Bridgeton pioneer., 1906-03-15
BRlDGETON N. j., THURSDAY. MARCH * 1909
THE DEATH OF
f. II. FITHIAN.

Francis Reeves Fithian, son of the
late Charles S. Fithian, died last Sat.
urday night in Orlando, Florida. Mr.
Fithian had been i'll for several
months and on being advised to seek a
more favorable climate, went to Flor
Ida early in the winter accompanied
by his wife and young daughter.
His mother was Harriet Reeves.
daughter of the late Johnson Reeves.
Mr.. Fithian was born in Bridgeton,
May 23d, 1856. He attended school at
West Jersey Academy, of which insti-
tuition he was in recent years a mem
Der of the board of trustees. His love
OF nature led him early to select the
business OF florist and nurseryman,
and several years we're spent in Phila.
delpiha, Westohester and Germantown
obtaining knowledge of the practical
side of his chosen vocation. In 1876
he opened the Lakeview Nurseries and
greenhouses on Irving avenue. Sub
sequently he sold out these interests
and purchased the Bridgeton Chronicle
and Daily Star. He relinquished edi-
torial work after few years and
went into the real estate business.
achieving considerable success, and
opening the way for financial oppor.
tunities. In 1892 he organized the
State Mutual Building and Loan As.
sociation, having It's main Office in
Camden and became identified with
the Security Trust Company. of that
city, with which he was either an
officer or director until failing health
compelled him to give up active pusi.
ness.
Mr.. Fithian has been connected with
number of corporations and financial
institutions. The organization of the
Real Estate Trust Co., of Camden.
was due to him, be being elected its
president. This company bad phe
nomenal growth and in short time
united with the Security Trust Com
pany, Mr.. Fithian retaining the posi-.
tion OF president. Shortly after this
event the New Jersey Trust Company
was also absorbed, the consolidated in .
stitutions occupying the large and
handsome building at the northeast
corner of Third and Market street.
Camden, with Mr.. Fithian as presi-
dent Subsequently he resigned the
presidency and purchasing a seat in
the Philadelphia Stock Exchange,
opened brokers' office in that city,
but spending portion of each day in
the office of the State Mutual Build
ing Association OF which he was the
secretary at the time of his death.
The Young Mems Christian Associ.
alton OF Camden will experience se-
we're loss by Mr.. Fithian's demise as
he was not only large contributor
but one of the most active directors
He was member of the First Presby-
terian Church of Camden.
Mr.. Fithian was a large hearted
man but never allowed his good works
to be advertised. Whether it was
sending flowers to an invalid or pay
ing for the tuition of a young clerk
at a business college or quietly making
a gift of typewriter to struggling
young stenographer, he always avoided
publicity. Dignitied and courteous IN
his manner, also of an untiring indus.
try, all with whom he came in contact
realized he was thorough business
man who could be trusted to carry for
ward to completion any enterprise he
undertook. He will be mourned and
missed by large circle of friends and
business connections. He is survived
by his widow, daughter of Rev.
Chas. e. Hill, of Red Bank, three
daughters and son, and two broth.
ers, William S. Fithian, real estate
operator, and Alex. r. Fithian, Esq,
prominent attorney and at present
Mayor of Bridgeton.
The funeral will be held at his
brothers. home. corner of Commerce
street and East avenue. Wednesday
afternoon at two O'Clock.