Burlington County NJ Archives Biographies.....Edward Stockton WOODWARD, 1851 - 1914
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 8, 2008, 9:05 am

Author: Mary Depue Ogden, Editor  (1917)

WOODWARD, Edward Stockton,
Man of Sterling Character.

  A native and resident of New Jersey, Edward Stockton Woodward was one of the
many who make Philadelphia the field of their business activity, but whose home
and social interests lie across the Delaware in Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Woodward
entered business life in Philadelphia while yet below legal age, coming from the
farm to the city, and there obtaining temporary employment while seeking his
niche in the vast business interests of the Pennsylvania metropolis. In 1872,
the year in which he attained his majority, he decided, with calm and deliberate
judgment, to establish as a commission dealer in produce, taking his place among
the commission merchants along Philadelphia's waterfront. From the first he
applied himself to the upbuilding of a substantial, prosperous business, and,
with untiring industry, asking no favors, learning more from reverses than
successes, he placed the house he founded among the leaders in its line, the
proud occupant of a position fairly won. In the crises of affairs he was strong
and courageous, in his associations fair and upright, and his business owed its
long and successful continuance to the strict probity and honor that
characterized the transactions of his house. His resourcefulness and exceptional
business acumen were well shown during one of the infrequent potato famines that
have distressed agriculturists of the Atlantic States, when, to meet the demands
of a clamoring market, he directed large importations of this essential
commodity from Ireland. For more than four decades he was a conspicuous figure
in commission dealings in Philadelphia, and during this period he gained,
besides material independence, the confidence and respect, the friendship and
regard, of his many associates. In the provision business Mr. Woodward was
widely known and respected among the farmers in all the districts adjacent to
the home market, as well as in the south, especially in Virginia, where he
bought largely of produce. There he was always assured of a warm welcome and
cheerful greeting when traveling through the State on a buying trip. He was a
man of kindly and charitable instincts, always ready to contribute to a worthy
cause, and to give a helping hand here and there to those who sought assistance.
A number of the prosperous commission men in Philadelphia and elsewhere owe
their start in business life to his assistance and kindly advice.

  Edward Stockton Woodward was born at Green Tree (now Evesboro), Burlington
county, New Jersey, June 1, 1851, died in Camden, New Jersey, November 6, 1914.
His education was gained in the public schools of the locality, and his youthful
years were passed on his grandfather's farm, which he left when determined to
seek employment in Philadelphia. A carpet house offered him his first situation,
and in this place he remained until 1872, when, arriving at man's estate, he
inaugurated a venture which, in its successful issue, brought him prominence and
prosperity. This venture, for, because of his youth and inexperience it could be
called little more, was establishment in commission dealings in produce, which
he did on a small scale on Dock street, the principal headquarters for
commission houses in Philadelphia. Adherence to the fairest of business laws,
considerate intercourse with the agriculturists of the neighboring country, and
persistent and well directed endeavor brought the volume of business transacted
in the Woodward name up to a standard equal to that of the leading houses of the
city, a position it ably maintained during Mr. Woodward's active years. He
specialized in the handling of potatoes, and for years was one of the most
extensive dealers in that staple in the region, and on one occasion when the
eastern crop railed, resorted to the method previously described to fulfill the
demand. He was the personal head of his business, planning and executing,
retaining a firm grip upon all of its activities until called from all labor.
Mr. Woodward was known and appreciated for admirable qualities of character and
personality, and even in the rush and press of business impressed his associates
and acquaintances with his sterling worth and true manhood.

  He was always greatly interested in sport. In the palmy days of the trotting
horse, before the automobile came into general use as a vehicle, Mr. Woodward
had his pleasure and recreation in owning and driving blooded stock. In his
stable were to be found many of the famous horses of the time, one of which was
the celebrated "Major Ross," with a track record of 2:16 1-2, trial speed of
2:11, and matinee record to road wagon of 2:17 1-4. Mr. Woodward was a member of
the old Belmont, Point Breeze and other trotting clubs. A number of solid silver
cups now in the possession of his widow and son testify to his success with his
horses at the various races in which they took part. It was only when the
automobile supplanted the horse as a roadster and the latter had to give way to
its speedier rival that Mr. Woodward recognized the advantages of the motor car
and sold his stable.

  Philadelphia claimed but his business interests, for in all things else he was
closely identified with New Jersey and Camden. He served the First Presbyterian
Church of Camden as a loyal and devoted member, participating in many branches
of its work, and belonged to the Republican Club, of Camden. In this city, where
his relations were other than those of business, he is remembered for a sincere
and cordial manner, a warm and hearty friendliness, and earnest cooperation with
all forces working for good, whether in church, in civil or in political life.

  Edward Stockton Woodward married Elvira Moore, daughter of Isaac Van Home and
Mary Ann (Fitch) Moore, and had children: Edward Stockton Jr., and Ada Moore,
deceased, married Arthur M. Wood.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

MEMORIAL CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY

UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF MARY DEPUE OGDEN

VOLUME III
MEMORIAL HISTORY COMPANY NEWARK,  NEW JERSEY
1917

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