USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 52
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William C. Cattell acquired his education in a private school taught by
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Professor Henry R. Russell. Residing on his father's farm until he at- tained his majority, he in September, 1888, engaged in his present business in Wenonah. He served as the assessor of Deptford township for ten years. was appointed a notary public in March, 1894, and commissioner of deeds in 1895. He is a past master of Mantua Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M .; is a mem- ber of Siloam Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M., of Camden; of Woodbury Lodge. No 54, I. O. O. F., of Woodbury; of Woodbury Castle, No. 15, K. of G. E .; Wenonah Conclave, Independent Order of Heptasophs, Wenonah; Council No. 173, Junior O. U. A. M .; the Patrons of Husbandry, and the West Jer- sey Surveyors' Association. In political views Mr. Cattell is Republican, and his religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church.
In September, 1896, he was married, at the residence of his wife's parents in Deptford township, to Mary A. Turner, a daughter of Ellison K. Turner and Mary A. Leap. They have no children.
DAVID F. HAINES.
It is always a pleasure to see true merit suitably rewarded, to behold the prosperity of those who eminently deserve it, as does the subject of this re- view. At an early age he learned one of the great lessons of life, that there is no "royal" road to fortune, and, as he was not above work, he toiled indus- triously until he won, not only a comfortable fortune but also the esteem and confidence of the people with whom he has been associated for many years. Work, the true friend of mankind, has developed his latent resources and brought out the strong, self-reliant force of his character.
His father, Aaron W. Haines, possessed the same enterprising, ambitious spirit, and the place which he occupied in his community-Yorktown and vicinity-cannot easily be filled. His useful, active life came to a close on the 13th of January, 1897, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, his birth having occurred November 2, 1831. He was a son of John Haines, Jr., who was born April 9, 1791, and died August 2, 1863. His wife died May 6, 1876. He was a son of John and Margaret Haines; the former, born May 12, 1742, was a son of John and Rebecca Haines. When Aaron Haines was a young man, he learned the trade of wheelwright, which calling he followed, at intervals, from 1850 until 1858, and in 1857 or 1858 he became financially interested in a brick and tile factory, located on property adjoining his own farm, the one now in possession of our subject. This plant had been organ- ized by several Englishmen, and for a few years it was not a successful venture. In 1866 Mr. Haines became its sole proprietor, and by his excel-
David of Haines
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lent management and enterprise he soon had the affairs on a firm business basis, and a sure foundation laid for future success. Until two years prior to his death, he continued in charge of the factory, then turning it over to his son, David F. A man of true worth, Aaron Haines sought to promote the welfare of his neighbors, and to do all within his power to advance education and progress along all lines. He served as a school trustee and overseer of roads, besides holding other local offices of more or less respon- sibility, and never failed to acquit himself creditably. His six brothers and sisters all survive him. Joseph H., the youngest, of Cape May county, New Jersey, has represented his district in the state senate, and the others are named respectively Mary Ann, Margaret, Elizabeth, Esther and Edward C.
Aaron and Charlotte R. Haines (his wife) were natives of Salem county. the former born in Piles Grove (Woodstown) and the latter in Mannington township. She was born August 12, 1834, and died September 29, 1884, at the age of fifty years. She was one of the eight children of David F. and Ann (Treillender) Stanger, who were likewise born and reared in this county. The father followed farming and shoemaking, served as a constable for a time and was a man of influence in his locality. He was born September 16, 1792, and attained the advanced age of ninety years, his death occurring August 5, 1882. His wife, Mrs. Ann Stanger, was born March 31, 1802, and died January 20, 1866. Concerning their eight children we make the fol- lowing observations: Harriet became the wife of George Biddle and died on the 6th of November, 1889; Catherine, also deceased, became the wife of William Patterson and after his death wedded David Sparks; she was the mother of Editor Patterson, of Woodstown; Serena is the wife of William Boltinghouse; William B. wedded Jane Dubois and is now deceased; Re- becca is the wife of James Wills; Annie is the wife of Paul Wills, a brother of her sister's husband; David P. wedded Adelaide Elwell; and Charlotte is the wife of Aaron Haines. The union of Aaron Haines and wife was blessed with eight children, namely: David F., William P., born May 24, 1856, and died March 18, 1862; Omar B., born February 4, 1860, and died December 8, 1861; Addie E., born September 17, 1862; Mary W., born August 20, 1865; Harriet M., born October 26, 1869; Kate E., born January 14, 1872; and Sadie T., born January 30, 1876. Two sons are deceased. Addie is the wife of Daniel Fries. Mary is Mrs Amos Launt. Harriet is Mrs. Elwood Matlack; and Sadie married Dallas Emmel of Alloway.
