USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume II > Part 6
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
·32 .
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
Rumsey, was the inventor of a method of propelling boats by a stream of water forced through a cylinder, passing out at the stern of the boat. He was born at the Bohemia river farm in 1743, but at the time of per- fecting his invention was living in Vir- ginia. In 1792 he was in London, England, in the interests of his invention, was there stricken with apoplexy and died.
The line of descent to George B. Rum- sey was through William Rumsey, son of Charles Rumsey, the emigrant from Wales. William was born April 21, 1698, and be- came one of the largest landowners of Ce- cil county, his will distributing about thirty- five thousand acres to his heirs. His home on Middle Neck, Cecil county, Maryland, was one of the finest of colonial mansions, a massive brick building containing thirty rooms, and there he dispensed a royal hos- pitality. He was a noted civil engineer and surveyor, laid out Fredericktown, located the temporary boundary line between Mary- land and Pennsylvania in 1739, and also aid- ed in other important surveying operations in Maryland. He was United States Collec- tor of Customs and one of the leading men of his section. He married Sabina Blanken- burg, and at his death in 1742 left sons and daughters, all generously remembered in his will.
Colonel Charles Rumsey, son of William and Sabina (Blankenburg) Rumsey, was born at the Cecil county mansion of the Rumseys in 1736. He was a leading pub- lic man of his day, a member of the Coun- cil in 1775, a member of the Committee of Safety in 1776, and a colonel of the Elk Battalion, Cecil County Militia, rendering important service in field and council. With the children of Colonel Charles Rumsey, Ce- cil county ceased to be the family seat. The name is now almost unknown there, but the descendants of the Welsh ancestor have achieved prominence in many other locali- ties where they have made their homes. Colonel Charles Rumsey married Abigail Jane Caner, daughter of Reverend Richard
and Emma (Oxon) Caner, the former a clergyman of the Episcopal church in Cecil county.
Benjamin, son of Colonel Charles Rumsey, was born in Cecil county, Maryland, Janu- ary 26, 1772, died April 1, 1803. He was a wealthy landowner and man of prom- inence. He married Mary, daughter of George Clark, of Middletown, Delaware. Children : Charles, Ann Jane, married Ba- con Ware, George C., and Eliza B.
George Clark, son of Benjamin and Mary (Clark) Rumsey, was born in Middletown, Delaware, November 24, 1798, died in Sa- lem, New Jersey, December 28, 1851. His early life was spent in Delaware, his early business life in Salem, where he was a mer- chant until 1841. Six years prior to that time he had been elected a director of the Salem Banking Company, and in the board had displayed such wisdom and financial aptitude that in 1842 he was elected cashier of the bank, serving with the greatest zeal and ability in that position and as director until his death. He was a man of wide ex- perience and sound judgment, qualities that made him a valuable partner in many busi -. ness enterprises in which he was engaged outside of the bank. He owned consider- able land in Salem county, and although stricken in the prime of life with a fatal illness accomplished a vast amount of good in his community. He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, and a Whig in politics, having been a Democrat in early life. He married Margaret Ca- narroe, born in 1797, died April 9, 1883, daughter of Antrim and Margaret (Me- cum) Canarroe, the former a descendant of Roger and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Canarroe (originally Conars) who came from Devon- shire, England, in 1681 and settled in Sa- lem. Margaret (Mecum) Canarroe was a daughter of William and Eleanor (Sinnick- son ) Mecum, of the ancient Salem county families of Sinnickson and Mecum, else- where recorded in this work.
Henry M., only child of George C. and
II-3
33
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
Margaret (Canarroe) Rumsey, was born in Salem, New Jersey, August 24, 1838, and has spent his years (seventy-seven) in his native city. Since 1863 he has been of- ficially connected with the Salem National Banking Company, the first four years as director only, then as clerk; from 1871 to 1881 as assistant cashier, and since 1881 as cashier, his combined services covering near- ly a half century of banking experience with the original Salem Banking Company and the present Salem National Banking Company. He is an elder of the First Pres- byterian Church, is one of the charter mem- bers of the New Jersey Society, Sons of the Revolution, and is one of the valuable men of his city. He married. November 24, 1859, Maria Elliott, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Bassett. of Mannington town- ship. Children: Margaret C., married Thomas Tatnall. of Wilmington, Delaware ; George Benjamin; Mary Acton, married R. Wyatt Wistar, of Salem, New Jersey. Maria Elliott (Bassett) Rumsey was born August 22, 1837. died September 6, 1910. In November, 1909, Mr. and Mrs. Rumsey cel- ebrated the golden anniversary of their wed- ding day at their Salem home, their many friends and close relatives joining in felic- itation and gifts. She was a woman of sweetness of character, of alert mind, ac- tive in good works, and greatly beloved.
