USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 46
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
Mr. Fithian was married on the 26th of April, 1898, to Miss Mary E. Robbins, a daughter of W. W. Robbins, a prominent citizen and extensive dry goods merchant of Bridgeton. They have one child, J. Hampton, who was born May 15, 1899. Mr. Fithian holds membership in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, in the Bridgeton Camera Society and in the Presbyterian church. His is a well rounded development, in which due atten- tion has been given to business, social, political and moral interests. Cordial in disposition, courteous in deportment and of frank and genial manner, he has won many friends and is very popular.
SMITH THOMPSON.
Among those who devote their energies to agricultural pursuits in East Greenwich township, Gloucester county, is Smith Thompson, who was born near Paulsboro, New Jersey, February 22, 1856, and is a son of Isaac L. and Elizabeth (Clark) Thompson. The father, a farmer by occupation, removed with his family to Maryland in 1863, and died soon after, at the age of forty- six years. The mother still survives her husband and is now living in Pauls- boro with her son, Garrett Thompson. In the family were nine children: Isaac, a farmer residing near Paulsboro; Annie, the widow of Samuel Shoe- maker, of Camden; Garrett, who follows carpentering in Paulsboro; Mar- garet, who wedded William Johnson, and after his death became the wife of William Roecap, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; Beulah, the widow of George Powell, of Philadelphia; Mary, the wife of Emanuel Barto, of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania; Smith, of this review; Ida, the wife of Samuel Heritage, of Thorofare: and Clayton, a farmer of East Greenwich township, Gloucester county.
In the public schools of Thorofare and Paulsboro Mr. Thompson acquired his education and throughout his life has followed farming as a means of live- lihood. He carried on agricultural pursuits in Deptford township until 1873, when he removed to East Greenwich township. In 1894 he purchased his present farm of forty-five acres, locating thereon the following year. He managed his business affairs with capability and his energy and practical methods are bringing to him a fair income.
On the 12th of March, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Thomp- son and Miss Alice D. Parker, a daughter of Restore L. Parker, of East Greenwich township, Gloucester county. They now have two children: C.
423
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
Edgar and Caddie R. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Paulsboro Meth- odist Episcopal church, and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Patrons of Husbandry, of Swedesboro. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife have a wide acquaintance in this community and enjoy the high regard of a large circle of friends.
ALBERT HERITAGE.
Many lines of activity afford opportunity to but a limited number. The chances for advancement in military and political life are but comparatively few, but in the realms of commerce and agriculture it is possible for all to attain success if they but follow honorable business methods and are ener- getic, determined and industrious. Albert Heritage is one who is closely connected with the farming interests of Gloucester county, being the owner of a valuable and highly cultivated tract of land in Woolwich township. He was born in East Greenwich township, in the same county, July 1, 1856, and is a son of Charles and Martha R. (Borton) Heritage, who now reside near Wolferth Station, New Jersey. He was educated in the Friends school of Mickleton and remained with his father upon the farm until 1880, when he began farming on his own account at the place which is now his home. He purchased the property in 1883, and is to-day the owner of one hundred acres of valuable land, on which he is successfully carrying on the business of gardening and the raising of poultry. For the products of the place he finds a ready market in the surrounding towns, and is carrying on business systematically, prosecuting his labors with energy and is meeting with a well merited prosperity. His labors are conducted on a scientific basis. He has made a careful study of the habits and needs of the various vegetables which he cultivates and of the poultry which he raises, and his thorough un- derstanding of the business enables him to so conduct it as to secure there- from excellent financial results.
