Princeton New Jersey

Ancestors of William J. Rotch of New Bedford, MA

William J. Rotch

The Rotch family has played a significant role in New Bedford’s history since the 18th century, greatly impacting its whaling and cotton industries. William Rotch, the first American ancestor, settled in Provincetown around 1700, later moving to New Bedford and pioneering the whale fishery there. His descendants continued to shape the city’s commercial landscape, including William J. Rotch, who became a notable businessman and public figure, serving as mayor and supporting various local enterprises and educational initiatives. The family’s legacy endures in New Bedford’s character and prosperity.

Biography of Prof. George Bush

George Bush, born on June 12, 1796, in Norwich, Vermont, became a prominent Biblical scholar and Orientalist in America. He demonstrated exceptional intelligence from a young age, graduating as valedictorian from Dartmouth College in 1818. After studying at Princeton Seminary and serving as a Presbyterian pastor, he settled in New York City, where he devoted himself to authorship and lecturing. A professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature, Bush published influential works, including commentaries and theological treatises. He later embraced Swedenborgian doctrines, which alienated him from many former colleagues. Bush passed away on September 19, 1859.

Biography of Charles Pope O’Fallon

Charles Pope O’Fallon, born on August 3, 1868, in Madison County, Alabama, is a notable figure in St. Louis’s O’Fallon family. Educated in St. Louis and Princeton, he faced challenges with his eyesight that led to a career in estate management alongside his father. A businessman of sound judgment, he has engaged in various local enterprises. Married to Mary G. Overton in 1910, he is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, involved in several social clubs, and is aligned with the Republican Party.

Biography of Selden Spencer, M. D.

Dr. Selden Spencer, born on March 23, 1873, in St. Louis, is a prominent surgeon and laryngologist affiliated with Dr. Richard Johnson Payne. He received his education from Princeton College and Washington University, earning his M.D. in 1899. After serving as an interne, he studied in Europe before joining his father’s practice. Recognized for his expertise in ear, nose, and throat medicine, he held leadership roles in several medical associations. He served as an assistant surgeon during World War I and maintains an active role in his community and various clubs. He is married with two children.

Biography of Harry M. Moore, M. D.

Dr. Harry M. Moore, born in California, Missouri, on March 1, 1874, is a distinguished alumnus of Washington University and a prominent surgeon in St. Louis. He graduated with an M.D. in 1898 and has since built a successful career, including serving as chief surgeon for the St. Louis police department and in the military during World War I. Married to Jamie Jones in 1912, Dr. Moore is active in professional associations and Masonic organizations, demonstrating a commitment to high medical standards and community service.

Biography of Rev. Jacob Lindley

Rev. Jacob Lindley, born June 13, 1774, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent figure in early American education and the Presbyterian Church. After graduating from Princeton in 1798, he became a licensed preacher and moved to Ohio in 1803, where he helped establish Ohio University in Athens, serving as its first leader for nearly twenty years. A steadfast moral advocate, Lindley’s amiable nature and influence extended to both students and the local community. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1829 and passed away on January 29, 1857.

Biography of George R. Wendling, Jr.

George R. Wendling, Jr., born on March 9, 1894, in Bloomington, Illinois, is a prominent figure in St. Louis’s insurance industry. Educated at various prestigious institutions, including Princeton University, he became a special agent for the Fidelity Deposit Company in 1907 and later served as its vice president. Wendling has significantly influenced financial circles through his global business travels and establishment of branch offices. A member of several clubs and a church, he is married to Jean Bruce Haldeman and has two daughters.

Biographical Sketch of Knox Taylor

Knox Taylor, born in Highbridge, New Jersey, on October 19, 1873, is a prominent figure in mining and metallurgy. He graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1895 and subsequently moved to New Mexico to pursue a mining career. In 1896, he settled in Ketchum, Idaho, where he manages significant mining interests. A skilled expert in his field, Taylor is noted for his sociable nature and enthusiasm for sports, having recently hunted deer and bear in the region.

