USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 58
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Captain James W. Eldredge was born November 24, 1853, at Cape May. After completing his education, he learned the carpenter's trade and worked with his father for three years. He then entered the government life-saving service, being located at the Cold Spring station until 1885, when he became connected with the old Cape May station, which was built in 1877. A new one, with every modern appliance and convenience used in the saving of lives in peril from the angry sea, was erected at this point in 1896. The captain has held the extremely responsible position of keeper of the station since 1885, and now has seven men under his direction. His entire service in this branch of governmental philanthropy covers a period of twenty-three years, during which time he has had many remarkable experiences and terrible battles with wind and wave. Never in the history of this station, though there have been seventy-four casualties between September 25, 1883, and September, 1899, has there been the loss of a life. A few examples may be cited of the heroic work performed by the captain and his sturdy men: On September 5, 1883, a vessel bound from New York to Virginia was totally
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wrecked near here, but her crew was saved; the Sallie C. Martin, a schooner, bound from Millville to New York, sunk off Cape May, a total loss, but the entire crew of twenty-five men were rescued; a vessel was observed to be in great danger March 12, 1888, some six miles away in the bay, and, after a whole night of desperate struggle in reaching it, and a day's hard work in saving it, the feat was accomplished; the Susie H. Davis with her crew was saved during the storm of March -, 1896; the English steamer Rector, bound for Philadelphia, loaded with iron ore, was wrecked January 19, 1893, but the crew was saved; the two-masted schooner, Jacob Duryea, going from Norfolk, Virginia, to Atlantic City, was drifted ashore January 7, 1892, becoming a total wreck, though the crew were rescued by means of the breeches buoy; and upon the 20th of March, 1899, the Sarah Ellen, a three- masted schooner, was wrecked, and after a vigorous effort the crew were brought safely to land. These are only a few of the numerous cases in which the efficiency of this station and the devotion of its force have been severely tried and not found wanting, and too much cannot be said in praise of Cap- tain Eldredge, whose fortitude, sagacity and faithfulness have been the means of the saving of so many precious lives and a great many thousands of dollars' worth of marine property.
In the multiplicity of his regular duties, the captain always finds time to do a great deal for his fellow men on land, as well as by those upon the sea. He is a staunch Republican, casting his ballot at all elections. Reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church he inclines towards the tenets of that denomination, and attends the services of that church when his duties per- mit.
The marriage of Captain Eldredge and Miss Mary Foster was solemnized August 24, 1872. They have two sons: Samuel, a lawyer, and G. B., both of Belford, this state. The younger son is a student at Princeton College, and is preparing himself for a legal career. Mrs. Eldredge is a daughter of Downs E. Foster, who has been in charge of the light-house at Cape May for the past twenty-two years
JOSEPH L. RICHMAN.
The venerable gentleman, now deceased, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, was born in Whig Lane, New Jersey, August 5, 1817, and belonged to a family long identified with this section of the country. He was a son of Henry Richman and a grandson of John Richman, and one of his ancestors, Nehemiah Richman, was a participant in the Revolutionary
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ivar. Henry Richman was a farmer, having large land holdings, and was a man who stood high in the esteem of his neighbors and friends. He died in 1824, in the prime of life; and his wife, who had borne the maiden name of Sarah Mulford, and was a native of Cumberland county, New Jersey, died in 1852. She was twice married and for some time resided in Philadelphia. Of her nine children, Joseph L. Richman is the only one now living.
With his mother and her family Mr. Richman of this review went to Philadelphia and acquired his education in the schools of that city. Later, returning to Salem county, he resided with his brother on a farm in Upper Pittsgrove township, and in early life learned the trade of tanner. In 1858 he engaged in farming in Pittsgrove, about a mile from his final home, and in 1866 located upon the farm which was the place of his residence until his death, and which comprises one hundred and six acres of fine land. Here he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Richman was long identified with the Presbyterian church. For years he was an elder in the church at Woodstown, and for forty-two years he was a member of the church at Daretown, while for thirty-one years of the time he served as one of its elders. While he was never active in politics, he always took a commendable interest in public affairs, and in 1864 and 1865 served as the township assessor.
In his married life Mr. Richman was favored beyond the average man. He was married February 14, 1841, to Miss Jane Van Meter, a daughter of James Van Meter, of Pittsgrove, and for nearly three-score years (until death) their lives were happily blended together. To them were given three children, namely: James P., a farmer of this county; Anna L., the wife of D. L. B. Peterson, of East Orange, New Jersey; and Joseph, who resided near his father. He was killed October 18, 1899, by being struck by a locomotive on the Seashore Railroad at Woodbury, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Richman celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding February 14, 1891, at Newkirk Station, entertaining a large number of their friends and making the event a happy and memorable one. Mrs. Richman died in February, 1899. She was a most amiable woman, known far and near for her many deeds of kindness. She had a local reputation as a nurse, and in every neighboring home where there was sickness she was always welcome, her bright face and cheerful words bringing sunshine and leaving the light of hope behind long after her departure. Of Mr. Richman it may be said that he "grew old gracefully." In his old age he was surrounded with all the comforts of life, and, while lately bereaved by the loss of his devoted wife, was happy in the companionship of his many friends. He died December 3. 1899, after a short illness.