David F. Haines was born in Woodstown, Salem county, October 31, 1852. When he was only fourteen years old he commenced working about the brick kilns and obtained a practical knowledge of the business. In 1870 he was admitted to partnership with his father, the firm name becoming Aaron
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W. Haines & Son. This business connection continued in force until the death of his father, when our subject became the sole proprietor of the factory and plant, located in the western part of Alloway township. The kilns are near a bed of very fine clay, practically inexhaustible, and especially adapted for the manufacture of strong, durable tile and brick. The plant, which is one of the best in the country, is fitted with modern machinery and appliances and its output of brick has been utilized in the construction of numerous substantial buildings in Salem, Woodstown, Hancock's Bridge and elsewhere. It is the only drain-tile factory in south Jersey, and a ready sale is found for this article in Trenton, Easton and adjoining states, as well as in this immediate vicinity. The factory has a capacity of from six to eight hundred thousand brick and two hundred thousand tile, while the sawmill has turned out nearly one hundred and fifty thousand feet of lumber the past year. Mr. Haines has been associated with the management of this enterprise for about a third of a century and few men in the business are better acquainted with the demands of the trade. By the exercise of industry and system, he is steadily increasing his patronage and record as a business man, and the outlook is very promising.
In 1883 Mr. Haines wedded Sallie Richman, by whom he has two chil- dren, Lottie and Mabel, the former born November 26, 1883, the latter born March 7, 1887. Mrs. Haines is a daughter of John C. and Sarah A. (Agins) Richman, the former of Woodstown and the latter of Mullica Hill, Glouces- ter county. The father died in 1860, at the age of fifty years, and his widow, who died in Woodstown in 1889, was in her eightieth year. Their children are Hannah, the wife of Moses Richman; Martha, the wife of Isaac Coles; Isabella, now Mrs. Josiah Holmes; Margaret, Mrs. Samuel Goslin, now deceased; Emily, the wife of Charles Sickler, Sally and John Q.
FRANK LEAMING.
Frank Leaming. a son of Richard S. and Amelia (Ludham) Leaming. was born at South Dennis, Cape May county, March 10, 1857. He pursued his early education in the public schools of his native town, and later took the English course in the South Jersey Institute. After putting aside his text books he started out in life for himself, and spent five years in the south. visiting many places in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cape May county, but after three years he went to the west, spending the following decade in Missouri and Arizona. Since that time he has resided continuously in Cape May county,
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making his home upon the farm which he now owns and operates. He has here one hundred and thirty acres, constituting one of the valuable and highly cultivated farms of the locality. Upon the place are substantial buildings, good machinery, well-kept fences and all the accessories which go to make up a model farm at the latter end of this nineteenth century. He also owns other lands in different parts of the county, including wooded and meadow lands and rich arable tracts. From his property he derives a good income, and is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of the com- munity.
In February, 1888, Mr. Leaming married Miss Anna M. Edwards, a daughter of Captain Lewis Edwards, of South Dennis. He was a sea cap- tain and boat-builder, but is now living retired. His wife bore the maiden name of Abigail Matthews. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have been born five children: Anna M., Lewis, Harry, Adolph and Marcus. In his polit- ical views Mr. Leaming is a Republican, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an aspirant for political honors, pre- ferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he has met with creditable and desirable success.
EDWARD WHILEN SPRINGER.
