Chapter 4 - Banks and Banking | Camden County, NJGenWeb

The First Bank in New Jersey - State and National laws Governing the Banking System - The National State Bank of Camden - The Farmers and Mecjanics Bank - The First National Bank - The Camden Safe Deposit Company - The Camden National Bank.

THE FIRST BANK IN NEW JERSEY. - The business of banking in the State of New Jersey originated within the present limits of Camden County, in the year 1682, and its founder was Mark Newbie, one of the guiding spirits of the Newton colony, who located near the middle branch of Newton Creek with the first settlers in 1681. He was a man of considerable estate, and although he lived but a short time after his arrival in America, he became the owner of several large tracts of land. In May, 1682, the Legislature of New Jersey, by the passage of the following act, created Mark Newbie the first banker in the province:

"For the convenient Payment of small sums, be it enacted that Mark Newbie’s half-pence, from and after the Eighteenth instant, pass for half-pence carrent pay of the province, provided he, the said Mark Newbie, give sufficient security to the Speaker of the House for the use of the General Assembly from time to time, that he the aid Mark Newbie, his Executors and Administrators, shall and will change the said half-pence for pay equivalent upon demand; and provided also that no person or persons be hereby obliged to take more than five shillings in one payment."

Mark Newbie’s bank had a short but interesting history. He gave as security to the province, as required by the act, a tract of three hundred acres of land in Newton township, and conveyed it to Samuel Jennings and Thomas Budd as commissioners.

The half-penny, used as the circulating medium by this pioneer banker, was a copper piece of money coined by the Roman Catholics after the massacre of 1641, in Ireland, and was known as "St. Patrick’s half-penny." It had the words "Floreat Rex" on the obverse, and "Ecce Rex" on the reverse. These coins were made in Ireland, under the authority of the law - probably only to commemorate some event - but never obtained circulation in that country. Through the rare foresight of Mark Newbie, a large number of them was brought to West New Jersey, and made to answer the wants of the first settlers for several years as a medium of exchange under the authority of the legislative enactment given above. These coins are now very rare, and found only in the cabinets of numismatists. It is not to be supposed that Mark Newbie had authority to make these coins in his small habitation in the new country, but he was careful to keep the amount circulated within proper bounds with the supply he brought with him. Part of his property was pledged to make good any short-coming. The founder of this financial institution died in 1683, and his bank, at some unknown period, soon after ceased to circulate its coins.

STATE AND NATIONAL LAWS GOVERNING THE BANKING SYSTEM. - The Legislature of New Jersey established English shillings and New England shillings before 1682, and in 1693 did the same thing in relation to Spanish coins, which came into circulation. For many years after the first settlement in New Jersey there was much trouble concerning the standard value of various coins whose circulation was authorized by the different provinces. The first half-penny was issued in New Jersey in 1709.

Early in the history of the present century statutes of the different States allowed banks to be established for the issue of notes payable in specie on demand. These banks were established by acts of the local Legislature, which limited the liability of the shareholders. Banking then was quite free, and all individuals could carry it on, provided they pursued the requirements of the law. But under this system there was great fluctuation in value, which frequently produced bankruptcy and ruin. Between 1811 and 1820 a number of banks went out of business. The inflation of the bank-notes was wonderful between 1830 and 1837. But just as the amount had increased, it decreased correspondingly during the following six years, till 1843, and this caused the ruin of many financial institutions. Among them was the Bank of the United States, the renewal of whose charter had been denied by President Jackson.

The loss in the value of stocks and property of all kinds was enormous. But, great as it was, it was trifling compared with the injury which resulted to society in disturbing the elements of social order, and in causing the utter demoralization of men by the irresistible temptation to speculation which it afforded, and by swindling to retain riches dishonestly obtained. Another crash took place in 1857.

At the beginning of the war the paper money in circulation amounted to two hundred million dollars, of which three-fourths had been issued in the Northern States, and the coin amounted to two hundred and seventy-five million dollars. The early necessities of the national treasury in this trying period compelled the government to borrow money, and in this behalf, in February, 1862, Congress authorized the issue of Treasury notes amounting to one hundred and fifty million dollars, and declared them to be legal tender except for customs duties and for interest on the national debt. This action was taken after a full, if not a bitter, discussion of the question. Its constitutionality was contested vigorously, but unsuccessfully.

A premium on gold naturally followed, causing it to be drawn entirely from circulation, and this increased as the Treasury notes multiplied. Then the national banking system was introduced to supply a circulating medium. This was created on February 25, 1863, and amended June 8, 1864, whereby a Bureau and Comptroller of Currency were appointed in the Treasury Department, with power to authorize banking associations, under certain provisions, for public security. The existing State banks were rapidly transformed into national banks under this system, and their previous notes were withdrawn from circulation. The currency of the country in this manner came to consist of Treasury demand notes, which, in 1865, amounted to four hundred and fifty million dollars, and of national bank notes, which approached the limit of three hundred million dollars. The latter circulated as freely as the former, because their ultimate redemption was assured by the deposit of an adequate amount in United States bonds at the national treasury. This system was found superior in the protection against loss which it afforded, but it could not prevent a financial crisis from sweeping over the country, especially when other causes, such as excessive manufactures and enormous losses from fire, contributed greatly towards the result.

Congress also authorized small notes for five, twenty-five and fifty cents to be issued for the purpose of supplying the loss of the small denominations of coin money from circulation. This was commonly known as "currency." It was all redeemed after the war.

During this period merchants at Camden, as well as other towns and cities, issued and circulated for a time their own fractional demand notes for the purpose of encouraging trade amongst one another. But it was gradually redeemed as the national currency was supplied.

THE NATIONAL STATE BANK OF CAMDEN. - When Camden was but a small village, and at a period in our national history when the minds of the majority of American people were turned toward the conflict of arms shout to open between the United States and Great Britain, and when the financial affairs of our country required the utmost care in their management, the Legislature of New Jersey, by an act approved January 28, 1812, authorized the establishment of State Banks at Camden, Trenton, New Brunswick, Elizabeth, Newark and Morris.

The Bank of Camden was created a corporation, under the name of "The President, Directors and Company of the State Bank at Camden," to continue twenty years from the first Monday in February, 1812.

The capital stock was divided into sixteen thousand shares of fifty dollars each, making eight hundred thousand dollars, of which the State of New Jersey reserved the privilege of subscribing to one-half. Joseph Cooper, Joseph Rogers, Azel Pierson, John Coulter and Joseph Sloan were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. Books of subscription were accordingly opened and eight thousand shares of fifty dollars each were subscribed for, making a capital of four hundred thousand dollars. Wm. Russell, Henry Chew, Richard M. Cooper, Thomas Jones, Jr., James Matlack, Joseph McIlvain, Jacob Glover, Robert Newell, Samuel C. Champion, Maurice Wurts, John Coulter, John Warner, James Sloan, John Rogers and Thomas Wright were appointed directors by the said act of incorporation. Wm. Rossell was elected president and Richard M. Cooper appointed cashier. The business of banking commenced on the 16th day of June, 1812.

