USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 20
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By the Board of Directors of the Nation- al Newark Banking Company :
"This Board wishes to record on its minutes its sense of loss in the death of Edward S. Camp- bell, president of this bank, which occurred at Lake George, New York, on the 2nd inst., after a brief illness. Mr. Campbell was elected a mnem- ber of this board, and vice-president of this bank, Jannary 4. 1894, and after its consolidation
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with the Newark City National Bank in May, 1902, he became president of the enlarged insti- tution. He came to the service of this bank fully equipped by a strong and active youth as a banker, and qualified by a natural disposition and a finely developed character, he at once im- pressed his personality upon not only the direc- tors, but on the customers of the bank and the community at large. Few men have, in the short time of his connection with Newark affairs, gained a more enviable position or implanted themselves more firmly than he did in all that is best in business, in civic and in religious matters. His death deprives many interests of a potent factor for good, and his associates and friends of a strong and loving character. We wish to con- vey to his bereaved wife our most tender condo- lences, and direct that a copy of this minute be engrossed and sent to her, and that it be entered upon the records of this bank and published in the daily papers of Newark."
By the Executive Committee of the New Jersey Bankers' Association :
"Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to remove from us by death our esteemed president and friend, Edward S. Camp- bell, who not only served this association ably and faithfully as president but also assisted ma- terially in its organization : be it
"Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Campbell we have lost a most able executive, a genial and true friend and one who was held in the highest esteem by us all. We desire to permanently re- cord our appreciation of his most estimable char- acter, sterling worth, vigorous and attractive per- sonality.
"Resolved, That we extend to his bereaved family our most sincere sympathy in this hour of great bereavement.
"Resolved, That a copy of these preamble and resolutions be suitably engrossed and presented to Mrs. Campbell."
By the Board of Managers of the How- ard Savings Institution :
"The managers of the Howard Savings Insti- tution desire to express their sense of loss in the death of Edward S. Campbell, and to record this tribute to his memory. Mr. Campbell was elected a member of this board on August 29, 1904, ap- pointed soon after a member of the auditing committee, and has attended to his duties prompt- ly and regularly since that time. He was a genial associate, and a man who, by reason of his abil- ity and character, added strength to the board and rendered efficient service to the institution.
He was a public-spirited citizen and a Christian of the highest character, and his belief was ex- emplified by his daily life. In his sudden death the institution suffers a loss which can best be ap- preciated by those in the management of finan- cial institutions who know the value of thought- ful and wise counsellors from the ranks of suc- cessful and self-reliant business men. We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife and rejoice with her in the memory of a life so well spent.
"Resolved, That this minute be spread upon the records of the institution and that an en- grossed copy be furnished his bereaved family."
Mr. Campbell was an active and influen- tial figure in the life of the community, es- pecially in connection with those institu- tions most closely affecting its moral wel- fare. He was particularly interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, of Newark, was exceedingly liberal in its sup- port, and his personal influence was a con- tinual inspiration to it in its beneficent work. He was also a member of the New Brunswick Association, having been its treasurer for eight years, and its president for three years. He was also a member of the Essex Club of Newark. His death while he was yet in the prime of his mental powers left a void not to be filled, but the example of his life remains as a tender memory, and a life-long inspiration to all with whom he associated.
PHILLIPS, Franklin,
Engineer, Enterprising Citizen.
Splendid in physique, with a stature that showed both vigor and strength, unusually handsome, most courtly in manner, and al- ways immaculate in dress, Franklin Phillips was a man who everywhere attracted in- stant attention. But these were externals and do not explain the love for him which men by the hundreds freely expressed by word and written page, nor why in throngs men high and influential came to pay the last tribute to him. That explanation is" found in his beauty of character, his loyal- ty and love for family and home, his de- votion to duty, his modesty, capability, ef-
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ficiency, his truth, courage, tactful sym- pathy, his deep sense of right and of jus- tice, his broad human sympathy that em- braced all God's creatures, and his high sense of personal, professional and business honor. These were the qualities that drew and held men to him as with bands of steel.