Prominent among the leading merchants of Cape May Point is this gen- tleman, who is successfully engaged in the grocery business. He was born at Cape May Court House, December 18, 1866, his parents being Alex- ander W. and Mary (Fifield) Springer. His father was born at Dias Creek, Cape May county, April 5, 1841, pursued his education there, and in his early life followed the sea, becoming the captain of merchant vessels. He resided at the place of his nativity until 1875, when he became one of the first settlers at Cape May Point. Here he engaged in contracting and building, erecting many of the residences which served as a nucleus for the town. He was also the first postmaster, a position which he had formerly held at Dias Creek, and for a number of years was the collector and treasurer of the borough. In his political affiliations he was a Republican, and in the early days of the settlement of Cape May Point he took an active part in its public affairs, political and otherwise. When twenty-five years of age he became a member of the Baptist church, and through a long period served as a deacon and took a very active interest in its work and upbuilding. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary A. Fifield, a daughter of Jonathan Fifield. who was born at Stratham, New Hampshire, and was a son of John Colker
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Fifield, whose birth also occurred at that place, and who was a farmer by occupation. Jonathan Fifield remained in his native town until his removal to Cape May Court House, where he spent his remaining days. He was a mason and contractor, and was prominently identified with the building in- terests of his adopted city. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Hand, and was a daughter of Recompense Hand. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fifield were born five children: Joseph; John Cooper, who mar- ried Abigail Tilden, by whom he had two children,-Walter and Everett,- and after the death of his first wife wedded Jane Tilton; Charles, who died in childhood; Rebecca, the wife of Charles G. Mills, a painter of Cape May Court House, by whom she has one son, Edward C .; and Mary A., the mother of our subject. Dr. Joseph Fifield, an uncle of our subject, removed from Stratham, New Hampshire, to Cape May Court House about 1820. He was a surgeon in the First Battalion, in the War of 1812. He became a merchant of Camden, New Jersey, acquired considerable wealth, and died in that city.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Springer were born the following chil- dren: Joseph shipped before the mast when only thirteen years of age. and throughout his life has been connected with the sea. He has made a num- ber of voyages around the world, and is now in the life-saving station at Cold Springs, his residence being at Cape May. He married Ann Eldredge, and they have four daughters,-Mary, Alice, Elsie and Amelia. Charles M. went to. sea and no news has been received from him since he was seven- teen years of age, so that it is supposed he was lost. Ella is the wife of Charles Kraler, a farmer, and they have three children: Charles, Jessie, de- ceased, and Mary. Amelia H. is the wife of Franklin Rutherford, an agri- culturist, and they have a son, Frank. Edward W. married Fannie Dickerson. John C. is engaged in merchandising. Annie A. is the wife of Percy Holderman, and their children are Alexander W., Percy and Anna B. The father of this family died December 14, 1896, at the age of sixty-two years.
During his early boyhood Edward W. Springer accompanied his pa- rents to Cape May Point, and acquired his education in its public schools. After leaving the school-room he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, became an expert workman and finally engaged in contracting on his own account, erecting a number of the best buildings in the town, which to-day stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise. He is now engaged in the grocery business and has one of the best appointed stores in the place. Through his honorable dealing and earnest desire to please he has se-
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cured a liberal patronage and derives therefrom a good income, his sales amounting to fifteen thousand dollars a year.
Mr. Springer is a man of resourceful business ability and has not con- fined his efforts to one line. He is to-day one of the leading real-estate dealers of the place, owning nine-tenths of the real estate here, to the value of about one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. He put up all the hotels, and in other ways contributed to the growth and upbuilding of the Point. He is the secretary of the Cape May branch of the New Jersey Building & Loan Association, is the superintendent and lessee of the Cape May Point water-works, and is the superintendent of the Isaac John estate. He is also serving as postmaster under President McKinley's administra- tion and in politics is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his support of the principles of the party.
