
He there met and married Annie Bigley, and of
the eight children who blessed their union the
two oldest, a son and the only daughter, died
while young, and another son died in a southern
prison during the late war. The others are all
still living and are respected citizens of the sev-
eral communities in which they make their
homes.

The birth of Abel B. Haring occurred in
Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, Pa.,
April 2, 1847. He remained under the parental
roof-tree until he was about seventeen years of
age, assisting his father in his extensive potteries,
and obtaining a general education in the public
schools of the neighborhood, which were open for
pupils' instruction about five months of the year.
Young Haring was a bright and ambitious stu-
dent, very quick to learn, and, though it may read-
ily be seen that his advantages were not of the
best, he made rapid progress, and when about
eighteen passed an examination and was placed
in charge of a school as a teacher. He had, how-
ever, especially prepared himself for the work by
a fourteen weeks' course in a normal school, and
for two years he was very successfully occupied
in pedagogic endeavor. He next concluded that
he should have commercial training, and accord-
ingly he entered the general store of the late H.
E. Warford, of Frenchtown, as a bookkeeper
and salesman. He continued with the firm for
some four years, at the end of which period he

426

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was elected to the position of teller in the Union
National Bank of this place. He commenced his
new duties March 1 , and continued to faithfully
discharge them as teller until 1879, when he was
promoted to the post of cashier, and as such has
since served. He uses his franchise in favor of
the nominees of the Democratic part)', and is a
loyal upholder of law and good government. He
and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Frenchtown. Mr. Haring has been
twice married. His first wife bore the maiden
name of Jennie Vorhis. She was a native of this
county and at her death left one daughter,
Beulah Edna, now fourteen years of age. Octo-
ber 5, 1892, Mr. Haring married Miss Johanna
Krewson, who was born and reared in Warmin-
ster Township, Bucks County, Pa. and is the
daughter of Garrett Krewson.

Fraternally Mr. Haring is a Mason, belonging
to Orion Dodge No. 56, F. & A. M.; Wilson
Chapter No. 13, R. A. M., and St. Elmo Com-
mandery, K. T., and is past master of the blue
lodge. He is a member of Magnolia Dodge No.
571, I. O. O. F. , in which he has filled all of the
chairs. In Dily Encampment No. 20, I. 0. O.
F., he is a past chief patriarch; in Home Dodge
No. 95, K. of P., he is a past officer, and in Man-
hattan Tribe No. 29, I, O. R. M., he is a past
sachem. He is enthusiastic on the subject of se-
cret orders, believing that from them great bene-
fits may be derived, both intellectual and mate-
rial.

UDDOW P. WOODEN, who is deceased, was
I C a highly respected citizen of White House
L^ Station, Hunterdon County, where he con-
ducted a well-equipped hotel for several years
with ability and to the general satisfaction of
the public. He was a man of undoubted talent
and upright reliable business methods, which
commended themselves to all with whom he had
dealings. His death, which occurred November

15, 1895, was deplored as a great and lasting cal-
amity to the community, for the loss of a good
and enterprising citizen is always one which
closely affects the prosperity of a locality. His
life was a busy and useful one, and was replete
with a thousand acts of generosity and kindness
to his fellows, the memory of which enshrines
him in many a heart. At the same time he was
retiring and unostentatious and his right hand
rarely knew of the good works which his left
hand accomplished. But it was chiefly in the
happy home circle that his virtues most strongly
shone forth, and as a husband and father he was
all that is most noble in a man.

D. P. Wooden was born in Plainfield, N. J.,
May 3, 1840, being a son of Ezra and Ann D.
(Kendall) Wooden, who were both natives of
New Jersey. Their family originally numbered
eight children, but only four now survive, viz.:
Sarah, Maggie, William and Martin. The
grandfather of our subject on the paternal side
was Gideon Wooden, who was born and always
resided in this state.

In his youth D. P. Wooden learned the car-
penter's trade and in 1862 he went to California,
returning in about three years. Afterward he
was engaged in carrying on a baker}' business
at Morristown and Plainfield. It was in 1S75
that he came to White House Station and for
twenty years he was identified with the welfare
of this vicinity.

Mr. Wooden was a member of the Masonic
fraternity and was also connected with the Im-
proved Order of Red Men. In his political pref-
erences he sided with the principles of the Democ-
racy. Death claimed him when he was but fifty-five
years of age, and then in a position to begin to
take life more easily, as he had acquired a com-
petence. His estate, which was willed to his
wife, amounted to about $15,000.

His marriage took place May 30, 1S71, the
lady of his choice being Annie E. Pell, who was
born and grew to womanhood in New Jersey,
and possesses most lovable womanly qualities
which endear her to all. Two children were
born to this union, D- Edward and Nellie D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

427

Mrs. Wooden is a daughter of William J. and
Frances P. (Lockwood) Pell, natives of New
York. She is next to the youngest of five sur-
viving children, the others being Mariam Fran-
ces, Charles and Mary E.; four of her brothers
and sisters have departed this life.

(3AMUEE H. WILSON. The personal popu-
/\ larity of this sterling citizen of Aunandale,
\~J Hunterdon County, was ampl}- shown when,
in March, 1895, he was elected on the Republican
ticket to the responsible position of freeholder.
This, in a count}' which is strongly Democratic
in tendency, indicates the high standing in which
a candidate of the opposition must be held in
order to score a victory. He has always been
loyal to the interests of the Republican party and
is an earnest worker in the ranks.

Mr. Wilson is a son of Peter and Emma (Shep-
ard) Wilson, and was born October 2, 1S49, in
Pittstown, Hunterdon County. His father was
a shoemaker by trade, and in his last years occu-
pied himself in agricultural pursuits. For about
a quarter of a century he was the postmaster at
Rowlands' Mills, in this county, and in 1892
removed to Clinton Township, where he now
resides. His father, Joseph Wilson, lived for a
great many years in Franklin Township, near
the new stone church, and died on the farm that
is now owned by his son William. Mrs. Emma
Wilson was one of eight children coming from
one of the representative old families of this
county. Her brothers and sisters were as fol-
lows: Samuel, now baggage-master on the Penn-
sylvania Railroad, his run being from Flemington
to Eambertville, while his home is in the first-
named place; William, station agent at Nesha-
nock, for the New Jersey Central; John, a ma-
chinist in Pottersville, Hunterdon County; Joseph
T., deceased, formerly a practicing physician of
Phillipsburg; Robert A., deceased, formerly a

dentist in Newton; Ann, the wife of George L-
Boss, a farmer of Union Township; and Margaret
and Catherine, unmarried, and living in Flem-
ington.

The subject of this article is an only child, and
was afforded excellent advantages in the way of
an education. He remained under the parental
roof until he was twenty years of age, when he
began serving an apprenticeship to the painter's
trade with William C. Ayers, of Plainfield, in
whose employ he continued four years. Since
that time he has made this business his chief occu-
pation, and has been kept very busy in meeting
the demands upon him in this neighborhood and
in the towns of Clinton and Annandale. He has
frequently been nominated for local positions,
and has won the esteem of all who know him.

April 19, 1872, Mr. Wilson was united in mar-
riage with Elizabeth Shaffer, whose parents are
Samuel and Jane (Apgar) Shaffer. The father
was formerly in business in Allentown, N. J.,
and died in 1894. In the family of our subject
there are five children: Emma, wife of Jacob P.
Smith, a farmer in the vicinity of Hamden;
William, who is a telegraph operator at Flax
Mill, on the Lehigh Valley Railroad; Raymond,
Carl and Stacy.

->— »~

•♦>K<3

(JOHN EILENBERG is a well-known citizen
I of Phillipsburg. He was a member of the
Q) city council for three terms or three years
and was president of the board for eight succes-
sive years. In political affairs he is greatly in-
terested in the Democratic party's prosperity, and
does all in his power to promote its success.

Thirty years have passed away since our sub-
ject became a resident of Phillipsburg for the first
time, and he has made this place his home during
the period mentioned, having settled here in
1868. In June, 1SS2, he organized the No. 5
Building and Loan Association of Phillipsburg,

428

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and has since officiated as secretary of the com-
pany. It has been prospered to a remarkable
degree, and possesses the entire confidence of the
public at large as a safe and reliable concern, ow-
ing to the fact that only thoroughly practical,
trustworthy men are in charge of the invest-
ments. Mr. Eilenberg is also treasurer of the
Phillipsburg Eight, Heat and Power Company.
In May, 1881, he opened a wholesale wine and
liquor store and still conducts the same.

John Eilenberg is one of five children whose
parents were Henry and Margaret (Keen) Eilen-
berg. The father was of German descent, his
ancestor having been one of two brothers who
left their native city, Heidelberg, to found a
home in the New World, and settled in Pennsyl-
vania. John, father of Henry, was a soldier in
the War of 18 12. Henry Eilenberg was a miller
by trade, and also a millwright. He was a very
honorable, upright man and was very kind and
good to those less fortunate than himself. For
years he was a justice of the peace. His death
occurred in 1854 and his widow survived him
thirty-three years, dying in 1887. Her father,
George Keen, of Sussex County, N. J., was a
well-to-do man, and was influential in his own
community. The brother and sisters of our sub-
ject are: Catherine, wife of Samuel Parsons, of
Bangor, Pa.; James, of Newark, N. J.; Sarah,
wife of George W. Hunt, of Newark; and Hannah
M., also of that city.

The birth of Mr. Eilenberg took place in Sus-
sex County, N. J., December 5, 1840. He re-
ceived good school advantages, and when about
seventeen commenced learning the trade of a
miller. Then, for three years he ran his grand-
father's mill in his native village, but this busi-
ness was not entirely to his taste, and he decided
to try other enterprises. Having passed the re-
quired examination, he was awarded a school,
and for the next two years taught in the towns of
Five Points and Middleville, Sussex County, N.
J., and in Buttzville, Warren County. Not
wishing to always remain a teacher, he learned
telegraphy and was an operator at the station at
Bridgeville, Warren County, for a time, also run-

ning a country store. In April, 1S68, he came
to Phillipsburg and was employed in railroading;
later becoming a salesman in a clothing store
in Easton, across the river.

Our subject belongs to a number of the lead-
ing lodges and fraternal organizations here.
When the local lodge of the Independent Order
of Elks was started he became one of the charter
members, and was elected exalted ruler. He is
treasurer of Delaware EodgeNo. 52, F. & A. M.,
and is a Knight Templar. He is also identified
with the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, and
is a member of the Masonic Veterans' Associa-
tion.

March 7, 1867, Mr. Eilenberg married Barbara
E. Eommasson, daughter of Lawrence Lommas-
son, of this county. She is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and is beloved and esteemed
by all who know her. They are the parents of
three sons: Samuel D., of Camden, N. J.; Henry
M., a machinist; and John M., a student at the
high school.

••^-1 :-vQ>; •>:<••

3UDGE OCTAVIUS P. CHAMBERLAIN,
of Fleming-ton, was born in Delaware Town-
ship, Hunterdon County, N. J., in the 3'ear
1832. His father, A. B. Chamberlain, who was
one of nine brothers, was of New England stock,
coming originally from the state of Vermont. He
was a man of prominence in the community,
holding the office of sheriff of the county in 1840,
so that the traditions of the family may safely be
said to have led the son in the direction of an in-
terest in public and political affairs.

Judge Chamberlain enjoyed the advantages of
a liberal education, which was received at the
University of Lewisburg, Pa. He then took up
the study of law, reading with George A. Allen,
Esq., and in due time was admitted to practice at
the bar. For ten years he held the office of pros-
ecutor of the pleas. In 1S91 he was appointed

JOHN F. GRANDIN, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

43i

by the governor of New Jersey law judge of
the court of common pleas, an office which he
still holds.

In politics his affiliations are with the Demo-
cratic party. In addition to the interest which
he takes in political and legal affairs he has also
found time to bestow upon educational matters,
and under the old S3'stem for three years held the
responsible position of superintendent of the
schools of the town. Of more importance, how-
ever, than these offices is the reputation which
he enjoys among his fellow-citizens for honor and
straightforwardness.

Mr. Chamberlain has. been twice married, his
first wife being Miss Mary Fisher, daughter of
Joseph Fisher.

(JOHN F. GRANDIN, M. D., for many years
I a prominent physician and surgeon of Hun-
Q) terdon County, was born on the old home-
stead in Hamden, January 27, 182S, and is a son
of John and Elizabeth (Reading) Grandin. He is
of French ancestry, being descended from Daniel
Grandin, who emigrated from France about 1725,
and settled in Monmouth, N. J. His sons, John
and Philip, later removed to Hunterdon County,
where they purchased an estate of one thousand
acres of land on the south branch of the Raritan,
subsequently building a mill property at Hamden.
The water right was originally granted in 1752
and transferred to them in 1759. John married
Abigail Lippincott, but died without issue.
Philip, who was a fuller, dyer and miller, mar-
ried Eleanor Forman. To them were born two
sons and five daughters: John Forman Grandin,
M. D., Philip, Mary, Jane, Abigail, Eleanor and
Rachel. John Forman Grandin married Mary
Newell, who was a first cousin of that gallant
hero, Captain Lawrence, II. S. N., whose last
words have been handed down to posterity
through school books of recent years, "Don't

give up the ship." Of this union six children
were born. John, the father of our subject, was
the fifth born, and married Elizabeth H. , daughter
of Daniel Reading, ofFlemington, where for many
years he resided on a farm, now known as the
Fair Grounds. The family of Readings were de-
scendants of Hon. John Reading,. once temporary
governor of New Jersey, and, always prominent
in the early history of the state.

Our subject, John Forman Grandin, received
his early education iu the public schools of his
native place, and was later prepared for college by
the late Rev. John Van Deveer, of Easton, Pa.
Subsequently he entered Lafayette College, where
he remained during the freshman and sophomore
years and completed the junior and senior 3-ears
at Union College, from which he was graduated
in 1849. On completion of his collegiate course
he embraced the study of medicine under Hon.
John Manners, M. D., of Clinton, N. J., and re-
ceived the degree of M. D., from the University
of Pennsylvania in 1852. In Hamden he entered
upon the practice of his profession, which he con-
tinued until his death, in 1889. During the thirty
years in which he practiced, his name became well
known throughout the state, and he attained to a
high position among the leading members of his
profession. He was prominent in the community ,
where for four generations his family had resided,
and although his large practice precluded his tak-
ing an active part in political affairs, his opin-
ions and influence were ever sought by leading
men in political life. He was an aggressive and
progressive American, every ready to assist with
his time and means any enterprise tending to im-
prove the commercial prosperity of the count}-,
and during his lifetime was influential in the
growth and development of the commercial, social
and religious life of his section of New Jersey.

In 18S0 he married Mrs. Julia F. Todd, widow
of Dr. John R. Todd, a former successful practi-
tioner of Lebanon, N. J. , and who served for three
years as surgeon in the Civil war. Mrs. Grandin
is a daughter of William and Phoebe (Matthews)
Johnson, and granddaughter of John Matthews,
during: his life the owner of a fine estate in

43^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD.

Westchester Count}', N. Y., which later became
the residence of Horace Greeley. Mrs. Grandin
was born in New York City and removed with her
parents when nine years of age to Round Valley,
Hunterdon County. Her father was for man}'
years engaged in mercantile business in the me-
tropolis, but retired and passed his declining
years in Round Valley. One child, a daughter
Sarah, was born of her marriage with Dr. Todd,
and she lives with her mother, having completed
her education, which was acquired principally in
the model school of Trenton, N. J. Of hermarriage
with Dr. Grandin, one child was born, also a
daughter, Elizabeth, who is at present attending
Mrs. Dana's Female Seminary at Morristown,
N.J.

Since the death of Dr. Grandin many improve-
ments have been made on the estate by his widow.
The residence has been entirely remodeled and
extensive grounds laid out, which have added
greatly to the natural beauty of the site. Few
possess a more delightful home, surrounded on all
sides by exquisite glimpses of mountain scenery.
Mrs. Grandin is prominently identified with
social and religious affairs, while her charities are
many and varied.

QETER W. MELICK has been for over half
L/' a century one of the most influential citizens
K-) of Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County,
and lives upon the identical homestead where his
father, grandfather and great-grandfather before
him made their abode. This property has been
in the possession of the family since 1740 or a
few years later. The gentleman of whom we
write has always done his share towards the sup-
port of religion, education and the public good
in general, and it would be hard, indeed, to
worthily fill the place he has made for himself in
the community and in the hearts of those who
have known and loved him a life-time.

One Tunis Melick emigrated from a district on
the Rhine, in Germany, about 1740, being ac-
companied by his sister. On their voyage to
America one of their companions was Henry
Miller, of the Fatherland, and to this man the
sister was afterwards married and thus arose the
Miller branch of the family in this county. Tunis
Melick settled on land now owned by our subject,
and engaged in its cultivation. He was a mill-
wright by trade, and soon put up a mill on his
laud, and later erected mills in various localities.
For a number of years he resided on this place,
but finally sold it to Dr. Barnett and removed to
what is now known as the Welch farm. After a
time he bought the place where our subject was
born, and there passed the remainder of his days.
The old mill which he had built on his original
farm has been in constant operation since, and in
1894 our subject put in a complete roller process,
and all modern appliances, thus making it as good
a one as is to be found anywhere. Tunis Me-
lick married a Miss Van Horn, and their eldest
child was Peter (grandfather of our subject) born
December 4, 1758. A daughter Margaret mar-
ried Dennis Wyckoff; Catherine became the wife
of Menard Farley; Ann married Isaac Farley;
Ellen married first Abraham Fleet and another
daughter married a Mr. Fleet also.

Peter Melick, the grandfather, spent the latter
part of his life upon the old farm which came in-
to his hands at the death of his father. He was
a very successful business man and was fre-
quently called upon to occupy public positions in
his own neighborhood. He was an influential
member of the Lutheran Church at New Ger-
mantown, which his father, Tunis, had been very
instrumental in organizing. Peter Melick mar-
ried Susanna, daughter of Nicholas and Mary
Egbert, February 27, 17S3. She was born
March 3, 1763, and by her marriage became the
mother of the following children: Tunis ,born
March 15, 1784; Mary, April n, 1786; Nicholas,
E., August iS, 17S8; Peter, January 2, 1791;
Abram, April 7, 1793; James, March 21, 1795;
John, February 7, 1797; Eleanor, September 1,
1799 (married Andrew Van Sickel) ; Elizabeth,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

433

November 20, 1801 (married Charles Williams) ;
Susanna, December 28, 1803 (married Cornelius
Minfort); and Catherine, October 22, 1807, died
at the age of two years.

The father of our subject was Tunis Melick,
the eldest-born in the family just enumerated.
His birthplace was on the farm adjoining the one
where our subject was born. He was an ac-
knowledged factor in local affairs when in his
prime, and accumulated a valuable property.
This land he bequeathed to his sons, leaving a
large and well-improved farm to each, while to
his daughter he willed $13,000. She was Su-
sanna, wife of Jacob D. Trimmer, the son of David
Trimmer, an old and respected citizen of this
county. The sons who received the landed es-
tate were Peter W. and Andrew V. The father
was not an actual member of the Lutheran
Church, but lent substantial support to the main-
tenance of the same. His wife was Sarah, eldest
daughter of Andrew and Magdalen (Dane) Van
Sickel.

The birth of Peter W. Melick of this sketch
occurred on a farm near the village of New Ger-
mantown, September 21, 1823. He took charge
of the home farm upon coming of age, and car-
ried it on until 1862 as a tenant. Upon the
death of his father, October 15, 1862, the prop-
erty became his in fact. However, it has been
substantially under his control since 1844. This
place comprises one hundred and eighty-seven
acres, in addition to which he owns the farm ad-
joining, one hundred and twenty -eight acres, the
old homestead of two hundred acres and the Hill
farm of one hundred and thirty acres, a total of
nearly five hundred and fifty acres. He has
been engaged in general farming, fruit culture
and dairying, and for twenty -seven years has op-
erated the old mill on his farm, doing the local
work in this line. In 1862 he was one of the
most aggressive promoters of the building of the
new Methodist Episcopal Church in New Ger-
mantowu, and drew the first stone upon the
ground which he had purchased for the edifice.
In company with two others he contributed
$6,000 of the $9,000 which the church building

cost, nor did his work end there, for he has gone
on, giving most liberally of his means to religious
enterprises. He has been an active member of
the church for forty years, most of this time offi-
ciating as trustee, steward or in some other ca-
pacity. When he had reached his threescore
and ten years he resigned in favor of younger
and more ambitious members, believing, and
truly, that he had done his share of active work
in the congregation. He was for years surveyor
of his township, committeeman, etc., and was
once connected with the state militia. Origin-
ally he was a Henry Clay Whig, and since the
formation of the Republican party has been an
enthusiastic supporter of the same. During the
stormy days of the war he was thoroughly in
sympathy with the Union, and was once threat-
ened by a mob for his freely expressed sentiments.
He has administered numerous estates, his fidel-
ity and business ability being beyond ques-
tion. At times he has invested large amounts
in western land, in Illinois, Kansas and Ne-
braska, and also owns property in Elizabeth, N. J.

"2JEORGE M. COUCH, of Phillipsburg, has
— a record that has rarely been equaled, as for
»_J nearly forty years he has been an engineer,
and ever since his eighteenth year he has been in
continuous employment with one railroad corpor-
ation— the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western.
In all the relations of life he has been very con-
scientious and faithful, whether as a citizen, an
employe, or as a husband and father. Politically
he is strongly in favor of the principles of the
Republican party, but has never been induced to
accept any public office.

George M. Couch is a native of Sandburg, Sul-
livan County, N. Y., his birth having occurred
near the town of Sandburg, June 11, 1839. His
father, William Couch, was from Connecticut,
and was a successful agriculturist. He belonged

434

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to the Society of Friends, and for sixteen years
was a justice of the peace. He departed this
life in 1856. His good wife, Nancy, was a daugh-
ter of Samuel Adams, also of Connecticut. She
died in 1887, at the ripe age of eighty-nine years.
Of their five children only two are now living.
Harriet is the wife of Judson Boyce, of Phillips-
port, N. Y.

As was common in the days of his youth,
George M. Couch, as a farmer's boy, received
such education as he could obtain in the district
schools during the winter terms. He had no
special liking for rural pursuits, and when eight-
een he left home, soon securing a place as a
brakeman on the Delaware, Lackawanna & West-
ern. At this time he was running on a passen-
ger train between Phillipsburg and Great Bend,
on the Scranton Division. At the expiration of
ten months' work as a brakeman he became a
fireman on a locomotive, and a year and ten
months later he was promoted to be engineer.
He has been quite fortunate, never having been
discharged from the service even temporarily (as
is often done) and never having had any serious
accident laid to his charge in the almost two-
score years that he has been an engineer.

For the past eleven years Mr. Couch has been
a director in the Phillipsburg Building and Loan
Association No. 4. He owns considerable prop-
erty in this town and is well-to-do. He belongs
to Division No. 30, Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers, being the treasurer of the same, and
also secretary of the insurance department of the
order. In January, 1866, Mr. Couch married
Miss Cornelia Apgar, a daughter of Jonathan
Apgar, of Scranton. She is a lad}' of excel-
lent education and attainments, and at the time
of her marriage was a teacher in the Phillips-
burg high school, as she had been for sev-
eral years with marked success. Mr. and Mrs.
Couch have one child, Howard N., a bright
lad of eleven years.

The Couch family is descended from a long
line of English ancestry, some of whom settled in
New England long prior to the Revolutionary
war. About twelve years ago Mr. Couch erect-

ed his comfortable and handsome residence on
the hill on Washington street. It commands a
magnificent view, overlooking the Delaware and
Lehigh rivers and the adjoining city of Easton.

HON. ISAAC WILDRICK, late of Warren
County, was for many years one of the most
influential citizens of this portion of the
state. He was born in Marksboro, N. J., March
3, 1803, and was a son of George and Katherine
(Ervey) Wildrick, also natives of Warren
County. On both sides of the family the ances-
try was of German origin. Man)' years prior to
the Revolution the Wildricks emigrated from the
province of Bavaria to New Jersey, where they
became agriculturists; and, a hardy and industri-
ous race, the)' contributed to the development ot
the resources of the state, where they were noted
for their sterling qualities. Michael, a brother
of George, was a soldier in the continental army
during the war with England.

The twin brother of our subject was Hon.
Abram Wildrick, a member of the assembly of
New Jersey in 1843-45 and a state senator in
1867-69. By his second wife, Charity Larrison,
he had two daughters and one son who attained
years of maturity. The older daughter, Isabella,
is the wife of Hon. George B. Swain, present
state treasurer of New Jersey and a distinguished
Republican; the younger daughter, Emma, mar-
ried John Van Dorn, late of Washington, now
deceased, and she now makes her home with her
sister, Mrs. Swain.

In the district schools the subject of this re-
view obtained his education. At an earl}' age he
started out in life for himself, and in time be-
came a large farmer and land owner, also exten-
sively engaged in business as a drover and buyer
and seller of live stock, and in connection with
his twin brother, Abram, and James Blair and
Israel Swayze (long before the days of railroads)

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

435

did a large business in handling and driving cat-
tle from Indiana and Ohio to the New York,
eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey
markets. In that business he laid the foundation
of his wealth. His political history would fill a
volume. It is said that he filled every elective
office in the state except that of governor. He
began as a constable in 1827 and held success-
fully the offices of deputy sheriff, sheriff, justice of
the peace, chosen freeholder, director of the alms-
house, assemblyman and member of the United
States house of representatives. After having
served as deputy, in 1839 he was elected sheriff on
the Democratic ticket, and filled the office for one
term, after which he returned to his farm. How-
ever, being what might be termed a natural poli-
tician, he soon gravitated back into public life.
In 1848 he was nominated and elected to con-
gress, and was again elected in 1850, serving for
two terms. He voted for the compromise meas-
ure of 1850 and heard the great debates in the
senate, in which those intellectual giants, Clay,
Webster and Calhoun, were participants. He be-
came a stanch supporter of Stephen A. Douglas
and the latter' s well-known plan of popular sov-
ereignty. On the culmination of the war he sup-
ported the Union cause and was indefatigable in
his efforts to raise volunteers to supply the New
Jersey quota, doing all within his power to up-
hold the government and Mr. Lincoln in the
great contest for the life of the nation. After-
ward for many years his attention was devoted to
his landed and other private interests, but when
he had reached the advanced age of eighty years
he was called by his friends and neighbors from
his retirement to serve them as a member of the
assembly of New Jersey, at a critical time in the
legislative annals of the state. After having
faithfully performed his duties he again retired
to private life. He died at his home in Warren
County, March 22, 1892, leaving behind him, to
be cherished by his posterity, the memory of an
illustrious career that not only brought him per-
sonal success, but also promoted the prosperity of
his fellow -citizens.

In 1832 Mr. Wildrick married Miss Nancy,

daughter of John and Mary (Fisher) Cummins,
an estimable lady, who passed from earth early
in the '50s. They were the parents of four sons
and four daughters, of whom three daughters
and one son survive. The eldest daughter, Hen-
rietta L-, is the wife of Rev. David K. Freeman,
a Presbyterian minister of Huntingdon, Pa.;
Anna A., who is unmarried, makes her home
with her younger sister; and Huldah is the wife
of Maj. Carl Leutz, a prominent lawyer and
leading Republican of Newark, N. J.

While Mr. Wildrick was a member of congress,
his sou, Abram C, was appointed a cadet at
West Point. This gentleman was born in Blairs-
town, N. J., August 5, 1836, and graduated from
the United States military academy in 1857. He
served in Johnston's Utah campaign against the
Mormons in 1858 and the following year crossed
to the Pacific coast from Utah Territory with the
second expedition that ever crossed there. When
twenty-two years of age he served in the San
Juan trouble between Great Britain and the
United States and was in command of a light
battery. When the war of 1861 broke out he was
sent to Fort Vancouver to take charge of the ar-
senal there and all depots. While there the gov-
ernor of New Jersey telegraphed, offering him the
colonelcy of the First New Jersey Volunteers.
General Wright, then in command on the Pacific,
protested against his leaving the Pacific coast
when secession sentiments were rampant. In
fact, many of the prominent newspapers were out
with flaring headlines demanding the formation
of a separate Pacific republic. The following
year he accepted the colonelcy of the Fifteenth
United States Volunteers. He made strenuous
efforts to go to the front, but was again refused
permission by General Wright. General Mc-
pherson applied for him to serve as aide-de-camp
on his staff, but again came disappointment.
Then he was offered the colonelcy of the Thirty-
ninth New Jersey and finally he was allowed to
go. He led his regiment in the first successful
assault on Fort Mahone in front of Petersburg,
April 2, 1865, and in leading the forlorn hope
was the first man over the works in that bloody

436

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

charge. He received the brevet of brigadier-
general for his gallantry on that day. April 3-9,
1865, he served in the pursuit of the Confederate
army under General Lee and was at the capitula-
tion at Appomattox Court House, April 9. Gen-
eral Meade, "the hero of Gettysburg," thought
highly of Colonel Wildrick and after the war
made him aide-de-camp on his staff. From cap-
tain of artillery, United States Regulars, in 1867,
he rose through the successive grades to lieuten-
ant-colonel. He was a soldier of the old school,
a model commanding officer wherever he went,
and the enlisted men and officers serving under
him honored and loved him. He participated in
many hard-fought engagements during the war,
in all of which his valor was unquestioned. Af-
ter the war he commanded at Fort Independence,
Boston Harbor, and subsequently was at Forts
Schuyler and Wadsworth, New York harbor.
By his marriage to Marion White, of Boston, he
had four sons, all now living. The oldest son is
engaged in business in Chicago, two are being
educated at Blair Hall, Blairstown, and one is at
Hartford, Conn. Colonel Wildrick died No-
vember 16, 1894, and was buried at West
Point, his regiment (the Thirty-ninth New Jer-
sey) erecting a beautiful monument to his mem-
ory. In 1896 his wife died and was buried be-
side him.

Another son of our subject. Col. John A. Wild-
rick, was educated at Blair Hall. When the
Civil war broke out he was in mercantile business
at Newton, N. J. He at once raised a company
and was commissioned first lieutenant of the Sus-
sex Rifles by Governor Olden, May 3, 1861.
May 27, 1 86 1, he was mustered into the United
States service with the rank of first lieutenant of
Company B, Second Regiment New Jersey Vol-
unteers. Going to the front, he took part in the
first battle of Bull Run. On the reorganization
of the army under McClellan, the second regi-
ment became a part of General Kearney's First
New Jersey Brigade. Colonel Wildrick bore an
honorable part in all the campaigns in which the
brigade participated and for meritorious service
was made captain, then lieutenant-colonel. He

was placed in command of the Twenty-eighth
New Jersey Regiment before the battle of Chan-
cellorsville, in which he commanded his regi-
ment. In this engagement he was taken prisoner
and confined in Libby Prison, but was regularly
exchanged after thirty-two days and again as-
sumed command of his regiment. After his
term of service expired he was mustered out with
his regiment. Returning to Newton he engaged
again in business. About 1872 he returned to
the old homestead in Warren Count}*, having
previously spent several years in Arkansas. In
1890 he was elected count)- clerk of the courts of
Warren County, as the candidate of the Demo-
cratic party, and served his term of five years.
He has never married.

-~ S <v2-"}-;(v);-;«-£<» « — '-

(ILLIAM W. WOODEN is the genial and
popular proprietor of the Union Hotel of
Califou, Hunterdon County. In 1892 he
bought this property, which at that time was un-
profitable. He did not spare money in remodel-
ing and refurnishing it, and has won the patron-
age of an excellent class of the traveling public.
His wife is his able assistant, as she supervises
the care of all portions of the hotel, giving her
personal attention to the dining room and
kitchen. In fact, the good taste she exercises in
having food properly cooked and served goes far
toward making the hotel as popular as it is to-
day, for many of its patrons are regular custom-
ers, who will go out of their way- in order to stay-
a short time in this well-kept hostelry.

The family of which our subject is a worthy
representative have been inhabitants of New Jer-
sey for a number of generations, and originated
in England. His great-great-grandfather, Gid-
eon, was born in Plainfield, N. J., in 1725, and
both he and his son Gideon, Jr., were farmers on
the same homestead. Gideon, of the third gen-
eration, and grandfather of our subject, was a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

437

minister in the Seventh-day Baptist Church, and
was also occupied in agricultural pursuits. He
had the following children: Phoebe, Rachel, Jane,
Susan, Maria and Martin Ezra. The last-men-
tioned, born December 26, 1808, on the old home-
stead near Plainfield which had been handed down
from one generation to the next, followed in the
footsteps of his ancestors in the choice of an occu-
pation. His father bought him a farm, which he
proceeded to cultivate for some twelve years. He
then removed to Plainfield, and there engaged in
the lumber business during the remainder of his
life. January 9, 1830, he married Ann D. Ken-
dall, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Eliza-
beth, deceased wife of Cornelius Vermuele, a
baker in Newark; Sarah, widow of Hugh R.
Townsend; William W. ; Maria, deceased wife
of B. D. Beanon; Ludlow P., deceased, formerly
in the hotel business in White House, N. J. ;
Susan A., deceased; Martin E., of Brooklyn; and
Margaret C, who married Isaac Bradley, of New-
ark.

W. W. Wooden is a native of Somerset County,
his birth having occurred February 28, 1836.
When he was but twelve years of age he com-
menced learning the baker's trade in Plainfield,
and followed that calling until he was eighteen.
He was then such a victim of the prevailing gold
craze that he embarked on the good ship Flying
Cloud, and took a voyage around Cape Horn,
being six months and six days on the trip. He
prospected and worked in the mines of California
for about fourteen years, in the meantime mak-
ing two trips home, once by the Panama route
and once by the Nicaragua canal. His experi-
ences during this portion of his history are replete
with interest, but would fill a book by itself. He
was sometimes fortunate, and, perhaps more often
unfortunate in his ventures, and he had to en-
dure a great many hardships and trials of which
he had little dreamed when in his comfortable
home in the east. He came to the final conclus-
ion that Lady Fortune was a most fickle goddess
and that she was more easily wooed and quite as
surely in a more civilized country. In 1866 he
returned to Plainfield and went into the bakery

business, devoting himself to this line for over a
quarter of a century. For the past six years, as
stated at the beginning of this sketch, he has been
in the hotel business in Califon.

In his political preferences Mr. Wooden is a
Democrat, as was his father before him. He be-
longs to Enterprise Lodge No. 1019, Knights of
Honor of Newark, and when in Columbia, Cal.,
was identified with Tuolumne Lodge No. 21, I.
O. O. F. He is not a member of a church, but is
a contributor to the support of the Methodist
Church of Califon. April 22, 1875, Mr. Wooden
married Louisa, daughter of Jacob Van Winkle,
of New York City. Four children blessed their
union, but only one of the number survives, viz.,
William H, who is engaged with his father.

30HN C. BERGNER. The history of this
well-known and highly respected citizen of
Clinton, Hunterdon County, is a story of
struggle and victory, of repeated discouragements
and battles won, of brave, persevering endeavor
which should succeed and has in this case. Not
often does it fall to the lot of a genius, a man of
undoubted talent, in .this day, to be obliged to
endure such hardships, privations and lowly toil
as came to his share in his early manhood, in
this, then strange land, to him. Yet, after all,
similar to his narrative, in general, has been the
fate of numerous of the great ones of earth — their
youth and prime too, perhaps, being given up to
labor of a most distasteful sort, when the won-
derful genius burning within them was tortured
for want of expression.

Born on his father's farm in Saxe-Coburg, Ger-
many, February 20, 1820, John C. Berguer there
was reared to maturity, receiving practical in-
struction in everything pertaining to agriculture.
His father, Nicholas, was enough of a musician
to early recognize the fact that his son John pos-
sessed unusual talent, and when the boy was but

43«

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

eleven years of age the wise parent put him un-
der able teachers. The lad studied music with
five of the best instructors that could be found
in the vicinity of their home, and mastered a
great variety of musical instruments. He be-
came a member of a band when quite young
and at twenty-four began a four years' service
in the military band. Then up to 1854 he
taught and played at entertainments, his repu-
tation constantly growing, and his talents grad-
ually developing.

A step was now taken by him which seemed
for some years to have been of a very disas-
trous nature; he left home and friends, yielding
to the glowing pictures of a friend in his delin-
eation of the advantages to the New World, and
sail from Bremen for New York in the United
States steamer Hermann, Captain Higgins.
He landed at his destination September 29, 1854,
and burdened by the great disadvantage of for-
eign speech, had difficulty in obtaining a footing
in a musical way. After several more or less
unsuccessful attempts, he and a friend answered
an advertisement for wood-choppers in Asbury,
Hunterdon County, as their funds were getting
so low that they would necessarily have to be re-
plenished. After working four days at this labor-
ious enterprise our hero became discouraged and
returned to New York to make another desperate
attempt to earn his livelihood in the manner that
he had been accustomed to, but the result was the
same as before. Knowing of no alternative, he
went back to wood-chopping and bravely fought
his battle all winter. He was to receive from
four shillings and sixpence to five shillings per
cord; and when the fifty-odd cords were meas-
ured, he was given the munificent amount of for-
ty-eight dollars and four shillings. He, of course
had been given his board, such as it was, in the
meantime. He next hired out as a teamster,
hauling the wood to Bloomsbury for shipment,
and during the year that he was thus employed
saved $105. He changed employers then, and
the following year had about the same sum saved
from his earnings. With the little capital he pos-
sessed he bought the horses and wagon, going

in debt $100, for the price asked was $300. All
this time his relatives and friends in the Father-
land had been constantly urging him to return,
but his pride was roused and he would not ac-
knowledge his defeat, so remained, bravely mak-
ing the best of circumstances. At the end of
three years spent in teaming he sold his outfit for
$250, and, in company with a friend, bought an
eight-acre tract of woodland. They cut down
the timber, selling it to the railroad company.

All this time our friend's musical talent had
been "buried in a napkin," for he had kept the
fact carefully to himself, and onty solaced some
of his lonely hours at night with a simple flute or
like instrument. At last, however, some story of
his skill came to the ears of Dr. John Blaine, ma-
jor-general of the United States army, who lived
at Perryville, and he sought out our humble hero,
insisting that he should give his two daughters
and a niece lessons. Mr. Bergner spoke English
brokenly, his hands were rough and hard with
toil, and his heart misgave him. At first he re-
fused the doctor's request, but at last yielded to
his persistence, and one day set forth to win new
laurels for himself. The struggle with his pride
and ambition, his hopes and fears, was a dread-
ful one, and once he almost turned back, but
' 'the tide that taken at the flood leads on to for-
tune " was drifting him onward, and this day
proved the turning-point in his life. Success was
soon his, pupils came unasked, and he had all
that he could well do to meet with the demands
upon his time. A little later he began to give
concerts and entertainments, and thus his public
career opened out before him. He had assistant
teachers when he had more pupils than he could
personally teach, and in 1864 he organized the
Clinton Band, remaining at its head five years,
when he resigned on account of the pressure of
other duties.

February 16, 1865, Mr. Bergner married Ger-
trude Corson, who was born in Belvidere, War-
ren County, N. J., October 30, 1S32. Her par-
ents were Jacob and Anna (Hoffman) Corson.
Mr. and Mrs. Bergner had two children, Eliza-
beth, who died in 1867; and Edgar J. The last-

J. G. SHIPMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

441

mentioned is the proprietor of the Imperial
Bazaar in Clinton and is a young man of good
business ability. He was given a liberal educa-
tion, and inherited no small degree of musical
ability. His commercial career was begun as a
clerk in the Jersey City terminal office of the
Lehigh Valley Railroad. He married Ella,
daughter of J. Edgar Kline, of Clinton, and has
a pretty home. Mr. Bergner owed two very
comfortable and attractive residences here, his
home being on Leigh street. He was a Demo-
crat in politics, and religiously was a Lutheran,
but attended the local Presbyterian Church.
His wife departed this life June 1, 1895, and was
interred in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Clinton.
He survived her a few years and passed away
April 29, 1898.

3EHIAL G. SHIPMAN. This is a name that
has been known throughout the state of
New Jersey and, indeed, in many other parts
of the country during much of the century now
drawing to a close. It is a name intimately as-
sociated with the annals of the legal profes-
sion in Warren, his native county, a name
that recalls to the memory of dozens of pro-
gressive lawyers in various regions of America
the kind and skillful guidance that its posses-
sor gave to them when they were young and
aspiring, but doubting and often discouraged
students of the great principles of law. For two
generations the young man who had determined
to enter the ranks of this profession, were he a
resident of this community, felt himself truly
fortunate could he obtain permission to study
under the direction of Mr. Shipman, and in later
years -would point to this fact with pride.

The Shipmans are of Norman descent, and the
founder of the family was knighted by Henry
III. of England, in 1258. Edward Shipman,
from whom the' American branch is descended,

was a refugee from religious persecution, and,
casting in his lot with the colonists in Maybrook,
Conn., he settled therein 1635. The grandfather
of our subject was one of the original settlers of
Morristown, N. J., and two of his sons served
with credit in the war of the Revolution.

On the farm owned by his father, David Ship-
man, a leading citizen of Warren County, the
subject of this sketch was born October 3, 1818.
He passed his childhood years on the homestead
near the town of Hope. For a time he was a
student in Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., then
under the presidency of Dr. George Junkin. In
1842 he graduated from Union College, New
York, at the time when Dr. EHphalet Nott was
president of the institution, and among his class-
mates were Clarksou A. Potter and W. A. Beach.
Before leaving college he began the study of law
and subsequently entered the office of William
C. Morris, of Belvidere. Having been admitted
to the bar in 1844, he rapidly rose to a place of
prominence in his profession, and gained an as-
sured patronage.

The first case in which he appeared was the
trial of Carter and Parks, who were under an in-
dictment for murder. Great interest was felt in
the case throughout this and adjoining states,
and, as he was retained as counsel for the state,
and it fell to his lot to make the opening argu-
ment for the prosecution and he met the op-
portunity with a most powerful speech, his fame
as an advocate was at once an assured fact. He
was engaged in many very important cases. In
the New Jersey Law and Equity Reports his
name appears again and again as counsel in most
of the notable cases of this order for a long period
of years. His practice in the criminal courts was
nearly or quite as extensive and varied.

In i860 Mr. Shipman and the late Judge Brad-
ley (afterward member of the supreme court of
the United States) were engaged in the defense of
the Rev. J. S. Hardin, a Methodist minister, who
was convicted and hanged for the murder of his
wife. He was also interested in the famous trials
of the Warren County officials, which created
much interest and consternation in some circles

442

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a few years ago, as the defendants were found
guilty and sent to the penitentiary for fraud and
embezzlement. Many important corporations re-
tained him as their counsel, among these the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, the New
York, Susquehanna & Western, and the Lehigh
& Hudson River Railroad. When the Warren
branch of the first-named company was organized
he was very active in it, and was a life-long di-
rector of the enterprise. For years he was
a director of the Belvidere National Bank and
a trustee of Lafayette College. In 1878 he was
appointed one of the advisory masters of the
court of chancery of New Jersey, by Chancellor
Runyon, and numerous important cases were
heard by him while sitting in the place of the
gentleman mentioned.

Though an earnest and forcible champion of
the principles of the Republican party, both in
private conversation and on the platform as well,
he would never allow his name to appear as a
candidate for public honors, notwithstanding the
fact that he was often urged to withdraw his ob-
jections, and was even spoken of as candidate for
governor of the state. From 1853 until the close
of his busy and useful life he was a consistent
member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bel-
videre, and for some years was a ruling elder in
the congregation. In 1847 he married Mary
Louisa, daughter of William C. Morris. His
death took place in Belvidere December 10, 1892.
He is survived by his widow and three children : a
sou George M. , whose sketch may be found in
this volume; and two daughters, Anna M., wife of
Joseph H. Wilson, attoruey-at-law; and Mary,
who married William C. Albertsou, all of Belvi-
dere.

3AHILE T. PIILDEBRANT, who is now
serving his second term as a justice of the
peace in Hackettstown, Warren County, is
one of the representative citizens of this count}'.
Formerly he was one of the most aggressive and

enterprising of our business men and at all times
he has been thoroughly identified with the wel-
fare and development of this region. By unflag-
ging industry and strict attention to his business
in every detail, he acquired a competence sufficient
for his declining years and is now entitled to rest
and comfort after the toil and burden which he
uncomplainingly bore in manhood's prime.

As the surname of our subject implies, he is of
German ancestry on the paternal side. Family
tradition states that three brothers of Germany
came to America at a remote date, taking up
their abode in New Jersey. Grandfather Conrad
Hildebraut was born in Hunterdon County, as is
believed, and certainly lived there on a farm for
years in the beginning of this century. The
father of our subject, John C, was born in Hun-
terdon County, and spent the best years of his
life on a farm of his own in Hope Township,
Warren County. There he died when but fifty-
four years of age. In his political standing he
was a Whig. His wife, who was Mary C.
Swayze in her girlhood, which was passed in this
county, the county of her birth, survived him
several years, dying when about seventy-five.
They were both members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and enjoyed the respect and love
of all who knew them. Of their large family
they reared ten children to be useful citizens in
their several communities. William S., the
eldest, died when sixty-seven years of age; Con-
rad S. died at forty-three years; Catherine is the
wife of James Brans, a farmer of this county;
John A. is a farmer of Luzerne County, Pa.;
Freeman B. is engaged in agricultural pursuits
in this county; Stewart B. died at the age of
sixty years; Daniel I. is a farmer of Hope Town-
ship, Warren County; as is also James F., twin
brother of our subject; and Isaiah B. is also a
farmer of this county.

Jahile T. Hildebrant was born May 26, 1837, m
Hope Township, Warren County, and remained
at home giving his assistance to his mother in
the management of the old homestead until he
was twenty-six years old. He then married and
started out upon his own independent career.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

44;

Renting a farm in his home district for a period,
he then purchased a good tract of land in Hope
Township, and cultivated and improved the place
during his ten years' occupancy of the same.
In 1873 he came to Hackettstown, and for some
three years was engaged in buying and selling
live-stock, after which he opened a store which
he carried on successful^ for ten years iti connec-
tion with the stock business. Then selling out
his interest in the business, he has since devoted
his time to looking after his farm and other
investments, and has time at last for reading and
self-improvement. Following in the political
principles of his father, he was formerly a Whig,
and after the organization of the Republican
party, became identified with that great body.
He has never sought public office, but has some-
times been induced to accept minor positions for
the welfare of his fellow-citizens, such as that of
freeholder, which place he occupied two years.

The sharer of his joys and sorrows was, in her
maidenhood, Miss Elizabeth A. Gibbs. She was
born in Hope Township and their marriage was
solemnized December 27, 1862. They are both
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Hildebrant was very influential in the build-
ing of the new church structure here and has been
a steward, trustee, etc., in the congregation.

HON. PETER VOORHEES. Numbered
among the most prominent citizens of Hun-
terdon County is the worthy subject of this
article. He has served his neighbors, friends
and associates in many public positions of trust
and responsibility, at all times having discharged
every duty devolving upon him with the utmost
fidelity. In 1865 and 1866 he was a freeholder
of Readiugton Township. In the fall of 1869 he
was elected to the New Jersey legislature on the
Democratic ticket and acted in that capacity for
two years. In 1877 he was again chosen to be a

freeholder of this township, and in 1S82 was once
more elected a freeholder. In 1883 he was elect-
ed clerk of Hunterdon Count)', and as such
served for five years to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned.

A native of this county, Mr. Voorhees was
born March 23, 1832. He is a son of Abram L,.
and Catherine (Rockafeller) Voorhees, who were
both likewise natives of this county. On both
sides of the family his grandparents were past
eighty years old at the time of death. Abram
Voorhees was a fanner in early life and for twenty
years was station agent at White House for the
Central Railroad of New Jersey. He died in
1878. He was a son of Eucas Voorhees, also a
native of this county and of Holland descent.
Of the children born to Abram and Catherine
Voorhees Lucas A. is a resident of Potterstown,
N. J.; Henry is in Cass County, Iowa; Jacob is
in Oklahoma; Ann is the wife of E. W. Dufford,
of Atlantic, Iowa; Sarah C. is the wife of Dr.
Rood, of San Diego, Cal. ; Rebecca married
Charles F. Skillman, of White House, N. J.

Peter Voorhees was reared to manhood in
Hunterdon County, being educated in her public
schools. During much of each year, however,
he worked with his father on the farm and was
also employed in a store in the vicinity. His
first experience was about 1844, when he became
a clerk for Peter Davis, of White House, and with
him he continued for some eight years. Here he
learned all of the details pertaining to the man-
agement of a store, and when he reached his ma-
jority he embarked in business for himself. Dur-
ing the next thirteen years he successfully con-
ducted his store at White House, thus complet-
ing twenty-one years of enterprise in the com-
mercial field of activity. Of late years he has
dealt extensively in real estate and other invest-
ments. He has been largely instrumental in the
upbuilding of White House Station, and owing
to the great interest he has always maintained in
the improvement of the place, is entitled to be
called one of its foremost founders.

In 1854 Mr. Voorhees married Hannah E.
Huffman, daughter of David T. Huffman, of

444

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lebanon, N. J. To their union eight children
were born: David T.; Luella, wife of James E.
Bruce, an attorney of Cass Count}', Iowa; John
C. , of the same county, and occupied in running
a hardware store and interested in a banking bus-
iness; Kate, wife of Joseph Clark; Dumout,
Charles, Peter and Edna.

••>:#»:<i- •+-

(JOHN C. PERDOE was appointed superin-
I tendent of the Phillipsburg Cemetery in 1891
(2/ and has since served in that capacity. He is
an example of what may be accomplished by a
poor boy in America, one who is early obliged to
earn his own livelihood. He was born in Greens-
bridge, Warren Count)', N. J., August 5, 1848,
and was but fifteen years old when he was em-
ployed on a canal boat operated by his brother.
He has often remarked that his main chance for
au education was the perusal of a book or news-
paper as he drove the mules that drew the canal-
boat. He was employed in that capacity about
three years.

The Perdoe family to which our subject belongs
is of French origin. His father, William, was a
native of America, though the latter' s parents were
born in France. He was reared in Hunterdon
County, N. J., where the family had settled after
their arrival in this country. His occupation in
life was that of farming, and success attended his
efforts in a fair measure. He was a man of up-
rightness and integrity of character and his name
was above reproach among his neighbors. He
died in 1880, and was survived but nine years by
his devoted wife, whose maiden name was Eliza-
beth Hartzell. They were the parents of eight
children, of whom the subject of this article was
the youngest.

In 1867 Mr. Perdoe was employed by the New
Jersey Central Railroad. He remained with that
corporation for a quarter of a century, always
faithful to his duties and thoroughly reliable.

For some time prior to his leaving this compan}'
he had been one of their conductors. He has
long been a very strong Republican partisan and
is a popular man in this community. In 1883
he was elected freeholder of this county, and was
later re-elected, serving for five years as such. In
1894 he was elected mayor of Phillipsburg, and
in the year following was nominated by his
Republican friends for the same office, and was
endorsed by all other parties, and, in fact, 110
other candidate appeared in opposition to him.
This is the more remarkable when it is known
that this is a stronghold of the Democratic party,
and this gives proof of the high regard in which
he is held by all. In the fall of 1897 he was a
candidate for the state legislature, but was de-
feated by the Democratic nominee. He is a
member of the board of health of this city.

November 8, 1877, Mr. Perdoe married Carrie,
daughter of I. B. Condit, who was a justice of the
peace in Morristown, N. J., for thirty years.
The one daughter and two sons of our subject
and his estimable wife are named in the order of
their births, V. Rae, William and Clarence. The
children were educated in the public schools. Mr.
Perdoe and his wife are members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Phillipsburg.

3ACOB J. ALDER, a well-known citizen of
Franklin Township, Hunterdon Count}', is a
native of this locality, his birth having oc-
curred in 1S46. He is of good old Holland-
Dutch stock, and has inherited the traits of
honesty, sobriety and general uprightness for
which they, as a people, are noted. However,
his ancestors have been identified for several
generations with the history of this state, and
have been numbered among its most reliable
citizens.

Cornelius Aller, father of the gentleman whose
name heads this article, has been a life-long

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

445

agriculturist and owns the place known as the
Aller farm, on the banks of the Raritan River.
He was born and reared and has passed his
whole life in this county and is held in very
high esteem by all who know him. Though
seventy-six years of age he still enjoys good
health, while his mind is as clear and active as it
was when he was in the prime of his manhood.
Formerly he took quite an active part in local
affairs, and was always to be found actively upon
the side of progress and improvement. He is an
adherent of the Democratic party, and has acted
in the capacity of committeeman, and in other
minor positions. His father, Henry, was born in
this county, and passed all of his days within its
boundaries. He, in turn, was a son of Peter
f Aller, who was the founder of the family in New
Jersey. He was a native of Holland, and settled
in this county in the early days of its history.
The wife of Cornelius Aller bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Johnson, she being a daugh-
ter of Jacob M. Johnson. By her marriage with
Mr. Aller she became the mother of three chil-
dren, of whom Jacob J. is the eldest. Mary E.
is the wife of Oliver Cramer. Henry E. is a res-
ident of the town of Clinton. The mother died
when fifty-six years of age, and afterward Mr.
Aller married Harriet (Smith) Snyder.

Jacob J. Aller was reared to maturity upon the
old family homestead, and was early initiated in-
to the duties of an agriculturist. He became a
practical farmer and general business man, and
for several years after reaching his majority he
carried on the farm belonging to his father. In
1892 he went to Trenton, and for the succeeding
three years was employed as a conductor on the
railroad, but with this exception he has devoted
his energies solely to farming operations. Fol-
lowing his father's example, he holds to the doc-
trines of the Democratic part}' and has officiated
in severaLlocal positions of trust and honor. In
a social way he is connected with the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows as a member, and his
family are all identified with the Presbyterian
Church. In 1S69 he was united in marriage with
Susan W. Gulick, a daughter of George Gulick.

She died in 1S92, leaving three children, two
sons and a daughter, viz.: Cornelius A., a drug-
gist of Morristown, N. J.; George G., of Tren-
ton, N. J., and Alice A.

pGJlLXIAM D. EVERSOLE, who for four
\ A/ years was the efficient and popular clerk of
V V Readington Township, Hunterdon Count}',
is an honored citizen of that locality, where be
has spent his whole life. He owns and cultivates
a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-nine
acres, and by industry, energy and the exercise
of all executive talents with which nature liber-
ally endowed him he has become quite well-off in
this world's goods.

Born December 23, 1827, W. D. Eversole is a
son of John and Mary B. (Bogart) Eversole, both
of whom were natives of Hunterdon County.
John was a son of John, Sr. , and grandson of
Charles Eversole, who was a native of Holland,
and was the first of the family to locate in Amer-
ica. The old farm on which he took up his resi-
dence in this county over one hundred years ago
is the one now owned and carried on by the sub-
ject of this article, and this property has never
left the direct heirs. It came into the possession
of William D. in 1874bypurcha.se.

