USA > New Jersey > Atlantic County > Atlantic City > The Daily union history of Atlantic City and County, New Jersey : containing sketches of the past and present of Atlantic City and County > Part 39
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Having very flattering inducements offered him to locate at Atlantic City, he concluded to come here, associating himself with Dr. Boardman Reed.
Dr. Stewart, since his residence here, has always taken an active interest in matters tending towards the advancement of the city's interest. He is a member of the medical staff of the Atlantic City Hospital, and has done much towards organizing that institution. For eight years Dr. Stewart has occupied the Chair of Pharmacology and Physiological Action of Drugs, and as Assistant Professor at his Alma Mater.
In politics he is a Republican, a member of the American Academy of Medicine. American Medical Association, President of the Atlantic County Medical Society, Vice- President of the Atlantic City Academy of Medicine, a thirty-second degree Mason, Knight Templar, and member of Lulu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Philadelphia.
As an author Dr. Stewart has attained prominence in his profession, his book, "A Syn- opsis of Practice of Medicine." having reached the second edition.
Dr. Stewart is happily married and resides on Pacific avenue, in the residence which he purchased from his former partner and associate. Dr. Boardman Reed.
ARTHUR H. STILES.
Arthur H. Stiles, the well-known contractor and builder, was born in the town of Lincoln, Lincolnshire County, England, October 4. 1860, At the age of twelve years he came to this country with his parents, who, after living three years in Philadelphia, moved to this city. Excepting five years, when he lived in Tacoma, Washington, the subject of this sketch has lived in this city ever since, working at the trade of his father, that of a brickmason, building some of the finest structures on the island. The Steuber block at Indiana avenue, Dr. Cuskaden and H. H. Deakyne's drug stores, and Bleak House on the beach are some of the buildings which he has erected. Mr. Stiles is active and prominent in society circles. He is a member of Trinity Lodge, F. and A. M., and Trinity Chapter. a member of Webster Lodge, K. of P., of the Brotherhood of the Union, the Degree of Pocahontas, and of Pequod Tribe, Imp. O. R. M. At present Brother Stiles is Great Sachem of the Great Council of the State of New Jersey and a very efficient and popular officer. He is a member of the local Board of Health and well qualified to fill any official position. On October 12, 1887. he was happily married to Mary W., daughter of the late Jesse and Deborah Somers, and has one child. John Somers Stiles, who was born October 2, 1888.
FRANKLIN P. STOY.
Franklin P. Stoy, Mayor of this city, was born at Haddonfield, N. J., January. 1854. He was educated in the public schools of Camden County, N. J., and at the age of twenty- three he accepted a position as superintendent of the Union Transfer Company, by whom
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he has been employed ever since. On account of his health, in 1881. he was sent to this city as manager for the company, a position which he still holds.
Tilf 1882 he was in this city only during the summer months, but since then the vastly increasing transfer of baggage has kept him here aff the year around. He came as an in- valid and remains as a stalwart and useful citizen of extensive influence and acquaintance with the traveling public.
He served as a member of Council in 1891-2-3, tilf he was elected Mayor, serving four years, till 1898. He was re-elected in March, 1900. He had long noticed as a public official the necessity for a city hospital, and was active in promoting such an institution. He was chosen the first President of the Board of Hospital Governors when they organized, April 9. 1897, and has been re-elected each year since. He is a Past Master of Trinity Lodge and a member of all the Masonic orders. He is a member of several other orders, the Eiks and the Golden Eagles, and has a helping hand for all good works. In politics he is a Republi- can. and in religion a Methodist. He is happily married and has a model home on Pacific avenne.
JESSE B. THOMPSON.
Prominent among those who have been largely interested in the advancement of Atlantic City, stands Jesse B. Thompson, M. D., the subject of this sketch.
To the growth of the section of the city known as Chelsea, Dr. Thompson's efforts have been largely directed. and to no other one agency is so much due for its rapid growth and development. Born at Hurffville, Gloucester County, New Jersey, January 17, 1857, his early education was received in the common schools of that district. At the age of seventeen he left school and accepted a position as clerk in a store, and acted in that capacity in various towns adjacent to the home of his birth. After some deliberation he decided to enter one of the professions, and finally selected that of medicine as being the one by which he could most henefit his fellowmen.
He then took a course at the University of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to practice in May, 1888. After his admission he selected Atlantic City as a place which afforded ex- cellent opportunities.