In 1894 Mr. Springer was united in marriage to Miss Fannie, daughter of George Dickinson, a sea captain. They occupy one of the beautiful resi- dences at Cape May Point, and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes in this section of the state. Socially Mr. Springer is connected with the Order of Heptasophs. His business interests have been attended with splendid success, and his judicious investments, capable management and persever- ance in the pursuit of a persistent purpose have made him one of the wealthy men of the county. He is quick of apprehension and intricate business af- fairs he comprehends in a moment. Such are the elements which have con- tributed to his success and made him one of the leading factors in the com- mercial activity of southern New Jersey.
CHARLES CUNNINGHAM.
One of the younger members of the medical fraternity in Atlantic county is Charles Cunningham, a physician of Hammonton. Many an older practi- tioner might well envy the success he has attained, for he now occupies a place of distinction among the followers of this humane profession. He is one of the native sons of New Jersey, his birth having occurred in Vine- land in December, 1868, and his parents being David and Elizabeth (Tread- way) Cunningham. His father was a shoemaker, but is now living a retired life in Vineland, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother has been called to the home beyond.
Dr. Cunningham was reared in his native village and obtained his edu- cation in the public and high schools there. He studied medicine under the direction of Dr. W. F. Sawyer, of Vineland, and in order to pursue a col-
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legiate course worked at the carpenter's trade and at shoemaking. Thus he obtained the capital necessary to meet his expenses and in 1891 he en- tered the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1894. He then spent six months in Cape May county, after which he came to Hammonton, where he has since enjoyed an extensive practice. From the beginning he has received the patronage of some of the best people of the place and his skill and ability have won their con- fidence and support. He is now serving as one of the coroners of the county and is a member of the board of health and a board of health inspector. His political support is given to the Republican party.
In 1895 Dr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Parker, a graduated nurse of Hahnemann Hospital, in Philadelphia, and a daughter of J. N. Parker, formerly an iron founder of Vineland. They now have two children, Lola and Annie. The Doctor devotes his time and energies ex- clusively to the duties of his profession and has gained high rank among his brethren of the medical fraternity. He is an earnest and thorough student and at all times keeps abreast with the progress which characterizes the profession.
JAMES B. POTTER.
On the roll of those who devote their energies to the practice of law is found the name of James Boyd Potter, who is one of the younger represent- atives of the bar, yet has already attained distinction in connection with his chosen calling. His paternal grandfather, James Boyd Potter, Sr., was born in Bridgeton, January 7, 1796, and obtained his education in the public schools of his native town. For many years he was an active factor in commercial circles, conducting a general mercantile establishment, and in this field of endeavor he secured a very liberal patronage, winning thereby a handsome competence. He also became the president of a bank.
William E. Potter, the father of our subject, was born January 13, 1840, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, and pursued his education in the West Jersey Academy and in Princeton College, where he was graduated with the class of 1863. He was endowed by nature with strong mentality, and his prefer- ence was for professional life. Accordingly he entered the Harvard Law School, and was graduated in that institution in 1861, after which he estab- lished himself in the law practice in Bridgeton, being a prominent member of the bar until November 9, 1896. He won marked distinction by the able manner in which he handled the litigated interests entrusted to his care. He
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was very thorough and accurate in the preparation of his cases, and fortified his position with logic almost incontrovertible. His arguments were always forceful and seldom failed to gain the point desired, being based upon a com- prehensive knowledge of judicial principles as applied to the facts in con- troversy. His reputation has extended far beyond the confines of the town in which he has made his home; in fact, he was known as one of the dis- tinguished representatives of the legal profession in the state. He served as the city solicitor of Bridgeton, and was the county solicitor for two or three terms. He was also the president of the Atlantic and Cape May County Bar Association, and of the State Bar Association, having served as one of the first vice-presidents of the latter. He acted as the leading counsel in the defence of Charles K. Landis, tried for the murder of Charles Carruth, and secured his acquittal. He served as a United States attorney in 1875, and tried many important civil as well as criminal suits; in fact, was well versed in all of the departments in juris- prudence. As a corporation lawyer he was particularly distinguished, and acted as the solicitor for most of the important business concerns of Bridge- ton. He was the counsel for the