USA > New Jersey > Burlington County > Burlington > History of Burlington and Mercer counties, New Jersey : with biographical sketches of many of their pioneers and prominent men > Part 72
USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > History of Burlington and Mercer counties, New Jersey : with biographical sketches of many of their pioneers and prominent men > Part 72
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In 1837 he purchased a Cannon stove in Pittsburgh, Pa., took it to Mount Carmel, placed it in his store there, and was the first to burn bituminous coal iu Southern Illinois. Returning to Wilkesbarre in 1846, he continued his mercantile operations in the city until 1857, and during this time laid out six acres more into lots and streets, a part of the homestead property, which forms a part of the city of Wilkes- barre. He was closely identified with the eommer- cial and banking interests of the city, was one of the founders of the old Wyoming Bank at Wilkesbarre, a director of the same for many years, and both he and his father were among the original subscribers to its stock, and he was one of the founders of the Wilkes- barre Water Company, a director until 1866, and still retains his connection with it in 1SS2.
Mr. Wood settled. at Mount Holly, N. J., in 1865, but not finding the place desirable for a residence, and restless under inactivity after an active business life, lie settled in Trenton in 1866, where, although not giving his whole time to business, he has operated quite extensively in real estate, and caused the eree- tion of some of the most substantial buildings in the city. In early manhood he was interested in military organizations, and for sixteen years belonged to the State militia of Pennsylvania, rising through the various grades of office to the rank of major. He is a man of correct habits, quick perception in matters of business, and has ever been known as a man of strict integrity in all his business relations.
The ancestors of this family were Episcopalians, but his father's family and his own have been identi- fied with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
His first wife, a devoted mother and Christian woman, died, leaving the following children: Mary J., George (died at the age of eighteen), Esther, aud
Sarah. His present wife is Eliza, danghter of Capt. Thomas Coward, of Baltimore, Md., who followed the sea for twenty-five years.
Isaae, fifth son of Moses Wood, was born April 15, 1815. He grew up in the village of Wilkesbarre, Pa., where his father had settled. While still a lad he en- tered upon the mercantile business, in which he con- tinned for many years, and retired, having amassed a handsome fortune. He was prominent in many busi- ness enterprises, being one of the projectors of the Wilkesbarre Water Company, and for many years, in connection with his brother William, held a control- ling interest in its stock. From about 1856 to 1860 he was president of the Dundee Coal Company, which sunk the deepest shaft that had ever been sunk in the United States up to that time, some eight hun- dred and ten feet deep. He was also treasurer and a director of the Nanticoke Railroad Company. For twenty years or more he was a director in the Wyom- ing National Bank at Wilkesbarre. He was also for many years a member of the Town Council. He is a member and officially connected with the Methodist Church, and a liberal contributor to its support. In 1868 he removed to Trenton, N. J., where he has since resided.
He married June 1, 1842, Emily H. Wells, daugh- ter of Deacon Ira Wells, of East Windsor, Conn., and granddaughter of Hezekiah Wells, a captain in the Revolutionary army, whose wife, Sarah Trumbull, was of the same ancestry as the celebrated Jonathan Trumbull, Washington's familiar friend, and popu- larly known in American history as "Brother Jona- than."
HON. JOIIN HART BREWER.
John Hart Brewer, the Rebublican member of Con- gress from the Second District of New Jersey, is a conspicuous example of that proud feature of Ameri- ean social and political life,-self-made men. From an humble boyhood he has raised himself' by in- domitable industry, enterprise, and skill to the posi- tion of one of the leading manufacturers in the country. He was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., March 29, 1844, and comes of the best old patriotic New Jersey stock, being a lineal descendant on his mother's side of John Hart, the signer of the Decla- ration of Independence.
He was given a liberal English education, and at an early age began business on his own account at Delhi, N. Y. Two years later he bought an interest in the Etruria Pottery-Works, of Trenton, N. J., and a few years later, on the retirement of a member of the firm, became equal partner with Mr. Joseph Ott, the firm now being Ott & Brewer. Mr. Brewer has always been one of the most enterprising and progres- sive of the Trenton potters, and the wonderful growth of the interest in that city is due in no small degree to the zeal and ability with which he has pushed its
745
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
development. He has had a higher conception of sands being printed to supply the demand. His the legitimate mission and possibilities of the pottery , speech on the life saving service was also a masterly manufacture than most people. He is a potter in effort. He is one of the most useful and influential members that New Jersey ever had in the House of : Representatives. He will be returned almost without opposition. something larger and broader than in a merely mer- eenary, money-making sense. He has sought to na- tionalize the interest, and has never ceased to labor to fire his brother potters with an ambition to make it something greater and nobler than a local interest and mere manufacture of dishes. He has urged it ADAM EXTON. forward from achievement to achievement, and is never satisfied to have it stand still and settle down content with its present advancement.
