USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 39
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
He is a stanch Republican and is deeply interested in the success of the party. He is recognized among business men as a man of executive ability and sound judgment, and is esteemed by those in his employ as a kind and just employer and by his neighbors as a whole-souled, genial friend.
JOHN S. WEAVER.
John S. Weaver, the secretary of the Bodine Glass Works, at Williams- town, New Jersey, will be reviewed in this connection. He is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born September 27, 1856. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Senseney) Weaver. The father was born in that county, and his father, Joseph Weaver, was a native of the same county, while his father came from Switzerland on account of religious persecution. The family took up a large tract of land. Joseph was a large and successful farmer. Isaac was an extensive carpenter and builder, employed many men. and was widely known. He was a prominent man in the Evangelical church. He is now past sixty-nine, while his good wife is sixty-seven years of age. Of their eight children only six survive: Our subject; I. W., at home; Dr. H. S., J. M. and W. A., at Philadelphia: and R. K., of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
J. S. Weaver, the principal subject of this sketch, received a good educa- tion. First he attended the common schools and then went to the Normal, at Millersville: also attended at Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. He followed teaching for nine years, in Pennsylvania. and for one year was engaged as
359
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
stenographer on a Philadelphia paper. In 1884 he came to Williamstown, as stenographer to Mr. S. Garwood, who was the superintendent of the rail- road company. He also did work for the glass works. He has been vari- ously employed by the glass company and is now superintendent of the com- pany's store.
In politics, Mr. Weaver is a Republican, and none takes a livelier interest in his party's success than does he. He was member of the school board for four years. He is a member of the Methodist church and has served as one of its stewards for seven years. For several years he has taught the young men's Bible class, besides having led the choir ten years. He was one of the seven charter members who instituted the Masonic lodge at Williams- town, and was one of its first officials. Looking toward the protection of his family, he is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Junior Order of American Mechanics. It should here be added that our subject is the present secre- tary of the Bodine Glass Company. In a recent conversation with him it was learned that he thinks the world is doing all for him that he deserves -- he is satisfied and never given to grumbling.
Like most truly sensible men, our subject is a married man! It was Oc- tober 16, 1883. when he married Sabina E. Spangler, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Moses Spangler, of Berks, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Elmer S., Elizabeth R., Helen E. and John H.
AUGUSTUS THIES.
The life record of this gentleman proves that success may be attained by well directed effort even when fate has vouchsafed no assistance in the way of wealth. He is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the com- munity and has arisen to this position by diligence and perseverance. He owns and occupies a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Hurff- ville, Gloucester county, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place well indicates his careful supervision.
Mr. Thies is a representative of the Teutonic race, his birth having oc- curred in Bremen, Germany, November 6, 1839. His father, Henry, was also a native of that locality and carried the mail between Bremen and Han- over, in the early days before the era of railroad transportation. He also drove the stage between those points and carried Prince Albert when he went to England to marry Queen Victoria. He always spoke of the prince as one of the most pleasant young men he had ever seen. In 1844 he deter- mined to try his fortune in America, and bidding adieu to friends and native
360
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
land he sailed for the New World, taking up his abode in Long Island. Sub- sequently he went to Philadelphia, and in 1849 came to Camden near Mexico. There he engaged in farming and through that occupation supported his family. In his religious belief he was a Presbyterian. His death occurred in 1865, and his wife passed away in 1868. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are yet living, namely: Harriet, the wife of Charles Ganglebrough, of Philadelphia; and Augustus, of this review.
The latter attended the common schools of this country, being only five years of age at the time of the emigration of his parents to America. He was a student of Bunker Hill school in 1849 and acquired a fair English edu- cation, which well fitted him for the practical duties of life. In 1863 he pur- chased the farm upon which he now resides, a tract of one hundred and sixty- five acres. This was covered with timber, which he cleared away, hauling the wood to Philadelphia, where it was used for fuel. As acre after acre was placed under the plow the rich fields yielded to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them and to-day he is the owner of a very valuable and productive farm. He carries on general farming and market gardening, raising vegetables for the city market.
