USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 40
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He is an active member of the Methodist church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Mystic Chain, Golden Eagle and Junior Order of American Mechanics.
He was married March 12, 1878, to Hannah Pricket, the daughter of S. O. Pricket, of Hurffville. Their children are Byron S. and Nettie B.
Relating to our subject's parents, ancestry, etc., it may be here stated
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that his father, whose name was Benjamin Clark, was born near Woodstown, New Jersey. His father also was named Benjamin, and he was a native of the same section of the state. His father was Isaac, who emigrated from England. This person was our subject's great-grandfather, and he was a son of Lord Lucas Clarke (spelled with an e). Our subject's father, Benjamin Clark, was a tiller of the soil, dying in 1877, at Mullica Hill. He was identi- fied with the Methodist church; was a member of that body many years, and served as a steward and trustee. He also belonged to the order of Knights of Pythias. He was a successful farmer and an excellent type of manhood. He married Mary, the daughter of Samuel Sharp. He was a promi- nent citizen of Franklin township, Gloucester county. Our subject's mother died in 1897. Of their twelve children six are living: Elizabeth, Zebulon. John D., Richwood, New Jersey; Abigail, the wife of Hiram Madara, of Camden; Allen S., Ewingville, New Jersey ; our subject; and R. J., of Winona.
JOSEPH T. SICKLER.
The name which introduces this review is one which is familiar to the residents of southern New Jersey, for through many generations representa- tives of the Sickler family have resided in Gloucester county. The subject of this review is one of the leading attorneys in Gloucester county and is a recognized leader of public thought and opinion. His influence in the affairs of this section of the state has been most marked, and his efforts have led to advancement along social, educational, moral and material lines. Fitted by native courage and intellectual ability to direct affairs and to assume respon- sibility, he has steadily won his way to a position of eminence among the rep- resentative men of New Jersey.
Mr. Sickler was born April 27, 1852, in Mantua, Gloucester county, and is of German lineage. At an early period in the development of the state Joshua Sickler took up his abode at Chew's Landing, now Camden, New Jersey, and became the founder of the family in this section of the country. The year of his arrival was probably 1662. Christopher Sickler, the great- grandfather of our subject, was born at Chew's Landing and reared six chil- dren, namely: Elizabeth, John R., Jason, Joshua, Rebecca and Mary. Throughout the long years which have been added to the cycle of eternity since Joshua Sickler established his home at Chew's Landing, representa- tives of the family have been prominent in the affairs which have gone to make up the history of the state, and in various departments of life have at- tained to eminent positions. Dr. John R. Sickler, the father of our subject.
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was one of the most distinguished physicians and jurists that claimed Glouces- ter county as the place of his residence, and the history of his life is given on another page of this work.
Joseph T. Sickler pursued his education in the public schools, and, deter- mining to make the practice of law his life work, he pursued his studies under the direction of R. M. Ware, a leading attorney of Mullica Hill, and also in the office of James Moon, a practitioner at the bar of Woodbury. In 1874 he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery and four years later as a counselor. He has an office in Woodbury, in connec- tion with Judge Clymer, but maintains his home in Clarksboro. He has made a specialty of corporation law and is regarded as the leader in that branch of jurisprudence in Gloucester county. As an attorney he is sound, clear-minded and well trained. The limitations which are imposed by the constitution on federal powers are well understood by him. With the long line of decisions, from Marshall down, by which the constitution has been expounded he is familiar, as are all thoroughly skilled lawyers. He is at home in all departments of law, from the minutiae in practice to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. But he is not learned in the law alone, for he has studied long and carefully the subjects that are to the statesman and the man of affairs of the greatest import .- the questions of finance, political economy, sociology,-and has kept abreast with the best thinking men of the age. He is felicitous and clear in argu- ment, thoroughly in earnest, full of the vigor of conviction, never abusive of adversaries, imbued with the highest courtesy, and yet a foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent.