Dr. Thompson was highly successful from the start, and built up a large and fucrative practice. After some years, realizing the possibilities in advancing real estate, he gave a great deal of his attention to that field. He then became interested in Chelsea, which was practically an undeveloped tract of land. Believing this to be a valuable tract for the future rise in values, he had the courage of his convictions and invested very largely. Later days have demonstrated Dr. Thompson's foresight and courage, as values have risen very largely and Chelsea is now one of the most desirable parts of our beautiful city.
In politics and religion he is independent.
Dr. Thompson's latest venture was in Hotel Chelsea, which was so successful the first season it opened, 1899, that an extension trebling its first capacity has been added.
JOSEPH THOMPSON.
Hon. Joseph Thompson, the son of William W. and Hester T. Pennington Thompson, was born at Mays Landing, September 21, 1853. He received his early education in his native town and studied law under Alden C. Scovel of Camden, and William Moore of Mays Landing. In 1878 he was admitted to the New Jersey Bar as an attorney, and in 1883 as a counselfor. Since 1880, when he came to Atlantic City, he has held several im- portant public offices. In 1881 he was made tax collector of the county; in 1882 solicitor for the Board of Chosen Freeholders, in which position he has been retained ever since. He succeeded Afex. H. Shary as prosecutor of the pleas for Atlantic County, filling the
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office from 1882 to 1892. In the latter year, he was appointed law judge of the county by Governor Wurts, holding the position until April. 1898, when he was elected Mayor.
He is one of the directors of the Second National Bank, also the Atlantic Safe Deposit and Trust Company. He is solicitor for both of these corporations, with whose organization he was identified. He is one of the managers of the State Hospital for the Insane, at Tren- ton, having been appointed in March. 1898, by Governor Voorhees. He is likewise a mem- ber of the State Board of Taxation by grace of the same appointing power.
Mayor Thompson is a shrewd politician, alert business man and an aggressive attorney. He has made a specialty of corporation law and has been solicitor for one or both railroads leading to this city for many years.
WILBUR R. TILTON.
Wilber R. Tilton, the well-known cashier of the Hammonton Bank, is the son of the late Peter S. Tilton, and was born at Bakersville, March 24. 1857. He finished his education at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and for several years was associated with his father in the management of a general country store. Since 1887 he has been cashier of the People's Bank. He is identified with other business interests and commands the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens throughout the country, wherever he is known.
CHARLES EDWARD ULMER.
Charles Edward Ulmer, M. D., was born in Ellsworth, near Bangor, Maine, on Sep- tember 8, 1857, and died in Atlantic City January 15. 1898. His father was Levi Ulmer, son of George Ulmer. a Revolutionary officer. His mother was Harriet J. Lord, a direct de- scendant of Stephen Hopkins, who came to this country in the Mayflower.
The Doctor's parents moved to Philadelphia when he was quite young. His early scholastic training was had in the Boys' Central High School, of which he was a graduate. He next entered the Philadelphia Dental College, graduated, and became Demonstrator of Chemistry in that institution. Later he studied at the University of Pennsylvania for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, but abandoned it in 1880 to come to Atlantic City, where for ten years he practiced successfully as a dentist. In 1800 he was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College and soon gained a large practice.
The Doctor was City Physician for several years, until impaired health compelled him to relinquish practice. At the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Education.
On August 13, 1896, he married Helen, daughter of Henry D. Smith, formerly of Brigantine Beach.
In the practice of medicine he was most successful, and at all times a close student. With a passionate love for his profession, combined with a winning personality and gentle- ness of manner, he was an ideal physician and one of the most popular and successful prac- titioners in this city.
S. HUDSON VAUGHN.
S. Hudson Vaughn, architect of this city, is the son of Capt. Daniel F. Vaughn, of Mays Landing, where he was born, August 25, 1871. He was educated in the public schools and at Spring Garden Institute, Philadelphia, and found employment with various archi- tects before he accepted the position of superintendent of buildings for the Industrial Land Company of New York, which erected seventy cottages and several factories at Mays Land- ing previous to 1894, when he became associated with the late William G. Hoopes in this city. Upon the death of Mr. Hoopes, Mr. Vaughn succeeded him in the business and has
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been very successful. He was the architect of the Allen apartment building, the Currie building, the Chelsea school house, the County Asylum at Smiths Landing, Bleak House, the Conrow and Rochford apartment blocks, and various other important buildings and private residences.
