USA > New Jersey > Biographical, genealogical and descriptive history of the first congressional district of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
James and Mary Hulick Sayre were the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Their first-born were twin boys, born December 30, 1840, and named William Harrison and John Tyler Sayre. In 1861, when they were but twenty years of age, they enlisted in Company A, Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers. John was killed Friday, May 6, 1864, in the battle of the Wilderness, but William served throughout the war, was honorably discharged and has resided for many years on a farm at Clayton, New Jersey. G. S. Hulick has been engaged in farming all his life, and he and his sister Mahalath still reside on the old homestead farm in Pittsgrove.
MARTIN PHILIP GREY.
Martin Philip Grey, of Salem, New Jersey, is one of the vice chancellors of the state. He is the younger son of Philip James and Sarah Woolston Stephens Grey, and was born in Camden, New Jersey, in the year 1841. He received his education in the Philadelphia schools, and in his youth learned the trade of printer in his father's office, in Camden, where was published the newspaper then called the West Jerseyman, now known as the West Jersey Press. Later he turned his attention to the law and under the pre- ceptorship of Hon. Thomas Preston Carpenter, formerly one of the judges of the supreme court of New Jersey, was in 1863 admitted to the bar, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession. While at the bar Mr. Grey's practice was confined chiefly to the middle and southern counties of the state. He was appointed vice chancellor in 1896, and holds his cham- bers at Camden and Trenton.
58
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Mr. Grey is a man of a family. He married Miss Mary Jane Dunham, a daughter of James R. and Sarah A. (Taylor) Dunham. They have five children, namely: Norman, Elsie, Isabel Thompson, Mabel and Jane.
JOSEPH SUTTON.
Mr. Sutton's extensive connection with the business affairs of Ocean City and Cape May county has made him a very important factor in com- mercial and industrial circles. He is connected with many and varied interests, the management of which requires marked executive ability, keen discernment and strong mentality. He has wisely placed his capital in that safest of all investments, real estate, yet is a man of resourceful ability and has not confined his efforts to one line of business. He belongs to that class of representative American citizens who, while promoting in- dividual prosperity, also contribute to the general welfare and to public progress.
Mr. Sutton is one of the younger representatives of the commercial interests of his adopted county, and is therefore deserving of greater credit for the many possessions he has attained. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1865, a son of John and Mary L. (Smith) Sutton. The family name is of English origin. The paternal great-great-grand- father, William Sutton, was one of the early residents of Philadelphia, making his home on Broad street in colonial days. He was a real-estate dealer and had extensive property interests. Throughout his life he re- sided in the City of Brotherly Love, where centered many of the public interests of the country at that time. He lived to see the establishment of the republic, and in his political affiliations was a Whig. His children were Sarah, Joseph and Daniel D. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-five years. The youngest member of the family was the grandfather of our subject. He resided at the old homestead in Philadelphia, and carried on a grocery business at the corner of Crown and Bedford streets-a well- known and respected merchant of his native city. He voted with the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. His death occurred in 1883, when he had attained the age of seventy-two years, and his wife passed away in 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years. Their children were John, Daniel D., William, Peter, Almira, Anna, Elmira, Rebecca, Sarah and Emma.
John Sutton, the father of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, and has spent his entire life there, being yet one of its esteemed citizens. He is now engaged in the undertaking business. His political views are in
59
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
harmony with the principles of the Republican party. He married Miss Mary L. Smith, and two children were born to them, but the younger, Clara, died at the age of three years.
