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Woodward & Hageman, History of Burlington and Mercer Counties. 1883
Southampton Township: Men of Prominence (page 434)

       But few of the descendants of the first locators and inhabitants of Southampton now remain. 

       The Burrs, who were the largest land-owners, and among the very first settlers, have become almost extinct, either by death or removal to other States, and but a very small portion of their once large and valuable estate now remains in their family.  Mrs. Rebecca Bryan’s (wife of Capt. Guy Bryan) beautiful residence and grounds alone remain.

       David Peacock, who first brought the iron mould-board plow into practical use, was one of the pioneers of Southampton, and once lived on the farm now owned by Job Butterworth.  Mr. Peacock paid Charles Newbold, the inventor, one thousand dollars for his patent, and soon the mechanical genius of Peacock wrought it into a practical implement for agricultural purposes. He was also a pioneer in the use of marl as a fertilizer.

       There is not a male descendent of the Leeds family bearing their name left in the township.  The Sleeper family, however, are closely connected.

       The Bishops, who were a large family and large land-owners, and residents of the vicinity of Vincentown, have nearly all moved away or died out, leaving no one in the township bearing their name. Mrs. Emiline S. Irick, however, was the daughter of Japhet Bishop, a leading farmer and prominent Friend.

       James Branson’s family and the Ross families were closely connected. The Haines, Lippincotts, Allens, Budds, Rogers, Hilliards, Iricks, Woolstons, Harkers, Butterworths, Ridgeways are still largely represented, and their ancestors closely followed the first settling of the country, and among them are found many of the leading citizens of the county.  The history of the township would not be complete without a brief biographical mention of a few members of the above families. Dr. Samuel Woolston, who deceased aged over seventy years, deserves more than a passing notice.  Born upon a farm, he early developed great mechanical and scientific skill, and finally studied medicine and became one of the finest and most successful practitioners of his profession. Imbibing, however, such a strong desire for invention, he spent his vast earnings and handsome competency in many patents, many of which have become important, but not through his hands.  Being of a confiding disposition, he showed his works to all, and some of his auditors, borrowing his ideas, profited largely by his genius.  In church matters he took a great interest, and aided largely in establishing both the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Episcopal Churches.  He died honored and beloved by all.

       Among the other leading citizens who deserve mention here is Gen. John S. Irick.  To his efforts in a great measure are the citizens of Vincentown mainly indebted for their extensive public improvements.  He is president of the railroad, the Marl Company, and the First National Bank.  He is now seventy years of age, and apparently still in the prime of life, attending closely to his business affairs and taking great interest in all public matters. He was thrice elected to the Legislature, and during the Rebellion of 1861 was an earnest Unionist, and rendered valuable assistance to Governors Olden and Parker. His father was Gen. William Irick (1st), who was also a leading man of his day, being a surveyor and general business man of the neighborhood. He was elected several times to the Council of New Jersey, and held many local positions of honor, among which was president of the old Farmers’ Bank of Mount Holly, and president of the Board of Council of Proprietors of West New Jersey. Early manifesting a military taste, he joined the military organization of the State, and became a major-general of militia. During the war of 1812 he was ordered to Fort Byllinge, where he assumed command; but the was soon closed, and he was not called into active service. Gen. William Irick (2d), son of William (1st), followed in the footsteps of his father, and became a man of business; elected to the Council of New Jersey; a candidate for Congress (being defeated by Hon. George Sykes); president of the Burlington County Bank at Medford; besides holding many other important trusts.   He died in 1865, at the close of the Rebellion, and the greatest regret of his life was that his feeble health prevented him from taking an active part in defense of his common country. But he did the next best thing, by loaning a portion of his ample fortune to the general government. It is said of Gen. William Irick that he never said no to a friend in distress.  He died leaving four daughters, all married, and one son, William John Irick, who now owns the greater part of the Indian lands spoken of in this history. 

       Hon. Henry J. Irick, eldest son of Gen. John S. Irick, inheriting the love of public life from his ancestors, is among those who take a lively interest in all public matters.  He is a surveyor and general business man of the township, and treasurer of the Railroad and Marl Company.  In the fall of 1861 he was elected to the State Legislature, and twice successively re-elected, taking an active and earnest part in the great interests then taking place.  In the fall of 1867 he was the candidate of the Republicans of this county for State senator. Though running largely ahead of his ticket, under the banner of universal suffrage, he was defeated by Hon. Job H. Gaskill. In 1870, he was again the Republican candidate for State senator, and triumphantly elected.