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A. WALTER ROSEMAN ..
One of the most popular and esteemed residents and enterprising young business men of Cape May is A. Walter Roseman, who is engaged in the drug business, in real estate speculation, and is the captain of the Hand Bat- tery. He was born in the city which is still his home, January 6, 1864, his parents being Ellwood F. and Harriet W. (Garrison) Roseman. The family is of English origin and was probably transplanted in America at an early period in the history of this county, although we have no authentic account of its establishment on the soil of the New World. The grandfather. George Roseman, engaged in the butchering business for many years in Cape May, and was a leading citizen, frequently called to public office.
In the public schools of Cape May Captain Walter Roseman acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in Penning- ton Seminary. He then began the study of pharmacy through the practical methods of service in a drug store. He was first employed by S. T. Ware and later secured a clerkship in the service of the firm of Marshall & Mecray. For fifteen years he has been associated with Dr. James Mecray in this business, and manages one of the most popular establishments in the drug trade in the county. Other interests have also claimed the attention of Mr. Roseman, who some years ago began operations in that safest of all invest- ments -- real estate. He erected fourteen cottages, stores and lodge build- ings on Washington street, and is still the owner of three cottages, including one of the finest residences in Cape May. His real estate dealings have brought to him good financial returns, and as a result he is the possessor of a comfortable competence.
On the 21st of February, 1889, Mr. Roseman was united in marriage to Miss Alfaretta Haynes, a daughter of A. L. Haynes, of Cape May, and they now have two interesting children-Albert W. and Harry E. The parents have a large circle of friends in Cape May, and their home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality.
Mr. Roseman is a member of the board of education, to which position he was elected on the Republican ticket, after a vigorous contest, by a vote of one hundred and eighty-seven, the total number of votes cast being two hundred and sixty-seven. As a member of the board he endeavors to up- hold the issues and principles upon which he was elected, and to advance in every possible way the usefulness of the schools. Such men have done much for the cause of education in this community, and the schools of Cape May take rank with the best in the state. Mr. Roseman is also connected with several civic societies, being a member of the Ancient Order of United
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Workmen, the Improved Order of Heptasophs and the Improved Order of Red Men.
He was one of the organizers and is now the captain of the Henry W. Hand Battery, consisting of thirty-seven men from among the best young men of Cape May. The company was formed with the expectation of en- tering the United States service in the late war with Spain, and their services were offered to the state to be admitted to the regular state guard; but as there was no provision for light artillery, it was determined to equip at their own expense. This was done, and when the war with Spain ended they decided to continue the organization, which is one that is a source of pride to Cape May. Their purpose is now philanthropic in its character, and many organizations and societies have received from them substantial aid. In order to render this they give entertainments, whereby they secure the funds to assist the needy ones. Captain Hand is the favorite commander of the company, and in all circles, military, civic and social, he is well liked, being of a very genial disposition and social nature. Obliging and cour- teous in his commercial business, he has won many friends through the avenue of his business life, and wherever he is known he is held in high regard.
WILLIAM ISZARD.
It is doubtful whether in any country other than ours the conditions exist which render possible such achievements as America has witnessed, and the lives of such men as Mr. Iszard should serve as a stimulus to the youth of the land, as illustrating what may be accomplished under even the most ad- verse conditions. He had no especial advantages in boyhood, but he marked out a line of conduct in life and lived up to it. From the first his ambition was an honorable one, and his history proves conclusively that where there is a will a way may be found. He is now possessed of a beautiful home in Woodbury, a good income, surrounded by a happy family, and what he has accomplished in the business world has been done solely and entirely by honest, unyielding endeavor. What he has done can be done by others, and therefore his example is a valuable one.
Mr. Iszard was born in Glassboro, where he now makes his home, his natal day being November 22, 1835, and is of Swedish lineage. His grand- father, Gabriel Iszard, came to this country from Sweden accompanied by his brothers, John and Ralph. The former settled in Cape May, New Jersey; and the latter loyally served his adopted country as a general in the war of 1812 in which he was killed. Gabriel Iszard took up his abode in Clayton
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and became one of the leading and influential citizens of that community. He was called "honest Iszard," so scrupulously exact was he in all dealings. His integrity was above question and his reputation unassailable. He served as assessor when his township embraced several counties, extending from the ocean to the Delaware river. He married Abigail Ledden, a lady of Eng- lish descent and a very devout woman who took an active part in church work. In their family were twelve children, eleven of whom were reared to maturity and the youngest being sixty-four years of age at the time of the mother's death in her eighty-fifth year.