George Benjamin, only son of Henry M. and Maria Elliott ( Bassett ) Rumsey, was born in Salem, June 7, 1865, died in his na- tive city, October 16, 1914, after but a few hours' illness. He was educated in the pub- lic schools of Salem, and as a young man began business life in the service of the Sa- lem Oil Cloth Works, a concern with which he was associated in responsible position for fifteen years. Subsequently he was em- ployed in the office of the Collector of In- ternal Revenue, at Camden, resigning his position to contract relations with the Salem National Banking Company, with which service the family name is conspicuously
connected. He was his father's assistant in the office of cashier at the time of his death, energetic, willing, and capable, and the com- pany feels the loss of a useful member, it, personnel mourning a true friend.
His straightforward, upright life com- pelled admiration, as a pleasing and agree- able manner won liking. His influence in Salem was that which belongs to a life lived openly and cleanly, dominated by strong purpose and guided by lofty principle. The higli ideals that he made his aim were never lowered under trial, and many who knew him testify to the personal value of his example and effort. He was a mem- ber and treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church, and like his grandfather and father held the office of ruling elder. His only public office was that of city treasurer, to which he was elected as a Republican, a party he always favored. Among several other fraternal connections he was a mem- ber of the Masonic order, and at his deatlı was treasurer of the Fenwick Club, an of- fice he had previously held in the Salem Country Club.
George B. Rumsey married, December 18, 1906, Constance, daughter of Constant M. and Maria H. (Smith) Eakin, who sur- vives him, a resident of Salem. Children : Constance Canarroe, born December I, 1907; Eleanor Margaret, January II, 1909: Alice May Eakin, August 20, 1911. These children are great-great-great-grandchildren of Judge William Hancock, who was killed by the Queen's Rangers, a body of Tories and British, in the doorway of his own home at Hancock's Bridge, on the night of March 21. 1778. The memory of those who per- ished in the massacre at the Hancock house is fittingly preserved by a memorial tablet crected by Oak Tree Chapter. D. A. R., of Salem, unveiled by Miss Constance D. Eakin, great-great-granddaughter of Judge Hancock, June 14, 1903. Judge Hancock was a grandson of William Hancock. the founder of the Hancock family in Salem.
34
1742309
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
EAKIN, Constant M.,
Financier, Public Official.
Among the Salem lawyers of more than half a century ago, preeminent place was accorded Alphonso L. Eakin, who for for- ty-five years occupied a position at the bar that was in itself expressive recognition of exceptionally able talent. Following him in connection with Salem institutions and enterprises was Constant M. Eakin, who, a native of Salem, there passed his entire life.
It is now more than a quarter of a cen- tury since Constant M. Eakin followed his accustomed paths in the place of his birth, paths that were wider and penetrated into more activities than many of his contem- poraries realized. To Constant M. Eakin fell the misfortune of possessing a physique that in strength and vigor fell far behind his mental powers, and he was deprived by bodily weakness from assuming the place of leadership in activity among his fellows to which his capacity of mind and intellect entitled him. Thus handicapped in his work of life, he nevertheless made felt a strong influence, his plans executed by oth- ers, the deeds he would have done per- formed by other hands. To the public he was known through his presidency of the Salem National Bank and as a silent part- ner in many other enterprises. In his pub- lic spirited generosity his means were often used to carry through periods of financial uncertainty industrial and commercial con- cerns whose existence was of benefit to the city, and all worthy projects in Salem found in him a friend and supporter. Thus, though by nature and endowments a leader and organizer, physical frailties compelled him to restrain his desires, to conserve his energy, and to make others his representa- tives in the fields he could not enter in per- son. The honor that was accorded him by those who knew of his private life was as sincere and enduring as though he had him- self taken prominence in many fields, and
his aid, suggestions, and encouragement, his invaluable work as a helper, often told the true story of success.
