USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 34
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Swan & Reeves
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Yorktown; Williamsburg; Richmond, the seven days' battle of the Wilder- ness; Malvern Hill, Bristow Station, Gainesville, Manassas, Chantilly, Fred- ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kelly's Ford and Mine Run. At Petersburg, Virginia, he was wounded in the heel by a fragment of shell, and was in the hospital from June until August, then returning to his regiment. At the battle of Petersburg he was wounded in the left hip by a minie ball, which passed through his canteen and haversack, and in the first day's fight at Gettysburg was wounded by a piece of shell. He was faithful to every trust reposed in him and won the commendation of his superior officers for his reliability, cheerful discharge of duty and bravery under all circumstances.
After he had been honorably discharged from the Union army Mr. Reeves returned home and resumed his former occupations. The small farm which he had purchased in the vicinity of Cape May Point before he went into the army is the same one on which he has resided ever since. It is especially suited for market gardening, and he reaps a comfortable income from this source each year.
The old comrades of the civil war are especially dear to Mr. Reeves, and he takes great interest in the Grand Army of the Republic. He has occu- pied all of the offices save that of commander in M. E. Croy Post, No. 40, of Cape May City. Politically he is an ardent Republican, and held the office of coroner for one term. Since 1865 he has been an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian church, and from his youth has been an active worker in this denomination.
The marriage of Mr. Reeves and Miss Sylvenia Church was celebrated November 27, 1859. Of their six children three died in infancy, namely: Charles Wesley, Joseph Hooker and Edward Hewitt. George, who married Sarah Strong, is engaged in business as a gold beater, at Cape May; and El- mer, the youngest surviving son, is occupied in the same calling. Edward P., the second son, is the foreman of the Star Printing office at Cape May City. He is married and has one child, named Nelson.
J. HAMPTON LEONARD.
For more than two hundred and fifty years the Leonard family, of which our subject is a representative, has been found in America. The original ancestors were of English birth and three brothers of the name came from England to the New World in the Mayflower. The house then built by them was still standing a few years ago. At an early day representatives of the name came to New Jersey and Isaac Leonard, the great-grandfather, was
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born near Trenton in this state. He afterward removed to Washington, Pennsylvania, prior to the war of the Revolution, and there Abner Leonard, the grandfather, was born. Aaron L. Leonard, the father, was also a native of Washington, Pennsylvania, and in that state acquired his education, being graduated at Washington College in 1836, and at the Allegheny Seminary in Pittsburg in 1839. He won the highest honors of the class and was the vale- dictorian. Ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian church, he went to Iowa and was the first installed preacher of that denomination in the Hawk- eye state. For five years he remained in Kossuth and continued his resi- dence in Iowa, where he labored as a missionary until 1866. In that year he came to New Jersey and was actively identified with the work of the ministry here until 1896. He was born in 1812, and although eighty-seven years of age his mental faculties are still undimmed. He was a man of strong intel- lectuality and was a firm and eloquent speaker, whose logic convinced the minds of many of his hearers. He was particularly successful in revivalist work and his services were in much demand in that line of religious teaching. The cause of abolition also found in him a most earnest and stanch advocate and his influence in its behalf was most effective. He is an excellent Greek and Latin scholar and at one time was employed as a teacher of Hebrew and Greek in an institute in Quincy, Illinois. He married Caroline R. Chamber- lain, and for fifty-seven years they traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows, the adversities and prosperities of life. On the 21st of March, 1899, however, the wife and mother was called to the home beyond. In the family were born: Sarah, the widow of John H. Bradley, of Philadelphia; Elizabeth H .: J. Hampton; Abner I., who is liv- ing in New York; and James L., who resides in Iona. The influence which Aaron Leonard has exerted has ever been most marked. He has done much to uplift humanity and has ever been found the champion of all measures which tend to make men better and live happier.