Franklin Phillips was born in Newark, New Jersey, January 9, 1857, son of the late John Morris Phillips, one of Newark's leading "Captains of Industry" of a gener- ation ago. He prepared at Newark Academy, then entered the School of Me- chanical Arts, Cornell University, whence he was graduated with the class of 1878. At the University he took an active part in athletics, particularly rowing, a sport for which he retained his love all through life. He was a member of the fraternity Zeta Psi, and in all the requirements of univer- sity life fully met all social and scholar- ly tests. After completing his technical course at Cornell, Mr. Phillips returned to Newark and at once became an active men- ber of the Hewes & Phillips Iron Works, founded by his father, and later of the cor- poration of which he became president and general manager. The firm's specialty, steam engines for varied purposes, gave him ample scope to expand, and he became known in the mechanical world as a steam, hydraulic and mechanical engineer of ex- traordinary ability and resourcefulness. His reputation outgrew local bounds, and as consulting engineer he was called upon for advice by men eminent in their profession, dealing with engineering problems of great- est magnitude. In his private business and professional work he was an unqualified success, but had this been his only claim to public favor, his life would not have been the useful one it was.
He was intensely public-spirited, and this led him into every department of city life, educational, religious, military, social and fraternal. While fully alive to his respon- sibilities as a citizen, and working shoulder to shoulder with those men striving for bet-
ter municipal conditions, and an ardent soldier of the "Common Good," he never sought, desired nor accepted public office or personal preferment. He was for many years a trustee of the Newark Technical School, contributing materially to the ad- vancement of that useful institution; serv- ed on important committees of the Newark Board of Trade; was president of the Foundrymen's Association of New Jersey ; and was a member of the American Soci- ety of Mechanical Engineers.
In matters religious he took a deep in- terest. He belonged to the Park Presbyter- ian Church, and was earnestly interested in the Young Men's Christian Association. In both he preached by prccept and ex- ample a virile Christianity that encouraged young men to raise themselves to higher levels of morality. In politics he was a Re- publican, and an ardent champion of civic righteousness. In the almost forgotten days when the Passaic river was a joy and a delight to all lovers of aquatics, he was an enthusiastic member of the Triton Boat Club, and in this connection he acquired a high reputation, being the winner of many races, requiring both skill and practice. His social club was the Essex. Other interest- ing traits in his character were his fondness for animals, especially horses and dogs, and his love of reading.
His connection with the New Jersey National Guard began in 1890 when he as- sisted in the organization of the Essex Troop, now the First Squadron of Cavalry of the Guard. He became quartermaster of the troop, later resigning to accept the rank of major of the Second Regiment. He was one of the most expert rifle and pistol shots in the State, a fact that was recogniz- ed by his appointment as state inspector of small arms and rifle practice, and for years he was attached to the regimental and brig- ade staff of Major General Collins.
Major Phillips married Alice L., daugh- ter of Isaac and Emma (Lukens) Hall, of Philadelphia, who survives him with their
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children : Marguerita and Frederick Mor- ris.
The announcement of the death of Franklin Phillips, which occurred at his residence, No. 539 Mt. Prospect avenue, Newark, New Jersey, February 9, 1914, was a shock to his hundreds of friends, and to those who, at some time throughout his busy, useful life, had come under the charm of his rare and winning personal- ity. Over four hundred letters of condol- ence and sympathy were received by Mrs. Phillips, from which a few extracts may be given :
From Major General Collins :
"My personal feelings for him were of fond attachment, for I had learned to esteem him highly as a man and comrade. Modest and un- assuming, yet withal capable and efficient, he could always be relied upon to make good in any duty assigned him. . . I want you to know that his Commander and Comrade, and speaking for the staff of the Old Brigade, that we all loved him for his manly soldierly qualities."
From Richard Wayne Parker :
"I do not know how to tell you of my grief at the death of your husband, my old and valued friend. His character was almost unique for its union of gentleness, loyalty, truth, courage, abil- ity, and that tactful sympathy which so endeared him to us all, and that made intercourse with him a revelation of a better world where we shall all meet again."
