CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
 LBRARIES 
 
 nHACA,N.Y.14S53 
 
 PHN M. OLIN 
 LIBRARY 
 
Cornell University Library 
 F 142H9 P85 
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 Portrait and bographical record of Hunt 
 
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 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028828304 
 
\ 
 
 AND * 
 
 ^ ^ Biographical 
 
 RB60RD 
 
 OF 
 
 HUNTERDON 
 
 AND 
 
 WARREN COUNTIES 
 
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 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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 CHAPMAN 
 
 PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 New York 
 
 Chicago 
 
 
 1898 
 
 
 
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 'HE 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 groat 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 eiforts. 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 ofiice 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 ever^ 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 in 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. 
 
..^^ 
 
 '^\> 6^ 
 
 ^: 
 
Portraits and Biographies 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESIDENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITKD STATKS 
 
\.^:^K£=^^^^=^^^ 
 
 l^ 
 4 
 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 HE Father of our Country was bom in West- 
 moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732. 
 His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) 
 Washington. The family to which he belonged 
 has not been satisfactorily traced in England. 
 His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
 grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a 
 prosperous planter. He had two sons, Ivawrence 
 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, I^awrence 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 
 leader 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 
 he 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 French and 
 Indian's. Soon after this he sailed to the West 
 Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went 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 Dinwiddie 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, which 
 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. 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. Active war was then begun against the 
 French and Indians, in which Washington took 
 
20 
 
 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 
 (Dandridge) 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 ot 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 Lexington 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. 
 I,ater 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 iirged 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 1 8th 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 str'eno-th 
 was great. His features were of a beausiful sym- 
 metry. He commanded respect without any an 
 pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serin«e 
 without being dull. ^"°"® 
 
JOHN ADAMS. 
 
JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 30HN ADAMS, the second President and the 
 first Vice-President of the United States, was 
 born in Braintree (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 (Boylston) 
 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 175s, 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 Calvin- 
 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 gained 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 by 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 I.eg- 
 
 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^nd carried a res- 
 olution in Congress that the Colonies should 
 assume the duties of self-government. He was a 
 prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
 pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
 pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, 
 but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
 through Congress in 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 and 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 
 glory. I can see that the end is worth more than 
 all the means, and that posterity will triumph, 
 
24 
 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 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 jm- 
 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 loans and formed im- 
 portant commercial treaties. 
 
 Finally, a treaty of peace with England was 
 signed, January 2 1 , 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 
 England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
 England, still drooping and 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 permis- 
 sion to return to his own country, where he ar- 
 rived in June, 1788. 
 
 When Washington was first chosen President, 
 John Adams, rendered illustrious by 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 by 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 
 with 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 in behalf of the French people. Hence 
 originated the alienation between these distin- 
 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 July, 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 earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- 
 dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
 a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
 faiUng, 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- 
 tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed 
 "Independence forever!" When the day was 
 ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
 of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- 
 ants if he knew what day it was ? He replied, 
 " O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July— God 
 bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of 
 the day he said, "It is a great and glorious 
 day. ' ' The last words he uttered were, ' ' Jeffer- 
 son survives." But he had, at one o'clock 
 resigned his spirit into the hands of his God. 
 
THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 
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 I^ondon. To them were 
 bom 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 1 769 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 ofiicer 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 i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
 chosen Vice-President, and four years later was 
 elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 
 
28 
 
 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 Aaron 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 republic. 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 land. 
 
 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 July, 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 births 
 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 sqene 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. 
 
JAMES MADISON. 
 
 (Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 
 
 I tution," and fourth President of the United 
 G/ States, was born March i6, 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 repubhc 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 efiiciency 
 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 
 pubUc 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 I^egislature. 
 
 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 I^eague. The delegates 
 met at the time appointed. Every State but 
 Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- 
 
32 
 
 JAMES MADISON. 
 
 ton was chosen president of tlie convention, and tlie 
 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 little 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 Ueutenant steps on board and orders the 
 crew to be paraded before him. With gfeat non- 
 chalance he selects any number whom he may 
 please to designate as British subjects, orders them 
 down 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 1 8th of June, 1812, 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, 181 3, 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, 1813, 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, by 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, 18 15, the treaty of peace was 
 signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his 
 second term of ofiice 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. 
 
JAMES MONROE. 
 
 3 AMES MONROE, the fifth President of the 
 United States, was born in Westmoreland 
 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 j oined 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 lyord 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 I^egislature 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 
 
36 
 
 JAMES MONROE. 
 
 fotir 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 RepubUc 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 I,iv- 
 ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
 as the province of IvOuisiana, which France had 
 but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their 
 united efforts were successful. For tfie compara- 
 tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 
 
 entire territory of Orleans and district of I^oui- 
 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, 18 17, 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 system 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 with 
 his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th 
 of July, 1831. 
 
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 
 
JOHN gUINCY ADAMS. 
 
 QOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President 
 
 I of the United States, was born in the rural 
 v2/ home of his honored father, John Adams, in 
 Quincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His 
 mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
 his childhood during the ahnost 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 l,ee 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 Quincy 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 Leyden. 
 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, 1785, 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, 
 1794, 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 London 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 I^ndon, 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 London, he met with 
 despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
 requesting him to remain in London until he 
 should receive his instructions. While waiting 
 he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
 had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- 
 erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
 American Consul in London, 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 
 
40 
 
 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, 18 19, for the United 
 States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed 
 the threshold pf 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 2ist 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. 
 
ANDREW JACKSON. 
 
 (p\ NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
 Ll of the United States, was bom in Waxhaw 
 I I 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 ungainly, andthere 
 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 boy. 
 
 Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such 
 as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, 
 and clerking in a general store, until 1784, 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 Tennessee 
 then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- 
 tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville 
 to frame a constitution. Five were sent from 
 each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson 
 was one of the delegates. The new State was 
 entitled to but one member in the National House 
 of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
 that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to 
 Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
 sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 
 
 Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- 
 mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
 land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash- 
 ington, whose second term of office was then 
 expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
 A committee drew up a complimentary address in 
 reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the 
 address, and was one of the twelve who voted 
 against it.. He was not willing to say that Gen. 
 Washington's administration had been "wise, 
 firm and patriotic. ' ' 
 
 Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
 Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned 
 home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the 
 Supreme Court of his State, which position he 
 held for six years. 
 
 When the War of 18 12 with Great Britain com- 
 menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
 Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there 
 was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
 son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
 were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
 Jackson offered his services and those of twenty- 
 five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, 
 and the troops were assembled at Nashville. 
 
 As the British were hourly expected to make 
 an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
 kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- 
 
44 
 
 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 I^akes 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, 1814. 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. 
 
 Late 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 oi 
 1828, and was re-elected for a second terin 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 party, 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, 1845. The 
 last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
 voted Christian man. 
 
MARTIN VAN BUREN. 
 
MARTIN VAN BUREN. 
 
 KA ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- 
 y dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
 (9 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 exemplary 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 ofiice 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 
 listening 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 1815, 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 
 
48 
 
 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 182 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 anny 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 Jackson^ 
 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, of 
 frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
 now fortunately a competence for his declining 
 years. From his fine estate at Dindenwald, he 
 still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
 of the country. From this time until his death, 
 on the 24th of July, 1862, 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 stormy scenes 
 of his active life. 
 
WII^UAM HBNRY HARRISON, 
 
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 
 
 WILI.IAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
 President of the United States, was born 
 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 
 study 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 position , 
 In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- 
 tory was divided by Congress into two portions. 
 The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
 embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The 
 Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western 
 portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
 ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
 ana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 
 twenty -seven years of age, was appointed by John 
 Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and 
 immediately after also Governor of Upper I,oui- 
 siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
 sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. 
 He was Superintendent of Indian Aifairs, and 
 was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
 the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
 ability and fidelity with which he discharged 
 these responsible duties may be inferred from the 
 fact that he was four times appointed to this 
 office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
 Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. 
 
 When he began his administration there were 
 but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
 less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
 ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. 
 One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
 opposite lyouisville; one at Vincennes, on the 
 Wabash; and the third was a French settlement. 
 
 The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
 reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
 About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, 
 twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
 them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or 
 "the Crouching Pauther;" the other Olliwa- 
 checa, or ' ' the Prophet. ' ' Tecumseh was not 
 only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- 
 
52 
 
 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, 18 12, 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 attituSe. 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 1 8 16, 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. 
 
JOHN TYLER. 
 
 30HN TYI,ER, the tenth President of the 
 United States, and was born in Charles 
 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 I^egislature, 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 nuUifiers, 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 I^egislature 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 
 
56 
 
 JOHN TYI.ER. 
 
 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 ofiice. 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 I^etitia 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. 
 
JAMKS K. POI.K. 
 
JAMES K. POLK. 
 
 3 AMES K. POIvK, the eleventh President of 
 the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh 
 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 fanner, 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 lofty 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 Jeffersonian 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 I^egislature 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 
 
6o 
 
 JAMES K. POI.K. 
 
 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 1841 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 lyower California. This new demand 
 embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
 thousand square miles. This was an extent of 
 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 wae; 
 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 TAYI^OR. 
 
ZACHARY TAYLOR. 
 
 (^ACHARY TAYI^OR, twelfth President of 
 
 A the United States, was born on the 24th of 
 Z2 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 bluntness 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 
 firontiers. 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 numbers, moved upon the 
 
 fort. Their approach was first indicated by che 
 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- 
 
64 
 
 ZACHARY TAYI.OR. 
 
 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 
 upon him. 
 
 In 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 
 upon 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 
 land. 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 probabl)' 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 July, 1850. His last words were, " I am 
 not afraid to die. I am ready. 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. 
 
MIIvLARD FILLMORE. 
 
MILLARD FILLMORE. 
 
 W|II.I,ARD FII,I,MORE, thirteenth President 
 y of the United States, was born at Summer 
 (9 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 iufluences 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 
 lyivingston 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 
 
68 
 
 MILI.ARD IflLLMORK. 
 
 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 poHtics, 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 
 difiiculties 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 generaUy 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, 1874. 
 
FRANKLIN PIERCE. 
 
FRANKLIN PIERCE. 
 
 r7RANKI,IN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- 
 1^ dent of the United States, was born in Hills- 
 I 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 integrit}', 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. 
 
 FrankUn, 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 
 
72 
 
 IJ'RANKI.IN PIERCK. 
 
 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 I,aw, 
 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 every 
 year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- 
 lution of the Union were borne to the North 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, 1869. He was 
 one of the most genial and social of men, an hon- 
 . ored communicant of the Fpiscopal 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. 
 
JAMES BUCHANAN. 
 
 3 AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth. President 
 of the United States, was born in a small 
 frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
 of the AUeghanies, in Franklin County, Pa. , on 
 the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
 humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
 ter. Hid 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, 
 lyatin 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. 
 He immediately commenced the study of law in 
 the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the 
 Bar in 18 12, when he was but twenty-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 lyower 
 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 ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties. 
 Upon his return, in 1833, he 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 as 
 such took his share of the responsibility in the 
 
76 
 
 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 I,aw. 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 slavery. In 
 this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
 bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
 principles, consistently oppose 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 per- 
 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 lyincoln 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 lyincoln. 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 Lincohi 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 i, 1868. 
 
ABRAHAM UNCOIvN. 
 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 61 BRAHAM I.INCOI.N, the sixteenth Presi- 
 Ll dent of the United States, was born in Hardin 
 I 1 County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About 
 the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham 
 lyincoln left Virginia with his family and moved 
 into the then wUds 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 I^incoln, was four years of age at his 
 father's death. 
 
 When twenty-eight years old, Thomas lyincoln 
 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 1832, 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-ofiice 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 
 
So 
 
 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 tram 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. 
 
ANDREW JOHNSON. 
 
 GlNDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President 
 LJ of the United States. The early life of An - 
 / 1 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 they 
 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 w 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 aifairs, identifying himself with the work- 
 ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, te 
 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 I^egislature, 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 1 84 1, 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 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- 
 essee, and was re-elected in 1855. 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- 
 
84 
 
 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 1 861, 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 lyincoln, 
 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. lyincoln, 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 guilty. 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, 
 Tenn. , 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 body, 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 3 1 , aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was 
 held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with 
 every demonstration of respect. 
 
UI.YSSES S. GRANT. 
 
ULYSSES S. GRANT. 
 
 HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
 dent of the United States, was born on the 
 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 I,ieutenant 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. I^ieut. 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. But 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. I<ouis, Mo., but having little 
 
 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, III. 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 ofiice 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 Padu- 
 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 
 I,ee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy 
 
88 
 
 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. 
 
 lyike 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 I,anding, 
 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, lyookout 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 lyce, 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 sufiered 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 B. 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 Lee, 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, 18 13, 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- 
 fethers 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 
 181 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; 
 
92 
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 
 
 but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- 
 fessor in the Weslej'an 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 Ivaw School at Cambridge, 
 Mass., where he remained two years. 
 
 In 1845, after graduating at the I<aw 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 I^ucy 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 01 his life 
 were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he 
 passed away January 17, 1893. 
 
JAMES A. GARFIEI.D. 
 
JAMES A. GARFIELD. 
 
 (Tames a. GARFIEI^D, twentieth President 
 I of the United States, was born November 19, 
 V2? 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga 
 County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
 EUza (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 fanners 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 eighteen 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 I^ake Erie. He was anxious 
 to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly 
 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 
 I^etcher, 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 II, 1858, with Miss I^ucretia 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. 
 
96 
 
 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 ofiicer, 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 — EHsha Whittlesey and 
 Joshua R. Giddings. It M^as 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 
 Hearsays: "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, 1881, 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 ist of July 
 he had completed all the initiatory and preUmi- 
 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. 
 
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 
 Newton ville, 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 
 
 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. "W^illiam 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 service 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 1861, he was 
 made Inspector-General, and soon afterward be- 
 came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
 offices he rendered great service to the Govern- 
 
lOO 
 
 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 
 sufiering — 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. 
 
STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 
 
 0TEPHEN GROVER CI.EVEI.AND, the 
 ^S twenty -second President of the United States, 
 >*if 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 
 bom 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 bom. 
 
 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, I^ewis 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 
 
I04 
 
 STKPHEN 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 Gro- 
 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 Grover 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 
 elected 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. 
 
 ■^ENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third 
 j\ President, is the descendant of one of the 
 ^ 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 
 18 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 onge, 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 ofiice 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 
 oflSce, 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 1868 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 body. 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 party 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. 
 
WILLIAM McKINLEY. 
 
 p6JlI,UAM McKINIvEY, who was inaugu- 
 \ A/ ^^^^^ President of the United States in 1897, 
 V 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 Mcl^ean 
 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 ig, 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.) lyaw 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 
 
 WII.UAM McKINIvEY. 
 
 first connection with political afiairs was in 1869, 
 when he was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark 
 County, and this office he held foi* 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 ofiice, 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 jof 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 chese principles. 
 
 January 25, 1871, Major McKinley was united 
 in marriage with Miss Ida Saxton, who was born 
 in June, 1847, 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 
 
 r^ lOGRAPHY alone can justly represent the progress of local history and portray with accuracy 
 IC\ the relation of men to events. It is the only means of perpetuating the lives and deeds of 
 d/ 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 
 archseologists 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, undecaying, 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 
 
 qOHN INSLEY BLAIR. Among the most 
 I distinguished citizens of the state of New 
 (2/ 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 
 lands of Oxford Furnace, N. J. Upon this 
 property Mr. Blair took up his residence, living 
 there until his death. His son John married 
 Mary 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 
 
!_,„ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAU RECORD. 
 
 whom he ivuiaincd three years. The (k\ith o[ Seraiitouiii iS.SJ inopo.sed tlie sepanitioii of the 
 his father then iieees.silateil hi.s return to the okl we.slern division of their road, LeRs.^etr,'^ (hip, 
 homestead, in order that his \viiU>\veil mollier froui the Iron Coinjiany proper, it to be eon.soli- 
 might be reheved of .some of the re.spon.sibiUty dated with a new eompany, not yet oi};anized, 
 pertainini; to the nianai;ement of the pLice. A and the line extended to the Di'laware River. 
 httle hrler, however, he was enabled to reliirn to Tlie latter, spoken of as Cobli's (lap Raihoad, 
 tlic mereantile eareer wdiich he had marked oul was renamed, aetin^ upon the su^;>;estion ol' Mr. 
 in his ambitious youthful dreams. His employ- lUair, who proposed the apjiropriatc title of the 
 menl this time was found in the establishment of Delaware, ]„aekawaniia iS: Western. lie pro- 
 Squire DeWitt, to whose direelion and kindly in- cured the right of way for the road and Ihe 
 lerest he attributes his .sncee.ssful start in life. entire line, including the Warren braneh, with 
 In 1819 our sidijeet located in lUair.stown, N. its Delaware River Brid};e, the \'ass (iap Tunnel 
 J. (then known as (Iravel Hill, but .since re- and a teiniiorary track through \'anness (hip. 
 named in his honor), and for the rollowing forty This road, opened for business Ma^■ id, \^^(\ 
 years he was engaged in merchandising, his field now comprises a sj'slem of some ,se\en hundri'd 
 of operations being constantly enlarged, until he miles in length, reaching from New N'ork lo 
 was the owner of five flourishing stores within a kake Ontario; branching in ex'cry direelion; 
 radius of fifteen miles. As his wealth increased transporting many millions of Ions of conl nnnu- 
 hc invested extensively in various industries, all\- and liaving cost over )Hn>o, 000,0(^0, 
 flouring mills, factories in which cotton goods Tlie organi/alioii and coiislruclion oi' tlu' 
 were made, etc., etc. At length he gave much Warren Railroad, in 1 S53, eviiu-i'd the great bus- 
 of his attention to the wholesale trade, and was iiiess eapaeit\' and lact of Mr. Blair. Jiooks of 
 gradually drawn into relations with some of the siibseription were opened by the commissioners; 
 largest and most important enterprises of the the requisite amount of slock snb.scribed for; di- 
 country. His acquaintance with the vScrantons rectors and ollleers chosen; the snrvi'y of tile 
 began in 1S33, when he assisted them in leasing route adopted, and the president authorized to 
 the mines at Oxford I'urnace, N. J., which mines file it in the olhce of the secretary of slate; full 
 had been operated ])efore the Revolutionary war. power delegated to the president to conslrnct the 
 In 1846 the Scrantons removed to the town now ro.ad and to make contracts or leases for couiiect- 
 known as Scranton (Pa.), and in October of that ing with other roads; and the right of way 
 year was organized the lyackawaiina Coal and through iiiqxntant ga]>s seiairtd; all within the 
 Iron Cdiiipany, with Mr. ]51air as inoprietor of space of two hours. Mr. lihiir was chosen pii'si- 
 one of the mills. In this enterprise he became dent, and the next day but one found him in 
 associated with such men as William IC. Dodge, 'Preiiton filing his survey, alioul one hour in ad- 
 Ansoii G. Phelps, Mo.ses Taylor, Ro,swell vaiice of the agents of the Morris i\: Ivssex Rail- 
 Spraguc, ly. ly. Sturges, Dater it Miller and road. One <la>' latca' the engineers and lepre- 
 Gcorge Buckley. The success which the com- .seiilatives of the falter arrived in Trenton on the 
 paiiy above mentioned attained is .so generally same errand as he had been bent U])on, only lo 
 known that no s])ecial re<-onl of the fact is neces- find that ;dl of the passes and gaps below the 
 sary. In iS^pj they bought and rebuilt the rail- Watt'rOap had already been secured by their 
 road between Owego and Ithaca, N. Y. , and in vigilant comiK'titor; whereupon they made n 
 1850-51 they .secured an outlet for their coal and move to obtain all of the (ao.ssings .above the 
 iron by constructing a line frum Scranton to W.ater Gap, on the New Jer.sey siile, i)aying ex 
 Great Bend, it then being termed the I,cggelt's orbitaiit sums for right of way through farms, 
 Gap Railroad, i-le., and ])laiiiiiiig to s])all the river .at two 
 A plan formulated by Mr. Blair and Colonel points. Their .scheme was defeated, however. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 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 country 
 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, I,ackawanna & 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 party, 
 Mr. Blair has been an ajdent 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. 
 
 I AMBERT T. WARMAN, a prosperous and 
 li. progressive agriculturist, residing one mile 
 LJ 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 
 Kingwood 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 
 of Oakdale, 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. 
 
 123 
 
 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 KILLGORE has for the past 
 I I four years been the editor and manager of 
 / I 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, July 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," 2.16}^, 
 paying $20,000 for him. In 1891 Mr. Killgore 
 left Woodstown, and, btiying 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 I, 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 16, 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, lie mar- 
 ried Alice, daughter of Aaron VanSyckel, of 
 Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, N. J. 
 Taking his wife to Kentucky, he resided there 
 until October, 1845, 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 Raritan Town- 
 ship, where he dwelt for some years. About 
 1870 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 i, 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. 
 
 • •33-K®(®)®Jfr<« — «-^ 
 
 ■JjEORGE M. DAWES, well known as a real- 
 _ estate owner and retired business man of 
 J Washington, was born in Mount Pleasant, 
 Hunterdon County, N. J., in October, 1851, 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. Hankins, 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 held 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 L,ife 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 1 89 1 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 
 j ust dealings with all and his unswerving integ- 
 rity. A Democrat in politics, he was prominent 
 in his party. 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." 
 
 ELARK 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 Piersons 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. Jane S. 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 years he was in the oifice 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 Amwell lyodge 
 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. 
 
 I EWIS C. BEATTY, a prominent business 
 It man of Hope, Warren County, comes from 
 1_2/ 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 theneglect 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. Eater 
 he settled on a farm adjacent to the town, and in 
 addition to cultivating the place he dealt to some 
 extent in cattle and live stock. 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 hfe 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 Chri.stian name was also George, was like- 
 wise a native of this county. 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 Eewis C. The mother died at 
 the age of eighty-one years. 
 
 The birth of Lewis C. Beatty took place Novem- 
 ber 27, 1851, 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 nearing 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 1883 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 1894 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. 
 
 HON. 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 assembly of the state on the 
 Democratic ticket, and served most acceptably to all 
 concerned for three years. He has frequently held 
 township ofiBces, 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 PhiHp 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- 
 Ll tical agriculturist of Raritan Township, Hun- 
 / 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 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 land, 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 
 party. 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, L,ouise, Hugh N., Amos and 
 Katie. Two of the number, Maggie and I,ouise, 
 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. 
 
 ~^"~> •J5"'K®(^^®i+I<»- 
 
 "t — h 
 
 Gl SA SUYD AM is one of the old and respected 
 LI 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. Henry, 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 1873. 
 
 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. Dater 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 1848,^ 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 1866 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. 
 
 WHvIvIAM O'NIEL is a member of the firm 
 of Simerson & 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 oflBce. 
 
 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 livehhood, 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 
 Jotirnal. 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 
 orderof their birth, Chester W. , Helen H. and 
 Bessie Richmond. 
 
 HON. CHARLES B. SMITH, M. D., one of 
 the leading physicians of Washington and 
 twice mayor of the city, was born in Beth- 
 lehem, Hunterdon County, 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 employment 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 
 
I30 
 
 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 
 County. 
 
 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 every 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, lyike 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 Lodge 
 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. 
 
 QETER G. SCHOMP, a well-known citizen of 
 Ly Readington Township, Hunterdon County, 
 [^ 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 
 Schonip 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, 1896, 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. DANir.Iv F. Bl^ATTV. 
 
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 i8g6. 
 
 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. DANlEIv 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- 
 town, in lyebanon 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 year alone 
 lie 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 - 
 
 •.>^e 
 
 oS- 
 
 >^i<«— -t-^ 
 
 ■gEORGE NEWTON BEST, M. D., of Rose- 
 _l mont, Hunterdon County, ias 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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- 
 mont, 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. 
 
 !^ 
 
 REV. 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 aifairs 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 po.ssession records of his family dating back 
 as far as 1 230. The old family estate was near 
 Stapleford, Chester Couuty, 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 Pennsj'lvania 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, 
 1847. He was an only son and was afibrded the 
 best of educational privileges. He attended 
 Newark Academy and later studied with Dr. 
 George Seibert, a professor at Bloomfield Theo- 
 logical Seminary. In 1868 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- 
 
136 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 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 ^^ 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 1883 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 I, 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 Bayley, 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 July, 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 MEUCK 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. For 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 Valley 
 to a farm near New Germantown, known as the 
 Melick homestead, and later he occupied the 
 place called the Leigh farm, it being situated 
 near Clinton. In 1855 ^'^^ 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 BlOGRAPHlCAt RECORD. 
 
 m 
 
 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 Yor^ Journal; and James M., who died 
 May 6, 1893. 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. 
 
