USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 12
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
Thomas W. Synnott received his education in the public schools of
104
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Glassboro and the West Jersey Academy at Bridgeton. At the age of twenty he entered the office of the Whitney Glass Works at Glassboro, and, after mastering the details of that important industry, gave his time and energies to the business until he retired from its active management in 1892. The Whitney Glass Works were incorporated in 1887, with Thomas W. Synnott as its first president, and the capacity of the works more than doubled; and it is to his business ability that much of the success which the company en- joys is to be attributed.
Mr. Synnott is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church, a member of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, a trustee of Lincoln University and of Princeton Theological Seminary, the president of the Gloucester County Bible Society and of the First National Bank of Glassboro, and largely in- terested in railroads in the west and south., Success has come to him as the direct result of concentration of mind and purpose.
In 1872 he married Miss Mary Eldridge, the daughter of S. T. Eldridge, of Philadelphia. Their home in Wenonah is one of the most beautiful modern homes in south Jersey.
J. WESLEY SELL.
J. Wesley Sell, who is now the sheriff of Camden county, was born in the sixth ward of Camden, on the 17th of March, 1864. His father, Charles Sell, was a native of Germany, and in 1835 crossed the Atlantic to the New World, believing that he could more rapidly acquire a competence in this country than in the Fatherland. In early life he studied for the ministry, but abandoning that calling he became a machinist and for many years was foreman of the Esterbrook Steel Pen Works in Camden. Always deeply interested in the subject of astronomy, he carried his investi- gations far and wide in that science, and his knowledge was extensive and profound. He married Rosalie Boethell, also a native of Germany, and in February, 1898, they were separated by death, the wife and mother being called to her final rest. She had six children, all of whom are yet living.
In the common schools John W. Sell acquired a practical English educa- tion and at the age of fifteen years he put aside his text-books in order to earn his own living. He began learning the jeweler's trade, at which he worked for four years, and in 1885 he entered the railway mail service, which he continued for two and one-half years, when he resigned and embarked in the real estate business on his own account. In 1892 he was appointed deputy sheriff, by Sheriff West, and continued in that office until elected, in 1899, to the prime office of sheriff, and he assumed its duties November 14.
105
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
He was elected by a majority of ten thousand over T. J. McDanell. He is a most capable and efficient officer, for his courage is unequaled and his fidelity to duty is one of his marked characteristics. He has also served in the city council for one year, and has been a member of the board of educa- tion for four years.
Mr. Sell is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, of the Independent Order of Red Men and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elkş. He is also a director of the Camden Republican Club. His social qualities, genial manner and genuine worth render him popular, and he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The enterprise and ambition which are essential elements in advancement in life are numbered among his characteristics and therefore we feel safe in predicting that he will con- tinually work his way upward.
DAN WARE.
One of the venerable and highly honored citizens of Woodstown, Salem county, Dan Ware is a worthy representative of an old New Jersey family. His father, Maskell Ware, born December 13, 1766, was the eldest son of Elnathan and Mercy (Ware) Ware. In his early manhood Maskell Ware learned the trade of chair-making, at Salem, New Jersey, his instructor being John Laming, a Quaker. Seven of the sons of Maskell Ware learned their father's trade and followed it for a livelihood.
Dan Ware was born near Roadstown, Cumberland county, New Jersey, in April, 1814, and, like his father and brothers, he mastered the business of making chairs and continued to work at this calling, in connection with house-painting, until 1897, when he retired. He possesses a keen, inventive mind and always has been regarded as a model of industry. In his early manhood he was employed by his brother, Maskell Ware, for some time, but at the age of twenty-three he embarked in independent business. In 1843 he removed to Woodstown, where he has dwelt ever since,-nearly three-score years. He enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens, and now, in his eighty- sixth year, he may look back over his long life and feel that he has performed his entire duty toward his family and neighbors, striving ever to aid those less fortunately situated than himself.