The following is a copy of an advertisement of this institution at the date given, being a short time after the opening of the bank for business:

"Notice having been given that the State Bank of Camden has been opened for the transaction of business, on the 15th instant.
"The directors’ days are Wednesday and Saturday of every week. Notes intended for discount for the accommodation of citizens of New Jersey, must be presented at the Banking House on Tuesday or Friday at or before 2 o’clock P.M. of each discount day; all notes designed to be discounted must be made payable at the State Bank of Camden, agreeably to the following form:

. . . . . .days after date . . . . . . . promise to pay to the order of . . . . . at the State Bank of Camden . . . . . . .dollars without discount or defalcation for value received
. . . . . . . . . 181. . .

"The hours for the transaction of business will be from ten o’clock A.M. to four o’clock P.M. every day in the week (Sundays excepted). Notes intended for discount for the accommodation of citizens of Philadelphia may be sent to the banking house or left at No. 34 Church Alley, where a box is provided for the reception of the same, provided they are left at or before 2 o’clock of each discount day. Applicants for discounts residing in Philadelphia will receive answers in writing at their respective places of business on the day following, each discount day before 1 o’clock P.M.

On the 19th of February, 1813, the right of the State to subscribe to one-half the stock was transferred by act of Assembly to John Moore White and others. Subscriptions were accordingly received to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars, thus raising the capital to six hundred thousand dollars. The remaining four thousand shares were taken by the banks. By an act passed February 15, 1813, the number of directors was fixed at twenty-one.

On the 4th of October, 1822, a committee was appointed by the directors to petition the Legislature for a reduction of the capital of the bank, on the ground that the paid-in capital (six hundred thousand dollars) was more than could be profitably employed in the business of the bank, the State tax thereon being burdensome and oppressive to the stockholders. The petition was met by an act empowering the stockholders to determine (at a general meeting to be convened according to the charter) the expediency of the proposed reduction. This meeting was called on the 7th day of April, 1823, and it was unanimously resolved by the stockholders that the capital stock should be reduced to three hundred thousand dollars, and that the shares owned by the bank should be extinguished and never reissued, and that after the 1st day of October, 1823, the number of directors to be chosen should be thirteen instead of twenty-one.

The Legislature, by an act passed February 19, 1829, extended the act incorporating "The President, Directors and Company of the State Bank of Camden" until the first Monday in February, A.D. 1852. By a subsequent act, the capital stock was reduced to two hundred and sixty thousand dollars, and by an act of the Legislature, approved January 26th A.D. 1849, the act incorporating "President, Directors and Company of the State Bank of Camden "was further extended and continued for twenty years from the expiration of its existing charter.

With varied but continuing success this institution maintained its sphere of usefulness up to the period of its becoming a National Bank in place of a State Bank, always supporting a character for fair dealing and ever exerting itself to benefit the community in which its business is conducted.

The Congress of the United States having passed an act entitled "An Act to provide a National Currency, secured by a pledge of the United States bonds, and to provide for the circulation and redemption thereof," approved February 25, 1863, and the State of New Jersey having passed an act entitled "An Act to enable the banks of the State to become associations for the purpose of banking under the laws of the United States," the subject of converting this institution into a national banking association under said national act was brought before the board of directors, then composed of John Gill, Joseph W. Cooper, Samuel R. Lippincott, Jonathan J. Spencer, Chas. Reeves, Thomas W. Davis, Israel W. Heulings, Joshua Lippincott, John D. Tustin, James W. Riddle, John H. Stokes, Ephraim Tomlinson and Joseph Trimble.

The signatures of stockholders representing four thousand seven hundred and two shares of stock, equal to two hundred and thirty-five thousand one hundred dollars of the capital, having been obtained at various dates, from April 22d to May 6, 1865, a special meeting of the directors was held on the 9th day of May, 1865, when the "articles of association organization certificate" and "certificate to the Secretary of State of New Jersey" were duly executed, and on the 16th day of May, 1865, a majority of the directors were installed, and elected John Gill president and Jesse Townsend cashier, of the National Bank, and executed the "certificate of officers and directors."

On the 2d day of June the comptroller of the currency issued to the bank his certificate of authority to commence the business of banking under the national law, since which time it has had a very successful and prosperous history, being recognized as one of the most substantial financial institutions in the State of New Jersey.

The bank was started in a small frame building on the site of the present large, commodious and conveniently arranged brick banking building, during the erection of which the business was conducted in a dwelling-house at the southeast corner of Second and Cooper Streets. In 1875 the building was remodeled and enlarged to its present size at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, including a large vault, for which nine thousand dollars were paid.

The following is a complete list of the officers of this bank, with their terms of service and the names of all the directors with the dates of their election:

1812.	William Russell.
	Henry Chew.
	Richard M. Cooper.
	Thomas Jones, Jr.
	James Matlack.
	Joseph McIlvain.
	Jacob Glover.
	Robert Newell.
	Samuel C. Champion.
	Maurice Wurts.
	John Coulter.
	John Wagner.
	James Sloan.
	John Rogers.
	Thomas Wright.
	William Newbold.
	John Buck.
	Samuel Spackman.
	William Brown.
	Joseph Rodgers.
	E. Smith.
	William Flinthian.
1813.	William Potts.
	Samuel Whitall.
	Clement Acton.
	James B. Caldwell.
	Joseph Falkenbarge.
	H.F. Hollinshead.
	Joshua Humphreys.
	James Matlack.
	Thomas Newbold.
	Benjamin B. Howell.
	Joshua Longstreth.
	Benjamin Masden.
	William Milner.
1814.	Samuel W. Harrison.
	Isaac Wilkins.
	Michael C. Fisher.
	Isaac C. Jones.
	Thomas Fassett.
1815.	Joseph Lee.
1816.	Joseph C. Swett.
	H.F. Hollingshead.
	Samuel L. Howell.
1817.	John Stoddart.
	Isaac Heulings.
1818.	John Gill.
	Joseph Ogden.
1820.	Bowman Hendry.
	Samuel C. Champion.
1821.	James Saunders.
	Joshua Lippincott.
1822.	James Kitchen.
1824.	Nathaniel Potts.
1825.	Joseph W. Cooper.
1828.	Thomas Dallett.
	Charles Stokes.
1830.	John Buck.
1831.	Batian Cooper.
1832.	Elijah Dallett, Jr.
	Isaac Lawrence.
1833.	James Lefevre.
	James Good.
1834.	Benjamin Jones.
1835.	John O’Boyd.
1837.	John R. Perry.
1840.	John N. Taylor.
1841.	Robert K. Matlock.
1842.	Samuel R. Lippincott.
1843.	Joseph Porter.
	Richard Fetters.
	Charles C. Stratton.
	Gillies Dallett.
1846.	Jonathan J. Spencer, M.D.
	Charles Reeves.
1847.	John M. Kaighn.
1849.	Samuel H. Jones.
1853.	William P. Lawrence.
1854.	Daniel B. Cummins.
1855.	Richard Jones.
1857.	Israel W. Heulings.
1858.	Thomas W. Davis.
	James W. Riddle.
	John D. Tustin.
1861.	Ephraim Tomlinson.
1863.	Joseph Trimble.
	John H. Stokes.
1866.	William E. Lafferty.
	Edward Bettle.
1868.	Charles Haines.
1870.	Joel P. Kirkbride.
1871.	William Stiles.
1872.	William H. Gill.
1873.	Joshua W. Lippincott.
1874.	Benjamin F. Archer.
	John S. Bispham.
	Emmor Roberts.
1876.	Alden C. Scovel.
	William Watson.
1879.	Heulings Lippincott.
1882.	Edward Dudley.
1886.	Simeon J. Ringel.
	John Gill.
	John T. Bottomley.

