NVPL RESEARCH UBRARIES
3 3433 081786570
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http://www.archive.org/details/biographicalgene01rico
THE
NEW YORK
[public library^!
V Astor, LwiDx nKi rildan
founijatlons.
1901
d^-^-^^ttluj
BIOGRAPHICAL
f, aN and
Genealogical History
OF THE
CITY OF NEWARK
AND
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
NEW YORK AND CHICAGO
li
PREFACE.
IN offering to subscribers the Biographical and Genealogical History of the
City of Newark and Essex County, the publishers feel satisfied that they
have been successful in producing a compilation of distinct historical value,
and that all specifications set forth in the prospectus have been duly touched.
The scope of the work has been such as to demand a large financial expenditure
and a most discriminating research, and the result stands in evidence that the
object of the publication, as defined in the prospectus, has been fully attained —
"to fill up the wide gap in the biographical history of Essex county, and to give
to the present and future generations a much deeper source of reliable informa-
tion touching this locality."
The editorial direction of the work had been undertaken by the late
Frederick W. Ricord, who had designated the lines along which said work should
be carried on to completion. Death's hand interposed, and released Judge
Ricord from his labors. At the request of the publishers, his daughter. Miss
Sophia B. Ricord, consented to continue the editorial work assigned to her
distinguished father. Miss Ricord, who had long been associated with her father
in this kind of work, was therefore enabled to give her personal supervision in
accordance with the plans by him formulated. It is felt that, in a measure, the
publication will stand as a memorial tribute to one of the noblest men that has
honored and been honored by the state of New Jersey, and it is a source of
much gratification to the publishers that they were thus able to secure the
co-operation of Judge Ricord, whose name here appears as representing the last
editorial work with which he was associated. To Miss Ricord also are due the
thanks of the publishers, as well as of all subscribers, and it is believed that the
history, in its specific province, can not but meet with the favorable reception
which it merits.
INDEX: VOLUME I.
A
Ackerman, Henry A 53^
Ackerman, Peter D 578
Allen, Frank B 366
Anderson, Henry J 49^
Andrews, William J 536
Apgar, Jacob W 360
Ashby, William S 211
Austin, Edward 574
Austin, William E 183
B
Bacheller, J. Henry 170
Badglcy, Alfred $ 130
Baer, Joseph 41-2
Baker, Daniel N 389
Baker, Thomas C 418
Baker. Timothy H 544
Baldwin, Aaron K 499
Baldwin. David H 80
Baldwin, George T 580
Baldwin, Milton 484
Baldwin, Noah 402
Baldwin, Warren S 229
Baldwin, William A 230
Ball. Marcus D .•?o6
Ball, Philander I54
Ball, Richard H IS4
Ball, William R 350
Barrett, Halsey M 82
Batty, James W 518
Beach, Henry 151
Beck, Charles 1 309
Becker, Ludwig A. A 167
Bcggs, William F 307
Beldon. James M 506
Bcnham, Hubert M 126
Benson. Henry K 138
Berg. Charles 545
Berg, Franz 208
Birdsall, Robert F 559
Bishop, Charles R 362
Black. Pierre ■ • 524
Bond, Elihu 344
Booth, Richard W 369
Boudinot, Elisha 489
Boutillier, Emanuel F 261
Boyden, Seth 5/!
Bradley. Joseph P 477
Brady, Ellis M 395
Bragaw, David D 296
Breeden, Charles E. 378
Brewer, William A., Jr 123
Brower, Robert D 490
Brown, James M 160
Brown. Nathaniel 466
Brucckner, George 453
Bruyere, Walter R 524
Buchanan, Paul 450
Budd, Ira 461
Burgess, Edward G 354
Burnet, Elijah D 301
Burnet, James B 535
Burnet. Samuel H 522
Burnet, Timothy 98
Burnet, William 499
Burns, Edward L 319
Burt, Charles A 81
Burtt, Aaron F 521
Bush, Edward P 54
C
Campbell, Ira 218
Canfield, Cyrus 288
CannifF, Jonas C 149
Carhart, Hennell 39^
Carpenter, Daniel H 161
Carpenter, Joseph B 448
Carter, Azariah H 224
Chalmers, Thomas A 533
Chapman, Henry S 68
Church, Edward F 404
Clymer, George E 374
Coit, Henry 1 187
Colby, Gardner R 572
Coles, Abraham 5
Coles. J. Ackerman 26
Collins, William 383
V
VI
INDEX.
Collinson, Joshua 358
Collyer, William W 553
Condit, Edmund 33°
Condit, John P I75
Condit, Jotham H 561
Condit, Oscar H 575
Conklin, Josiah S 375
Connell, John J 259
Cook, Hugh F 315
Cope, George F 283
Cort, Thomas 260
Cort, Thomas. Jr 260
Corwin, Theodore W 486
Coult, Joseph 114
Courter, David B 426
Crane, Alfred J 386
Crane, Ira S 82
Crowell Family. The 555
Cunningham, Peter F 455
D
Dailey, Frank B 289
Daisey, Dennis 406
Darcy, John S 475
Daum, Henry 577
Day, Lewis E 5i3
De Baun. John W 54
Decker, Charles M 220
Decker. Henry 566
Denman. .Abram C 236
Denman, Isaac R 311
Denman, John C 292
Denman, Thomas 346
Dennis, Laban S'Q
Dey, Cornelius I35
Dey, Samuel I34
Diecks. William 4"
Dimond. William 182
Dobbins. Edward L 327
Dodd, Amzi 106
Dodd, Amzi T 456
Dodd, Hiram F 39i
Doremus, Elias O I94
Doremus, Philip no
Dorer, John 3^4
Dorer, Matthias D 441
Dougherty. Alexander N 488
Drake, Elias W 287
Dryden, John F 9°
Durand, Cyrus 392
Durand, Cyrus B 392
Durand, Elias W 234
Durand, James M 391
Durands, Early 391
E
Eggers, Augustus F 303
Elsener, John > 171
Ely, John H 268
Emmons, George 212
Engelhorn, John 253
English, Charles W 79
F
Farley, John J 388
Faulks, Theodore D 408
Feindt, Henry 337
Feindt, Lewis E 394
First Presbyterian Church. Tlic 564
Fish, Henry C 472
Force, John H i73
Force, Jonathan 172
Fordyce, Alexander R 502
Forrest, John M 537
Fort, J. Franklin 66
Foster. Herbert W 352
Francisco, Richard S ^4°
Francisco, William H 246
Freeman, Charles W 467
Frelinghuysen, Frederick T 56
Frey. Albert 192
Frisby, William 300
G
Gaffney. John J 256
Galbraith. John 280
Gardner. William C 161
Gauch. William 3I0
Geiger, George J 470
Genung, Silas P I74
Gerhard, Frank J 272
Gilfort, Robert C 3I7
Gilfort. William 3i7
Gill, John 204
Goble. Frank C 148
Goldsmith, Clarence A 357
Goodell, Edwin B 290
Gore, John K 578
Gossweiler, Ferdinand 468
Gould, Daniel E 421
Granniss. Daniel D 168
Guenther, Emil E 474
Guild, Frederick F 334
H
Hagar, John F 108
Hahne, Julius 48S
Halsey, Edmund R 428
Halsev, George A nS
INDEX.