When he was a youth of sixteen, W. D. Ever- '
sole began serving a three years' apprenticeship
to the carpenter's trade, and, having mastered
the details of the business, he devoted himself to
that occupation for many years. Besides work-
ing as a journeyman he took contracts and exe-
cuted the same, in the meantime giving his spare
time to agricultural pursuits. His education had
been necessarily limited, as the schools of his boy-
hood were conducted poorly and but a small pe-
riod in each year. By reading and observation
and in the rough school of experience he has
since become well informed on general and busi-
ness subjects. For about a quarter of a century

446

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he has devoted himself solely to farming, and has
made a success of the enterprise. In his political
affiliations he is a Republican. In 1892 he was
elected clerk of Readington Township, and acted
in that position for a term of four years.

March 4, 1850, Mr. Eversole married Miss Mary
Henry, who was born May 22, 1827, in Lebanon,
N. J. She is a daughter of Peter and Eve
(Lindeberry) Henry, of whose family but two be-
sides Mrs. Eversole survive, viz.: Peter T., of
Lebanon, N. J. ; and Oliver, of Warren County.
On the maternal side, Mrs. Eversole is of Holland-
Dutch ancestry. To our subject and wife four
children have been born, viz.: John C, of Warren
County, N. J. ; Eveline, wife of Robert Gamble; of
New Brunswick, N. J.; Mary E., wife of I. D.
Savacool, of this county; and Charles W., who is
still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Eversole are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of White
House, the former having held the offices of
trustee, steward and treasurer in the congrega-
tion.

(31 SA CASE, an honored resident of Cherry ville,
LI Hunterdon County, is now living retired
/ I from active life, as he has richly earned a
season of rest and quiet. He has been a very in-
dustrious, thrifty farmer for the greater portion
of his career, and has acquired a competence for
his declining years by the exercise of prudence
and good business management of his affairs. In
all his dealings with his fellow-men he has been
noted for his unvarying integrity of word and
deed, and those who know him best are the ones
who accord him the highest praise.

The father of the above, William Case, was,
like himself, a native of this county and was a
life-long resident within its borders. He was a
carpenter by trade and united the calling with
that of farming until he was pretty well along in
years. Then for a period he engaged in the coop-
erage business with his eldest son, Jonathan. His

life was a very useful and active one and at all
times he strove nobly to do his whole duty toward
God and man. In his political convictions he was
a Democrat. His labors finished, he was sum-
moned to his reward at the good old age of sev-
enty-nine years. He was a son of Adam Case,
who as far as known was a native of this count}'
also and whose occupation was that of a gun-
smith. The mother of our subject bore the
maiden name of Rachel Evans. Of her fifteen
children she reared all but three, and of this large
family but three are now living. Annie, the wid-
ow of Mr. Green, is now about eighty-eight years
old; while Matilda, widow of Jacob Gray, is
eighty-one. The revered mother, who was a
faithful member of the Baptist Church, also at-
tained a ripe age, dying when in her eighty-fifth
year.

Asa Case was born on the old farm in Raritan
Township, this county, April 14, 1827. In com-
mon with the other children of his day his educa-
tion was such as the public schools afforded, and
like other farmer lads, he was early initiated into
the duties of farm management. He remained at
home until he was past his majority and was so
judicious in the matter of expenditure of such
funds as he earned that he was enabled to buy a
farm for himself when he was about twenty-seven
years of age. This place was situated in the
same township in which he had been reared, and
to its cultivation and improvement he devoted the
next twenty years of his life. A desirable oppor-
tunity then offering itself he sold out, and in lieu
thereof bought the homestead known as the
Lawsie farm, it being located in Franklin Town-
ship. Here he lived until 1SS1, when became
to reside in Cherryville, but a year later he went
back to the farm. In 1887 he became a perma-
nent citizen of Cherryville, having purchased a
pretty home in the town and decided to pass his
remaining years here in quiet and content.

In 1847 Mr. Case married Elizabeth Ann Rode-
bock, a native of Hunterdon Count}- and a daugh-
ter of John D. Rodebock. She has been a faith-
ful helpmate, sharing her husband's joys and sor-
rows and helping him in every possible manner.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

447

They have three children: Mary E., widow of
Henry S. Brown; Rachel Anna, who is unmar-
ried; and John D., a progressive business
man of this county. July 24, 1897, Mr. and Mrs.
Case celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their
marriage. For the past forty-eight years Mr.
Case has been a consistent member of the Baptist
Church and has always done his share towards
the support of the same. His family are also
identified with the church and are valued workers
in the denomination. Politically he is a Repub-
lican.

r\ETER F. HOFFMAN. Among the sub-
L^ stantial agriculturists of Clinton Township,
[S Hunterdon County, is this sterling citizen
who is the owner of a valuable and very desirable
homestead. In 1852 he built a commodious
house, which has since been the dwelling-place of
his family, and under its hospitable roof many a
traveler, friend and neighbor has received gen-
erous hospitality. Of late years the proprietor
has given much attention to the raising of fruit,
and from this source alone derives a goodly in-
come. He enjoys the honor of being the pioneer
peach grower of this section, and on his farm may
be found one of the largest and finest orchards of
the kind in the state.

Grandfather Henry Hoffman was a native of
the Empire state, and there married Rebecca
Dilts. Afterwards he removed to this count}' and
became a extensive land owner, his home being
upon the farm now in the possession of Mr. Feck.
All of his eight sons and three daughters have
been summoned to the silent land. John H.,
father of our subject, was the second in his fath-
er's family, and was reared 011 the paternal home-
stead in this county. Subsequent to his marriage
he settled in Somerset County, but after an ab-
sence of not more than six years he returned and
bought a farm here. In his declining years he
made his home in the town of Anuandale. He

was an old-line Whig, and held many official po-
sitions of importance in his community, such as
collector, freeholder, etc., and was, moreover, a
member of the state assembly for a time.

Of the four children born to John H. and Sarah
(Fisher) Hoffman, our subject is the eldest, and
the only survivor. The date of his birth is May
6, 1819, and the place was in Somerset County.
January 12, 1842, he was united in marriage with
Catherine Runkle, who was also a native of Som-
erset County, born December 26, 182 1, a daugh-
ter of John E. Runkle. After their marriage the
young couple located on the farm of the bride's
father, staying there eight years. He then pur-
chased the farm which he has ever since cultivated
and in 1849 he became the owner of the old
homestead of his wife's father, which place ad-
joined this one. Thus, altogether his property
comprises two hundred and thirty-seven acres.
He has constantly improved and developed the
farm and surroundings, taking genuine pride in
having everything about the place neat and
thrift}'. He has been very active and aggressive
from a business point of view, has raised a general
line of crops, has managed quite a dairy, shipping
his products to New York City, and fifteen or
twenty years ago began raising fruit in great
quantities. He now has about sixty-five acres of
peach trees, of many varieties, and finds a ready
market in the great metropolis. In 1852, when
the New Jersey Central Railroad was built, he
opened a lumber yard in Annandale, and carried
on the same for thirty years, at the same time
buying timber in Pennsylvania, erecting saw-
mills, and transacting a business of over $100,000
per year. While located in Annandale he also
handled grain and seeds, etc. Thus, from the
foregoing facts it may easily be seen that few men
in this county have been more energetic and pro-
gressive in the management of business under-
takings.

Since the time when, as a young man, Mr.
Hoffman rode four miles in a drenching rain to
pay his poll-tax in order that he might be entitled
to vote for the first time, he has been loyal in the
discharge of his duty as a citizen. In early days

443

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he was a Whig, and later became a Republican.
His neighbors have often called upon him to rep-
resent them in official capacities, and he has
ever been faithful to the public welfare. Three
years he was a freeholder; for years. was judge of
elections, and was often a delegate to county and
state conventions. Twoscore 3'ears have passed
since he became identified with the Masonic
order. He held all of the positions in the home
lodge and at his own expense built the hall used
by it in Annandale, prior to the removal of the
lodge to Clinton. He is now a member of Stew-
art Dodge No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton.

To Peter and Catherine Hoffman the following
children were born: William E., now the freight
dispatcher for the Dehigh Valley Coal Company
in Jersey City, his home, however, being in
Annan "ale; Almira, wife of Benjamin Bird, a re-
tired farmer, represented elsewhere in this volume;
John R., a farmer near Annandale; Theodore
R., engaged in milling near Bridgeport, Conn.;
Addison A., a farmer in the neighborhood of
Annandale; Delmar, a resident of Annandale;
and Sarah E., who married William B. Cummins.
He departed this life in March, 1885, and his
widow is now living with her aged parents, caring
for them as only a daughter can. She has one
little girl, Emma J., who is a great favorite in the
household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Clinton,
and are consistent Christians in their daily life,
putting into practical use the faith which they
profess.

—4~-l--.»>l>£

~t —

3 AMES VAN SICKLE. Chief among the
agriculturists of Hunterdon County is this
sterling citizen of Clinton Township. That
lie is prosperous and successful in his business
undertakings is testified to by his well- filled barns
and graneries, the thrifty condition of everything
about his homestead, and the high place which he

holds in the esteem of all who know him or have
ever had any dealings with him. For several
years he has been a director in the First National
Bank of Clinton and for eleven years he has held
an official position as surveyor for the Farmers'
Fire Insurance Company (all risks being subject
to his inspection and approval) of Readington,
N. J., of which his father was one of the founders.
He has lent his support to the Democratic party.

The birthplace of the above was the old family
homestead owned by his father and grandfather
before him. His father was Col. Andrew Van
Sickle, a well-known citizen of this county. Our
subject was born February 8, 1844, and received
a fair education in the public schools and in the
Clinton Academy, which latter he attended two
years. When he started out upon his independent
career it was as an agriculturist on the old Read-
ing farm, on which the Lehigh Valley Railroad
Station at Flemington is now situated. Two
years later he removed to his present home,
which has since been his care and pride. There
are over two hundred acres in the place, and
most of this land is kept under cultivation. The
owner has from forty to fifty milch cows, and has
very profitably engaged in dairying. November
27, 1868, he shipped the first can of milk ever
sent out from Flemington, and the first month
received $75.60 for twelve hundred and sixty
quarts of milk which he forwarded to the city
market. In 1870 and thereabout his annual
sales were from three to four thousand dollars.
He has also dealt quite extensively in live stock,
buying in the west for his own and neighbors'
needs. In 1867 he, in company with Nathan
Hoffman, operated the property then known as
the Hoffman mill, but now called the Alpaugh
mill. It is located near High Bridge. On his
farm about forty acres are planted in peach trees,
the products of which he ships to the cities ad-
jacent, reaping from this source alone a goodly
income.

January 8, 1868, Mr. Van Sickle married
Cornelia Kline, daughter of Miller Kline, of
Flemington. She was born in Raritan Township.
Her father was quite a leader in his locality, was

ARTHUR ALLEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

45i

a justice of the peace in Flemington for fifteen
years, did considerable conveyancing and similiar
business and for a number of years was a clerk of
the Hunterdon County Bank, which he assisted in
founding, and was also connected with the First
National Bank of Flemington. Our subject has
four children and three grandchildren. His son
Howard assists in carrying on the home farm,
and has been quite a student. He attended the
public schools, later entered a private academy
kept by Rev. John NcNair, of Far Hills, and has
also gone to the commercial college in Newark.
Mary L., the eldest daughter, is the wife of Wal-
ter Melick, of New Germantown; Maggie is the
wife of John Sloan, who lives on the home place
and is active in its management; and Anna F. is
also living at home. The family are all identified
with the Reformed Church of Lebanon, our sub-
ject having been a member of this bod}' for the
past thirty years. He has occupied various of-
ficial positions in the church, and has been very
active, both as regards his influence and the use
of his means in the upbuilding of the work.

G| RTHUR ALLEN, one of the most popular
LI and well-known hotel men of western New
/ I Jersey, is a native of England, having been
born in Derbyshire, December 9, 1859. His par-
ents were Samuel and Cathrine (Deaville)
Allen; his father for many years was the owner
of a large dyeing establishment.

The early education of our subject was acquired
in the public schools of his native place and when
attaining the age of nineteen he emigrated to the
United States, locating in Philadelphia. His
first employment was in the hotel business,
where at first he acted in a minor capacity. Some
nine years were spent by him in mastering the
many details necessary to a thorough knowledge
of this important calling, and subsequently he
was placed in charge of the Railway House at

Rahway, N. J. His success while in the man-
agement of this property led to an offer of a sim-
ilar position in the Union Hotel at Flemington,
which he accepted. He served as manager of
this well-known house for about four years,
winning the praise of its patrons by his careful
attention to their wants and by his many agree-
able traits of character. In 1893 he severed his
connection with this latter house to purchase the
American Hotel at High Bridge, Hunterdon
County.

Since becoming the owner of this property he
has made extensive changes in its interior ar-
rangements. After thoroughly renovating the
premises he refurnished it with modern fittings,
bringing it to an up-to-date standard. In mak-
ing a tour of the hotel, one is pleased by the neat-
ness and brightness which ever}- where prevail,
showing the carefulness of the thrifty house-
keeper. The parlor is located on the second floor
and is one of the most attractive rooms in the
house. It is richly and tastefully furnished and
contains a fine piano. The dining room is nicely
arranged and the kitchen is a model one. Special
attention is given to the cuisine of the house and
the guest can feel assured of finding the table
supplied with all the delicacies of the season.
Another pleasant feature is the reading room,
supplied with an assortment of the current daily
and weekly papers and journals. The halls and
bed rooms are well ventilated and lighted and the
furnishings of the latter suggest grateful rest to
the weary traveler.

Since assuming the management of this house
Mr. Allen has been successful in building up a
large and constantly increasing business and his
close attention to the needs of his guests, as well
as his kind and courteous manner, has won for
him a host of friends throughout this section of
the state. In the hotel is located the station of
the long distance and local telephones, the
only station aside from that in the office of the
iron works. Politically he is independent, pre-
ferring to vote for the best man, irrespective of
his politics. He is a member of Wickcheoche
Tribe No. 24, Order of Red Men, of Flemington.

452

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In August, 1889, Mr. Allen married Rose,
daughter of John and Eliza (Etnmett) Foran, of
Dublin. Mrs. Allen's father was for many years
in the employ of the famous Guinness Brewer}'
at Dublin, where he acted in an important capac-
ity. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one child, a
daughter, Ethel E.

r^ROF. FREDERICK W. KLUPPELBERG,
\y of Hackettstown, is the proprietor of a music
J*2 and stationery store here, but gives his at-
tention principally to the tuning of pianos and
instruction on the pianoforte, organ and violin.
He possesses the talent and love for music that
is a characteristic of so many of the Teutonic race
and from early childhood has evinced a taste for
this art. He is a native of Germany, born near
Cologne August 15, 1827, and received his edu-
cation in the Royal Seminary on the Rhine, from
which institution he graduated in 1848. He was
granted a diploma for proficiency on the organ,
piano and violin, after an examination before the
royal committee, and afterward taught public
school and music in his native land, at the same
time by private instruction preparing bo}^ for
college.

After having engaged in professional work in
Germany for twenty-two years, Professor Klup-
pelberg came to America, landing in New York
in November, 1866, and proceeding direct to
Hackettstown, where he was at once installed as
organist and choir leader in the Presbyterian
Church, a position that he filled with the great-
est efficiency for twelve years. In 1868 he opened
a music and notion store, beginning the business
on a very small scale, but enlarging it from time
to time. Together with and in addition to its
management, he continued to teach music and
take charge of the tuning of pianos.

The first wife of Professor Kluppelberg, Eouisa
Burhaus, died after a short married life; he was

afterward united with her sister, Emilie, who
passed awaj- November 25, 1893, leaving two
children: Louisa, who has charge of her father's
home; and William, who manages the business
owned by his father. Though he started out for
himself without means, our subject has met with
a gratifying degree of success in his chosen call-
ing and has established a reputation for thorough
knowledge of musical instruments. He has never
been active in politics, but always casts a straight
Democratic ticket and gives his allegiance to the
principles of this party. Prior to leaving Ger-
many he was made a Mason, and is now con-
nected with Independence Lodge, F. & A. M. , ot
this place. Reared in the Lutheran faith, he was
a member of that denomination while in his na-
tive land, but after coming to the United States
became identified with the Presbyterian Church,
to which he has since belonged.

fjl LLEN DODD, numbered among the best
J_l citizens of Phillipsburg, resides in a beauti-
/ 1 ful home which commands the finest view
in the city. He takes an active interest in every-
thing that concerns the prosperity of this com-
munity. Since April, 1867, he has been em-
ployed by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
Railroad as an engineer. His run is from Phil-
lipsburg to Hoboken, N. J. , and during the long
years of his service he has been so fortunate as
never to have had an accident that could be laid
to his neglect or carelessness. For some time he
has been chief of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers of this division.

March 3, 1844, the birth of our subject oc-
curred in the town of Orange, N. J. His father,
George A. Dodd, was a descendant of an old and
very highly respected family which originated in
England, members of it settling in Stamford,
Conn., in 1616. Later some of the family located
in Newark and Orange, N. J., being among the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

453

pioneers of those towns. Daniel, the uncle of
our subject, was the clerk of the first legislative
assembly that convened in this state. For sev-
eral generations the Dodds have been very promi-
nent in Essex County and throughout this sec-
tion of the country. George A. Dodd, who was
one of the pioneers in the manufacture of hats in
New Jersey, died in 1855. He was a man of
high standing in business circles, in the ranks of
the Masonic order, and in all the relations of life.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jeptha Con-
dit, of Orange. She comes from fine old Revolu-
tionary stock and though eighty-two years of age
is still living in the enjoyment of fair health and
contentment.

Allen Dodd was partially educated in the com-
mon schools of Orange, N. J., and completed his
studies at Blairstown. He left school to tender
his services to the Union forces, enlisting May 9,
1 86 1. He was assigned to the United States
navy department, being placed on the Harriet
Dane on blockade duty, and at the battle of Gal-
veston, Tex., January 1, 1863, he was captured
by the enemy. In August, 1864, he was paroled
and an honorable discharge was granted him
February 15, 1865. In December, 1865, he en-
tered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna &
Western, as a fireman, and in a little over a year
was promoted to be engineer. He has strenuously
kept out of politics, simply doing his duty as a
voter, and giving his chief attention to the proper
discharge of his duties as a railroad man.

December 19, 1871, Mr. Dodd married Miss
Belle, daughter of John G. Tolmie. He was of
Scotch descent, was a fine mechanic and was the
man who forged the first tires for the first engine
ever constructed in the United States, also cast
the first locomotive cylinder that was cast in
America. Thirteen children were born to our
subject and wife, and all but three of the number
survive. Joseph, the eldest son, is a fireman for
the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad;
Henry C, the next son, is a resident of Wilming-
ton, Del.; Elizabeth is the wife of James T.
Harle, of Easton. The others, George A., Rus-
sel, Frank, Emily, Colin, Charles K. and John G. ,

are all at home. Mr. Dodd is a kind husband
and father, and it is mainly in the family circle
that his finest qualities shine forth unobstructed.
At the same time he is a great favorite among his
associates, and is liked by all who have the
pleasure of his acquaintance.

|~)OBERT B. BROWNE, M. D. For the past
Ua fifteen years this honored citizen of Phillips-
n\ burg has been living retired from active
professional cares, passing his days in his beauti-
ful home, surrounded by evidences of a refined
and superior taste. His home is one of the finest
in this place or indeed in that of Easton, which
city it overlooks, as it is situated on a height of
land, and also commands an excellent view of
the Delaware River, which flows between. The
doctor is well preserved and very active in mind
and body for a man of his years and past arduous
labors. In 1848 he was united in marriage with
Miss Susan, daughter of Rev. John Gray, D. D.,
pastor of the Easton Presbyterian Church for the
extremely long period of half a century. Mrs.
Browne died in 1887, and their only child, Eliza-
beth R., devotes her life to her father, as he has
done for her.

At a very early da}', during the first settle-
ment of Pennsylvania, our subject's ancestors
located in the state, and were associated with the
celebrated William Penn or his cotemporaries.
The}' came from England to found a new home
for themselves and their children in a land of free-
dom and religious tolerance. Browne street, in
Philadelphia, was named for the doctor's grand-
father, Peter Browne, who at one time owned a
large ship-yard at Kensington, now a part of the
city. A tree in his garden behind his house in
that town was the one under which Penn and the
Indians signed the treaty of peace. Some of the
Browne family still have in their possession parts
of the historic tree made into furniture. Peter

454

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was a well-to-do man for his day, was a promi-
nent citizen and was extensively engaged in ship
building.

William J., father of our subject, was born in
the Quaker city, and in his early manhood was
interested in the wholesale hardware business
there. Later he went in the iron industry in
Trenton, N. J., and about 1822 removed to
Easton, where he died a few years afterwards.
He was very zealous in the building of the Epis-
copal Church of Easton, and in his enthusiasm
himself cut the first timber that went into its con-
struction. He married Frances I., daughter of
Robert Bethell, who was a ship captain and
owner of a line of vessels plying between Phila-
delphia and China. General Irvine, a relative of
Mrs. Frances Browne, was noted for his bravery
in the Revolutionary war, and was wounded at
the battle of Germantown. Of the nine children
born to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Browne, the
doctor, who was the youngest, alone survives.
The mother died in 1855.

In his youth he attended the schools of Easton
and the Vanderveer Seminary, then well known
among educational institutions, and later he was
a student in Lafayette College. After having
given some time to preparation under the guid-
ance of Dr. Edward Swift of Easton, he entered
the medical department of the University of
Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom in 1846.
For a short time he was then engaged in practice
in Easton, his next location being in Asbury,
Warren County, N. J. The war was in prog-
ress at this time and he was appointed by the
governor surgeon of the Thirty-first New Jersey
Infantry in 1862. About a year later he became
a medical officer in Washington, D. C, and Jul}'
5, 1864, was commissioned assistant surgeon of
the United States Volunteers. March 13 follow-
ing he was brevetted major for faithful and meri-
torious service, and October 25, 1866, he was
further honored by being brevetted lieutenant-
colonel in acknowledgment of his fidelity and
unremitting labors during the dread epidemic of
cholera which prevailed at Galveston, Tex. He
was surgeon in charge of the post hospital, health

officer of the city and post-surgeon, and for a
short time acting medical director of the depart-
ment of Texas. He was honorably discharged
at his own request, November 1, 1866, being one
of the nineteen surgeons of the United States
Volunteers in service at that time. At the fall of
Richmond he was surgeon-in-chief of the artillery
brigade of the Twenty-fifth Corps. On the event-
ful morning of April 3, 1865, he was invited by
General Weitzell to accompany his staff into the
city, but, being late, went alone, save for his
orderly. His account of his adventures that day
are very interesting, and he collected many things
which are now of great value and significance,
such as a copy of the last newspaper printed
under the confederacy in its stronghold — the
Richmond Daily Dispatch of April 2, 1865 — and
souvenirs of Jefferson Davis, secured from his
home and the state house.

Upon his return north, Dr. Browne received an
appointment in the spring of 1867 as physician in
charge of the Spring Mountain Coal Company's
collieries, near Hazelton, Pa., and this position
he continued to fill until he retired from practice
in 1883. In politics he has always been a Re-
publican. He is very entertaining as a conver-
sationalist, and is a thoroughly posted and well-
read man. His friends are numbered by the
hundred, for his true and acknowledged worth
and sterling character have won the highest
regard of all with whom his lot has been cast.
His alma mater, Lafayette College, conferred
upon him the degree of Master of Arts in 1865.

■»>*§3

»©£«<• 1 — :-

GlDAM MARTIN, the leading grocer of Phil-
I I lipsburg, Warren County, is a native of the
/ I adjoining county of Northampton, Pa., his
birth having taken place therein January 1, 1855.
Coming here nineteen years ago, he embarked in
the enterprise of carrying on a staple and fancy
grocery at his present location, and during the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

455

intervening years has been very successful. In
addition to this he is interested in contracting for
stone work, curbing for streets, etc. In the local
lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
he stands high, and is now serving in the capac-
ity of its treasurer. Whether in business, social
or church circles, he is held in great esteem, and
his cheerful ways and optimistic spirit make him
a general favorite wherever he goes.

The Martin family to which our subject be-
longs had its origin in Germany. His father,
Michael, came to America in 1820, landing on
these hospitable shores after a tedious voyage of
ninety-six days. One of his brothers was a minis-
ter, another a doctor, while he was a distiller —
one of the first in the business in Northampton
County, Pa. He settled permanently in Martin's
Creek, and spent a portion of his time in farming.
He was much liked in his neighborhood, was a
quiet, industrious citizen, and attended strictly
to his own affairs. He died in October, 1888, at
the ripe old age of ninety. His devoted com-
panion and helpmate, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Jumper, preceded him to the silent
land by about six years. Her father was Jacob
Jumper, whose life was passed in Pennsylvania.

Adam Martin is one of a family numbering
thirteen children, of whom the following are yet
living: John, Michael, Isaac, Joseph, Uriah,
Jacob, Charles, Rebecca and Adam. With the
exception of himself they are all residing in
Pennsylvania, Michael in Mauch Chunk, and
several of the others in Easton. The sister lives
in the last-named place and is the wife of Ed
Erie. Until he was fourteen years of age our
subject attended the common schools in the vicin-
ity of the old homestead, and his next step was to
begin learning the trade of a blacksmith. Pie
served an apprenticeship of three years at this
calling, after which he was employed in the
Cedarville (Pa.) iron mines for a similar period.
The following twelve months he worked for his
brothers in the wholesale liquor business in Mauch
Chunk; then for a year and a-half he was agent
for the Port Allen Iron Works of Whitesport, Pa.
For four years he resided in Easton, being with

the Easton Car Company during that time, and
later he was with the Andover Furnace Company
for a twelvemonth. Nearly two decades have
elapsed since he came to live permanently in
Phillipsburg, and he has long been thoroughly
identified with her best interests. In politics he
is to be found espousing the Democratic part}'
platform. Religiously he is a Lutheran.

April 23, 1879, Mr. Martin married Martha,
daughter of John Mutchelor, and six children
graced their union. Two of the number are de-
ceased,'and the others are, Emma, Harlem, Neva
and Fred.

30HN C. CRAMER is an honored old citizen
of Clinton Township, Hunterdon County,
having been a resident of this locality all of
his life. He is the owner of a valuable farm of
one hundred and forty-seven acres, and about
thirty-three years ago he planted a peach orchard,
being one of the first to do so in this county. At
this time he has thirty-five acres of trees, which
bring to him each year an abundant income in
return for the care and attention bestowed upon
them. For a quarter of a century he has been
also interested in dairying, and shipped the first
milk that went from Aunandale over the New
Jersey Central Railroad. He has made all of the
improvements upon his farm, built the house and
barnes, fences, etc., and thus increased its value
three-fold.

The great-great-grandfather of our subject on
the Cramer side of the family came to America
from Germany, his native place. The records
show that the grandfather of John C. was born
September 22, 1775, and, after passing a useful
life in this vicinity, died February 18, 1835. He
married, January 16, 1794, Christiana Sharp, who
was born April 20, 1776, and died August 14,
186S. For years the grandfather served as a
constable and in other local offices here and was
esteemed by all who knew him. From him a

456

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

scrip dollar has been handed down to our subject.
It is very curious, being made in the form of a
coupon, issued in 1778, and comprises four bills
of forty, thirty, seven and five dollars respectively,
redeemable in Spanish milled dollars or gold or
silver to the amount thereof.

Of the five daughters and three sons of Matthias
and Christiana Cramer, our subject's father,
John S. , was the eldest son. He was born July
29, 1798, and lived with his parents until he
arrived at mature years. September 29, 182 1,
he bought land in Clinton Township and here
engaged in the tilling of the soil until death
closed his labors, May 7, 1893. He married
Catherine Creger, who died May 10, 1882. He
was a Whig, and later affiliated with the Demo-
cratic party. In all his transactions he was
remarkable for his uprightness and justice, and it
was said of him, and, not without reason, that he
would rather give five dollars than take five cents
from any one. He had three children, Mat-
thias, John C. and David C.

The birth of John C. Cramer occurred January
19, 1827, in what was then the township of
Lebanon, but is now called Clinton. He gained
a district-school education, and, upon arriving at
man's estate, he chose for his future companion
along the rugged journey of life Sarah S.,
daughter of Henry R. Rockefellow. Soon after
this event the young couple settled upon a por-
tion of their present farm, he having bought
eighty acres, to which he has since added sixty-
seven acres. Following the example of his
father, he was first a Whig and then a Democrat.
In 1866 he was elected a freeholder, and upon the
expiration of his term was re-elected to this re-
sponsible position. In 1890 he was elected a
committeeman, was treasurer three }-ears, and
during this period the payments on the county
poor farm were made. In 1893 he was once
more honored by being elected freeholder, and
has since occupied this office to the satisfaction
of all concerned. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are both
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Lebanon. Ever since it was organized he has
been the treasurer of the church and was also a

trustee and steward and superintendent of the
Sunday-school. He has one child, a daughter,
who is the wife of Joseph A. Hayues, of Plain-
field, N. J., for many years connected with the
New Jersey Central Railroad.

SEORGE PALMER CURTIS has been the
editor of the Warren Republican for over
ten years, and under his judicious and skill-
ful management the paper has advanced greatly
in standing, until it now ranks with the best local
weekly journals published in the state of New
Jersey. This well-known paper, established in
1872, occupies a warm place in the hearts of the
people in the vicinity of Hackettstown, Warren
County, for it is sincerely devoted to their inter-
ests, and aims to give them an interesting resume
of the current events and affairs taking place in
the busy world, as well as to chronicle the mat-
ters of local importance. Mr. Curtis, who is a
young man in the prime of life, is full of energy
and enthusiasm for the work he has in charge,
and spares himself no pains to make the paper
bright and newsy, entertaining and useful to its
readers.

The birth of G. P. Curtis occurred November
10, 1854, in Hackettstown. He is the eldest sou
of Joshua H. and Margaret Curtis, old and re-
spected citizens of this place and natives of Hun-
terdon and Warren Counties, respectively. The
boyhood of our subject passed quietly in this
town, where he received excellent educational
advantages. The public school at that time was
presided over by Isaiah Trufant, an able instruct-
or who prepared a class of young men and
ladies for college. Latin, Greek and the higher
sciences were taught in the high school at that
time and the pupils obtained a thorough educa-
tion which fitted them for any college in the
county. In the fall of 1S73 Mr. Curtis entered
the freshman class of Lafayette College, in Eas-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

457

ton, Pa., in the classical department, and, after
taking the required course of studies, graduated
with honor in June, 1877. Subsequently he en-
gaged in teaching in Morris Count}', N. J., for a
period of five years, meeting with deserved suc-
cess, for he was devoted to his work and was
justly popular with his pupils.

In the autumn of 1881 Mr. Curtis accepted a
more lucrative position as bookkeeper in a large
wholesale and retail boot and shoe establishment
in Scranton, Pa. After a time he resigned this
place and engaged in the insurance business, and
later turned his attention to the management of a
grocery. He then returned to Hackettstown and
in September, 1888, he purchased an interest in
the Warren Republican, of which he has since
been editor. In addition to publishing the paper
the Curtis Brothers, who constitute the firm, do
a general printing business, book, catalogue and
job work, and in this department are usually
very busy.

In a social way Mr. Curtis is very much liked
by his fellow-townsmen, and is always gladly wel-
comed wherever he goes. He is a patriotic citi-
zen, thoroughly identified with the best interests
of this place and ever ready to lend his influence
to the support of new industries or improvements
which he believes will accrue to the lasting bene-
fit of Hackettstown. In his political belief he is
an ardent Republican, but has never had any de-
sire to hold public office.

(p[ BLAIR KELSEY, who for thirteen years
LJ has been cashier of the Belvidere National
J I Bank, is a representative citizen of Warren
County. In the world of business, society and
politics he is equally at home and equally re-
spected, and we take great pleasure in presenting
to our readers a brief history of his life and
a well- deserved tribute to his sterling worth.
Everything which affects the public welfare is a

matter of deep concern to him, and in the promo-
tion of all laudable enterprises he can be assur-
redly counted upon. Summing up the leading
characteristics of his life, it is safe to say that few
men in this community have a better record
for strict integrity, honor, energy in business,
patriotism and general good citizenship than he.

The father of our subject, Aaron H. Kelsey,
was a son of Henry Cooper and a grandson of
John Kelsey, the latter a native of Newton, N. J.
Aaron H. Kelsey was born in Sparta, Sussex
County, N. J., and died at his birthplace in
October, 1S55. At an early age his talent for a
commercial career became manifest, while he was
an employe of John I. Blair, of Blairstown (then
known as Gravel Hill), N. J. Later he rose to
be a partner in the firm, and some time after his
marriage to the younger sister of John I. Blair
he removed to Sparta, where the remainder of
his busy and useful life was passed. His wife,
Elizabeth, survived him several years, dying in
1864. He was very influential in the organiza-
tion of the old Sussex National Bank at Newton,
and was a director in the same. In politics he was
an ardent Whig, and was three times elected to
represent his district in the New Jersey senate,
his term of service beginning in 1846. Henry C.
Kelsey, a cousin of our subject, was for twenty-
five years secretary of the state of New Jersey,
having recently retired from office. W. S., the
only brother of A. Blair Kelsey, is a resident of
St. Joseph, Mich.

The birth of A. Blair Kelsey took place in
Sparta, N. J., in 1848. His education was such
as was to be obtained in the local schools and at
Blair's Hall, Newton, N. J. When he was
about eighteen years of age he embarked in
general merchandising in Johnsouburg, Warren
County, where he remained for ten years, at the
end of which period he came to Belvidere. He
was elected cashier of the bank here in 1885.
The institution is one of the oldest in the state,
as it was organized in 1830. The capital has
been reduced from $500,000 to $100,000 and pays
ten per cent annually. The president of the bank
is John I. Blair, previously alluded to in this

458

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sketch, and D. C. Blair is the vice-president.
Mr. Kelsey has often been sent as a delegate to
political conventions of his part}-, and took a
very active part in the late campaign. He was
a delegate to the convention that nominated Mc-
Kinley, organized the "gold standard" men of
this count}', and was on the committee that
notified Mr. McKinley of the high honor which
had been bestowed upon him by his countrymen.
During the administration of President Arthur,
Mr. Kelsey was appointed postmaster of Belvi-
dere, and officiated as such until the change of
administration. A lover of fine horses, he has
owned several very valuable ones, among them
being Ella Morris, standard-bred and regis-
tered and the winner of blue ribbons whenever
exhibited all through Indiana and Kentucky.
Fraternally Mr. Kelsey is identified with the
Masonic order.

September 30, 1874, occurred the marriage of
our subject and Rachel, daughter of John H.
Blair, of Knowlton, Warren County, N.J. They
have one child, Eaura Blair.

EHARLES STEWART HOYT, who is a suc-
cessful farmer residing in Franklin Town-
ship, Hunterdon County, on the Eandsdowu
estate, is the youngest child and only son of
Capt. Moses and Sarah C. (Wilson) Hoyt.
Though his own history has been uneventful, as
he has always resided in this locality and followed
farming pursuits, the life of his father was just
the reverse, and his numerous experiences and
adventures on the high seas and in foreign lauds
-made him a man of large practical information
and an interesting talker.

Captain Hoyt was a native of Calais, Me., and
was a son of Electus Hoyt, a shipping merchant
who owned vessels plying between the United
States and other lands. The spirit of adventure
and enterprise early awoke in the mind of the

youthful seeker after change and excitement.
When but twelve years of age he ran away from
home. He boarded one of his father's ships
bound for a southern port and never returned to
his old home until he became a man. The ocean
had irresistible charms for one of his fearless
nature, and he soon became master of his profes-
sion. While visiting in New Jersey he became
acquainted with Miss Sarah Cotuam Wilson,
daughter of John and Mary Wilson, and a mem-
ber of an old family in that state. After their
marriage he began life as a landsman, and fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits for a number of years
at Eandsdowu, the inherited property of his wife,
and now owned by his son, a beautiful old home-
stead around which clusters the sentiment and
associations of many generations, embowered in
shade and standing where the south branch, of
the Raritan makes one of its most graceful curves.

In 1849 Captain Hoyt visited California and was
engaged in various business enterprises there for
some years; afterward, and during the latter part
of his life, he was employed by the marine insur-
ance companies of New York to protect their
large interests in the waters of the Bahamas. He
died in their employ in 1862, highly respected by
those he faithfully served, and though many
years have elapsed since his death, he is still
remembered by a host of old frieuds and asso-
ciates.

At a meeting of the Board of Underwriters
held November 19, 1S62, a resolution was pre-
sented and unanimously adopted, expressing the
sympathy of all the members of the Board with
Mrs. Hoyt in her bereavement; their high appre-
ciation of the excellent qualities of mind and
heart possessed by Captain Hoyt, and their un-
limited confidence during the many years in their
service in his integrity and faithfulness to all the
trusts confided to him.

Captain and Mrs. Hoyt were the parents of two
daughters and one son. Helen, the eldest, died
in 1879. Margaret E., living at Eandsdowu
with her brother Charles, still survives. Mrs.
Hoyt passed away in 1SS2, at the age of eighty-
one years. She was a most cultured lady, and

C. F. HALSTED, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

461

attracted to her friendship the educated and
refined of her day and generation. She was a
faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.
Their only son, the subject of this sketch, was
born on the Landsdown farm, where he still
resides, in 1845. This place (the Wilson home-
stead) was originally the property of Col. Charles
Stewart, who won his title in the Revolutionary
war. The farm when owned by him was a square
mile in dimensions. A deed for this tract was
given by Colonel Stewart to his daughter Mary,
the maternal grandmother of our subject, in

1795-

Charles Hoyt is engaged in general farming,
and gives special attention to the raising of stock.
In politics he votes the Republican ticket. In
1867 he married Mary Ann Sharp, of Lebanon,
Hunterdon County, a daughter of Asa Sharp.
In religious faith they are Presbyterians. They
are the parents of two children, Charles F. and
Florence C. Hoyt.

-:—-»-- -••^-i>t^i) •■>£;■•-- -*--:-

TJHARLES F. HALSTED, M. D., is a suc-
C cessful young physician of High Bridge,
^J Hunterdon Count}'. Though he has been
located here but three years he has already built
up an enviable reputation for skill, and seems
particularly fortunate in his dealings with surgi-
cal cases. He is the accredited surgeon of the
large Taylor Iron and Steel Works here, and, in
such concerns, there are frequently recurring ac-
cidents of a more or less serious nature. He thus
finds plenty of opportunity for the exercise of his
wisdom and experience in this manner, and in
addition, has built up a large general practice in
the town and vicinity. He is examining physician
for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New
York City and for the Independent Order of
Foresters. March 1, 1897, his high standing in
the estimation of his fellow- citizens and profes-

sional brethren was manifested by his being ap-
pointed to act as health inspector of the township
of High Bridge.

William A. Halsted, father of the doctor, is a
retired banker of Morristown, N. J., and has been
very prominent and influential in that place for
the greater portion of his career. He is a native
of New York City, and remained in the metropolis
until he was in his twenty-ninth year. He was
a member of the Big Six Fire Company there,
one of the best-drilled and equipped of the volun-
teer forces. For thirty -five years he was con-
nected with the National Iron Bank of Morris-
town and was actively interested in political
affairs, having served as an alderman and in other
positions of a public character. His wife, for-
merly Mary A. Freeman, a native of Morristown,
died February 23, 1892, and their only child was
the doctor.

The father of William A. was Oliver Halsted,
whose birth took place in New York City, and
among whose relatives have been numerous citi-
zens who have become distinguished in some of
the professions and more than ordinarily success-
ful in business. His brother, David C, now de-
ceased, was the first assistant appraiser under the
collector in the port of New York. Jacob N.,
another brother, is a retired capitalist of the
metropolis, and for many years was connected
with the Consolidated Gas Company of New
York. George F., a younger brother, who died
recently, was with Dun's Commercial Agency for
years, and was a prominent politician of Eliza-
beth, N. J.

Dr. C. F. Halsted was born in Morristown,
March 31, 1S68. After completing his prelimi-
nary education he entered the medical depart-
ment of Columbia College of New York, graduat-
ing from there June 12, 1890. In order to more
fully equip himself for his life work he pursued
special studies in the medical department of the
University of New York, graduating with honor
March 14, 1891. In the autumn of 1890 he had
opened an office at No. 265 One Hundred and
Twenty-Seventh street, New York, and continued
in practice there about two years. Then

4.62

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for the succeeding four years he was located
in Morristown, his old home, and from there
went to the west, with the intention of settling in
the town of Anaconda, Mont. He did not like
the strange surroundings or people, however,
and, after prospecting somewhat in other locali-
ties in the west he returned to his native state,
determined to make it his permanent home. He
soon concluded to try his lot in High Bridge, and
this choice was undoubtedly a wise one on his
part.

In his political faith the doctor is independent,
and in accordance with his convictions, votes on
principle and not for party machines. Socially
he is identified with the Junior Order of Ameri-
can Mechanics, Peerless Council No. 218, of
High Bridge, and is connected with Taylor
Lodge No. 728, Independent Order of Foresters,
of this town, and with Morristown Lodge No.
121, K. of P. The city of Morristown is justly
proud of her fire department, especially of Reso-
lute Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, which has
the honor of being deemed the finest organization
of the kind in the state and the doctor is con-
nected with the company, and on occasion can
do most effective service. He is also of a mili-
tary turn of mind, having been second lieutenant
of Company G, Eighth New York State National
Guard. He holds membership with the First
Presbyterian Church of Morristown.

ON. HENRY P. CULLEN, a life-long and
representative citizen of Hunterdon County,
is one of her sons who has risen to distinc-
tion from the humble walks of life by his inherent
manly characteristics. In 1881 he was elected
to the office of justice of the peace, and served
most creditably as such for two terms of five
years each. During this period, in 1884, he was
appointed judge of the court of common pleas by
Governor Abbott, and was again similarly hon-

ored in 1889 by Governor Green. In 1S94 he
received the appointment of notary public from
Governor Werts, and in 1895 he was once more
elected justice of the peace. In these several
positions he won the praises of his superiors and
the people in general on account of his fidelity to
the least as well as to the greatest of his duties.

H. P. Cullen was born in Franklin Township,
Hunterdon Count}-, August 7, 1824. He is one
of nine children, of whom but four now survive,
whose parents were James and Agnes (Lee)
Cullen. The father was a native of Trenton,
N. J., but came to this count}- when a child, be-
ing reared in the home of an uncle. In youth he
learned the carpenter's trade, and this calling he
followed during the active years of his life. He
died upon the seventy-fourth anniversary of his
birth. The father of Agnes (Lee) Cullen was Will-
iam Lee, who came to America from Dublin, Ire-
land, prior to the Revolutionary war, and settled
in Hunterdon County, where he brought up his
family of seven children. He was a highly edu-
cated man and followed teaching as a profession.

Until he was eleven years of age Judge Cullen
remained with his parents, but at that early
period in his history he felt that he must go forth
and thenceforth earn his own livelihood, as his
people were greatly handicapped by the number
of mouths to feed, and were having a struggle
with poverty. The youth possessed a brave
heart and was more than willing to do all in his
power to make his parents' burden lighter. He
worked for a farmer at $2.50 a month at first
and was similarly occupied up to the time he
arrived at his majority. Then for a year he was
engaged in teaming and farming in the neighbor-
hood of Lambertville, being employed much ot
the time by a lumber firm.

In 1852 he married Theodosia Reading, and re-
moved to a farm in Kingwood Township. He
purchased the homestead and continued to culti-
vate and improve the place for nine years, then
coming to Stockton, where he has since dwelt.
To himself and wife five children were born, but
three of the number have been summoned to the
silent laud. A son, Theodore L-, is married and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

463

has two children. He is managing the old home
farm and is a practical business man. Susan R.
is at home with her father. Some time subse-
quent to the death of his first wife, Mr. Cullen
married Mrs. Sally E. Cherry, daughter of Hiram
Nixon, of Kingwood Township. The date of this
marriage is March 5, 1886. The judge is a mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity, and is very active
in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ENRY M. BIGELOW is the postmaster of
Junction, Hunterdon County, and for the
past eight years has been engaged in a mer-
cantile business in this place. He carries a well-
selected stock of goods, and has built up so large
a trade that he now keeps four clerks to attend
to the needs of his customers. He possesses
the requisite ability, foresight and systematic
methods to insure success, and he owes his in-
creasing prosperity solely to his excellent busi-
ness policy.

A native of New Jersey, Mr. Bigelow was born
in Mechanicsville June 12, 1857, being the eldest
of the five children of Daniel D. and Ellen
(Swackhamer) Bigelow. The others are John, a
farmer of Warren County; Annie, a resident of
Phillipsburg; Charles, who was an engineer on
the Central Railroad and was accidently killed
thereon; and William, who died in infancy. The
father was born near Eebanou, N. J., Jul}' 1,
1821, and railroading was his chief occupation in
life. He was for years a foreman on railroad
contracting work. He was twice married, his
first wife having been Sarah Ami Mix, by whom
he had one son, Burton D., supervisor of the
Metropolitan Traction Company of New York
City. His marriage to Miss Swackhamer took
place April 9, 1856, and his death occurred more
than forty 3'ears afterward, November 2, 1896.

The subject of this article is self educated in a
true sense, as he had but limited advantages and

was obliged to start out to make his own way in
the world when but twelve years of age. He
found work with a construction gang on the
Eoug Island Railroad, and after a time he became
a news agent on the train and later a brakeman.
His career in the railroading line was abruptly
terminated by an accident that very nearly cost
him his life, and forever removed the desire to
stay in the service. He was on a train when a
collision occurred, the car which he was in being
literally smashed into kindling wood. The major-
ity of the people in this car were killed or injured
and his escape was little short of miraculous.
His clothing was riddled with splinters, and by
reaching out his hand he could put it into the
fire-box of the demolished engine. The only
injury he sustained was a cut on the little finger,
but the shock to his S3'stem and nerves was a
great one, and for the next few years his health
continually deteriorated. He took a position as
a clerk in a store in Lawrence, then known as
Rockaway, L. L, and at the end of three years
when he was wasted to a mere skeleton, medicine
and doctors being of no avail, he was persuaded
to try a change of air and climate. He located
in Springtown, N. J., started a store there and
ran the same until after his marriage.

April 1, 1882, Mr. Bigelow wedded Lizzie R.
Zeller, whose father was George W. Zeller, a
farmer of that vicinity. The young couple
have four children, Mary, Russell, Beatrice and
Walter, all at home. Soon after he was married
our subject removed to Asbury, where he opened
a large store in partnership with his father. Dur-
ing the following eight years he had different
partners, the last being H. M. Riddle. In 1890
they decided to open a branch store in Junction
as well, operating both in partnership. At the
end of five years such a fine business had been
built up here that Mr. Bigelow bought out the
interest of Mr. Riddle and has since conducted it
alone. He has enlarged the capacity and ac-
commodations of the store, it now being 60x62
feet in dimensions.

For some time Mr. Bigelow has given thought
to the subject of peach-growing, and in the spring

464

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of 1897 set out three thousand trees on a fine
little farm of fifty acres, which he owns and in-
tends to devote to fruit culture. He was the
originator of the idea of having Junction incor-
porated as a borough, and the tax is now $4.50
less than that of Lebanon Township and $2.50
less than that of Bethlehem Township, while at
the same time it has better roads, sidewalks and
other improvements. He was asked to fill some
office in the new borough, but steadfastly declined
the honor, as his object in seeing the measure go
through was not of a selfish nature, but was for
the good of the people, and he desired to be free
from any imputation to the contrary. He is an
ardent Republican, and was appointed postmaster
of this town June 19, 1897. He is a member of
Minerva Lodge No. 60, I. O. O. F., of Junction,
and for the past seven years has been a steward
and trustee in the Methodist Church of this
place.

(JOSEPH H. EXTON. The old estate which
I was the birthplace of this worthy citizen and
G/ on a portion of which he still dwells is one of
the historic points in western New Jersey, and
one of the most celebrated in Hunterdon County.
It is situated in Union Township, and was pur-
chased by Hugh Exton, grandfather of the above,
in 181 1. It comprised one thousand acres, orig-
inally owned by Allen & Turner.

Tracing the history of this property briefly
from the old records of the state and historical
society it is found that this laud was part of a
tract granted by King Charles II. to the Duke of
York under date of March 24, 1664, and to Lord
John Berkley, baron of Stratton, and Sir George
Casteret, of Devonshire, both of the king's privy
council. Lord Berkley disposed of his share in
the land for one thousand pounds sterling to John
Fenwick and Edward Bylliuge, and the division
line between this state and Pennsylvania was
drawn in July, 1776, by William Penn and his

associates. Over fifty thousand acres of land
came into the possession of Allen & Turner, who
established on the Union tract, a portion of which
has been referred to as belonging to the subject of
this article, the first iron works in the state, or,
indeed, in the United States. They were called
the Union Iron Works, were founded as early as
1700, and were spoken of by one of the early his-
torians as being very complete, having two furna-
ces and two forges, each with two stacks, also a
trip-hammer and "flattering" hammer, etc. On
Mr. Exton's place may still be seen the remains
of the old stack and walls of the iron works and
he has some shell and grape-shot that were un-
doubtedly cast here.

The summer residence of Mr. Allen, who was
of Philadelphia, was on this farm, and though it
has been remodelled and modified, is now the
home of our subject. Mr. Allen was a distin-
guished citizen of the time in which he moved.
He was chief-justice of Pennsylvania from 1751
to 1774, and Allentown, Pa., was named in his
honor. He was extensively interested in the iron
industry in that state and in New Jersey, yet his
personal and financial risks did not deter him
from being true to his principles, for he was a
strong Tory, and when the colonies declared for
independence he remained loyal to the king and
returned to England. The property therefore fell
into other hands, being held under lease or pur-
chase by numerous parties, but ultimately re-
verted to the original owners, until Hugh Exton
bought it in 181 1. One of these lessees or tem-
porary owners was Col. Charles Stewart, a mem-
ber of Washington's staff, being commissary-
general from 1776 to the close of the war. His
residence during that period was in this old house
now occupied by Mr. Exton. The premises were
raided by a band of Tories who sought to cap-
ture the officer, but he had received warning and
escaped with a large sum of the public moneys, for
which he was responsible. However, the house was
ransacked, $4,000 in current money was taken,
together with a large amount of valuable gold and
silver plate, linen, clothing, three watches, a pair
of silver mounted pistols given the colonel by

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

465

Baron Steuben, etc. In one of the county ar-
chives is mentioned a visit paid by Mrs. Wilson,
daughter of Colonel Stewart, to the old Union
farm. She said, "We were escorted b}' Major
Washington and ten dragoons." She remained
a day and night at the house and "spoke much
with his daughter concerning housekeeping and
other domestic affairs. ' ' In the possession of Mr.
Exton is an old account-book and memorandum-
books giving quaintly worded data of work done
in the iron works, telling the quantity of metal
ore consumed, etc.

The father of Joseph H. Exton was Joseph Ex-
ton, who was born in Leicestershire, England,
August 12, 1793, a son of Hugh and Mary (Cap-
nerhurst) Exton. The family set sail for Amer-
ica in July, 1796, in the ship George Washing-
ton, and after a voyage of seventy days landed
in Philadelphia. Those who were numbered
among his household were his wife and children,
Ann, John, Mar}-, Hugh, Joseph and Dolly, and
three servants who were bound to him for five
years, viz. : Michael Worthington, Elizabeth
Green and Joe Lovett. Mr. Exton purchased
the Grove farm near Pittstown ; later he purchased
the one thousand acres aforesaid , and settled down
to an agricultural life, here passing his remaining
years. Joseph Exton married Julia A., daughter
of Philip and Mary (Erwin) Howell, natives of
Pennsylvania, though Mrs. Exton was born in
Trenton, N. J. They had two children, Joseph
H. and Catherine, wife of Charles P. Fraleigh,
of Bound Brook.

Joseph H. Exton was born on the old home-
. stead November 7, 1847. He was reared to ma-
turity here and received a good education. May
20, 1869, he married Fannie, daughter of Ellis
and Henrietta (Willins) Potter, a lineal descend-
ant of Roger Williams. She was born and grew
to womanhood in Brooklyn. To our subject and
his estimable wife five children have been born,
viz.: Alfred H., Julia Erwin, Joseph P., Ellis P.
and Fannie Isabel. Mr. Exton is a member of
the Presbyterian Church of Clinton, and has been
an officer in the same. He is a liberal Democrat
in political matters, and has taken an active part

in local affairs. For nineteen years he was a
member of the township committee and for five
years was a justice of the peace.

0HIO WHITNEY ADAMS is the veteran
engineer of the Delaware, Lackawanna &
Western Railroad, both in point of years
and in 3-ears of actual service with the corpora-
tion. His career has been a most remarkable
one, in that in these long years of steady employ-
ment as an engineer he has been so fortunate as
never to have a passenger killed on his run. An
article which was published in the Industrial
News, of Scranton, Pa., entitled "Railroading of
Old," refers to him in the following paragraph:

' 'The locomotives used were the handsomest in
the world, named the Colonel Scranton and the
Southport. He, Adams, was the engineer of the
latter, and has been running it continuously ever
since. He is regarded as one of the best en-
gineers that ever pulled a throttle. He now
pulls a vestibule train on the Southern Division
Nos. 3 and 6. His service is probably without a
parallel, as in all his forty-four years runs he has
never had a passenger killed on his train."

Born in Ashburnham, Mass., January 9, 1833,
O. W. Adams is one of the five sons of James
Adams. When he was a youth he learned the
machinist's trade in the Putnam machine shops
in Fitchburg, Mass. From there he went into
the Susquehanna shops of the Erie Railroad.
In 1 854 two large engines, those referred to above,
were constructed for the Delaware, Lackawanna
& Western, and he was sent to deliver them.
These engines were very handsome, being almost
completely covered with brass work. Mr. Adams
was placed in charge of the Southport, and his
next engine was the William E. Dodge; then for
thirteen years he ran the Moses Taylor; then No.
158 for nine years, and finally he was given No.
243, which he is still managing. This engine

466

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

draws the No. 3 passenger train up and No. 6
passenger train back, between Junction and
Scranton, Pa. Mr. Adams was the first engineer
on this engine, and no one else, with the excep-
tion of his son Charles, has been privileged to
manage her. Mr. Adams worked up from the
bottom, as he was first employed by this railroad
in September, 1854, as an engineer on a construc-
tion train, when the southern division of the road
was being built. January 7, 1888, he met with
an accident which would have put an end to the life
of a man less vigorous, temperate and constitution-
ally strong. He was caught between a loaded car
and the door of the machine-shop in Scranton; his
collar-bone, breast-bone and five ribs were broken.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. Fraternally
he is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers, and belongs to Union Lodge No. 339,
F. & A. M., of Scranton.

In 1S61 Mr. Adams married Laura A., daugh-
ter of Capt. Smith Harding, of Binghamton,
N. Y. Mr. Harding formerly ran a packet from
Binghamton to Albany on the Binghamton
Canal. He was sent to Junction at the time of
the construction of the southern division of the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, and took
charge of a large boarding-house for the accom-
modation of the numerous employes of the road.
This house was known as the Barracks and was
finally destroyed by fire. Mr. and Mrs. Adams
have but one child, Charles F. , whose sketch ap-
pears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Adams is
a member of the Presbyterian Church.

