USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 43
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
JOHN S. DOUGLASS, M. D.
John S. Douglass, who is successfully engaged in the general practice of medicine in Tuckahoe, was born at Dias Creek, Cape May county, New Jersey, December 29, 1867, his parents being Samuel E. and Mary A. (Kernan) Douglass. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Douglass, was born in Cape May county, New Jersey, at Dias Creek, and for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dias Creek township. He held a num- ber of local offices, was township clerk and for many years served as a freeholder. At one time he was a candidate for sheriff, but met defeat. His political support was given to the Republican party and he kept well informed on the issues of the day. He is a consistent and zealous member of the Baptist church, in which he served as deacon and took an active part in the work and upbuilding of the cause. He wedded Elizabeth, a daughter of Samuel Eldridge, and to them were born the following children: Francis, Howard Reeves, Freeman H. F., and Mary, the wife of Burton Howell. The grandfather died at the ripe old age of eighty years.
ยท Samuel E. Douglass was born at Dias Creek and pursued his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. For a number of years he engaged in farming and for fourteen years was connected with the life- saving station No. 35, making his home in Cape May Court House. Sub- sequently he engaged in the oyster business. He is now living in Cape May Court House and is one of the prominent residents of the com- munity. His political support is given to the Republican party and he has held the office of township committeeman for fourteen years. He belongs to the Baptist church and is active and earnest in advancing the welfare and growth of this denomination. He was twice married and by the first union he had two children,-John Smith, and Mary, who died in infancy. The mother died at the age of forty-three years. She, too, was a con- sistent member of the Baptist church and enjoyed the esteem of all who knew her. The father afterward married Miss Jane Walker and they are now occupying a comfortable home in Cape May Court House.
John Smith Douglass, whose name introduces this review, acquired his preliminary education in Cape May Court House, being graduated from the high school there. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work, he attended the College of Physicians & Surgeons in Baltimore and in 1896 was graduated in the Medical & Chirurgical College. He then located in Tuckahoe, where he has since built up a good general prac- tice. He is a member of the Cape May County Medical Society, the La Place Surgical Society and the Hamilton Obstetric Society. He keeps
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well informed concerning the progress that is continually being made by the profession and his knowledge of the science of medicine is compre- hensive and accurate. He also conducts a drug store and both branches of his business receive a liberal patronage.
The Doctor is a valued member of Tuckahoe Lodge, No. 67, I. O. O. F., and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In politics he is a Republican, deeply interested in the growth and success of the party. He was the coroner of Cape May county from 1886 until 1889, and proved an efficient official. His ability in the line of his chosen profession has gained him prestige in the medical fraternity, while his sterling worth has made him one of the valued citizens of his native county.
ISAAC MOFFETT.
Isaac Moffett, who is now serving as the collector of internal revenue of the first district of New Jersey for the second time, is well worthy of the honor thus conferred upon him. He was born in Barnsboro, Mantua town- ship, Gloucester county, this state, October 10, 1841, and now maintains his residence in Glassboro. His great-grandfather, Patrick Moffett, came from the north of Ireland and was the founder of the family in the new world. His son, Archibald Moffett, established the old homestead near Barnsboro, where occurred the birth of Isaac Moffett, Sr., the father of our subject. The latter was a blacksmith by trade and a man of high moral character, who took a prominent part in the work of the Methodist church in which he held his religious membership and died in 1853. He married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Valentine and Sophia Focer, natives of Germany.
