USA > New Jersey > Atlantic County > Atlantic City > Atlantic City and County, New Jersey, biographically illustrated : a short biography : illustrated by protraits, of prominent residents of Atlantic County and the famous summer and winter resort, celebrated throughout America - Atlantic City. > Part 13
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If what has been said in this climatic study has been carefully fol- lowed it will be easily seen that Atlantic City meets these requirements adequately in each case, and her climate stands as the peer of any resort for phthisical patients. In the earlier stages of the disease, when it is threatening rather than in actual progress, or if the area of diseased tissue is small, not progressive, no wasting nor hectic of importance, and diges- tion is good, it may be recommended with confidence. This climate is especially good where tuberculosis has resulted as a part of a general
A REST ON THE SANDY BEACH
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breakdown from overwork, and where excavation is not rapidly extend- ing. Cases of fibroid phthisis, or phthisis associated with catarrhal or laryngeal trouble, much nervous irritability, emphysema, bronchitis, bron- chiectasis, organic heart disease, or any brain or spinal affection, and in other conditions where high altitude is directly contraindicated, will usually receive much benefit here. Even in advanced cases with double cavities, degenerative diseases of the blood vessels, ulceration of the intestines or albuminuria, temporary improvement may often take place. It is only temporary, however. The death warrant of such patients has already been written. Their best place is home, where their latter days may be made comfortable and their end be among friends. If they insist on climatic change the warm and sunny South is better for them and may prolong their lives a short time. The air here is too stimulating for this class of cases.
ATLANTIC CITY SANITARIUM
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Biographical Sketches
of Prominent Citizens who have helped to make Atlantic City
Men of the Day
+
THE SUCCESS of a city, not less than of a business corporation, is due to the in- telligence, enterprise and energy of those who are at the head of its affairs, or who are identified with large interests within its confines.
The portraits and biographical outlines which appear upon the following pages are those of men who have, in a large meas- ure, made Atlantic City and placed it fore- most among the great resorts of America, if not of the world.
It is proper and appropriate that the names of such useful and influential citi- zens should be preserved in a work of this character which is intended as a permanent record of Atlantic City from the date of its inception to the present time, and which will be treasured in thousands of homes when this generation has passed away and the affairs of a still greater Atlantic City are entrusted to other men of, let us be- lieve, equal sagacity and breadth.
Chalkley S. Leeds
HE subject of this sketch is well worthy of a leadership in the biography of the City by the Sea, as the representative pioneer of her domain. Born in IS24 at a place then called Absecon Beach, now known as Atlantic City, Chalkley S. Leeds is entirely a product and example of the oldest and best class of citizens. Descended from an old and prominent family-son of Jeremiah and Millicent Leeds-his early education was completed at his boyhood home, and the associations formed have proven of sufficient strength to keep him one of the steadfast citizens and prominent factors of Atlantic City's best progress. In 1854 Mr. Leeds was appointed the first Mayor of the then infant City, and at that time the entire voting population numbered about twenty- five. The primitive form of ballot receptacle, a cigar box, is one of the curious recol- lections of that period ; and another original condition, not a sufficient number of citizens available to occupy the offices required by the City's charter, would doubtless cause some wonder in the minds of the present age when the average office has candidates beyond the possibilities of successful attainment. Filling many positions of trust, Mr. Leeds has been for twenty-five consecutive years City Treasurer, and further identified with many enterprises leading to the advancement of Atlantic City in the best and most conservative sense. His is the example of a busy and well-spent life, surrounded now by the best evidences of success and mellowing into the ripe old age of a citizen who holds the highest affection and esteem of his friends and neighbors, and in every sense deserves the reputation which comes by reason of its just desert, as a thoroughly honor- able and representative citizen.
IV
CHALKLEY S. LEEDS
Daniel morris
ORN in Ireland in 1820, son of James and Rebecca Morris. Daniel Morris received his early education at Port Irlington, Queens County, Ireland, and was graduated from Carlow College, assuming his chosen vocation as a civil engineer. A belief in the future of America induced the young soldier of fortune to seek success in the promise of a new country, and to this type of pioneer our nation owes a constantly increasing debt of gratitude. Loyal to his adopted country and with a determination to achieve success, the early manhood of young Morris was marked with a series of strug- gles, a condition from which he finally carved success, and in every sense deserved it.
