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(Page 311)
The great-grandfather of the subject of this biography emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland, to America, where he was the earliest representative of the family, and an extensive land-owner in Gloucester County. His son Samuel, was born in the same county, and a successful farmer in Woolwich Township. He married Miss Keziah Van Leer, and had children, - Thomas, George, Samuel, Alexander, William, Elizabeth (Mrs. Gaskell), Rebecca (Mrs. Hughes, Mary, and Beulah Ann. Alexander was born in Woolwich township, upon the homestead farm, and settled as a farmer on land adjacent to that of his father. He married Miss Hannah Rulon, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Rulon, to whom were born children, - David R., Joseph R., Sumner, Mary Anna (Mrs. John Rulon), Henrietta, Beulah Ann, Emma (Mrs. Walter Bassett), and Lucretia.
Mr. Black still resides upon his estate and cultivates the land he owns. His son, David R., was born February 2, 1832, on the homestead farm, a part of which he now owns. Here his youth was spent, such advantages of education as the neighboring school afforded having been enjoyed. Being the eldest son, he early called upon to assist in the cultivation and improvement of the land and to participate in the routine of labor peculiar to the life of a farmer. In the fall of 1860, when he was twenty-eight years of age, he married to Miss Lydia T., daughter of Benjamin Robbins, who resided near Swedesboro. At this time a division of the land occurred, David R. taking that potion which is his present residence. He has combined with his farming employments the sale of agricultural implements, to which business he has given much attention.
In politics Mr. Black was formerly a Republican, but has more recently become an advocate of the principles of the Greenback party, of which he is an acknowledged leader in the county. He has, however, never sought nor held an office at the hands of either party. He is a member of Bridgeport Grange, No. 32, of Patrons of Husbandry.
His religious faith is of a liberal character, his views not being confined to the creed or doctrines of any church.
