USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 47
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After remaining with them two years he came to Salem and was in the employ of James H. Greene for eighteen months previous to engaging in business for himself. Having decided to open a shop of his own he built a two-story building twenty by fifty feet and began the manufacture of car- riages, making each part and shipping the completed vehicle to all parts of the country, largely to jobbers. The business increased to such an extent that the former building was no longer roomy enough to carry on the work, and in 1898 he was obliged to enlarge it, which he did by adding another story and increasing the area to thirty by sixty-two feet. In order to still further increase the facilities of the work he put in a twenty-horse power boiler and engine, and added a wood-working machine, etc., until he now has a splendidly equipped shop in every department and is able to turn out work of a superior order in the shortest possible time. He has now in course of construction fourteen wagons, besides other work, and the shop contains about three thousand dollars' worth of work and stock. He makes a spe- cialty of spring wagons, and in three years sold forty-three of them. He
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does all his own drafting and keeps five men constantly employed. His building is heated throughout by steam and is comfortable in every part.
Mr. Hamilton was married May 29, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Susan Good, a native of Greenwich, Scotland. Their home life has been brightened by the birth of seven children, namely: John, aged eighteen; Mary, sixteen; Jane, fourteen; Ella, thirteen; Maggie, twelve; Gertrude, eight; and Alexander, who is a lad of six. They are members of the Presby- terian church and he also takes an active part in the work of the Y. M. C. A., being a leader of the orchestra and lending assistance whenever it is needed. He is a member of both the Senior and Junior Orders of United American Mechanics.
ALBERTUS SOMERS SIMMERMAN.
A venerable and honored citizen of Woodbury, Gloucester county, New Jersey, Albertus Somers Simmerman, is living in the identical house in which his birth occurred, March 24, 1821. He is a son of John and Keziah Sim- merman, both of whom have passed to their reward. The father, it is be- lieved, was born in Germany, and settled permanently in this town prior to 1812. A cabinet-maker and undertaker by vocation, he plied these callings successfully for a number of years. He was the first undertaker in Wood- bury and conducted the business, which he established in 1808, without interruption until his retirement in 1847. He died when in the seventy-third year of his age, respected by every one who knew him.
Albertus S. Simmerman is one of four children, of whom the two elder ones. Horace and Matilda, are deceased, and Keturah is yet living. He obtained a fair education in his youth, and by subsequent study, reading and observation became well informed upon general subjects. Under his father's instruction he learned the senior man's business, and in 1847, when the latter retired, on account of advancing years, the young man assumed his duties. For many years he continued actively engaged along the same line of en- deavor, meeting with the commendation of his patrons, and fully meriting the high regard in which he was held by one and all. In 1890 he retired. and the business which had been established by his father more than four-score years before and had never left the family passed into the hands of others.
For more than a quarter of a century he and his wife have given much time and attention to the collecting of shells, fossils and various antiquities in this state, and their large cabinets are filled with extremely interesting speci- mens. Mr. Simmerman, especially, has made a study of the subject, and is considered an authority in this locality. He is an entertaining converser,
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and his long residence here and keen powers of observation have rendered him familiar with local history. For eleven years he served as the overseer of the poor and in him the suffering and needy ever find a sympathetic friend. In his political views he is independent, and religiously he is a Presbyterian.
His marriage to Miss Rhoda Rambo, a native of Gloucester county, New Jersey, was solemnized in 1850. She has been a loyal, noble wife, sharing his sorrows and joys, and in the countless ways known only to womankind has smoothed and made pleasant the rough highway of life over which he has traveled. They are quietly passing their declining days in the old home endeared to them by a thousand sacred memories, and secure in the friend- - ship of a host of old acquaintances and lifelong neighbors.
SAMUEL G. TIVELLS.
Samuel G. Twells, a retired merchant of Woodbury, New Jersey, and the owner of the Briar Hill farm, was born in Peru, Indiana, September 5, 1842, a son of John S. and Fannie (Grant) Twells. His father, who was distinguished both as a citizen and a philanthropist, was born in Philadelphia, July 25, 1818, and there obtained his education. After leaving school he obtained a situation as a salesman in the dry-goods store of Hardy & Tunis, on Market street, near Second street, in Philadelphia. In 1842 he removed to Peru, Indiana, and for two years carried on the dry-goods business there, but in 1844 disposed of his stock and returned to the City of Brotherly Love, where he carried on a shipping and commission business until 1868. In 1864, meeting with an accident which resulted in partial paralysis, he was prevented from devoting his entire attention to his business. In 1866 he purchased the beautifully located property in Woodbury known as the Mickle farm, which he subsequently named Briar Hill. To this farm he removed with his family in 1868 and there spent the remainder of his days, passing away on the 16th of February, 1890.