— j- -O-i *•(;£•'))•;>£• t-

3 NEWTON VAN DERBEEK. In a hand-
some residence situated on an eminence and
commanding a fine view of the surrounding
country dwells the gentleman whose name stands
at the beginning of this article. This is the
homestead where his birth took place September

13, 1833, and here he has happily passed the in-
tervening years. The property is located in
Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, and
is considered one of the best farms in this section.
In the year 1885 the owner completely remodeled
his house, adding a wing, altering the height of the
upper story, changing the plan of the structure
materially, and otherwise improving it, until it
bears little resemblance to the former building.
He had steam heat placed in the house and other
modern improvements, making it equal in con-
venience to a city home of the better class.

Mr. Van Derbeek is a practical business man,
who has made a distinct success in life by his
own inherent ability and genius. In his boyhood
his educational advantages were of a very meager
description, but by private study and observa-
tion he has become so well informed that he might
readily be taken for a college graduate. He
worked with his father on this home farm until
he reached his majority, when he and his brother
assumed the whole charge of the place. When
his brother was married our subject became the
proprietor of the farm, which comprises two hun-
dred and eighty-five acres, and is well adapted for
the raising of peaches and grain. He has given
considerable attention to stock-raising, and buys
cattle in Chicago and Buffalo to fatten during
the winter season. Most of such stock he finds a
market for near home, a portion of stock going
to the Morris Plains Asylum.

For about fifteen years he has been a director
in the First National Bank of Somerville, which
is one of the leading financial institutions of the
state and pays a handsome dividend. He gives
about two days of each week to the bank in-
terests, looking carefully into its transactions, in
his customary methodical waj'. Whatever he
enters into he never neglects and is noted for his
faithful discharge of duty. He is a thorough-
going Republican, and has never been a politician
in the usually accepted sense. He has a genuine dis-
like for the modern spoils-seeker, and believes that
it is the duty of every citizen and patriot to do all
that lies in his power to promote purity of party.
In accordance with his principles, he has never

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

467

been inducted to accept any public position. For
several years he has served as a trustee in the
Lamington Presbyterian Church.

October 10, 1S66, the marriage of Mr. Van
Derbeek and Gertrude, daughter of Rev. Dr.
W. W. Blauvelt, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Lamington, was solemnized. To them
a daughter and two sons have been born, viz.:
Laura, William Warren and Frank Holmes, the
last-mentioned being in the office of the clerk of
chancery in Trenton.

The founder of the Van Derbeek family in the
United States was Paulus Van Derbeek, born in
1605. It is supposed that he arrived in Amer-
ica about 1646, as, at any rate, he owned a lot
in the town of New Amsterdam (now New York
City) as early as that year. This lot was located
midway between the North and East River, in
what is now the down-town portion. Andrew
Van Derbeek, grandfather of our subject, was
born May 9, 1760, and settled 011 the old family
homestead in Tewksbury Township about 1799,
here being occupied in its cultivation during the
remainder of his life. He married Althea Barca-
low, who was born in 1762, and six boys and
five girls were the result of their union. For
many years prior to his death Andrew was an
elder in the Lamington Presbyterian Church.

John B. Van Derbeek, father of our subject,
was born October 11, 1797, and in his youth
learned the carpenter's trade, which he carried on
in connection with his farm work. After his
marriage he conducted the old homestead where
his father had located when he was two years old.
He was an old-line Whig, and an ardent admirer
of Henry Clay. When the latter was defeated
for the presidency he was almost overcome with
despondency for a time, so bitterly did he regret
the overthrow of the great statesman. Later he
gave his allegiance to the Republican party, and
though he was an earnest worker in its interests,
would never hold office, as his friends often de-
sired him to do. He lent substantial aid to the
Lamington Presbyterian Church, and was a
trustee in the same for a number of years. He
always responded generously to any call for

financial help or sympathy, and was revered and
looked up to by all who knew him as a man of
exemplary life and practical Christianity. Feb-
ruary 18, T825, he married Catherine, daughter
of Aaron and Magdalena (Beckmau) Longstreet.
She lived just across the river from his home, on
the Somerset County side. Five children came
to grace their union, viz.: Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Col. ArthurS. Ten Eyck, of North Branch,
and is now deceased; Horace A., whose home is
on a portion of the old family estate, on the
Somerset County side of the river; J. Newton;
Emily L- , wife of William S. Potter, a merchant
of Somerville; and Anna Maria, wife of Hon.
Alvah A. Clark, of Somerville. The father de-
parted this life April 7, 1879, and was placed to
rest in the cemetery near New Germantown.

PROF. DAVID ROCKAFELLAR is a musical
genius, a fact cheerfully agreed to by all
«-) who know him or are aware of his varied at-
tainments in this direction. He has frequently
been noticed in the journals of Hunterdon and
other New Jersey Counties as possessing talent
of no low order, and the most flattering articles
have been written of him and some of the musical
entertainments for which he is responsible. He
is now in business in the town of Lebanon, Hun-
terdon County, being local agent for the cele-
brated Mason & Hamlin organs, the Sohmer,
Knabe, Hazleton and other pianos, and also car-
ries a full line of stringed and band instruments.
The professor was born on the old home-
stead which has always been his place of abode,
and which he purchased of his aged father in
1896, the date of his birth having been August 9,
1 85 1. His parents were John H. and Sarah
(Davis) Rockafellar. The father was born on
the old family estate of which this farm is a por-
tion, October 14, 18 15. He has been very active
as a business man and has taken his full share of

468

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the responsibilities devolving upon the average
citizen. For a great many years he was a director
in the Clinton National Bank, and in addition to
this he has held numerous local positions of trust
and honor. In his political faith he is a Demo-
crat. At the advanced age of eighty-one years he
united with the Reformed Church of Lebanon, of
which his loved wife had been a member through-
out her mature life. She was born November 23,
1823, and. was summoned to the silent land May
8, 1S97. They had but two children, Catherine,
who married Timothy P. Hoffman, and with him
has passed to the better land, and David, of this
sketch. He is making his home with his son,
who does all in his power to brighten the declin-
ing years of the senior's life.

The boyhood of David Rockafellar was quietly
passed with his parents on the farm. When a
mere child he gave undoubted evidence of marked
musical talent and began his education in this
line with local teachers. He has had to rely
chiefly upon his own resources, however, in the
acquisition of necessary musical knowledge. In
time he himself became a teacher, and during his
career has instructed over five hundred pupils on
the piano, organ, violin and horns. He has been
the director of choirs in various towns: in Clover
Hill, three years; in Readiugtou, five years and in
Lebanon ten years. He has been very successful
in giving choral concerts, and as a church organist
has scored a distinct victory. As an instructor he
is noted for his thoroughness and the great care he
takes to direct the learner in the right way, and
his pupils are not confined to those who may live
in this immediate vicinity, but come from a dis-
tance in many cases.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Pro-
fessor Rockafellar is an adherent of the Demo-
cratic party, but has been in no sense a politician,
as he has had no time for that business. Since
1877 he has been connected with the Reformed
Church, five years of the intervening time being
a member of the congregation at Clover Hill, the
remainder of the period being identified with the
church in Lebanon.

December 18, 1S78, the marriage of the pro-

fessor and Anna R. Cook was solemnized. She
was born in Stanton, N. J., August 6, 1856, being
a daughter of George W. and Sarah (Former)
Cook, the former a prominent merchant in Stan-
ton for a great many years. To our subject and
wife has been born one child, a daughter, Bertha.

(JOHN R. HARDON is the editor and propri-
I etor of the Hunterdon Independent, which is
(2/ published in Frenehtowii, and is numbered
among the leading and influential journals of
this section. As its name implies it maintains an
independent attitude on political affairs, criticis-
ing freely and without restrictions of party ties
whatever things appear to be in need of such
criticism in public matters controlled by party
machines. The gentleman whose name heads
this article is a well-known and esteemed citizen of
Frenchtown, where he has made his home for
over thirty years. For almost two decades he
has been with the newspaper he now edits, and
with the exception of about a year of this period
he has been the sole owner and manager of the
enterprise. It was in January, 1879, that he, in
company with Ross Slack, purchased the
Independent, which has since been materially
built up and its circulation increased through his
earnest and persistent efforts. It gives a concise
account of the current events of the world and
pays particular attention to local matters of in-
terest to its subscribers.

The parents of J. R. Hardou were Silas A. and
Sarah (Dilts) Hardon, natives of Hunterdon
County. They had a family of eight children, of
whom John R. is the eldest. He was born
September iS, 1831, in Delaware Township,
Hunterdon County, and was brought up as a
farmer's boy, receiving practical training in the
various details pertaining to the management of
a farm. From the wise and careful instruction
gained from his parents he developed into a well-

JONATHAN HIGGINS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

471

rounded character, having right principles of
action and a due regard for the rights of his
fellow-men.

September 5, 1864, he enlisted in the Thirty-
eighth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers and
served until the close of the Rebellion. He was
always at his post of duty and was well liked by
those above him in rank and those of his own.
In April, 1867, he came to Frenchtown and was
employed at carpentering until January, 1879,
when he purchased the newspaper he has since
been interested in. He keeps entirely out of
politics, as he has never been an aspirant for
public positions, and has no desire to mingle in
state affairs.

The marriage of Mr. Hardon and Anna C.
Vanhorn was solemnized March 27, 1867. They
commenced housekeeping in Frenchtown, which
has always since been their home.

(JONATHAN HIGGINS, president of the
I Hunterdon County National Bank and one
G/ of the most prominent citizens of Fleming-
ton, was born January 18, 1828, upon the farmin
Hunterdon County where had occurred the birth
of his father, Judiah, in 1798. This property,
situated two miles from Flemington, in Raritan
Township, was originally purchased by his grand-
father, a native of New Jersey, and for many
years a resident of this place, where were born
Judiah and Jonathan Higgins, and the three
children of the latter.

The entire life of Judiah Higgins was passed in
the locality where he was born and reared. He
became a man of prominence in his community
and was recognized as one of the most progressive
citizens of Flemington. At the age of eighty-
nine years he was elected president of the Hunter-
don County National Bank and was serving in
that capacity at the time of his death, in Septem-
ber, 1890. By his marriage to Charity Fisher

seven children were born, and of these four are
still living, namely: Jonathan, of this sketch;
Ellen, Mrs. Parks, of Flemington; Mary, Mrs.
Fulper, also of Flemington; and Julia, Mrs.
Young, of Elizabeth, N. J.

The education of our subject was obtained in
the public schools of Hunterdon County. Like
his father, he has been content to pass his entire
life amid the scenes familiar to him from earliest
youth. In the fall of 1893 he was elected presi-
dent of the Hunterdon County National Bank and
has since remained at the head of this institution.
Among his real-estate holdings are property in
Flemington and the old family homestead near
the town.

The marriage of Mr. Higgins united him with
Miss Lydia Jerolaman, daughter of James and
Christinia Jerolaman, of Somerset County, N. J.
Of their union three children were born, named
as follows: Lizzie, wife of Rev. T. E. Vassar, of
Port Murray, Warren County, N. J.; Judiah,
who assists his father in the bank; and William
F. , who is with the Flemington Milling Company,
of which his father is one of the largest stock-
holders. The father of Mrs. Higgins is still liv-
ing and has reached the advanced age of ninety-
two years.

G| LVIN A. VAN HORN. Numbered among
I I the most enterprising business men of Hope,
/ I Warren County, is the gentleman whose
name heads this review. He was born in Fre-
linghuysen Township, in this county, in February,
1849, and lived with his parents until he reached
his majority. At that time he came to this region
and was interested in conducting a farm for two
years. In 1872 he removed to this town and was
employed as a clerk by Edmund Turner during
some three years. He learned the details of
finance, and the foundation principles of business
then which he has since put into practice. For

472

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a short time he carried on a store of his own in
Bridgeville, but, preferring this place for many
reasons, and believing that it had a more promis-
ing future before it, he returned and opened a
new building, stocking it with a complete line of
fresh and desirable wares, and his prosperity was
assured from the start. He has, indeed, suc-
ceeded even beyond his expectations, and has
built up a reputation for honesty and fairness in
all his transactions that an}' one might well envy.

December 24, 1873, Mr. Van Horn married
Phoebe M. Gibbs, daughter of Israel S. Gibbs, of
this place. Three children graced this union,
Edwin T., Nettie P. and Clarence G. Edwin,
the eldest, is successfully engaged in the grocer}'
business in East Orange, N. J. He married
Frances Einabery, of Blairstown. The younger
children of our subject are attending school and
live at home.

In politics Mr. Van Horn is a Democrat. In
1880 he was elected collector of Hope Township,
and served as such for three years. In 1885 he
was elected to the position of assessor, and acted
in that capacity six years, at the end of that
period being re-elected for another three years.
Again, in 1893, he was chosen by the people to
fill this post, and in all, has occupied the office
about fourteen years. While a resident of Bridge-
ville he was the postmaster of the village, and
under Cleveland's last administration he was the
postmaster of Hope. In these differing public
positions he gave satisfaction to his political
opponents as well as to those of his own political
faith. He owns three good farms in this county,
these being at present rented to responsible tenants.
In the fraternal orders he is associated with the
Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American
Mechanics and the Red Men, of Hope; in the
last-named having held all the offices, and for
one term served as district deputy. He and his
family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church
here, in which he was for a time a trustee.

Abram Van Horn, father of Alvin A., was a
native of the same township as was our subject.
He followed agricultural pursuits there for many
years, and afterward came to the neighborhood

of Hope. After a residence hereabouts of twenty
years, he retired from active toil, settling down
to pass his remaining years in the village of
Marksboro. Formerly he carried on quite an
extensive milling business in that place. He has
been an enthusiastic Democrat, and for a number
of years he was a constable. In his young man-
hood he married Miranda E. Cummings, daugh-
ter of Jacob Cummings. The marriage of Mr.
and Mrs. Van Horn, Sr. , was blessed by nine
children, viz.: Jacob C, of Blairstown; Mary E.,
wife of Norman E. Perry; Alvin A.; Austin, de-
ceased; Andrew N. ; Johnson C; Garrett A.;
Rose M., wife of Amos Albert; and George M.
The mother died in March, 1898, aged seventy-
three years.

|i EVI V. ABEE, deceased, was a native of
IC Bloomsbury, Hunterdon County, was reared
|_J to manhood here, and though absent for a
number of years when in the prime of his life, he
returned to the scenes and friends of his youth to
pass his last years. It was in April, 1886, that
he purchased the hotel here that is now efficiently
conducted by his widow. He repaired the build-
ing, put in steam heat and made many other ma-
terial improvements, thus placing it on a basis of
substantial merit. He was a genial host and a
great favorite with the traveling public, and many
a salesman went out of his way when he could in
order to stay over Sunday, perhaps, in this pleas-
ant hostelry, where he was sure of obtaining the
best of fare, and of being royally welcomed.

John Abel, father of the above, was born in this
county, also, and when quite a lad went to Easton,
where he learned the tailor's trade. He followed
that occupation there for some time, later remov-
ing to Bloomsbury, where he continued to dwell
during his declining days. He was a Republican
in his political views and attended the Methodist
Church, of which his wife was a member. He

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

473

married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Cathe-
rine Lott, old residents of this place. Of the
eight children born to John Abel and wife, Mary
Ann, who married Joseph Kitchen and resided in
Eastern, is now deceased; William, a veteran of
the late war, was an employe of the Philadelphia
mint, and died in 1898; Jacob lives in Richmond,
Inch; Andrew was killed on the railroad; Edward
is a farmer of Warren County; Thomas, formerly
of Frenchtowu, is deceased, and the others are
Miller, deceased, and Levi V.

The birth of L. V. Abel took place June 24,
1847, and as soon as he was of a suitable age he
commenced attending public schools here. He
learned the barber's trade, which he followed
much of the time for a quarter of a century. In
this period he was located variously in French-
town, Flemington, Little York, Annaudale and
Lebanon. Much of the same time he was inter-
ested in running small hotels, and thus gained
valuable experience in the business. Since his
death, August 2, 1893, his widow has managed
the hotel in Bloomsbury which he had owned, and
as she gives her personal supervision to the culin-
ary department, and indeed to every detail of the
management, the house has acquired an excellent
reputation. Mr. Abel was very fond of athletic
sports, and the day before his demise took part in
a base-ball game. He was especially interested
in this so-called national game, and would often
make a journey of miles to witness a good one.
He was an earnest member of the Methodist
Church and was always prompt in his support of
worthy charities and other good works. He is
most kindly remembered by all who knew him,
for he possessed qualities that endeared him to a
host of friends.

December 9, 1866, Mr. Abel married Catherine,
daughter of Peter H. and Sophia (Halm) Row-
land, of Spruce Run, in High Bridge Township,
this county. Mr. Rowland was a miller by trade
and operated a flour and feed mill, together with
a sawmill on the Spruce River. He was an ar-
elent Democrat, and did much to advance his
party's interests in his own community. About
1875 he removed to Scranton, Pa., where he died

a few years later. He was identified with the
Masonic order. To Mr. and Mrs. Abel were
born four children, of whom the eldest, Will-
iam, died when young; Edward Forrest mar-
ried Maggie, daughter of James Smith, of Phil-
lipsburg, N. J., and the two youngest, Ellen
and Phoebe, were twins. Ellen died in infancy
and Phoebe became the wife of Dr. H. Gut-
man, a veterinary surgeon in Bloomsbury. Ed-
ward F. Abel lends his services to his mother in
the management of the hotel property and is a
promising young business man.

— 5~ J »>K®re

~) WATSON BURDETTE is a representative
rf citizen of Hunterdon County, his home
\ being in Readington Township. He is a
native of Bergen County, N. J., born January 4,
1845. His parents were Henry and Rachel
(Scott) Burdette, who were likewise natives of
Bergen County. The Burdette (or as the name
was formerly spelled, Bourdette) family origin-
ally came from France, but have been numbered
among the leading inhabitants of New Jersey for
several generations, and have usually been oc-
cupied in agricultural pursuits. The founder of
the family in Bergen County came to this coun-
try prior to the war of the Revolution, taking up
his abode where Fort Lee now stands. The fam-
ily of Henry and Rachel Burdette comprised
five children, of whom our subject is the young-
est. The others are: Mary E., Peter, John H.
and Benjamin R. The father was a merchant
and was the postmaster of Fort Lee for some
time.

R. W. Burdette was reared and educated on
the old homestead in Bergen County. He has
followed various pursuits, farming, carpentering
and carding on a grocery, and in most of his
enterprises has met with at least a fair share of
success. He is the proprietor of two well-im-
proved farms and has become well-to-do by the

474

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

exercise of his native talents of perseverance and
industry. He is a member of the Odd Fellows'
societ}' and is affiliated with the Republican
party .

October i, 1879, our subject married Helen M.
Engle, who was born and grew to womanhood in
Bergen County, N. J. They have two children,
Ross W. and Arthur. Mrs. Burdette is a daugh-
ter of Andrew and Eliza (Outwater) Engle, both
of this state, and farmers by calling. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Burdette had ancestors who took
part in the war of the Revolution and were
commissioned officers.

HEODORE PROBASCO. The history of
the representative citizens of Hunterdon
Count}' would be sadly incomplete should
the sketch of the life of this worthy and venerable
gentleman be omitted for any reason. He was
one of the founders of Franklin Township and
sent the petition to the legislature for the grant
of the same, himself requesting that it be named
in honor of our great American statesman and
philosopher. This was clone, and he was ap-
pointed the first clerk of the new township, serv-
ing as such for ten years, and during that period
was also the township treasurer. Eater he
acted in the capacity of judge of elections, town-
ship committeeman and commissioner of deeds.
In 1868, 1869 and 1870, he was a member "of the
New Jersey legislature, having been elected on
the Democratic ticket. For years he was very
aggressively connected with the working of that
great political body and was an influential factor
in local affairs.

Though he attained the extreme age of ninety-
one years, his birth having occurred January 1 1 ,
1807, Theodore Probasco was remarkably well
preserved, both in mind and body, until shortly
before his death. He read without the aid of
glasses, and his memory and other powers of the

mind were as bright and keen as when he was in
the prime of manhood. He was a native of
Pittstown, Hunterdon County, and a son of
William and Rachel (Scott) Probasco. The
former was born in Warren County, N. J., where
he was reared on a farm, and in early manhood
removed to Pittstown, where he was employed in
the milling business about sixteen years. Then,
coming to Ouakertown, he went into partnership
with his brother in a cabinet-making shop. A
stalwart Democrat, he was a justice of the peace
for twenty years and judge of the court of common
pleas five years, making a most creditable record.
In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, as was
also his devoted wife. They both lived to a good
old age, he dying when eighty-two and she when
eighty-six years old. The wife was born near
Trenton, N. J., her father having been Israel
Scott, who was a hero of the Revolutionary war.
She was a first cousin of Gen. Wiufield Scott.

During the progress of the War of 1812 Theo-
dore Probasco was brought by his parents to
Quakertown, and he remained with them until
he was fifteen, when he began clerking in a store
in Ringoes, this county. Thus he was employed
three years, after which he came back to Quaker-
town, going into the business in which his father
was then occupied. Several years passed, and
the younger man then assumed the entire charge
of the business. During the following years he
was quite successful, both in the manufacture
and the sale of furniture and as an undertaker.
For the unusually long period of sixty years he
was engaged in business in this town, and in this
time he buried over a thousand persons, as there
is scarcely a house in this district from which
from one to eight people were not buried by him.
He was called to settle up a great many estates,
and his advice was always sought by a large
percentage of the population hereabout.

September 14, 1833, Mr. Probasco married
Elizabeth C. Hoff, who was born September 28,
18 15, in what is now Kingwood Township,
Hunterdon County. Their eldest child, Mary
E., was born March 29, 1835, married James E.
Huffman and died December 4, 1876. Rachel

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

475

Ann, born November 21, 1836, married George
T. Young, and died when about forty years old.
Ducinda, born October n, 1839, is the widow of
Isaac Mengel, of Bedford, Pa. Cornelius B. , born
November 10, 1843, died in infancy. Margaretta,
born February 7, 1S45, married Stires Fritts,
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Sarah L., born September 4, 1849, died April 15,
1851. Theodore Scott, born November 26, 1851,
died April 30, 1876. He was a photographer,
and was a well-educated, ambitious and most
promising 3-oung man. Of the seven children
comprising the family, only two survive, Mrs.
Fritts and Mrs. Mengel.

The entire married life of Mr. and Mrs. Probasco
was passed in the home where they commenced
housekeeping. On the fiftieth anniversary of
their marriage the occasion was appropriately
celebrated and their hosts of friends united in
wishing for them many more days of happiness.
After they had been married sixty-two years and
six months, the devoted wife sweetly fell asleep
in Jesus, March 20, 1896. Her death was a
crushing blow to her husband. His loneliness
during the seven months that he survived his
loved wife was heart-breaking to his children,
but he had become so strongly attached to the
old place during the long years of his residence
there that he could not be prevailed upon to leave.
His last days were therefore spent in the home
where he and his wife commenced housekeeping
in 1834, a sP°t dearer to both of them than all
the world besides. They united with the King-
wood Presbyterian Church in 1844 and lived con-
sistent Christian lives until they passed from the
shores of time to the great haven of eternity.
The aged wife, when her earth life was ended,
was laid to rest in the family burial plot in
Bethlehem Cemetery, and seven months later the
husband passed awaj-, October 30, 1896; his body
was interred beside that of his wife. He had
given his daughter, Mrs. Fritts, instructions as
to the spot where he wished to be buried in the
family plot and the kind of monument he de-
sired; and his requests were faithfully carried
out by his daughter. In the garden at the old

home was a white rose bush that had stood in
one place and bloomed each year for sixty-four
years; and this she transplanted and placed be-
tween the graves of her father and mother, over
whose mortal remains it blooms as sweetly as
when, in days gone by, they had together gazed
upon its roses blooming in the old home garden.

EOL. ANDREW VAN SICKLE, ex-post-
master of Lebanon, Hunterdon County,
won his title during the late war, when the
governor of this state appointed him colonel of
militia. He served from that time until the close
of the war as recruiting officer. In 1857 he was
honored by being elected to the state legislature
on the Democratic ticket, and served for two
years. During the long period of thirty-five
years he was a director of the Hunterdon County
Bank, assisting first in its organization, and he
was also one of the incorporators of the Farmers'
Mutual Fire Association of Readington Township,
a director in the same, and for the past quarter of
a century vice-president of the company.

The colonel was born near Newton, Sussex
County, N. J., March 20, 1820, and being left an
orphan when he was twelve years of age, lived
with his elder brother, George, for two or more
years. He was of rather delicate constitution in
his youth, it seemed, and though he was em-
ployed seven years in a store in Lafayette, N. J. ,
he finally concluded to henceforth live an outdoor
life. At twenty-one he received a portion of the
old family estate, near Lebanon, this land having
been handed down from one generation to the
next for four generations. It is now in the pos-
session of the fifth from the original holder, as
our subject gave it to his son, James, in 1S92.

In conjunction with his other agricultural em-
ployments the colonel has made a business of
buying live stock, going as far west as Ohio, and
selling the same in eastern markets. He also

476

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was interested for a time in buying timber land
in Pennsylvania, and shipping lumber to this vi-
cinity. He has always been strictly honorable
and straightforward in all his dealings and has
the respect of all who know him. In August,
1893, he was appointed postmaster of Lebanon,
and served several months past his term. In
1879 he was a candidate for state senator, but be-
coming thoroughly disgusted with the corrupt
methods employed by politicians he withdrew his
name and has since devoted himself solely to
business affairs. He has always been loyal in
his allegiance to the principles of the Democratic
party. At the time of his election to the legis-
lature he was the youngest member of either body
of the same.

February 16, 1843, Mr. Van Sickle married
Lydia S., daughter of Garrett Conover and wife,
Mary Stiger Conover. After a happy companion-
ship of almost fifty-four years (lacking but four
days) Mrs. Van Sickle was summoned to her re-
ward, February 12, 1S97. She was a most lov-
able woman, and a multitude of those whom she
had endeared to herself mourn her loss. By a
strange coincidence, a telegram was received the
day of her death containing news of the death of
her sister, Mrs. Caroline Ramsey, at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. J. R. Gibb, of Somerville,
N. J. She had departed this life but a few hours
earlier than Mrs. Van Sickle. Six children were
born to the colonel and wife: James, previously
mentioned as owning the old home place; Con-
over, who is a farmer on a homestead about a
mile and a-half west of Lebanon; John S., a
merchant of High Bridge, N. J.; Anna A., de-
ceased, formerly wife of Elmer Ruuyan; Cora J.,
wife of Richard Correll, a hardware- merchant of
Peun Argyle, Pa.; and Mary C, wife of William
H. Emory, of Arkansas Pass, Tex. For over
forty-five years the colonel has been a faithful
member of the Dutch Reformed Church of
Lebanon.

The founder of the Van Sickle family in Amer-
ica was a man whose name was spelled Ferdiu-
andus Van Sicklin. He was born in the Nether-
lands about 1635, and emigrated to America in

1652. He settled in Flatlands, Kings County,
L. L, later removing to Gravesend, where he
died about 1712. He had married about 1660
Eva Antonis Jansen, daughter of Antony Jansen.
The great-grandfather of the colonel was Jacobus
Van Sickle, a son of John and Lena Van Sickle.
He was born in Hunterdon County about 1733,
and he and his wife, Sarah, had the following-
named children: Abraham; Andrew; Rachel,
who married Joseph Ramsey; and Casper, who
died unmarried. Andrew, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in this county, April 8, 1761.
He was a farmer by occupation, and died March
4, 1822. His wife bore the maiden name of Mag-
dalen Lane. Their son, James, father of our
subject, was born in this county, February 19,
1790. He removed to Sussex County, where he
engaged in farming until his death, in 1832. He
was a soldier in the War of 1 8 1 2 and was a captain
and adjutant of the Uniformed Company of Sus-
sex County. He chose for his wife Catherine
Backer, and to them seven children were born.

7JHARLES F. CREVELING, M. D., has been
C the city physician of Phillipsburg since May,

»_J 1896, and previously served in the same ca-
pacity here during the yearsof i8S7and iSSS. He
is a young man of undoubted ability and skill,
and brings to the duties of his profession genuine
love for the healing art and an earnest desire to
help suffering humanity. There surety can be no
nobler field of effort, as it is now a well-recognized
fact that the mental and moral qualities are won-
derfully dependent upon the state of the bodily
health, and the phrase "a sound mind in a sound
body" has utmost significance. The medical
practitioner of this period must be wide-awake
and a constant student in order to keep abreast
of the great discoveries and new methods, and in
this regard the gentlemen of whom we write
stands above criticism.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

477

His father, Jacob Creveling, came from a fam-
ily that were identified with the annals of Asbury,
N. J., and vicinity for several generations. He
grew to manhood there, and having learned the
miller's trade, carried on a mill there for years.
In 1866 he removed to Phillipsburg, and from
that time until his career was cut short by death
he was the proprietor of a flour and feed store
here. For over twenty years he was actively in-
terested in the promotion of all measures which
he believed to be for the good of this community.
In politics he stood high in the local Democracy,
and was frequently called upon by his fellow-citi-
zens to occupy positions of trust and honor, such
as coroner, assessor and overseer of the poor,
school commissioner, etc. In his public and pri-
vate life alike, he was upright and straightforward;
true to all his duties, kind and charitable and a
worthy example of the Christian gentleman. A
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he
was anxious for its prosperity, and to that end
he contributed liberally of his influence and means.
At the close of a long and useful life, he was sum-
moned to his reward, January 27, 1897. His
wife, who was Miss Charity Lunger in her girl-
hood, was a daughter of George Lunger, who at
one time was sheriff of Hunterdon County, N. J.
She died before her husband, April 8, 1891, leav-
ing three children: William E. , of Jersey City;
George L-, of Phillipsburg; and our subject.

The birth of Dr. C. F. Creveling took place in
Asbury, N. J., September 10, 1862, and when he
had arrived at a suitable age he began attending
the common schools. Having graduated from the
high school in 1S82, in the classical course, he
took up the study of medicine with Dr. J. F.
Sheppard, of this place. March 14, 18S7, he
graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-
lege of New York City, and returning to Phillips-
burg, embarked in his professional work. In
18S9 he went to Reaville, Hunterdon County, and
during the ensuing six years was so busily occu-
pied and was so unsparing of himself that his
health broke down to a certain extent. For a few
months he gave up his work and recuperated.
Since May, 1896, he has been a resident of Phil-

lipsburg and has resumed his practice. During
1887 and 1888 he was examiner for several fra-
ternal associations. Politically he is a Democrat.
He belongs to the Order of Red Men, and to the
Junior Order of American Mechanics, having held
various chairs in each. September 7, 1887, he
married Julia E. Wagner, whose father is Henry
Wagner, of New York.

JENJAMIN EGBERT YOUNG, president
\S of the First National Bank of Clinton, Hun-
^J terdon County, has been connected with this
substantial institution ever since the early days of
its histor}-. It was established in June, 1875,
and for about twenty years he was a director,
finally, in June, 1895, being elected its president.
His financial ability is unquestioned, his experi-
ence in the commercial world has been extensive,
and he is undoubtedly just the man for this trust-
worthy position.

The parents of the above-named gentleman
were William R. and Elizabeth (Egbert) Young,
both natives of this county. In his youth the
father learned the carpenter's trade, and in that
line of occupation he spent the greater part of his
life. His home was chiefly in the town of Pat-
tenburg, but in 1853 he came to live with his son
Benjamin, and died in the village of Bound Brook,
in Januar\r, 1S61. He was a son of Peter Young,
who was probably also a native of this state. Mrs.
Elizabeth Young, the mother of our subject, was
a daughter of Benjamin Egbert. She departed
this life in 1858. The founder of the Egbert
family in America was one Govert Egbert, who
crossed the ocean in the ship Spotted Cow, in
the year 1660. His descendants for the most
part settled in Staten Island, N. Y. Of these,
Abraham Egbert married Elizabeth Garrison,
and one of his children was Benjamin, born Aug-
ust 25, 1768. He lived with his parents until he
was about fifteen, when he came to this county to

47§

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

learn the trade of tanning, currying and shoe-
making under the guidance of an uncle, Nicholas
Egbert. He married Rebecca Carkhuff, and lo-
cating in Bethlehem Township, pursued his
trades in conjunction with farming until he was
well along in years. He died March 28, 1848,
and was survived by his widow twelve years. At
the time of her death, October 14, i860, she was
over eighty-eight years of age. Benjamin Egbert
was.for many yearsa judgeof the Hunterdon Coun-
ty court, and at the same time was a justice of the
peace. His judgments were notable for fairness
and his decisions were seldom appealed from, and
more rarely was the appeal sustained. In politics
he was a Democrat, and in religion an Episco-
palian.

Benjamin Egbert Young was born in the neigh-
borhood ofPattenburg, this count}', in 1819, and
in the days of his boyhood, as schools did not
then amount to much, as conducted in the coun-
try, be received rather meagre training in knowl-
edge. With his father he became familiar with
all the details of carpenter's work, and in 1844
located in Little York, N. J., where he industri-
ously pursued his trade for three years. From
1847 to i860 he continued carpentering in Bound
Brook, after which he was engaged in the lum-
ber business there eleven years. During one
year of this period, however, he was more especi-
ally interested in the management of a lumber
yard in New Brunswick. In 1871 he purchased
a coal, sash, door and lumber business in the town
of Clinton Station, now called Anuandale. Re-
maining in that place until April, 1S87, he
removed to Clinton, and has since made his home
here. The firm of which he was a member in
Bound Brook was styled L. D. Cook & Co.
and it is still in existence. In politics he is
a Democrat.

In 1843 Mr. Young married Catherine, daugh-
ter of Peter Creveling, a worthy citizen of this
county. Mrs. Young died in April, 1886. Both
of the children born to our subject and his estim-
able wife are also deceased, and he is thus left
alone. Elizabeth, the elder daughter, died in
June, 1868; and Angeline died in March, 1885.

Mr. Young is a faithful member of the Presby-
terian Church, and is now acting as an elder in
the same.

30SEPH R. SHIMER, a very successful busi-
ness man of Phillipsburg, is directly or in-
directly connected with many of the leading
enterprises and industries of this community, and
is worthy of a high position in the annals of the
sterling citizens of Warren County. The cause
of education finds in him a sincere friend, and
for the past ten years he has served the people of
Phillipsburg in the capacity of school commis-
sioner, and still has two more years in this office.
He is a director in the national bank of this
place, owns stock and is a director in the city
water works, and has materially assisted other
local concerns which have been of benefit to this
vicinity.

The Shimer family originated in German}'
many generations ago, but since the early part of
the eighteenth century they have resided in
America, first settling in the state of Pennsyl-
vania. One of the family, Isaac Shimer, was a
soldier in the Continental army. Abraham
Shimer, our subject's father, was one of the most
successful farmers of his locality, and was espe-
cially prominent in the work of the Lutheran
Church. He died in October, 1897, regretted by
all who had known him. His widow survives him,
and is now in her seventy-eighth year. Both
of her other sons, J. Calvin and William, are resi-
dents of Martin's Creek. She bore the maiden
name of Sallie Ann Rosenberry, and was born
at Martin's Creek, Pa., which was also the birth-
place of her husband.

Joseph R. Shimer was born at Martin's Creek,
Northampton County, Pa., April 10, 1847, and
received the rudiments of his education in the
public schools. In 1869 he became a student in
Lafayette College, Eastou, where he took a

WILLIAM R. LAIRE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

481

scientific course, graduating in 1873. He then
spent one year as a post-graduate, studying min-
ing engineering, after which for four years he
was a tutor in Lafayette. In 1877 he came to
Phillipsburg and later engaged in the pork-pack-
ing business at Easton with his father-in-law,
D. W. Howell. In January, 1881, he opened a
pork-packing establishment at Phillipsburg on
his own account, and has since conducted the
business with increasing success. He has built
up an extensive trade in pork and provisions and
has frequently been obliged to enlarge his estab-
lishment. In addition to this enterprise he is
interested in the H. G. Tombler Grocery Com-
pany, of Easton, in which he is a director.

In his political convictions our subject is a Re-
publican, and fraternally he is identified with the
Knights of Pythias. In the Lutheran Church he
is a trustee and deacon. December 24, 1874, he
married Sally W., daughter of David W. Howell,
of Martin's Creek, Pa. To their union two daugh-
ters were born: Florence C, a student in Mount
Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. , and
Helen H., who is at home. Mrs. Shinier died
December 20, 189.1, and in September, 1894, Mr.
Shimer married Miss Annie Gangewer, of Phil-
lipsburg.

The parents of our subject were William P. and
Emily C. (Anderson) Laire, both of very old and
respected families. The father, who died in 1876,
was a native of the vicinity of Lansdown, Hun-
terdon Count}-. He was an elder in the Reformed
Church, and was a man of most worthy character-
istics. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Ander-
son, of Hunterdon Count}'. She is still living,
being now in her eighty-fifth year.

William R. Laire was born November 3, 1846,
in Hamden, Hunterdon County, and is one of
three children. He attended the public schools
of his home neighborhood until he was about
sixteen years of age, when he became an ap-
prentice to the printer's trade. He was connected
with the Clinton (N. J.) Times for two years,
after which he worked in the office of the Belvi-
dere Apollo for three years. Later he was in the
office of the county clerk and still later was em-
ployed by the Adams Express Company. In 1874
he was appointed agent for the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company and has been connected with
the same for the intervening period, nearly a quar-
ter of a century. He is also agent of the Lehigh
& Hudson Railroad, as well as the Adams Ex-
press Company. He is a member of the Method-
ist Church, belonging to the official board of the
congregation. Fraternally he is identified with
the Masonic order, as a member of Warren Lodge
No. 13, F. & A. M., of which he is past master.

pGJlLLIAM R. LAIRE, agent for the Pennsyl-
\ A / vania Railroad Company at Belvidere, War-
V V ren County, N. J. , is a very popular official
and deserves the high respect in which he is held
by the corporation in whose employ he has been
for years and the regard of his fellow- townsmen,
which is his in large measure. He is very active
in the ranks of the Republican party, served for
one term in the Belvidere town council, has been
chairman of the county Republican committee and
is now serving his second term on the board of
freeholders. He has been on the county board
of elections for five years, or ever since the law
concerning the same went into effect.

^JEORGE W. HOFFMAN, dealer in hard
_ wood lumber, has been engaged in this line
J of business in High Bridge, Hunterdon
County, for sixteen years. In the fall of 1893 ne
erected a handsome modern residence here, it
being fitted with steam heat and many other im-
provements of the times. This beautiful home is
one of the best in town, and its owners always
take great pleasure in throwing wide its hospita-

482

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ble doors and making their numerous friends
welcome in a generous, open-hearted manner
peculiar to themselves.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Frederick Hoffman, a native of New Jersey,
though his father was of German birth, as were
the ancestors of the other branches of the Hoffman
family in this state. Of the twelve children born
to our subject's parents, George and Lydia
(Conover) Hoffman, nine are still living, viz.:
Harmon, of High Bridge; Amos C, a contractor
and builder of Newark, N. J.; Garrett C, a
farmer and lumber dealer of High Bridge; Jacob
A., a carpenter and builder of this place;
Matthias S., a carpenter and builder of Annan-
dale, Hunterdon County; George W., of this
sketch; Mary E., wife of James P. Mitchell, of
this town; Frances E. , wife of William Hardy, of
High Bridge; and Lydia C, Mrs. JohnT. Miller,
of this place.

The birth of George W. Hoffman occurred
near the town of Cokesbury, Hunterdon County,
April 26, 1847. He received a good general
education, amply qualifying him for the practical
duties of life. His first employment was along
the lines that he has ever since followed, that of
filling contracts for posts and lumber. In 188 1
he came to High Bridge and for eight years was
in partnership with his brother G. C. Hoffman,
but for the past eight years has conducted his
business alone. He buys a tract of timber-land
and proceeds to cut lumber and cord-wood,
which he disposes of advantageously. He also
deals extensively in telephone and telegraph
poles, white oak, cedar, etc.

In the pursuit of his business enterprise he has
lived in various parts of the state and county,
was in Morris County two years, thence removed
to a place near his old home in the vicinity of
Cokesbury; from there he went to White Hall,
remaining for one year, then returned to
Cokesbury for another year, and finally settled
permanently in High Bridge in 188 1. Here he
has been very actively interested in advancing
the public welfare, and the concern which every
patriot should feel in the cause of education has

been amply manifested by him during the nine
long years of his membership of the school board.
In the matter of politics he is a stanch Republican,
and socially he is a member of Rialto Lodge No.
161, I. O. O. F., of High Bridge, and also is
identified with Lahlatang Tribe No. 164, Im-
proved Order of Red Men. He was married
Centennial year to Matilda Anderson, daughter
of William J. and Sarah (Hibler) Anderson.
They have a son and daughter, Rutherford B.
and Bertha.

NIRAM DEATS, Jr., is the owner and man-
ager of one of the oldest manufacturing con-
cerns in Hunterdon Count}-. The plant is
located in Pittstown, Franklin Township, and is
under the immediate supervision of Mr. Deats.
Here are manufactured the celebrated Deats'
plows, threshers, corn-shellers and various kinds
of agricultural machinery, which for half a
century or more have found ready sale in this
section of the United States. The manager is a
live, progressive business man, thoroughly con-
versant with the demands of the trade and pos-
sessing superior judgment and executive ability.
Mr. Deats was born in Kline's Grove, North-
umberland Count}', Pa., September 10, 1853, and
is the younger of the two sons of Gilbert and
Anna M. (Oberdorf) Deats. His older brother,
Peter C, is the owner of the old homestead in
Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in farming.
Gilbert Deats was born near Flemington, Hunter-
don County, and was reared to manhood upon a
farm. When he was about thirty years of age
he went to the adjoining state, Pennsylvania, and
there was occupied in running a sawmill and in
managing a farm until his death. By trade a
wheelwright, he became a successful business man.
He never engaged actively in political or public
affairs, though he was a stanch Republican.
Religiously he was a Baptist. At the time of his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4§3

death, which occurred when he was in his sixty-
third year, he was serving as a deacon. His wife
was born in Kline's Grove, Pa. She was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church and was sixty-six
years of age at the time of her death.

In his boyhood Hiram Deats received a good
education, completing his studies in an academy,
where he was a pupil for three years. When he
was about nineteen he started out on his own ac-
count, by taking charge of a small plow factory
in Stockton, Hunterdon County, purchasing the
same from his uncle Hiram, for whom he had
been named. Nine years passed, during which
time he had become familiar with the business
and his uncle had him take charge of the larger
concern at Pittstown. This event occurred in
November, 1879, our subject purchasing a one-
third interest in the establishment. In 1884 the
uncle withdrew from the firm and the younger
man took charge of the entire business.

In politics Mr. Deats is an ardent Republican
and does his whole duty as a citizen and voter.
Under President Harrison's administration he
was postmaster of Pittstown, and gave everyone
complete satisfaction. He is a member of the
Baptist Church at Cherryville, and is now a
trustee and treasurer of the same. June 3, 1882,
he married Melissa Mason, of Stockton, Hunter-
don County. They have had three children, viz. :
Gilbert M., Walter and Julia, who died when
but nine years of age.

(TOHN H. NUNN, who enjoys a large and
I flourishing practice as an attorney and
(2/ couusellor-at-law, is also the present post-
master of the town of Glen Gardner, Hunterdon
County. He formerly gave such excellent satis-
faction while acting in the capacity of postmaster
during the administrations of Presidents Garfield
and Harrison, that the public was much gratified
when President McKinley reappointed him to the

post. He is thoroughly trustworthy, faithful to
even the least of his duties, and by his friendly,
accommodating manner has won the good-will
of his fellow-citizens.

The parents of our subject were Elijah W.
and Mar}' J. (Schompj Nunn, and his grand-
father Jacob Nunn. The latter was a grandson
of one John Nunn, who was one of the pioneers
of Schooley's Mountain, Morris County, his will
being the first record made on the books of that
count}'. The father and grandfather of the sub-
ject of this article were both natives of Morris
County. The father, Elijah W., was a resident
of Warren and later Hunterdon County during his
manhood, and, in addition to carrying on a farm
dealt to a considerable extent in cattle. He was
accidentally killed in Flemington in November,
186S, when but forty-eight years of age. His
widow is still living, her home being in Jersey
City. They had five children, two of the number
dying in childhood. Rachel, the only survivor
save our subject, is unmarried and is with her
mother in Jersey City, taking care of her loved
relative in her declining years.

John H. Nunn was born November 15, 1849,
near Rockport, Warren County, and he was but
a mere child when his parents removed to this
county. Having mastered the preliminary
branches of general education he entered upon
the study of law in the office of A. V. Van Fleet,
of Flemington. That gentleman was afterwards
vice-chancellor of the state of New Jersey. After
four years of arduous effort the young man was
admitted to the bar as an attorney, by the special
favor of the authorities being granted a license for
his twenty-first birthday anniversary. He con-
tinued in the office of his preceptor until January
1, 187 1, when he went into that of George A.
Allen, of Flemington, for four months. In the
summer of 1871 he located in Glen Gardner,
opening an office here and embarking upon an
independent career. He was licensed as a coun-
sellor-at-law during the November term of the su-
preme court, in 1873, and was made master and
examiner in chancery in 1872. February 16,
1887, he was appointed notary public by Gover-

434

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nor Green, and this office he still holds. July
i, 1890, he was appointed a member of the
county board of electors of Hunterdon Count}',
by Governor Deon Abbett. This position he
has occupied ever since, the first three years as
secretary and from that time until the present as
chairman of the board. In politics he is a Re-
publican; he was nominated on his party ticket
to the assembly, but was defeated in the ensuing
election. Since the year 1894 he has been
clerk of the school board, taking interest in edu-
cational affairs. Fraternally he is member of the
Knights of Pythias, belonging to Mosconetcong
Dodge No. 98, of Junction. Twenty years have
rolled away since he became identified with the
lodge, which he assisted in organizing.

January 29, 1880, Mr. Nunn married Nora W.
Bogart, at the home of her father, James M.
Bogart, near Wyckoff, Bergen County, N. J., Rev.
Ephraim Deyo,a Dutheran clergyman of Ramseys,
N. J., officiating. The mother of Mrs. Nunn bore
the maiden name of Nancy Ward. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was John Schomp,
whose father, Henry, was generally known as
"Mayor" Schomp, and was of great influence in
his day and generation in Readington Township.
The family is a very old and honored one there,
the founder of it having been one George Schomp,
a native of Holland. He took up a large tract of
land then called "Brookie," but now Pleasant
Run, and much of this property is still in the
possession of his descendants.

0>K®li§§a>C-« •

Gl I,VAH D. RAMSEY is one of the most suc-
L_l cessful agriculturists of Hunterdon County,
J 1 his fine and well-cultivated homestead being
known as the Boss farm. It is situated in Clin-
ton Township, only a mile from the village of
Debanon, thus being convenient to the stores,
markets and other necessities. Mr. Ramsey is a
thorough and practical business man, understand-

ing everj' detail of the proper management of a
farm, and in his outside financial dealings he has
won much experience. He does not confine his
attention strictly to the comparatively narrow
routine of farm labor, but does a flourishing bus-
iness in live stock, fruit and dairying.

The paternal grandfather of the above named
gentleman was James Ramsey, who owned and
carried on a farm in this community. His son,
James X., father of our subject, was likewise a
tiller of the soil, and followed the business of deal-
ing in live-stock in connection with his other
enterprises. To himself and wife, whose maiden
name was Catherine Van Sickel, the following-
named children were born: Anna E., who mar-
ried Nathan Terreberry, of High Bridge; Alvah
H.; Dydia V., Mrs. Enoch Hoyt, of Debanon;
Catherine M., deceased wife of Freeman Kline;
Eudoro, deceased wife of George Slicken, of
Pleasant Grove; Emma, who lives with her wid-
owed mother on the old homestead; Katurah,
Mrs. Dr. Wiley, of Paterson, N. J.; Marilda,
wife of Ducas Voorhees, of Paterson, N. J.; Helen,
who died in early womanhood; and Joseph N.,
of Debanon.

Alvah D. Ramsey was born January 7, 1851,
in this township, and in his boyhood studied the
elementary branches of learning in the district
schools, later going for one term to Wilkesbarre,
Pa. He stayed at home giving his dutiful assist-
ance to his father in the work of the farm until
he was twenty-four years old. He was married
November 24, 1874, to Marilda Cramer, daughter
of David C. Cramer, of Annandale. The young
couple settled down on the old homestead of our
subject's father, and there spent the next six
years. Afterwards they removed to the farm
owned by David C. Cramer, near Annandale, and
here they abode fifteen years, during which time
Mr. Ramsey became extensively engaged in stock
speculations. At three different times he has
gone as far west as Nebraska for horses, dispos-
ing of them in the local or city markets of this
portion of the country. In the fall of 18S5 he
bought the fertile and valuable farm whereon he
has since dwelt, it being located on a slight ele-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4^5

vation, called Boss's Hill. He has made sub-
stantial improvements upon the place, expending
large sums of money to bring it into a proper con-
dition, and it is now certainly one of the best and
most thrifty appearing places in this section. Mr.
Ramsey has been in partnership in his stock
dealings with R. R. Mackey, of Delaware County,
N. Y., and both have been very fortunate in their
undertakings. In politics Mr. Ramsey is a
Democrat, but has never sought or desired public
recognition, as he finds his time fully occupied
with his own business concerns. He and his wife
and son, John S., a bright lad of thirteen years,
are regular in attendance upon the services of the
Reformed Church, of Lebanon, and are liberal in
their donations to religious and charitable under-
takings.

ON. JOHN CARPENTER, of Clinton, was
born in Oswego, N. Y., August 27,1840. He
is a son of John Carpenter (founder of the
Oswego Palladium) and Sarah E- , daughter of Dr.
Andrew Ferrill, of Herkimer, N. Y. In 1856 he
graduated from Oswego high school, and two years
later graduated from the State Normal College
of Albany, N. Y. For several years he was local
editor of the Oswego Daily Palladium, and em-
ployed in the office of the New York Daily Tri-
bune. In 1868 he started the Clinton (New Jer-
sey) Democrat, and has since been continuously its
editor and proprietor.

In 1867 Mr. Carpenter married Miss Sarah D.
Stewart, daughter of the late Henry J. Stewart, of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. They are the parents of
two daughters and one son, all living.

In 1 87 1 Mr. Carpenter was elected mayor of
the borough of Clinton, and the following year
was chosen to represent the second district of
Hunterdon Comity in the New Jersey Assembly,
to which position he was re-elected in 1873. He
was elected justice of the peace in 1877 anc^ at the
expiration of his time, five years, was again

elected, in 1882. During the same year he was
chosen state senator for Hunterdon County for a
term of three years. In 1884 he was delegate
from the fourth congressional district of New Jer-
sey to the Democratic national convention in Chi-
cago. He was secretary of the state senate of
New Jersey in 1889, 1891 and 1892, and presi-
dent of the Democratic congressional conventions
in 1888, 1890 and 1892.

30SEPH VAN SYCKEL, one of the most
prominent and honored citizens of Hunterdon
County, has always resided upon the old
family estate in Union Township, this property
having been purchased by his grandfather,
Aaron Van Syckel, in 1800. Eighty years have
rolled away since the birth of our subject, June
18, 18 18, and in the intervening period he has
been a witness of vast changes in this region,
in its development and increasing civilization,
and has himself been no unimportant factor in
the grand result. Soon after the organization ot
the Clinton Bank in 1856 he became one of the
stockholders and directors, continuing among
the officials of the institution until the present
time; in 1866 this bank was changed to a national
bank. For the past twenty years he has been
president of the bank, and has devoted much
time and thought to the successful management
of the same. He is a man of much more than
ordinary financial ability, and though the bank,
in common with all others, has passed through
crises and panics, when this condition of affairs
prevailed throughout the country, he has been
fortunate in steering it safely through the break-
ers to a secure haven.

The records of the family to which the subject
of this memoir belongs are very complete and
interesting, and can be but briefly touched upon
in this work. They originated in Germany, and
the old Van Syckel home, "Ea Grande Sanzelle,"

436

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Ghent, standing in 1338, is in a fair state of
preservation and is now owned by M. LeCompte
Theurry De Linburg Stirnn, ex-member of the
Belgium parliament. The forefather of our sub-
ject was one Victor Van Syckel, who left his
home in Ghent' in 1566, on account of religious
persecution, as he was a Protestant, and came to
America, where he and his posterity might be
"free to worship God" according to the dictates
of their conscience. He settled in Flushing L- I.

As previously stated, the farm now in the pos-
session of Joseph Van Syckel was purchased by
his grandfather, the former owner having been
Robert Taylor. The place comprises one hundred
and thirteen acres, well adapted for general farm-
ing and stock raising. An old building which
stands on the place was erected by one David
Reynolds in 1753 and on the corner-stone is the
date, August 3, 1753. It was used as a hotel
by the grandfather and by the father of our sub-
ject and was one of the landmarks of former days.
It was remodelled slightly by grandfather Van
Syckel, and is about as it was during his time.
It is in a very good condition, notwithstanding the
century and a half that have elapsed since its con-
struction, and is now occupied by tenants.

The boyhood of Joseph Van Syckel passed
quietly upon this homestead, his education being
obtained in the district school two and a-half
miles distant. At the age of fifteen he entered
his father's store (which building had been put
up by his grandfather about the date of his loca-
tion here, in 1800) and together they managed
the business until 1853, when the younger man
purchased the senior's interest and conducted the
enterprise alone five years longer. Since then
he has had charge of the old farm, giving his
personal supervision to every department of its
work. In former years he was very active and
aggressive in the promotion of the interests of
the Democracy, but was never an office-seeker,
as he preferred that his friends should be in
power, rather than himself. For half a century
he has been a valued pillar in the Clinton Presby-
terian Church.

The first marriage of Mr. Van Syckel was

solemnized June 16, 1842, with Catherine Innes
Smith, daughter of John Smith, a farmer of
Warren County, of which both he and Mrs. Van
Syckel were natives. Two children were born to
this union: John S., who lived to be thirty-five
years of age, and Helen, whose death occurred at
the age of fourteen months. Mrs. Van Syckel
departed this life June 13, 1855. February 9,
1858, our subject married Cyrena, daughter of
Judge John and Cyrena (Darwin) Martin, of
Columbiana, County, N. Y. The judge was very
influential and prominent, was justice of the peace
for twenty-five years, was an associate judge for
ten years and was one of three commissioners
appointed by the courts to settle the value of
disputed lands crossed by the Hudson River
Railroad, at the time of its construction from
Albany to New York City. He was a captain of
a volunteer company and saw active service in
the War of 18 12, in Long Island. The children
of Mr. Van Syckel and his wife, Cyrena, were:
Frank, born March 14, 1859, and Kate, August
11, i860. The son died January 20, 1864, and
the daughter is the wife of Robert S. Martin,
secretary and treasurer of the Real Estate and
Investment Company of Philadelphia. Mrs. Van
Syckel is a devoted member of the church that
her husband is connected with and was one of the
founders of the Society of Colonial Dames of New
Jersey. The society has its headquarters in
Trenton, and Mrs. Bedle, wife of the ex-governor,
is president of the organization.

|~" RANK M. COOK, M. D. , is one of the lead-
f3 ing and wide-awake business men of Hack-
I ettstowu, Warren Count}', of which place
he is a native son. For several years he has been
very successfully engaged in the real-estate and
insurance business here, and is on the high road
to prosperity and fortune. In social circles he
and his good wife are deservedly popular, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

4§7

their pleasant home is frequently the scene of
happy, cheerful gatherings of the best towns-
people.