Nearly fifty-five years ago, on the 18th of December, 1845, a marriage ceremony was performed by which the destinies of Mr. Ware and Miss Cor- nelia Stites were united. Their eldest child, Pauline Stites, born September 25, 1846, died January 12, 1869. Augustine was born March 22, 1848, and
106
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Townsend S., July 22, 1849. Medora, born January 28, 1851, died March 29, 1889. Harold M. was born April 23, 1853, and Lucien B., January 31, 1855. Wendel P., born September 5, 1859, died December 1, 1862. Julian Dan, born March 27, 1861, died September 11, 1861. Isabella G., born Oc- tober 26, 1862, and Cornelia Stites, born December 24, 1864, complete the family.
HENRY H. CARR, M. D.
Dr. Carr is engaged in the practice of medicine at Mullica Hill and is enjoying a liberal patronage which indicates his ability in the line of his chosen profession. He was born in Richwood, New Jersey, March 7, 1864, and is the son of Joseph D. Carr, also a native of the same place. The grandfather, Robert Carr, was born in Camden county, New Jersey, and was of English lineage. Representatives of the name came from England to America with a colony that settled in North Carolina, and which was under the guidance of Sir Walter Raleigh. The family was one of prominence in the mother country, William Shakespere Carr having the distinguished honor of serving as premier under King George III. He had three sons, two of whom went to Scotland, where one changed his name to Kerr and the other wrote his name Car. The brother who remained in England and from whom the family in America is descended, retained the original spelling of the name. The progenitor of the family in the New World married the sister of Thomas Randolph and thus became connected with one of the most prominent families of the New World.
Joseph D. Carr, the father of our subject, engaged in contracting and building for many years at Richwood, New Jersey, being numbered among the successful business men at that point. He is now living a retired life at the age of seventy-three years, maintaining his residence in Pittman Grove. He has been a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has taken a very prominent and effective part in its work. He was united in marriage to Jane A. Rulon, a daughter of John Rulon. One of her ancestors in direct line was a native of France and became a Protestant, but belonged to a family of eleven brothers, all of whom were Catholics. It was a time of religious persecution in that country when the Catholics were killing all of opposite faith and he fled for his life, effecting his escape by being nailed up in a molasses barrel and put on board a ship bound for New York. After a voyage of twelve weeks he landed in this country, where he soon after married an English lady. They became the parents of thirteen children, from one of whom descends the mother of Dr. Carr, who is still living, at the age
Hang Af Cars
.
107
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
of sixty-four years. Dr. Carr represents the seventh generation that have descended from this couple. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carr have been born three children: George W., a resident of Pittman Grove; H. H .; and Florence, the wife of Charles Dilkes, of Barnsboro.
The Doctor attended the Academy at Richwood and also pursued his education under the instruction of a private tutor. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work he entered the Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, and was graduated on the completion of a thor- ough course, as a member of the class of 1885. He then located in Pittman Grove, where he resided until April 19, 1887, when he came to Mullica Hill. However, he still maintained his office at Pittman Grove and is enjoying a fine practice in both places. He is well informed concerning the science of medicine and by reading and study keeps abreast with the progress which characterizes the profession. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and the State Homeopathic Society.
On the 28th of December, 1887. occurred the marriage of Dr. Carr and Miss Laura A., a daughter of William Dawson, of Mickleton, New Jersey. They have a large circle of friends and enjoy the regard of the best citizens of this community. Their own home is noted for its hospitality, for good cheer always reigns supreme there. The Doctor is a jovial, genial gentle- man and his sunny temperament adds not a little to his success as a practi- tioner, for a bright presence in a sick room is often as good as a tonic. The place he has won in the medical profession is accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability, and the place which he occupies in the social world is a tribute to that genius, worth and true nobility of character that are uni- versally recognized and honored.
ALEX HAND.