 (lACOB JORDY, an honored old resident of 
 I Raritan Township, Hunterdon Countj^ has 
 (2/ 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 ^ho 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, Dafayette, 
 I,ewis, Wilhelmina, Caroline, Magdaline and 
 Belle. 
 
 ^m 
 
 -^ 
 
 -^-«j 
 
 IP REDERICK A. DALRYMPLE, now repre- 
 r3 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 county. 
 In 1887 he was elected assessor of Holland 
 Township, for a three years' term, and in 1890 
 was elected collector for a year, b'eing 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, ou 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 lyittle 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 1891 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. P., 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. 
 
 •}>lK<5'^a>*^^*- 
 
 -t '- 
 
 ~ VERT J. BERGEN, M. D., of Washington, 
 'y 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 Hagerman 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, I/Ong 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 County, 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 181 2 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 ip Hunterdon County in 1741 and has since 
 been closely associated with the history of this 
 section. 
 
 In Somerville, N. J., Dr. Bergen was born 
 July II, 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 County. 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 in 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 in this difiicult 
 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 bom Soptembcr S, 
 1S46, in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County. 
 His father was likewise a native of this county, 
 bavins been born November 11, i S 1 1 . He 
 learned the weaver's trade in his early manhood, 
 and also devoted con.siderable of his time to a^ri- 
 cuUural 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 black.smith 
 in Cherryville, N. J. 
 
 The youth of Theodore F. Swarer was .similar 
 to that of all other farmer lads, his time being 
 di\'ided 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 stayed 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 carr^-ing 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 ly. C. Case opened a 
 furniture and undertaking establishment, under 
 
 the firm name of Case iS: Swarer. This connec- 
 tion continued in force about two >-enrs and was 
 then dissol\-ed by mutual eon.sent, Mr. Case 
 taking the furniture department and Mr. Swarer 
 continuing the undertaking. Since 1897, in con- 
 nection with his undertaking establi.shmcnt, he 
 has conducted a li\-er>- business, in which he has 
 been succes.sful. His equipment is the best ob- 
 tainable, and to his enterpri.se 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 Mi.ss Mary Alte- 
 nuis, daughter of our resiiccled cili/en, Charles 
 W. Altemus, and his wife, who.se maiden name 
 was lyucinda 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. Ilis 
 parents, John O. and Sarah A. (Labertoux) 
 Biggs, were also both natives of this intrlion 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) I<owe, 
 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. 
 
 143 
 
 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 thrifty 
 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. 
 
 I^JEORGE L. ROMINE, M. D., well and 
 I— favorably known as a practicing physician 
 U 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 1884 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, 1881, he married Cathe- 
 rine BelHs, who was born in Hopewell, N. J., and 
 was then a resident of Ringgold, N. J., her 
 parents being John and Sarah BelHs. 
 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAIv 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. L,ucy 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 son 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 Ivohman and Lydia Sergeant, who were of Ger- 
 man extraction and lived in the neighborhood of 
 Raven Rock. 
 
 n OSI AH C. BRITTON, who has served the 
 
 I people of Raritan Township, Hunterdon 
 
 Q) 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-offin 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 I,, 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-day, 
 when every child has advantages greatly above 
 those of his parents. In 1847 ^^^ 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. 
 
 Bs>^^C;♦■ 
 
 Gl UGUSTUS K. SMITH has been the pro- 
 LJ prietor of a hardware store in Clinton 
 I 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; 
 I^emuel and James, who died in childhood; 
 Alexander, who was employed as a carpenter by 
 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, iu 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. I^ike 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 Lodge 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; 
 Daniels., 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; and 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 
 Wa.shington 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 Lydia 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 County, 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 ofiicial 
 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 earnest 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, 1862, 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 ofiicial 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 
 1885. 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. 
 
 *^^^^M* 
 
 "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 particularly 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 and carpenter of Somerset County. Mary 
 L,. is the wife of John B. Myers, a dealer in coal 
 in Raritan, 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 
 1S70 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 commuiiit)'. 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. 
 
 r^ETER S. LATOURETT is a highly re- 
 L/' spected citizen of Readington Township, 
 f5 Hunterdon County. 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 and children's children were born and 
 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 army, 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 (Schomp) 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, 1842, 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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. Later 
 
 he attended Jefferson Medical College in Phila- 
 delphia, graduating therefrom in 1886. The fol- 
 lowing year 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 I^ife Insurance Company 
 of New York, for the New York I^ife Insurance, 
 the Pennsylvania Mutual Ivife 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. 
 
 I ORENZO S. D. KERR is prominent not 
 It only in the business circles of Frenchtown, 
 l~) but also in civic affairs, and at this writing 
 he holds the responsible position of mayor, which 
 he js 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 party. 
 
I50 
 
 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 Wilham 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 Frenchtown, 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 Frenchtown, 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 
 indu.strious, 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 1845 united 
 him with Mary Barcroft, daughter of Richard 
 
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. 
 
 -h^ <>5*^®ffi)®^*<« 1-^ 
 
 qOHN B. HOPEWEI.I., 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 alwiys 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 
 Co'uuty 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 I, 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 mouths old. The elder daughter, 
 Aunie, is the wife of a dry-goods merclmut of 
 New Bruuswick, N. J. Bessie R., who is at houie, 
 is musical in her tastes, and is helping to train 
 the choir of children in the Presb>terian 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. 
 
 WILLIAM H. BREWER, a progressive 
 young agriculturist of East Amwell Town- 
 ship, Hunterdon Count}-, is now carrying 
 on the old homestead which formerly belonged 
 to his father. He is practical and thoroughly 
 equipped by experience to properly 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 comiected 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 i-est of his life was jxissed uneventfully. 
 He was born July 29, 1825, and died I'-obruary 
 19, 1889, and rests in the oUl Prcsbv lerian ceme- 
 tery. He was an eliler in the Amwell Presby- 
 terian Church for about twent>- years, and was a 
 vor>' active and interested worker in the church. 
 
 William II. 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 j-ears. 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 j)upil in the 
 Sunday-school. His mother, a most estimable 
 lady, is a member of the same church, vSIie 
 makes her home with her son William II. 
 
 The marria);e of Mr. Brewer and Mi.ss Adelaide 
 Nonamaker was solenniized in i,SS6. 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 BLOVS, 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. 
 
JOHN B. HOPEWELI.. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 155 
 
 Since 1886 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 county 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 worthy 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 1816 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- 
 ingten. 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 1891. 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. 
 
 — f-«J» 
 
 mt 
 
 I DE WITT TAYLOR, who has been engaged 
 It in the practice of law in Belvidere, Warren 
 L/ 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 son 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 Morgan t 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 study 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 knowledge of the law. At 
 the time of the great ring trials in this county, 
 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. 
 
 8®^«<l- 
 
 ~t — 5- 
 
 WAI.TER F. HAYHURST, a prominent 
 attorney and counsellor-at-law in Lam- 
 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. Hay hurst 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 I,ambertville 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 holise, 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, 18 18, 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 Kennett 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 
 Langhorne) 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 
 rJ) 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 worthy 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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, L,ewis G. and Ivilliam 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 tcf seek his own liveli- 
 hood. Locating in Frenchtown 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 ofSce of the Hun- 
 terdon County Democrat myA^x Charles Tomlinson. 
 Upon the death of that gentleman the paper was 
 purchased by Robert J. Killgore. The young 
 man remained with the new management until 
 May I, 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 i , 1 894, 
 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, 1884. 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 
 1^ and enterprising farmer of Alexandria Town- 
 r \ 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 years. 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 1812. 
 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. WilHamson 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 
 Qhildren 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. 
 
 -^iEE^^E^^ 
 
 pQlLLIAMG. CALLIS, the popular editor 
 \ A / and proprietor of theHunterdon 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. 
 
 i6i 
 
 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. 
 
 a®H<«- 
 
 ~t — h 
 
 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 i, 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 i, 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. Wolvertou, of 
 Somerset County; 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 a candidate for the senatorship 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. 
 
 QETER C. YOUNG, M. D., has been actively 
 L' engaged in the practice of his profession in 
 K) 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, 
 Mary 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. Later the doctor's father married Han- 
 nah ly. 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 Larison, 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 I^odge 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. 
 
 yyi H. AI^BERT is one of the honored old 
 Y residents of Hope Township, Warren 
 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 bu-si- 
 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. 
 
 WALTER D. PULICK. Though beginning 
 in business with a very small capital, Mr. 
 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 cquntry. 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 \yashington 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 }'ard 
 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 
 LA lumber, and that, too, chiefly with various 
 I I 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 
 Keene; Mary, wife of Isaac Shuster; 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 concerued 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. 
 
 ->-*- 
 
 m}t^t — t— ^ 
 
 gHARLES A. SKILLMAN. This honored 
 citizen of Lambertville, often and justly 
 termed the Nestor of the Hunterdon Coun- 
 ty bar, commenced the practice of law in 1852 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. Skillman. 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, 1827. 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 1 85 1. The following year he opened an ofBce 
 for practice in Lambertville, where he has since 
 made his home and place of business. In 1858 
 he was appointed prosecuting attorney of liunter- 
 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 year, he was elected 
 assessor of Tewkesbury Township. In 1882 and 
 1883 he was elected a freeholder from the same 
 locality; in 1885 was appointed deputy collector 
 of internal revenues and in 1887 was reappointed 
 to this oflBce 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, 
 i8g8. 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 i, 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 county. 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. 
 
 (I ROSS LAKK. On the corner of Belvidere 
 I avenue and Church street, in Washington, 
 G) stands the New Windsor Hotel, of which 
 Mr. L,ake 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 
 
 in the mercantile business at Lambert ville, 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 has since 
 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 hearty,' and always cheerful and 
 pleasant. The only 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 hon- 
 'p ored residents of Alexandria Township, 
 _ 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 
 
 education. At the age of nineteen he embarked 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 
 afhliated with the Republican party. For several 
 j'cars 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 CUnton, 
 
 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. 
 
 gIDEON MOORE, an honored citizen of Hun- 
 terdon County, is a prosperous merchant of 
 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 son 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 1798 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 county. 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 (Besson) 
 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 •>S«^®^^®^*C;» «— ^— — 
 
 0EWITT 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 
 Tesult 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- 
 
 4 
 
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 trairts, 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 ne\'er 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. I,ike 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 1891 he served as a member of the 
 state senate, during which time he was a mem- 
 ber of a number of the important committees and 
 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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 thirt}' 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 L,ittle- 
 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, Ivareine, 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 years 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 ofiice 
 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 with her parents. The family are identi- 
 fied with the Christian Church, to the work of 
 which Mr. Hoppock has been a generous con- 
 tributor. 
 
 lal 
 
 PjUILLIUS 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. They recall 
 with plea.sure 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 
 
174 
 
 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. Later he went to Lambertville, 
 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 years. 
 
 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 
 townof 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 yet 
 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. 
 
 <:=:^^t=i f^ 
 
 EHRISTIE B. SNYDER has been deputy 
 surrogate of Warren County since 1894 and 
 is making a good record as an ofiicial. In 
 the political field he has been active and inter- 
 ested, doing efiicient 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 ^^ 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. 
 
 175 
 
 of Mannheim, Germany, came to America in 
 1842, and settled in the town of EHzabethport, 
 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, 1883, he mar- 
 ried Ida Griggs, and of the four children born to 
 them, one son and one daughter alone remain, 
 viz.: Clarence D. and Elva J. Mrs. Snyder's 
 father is Henry Griggs, a highly respected citizen 
 of Johnsonburg, Warren County, N. J. 
 
 gj EORGE A. ANGLE, prosecutor of the pleas 
 _ of Warren County, was appointed to this 
 J 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 oiSce 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- 
 inteudent 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 g, 1853, and re- 
 ceived his early education in the public schools of 
 that locality. Later he became a student at Pen- 
 nington Seminary, at Pennington, N. J., and was 
 prepared for college by the well-known Dr. 
 Knighton, of Belvidere. In 1872 he entered 
 Lafayette 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. 
 
 GlNDREW T. CONNET. Among the reli- 
 r 1 able business men of Flemington, Hunter- 
 I 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 1880 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 Raritan 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 year 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. Bonnell, 
 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 & Ander.son, he was engaged in the mer- 
 cantile business in Flemington. January I, 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 1888 he started the rais- 
 ing of poultry on the fine farm which he owns in 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 177 
 
 Readiugton 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 I,odge No. 37, F. & A. M.; 
 Flemington I,odge No. 94, I. O. O. F., and I,am- 
 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 
 oflBce of elder continuously for a longer term of 
 years than any other member of the congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 • i ' -i •^3hK®^^«H-C^« c - i - 
 
 •g 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 Eeeds, England. For nine months 
 he was employed in Guy's hospital and for six 
 months was in St. Bartholomew's, Eondon, 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 Eand. 
 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 
 
178 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in Peter the Hermit and occupies a chair in the 
 Sovereign Priory. His work on the order re- 
 quired 5'ears 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 LydiaWood, 
 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. 
 
 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 youth 
 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 party, 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 party, 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 tendencj', the 
 
JOHN C. JOHNSON, M. D. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAIv RECORD. 
 
 i8i 
 
 inference is plain that many 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 
 KZ) 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 comes 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, subsequently 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 son, 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 County, 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, 1863, 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 
 lyong Branch Banking Company; 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 
 lyCwisburg, Sussex County, October 21, 1828, 
 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. Dater 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 
 
182 
 
 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 oflSce 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. 
 
 (T OHN NEWTON LOWE, M. D. The medi- 
 I cal profession is one that in all ages and 
 (2/ 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 ofiice of Dr. Lowe is located at his home 
 on North Main street. He settled in Milford 
 April I, 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 County. 
 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 count}'. 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. 
 
 ^- 
 
 3>^ 
 
 ©6|ILLIAM H. BARTLES, M. D., is living 
 \ A/ retired from the active duties that for 
 V Y 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. 
 
 183 
 
 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 182 1, and reached home on the twenty-first 
 anniversary of his birth. He entered the law 
 ofiice 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 early 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 
 
 1859- 
 
 For fully sixty years Charles Bartles dwelt in 
 one hou,se 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 
 
i84 
 
 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. 
 
 y yi ICHAEIv MEAGHER. The characteris- 
 y tics necessary for success are the same in 
 (9 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 years 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. Dater 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 1889 he pur- 
 chased what is now the New Windsor Hotel, of 
 which J. Ross Lake is 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 son 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 185 1. 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. 
 
 ->-» •>5Hi^®ra^«^t<« t-H- 
 
 (TOHN C. REEVES is the senior member of the 
 I firm of Reeves & Terriberry , dealers in lumber 
 (2) 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 }'ears 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 County, March 
 7, 1832. 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 Ivcbanon Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M., and 
 holds the ofiice 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 
 identified with the Musconetcong Valley Church. 
 December 3, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Reeves 
 and Mary A. Bowlbj' 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 i, 
 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 POWNEI.E EI.Y, an honored old 
 citizen of Lambertville, Hunterdon County, 
 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 land was afterwards sold and divided into 
 cit3' lotsi 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 son, 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 II, 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 hfe 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, 
 1 85 1, and has two children, Elizabeth F. and 
 Sarah W. The mother was born January 11, 
 1 8 18, and was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
 Duer. 
 
 [~\ETER C. HOEF, a dealer in coal, and pro- 
 L/' prietor of a livery establishment in Lambert- 
 [^ ville, Hunterdon County, is one of the 
 substantial citizens of this place. His life histor}^ 
 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 certainly 
 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 County, 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 the}' 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 day, 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 they 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 j^ears. In 1851 he returned to this 
 place and carried on a dry-goods and grocery 
 store for a number of years in partnership with 
 Martin L. 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 month. 
 
 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 i, 
 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 1848. 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, 1854, 
 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. Hoffhad two chil- 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 191 
 
 dren, but the son, Charles C, is deceased. The 
 daughter, Mary A. , a most amiable and charming 
 young lady, 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. lyater 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 lyodge No. 12, F. & A. M. 
 
 fDGJ ALTER S. HIBSHMAN, M. D., is one of 
 \ A / ^^^ promising young physicians of Hunter- 
 Y 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 and 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 Erwinna, 
 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 Tan 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. 
 They are popular in the social circles of the place 
 and are welcomed guests in the best homes of tlie 
 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. 
 
 -+-«- 
 
 ^^ 
 
 -4«- 
 
 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 Schenck, 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, 
 
192 
 
 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. 1,. 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 countrj^ 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 Lambertville. 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, 1892. 
 
 ••>K« 
 
 sj<»- 
 
 -fr-^ 
 
 "p^HEODORE D. VAN SICKEL, D.D.S., is 
 ( C one of the representative members of the 
 Vy dental profession in Hunterdon County and 
 during the comparatively sfcort 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 is a son of William and 
 Lydia (Dean) Van Sickel, most worthy and re- 
 spected citizens of Middlesex County. 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 age of seventeen he entered 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 193 
 
 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 lyambertville. 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. 
 
 ©AMUEI, G. LUNGER, ex-mayor of the 
 Nk thriving little city of Clinton, Hunterdon 
 Q) 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 County, 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 eight}'^ 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 affi)rded. 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 entere,d 
 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. 
 
 The 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 
 
194 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 still living, viz. : Minnie, nov^r the wife of Charles 
 A. Woolley, of Boston, Mass.; Helen, John, Car- 
 roll and Robert. Mrs. lounger is a consistent 
 Christian, and is identified with the Presbyterian 
 Church as a member. 
 
 GlNDREW CRATER. Not far from the 
 r 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 farmer, and in every case have 
 beeu 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 
 in 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. 
 
 j UKE S. BIvACKWELL has been a life-long 
 jiL farmer and for over forty years has been en- 
 U 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. 
 
 155 
 
 Jacob and Mary (Van D5'ke) 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 ^^^ 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. 
 
 -^■>=#=:s-- 
 
 gjEORGE 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 yard 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 t^ 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 ofiicial distinction. By his marriage 
 with Maria, daughter of Samuel Williams, of 
 
igS 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 lyodge 
 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. 
 
 — •}>K®(®®^^^| — ^-^ 
 
 0AVID ROBERSON . A list of the men who, 
 after years of toil and persevering efibrt have 
 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 (Eair) 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 Eocktown 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 Eodge, F. & A. M., in 
 which he has passed the chairs, and is also a 
 member of Eambertville 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 
 Eichlin. 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 Eambertville. The 
 wife and mother died in 1890, at the age of sixty- 
 seven years. 
 
 (lACOB VEIT, of Flemington, is one of her 
 I 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 difiSculties 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, 
 1 86 1, when he enlisted in Company F, Ninth 
 New Jersey Infantry, being mustered in October 
 I. 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 ofiicer 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, July 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 the battles 
 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 8-11 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 afiairs 
 he votes for the one whom he considers best for 
 any 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, 
 Lucelia 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; andOdelbert 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 al.so identified with the Needlework Guild 
 of the church and is active in various kinds of 
 benevolences. 
 
 ■^ ENJAMIN F. HONNESS, now postmaster 
 ^ 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 lycbanon 
 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 j^ears 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- 
 ofiice, filling that position in connection with his 
 tailoring business. In 1853 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, Eackawanna & 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 ofiices 
 already mentioned. Fraternally he is a Mason, 
 and has been a member of Stewart Eodge 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, ^^s the date ofthe 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. Sonn, of the Newark high 
 school. June 28, 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 
 Eeslie publications for a number of years and 
 prominently before the people of this state at one 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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. 
 
 — -«► 
 
 ^ 
 
 ifi— 
 
 ROBERT A. MONTGOMERY is one of the 
 most enterprising business men of I,ambert- 
 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, 1882, 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 lyambertville. He is very 
 fond of athletic sports, and is the treasurer of the 
 Lambertville Athletic Association. 
 
 -4--J ♦>K®^^®^^<♦ — «-^ — 
 
 •JjEORGE STILLWELI., a sterling citizen of 
 _ Readington Township, Hunterdon County, 
 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 conn- 
 
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 Stillwell, 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 WiUiam Johnson; 
 Mary, wife of Marion Welsh, of this vicinity; 
 Elizabeth and George. Rev. Aaron L. and John 
 v., and Catherine A. , Mrs. Peter T. 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 attorney-at-law in Bayonne, 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. 
 
 (TOHN G. GROSS, a worthy German-Amer- 
 I ican citizen of Belvidere, has resided here 
 Q) for twenty-two years. During this period he 
 has been proprietor of a bakery and confectionery 
 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 1871 he enlisted in the 
 army, in the war between his country and France, 
 and served for two years, passing through many 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 201 
 
 of the severe privations as well as the inevitable 
 dangers 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 theirthree sons living are: Charles, 
 William and Harry. 
 
 (I AMES G. EWING, of Raritan Township, 
 I Hunterdon County, is a self-made and self- 
 G/ 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, 1755, 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 Ewing 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, 181 5; Martha, Decem- 
 ber 12, 1817; Susan, March 16, 1820; and James 
 G. James G. and Martha are the sole survivors 
 of the entire family. The mother died August 
 31. 1855. 
 
 James G. Ewing was born in Klinesville, July 
 II, 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 and 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 (Scheuck) 
 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 I, 1853, and Furman R., born July 28, 
 1859, died November 24, i85i. The surviving 
 son 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. 
 
 QETER p. SCHOMP is of the fourth genera- 
 L/' tion of Schomps bearing the Christian name 
 [^ 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 pubhc spirited at all times. Of his children 
 the following survive: Mrs. George Stillwell; 
 Peter P.; Mrs. William Probasco, of Flemington, 
 N. J.; Ivcah, 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 28, 1845, 
 
 in Readington Township, and is largely 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) Dalley, 
 natives of Hunterdon County. The father died 
 in 1880. Mrs. Schomp has three brothers living: 
 John J., in Brooklyn, N. Y.; lycvi, in the west; 
 and Peter, in this township. The two children of 
 our subject and wife are Peter and Ida. 
 
 G| ARON J. THOMPSON is one of the best 
 LA 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 1861 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 iu 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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 previouslj' 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. 
 
 ■•>5HH^®(i 
 
 )»^C{»- 
 
 HENRY ATEN is, without question, one of 
 the most progressive, wide-awake and 
 business-like citizens of Hope Township, 
 Warren County. 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 Tread well; 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 lyodge 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, L,ulu 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, 1833, and is a son of Peter and Amy 
 Hoffman. The Hoffmans have Jong 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. 
 Ivike 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 Hildebrant 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 hissketchon 
 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. 
 
 (5| BRAM S. CASE, of Three Bridges, Hunter- 
 r 1 don County, is a wide-awake, enterprising 
 / I 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 party 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 E-, 
 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 (KuhlJ 
 Van Eiew, formerly of this county, but now of 
 
 Des Moines, Iowa. Six children were born to 
 our subject and wife: Elizabeth V. E., October 
 5, 1884; Jacob E., May 15, 1886; Margery C, 
 March 28, 1889 (died March 19, 1897); Martha 
 K. , October 28, i8g2;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. 
 
 I EWIS C. POTTS. Among the leading 
 liL agriculturists of Readington Township, 
 L/ 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, Eewis 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 early years Eewis C. Potts has been 
 accu.stomed 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. BEI.LIS. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 I^odge No. 234, 
 and is also connected with the Farmers' Alliance 
 and the Masonic lodge at Flemington. 
 
 October 25, 1876, 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. 
 
 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 
 II, 18 19, 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 there until 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 po.sitions, and 
 merely strives to do his duty as a voter. He is 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church of East 
 Amwell, having been connected with the same 
 for sixty years. October 10, 1849, he marfied 
 Ann Marsh, and their only child, Ella, is the wife 
 of Augustus Van Sant. 
 
 -5 — I •>>K®^^®^»^« 1^-^ 
 
 0AVID S. BEIvIvIS is one of the oldest and 
 most respected farmers of Hunterdon Coun- 
 t}', 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 
 
 HON. 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 '80s 
 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 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. 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 I^awshe 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. I,ater 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 I,ambertville. This 
 position he kept during the next three years, _ 
 after which he removed to the old L,awshe home- 
 stead. Eight years he cultivated and managed 
 tiie farm, gaining quite a reputation as an agri- 
 culturist. In the spring of 1879 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. 
 
