USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
Nicholas married Louisa Tressor and they lived in Philadelphia and had a large family of children,-nine in number. Sarah married Edward Moody. Horace died in infancy. Edward Francis Moody, Eva, his wife, no issue. Nicholas Harris Moody. Catherine married George Morris. Their chil- dren were Harrison Smith Morris, born October 4, 1856, a rising young man of literary talents who has made his mark in the world, is the managing di- rector of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and editor of Lippin- cott's monthly magazine. He married Anna Wharton, a daughter of Joseph and Anna Lovering Wharton, and they have one daughter, Catherine Whar- ton Morris. Matilda Harris Morris is the treasurer of the Browning Society of Philadelphia. Jane Walters Morris is a student at the Academy of Fine Arts. Emma married Jonathan Stretch, and their children are: Louisa Har- ris Stretch Langenberger (her husband John Langenberger); John Langen- berger, Jr., Marshall Hickman Stretch, Marion Manashan Stretch. Sheppard Harris (Caroline Hahn Harris, his wife), whose children are Sheppard Harris and Marguerite Harris. Adalaide Harris married John Smith Dovey. Their children are Adalaide Hayes Dovey, John Smith Dovey, Jr., and Hannah Duff Dovey. Zachary Taylor Harris (Ella Beck Harris, his wife), whose children
228
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
are Nicholas Harris and Mary Harris. Aaron lived in Philadelphia and for a number of years was in the shoe store of William Earley & Company. He never married: was exemplary in his deportment and generous to his rela- tives. Job went away in early life and married in New Orleans, worth several thousand. Charlton, the youngest of the family, went to sea when young and died in Havana.
Sarah Bradway Harris.
HORACE S. VANLEER.
With some exceptions, which but prove the rule, it is found that success in any line of human endeavor is the sure reward of the man with keen, alert brain, concentrated will power and persistence in a course of action once de- cided upon. How often, in reviewing the lives of men, are we reminded of the wise saying of the great dramatist and poet, "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;" and the ability to grasp an opportunity for advancement, the good judgment and foresight which measures the end desired, at the beginning, are characteristics of every successful man.
Horace S. Vanleer, a prominent citizen of Alloway, Salem county, was born in Deerfield township, Cumberland county, New Jersey, May 20, 1850. His parents, Isaac and Susanna (Hitchner) Vanleer, are represented in the sketch of his brother, John H. Vanleer, which appears elsewhere in this vol- ume. Our subject received a good general education in the schools of his own neighborhood and for a period of four years he was employed as a clerk by Smith Rempster, of Alloway. During that time he mastered the prin- ciples of business, and, having carefully husbanded his resources, then bought out his late employer and for the ensuing twenty-one years successfully car- ried on a mercantile business. In March, 1898, he disposed of his stock of goods and turned his entire attention to the various other enterprises which have gradually claimed more and more of his time and energy. In 1890 he established the Alloway Creamery, buying the property of Richard Stretch, and since then he has conducted a profitable and increasing business in butter and ice-cream. In addition to this he owns and operates a factory at Mill- ville, New Jersey. By strict attention to the wishes of his customers and by the superior excellence of the products of his factories, he has built up a large and remunerative trade. His New Process Salem County ice-cream finds a readier sale than any other product of the kind in southern New Jersey, and large shipments are made to the various seaside resorts. Upward of one
HeStanlee
229
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
hundred cans of milk are daily supplied to customers by Mr. Vanleer's cream- eries, and he has contracts with creameries in Delaware as well as in this state. He attends to his own buying and selling, and employs seven or more persons regularly. His expressage of ice-cream amounts to five thousand dollars a season and his trade is growing at an amazing rate each year. He owned and operated the first automobile in south Jersey. He is extremely active and industrious, making friends of his customers by supplying them with wholesome, delicious cream, uniformly excellent and appetizing.
Though he uses his franchise on behalf of the Democratic party, Mr. Van- leer is not an aspirant to public office and keeps out of politics. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His marriage to Miss Julia A. Rempster, a daughter of his former employer, Smith Remp- ster, took place February 19, 1874. They became the parents of a bright. promising little son, Chester, who died when four years of age.