From resolutions passed by the Forest Hill Literary Society :
"He was always an interested member, ready to do his share for the profit and enjoyment of all and one devoted to the welfare and advance- ment of the Society. . . We appreciate and shall long remember his active interest in all movements for the betterment and upbuilding of his native city. His suggestions and efforts in all civic matters were ever valuable, construc- tive and far-reaching in effect. While we recog- nize his wortli as a member of this Society, as a professional and business man and as a citizen, we still more respect and honor his character as a good man. His personal honor was unimpeach- able, his sense of right and of justice keen, his attention to duty highly creditable, his sympathies
humane and broad, his principles of conduct and of life rock-ribbed as the Eternal hills."
From his brethren of the Cornell Chap- ter of Zeta Psi, published in their official organ, "The Circle of Zeta Psi," April 1914:
"Although distinguished for his great profes- sional abilities, Brother Phillips will forever be best remembered by those who were so fortunate as to enjoy his acquaintance, for his purely per- senal qualities. He was truly noble in character and in bearing. Strong and gentle, brave and modest, firm and sweet, his place was rooted deep in the affection of his friends. By his sound judgment and his constant readiness to assist, many of his associates came to depend up- on him and to them his loss must appear irrepar- able."
The predominating note in these evi- dences of respect is his devotion to duty, a trait most marked, whether he was called upon to deal with a refractory engine, or marshal a parade of thousands of men.
CROSS, Joseph,
Lawyer, Jurist, Legislator.
The late Judge Cross was a man whose character and ability would have made him eminent in any profession or calling. Edu- cated in Princeton College, prepared for the law in association with men. of mark in the profession, his training enabled him to use his moral and intellectual equipment to the honor of his chosen profession and for the service of men. As a lawyer he brought to his work a zeal for the truth and an industry that knew no fatigue. His work as a legislator was characterized by faith- fulness and fearless opposition to the wrong. His career culminated in his ser- vice as United States District Judge, where for eight years he gave to his work the fruits of his rich experience and ripe study with such patience and even judgment that his decisions were received with confidence and approval.
Joseph Cross was born near Morristown.
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CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
New Jersey, December 29, 1843, the son of William and Sarah M. (Lee) Cross. He obtained his early education in the local schools and prepared for college at Pearl Cottage Seminary, Elizabeth, New Jersey, of which Rev. David H. Pierson was prin- cipal. In 1861 he entered Princeton Col- lege, from which he graduated in the class of 1865. Immediately thereafter he began the study of law in the office of William J. Magie, of Elizabeth, (later Chancellor of New Jersey), and also attended a course of lectures at Columbia College Law School. New York City. He was admitted to prac- tice in New Jersey as an attorney in June, 1868, and as a counsellor in November, 1871. Upon his admission to the bar he was taken into partnership by his former preceptor under the firm name of Magie & Cross. They practiced together until 1880, when Mr. Magie was appointed one of the Justices of the Supreme Court. In January, 1884, a partnership was formed with Louis H. Noe, under the firm name of Cross & Noe, of Elizabeth.
vices and politics the moral uplift of lis example. He became speaker of the House by the unanimous vote of his party col- leagues, and president of the Senate as much by virtue of his personal integrity as through party usage. "He entered politics every whit clean ; he retired from it without spot or blemish and only the more sincerely esteemed because he had proved that a man of fixed principles may serve the State and his constituents and reinain a conspicuous example of the best citizenship." His leg- islative career was brought to a close by his appointment, by President Roosevelt, in April, 1905, to the highi place of Judge of the United States Court for the District of New Jersey. Deeply versed in the law, and possessing a genuine judicial tempera- ment, the position was most congenial, not- withstanding the close application and se- vere labor it imposed upon him. He served with signal honor to himself and with stead- fast loyalty to his lofty professional and moral ideals, and continued in his arduous duties practically to the time of his death.
