USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 18
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Jacob Peterson Collins pursued his education in the public schools of Estelville until seventeen years of age and then devoted his energies to the work of field and meadow upon the home farm until he had attained his ma- jority. He learned the wheelwright's trade in Absecon, New Jersey, follow- ing that pursuit for three years, after which he engaged in carriage-making at May's Landing until 1874. In that year he came to Cape May and fol- lowed the business of wheelwright for a time, but subsequently he took up surveying and still later engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and in the conduct of a sawmill at South Seaville. His factory was burned in 1889, but with characteristic energy he rebuilt, erecting a fine fire-proof. corrugated-iron structure, in which he manufactures all kinds of building ma- terials and deals in oil, glass and nails. This is one of the leading industries in this section of the county, furnishing employment to a large force of work- men and bringing to the owner a handsome competence. He buys timber, which he cuts into logs and converts into finished lumber. As has been indicated, he has gradually increased and extended the field of his business operations as his capital has grown, and is now numbered among the promi- nent and successful business men of his part of the county. He is the owner of a valuable farm of fifty-five acres in Dennis township. Cape May county. and speculates to a considerable extent in land. He is a man of excellent judgment and is rarely at fault in his estimate of land values and their prob- able rise. He is also a member of the South Seaville Building & Loan Asso- ciation and represents the enterprise as solicitor.
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On the 12th of May. 1880, Mr. Collins married Miss Sarah Somers Town- send, a daughter of David Townsend, a sea captain at Ocean View and a granddaughter of Henry Young Townsend, who was one of a family of ten children. She was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, the others being Shamgar, Cornelia, Edith, Nicholas and Lewis C. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been born two children,-Edna and Harold,-who are still with their parents. The family attend the Calvary Baptist church, of which Mr. Collins is a consistent and zealous member. He has served as its treasurer for ten years and for a similar period its clerk. His entire life has been characterized by the strictest fidelity to every trust reposed in him, by the most honorable and straightforward dealing in business and by devo- tion to and support of all interests which are calculated to promote the material, social and moral welfare of the community with which he is con- nected.
HON. RICHARD C. MILLER.
One of the leaders in the Republican party of New Jersey is the Hon. Richard C. Miller, a lifelong resident of the town of Alloway, Salem county. He enjoys the respect and high regard of an extremely large circle of friends, in the business, political and social world, and the following brief narrative of his career will prove of interest to many of his acquaintances.
The paternal great-grandparents of Mr. Miller came to New Jersey from Germany, and it is believed that they settled in Cumberland county. Their son, John Miller, who accompanied them from the Fatherland, was twice married, both of his wives bearing the surname of Hitchner. He dwelt upon a homestead in Friesburg, Salem county, which property belonged to one of these wives, and during his time he was accounted to be one of the thrifty and successful agriculturists of that locality. Martin, deceased, who was engaged in farming in the vicinity of Salem, was the only child of the first marriage, and to the second union there were born the following named children: George, a farmer of Cumberland county; John, who lived at Greenwich, New Jersey, but died in early manhood; Samuel W .; Anna, Mrs. Riley of Bridgeton, New Jersey; and Mary, who never married and who died in Philadelphia.
Samuel W. Miller, the father of our subject, was born near Greenwich, New Jersey, in 1808. In early life he was occupied in cabinet-making, but later he gave his exclusive attention to the lumber business. . Owning a sawmill near Alloway, he manufactured lumber on an extensive scale, and continued successfully engaged in this line of business until his death, in
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C. b. Miller
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December, 1876. In the politics of his community and state he was very prominent and popular, a loyal Whig and Republican. In 1860 he was the sheriff of Salem county, and two years later he was honored by election to the state legislature. Other offices of local importance were held by him, and in all of these varied positions he proved himself to be eminently trust- worthy and devoted to the welfare of the public. In the Baptist church of Alloway he was an earnest worker and member, his influence ever being used on the side of the right.