Johnson, in his "Historical Account of the First Settlement of Salem," states that in 1778 Rev. Samuel Eakin became pastor of Penn's Neck Presbyterian Church, con- tinning until the close of the American Rev- olution. He was in the opinion of the his- toriati, "raised up especially by Providence to aid Jerseymen in their exertion to over- throw the enemies of our country, and was considered scarcely inferior to the celebrated Whitfield. He was a true Whig and an ar- dent defender of the American cause. Wherever there were military trainings or an order issued for a detachment of sol- diers to march he was there if in his power to be there and address them and by his most powerful eloquence would rouse their feelings to the highest pitch. Such was the inspiring effect of his eloquence operating upon the passions of the military in so wonderful a manner that they were ever ready to lay down their lives for their coun- try. The soldiers not only loved him but they idolized him. Such a man was Chap- lain Samuel Eakin." He was of French descent and one of a family that later was prominent in official life in Washing- ton and of importance in many other com- munities. He is the first of the family men- tioned in Salem county records although the history of that county has been en- riched by the deeds of his descendants.
Alphonso L. Eakin, father of Constant M. Eakin, was born in the province of Lor- raine. France, June 27, 1799, son of Samuel Eakin, of Mount Holly, New Jersey, who at the time of the birth of his son was serving the United States government in official capacity in Lorraine. After the re- turn of the family to the United States, Alphonso L. completed his studies, and prior to 1822 located in Salem, New Jer- sey, where he studied law under William N. Jeffers. He was licensed an attorney in 1822, a counsellor in 1825, and practiced
35
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
law in Salem from his admission to the bar until his death, October 29, 1866. He was a very successful lawyer, noted for mi- nute preparation and careful procedure, and applied his vast legal learning to his daily practice in a manner skillful and able. Ac- curacy of statement, certainty of authority, and a convincing manner of presentation were noticeable points in all of his argu- ments, and he was known widely for his integrity and uprightness. From under his tuition there developed several lawyers whose records were a credit to his teach- ing, a source of inspiration they gladly ac- knowledged. Alphonso L. Eakin was a far- sighted and progressive business man as well as a lawyer of profound learning, and during the forty-five years of his practice in Salem by wise investments accumulated a fortune. He is buried in the First Pres- byterian Cemetery, Salem, and his wife, Eliza, born January 5, 1805, died October 16, 1879, lies by his side.
-
Constant M., son of Alphonso L. and Eliza Eakin, was born in Salem, New Jer- sey, June 2, 1843, died there April 26, 1885. He was well educated, and at the end of his school years began his quiet con- nection with Salem enterprises. In 1878 he was elected president of the Salem Na- tional Bank, a position he most capably filled until his death. He served his city as a member of council, and in a little noticed, unobtrusive way aided by influence, voice, and means all those enterprises that date from his period. Although a greatly be- loved member of the Fenwick Club and an "out-of-town" member of the Philadelphia Club, he was emphatically a home lover and there spent his happiest hours. His im- pulses were noble, and sprang from a heart full of sympathy and brotherhood. He was of a sensitive nature, and this, coupled with a reticent disposition, made him loth to reveal his true physical condition, the public not at all understanding his poor state of health. But he fought the grim destroyer bravely, and until about three
months before his death was not absent from his usual pursuits. He is buried in the family plot in the Presbyterian Ceme- tery, at Salem, by the side of his honored father and mother.
Mr. Eakin married Maria H., daughter of Thomas Smith, who survives him, a resident of Salem, with her daughters, Constance, widow of George B. Rumsey, and Eleanor, unmarried.
MILLER, Jacob W.,
Lawyer, Statesman.
One of the picturesque figures in the political arena during ante-bellum days was Jacob W. Miller, the last Whig Sena- tor from New Jersey. Possessed of very strong and sincere convictions, he added to them the greatest industry, complete faith- fulness to those who depended on him, and a high degree of tact. Eloquence seemed to be a family possession in which at least his brother, William W. Miller, shared in an unusual degree, since, though he died a young man, he has left behind him a repu- tation for eloquence in the New Jersey bar which perseveres to this day.