The doctor was born December 31, 1858, being
a son of Dr. Joseph S. Cook, who was likewise a
native of Hackettstown. The latter received a
superior education and graduated from Union
College of New York City, taking the honors of
his class and having the gold medal bestowed
upon him. Later he graduated from the medical
department of the University of Pennsylvania
and was appointed honorary physician of St.
Joseph's Hospital of Philadelphia. After occupy-
ing that position about a year he located in
Hackettstown. At the end of another year or so
he removed to Washington, N. J., where he was
very successfully engaged in practice for a num-
ber of years. He married Miss Mary Caroline
Hunt, of Schooley's Mountain, Morris County,
N. J., and she is still living. Her father, Rev.
H. W. Hunt, was professor of Latin and Greek
in Princeton College at one time and later was a
minister in the Presbyterian Church. Of the
five children born to Dr. J. S. Cook and wife our
subject is the eldest; Laura W. is the widow of
Augustus Hann, and is a graduate of the Balti-
more Medical College; Fannie H. is the wife of
William S. Rittenhouse, cashier of a bank in
Washington, N. J.; Whitfield died when young;
and Lizzie died at the age of sixteen years.

The boyhood of Frank M. Cook passed very
happily in Washington, N. J., where he was a
student in the public schools. Later he attended
the Collegiate Seminary of this place, and finally
matriculated in the Baltimore College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons. There he pursued the four
years' course, and after his graduation located in
Washington, where he was engaged in practice
some nine years. In 1893 ne removed with his
family to his old home in Hackettstown, and
has since been engaged in the real-estate and
brokerage business in connection with fire in-
surance. He is a commissioner of deeds, and
negotiates loans, collects a great many mortgages,
and is doing a thriving business.

February 25, 1885, Dr. Cook married Miss

Rose W. Stryker, of German Valley, N. J., and
they have one child, a bright, manly little fellow
of eleven years, Claude Earl by name. He is
president of the Yellow Ribbon Society, organized
for the improvement of the appearance of the
streets of Hackettstown; each member to take
especial pains to keep the streets free from scraps of
paper and other litter and to try to induce others
to assist in this good work, and the secondary
object being the financial aid of the needy. Over
one hundred and twenty-five members signed the
constitution and by-laws of this society, which was
organized and sent forth on its mission of good
to this community, at the home of Dr. F. M.
Cook, December 25, 1897. On that occasion one
hundred and four little ones, between the ages of
two and twelve years, responded to the kindly
invitation to partake of the Christmas cheer and
festivities provided for them by the good doctor
and wife and some of their friends who were in
sympathy with the work. Dr. Cook was unan-
imously voted to be "the very best man in the
town" by the appreciative children, and all pres-
ent thoroughly enjoyed their evident pleasure.

For the benefit of those of our readers who are
unfamiliar with the plan of work of the Yellow
Ribbon Society of Hackettstown we present its
constitution and by-laws:

PREAMBLE.
For our mutual interests in the improvement
of the appearance of our streets, by each member
keeping the streets clean of paper and small
articles that litter them, and by trying to induce
others to assist us in our work, and for the
financial aid of the needy, the undersigned do
form themselves into this society.

ARTICLE I.

TITLE.

The name of this society shall be ' 'The Yellow
Ribbon Society."

ARTICLE II.

OFFICERS.

The officers of this society shall consist of a
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

488

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Board of Directors of seven members. Board
of Directors elected for life; officers for one year.

ARTICLE III.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

The President shall be under sixteen years of
age, and be present at all meetings.

The Vice President shall preside at all meet-
ings, but in event of his absence, the Treasurer
shall act in his stead.

The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of
the proceedings of each meeting, and be prepared
to read them at notice.

The Treasurer shall receive all moneys and
keep all accounts, and be prepared to submit his
accounts to the Board of Directors at any time.

The Board of Directors shall act with the of-
ficers when matters of importance are to be de-
cided, such as election of new members, new di-
rectors, etc.

ARTICLE IV.

COMMITTEES.

The President shall appoint three standing com-
mittees: The Executive Committee; the Finance
Committee; the Entertainment Committee.

ARTICLE V.

MEMBERSHIP.

Membership is not restricted by nationality,
religious beliefs, political, social or financial stand-
ing.

Sec. i. Little Worker membership: Any child
from two to sixteen years of age who is in need of
financial assistance, by appointment by the Board
of Directors and by registering.

Sec. 2. Active membership: Any person above
two years of age may become a member by a two-
thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

Sec. 3. Life membership: Any person of good
repute, on the introduction of a member of the
Board of Directors and payment of one dollar an-
nually.

ARTICLE VI.

ORDER.

The proceedings shall be governed by the rules
of order governing such societies.

ARTICLE VII.

EXPULSION OF MEMBERS.

For sufficient reason any member ma;' be ex-
pelled by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Di-
rectors.

ARTICLE VIII.

TIME OF MEETINGS.

Whenever called by five or more members of
the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX.

AMENDMENTS.

The constitution may be altered or amended
at any meeting by a two thirds vote of the mem-
bers of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X.

EMBLEM

Shall consist of a white button with pin and
yellow ribbon, with "Yellow Ribbon Society,
Hackettstown, N. J.," on face of same.

BY-LAWS.

Rule i. All members shall remove all paper
and other rubbish from the streets.

Rule 2. All papers and other articles re-
moved shall be burned in the stove at the home
of the member or buried.

Rule 3. Little Workers shall attend all feasts
and Christmas-tree entertainments.

Rule 4. All moneys collectable when pre-
sented to the Treasurer or any member of the
Board of Directors. All funds to be at the disposal
of the Entertainment Committee for the benefit of
the Little Workers or need}- families in the
vicinity.

Rule 5. Order of business:

Call to order.

Music.

Roll call.

Reading of minutes.

Correspondence.

Report of officers.

Report of committees.

Election of members.

New business.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

489

Recitations.

Orations.

Criticisms.

Honorable mention.

Feast.

Music.

Adjournment.

Signed by:
Claude E. Cook,
Mrs. F. M. Cook,
Dr. F. M. Cook,
H. C. C. Osmun,
H. D. Fitts,
W. H. Godwin,
Mrs. W. H. Godwin,
Mrs. H. D. Fitts,
Miss Tobin,
James Braut,
Mrs. James Brant,
Miss C. Bentley,

Leroy Brant,
G. P. Curtis,
Adra Fitts,
Emma Fitts,
Egbert Rittenhouse,
Frank Smith,
Frank Reese,
Louis Cooke,
William McClellan,
George Van Duzer,
Augustus Schenck,
Edward Osmun,

And one hundred and four others.

30HN H. GRIFFITH, M. D., ex-mayor of
Phillipsburg, Warren County, N. J., is one
of the prominent citizens of this great com-
monwealth, and is entitled to a place in her his-
tory. He is much thought of in this town, where
he has dwelt since 1870, and here the most useful
and active years of, his -manhood have been spent.
In every local enterprise and every proposed
new industry calculated to benefit the commun-
ity he takes great interest and endeavors to foster
in material ways by his means and influence. The
old saying "Live not to thyself alone," has cer-
tainly been exemplified in his career, and though
his large practice makes great demands upon his
time, he has always devoted much thought and
work to outside matters that he deemed worthy.
In 1880 he was one of a committee who wrote
the history of the medical men of Warren County,

past and present, the object of which valuable
work was to rescue from public oblivion the
memory of many of the pioneers of the profes-
sion in this section of the state.

As the name implies to the student of nomen-
clature, the Griffiths originated in Wales. An
ancestor of our subject, Dr. John Griffith, was
one of the incorporators of the Medical Society
of New Jersey, the oldest society of the kind in
the United States. In tracing the annals of the
family it is a matter of note that such a large pro-
portion of its members have adorned the legal
and medical professions. Another fact to which
our subject may point with just pride is the fact
that one of his forefathers was a signer of the Dec-
laration of Independence. His father, James V.,
was a native of Monmouth County, N. J., and
followed agricultural pursuits. His wife bore
the maiden name of Sarah P. Woolley. She is
living, aged seventy-eight years, and eight of her
ten children survive, the eldest being the gentle-
man of whom we write. The father died in 1883.
Martha and Sarah, the two eldest sisters, are un-
married; Jacob is a resident of Rochester, N. Y. ;
Hattie is the wife of Charles Atwood, of Albany,
N. Y.; Clara is Mrs. Bruce Gordon, of Mon-
mouth County, N. J. ; William A. lives in Brook-
lyn, N. Y. ; and James Percival is a citizen of
Phillipsburg. On the maternal side the)- are of
English-Dutch descent.

Dr. J. H. Griffith was born in Monmouth
County, N. J., July 3, 1S42, and during his
youth gave much of his time to assisting his
father in the management of the old homestead.
His higher education was gained in the New
Jersey Classical and Scientific Institute of
Hightstown, N. J., and Pennington Seminar}',
of New Jersey. Having taught school success-
fully for seven years he concluded to enter the
medical profession, and began his studies along
this line with Dr. Charles Bartolette, of Milford,
N. J., in 1865, and later was under the supervis-
ion of Dr. George T. Ribble, of said place. Dur-
ing the winters of 1866, 1867 and 1868 he at-
tended lectures in Bellevue Hospital Medical
College, of New York City, and graduated from

490

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.,
March 12, 1870. Soon after this event he settled
in Phillipsburg, and was soon enjoying an excel-
lent patronage. Succeeding Dr. Johnson as
reporter in the District Medical Society of War-
ren County, he has also served as a delegate to
the State Medical Society and has kept in touch
with the leading minds of the profession in all
practicable ways. In 1871 he was city physican
here, in 1882 and 1883 was maj'or, and from 1887
to 1894 was a school commissioner. In the sub-
ject of local history he has been very greatly
interested, and for years he has been an official
member of the New Jersey Historical Society.
He is, perhaps, as much of an authority on the
subject of our state history as any other man
to-day, and has in his private library the records
of sixteen of the twenty-one counties in the state,
besides much other local and national material.
Some of the patriotic spirits of this vicinity have
been striving to secure sufficient funds to erect a
monument to the brave soldiers of the late war,
in Phillipsburg, and the doctor is secretary of the
committee appointed for this purpose. He is one
of the three trustees of the Standard Silk Mills,
which large plant employs nine hundred persons.
Fraternally the doctor is past grand master of
the Grand Dodge, I. O. O. F., of New Jersey,
and is chairman of the judiciary committee of
the grand lodge, having been elected in 1897.
He is also past chancellor of the Knights of
Pythias, and is a member of the Uniform Rank.
In addition to those alread}' mentioned, he be-
longs to the Royal Arcanum and is past regent
and medical examiner. In 1896 the doctor was
appointed one of the board of pension examiners
for the four counties comprising the Fourth Con-
gressional district. The marriage of Dr. Griffith
and Ella K. Knowles was celebrated August 28,
1869. She is a daughter of William and Susanna
(Knight) Knowles of Pennsylvania, a Quaker by
faith, and on her mother's side a descendant of a
man by the name of Knight, who came to America
with William Penn. Mrs. Griffith is president
of the Phillipsburg Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Union, and is very active in church and

religious work. The doctor is president of the
board of trustees of the Westminster Presbyterian
Church, and his wife is also a member of that
church.

H~-S 02+>*$|p s'>tO • -

EONOVER VAN SICKLE, who has led a
very busy and active life in the commercial
world, has been quietly making his home
for the past few years upon a farm which he
purchased, it being situated midway between
Lebanon and Aunandale, in Hunterdon County.
He is making a specialty of fruit growing, as he
has about four thousand peach trees upon the
place, and in the season of 1897 ne shipped about
five thousand baskets of the luscious fruit to the
city markets.

Our subject comes from the old and highly
respected Van Sickle family, whose name (var-
iously spelled by its different members) appears
so frequently on the pages of this volume, as be-
ing foremost in the early history of Hunterdon
County, and ever since then equally prominent.
A son of Col. Andrew Van Sickle, who formerly
owned the farm now in the possession of Mrs. Ram-
sey, in this township, Conover Van Sickle was
born February 1, 1847. His boyhood days were
happily spent on the old home place, and in his
youth he was a pupil in the schools of the neigh-
borhood. Later he attended the Presbyterian
Seminary of Blairstown, N. J., and the Kingston
(Pa.) Commercial College, where he completed
the business course, and received the degree of
Master of Accounts, March 19, 1867. Previous
to this, however, from i860 to 1865, he and his
father were in business together, driving stock
from western points and selling the same in east-
ern markets. They made about two trips a year,
sometimes going by the northern route, by way
of Mansfield, in central Ohio, to Cleveland, and
then to Buffalo by lake, and sometimes going by
the southern route, through Wheeling, W. Va.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

491

At the time of the battle of Gettysburg, they
came near being captured while crossing the
Three Brothers Mountains.

Mr. Van Sickle continued more or less in the
stock business up to 1873, when he embarked in
general merchandising in High Bridge, in com-
pany with his brother John and John Apgar,
under the style of Van Sickles & Apgar. This
concern is still carried on by the other two parties
to it, though our subject withdrew in 1876. Re-
turning to his old pursuit, he was, as formerly,
engaged in the buying and selling of cattle until
1 88 1. He then commenced traveling in the
interests of E. Runyon's Nursery Company, of
Hempetead, Tex., staying with that firm about a
year, after which he went to Nebraska and started
a ranch and cattle business. He was also con-
cerned in grain speculation, in partnership with
his brother-in-law, William H. Emery, and D. M.
McClellan. They owned an elevator in Wahoo,
Neb., the county seat of Sanders County, and
were prospered in these several ventures. Mr. Van
Sickle, however, did not like the west on many
accounts, and though during his last year there
they were obliged to increase the capacity of the
elevator, he disposed of his share. He returned
to Texas and his former employer, Mr. Runyon,
for a period, traveling in Texas and Old Mexico,
and selling nursery stock until the following
Ma3r, when he came back east. The next two
years he was employed in selling lumber in Penn-
sylvania and New Jersey for the house of Van
Sickle & Kiuch, of which his father was the
senior member. His next position was with
Sleight, Field & Co., manufacturers of office
equipments, their factory and main office being
in Rochester, N. Y.

In company with C. K. Judson of their firm,
Mr. Van Sickle sold goods in Florida, Georgia,
Virginia and at last had entire charge of the
southern states. He was away from his home,
which he had established in Washington, D. C,
as long as a year sometimes. At length he was
stricken with sciatic rheumatism while in Bir-
mingham, Ala., and for ten weeks was in a help-
less condition. He gave up his position with the

company, and though they have repeatedly
urged him to re-enter their employ, he has steadily
refused the liberal inducements which they have
held out. He purchased the farm upon which
he is to be found to-day, and has settled down
into a country gentleman, as were many of his
ancestors before him. He gives his ballot to the
nominees of the Democracy. October 30, 1875,
he married Fannie L. Everett, daughter of David
L- and Ellen L. ("Apgar) Everett, of this county.
The}- had two children, but both died in infancy.
They are members of the Reformed Church of
Lebanon, and are respected and highly esteemed
by all who have the pleasure of their acquaint-
ance.

ISAAC BARBER, the present representative
of Warren County in the senate of New Jer-
sey, was born at Forty Fort, Luzerne County,
Pa., September 4, 1854, and is a physician by
profession. His father, a native of Warren Coun-
ty, removed to Pennsylvania in 1858. The
senator received his early education in the public
schools, entered Blair Presbyterial Academy to
prepare for college in 1869, entered Lafayette in
1872 and graduated in 1876. He studied medi-
cine under the preceptorship of Professor Traill
Green, of Easton, Pa., and graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1879. For one
year he served as a medical referee in New York
City for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com-
pany.

In July, 1880, he located at Phillipsburg, and
has since continued in active practice. He has
served as city physician and as a member of the
board of health for two years. He was appointed
pension examining surgeon under the Cleveland
administration July 18, 1893, and resigned June
1, 1S97, to take up the duties of senator. He is
of English extraction, a lineal descendant of John
Barber, Esq., who settled in Warren County as
early as 1735. He is a member of the various

492

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

medical and fraternal societies, notably of Phil-
lipsburg Lodge No. 395, B. P. O. E.; Montun
Lodge No. 23, K. of P.; and Ortygia Company
No. 10, U. R. K. of P., in which organization he
fills the position of brigade surgeon.

30HN T. COX, ex-sheriff of Hunterdon
County, has been prominently connected
with the political, social and agricultural
history of this section for many years and is justly
accounted one of our progressive citizens. He
has always taken considerable interest in all
measures affecting the general public welfare and
strives to the full extent of his ability to do his
duty as a patriotic son of this great common-
wealth. In 1882 he was elected on the Repub-
lican ticket to the responsible position of collector
of Readington Township, his home district, and
for six continuous years was re-elected, and only
resigned in 1887, owing to the fact that he was
elected to the position of sheriff. This office he
acceptably filled for one term, giving general sat-
isfaction to the opposition as well as to his own
constituents.

The father of the above-named citizen of Read-
ington Township was Tunis V. M. Cox, a native
of Somerset Count}', N. J., in which section of
the state his ancestors had settled in the early
history of the county. About 1845 Mr. Cox re-
moved to Readington Township, and here was
actively occupied in farming and carpentering
until old age crept on. Originally a Whig, he
joined the Republican party upon its organization
and thenceforth was loyal in his fidelity to its
principles. Pie lived to a ripe age, dying in 1S90.
To himself and wife, formerly Phoebe Brokaw,
also a native of Somerset County, seven children
were born, of whom the following survive: Eliza-
beth, wife of Thomas B. Bush, of this township;
John T.; Sarah M., Mrs. W. H. Opie, of this
vicinity; Phoebe, a resident of New York City;

Meta F. , wife of Henry Van Fleet, of Somerville,
N. J.; and Gretta M., Mrs. H. W. Leach, ot
Westminster, Vt.

The birth of John T. Cox occurred in this
township, March 3, 1847, and his early days
were passed upon the fine farm of one hundred
acres where he now dwells. After completing his
public-school education here he entered and later
graduated from the People's Business College,
in Reading, Pa. Since their, 1867, he has been
actively occupied in the management of the old
homestead which came into his possession about
that time. Among the fraternities he is asso-
ciated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and belongs to the Adelphi Encampment of
this order, at Flemington. He is a member of
Readington Lodge No. 56, Patrons of Hus-
bandry, and was at one time master of the same.
At present he is officiating as master of the New
Jersey State Grange, of the same society.

June 8, 1867, Mr. Cox married Rachel E. Bush,
a native of Hunterdon County, and daughter of
Ephraim A. Bush, then a well and favorably
known resident of this township, but since de-
ceased. The marriage of our subject and wife
has been blessed with seven children, viz.: John
B. ; Jennie S., wife of Jacob H. Melick; Lydia H.,
wife of George W. Hall; Gretta M., Bertha F.,
Tunis V. M. and Bessie. The family have long
been identified with the Reformed Church of
Readington and are liberal contributors to the
work of the congregation.

HARRY C. C. OSMUN is a wide-awake, pro-
gressive and popular young businessman of
Hackettstown, Warren County. He is al-
ways welcomed in the best society of this place,
and by his unfailing courtesy, kindliness and
cheery manner has won for himself a host of sin-
cere friends. It was in 188S that he started in his
present undertaking, the management of a coal

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

493

and fuel yard, and the sale of grain and feed in
connection with the other. In this venture he
has been quite successful and is constant^ adding
to his list of regular customers.

In tracing the ancestry of the above it appears
that his great-grandfather, Ziba Osmun, settled on
the old homestead, now known as the Funace
farm, in Mansfield Township, near Hackettstown,
over a century ago. He was a farmer through-
out life and wras quite successful, as he left a large
and valuable tract of land to his heirs at his death.
It is supposed, though not positively known, that
he was a native of England. The grandfather of
our subject, William, was born on the old farm,
and during his eighty-four years made his dwell-
ing-place there. For a great many years he was
an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and active
in every good work.

Joseph, father of H. C. C. Osmun, was born at
the ancestral home, and in early manhood was in
the produce business in Hackettstown. Later he
was successfully occupied in the management of
a wholesale grocery in Newark, N. J., for several
years. The last years of his commercial career
he was in the produce business once more. He
died when about sixty-six years of age. In poli-
tics he was a stanch Republican. For years an
active member of the Presbyterian Church, he
held the office of elder in the same for about
twenty years. His wife bore the maiden name of
Mary S. Coleman. She was a native of Morris
County, N. J. , and lived to be sixty-eight years
of age. She was greatly interested in the progress
of religious work and was actively concerned in
missionary endeavors. Of the ten children born
of the marriage of our subject's parents, he alone
survives. With the exception of one brother,
Frank, who died at about twenty years of age,
all of the brothers and sisters died in infancy or
early childhood.

The birth of Harry C. C. Osmun occurred in
his present place of residence in this town Sep-
tember 24, 1863. His public-school education
was supplemented by a course in the Newark
(N. J.) Business College, after leaving which in-
stitution he was employed as a clerk for a year in

a dry-goods house of this place. Desiring then
to embark in financial enterprise upon his own
account he entered into partnership with Charles
Weber, being a silent member of the firm of Os-
mun & Weber for the succeeding four years.
At the expiration of that period he withdrew,
selling out his interest in the business (jewelry
and stationery) and invested his available funds
in his present enterprise. The summer of 1895
he traveled through Europe on his bicycle and
had a most enjoyable trip. In local politics he
has been quite active and in national affairs gives
his stalwart support to the Republican party.

ENRY A. ALLER, the present efficient
postmaster of Lebanon, Hunterdon County,
has also been interested in educational work
in this immediate section for a quarter of a cen-
tury, and is thoroughly posted on the subject.
He has met with gratifying success in his chosen
field of effort, than which there is no worthier,
and is esteemed and looked up to by a multitude
of his past pupils, many of whom have become
noted in the various professions arid commercial
undertakings of this county and other places.
In 1894 he built his comfortable and pretty home
in this town, and here he and his estimable wife
are always happy to entertain their numerous
friends.

Henry A. Aller was named for his paternal
grandfather, who was a sterling representative
of an old and respected family- of this county.
The father of our subject was Rev. Nathan Aller,
born on the old Aller homestead in Hunterdon
County. When he was a young man he removed
to Montgomery County, Pa., where he met and
married Hannah Owen, a daughter of Thomas
Owen, a well-known farmer of that county.
After preaching three years in Jeffersonville, Pa.,
Rev. Mr. Aller located in Pleasautville, Bucks
County, where his son, Henry A., of this sketch,

494

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born January io, 1851. He continued to
dwell in that town twenty-one years, and thence
returned to this, his native county, settling in
Mount Pleasant, where he occupied a pulpit for
eight years longer. He then retired from minis-
terial work, his home being in Frenchtown, this
count}', until he was called to his reward, July 4,
1885. He was placed to rest in Newstone (now
Bethlehem) Cemetery, near Clinton. His wife,
Hannah, died April n, 1852, and subsequently
he wedded Anna M. Shaw, the ceremony which
united their destinies being performed April 30,
1855. She is still living, her home being in Beth-
lehem, Pa. She is the mother of four daughters,
viz.: Sallie, wife of J. K. Gebhardt, of Brooklyn;
Ida C; Iyillie; and Clara E., now Mrs. Elmer
Weaver, of Allentown. Her only son is Rev.
Nathan S., a Congregational minister of Rich-
field Springs, N. Y. The marriage of Rev.
Nathan Aller, Sr. , and Hannah Owen was
blessed with three children, viz.: Henry A.,
Thomas O. and Hannah E., who were named for
their respective grandparents. The latter is the
wife of Edward H. Bellis, of Philadelphia.

The boyhood of Henry A. Aller was spent at
home, under the judicious and gentle teaching
and training of his father. His education was
liberal, being partly acquired in the public
schools and partly in private institutions of learn-
ing. He was but nineteen when he entered upon
what was to be his life occupation, and for this
he seemed peculiarly fitted from the start. For a
few years he was employed in the district schools,
and at the end of one year spent in Pennsylvania
in pedagogic work he removed to this count}',
where he has since remained. He has taught
many different schools, and for thirteen consecu-
tive years was situated in Round Valley. Since
188 1 he has made his dwelling place in Lebanon,
and has taught here two years. An independent
thinker, Mr. Aller departed from the traditions of
his forefathers, and believing that the principles of
the Republican party more fully coincided with
his views of the measures best suited for our gov-
ernment's prosperity, he has advocated its plat-
form and nominees. He has occupied numerous

local positions of responsibility and honor, always
meeting the duties imposed upon him with credit.
During his residence here he has been clerk of
this township, for three years was a member of
the board of registry and was a census enumera-
tor in 1890 for this locality.

December 27, 1SS1, Mr. Aller married Matilda
Y., daughter of Peter and Jerusha (Yawger)
Rockafellar, of old county families. The two
children of Mr. and Mrs. Aller are Edith R. and
Clarence E. For a number of years the family
has been identified with the Lebanon Reformed
Church.

"-} ••2-'/uQ^'[fC;t-

NIRAM RITTENHOUSE has been identified
with the history of Kingwood Township,
Hunterdon County, during the latter half of
the nineteenth century. Since 1877 he has made
his home on the James Ashcroft farm near Bar-
bertown, which he purchased in that year and on
which he has since resided, engaging in general
farm pursuits and dairying. As a citizen he is
progressive, earnestly championing all measures
that will advance the prosperity of the township.
During his nineteen years of service as overseer of
roads he opened and improved public highways,
and kept all the roads in his district in first-class
condition. Politically he favors Democratic prin-
ciples.

The father of our subject, Garner Rittenhouse,
was born in 1808 tipon the farm where S. M.
Rittenhouse now resides. He spent his entire
life in Kingwood Township and was one of the
largest and most prosperous farmers of his day.
Though not active in politics, he was a stanch
Democrat and always voted that ticket. In re-
ligious connections he was identified with the
Presbyterian Church, in which faith he passed
from earth in 1863, at the age of fifty-five years.
His father, Nathaniel Rittenhouse, was one of the
best-known farmers in Kingwood Township,
where he died at the aa;e of eitrhtv.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

495

By the marriage of Garner Rittenhouse to Mar}'
Ann Hoff, daughter of Cornelius Hoff, nine chil-
dren were born, named as follows: Hannah;
Anne E. ; Lucinda, wife of John Lair; Mary Jane,
who married Richard Ashcroft; Isabel, wife of
Peter Taylor; Cornelius, Hiram, Whitfield and
John D. The early years in the life of our sub-
ject were spent on the old Rittenhouse homestead,
now owned by Richard Ashcroft. His education
was obtained in the common schools of the neigh-
borhood, which he attended when not needed
upon the farm. In 1876, leaving home and em-
barking independently for himself, he bought the
place where he now resides. Politically he has
adopted for his own the principles of the party
favored by his father and grandfather, and, like
them in religion, he adheres to Presbyterian
doctrines.

The marriage of Mr. Rittenhouse took place in
this township December 1, 1876, and united him
with Miss Sallie Anne Ashcroft, daughter of James
Ashcroft, Sr. Two children were born of their
union, of whom one is living, Clarence J., who is
at home and assists his father in the cultivation of
the farm. Harry L. died May 27, 1896.

30SEPH RAMSEY is one of the citizens of
Hunterdon County who has been literally the
architect of his own fortunes. In his early
manhood he started without a"ny financial backing
to make a place for himself, and well has he suc-
ceeded. The secret of his success is the only true
secret of success in any undertaking whatever —
" work, and plenty of it " — for prosperity almost
never crowns a lazy man, and in this country,
with few exceptions, the man who works perse-
veringly and industriously is the man who wins.
The birth of our subject occurred on Christmas
day, 1 83 1, in Clinton Township, Hunterdon
County, he being a sou of Joseph and Anna
(Jones) Ramsey. The father was likewise a na-

tive of that vicinity and followed the occupation
of a farmer during his whole life-time. He had
two other children, James and Elizabeth, Mrs.
Elijah Hoffman. Our subject was reared upon
his father's farm and was a pupil in the public
schools until he had mastered the elementary
branches of knowledge.

October 5, 1854, Joseph Ramsey was united in
marriage with Susan C. Johnson, who was born
in this county, and was the daughter of T. T.
Johnson, a prosperous farmer. Their union has
been blessed with eleven children and all but one
of the number are still living. James is a farmer
of this community; Mahlon resides in Clinton
Township; Cora J. married John Hummer, who
was station agent in Flemington and later was in
the lumber business there until his death, August
9, 1894; Mary is at home; John is operating a
sawmill and lumber business near Goldsborough,
Pa. ; Sarah C. is the wife of Richard Fisher, agent
for the New Jersey Central Railroad in Fan wood,
N. J.; Margaret is the wife of George N. Clark,
of Clinton Township; Joseph is his father's as-
sistant on the farm; Ella C. is at home; and San-
ford R. is a student at Lebanon.

At the time of his marriage Joseph Ramsey
rented a farm and continued so to do some nine
years, after which he bought the place where he
has since made his abode. At first he purchased
but eighty-eight acres, later adding to it until
he now owns one hundred and twenty-three acres.
For a quarter of a century he has bought and
shipped milk, and in 1880 built a creamery,
which has proved a profitable investment. For
the past few years he has given some time to the
raising of standard-bred Poland-China hogs, and
he has a fine drove of them now on his farm. He
owns the celebrated road mare Lucy, bred by
himself, of Kentucky and Arabian running stock.
She is a magnificent specimen of horse-flesh, and
though many a man has been very desirous to
purchase her Mr. Ramsey has resisted even very
high prices which have been offered him.

During a period of twenty years Mr. Ramsey
has been connected with the Reformed Church as
a member, and for eight years of this time he has

496

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been an elder in the congregation. He uses his
right of franchise in favor of the platform and can-
didates of the Democracy, but is liberal in his
political standing, preferring to support the can-
didate who in his estimation is best fitted for the
office, irrespective of his political tendencies.

30HN H. VESCETIUS is the proprietor of
one of the largest and most finely equipped
dry-goods stores in Hackettstowu, and has
been numbered among the enterprising business
men of this place for many years. He possesses
those qualities of untiring energy, persevering
attention to business in every detail, clear
judgment and correct principles of action that
rarely fail to bring success. The unfailing in-
terest that he maintains in regard to all local
concerns and improvements is another of the
characteristics of our subject that endear him to
the people, and not infrequently has he sacrificed
his own personal wishes and plans in order that
they might be benefited.

Our subject's great-grandfather (who spelled
his name Viesselius) was a native of Germany and
emigrated to this country as early as 1749. He
was a physician by profession and settled in
Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, N. J.
In 1760 he took out naturalization papers and in
1767 he passed away. He left two children,
Hendrick and Andrus. The latter married Lena
Van Sickle, and their one child, George Andrew,
born in March, 1783, married October 12, 1806,
Gertrude (Charity) Heldebrant, who died in 1850.
They were the parents of seven children, namely:
John, who married Catherine Field and had a
family of seven children; Helen, born September
28, 1 80S, unmarried; Isaac, who married Ellen
Vandervoort and resided at Middle Valley and
Paterson, N. J.; Andrew, a resident of Newark,
N. J.; Hiram, born January 15, 1S15, who mar-
ried Mary Miller, of Penwell, Warren County,

N. J.; Oliver, our subject's father; and Aaron,
of Forest Hill, Newark, N. J., who married Mary
Ann Miller.

Oliver Vescelius was born in Hunterdon
Count}' November 18, 18 16. November 2, 1843,
he married Margaret C. Swackhamer, by whom
he had one child, Margaret S., born May 9, 1845.
His first wife died May 11, 1S45. He was again
married, his wife being Augeline H. Sharpe, who
was born in German Valley, Morris County, N. J. ,
and by whom he had five children: Isaac S., born
July 7, 1848, and married to Elizabeth A. Apgar,
September 23, 1873; Amelia M., born August 25,
1850, and married to J. W. Opdyke September
16, 1875; John H., born in Fairmount, Hunter-
don Count}', March 23, 1854, and married to
Ella A. Carr October 19, 1882; Dennis S., born
July 22, 1855, died March 28, 1856; and Edna
M., born January 19, 1857, and married to
Austin Sutton January 6, 1881.

The whole life of Oliver Vescelius was spent
in Fairmount and vicinity, in early manhood
he being financially occupied in a mercantile un-
dertaking, and later owner of a large tannery.
He voted for the candidates of the Republican
party and religiously was a Presbyterian. His
death occurred August 4, 1889, at the ripe age of
seventy-two years ten months and sixteen days.
For several years he was a trustee in the church
to which he belonged, but aside from that never
held any position of greater or less importance,
as he did not desire to do so. His faithful help-
mate, friend and companion along life's journey
did not long survive him, as she died five months
later, aged sixty- four years. She was also a
devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.
The father of Oliver Vescelius was also a native
of Fairmount, and carried on a tannery there for
many years. He was an elder in the Presbyterian
Church.

The elementary education of our subject was
that of the district schools, in which he was an
apt pupil. When he was fourteen he began to
attend the select school in German Valley, and
continued there for about two years. Sub-
sequently he came to Hackettstowu, and here

W. H. VAIL, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

499

obtained his initial experience in the business
world as a clerk in a general store. The first
year he received his board and $50 in money.
After working for the firm of Shields & Karr
about six years, during which period he had
proved his fidelity to every duty imposed upon
his youthful shoulders, he left them and traveled
to some extent during the next five months,
while he was making up his mind where he
should permanently settle. Eventually he re-
turned, and was employed as a clerk for a
period of four years. May 6, 1882, he opened
the store which he has since conducted with in-
creasing success. In 1895 he added largely to his
stock of goods, enlarged his store and made
various other improvements according to the
modern ideas. He is an adherent of the Repub-
lican party and is a member of Independent
Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M., of this place. Relig-
iously he is a Presbyterian, and is one of the
members and trustees of the church here.

Mr. Vescelius married Miss Ella Amelia Carr,
born October 20, 1857, a daughter of John R.
and Eliza (Fleming) Carr, whose sketch will be
found in another part of this volume. Two sons
and one daughter have blessed the union of our
subject and wife: Alden R., born October 4,
1883; Clarence H., September 13, 1885; and
AnnaE., February 21, 1892.

©GjILLIAM H. VAIL, M. D. The gentle-
\ A / man whose name stands at the head of this
V V article is one of Blairstown's most esteemed
and respected citizens. For the past twelve years
he has been the trusted private secretary of John
I. Blair, the railway magnate, he having suc-
ceeded his brother, Charles E. Vail, in this re-
sponsible position. For nearly two decades pre-
viously he was engaged actively in the practice
of his profession at Cornwall-on-the-Hudson,
N. Y.

In tracing the history of Dr. Vail, we find that
his birth took place in Stroudsburg, Pa., in 1845.
His father, Dr. William Penn Vail, was a native
of Morris County, N. J., and for many years
practiced medicine in Johnsonburg, N. J. In
1836 he removed to Stroudsburg, where for a
period of ten years he enjoyed a very large and
paying practice. Returning then to his former
home in Johnsonburg he continued actively in
practice until 1872, when failing health caused
his retirement from such arduous labors. His last
years were quietly and happily passed in the
home of his son-in-law, Theodore F. Johnson, in
Orange, N. J. He departed this life February
12, 1S89, at the ripe age of eighty-five years.
His active work in his chosen field of aiding the
sick and suffering extended over forty-five years.
Before he took up this branch of activity he
worked as a machinist in his brother's shop at
Speedwell, N. J., and was employed in the manu-
facture of the boilers that were placed in the
celebrated Savannah, the first steamship that
crossed the Atlantic Ocean. For sixty years he
was a valued member of the Presbyterian Church.
When he lived in Stroudsburg he was an officer
in the church there and upon his return to John-
sonburg he was made an elder in the old Yellow
Frame Church there. Frequently he was sent as
a delegate to the Newton presbytery and to the
general assembly of the denomination. A fervent
believer in the cause of Christianity and tem-
perance, he also held it to be the duty of every
man to discharge his duties as a citizen by using
his franchise in behalf of the right, the true, the
good; and he ever sought to support only those
who, in his estimation, were entirely worthy of
public trust.

December 28, 1830, occurred the marriage of
William Penn Vail and Sarah Locke, a sister of
the late Mrs. John I. Blair. To the union of
Dr. and Mrs. Vail seven children were born.
Horace and Charles each died when about fifty
years of age; Annie E. is the wife of Theodore F.
Johnson; Emma E. died in 1S96; Sarah L. is the
wife of Dr. T. Y. Sutphen, of Newark, N. J.;
John D. is the postmaster at Blairstown; and

500

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

William H. completes the number. Charles E.
was the private secretary of John I. Blair for
over thirty years. Mrs. Sarah Locke Vail died
in 1873.

At the time the family removed to Johnsonburg
the subject of this article was but a small child.
He prepared for college in Blair Academy, and in
1865 graduated from Princeton, after which he
took up the study of medicine. In 1869 he grad-
uated from the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in New York City and received the degree
of M. D. He located for practice at Cornwall-on-
the-Hudson, where he remained for seventeen
years, until he was offered the position made
vacant by the death of his brother. Since that
time he has been the confidential adviser and
secretary of John I. Blair. He is a director in
the Belvidere National Bank and in the - New
Jersey Industrial School for colored youths at
Bordentown, N. J. He is also secretary and
treasurer of the board of directors of the Blair
Presbyterian Academy.

Those familiar with the advance that has been
made in educational matters in the northern por-
tion of New Jersey during the past sixty years
know how much of this progress is due to the
efforts of this branch of the Vail family, beginning
with William Penn Vail. As a remembrancer of
this fact, as well as of another, that Dr. William
Penn Vail was always the friend of the down-
trodden everywhere, and consequently of the
colored race, William H. Vail has erected during
the past year (in his native state) at Lincoln Uni-
versity in Pennsylvania a Vail memorial library.
This edifice, costing $20,000, is fireproof through-
out and will accommodate fifty thousand volumes,
besides containing a commodious reading room
and affording ample room in the basement for
bowling alleys and light gymnastic apparatus.

For twenty years Dr. Vail has been an elder in
the Presbyterian Church, a part of this time be-
fore he came to Blairstown, while his home was at
Corn wall-on-the- Hudson. Politically he is a
stanch Republican. In 1872 he married Caroline,
daughter of Dr. Cyrus Haulin, president of
Robert College, Constantinople. Mrs. Vail died

in 1887, leaving four children, and one, Marion
Locke, had died a year before. The others are
Henrietta L-, Cyrus H., Charles E. and Arthur
W. The doctor afterward married Mrs. Uhle,
widow of Charles Uhle, M. D., by whom she had
two sous, J. Horton and Charles R.

Gj RCHIBALD STEWARD TAYLOR, captain
I I in the United States Marine Corps, now re-
/ ) tired from the service, is quietly spending
his time with his family in his home known as
the old King Farm, in Union Township, Hunter-
don County. His career has been a very active
and eventful oiie, comprising, as it has done, life
in the army and navy, travel to distant lands
while on board ship, and numerous adventures
and narrow escapes from disease, death and peril
in various forms. He is an entertaining conver-
sationalist, and a brief history of his life will
prove of interest to many of his friends and ac-
quaintances.

The captain was born in Warren County,
N. J., in 1840, being a son of George W. Taylor,
to whom we will refer at length later in this arti-
cle. The early life of the lad was passed in the
vicinity of Clinton, this county, to which locality
his parents removed when he was a few years
old. After leaving the public schools he entered
the University at Norwich, Vt. , and in 1856
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science
from that institution of learning. In 1S60 he
went to California, chiefly for the pleasure of the
journey and for the sake of seeing something of
the country, but he finally remained there until
the breaking out of the Civil war. Returning
home he was commissioned first lieutenant in
Company E, First Regiment of New Jersey
Infantry, and for some time served upon his
father's staff and took part in numerous engage-
ments in which the brigade was concerned. He
resigned January 21, 1863, and returned to his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5°i

home, and earl}' in the following year he was
ordered to appear before the examining board in
Washington for examination as to his fitness for
the position of second lieutenant in the marine
corps.

The result was satisfactory to the higher
powers, for he was duly appointed to the office
July 2, 1864, and, after being stationed at Wash-
ington for six months, was sent to the navy yard
on Mare Island, California, where he remained
until 1868. He was then ordered to the sloop-of-
war Tuscorora, South Pacific squadron, under
command of Rear Admiral Thomas Turner, and
remained in the Pacific waters about a year and
a-half. The ship was then ordered to join the
North Atlantic squadron at Key West, for opera-
tions off Cuba. At the end of three years the
captain was detached and ordered to the coast of
California the second time, remaining there until
1874, when he was detached and ordered to duty
in the navy yard in Philadelphia. In the early
part of the ensuing summer he was ordered on
board the United States training ship Minne-
sota, as instructor of naval apprentices. On the
3d of September, 1878, he was detached from the
Minnesota, and was ordered to the Ouinnebaug,
N. H. Farquhar commander, European squadron,
where he remained three years. June 13, 1881,
he was ordered to dut}' at League Island, Phila-
delphia, and remained there until September 9,
1882, when he was detached and ordered to Pen-
sacola, Fla., remaining on duty there for two
years. During a yellow fever epidemic he lost a
large number of his command. His next service
was on the Lancaster, flag ship European squad-
ron. At the end of eight months he was ordered
to the coast of Brazil and South Africa, cruising
there for over two years, during which time the
ship sailed along the eastern and western shores of
the dark continent. In 1S90 he was detached
from the Lancaster, and ordered again to duty at
League Island, Philadelphia, where he continued
until June 17, 1890, and then retired from active
service.

In 1882 Captain Taylor married Miss Mary J.
Holcombe, daughter of Isaac M. Holcombe. He

has one son, Carleton, now attending school at
Plainfield, N. J. He takes no active part in
political affairs, being independent of party ties.
His wife is identified with the Episcopal Church.

Gen. George W. Taylor, father of the subject
of this article, entered the United States Navy
service during Jackson's administration, as mid-
shipman, and made his last cruise on board of the
sloop-of-war Fairfield, in the Mediterranean squad-
ron. After resigning from the navy he was occu-
pied in business affairs in Clinton, N. J., until
the war with Mexico was declared. He volun-
teered his services and was commissioned lieuten-
ant in the Tenth United States Infantry, and
took part in the operations of General Taylor,
along the Rio Grande. Later he was raised to the
rank of captain for gallantry and daring, and
served as such until the close of the war, in the
regiment commanded by Colonel Temple. Then
he went to California in the interests of the New
Jersey Transportation and Mining Company, of
which he was made the president, and stayed on
the Pacific slope for about three years. He was a
son of Archibald Steward Taylor, who was the
owner of the High Bridge Iron Works, having
inherited the same from his father, Robert Taylor.
The latter was a native of north Ireland, and
came to America about 1758, and became the
superintendent and later proprietor of the iron
works before mentioned. George W. Taylor
and his brother Lewis managed this property for
several years, or until the Civil war came on.
He married Mary King, whose father was at one
time the owner of more land in Hunterdon
County than any other resident, and who also
established the linseed-oil works at Kingston.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor became the parents of eight
children, two of whom are now deceased. Caro-
line is the wife of Rev. J. A. Blauvelt; and Eliza-
beth is the wife of Clifford White. The three
brothers of our subject are William K., Edward
and George W. The mother died when about
seventy years of age.

Being well qualified by his previous experience
in the Mexican war, George W. Taylor was com-
missioned colonel of the Third Regiment of New

5°2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jersey Infantry, soon after he reported for duty
in the late war. He served in the brigade of
Gen. Philip Kearney, First Brigade, Sixth Army
Corps, and was encamped at Fairfax Seminary
during the winter of 1861. He then took part in
the general operations against Yorktown, and
with his forces then embarked on transports
which conveyed them to West Point, where they
engaged the division commanded by General
Whiting. Next he went with the advance guard
of the army under command of General Stone-
man and later took part in the battles of Mechan-
icsville and Fair Oaks, and the seven-days' cam-
paign after the evacuation of Yorktown. He
was commissioned brigadier-general and assigned
to the command of the First Brigade of Slocum's
Division, Sixth Army Corps. June 27, 1862,
this division was ordered to support Fitz John
Porter at Gaines' Mill. There the second battle
of the seven-days' fight was fought, where, out of
twenty-two hundred men belonging to the First
Brigade, eleven hundred and twenty-one men
were killed and wounded in less than one hour.
After the battle of Malvern Hill the brigade re-
treated to the James River and was subsequently
ordered to Alexandria, Va. August 27, 1862,
they were sent to Manassas Junction, but on the
way were confronted with Stonewall Jackson's
corps, and after a sharp contest were left with
but three hundred of the original fifteen hundred
men. General Taylor received wounds from the
effects of which he died a few days later. He
was buried in the Presbyterian church yard in
Clinton, N. J., where a plain granite shaft marks
his grave.

-: »^*>(l§i)®<4-C-) 1 — 5-

QOHN A. BACHMAN. No citizen in Phil-
lipsburg more fully enjoys the respect and
G/ high regard of the people than does the sub-
ject of this article. He has made his home in this
place since 1874, an<^ has been officially connected

with the Phillipsburg National Bank for nearly a
quarter of a century. In every new enterprise or
plan for the improvement of the town he is among
the first to accord it his support, materially and
by his influence, for he is thoroughly in touch
with the progressive spirit of the age.

The ancestors of J. A. Bachman dwelt in Switz-
erland several generations ago, and, as philosoph-
ers have often pointed out they, being mountain-
eers, breathed the high, pure air of liberty,
rejoiced in the freedom of their inaccessible soli-
tudes, and thus were strong to meet the tide of
religious and political persecution which swept
through their beloved country in the middle ages.
The founder of the family in America left home
to seek a new one in the western world, whither
the tyrants of Europe had not yet extended their
blighting power. He accompanied William Penn
as his private secretary, and for his payment he
accepted two townships in Northampton County,
Pa. Since that time the family have been num-
bered among the representative citizens of the
Keystone state.

Charles W. Bachman, father of our subject,
was born in Northampton County, Pa., and was
a tailor by trade. For many years he was en-
gaged in conducting a clothing business in East-
011, Pa. , but he is now living retired, having made
a competence. His faithful helpmate, formerly
Sarah A. Transue, daughter of the late Anthony
Transue, from near Easton, is still living, aged
seventy-two. He is fourscore years old, and still
enjoys health of mind and bod}'. Of their four
children three survive, viz. : John A., who was
born in Easton; Mary A., wife of James V. Bull,
of the firm of Bush & Bull, extensive merchants,
of Easton; and A. P., whose home is in Orange,
N.J.

After completing his common-school education
our subject went into the employ of Dal}', Tomb-
ler & Co., wholesale grocers, of Easton, and re-
mained with them for seven years, in the mean-
time becoming familiar with the management of
finances and general business. In 1874 he re-
signed his place in order to take the position of
teller in the Phillipsburg National Bank, receiv-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5°3

ing the appointment of cashier in 1S78, which
position he still holds. He is also a member of
the board of directors. Among the various local
concerns in which he has been interested is the
People's Water Company of this town, he being a
director and treasurer of the same at this time,
and he is also a trustee for the bondholders of the
Standard Silk Company, and of the Board of Trade
of this place. Fraternally he is identified with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with
Eastern Lodge No. 152, F. & A. M., being receiv-
er of the former.

The marriage of Mr. Bachman and Mary H.
Horn was solemnized April 15, 1878, at the home
of the bride's father, Robert T. Horn, an old
and very highly esteemed citizen of Easton, Pa.
They have one child, Robert C. Mr. and Mrs.
Bachman are active members of St. John's Luth-
eran Church of Easton, the former being an elder
and chairman of the music committee. They are
always ready to lend a helping hand to those less
fortunately circumstanced than themselves. Our
subject was born January 31, 1848, and is conse-
quently in the prime of his life and usefulness in
the business and social world, as he has not lost
the enthusiasm and energy of youth, and tempers
the same with wisdom born of experience.

ENRY BERCAW. Among the enterprising
business men of Phillipsburg, the gentleman
of whom we write is numbered. He is a
stockholder, secretary and bookkeeper for the firm
of Tippett & Woods, boiler makers. This is one
of the most solid mercantile concerns in the lo-
cality, and year by year their business has in-
creased until it has assumed very extensive pro-
portions. Mr. Bercaw has been connected with
the establishment for over twenty years and pos-
sesses the experience and knowledge of the bus-
iness which time and strict attention to ever}' de-
tail connected with the works alone could bring.

Born in the adjacent town of Easton, Pa., June
16, 1845, Henry Bercaw is a son of Samuel and
Levina (Moser) Bercaw. The father, also a na-
tive of Easton, was a descendant of a German fam-
ily who settled in the Keystone state many 3-ears
ago. He was an employe of the Lehigh Valley
Railroad, and was a man of prominence in his
own neighborhood. He died in 1897. His wife,
who departed this life some five years before, was
a descendant of Burkhart Moser, a name well
known in the annals of the early history of Penn-
sylvania. Samuel and Levina Bercaw were mem-
bers of the Dutch Reformed Church, and were
people who were noted for their possession of
sterling qualities of character. They were the
parents of thirteen children, only four of whom
survive, viz.: Henry; Emma, wife of Charles
Richer, of this city; Arabella, unmarried; and
Mar}', wife of Richard Kner, of Phillipsburg.

Henry Bercaw was a pupil in the public schools
until he was sixteen years of age, when his pa-
triotic spirit could no longer be appeased, and he
went forward to offer his services and life if need
be in the defense of his country. Though he
was but a youth, he was admitted to the ranks of
the Seventh New Jersey Infantry and was as-
signed to the Army of the Potomac, which wing
of the Union troops was in the thickest of the con-
flict through long weary years. Mr. Bercaw was
honorably discharged July 23, 1865, as a ser-
geant, having seen four years of hardship and
privation in active service. Upon his return to
the avocations of peace, he found it very difficult
to settle down to the prosaic routine of business,
as many others did, and it was even harder in his
case, in that he had not been engaged in any com-
mercial enterprise or work prior to his army serv-
ice. For about a year he was employed by the
Phillipsburg Agricultural Works, but at the end
of that time he determined to have some expe-
rience in the regular United States army. Ac-
cordingly, he enlisted in the First United States
Cavalry and during the succeeding five years was
on duty in southern California and Arizona.
This period of martial life proved sufficient, and
the young man returned home, once more becom-

504

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing an employe of the agricultural works, with
which concern he stayed until 1877. Since that
year he has been with the Tippett & Woods Boiler
Works, and since December, 1892, he has been
one of the firm.

In 1877 Mr. Bercaw married Augusta, daugh-
ter of Jeremiah Dennis, of Bloomsbury, N. J.,
and her death occurred in 1885. He has always
kept a warm place in his heart for the boys that
wore the blue, and he has served the local lodge
of the Grand Army of the Republic as its com-
mander. He is also a member of the Order of
American Mechanics.

QJlCTOR C. PENDREIGH. Among the well-
\ / equipped village stores of Warren County is
V the one situated at Changewater and owned
and operated by Mr. Pendreigh. Since purchas-
ing it, he has built up a large trade in the village
and surrounding country and has established a
reputation for reliable dealing with all. He be-
gan in business without capital, but by his energy
and perseverance has attained a fair degree of
success and has become known as a prosperous
merchant. For three years after embarking in
business he was in partnership with Eugene Cast-
ner, but in 1895 he purchased his partner's in-
terest and has since been alone.

Born in Hunterdon County in 1861, the sub-
ject of this sketch is of direct Scotch descent.
His father, James, who was born in Scotland,
came to America at the age of nineteen years and
settled in Hunterdon County. For more than
thirty years, and until his death, he was employed
as foreman on the Delaware & Lackawanna Rail-
road. Politically he was an ally of the Republi-
can party, in religion was identified with the
Presbyterian Church, and fraternally belonged to
Merino Lodge No. 60, I. O. O. F. His death
occurred in 1885. He had married Catherine
Lun gen, daughter of Frederick Lungen, who

was a carpenter by trade and lived near Asbury,
Warren County. She is still living and makes
her home with her son, Victor C. In her family
there were four sons, but two died in childhood
and another, John, passed away in 1872.

In the public schools of Hamdeu, Hunterdon
Count}', the subject of this article acquired his
education. At the age of twenty-one he started
out to make his own way in the world, and se-
cured a clerkship in the store he now owns. He
saved his earnings until, in 1892, he was able to
purchase the stock and good will of the former
proprietor, and since then he has conducted the
business in an efficient manner. He is interested
in the public schools and has been a member of
the board of education since 1892, but has held
no other office, never having cared to occupy
public positions. In political sentiment he sup-
ports Republican principles and always votes the
party ticket. Fraternally he is actively connected
with Merino Lodge No. 60, I. O. O. F. Though
not a member of any religious bod}-, he supports
the doctrines and work of the Presbyterian Church
and is an attendant upon its services.

(31 LDEN EDWARDS MARTIN, M. D., nuin-
LJ bered among the prominent physicians of
J I Hackettstown, Warren Count)-, is in the
front ranks of his profession as a result of his
close stud}', power of observation and widely di-
versified experience. He makes it a point to keep
himself well posted in modern discoveries and
new methods used in the treatment of disease,
and while carefully conservative, holding to the
tested lines of diagnosis and remedies, he is open
minded and liberal, always ready to accept a
true and tried manner of healing the " ills that
flesh is heir to," even though it is essentially new
or opposite to received ideas.

Moreover, the doctor is not restricted in his in-
terests to the field of his professional duties; pos-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

505

sessed of fine business abilities and an energetic
spirit, he is foremost in all enterprises affecting
the welfare of this place, and his mature judg-
ment is earnestly sought after when questions of
more than momentary weight are before the pub-
lic. He is in the prime of life, and gives prom-
ise of many years of usefulness to his generation.
He was born Juty 16, 1850, in Peacham, Vt.,
and in that pretty and quiet village his boyhood
passed happily and without event. His father,
Hon. John M. Martin, was a merchant, a man of
good education, a true patriot and a most worth j-
citizen. He was a native of Woodbury County
and was married in Vermont to Miss Martha
Osgood Sprague, of Peacham.

Dr. A. E. Martin received his education in the
public school of his native county, and, having
completed his classical and scientific studies, de-
cided to enter the medical profession. His initial
studies in this direction were under the guidance
of Prof. H. Noah Martin, who was an instructor
in Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia.
From that well-known institution Dr. Martin was
graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine
in 1876. Having opened an office at Schooley's
Mountain (three miles distant from Hacketts-
town) he continued to practice in that vicinity
until 1880, when he removed to this place.
Since that time he has been situated here, and
has gradually built up a large and remunerative
practice. He is a stanch Republican in his politi-
cal views, and has manifested his interest in the
rising generation by serving on the board of edu-
cation, now in his third year. For fifteen years
he was a member of the board of health, but is
not acting in that capacity at this time. A mem-
ber of Independence Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M. ,
of Hackettstown, he has been master of the same
and was District Deputy Grand Master of the
tenth district, and is now a member of the Ma-
sonic Historical Committee, having been one of
that honorable body for two 3?ears past.