On September 22, 1892, Mr. Vaughn married Mrs. Lida P. Eldredge, of Cape May City, and occupies a fine home in Chelsea.
CHARLES FREDERICK WAHL.
Charles Frederick Wahl, the enterprising shoe merchant, is the youngest of the three sons of the late John Conrad and Mary Struchen Wahl, and was born at Egg Harbor City, June 16, 1858. The two older brothers, John C. Wahl, Jr., and William Frederick Wahl of this city, are also shoe dealers. The father was one of the early pioneers of Egg Harbor City, coming from Wittenberg. Germany, and spending his first few years in Boston and New York.
The son was educated in the public schools, in both German and English branches, and came to Atlantic City with his father in 1871, to be the third shoe dealer to locate here, his predecessors being the late Joseph J. Shinnen and the veteran John Harrold. Wahl's shoe store at Virginia and Atlantic avenues was a landmark for more than twenty years.
In 1892, the son succeeding his father in the active management of the business, moved to the larger Tower Hall shoe store at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue, where the busi- ness has since been conducted with metropolitan enterprise and success.
In 1889 Mr. Wahl married Martha F. Lippincott, and has three children, Wendell Phil- lips, Hildegard Mary and Helen Gould. He is considerably interested in real estate and devotes his energies closely to his large and prosperous trade. He is a member of American Star Lodge of Odd Fellows, a trustee of Central M. E. Church, which he helped to organize, and in which he has taken an active interest.
JOHN S. WESTCOTT.
John S. Westcott, Esq., who has been City Recorder since March, 1898, was born in this city May 4, 1866. He is the youngest son of the late Arthur and Mary A. Westcott. His father was a carpenter and builder, and for twenty years or more was the assessor of this city. His ancestors were of English descent, his grandfather coming from Instala End He was a commissioned officer in the Mexican war, and became the owner of considerable property in this county.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and studied law with Hon. Joseph Thompson, then Prosecutor of the Pleas of this county. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1888, and has been very successful in the practice of law. He was solicitor for the City Board of Health nine years. In 1889 he was elected Coroner and served a term as chairman of the Board of Assessors. He has been engaged in many important suits and is prominent and active in the Republican party. He is a member of Trinity Lodge and Trinity Chapter, R. A. M. He is an Elk, an Odd Fellow and a Red Man. He married Mary E. Corcoran, of Philadelphia, and occupies a fine home on Ocean avenue.
ALFRED W. WESTNEY.
One of the younger members of the Atlantic City medical fraternity is Dr. Alfred W. Westney, who was born June 9. 1874. in Philadelphia, his parents being John and Mary Westney, who now reside at Palmyra. New Jersey.
He attended the public schools of his native city and graduated with the degree of
un
a
Riel's
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BIOGRAPHY
Bachelor of Arts at the Central High School, after which he entered Ilahnemann Medical College and graduated in the first four years' course of that institution. In 1897 he re- ceived an appointment as senior house surgeon and physician at Hahnemann Hospital, where he served a little over a year. For several years prior to this and, in fact, while a student, he served in a number of dispensaries at the hospital, and is a graduate of the Lying-In. In 1898 he came to Atlantic City, locating at 1302 Pacific avenue, where he has a cosy office.
Dr. Westney has a pleasing personality, is an enthusiast and a member of a number of medical societies, of which might be mentioned the Phi Alpha Gamma, and the American Institute of Homoeopathy.
DANIEL S. WHITE, JR.
Daniel S. White. Jr., owner and proprietor of Hotel Traymore, was born near Mount Holly, N. J., in 1853. He was educated in the public schools and in Philadelphia. His father for 17 years was superintendent of Indian affairs in Nebraska, and the son served him as clerk. also as Indian trader and dealer in general merchandise for some years in Iowa and Nebraska. In 1886 he came east and with his father-in-law. W. W. Green, and his brother-in-law. G. E. Knight, purchased the Hotel Traymore of Mrs. M. E. Hoopes. To the management of the hotel Mr. White has devoted his exclusive attention ever since, till at present he is the sole owner, and the property is several times more valuable than when he first knew it. Hotel Traymore is an all-the-year house, has accommodations for 400 guests and is often unable to meet the demand upon it for rooms. Its success is chiefly due to the careful business methods and liberal management of Mr. White.