On the 29th of November, 1883, Mr. Heritage was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca G. Batten, a daughter of John B. Batten, then a resident of Woolwich township, Gloucester county, but now living in Philadelphia. Seven children have been born of their union, namely: Clifford B .; Ray- mond E., who died at the age of six months; Clara B .; Emma A., who died in infancy; Alice R .; Warren, who died at the age of six months; and Edith May. Mr. Heritage and his family are members of the Society of Friends, and socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen
424
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
and with Swedesboro Grange, of which he is a very active member. He formerly served as its master and frequently addresses the Grange on matters of moment to the organization. He exercises his right of franchise in sup- port of men and measures of the Republican party, and since 1885 has been a member of the school board, serving for three years as its president. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and in his official capacity he has done much to advance its interests and to raise the standard of the schools in his community. He belongs to that class of public-spirited, progressive men who withhold their support from no measure calculated to promote the general welfare. His life history should serve to prove as a source of encour- agement and inspiration to others, for depending entirely upon his own efforts he has steadily worked his way upward until he is to-day accounted one of the most substantial and reliable citizens of his native county.
WILLIAM J. MOORE.
Prominently connected with the business interests of Bridgeton, William Joel Moore has for some years figured conspicuously in connection with its material interests and so honorable has been his dealings that in all life's re- lations he commands the respect and esteem of his fellow men. He was born in Franklinville, Gloucester county, New Jersey, August 31, 1851, and is a son of Jacob M. and Abigail (Reeves) Moore. His paternal grandfather, Joel Moore, was born in Deerfield township, Cumberland county, and throughout his business career conducted a general merchandise establish- ment in that place, but several years prior to his death he retired to private life. His political support was given to the Republican party and he was a recognized leader in its ranks, doing all in his power to secure its success. In 1850 he was elected to the state legislature and discharged his duties so ac- ceptably that he was re-elected for the succeeding term. He held member- ship in the Presbyterian church, and died at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife, Mrs. Cora Moore, passed away at the age of seventy-six years.
Their only child, Jacob M. Moore, was born in Deerfield, Cumberland county, about 1827, spent his youth there and for some time had charge of his father's general store. Subsequently he went to Philadelphia, where he engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business, and about the year 1850 he was married and located in Bridgeton, where he established a grocery store. which he conducted for a number of years. About 1870 he entered into partnership with his son, William J. Moore, in the hat and shoe business, and
-
Hilvana f. moore
425
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
their constantly increasing patronage forced them to seek more commodious quarters; accordingly they erected a large three-story brick block on South Laurel street, the first floor being devoted to four large store-rooms, while the upper floors were utilized as an opera house. As their financial resources increased, Mr. Moore made judicious investments in real estate and is to-day the owner of much valuable property. He is now living retired in Bridgeton, his well directed and conservative efforts in former years having brought to him a handsome competence that now surrounds him with all the comforts of life. Since he attained his majority he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its stalwart supporters. His membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church at Bridgeton covers a long period and for many years he has served as one of the trustees. His life has been an honorable and up- right one, commending him to the confidence and good will of all, and he is regarded as one of the most prominent, influential and highly respected resi- dents of Bridgeton. In 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at the age of seventy-two years.
William J. Moore, their only son, acquired his elementary education in the public schools and later attended the West Jersey Academy. After put- ting aside his text-books and receiving some preliminary business training, he became associated with his father in the hat and shoe business, and after the erection of the new business block he was the manager of the opera house. Since 1880 he has given his entire attention to that work, in addition to caring for his real-estate interests, which included the ownership of a number of residences and several farms. From his property he derives a good income, which is largely supplemented by his returns from the opera house, and Bridgeton is fortunate in having such a man as Mr. Moore in charge of its leading place of amusement. All well balanced people recognize the importance of entertainment in life, for the person whose attention is given to business alone becomes one-sided in his development and his faculties along other lines are blunted. Great care, however, should be taken in choos- ing the forms of amusement, and in this regard Mr. Moore's efforts have been of peculiar benefit to Bridgeton. He is very careful to maintain a high standard in connection with the amusements which he places upon the stage, and many of the best actors, lecturers and musicians of the country have been heard in Bridgeton. The opera house is attractive in appearance, well lighted, tastefully decorated, heated by steam and supplied with electricity and gas. Here are held all the entertainments given by the Young Men's Christian Association, the Musical Union and the schools, and the Moore
426
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Opera House fills a position of usefulness in the community as a place of pub- lic assembly that is worthy of note.