For a companion and helpmate along life's journey, S. W. Miller chose Miss Elizabeth Ballinger, a daughter of John Ballinger, whose parents were natives of Scotland. He was engaged in the shoe business in Alloway for years, and occupied several local offices here. He married a Miss Edwards, and their children were: Richard C., who for a number of years was a suc- cessful contractor and builder of Salem and at one time was the sheriff of Salem county; John G., now retired and formerly a cabinet-maker, miller and contractor and builder; and Elizabeth, the youngest. To the marriage of S. W. Miller and wife seven children were born, of whom Sarah married Sinnickson Chew, now the editor of the West Jersey Press, published at Camden; John, deceased; William, a real-estate man of Yonkers, New York, and whose wife was formerly Wilhelmina Woodruff, and their children- Emma, Jennie and Harry; Samuel W., engaged in the real-estate and brok- erage business in New York city, married Mary Lippincott, and has one child, Harold; Richard C .; Dr. James R., a physician on South Broad street, Philadelphia; and Anna, wife of Joseph Jenkins, who is in the railroad business at Jersey City and is the cashier of what is known as the Consoli- dated Traction Company of New Jersey.
The birth of the Hon. Richard C. Miller took place in Alloway. March 28, 1848, and in his boyhood he was a student in the public schools here. Later he entered Salem Academy, where he was graduated in 1868. At the age of twenty years he became associated with his father in the lumber business, and continued with him until the death of the elder man, the firm being known as Miller & Son. Since that event he has carried on the business alone, operating a sawmill and manufacturing oak lumber for the Phila- delphia and Camden trade and shipping direct to the great ship-yard. He employs upward of twenty persons in his several enterprises, which include a hardware store, the sawmill, and the lumber, coal and fertilizer yard and office. Prosperity is his portion, and he richly deserves it, for his labors have been unremitting and characterized by unusually good judgment and method. He owns real estate in Salem, valuable property in Alloway, and one farm in this township, in addition to his business plants and locations.
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Though he has been a valued worker in the ranks of the Republican party, Mr. Miller has never allowed his name to be used as a candidate for public offices until, in 1896, he was urged to make a canvass for a place in the senate. He was duly elected and served his term with credit to him- self and party friends. He was again elected in 1899, which was the first time in the history of the county that anyone was ever nominated for the senate the second time. For years he has taken an active part in the state, con- gressional and county conventions, and has used his not inconsiderable in- fluence for the success of his party. Fraternally he belongs to Woodstown Lodge, No. 135, F. & A. M .; Alloway Lodge, No. 185, I. O. O. F .; and the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He also is a member of the State Mutual Benefit & Loan Association.
On the 8th of March, 1876, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hires, a daughter of Jarvis and Sarah (Kelty) Hires. They are the parents of one child, Bessie, who has been given excellent advantages and is still at home.
JESSE D. LUDLAM.
The Ludlam family, of which there are many descendants in New Jersey, originated in Yorkshire, England, and for more than two centuries repre- sentatives of the name have found homes in Cape May county, where they have been actively connected with the business interests which have led to the substantial development and permanent improvement of this section of the state.
It was Anthony Ludlam who left his home in Yorkshire and braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage at that early period of navigation in order to secure a home in the New World. He located at Southampton. Long Island, in 1640, and in 1692 his son Joseph came to Cape May county. He had four sons,-Anthony (2d), Joseph, Isaac and Jeremiah,- from whom all the Ludlams in the county have descended. Joseph Ludlam, in 1719, purchased land at Ludlam's Run and Ludlam's Beach. and was engaged in farming, stock-raising and whale-fishing. His land comprised all the tract known as Dennis' Neck, formerly called Cedar swamp, lying between Dennis and Sluice creeks. It consisted of five hundred acres, for which he paid one hundred and sixty-three pounds in English money. This property he subsequently divided between his sons, Anthony and Jeremiah, the latter becoming the owner of the northern portion, the former of the southern tract. Anthony Ludlam later divided his property at Dennis' Neck between his sons, Anthony, Reuben and Providence, and also be-
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queathed a sawmill to the last named. Anthony Ludlam, Sr., took up his residence at Dennisville upon the south side of the creek in 1726, and a few years later his brother Joseph took up his abode on the north side of the stream.
The former's son, Anthony Ludlam, Jr. was the great-grandfather of our subject. He possessed considerable executive ability and was a man of enter- prise and marked character. For a long time he served as a judge of the county court, and was also an active and influential business man. From the heavy timber he cleared a farm upon which Furman Ludlam now resides. and there he built a dam and erected a saw and grist mill at the head of Sluice creek. He also had a deer park, in which he raised his own deer, and throughout the country side he was known as one of the leading landholders and business men. He married a daughter of Judge Henry Young and to them were born six children: Anthony, Joseph, Reuben, Providence, Eliza- beth and Judith. Of this family Anthony married and at his death left four children: James, the grandfather of our subject: Rachel, Rhoda and Lovicia.