He had three children: Samuel G. and Josephine, who died in childhood. and Standley. Mr. Twells was known far and wide for his many benevolent deeds, and no one honestly in need or in distress was ever turned empty- handed from his door. He was equally marked for his public spirit and the existence of many of the improvements on the west side of Woodbury is due to his energy and contributions. He was a man of broad humanitarian principles, kind and benevolent, and all recognized in him a genial and courteous gentleman, of true character and worth.
Samuel Grant Twells removed with his parents to Philadelphia in 1844,
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when but two years of age. He was educated there at the Episcopal Acad- emy, then situated at the corner of Juniper and Locust streets. In early life he entered his father's store and was trained to the commission business. Rapidly acquiring a knowledge of the same he soon became a partner with his father. Since 1864 he has resided at Woodbury, and since 1866 has devoted his attention to the interests of Briar Hill farm. He married Celeste Rodney, a daughter of Thomas Rodney and Susan Maria, nee Fromburger, of Damascus, St. George's Hundred, Delaware. They have seven children,- Bertha R., Herbert, Norris, John S., Cæsar Rodney, Fannie Grant and Alfred Lee. The family are devoted members of Christ Episcopal church.
In this connection it will be interesting to note something of the history of the Rodney family. According to Vincent's History of Delaware, it is probably the most complete in this country, if not in any other country, as it carries this historic family down a space of seven hundred and eighty years.
The first Rodney that came to England was Sir Walter D. Rodney, a soldier in the year 1100 who came with the Empress Maude, the daughter of Henry I, king of England. The nineteenth was William Rodney, born in 1610, an ancestor of the Delaware Rodneys, who came with William Penn in 1682 and was his legal adviser. He had a son, Cæsar, who had three daughters and five sons: one was the celebrated Cæsar, who was the Gov- ernor of Delaware, and signed the Declaration of Independence, and was the hero of "Rodney's Ride" and a bachelor. The other son was Thomas, who also had a son, Caesar Augustus Rodney, who was the attorney general of the United States and envoy and minister plenipotentiary to Buenos Ayres, where he died in 1824. His eldest son, Thomas Rodney, with his mother's family, moved back to Delaware. He was a consul to Cuba and the col- lector of a port. He had three sons and one daughter, Celeste, who married Samuel G. Twells, whose family is the subject of this sketch.
GEORGE W. PAYNE.
One of the representative citizens of Cumberland county is George W. Payne, whose prominence in business and public affairs well entitles him to representation in this volume. He was born in Millville, Cumberland county, on the 7th of September, 1843, and is a son of Thankful (Van Hook) Payne. The Payne family is of English lineage, but on the maternal side our subject is of Holland Dutch extraction. The paternal grandfather, Macey Payne, resided at Millville and was a seafaring man who sailed on coasting vessels. The father of our subject was born at Millville, February 18, 1820, was left an orphan at the age of seven years and was reared by his brother, Captain
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Levi Payne. He, too, followed the sea in early life, making his first voyage as a seaman when seventeen years of age. He learned the glass-blower's trade and followed both pursuits, making his home in Millville throughout his entire life. He held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, and on the organization of the Republican party became one of its stalwart supporters. His wife, who was a daughter of William Van Hook, was born at what was then known as Schooner Landing, a point four miles south of the business center of Millville. She was the great-granddaughter of Dr. Van Hook, who came to Millville from Darmstadt, Germany, and settled permanently here. Two of his sons, Benjamin and Lawrence, who also were physicians, were prominent in the early part of this century and particularly active during the war of 1812. Dr. Lawrence Van Hook was the grand- father of Mrs. Payne. William Van Hook, her father, was engaged in farm- ing for many years, and in the latter part of his life was in the employ of Whitehall, Talem & Company in Millville. Mrs. Payne died in April, 1893. She was for over fifty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which her husband also belonged. Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Payne were the parents of fifteen children, seven of whom are yet living, the eldest being George. Kate V., the second, is the wife of Henry Vogt, a shipping clerk of Philadelphia. She was first married, however, to Thomas Wells, and had three children,-Albert, Lucius and Jesse. Charles, a glass-blower by trade and now a lawyer of Millville, married Maggie Smith and has two daughters, -Eva and Ruby. Mary is the wife of Jeremiah Corson, the superintendent of the grinding department in the extensive glass-works owned by Whitall, Taylor & Company, and now has five children,-Nellie, Flora, Charles, Hannah and Frederick. Frances is the wife of Frank Boardman, a railroad engineer, and their children are Lucinda Mae and Cora. Lenora married Michael Durkin, a cloth dresser, and they had three children: Lizzie, who died at the age of thirteen years, and George and James. Jennie is the wife of Ralph Kelvington, a wheelwright, and they have one son, Harvey. Rena, the youngest of the family, is the wife of George Dougherty, a lamp worker, and they have seven children. The father of these children died in 1891, at the age of seventy, and his wife passed away when seventy-one years of age.
