USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 58
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"The establishment of the county supplied only a part of the necessary political machinery, and so on the first day of June, 1695, the grand jury, with the assent of the bench, and in accordance with an act of the then last assembly, constituted the constablewick or township of Newton to extend
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from 'the lowermost branch of Cooper's creek to ye southerly branch of Newton creek bounding Gloucester,' but fixing no bounds on the east. With their local government thus completed, the people in these parts re- mained content for one hundred and thirty-three years. Thus was created old Newton township, which, after having its fairest portion cut off in the creation of Haddon township, was finally, after a life of one hundred and seventy-six years, swallowed up by its own progeny and obliterated from the map in 1871, when Camden's revised charter was obtained.
"At the opening of the eighteenth century the smoke curling from less than a dozen clearings by the water's edge pointed out the forerunners more than two centuries ago of our present expanding town. However, in 1773, Jacob Cooper, a merchant living in Philadelphia, and a lineal descendant of the first William Cooper, foreseeing the future town, employed Thomp- son, a Philadelphia surveyor, to lay out forty acres into a town plat. A Whig, sympathizing with his fellow Whigs in their struggle to obtain from their mother country that representation which they claimed should ever accompany taxation, and venerating those Englishmen who, believing in the justness of this demand of the colonies, had the courage to openly avow their belief, Jacob Cooper named his new town Camden, in honor of that powerful champion of constitutional liberty and firm advocate of fair dealing with the colonies, who has been called the right arm of Lord Chatham, Charles Pratt, first earl of Camden. In the infant town thus christened only six streets ran north and south,-King, Queen, Whitehall, Cherry, Cedar and Pine, intersected at right angles at the Delaware side by Cooper and Market streets only, but on the eastern side by Plum also.
"Almost immediately after Camden was planned the Revolution broke out. During the whole of the occupation of Philadelphia by the British, Cooper's Point was held by them as an outpost. Lying directly opposite Philadelphia, Camden's territory was constantly overrun and its farming population harassed and alarmed by detached parties of British soldiers skirmishing and foraging, taking what they wished. Although Camden is not distinguished as one of the battle-fields of the Revolution, yet the ground on which the non-resisting followers of Fox have placed their humble meet- ing-house was twice the scene of warlike manoeuvers. For many years after the Revolution Camden was a town only in name, and that only on paper, being called Cooper's Ferries, or simply The Ferries, until after the be- ginning of this century. A few sales of lots had been made and a few houses begun to cluster about the ferries and a road or two more had been opened, but all else was farm or wood land. When this century opened not a house of worship stood within the present limits of Camden. In 1801,
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however, the Friends, having decided to move their place of meeting from their old house on Newton creek to a more central locality, built the brick meeting-house that stands at the corner of Mount Ephraim avenue and Mount Vernon street, the forerunner of Camden's present sixty-five or seventy churches; and next, in 1810, the Methodists dedicated their first church at the northwest corner of Fourth and Federal streets, long since converted into stores, followed, in 1818, by the First Baptist church, on Fourth street; and thereafter the churches kept pace with Camden's growth.
"The mode of ferriage across the Delaware in open boats, established as we have seen so early in our history, remained without change or improve- ment until 1809 or 1810, when a small steamboat, carrying passengers only, was placed on the river. She was named the Camden and ran from the foot of Cooper street to the lower side of Market street, Philadelphia. In 1809 the ferry at Kaighn's Point was established, and soon a small steamboat, also carrying passengers only, and also, it is believed, called the Camden, was placed on the line. Which of the two was the first steamboat is doubtful. It was not until 1835 that the steam ferry boat, regularly making its trips winter and summer alike, became firmly established as a fixture on the Delaware highway.
