USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 50
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Mr. Starr and Miss Frances E. Titus were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on January 10, 1873, and are the parents of four children: Kath- erine, Annie Forman, Mary Thompson, and one that died in infancy.
Mr. Starr is a Republican in politics, and has been closely identified with the city interests, acting as the chief of the Salem fire department for sixteen years, represented the West ward in the city council, was director of the board of freeholders, and was also an officer in the senate when the Demo- crats made one of their attempts at stealing, in 1896. Socially he is a member of the Excelsior Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M .; Forrest Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Salem Firemen's Relief Association; Fenwick Club, and the Salem Country Club. He is an attendant of the Episcopalian church and a man whose sterling worth and integrity have made him honored and esteemed by everyone.
Mrs. Starr is a daughter of Captain U. B. Titus, of Trenton, New Jersey. He was a valiant soldier in the civil war and is now stationed at Trenton, where he has charge of the coal supply of the Pennsylvania railway. He is the commander of the Aaron Wilkes Post, G. A. R., of Trenton, and takes a
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prominent part in all the work of that organization. He is well and favor- ably known throughout the state. His first wife was Miss Anna Forman, a daughter of John Fisher Forman, of Monmouth county, this state. They had four children: Sarah; Anna, who married Frank S. Emmons, a real- estate dealer of Jersey City and a man of official prominence; Francis E., the wife of our subject; and Joseph B., who is the treasurer of the Illinois Central Railway at Chicago. The next marriage was to Miss Anna Dem- arest, who also bore him four children: Calvin B., who is connected with the Illinois Central Railway at Chicago; Mary, Helen, and Lyman, who is at home.
THOMAS W. HURFF.
Thomas W. Hurff, deceased, who forms the chief subject of this memoir, was a native of Washington township, Gloucester county, New Jersey, April 27, 1811. He was of German descent. Conrad Hurff, the grand- father, emigrated to America and purchased from the proprietors of South Jersey, a tract of land, in what is now Washington township, and became a prosperous farmer. Our subject was educated at Turnerville, and when seventeen years old went to learn the carpenter's trade and worked at it until 1841. His father was George Hurff. Soon the place became quite a prosperous village, and was known as Hurffville. He also lumbered and carried on farming. Politically he was a Democrat and was a member of the legislature in 1851-52, when the section was known as Camden county. He was also a freeholder the same period. For several years he was one of the directors of the First National Bank of Woodbury. He was an Odd Fellow. In school matters he took a lively interest and was director several years. He was a good business man, and left a fine estate. He had a "hard fight on his hands" to get good roads in his township, but finally succeeded. Through his efforts a postoffice was established at this point, and for years he was the postmaster. He was twice married,-the first time, January I, 1834, to Martha, a daughter of John Turner, of Washington township. She died December 22, 1834. For his second wife he married Hannah, a daughter of Randall Jaygard. Their living children are: Clark J., Camden; Mary H., the wife of Augustin Biles, of Pennsylvania; Randall J., at home; Martha T., single, at home; John M., of Camden; Thomas W., of Wood- bury; George B., of Sewell; and Elizabeth P., of Philadelphia. The father died March 21, 1888, but the good mother still survives.
Concerning his son Thomas W. it may be said that he was born at Hurffville, New Jersey, July 1, 1855, and received a good education, at the
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common schools; also attended the South Jersey Institute, at Bridgeton. After leaving the school-room, he taught one year, and then went into the store with his father. In 1885 he formed a partnership with his brother, the firm name then being styled "Hurff Brothers." In 1889 he took his brother's share and ran the store alone for three years. He was assistant journal clerk in the New Jersey legislature for two years. In 1894 he was appointed as weigher's clerk to the "coiner," at the Philadelphia mint. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Glassboro. December 18, 1894, he was united in marriage to Nellie Thatcher Jones.
Mr. Hurff, both by nature and training, is an excellent man for business, and the place he held at the mint proves him to be a correct accountant and trustworthy. In reviewing the sons and grandsons of the pioneers of this section of New Jersey, one is naturally impressed with the fact that so many of the present generation are by far better off than they would have been had their parents not been compelled to struggle to make a living and build up for themselves a home. The push and business tact necessary in their ancestors has come to them as a natural result,-a blessing in disguise.
JOHN C. RULON.
If those who claim that fortune has favored certain individuals above others will but investigate the causes of success and failure, it will be found that the former is largely due to the improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate environments encompass nearly every man at some stage in his career, but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his opportunity. The man who makes use of the Now and waits not for the To Be is the one who passes on the highway of life others who started out ahead of him and reaches the goal of prosperity far in ad- vance of them. It is this quality in Mr. Rulon that has made him a leader in the business world and won him a name in connection with banking interests that is known throughout the state. To the efforts of Mr. Rulon Swedesboro owes much of its progress and improvement, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who, while promoting individual prosperity, also advance the general success.