Vll
Halsey, Moses E 152
Halsey, William 493
Hanks, John C I97
Hannan, John J 5-27
Hanson, John C 207
Hardin, John R 440
Harris Family, The 33 1
Harris. Frederick H 33i
Harrison, Alfred J 250
Harrison, C. A 231
Harrison, Charles W 322
Harrison, Irving B 325
Harrison, John 250
Harrison, John D 295
Harrison, John G 460
Harrison, Philip H 127
Harvey, Hayward A 99
Harvey, Thomas W 105
Headley. Will C 433
Heath, Stafford R. W 487
Hedden, Austin E 150
Hedden, Clarence E 136
Hedges, Nathan 492
Hedges, Samuel M 464
Heinisch, Henry C 258
Heinisch, Rochus 131
Helbig, Frank W 462
Hemmer, Frederick 561
Hendry, Hugh C 521
Herr, Charles F 380
Hetzel, John G '. 216
Hewlett, Peter V. P 520
Hill. David F 558
Hiller, Christopher F 436
Hoffman, Frederick M 152
Hoffmann, Adolf 410
Hoffmann. Charles H 413
Holland, Thomas B 217
Holmes, Edward H 67
Holmes. William D 371
Hooper, Enoch W 398
Hornblower, Joseph C 502
Hornfeck, H. H 294
Horton, Elmer E 547
Houston, John C 191
Howe, Chester C 359
Howe, Edwin J 527
Howe, John 482
Howell, Francis K 409
Hunter, C. H 266
Hunter, Charles W 266
Husk, Frank 144
Husk, James H 133
H uston, Walter A 232
Hyer, Jackson 385
I
Iliff, Elias P 196
Ingerman, John A 177
J
Jacobus, Anthony 427
Joerschke, Herman 352
Johnson, William L 55
Jones. Thomas H 89
Joy. Edmund L 370
Judson. W. A 365
K
Kaufmann. Albert 281
Kearns, William J 321
Kent, William 423
Keyler, John D 347
Keyler, John G 341
Kiersted, Robert 267
Kingman, Thomas S 414
Kinney, Thomas T 446
Kinney, William B 442
Kirkpatrick, Andrew 178
Kissam. Samuel 381
Koegel, Conrad 312
Koller. John 238
Kraeuter, August 247
Krahn, Henry 185
Krause, Henry G 335
Kridel. Jacob L 239
Kuebler, William 299
L
Lafon. Thomas 494
Laidlaw, Benjamin P 213
Lane, Isaac 282
Lane. William 282
Lebkuecher. Julius A 112
LeBoeuf, G. A 548
Lee. Joseph 176
Lee, Peter 428
Leek. Walter L 214
Lehlbach, Charles F. J 497
Leibe, Henry L 507
Lemond. James K 550
Lintott. Thomas J 336
Long. Herbert W 403
Luff, William 568
Lum, Frederick H 376
Lyon. Ernest M 506
M
MacWhorter, Alexander 470
Manda, Albert A 278
vm
INDEX.
Mandeville, Francis N 2g5
Manners, Abraham 37-
Marsh, Charles 437
Martin, George S 43°
Matthews, Ambrose M I39
]Matthews, John H 4-2
Maxfield, John F iS6
McArthur, Robert 1S4
McCarter, Thomas N 338
McCarter, Thomas N., Jr 340
McCarthy, James A 181
McDonough. James 393
McGowan, James 245
McGown, John A 549
McGuirk, James W 203
Meeker, John D 349
Melville, Alexander 271
Meyer, Michael 430
Miller, Albert A 511
Mitchell, Augustus J 302
Mitchell, Hugh 325
Moffet, James 275
Moller, John 531
Monteith, John 320
Moritz, Thomas 570
Morrison, Daniel 277
Miiller, John G 254
Munn, Joseph A 85
Munn, Joseph L 342
Musler, Christopher 419
N
Nash, Patrick J 316
Nathan, David B 304
Nichols, Thomas 244
Nicoll, William C 326
Noyes, William H 257
o
Oakes, David 298
Ober, Michael F 476
Odell, John T 188
Ogden, Josiah 569
O'Gorman, William 479
Olmsted, Adelbert H 202
Otterbein, John 263
P
Parker, Cortlandt 74
Parker Family, The 74
Parker, James 74
Parsil, Samuel B 373
Parsil, Thomas B 348
Peck, Stephen M 567
Pennington, Samuel H 242
Pennington, William 493
Peoples, William H 312
Peterson, Andrew 223
Pier, John H 55
Pierson, Abraham 563
Pierson, Hubert L 164
Pierson, Joseph C 108
Pinneo, James B 5°°
Plum, Stephen H 226
Potter, Jonathan W 162
Powers, Charles W 315
Powles, Henry 55i
Pratt, Charles R 65
Presbyterian Church, The First 564
Preston, John F 452
Preston, Nicholas 452
Preston, Thomas F 452
R
Rand, John M 530
Rankin, William, Jr 505
Ransley, John W 285
Rassbach, John 562
Read, Joshua . ; 486
Read, Joshua W 512
Reeve, Edward 279
Reeve, George W 387
Reford, J. Banks 407
Rehmann, Louis 228
Reichstetter, John G 248
Ricord, Frederick W 51
Ricord, Philippe 545
Robinson, Joseph H 548
Rockwood, Charles G 146
Rollinson, S. H 4I7
Rowland, Shepard 78
Rudd, Robert S 394
Rutherford, John 483
S
Sandford, George F 519
Sandford, William E S33
Sanford. George B 125
Sargent, James W 583
Sattler, Ludwig R 528
Sayre. William H 3.C4
Schalk, Herman 458
Schlegel, Robert P 524
Schreitmueller, Henry 249
Searle, Joseph 518
Seibert, Charles L 3,97
Seidler, William F 199
Seymour. James M 480
Shrump, Fred W 270
Skinner, Ben M 193
INDEX.
IX
Skinner, Isaac V 535
Slayback, David H 129
Slayback, John W 128
Sleght, BevierH 481
Smith, Aaron G 400
Smith, Edwin 423
Smith, George W 7°
Smith, Harry W 286
Smith, Harvey E 195
Smith, Henry \V.- 400
Smith, William H . •: 200
Snyder, Henry C 119
Spear, John .• 520
Speer, Thomas T 308
Squier, Charles M 413
Stager, Lemuel 145
Staniar, William 366
Stoll, William 351
Stonaker, Edwin H 437
Stout, Gideon Lee 368
Stretch, Joseph 284
Studer, Augustus C 509
Sutphen, Theron Y 496
Suydam, George H 540
Symonds, George W 516
T
Taylor, Joseph W 71
Taylor, William M 92
Thum, Frederick W 517
Tillou, Abijah F 122
Tillou, Job B 554
Titsworth, Caleb S 498
Tompkins, John 157
Tompkins, William 159
Townley, Richard 573
Trabold, Valentin C 401
Trautwein, Gottlob 514
Trautwein, John G 43S
Treat, Robert 502
Trusdell, John G 328
U
Underwood, Charles F 532
V
Van Buskirk, Levi 190
Van Cleve, J. H 265
Vanderhoof, George H , 135
Van Horn, James 538
Van Iderstine, Theodore 189
Van Ness, Judson S 233
Vogel, Adolph 465
Voigt, Beda 243
Voigt, Karl 252
Voorhees, Abram 459
Vreeland, Adrian 529
W
Waldron, Edward M 241
Wallace. William C 274
Walsh, Michael 215
Ward, Aaron 4S0
Ward, Arthur 5i5
Ward, Edwin IM 553
Ward, John F •• 508
Ward, Leslie D 210
Warren, William H 550
Watkins, William 425
Watson, William W i59
Weeks, Edward W- • 180
Weeks, William R 93
Weyrauch, George 439
White. William H 73
Whitehead. William A 494
Wilcox, Paul 96
Williams, Abram P I53
Williams, Chauncey G 1'^
Williams, George N 282
Williams, J. Edgar 546
Williams, William N 121
Williams. William S 563
Winans, Sidney B 169
Wiss, Jacob 581
Woodhouse, James F 109
Woodhull, Addison W 504
Woodruff, Philemon 384
Woodruff, Thomas 165
Woodruff, William H 390
Wrightson, James T 434
Y
Youmans, B. Franklin 556
Youmans, Charles L 556
Youmans, William B 556
Young. Henry 382
Yudizky. William 420
Z
Zch, Charles M 449
Zocrner, C. G. H 291
Zulauf. Charles 267
INDEX.