1
CHARLES P. ATKINSON, M. D.
Dr. Charles P. Atkinson, of Palatine, New Jersey, is a physician who has retired from active practice in his profession, and a gentleman who per- force of his skill as a physician, as well as his conduct as a man, has made for himself a large circle of firm friends in and near Salem county.
The Doctor was born at Deerfield, Cumberland county, New Jersey. January 29, 1827, the son of Abbot Atkinson, who was born near Mount Holly, Burlington county, New Jersey. His father, our subject's grandfather, was named Moses, and his birthplace was in the same locality. The family came from Ireland, some time in the year 1600. They were of the Quaker faith. Abbot Atkinson, a farmer by occupation, came to Gloucester county, with his father, and in 1839 removed to a point near Elmer and died there in 1845. At one time he was the judge of the court and he was ever active in all public matters. He was an ardent advocate of temperance-a well versed man-and faithful in the discharge of his duty and was a member of the Methodist church. He married Mary Conover, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Micajah Conover. Mr. Conover was a native of Absecon, now At- lantic City, New Jersey, but he lived the most of his life near Woodstown, Salem county. The good wife departed this life in 1867. Of their eleven children, our subject is the only survivor.
Charles P. Atkinson attended the common schools the usual amount of time and then turned his attention to farm pursuits, but not being in robust condition he studied medicine, with the aid of Dr. Whittaker, of Elmer, New
ยท
230
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Jersey, and remained with him for five years. Upon the breaking out of the civil war, he enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and did hospital duty until 1865. After his return from the army he attended medi- cal lectures in Philadelphia, at the Eclectic College, graduating in 1866, after which he began the practice of his chosen profession at Palatine, continuing until he retired, in 1893, on account of illness. His practice was over an extended scope of country and was very large. Besides other property, the Doctor has a fine fifty-acre farm.
April II, 1850, he was married to Phoebe Van Meter, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Van Meter, by whom three children were born: Ruth Ann; single; Charles S., at home; and Frank T., in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. Dr. Atkinson was very active in the temperance movement, and was at one time the president of the State Farmers' . Alliance. Among other places of trust he has held, was the chairmanship of the county executive committee of his party, for the period from 1878 to 1885. He was a candi- date for the state assembly in 1878, and for congress in 1880, on the Green- back ticket. He was a strong supporter of William Jennings Bryan for presi- dent in 1896. He has been identified with the Methodist church since he was sixteen years of age and has frequently held the offices of trustee and class-leader in this organization. The greatest obstacle our subject has had to overcome in his career has been the lack of good health, at times unfitting him for the discharge of his duty as a public and professional man. But, notwithstanding this, he has, by being cautious, been able to do a vast amount of such work, for which his patrons owe him their gratitude and in many cases even their lives.
JEREMIAH P. DELANEY.
This gentleman is the superintendent of the water-works at Sea Isle City, and is one of the leading and representative men of that town. He was born in New York city, August 18. 1859, a son of Jeremiah and Eliza (Redding) Delaney. His father was a native of county Cork, Ireland, and during his boyhood crossed the Atlantic, locating in New York. He became a brick- layer, and was employed on a number of public works in the metropolis, including the gas system. His political support was given the Democracy. He was a member of the Vincent de Paul Society, of New York, and of the Catholic church. During the civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union by joining the Sixty-ninth New York Regiment, and upon the battle-fields of the south he aided in the defense of the stars and stripes and the cause
23I
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
it represented. He had six sons, namely: John, deceased; Jeremiah Paul, William, John, Thomas and Michael. The father of these children was called to his final rest at the age of forty-two years, and the mother is still living, at the age of fifty-eight years.
