Library of Congress

CATTELL, Alexander Gilmore, a Senator from New Jersey; born in Salem, N.J., February 12, 1816; received an academic education; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Salem, N.J. until 1846; elected to the New Jersey general assembly in 1840, and served as clerk 1842-1844; member of the State constitutional convention in 1844; moved to Philadelphia in 1846 and engaged in business and banking; member of the Philadelphia Common Council 1848-1854; organized the Corn Exchange Bank and was president 1858-1871; moved to Merchantville, N.J., in 1863; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate to succeed John P. Stockton, whose seat was declared vacant, and served from September 19, 1866, to March 3, 1871; was not a candidate for reelection; chairman, Committee on the Library (Forty-first Congress); appointed by President Ulysses Grant a member of the first United States Civil Service Commission and served two years, resigning to accept the position of United States financial agent in London, serving in 1873 and 1874; member of New Jersey Board of Tax Assessors 1884-1891, and was president 1889-1891; appointed member of the State board of education in 1891 for a term of three years; died in Jamestown, Chautauqua County, N.Y., April 8, 1894; interment in Colestown Cemetery, Delaware Township (now Cherry Hill), Camden County, N.J.