Biography of Edward J. Curtis

Hon. Edward J. Curtis, a distinguished lawyer and statesman, played a pivotal role in Idaho’s history. Born in 1827 in Massachusetts, he studied law before moving west during the gold rush, eventually settling in Idaho. Curtis served in various political roles, including territorial secretary and acting governor, while championing initiatives like the establishment of the Territorial Library. An eloquent advocate, he was respected for his legal expertise and public service. Curtis passed away on December 29, 1895, leaving a legacy of honor and dedication to his state.

Biographical Sketch of George B. Durell

George B. Durell, born on September 27, 1861, in New Jersey, was the son of Edward H. and Hannah A. Woodward Durell. He graduated from Princeton University in 1885 and married Generiere Hill in 1893. Durell held various leadership roles, including secretary and general manager of the Chattanooga Tool Co. and president of the Harriman Hoe Tool Co. He also served as president of the Manufacturers National Bank and was involved with multiple organizations, exemplifying his significant contributions to manufacturing and banking in Tennessee.

Biographical Sketch of Arthur Silas Wright

Arthur Silas Wright, born on March 7, 1858, in Decatur, N.Y., was an influential educator. He earned his A.B. from Union College in 1882 and advanced degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and the University of Leipzig. Married to Julia B. Barbyte in 1890, he served as junior professor and later full professor of modern languages at Union College and Case School of Applied Science. He was actively involved in professional associations and made significant contributions as an editor of various scholarly works.

Biographical Sketch of Arthur Houghton Otis

Arthur Houghton Otis, born on August 21, 1881, in Yonkers, New York, was a prominent manager for the Otis Elevators Company in Northern Ohio. He graduated from Princeton University in 1906 and married Mildred Vilas in 1912, with whom he had two sons. Otis succeeded a father who was president of the company and held various political roles, including New York Assembly member and Yonkers Mayor. He was also a U.S. Commissioner to the 1900 International Exposition in Paris.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Samuel McWilliams

Thomas Samuel McWilliams, born on November 22, 1865, in Kentucky, was an influential minister and educator. He earned degrees from Central College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Married to Susan Probasco Nipgen in 1887, he served as pastor in several churches, including First Presbyterian Church in Chillicothe and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. Notable for his leadership, he chaired the committee that established the Association of Federated Churches of Cleveland and presided over the Cleveland Peace Society. He enjoyed golf as a leisure activity.

Biographical Sketch of James Mathews

James Mathews, born in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1868, pursued his education at Mifflintown and graduated from Princeton University in 1890 and Cincinnati Law School in 1893. He began his legal career at the U.S. attorney’s office in Pittsburgh and moved to Cleveland in 1894 as an attorney for the Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus Railroad. Mathews later partnered with Senator H. W. Wolcott and subsequently with Berkley Pearce, establishing the firm Mathews & Pearce. He was a member of several clubs and identified as politically Independent.

Biographical Sketch of Dayton Clarence Miller

Dayton Clarence Miller, a prominent physicist born on March 13, 1866, in Strongsville, Ohio, completed his education at Baldwin University and Princeton. He served as a professor of natural science and later in physics at Baldwin University and the Case School Applied Science. Miller was active in various scientific societies and held leadership roles, including fellow and secretary for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He authored several works, notably “Laboratory Physics” and “Boehm on the Flute and Flute Playing.

Biography of C. B. Mitchell

Charles B. Mitchell, born on October 9, 1870, in Brunswick, Maine, has established a successful legal practice in Miami, despite being a relatively recent addition to the bar. He has also made his mark as a writer, contributing to various magazines. After pursuing a career in journalism and the Presbyterian ministry, he returned to law, practicing in Oklahoma and Kansas before settling in Miami. Known for his eloquence and thorough preparation, Mitchell actively participates in community development and enjoys a cultured life enriched by literature and travel. He is married to Jessie F. Matthews.