USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
He also has ever had a hearty concern for the public welfare. It is true that his chief life-work has been that of a remarkably successful merchant, but the range of his activities and the scope of his influence have reached far beyond this special field. He belongs to that class of men who wield a power that is all the more potent from the fact that it is moral rather than political, and is exercised for the public weal rather than for personal ends. Regarded as a citizen and in his social relations, he belongs to that public- spirited, useful and helpful type of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
HARRY McCOLLISTER.
This gentleman is well known in professional circles in Swedesboro, where he is engaged in teaching instrumental music. He was born in Bridgeport, New Jersey, October 20, 1863, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Charlotte Ann (Justice) McCollister. The family is of Irish extraction. The early authentic records of which our subject has cognizance states that John McCollister and his wife, Rebecca, were residents of Salem county. Their son, Isaac McCollister, was a weaver by trade but in later life followed farming. He was married in 1793 to Mary Stiver, and his death occurred in Sharptown, New Jersey, August 19, 1838, while his wife passed away Sep- tember 17, 1806. Their children were: John, who was born March 28,
564
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
1794, and died March 6, 1796; Archibald, who was born November 15, 1795, and died July 20, 1817; Beulah, who was born August 2, 1798, and died August 7, 1819; Mary, who was born April 16, 1801, and died in early childhood; and Isaac, who was born July 21, 1804, and died August 19, 1838. After the death of his first wife the father of this family was again married, March 13, 1809, his second union being with Elizabeth Keen, daughter of Elijah and Mary Keen. She was born February 14, 1780, and died December 16, 1847. By her marriage she became the mother of five children : Elijah, who was born March 26, 1810, died on the 3d of Novem- ber of the same year; Rachel, born September 13, 1811, married Matthew DuBois, and died in Everett, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1880; Moses, born April 15, 1814, died February 25, 1830; Aaron, born September 7, 1816, died October 2, 1836; and Benjamin Franklin was born October 1, 1818.
The last named, the father of our subject, acquired his education in the common schools of Salein county and in early life studied surveying, which he has followed at intervals throughout his business career. In 1838 he began teaching school and was thus employed for two years in Sharptown, New Jersey, and spent one year as a teacher two miles above Penn Grove and two years in that town. He represented Salem county in the legislature, although he accepted the office much againt his desire. On the expiration of his term he again resumed teaching, being connected with the educational interests near Penn Grove for one year. He afterward spent five years as a teacher in the town, was for three years a teacher in Bridgeport, and then went to Illinois, where he taught for two years. Being an able mathe- matician, he was then invited by Benjamin Naylor, author of Naylor's Speedy Calculator, to join him in conducting a school eight miles from Lafayette, Indiana. There he remained for one year, during which time he formed a key to the calculator just mentioned. Subsequently, in connection with Mr. Naylor and William B. Lauler, he conducted a large school in Richland, Iowa, for three years, his students coming from that state, Illinois and Indiana. The outbreak of the civil war, however, seriously interfered with the success of the institution; so Mr. McCollister returned to Bridge- port, New Jersey, where he was engaged in teaching for three years. Sub- sequently he was a teacher in Swedesboro for one year and for one year conducted a private school in Battentown. On the expiration of that period he again returned to Bridgeport, where a five-years' service in the school- room completed his educational work. Soon afterward he removed to Swedesboro, where he has since carried on a conveyancing and surveying business. In this line his long experience with calculation proves of great value to him. He won an enviable reputation in connection with educational
565
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
work, having the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowl- edge he had acquired.
On the 16th of April, 1846, Mr. McCollister was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Ann Justice, a daughter of Nicholas Justice, of Pedrickstown, New Jersey. The children born of this union are: Elizabeth, who was born January 21, 1847, became the wife of James Sweeny and is now deceased; Anna, who was born December 22, 1848, is the wife of Thomas Norcross, of Swedesboro; Mary, who was born May 3, 1853, is the wife of William Norcross, of the same town; George, who was born August 6, 1860, and died October 22, 1861; and Harry, the subject of this review.