Isaac Moffett, whose name begins this sketch, the youngest of the seven children, spent his early life in working on the farm through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his studies in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered upon his business career by secur- ing a clerkship in a store. Subsequently he was a traveling salesman and later engaged in general merchandising in Glassboro, in connection with his brother. In the fall of 1870 he embarked in a wholesale provision business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in connection with Eben Whitney, under the firm name of Whitney & Moffett. He remained in the firm for three years and for nine years traveled throughout the west and south as the repre- sentative of leading firms of Philadelphia. In 1883 he took charge of the Whitney Glass Works' store and filled that position for ten years. He was elected a delegate to the Republican national convention in Chicago in 1888,
I Moffett
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which nominated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency. The following year he was appointed by General Harrison to the position of internal revenue collector for the first district of New Jersey, comprising one-half of the state, and served not only during the four years of the Harrison administra- tion but also for three months during President Cleveland's term. On the expiration of that period he was succeeded by a Democrat. During that time he also conducted the Glass Works' store, but in the summer of 1893 that business changed hands and for two years he was not identified with any industrial or commercial concern, the only period during his active life. He then accepted the position of general purchasing agent of the Whitney Glass Works and served in that capacity until appointed by President Mc- Kinley to the position of internal revenue collector. His appointment to that office well indicates his capacity and his promptness in the discharge of the important duties devolving upon him.
Mr. Moffett is connected with a number of social and benevolent organ- izations, including the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he has taken a very active interest, doing all in his power to pro- mote the growth and insure the success of the Republican party. He is well known in political, business and fraternal circles and commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated.
J. HENRY SCHELLINGER.
With two of the most important industries that have contributed to the development and progress of the state-merchandising and farming- Mr. Schellinger has always been identified, and to-day he is regarded as one of the substantial and influential citizens of Green Creek, Cape May county. A son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Newton) Schellinger, he was born in Middle township, Cape May county, April 26, 1830. Ere a century had elapsed from the time the first permanent settlement was made in America, Cornelius Skellinks came to America and took up his abode in Cape May county, and in 1692, with a colony of twenty or twenty-five families, he removed from Long Island or Staten island to this locality. In the party were J. Spicer, John Townsend, Christopher Leaming, George Taylor, Umphrey Stites, Arthur Cresse, Elijah Hughes and their families. Cornelius Skellinks and his family located at Cold Springs, and there he established a saw and grist mill, which stood as one of the landmarks of the country until a few years ago, when it was destroyed by fire. He owned
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a large tract of land, lying north of Cold Spring creek, upon which is located the old historic Cold Spring Presbyterian church. This is the third house of worship erected upon that site. His will, bearing date 1742, men- tioned three sons, William, Abraham and Cornelius, the last named being the direct ancestor of our subject. He had a family of seven children, namely: Cornelius, Jr., a bachelor who was a pilot on the Delaware river during the Revolutionary war, appointed by General Washington; Henry, Enos, Daniel, Mrs. Mary Stillwell, Hannah and Lydia.
Henry Schellenger, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Cold Springs, near what is now Bennett Station. He, too, was a pilot and lost a pilot boat during the Revolutionary war, the vessel being taken as a prize by the British. At that time he was made a prisoner and carried to New York, where he was afterward exchanged. He always made his home at Cold Spring and was twice married. By the first union he had several children, but all died in early life. By his second wife, Mrs. Rebecca Schellinger, he had two children,-Jeremiah and Hannah. The latter was born December 22, 1788, and died December 29, 1878; she became the wife of Captain James Hand, a sea captain, who resided at Green Creek. After his death she became the wife of Matthew Marcey, who was.born June 9, 1802, and died October 10, 1874. Their marriage occurred March 21, 1831. Mr. Marcey was a prosperous merchant, lumber dealer and ship-builder at Green Creek and for thirty years was a lay judge of Cape May county. Throughout his residence in the locality he was recognized as one of the most distinguished, enterprising, successful and honorable citizens. He left no children, and at his death, Mr. Schellinger, of this review, inherited his estate. The grandmother of our subject died July 21, 1828, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Jeremiah Schellinger, the father, was born at Cold Spring about 1780, and was a farmer by occupation. After his marriage and when still a young man, he removed to Green Creek, where he died at the age of fifty years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Newton, died on Christmas day, 1842, at the age of fifty-six years.
