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 40
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General Wright is a believer in thorough education, but has no superstitious reverence 33
514
DAILY UNION HISTORY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY.
for mere literary culture as contrasted with practical training in affairs. He believes in the employment of men and women equally as teachers, and yet is decided in his belief that our public school system suffers, not only from incompetent officers, but from an undue proportion of women teachers. He has never had the time nor the disposition to contend for political preferment, and has, therefore, held but few offices, but he has had sundry occa- sions to look into the accounts and doings of political henchmen, and he regrets the knowl- edge so acquired. He has no denominational affiliations.
WILLARD WRIGHT.
Willard Wright, M. D., who died at his home in this city, September 8, 1895, was the son of Anson P. Wright, a farmer, and was born in the town of Durham, Green County, N. Y., July 18. 1832. He was the youngest of six sons in a family of nine children. His brothers were Calvin, Bradford, Anson B., George, and Elias, and his sisters were Mary A .. Henrietta, and Ellen B. He received his early training on the farm and in the district school. He taught school for several years, like many other young men from the Knick- erbocker country, and finally studied medicine in Chicago and Philadelphia, and settled for practice in Illinois. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he raised a company of cavalry and entered the service as Captain, October 10, 1861, and saw active service in the State of Missouri. Owing to sickness contracted by exposure, from which he never fully recovered, he resigned and was honorably discharged July 20, 1862. Returning east he set- tled at Pleasantville and resumed the practice of his profession, having a drug store at Absecon and an extensive practice along the shore. He soon became recognized as one of the best physicians and one of the influential men of the county.
For his second wife he married Annie M. Frambes, November 21, 1864. In 1871 he associated himself with Dr. Rex Smith and opened a drug store in this city, at 910 Atlantic avenue. Two years later he moved to this city to reside permanently and opened a drug store at 931 Atlantic avenue, where he lived for a number of years. He succeeded John J. Gardner as Mayor of Atlantic City in 1876-'77, also in 1879 and 1881, and again in 1886. He was one of the active and influential friends and advocates of the Narrow Gauge railroad, which gave him considerable prestige and popularity. He was also largely instrumental as Mayor in securing an ample supply of water for this city at a time when the injurious effects of a water famine and the lack of fire protection were halting the progress of the town. As a physician he appreciated the value of a good water supply, and fearlessly faced strong opposition in doing what he felt to be an important duty.
He was twice appointed Postmaster of this city by President Cleveland, and filled ac- ceptably this very trying and difficult position. Dr. Wright's kindness and generosity were proverbial. His drug store when he was personally in charge was almost a free dispensary, and his failure to collect or to urge the collection of thousands of dollars due him for drugs and professional services kept him poor. While he had a fortune in outstanding bills he was often hard pressed financially till his salary as postmaster made him more comfortable.
As a public man, intensely interested in his home town, his integrity was at times as- sailed by his opponents. But he died poor, a friend of the poor, generous and kind, a proof that his best years and his great ability had been devoted unselfishly to the service of his fellow man. As a physician he had few equals. He saved many a life and cured many a doubtful case. In politics and religion he was liberal.
He was a great reader and enjoyed the discussion of metaphysical subjects. He was a Greeley Republican, who, like thousands of others, were Democrats after 1872. As a public man and a family physician few have contributed so much of their time, talent and means. for the benefit of others in this city as Dr. Willard Wright.
515
BIOGRAPHY
JOIIN L. YOUNG.
Captain John L., son of the late James Young, is a representatre. Imersinmussinl -o- cessful citizen, who occupies a niche of his own in the history of Atlantic City H1. was born at Absecon, September 25, 1853. and has spent most of his life on this island, achief- ing fortune and popularity by dint of his own genius. Till he was fifteen years old hi- hocom was among the wild sand hills at South Atlantic, where his grandfather, under Capt. Chauffe- Bates, was employed in the coast survey. Here during the impressionable years of the boyhood, wild nature was his public school, and he became familiar with the facts of the natural history of the region which have been of so great use to him ever since.