J. Hampton Leonard was born in Kossuth, Iowa, April 17, 1847, and began his education in the common schools at that place. He also pursued his studies in Danville, Iowa, in the Congregational Seminary of Chicago, and in the Union Theological Seminary of New York, but ill health forced him to put aside his text-books and he returned to the farm where he has since remained. He is now engaged in the nursery business and is a recog- nized leader in his line. The plants and trees which he sends out are of ex- cellent grade, and this, together with his reliability and honesty, has secured to him a liberal patronage. He is the vice-president of the American Dahlia Society of New Jersey. In church work he is very active and was the town- ship secretary of the Sunday-school Association. He has been the superin-
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tendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years and has labored most effectively to advance the cause of the church in which his father was pastor. A gentleman of sterling worth, of nobleness of character and upright life, he gained the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
CHARLES CASSADAY.
Charles Cassaday is one of the progressive farmers who have contributed so much to the prosperity of southern New Jersey, and resides in Upper Pitts- grove township, Salem county, this state, within a short distance of the spot that gave him birth, March 29, 1837. He was a son of Charles and Mary (Ayers) Cassaday and a grandson of James Cassaday. Charles Cassaday was a farmer of this region, who married Mary, a daughter of Robert Ayers, and died in 1841, leaving four children, two of whom are now living: Mary A., who is married; and Charles, our subject.
Charles Cassaday received a common-school education, attending dis- trict school during the winter and assisting in the farm duties during the summer. He showed a natural ability for agricultural life from his youth, and at the age of seventeen began to farm for himself, and was one of the most successful farmers of the community, using modern ideas to carry on his work and meeting with astonishing results almost unheard of by those who jogged along in the old ruts. He purchased land from time to time until he now has four farms, all in excellent condition, lying in Salem and Gloucester counties, his last purchase being in January, 1899, when he bought of the James S. Abbott estate fifty-one acres, where he has since carried on agricultural pursuits. His land aggregates two hundred and ninety acres, and, like his father, he is considered a model farmer, his judg- ment concerning land, crops, etc., being regarded as flawless. His success is attributable to his industry and perseverance and the indomitable will that carried him over obstacles that would have discouraged weaker men. He has built up a higher standard for the farmer and his example has proved a stimulant and incentive to them to accomplish greater results and emulate his methods.
On the 22d of February, 1866, was celebrated the nuptials of Mr. Cassa- day and Miss Rebecca Ecrett, a daughter of Smith Ecrett, of this locality. Four children were born to them, namely: Joseph, of Pine Tavern; Smith, who farms the old homestead; Mary, who lives at home; and Rebecca E., the wife of Joseph Bills, and lives near here. Mr. Cassaday was reared in the atmosphere of a Christian home and imbibed those principles which, if
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practiced, lead to noble manhood and womanhood. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Hardingville, Gloucester county, this state, about thirty-nine years ago, and has been a faithful worker in the organiza- tion ever since, having been steward, trustee, class-leader and exhorter as the occasion demanded, and remaining true to the teachings received in the old school-house church of which his father was a member. Mr. Cassaday is a man of sterling worth and stands high in the esteem of his fellow men.
IRA S. CHAMPION.
The Atlantic coast of New Jersey has become a summer resort to which annually many hundreds of people go, finding there rest and recreation from the cares and responsibilities of business and social life. To attend to the needs of these visitors many enterprises have been established, and of the control of one of which Mr. . Champion has charge. His efforts have largely contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of Ocean City, and his labors have not only brought him individual support but have been a factor in the pros- perity which has attended the city in which he makes his home.
Numbered among the native sons of New Jersey, Mr. Champion was born in Pleasantville, Atlantic county, July 27, 1866, and is a son of Somers T. and Anna M. (Lake) Champion. His grandfather, Elmer Champion, resided at Absecom, Atlantic county, and was a sea captain. His children were Elmer, Enoch, Daniel, Caroline, Jane, Ruhannah and Anna. The father of our subject obtained a common-school education, and has spent his entire life in New Jersey. Since 1880 he has been interested in seashore real estate, carrying on business at Atlantic Highlands. He was the superintendent and the secretary of the Atlantic Highlands Association for about eight years, and he owns extensive real-estate interests there. He received the first deed for lands sold by the Ocean City Association, in May, 1880, and has been an important factor in the advancement of the beautiful towns which overlook the Atlantic.