J. Henry Schellinger, their only child, obtained his education in the dis- trict school in Green Creek. His father died when he was fourteen years of age and he afterward lived with his aunt Hannah, working in the ship-yard and in the general store. Subsequently he engaged in farming on his own account at Green Creek and in 1874 he inherited his aunt's property of two hundred acres. He also owns another farm and woodland, but rents both farming properties, devoting his energies to mercantile pursuits. For four- teen years he has been engaged in the conduct of a dry-goods and notion
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
store at Green Creek and enjoys a very liberal patronage. He carries a large line of goods of all grades in order to meet the demand of his customers, and his business is constantly increasing. He also owns a store on the oppo- site corner from his place of business.
In 1853 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schellinger and Miss Sarah A., a daughter of Abraham Selem. They had nine children: Henry, a shoemaker and merchant, who married Harriet Holmes, and died in 1898, leaving four children,-Matthew, Margaret, Sarah and William; Mary, the wife of Sebastian Norbury, by whom she had five children,-Henry, Emma, Virginia, Heath and Leslie; Elizabeth, the wife of Edward Norbury and the mother of five children,-Paul, Elida, George, Eva and Carl; James, who wedded Margaret, a daughter of Rev. Hamilton Norris, and had three children,-Walter, Frank, and Roy; Eva, the wife of Stilwell H. Townsend, a teacher at Cape May, by whom she has two children,-Anna and Ralph; Abraham, who wedded Etta Worly, and died at the age of thirty-five years, leaving six children,-Clara, Edith, Edgar, Reba, Etta and Monroe; Ralph, who wedded Jane Camp and had four children: Helen, Ethel, and Eliza- beth and Mary, twins; Jeremiah; and Joseph Ralph, who died in July, 1893, at the age of fifteen years.
Mr. Schellinger gives his political support to the Democratic party and is a very prominent and active member of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal church at Green Creek. He contributes liberally to its support, does all in his power to promote its work and has served as a steward and trustee. He is a gentleman of broad intelligence, of sterling worth and unassailable reputation, and well deserves mention among the representative citizens of this section of the state.
JOHN S. REDSTRAKE.
An influential citizen of Salem is John Stout Redstrake, from one of the old and honored families of Salem county His paternal grandfather, John Redstrake, an Englishman, born June 11, 1770, married Sarah Van Horn, February 6, 1792, and soon after that event they sailed for America, the land of promise. They landed on what has since been known as Red- strake's island, at the mouth of Salem creek, and were the first settlers in Lower Penn's Neck township, Salem county. Subsequently he removed to a point about three miles from the village of Salem, and there erected a substantial brick house, since popularly called the "Half-way House." It is still standing, in a good state of preservation, and within its walls the
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original owner and builder lived and died, his property then passing into the hands of his eldest son, James J., whose birth had occurred February 20, 1808. He was a prosperous farmer for many years, and for some time prior to his death, January 27, 1898, he had lived retired in Salem. His first wife was Clarissa Gibbon, and his second union was with Elizabeth Brown. Abigail Dunlap, the eldest daughter, of John Redstrake, was born November 7, 1809, and died January 13, 1810. Mary Ann, born November 18, 1810, married William Hall, a farmer of western New York state and later of Salem county, where his demise occurred. Eliza, born April 9, 1813, became the wife of Thomas V. Gibbon, a farmer of Lower Penn's Neck. Ruth Hetty, born October 17, 1815, married Ephraim Jefferson, a farmer of Smyrna, Delaware, in which locality she died. Henrietta, born September 10, 1820, died on the 15th of the following December. Isabella, born April 13, 1822, married Isaac Murphy, a farmer of Fredericktown, Salem county.