HARRY WOOTTON.
Harry Wootton, one of the most popular young men in Atlantic City, is a son of the late Henry and Anne J. Eldredge Wootton. and grandson of the late Jonah Wootton and the late Lemuel Eldredge, who were prominent in the affairs of Atlantic City since its early days. He married in 1895. Mary Marshall Down, daughter of L. A. Down. ex-County Clerk of Atlantic County.
He is a graduate of the Atlantic City High School, being a member of the class of 1886. He studied law in the offices of Hon. Joseph Thompson, after which he attended Columbia College, New York, and in 1892 received the degree of LL.B. from the New York law school. In the same year he was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey, since which time he has practiced law, acquiring a valuable practice. He is also a junior member of the real estate firm of Devine and Wootton, who have one of the largest real estate clientages in South Jersey. He is actively identified with the Republican party, and is a member of many secret societies and social organizations of Atlantic City.
JONAH WOOTTON, SR.
Jonah Wootton, Sr., one of the early pioneers of this city, was born in Bloxwich, Staf- fordshire. England. February 24. 1814. He was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Wootton. and was one of a family of twenty-one children. He married Elizabeth. daughter of Wil liam and Mary Whitehouse, and was a painter and builder by trade and occupation. He came to this country in 1844. landing in Baltimore, where he lived four years before moving to Philadelphia. He moved to this city in 1858, having then completed Light House Cot tage at the ocean end of Massachusetts avenue, which, when moved later to escape the en croachments of the ocean. became known as the St. Charles, standing near Delaware and
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Pacific avenue. Mr. Wootton purchased the entire square from Pacific avenue to the ocean for $7,500. William Whitehouse, a brother of Mrs. Wootton, built what for years was known as the White House on Massachusetts avenue. Mrs. Wootton died December 29, 1877.
The children of Jonah and Elizabeth Wootton were: Mary Ann, b. February 12, 1836; d. young. Jonah, Jr., b. June 5. 1837; d. December 28, 1892. Mary A., b. October 21, 1838; m. J. Henry Hayes. Paul, b. December 12, 1840. Silas, b. July 20, 1842; killed on skirmish line, battle of Weldon Railroad, August 18, 1864; he was Quartermaster Sergeant, 156th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Phillip, b. September 12, 1844: d. December 21, 1844. William, b. May 15, 1846; d. June 16, 1846. Elizabeth, b. February 2, 1850: d. September 13, 1851. Lucy, b. February 2, 1852: d. March 2, 1852. Eliza, b. February 2, 1855; d. March 2, 1855-
For his second wife Jonah Wootton married Mary Coulter, who survives him. He died January 24, 1890. He never held any public position, but was an active member and liberal supporter of the church and a progressive, enterprising citizen, who helped the town to prosper in its early days.
JONAH WOOTTON, JR.
Jonah Wootton, Jr., was born at Bloxwich, England, in 1837. He came with his parents to America in 1843, settling in Baltimore, Md., later removing to Philadelphia, Pa., where he received his early education in the public schools. In 1861 he succeeded his father in the painting business, which he successfully carried on, until he removed to Atlantic City, in 1870, where he entered into the hotel business with his father, conducting the "Light House Cottage," at the foot of Massachusetts avenue, which was later removed to the foot of Delaware avenue and called the "St. Charles." Leaving the hotel business, he again engaged in the decorative painting business. He was a devout member of the First M. E. Church, conducting the choir and being Sabbath-school superintendent for many years. He married Mary A. Griffith, daughter of Wm. C. and Kathryn Rose Griffith, of Philadelphia, Pa. Their children being William, Elizabeth, Silas, Mayme, Nellie, Jonah and Kathryn. He was a Republican in politics, later joining the Prohibition party. He died December 28, 1892.
ELIAS WRIGHT.