INDEX OF PORTRAITS; VOLUME I.
B
Bacheller, J. Henry I/O
Badgley, Alfred S 130
Baker, Thomas C 418
Baldwin, Noah 402
Baldwin, Warren S 229
Baldwin, William A 230
Ball, Marcus D 306
Ball, Philander I54
Ball, Richard H 156
Barrett, Halsey M 82
Beck, Charles 1 309
Beldon, James M 506
Benson, Henry K 138
Bishop, Charles R 362
Breeden, Charles E 3/8
Brower, Robert D 490
Brown, Nathaniel 466
Buchanan Paul 450
Burgess, Edward G 354
Burnet, Samuel H 522
Burnet, Timothy 98
c
Campbell, Ira 218
Coles, Abraham Frontispiece
Coles, J. Ackerman 26
Condit, Edmund 330
Coult, Joseph 114
Courter, David B 426
Crane, Alfred J 386
D
Denman, Thomas 346
Dodd, Amzi 106
Doremus, Elias 194
Dorer, John 314
Dryden, John F go
Durand, Elias W 234
F
Fort. J. Franklin 66
Frelinghuysen. Frederick T 56
Frey, Albert 192
G
Goodell. Edwin B 290
Gore, John K 578
H
Harrison, Charles W 322
Harrison, John 250
Heinisch, Henry C 258
Hofifmann, Adolf 410
Howe, John 482
Hunter, C. H 266
J
Joy, Edmund L 370
K
Kinney, Thomas T 44^
Kinney, William B 442
Kirkpatrick, Andrew 178
L
Lane. Isaac 282
Lane, William 282
M
Maxfield, John F 186
McCarter, Thomas N., Sr 338
Moritz. Thomas S70
O
Oakes, David 298
Olmsted, Adelbert H 202
P
Parker, Cortlandt 76
Parker, James 74
Pennington, Samuel H 242
Plum, Stephen H 226
Potter, Jonathan W • 162
R
Rand, John M S30
Rassbach, John S62
Ricord, Frederick W I
Rockwood, Charles G 146
Rudd, Robert S 394
S
Sclialk. Herman 4S8
T
Tillou. Abijah F 122
Tillou, Job B 554
Titsworth, Caleb S 498
Trautwein, Gottlob 5'4
V
\'an Horn, James 53^
W
Wallace, William C 274
Ward, Leslie D 210
Williams, J. Edgar 546
Wrightson, James T 434
THE
NEW YORK
[PUBLIC library;!
Jj »stor, L«i«< aii4 rildwi
FouiTitatlons.
1901
C7^
c>etcLw«^.
INTRODUCTORY.
Out of the depths of his mature wisdom
Carlyle wrote : "History is the essence of
innumerable biographies." Farther than
this what propriety can there be in advanc-
ing reasons for the compilation of such a
work as the one at hand? Essex county.
now venerable with age and honors, has
sustained within her confines men who have
been prominent in the history of the state
and nation from the early colonial epoch.
Her annals teem with the records of strong
and noble manhood and womanhood, and,
as Sumner said, "The true grandeur of na-
tions is in those qualities which constitute
the true greatness of the individual." The
final causes which shape the fortunes of
individual men and the destinies of states
are often the same. They are usually re-
mote and obscure; their influence wholly
ime.xpected imtil declared by results. When
they inspire men to the exercise of courage,
self-denial, enterprise, industry, and call
into play the higher moral elements; lead
men to risk all upon conviction, faith. — such
causes lead to the planting of great states,
great nations, great peoples. That nation
is greatest which produces the greatest and
most manly men, and the intrinsic safety
depends not so much upon methods and
measures as upon that true manhood from
whose deep sources all that is precious and
permanent in life must at last proceed.
Such a result may not consciously be con-
templated by the individuals instrumental
in the production of a great nation. Pur-
suing each his personal good by exalted
means, they work out this as a logical re-
sult. They have wrought on the lines of
the greatest good.
Ceaselessly to and fro flies the deft
shuttle which weaves the web of human des-
tiny, and into the vast mosaic fabric enter
the individuality, the effort, the accomplish-
ment of each man. be his station that most
lowly, or one of majesty, pomp and power.
^^'ithin the textile folds may be traced
the line of each individuality, be it the one
that lends the beautiful sheen of honest
worth and honest endeavor, or one that,
dark and zigzag, finds its way through
warp and woof, marring the composite
beauty by its blackened threads, ever in evi-
dence of the shadowed and unprolific life.
Into the great aggregate each individuality
is merged, and yet the essence of each is
never lost, be the angle of its influence wide-
spreading and grateful, or narrow and bane-
ful. In his efforts he who essays biography
finds much of profit and mvich of alluring
fascination when he would follow out, in
even a cursory way, the tracings of a life
history, seeking to find the keynote of each
respective personality. These efforts and
their resulting transmission can not fail of
INTRODUCTORY
value in an objective way. for in each case
may the lesson of life l)e conned, "line upon
line; precept ujion precept."
Whether the elements of success in life
are innate attributes of the individual, or
whether they are quickened by a process of
circumstantial development, it is impossi-
ble to clearly determine. Vet the study
of a successful life is none the less interest-
ing and profitable by reason of the ex-
istence of this same uncertainty. So much
in excess of those of successes are the
records of failures or semi-failures that one
is constrained to attempt an analysis in
either caSe and to determine the method
of causation in an approximate way. The
march of improvement and progress is
accelerated day by day. and each succes-
sive moment seems to demand of men a
broader intelligence and a greater discern-
ment than did the preceding. Successful
men must be live men in this age, bristling
with activity, and the lessons of biography
may be far-reaching to an extent not super-
ficially evident. A man's reputation is the
property of the world. The laws of nature
have forbidden isolation. Every human
being either submits to the controlling in-
fluence of others, or, as a master, wields
a power for good or evil on the masses of
mankind. There can be no impropriety in
justly scanning the acts of any man as they
affect his public, social and business rela-
tions. If he be honest and successful in
his chosen field of endeavor, investigation
will brighten his fame and i)oint the path
along which others may follow with like
success. Not alone are those worthy of
biographic honors who have moved along
the loftier planes of action, but to an equal
extent are those deserving who are of the
rank and file of the world's workers, for
they are not less the conserv-ators of public
prosperity and material advancement.
