USA > New Jersey > Memorial cyclopedia of New Jersey, Volume III > Part 4
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Captain Perry inherited his strong character and unusual talents from an honored father and mother. His father, Edmund Perry, represented Hunterdon county in the New Jersey State Senate, and in 1861 was president of that body, and at one time served as acting governor entertaining President Lincoln. He was classed with the foremost men of his day, and ranked favorably with such promi- nent Jerseymen as Chancellor William-
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son, United States Senator William Wright, Secretary Frederick Frelinghuy- sen, John P. Stockton, and Frederick C. Potts. Captain Perry's mother, Elizabeth D. (White) Perry, was an accomplished linguist and a noted amateur musician, also widely known through her contribu- tions to magazines and periodicals. Her article against flogging in the United States navy created a sensation, and Commodore Stockton is credited with the statement that "that article did more to cause the abolishment of such punishment than any other agency." She wrote under her maiden name, Elizabeth D. White, and in the old "Columbia Magazine" and in other old time periodicals her articles may be found.
Samuel Edmund Perry, son of Edmund and Elizabeth D. (White) Perry, was born at New Hampton, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, May 7, 1849, died at Somers Point, Atlantic county, New Jersey, De- cember 20, 1914. He was a student at Riverview Military Academy at Pough- keepsie, New York, then at Eagleswood, New Jersey, later pursuing a course at the Pennsylvania Military College, Chester, Pennsylvania. He chose the profession of law, studied under Judge Randolph, of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and com- pleted a course at Columbia Law School, New York City. After graduation he was admitted to the Connecticut bar, and be- gan practice in the city of Hartford. He was subsequently engaged in practice in New York City in association with Judge Stephen D. Stevens, and later had offices with General Roger A. Pryor in New York. In 1877 he was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney, and in 1881 as a counsellor. He first practiced in New Jersey at Flemington, his native town, then spent a short time in practice at Lambertville, afterward moving to At- lantic City, where he won fame in his pro- fession and continued in practice until
life's course was nearly completed. He attained a prominence in Atlantic county unsurpassed by any and equalled by few. In Hunterdon county he had been solici- tor for the Board of Freeholders, and at Lambertville was city solicitor. In At- lantic county he was Prosecutor of the Pleas for five years, appointed by Gov- ernor Werts in 1893. He was a special Master in Chancery, and sat as Advisory Master in the divorce case, Irwin vs. Irwin, of Chelsea, rendering a decision in favor of Mrs. Irwin. His private practice was very large, conducted from offices in the Currie building, Atlantic and South Carolina avenues, Atlantic City. He was counsel for the Atlantic City Hotel Men's Association, and was in close touch with the public at many points.
Captain Perry was an enthusiastic apostle of "Deeper Waterways," was chosen as delegate to many "Waterways" conventions, was delegate from New Jer- sey to the National Conference on Water- ways held in Washington, and at the Deeper Waterways Association Conven- tion held in Providence, Rhode Island, was elected vice-president of the associ- ation, the only officer elected from New Jersey.
Captain Perry, educated in military schools, ever cherished a fondness for the military branch of national defense. He was an active member of the long extinct Sea Coast Artillery Company, succeeded by Company F, of which he was captain until that, too, passed away.
In politics Captain Perry was an ardent Democrat, and as such was chosen jour- nal clerk of the New Jersey House of Assembly in 1878, and in 1889 was elected a member of the Atlantic City Board of Education. He was appointed Prosecutor by Democratic Governor Werts in 1893, and in 1896 was a delegate to the Na- tional Democratic Convention that nomi- nated William Jennings Bryan for presi-
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dent, although the New Jersey delegation as a unit voted in opposition to that nomi- nation under their instructions to support a "sound money" candidate.
He belonged to many fraternal associa- tions and other organizations, including the legal associations, local, State, and national. He was the first exalted ruler of Atlantic City Lodge No. 276. Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks; was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. At the laying of the cornerstone of Odd Fellows' Hall in Atlantic City, June 13, 1892, he was the orator of the day. He was greatly beloved in all the orders with which he was affiliated. He was long con- nected with the Volunteer Firemen's As- sociation and was major and judge advo- cate of the Third Regiment New Jersey National Guard.
