USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume I > Part 63
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
William A. Casper, who is now prominently connected with the business and public interests of Salem county, was born on the old homestead in Mannington township, September 30, 1828, and obtained his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and after attaining his majority followed farming on his own account until 1860, when he began dealing in grain and hay in Salem. He followed that business for some time and then turned his attention to auctioneering, which he has since followed with excellent success. His ability to manage a sale has made him very popular in his line, and his services are in demand over a wide area. He is also the owner of two valuable farms, one located in Quinton township, the other in Lower Penn's Neck township, and these add materially to his income.
In February, 1850, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Casper and Miss Elizabeth Stretch, a daughter of Mark Stretch, and to them were born
1
583
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
eight children-Hildreth, who has been twice married; ,William J .; Anna; Elizabeth S .; John; Mary; Anna, and one who died in infancy. The mother was called to her eternal home in 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Like others of his family, Mr. Casper has been officially connected with the keeping of the public peace, having served as sheriff of Salem county from 1860 until 1863. He has also held a number of township offices. He is independent in politics, supporting those whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations, Energy and enterprise are num- bered among his chief characteristics and have been the most important factors in his success. In manner he is social and genial, and he has a host of warm friends. He is a worthy representative of a family that since colonial days has been connected with the county and that has always been loyal and faithful to its best interests.
DAVID WILEY, M. D.
One of the leading physicians and extensive land-owners of Salem is Dr. Wiley, whose marked executive ability, keen discernmentand unflagging enterprise have gained him prestige in both professional and commercial circles. He is one of Salem county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Upper Penn's Neck, May 8, 1848, and his parents being Joseph B. and Mary Amanda (Morris) Wiley. His grandfather, David Wiley, was a son of John Wiley, and the family name is of Swedish origin. Its representa- tives were early members of the Swedenborgian church, but afterward be- came identified with the Protestant Episcopal church. David Wiley, the grandfather, was a native of Upper Penn's Neck, made farming his life work, and died in Penn's Grove. He was also a director in the Salem National Bank, and was honored by his fellow townsmen with an election to the state legislature. His religious views were in harmony with the doctrine of the Episcopalian church, of which he was accordingly a mem- ber. He married Lydia Borden and they became the parents of John, Rebecca, Harriet, George, Uriah, Jane, Joseph B. and Elijah, and one who died in infancy. The grandfather of the Doctor died in October, 1856, at the age of sixty-seven years.
Joseph B. Wiley, the Doctor's father, was born in Upper Penn's Neck township, Salem county, in 1822, and when he had attained to man's estate began farming there. He was the owner of one hun- dred and seventy acres of rich land, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields yielding to him a golden tribute in re-
584
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
turn for his care and labor. He married Mary Amanda Morris, and they became the parents of four children-David; William, who was born in April, 1850, and died at the age of nine years; Elizabeth, who was born in 1852, and died at the age of twenty-one years; and Joseph, a resident of Salem, who was born in October, 1855, and married Emma T. Dallas. The father died in 1855, at the early age of thirty-three years, and the mother long survived him, passing away in 1893, at the age of sixty-nine years.
In his youth Dr. Wiley attended the public schools of Woodston, later was a student in Pennington Seminary and the Michigan State Univer- sity, and was graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, in 1869, with the degree of M. D. He had determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and after careful and thorough preparation for his chosen profession he located in Salem in 1870, and opened an office. He is a representative of "regular" medicine, and in his practice he has met with excellent success and won distinction as a leading physician of the con- munity.
He is also a man of excellent business and executive ability and splendid powers of management, and is thereby enabled successfully to control ex- tensive landed interests. His property holdings are very valuable. He and his brother, Joseph B., own a farm in Gloucester county of one hundred acres, and he has one hundred acres in Olden township, Salem county; one hundred and fifty acres in Upper Penn's Neck township; a second one in that township of three hundred and fifteen acres; two hundred and twenty- five acres in Mannington township; two farms in Elsinboro township, com- prising four hundred acres; and one in Cumberland county of one hundred and twenty acres. In addition to this he has charge of the estates of John H. and Josiah Morris. The former comprises two farms in Mannington township, one of two hundred and twenty-five acres, the other of one hun- dred and thirty acres; one in Gloucester county; and one in West Virginia of two hundred and sixty-five acres, besides business property, houses and money. The estate of Joseph Morris represents two farms, besides mon- eyed interests. Although his business cares in the management of these properties are extensive, his efforts are not confined to them alone. for he is connected with banking enterprises and is a member of the Building & Loan Association.
In his political affiliations the Doctor is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought political preferment, having never served in public office save as a member of the board of health. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and at one time was a member of its board of trustees. His life has been well
585
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
spent and his fidelity to duty has ever been most marked. The salient points in his career are unfaltering perseverance and unflagging enterprise in business, loyalty in social life and reliability in public trusts,-qualities which have gained to him the high regard of many friends.