Joseph Sutton, whose name introduces this review, obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Philadelphia, and with a good practical knowl- edge of the English branches of learning he entered upon his business career, as an employe in the real-estate office of Henry W. Gimber. He thus became familiar with the business, learned the methods pursued by its representatives, and gained a good knowledge of land values. He was thus engaged until 1886, when he took up bookkeeping, which he followed for about ten years. Since 1895 he has been engaged in the real-estate business on his own account in Ocean City, and is a recognized leader in this industry. He carries on a general brokerage business and is also extensively connected with various transportation lines. He is financially interested in the Ocean City steam railway, which has built and operates a branch from Ocean City to Sea Isle junction. He was one of the chief promoters of this road, and its success is largely attributable to his efforts in its behalf. He carries on business as a trolley contractor. He is also a stockholder and the secretary of the Pennsylvania State Construction Company, doing a general electric construction business. He is also the general gravel agent for the southern coast of New Jersey, and is interested in handling fancy tile clay, a company of which he is a member having extensive clay beds at Tuckahoe. He is one of the originators of the idea of filling up the meadows at Ocean City for building sites, a work that was prosecuted at the cost of one hundred thousand dollars; and he also repre- sented at this point the interests of Henry Moore, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, who is the principal owner of the Ocean City Railroad. Various other enterprises claim his time and attention, and he has been an important factor in securing the success which has attended many of these concerns.
Mr. Sutton is also deeply interested in the movements affecting the welfare of the city and lends his aid and co-operation in every movement that he believes will promote the public good. He has been a member of the fire department, and is a supporter of the Republican party and is labor- ing earnestly to advance its growth and insure its success. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His home relations are pleasant, and his family occupy an enviable position in social circles. He was married on Thanksgiving day of 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Alice Bradshaw, of May's Landing. Their union has been blessed with two children,-John W. and Flora V.
60
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
Endowed by nature with a sound judgment and an acurate, discrimin- ating mind, Mr. Sutton has not feared that laborious attention to business so necessary to achieve success, and this unusual quality has ever been guided by a sense of moral right.
MRS. CLEMENCE BASSETT.
One of the old and honored colonial families of Salem county, New Jersey, the Bassetts, have been represented here for over two centuries. Following closely in the wake of the first few brave voyagers of Mayflower fame, the good ship "Fortune" plowed her way across the Atlantic ocean. in 1621, and among the courageous souls who thus sought a home and "freedom to worship God" in the new land of promise there were two young men by the name of Bassett-William and Joseph. Many of their descendants continue to dwell in the vicinity of Lynn and Boston, Massa- chusetts, where they landed, while others reside in Rhode Island and Con- necticut. In 1691 William Bassett emigrated from Lynn to Salem, New Jersey, and here he and his posterity found happy homes and an abundance of this world's goods in return for their labors.
One of the descendants of William Bassett was Howard Bassett, whose birth occurred in 1840, and who was a highly esteemed citizen of Piles Grove township, this county. Born and reared within its boundaries, he took up the study of dentistry when a young man, but on account of ill health found it advisable to abandon the profession, and to seek the benefits of country out-door life. He accordingly turned his attention to agricul- ture. Among his lifelong friends and neighbors he was admired and be- loved. and, so far as is known, he possessed no enemies. Though he was a devoted member of the Friends' meeting, his love for the Union and the great causes at stake in the civil war led to his enlisting as a member of Company A, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Regiment, but when his country no longer needed the aid of her loyal sons he resumed his wonted place with the Society of Friends. At length the summons came to him that his earthly mission was at an end, and his eyes were closed in death five years ago, when he was in his fifty-fourth year.
The marriage of Howard Bassett and Clemence Hinchman, of this county, was solemnized February 13, 1867. They became the parents of seven children, namely: Eugene W., Edward H., Mary Elizabeth (wife of C. A. Mattison), Gertrude W., Clement H., Clara H., and Howard, who died at the age of six years, in 1893. Mrs. Bassett now makes her home
61
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
with her aged mother, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Cawley, of Woodstown. The latter, who was born November 23, 1815, is a daughter of Samuel and Jerusha (Smith) White. She received unusually excellent educational ad- vantages for her day, as it was her privilege to attend Samuel Gourney's Boarding School, now St. Mary's Hall, Burlington, New Jersey, an insti- tution under the supervision of the Society of Friends. For one of her years she is remarkably well preserved, her mind being as clear and keen as ever. She was married on the 8th of November, 1842, to Clement Hinchman, who met with a shocking death a few months afterwards, as he was caught in the cog-wheel of a mill at Sharpstown, and instantly killed. He was but twenty-five years of age and gave promise of becoming one of the best business men and leading citizens of this locality. His only child, Clemence, the subject of this sketch, was born subsequent to his death, and the sorrowing young mother named her in honor of the father who had met so cruel a fate. About twenty years afterward Mrs. Hinchman became the wife of William M. Cawley, the date of this event being January 6, 1864. Mr. Cawley was a native of Piles Grove township, his birth hav- ing taken place in 1819. He was orphaned at an early age and was self- educated and self-made, yet became a power in town and county affairs. He was a master in chancery and surveyor and conveyancer. He was sum- moned to the silent land November 8, 1875, when in the fifty-seventh year of his age. Both he and his wife were active in the promotion of right- eousness, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy.
