USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 29
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To the public-school system of the state Mr. Silver is indebted for the educational privileges which he received. He left the school-room at the age of seventeen and started out upon his business career by learning the tin- smith's trade, which he mastered in every detail, becoming an expert work- man. In 1879 he opened a store of his own, dealing in stoves, tinware and plumbers' supplies and doing a tinsmith's and plumber's business. This enterprise brought him good financial return and at length he was enabled to extend the field of his labors. He established a factory in Clayton and began the manufacture of shirts and shirt waists. This he conducted until January, 1899, when he consolidated his business with that of a manufacturing concern of Philadelphia. The Penn Manufacturing Company was then organized and he became its vice president. This concern is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of shirt waists and has a factory both in Clayton and in Philadelphia, employing about one hundred and twenty-five operatives in both places. Their output is accordingly very large and finds a ready sale on the market owing to the excellent quality of the goods and to the reason- able prices and honorable dealing of the company.
On Christmas day of 1878 Mr. Silver was united in marriage to Miss Martha H. Long, a daughter of Andrew Long, of Williamstown, and their union has been blessed with three children, of whom Jennie and Sydney are at home. Frank, the second son, is now deceased. In his political views Mr. Silver is a stalwart Republican and a recognized leader in the ranks of his party in Clayton. In 1881 he was elected assessor and filled that position for nine consecutive years. For three years he was a member of the city council, and in 1892 he was elected freeholder, since which time he has been twice re-elected and is the present incumbent. His loyalty to the public trust is most marked and his able service is indicated by his long continuation in office. He is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, has
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also served as treasurer and was formerly a teacher in the Sunday-school. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, was its treasurer, and also holds a member- ship in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. His has been a prosperous and honorable career. Concen- trated individual effort, guided by sound judgment and most reliable business principles, has brought to him a measure of success of which he may be justly proud, and to-day, in both commercial and social circles, he has the esteem and confidence of all with whom he associates.
JAMES W. DAVIS.
James W. Davis, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was until recently a resident of Woodbury, Gloucester county, New Jersey. Mr. Davis belongs to a family that has so long been associated with the more prosperous and influential element of the community that he needs no introduction to its residents. He is a son of James and Catherine (Zanders) Davis and was born March 3, 1866, in the city of Camden, this state, the birthplace of his family for generations. This family of Davises originally came from Wales, and the grandfather. John Davis, was a life-long resident of Camden, where he followed the vocation of a mechanical engineer. He left six children to perpetuate his memory,-James, George, William, Samuel, Sarah (Mrs. Whitehead), and one son who died in early life.
James Davis, his son and the father of our subject, spent his early life in his native city, Camden, and there learned the trade of mechanical and marine engineering. He subsequently moved to the state of New York, where he was employed as a machinist for some time, and then accepted the position of chief engineer on the Morgan, and later on the Mallory, steam- ship, where he remained for many years. His death occurred in June, 1896, at Summitville, New York, whither he had gone to recuperate his health. His wife was Miss Catherine Zanders, who died July 11, 1876. Three chil- dren were theirs: Blanche, deceased, the wife of Benjamin Statsy; John and James W.
James W. Davis was given the advantage of a good schooling, first attending the public schools and later the Philadelphia College. Leaving college he became associated with the firm of Charles Lautenbach & Com- pany, for whom he acted as a traveling salesman for five years. He then accepted a position with the Furbush & Son Machine Company, also of Phil- adelphia, and remained with them four years. In 1895 the Woodbury Hy-
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geia Ice & Manufacturing Company was organized, a stock company being formed with James W. Davis as secretary, which position he held until recently.
Mr. Davis was married in Camden, June 10, 1886, to Miss Annie Dor- man, a daughter of William and Mary Dorman, of that city, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four bright children,-Mamie, Emma, Ver- non and Blanche. They are attendants of the Baptist church and are hon- orable, conscientious citizens who have the esteem and respect of the community in which they reside.
EDWARD G. MILLER.