It is related as an incident in his early career in this country that he applied to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company's engineering department for employment in one of their most difficult departments-canal construction-where only the highest skill and personal reputation were the stepping-stones to preferment, and this candidate, a stranger and without reference, offered his services with this statement, that he could only refer to his work, as he was withont acquaintances, but the young engineer had offered to the keen judges assembled in that office, a challenge which they immediately accepted.
In 1853, Daniel Morris located in Atlantic City, at a time when the present metrop- olis was but a small settlement amid the barren Jersey pines, with a turbulent ocean lapping the edges of a wonderful beach. A keen judgment as to future possibilities immediately convinced the young engineer that this apparent desert could be developed and he deter- mined to locate there, with a firm belief that time would prove the wisdom of his choice, and during the following years he found most active employment in surveying the proposed town and gave the early corporation the inspiration for the famous and beautiful thor- oughfares of to-day.
As a philanthropist, Daniel Morris has given substantial evidence of his spirit of benevolence, contributing to many Catholic institutions in recognition of the Mother Church, of which he was a consistent member, and probably the most enduring monument to his memory is found in the Orphan Asylum now approaching completion at Hopeville, New Jersey.
The "Morris Guards," a military organization of local fame, was founded by him and bears his name in evidence of the esteem of the members. As a holder of much Atlantic City real estate, the city proper has had the benefit of his financial enterprise and good business judgment, and every emergency has brought forward the ability of the keen man of affairs, which in our progressive age is always an element of conservatism and safety.
Atlantic City has many citizens of merit and prominence, but the subject of this short sketch, her representative, Daniel Morris, did her credit from the many-sided com- pleteness of the essentially self-made man who, in the ripening years of his busy life, found time and opportunity to deserve the affection of his town by many acts of quiet, self-respecting benevolence and philanthropy.
Col. Daniel Morris died on the afternoon of December 21st, 1898, and a life was ended of one who never held an ignoble passion, of one who never wronged a human being. In his life the ideal business man was typified. His hand was as open as his heart. He lived a long life, in which good deeds were sown with unstinted hand and far reaching arm.
VI
DANIEL MORRIS
V'II
Elias Wright
HE subject of this sketch was born June 22, IS30, in Durham, Greene County, New York, and is the son of Anson P. and Abigail Pierce Wright. His early education was begun at a country district school and was largely supplemented by hard study at home, coupled with considerable exercise as a student at farming on his father's farm. As a young man, General Wright began his struggle for prominence as a teacher of a country school, to which occupation he gave three years' faithful service. He located at Atlantic City, New Jersey, in March, 1852. His first vocation was that of a school teacher for several years, later taking up the science of civil engineering and surveying. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, he was instrumental in raising and equipping a company called the "Home Guards," of which he was commissioned Captain. Promptly after the Bull Run fight he took his company to Trenton, where they were mustered into the 4th New Jersey Regiment of Infantry, and General Wright accepted a position as 2d Lieutenant (the lowest commission in the army). After much re-organization, drilling and other military preparation, much of the duties of the soldier was gathered by these patriotic spirited men. Among the many other duties the General filled the office of Judge Advocate of several special Courts-Martial during these stirring times, and practically working his way up from the lowest ranks as a non-commissioned officer to a position of prominence and importance in military circles. Probably no man among the veterans remaining in the State of New Jersey has seen a more varied or peculiar career as an intrepid soldier and a warm advocate of President Lincoln's policy. Many incidents are related which vividly portray a strong decision of character and individuality which make successful men no matter what their vocation may be. Elias Wright's service during the rebellion is a record of which he may be justly proud, and the many attestations from his superior officers prove the opinion in which they held his courage and ability. General Wright entered the service as 2d Lieutenant of Company G, 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, August 17, 1861. Promoted to Ist Lieutenant Company D, January 3, 1862. Captured at Gaines Mill, Virginia, June 27, 1862, and imprisoned in Richmond, Virginia. Exchanged August 5,