Mr. Moore has also been an important factor in connection with munic- ipal affairs, and he withholds his support from no measure which he believes a public good. He has frequently been called upon to aid in conducting the business affairs of the city, having been a member of the board of freeholders for two terms and a member of the city council for three years. In 1899 he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature and is now filling the position of representative in a most creditable way, discharging his duty in a manner most satisfactory to his constituents. He is a stanch Republican in his political views, and has frequently served as a delegate to the local, congressional and state conventions, where his opinions are received with consideration, his counsels carrying weight among the representatives of his party. He was also commissioner of appeals for a number of terms.
On the Ist of March, 1872, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Emma H. Boss, a daughter of Joseph Boss, a shoe-merchant of Bridgeton. They have two children: Edward W., who is a bookkeeper in New York city; and Mary W., the wife of Edward H. Graves, the genial host of the Cumberland Hotel at Bridgeton. Mr. Moore and his wife are members of the Second Presbyterian church, and in social circles they occupy an enviable position. He is a man of fine personal appearance, social and cordial in man- ner and popular with all classes.
, CHRISTIAN A. MADDEN.
Christian A. Madden, the superintendent of the Woodbury Glass Works, was born in Franklin township, Gloucester county, October 14, 1839. His ancestors were numbered among the early settlers of this state, and for sev- eral generations they have been prominent workers in the glass-manufactur- ing industry.
Hoosier Madden, the great-grandfather of our subject, came to America prior to the war of the Revolution, from Scotland, his native country. He was accompanied by his family, and made a settlement near Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. He then engaged in farming and from time to time made pur- chases of land along the Marsh river. At last he was called to the better land, and his remains were placed to rest in the old cemetery at Port Eliza- beth. His son Martin, who was our subject's grandfather, was born in Scot- land and was a young man at the time that the family crossed the Atlantic ocean. He had learned the trade of glass-blower and worked at that calling
.
427
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
during the greater part of his life. For a wife he chose a Miss Stanger, whose family had located in New Jersey at an early day, seven brothers of the name having settled on Alloway creek during the colonial period. They, too, were glass-blowers by trade, and were the first to introduce the industry and build the first glass-works in the United States. Their original factory was destroyed by the British troops during the Revolution, and after peace had settled upon this nation again the brothers separated, some founding homes in Glassboro and Brooklyn, while the others remained at Port Eliza- beth, though all continued to work at their old trade. To the union of Martin and Sarah Madden three sons were born: Martin, Hoosier and John. Hoosier, the second son, was born at Port Elizabeth, and in his young manhood followed the business of glass-blowing. Subsequently he removed to Cape May county, where for several years he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, and later he gave his attention to agriculture. For one term he was the sheriff of Cape May county, and at the time of his death he was serving his third year as senator from his district. To himself and wife, Catherine, five children were born, namely: Dr. Edward; Thomas, who has occupied a position in the state penitentiary since 1876; Braddock, who is engaged in the iron and tin business in Chicago; Hope, residing upon the old homestead; and Otis, deceased, and formerly the postmaster of Tuckahoe, New Jersey. John Madden, the youngest son of Martin and Sarah Madden, also a native of Port Elizabeth, learned the glass-cutters' trade at Millville, New Jersey, and later was the superintendent of the Woods Window Glass Works there for fifteen years. He was honored by being elected to repre- sent his district in the state legislature, officiated as a member of the city council and occupied numerous other local positions of trust. He married Mary Wilson and their children were Wilson, Wallace and Mary, the latter becoming the wife of Alfred Goodwin, of Millville.