The last named obtained his education in the public schools of Bridge- port and Woodbury, New Jersey. He studied music in an institution in Philadelphia and also under a number of private instructors, attaining great proficiency in the "art divine." Of late years he has devoted his energies to piano and organ instruction, having through the past decade been re- garded as one of the leaders in this profession in New Jersey. He was a delegate to the national convention of the Music Teachers' Association in Cincinnati, in 1891, and holds a very prominent position in professional circles.
Mr. McCollister was married November 7, 1889, to Miss Mary C. Clark, daughter of Benjamin C. Clark, of Swedesboro, and they now have one child. Percival. Mr. McCollister is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in his political affiliations is a Republican. He and his wife attend the Episcopal church and are very prominent in social circles, while their own home is noted for its kindly hospitality.
J. C. HAZELTON.
J. C. Hazelton, a well known citizen of Mullica Hill, was born in that place December 10, 1857. His father, J. W., and his grandfather, Stacy Hazelton, were also born there. J. W. followed the occupation of farming and at one time was a large land-owner. He was a prominent leader in the Republican party of his county and was once elected to the United States congress. In religion he was a member of the Society of Friends. He mar- ried Martha Allen, who died in 1857. Of their six children four are living : J. C., F. Stacy, living at Woodstown; Samuel A., residing at Monroeville: and Collins, living at Whig Lane.
The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools, spending
566
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
one year in the Westchester Normal State school. His life has been spent on the farm and he has always been a respected citizen.
Mr. Hazleton is a member of the Methodist church and superintendent of the Sunday-school. For ten years he has been secretary of the local lodge of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He was married March 16, 1882, to Elizabeth, a daughter of J. J. Foster, of Jefferson, and they have two children,-Collins A., and Anna F.
HENRY G. STEELMAN.
That Mr. Steelman is one of the leading and influential citizens of Ocean City is evinced by the fact that he has on various occasions been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and gave him their confidence and support. He well deserves mention among the representative men of Cape May county, and it is with pleasure, therefore, that we present to our readers the record of his career. He was born on the 3d of February, 1864, in Weymouth, Atlantic county, New Jersey, and is a son of Reuben and Caroline (Campbell) Steelman.
The Steelman family is of English origin, and in early colonial days the first representative of the name in New Jersey took up his abode in Steel- ville, Atlantic county. The Campbells also were an early colonial family, and one of the ancestors of our subject served as a private in Washington's army at the time the patriots crossed the Delaware at Trenton, New Jersey. Frederick Steelman, the great-grandfather of our subject, resided near Steel- ville, Atlantic county, then a part of Gloucester county, where he owned a very large tract of land, comprising several thousand acres. He married Miss Scull, and their children were as follows: Joseph, the grandfather of our subject, was the eldest. Sophia became the wife of David Smith, a sailor who resided at Steelville, and their children were: Phoebe, the wife of John Austin, and after his death she became the wife of Ludlum Hand; Sarah, the wife of Hosea McLean; Anna, the wife of Conley Somers; Edward; Ephraim; and David, who married Miss Collins. Judith became the wife of John Scull, a farmer, and their children were Susan, Benjamin, Richard, Edward, and Amelia, the wife of Robert Maloney. Experience became the wife of A. Steelman, and they had one son, James. Elizabeth married Jonathan Scull. The great-grandfather of our subject died when forty-five or fifty years of age.
Joseph Steelman, the grandfather, was born near Steelville and engaged In the lumber business at that place. He also carried on agricultural pur-
1
567
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
suits and was a man of industry and enterprise. He had eight children. Hannah, the eldest, became the wife of David Campbell, and their children were James, John, Hanson, Peter, Joseph and Sarah. The father of these children died, and Mrs. Steelman afterward married David Harris, a foundry- man, by whom she had two children,-Priscilla and Isaac. Naomi married Sanford Updike, a resident of Greenwich, New Jersey, and their children were: Joseph, Frederick, Sanford, Anna and Laura. Ann became the wife of Lewis Gifford, and after his death wedded John Thomas, by whom she had twin daughters,-Maggie and Ida. Roxanna became the wife of Wilson Cramer, of Pennsylvania, and had a son, Joseph. Margaret married God- fred Estlow, a resident of May's Landing, and their children were Anna, Lizzie, Ida, Winfield and Margaret. Joseph, now deceased, had the follow- ing named children: William; Reuben, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Alfred Lewis; Rebecca, the wife of David Everhart; and Alexina, who married Mr. Smallwood. David is deceased. Elizabeth, the youngest, became Mrs. Smith.
