Matthias H. Fancher

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Matthias H. Fancher

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

A resident of Morris county all his life, of an old and respected family, Matthias H. FANCHER has long pursued a business which has been profitable to himself and has afforded a much needed service to a large community at Kenvil and vicinity. His father before him was in the butchering and meat business, and Matthias H. has developed the enterprise on his own initiative. He handles high class products, does everything on a sanitary and wholesome scale, and has a large list of regular patrons whom he serves by wagon delivery throughout this section of the county. Mr. FANCHER is the owner of a pleasant and comfortable home and four acres of land from which he supplies a large patronage with truck during the summer seasons.

Matthias H. FANCHER was born in Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, August 24, 1852, son of James H. and Marguerite R. (HART) FANCHER. The paternal grandfather was John FANCHER. Both parents were born in Morris county, and James H. FANCHER as already mentioned was a farmer and butcher, and held a place of prominence in the public affairs of the county, serving as county judge for ten years. Both parents are now deceased. The father was a Jackson Democrat. Their children were: Reuben W., Peter, Matthias H., John W., William H.

In the common schools of Succasunna, Matthias H. FANCHER pursued his book studies, until he was about seventeen years of age. At the same time during vacation he assisted his father, and when his school days were ended he joined the elder FANCHER in conducting the retail meat business. He started in as driver of the wagon, and now for many years has been familiar to the people of his neighborhood as a man who supplies first class meat products, and also a fine line of vegetables and fruits.

In 1879 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. FANCHER to Carrie Amelia Ann CARY, born in Morris county, daughter of Ralph H. and Elizabeth (HART) CARY. Her parents were likewise Morris county people, and her father is now living at the age of eighty-six, after a long career, first as a farmer, and later as a miller. Mrs. FANCHER was the only child of her parents. The following children were born to Mr. FANCHER and wife: 1. Elizabeth S., wife of Edward E. KILPATRICK Jr., has two children, Mildred H. and Edward W., the latter being the third to bear successively the name of Edward W. KILPATRICK. 2. Marguerite R., wife of Charles ZEEK. 3. Ralph C., married Lula LOWREY. 4. Grace L., wife of Raymond ZEEK, and they have one child Marion R. In politics Mr. FANCHER is a Democrat. With a public-spirited attitude towards the affairs of his community, he served for about fifteen years on the board of education, and is one of the men to whom credit is due for getting the high school located in Succasunna for Roxbury township. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)