USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 61
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
GEORGE W. PITHER.
Out of the depths of his mature wisdom Bacon wrote, "The pen is mightier than the sword;" and the truth of this is verified with the passing years, as books and newspapers make their way into all parts of the world, molding public opinion, formulating public sentiment and influencing public action. There is no more active factor in the progress and improvement of a town or locality than its newspapers, and the public-spirited, enterprising editor can do more for the general good than any other one agency. In connection with his journalistic interests Mr. Pither has had marked influence upon the public life of Swedesboro, and at all times is found active in sup- . port of those measures which have for their object the substantial progress and upbuilding of this section of the state.
A native of Chester, South Carolina, he was born on the 4th of July, 1855, and is a son of George M. and Elizabeth J. (Murray) Pither. The father was a native of London, England, and on coming to the United States located in Chester, where he remained until 1866, when he removed to Lake- wood, New Jersey, establishing the first paper published there. It was called the Brickburt Times. In the latter part of 1870 Mr. Pither removed to Swedesboro and established the Swedesboro Times, which he published from January 14, 1871, until 1877. His death occurred in Swedesboro the fol- lowing year.
George W. Pither, whose name introduces this review, began his educa- tion in the schools of his native city, and afterward continued his studies in New Jersey. His business training was received in his father's printing- office, and here he became familiar with the work in its various departments. In 1877, upon his father's retirement, he assumed charge of the Times and continued its publication until 1883, when he sold the paper to Mr. Taylor and established his present plant, in connection with George Hamilton, on the 9th of January, 1886. Their partnership was continued until the death of Mr. Hamilton, in 1889, when Mr. Pither formed a partnership with Harry H. Batton, the relation being maintained until 1891, since which time our subject has been alone in business. The paper is an independent journal, well edited and having a large circulation. In mechanical workmanship and interesting news items it is equal to any published in this section of the state, and the enterprise has been attended with gratifying financial success. Throughout his life Mr. Pither has been connected with journalistic inter- ests, and his long experience in the newspaper field well qualifies him for the work to which he is now devoting his energies.
Mr. Pither was united in marriage to Miss Georgianna Zane, a daughter
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of Benjamin L. Zane, of Swedesboro, and unto them have been born three children : Florence G., George M. and Clifford L. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and are widely known in the community, enjoying the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city.
GENERAL WILLIAM J. SEWELL.
General William J. Sewell was born in the town of Castlebar, county Mayo, Ireland, in 1835, and came to this country at an early age. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, and at the outbreak of the civil war was commissioned as captain of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers. He served during the war and was brevetted brigadier general for distinguished services at Chan- cellorsville, where he made the celebrated charge in command of the Second New Jersey Brigade, captured nine stands of colors, and recaptured the regi- mental standard of a New York regiment. He was also brevetted major general for gallant services during the war and awarded a medal of honor by Congress for distinguished gallantry on the field at Chancellorsville. He participated in almost all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and was wounded at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On May 25, 1900, General Sewell received the distinguished honor of the election to the presidency of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. This was peculiarly gratifying to him, as the appointment was conferred at Fredericksburg, where the meeting of the society was held, in which vicinity those gallant deeds that gave him so high a place on the rolls of that army occurred.
After the war he became connected with the railroads of New Jersey that are branches of the Pennsylvania system, of several of which he is an execu- tive officer, and president of the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad Company.
He was elected state senator for Camden county in 1872, re-elected in 1875, and again in 1878, and was president of the senate when his party was in power. General Sewell's service in the state senate covered the period of the amendments to the New Jersey state constitution, the resolution which created the commission to suggest the same having been introduced by him. He took a leading part in the construction and passage of all the general laws, including the railroad law, his vote being the casting one on the passage of the first railroad municipal tax bill; and the present taxation clause, which brings the state such a large revenue, in the municipal corporation act, was his suggestion. While yet a member of the legislature he was elected to the United States Senate, in 1881, as the successor of Theodore F. Randolph. and served until the close of his term, in 1887. He was again elected in 1895
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to the United States senate to succeed Hon. J. R. McPherson. His course as a Senator has indicated how close he has been in touch with the interests of the state he represents, and how faithfully the sentiments of his constitu- ents have been voiced by him in congress. where his action, based upon long public experience and a peculiar adaptability and genius for legislation, has given him a national reputation in which every Jerseyman feels a personal pride. Matters of the greatest moment have been entrusted to his decision, and his work is manifest in some of the most vital and far-reaching measures of that body.
