The Monitor-register., 1897-02-19

Packer.
Ex-senator Daniel J. Packer died
suddenly on Tuesday afternoon. al
his home in Woodbury., his death
being great shock to the citizens. and
caused profound sorrow among his vast
circle of friends and acquaintances. He
was taken i'll about three weeks ago with
trouble of the stomach, and for time his
i illness was considered dangerous, but a
few days ago he took turn for the better
and convalesced so rapidly that the
anxiety of friends and family was relieved,
and his physicians spoke encouragingly
of bis ultimate recovery. Tuesday he had
several callers, and to all inquiries con-
cerning his condition he expressed him.
self as feeling much improved. After
din ner he chatted with his wife and
walked about the room until Mayor
| Pierson called, in response to the ex-
Senator's request, to transact some bust
ness AS the Mayor left the house Mr..
Packer spoke cheerily of the future, and
then turned aud seated himself in his
armchair. A few moments later his stall
wart frame shook, and, throwing up his
hands, he closed his eyes in death. His
physician was summoned hastily, but the
patient was beyond medical aid, death
having ensued from heart failure,
Daniel j. Packer,s better known as
"Neighbor" Packer or "Uncle Dan," was
probably the most conspicuous figure in
Southern jersey. Born in the house
where the body lies SO years ago, he
passed through his boyhood and man
hood days in the midst of his own people,
as he was won't to remark whenever max
ing allusion to his career.
When mere lad, at the age of is, he
apprenticed with his father, learning the
blaoksm thing business. His father at
that time conducted the building of farm
wagons and implements on an extensive
scale, and his son gained considerable
prominence among men in all avoca tions
of life throughout the State, and at the
death of his father, the deceased assumed
the management of the blacksmithing and
wheelwrighting establishment, and for
forty years he was known to farmers for
miles about as the town blacksmith. He
continued in his chosen business until
1884 when he was elected Sheriff of the
county on the Republican ticket, and
again in 1890 the Republicans reelected
him to the office, he serving six years in
the two terms
Prior to 1856 "Uncle Dan," as his
political friends styled him, was a Demo
crat, and, following his disavowal of
allegiance to Democracy, he was made
Township Committeeman in Deptford
townspip, and served in that capacity for
five years. AT this time friends prevailed
upon him to accept a term as a.member of
the Board of Freeholders, and he looked
after the interest OF his constituency in
the Board for six years. At the first
charter election held in Woodbury. he
was elected member of the City Council,
and served three years, his term expiring
in 1875
Tue deceatel was elected to the Senate
from the county over George FL. Barker,
sDemoc- at, in 1878, by majority of 500.
during the memorable struggle against
race-track legislation, when the Repub-
licans took him up as their standard
bearer, and "Uncle Dan," by his popu.
larity, pulled his party though after a
bitter fight. He retired from the Senate
last year in favor of Solomon 81. Stanger,
Republican.
During the past quarter of century
the deceased had also been engaged as an
auctioneer aud his name became house,
hold property with old residents and
farmers for whom he sold property. In
stature he was a man of powerful
pbyique, with snow-white hair. He was
of Quaker psrentage and always
followed in the footsteps of his ancestors.
He was a member of Woodbury. Lodge
of Odd Fellows and Provident Conclave,
Order of Heptasophs. A wife and three
children survive him, his sou, Daniel J.
Packer, Jr., being the well.known con-
ductor on the West jersey and Seashore
Railroad.