Thomas Jones YORKE, Congress, NJ (1801-1882)
YORKE, Thomas Jones, a Representative from New Jersey; born at Hancocks Bridge, Salem County, N.J., March 25, 1801; attended the common schools and the Salem Academy; during the War of 1812 served as a scout for the United States forces; studied law, but did not practice; engaged in mercantile pursuits at Salem; county collector of Salem County in 1830; judge of the Salem County court of common pleas in 1833, 1834, and 1845-1854 and for a portion of the latter term was presiding judge; member of the State general assembly in 1835; elected as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1837-March 3, 1839); presented credentials as a Member-elect to the Twenty-sixth Congress, but the House declined to seat him; elected to the Twenty-seventh Congress (March 4, 1841-March 3, 1843); chairman, Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy (Twenty-seventh Congress); director of the West Jersey Railroad Co., serving as secretary and treasurer in 1853 and as president 1866-1875; also president of the Cape May & Millville Railroad Co.; served as director at various times of the Swedesborough Railroad Co., Salem Railroad Co., Camden & Philadelphia Ferry Co., and West Jersey Marl & Transportation Co.; died in Salem, N.J., April 4, 1882; interment in St. Johnâs Episcopal Cemetery.
Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present