James Ludlam was born in South Dennis and became an extensive land-owner, having several valuable farms. He also owned and operated gristmills, and successfully managed his large business interests, acquiring a handsome competence. He served as the judge of the court, was a justice of the peace and held other local offices. He gave the land upon which the Union church was built and the cemetery laid out and was always a liberal subscriber for the financial needs of the church. He married Martha Johnson, a daughter of David Johnson, and their children were Anthony, Christopher, James J., Jeremiah J., Abijah S., Amelia, Sarah and Rachel.
Christopher Ludlam, the father of our subject, was born in South Dennis, July 21, 1796, and there spent his entire life, his energies being devoted to farming and to the operation of a flouring mill. His work was systemat- ically and carefully managed, and thus allowed him time to perform other duties of life in connection with citizenship and church relations. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and was a zealous and active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving as a member of its board of trustees, and doing all in his power to promote the growth and advance the cause of the church., He was an aggressive temperance worker, and at all times labored earnestly for the measures which he believed would benefit mankind. In the state militia he held the rank of lieutenant. Christopher Ludlam was twice married. On the 9th of April, 1817, he wedded Maria Swain, and to them were born the following children: Ann C., who was born February 10, 1820, and died September 18, 1821; Monroe, who was born November 1, 1821, and died March 26, 1823; Harriet, who was
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born December 14, 1823, and died July 10, 1824; and Charles, who was born June 10, 1818, and died October 30, 1847. The mother of these children passed away December 22, 1823, and on the 15th of July, 1825, Mr. Ludlam married Hannah Swain, who was born April II, 1802, and was a daughter of Captain Henry Swain, who made his home at Ocean View, Cape May county, but was the commander of a vessel and died at sea. In connection with his brother Joshua and his father, Jacoks Swain, he invented the center board, which has since had an important place in the manipu- lation of sail vessels. He also owned a farm in Cape May county. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Holmes, and by their marriage they became the parents of seven children: Robert, who married a lady in Louisiana and died in New Orleans; Reuben, who served in the navy in the civil war and is now deceased; James, who married Sophia Swain; Millicent, the wife of Stillwell Hildreth; Priscilla, wife of Abijah Ludlam; Judith, and Mrs. Ludlam. The parents of our subject had ten children: Amelia L., who was born February 28, 1827, and died in early life; Maria L., who was born May 20, 1828, and became the wife of Leaming M. Rice; Francis A., who was born July 24, 1829, and married Lizzie Buchanan, by whom he had two children,-Mary and Harry; Joshua S., who was born September 13, 1831, and wedded Mary Hall, by whom he had three children, William H., H. Swain and Ella P .; Robert A., who was born August 15, 1833, and died in California, July 22, 1872, unmarried; Edwin, who was born December 27, 1834, and married Sarah Wentzel, their children being Harry, Clara and Hannah; William B., who was born August 30, 1836, and died in childhood; Benjamin F., who was born May 4, 1838, and married Martha Hunter, of Missouri, by whom he had six children: William, Lizzie. Han- nah, Frank, Sallie and John; Jesse D., of this review; and Mary D., who was born September 15, 1841, and is the wife of George F. Brinkerhoff, of Missouri. The father of these children died November 15, 1861, and the mother's death occurred March 24, 1883.
Hon. Jesse Diverty Ludlam, whose name introduces this record, of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of New Jersey, was born at South Dennis, where he yet makes his home, February 28, 1840. He obtained his education in the public schools of Cape May county and in Pennington Seminary, where he pursued his studies until twenty years of age, when he took up the practical duties of life by following agricultural pursuits upon the farm upon which he now resides. Since that time he has been connected with the farming interests of Cape May county and is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich land which is under a high state of cultivation. In the supervision of his farm he follows the most pro-
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gressive methods, and the latest improved machinery enables him to make his place one characterized by neatness and indicative of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He also deals in cedar lumber and is the owner of large tracts of timber land. He manufactures lumber on an extensive scale, and in addition to supplying the large local demand he ships a considerable amount. Upon his farm he has erected a beautiful and modern residence, containing fifteen rooms. It is a tasteful style of architecture, built after his own plan and finished throughout in hard wood,-making it one of the finest homes in the locality.