ELIAS WRIGHT
IX
1862. Wounded at Crampton Pass, Maryland, September 14, 1862. Promoted to a Captaincy, December 1862 ; Major, June 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel, April 1864 ; Colonel, August 1864; Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers, January 1865, and confirmed by the Senate at that time for gallant and meritorious services during the war. The following enumeration of army service will doubtless be of interest :
He was on duty near Washington, D. C. until March 7, 1862 ; moved to the Peninsula, April 4th ; in action at West Point, Virginia, May 7th ; Seven Days' battle, June 25th-July ist ; battle of Gaines Mill, June 27th, where he was captured and impris- oned at Libby Prison for seven weeks. He was in action again on the Plains of Manassas and Bull Run Bridge, August 27, 1862 ; battle of Chantilly, September ist ; Maryland Campaign, September 7th-20th ; battle of Crampton's Pass, Maryland, September 14th, where in leading the advance in the charge up the mountain he was badly wounded. Battle of Antietam, September 16th-17th ; battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13th-15th ; Chancellorsville Campaign, April 28th-May 6th ; battle of Salem Heights, May 3d-4th ; expedition to South Mills, December 5th-20th, 1863 ; battle with Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry, May 21st ; battle of Chaffin's Farm, September 29th-30th ; expedition against Fort Fisher in December, 1864, and January, 1865 ; at the surrender of Johnson's army near Durham, North Carolina, April, 1865 ; Provost-Marshall of New Berne, North Carolina, May and June 1865.
The brigade having been ordered to Texas he resigned and went home, and was immediately taken into service by his former employer, Stephen Colwell. General Wright held eight commissions in the volunteer army, two of them as Captain, and rising, as above stated, to the rank of Brevet Brigader General of the U. S. Volunteers. Of these he asked only for the rank of Captain.
After the war was over he was assigned by Mr. Colwell as surveyor and engineer and partially as manager of Mr. Colwell's business, with headquarters at Weymouth, Atlan- tic County, New Jersey. He continued that work until 1873, when he was engaged by Joseph Wharton, of Philadelphia, to manage his estate of more than 100,000 acres of land in New Jersey, in which work he is still interested. His researches of the titles extend back to 1720, covering many owners and many conditions, with the result that great credit is due to the ability of General Wright. No other land owner in that
x
region has ever undertaken such a tremendous task, in the successful outcome of which the General takes a just pride. It is an enduring monument to his industry and energy and also to the tenacity of purpose of Joseph Wharton, who has saved much trouble for his successors by clearing up the titles and boundary lines in Southern New Jersey.
In politics the General is an uncompromising Republican, though he is opposed to voting in the field and still does not believe that soldiers, either volunteer or regulars, should be allowed so to vote.
General Wright is a believer in thorough education, but has no superstitious rev- erence for mere literary culture as contrasted with practical training in affairs. He believes in the employment of men and women equally as teachers, and yet is decided in his belief that our public school system suffers, not only from incompetent officers, but from an undue proportion of women teachers. He has never had the time nor the disposition to contend for political preferment, and has, therefore, held but few offices, but he has had sundry occasions to look into the accounts and doings of political hench- men, and he regrets the knowledge so acquired. He has no denominational affiliations.
XI
Hon. Allen JE. Endicott
LLEN B. ENDICOTT was born in May's Landing, New Jersey, March 7th, 1857, and is the son Thomas D. and Ann Endicott. On his father's side he is a lineal descendant of Governor John Endicott, of Massachusetts, while on his mother's side the famous Pennington family of New Jersey is represented. He graduated from Peddie Institute in 1876, and in June, 1879, from the Law Department of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree of LL. B. After having spent three years in the law office of Peter L. Voorhees, Esq., was admitted to the New Jersey bar in ISSo. In June, 18SI, he was married to Ada H., daughter of Rev. J. B. Davis, D.D., of Hightstown, New Jersey.