Jeremiah Paul Delaney was educated in the public schools of New York city and Philadelphia, pursuing his studies until thirteen years of age. When a lad of eight he removed to the latter place, and on putting aside his text- books he secured a position with the Home Sewing Machine Company there. He afterward learned the stone-cutter's trade, but not finding it en- tirely congenial he learned the plasterer's trade, and since 1883 he has been the leading contractor in that line of business in Sea Isle City. In 1886 he erected the Olympic Hotel, on Landis avenue, having accommodation for forty guests. He is also dealing in coal and wood, and in addition to his hotel he owns a number of building lots at this place. In 1896 he was made superintendent of the Sea Isle water-works, and has since held that position, discharging his duties with ability and efficiency.
Mr. Delaney has been a very important factor in the development of Sea Isle City and in the promotion of the various interests and enterprises which contribute to its upbuilding and progress. He organized the volunteer fire company No. I, in December, 1896, was elected its chief, and has since filled that position. He was the founder of the fire department here, and built the engine house which it now occupies. There is now a membership of eighteen, and the department is well equipped with hose-cart and hook-and- ladder apparatus. For three years, however, the members of the department supported it entirely. For five terms Mr. Delaney has been a member of the city council, and at all times gave his support to the measures which he believed would prove a public benefit. He is now a long-term member of that council. In 1896 he served as a doorkeeper in the legislature. For three years he was a notary public. In all these various public offices he has faithfully discharged every trust reposed in him, and whether in or out of office he is loyal to the welfare of his adopted country.
Mr. Delaney holds the papers that will substantiate the following state- ments concerning his political career:
Under President Cleveland's second administration he was appointed the postmaster of Sea Isle City; but after a desperate fight lasting about thirteen months he was not confirmed, but had the option, from United States Sena- tor James Smith, Jr., of allowing the Republican postmaster to hold over, or he would continue the fight and allow no change. He said, "No: if I cannot make it let some other Democrat have it." But Senator Smith said to him, "If you want to draw out of the contest I will fix you in a better position, as
232
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
you richly deserve." Accordingly Dr. Delaney withdrew from the contest for the postmastership.
Senator Smith, to whom the Cleveland administration had allotted sev- eral appointments in the Philadelphia mint, had to go to Europe, and these appointments he left in charge of William J. Thompson, of Gloucester, with the distinct understanding that Mr. Delaney should have the first choice; but Mr. Thompson, a close personal friend of Mr. Delaney, knowing that he did not care for the job, gave it to a near friend of his, unawares to Senator Smith, who on his return from Europe was greatly displeased. After all, the political enemies of Mr. Delaney of that period are now his personal friends.
In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Delaney and Miss Mary Dever. Their union has been blessed with six children: Mazie, Jeremiah, Thomas, Anna, Lizzie and James. The last named is now deceased. The parents are members of the Catholic church, and have reared their family in that faith. Mr. Delaney belongs to the class of self-made men who are the strength of our American republic. Their own efforts to gain a livelihood and work their way upward to positions of affluence make them desirous of aiding others who are forced to travel the same difficult road to success.
JOHN F. NUTE & COMPANY.
John F. Nute, the senior partner in one of the most flourishing mercantile establishments in Franklinville, Gloucester county, New Jersey, is a native of Lincoln, Maine, where he was born June 4, 1819. His immediate ances- tors were Israel and Hannah (Fish) Nute, while his grandfather was Jotham Nute, a descendant of James Nute, who came from England in 1631 and located at Dover, New Hampshire. Jotham Nute was filled with patriotic ardor and became a soldier in the Rebellion, although he was a lad in his 'teens at the time. He later became one of the most prominent men con- nected with the history of New Hampshire during his life-time. One of his sons, Levi H., was a cadet at West Point and stood high in the records of that institution, outranking General Taylor. He was a soldier in the Mexi- can war.
Israel Nute learned the trade of carpenter and followed that business for many years in Great Falls, when failing health obliged him to seek other employment, and he chose agricultural pursuits as being at once healthful and remunerative. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace, a position he held for many years, discharging the duties of the office in a
233
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
manner which elicited the commendation of all. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Fish. She was a daughter of John Fish and came from the state of Vermont. Six children were the fruits of this union, three of whom are living, namely: J. F., our subject; Frederick E., a resident of Lin- coln, Maine; and George H., of Easton, Pennsylvania. The family were reared in conformity to the teachings of the Congregational church, of which Israel Nute was a consistent member; and his death, which occurred in 1836, was sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends.