Jacob W. Miller was born in 1800, i German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, and received in boyhood an excellent edu- cation. He determined upon the law as a profession and studied with his elder brother, William W. Miller, whose elo- quence has just been remarked. He was admitted to the bar, and began at once a practice which his great ability soon in- creased to large dimensions. He was for a time associated in partnership with Ed- ward W. Whelpley, a brilliant young law- yer who afterwards became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
In 1838, Jacob W. Miller was sent to the State Legislature, where his ability as a speaker and wisdom as a counsellor were so conspicuous that the same Legislature in 1840 elected him to Congress as United States Senator from New Jersey. Here it
36
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
was that he distinguished himself greatly by his eloquence and energy. To dis- tinguish oneself for eloquence in the United States Senate at that period has an unusual meaning, when we remember that there were congregated there Webster, Clay, Calhoun, and many others whose names have become immortal for this very quality. Of this brilliant group Miller formed one, and he was not unworthy of his company. It is said that he did not speak frequently, but was a keen listener and a great student of every measure in- troduced into the body, and that, when he would break his silence, there was no one listened to with more attention and respect. He proposed vigorously many new ideas that were coming to have influence with the people, and which he regarded as sub- versive of the sound principles upon which the government was founded. Among these was the annexation of Texas, which act he thought totally at variance with the spirit of freedom in our institu- tions. He delivered a most effective address against the proposal, in which he declared that if Texas brought with her the riches of India, he would reject her, and quoted Aristides' report to Athens upon the strat- egy of Themistocles : "Nothing could be more advantageous, but at the same time nothing could be more unjust." He was fighting, however, for a lost cause, and in 1855, two years after he had lost his seat to a Democratic successor, he gave up the unequal strife. It was not, however. for lack of faith in his cause, nor its final vic- tory. He hailed the new Republican party as the deliverer, and allied himself with it heart and soul, throwing the whole force of his character and the whole power of his eloquence into the cause of the Union. He spoke and worked indefatigably for this, his ideal, and, though he could not but view with apprehension the approaching conflict, he never for a moment feared for the final outcome. He foresaw, but was not permitted to view, the event, as death
claimed him in the year 1862, at his home in Morristown. In many particulars his fortune was paralleled by that of his emi- nent contemporary and fellow statesman, Theodore Frelinghuysen, whose politics, like Miller's, were conservative, who also fought as long as might be with the Whigs, who finally allied himself with the new Re- publican party, and fouglit his best for the preservation of the Union, and who, like Miller, was denied the happiness of seeing the outcome of their efforts, dying, as did also Miller, in 1862. As an example at once of Miller's faith and of his eloquence, the following words from an oration de- livered in Morristown will serve admir- ably :
f.et us not be moved by the cry of fanatics, nor alarmed at the threats of secessionists; they are as the angry waves which vainly howl about the battlements and spend their fury upon the unshaken towers of our political fortress. Poli- ticians may fret and fume; State conventions may resolve and re-resolve; and Congress itself be- come the arena of fearful agitations; but above and around, as in a mighty amphitheatre, in undisturbed and undismayed majesty, stands the American people, with steady eye and giant hand, overlooking all and governing all; and wo! wo! to the man, and destruction to the State, that attempts to resist their supreme au- thority.
Mr. Miller died in Morristown, Septem- ber 30, 1862, leaving a widow (a daughter of George P. Macculloch), and several children.
DU PONT, Samuel Francis,
Distinguished Naval Officer.
Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont was born at Bergen Point, New Jersey, Sep- tember 27, 1803, son of Victor Marie Du Pont de Nemours. He was appointed a midshipman in the navy from the State of Delaware, on December 19, 1815, his first service being on the "Franklin," in the Eu- ropean squadron, from which ship he was transferred to the "Erie" on the same sta- tion. In 1821 he returned to the Mediter-
37
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
ranean, serving for a year on the "Consti- tution," until ordered home for examina- tion, after which he was attached to the "Congress," in the West Indies and on the coast of Brazil. He was again in the Med- iterranean in 1824 in the "North Caro- lina," of which vessel he became sailing master, four months of this cruise being spent on the "Porpoise," to which he was ordered soon after his promotion as lieu- tenant, April 28, 1826. Attached to the "Ontario" in 1829, he made another three years' cruise in European waters, and from 1835 to 1838 was executive officer of the "Warren" and of the "Constellation," and commanded the "Grampus" and the "War- ren" in the Gulf of Mexico. In September of the latter year he joined the "Ohio," flagship of Commodore Hull in the Medi- terranean squadron, his cruise ending in 1841. Promoted commander in 1842 he sailed for China in the "Perry," but a se- vere illness forced him to give up his com- mand and return home. In 1849 he was ordered to the Pacific as commander of the "Congress," the flagship of Commodore Stockton.
