Timothy
Middleton

TIMOTHY MIDDLETON was born in Camden on January 21, 1817, in a farmhouse that stood on 6th Street north of Kaighn Avenue. His father, Amos Middleton, was active in city politics. 

After marrying in 1840, he moved out of the city, and engaged in farming. After his return, he soon involved himself in politics as a Democrat, and was elected city marshal in 1861.

Timothy Middleton was elected mayor in 1863 of Paul C. Budd, and served for one year. During his tenure as mayor the first concerted movement among the storekeepers of Camden to close their stores on holidays occurred, for the July 4th holiday. and the building of the Camden Woolen Mill started in September of 1863.

Defeated in his effort for reelection by Paul C. Budd, Timothy Middleton returned to private life, passing away on April 15, 1867. His son, Timothy J. Middleton, went on to a long and distinguished career as a lawyer. Another son, Melbourne F. Middleton was a prominent physician in Camden for many years, and his grandson, Melbourne F. Middleton Jr., was also very active in civic and political affairs.   

The History of Camden County New Jersey
George Reeser Prowell - 1886

1861- THE FIRST WAR MEETING IN CAMDEN

On the 16th of April, 1861, three days after the Confederates fired upon Fort Sumter, at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, a large number of loyal and patriotic citizens of Camden City and County issued the following vigorous and spirited response to the President's proclamation:

" To the President Of the United States:

"The unparalleled events of the last week have revealed to the citizens of the United States, beyond question or the possibility of a doubt, that peaceful reconciliation upon the form of our Con­stitution is repelled and scorned, and secession means, in the hearts of its supporters, both Trea­son and war against our Country and Nation.

" We, therefore, the undersigned Loyal Citizens of the United States, and inhabitants of the city of Camden, in the State of New Jersey, responding to the proclamation of the President of the United States, hereby declare our unalterable determination to sustain the government in its efforts to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Union and the perpetuity of the popular Government, and to redress the wrongs already long enough endured; no differences of political opinion; no badge of diversity upon points of party distinction, shall restrain or withhold us in the devotion of all we have or can command to the vindication of the Constitution, the maintenance of the laws and the defense of the Flag Of our Country."

In response to a call, on the 18th of April an enthusiastic meeting was held in the county court-house, which was formed of a large collection of prominent citizens. The court-room was decorated with flags and mottoes. John W. Mickle was chosen president and Samuel C. Harbert and Thomas G. Rowand secretaries. The president addressed the meeting first and Rev. Mr. Monroe offered a prayer. Hon. Thomas P. Carpenter, Thomas B. Atkinson (mayor) and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee on resolutions. Judge Philip J. Grey addressed the meeting, after which the committee adopted a long series of patriotic resolutions. The Washington Grays, Stockton Cadets and the Zouaves marched into the room and were received with cheers, Samuel Hufty read a resolution which was signed by many persons, who immediately formed the Home Brigade. David M. Chambers, Captain Stafford, Benjamin M. Braker, John H. Jones and E. A. Acton each addressed the meeting. James M. Scovel was then called upon and responded in eloquent terms and with patriotic energy. S. H. Grey offered a resolution, which was adopted, that the City Council and the Freeholders of the county be requested to appropriate money for the equipment of persons who may volunteer in defense of the country, and S. H. Grey, James M. Cassady and Joseph Painter were appointed a committee to look after the interests of the resolution. The meeting continued in session until eleven p.m.

Philadelphia Inquirer - February 14, 1887

Camden Opera House Compnay -  John H. Fort - Dr. Henry F. Hunt - John Evans
Richard F. Smith - Timothy F. Middleton - Marmaduke Taylor - Alfred Hugg - Joseph F. H. Reed