Martin Madden, the eldest son of Martin and Sarah Madden, and the father of our subject, was born at Port Elizabeth in 1809, and, like his broth- ers, became interested in the manufacture of glass when he was young, and pursued this calling throughout life. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Powell, the daughter of Isaac Powell, a prosperous and leading citi- zen of Millville, New Jersey, where he was engaged in contracting and build- ing. The Powell family, originally from Haddonfield, New Jersey, were members of the Society of Friends. To the union of Martin and Rebecca Madden ten children were born, named as follows: Mary, deceased. for- merly the wife of Charles Parker; Cooper, deceased; Martin, who married Elizabeth Clark and resides in Bridgeton, this state; Christian A .; Hoosier, who wedded Ella Dawson and resides at Atlanta, Georgia; Henry, who died
428
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
in 1895, at the age of fifty-four years, and whose wife, formerly Martha Rich- mond, also has passed away; Rachel, the wife of William Backus, of Philadel- phia; Rebecca, deceased, the wife of Nathan Gregory, of Camden, New Jer- sey; Horace, a citizen of Columbus, Ohio; and Emma, the wife of Ralph Kinch, of Newbold, New Jersey. The father of these children was sum- moned to the silent land in 1895.
Christian A. Madden, as previously stated, is a native of this county, and in his boyhood gained a liberal education in the public schools. When less than fifteen years of age he began serving an apprenticeship to the glass- blowers' trade, in the works of Thomas Stanger, at Brooklyn, New Jersey. He became very proficient at his trade, and for nearly a quarter of a century -from 1857 to 1881-he was employed by one firm,-Moore Brothers, of Clayton, New Jersey, leaving them only when his present responsible posi- tion was proffered him.
The Woodbury Glass Works were organized in 1881 by thirty-one glass- blowers, as a co-operative stock company, G. G. Green being elected presi- dent, Israel Voorhees, secretary and treasurer, and C. A. Madden, superin- tendent. Since the plant was established it has been greatly enlarged and improved, and now four furnaces and four continuous tanks, with a capacity of from one hundred to one hundred and seventy-five tons, are in constant operation. Employment is afforded to about two hundred hands and everything is in a flourishing condition, thanks to the thoroughness and gen- eral efficiency of the officers of the company. At present they are: G. G. Green, president; W. H. Beckett, general business manager, and C. A. Mad- den, superintendent of the glass-blowing department. The company manu- factures bottles exclusively, and in all sizes, from the smallest to the largest used in the trade. A visit to the works well repays the traveler, who cannot fail to admire the excellent system, the modern appliances used and the beauty of the manufactured articles. The public has had more than ordinary interest in the success of this enterprise, because it was not organized by, and for the benefit of, a few wealthy capitalists, but on the contrary was or- ganized by and for the skilled workmen who have brought it to its paying and flourishing state. To Mr. Madden, whose wise supervision has not re- laxed for the eighteen years he has been connected with the enterprise, much praise is due, and every man who is interested in the welfare of the company has been a stanch friend and willing assistant to him in his arduous labors. He is justly popular with the officers and various members of the company, and it would be difficult, indeed, to adequately fill his place.
On the 20th of August, 1860, Mr. Madden married Mary F. Morgan, a daughter of Peter and Sarah Morgan, of Clayton, New Jersey. They be-
429
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
came the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: George H., who wedded Maggie Pugh; Anthony G., whose wife was Har- riet Lane in her girlhood; Harry, who married Louisa Merchant; Mary E .; Ada and Emma.
The cause of education and all movements calculated to benefit the com- munity have received the warm endorsement of Mr. Madden. He has served as the president of the school board in Woodbury and has been the commit- teeman of the township. Socially, he is a member of Forest Grove Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., and is one of its past masters, and in Iona Lodge. No. 38, I. O. O. F., he is the past noble grand. In political matters he is an uncom- promising Democrat. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, and held the office of trustee in the Clayton Presbyterian church for some years before coming to Woodbury.