-
The Mexican War had begun when the ship arrived in California, and Du Pont was assigned to the command of the "Cy- ane," July 23, 1846. With this vessel he captured San Diego, took possession of La Paz, the capital of Lower California, spiked the guns of San Blas, and entered the har- bar of Guaymas, burning two gunboats and cutting out a Mexican brig under a heavy fire. These operations cleared the Gulf of California of hostile vessels, some thirty of which were taken or destroyed. He took part in the capture of Mazatlan under Com- modore Shubrick, November 11, 1847, lead- ing the line of boats which entered the main harbor. On February 15, 1848, Du Pont landed at San José with a naval force and engaged a large body of Mexicans, march- ing three miles inland and successfully re- lieving Lieutenant Heywood's detachment, closely besieged in the Mission House and
about to surrender. Later he led or sent out various expeditions into the interior which cooperated with Colonel Burton and Lieutenant (afterward General) Halleck, who were moving southward, clearing the country of hostile troops and taking many prisoners. Ordered home in 1848, he be- came captain in 1855, and two years later went on special service to China in com- mand of the "Minnesota," witnessing while there the naval operations of the French and English forces, notably their capture of the Chinese forts on the Peiho. After visiting Japan, India and Arabia, he re- turned with his ship to Boston, in May, 1859.
Placed in command of the Philadelphia Navy Yard on December 31, 1860, he took, on his own responsibility, the most prompt and energetic measures, when the Civil War opened in 1861. When communica- tion with Washington was cut off, he sent a naval force to the Chesapeake to protect the landing of troops at Annapolis. In June, 1861. he was made president of a board which convened at Washington to elaborate a general plan of naval operations against the Confederate States. Appointed flag officer in September, he led the expedi- tion which sailed from Norfolk in the fol- lowing month, no American officer having before commanded so large a fleet. On November 7 he successfully attacked the strong fortifications defending Port Royal harbor. Ably planned and skillfully exe- cuted, this engagement is justly regarded as one of the most brilliant achievements of our navy. His unarmored vessels, divided into main and flanking divisions, steamed into the harbor in two parallel columns. The flanking division, after engaging the smaller fort and drawing back the enemy's vessels, took position to enfilade the princi- pal work. before which the main column, led by the flagship "Wabash," passed and re- passed in elliptical course, its tremendous fire inflicting heavy damage. Although the casualties during the engagement were in-
38
3 1
-
CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY
considerable, its importance is not to be measured by the small number of killed and wounded-indicative, in this case, of the professional ability and tactical skill with which the victory was won. The bat- tle of Port Royal, occurring a little less than seven months after the fall of Fort Sumter, was of surpassing value in its mor- al and political effect, both at home and abroad. It gave us one of the finest har- bors on the Atlantic seaboard, which af- forded an admirable base for future opera- tions by the establishment of coaling sta- tions, shops and supply depots. Du Pont actively followed up his victory; Tybee Is- land was seized, giving a foothold for the reduction of Fort Pulaski by the army; a combined naval and military force destroyed the batteries at Port Royal ferry; the sounds and inland waters of Georgia and the east coast of Florida were occupied; St. Mary's, Fernandina, Jacksonville, and other places were captured. and Fort Clinch and the fort at St. Augustine retaken; fourteen blockading stations were established, all thoroughly effective save that off Charles- ton, where the vessels at command were in- sufficient to cover the circuit of twenty- three miles. In recognition of his services, Du Pont received the thanks of Congress and was appointed rear-admiral to rank from July 16, 1862. Toward the close of the year, several armored vessels were added to his command, mostly of the mon- itor type-one of which destroyed the Con- federate steamer "Nashville," when aground near Fort McAllister, Georgia. Desiring to measure the ironclads against forts com- manding obstructed channels, Admiral Du Pont sent three monitors, supported by six other ships, to engage Fort McAllister, upon which they were unable to make any im- pression on account of the small number of their guns and the slowness of their fire. This satisfied the admiral that their offen- sive power had been overrated, and he re- ported to the Navy Department that what-
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.