USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 35
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Mr. Forcum is taking a deep interest in public affairs and has been ac- tively concerned in the government of the town. He served as postmaster for two years, was a member of the city council for two years and is now for a second term holding that office. He was collector for three years, has been a school trustee and was the mayor of the village in 1887, 1888, 1889 and 1892.
On the 5th of November, 1875, Mr. Forcum was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jane Siver, and their children are Elizabeth, Anna, Hester, Nellie, Charles, Carrie, Rebecca, William and Fannie. The fourth daughter, Nellie, and three other children are now deceased. Mr. Forcum may well be termed a self-made man, for since his early youth he has been dependent upon his own exertions, and whatever he has achieved in life is due entirely to his well directed efforts.
ISAAC SWAIN.
Isaac Swain is a son of Isaac and Mary (Savage) Swain, and was born in Middle township, Cape May county, June 4, 1831. He attended the public schools of that locality and also a private school at Cape May Court House, and when nineteen years of age he began the task of mastering the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. He spent one year pros- pecting in Illinois and then went to sea, sailing as one of the crew on a schooner engaged in the coasting trade. For three years he was identified with seafaring life and during much of that time served as mate on a ves- sel. In 1885, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to the Pacific slope, where he engaged in mining for two and a half years. In 1858 he returned to New Jersey and located at Swainton, upon a farm of two hundred and fifty acres. Since that time he has carried on agri- cultural pursuits. He has also been engaged in general merchandising for twenty years and has bought and sold wood and lumber on an extensive scale. For thirty-one years he dealt in furs, doing a large business in that line, purchasing all of the furs that were secured in Cape May and Cumber- land counties. In whatever line of business he has directed his energies he
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has met with success, for he possesses undaunted determination and unflag- ging energy,-qualities which never fail to secure the desired financial re- ward.
On the 6th of December, 1858, Mr. Swain was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hand, a daughter of Charles and Abigail (Willetts) Hand. They became the parents of four children, but two are now deceased,-Charles P., who died at the age of thirty-one years; and Luther, who died in infancy. Jennie F., the eldest of the family, married Charles Way, a merchant of South Seaville, New Jersey. Luther M., the youngest of the family, was married March 5, 1896, to Ida Cresse. He is assisting his father in his busi- ness and is also extensively engaged in the raising of poultry and pigeons. He served as postmaster of Swainton during President Cleveland's adminis- tration and is one of the representative citizens of his community. Possessing much musical ability, he is a member of the Cape May band and has at dif- ferent times played upon all the various instruments in the organization.
Mr. Swain, of this review, is a stanch advocate of Democratic principles and has held a number of township offices. He was formerly a member of the township committee and for twenty-two years has been a justice of the peace. He belongs to Cannon Lodge, F. & A. M., at South Seaville and was at one time a member of the Grange. He has been true to every trust re- posed in him by his fellow townsmen and discharges his official duties with marked promptness and fidelity.
ALFRED R. KANDLE.
Alfred R. Kandle is one of the wealthy agriculturists of Gloucester county and has arisen to this position in financial circles entirely by his own labors. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has steadily worked his way upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path by determined purpose and resolute will. His unflagging energy has brought to him prosperity and to-day he is the owner of valuable farm land and of two sawmills which add to the commercial activity of the community as well as to his individual prosperity.
The life history of Mr. Kandle cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers, for he is both widely and favorably known throughout this sec- tion of New Jersey. He was born in Pittsgrove, Salem county, May 13. 1851. His father, Adam Kandle, was also a native of the same locality, and the grandfather, also named Adam, was born in that place. The family is of German lineage and was founded in America by the great-grandfather. The
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father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his business career. He served as a township committeeman and was also a freeholder. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Potter, was a daughter of Michael Potter, and was born near Pittsgrove, Salem county. Her father was a well known hunter and farmer and served his country in the war of 1812. He lived to the advanced age of one hun- dred and eight years. Unto Adam and Hannah Kandle were born six chil- dren, five of whom are living, namely: John M., a resident of Gloucester City, New Jersey: Joseph A., of Monroeville; A. R .; Adam P., who makes his home in Vineland; and Harriett E., the wife of Stephen Crane, of Willow Grove.
