Sinnickson Chew

Sinnickson Chew was born January 27, 1830, in Mannington township, Salem County NJ, where his parents then resided. His Christian name indicates his ancestry as being of the Swedes, who settled along the shores of the Delaware River as early as 1638, long before the English or Dutch saw the land. Among those who received deeds from John Fenwick to confirm their title, the names of Sinnic, Sinnica, and Sinnicker occur, and the records of Upland Court (on the opposite side of the river), which date back to 1676, show this name among the litigants before that tribunal.

The blood of the early comers was diffused among the English families, and as a consequence the name followed the line of relationship and was gradually changed to the present spelling. The direct and collateral branches of the family have always been prominent in the affairs of church and State and still have a firm hold upon the confidence and good opinion of the people in Southern Jersey.

Equipped with such education as could be gathered there from the country schools and fancying the business of a printer, Sinnickson Chew, in 1845, entered the office of the Constitution, published at Woodbury, N.J., by A.S. Barber.

Here he soon mastered the “art and mystery,” and in due time became the “post boy” to the office. With a horse and sulky he rode the length and breadth of the counties of Camden and Gloucester, distributing the news of the week at every store and crossroads, where he was a welcome visitor. Perhaps the poet can better describe him as he—

Who whistles as he goes,—light-hearted wretch,
Cold, and yet cheerful, messenger of grief
Perhaps to thousands, and of joy to some:
To him indifferent whether grief or joy.

In 1851 he left his master's employ and went to Philadelphia, in the composing department of the type foundry of L. Johnson & Co., but the same year he became connected with the National Standard, of Salem NJ, Charles P. Smith, editor. In a short time, associated with William S. Sharp, he purchased this paper and continued its publication, under the firm-name of Sharp & Chew, until 1862, when he made overtures for the purchase of the State Gazette, at Trenton NJ. In this he was defeated by Jacob R. Freese, at that time, the lessee, and soon after (May, 1862) he bought the entire interest of the West Jersey Press, of Camden, and became its editor and publisher. He soon infused new life into this journal and made it the leading Republican paper in the western part of the State.

Although a forcible writer, and firm in his political convictions, yet he concedes to his opponents the right to their own line of thought. He never loses sight of the great moral necessities of the times, nor will he sacrifice them even when a political advantage is at stake. His paper is always a means to discuss local or general topics, but not open to personalities or questionable correspondence. With such a reputation, the West Jersey Press is regarded as a safe medium of county news, and is read by all who are in full faith with its political notions, and by many who neither think nor vote as the editor would advise.

For three years, from 1872, he was consecutively elected by the House of Assembly of New Jersey to the responsible position of clerk of that body, and was conceded by his political opponents to have been courteous and polite to all. His fidelity to his political friends is strong and lasting, and his devotion to the principles of the political party of which he is an honored member, is well known throughout his native state. His tact and energy are evidenced in the erection of the “Press” building, where he conducts an active business, giving personal attention to the details of the various kinds of work, and not neglecting improvements that aid so much in speed and finish.

As one of the active members of the Editorial Association of New Jersey, Mr. Chew has brought about many improvements in the working of that body. The business meetings bring the members into closer intercourse, and the annual excursion are popular and make friendships where otherwise none would exist.

On May 8, 1860, Mr. Chew married Sarah A., daughter of Samuel W. Miller, then sheriff of Salem County. His surviving children are Lillie M., the wife of Oliver Smith, Jr., William H., and Eddie H. Chew.

Sinnickson Chew, Printer and Stationery, N. E. Corner of Front and Market Streets

One of the oldest and most favorably known houses of this kind in the city is that of Mr. Sinnickson Chew. This gentleman succeeded the late Samuel C. Harbert in 1862, and has managed the business successfully since its inception.

The store is about 20x30 feet in dimensions, and the printing room upstairs occupy the third floor which is 50x90 feet. Three cylinder and three job presses are kept busy. The printing business done is without exception the largest in the city; a newspaper is printed here, the well known West Jersey Press. Special attention is also paid to catalogue and job work, which is done in the shortest possible time.

A fine stock of stationery, blank books, paper, pens and fancy articles are also kept. Twenty-five skilled workmen are employed when running normally.

Mr. Chew is a native of Salem County, New Jersey, he has been a prominent resident of the city for many years, and always to be found among the men who are looking towards Camden's best interests.