The following-named persons compose the board of directors of this institution for the year 1886:

Edward C. Webster-	Paying Teller at Bank.
Goldson Test	Paying Teller at Philadelphia Office.
N.F. Cowan	Receiving Teller at Bank.
William Bradway	Receiving Teller at Philadelphia Office.
A.J. String	Note Clerk.
Joseph B. Johnson	General Book-keeper.
A.B. Porter	Discount Clerk.
John T. Frazee	Book-keeper.
Alonzo Wood	Book-keeper.
H.B. Lippincott	Book-keeper.
D.J. Du Boise	Book-keeper.
William O. Wolcott	General Assistant.
R.C. Markley	Corresponding Clerk.
A.D. Ambruster	General Assistant.
Joseph H. Shinn	Runner.
D.M. Davis, M.D.	Trust Officer.
James R. Caldwell	Notary.

The following is the report of the condition of the National State Bank of Camden, N.J., at the close of business October 7, 1886:

RICHARD MATLACK COOPER, banker, legislator and judge, was born in the village of Coopers Ferries (now Camden), Old Gloucester County, February 29, 1768. He derived his descent, in the fifth and sixth degrees, from the families of Cooper, of Pyne Point, Medcalf, of Gloucester, West, of Philadelphia, Parsons, of Frankford, Matlack, of Waterford, Hancock, of Pensaukin, Wood, of Waterford, and Kay, of Newton. The emigrant ancestors of these families were, without exception, all disciples of Fox, fellow-adventurers with Penn, and settled and established themselves in West Jersey and Pennsylvania, in the last quarter of the seventeenth century.

Judge Cooper was liberally educated and inherited a large landed estate. On May 4, 1798, he married Mary Cooper, the daughter of Samuel and Prudence (Brown) Cooper, of Coopers Point, thus uniting the older and younger branches of the family. His social position, wealth and high personal character brought him early into the political field, and he was a successful candidate in several elections for the Legislative Council of New Jersey. He sat many terms in the State General Assembly, and was also elected State Senator. In 1813 he became president of the State Bank at Camden, then recently chartered, and held that position, by continuous annual elections, until a re-election was declined by him in 1842, - the institution, meanwhile, proving itself one of the most prosperous in the State. In 1829 he was sent as representative to the National Congress, and he again filled that high position in 1831. For many years he served as presiding judge of the Gloucester County courts, and at various times filled other minor local positions of trust and honor, securing, in every station, the confidence of all classes by his good judgment, integrity and amiable deportment. He was a member of the Newton Meeting of Friends. He died March 10, 1844.

JOHN GILL was the son of John and Anne (Smith) Gill, both of whom could trace their lineage to the first English settlers in the province, and some of whom were leading and influential citizens. He was born July 9, 1795. Reared on the homestead plantation as a farmer and fond of his occupation, he was always seeking for improvement in the means to increase the yield of the soil and lessen labor by the application of machinery.

"The earth always responds to the liberality of the husbandman is a maxim that can be relied upon," he would often repeat. In his younger days, and when the primitive forests extended quite from the ocean to the river, he was fond of hunting deer and chasing foxes. Being a good horseman and generally well mounted, he was but seldom "thrown out" and went home without seeing the close. The Gloucester Hunting Club gave him and his associates opportunity to show their prowess and knowledge of woodcraft, and they often led the city gentlemen where the latter hesitated to follow.

The advantage of the country riders over the members of the club was, that they knew the lay of the country, the courses of the streams and the outcome of the woods roads, which saved their horses in the chase and kept them near the hounds. Sometimes the fox would "go away" in a straight line for many miles, gradually shaking off his pursuers until only the toughest dogs and best horses would be left on the trail, and when sundown would force a return which went far into the night. Many of those events John Gill would recount when surrounded by his friends, and tell of his own mishaps as well as of those who ventured but the once in this manly sport.

John Gill lived in one of the most interesting and progressive eras of his native State. His early manhood was before agriculture or internal improvements had received much attention. If an individual had stepped out of the beaten track or adopted any new line of thought, which, when applied, might prove advantageous, he was regarded as visionary. The use of fertilizers and the application of steam grew up under his notice, and both developed into mighty powers before he died. He never tired of comparing the condition of the country and people of early times with the improvement and benefits to both at this day. Occasionally public enterprise outstripped his judgment; yet, when convinced of its feasibility, he would frankly acknowledge his error of opinion and concede the merit where it was due.

Although not a politician, he took an interest in the affairs of the State and nation, and at different times represented the people in the State Legislature. Upon the death of his father, in 1839, he removed from his plantation to Haddonfield, where he lived the remainder of his life.

In 1842 he was elected president of the State Bank at Camden, an institution he lived to see take its place among the first in the country. He was always regarded as the friend of the small borrower, especially if he be a farmer and needed assistance until his crops could be harvested.

To the manners of a gentleman was united a sympathetic heart, thus insuring to those who had business with him a readiness to render them any service which was in his power. A reliable friend, a thorough business man, an influential citizen and a person of enlarged and benevolent views, he was beloved and respected wherever known. He remained at the head of the bank until the infirmities of age prevented his attendance upon the duties of president, and much longer, through the persuasion of his friends, than he deemed proper he should fill so responsible a place. The complimentary resolutions passed by the board of directors of the bank, upon his retirement, which were engrossed and presented to him, show the regard his associates bore towards him and his extended usefulness in that institution. In his old age he suffered much from a complication of diseases; and died December 4, 1884.

Mr. Gill was married to Sarah Hopkins, of Haddonfield. They had four children - Rebecca M., who became the wife of Samuel S. Willits; Anna S.; John Gill, Jr., who has always resided on the homestead farm and is a director in the National State Bank of Camden, and William H. Gill, a merchant in Philadelphia.

ISRAEL W. HEULINGS, president of the National State Bank, has long been identified with the institution, and is widely known in the business circles of Camden City and County, though he is a resident of Burlington County. The family is one of the oldest in West Jersey. His ancestors were from England, and his great-grandfather, William Heulings, with three brothers, were the first representatives of the family in this county. All located within or near the boundaries of what is now Burlington County. William’s son Abraham had a son Isaac, who was the father of our subject. He married Susan W. Woodward, and from this union Israel W. was born in Chester township, Burlington County, December 24, 1810.

