USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 5
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A native of the Pine Tree state, Mr. Pressey was born in Waterville, Maine, September 27, 1825, and is a son of George W. and Tabitha (Wood- cock) Pressey, who also are natives of that state and of Irish and English descent. The maternal grandmother of our subject was a cousin of Andrew Jackson. George W. Pressey, Sr., was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit for many years, but later became a railroad employe. He was a public-spirited and progressive citizen, a man of sterling worth and a con- sistent member of the Baptist church. His wife held membership in the Methodist church. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children, six of whom reached years of maturity, namely: George W., Henry T., a resi- dent of Nebraska; J. Manley, who is living in Salemville, Ohio; Elizabeth, Nancy and Ellen, all now deceased.
Mr. Pressey, of this review, spent his boyhood days in the place of his nativity and acquired his education in the public schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade of his father and afterward mastered the carriage-making trade. He then began business on his own account, securing a good patron- age in that line. For five years he was a contractor and builder of roads in his native town, and in 1848 he began his inventive work, producing a car- riage spring in connection with his brother-in-law, George Farnham. This was called the Pressey lever carriage spring and was widely adopted. The inventors retained control of it, placed it on the market, and it had a large sale. From an early age Mr. Pressey has manifested marked mechanical genius and has done much toward the improvement of machinery. He in- vented the first twisted drill used in drilling iron and steel, also a small rotary
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
engine, and a machine for the paring and coring of apples, which came into general use.
In 1863 he removed to Hammonton, New Jersey, where he established a blacksmith and carriage-making shop, conducting the same until 1873. In 1888 he invented the pioneer stump extractor, which has been used throughout the United States, many thousands of the machines being sold. He also invented a lifting jack, and a folding umbrella which will telescope into a space small enough to go into a man's coat pocket. He was also the inventor of the American Star bicycle, which became a -well-known wheel and was the original front-steering and rear-driving wheel, his patent being granted to him in 1888. He next invented a brooder for raising young chickens, the most successful invention of the kind that has ever been placed upon the market. These inventions do not come as a happy inspiration to men, but are the outcome of deep thought and long-sustained effort. Though the idea may be new to the inventor it is the result of careful mental prep- aration and research in years gone by. Added to this, the successful in- ventor has the ability to judge correctly of the practical utility of his new ideas and the mechanical genius to execute his plans. It has been such qualities that have won Mr. Pressey prominence among the mechanical in- ventors of the land and gained him a handsome competence.
Mr. Pressey has been twice married. In 1844 he wedded Miss Mary Emerson, who died in 1847, leaving two children, Eliza A., now the widow of George Athern, a hotel proprietor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Laura, who is now deceased. In 1849 Mr. Pressey was again married, his second union being with Harriet Blackwell, and they became the parents of four children: Anna, who is a member of the school board of Hammonton; Emma, a professional nurse in Philadelphia; Bert, a dentist of Newport News, Virginia, and Joan, a successful dental practitioner of Hampton, Virginia.
Mr. Pressey is a public-spirited citizen who takes a deep interest in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of his community. In politics he is inde- pendent, supporting the men whom he thinks best calculated to discharge the duties of the office in an able manner. His fellow townsmen recognize his worth and have called him to office, and his course has demonstrated that their confidence was well placed. He served for several years as a free- holder and was a member of the town council for eight years, for fifteen years was school director, and is now serving as justice of the peace. No man has done more for education in his locality than he, and the high standard of the schools at the present time is largely due to his efforts. For twenty- five years he has been the treasurer of the cemetery. He has ever been a prompt and efficient officer, and in all the relations of life he has shown him-
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
self worthy of the confidence and regard of his fellow men. He started out in his business career without capital, but by determined purpose and the careful exercise of his superior faculties he has steadily worked his way up- ward and is now accounted one of the substantial residents of his adopted town.
JAMES MAC FARLAND.