In 1888 Mr. Cross was appointed Judge Judge Cross had been a resident of Eliz- abeth. New Jersey, since 1858, and was prominently identified with the affairs of his home city. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving it as deacon, Sunday school superintendent and elder. He was a trustee of Princeton Theological Seminary for several years. He married, October 19, 1870, Mary Prich- ard Whiting, daughter of Albertus D., and Catherine De Witt Whiting. of the District Court of the City of Eliza- beth, but, in common with all the other dis- trict court judges of the State, was legis- lated out of office in April, 1891. He was elected a member of the Assembly from Union county in the fall of 1893, and on May 26, 1894 was chosen speaker of the House to succeed Mr. Holt, resigned. In 1895 he was re-elected speaker. He was elected State Senator in November, 1898, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of The death of Judge Cross, which occur- red October 29, 1913, was a source of sincere mourning throughout the commun- ity, and the opinions expressed at that time give excellent insight into his character and indicate the estimation in which he was held. "In his death the community sus- tains the loss of a good citizen, the church of a faithful friend, and the Bench and Bar of a fearless and distinguished Judge." "A man of marked honesty and uprightness, a Foster M. Voorhees, who had been nomi- nated for the governorship. In 1899 he was re-elected as State Senator, and in 1902 was again re-elected, and served as president of the Senate during the session of 1905, with marked ability. Judge Cross entered politics reluctantly and only after he was persuaded by the earnest solicita- tion of good citizens, regardless of party, who knew the character and ability of the man and felt that the State needed his ser- judge of great ability, an excellent lawyer
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of high standing in his profession, a man of broad mind and fine character." There can be no more fitting close to this short review than the tribute paid editorially by the "Elizabeth Daily Journal," which said in part :-
"Through the death of Judge Joseph Cross, Elizabeth and the State as a whole, lose one of their best-known and respected citizens. His life may be said to have been dedicated to public ser- vice. His early political activities testify to the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citi- zens and by those associated with him in the busi- ness of law making. New Jersey is much in- debted to him for the quality of the service he rendered in the fields of politics and public af- fairs. He had the traits of a judge. He was clear sighted, well balanced and able. His inter- est in his work was most conscientious and un- flagging. He was a man of many kindnesses. He was quick to appreciate opportunities for useful- ness and to recognize worth in others. His suc- cess was well merited and widely recognized. Judge Cross was a type of man who, through his good citizenship and staunch Americanism, through the quality of his private life and the worth of his public service, set the State an ex- ample. His influence will continue to be felt among us."
ACTON, Jonathan Woodnutt,
Lawyer, Public Official.
The American line of descent to Jona- than W. Acton, of Salem, began with Ben- jamin Acton, one of the prominent young men of the Fenwick Colony, who is believ- ed to have arrived on the ship "Kent" from London, landing at New Salem, June 23, 1677. He was a surveyor, also a tanner and currier. He owned land in Salem bought of John Fenwick, was the first re- corder of the newly incorporated town of Salem, laid out roads, did a large amount of surveying for private owners and for the heirs of William Penn, and in 1729 signed a report of an extensive survey "Benjamin Acton, surveyor of Fenwick Colony and Salem Tenth." He built a brick house in 1727 on his tract on Fenwick street, now East Broadway, Salem. and there resided
until death. He was a member of the So- ciety of Friends and is prominently men- tioned in Society affairs as early as 1682. He was married in 1688, his wife Christina bearing him sons and daughters.
Benjamin (2), son of Benjamin and Christina Acton, was born in 1695, and suc- ceeded his father in the tanning business. He inherited the tanyard and homestead, building another and larger residence on the original tract. He married, in 1727, Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Hill.
John, son of Benjamin (2) and Eliza- beth Acton, was born August 31, 1729, and succeeded his father in the tanning busi- ness. He married (second) Mary, gran.i- daughter of Charles Oakford and daughter of John Oakford, of Alloway's Creek town- ship.
Samuel, son of John Acton and his sec- ond wife, Mary Oakford, was born No- vember 10, 1764, died in Haddonfield, New Jersey, in 1801. He learned the tanner's trade under his father, but soon abandoned it in favor of mercantile life, conducting a store in Salem in partnership with his half brother, Clement Acton. Later he withdrew from the firm and purchased a tannery at Haddonfield, where he resided until his death. He married Sarah Hall, born in 1768, died in 1852, daughter of William and Sarah (Brinton) Hall.