Joseph Iszard, the father of our subject, was born in Clayton, New Jer- sey, and by occupation was a farmer. He served as justice of the peace and was judge of the court for a number of years. In matters of public moment he took a deep interest and supported all measures for the general good. He opposed the granting of licenses for selling liquor in hotels and for forty years he was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in his power to advance its growth and upbuilding. His death occurred in 1865, and the community thereby lost one of its most valued citizens. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Swope and was a daughter of Joseph Swope, of Williamstown, who was of German descent. Her death occurred in 1893. In the family were four children, but Dolly is now deceased. Those still living are Jacob, a physician of Glassboro; Ira, who is living in Glass- boro; and William. The father was a very enterprising man, and his splendid business and executive ability enabled him to acquire a large estate. Like his father, he was a stalwart advocate of the temperance cause and his name headed the subscription lists for the building of many churches. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years and her many admirable qualities won her the regard of all.
Mr. Iszard of this review acquired his preliminary education in the coun- try schools and afterward pursued his education in a school near Albany, New York. In 1844, at the age of nineteen years, he began teaching near Bridgewater, and for a time followed the same profession in Alloway and in Cape May Court House. He was then numbered among the most able edu- cators of Clayton for nineteen years and was county examiner for twenty years. He was never absent from his duties but two half days throughout the long period of his connection with the Clayton schools, and under his direction the educational interests of the town were greatly improved and advanced. The records show that thirty thousand pupils have been under his instruction, and who can measure the influence which he has had upon them, for the impressions of youth are ever the strongest, and those made by a conscientious as well as talented teacher are very marked indeed.
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Since his retirement from educational circles, Mr. Iszard has devoted his energies to the management of his property interests and investments. He has erected a number of residences in Clayton and Glassboro, and in 1894 removed to the latter place. He owns seventeen houses here, and has alto- gether thirty-six residences, variously located in Camden, Clayton, Glass- boro and Philadelphia. In addition he owns six hundred acres of valuable farming lands, and from his property interests he derives a good income. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank in Glassboro, and from the beginning has been a member of its board of directors. His earnings have been very judiciously invested, so that his capital is constantly increas- ing, and thus has he risen to a position of affluence.
On the 4th of August, 1875, Mr. Iszard was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Cooke, a lady of culture and refinement, and unto them have been born three children: Harriet, at home; and Ralph and Walter, who are studying medicine. Mr. Iszard was a member of the Presbyterian church of Clayton and secretary of the Sunday-school Association of that place, and of his township. He was also a trustee of the church in Clayton, and he is now the secretary of the Sunday-school Association in Glassboro. He takes a deep interest in the work of the church in its various departments, and is a public-spirited citizen who withholds his support from no movement that is calculated to prove of public benefit.
JOHN NEWCOMB.
With one exception John Newcomb is the oldest resident of Wildwood, Cape May county, and is certainly one of the best known men of this section of the state. He was reared in Burlington county, New Jersey, near Med- ford, and at a very early age started out in life for himself, since which time he has depended entirely upon his own efforts. His success has come to him as the result of untiring application, ambition, industry and enterprise. He became a road contractor and built eighteen miles of road from Newfield to Atlantic City, employing over two hundred men in its construction.
He lived for some years in Vineland and in Millville, then coming to Wildwood, and on the 14th of November, 1882, he arrived on the site of the town which has since been his home. There was but one man in the future village at that time. Here he engaged in teaming, grading, etc. His in- dustry and honesty soon won him a good name and gained him a very liberal. patronage. The well-constructed streets of Wildwood and most of the beau- tiful lawns and parks are his handiwork, for he possesses much skill as a land-
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scape gardener and has done much to improve and beautify the town. When he first came to Wildwood he had the management of the West Jersey Ex- press, and later was the proprietor of the Aldine Hotel, which he sold in 1898. As the years have passed he has made judicious investments in real estate and now owns a number of houses and other valuable property in Wildwood. Aside from the work which he has done here, he opened all of the streets in Holly Beach and was also one of the builders of that town. He has taken an active part in all public matters and for sixteen years he has had charge of all street work in Wildwood and has held the office of street commissioner. He also engages in the management of a fine livery stable, the only one on the island on which Wildwood is located, and does all the teaming and hauling in this section.
Mr. Newcomb was united in marriage to a daughter of Andrew Brad- ley, and they have one daughter, Minnie. Theirs is one of the beautiful homes for which Wildwood is noted and for its hospitality it is justly cele- brated. Mr. Newcomb is a member of Cape Island Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., at Cape May, and is also a member of the United Workmen. Politically he is connected with the Democracy, and religiously with the Baptist Church of Wildwood in which he is now serving as a trustee. His life demonstrates the fact that success is not a matter of genius, but is the outcome of resolute will, sound judgment and unflagging industry.