No man is better versed in the habits and peculiarities of the fish and wild fouls. of the action of tides and currents and changes of the weather and seasons, than he. No man is more skillful with gun or boat, or more at home and in his clement where the Atlantic lashes the continent.
Mr. Young was a nephew of the late Hon. John L. Bryant, and learned of him the trade of carpenter and builder. He worked at his trade in this city for some years, and no longer ago than 1885 served the city as life guard and police officer at forty dollars per month. In the fall of that year he formed a partnership with Stewart R. MeShea. Their successful and extensive deals in beach front property are referred to elsewhere. Mr. Young has visited California and viewed the natural wonders of his native land. He is happily married and occupies a beautiful home on the shore, or in his cottage over the ocean where the associations of a lifetime in all their perfection are combined in his ocean pier and its special attractions.
MAURICE DECKER YOUNGMAN.
Maurice Decker Youngman, M. D., was born in Kingston, N. Y., March 23, 1858. His early education was obtained in the public schools of New York City and at the University of New York, where he graduated. He studied medicine with Dr. Abraham Crispell. of Kingston, and graduated at the New York Homoeopathic Medical College in 1880. Owing to the ill health of his wife he visited the pine region of New Jersey, spending a few months at Lakewood. Manchester and Toms River previous to coming to this city. May 18. 1881. He came at the suggestion of Dr. O. H. Crosby, and first opened an office on Atlantic avenue below Indiana. At the end of his first year he moved to his present location on Pacific avenue. He has for many years been a member of and secretary of the city board of health, and for a number of years was the local representative of the State Board of Health. He has issued many pamphlets on Atlantic City as a resort for invalids, one of which has had a run of five editions. In 1889 he served on a special committee to correct and coun teract the mendacious reports of destruction by storm sent out from this city by sensa- tional reporters. He is a member of several medical societies, also a member of Trinity Lodge. F. and A. M.
ALFRED WILLIAMS BAILY.
Alfred Williams Baily. M. D., one of our best known physicians is the son of Res. Thomas Loyd Baily, and was born near West Chester. Penna., October 18. 1857 He was educated in the public schools and at Westtown, Academy, and graduated from Hahnem in Medical College, March, 1886. He located in this city the following September, and Its been very successful in his practice ever since. He was elected president of the New Jer- Homoeopathic Medical Society in 1893, and has taken an active interest in that orgullo tion. He is one of the most active workers of the Homoeopathic Club of this City and during the year 1890 was the very active and efficient President of the Board of 11 che
516
DAILY UNION HISTORY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY.
SMITH CONOVER.
Smith Conover, the well-known grocer of Atlantic City, was born at Oceanville, N. J., July 4, 1850. He was one of the eight children of Eliakim Conover and Sophia Smith. The sons were Charles, James, Elmer, Smith, Lemuel. Josiah and Samuel. The sister was Sarah and lives in Philadelphia. Le muel only is dead. The early education of the subject of this sketch was gained mostly in the country store of his father and that of his uncle. John V. Conover, at Oceanville. He came to Atlantic City in 1868 and found employment in the grocery store of Lewis Reed. Jr., on Atlantic avenue, above Maryland avenue. Here he continued five years till 1873, when he accepted the position of bookkeeper at the Dis- ston lumber mill. In 1876 he opened a grocery store on his own account in a property leased of Henry Wootton, which he purchased later and still occupies at Virginia and At- lantic avenues.
For eighteen years he was a member and an officer in the First M. E. Church till six years ago when he transferred his membership to Central M. E. Church. He was identified with the first building association when it started and has been a director, vice-president or president most of the time since. He is one of the directors and the vice-president of the Union National Bank and is one of the conservative, representative business men of the town.
HENRY HECKLER.
