The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century, Part 62

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company
Number of Pages: 924

USA > New Jersey > The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century > Part 62

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BEEL, REV. DAVID, D. D., Missionary to China, Author, late of Albany, New York, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, June 12th, 1804, and received his preliminary education chiefly at his native place. In 1826 he was ordained to the ministry, and during the ensuing two years his field of labors was Athens, New York, His health failing, in consequence of severe parochial labor and incessant study, he went in October, 1829, as a missionary to China, and thence to Java, Batavia, Singapore and Siam. In 1833 he visited Europe, and on his return home pub- lished " The Claims of the World to the Gospel," " Resi- dence in China," from 1829 to 1833; and in 1838 “ Mis- sionary Convention at Jerusalem." In 1839 he again went to Canton, China, but the "Opium War " precluding his usefulness in that quarter, he visited Malacca, Borneo, and

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various other places, settling finally for a period at Kolong- | stantly maintaining a deservedly high reputation as a soo. In 1845, his health again becoming seriously enfeebled, teacher, especially in the classics. Upon retiring from the Institute in consequence of the impaired health of his wife, he organized a church at the little mining town of Barclay, Pennsylvania, on the summit of the Alleghenies, where he remained for about three years. At the expiration of that period he received a call to Deckertown, New Jersey, which he accepted. In this field of labors he closed his career, September 20th, 1873, aged fifty-five years. he returned, after having begun a mission at Amoy in 1842, to New York, vainly hoping by means of rest and tran- quillity to renew his shattered energies. In the " Me- moirs " by Rev. G. R. Williamson, he is spoken of as one " well qualified for his work by great practical judgment, good sense, and persevering energy." He died in Albany, New York, September 4th, 1846. His presence and pious labors in China and Java were markedly beneficent in their influence on the natives of those places with whom he was brought into contact, and his tireless efforts to supplant heathenism and fetich worship hy the holier creed of Chris- tianity were not barren of good results.

ENNINGTON, HON. ALEXANDER C. M., late of New York city, was a native of New- ark, New Jersey, where his youth was spent, and his early education and training obtained. Upon the completion of a preliminary course of studies, he turned his attention to law and legal text-books, and acquired a considerable store of judicial learning, which was afterward of essential service to him both in public and in private life. He served two terms in the State Legislature, and from 1853 to 1857 served as a representative in Congress from New Jersey. His was a far-seeing and enterprising mind; and he was endowed with an energy and quick directness of character which often seconded ably the aims and desires of his co-workers and constituents. He died in New York city, January 25th, 1876, aged fifty-six years.

CWILLIAM, REV. JAMES M., a Presbyterian Clergyman and Teacher, of Scottish birth and education, late of Deckertown, New Jersey, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, July 22d, 1818, and educated at King's College, in that city. In 1835 he emigrated to the United States, and began teaching at Lafayette, New Jersey. After a short time spent in this occupation he was persuaded by the Rev. Dr. Schaffer to enter the Theological Seminary at Princeton. After graduating thence he was called to preach at Oxford, New Jersey, and there ordained in December, 1842. He remained in this pastorate for eleven years, then visited Scotland, and on his return settled at Monroetown, Pennsylvania. IIere, in conjunction with Sam- uel F. Colt, he founded at Towanda the Susquehanna Col- legiate Institute, of which he soon afterward became Princi- pal. With the exception of a brief absence, in the pastorate, he remained in charge of this institution until 1866, con-

HITEHEAD, REV. CHARLES, D. D., Re- formed (Dutch) Clergyman, late of Perth Am- boy, New Jersey, was born in 1801, and spent his youthful days in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1823 he graduated from Dickinson College, and later from the New Brunswick Theological Semi- nary. In 1826 he was licensed to preach by the Classis of Philadelphia. After a short settlement in the Presbyterian Church at Batavia, New York, he removed in 1828 to the Reformed Church at Hopewell. He subsequently officiated as pastor at Somerville, New Jersey, Fishkill and Walden, New York, and of churches in Houston street, New York, Poughkeepsie and Washington Heights. From 1861 until the time of his decease he presided as Chaplain of the New York City Hospital. At the time of his death, July 13th, 1873, he was spending a summer vacation at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he died in the pulpit, aged seventy-two years,