He was elected as a delegate to the Republican Conventions of 1876, 1880, 1888, 1892, 1896 and 1900, on each occasion being made chairman of his delegation. He was also appointed one of the national commissioners for New Jersey of the World's Fair at Chicago. He was elected by congress, upon the death of General McClellan, a member of the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers as a recognition of his services and valor during the war, and served as the vice president of this body until the first of January, 1900, when, owing to the retirement of Gen- eral W. B. Franklin, he was elected the president of the same, serving in this capacity for a few months, until increasing public duties and lack of time to thoroughly canvass the details incident to the position compelled him reluct- antly to relinquish the same. He was then re-elected vice president, which office he now fills.
Nothing gives the General more pleasure than to serve the interests of the "boys in blue" and to care for their comfort at the National Home, which has been established by the government for those who cannot maintain them- selves. He is in command of the National Guard of the state, and connected with the management of various banks, trust companies and philanthropic societies.
General Sewell has been a Republican all his life, and has devoted a large part of his time to the success of his party, both in the state and nation. He has always had the courage of his convictions, and has never swerved in per- forming his duty as a citizen, soldier or statesman, never faltering when every- thing seemed dark, keeping continuously in the front, receiving hard knocks but never driven from the field, always striving for success and to grasp vic- tory from defeat. Few people are aware of the struggles by which he has mounted, step by step, to his present position, and his career shows what may be accomplished by a strong, resolute man, whose course has always been guided by the principles of honesty and justice, who has the true altruistic desire to serve the people and the doing of that which is right and for the best interests of all. His life has been marked by loyalty to truth and principle,
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the upholding of the interest and welfare of the public even to the detriment of personal advantage; by social usefulness, and works of charity and kind- ness. Such men make the state; they are its safeguard in danger, and its trusted counselors, shaping its course and policy to their true and legitimate end.
GEORGE W. FRAZIER.
The Frazier family is of Scotch origin. Three generations back of the sub- ject of this sketch there landed in this country from Scotland two brothers by the name of Frazier, who separated shortly after their arrival here, one of them settling in Burlington county, New Jersey, where he reared his family, his son James being the grandfather of George W. James Frazier and his son Daniel were both born at Medford, Burlington county. Daniel Frazier was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked for years in Medford. In 1851 he moved to a place near Pole Tavern, Salem county, where he was engaged in farming a few years and where he died in 1865. For many years he was a justice of the peace. He was an active and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as a class-leader and filled other offices; and in his every-day life he practiced the principles of the religion which he professed. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna Phillips, was a daughter of James Phillips and was of German descent. She died in 1859. They were the parents of eight children, and of that number six are now living, viz .: William, of Lambertville, New Jersey; Isaac, who resides near Elmer, Salem county; George W., whose name forms the head- ing of this sketch; Townsend, who lives near Elmer; Sarah, wife of Charles Smith, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Margaret, wife of Jesse Smith, near Elmer.
George W. Frazier was born at Medford, Burlington county, New Jersey, February 14, 1832, and in his youth had no other educational advantages than those afforded by the common schools. He learned the trade of car- penter, and worked at that trade in Gloucester county for a few years. After his father's death George W. took charge of the home farm and conducted its operations for a number of years. Since 1884 he has been a resident of Elmer, where he has a pleasant home and where for some years he has lived retired. He owns sixty acres of land in Salem county and fifteen acres in Gloucester county.
Mr. Frazier has always been interested to some extent in public affairs, and for two years, from 1894, was one of the city councilmen of Elmer. He has been a member of the Presbyterian church of Elmer for a number of
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years, and in his church has been honored with official position, such as trustee, etc.
October 5, 1863, Mr. Frazier married Miss Sarah Nixon, a daughter of Martin Nixon; and to them have been born two children, the elder of whom, Daniel N., married Miss Gertrude Shigner.