In his political views he is a strong Republican and his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party. He has labored earnestly to insure its success, and for three years he served as the sergeant at arms in the New Jersey senate. One of the most prominent and valued members of the order of Knights of Pythias, he is now occupying the position of grand chancellor, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Im- proved Order of Red Men. During the civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by offering his services to the government, and as a
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member of Company B. Twenty-fifth New Jersey Infantry, he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battle-fields. The friendships which he formed in those days are still continued through the medium of the Grand Army Post. His religious belief is in harmony with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is accounted a representative mem- ber. He has held all of the church offices and has efficiently served as the superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Champion married Miss Anna M. Lake, and they became the parents of eight children,-Frank E., who married Flora E. Risley, and has four children,-Benjamin, Jesse, Milton and Alfreda,-is now living a retired life in Trenton, New Jersey; Ira S., is the second of the family; Ezra R., who married Clara Haines and has one son, Stanley, is proprietor of the Portland Hotel at Atlantic Hills, New Jer- sey; Barton F. resides at his parental home; Jesse died at the age of fourteen years; and the other three children died in infancy. The mother of these children was called to her final rest June 15, 1898.
Ira S. Champion is indebted to the public-school system of Atlantic county for the early educational privileges which he received. Later he at- tended Pennington Seminary, and on the 4th of March, 1884, was graduated in Eastman's Business College. Thus well equipped for the responsible duties of life, he entered upon an active commercial career in Ocean City, as the proprietor of a meat market and grocery. He afterward spent two years as a bookkeeper for the firm of Strowbridge & Clother, of Philadelphia, and in 1889 came to Ocean City, where he has since been engaged in the manu- facture of ice cream for the seashore trade. He has prettily appointed par- lors, and not only sells to the local trade but does an extensive wholesale business as well, shipping to various points in Cape May county. He is also successfully engaged in business as a milk dealer, handling eighty thou- sand quarts of milk annually. He built his residence and place of business in 1885, a substantial structure thirty-five by seventy feet. In addition to his other interests he is the manager of the Bell Telephone Company at Ocean City and the operator of the exchange, which is located in his office.
On the 15th of October. 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cham- pion and Miss Florence M. Cronin, a daughter of Edmund D. Cronin, of Philadelphia. They now have four children, -- Anna M., Violet M., Beulah G. and Ira Barton. Their youngest child, Florence E., died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Champion hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as a trustee. He is connected with various fraternal organizations, belonging to Iota Council, J. O. A. M., the Improved Order of Red Men and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a repre- sentative to Ocean City Lodge, No. 66, K. of P. The various enterprises
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which tend to benefit the city receive his support, and his active co-operation has been a much prized factor in the advancement of various movements of the public good. He is an active member of the Ocean City fire department. and in 1895-6 he served as a member of the city council. Later he filled the position of city clerk, and at one time was a representative to the general assembly. The Republican party receives his allegiance and he frequently attends its conventions, where his counsels carry weight, for his opinions are practical and contain the elements of success. His prosperity in business is due to his close application to the varied interests in which he is engaged. His unassailable reputation and his honorable dealings have gained him the respect and good will of all who know him.
CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS SOOY.
The importance of the government life-saving service cannot be over- estimated, and year by year it is being systematized more perfectly. Cap- tain Augustus Sooy, who is the keeper of the Cold Spring station at Cape May city, is one of the most trusted and thoroughly efficient employes in this department of our nation's work, and a history of his life will prove of inter- est to his hosts of friends.