J. F. Nute acquired his education under difficulties little known by the present generation. The school which he attended was located a distance of a mile and one-half from the paternal home and was of the most primitive construction, while the books of that time, furnished even for primary schol- ars, would be difficult for a much older pupil of this age, so dense was the conception of the texts. However, the environment appears to have had but little to do with the development of the intellect, as many of the most brilliant men our country has ever known or will know received their training in the old school-house with puncheon floor and slab seats. At the age of seventeen years our subject entered the store of his uncle, Jacob Fish, at Lincoln, Maine, where he remained seven years and developed an aptitude for the mercantile business, which induced him to start in trade for himself. This he did in the same village and soon had built up a large and paying business. He continued this store for twenty-one years. In the fall of 1865 he moved to Franklinville, New Jersey, and with his brother George H. built a store, where they were in trade until 1879; and then George A. Nute ad- mitted his uncle, George H. Nute, in the business. The store was burned in July, 1880, and in 1885 the Messrs. Nute erected the store building where they now conduct their business.
John F. Nute was married December 24, 1849, to Mary Allen Lovejoy. a daughter of John Lovejoy, who was a resident of the state of Maine and a prominent man in his community. Four children blessed their marriage: Ruel L., connected with his father in business and enumerator in the United States census of 1900, and a dealer in agricultural implements; George A., whose biography follows; Ira E., a resident of St. Louis; and Mary A., the wife of Edward Sanborn, of California. Mr. Nute has been very successful in his business and owes what he has achieved entirely to his own industry and enterprise, having had to depend on himself from boyhood. He was ap- pointed town clerk of his native village for years and after locating here was appointed postmaster in 1866. This office he has held for sixteen years, and so obliging and courteous has been his treatment of the patrons that he was universally liked. The office is now in charge of his son, George. His
1
234
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
success has not been unattended with difficulties, not least among which was the fire which swept away all his stock, or the burglars who twice visited his establishment and robbed him. Adverse circumstances did not long de- press him and he kept bravely on and has succeeded in laying up considerable property. He has a fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which he cul- tivates and from which he derives both profit and pleasure. He is a promi- nent member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Presbyterian church at Clayton, in which he is a zealous worker and an elder. He has been the superintendent of the Sunday-school here for several years and has done much to build it up and increase its membership.
George A. Nute is also a native of Lincoln, Maine, and was born Decem- ber 14, 1852. He is the second son of the above and is one of the most prominent and influential business men of this vicinity. Educated primarily in the public schools, he afterward entered the Bryant & Stratton School in Boston and secured a good business education, which has been of infinite service to him in his subsequent career. He first entered his father's store as a clerk and soon made himself master of the business, when, in 1879, he was taken into partnership. On August 9, 1897, he was appointed postmas- ter and is very popular in that capacity. He is an agent for the West Jer- sey Mail & Transportation Company and does a large amount of business, being one of the energetic, wide-awake merchants who not only succeed themselves but also add to the prosperity of their home town by their enter- prising spirit. He is connected with a number of fraternal orders, being a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Golden Eagle and Junior Order of American Mechanics. He has been twice married, his first wife, Miss Sadie E. Knisell, of this village, dying in 1894 and leaving one child, Hilda M. He then married Miss Mary E. Stevens, of Delaware, the ceremony being solemnized November 7, 1895.
JOHN H. VANLEER.
John H. Vanleer, the postmaster of Friesburg, Salem county, is one of the most enterprising and successful business men and citizens of this flour- ishing place. All local affairs are participated in by him with earnestness and patriotic spirit and he is looked up to and consulted by those having the best interests of this community at heart.