 (lAMES R. KLINE, deceased, was numbered 
 I among the representative citizens of Hunter- 
 (2/ 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 County. 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 County. 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 Clinto"n 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 pCJlLLIAM LAUER, manager and part owner 
 I A/ of the Spoke Manufacturing Company of 
 YY 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 18 12. 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 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 construction department. Subsequently became 
 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. I,auer 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) Grouse, 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 i8go 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 1868 Dr. Sproul married Amy H. Dilts, 
 and three children blessed their union: Florence 
 M., wife of V. C. Hyde, of Flemington; Eleanor 
 C. and Samuel H. L. The son is deceased. 
 
 I^JEORGE L. bell, deputy county clerk of 
 l_ Hunterdon County, is a highly respected 
 \Ji 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 city. Coming to the state of New Jersey 
 about the time that he reached his majority, he 
 settled in 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 ofiicefor 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 ofiice has de- 
 volved upon his shoulders. However, being 
 
 thoroughly trustworthy and capable, he has no 
 diificulty in meeting all the requirements of the 
 position, and is a general favorite with all who 
 have business dealings with him. 
 
 • ' •a2+^®^S|®^4C;» { — f- 
 
 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 1 8 12. Sainuel 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 i8, 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. Kleanor 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. 
 
 QOHN 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, in 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 heW 
 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 familj' 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 ofiicial positions for himself. 
 His widow is still living and enjoys good health, 
 though she was born in October, 1817, and is 
 consequently past fourscore years. She has 
 three sons 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 ot 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 sherifi". 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 lie 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. 
 
 SODFRIED W. GEBHARDT is one of the 
 honored German-American citizens of Hun- 
 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, 1888, 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. Tuni.son, a confectioner and market-man 
 
REV. HENRY S. BUTLEK, D. D. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 219 
 
 of Clinton. March 22, 1893, our sutject mar- 
 ried Rebecca Schertzinger, who was born in Ger- 
 many. 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. 
 
 -^ >=:$|l^ » 
 
 REV. HENRY SEYMOUR BUTLER, A. M., 
 D. D. During the fourteen years of Dr. 
 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 Blandford Hills of 
 Hampton County, Mass. He removed thither 
 with his wife and six children in December, 181 1. 
 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 years 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 youthful mind 
 and was the initial impetus in the direction of his 
 energies. His preliminary education was gained 
 in the select school of Joshua Huntington, M. D., 
 
220 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 aud 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 (now 
 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 j'oung 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 Lafayette 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 BIOGRAPHICAI^ 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. 
 
 -^— s •i>K®^^®H-s<« 1 — h 
 
 (Joseph W. SII^VARA, M. D. Among the 
 I medical fraternity of Hunterdon County this 
 (2) 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 1885 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 1841 graduated from the University 
 of New York City. Settling in White Haven, 
 I^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 l,acon, 111. He received 
 very good educational advantages, and graduated 
 from the I^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 Jefierson Medical Col- 
 lege, graduating with the degree of Doctor of 
 Medicine March 11, 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. They have a pretty and happy 
 home and delight to entertain therein their 
 numerous friends. 
 
 G| NDERSON W. GREEN has had long and 
 r I successful experience as a farmer. In 1867 
 / 1 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 HOUSEIv is an honored old resident 
 I of Raritan Township, Hunterdon County, 
 (2/ 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 they had seven sons and one daughter, 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 223 
 
 named as follows: Henry, Charles, Theodore, 
 Wilson, John, Samuel, Sarah A. and Joseph, Jr. 
 SarahA., 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 Conover, a farmer of this township; 
 Rebecca is the wife of John W. Higgins, of East 
 Amwell Township; and Susie completes the fam- 
 ily. The wife and mother died February 22, 
 1898. 
 
 (31NDREW FLEMING, a worthy old citizen 
 T\ of Readington Township, Hunterdon County , 
 l\ 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 effiDrt, and wherever he 
 
 went his name became a synonym for truth and 
 honesty. 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 Ehzabeth (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 (lyomp- 
 ing) Lawshe, natives of this county. The father 
 of Mrs. Fleming died when he was still a young 
 man. She was born May 10, 18 17, 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. 
 
 r" REDBRICK F. LEAR is the owner and pro- 
 r3 prietor of the Lambertville roller mills, which 
 I * have been established in Lambertville since 
 1883. 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, 1883. 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 ofiice. 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 18 1 5 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. 
 
 225 
 
 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. Kunsman, 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. 
 
 -4 — > •♦>S-K«'^»sJ^^«.- 
 
 WILLIAM 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 1885 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 years 
 prior to his death, when he removed to Milford 
 and built the house now occupied by his son, 
 Nahum. He was summoned to his final rest in 
 1 86 1 . The wife of the last-mentioned was Hannah , 
 daughter of Benjamin W. and Matilda (Bloom) 
 Alpaugh. She is still living and in the enjoy- 
 ment of excellent health. The family is noted 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, 
 1861, and reared near Milford. He acquired his 
 general education in the public schools, and was 
 nineteen when he entered the office of the 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. He 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 1881 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 all the chairs 
 in Perseverance Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. P., is 
 also a member of Ridgeley Protective Association 
 for Odd Fellows, and belongs to Camp No. 12, 
 
226 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is respected 
 and admired by all with whom it is his lot to come 
 into contact, for he is a man of most sterling 
 qualities of head and heart. 
 
 WII^IvIAM B. HOCKENBURY has made his 
 home on a farm near IvOcktown, in King- 
 wood Township, Hunterdon County, since 
 the year 1855, when he bought the Higgins farm 
 of eighty-three acres. As a farmer -he is ener- 
 getic and industrious, and through perseverance 
 he has brought his place under excellent cultiva- 
 tion and rendered its acreage profitable. In the 
 Grange he is an active worker, and for the past 
 twenty-two years has been its treasurer. His 
 opinions upon public questions are 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 the 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 an advanced age, he died when 
 eighty-two years of age. 
 
 Malcolm Hockenbury, our subject's grand- 
 father, emigrated td America from Germany 
 when fourteen years of age, and settled near 
 Frenchtown, Hunterdon County. He died when 
 
 in middle life, when our subject's father was a 
 boy of eight years. The mother of pur 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. 
 
 (TACOBQ. KIvINE, who is a practical miller 
 I and good business man, has been the pro- 
 \~) 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 
 fur 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 farming 
 and carpentering with success. He married 
 Sarah Carkhufif, 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 Levi. 
 
 J. Q. 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. 
 
 ELIFFORD 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 i, 1875, 
 in Morristown, and received his education iu 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 of Doctor 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 
 
230 
 
 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 L,ife 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 1886, 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- 
 quently fifty-eight years old when he entered 
 into his final rest. His father, Joseph Huff, was 
 born in 1800 and always resided in Sussex County, 
 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; EUa, Mrs. Philetus 
 Luse; and Mary, decea.sed. 
 
 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 he was twenty- 
 five years of age Mr. Hufi" 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 
 V) of Clinton, Hunterdon County, 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 I,efford and Amanda (Hise) 
 Tomson, 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 
 Tomson 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. 
 
 m^ 
 
 -+-«j 
 
 P 6JII.LIAM H. DALRYMPIvE has been ahfe- 
 \ A / long resident of Kingwood Township, Hun - 
 VY terdon County. Purchasing the Francis 
 Horner farm in 1873, he at once established his 
 home upon it and began the cultivation of the 
 land. 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 Ho£f, daughter of William and Mary 
 (Snyder) HofF, and an earnest member of the 
 Baptist Church. She died when about sixty-eight 
 3'ears of age. Of their ten children only four are 
 now living: WilHani H.; John, of Jersey City; 
 Martha, wife of Joseph Lawshe; 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 Locktown 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 1 87 1 Mr. Dalrymple established domestic 
 ties, being united in marriage with Miss Hannah, 
 daughter of Peter and Mary 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. 
 
 -{ — f- 
 
 •»>^® 
 
 61 AMANDUS SCHUBERT, D. D. S. The 
 LI science of dentistry has reached a fine art, 
 / 1 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 study of dentistry with his brother 
 Arthur, but returned the same year and in 1880 
 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. 
 
 233 
 
 devoted his whole time and energies to his prac- 
 tice. Fraternally he is a member of Blairstown 
 Lodge No. 165, F.&. A.M., of this town, andispast 
 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 ofiicer under the Duke of 
 Hesse-Darmstadt. The doctor and his accom- 
 plished wife have one child, Amanda. In politics 
 he is independent. 
 
 (Tames ANDERSON is an honored old citizen 
 I of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon 
 (2) 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 and 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 ofBce 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, Emhe 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, and 
 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 oj life in which his youth 
 and 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 year, and Hattie, twelve years of 
 age. 
 
 " MMETT J. DIVERS, a prosperous merchant 
 ^ 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 ToWiiship, 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 son 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. 
 
 BSCAR RITTENHOUSE 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 bj' his courteous, accommodating way 
 of dealing with his customers, he has made them 
 steady patrons, and manj' 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 county. 
 He was a good business man, and was engaged 
 in mercantile pursuits in connection with agricult- 
 ure. He died on New Year's day, 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, i86g, 
 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 
 Eizzie, daughter of Cornelius C. HofE, a promi- 
 nent and well-known citizen of Frenchtown, this 
 county. To them have been born two children. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RESORD. 
 
 235 
 
 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. 
 
 -?"-s ♦>!+^®^p®H<» « — ^- 
 
 [5)E0RGE W. COLE, who owns and operates 
 l_l a portion of the original old Cole homestead, 
 Vj 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. 
 
 gARTON HUFFMAN is an enterprising 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI. RECORD. 
 
 took charge of the homestead, which he man- 
 aged successfully several years, or until 1893, 
 since which time he has lived in Ringoes. 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 Lodge. In religion he is 
 a Presbyterian and is a member of the church 
 here. October 16, 1883, he married Rebecca 
 Reed, daughter of L,evi Reed, of Wertsville, N. J. 
 Their home is a pleasant one and the abode of 
 happiness and good cheer. 
 
 (lOHN BURNS, of East Amwell Township, 
 I Hunterdon County, deserves great honor for 
 Q) 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 I^ambert- 
 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 I,ambertville, 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 emploj'ment in I,ambertville 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) 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. 
 
 RICHARD 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 
 h'is 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 many 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 1,., 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 Easton, on the Delaware, 
 to lyamington, 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. Vrora, 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. 
 
 WII.I.IAM B. PRAI,!., 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 Wilham B., of whom we write, 
 were Abraham and Hannah (BelHs) 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, 18 13, 
 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 many 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 alwaj's been 
 stanch in his allegiance to the Republican party 
 and has been township committeeman since 1894, 
 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, Eizzie 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 Eevi 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 theRea- 
 ville Presbyterian Church, and has served as an 
 elder in the same for about twenty years. 
 
 -i — •>K*^g)®^«- 
 
 GlSHER W. VAN DOLAH, who is engaged 
 U in farmiug in Kingwood Township, Hunter- 
 I I don County, 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, yet 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. 
 
 p G|ILLIAM P. DEMOTT. In the history of 
 \ A / a new country like America, when large 
 V V 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 iu 
 1818, and died in 1896; 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, anddied October 5, 1835; Mary 
 C. , born June 5, 1835, and died March 18, 1854; 
 Martha W., born August 22, 1837, anddied April 
 15, 1854. The mother departed this life Novem- 
 ber 21, 1837, aged thirty-six yedrs, she having 
 been born July 8, 1801. The second wife, whose 
 maiden name was Clara E. Ray, 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, 1841; 
 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 years 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, ^nd now the wife of John 
 Q. Holcombe; and Frances B., born in 1857 and 
 now the wife of William N. Reed. 
 
 GlMOS M. HART, M. D., a leading member 
 LI of the medical profession of Hunterdon 
 I 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 afHicted 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 pohtical 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. 
 
 IRA HILL, whose home is in Raritan Town- 
 ship, Hunterdon County, is a native of this 
 vicinity, having been born here April 6, 
 1863. Following the calling of his father, he is 
 a miller and farmer, thoroughly understanding 
 every detail of the two lines of industry. In 
 1 894 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 
 
242 
 
 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 I,arisons 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. 
 
 ■■•3>K®(ffl)®^«<t- 
 
 I EVI REED, an honored and representative 
 10 °^^ citizen of Hunterdon County, has dwelt 
 U for the past half a century in East Amwell 
 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- 
 flve 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, andflnally 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, 182 1, 
 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 Q. 
 The Reed family 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 1889, 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 1885, and holds 
 the offices of treasurer and past district deputy. 
 
 n OSEPH R. CASE. The farming interests of 
 I Hunterdon County have an able represent- 
 (2/ 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 Frenchtown, 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 Germany. Our subject's father owned a saw- 
 mill above Frenchtown 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 County, 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. 
 
 3AC0B 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) Sutphin. 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 1880, when he moved 
 to the home where he has since resided, he hav- 
 ing purchased the same in 1878. 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. Sutphin, 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 
 onl3'^ real measure of nobility, we point with 
 pride to our lyincolnsand 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 ofiice, 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- 
 Clellan, 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 1 888 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 Hackettstown, N. J. 
 
 ■•>^®ffi) ®^« ^ 
 
 ^DWIN HUTCHISON, who died August 
 'y 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. Hutchi.son was in the prime of 
 vigorous manhood and activity. He was born 
 
 November i, 1854, 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 only 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 Cit}', 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. 
 
 QETER ST A ATS is a substantial citizen and 
 L/' progressive farmer of East Amwell Township, 
 K3 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 party, 
 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 Chiurch, 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 
 I^ucretia 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 was 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 farming, 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 I,illie 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. 
 
 H 
 
 R. 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 County, 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 1885. 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 Schultz, 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. 
 
 I EWIS SUTPHIN. There has been much 
 It said in regard to the respective merits of 
 LJ life in the city and life in the country, 
 and though a multitude of young men leave 
 the farm every year to seek a more or 
 less precarious livelihood in the great cities, 
 already crowded in every avenue and pur- 
 suit with countless thousands ready, 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, and 
 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, and 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, 18291. 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 ID, 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 Y 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 sufiering 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, 
 practically 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 Schonip, 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 i8th of May, 1898, Mr. McCrea 
 married Mrs. Maria Schomp (nee Berkaw.) 
 
 -5~-» '^^s^^Si^^* e--^- 
 
 Gl BRAHAM J. PRALIv is a representative of 
 LA the men of energy, ability and enterprise 
 I I 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 BIOGRAPHICAIv 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. lyowe, 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 II, 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 March 6, 
 1881. 
 
 (JOHN W. HOFFMAN is the owner and 
 I manager of the Hoffman House, in New 
 Q) 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, 1866, 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 were 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 every respect 
 and the food served is very appetizing and invit- 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 253 
 
 ing, consisting largely of fresli country produce, 
 well cooked. In political aSairs, 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 ofiice 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 years, 
 beginning with 1877. 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. 
 
 (lACOB A. SPECHT is engaged in general 
 I merchandising in New Germantown, Hun- 
 Qj 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 land. 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 1871. 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 ofi&cer in 
 the same. January i, 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 
 young lady and the organist in the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 w 
 
 P,G)ILLIAM 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 1890 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 
 
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 
 DriscoU, 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. 
 
 ■ > • > ■ 
 
 •♦>3+^®^^®^tC^»- 
 
 -«-^ 
 
 30HN V. STiLLWEIvIv, an energetic and 
 progressive young business man of White 
 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 I, 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, 
 and Lodge No. 207, I. O. O. F. , of White House. 
 In November, 1891, was solemnized the mar- 
 riage of Mr. Still well 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. 
 
 0IMPSON S. STOUT is one of the native 
 Nk sons of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon 
 Q) 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 quiet 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- 
 
258 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 three years and three months old. With the ex- 
 ception of our subject their children have all 
 passed to the better land. The eldest, "William 
 F., died September i8, 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 
 ID, 1864, and lies buried in the National Ceme- 
 tery at Fredericksburg. lyUcretia 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 I^am- 
 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. 
 
 J I.IJAH HOI^COMBE, a prominent agricult- 
 'y 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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. 
 
 QETER V. DAI.RYMPLE. It is quite fitting 
 Lr that the lives of good and useful men should 
 fS 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, 181 1, 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 L,ittle. 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 lyord" 
 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. 
 
 ^•^^^^^ 
 
 ~DWARD M. BEESLEY, D. D.S., has been 
 ^ 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 187 1 he came to Belvidere, 
 and has since made this place his home. His 
 practice is large and lucrative, and his ability 
 
26o 
 
 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 
 Lodge No. 13, F. & A. M. November 11, 1873, 
 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, 1771, 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 Revolutionary war. 
 His son 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. 
 
 ->->- 
 
 ••>t^*(®)®H-=<«- 
 
 jILSON 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 County in 
 1797, remained in his native place until 1843, 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 
 I, 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 county. 
 
 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 ofiSce 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 lyizzie 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. 
 
 GlUGUSTUS GREEN is the owner of a farm 
 LA in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County, 
 I 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 RKCORD. 
 
 born five children, of whom three are living: 
 Carrie, wife of William Lawshe; Augustus; and 
 William, who resides in Flemington, N. J. The 
 mother is still living and resides on the old home- 
 stead at Grove. Untiltwenty-twoyearsof 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- 
 son. Three children bless their union, as follows: 
 Howard, who is a teacher in the public school of 
 Baptistown; Vernerand Harry, who are at home. 
 
 REV. ALVIN 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 Northatnpton 
 County, 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 AUentown, Pa. January i, 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 upHfting of his brother-men and fervent in 
 Christian spirit. Like 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 lady 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. 
 
 gEORGE 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 oflSce. 
 
 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 
 ofAsher 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. 
 F'ritts 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. 
 
 ^OHN 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 Larison, grandfather of the above, was 
 a native of West Amwell 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 Hanna 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 
 takesjust 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 Flemington 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 Dambertville; 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. Darison 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. WELLER, 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 Eodge No. 
 34, F. & A. M., and DeMolay Commandery. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. Weller married Anna M., daugh- 
 ter of Peter Kent, a prominent and well-known 
 
EDWARD HUMPHREY MOORE, M. D. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 267 
 
 resident of Northampton County, 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- 
 'p cated in White House Station, Hunterdon 
 ^ County, 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, ^°d 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. 
 
 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- 
 itan 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 County, 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 Ringoes, 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, 
 1 89 1, and Mary H., born July 2, 1893. 
 
 ~1 ♦>3^^®(^^®^'<{» « i 
 
 q OHN SPECHT, a retired business man 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 tanyard. 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 way, 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 1892, when 
 he sold out and retired from business. Since 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 269 
 
 then he 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 thirtj'-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- 
 perity 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 th* owner of large 
 tracts of finely improved land. He was active in 
 the furtherance of plans having as their end the 
 advancementof 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. 
 
 piratioii 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 Hue 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 
 (Rittenhouse) 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. 
 
 r~RANK S. GRIM, M. D. In no profession 
 ry is a clearer mind or better judgment re- 
 I quired than in that of the medical practi- 
 tioner's. Constant study and application are 
 necessary 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 county 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 years, 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 Eafayette 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. Eater 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 favor of the Democracy. In 1895 he married 
 Mary E., daughter of Caspar and Catherine Fab- 
 ian, of Reverej 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 I^ambert- . 
 ville. Mrs. Grim is a graduate of the state nor- 
 mal at Kutztown, Pa., and taught school in 
 Bucks County, Pa., for ten years. 
 
 "gEORGE C. PEDRICK, one of the most en- 
 
 □ terprising citizens of Flemington, Hunterdon 
 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 Holly, and is 
 now engaged in the manufacture of brick in 
 Flemington. George C. , of this .sketch, was born 
 January 4, i860, 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 1892 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. 
 
 Mays, 1883, Mr. Pedrickmarried Jennie Hunt, 
 of Lambertville, daughter of E. E- Hunt, a miller 
 of that town. They have five children, named in 
 order of birth: Russell, Reba, Beatrice, William 
 and Gilbert. 
 
 -5 — > '^S+ial^rasjJf-C;*- 
 
 S 
 
 (Jacob diets, jr., a freeholder of East Am- 
 well Township, Hunterdon County, was 
 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, L,ewis, 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 
 Larison 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 Lodge No. 72, of 
 Ringoes, 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 i, 1867, 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. ; Lewis C. and 
 Frederick A., who are still at home and assist 
 their father in the work of the farm. 
 
 (TUDSON B. RITTENHOUSE. One of the 
 I neat and well-improved farms of Hunterdon 
 (2/ 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 succe.ss 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 ofS- 
 ciated as one of the deacons of his church. 
 
 (TJTANFORD VANDERBELT is a prosperous 
 /\ farmer of Hunterdon County, who, without 
 ilJ/ 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 1 89 1, 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. 
 
 -*-«► 
 
 ^^ 
 
 «»-*- 
 
 W 
 
 (3,6)ILLIAM V. PR ALL, 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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. 
 Later 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 — s — •>>K®^P®J*c- • — t— ^ 
 
 (John SCHOMP. Prominent among the old 
 I families to whose sterling characteristics is 
 (2/ 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 eighty-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 party. 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 
 thereuntil 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 I^odge 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. 
 
 I ORENZO D. HAG AM AN, attorney-at-law 
 It and a prominent citizen of Frenchtown, was 
 U born near Ringoes, Hunterdon County, in 
 1857, being a son of lycwis 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 party. 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 coming 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. 
 
 By training and 
 is a farmer, and 
 
 RICHARD ASHCROFT. 
 inclination Mr. Ashcroft 
 the success that has come to him in agricult- 
 ure proves that he acted wisely in following bis 
 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 familj' 
 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 1876 he 
 
 bought his wife's old homestead near French- 
 town, and there he engaged in raising general 
 farm products. Later, 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 Pittstown, Hunterdon County. 
 
 -H^- 
 
 3)^ 
 
 1^ 
 
 r\ ANIEL 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 BIOGRAPHlCAI. RECORD. 
 
 is a resident of Delaware Township; Jonathan is 
 a resident of this township; Susan E. is deceased; 
 and Daniel P. is the yoimgest. 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 seminary 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.: Leslie J., Fred S., Recttor D. and John P. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Case are members of the Baptist 
 Church of Flemington, and stand high in the re- 
 gard of all who have the pleasure of their ac- 
 quaintance. 
 
 -I — i — •}^®i^P®H-^» — *-^-^ 
 
 JOSEPH WILLIAMSON. Few men in Hun- 
 terdon County more thoroughly enjoy the 
 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 1888 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 party, 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, 
 Aslier, born November 14, 1835, and Sarah E., 
 born August 2, 1837, both died on the same day, 
 September 5, 1842, 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, 1859. 
 
 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 nearing 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 }'ears, then returning 
 
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 forty -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. 
 
 cJ FORGE WILLIS TITMAN, M. D., of 
 
 aHackettstown, is a member of a family that 
 has been long and honorably associated with 
 the history of Warren County. 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 j^ears, 
 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 1848 he was 
 elected sheriff of Warren County and filled that 
 position for three y«ars. 
 
 The maternal ancestors of Dr. Titman 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 
 ah 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 aflBliated with the Democrats, and 
 upon the party ticket was elected to various 
 ofiices 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 lie 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. 
 
 ^AMUEL CLARK. In perusing the history 
 /\ of this sterling old citizen of New German- 
 J,*y 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 
 
 vpas 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 i, 18 10. 
 From the time he was twelve years until eighteen 
 he attended private schools during the winter 
 sea.son, 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 day. 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 .50 a 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 staj^ed 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 successfully 
 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 then 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 Califon; 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 county. They enjoy 
 the love and high regard of all who know them, 
 and their well-wishers are legion. 
 
 I EVI HOLCOMBE, who was postmaster of 
 I C Ringoes, Hunterdon County, under Presi- 
 12 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 In.surance 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 i, 1842, 
 was their eldest child. John, the next, is now a 
 merchant of Lambertville. Martin V. 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 BIOGRAPHICAI. 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 Lambertyille, 
 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 Ivam- 
 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. 
 
 -*-^ 
 
 3^ 
 
 ?♦-^- 
 
 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 Buttons 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 suflBcient 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 
 ofiice-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- 
 delitjr 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 BIOGRAPHICAIv 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 emplo3'ed 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 11, 1891 , Mr. Sutton married Emma, 
 daughter of William H. and Mary (I^ance) Ander- 
 son, of Califon. They have two bright little 
 daughters, Lena and Nancy. 
 