His aetive brain is constantly devi ing and sug- gesting new fields to occupy, new improvements, and new means of advancing the fortunes and repute of the industry. He has been ambitious to have Tren- ton known as the "Staffordshire of America," and to this end he has devoted all his energies in the busi- ness. Of course he has made money, but money- making has not been the main object of his ambition. He wants Trenton to be known and honored as the seat of a great artistie industry. To promote these ends he has displayed great enterprise and sagacity. It was for this purpose that he suggested and suecess- fully organized the " United States Potters' Associa- tion," an organization that has for six years past done muel to unify, strengthen, and advance the interests of the pottery trade of this country. He was seere- tary of the Trenton Potters' Association from its for- mation, became secretary of the National Association when it was organized, and two years ago was elected president of the latter association. He has always been looked to by those in the trade as the man to lead in all progressive movements, and to protect it from the assaults of the free-traders. Whenever its interests have been threatened at Washington, Mr. Brewer has been the man selected to visit the national capital to avert the menaced attack.
He is, consequently, thoroughly versed in the tariff question, and no man could be selected who can bet- ter and more ably represent that industrial district in the national councils. His capacity for legislative duties was triumphantly tested a few years ago by his election to the State Legislature of New Jersey from a strongly Democratic district. He served his con- stituents with marked ability and satisfaction. He was elected to the Forty-seventh Congress by a vote of 18,580 against 16,536 for the Democratic candidate, and 342 Greenback votes. Personally Mr. Brewer is a young man of a high order of intelligence, of irre- proachable character, of indomitable resolution, pro- gressive and enterprising, politically and ceonomieally, of engaging manners, warm-hearted and generous.
Adam Exton is the grandson of an officer of the English army, who married Betty Platt, of Chorley, Lancashire, England. Their only son, William, was a local preacher of the Wesleyan denomination, and a leader in the reform labor movement. He was a man of note, and a practical machinist as well as an eloquent preacher. He married Mary Turner, of Euxton Barth, Lancashire, and had eleven children, of whom Adam, the third son, was born at the latter place, July 5, 1823. His education was obtained under circumstances of the utmost difficulty. At eiglit years of age he was placed at work in a cotton- mill, his only opportunities of learning having been at Sunday-school and at night schools. The small fee demanded at the latter he paid with earnings gained by working overtime at the mill, his regular wages being given intact to his parents. His progress was as rapid as his exertions were earnest and perse- vering. His reading having been mainly directed to works of travel, especially those relating to the United States, he determined before the age of sixteen to emigrate to America. Having encountered some ob- stacles to this selieme, he at a later date sailed with his brother and landed in New York on the 10th of May, 1842. The lads started soon after for Philadel- phia, and on their arrival at Trenton Adam seeured employment on a farm. His tastes having been directed to mechanical employments he obtained a position in a manufactory of prints, and a year later accepted a more advantageous offer in a cotton-mill. He was, on the 17th of February, 1845, united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Apsden. Mr. Exton pur- chased soon after a tract of land, upon which he erected two frame houses, in one of which he estab- lished a bread-, eake-, and cracker-bakery. The busi- ness was conducted with great energy, his labors being especially directed to the development of the cracker trade, to which he, in 1850, confined his whole attention. He invented a machine for moulding erackers, to supersede the process by hand, and also one equally perfeet for rolling and docking, on both of which he took out letters patent in 1861. In ISCC machines for making fancy crackers and scroll-biscuits were also patented. Various other inventions of a labor-saving elmaraeter have since been seeured by patents and put into use, and the manufactory, which is much increased in capacity, is one of the most com- plete in the country. The Exton crackers are univer- sally known, and have secured awards from the juries
Although Mr. Brewer has not quite served one terni in Congress, he has already become a man of mark in that body, and has won distinction in two or three speeches on important national topies. His speech on the tariff was one of the best of the session, and attracted attention all over the Union, tens of thou- : of numerous competitive exhibitions, the Centennial
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Gulary Pat Co. Friland.
Adam Exton
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Peter Tell í
--
Jesse Can
747
CITY OF TRENTON.