A. R. Kandle attended the country schools throughout the winter months and in the summer season aided in the work of the farm. In that manner his boyhood days were passed and in 1878 he began business on his own account by opening a store in Porchtown, Franklin township, Gloucester county, where he carried on general merchandise for four years. Taking up his abode on the old homestead in Pittsgrove, he resided there until 1887, when he came to his present farm in Washington township, near Glassboro. He also has a sawmill there, and his farm comprises eighty-seven acres of valuable land, which is under a high state of cultivation. He also has one hundred and thirty-five acres in another tract and operates his two mills. His agricultural and industrial interests yield to him a handsome income and have gained him a position among the wealthy men of his county. His marked success is most creditable and his life demonstrates what can be ac- complished through determined purpose.
Mr. Kandle was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Crane, a daughter of Moses Crane, of Gloucester county, the wedding taking place on the 13th of March, 1878. Their union has been blessed with five children, of whom four are living: Osceola, Volney B., Clinton M. and West J.,-all still under the paternal roof.
In his political affiliations Mr. Kandle is a Democrat and has taken an active interest in politics, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He has been a township committeeman, has served on the board of education, and in the spring of 1899 was elected freeholder, being the present incumbent. His church relations are with the Methodist Episcopal organization at Pittman Grove, and he is now serving as a steward of the church and the superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and has been through all the chairs of the latter organi- zation. He commands the respect of his fellow men by his fidelity to duty
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in all the relations of life. In his business dealings he is straightforward and honorable, and in the work of the church and in public office he is faithful and loyal. He well deserves representation in this volume and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers.
JOHN BLACK.
This honored and venerable citizen of Gloucester county is still actively identified with farming interests in Woolwich township, where he owns two hundred acres of valuable land. His identification with business affairs after passing the eightieth milestone on life's journey is an indication of the in- dustry and enterprise which have ever been numbered among his chief char- acteristics, and should put to shame many a younger man, who, grown weary of the struggles and trials of business life, would relegate to others the burdens which he should bear.
Mr. Black was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, June 16, 1819, and is a son of William and Agnes (Craig) Black. His father was an extensive farmer and flax-grower, and in that business the subject of this review as- sisted until twenty years of age. In 1839 he came to the United States, hop- ing to better his condition in the New World, where superior advantages were offered to ambitious young men. He soon secured employment of Samuel Deull, who resided near Harrisonville, New Jersey, remaining with him for a year. He afterward spent a year and a half in the employ of Ben- jamin P. Lippincott, with whom he continued for ten years. On the expira- tion of that period he purchased thirty acres of wild land, then in a primitive condition, but with characteristic energy he began its improvement, clearing the place of the heavy timber with which it was covered. He cut down trees in order to make room for the house, and day after day continued the work of improvement until the entire tract was transformed into rich and fertile fields. Not long after his arrival he purchased an additional forty acres, and has since added to the place until the farm now comprises two hundred acres of rich and valuable land. During the time that he was clearing and paying for the property Mr. Black frequently worked all night. He has ever been a most industrious man, and even yet is capable of performing a hard day's work in the field. His unabating industry has brought to him very creditable success and his property stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise.
On the 6th of September. 1851, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Polston, a daughter of John Polston. She had formerly been a
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member of the Lippincott household. Her married life was of short dura- tion, for after four years she was called to the home beyond, leaving two children,-Joseph and Alfred. The former, who resides on one of his father's farms, married Laura Wescott, of Woodstown, and has five children, namelyy. Ruth, Norris, Elizabeth, Fred and Sadie. Alfred, who wedded Mary Burns, of Woodstown, and has two children, Elsie and John, is also living on one of his father's farms.