In 18S1 the doctor married Miss Catherine,
daughter of John R. Carr, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume. They have a family
of one son and three daughters, viz.: Olga, Leila

K., Carl and Augusta M., all bright, interesting
children. The doctor and his estimable wife are
members of the Episcopal Church, and are liberal
contributors to religious and charitable enter-
prises. They have a charming home, where
they are always ready to entertain their large cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances with generous
and warm-hearted hospitality.

|~}EV. WILBERT P. FERGUSON, Ph. D.,
U'a B. D., president of Centenary Collegiate
n\ Institute. Among the best-known institu-
tions and enterprises of Warren County is the
Centenary Collegiate Institute of Hackettstown.
It was established by the Newark Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1869, and
was open for students in September, 1874. The
buildings and grounds are valued at $230,000,
and are entirely free from debt. The institution
from the very beginning has been crowded with
students, nearly every year the accommodations
proving to be inadequate. Rev. George H.
Whitney, D. D., was the honored and successful
president 1869-1895, retiring from office amid
general regret because of ill health. His succes-
sor is the subject of this sketch.

President Ferguson is a Canadian by birth,
his birthplace being Napanee, Ontario, and birth
date February 2, 1863. His father was in the
itinerate Methodist ministry, so that there was
no permanent home to the growing boy until he
began his collegiate career at the age of thirteen,
in Albert College, Belleville, Ontario, now Victoria
University, Toronto. After a year in the pre-
paratory department, he matriculated with honors
in classics into the regular college course. In
the sophomore year honors could again be com-
peted for. They were again secured in Latin
and Greek; also the general proficiency prize of
the class. The general proficiency prize was also
won in the junior year, and the prize in mental

506

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

philosophy. He was then compelled by financial
stress to stay out of school a year, which he im-
proved by preaching as assistant pastor of a large
circuit. Then two years were spent jointly in
an assistant pastorate and finishing the senior
year, all of whose studies were in the classics —
a course equal to many of the Ph. D. courses of
American colleges. He received another honor
certificate in this department, also a gold medal,
and was chosen valedictorian of his class.

During these years he became acquainted with
a parishioner and college mate, E. Adelaide
Cruickshank, to whom he was happily wedded a
year after graduation. They determined to
start their new home in the United States and
went to Illinois to a most excellent appointment
in the county seat of the Central Illinois Confer-
ence. Desiring further preparation for the
Christian ministry, he secured leave of absence
and came to Drew Theological Seminary, where
he completed the course in two years, graduating
in 1887. After a year's pastorate in Wesley
Church, Peoria, 111., he was invited, without ap-
plication, to the professorship of Latin in the oldest
university of Iowa — the Iowa Wesleyan, of
Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Here he taught for
three years, assisting also the administration in
securing students and $10,000 to complete a half-
finished building. He was at this time state
president of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation, and conference president of the Ep worth
Eeague. Impressed with the desirability of fur-
ther pastoral experience, he resigned his profes-
sorship amid universal regret and was transferred
by Bishop Foss to the New York East Confer-
ence and stationed at Baldwin's, L. I. During
his two and one-half years of work in this Brook-
lyn suburb, the membership was doubled, a new
chapel added and parsonage built, both being fully
paid for in cash. He was next appointed to
Patchogue, L. I., to the largest church of any
denomination outside of Brooklyn, and with a
very fine church property. Within a year and
three mouths a current debt was paid off, a new
$4,000 organ put in the church and a great revival
held, in which there were about two hundred and

forty seekers after Christ. Planning only for a con-
tinuous ministry of many years, his plans were
suddenly interfered with by his election to the
presidency of Centenary Collegiate Institute.
Suddenly, because the election was unsolicited
and unexpected by this young pastor. What a
"young" life! Received into the Methodist
Episcopal Church at the age of eight years, be-
ginning a regular and difficult college course at
fourteen, entering the ministry at seventeen, a
graduate with high honors and an ordained min-
ister at twent}', a professor in a strong western
college at twenty-five, and president of Centenary
Collegiate Institute at thirty-two.

During the first three years of President Fer-
guson's administration, the attendance increased
fifty per cent., the last annual enrollment reach-
ing two hundred and eighty-three. The build-
ings have been improved to the extent of about
$12,000. The courses have been made one-third
longer and stronger. Indeed in all departments
there is renewed vigor and constant growth. It
is expected that the twenty-fifth anniversary
(1899) will be celebrated by the erection of a new
$25,000 building. All honor to this splendid
school with its widely increasing influence.

— »>*M

HENRY H. MIDLER, M. D. There is al-
ways inspiration and encouragement to be
derived from the perusal of the life- record of
a man who has overcome many and varied diffi-
culties lying in his pathway, and who, by native
force of character, has steadily advanced toward
the goal which he set before him in his youth.
In the history of the honored citizen whose name
heads this review we find just such a story — a
story of struggle and earnest endeavor crowned at
last with prosperity richly deserved.

Dr. Miller has made his home in Lebanon,
Hunterdon County, but six or seven years, yet
during this period has become well and favorably

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

507

known. He has succeeded in establishing a rep-
utation for skill and thorough knowledge of his
chosen profession that brings to him a generous
patronage and substantial financial results. He
is a man who is devoted heart and soul to the
noble work of alleviating suffering, and is wholly
unsparing of himself in his love for humanity.

The Miller family of which our subject is a
most worthy representative is of German origin.
His grandfather, John Miller, was a native of New
Jersey, and was a resident of this count}- in the
early part of this century. Of his children, his
namesake, John, was the doctor's father. He was
born and reared to maturity in this county, and,
having mastered the blacksmith's trade, he re-
moved to Middle Valley, Morris County, N. J.,
where he pursued his business for years. He
married Mary Ribbans, and to them a large fam-
ily was born, which they strove to bring up in the
love of God and their fellow-men.

The birth of Dr. H. H. Miller occurred in
Middle Valley, October 8, 1854, he being the
eighth son and the third from the youngest of six-
teen children. He was brought up in his native
county and received his primary education in the
common schools. When he was about twenty
years old he concluded that he would enter the
medical profession, and thenceforth brought every
energy to bear upon the carrying out of this idea.
He was greatly handicapped in his purpose by
the lack of means, but he was not easily discour-
aged and at intervals during the following six
years he taught school, the money thus earned
sufficing to meet his expenses. At the same time
he studied medicine under the instruction of his
elder brother, Theodore, in Califon. In 1876 he
entered the medical department of the University
College, in New York City, and did not graduate
until 188 r, on account of several terms spent in
teaching outside. Having received his degree,
he settled down for business in Mountainbury,
Tewksbury Township, in which town he was
pleasantly situated in every regard for the ten
years that followed. In 1891 he came to Leba-
non, and has here built up a large practice. In
his political convictions, the doctor is a Prohibi-

tionist, and fraternally he is an Odd Fellow,
being a member of Vesper Lodge No. 239, of Le-
banon.

In 1883 the marriage of Dr. Miller and Minnie
Apgar, daughter of Phineas K. Apgar, was sol-
emnized in Cokesbury. Mrs. Miller was sum-
moned to the silent land in October, 1888. The
lady who now bears the name of our subject was
formerly Miss Jennie G. Walters. She was born
in Glen Gardner, N. J., and is a daughter of Rev.
David Walters. The marriage ceremony which
united the destinies of H. H. and Jennie Miller
was performed upon New Year's day, 1890.
They both hold membership with the Methodist
Episcopal Church here, and are active in all good
works. The}' have a happy home, and often en-
tertain therein their numerous friends and ac-
quaintances.

"3 HARLES RITTENHOUSE, editor and pro-
C prietor of the Hackettstown Gazette, has
^j through his energetic individuality and the
influence of his paper accomplished much for the
benefit and improvement of the beautiful city of
Hackettstown. The excellent city streets, the
electric light plant, Hemlock Grove, a public
park, which property is held in trust for the people,
and the combined soldiers' monument and drink-
ing fountain, are some of the important improve-
ments to the place that he was mainly instru-
mental in maturing and securing. The Gazette
is one of the fairest and most Democratic papers
in New Jersey and its editor is as thoroughly im-
bued with Democracy as he is honest in express-
ing his opinions, and in the sixteen years that he
has run the paper he has met with great success.
Mr. Rittenhouse was born at Hackettstown
November 1, 1856 (the same mouth and same
year that the' paper was started). His parents
were William S. and Caroline (Mucklow) Ritten-
house, the latter of Scotch descent, but both na-

5o8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tives of Warren Count)'. William S., who was a
cooper by trade, carried on his business for many
years in Hackettstown and in addition to this
for a long period he acted as justice of the peace,
for which position his law studies had fitted him.
He was also collector and assessor. He was a
strong Democratic politician, prominent in his
party. He died when our subject was six 3'ears
of age. His widow (who survived him many
years and died in July, 1895) was left with little
means and three small children, who were required
to "hustle" early in life. The eldest, Alfred M. ,
is a physician at Bellwood, Neb.; William S. , Jr.,
is cashier of the First National Bank of Washing-
ton, N. J.

Until sixteen years of age the subject of this
sketch attended the public schools. At seventeen
years he went into the Gazette office to learn the
trade with E. W. Osmun, the then proprietor of
that paper. He stayed in this position three
years, then left for Princeton and worked with C.
S. Robinson, who did the Princeton College print-
ing. He then visited some of the large cities,
working at his trade, and finally settled down in
Newark, N. J., where he remained for four years.
Meantime Mr. Osmun had died and the Gazette
had run down and was put up for sale at public
auction. Mr. Rittenhouse became the purchaser.
His brother William S., Jr., joined him in the
venture and from August 10, 1882, the paper was
carried on under the firm name of Rittenhouse
Brothers.

In 1884 Charles Rittenhouse was appointed
postmaster of Hackettstown under Cleveland's
administration and filled the position with credit
for five years. In 1890 William S., Jr. , withdrew
from the business, since which time our subject
has been editor and sole proprietor. By earnest
attention to the interests of the public at large
and the welfare of his home community,' he has
brought the Gazette to its present flourishing con-
dition. He is a director in the Hackettstown Mu-
tual Fire Insurance Company, also a director in the
Electric Light Company and the Union Cemetery
Association. He is a member of the Masonic
order, the Improved Order of Red Men, Knights

of Pythias, the Volunteer Fire Department and
the Hackettstown Driving Association. Novem-
ber 19, 1884, he married Matilda, daughter of
Charles and Matilda Hairhouse, natives of Ger-
man}', but residents of Hackettstown.

(JOHN S. LINDABURY, M. D., has been lo-
I catedin Bloomsbury, Hunterdon County, for
(*/ the past sixteen years, and is known far and
wide as a most skillful surgeon and able physi-
cian. Among those of his own profession he is
looked up to and his advice and opinion are fre-
cpiently asked for in very difficult and perplexing
cases. His experience has been very extensive;
he is a great student and thinker in the lines of
his chosen work and his judgment is invariably
accurate and well founded. He is a man of noble
qualities, and is one who delights in doing good
to his fellows, cheering them in trouble, helping
them in sickness and proving himself an angel of
mercy wherever his path of duty leads.

The doctor comes of good old Revolutionary
stock, his maternal grandfather having served in
the colonial struggle for independence. His
father, John, was born March 5, 1784, and was a
descendant of an old Holland family who had
settled in this state in the early days of its his-
tory. John Lindabury was a farmer by occupa-
tion, his home being in Morris County until after
the War of 1812, in which he served. He then
brought his family to this county, taking up his
place of abode near White House. There he was
engaged in caring for his farm until death claimed
him. He was a very zealous worker in the Pres-
byterian Church, was an elder in the same, and
it is related of him that his team was usually
ready to convey to the services all of his neigh-
bors who could not otherwise have gone. Octo-
ber 8, 1812, he married Elizabeth Rodenbaugh
and of their eight children only the doctor
and one sister survive. Katharine was born

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

509

Jul}' 28, 1813; Mary Jane, June 5, 1815; Eliza-
beth, March 11, 1817; Susanna, July 2, 1819;
Nathan, June 2, 1821; Lydia, March 17, 1823;
Amanda Ann, July 9, 1825; and John S. Lydia,
who married Charles Carhart, now deceased,
lives in Glen Gardner, this county.

John S. Lindabury was born in Morris County,
near Schooley's Mountain Springs, September 7,
1838. He received a good education, having the
special advantage of a private tutor for five years,
and taught school here for some time. He then
took a preparatory course in the state university
of Ann Arbor, Mich., after which he spent about
three years in travel and study. In the spring of
1858 he returned to New Jerse}', and settled clown
to hard study under the instruction of Dr. Will-
iam S. Creveling. In the fall of that year he en-
tered the University of New York, graduating
therefrom in the class of 1861. To further fit
himself for his life work he took special courses
under such noted men as Drs. Valentine Mott,
T. Gillard Thomas and William R. Donahue.

The doctor's initial practice was in Mountain-
ville, Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County.
Having given special attention to the treatment
of epidemic diseases, he was almost immediately
called upon to combat diphtheria, which was rag-
ing in that vicinity and also throughout that por-
tion of the county. He was so successful in meet-
ing this dread contagion, that he was often called
into consultation with local physicians far beyond
the limits of his usual practice. He built up a
fine practice there, and during his twenty-one
years in that place he tutored a number of stu-
dents who now are numbered among the best in
this and other localities. Dr. Thomas Miller, of
Califon; Dr. William C. Alpaugh, of High Bridge,
and Dr. J. T. Fritts, of Plainfield, are of the old-
time pupils of his.

In his student days the doctor had an idea that
he would enter the navy service, and he made a
specialty of surgery, and passed the required ex-
amination for admittance to the navy. He has been
particularly successful' as a surgeon, and is con-
sidered an authority in this branch. He is an ardent
adherent of the Democratic party, but his intense

dislike for the methods of modern politicians has
made him desirous of keeping out of public posi-
tions. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley
Medical Association and belongs to Stewart Lodge
No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton. Religiously he
follows in the footsteps of his forefathers, being
identified with the Presbyterian Church.

In 1862 the doctor married Eliza Robinson,
whose home was then in Cokesbury, Hunterdon
County. They have had a son and a daughter,
Etta, wife of C. H. Smith, of Bloomsbury, and
Thomas A., employed by the Lehigh Valley
Railroad Company as yardmaster, in South Plain-
field, N. J.

(JOHN BOWERS. No industry in Warren
I County is more widely known than that of
Q) which Mr. Bowers is the head. The Bowers
Snuff and Tobacco Company, Limited, has its
main office in Trenton, N. J., with Jonathan H.
Blackwell as chairman, and his son, Stephen W.,
as secretary and treasurer. The plant is located
at Changewater, Warren County, and is operated
by water power, lighted by electricity and heated
by steam. The three water wheels are of ninety,
thirty-five and twenty horse-power, respectively.
The main building is a stone structure, five and
one-half stories in height, 45x60 feet in dimen-
sions, with an annex on one side 26x45, the
same height as the main building, and another
annex 18x36, three and one-half stories in height.
The annexes have been built since the plant was
established at this place in 18S9, in order to ac-
commodate the increasing business. The office
building is forty feet long and thirty feet wide,
with an annex 25x50, and three and one-half
stories high. The works are run night and day,
and furnish employment to between fifty and
seventy-five people, while seven traveling men
are kept on the road constantly.

The head of this large concern is a native of

5io

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New Jersey, and was born at Middlesex August
iS, 1822. His father, William, who was born in
the same place, served as a soldier throughout
the entire period of the War of 181 2; by trade he
was a saddler and this occupation he followed
until his death, which occurred when he was in
the prime of life. His father, who came to this
country from France, was a large owner of fine
horses, his specialty being racing stock. The
mother of our subject, Martha Rebecca, was a
daughter of JohnBown, who owned several large
farms near Middlesex ; she died in 1872, at the age
of seventy-two. Of her six children, one died in
boyhood and a daughter, Georgia, died during
the yellow fever epidemic; William, who was a
carpenter by trade, had charge of the car shops
in Savannah, Ga.; Charles F., deceased, was a
farmer in Missouri; and Rebecca Ann is the wife
of Devi Bennett, a resident of Middlesex, N. J.

When a boy our subject attended the public
schools in his native town. At the age of six-
teen he began to learn the trade of a furniture
manufacturer, but followed it only a few years.
He then became interested in the manufacture of
snuff and tobacco in Middlesex, first as an em-
ploye, afterwards as manager for the G. W. Helme
Company. He continued thereuntil 1889, when
he engaged in the business for himself at Change-
water. Here also he has his home, occupying a
residence just opposite his office. Fraternally he
is connected with Fidelity Lodge of Odd Fellows
at Middlesex. For years he has been a trustee
and steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In political belief he is a free-silver Democrat.
During the war he voted for Abraham Lincoln
for president, which is the only time he has ever
cast a Republican ballot. The prosperity he has
attained is solely the result of his personal efforts.
He had no assistance from others in starting out.
His success is not the result of accident or luck,
but has come to him through his indomitable
perseverance, untiring energy and determination
of character. Hence it is well deserved. His
possessions are valuable, including his factory,
residence and a fine farm near Chaugewater.

In 1856 Mr. Bowers married Amanda Culver,

daughter of Jonathan Culver, of Middlesex.
They are the parents of three sons and two
daughters. Charles W., the eldest son, is a
business man in New York. John H., the
second sou, is connected with the tobacco busi-
ness as a member of the firm. He was educated
at Princeton and is a young man of bright intel-
lect and excellent judgment. He and his wife,
formerly Ida B. Bessett, and their daughter, Ruth
J., reside at No. 12 West Washington avenue,
Washington, N. J. Fraternally he is identified
with Mansfield Lodge No. 36, F. & A. M., and
Chapter No. 12, R. A. M., also the Improved
Order of Red Men. He is an excellent business
man and gives his personal attention to the local
office.

Lafayette Appleby Bowers, the youngest son
of our subject, is also a member of the firm, and
is general manager of the snuff department. He
boards at the New Windsor Hotel in Washington.
Fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge of
Masonry, DeLomay Commandery No. 6, K. T.,
Mecca Temple, and the Mystic Shrine of NewYork
City. He is also identified with the Royal Ar-
canum. His business faculties are well developed.
He is sagacious, honorable and energetic. Like
his father and brothers, he is a stanch Democrat,
unswerving in his allegiance to the part}-; and,
like them, he has a host of friends among the
people of Changewater, Washington and other
parts of Warren County.

V A RS. MARIA PARK is probably the oldest
Jr living inhabitant of Hunterdon Count}', her
(9 home having been upon a farm in Tewks-
bury Township during her long life, which very
nearly covers this century. She has been a wit-
ness of vast changes hereabout since her girl-
hood and is a most entertaining conversationalist.
She is remarkably well preserved, is in the posses-
sion of all her faculties and enjoys exceptionally

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5ii

good health, considering her advanced age.
Though now in her ninety -seventh year she reads
without glasses, and is only very slightly deaf.
On the occasion of her ninety-sixth birthday an-
niversary, November 27, 1897, her friends made
a party for her, and she enjoyed herself greatly
talking over old times and experiences, and being
the agreeable hostess in every sense.

On the paternal side, Mrs. Park is a direct de-
scendant of Hans Hansen Bergen, of Norway.
He was a ship carpenter in his native land, and
in 1633 ne emigrated to New Amsterdam, now
New York City. In 1639 he married Sarah,
daughter of George Rapalie, she having been the
first white child born in the colony of the New
Netherlands. Their son, John Hansen Bergen,
was baptized in New Amsterdam, April 17, 1644.
He married Jeanette, daughter of Tunis Ten
Eyck, and their son, John George, was baptized
August 31, 1684. On the 16th of August, 171 1,
he wedded Sycha, daughter of Evart Van Wich-
len, and their son Evart, born in 1 7 1 7, was
the great-grandfather of Mrs. Park. He chose
for his wife JaneHegeman, whose portrait is now
in the possession of Dr. Van Derveer, of North
Branch. In 1737 this Evart Bergen purchased a
tract of land in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties,
N. J., which property has never since been owned
outside of the family, though in a newspaper
printed during the Revolutionary war the land is
advertised for sale. This same paper contains an
account of the capture of Major Andre. The
land was not sold then, nor has it ever been, and
is now in the hands of Eugene, the youngest
child of Mrs. Park, of this sketch. The eldest
child of Evart and Jane Bergen was John, born
September 26, 1746. He was married in 1770 to
Alche Rapalie, and of the five children born to
them, Evart, the eldest, whose birth occurred
June 23, 177 1, became the father of Mrs. Park.

The mother of our subject was Ann Van Duer-
sen in her maidenhood. She was a descendant
of Hon. James Schureman, who was a prominent
figure during the war of the Revolution. He
was at one time taken prisoner, but escaped
finally by drugging the guards and digging his

way out through the walls. In 1789 he was
elected a member of the continental congress,
serving for four years, after which he was sent
to the United States senate, and later was the
mayor of the town of New Brunswick, N. J.

The father of Mrs. Park was born and passed
the first six years of his life on the farm adjoin-
ing the one where she resides to-day. He then
removed with his parents to the town of New
Brunswick, and there grew to manhood. Janu-
ary 5, 1793, he married Ann Van Duersen, by
whom he had nine children, viz.: John, Will-
iam, Ann, James, Maria, Aletta, Staats, Jane
and George. After his marriage Evart Bergen
came to his farm in Readingtou Township, and
remained here until his death. He was a Demo-
crat, and quite active in local affairs, serving as
a justice of the peace several terms and holding
other official positions of trust and honor. He
held membership with the Presb3'terian Church
of Lamington, near which is the family burying
ground. He sent all of his children to New
Brunswick to be educated, as the neighborhood
advantages here were of a very limited descrip-
tion.

March 1, 1818, the marriage of Maria Bergen
and James Park was solemnized. He was a na-
tive of Warren County, N. J., having been born
in 1797. He learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed to some extent, though his
chief occupation in life was farming. When he
reached his majority he located in German Valley,
engaging in agricultural pursuits there two years,
after which he permanently settled on the farm
where his widow resides. This place is situated
but a short distance south of New Germantown.
In his political attitude he was always a Demo-
crat and in the early days he was much interested
in the home militia, taking part in the ' 'trainings' '
and holding at different times the positions of
captain, major and colonel. He attended the
Presbyterian Church, of which his wife has long
been a member, and his earthly labors came to
an end August 1, 1854. To himself and wife
eleven children were born, as follows: Evart
Bergen, now deceased; David; Staats N. , of

5i:

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bloomsbury; William A., deceased; Mary Ann,
wife of John J. Bergen, of South Branch; Adeline
E. , wife of Elias T. Wack, of Newark; George
B., a resident of Bradford Count}', Pa.; John H.,
of Frenchtown; Elias T., of Tonawanda, Pa.; H.
Eouise, deceased; and H. Eugene, the present
county clerk of this county. Mrs. Park con-
ducts her own business affairs, keeping her ac-
counts, and manifesting truly remarkable ability.
She is the proud grandmother of twenty-five
grandchildren and about as many great-grand-
children.

— ■»-- -•••>a>"Qi,->c-«- -«— :-

|ARREN O. LAUDENBERGER is now
serving as a commissioner of deeds, no-
tary public and assessor of the borough of
Junction, Hunterdon County, and in the past few
years has acceptably filled numerous local offices.
He is a young man of ability, good judgment,
and executive genius, and is a general favorite
with the public. To the least as well as to the
greatest of his duties, he is prompt and faithful,
and in this manner has justly earned his popu-
larity.

A native of Springtown, Bucks County, Pa.,
our subject was born May 28, 1861, being a son
of William R. and Savilla (Clymer) Laudenber-
ger. When he was a lad of five years his parents
moved to South Bethlehem, Pa., and in 1872 the
family came to Junction. The father purchased
the property then known as the Junction House,
and now called the 'Lackawanna House, and this
he has carried on up to the present time.

When he was nineteen years of age our subject
entered the employ of E. Humphrey, of Glen
Gardner, remaining there until 1881, when for a
year he lived in Philadelphia. In December,
1S82, he re-entered the employ of Mr. Humphrey,
and in 1891 returned to Junction, where he has
since made his home. He has always been an
active worker in the Democratic part)', and has

attended many political conventions as a delegate.
In 1893 and again in 1897 he was chosen secre-
tary of the county convention. From 1889 to
1893 inclusive he was a member of the count)'
Democratic executive committee. He was first
assistant engrossing clerk in 1893 and received
the caucus nomination of his party for the same
position in 1894. He was instrumental in aiding
the incorporation of the borough of Junction, and
December 29, 1894, was elected secretary of the
committee organized for the purpose. In 1895 he
was elected assessor for Junction borough for a
term of three years and re-elected in 1898 without
opposition. He was assistant clerk of the county
board of assessors in 1895 and 1896, and clerk of
the county board of assessors in 1897. All local
industries and enterprises find in him a sincere
friend, and he is now a member of the Junction
Fruit and Produce Exchange, also a director and
the treasurer of the Junction Water and Improve-
ment Company. Fraternally he is an Odd Fel-
low, belonging to Minerva Lodge No. 60, of
Junction, in which he is past grand.

On the 15th of January, 1891, Mr. Laudeuber-
ger was united in marriage with one of Glen
Gardner's accomplished daughters, Miss Jennie
Brown. Her father is William S. Brown, a well-
known citizen of that pretty town, within the
boundaries of which she was reared to woman-
hood. She has been given excellent musical ad-
vantages, and possesses unusual talent in that
direction. For several years she has been the
organist of the Lutheran Church of Glen Gard-
ner, of which congregation she is a member.

HON. EZRA NASON, mayor of Junction,
Hunterdon County, enjoys the respect and
genuine regard of a large circle of acquaint-
ances, both among the citizens of this place and
all along the Central Railroad of New Jersey
wherever he is known, and wherever his duties

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i3

as an engineer take him. He is, with perhaps
two or three exceptions, the longest-employed
man in the service of the railroad company men-
tioned, and has won an enviable reputation for
strict fidelity to duty, punctuality and general re-
liability. The esteem in which he is held here
was shown when he was elected on the Republican
ticket to the responsible position of mayor, which
office he has occupied three years, now filling his
second term. He was influential in getting Junc-
tion incorporated as a borough, this having been
of great benefit to the place in numerous ways,
such as materially reducing the taxation, and at
the same time many improvements have been in-
stituted. He gives his unswerving allegiance to
the Republican part}', in the principles of which
he has been familiar from his boyhood, as his fa-
ther was an ardent adherent of the same organ-
ization.

The Nason family is of Scotch descent and has
been represented in America for several genera-
tions. Grandfather John Nason was a resident
of the state of Maine, where he passed his life in
agricultural pursuits. He was quite a figure in
the affairs of his community, was a leader in the
old Whig party and did gallant service in the War
of 18 1 2. He married a Miss Susan Usher and
had six children, of whom Ezra, the father of our
subject, was the eldest. That worthy man fol-
lowed in the footsteps of his father in the choice
of a life occupation, giving his energies to the cul-
tivation of a farm in Maine, his native state. He
was a selectman there for several terms, and re-
ligiously was a devout Methodist. To himself
and wife, whose maiden name was Harriet Haley,
seven children were born, viz.: Roscoe, who is a
miller in Hollis, Me.; Ezra; John, who is in the
railroad business, his home being in Taunton,
Mass. ; Nathan, who carries on the old home-
stead; Marshall, who died when young; Robert,
who likewise died in childhood; and Susan, who
married John Blake, of Buxton, Me.

The birth of Ezra Nason took place in Maine,
May 27, 1837. In his native village he received
a good education for that day, and under the in-
struction of his father became proficient as a

farmer. For about two years after attaining his
majority he cultivated a farm, after which he
spent twelve months or more in cutting down tim-
ber. In 1 86 1 he came to Junction and at once
found employment with the Central Railroad,
with which company he has continued without
intermission since. At first he took a subordinate
position, but gradually worked up until he became
one of their most trusted employes. He is a mem-
ber of Garrett Bogart Lodge No. 337, Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers, and has been chief of
the same several times. He is a Presbyterian, at-
tending the church in Musconetcong Valley.

August 27, 1867, Mr. Nason married Margaret,
daughter of Ebenezer Bowlby, of this place.
Three children came to bless their union, viz.:
Margaret, now the wife of Morris R. Albright,
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume;
Harvey, who is in a mercantile business in Tren-
ton; and William B., who is likewise engaged in
business in Trenton. In November, 1889, Mr.
Nason met with a severe loss in the death of his
loved wife, and of late his daughter has kept house
for him.

HARVEY DAVIS is the proprietor ot a well-
appointed store in Glen Gardner, Hunterdon
Count)-. He has been located here and en-
gaged in this business for the past eight years and
has prospered, building up an enviable reputation
for correct financial methods, and otherwise win-
ning the esteem of all those with whom he has
had dealings. In his establishment may be found a
mark of enterprise rarely seen in a country store —
steam heat, and many other up-to-date improve-
ments are there seen as well. He keeps a nice
line of goods, arranged in an artistic and conven-
ient fashion, and customers are always sure of
finding what they need or wish.

Born in Morris County, N. J., our subject is a
sou of John and Ruth (Pickle) Davis. The
father was a farmer and wheelwright and his

5*4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

whole life was spent on the homestead now owned
by his son James K., and originally the property
of his father, who was of Welsh extraction, and
whose advent into Morris County occurred about
two years prior to the birth of John, the son. To
the marriage of John and Ruth Davis nine chil-
dren were born, and not one of the number has
been summoned hence by death. In the order of
their births they are as follows: George P., a
merchant of Martinsville, N. J. ; John, a machinist
of Pottsville, N. J. ; Harriet, wife of William Vac-
tor, of Martinsville, N. J.; James K., who is on
the old home place; Henry P., now in Corning,
Iowa; Jacob H. , a farmer near White House, N.
J.; Harvey; M. Luther, a farmer of Somerset
County; and William E., a mechanic of Morris-
town, N. J.

Harvey Davis was born August 15, 1853, and
until he was twenty-three years of age he remained
on the old home farm. He received a district-
school education, and early made up his mind
that he would prefer a commercial career to the
routine of farm labor. His first venture was to
engage in the confectionery business in Chester,
N. J., but at the expiration of the year he went
to Stark County, 111., remaining there about
eight months. He next tried his fortune further
west, going to Colorado Springs and thence to
Gunnison City, where he engaged in mining,
locating claims, buying and selling the same, etc.
After a few months he returned to Colorado
Springs, and in company with Frank Jobst, estab-
lished a mercantile business under the firm name
of Davis & Jobst, which business was in existence
for two years. He then sold out and went to
Denver, remaining in that beautiful city for quite
a period, but eventually turning his face home-
ward, arriving hereafter an absence of four years.
Then for a year or two he manufactured peach
baskets near the town of Chester, N. J. About
1886 he embarked in merchandising at Anthony,
Hunterdon County, and was very successful dur-
ing the four following years in this calling. In
1890 he came to Glen Gardner and bought the
store and residence known as the Squire Young
property, and has since carried on the business

with increasing prosperity. He is quite active in
the support of the Democratic part}', but has
never been an aspirant for public or official dis-
tinction.

January 31, 1S85, Mr. Davis was united in
marriage with Kate Apgar, who was born and
grew to womanhood in Glen Gardner. Her
parents are well-known citizens of this place,
Josiah and Ann B. (Fritts) Apgar. Two daugh-
ters bless the union of our subject and his estima-
ble wife, named respectively, BeulahR. and Jessie
A. The family have a very pleasant home and
are surrounded with the comforts and man}' of
the so-called luxuries of life.

pCJlLLIAM K. HOFFMAN is numbered
\ A / among the most enterprising agriculturists
V V °f Franklin Township, Hunterdon County,
and is now conducting the old family homestead
which he inherited and on which his birth oc-
curred. The farm comprises one hundred and
seventeen acres of valuable land, admirably
suited to the raising of a large variety of crops
and kept in fine condition by the owner.

The elder of two sons of John J. and Elizabeth
Ann (Kuhl) Hoffman, our subject was born
August 6, 1S53. The younger son is John D.,
who is successfully occupied in agricultural pur-
suits in this township. The father was also a
native of Franklin Township, and was reared to
man's estate on the homestead now in the posses-
sion of W. K. After living here for many years
he went to Cherryville and embarked in business,
opening and managing a general store. In a few
years he sold out this concern, and, going to
Flemington, he made his headquarters in that
town while he traveled for a boot and shoe firm.
He was accidentally killed by a railway loco-
motive when he was yet in the prime of his use-
fulness, being but thirty-six years old. His friends
were legion, and his death was felt to be a great

CW-As0 ^UstjL

tZ^n.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i7

loss to the community. A faithful member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, he contributed
liberally to its support and was always a friend to
the poor and sorrowing. His father, John
David Hoffman, was a native of this county, com-
ing from one of the old families in this portion of
the state, and of German extraction. By trade
and occupation he was a wheelwright. Mrs.
Elizabeth A. Hoffman, born and brought up in
this vicinity, died when she was about forty years
of age. Like her husband, she was identified
with the Methodist Church, and put into daily
practice the faith she professed.

Until he was about eighteen ye^rs old Mr.
Hoffman of this sketch remained at home on the
farm, after which he worked for neighbors in this
township by the month for a time. Since he
fell heir to the old farm place he has been occu-
pied in its improvement and cultivation. Fol-
lowing the example of his father in political
matters, he is an ardent supporter of the Demo-
cratic part}', and has been quite aggressive in
local affairs. In 1879 he married Miss Phoebe
G. Mellick, of Union Township, Hunterdon
Count}7. They are both members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, Mr. Hoffman being a
trustee in the official board of the same.

WILLIAM BLAIR TlTMAN is a wealthy
retired farmer, now making his home in
Belvidere. He is a most worthy rep-
resentative of a family that has long been
numbered among the best people of New Jersey
and whose representatives have owned and im-
proved land generation after generation, thus
adding materially to the substantial wealth of the
several communities in which their lots have been
cast.

In tracing the record of the Titmans, it is of
interest to note that they originated in the
province of Saxon}-, and that one, Lodewick

Titman, was the founder of the family in America.
In 1737 he bought a farm of four hundred acres
situated at the base of the Blue Mountains, near
Blairstown, N. J., and his will, which was ad-
mitted to probate in Newton, Sussex County,
November 23, 1772, is now in the possession of
his lineal descendant, our subject. The quaint
old document has for its opening sentences the
following: "In the name of God, Amen. The
twentieth day of September, A. D., One thou-
sand seven hundred and seventy-two, I, Lodewick
Titman, of Oxford, in the county of Sussex
and province of New Jersey, being very weak in
body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be
to God for it, and calling to mind the uncertainty
of this frail life, and knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die, do make and ordain this
my last will and testament, as follows:" The
estimation at that time placed in sons, to the
almost total exclusion of daughters, is shown in
the fact that he willed several hundred acres of
land and other property, personal effects, etc., to
his two sons (reserving an annuity often pounds
for his wife while she remained a widow), and to
his daughter he left merely the sum of thirty
pounds to be paid her when she reached the age
of eighteen. The property thus willed to the
sons remained in the family for one hundred and
seven years, then passed to another branch of the
same family.

The son of Lodewick Titman, the lineal
ancestor of our subject, was George, born in 1726;
he married, reared a family and died in 1796.
One of his sons, his namesake, was born March 4,
1750, and died September 4, 1796. He married
Lena Albright. In 1793 he added two hundred
acres of laud to his Bridgeville property and this
is the old homestead of our subject. One of the
children of George and Lena Titman was Jacob,
our subject's grandfather, who was born April 4,
1 78 1, married Elizabeth Mayberry April 11,
1802, and died February 25, 1S64. His son,
Jabez Gwinnup, born March 22, 1812, was the
father of our subject.

William Blair Titman was born in Bridgeville,
Warren County, September 7, 1844, and was an

5i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

only child. His father, Jabez GwinnupTitman,
was born upon the same farm as himself and was
considered an excellent business man and a practi-
cal agriculturist. He was very liberal to all enter-
prises deserving of support and was a patriotic
citizen. His death took place December 14, 1889.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mar}r Ann
Blair, was a daughter of William Blair, who
assisted in building the Lutheran Church at
Greenwich, N. J. She passed away October 17,
1870.

The paternal grandparents of the subject of this
article were Jacob and Elizabeth (Mayberry)
Titmau. In his youth William Blair Titman
attended the public schools of Bridgeville and
later was a student in the Belvidere Academy.
From the time that he was twenty he engaged in
farming until he retired to enjoy the fruits of his
many years of unremitting toil. Since then,
1890, he has been living in his comfortable and
handsome home, which is one of the finest in the
town. He still owns several valuable farms, on
which was raised in the year 1897 nearly twelve
thousand bushels of corn. In addition to this he
owns considerable property in town. On the
organization of the Washington National Bank at
Washington, N. J., in April, 1898, hewaselected
president of the institution, which is a new bank,
organized with a capital stock of $50,000. He is
also president of the West Jersey Telephone
Company. Politically he is a Democrat.

November 28, 1865, Mr. Titman married
Margaret E. Roseberry. They have an only
child, Annie Blair, now the wife of Dr. G. W.
Cummins, of Belvidere. Mrs. Titman is a
daughter of Joseph and Sally Ann (Depue)
Roseberry, both now deceased. Her father, who
was a Republican politically and in religion a
member of the first Presbyterian Church or-
ganized in his neighborhood, was a life-long res-
ident of Oxford Township and the town of
Belvidere. His wife was, like himself, an earnest
Christian and a consistent member of the church.
Both were fond of reading and were well informed
and intelligent. They reared five sons and four
daughters, all still living, and all, by their in-

tegrity and enterprise, being a credit to their
parents. With his wife Mr. Titman holds mem-
bership in the First Presbyterian Church of
Belvidere and he is now one of the trustees of the
congregation. His large possessions are the
result of well-applied business methods, perse-
verance in whatever he undertakes, and the ex-
ercise of unusual wisdom in investments. He
enjoys the high respect of all with whom he has
ever had any dealings, whether in a business or
social way, and is active in all good works.

pQlLLIAM S. CREVELING, M. D. This
\ A / sterling old citizen of Bethlehem Town-
VV ship, Hunterdon County, was for many
years actively engaged in the practice of medi-
cine, but has been retired for a number of years.
Many of his old patients, however, will not give
him up, and he frequently good naturedly ac-
quiesces in their wishes that he should attend
them as of old. He is also often called into con-
sultation with other physicians, his long and prac-
tical experience making his judgment of great
value in difficult cases. He was honored by be-
ing made a permanent delegate from the County
Medical to the State Medical Association, which
convenes each year. During the past decade
he has been a director in the National Bank of
Bloomsbury and for two years past has been the
vice-president of this well-known institution.

The ancestors of the doctor were originally in-
habitants of Holland, and were numbered anions:
the earliest settlers of the Muscouetcong Valley.
The following is a record of the first couple of the
name in that locality. Johannes Creveling, born
January 6, 1706, was married September 6, 1737,
to Catharine, born July 12, 17 16. They were
married in Woverlingen, Holland, by Rev.
Johannes Everhartus. Their children were as
follows: William, born February 14, 1739, mar-
ried January 28, 1762, to Catharine Weller, by

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i9

Charles Huff, Esq.; Mar}-, born April 24, 1740,
married January 28, 1762, to Henry Strader, by
the same Charles Huff; Henry, born November
6, 1741, married July 1, 1770, to Sarah Weller
by Thomas Van Home; Andrew, born February
28, 1743, married June 18, 1 77 1 , to Margaret
Patrick, by minister McHanuah; Johannes, born
February 22, 1745, married February 8, 1776, to
Mar}' Knowles, by Mr. Stright; Margaret, born
September 31, 1747, married March 30, 1763, to
David Beer, by Mr. Rosebrook, minister; Chris-
tiana, born September 30, 1749, married Novem-
ber 29, 1769, to Jacob Weller, by Thomas Van
Home; Peter, born February 22, 1753; Jacob,
born March 25, 1755; Anne, born March 10, 1758,
married December 13, 1778, to John Brinkerhoff,
by Joseph Treate. Jacob, the tenth child, was
the grandfather of the doctor.

The parents of our subject were William H.
and Mary (Barber) Creveling. The father was
the youngest son of Jacob Creveling and was born
July 31, 1801, on the farm which had been cleared
by his grandfather Johannes, the Hollander.
This property has been in the family for four gen-
erations, and to-day the doctor is living on a por-
tion of the original estate. He is one of twelve
children, five living, viz.: Jacob, of New York
City; William S., George, of Washington, D. C;
Isabella, wife of George W. Scott, of Bloomsbury;
and Marques, the youngest, who lives at Blooms-
bury; Christiana, who lived to maturity, is de-
ceased, as is also Elizabeth, who was the wife of
John Hunt; also Charlotte, Francelea and John
James.

William S. Creveling was born in Bethlehem
Township, on the land which had been once
owned by his ancestor, Johannes Creveling, the
date of his birth being November 21, 1829. He
was reared on the farm and received a good edu-
cation. His studies included the classics, and
under the supervision of Dr. John Blaue, ofPerry-
ville, Hunterdon County, he commenced his
medical research. In 1S51 he received the decree
of Doctor of Medicine in the University of New
York, and after having a year of practical work
with his preceptor, he located in Stanton, Hunter-

don County. Here he remained for twenty-two
years, attaining an enviable reputation as a physi-
cian. In 1874 he removed to Bethlehem village
(now called West Portal) and has not been ac-
tively occupied in practice since. He owns one
hundred and fifty acres of the old farm, and rents
it to a responsible tenant. There are two sets of
buildings on the place, and he resides in one
house, while the other is occupied by the tenant.
At one time he held stock in the Glitze piano
factory and had other investments. It has always
been a fixed principle with him that he would not
accept public position, and though he was urged
to become a candidate for the assembly, he ad-
hered to his usual tactics, and declined the honor.
He has voted the Republican ticket since the or-
ganization of the party, and during the war was
earnest in his advocacy of the Union cause. He
is identified with the First Presbyterian Church
of Bloomsbury, of which he has been a member
for a number of years.

January 2, 1854, the doctor married Thisby M.
Britton, daughter of the late John S. Britton, of
Hunterdon County. They had two daughters,
Martha, now the widow of Dr. Alberts. Shannon,
who succeeded our subject in practice in Stanton,
N. J., and Mary, wife of John W. Creveling, an
attorney and assistant cashier of the Bloomsbury
National Bank.

LJAS V. NAYEOR, deceased, was highly
>) respected during his useful and busy life,
_ and though he was summoned to the better
land over twenty years ago, his memory is still
cherished in the hearts of many friends and asso-
ciates who held him dear while he was among
them. He was a miller by trade, and followed
that calling in connection with agriculture as a
means of making his livelihood. At his death,
which occurred while he was in the prime of
manhood, forty-seven years of age, February 20,

520

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1876, lie left his family well provided for. Since
then his widow has managed the property with
excellent ability and soon developed remarkable
talent as a financier. She deserves great credit
for the success she has achieved and commands
the esteem and high regard of all who know her.

The birth of our subject occurred in New
Jersey in 1832, he being a son of Elias and Mary
Naylor. His boyhood was spent in this county,
and from his early years he devoted himself to
farming. In political matters he was a Demo-
crat, but was never an office-seeker or very active,
simply doing his duty as a citizen and voter. In
1857 he married Harriet J., daughter of Jacob
and Jane A. (Voorhees) Dilts, all natives of this
state.

Mrs. Naylor has two sisters living: Mary A.
and Sarah M. Her grandfather, Paul Dilts, was
likewise born in New Jersey and followed agri-
culture. Her father was a miller and farmer
and owned considerable property. She was born
April 2, 1848, and was brought up on her father's
farm, receiving a district-school education. For
years she has been a member of the Reformed
Church, in the teaching of which she was reared.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Naylor five
children were born. Three of the number have
passed to the silent land and those who remain
are Oscar and Elias V. , the latter named in honor
of his revered father.

^JEORGE G. BARKER is serving his second
— I term as postmaster of Pattenburg, Hunterdon
^ County, and has proved a thoroughly satis-
factory official to the general public. He was
honored with the appointment to this position by
President Cleveland during his first term in the
White House, and when that executive returned
to power was again placed in charge of the local
mail department. He has been very zealous in
promoting the interests of the Democratic party,

to whose principles he is a hearty subscriber. He
held the office of commissioner of deeds a few
years ago and has acted in other minor places of
public trust.

The gentleman of whom we write is one of the
most enterprising and aggressive business men of
Pattenburg. His store is a model of its kind, is
neatly arranged and kept in a systematic manner.
He carries a well-selected stock of goods, staple
and fancy articles, replenishing his lines from
time to time to meet the demands of the trade.
He has had considerable experience in the com-
mercial field and is practical and methodical in
his manner of transacting business. Thoroughly
upright and reliable in his dealing with all, he
merits the respect which is freely accorded him
by our people.

The father of the above was Morgan Barker, a
native of New York. He removed to Morris
Count}', N. J., in 1834 or 1835, and engaged in
farming, but later engaged in merchandising in
Morristown. After some ten years had elapsed
he located in Brookside, where he continued in
business until he decided to retire. His death
occurred in Newark in 1895. He had married
Eleanor Hoyt, of Norfolk, Conn., and had eight
children, named as follows: John, who died in
1890; Julia A., wife of S. E. Condit, of Newark;
Seymour, who died at the age of twelve years;
Charles E., in the wholesale commission business
in Newark; Morgan, who is with his brother
Charles E. ; Eleanor Hoyt, wife of William Ayer,
of Whippany, N. J.; and Isabel, who married
Percy Sanford, a jeweler of New York City.

George G. Barker was born in Morris Count}',
August 13, 1845, and was reared on a farm. He
assisted his father in his business and early ac-
quired practical knowledge, which has been of
great benefit to him in later years. When he was
about nineteen he went out west, and during the
following five years traveled extensively through
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas and
Missouri. At the end of this period he returned
home, having concluded that there was no better
country than his native state. He joined his
father in his business in Brookside, remaining

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

521

there four years. He then sold out his interest
to his senior and came to Pattenburg, in 1876.
Here he opened a store containing general mer-
chandise and has since conducted it successfully
alone. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and
one and a-half acres in Union Township, and
is an extensive fruit grower.

In 1S78 Mr. Barker married Sarah J., daughter
of Matthias H. and Mary Case, of this town.
Two children, a son and a daughter, have been
born to this worthy couple, viz.: C. Edgar, in
1881; and Emma S., in 1885. The son is a most
promising youth, and is now a student in Easton
College. The daughter is at home and is a pupil
in the local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Barker are
members of the Methodist Church and are active-
ly concerned in its various departments of useful-
ness. Mr. Barker has been superintendent of the
Sunday-school and steward and treasurer of the
church, and when the new edifice was under con-
struction he was a member of the building com-
mittee, and very active in the work.

^JEORGE H. DALEEY is a well-known busi-
_ ness man and leading citizen of the vicinity
JJ of Mechanicsville, Hunterdon County. For
the past few years he has devoted his time and
attention to the raising of fruit, and has been
prospered financially. He owns a valuable little
farm of twenty- two acres, all but six of which
are planted with fine peach trees, from which
each year the owner reaps a bountiful harvest of
the luscious fruit. The large cities of this region
create a demand for the same, and good prices are
always to be obtained by the producer.

The father of our subject was Nicholas Dalley,
a native of New Jersey, and, for the greater part
of his life, a resident of Hunterdon County. In
his early manhood he learned the shoemaker's
trade and followed it for a short time, after which
he was exclusively devoted to agriculture. Of

a cruiet, unassuming nature, he preferred to keep
strictly in the private walks of life, but at differ-
ent times occupied minor local positions in his
own community. In politics he was a Republi-
can, and in religious belief he held to the old Re-
formed Church, serving it in the capacities of
deacon and elder. He died in September, 1880,
loved and respected by all who had known him.
Of the children born to himself and estimable
wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Demott,
eight survive. Julius and John are carpenters
by trade and are residents of Newark, N. J.
Amanda is the wife of P. V. D. Nevius, of Somer-
set County, N. J. Elizabeth is the wife of
Joseph Higgins, of Somerset County. William
lives in White House. Mary C. is the wife of
S. H. Hagaman, of Readington Township, Hun-
terdon County. Charles C, a carpenter, makes
his home in Newark, N. J., where his two eldest
brothers are located.

George H. Dalley was born in Hunterdon
County, December 28, 1840, and was reared to
manhood upon his father's farm in Readington
Township. He received a good education in the
public school and is to-day a man of varied in-
formation, largely the result of his private study,
reading and observation. In 1872 he bought
what was known as the White House grist-mill,
and proceeded to operate the same for a period of
about thirteen years. In addition to command-
ing much of the local trade, he shipped the sur-
plus product to Somerville, N. J. , and to New
York City and other points, and did a flourish-
ing business. In 1SS5 he sold out his interest in
the mill and invested the amount received in his
farm, since which time he has been a very en-
thusiastic agriculturist. His neighbors and
numerous friends place the fullest confidence in
him, and upon several occasions he has been
made executor and administrator of estates in
this vicinity. In his political affiliations he is a
Prohibitionist, as he believes strongly that the
matter of temperance should be a national issue,
and thinks that it will ultimately become so, even
though the other great parties threaten to keep
his own in a hopeless minority. In the mean-

522

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

time he endeavors to the best of his ability to
promote all enterprises which have for their object
the elevation of society and the public good. He
is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is now serving as a steward and a
trustee.

September 3, 1863, Mr. Dalley married Eme-
liue Welsh, who died October 17, 1890, leaving
no children. Afterward he was united in mar-
riage with Mary A., daughter of Rev. M. Herr,
a well-known minister in the Methodist Episcopal
Church in his prime, and later a merchant in
White House. He was quite prominent in Read-
ington Township, and during the war was a
strong advocate of the freedom of the slave. He
died in 1895, loved and admired by all who had
been blessed with his acquaintanceship. Mr.
and Mrs. Dalley have one child, Edith H.

"HE MAXWELL FAMILY is an ancient
and honorable one, being descended from
Maccus, son of Anlaf, King of Northum-
bria, A. D. 949. The family, with fourteen others
mentioned by Lord Hales, accompanied Edward
Atheling into Scotland when England submitted
to William of Normandy. Whether the family
was of Saxon or Schleswig-Holsteiu origin is
still a debated question among Scottish antiqua-
rians. The name has passed through the various
forms of Maccusville, Maccuswell and Maxwell,
which last has been retained since about A. D.
1 1 50. There are several branches of the family
and many offshoots from each. During the re-
ligious persecutions of the sixteenth and seven-
teenth centuries they were divided and suffered
much in the many contests, being conspicuously
connected with Scottish history. The New Jer-
sey branch descended from Thomas Maxwell,
particularly mentioned by Lord Macauley in his
history of England concerning the War of 1689

as being in King James' army during the Irish
revolt and who commanded the rear guard of
St. Ruth's army at the battle of Athlone (June
22, 1691,) and "held the bridge" on that event-
ful day. He was of the "Kirkconnel Line,"
which had its home in the valley of the Nith,
Scotland. Another branch of the family had its
headquarters at Caerlaverock Castle, in Dum-
frieshire, Scotland, on the shore of the Solway.

At the capitulation of Limerick in 1 69 1 Thomas
Maxwell chose to remain in Ireland, and settled
in County Tyrone. His father was John Max-
well, of Kirkconnel. Legend assigns to this
branch of the Maxwell family the motto, "Je
suis pret," which was obtained as follows: When
Wallace was in greatest straits, hiding in the
caves and glens near Lanark, the leader of the
Maxwell clan hunted him up and tendered to him
himself and followers. To this offer Wallace is
said to have replied: "Ready, aye ready, noble
Scot!" from which remark the motto was taken.

John Maxwell, the progenitor in America of
this branch of the Maxwell family, emigrated
from County Tyrone, Ireland, and settled in what
is now Greenwich Township, Warren County,
N. J., about 1747. Owing to the destruction by
fire of the church records in Ireland it has been for
many years impossible to establish with certaint}'
who were the parents of John Maxwell, emigrant.
He brought with him to America his wife, Ann,
and four children, viz.: 1. William (afterwards
brigadier-general of the Continental line) ; 2. John
(afterwards captain in the Revolutionary war);
3. Jane (married James Kenned}-, of Bucks
County, Pa.) ; and 4. Robert (afterwards lieu-
tenant in the Revolutionary war). All of the
above, except Jane, are buried in the graveyard
adjoining the Old Stone Church in Greenwich
Township, Warren County, N. J.

William Maxwell,* of Revolutionary war fame,
was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 1733, and

*See Snell's History of Warren and Sussex Counties, N. J.,
pp. 51, 53, 6r. Snell's History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties,
N. J., p. 251. Minutes of N. J. Prov. Cong, and Council of Safety,
1775-1776, pp. 19, 169, 184. Officers and Men of N. J. in the Revolu-
tionary war, Stryker, pp. 51, 53, 64, 353. Heilnian's Historical Reg-
ister of Officers in Continental army. p. 2S9.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

523

came to this country with his parents. He en-
listed in the military service at an early age and
took part in the French and Indian war. He
was with General Braddock at the battle of Fort
Duquesne, July 9, 1755, and with General Aber-
crombie on his expedition of July, 1759, against
Ticonderoga, and is reported to have been with
General Wolfe at the fall of Quebec, 1759. He
was subsequently attached to the commissary
department of the British army at Mackinaw,
Mich., with the rank of colonel. It is not known
when he left the British service, but it must have
been prior to 1774, for in that year (July 16,
1774,) he was appointed at a meeting of the free-
holders and inhabitants of Sussex County at
Newton one of the ten deputies to meet with
other deputies and appoint representatives to the
General Congress. He was himself appointed a
representative to the first Provincial Congress of
New Jersey at Trenton, which met May 23, 1775,
and was present at the session, lasting until June
3, and reconvened August 5, when he was again
present. He was also a member of the Sussex
County Committee of Safety, which met at New-
ton August 10 and 11, 1773, and was made
chairman of the committee meeting.

September 21, 1775, he was again elected a
deputy to the second Provincial Congress and was
present at the October session. At this session
it was resolved to raise two battalions for conti-
nental service, and October 28, 1775, William
Maxwell was recommended to the General Con-
gress for appointment as colonel of one of the
battalions. A commission was duly issued to
him as colonel by the General Congress Novem-
ber 8, 1775, and dated as of October 25, 1775.
He shortly afterwards raised a battalion, but
there was great delay in obtaining arms, clothing
and equipments, so that though ordered to march
to Quebec to the relief of the army there in the
latter part of 1775, it was not until the end of
February that he was able to start on his journey
with four companies, the remainder of the bat-
talion being ordered to follow under command of
Lieutenant- Colonel Shreve. They marched by
way of Lakes George and Champlain and crossed

them on the ice, reaching the St. Lawrence early
in March.