Mr. Ludlam is an inflexible adherent of Democracy and actively labors to promote the interests of the party. He has been a member and chair- man of the town committee, was district clerk of the public schools for twenty-five years and from 1881 until 1883 he was a member of the board of chosen freeholders. For four years he was the inspector of elections, and in 1879 he was elected to the general assembly by a majority of eighteen over Lewis Williams, the Republican candidate; in 1883 he was re-elected by a majority of eighty-nine; in 1884 by a majority of one hundred and fifty-four. and in 1885 by a majority of one hundred and thirty. No higher testimonial of his efficient service could be given than his increased majorities, which indicates how ably and loyally he has labored for the interests of his constitu- ents and his state. It is a well known epigram that "a man may fool all the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but he can't fool all of the people all of the time;" and as long as the ballot is in the hands of the American citizen the outlook for our American politics is not a gloomy one, for although unworthy men may gain office they cannot retain it except through faithful service. It is therefore evident that the people have great confidence in Mr. Ludlam and that the trust which they repose in him has never been betrayed. He was appointed a lay judge of Cape May county by Governor Abbett and served for seven years, or until the office was abolished in 1896. He served for two years, filling out the unexpired term of Judge Diverty, and was then appointed, April 1, 1892, for the full term of five years. For eighteen years he has been the treasurer of the Dennisville Building & Loan Association.
On the 3d of November, 1861, Mr. Ludlam was married to Miss Emily C. Miller. Her paternal grandfather, Elijah Miller, was a native of Cape May county, and followed farming on Green creek, where he spent his last days. He was a prominent member in the Methodist Episcopal church and aided in its various efforts to uplift mankind. He married Phoebe Smith, and their children were Vincent, who married Mary Cameron, of Philadel- phia, and a daughter of Angus and Margaret Cameron, formerly of Scotland;
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Mary, the wife of Captain Benajah Tomlin, by whom she had seven children; Deborah and Smith, who died unmarried. After the death of his first wife Mr. Miller wedded Catherine McKinnis, and to them was born a daughter, Margaret, who married Rev. Jacob Price. The father of Mrs. Ludlam was born at Green Creek, Cape May county, November 6, 1812, and throughout his life followed farming. He wedded Mary Cameron, and four children were born to them: Margaret, the wife of Dr. George G. Carll, of Salem, New Jersey, by whom she had four children,-A. Lincoln, Alfred, Mary and Helen; Mrs. Emily Ludlam, and Phoebe S. and Mary R., who are engaged in teaching. After the death of his first wife the father married Priscilla Buck, and their children are Vincent O., Ella, Elijah, Belle, Frank and Smith.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ludlam have been born three children: Leslie S., Mar- garet C. and Mary M. The son was born December 17, 1862, was educated in the public schools and is now serving as deputy county clerk. He married Lida Adams, and they have one child, Jesse D.
Mr. Ludlam was formerly a member of the Grange, and now belongs to Dennisville Lodge, K. of P. His public and private career are alike above reproach, and in office he has demonstrated his marked loyalty by his effi- cient discharge of duty. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and sustains an unassailable reputation, which may well be envied and which is indeed worthy of emulation.
MAHLON D. DICKINSON.
Woodstown boasts of no more patriotic, public-spirited citizen than he whose name heads this sketch. During his early manhood and prime he was interested in agriculture, and in this peaceful vocation made a compe- tence for old age. Whatever affects the farmer is a matter of prime im- portance to him, and in numerous ways he has manifested his interest in the welfare and progress of the agriculturists of Salem county.
Both he and his parents, as well as several generations of their families, have been inhabitants of this county and state. The father, John, and Phil- emon lived to manhood, Thomas dying in his childhood. John Dickinson took an important place in his time and community, for years was a farmer and merchant of Sharptown, Salem county, was the captain of a militia com- pany in the early part of this century, served as a justice of the peace and local judge in this county and represented this district in the state legislature eleven years, the last term in 1840, being elected on the Whig ticket. He
M. D. Dickinson
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
was summoned to his reward on the 9th of March, 1851, when he was nearly seventy-eight years of age. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Richman and their two sons were: Richmond, born in April, 1799, and died in 1865; and John J., born June 20, 1808, and died February 12, 1868. Their three daughters were: Maria, born September 9, 1804, and died February 12, 1868; Sarah, born August 2, 1801, and died April 5, 1872; and Hannah, born March 20, 18II, and died December 14, 1864, The second wife of John Dickinson was Sarah Cox, who survived him a few years, her death occurring January 29, 1857. They had three children: Jane, born Septem- ber 9. 1815; Eliza, born July 4, 1817, and died August 8, 1849; and Mahlon, of this sketch, who, with his sister Jane, of their entire family, alone survives. The Coxes, who were early colonists in New Jersey, were of English descent, as it is believed.
