Representative Edwin Bell Forsythe

Edwin Bell Forsythe (January 17, 1916 – March 29, 1984) was an American Republican Party politician from New Jersey who served as a Representative in the United States Congress from 1969 to 1984. Over eight terms in office, he represented parts of Burlington, Ocean, and Camden counties, initially in New Jersey’s 6th congressional district and, after redistricting, in the 13th congressional district. His congressional service occurred during a significant period in American history, and he participated actively in the legislative process while representing the interests of his constituents.

Forsythe was born in Westtown Township, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1916, and attended the local public schools. He later settled in Moorestown Township, New Jersey, where he began a long career in public service at the local level. His early involvement in municipal affairs laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise in state and national politics, reflecting a steady progression from community-based responsibilities to broader legislative roles.

Forsythe’s formal political career began in municipal government in Moorestown. He served as secretary of the Moorestown Township Board of Adjustment from 1948 to 1952, gaining experience in local land use and zoning matters. He was then elected to the Moorestown Committee, serving from 1953 to 1962, and held the position of Mayor of Moorestown from 1957 to 1962. In addition, he served as chairman of the Moorestown Planning Board from 1962 to 1963, and was a member of the executive board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities from 1958 to 1962, roles that expanded his influence and visibility in statewide municipal affairs.

Building on his municipal experience, Forsythe was elected to the New Jersey Senate, where he served from 1964 to 1970. During his tenure in the state legislature, he participated in significant constitutional and party activities, serving as a delegate to the New Jersey Constitutional Convention in 1966, which addressed revisions to the state’s governing framework. He was also selected as a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention, reflecting his growing prominence within the Republican Party at both the state and national levels.

Forsythe entered the United States House of Representatives in 1970. He was elected simultaneously as a Republican to the 91st and 92nd Congresses by special election on November 3, 1970, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative William T. Cahill, who left Congress to become Governor of New Jersey, and to serve the full succeeding term. He was then reelected to the seven succeeding Congresses, serving continuously from November 3, 1970, until his death on March 29, 1984. Throughout this period, he contributed to the legislative process as a member of the House of Representatives and participated in the democratic governance of the nation during an era marked by the Vietnam War’s aftermath, the Watergate scandal, economic challenges, and shifting domestic and foreign policy priorities.

During most of his congressional career, Forsythe represented New Jersey’s 6th congressional district. Following the 1980 United States census and the subsequent redistricting, he was shifted to New Jersey’s newly configured 13th congressional district, where he was elected for a single term. As a member of the Republican Party, he was regarded as a steady representative of his South Jersey constituency, focusing on regional concerns while supporting broader party positions in Congress. His long tenure made him a familiar figure in New Jersey politics and a consistent voice for his district in the House.

Edwin Bell Forsythe died at the age of 68 at his home in Moorestown Township, New Jersey, on March 29, 1984, from lung cancer while still serving in Congress, placing him among the members of the United States Congress who died in office between 1950 and 1999. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were interred at Union Street Friends Cemetery in Medford, New Jersey. In recognition of his public service and his connection to the region, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey was named in his honor, serving as a lasting memorial to his contributions to the state and to the nation.