 -4— -s 'JS+^sl^^s^t^^* «— H 
 
 WILIylAM 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 country. Though in 
 no sense of the word an ofliceseeker, 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 son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fields) Craig, 
 
 our subject was born May 21, 1841, 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 1871 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 he 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 Lamingitonr^ 
 Somerset County, about 1730. He bought what 
 
 ID 
 
286 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 majorit}^ 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, 18 15, 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 lyamington 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 of 
 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 L,amington. 
 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. 
 
 QOBERT S. PRICE, of Hackettstown, War- 
 1^ ren County, is now serving his eighteenth 
 n\ 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 qualified 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 of 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 County, 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 j'ears 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 afi"airs 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 
 LydiaSagur, 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 Lydia 
 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, of Hackettstown; 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 years. 
 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 bj- the state board of 
 education, and is the onl}' 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 maj^or, member of the common coun- 
 cil and city clerk. Fraternally he is connected 
 with Independence Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M., 
 of Hackettstown. 
 
 A faithful and earnest worker in the Presbyte- 
 rian Church, he was remarkably 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. COOLEY. The family represented 
 I by this gentleman originated in Europe. 
 (2) 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, PhiUp, 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 
 
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 ^^ 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, 1886, united him 
 with Arah Eichland, daughter of Samuel and 
 Jane Eichland. One child blesses their union, a 
 son named Eldon E. 
 
 -«* 
 
 3>^ 
 
 ^ef-t- 
 
 QETER B. SROPE is one of the old and hon- 
 y/^ ored business men of Hunterdon County, 
 T^ 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: L,ewis 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 Sunnyside, 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, ofRound 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 1850 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. 
 
 To the marriage of Peter B. Srope aud wife, 
 Lydia, 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 oiEce of trustee. Mrs. Lydia Srope departed 
 this life September ii, 1871. Mr. Srope married 
 Mary (Bowlby) Anderson December 9, 1875. 
 There are no children- by this marriage. 
 
 -4 — i — •)>K®^sl®<^* — «— ^ 
 
 GjIvBERT H. RITTENHOUSE succeeded to 
 U 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 
 oSicers 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 sufi&cient 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 hs ^^^ ^ 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 1891, 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. 
 
290 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 A. H. Rittenhouse was born near Fleniington, 
 February 26, 1854. ^^ 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. 
 
 GJNDREW B. ROBERSON, a very successful 
 LA farmer of Kingwood Township, has resided 
 I I 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 whichhe was 
 devoted. For nearly half a century he was a 
 member of the Baptist Church, and for years was 
 deacon. The cau.se 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 b}' 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 afiiliated with the Whig party, and was a 
 member of the Baptist Church . His was a long 
 and u.seful 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 E. 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. 
 
 (1 AMES ASHCROFT, of Kingwood Township, 
 I Hunterdon County, is a descendant of Eng- 
 G) 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 Lone Star 
 Lodge, Shepherds of Bethlehem, at French town. 
 
 "T 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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 189 1 was its candidate for the state as- 
 sembly. He is an of&cer in the Baptistown Pro- 
 hibition Club and one of its most infiuential mem- 
 bers. Temperance work has always engaged his 
 sympathy and received his earnest attention. 
 
 In 1877 Mr. Warne 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— 5 •>3+^*(^^iS'tHi-C;» ^-'-^- 
 
 3 AMES W. AI^TEMUS & 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 they 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 Grandiu 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 I,u- 
 cinda 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 
 honoredby 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, I,a., and 
 David is engaged in business in Plaquemine, I,a. 
 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAIv 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 Quincy, 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 Lodge 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, 
 O 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 ofiicially connected with the Garden State 
 
 Association and the American I,eghorn 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 County, 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 Annandale, 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 Annandale 
 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 ofiSce 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 Eodge 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 Annandale. 
 
 (TOHN INGHAM. During the long period of 
 I thirty-five years this citizen, whose death 
 Q) occurred Julj^ 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 sons 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 themolder'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 woxild goto 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 and active, and was ready for 
 a position requiring larger abilities of both mind 
 and workmanship. In March, 1857, ^^ 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 oiEce 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. 
 
 r"RANK P. BUNNEIyl. has been numbered 
 rft among the successful merchants of Blairs- 
 I 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 CompanyNo. i 
 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 study. He then began clerking in the general 
 dry-goods store of Theodore F. Margarum, of 
 Newton. I^ater 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 1 88 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 an 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. 
 
 QTEWART TERRIBERRY, a member of the 
 2\ firm of Reeves & Terriberry, dealers in lum- 
 Qj ber and building material in Clinton, Hun- 
 terdon County, 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 fhe 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 twenty 
 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 1888 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 oflSciated in several 
 of the leading positions in Lebanon Lodge No. 6, 
 F. & A. M., of Glen Gardner, and is a charter 
 member of that body. December 12, 1871, he 
 married Grace, daughter of John and Julia (Phil- 
 lips) Crater, of this county. 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 
 ^ 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 he 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. 
 
 MEYMOUR R. SMITH, president of the 
 /N Hackettstown National Bank, has been of- 
 \~/ 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, he 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 3'ears) he continued to 
 serve in that capacity. 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 saw mill which 
 they carried on in connection with a general store 
 until they closed out their interest in 1891. 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 1890, 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. 
 
 •g EORGE W. KUGLER resides upon the old 
 _l family homestead in Kingwood Township, 
 JJ Hunterdon County, where he was born in 
 1846. Purchasing the property in 1879, he set- 
 tled upon it in the spring of the following year 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 I,ocktown 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 efiBcient 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 
 Fmma E. Bodine, daughter of William and Mary 
 (Bellis) Bodine. The three children born of their 
 union are named William Harvey, Mary E. and 
 Addie. 
 
 — « 
 
 9^ 
 
 r^AUIv C. LARUE, of Baptistown, Hunterdon 
 l/^ County. The family of which this gen- 
 fS 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 and 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. Frankhn 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 Annandale, Hunterdon County; 
 Thomas, wha married a Miss Cronce and resides 
 at French town; 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 I,arue, 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 1800, was a farmer by 
 occupation, and died November 18, 187 1, 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 Januarj' 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 Amy Burd; their 
 only son, Elisha Gordon L,arue, 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 I,ebanon. 
 The surviving son, William A., married I,aura 
 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 E., 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 
 1 86 1 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 Eevi Bar- 
 ron, of Bucks County, Pa., but now residing on 
 his father-in-law's farm at Baptistown. They 
 have one child, Ethel. 
 
 -^-» — •33-*^®(®)®H<« 1--:- 
 
 P QlEEIAM W. FISHER is a land-owner and 
 \ A / substantial business man of East Amwell 
 VV 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 ofiices of minor import- 
 ance here, such as township committeeman, etc. 
 In his political convictions he is a Republican. 
 
 The Fisher family, 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 Germany, 
 who came to America and settled permanently in 
 this county, where many of his descendants have 
 since dwelt. His son 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 
 
WILWAM SUTPHIN. 
 
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 on 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. 
 Ivaning, 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 Mary, 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. 
 
 pQlIvLIAM SUTPHIN, a highly respected 
 \ A / citizen of Ringoes, and now living retired 
 V Y from business cares, has justly 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 Amwell Township, Hunter- 
 don County, William Sutphin was born on a 
 farm near Wertsville, October 21, 1821. 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, 1855, Mr. Sutphin was first mar- 
 ried, the lady of his choice being Charity 
 Chamberlin. They had no children, and in 1863 
 the wife died. Subsequently, in 1868, our sub- 
 ject married the lady who now bears his name 
 
 II 
 
304 
 
 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 Lambertville 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 iu the treatment of the teeth and the artistic 
 supplanting of those which are useless, and the 
 successful practitioner must keep fully 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. Religiou.sly 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.; May, 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 Lambertville 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 Lambertville. 
 
 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 our 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- 
 (2/ 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 many 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 Luke Swick, 
 of New German town; 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 
 brakenian 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. 161, I. O. O. F., of High Bridge, 
 and of Lalhantang Tribe No. 164, Order of Red 
 Men, of High Bridge. 
 
3o6 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Apgar was solem- 
 nized February i8, iSyq, 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. 
 
 ^:^$=^fr 
 
 r~)OBERT A. COLE. In every thriving com- 
 U\ munity there may be found a certain number 
 l^\ 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 
 County is the gentleman whose name heads this 
 review. 
 
 The parents of our subject are Benjamin and 
 Eustatia (Clawson) 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 
 J' ears. 
 
 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 ist of January, 1864, 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. 
 
 -^ — J ♦>3hK®(®)®c*C<« « — ^ 
 
 yyi ORRIS A. COLE, of Readington Town- 
 y ship, Hunterdon County, is a worthy repre- 
 (i 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. 
 
 307 
 
 son of David O., and grandson of the Obadiah 
 just mentioned. Ezekiel D. Cole married Letlie 
 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 Readirigton 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 I,., 
 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 son have 
 been born of their marriage, and are named 
 respectively, Urania, Margaret I,., Eva and 
 Clarence. 
 
 HON. 1. MUTTON WIIySON 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 community 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 lycmuel 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 i, 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 
 herein 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, Mary 1,. , 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. 
 
 p QlLLIAM BELLIS is one of the prominent 
 \ A / citizens of Raritan Township, Hunterdon 
 V V 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 i, 1847, and he 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 
 County 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. 
 
 QROF. GEORGE FLEMING is the eflBcient 
 L/' principal of Junction Academy, having been 
 f^ in this position for the past nine or ten 
 years. 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 Somerville. 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 French town, 
 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 (i) 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 ( I ) 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 182 1. 
 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), 1805-1886; Jo- 
 anna, 1807-1880; 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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 uised 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 Profe,ssor 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 1850, 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, Louisa Johnson, 1876, is a teacher 
 in Junction Academy; and the younger children 
 are Esther Miller, 1878; Mabel Victoria, 1887; 
 and Andrew Carlos, 1891. 
 
 -^-J •>«^®^^®^ » f-^^ 
 
 GlUGUSTUS W. CUTLER, ex-mayor of 
 I I Hackettstown, Warren County, has been 
 I I 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 directly traceable, and a history 
 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. 
 
 311 
 
 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 be 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- 
 abl)'. 
 
 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. 
 
 J LIJAH R. ROBINSON is the genial and 
 'y 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 hard.ships 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, i§62, 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 ofCapoolong Lodge No. 185, 1.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. 
 
 313 
 
 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. 
 DeGroff, 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 
 wifeof Edson Clinton, of New Haven, Conn.; 
 and Lizzie and Ida, who are unmarried and are 
 residents of Jersey City. 
 
 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. 
 
 ->-} — •>^®^^®H<« — fr—5- 
 
 /qJEORGE CLARK is one of the substantial 
 |_l farmers of Clinton Township to whose enter- 
 [^ prise and public spirit much of its prosperity 
 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 creamery 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, 
 
314 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1842. His father was a native of Connecticut, born 
 April I, 1809. He was a resident of Lebanon for 
 years, but afterwards removed to German town, 
 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 exemplary Chris- 
 tian, and was very active in the work of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. He was born December 22, 
 181 3, 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 communit5^ 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 County, 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 ofiice 
 continuously since, and in 1894 was appointed no- 
 tary public a§ 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 early 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. 
 
 315 
 
 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 
 1885; 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 i, 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, alwaj'S 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 afiairs. 
 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 ofiicial 
 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. 
 
 ^yiARSHALL F. APGAR, superintendent of 
 y the forge department of the Taylor Iron 
 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 
 
3i6 
 
 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 lengthy 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, 1 86 1, 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 Count)', 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 many 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 RKCORD. 
 
 317 
 
 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 taember 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 2 1 , 
 1868, at the home of the bride's father, Robert 
 Craig, a respected citizen. 
 
 The parents of H. M. Kline were Oliver and 
 I,ucinda B. (I^eigh) 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. 
 IvUcinda Kline died in 1890. She was a descend- 
 ant of Thomas, first I^ord I,eigh of Stanley, in 
 County Warwick, Kngland. 
 
 -^•^^M* 
 
 PjAVID C. CRAMER, one of the honored old 
 1^1 citizens of Clinton Township, Hunterdon 
 IC/ 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. Dater 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 assi.sted 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 
 
3i8 
 
 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. 
 
 ■•♦3>«^®(^P®^C;« — 
 
 "T MlyY H. BELLIS has for more than twenty 
 'd 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. Bj^ 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 oflSce 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: Enily H. and 
 Eucinda, widow of Absalom Apgar. The mother, 
 who died at the age of about sixt^^-two, was an 
 active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 The entire life of our subject has been spent in 
 Kingwood Town.ship, 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 j-ounger 
 years taught school for a short time. In 1876 he 
 purchased the old home.stead 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 
 ^ leading dentist in the pretty town of Phillips- 
 _ burg, Warren County. From his early 
 years he has been familiar with the work per- 
 taining to the profession, as his father also fol- 
 lowed the calling for many 5rears, 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 
 in 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 1882 
 and continued actively engaged in practice until 
 his death, which took place in 1890. 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 \V. READING. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 321 
 
 Our subject was born in the town of Matawan, 
 Monmouth County, 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 
 Mary, 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 party. 
 
 (TOHN W. READING. Among the honored 
 I old citizens of Hunterdon County no one 
 G) 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, 1812. 
 
 Asher Reading, father of our subject, was born 
 in New Jersey, near Black's Eddy, Pa., and after- 
 wards lived near Roseraont. 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 AsaCronce, 
 now living on the old home place. 
 
 The public schools of this locality were poorlj^ 
 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 Easton. 
 
 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 upHfting 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 of man, according to the Psalmist, 
 
322 
 
 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 lyUcinda 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. 
 
 3 WALTER INGHAM is the superintendent 
 of the Warren Foundry and Machine Com- 
 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 yards, 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 1872 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 1880, 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 ofiiciated 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 
 'y man of Pittstown, Hunterdon County, 
 ^ makes his home in Quakertown, 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 acceptabl}' 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. Suydam was born December 19, 1849, 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 Quakertown, 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 locahty; Matilda, who married 
 Thomas Halley, of Delaware Township, this 
 county; Catherine, deceased; Taylor, a farmer of 
 this county; Eliza H., a resident of Quakertown; 
 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- 
 callj' 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 months 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. 
 
 -I — ^s •>>*^®^S®<+^» 1— f- 
 
 EASPER E. APGAR, one of the most hon- 
 ored citizens and business men of Califon, 
 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, who 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 Califon, 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 industry 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 Califon, N. J., January 9, 1850, and 
 by her union with our subject became the mother 
 of one son, Edson, 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 Califon. 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 lyafayette 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 i Cor., 13 ch., 12 verse, 
 Rev. S. H. Jones, who was the minister of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church of Califon at that 
 time, ofiEiciating. Mr. Apgar was deeply 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 thef 
 world. 
 
 (JOHN HEFFERNAN, deceased, the late 
 I pleasant, accommodating proprietor of the 
 Q) 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 hfe 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 . 
 
PORT^RAl'i AND BtOGRAPHlCAt RECORt). 
 
 325 
 
 The birth of the above-named gentleman took 
 place ui County 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 
 1865, 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 to Easton . 
 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 D. is now nine years old. 
 The family are identified with the Catholic 
 Church. In his political views Mr. Heffernan is 
 affiliated with the Democratic party, and frater- 
 nally belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. 
 
 el 
 
 (Tames HOFF is one of the prominent and 
 highly respected residents of Quakertown, 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 1884 
 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 pubhc life, never de- 
 
326 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 
 Quakertown. 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. 
 
 (3 TE WART ANTHONY, though still in the 
 ?\ prime of life, has acquired an ample com- 
 \^J petence for his future needs, and is now 
 living 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 : Eouis, 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 BlOGRAPSlCAIv RECORD. 
 
 327 
 
 Hackettstown, N. J., aud 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 1875 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 lyittle before her 
 marriage. Her parents are Daniel and Sarah M. 
 (Hoff) lyittle, of Frenchtown, this county. Mr. 
 Anthony is a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian 
 Church, and takes an active interest in promoting 
 religious work and worthy 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 pubhc 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI. 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 alwa3'S radiated from its cheerful 
 walls. 
 
 •«}3Hl^®(ffi)®^^«- 
 
 "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 
 county, 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. Eate 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 County, 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 Eizzie Lair, of this township, 
 and they have one daughter, Florence. 
 
J. H. BEATTY. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 331 
 
 qACOB H. BEATTY. The municipal in- 
 I terests of Hackettstowii, under the super- 
 (2) 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 
 oflSce. 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 iu 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 3'oung; 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 iu 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. 
 
 M' 
 
 OSES De WITT, who died at his home 
 about three miles north of Phillipsburg, 
 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, 18 14, 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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- 
 ticularly 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 ready 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. DeWitt, and in this he 
 was ably seconded by his good wife, who was in 
 her girlhood Lenora Lommasson. 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. 
 
 JqJEORGE M. RINEHART is one of theinflu- 
 l_ ential agriculturists of Hunterdon County, 
 Vj 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, 1838, 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 333 
 
 emigrated from the Fatherland to Morris County, 
 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 was a hero of the War of 
 1812, and laid down his life for his country. 
 John Rinehart was an influential member of the 
 local IvUtheran 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 I<ane, 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 poHtics is a Democrat. 
 He has long been an official member of the 
 Cokesbury Presbyterian Church, and has been an 
 elder for years. 
 
 REV. CHARI^ES G. BIKLE was born No- 
 vember 14, 1871, at Smithsburg, Md., a son 
 of John 1,. 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 lyiterary 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 Germantown, 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 yeans 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, 1806, 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 in.spirations 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 years 
 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 profes.sor 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 Plukamin 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 fromi8i6to 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, 
 1822, 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 L,utheran 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 ofl" 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 territory 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 CoUyer, 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 
 cemeterj' 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 Sunda3's for the Reformed and Presby- 
 terian members of the congregation. 
 
 "During the great revival of 1840 under Rev. 
 Pohlman, 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 bj' the Albright 
 Methodists. Their efforts to build up a congre- 
 gation were unsuccessful, neither could they pay 
 the debt on the church, and it again became the 
 property of Moore Castner and was in his name 
 until 1868. 
 
 "In 1 860 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. 
 
 "Avery 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 ii, 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 on 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 I^utheran pride, led him until on May 
 14 he organized Mount Bethel as a I^utheran 
 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 lyUtheran Synod 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 I^utheran 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 lyUtheran Zion Church, Erected 
 A. D. 1870. 
 
 ' 'The old stone church was vacated on the 5th 
 of March, 1871, 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, 
 1871, 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 ofiicers 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 on the parable of the virgins, lay- 
 
338 
 
 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 nevsr 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 i, 
 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 Wednesda)'- 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 cemeterj' 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 theirhands' 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 your 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. ' ' 
 
 ••}>ii^®^P®^lhC^» 1 — f- 
 
 rTRANCIS ASBURY APGAR, M. D. For 
 r3 over twenty years this prominent physician 
 I of Hunterdon County has been engaged in 
 practice in New Germantown. He enjoys the 
 patronage of almo.st all of the leading families of 
 this section, and is kept very busy. A deep 
 student, he is constantly engaged in research. 
 
STIRES FRITTS. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 341 
 
 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 County, 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; Ehzabeth, 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 County, 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 sons 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, 185 1. He received his early education 
 in private schools, later he attended the Bellevue 
 Hospital Medical College, and was graduated 
 March i, 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. 
 
 ^TIRES FRITTS, who comes from one of the 
 ?\ old and respected families of New Jersey, 
 \yj has 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. 
 
 13 
 
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 ' ' AUer. 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 years. 
 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 ofiice, 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 ofiice 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, be 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, and 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 earl}' 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 Jersc}- 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 inchua- 
 tious 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 manj' 
 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 Ort3gia 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, 1895. 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. 
 
 pCJlLLIAM KLINE, M. D., a well and favor- 
 lAl ^^^- ^^°wi physician of Phillipsburg, 
 V V \^'^arren 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- 
 lic schools, and in 1885 graduated from what is now 
 known as Easton Academy, after which he entered 
 Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., for a two years' 
 course. In the fall of 1888 he matriculated in 
 the medical departmentof the University of Penn- 
 sylvania, graduating with the degree of Doctor of 
 Medicine in 1891. He then remained at home 
 
;>44 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RICCORP. 
 
 two years, while in the luoantime he looked 
 around for a suitable place to locale pennanenUy 
 as a practitioner. In the spring of iSg;, he be- 
 i;an liis career as a member of the medical pro- 
 fession in Phillipsburg, and durius; 1S04 and 1805 
 he was city physician. He has succeeded ver\- 
 well in building up a clientage and has woi\ 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 identitied 
 with the Knights of Pythias and the Henevolcnt 
 Order of Elks. In .Xpril, iSoS, he was elected a 
 mendier of the common council of the first ward 
 as the candidate of the Democratic parly. 
 
 June 20, 1894, Dr. Kline married Caroline K. 
 Flunierfelt, granddaughter of Jesse h'hnnerfclt, 
 a prominent official of the Peniusylvania Raihixnl 
 Company for many >ears. He was \ery well 
 known in this section of the countrs', and was a 
 man of superior business talents. The iloctor and 
 wife have one daughter, Frances Iv. They are 
 ver\' popular in the town, have a large circle of 
 friends and enjoy cntcitaining them- in their pret- 
 ty and tasteful home. 
 
 ^:-»- ■•>:-^>^®^:^ci••" .^-H^ 
 
 n AMKS BELFORD, a retired business man of 
 I Mauch Chunk, now residing in Belvidere, 
 Q) Warren County , has made his home here for 
 about fourteen years, and enjoys the respect and 
 high regard of all who know liim. In 1894 and 
 1895 he served as a member of the town council, 
 having been elected to that olhco by his Demo- 
 cratic friends. He has led a very bus\- and event- 
 ful life, and richly deserves the rest and quiet 
 which he now enjo>'S, as the result of the judi- 
 cious management of his alTairs and investments. 
 The lather of our subject was George Belford, 
 ol Scotch descent, and an extensive coal o])erator 
 in Pcnn.syl vania. He was a warm iiersoiial friend 
 of Judge I'ai'kard, whom he appointed as his 
 executor in his will. Tiie history of Mr. Bellbrd 
 
 is that of an c.s.sentiall\- self nmde man, one who 
 started out in his youth without means and fought 
 his early battles ioi a livelihood against odds that 
 would hax'c discouraged any man who had not 
 pos.scssed strong determination to succeed, and 
 rare talent as a financier. Piosperit\' came at last 
 to crown his efforts, and at his death his estate 
 was valued at nearly $500,000. To all worthy 
 public enlei prises 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 
 1S7;,, and his wile survived him about seven years. 
 vShe was Miss Hannah Rhine Smith before their 
 marriage, her faniih' having been numbered among 
 the first settlers of Geiinantown, Pa. The chil- 
 dren of Mr. Belford and wife were named as i'ol- 
 lows: Hiram, who lesides in Allentown; James; 
 Selinda, wile of lulward Shorts, a prominent law- 
 yer of W'ilkesliarre, Pa. ; iMward, of Belvidere; 
 Harriet, wife of Clenrson 'P. North, of Wilkes- 
 barre; Nathan M., of Bergen Point, N. J.; 
 Charles, of Philadelphia; and Annie, wile of A. 
 W. Booth, iif Bergen Point. 
 
 James Belfi)rd was born in Mauch Chunk, Pa., 
 Jul\' 8, 18,^6, and aller completing his preliminary 
 education in the public schools attended Vande- 
 veer's Academy, at Faston, Pa. In 1854 he en- 
 tered the empIo>- of the lychigh Coal and Navi- 
 gation Company in the engineeiing cor]>s, as- 
 sisting in the snrve_\' of the I<ehigh Canal, and 
 Catasancjna iS: luigelsville Railroad. ^ubse- 
 (piently he took chaige of the compau\''s coal 
 olfice at Mauch Chunk for a year. He was next 
 with the Cierman PennaCoal Company, ofManch 
 Chunk anil was in charge of their shipiiiug de- 
 partment for seventeen years. In 1872 he as- 
 sumed the management of his father's store at 
 Acl<le\', Pa., remaining there for two >ears, at 
 the expiration of which period he retired from 
 business cares. He had located in Belvidere the 
 previous Near, and has since been a cili/en of the 
 place, While in Mauch Chunk he joined the 
 Masonic order, but has not been active in the 
 same for a nund)er of >eais. 
 
 June 21, 1859, Mr. Belford unuried Ivllen 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, and 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. 
 