GEORGE W. REED.
One of the foremost men in railroad circles in Woodbury is George W. Reed, whose long experience and efficient service renders him an authority in his line. His parents came of two of the oldest and most highly respected families of Gloucester county, and his relatives are numbered among the representative citizens of this section of the state.
The Reeds, or Reads (as the name was spelled originally), are of English extraction. Esquire Joseph Reed, the grandfather of our subject, was born and spent the major portion of his life in Gloucester county, New Jersey. He was a well-known and respected citizen, a magistrate, and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He died about 1856, and of his entire family only one member, James, survives, as the wife and mother, Mary Reed, and three of their sons-Thomas B., William B. and Joseph L ..--- are deceased.
William B., the father of G. W. Reed, was born in this county, February 20, 1822, and spent his early years upon a farm. He acquired a fair educa- tion and for several years was a successful teacher in the schools of his native county. In 1857 he removed to Philadelphia, where he died Febru- ary 9, 1859, then in his prime. His wife, Eliza (Thompson) Reed, lived many years longer, being summoned to the silent land, at Paulsboro, New Jersey, in September, 1886. Of their children, Sarah T. and Wilmer are deceased, and John C. is a resident of Woodstown, New Jersey. Mrs. Reed was a granddaughter of Isaac Thompson, a soldier of the Revolution, during which war his home was at Thompson's Point, a place named in his honor. His son Nathan, the father of Mrs. Reed, was born and passed his entire life in this county. He died about 1865, loved and mourned by a large circle of life-long friends. He married Sarah Russell and had ten children-James R., Samuel, Richard, Uriah, George, Ann, Rebecca, Eliza, and two who died when young.
George W. Reed was born near Bridgeport, Logan township, Glouces- ter county, April 18, 1846, and received his primary education in the schools taught by his father. Later he pursued his studies in private schools and in the Hancock grammar school in Philadelphia. Having a desire to equip
586
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
himself for the battle of life in some special manner, he next learned tel- egraphy in the Quaker Business College in Philadelphia. During the civil war he was in the employ of the government for two years as a fireman on trains of the West Jersey Railroad, which transported soldiers and supplies to the Union army in the south. In 1866 Mr. Reed took a position as tele- graph operator for the road just mentioned and at the end of three years was appointed station agent at Swedesboro, New Jersey. In 1875 he was transferred to a similar position at Millville, New Jersey, remaining there until October, 1878, when he resigned, in order to accept a better place in the service of Lippincott Sons & Company, wholesale auctioneers of Phila- delphia. After four years with that firm he became the auditor and general passenger agent of the Delaware River Railroad, entering upon his re- sponsible duties on the Ist of October, 1881. Eighteen years have rolled away, and he still continues in this position, having thoroughly proved his value to the company. He takes a lively interest in the affairs of the com- munity in which he dwells, and plays the part of a true patriot. He served his friends and neighbors as assessor of Greenwich township one year, and was clerk of the board of freeholders of Woodbury three years. In his political views he is a Democrat.
The family relations of Mr. Reed have always been very happy. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan Adams, daughter of John B. and Susan Adams, of Philadelphia, in June, 1868. Their union was blessed with four children, two of whom have been summoned to the better land. Wilber, the eldest, married Haddie Colins, of Pleasantville, New Jersey. Clifton, the second son, who had wedded Emma B. Walker, of Clarksboro, New Jersey, died in January, 1899, at the age of twenty-eight years. How- ard H. married Annie Hammil, of Marlton, New Jersey. Charles A., the youngest, died when but twelve years of age.
ALEXANDER R. FITHIAN.
The name of Fithian has been so long prominently and honorably con- nected with the history of southern New Jersey that Alexander Robeson Fithian needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume. He has himself been for a number of years recognized as a very important factor in social and political circles. His parents are Charles S. and Harriet (Reeves) Fithian. He was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, in 1863, and has two brothers,-William S., a merchant of Bridgeton, and Francis R., who is prominently connected with building and loan associations of this
587
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
state. He attended the West Jersey Academy and the South Jersey Insti- tute, being a graduate of the latter institution. Determining to make the practice of law his life work, he then entered the Columbia College of New York, and is a graduate of that institution. He has become a well-known Republican leader in South Jersey, yet has never been a politician in the sense of an office-seeker, having never except on one occasion held public office. His influence and efforts, however, have proven a strong factor in electing many state, county and city officials. He was appointed by Presi- dent Harrison to the office of collector of customs, but on no other occa- sion has he accepted official reward for his political service. His fitness for leadership in political life is widely recognized because of his comprehen- sive and accurate knowledge of the political situation of the country, the needs of the people, of public opinion and his marked ability to guide and direct public thought and action. In literary circles he is not less promi- nent. He has one of the most valuable libraries in Bridgeton and is an acknowledged authority on most literary questions. In connection with his brother, Francis R. Fithian, he is extensively interested in financial and real-estate matters, including National Park, a pleasure resort in town situated on the east bank of the Delaware, a few miles below Camden. It is there that the monument which marks the battle-ground of Red Bank is to be seen, as well as the trenches which were used by the soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Fithian is a director in several financial, in- surance and other institutions of South Jersey and is a member of the Bar Association of both Cumberland and Camden counties. The Bridgeton Hospital was made possible by his exertions, about two years ago, and under his direction as its president is becoming a necessary part of Cum- berland county's advance.