Longfellow wrote, "We judge ourselves
by what we feel capable of doing, while
others judge us by what we have already
done." If this golden sentence of the New
England bard were uniformly applied,
man\- a man who is now looking down with
haughty stare upon the noble toilers on
land and sea, sneering at the omission of
the aspirate, the cut of his neighbor's coat
or the humlileness of his dwelling, would
be voluntarily doing penance in sackcloth
and ashes, at the end of which he would
handle a spade or, with pen in hand, burn
the midnight oil in his study, in the en-
deavor to widen the bounds of liberty or
to accelerate the material and spiritual
progress of his race. The humble and
lowly often stand representative of the
truest nobility of character, the deepest
patriotism and the most exalted purpose,
and through all the gradations of life recog-
nition should be had of the true values
ami then should full appreciation be mani-
fested.
In the Biographical and Genealogical
History of the City of Newark and Essex
County the editorial staff, as well as the
publishers, have fully realized the magni-
tude of the task set them. The work is
])urely biographical in its province, and in
the collation of material for the same there
has Ijeen a constant aim to use a wise
discrimination in regard to the selection of
subjects, and yet to exclude none worthy
of representation within its pages. Those
who have been prominent factors in the
public, social and industrial makeup of the
countv in the past have been given due
recognition as far as it has been possible
to secure the requisite data. Names
INTRODUCTORY.
worthy of perpetuation here have in sev-
eral instances been omitted, either on ac-
count of the apathetic interest of those con-
cerned or the inability to secure the in-
formation demanded. Yet. in both the
contemporary narrative and the memoirs of
those who have passed on to "that undis-
covered country from whose bourne no
tra\eler returns." it is believed that there
has I)een such utilisation of material as to
more tiian fulfill all stipulations and prom-
ises made at the inception of the under-
taking.
In the compilation recourse has been had
to divers authorities, including various his-
tories and historical collections, and im-
plying an almost endless array of papers
and documents, public, private, social and
ecclesiastical. That so much matter could
be gathered from so many original sources
and then sifted and assimilated for the pro-
duction of a single work without incurring
a modicum of errors and inaccuracies,
would be too much to expect of any corps
of writers, no matter how able they might
be as statisticians or skilled as compilers of
such works. It is, nevertheless, believed
that no inaccuracies of a serious nature can
be found to impair the historical value of
the volumes, and it is further believed that
the results will supply the demand which
called forth the efforts of the publishers
and the editorial corps.
To other and specific histories has been
left the task of touching the general history
of the county and the city of Newark, for
the function of this work is aside from this
and is definite in its scope, so that a re-
capitulation would be out of harmony with
the compilation. However, the incidental
references made to those who have been
the important actors in the public and civic
history of the county will serve to indicate
the generic phases and will shadow forth
nuich to those who can "read between the
lines." In conclusion we can not do better
than to quote another of Carlyle's terse
aphorisms : "There is no heroic poem in
the world but is at bottom a biography, —
the life of a man."'
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL
HISTORY.
ABRAHAM COLES,
tlie widely known poet, scholar, philan-
thropist, and eminent physician and sur-
geon, was born in the old homestead
of his family, at Scotch Plains, New
Jersey, December 26, 1813, and died, dur-
ing a visit to California, at the Hotel del
Monte, near Monterey, May 3, 1891. He
was of Scotch and Dutch descent, his an-
cestors being among the earliest settlers of
New York and New Jersey. His great-
grandfather, William Coles, had. with his
wife, established himself, in early colonial
days, at Scotch Plains, and there Dr. Coles'
grandfather, James Coles, was born in
1744. The latter married, in 1768, Eliza-
beth Frazee. Their son, Dennis, tlie father
of Dr. Coles, was born at Scotch Plains, in
1778, and died there in 1844. He was "a
man of great culture, skilled in mathemat-
ics, a lover of polite literature, a polished
speaker, a member of the state legislature,
a charming reader, and an accomplished
writer." He acquired the printers' art,
with Shepard Kollock. and in 1803 estab-
lished at Newburgh, New York, a newspa-
per, the Recorder of the Times, whicl. he
conducted for three years, — a literary and
financial success, which, also, under an-
other name, it continued to be as late as
1876. He married, in 1802, Katrina Van
Deurzen, daughter of one of the prominent
citizens of Newburgh, and a descendant of
the famous Dutch dominie, Everardus Bo-
gardus, and his noted wife, Anneke Jans.
At the solicitation of his parents. Dennis
Coles sold out his Newburgh business
(1806) and with his wife returned to Scotch
Plains, where his son was born, as stated
above.
Dr. Abraham Coles was educated by his
parents until the age of twelve, when he
entered the dry-goods store of a relative in
New York city, with whom he remained
five years. Here he acquired a thorough
business education, while at the same time
devoting his spare time to reading and
study. At the age of seventeen he with-
drew from this business to accept a posi-
tion as teacher of Latin and mathematics
in the academy of the Rev. Lewis Bond, at
Plainfield. New Jersey. Subsequently, for
si.K months, he studied law in the ofiice of
Hon. Joseph C. Hornblower, of Newark,
and although the law was not to prove his
ESSEX VOUXTY
chosen vocation, he, during this time, ac-
quired a taste and solid foundation for
legal study, which he never abandoned and
which in after years was invaluable to him
in his association with eminent jurists.
After reading Blackstone's and Kent's
Commentaries with care, and in the mean-
time consulting his natural tastes and in-
clinations, which drew him strongly
toward medicine, he chose the latter, and,
first attending a course of lectures at the
his profession, becoming especially distin-
guished in surgical cases, to which he was
frequently called in consultation. In 1848
he went abroad, visiting England and
France and making a special study of their
hospitals and schools of medicine. He
was in Paris during the stormy days — May
and June, 1848 — of the dictatorship of
General Cavignac and the so-called French
republic that followed, and, as correspond-
ent of the Newark Daily Advertiser, de-
m^ 'PP^^
•■-V^/v-r.
DEERHURST.
University and College of Physicians and
Surgeons in New York city, he entered the
JefYerson Medical College, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, at which he graduated in
1835. The following year he opened an of-
fice, as physician and surgeon, in Newark,
New Jersey. In 1842 he married Caroline
E. Ackerman, daughter of Jonathan C. and
Maria S. Ackerman, of New Brunswick,
New Jersey. She died in 1845, leaving
one son and one daughter.
Dr. Coles soon won a high position in
scribed the bloody scenes of which he was
an eye-witness. Returning to Newark he
at once resumed practice. At this time he
was regarded as the most accomplished
practitioner in Newark, eminent alike for
his professional and literary acquirements.
In 1853 ^'""^1 1854 he was again abroad,
traveling extensively, studying the conti-
nental languages and adding largely to his
store of medical knowledge by contact with
the most eminent physicians and surgeons
of Europe. At Florence he made the ac-
ESSEX COUMT.
quaintance of the Brownings, Hiram Pow-
ers and others then and subsequently dis-
tinguished for their attainments in Htera-
ture and art. In September, 1854, he took
passage for home, on the Arctic, but after
leaving Liverpool, he had his ticket made
good for the following steamer, and then
disembarked at Qneenstown. The Arctic
]iroceeded on her voyage, was run into by
a small French steamer, called the Vesta,
off Cape Race, in a dense fog, and sunk,
with a loss of three hundred and twenty-
two lives.