 (S\ BRAM R. VAIL, one of the honored old res- 
 j\ 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 i, 1769; Daniel, January 3, 1771; 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 born 
 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, 1861. 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, 
 18 18; Gilbert, November 23, 1819; Rachel W., 
 March 23, 1821; 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 BIOGRAPHICAI^ 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 worthy 
 couple the following children were born: Adelia, 
 wife of Samuel I,. Robin.son; John A., of Trenton, 
 N. J.; Fowler W. , of Dunellen, N. J.; Franklin 
 P., who died in 1861; L,izzie D., wifeof Josiah A. 
 Trimmer, of Phillip.sburg, N. J.; Howard E. , who 
 is at home; Rebecca H. (ist) , deceased; Rebecca H. 
 (2d) wife of Elsworth Case, of Phillip.sburg; Amy 
 Clara, wife of William Gary; and I^aura D., wife 
 of John Trout, of Quakertown. 
 
 "ivMER E. CARHART is one of the most 
 ^ 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, 
 1891. A little over ten years ago he embarked in 
 the boot and .shoe bu.sine.ss, and in 1B91 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 vSamuel 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, iS<jo. He was a 
 practical Inisiiicss man and was considered one 
 of the mo.st 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 Iv.; Cornelius V., to 
 whom we have previou.sly alluded; and W. I/., a 
 resident of Hoboken, N. J. 
 
 li. E. Carhart was born in the village of IJcat- 
 tystown, 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 ])Iace. 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, 
 Eackawanna & 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 vSeptem- 
 ber of that year (1887) he decided to embark in 
 the boot and shoe bu.sine.ss, in which venture he 
 has been prosperous. 
 
 In his political convictif)ns 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 slate, of the Uniform Rankof 
 that order. He is al.so connected witli the Junior 
 Order of American Mechanics, and with the 
 Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, having been 
 the treasurer of the last-named since 1885, ^"'^ 
 having been sent as the delegate of the same to 
 three national conventions of the order. 
 
PORTRAI^r AND BlOCRAPHlCAt RECORD. 
 
 347 
 
 June II, 1890, Mr. Carhart married Anna B. 
 Ewing, daughter of Joseph Kwing, 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. 
 
 J 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. (Lance) 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 eflicient service in the numer- 
 ous ofiicial 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 L. 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 Knoxville Seminary. All three are bright 
 and promising young people of whom any parent 
 might be justly proud. 
 
 J-^^^^M^ 
 
 ■*-<i 
 
 (cJlIyAS GIBBS. For nearly a quarter of a 
 /\ century this representative citizen of Belvi- 
 Q) 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 
 ofthe 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 1895, 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. 
 
 ••>M^®(^^®^C^»- 
 
 -t—i- 
 
 30SEPH H. FIRTH, one of the most prom- 
 inent and enterprising men of business in 
 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 bu.sy 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 months 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 ability and influence were fitly 
 recognized by his 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 ofiiciated 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 
 
m 
 O 
 
 W 
 
 3 
 
 > 
 
 m 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 351 
 
 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 Lodge 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. 
 
 I EVI B. GIBBS, a retired business man re- 
 
 I I siding in Hackettstown, has spent the 
 13 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, 1818, and is a son 
 of Christopher and Susanna (Bunting) Gibbs, 
 also natives of this county. 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 1 843 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. 
 
352 
 
 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. 
 
 rjROF. Y. C. PILGRIM, principal of the 
 L/' Phillipsburg high school, is one of the lead- 
 [S 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 i.ssuing 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 County. 
 
 Born in Warwick, Orange County, 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 
 worthy 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, thotigh the successive 
 acts plaj'ed thereon are none the less important, 
 both to those who participate in the drama and to 
 those who are indirectly infiuenced 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 Readington 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, 182 1, 
 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. 
 
 ^^=:0=^'. 
 
 pCJlLLIAM L. SCOTT. Numbered among 
 \ A / the very best citizens of Hunterdon Coun- 
 VY 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 Willson 
 (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 afEairs. 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. 
 
 ♦}>K®^P®!+C;» 1—^ 
 
 HB. HOWELL occupies the very responsible 
 position of superintendent of the public 
 schools of Phillipsburg, Warren County, 
 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 Loni- 
 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 188 1, 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 every-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. 
 
 WILLIAM P. JOHNSON is one of the hon- 
 ored old residents of Hunterdon County, 
 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. 
 
 WiUiam 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 BLshop, who is the mother of four 
 children, Mary 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 party. 
 
 HON. HENRY SCHENCK HARRIS. As 
 one of the members of the bar of Warren 
 County, 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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 
 Academ}-, etc. 
 
 Born December 27, 1850, in Belvidere, Warren 
 County, H. S. Harris is, and has been for many 
 5'ears, one of the representative citizens of the 
 place. His father, Israel Harris, a native of 
 Readington, Hunterdon County, N. J. (born June 
 8, 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 many 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. 
 
 gENJAMIN EGBERT, deceased, was one of 
 the most successful fruit growers and gen- 
 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 1840 he became a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church ofQuakertown, 
 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 lo, 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 Quakertown, and is an estim- 
 able lady, beloved by all who have the honor of 
 her acquaintanceship. 
 
 Pjathaniel BRITTON BOILEAU, M. D., 
 |7 is a prominent citizen of Hunterdon County, 
 1^ 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 great student, 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 ofiices, 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 1 852 , in her sixty-third year. Both were placed 
 to rest in Red Hill Cemetery, in Bucks County. 
 
358 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 For the last thirty-five years of his life he was a 
 ruling elder iu 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. L,ong, 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 ofiices, 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 Hfe 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 
 county society in the state organization and has 
 been sent as a delegate to the National Medical 
 Association. In politics he uses his franchise iu 
 favor of the Democratic party. 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 361 
 
 since 1880 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 Fleanor. 
 The youngest, Eleanor, is a pupil in the private 
 schools of Easton, Pa. 
 
 ' — > •>3+i®l^^®H<!« — ■ < • < 
 
 nOHN R. HAVER is one of the most highly 
 I respected citizens of Hunterdon County 
 (2/ 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 many 
 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 community, 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 dfstrict 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. 
 
 (1 OHN WATSON ALLEGER, who is engaged 
 I in the manufacture of peach baskets in Clin- 
 (2) 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 1897. 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- 
 
 14 
 
362 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 complished in Readiiigton 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 Quakertown; 
 Euphemia, wife of Maurice Brink, of Belvidere, 
 N. J.; Samuel, of Belvidere; Eemuel, of Franklin 
 Township; and Jane, Mrs. Judson Arnwine, 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 Flem- 
 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 industry, 
 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 Eodge 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. 
 
 'JjEORGEW. BEATY a wealthy and prom- 
 _ inent merchant of Califon, Hunterdon 
 ^ County , has been located here but ten years, 
 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. 
 
 363 
 
 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, 1834. 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, whois 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 Hou.se, Readington 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 
 1641. 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 pos.ses- 
 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 U., Susan A., Hattie, Isaac and H. 
 Martin. Su.san 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. 
 Me,ssler 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 sons 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. 
 
 -; — »- 
 
 -(l>2-*ie 
 
 ®®^»— -t ■<^ 
 
 MLKY H. DEATS is one of the most enter- 
 ^ prising young business men of Pittstown, 
 _ Hunterdon County, 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 po.ssesses those qualities of nature 
 and training which rarely fail of Ijcing prcspered 
 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., son of 
 Hiram Deats, was also a native of this county, 
 and pas.sed 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 Iloff in her 
 girlhood. She was a daughter of Pliilip 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 Ivodge 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. 
 
 (] OHN A. LAUGER is numbered among the 
 I wide-awake, enterprising young business 
 C2/ men of the pretty town of High Bridge, 
 Hunterdon Count3^ 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 bu.siness, 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 he accordingly 
 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. , which 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 I^ord 
 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 majorit)' 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 exten,sive 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 |io,ooo 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 11, 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 1865. 
 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 & Stratton'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 ^nd 
 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 Grinnell, 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 }-ears. To our subject and wife one 
 child has been born, Mabel, a bright young girl, 
 loved by all who know her. 
 
 ^OHN D. CREGAR is the proprietor of one of 
 I the finest and best-kept farms in Hunterdon 
 G) County, it being situated in Clinton Town- 
 ship, within two miles of the town of Annandale. 
 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 county, 
 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 i, 1864, 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. 
 
 ^— : — > •>3-*i®^®®^rC;« 1 — 'r^- 
 
 NENRY 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 pa.st 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 Skiilman, 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 pasised with 
 small event, as is common among farmer lads, 
 who.se 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 RKCORD. 
 
 371 
 
 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 lyamington. 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. 
 
 HON. 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 
 fived 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 
 
372 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Presbyterian Church, of which Judge Shipman 
 has been a member since his boyhood; after the 
 death of his father he was chosen to succeed him 
 as a ruhng elder. 
 
 gALTIS PICKELL, a life-long resident of 
 Readington Town.ship, Hunterdon County, 
 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, 
 waslikewi.se 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 Xew 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 
 di.strict .schools of his home neighborhood, to- 
 gether with such a fund of general information as 
 
 he had picked up by reading and ob.servation. 
 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 de.scent, though her 
 ance.stors .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 
 ly., Fannie V. and Minnie. The family are all 
 church members, Mr. Pickell being a Methodist 
 and his wife a Bapti.st. They .stand very high in 
 the regard of their associates, and are sterling 
 people in e\'ery sense. 
 
 (TOHN FRANKS has made his home in Phil- 
 I lipsburg for about thirty years, and is now 
 Q) 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 As.sociation of Phillipsfjurg; 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 Commanderj' 
 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 Chaiigewater, Hunterdon Count\-, N. J., 
 June 4, 1840. His father, George Franks, was a 
 native of England, and came to the United States 
 in 1 8:: I, lauding in the city of Baltimore, and lived 
 in that neighborhood a few years. He built the 
 Changewater mill and operated it in 1852. 
 Lrater he removed to Newark , where he engaged 
 in the manufacture of portable gas machines, and 
 still later he ran a mill in Stanhope, Sussex 
 Countj', N. J. In 1S64, 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 1S44, 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 scliool when but ten j-ears 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 1 85 6 From that date until the out- 
 break of the war he was his father's right hand 
 man in the Stanhope mill. In 186 1 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, 1S65, on the 
 day of the evacuation of the city bj- the Confeder- 
 ates. He was honorabl\- 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 
 & \\'^estern 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, 1S68, he was sent to take charge 
 of the coal department at this point, which 
 handled about two thousand cars of coal a da5'. 
 In 1872 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, 1S64, 
 to Isabel, daughter of Francis D. Lawrence, pf 
 Sussex County, N. J. 
 
 HON. LAWRENCE HAGER TRIMMER. 
 This well and favorabh' 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 bj' 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 Klsie Bodine and 
 had ten children, of whom Anthony, the sixth in 
 order of birth, was the father of I,. H. Trimmer. 
 
 The birth of Anthony Trimmer occurred Febru- 
 ary 16, 1822, 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, 1896, and for some years previous. 
 
 he was an elder in the German Valley Presby- 
 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 day. 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. 
 
 Recently 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, tbough 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 
 Ehzabeth, 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. 
 
 -' — ' •>3+i*'^p)®H-£<»- 
 
 ~t — f- 
 
 cJEORGE 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., July 10, 1857, an<i 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 on 
 
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 j 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, 1878, 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, 1833. 
 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 Faston (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 compan3^ 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, 1895, 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. 
 
 (TACOB K. lewis, an honored old citizen of 
 I White House, Hunterdon County, 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 many local positions of respon- 
 sibility and trust, such as assessor, collector of 
 taxes, poor-master, etc. 
 
 From his early recollections Jacob K. L,ewis 
 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 partj^ 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, 1819, 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 Annandale, but during the panic of 1857 ^^ 
 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 
 
378 
 
 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. They 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 Rinehart, 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 i, 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 Maucli 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 many quiet acts of kindness 
 and generosity towards the poor and needy and 
 sufi^ering 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 in,stitution of learning four 
 years subsequently. He then entered the theolog- 
 ical seminary at Princeton, where he completed 
 
JOHN ORANDIN. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 381 
 
 the required course of study in 1880. During the 
 vacations and intervals in his collegiate career the 
 j'oung 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 Daj'ton, N. J. , and at the end 
 of two j-ears 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 ver^- active and zealous worker in 
 the Master's vine3-ard. 
 
 August 6, 1884, the marriage of Mr. Rowland 
 and Miss Sadie B. Schneck, a charming and 
 accomplished 3'oung lad}- of Da3-ton, 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. 
 
 (TOHN GRANDIN. The life of a good man 
 I has an influence that is very far-reaching, an 
 Q) 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 restfirom 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 countrj- 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 5f0uth 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 countrj'. He 
 earl}' 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 
 wa}-, 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, 1816, 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, 1S42. 
 Thenceforth the bereaved husband pursued his 
 
382 
 
 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. 
 
 -^-J- 
 
 ••>K®« 
 
 ../*:;)- 
 
 r~RANCIS ROBERT LEE. The life which 
 JM this narrative sketches was spent in Hunter- 
 I ^ don County, where it began in 1802 and 
 closed in 1892. Spared to attain an age which 
 few reach, Mr. Lee did not, with advancing years, 
 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 McCoUom, he had a family often children, 
 but all of these are now deceased, Francis Rob- 
 ert was reared near Pattenburg 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 years 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_1 decades has been numbered among the 
 / I 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. 
 
 383 
 
 poration of Junction as a borough, 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 ofiiciated as a 
 committeman for a number of years. 
 
 The birth of A. J. Reeves took place in the 
 township of Lebanon, in this county, February 
 i4i 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 injunction, 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. 
 
 a' 
 
 UGUSTUS HINKEL is a worthy represent- 
 ative of the Fatherland, which country has 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 
 land, 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- 
 mantown, 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 L,ebanon, 
 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 I^odge No. 239, I. O. O. F. , 
 of lycbanon. 
 
 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- 
 many. 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. 
 
 'HEODGRE MILEER, M. D. For about a 
 quarter of a century this successful physi- 
 cian has been established in a large and 
 constantly growing practice in Calif on, Hunter- 
 don County. 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 E. (Eane) 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 (Eane) 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 1882, being survived six years by his 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 385 
 
 faithful wife, and they lie side by side in L,ower 
 Valley Cemetery. In her girlhood Mrs. Miller 
 was Mary L,. Ribbons. Of their children the fol- 
 lowing survive: Ada, wife of John Apgar, of 
 Califon; 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 Mountainville, 
 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 grand'parents. 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. 
 
 .i ^z^lJXr:! ^ 
 
 HAMES p. GARY. The record of the Gary 
 I family shows that it was founded in America 
 v2/ 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 1826. 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 Quakertown. In 1856, coming to Bap- 
 
386 
 
 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, and has 
 been quite successful financially. 
 
 PoHtically a Republican, Mr. Gary has been 
 chosen on his party ticket to occupy a number of 
 responsible local offices. For five years he was 
 justiceof 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 T,., daughter of 
 Samuel and Mary Ann (I^eonard) Dalrymple. 
 Four children bless their union: William; Mary 
 E., wife of John R. Sutton; Mahlon G.; and 
 Frank ly. , who are engaged in the mercantile bus- 
 iness at Reaville, Hunterdon County. 
 
 
 HORATIO P. MIEBERN 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 
 in 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 (Carkufi^) 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 Eycurgus, 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. 
 
 3S7 
 
 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 BoemanPost 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. 
 
 0AMUEL J. CARHART, proprietor of a 
 ?\ gjeneral store in Annandale, Hunterdon 
 CyJ 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, remainimg 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, he located at 
 Newtown, Pa., and was foreman of a nursery 
 company there four years. His next employ- 
 ment was with William Dalton & 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 
 
388 
 
 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, MaryD., 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. 
 
 (TjANFORD R. TOMSON, numbered among 
 7\ 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 County, 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 Bonuell 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, 1881. 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 ofher 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. 
 
 ■gEORGE N. CLARK was born upon the old 
 
 □ homestead in Clinton Township, Hunterdon 
 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. 
 
 391 
 
 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 (Lane) 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, 1871. 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 Ramsey. 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. 
 
 I UTHER HOFFMAN is the proprietor of the 
 It Lebanon Stock Farm, situated in Clinton 
 LJ 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 i, 1839, 
 and is the only surviving son born to his parents, 
 the others, Henry and John, being deceased. A 
 sister, Ehzabeth, is the widow of George P. 
 Young, of I,ebanon; 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 II, 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 ofBcer 
 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. 
 
 G\ LPHEUS C. YOUNG is a successful farmer 
 LI 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 Jersey, 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, 
 1880, 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, 1885, 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. 
 
 -i—i ♦^®l®^®^»<« e—^ 
 
 0YI,VESTER VANSYCIvE, M. D., has been 
 2S actively engaged in practice in Clinton, 
 Q) 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 sherifi" 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, 
 lyike 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. O^ 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 
 lyamar is engaged in merchandising in New York 
 City. Our subject and wife are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ^EORGE W. SNYDER, a prominent and in- 
 1— fluential citizen of Quakertown, Hunterdon 
 vj 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 1886, 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 Q. Hiner, of Allen- 
 town, was solemnized July i, 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. 
 
 ~ DWARD HARMER is a valued employe of 
 ^ 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 5th 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 (Schmidtl 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. 
 
 EHARI^ES F. FEIvMLY, an enterprising 
 young business man, is proprietor of a large 
 livery stable and carriage repository in 
 Fleming-ton. In local politics, as well as in com- 
 mercial circles, he is qiiite 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 
 L,ake 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, 1858, 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 
 3'ears, 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 i6, 
 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 county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Felmly have two sons, Charles F. , Jr. , and I,loyd. 
 
 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 Casisilis, 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 
 Henrie and removed to New Jersey, settling on 
 Pohatcong Creek, in Greenwich Township, then 
 Sussex, now Warren County. 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 Knowlton to 
 Flemington. 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, 1 8 13, and buried in Greenwich Cemetery. 
 
 Robert H. Kennedy, grandfather of our sub- 
 ject, was bom at Burnt Mills, Warren County, 
 August 12, 1787. 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 every 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 
 ID, 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 County, 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. 
 
 ■•♦3>K®^g)®^ii-c;»- 
 
 ~t-~^ 
 
 (!) 6JILLIAM J. ILIFF is the owner and mana- 
 \ A / ger of the Junction Hotel, in Junction, 
 YV Hunterdon County. 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 
 
398 
 
 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 
 IlifE, 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 local 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; 
 WiUiam 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 EaFay- 
 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 
 irnion 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. 
 
 WiUiam J. Iliff was born October 8, 1828, 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 
 
 Phineas 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 years. 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, 
 1881. 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 youth 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 County. In 1889 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 KETCHAM. 
 
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. 
 
 (TOSIAH KETCH AM, editor and publisher of 
 I the Belvidere Apollo, the leading Republican 
 (2/ paper of the county of Warren, was born in 
 Hope Township, this county, and is the son of 
 the late Andrew and Jane (Vroomj 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 lyong 
 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 qualities 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 afiEliations 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 hi.s- 
 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 II, 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 
 
 16 
 
402 
 
 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. 
 Ketcham officiates as an elder. Twice he has rep- 
 resented the Newton presbytery 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 b}' 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 (Bunn) 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 \vas 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, 1810; 
 David, October 10, 181 1; Aaron, September 16, 
 1813; Andrew, October 11, 1815; George, March 
 15, 1818; 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 
 sons 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 
 lyUtes; Paul, born November i, 1843, 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 
 Barkman, a veteran of the late war, and now a 
 farmer of German Valley; Stephen D., born July 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 403 
 
 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 HofiFman, 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. 
 
 @UINTUS 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 Kachline 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 1868. 
 
 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 j-ears 
 more had elapsed. In 1881 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, 1869, 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- 
 
404 
 
 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 oificiated 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, 1892. 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 oif 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 Mary E. Brown, 
 daughter of David and Orpha Brown, of Delhi, 
 N. Y. Her death occurred in December, 1884. 
 Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker 
 the eldest, Lillian, is the wife of A. L- Smith, ot 
 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 1879 to 1882, 
 and is a member of the grand lodge. 
 
 ■••33-«^®^^w^:<»- 
 
 ^ — f- 
 
 W ALTER 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 40s 
 
 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, L,ancaster 
 County, Pa., Walter Brinton is one of the four 
 children, of lycwis 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 Lydia 
 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 Ewing, December 18, 
 
 1890. Mrs. Brinton was born at Brandy wine 
 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 Agnes 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 of&ciated three years as secretary of 
 the board of education, carrying out effective 
 plans. He is a member of Rialto I<odge 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. 
 
 SEORGE 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 
 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 sub- 
 sequent success shows that he did not err in his 
 choice. In early manhood, with a desire to see 
 
4o6 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. 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 
 >) foundry of the steel department of the Tay- 
 . lor Iron and Steel Works of High Bridge, 
 Hunterdon County, 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 enjoys 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, 1858, 
 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 Phoenixville, 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 Eebanon, 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 ilhiess 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 machiner}- 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 Monterc}'. 
 
 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 Companj'. The 
 post he held imtil four jears had rolled by, 
 when the firm suspended operations and he be- 
 came the foreman of the steel foundn,- of the 
 Midvale Steel Company of Philadelphia. Two 
 years more passed bj^ and he found that steady, 
 confining work was beginning to tell seriously 
 upon his health, and in consequence he took a 
 long vacation. In August, 1897, ^^^ 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 Februar}', 18S9, 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 
 nav}'. 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 man}' 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 fortj^-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 Rinehart, 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, 1S30, he married Jane Moore, who was 
 born April 2, 18 10, 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. Hoffinan, 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 
 Lane, 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 
 II, 1893. He built the house on this place in 
 1 85 1 and was quite successful in his varied busi- 
 ness undertakings. Politically he was a Demo- 
 
4o8 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 crat, and religiously a lyUtheran. 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, 
 1851, 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 
 'y host" of the Glen Gardner (Hunterdon 
 __ County) Hotel, one ofthe 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 1896, 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 
 Eewis 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 John D., 
 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 i, 1868, became 
 to this town, and bought the Clarksville Hotel, 
 as it was then called. He changed the title of 
 the house, at once inaugurated many 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 
 many other conveniences are afforded the traveler, 
 not usually to be found outside the larger towns 
 and cities. With the exception of one year, 
 1881, when E. Torapson, 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 
 
SAMUEIy STOCKTON. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 411 
 
 active and energetic in political matters, and in 
 1881 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 I, 1865, Mr. Humphrey was united in 
 marriage at the home of the bride, with Mercy 
 M. Brittian, daughter of Henry V. Brittian, of 
 Asbury. 
 
 -^.:==:0=i^ 
 
 0AMUEL STOCKTON, a well-known citizen 
 Ny and business man of Lambertville, Hunter- 
 Q) 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. 
 May 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 1811. 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 undoubtedly 
 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, 1888. He is the chaplain 
 of Maj. C. A. Angel Post No. 20, G. A. R.; is 
 past sachem of Tuscorora Tribe No. 11, Improved 
 
412 
 
 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. 
 
 nOHN D. HOFFMAN is one of the young- 
 I est business men of Lebanon, Hunterdon 
 O 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 manj^ 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 years 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 beyond 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 413 
 
 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 Ivcbanon, 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 Ivcbanon. 
 
 I EWIS S. PERRY, an enterprising young 
 It business man of High Bridge, Hunterdon 
 LJ County, 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 
 communitj' 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. Fraternally 
 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. 
 
 (John W. beavers has been engaged in 
 I general merchandising in the town of Cali- 
 O 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 
 
414 
 
 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 
 Klizabeth 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 i86a, 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 fearly 
 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 1888 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 Lower Valley Presby- 
 terian Church. April 22, 188 1, he married Flla, 
 daughter of Edward C. and Lydia Latimer, 
 of High Bridge. To their marriage three chil- 
 dren were born, but of these only one survives, 
 Joyce, born December 25, 1897. 
 