Alex Hand, an extensive real-estate owner and manager of the carriage works of Salem, is a son of Francis and Ann W. (Cleaver) Hand, and was born in this place July 28, 1841. The first of the name who came to this country was John Hand, who landed at Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1635, and went to Guilford, Connecticut. In 1644 he was a resident of Southampton. He had nine children,-Cornelius, Joseph, Shamgar, Benjamin, Stephen, John, James, Thomas and Mary. In 1699 three of the sons settled in Cape May,-Thomas, Cornelius and Shamgar,-and from these all the Cape May people of the stock have descended. There were two families of the name in Cape May county, who were of English origin and used the family coat of arms. The paternal grandfather, Israel Hand, was born in Cape May county
108
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
and died there in early life. He was related to General Hand and married a lady who bore the same surname, Mary Hand, but of a different family. They reared two children, Alex and Francis, the father of our subject. After the death of Israel Hand, his widow was married to a Mr. Garson.
Francis Hand also was born in Cape May county, February 12, 1817. His education was obtained at the schools of the locality in which he lived. and he then learned the trade of wheelwright and carriage-maker. He worked at Cape May, Millville and Camden, and then engaged in business for himself at Sharptown, this county. After four years there he came to Salem, and, with Daniel Kiger, opened the establishment of Hand & Kiger, which was continued on a satisfactory basis until December 9, 1856, when he sold out his interest to Charles Hall. He then embarked in the grocery business for a short time, and later, in 1858, he bought out the carriage busi- ness of Smith & Corlis, which he continued alone until April 1, 1869, when our subject was taken in partnership and the firm was known as F. Hand & Son. This partnership continued for a quarter of a century, when it was terminated by the death of the father. Francis Hand was one of the most prominent men of the county and took a prominent part in all public af- fairs. He was elected to the office of city treasurer, was a member of the council for a period of eight years, and was a freeholder several times. His opponent for city treasurer was William H. Lawson, of Salem, and they made their canvass together in the most friendly manner. He was a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was also active in the Washington Beneficent Society. He married Ann W. Cleaver, a daughter of Thomas Cleaver, by whom he had two children: Alex, our subject; and Elizabeth, the widow of Harry Freas, who is engaged in the dry-goods busi- ness in Salem. Francis Hand died August 28, 1894, in his seventy-seventh year, and was widely mourned. He was a man of fine executive ability, popular in both business and social circles. The mother died August 30. 1861, after twenty-one years of married life of more than common felicity.
Thomas Cleaver, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Delaware, August 1, 1781, and moved to Salem at an early age. He was a son of Isaac Cleaver and a grandson of Peter and Susannah Cleaver. Al- most his entire life was passed in Salem, where he followed his trade, that of carpenter. He married Rachel Lambert, September 20, 1804. She was the youngest child of John Lambert, and at the age of sixteen years came with her father from his native country, Essex, England, and settled in Salem at Penn's Neck, Carney's Point, on the Delaware river. John Lam- bert introduced the cultivation of red clover in this country, and it was through hisrecommendation and advice that it became so widely distributed.
109
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
He visited the continental congress, held at Philadelphia, spoke enthusiastic- ally on the merits of red clover as a food for stock and furnished a sample of the seed to a gentleman who, in return, sent him a bushel of white wheat. Rachel Lambert was a devout member of the Baptist church, and one of the oldest members during her life. She was born December 13, 1785, and died November 3, 1855, and was laid to sleep in the old graveyard of the church she loved so well, in Salem. Four years later, on March 22, her husband, Thomas Cleaver, then in his seventy-eighth year, was also called to his re- ward and was laid beside her. Their children were Mary, born October 2, 1806, and died September 2, 1897; Sarah Milburn, born September 4, 1808, and married James Smith; Hannah Garrison, born December 27, 1810, and died September 25, 1865, the wife of Joseph Paulding; Mary Watkins, Mrs. Joseph Elwell, born January 23, 1817, and died in March, 1844; William Lambert, born September 23, 1819, and died in ,Milwaukee in 1873 of that dread disease, spinal meningitis. He was married July 1, 1840, to Ann W. Sheppard, who died December 18, 1850, and on April 3, 1845, he was united to Hannah O. Harris; Ann Wright, the mother of our subject, was born January 16, 1822, and died August 30, 1861; Caroline N., Mrs. Charles Ware, was born July 2, 1824. He died January 9, 1870, at Delaware City and she afterward married again. Rachel Lambert was born April 25, 1829, and died February 20, 1899. On January II, 1853, she was united in mar- riage with Charles Hall, and on the following August was called to mourn his death. Her second husband was R. Gregory, to whom she was united September 22, 1864, and who died in 1880.