Mr. Endicott was elected Collector of Atlantic County in May, ISS3, and held that office continuously until the spring of IS9S, when he resigned. Has also held the office of City Solicitor since 1887, without regard to the political complexion of the City Council, and during that period he has successfully prosecuted many cases of great interest to Atlantic City. The most important, perhaps, were the condemnation for the city of the Consumers Water Company and the Atlantic City Water Works Company, and the contest in the Supreme Court and the Court of Errors and Appeals between Atlantic City on the one side and the Camden & Atlantic Railroad Company and the State of New Jersey on the other. This litigation lasted several years and resulted in a victory for the city, whereby the Camden & Atlantic City Railroad Company was com- pelled to pay to the city the assessment on $400,000 upon the trolley road on Atlantic Avenue instead of paying it to the State, as the Company had preferred to do. Judge Endicott has a large civil practice. Declining all criminal business, and only appearing in the Criminal Court twice of recent years, and on these occasions under the appoint- ment of the Court to defend Robert Elder and John Rech, both indicted for murder. His saving the life of Robert Rech is conceded to be the greatest triumph achieved in the Criminal Court of Atlantic County.
Judge Endicott was prominent in the organization of the Union National Bank, and has been President of that Institution since its organization. On the ISth of January he was appointed by Governor Griggs, Law Judge of Atlantic County for the term of five years.
X11
HON. ALLEN B. ENDICOTT
hon. Charles Evans
HARLES EVANS, son of Joel and Hannah Evans, Orthodox Friends, was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1838, educated at Westtown Friends Boarding School, and took up farming for a livelihood. In 1867 he gave up farming and moved to Atlantic City, purchased the Seaside House, which, under his skillful management, together with many improvements, has made this house a favorite resort during both the summer and winter season.
Mr. Evans is connected with many prominent institutions of Atlantic City, having in 1881 organized the Atlantic City National Bank, of which he is President. This bank ranks as the first in New Jersey, and twenty-fourth in the United States.
Mr. Evans is Vice-President of the Country Club of Atlantic City, Hall Com- missioner, one of the Governors of the Atlantic City Hospital, a Director in the Gas and Water Company, Vice-President of the Guarantee Savings Loan and Investment Com- pany of Washington, D. C., and a member of the Union League Club of Philadelphia.
Mr. Evans has always contributed to the interests of Atlantic City, and has dis- tinguished himself as an active and efficient promoter and protector of the interests entrusted to him.
HON CHARLES EVANS
George Ff. Currie
President Second National Bank. President Atlantic Safe Deposit and Trust Company.
XVI
GEORGE F. CURRIE
Levi C. Albertson
EVI C. ALBERTSON, was born in Smith's"Landing, Atlantic County, New Jersey, December 6th, 1844, and is the son of Jonathan andCAsenath Albertson. Was educated at the public schools of his native town and at Pennington Seminary.
Mr. Albertson has an enviable record of service in the Civil War. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1864 and served on the U. S. S. " Kansas," North Atlantic Squadron, under Admiral D. D. Porter until the close of the war. He participated in the attacks on Fort Fisher in December, 1864 and January, 1865 ; at Dutch Gap on the James River, March and April, 1865 ; served with land forces at City Point in April of the same year. acted as guard of prisoners at the capture of Petersburg and vicinity, and was dis- charged at Philadelphia, June 12th, IS65.
Mr. Albertson has been actively identified in the Insurance and Real Estate business for eleven years ; was postmaster of Atlantic City for eighteen years, and is at the present time Vice-President of the Second National Bank. He is actively interested in social and educational organizations, having filled the offices of school trustee and superintendent of public schools of Atlantic City. Is also a trustee of the Dock and Land Improve- ment Company, having lots located near the Inlet, and has also other large real estate connections. Mr. Albertson is a member and trustee of the Central M. E. Church, and is an ardent and loyal Republican in politics, and is one of Atlantic City's most popular citizens
XVIII
LEVI C. ALBERTSON
Lorenzo H. Down
AS born in Downsville, Gloucester County, New Jersey, October 9th, 1839, is the son of Jessie and Catharine Kandel Down, was educated in the schools of his native town, and in December, IS86, located in Atlantic City, having previously resided for eleven years at May's Landing.
Mr. Down has held, for over thirty years, positions of honor and trust, was for eleven years Secretary and Treasurer, also a Director, of the Atlantic Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and at the present time is Cashier of the Second National Bank of Atlantic City, is also identified with numerous building associations located on the Jersey Coast, the owner of a handsome residence in Atlantic City, a block of stores in Vineland, New Jersey, and considerable real estate in other parts of Atlantic County, including dwellings at May's Landing and Holly Beach, and several cranberry bogs and farm lands.