The subject of this sketch was born June 22, 1830, in Durham, Greene County, New York, and is the son of Anson P. and Abigail Pierce Wright. His early education was begun at a country district school and was largely supplemented by hard study at home, coupled with considerable exercise as a student at farming on his father's farm. As a young man, General Wright began his struggle for prominence as a teacher of a country school, to which occupation he gave three years' faithful service. He located at Atlantic City, New Jersey, in March, 1852. His first vocation was that of a school teacher for several years, later taking up the science of civil engineering and surveying. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, he was instrumental in raising and equipping a company called the "Home Guards," of which he was commissioned Captain. Promptly after the Bull Run fight he took his company to Trenton, where they were mustered into the 4th New Jersey Regiment of Infantry, and General Wright accepted a position as Second Lieutenant (the lowest com- mission in the army). After much reorganization, drilling and other military preparation, much of the duties of the soldier was gathered by these patriotic spirited men. Among the many other duties the General filled the office of Judge Advocate of several special Courts- Martial during these stirring times, and practically working his way up from the lowest ranks as an officer to a position of prominence and importance in military circles. Probably no man among the veterans remaining in the State of New Jersey has seen a more varied or
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peculiar career as an intrepid sollier and a warm advocate of President Linechick pratos Many incidents are related which vividly portray a strong decision of character of och viduality which make successful men no matter what their vocation may be Frias Wight - service during the rebellion is a record of which he may be justly proud, and the many attestations from his superior officers prove the opinion in which they held his courage and ability. General Wright entered the service as Second Lieutenant of Company G. 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, August 17. 1861. Promoted to First Lieutenant. Company D. January 3. 1862. Captured at Gaines Mill. Virginia, June 27. 1802, and imprisoned in Richmond, Virginia. Exchanged August 5. 1862. Wounded at Crampton Pass, Maryland. September 14. 1862. Promoted to a Captaincy. December. 1862: Major. June. 1863: Licu- tenant-Colonel. April. 1864: Colonel. August, 1864: Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. Volun teers. January, 1865. and confirmed by the Senate at that time for gallant and meritorions services during the war. The following enumeration of army service will doubtless be of interest :
He was on duty near Washington, D. C .. until March 7, 1862: moved to the Peninsula. April 4th: in action at West Point. Virginia, May 7th: Seven Days' battle, June 25th - July Ist: battle of Gaines Mill. June 27th, where he was captured and imprisoned at Libby Prison for seven weeks. He was in action again on the Plains of Manassas and Bull Run Bridge. August 27. 1862: battle of Chantilly. September Ist; Maryland Campaign. Septem ber 7th-20th: battle of Crampton's Pass, Maryland, September 14th, where in leading the advance in the charge up the mountain he was badly wounded. Battle of Antietam. Sep- tember 16th-17th: battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. December 13th-15th: Chancellorsville Campaign. April 28th-May 6th: battle of Salem Heights, May 3d-4th: expedition to South Mills. December 5th-20th. 1863: battle with Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry, May 21st: battle of Chaffin's Farm. September 29th-30th: expedition against Fort Fisher in December. 1864. and January, 1865: commanded a brigade from October. 1864, to the end of his service: commanding a brigade of five regiments in March. 1865, he had the advance of Gen. Terry's army up the Peninsula from Fort Fisher to Wilmington. Near the latter place the enemy under Gen. Bragg made a stubborn resistance, where the subject of this sketch was shot through the right arm, which ever after paralyzed that limb. At the surrender of Johnson's army near Durham, North Carolina, April, 1865; Provost-Marshal of New Berne, North Carolina. May and June. 1865.
The brigade having been ordered to Texas he resigned and went home, and was im- mediately taken into service by his former employer. Stephen Colwell. General Wright held eight commissions in the volunteer army, two of them as Captain, and rising, as above stated. to the rank of Brevet Brigadier-General of the U. S. Volunteers. Of these he asked only for the rank of Captain.
After the war was over he was assigned by Mr. Colwell as surveyor and engineer and partially as manager of Mr. Colwell's business, with headquarters at Weymouth. Atlantic County. New Jersey. He continued that work until 1873. when he was engaged by Joseph Wharton. of Philadelphia, to manage his estate of more than 100,000 acres of land in New Jersey, in which work he is still interested. Ilis researches of the titles extend back to 1720. covering many owners and many conditions, with the result that great credit is due to the ability of General Wright. No other land owner in that region has ever undertaken such a tremendous task. in the successful outcome of which the General takes a just pride. It is an enduring monument to his industry and energy and also to the tenacity of purpose of Joseph Wharton, who has saved much trouble for his successors by clearing up the title- and boundary lines in Southern New Jersey.
In politics the General is an uncompromising Republican, though he is opposed to voting in the field and still does not believe that soldiers, either volunteer or regular-, should be allowed so to vote. He does not believe in the demonetization of silver as money of redemption.
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