TEPHENS, JOHN L., late of New York, Travel- ler, etc., was born in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and graduated at Columbia College in 1822. IIe then became studiously engaged in legal pursuits, theoretical and practical, until failing health com- pelled him to relinquish his studies, and engage in travel to restore an enfeebled constitution. From 1834 to 1836 he visited Europe, Greece and Turkey. In 1839 President Van Buren sent him as ambassador to Central America, for the purpose of negotiating a treaty, and the final arrangement of various State affairs. IIe was inti- matcly connected with the movement which led to the es- tablishment of the initial lines of steamers to Europe; was a Director in the Ocean Steam Navigation Company, and President of the Panama Railroad Company. The winter of 1851 hc passed on the Isthmus of Darien. The iron track between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts will, in its history, bc constantly associated with his name, for his was one of the energetic and far-seeing natures which, seeing infinite good in the speedy development of the railway sys- tem, pushed on the tardy and the fearing. He published incidents of travel in Egypt, etc., in 1837; in Greece and

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Turkey, etc., in 1838; in Central America in 1841; and | From the first he achieved a decided success. His natural later a work descriptive of Yucatan. He died in New York, October 13th, 1852, aged forty-six years.

ENDERSON, HON. THOMAS, Statesman, Judge, Lieutenant-Governor of New Jersey, late of New Jersey, was born in that State, and graduated from Princeton College in 1761. In the course of his honorable and varied career he filled many offices of prominence and trust; was for some time Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; from 1779 to 1780 acted as a delegate to the Continental Congress; and under the constitution, from 1795 to 1797, was a represent- ative in Congress from New Jersey. Also, at one time, he filled the position of Lieutenant-Governor of his State. He was intimately identified with the growth and the develop- ment of the interests of New Jersey; and, through his eminent usefulness as a vigilant statesman, won an enviable place in the annals of that State.

ICHEY, HON. AUGUSTUS G., Lawyer, of Tren- ton, was born, March 17th, 1819, in Warren county, New Jersey. His parents were William Richey, a successful farmer, himself a native of Warren county, and Mary (Godly) Richey, daughter of William Godly, of Spring Mills, Hun- terdon county, New Jersey. Ilis education, after he ceased attendance at the common schools, was obtained at Lafayette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania, which he entered in 1834. The institution at that time was under the direction of Dr. George Junkin, and was conducted on the " manual labor system." Under this system the students were required to devote three hours each day to manual labor of some kind, and the work so performed, besides its presumed effect as a discipline and a preparation for practical life, was counted as a partial compensation for the tuition received by the student. He remained here until 1840, when he graduated. Among his classmates were a number of gentlemen who have since become eminent in life, among whom may be mentioned W. Henry Green, D. D., Professor in Princeton Theologi- cal Seminary, and who was elected President of Princeton College, but declined the honor ; also Dr. T. C. Porter, Professor of Natural History at Lafayette College, and Dr. Charles Elliott, Professor of Hebrew in Chicago Theologi- cal Seminary. In the autumn of the same year he com- menced the study of the law. He prepared for the profes- sion with Colonel James N. Reading, of Flemington, a very able and prominent lawyer of his time. He studied with Colonel Reading until February, 1844, when he was licensed as an attorney. Three years later he was licensed as coun- sellor. He settled at Asbury, Warren county, New Jersey, where he entered upon the full practice of his profession.

abilities were of a high order; his training had been tho- rough and complete; his integrity was above question, his industry was tireless, and his devotion to his profession very great. These facts constituted a claim to general confi- dence and esteem that could not but be acknowledged and acted upon, and as a consequence patronage came to him very rapidly. He remained at Asbury until the spring of 1856, when he removed to Trenton. There he has since continued to reside, actively engaged in the practice of his profession. IIis legal brethren, as well as the people at large, speedily acknowledged his claims to a high profes- sional position, and he long ago became one of the leaders of the bar in the city of his residence, a position which he still continues to hold, and which all are glad to acknowl- edge. IIe has always been noted as a close and steady laborer in his profession, and for the sound and safe advice he gave his clients. Politically, he is a Republican, but up to the year 1863 he had taken no active part in politics, and had never sought public office. In that year the Republi- cans of Mercer county urged him to become their candi- date for the State Senate. He consented, and was elected by a majority of over three hundred, although, in the pre- vious election, the Democrats had triumphed. He served in the Senate a term of three years, taking an active part in the proceedings, and making for himself an enviable record. During two years of his term he was Chairman of the Judi- ciary Committee. It was during his term as Senator that the constitutional amendments were adopted. He is an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in the welfare and progress of the community in which he lives. For many years he has been closely and actively identificd with many of the institutions and enter- prises of Trenton and vicinity. For nearly twenty years he has been a Director of the Mechanics' National Bank of Trenton, and acted as Counsellor for the institution; he is a Manager of the Trenton Savings Fund Society; a Director of the Trenton Gas Company ; a Director of the Delaware . & Bound Brook Railroad Company, between New York and Philadelphia, and is one of the counsel for the road, as well as counsel for the Easton & Amboy Railroad Com- pany. He has also been prominently and actively allied with the temperance movement, and at one time was Presi- dent of the New Jersey State Temperance Society. He is a devoted and influential member of the Presbyterian Church. For many years he was a ruling elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. This position he contin- ued to hold until 1875, when the Prospect Avenue Presby- terian Church was organized, and he became a ruling elder in that body. He is also an earnest Sabbath-school worker, and is a regular teacher of an adult Bible class. He was married in 1844 to Anna G. Farley, eldest daughter of Hon. Isaac G. Farlcy, who was a prominent citizen of Hun- terdon county, New Jersey, and who, for many years, rep- resented his district in Congress.