The beautiful home and fine farm opposite the railroad station at Mon- roeville, Salem county, is one of the most attractive places in this locality. As the train comes to a halt and the passenger looks from the window and remarks upon the village and upon this place in particular, he is told that it is the home of James MacFarland, who for years has been the leading man of the town.
Mr. MacFarland was born in Dayton, Ohio, February 1, 1839, a son of William MacFarland and a grandson of Arthur MacFarland, the latter a na- tive of Scotland. William MacFarland was born in 1800 near Baltimore, Maryland, where he spent his early days, then he went west to Ohio and located in Dayton, where the said J. MacFarland was born, and where he made his home for several years, at the end of that time returning east and taking up his abode near Mullica Hill, Gloucester county, New Jersey. Later he purchased a farm in Mantua township, that county, where he lived for years, dying in 1872, and leaving to his family a considerable estate and the heritage of a good name. His wife, whose maiden name was Drucilla Tomlin, was a daughter of James Tomlin, of Mullica Hill. She died in 1882. They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are living at this writ- ing,-four sisters and one brother, William MacFarland, who is now the principal of the Bordentown public school, and has been for the past four- teen years.
James MacFarland was very small when his parents moved to New Jer- sey, and on his father's farm in Gloucester county he was reared, attending school in winter and in working on the farm in summer. At the age of twenty he entered the school-room as a teacher, and for three years taught at Aura, Gloucester county, and one year in Ocean county. He then bought a farm in Ocean county, where he remained for two years, then re- turned to Aura, Gloucester county, where he also remained two years, teach- ing school in the winter season and farming in the summer. In 1865 he moved to Monroeville, where he has resided ever since. When he first set- tled here Mr. MacFarland was the railroad agent for several years, and for twenty-four years he kept a general store, having charge of it until 1889,
James Mac Farland
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
when he retired from the business. During his early life here he frequently made trips to the west, where he purchased cattle in carload lots-five or six hundred head in a year-bringing them back with him and selling them to the people throughout this part of the country for stock cattle. Later he brought from the west horses instead of cattle. Probably he has sold more horses in southern New Jersey than any other man in the county. He is now buying cattle in carloads from the west and running a large slaughter house, selling meats in Atlantic City and all other towns of south New Jer- sey. His present farm, composed really of three different farms which he purchased at various times as they came on the market, are now all shaped in one, and embraces two hundred acres of well kept and highly cultivated land, and its improvements, including the residence and barn, are among the best in the locality. It is due to Mr. MacFarland that the beautiful village of Monroeville has been transformed from a very low condition to one of enterprise and thrift. He has ever given his time faithfully to his business, being always interested in many lines.
In addition to supervising his numerous extensive interests, Mr. Mac- Farland has from time to time filled various township offices, and has always shown himself to be a public-spirited man, ready to give his support to whatever tended to advance the welfare of Monroeville and vicinity. He has long been prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, and for years has served as a trustee and steward of his church at Monroeville.
April 17, 1861, Mr. MacFarland married Miss Maggie Seavers, a daugh- ter of George Seavers, of Trenton, New Jersey; and of the six children born to them five are now living, namely: Randolph, who runs a store, creamery and ice plant at Monroeville, in a measure the successor to his father in the business; William, of Camden, New Jersey, who is a leading dealer in fancy horses in Philadelphia, at the Palace Exchange, corner of Broad and Cherry streets; Eugene, who operates a large wholesale slaughter house at Monroe- ville for his father; Leo, a lawyer of No. 1438 South Pennsylvania square, Philadelphia; and J. Earl, at home with his parents, is an agent for agricul- tural implements.