The youth and early manhood of Israel W. Heulings were spent upon the farm which was the family homestead, and after the death of his parents, when he was thirty-two years of age, he leaving the farm to his brother, removed to Moorestown, and there engaged in the coal and lumber business, which he followed until its transfer to his sons.

His first identification with the bank of which he is now the head came about in 1842, when he took the stock which his father had formerly owned. He was made a director in 1847, and elected president on January 15, 1884, his associates being convinced through long acquaintance of his eminent fitness for that responsible position. He has ever been regarded as a careful, conservative, thorough man of business, possessing absolute integrity.

In politics he is and has always been a Republican, and, although not an office-seeker, the people of his party in Burlington County, in recognition of his pure character, sound common sense and business sagacity, during the war period elected him to the Legislature. He served with entire satisfaction to his constituents and credit to himself through the sessions of 1863, ‘64 and ‘65.

Mr. Heulings, although a religious man, is not a member of any church. His mother was a member of the Society of Friends, and his father of the Episcopal Church, and it may, perhaps, not be amiss to say that the son’s religious views contain something of the characteristics of each of these bodies, while not conforming to either.

Mr. Heulings was married, November 10, 1836, to Sarah M., daughter of William and Sarah Hornor, born in Pemberton, N.J., in 1814. Six children have been born to them, of whom five are living. Susan W. was the eldest, and next, in the order named, were three sons, - William H., Albert C. and Isaac W., the last named of whom was for several years a practitioner of medicine at Haddonfield, before engaging with his brothers in the coal and lumber business which their father transferred to them, and of which the headquarters are at Moorestown, Riverton and Hartford. Emily J., youngest daughter of Israel W. and Sarah M. Heulings, is the wife of Dr. William Chamberlain, of Mount Holly, and Henry C. died in infancy.

JOSEPH W. COOPER, who served nearly half a century as one of the directors of the State Bank, was born in the Cooper mansion, at the foot of State Street, Camden, in the year 1799, and died October 2, 1871. He was the second son of William and Rebecca (Wills) Cooper. Before he became of age he went to live with his great-uncle, Joseph Cooper, then residing in the old Cooper mansion built in 1734, and now standing at the corner of Point and Erie Streets. He assisted his uncle to attend to the duties of the farm, which is now covered by much of the attractively built-up portion of North Camden. In the year 1818, at the death of his uncle, who had no children, Joseph W. Cooper became chief heir to his large estate, including the valuable lands near the Coopers Point Ferry, north of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad and west of Sixth Street, and a part of the original survey to William Cooper, the emigrant, in 1680. He continued his occupation of a farmer after the death of his uncle, was married to Rebecca F. Champion, and resided in the house built in 1734 until 1855, when he erected the elegant mansion on State Street, now owned and occupied by his son, Samuel C. Cooper. In 1849 he became one of the principal stockholders of the Coopers Point Ferry, and conducted it until 1854, when it was sold to the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company; but the next year again became the chief owner of the same ferry. In 1856 he formed a stock company and, with himself as president, managed the ferry until the time of his death, in 1871.

Mr. Cooper was actively interested in the municipal affairs of Camden, being elected alderman, by virtue of which he became one of the first Councilmen of Camden in 1828, and served almost continuously as a member of the City Council for twenty years. He was for a time president of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad and served many years as a director. During the years l836-37-38 he was a member of the Legislature of New Jersey. He was elected a director of the State Bank of Camden in 1825, and served continuously until the time of his death, in 1871. Mr. Cooper possessed many sterling qualities of mind and heart, and was universally respected and esteemed by the community in which he resided.

JOSHUA LIPPINCOTT, who, for many years was one of the prominent directors of the National State Bank of Camden, is a lineal descendant of Richard Lippincott, the founder of the Lippincott family in America. Samuel Lippincott, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a prosperous farmer and a native of Chester township, Burlington County, New Jersey. He was married to Priscilla Briant, by whom he had thirteen children; of this number, six sons lived to an advanced age. Joshua Lippincott, the eldest of these sons, was born on the 18th of March, 1776, and became a prosperous farmer, owning and cultivating with great success the farm previously the property of his paternal ancestors. He gave up this occupation while yet in middle life and removed to the city of Philadelphia, where he spent the remainder of his life in retirement and died, in 1855, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. By his marriage with Mary Roberts, of Burlington County, he had four children, who grew to an adult age. Samuel H. Lippincott, the eldest child, succeeded in the ownership of the paternal homestead, on which he resided until the time of his death, at the age of seventy-six; Hannah, the only daughter, died in her seventy-eighth year; George, the youngest, came to Philadelphia when eighteen years old and engaged in mercantile business until his death, in 1861; Joshua Lippincott, the second son, and the only member of this family who survives, was born in Burlington County December 4th, 1807. He obtained his education in the schools of Westfield, and spent one session at a school at Moorestown. After leaving school, and when but eighteen years old, he came to Philadelphia, and the four succeeding years was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. He then entered into copartnership in the dry goods business in the same city with his cousin, Samuel Parry, under the firm-name of Lippincott & Parry. Their store, for seventeen years, was on Second Street, above Arch, and, at the expiration of that time, was moved to the southwest corner of Market Street and there continued until 1862, the two men being thus associated in a successful business for thirty-three years, during which long period they never had a written agreement with each other. They were engaged most of this time in the sale of cloths and cassimeres.

Joshua Lippincott was married, in 1838, to Martha H. Sleeper, daughter of Jonathan Sleeper, a merchant, then doing business on Second Street, Philadelphia. She died about three years after their marriage.

His second marriage was with Elizabeth White, daughter of Joseph White, a merchant, on Market Street, Philadelphia. She died in 1878. Howard W. Lippincott, their only child, was born in 1855, and is now a stock-broker in his native city.

THOMAS WILKINS DAVIS, of Philadelphia, and for many years a director in the National State Bank of Camden, is a lineal descendant, in the fifth generation, of John Davis, who emigrated from Wales and first settled on Long Island. John Davis was a devoted and consistent member of the Society of Friends, to whose religious faith most of his numerous descendants in this country are adherents. His wife (Dorothea Hogbin) was an Englishwoman of large fortune. In 1705 they migrated to Salem County, New Jersey, and settled near the site of Woodstown, whence some of their children had located before them. At that place he died at the advanced age of one hundred years, leaving eight children. David Davis, the third son, was a justice of the peace, one of the judges of the courts of Salem County for a number of years, and in 1725 was one of the four Friends who organized the Pilesgrove Meeting. He owned and lived on a large tract of land, on which he built a commodious brick house, which is still standing. In it he lived until his death, at the age of sixty years. His wife (Dorothea Cousins, a native of England) survived him to the age of ninety-six years. They had seven children, of whom Jacob, born Fourth Month 22, 1784, was the youngest. He was married, Fifth Month 21, 1761, at Woodstown, to Esther Wilkins, by whom he had seven children. He was a man of pure and unblemished character and highly respected in the community in which he lived at the time of his death, in 1820, at the age of eighty-six years. Thomas Davis, the father of Thomas W. Davis and third son of Jacob and Esther (Wilkins) Davis, was born Third Month 13, 1768, in Salem County, N.J. In 1706 he was married to Father Ogden, daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann Ogden, and resided near Swedesboro’, Gloucester County.

