USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 43
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BENJAMIN FISH CHAMBERS, son of John S. and Emma M. Chambers, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, August 15th, 1850. He was prepared for college at the Trenton Academy under the instruction of Mr. George S. Grosvenor, and entered the Sophomore Class at Princeton and graduated in 1872. He studied law in the office of Mr. James S. Aitkin and was admitted to the bar as an attorney in 1875, and as counselor-at-law in 1878. In 1884 he was elected on the Republican ticket
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to the House of Assembly from the Second district of Mercer county. During the session he served as Chairman of the Committee on Militia and member of the Committees on Revision of the Laws and the School for Deaf-Mutes. He was an active member of the National Guard for several years, enlisting as a private in Company A, Seventh Regiment, March 17th, 1873 ; was promoted Captain and Judge Advocate of the Seventh Regiment August 10th, 1877 ; elected Major March 25th, 1879, and Lieutenant-Colonel April 7th, 1880. On April 24th, 1882, Major-General Mott appointed him Assistant Adjutant-General of the Division, with the rank of Colonel, which he resigned shortly after the death of General Mott. He was Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church for nine years, which position he held at the time of his death, August 22d, 1885.
MICHAEL J. SOLAN was born in England March 19th, 1855. He came to the United States in 1862, and located at Pennington, New Jersey, but after living there one year, removed to Trenton. His early education was obtained in England and Pennington. Later he attended the even- ing sessions of St. John's Parochial Sehool, in Trenton. While working at his trade of chain-making he managed to secure a further course at Rider's Business College. He con- tinued at chain-making for seven years, when he became warehouseman for Joseph H. Moore's pottery. After associating himself with the American Crockery Company and as foreman of the kiln-yard at Willets' pottery, he successfully engaged for two years in the local express business. In 1887 and 1888 he was made Tax Collector and Overseer of the Poor for Millham township, after which time the township was annexed to the eity of Trenton. In 1891 he was elected Poliec Justice for a term of three years, but was legislated out of office. He was appointed Clerk to the newly-elected Justice, and later was made Clerk to the Board of Police Commissioners, having held the latter position two years. He is in the real estate business, having an office at 12 East State street. He is an ex-Master Workman of the Knights of Labor. In 1880 he married Eliza Corbitt, of Trenton. Mr. Solan has read law MICHAEL J. SOLAN. for two years. He first entered the office of the late A. J. Smith, and was afterward regis- tered with the present City Solicitor, John Rellstab. His administration of the offiec of Police Justice gave general satisfaction. While filling the office of Clerk of the Police Court and also Clerk for the Board of Police Commissioners, he was highly complimented by the board for the concise and correct manner in which he kept the records of the police department.
WILLIAM H. MUTCHLER was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 21st, 1840. When he was only ten years of age he came to Trenton, and has made this his home ever sinee. He was educated at the public schools of this city, and early in life went with the Trenton Agricul- tural Works to learn to be a machinist. He learned his trade there, and worked in the same shop thirty-two years, most of that time being foreman of the machine shop. Mr. Mutchler is a thorough mechanic, and is master of his trade from beginning to end. In May, 1892, he was made Overseer of the Poor, and discharged the duties of his office with remarkable fidelity. Mr. Mutchler belongs to Concordia Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., and the Ancient Order of United Work- men. In 1863, he was married to Phobe Watson, of Bueks county, Pennsylvania.
SAMUEL HEATH.
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SAMUEL HEATH was born and spent his early life on a farm in Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania. In 1859, he moved to Trenton and engaged in the milk business, serving, for one year, milk from the Atterbury farm. He then opened a grocery store on North Warren street, and was there for eight years. During this time Mr. Heath became associated with Peter Fell in the manu- facture of bricks. For several years he was engaged in the lumber business. In 1862, the firm of Richardson & Heath was formed, composed of Joseph B. Richardson and Samuel Heath. After two or three years this firm was dissolved, and since then Mr. Heath has been conducting business alone at Nos. 334 and 336 Perry street. He deals in lumber, lime, coal, cement and builders' materials, and enjoys a large trade. About two years ago the Trenton Match Company was started, with Mr. Heath as President and Treasurer, positions which he still holds. The match factory is located on Esher street, and is in successful operation. He was a member of Common Council for two years, serving as Chairman of the Poor Committee and also of the License Committee. Through his efforts were secured better treatment and fare for the women who were unfortunate enough to be inmates of the Almshouse, and the men, who were able, made to work on the poor- farm. He also fixed the license fee in the city at $200, but lacked support, and finding that he was unable to carry out his ideas, Mr. Heath declined to stand for a second term. More than thirty years ago he married Mary E. Robinson, of this city. Their eldest son, Frank, is a member of the firm of Fell & Heath, briek manufacturers. Their second son, Charles, is connected with the Trenton Match Company. Their third son, Howard, is in his father's office.