The ancestry of the family to which Mr. Rulon belongs may be traced back through many generations. It is known from tradition that one Rulon came to this country from France during the persecution of the Huguenots, some time between the years 1684 and 1704. His brothers were Catholics
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João . 6. Pullon
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and he a Protestant, and in order to secure his escape from persecution his brothers placed him in a hogshead which they headed up and sent aboard a vessel bound for the United States. After the harbor was cleared he was released from his place of concealment and ultimately arrived in safety in this country. The first authentic record of the Rulon family concerns David and Exercise Rulon. The former died March 15, 1778, when about seventy- four years of age. His wife was a daughter of Henry and Hannah Allen and was born August 13, 1705. They had thirteen children, the fourth child being Henry Rulon, who was born June 5, 1732. He married Theodosa Robbins, who was born December 15, 1742, and they had ten children, in- cluding Nathaniel Rulon, who was the fourth in order of birth. His natal day was December 30, 1764. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Hannah Dennis. He was a farmer of Cumberland county, New Jersey, liv- ing near Bridgeton, and was a man well known in that locality. Of his ten children Martin W. was the youngest. He was born on the 16th of Septem- ber, 1811, and throughout his business career was a cabinet-maker and un- dertaker.
From his native county of Cumberland he removed to Mullica Hill, in Gloucester county, New Jersey, and about 1834 took up his residence in La Porte, Indiana, where the birth of our subject occurred. About 1837 the family returned to the east, locating at Chester, Pennsylvania, and in 1843 came to Swedesboro where the father established a cabinet and undertaking business. He married Jane Kerlin, and they became the parents of five children, namely: William H., who was born October 23, 1834, and died October 8, 1839; John Charles; Edwin, born December 7, 1839; George, born December 1, 1841; and Mary E., who was born May 21, 1844, and died June 1, 1859. After the death of the mother of these children the father wedded Elizabeth Lewis, a widow. Their children are: Fannie P., who was born April 20, 1852; and Henry, who was born July 16, 1854, and died May 3, 1855. The father's death occurred October 20, 1857.
John Charles Rulon, whose name introduces this review, was born in La Porte, Indiana, August 23, 1836, and was about a year old when the parents returned to New Jersey. He pursued his education in the public schools and under the direction of his father learned the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1862 he began business on his own account, carrying on under- taking in Philadelphia until 1883, during which time he made his home in that city. With the assistance of his uncle, Benjamin Rulon, he established the bank at Swedesboro, purchased the property where he now lives and began the development of the city by laying off building lots. He was made the cashier of the bank, and at the first meeting of the board of directors he
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was chosen president of the board. A short time previous to the opening of the place for business he resigned as president and was elected cashier. Since that time the greater part of the management of the affairs of the bank has devolved upon him, and the high reputation which the institution enjoys is largely the result of his well directed efforts. The bank was opened May I, 1883, having a capital stock of fifty-three thousand dollars. The officers were: I. H. Vanneman, president; John S. Batten, vice president; and John C. Rulon, cashier. All have continued to occupy their respective positions up to the present time, and a number of the original board of directors are still serving. On being elected cashier Mr. Rulon disposed of his business inter- ests in Philadelphia and soon afterward moved to Swedesboro, where he has since made his home.
During this time he has taken a very active and commendable interest in the affairs which tend to improve and benefit the city. He was one of the promoters and incorporators of the Swedesboro Electric Light, Heat & Power Company, in which he has since served as a director, and is also a member of the directorate of the water-works company. He established the telephone system of the village and opened up and improved the Lake Park cemetery, of which he is still one of the owners and a member of the board of trustees. He is also the treasurer of the local board of the State Building & Loan Association. He is a man of sound judgment in business affairs, and his wise counsel has proven an important factor in the successful conduct of many of the leading business concerns of Swedesboro. He has done much to improve property in the town, and the village certainly has reason to be grateful to him for his efforts in its behalf.
His own home here is one of the most attractive residences in the town. Its gracious hospitality is dispensed by the lady who prior to her marriage to Mr. Rulon was Miss Mary Anna Black. She is a daughter of Alexander Black, one of the early and honored citizens of the county, and now has two children: Carrie, the wife of Robert Gwynne, of Salem; and Mary Emma, at home. Socially Mr. Rulon is a Mason, belonging to Swedesboro Lodge, No. 157; Salome Chapter, No. 19, at Camden; and to Mary Commandery, No. 36, of Philadelphia. He also holds membership relations with Metro- politan Lodge, No. 227, K. of P., of Philadelphia, with Covenant Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F., and the Encampment, No. 36, both of Philadelphia. He is the secretary of his Masonic blue lodge, and was largely instrumental in founding the same. His father was a Friend, his mother an Episcopalian, and he and his family attend the Episcopal church. In his political views he is a stanch advocate of the Republican party, deeply interested in all that pertains to its growth and success. In all the active affairs of business life
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he has borne an unassailable reputation, and through his capable manage- ment, keen discernment and honorable efforts he has gained a position among the wealthy residents of his county. The development of the state is due to such men, whose indomitable energy and progressive spirit have overcome all obstacles and reached the goal of prosperity. He is not so abnormally developed as to be called a genius, but is one of the strongest because one of the best balanced, the most even and self-masterful of men, and he has acted his part so well in both public and private life that New Jersey has been enriched by his example, his character and his labor.