Colonel Maxwell's troops were at the battle of
Three Rivers June 8, 1776, and he conducted the
retreat on that occasion with great merit. On
July 8, 1776, he with twenty other field officers
joined in a remonstrance address to Gen. Philip
Schuyler against the abandonment of Crown
Point. October 23, 1776, he received his com-
mission as brigadier-general from Congress and
was sent by General Washington December 20,
1776, to take command of the militia at Morris-
town and to harass and annoy the enemy in their
quarters. He was thus engaged when the bat-
tles of Trenton and Princeton were fought, so
that he did not take an active part in those bat-
tles. After these battles he continued to chase
and worry the British at Newark, Elizabethtown
and Spanktown (Rahway) with great success.
His command was known as "Maxwell's Bri-
gade" and was in May, 1777, a part of the di-
vision encamped at Elizabethtown, Bound Brook
and Spanktown, under the command of Major-
General Stephen. This division during the sum-
mer marched through Pennsylvania, and on De-
cember 11, 1777, a portion of the "Jersey Line"
opened the battle of Brandywine and continued
all day. This brigade had a skirmish after the
battle of Brandywine at White Horse Tavern, on
the Lancaster road, passed near Yellow Springs
Furnace, Worcester, and then finally encamped
at Germantown. Maxwell's Brigade, with some
North Carolina troops, formed the reserve corps
and left wing of the army at the battle of German-
town under the command of Major-General Lord
Stirling, and distinguished itself in this fight,
especially the first battalion. Maxwell's Brigade
spent most of the winter with the army at Valley
Forge, and June 18, 1778, was detached from the
main army and with some militia was ordered to
harass General Clinton and impede his force.

June 28, 1778, the "Jersey Line" joined the
left wing of the army and took part in the battle
of Monmouth. May 11, 1779, Maxwell's Brigade
was ordered to join Major-General Sullivan on
his expedition against the Indians in consequence

524

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the "Wyoming Massacre," and at once started,
leaving Eastern, Pa., June iS, 1779, where the
three regiments composing the force had rendez-
voused. They returned in October, passing
through Easton October 15, and marched to
Scotch Plains, N. J., where they went into winter
quarters November 5, 1779.

June 23, 1780, the troops under command of
General Maxwell took a prominent part in the
battle of Springfield. Shortly after this battle
General Maxwell resigned (July 20, 1780).
There has been much speculation as to the cause
of his resignation and several reasons given, the
generally accepted one being that he was dissatis-
fied because of the promotion of a subordinate,
but more aristocratic, officer over him. This is
not in accordance with his good record as a sol-
dier, who had the welfare of his adopted country
so much at heart, nor do the records bear out this
assertion, there having been no promotions of
that grade of officer for a long time prior to his
resignation. The cause was probably well known
to General Washington, who was with the arm}',
as appears by his prompt action in forwarding
the resignation to congress. The letter of resig-
nation stated, "I have not found my command in
the Jersey Brigade for some time past as agree-
able as I could wish," without stating the rea-
sons, and General Washington in his letter
accompanying the resignation said to congress:
"The merits of this general are well known * *
I believe him to be an honest man, a warm friend
to his country and firmly attached to its inter-
ests. * * " This letter would scarcely have
been written concerning an insubordinate officer
who was disaffected.

All the accounts agree that he was a brave,
gallant and vigilant officer and rendered most
important service to the American cause. It is
also stated that "His personal frankness and the
absence of all haughtiness in his manner made
him a great favorite with the soldiers." After
his retirement from the army he lived at his
home in Greenwich Township, Sussex County,
and was elected to the New Jersey assembly in
in 1783. He again retired to his home after this

and lived quietly, making occasional visits to his
friends. He spent much time with his old army
friend, Col. Charles Stewart, at Lansdown, Hunt-
erdon Count}', where he died November 4, 1796,
while on a visit. He never married.

He was buried at the old Stone Church in
Greenwich Township, and on his tomb is the
following inscription written by ex-Gov. Richard
Howell:

"Beneath this Marble lies the body of Brigadier
General WILXIAM MAXWELX, eldest sou of
John & Anna Maxwell of the township of Green-
wich, county of Sussex & State of New Jersey,
who departed this life on the 4th of November
in the year of our L,ord 1796 in the 63rd year of
his age. In the revolutionary war, which estab-
lished the independence of the United States of
America He took an early and active part. A
distinguished military Partisan He arose thro'
different grades in the American Army, a genuine
Patriot. He was a firm & decided friend To the
Constitution & Government of his Country. In
private life he was equally devoted to its service
& to the good of the community of which he was
a member. An honest & charitable man, a warm
& affectionate friend, a zealous advocate of the
institutions & An active promoter of the Interests
of the Christian Religion."

Capt. John Maxwell* was born in County
Tyrone, Ireland, and settled with his parents in
Morris (now Warren) County, N. J., about 1747,
where he lived on his father's farm. He married
(1) Elizabeth Sloan, who died shortly afterwards,
and later married (2) Mary Ann Clifford, by
whom he had nine children, viz.: Elizabeth, who
married Thomas Williams; Ann, who married
Samuel Sherrerd; George Clifford Maxwell, Esq.,
late of Fleming-ton, N. J.; Mary, who married
Adam Ramsay; Jane; Sarah, who married Will-
iam Nixon Eummis, M. D.; John; William Max-
well, Esq., late of Flemington; and John, 2d.

On the breaking out of the Revolutionary war
he enlisted and was made lieutenant of the first

*See Snell's History of Warren and Sussex Counties, pp. 61-62,
161. Officers and Men of N. J., in the Revolutionary War, Strvker,
p. 400. Meitman's Hist. Reg. of Officers of Cent. Army, p. 2S9.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

525

company raised in Sussex County, N. J., being
subsequently promoted to be captain, and was
attached to the Second Regiment, Hunterdon
County Militia. He was also captain in Colonel
Spencer's additional Regiment — Continental line
—from February 7, 1777, to April 11, 1778,
when he resigned. He later raised a company
of one hundred volunteers from Sussex and Hunt-
erdon Counties and tendered their services to
General Washington, when he was much reduced
in force. The company was known as "Max-
well's Company," and their addition to the ranks
was very acceptable. He participated in the
battles of Trenton, Assunpink, Princeton, Bran-
dy wine, Germantown, Monmouth and Spring-
field.

After the close of the war he returned to his
farm and was appointed one of the judges of
Hunterdon County February 23, 1795, and again,
November 30, 1800. He removed to Flemington
about this time and lived there until his death,
February 15, 1828. His wife died June 4, 1804,
and he afterwards married Mrs. Elizabeth Kirk-
patrick Sloan. He was buried at the old Stone
Church, Greenwich Township, N. J., and the
following epitaph is inscribed on his tomb:

"JOHN MAXWELL, Esq., second son of
John & Anna Maxwell. He was born in the
county of Tyrone in Ireland Nov. 25th A. D.
1739 and at an early age emigrated with his
father to New Jersey. He was Lieutenant in the
first company raised in Sussex County for the
defence of his adopted country in the Revolu-
tionary war; and soon after in the darkest hour
of her fortunes joined the army of General
Washington as Captain of a company of 100 vol-
unteers. He was engaged in the battles of Tren-
ton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Mon-
mouth and Springfield; and ever distinguished
as a brave and able officer; having served his
country in various military and civil offices and
faithfully discharged his various duties as a Sol-
dier, a Citizen, a Christian; he closed a long and
useful life at his residence at Flemington, Febru-
ary 15th A. D. 182S, in the Eighty-ninth year of
his age. ' '

John Maxwell Sherrerd was born September 6,
1794, being the eldest child of Samuel Sherrerd
and Ann Maxwell. The father of Samuel Sher-
rerd was John Sherrerd, who emigrated to Amer-
ica from the city of London about the middle of
the last century and settled at Pleasant Valley,
now Washington Township, Warren County,
(then Mansfield Township, Sussex County) . He
owned a large farm and carried on a store and
grist and saw mills. John Sherrerd had two sous,
Samuel and John, the latter of whom moved to
Philadelphia and married Mary Duseubery, a
daughter of Henry Duseubery, of New Hamp-
ton, N. J., and for a while a resident of Phila-
delphia. Samuel Sherrerd married Ann Max-
well, a daughter of Capt. John Maxwell, and con-
tinued to live at Pleasant Valley, where John
Maxwell Sherrerd was born. John M. Sherrerd
graduated at Nassau Hall in 1812 and studied
law with Hon. George C. Maxwell and later
with Hon. Charles Ewing. He was admitted to
practice in 18 16 and formed a partnership with
William Maxwell, Esq., at Flemington, N. J.
He married Sarah Browne, of Philadelphia, May
19, 1818, and had three children, viz.: Samuel,
John Browne and Sarah Dutton, who married Dr.
Philip F. Brakeley. He subsequently became
the first surrogate of Warren County, N. J., and
moved to Belvidere, N. J., in 1826, where he
died, May 26, 1871.

Samuel Sherrerd, the eldest child of John M.
Sherrerd and Sarah Browne, was born April 25,
1819, at Pleasant Valley, N. J., and removed
with his father to Belvidere in 1826. He grad-
uated at Princeton College in 1836, and studied
law with H. D. Maxwell, Esq., at Easton, Pa.,
and was admitted to the bar of Northampton
County, Pa., in 1842. He subsequently engaged
in business at Scrantou, Pa., and in Bottetout,
Va., and was a pioneer in the iron business
in Virginia, though too early to reap the
benefits of his labors. He practiced law for a
while at Scrantou, Pa., and returtied to Belvi-
dere in 1868. In 1873 he was admitted as an at-
torney in New Jersey, and in 1874 was appointed
president judge of the common pleas of Warren

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County. He married Ma}' 6, 1847, Frances Maria
Hamilton. He died June 21, 18S4.

Samuel Sherrerd Clark, M. D., was born at
Flemington, N. J., November 8, 1825, and was a
son of Rev. John Flavel and Mary (Sherrerd)
Clark, and a grandson of Joseph and Margaret
(Imlay) Clark. Joseph Clark served in the Revo-
lutionary war in the Third Regiment, Hunter-
don County Militia. He was quartermaster on
the staff of Maj. Adam Stephen and was later as-
signed to General Lafayette's division.

Samuel S. Clark attended school at Rev. John
Vanderveer's, Easton, Pa., and was admitted to
Lafayette College in 1841, where he remained two
years, then entering the junior class of Princeton
College, where he graduated in 1845. In 1848 he
graduated from the medical department of the
University of New York and the same year es-
tablished himself in the practice of medicine at
Belvidere, N. J., where he became very promi-
nent as a physician.

He married February 9, 1854, Jane Clyde
Kennedy, a daughter of Dr. James Clyde Ken-
nedy, of Stewartsville, N. J. They had one child,
Mary Sherrerd Clark.

Samuel S. Clark died at Belvidere, N. J., No-
vember 23, 1885.

George Clifford Maxwell was the third child,
but oldest son of John and Mary A. Clifford Max-
well. He was born in Greenwich Township,
Sussex County, N. J., May 31, 1774. He was
admitted to the bar as an attorney 1797, as a
counsellor 1800, and as sergeant at law 1806. He
was a member of congress 1S11-1813, and died
March 16, 1816, at Flemington, N. J.

He married Rachel Bryan, a daughter of John
P. and Mary Ann(Sloan) Bryan, and had two chil-
dren, viz.: John P. B. Maxwell and Anna Maria,
who married William P. Robeson.

John Patterson Bryan Maxwell was born at
Flemington, N. J., September 3, 1804, and was
the son of George Clifford and Rachel (Bryan)
Maxwell. He graduated at Nassau Hall in 1823
and afterwards studied law with Hon. Joseph C.
Hornblower at Newark, N. J., and was admitted
as an attorney in 1S27 and as counsellor in 1830.

In 1836 he was elected to congress and again in
1840. He was for a time the editor of the Bel-
videre Apollo and was the author of "Historical
Collections" — 1841.

He married Sarah Browne, who lived but a few
weeks after the marriage. He died at Belvidere,
November 14, 1845.

Elizabeth Fries Lummis was born at Sodus
Point, N. Y., in October, 1818, and was a daugh-
ter of William Nixon and Sarah (Maxwell) Lum-
mis. She wrote a volume of poems, which was
published in 1835; "Women of the American
Revolution," "Summer Rambles in the West,"
"Queens of American Society," and numerous
other works.

She married William H. Ellet, M. D., and died
June 3, 1877.

William Maxwell was a son of John and Mary
A. Clifford Maxwell, and was born in Greenwich
Township, Sussex County, N. J., May 5, 1785.
He attended Princeton College, graduating in
1804. After his graduation he studied law with
his brother, Hon. George C. Maxwell, at Flem-
ington, N. J., and was admitted to the bar in
1808 and became counsellor at law in 18 17. He
married January 16, 1812, Sarah Dusenbery, a
daughter of Maj. Henry Dusenbery, of New
Hampton, Hunterdon Count}', N. J., and had
seven children, viz.: Henry Dusenbery; Mary
Elizabeth, who married Hon. Washington Mc-
Cartney, of Easton, Pa.; Lydia Dusenbery, John,
William, Sarah and Joseph Warren.

He died August 20, 182S, at the age of forty-
three years. He was buried in the First Presby-
terian Church yard at Flemington, N. J., and his
grave is marked by the following tomb stone:
In Memory of
WILLIAM MAXWELL, Esq.
Councillor at Law.
Aequalege necessitas sortitur
insignes et imos.

Henry Dusenbery Maxwell was born in Flem-
ington, N. J., December 5, 1812, being the eldest
child of William Maxwell and Sarah Dusenbery,
his wife. His father dying, he at the age of fif-
teen years gave up the long cherished desire to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

527

enter Princeton College, for which he had pre-
pared himself to enter the sophomore class and
became an usher in the boarding school of Rev.
Robert Steel, D.D., at Abington, Pa.

March 3, 1829, he was appointed a midshipman
in the United States navy by Hon. Samuel L.
Southard, which he declined.

He shortly afterward began the study of law
with Nathaniel Saxton, continuing it under
Thomas A. Hartzell, of Somerville, and his cousin
John P. B. Maxwell, of Belvidere, N.J. He was
admitted to the bar of New Jersey September 4,
1S34, and opened an office in Phillipsburg, N. J.,
residing at the time at Easton, Pa. He was ad-
mitted to the bar of Northampton County Novem-
ber 25, 1834, and in 1835 he associated himself
with Hon. J. Madison Porter. He was deputy
attorney general for Northampton County in
1848-49. January 16, 1850, he was appointed
by President Taylor consul for the United
States at Trieste, in Austria, which position he
held for about a year, when he returned to the
practice of his profession. July 21, 1856, he was
appointed by Governor Pollock president judge of
the Third Judicial District, Pa., upon the death
of Hon. Washington McCartney, and was re-
appointed in 1862 by Gov. A. G. Curtin. He
married May 9, 1854, Maria Louisa Honeyman, a
daughter of John Honeyman, M. D. , of New
Gerrnautown, N. J., and had four children, viz.:
Laura; Mary Elizabeth, who married Henry Mc-
Keen, of Easton, Pa.; Henry D. and Lucy E.,
who married John Eyerman, of Easton, Pa. He
died at Easton, Pa., October 3, 1874.

"TRASTUS W. SUTTON, a wide-awake,

'(D hustling young business man of Lebanon,

_ Hunterdon County, is the proprietor of a

well-equipped and well-managed establishment.

Though he has conducted the same for a }'ear, he

has already built up a promising trade, and has a

hopeful future before him in the world of com-
merce. From his father he inherited keen finan-
cial ability, excellent judgment and wise fore-
sight, and it is safe to predict for him a prosper-
ous career.

The grandparents of our subject were Aaron
and Catherine Sutton, both of whom were natives
of Morris County, N. J. The grandfather died
before our subject was born, but the aged grand-
mother, born in 1800, lived until 1894. Their
family comprised seven children, of whom our
subject's father, Aaron S., was the fourth. The
others were: Julia A., who became the wife of
William Eick, of Lebanon, and is now deceased;
Mary E., wife of Richard Stevens, of Milldale,
N. J. ; Jane, deceased, formerly the wife of George
Fleming, of Fairmount, Hunterdon County;
Hannah, Mrs. Philip Schuyler Naughtright, of
Morris County; Elizabeth, deceased, formerly the
wife of George S. Hoffman, of Parker, Morris
County; and Laura, who died in girlhood.

During the greater part of his life Aaron S.
Sutton has been engaged in merchandising in the
town of Parker, Morris County. He makes a
specialty of buying country produce and selling
the same in the markets of Newark, N. J. He
has met with very good success, and is still as
active as ever in the management of his affairs.
His first marriage was with Sarah Anderson,
by whom he had three children, viz.: Austin E.,
now living in Newark; Elias B., who is engaged
in general merchandising in Parker; and Edward,
a physician located in German Valley, Morris
County. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Sutton married the lady who now bears his name,
then Mary E. Apgar. The three children born
to them are: E. W. , Eli L. and Roy.

Erastus W. Sutton is a native of Morris County,
his birth having occurred in Parker May 10,
1876. He received a liberal education in the
public schools of that locality, and when only
nineteen years of age entered the store at
Lebanon as a clerk with his elder brother, A. E.
When he was twenty he took entire charge of the
concern, under the firm name of E. W. Sutton,
and has wisely and systematically managed the

528

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business since. He keeps a complete stock of
general merchandise, such as is usually carried
in a first-class general store, and by his fairness
of dealing, his unfailing courtesy of manner and
desire to meet the wishes of his customers, he has
made an enviable reputation. He takes great
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of
the town, and issues his right of franchise in
favor of the nominees of the Democratic party.

HOWARD SERVIS, M. D. For a period of
over twenty years this sterling old citizen of
Junction, Hunterdon County, has been
located here, and actively engaged in practice.
He stands deservedly high, not only in the re-
gard of his neighbors and associates, but among
his professional brethren, and even with those of
the opposite school of medicine, and one and all
have naught but the kindest words of praise for
him. He is a general favorite wherever he
goes, and his cheerful, sympathetic presence is a
blessing in any sick-room. He is devoted to his
work, and has always put his whole soul and
heart into the calling. The physician wields an
influence, perhaps even greater than does the
minister, as his mission is one of practical help to
those who are suffering and in need of sub-
stantial aid, and he rarely realizes what a power
for good and elevation of those who come be-
neath his notice is his. A few words of sym-
pathy, spiritual help and comfort make an im-
pression upon the susceptible heart of the pa-
tient or his friends that is never forgotten, and
when this is done in a loving manner the phy-
sician is fulfilling the noblest part of his mani-
fold duties.

Dr. Servis is a native of this county, having
been born in or near Ringoes, October 6, 1829.
His paternal grandfather was John Servis, who
lived during the greater part of his career near
Ringoes, but who was in Bucks County, Pa., for

a period. There his son Garrett, father of the
doctor, was born, November 7, 1801. The
latter was practically self-educated, but, being
naturally a great student, became well posted
on various subjects. He was but nineteen when
he successfully passed the required examination
and obtained a school. In order to retain the
same he was obliged to study industriously each
evening, that he might keep ahead of his pupils.
Success came to him, however, as a reward for
his perseverance and hard work, and for over
twenty years he was occupied in training the
young idea. He served two years in the legis-
lature, and in 1S47 was elected sheriff of the
county. He was an ardent supporter of the Dem-
ocratic party. After his three years' term as
sheriff he turned his attention to farming for
several years, later engaging in the drug busi-
ness in Clinton. He was thus occupied up to
the time of his death, which was very sudden,
the cause being apoplexy. This event trans-
pired on the 12th of December, 1862. While
a resident of Clinton he was justice of the
peace five years, and was postmaster of the
town in 1857. He was greatly respected and
his advice was sought and deferred to by nu-
merous of his neighbors and friends. In 1828 he
married Susan Stout, a great-granddaughter of
John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration
of Independence. They became the parents of
three children: Howard; Emily, who married E.
V. Parry, of Clinton; and one who died in early
childhood.

Dr. Howard Servis, of this sketch, received ex-
cellent educational advantages, for his father was
determined that his only boj^ should be accorded
privileges that he had himself longed for in vain
in his youth. After leaving the local academy
Dr. Servis went to Philadelphia, where for four
or five years he was in mercantile life. When
he was about twenty-one he commenced the
study of medicine and in the spring of 1S58 was
graduated from the University of Pennsylvania
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In the
two years that followed he practiced his chosen
profession in Fairmount, Tewksbury Township,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD.

529

then locating in the neighboring town of New
Hampton. In 1876 he came to Junction, where
he has ever since made his home. He is a mem-
ber of Mansfield Lodge No. 46, F. & A. M., of
Washington, N. J., and politically is a Democrat.
He attends Musconetcong Valley Presbyterian
Church, to which he is a generous contributor.
June 12, 1867, he married Belinda, daughter of
Philip Johnson, of Washington, N. J. Their
eldest- born died in infancy; the second child,
Florence, is the wife of Prof. Robert D. Petty, of
the New York Taw School; and Howard, Jr., is
an enterprising young business man of Junction.

Q ACOB F. FOX is one of the leading business
I men of Hunterdon County, and by his enter-
(2/ prising and progressive ideas, energy and
perseverance has built up a very extensive and
lucrative trade. Outside some of the larger cities
he has undoubtedly as flourishing and well-
equipped a department store as can be found in
this state. He stands high in the respect of all
with whom he has been brought into business re-
lations, and thoroughly deserves the confidence
which is bestowed upon him by his neighbors and
patrons. In religious work and matters affecting
the general public he takes an active part, and
everything deserving of his support in this vicin-
ity is sure of receiving the same without stint.
He has been a resident of Annandale for the past
sixteen years, and during this period has been
thoroughly identified with the best interests of
the town.

The father of our subject was Charles Fox, a
native of Bucks County, Pa. He came to this
county when he was a youth of eighteen years,
and thenceforth devoted his life to agricultural
pursuits. Having purchased a portion of the old
Taylor estate he continued to dwell thereon dur-
ing the rest of his days. This farm is situated
near High Bridge, in the township of the same

name, but then called Clinton. He died, loved
and honored by a wide circle of friends, in Octo-
ber, 1881. His wife, formerly Eliza Gano, was
born May 18, 1805, and died October 7, 1890.
They were both buried in the Clinton Presbyte-
rian Cemetery'. Their children were: Elizabeth,
born October 24, 1826, wife of Robert Brown, of
Elizabeth, N. J.; Charlotte H., born October 23,

1 83 1, and now the wife of William Yawger, of
Elizabeth, N. J.; John G., born December 4,

1832, now a wholesale grocer of Winterset, Iowa;
Mary A., born February 22, 1836, and now the
wife of Charles Opedyke, of this county; George
G. , born December 16, 1837; Rachel, who was
born May 1, 1840, married Samuel Weller and
died in April, 1880; Charles, born April 10, 1842,
and died July 7, 1843; and Jacob F., of this
sketch.

Our subject's birth occurred February 11, 1846.
He lived on farms until 1878, when he embarked
in the world of business on East Broadway, New
York City. At the end of a year he returned to
High Bridge, in the neighborhood of his old home,
and there opened a shoe store. This enterprise
he conducted about a year, then selling out he
bought the tract of ground on which his present
store now stands. He carried on a hardware bus-
iness here for several years, his location being
near the depot. In the fall of 1886 he erected a
new building and removed to his present place of
business. From time to time he has made addi-
tions to the original establishment until he has a
veritable department store such as may be seen in
the great cities. The building is 48x136 feet in
dimensions, is modern and well lighted. Among
the kinds of stock that the proprietor carries we
mention the following: Hardware, dry goods and
carpets, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware,
silverware and jewelry, and an exceptionally well-
selected line of furniture.

His busy life has prevented Mr. Fox from tak-
ing any particular concern in, political matters,
though he is always prompt in voting for the Dem-
ocratic candidates. For a quarter of a century he
has held membership with the Reformed Church,
and for two decades of this period he has served

53Q

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the congregation as a deacon, elder, or in some
other official capacity. Socially he belongs to
Castle No. 41, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of
Annandale, and is also a member of Rialto Lodge
No. 161, I. O. O. F., of High Bridge. In the
last-mentioned order he has filled all the chairs,
and is past noble grand. To all worthy benevo-
lences he is liberal, and many a person who has
met with reverses and affliction has been quietly
and unostentatiously helped and materially en-
couraged by his judicious advice and timely aid.

REV. ISAAC L. KIP has been for the past
five years pastor of the Reformed Church of
High Bridge, Hunterdon County, having a
most flourishing congregation. Both pastor and
people are happy and satisfied in witnessing the
progress of the noble work which they have un-
dertaken together, and in this community their
light is indeed not hid under a bushel. In gen-
eral, the citizens of this locality are peaceful,
law-abiding, honest and industrious, and it is a
pleasure to be called to labor among such a class.
The grandfather of our subject was Isaac L.
Kip, a native of New York City, and a well-
known member of the legal profession in hisda3'.
He was equally high in his standing in the Re-
formed Church. His sou, Francis M., father of
our subject, was born in the same metropolis,
was a graduate of Columbia College, and devoted
his life to the ministry. His first charge was in
Bloomingdale, since absorbed by New York City,
the church being situated on the Boulevard and
Sixty-eighth street, and now one of the wealth-
iest congregations in the city. Later Mr. Kip
was actively occupied in the organization of the
Reformed Church on Ninetieth street, and after
laboring there five years he went to Fishkill, N.
Y. , where he remained until 1S70. He then lo-
cated on Staten Island, becoming associated with
the Seaman's Retreat (now the United States

Marine Hospital) in the capacity of chaplain, and
this position he held up to the time of his death
in 1888. To himself and wife, whose maiden
name was Mary R. Bayard, six children were
born, viz.: Harriet B., who died in infanc}';
Harriet Bayard (the second of the name) now a
resident of Brooklyn; Isaac Livingstone; Mary
R. , wife of J. Vanwick Vandervoort, connected
with the Bank of America; Rev. Francis M., of
Harlingen, N. J.; and Sarah, whose death oc-
curred January 1, 1892.

The birth of Isaac L. Kip occurred in New
York, March 10, 1835. When he was an infant,
his parents removed to Fishkill, and there he was
reared to maturity. He was educated in the
higher branches in the Fishkill Academy and in
Rutgers College in New Brunswick, N. J. He
then took up the study of law, under the direc-
tion of Livingston K. Miller, of New York City,
and later was with Judge Fullerton, of Newburg,
N. Y., for two years. About this time he de-
cided that it was his duty to give up his other
plans and devote himself to the ministry, and he
accordingly entered the New Brunswick Theo-
logical Seminary, graduating therefrom in 1S61.
He was called to the Reformed Church of East
Williamsburg, N. Y. (now a portion of Brook-
lyn), and was ordained in October, 1861. After
a year had rolled away he resigned in order that
he might become chaplain in the ar"my. He was
with the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth New
York Regiment during the years of 1S62 and
1863. From 1864 to 1867 he was in charge of a
congregation in Stuyvesant Falls, N. Y., the next
eight years was located in Schodack Landing;
following was pastor of a church at Peekskill
four and a-half years; then was the occupant of
the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church at Patti-
son, N. Y., nine years; was near Albany, N. Y.,
three years, at a town called Watervliet, and
from there proceeded to New Brunswick, and a
a year later came to his present pastorate. He
has been very zealous in the good work of up-
lifting mankind, and has been a power for righte-
ousness wherever he has labored. For ten or
more years the contributions of his pen to lead-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

53i

ing journals have been eagerly looked for, and he
has devoted considerable time to authorship. Pie
has always been a deep thinker, and is never
happier than when in the midst of his books and
studies. He is identified with the Republican
part}' politically.

October 6, 1881, the marriage of Mr. Kip and
Mary D. Osborne, daughter of Alfred and Eliza-
beth (Van Hagen) Ostrom, was solemnized.
She was born at Stockport, N. Y. , and by her
marriage has become the mother of two children,
Cornelia N. and Mary Bayard. Her father was
a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and was a
prominent and public-spirited citizen in this com-
munity.

^EORGE WYCKOFF CUMMINS, M. D.,
__ Ph. D. In every live and thriving com-
,_J munity there must be some particularly en-
terprising and energetic spirits who push ahead
and lead the way to triumph. The progressive
town of Belvidere has been more than ordinary
fortunate in the class of men who have been oc-
cupied in professional and commercial pursuits
here, and among the comparatively recent addi-
tions to her loyal citizens is the gentleman whose
name heads this sketch. He is in the prime of
early manhood and possesses genius, ambition
and, withal, well-balanced ideas and high prin-
ciples of conduct. In addition to the private
practice of his profession, he has been jail sur-
geon for four years, is secretary of the board of
health, member of the board of education and is
also examiner for a leading insurance company.
He is president of the Warren County Medical
Society, quite an unusual honor for a young
physician. He is the author of a number of arti-
cles on scientific and medical subjects.

The family of which Dr. Cummins is a repre-
sentative can be traced back to the middle ages
of European history. Their surname probably
came from that of the town in which they dwelt,

as many of the surnames of that time and place
originated from, or were suggested by, similar
surroundings or localities. History relates that
one Robert Comyns left his home in Comiues,
France, to accompany William the Conqueror
and seven hundred picked men who went into
the northern provinces of England, for the pur-
pose of subduing the inhabitants. In the middle
of the thirteenth century four Scottish earls of the
Comyns family were destroyed by Robert Bruce.
The sole survivor of the line escaped to England,
there establishing important connections. The
first of the name to settle in America was Chris-
teon Cummins, born March 16, 17 16. He sailed
to Philadelphia in the good ship Molly, lauding
on these hospitable shores in the autumn of 1741,
and subsequently buying a farm at Asbury, War-
ren County, N. J.

Simon A. Cummins was born in Vienna, War-
ren County, and for years was not only an enter-
prising farmer, but also a manufacturer of agrir
cultural implements. An ardent Democrat, he
held numerous local and county offices, and for
a long period he was an official member of the
Christian Church. He died in 1891. His faith-
ful wife, Mar}', daughter of Cornelius Carhart, of
this county, is now in her sixty -fifth year. They
were the parents of four children. The eldest,
Jacob, resides in Oxford Township, this county;
the second-born, R. A., resides in Vienna.
Theodore, a resident of Dover, N. J., is now a
non-commissioned officer in the Second Regiment
of New Jersey Volunteers, in the Spanish war.
The youngest of the sons, our subject, was born
in Vienna, Warren County, March 2, 1865. In
his youth he attended Hackettstown Institute,
graduating from the same in 1881. He then en-
tered Yale College, from which he graduated in
1884, and for four years afterwards he was in-
structor in mathematics and chemistry at his
alma mater. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy
was bestowed upon him by Yale in 1887. As
his determination to enter the medical profession
had now matured, he took up the necessary
studies and was duly graduated from the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City,

532

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with the degree of M. D. in 1890. For the past
eight years he has been established in practice
in Belvidere, where he has gained an enviable
reputation for skill and ability in his chosen field
of labor.

In the summer of 1897 Dr. Cummins organ-
ized the West Jersey Telephone Company and
built lines in this county, connecting with many
important towns, thus starting an industry that
has proved of the greatest importance to this part
of the state. In political belief he is a Democrat.
June 14, 1890, he married Annie Blair Titman,
daughter of William Blair Titman, whose sketch
and portrait appear in this volume. For a year
or more the young couple traveled in Europe and
visited most of the famous places of interest and
historical association, thus greatly broadening
their mental horizon and acquiring a cosmopoli-
tan culture.

-4-—J »>3+^

•>.«-C^ 1 — i

"HEODORE B. FULPER, M. D., is recog-
nized among his professional brethren as
one of the rising young physicians of this
section of New Jersey, and has been located in the
pretty town of Glen Gardner for the past nine
years. During this period he has met with
gratifying success in his loved work, and has
built up not only a remunerative practice, but a
reputation for skill and general ability that is
truly enviable. He is a student, takes the lead-
ing medical journals and makes it his business to
keep thoroughly abreast of all modern discoveries
and improvements on the old S3'stems in vogue.
The paternal grandfather of the doctor was
Jacob Fulper, who, with his two brothers, founded
the family in this county. The father of our
subject, Lemuel L. Fulper, is a native of Bethle-
hem Township, his birth having taken place on
his father's homestead there. He was interested
in teaching in the common schools of this county
for a number of years in his early manhood, and

later devoted his energies to the management of
a mercantile establishment in Junction, in part-
nership with M. D. Wells. After several years
spent in this manner, he moved to Pattenburg,
where he was similarly occupied for a few years
more, his partner this time being Alfred Marti-
nus. The last years of his life he is spending
quietly in his pleasant home in Junction. He
married Elizabeth Curling, and six of the children
who came to bless their home are still living,
viz.: H. S.; Theodore B., of this sketch; Elmer
W. , now a student in the theological seminary at
Gettysburg, with the view of entering the minis-
try; Luella, wife of William Albright, a student
in the Medico-Chirurgical College in Philadelphia;
and Hattie and Blanche, who are with their par-
ents.

Dr. Fulper was born November 16, 1867, in
Pattenburg, Hunterdon County, and was reared
amid the loving influences of a good home.
After completing his education in the common
schools he determined to enter the profession to
which he now belongs, and to that end took up
the study of medicine. In the fall of 18S6 he was
enrolled as a scholar in the Jefferson Medical
College in the Quaker city and was graduated
from that well-known institution in the class of
'89. He at once located in Glen Gardner, and
has worked his wa3' upward to a position
of respect and influence by his own intrinsic
merits. In his political attitude he is usually
independent, but has often given his ballot to
the Prohibition party candidates (hopeless mi-
nority). He is past sachem of Shabbekong Tribe
No. 46, Improved Order of Red Men, of Junction,
and belongs to Mosconetcong Lodge No. 98,
K. P., of Junction. A worthy member of the
Patriotic Order Sons of America, he is connected
with Glen Gardner Camp No. 40. In his church
relations he is a great worker and is a valued
member of the Lutheran denomination. For
about eight years he has officiated as a deacon in
the Glen Gardner church.

October 12, 1892, Dr. Fulper married Carrie
Pettenger, whose parents, Dr. A. S. and Emily
(Case) Pettenger, were old citizens of this place.

A. B. NASH, M. I).

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

535

The father was actively engaged in practice here
for about twelve years, his labors being cut short
by death September 3, 1SS6. The only sister of
Mrs. Fulper was Elizabeth Y., now deceased.

Gl B. NASH, M. D., a leading physician of
I I Frenchtown, N. J., was born in Bucks Coun-
/ I ty, Pa., August 11, 1852. Dr. Nash is one
of a type of American citizens of whom any com-
munity may well be proud. He is the scion of
one of those early German pioneer families who
came from the Fatherland to find homes among
the "blue hills and purple valleys" of Pennsyl-
vania, and who with their descendants settled in
the eastern counties of the Keystone state and
established the communities and laid out so
many of those model farms which are noted to this
day for their beauty, the richness of their crops and
the thrift of the husbandmen residing on their
broad acres.

Born on the farm a raw country lad, whose
sole heritage was a good constitution, and an in-
born desire to be a man among men, young Nash
attended school in the district in which he was
born in the winter, and in remaining months of
the year worked on the farm, at the same time
laying a good foundation in brawn and muscle for
the trials of a physician's life. From a pupil he
rose to the position of a successful teacher, which
calling he followed for five years. He then
placed himself under the direction of Dr. D. P.
Moyer, of Bucks County, Pa., with whom he read
medicine. He then matriculated at the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where, after
taking the full course in the medical department,
he graduated in 1876. Since then, through all
the trials and vicissitudes that commonly fall to
the lot of a young physician building up a prac-
tice, he has, by his own unaided energy and de-
termination, buoyed up by an ever-increasing in-
terest in his chosen profession, pushed his way to

the front as one of the most successful physicians
in his vicinity, and stands to-day in the proud
position of a self-made man, reaping the well-
earned reward of twenty-two years' active service
as a physician.

After leaving the university in 1876 Dr. Nash
located in Ottsville, Bucks County, Pa., where he
practiced eleven years. In 1888, feeling a desire
to connect himself with a larger community, and
at the earnest solicitation of friends, he settled in
Frenchtown, where he has since practiced. Open-
ing an office in a field already long and well oc-
cupied, he has in the succeeding years built up a
large and lucrative practice in Frenchtown and
the surrounding villages and country.

Dr. Nash first married in 1878, but suffered the
loss of his wife in 1888. She died leaving no
children. In 1890 he married Mrs. Eliza (Haney)
Duckworth, and they have one son, Roscoe J.

Aside from the duties of his profession, Dr.
Nash has never failed to make a large circle of
social and political friends wherever he has set-
tled. As a young man he was active in politics,
ardently supporting the Republican party and
its candidates, an allegiance which he has main-
tained to the present time. In 1896 he was
elected coroner of Hunterdon County.

Fraternally Dr. Nash is connected with Orion
Lodge No. 56, F. & A. M., of Frenchtown, N.
J., in which he is a past master, and also a mem-
ber of Wilson Chapter No. 13, R. A, M., and
St. Elmo Commandery No. 14, K. T., of Lam-
bertville, N. J. He is also a member of Home
Lodge No. 95, K. of P., of Frenchtown.

ROBBINS DUCKWORTH, one of the most
influential merchants of Hunterdon County,
was born in the vicinity of Clinton, July 3,
1840, and is a son of Philip and Sarah (McCrea)
Duckworth. His ancestors were among the early
settlers of this section of the state, and for several

536

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

generations followed agricultural pursuits, our
subject being the first to enter a mercantile career.
His father, Philip Duckworth, is still well remem-
bered in this vicinity as a man of upright, honor-
able character, kind and generous in his treat-
ment of his fellow-men and thoroughly lovable in
his home associations. Both he and his wife were
natives of this county .where their entire lives were
spent. He was prominently identified with the
agricultural interests of the community, and emi-
nently successful in his farming enterprise. His
death occurred some years after the demise of his
esteemed wife.

Our subject, Robbins, received his early edu-
cation in the district schools of his native place,
and later for a time was a student in Claverack
Institute, at Claverack, N. Y. Subsequently he
returned to Hunterdon County and for the five
succeeding years was employed in teaching
school. In 1862 he began his commercial career,
entering the employ of William M. Shipman, of
Clinton, a dealer in general merchandise. In
1867 he, with J. K. Hoffman and Peter Case,
formed the firm of Hoffman, Case & Duckworth,
engaging in general merchandising. This venture
proved successful, the firm soon becoming a lead-
ing factor in the business circles of the count}'.
Changes were made in the personnel of the firm
from time to time, but Mr. Duckworth remained
continuously in the business.

In 1891 a disastrous fire destroyed nearly the
whole business section of Clinton, and their bus-
iness was swept away. Immediately following
this loss, Mr. Duckworth began the erection of
the premises now occupied by his firm, and on
completion of the building he took into partner-
ship Mansfield G. (his eldest son) and E. C. Moke
(a son-in-law), the style of the firm being R.
Duckworth & Co. Continued success has fol-
lowed the new establishment, and they are recog-
nized as the leading firm of Clinton. To the un-
tiring efforts of Mr. Duckworth, who possesses
commercial and executive ability of a high order,
much of the success of the firm is due, and he is
held in high esteem by fellow-merchants, as a man
of strict integrity and conservative business

methods. He is ever}7 ready to assist in any enter-
prise tending to improve the interest of the com-
munity and is an energetic and progressive citizen.
Politically he is a Republican, and although in
no wise a politician, has been called upon to fill
several positions in the gift of the people. It is
needless to say, his administration of his duties
while serving in such offices was admirable, and
always marked with the same faithfulness which
has brought success in his own private enterprise.
He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow
orders of Clinton.

In 1865 he married Roxana, daughter of George
Gulick, a prominent citizen of Clinton. To them
have been born four children: Mary, wife of E.
C. Moke; Mansfield G., Laura and Leroy.

(JOHN W. DEHART is one of the most en-
I terprising and aggressive business men, not
(2/ only of his home place, Bloomsbury, but of
Hunterdon County. He has lived here for the
past twenty years and during this period has been
foremost in the support of local industries, im-
provements, and everything which he believed
would make for the public benefit. He is inter-
ested in agriculture, dealing in live stock, and has
many other business concerns. He is the presi-
dent of the Bloomsbury Canning Company, which,
in 1897, canned two hundred thousand cans of
peaches and sixty thousand cans of tomatoes.
This is one of the young industries of the place
and is rapidly gaining prominence.

The paternal grandfather of the above, Isaac
Dehart, was a native of this state and was a farmer
by occupation. He married Dorothy Smith, by
whom he had eleven children, of whom William
was the eldest. The latter, father of our subject,
was born March 4, 1815, on a farm lying between
Bloomsbury and Asbury. He became largely in-
terested in cattle dealing, buying and selling stock
in all parts of this county. March 17, 1S50, he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

537

removed to New York City, where he embarked
in the commission business, and during the six
years of his residence there he transacted about the
most extensive business of an}^ firm in his line.
From 1856 until the war broke out he made his
home in Valparaiso, Ind., then enlisting for three
years in the Twentieth Indiana Regiment. He
took part in a number of battles and engagements,
and received an honorable discharge in Jefferson-
ville, July 12, 1865. Upon his return home he
engaged in gardening until his death, which oc-
curred in 1890. He was a Democrat in his polit-
ical views, and religiously was a Methodist. His
wife was Elizabeth Osborne in her girlhood, her
home being in West Portal, Hunterdon County.
They have four children, all of whom are living.
Isaac located in Nashville, Tenn. , after the war
and is a manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds;
Mary Elizabeth is the widow of Samuel Kees, of
Nashville; Lydia Ann is the wife of W. H. H.
Price, now of Atlanta, Ga.

John W. Dehart was born in Asbury, Hunter-
don County, August 21, 1842, and was afforded
excellent educational privileges. He was for six
3'ears a student in the schools of New York, and
later pursued a business course of training in the
Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College of New-
ark, N. J. In 1858 he returned to his native
place from Indiana, whither he had gone with the
family, and found employment with his uncle
Isaac, who was then running a hotel. At the end
of a year and a-half our subject went into busi-
ness on his own account as a buyer and seller of
live stock. September 4, 1861, he enlisted in
Company H, Eighth New Jersey Regiment, and
was in active service until he was wounded at the
battle of Chancellorsville, May 5, 1863. He had
participated in the engagements of Williamsburg,
Fair Oaks, Fredericksburg, Seven Days' Fight
in the Wilderness, and many others. He started
in as a corporal and won his way upward to the
rank of sergeant-major by his own merit and gal-
lant service. For over a year he languished in
various hospitals, being transferred from one to
another, from the one in Washington to that on
Bedloe's Island, thence to one on Long Island,

and finally was honorably discharged September
4, 1864. Upon his recovery he returned to As-
bury and continued his former occupation of deal-
ing in cattle.

In the spring of 1878 he came to Bloomsbury
and has since given much attention to agriculture
and kindred things. He owns a fine farm of
three hundred acres and regularly employs five
men to manage the place. Under his judicious
policy the Bloomsbury Canning Company is flour-
ishing, and on his farm are raised the tomatoes
that are canned in the factory. He assisted in
the organization of the Gleitz Piano Company,
which has since gone out of existence, but he
gave no attention to the business, as he was fully
occupied with his other interests. He is vice-
president of the Bloomsbury Cemetery Associa-
tion. In politics he is a Democrat, and in re-
ligion is a Methodist. He materially aids in
meeting the expenses of the church and is liberal
with his means on behalf of the needy.

October 19, 1865, Mr. Dehart married Mary
J., daughter of Charles Stewart, of Asbury. She
was born in Little York, Hunterdon County, and
is a most estimable lady. An almost insupport-
able grief came to our subject and wife in 1871,
when both of their children were stricken and
died with that dread disease, scarlet fever. They
were bright and promising little ones: Eva, aged
four years and eight months; and Charles, aged
two years and eight months.

ON. GEORGE F. MARTENS, Jr., who was
elected to the New Jersey legislature in the
fall of 1896 and is now serving his second
term in that honorable body, is a young man of
most promising future, both in the financial and
political world. He possesses that energy and
straightforwardness of purpose that is rarely de-
feated, and when circumstances are too strong for
him, he has a fortitude of spirit and strength of

538

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

character that rise triumphantly above discour-
agement. He is the youngest member of the
house ever elected from Hunterdon County, and
though his party (Democratic) was in a hopeless
minority, there being only four representatives of
it in the assembly during the winter of 1896, he
was given positions on several important com-
mittees and acquitted himself with distinction.
The most important of the committees on which
he acted was that on corporations, and the
following session he was again appointed on
the same, also on the committees of the state
board of health, the Industrial School for Girls
and the state hospital. He was but eighteen
years old when his enthusiasm for his party
affairs led him to take an active part in its
welfare, and he has attended almost all of the con-
ventions, whether local or general, since. He
was elected and served with credit to himself and
constituents as clerk of his home township during
a period of three years.

A native of Brooklyn, born February 21, 1867,
George F. Martens, Jr., is a grandson of Chris-
topher Martens, a wealthy German, who, for
years was engaged in the wholesale grocery bus-
iness in New York City, at the corner of Duane
and Elm streets. This valuable corner property
is still in the possession of the family. Of the
four children of the said Christopher, the eldest is
George F. Martens, father of our subject. He
was reared in New York City, received an excel-
lent education, and graduated from the New York
Law School in 1861. He has achieved an enviable
reputation in his profession and confines his at-
tention to that branch of the subject comprised
under real-estate law. By the leading members
of the bar he is esteemed to be one of their bright-
est lights in his chosen field. In 1866 he was
united in marriage with Maggie R., daughter of
Samuel Clark, one of the old and most highly re-
spected citizens of New Germautown. They had
three children, George F., Jr., Bertha C. and
Raymond V. The last-mentioned is deceased.
Mr. Martens has always given his allegiance to
the Democratic party, but has neither sought nor
desired office.

The first six years in the life of George F.
Martens, Jr., were passed in his native city.
Death deprived him then of a tender and affect-
ionate mother, and the home was broken up.
The lad came to New Germantown to live with
his grandfather Clark, and here and in Somerville
his education was gained in the public schools.
When he was eighteen years of age he went to
New York City and began the study of law in his
father's office. He pursued this business for about
five years, in the meanwhile being also occupied
in searching records. At twenty-four he started
into the wholesale commission business, and
though at first he had not a single shipper pledged
to him, he transacted a trade amounting to $400,-
000 that first year. His success has been truly
remarkable and gives evidence of his practical
ability and systematic methods. He continues to
make his home in New Germantown, where he
has hosts of devoted friends, but from Monday
morning until Saturday his business keeps him in
the metropolis. Socially he is a member of
Vesper Lodge No. 267, I. O. O. F., of Lebanon,
N. J. While not identified with any denomina-
tion, he is liberal in his support of both of the
churches in New Germantown, and he is ever
ready to lend a kind and helping hand to the poor
and afflicted.

+>wQv\«

P^ETER S. SHURTS, a prosperous merchant
LS of Junction, Hunterdon County, is one of
\S the most aggressive business men of this
section of the county. He owns and occupies a
modern and well-appointed store building, heated
by steam and first-class in every respect. Here
may be found a well-selected stock of general dry
goods and notions, and in the neatly kept outer
buildings connected with the store is a line of
farm supplies, flour, feed, grain, etc. Though
he has met with severe reverses at times, Mr.
Shurts has persevered and has eventually won the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

539

victory over circumstances. He is entitled to
success, for he has made a brave fight in the bat-
tle of life and has depended solely upon himself.

The parents of the above were George F. and
Mary A. (Snyder) Shurts, both natives of this
county. In later life he was an employe of the
Central Railroad of New Jersey, his home being
in North Junction. Formany years he was town-
ship constable here and occupied other local of-
fices. He was an official member of the Baptist
Church of Junction, being a deacon of the same
for years prior to his death. He was also
a member of the Masonic fraternity. His death
took place in July, 1896, when he was in his
seventy-eighth year. His father was Jacob
Shurts, of German descent. -and a native of this
county. The family of George F. and Mary A.
Shurts comprised four children, viz.: Jacob, an
engineer on the Central Railroad of New Jersey;
Peter S. ; Mary E. , who first married John M.
Hummer, and is now the wife of George W.
Oliver, of this town, an engineer on the Central
Railroad; and Sarah A., who is unmarried.

Peter S. Shurts was born near this place Feb-
ruary 9, 1850, and remained at home until he
was fifteen. He then entered the employ of M.
D. Wells, in a general store which he conducted
in this town. A year later the youth became an
employe of the Central Railroad in the car shops
here, serving an apprenticeship of four years to
the machinist's trade, and then continuing four
years longer with the company. From that time
until the plant was removed from Phillipsburg
he was with the Phillipsburg Bridge Works, later
entering the machine shops of the Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western in Junction. When
they were closed in 1870 he entered into partner-
ship with P. S. Srope, and opened a general mer-
chandise store in this town.

At the end of six months Mr. Shurts bought
his partner's interest, and has since conducted
the business alone. In 1892 he erected a store
building on the site of his present one, and it was
destroyed by fire February 21, 1896, with the en-
tire stock. The loss was $3,000, a severe one to a
young man who had just managed to get a

promising start on the high road to success, but
he rallied his forces, and with redoubled energy
took up the burden again. The next autumn
he rebuilt his store, where the other had stood,
and has gone on with increasing patronage and
assurance of ultimate success. He is the owner
of one of the best farms in this portion of the
county, it being known as Drake homestead. It
is situated in Bethlehem Township, consists of
one hundred and sixty-seven acres, and has two
sets of farm buildings upon the place. This
property he rents to responsible tenants.

Politically Mr. Shurts is a Democrat. Presi-
dent Cleveland appointed him postmaster of Junc-
tion during his first term and he officiated in
that capacity for five years, later holding the
same position four years under the second term of
Cleveland. In March, 1895, he was elected a
member of the town council, and has since acted
as such. At various times he has represented his
home district in the conventions of his party, and
is an acknowledged leader in its councils. Fra-
ternally he is a Mason, having been identified
with the order for twenty-six years. He has
passed all the chairs in Lebanon Lodge No. 6, of
Glen Gardner. He holds membership with the
Presbyterian Church and has been secretary and
treasurer of the board of trustees for a period of
five years.

December 9, 1876, Mr. Shurts married Anna,
daughter of E. G. and Elizabeth (Cramer) Rid-
dle, of Junction. They have two sons and a
daughter, Bertha, George J. and James R. The
latter is a graduate of Stewart's Business College
of Trenton, and is now the bookkeeper of the
Trenton Gas Company.

ANSING B. BAKER was a prominent mer-
|iL chant of Clinton, Hunterdon County, until
|_^ within the past few years, when he retired
from the commercial world to a large extent. He
is entitled to a place among the men who have

54°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been influential in the prosperity and progress of
this portion of the state of New Jersey. Though
not one of her native sons, the greater part of his
life has been spent in this immediate locality, and
since arriving at mature years he has been deeply
interested in the development of the natural re-
sources of the county, and the establishment of
still better systems, industries and institutions to
promote the welfare of its people.

The birth of L,- B. Baker took place in the
Quaker city April 5, 1842, he being a son of Rev.
J. J. Baker, whose history may be found in con-
junction with that of Judge W. H. Baker, else-
where in this volume. Until he was about eleven
years of age the subject of this sketch was a
pupil in the excellent public schools of his native
city, after which he removed with his parents
to this county. When he started out in his busi-
ness career he found employment with a New
York firm as a collector. In 1861 he settled per-
manently in Clinton, and has lived here unin-
terruptedly since. At first, for two years or more,
he worked as a clerk for William M. Shipman in
a general store; then during the next six years
he was employed by Judge James P. Hoffman in
the same line of enterprise. Subsequently he was
taken into partnership with that gentleman and
together they carried on the business in harmony
and with success for ten years. His next ven-
ture was in a different direction, for he became
the proprietor of a drug store, which he con-
ducted until 1880, also managing a harness shop
at the same time. For the past eighteen years he
has given much attention to the raising of fruit
and stock on a valuable farm which he owns in
this township. He is a stanch Republican, and
has served as president of the Clinton Republican
Club. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd
Fellows.

October 27, 1875, Mr. Baker married Eliza K.
Probasco, daughter of John W. and Harriet Pro-
basco, all of this county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Baker was born a daughter, Harriet P., who is
her father's housekeeper, friend and companion
since the death of the beloved wife and mother,
August 2, 1890. Mr. Baker is a pillar in the

Presbyterian Church, having served as a member
of its board of trustees for the past fifteen years.
He is respected by all who have come within his
acquaintanceship, and he possesses the good will
and confidence of those who know him thor-
oughly.

7J APT. JOHN SHIELDS, an honored veteran
C of the Civil war, in which his service was
^J most gallant and distinguished, has a beauti-
ful home in Flemington, Hunterdon County.
Here he has dwelt for a quarter of a century,
taking an active part in everything tending to im-
prove and build up this locality, owning stock in
the Hunterdon County National Bank and other
enterprises of the town, and manifesting in numer-
ous ways his desire to promote the prosperity of
our inhabitants.

The captain deserves the commendation of all
for the sturdy, manly fight he has made with ad-
verse circumstances. He is justly entitled to
being termed self-made, as any one may see who
peruses his interesting history. He was born in
County Donegal, Ireland, May 8, 1839, and came
to America in 1848 with his mother and sister,
his father having preceded them about a year.
The head of the famil3' died in 1851, and as his
family were left without means, our subject was
obliged to start out to earn his own livelihood,
and thus had small chance for obtaining an edu-
cation. He commenced to learn the machinist's
trade and was employed at that calling at the out-
break of the war.

In September, 1861, John Shields enlisted in
Company E, Fifty-third Regiment of Pennsyl-
vania Infantry, being made first lieutenant of the
same. He was sent from Harrisburg to Wash-
ington, and soon transferred to Camp California,
near Alexandria, Va. The following May he
participated in the siege of Yorktowu, and in the
battle of Fair Oaks was in French's Brigade, First
Division, Second Army Corps. His captain was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

541

wounded there, and during the retreat or seven
clays' fight he was in command of his company,
who were employed in tearing down and destroy-
ing bridges along the way. From Malvern Hill
he went to Harrison's Landing, where his forces
were stationed during the most of July, 1862.
On the 1st of August they started for Alexandria
again, to take part in the second battle of Bull
Run, and were in the advance on Antietam.
After the encounter with the enemy there, Sep-
tember 17, 1862, he went to Harper's Ferry.

At the battle of Antietam, General Richardson
was mortally wounded, General Hancock was as-
signed to the command of the division in the
battle of Fredericksburg, and every officer in his
company was killed or wounded. Our subject
was also injured, and carried a bullet in his thigh
for a long time. When General Zook was made
provost-marshal, before the battle of Fredericks-
burg, he being senior first lieutenant was put in
command of five companies of his regiment; a
sixty days' leave of absence was given him on ac-
count of his wound. He joined his regiment in
February, 1863, and soon was engaged in the
battle of Chancellorsville, where he had charge of
the brigade skirmish line. His valiant service
here won official commendation. June 1, 1863,
he started for Gettysburg. He received his com-
mission as captain of his company while at home
on a furlough. During the second day's fight at
Gettysburg he received what was thought would
certainly prove a mortal wound. He was shot in
the throat, and, being taken to Stewart's Hos-
pital in Baltimore, the surgeons gave their verdict
that he could not possibly live. But the captain
possessed real Irish grit, and begged that an ope-
ration be performed, though the surgeons in-
formed him that there was scarcely one chance in
a thousand that he would recover from it. A pe-
culiar double tube was inserted in his throat, and,
to make a long story short, he at length gained
the victory, owing to his pluck and fine constitu-
tion. The medical records cite his case as one of
the most wonderful in medical science. Return-
ing home he recovered his strength, and in Octo-
ber of the same year he was determined to rejoin

his command, but his physician refused to grant
him permission. However, in the next February
he reported for duty, but caught a severe cold in
his throat, as yet, unhealed, and March 17, 1864,
yielded to fate, and resigned his commission.
Returning home, he was appointed provost-mar-
shal of Carbon County, Pa., serving as such un-
til May, 1865.