For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Miller has been identified with the business interests of Paulsboro, where he is now dealing in lumber, coal and hardware. He was born in this locality on the 26th of September, 1839. and obtained his education in the common schools and in Pennington and Chester. When his text-books were laid aside he directed his energies toward agricultural pursuits, and successfully carried on farming until 1871. He is still the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of farming land and derives therefrom a good income. In the year mentioned he took up his residence in Paulsboro, where he opened a hardware store and coal and lum- ber yards, and from the beginning he has met with creditable and gratifying success. He carries a large line of shelf and heavy hardware, and by his uniform courtesy, reasonable prices and honorable dealing has secured a liberal patronage. He has also a good coal and lumber trade and is ac- counted one of the enterprising merchants and substantial business men of the town. Nor have his efforts been confined alone to these lines, for he took an active part in building Lincoln park and in securing the Delaware River Railroad. These have proved of material benefit to the city, the former adding to its attractive appearance, the latter to its commercial pros- perity. No measure or movement calculated to advance the general welfare seek his aid in vain, and he is widely recognized as a progressive and public- spirited man.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a stalwart Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and his duties are discharged in a most able manner. In 1865 he was chosen freeholder for a three years' term, and in 1890 he was again elected to that office, in which he has since continuously served, his long continuance in office plainly
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indicating his fidelity to the public trust. Socially he is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and in Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
Mr. Miller has been three times married. He first wedded Anna D. Gill, a daughter of Matthew Gill, of Paulsboro. She died in 1871, and in 1886 he married Mary J. Paul, a daughter of Joseph Paul. They became the parents of three children: Joseph P., who is employed in the Pennsylvania Railroad office, at Philadelphia; Ed E., who is at school; and Anna G., at home. The mother was called to her final rest May 28, 1896, and in February, 1899, Mr. Miller married Ella, a daughter of Senator D. J. Packer, of Woodbury. An identification of more than twenty-eight years with the business interests of Paulsboro has not only numbered Mr. Miller among its older merchants but has gained him both a prestige and patronage that are only accorded those whose merit entitles them to be enumerated among the most promi- nent citizens of the place. Concentrated individual effort, guided by sound judgment and most reliable business principles, has brought to him a meas- ure of success of which he may be justly proud, and to-day, in both commer- cial and social circles, he has the esteem and confidence of all with whom he is associated.
ARTHUR DOWNER.
Arthur Downer, the founder of the village of Downer, Gloucester county. New Jersey, was born in county Cavan, Ireland, on February 23, 1829, and is of ancient English ancestry. The coat of arms of the family in Mr. Downer's possession bears the motto "A Cruce Salus." Family tradition states that two Downer brothers were among the royalist forces who suffered such terrible defeat at the famous battle of Culloden, and when William, Prince of Orange, led the Protestants in his conquest of King James' (2d) forces at the historic battle of the Boyne, they were among his victorious troops. Both brothers became residents of Ireland, but after some years one brother, with all of his family, emigrated to America, leaving the parental ancestors of Arthur Downer the sole representatives of the family in the Emerald Isle. Charles Downer, the grandfather of Arthur, was long a very prominent farmer of county Cavan, at one time having an entire townland under cultivation. He was a prominent Orangeman, a loyal Protestant and intensely devoted to the throne of England. His son, John, was an equally strong loyalist, Orangeman and Protestant, and was also a successful farmer and an officer in the county militia. He was a quiet and unassuming gen- tleman, but with great force of character he was strong in upholding the
Arthur Downer
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right. He died in 1849. His wife, Margaret McWade, was of Scottish origin, but born in county Fermanagh. She died in 1833, and her sole sur- viving son was Arthur, the subject of this writing.