Reuben Steelman, the father of our subject, was born in Steelville, June 9, 1824. He was a sawyer and also followed the lumber business. For thirty years he was connected with that business at Weymouth, but since 1888 has been a resident of Ocean City, where he is now living a retired life. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, and in his religious belief is a Metho- dist. He married Miss Caroline Campbell, who died April 9, 1894, at the age of sixty-five years. In their family were five children, namely: Emma married Louis Risley, who is engaged in the yachting business and in boat- building; Jacob is the second; Maggie is the wife of Edward R. Sack, a teacher in the public schools of Ocean City, and they have two children, Emma and Caroline; Henry G. is the fourth in order of birth; and Lizzie is the wife of Charles S. Pryor, a life-insurance agent at Atlantic City, by whom she has a daughter, Ruby.
Henry G. Steelman was graduated in the public schools and afterward engaged in working in a store in Weymouth. Later he carried on the grocery business, and in 1888 came to Ocean City, where he immediately established a grocery store. His trade constantly and rapidly increased until his quarters became too small and he erected a large building, in which he successfully conducted his store until 1894, when he sold that property to the Knights of Pythias. He then turned his attention to the lumber business at Ocean City, as a member of the firm of H. C. Steelman & Com- pany, and after two years he became a member of the firm of Howell & Steelman, his partner being Albert H. Howell. A year later, however, he
568
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
became connected with the real-estate interests of this place, and has erected here a number of residences.
He has a comprehensive knowledge of realty values, and his judgment is safe and reliable, so that he has made judicious investments which have brought him a good return for his capital.
On the 4th of January, 1890, Mr. Steelman married Miss Ann Bour- geois, and in their pleasant home they entertain many of the best people of Ocean City, for their circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Steelman has long been actively identified with public affairs, and is at the present time the chief of the fire department here. From 1890 until 1893 he was the collector and treasurer of the city, and in 1894 was chosen to the office of mayor. His administration won him favorable comment, for it was characterized by accuracy and reform along many lines. He has frequently been a delegate to various conventions of his party, and his counsels have been regarded as judicious in the interests of his party. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, while his political support is in harmony with the doctrines of the Republican party. In all the duties of public and private life he has been found faithful, and no confidence reposed in him has ever been betrayed.
CHARLES A. J. JOHNSON.
One of the popular citizens and early residents of Wildwood is Charles A. J. Johnson, the well known conductor running between Holly Beach and Cape May Court House, and among the attaches of the road there is no one held in higher regard. He was born in Denmark, September 23. 1848, a son of Peter and Hinesa (Snogsburgh) Johnson. His grandfather also lived in Denmark, and there Peter Johnson was born on the 19th of April, 181I. He came to the United States in 1854, locating in Salem, New Jersey, where he engaged in the baker's business and made his home until his death. He served in the army of his native land. After coming to the New World he gave his political support to the Democracy and attended the Baptist church, but held membership in the Lutheran church. He died April 20th, 1879. and his wife passed away in 1856. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children: John Edward, who married Miss Rhinehart and resides in Salem. They have a daughter, Mrs. Lena Davis, and had a son, John, who was a member of the Ninth New Jersey Infantry and was shot through the neck in a raid at Kingston, North Carolina, dying in a hospital as the result
569
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
of his injuries. Lena, the second of the family, married Harry Hinkle and had two children,-Ida and Henry. Her second husband was Henry Klincker, and their children were Henry, Morris and Julius. The father is a gardener and baker. Nicholas, who joined the Union army in the civil war, was shot through the head at the battle of Fair Oaks and died soon after. He first enlisted for three months' service, and at the expiration of that time returned home, but later he joined the Second Delaware Infantry and was serving with the Second Regiment of California Volunteers under Colonel Baker when killed. He was only eighteen years of age, and for the bravery which he displayed on the field of battle was highly complimented by his superior officers. Henrietta is the wife of Charles H. Thompson, a printer of New Haven, Connecticut, and they have two children,-Herbert and Jennie. Charles is the next of the family. Amelia died in Denmark at the age of four years; and the youngest died in infancy.