The grandfather and father of the present Thomas Wilkins Davis kept a general country store in the now borough of Woodstown, Salem County, the subject of this sketch remaining with his father from youth to manhood and having the active supervision and control of the business for several years preceding the retirement of his father, which took place in 1832. In that year Mr. Davis came to Philadelphia and entered the dry-goods jobbing trade on Market Street, between Second and Third Streets, and so continued with varying success, but with the confidence and friendship of all the leading merchants up to 1868, at which date, through close application to business, he had acquired a large trade and had become the senior partner of the then well-known and highly respected house of Davis, Kempton & Co. He then withdrew from the firm, altogether retiring from active business, and devoting his leisure and a fair share of his means to the care of friends and others whose circumstances rendered such aid desirable, in this way disposing of a considerable part of the rewards which had come to him for years of unremitting labor.

Mr. Davis was married, in 1834, to Phoebe S. Townsend, daughter of Joseph and Esther Townsend, of Baltimore, Md. His married life extended over forty-flve years, Mrs. Davis dying in 1879, and having but one son surviving, Henry Wilkins Davis, who, in 1875, married Elizabeth C., daughter of William A. and Hannah R. Allen, of New York.

The only financial institution other than the National State Bank of Camden, with which Mr. Davis has been closely identified, is the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, of which he has been a trustee for upwards of twenty-five years. In this capacity he has borne an active share of the labors and responsibilities of its business and his counsel has at all times been influential in aiding its progress and maintaining its unquestioned reputation as a sound company.

WILBUR F. ROSE, the present cashier of the National State Bank, was born in Tuckerton, Burlington County, New Jersey, February 11, 1838. At the age of four years he removed to Philadelphia and obtained a preparatory education in the schools of that city, and graduated from the Central High School. Soon after his graduation he entered a broker’s office on Third Street, and in 1854 was elected a clerk in the Bank of Pennsylvania, of the same city. In 1862 he was called to a position in the National State Bank of Camden. By reason of his intelligence, long experience and special fitness for the business of banking, be was promoted from time to time, until, in recognition of his merits and ability as a financier, he was elected cashier of that institution February 2, 1885, which position he now very ably and acceptably fills.

In addition to his business as a banker he has taken an active interest in the growth and development of the city of Camden. He represented the Second Ward, of which he is a resident, in the City Council for one term of three years, being elected by the Republican party, and made an efficient member. During his term as Councilman he was chairman of the finance committee, and Illustrated his usefulness as well as his ability as a financier, by funding the floating debt of the city, and abolishing the order system and establishing the present plan of cash payments.

Mr. Rose was chosen a director in the West Jersey Ferry Company in 1885, and is now a member of the board. He was elected a member of the Street Railway Company in 1874, and since 1883 has been secretary of the company. He is one of the charter members of Trimble Lodge, No. 117, Free and Accepted Masons, and has taken all the degrees of that order up to and including the thirty-second degree. He has taken an active interest in the religious and moral welfare of Camden; served as president of the Young Men’s Christian Association of this city from 1881 to 1885, inclusive; was for a time superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member and a trustee.

Mr. Rose was married, in 1869, to Mary C. Whitlock, daughter of Friend Whitlock, Esq., a retired lumber merchant. They have two daughters, - Elsie and Mary.

THE FARMERS AND MECHANICS BANK OF CAMDEN was originated in the year 1855. After a few years existence it obtained a change in its charter, and, under the authority of the United States government, became the First National Bank of Camden, now well known as one of the most prosperous financial institutions in West Jersey. An act of the Senate and General Assembly, approved March 31, 1855, empowered Charles Kaighn, Cooper P. Browning, Albert W. Markley, Abraham Browning, Samuel J. Bayard and their associates to engage in the general banking business. The capital stock of the institution was made three hundred thousand dollars, with a paid-in capital of one hundred thousand dollars in shares of one hundred dollars each. After the stock was subscribed and the necessary preliminary steps were taken, the following-named persons, en July 16, 1855, were elected as the first Board of Directors: Albert W. Markley, Abraham Browning, Richard W. Howell, Charles S. Garrett, Maurice Browning, William P. Tatem, Benjamin P. Sisty, Nathaniel N. Stokes, Ezra Evans, Benjamin Shreve, George Haywood, Cooper P. Browning and William Busby. On the same day the board elected Albert W. Markley president, and David B. Maddock cashier. The lot on the southeast corner of Front Street and Market was purchased by the Board of Directors, and, on September 2, 1855, they entered into a contract with Charles Wilson to erect a banking-house on this lot, at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars. Before the completion of this building, a temporary office was secured on Market St., near Third, and on January 2, 1856, the bank was opened for business. James H. Stevens was elected teller; William Wright, book-keeper; Philip J. Grey, notary public; and Hugh H. Bates, runner and watchman. Nathaniel N. Stokes was elected president April 14, 1857, and Benjamin P. Sisty cashier en the 22d of the same month. On April 21, 1858, James H. Stevens was elected cashier. This institution, as the Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Camden, continued business as a bank of issue, under the State system, with varying success, until after the passage of the act of Congress, creating the present national banking system, soon after which event it fulfilled the requirements and accepted the privileges of the new system, and has since met with unabated prosperity as

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CAMDEN. - The Congress of the United States, in order to perfect the system of national finances, passed an act which was approved by President Lincoln, February 25, 1863, "to provide a national currency, secured by a pledge of United States bonds, and provide for the circulation and redemption thereof." Recognizing the superiority of the national system, in contrast with the State system, the directors of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Camden, together with other enterprising citizens and financiers of the county and city, organized themselves into an association and resolved to accept the provisions of this act by having the institution changed into a national bank. The signatures of stockholders, representing a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, were obtained by the 16th of April, 1864; articles of association were then prepared and signed by John F. Starr, N.N. Stokes, Maurice Browning, Jonas Livermore, George L. Gillingham, Clayton Lippincott, and John F. Bodine. The gentleman just named, together with William T. McCalllster, became the first Board of Directors and Peter L. Voorhees solicitor. On April 30, 1864, the comptroller of the currency issued his certificate of authority to this Board of Directors to commence the business of banking under the national law, as "The First National Bank of Camden." N.N. Stokes was elected president, and James H. Stevens, cashier. On July 6, 1864, Jonas Livermore was chosen president to succeed N.N. Stokes, who resigned, and on Thursday, September 1, l864, the institution commenced business as a national bank. Hon. John F. Starr was elected president April 7, 1875, and has since continued to hold that responsible position. The first report of the bank to the comptroller of the currency, under the presidency of Mr. Starr, was made June 30, 1875. The individual deposits then were $167,802.60, and the. undivided profits S29,979.58. The report to the same authority, on October 7, 1886, showed the individual deposits to be $6l8,448.88, and the undivided profits $111,974.47. These figures clearly show the substantial prosperity of this institution and the success of its management. On April 17, 1875, C.C. Reeves was chosen cashier to succeed James H. Stevens, who resigned. Watson Depuy, the present efficient cashier, was elected assistant cashier October 14, 1876, and on January 8, 1878, succeeded Mr. Reeves as cashier. Jonas Livermore was elected vice-president January 9, 1883, a position which he continues to hold. William S. McCallister died January 13, 1868, and D.T. Gage was elected director to fill the vacancy. E.E. Read was elected January 9, 1875, in place of C.A. Sparks.