B. FRANK RULON.
Benjamin F. Rulon resides at the ancestral home of the family, the farm having come into possession of his grandfather, Moses Rulon, in 1807. Since that time the family name has been connected with its ownership. The grandfather married Susan Hartley, and among their children was Mark T. Rulon, the father of our subject, who resided on the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1892, when he had attained the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Williams, and her death occurred in 1881, when she was sixty-six years of age. In their family were nine children: Theodosia B., who died at the age of fifty years; Benjamin Franklin, of this review; Joseph, who resides in Swedesboro; Fannie, the wife of D. Winfield Sithens, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; Mary. the wife of J. Wesley Shoemaker, deceased, of Wilmington, Delaware: Rachel, the deceased wife of John Conley, a school-teacher of Berkley, New Jersey; George, who died at the age of two years; George, the second of the name, who died at the age of ten years; and Lizzie, who passed away at the age of eight years.
Mr. Rulon, whose name introduces this review, was born on the 17th of September, 1845, on the old family homestead which is still the place of his residence. His preliminary education, acquired in the public schools of his native town, was supplemented by study in the Swedesboro Academy. He early became familiar with the labors of the field and assisted his father until 1876, when he began business on his own account. In 1883 he assumed the management of the home farm, and he purchased the property in 1892. He has given considerable attention to the study of the scientific principles
430
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
which underlie the cultivation of cereals. and his knowledge of agriculture is comprehensive and accurate. In his every-day duties he is practical and systematic, and the appearance of the place indicates a spirit of neatness, thrift and enterprise.
On the 13th of December, 1871, Mr. Rulon led to the marriage altar Miss Elmira W. Moore, a daughter of Ezekiel C. Moore, of Woolwich township, Gloucester county. Their only child, Edward, now cultivates a part of his father's farm. He married Miss Eveline H., a daughter of William A. Shirler, of Swedesboro, and they have two children,-Henry E. and Anna M. Mr. Rulon, of this review, is a past master workman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is an active member of the Swedesboro Grange. His political support is given the Republican party and his religious faith is in harmony with the doctrines of the Society of Friends, with which organiza- tion he and his family are identified.
The fact that many who have known him from boyhood have for him the highest respect is an indication that his life has been well spent. His business interests occupy the greater part of his time and attention, but he is always true to his duties of citizenship and is earnest and zealous in his support of all measures calculated to advance the general welfare.
ROBERT E. HAND.
High on the roll of New Jersey's eminent citizens appears the name of Robert Edmonds Hand, who is now representing his district in the state senate. For many years he has figured conspicuously in connection with public affairs and his record is alike creditable to himself and the people whom he represents in the law-making body of the commonwealth. It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a state lies not in its machinery of government, nor even in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. To this class belongs Mr. Hand. The goal toward which he has hastened during his many years of toil and endeavor is that which is attained only by such men as have by patriotism and wise coun- sel given the world an impetus toward the good; such have gained the right and title to have their names enduringly inscribed on the bright pages of history.
Robert E. Hand was born where he now resides, in Lower township. Cape May county, June 28, 1854. his parents being Parsons and May L. (Parsons) Hand. His paternal grandfather was one of the first tea merchants
Robert & Hand
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 43I
and a very prominent business man of Philadelphia. He resided in, Chester county and had a beautiful home in Philadelphia, together with a country seat. The father of our subject was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania. in 1803, and died in 1876. He was educated in the common schools and removing to Cape May county located at Emma, where he owned and culti- vated a farm of two hundred acres. His political support was given the Re- publican party. He held membership in the Cold Spring Presbyterian church, and for forty years was a regular attendant on its services. He was twice married, his first union being with Sarah Miller, by whom he had one child, Clara Louise, who became the wife of Reuben Foster, who followed mer- chandising in Baltimore, Maryland, and was also the owner of a line of steam- ers. He became very wealthy, acquiring his capital entirely through his own efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Foster had but one child, Uriah. After the death of his first wife Parsons Hand married Judith Cresse, and they had a daughter, Judith, wife of Reuben Hoffman, of Cape May. His third wife was Mary Parsons, and they became the parents of two children, Robert and Mary Elizabeth, the daughter being the wife of Robert Hill, chief building in- spector of Philadelphia and a leading and influential citizen. . They have one child, Edna Miriam. The father of our subject died in April, 1876, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother passed away in 1877, at the age of fifty-three years.
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.