SAMUEL H. LADD.
In his administration of municipal affairs Samuel Hopkins Ladd has man- ifested marked loyalty to the interests of Woodbury, and has shown forth excellent executive ability, his service as mayor being characterized by capa- bility, practical management and commendable progressiveness. He was appointed to the position in 1898, elected in 1899 and re-elected in 1900, so that he is now serving for the third term. As a business man he is reliable, energetic and trustworthy, and the same qualities are manifest in his political career, which extends over a period of a quarter of a century of close connec- tion with the political interests of the city in which he makes his home.
Mr. Ladd is a representative of one of the oldest families of the state, the settlement of his ancestry having been made in the New World in 1678. John Ladd, the founder of the New Jersey branch of the family, purchased land in Gloucester county, New Jersey, in 1688, becoming the owner of what is now known as Washington Park, but was formerly known as Ladd Cove. His descendants have since been found in the county and have borne an im- portant part in promoting public progress along many substantial lines. Their religious faith was that of the Society of Friends. Jonathan Ladd was the great-grandfather of Samuel H. Ladd, and Samuel Ladd was his grand- father. In the early days John Ladd followed surveying, and during the int- tervening years most of the representatives of the name have held large landed estates and have been people of considerable means.
Samuel H. Ladd, Sr., the father of Woodbury's mayor, was for many years a leading and influential citizen of Woodbury, and died in this city on the 6th of March, 1866. He married Sarah B. Johnson, a daughter of Shelby Johnson, of Virginia, and unto them were born three children. William, the eldest, died in the army at the early age of sixteen years. Cora, the youngest, died at the age of one year. Samuel Hopkins Ladd, the second member of the family, was born in Woodbury, December 15, 1849, and in the public schools of his native town pursued his preliminary education. He was after- ward a student of civil engineering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and fol- lowed that profession for some time, but has long been engaged in the to-
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bacco business in Philadelphia, being located at No. 3380 Front street, where the firm of Johnson & Ladd is now doing a large and profitable busi- ness, their trade steadily increasing and yielding to them a handsome income. Their business methods are thoroughly reliable and their keen discrimination and unfaltering energy have secured to them very creditable and gratifying success.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Ladd has been a stalwart supporter of Republican principles and is recognized as one of the leaders of his party in Woodbury and Gloucester county. For twenty-five years he has served as a justice of the peace, and his marked impartiality and thorough understand- ing of the law applicable to the cases coming under his jurisdiction have made him an officer well deserving of the public confidence. He was also city sur- veyor for a number of years, was' a member of the city council for thirteen years, and now as mayor of Woodbury he exercises his official prerogatives in support of every measure which he believes will promote the public good along material, social, intellectual and moral lines.
In 1879 Mr. Ladd was united in marriage to Miss Kate B. Johnson, a daughter of Thomas L. and Cora V. Johnson, of Virginia. Three children have blessed this union: Cora V., Sarah and Mary C., all at home. The family reside in a pleasant home at No. 176 South Broad street, in Wood- bury, and the Ladd household is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Ladd has long been an active factor in affairs of moment in the city, and his close identification with its interests makes his history an integral part of the records of the city. For twenty-three years he has been an active mem- ber of the Fire Company. Socially he is connected with Florence Lodge, No. 87, F. & A. M., and with the Odd Fellows Lodge of Woodbury, and is a member of the Episcopalian church. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name, and he enjoys the respect, confidence and high regard of the community.
GEORGE BARRETT.
Prominent in Grand Army circles in New Jersey, George Barrett is now serving as department commander of the state and has the highest respect of his old army comrades. During the civil war he "donned the blue" and followed the old flag to southern battle-fields. He was one of the soldier "boys," for the war had closed before he had attained his majority, but tlie valor and bravery which he displayed was equal to that of the veteran whose years were twice his own. In all the relations of life he has been faithful to duty, and he ranks among the representative men of Camden.