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LMER, JONATHAN, Physician, Magistrate and Senator, late of Burlington, New Jersey, was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, in 1745, and was a graduate of the University of Penn- sylvania. He entered upon the practice of medi- cine shortly after the termination of his prepara- tory studies, and rapidly won a leading position in the profession in his native county. During the progress of the revolutionary struggle he acted in various chices of trust and distinction ; was Sheriff, Surrogate and Judge. In the years 1776-77-78-81-82-83-84 and '87, he was a member of the Continental Congress ; and from 1789 to 1791 was a United States Senator from New Jersey. He was a mem- ber of the celebrated Philosophical Society, and was a scholarly and accomplished gentleman. He died in Bur- lington, New Jersey, in 1817.

ALL, CHARLES, D. D., late of Newark, New Jersey, was born in the State of New York, and graduated at Hamilton College in 1825. For many years he presided earnestly and efficiently as Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society, in co-operation with Dr. Badger. He was principal Editor of the Home Missionary, and in that capacity brought to his field of labors admirable discretion and an untiring interest. He died at Newark, New Jersey, October 31st, 1853, aged fifty-five years.

opinions on points of law involving intricate or perplexing questions, and on the varying positions assumed by his country in its internal and external policy, were always re- ceived with deserved attention and respect. He died July 29th, 1824. His son, Jeremiah Brown Howell, United States Senator from Rhode Island, 1811 to 1817, was born in 1789, and died in 1822.

LACKFORD, IION. ISAAC NEWTON, Jurist, Judge, late of Washington, District of Columbia, was born at Bound Brook, New Jersey, Novem- ber 6th, 1786, and graduated from the New Jersey College in 1806. Upon completing his legal studies under the supervision of Gabriel Ford, of Morristown, New Jersey, he removed to Indiana in 1812, and settled in Vincennes. In 1813 he became Clerk of the territorial Legislature, and in the years 1814-15 presided as Judge of the First Judicial Circuit. In 1816 he occupied the position of Speaker of the first State Legislature, and from 1819 to 1835 officiated as Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana; and, from March, 1855, till his decease, as Judge of the United States Court of Claims. His " Reports," of which there are in all eight volumes, gave enviable credit to the State abroad, and are masterly productions. He died in Washington, District of Columbia, December 31st, 1859.

RMSTRONG, REV. JAMES FRANCIS, Clergy- man, late of Trenton, New Jersey, was born in West Nottingham, Maryland, April 3d, 1750, and graduated from the New Jersey College in 1773. His studies in theology were prosecuted under the guidance of Rev. John Blair; and he was licensed to preach in 1777. He served as Chaplain through the war of independence, and was a zealous sup- porter of the patriot cause. IIe died at Trenton, New Jer- sey, January 19th, 1816, widely known and highly re- spected as an upright citizen and a painstaking and learncd minister of the Gospel.