A man of resourceful business ability, Mr. Sickler has not confined his efforts alone to his professional duties, but has been actively concerned in many other business affairs which have contributed not alone to his in- dividual prosperity but have been of benefit also to the entire community. He is dealing quite extensively in real estate and is the owner of valuable property. He is also financially interested in railroads and street-car lines, and is a very active and reliable business man whose keen discernment, close application and sound judgment have gained him marked prominence in industrial, professional and financial circles. He is the superintendent of the Eagleton Sanitarium, one of the finest in this part of the country. His efforts have been discerningly directed along well defined lines of industrial and commercial activity, and his wonderful foresight and capable management have won him a place in business circles second to none in this part of New Jersey.
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On the 7th of September. 1897, Mr. Sickler was united in marriage to Miss Lucy G. Gill, a daughter of Judge David B. Gill, who was for many years accounted one of the leading men of this locality. His father, Matthew Gill, was at an early day a successful and prominent merchant at Clarksboro, and was descended from the Clark family in whose honor the town was named. Judge Gill was born in 1811 and died in 1894, in Clarksboro, his native town. He was a very progressive man and was one of the builders of the West Jersey & Delaware Railroad. He recognized the value of secur- ing rapid transit and excellent means of transportation, and, believing that railroad building was a profitable investment, he promoted his own success while at the same time he advanced public prosperity through railroad con- struction. He was a director of the old Camden & Amboy Railroad, and was well known in railroad circles. During the period of the rebellion he held the important office of sheriff of Gloucester county, and later he was ap- pointed judge by the joint assembly of the state legislature for one term. In politics he was a stanch Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the prin- ciples of the party. He married Sarah Hendrie, of Marietta, Ohio, and to them were born two children: Francis Wood, a resident of Topeka, Kansas: and Lucy G., the wife of Joseph T. Sickler. The mother is still living, her home being in Clarksboro.
Mr. Sickler is also prominent in political circles, but his views are in ac- cord with Democratic principles. His close study of the questions of the day enables him to give an intelligent support to the party of his choice and to uphold his position by strong argument. He has been an active factor in many campaigns,-congressional, district and state. When hardly more than a boy he was the overseer of the poor in Mantua township, and in 1896 he was a candidate for sheriff on the Democratic ticket. He ran seven hun- dred and thirty-five votes ahead of his ticket, but could not overcome the very strong Republican majority which is always to be found in Gloucester county. For many years he has been a member of the Democratic township committee and is one of the advising committee and the vice chairman to the Demo- cratic county committee. His labors in behalf of Democracy have been untir- ing and effective. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree. National progress and local advancement are causes both dear to his heart, and he is ever true and faithful to his duties of citizenship. Socially Mr. Sickler is a member of the Masonic lodge of Mantua, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Clarksboro. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he stands to-day one of the leading and representative men of his state-a man who is a power in his community.
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
JOHN O'NEIL.
John O'Neil is one of the conspicuous citizens of Newfield, not alone be- cause he is the proprietor of the well known rug factory located at that point but also for his many amiable characteristics and sterling worth. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, on Christmas day, 1850, and is a son of John O'Neil, a native of Ireland who came to the United States in 1836, when a young man. He was a mason by trade and followed that business in Philadelphia, where he made his home. He was industrious and thrifty and accumulated a sufficient competence to allow him to spend the evening of life in comfort and leave a nucleus of worldly comforts for his children. He was a devout Catholic and a man of temperate habits,-a fact that no doubt had much to do with the extreme longevity of his life. He died in Septem- ber, 1893, after rounding out ninety years of life. He chose as the sharer of his joys and sorrows Miss Annie Guckin, who died in 1873, after having had in the course of life nine children, five of whom are now living, viz .: Eliza, the widow of Samuel Parnell, of Philadelphia; Mary Ann, Mrs. M. P. Hani- gan, of the same city; Maggie, the widow of Thomas Downing, also of Phila- delphia; Ellen, who is a spinster; and John, the subject of this biography.