Mr. Black, of this review, has spent his entire life, since his twentieth year, in Gloucester county, and has ever commanded the respect and esteem which is given to men of sterling worth. In the evening of life he is crowned with veneration and regard, and while he has attained a handsome competence he has also won that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
H. P. FRIES.
The kingdom of Denmark has furnished to America some of their most worthy citizens, men who in the active affairs of life have occupied important and prominent positions. The enterprise and perseverance which are so characteristic of the Danish nation are found exemplified in the subject of this review. He was born in Denmark, January 13, 1848, and is the son of O. M. Fries, who was also a native of that land and belonged to a prominent family there. The father devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits and spent his entire life in Denmark. He held a number of local offices, and was a faithful and consistent member of the Lutheran church. His wife bore the maiden name of Mattie Peterson, and her death occurred in Denmark il: 1887. Two years later the father passed away. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are living, H. P., of this review; P. P., of California; and Mrs. Mettie K. Tigerson, of Denmark.
In the local schools of his native land H. P. Fries was educated and then learned the trade of millwright. In 1872 he determined to try his fortune in America, hoping to improve his financial condition in a land where oppor- tunity is open to all who have ambition and energy. He worked on farms at different places and was also connected with the oyster business for a time. By his industry and economy he was enabled to save some capital and in 1876 he came to Gloucester county and purchased his present farm, com- prising some forty-six acres of rich land. This is now under a high state of cultivation and adds materially to the income of the owner. In 1880 he also embarked in merchandising in Janvier. In 1898 he purchased a rug factory, which he has since successfully operated. He is a man of excellent business
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 325
and executive ability and carries to successful completion whatever he under- takes.
Mr. Fries was married on the 17th of March, 1876, Miss Hannah F. Barnes becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Edgar Barnes, of Janvier, and by her marriage is the mother of three children: Olah, who is conduct- ing a rug factory; Fred, who makes his home in Kansas City; and Mattie, who is with her parents. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Fries is an active and influential member. He served as the super- intendent of the Sunday-school, and has actively labored for the growth and upbuilding of the church. The cause of education also finds in him a warm friend, and his efforts as school trustee resulted in advancing the standard of schools in this locality. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he came to the New World without capital and by the exercise of diligence and sound judgment he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of af- fluence, being now numbered among the substantial citizens of the com- munity.
JOHN W. M'CLURE.
Among the worthy officials whose fidelity to duty commends him to the public confidence is John W. McClure, the well-known postmaster of Wil- liamstown. He was born in county Antrim, Ireland, April 27, 1844, and belongs to an old family of that place. There his grandfather, Samuel Mc- Clure, and his father, Thomas McClure, were both born. The latter was a tailor by trade and was a good man who in all the relations of life was true to duty and principle. For many years he served as an elder in the Presby- terian church, and died in that faith July 5, 1878. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, is a daughter of William Kirkpatrick, and is still living, at the age of seventy years. They have a family of eight children, but only two are now living,-Margaret J. and John W.
The subject of this review was educated in the common schools. He was brought to this country by his father when only three years of age and when a lad of twelve took up his residence in Williamstown, where he has since made his home. At an early age he learned the tailor's trade and followed that pursuit until 1879, but for many years his labors have been devoted to the public service. He has been frequently called to office by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and who have found in him a faithful protector of the general interests. He was elected and served as assessor for eleven years, has been a township committeeman for five years, and for six years has filled the position of postmaster. In politics he is a
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stanch Democrat and has taken a very active interest in political questions, keeping well informed on the issues of the day. In addition to the other offices he has filled he was district clerk and school trustee for a number of years, and in 1885 was appointed by President Cleveland as postmaster of Williamstown. In 1893 he was re-elected to the position and is a popular official. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, which is cultivated under his direct supervision, and he derives from his farm a good income.
On the 21st of March, 1872, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Mary Jane Lashley, a daughter of George C. Lashley, of Gloucester county. They had two children, but only one is now living, James C., a physician re- siding at home, who was graduated at the Georgetown University in 1899. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. McClure is a promi- nent member. He is the secretary of the board of trustees and is zealously interested in all that tends to its advancement. He is also a representative of that most ancient of all benevolent fraternities, the Masonic order, and of the local lodge is serving as tyler. His sterling worth, his high moral character, and his genial manners have won him a large circle of friends and he is favorably known throughout his county.