On January 11, 1876, the Board of Directors was increased from nine to thirteen members by the election of Henry Fredericks (elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of N.N. Stokes), Charles Stockham, Genge Browning, M.A. Furbush and John S. Read. March 4, 1876, Rene Guillou was elected in place of Genge Browning. January 9, 1877, John A.J. Sheets was elected a director to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John S. Read, December 11, 1880. William J. Evans was appointed a director to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George L. Gillingham, November 28, 1883, John F. Starr, Jr., was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rene Guillou, and Clayton Conrow to fill that caused by the death of John F. Bodine. December 19, 1885, Alfred W. Clement, of Haddonfield, was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Maurice Browning.

The following members compose the present Board of Directors: John F. Starr, Jonas Livermore, D.T. Gage, Clayton Lippincott, Edmund E. Read, Henry Fredericks, Charles Stockham, M.A. Furbush, J.A.J. Sheets, William J. Evans, Clayton Conrow, John F. Starr, Jr., and Alfred W. Clement. Peter L. Voorhees, solicitor; Samuel T. Davison is paying-teller of this bank; Thomas S. Nekervis, agent at the Philadelphia office; Harry T. Nekervis, receiving-teller; Sanford Livermore, book-keeper; William S. Jones, general assistant; John J. Pierson, messenger; and Francis N. Guise, watchman.

The office at No. 216 Market Street, Philadelphia, was opened on May 24, 1875, and has since that date been connected with this bank as a part of its business interests.

JOHN F. STARR* was born in Philadelphia in 1818 of Quaker parentage, who were descendants of members of the Society of Friends of the same name, who settled in America as early as 1710. He received a limited education in Friends’ school, and at the age of fifteen years he went to learn his trade in the steam boiler-works of his father and older brother where he was fitted for the successful business career which followed. In 1840 he became associated with his father and brother in the business and so continued until about 1843. In 1845 Mr. Starr removed to Camden, N.J., where, in 1846, he built an iron foundry on Bridge Avenue for the manufacture of gas machinery, street mains and other castings. These works he named the "Camden Iron Works." The year following he and his brother Jesse again entered into copartnership. Finding their works on Bridge Avenue too limited for their rapidly-growing business, they bought the land and removed their plant to its present location on Cooper’s Creek. The Camden Iron Works were so enlarged by important additions from time to time that they became, through the energy and enterprise of the firm, the largest works of the kind in the country, and enabled the Messrs. Starr to establish an extensive and lucrative business by erecting the gas-works and supplying the gas machinery for most of the large cities in the United States as well as in Canada. In the prosecution of their business the services of from eight hundred to twelve hundred men were required. These works gave a new life to the prosperity of Camden and their erection did more to attract attention to Camden as a manufacturing centre than all its other industries combined, and their influence had a marked and beneficial character upon the material interests of the city for years.

In 1860, when the Camden Iron Works were in the full tide of successful operation, the firing upon Fort Sumter aroused the country, and scores of the workmen of Jesse W. & John F. Starr left to battle with treason. Here was a supreme opportunity for the firm and they embraced it. The wives and children of those who were at the front were bountifully cared for by the firm, who in this and in other ways contributed thousands of dollars for every worthy object looking to the suppression of the Rebellion.

In 1862 Mr. Starr was elected to represent the First District in the Thirty-eighth Congress of the United States, and he was again elected in 1864. Mr. Starr entered Congress during the most critical and eventful period in the nation’s history. The most gigantic rebellion the world ever saw was gathering strength to establish a rival government, the corner-stone of which, as declared by its projectors, was to be human slavery, and there never was an hour in his Congressional career when he did not aid, by his influence and vote, every measure calculated to place the country in a position to successfully confront and overcome its foes. Courageous and unflinching, he did not stop to dally with subjects of minor importance so long as the life of the republic hung in the balance. He discharged faithfully every duty imposed upon him as a legislator and has a record worthy of the State and the people. While a member of Congress, Mr. Starr served upon the committee on manufactures, committee on territories, committee on public buildings and grounds and was also a member of several special committees. He had the privilege and proud satisfaction of supporting every measure looking to a vigorous prosecution of the war against rebellion, as well as the distinguished honor of being the only member of the House from New Jersey who voted for the amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery in the United States, and for all the legislation required to give force and effect to that amendment. He was an ardent supporter of the national banking system and scrupulously maintained the credit of the nation. His successors have done well, but circumstances enabled Mr. Starr to do more for the perpetuity of the nation and free institutions than those who have followed him.

In 1864 Mr. Starr was elected a director of "The Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank of Camden," which was soon after changed, by virtue of the National Banking Law, to "The First National Bank of Camden," and of which he has been a director since its organization. He was elected president of the board of directors in 1875, which office he now holds (1886).

In 1870 Mr. Starr disposed of his Interest in and severed his connection with the Camden Iron Works, and has not been engaged in any continuous business since that time, but he has kept a watchful eye on the busy world and loaned his influence and material aid on frequent occasions to projects of pith and moment affecting this people. During his residence in Camden he has been and still is a director of the West Jersey Ferry Company, having served in that capacity for more than twenty years, during which time he gave the company the benefit of his wise counsel and wide business experience. He also served as a director of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad for several years, advancing from time to time his private funds to make improvements for the better conduct of its business, and through which it was enabled to multiply its facilities and give a new impetus to Atlantic City.

He took an active part in the organization of, and was treasurer and director of, the first building and loan association established in Camden.

Mr. Starr has ever held to the motto that it is not enough to help his fellow-man up, but to sustain him after, and never through his long residence in Camden has his purse been closed or his ear deaf to the cause of the unfortunate and helpless, as has been seen by his many and liberal gifts to the churches, and the benevolent institutions, in hundreds of instances as opportunities were afforded him. For these and other kindred acts he needs no other reward than an approving conscience.

WATSON DEPUY, the present cashier of the First National Bank, has been engaged in the banking business since 1857. He was born in Philadelphia, February 6, 1834, and is the son of J. Stewart Depuy, for many years a merchant of that city. He attended the public schools of Philadelphia, and completed his education in the Friends’ Central High School. In the year 1857 he was given the position of book-keeper in the Commonwealth Bank, of Philadelphia, and, a few years later, was elected assistant cashier of the same institution, and continued there until 1872, when he was elected and served for three years as cashier of the old State Bank, of Philadelphia, then on the corner of Strawberry and Market Streets, which institution paid off its depositors May 24, 1875 and retired from business. In 1875 Mr. Depuy came to Camden as general assistant in the First National Bank, and on October 11, 1876, the Board of Directors elected him assistant cashier, and on the 8th of May 1878, he was elected cashier, which position he has since held with great acceptability to the authorities of that institution and its patrons.