J. M. TAGGART.
J. M. Taggart, of Williamstown, was born in Deer Creek, Pennsyl- vania, December 31, 1841, and is of Scotch lineage; but his ancestors were driven from Scotland during the persecution of the Protestants of that land. and James Taggart, the father of our subject, was born in county Antrim, Ireland. The branch of the family now in the Emerald Isle has in its pos- session a Bible that was once baked in a loaf of bread in order to save it from being destroyed by the Catholics! In 1836 James Taggart left the land of his nativity and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, taking up his residence in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he carried on agri- cultural pursuits. By occupation he was a farmer and in his business deal- ings was very successful. In 1842 he removed to the homestead farm at Williamstown, upon which our subject now resides, there making his home until his death, which occurred in 1873. He married Catharine Murphy, who was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and who is now living at the very
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advanced age of ninety-two years. There were two children in the family, but one has passed away.
J. M. Taggart attended the common schools of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and throughout his life has been connected with farming in- terests. He early learned to handle the plow and to harvest the crops, and upon his father's death he assumed the management and became the owner of the homestead farm of sixty-two acres. This he has placed under a high state of cultivation and its well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the labor bestowed upon them.
In 1875 Mr. Taggart was united in marriage to Miss Jane, a daughter of Robert Tweed, a native of Ireland, and they have four children, of whom three are living,-James, Robert and Kate,-all at their paternal home. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Taggart is a faithful member. He has served as one of its elders for fifteen years and is zealous in promoting the growth and upbuilding of the organization with which he is identified. He was sent as a commissioner to the general as- sembly of his church at Winona Lake, Indiana, in May, 1898. He takes quite an active part in political affairs, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party. He has served on the election board and has been a member of the township committee.
PETER L. VOORHEES, A. M., LL. B.
Peter L. Voorhees was for many years one of the most prominent and successful attorneys of Camden. Admitted to the bar, he at once entered upon practice, and from the beginning was unusually prosperous in every respect. The success which he attained was due to his own efforts and merit. The possession of advantage is no guaranty whatever of profes- sional success. This comes not of itself, nor can it be secured without in- tegrity, ability and industry. Those qualities he possessed to an eminent degree, and he was faithful to every interest committed to his charge. Throughout his life, whatsoever his hand found to do, whether in his pro- fessional or private duties, or in any other sphere, he did with all his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.
Mr. Voorhees was a native of New Jersey, born in Blawenburg, Somer- set county, July 12, 1825, and was the second son of Peter and Jane (Schenck) Voorhees. He comes of illustrious ancestry, being a lineal de- scendant of Count Albert Van Voor Hees, who lived, prior to 1600, in "front of" (voor) the village of Hess, near Ruinen, Drenthe, Holland. His son,
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Stephen Coerte, emigrated from Holland to America in April, 1660, and located at Flatlands, Long Island, where he purchased a large amount of property, paying for the same three thousand guilders, which was a fortune in those days. His great-grandson, Peter Gerritse Van Voorhees, left Long Island in 1720 to escape the payment of tithes to the English church, enforced by the colonial government, and settled in Blawenburg, New Jer- sey. One of his descendants, Peter Van Voorhees, gave his land to his grandson Peter, at the same time ordering his slaves to be emancipated. The latter's father, Martin, dropped the prefix Van from the surname. He was the grandfather of our subject. The father, Peter Voorhees, was born May 27, 1787, and was married March 2, 1809, to Jane Schenck. It is re- lated of her father, Captain John Schenck, one of the patriots of the Revolu- tion, that in December 1778 with a few of his neighbors and a very scant supply of ammunition, he ambuscaded the British advance guard at Rin- goes and drove it back to the main column.
The early life of our subject was spent on the old homestead in Blawen- burg, and he attended the common schools of that place. On attaining his majority he chose the law as a profession, and entered the office of Richard S. Field at Princeton as a student. Subsequently he attended the law school then connected with the College of New Jersey, where he was granted the degree of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. In November, 1851, he was admitted to the bar, and the following year located in Camden, where he continued to successfully engage in practice throughout life. He became one of the most distinguished attorneys in his section of the state and was considered unimpeachable authority upon questions of practice. Among his most noted cases was that of Black versus the Delaware & Raritan Canal Company, involving the control of the New Jersey railways now operated by the Pennsylvania Company. Mr. Voorhees was opposed to the last named corporation, and was so successful that the company was compelled to procure special legislation to effect its purpose. He so dis- tinguished himself in that case that he was afterward retained as counsel for the Pennsylvania Company, which controlled the Camden & Amboy, the West Jersey, and the Camden & Atlantic Railroads. The Mickle Will case was another celebrated suit in which Mr. Voorhees won success for his clients.
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