But the life, character and celebrity of
Dr. Coles, eminent as he was as physician
and surgeon, are chiefly connected with his
literary and scholarly attainments, his pub-
lished writings, and particularly his relig-
ious hymns and translations, which have
given him a world-wide reputation. He
had early in his ])rofessional career been a
contributor to various periodicals, but it
was not until "Wednesday evening, March
17, 1847," that his first translation of the
"Dies Ira;" appeared in the Newark Daily
Advertiser, from a coi)y of which, after an
interval of more than fifty years, we now
quote : —
In the following version of that fine old specimen of
Latin rhyme, the Dies Irae, the translator is fully
conscious of not having fione justice to the sounding
cadence, exquisite rhythm, harhanc strength and
beautiful simplicity of the original. This powerful
poem, the composition of a monk who lived in the
iwelfth century, while it has commanded the admira-
tion of critics generally, upon many eminent charac-
ters it would seem to have exercised a wonderful in-
fluence. It is stated of Dr. Johnson that he could never
read the verse commencing. "Quaerens me sedisti
lassus" without bursting into tears. It was a great
favorite likewise with Sir Walter Scott. His "Lay
of the Last Minstrel" contains a partial translation,
and we are told by his kinsmen and biographer that
in his last hours of life and reason he was overheard
repeating portions of the Latin original. The Earl of
Roscommon likewise uttered in the moment when he
expired, with great energy and devotion, two lines of
his own version of the seventeenth stanza—
"My Gck], my Father and my Friend,
Do not forsake me in my end."
Goethe introduces snatches of it in his "Faust." To
these names might be added many others who have
borne similar testimony to its extraordinary merit.
This is farther shown by the numerous translations
which have been made into various languages. In Ger-
many particularly there has been a surprising num-
ber,— some executed by her first poets. With them care
has generally been taken to preserve the trochaic
ending and" double rhyme of the Latin. The
almost universal neglect of this in English versions
is a great defect, which can only be accounted for
by the difficulties involved in the retention. A
translation which appeared some years ago in
the New York Evangelist (October, 1S41) forms
the onlv known exception and was highly applauded
as an exemplification of success where everybody had
failed. But doubtless it was the arduousness of the
task that so far conciliated criticism as to lead to the
most indulgent blindness to material faults. It were
presumption, however, in the present translator to
think that he has succeeded much better in overcom-
ing the difficulties referred to. It is well known that
this Hymn has been set to music of the sublimest ex-
cellence forming, as it does, the subject of Mozart's
"Requiem," the last and best of his immortal com-
positions, the excitement of preparing which, it is
said, hastened his death.
TR.^NSLATION.
Day of wrath, that day of burning,
All shall melt, to ashes turning,
As foretold by seers discerning.
O what fear shall it engender
When the Judge shall come in splendor,
Strict to mark and just to render.
Trumpet scattering sounds of wonder,
Rending sepulchers a.sunder.
Shall resistless summons thunder.
All aghast then Death shall shiver
And great Nature's frame shall quiver
When the graves their dead deliver.
Book where every act's recorded.
All events all time afforded.
Shall be brought and dooms awarded.
Whfn shall sit the Judge imerring.
He'll unfold all here occurring.
No just vengeance then deferring.
What shall I say that time pending?
Ask what Advocate's befriending
When the just man needs defending?
King almighty and all knowing.
Grace to sinners freely showing.
Save me. Fount of good o'erflowing.
Think. Oh Jesus, for what reason
Thou endur'dst earth's spite and treason,
Nor me lose in that dread season.
Seeking me Thy worn feet hasted.
On the cross Thy soul death tasted.
Let such labor not be wasted.
Righteous Judge of retribution.
Grant me perfect absolution
Ere that day of execution.
Culprit like. I, heart all broken.
On my cheek shame's crimson token.
Plead the pardoning word be spoken.
ESSEX COUNTY.
Thou who llarj- gav'st remission.
Heard'st the dying Thief's petition.
Cheered'st witli hope my lost condition.
Though my prayers do nothing merit,
What is needful. Thou confer it.
Lest I endless fire inherit.
Mid the sheep a place decide me.
And from goats on left divide me.
Standing on the right beside Thee.
When th" accurs'd away are driven.
To eternal burnings given.
Call me with the bless'd to Heav'n.
I beseech Thee, prostrate lying.
Heart as ashes, contrite, sighing.
Care for me when I am dying.
On that awful day of wailing.
Human destinies unveiling.
When man rising, stands before Tliee.
Spare the culprit, God of Glory.
A. C.
This translation undoubtedly attracted
the attention and admiration of scholars
throughout the literary world. Harriet
Beecher Stowe introduced a portion of it
into her Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Henry
Ward Beecher had it set to music for his
Plymouth Collection of Hymns.
In 1859 Dr. Coles published, with some
slight alterations, this translation, together
with twelve other versions which he had
made since 1847. This volume, entitled
"Dies Irje in Thirteen Original Versions"
(sixth edition, 1892), appeared in the Ap-
pleton's best style of binding, and con-
tained an introduction, history of the
hymn, music, and photographic illustra-
tions of the Last Judgment, by Michael
Angelo, Rubens, Cornelius, and Ary
Scheft'er. The book met with immediate
success.
James Russell Lowell, in the Atlantic
Monthly said : "Dr. Coles has made, we
think, the most successful attempt at an
English translation of the Hymn that we
have ever seen. He has done so well that
we hope he will try his hand on some of the
other Latin Hymns. By rendering them
in their own metres, and with as large a
transfusion of their spirit as characterizes
his present attempt, he will be doing a real
service to the lovers of that kind of reli-
gious poetry in which neither the religion
or poetry is left out. He has shown that
he knows the worth of faithfulness."
Richard Grant White, in a critical re-
view, spoke of the work as "one of great in-
terest, and an admirable tribute from
American scholarship and poetic taste to
the supreme nobility of the original poem.
Dr. Coles," he says, "has shown a fine ap-
preciation of the spirit and rhythmic move-
ment of the hymn, as well as unusual com-
mand of language and rhyme; and we
much doubt whether any translation of the
"Dies Irce,' better than the first of the thir-
teen, will ever be produced in English, ex-
cept perhaps by himiself. * * * As to
the translation of the hymn, it is perhaps
the most difficult task that could be under-
taken. To render 'Faust' or the 'Songs of
Egmont' into fitting English numbers
\vould be easy in comparison."
James W. Alexander. D. D., and Will-
iam R. Williams, D. D., scholars whose
critical acumen and literary ability were
universally recognized, pronounced the
first two "the best of English versions in
double rhyme," while the Rev. Samuel
L-enaeus Prime, D. D.. in the New York
Observer, said, "We are not sure but that
the last version, which is in the same meas-
ure as Crashaw's, but in our judgment far
superior, will please the general taste most
of all." The Christian (Quarterly) Re-
view said, — "Dr. Coles' first translation
stands, we believe, not only unsurpassed,
but unequaled in the English language."
The Rt. Rev. John Williams, D. D., LL.
D., bishop of the diocese of Connecticut,
ESSEX COUXTl'.
wrote, — "Your first version is decidedly
the best one with which I am acquainted."
W'ilHam CuUeu Bryant, in the Evening
Post, wrote, — "There are few versions that
will bear to be compared with these; we
are surprised that they are all so well
done." Rev. Dr. James ^IcCosh, D. D.,
LL. D., president of the College of New
Jersey, Princeton, wrote to Dr. Coles — "I
wonder how you could have drawn out
thirteen translations of the 'Dies Ir<-e,' all
in the spirit and manner of the original,
and yet so dift'erent. I thought each the
best as I read it."