Captain Perry married (first) Adela Chambers, of New York City. He mar- ried (second) in 1879, Isabella Loomis, of Columbia county, New York, daughter of Eli and Mary Cozzens (Webster) Loomis, the latter a relative of Daniel Webster, and schoolmate of Charlotte Cushman. Mrs. Perry is a great-granddaughter of Major Cozzens, a Revolutionary officer, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, eligible to this soci- ety on both sides of her family. She con- tinues her residence at the beautiful home at Somers Point.
SHEPARD, Frederick M., Financier, Humanitarian, Philanthropist.
The surname derived from the oldest occupation of men has been worthily borne by eminent men in many lands in every generation, but by none more worthily than by Frederick M. Shepard, a "Captain of Industry," banker, philan-
thropist and humanitarian, late of East Orange, New Jersey. Though not a native born son of New Jersey, he entered heartily into the business life of his adopted home. aided in the establishment of new interests, financial and industrial, also in philanthropy and religion left en- during monuments to his great public spirit. To his business sagacity the pure abundant water supply of East Orange is largely due also the banking institution of the city. To his philanthropy Orange Memorial Hospital owes a debt of grati- tude for the tuberculosis department, erected in memory of a dear son. To his religious fervor Munn Avenue (First) Presbyterian Church can ascribe much of its prosperity, while Elmwood Chapel Sunday School is a monument to his de- votion and interest, his connection with that school forming one of the pleasant and interesting chapters of his life in East Orange.
Mr. Shepard was of the eighth Amer- ican generation of the family founded in Massachusetts by Edward Shepard, a sea captain, about the year 1639. He was a descendant of an English family that bore arms: "Vert two shepherds' crooks in sal- tire or, between three lambs passant, two and one argent." Crest: "A mount vert thereon in front of two shepherds' crooks in saltire or, a lamb passant argent."
Frederick M. Shepard was born in Nor- folk, Litchfield county, Connecticut, Sep- tember 24, 1827, and died in East Orange, a son of John Andrus and Margaret J. (Mills) Shepard, of Norfolk, the former a member of the Connecticut legislature and postmaster. He attended public and private schools, completing his studies in the school conducted by the Rev. John F. Norton in Norfolk. He began business life as clerk in a Norfolk store, then spent some years in a similar capacity in a dry goods store in Hartford, Connecticut. In
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1848, on arriving at legal age, he went to New York and there for five years was in the employ of Augustine Averill & Com- pany, commission merchants. In 1853 he began his wonderfully successful career as a rubber manufacturer and merchant, a career that terminated only when the highest honor had been won, and his place at the head of the world's greatest rub- ber interests firmly established, and his worth recognized. He was elected secre- tary of the Union Rubber Company in 1853, later becoming its president. In 1864 he organized, in association with Joseph A. Minott, the Rubber Clothing Company, and in 1872, also in association with Mr. Minott, organized the Goodyear Rubber Company, and under Mr. Shep- ard's control. He was also president of the Lambertville Rubber Company ; direc- tor of the National India Rubber Com- pany of Rhode Island, of the United States Rubber Company, and of the Mu- tual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Shepard resided in New York until 1868, and then purchased a residence on Munn avenue, East Orange, which he oc- cupied in summer only until 1873, then sold his New York residence and there- after made East Orange his permanent home. The original house was greatly enlarged and beautified within and with- out, and with its surroundings formed one of the most attractive homes in that city of beautiful residences.
For the first few years after locating in East Orange, Mr. Shepard took little in- terest in the life of that city except in its religious and philanthropic institutions. The Orange Water Company, chartered in 1867, had lain dormant, but in 1880 was revived, Mr. Shepard being one of the first and largest stockholders, and the first president, continuing in that office until his death. Under him a perfect sys- tem of supply and distribution was estab- lished, furnishing a pure and abundant
supply, he, with his associate, Mr. Ran- dall, bearing the early financial burden. While a pure and plentiful supply of water was the paramount idea, the returns in a financial sense have also proved satis- factory to the stockholders. He contrib- uted largely to the erection of the Com- monwealth building, and organized the East Orange Safe Deposit and Trust Com- pany, whose vaults are in that building. He was the first president of the com- pany, serving many years, then resigned, but accepted the office of vice-president. He aided in organizing the East Orange National Bank, was its president tor two years, and then retired, having seen that institution safe and surely on the road to success. He aided by influence and large contributions the Orange Memorial Hos- pital, and in memory of his son, Joseph Minott Shepard. erected the tuberculosis department of that valuable philanthropy. In memory of his childhood days, Mr. Shepard also established a water system in his native town of Norfolk in 1894, the Norfolk Water Company furnishing that town with an abundant supply of pure water drawn from Mountain Lake.