"Though Camden's early growth was very small, and half a century after its birth it was but a small town, yet it had a vigor of self-assertion that compelled its recognition by the people of the country. The annual town meetings of Newton township had been held alternately here and at Haddonfield until 1827, when the Haddonfield people, conscious of their greater voting strength, at the town meeting, held regularly in turn at their place, resolved to shove Camden to the wall and thereafter to meet only at Haddonfield. Their superior number carried the question. But he laughs best who laughs last, and they unconsciously aroused the young giant that ever afterward whipped them in many a hard-fought battle. The Camden- ians left the town meeting very indignant, and Jeremiah Sloan, then a tal- ented young lawyer of great promise, said to the Haddonfielders, 'I'll fix you: I will have Camden incorporated next winter.' He executed this threat, and at the next session of the legislature the act was passed incor- porating the city of Camden. Thus it was that Camden, with a population of but one thousand one hundred and forty-three, attained her legal ma- jority with the right to manage her own affairs as she saw fit, free from the tutelage of country town meetings.
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"The first charter was passed February 14, 1828, and is entitled 'An act to incorporate a part of the township of Newton, in the county of Glouces- ter.' It has only eighteen sections, and, though but seventy-one years have
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passed, many of its provisions already sound quaint. At the first election for city officers, held March 10, 1828, the following common-councilmen were chosen: James Duer, from Cooper's Ferry; John Lawrence, Ebenezer Toole and Richard Fetters, from Camden; and Joseph Kaighn, from Kaighn- ton. James Duer and Joseph Kaighn declining to serve, at a special elec- tion, held on the 5th of the following April, Edward Dougherty and Richard B. Champion were chosen in their place. The new council held its first meeting on March 13, 1828, and elected Samuel Lanning, the first mayor of Camden. The new municipality, however, had but little of the appearance of a city. The three villages of which it was composed-Camden proper, Cooper's Point and Kaighn's Point-remained separated by cultivated farms and retained their peculiar characteristics for many years.
"About this time the desire for a more speedy conveyance than the old stage coach was cropping out in many places throughout the country, and very general inquiry was being made into the feasibility of railroads to meet the want. During 1827 the project of a railway to connect Philadelphia and New York began to be talked of in earnest. Meetings were held in the Camden Academy of those favoring the enterprise, preliminary surveys made and such general interest excited as finally resulted in the legislature grant- ing, on February 4, 1830, the charter for the Camden & Amboy Railroad and Transportation Company. The company was soon organized and the road begun, and in 1834 the first train ran into Camden. This was a very marked event for the young city. The railroad was the longest then built in this country and its completion a matter of great rejoicing.
"Camden, not satisfied with being a city, now began to think that there should be a new county created with it as the shire-town, and actively pushed the project. This excited great opposition throughout the county. Indig- nation meetings were held at Woodbury and other places. The Camden people had to fight almost unaided their uphill battle. They claimed it as a necessary measure 'to accommodate the fast-swelling population of the north and northwestern townships, and partly to secure to West Jersey her just share of influence in the state government.' At last, after a hard fight under the lead of Captain John W. Mickle, an uncompromising Democrat, they won and got the legislature, which was Democratic, to pass, on March 13. 1844, under the plea that the new county would be Democratic, the act setting it off from old Gloucester and had it named after their own city. which was to be the seat of justice for one year and until an election could be had. But the people throughout the country were so incensed at the city's again foiling them that at the first election they voted, irrespective of party, against the Democratic nominees, recognizing no other issue than
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Camden and anti-Camden. and for fifteen years the Democrats never carried the county. The same antagonism cropped out at the permanent fixing of the county seat. Camden, of course, nominated herself; and all the rest of the county, boiling over in rage at the very idea, nominated Long-A- Coming and carried the election. But the Camden people would not stay down, and in 1848 had a law passed directing a new election. The second fight was doubly bitter. It was again the whole of the county against the city, but Camden had well encased herself in armor against the shafts of her opponents in her unaided tilt against the field. and came out victorious by a large majority.