"If not all of equal excellence." said
George Ripley, in the New York Tribune,
'"it is hard to decide as to their respective
merits, so admirably ,do they embody the
tone and sentiments of the original, in vig-
orous and expressive verse. The essays
which precede and follow- the hymn, exhibit
the learning and the taste of the translator
in a most favorable light, and show that an
antiquary and a poet have not been lost in
the study of science and the practice of a
laborious profession."
Lady Jane Franklin, wife of Sir John
Franklin, wliile on her visit to this coun-
try, met Dr. Coles at the home of a mutual
friend. Congeniality of tastes, as well as
the interest taken by Dr. Coles in the
search for her husband, ripened the ac-
quaintanceship into that of mutual regard
and friendship. Among the Doctor's let-
ters we find the following, in Lady Frank-
lin's handwriting:
"New York. October 22. i860.
"Dr. Abraham Coles:
"Dear Sir: — I cannot deny myself the
I)leasure of thanking you once more for
vour most beautiful little book, the 'Dies
Iras in Thirteen Original Versions,' which
I value, not only for its intrinsic merit, but
as an expression of your very kind feelings
toward me. Believe me,
"Gratefully and truly yours,
Jane Franklin."
In 1865 he published his first translation
of the passion hymn, "Stabat Mater Dolo-
rosa." which, like "Dies Irce." has been
made the theme of some of the most cele-
brated musical compositions. It was set
to music in the sixteenth century by Pales-
trina, and has inspired the compositions of
Havdn, Bellini. Rossini, and others. The
prima donna, Clara Louise Kellogg, in
Rossini's "Stabat Mater," used Dr. Coles'
translation. Dr. Philip Schaf¥, alluding to
some eighty German and several English
translations that had been made up to that
time said : "Dr. Coles has best succeeded
in a faithful rendering of the Mater Dolo-
rosa. His admirable English version care-
fullv preserves the measure of the origi-
nal." In 1866 appeared his "Old Gems in
New Settings" (third edition, 1891), in
which many treasured old Latin hymns, in-
cluding "De Contemptu Mundi" and "Ve-
ni Sancti Spiritus," are skillfully and grace-
fuUv translated. In the following year he
published his translation of "Stabat Mater
Speciosa" (second edition, 1891).
In 1866, before the centennial meeting
of the Xew^ Jersey State Medical Society,
held in Rutgers College, New Brunswick,
and of which he was president. Dr. Coles
read his poem entitled "The Microcosm."
which was published with the proceedings
of the society. This poem was subse-
quently (in i88r) published in a volume
containing "The Microcosm (fifth edition,
1891), National Lyrics, and Miscellaneous
Poems." together with three additional
versions of "Dies Irae." The volume was
lO
ES.SEX VOiXTY.
favorably criticised both in this country
and Europe. The Hon. Justin McCarthy,
of England, wrote: "I am surprised to
see. in looking through your volume, 'The
Microcosm, and other Poems,' that you
iiave been able to add three more versions
to those you liave already made of that
wonderful Latin hymn. 'Dies Ir;c.' Cer-
tainly it is tlie most difficult to translate.
I like your last version especially." "The
idea of 'The Microcosm." " said John G.
Whittier, "is no\el and daring, but it is
worked out with great skill and delicacy."
In lines of easy and flowing verse the au-
thor sets forth with a completeness cer-
tainly remarkable, and with great power
and beauty, the incomparable marvels of
structure and functions of the human body.
As an example, we quote a few lines
from the section on "r^'Iuscular Dynamics."
Bundles of fleshy fibres without end,
Alon^ the bony Skeleton extend
In thousand-fold directions from fixed points
To act their several parts upon the Joints;
Adjustments nice of means to ends we trace.
With each dynamic filament in place;
But Where's the Hand that grasps the million reins.
Directs and guides them, quickens or restrains?
See the musician, at his fingers' call,
AH sweet sounds scatter, fast as rain drops fall;
With flying touch, he weaves the web of song.
Rhythmic as rapid, intricate as long.
Whence this precision, delicacy, and ease?
And Where's the Master that defines the keys?
The many-jointed Spine, with link and lock
To make it flexile while secure from shock.
Is pierced througJiout, in order to contain
The downward prolongation of the brain;
From which, by double roots, the Nerves arise—
One Feeling gives, one Motive Power supplies;
In opposite directions, side by side.
With mighty swiftness there two currents glide —
"Winged, head and heel, the Mercuries of Sense
Mount to the regions of Intelligence;
Instant as light, the nuncios of the throne
Command the Muscles that command the Bone.
In Europe one of the most enthusiastic
admirers of "The Microcosm." was the late
Dr. Theodor Billroth, professor of surgerv
in Vienna. The New York Herald says:
"The poems that follow 'The Microco.sm.'
are mainly religious, and, for simplicitv,
feeling, and, withal, great scholarship, have
been ec]ualed by no hymn writers of this
country." "The flavor of 'The Micro-
cosm.' " said the New York Times, "is most
(|uaint. suggesting on the religious side
George Herbert, and on the materialistic
side the elder Darwin. Some of the hymns
for children are beautiful in their simplic-
ity and truth."
EVEN ME.
Out of the moulhs of babes and sucklings,
Thou canst perfect praise to Theel
Wilt thou not accept the worship.
Humbly rendered, Lord, by me?
Even me.
Things that to the wise are hidden,
Children's eyes are made to see;
Thee to know is life eternal,
O reveal Thyself to me!
Even me.
Thou ha-st given me power of loving,
Give me power of serving Thee,
Is there not some humble service
Which can now be done by me?
Even me.
Hands and feet should ne'er grow weary
When employed, dear Lord, for Thee;
Tongue should never cease the telling
Of Thy grace who diedst for me.
Even me.
Infant mouths need not be silent.
Stammering lips can publish Thee,
Sound Thy name o'er land and ocean,
Be it sounded, Loi-d. by me!
Even me.
THE CHILDREN'S TE DEUM.
We praise, we magnify, O Lord,
As little children can,
That wondrous love which brought Thee down
To die for sinful man.
While here on earth Thou didst not frown
And bid them to depart.
When mothers brought their children near.
But took them to Thy heart.
Encouraged by Thy voice and smile.
We toward Thy bosom press;
O. lay Thy hands upon our heads.
And mercifully bless!
Help us to sing, dear Lord! we feel
That silence would be wrong;
Now every bird, with rapture stirred.
Is praising Thee in song.
The Critic (New York), after referring
to "many beautiful and stately passages" in
"The Microcosm." savs, ''following it is to
ESSEX COUNTY.
II
be found some of the best devotional and
patriotic poetry tliat has been written in
this country."
The following is from his poem "A Sab-
bath at Niagara."
Forevermore, from thee, Niapara!
Religious cataract! Most Holy Fane!
A service and a symptiony so up
Into the ear of God. 'Tis Sabbath morn.
My soul, refreshed and full of comfort, hears
Thy welcome call to worship. All night long
A murmur, like the memory of a sound.
Has filled my sleep and made my dreams devout.
It was the deep, unintermitteut roll
Of thy eternal anthem, pealing still
Upon the slumbering and muffled sense.
Thence echoing in the soul's mysterious depths
With soft reverberations. How the earth
Trembles with halleujahs, loud as break
From banded Seraphim and Cherubim
Singing before the Throne, while God vouchsafes
Vision and audience to prostrate Heaven I
My soul, that else were mute, transported finds
In you, O inarticulate Harmonies!
Expression for unutterable thoughts.
Surpassing the impertinence of words.
For that the petty artifice of speech
Cannot pronounce th' Unpronounceable,
Nor meet the infinite demands of praise
Before descending Godhead, lo! she makes
Of this immense significance of sound.