JONAS LIVERMORE. - There came to Massachusetts in the early part of the seventeenth century settlers named Livermore. They chose Worcester County for their home and made their impress on the county and State. From them sprang the various branches found in the East and West. In Maine, as well as in Pennsylvania and California, the towns bearing their names were so called for them, and one of the family, a civil engineer by profession, was closely identified in building the canals running through Pennsylvania. In the Revolution they were known for their activity in the service of the colonies and for their liberal support of the government by their means.

Jonas Livermore was born in Leicester, Mass., about 1730. He was one of its prominent citizens and a builder of repute. There were eight children in his family - Jonas, Salem, Daniel (father of present Jonas) and five daughters, one of whom, Sarah, was married to Wm. Upham, of Vermont, and the mother of Wm. Upham, who was State’s attorney and afterwards became United States Senator, dying in Washington during his term of office. Daniel was married to Elizabeth Parker, of Leicester, Mass., daughter of Thos. Parker, by whom he had eight children - Jonas, Lewis, Horace, Daniel, Eliza, Cimentha, Mary and Dianetha. Lewis came to New Jersey and was connected with Jonas in the manufacture of woolens at Blackwood until his death. Horace died young. Daniel became a prominent minister in the Universalist Church in Massachusetts and at present resides at Melrose. He was at one time editor and publisher of the New Covenant at Chicago, and was distinguished for his learning and strength of character. He was married to Mary A. Rice, of Boston, now so widely known, loved and respected as "Mary A. Livermore." Her devotion to the soldiers in the field, her unceasing labors in their behalf, her connection with the "Sanitary Commission Fair," in Chicago, will always be remembered, and to-day she stands as one of the foremost and ablest lecturers in the country.

Jonas Livermore was born in Leicester, Mass., in 1802 and became early engaged in woolen manufacture. In 1830 he removed to Blackwood, N.J., and, in connection with Garrett Newkirk, established the "Good Intent Woolen-Mills," managing them successfully for thirty years. In 1858 he was chosen a director of the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank, of Camden, N.J. During that time, with rare foresight, he with others so shaped the policy of the old bank that in 1864, it became the First National Bank, being among the first in the country to get its charter, and he was made president, which position he held for eleven years, retiring at his own request, but consenting to remain vice-president at the solicitation of the directors.

While Mr. Livermore was connected with the bank a one-dollar note, issued by the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank, was returned to the bank for redemption, with the following remarks on a paper pinned to it and preserved by him, via.:
"This note has been in the wars. The owner of it was wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 30, ‘62, and through the admirable arrangements of the U.S. authorities he was allowed to remain on the field only till Sept. 6th, one week; then he was conveyed to Washington Hospital. If he has proper attention he will recover. Strange to say, the rebels didn’t rob the pocket containing his money purse."

In 1827 Mr. Livermore was married to Louisa Gates, by whom he had four children - Henry and Sanford, who served during the war in the Army of the West, and Edwin, who, enlisting in the Sixth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, became an officer in the Ordnance Department. He fell during the Wilderness campaign, and his body, like many more of those gallant "boys in blue," was never recovered; it is among the missing, or perhaps lying beneath the simple slab bearing the inscription "Unknown." The only daughter, Mary A., is the wife of Wm. A. Wilcox, of Blackwood. Sanford is an officer in the First National Bank, Camden. Henry resides in Blackwood.

Mr. Livermore is a man of rare business talents, and owing to his patient industry he has given value to his banking interests, as well as those of property in Blackwood, and at the age of eighty-four is in vigorous manhood, still supervising personally his business. He married a second wife, Annie McElroy, daughter of Wm. and Elizabeth McElroy, of Moorestown, N.J.; she is still living. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, and during the war was a stanch supporter of all government measures; in religion a Presbyterian and for years an elder in Blackwood Presbyterian Church. It can truly be said of him, as of another when asked about the standing of a friend, he replied, "He is religiously blue, politically black and financially O.K."

THE CAMDEN SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY is a banking institution whose charter was approved on the 4th day of April, 1873. The incorporators, who also became the first Board of Directors, were John F. Starr, Samuel Davis, Rudolphus Bingham, Patrick Byrne, William J. Sewell, Charles P. Stratton, John Hood, Thomas McKeen, Samuel H. Grey and William S. Scull. Upon organization, June 30, 1873, Jesse W. Starr was elected president, and Colonel Thomas McKeen treasurer. The residence at No. 224 Federal Street, formerly the home of the late Dr. Isaac S. Mulford, was purchased and fitted up as a banking house and has since, with its delightful surroundings, admirably served the purpose for which it was secured. The bank was opened for business on the 1st day of July, 1873, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, in shares of twenty-five dollars each.

On September 1, 1873, George Raphael resigned, and, on the same day, Thomas H. Dudley was elected vice-president. November 27, 1873, I. Woolston resigned; William Moore, of Millville, was elected. November 27, 1873, Patrick Byrne resigned as director, and James B. Dayton was elected in his place. December 11, 1873, Thomas A. Wilson resigned, and Albert W. Markley was elected. December 11, 1873, Jesse W. Starr, president, resigned, and James B. Dayton was elected president. December 12, 1873, Thomas McKeen resigned as treasurer; William Stiles was elected treasurer and entered upon his duties January 1, 1874. December 15th Benjamin Cooper was elected director in place of Thomas McKeen, resigned.

At the succeeding election, on July 1, 1875, Peter L. Voorhees was elected a director. On July 22, 1876, by election, William C. Dayton, William Hardacre and Jeremiah Smith became directors, and William Stiles was chosen a director on July 1, 1878, Benjamin C. Reeve was elected July 1, 1881, and D.J. Pancoast July 2m 1885.

This institution has continued to do a large and prosperous business since the time of its organization, and is recognized as a valuable accession to the financial interests of Camden. A general banking business is conducted, and interest is allowed on time deposits. According to the last report, on July 1, 1886, the capital stock paid in was $100,000; surplus, $100,000; amount of deposits, $1,193,069; amount of loans and discounts, $776,962. The following are the present directors: William J. Sewell, Samuel H. Grey, William S. Scull, Peter L. Voorhees, William C. Dayton, Benjamin D. Shreve, John C. Bullitt, William Hardacre, Jeremiah Smith, Benjamin C. Reeve, William Stiles and D.J. Pancoast.

The President, James B. Dayton, died March 9, 1886, and on the 15th of the same month Peter L. Voorhees was chosen to succeed him. William Stiles has served as treasurer since January 1, 1874. Samuel H. Grey has been solicitor since the organization of the bank. James M. Caasady is the notary. The paying-teller Is J. Henry Hayes; Receiving-teller, Conrad F. Austermuhl; General Book-keeper, Edward F. Moody; Individual Bookkeepers, B.M. Stiles and William Joyce; Messenger, Thomas W. McCowan; Watchmen, William Hawkins and Thomas Carson.