His paternal grandfather, Augustus Sooy, was born at Port Republic. New Jersey, was a sailor in early manhood, and during the war of the Revolu- tion owned a ship which was taken as a prize by the British, near Egg island, Delaware bay. His last years were devoted to the tilling of the soil, and no one in his community was more genuinely esteemed. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died, as he had lived, strong in the the faith. He lived to reach his eightieth year, and his wife, Sarah (Higbee) Sooy, was about eighty-two years old at the time of her demise. Of their children, Samuel and Jesse were lost at sea when young men, and the latter left a widow and two daughters,-Elizabeth and Sarah. Joseph Chalkley and Josiah Higbee were the third and fourth children of Augustus Sooy. Maria, the eldest daughter, married James Clark, a farmer of Port Republic, and their son, Captain Thomas Clark, was drowned at sea. Another son, Captain Nathaniel D. Clark, was lost off the coast of Massachusetts, and Captain Harry also followed the sea. Captain Jesse Clark is living retired. The daughters of this family were Sarah, who married Joseph Turner; Louisa. wife of E. Addams; and Abbigil. Elizabeth, the second daughter of Augustus and Sarah (Higbee) Sooy, married John Turner, a farmer near Higbeetown. and their sons Peter and Samuel are farmers, while Richard, who is agent
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for the Henry Diston estate, of Philadelphia, is a bank director, and resides in Atlantic City. Mary is the widow of Josiah Johnson, while Annie is the wife of Joseph Barstow, a leading merchant of Atlantic City, New Jersey; Rachel became the wife of Eli Bowen, since deceased, but then living at Smithville, New Jersey, and their children were Mary Jane Shaw Sooy and Captain John.
Josiah H. Sooy, the father of our subject, was born at Port Republic and spent his entire life there, following the sea for several years as captain of a vessel and later carrying on a farm. He was a true patriot, a stanch Re- publican, and for many years he held one local position or another, with credit to himself and friends. A devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he held several of its offices of trust and responsibility, and, being an ardent believer in temperance, he identified himself with the organization known as the Sons of Temperance. He was a successful business man, and at one time was connected with a building and loan association. He mar- ried Mary Smith and their union was blessed with four children. Rachel became the wife of William Johnson, a farmer of Port Republic, and they had seven children: Mary Belle, the eldest, married John English; Rosa is the wife of Roland Randolph, of Tuckerton, New Jersey, and has three chil- dren. Minnie Ray, George Elsworth and Flora; Alice is the wife of Captain James Abbott, of Port Townsend, and the mother of twin sons,-Richter and Ransford; Ellsworth, the eldest son of Rachel Johnson, is married and his only child died when young. He is a member of the wholesale grocery firm of Johnson Brothers, of San Francisco; Augustus S., who is a member of the firm of Johnson Brothers, married Caroline Lindeluff and they had one child, Lloyd; Clara and Arthur are at home. The Captain is the second child of Josiah and Mary Sooy. Sarah J., the third child of Josiah and Mary Sooy, married Captain Eli Higbee Smith, of Philadelphia, and their only son, William, is a mate on a sea-going vessel; Samuel, not married, a part of the time is the mate and part of the time master, on a ship. The father of our subject departed this life on the 29th of December, 1891, when in his eighty- third year.
The birth of Captain Augustus Sooy occurred at Port Republic, Au- gust 8, 1838. He obtained what education he could before he was twelve years of age, and then went on board a two-masted schooner in a minor position, gradually working his way upward until he became the first mate on a coasting vessel. After serving as such for six years he became the master of a ship, and altogether he sailed the seas for eighteen years. In 1871 he joined the life-saving service, the local department being instituted that year. He acted in minor capacities for several years, proving his ability
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and bravery, and some thirteen years ago he was honored by being made the captain of the Cold Spring station. Here he has command of seven men, who are thoroughly drilled, heroic and trustworthy, and every year, during the great storms which prevail along this coast, their courage and efficiency is taxed to the utmost. The general public little realizes what a grand, remarkable work is in their hands, how many thousands of dollars of marine property is annually saved, or how many precious lives are rescued from the angry deep by these devoted men, who have never been known to falter when duty called them. Too much cannot be said in their praise, nor too much credit given to their gallant commander, Captain Sooy. This station, one of the most important on the New Jersey coast, which has forty- two stations, is a fine example of modern ideas in connection with the saving of lives endangered on the ocean. All mechanical devices and appliances to aid the little band of stalwart workers in this humane task are to be found here.