ISRAEL HOWELL was born in Trenton, April 20th, 1820. His schooling was very limited, being a student in the old Eight-Square School House. Until he was fifteen years of age he spent most of his time on a farm. At that age he was apprenticed to Mr. Wooleston Redmond, a shoemaker, with whom he served five years. In 1841 he commeneed the shoe business for himself, and until 1865 his store was on the northeast corner of Perry and Warren streets. In that year he moved to No. 105 East State street, where he conducted the shoe business until 1871, when he was appointed Postmaster of the city. After his term expired he opened a real estate and insurance office on the second floor of No. 105 East State street, and has since been actively engaged in this business. He has been connected with most of the land associations which have been started here during the past ten years, and has acted as President of the following : The Economy Land Association, Linden Park Land Association, Union Land Association, Hamilton Avenue Land Association, Greenwood Avenue and East State Street Land Associa- tion, and the Broad Street Land Association. In 1882 he bought the marble-yard of Mr. John D. Payran, and shortly after the death of Mr. Luther Ward, Mr. Howell purchased Mr. Ward's marble-yard. These two yards ISRAEL HOWELL. have been consolidated and are still the property of Mr. Howell. He has also been a Director in the Broad Street Bank since its organization. Mr. Howell has also been connected with the building and loan associations, having been the President of the East Trenton Land and Building Association. Among his political positions have been that of Tax Collector for the First ward two years, member of Common Council for two terms, Coroner for three years from 1852, and Justice of the Peace for about fifteen years before he was appointed Postmaster, and again ever since he retired from the Postmastership. On February 11th, 1839, Mr. Howell joined the old Greene Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and was instrumental in forming the Clinton Avenue Church. Sinee August 1st, 1843, Mr. Howell has been a member of Trenton Lodge, No. 3, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed through all the chairs and is now Past Grand. Mr. Howell was married in 1841 to Sarah Carter, of Trenton, who died in 1854. June 26th, 1860, Mr. Howell was married to Susan Earlin, of Pemberton, New Jersey.
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JOHN H. WHITTAKER was born in Trenton in the year 1836. He was educated at the Trenton Academy and the Philadelphia School of Drawing. After graduating as a surveyor and architect he located in Trenton, and has since followed these professions. For eight years he was official sur- veyor for the borough of Chambersburg, and for five years held a like position for the borough of Wilbur. While in these positions he made the borough atlas and all the maps for both boroughs, and is now engaged on important atlas and map work for Wilbur. He has done a great deal of national and State work. For eight years he was engaged on the celebrated Ocean Beach law case. As an architect he has made a reputation. Many of the prominent public and private buildings of this city and throughout the State were erected according to plans submitted by him. Among these are Chambersburg Borough Hall, Hamilton Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Hopewell Catholic Church, Centennial Public School building and Edward H. Stokes' "Woodlawn " build- ings. In 1861 he married Miss Wyckoff, of Cranbury, New Jersey. His father, John Whittaker, was at one time the owner of the greater part of what is now known as the Third ward.
GEORGE FITZGEORGE was born in England, in 1826. In 1845, he came to America, locating in the city of Paterson, where he worked at the trade of shoemaking. He came to Trenton in 1853, selling the daily papers of New York and Philadelphia, as well as the dailies and weeklies of Trenton. He opened a store on Broad street where is now located the Washington Market. The business proved so pros- perous that he opened a store in the old post-office, which he occupied for fifteen years. When the Wash- ington Market was built, Mr. Fitzgeorge was compelled to relinquish the store which stood on the site. He has been Superintendent of Washington Market for a number of years, transacting all the business of the Washington Market Association. He was a Director of the City Railway Company prior to its consolidation, and was instrumental in the introduction of many im- provements in its transportation service. In 1876, Mr. Fitzgeorge disposed of his large paper business. In 1850, Mr. Fitzgeorge married Anne Elizabeth Booth, of Philadelphia. Of his children, there are Edwin, a book and job printer ; George T., a druggist ; Mrs. Harry Crook, Mrs. Albert West, and Frank Fitzgeorge, who is engaged in the plumbing trade. He is a member of GEORGE FITZGEORGE. Mercer Lodge, No. 50, F. and A. M., has been its Treasurer for eighteen successive years, and at the recent election was re-elected to the office unani- mously. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the old Union Street M. E. Church when it was in existence, and afterward united with the Central M. E. Church when it was organized. He was one of the principals in the organization, was a member of its first Board of Trustees, has continued to be a member until the present day, and is the only one of the original board left.