A Presbyterian in religion, Mr. Shepard on coming to East Orange became a mem- ber of the Munn Avenue Presbyterian Church, also known as the First Presby- terian Church of East Orange. He served on the board of trustees for several years, and during his term the debt was extin- guished that had been on the congrega- tion since the erection of the church edi- fice in 1863. When Elmwood Chapel, a branch of the Munn Avenue Church, was proposed, Mr. Shepard by personal effort and generous contribution made its estab- lishment possible. After the erection of the chapel he took deep personal interest in its welfare, especially in the Sunday school, serving as its superintendent from 18So. He devoted much time to its up- building, and saw its steady growth in
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number and usefulness with the keenest pleasure. He was beloved by teachers and scholars, his connection with Elm- wood Chapel and its Sunday school form- ing a most delightful feature of his life in East Orange, and one he reviewed with deep satisfaction. So lived a good man "diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." His life was one of construction and upbuilding. His fortune was fairly earned and rightly used. He did not let "his right hand know what his left hand was doing," and many of his benevolences and deeds of kindness were unknown save to those benefitted. But his deeds of public-spirited generosity, publicly performed as mentioned, were many, and stand as monuments to the memory of a "good man," and of one who stood every test demanded of American citizenship and of a manly character.
Mr. Shepard married, in September, 1854, Annie Clarissa, daughter of Theron Rockwell, of Colebrook, Connecticut, a descendant of Deacon William Rockwell, who came to Nantucket, Massachusetts, May 30, 1630, and founded one of the im- portant Pilgrim families. Joseph Rock- well, of the fifth American generation, was one of the proprietors of Colebrook, Connecticut, and captain of the first militia company in the town. His son, Elijah Rockwell, was a lieutenant of the Revolution, justice of the peace, and town clerk of Colebrook for thirty-eight years. Theron Rockwell, his son, was a leather manufacturer of Colebrook and New York, a man of wealth and influence ; he married Clarissa Treat, a descendant of Matthew Treat, of Connecticut, Annie Clarissa being the youngest child of that marriage.
Children of Frederick M. and Annie Clarissa (Rockwell) Shepard : Annie Rockwell; Frederick M., married Isabella Condit; Clara Margaret. married Alfred Boote; Joseph Minott, died in 1875; John Andrus; Edith Mills.
MACWITHEY, Amasa A., M. D., Physician, Hghly Estimable Citizen.
The eminence of Dr. Amasa A. Mac- withey, late of Pompton, Morris county, New Jersey, was conceded by all. His place in public confidence, esteem and honor, was secure. It was won by a life of unsullied integrity, of identification with educational and philanthropic inter- ests, and of devotion to the public welfare. It is interesting to trace the factors in the making of such a career. Although "blood will tell," aristocracy of rank is unknown among us, and it is the aristocracy of cul- ture, character and ability that will always have our respect.
Dr. Macwithey was born in Saratoga county, New York, December 15, 1819, and died at his home in Pompton, Morris county, New Jersey, in January, 1908, at the age of eighty-eight years. He was a son of John and Mary (Jeremiah) Mac- withey, also natives of Saratoga county, the former a contractor and builder by occupation, who was employed in the con- struction of the Union College, in Sche- nectady, New York. Dr. Macwithey was reared in the latter place and acquired his literary education in its public schools, after which he followed the printer's trade in New York City for some years. He studied medicine under Dr. Isaac S. Smith, of New York City, and attended lectures at the New York University, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1843, his diploma being signed by Theo- dore Frelinghuysen, then chancellor of the university. Dr. Macwithey entered upon his professional career in New York City, where he remained until the year 1850, when he removed to Pompton, New Jersey, where he made his home and de- voted his energies to the restoration of the sick. He was always a close student of his profession and, by careful and con- centrated reading, kept abreast of the im- provements which characterize the science
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of medicine. He was very successful in his work, and was the respected and hon- ored family physician in many of the best homes in his section of the county. He belonged to the Morris County Medical Society, and was examining surgeon for the New York Mutual and the Manhattan Life Insurance companies many years.