As a companion and helpmeet in life Mr. Thies chose Miss Mary Ann Hann, the daughter of Joseph Hann, also of Bunker Hill, Gloucester county, their marriage taking place in 1865. Unto them have been born nine chil- dren, seven of whom are living, as follows: Henry, who resides near his father; Augustus, who makes his home at Bunker Hill; Harriet, Charles, Mary Ann, Clarence and William, all at home. The family is well and favor- ably known in this locality and highly esteemed for sterling worth.
Mr. Thies gives his political support to the Democracy and his fellow townsmen appreciate his worth and ability, having frequently called him to public office. He has served in a number of the township positions and for three terms has been a freeholder of Gloucester county. At all times he has been actively interested in everything pertaining to the intellectual, material and moral progress of the community.
ROBERT P. THOMPSON.
This gentleman, now a resident of South Seaville, was born in Goshen, March II, 1828, and is a son of Nehemiah and Cynthia E. (Stillwell) Thomp- son. His paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland and had three sons,- Constantine, James and Nehemiah. The last named was born in Cape May county, New Jersey, October 24, 1792, spent his childhood and youth there
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 361
and learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he followed throughout his life. He resided in Goshen and was a highly respected citizen of that community. He gave his political support first to the Whig and afterward to the Republi- can party. He was married, April 17, 1825, to Miss Cynthia E. Stillwell, who was born July 4, 1809, a daughter of John Stillwell, who was the cap- tain of a vessel and was lost at sea. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of ten children. Robert P. is the eldest. Louisa, who was born June 27, 1830, was married in September, 1849, to Hickman E. Foster, who was a motorman in early life, but later successfully engaged in the lumber business in Decatur, Illinois. He died in 1898, leaving three children,-Mrs. Etta Crawford; Calista; and Kate, wife of Cador M. Smith, of Birmingham, Alabama. John S., born December 31, 1832, married Rebecca Puce. Wil- liam, born December 31, 1834, married Tabitha Scudder. Josephine. born March 29, 1837, is the wife of William Norton, who has followed farming and contracting in Cape May county and in Illinois and Missouri: their children are Willamette and Harry. Charles, born March 20, 1839, died June 16, 1865. Sarah, born July 15, 1841, is the wife of Thomas Peterson, and their children are George and Sarah. Richard, born December 24, 1844, died September 29, 1865. George C., born June 8, 1848, is a sea captain re- siding in Camden, New Jersey, and married Sarah Corson. Edward W .. born June 15, 1851, died in infancy. The father of these passed away July 31, 1866, at the age of seventy-four years, and their mother was called to her final rest in 1870.
In the public schools of his native town Robert Thompson became fami- liar with the common English branches of learning, and on leaving the school-room went to sea. He was promoted from time to time in recogni- tion of his diligence and fidelity, becoming a mate and eventually a captain of vessels engaged in the coasting trade. He sailed on the Atlantic between the ages of fifteen and twenty-seven years, and then learned the ship car- penter's trade, which he followed in Goshen and Dennisville until 1884. Sub- sequently he engaged in farming for three years at South Seaville, where he rented sixty acres of land, and since that time he has resided in South Seaville, where he rents a small farm and conducts a first-class boarding- house, receiving a liberal patronage.
On the 30th of September, 1852, Mr. Thompson married Miss Sarah W. Townsend, a daughter of Smith Townsend. They have an adopted daughter. Sarah, who became the wife of Newell Sturtevant Carson, a son of Frederick Corson, and they have two children,-Maud S. and Florence B. In his political views Mr. Thompson is a stalwart Republican, and his fellow towns- men, appreciating his worth and ability and his devotion to the party, have
.
362
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
elected him to several local offices. He has served as coroner, as justice of the peace and has been a trustee of the public schools for thirty years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at South Seaville, and has held many offices therein, being an exhorter and class-leader for the long period of thirty years. He has also been a trustee and steward in the church, and is a most earnest worker in its behalf. He is also a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.