HORACE E. RICHARDSON.
Horace Evans Richardson is now occupying the position of postmaster of Cape May Court House, and is one of the leading and influential citizens of the community and a worthy representative of two of the oldest families in this section of the state. He was born at Rio Grande on the 22d of Feb- ruary, 1867, his parents being Joseph and Louisa (Slaughter) Richardson. The family name is of English origin. The paternal great-great-grandfather, Jacob Richardson, was a native of England and came to this country prior to the Revolutionary war, locating at Rio Grande, Cape May county, where he purchased from the West Jersey Association a large tract of land, com- prising more than three hundred acres. He thus became one of the pioneer settlers of the locality. He had two sons, Jacob and Samuel. The former was the great-grandfather of our subject, and he inherited the old home- stead, upon which he spent his remaining days. His children were: John, Jeremiah, Abigail and Prudence.
Jeremiah Richardson, the grandfather of him whose name introduces this review, was born at Rio Grande on the 30th of May, 1785, and was a
AzRichardson
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sea captain and owned a number of vessels and sloops engaged in the coast- ing trade. One of his vessels was captured as a prize of war by the British in the war 1812. After that Mr. Richardson enlisted in the coast defense service and did duty along the Jersey coast between Diverty's Point and Town Bank. He lived at Rio Grande for several years, and in connection with farming was engaged in the manufacture of salt. Subsequently he be- came wreck master on the coast, and on one occasion, when attempting to save a crew, he, through excitement and exposure, lost his voice and never recovered it. He was married January 16, 1816, to Mrs. Lydia Holmes, nee Hildreth, who was born April 7, 1790, and was a daughter of Stilwell Hil- dreth. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richardson were born four children: Jeremiah, who married Hannah Leaming and had three children, Furman, Sophia and Charles; Lydia, who became the wife of Captain Alfred Sharp and had a son, Coleman, who became a sea captain and was lost at sea, leaving a widow who bore the maiden name of Rachel Ross, and a daughter, Helen; Joseph, who was the next in order of birth; and Martha Ann, who was the youngest and became the wife of Samuel Roseman, and they had two chil- dren: Alfretta, the wife of Howard Buck, by whom she had a son, Howard; and Della, the wife of Daniel Miller. The grandfather died February 23, 1834, at the age of forty-two, and the grandmother passed away on the 3d of October, 1872, at the age of seventy-five years.
Joseph Richardson, the father of him whose name begins this review, was born July 18, 1826, at Rio Grande, Cape May county, where he has spent his entire life. He owns one hundred and fifty acres of land and is engaged in farming and fruit-raising, making a specialty of the cultivation of apples, pears, peaches and small fruits. For a number of years he was also engaged in oyster planting in his own sounds, and found that a profitable source of income. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and for twelve years served as postmaster of Rio Grande. A consistent member of the Baptist church, he does all in his power to promote its interests, and donated the ground upon which the present house of worship of that denomination in Rio Grande is erected. He was married March 25, 1865, to E. T. V. Slaugh- ter, a daughter of Doctor James Slaughter. They have three children: Hor- ace Evans; Edwin E., who was born November 26, 1869; and Joseph Neaf- fie, who was born August 12, 1872. He was married June 16, 1899, to Miss Luckhart, of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and is now conducting a prosperous drug business at the corner of Sixth and Diamond streets, Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are still living, in the enjoyment of good health. Mrs. Richardson is still well preserved for a lady of her years and is a beautiful woman, whose charming
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entertainment and gracious hospitality make her home a favorite resort for her large circle of friends.