DR. SAMUEL T. MILLER.
When one has climbed the toilsome heights of life's journey and from the summit, ere descending into the peaceful valley of old age, can look back upon deeds of kindness done along the way, or help given to the sick and weary, and cheer to the despondent, it must be a blessed memory. a recompense for the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of most mortals.
The honored and beloved physician whose name heads this sketch has had a long and varied experience, both in the walks of private life and on the field of battle, and now that he has given up active practice in his profession he has the satisfaction of knowing that a well-spent manhood is crowned with a gracious and genial old age, admirable in its rounded full- ness.
Dr. Miller, who for nearly half a century has been a resident of Pauls-
62
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
boro, was born near Clarksboro, Gloucester county, this state, November 26, 1826. His father, John B. Miller, as well as his grandfather, also named John, was born in Greenwich township. John B. Miller was a prominent man in his locality, being successful financially and holding various public offices. He was a member of the state legislature in 1846 or 1847, was a county judge and a justice of the peace. He also carried on farming extensively. In his early life he was a Democrat, but on the formation of the Republican party he adopted its principles and became a strong advo- cate of its doctrines. He was married on New Year, 1822, to Elizabeth A., a daughter of Samuel Tyler, of Salem, New Jersey. They had nine children, of whom eight are now living: Abigail, the widow of Charles Hall, of Paulsboro: she is now seventy-five years of age; Samuel T .; Lydia A., the wife of James M. Roe, of Paulsboro; Emily, the widow of George H. Gaunt, of Paulsboro; Anna, the wife of Zaccheus Sickler, of Salem; Edward G., a freeholder; Elizabeth, the wife of Daniel V. Summeral, of Salem county ; and Charles F., a resident of Paulsboro.
The subject of this sketch attended the local schools of his neighbor- hood until old enough to leave home, then going to Philadelphia. In this city he entered the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated in its medical department in 1850. He practiced one year in Harrisonville. and then removed to Paulsboro, which has ever since been his home. On the outbreak of the civil war Dr. Miller offered his services to his country, and September 4, 1862, was mustered into the Twelfth New Jersey Volun- teers as surgeon. He did much valuable service during the operations in Virginia, and found ample employment for his skill in the hospitals as well as in other directions. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Pauls- boro, where he had a large and successful practice for many years, retiring from active work in 1889.
During his long and busy life Dr. Miller has been a leading spirit in all public enterprises connected with his town and county. It was due mainly to his efforts that the Delaware River Railroad was built through Paulsboro, and he was for many years a director of the road, also serving as its treasurer and being at the present time secretary of the company. He has held various other positions of trust; was county school superin- tendent, commissioner of deeds, and for ten years county judge. At the present time he is the physician at the almshouse. In politics Dr. Miller is a Democrat, and has belonged to the political organizations of the county, and also to the Odd Fellows. He was one of five men who built the hand- some stone Methodist church in Paulsboro, and his purse has always been open to the calls of religion and philanthropy.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY. 63
Dr. Miller has been three times married. His first wife was Fannie M. Price, born at Camden county, November 9, 1834. She died October 26, 1879, leaving two children, John B., residing at Paulsboro; and Mary E., the wife of Ottos M. Keefer, living at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Dr. Miller's second wife was Mary J., a daughter of John H. Forepaugh, of Philadelphia, to whom he was married January II, 1882. She died February II, 1899. No children were born of this union. Dr. Miller married his third wife November 15, 1899, choosing Miss Mary M. Taylor, of Phila- delphia.