Alex Hand became associated with his father in his large business of wheel and carriage-making when a young man, and having an adaptability for that line he continued at it, and in 1869 was taken in as a partner in the concern. After his father's death in 1894, our subject continued the busi- ness and enjoys an extensive patronage, which is well merited. He has a shop with eighty-four feet frontage and a depth of forty-eight feet, and does considerable repairing as well as buying and selling of vehicles. He fre- quently has fifteen men in his employ in this shop, but his interest is by no means confined to his manufactory, as he is largely interested in real estate and has about seventeen houses, which he rents. These houses it is his pleasure to keep in first-class condition, as he believes in looking to the com- fort of his tenants, and unlike many houses of that class, they are an ornament to their neighborhood. He has occupied one place of business longer than any other man in Salem.
He was married February 18, 1869, to Miss Sarah D. Curry, a daughter of John Curry, a poultry dealer of Elmer, this county. They reside in a
IIO
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
pleasant home at the corner of Ward and Griffith streets, amid innumerable friends. Four children were born to them: Francis, who died at the age of five years; Anna E., Mary C. and A. Norman. Mr. Hand is a prominent Odd Fellow, as was his father, and is also a member of the Encampment. He is a member of the Amity Social Club and has served as its secretary and treasurer for three years. He is also a member of Salem County Country Club. He possesses a remarkably clear perception in matters of business, which makes his advice much sought in financial affairs, and those who have profited by his wisdom have no cause for regret.
JAMES MECRAY, M. D.
This gentleman is accorded a place in the ranks of the medical fraternity of Cape May county, and the extensive practice which he enjoys is an indi- cation of his skill and ability. Diligent study, resulting in comprehensive and accurate knowledge, an abiding sympathy and a deep-felt interest in his fellow men,-these have been the concomitants of his success and have gained him prestige as a representative of his noble and humane calling.
The Doctor was born in Cape May City, February 21, 1842, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Mulford) Mecray. The family is of Scotch-Irish origin, and the first of the name to locate in America crossed the Atlantic from the country of hills and heather, becoming one of the early settlers of Cape May. He acted as a pilot on the Delaware river, but died at the early age of twenty-four years. John Mecray, the grandfather of the Doctor, re- sided at Cape May and was also a pilot on the river. He married a Miss Eldredge and three children were born to them: Jeremiah Eldredge. James and Mrs. Ann M. Leaming. The grandfather died at the age of twenty- seven years.
James Mecray was born at Cape May, and, like his ancestors, spent his life as a pilot on the river. However, he also engaged in conducting a hotel through the summer season, being the proprietor of the Delaware House for half a century. It was liberally patronized, and as the result of his well directed business affairs he accumulated a handsome competence. He in- vested some of his capital in real estate and was the owner of considerable valuable property. In public affairs he took an active interest and was frequently called to office by his fellow townsmen who recognized and ap- preciated his worth and ability. He served as city treasurer and as burgess. and was always active in the local affairs of the village. His political support was given the Democracy, and in his social connections he was an Odd Fel- low. He was three times married, his first union being with Mary Ann Mil-
III
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
ford, by whom he had six children: Mary Jane, the eldest, married William S. Schellinger, a boat-builder at Cape May. They have two children: Clar- ence and Hulda, who became the wife of John Davis. Julia is the wife of Edward S. Taylor and has three children: James E., who married Miss Marcy and is a leading real-estate dealer of Cape May; Julia; and Ella, who is the wife of Charles Kellon, a civil engineer. Hannah is the wife of Dr. Alexander Marcy. Alexander, a practicing physician, married Lydia Etress and has three children: James, a veterinary surgeon; Julia, the wife of Harry Hill: and Nancy Ann. Dr. Alexander Mecray has been a member of the staff of physicians of the Cooper Hospital in Camden, this state, since its establishment, and is regarded as one of the most skillful representatives of the medical fraternity in the state. James is the next of the family. Almira is the wife of Samuel R. Ludlam and has three children,-Harry, Cora and William.