Charles A. J. Johnson pursued his education until thirteen years of age and was then thrown upon his own resources, since which time he has de- pended entirely upon his own efforts. He learned the baker's trade in Salem, and in 1869 began business on his own account, successfully conducting a bakery at that place until 1883, when he entered the employ of the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad. He worked at the station in Salem and later became brakeman on the trains running between Salem and Elmer. Sub- sequently he was baggage-master between Salem and Camden, and in 1886 was promoted as conductor, running between Ocean City and Sea Isle Junction, New Jersey. In 1888 he was transferred to his present position and has since been a conductor on the line between Holly Beach and Cape May Court House. He is very popular with the patrons of the road, his cheerfully rendered assistance and uniform courtesy winning him high regard.
On the 19th of December, 1869, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Flannigan, a daughter of James Flannigan, of Salem county, and they have five children: Charles Herbert, a druggist now eighteen years of age; Howard, who died at the age of six years; Florence and Julius, who are also deceased; and Henry, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson reside in a beautiful and tastefully furnished residence in Wild- wood and are numbered among the oldest residents of the place, so that they have a wide acquaintance there. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Cape Isle Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., and the Richmond Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., of Millville. He is also a member of the American Order of United Workmen, and of the Baptist church, of which he has served as clerk and deacon. His life has been an upright and honorable one, char-
570
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
acterized by fidelity to every duty and by devotion to all measures which he believes are calculated to prove a public benefit.
FRANCIS R. FITHIAN.
One of the well known financiers of southern New Jersey is Francis R. Fithian, and to his own ability, energy and careful management he owes the proud position which he now occupies in financial circles. He was born in Bridgeton, Cumberland county, May 23, 1855, a son of Charles S. and Harriet (Reeves) Fithian, both of whom were representatives of old and prominent families of Cumberland county. A member of the Fithian family was Dr. Enoch Fithian, a well known historian and physi- cian of Greenwich, who lived to be one hundred and one years old. An- other of the name who won distinction was Reuben Fithian, state sena- tor. Among the maternal relatives were Rev. Dr. Henry Reeves, an eminent clergyman of New Jersey, and Francis B. Reeves, the president of the Girard National Bank of Philadelphia. All these mentioned were uncles or great-uncles of our subject. The Fithian family is of English lineage and was founded by a follower of Cromwell in Connecticut at about the time of Cromwell's death. About two hundred years ago rep- resentatives of the name settled in Cumberland county, New Jersey. One of the early members of the family was Rev. Dr. Phillip Vicers Fithian, who led the Revolutionary American citizens that burned the British tea at Greenwich at about the same time that the Boston tea party occurred. His company dressed as Indians, and the affair was hardly less important than the event which occurred at Boston. Charles S. Fithian, the father of our subject, is still living and is a well known financier of southern New Jersey. He is the treasurer of the Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company, with which he has been connected for over a quarter of a centu- ry, and is a director of the Cumberland National Bank of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Half a century ago he established the first building association formed in South Jersey and has been interested in building associations since that time. He is regarded' as one of the leading men of southern New Jersey, and his influence in business affairs in this part of the state has been very pronounced.