JAMES HUNTER, M. D.
Dr. James Hunter of Newbold, Gloucester county, was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., January 14, 1866, the son of James Hunter, Sr., and Martha M. Church, and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry on his father's side, and of Eng- lish ancestry on his mother's side. The Church family removed from England to Ireland at an early date. The ancestors of the Hunter family removed from Scotland to Ireland to escape religious persecution, settling in Belfast, Ireland. The grandfather, William Hunter, of Scotch parentage, was born in Ireland and spent there his entire life.
James Hunter, the father of our subject, was born in Ballymore, County Antrim, Ireland, April 28, 1843. He came to America when seventeen years old and located in New York City. On August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventieth New York Volunteers, and served until the close of the rebellion. He was mustered out in New York in July, 1865, as the lieutenant and adjutant of the One Hundred and Sev- entieth regiment. His military career is as follows: He enlisted August 8, 1862; mustered into service October 7, 1862; appointed sergeant October 7, 1862; second lieutenant March 3, 1863; and first lieutenant June 3, 1863.
Discharged from the army, he removed to Philadelphia, where he en- gaged for several years in mercantile pursuits with his brother John. About 1870 he entered the employ of A. T. Stewart & Company, continuing until 1876, when he engaged in the wholesale notion business with William Sterling at No. 9 Strawberry street, Philadelphia. Later Mr. Hunter con- tinued the business alone, but on account of failing health, being finally obliged to relinquish his business, he retired until 1896, when he removed to Westville, where he now resides with his son, Dr. Hunter, the subject of this sketch. His other children are: William, who married Bertha Mundell and resides in Philadelphia; Jennie, who died in infancy; Hugh, now resid-
64
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
ing in Philadelphia; Albert, the quartermaster on the United States steamer New York; and Edwin, who died in infancy.
James Hunter, Jr., acquired his primary education in the public schools of Philadelphia, subsequently taking a pharmaceutical course in the Phila- delphia College of Pharmacy. He afterward studied medicine under the instructions of Dr. Francis L. Haynes, of Philadelphia, and Dr. J. Barron Potter, of Bridgeton, New Jersey. In 1885 he entered the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated in 1888. During this year he assumed the practice of Dr. J. S. Sands, of Tarrytown, Pennsylvania. Returning to Philadelphia, he began practice for himself, remaining there for a brief period. For nine years he has been in continuous practice at Westville and New- bold, New Jersey. In May, 1891, he was married, at Deerfield, New Jersey. to Hannah B., a daughter of John H. Avis and Sallie B. Barker. They have one daughter, Avis, born May 31, 1897.
Dr. Hunter is a member of the Gloucester County Medical Society, the New Jersey State Medical Society, and is an honorary member of the Salem County Medical Society. He is an examining physician for the New York Life Insurance Company, the Mutual Life of New York, Etna Life of Hartford, Connecticut, and the Pennsylvania Mutual. In 1897 he was elected the coroner of Gloucester county for three years. He has served as a member of the educational board, and as district clerk of that board. In political views the Doctor is a Republican, and in respect to religion he attends the Presbyterian church.
COOMBS ACKLEY.
Coombs Ackley resides at Ackley's mill, formerly known as Parbin's mill, near Centerton, Salem county, and is one of the most highly respected and popular men of this section. He was born in January, 1828, in a log house near the Maurice river, the eleventh of a family of fourteen chil- dren. His parents were Uriah and Sarah (Coombs) Ackley, who were among the first settlers of this locality.
Uriah, of sturdy Scotch ancestry, bought, in 1815, about one hundred and fifty acres of timber land and swamp at the junction of the Maurice river and Muddy run. Here he built a substantial log house for his family and began clearing his land, cutting large quantities of lumber, hoop-poles and wood. He found a ready market for this produce in Millville and Bridgeton, whence it was shipped to Philadelphia, where it brought good prices. Another industry, that demanded a great deal of labor, was the
The Lewis Publishing Co. whocago.