DAVID B. WADDINGTON.
David Bowen Waddington owns and conducts one of the best meat mar- kets in this part of the state, at 160 Broadway, Salem. He is also a farmer of ability and prominence and enjoys the distinction of being strictly up-to- date in his methods. He was born April 4, 1844, in Elsinboro township, Salem county, to Richard and Mary Ann (Bowen) Waddington.
Richard Waddington, his father, was also born in this county, in October, 18II, and was educated in the district schools. When he reached manhood he engaged in the mercantile business for one year at Hancock's Bridge. Later he purchased a farm in Elsinboro township, where he spent the balance of his life in the quiet pursuit incident to country life. He acquired con- siderable property and at his death was the owner of three farms aggregating three hundred and fifty acres. One farm is situated in Alloway Creek town- ship, while two are located in Elsinboro, and represent in a measure his suc- cessful business methods. Eight years before his death, which occurred in his eighty-third year, he retired to Salem, where the sunset years of his life were passed in a quiet and restful manner, an end well befitting his long life of activity. He was a strong adherent of the Society of Friends and a Demo- crat in his political views, yet he was ever tolerant of the views of others and did not endeavor to force his opinions on them. He was in high repute and was chosen to fill a number of local offices, where his kindly nature manifested itself in the interest of those with whom he had dealings. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann Bowen, the mother of our subject. The other children were Edward, who was born March 23, 1839, and mar- ried Mary Hood; Anna, who was born in August, 1840, and married William Ware, a retired farmer of Salem, by whom she had two children,-Minna and Richard; Lizzie, the deceased wife of Jonathan Fogg, a farmer, by whom she had six children,-Mary, Elmer, Roland, Hannah, Bessie and Ida; George, who was born in 1849, and married Mary Gaskell and has eight chil-
David B Waddington
ยท
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 363
dren,-Adia, Martie, May. Emma, George, Edward, Ella and an infant; Mary, who married William Shute, a farmer of Cumberland county, and has three children,-Walter, Edward and Anna. The children of Edward Wad- dington were: Harry; Anna, deceased; Phoebe, who married Joseph English and has two children,-Edward and Mary. The mother of our subject died in her forty-seventh year.
David B. Waddington attended the Friends' school at Salem until he was twenty years of age and then assisted his father with the farm work until his marriage, when he began farming for himself in Quinton township. He remained in that locality for seven years, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-three acres in Piles Grove township, which he culti- vated for seventeen years, at the same time making it his home. At that time he came to Salem and bought his fine residence on Oak street and engaged in the meat business. Much credit is due him for furnishing the citizens of Salem with meat of choice variety and the best possible grade. In order to do this he buys large herds of cattle and ships them to his farms, where they are fattened and made ready for slaughter. The butchering is done on the farm, and great pains is taken to have the meat in the best possible shape when it is sent to his market, where three men are constantly employed to look after the wants of his patrons. He frequently has as many as one hun- dred head of cattle on his place, as he keeps about forty cows and often fat- tens sixty steers at a time. That his market is a favorite buying place with the residents is shown by the lucrative and extended trade which he enjoys. He is assisted in this work by his son, and the slaughtering is done weekly. He still maintains a strict surveillance of his farms, of which he owns two, one at Piles Grove and the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Elsinboro township, and raises principally hay and grass, much of which is fed to his stock, of which he also raises large herds.
He is a Democrat and firm in support of his convictions,-a right which he freely accords to all. His life has been too fully occupied with his busi- ness to admit of political intrigues, even had his aspirations been in that direction. He was married March 8, 1871, to Margaret Stretch, of Glouces- ter county, this state. Three children have blessed their union: Lucie, who married Richard Layton, a farmer on the Piles Grove farm, and has two children, Alice and R. Kirby; Richard, who married Mary Atkinson, is a farmer on the Elsinboro farm and has one child, Margaret; and Fannie, who died at the age of eight months. Mrs. Waddington departed this life Sep- tember 17, 1897, at the age of fifty-eight years, and her death was deeply deplored by a wide circle who knew and appreciated her worth.
