USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 62
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Benjamin Allen Headley, the son of Joseph E. Headley and Caroline B., nee Carter, was born in Harrison township. Gloucester county, New Jersey, May 7, 1857. Attending the public schools until he was fourteen years of age, he for a brief period thereafter worked on a farm, and subsequently em- barking in business for himself laid the foundation and developed his pres- ent business. Starting from small beginnings, very reticent, depending alone upon his own energy and independent resources, he is a typical example of the self-made man. In connection with his other business he is the general agent for the New York Horse Manure Company; he is one of the largest manufacturers of vegetable crates in the county; owns and operates seven- teen miles of telephone line; and owns and runs a freight boat, doing the largest general business in the county.
Mr. Headley is a Republican in politics and from his large business connections commands a wide influence in the affairs of the county.
In November, 1885, he was married to Israella T., a daughter of Israel II-KK
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Silvers and Emma, nee Talmain, of Swedesboro; and they have five children : Ralph S., Harold B., Helen M., Willard T. and Robert L.
MARY APGAR.
Mrs. Geo. C. Apgar, nee Mary Tomson, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, December 31, 1828, the daughter of John D. Tomson, and Jemima, nee Cooley. Her husband, George C. Apgar, to whom she was mar- ried at Milford, in her native county, November 5, 1859, was also born in that county, June 15, 1821. He was the son of John P. and Charity Apgar . and spent his early life in his native county. In 1883 he removed to Deptford township, Gloucester county, where he spent the remainder of his life, a highly respected citizen, dying February 3, 1899. Their children were : Mary Emily, the wife of John S. Hagerman, of Camden, to whom two children- Grace C. and Leslie T .- have been born; Peter Elmer, who married Mary E. Fetrow and now resides in Deptford township and has one child, Anna E .; and John M., who married Letitia J. Tyson, by whom he has one son, George R.
Mrs. Apgar's father, John D. Tomson, was born November 14, 1793, in Hunterdon county, where he spent his entire life as a prosperous farmer and miller. By his marriage to Jemima Cooley his children were: Peter C., born September 30, 1819, now deceased; Margaret, born September 30, 1822 now the wife of Howard Barker; Nathan, born May 21, 1824, now deceased; Re- bekah, born May 4, 1826, deceased, married Lorenz Edmonds; Mary, Mrs. Apgar; Ann, born March 12, 1831, deceased, who married William Wood- ward; Catharine, born December 18, 1833, now Mrs. Henry Wyker; and Abigail, born April 30, 1837, now the wife of Reuben McPherson.
ORVILLE E. HOYT.
The task of writing the biographies of the living representatives of any community is an exceedingly difficult one, because of the prevailing modesty of the successful business man, who almost invariably manifests a certain re- pugnance to anything that smacks of personal notoriety or prominence and thus discourages even friendly attempts to uncover the secret of his success. Genuine success is not likely to be the result of mere chance or fortune, but is something to be labored for and sought out with long sustained effort. Ours is a utilitarian age, and the life of every successful man bears a lesson
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which, as told in our contemporary narration, perhaps is productive of the greatest good. Thus there is a due measure of satisfaction in presenting even the briefest outline of the life and accomplishments of such a man.
Orville Emmons Hoyt is the editor and proprietor of the South Jersey Republican at Hammonton, Atlantic county. He was born at Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of February, 1846, a son of Lewis and Martha (Emmons) Hoyt, the former born in Greene, New York, and the latter in Adams county, Maine. The father was a wheelwright by trade. Orville E. Hoyt received his early education in the public schools of his native town, and after putting aside his text-books he learned the printer's trade. In 1864 he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in December of that year enlisted in Company A, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for service in the civil war, in which he served as a private until August 7, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. After returning from the war he resided in Philadelphia until 1870, when he removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and a few years later, in 1876, took up his residence in Dexter, that state. From the latter year until 1880 he was engaged in the publication of the Leader, and then came to Hammonton, New Jersey, where he has since made his home. July 1, 1880, he purchased the South Jersey Republican, and under his able management this paper, now in its thirty-eighth year, has become one of the leading journals in the county.
