US Senator. He was born in Rockland County, New York where after serving as an apprentice for a saddler, he moved to New Jersey. In 1821 he started a successful saddle and leather business and quickly became known for his community minded endeavors. He was instrumental in establishing the Newark Public library system and generously donated land so an African American Episcopalian church building could be built in his adopted hometown. He was elected mayor of Newark three times serving from 1840 to 1843. In 1843 he was elected as a member of the Whig party to the United States Congress. He served two terms. After an unsuccessful attempt to win the New Jersey governor's seat he joined the Democratic Party and was elected to the United States Senate, serving from 1853 to 1859. He lost his reelection bid in 1848 but returned to the Senate with his victory in 1862, serving from 1863 until his death in Newark, New Jersey in 1866.

US Senator. He was born in Rockland County, New York where after serving as an apprentice for a saddler, he moved to New Jersey. In 1821 he started a successful saddle and leather business and quickly became known for his community minded endeavors. He was instrumental in establishing the Newark Public library system and generously donated land so an African American Episcopalian church building could be built in his adopted hometown. He was elected mayor of Newark three times serving from 1840 to 1843. In 1843 he was elected as a member of the Whig party to the United States Congress. He served two terms. After an unsuccessful attempt to win the New Jersey governor's seat he joined the Democratic Party and was elected to the United States Senate, serving from 1853 to 1859. He lost his reelection bid in 1848 but returned to the Senate with his victory in 1862, serving from 1863 until his death in Newark, New Jersey in 1866.

Bio by: Bigwoo