Henry Heckler, owner and proprietor of Hotel Heckler, the largest and leading Ger- man-American hotel in this city. is one of our progressive citizens. He was born in Baden. Germany. September 10, 1842, and was the son of Dr. Charles Heckler. He came to this country at the age of seventeen, first settling at Lancaster, Pa., where he remained a few months. He then moved to Philadelphia, locating at Second and Race streets, where he continued his business as a barber for more than twenty years. He moved to this city in 1881 and engaged in the hotel business, renting of Mrs. Annie Mehler what for years was known as the Forrest House, at North Carolina and Atlantic avenues. In 1892 Mr. Heckler purchased what was known as the Ashland House property. at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue. This large and valuable property has been made profitable and more valuable by Mr. Heckler, who has catered successfully to the German-American trade. For years he has been a member of various German and social organizations, both in this city and in Philadelphia. He is an Elk. a Redman, a Good Fellow and a member of the Maennerchor and Turn Verein, and is widely known as a hospitable, public spirited man. He has never held any public position. but, yielding to the solicitation of friends, in 1895 he became a candidate for Council and made a highly creditable contest in a strong Repub- lican ward. He takes a lively interest in public affairs, and is regarded by all who know him as a true friend and a safe advisor.
On October 16, 1863. he was married to Elizabeth Fritz, an American-born German wo- man, who has been his faithful helpmate ever since and has borne him three sons, Charles, William and Harry.
SAMUEL D. HOFFMAN.
Samuel D. Hoffman was born in Auburn, Salem County. February 27, 1850. He fin- ished his scholastic education as a graduate of the State Normal school at Trenton and for several years thereafter was a teacher. While principal of the public schools at May's Landing he was one of the county examiners under county superintendents Wight and Morse. There also he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1881 as an attorney and
.,17
BIOGRAPHY.
in 1884 as a counsellor. He relinquished school duties and opened a law mine me Atinte City in 1883 and the following year was chosen alderman. Ile was next elected city school superintendent, serving till he was elected mayor in 1887, a position to which he was twice re-elected serving five years. He was elected assemblyman in November, 1801, and the following year was elected state senator over William Riddle, who received 3.28 votes to 3,183 for Hoffman; 252 for Turner, Prohibitionist. Mr. Hoffman's plurality, after a sharp contest, was declared to be 55.
In 1895 Mr. Hoffman was re-elected State Senator by a plurality of 636 over C. F. Osgood. In 1895 he was appointed county school superintendent, a position which he still holds. He is one of the leading Republicans of the county and has been very successful.
NICHOLAS JAMES JEFFRIES.
Nicholas James Jeffries, the well known bathing master at the foot of Maryland ave nue. in Atlantic City, is a typical Jerseyman, a native of Atlantic county. He was born near Somers' Point on April 1, 1860, and received his education in the public schools and in the boats and bays of his locality. He followed the sea for a number of years till, find- ing that avocation unpromising and unprofitable, he moved to Atlantic City about 1887 and engaged in business. In 1893 he leased the ground at the foot of Maryland avenue which he has since purchased and embarked in the bathing business. He has been very successful. His generous spirit and liberal, progressive ideas, have made him a host of friends and he is up-to-date in his business. Old ocean, which he knows so well, is con- stantly adding to the value of his beach front possessions. On November 1, 1888, he mar- ried Miss Rebecca Godfrey of Palermo, Cape May County, a sister of lawyer B. C. God- frey of Atlantic City. They have a fine home at No. 145 St. Charles Place.
ADOLPH SCHLECHT.
Adolph Schlecht, one of our representative German citizens, was born in Baden, Ger- many, in 1852. He was educated in the German and Swiss schools, and came to this country in 1870. He at once became associated with the late Alois Schaufler, in the man- agement of his hotel in this city. He married Miss Schaufler, daughter of his employer, and continued there ever since as lessee or proprietor.
In the management of Schaufler's Hotel and the Inlet Pavilion he has been associated with Col. John E. Mehrer, and the two have always been liberal public spirited citizens. Mr. Schlecht is a member of Trinity Lodge and Chapter. In politics he is an independent Republican.
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AT DEATH'S DOOR
MRS. HANNAH SOMERS DAVIS IS SERIOUSLY ILL.
NEARLY 104 YEARS OLD
The Aged Lady Lives In Philadelphia, But Her Family Were Among the Earliest Residents of This County and First Settled At Somers' Point.
