USA > New Jersey > Salem County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 10
USA > New Jersey > Gloucester County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 10
USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 10
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 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
-
:
-
104
HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY.
occupied the dwelling of his maternal great-grand- father, Alexander Grant. In 1799 he was married to Miss Hannah Carney, daughter of Thomas Carney. Esq., of Penn's Neck, a young lady of great personal at- tractions and handsome fortune ; and a few years later built the handsome residence on Market Street, which he occupied during his whole after-life. His wife dying young. he again married Miss Juliana E. Zantzinger, daughter of Paul Zantzinger, Esq., of Lancaster. Pa., and granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Barton. Of hi- four children by his first wife, two only survived him, viz., Anna G. Hubbell, widow of F. W. Hubbell, Esq., of Philadelphia, and the late Col. Robert C. Johnson, of Salem. In 1809, Col. Johnson received from Gov- ernor Williamson a commission as lieutenant-colonel of cavalry, and in 1817 the rank of full colonel was bestowed upon him. In 1833 he was appointed judge of the courts of Salem County, a position which he held for several terms. lle was also for many years trustee of the college at Newark, Del., and director and trustee of the theological seminary at Princeton. He was also a member of the State Legislature in 1825.
Col. Johnson, while filling public offices, was not forgetful of the interests of his native town, nor of his duties as a Christian. For many years of his life he was a regular attendant upon the Episcopal Church in Salem, and contributed to its support, and while he felt a respect and reverence towards all denominations that profess the name of Christ, his convictions had for a long time led him to prefer the Calvinistic doc-
byterian form of belief: but it was not until the year 1820 that he, with a few other gentlemen, saw the pathway open to the formation of the First Presby- terian Church in Salem. He donated half an acre of his ancestral property to the enterprise, and the foun- dation of a modest church edifice was soon laid. In the following year (1521) the little church was dedi- eated to the worship of Almighty God. Hle shortly afterwards connected himself with the church, was appointed first elder in 1823, and continued to be its benefactor. The primeval church has long since dis- appeared, and given place to a more pretentious build- ing, in better keeping with the march of improvement, the spirit of the times, and the increase of the con- gregation ; but the little "God's Aere," the quiet resting-place of the sleepers awaiting the resurrection morn, will ever remain a monument to the honored donor.
Col. Johnson has also the honor of being the first" locul historian of his native county, and for many years the only one.
The " History of Salem," by Robert G. Johnson, published in 1839, i- a standard local work. Although a small volume, it embraces in a concise manner the history of over one hundred and fifty years,-from the year 1663 to the year 1830.
livion many notable fact- and incidents, thus rendet. ing them historie, and giving as a legacy to futu :. generations a memorial of the deeds and memorie- of their ancestry.
Hle was a born antiquarian, and at an era when a love and reverence for things and ideas of the pa -! were considered a subject for derision ; but in Jetiance of the views of his neighbors he collected together many rare and valuable manuscripts, which, excess for his fostering care, would have been lost to the present generation. He had long been an ardent and enthusiastic advocate of the scheme for forming an historical society in New Jersey, the constitution of which was framed in the year 1845. He was elected its first vice-president, which office he held until the time of his death, and he entered heartily into the of- eration- and interests of the society, notwithstanding his advancing years. His original biographieal sketch of " John Fenwick, Chief Proprietor of Salem Tenth," read before a meeting of the Historical Society :!! Elizabethtown, in 1846, is rich in valuable informa- tion and historie incident of those carly times when the beautiful and cultivated State of New Jersey was a teeming wilderness. On this occasion the thank- of the society were presented to the venerable vice- president "for his interesting memoir, and for the example set, so worthy of imitation by all the mom. bers, of devotedness to the best interests of the society."
He was a most active and generous contributor, trines and simplicity of worship adopted by the Pres- and his donations to the archives were not only valu- able, but varied and numerous. We may note a very few of the most curious :
" John Fenwick's will, dated Aug. 7, 1683."
"Certificate of John Fenwick's membersbip of the church whereof Mr. John Goodwin is pastor, Feb. +. 1049."
" Three original letters to John Fenwick from his wife, Mary, bearing dates Ang. 27, and Aug. 31. 1678, and February, 1679, London."
" The counterpart (signed by Penny of release from John Fenwick to William Penn of all his interest in West New Jersey, excepting 150,000 acres, dated March 23, 1682."