John O'Neil attended the Harrison grammar school of his native city during his tender years and at the age of twelve began work in a carpet mill, his first employment being that of winding bobbins. In November. 1864. when he was fourteen, he secured a place under the government in the quar- termaster's department, where he remained fourteen months. The war over he went back to his old trade of weaving and continued in it many years, learning the minutest detail of the business and laying the foundation of that success which has attended his efforts since commencing an independent business for himself. His first venture was in 1880, in Philadelphia. when he began the manufacture of rugs. Five years later, in 1885. in company with James C. Morrow, of Delaware, he equipped the factory of the Smyrna Rug Company of Newfield and has worked up a splendid business here. They make all sizes of rugs and ship their products to all parts of the country, meet- ing with a ready market. They have one hundred hands constantly employed and have an annual income of one hundred thousand dollars from the sale of their goods. The business has assumed sich proportions that it has been found necessary to enlarge the plant, and this they are now doing. It is. such men as Mr. O'Neil that make a town .- men who are full of push and vim. He has worked his own way from the lowest position in the line and is. cleserving of credit for the perseverance with which he stuck to the
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business. He is a typical self-made man and his life is well worthy of emula- tion.
On December 25. 1873, he was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Margaret Wood, a daughter of Henry Wood, of Philadelphia. Seven children have honored this marriage, five of whom still survive. They are Elizabeth, Agnes, Regina, Mary and Margrett. They are all unmarried ex- cept Elizabeth, who is the wife of Frank Weatherby.
JAMES C. JONES.
When by native force of character a man achieves success, in spite of circumstances and obstacles difficult to overcome, more credit is given to him by the people of this democratic country than if he was the inheritor of vast wealth or title; and this is one of our proudest boasts. When, more- over, a citizen gives evidence that he is not self-centered, but holds his duty to his country and the public of paramount importance, added glory should be his, and his example is worthy of emulation.
In tracing the history of J. C. Jones, an industrious, unassuming citizen of Franklin township, Gloucester county, it is seen that he is a self-made man and a true patriot. His father, Samuel Jones, was born near Centerton, Salem county, New Jersey, and departed this life in 1854. He was an agri- culturist, owning a small farm, and was an honest, God-fearing man, re- spected and loved by all. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gave all that he could to the cause of Christ. He married Chris- tiana Kandle, a daughter of John Kandle, of Salem county, but death took her from his home in 1848.
Of the eight children born to this worthy couple. J. C. Jones is the only survivor. He was born in Salem county, on a farm near Mullica Hill, Janu- ary 17, 1838. As his mother died when he was a lad of ten years, he went to live with his uncle Henry, whose home was near Willow Grove, Cumber- land county. When the youth was nineteen years of age he went to Mullica Hill, and for a few years thereafter he was employed upon farms in that vicinity. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers, at the Lake, and for the ensuing ten months was en- gaged in active service in the Union army, during that period taking part in the battle of Chancellorsville and others of less importance. Returning home. he resumed his interrupted duties, and since that time has been actively interested in the cultivation and improvement of his farm, which comprises one hundred and seventy acres. He has been honored with several local
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public offices of trust and responsibility, and has been a class-leader, trustee and steward in the Methodist Episcopal church at the Lake. His marriage to Mrs. Margaret Downs was celebrated July 29, 1861, and of their two chil- dren one is deceased, and the other, James W., resides near the old home- stead belonging to our subject.
JAMES V. CONOVER, M. D.
To minister to the sick and suffering, to carry cheer, sympathy and aid to those in pain and affliction,-can a nobler field of usefulness be found? Perhaps no one can quite fill the place of the Christian physician. as he goes from house to house in a community, carrying with him an atmosphere of strength, vitality and hope. One of the loved and esteemed physicians of Salem county is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch,-a valued member of the medical profession of this section of the state.