EDGAR F. DELL.
In the business affairs of life and now in public office Edgar F. Dell has manifested marked executive ability and keen discrimination. For a num- ber of years he was connected with the commercial interests of Philadel- phia and of Baltimore, and at the present writing he is capably discharging the duties of postmaster of Woodbury, where his courtesy to the patrons of the office and his promptness and fidelity in administering its affairs have won him the regard and commendation of the public.
Mr. Dell is a native of Philadelphia, his birth having occurred in that
588
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
city, on the 8th of June, 1852. Back to "merrie England" the ancestry of the family is traced. The grandfather, Richard Dell, and the father of our subject, Joseph F. Dell, were both natives of Belvidere, Warren county, New Jersey. The latter entered upon his business career as a clerk in his native town, and later secured a clerical position in a clothing store in Philadelphia. Subsequently he began business on his own account as a member of the firm of Becker & Dell,' which was one of the oldest clothing firms in that city. The house sustained a very enviable reputation and in consequence enjoyed a liberal patronage. In 1871 he removed to Wood- bury, where he made his home, although he conducted his business in- terests in Philadelphia. He was a great lover of horses, and usually owned some fine specimens of the noble steed. He married Miss Kate Clute, and they became the parents of seven children, namely : Edgar F .; Walter, who is living in the west; Frank, a resident of Philadelphia; Josephine, the wife of William Gristearn, who makes his home abroad; Richard, also of Philadelphia; Annie, the wife of West Jessup, of Woodbury; and Jean- nette, the wife of Arthur Star. The father of these children died in 1885, but the mother is still living, at the age of sixty-four years.
Edgar F. Dell spent his boyhood days in his native city and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges which he received. On putting aside his text-books he entered his father's clothing store and thoroughly mastered the business, remaining with the firm of Becker & Dell until his father's retirement from business in 1884. He then became a traveling salesman for a Baltimore house, which he represented upon the road for twelve years. With his father's family he had taken up his abode in Woodbury, and during President Cleveland's first administration he was appointed postmaster, which position he filled until retired during President Harrison's term of office. When Grover Cleveland was again elected he was once more appointed to the position, and most capably and efficiently administered the affairs of the office. He has always been a stalwart Dem- ocrat in his political affiliations and has given an earnest and loyal support to the party.
In 1872 Mr. Dell was united in marriage to Miss Sarah, daughter of Judge William D. Scott of Woodbury. Their union has been blessed with six children, namely: Edgar, Alice S., Clarence, Marion, Joseph S. and Frank P. The family is one of prominence in the community, holding a position of relative distinction in social circles. Mr. Dell still retains an interest in a wholesale clothing house in , but maintains his residence in Woodbury, where he has a wide acquaintance. His reliability in business affairs, his fidelity to duty in public office, his genial manner and
.
589
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
uniform courtesy in social circles, all gain for him the regard and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact.
GEORGE RUMSEY.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished; and, when we know that Richard Rumsey has worked his way upward from a humble position to a place among the most substantial citizens of Salem, we cannot but acknowledge that his success has been most creditable and enviable. Fate does not bestow her favors promiscu- ously. They must be earnestly sought after and perseverance and energy must characterize the search. These elements, dominating the businss ca- reer of Mr. Rumsey, have brought him prosperity and now enable him to lay aside the more active duties of life and live practically retired.
A son of Charles and Hannah (Mulford) Rumsey, he was born in Salem, April 22, 1833. His father was a native of Maryland and became a mer- chant and silversmith of Salem. He was a member of the Methodist church, and his life was an honorable and upright one, but his career was brought to an untimely termination, for he died in early manhood, on the 14th of September, 1841. By his marriage to Hannah Mulford he had five chil- dren: Jacob Mulford, who followed merchandising first at Salem and after- ward in Portsmouth, Ohio, married Mary Stanger and had two children, Edward S. and Laura. Charles, who engaged in merchandising in Salem and in Philadelphia, wedded Emma Micher, a sister of John Micher, of Philadelphia, and they had two children, -- Gertrude and Anna, and by his second wife, whose maiden name was Marie Sovereign, he also reared a number of children. James M., a merchant of Portsmouth, Ohio, married Miss Harriet Gostery, and their children are John C., Charles C., Eliza W., James M., William T., Blasphel and Hattie. Hannah M., is the wife of S. L. J. Miller, a retired farmer, and has one child, Wyatt W. George is the youngest of the family. The mother died November 2, 1881, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-seven years.