 HON. BARTLETT 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 1896. 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 1898. Undoubtedly 
 a strong reason for his being proposed as maj'or 
 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 Leeds, 
 Androscoggin County, Me., March 17, 1833. 
 His parents, Oliver P. and Esther (Jennings) 
 Frost, were natives of the same locality. The 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 415 
 
 father, who was of English descent, was a farmer 
 in a small way, and was a blacksmith by trade. 
 He died in 1863, having survived his wife 
 twenty-one years. Four of their six children are 
 living, viz.: Orintha, widow of D. Jennings, of 
 Lowell, 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 ^^ 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 Springtown, 
 Warren County, and during all this time that he 
 was employed in educational work in this state 
 he was quietly pursuing the study of law. One 
 year he was a pupil in the Albany law school; 
 then he taught again for a year at the "B-orge" 
 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 
 IvOan Association, and in 1867 with the Building 
 and I/oan 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 i885 
 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 I^opatcong 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 Lodge 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 L-, 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. 
 
 yyi ORRIS R. ALBRIGHT, a well-known 
 y business man of Junction, Hunterdon 
 (9 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 ofiicer, promptly 
 and systematically discharging every dut/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 
 
4i6 
 
 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 county, 
 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 I,a 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, 1861. 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 necessary experience. In 
 18S9 he came to Junction and bought out the 
 druggist here, since which time he has conducted 
 the business. In 1897 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. He is a member of 
 Shabekong 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. 
 
 -S— » •J>H®^P®^C;« « — f- 
 
 ROBERT Q. BOWERS. This succes.sful 
 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 belief 
 held membership with the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. His death occurred when he was about 
 seventy-eight years of age. Two sons, Robert Q. 
 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 1858 he came to Hackettstown 
 and purchased the foundry of which he has since 
 been the proprietor and manager. The great 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 417 
 
 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 i, 
 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 
 I^ampson, 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 1878 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 
 ^ 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 perseveringly 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 1818. 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 i, 1863. He learned the ele- 
 mentary 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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, his preceptor being Dr. Q. E. Snyder, 
 of Quakertown, this county. Subsequently 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 he came 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. L,ike 
 his father before him he uses his franchise in fa- 
 vor of the principles and nominees of the Democ- 
 racy. 
 
 V yi AHDON HULSIZER is one of the honored 
 y old residents of Hunterdon County, as were 
 (9 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, 
 suchas 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 
 18 15, 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 Lehigh 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 
 
'•mF: 
 
 JOSEPH M. ROSEBERRY. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RKCORD. 
 
 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. 
 
 nOSEPH M. ROSEBERRY. Nearly twenty 
 I years have passed since this highly respected 
 \Z) 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 party, 
 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- 
 f)rise. 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 responsibihty 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 Jersey 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, 1887. 
 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 1873. 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- 
 
 17 
 
422 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 at-law in 18S7 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 Compau)-, and the railroads 
 in laying its Hne of pipes through New Jersey. 
 His name 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, 1 89 1, 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 bj' 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 
 propert}' 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 laud. 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 oE Lieut. Wii.waim White, first soldier 
 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 year. 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. 
 
 423 
 
 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 many 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 1897 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 L., 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. 
 
 H— »- — •>3-K®(^^®^Hl^» {— H 
 
 HON. 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, Easton, 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, 1881, 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 1889 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, 1828, 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. 
 
 ^EORGE J. BUCKLEY is an industrious, 
 I— reliable farmer of Readington Township, 
 \Ji 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 Germany, 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 land, he persevered through all difii- 
 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 1854 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 
 
PORTRAl'r AND BlO^RAPHlCAt RBCOkD. 
 
 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 
 eightj'-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 afBHated with the Republican party. 
 
 G\ BEL, BRINTON HARING, cashier of the 
 r 1 Union National Bank of Frenchtown, Hun- 
 I I 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 sUght 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 i , 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 party, 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 L,odge 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 lyodge No. 
 571, I. O. O. F. , in which he has filled all of the 
 chairs. In Lily Encampment No. 20, I. O. O. 
 F., he is a past chief patriarch; in Home Lodge 
 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. 
 
 I UDLO W P. WOODEN, who is deceased, was 
 liL a- highly respected citizen of White House 
 U 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. 
 
 L. 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 L. 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 bakery business 
 at Morristown and Plainfield. It was in 1875 
 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, 187 1, 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, L. Edward and Nellie D. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 427 
 
 Mrs. Wooden is a daughter of William J. and 
 Frances P. (L,ockwood) Pell, natives of New 
 York. She is next to the youngest of five sur- 
 viving children, the others being Mariam Fran- 
 ces, Charles and MaryE.; four of her brothers 
 and sisters have departed this life. 
 
 (TfAMUEI. H. WILSON. The personal popu- 
 /\ larity of this sterling citizen of Annandale, 
 V2/ Hunterdon County, was amply shown when, 
 in March, 1895, he was elected on the Republican 
 ticket to the responsible position of freeholder. 
 This, in a county 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, i" 
 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 Lambertville, 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 ailorded 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 AUentown, 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 vicinit}' of Hamden; 
 Wilham, who is a telegraph operator at Flax 
 Mill, on the Lehigh Valley Railroad; Raymond, 
 Carl and Stacy. 
 
 •♦>3-K®^ra®H<!«- 
 
 -e— f- 
 
 (1 OHN EILENBERG is a well-known citizen 
 I of Phillipsburg. He was a member of the 
 (2) 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, 1882, 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 . I^ight, 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, 1868, 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 I^odgeNo. 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. Ivommasson, 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. 
 
 ~t — ^- 
 
 3UDGE OCTAVIUS P. CHAMBERLAIN, 
 of Flemington, was born in Delaware Town- 
 ship, Hunterdon County, N. J., in the year 
 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 1891 he was appointed 
 
1^ "wl^ 
 
 \ 
 
 JOHN F. GRANDIN, M. D. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 431 
 
 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 system 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. 
 
 (lOHN F. GRANDIN, M. D., for many years 
 I a prominent physician and surgeon of Hun- 
 C2/ terdon County, was born on the old home- 
 stead in Hamden, January 27, 1828, 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 lyippincott, 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 I^awrence, U. 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, of Flemington, 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 in 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 I^afayette College, where 
 he remained during the freshman and sophomore 
 years and completed the j unior and senior years 
 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 county, 
 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 1880 he married Mrs. Julia F. Todd, widow 
 of Dr. John R. Todd, a former successful practi- 
 tioner of lycbanon, 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 County, 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 many 
 years engaged in mercantile business in the me- 
 tropolis, but retired and passed his declining 
 years in Round ValleJ^ 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 her marriage 
 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. MEIvICK has been for over half 
 
 L/ a century one of the most influential citizens 
 
 K3 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 
 land, 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) bom 
 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 u.pon to occupy public positions in 
 his own neighborhood. He was an influential 
 member of the L,utheran 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, 1783. She was born 
 March 3, 1763, and by her marriage became the 
 mother of the following children: Tunis ,born 
 March 15, 1784; Mary, April 11, 1786; Nicholas, 
 E., August 18, 1788; Peter, January 2, 1791; 
 Abram, April 7, 1793; James, March 21, 1795; 
 John, February 7, 1797; Eleanor, September i, 
 1799 (married Andrew Van Sickel) ; Elizabeth, 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 I^utheran 
 Church, but lent substantial support to the main- 
 tenance of the same. His wife was Sarah, eldest 
 daughter of Andrew and Magdalen (lyane) 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- 
 mantown, 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 abihty being beyond ques- 
 tion. At times he has invested large amounts 
 in western land, in Illinois, Kan.sas and Ne- 
 braska, and also owns property in Elizabeth, N. J. 
 
 SEORGE M. COUCH, of Phillipsburg, has 
 a record that has rarely been equaled, as for 
 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, I^ackawanna & 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 lady 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. Many years prior to 
 the Revolution the Wildricks emigrated from the 
 province of Bavaria to New Jersey, where they 
 became agriculturi.sts; and, a hardy and industri- 
 ous race, they 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 ot 
 New Jersey in 1843-45 ^^d 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 early 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 BIOGRAPHICAI. 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 
 ofiice 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 Lentz, a prominent lawyer and 
 leading Republican of Newark, N. J. 
 
 While Mr. Wildrick was a member of congress, 
 his son, Abram C, was appointed a cadet at 
 West Point. This gentleman was born in Blairs- 
 town, N. J., A'ugust 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 cJf the Confederate 
 army under General I^ee 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, 1861, 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 County, having 
 previously spent several years in Arkansas. In 
 1890 he was elected county 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. 
 
 "-i <>>i®(®)®<+C;» 1 — ^- 
 
 |IIvLIAM W. WOODEN is the genial and 
 popular proprietor of the Union Hotel of 
 Califon, 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 RKCORD. 
 
 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, ou the old home- 
 istead 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.: EHza- 
 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, devotinghimself 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. Bergner 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 
 
438 
 
 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 au 
 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 only 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 Perry ville, 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 hi.s 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, 1832. 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 
 I^ehigh 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 I,eigh street. He was a Demo- 
 crat in politics, and religiously was a I^utheran, 
 but attended the local Presbyterian Church. 
 His wife departed this life June i, 1895, and was 
 interred in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Clinton. 
 He survived her a few 5fears and passed away 
 April 29, 1898. 
 
 3EHIAI. 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 there in 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, 18 18. 
 He passed his childhood years on the homestead 
 near the town of Hope. For a time he was a 
 student in L,afayette 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 Clarkson 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 qiiite 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 
 
 18 
 
442 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. 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, I^ackawanna & 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 ^^ 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 
 son George M., whose sketch may be found in 
 this volume; and two daughters, Anna M., wife of 
 Joseph H. Wilson, attorney-at-law; and Mary, 
 who married William C. Albertson, all of Belvi- 
 dere. 
 
 (TAHILE T. HILDEBRANT, who is now 
 
 I serving his second term as a justice of the 
 
 (2/ peace in Hackettstown, Warren County, is 
 
 one of the representative citizens of this county. 
 
 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 
 Hildebrant 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, in 
 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. 
 
 443 
 
 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 successfully for ten years in 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 timesharing discharged 
 every duty devolving upon him with the utmost 
 fidelity. In 1865 and 1866 he was a freeholder 
 of Readington 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 1882 was once 
 more elected a freeholder. In 1883 he was elect- 
 ed clerk of Hunterdon County, 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 farmer 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 Lucas 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. Hufi"man, of 
 
444 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. RKCORD. 
 
 lyebanon, N. J. To their union eight children 
 were born: David T.; Luella, wife of James E. 
 Bruce, an attorney of Cass County, 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; Dumont, 
 Charles, Peter and Edna. 
 
 "-^-•»^"v^:<«- -t-^ 
 
 (TOHN C. PERDOE was appointed superin- 
 I tendent of the Phillipsburg Cemetery in 1891 
 Qy 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 County, 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 
 an 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 
 effort^ 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 company 
 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, no 
 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. 
 
 (TACOB J. AEEER, a well-known citizen of 
 I Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, is a 
 G/ native of this locality, his birth having oc- 
 curred in 1846. 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 AUer, 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 
 AUer 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 verj' 
 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 
 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 j^ears 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 j^ears 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 emplo^-ed 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 party and has. oiBciated 
 in several local 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 1869 he was united in marriage with 
 Susan W. Gulick, a daughter of George Gulick. 
 
 She died in 1892, 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. 
 
 WILLIAM D. EVERSOLE, who for four 
 years was the efficient and popular clerk of 
 Readington Township, Hunterdon County, 
 is an honored citizen of that locality, where he 
 has spent Ms 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 count}' over one hundred years ago 
 is the one now owned and candied on bj' the sub- 
 ject of this article, and this propert}' has never 
 left the direct heirs. It came into the possession 
 of William D. in 18 74 by purchase. 
 
 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 oflBces of 
 trustee, steward and treasurer in the congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 G| SA CASE, an honored resident of Cherryville, 
 Ll Hunterdon County, is now living retired 
 I 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 county 
 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- 
 ruon 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 oifering 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 1881, when he came 
 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 County 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, ^^- 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, 
 ^3 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 Hofiman was a native of 
 the Empire state, and there married Rebecca 
 Dilts. Afterwards he removed to this county 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 on 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 Annandale. 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) Hofi"man, our subject is the eldest, and 
 the only survivor. The date of his birth is May 
 6, i8ig, 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, 1821, 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 
 thrifty. 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 
 
448 
 
 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 5'ears 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 I,odge 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 Lehigh ^'alley 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 onlj' 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. 
 
 — } '^^o^^ <+C^t 1 — i-^— 
 
 3 AMES VAN SICKLE. Chief among the 
 agriculturists of Hunterdon County is this 
 sterling citizen of Clinton Township. That 
 he is prosperous and successful in his business 
 undertakings is testified to by his well-filled bams 
 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 bj' 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 
 j^ears. When he started out upon his independent 
 career it was as an agriculturist on the old Read- 
 ing farm, on which the Lehigh ^^alley 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 profitablj^ 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 AIvIvEN. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 451 
 
 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 ly. , 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 body 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. 
 
 Gj RTHUR ALLEN, one of the most popular 
 LA and well-known hotel men of western New 
 I 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 Rahway 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 pati'ons by his careful 
 attention to their wants and by his many agree- 
 able traits of character. In 1893 ^^ 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 everywhere 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, .^.s 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 (Emmett) Foran, of 
 Dublin. Mrs. Allen's father was for many years 
 in the employ of the famous Guinness Brewery 
 at Dublin, where he acted in an important capac- 
 ity. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one child, a 
 daughter, Ethel E. 
 
 QROF. FREDERICK W. KLUPPELBERG, 
 L7 of Hackettstown, is the proprietor of a music 
 fS 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 boys 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, lyouisa 
 Burhaus, died after a .short married life; he was 
 
 afterward united with her sister, Emilie, who 
 passed away November 25, 1893, leaving two 
 children: Douisa, 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., of 
 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. 
 
 (31 LLEN DODD, numbered among the best 
 Ll citizens of Phillipsburg, resides in a beauli- 
 / I 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 
 Lane on blockade duty, and at the battle of Gal- 
 veston, Tex., January i, 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 Ea.ston. 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. 
 
 ^- 
 
 ^g 
 
 •^ 
 
 ROBERT B. BROWNE, M. D. For the past 
 fifteen years this honored citizen of Phillip.?- 
 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 ofEaston, 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 day, 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. 
 They 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 July 
 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 ho.spital, 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 i, 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 iiiteresting, 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 ca.st. 
 His alma mater, Lafayette College, conferred 
 upon him the degree of Master of Arts in 1865. 
 
 — ^; — s — •}3-K®^o®^c<» — «^-.' — 
 
 GJDAM MARTIN, the leading grocer of Phil- 
 lJ lip,sburg, Warren County, is a native of the 
 / I adjoining county of Northampton, Pa., his 
 birth having taken place therein January i, 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 voj'age of 
 ninety-six daj'S. 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. He 
 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 party 
 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. 
 
 nOHN C. CRAMER is an honored old citizen 
 I of Clinton Township, Hunterdon County, 
 O 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 Annandale 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, 
 1868. For years the grandfather served as a 
 con.stable and in other local offices here and was 
 esteemed by all who knew him. From him a 
 
456 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 years, 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. Haynes, of Plain- 
 field, N. J., for many years connected with the 
 New Jersey Central Railroad. 
 
 EEORGE 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 afikirs 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 news)^ entertaining and useful to its 
 readers. 
 
 The birth of G. P. Curtis occurred November 
 10, 1854, ill Hackettstown. He is the eldest son 
 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 1873 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 County, 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 i8§i 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 ofiice. 
 
 Gl BLAIR KELSEY, who for thirteen years 
 Ll has been cashier of the Belvidere National 
 /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, 1855. 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 oflice. 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 Johnsonburg, 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 county, 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 of&ciated 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. 
 
 «7^^^^>^ 
 
 EHAREES STEWART HOYT, who is a suc- 
 cessful farmer residing in Franklin Town- 
 ship, Hunterdon County, on the Eandsdown 
 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 lands 
 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 Cotnam 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 Eandsdown, 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 bj' 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 friends and asso- 
 ciates. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Underwriters 
 held November 19, 1862, 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 Eandsdown 
 with her brother Charles, still survives. Mrs. 
 Hoyt passed away in 1882, at the age of eighty- 
 one years. She was a most cultured lady, and 
 
C. F. HAIvSTED, 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 lyandsdown 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 I,ebanon, 
 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. 
 
 ••>3-K®^^®H-!<» 
 
 EHARLES F. HALSTED, M. D., is a suc- 
 cessful young physician of High Bridge, 
 Hunterdon County. 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 i, 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, 1868. 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, 189 1. 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 
 
 19 
 
462 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 for the succeeding four j'ears 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 ill 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. i, 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. 
 
 
 HON. 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 1894 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 County, 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 county when a child, be- 
 ing reared in the home of an tincle. 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 land, 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. CuUen 
 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. 
 
 HENRY M. BIGEI.OW 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 
 Philhpsburg; 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 I,ebanon, N. J., July i, 
 182 1, 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 Ann 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 years 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 
 Ivong 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 system 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,. I., 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 I, 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. 
 
 (1 OSEPH H. EXTON. The old estate which 
 I was the birthplace of this worthy citizen and 
 Q) 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 land 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 
 Feuwick and Edward Byllinge, 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 laud 
 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 18 11. 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 oflicer, 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 by 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, Mary, 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 years 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 Scran ton. 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 1854 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 tlie excep- 
 tion of his son Charles, has been privileged to 
 manage her. Mr. Adams worked up from the 
 bottom, as he was first employed bj-^ 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 lyOcomotive 
 Kngineers, and belongs to Union lyodge No. 339, 
 F. & A. M. , of Scranton. 
 
 In 1 86 1 Mr. Adams married L,aura 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, I,ackawanna & 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 — ♦>>»^®(®)®H-s<» — t-^^ 
 
 (J NEWTON VAN DERBEEK. In a hand- 
 I some residence situated on an eminence and 
 C2/ 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 abilit3' 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 way. 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, 1866, the marriage of Mr. Van 
 Derbeek and Gertrude, daughter of Rev. Dr. 
 W. W. Blauvelt, pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Church of L,amington, 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 on 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'strade, 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 ofiice, 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 (Beckman) 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, ^ii<i was placed to 
 rest in the cemetery near New Germantown. 
 
 r\ROF. DAVID ROCK AFELLAR is a musical 
 Ly genius, a fact cheerfully agreed to by all 
 fS who know him or are aware ofhis 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 ofhis 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 
 
46S 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the responsibilities devolving upon the average 
 citizen. For a great many years lie 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 lo 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 Da\'id Rockafellar was quietly 
 passed with his parents on the farm. When a 
 mere child he gave undoubted evidence of marked 
 nuisical 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 Readington, 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 
 liis 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- 
 fes.sor Rockafellar is an adherent of the Demo- 
 cratic party, but has been in no sen.se 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, 1878, the marriage of the pro- 
 
 fes.sor and Anna R. Cook was solenini/ed. »Slic 
 was born in Stanton, N. J., August 6, iS.sf', being 
 a daughter of George \\\ and Sarah (Innnier) 
 Cook, the former a prominent merchant in Stan- 
 ton for a great many >cars. To our subject and 
 wife has been born one child, a daughter, liertha. 
 
 (TOHN R. IIARDON is the editor and propri- 
 I etiM-ofthc Hunterdon ///(//■/>f//i/cii/, wluvh \s 
 (2/ published in iMoiichtown, and is numbered 
 among the leading and inlluential journals of 
 this section. As its name implies it maintains an 
 independent attitude on political alVairs, criticis- 
 ing freely and without restrictions of party lies 
 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 ami esleemeil citizen of 
 Frenchtown, where he has nmdc his home for 
 over tliirtx' years. For almost two decades ho 
 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 Jaiiuar.\', 1879, that lie, in 
 company with Ross vSlack, purch;ised the 
 Indcpcndoil, which has since been materially 
 built up and its circulation increased througli his 
 earnest and persisleut 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. Hardon were ySilas A. and 
 Sarah (Dilts) Hardon, natives of Htniterdon 
 County. They had a family of eight children, of 
 whom John R. is the eldest, lie was born 
 Septeuil)er iH, 1831, in Delaware Township, 
 Hunterdon County, and was brought up as a 
 farmer's boy, receiving practical training in the 
 various details ])ertaining to the nmnagement of 
 a farm. P'rom the wise and careful instruitiou 
 gained from his parents he dc\el(ipcd into a well- 
 
JONATHAN HIGGINS. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 French town 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 
 \Z) of the most prominent citizens of Fleming- 
 ton, was born January 18, 1828, upon the farm in 
 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 ofthe 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. 
 
 Gl EVIN A. VAN HORN. Numbered among 
 LA 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 anyone might well envy. 
 
 December 24, 1873, ^r- 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 grocery 
 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 /or 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 ofBce 
 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 diifering 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, i8g8, aged seventy- 
 three years. 
 
 I EVI V. ABEL, deceased, was a native of 
 It Bloomsbury, Hunterdon County, was reared 
 U 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 
 Easton, 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, 
 lud. ; Andrew was killed on the railroad; Edward 
 is a farmer of Warren County; Thomas, formerly 
 of Frenchtown, is deceased, and the others are 
 Miller, deceased, and Eevi V. 
 
 The birth of E. 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, Eittle York, Annandale 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 g, 1866, Mr. Abel married Catherine, 
 daughter of Peter H. and Sophia (Hahn) 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- 
 dent 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 i.-, a 
 promising young business man. 
 
 -4--J •>^®^^®^» 1-^ 
 
 R 
 
 WATSON BURDETTE is a representative 
 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 Eee 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 Eee 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 carrying 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' 
 society 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. 
 
 <p'HEODORE PROBASCO. The history of 
 I Q the representative citizens of Hunterdon 
 Vy County 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 done, 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. L,ater 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 Januar}' 11, 
 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, Huiiterdon 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 Quakertown, 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. Winfield Scott. 
 
 During the progress of the War of 18 12 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, 
 1815, 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. 
 Lucinda, born October 11, 1839, is the widow of 
 Isaac Mengel, of Bedford, Pa. Cornelius B. , born 
 November 10, 1843, died in infancy. Margaretta, 
 born February 7, 1845, married Stires Fritts, 
 whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. 
 Sarah I,., 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 young 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 lonehness 
 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 spot 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 away, 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. 
 
 EOIv. 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 ofhcer. 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 1892. 
 
 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 lias 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 L,ebanon, 
 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 lo3'al 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, 1897. 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 Runyan; Cora J., 
 wife of Richard Correll, a hardware merchant of 
 Penn 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 Ferdin- 
 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. 
 
 EHARLES F. CREVELING, M. D., has been 
 the city physician of Phillipsburg since May, 
 1896, and previously served in the same ca- 
 pacity here during the years of 1887 and 1888. 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 surely 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 1882, in the classical course, he 
 took up the study of medicine with Dr. J. F. 
 Sheppard, of this place. March 14, 1887, he 
 graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
 lege of New York City, and returning to PhiUips- 
 burg, embarked in his professional work. In 
 1889 he went to Reaville, Hunterdon County, and 
 during the ensuing six years was so busily occu- 
 pied and was so unsparing of him,self 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. 
 
 QENJAMIN EGBERT YOUNG, president 
 JC\ of the First National Bank of Clinton , Hun- 
 d/ terdon County, has been connected with this 
 substantial institution ever since the early days of 
 its history. 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 January, 1861. 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 
 
478 
 
 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 
 wasfor many years a judge of 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 county, 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 Eittle York, N. J., where he indu.stri- 
 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 
 j'ear 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 Annandale. Re- 
 maining in that place until April, 1887, 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, i858; 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. 
 
 ••^HK®l^^®i+<i e — f- 
 
 (TOSEPH R. SHIMER, a very successful busi- 
 I ness man of Phillipsburg, is directly or in- 
 Q) 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 Germany 
 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 famil}', 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, Easton, where he took a 
 
WIIJvIAM R. I^AIRR. 
 
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 I,afayette. 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 fraterually 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. Shimer died 
 December 20, 1891, 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) Eaire, both of very old and 
 respected families. The father, who died in 1876, 
 was a native of the vicinity of I,ansdown, Hun- 
 terdon County. 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 County. 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 
 ofiice 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. 
 
 (DGJlLLIAM R. LAIRE, agent for the Pennsyl- 
 \ A / vania Railroad Com pany at Belvidere, War- 
 V V ren County, N. J. , is a very popular ofiicial 
 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 liis 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. 
 
 gjEORGE 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 he 
 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- 
 
 20 
 
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 1881. 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. 
 
 HIRAM DEATS, Jr., is the owner and man- 
 ager of one of the oldest manufacturing con- 
 cerns in Hunterdon County. 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 County, 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. 
 
 483 
 
 death, which occurred when he was in his sixtj-- 
 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. 
 