After receiving a good education, and before he was twenty, Arthur Downer determined to try his fortunes in the New World, as after his father's death he had no family ties to keep him in Ireland. His first residence in America was in Philadelphia, and, after a year passed in the service of a mercantile establishment, in 1850, he located in Harrisonville, Gloucester county, New Jersey, and for five years worked at farming. It was in 1858 that he purchased the nucleus of the present Downer estate at Downer, a small tract, fifty acres of wild timber land, and went into debt to secure it. The locality at that time gave little promise of its flourishing condition now, but Mr. Downer saw in its unbroken wastes the possibilities of a rich com- munity. His foresight has been more than verified. He has been most successful in all branches of his business and has ever exercised a judgment and forethought that has guarded him against the shoals that have wrecked many a craft. He moved to his little homestead and began the work of clearing the land and improving it. He was industrious and frugal in his habits. He added a few acres to his original purchase from time to time as he was able until he and his family are now owners of over one thousand acres. At once Mr. Downer set about making general improvements that would be of benefit to the entire community. His first effort was to estab- lish a religious home for those who, like himself, were desirous of following the teachings of the Savior. In 1860 a Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school was organized in his house, and many profitable meetings were held there until the society was able to provide a more suitable place of worship.
Mr. Downer was married February 27, 1855, to Mary, a daughter of John Rulon and the eighth in descent from one Rulon, a French Huguenot, who was driven into exile from France in the time of the notable persecution of that people, and to her loving and helpful administrations is due in a large measure the success which attended her husband. She was a woman of strong character, whose influence was a power for good wherever it was felt, and Mr. Downer was always sure of her hearty support and encourage- ment. Together they worked for their temporal interests and for the religious cause so dear to their hearts, but it was many years before they had the extreme satisfaction of seeing the erection of the church which had been their desire for so long, but in 1886 Mr. Downer built the beautiful Downer church. He was also active in the establishment of schools, and in 1871 was successful in having a district set off at Downer and a school-house built.
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About this time the Reading Railroad Company talked of building a branch road, and the line was run through the property of Mr. Downer for the Atlantic City branch. The grading for this was done in 1870, but not until 1884 was the road completed. Mr. Downer was then given charge of the station which bears his name, and he was also appointed postmaster, a position he has held ever since. He soon opened a store, and the little village has flourished from the start and is a model community. Some time in 1874 he found a fine quality of sand on his estate that was well adapted for making glass and also for use in other foundries. After developing a fine business, in September, 1899, Mr. Downer turned the entire manage- ment of farms, sand interests and other industries over to his sons, John R., S. Whitney and George W., who. as "Downer Brothers," now carry on an extensive business. They sell from fifteen to eighteen thousand tons of sand annually to glass and other plants. As they have a practically unlimited amount of this sand at their disposal, it will be seen that this industry is a leading one of the section.
February 22, 1899, Mr. Downer suffered a sad blow in the death of his wife. For more than forty years they had traveled together through the sunshine and the shadows of life, and when they had neared the golden milestone and the evening shadows were lengthening she received the wel- come summons to a higher life. Her life was filled with deeds that were prompted by a pure, loving heart, and her memory will long be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew her and felt the sunshine of her presence. Eight children were born to them, five of whom are honored residents of this vicinity. They are: John R., formerly a minister of the Methodist Epis- copal church, but at present at home, in the hope of recuperating his shat- tered health; William E., who is a merchant; Lizzie, the wife of Alfonso Thomas; Samuel W., who graduated in the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of B. A .; and George. Three have been laid to rest in the village churchyard. On the 13th of March, 1900, Mr. Downer married for his second wife Mrs. Hannah C. Comer, a native of Bricksboro, New Jersey, whose maiden name was Bingham. After an active and useful career Mr. Downer is now passing the evening twilight of life in a pleasant home in the beautiful village of Pitman Grove, where he is an honored citizen.
AARON W. HAND.
Classified among the leading business men of Cape May and one who has exerted a strong influence upon the commercial, social, moral and intellect- ual development of the city is Aaron William Hand. He was born in Cam-
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den, New Jersey, February 10, 1857, and is descended from one of the oldest families of this section of the state. His ancestors came from England in the seventeenth century and located on Long Island. After a few years they removed to Cape May, where members of the family became owners of a large acreage in the Fishing creek neighborhood. Elisha Hand, the great- grandfather of our subject, held a commission as an officer in the Colonial army during the war of the Revolution, and Aaron Hand, the grandfather, was enrolled in the Cape May Independent Regiment, of the war of 1812. Noah Hand, the father, was born in Cape May county, and in early life went to sea as first mate on a sailing vessel trading with southern ports. He was afterward quartermaster of a steamer of the same line. He resided in Camden, New Jersey, for twenty years, and in 1873 came to Cape May, where he has since resided, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane A. Hannah, died December 31, 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years.