In his political relations our subject is identified with the Republican party, and from 1885 until 1890 he served his city as collector and treasurer. Socially he is a member of the Sons of Temperance, which organization he joined in 1865, and in 1872 was made a member of the Good Templars' so- ciety. In 1867 he became a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and is now a past grand of the former. Religiously he holds membership in the Baptist church. Mr. Hoyt has been a leading factor in the progress of Hammonton, and educational, church, and social interests. owe their promotion in a considerable degree to his efforts.
Mr. Hoyt was married in Hammonton, September 22, 1867, to Miss Laura Adella Potter, and to this union have been born four children, namely : Lewis Arthur, June 18, 1870; Annie Laura, September 7, 1872; William Or- ville, August 24, 1874; and John Ezra, March 8, 1879.
CLAYTON WISTAR.
Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of southwestern New Jersey is the subject of this sketch. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued ef-
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fort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with the commer- cial interests of Salem has been of decided advantage to this section of the state, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner. He is now connected with the most extensive lumber business of Salem, and his dili- gence, keen discrimination and strict conformity to the ethics of commercial life have gained him a most gratifying prosperity.
His ancestral history is one of close association with the development and progress of the state along material lines, for since colonial days the Wistars have figured prominently in the upbuilding and advancement of the commonwealth. In the year 1717 Caspar and John Wistar crossed the At- lantic from Hilchbach in the electorate of Heidelberg, Germany, and later their sister also came to America. Caspar Wistar, the direct ancestor of the family to which our subject belongs, was born at Hilchbach in 1696 and on the 16th of September, 1717, took up his residence in Philadelphia. He sub- sequently purchased a large tract of land in Salem county, New Jersey, and near the town of Alloway, in 1738, established the first successful glass fac- tory in this country, having secured the services of four skilled glass-blowers of Germany, who were placed in charge of the enterprise. The deed of the ground for the factory site is dated 1739, and the business was probably begun the following year. The factory with its accompanying building and the little settlement that grew up around there were known as Wistarburg. While he owned an extensive tract of land near Alloway, Caspar Wistar did not reside upon it, but made his home in Philadelphia. He was married March 26, 1726, to Catherine, a daughter of Catherine and Derrick John- son, and to them were born seven children: Richard, Margaret, Catherine, Joshua, Rebecca, Sarah and Casper.
Of this family Richard Wistar was the great-great-grandfather of our subject. He was born in Philadelphia, July 5, 1727, and for many years was prominently engaged in merchandising there. His place of business was on the north side of Market street, between Second and Third streets, and his residence was on Chestnut street, above Third street, while he also had a country residence on North Broad street. He was one of the leading business men of the city and in connection with his mercantile interests he continued the conduct of the glass factory established by his father and which was afterward conducted for one year by his son John, the great- grandfather of our subject, who inherited all of his father's interests, in- cluding the glass works, six hundred acres of land and other real and per- sonal property. Richard Wistar was a member of the Society of Friends and a man of very decided character and of unassailable reputation. He
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occupied a leading position in the business and social life of Philadelphia and commanded uniform respect.
He was married November 27, 1751, to Miss Sarah Wyatt, of Salem, and their children were as follows: Bartholomew, born August 26, 1754, died in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1756. Richard was born in Phila- delphia, July 20, 1756, and died in 1821. John was the great-grandfather of our subject. Casper was born in Philadelphia, September 13, 1760, was a celebrated physician of his day, was the founder of the Wistar Club, was an intimate friend of Dr. Benjamin Rush, and died November 25, 1851. Eliz- abeth Wyatt, born December 22, 1766, died in Salem, New Jersey, in August, 1855. Catherine, born January 29, 1770, died in Philadelphia in November, 1820.