Active in mind, but helpless in limb, Mrs. Hannah Somers Davis, well known in this city, and county, who perhaps can claim to be the oldest person of authentic antecedents in Philadelphia, is seriously ill at her home, No. 448 North Fourth street there. If the life of Mrs. Davis should be prolonged to October 1 next she will be one hundred and four years old. There are grave doubts, however, of her recovering from her present illness, as her life is said to be slowly wasting away from general debility.
Hannah Somers Davis can trace her genealogy back to her great-great-grand- wAther, John Somers, who was born in Worcester county, England, in 1640. He was a cousin of John Lord, the Earl of Hardwick. In 1688 John Somes came to this country and purchased Lower Dublin, now called Somerton, Pa. Here he is re- corded as a preacher in the Society of Friends, and married Hannah Hodgskins, a woman of English birth. Seven years afterward he puchased the property now known as Somers Point, N. J., built a log cabin, and resided there until his death, m 1723. His son Richard burned the brick and formed the masonry of the family mansion still standing at Somers Point. He was born in 1693 and died in 1760.
The latter left a son, Colonel Richard Somers, of Revolutionary fame, who en- tered the United States Navy as a mid- shipman and sailed under Commodore Preble in the war with Turkey. He was promoted to a captaincy and perished September 4, 1804, in the bold attempt of Decatur to blow up the Turkish gunboats in the harbor of Tripoli. Colonel Somers had a brother, James, who resided on Hickory Point, one mile west of the fa- chous Somers mansion. The house occu- pied was built by his father when quite a young man from logs cut into shape with a crude hand saw and put together in the style of those days. It is still standing and a curiosity to the visitors of that summer resort.
James Somers was the father of eleven children, Hannah and a half-sister being the only survivors. In 1803 Hannah Som- ers went to Salem, Ohio, and remained there until. 1813. She can now vividly re-
call the many stirring events of the war of 1812 and the wilderness of the wild West in those days. Although born of Quaker parentage, Hannah Somers, In 1818, joined St. Stephen's Methodist Epis- copal Church, of Philadelphia, Tenth street, above Chestnut, now known as St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, In 1835 she was married to Elijah Davis by Rev. Thomas M. Carroll, pastor of Salem M. E. Church. Her husband was also a devout Methodist, being a member and trustee of the Fifth Street M. E. Church. He was engaged in the lead and palnt, business, but retired from active life some years before his death, in 1873.
In speaking of this remarkable centen- arian a well-known friend of hers said: "Mrs. Davls has endeared herself to us not simply on account of her longevity or that of her ancestry, although this in it- self is wonderful, but because she takes an active interest in the world of human- ity about her, having always preserved her plain Quaker style of dress and living in a manner that has enabled her to help many worthy projects. She has for years been associated with the Union M. E. Church, formerly of Fourth and Arch streets, but now located on Dlamond street, above Twentieth. Much of her benevolence has been distributed through this channel.
"During the year 1878, through the so- licitation of the late Rev. Dr. Kynett, she had erected a frame church af a village called Clarks, in Nebraska, which she named Somers Chapel. She afterward.I furnished the Sunday school with a li- brary purchased at the Methodist book rooms on Arch streett. At the age of eighty-nine years she visited the place and was so gratified with the success of her investment that she enlarged. the original edifice and placed a bell in the stceple. Mrs. Davis was also instrumen- tal in the purchase of property at Sidney, Neb., for a Methodist Episcopal church. Both places of worship have accomplished much good on the frontier. While unable to attend any church service herself for years, she still maintains her interest in the Methodist Episcopal Hospital, Metho- dist Episcopal Home and Methodist Epls- copal Orphanage, which institutions she has been connected with since their in- corporation."
On October 1, 1895, Mrs. Davis celebra- ted her centennial at her home on North Fourth street, which she has occupied for nearly a half century. Nearly a hundred friends visited her at the time. Although she was suffering from rheumatism at the time and unable to move about much, her mind was active and clear as she chatted with her friends upon the topics of the day and thanked them for their many tokens of remembrance. For six years past Mrs. Davis has not crossed the threshold of her front door, and for over two years she has been confined to her bed room. She saw nothing of the recent blizzard, not even from the windows of her chamber, for about that time she was obliged to seek her bed, owing to her present illness.