JOSEPH A. SOUTHWICK, manager of the Southwick Combination Stores, was born in Trenton in 1837. He entered the dry goods business before he was fifteen years of age. When Henderson G. Seudder opened his dry goods store in Trenton, in 1852, Mr. Southwick was engaged as the first clerk. In 1854 Mr. Southwick went to Philadelphia, and was in Blye's store, at the corner of Ninth and AArch streets. After six years with Mr. Blye, he opened a store of his own, on South Eighth street, and continued in the dry goods business there until 1875, when he removed to Eley- enth and Chestnut streets, and occupied that large store for several years. In 1883 he came to Trenton and opened the Southwick Combination Stores, 37 East State street. The business was very successful, and in 1892 Mr. Southwick secured the double communicating stores in the Y. M. C. A. Building, which was not then finished. They were fitted up under his personal supervision, with necessary conveniences. In October, 1892, he moved into the new stores. Mr. Southwick has been identified with Masonic bodies for many years, has filled many of the prominent posi-
JOSEPH A. SOUTHWICK.
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tions in the different branches of the order and still continues his membership with his old Philadel- phia lodges, in preference to being dimitted to the lodges of his present home. He married Ellen Matthias in 1863. Mr. Southwick comes from one of the oldest families in Trenton. His grand- mother, Sarah Moore, was the last survivor of the committee of thirteen young ladies who received General George Washington upon his triumphal march through Trenton. She died at the extreme age of ninety-six years, and is buried in the First Presbyterian churchyard. At the time of the Revolutionary war the Southwick family resided on Warren street, next to the now Trenton House. Captain Moore, a brother of Mr. Southwick's grandmother, was killed in the battle of Princeton.
JOHN B. FELL was born in Trenton, August 26th, 1836. At ten years of age he started in to learn briekmaking, which he worked at eleven years. He next engaged in the grocery business, following that line several years. In 1866 he was appointed Marshal in the State Prison, serving under Peter P. Robin- son, until a change in polities caused his removal. He and Mr. Roberts bought the interest of Peter Fell in the briek- yard on Princeton avenue, where he is still doing business under the firm name of Fell & Roberts. Mr. Fell was made Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly in 1876, and his popularity led to his re-election to that position four consecutive years. He served on the Excise Board six years from 1883, and is now a member of the Battle Monument Commission, having taken the place of the late Dr. John Woolverton. He was Assistant Engineer in the old volunteer fire depart- ment, under John A. Weart, and is a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association. On October 21st, 1857, he was married to Mary C. Blew, of Princeton, New Jersey, and four children have been born to them, two of whom are living.
JOHN B. FELL.
ECKFORD MOORE was born in Trenton, New Jersey, October 29th, 1848. He was educated at the State Model School and Trenton Academy, afterward taking a full course at the Polytechnic College, Philadelphia, to fit him for the profession of a mining engineer. He never followed this vocation, however, but came to Trenton and engaged in the business of wholesale notions with the firm of Howell, Richards & Co., with whom he stayed four years. Mr. Moore has always been prominent in polities, and is a Democrat of the progressive type. His first exertions for politi- cal honors were made in 1877, when he was nominated for Assem- blyman, and won the election after a hard fight. He was re- elected in 1878, but met defeat in 1880, when he ran for Senator, the county of Mereer being overwhelmingly Republican. In the year 1881, he was again eleeted to the Assembly. He was ap- pointed to fill the unexpired term of City Clerk Earley, who re- signed, and at the expiration of that time was elected to the same position for a full term. In 1886, he was the appointee of Presi- dent Cleveland for Postmaster, and he filled this office with eredit to himself and benefit to the people. He has been a member of ECK FORD MOORE. the Trenton Battle Monument Association since its organization, and is now its Secretary. He was appointed Colonel and Aide- de-Camp on the staff of Governor Ludlow April 19th, 1881, and Colonel and Aide-de-Camp on the staff of Governor Abbett April 29th, 1884. His father was Mr. Charles Moore, one of the original proprietors of the Moore Flour Mills, situated on South Warren street. In 1871, Colonel Moore was married to Anna S. Temple, of Trenton. They reside at 141 East State street, where Colonel Moore has lived since 1850.