The Conover family originated in Holland several generations ago, and the sterling qualities for which the people of that country are noted are to be found in those bearing the name to-day. Two brothers founded the family on the hospitable shores of the New World, one making a permanent settlement on Manhattan island and the other locating in New Jersey. Elisha Conover, a son of John Conover, the Doctor's father, was born in this state, and for a livelihood made agriculture his chief business. For a period in his early life he was successfully engaged in teaching, and from the time that he arrived at man's estate until his death, July 13. 1897, he was an active and valued member of the Methodist church, serving as a class-leader and as one of the official board of the congregation with which his lot was cast. He attained the ripe age of eighty-four years, and his widow, who is still living, is now in her seventy-eighth year. Her maiden name was Eliza Van Meter, her father being James Van Meter, of one of the old, respected families of New Jersey. of Holland-Dutch extraction.
Dr. J. V. Conover, who was born July 12, 1855, in the identical house in the village near Woodstown, Salem county, in which his father's birth had occurred more than two-score years previously, is one of the seven children born to Elisha and Eliza Conover. The eldest, Lovisa, is the wife of Charles Huff, of Harrisonville, Gloucester county. Howard J. is a minister in the Methodist denomination, at present located at Mullica Hill, Gloucester county, and Samuel is engaged in farming in the vicinity of Harrisonville, New Jersey. Professor Elisha Conover, the youngest son, is a leading edu- cator, a man of superior attainments and brilliant prospects. He is a grad-
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uate of Dickinson College and now occupies the chair of Latin and Greek at the Delaware University, at Newark, Delaware. Anna, the youngest sur- viving daughter, is the wife of C. C. Avis, of Woodstown, New Jersey.
The advantages of a liberal education fell to Dr. Conover in his youth, his higher studies being pursued in the seminary at Pennington, New Jersey. After attending that well known institution of learning for two years he turned his attention to the subject of medicine, and in 1880 he was graduated in the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio. Subsequently he re- turned to this, his native state, and engaged in the practice of his chosen vocation for two years, after which he went to the west. There he remained for some time, gaining the experience which he desired in his work, and at the same time benefiting himself by meeting with the varied classes of people found in the west, and having his mind broadened and strengthened by travel and association with nature in all her phases. Returning home in September, 1897, he established himself in practice in Elmer, Salem county, where he has built up a large and lucrative patronage. When in the west he served for some time as a pension examining surgeon and physician at the city hospital. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the local lodge of the Masonic order. From childhood inoculated with the prin- ciples and beauties of the Methodist creed and doctrine, he early became a member of the church and is now acting in the capacity of trustee of the Elmer congregation.
His marriage was solemnized November 26, 1895, the lady of his choice being Alice W. Sniffin, a daughter of Nathaniel Sniffin, of New York. She possesses an excellent education and is very popular in church and social cir- cles, as is also her husband.
RETURN B. SWAIN.
The fitting reward of a long and active business career is an honored retirement from labor in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. Mr. Swain, after many years' identification with industrial and commercial interests in this section of the country, is now living retired near Cape May Court House, having in former years acquired a handsome competence and considerable real estate, both city and farm property, the income from which supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
He was born in the town of Swainton, in Middle township, Cape May county, February 19, 1826, his parents being Isaac and Mary (Savage) Swain.
RB Swain
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
The first of the name of whom we have record was Richard Swain, who crossed the Atlantic from England in 1635 and settled on Nantucket island. Massachusetts, in 1639. He was twice married, his second wife being Jane Bunker, the widow of George Bunker. The Bunkers were members of the Society of Friends and Richard Swain's second wife was the first white child born on Nantucket island. She died October 31, 1662. The only son of her second marriage was Richard Swain, Jr., who in 1690 settled at Town Bank with Jeremiah Bass, who was the agent for the London proprietors of the west Jersey shore. Mr. Bass was employed in the whale fisheries and brought to New Jersey a colony of those who were employed by him. At a later date Richard Swain, Sr., also arrived in this county. Lemuel Swain, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who was the son of Silas Swain, who died May 8, 1795, was born in Lower township, Cape May county, and became a pilot on the Delaware river. He died September 15, 1803, in his thirty-ninth year, of yellow fever, contracted on board a vessel which he had taken up the river. He married Judith Hand, who was born March 21, 1773, and died January 25. 1841. Their children were Lemuel; Judith, the wife of Norton Ludlum; Hannah, the wife of Jonathan Nottingham; Charlotte; Maria, the wife of Christopher Ludlum; and Isaac.