W. C. KEAN.
W. C. Kean, of Camden, Camden county, New Jersey, was born at Kean's Mills, Salem county, on March 4, 1835, and is as well known and popular in that county as the one in which he lives, both of which has been the scene of his industry and benevolence. His father, Samuel Kean, was at one time a storekeeper at Mullica Hill.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Mr. Kean was educated in the public schools, and then thoroughly learned the trade of masonry and building, acquiring a proficiency in his work that has caused him to be regarded as one of the best workmen in this part of New Jersey. He did a great deal of work at Salem county and Bridgton and had a large force of men working for him, erecting many pub- lic and private buildings. The first Methodist church at Elmer is a monu- ment to his skill, as are a number of other buildings in that village. He moved to this city in 1877 and has erected many residences here, his services being in constant demand. He was given charge of the building of the First Methodist Episcopal church and has put up an edifice that would be a credit to any locality-a magnificent building. The basement of the Bethany Methodist church was constructed by him and the work donated to the or- ganization, which is but one of many acts of liberality for which he is noted.
Mr. Kean is a man of earnest Christian character, respected and honored alike by all classes. He has for years been an active member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, being treasurer of the Broadway organization for years, and also trustee and class leader. Later he transferred his member- ship to the First church, in which he is trustee. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary J. Hitchner, daughter of David Hitchner, a prominent farmer of this place. They have had three children, only one of whom is living, Hattie Lenora, who is now studying abroad. Mr. Kean and his family have trav- eled extensively over the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia and British Columbia and are people of excellent taste and refinement. He is a man of considerable means and is doing much good, preferring to see the fruits of his well-directed benevolence and receiving his reward in the pure enjoy- ment of a good deed well done.
RICHARD T. BECKETT.
Richard T. Beckett, the obliging postmaster of Clayton, New Jersey, and the capable superintendent of Moore Brothers' Glass Works, is a native of Glassboro, born March 6, 1838. His father, William F. Beckett, was also a native of Glassboro, and his father, Johnson Beckett, was among the early settlers of this city. The family came from England before the Revolution and settled in this county. Johnson Beckett was one of Glassboro's leading business men, and by almost every one was known as "Uncle Johnson." William F., his son and our subject's father, was a glassblower by trade and made melting-pots for the Whitney Glass Works. He died in 1852. He was a gentleman possessed of much intelligence and admired by all. In pub-
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lic affairs he was very active, serving the people as collector, assessor and in other town and city positions. He was an officer in the Odd Fellows lodge, and also belonged to the Sons of Temperance. His was one of those genial, sunny natures that always make a legion of friends. For his life companion he chose Susan, the daughter of Jonathan Duffield of Scotland. Her mother died in 1888. Of their seven offspring, six still live: Amanda, wife of John Daniels; Eliza K., Mrs. Samuel Luffbary; Richard T., our subject; Hiram, of Clayton; William H., the general manager of the glass works at Wood- bury, and Samuel D., the manager of the Fairton Glass Works, at Fairton, this state.
At the age of sixteen years, after acquiring a common school education, our subject went to learn the carpenter's trade, and at the age of twenty-one began contracting, at Clayton, moving to that place in 1861. He con- tinued there until 1872, when he quit carpentering. He moved to Cumber- Jand county, New Jersey, and remained there nine years, superintending the clearing of a large timber tract, on which he built mills, cut the trees into lumber and developed a splendid farm. From that point he removed to Florence, New Jersey, and lived five years with R. D. Woods, conducting a store in which he had an interest. In 1894 our subject, who was always a very progressive, thoughtful man, invented a glass-blowing machine. In 1894 he made his home in Clayton and took his present position.
Being a Republican in politics, very naturally he was made postmaster under McKinley, in 1897, commencing July I. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian church of Clayton, and belongs to the United Workmen lodge No. 4 of Camden. In the month of September, 1859, our subject was mar- ried to Annie E., a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Brick, of Burlington county, New Jersey. It was her brother, William Brick, who founded Lake- wood, New Jersey. Six children bless the union: Bertrand O., superintendent of the glass works at Millville; Firman, of Cripple Creek, Colorado; Charles, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey; Rosamond B., widow of Richard Marley, who is the assistant postmaster of Clayton, and Jennie S. and Annie E., still at home.
ISAAC M. DOWNS, M. D.
The record of the medical fraternity of southern New Jersey would be in- complete were there failure to make specific reference to Dr. Downs, who has attained a position of precedence and distinction in the medical profes- sion, while the public accord to him a liberal and well-merited patronage.