Dr. Macwithey was a valued member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Orange Lodge of Paterson, New Jersey. He was also a member of the United Friends, and in his political associations was a Republican, warmly espousing the principles of the Grand Old Party. He was connected in religious belief with the Reformed church, and served as elder of that congregation in Pompton.
Dr. Macwithey married (first) in 1844, Mary Helen Quinn, who died in 1880, a daughter of Robert Quinn, of New York City. He married (second) June 21, 1882, Isabel Nostrand, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Pierce) Nostrand, of New York City. Children by the first marriage: Edward L. C., who also became a physi- cian in New York City, and is now de- ceased, as are his three sisters; he mar- ried Anna Belle Reamer, and they had one child: Edward Louis, who married Alice Linen, of Pompton. The only child of the second marriage was Herbert Alonzo. In his private life Dr. Macwithey was a man of high ideals and rare attainments. Intellectually he was a man of unusual force and influence, and all who came in contact with him felt the impress of his personality. He was a deep and constant student along many lines of research, and possessed a wide and accurate fund of in- formation, which made him at all times a most interesting and instructive con- versationalist. He loved his friends and delighted in their company, for there was in him none of the misanthrope. He had no personal enemies and provoked no one to enmity, for the simplicity and cordiality
of his nature and manners invited friend- ship and disarmed enmity. His domestic life was exemplary, his home a genial and happy one, and he and his wife were held in the highest esteem by all. Such a life is a valuable asset to any community. To young men of ambition, industry and ability, it is an incentive to seek a career that will not serve selfish interests alone, but, by integrity of conduct and promo- tion of public good, to lead their age a little higher on humanity's upward path, which at last shall be crowned with the light of a perfect civilization.
IMLAY, Lewis Tilton,
Insurance Actuary.
In the passing of a man who has been of proven value to his community, there is always cause for sincere public regret, and many were the expressions of sorrow that followed the death of Lewis T. Im- lay, who died at Atlantic City, July 10, 1913. He possessed those excellent quali- ties of manhood that attract, and during his business life he established a reputa- tion for unfailing integrity and commer- cial honor that won him the highest com- mendation. He was progressive and en- ergetic in his business, alert and quick to discern an opportunity, but never in his desire to forge ahead willing to sacrifice his good name or to stoop to question- able practice. He was loyal to his friends, cheerful in prosperity or adversity, sym- pathetic and generous to those in distress, and full of charity for those weak enough to transgress human or Divine law. His spoken promise he held sacred, prompt- ness in business engagements and sturdy honesty ever characterized him, and no man in his city was more genuinely liked. Although the memory of his splendid business career will remain a worthy monument to his ability and energy, he will be longest remembered for his many
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deeds of charity and kindness, for the purity of his private character, and for the strength of his manhood.
- Lewis T. Imlay was born in Northfield, New Jersey, March 13, 1862, and died in Atlantic City, July 10, 1913, only child of Gideon T. and Sarah J. (Tilton) Imlay. After completing his education, he enter- ed business life and became one of the best known insurance men of Atlantic City. When C. J. Adams purchased the extensive insurance business of his cousin, I. G. Adams, he admitted Mr. Imlay, J. B. Rogers and Lucius I. Wright as part- ners, and until his death Mr. Imlay con- tinued this association, succeeding J. B. Rogers as secretary of the company sev- eral years ago.
He was a Republican in politics, but never sought public office, although for one term he represented Ventnor City on the Board of Freeholders, serving as chairman of the finance committee. He declined reelection and thereafter served his community in a strictly private capa- city. He was a well known and popular member of the Masonic order, belonging to Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, to the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Atlantic Commandery, Knights Templar. He was a noble of Crescent Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He was a mem- ber of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, and faithful to his obligations.