Aaron W. Hand acquired his early education in Camden, completing the grammar-school course there at the age of eleven years, and then attended the public schools of Philadelphia for two years. He afterward studied under a private tutor and also spent a period in the United States Military Academy. His love of books has prompted him to continue his reading, study and inves- tigation in later years, and he is continually adding to his fund of knowledge. As is usual with boys, through his younger years he found keen enjoyment in the usual sports of the time, and also took the greatest delight in music.
When he put aside his text books to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience he was employed for three years in various capacities in Philadelphia. In 1873 he came to Cape May with his father. At the age of nineteen he became a teacher at Heislerville, Cumberland county, and afterward spent a time in the West Point Military Academy. Subsequently he was engaged in teaching at Dennisville and at Rio Grande, for six years at Cape May Point, Cape May county, and for two years was the principal of the schools of Cape May city. In. 1881 he became associate editor of the Cape May Daily Star, published during the summer, and in 1889 purchased an interest in the Star of the Cape and the Cape May Daily Star printing and publishing business, with which he has since been connected, being now gen- eral manager of the Star of the Cape Publishing Company. Since 1887 he has also been interested in general merchandising at West Cape May. His marked energy, unflagging perseverance and keen sagacity have made him a leading and successful business man of the county.
In 1877 Mr. Hand was united in marriage to Miss Letitia Byers Reeves, a member of one of the most prominent pioneer families of Cape May county.
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Her grandfather, David Reeves, was a member of the militia during the war of 1812 and was a leading factor in all public affairs in Cape May county for forty years,-the middle portion of the nineteenth century. During the civil war Abijah D. Reeves, Mrs. Hand's father, served in Company F, Twenty- fifth New Jersey Infantry, as color corporal. David Hand, the great-great- grandfather, was the ensign in Captain Forest's company in a brigade formed in southern New Jersey for service in the Revolution, and Abijah Reeves' great-grandfather was also a soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. Hand's mother was Amanda Deprefontaine, a daughter of John Deprefontaine, who was a French Huguenot, and Hannah, nee Gardner.
In his political views Mr. Hand, of this review, is a stalwart Republican, and, keeping well informed on the issues of the day, gives an intelligent sup- port to the principles of the party. From 1881 to 1886 inclusive he served as the collector of taxes at Cape May Point; he has been a commissioner of deeds since 1881, notary public since 1886 and the assessor of West Cape May borough in 1895-6. When elected collector of Cape May Point he found thousands of dollars of unpaid back taxes and the borough was almost bankrupt. By his unceasing effort all taxes were collected and the borough placed on a substantial financial basis. As the assessor of West Cape May he readjusted tax valuations. In 1896 he was appointed superintendent of public schools for Cape May county, to which position he was reappointed in 1899. In this capacity he has reorganized the school system, placed it on a modern basis and has greatly stimulated the interest in the schools through- out the county. He has devoted himself to the work of his office with untiring zeal and enthusiasm, and his labors have been productive of great good, placing the schools of the county on a higher grade than they have ever before occupied.
In his religious faith Mr. Hand is a Presbyterian, having joined the Cold Spring Presbyterian church in 1875. Socially he is connected with various civic societies. In 1885 he joined Cape Island Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., and was its organist for several years. He became a member of Cape May Conclave No. 183, I. O. H., in 1890; of Ogalala Tribe, No. 157, I. O. R. M., in 1892, passing all the chairs and entering the Great Council of New Jersey in 1895, as a representative. He was appointed great mishinewa, and has served on the finance committee two years. In 1897 he joined Cape May Lodge, No. 21, A. O. U. W., and is now master workman. He has ever been an active business man, who has energetically carried forward to suc- cessful completion whatever he has undertaken. In all life's relations his career has been honorable and upright, commending him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of
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social nature, genial disposition and unfailing courtesy, and his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
WILLIAM COOLEY WILLIAMS, M. D.