" Three deeds from the Indians to John Fenwick" for lands in West New Jersey."
" The grants and concessions of Lords Berkeley and Carteret to the inhabitants of New Jersey, February. 1664-65, the original copy on parchment, a roll nearly nine feet long."
" An exemplification at the request of John Fen- wick, E.g., of the grant from Charles H. to James. Duke of York, of New Jersey, beautifully engrossed on parchment."
This noble life was, however, drawing to a close. He met with the Historical Society at Morristown during the fall session for the last time, and journeyed Ea -?- ward with the intention of visiting friends in New
"The value of this little book cannot be overesti- mated, for in it Col. Johnson has rescued from ob- 1 England ; he was seized with a sudden illness, Jord
1
ـياة
ـد.خ الــ ـ
الغاضما جية
شطة مجـ
405
CITY OF SALEM.
breathed his last at New Haven, Conn., September, 1850, aged seventy-nine years, in full confidence and trust in his Redeemer. He lived to a ripe old age. enjoying moderately good health, and in the full vigor of his mental faculties. He was a man of varied literary tastes and proelivities ; had gathered around him a copious and select library, and was in the en- joyment of the friendship and constant correspond- ence of men of kindred spirits, such as Rev. Drs. Miller, Ely. Janeway, and Murray, of the Presbyte- rian Church, Bishop Croes, and Dr. Staughton, also Chief Justice Kirkpatrick, Hon. Samuel L. Sonthard, Nicholas Vandyke, and many others, distinguished in their various professions and the literary world.
The hospitality and heartfelt welcome which was ever to be found within his cheerful mansion was freely opened to all, strangers as well as friends, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay. Ilis kind- ness and benevolence of heart were well known and appreciated, and many are still living to whom he extended the hand of patronage and sympathy. He was keenly alive and active in the employment of every means that would raise the mental and moral status of humanity, and as one of the few objects to- wards that end, he was one of the chief promoters of the establishment of a " public library" in Salem, which has now become quite a flourishing institution. He was also remarkable for his physical culture. and was during his life a skillful and intrepid equestrian. Even after he had reached his " threeseore years and ten," he still took great delight in horsemanship, and rode in the same ercet and fearless manner that had characterized his youth.
Ilis venerable appearance is still familiar, with his silvery locks, old-fashioned queue, and ruthes, a style of dress to which he remained attached, and which seemed so congenial with his dignified mien and noble bearing ; but his personal attractions lay chiefly in his refined and courteous manners, his placid coun- tenance beaming with that love and charity which were the gentle reflux of his happy Christian spirit. Jlis remains rest with those of his forefathers, who sleep in that beautiful spot dedicated to the repose of the dead which surrounds St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem.
THOMAS SINNICKSON.
Andreas, Andrew3 (whose patronymic, by deed dated in 10%, is spelled Senixson', Sinnick' (by deed in 1780 Sinnickson ', Andrews, Andrew6, and Thomas'. Andreas Sinnickson", following the humane and honor- able policy of the Swedes in their treatment of the aborigines, purchased a large tract of land in that see- tion of the country known under the Indian name of "Obisquahasit." and now known as Lower Penn's Neck, of the natives about the above year, 1645, and made his settlement thereon. Soon after the arrival of John Feuwick, in 1675, to take possession of his tenth of West Jersey, he secured of the new proprietor a qnit-elaim of his tract in consideration of the payment of a yearly rental of three shillings. Generation after generation of the family continued to occupy this and other lands acquired by them in Penn's Neck, and some of the descendants of the first settler are still in possession of portions of the ancestral tract.
From the time of their first settlement the Sinnick- son> have manifested the strongest and brightest char- acteristics of the Scandinavian race, and have held a prominent and honorable relation to the material, social, and educational development of the section of country in which they located. Since the early part of the eighteenth century the representatives of the family have been engaged not only in agricultural, but other pursuits in life.
Andrew Sinnickson' held office under the colo- nial government, filled the position of judge of . the court and justice under George III., and during the trying days of the American struggle for inde- pendence was in earnest sympathy with the cause of liberty and justice. He died Ang. 20, 1790, aged about seventy years, leaving to his, heirs a large and valuable landed estate.