After the death of his first wife, James Mecray, the father of our subject, married Rachel Steven, and they had one daughter, named Rachel, who is now the wife of Joseph Dalby. For his third wife he married Sarah Schell- inger. The mother of our subject died May 6, 1861, at the age of forty- seven years, and his father's death took place in 1892.
Dr. James Mecray, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools of Cape May and Philadelphia, and then as a preparation for a life work entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in which he was graduated in 1861. He subsequently pursued a course in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1865. Thus well equipped for his chosen calling, he opened an office in Cape May and has since enjoyed a steadily increasing practice, which has now reached extensive proportions. He is a member of the Cape May County Medical Society. In 1866 he established his drug store and erected a handsome business block, thirty by seventy feet and two stories in height, on one of the principal corners of the town. He now has a large trade which justifies the employment of five clerks. During the civil war the Doctor became an assistant surgeon in the navy and served for two years, being with the East Gulf Squadron under Admiral Theodorus S. Bailey. He is now a member of John Mecray Post, G. A. R., which was named in honor of John Mecray, who was the first man from Cape May county killed in the war, his death occurring in the battle of Williamsburg. The Doctor also holds membership in the Masonic fraternity and has filled all the offices in the local lodge. For six years he has been the president of the Cape May council, exercising his official prerogatives to advance all measures calculated to prove of public benefit.
II2
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
On the 8th of November, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Me- cray and Miss Elizabeth H. Hughes, a daughter of Albert H. Hughes. They have three children. Lizzie, the eldest, is the wife of P. Logan Bockius, a coke operator of Virginia, and they have two children,-Dorothy and Logan. Paul Mulford, who was educated in the Philadelphia high school and was graduated in the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vania, was appointed a member of the medical staff of the Cooper Hospital. in Camden, when only twenty-three years of age. During the Spanish- American war he served as assistant surgeon of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment. Huldah, the youngest child, died in infancy. The family is one widely known in Cape May county and its circle of friends is limited only by the circle of its acquaintances. The Doctor is a public-spirited citizen who aids in many ways in promoting the general progress, manifesting the .same loyalty which he displayed when he sailed under the naval ensign of the nation.
WILLIAM RICHMAN, JR.
Mr. Richman, the proprietor of one of the large canning factories of Daretown, Salem county, New Jersey, was born in Whig Lane, this state, July 14, 1858, and is a son of William, a grandson of Jonathan, and a great- grandson of William Richman. Jonathan Richman moved to Pole Tavern in 1818 and was a tavern-keeper for a short time. In 1819 he was elected sheriff of the county and held the office three years. He was a prominent man in the county and faithful to public interests.
William Richman was born at Pole Tavern and took an active part in political campaigns when he reached adult years. In 1859 he was elected a justice of the peace and held the office thirty-one years, having eight hun- dred suits tried before him in that time, only two of them being appealed, and in no case was his judgment reversed by a higher court. He lived on one farm seventy-five years and voted for fifty-six consecutive years. He was a great student, reading and studying when all his household was asleep, and in this way he mastered the Greek and Latin languages, and at the age of seventy learned the French. He had a remarkable memory and a fact once mastered by him was always ready for future reference, while his knowledge of the law made his opinions much sought after by all classes of his fellow citizens, his sound, logical views making his advice always a safe guide to follow. He was a strong politician and kept an intelligent eye on all public movements. He was frequently chosen to settle up estates and did
Willian Richmond
II3
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
so in a manner that reflected credit on his discernment. He died October 20, 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his death was widely mourned as a public calamity. He was united in matrimony to Susan Burt, a daughter of Richard Burt, of this place. She died leaving one child, George W. She was the leader of the choir in the Daretown church and took an active interest in all phases of church work. After her death, William Richman was married to Miss Caroline Foster, who died June 12, 1885, leaving four children, namely: Linn B., a storekeeper of Whig Lane; William, Jr., of Daretown; Fayette, of Philadelphia; and Sarah, wife of Furman Newkirk, of Elmer.
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.