REUBEN TOWNSEND.
One of the venerable citizens of Cape May Court House is Reuben Townsend, who has now passed the eighty-second mile-stone on life's jour- ney. His has been an active and useful career, characterized by fidelity to duty and by honesty in all business affairs,-qualities which have won him a place among the honored residents of his native county and made his example one well worthy of emulation.
Mr. Townsend was born at Ocean View, December 20, 1817. and is a descendant of Sir Charles Townsend, of England. The family was founded in America by two brothers, John and Sylvanus Townsend, who came to this country in the early part of the seventeenth century. Throughout the colonial epoch of our country's history, through the Revolutionary period and the age of the latter-day progress and development, therefore, the Town- sends have been connected with the events which mark the annals of this republic. John Townsend became the founder of the branch of the family whose representatives are now found in New Jersey, Philadelphia and other adjoining sections. He first located on Long Island, whence he removed to Ocean View, where he built and operated a mill. Subsequently he went to Townsend's Inlet, Cape May county, where he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land. His children were Richard, Robert, Sylvanus and Sarah.
Of these, Richard Townsend was the great-great-grandfather of our sub- ject. He went to Philadelphia, but later purchased land and settled in Dela- ware. He married Millicent Somers, of Somers' Point, New Jersey, June 16, 1704, and their children were Phoebe. John. Hannah, Richard, Sylvanus, Isaac, Millicent, Samuel, Robert, Daniel and Jacob. The great-grandfather of our subject was John Townsend, who died in 1785. He married Sarah Brandreth, and they had four children: Amy, Millicent, David and Rachel.
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The mother died, and in 1740 John Townsend married Tabitha Young, by whom he had the following children: Henry Y., Tabitha, John, Sarah, Judith, Hannah, Rachel and Joshua. The eldest of these, Henry Young Townsend, was the grandfather of our subject. He engaged in sur- veying and in dealing in real estate; but when the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British tyranny he put aside all personal considerations and aided in the struggle for independence until England acknowledged the sovereignty of this republic. He afterward represented his district in the state legislature and was a very influential and honored citizen. He was twice married, his first union being with Priscilla Ludlum, by whom he had two children,-Tabitha and Reuben. His second wife was Miss Edith Swain, and their children were Joshua, Henry and Priscilla.
Joshua Townsend, the father of our subject, was born at Seaville or Ocean View, on the 9th of July, 1786, and while a young man served as first lieu- tenant in a company from Cape May county that entered the country's service in the war of 1812. He was also very prominent in political affairs, and his strong individuality and mentality well fitted him for a position of leadership. He served as a member of the general assembly in 1819, 1821, 1822 and 1823, was a member of the legislative council from 1827 until 1830, also from 1831 until 1834, and in 1840 was a presidential elector, casting his ballot for Harrison and Tyler. His political support was given the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, for he was a stanch abolitionist and gave his support to the organiza- tion which was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery. He was a faithful and earnest worker in the Baptist church, gave the ground on which Calvary church at South Seaville was erected, and in other ways advanced the cause of Christianity among men. He disliked oppression and was a bitter foe to injustice and deceit. In his character were many noble elements and he enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.
Joshua Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Schillinger, of that place, and they became the parents of these children: Aaron, who was born in September, 1810; Mary, born April 23, 1812, became the wife of Uriah Hewitt; Reuben, who is the third of the family; James, born April 13, 1816: became the wife of Henry Young; William, born November 25, 1818, wedded Mary Leaming; Isabella, born October 30, 1820, became the wife of John Stevens, a Delaware pilot; Caroline, born August 3, 1823, became the wife of John L. Smith; and Elizabeth, born July 17, 1831. became the wife of Daniel H. Wheaton, of Sea Isle. The father of these children died in 1868, at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother's death oc- curred in her eighty-first year.
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Reuben Townsend, whose name introduces this review, is a worthy repre- sentative of an honored family whose prominence in public affairs has inter- woven the name with the history of the state. He pursued his education in the schools of Ocean View until twenty-one years of age, when he put aside his text-books and learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he engaged in the insurance business for thirty years, and during that time wrote policies to the amount of four million dollars, for the Cumberland Mutual Fire In- surance Company. He has also followed farming, and is the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, but is not now actively connected with busi- ness affairs. However, he has for several years been a director in the Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company, but is practically living re- tired, enjoying a well earned rest.