Thomas Sinnickson, his eldest son, performed attive service in the Revolutionary war, and commanded a company in the Continental army. Because of his writings and bitter opposition to British tyranny, he was outlawed by Lord Howe, and a reward offered for him dead or alive. At the organization of the national government he was a warm supporter of Alexander Hamilton, and the leader of the Federal party in his section during the administration of Washington and the elder Adams. He frequently represented Salem County in the State Legislature, was a member of the First Congress of the United States, which met in New York City, and also of Congress from 1790 to 1798. For a number of years he was treasurer of Salem County, justice, and judge. Ile resided during the greater portion of his life in Salem, where he also engaged in mercantile business. He left a large real and personal estate. Thomas Sinnickson, son of Andrew6 and Margaret Johnson Sinnickson, was born on the ancestral estate of his family in Lower Penn's Neck on Dec. 13, 1786, and (lied in Salem on Feb. 17, 1873. Ilis father was a man
Thomas Sinnickson was a lineal descendant of the seventh generation of Andreas Sinnick-on, origin- ally spelled " Seneca" (a, -tated by Companion Holm, in his " History of New Sweden"), the original ancestor of the family in this country. The family is of Scandinavian origin, and one of the oldest in the southern section of New Jersey. They emigrated from Sweden, it is supposed, in 1638. and settled in Delaware, and sub-equently. about 1615, came over into New Jersey. The line of descent down to and ' of sterling character, an ardent patriot during the including the subject of this sketch is, viz. : Andreas1, 1 Revolution, and during life devoted his attention
400
HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY.
solely to the cultivation of his landed estates. His maternal ancestor, Richard Johnson, was one of the earliest colonial judges of Salem County. He re- ceived only a limited English education, supple- mented by slight instruction in the Latin language, and left school at the early age of fourteen. Enter- ing the store of his uncle. Thomas Sinnickson, as a clerk, he remained with him for several years in that capacity, and subsequently was admitted into part- nership with him. He retired from business varly (1819), devoting himself during the remainder of his life to the management of his patrimonial property and to agricultural pursuits, in which he took great pleasure. During his entire life, after attaining man- hood, he held an intimate relation to the development of the material and social affairs of his native county, holding many positions of trust and responsibility. He served as the presiding judge of the Court of Common Pleas for several years, and also as a judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals of New Jersey, the highest judicial tribunal of the State. He repre- sented Salem County in the State Legislature, and subsequently as a member of the National Congress at Washington. He was possessed of a fine physique and strong nerve, for which he was largely indebted to his Scandinavian ancestry. His judgment in both public and private affair- was excellent, and he acted as the adviser of many of his friends, and as trustee, guardian, and administrator of several estates. He was a man of strict honor and integrity, a consistent member and judicious officer of St. John's Episcopal Church of Salem for many years, and was held in general respect and esteem throughout a long and busy life. Politically, he was one of the leaders of the old Federal party in Salem County for many years, and subsequently an eminent Whig and Re- publican, and a warm supporter of the I'nion cause during the second national struggle for independence. He married, Oct. 15, 1810, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Brinton Jacobs, of Chester County, Pa. She was born Aug. 3, 1786, and died Ang. 19, 1819. Their children were Dr. John J .; Margaret, who married Thomas J. Yorke, of Salem; Charles. for many years a coal merchant in Philadelphia; and Andrew, a well-known and respected lawyer in Salem.
CHARLES PERRIN SMITH.
Charles Perrin Smith, late of Trenton, N. J., where he resided for more than a quarter of a century, was born in the city of Philadelphia. His father, George Wishart Smith, of Virginia, married Hannah Carpen- ter Ellet, of Salem County, N. J. At the period of his marriage he was a resident of Talbot County, MIA., but subsequently removed to Philadelphia, where his demise shortly occurred. His mother returned to Salem, N. J., where she continued to reside until the close of life.
Mr. Smith's paternal branch descends from the
founders of the commonwealth of Virginia. They intermarried with the Calverts, Singletons, Moseley>. Dudleys, Hancocks, Lands, Seantlings, Perrins, Wish- arts, and other prominent families.
George Wishart Smith was the son of Perrin Smith and Margaret Wishart. His grandparents were Charles Smith and Margaret Perrin. The origin of the Perrins of Virginia is associated with the Huguenot colony of that State. Samuel, eldest brother of Gen. George Washington, married the widow of a Virginia Perrin.