Sublime appropriation, chanting it anew.
As her "Te Deum," and sweet Hymn of Laud.
THE LAND OF THE FREE.
(Air, Star Spangled Banner.)
We hail the return of the day of thy birth.
Fair Columbia, washed by the waves of two oceans!
Where men, from the farthest dominions of Earth,
Rear altars to Freedom, and pay their devotions;
Where our fathers in fight, nobly strove for the Right,
Struck down their fierce foemen or put them to flight;
Through the long lapse of ages, that so there might
be
An asylum for all in the Land of the Free.
Behold, from each zone under Heaven, they come!
And haughtiest nations, that once far outshone thee,
Now paled by thy lustre, lie prostrate and dumb.
And render due homage, and no more disown thee.
All the isles for thee wait, while that early and late.
Not a wind ever blows but wafts hither rich freight.
And the swift sailing ships, that bring over the sea
Th' oppressed of all lands to the Land of the Free,
As entranced I look down the long vista of years.
And behold thine existence to ages extended.
What a scene, O my Country, of wonder appears!
How kindling the prospect, surpassing and splen-
did!
Each lone mountain and glen, and waste wilderness
then,
I see covered with cities, and swarming with men,
And miraculous Art working marvels for thee
To lift higher thy greatness, thou Land of the Free!
From our borders expel all oppression and wrong.
Oh! Thou, who didst plant us and make us a Nation!
In the strength of Thine arm make us evermore
strong;
On our gates inscribe Praise, on our walls write
Salvation !
May ThyseH be our light, from Thy heavenly height
Ever flashing new splendors and chasing our night.
That united and happy we ever may be
To the end of all time, still the Land of the Free!
July 4, 1S53.
MY NATIVE LAND.
(Air, America.)
beautiful and grand
My own, my Native Land!
Of thee I boast:
Great Empire of the West,
The dearest and the best,
Made up of all the rest,
I love thee most.
Thou crown of all the Past,
Time's noblest and the last,
Supremely fair!
Brought up at Freedom's knee.
Sweet Child of Liberty!
Of all. from sea to sea.
Th' undoubted heir.
1 honor thee, because
Of just and equal laws.
These make thee dear:
Not for thy mines of gold,
Not for thy wealth untold.
Not that tliy sons are bold,
Do I revere.
God of our fathers! bless.
Exalt in righteousness.
This Land of ours!
Be Right our lofty aim,
Our title and our claim.
To high and higher fame.
Among the Powers.
In 1874 he pul)lishe(l "The Evangel"
(pages 400, second edition, 1891). "The
purpose of this volume." said George Rip-
ley, in the New York Tribune, "would be
usually regarded as beyond the scope of
poetic composition. It aims to reproduce
the scenes of the Gospel history in verse,
with a strict adherence to the sacred narra-
tive, and no greater degree of imaginative
coloring than would serve to present the
facts in the most brilliant and impressive
light. But the subject is one with which
the author cherishes so profound a sympa-
thy, as in some sense to justify the bold-
ness of the attempt. The Oriental cast of
his mind allures him to the haunts of sa-
cred song, and produces a vital communion
with the spirit of Hebrew poetry. Had he
E.S^SEX VOL STY.
lived in the days of Isaiah or Jeremiah, he
might have been one of the bards who
sought inspiration at Siloa's brook, that
flowed fast by the oracle of God."
The Rev. Charles Hodge. D. D., LL. D.,
of Princeton, referring to the work, said, —
'•I admire the skill which 'The Evangel'
displays in investing with rainbow hues the
simple narrations of the Gospels. All,
however, who have read Dr. Coles' ver-
sions of the 'Dies Ixx' and other Latin
hymns must be prepared to receive any
new productions from his pen with high
expectations. In these days, when even
the clerical office seems in many cases in-
sufficient to protect from the present fash-
ionable form of skepticism, it is a great
satisfaction to see a man of science and a
scholar adhering so faithfully to the simple
Gospel."
Henrv W. Longfellow, in a cordial note
to Dr. Coles, remarks, — "As your work i«
narrative and mine dramatic, he must be a
very captious critic who should venture to
suggest any imitation."
"Dr. Coles," says John G. Whittier. ""is a
born hymn writer. His 'All the Days' and
'Ever with Thee' are immortal songs. It
is better to have written them than the
stateliest of epics."
ALL THE DATS.
(Tune, "Kinney Street.")
From Thee, begetting sure conviction,
Sound out, O risen Lord, always.
Those faithful words of valediction,
"Lo! I am with you all the days."
Refrain— All the days, all the days.
"Lol I am with you all the days."
What things shall happen on the morrow.
Thou kindly hidest from our gaze;
But tellest us in joy or sorrow,
"Lo! I am with you all the days."
When round our head the tempest rages.
And sink our feet in miry ways.
Thy voice conies floating down the ages,
"Lo! I am with you all the days."
O Thou who art our life and meetness.
Not death shall daunt us nor amaze.
Hearing those words of power and sweetness,
"Lo! I am with you all the days."
EVER WITH THEE.
(Tune. "Bethany.")
Ever, my Lord, with Thee,
Ever with Thee!
Through all eternity
Thy face to see!
I count this heaven, to be
Ever, my Lord, with Thee,
Ever with Thee,
Fair is Jerusalem.
All of pure gold.
Garnished with many a gem
Of worth untold;
I only ask to be
Ever, my Lord, with Thee,
Ever with Thee!
River of Life there flows
As crystal clear;
The Tree of Life there grows
For healing near:
But this crowns all, to he
Ever, my Lord, with Thee,
Ever with Thee!
Xo curse is there, no night.
No grief, no fear;
Thy smile fills heaven with light.
Dries every tear:
What rapture, there to be
Ever, my Lord, with Thee,
Ever with Thee!
In 1884 the Appletons issued Dr. Coles'
poem, "The Light of the World," as a sin-
gle volume also bound together with a
second edition of "The Evangel" under the
general title "The Life and Teachings of
our Lord in Verse, being a complete har-
monized exposition of the four Gospels,
with original notes, etc."
Among the many foreign letters received
bv Dr. Coles, in which reference is made to
this work, we find one from the Right Hon.
William E. Gladstone, M. P.. written from
10 Downing street, Whitehall, London,
and one from Stephen Gladstone, written
from Hawarden Rectory, Chester, Eng-
land.
The Rev. Alexander ^McLaren, D. D.,
writing from Manchester, England, says,
— "I congratulate you upon having accom-
ESSEX COUXTY
plished Avith success a most difficult under-
taking-, and on having been able to present
the ever inexhaustible life in a form so new
and original. I do not know whether I
have been most struck by the careful and
fine exegetical study, or the graceful versi-
fication of your work. I trust it may be
useful, not only in attracting the people,
which Cieorge Herbert thought could be
caught with a song, when they would run
from a sermon, but may also help lovers of
the sermon to see its subject in a new
garb."
The Rev. Horatius Bonar. D. D.. of
Edinburgh, wrote. — "T am struck with
your command of language, and your skill
in clothing the simplicities of history with
the elegance of poetry. Your "Life of Our
Lord' is no ordinary volume, and your
notes are of a very high order indeed. — ad-
mirably written, and full of philosophical
thought and scriptural research."
THE NATIVITY.
In that (air reg:ion— fertile as of yore.
