GEORGE WASHINGTON SPRACKLEN, residing at No. 345 Hamilton avenue, Trenton, New Jersey, has for many years been prominently identified with the financial, commercial, manufacturing and political interests of the city in which he lives. He is a descendant of an old English family on his father's side, and is of Welsh extraction through his maternal ancestry. Peter Spracklen, father of George Washington Spracklen, was born at Walen, Somersetshire, England, in 1808, emigrated to the United States in his early youth, and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There he learned the trade of baking, also engaged in the blacksmith and machine business and migrated to Trenton, New Jersey, in 1851. He established a bakery in that city which he carried on for a time, but tiring of this line of business, he learned the trade of boilermaking and shortly afterward entered the employ of Van Cleif, McKane & Company, locomotive and boiler contractors. Here his ability and enterprise soon enabled him to rise to the position of superintendent of the plant, and he remained with them until 1862. At that time he established himself in the grocery business at the corner of Bridge and Warren streets, at the same time conducting a general store at No. 620 Warren street. He was active in his support of the Republican party, and was treasurer of the old Front Street Methodist Episcopal Church. There is still a letter extant from President Lincoln, thanking Mr. Spracklen, as secretary of the church, for their good wishes and prayers during his administration. This letter is now in the possession of his son, George Washington Spracklen. Mr. Spracklen died in 1888 and is buried in Riverview cemetery. He married Adeline James, born at Iron Hill, New Britton township, pennsylvania, in 1811, daughter of Mason and Sarah E. (Thomas) James. Mason James was a mason by occupation and helped to build the old Delaware bridge at Trenton; for some years prior to his death he was the custodian of the old State House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The children of Peter and Adeline (James) Spracklen were: George Washington, of whom see forward. Mason J., associated with the Spracklen Machine & Boiler Company, married Jennie Smith, of Terre Haute, Indiana. John F. and Peter A., engaged in the coal business in Trenton, married Mary E. Shingerland. __________________ Linda M. Thank lthank@turboisp.com __________________