The Doctor was born in Tuckerton, New Jersey, on the 5th of December.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
1842, and is a son of James M. and Sarah (Sooy) Downs. His ancestors for several generations resided on Long Island. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Downs, was for many years a resident of Tuckerton and there his death occurred. He was a mason by trade and followed that occupation as a source of livelihood. His political support was given the Democracy and in religious belief he was a Methodist. He married Ann Stiles, and they be- came the parents of eight children: James M .; Samuel; Charles; William; Ann, wife of Dr. J. L. Hand; Susan, who also became the wife of Dr. Hand, after the death of her sister; Isaac Jackson; and Hannah, wife of Rev. Noah Edwards. The father of these children died at the age of sixty years. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was Yoos Sooy, who was a native of Holland, whence he emigrated to the New World, taking up his residence on the lower bank of Mullica river, in Burlington county, New Jersey. He there reared his children and was known as one of the most prominent men of the community. He had a coat-of-arms, consisting of two uplifted arms, and this was engraved upon his monument. He engaged in the manufacture of charcoal and dealt in wood, his business interests being carefully con- ducted.
James M. Downs, the Doctor's father, was born in Tuckerton, New Jer- sey, and was educated in the high school of Philadelphia, after which he engaged in teaching. He followed that profession for a number of years, be- ing at one time connected with the educational interests of his native town. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, exercising his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the party. He held a member- ship with the Methodist Episcopal church and was interested in everything pertaining to the social, material, intellectual and moral benefit of the com- munity. He married Sarah Sooy and they became the parents of five chil- dren, as follows: William; James; Herbert; Cordelia, the wife of Joseph Lane; and Susan, the wife of D. Van Zant. The father died at the age of fifty-two years, and the mother passed away when fifty-one years of age.
Dr. Downs pursued his literary education in the schools of Tuckerton, and, with a good general knowledge to serve as a foundation upon which to rest the superstructure of professional learning, he entered the Jefferson Medical College, in which he was graduated. He then opened an office in Cape May Court House, where he has since remained. He is a close student of his profession and keeps well abreast with all the discoveries that are made concerning the treatment of diseases and the use of various drugs. His knowledge is comprehensive and exact, and his skill and ability are mani- fest in the liberal patronage which is accorded him by the public. He is a member of the Cape May County Medical Society, and has been a frequent
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
contributor to the Medical and Surgical Reporter, his articles being of much value. In addition to his practice he owns and conducts a drug store, and in both branches of his business is meeting with gratifying success.
In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Downs and Miss Elmira Will- iamson, a daughter of Rev. Moses Williamson, for many years the pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Cold Springs. Both the Doctor and his wife are widely and favorably known in this locality and the hospitality of the best homes is extended them, while their own pleasant residence is noted for its good cheer. The Doctor was formerly a member of the board of health, and during the civil war he served for one year as acting assistant surgeon, in Washington, D. C. He was also president of the old Building & Loan Association, which has since disbanded. Socially he is a representative of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and of the Methodist Episcopal church is an active and zealous member. He is a trustee and steward of the church and the assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is actively associated with the work that tends to promote the growth and upbuilding of the organization. His upright, honorable career com- mends him to the confidence and good will of all, and Cape May Court House numbers him among its most valued and respected citizens.
ALB. AUG. KOCH.
When prosperity comes to a man as the result of industry and business enterprise too much cannot be said in his praise, for in this country intrinsic worth and ability are the measures of merit. Albert A. Koch, of Mantua, Gloucester county, has inherited from a long line of industrious, upright German ancestors the sterling qualities which have brought him rapidly to the front among the well-to-do business men of this locality.
One of his ancestors was, at one time, the mayor of Dantzig, Germany, and was very prominent in the municipal affairs of that city. He was the owner of large tracts of valuable land and dealt extensively in real estate. Frederick Koch, the father of our subject, learned the trade of a baker, and some of his uncles were men of influence, holding high positions.