Captain Shields engaged in railroad business
after the war, and though he had no means at
first, soon became an important factor in the con-
struction of sections of railway lines. He has
taken and carried out contracts from the Lehigh
Valley, the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western,
the West Shore, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Illi-
nois Central and other leading corporations of
this part of the United States. He has great
business ability, foresight and excellent judgment
on financial matters, and by his talents, inherited
and acquired, has won a fortune and a high place
in the esteem of all who know him. Of late years
he has made fortunate investments in real estate,
and owns several farms, besides a beautiful home-
stead of one hundred acres adjoining this town.
His fine residence on this model farm is one of
the most substantial and handsome homes in cen-
tral or western New Jersey.

In politics the captain is strongly in favor of
the principles of the Republican party. He is
also a great friend to the public-school system, as
he is a man of liberal ideas, worthy of the pro-
gressive age in which we dwell. The fact, how-
ever, that he is by religion a Catholic, presup-
posed in the minds of many of our citizens that
he must therefore be opposed to our free and uu-
sectarian schools, and those who did not know
the man voted against him in 1894, when he was
a candidate on his party ticket for the position
of state senator, the charges being brought
against him at the last moment, when he had
no opportunity to answer them. In his own
vicinity, nevertheless, he ran ahead of his ticket,
for all persons here are aware of his patri-
otic standing on the subject. He is a prom-
inent figure in Grand Army circles, and was a
charter member of the post at Mauch Chunk, Pa.,

542

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

where he lived in 1869, and was its commander.
He has also been in a like position in the Flem-
ington Post, and was department commander for
New Jersey, resigning that office February 9,
1895.

During the war, while home on a furlough,
Captain Shields married Anna M. Curran and
they became the parents of four children, Annie
C, John F., Robert F. and Henry G. Their
sons attended St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y.,
and their daughter was educated at Chestnut
Hill, Philadelphia. The eldest son, John F., is
married and is in business with his father.

(DQlLLIAM H. REGER is the proprietor of
\ A / the White House Mills, located at Rock-
V V away Creek, Readington, Hunterdon
County, and is one of the most energetic and suc-
cessful business men of the township. He is a
practical miller, thoroughl}' understanding every
detail of the vocation and bringing to bear upon
the management of his affairs rare good judg-
ment and ability.

In tracing the history of our subject it is found
that his grandfather, John Reger, was the founder
of the family in Hunterdon County. The par-
ents of William H. were William J. and Mary
(Emmons) Reger, .both of whom were natives of
this county. The birth of our subject occurred
in Readington Township, September 6, 1855,
and here he passed his boyhood and youth, at-
tending the district schools and lending his aid to
his father in the management of the old farm.
He continued to be engaged in agricultural pur-
suits until 1888, when he purchased the mill
property of which mention was made at the be-
ginning of this sketch.

In the past ten years Mr. Reger has greath7
improved the mill, putting in a fine new roller-
process and in other material ways altering the
building and adding to the machinery and general

usefulness of the plant. The mill is a frame
structure, three stories and basement in height,
and 60x40 feet in dimensions. The mill is run b}*
water-power and a turbine wheel, and has a ca-
pacity of twenty-five barrels of flour every twenty-
four hours. Two or three men are necessary to
operate the mill when it is in full running order,
and the product of the plant finds ready sale in
this and adjacent towns, the surplus being
shipped to other points. The high-grade flour
going under the brand of "Pure Gold" is espe-
cially favored by the local trade, and a cheaper
grade is also manufactured here.

Mr. Reger married Sarah M. Dilts in 1879, and
three children have been born to them: Luella
William and Theodosia. Mrs. Reger is the
daughter of Jacob and Jane Ann (Voorhees)
Dilts, of this county, now deceased. In politics
our subject is a Democrat. Fraternall}' he is a
member of White House Lodge No. 207, I. O.
O. F. With his good wife he holds membership
in the Reformed Church. In this community,
where he has dwelt so long, he has a reputation
for straight dealing, integrity and correct busi-
ness methods of which he ma}' be justly proud.

"DMUND H. CARHART, who was the
>) mayor of Belvidere, Warren County, in
_ 1S96, is one of the native sons of this place,
one whom his fellow-citizens delight to honor.
Though his active business life, the prime of his
manhood, was spent in the great metropolis, New
York, he returned to the friends and scenes of his
youth when he had decided to retire from the
field of commercial activity. His career in the
world of finance was one fraught with success,
and is of interest to the general public as well as
to his numerous friends, as showing what may be
accomplished by a man of well-directed energies,
perseverance and correct principles.

The Carharts in New Jersey are descendants of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

543

a noble English family, noted for many superior
qualities of mind and character. Sir Thomas
Carhart, a son of Anthony Carhart, gentleman,
of County Cornwall, England, came to America
in August, 1683, as private secretary to Col.
Thomas Dongan English, governor to the colonies
in America at that date, and his posterity have
been residents of this state ever since. Mr. Car-
hart of this article has in his possession a book
giving the genealogy, family coat-of-arms, crest,
etc.

Theodore "Carhart, father of our subject, was
born in this county and for many years was en-
gaged in merchandising in Belvidere. He was
the proprietor of a large and successfully con-
ducted store, and was actively interested in all
local enterprises and promoted home industries.
One of the original members of the Methodist
Church of this place, he has been one of the
pillars and has been a leader in all of its man}'
departments of usefulness, contributing very
liberally toward its work. The entire confidence
and respect of his associates and acquaintances are
his, and his standing in the community as a man
of high honor, reliability and sterling worth is
one that may well be envied by all. His popu-
larity has often been manifested in the desire of
his townsmen that he should accept official posi-
tions. He was for several years town treasurer
and was twice elected to the office of mayor.

Edmund H. Carhart was born in Belvidere,
January 7, 1853, and was reared in this place, at-
tending our public schools. At eighteen he left
his studies to take a position in the store of a
relative and there he learned the fundamental
principles of business. February 6, 1872, he
went to New York City, where he had been
offered employment in the counting-room of his
second cousin, Thomas F. Carhart, senior mem-
ber of the firm of Carhart, Whitford & Co. From
the place of assistant bookkeeper the young man
was gradually promoted, until, at the age of
twenty-seven, he was admitted to the firm. By
the death of his cousin, December 6, 1882, he was
made one of the executors of his will and guardian
of his family. The firm was reorganized, his own

name being placed at the head of the business.
For years this firm have been numbered among
the leading manufacturers and wholesalers of
clothing in the United States, as their trade has
been remarkable, and they have branch stores in
the chief cities of this country. On account of
overwork and anxiety the health of Mr. Carhart
became impaired, and in 1886 he retired and re-
turned to Belvidere, where he has a beautiful
home. The firm with which he was connected
for so many years had a "benevolent account,"
a certain amount of their profits being set aside
each year for charity. Mr. Carhart was a mem-
ber of the Merchants' Club, of New York City,
and was about to become a member of the ex-
clusive Union League Club, of that city, when he
retired. In politics he is a Republican.

October 22, 1879, Mr. Carhart and Miss Mary
K., daughter of Henry Redfield, of Plainfield,
N. J., were united in marriage. She died in
August, 1880. The lady who now bears his
name was formerly Miss Diauna Sherlock Bel-
ford, she being a daughter of James Belford, of
Belvidere, formerly of Mauch Chunk, Pa. They
were married August 21, 1889, and are the par-
ents of two bright children, Edmund H., Jr., and
Mildred B.

-} — «';>»}-0v •;(<■♦ — «—

WESLEY S. HAWK, one of the most pro-
gressive farmers of Hunterdon County, has
resided upon his present homestead since
the spring of 1888. He makes a specialty of rais-
ing grain and also of the dairy business, in which
he has been quite successful. For the past few
years he has also raised peaches, but his attention
is given principally to dairying and raising grain.
He owns two tarms, one in Delaware Township
and one in Kingwood Township, his home place
being situated near the village of Baptistown.

544

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Philip Hawk, a resident of Alexandria, this
county. His son, father of Wesley S., bore the
Christian name of Godfrey. He resided in Alex-
andria Township until 1840, when he came to
this locality, and here spent the remainder of his
life. He was quite successful as a farmer and
owned a well-improved farm. He was active in
political affairs, being first a Whig and later a
Republican. Religious by nature, he took the
deepest interest in the work of his own church,
the Christian, and was identified with the con-
gregations at Milford and later at Freuchtown.
His death occurred at the ripe age of threescore
and fifteen years. His wife, Charity, was a daugh-
ter of James Siders. Of their fourteen children,
six are deceased. The other are: Forman,
Daniel, Jacob, Mary Jane, Margaret, Wesley S.,
Augustus and James W. Mary Jane is the wife
of Samuel Carroll; Margaret is the wife of Elijah
Potts. The mother of these children was a faith-
ful and consistent member of the Christian
Church, and died at the advanced age of eighty-
six years.

Wesley S. Hawk was boru in Alexandria Town-
ship, this county, in 1837. In 1840 he was
brought by his parents to this township, and here
he was reared to manhood. He remained at home
until he was twenty-eight years old, when he
went to Locktown and engaged in farming in
that vicinity for twenty-two years. In 1886
he bought the farm of ex-Sheriff Bellis, and
two years later located upon the place, where
he has since dwelt. He is a member of the
Grange, and keeps posted on modern methods
of agriculture by reading the best journals on
the subject. He does his duty as a citizen in
lending his support to those measures which
he deems beneficial to the majority, and gives his
allegiance to the Republican party.

In 1865 Mr. Hawk married Mary E. , daughter
of Wesley Bellis, and their union has been blessed
with two children, Rachel, who is now the wife
of Abel Robinson, and Martin B., who is clerk in
a store in Baptistown. The family are members
of the Eocktown Christian Church.

HOMAS EDGAR HUNT, M. D., a retired
physician of Glen Gardner, Hunterdon
County, was for about thirty years actively
engaged in practice in this locality and established
an excellent reputation for skill in his chosen field
of effort. He comes from one of the sterling old
pioneer families of this state, and several of his
ancestors were numbered among the most learned
men of their day.

The doctor was born November 1, 1826, on his
father's farm about a mile distant from this town.
He grew to manhood under the parental roof and
received his preliminary education in the district
schools. He was but twenty when he was given
the honorary degree of master of arts by Prince-
ton College, and in 1847 he graduated from the
medical department of the University of New
York. During his study of medical science he
had practical training from his father and took a
part of the elder man's duties upon himself. Then
his career opened out before him and he went
bravely forward and accomplished much in the
ensuing years in the noble endeavor of alleviating
the ills to which flesh is heir. In the course of
his practice he had occasion to note the dreadful
effects of the liquor habit upon the human system,
and he became an enthusiastic advocate of tem-
perance. Though in early life, and indeed up to
1872, he lent his political support to the Repub-
lican party, he then transferred his allegiance and
has since voted for the principles of the Prohibi-
tion party. He has been very active in his es-
pousal of the cause, as he is a very earnest be-
liever in the great need of laws and public legis-
lation restricting the manufacture and sale of
liquor. For eight years he was a member of
the National Prohibition Committee. During the
most of his life he has been a valued member of
the Presbyterian Church; was for years an elder
in the congregation, and has given liberally of
his time, means and influence to religious enter-
prises. He is a practical Christian, putting into
daily practice the principles that he professes.

July 7, 1849, the doctor married Cynthia, daugh-
ter of Judge John Martin, of Columbia County,
N. Y. Of the children that came to bless their

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

545

union, Willis Martin, the first-born, was a grad-
uate of Lafayette College, and was a noble
Christian gentleman; he married KateTerriberry,
a daughter of Nathan Terriberry, of Hunterdon
County, at the age of thirty-seven. He traveled
considerably in the south and finally settled at
Roanoke, Va., dying there at the age of thirty-
eight; his wife is living with their two children,
Bessie and Alfred T., at Plainfield, N. J. Meta
is the wife of Rev. W. J. Henderson, a graduate
of Princeton and a minister in the Presbyterian
Church, now living in Glen Gardner; they have
one son, Edgar Clark, engaged in the mercantile
business in this place; Mary died in infancy;
Dr. Edgar is referred to at the close of this sketch
at some length; Minnie is the wife of Abraham L.
Beavis, a train dispatcher in High Bridge, with
residence at Glen Gardner; Milton is agent for
the Central Railroad of New Jersey, in Glen Gard-
ner; Vincent and Hollowed W. died in childhood;
Harold A. married Minnie, daughter of William
W. Sweazy. This young man is connected with
the steel works of High Bridge as a draughtsman,
he having previously studied in the model school
of Trenton and Rutgers College, coming out with
honors and a scholarship from the first-named in-
stitution. He resides in Glen Gardner and has
one child, Thomas Edgar, born March 3, 1S98.
The parents of our subject were William Alex-
ander and Eliza Ann (Auten) Hunt, natives of
Sussex and Somerset Counties, N. J., respective-
ly. The father was a prominent physician in this
locality for years, being a graduate of Rutgers
College and of a medical college. In his religious
belief he was a Presbyterian, and he was always
relied upon to do his full share towards the pro-
motion of all worthy enterprises. He had but
two children. A daughter, Susan Adeline, born
in 1822, married John McNaiu, D. D., of Bucks
County, Pa., and died March 1, 1885; William A.
A. Hunt was born June 6, 1796; was married in
1818 and died September 9, 1878. His wife de-
parted this life November 23, 1873, and they lie
side by side in the cemetery near this town. The
father of William A. A. Hunt was Holloway
Whitfield Hunt, wdio for over forty years was

pastor in the Presbyterian Church. He was born
in Westchester County, N. Y., April 9, 1769, and
in 1794 graduated from Princeton College. Af-
ter a short residence in Sparta, Sussex County,
he removed to this county. Here he assumed
the pastorate of three charges, one in Kingwood,
another in Alexandria and the third in Bethle-
hem, and for twoscore years he ministered to the
needs of these congregations. In addition to this
he kept a classical school in his own home, and
here all of his sous were grounded in knowledge
under his worthy superintendence. He died at
his home in what is now known as Jutland, in
1857, and his remains were buried in the old cem-
etery at Bethlehem. June 24, 1795, he had mar-
ried Susan Willis, and their family comprised but
two children, William A. A. and Holloway W.,
the latter boru January 8, 1799. The parents of
the Rev. Holloway W. Hunt, Sr., were Augus-
tine and Lydia (Holloway) Hunt, natives of Or-
ange County, N. Y. , and Massachusetts, respect-
ively. The mother was born January 4, 1725,
and was of Welsh descent.

Edgar Hunt, M. D., is a native of Glen Gard-
ner, born here December 15, 1857. With his
scholarly grandfather he studied Latin, prepara-
tory to taking up medical studies, for from the
time that he was twelve years old he had deter-
mined to enter the profession of which his father
was a shining light. When he was seventeen he
commenced his work in that line, being directed
by his father in his studies, and in 1876 he en-
tered Bellevue Hospital Medical College. After
taking the full course he graduated March 1, 1878.
His father had retired from practice several years
previously, and the young man gained little ad-
vantage from the fact that his father had had a large
clientage hereabouts, as it was scattered by that
time. Nothing daunted by this he started in to
build up a reputation on his own merits, and is
now kept so busy that he has scarcely time for
sufficient sleep and little for rest or recreation.
In order to keep fully abreast of the times he took
a course in 1S85 at the post-graduate medical
school and hospital in New York. He is partic-
ularly successful in and makes a specialty of sur-

546

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gery and obstetrics. He has had over two thou-
sand cases of the latter, and of this large number
but one resulted fatally, and that on account of
other complications of disease. Thus it may be
seen that he has succeeded to a most gratifying
degree and is well worthy of being numbered, not
only among the leading practitioners of this coun-
ty, but of the state. Since attaining his majority
he has voted the Prohibition ticket, and though
a stanch advocate of its principles he has never
sought or desired official distinction.

ass

V MIOSES D. KNIGHT, M. D., has been inim-
y bered for over thirty-five years among the
(5 able and successful physicians of Hunter-
don County, but in 1895 came to Clinton, where
he succeeded his younger brother in practice.
He has wide experience, has always been an
earnest student and has kept in touch with the
spirit of progress along all of the lines of new
discoveries and modern methods in medical and
scientific fields. His friends are legion in all
parts of this county, and wherever he goes the
best wishes of the public have been his in a
gratifying degree. His life has been devoted to
the amelioration of suffering, and his strong,
sympathetic, manly heart has ever been open to
the troubles and ills of his fellows and ready to
give generously of its store of kindness, helpful-
ness and cheer.

The doctor's father, Joseph Knight, was born
near the city of Philadelphia, and was a direct
descendant of the Knights who accompanied
William Penn on his settlement in the United
States, all of the little colony being of English
birth. In his boyhood Joseph Knight had few
advantages in the way of acquiring an education,
but was a quick and studious lad, and by his
individual efforts became well informed. He
gave his attention to agriculture, and made a
success of his financial enterprises. Throughout

the region in which his whole life was passed,
his name was a synonym for uprightness, candor
and integrity, and no one was more universally
esteemed than he. He took no part in public
matters, his pathway by preference lying along
the quiet, unostentatious, humble channels of
usefulness. He married Rachel Davis and eight
children came to bless their happy home, all but
one of the number living to mature years.
Charles, the eldest, has since been summoned to
the silent land, as has also Watson, the fourth of
the family. Abner is a farmer of Montgomery
County, Pa. John, of Philadelphia, is connected
with the Press of that city. William, a physician,
resides in Clinton. Nelson is a business man of
Philadelphia; and Silas is a citizen of Montgomery
County, Pa-

The birth of Dr. Knight occurred February 3,
1839, near the present town of Landsdale, Mont-
gomery County, Pa. He lived upon his father's
homestead until he was about nineteen years of
age, in the meantime receiving an excellent edu-
cation for that day. After leaving the public
schools he became a student in the Attleboro
Academy, of Attleboro, Pa. He was scarcely
twenty when he commenced the study of medi-
cine under the instruction of Dr. A. D. Markley,
of Montgomeryville, in his native county. He
pursued the course of reading that was laid out
by the senior for about three years and completed
the same by a term of lectures in the University
of Pennsylvania. He was awarded his degree in
Philadelphia March 14, 1861, and commenced
practice in Little York, Hunterdon County. In
that town he remained for thirty-four years, his
clientage being so large as to keep him very busy
and his time full}' occupied. For several reasons
he at length found it desirable to make a change,
and has settled permanently in Clinton, having
made his home here since 1895. He has always
been a true friend to education and has acted in
the capacity of school trustee. Though never an
office seeker, his friends have sometimes called
upon him to accept minor positions and he served
for six years as coroner. His ballot is given to
the nominees of the Democratic part}'. He is a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

547

Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Stewart Dodge
No. 34, F. & A. M., of Clinton, and to Clinton
Chapter No. 37.

The marriage of the doctor and Miss Mary
Marlatt was solemnized November 3, 1869. She
was one of three children born to Paul and Ma-
hala (Riddle) Marlatt, of Warren County, Pa.
Her father was an influential member of the
Presbyterian Church and was beloved and re-
spected by all who knew him. Mrs. Knight was
deprived of her loving mother's care when she
was but seven years of age and one of her brothers
died in childhood. The other, John R., is a far-
mer of Warren Count}'. The doctor and wife
have two sons, of whom they may justly be proud.
Charles Paul is a graduate of the State Model
School of Trenton, and is now taking a medical
course in the University of Pennsylvania. Arthur
Markley, named for the old preceptor of his
father, is a student in the Moody School of
Mount Hermou, Mass. Mrs. Knight is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and prominent
in its various circles.

(p\ DAM B. PICKEDL, whose home is in Read-
lA ington Township, Hunterdon County, and
/ J who is a native of this same locality, has
always followed farming and breeding of regis-
tered Jersey cattle. He is a bright, enterprising
business man, possessing native ability and con-
siderable experience in the commercial world.
He stands well in the estimation of all of his as-
sociates, whether in a social or financial point of
view, and is identified with the Odd Fellows,
belonging to White House Dodge No. 207, of
White House, N. J. Politically he is affiliated
with the Democracy.

Born October 13, 1854, Adam Pickell is next
to the youngest in a family of nine children whose
parents were Adrian H. and Mary A. (Bellis)
Pickell, both natives of this county. The others

are named as follows: Dizzie, Baltis N., Will-
iam B., Jacob M., Ella A., Sanford, Maggie
and Tillie. The grandfather of our subject was
Baltis A. Pickell, a native of this county, and a
land holder. He was of good old Holland-Dutch
ancestry, his forefathers having been principally
occupied in farming, and were permanently set-
tled in America prior to the Revolutionary war.
Adrian Pickell was a well-to-do farmer, owning
improved property in Readington Township, in
which locality he held various official positions,
such as freeholder, assessor, collector, etc.

From the time that he was old enough to be
of substantial service in the work of his father's
farm until 1888, Adam B. Pickell was engaged
exclusively in agricultural pursuits, but in the
year mentioned he concluded to turn his attention
to mercantile occupations for a period at least.
He became an employe of J. H. Davis as a clerk
in his general store, and remained with him
eight years.

November 29, 1876, occurred one of the most
important events in the life of our subject, as
upon that da}' Miss Marilda Y. Sharp became
his wife. She is a native of Hunterdon County,
and is a lady of pleasing manners and culture.
She received a good education in the public
schools of her home district and is amply quali-
fied to adorn any station in life to which she
might be called. To Mr. and Mrs. Pickell have
been born four children, of whom the only daugh-
ter, Anna M., the wife of John J. Park, son of
H. E. Park, county clerk, is the eldest. The
sons are named, respectively, John B., now em-
ployed in a store in Flemington; William Y. and
Raymond A.

REV. JEREMIAH B. J. RHODES became
the pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church in Lebanon, Hunterdon County, in
April, 1896, and during the period of his pastor-
ate he was blessed in his ministrations to this

543

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

people. His heart and soul are in gospel work,
and he is a most zealous servant in the vineyard
of the Master whom he serves. He feels deeply
that no higher or holier calling could be his than
to lead the sheep of his flock upward to a better
and higher life, to a realization of the purpose of
sin and suffering in this poor world, and the need
of earnest preparation for the true life that is to
come.

The birth of the above-named gentleman took
place in Hempstead, Queens County, N. Y. His
parents were William L- and Mary A. (Jackson)
Rhodes, both of whom were likewise natives of
that county. The father was an agriculturist,
has been interested in educational affairs rather
than in political matters, and is an honest, un-
assuming citizen, beloved by all who know him.
He is now living retired, his home being in
Roycefield, N. J. His father, William Rhodes,
was a carpenter by trade, and was born and spent
his whole life in Queens County. The mater-
nal great-grandfather of our subject was Jeremiah
B. Jackson, a Quaker, who was imprisoned dur-
ing the War of 1812 for refusing to enter the
army, it being against his religious convictions.
To William L. and Mary Rhodes six children
were born: Charles, who resides in Hempstead,
L. I.; James H., of Roycefield, N. J., a printer
by trade; John P., a merchant of Plainfield, N.
J. ; Solomon, who died in infancy, and was a twin
brother of J. B. J. Rhodes; and Phoebe A., who
is still with her parents.

The early years in the life of Rev. J. B. J.
Rhodes were passed on his father's farm, his
education being gained in the public schools.
When he was about fourteen he commenced
learning the printer's trade and was employed in
one office five years. During a portion of his
time he attended Brown's Business College in the
evenings. He was converted when fourteen and
from that time forward the conviction grew with-
in his mind that he should enter the ministry.
Under the advice of his pastor he commenced
the study of languages and theology. In 1S90
he took a position as local reporter on the Somer-
ville Messenger, one of the oldest journals in

the county, and in the following spring, in part-
nership with his brother James, he bought the
White House Monitor. This proved a finan-
cial failure, and so had about everything he had
undertaken in a business way, and this fact im-
pressed him the more that he had mistaken his
calling. In the fall of 1891 he was licensed as a
local preacher, and the presiding elder sent him
to the church at Centerville, N. J. He remained
there a year and a-half, and during this time was
married. The lady of his choice was Fannie S.
Ingalls, a native of Greene Count}', N. Y., and
daughter of Charles and Abi (Brandow) Ingalls.
The father was a veteran of the late war; was
severely wounded and was held a prisoner for
six months in Libby prison, also six months in
Andersonville prison. January 22, 1894, a son,
Harold Elsworth, was born to Mr. and Mrs.
Rhodes.

From Centerville Rev. Mr. Rhodes went to
Junction, Hunterdon County, and his labors were
attended with gratifying success. He was
located in Junction for three years, the church
being materially strengthened in numbers and in
other ways in the meanwhile. March 29, 1S96,
Mr. Rhodes entered the Newark Conference and
was ordained by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, of Phila-
delphia. In April following that event he took
charge of the Lebanon church, which celebrated
its quarter of a century October 17, 1897. He
is not a graduate of am7 of our renowned col-
leges, and has been mainly dependent upon his
own resources in the acquisition of an education,
but his earnestness and natural ability are ample
offsets for the more polished veneer of the clas-
sical scholar. He takes great interest in the
young people of this community, and is a very
active worker in the Epworth League. For three
years he was the secretary of the count}' organi-
zation, and at the last annual meeting, held in
May, 1897, was elected president of the same.
He was one of the three persons who succeeded
in effecting the founding of the said county as-
sociation, which is undoubtedly of general bene-
fit to the various churches in this district. At
the last convention of the Elizabeth district of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

549

Ep worth Leaguers of the Newark Conference he
was chosen vice-president. In this territory is
included Hunterdon and Union Counties, N. J.,
and Staten Island.

Since April i, 1898, Rev. J. B. J. Rhodes has
removed to Deuville, Morris County, N. J., at
which place he is now pastor of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

(TOHN O. HOLCOMBE carries on general
I farming and dairying upon his valuable
G/ homestead in East Amwell Township, Hun-
terdon County. He is considered one of the most
reliable business men of this locality and is prac-
tical and progressive in all his methods of deal-
ing with the problems of life. In 1886 he be-
came a director in the Lambertville National
Bank, and about five years later was elected vice-
president of that substantial institution.

The birth of our subject occurred in Delaware
Township, Hunterdon County, July 9, 1854, and
in fact, upon the same farm where he makes his
home to-da}-, this place being at that time within
the boundaries of the above-named township,
but since placed in the limits of East Amwell.
He is a son of Peter Ogden and grandson of
Elias Holcombe, both likewise natives of this
county. Peter Ogden Holcombe followed agri-
cultural pursuits and was very successful as a
farmer. He spent his early life and prime upon
the home place now carried on by our subject,
and retired from arduous cares in 1879, from that
time residing in the village of Ringoes, where
his death occurred in 18S5. His widow, former-
ly Martha Higgins, is still living in Ringoes.
They were the parents of four children, viz.:
John Q., of this article; Henry, deceased; Kate,
who lives in Ringoes; and Fanny, wife of Or-
ville Dilts, a merchant of the same village. Peter
Holcombe was twice married, his first wife hav-
ing been Catherine Quick. The only child of

that union, Ellen K., died when fourteen years
of age. The father was a member in high stand-
ing in the Presbyterian Church at Ringoes, and
for a number of years he was a director in the
Lambertville National Bank.

The elementary education of John Q. Hol-
combe was such as was to be had in the district
schools of his boyhood. Desiring to be further
equipped for the battle of life, he went to Trenton,
N. J., and there pursued a course in the busi-
ness college of that city. After graduating he re-
turned home and took charge of the old farm,
which he inherited from his father, and since
then he has had the complete control of the prop-
erty. He owns one hundred and forty-five acres
altogether and has made improvements that have
greatly increased the value of the place. He is a
member of the Grange and keeps thoroughly
posted on everything relating to the subject of
agriculture, as far as he is able to do so. An
earnest supporter of the principles of the Republi-
can party, he was chosen by his friends of like
ideas to appear as their candidate for the legis-
lature in 1897, but they were defeated.

In 1875 the marriage of Mr. Holcombe and
Martha W. Quick, daughter of Caleb F. Quick,
was solemnized. Four daughters have been born
to this worthy couple, and are named as follows:
Stella, Helen K., Alice C. and Marcia.

■•'»®'X-t- -«--; —

c)EORGE H. MILLEN is one of the most
== reliable and trusted employes of the Dela-
^X ware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad
Company. Just thirty years have rolled away
since he became connected with this corporation,
and during this period he has proved himself
worth)' of entire confidence. From one position
to another of greater importance he has been
steadily advanced, until he is now occupying the
place of foreman of the car inspectors, being
located in Phillipsburg. He is a Republican,

55°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and was elected from the third ward to the com-
mon council of this place in 1880, and in 1891
was re-elected, serving acceptably for two terms.

The birth of our subject occurred in Morris
County, N. J., September 20, 1843. His par-
ents were James B. and Elizabeth (Nutt) Millen.
The father was a native of Morris County, where
his ancestors for many generations had resided.
He followed the agricultural lines of making his
livelihood and wrought out success by his indi-
vidual efforts. He was an elder in the Presbyte-
rian Church, and stood very high in the estima-
tion of all who knew him. He died in February,
1893, regretted by all, his loss being felt as one
affecting the community at large. His wife came
from an old and honored English family. Her
father, Thomas Nutt, was a younger son in a
wealthy house, and received very little in the
way of property upon his father's death, as his
eldest brother inherited the bulk of the estate,
according to old English custom. He concluded
to try his fortunes in the United States, and here
passed the close of his life. Mrs. Elizabeth
Milieu died in 1885. She was the mother of four
children, of whom Sarah O. married John D.
Liudsley, now of Morris County, N. J.; Thomas
N. resides in Bound Brook, N. J., and Anna is
the wife of C. B. Mills, who carries on the old
homestead.

In his boyhood George H. Millen attended the
public schools until he was about seventeen.
His chances for obtaining an education were,
however, rather meager, as he only went to
school in the winter season, and was actively
engaged in farming in the summer. When
the war broke out he enlisted in the Seventh
Regiment of New Jersey Infantry, and served in
the Army of the Potomac, participating in all the
numerous engagements and battles in which his
regiment bore a part. He was honorably dis-
charged with the rank of second lieutenant.
After the war he came to Phillipsburg, and has
been thoroughly identified with the best interests
of this community ever since. March 1, 1866,
he became connected with the Warren Foundry,
and two years later, on the 2 2d of March,

entered the employ of the railway to which
he still gives his services. Fraternally he be-
longs to the Masonic order, being a member of
Delaware Lodge No. 52, F. & A. M. ; Eagle
Chapter No. 30, R. A. M. , and is past master of
the first-named. He is also a member of the
Knights of Pythias. September 25, 1865, Mr.
Millen married Bertha B. Arnold, daughter of
Samuel D. Arnold, and grandchild of Gen. Jacob
D. Arnold, an officer of the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Millen and wife are members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church.

==s=

UMMER BROTHERS is the firm name of
Mansfield H. and Elias W. Hummer, who
for twenty years have been engaged in busi-
ness in Aunandale, Hunterdon County. They
have a large and flourishing carriage and wagon
factory here and do general blacksmith work as
well. During the past two decades the firm has
established a record for excellent and reliable
goods and the demand for work turned out by
them is constantly increasing.

The parents of the two brothers were James
W. and Ann (Anderson) Hummer. The father
was a son of Adam Hummer, who was born in
this county, but whose father was a native of
Germany, coming to this section in company with
two brothers. Grandfather Adam Hummer was
a life-long agriculturist in these parts. James
W. was born in Franklin Township in 181 6, and
died at his home November 17, 18S9. Through-
out his career he was an active farmer, successful
and enterprising, and enjoyed the confidence and
respect of the whole community in which his lot
was cast. At various times he had held local
offices with dignity and honor, faithful to his
duties to the smallest detail. For almost half a
century he and his loved wife were members of
the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, and for
much of this period he was an elder, Sunday-
school superintendent or an officer of some sort.

REV. HENRY E. HIBSHMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

553

In his early years he was a Whig, later affiliating
with the Republican party. To himself and wife
seven sons were born; of these six grew to ma-
turity and five still survive.

Elias W. Hummer was born on the old home-
stead October 20, 1848, and at the age of seven-
teen years began serving an apprenticeship to
the carriage-making trade with H. F. Apger, of
Annandale. In 1869 he became a partner in the
business, and about this time the younger brother,
Mansfield, commenced his initiatory work in the
factory, acting as an apprentice for three years.
From 1873 to 1876 Elias W. was employed in
the New Jersey Central Railroad shops in Eliza-
bethtown, but during the Centennial year the
brothers joined their interests and opened a car-
riage factory in Lebanon, N. J., where they re-
mained two 3'ears. Then, moving to Annandale,
they purchased the old shop where they had both
learned the trade, and have since that time con-
ducted it with ability. The building has been
enlarged and in 1890 was doubled in size, in order
to meet the demands of the steadily- growing
business. All kinds of carriages, carts and
wagons are made in the factory, and to satisfy
the requirements of special customers the firm
carry a stock of vehicles of certain well-known
manufacturers outside. The firm takes contracts
for work from parties in other towns, wholesale
merchants, etc. From four to six' men are em-
ployed the year round, and during busy seasons
more as necessary are summoned to their aid.
The brothers are natural mechanics, possessing
real genius and love for the business. Work
turned out by them always gives entire satisfac-
tion, and "once a customer, always a customer"
seems to be the rule with their patrons.

Elias W. Hummer and Mary, daughter of
Jacob Freeh, were united in marriage October 5,
1870. She is a member of the Reformed Church
of this place and takes great interest in religious
enterprises. For twenty-one years Mr. Hummer
has been affiliated with the Masonic order, and is
a member of Clinton Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M.
In politics he is an ardent Republican, and. was
the first man elected in his township as registrar

under the Australian ballot system. In 1890 he
was the nominee of his party for committeeman,
and two years later he was elected a justice of the
peace, but declined to qualify. For ten years he
has been an elder in the Reformed Church, for
two years prior to this was a deacon, and ten
3'ears he has served as superintendent of the Sun-
day-school, and been active in the Christian
Endeavor Society. He and his wife have one
child, George F.

Mansfield Hummer was born July 31, 1850,
and, like his elder brother, he is a strong Re-
publican, doing his duty as a citizen and voter at
all times. He married Belinda, daughter of
Peter Alpaugh, in January, 1874. She holds
membership with the Reformed Church and is a
most estimable lady.

~)EV. HENRY E. HIBSHMAN. While
/\ Mr. Hibshman has been a resident of Mount
\ Pleasant for a short time only, he has al-
ready won a position of prominence among the
people of this place. On the 2d of March, 1898,
he was called to the pastorate of the Alexandria
Presbyterian Church and at once began the dis-
charge of his duties here, where he has since met
with a success that is creditable to himself and
highly gratifying to the congregation. A native
of Pennsylvania, he was. born in Wynesboro,
Franklin County, January 31, 1871, and is the
son of Rev. H. H. W. and Alice (Clark) Hibsh-
man, both natives of Lancaster County, that
state.

For thirty-four years Rev. H. H. W. Hibsh-
man was engaged in ministerial work, being as-
sociated with the German Reformed Church of
the United States during this entire period. He
was educated in Franklin and Marshall College
at Lancaster and the theological seminary of
the same place, and was ordained to the ministry
in 1S63. Being an indefatigable worker, his la-
bors were not without their reward. Durina: his

554

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

long period of service in the ministry he caused
five churches and six parsonages to be erected,
and the institutions with which he was associated
he left entirely free from debt. He was one of
the founders of Ursinus College, at Collegeville,
Montgomery County, Pa. He held a pasto-
rate at Tiffin, Ohio, for a period of ten years
and during four years of that time he occu-
pied the position of Secretary of the Board of
Regents of Heidelberg University. His last
charge was at Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pa.,
where he died of paralysis of the heart, April
12, 1895. His widow is residing in her own
home, with her mother, at Lancaster. Rev. and
Mrs. H. H. W. Hibshman were the parents of
six sons and one daughter, all of whom are liv-
ing. The eldest son, Rev. E. Clark, is pastor of
the Reformed Church at Stroudsburg, Pa., fill-
ing the charge his father formerly held; Allen P.
is extensively engaged in farming near Reading,
Berks County, Pa. Rev. Albert H. is pastor of
the large Reformed Church at Shippensburg, Pa.
Henry E. is next in order of birth. Dr. Walter
S. is a physician at Milford, N. J. Roy S. gradu-
ated from Mercersburg College in June, 1898;
and Margaret S., the youngest of the family, is a
pupil in the high school at Lancaster.

The rudiments of his education Rev. H. E.
Hibshman acquired in the school at Stone
Church, Northampton County, Pa. Afterward
he attended the high school at Tiffin, Ohio, and
later carried on his studies in Heidelberg College
for five years. Next he became a student in the
University at Wooster, Ohio, where he gradu-
ated in 1892 with the degree of A. B. Two
years later the degree of A. M. was conferred.
After his graduation from the university he en-
tered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he
continued his studies for two years. On the
completion of his first year's course the Presby-
terian Sunday-school board appointed him to
missionary work, his field being in and about the
rough hills of the western part of South Dakota,
where he labored with untiring energy among
the cowboys and the pioneer element for six
months.

During his second year's course at Princeton
he was interested in musical pursuits and invent-
ed a harp, the merit of which was recognized by
Alfred Dolge & Son, the recently large and in-
fluential music firm of New York City. They
purchased the invention and offered Mr. Hibsh-
man a position in their establishment, which he
accepted, remaining with the firm a little more
than two years. During his second year he was
employed as traveling salesman for the firm.
Meantime he continued to interest himself in
Christian activities and projects, and often
preached a sermon dressed in the business suit
he wore on his travels. During the vacation the
firm granted him he filled the pulpit of Rev. D.
M. Sterns, D. D., of Germantown, Philadelphia,
and about the same time he also preached for
Bishop Nicholson, of the Reformed Episcopal
Church of Chestnut street, Philadelphia. While
on one of his business trips he received a request
by wire to preach to a congregation without a
pastor, at Newburg, Cumberland County, Pa.
He preached on the Sunday desired and two
weeks later was unanimously elected to the pas-
torate of the church. He accepted the call and
entered the ministry, to which he has since given
his entire attention.

During his stay at Ziou Reformed Church,
Newburg, he labored with great energy for the
improvement of the church property, as well as
the upbuilding of the spiritual interests of the
congregation, and the results were most gratify-
ing to himself and his congregation. Improve-
ments were made in the building and a new or-
gan purchased, the total cost aggregating $2,300.
When he resigned the pastorate there was a neat
surplus in the hands of the treasurer, a fact that
spoke well for his financial management. The
congregation has one of the prettiest and most
complete countrj' churches in that section. From
Newburg he came to Mount Pleasant in 189S.
Energetic and thoroughly devoted to his work,
he is making friends rapidly and does much good
in the field of his labor. March 10, 1897, he
married Miss Florence Singmaster Edinger,
daughter of Associate Judge Edinger.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

555

The career of Mr. Hibshman has been marked
by religious fervor and conscientious, principles,
and these characteristics are traced from early
boyhood days, where a potent influence was
brought to bear upon him by his intimate rela-
tions with Hon. A. Herr Smith and sister Eliza,
of Lancaster, a saintly brother and sister, who
left upon his character their impress for charity
and philanthropy and showed an almost parental
interest in his welfare.

EWIS HAZELIUS TAYLOR. Probably no
I C name is more widely known in western
L^ New Jersey than is the one that stands at the
head of this article, and certainly no name is more
honored, as it brings to the minds of our citizens
the career of one who has built up a great indus-
try, thus affording employment to hundreds of
men, and one whose genius has reached out into
various fields of interprise, such as the construc-
tion of railroads, etc. Literally he has been the
. " architect of his own fortunes " and few men are
gifted with the natural talent, the wise and judici-
ous handling of great affairs, that have marked
his business pathway.

Mr. Taylor, president of the celebrated Taylor
Iron and Steel Works, of High Bridge, Hunter-
don County, was born January 29, 181 1, in the
same house and identical room which had been
his father's birthplace. This historic old man-
sion is connected with a wing, which formed the
home of Robert' Taylor, grandfather of our sub-
ject, and founder of the family in America. This
Robert Taylor was born in Ireland, came to New
Jersey in 1757, and lived until 182 1, then dying
in the same room where his son Archibald, the
father of Lewis H., was born. In one room in
the older section of this mansion, one hundred
and twenty years ago, Gov. John Penn and At-
torney-General Benjamin Chew, the last colonial
officials of Pennsylvania, were placed as prisoners

of war by the Continental Congress, in charge of
Robert Taylor. Two volumes of " Memoirs"
by Sir John Dalrymple, Baronet, were presented
to Robert Taylor by Governor Penn and are now
in the possession of his grandson.

Soon after his arrival in this section, Robert
Taylor became connected with the old Union
Iron Works, then owned by the wealthy English
capitalists and land owners, Allen & Turner, and
superintended by Colonel Hackett. After the
death of the last-mentioned gentleman, Robert
Taylor became his successor in the management
of the works and as such continued until about
1783, when the business was suspended indefi-
nitely. The furnace of this plant was the first
erected in America, though the precise date is
not known, but it can be proved by old records
that it was prior to 1710. The family of Robert
Taylor comprised three children: Archibald;
John Allen, who studied medicine and whose
home was in Brooklyn, but who was never en-
gaged in practice; and Harriet E-, who married
Col. R. E. De Russy, of the United States Engi-
neering Corps, and was sent to the Pacific slope
during the war of the Rebellion to take charge of
the building of the Golden Gate Fort at San
Francisco.

The parents of L. H. Taylor were Archibald
S. and Ann (Bray) Taylor. The former inher-
ited an ample fortune from his father, and thus
being relieved of the necessity of entering busi-
ness he devoted himself to literary pursuits and
to the management of his property. Nearly all
his life was passed under the roof that now shel-
ters our subject and his family. Of the eight
children born to Archibald and Ann Taylor only
Lewis survives. The mother was a native of
what is now known as Clinton Township, this
county. The father, born in 1780, died in i860.

Lewis H. Taylor passed his boyhood years in
the old home where he still resides, and received
private tutoring, as the schools of the period were
of little account in this locality. He later went
to Hartwick Seminary, near Cooperstown, N. Y.,
that institution being then in charge of his uncle,
Ernest Lewis Hazelius, D. D., for whom he had

556

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been named. He spent about three years in
that place and subsequently studied again under
tutors at home. He engaged in merchandising
and varied pursuits until the gold excitement of
1849, when, in company with his brother, Gen.
George W. Taylor, he set sail for the Pacific
coast on the Crescent City, she being on her
first trip via the Isthmus of Panama. The
argonauts were among the first arrivals in San
Francisco, and were engaged in different ven-
tures, and contracted to furnish timber for the
first wharves built in that city. Our subject did
not meet with great success, and determined to
return home at the end of two years. Very soon
after his arrival among the scenes of his youth
he embarked in the enterprise which has since
grown to such extensive proportions. He built
a forge on the site of the historic old pre-revolu-
tionary works of the Union Iron Company, near
High Bridge. In the early days the company
had been engaged in manufacturing ' ' charcoal
iron," and for a period this same process was
used by Mr. Taylor. This was known as
Bloomed iron, being made directly from the na-
tive ore. These works are now the only ones
having the right to manufacture manganese steel
in the United States. The business has been en-
larged from time to time until it is recognized as
being one of the most important plants of the
kind in this country. In addition to the car-
wheel department an important one is that of the
forge, where all kinds of car and locomotive forg-
ings, car axles, etc., are made. From four to
five hundred hands are afforded occupation in
the various departments of the works. The com-
pany was incorporated in 1869, with Mr. Taylor
as president, which office he still holds. The
plant is situated on the south branch of the Rari-
tou River, at the junction of the High Bridge and
Central Railroads of New Jersey. Around and
connecting the different shops are nearly four
miles of railway.

In company with Edward C. Knight, of Phila-
delphia, and others, Mr. Taylor became inter-
ested in the Delaware & Bound Brook Railroad,
in 1873. This road was built under the free

railroad laws of New Jersey, the route selected
being nearly the original survey of the National
Air Line, which company had commenced the
construction of the same, but through lack of the
proper organization had failed. When Mr. Tay-
lor took hold of it, its success was assured, and
to his energy and capability the people of New
Jersey and other states owe the completion of
this rival to the New Jersey Railway, controlled
by the Pennsylvania Company. In 1873 Mr.
Taylor was instrumental in procuring a charter
for the construction of a railroad from High
Bridge to Chester, N. J., and this branch was
afterwards consolidated with the Longwood Val-
ley Railroad. He has not had time in his many
financial undertakings to engage actively in poli-
tics, but he has been loyal in his allegiance to the
Republican party.

The marriage of L. H. Taylor and Jane C.
Johnston was solemnized April 5, 1835. She
was a daughter of William Johnston, a native of
Bloomsbury, Warren County, but who was a
business man of Philadelphia the greater part of
his life. Of the eight children of our subject
five attained maturity. Capt. Archibald S. was
the third sou of Mr. Taylor and was one of the
first to respond to his country's call for aid in
the Civil war. He was a private in Duryea's
Zouaves until just prior to the battle of Big
Bethel, when he was promoted for gallantry to a
lieutenantcy, and transferred to the Third Regi-
ment of the First Brigade of New Jersey. Before
he was twenty he was commissioned captain and
distinguished himself for his soldiery qualities.
Death, who "loves a shining mark," sought
him out, and sadly finished his glorious career,
when he lacked but a month of reaching his ma-
jority. He was killed in the second battle of
Fredericksburg, near Salem Church. Another
gallant hero of the Civil war was Gen. George
W. Taylor, a brother of Lewis H., and the one
who was his companion on his trip to the gold
fields. Gen. George W. Taylor was connected
with the United States navy for some time, and
then served in the army under Gen. Zachary
Taylor all through the war with Mexico. In the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

55/

late Civil war he entered the service as colonel of
the Third Regiment, First Brigade of New Jer-
sey, was promoted for his bravery and daring to
be brigadier-general and was killed at the second
battle of Bull Run, where the renowned General
Kearny also met death.

30HN S. HOCKENBURY, proprietor of the
Stockton Hotel, in Stockton, Hunterdon
County, is one of the best-known citizens
of this section. Since purchasing this property
he has conducted the hotel with ability. His
numerous patrons are always pleased when their
business affairs take them to this locality, for the
genial courtesy of "mine host" is remembered by
the traveling public, and the comforts of home
life which they enjoy while here, under his hos-
pitable roof, is a matter of comment among the
"knights of the grip."

J. S. Hockeubury was born in Kingwood
Township, Hunterdon County, August 5, 182 1,
being a son of John and Sarah (Sutton) Hock-
eubury. They had eight children, five of whom
survive. The father was a native of Erwinna,
Pa., and was but ten years old when his father
died. The latter was a native of Holland, but
. came to America at an early day. John Hockeu-
bury, Sr. , learned the shoemaker's trade from
his uncle, with whom he served a seven years' ap-
prenticeship. Later he purchased a small farm and
spent a portion of his time in the cultivation of
the place, the remainder being occupied with
work at his trade. When his boys became of an
age to be of assistance to him he bought a larger
farm, after which he was exclusively devoted to
its management until 1870, when his death took
place.

When about twenty years of age the subject
of this article found employment in a country
store at Croton. In a short time his superior
was taken ill and asked young Hockeubury to

take charge of the store, and run it for himself.
He allowed him to make an invoice of the stock,
payment to be made later. The sick man died
the same year, and our subject settled with the
executor of his estate, meeting all obligations.
For seven years he conducted the business with
success, but in 1847 met with a misfortune, as
the store, which was not insured, burned down.
He pluckily rebuilt and continued business as
before until 1850, when he removed to French-
town and was there the proprietor of a store for a
year.

In 1 85 1 he commenced to sell fruits and vege-
tables in Flemington, giving about five years to
this employment. In 1856 he commenced his
career as a hotel keeper, by purchasing the
property known as the County-house, which he
carried on four years. In i860 he sold out, and
once more turned his attention to merchandising,
being situated in Flemington for four years in
this enterprise. The next two years he was in
New York City, but his speculations there proved
disastrous, and he went on the road as a sales-
man for a wholesale grocery house. In 1871 he
took charge of a hotel in Millstone, Somerset
County, and was there three years. During the
almost quarter of a century of his residence here
he has prospered and is numbered among our
most enterprising business men. In politics he
is a Democrat.

November 25, 1843, the marriage of Mr. Hock-
eubury and Sarah Rittenhouse was solemnized.
Of their eleven children six survive.

-3— s »>^e

|9®H-5<» ' — 5-

WILLIAM W. PURSELL, M. D., is one of
the representative physicians and surgeons
of Hunterdon County, and for nearly a
quarter of a century has been established in prac-
tice in the thriving little town of White House.
He enjoys a very extended patronage and is con-
stantly being called to distant parts of this and

553

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

adjoining townships. Since coming to this place
the doctor has been thoroughly identified with
her welfare and has been a powei for progress in
the community. His warm personal friends here
are legion, and with all classes he is held in the
high esteem which his life of devotion to humanity
only justly merits.

The parents of our subject were William and
Mary (Hough) Pursell, natives of Hunterdon
County, N. J., and Bucks County, Pa., respect-
ively. The father grew to manhood here and
then went to Pennsylvania, where he was mar-
ried and where for some years he was engaged in
the lumber trade near Wilkesbarre. W. W.
Pursell, of this sketch, was the youngest child and
was born in Luzerne County, September 10, 1849.
He was given good educational advantages, and
graduated from the Normal Institute at Carvers-
ville with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences.
Having finished his preparatory studies, he be-
came a pupil in Lafayette College, at Easton,
Pa., in 1 87 1. Before completing the course he
determined to enter the medical profession, and,
in accordance with that resolve, was enrolled in
Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia. In
1874 he was duly graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine, and was chosen from a large
number of students as being especially qualified
to serve as resident house physician in Bedford
Street Dispensary and Hospital, Philadelphia.
While there he obtained valuable information
and experience in his future field of effort, and
thoroughly demonstrated his ability to cope with
the difficult phases of the work.

It was in the fall of 1874 that the doctor de-
cided to locate permanently in White House, and
in a very short time he had built up a reputation
for skill that time has only confirmed in the
minds of the public. He is a member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to
the White House lodge, and is also connected
with the Independent Order of Foresters, of White
House Station, and is physician to both lodges.
His right of franchise he uses in favor of the
nominees of the Republican party. Religiously
he is a Methodist, being identified with the local

congregation of that denomination. To all pub-
lic charities in this vicinity he is a sincere friend,
giving of his time and means and influence when
he deems the said charity worthy of support. He
is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi, of Lafayette
College.

In 1877 was celebrated the marriage of Dr.
Pursell and Miss Emma J. Ditmars, a native of
Hunterdon County, and a daughter of Peter and
Mary Ditmars, old and prominent citizens of this
section of the state. To the union of the doctor
and wife four children have been born, viz.:
Ethel, Ada M., Don W. J. and Margaret, all
living at home.

UGENE HOFFMAN, an energetic and
*y hustling young business man of Readington
._ Township, Hunterdon Count}', is now serv-
ing the people of this locality as assessor, he hav-
ing been elected to that office in the spring of
1897, f°r a term of three years. He is a stanch
defender of the principles of the Democracy and
has been chosen to occupy official positions, such
as commissioner and one of the election board,
always meeting every requirement of the same to
the full satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Hoffman is a native of this county, having
been born August 8, 1S57. He is the third in
order of birth in a family comprising eleven chil-
dren, one of whom is deceased. The others are
named as follows: John A., William T., Elmira,
Hannah C, Lydia, Alice R., Annie S., Emma C.
and Mary I. The parents are Frederick and
Mary A. (Teeter) Hoffman, both natives of Hun-
terdon County. The father is a shoemaker by
trade, and has been engaged in merchandising.
His father, William I., was born in this county
likewise, and was an extensive farmer.

The youth of our subject was spent upon his
father's farm and he determined quite early in
life to adopt the same calling as that of most of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

559

his ancestors. He was occupied in agricultural
pursuits up to 1895, when he turned his attention
to dealing in fertilizers. He is a member of
White House Lodge No. 207, I. O. O. F., of
White House, N. J., and is vice-grand of the
lodge.

The marriage of Mr. Hoffman and Martha J.
Welsh was solemnized October 10, 1877. She
is a daughter of Morris and Mary (Stillwell)
Welsh, all of this county, as was also the grand-
father, David Welsh. Mrs. Hoffman has three
brothers, David M., Aaron L. and Charles L.
The union of our subject and wife has been
blessed with three children, viz.: Mary L. ,
Anna E. and Ida M., but the latter is deceased.
The family are identified with the Reformed
Church of White House, and are held in high re-
gard by a large circle of acquaintances and
friends.

[~}ORTER C. LJTTLE has been engaged in
L/' running a coal, grain and fertilizer business
f>2 in Pittstown, Hunterdon County, for the
past seven years.- He is in the prime of life and
activity and has succeeded in building up an ex-
tensive trade in this vicinity. He is a stanch
patriot and public-spirited citizen, having in-
herited from his ancestors high principles of con-
duct and just regard for the rights of others.
Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church,
and by his means and influence strives to pro-
mote righteousness and elevate mankind.

A native of Hunterdon County, our subject
was born upon a farm about a mile distant from
this place, January 21, 1846. He was the second
in a family of three children whose parents were
Sedgwick and Lucinda (Hoff) Little. The eld-
est child, Elizabeth, died when about eighteen
years old; and George C, the youngest, is a
farmer and now owns and cultivates the old fam-
ily homestead in this township. The father,
Sedgwick Little, was born on the same farm in

1812 and followed agricultural pursuits in con-
nection with milling during his whole life-time.
He owned a good mill, which he managed for up-
wards of twenty years. Though a loyal Repub-
lican, he was never induced to hold any public
office. An earnest member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, he died as he had lived, strong
in the faith that he had professed for years. His
labors ended, he entered into his reward in
1880, when in his sixty-eighth year. His par-
ents were Christy and Rachel (Cook) Little, both
likewise natives of this county. The father did
arduous work as a patriot in the war of the Revo-
lution; leaving all of his own affairs, and taking
his team from home, he carted supplies to the Con-
tinental troops for the long period of four years.
He was a pensioner of the Revolution for many
years, up to the time of his death. The mother
of our subject was born in Kingwood Township,
this county, and was only thirty-five years old
when death claimed her. She was also a de-
voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and was loved by all who knew her. Her par-
ents were Cornelius and Elizabeth Hoff, of old
Hunterdon County families.