Exhibition being among the number. Mr. Exton, having become thoroughly identified with his adopted country, has manifested a deep interest in its progress, and especially in all measures for the improvement of the city of Trenton. He has filled successive offices of trust, and was for many years prominent in the transactions of the City Council, serving as chairman of the highway committee. He has been sinee its organization connected with the Trenton Board of Trade, and was in 1876 elected president of the Tren- ton Horse Railway Company. Mr. Exton may be justly regarded as one of the representative and suc- cessful men of the city of his residence.
PETER FELL.
The Fell family are of German extraction, and were former residents of Limbach, in Bavaria, from whence Peter Fell, the father of the subject of this biographieal sketeh, emigrated to America in 1832. Having landed in New York, he later removed to Pennsylvania, and engaged as teamster for a flouring- mill. The year following found him in Trenton, where he also followed the business of teaming. Here he was the same year joined by his wife, Catherine, and six children, who made the city their home. Mr. and Mrs. Fell had eight children, -Sophia (who be- came Mrs. John Kafer), Peter, Daniel, Mary (who married Henry Mohrfield), John B., William W., Elizabeth, and one who died in childhood. The death of Mr. Fell oceurred in Trenton.
His wife survives and resides with her son Peter, whose life is here briefly sketched. He was born July 10, 1824, in Limbach, Bavaria, and in company with his grandfather and eldest sister eame to America in 1833, when but nine years of age.
He on reaching Trenton at once found employment in a brick-yard, and having begum at the foot of this ladder of industry, advaneed through all its various grades until he became a prominent manufacturer. In 1852 he, in connection with his brother Daniel, purchased a briek-yard, which they continued jointly to own until 1859, when he secured another yard, of which he was sole owner.
In 1860 he formed a copartnership with S. T. Fur- man, which continued for nine years, when the prop- erty was sold and his present extensive brick-yard purchased.
Mr. Fell was in 1852 married to Miss Emerenzia Schmidt, of Trenton, to whom were born ehildren,- Albert, Frederick, Louis, and Peter, the latter two being deceased. The surviving sons are associated with their father in business.
try in Trenton. His wares are conceded to be su- perior in quality, and find a ready market in all parts of the country. The briek business of Trenton has been monopolized by the family, all the brothers having been engaged in the making of the popular Trenton pressed brick.
In politics Mr. Fell is a Republiean, though with little ambition for the exeitements attending a political career. In his religious faith he is a Lutheran, and a supporter of the German Lutheran Church of Tren- ton, of which Mrs. Fell is a member.
JESSE DEAN.
The Dean family are of English extraction, the grandfather of Jesse, who was George Dean, having been manager of the pottery of Samuel Alcock & Co., Burslem, Staffordshire, England, extensively known as the " Hill Pottery." He was one of the earliest manufacturers of china in England. Mr. Dean was the father of nine children, among whom was George, who filled a conspicuous position as a skillful Parian figure maker in the Hill Pottery.
He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Steele, of Hanley, Staffordshire, England, and had children,- Jesse, Anne, Elizabeth, Martha, and George. The latter of this number is deceased, and the remaining four are residing in the United States.
Jesse was born in Hanley, Oct. 12, 1845, and having lost his father at an early age, spent his childhood in assisting his mother in the maintenance of the family. He served an apprenticeship at the Hill Pottery as a china decorator, after which he followed his eraft at Cobridge, Staffordshire, England, until 1866.
A much wider field for his exertions having opened in America, he emigrated in 1866 and landed in New York ; remained one year in the city, when he removed to Trenton. Here he established himself as a deeora- tor, and having met with much encouragement later purchased property, which he improved, and eventu- ally developed an extensive business.
He confines himself exclusively to the decoration of china and glass, and is also an importer of a fine grade of china.
Fifty. five artisans and assistants are employed in the various departments, and orders are received from all parts of the country, the jobbing trade being alone supplied. Having started with no capital other than the skill acquired in his trade, Mr. Dean has by his own unaided efforts placed himself at the head of the china decorating interests of Trenton. Jesse Dean is married to Mrs. Harriet Steele, daughter of Richard Millington, one of the earliest potters in Trenton, and founder of the pottery of Thomas Maddock & Co.
Mr. Dean is a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows of Trenton, of the Ancient Order of Red Men, and of the Sons of St. George. He is de- voted to his various business interests, which afford
Mr. Fell is a very marked example of the suceess which is attained by industry and sound judgment. Beginning life with no advantages, and having to de- pend upon the labor of his hands for subsistence, he has fought and overeome all obstacles and placed himself at the head of his peculiar branch of indus- 'jittie time for matters of social or political import.
748
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER LXIV.
THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG.