Mr. Down has received numerous political honors, and for the past twenty years has filled various appointments and positions. He served as Township Clerk of Buena Vista Township, and Tax Collector thereof from 1869 until 1874, Clerk of Atlantic County 1875 to ISS5, being the first County Clerk to secure the re-election, and from ISS5 to 1890 was Deputy County Clerk. When elected Clerk of Atlantic County he received all the votes in the township in which he resided, excepting three.
Mr. Down is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present a Trustee of the Central M. E. Church of Atlantic City.
In politics he has been a staunch and life-long member of the Republican Party.
LORENZO A. DOWN
Hon. Lewis Evans
EWIS EVANS born in Estellville, Atlantic County, New Jersey, August 12th, 1842. Left home when fifteen years of age and settled first at May's Landing. Remaining there but a short time he then went to Camden, and engaged his services as messenger boy, carrying messages between that city and Philadelphia before the cable across the Delaware had been laid. In leisure moments he learned telegraphy and for three summers was sent out during the season as operator.
Gaining confidence in the young man from his faithfulness in these smaller matters the West Jersey & Seashore R. R. gave him the appointment of station agent at Atco. From there he was removed to a larger office in Hammonton, and later in 1863 came to this city, still in the position of agent. He remained in the railroad's employ until 1885, when he was elected County Clerk on the Republican ticket, this compelling him to resign the position of agent, holding the Clerkship until 1895.
His early interest in political affairs, perhaps, brought about the happy coincidence which led to his marriage to Miss Clara Leeds, daughter of Chalkley S. Leeds, the first man to hold position of Mayor of Atlantic City. Mr. Evans has a family of three daughters and one son.
Mr. Evans has held during his life in this city many offices of prominence and trust, being City Clerk for two years, many years in the Board of Education, and at the organization of the first Building and Loan Association to be formed in this place, was elected a Director, which position he still holds, together with position as Director of the Second National Bank.
Mr. Evans was one of the originators and incorporators of the Neptune Hose Company when organized in this city fifteen years ago, and has been its President successively since that time.
He is also a Past Master of Trinity Lodge, No. 79, F. & A. M., a Past Grand of American Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., and one of the originators of the Atlantic City Hos- pital, one of its Board of Governors, and its Treasurer.
Mr. Evans was elected State Senator at the last election. He has succeeded in making a happy combination of business success and social prominence which falls to the lot of but few men.
HON. LEWIS EVANS
Hon. Joseph Thompson
OSEPH THOMPSON was born at May's Landing, New Jersey, September 21st, 1853. Is the son of William W. and Hester T. Pennington Thompson. He was educated in his native town, studied law, and in the year 1878 was admitted to the New Jersey Bar.
In ISSo, Judge Thompson located in Atlantic City, and since that date has been prominently interested in the financial and political progress of the City and County.
In May, ISSI, Judge Thompson was elected Collector of Atlantic County, which office he held until May, 1883. In the year 1882 he was elected Solicitor for the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Atlantic, being re-elected each year since that date. From April, ISS2, to April, 1892, he ably served Atlantic County as Prosecutor of the Pleas, at the expiration of which term he was appointed Law Judge of Atlantic County, which position he held until April, IS9S.
Judge Thompson's sterling integrity and marked personality have won him many friends and admirers, and although representing the minority party, he was in March, 1898, after an exciting contest, elected Mayor of Atlantic City.
Judge Thompson was one of the organizers of the Second National Bank of Atlantic City, also the Atlantic Safe Deposit and Trust Co., and has been a director and solicitor of both since their incorporation. He is also closely identified with other corporations of Atlantic City.
In March, 1898, he was appointed one of the managers of the State Hospital for Insane, at Trenton, and in July of the same year was appointed a member of the State Board of Taxation.
XXI
HON. JOSEPH THOMPSON
Alfred Mm. Heston
LFRED M. HESTON, born at Hestonville, Philadelphia, April 30th, 1854, is the son of I. Morris and Anna Patton Heston. He was educated in Philadelphia, attending both the common and high school. He is descended from a family which located in Bucks County tPennsylvania , during the time of William Penn, thus representing the sturdiness and strength of Quaker people, coupled with the native shrewdness which has made Bucks County famous.
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