Millville Manufacturing Company and for Whitall, Tatum & Company, the proprietors of the largest glass factory in this section of the state. In politics he was a stalwart Republican, and served as presidential elector when General Grant was elected for his second term. He was also a presidential elector in 1880, when he cast his ballot for Garfield. He was a delegate to many state and national conventions, and his opinions always carried weight in the councils of the party. During the civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by enlisting in the Twelfth New Jersey Infantry, becoming a member of Company K. in June, 1862. The command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he par- ticipated in all the engagements with his division until the close of the war. He enlisted as a private, but his meritorious conduct on the field of battle won him promotion to the rank of major, and he served as a judge advocate on the staff of General Gibbons and on the staff of General Hayes and for the Fourth Army Corps. He was wounded in the ankle by a minie ball in the battle of the Wilderness, and was confined in the hospital for two months. His loyalty was above question and his patriotism throughout his entire life was one of his marked characteristics. After the war he was known among his friends as Colonel Potter, and held that rank while serving on the staff of Governor Ward. Pleasant relationship with his army com- rades was maintained through his connection with the Pennsylvania Com- mandery of the Loyal Legion, the society of the Army of the Potomac, the New Jersey Society of Cincinnati and General Meade Post. G. A. R., of
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Philadelphia. He was also a valued representative of the Masonic order. be- longing to Brearley Lodge, No. 2. of Bridgeton.
On the 27th of May, 1869, William Potter was united in marriage to Miss Alice Eddy, and to them were born five children, four sons and one daughter: Alfred Eddy, born March 15, 1870, was educated in the West Jersey Acad- emy; James Boyd is the next younger; David, born December 19, 1874, pursued his education in the West Jersey Academy and was graduated in Princeton College with the class of 1896. He studied law with his brother James, was admitted to the bar in June, 1897, and practiced for a short time, but abandoned the profession to become an assistant paymaster in the United States Navy. He served on the Katahdin during the Spanish-American war. and is now stationed in the Philippines. Alice was born February 13, 1877, and was educated at Seven Gables and in Ivy Hill Seminary; and Francis Delavan, born May 24, 1880, was educated in the West Jersey Academy and in Princeton College, and is the youngest of the family. The father died November 9, 1896, at the age of fifty-six years. He was one who carved his name deeply on the history of this state, his life record being inseparably inter- woven with the military and judicial annals of New Jersey. He was a man of marked individuality, of strong mentality and of great force of character, and his position of leadership was accorded him by reason of his superior ex- ecutive ability. He commanded uniform confidence and won the close friend- ship of all with whom he was intimately associated.
James Boyd Potter, whose name introduces this record, was born at Bridgeton on the 22d of January, 1873, and pursued his education in the West Jersey Academy, in which he was graduated with the class of 1889. He afterward entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, was graduated in 1893, and was honorably discharged from the service in 1895. The very thorough course and excellent mental as well as manual and mili- tary training in that institution well fitted him to begin his professional studies, and on leaving the service he took up the study of law under the direction of his father, being admitted to the bar as an attorney in November, 1896, and as counselor in 1899. In the latter year he was elected the city solicitor of Bridgeton. During the Spanish-American war he held the lieu- tenancy in the navy and was stationed on the United States steamship Mon- tauk. He is now the commander of the battalion of West in the New Jersey Naval Reserves, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery, Naval Order of the United States, also of the New York Commandery of the Naval and Military Order of the Spanish-American war.
With the surrender of the Spanish fleet and the withdrawal of the Span- ish soldiers from the territory ceded to the United States, the need for troops
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was in consequence lessened, and Lieutenant Potter received an honorable discharge. He then resumed his professional labors and is to-day one of the leading young members of the bar of southern New Jersey. Professional advancement depends entirely upon individual merit. The reputation of one's forefathers availeth naught in such a case, and that Mr. Potter has won success is due to his strong mental force, his close application and his devotion to the interests of his clients. Guided by strong determination and a laudable ambition, he will undoubtedly win greater honors and successes in the future. He is now a director in the West Jersey Mail & Transportation Company. His political support is given the Republican party and he is a member of the Presbyterian church. In social circles he is popular, com- manding the esteem and friendly regard of those with whom he comes in contact.
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