George Payne, whose name introduces this record, pursued his educa- tion under the direction of Dr. Parker and Rev. Northrup, and after putting aside his text-books, at the age of eleven years, he learned the glass-blower's trade, entering upon an apprenticeship in 1856. He followed that business until 1895, being in the employ of Whitall, Taylor & Company, of Millville. He mastered the business in its various departments and was a most trusted
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employee of the house, a fact which is well indicated by his long service.
Taking a deep and active interest in public affairs, Mr. Payne has long been recognized as a leader of public thought and movement. He served for three terms in the New Jersey legislature, being elected to the office in 1875, 1876 and 1877, and during his second term was the chairman of the committee on corporations. In 1877 he was active in pushing a bill entitled "An act for the better securing of wages to workmen and laborers in the state of New Jersey,"-a bill for which he had worked hard the two previous years, but which he did not succeed in carrying until 1877. It was a law to prevent the payment of employes in punch orders, due bills, etc., which were redeemable only at the company's store; and the introductory clause read as follows: "That it shall not be lawful for any person or corporation in this state to issue for payment any order or other paper whatsoever unless the same purport to be redeemable for its face value in lawful money of the United States by the person giving or issuing the same." This was the first general act of the kind passed in New Jersey, and it has since been amended to better protect the workingmen. Mr. Payne was opposed by many strong men, including the Democratic nominee for governor, Mr. McGill, and was loyally supported by the present governor of the state, Mr. Griggs, who was the Republican nominee. The law was an especial boon to the glass-blowers, establishing a cash basis for their labor; and Mr. Payne incurred the enmity of manufacturers throughout the state, and was for some time proscribed from being employed. He has also been connected with public service in the custom-house at Philadelphia. During Grant's admin- istration he served as inspector of customs, and at all times has been most loyal and faithful in the discharge of his public duties. He has likewise held a number of local offices. When his term as representative was completed he was made the assessor of the old second ward of Millville, which is now the second and fourth wards, and held the position for eight years. In March, 1889, he was elected to the common council, and, after serving a few months, resigned in order to accept the position of superintendent of the glass-works of Rankins & La Mar at Atlanta, Georgia. Returning to Mill- ville in 1892, he was again elected to the council and served three years, tak- ing part in important rulings as a member of the finance, water and railroad committees. In March, 1895, he was elected mayor of Millville and was re-elected in 1898, without opposition; and it is needless to add that he is one of the best mayors the city has ever had, fearless in the discharge of his duty and aiming always to foster the best interests of all classes.
Mayor Payne was the first national secretary of the National Flint Glass Workers' Union, which embraces the United States and Canada, and he held
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this position three years, virtually redeeming the Union from chaos and placing it on a firm financial basis. He was for twelve years representative to the national body through successive re-elections and served on the most important committees. A fine watch, properly inscribed, was presented to him by the Union, and he has a handsome chain, which was the gift of the employes at Atlanta, where he was superintendent. He served for eight years as assessor of Millville, was two terms a member of the city council from the fourth ward, and was a justice of the peace of the fourth ward.
On the 9th of December, 1865, Mr. Payne was married to Miss Mary Stonehill, a daughter of Captain Stonehill, and to them have been born eight children: John C., Reginald W., William S., Georgianna, Lavinia N., Nellie, Harold H. and Anna. Reginald married Miss Ella Hartman. William married Miss Sarah J. Champion. Georgianna is the wife of Harry Reed, of Cape May City; and Lavinia N. married Samuel Curlott, formerly of Maryland, now a resident of Millville. Mr. Payne is a prominent and valued member of various fraternities. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and also to the chapter, is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Knights of the Mystic Circle and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is also a consistent member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Mill- ville. The cause of education has found in him a warm friend and he has done effective work for the schools while serving on the school board. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his support of the principles of the party. As mayor of the city his administration has been progressive, business-like and beneficial, and his public career and private life are alike above reproach.
ROBERT S. CLYMER.
One of the most distinguished lawyers and jurists of southern New Jersey is Robert S. Clymer, a man of forceful individuality and strong mentality who has advanced step by step to a position of marked prominence in the ranks of the legal fraternity. Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for the duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Holding a marked prece- dence among the members of the bar of Woodbury is Mr. Clymer, whose
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ability has gained him a place of distinguished preferment among the repre- sentatives of the legal profession in Gloucester county.
A native of Philadelphia, he was born on the 23d of August, 1855, a son of David M. and Abigail A. Clymer. His ancestry is one of long and hon- orable connection with this country, for in the middle of the seventeenth century the family was founded in the New World. Several of the family were numbered among the adherents of the American cause during the war of the Revolution.