The father of our subject, Edward Dunlap Redstrake, was born February 15, 1815, and was actively engaged in numerous business ventures during his prime. For eight years he ran a packet line from Pennsville to Philadelphia, later was a member of the firm of Richard Hiles & Redstrake, carrying on a milling business at Salem for two years; then managed a farm which he bought in Lower Penn's Neck township, for a period of seven years, and finally was engaged in the grain business at Pennsville for some time. For about twenty years prior to his death, August 8, 1891, he lived retired in Salem. Here he held the office of commissioner of appeals for fifteen years, and was recognized as an authority as an appraiser and in various capacities requiring sound judgment and business experience. He was a Democrat, and religiously was an ardent Baptist, being a trustee of the First Baptist church of Salem for years. His widow, whose maiden name was Mary Stout, is still living, now in her eighty-third year. Their children are named as fol- lows: Elizabeth, who married Theophilus Fox, formerly of Camden, New Jersey, who was accidentally killed on the Pennsylvania Railroad between Camden and Jersey City; John Stout; Mary Jane, born January 6, 1838, married Joseph Abbott, and died at her home in Bridgeton, New Jersey, in 1887; Sarah D., of Salem, the wife of Bartley Branning, formerly engaged in the butcher's business, but now retired; and Emma, the wife of George Snitcher, a farmer of Queen Anne's county, Maryland.
The birth of John S. Redstrake took place in Pennsville, New Jersey, Jan- uary 4, 1840. He received a liberal education in the public schools and at the Friend's school in Wilmington, Delaware. For some time he was occupied in farming with his father, after which he became connected with a coast
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
wrecking company, and after gaining a necessary experience as a subordin- ate was made a master of a vessel engaged in the service. He held that posi- tion for three years and had numerous narrow escapes from death, three times being almost drowned in falling overboard into the sea, and though urged to accept a captaincy he declined. After his marriage he turned his attention to farming, and owned a fine place of two hundred and four acres in Piles Grove township. At the end of twenty years of successful work as an agriculturist he removed to Salem in 1891, still retaining his farm in his possession. The multiplicity of his outside business interests led to this step, and he has been busily employed ever since in settling up several estates, including his father's, his uncle James', that of his wife's sister, and others. At present he is attending to the management of a number of farms. ten in Salem county and five in Maryland, one belonging to his wife's sister, and two in Lower Penn's Neck township, owned by John Wight. He is the executor of his father's estate and is acting as guardian for his mother, and has already settled five estates. He is a freeholder of Salem county, and was the first Democrat ever elected in the east ward of Salem. He was first elected to fill out the unexpired term of Benjamin Westcott, and the following year was regularly elected to the office.
On the 18th of March, 1873, Mr. Redstrake married Miss Elizabeth C. Allen, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth G. The parents of Mrs. Red- strake were Michael and Elizabeth C. Allen, whose home was at Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and later in Missouri. The father died at Salem, while here on business connected with the sale of his property in this state. The children in his family were: Abigail, Margaret, Sarah, James, Anna, Mary and Elizabeth.
WALTER F. DIAMENT.
Walter Francis Diament, the well known miller of Alloway, Salem county, was born in that village September 8, 1877, a son of Robert B. S. and Mar- garet E. (Timberman) Diament. He received his education in the public schools of his native village and then engaged in the milling business with his father, learning all the different phases of the business until he became able to relieve his father of much of the management of the plant. His adaptability for this business was so apparent that he has continued to follow it and is now one of the wide awake, energetic young business men of Allo- way. He is a Republican and takes a prominent part in local politics. He is
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also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a general favorite in social circles.
Several generations of the Diaments have been millers, residents of Allo- way, and have left records for honesty and integrity that are well worthy of emulation. The paternal great-grandfather was born at Deerfield, this county, where he engaged in milling and died at the age of seventy-eight years at Alloway. He was a Methodist by profession, a Republican in poli- tics and a strong prohibitionist. He married Anna Eliza Sopp and had three children: B. I., who assisted his father in the mill and succeeded him in the business; Flora, the wife of Harry Ayers; and Adaline Fisher.
Benjamin Isaac Diament, the grandfather, was also a native of this county and resided at Alloway and Deerfield, the former being his home at death. He taught school, served as justice of the peace and filled other public offices. He was a Republican and later a Whig. He was married four times and had in all six children, namely: Isaac, Francis, Robert, Lottie, Ruth and Caro- line. He died at the advanced age of eighty-two years, as did the grand- mother of our subject. Robert B. S. Diament, the father, was also a miller and operated the mill established by Reeves & Brother, and later erected the building occupied by him at present, under the name of the Alloway Milling Company.