"In 1850 Camden obtained a new charter with enlarged powers, but no increase of territory, and began to grow with considerable energy, until the horrible burning of the ferryboat New Jersey, on the night of March 15, 1856, with its holocaust of sixty-one lives, at once checked migrations from Philadelphia, while the panic of 1857, following, completed the blow to its prosperity. Then the doubt and uncertainty of the impending rebellion and the exhaustion of the struggle when entered upon protracted the stagnation and our city lay in a torpor until late after the collapse of the war, the pros- perous times thawed it into new life, that, bursting the chrysalis of the boundaries of its original incorporation of 1828, reached out and grasped, under its revised charter in 1871, new territory, increasing its size threefold; and in the same year, when the Camden Horse Railroad Company started its passenger cars, came what all had been hoping for, public conveyances enabling every one to ride from one end of the city to the other, so evidently supplying a public want that the West Jersey Press was enabled thus ex- ultantly to describe the opening of the lines to public travel: 'Federal street had a huge load of excitement to stagger under on Saturday last, and the street was crowded with spectators from early morn to dewy eve, while the curbstone corners in particular were the resorts of shouting boys and won- dering men. A long wished-for event came to pass, and a new era in the growth of the city's conveniences was successfully inaugurated. In a word, the new horse cars began to run. Let us mark the date, November 25, 1871. Such occurrences as these are mileposts in the history of our city's progress and should be recorded as worthy of special eclat.'
"Such, then, brokenly told, is Camden's story of the past. To-day, arousing from the stagnation following the panic of 1893, our town does not have to seek new territory, but has only to receive that tendered to it by its neighbors, conscious that under its protecting ægis their prosperity and happiness will be enhanced: and, enlarged in boundary one-third and in population one-sixth, under the act of March 24, 1899, annexing, at the
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request of its inhabitants, the town of Stockton, Camden, covering now a territory of some twelve square iniles with a population of seventy-five thou- sand, the metropolis of West Jersey, following the law of growth of all live municipalities, moves on to its greater, and with its improved streets, its fine water, its parks, libraries, and high school, to its higher development."
SEDGWICK R. LEAP.
The family of which Sedgwick R. and David D. Leap, of Penn Grove, are worthy representatives, is of German extraction, and many of the sterling qualities of that sturdy, independent, self-respecting race have been inherited by these brothers. They and their father before them have been identified with mercantile pursuits for many decades, and have borne a reputation for integrity and business honor which greatly redounds to their credit.
John P. Leap, the father, was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that calling at Sculltown (now known as Auburn) until about 1840. He then established a general merchandising business there and carried it on success- fully for some eight years. Believing that better opportunities for progress were to be found in Penn Grove, he removed his store hither, and in 1848, having placed his affairs on a good basis, he retired in favor of his sons, Sedgwick R. and David D., who had assisted him since their boyhood and were now fully competent to manage the business. He lived a few years longer and was in his sixtieth year at the time of his death, in 1859. His widow, whose maiden name was Eunice Dennis, survived him a quarter of a century, and was eighty-three years old when summoned to the better land. Of their children four are yet living, namely: Sarah, the widow of John M. Biddle; Sedgwick R., David D. and Charles, the latter a farmer of Upper Penn's Neck township. James, John P., George and Henrietta are deceased.
Sedgwick R. Leap was born in the town of Auburn, Salem county, in 1830, and, as stated previously, he early commenced working in his father's store, which at first was a very small one, barely twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions. Later, from 1858 to 1888, a story-and-a-half cottage served the firm as a store, but in the year last mentioned a commodious structure, seventy by seventy feet in dimensions, with a residence attached, was built. This afforded ample accommodations for a large and well selected stock of goods, such as is always kept by the enterprising proprietors. In 1885 John P., our subject's only son, was taken into partnership with him, and they are prospering even beyond their expectations.
In the social as well as in the commercial world, Mr. Leap has established
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a desirable reputation, and in the Odd Fellows, Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders he is a highly esteemed member. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Mary P. Frambes, a daughter of Job and Hannah (Somers) Frambes, in 1857. Her parents passed their entire lives in Atlantic county, New Jersey. A son and a daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leap, but the daughter, Laura E., has been called to the better land.
