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FRANK P. MIDDLETON was
the great-grandson of John and Sarah Middleton, and the grandson
of Joseph Middleton, who married Anna, daughter of Levi and
Elizabeth Ellis. To Joseph Middleton and his wife were born
twelve children- eight sons and four daughters- of who but two
survived. Bowman H., a native of Haddonfield NJ, was born on the
19th of July, 1814, and spent his life in the county
of his birth. He early became proficient in the trade of a
cabinetmaker, subsequently removed to Camden and acquired the
business of Benjamin
A. Hammell. Bowman Middleton carried in the
trade of an undertaker until his death in 1866, Though
interested in public affairs, he did not aspire to office, his
ambition being satisfied with the position of coroner, which he
filled for some years. He married Elizabeth Venable, of Camden
NJ, whose children are Frank P., Josiah V. Anna (Mrs. English),
Charles K., and Emily. |
Frank
P. Middleton, the subject of this sketch, was born May 6, 1837
in Marlton (Evesham Town- ship) NJ, and at an early age moved to
Camden with his parents. His educational advantages were such as
the country afforded, supplemented by more thorough training in
Camden, after which he began his active career as assistant to
his father in the undertaking business. He continued thus
employed until the death of the latter, when in connection with
his brother, he managed the business on behalf of the estate.
The brothers eventually parted ways business-wise, both
remaining in Camden as undertakers. In 1869 Mr. Middleton
established himself in Camden as an undertaker and speedily
acquired an extended patronage. By 1883 he was located at 319
Market Street, where he remained as late as 1891.
Frank
P. Middleton was, on the 14th
of February, 1864, married to Mary, daughter of Anthony and
Martha Williams, of Philadelphia. Their children were Lizzie,
Laura, Mattie and Harry (twins), and Mary and Frank (twins).
Only Mattie and Harry were alive as of November 1886.
Tragedy
struck the Middleton family again on September 27, 1895, when
brother Josiah V. Middleton, who also worked as an undertaker,
committed suicide by hanging himself in his coffin shop.
Stricken by paralysis two years previously, he was despondent
over his illness.
Mr.
Middleton was a Republican in his political affiliations, but never
allowed the allurement of the political arena to draw him from the
routine of his legitimate business. He was a member of Chosen Friends
Lodge No. 29,of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows; of Provident Lodge No.
4, of Ancient Order of United Workmen; and of Ionic Lodge, No. 12,of the
Order of Sparta. Both Mr. and Mrs. Middleton were members of the North
Baptist Church of Camden.
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