Albert A. Koch is a native of the city of Goettingen, province of Hanover, Germany, his birth having occurred there May 21, 1863. He gained a com. mon school education and when he arrived at a suitable age he learned the baker's trade. It was in 1883-nearly a quarter of a century ago-that he landed on the shores of the New World, thenceforth to be his home. For several years he worked at his trade in New York City, and finally, in 1893,
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
he decided to embark in business upon his own account. Having looked at various places, with a view to locating a bakery, he started one at Camden, New Jersey, but about a year later he came to Mantua, and within the five years which have elapsed he has built up a trade which is really remarkable. For the first year he did all his own work, but rapidly the business increased until at the present time he employs eleven men and runs five delivery wagons, for which nine horses are required. He sends his wagons into the surrounding country, and for twenty-five miles in each direction from Mantua customers are supplied with the fresh, wholesome bread and cakes which are made here. From twelve to fifteen hundred loaves of bread are made each day and forty barrels of flour are required. Recently Mr. Koch has opened branch stores at Paulsboro and Woodbury, and, judging from what he has accomplished within the past few years, he will be in command of a goodly fortune ere he has reached the prime of life.
Fraternally he ranks well, being a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men, in the last mentioned holding an of- ficial position at this writing. On the 30th of May, 1890, the marriage of Mr. Koch and Miss Martha Neimke was celebrated in Philadelphia. She is a daughter of Heinrich Neimke, and, like her husband, is a native of Han- over, Germany. They have two children living, Robert and Martha. Mrs. Koch aids her husband materially in his business undertakings and both enjoy the respect of the entire community.
WILLIAM M. OGDEN.
William M. Ogden, of Mickleton, was born at Port Elizabeth, April 6, 1838, and is descended from an old Pennsylvania family, his ancestors having come from England with William Penn in the good ship Welcome, in 1682. The father of our subject was Samuel Ogden, who was born at Woodston and was a surveyor and conveyancer. He also conducted a store in Port Elizabeth for some years and there died in 1862. He was very successful in his business dealings, and through his well directed energies gained a very desirable competence. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and his upright life won him the confidence and well wishes of all who knew him. He married Sarah Mickle, a daughter of Samuel Mickle, and the town in which our subject now resides was named in honor of his maternal grand- father. Mrs. Ogden died about 1867, leaving two children, but William M. is now the only survivor of the family. His brother, Samuel M. Ogden, who was engaged in business in Mickleton for forty years, was widely and
William M. Oyden
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
favorably known throughout the community. He managed his affairs with rare ability and discrimination, displayed unfaltering industry and persever- ance, and as the result of his labors acquired a handsome property, leaving a good estate at his death. His dealings were characterized by the strictest integrity and won him the unqualified trust of the public.
William M. Ogden pursued his education in the public schools near his home, and on putting aside his textbooks took upon himself the practical duties of the farm with which he had become familiar in his boyhood, having assisted in the care and cultivation of his father's farm. He carried on agricultural pursuits until 1887, when he joined his brother in business in Mickleton. This relation was maintained until the brother's death, and was mutually pleasant and profitable. Their store was well stocked with a general line of goods, and their courteous treatment of their patrons, their earnest desire to please and their honorable dealings won to them a large trade. Since the death of his brother William M. Ogden has been the sole proprietor, and in addition to merchandising he is serving as the postmaster of Mickleton, discharging his duties in a manner that has won him the uniform commendation of the public.
In 1861 he married Miss Bessie Clark, a daughter of Edward Clark, of Swedesboro, and they have three children: Edward C., who is living in Mickleton; Carrie, the wife of Clayton Thompson, a resident of this locality; and Anna Vanneman, who was born October 25, 1869, and died January 22, 1889. She had a sweet, amiable and retiring disposition and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. Her early death was much deplored by her school friends, who paid loving tributes to her memory. She met death calmly, and to all about her whispered words of hope and consolation. Mr. Ogden and his family are members of the Society of Friends and are people of the highest respectability, having the warm regard of all who know them.
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