The last named, Isaac Swain, was born at Green Creek, July 13, 1800, and resided in Middle township, Cape May county. He was a shoemaker, farmer and merchant of Swainton, which place was named in his honor. There he resided for many years and there his death occurred. He held a number of local offices, discharging his duties promptly and faithfully. In politics he was first a Whig but on the dissolution of that party joined the ranks of the Democratic party. A member of the Baptist church of Cape May Court House, he held a number of official positions therein, and greatly aided in the support and progress of the church. He died in September, 1885, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife, who was born in 1802, passed away in 1875. at the age or seventy-two years. In their family were three sons: Return, of this sketch: James Monroe, who spent the greater part of his life on the sea and died in El Paso, Texas; and Isaac, who married Emma Hand, a daughter of Charles Hand.
Return Babcock Swain is not only a self-made man but is also a self- educated man. He pursued his studies in the common schools in early life, but during his youth attended only one term of summer school, his labors being needed on the home farm. At the age of fifteen. however, he purchased text-books and keys, and pursued a systematic course of study until forty- five years of age. While working in the fields he solved his problems and his plows, and harrows were covered with figures whereby he obtained the solu-
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tion to the questions which puzzled him. He not only became proficient in the elementary mathematical branches, but also mastered mensuration, sur- veying and navigation. The same energy and determination which prompted him to gain a good education in the face of difficulties have enabled him to work his way steadily upward in the business world to a position of promi- nence. He followed farming until thirty-nine years of age and then located in Cape May City, where he engaged in surveying. He also built the first water- works there and laid the sewer system of the town at his own expense and risk, spending several thousand dollars. The two systems, however, were perfectly satisfactory and were accepted by the town. He was the superin- tendent of the gas-works for twelve years, during which time he rebuilt and enlarged the plant and developed the works, which he successfully conducted until his removal to Philadelphia in 1880, making his home in that city until 1897. He was there engaged in the manufacture of bath tubs, at No. 1701 Morris street, but retired from active connection with that industry at the end of 1890, although he still owns the factory, which he rents. His landed possessions are extensive and embrace a number of residences in Philadel- phia, and two farms, one of two hundred and sixty acres, and another of one hundred acres, in Middle township. His wife is also the owner of a valuable tract of land, which is the place of their abode.
Mr. Swain has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Rachel Reeves, February 23, 1848, a daughter of Benjamin F. Reeves. Their children are James, deceased, who was a surveyor by profession but engaged in the manu- facture of bath tubs with his father. He married Linda Hand, and they had a daughter, Ella. Hannah became the wife of Richard L. Carpenter, who succeeded Mr. Swain in his business, and they have six children,-Rae, Mary, Charles, Helen, Richard and Hubert. Mary is the wife of Samuel J. Martin, a tailor with the firm of Wanamaker & Brown, of Philadelphia, and they have a daughter, Edith. Clara is the wife of Alexander Arthur Weber, a druggist of Philadelphia, and their children are Clara and Arthur A. Hubert, the third of the family, died at the age of six years. The mother of these children was born September 23, 1830, and died in 1886. On the 23d of March, 1898, Mr. Swain was again married, Mrs. Roxana Hand becoming his wife. She was the widow of J. Holmes Hand, a farmer, and had two children by her first marriage,-John H. and Absalom M. Mr. Swain is a member of Porter Lodge, No. 441, F. & A. M., of Philadelphia. His life has been a busy and useful one, and he is a man of probity, who through the legitimate channels of trade has won marked success. His present rest is well merited, and with it he enjoys the warm regard of many friends.
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