OWELL, HON. DAVID, LL. D., Judge, Profes- sor of Natural Philosophy and Mathematics, Attorney-General of Rhode Island, late of Rhode Island, was born in New Jersey, January Ist, 1747, and graduated from the New Jersey College in 1766. Upon removing to Rhode Island, he was, in 1769, appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy and Mathematics; and, from 1790 to 1824, presided as Profes- sor of Law in Brown University, of that State. IIe then established himself in the practice of the law at Providence, Rhode Island, and rapidly rose to an eminent and leading position in the profession. He filled, for some time, the office of Attorney-General of the State, and was a Judge of the Supreme Court. From 1782 to 1785 he acted as a RMSTRONG, JAMES F., Captain in the United States Navy, was born in New Jersey, November 20th, 1816. He became Midshipman March 7th, 1832; December 8th, 1842, was promoted to a Lientenancy, and, April 27th, 1861, received his commission. During this year he commanded the steamer " Sumter," and July 16th, 1862, was made Cap- member of the Continental Congress, and, after the reor- ganization of the general government, was appointed a Commissioner for settling the eastern boundary of the United States. He afterward officiated as District Attorney, and from 1812 to the time of his decease was District Judge for Rhode Island. He was a man of notable wit, learning and eloquence, a distinguished classical scholar, and a tain. From 1862 to 1864 he was in command of the pungent and effective political writer. The superiority of stcamer " State of Georgia," of the North Atlantic Blockad- his attainments as a jurist was conceded by all, and his , ing Squadron. April 25th, 1862, he was actively engaged

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at the bombardment and surrender of Fort Macon, and in | prisoner, and subsequently retired to his estate, near Trenton, 1864 commanded the steam sloop "San Jacinto," of the New Jersey. From 1784 to 1787 he was an honored mem- ber of the old Congress; from 1789 to 1791 was a Repre- sentative in Congress from New Jersey, and again from 1793 to 1795. Ile died in Trenton, New Jersey, Septem- ber 13th, 1823. East Gulf Blockading Squadron. From 1865 to 1868 he had charge of the Pensacola Navy Yard. In the attack on Fort Macon the following officers were in co-operation with him : Commander Samuel Lockwood, of the steamer " Daylight," Lieutenant-commanding A. Bryson, of the gunboat " Chippewa," and Lieutenant Edward Covendy, of the bark "Gemsbok;" and on this occasion he per- formed efficient service in aiding to secure the casemated work at the entrance of Beaufort harbor.

ONDIT, LEWIS, M. D., an eminent citizen of New Jersey, late of Morristown, New Jersey, was born in that place in March, 1773, and was a skilful and widely-known physician. From 1805 to 1810 he was a member of the New Jersey Legislature, in the two latter years officiating as Speaker two terms. In ISo7 he was a Commissioner for wick, was born in Piscataway, New Jersey, Octo. settling the boundary line between New York and New ber 28th, 1782. He was a descendant, through Jersey, and was a Representative in Congress from 1811 to 1817, and from 1821 to 1833. He was also at one time Sheriff of Morris county, New Jersey. IIe died at Morris- town, New Jersey, May 26th, 1862. the Mollesons of Piscataway, of Gilbert Molleson, merchant, of London, one of the proprietors of East Jersey, who signed the surrender of the gov- ernment of the province to Queen Anne, April 15th, 1702; he was a Scotchman, resident in the English capital, a man of considerable property, and a Christian. At an early age he entered into business in New Brunswick. October 28th, 1825, he was ordained a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which he continued a prominent and valuable member during life. He was much respected in all circles.

OLLESON, ELIAS, Merchant, late of New Bruns-

ASSINI, CARLO, Composer, Music-Teacher and Writer, late of Irvington, New Jersey, was born in Cuneo, Piedmont, in 1812. Obtaining dis- tinction as a violinist, he went with an operatic company to South America, became Director, and afterward settled as a teacher of music, vocal and instrumental, in New York city. Among his best- known works are: " The Art of Singing," published in 1857 ; " Melodia Exercises," published in 1865 ; " Method for the Tenor," published in 1866; " Method for the Bari- tone," published in 1868; and the "New Method," pub- lished in 1869. He composed a large number of pieces, many of them characterized by great sweetness and rich fer- tility of invention. He died at Irvington, New Jersey, November 26th, 1870.

ADWALLADER, COLONEL LAMBERT, Revolutionary Patriot, late of Trenton, New Jer- sey, was born in that city in 1741. During the contest with Great Britain he commanded a Pennsylvania regiment, and was an active partici- pant in the defence of Fort Washington, Novem- ber 16th, 1776. At its capture by the enemy he was taken

ONDIT, JOHN, M. D., Soldier and Surgeon dur- ing the revolutionary war, Statesman, late of New Jersey, was born in 1755. For several years he was a member of the New Jersey Legislature, and from 1799 to 1803 was a Representative in Congress from that State. From 1803 to 1817 he was an active worker as Senator in Congress; and again was a Representative during the years 1819-20. He died May 4th, 1834.