On the maternal side Mr. Richardson is descended from James Slaughter, his great-grandfather, who was a slave-holder at Spottsylvania, Virginia, where he owned a large plantation and spent his entire life. His only son, Doctor James Slaughter, was a graduate of the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and for many years was a prominent physician of Lancaster city, that state, but subsequently removed to Philadelphia and opened an office on Broad street. He was twice married, his first union be- ing with Eliza Turner. Their children are: James LaFayette, who died in infancy; Virginia, who died in infancy; Dr. James Madison; Thomas Jeffer- son; and Mrs. Richardson. The elder surviving son married Lizzie Snider, of Philadelphia, and is now a practicing physician in Rio Grande, New Jer- sey. Their children are: Mary Laura, John, Virgil, Sarah A., Dr. Herbert, who is a dentist of Philadelphia, and Evans, a hotel proprietor of Wildwood, New Jersey. Rev. Thomas Jefferson Slaughter married Lizzie Baily and resides on the old Henry Clay homestead, on the eastern shore of Mary- land. They had three sons,-William, Thomas and Howard. Dr. Slaughter, the grandfather of our subject, died February 14, 1863, at the age of seventy years, and his wife passed away June 21, 1866, at the age of fifty-seven years.
Horace E. Richardson, the subject of this review, pursued his preliminary education in the public schools of Rio Grande and afterward attended Pierce's Business College. Next he became associated with Hubbard Broth- ers, publishers on Chestnut street, Philadelphia, in the capacity of book- keeper for that house for four years. In 1890 he entered the employ of the Prudential Insurance Company, where he remained as agent for one year, and since 1891 he has been assistant superintendent for Cape May county and a part of Atlantic county. In 1898 he was appointed the postmaster of Cape May Court House, and is now very capably discharging the duties of that office. In politics he takes a deep interest and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and has served as a delegate to various conventions of the Republican party.
On the 15th of October, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rich- ardson and Miss Melissa L. Hoffman, a daughter of William Hoffman, a sea captain residing at Cold Spring, New Jersey. They have two children, -- Ethel D. and Lizzie H. Mr. Richardson is a member of Hereford Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Ponemah Tribe, I. O. R. M. He and his wife hold mem- bership in the Baptist church, and occupy enviable positions in social cir- cles, enjoying the high regard of many friends. Mr. Richardson is a lover of field sports, especially gunning. He was also the promoter of the bicycle
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path from Cape May Court House to Cape May city. He has always lived in this locality, and has ever given a commendable support to enterprises and measures calculated to prove a public benefit. His own life record has been so creditable and honorable that it has brought no stain upon the untarnished family name.
JOHN M. MOORE.
To no man is the prosperity and advancement of Clayton due in a greater degree than to John M. Moore, who is to-day at the head of a very important industry, conducted under the name of the Moore Brothers' Glass Works. This concern has been a very important factor in the upbuilding and progress of the town, for the welfare of the community depends upon its commercial and industrial activities, and in the glass-works employment is furnished to several hundred operatives. The enterprise yields to the owners a handsome income which is well merited, for they have risen through their own efforts to positions of prominence in the business world and their success is but a just reward for their labors.
John 'M. Moore was born in Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jer- sey, January 1, 1827. He pursued his education in the common schools, but at an early age put aside his text-books and when a young man of nineteen years left home, going to Millville, New Jersey, where he remained for twelve years. He there learned the business of the manufacture of glass, and on the expiration of that period traveled across the continent, spending one year in California. In the winter of 1855 and 1856 he came to Clayton and purchased a glass factory of one who had failed in business. After a few months he was joined by his brother Wilson and on a small scale they began operations, having but one furnace. Their trade, however, has stead- ily increased, and in order to meet the growing demands they have increased their facilities until the plant is now equipped with five furnaces and all of the latest improvements and machinery needed in their lines. They manufacture green glass bottles, and employ five hundred men and boys. From time to time they have extended the field of their business, and in connection with their glass factories they conduct a gristmill and sawmill and a machine shop. Their varied interests have been a means of largely increasing the population of Clayton, which has grown from a town of three hundred to three thousand people. Many of these have come to Clayton to work in the factories and mills owned by Mr. Moore, and this is now a prosperous and thriving community, for he pays good wages to his employes and treats them with all due consideration. He is also a director in the Millville Na-
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