The Wisharts were early in the colony. Margaret Wishart's brother Thomas lost his life in the army of the Revolution, and another brother, George, was captured by the enemy and never returned. Perrin Smith suffered greatly in the destruction of property by the conflagration of Norfolk, the despoiling of his plantation, and the carrying away of his negroes by the British and refugees. George Wishart Smith was an officer in the Maryland line during the war of 1$12-15, and actively engaged in resisting the enemy on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and their ad- vance upon Baltimore. Ile took part at the head of his command in the repulse of the enemy at St. Michael's, by which action that part of the State was relieved from further invasion.
Hanuah Carpenter Ellet, mother of the subject of this sketch, on her paternal side was a direct descend- ant of Governor Thomas Lloyd and Samuel Car- penter, two of Penn's most distinguished coadjutors and intimate friends (ride "Lloyd and Carpenter Lineage," Watson's Annals, Proud's History, etc. ). The former was the first President of Council and Governor for about nine years, or as long as he would serve; and the latter treasurer of the province, mens- ber of Council, and first shipping merchant of Phil- alelphia. Watson says, "The name of Samuel Carpenter is connected with everything of a public nature in the early annals of Pennsylvania; I have seen his name at every turn in searching the records. He was the Stephen Girard of his day in wealth, and the William San-om in the improvements he suggested and the edifices which he built. ... He was one of the greatest improvers and builders in Philadelphia, and after William Penn the wealthiest man in the province."
Governor Thomas Lloyd was an eminent member of the Society of Friends, who left Wales on account of religious persecution, and, with his family, joined Penn in the colonization of Pennsylvania. Ile was possessed of very superior attainments, and enjoyed the advantages of collegiate education at Oxford University. His mother was Elizabeth Stanley, of the distinguished Stanley-Derby family ; and his father, Charles Lloyd, of Dolobran, a descendant of Aleth, Prince of Dyfed, and the long line of British princes, whose records, yet extant, on the column of Eliseg. date back to the middle of the sixth century (zil- Burke's Genealogy, Powysland Historical Collection,
Charles Perrin Smith
407
CITY OF SALEM.
etc.). Their alliance with Norman Earls, the Lords De Charletous and Powys, was through Sir Roger Kynaston. knight. and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Grey ; and with Humphrey Plantagenet, Dake of Gloucester, through his daughter Antigone, wife of Sir Henry Grey. Earl of Tankerville and Powys, and mother of Lady Elizabeth Kyna-ton. The Lloyds were also descended through the Greys, De Charletons, and Holland-, Dukes of Kent, from Margaret, daughter of Philip le Hardie, King of France, and queen of Edward I. of England. Their genealogy, as pre- sented in the Kynaston ( Hardwick) pedigree, Mont- gomeryshire Historical Collection, etc. (transferred to the Lloyd and Carpenter Lineage), seems com- plete as it is unchallenged. The Lloyd of Dolobran shield of arms (1650) displays fifteen quarterings, im- paling the Stanley arms of six quarterings (ride au- totype copy in " Powysland Collection," vol. ix. page 339). The annals of the race abound with references to Crusaders, knights banneret, the battle-fields of Agincourt, Poictiers, Creey, and many other events illustrating the most brilliant chapters of English history.
Governor Thomas Lloyd's daughter Rachel mar- ried Samuel Preston, of Maryland, but who was mayor of Philadelphia in 1711. Their daughter Hannah mar- ricd Samuel, eldest son of Samuel Carpenter, Penn's coadjutor. Thence through the Ellets, recently of engineering and ram-fleet fame, to Hannah Carpenter Ellet, mother of the subject of this sketch.
Hannah Carpenter Ellet's maternal branch de- scend, from John Smith, Fenwick's colleague in the settlement of West Jersey, a man of large posses- sions. IIe is said to have also been one of Fenwick's executors. Thus the family is historically descendedl from the founders of three American States, Virginia, l'ennsylvania, and New Jersey. With this prelimi- bary reference to its origin, we will proceed to give a summary of the life of one of its descendants.