GODFREY M. CROWELL, M. D.
As a representative of one of the professions that has ever taken the highest rank among the callings to which men devote their energies, we present Dr. Godfrey M. Crowell, who has obtained a position of distinction in the medical fraternity. The large practice which he enjoys is an indication of his ability, for intelligent people do not give their patronage to one unfit to assume the responsibie duties that fall to the physician. Dr. Crowell's birthplace is far from here, for he is a native of Melbourne, Australia. his parents being Edwin L. and Margaret (McInness) Crowell, the former a native of Maine and the latter of the Isle of Skye. In 1853 the former re- moved from West Waterville, Maine, to Australia, and there cut the first pole and dug the first post-hole for the telegraph line south of the equator. This pole is still called "Crowell's pole" and is now standing in Melbourne, being an object of regard. Mr. Crowell first began taking government con- tracts in Australia and for some years did an extended and prosperous busi- ness, but in 1868 he returned to the United States, locating in Hammonton. Here he secured a position as a traveling salesman and acted in that capacity till his death, which occurred April 27, 1888. He was a very prominent
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Mason, attaining the thirty-second degree, and while in Australia he served as deputy grand master of Victoria Lodge. A man of pronounced ability, he was successful in business and won the regard and confidence of his fellow men. His wife is still living and makes her home in Hammonton.
The Doctor is the eldest in a family of seven children. He was born in March, 1858, and when ten years of age accompanied his father on his return to America. In the public schools of Hammonton he acquired his edu- cation and was graduated at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, in the class of 1882. He then spent a year in the Philadelphia hospital, where he was graduated in 1883. Thinking to identify his interests with the west, he removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he engaged in practice until 1889, when he returned to Hammonton and opened an office here. He has displayed marked ability both in the practice of medicine and in surgery, and is a valuable member of the County Medical Society. In 1892 he estab- lished a drug store in Hammonton, which he is now successfully conducting. He is also the vice-president of the State Mutual Building & Loan Associa- tion.
In 1885 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Lillian D. Elvins, a most estimable lady who holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They now have three children,-Edwin, Annie and Marion,-and the family circle yet remains unbroken. The Doctor and his wife have a wide acquaintance in the community, where they are highly esteemed. He is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, giving his support to all meas- ures for the public good and lends his aid and co-operation to the move- ments tending toward the promotion of the educational, social and moral interests.
WILLIAM T. JACKSON.
William T. Jackson, the efficient and popular superintendent of the Phil- adelphia Sanitarium, of Woodbury, Gloucester county, was born in Smyrna, Delaware, October 13, 1851. He is a son of Jonathan R. and Hannah A. (Burris) Jackson, the former also a native of Delaware, in which state he is yet a resident. The wife and mother was summoned to her eternal rest at her home in Wilmington, Delaware, December 23, 1848. Of their children two died young, and the others were William T .; James L., who married Maggie Jester, of Smyrna, Delaware; Elida, the wife of William C. Roe, of Wilmington, Delaware; Robert, who married Mary E. Morgan; Walker W., whose wife was formerly Gertrude Burris; Clayton, who wedded Ida Nicker-
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son, and resides at Camden, New Jersey; Elnora, the wife of Isaac Burris, of Wilmington; Stephen, who married Florence Ogden; and Clara B.
In his childhood William T. Jackson attended the public schools of Smyrna, and when he was a mere youth he chose seamanship as his chief occupation in life. He continued to follow this calling until he reached the prime of manhood, when, in 1883, he was honored by the appointment to his present position. For a number of years he was the master of steamers plying on the Delaware river between Smyrna and Philadelphia. Since the Ist of July, 1893, he has given his entire time and attention to meeting the requirements of his responsible office as superintendent of the Philadelphia Sanitarium, and has won an enviable reputation for the able manner in which he has conducted the affairs of this well known institution. Fraternally he is a member of Brandywine Lodge, Shield of Honor, of Wilmington, and in his political views he is liberal, reserving his opinion and action in public matters without regard to party lines.
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