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CHARLES B. CASE was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in 1860, where he was educated. In 1878 he was graduated from the Centenary Collegiate Institute, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and spent three years in Yale University. In 1881 he came to Trenton and studied law with Judge Buchanan. Mr. Case abandoned the idea of entering upon the practice of law, and in 1884 became interested in real estate operations, forming a partnership with Sammel Walker, Jr. In 1886 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Case entered into partnership with Mr. Gardner H. Cain, under the firm name of Case & Cain. This young and progressive firm have handled a great deal of property and have done a very extensive business in real estate during the past eight years. Mr. Case holds the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Sabbath- school of the State Street M. E. Church. In 1890 he was married to Florence N., daughter of Mr. Henry C. Case.
ROBERT B. BONNEY was born at New Brunswick in 1845. After a complete course at the public and gram- mar schools of his native city, he matriculated at Rut- gers College. He then entered one of the dry goods stores of New Brunswick as clerk. In 1872, he was appointed to a clerkship in the New Jersey State Prison and at once moved to Trenton. He continued in his position until 1890. Since then he has been in the general cartage and street-sprinkling business, and has had charge of the main office of the Sanitary Potters' Association. His office is in the Masonic Temple building, corner State and Warren streets. For nearly two terms Mr. Bonney served as a member of the Com- mon Council of the borough of Chambersburg, and dur- ROBERT B. BONNEY. ing that time he was Chairman of the Finance Committee and Superintendent of the borough water system. For four years he was one of the city Water Com- missioners and is now a member of the board for the second time. He has always taken a great interest in the water supply and the extension of the service. He is Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Clinton Avenue Baptist Church, and for fifteen years has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. In 1867, he married Katharine L. Sedam. They have one daughter, Mrs. Joseph D. Arrison, of New York City.
WILLIAM H. WHITE was born about three miles above Trenton, August 18th, 1832. His education was such as his energetie spirit could secure during leisure hours. He came to Trenton when eighteen years of age and worked for the firm of Upton & Miller, tin- smiths. At the age of twenty-two he started for himself, occupying the corner of State and Warren streets. After three years James Wylie was admitted as a partner. In the year 1858 the business was removed to its present location, 118 North Broad street. The space then occupied, however, was a room only ten by twenty feet. For four years George Burling was a partner. He withdrew about 1872. Then Mr. White's brother, John W., became his part- ner until the spring of 1876, when he resigned. Mr. White carried on the business alone until 1890, when his WILLIAM H WHITE. two sons, Howard and William J., were admitted. This firm was again changed after one year had elapsed, Howard White having assumed the management of the White Cycle Company. At present it is William H. White & Son, the latter being William J. Through changes the business has seen no alteration except continued prosperity. The objects of the firm are trading in stoves, and a specialty is made of plumbing, tin-roofing and sheet-iron work.
CHARLES B. CASE.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
ALEXANDER H. RICKEY is a native of Trenton, having been born here August 6th, 1847. His education was received in the public schools of this eity. Later he attended the Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York. He determined to study law, entering the office of Judge Alfred Reed. May 23d, 1864, he was tendered a elerkship in the Governor's office, and since 1866 he has been connected with the office of the Secretary of State. For many years he held the position of Chief Clerk, and since January 1st, 1890, he has been Assistant Secretary of State, invested by law with the same powers and to perform all the duties which are imposed by law upon the Secretary of State in his absence. He also occupied the very responsible position of Examiner of Banking and Insurance Companies under the Commissioner of Banks. Mr. Rickey has held a number of important positions in his native city. From 1871 to 1875 he was a member of Common Couneil from the Third ward, and during that time was Chairman of the Fire Committee and the City Hall Committee and was a member of the Finance Committee. Mr. Rickey is a member of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, F. and A. M., and Three-Times-Three Chapter. He was married in 1873 ALEXANDER H, RICKEY. to Miss Augusta Barkholtz, of this city. A son- Carlton Hamilton Rickey-is a student at Princeton College. Mr. Rickey is one of the most faithful and valuable officials that the State has ever had, and whilst not anxious for political
honors, is very conscientious in the discharge of the duties of his office.