In 1844 Mr. Townsend married Miss Julia Leaming, and for forty years they traveled life's journey together, sharing the joys and sorrows, the ad- versity and prosperity, which checker the lives of all. In 1884, however, Mr. Townsend was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at the age of fifty-five years. Their children were Pennington Somers, who died at the age of six years; Augusta, who died at the age of sixteen months; Lucien B., who died aged two years; Florence L., who married Rev. Charles War- wick, now the pastor of the Diamond Street Baptist church, of Philadelphia. In his political views Mr. Townsend is a Republican and has taken an active part in promoting the interests of the party. He is an earnest and faithful member of the Baptist church, in which he served as the chairman of the board of trustees for fifteen years, and to its support he contributed liberally. Over the record of his life there falls no shadow of wrong, for in all the rela- tions of his public and private career he has been true to his God, to himself and his country.
RICHARD J. CLARK.
An enterprising merchant of Wenonah is Richard J. Clark, who is suc- cessfully conducting a general store. He was born in Glassboro, Gloucester county, March 31, 1855, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary C. Clark, also natives of the same county, the former born August II, 18II, the latter August 13, 1813. Our subject spent the first thirteen years of his life in his native town and then accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Ewan, New Jersey, in 1868. He pursued his education in the common schools and remained upon the home farm until 1876, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, becoming a salesman in the store of his brother, A. S. Clark, of Ewan. For four years he was there em-
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ployed, and in 1880 he went to Winslow, Camden county, New Jersey, where he accepted a clerkship in the store of Hay & Company, with whom he re- mained two years. In March, 1883, he was employed as a clerk by his brother, R. C. Clark, at Hurffville, continuing in that position until 1885, when he purchased the store, stock, fixtures and business of B. F. Coles, of Wenonah. He has since conducted a general merchandising business here, and now has a well appointed store, stocked with everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind. His business methods are those which win the public confidence and therefore the public support. He is diligent and persevering, and is strictly honorable and reliable, never mis- representing his goods, and striving only by just methods to gain the public patronage.
In 1890 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Martha McCracken, of Hurffville, New Jersey, and they have two children,-Raymond J. and Herbert,-aged respectively five and three years old. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are widely and favorably known in Wenonah. Mr. Clark's business career has been characterized by un- faltering perseverance, close application, and honorable methods,-qualities which never fail to bring success.
A. W. CAREY, JR.
In past ages the history of a country was a record of wars and conquests: to-day it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, control and operate extensive commercial interests. Mr. Carey is one of the strong and influential men occupying a prominent place in industrial circles of Philadelphia. Tireless energy, keen perception, earnestness of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to everyday common sense, guided by great will power,-these are his chief characteristics. Connected with an important business interest of Philadelphia, the place that he occupies in commercial circles is in the front rank.
Mr. Carey is a native of Delaware, his birth having occurred in Wil- mington, in 1832. His father was a cooper, and he was early trained to industrial pursuits. After attending the public schools and acquiring a fair English education, he learned the trade of brick mason and later engaged in contracting in that line. In June, 1859, he entered the employ of Dr.
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A.M. Carey
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S. S. White, a brother-in-law, and learned the business of making teeth for use in dentistry. He mastered the trade in its various departments and as time passed was given greater responsibility, ultimately being made super- intendent, which position he yet holds. His excellent executive ability well fits him for the duties that devolve upon him, and under his able manage- ment the business has proved a profitable investment.
Mr. Carey was united in marriage to Miss Esther Rogers Sheppard, a daughter of Josiah Foster Sheppard, of Philadelphia. Her maternal grand- father, Thomas Mendenhall, had the honor of raising the first United States flag ever unfurled to the breeze in Porto Rico after the war for independ- ence. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carey have been born five children, four of whom are living, namely: James W., a resident of Wenonah; A. W., also of Weno- nah; Sarah W., the wife of John W. Cox, of Virginia; and S. R., of Wenonah. Since 1872 Mr. Carey has resided in Wenonah, going daily to his business in Philadelphia. He has taken an active interest in the welfare and progress of the former place and at one time was elected and served as its mayor. His political influence is given to the Republican party and he keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day. Of the Presbyterian church he is a valued member and has served as its trustee. His business record is a most creditable one and in social life he commands the regard of many friends.
A. W. Carey, Jr., the son and namesake of him whose sketch appears above, was reared in his parents' home and supplemented his early educa- tional privileges by a course in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1895 he entered the employ of the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company and has risen to the position of assistant superintendent. He is a young man of marked business ability, and his ambition, perseverance and industry will undoubtedly gain for him a creditable success and win him a prominent po- sition in commercial circles. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, takes an active part in church and Sunday-school work, and by his sterling char- acter has gained uniform regard.
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