Poorly Ackley
65
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY.
burning of charcoal on the adjoining land, known as the Cumberland Coal- ing, the present site of Vineland, the coal produced being used in the Millville furnaces. In a few years good crops of corn, rye and grass were growing on the cleared land, and large numbers of cattle, sheep and hogs were raised. These ran at large during the summer season, thus procuring their own living during a part of the year. Deer, rabbits and foxes were abundant and an occasional bear was seen, all of which made fine sport for the gunner.
By industry and perseverance Mr. Ackley was soon in good circum- stances and prospered as the years passed. He enjoyed the confidence of the community in which he lived, was at one time a freeholder and held other township offices. With the assistance of a few neighbors, a school- house was built and a teacher hired for three months or a quarter of the year. Here religious services were held every Sunday, and when the Cum- berland circuit was formed an itinerant minister preached for the people on a week day once in two weeks. Uriah Ackley was also a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a strong stand against the liquor traffic. His labors called him to different parts of Cumberland, Cape May and Salem counties, where he was widely known and beloved. He died in 1854, at the age of seventy-four years.
Sarah Coombs, his wife, was the daughter of Joshua Coombs. of the vicin- ity of Millville and of a family widely known and respected. She was quiet and gentle in manner, a true mother and helpmeet. She died in 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. There were born to Uriah and Sarah Ackley fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom lived to the years of maturity and were married. The deceased are Samuel. who died at the age of eighty years; William, at the age of eighty-six years; Joseph, at the age of eighty years; Rachel, at the age of sixty-eight years; Hannah at the age of seventy-seven years; Jane, at the age of forty-five years; and Sarah at the age of seventy years. The seven still living are Ann, aged eighty-one; Mary, seventy-nine; John, seventy-seven; Jessie. seventy- five; Coombs, seventy-two; Ruth, seventy; and George, sixty-five, making an average of the children a little more than seventy-three years. The de- scendants reaching the fourth generation are well scattered over southern New Jersey, and many have gone to other states.
Coombs Ackley received in the public school what education he obtained. -and assisted his father in the farm until 1849, when he was married to Miss Jane Parvin, now deceased, a daughter of Lemuel Parvin, then the owner of the mill property. The next year he began work for his father-in-law in the sawmill, and continued in his employ for seventeen years, or until 1867,
II-E
66
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST
when he purchased the mill property of one hundred and fifty acres. The work done in the mill at that time was with the old "up-and-down" (vertical) saw; and though the work was done more slowly than in these days of cir- cular saws there was a ready market for all kinds of lumber and it brought good prices, so that the property was paid for in a few years; and from seven to eight hundred acres have been added, seventy acres being used for farm- ing. The pond or lake situated on Muddy run covers an area of one hundred acres or more, and is one of the prettiest bodies of water in south Jersey. It has become a popular resort for Sunday-school and lodge picnics, as it is where a quiet, restful day is sought in the woods and where boating is a favorite pastime.
Coombs and Jane Ackley had five children, four of whom are still living. Their names are William, deceased; Christianna P .; Sarah J .; Emma S .; and Ida P. In politics Coombs Ackley is a Democrat. He served the county as a freeholder in 1863-4-5, during the civil war, when large sums of money had to be raised for bounty. He has also served at various times as a member of the township committee and commissioner of appeals, is quiet and unassum- ing in manner, never seeking office nor popularity. He is a trustee and steward of the Union Grove Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an honored member and liberal contributor, always interested in the promotion of any good work and held in respect and esteem by his neighbors and many friends.
AARON HURFF.
Aaron Hurff, one of the prominent residents of Swedesboro, Gloucester county, is descended from ancestry whose connection with the affairs of this country antedates the Revolutionary war. His grandparents, Conrad and Jerusha Hurff, were born, reared and married in Holland, and determin- ing to seek a home in America, they crossed the Atlantic, becoming early settlers near what is now Blackwood, near Woodbury, New Jersey. Their children were: John, who lived and died in Blackwood; Henry; George; Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. Thomas W. Davidson; Mrs. Ann Cheeseman, and Isaac.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.