364
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
REUBEN W. RYAN.
It is the glory of our American republic that the field of opportunity is not limited, that individuality finds scope for development and that enter- prise may rise above environment and overthrow the obstacles that block the path to success. The majority of men who are to-day the leaders in the commercial and professional life of thriving communities are those who have risen by their own unaided efforts, and of this class Mr. Ryan is a repre- sentative. At the age of fourteen he started out upon an independent busi- ness career, securing a humble clerkship, and to-day he occupies a prominent position in commercial circles, being the proprietor of one of the finest gen- eral stores on the Atlantic coast.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born near Churchville, Bucks county. that state, February 12, 1864, his parents being Edward H. and Florence L. (Koons) Ryan. His paternal grandfather, William Ryan, resided near Churchville and followed the occupation of farming, owning a large tract of land in that locality. He also engaged in hauling produce from his neighborhood to the city of Philadelphia, on commission. Prior to the war he gave his political support to the Democracy, but after the south attempted to overthrow the Union he stood by the party that was the main defense of the stars and stripes and stanchly advocated Republican principles until his death. In his religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He married Elizabeth Van Horn, a member of the Society of Friends, and they became the parents of three children: Mary Ellen, wife of William Levis; Edward H .; and Hannah, the wife of Jesse Hart. Both the grandfather and the grandmother of our subject died when seventy-six years of age.
Edward H. Ryan was born in a log cabin in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1832, and was educated in the common schools. In early life he engaged in farming and in the commission business, and later was the proprietor of a flour and feed store in Philadelphia, where he carried on operations at the corner of Frankford road and Adams street until 1891. He married Miss Florence L. Koons, and they have two children,-Reuben W. and Lelia,-the latter the wife of William S. Mellon, a china decorator residing in Philadelphia. In his political views Mr. Ryan is a stanch Repub- lican and served on a number of committees, doing all in his power to pro- mote the growth and insure the success of his party. During the civil war he enlisted for the service, but hostilities ceased before he was sent to the field. He attended the Friends' meetings, and was a man whom to know was to respect and honor.
Reuben Warford Ryan pursued his education in the public schools of
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 365
Philadelphia until fourteen years of age, when he began clerking in a store, in which capacity he was employed until embarking in business on his own account as a dealer in groceries at the corner of Frankford road and Adams street. On the 12th of August, 1889, he came to Wildwood and established his present general mercantile business. He has built up a very large trade. two wagons being required to deliver the goods. His sales amount annually to thirty-five thousand dollars, and he occupies a store room forty-eight by forty-eight feet, with an addition forty by sixty feet. He also has a store- room eighteen by thirty feet, which he rents. He deals in general merchan- dising and during the summer season controls one of the largest trades in southern New Jersey. He makes a specialty of handling fine china, and his important souvenir and china store adjoining his mammoth bazaar embraces the handsomest wares from Japan, China and Austria, much of which is pre- pared to order for Mr. Ryan. His store is built in handsome Gothic style of architecture and the internal arrangement is most convenient, tasteful and artistic.
On the 12th of August, 1889, Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Sauerton, of Rancocas, New Jersey, and they have three children, -Norman W., Alta and William Kenneth. The parents occupy a promi- nent position in social circles, and their circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Ryan is regarded as one of the most successful business men of Wildwood, and his prosperity is the merited reward of his own labors; for from a humble clerkship he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of affluence. Thoroughly progressive and enterprising, he is an important factor in the upbuilding and progress of Wildwood, and owns considerable real estate in this place and in Holly Beach. He served as the postmaster of Wildwood from 1889 until 1898, and has served as a delegate to congressional and county conventions, being one of the ardent supporters of the Republican party. He has also been a member of the village council and exercised his official prerogatives to advance the welfare and upbuilding of the place. Socially he is connected with Cape Island Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M., and with the Royal Arcanum. His marked enterprise, his fidelity to his duties of citizenship, his superior business ability and his social prominence all entitle him to representation among the leading citizens of Cape May county.