Situation .- Chambersburg is located in the south- ern part of the county, contiguous to Trenton, from which it is separated by the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
Descriptive .- Chambersburg partakes rather of the characteristics of a suburban village than of those of a country borough. Its proximity to Tren- ton insures it advantages of which its citizens avail themselves.
The site of Chambersburg presents many eligible loeations for dwellings and manufacturing enter- prises. The principal part of the borough is con- nected directly with Trenton by the street railway, and nearly all parts are served with a mail delivery from the city post-offiee.
The borough has a commodious brick town hall on Broad Street, which was built in 1875.
Organization .- An aet was passed by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, April 2, 1872, by which a part of the township of Hamilton was incorporated into the borough of Chambersburg.
The name was in honor of Robert Chambers, a wealthy citizen of South Trenton, who owned the land, laid out the town, and commenced to build dwellings, factories, etc. We subjoin the following biographieal sketch of him :
ROBERT CHAMBERS, the founder of Chambers- burg, was born in East Windsor township, Middlesex County, now Washington township, Mercer County, N. J., July 2, 1788. He was second child and eldest son of Robert and Francinalı Reeder Chambers, whose children in priority of birth are as follows: Hannah, married Maj. Peter D. Cattel, of Bucks County, Pa. ; Robert, married Catharine, daughter of Abner and Margaret Van Dyke Houghton, of Mount Rose, Mer- cer Co., N. J. ; Abigail, married Dr. John A. Hendry, of New York City ; Reeder, married Jemimah, daugh- ter of Asher Howell, of Ewing, Mereer Co .. N. J .; Montgomery, physician of Philadelphia, married Eliza, daughter of Dr. Duffield, Philadelphia ; Fran- ces, married Samuel W. Hollinshead, of New York City ; David, married Catharine, daughter of Gen. Price, of Ringoes, N. J .; Andrew Recder, merchant in Philadelphia, married Sarah Ann, daughter of William Hyde, of Philadelphia.
The subject of this sketch is directly descended from a long line of pious ancestors, dating back to the religious persecutions in Flanders, whence they fled to Scotland, and whose descendants, again suffer- ing persecution on account of their religion, sought refuge in America.
The first of the name Chambers of which we have any record as early settlers of Jersey came from Ed- inburgh, Scotland, in the ship " Henry and Francis,"
which sailed from Scotland Aug. 1, 1685. arrived at New Perth, now Perth Amboy, November, 1685.
Among the fifty-six passengers were Joli, Robert. and Marion Chambers. John and Robert settled in Piscataway and other parts of Middlesex County, N. J. Marion went West, and was the founder of Chambersburg, Pa. John Chambers, the grandson of John (who was past middle life when he ename to America), was judge of Perth Amboy and New York (both being under one Governor at that time). after whom Chambers Street, New York, was named; he died without male issue in New York City, 1764. Robert, the subject of this sketch. is in the seventh generation from Robert Chambers, of Edinburgh. namely : 1st, Robert, of Edinburgh, Scotland; 2d, John, Sr., of Piseataway and Allentown, N. J. ; 3d, John, Jr., of same places; 4th, Robert, of Windsor township; 5th, Robert, of Windsor township; 6th, Robert, of Trenton ; 7th, Robert, of Trenton.
The descendants of these worthy pioneers have followed in their footsteps, and borne an honorable record in church and State. Robert, of the sixth generation, and father of the founder of Chambers- burg, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. In the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is a " fifty-dollar Continental note which Capt. Robert Chambers re- ceived as part pay for services." He took part in the battle of Treuton, although but eighteen years old, as did his brother David and his three cousins, sons of John, of Trenton (who was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, 1760). On that memorable morning, after Washington had erossed the Delaware, these sons of Joli of Trenton were put in the front ranks as pioneers on account of their familiarity with the place ; and as they passed their father's house (who was sick in bed) they spied their mother, who was eagerly watching for them, but could not recognize them, so war-worn and shabby were they. They shouted " Mother!" " Oh " she cried, " my sons, my sons, you are going to be killed !"' " No, mother, with the help of God we will set you free this day !" This noble sentiment was shouted by their comrades as they passed on.
Robert Chambers, of the seventh generation, and who founded Chambersburg, Mereer Co., N. J., in 1856, had six children, namely, Abner Houghton. Theodore Van Dyke, Margaret Matilda, Abner Reeder, Robert, and Mary Franees.
Abner Houghton, Robert, and Mary Frances died in childhood. Theodore Van Dyke died in 1867 without issue. Margaret Matilda Hall and Abner Reeder Chambers are now his only surviving chil- dren.