John Wistar, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Philadel- phia, May 7, 1859, and died in Salem, New Jersey, March 16, 1815. He owned a large tract of land in Salem county, three miles from the town of Salem, and for many years was a leader in the public life of his locality. He was the founder of the Salem county almshouse and was an active pro- moter of all worthy movements and measures for the public good. His religious belief was in accord with the teachings of the orthodox branch of the Society of Friends. He was married October 17, 1781, to Miss Charlotte Newbold, a daughter of Clayton and Mary Newbold, of Bur- lington county. She was born in Mansfield, Burlington county,
Nine children were January 29, 1762, and died October 26, 1819.
born to John and Charlotte Wistar. Sarah, born November II, 1782, died in Philadelphia, in 1794; Mary born April 8, 1786, became the wife of Isaac Davis, of Philadelphia, and died July 12, 1852. Elizabeth, born October 15, 1788, died in April, 1799. Bartholomew, born Novem- ber 25, 1790, died in Philadelphia, August 5, 1847. Clayton, who was the grandfather of our subject, was born February 23, 1793, resided on a farm near Salem, and died October 10, 1840. Caspar, born February 4, 1799, died in Salem, January 31, 1872. Charlotte, born July 18, 1797, was the wife of Jonathan Freeland. and died July 5, 1850. Harriet, born March 12, 1800, died April 9, 1854. Catherine, born November 27, 1802, be- came the wife of Thomas Evans, and died December 5, 1875.
Clayton Wistar, the grandfather of our subject, was born on a farm in Warrington township, Salem county, February 23, 1793, and became the owner of a large tract of land, on which he carried on agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred at the comparatively early age of forty- seven years. He was a Whig in his political associations and was a meni- ber of the Society of Friends, attending the orthodox meetings in Salem.
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He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Steiner, a daughter of John and Amelia (Benton) Steiner. They were married in 1814, and to them were born two children: John, born November 25, 1815, was a lumber merchant of Salem, and died in this city in December, 1852, at the age of thirty-seven years. He married Letitia N. Acton, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Acton, and they had one son, John, who married Anna B. Harlan. He is a resident of Salem, but is employed as a traveling salesman by the firm of P. D. Wood & Company, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Mary Wistar died in December, 1825, and the grandfather of our subject afterward married the widow of Reeve J. Medford, of Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1827. They had one son, Josiah, who was formerly a farmer, but is now living a retired life. He is a director in the West Jersey Railroad Company, has settled many estates and is a very prominent and honored citizen, whose sterling worth has gained him the high regard of many friends. He now resides in Salem, and has one child, Clayton Newbold.
Richard Wistar, the father of our subject, pursued his education in the Westtown boarding school, which is conducted under the auspices of the Society of Friends, and in Haverford College, entering the senior class. He left school at the age of seventeen years, and for many years was asso- ciated with his father in business. In 1868 he removed to Salem, although he retained the ownership of his farm of one hundred and eighty acres. He purchased a lumber-yard in Salem, and conducted the business, which is now being carried on by our subject. In connection with the sale of lumber he operated a planing-mill, employing as many as fifteen men, and manufacturing boxes for canning factories on quite an extensive scale. In 1877 he put aside all business cares and retired to private life. In poli- tics he is a Republican and served as a freeholder. He has also been a member of the city council and has served on the township committee. He adheres to the religious faith of his forefathers, being a member of the Society of Friends.
On the 7th of September, 1842, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Acton, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah N. Acton, of Salem. They have three children: Clayton, whose name introduces this review, is the eldest. Richard, born February 6, 1848, married Cornelia Bassett, a daughter of John and Susan Bassett. He was for many years a successful farmer, but is now living a retired life in Salem. Elizabeth Wyatt is the wife of Richard Thompson, a farmer of Mornington township, and they have five children -Charlotte W., David Allen, Mary Tyler, Cornelia B. and Caroline Mc- Naughton.
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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
Clayton Wistar, the present representative in the business world of a most prominent and honored family of New Jersey, was born on the home- stead farm in Mornington township, September 12, 1845. His early edu- cation was acquired in the Westtown boarding school, of Pennsylvania, and in the Friends' boarding school in Providence, Rhode Island. He re- mained with his father upon the home farm for several years after com- pleting his literary education, and continued to carry on agricultural pur- suits until 1877. In that year he came to Salem and entered the firm of Woodnut, Wistar & Company. They conducted an extensive and pros- perous lumber business under that style until 1886, when, on a change in the partnership, the name of Wistar & Woodnut was assumed. This firm is now at the head of the leading lumber business of Salem. They have extensive and well equipped yards, and carry everything found in a first- class concern in their line. Their reasonable prices, honorable and just dealing and courteous treatment of their patrons have secured to them an extensive and constantly increasing trade, from which they derive an ex- cellent income. Mr. Wistar is also a director in the Franklin Building & Loan Association, and in business circles is accorded a foremost place in recognition of his marked executive ability, his genius for devising and ex- ecuting the right thing at the right time, his keen discrimination and in- tegrity of purpose.