After acquiring his preliminary training in the public schools, Judge Clymer entered upon his business career in connection with commercial pur- suits, and for a decade was thus engaged. It was his desire, however, to prepare for the legal profession, and while attending to his duties as clerk he began reading law, eagerly accepting the first opportunity that presented rtself to register as a law student. After a thorough and careful preparation for the bar he was admitted in 1882, and immediately entered upon the prac- tice of his profession. No dreary novitiate awaited him, for he soon entered upon a successful career and in less than a decade his marked ability secured his elevation to the bench. He soon won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods he followed. His remarkable power of concentration and application and his retentive mind have excited the sur- prise of his professional colleagues.
Political questions early awakened his earnest attention, and by careful study and investigation he has thoroughly informed himself concerning the issues of the day. He early became a recognized leader in the local political circles of Gloucester county, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office. In 1877 he was elected the clerk of the city of Woodbury, New Jersey, and filled that position with ability and credit for four years .. For one year he held the office of chosen freeholder, but in each case refused to become a candidate for re-election. He was the city solicitor of Woodbury for four years, and while discharging his duties won a most enviable reputation. He conducted a number of very important cases and his wonderful oratory, clothed with the sound logic of truth, car- ried conviction to the minds of judge and jury and enabled him to mount the ladder of fame. His private practice rapidly increased, both in the courts of Gloucester county and in Philadelphia, where he also has an office and has risen to prominence as a member of the bar of that city. A most impor- tant case in Philadelphia in which he was concerned was that involving the question of the constitutionality of the city ordinance imposing a tax on non- residents. This was the case of the Commonwealth vs. Simons, reported in the Legal Intelligencer, volume 41, page 448. The ordinance was declared
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unconstitutional. The ability he had displayed in the practice of his pro- fession and his recognized knowledge of the law led, in 1891, to his appoint- ment to president law judge of Gloucester county.
For almost six years he filled the position, and no higher testimonial of his capable service could be given than the fact that no case decided by him was ever reversed by the higher courts. His decisions were models of judi- cious soundness and gained for him a very desirable reputation as a jurist. He is still a close student of his profession, and at the same time is a scholarly gentleman, familiar with the classical works of literature and of art. His law practice is almost exclusively confined to the civil courts and he has a large clientele in these, both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as in the district and higher courts of the United States. He has enjoyed triumphs in his professional career, and both in public and private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, kind- ness and geniality and deference to the opinions of others. His conversation is enlivened by a wit and repartee that render him a pleasant companion and make him popular with all classes.
GEORGE S. SHARP.
The Sharp family from which George S. traces his descent is of English extraction. His grandfather was a successful landlord in Salem county, New Jersey. He was united in marriage to a Miss Christman and had children,- Jacob, James, Thomas, Joseph, Sarah and Mary Ann (Mrs. James Thomp- son). Jacob was born in Salem county and married Rosanna, a daughter of George Sheets, of Bridgeport, Gloucester county. Their children were ten in number, as follows: Amanda (Mrs. Joseph Kidd), John, Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Stranger), Sarah (Mrs. Charles E. Lodge), Charles, George S., Hugh C., Thompson, Hannah Frances (Mrs. Charles Hendrickson), and Henry.
Mr. Sharp during his active life-time was a carpenter and a farmer, but having retired from these vocations now resides in Bridgeport. His son George S. was born March 6, 1836, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and when two years of age removed to Loga township, Gloucester county, where he has since resided. He early engaged in active labor, meanwhile improving such opportunities for education as occurred during the winter months until his majority was attained, when he embarked in the raising of produce on shares, and continued thus employed for seven years. He was in the fall of 1860 married to Miss Beulah L., a daughter of Jonathan Bennett and Hannah Lippincott, of Asbury, New Jersey. Mr. Bennett had been previously mar-
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ried to Miss May Davis, and was the parent of fourteen children, three of whom were by the first marriage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are Charles Edward, Ellen B. (who has been since her eighteenth year engaged in teaching), Katie H., Howard R., and Franklin B., who died in infancy.
During the year 1867 Mr. Sharp purchased his present home in Logan township, and has since been actively interested in the raising of general produce and other farm labor. By discretion and close application to busi- ness he has in a comparatively few years acquired a competency and enjoys a deservedly high reputation as a successful grower of sweet potatoes, which he makes a specialty. The market for his produce is principally found in Philadelphia. In local politics Mr. Sharp has been somewhat active as a Republican, but has invariably refused to accept office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bridgeport, as is also Mrs. Sharp.
F. B. RIDGWAY:
There is no more loyal or public-spirited citizen in Gloucester county than this gentleman, who is an honored veteran of the civil war and who in many public offices has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that was equal to his patriotic services upon the battle-fields of the south. He is now filling the position of county clerk, and his official course has won the commendation of all concerned. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed and he therefore enjoys the confidence of the public in an unqualified degree.
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