 30HN H. NUNN, who enjoys a large and 
 flourishing practice as an attorney and 
 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 Mary J. (Schomp) 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 
 county. 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, 
 1868, when but forty-eight years of age. His 
 widow is still living, her home being in Jersey 
 Cit5^ 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 
 I, 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- 
 
484 
 
 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 County, 
 by Governor L,eon 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 
 Lodge 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 NoraW. 
 Bogart, at the home of her father, James M. 
 Bogart, near Wyckoff, Bergen County, N. J. , Rev. 
 Ephraim Deyo.a Lutheran 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. 
 
 -^~-> — ^•♦!J^®(®l®t+^» « — f- 
 
 GJLVAH L. RAMSEY is one of the most suc- 
 LA cessful agriculturists of Hunterdon County, 
 / I 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 
 Lebanon, thus being convenient to the stores, 
 markets and other necessities. Mr. Ramsey is a 
 thorough and practical business man, understand- 
 
 ing every 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.;Lydia V., Mrs. Enoch Hoyt, of Lebanon; 
 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 Lucas Voorhees, of Paterson, N. J.; Helen, 
 who died in early womanhood; and Joseph N., 
 of Lebanon. 
 
 Alvah L. 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, i874,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 1885 he 
 bought the fertile and valuable farm whereon he 
 has since dwelt, it being located on a slight ele- 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 485 
 
 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. 
 
 HON. 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 L- , 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 ofiice 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 County in the New Jersey Assembly, 
 to which position he was re-elected in 1873. He 
 was elected justice of the peace in 1877 and 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, 1818, 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, "La Grande'Sanzelle, " 
 
486 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 in Ghent, standing in 1338, is in a fair state of 
 preservation and is now owned by M. lyeCompte 
 Theurry De I,inburg Stirun, 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 1,. 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 ofBce-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 Cj^ena (Darwin) Martin, of 
 Columbiana, County, ,N. Y. Thejudge 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 lyong Lsland. The children 
 of Mr. Van Syckel and his wife, Cyrena, were: 
 Frank, born March 14, 1859, and Kate, August 
 II, i860. The son died January 20, 1864, and 
 the daughter is the wife of Robert S. Martin, 
 secretar3' 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 . 
 
 r* RANK M. COOK, M. D. , is one of the lead- 
 JM ing and wide-awake business men of Hack- 
 I ettstown, Warren County, 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. 
 
 4S7 
 
 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 Hanu, 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 he 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 assi.st 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 may 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. 
 
 EMBIvEM 
 
 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 needy 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 Brant, 
 Mrs. James Brant, 
 Miss C. Bentley, 
 
 I/Croy Brant, 
 G. P. Curtis, 
 Adra Fitts, 
 Emma Fitts, 
 Egbert Rittenhouse , 
 Frank Smith, 
 Frank Reese, 
 lyouis Cooke, 
 William McClellan, 
 George Van Duzer, 
 Augustus Schenck, 
 Edward Osmun, 
 
 And one hundred and four others. 
 
 (lOHN H. GRIFFITH, M. D., ex-mayor of 
 I Phillipsburg, Warren County, N. J., is one 
 (2/ 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 j'ears 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 "lyive 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 Grifiith, 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 they are of 
 English-Dutch descent. 
 
 Dr. J. H. Griffith was born in Monmouth 
 County, N. J., July 3, 1842, 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 Seminary, 
 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. 
 
 JefFersou Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., 
 March 12, 1870. Soon after this event he settled 
 ill 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 187 1 he was city physican 
 here, in 1882 and 1883 was mayor, 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 lyOdge, 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 already 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. 
 
 -^-J- 
 
 •»>S-iK«>(®y«^*^» 1~"> 
 
 gONOVER 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 Annandale, 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 he 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 i, 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 beuig 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 
 Hempstead, 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 
 May, 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 & Kinch, 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 
 D- and Ellen D. (Apgar) Everett, of this county. 
 They had two children, but both died in infancy. 
 They are members of the Reformed Church of 
 Eebanon, and are respected and highly esteemed 
 by all who have the pleasure of their acquaint- 
 ance. 
 
 CySAAC BARBER, the present representative 
 I of Warren County in the senate of New Jer- 
 X, 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 
 I, 1897, 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. 
 
 (John T. cox, ex-sheriff of Hunterdon 
 I County, has been prominently connected 
 (2/ 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 County, 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. He lived to a ripe age, dying in 1890. 
 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, ofSomerville, 
 N. J.; and Gretta M., Mrs. H. W. Leach, of 
 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 then, 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 a.sso- 
 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 business man 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 1888 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 constantly adding 
 to his list of regular customers. 
 
 In tracing the ancestry of the above it appears 
 that his great-grandfather, ZibaOsmun, 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 was 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. I^ater 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 ofiice 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. 
 
 HENRY A. ALIyER, the present efficient 
 postmaster of lycbanon, 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 eifort, 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 and commercial 
 undertakings of this county and other places. 
 In 1 894 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 Pleasantville, Bucks 
 County, where hiason, Henry A., of this sketch. 
 
494 
 
 PORTRAIT ANI? BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was born January lo, 185 1. 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 
 county, 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 11, 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; lyillie; and Clara E., now Mrs. Elmer 
 Weaver, of Allen town. Her only son is Rev. 
 Nathan S., a Congregational minister of Rich- 
 field Springs, N. Y. The marriage of Rev. 
 Nathan AUer, 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 county, 
 where he has since remained. He has taught 
 many different schools, and for thirteen consecu- 
 tive years was situated in Round Valley. Since 
 1 88 1 he has made his dwelling place in lyebanon, 
 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, 188 1, 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 Eebanon Reformed 
 Church. 
 
 ••}3-K®^^®^«<«- 
 
 ~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 upon the farm where S. M. 
 Rittenhouse now resides. He .spent his entire 
 life in Kingwood Township and was one of the 
 largest and mo.st 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 age of eighty. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 495 
 
 By the marriage of Garner Rittenhouse to Mary 
 Ann Ho£F, daughter of Cornelius Hoff, nine chil- 
 dren were born, named as follows: Hannah; 
 Anne E.; L,ucinda, wife ofJohnL,air; 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 i, 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 I,, died May 27, 1896. 
 
 (TOSEPH RAMSEY is one of the citizens of 
 I Hunterdon County who has been literally the 
 Q) architect of his own fortunes. In his early 
 manhood he started without any 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 son 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. VESCELIUS is the proprietor of 
 one of the largest and most finely equipped 
 dry-goods stores in Hackettstown, 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 L,ena 
 Van Sickle, and their one child, George Andrew, 
 born in March, 1783, married October 12, 1806, 
 Gertrude (Charity) Heldebrant,whodied 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, 1808, 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, 1815, 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 
 County November 18, 1816. 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, 1845. He was again 
 married, his wife being Angeline 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 County, 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 Hackettstown, 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 1 895 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 part}' and is a member of Independent 
 Lodge No. 42, F. &A. M., of this place. Rehg- 
 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. 
 
 pQlLLIAM 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, iu 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 Yail, 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 verj- large and 
 payhig 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 
 5'ears 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, 1889, at the ripe age of eighty-five years. 
 His active work in his chosen field of aiding the 
 sick and suffering extended over fortj'-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 ofiicer 
 iu 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 1896; Sarah L. is the 
 wife of Dr. T. Y. Sutphen, of Newark, N. J.; 
 John D. is the postmaster at Blairstown; and 
 
 21 
 
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-Hudsou, 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 afibrding 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 Hanlin, president of 
 Robert College, Constantinople. Mrs. Vail died 
 
 in 1887, leaving four children, and one, Marion 
 Locke, had died a 5'ear 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 sons, J. Horton and Charles R. 
 
 -^■ 
 
 0^ 
 
 -^»-^ 
 
 G| RCHIBALD STEWARD TAYLOR, captain 
 r 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 one, 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 i860 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. 
 
 501 
 
 home, and early 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 Quinnebaug, 
 N. H. Farquhar commander, European squadron, 
 where he remained three years. June 13, 1881, 
 he was ordered to duty 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 1890 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. Ta:ylor 
 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 
 
SOJ 
 
 PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPHICAI, RECORn. 
 
 Jersey Infantry, soon after he reported for duty 
 ill the late war. lie ser\-ed in the brii;ade of 
 Gen. Philip Kearne\-, First Brigade, v'-^ixth Arni\- 
 Corps, and was encamped at I'^iirfax Seminary 
 dnring the winter of 1861. lie then took part in 
 the general operations ai;ainst Vorktown, and 
 with his forees then embarked on transports 
 which eon\eN'ed them to West Point, where they 
 engaged the ilivision eonnnanded In- 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 Meehan- 
 iesville and Fair Oaks, and the se\-eu-da>s' cam- 
 paign after the evacuation of Vorktown. He 
 was connuissioned brignilier-general and assigned 
 to the connnand of the First Brigade of Slocum's 
 Division, Sixth Arm>- Corps. Jinie 27, 1862, 
 this division wa.s. ordered to support Fit/ 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 iMrst 
 Brigade, eleven lunidred and twenty -one men 
 were killed and woinided in less than one hour. 
 After the battle of Malvern Plill the brigade re- 
 treated to the James River and was subsequentl>' 
 ordered to Alexandria, \'a. August 27, 1862, 
 tlie>' 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 reeei\-ed wounds from the 
 elTecls of which he died a few da\-s later. lie 
 was buried in the Pres1)\-teriau church yard in 
 Clinton, N. J., where a plain granite shaft marks 
 his ijrax'e. 
 
 ^:- »-• -■i--::rA0yj-c^t.- ~,-.^^ 
 
 3()IIN A. liACHMAN. No riti/.en in Phil- 
 lipsburg more fully enjoys the respect and 
 high regard of the people than does the std)- 
 jei-t ol'tliis article. He has made his home in this 
 place since 1874, and has been oflleially connected 
 
 with the Phillipslnug National l!ank fot neail\ a 
 quarter of a centur\-. In every new enterprise or 
 plan for the inipro\cnient of thetowu heisnniong 
 the llrst to aeeoi-il it his support, materially and 
 by his innuence, for he is thoroughly in touch 
 with the progressive spiiit of the age. 
 
 The ancestois of J. .\. Bachman dwelt in Switz- 
 erland seveial generations ago, and, ns pliilosoiih 
 ers have often pointed out the>', being mountain- 
 eers, breathed the high, pure air of libert\-, 
 rejoiced in the iVeedom of their inaccessible soli- 
 tudes, and thus were stiong to meet the tide of 
 religious and political perseeulioii which swept 
 through their beloveil eounti'\- in themiildlc ages. 
 The founder of the faniil\- in America left home 
 to seek a new one in the western world, whither 
 the tyrants of l^irope Iind not \et extended their 
 blighting power, lie acconipanied William Penn 
 as his pi"i\-ate secretai-y, and for his jiayment he 
 acceptetl two townships in Northampton County, 
 Pa. Since that time the famil\- ha\-e been num- 
 bered among the representative citizens of the 
 Ke>-stone stale, 
 
 Charles W. Bachman, fathei- of our subject, 
 was born in Niu-thampton Count>-, Pa., and was 
 a tailor by trade, h'or inan>- years he was en- 
 gaged in conducting- a clothing business in Ivist- 
 on. Pa. , but he is now- Ii\ing retired, having made 
 a competence. His faitliful heli>niate, fornieily 
 Sarah A. Transue, daughter of the late Anthony 
 Transue, from near ICaston, is still living, aged 
 se\-ent>--two. He is fourscore Ncais old, and still 
 enjoys health of mind and body. Of their four 
 children three sur\ive, vi/.: John A., who was 
 l)orn in Ivislon; Mary A., wile of James \'. Bull, 
 of the firm of Bush i\: Bull, extensive meichants, 
 of Ivislon; and A. P., whose home is in Orange, 
 N.J. 
 
 After completing his commou-scliool education 
 our subject went into the employ of Daly, Tumb- 
 ler I.S: Co., wholesale grocers, of Faston, and re- 
 mained with them for seven years, in the mean- 
 time becoming familiar with the management of 
 finances and general business. In 187.) he re- 
 signed his place in Older to take the position of 
 teller in the Phillip.sbnrg National Bank, receiv- 
 
PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPHlCAt RECORD. 
 
 503 
 
 ing the appointment of cashier in 1878, 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 
 Easton Eodge No. 152, F. & A. M., being receiv- 
 er of the former. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Bach man 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. 
 
 HENRY 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 every 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 
 Eevina (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 years 
 ago. He was an emploj^e 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 
 Ricker, of this city; Arabella, unmarried; and 
 Mary, 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. 
 
 QJiCTOR C. PENDREIGH. Among the well- 
 \ / equipped village stores of Warren County is 
 Y 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 ^^ 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 
 Liingen, daughter of Frederick Lungen, who 
 
 was a carpenter In- 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 Hamden, Hunterdon 
 County, the subject of this article acquired his 
 education. At the age of twenty-one he started 
 out to make his own wa>' in the world, and se- 
 cured a clerk.ship 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 
 part>- 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 Cliurch 
 and is an attendant upon its services. 
 
 <3»if- 
 
 GJLDEN EDWARDS MARTIN, M. D., num- 
 Li bered among the prominent physicians of 
 I I Hackettstown, Warren County, is in the 
 front ranks of his profession as a result of his 
 close study, power of obser\ation 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 Hfe, and gives prom- 
 ise of many years of usefulness to his generation. 
 He was born July 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 worthy 
 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 bailt 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 years past. 
 
 In 1 88 1 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. 
 
 REV. WILBERT P. FERGUSON, Ph. D., 
 B. D., president of Centenary Collegiate 
 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 j-ear 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 
 
5o6 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI^ RECORD. 
 
 philosophy. He was then compelled by financial 
 stre,ss to sta)' 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, Iv. 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 ajj- 
 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 A.s.so- 
 ciation, and conference president of the Kpworth 
 League. 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, I^. I., to the large.st church of any 
 denomination outside of Brooklyn, and with a 
 very fine church property. Within a year and 
 three months 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 Ui tlie 
 ])residency of Centenary Collegiate In.stiliite. 
 Suddenly, because the election was unsolicited 
 and unexpected by this young pastor. What a 
 "young" life! Received into the Met.htjdist 
 Ivpiscopal Church at the age of eight years, be- 
 ginning a regular and difficult college course at 
 fourteen, entering tl:e ministry at seventeen, a 
 graduate with high honors and an ordained inin- 
 ister at twenty, 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 I'er- 
 guson's administration, the attendance increa.sed 
 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 ;i new 
 $25,000 building. All honcjr to this splendid 
 school with its widely increa.sing influence. 
 
 ^y~-y --.>:t^''./m>^;<..- -e--:^ 
 
 HIvNRY H. MUJJiR, M. D. There is al- 
 ways in.spiration and encouragement to be 
 derived from the peru.sal 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 lias made his home in lycbanon, 
 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 
 earl}' part of this century. Of his children, his 
 namesake, John, was the doctor's father. He was 
 bom and reared to maturity in this count}', aud, 
 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 primar}^ 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 1, on account of several terms spent in 
 teaching outside. Having received his degree, 
 he settled down for business in Mouutainbury, 
 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 \\' alters. 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. They have a happy home, and often en- 
 tertain therein their numerous friends and ac- 
 quaintances. 
 
 EHARLES RITTENHOUSE, editor and pro- 
 prietor of the Hackettstown Gazette, has 
 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 i, 1856 (the same month 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 years 
 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 oflSce to learn the 
 trade with B. 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 Eight 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- 
 many, but residents of Hackettstown. 
 
 (JOHN S. EINDABURY, M. D., has been lo- 
 I cated in Bloomsbury, Hunterdon County, for 
 (2/ 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- 
 quently asked for in very difiicult 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 Eindabury was a farmer by occupa- 
 tion, his home being in Morris County until after 
 the War of 18 1 2, 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, 18 1 2, he married Elizabeth Rodenbaugh 
 and of their eight children only the doctor 
 and one sister survive. Katharine was born 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 509 
 
 July 28, 1813; Mary Jane, June 5, 1815; Eliza- 
 beth, March 11, 1817; Susanna, July 2, 18 19; 
 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 Jersey, and settled down 
 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 186 1. 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 pubhc posi- 
 tions. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley 
 Medical Association and belongs to Stewart Lodge 
 No. 34, F. & A. M., of Chnton. 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. 
 
 (TOHN BOWERS. No industry in Warren 
 I County is more widely known than that of 
 (2/ which Mr. Bowers is the head. The Bowers 
 Snuff and Tobacco Company, Limited, has its 
 main oifice 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 areof hinet)', 
 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 1889, 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 
 
510 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 New Jersey, and was born at Middlesex August 
 i8, 1822. His father, William, who was born in 
 the same place, served as a soldier throughout 
 the entire period of the War of 1812; 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 John Bo wn, who owned several large 
 farms near Middlesex; she died in 1872, at theage 
 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 Levi 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 there until 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 Changewater. 
 
 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 son, 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 party; and, 
 like them, he has a host of friends among the - 
 people of Changewater, Washington and other 
 parts of Warren County. 
 
 «.i=^s4«' 
 
 V yi RS. MARIA PARK is probably the oldest 
 y living inhabitant of Hunterdon County, her 
 (S 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. 
 
 511 
 
 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 he 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 i6th of August, 1711, 
 he wedded Sycha, daughter of Evart Van Wich- 
 len, and their son Evart, born in 1717, was 
 the great-grandfather of Mrs. Park. He chose 
 for his wife Jane Hegeman, 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, 1771, 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 luarriage Evart Bergen 
 came to his farm in Readington 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 oificial positions of trust and honor. He 
 held membership with the Presbyterian 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 i, 18 18, the marriage of Maria Bergen 
 and James Park was solemnized. He was a na- 
 tive of Warren Count}', 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. 
 lu 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 i, 1854, To himself and wife 
 eleven children were born, as follows: Evart 
 Bergen, now deceased; David; Staats N. , of 
 
512 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Bloonisbury; 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 County, Pa.; John H., 
 of Frenchtowu; Elias T., of Tonawanda, Pa.; H. 
 Louise, 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. 
 
 ■l>3+^®f@j®J^C;« < — ;- 
 
 |J)G|ARREN O. LAUDENBERGER is now 
 \ A / serving as a commissioner of deeds, no- 
 V V tary public and assessor of the borough of 
 Junction, Hunterdon County, and in the past few 
 years has acceptably filled numerous local ofiices. 
 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, 
 1882, 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 party , 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 county 
 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. -^-11 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. Laudenber- 
 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. 
 
 513 
 
 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 party, 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 aflairs of his community, was a leader in the 
 old Whig party and did gallant service in the War 
 of 1812. 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 
 County. 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 
 son of John and Ruth (Pickle) Davis. The 
 father was a farmer and wheelwright and his 
 
SH 
 
 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 Pottsvihe, 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 wastv\7enty-three years of age he remained 
 oil 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 here after 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 verj^ successful dur- 
 ing the four following j^ears in this calling. In 
 1890 he came to Gleu 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 party, but has 
 never been an aspirant for public or official dis- 
 tinction. 
 
 January 31, 1885, 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 many of 
 the so-called luxuries of life. 
 
 ©QlLLIAM K. HOFFMAN is numbered 
 \ A / among the most enterprising agriculturists 
 V Y of 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, 1853. 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 
 
(^^^^CAy^ 
 
 JZtic^ 
 
 /^^J'^^ 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 517 
 
 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 occu^pation he was a wheelwright. Mrs. 
 Elizabeth A. Hoffman, born and brought up in 
 this vicinity, died when she was about forty years 
 of age. lyike her husband, she was identified 
 with the Methodist Church, and put into daily 
 practice the faith she professed. 
 
 Until he was about eighteen years 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 party, and has been quite aggressive in 
 local affairs. In 1879 he married Miss Phoebe 
 G. Mellick, of Union Township, Hunterdon 
 County. They are both members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, Mr. Hoffinan being a 
 trustee in the official board of the same. 
 
 WILLIAM BLAIR TITMAN 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 Saxony, 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 of ten 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 land 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, 
 1781, married Elizabeth Mayberry April 11, 
 1802, and died February 25, 1864. His son, 
 Jabez Gwinnup, born March 22, 18 12, was the 
 father of our subject. 
 
 William Blair Titman was born in Bridgeville, 
 Warren County, September 7, 1844, and was an 
 
 22 
 
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 1 4, 1889. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary 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) 
 Titman. 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, he was elected 
 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. 
 
 -4— J ( >K®^H)®t*C;« « — ^ 
 
 pCJlLLIAM S. CREVELING, M. D. This 
 \ A / sterling old citizen of Bethlehem Town- 
 V V 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 among 
 the earliest settlers of the Musconetcong 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. 
 
 519 
 
 Charles Huff, Esq.; Mary, born April 24, 1740, 
 married January 28, 1762, to Henry Strader, by 
 the same Charles Huff; Henry, born November 
 6, 1741, married July i, 1770, to Sarah Weller 
 by Thomas Van Home; Andrew, born February 
 28, 1743, married June 18, 1771, to Margaret 
 Patrick, by minister McHannah; Johannes, born 
 February 22, 1745, married February 8, 1776, to 
 Mary 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 Blane, of Perry- 
 ville, Hunterdon County, he commenced his 
 medical research. In 1851 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 
 factoi-y 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. Albert S. 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. 
 
 ~LIAS V. NAYLOR, deceased, was highly 
 V) 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 caUing 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, he 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. 
 
 ■gEORGE G. BARKER is serving his second 
 — 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 S5'stematic 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 
 County, 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 County, 
 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 1878 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. D ALLEY is a well-known busi- 
 ness man and leading citizen of the vicinity 
 
 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 quiet, 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 1885 ^^ 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 abiUty 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- 
 line 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-Holstein 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 1691 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 certainty 
 who were the parents of John Maxwell, emigrant. 
 He brought with him to America his wife, Ann, 
 and four children, viz. : i . William (afterwards 
 brigadier-general of the Continental line); 2. John 
 (afterwards captain in the Revolutionary war); 
 3. Jane (married James Kennedy, 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. 61. 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, 1S9, 184. Officers and Men of N. J. in the Revolu- 
 tionary war, Stryker, pp. 51, 53, 64, 353. Heitman's Historical Reg- 
 ister of Officers in Continental army, p. 289. 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 Safet}-, 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 S, 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 
 Februarj- 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 
 l,ieutenant- Colonel Shreve. They marched by 
 way of Lakes George and Champlain and crossed 
 
 them on the ice, reaching the St. I,awrence 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 oflScers 
 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 annoj' 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 Ma}-, 1777, a part of the di- 
 vision encamped at Elizabethtown, Bound Brook 
 and Spanktown, under the command of Major- 
 General Stephen. This division diiring the sum- 
 mer marched through Pennsylvania, and on De- 
 cember II, 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 %vinter 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 ami}- and took part in the battle 
 of Monmouth. May 11, 1779, Maxwell's Brigade 
 was ordered to join IMajor-General Sullivan on 
 his expedition against the Indians in consequence 
 
5-4 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. RECORD. 
 
 of the "Wyoming Massacre," and at once started, 
 leaving Easton, Pa., June iS, 1770, where the 
 three regiments composing the force had rendez- 
 voused. They returned in October, passing 
 through Easton October 15, and marched to 
 Scotch Plains, X. J., where they went into winter 
 quarters November 5, 1779. 
 
 June 2;;, 17S0, the troops under command of 
 General ?ilaxwell took a prominent part in the 
 battle of Springfield. Shortly after this battle 
 General IMaxwell resigned (Juh- 20, 17S0). 
 There has been much speculation as to the cause 
 of his resignation and several reasons given, the 
 generall}' 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 coiuitry 
 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 army, 
 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 W'ashington 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 17S3. 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 I.ansdown, Hunt- 
 erdon Comity, where he died No\-ember 4, 1700, 
 while on a visit. He never married. 
 
 He was Inuieil at the old Stone Church in 
 Greenwich Township, and on his tomb is the 
 following in.seription written by exGow Richaul 
 Howell: 
 
 "Beneath this Marble lies the body of Brigadier 
 GeneralWII^LIAM MAXWlvl.I,, eldest sou of 
 John ^*^ Anna Maxwell of the township of Green- 
 wich, count)- of Sussex iS: State oi' New Jersey, 
 who departed this life on the 4th of No\ember 
 in the year of our Lord 1796 in the (i;,rd \ear 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' 
 dilTereut grades in the American Army, a genuine 
 Patriot. He was a firm & deciiled friend To the 
 Constitution ^; Gox'eriuuent of his Country. In 
 private life he was equally dex'oted to its service 
 & to the good of the conimnnity of which he was 
 a member. An honest vS; charitable man, a warm 
 & alTectionate friend, a zeaknis advticate of the 
 institutions iS: An active promoter of the Interests 
 of the Christian Religion." 
 