In reviewing the lives of successful physicians, to which class the subject of this article unquestionably belongs, it is plainly seen, by even the most casual observer, that unusual qualities of mind and heart are required, and that knowledge alone never brings them to their desired goal of pre-emi- nence. Sympathy and a genuine feeling of brotherhood are among the many traits which mark the ideal family physician, who must be; moreover, pro- gressive, in the spirit of this bustling, active age, and ready to incorporate into his practice each new fact in medical science, as it is proved and tested. Dr. William C. Williams is an example of the kind just cited, one of the wide- awake, representative physicians of his county.
His ancestors were thrifty, industrious farmers of Pennsylvania, and his paternal grandfather, Benjamin Williams, was, moreover, the owner of a sawmill, which he operated with profit. To himself and wife, Dorothy, were born the following named children: John, July 28, 1776; Lydia, January 19, 1788; Ann, September 6, 1791; Rachel, February 22, 1794; and David, April 1, 1796. The latter, whose birth took place in Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, learned the millwrights' trade and for many years plied that calling in his native state and in Milford, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, being the owner of a flour and sawmill in the town mentioned. He located in Hurff- ville, New Jersey, about 1846, there following the same line of business until a few years had passed away, when he disposed of his interests and removed to Woodbury. Here he lived retired until the summons of death, March 31, 1878. His faithful wife, whose name in girlhood had been Abigail Cooley, survived him, her demise occurring December 14, 1894. She was a child of Philip and Margaret (Barton) Cooley, who were honored residents of Hun- terdon county, New Jersey, where they carried on a farm. The former, born September 26, 1770, died November 30, 1838, and the latter, born August 10, 1769, died November 13, 1835. They were married on the 7th of Octo- ber, 1792, and became the parents of the following-named children: Osey, born July 16, 1793; Jemima, February 16, 1796; John, May 13, 1797: Elisha, March 10, 1799; James, May 18, 1800; Mahlon, January 28, 1802; William, April 18, 1803; Philip, March 25, 1805; Abigail, May 20, 1807; Mary, February 18, 1809; and Samuel, January 11, 1811. Mahlon died April 20, 1825, and Mary January 17, 1872.
The children of David and Abigail Williams were: Jane, born March II-R
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15, 1833, and now widow of John Sill, of Ashland, Ohio; George Quinn, born December 5, 1835, and died in Woodbury, March 5, 1864; Mary Ann, born March 18, 1838, wife of George K. Chew, of the vicinity of Sewell, New Jersey; Philip Cooley, born October 19, 1840, and accidentally drowned August 6, 1850; Rachel, born June 25, 1843, and died January 1, 1874; Benjamin F., born May 16, 1846, and died August 27, 1856; Anna Mar- garet, born July 26, 1848, and now a stenographer in Philadelphia; and William Cooley.
Dr. W. C. Williams was born in Woodbury, February 7, 1851, and gained his elementary knowledge in the public schools of that place. Later he took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. McGeorge, then of Woodbury, and finally attended Hahnemann Medical College, in Philadel- phia, where he was graduated in 1877. He at once opened an office at Frenchtown and started upon his professional career May 20, 1877. In the spring of 1889 he removed to Camden, where he practiced for a period of three years, and since 1892 has been a resident of Woodbury. Here, as else- where, he has met with signal success, and at present he is serving as a mem- ber of the local board of health. Socially he is held in high regard by his townsmen, and is a member of Advance Lodge No. 9, Shield of Honor, of Woodbury, and Home Lodge No. 25, Knights of Pythias, of Frenchtown, New Jersey. He uses his right of franchise in favor of the Republican party. but is not a politician, in the commonly accepted sense.
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