David D. Leap, a brother of Sedgwick R. Leap, and for a number of years his business partner, is now conducting a clothing and men's furnishing store in a fine building opposite our subject's location. He was a clerk for some time in the store of David Guest, and at the death of his father became the partner of Sedgwick R. Leap, which connection, under the firm name of S. R. Leap & Brother, continued in existence until 1886. He was one of the prime movers in having Penn Grove incorporated as a borough, and in all local affairs he takes a leading part. He was married, in 1872, to Adeline S. Smith, a daughter of John Smith, of Pittsgrove township, and four children have been born to them, namely: Wilber, Rena B., Jennie and Alonie, the latter deceased.
S. R. BUDD.
One of the most successful business men of Woodbury, New Jersey, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is here engaged in the livery business, and also conducts an undertaking establishment. His enter- prise and diligence have brought to him prosperity, and he is accounted one of the valued citizens of Gloucester county.
Mr. Budd was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, April 26, 1851. and his father, Thomas Budd, was a native of the same place. The grand- father, Samuel Budd, was a minister of the Methodist church, and was of English descent, the family having been founded in America at an early day. Thomas Budd was a stock dealer and drover, and made very extensive shipments. He owned a farm of one hundred acres, near Pemberton, and was also the proprietor of a stage line from Pemberton to Mount Holly. In all his undertakings he was remarkably successful; but his prosperity could not be attributed to chance-it came as the result of close application, and the exercise of correct business principles, and in consequence was well merited.
Mr. Budd was united in marriage to Amanda, daughter of Solomon Middleton, who was one of the extensive dealers in horses in Pemberton, this state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Budd were born seven children, five of
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whom are now living: Annie, wife of Byron Grill, of Vincenttown, New Jersey; S. R., of this review; Mary, the wife of Frank Butterworth, of Trenton; Thomas E., of South Orange, and Lillie, wife of Frank Carr, of Woodbury. The father of these children resided in Pemberton and was a very prominent member of the Baptist church, taking an active part in its work and serving as a member of the synod. He died in 1869, but his wife is still living, at the age of seventy-three years.
S. R. Budd was reared upon the old home farm, and is indebted to the common schools of the neighborhood for the education he received. He entered business life as a butcher and followed that business in his native county for five years. In 1875 he engaged in the livery business in Cam- den, and in 1882 he came to Woodbury, where he opened a butcher's shop. In 1887 he purchased the Newton Hotel stables, and also leased another livery stable; both of them he has since conducted and both are excellently equipped with a fine line of carriages. He does the largest business in his line in the town, and his courtesy to his patrons, his reliability, and his enterprise assure him continued success. In 1894 he also extended the field of his labors by engaging in the undertaking business, and has found this a profitable source of income.
In 1875 Mr. Budd married Miss Annie Carlin, and they had three chil- dren : Rena, Edna and Mary. Mr. Budd belongs to the Red Cross society and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. During the years of his residence in Woodbury he has won the high regard of all with whom he came in contact by his honorable business methods, his fidelity to all the duties of life and his loyalty as a citizen. Through his own well-directed efforts he has acquired a handsome competency, and his success illustrates what can be accomplished through determined purpose and a laudable ambition. !
THE WOODBURY DAILY TIMES.
The Woodbury Daily Times was established on the 2d of February, 1892, by its present proprietors, C. Walter Hawn and J. Frank Wilson. The paper has been managed as an independent journal, and has been an earnest advocate of all local measures and movements for the public benefit. It has a very large circulation in the county and state, and the firm own a splendidly equipped plant, located on Cooper street. Gas power is used in the operation of the machinery, and the office is well equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories for carrying on the business. The Times is one of the leading papers in the county. It is
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published as a four-page daily, except on Saturdays, when it is an eight- page paper. It is the only daily in Gloucester county, and is indeed credit- able to the proprietors and to the district through which it is distributed. The owners are men of good business ability and their advocacy of public measures has been an influential factor in support of many interests.