ARD, SAMUEL, M. D., LL. D., late of New Jer- sey, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April Ist, 1742. On his passage to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he studied medicine, he was cap- tured by the French, September, 1761, and owed his release, five months later, to Dr. Franklin, who was then a resident of London. After a tour through Scotland and England, he returned home in 1767, having gained the annual medal given by Professor Hope for the finest collection of plants. He then, in connection with his father, entered upon the active practice of his profession in New York, organized a medical school which was united to King's College, and in that institution took the Chair of Physic in 1769, subsequently becoming Dean of the faculty. In 1770 he married his cousin, Mary Bard ; in 1772 purchased his father's establishment and business, and in 1795 took Dr. Hosack into partnership with him. In 1774 he gave a course of clinical lectures ; in 1791 was instru- mental in causing the establishment of a public hospital, of which he was appointed Visiting Physician ; and in 1813

Galaxy Pun, Co. Philad !!

Edward B.P. Kelly ma.

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was appointed President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. While the seat of government was in New York city, he was Washington's family physician. In 1798 he retired to his country-seat in New Jersey, but on the ap- proach of the yellow fever pestilence, returned to his former station as medical practitioner in New York. He was then himself laid low with-the disease, but, carefully nursed by his wife, soon recovered. He was a skilful horticulturist as well as an eminent physician, and a patient and ingenious student of nature. Besides many addresses and discourses, he puhlished : "The Shepherd's Guide ; " " De Viribus Opii," 1765; "On Anguia Suffocativa," in vol. i. "Ameri- can Philosophical Transactions; " and " Compendium of Midwifery," in 1807. His "Life," published by John Mc Vicar in 1822, contains much matter of a valuable and interesting nature. His degree of M. D. was obtained at the University of Edinburgh in 1765 ; that of LL. D. was conferred on him by the New Jersey College in 1815. He died in New Jersey, May 24th, 1821.

ELLEY, EDWARD B. P., M. D., Physician, of Perth Amhoy, New Jersey, was born, July 4th, 1835, in the town of Lehanon, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Hon. James and Mary (Walton) Kelley, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. His father was for many years an emi- nent lawyer of Lebanon, and at one time Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in that county ; the latter portion of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. During the war of 1812 he served as the colonel of a regiment from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kelley's grandfather, James Kelley, was a colonel in the revolutionary war, and participated in many of the struggles of those eventful times. He was wounded at the battle of the Brandywine, and subsequently mortally wounded at the battle of Germantown. Edward B. P. Kelley was educated at the public schools, and when nine- teen years old he graduated from the High School of Har- risburg. He then removed to Philadelphia, where he passed two years in the drug husiness. Having determined to embrace the medical profession, he prosecuted his studies in that direction under the preceptorship of his brother, Dr. Charles B. P. Kelley, a prominent practitioner of Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. While a resident of Philadelphia, from 1856 to 1858, he matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College in that city, and also at the Ver- mont Medical University, at Burlington, Vermont, at which places he alternated his medical courses, and received his degree of M. D. from the Vermont University in 1857, and the following year received a diploma from the Jefferson Medical College. He was subsequently appointed Resi- dent Physician and Surgeon of the Philadelphia Hospital, and served therein during a portion of the years 1858 and 1859. In the autumn of the latter year he sailcd for Eu-

rope, where he sojourned for nearly two years, meanwhile visiting the various hospitals in England and on the conti- nent. On his return to the United States he was appointed Medical Inspector for United States Volunteers of the State of Pennsylvania. In August, 1861, he was made Medical Director of the 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac, with the rank of Colonel, being attached to the staff of General John Sedgwick, and after to that of his successor, General H. G. Wright. He was in active service during the entire period of the war of the rebellion; and at the battle of Gaines' Mills he was wounded by a piece of shell in the face and hands, besides being captured hy the enemy. He endured for three months the horrors of the Libby prison. During his connection with the medical corps of the army he was placed in charge of the corps hospital, at Alexan- dria, Virginia, and in the corps hospital at Fredericksburg, in the same State, subsequent to the battles of the Wilder- ness. From thence he was transferred to the general hos- pital at City Point, and was finally in charge of the corps hospital in front of Petersburg, near Fort Hell. After be- ing mustered out of the service, he settled at Perrineville, New Jersey, where he was associated with Dr. T. J. Thomason for seven years, and practised his profession, In 1873 he removed to Perth Amboy, where he has since resided, being actively and successfully engaged in profes- sional pursuits. He was married, October 15th, 1873, to Fannie J., a daughter of Jirah J. Bulkeley, a retired mer- chant, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, but now a resident of Cranberry, New Jersey.

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The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century, Part 62

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company Number of Pages: 924

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company
Number of Pages: 924