The subject of this sketch removed to Salem, N. J., at an early age, where he became thoroughly identi- fied with the community. The considerable means inherited were placed by the exeentor in the Bank of Maryland at Baltimore, and in the course of a few days lost by the total failure of that 'institution. The tenor of his life was thereby changed, and he was thrown upon his own exertions for a livelihood. Dur- ing his minority he enjoyed the social and educational advantages of the community ; he accustomed himself to writing for the press, and was officially connected with the Lyceum, at that period scarcely inferior to any institution of the kind in the State. Whatever, under Providence, he subsequently achieved was through indomitable zeal and self-reliance, prompted by conscientious appreciation of duty. Upon attain- ing his majority he became editor and proprietor of the National Standard, and also soon afterwards of the Harrisonion. Through industry and perseverance, without either financial or editorial assistance, he
1
achieved success, and liquidated the incumbrance upon his establishment. He fully participated in the enthusiasm and duties of the Harrison Presidential campaign. Among other measures he carnestly ad- vocated the policy of encouraging manufactures in Salem, the ervetion of the lunatic asylum at Trenton, the abolition of imprisonment for debt, the more thorough establishment of common schools, and fur- nishing of relier and employment to the poor. He availed himself of every occasion to inculcate prin- ciples of temperance and morality. He was origin- ator and president of the Whig Association of Salem, took a prominent part in organizing the Salem Insur- ance Company, and also the Building Association (of each of which he became a director), and the first to advocate the formation of the County Agricultural Society, of which he was the secretary. ITis almost unanimous election as member of the board of free- holders, aud appointment as director in a Democratic city, was deemed no ordinary compliment. He was captain of the National Guards, at the time the only military organization south of Trenton, and also judge-advocate of the Salem Brigade. At the period of the famine in Ireland he recommended the estab- lishment of an efficient relief committee, and fully identified himself with all efforts in achieving sub- stantial results. During the war with Mexico he ad- vocated furnishing troops and supplies to conquer an early and honorable peace.
In 1843 he was united in marriage with Hester .1., daughter of Matthew Driver, Esq., of Caroline County, Md. In 1844 the editor of the Standard was con- fronted by a formidable opposition, upon which was conferred all the official patronage of the county, but it had the effect of developing additional energies, and eventually extending the influence and prosperity of his journal. His advocacy of political principles was enthusiastic; the county, which had previously been regarded as very doubtful, became reliable, and for seven years followed the lead of the Standard. The editor was ever desirons of moderation, but he de- clined no challenge, and when necessary his blows were trenchant and effectual. He served on the Whig County Committee for about eleven years, and whenever important or difficult work was to be accom- plished he hesitated not to assume the burden and responsibility, let who might hold back. Many acts indicative of zeal and energy might be adduced, but lack of space forbids. When an alleged alliance be- tween the Democrats and managers of the leading railroad corporation of the State became apparent by the nomination of John R. Thomson for Governor, the Stendard was the first to sound a general alarm, and seconded by the Whig press, a furor of opposition was raised, which resulted not only in Mr. Thomson's defeat, but in placing every branch of the State gov- crument in the hands of the Whig party. Never was there a victory more complete.
It was during an annual visit to the sea-shore, in
i
408
HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY.
1847, that he gathered a large amount of valuable information in reference to the then exceedingly inethcient condition of the so-called life-saving ser- vice. It was dependent upon volunteer boat crews, imperfect apparatus, and widely-scattered stations. Mr. Smith's statements, based upon facts thus directly obtained from practical surfmen, were published in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. and there are reasonable grounds for the opinion that the ro- newed interest and favorable action of Congress, which soon afterwards followed, was measurably pro- moted through this agency. He also, the same year (1847), wrote and published articles in favor of the construction of a railroad from Salem to Philadelphia.
Accepting the advice of personal and political friends, he permitted his name to be presented to the Whig County Convention of 1848 in connection with the nomination to the surrogacy. He was unex- pectedly and strongly, but unsuccessfully. opposed in convention by the influential chairman of the Whig County Committee, who was himself the only other candidate for the nomination. This opposition was carried into the canvass, and greatly aided the Demo- cratie candidate. Thus in the usually closely con- tested county, and the total absence of party means
and appliances, the threats and predictions of the . ences, he had to contend with the opposition of Whig chairman of the committee and his especial party allies were but tou well founded. Notwithstanding these discouragements the candidate performed his entire duty. He was defeated hy an exceedingly small majority. " with his back to the rock and his face to the foe." It was generally admitted that he suffered neither in influence or reputation. The vote east for him was, with but two exceptions, the largest ever before east for any candidate in the county.
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.