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Mr. Barrett was born in England, November 23, 1845, and is a representa- tive of a family that for generations was connected with the manufacturing interests of the "merrie isle." His father, George Barrett, was a native of England and in 1850 came with his family to the United States, locating in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he is still living, a hale and hearty old gentleman of eighty-five years. He has engaged in the manufacture of shoes both in his native country and in his adopted land. In his religious belief he is a Baptist and is very zealous in behalf of the church. He mar- ried Miss Frances Bexon, who died in 1892, leaving three children: Eliza- beth, the widow of W. Patchin, of Indiana county, Pennsylvania; Jennie, who is living in the same county; and George, of this review.
George Barrett was only four years of age when he came with his parents to the New World. He attended school through the winter months, but in . the summer season worked at various occupations which would enable him to provide for his own maintenance. He early engaged in the lumbering and rafting business and was in the employ of his brother-in-law, A. W. Patchin, of Patchinville, Pennsylvania. In 1861, at the age of fifteen years, he at- tempted to enlist, but was not received on account of his extreme youth. Later, however, he joined the Two Hundred and Sixth Regiment of Penn- sylvania Volunteers, which was the first to enter Richmond. He remained at the front until after the stars and stripes were unfurled in the southern Confederacy and then returning home entered school again. After a year spent in study he became the bookkeeper for his brother-in-law and largely had charge of his business until 1877, when he came to Camden and pur- chased an interest in a sawmill owned by S. B. Garrison, his father-in-law. When the senior partner died, the business was sold, but Mr. Barrett has recently purchased fifteen acres of land on the river front with the intention of resuming operations as a lumber manufacturer. He is now a director of the New Jersey Deposit and Trust Company, and in financial circles he sus- tains an unassailable reputation. Through his capable management of his business affairs he has acquired wealth.
On the 18th of February, 1871, he married Miss Sarah Mahaffey, whose people were long connected with the lumber interests of Pennsylvania. They now have three children : Mary, the wife of H. N. Martin, of Camden; Floyd, and Frank J., who are also living in Camden. Mr. Barrett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging both to the chapter and commandery. He has long been a prominent factor in Grand Army circles, and in 1893 was the assistant adjutant general of the state. In June, 1899, was elected the department commander of New Jersey. He has also been actively connected with political interests and is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He
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served as postmaster and justice of the peace in Patchinville, Pennsylvania, and from 1884 until 1888 was a member of the city council of Camden. In 1893 he was elected sheriff on a reform movement, although he had great opposition. In 1897 he was a candidate for mayor. For four years he was chairman of the Republican county committee, and his efficient management was an active factor in producing very desirable results for his party. His social qualities render him popular, and no man in Camden is more generally liked than George Barrett.
LEWIS W. FOWLER.
Lewis West Fowler is a son of William M. and Harriet T. (Laner) Fowler, and was born in Lewiston, Delaware, August 25, 1848. His father, a native of Milton, Delaware, was born April 13, 1805, and spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birthplace. He was connected with the fisheries and afterward was a boatman in the custom-house at Lewiston, in which city his death oc- curred. He was married twice, his first union being with Hattie M. Shank- lin, whom he married October 6, 1832. They became the parents of four children : George, born September 22, 1833; Richard L., February 15, 1837; Hettie Ann, July 13, 1839; and Mary Ann, October 3, 1840. The mother died February 18, 1843, and on the 15th of November of the same year Mr. Fow- ler married Harriet T. Laner. Their children were: William, who was born June 1, 1844, and is now deceased; Irving, who was born October 31, 1845, and died in childhood; and Lewis West. The mother's death occurred July 4, 1886, when she had reached the age of eighty-two years, and the father died January 6. 1893, at about ninety years of age.
Lewis W. Fowler obtained his education in the district schools of Dela- ware, and at the age of eighteen began sailing on the Delaware river, serving an apprenticeship as a pilot. His term of service continued five years,dur- ing which time he completely mastered the responsible duties which fall to the lot of the river pilots. He learned every bend and turn in the stream, its shoals and depths, and throughout his life he has remained in this service, be- ing well known to those who are connected with marine transportation. In February, 1898, owing to the severity of the weather, he was carried from Delaware cape to Marseilles. He is a member of the Delaware Pilots' Associa- tion and enjoys a high reputation for his skill and great care in taking the boats through the channel to their safe destination.