About twenty-five years ago her great* niece, Miss Hannah C. Spain, who came to Philadelphia to visit her, nursed her through a very severe illness. As a ser- vice of love and duty Miss Spain has re- mained with her since as companion, nurse and housekeeper.
After living more than three years over the century mark, Mrs. Davis has joined the General Lafayette Chapter. Dangh-
ters of the American Revolution, lo at Atlantic City. Through friends made application in January last, wa cepted, and on February 11 she rec a gold-plated spoon as a token, beir original Daughter of the Revolution. Davls prizes this gift very highly, and it secreted in a chest that contains other treasures.
2829
THE SOMERS' MANSI(
The Story of a Famous Homestea the Somers' Point. Ex chi
The summer lofterer at oudl Son tie Point, N. J., down along the Shore Road from Pleasantville, IFel upon the combination steam Sitle ferry and dummy line round tro from Atlantic City, may wander fuld the hudute of hotelsund club ho wh the wharf beck annong the pi. along the winding and sandy by- until he comes into view of the Souner's homestead. orf
This was the birthplace of a hsid It is generally said to be the odx house in Atlantic County. It isem! [quaint and rambling trio of sthel tures still occupied upon rental, "new part" was built about a cilt tury simbe and the oldest section with its huge chimney, was do less reared by John Somers soon ter his purchase of this plantation31. 3,000 acres from Thomas Budd 1795, and it was there that Rich.Ch his son, brought his beautiful yovel bride, Judith, the daughter of James Letart, of Achdia, whose ar teld father, Poter White, had mo to Albisecom.
The Somers family always held ,evt active part in the affairs of the cod tral New Jersey coast, and French strain in their blood impers them constantly to that abundpr field of adventure, the conveni-d sea, whose breakers were ever whor in sight of their windows. Colowa Richard Somers, the second, was fay tive upon the side of the patriots the period of the Revolution, and was during this fateful era, Sept. . 15, 1778, that the third Rich vers. the lost bero of Tripoli, hee
1 L" all of the amphibich routh of the coast, this membervet he fourth Somers generation tok th be water almost in his babyhon nd, as a handy 'boy, he sailou upi bhiser's to and from the portis "c lew York and Philadelphia. Th € took to the navy, and at the a # twenty had won his warrant idshipman upon the grand old fred te, Trited States, of forty-fov mms. the flagship of Commodch hin Barry.
Historic Somers Mansion.
Rev. S. F. Hotchklo, an Episcopal cierzy. man who is investigating this section of the coast during a Summer vacation, has written the j'oilowing description of the old Somers mansion st Somers Point, with many Inter- esting facts about the Somers family :
"On an eminence just above Great Egg Har- bor Bay stands the old Somers Mansion, a dignified brick building, with columns of wood and brick supporting an ancient plazza. The black and red checkered brick were burned by Richard Somers, son of the settler, John, in the province of West Jersey, be- tween one and two hundred years sgo.
The Somers family are of English descent and bore an honorcd name in the mother country.
They owned most of the surrounding region in Indian and provincial days.
The woodwork of the old house is quaint. Iron strap-hinges are on the front door, which has opened to generations of children and friends; it has welcomed brides, and the iow doorway has seen the tears of mourners bearing out the dead to their long, last home.
The chimney-place is wisely preserved and an old crane supports a pot which has given refreshments to hungry souis when venison may have been more commou than beef.
George Hayday, Jr., now owns the house. He married Hannah Somers, daughter of Richard Somers, on whose property the modern town grew up, containing a few hundred people; sweiied to a greater number when the heat of Summer drives city folks seaward.
Boarding-houses and club-houses accom- modate the strangers.
Along the railraod, adjoining the school house, in an old graveyard stands & marble monument incribed :
"In memory of Richard Snmers, son of Richard and Sophis Somers. Master Com- mandmant in the Navy of the United States. Born 16th Sept. 1778. He perished, in the 25th year of his age, in the Ketch Intrepid, in the memorable attempt to destroy the Turkish flotilia in the harbor of Tripoli on the night of the 4th of Sept. 1804."