WILLIAM STILES, the present treasurer of this financial institution and the son of Thomas and Judith Stiles, was born in Moorestown, Burlington County, New Jersey, August 23, 1828. He obtained his education at the Friends’ School of his native town, at a school of the same religious society at Mount Laurel, and at the age of sixteen years became a pupil in the boarding-school at Gwynedd, Pa. In 1854 he entered the State Bank at Camden as a clerk, and subsequently, by promotion, occupied various positions in the clerical force of that bank, and was also chosen one of its directors. While serving in the capacity of receiving teller of the National State Bank, in 1874, he was elected to the position which he now very acceptably fills, being at the same time one of the directors of the institution.

THE CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK. - A movement was made shortly after the passage of the National Bank Act toward establishing a bank in the southern part of Camden, but the project was abandoned. A few years later the Gloucester City Savings Institution opened a branch office on Kaighn Avenue, which it maintained till the time of its failure, 1884. In 1885 the subject of establishing a National Bank on Kaighn Avenue was again discussed. Isaac C. Martindale, who had many years’ experience in the banking business, became interested in the movement, and Zophar C. Howell, president of the Kaighns Point Ferry Company, and others gave the project encouraging support. Application was made on May 30, 1885, to the comptroller of the currency for authority to organize and establish "The Camden National Bank," with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, with the privilege of increasing it to two hundred thousand dollars. The necessary permission having been received, a call for a public meeting to promote the enterprise, signed by John Cooper, Henry B. Wilson, Howard M. Cooper, William B. Mulford, Zophar C. Howell and Isaac C. Martindale, was issued and the meeting held at the office of the Kaighns Point Ferry Company June 13, 1885, when more than one-fourth of the capital stock was subscribed. A committee then appointed to solicit further subscriptions reported, at a meeting held July 6th, that the full amount ($100,000), had been subscribed. The articles of association and the organization certificate were signed and executed, and a meeting of the stockholders held on July 20th, when the following-named persons were elected as the first Board of Directors: Zophar C. Howell, Henry B. Wilson, Charles B. Coles, James Davis, Isaac C. Toone, George W. Bailey, George T. Haines, Irvine C. Beatty, John Cooper, William B. Mulford, Philip H. Fowler, Charles E. Thomas, Harry B. Anthony, Howard M. Cooper, Zophar L. Howell, Herbert C. Felton, Rudolph W. Birdsell. William W. Price, is teller at Philadelphia office; Charles P. Martindale, receiving teller at the bank; Lewis Mueller, bookkeeper.

They organized by electing Zophar C. Howell, president; John Cooper, vice-president; and Isaac C. Martindale, cashier, who still continue in office. Howard M. Cooper was chosen solicitor. No. 259 Kaighn Avenue was selected and fitted up for a temporary banking-room. Authority to commence business was granted by the comptroller of the currency on August 1st, and on August 13, 1885, the bank was opened for business.

The first statement, on October 1st, after the bank had been in operation six weeks, showed aggregate assets of $219,018.

On March 20, 1886, the bank opened a special line of accounts, on which interest is allowed, at the rate of three per cent on all sums from one dollar to five hundred dollars, and two per cent. on all sums over five hundred dollars, such deposit to be drawn only after two weeks’ notice has been given, the interest being credited to the account every six months.

This bank has a branch office at the northwest corner of Second and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, and arrangements have been perfected by which deposits are made at J.A. Wamsley’s drug-store, in Gloucester City. The management of the Camden National Bank has been a success, and the institution has secured a good patronage.

JOHN COOPER, who for more than forty years has been prominently identified with the business interests of the city of Camden, is a grandson of James Cooper, who resided near Woodbury, Gloucester County, and who became possessed of considerable property in that section, a portion of which, still owned by John Cooper, is the only tract that was thus originally purchased that has remained ever since in the family name. His father, William Cooper, who married Sarah Morgan, daughter of Joseph Morgan, of Delaware County, Pa., was a prosperous farmer for the period in which he lived. He died in 1850, at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife died about two years earlier. They were earnest supporters and consistent members of the Society of Friends, and both occupied the station of elders in the Friends’ Meeting held at Woodbury. They had six children, - Mary, the eldest, married Charles Kaighn, of Camden; Ann married Joseph Tatum, of Gloucester County; James married Lucy Middleton, of Burlington County; William E. married Elizabeth, daughter of Enoch Roberts, of Burlington County; Joseph M., a twin brother of James, who died unmarried, in 1885, at the residence of his brother John, the subject of this sketch, born in 1814.

In 1843 John Cooper married Mary M. Kaighn, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Kaighn, of Camden, and soon after opened a grocery store on what was then known as Market Street (now Kaighn Avenue). It was the only store in that section of Camden. Indeed, there were but few houses there except those in the immediate vicinity of the ferry. In 1845 he opened a coal-yard, being the pioneer in that branch of trade, and the first one to engage in that business in Camden, south of Federal Street. For more than forty years he has been active in business in that part of the city, interested in the development of its mercantile interests, and has been a successful merchant. He has been a director of the Kaighns Point Ferry Company for many years and was one of the promoters of the Camden National Bank, of which he is now vice-president. He is the head of the firm of Cooper, Stone & Co., dealers in coal, wood and hardware, doing business at Front Street and Kaighn Avenue. Both he and his wife, Mary M., were much Interested on behalf of the colored population of the city, were among the founders of the West Jersey Orphanage, a home for colored children, and became very active in its management. She lefts considerable sum of money to be paid to it after her death. She died in 1880. They had four children, - Howard M., a prominent member of the bar; Sallie K., who married George K. Johnson, Jr.; William J., who is now associated with his father in business; and Ellen, who died in early life. A few years ago Mr. Cooper purchased a lot of ground on Cooper Street, above Seventh, and built thereon a fine residence. He recently married C. Louisa Gibberson, of Philadelphia, and now lives in his Cooper Street mansion.

*By Sinnickson Chew.

SOURCE: Page(s) 454-467, History of Camden County, New Jersey, by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. 1886
Published 2010 by the Camden County Genealogy Project

RESOURCES:
Loans and Discounts and Real Estate	1,924,611.93
United States Bonds to secure Circulation	260,000.00
Due from other National Banks	166,074.57
Current Expenses and Taxes paid	371.35
Cash Reserve	348,575.00
	2,699,632.85
LIABILITIES:
Capital Stock	260,000.00
Surplus and Undivided Profits	312,961.47
Circulation	234,000.00
Deposits	1,892,671.38
	2,699,632.85
W.F. ROSE, Cashier.

Israel Heulings.	Emmor Roberts.
Thomas W. Davis.	William Watson.
Edward Bettle.	Heulings Lippincott.
Joel P. Kirkbride.	Edward Dudley.
Joshua W. Lippincott.	John Gill.
Benjamin F. Archer.	John T. Bottomley.
John S. Bispham.

Chapter IV Banks and Banking

Chapter IV
Banks and Banking