Mr. Imlay married Irene C. Tilton, who survives him, a resident of Atlantic City. Children: Caroline, married Charles R. Wilson, Horace G., and John, both resi- dents of Atlantic City.
WOODWARD, Edward Stockton, Man of Sterling Character.
field of their business activity, but whose home and social interests lie across the Delaware in Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Woodward entered business life in Phil- adelphia while yet below legal age, com- ing from the farm to the city, and there obtaining temporary employment while seeking his niche in the vast business in- terests of the Pennsylvania metropolis. In 1872, the year in which he attained his majority, he decided, with calm and deliberate judgment, to establish as a commission dealer in produce, taking his place among the commission merchants along Philadelphia's waterfront. From the first he applied himself to the upbuild- ing of a substantial, prosperous business, and, with untiring industry, asking no favors, learning more from reverses than successes, he placed the house he found- ed among the leaders in its line, the proud occupant of a position fairly won. In the crises of affairs he was strong and cour- ageous, in his associations fair and up- right, and his business owed its long and successful continuance to the strict probity and honor that characterized the trans- actions of his house. His resourcefulness and exceptional business acumen were well shown during one of the infrequent potato famines that have distressed agri- culturists of the Atlantic States, when, to meet the demands of a clamoring market, he directed large importations of this essential commodity from Ireland. For more than four decades he was a con- spicuous figure in commission dealings in Philadelphia, and during this period he gained, besides material independence, the confidence and respect, the friendship and regard, of his many associates. In the provision business Mr. Woodward was widely known and respected among the farmers in all the districts adjacent to the home market, as well as in the south, especially in Virginia, where he bought
A native and resident of New Jersey, Edward Stockton Woodward was one of the many who make Philadelphia the largely of produce. There he was always
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assured of a warm welcome and cheerful greeting when traveling through the State on a buying trip. He was a man of kindly and charitable instincts, always ready to contribute to a worthy cause, and to give a helping hand here and there to those who sought assistance. A num- ber of the prosperous commission men in Philadelphia and elsewhere owe their start in business life to his assistance and kindly advice.
Edward Stockton Woodward was born at Green Tree (now Evesboro), Burling- ton county, New Jersey, June 1, 1851, died in Camden, New Jersey, November 6, 1914. His education was gained in the public schools of the locality, and his youthful years were passed on his grand- father's farm, which he left when deter- mined to seek employment in Philadel- phia. A carpet house offered him his first situation, and in this place he remain- ed until 1872, when, arriving at man's estate, he inaugurated a venture which, in its successful issue, brought him promi- nence and prosperity. This venture, for, because of his youth and inexperience it could be called little more, was establish- ment in commission dealings in produce, which he did on a small scale on Dock street, the principal headquarters for com- mission houses in Philadelphia. Adher- ence to the fairest of business laws, con- siderate intercourse with the agricultur- ists of the neighboring country, and per- sistent and well directed endeavor brought the volume of business transacted in the Woodward name up to a standard equal to that of the leading houses of the city, a position it ably maintained during Mr. Woodward's active years. He special- ized in the handling of potatoes, and for years was one of the most extensive dealers in that staple in the region, and on one occasion when the eastern crop failed, resorted to the method previously described to fulfill the demand. He was
the personal head of his business, plan- ning and executing, retaining a firm grip upon all of its activities until called from all labor. Mr. Woodward was known and appreciated for admirable qualities of character and personality, and even in the rush and press of business impressed his associates and acquaintances with his sterling worth and true manhood.
He was always greatly interested in sport. In the palmy days of the trotting horse, before the automobile came into general use as a vehicle, Mr. Woodward had his pleasure and recreation in own- ing and driving blooded stock. In his stable were to be found many of the fam- ous horses of the time, one of which was the celebrated "Major Ross," with a track record of 2:16 1-2, trial speed of 2:11, and matinee record to road wagon of 2:17 1-4. Mr. Woodward was a member of the old Belmont, Point Breeze and other trotting clubs. A number of solid silver cups now in the possession of his widow and son testify to his success with his horses at the various races in which they took part. It was only when the automobile sup- planted the horse as a roadster and the latter had to give way to its speedier rival that Mr. Woodward recognized the ad- vantages of the motor car and sold his stable.
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