Mahlon D. Dickinson, who was born September 17, 1823, in Piles Grove township, Salem county, was educated in the common schools. He re- mained on the home farm until 1843, when he commenced clerking in the dry-goods and grocery store of James Lawrie, of Woodstown. In 1846 he began farming on his own account, and for the ensuing six years he devoted himself exclusively to this line of endeavor. He has made his home in Woodstown uninterruptedly from 1858 to 1884, since which time he has oc- cupied several important local offices of public importance. As long ago as 1855 he was honored by being made commissioner of deeds, and for almost forty-five years he has ably fulfilled the requirements of this position. He was the collector of his home township for three years and assessor for ten years, has been a justice of the peace for thirty-five years, a notary public since 1885, and at present is serving his eighth term as the secretary of the State Grange. He uses his franchise in favor of the Republican party. Religiously he is a Baptist and for nearly thirty years has held the position of clerk of the church.
In 1846 a marriage ceremony was performed by which the fortunes of Mr. Dickinson and Ellen, daughter of Ephraim and Rhoda (Laming) Mul- ford, were united. Her parents passed their lives in Cumberland county, New Jersey. The mother, who was born November 18, 1787, was a descendant of one David Laming, who emigrated from Wales to Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1705. The children born to our subject and wife were seven in number, but only two grew up, namely: Georgiana, who became the wife of Elmer Duell, of Woodstown; and Sally, who is unmarried and resides at home. The entire family is highly esteemed and known for good works and helpfulness toward those less fortunate.
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HOWARD A. WILSON.
Howard Atkinson Wilson, M. D., a prominent physician of Woodbury, Gloucester county. New Jersey, was born in Haddonfield, Camden county, this state, September 1, 1859, and is a son of Rev. James Eli and Esther (Bateman) Wilson. The Wilson family originated in Wales, although the grandfather, James H. Wilson, was a native and lifelong resident of Phila- delphia, in which city he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He was the father of three children: Mary Ann, deceased, who married Thomas L. Atkinson, of Camden; Clark, who married and left four children at his death, which occurred in early life; and James Eli.
James Eli Wilson was born in Philadelphia March 17, 1830, and obtained his early education in the public schools of that city, later entering Louisburg University, afterward called Bucknell University, where he took a theological course and graduated. He was ordained a minister in the Baptist church and labored faithfully in the vineyard of the Master until his life of usefulness was ended by death June 14, 1895, when his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian cemetery of Blackwood, this state. A pleasing and elo- quent speaker, he gained the ready sympathy of his audience and brought many souls to a sense of their sinfulness and the knowledge of the power and love of an all-wise Father, and was the humble leader of many who sought the fold. As chaplain of the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers during the late rebellion he was faithful in the discharge of his duties and gave sym- pathy to many a wretched sufferer. His marriage to Miss Esther Bateman took place November 7, 1850, and was blessed with a large number of chil- dren. Joseph Kennard, the eldest, born June 29, 1852, was married October 4, 1876, to Miss Lucy Taylor, who was born October 20, 1851, and resides in Portland, Maine; Annie Elizabeth, born March 19, 1854, died the follow- ing December; Edgar Clark, born August 6, 1856, married Mary Brace. the widow of the late Dr. Clayton, and resides in Blackwood, Camden county. this state; Howard Atkinson is the next of the family; Elmer Ellsworth, born June I, 1862, married Miss Lucile Hollis, July 10, 1884, and resides at Black- wood; Harry Bateman, born October 26, 1864, lives in Philadelphia; and Helen Augusta, born October 18, 1868, is also living in Philadelphia. Mrs. Esther Wilson is now residing in Philadelphia in her seventieth year. At the beginning of the present century, on April 26, 1800, Stephen Bateman was born in the town of Southway, Connecticut, to a family in the rural dis- tricts. Blessed with a good, sound body, he was given plenty of fresh air and hard work and laid the foundation of a rugged constitution that carried him to the ripe old age of eighty-seven years-years that were filled with
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