Isaac Oakford, youngest son of Samuel and Sarah (Hall) Acton, was born about 1800. He abjured the family business, tan- ning, and learned the blacksmith's trade in Pennsylvania, after becoming of legal age opening a shop in Salem on Griffith street. He was a successful business man and in later life kept an iron and hardware store in a large three-story brick building which he erected for store and dwelling. Subse- quently he erected a large iron foundry on West Griffith street, the site being part of the Nicholson lot belonging to Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends. He continued in business until his death, one of the lead- ing men of his day and region. He married
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Lucy Ann, daughter of Jonathan and Temperance Bilderback, of Mannington township, Salem county.
Captain Edward A. Acton, eldest son of Isaac Oakford and Lucy Ann ( Bilderback) Acton, was killed in battle, August 29, 1862. He was a captain of the Fifth Reg- iment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at Williamsburg, and met his death while leading his company at the sec- ond battle of Bull Run. He married Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Woodnutt, a descendant of Richard Woodnutt, who came from England, a member of the So- ciety of Friends who settled within the lim- its of Salem Meeting soon after the advent of John Fenwick, with his wife, Mary (be- lieved to have been Mary Pledger). The line of descent to Mary ( Woodnutt) Acton is through the eldest son of the emigrant, Joseph Woodnutt and Rachel Craven, his wife ; their son. Richard Woodnutt and his wife, a Miss Walmsley: their son, Jona- than Woodnutt, and Sarah Mason, his wife ; their son, James Mason Woodnutt, and his wife, Margaret Carpenter ; their son, Jona- athan Woodnutt, and his wife, Mary Good- win; their daughter, Mary Woodnutt mar- ried Captain Edward A. Acton. Children : Walter W., Isaac Oakford, and Jonathan W., of further mention.
Jonathan Woodnutt Acton, youngest son of Captain Edward A. and Mary E. (Woodnutt) Acton, was born in Salem, November 8, 1857, died in his native city, May 6, 1907. "Salem has had many sons who left their impress on her history, but among them all there was none who served more faithfully and none who shone bright- er in her business, professional, or social life than Jonathan W. Acton." He was ed- ucated in the Friends Academy and the high school at Salem, then for three years attend- ing the United States Military Academy at West Point, made a student in that in- stitution by appointment of Congressman Clement H. Sinnickson. Upon his return to Salem he read law with Albert H. Slape,
successfully took his legal examinations, and was admitted to the New Jersey bar as attorney in 1884, becoming a counsellor in 1887. Until 1890 he pursued general prac- tice in Salem, when by appointment of Governor Leon Abbett he became Prosecu- tor of the Pleas for Salem county, being reappointed in 1895, his entire service in this capacity covering a period of ten years. In 1900 Mr. Acton resumed private prac- tice, and so continued with brilliant success until his death, most successful as an advo- cate, and winning a very large proportion of his cases. He was thorough in the prep- aration of his argument, in procedure free from the slightest suggestion of subterfuge, and in himself the soul of honor, depending entirely upon the proven facts in his case and their earnest, eloquent presentation io convince judges and juries. He loved his profession. but responsibilities as a citizen were equally binding upon him, and for twelve years he was chief executive of his native city, 1885 to 1897. He was re-elect- ed for a fifth term, (an honor conferred upon no other man in the history of the city), but it was discovered that he could not legally hold the mayor's office and also the county office of Prosecutor of the Pleas, therefore he refused to qualify for his fifth term, its council electing his successor. He also served a term as member of the Board of Education ( 1901).
As executive he was careful, but pro- gressive, his official career being one that in- spired public confidence. As prosecutor he performed the duties of that often unpleas- ant position without shrinking and with un- faltering courage, ever placing duty and the right above personal consideration. As a lawyer he grew constantly in public favor, his services as an advocate and counsellor being in continuous demand, and he appear- ed in many important cases in Salem and adjacent counties. In the social and fra- ternal life of his city no one was more pop- ular or welcome. He was a past master of Excelsior Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma-
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sons, of Salem, was active in the organiza- tion of the Country Club, and until his death was continuously a member of the board of governors. He was an ardent Democrat, loved the traditions and firnily believed in the principles of his party. He was an efficient party worker and leader, his opinion and advice carrying great weight in political councils. He was, by family ties, a Friend, but his birthright was lost when his father married outside the Society. He was a Friend at heart, his honorable, upright nature responding to the simple, Christ-like faith of that sect.
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