Ifc was a man of sterling worth and great mental ability and foresight. He was a merchant in Tren- ton, but on account of ill health retired from busi- ness in early life. For many years he heldl the office of county judge, and during his term of office Prince Murat, while a resident of Bordentown, appeared be-
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Robert Chamburg
749
THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG.
fore him in a suit as defendant, and often in after-life he spoke of the very pleasant and gentlemanly bear- ing of the prince.
With a strong appreciation of justice and equity, which he was willing to extend to all, he was equally tenacious of his own rights, Chambers Street in Princeton was opened and named by him.
He was genial and confiding, noted for his hospi- tality, and ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy. He was a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton forty-seven years. He died Feb. 22, 1865, in New York City, at the resi- dence of his son-in-law, Dr. Edward Hall, firm in the faith of his fathers, a triumphant and happy death. His funeral took place from the residence of his son, Abner R. Chambers, Trenton, N. J., on the 27th. His remains were laid in the family vault, Trenton. He taught his children how to live, he taught them how to die. 4
Civil List. MAYORS.
Jantes G. West, 1872. John II. Johnson, 1873.
David C. Reilon, 1874-75.
John V. Powers, 1876-77.
IIrmy D. Sendder, 1878-79. William II. McCoy, ISSO. James Witherington, 1881.
COUNCILMEN.
Henry L. Ashmore, 1872-73.
Charles Carr, 1872-74.
Henry Eversham, 1572.
James Witherington, 1875.
Poter Fushman, 1872.
Stewart D. South, 1876-77.
Moses Golden, 1872.
,Rob-rt R. Hill, 1872.
George W. Kemp, 1876-77, 1879-80. Christian Guentl:er, 1876-77. David Haas, 1576-77. Philip Connell, 1877.
Francis Lowthrope, 1872. Joseph Mack, 1872.
Charles Swain, 1872-73.
Augustus Butcher, 1877.
George R. Whittaker, 1872.
Albert B. Gillingham, 1877.
Wilson Skelton, 1873.
Francis C. Louthrop, Jr., 1877-78.
George R Morse, 1878-79. Henry Plegar, 1878-79.
James McCulley, 1878-79. Henry R. Haven, 1878-79. Henry Ashbrandt, 1879-80. Jaques Coutwell, 1879-1880: George Lever, 1870-80. Robert B. Bouny, 1880-81. Robert Britton, 1880-81. F. Mathews, 1880-81. John Kendrick, 18:0-81. William Schmetzeisen, 1880-81. William Boroughs, 1881-82. William Dounelly, 1881.
- George Gill, 1ss1. George Leiver, 1881. William P. Wilson, 1881.
CLERKS.
John HI. Jolinson, 1872, 1874. Charles II. Howell, 1873. John Krumhollz, 1875. Joseph R. Sweeney, 1877.
Jolin Whalen, 1878. Julius Reid, 1879.
Edward B. Skellenger, 1880. Steward D. South, 1881.
.
ASSESSORS.
Abraham B. Stalts, 1872. William B. Risdon, 1874-76. Aaron Ilawkyard, 1873.
Thomas Butcher, Sr., 1877-79. Richard Hammell, 1880. L. C. Moore, 1881.
COLLECTORS.
Suinnel W. Foster, 1872-74. Isanc R. Hughes, 1875, 1877.
Juhu II. Johnson, 1877-73.
COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL.
Isaac R. Ilughes, 1872.
: EIward Reidle, 1877, 1878.
Wilson Skelton, 1872.
Thomas Oaks, IST8.
William R. Risdon, 1872.
Samuel W. Foster, 1879.
John Curns, 1874.
Alexander V. Manning, 1874.
Charles Whitehead, 1874-77, 1881.
Charles S. Boyd, 1875.
W. C. Boroughs, 1880.
Charles W. Parrish, 1875, 1876. Isaac Runner, 1880.
James G. West. 1876.
Wilham Lovett, 1881.
Michael Farrell, 1877, IS7S.
Albert Gillingham, 1881.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
John V. Powers, 1874.
Joseph Christopher, 1878.
Charles Swain, 1875, 1876. Charles Larvison, 1879.
Alexander V. Manning, 1877.
¡ Amos B. Scud ler, 1880, 1881.
JUDGES OF ELECTION.
Michael McGowan, 1872-74.
· J. W. Curns,2 1879.
Charles Marclaskey, 1875, 1876. ¡ Charles Berkholtz,1 1880. Frank II. Bond,2 1820.
Thomas Ivins, 1877.
Johu Patterson,1 1878.
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