Augustus Sooy's work has indeed been of great importance. In 1872 he and his men were instrumental in saving the crew of the schooner known as the Carrie S. Webb, when off the cape, and in connection with Robert Chambers he volunteered to take the schooner to New York. The vessel was in distress and started for the metropolis. They had almost reached harbor when a storm drove them again to sea and for fifteen days they drifted in the gale. When they at length reached land they found they were twenty miles north of Cape Hatteras and the crew were almost in despair, but finally they reached Charleston, South Carolina. On another occasion Captain Sooy went to the rescue of the vessel Clara Davidson on Cold Spring bar. On the ship was a crew of six men, together with three passengers, a lady and her two children; but after gallantly working for many hours in the cold and ice, he and his helpers succeeded in saving the entire number. Many are those who owe to him a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid. Man's most priceless possession is life, and through the efforts of Captain Sooy this has been given to many who else would have found death in a watery grave. Fearless and true, he never falters when duty calls, but with a heroism that is sublime goes forth to rescue the imperiled ones. He takes no great credit to himself for this, saying that it is merely his duty; but such a record cannot fail to awaken the gratitude and admiration of all.
The marriage of Captain Sooy and Miss Fannie Smith was solemnized September 21, 1864. Mrs. Sooy is daughter of George and Naomi (Leeds) Smith and granddaughter of Isaac Smith, who was the sheriff of Atlantic county and whose home was at Smithville, a place named in honor of his family. He had nine children,-Henry, Mark, Louis, John, Thomas, George.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 319
Martha, Susanna and Pitman. George W. Smith was born and reared at Smithville, and early in life was an oysterman and sailed the seas. His last years were spent at Leeds Point, where he died at the age of forty-two. He had several children, namely: Bodine C., Fannie M., Josiah L., Susie C., Clayton L. and Elwood. Leeds Point was named in honor of Mrs. Sooy's maternal grandfather. Captain Clayton Leeds, who resided there all of his lifetime, besides being the owner of a number of vessels was blessed with considerable wealth. He was a Whig and Republican and took a patriotic interest in the triumph of his party. To himself and wife, Mary, were born Captain Mark, who was lost at sea; Louisa, the wife of Captain Nicholas Endicott; Naomi; Josiah, who went to Oregon, engaged in the lumber busi- ness and died a wealthy man; Mima, who first became the wife of Captain Alfred Higbee, the master of a sea-going vessel, who died; later she wedded Joseph Frampus, a teacher, and now is the wife of Fred Chamberlain, a farmer of Absecon, New Jersey : she lives in California; and Esther, the wife of Josiah Bowen, who was engaged in the oyster business, his home being at Smithville. Mr. and Mrs. Sooy had four children, but their daughters, Laura and Fannie May, both died when fourteen months old, and Flora was called from the happy family circle by the angel of death when she was twenty years of age. Josiah, their only son, alone remains to cheer their declining days.
Like his ancestors, Captain Sooy is a noble Christian man, his preference being for the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he belongs to the American Order of United Workmen and formerly was connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge. His has been a noble life, one worthy of emula- tion, and to his son he will leave that priceless heritage,-a good name.
WILLIAM E. FORCUM.
William E. Forcum, who is engaged in the painting business at Holly Beach, was born in Philadelphia, July 31, 1852, his parents being Elias and Anna B. (Evans) Forcum. The name is of Welsh and English origin. The father of our subject was born in Delaware, and afterward resided in Penn- sylvania and Virginia, spending his last days in the latter state, his death occurring in 1856, at the age of forty. He was a sailor and followed the seas for many years. His widow is still living and has reached the advanced age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of Hester, Anna, William E. and Elias W.
In the public schools of Delaware William E. Forcum pursued his educa-
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tion until eleven years of age, and then began work as a farm hand, which he followed for some time. Subsequently he went to Philadelphia, where he learned the house-painter's trade and has since devoted his energies to that pursuit. In 1882 he came to Holly Beach and has since contracted in the line of his chosen vocation, furnishing employment to a dozen men and re- ceiving from the public a liberal patronage. He also engaged in renting houses and is one of the industrious, energetic business men of the town.
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