The Vanleer family originated in Germany, where the name was spelled Van Loer. The great-grandfather of our subject was a farmer of Mullica Hill, Salem county, New Jersey, and that he was an unusually strong and
John H. Vanleer
235
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
active man may be inferred from the fact that not long before his death, at the extreme age of one hundred and one years, he made a trip on horseback. Of his eleven children, Samuel Vanleer, the grandfather of John H., was born near Swedesboro, this state, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his active life. Then he retired and made his home in Bridgeton, where he owned some property, in addition to which he possessed three farms and was well-to-do. He was a Democrat, and religiously was a member of the Luth- eran church. By his first marriage he had eleven children, namely: George; Anna, who married Dave Garrison and later John Callahan; Mary, the wife of Abraham Harris and afterward of William Tarpin; Michael, Samuel, Wil- liam, Joseph, Isaac; Sallie, who remained unmarried; Susie and John. Of the union of Samuel Vanleer, Sr., and Hannah Jerman, one son, Henry J., was born. Mary has been a missionary in Africa, but is now at home to recuperate her health, with the intention of returning to her work in Africa. The father of these children lived to reach the ninetieth anniversary of his birth.
Isaac Vanleer, the father of our subject, was born in Deerfield township, Cumberland county, New Jersey, and, like his ancestors, made farming his chief business in life. However, he also carried on a flourishing trade in lumber and at one time he owned two farms, occupied numerous local public offices, and was influential and respected by his neighbors and associates. Politically he was a Democrat and religiously a Lutheran. His death oc- curred when he was about sixty years old, at the homestead in Deerfield township, where he had passed nearly all of his life. Not one of his sixteen children are deceased and all of them are strong and of fine physique, all but three weighing over two hundred pounds each. Mr. Vanleer's first marriage was to Susanna Hitchen, a daughter of John Hitchen, and five children were born of this union, namely: John H .; Matilda, who is the widow of Samuel Davis, a farmer of Cumberland county, and has two sons,-Samuel and Chester; Horace, whose biography appears elsewhere; Sallie, the wife of Charles Nixon, a railroad employe, and mother of Margaret and Bertha; and Anna, the wife of William Coleman, a farmer and liveryman of Woodstown, Salem county. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have one son, Frank, and a daughter, Louisa. After the death of his first wife, Isaac Vanleer wedded Christiana Johnston, and their eldest child, Isaac, married Jennie Irvin and is a produce commission merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Earl, a blacksmith, married Nina Ruff and has one child; Walter has been married but has lost his wife; Charles and Susan,-married; Ellsworth, whose wife bore the maiden name of Mary Watson, is the father of two children; and the younger brothers and sisters are Bert, Emma, Evans, Milton and Mary.
236
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
The birth of John H. Vanleer occurred on the parental farm in Deerfield township, Cumberland county, September 5, 1845. His education was ac- quired in the public schools before he was eighteen years of age, after which he devoted his time to farming and engaged in threshing during a part of each year until he was about twenty-four years old. Subsequently to his marriage he carried on a farm in his native township for a period, and then bought a place near Shirley, this state. After operating that farm for four years he located in Friesburg, where he owns and manages an eighty-three acre farm, carries on a blacksmith and carriage repairing shop, a steam grist and sawmill, a creamery and a general store.
Since he settled in this place he has been the postmaster, and for three years he has officiated as a member of the township committee. He is active in the Democratic party, but has not been an aspirant to public office. Like his forefathers, he is an adherent of the Lutheran church, and for six years he has been a deacon in the congregation to which he belongs. For a wife he chose Sarah E., a daughter of Joseph Rempster, a prosperous farmer of Alloway township.
R. E. BUCK, M. D.
Although comparatively young in years, Dr. Buck is one of the largest practitioners of Newfield, Gloucester county, New Jersey, and his friends predict for him a brilliant future in the profession he has chosen. He was born in Cape May county, this state, October II, 1870, and is a son of Crawford and Rebecca (Courson) Buck. His grandfather, Hope Buck, was a sea captain. Crawford Buck was born at Ocean View, New Jersey, and was a freeholder of Cape May county for many years. During the civil war he was on a tug boat. He was a professor of music and a well-known singer. He served as organist in the Baptist church for thirty-five years. He mar- ried Miss Rebecca Courson, of the same locality, and they had three chil- dren: Josephine, the wife of Dr. Edward Humphreys, of Pennsylvania; R. E., our subject; and Laura, a spinster.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.