When he was nineteen Porter C. Little left the
old home where his youth had been spent, and
went to New York, where he obtained employ-
ment in a store. At the expiration of a year he
decided to try his fortune in the west, and in
April, 1867, going to Kansas, was occupied in
raising stock for some years, after which he was
engaged in contracting and building railroads in
Kansas, Arkansas and the Indian Territory and
also some in Texas. This business consumed
two years and more, and, from a financial point
of view, he was moderately successful. After-
wards he returned to Kansas for a few mouths,
and in 1874 came back to his old home in this
county. Here he carried on a farm for three
years, then went to Kansas again, and was for
two and a-half years in the stock business there.

In 1879 Mr. Little sold out his interest in the
west and upon his return was married and went
into partnership with Hiram Deats and Hiram
Deats, Jr., in the manufacturing business. At

56°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the close of twelve months he took charge of a
farm at Pittstovvn, which he has since bought and
where he now resides. In 1891 he rented the rail-
road company's coal clumps in Pittstown, and
has since given his attention to the coal, grain
and fertilizer business.

January 21, 1880, the marriage of Mr. Little
and Miss Rebecca Julia Deats was solemnized.
She was a daughter of Hiram and Rebecca (Hig-
gins) Deats, and at her death she left one child,
Julia May, who died at the age of two years. In
November, 1884, Mr. Little was united in mar-
riage with Mrs. Sarah Ellen Deats, of this place.
They have two children by this marriage, Dan-
iel Frederick, born October 10, 1885, and Julia
Maud, born November 14, 1887.

-^r*~

(JEROME EMMONS, deceased, formerly a re-
I spected resident of New Germantown, Hun-
(2/ terdon County, was summoned to his reward
June 16, 1896. Though his pathway through
life was quiet and unassuming, he was ever
conscientious and faithful in the discharge of the
least as well as the greatest of his duties and left
a name of blameless integrity. He was noted
among his associates as a man of absolute in-
tegrity and justice in his dealings with all, and
his memory is kindly cherished in scores of hearts
whom he had endeared himself to by his manly
virtues.

A son of Garrett Lowe and Ann (Henry)
Emmons, our subject was born in this county in
1820. The father was a blacksmith by occupa-
tion, a hard-working and honest man, but one
who had not the means to educate his children as
he would have liked. He died November 26,
1858, and his wife survived him but a short time,
dying July 3. i860. They were both about
sixty-five years of age at the time of their de-
mise.
Jerome Emmons was mainly self-educated, as

he did not have the opportunities that fall to
nearly every child in this day. He was naturally
quick to learn, however, and was a man of good
information on current topics, as he kept well
posted on events transpiring in the busy world,
and his habit of keen observation and the experi-
ence derived from friction in business made him
appear the equal of others who had had much
better advantages. He was employed by the late
Hiram Deats, of Flemington, for upwards of
twenty years, giving complete satisfaction, and
winning an enviable name for honesty, punctu-
ality and reliability. He was very prudent and
careful of his earnings, and from time to time
made judicious investments of his means. Thus
he was enabled to settle down in peaceful enjoy-
ment of his competence much sooner than he
could otherwise have done. He established a
home in New Germantown in the year 1884, and
within its comfortable confines his widow is still
living. He was never a politician, but was faith-
ful in his duty as a voter, giving his ballot to the
nominees of the Democracy. For a period he
acted in the capacity of township commissioner,
and was commended by all concerned for his
prompt and zealous work as such. By his own
request his remains were placed in the Baptist
cemetery at Clinton.

March 26, 1885, Mr. Emmons married Eliza
C. Stiger, of Lebanon Township, this county.
Her father, John Stiger, was a farmer of Clinton
Township. From her mother's side of the family
she inherited a comfortable fortune, and is quite
a business woman, looking after her financial
affairs herself. Besides the pretty home in which
she resides, she has the income of a place in
Potterstown, and owns a fine farm of ninety-two
acres near Califon. This land is especially
adapted to the growing of grain and fruit, and is
a valuable homestead. Mrs. Emmons has under-
taken the bringing up of a bright and promising
boy to whom her husband had become attached,
and is giving him a good education. She retains
her membership in the Baptist Church of Clinton,
where she formerly attended, and aids not only
in its maintenance, but also in that of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

56i

Lutheran Church of New Germantown, which
she usually attends. She is loved and respected
by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances,
here and elsewhere.

qJEORGE B. SMITH is a member of the firm
._ of Smith & Hawk, who carry on a general
,JJ merchandising business in the town of Clin-
ton, Hunterdon County. He is also the owner
of a valuable farm situated within the corporate
limits of the town, and of late years he has been
quite extensively interested in dairying, supply-
ing the townspeople with milk from his farm. He
has taken a very active part in the various affairs
of moment in this locality, and is at present a
member of the town council, now serving his sec-
ond term in this position. He was commissioner
of streets for the borough of Clinton for a period,
and under his jurisdiction the highways were
materially improved. In national affairs he is an
ardent supporter of the platform and nominees of
the Republican party, as he is an earnest be-
liever in its far-reaching and wise policy for the
American people.

David B. Smith, the father of the above, is still
living, as he has done for man}' years, upon his
well-improved farm in Readington Township,
Hunterdon County. His father before him, John
Smith, was likewise an agriculturist. The father
of our subject chose for his companion and help-
mate along the journey of life Phoebe S. Johnson,
who, like himself, was born and brought up in
this county. Their marriage was blessed by the
birth of seven children, all of whom survive to
this time, and are as follows: David S., a resi-
dent of Warren County; George B.; Carrie; Will-
iam H., a farmer of Warren County; Annie, who
is married and lives in Elizabeth; Cyrus, a resi-
dent of Clinton Township; and Marcus, twin-
brother of Cyrus, still on the home farm with his
father.

George B. Smith was born near Pleasant Run,
Readington Township, August 24, 1864. He
attended the district schools and left home when
about fourteen to seek his own livelihood, work-
ing upon various farms until four years or more
had rolled away. He then went to Lincoln, 111.,
where he commenced learning telegraphy in the
office of the Western Union. He continued at
this employment for two and a-half years, then
returning to his native state. He rented a farm
near Clinton, and gave his chief energies to agri-
culture until, in 1 S93, he purchased the property,
a tract of eighty acres, on which he dwells to-
day. February 20, 1896, he entered into part-
nership with John M. Hawk, and together they
started in business in Clinton, and have done
very well. They have a well-selected stock of
dry goods and notions, at differing prices and
qualities, suitable to the widely varied demands
of the trade. Formerly Mr. Smith was a mem-
ber of Lodge No. 185, I. O. O. F., was past
grand and represented his lodge in the grand
lodge of the state. Owing to the many and
varied cares that his business interests lay upon
him, he has dropped his fraternal relations for
the time being.

December 10, 1891, the marriage of Mr. Smith
and Mamie C. Stout was solemnized. She is a
daughter of George A. Stout, of Clinton Town-
ship, and is a lady of most pleasing personality
and attainments.

•':>o,0\,^i'

0IMEON P. STRYKER. Among the farmers
/\ and business men of Hunterdon County this
Q) gentleman holds a position of prominence
and influence. The greater part of his active
life has been spent at his present place of resi-
dence in Kingwood Township. Coming here in
1856 he settled in the village of Tumble, where
he built a saw and lumber mill and this he has since
operated. In 1887 he added a grist mill. In ad-

562

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dition he is the owner of a well-improved farm
consisting of one hundred acres and bearing ex-
cellent improvements. His present prosperity is
especially commendable because it is entirely the
result of his personal efforts, for he started out for
himself without capital and was obliged to work
his way forward unaided by wealthy friends or
extraneous circumstances.

The son of Minicus and Isabella Stryker, our
subject was born in Somerset County, N. J., in
1828. When he was five years old his mother
died and four years later he was wholly orphaned
by the death of his father. Deprived of the af-
fection and oversight of his parents , the youth had
few pleasures or opportunities. He was bound
out to a farmer, but at the age of fifteen was
made an apprentice to the millwright's trade, at
which he served for five years. Afterward he
followed his trade for thirteen years in the em-
ploy of others, and carefully hoarded his earnings
in order that he might have the necessary capi-
tal for starting in business. He is a keen and
capable business man, quick to see an opportunity
and equally quick to grasp it. As a member of
the Democratic party he is active in politics. For
four terms he served as committeeman and as
surveyor of highways. He is a member of the
Grange and interested in everything that is con-
ducive to the prosperity of the farmers of this
section.

By the marriage of Mr. Stryker to Miss Eliza,
daughter of John Parker, four children were born,
two daughters, both of whom are married, and
two sons. The family attend the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.

men of brains and untiring perseverance. One of
the well-known physicians of Milford is the sub-
ject of this article, who has had many years of
experience in practice and has gained a thorough
theoretical and practical knowledge of its every
department and phase. For some j-ears after
entering upon the profession he followed the
regular school in his practice, but succeeding
years of investigation and study led him to alter
his views and to abandon the old school for the
new, which he now practices.

The office of Dr. Lowe is located at his home
on North Main street. He settled in Milford
April 1, 1870, coming here from Titusville, Mer-
cer County, N. J., where he had practiced for
several years. After graduating from the med-
ical department of the University of New York in
1862 he followed the school of allopathy until
1865, since which time he has been ahomeopath-
ist. He has been highly successful and ranks
among the foremost in his profession in the
county of Hunterdon, which has been his life-
long home. A man of broad education, cultured
and well informed, he has the regard of all with
whom professional or social relations have brought
him into contact.

Dr. Lowe's father, John J. Lowe, was a leading
farmerofhis day in Hunterdon County. Inter-
ested in public affairs, he was a man of influence
among his neighbors. In 1830 he took the first
census ever taken in the northern part of the
county. He was especially devoted to religious
work and was an earnest member of the Reformed
Dutch Church. When in life's prime, at the age
of forty, he was called from earth. The family
of which he was a member dates back several
generations in Hunterdon Count}-, where his
father, John Lowe, was born and where he died
at eighty years of age. The mother of our sub-
ject was Catherine Conovers, daughter of Garrett
and Margaret (Reger) Conovers, and an active
member of the Reformed Church. In her family
there were eleven children and of these the doctor
was seventh in order of birth.

Dr. Lowe has been for many years a valued
member of various homeopathic medical associa-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

563

tions and societies, among them the American
Institute of Homeopathy, the International
Hahnemaunian Association, the New Jersey State
Homeopathic Medical Society and the Lehigh
Valley Homeopathic Medical Society. To all of
these he has contributed valuable papers, treating
of materia medica, therapeutics, clinical medicine,
homeopathic philosophy, the collateral sciences,
etc. , many of which may be found published in
the past annual transactions of these medical
societies. His attitude toward his brethren, of
his own and other schools in the profession of
medicine, is kindly and liberal. While in ethical
observance, personally considered, he is altruistic,
yet he is a strong believer in and a faithful ad-
herent of the practical philosophy and the true
principles of representative, homeopathic practice
in medicine.

(JOHN R. CARR, an honored old citizen of
Hackettstown, has long been numbered
Q) among the representative men of Warren
County. His history is particularly interesting
and instructive, and should prove an incentive to
greater effort and more determined and persever-
ing toil on the part of ambitious young men of
this generation. From a condition of poverty
and obscurity he rose by his inherent strength
of character and diligence in business to a place
of influence and respect in the community, to a
comfortable fortune, with the refinements and
luxuries of life which it commands.

A sou of Philip and Elizabeth (Taylor) Carr,
natives of New Jersey, our subject was born in
the city of Newark, November 13, 18 16, and is
therefore now well along in years, though he still
possesses much of the fire and activity of his
prime. He had very meagre advantages in an
educational way, as he attended the district
schools but a few months each year until he was
about twelve years of age. At that time he took

a position as a clerk and errand boy in a grocery,
receiving but little besides his board up to his
sixteenth year. Then he concluded to learn a
trade, and apprenticed himself to a harness and
saddle-maker in Newark, N. J., for the long
peripd of six years. By working hard nights and
over time he at last managed to save about $300
and thus realized thoroughly the truth of that
saying of one of America's rich men that "the
first $100 is the hardest to gain."

September 5, 1839, John R. Carr married Mary
Matilda Fleming, by whom he had one child,
James Smith Carr, born August 26, 1S43. The
wife and mother died the following day; the son
died October n, 1S7S. August 31, 1844, Mr.
Carr married again, his second wife being Eliza
Ellen Fleming, a distant relative of his first wife.
By this marriage he had four children, namely:
David Thurston, born June 26, 1846, died Febru-
ary 20, 1847; Anna Aurelia, born June 19, 1849,
now the wife of John H. Sharp and mother of
one child, John; Ella Amelia, born October 20,
1857, and October 19, 1882, was married to John
H. Vescelius, by whom she had three children;
and Catherine Adelia, born December 3, i860,
now the wife of Alden E. Martin, M. D., by
whom she has four children.

On coming to this county our subject entered
into partnership with Abraham Morgan in the
foundry business in the town of Washington. At
the expiration of three years he severed his con-
nection with his partner, and going to Vienna,
N. J., re-embarked in the same business with
Harve}' Fleming. The following twenty-three
years he prospered and added each year some-
what to his accumulating fortune, though at
times he met with reverses, such as come to all.
He dissolved his connection with his partner
about 1865 and carried on the business alone for
a time. About 1867 he retired and came to
Hackettstown, being at that time worth $12,000
or thereabouts.

For -a year or so he lived cp^ietly here, recuper-
ating in mind and body, and then he decided to
again engage in business. During the next four
years he sold mowers and reapers, and then was

564

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for three years a bookkeeper in a lumber yard
here. After another interval of rest from his
labors, he started in the lumber business here
with John H. Sharp, but after four years the
partnership was dissolved and he carried on the
business alone for about three years. He con-
ducted the same very successfully until he sold
out and permanently retired from the world of
commerce. He was the president of the
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association of
Warren County for a number of years, and
keeps up his interest in everything that relates to
the progress of this place. In 1882 he was
elected tax collector and has filled the office up to
the date of this writing (1898), and in April of
this year he was elected for a further term of
three years. In addition to this he was for a
quarter of a century a justice of the peace here.
He has met all the requirements of these posi-
tions, and has won an enviable reputation for
fidelity to the least as well as the greatest of his
duties. His right of franchise he has always
used in favor of the nominees of the Democratic
party.

-♦>•£>

pGjADTER S. FREEMAN, proprietor of a
\A/ ^ne c'ruo store in Phillipsburg, Warren
YV County, is thoroughly master of the drug
business, and is a practical man of affairs. He is
public-spirited and takes much interest in what-
ever he believes will benefit the town in which he
resides, and is popular with all who know him.
He is independent in his political convictions,
rather leaning toward the Democratic party plat-
form, but preferring not to be bound by party ties.
Though he has been offered the nomination for
several local offices, he declined the honor, as he
is not at all desirous of holding public positions.
Dr. George W. Freeman, father of our subject,
was an active practitioner in the village of Free-
mansburg, Northampton County, Pa., for forty
years or more, and died in May, 1898, aged sixty-

six years. He was educated in Easton, graduat-
ing from the medical department of the University
of Pennsylvania about 1855. He studied under his
uncle, Dr. C. C. Field, a celebrated surgeon of
Easton. In Freemansburg, his native place,
which was founded and named after his paternal
grandfather (a native of Scotland, and a large
land-holder in Freemansburg, many years ago),
he was one of the most prominent citizens, and
was frequently called upon to accept public offices
of responsibility and trust. For fifteen years
he was the burgess or mayor of the town, and for
a long period was an elder in the Reformed Church
there. His wife, Matilda M. , is a daughter of
Major Seip, at one time a very influential person-
age in Easton. Mrs. Freeman is still living and
is sixty-two years of age. Of her four children
all but one survive. The eldest, E. J., is a suc-
cessful physician of Freemansburg, and Man-,
the only daughter, is the wife of George W. Bach-
man, a prosperous business man of the same place.
Walter S. Freeman was born in Freemansburg,
November 30, 1859, and after completing his pub-
lic-school education entered Lehigh University,
at Bethlehem, Pa., graduating therefrom in 1878.
Then, with two hundred and twelve other appli-
cants, he competed in an examination for a posi-
tion in the drug store of Joseph P. Remington,
who was a professor in the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy and whose drug establishment was
the finest one in the Quaker city, it being situated
on the corner of Walnut and Thirteenth streets.
His clerks were selected with great care, and
were generally made assistant professors in the
college before alluded to, and thus it was a sub-
stantial honor when the young man of whom we
write was the one chosen to fill the vacant posi-
tion, which he did acceptably for six months.
At the end of that time he was unfortunately
taken ill, and was obliged to give up his place.
Later he was a clerk in a drug store in Bethle-
hem, Pa., for about two years. After that he
went to Philadelphia, and accepted a position in
the wholesale drug house of Smith, Kline & Co.,
taking charge of their sundries department. At
the same time he was preparing himself for a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

565

wider field of enterprise by attending lectures at
the College of Pharmacy, from which institution
he graduated in 1882. Soon after that event he
came to his present place of business, and after
working for the former owner, Dr. Lee, for about
a year, purchased the establishment, which he has
carried on ever since.

February 28, 1883, Mr. Freeman married Jane
P., daughter of John J. Unangst, ex-treasurer of
Northampton County, Pa., and a director in a
bank and other enterprises. Four children have
been born to our subject and wife, named respect-
ively: Eugene W., Mabel M., Edith J. and
George P. Fraternally Mr. Freeman is a Mason,
belonging to Delaware Lodge No. 52, F. & A.
M. He is also a Knight of Pythias and is identi-
fied with the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen.

place, where he has since resided. During the
late war he enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth
New Jersey Infantry, in which he served for
nine months and was then honorably discharged.
On returning from the war, Mr. Race made his
home with a brother for some time, meanwhile
carrying on farm work. Forming a partnership
with his brother, Jacob S., they purchased the
farm where they have ever since resided, engaging
in the raising of cereals and stock. Our subject's
attention has been given closely to his chosen oc-
cupation, and he has had little desire to mingle
in public affairs. However, he keeps himself
posted concerning politics. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the local lodge of Odd Fellows, in
which he has passed all of the chairs and is past
grand. His family are Methodists and he him-
self favors the doctrines of that denomination, to
which he contributes generously. February 2,
1867, he was united in marriage with Susan
Hibler, daughter of William and Ellen Hibler,
and they are the parents of one child, a son,
William H.

5JEORGE W. RACE. Identified with the
_ farming interests of Hunterdon County
J throughout almost his entire active life,
Mr. Race has gained a large acquaintance among
the residents of the county and is especially promi-
nent in Franklin Township, where he owns and
operates a farm. He is a son of Halloway H.
and Charlotta (Seabold) Race.

In Franklin Township, where he was born in
1836, the boyhood days of the subject of this
sketch were passed, his time being given to
school duties, farm work and the usual sports of
boyhood. Trained to agriculture, he naturally
chose this as his life occupation and his subse-
quent success shows that he did not err in his
choice. In early manhood, with a desire to see
the west, he went to Ohio and Iowa, where he
was employed on farms for a year. However,
he did not consider those states as superior to
New Jersey in farming facilities and opportun-
ities, and he therefore returned to his native

; — j ».>( ;. f:(j5;->£^«— •

EHARLES F. ADAMS, one of the progress-
ive young citizens of Junction, Hunterdon
County, is employed as an engineer on the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, with
which company his father has been also connected
in the same capacity for forty-five years. In
1892 he erected his pretty and well-appointed
home in this town, and here he takes his chief
pleasure, surrounded by his loving family. He
is faithful and conscientious in the discharge of
every duty devolving upon him, and is honored
and respected by a wide circle of friends and ac-
quaintances.

Charles F. Adams was born August 10, 1863,
in Junction, N. J., being a son of Ohio W. and

566

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Laura A. (Harding) Adams. He was reared
under the constant love and care of his parents
and completed his education with a mechanical
course at the John I. Blair Academy at Blairs-
town, N. J. When he was nineteen, April 13,
18S2, he took a position with the company which
has since employed him, as a fireman under his
uncle, Frank Adams. He remained in that ca-
pacity until June 1, 1884, when he became fire-
man with Thomas Toomy on a passenger engine,
running to Binghamton, N. Y. October 14,
1886, he was promoted to be engineer of the same
engine, Carbon No. 16, his run being between
Junction and Pocano Summit. He continued to
make this trip for four years and a day, when he
was placed in charge of engine No. 187, following
in the footsteps of Mr. Toomy. A month later he
was given express train No. 11, from Bingham-
ton to Junction, and the Buffalo passenger No. 10
back. This was on December 2, 1890, and he
has since made this run.

May 19, 1891, Mr. Adams met with a severe
stroke of ill luck. Going north from Scranton to
Binghamton, near Chinchilla, he suddenly dis-
covered a freight car across the track, so close
that he had but time to draw a long breath, before
the collision came. He was on engine No. 158,
the one his father had run for nine 3'ears, and
though it was badly damaged, it was repaired
and is still doing duty. Fortunately none of the
passengers in the three coaches were injured, the
worst hurt being the baggageman, who did not
recover from the injuries he sustained. No
blame, of course, could be attached to Mr. Adams.
His present engine is the W. S. Sloan, No. 188,
named in honor of the son of Vice-President
Sloan of the railroad. He leaves Junction at
10:20 P. M., arriving in Binghamton at 2:40
A. M.; leaves there at 11:45 P- M., reaching
Junction at 4:30 A. M. He is past chief of Gar-
rett Bogart Division No. 337, Brotherhood of
Locomotive Engineers, of Junction, and has filled
various offices in the same. Since April, 1894,
he has been second engineer of the division, and
is insurance agent of it as well. He also belongs
to the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Mutual

Aid Organization, and he is resident trustee of
the Republic Savings and Loan Association of
Newark, N. J. He was elected to the town
council of Junction in 1898. Fraternally he is a
member of the Masonic order, being identified
with Lebanon Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M., of Glen
Gardner. He uses his ballot in favor of Repub-
lican principles and is active in the promotion of
all local enterprises of merit.

May 6, 1886, Mr. Adams married Carrie,
daughter of Peter and Eliza (Wagner) Bowlby.
The father has been with the Central Railroad
shops here for many years, and is a valuable man
to the company. To our subject and his esti-
mable wife two bright little daughters have been
born, Verna A. and Ruby G.

ROBERT LINDSLEY, deceased, was long
numbered among the representative citizens
of Readington Township, Hunterdon County.
For over fort}' years he and his faithful and
affectionate wife shared each other's joys and
sorrows, were strengthened and comforted by
each other's society and together bravely met
such reverses as come into the lot of every one,
sooner or later. Now, in loneliness, his widow
cpjietly awaits the summons that shall reunite
them, and in the meantime treasures the memory
of the past, the memory of her husband's care,
love and constant watchfulness after her comfort.
His was a busy, useful life, fraught with a thou-
sand acts of kindness and genuine brotherly love
to those with whom he came into contact, and by
one and all he is held in fond remembrance.

A sou of Daniel and Elizabeth (Connet)
Lindsley, our subject was born in Hunterdon
County, August 12, 1824, being the fifth in a
family of seven children. Of the others, Phoebe,
Harriet, Joseph, Lucy, John and Mary, but one,
Joseph, is now living. The parents were both
born and reared in Morris County, and the father

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

567

was a farmer by occupation. Therefore the boy-
hood of our subject was passed in the country,
where he early became thoroughly familiar with
all kinds of work pertaining to a farm. He
learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that
occupation chiefly during the rest of his life with
very good success. He was always interested in
all local improvements and in politics was a Re-
publican. He died October 30, 1891, at the age
of sixty-seven years.

November 20, 1850, Mr. Lindsley married
Eliza A. Reed, who was born in this township in
the house where she is now living. She is a
daughter of Ralph and Christiana (Eversole)
Reed, who were from old and highly respected
families of this district. The father was a soldier
of the War of 1812. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley, viz. : Sylvester L. , Joseph
H., Frank W. and Anna M. (deceased.) Mrs.
Lindsley is a member of the Reformed Church of
White House.

©AMUEL M. RITTENHOUSE, of Kingwood
7\ Township, Hunterdon Count)*, was born in
\~) 1840 upon the farm where he now resides.
He is a son of Nathaniel Rittenhouse, also a na-
tive of Kingwood, and, with the exception of a
few years spent in Alexander, a life-long resident
of this township. The occupation which he
followed was that of a farmer and in it he met
with considerable success, becoming known as
one of the leading agriculturists of his com-
munity. As a Democrat he took an active part
in public affairs, always supporting the principles
for which his party stood. He held membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church and con-
tributed to the work of his denomination. His
death occurred in 1872. He was a son of
Nathaniel Rittenhouse, Sr. , also a native of
Hunterdon County, and one of the largest far-
mers of his day and locality.

The mother of our subject was Sarah Taylor,
a sister of Capt. A. S. Taylor, whose sketch is
presented upon another page of this volume.
Like her husband, she affiliated with the Method-
ists in religion. She attained a very advanced
age and at the time of her death lacked only four
years of rounding out a full century. Of her
nine children six are living, namely: Elizabeth,
wife of Samuel S. Shuster; Mahlon, a resident of
Everittstown, Hunterdon County; Ruth and
Catherine, twins; Samuel M., of this sketch; and
Levina, wife of William Clayton.

On the farm where he was born our subject is
engaged in the dairy business and general farm
pursuits. The place comprises one hundred
acres, divided into fields of convenient size for
the pasturage of stock and raising of grain.
Since it has come into his possession he has made
a number of improvements in the buildings and
has placed the land under excellent cultivation.
His attention has been closely given to farm
work and he has had little time for outside mat-
ters, though he always maintains an interest in
public affairs and in politics supports the Demo-
cratic party. He attends the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which his wife is a member.

In 1869 Mr. Rittenhouse was united in mar-
riage with Miss Eliza A. Manning, daughter of
Samuel and Sarah (Worthington) Manning.
The three children born to their union are
named as follows: William T., who resides at
Mount Pleasant; Albert W.; and Bertha M.,
who is a very successful dressmaker.

DWARD M. HEATH, now a resident of
'3 Delaware Township, Hunterdon Count)',
_ has been numbered among the leading edu-
cators of this section of New Jersey for many
decades, and has given the best of his life to the
great work of instructing the young. His wide
experience and general efficiency led to his being

568

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

elected superintendent of the schools of this
county in 1888, for a term of three years, and
upon the expiration of that period he was re-
elected for another term of like duration, and
then for one year more. In politics a Democrat,
he has been called upon to hold official positions
by his party friends, and was clerk of Delaware
Township for nine years; clerk of the board of
freeholders three years and justice of the peace
six years, and in every case gave complete satis-
faction to all concerned.

The birth of Edward M. Heath took place in
Kingwood Township, this county, May 24,
1837. His childhood was passed upon a farm,
and his elementary education acquired in the
local school. While but half way through his
teens he obtained a school in his home neighbor-
hood, and taught there for two terms with fair
success. He then entered Madison University
in New York state, being only seventeen at that
time, and remained in that institution four terms.
Returning to his native county, he conducted a
school in Kingwood Township one term and then
went to Darke County, Ohio, where he had
charge of a school for two terms. Again return-
ing to his native county, he took charge of a
school at Locktown, where he taught for twenty-
eight successive years. The measure of his suc-
cess is clearly shown in the prominence his pupils
have taken in the various walks of life. Since
1895, when he vacated the office of county super-
intendent, he has been living quietly upon a good
farm of seventy acres which he purchased in
Delaware Township. The personal worth and
popularity of our subject were manifested when
his pupils presented him with a handsome gold-
headed cane upon his being appointed to the
superinteudencv, and upon his leaving that office
the teachers of the county made him a present of
a fine solid gold watch.

In 1858 Mr. Heath married Miss Annie B.
Trout, daughter of Asher Trout. The only
child of this union is Robert, who married Lizzie
Rupell, and resides on the farm with our subject
at present. Edward M. Heath has long been
identified with the Christian Church of Lock-

town, and is actively interested in religious
growth and prosperity. In the Hunterdon
County Historical Society he is a valued member
and is, moreover, connected with the State His-
torical Society and with the Patrons of Hus-
bandry.

30HN K. THOMPSON. For the past nine
years this respected citizen of Readington
Township, Hunterdon County, has been en-
gaged in running a general store at Pleasant Run.
August 12, 1889, he received the appointment of
postmaster of this village and has since held the
position to the full satisfaction of all concerned.
He is stanch in his allegiance to the principles of
the Republican party, with which organization
he has been identified since he became a voter.
In a business way he is doing well, and by his
correct methods, unfailing courtesy to customers
and desire to meet their wishes, he merits the
large and increasing trade which he enjoys.

The next to the youngest in a family of seven
children of Aaron and Maria (Schomp) Thomp-
son, John K. was born August 25, 1857. His
brothers and sisters were as follows: Charity S.,
Elizabeth A., Sophia, Lanah K., David S. and
Ina. The eldest, Charity S., David S. and Ina
are all deceased. The parents were both natives
of Readington Township, and were farmers by
occupation. The father was also interested in a
mercantile undertaking for a period. Both the
Thompson and Schomp families have been num-
bered among the leading ones of this section of
the country for several generations, and have been
noted for reliability, industry and patriotism.

The early years of our subject were passed un-
eventfully upon the old homestead, where he be-
came perfectly familiar with all kinds of farm
work. Like most of the boys of his neighborhood
his education was confined to such as was to be
obtained in the district school, and with this as a
basis he has since added much information, the

LEWIS MARSHALL TEEL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

57i

result of observation and reading. Up to a few
years ago he gave his whole time and energies to
farming, and has since devoted himself to the
management of his store.

October 19, 1880, Mr. Thompson married Mat-
tie E. Dilts, whose girlhood was spent in Somer-
set County, N. J. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are
members of the Reformed Church of Readington,
and are actively interested in various kinds of
religious and charitable endeavor.

•»}2*M

fi®<+C;«-

-*— f-

EWIS MARSHALL TEEL. We take great
I C pleasure in presenting to the patrons of this
L/ work a history of the gentleman whose name
stands at the head of this article. From the posi-
tion of a poor lad he rose by his own indomitable
energy and well-applied talents to a place of in-
fluence and respect in the community where he
resided from 1852 until his death, on January 23,
1898. His example is one that might well be
followed by ambitious young men of the rising
generation. For himself he found no royal road
to fortune, his only watchword being work. Hav-
ing recognized work as the foundation prin-
ciple of success, he spared himself no reason-
able amount of labor during his prime, and in his
last days he was able to look back with just
pride upon a well-spent and useful life. He did
not strive solely for his own aggrandizement, but
gladly extended a helping hand to those who
needed such assistance and has been very liberal
in his donations to charitable and religious work.
A native of Blairstown, N. J., Mr. Teel was
born August 14, 1829, a son of Lewis and Sarah
(Silverthorn) Teel. His father, who was a life-
long agriculturist, died in 1843; his grandfather,
a native of Holland, emigrated to America and
settled in Bucks County, Pa. Mrs. Sarah Teel
was also of Dutch descent, and her death occurred
in 1858. Of her eleven children four survive,
viz.: Edmund, a resident of Trenton, N. J.;

Chester L., of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Andrew P., of
Minneapolis; and Sarah, wife of George Wilson,
of Pennsylvania.

Among other disadvantages with which our
subject had to contend was that of a meagre edu-
cation. He was but twelve years of age when he
took the position of clerk in the store of his uncle,
Henry Teel, at Harmony, Warren County, and
with him he remained for six )'ears. Then, going
to Washington, he clerked until 1852, when he
came to Phillipsburg. For a time he worked in
the store of a Mr. Long and in 1859 embarked
in the coal business on his own account. Six
years later he became interested in the lumber
and hardware business, also began taking con-
tracts for the building of houses and other struc-
tures. A large proportion of the residences in
the town were put up by him, and at the time of
his death he had the contract for much of the
work in the new glass factories here. He helped
to organize the Phillipsburg board of trade, of
which he was president for eight years. The
Standard silk mills, where about nine hundred
hands are employed, were secured for this place
largely through his efforts. Later he assisted in
organizing the Phillipsburg silk mill, of which he
was a director and the president at the time of
his death. For thirty-one years he was agent for
insurance companies here.

Under Lincoln's administration Mr. Teel was
postmaster of Phillipsburg. In 1856 he organ-
ized the Republican party in this locality and
ever afterward spent time and money in promot-
ing the party welfare. In 1863 he joined the Ma-
sonic order, being connected with Delaware Lodge
No. 52, F. & A. M., at the time of his death. He
was also one of the oldest members of Victory
Council, Order United American Mechanics. For
forty years he was an elder in the First Presby-
terian Church of Phillipsburg, which he assisted
in organizing, being one of the original trustees
thereof.

The first wife of Mr. Teel was Eliza C, daugh-
ter of John Kline. She died in 1864, and of the
five children born of the marriage the following
survive: Jessie Benton, wife of John I. Blair

572

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Reiley, a counsellor-at-law of Phillipsburg; Eliza-
beth M., widow of Joseph V. Hoffman, of Phil-
lipsburg; and Carrie H., wife of Charles S. Jones,
a patent attorney of New York City. Novem-
ber 18, 1867, Mr. Teel married Emma, daughter
of Thomas Rogers, of North Wales, Pa. ; she is
now living with her only child, Nellie S., who
is the wife of Benjamin Crane, an active busi-
ness man of Washington, D. C.

'ERRY M. A' HERON, M. D. This worthy
physician and surgeon of Junction, Hun-
terdon County, enjoys a reputation for
skill and competence in his profession that is not
merely local, but is more nearly national. He is
very frequently called into consultation in cases
of unusual delicacy and importance, to distant
states and counties, and has met with almost
phenomenal success. His favorite field is that of
surgery, in which he excels, and for sixteen
years he has been employed in this capacity by
the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. His
record while with this corporation has been a
matter of note, for of the sixty odd cases that
have been referred to him for surgical operations,
only one of them terminated fatally, that one hav-
ing been previously acted upon by another sur-
geon.

As his name indicates, the doctor is a native of
Ireland, and comes from one of the old and
illustrious families of Barrymore, County Cork.
His father, Dennis A'Heron, was a landed pro-
prietor, and his mother was Hanora Mahoney in
her girlhood, she being a sister of the Very Rev.
Dean O' Mahoney and of Rev. Philip O' Mahoney.
Terry M., of this sketch, is one of six children.
His brother, John, was inspector-general of
Queensland at the time of his death, in 1896.
Another brother is inspector-general of her royal
majesty's constabulary force in Dublin, and is

also inspector-general of the Dublin district; Will-
iam, who was a gentleman of means and leisure,
is deceased.

Referring to the death of our subject's brother,
John A'Heron, a leading Irish paper said, under
the heading of "A Distinguished Corkman:"
"Travelers going to Middletown from Michaels-
town by way of Glanworth, Fermoy and Castle-
lyons will pass through scenery unequaled in
Europe. All this strip of country is dotted with
ruins of old castles or ivy-clad abbeys and de-
serted cloisters, which speak of a people and
faith that survive all time and ruins. How often
has the writer gazed on those ruins with the
moss-grown corridors and delicately chiseled win-
dows that have withstood the storms of man and
heaven for centuries. If you turn aside to some
farmhouse you will find the man who occupies it
is an A'Heron, and if you go on a little further,
passing this belt of country, and inquire at some
other place you will find the same surname. The
fact is the country has been for centuries the
cherished home of the clan of A'Heron. For
many generations during the wars of the invaders
they held this land, and although Cromwell
visited them they still held their own." The
castle A'Heron was built in the eleventh century,
and was one of the last to capitulate to the army
of Cromwell. The Cork Examiner of April 13,
188 1, in commenting upon the death of Dean
O' Mahoney, spoke of the family as being of "old
sturdy Catholic stock that in the past days had
given children to the church and patriots to the
scaffold."

Dr. T. M. A'Heron received a good general
education, and studied medicine in some of the
noted institutions of Europe and America. He
was in the medical department of Yale College
for three years, and took a post-graduate course
in New York City. For a period he was con-
nected with the staff of the Coombe Hospital in
Dublin, and made a special stud}' of the diseases
of the eye and ear in St. Mark's Ophthalmic
Hospital in Dublin.

In the rising of 1S66 the doctor was arrested
for treason and was imprisoned for eleven months,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

573

in consequence of which he came to America as
soon as he was released. In 1874 he returned to
Europe on a visit, and again in 1893 returned to
the scenes of his youth for a brief time. This
last trip was largely made in the interests of his
professional work, for he went into many of the
most celebrated hospitals in France, Germany
and Ireland, observing the workings of their
various systems, and gathering a valuable fund of
information. He owns a comfortable home in
the town of Junction, where he has made his
headquarters since 1874. Prior to this he had
been engaged in practice in New York City. He
has built up a very extensive and lucrative prac-
tice, and has invested considerable in real estate,
owning land in Jersey City and elsewhere, and
having other investments in railroad stock. He
is independent in his political attitude, but is a
firm believer in the principle of protection for
American industries. He is an entertaining con-
versationalist, as he has a fine command of lan-
guage, and possesses much of the native wit and
shrewdness that are usually accorded to the sons
of Erin.

gENJAMIN C. BIRD. Born, married, died,
such is the brief record of most lives, but
between the first and the last of these words
that represent so much of the history of an in-
dividual lie the differing motives, circumstances
and characteristics that go toward making up the
grand total of a personality. Back of each one
of us lies ancestry and heredity, before us and
around us, environment and daily struggle, and
the manner in which we meet these grave problems
is the measure of our true selves. The subject
of this biography was a native of Hunterdon
County, his birth having taken place on the old
family homestead in Union Township. For a
number of generations the Birds have been promi-
nent in the upbuilding and development of this
region, and have been noted for industry, upright-
ness and fairness in all their transactions with their

fellow-men. The parents of our subject were Jo-
seph and Elizabeth (Dilts) Bird, the latter likewise
of an old and representative family in these parts.

Like his scriptural namesake, Benjamin C.
Bird was the youngest of a large family, as, in
fact, he had sixteen brothers and sisters. He was
not given unusual advantages in the way of an
education, for that very reason, as so many
mouths to feed made it necessary that each child
should early find a way of earning its own liveli-
hood. He was bright and enterprising, and
from his boyhood seemed planned to follow an
agricultural life, for he was a sincere lover of
nature and cared not at all for city life. He set-
tled upon a farm when he reached his majority,
cleared and cultivated the place, and made sub-
stantial and valuable improvements. He was not
a politician nor desirous of holding public office,
but attended strictly to his own business, finding
his chief pleasure in the home circle. His ballot
was always deposited in favor of the nominees of
the Republican party, and, in the midst of his
other cares, he never neglected his duty as a citi-
zen. Religiously he was a Presbyterian, be-
longed to the church and aided materially in its
support. He died as he had lived, strong in the
Christian faith.

In 1848 Mr. Bird married Sarah L- Bonnell,
daughter of Charles F. and Deborah (Leigh)
Bonnell, old and respected citizens of this count}'.
Of the five brothers and sisters of Mrs. Bird, not
one survives. They were named, Eliza A.,
Anna L., Samuel L. , Alexander B. and Ichabod
L- To Mr. and Mrs. Bird ten children were
born, four of the number having been summoned
to the better land. Alexander B. is a respected
citizen of Jutland, N. J.; Emma is the wife of
William H. Hoffman, of Lebanon, N. J.; Isabel
B.is the wife of William B. Haven, also a resident
of Lebanon; Annie is Mrs. Walter Altimus, of
Louisiana; Sadie D. married James R. Neal, of
Plainfield, N. J.; and Carrie D. is living with her
mother. They are both members of the Bethle-
hem Presbyterian Church of this place and are
loved and respected by a large circle of sincere
friends and acquaintances.

Abel, Levi V 472

Adams, Charles F 565

/Adams, John 23

Adams, John Quincy 39

Adams, Ohio Whitney 465

A'Heron, T. M., M. D 572

Albert, M. H 163

Albright, Morris R 415

Alleger, John W 361

Allen, Arthur 451

Aller, Henry A 493

Aller, Jacob J 444

Altemus, J. W. & Bro 292

Anderson, James 233

Angle, George A 175

Anthony, Stewart 326

Apgar, Casper E 323

Apgar, Francis A., M. D 338

Apgar, James M 305

Apgar, Marshall F 315

Arthur, Chester A 99

Ashcroft, James 291

Ashcroft, Richard 277

Aten, Henry 204

Bachman, John A 502

Baker, Lansing B 539

Baker, Hon. W. H 404

Balderston, Theodore, D. D. S. .304

Barber, Isaac 491

Barker, George G 520

Barry, William, Jr 254

Bartles, William H., M. D 1S2

Bartron, David 275

Bea.cy, Hon. Daniel F 133

Beatty, Jacob H 331

Beatty, Lewis C 126

Beaty, George W 362

Beavers, John W 413

Beesley, Edward M., D. D. S. . .259

Belford, James 344

Bell, George L, 213

Bellis, David S 209

INDEX

Bellis, EmlyH 318

Bellis, William 308

Bercaw, Henry 503

Bergen, Evert J., M. D 138

Bergner, John C 437

Best, George N., M. D 134

Bigelow, Henry M 463

Biggs, John J 140

Bikle, Rev. Charles G 333

Bird, Benjamin C 573

Bird, Theodores 185

Blackwell, Luke S 194

Blackwell, Oliver 1 267

Blair, D. C 171

Blair, John I 119

Bloys, Benjamin 154

Bogardus, E., D. D. S 318

Boileau, N. B., M. D 357

Bowers, John 509

Bowers, Robert Q 416

Brewer, William H 154

Brinton, Walter 404

Britton, Josiah C 144

Browne, Robert B., M. D 453

Bruen, Rev. J. DeHart 135

Buchanan, James 75

Buckley, George J 424

Bunnell, Frank P 295

Burdette, R. Watson 473

Burns, John 236

Butler, Rev. Henry S., D. D. . .219

Callis, William G 160

Carhart, Edmund H 542

Carhart, Elmer E 346

Carhart, Henry O., M. D 149

Carhart, Samuel J 387

Carpenter, Hon. John 485

Carr, John R 563

Case, Abram S 205

Case, Asa 446

Case, Daniel P 277

Case, Joseph R 243

Chamberlain, Judge O. P 428

Clark, George 313

Clark, George N 388

Clark, Samuel 280

Cleveland, S. Grover 103

Cole, George W 235

Cole, Morris A 306

Cole, Robert A 306

Connet, Andrew T 176

Connet, Charles E 213

Cook, Frank M., M. D 486

Cooley, John W 287

Cornish, Hon. Johnston 172

Couch, George M 433

Cox, JohnT 492

Craig, Henry F 368

Craig, William 285

Cramer, David C 317

Cramer, John C 455

Crater, Andrew 194

Cregar, Edgar 1 347

Cregar, John D 367

Creveling, C. F., M. D 476

Creveling, W. S., M. D 518

Cullen, Hon. Henry P 462

Cummins, George W., M. D 531

Curtis, George P 456

Cutler, Augustus W 310

Dalley, George H 521

Dalrymple, Frederick A 137

Dalrymple, Peter V 259

Dalrymple, William H 231

Darmon, Charles H 243

Davis, Harvey 513

Dawes, George M 124

Deats, Emley H 364

Deats, Hiram, Jr 482

Dehart, John W 536

Demott, William P 239

DeWitt, Moses 331

Dilts, Jacob, Jr 271

Divers, Etnmett J 233

Dodd, Allen 452

Duckworth Robbins 535

Egbert, Benjamin 356

Eilenberg, John 427

576

INDEX.

Ely, Reuben P 186

Emery, David R 352

Emmons, Jerome 560

Eversole, W. D 445

Ewing, James G 201

Exton, Joseph H 464

Felmly, Charles F 395

Fenwick, Robert, M. D 377

Ferguson, Rev. W. P., Ph. D. .505

Fillmore, Millard 07

Firth, Joseph H 348

Fisher, William W 300

Fitts, John 146

Fleming, Andrew ■ 223

Fleming, Prof. George 309

Forman, Duillius 173

Foster, Hon. John R 161

Fox, Jacob F 529

Francis, Ebenezer 406

Franks, John 372

Freeman, Walter S 564

Fritts, George 263

Fritts, Stires 341

Frost, Hon. Bartlett C 414

Fulper, Theodore B., M. D 532

Gardner, George 1 195

Gardner, Samuel W 195

Garfield, James A 95

Gary, James P 385

Gebhardt, Godfried W 216

Gibbs, LeviB 351

Gibbs, Silas 347

Grandin, John 381

Grandin, John F., M. D 431

Grant, Ulysses S 87

Green, Anderson W 222

Green, Augustus 261

Griffith, John H., M. D 489

Grim, Franks., M. D 270

Gross, John G 200

Gulick, Walter D 164

Hagaman, Lorenzo D 276

Halsted, C. F., M. D 461

Hardon, John R 468

Haring, Abel B 425

Harmer, Edward 394

Harris, Hon. Henry S 355

Harrison, Benjamin 107

Harrison, William Henry 51

Hart, Amos M., M. D 241

Haver, John R 361

Hawk, Wesley S 543

Hayes, Rutherford B 91

Hay hurst, Walter F 157

Haynes, John C 293

Heath, Edward M 567

Heffernan, John 324

Henderson, John W 314

Hibshman, Rev. H. E 553

Hibshman, Walter S., M. D....191

Higgins, Jonathan 471

Hildebrant, Jahile T 442 '

Hill, Ira 241

Hinkel, Augustus 383

Hockenbury, John S 557

Hockenbury, William B 226

Hoff , James 325

Hoff, Peter C 188

Hoffman, Aaron 205

Hoffman, Eugene 558

Hoffman, George W 481

Hoffman, John D 412

Hoffman, John W 252

Hoffman, Luther 391

Hoffman, Peter F 447

Hoffman, William K 514

Holcombe, Elijah 258

Holcombe, John O 549

Holcombe, Levi 281

Honness, Benjamin F 198

Hopewell, John B 153

Hoppock, Rusling S 173

Housel, Joseph 222

Howell, H. B 354

Hoyt, Charles S 458

Huff, Ralph D 230

Huffman, Barton 235

Hulsizer, Mahlon 418

Humphrey, Edward 408

Hummer Brothers 550

Hunt, Thomas Edgar, M. D 544

Hutchison, Edwin 248

Iliff, William J 397

Ingham, John. 294

Ingham, J. Walter 322

Jackson, Andrew 43

Jefferson, Thomas 27

Johnson, Andrew 83

Johnson, John C, M. D

Johnson, William P 355\

Jordy , Jacob 137

Kelsey, A. Blair 457

Kennedy, Robert H 396

Kerr, Lorenzo S. D 149

Ketcham, Josiah 401

Killgore, Anthony 123

King, Rev. Alvin A 262(

Kip, Rev. Isaac L 530

Kline, Henry M 316

Kline, Jacob Q 226

Kline, James R 210

Kline, William, M. D 343

Kluppelberg, Prof. F. W 452

Knight, Moses D., M. D 546

Kugler, George W 298

Kugler, Hon. John 269

Kuhl, Hon. Richard S 155

Laire, William R 4S1

Lake, J.Ross 167

Lake, W. Howard 214

Larison, John D 263

Larue, Paul C 299

Latimer, Harry 312

Latourett, Peter S 14S

Laudenberger, Warren O 512

Lauer, William 211

Lauger, John A 365

Lawshe, Hon. David 209

Lear, Frederick F 224

Lee, Francis Robert 3S2

Leigh, Charles W 365

Lequear, Thomas 150

Lewis, Jacob K 376

Lincoln, Abraham 79

Lindabury, John S., M. D 508

Lindsley, Robert 566

Little, Porter C 559

Lowe, John N., M. D 562

Lunger, John -14

Lunger, Samuel G 193

McCrea, William 250

McDowell, Richard 178

McKinley, William Ill

McPherson, Theodore 328

INDEX.

577

tfackey, Hon. EHas J 127

Madison, James. 31

Martens, Hon. George F., Jr. . .537

Martin, Adam 454

Martin, Aldeii E., M. D 504

Martin, Hon. William H 253

Maxwell Family, The 522

Meagher, Michael 184

Melick, Peter W 432

Messier, Cornelius 363

Milbern, Horatio P 386

Millen, George H 549

Miller, Henry II., M. D 506

Miller, Theodore, M. D 384

Mills, Clifford, M. D 229

Monroe, James 35

Montgomery, Robert A 199

Moore, Edward H., M. D 267

Moore, Gideon 168

Moore, Hon. James E 327

Nash, A. B., M. D 535

Mason, Hon. Ezra 512

'Maylor, EHas V 519

Munn, John H 483

I'Niel, William 129

isniun, Harry C. C 492

ark, H. Eugene 166

ark, Mrs. Maria 510

edrick, George C 271

endreigh, Victor C 504

erdoe, John C 444

vjrry , Lewis S 413

ickell, Adam B 547

ickell, Baltis 372

ierce, Franklin 71

ierson, Clark 125

ilgiim, Prof. Y. C 352

plk, James K 59

lotts, Lewis C 206

rail, Abraham J 251

' all, William B 23S

rail, William V 273

e, Roberts 286

>. Theodore 474

" Hiam W., M. D 557

Quick, Caleb F 240

Race, George W 565

Ramsey, Alvah L 4S4

Ramsey, Joseph 495

Reading, John W 321

Reading, Capt. Richard B 247

Reed, Levi 242

Reese, J. Mitchell, M. D 342

Reeves, Andrew J 382

Reeves, John C 185

Reger, William H 542

Reigle, Erasmus L 417

Rhodes, Rev. J. B. J 547

Rice, Forrest A 158

Richards, H. R 249

Rinehart, Charles A 407

Rinehart, George M 332

Rittenhouse, Albert H 289

Ritteuhouse, Charles 507

Rittenhouse, Hiram 494

Rittenhouse, Judson B 272

Rittenhouse, Oscar 234

Rittenhouse, Samuel M 567

Roberson, Andrew B 290

Roberson, David 196

Robinson, Elijah R 311

Rockafellar, Prof. David 467

Rotnine, George L., M. D 143

Roseberry, Joseph M 421

Rowland, Rev. S.J 378

Schenck, Dennis V. L 191

Schomp, John 274

Schomp, Peter G 130

Schomp, Peter P 202

Schubert, A. A., D. D. S 232

Schultz, Hon. Irwin W 423

Scott, William L 353

Servis, Howard, M. D 528

Severs, Elias C 167

Shafer, Richard D 237

Shields, Capt. John 540

Shillinger, George L 375

Shinier, Joseph R 478

Shipman, Hon. George M 371

Shipman, Jehial G 441

Shurts, Peter S 538

Silvara, Joseph W., M. D 221

Skillman, Charles A 165

Smith, Augustus K 145

.Smith, Hon. Charles B., M. D..129

Smith, George B 561

Smith, Seymour R 297.

Snyder, Christie B 174

Snyder, George W 394

Snyder, Q. E., M. D 403

Specht, Jacob A 253

Specht, John 268

Sproul, Obadiah H., M. D 212

Srope, Peter B 288

Staats, Peter 248

Still well, George 199

Stillwell, John V 257

Stockton, Samuel 411

Stout, Simpson S 257

Stryker, Simeon P 561

Sutphin, Jacob S 244

Sutphiu, Lewis 250

Sutphin, William 303

Sutton, Erastus W 527

Sutton, George B 402

Sutton, Howard 282

Suydam, Asa 128

Suydam, Enoch B 322

Swarer, Theodore F 139

Taylor, Archibald S 500

Taylor, Lewis H 555

Taylor, L. DeWitt 156

Taylor, Zachary 63

Teel, L. Marshall 571

Terriberry, Stewart 296

Thatcher, Amos 127

Thomas, Edward 297

Thomas, Wilson 260

Thompson, Aaron J 202

Thompson, John K 568

Titman, George W., M. D 279

Titman, William B 517

Todd, John 422

Tomson, Emanuel 230

Totnson, Sanford R 388

Tomson, William C 225

Trimmer, Anthony M 136

Trimmer, Hon. L. H 373

Tyler, John 55

V
Vail, Abram R 345

578

Vail, William H., M. D 499

Van Bnren, Martin 47

Van Derbeek, J. Newton .' 466

Vanderbelt, Stanford 273

Van Dolah, Asher W 239

Van Horn, Alvin A 471

Van Sickel.Theodore D., D.D. S . 192

Van Sickle, Col. Andrew 475

Van Sickle, Conover 490

Van Sickle, James 448

Van Syckel, Joseph 485

Vansycle, Sylvester, M. D 393

Veit, Jacob 196

INDEX.

Vescelius, John H 496

Voorhees, Hon. Peter 443

Vosseller, Elias 147

Warman, Lambert T 122

Warne, Edward 291

Washington, George 19

Weller, John B 264

Wildrick, Hon. Isaac 434

Will auison, Reuben A 159

Williamson, Joseph 278

Wilson, Hon. L. Milton 30 /

Wilson, Samuel H 42'

Wooden, Ludlow P 42(

Wooden , William W 43(

Yetter, Andrew 164]

Young, Alpheus C 39

Young, Benjamin Egbert 47

Young, G. Curson, M. D 17 7

Young, Rev. George H 147

Young, Peter C, M. D 16!

PORTRAITS

< Adams, John 22

Adams, John Ouincy 38

■ Allen, Arthur 450

Arthur, Chester A 9S

> Beatty, Hon. Daniel F 132

Beatty, Jacob H 330

• Bellis, David S 208

Blair, D. C 170

- Blair, John I _ 118

Buchanan, James 74

i Butler, Rev. Henry S., D. D 218

Cleveland, S. Grover 102

Craig, William 2S4

Fillmore, Millard 66

Fritts, Stires 340

■ Garfield, James A 94

Gibbs, Levi B 350

Gibbs, Mrs. Levi B 350

' Grandin, John 380

i Grandin, John F., M. D 430

. Grant, Ulysses S . . 86

v Halsted, C. F., M. D 460

Harrison, Benjamin 106

/ Harrison, Wm. Henry 50

Haver, John R 360

■ Hayes, Rutherford B 90

Hibshman, Rev. H. E 552

Higgins, Jonathan ... 470

Hoffman, Luther 390

1 Jackson, Andrew 42

Jefferson, Thomas 26

Johnson, Andrew 82

•Johnson, John C, M. D 180

, Ketcham, Josiah 400

Laire, William R 4S0

>• Lincoln, Abraham 7S

i McKinley, William 110

> Madison, James 30

Mills, Clifford, M. D 228

Monroe, James 34

/Moore, Edward H., M. D 26(

. Nash, A. B., M. D 534;

,/ Pierce, Franklin 7t

.Polk, James K 5if

■ Reading, John W 321*

'■ Reading, Capt. R. B 24l>

Romine, George L., M. D 14-

■ Roseberry, Joseph M 42P

i Shipman, Hon. George M 370

Shipman, Jehial G 440

v Stockton, Samuel 4B1

' Sutphin, William 302

I Taylor, Zachary 62

> Teel, Lewis Marshall 57°

. Titman, William B 516

" Tyler, John 54

t Vail, William H., M. D 49?

' Van Buren, Martin •)''

Washington, George IP

• ■

: /

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Full text of "Portrait and biographical record of Hunterdon and Warren counties, New Jersey, containing portraits and biographies of many well known citizens of the past and present. Together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States"

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