In his political views he is a Republican, whose close study of the is- sues of the day enables him to give an intelligent support to his party, yet he has never been an aspirant for office. In religious belief he is a Friend, and is identified with the orthodox branch of the society. His pleasant home life is shared by his wife and two sons. He was married February 18, 1869, to Miss Rebecca Thompson, a daughter of Andrew Thompson, and their children are Richard Wyatt and Arthur. The life of Clayton Wistar has been a busy and useful one. Endowed by nature with strong men- tality, educated in excellent schools, he has always viewed life from a practi- cal and broad standpoint, bringing to bear upon all questions a well bal- anced judgment. His sterling qualities of mind and heart have won him the respect, yea the friendship of all with whom he has come in contact.
FRANK L. CASSADAY.
Frank L. Cassaday, contractor and builder of Westville, New Jersey, was born in Upper Pittsgrove, Salem county, February 4, 1865, the son of John E. Cassaday and Christine, nee Lacey. His grandfather, Job Cassaday, was a native of Pennsylvania, was for many years a resident of
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Philadelphia and later a resident of New Jersey. He was at one time the owner of a stage line and in later life was a farmer. He married Mary Stevens, and their children were: Mary, the wife of Robert Brock; Mucagey [Micajah?], Rebecca, Deborah and John E.
John E. Cassaday, the father of Frank L., was born in Philadelphia, in 1845. Coming to New Jersey when very young, he became engaged in and has since followed agricultural pursuits, in Salem county. The four children born to him were: Frank L .; Mary, now the wife of Charles Camp; John; and Phœbe, the wife of Lemuel Stewart.
His maternal great-grandfather, Joshua Lacey, was a native of Salem county, followed the occupation of farmer and basketmaker and lived to an advanced old age. John C. Lacey, the son of Joshua, was also born in Salem county, and there spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Phœbe Schaffer, who still survives him. Their children were Henry, John C., Jr., Angeline and Emiline, twins, Sally, Charles and Joshua.
Frank L. Cassaday was educated in the public schools of Elmer, New Jersey, later learned the building trade at that place, and began business there in 1887. In 1889 he established a plant in Westville, which was destroyed by fire in 1895. Immediately afterward he erected his present building there. In connection with building Mr. Cassaday operates an extensive planing-mill. He has erected many public and private buildings at Elmer, Woodly and Westville.
He was twice married. For his first wife he married Elizabeth P. Kandle, who died childless February 17, 1895. In May, 1897, he was married, at Sea Isle City, to Rebecca B. Dallas, the widow of William Young. They have one child, named Paul.
Mr. Cassaday is a member of the Shield of Honor, is a Democrat in politics and an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM.
William Cunningham, who takes high rank as a successful and pro- gressive market gardener of Deptford township, Gloucester county, was born in this township, January 19, 1867, the son of Hugh Cunningham and Margaret, nee Jamieson. He was educated in the public schools of Woodbury, trained to farm life on his father's farm, and there by his close attention to farming as a science laid the foundation of his present success as a market gardener. He takes strong ground in his political views as
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a Republican and is a factor in both town and county affairs. In 1896 he was the overseer of the poor, and in March, 1899, was elected constable of the county of Gloucester.
In July, 1889, he was married to Mary, a daughter of David and Mary Dove, of Haddonfield, Camden county. They have four children,-Joseph, John, Mary and Annie. He attends with his family the Methodist Epis- copal church.
WILLIAM C. ALLEN.
