James W. Brotherton

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

In the death of James W. BROTHERTON, of Dover, which occurred April 6, 1910, the community lost not only a singularly successful man, but a most worthy and honored citizen. He was not only successful himself, but he aided others to make a success of their careers, and he left to posterity that priceless heritage, an honored name.

The BROTHERTON family is numbered among the old families of Morris county. Richard BROTHERTON, father of James W. BROTHERTON, was the pioneer butcher of Dover, which business he continued throughout the active years of his life, achieving therein a large degree of success. His death occurred on the old homestead, as did also that of his wife, whose maiden name was Mary WILSON, a native of Warren county, New Jersey. They were the parents of four children who attained maturity:
1. Sarah, married Charles THOMPSON; she died in 1850.
2. Rache, married Elwood VAIL, of Plainfield, New Jersey, but resided on the old homestead farm where she died February 23, 1910; she was a remarkable woman, being a sufferer for many years with rheumatism, but was always cheerful and happy.
3. Lydia, married Jesse ADAMS; she died in 1891.
4. James W., of whom further.

James W. BROTHERTON was born on the old homestead in Randolph township, Morris county, New Jersey, next to the place now occupied by his widow, June 11, 1835. He received a good education in the common schools of New York State, this being supplemented by a collegiate course, and for a number of years after completing his studies taught school in Warren county, New Jersey, a position for which he was well qualified. He then returned to Morris county and took up his father's business, that of butcher, and conducted the same successfully until fifteen years prior to his death, when he retired from active business pursuits, residing on his farm consisting of seventy acres of arable land, which is highly cultivated, and which is now the property of his widow. He took a keen and active interest in all movements promoted for the general welfare, and for almost half a century was one of the directors of the National Union Bank of Dover. He was a birthright member of the Friends' Church, and a Republican in politics.

Mr. BROTHERTON married, January 1, 1868, Marietta HARRIS, born April 15, 1842, daughter of Cummmins O. and Sarah (SMUCK) HARRIS, well known and highly respected people of Warren county, New Jersey. Children:
1. Sarah Elizabeth, married George W. CHADEAYNE, and they were the parents of one child, now deceased.
2. Wilbur, married, 1913, Margaret MALCOMSON, of Orange, New Jersey.
3. Charles, resides at home with his mother; married Mary L. DICKERSON; one child, Mary Elizabeth, born September 15, 1913.
4. May Abigail, died aged six years.

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