On the 5th of June, 1875, Mr. Fowler married Emma M. Keeny, a daugh- ter of William Spotzwood. Her father was born at Gettysburg, Pennsyl- vania, learned the tailor's trade and for many years followed that pursuit in
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Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. He married Harriet Homer and they became the parents of ten children,-Robert, Jane, Julia, Edward, James, Emily, William, Ida, and two who died in infancy. Of these children James Spotzwood has been in the government printing-office since President Buchanan's administration ! The father was a Whig in his political associations in early life, but afterward he became a Democrat. He was an intimate friend of James Buchanan and also of Horace Greeley. .
After his marriage Mr. Fowler took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he continued to make his home until 1888, since which time he has resided in Cape May. He exercises his right of franchise in the support of the men and measures of the Democratic party. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in religious belief is a Methodist. His life occupation is one of great responsibility, and the fidelity with which he performs his duties has won the highest commendation. As a citizen he is loyal and true, and at no time has any trust reposed in him been betrayed.
FOGG FAMILY.
The pioneer of the Fogg family in New Jersey, and when and where he located, cannot be definitely determined; but it is known that he was among the earlier settlers. The first record is that of Joseph Fogg, who married Mary Street, by whom he had a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Sarah, who mar- ried Luke Stretch. Joseph married Hannah Hoover, by whom he had ten children, viz .: Mary, born August 19, 1809, died September 30, 1809; Lydia, born March 20, 1810, died December 22, 1868; she married Joseph Ashton and latterly Abner Patrick; Luke S., born February 12, 1813, died September 25, 1886; Joseph, born April 4, 1815, died July 21, 1878; Aaron, born April 14, 1817, died July 13, 1887; Sarah, born June 24, 1818, died June 27, 1842; she married Edward Clummor; Elijah, born February 26, 1822, died September 14, 1822; Ebenezer, born July 27, 1823, died January 6, 1824; Susan S., born January 5, 1825, died October 3, 1838; and Caleb S., born December 18, 1827, died August 3, 1872.
Luke S. Fogg was one of the most successful farmers of his time; he was also engaged in merchandising, dealing in granite, and amassed a handsome fortune. He married Ann Harris, who was born June 17, 1813, and died De- cember 17, 1841. They had two children: Hannah H., born September 7, 1838, married Ephraim C. Smith; and John S., born December 27, 1840, and died February 2, 1884. Mr. Fogg married for his second wife Phebe B. Mul- ford, who was born February 2, 1832, and died February II, 1884.
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BENJAMIN A. HEADLEY.
Benjamin Allen Headley, one of the largest wholesale fruit and produce dealers in Gloucester county, New Jersey, and the proprietor of the large store-house in Swedesboro, is in the fourth generation from the ancestor Richard Headley, a weaver by trade, who came from Germany and located at an early day in southern New Jersey, where he became a farmer. He married Lydia Dindlebeck, by whom were born John, Bateman, Lawrence, Richard, Thomas, Charles and Abagail. His grandfather, John Headley, the eldest son of Richard, the ancestor, was born in Gloucester county, followed farming, and married Sarah Elkington, by whom he had seven children: Jacob, William, Isaiah, Joseph E., Mary E., Lydia A. and Anna M. His father Joseph E. Headley, the fourth son of the preceding, was born in Gloucester county, December 20, 1827, where he was educated in the public schools and worked as a farm hand until 1860, when he rented a farm. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-eighth New Jersey Vol- unteers, and served until the close of the war. Returning from the war he rented farms until 1882, when he was made the superintendent of a large farm in Cumberland county. In 1886 he retired from business and removed to Swedesboro. He is a Republican and a prominent member of the G. A. R. In January, 1850, he was married to Caroline D., a daughter of Benjamin Carter, of Gloucester county, who bore him seven children; Martha A., George C., Allen C., Benjamin A., Sarah, who died in infancy; Amanda B., wife of Charles Cranes, of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and Mary E., the wife of Alonzo Vanneman, of Bridgeton, New Jersey.
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