 Capt. John Maxwell'!^ was born in County 
 T\rone, Ireland, and settled with his parents in 
 Morris (now Warren) County, N. J., about 1747, 
 where he liveil on his fathers farm. He married 
 Ci) Elizabeth Sloan, who died shortly afterwards, 
 and later married (2) Mary Ann ClilTord, !)>• 
 whom he had nine children, vi/.,: lUi/abeth, who 
 married Thomas Williams; Ann, who marrieil 
 SauuielSherrerd; George Clifford Maxwell, l<;sq., 
 late of Elemington, N. J.; Mary, who married 
 Adam Uam.say; Jane; Sarah, who married Will- 
 iam Nixon I.ummis, M. D.; John: William Max- 
 well, Ivsq,, late of Klemingtou; and John, 2d. 
 
 On the breaking out of the Revolutionary war 
 he enlisted and was made lieutenant of the lir.st 
 
 ••Sec Sncll's nlstoiy of Waru'ii unci Sussex Cuunllcs, pp, {'n-lrj, 
 161. Oiricersniul Men of N. J., in l Ik- KeviilulliMWU y Wiir, Slrykrl, 
 p, ,|oo, lU'illuilli's nisi, Kt'n, "I'onKvis ol' Cniil, Alliiy, p. aSy, 
 
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, German town, 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 ofl&cer; having served his 
 country in various military and civil ofiices 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. 1828, 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 Valle}', 
 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 sons, 
 Samuel and John, the latter of whom moved to 
 Philadelphia and married Mary Dusenbery, a 
 daughter of Henry Dusenbery, 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 18 12 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, 
 18 19, 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 Scranton, 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 Scranton, Pa., and returned 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 
 
526 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 County. He married Ma}' 6, 1847, Frances Maria 
 Hamilton. He died June 21, 1884. 
 
 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 
 I,afa3'ette 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 1811-1813, and died 
 March 16, 18 16, 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 1827 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) L,um- 
 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, 18 12, Sarah Dusenbery, a 
 daughter of Maj. Henry Dusenbery, of New 
 Hampton, Hunterdon County, 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, 1828, 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 1,. 
 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, 
 1834, 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 L,ouisa Honeyman, a 
 daughter of John Honeyman, M. D. , of New 
 Germantown, N. J., and had four children, viz.: 
 L,aura; Mary Elizabeth, who married Henry Mc- 
 Keen, of Easton, Pa.; Henry D. and I^ucy E., 
 who married John Eyerman, of Easton, Pa. He 
 died at Easton, Pa., October 3, 1874. 
 
 •<i-^®^m®i^} — ' — f^~ 
 
 "RASTUS W. SUTTON, a wide-awake, 
 
 'p hustling young business man of Lebanon, 
 
 _ Hunterdon County, is the proprietor of a 
 
 well-equipped and well-managed estabHshment. 
 
 Though he has conducted the same for a year, 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; EHas 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 BIOGRAPHICAIv 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 onlj' 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 1847 was elected sheriif 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 boy 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 1858 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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 Ivodge 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 I^aw 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, 1 88 1. 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 i, 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 
 
530 
 
 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 his day. 
 He was equally high in his standing in the Re- 
 formed Church. His son, Francis M., father of 
 our subject, was born in the same metropolis, 
 was a graduate of Columbia College, and devoted 
 his life to the ministr}-. 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 FLshkill, N. 
 Y., where he remained until 1870. 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, who.se maiden 
 name was Mary R. Bayard, six children were 
 born, viz.: Harriet B., who died in infancy; 
 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 I, 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 1861. 
 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 army. He was 
 with the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth New 
 York Regiment during the years of 1862 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. 
 
 531 
 
 ing journals have been eagerly looked for, and he 
 has devoted considerable time to authorship. He 
 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 
 party 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. 
 
 -^^^^^'^ 
 
 cJEORGE 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 Comines, 
 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, 1716. He sailed 
 to Philadelphia in the good ship Molly, landing 
 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 agri- 
 cultural implements. An ardent Democrat, he 
 held numerous local and county ofiices, and for 
 a long period he was an ofiEcial member of the 
 Christian Church. He died in 1891. His faith- 
 ful wife, Mary, 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 of&cer 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. 
 
 ■••>Jt^®|^P®^HhC;»- 
 
 "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 systems 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; Duella, 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 1886 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 way 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. D. 
 
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, 1886. The only sister of 
 Mrs. Fulper was Elizabeth Y., now deceased. 
 
 (p\ B. NASH, M. D., a leading phy.sician of 
 Ll Frenchtown, N. J., was born in Bucks Coun- 
 J I ty, Pa. , August II, 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 
 iu 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 iu 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 L,am- 
 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 
 
 23 
 
536 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 generations followed agricultural pursuits, our 
 subject being tbe 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 
 uatives 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 countj'. 
 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 every 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., Daura 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, 1850, 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 any 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 
 years 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 andgal- 
 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. 
 
 --i-N#s^^ 
 
 HON. 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 3'^ears. 
 
 A native of Brooklyn, born February 21, 186,7, 
 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 Germantown. 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. 
 
 -5 — y- 
 
 -•}3-t^»' 
 
 ts^c^;*- 
 
 QETER S. SHURTS, a prosperous merchant 
 L/^ of Junction, Hunterdon County, is one of 
 M^ 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 BlOGRAPHICAt RECORD. 
 
 535 
 
 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. For many 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, ^^ 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. 
 
 j ANSING B. BAKER was a prominent mer- 
 j C chant of Clinton, Hunterdon County, until 
 It/ 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 
 
540 
 
 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 I,. 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. 
 
 gAPT. JOHN SHIELDS, an honored veteran 
 of the Civil war, in which his service was 
 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 \vith 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 family 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 Cahfornia, 
 near Alexandria, Va. The following May he 
 participated in the siege of Yorktown, and in the 
 battle of Fair Oaks was in French's Brigade, First 
 Division, Second Army Corps. His captain was 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 
 
 541 
 
 wounded there, and during the retreat or seven 
 days' 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 I,anding, where his forces 
 were stationed during the most of July, 1862. 
 On the ist 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 ofiicer 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 ofiicial commendation. June i, 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 I,ehigh 
 Valley, the Delaware, L,ackawanna & 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, iriherited 
 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 un- 
 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 ofBce 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 E. 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. 
 
 pCJlIvIvIAM H. REGER is the proprietor of 
 \A/ the White House Mills, located at Rock- 
 YV 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, thoroughly 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 greatly 
 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 by 
 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. Fraternally 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 may be justly proud. 
 
 ""DMUND H. CARHART, who was the 
 'j mayor of Belvidere, Warren County, in 
 __ 1896, 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 j'ears 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 many 
 departments of usefulness, contributing very 
 liberally toward its work. The entire confidence 
 and respect ofhis 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 ofhis 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 Dianna 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. 
 
 -i—i •3>*^®^^®H<.'« — ■ 
 
 P GJESLEY S. HAWK, one of the most pro- 
 \ A / gressive farmers of Hunterdon County, has 
 YV 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 farms, 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 sou, 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 Frenchtown. 
 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. 
 
 We.sley S. Hawk was born 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-Sherifi" 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 lyocktown 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 efi'ort. 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 i, 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 L,afayette College, and was a noble 
 Christian gentleman; he married KateTerriberrj^, 
 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 1,. 
 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 Hollo well 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, 1898. 
 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 McNain, D. D., of Bucks 
 County, Pa., and died March i, 1885; William A. 
 A. Hunt was born June 6, 1796; was married in 
 1 8 18 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, who 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 sons 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 born January 8, 1799. The parents of 
 the Rev. Holloway W. Hunt, Sr., were Augus- 
 tine and L,ydia (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 i, 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 1885 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. 
 
 y /jOSES D. KNIGHT, M. D., has been num- 
 y bered for over thirty-five years among the 
 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 readj' 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 Eittle 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 fully 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 party. He is a 
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 547 
 
 Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Stewart Lodge 
 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 bom 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 County. 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 Hermon, Mass. Mrs. Knight is a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church, and prominent 
 in its various circles. 
 
 G| DAM B. PICKELL, whose home is in Read- 
 Lj ington Township, Hunterdon County, and 
 / 1 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 Lodge 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: Lizzie, 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 
 importai^t events in the life of our subject, as 
 upon that day 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 
 
548 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 people. His heart and soul are in gospel work, 
 and lie 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, 
 1,. 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 ofBce 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 iSgo 
 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 189 1 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 County, 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, 1896, 
 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 any 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 Ep worth League, For three 
 years he was the secretary of the county 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 
 
 Epworth 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 Denville, Morris County, N. J., at 
 which place he is now pastor of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 (lOHN Q. HOLCOMBE carries on general 
 I farming and dairying upon his valuable 
 (2/ 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-day, 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 1885. 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. 
 
 -i — i •}2+^®^P®^»C;« « — H 
 
 "3 EORGE H. MILLEN is one of the most 
 _. reliable and trusted employes of the Dela- 
 ^ 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 
 worthy 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, 
 
550 
 
 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) Milieu. 
 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. 
 lyindsley, 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 i, 1866, 
 he became connected with the Warren Foundry, 
 and two years later, on the 22d 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 Eodge 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, tiSes, Mr. 
 Millen married Bertha B. Arnold, daughter of 
 Samuel D. Arnold, and grandchild of Gen. Jacob 
 D. Arnold, an oflBcer of the Revolutionary war. 
 Mr. Millen and wife are members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. 
 
 HUMMER BROTHERS is the firm name of 
 Mansfield H. and Elias W. Hummer, who 
 for twenty years have been engaged in busi- 
 ness in Annandale, 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 derriand 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 18 16, and 
 died at his home November 17, 1889. 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 
 ofiices 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. 
 
RKV. 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 EHas 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 years. 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 affihated 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 Au,stralian 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 
 years 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. 
 
 REV. HENRY E. HIBSHMAN. While 
 Mr. Hibshmanhas been a resident of Mount 
 Pleasant for a short time only, he has al- 
 ready won a position of prominence stmong 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 1863. Being an indefatigable worker, his la- 
 bors were not without their reward. During his 
 
 24 
 
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 vs'hich 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. Clarlf, 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 Shippeusburg, 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 tlie 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 Zion 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 country churches in that section. From 
 Newburg he came to Mount Pleasant in 1898. 
 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 BIOGRAPHICAI, 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. 
 
 I EWIS HAZELIUS TAYLOR. Probably no 
 It name is more widely known in western 
 Ii2/ 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, 1811, 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 17 10. 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 CHnton 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 
 iirst 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- 
 ton 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 lyine, 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 E. 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 son 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 Eewis 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. 
 
 557 
 
 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. 
 
 -i >=^^i=< : - 
 
 (lOHN S. HOCKENBURY, proprietor of the 
 I 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. Hockenbury was born in Kingwood 
 Township, Hunterdon County, August 5, 182 1, 
 being a son of John and Sarah (Sutton) Hock- 
 enbury. 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 Hocken- 
 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 Hockenbury 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- 
 enbury and Sarah Rittenhouse was solemnized. 
 Of their eleven children six survive. 
 
 i — ^i ••}2+i®^P®^^C;• «-*^ 
 
 (DGJiLLIAM W. PURSELL, M. D., is one of 
 \ A / the representative physicians and surgeons 
 YV 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 
 
558 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 adjoining townships. Since coming to this place 
 the doctor has been thoroughly identified with 
 her welfare and has been a power 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 ro, 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 efibrt, 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 chanty 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 
 'p hustling young business man of Readington 
 ,^ Township, Hunterdon County, is now serv- 
 ing the people of this locality as assessor, he hav- 
 ing been elected to that office in the spring of 
 1897, foi" 3. 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, 1857. 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 caUing 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. 
 
 r^ORTER C. LITTI,E has been engaged in 
 L/' running a coal, grain and fertilizer business 
 ^3 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 months, 
 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 
 
56o 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the close of twelve months he took charge of a 
 farm at Pittstown, which he has since bought and 
 where he now resides. In 1891 he rented the rail- 
 road company's coa} dumps 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. 
 
 3ER0ME EMMONS, deceased, formerly a re- 
 spected resident of New Germantown, Hun- 
 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 opportuijities 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. 
 
 561 
 
 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. 
 
 cJEORGE B. SMITH is a member of the firm 
 
 □ of Smith & Hawk, who carry on a general 
 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 many 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 
 ofiice 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 1893, 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. 
 
 - — ♦>K®0®>^!<»-" — «--^ 
 
 flMEON P. STRYKER. Among the farmers 
 and business men of Hunterdon County this 
 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 EHza, 
 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. 
 
 30HN NEWTON EOWE, 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 sub- 
 ject of this article, who has had man}' 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 ofiice of Dr. Lowe is located at his home 
 on North Main street. He settled in Milford 
 April I, 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 
 farmer of his 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 County, 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. 
 
 (TOHN R. CARR, an honored old citizen of 
 I Hackettstown, has long been numbered 
 SZ) 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 son of Philip and Elizabeth (Taylor) Carr, 
 natives of New Jersey, our subject was born in 
 the city of Newark, November 13, 1816, and is 
 therefore now well along in years, though he still 
 possesses much of the fire aiid 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 
 period 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, 1843. The 
 wife and mother died the following day; the son 
 died October 11, 1878. 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 
 Harvey 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 quietly 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 j'ears. 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. 
 
 jALTER S. FREEMAN, proprietor of a 
 fine drug store in Phillipsburg, Warren 
 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 vi^ho 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, manj^ years ago), 
 he w^as 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 Mary, 
 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 vs^as 
 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. 
 
 mt^ 
 
 —oj. 
 
 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 aSairs. 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. 
 
 0EORGE W. RACE. Identified with the 
 |_ farming interests of Hunterdon County 
 U 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 
 
 -^^ •3>K®^^®^*<«- 
 
 -i—i- 
 
 gHARLES 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, 
 1882, 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 i, 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, 1 89 1, 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 years, and 
 though it was badlj^ 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 Count}'. 
 For over forty 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 bravel}' met 
 such reverses as come into the lot of every one, 
 sooner or later. Now, in loneliness, his widow 
 quietly 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 son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Conuet) 
 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 1 8 1 2 . Four children were born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley, viz. : Sylvester 1,. , Joseph 
 H., Frank W. and Anna M. (deceased.) Mrs. 
 Lindsley is a member of the Reformed Church of 
 White House. 
 
 I AMUEL M. RITTENHOUSE, of Kingwood 
 Township, Hunterdon County, 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 ot 
 Samuel and Sarah (Worthington) Manning. 
 The three children born to their union are 
 named as follows: WiUiam T., who resides at 
 Mount Pleasant; Albert W.; and Bertha M., 
 who is a very successful dressmaker. 
 
 ""DWARD M. heath, now a resident of 
 V) Delaware Township, Hunterdon County, 
 ^ 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 j'ears, 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 5' ears 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. H^s 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 lyOcktown, where he taught for twent}'- 
 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 
 superintendency, 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. 
 
 «-^#^4^ 
 
 (TOHN K. THOMPSON. For the past nine 
 I years this respected citizen of Readington 
 G) 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. 
 
 571 
 
 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. 
 
 -^-i — »i>K®^^®H<» — t-^ 
 
 I EWIS MARSHALL TEEL- We take great 
 \S< 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 
 
 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 years. 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 
 
 pride upon a well-spent and useful life. He did ' ever afterward spent time and money in promot- 
 
 not strive solely for his own aggrandizement, but 
 gladly extended a helping hand to those who 
 needed such as.sistance and has been very liberal 
 in his donations to charitable and religious work. 
 A uative 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.; 
 
 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 KHne. She died in 1864, and of the 
 five children born of the marriage the following 
 survive: Jessie Benton, wife of John I. Blair 
 
 25 
 
572 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 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 i8, 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, I^ackawanna & 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, 
 onlj' 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 i8g6. 
 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 Glan worth, 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 oi April 13, 
 1881, 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 study of the diseases 
 of the eye and ear in St. Mark's Ophthalmic 
 Hospital in Dublin. 
 
 In the rising of 1866 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. 
 
 n ENJAMIN C. BIRD. Born, married, died, 
 |C\ such is the brief record of most lives, but 
 C^ between ^he 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. 
 
 L,ike 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 ofiice, 
 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 I,. Bonnell, 
 daughter of Charles F. and Deborah (Leigh) 
 Bonnell, old and respected citizens of this county. 
 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. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abel, Levi V 472 
 
 Adams, Charles P 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 \V 361 
 
 Allen, Arthur 451 
 
 AUer, Henry A 493 
 
 AUer, 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 
 
 B 
 
 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. ....182 
 
 Bartron, David .275 
 
 Beatty, 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 j. . . 213 
 
 Bellis, David S 209 
 
 Bellis, Emly H 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, Theodore S 185 
 
 Blackwell, Luke S 194 
 
 Blackwell, Oliver 1 267 
 
 Blair, D. C 171 
 
 Blair, John 1 119 
 
 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 
 
 C 
 
 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 
 
 ^jCase, Abram S 205 
 
 ^_Case, Asa 446 
 
 ^l^se, 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 
 
 CuUen, Hon. Henry P 462 
 
 Cummins, George W., M. D 531 
 
 Curtis, George P 456 
 
 Cutler, Augustus W 310 
 
 D 
 
 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, Emmett J 233 
 
 Dodd, Allen 452 
 
 Duckworth Robbins 535 
 
 E 
 
 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 
 
 F 
 
 'Felmly, Charles F 395 
 
 Fenwick, Robert, M. D 377 
 
 Ferguson, Rev. W. P., Ph. D. .505 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 67 
 
 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 
 
 ox, 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 
 
 G 
 
 Gardner, George 1 195 
 
 Gardner, Samuel W 195 
 
 Garfield, James A 95 
 
 Gary, James P 385 
 
 Gebhardt, Godfried W 216 
 
 Gibbs, Levi B 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, JohnH., M. D 489 
 
 Grim, Franks., M. D ...270 
 
 Gross, John G 200 
 
 .Guhck, Walter D 164 
 
 H 
 
 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 
 
 Hayhurst, 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 5l4 
 
 Holcombe, Elijah 258 
 
 Holcombe, John Q 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 
 
 I 
 
 Iliff, WilliamJ 397 
 
 Ingham, John 294 
 
 Ingham, J. Walter 322 
 
 J 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 43 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 27 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 83 
 
 Johnson, John C, M. D 181 
 
 Johnson, William P 355 
 
 Jordy, Jacob 137 
 
 K 
 
 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 462 
 
 Knight, Moses D., M. D 546 
 
 Kugler, George W 298 
 
 Kugler, Hon. John 269 
 
 Kuhl, Hon. Richard S 155 
 
 I. 
 
 Laire, William R 481 
 
 Lake, J. Ross 167 
 
 Lake, W. Howard 214 
 
 Larison, John D 263 
 
 Larue, Paul C 299 
 
 Latimer, Harry 312 
 
 Latourett, Peter S 148 
 
 Laudenberger, Warren O 512 
 
 Lauer, William 211 
 
 Lauger, John A 365 
 
 Lawshe, Hon. David 209 
 
 Lear, Frederick F 224 
 
 Lee, Francis Robert 382 
 
 Leigh, Charles W 365 
 
 Lequear, Thomas 150 
 
 Lewis, Jacob K 376 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham 79 
 
 Lindabury, John S., M. D 508 
 
 Lindsley, Robert 560 
 
 Little, Porter C 559 
 
 Lowe, John N., M. D 562 
 
 Lunger, John 214 
 
 Lunger, Samuel G 193 
 
 M 
 
 McCrea, William 250 
 
 McDowell, Richard 178 
 
 McKinley, William Ill 
 
 McPherson, Theodore 328 
 
Mackey, Hon. Elias J 127 
 
 Madisou, James 31 
 
 Martens, Hon. George F., Jr. . .537 
 
 Martin, Adam 454 
 
 Martin, Alden 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 H., 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 
 
 N 
 
 Nash, A. B., M. D 535 
 
 Nason, Hon. Ezra 512 
 
 Naylor, Elias V 519 
 
 Nunn, John H 483 
 
 o 
 
 O'Niel, William 129 
 
 Osmun, Harry C. C 492 
 
 P 
 
 Park, H. Eugene 166 
 
 Park, Mrs. Maria 510 
 
 Pedrick, George C 271 
 
 Pendreigh, Victor C 504 
 
 Perdoe, John C 444 
 
 Perry, Lewis S 413 
 
 Pickell, Adam B 547 
 
 Pickell, Baltis 372 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 71 
 
 Pierson, Clark 125 
 
 Pilgrim, Prof. Y. C 352 
 
 Polk, James K 59 
 
 Potts, Lewis C 206 
 
 Prall, Abraham J 251 
 
 Prall, William B 238 
 
 Prall, William V 273 
 
 Price, Roberts 286 
 
 Probasco, Theodore 474 
 
 Pursell, William W. , M. D 557 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Q 
 
 Quick, Caleb F 240 
 
 R 
 
 Race, George W 565 
 
 Ramsey, Alvah L 484 
 
 Ramsey, Joseph 495 
 
 Reading, John W 32] 
 
 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 
 
 Rittenhouse, 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 
 
 Romine, 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 
 
 577 
 
 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 
 
 Sutphin, 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 
 
 T 
 
 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 668 
 
 Titman, George W., M. D 279 
 
 Titman, William B 517 
 
 Todd, John 422 
 
 Tomson, Emanuel 230 
 
 Tomson, 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 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Vail, William H., M. D 499 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 47 
 
 Van Derbeek, J. Newton 46S 
 
 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 
 
 Vescelius, John H 496 
 
 Voorhees, Hon. Peter 443 
 
 Vosseller, Elias 147 
 
 W 
 
 Warman, Lambert T 122 
 
 Warne, Edward 291 
 
 Washington, George 19 
 
 Weller, John B 264 
 
 Wildrick, Hon. Isaac 434 
 
 Will amson, Reuben A 159 
 
 Williamson , Joseph 278. 
 
 Wilson, Hon. L. Milton 307 
 
 Wilson, Samuel H 427 
 
 Wooden, lyudlow P 420 
 
 Wooden, William W 436 
 
 Y 
 
 Yetter, Andrew 164 
 
 Young, Alpheus C 392 
 
 Young, Benjamin Egbert 477 
 
 Young, G. Curson, M. D 177 
 
 Young, Rev. George H 147 
 
 Young, Peter C, M. D 162 
 
 PORTRAITS 
 
 Adams, John 22 
 
 Adams, John Quincy 38 
 
 Allen, Arthur 450 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 98 
 
 Beatty, Hon. Daniel F 132 
 
 Beatty, Jacob H 330 
 
 Bellis, David S 208 
 
 Blair, D. C 170 
 
 Blair, John 1 118 
 
 Buchanan, James 74 
 
 Butler, Rev. Henry S., D. D 218 
 
 Cleveland, S. Grover 102 
 
 Craig, William 284 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 66 
 
 Fritts, Stires 340 
 
 Garfield, James A 94 
 
 Gibbs, Levi B 350 
 
 Gibbs, Mrs. Levi B 350 
 
 Grandin, John 380 
 
 Grandin, John F., M. D 430 
 
 Grant, Ulysses S 86 
 
 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 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 42 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 26 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 82 
 
 Johnson, John C, M. D 180 
 
 Ketcham, Josiah 400 
 
 Laire, William R 480 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham 78 
 
 McKinley, William 110 
 
 Madison, James 30 
 
 Mills, Clifford, M. D 228 
 
 Monroe, James 34 
 
 Moore, Edward H., M. D 266 
 
 Nash, A. B., M. D 534 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 70 
 
 Polk, James K 58 
 
 Reading, John W 320 
 
 Reading, Capt. R. B 246 
 
 Romine, George L., M. D 142 
 
 Roseberry, Joseph M 420 
 
 Shipman, Hon. George M 370 
 
 Shipman, Jehial G 440 
 
 Stockton, Samuel 410 
 
 Sutphin, William 302 
 
 Taylor, Zachary 62 
 
 Teel, Lewis Marshall 570 
 
 Titman, William B 516 
 
 Tyler, John 54 
 
 Vail, William H., M. D 498 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 46 
 
 Washington, George 18