CHARLES WALTER HAWN.
Charles Walter Hawn, one of the proprietors and publishers of the Woodbury Daily Times, was born at Millville, New Jersey, on the 13th of July, 1871, his parents being Charles and Rachel Hawn. The family is of German lineage, and was established in southern New Jersey at a very early day. The grandfather, Moses Hawn, resided in Salem county, near Alloway, where he followed the blacksmith's trade, and probably spent his last days. He reared a large family, including Charles Hawn, who also became a blacksmith and followed that pursuit throughout the years of his active business life. He was long employed in the line of his chosen vocation by the firm of Whitall, Tatum & Company, of Millville. He married Rachel Green. The parents of our subject had nine children, namely: Isaiah C., John K., David, Bessie, C. Walter, Eva C., William C. and two who died in childhood.
During his youth Mr. Hawn, of this review, resided in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties, and obtained his education in the public schools near his home. At the age of fifteen years he had to put aside his text-books in order to earn his own living. He worked on the farm during the spring, summer and fall months. and pursued his education through the winter season. In 1887 he began learning the printer's trade at Elmer, New Jersey, which he has since followed. He mastered the business in the composing room, and now has a practical knowledge of all departments of the work both as a compositor and editor. In 1897 he established the Woodbury Daily Times with J. Frank Wilson as a partner in the business. They have made this one of the leading papers in southern New Jersey, and are now enjoying a large and lucrative patronage.
Mr. Hawn was married at Elmer, New Jersey, on the 15th of September, 1892, to Miss Mattie Elizabeth Wilson, and unto them have been born three children: Esther May, September 21, 1894; Charles Elmer, April 4, 1896, and Helen Claire, June 16, 1900.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawn are prominent members and active workers in
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the Kemble Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hawn is also active in the Epworth League, and has been secretary and president of the chapter. On the 2d of February, 1892, he became a member of Woodbury Castle, No. 15, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is now serving as its treasurer. In politics he is a Republican with prohibition tendencies. His military experience covers five years' service with Company E, of the Sixth Regi- ment of the New Jersey National Guard, which he joined in May, 1890. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive and withholds his support from no movement or measure which is calculated to prove of public benefit along social, material, educational and moral lines. Through the columns of his paper and by personal effort he does what he can to advance public good, and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.
J. HILDRETH FOGG.
The Fogg family is one of the oldest in Salem county, New Jersey. Charles Fogg, the great-great-grandfather of J. Hildreth Fogg, settled on the farm in Lower Alloway Creek township now occupied by the latter, in 1753, and it has since been occupied by the family. J. Hildreth Fogg was born on that farm May 30, 1844, and is a son of Joseph H. Fogg and Rachel, nee Allen. His father was a son of David Fogg, who was a native of Green- wich, Cumberland county, New Jersey, and came to Lower Alloway Creek township soon after 1840, and died there in 1888, at the age of seventy-one years. He was a man well known in the county, served as county treasurer for a number of years, and was one of the most active Republicans in his township, unwavering in his support of the principles of his party. The family consisted of five children: J. Hildreth; Hannah, now Mrs. Oliver Smith, of Salem; Isaac, a farmer in Mannington township; Rachel, now Mrs. Charles Zelley, of Salem, and Aaron, a farmer in Mannington township.
Mr. Fogg was educated in the public schools of Salem county, and at Mount Holly, New Jersey. Upon leaving school he returned to the farm and has followed farming all his life, becoming the owner of the old home- stead upon his father's death. He is a successful farmer, an extensive grower of tomatoes-the staple product of southern New Jersey-and has his own cannery for preparing them for the market.
Mr. Fogg was married March 20, 1877, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Jesse Patrick, of Lower Alloway Creek, by whom he has five children ;- Arthur L., Frank G., Hildreth Ross, Bessie L. and William.
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Mr. Fogg is a Republican, but has never sought public office or political preferment. In religious views, like his ancestors, he is an adherent of the belief of the Society of Friends.
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