Francis R. Fithian, whose name introduces this record, is a graduate of the West Jersey Academy at Bridgeton. After completing his school course, he was for several years editor and proprietor of the Bridgeton Chronicle and other periodicals. In 1888 his father's real estate inter-
57I
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
ests demanded so much of his time that he sold his publication in order to give his entire attention to the development of Lake View, a suburb of Bridgeton, and through his efforts that section of the city was greatly improved and beautified. In 1891, in connection with twenty of the prom- inent men of the state, he organized the State Mutual Building & Loan Association of New Jersey, with offices at Camden. This association is now not only the largest in the state but one of the six largest in the United States. In 1896 Mr. Fithian visited London in order to study the methods of the extensive building associations in England, and gained there several valuable ideas which have been successfully incorporated into the State Mutual Association. This business enterprise, the State Mutual Association, is a large savings bank for the people of New Jersey, and has assets amounting to two million dollars. In 1896 several building and loan officials of the state organized the Building & Loan Mutual Life Insurance Company, with a paid-up capital of twenty-five thousand dol- lars, and elected Mr. Fithian its president. He is the president of the Security Trust Company of Camden, and in 1899, on its organization, was elected the president of the Real Estate Loan & Trust Company of Camden. He has been one of the active members of the Bridgeton Board of Trade, and has been connected with various financial enterprises which have not only contributed to his individual prosperity but have also proven of great benefit to this portion of the commonwealth. In 1893 he was appointed by the governor of New Jersey to represent the state in the World's Real Estate Congress, held in Chicago, accessory to the World's Columbian Exposition,-a fact which indicates his standing as a represen- tative of the business interests of New Jersey.
Mr. Fithian was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. D. Hill, a daugh- ter of Rev. Dr. Charles E. Hill, a well known clergyman of the New Jer- sey Methodist Episcopal conference. They now have an interesting fam- ily of four children: Esther Hill, Charles Seeley, Mary Hill and Harriet Reeves. Mr. and Mrs. Fithian hold membership in the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican, has served in the city board of education in Bridgeton and is now one of the trustees of the West Jersey Academy. He has always been prominent in public affairs and no one has been more actively or commendably interested in the welfare and development of this section of the state. He is a man of enterprise, very positive char- acter, indomitable energy, strict integrity and liberal views, and has been fully identified with the growth and prosperity of New Jersey through the years of his manhood. In business he has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained a satisfactory reward.
.
572
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
W. J. ADAMSON.
W. J. Adamson, who is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Paulsboro, was born in the town which is still his home, December 31, 1853. His father, Oram Adamson, was a native of Scotland and came to the United States in 1850, hoping to better his financial condition in the New World. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to the sixth century, and through many generations the Adamsons have been owners and opera- tors of woolen mills, engaged in the manufacture of Paisley shawls.
On crossing the Atlantic the father went to Chicago, Illinois, which was then a small town, but in 1851 came to Paulsboro, New Jersey, where he followed his trade of carpet-weaving. He was at one time a soldier in the English army and during his life he traveled extensively, both in Europe and in America. He wedded Mary Price, a daughter of James Price, of Ireland, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary, the wife of W. H. Flower, of Billingsport, New Jersey; W. J., of this sketch; Henry, who is living in Paulsboro; Oram, of Denver, Colorado; Isabella, at home; Jemima, the wife of Charles Henry, of Paulsboro; and George, a resident of Colorado. The father of these children held membership in the Episco- palian church and for a number of years served as a warden. He was a very genial gentleman, well liked by all who knew him, and his death, which occurred in 1876, was mourned by many friends throughout the community. He and his son, W. J., were one day out fishing, when the boat capsized and they were thrown into the river. They managed to get on the boat, which was then drifting bottom side up, and remained there all night, the son hold- ing the father on most of the time. At length, however, the elder man slipped again into the water and was drowned! His widow is still living and has reached the age of seventy-four years.
In his early life W. J. Adamson worked upon a farm by the day, but determining to abandon agricultural pursuits he began doing carpenter work, although he had no previous knowledge of the trade. Soon, however, he adapted himself to the new labor and at length became an expert work- man. In 1884 he began building residences upon a new addition which had been made to Paulsboro, and since that time he has erected one hun- dred and thirty-five houses, of which he has sold all but thirty. This is one of the attractive additions to the town and stands as a monument to the skill and enterprise of Mr. Adamson. He aided in organizing the Billings- port & Paulsboro Improvement Company, was made its secretary and still holds that position. He is now successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, receiving a liberal patronage in both lines. He has been
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.