WILLIAM B. NEWKIRK.
The Newkirk family is one that for several generations has resided in the vicinity of Elmer, New Jersey, and been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Salem county. A representative of this family is found in William B.
366
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Newkirk, a prosperous and highly respected farmer, who owns and occupies a pleasant rural home near Elmer.
William B. Newkirk was born not far from the place where he now lives. November 5, 1870, a son of Charles F. and grandson of Clement Newkirk. both natives of this locality. Cornelius Newkirk, the great-grandfather of William B., was among the early settlers of this place. All were prosperous farmers. Charles F. Newkirk held some township offices, and was promi- nently identified with Friendship Methodist Episcopal church, in which he occupied official positions, including for years that of Sunday-school superin- tendent. He was successful in the management of his farm, and was looked upon as one of the representative farmers and esteemed citizens of this part of the county. He died in 1890. His widow, whose maiden name was Lydia Benelsbeck, is still living. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living: Tamson, wife of William Bishop; Martha, wife of William Strong; William B., whose name introduces this sketch; and Elverta. wife of Albert Coombs-all residing in the vicinity of Elmer.
William B. Newkirk was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools, and in a Quaker school at Woodstown, New Jersey. When he started in life on his own occount it was to engage in the occupation which, as already stated, his forefathers had followed for generations. He took up his residence on his present farm, one hundred and twelve acres, in 1892, renting it for six years, until 1898, and then purchasing the property. He carries on diversified farming and has been uniformly suc- cessful in his operations. Continuing in the religious faith in which he was reared, Mr. Newkirk is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was married January 27, 1891, to Miss Rayella Overs, daugh- ter of William Overs, of Elmer, and they have three children,-Helen. Iva and Margaret.
CHARLES E. COLLINS.
Among those who devote their energies to farming in Gloucester county is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born on the farm where he still resides, March 29, 1852. His father. Elijah Collins, was also a native of this locality and was the son of William Collins. He devoted his energies to the work of the farm and by his well directed efforts and capable management he acquired a comfortable competence and left to his family a good estate. He married Patience Pease, a daughter of John Pease, of Gloucester county, and they became the parents of eight children, three of whom are living, as follows: William, a resident of Woodbury, and the
367
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
present sheriff of Gloucester county; Charles E., of this review; and Albert, who is living in the neighborhood. Their father was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and served as steward. He was called to his final rest in 1883, but his wife is still living and has attained the advanced age of seventy-eight.
Charles E. Collins attended the common schools, but in early youth put aside his text-books to assist in the labors of the farm. He is now the owner of fifty-seven acres of the old homestead which has been in his possession for fifteen years. He follows progressive methods of farming and his diligence and enterprise bring to him a good income.
In January, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Collins and Miss Nellie Eldredge, a daughter of Obadiah Eldredge, a resident of Cross Keys. They have three children, all sons,-George, Radford and Clarence. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Collins is a member. He also belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and holds membership in the Grange. He has served as a school trustee and has taken a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of this community.
ROBERT C. CLARK.
Robert C. Clark, one of the enterprising merchants of Hurffville, New Jersey, is a native of Glassboro, this state, born January 22, 1853. He worked as did most of the lads of that day, and had only the common-school advan- tages. He farmed until he was about twenty-six years of age. In 1878 he purchased the store he now conducts. He has served the people of his com- munity as their obliging postmaster for a goodly period,-first in 1878, next under Arthur and Harrison and now under President Mckinley. For a time he was a director in the First National Bank at Glassboro. Politically he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has held his share of local offices, including school trustee, and was district clerk for nine years. From 1893 to 1899 he was a freeholder. He is the man responsible for the improved condition of the roads in his section, as he was a hard worker when a freeholder.
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.