William C. Allen, one of the young, progressive and highly esteemed farmers of Deptford township, was born in Vincent-town, Burlington county, New Jersey, May 4, 1866, the son of John Allen and Edith, nee Dudley. He was educated in the public schools of Center township. Cam- den county, and reared to farm life. Remaining on his father's farm after leaving school, his industry and close attention to farming soon gave him a substantial foothold and a well-earned rank among the progressive farm- ers of his section. In the spring of 1899 he left his father's farm and re- moved to his present farm, which he is rapidly bringing to a high state of cultivation. The farm is situated in a belt of land well adapted to the raising of all kinds of cereals, and of this feature of farming Mr. Allen is making a specialty.
Mr. Allen is a member of Woodbury Lodge, Senior American Mechanics, and in politics is affiliated with the Democratic party. He is unmarried.
E. FRANK PINE.
E. Frank Pine, a prominent dealer in lumber, coal, etc., in Blackwood, New Jersey, was born in Chew's Landing, Camden county, New Jersey, December 14, 1865, the son of James T. Pine and Hannah R., nee Clifton. He comes of a family long established in Camden county, of which his grandfather, Jonathan T. Pine, was a native, spending his entire life here, a prosperous and progressive farmer. His paternal grandmother was Dora Tomlin. Of this family the children were: Benjamin D .; James T .; the father of E. Frank Pine; George W., a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church; Jonathan T .; Miles S .; and Ellen, the wife of Edward Redfield.
Mr. Pine was educated in the schools of Blackwood. Reared on his father's farm, he followed the vocation of farmer until twenty-eight years
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of age, remaining during this period at the old homestead. In 1893 he abandoned farming for his present line of business.
Mr. Pine in politics is a Republican and is influentially and actively interested in the success of his party. He has served his township for three years as constable; in 1894 he was elected justice of the peace and re-elected to the office in 1899; and in 1900 he was elected tax collector of Gloucester township, Camden county.
He is a member of Tonawanda Tribe, No. 104, and of the Improved Order of Red Men of Blackwood, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He is unmarried.
GRANT SPARKS, M. D.
Among the young professional men of Gloucester county, New Jersey, who give great promise of a brilliant future, none occupy a higher place in the consideration and esteem of the general public than the gentleman whose biography it is our pleasure to present. Alert and ambitious for a successful career, he applies himself with ardor to the profession he has chosen, giving to it his undivided attention and constant study, and has thus far met with a most flattering success. He is a native of the town in which he now resides, having been born in Mantua, Gloucester county, New Jersey, on May 31, 1872, his parents being Thomas Taylor and Rebecca Jane (Powell) Sparks, prominent and influential citizens of the village. When a lad he attended the public schools of his native village and later entered a private school at Woodbury, kept by the Quakers. Having developed a greed for books and a special liking for the study of the human anatomy and its ills, he decided to enter the medical profession and to that end matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in 1891, leaving it in 1893 and entering the Medico-Chirurgical College, of the same city, at which he graduated in 1895. The years in college were years of industry, and he brought to his practice a well stored mind and clear perception of the requirements of his profession.
After his graduation he returned at once to his home village and opened an office, in which he has since been located and where he exercised such skill and care in the first cases that came under his treatment that others recognized his ability and his practice rapidly increased, until to-day it is of desirable extent. Nor is it confined to his immediate locality, as he receives calls from points throughout the surrounding country and his friends bespeak for him future splendid achievements. He is the exam-
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 587
ining physician for the Shield of Honor and also for the Presidential Life Insurance Company. He is a Republican in his political views and keeps intelligently posted on all questions of political import. He is now (1900) a candidate for coroner of Gloucester county, on the Republican ticket. He is an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal church, a young man whose character is above the breath of reproach, and whose friends are legion.
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM.
Thomas Cunningham, a prominent and progressive farmer of Deptford township, Gloucester county, a son of Hugh Cunningham and Margaret Jamieson, was born near Chew's Landing, Camden county, this state, June 14, 1868. When but two years old he was taken by his parents to Deptford township, where he has ever since resided. He acquired his edu- cation in the public schools of Woodbury and since boyhood has been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits. The farm of forty-five acres now conducted by him is among the finest in the county. He was married, in Woodbury, February 25, 1891, to Annie M., a daughter of George Mills and Hannah, nee Adams. They have two sons: Louis M., born September 17, 1892; and Frank W., born July 25, 1896.
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