"Distinguished for his energy, courage and manly sense of honor."
"Pro partia non timidus mori."
The sister of Lieutenant Somers, Sarah Keen, of Philadelphia, widow of Capt. Jonas Keen, born in 1772, and dying in 1850, is noted on the same pyramidal shaft as "estimable for many virtues."
A pamphlet prepared by Mrs. Harriet S. Lake and her brother, the late Constantine Somers, gives a short history of the Somers family. The first emmigrant hither was John, cousin of tho Earl of Hardwick, born in Wor- cester, England, 1840. He bought land, in 1688, at or near Somerlon, Philadelphia. The Bustleton and Somerton turnpike passes the Somers barn, He married Hannah Hodgs- kins, of Engiand, as his second wife. He bought, it is said, 3000 acres at Somers' Point in 1695, of Thomas Budd, and built a log bonse, where he dweit until he died. His son : Richard built the brick house at Somers' Point. Ilis wiie was a French lady, Judith Letart, said to have been wealthy. Their son Richard, a Revolutionary Colonel, was the father of Captain Richard Somers, above mentioned."
Views and
Reviews
Tales, Talks and Personalities of the Ok World.
T "N most of the narratives dealing with the achievements of that illustriou: band of boyish heroes who made the name of the republic's fleet terrible to evil-doers from 1800 to 1815, Richar Somers is inferentially, at least, made : Philadelphlan. I alluded to him as such the other day in recalling his subiim death in the waters of Tripoli. The men tion brings the subjoined glimpse of : corner of fame's eternal camping ground not generally known, even to the recon dite in the bibliography of great deeds:
Dear Dunols: In your column of "View: and Reviews" you speak of Commande Richard Somers as a Philadelphian. Thi. is not the first time Philadelphia has Jaid false claim to the Hobson of post-revolu. tionary times, nor is he the only one o our naval heroes who has been erroneously called a Philadelphian. Charles Stewar purchased his homestead at Bordentowi In 1816, and died there in 1869, and a fev miles further down the Delaware, at Bur lington, James Lawrence first saw the light of the day, Yet both of these heroer have been called Philadelphians.
Of sterner stuff, perhaps, than either o these was Richard Somers, whose exploi in the harbor of Tripoli demanded equa courage and greater sacrifice than that o Decatur. In denial of your statemen that Somers was a Philadelphian, I cal as a witness Somers himself, whose wil begins, "In the name of God, amen, I Richard Somers, of Great Egg Harbor, ir the county of Gloucester and State of Nev Jersey," eto. Beneath the escarpment: of Tripoli, lulled in their everlasting sleel by the song of the sea, are the bones o this hero. Within the grounds of the Naval Academy at Annapolis is a monu ment which perpetuates his name, and in the old family burial ground, near Somcr: Point, Atlantic county, N. J., enclosed by a brick wali, is a cenotaph, whereon 1: chiselled:
In Memory of RICHARD SOMERS. Son of Richard and Sophia Somers, Master Commandant In the Navy of the United States, Born September 15, 1778.
He perished in the twenty-fifth year of his age, in .the ketch In- trepid, in the memorable at- tempt to destroy the Turkish flotilla, in the harbor of Tripoli, on the night of the 4th of Sep- tcmber, 1804.
Distinguished for His Energy,
His Courage and His Manly Sense o Honor. "Pro Patria non timidus mori."
The house in which Commander Somer: was born, at Somers Point, is still stand ing. The only picture extant is a sil houette, with his signature underneath Young Somers was much admired by Washington, and his biographer, Dr. J. B. Somers, says that as a special token o. his admiration he presented Somers witl a ring, containing a lock of his (Wash ington's) hair. This ring is now in the possession of the Leaming family, of Capi May, descendants of Constant Somers brother of the naval hero. There are bu three locks of Washington's hair now it existence, one of which is the property c Richmond Lodge, No. 4, A. F. A. M., an other of the Grand Lodge of Massachu setts, and a third is the ring given to Richard Somers, now owned by the Leam ing family.
A. M. HESTON.
2829
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