During the greater part of his life George Rumsey has been a resident of Salem, and for many years was a most active factor in its business in- terests. Having arrived at years of maturity he engaged in merchandising here, conducting his store until 1860, when he resolved to try his fortune in Ohio and removed to Portsmouth, that state, where he opened a whole- sale dry-goods and notions house. There he carried on operations for eight years, building up a good trade and deriving therefrom an excellent income. From time to time he made judicious investments in real estate, and since
590
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
his return to Salem in 1868 he has practically lived retired, only devoting his energies to the management of his property in this place and elsewhere.
In February, 1862, occurred the marriage of Mr. Rumsey and Miss Cornelia A. Howard, and to them have been born the following: Walter A., who graduated in pharmacy and is now engaged in the drug business in Philadelphia, married a lady of Philadelphia. Charles Gifford Havord, born in 1865, died in ' 1869; Eugene, a graduate of Cornell University, is now a member of the firm of the Rumsey Electrical Manufacturers' Com- pany, consulting engineers, and manufacturers' agent in Philadelphia; Ann Renby is the next of the family; George A. is associated with his brother Eugene in business; and Carroll Livingston, who was graduated in June, 1898, at the Troy (New York) Polytechnic Institute, is now in the employ of the Shiffler Bridge Company, as civil engineer, at Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania.
"A prophet is never without honor save in his own country," and even there a very good prophet may have honor. In view of this, there is par- ticular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the place where he has passed his entire life and has so directed his ability as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Salem. The salient points in his life history are sustained indus- try, invincible spirit, sturdy loyalty and unwavering honor,-all of which have eventuated most naturally in securing him a position in the respect and esteem of his fellow men.
MAURICE AYRES.
This gentleman, who is the president of the Ayres Machine Company, of Salem, New Jersey, was born in Greenwich, Cumberland county, this state, on the 23d of April, 1865. The ancestral history of the family can be traced back to James Ayres, the great-grandfather of our subject. Rob- ert Ayres, the grandfather, was a machinist, and for many years carried on business in Greenwich, continuing operations there until his death. He gave his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, and in his religious faith he was a Baptist. He was twice married. He wedded a Miss Wood, and they became the parents of five children : Albert, James, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Emeline. For his second wife he chose Miss Strather, and they had four children: Frank, Charles, Walter and David. The father died in November, 1886, when about seventy-five years of age.
591
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
The parents of our subject were James and Elizabeth Ayres. The father was born in Greenwich, Cumberland county, in 1837, acquired his education in the schools of his native town, and after putting aside his text-books learned the machinist's trade, which he followed for many years. In 1883 he retired from that line of business and has since devoted his energies to the canning business.
Maurice Ayres, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the high school of Salem and was graduated in the class of 1881. He then learned the machinist's trade with his father, thoroughly mastering the business in1 every detail and becoming an expert workman. On his father's retirement from that business in 1883 he became his successor, in partnership with Benjamin F. Tyler, under the firm name of Tyler & Ayres. This connec- tion was continued for two years, when he bought out his partner and con- tinued the business alone until 1893, when it was incorporated under the firm name of the Ayres Machine Company, with the following officers : Maurice B. Ayres, president; and Charles H. Ayres, secretary and treas- urer. They conduct a general machinist's business and do general repair work, but make a specialty of the manufacture of machinery for canning factories. Employment is furnished to twenty men and the output of the factory is extensive, for the company enjoys an excellent reputation on ac- count of the superior grade of their work and also for reliability in all trade transactions. The shop is one hundred and fifteen by twenty-eight feet . and is equipped with all the accessories necessary in the production of first- class iron work. The business of the Ayres Machine Company has now become one of the leading industries of Salem and its prosperity is due to the well directed efforts and business ability of the president.
On the 27th of October, 1886, Mr. Ayres married Miss Ella D. Finlow, and they now have one child, William F. Their pleasant home is a favorite resort with their many friends and they occupy an enviable position in the social world.
DR. H. L. GILMOUR.
One of the successful practicing dentists of Philadelphia and an esteemed resident of Wenonah, is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert in the use of the many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry, and
592
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
must also have the business qualifications adequate to dealing with the finan- cial side of the profession. In all of these regards Dr. Gilmour is well fitted for his chosen calling and has gained a position of distinct precedence among the representatives of his profession in Philadelphia.
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.