FRANK M. WELLER was born in Tren- ton, October 29th, 1863. His education was obtained in the public schools and in the business college of Bryant & Stratton. He entered the United States service, as sea- man apprentice, on board the flagship of the European Squadron, the "Lancaster." Mr. Weller was with this squadron three years, visiting all the principal parts of the world. In 1884 the firm of Hirem Wel- ler's Sons was established, of which Frank M. Weller became a member. They engaged in an extensive business on Brunswick avenue, in river sand, hauling, as shipwrights, and also dealing in coal. He is the director of the finan- cial affairs of this successful firm. For ten years he has been an active Republican in the Seventh ward, evincing a lively interest in all that concerns the party. In the spring of 1894 he was honored by an election to Common Council. As a member of the Council he serves the city on the Park Committee, of which he is FRANK M. WELLER. Chairman, and has a place on the Street, Rail- road and Bridge, City Hall, Lamp, and Poor Committecs. Mr. Weller is thoroughly gratified if his efforts procure for his constituents and the eity any degree of profit and improvement. He married, in 1885, Florence Beulah, daughter of Hugo Franeis, of New York City. Two children grace the home of Mr. Weller-Chester Francis and Olive Moore.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
JOHN Q. GINNODO was born in Philadelphia, August 27th, 1849. For a few years he attended the public schools of his native city and then worked for the Bush Hill Iron Company, of Philadel- phia, learning the trade of roll-turning and general machinist. When the Rebellion commenced he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-second Regiment, Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and served one year. He then enlisted in the United States navy and served over two years. He was stationed in the navy yards of Phila- delphia, Brooklyn, Washington and Pensacola, most of the time being at the latter place. Having a very severe attack of the yellow fever he was offered a dis- charge on account of physical disability incurred in the service ; refusing this he accepted a discharge as a minor. He was unable to work in the iron mills, there- fore learned paperhanging and worked at this trade for about six years. He then took a position with the Edgemoor Iron Company, near Wilmington. In 1877 he came to Trenton. For three years he was employed by the Phoenix Iron Company, and during two years was in Cleveland, Ohio, working for the Otis Steel and Iron Company. Returning to Trenton he entered the employ of David Shaw, the paperhanger, of South War- ren street, and was engaged at his trade for three years or more. He then went back to roll-turning in the New JOHN Q. GINNODO. Jersey Steel and Iron Company's works and was em- ployed there over three years. Mr. Ginnodo has taken a great interest in politics ever since he went to the war. In the spring of 1894 he was elected to Common Council. He is a member of the Poor and Street Committees, and is Chairman of the Police Committee. Mr. Ginnodo is Past Commander of Aaron Wilkes Post, No. 23, G. A. R. July 13th, 1871, he was married to Harriet Massey, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
JOHN S. CHAMBERS was born in Trenton in 1823, and has always lived in the city. His early education was obtained at the Trenton Academy. Upon leaving the Academy, he for ten years devoted himself to farming. In the year 1856, on the 23d of June, he was elected Treasurer of the Trenton Gas Light Company. This was the first company formed in Trenton for the purpose of lighting the city. On June 8th, 1857, he was made a Director and General Manager, which offices he has held ever since. Following these years, Mr. Chambers' life was one of continued usefulness, occupying many positions of trust and responsibility. In early life he took a great interest in military affairs, and in 1843 became Corporal of Captain Samuel R. Hamilton's troop of cavalry. He was also an officer in Captain Samuel Dickinson's company of infantry, National Guard, in 1846. In those times the members of the company paid their own expenses. In 1861 Mr. Chambers joined Company A, Seventh Regiment, and was appointed Second Sergeant thereof. The company was then com- manded by Captain William R. Murphy. In the affairs of the fire department, Mr. Chambers was also interested. He was elected a member of the Union Fire Company in 1841. His popularity led to his election as Secretary of the company in 1846, and finally President in 1860. In 1859 he was elected a Trustee of the Trenton Academy, at the same time being made the Secretary, and in 1872 was made Treasurer. These several offices he held until December 11th, 1889, when the association was dissolved by the Court of Chancery, pursuant to petition of the proprietors. Mr. Chambers has also been connected with the Trenton Saving Fund Society since January 15th, 1859, when he was elected a Manager of the same. He resigned the office in March, 1866, and the same day, the 13th, was appointed Secretary and Treasurer. These offices he resigned August 28th, 1869. On the fourth of the following month, he was again elected to fill the position of Manager, but resigned on January 24th, 1871. For a third time, he was elected a Manager October 21st, 1884, and he has served in that capacity ever since. Recognizing his worth, the management of the Mechanics National Bank elected him a Director in January, 1879. He was elected Vice President in 1888, but declined to permit a re-election to either office in January, 1889. He was appointed
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