Watered of Heaven; its valleys covered o'er
With corn; with flocks its pastures; scene in truth
Of that sweet Idyl called the Book of Ruth,
Where David, son of Jesse, tending sheep,
In deep g;len seated, or on mountain steep.
Sung to his harp in morn or evening calm.
Many a holy pastoral and psalm —
As certain shepherds, simple and devout.
Under the starry heavens were lying out.
Watching their flocks, while one lifts up the chant,
"The Lord my shepherd is. I shall not want."
Or. as with upturned face, he ravished sees
Belted Orion and the Pleiades,
Singing, "When I the heavens consider, made
And fashioned by Thy fingers, thick inlaid
W^ith stars and suns in numbers numberless.
Lord, what is man that Thou shouldst come to
bless?"—
An Angel of the Lord beside them stood:
The glory of the Lord in mighty flood
Shone round about them luminous and clear.
And all the shepherds feared with a great fear.
"Fear not." the .■Vngel said, "good news I bear,
Cause of great joy to people everywhere.
In David's city is a Saviour born.
Who is the Christ the Lord, this happy morn.
And this the sign to you; Ye shall not find
Prepared a stately edifice, designed
For His reception: this great Potentate
And Prince of Heaven and Earth, assumes no state;
Comes with no retinue; conceals and shrouds
His proper glory under veils and clouds
Of lowliness, in stable of an inn
His Showing and Epiphany begin.
There look and you shall find in manger laid
The Infant Christ in swaddling clothes arrayed."
Then suddenly were present, height o'er height.
A countless multitude of the sons of light.
In mighty chorus singing loud and clear.
Charming celestial silences to near;
"Glory to God there in the highest heaven!
Peace here on earth, good will to men forgiven!"
—The Evangel, pages 59-61.
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.
****** He stood
On a raised plain mid a vast multitude,
Composed of His disciples- and all them
Who from Judea, and Jerusalem,
And from the shores of Tyre and Sidon came
To hear Him and be healed— His blessed name.
Now on all lips, because there was no case
Too desperate for His relieving grace;
The virtue that went out of Him was such
That men were healed with one believing touch.
All hushed. He sat, and lifting up His eyes
On His disciples, taught them in this wise.
Happy the poor in spirit, who
their deep demerit own.
In them My Kingdom I set up;
with them I share my throne.
Happy are they, who mourn for sin
with smitings on the breast.
The Comforter shall comfort them
in ways He knoweth best.
Happy the meek, who patient bear
unconscious of their worth.
They shall inherit seats of power,
and dominate the earth.
Happy who hunger and who thirst
for righteousness complete.
Their longings shall fulfillments have
and satisfactions sweet.
Happy the merciful, who know
to pity and forgive.
They mercy shall obtain at last,
and evermore shall live.
Happy the pure in heart, whose feet
with holiness are shod.
They shall run up the shining way
and see the face of God.
Happy the friends of peace, who heal
the wounds by discord given.
The God of Heaven shall hold them dear
and call them sons of heaven.
Happy are they who suffer for
adherence to the right.
They shall be kings and priests to God
in realms of heavenly light.
Happy are ye when men revile
and falsely you accuse.
Be very glad, for so of old
did they the prophets use.
Happy are ye, when for My sake,
men persecute and hate.
Exult! for your reward in heaven
is made thereby more great.
—The Light of the World, pages 7G-77.
The late Hon. Frederick W. Ricord, in
his memorial address before the New Jer-
sey Historical Society (May 19, 1892),
14
ESSl-LY COUXTV
said : "Dr. Coles was a man who pos-
sessed and enjoyed a religion founded upon
.the teachings of the Old and New Testa-
ments. It was a religion which pervaded
all the recesses of his heart, wh'ch gave a
temper to all his thoughts, which entered
into all the transactions of his life, — a reli-
gion of the soul, a religion of the closet, a
religion which he cared not whether the
world was cognizant of or not. never seek-
ing to thrust it upon others, or to displa}'
it as a beautiful, well fitting garment. He
recognized God as a being to be worshiped,
to be loved and to be obeyed: and he ac-
corded to his neighbor the same love that
he had for himself. He was, however, a
man of strong conxictions, and in religious
matters those convictions were the result
of a thorough investigation by a mind well
erjuipped, and influenced in its labors only
by a desire to find out the truth. So ar-
dent and thorough a student of the Scrip-
tures as he was. reading them in the lan-
guages in which they earliest appeared, he
was fully able to give a reason for the faith
that was in him. which was strictly evan-
gelical."
In refutation of certain statements and
specious arguments published with the in-
tent of proving that the gallons of wine
made by Christ for free distribution at
Cana were intoxicating and that He thus
sanctioned with Divine authority the use
of alcoholic liquors as a beverage, the New-
ark Daily Ad\-ertiser of Saturday. Nov. 27.
1897. in its leading editorial, said:
We print to-day a compendium of facts relating to
the wine Christ made and drank, talten from 'The Life
and Teachings of Our Lord,' by the late Dr. Abraham
Coles, a work that has become a standard authority
in this country and in Europe," ***«*«
"Mahomet forbade wine, and Christ made it. The
difference between Christ and Mahomet was that of
divine knowledge and human ignorance. Mahomet
mistook a part for the whole, and with his axe of
prohibition struck at a branch, supposing it to be the
trunk. The Omniscient Christ was guilty of no such
error. He knew that the bane was manifold, and
that to single out wine for special prohibition was
folly.
The truth is. Christ forbade nothing. Not but ten
thousand things are forbidden,— everything hurtful is
so. Nature forbids, and nature is final. Why re-enact
nature? reaffirm creation? deal in dittoes and deu-
teronomies? repeat laws established? settle what was
never unsettled? Christ left nature as He found it,
inviolate, unrepealed. His walking on the water did
not abolish gravitation. Fact was fact the same
as before; arsenic was arsenic; alcohol was alcohol.
So far as nature forbade these they were forbidden;
so far as nature permitted them they were permitted.
Christ could go no farther than nature and be the
Lord of nature. Consequently Christ could not have
forbidden wine absolutely and been God.
Wine is Tiany and different. There is a kind of
wine which is not. and another which is, intoxicat-
ing; that is. has a toxic or poisoning power, for that
is the meaning of the term. Was the wine Christ
made the latter? Christ's character is the answer.
If that says no. it is no; for the wine is to be judged
by Christ, not Christ by the wine. Christ we know;
the wine we do not know. That which best befitted
Him to make. He undoubtedly made. • » • • Tak-
ing our stand, therefore, on the immovable rock of
Christ's character, we risk nothing in saying that the
wine of miracle answered to the wine of nature, and
was not intoxicating. No counter proof can equal the
force of that drawn from His attributes. It is an in-
decency and a calumny to impute to Christ conduct
which requires apology. One thing is certain, He
did not make fermented wine, for there was no time
for fermentation.
In opposition to those who deny (for what is not
denied by somebody?) that unfermented grape-juice
is wine at all. we maintain that not only is it wine,
but wine i>re-eminently. the original, the true, as be-
ing nearest to the parent vine, and overflowing with
the abundance of its life. Every step of that process
called fermentation, whereby innocent sugar is con-
verted into alcohol, is of the nature of a removal and
eloignment. Wine and vine are etymoiogically the
same. The Greeks called the vine "the mother of
wine" (oinometor). Properly "olnos" is only then the
child of the vine when vinous and vital it represents
"the wine of the cluster," "the pure blood of the
grape." Death follows life, and corruption death, and
there results a deadly something whiclt men call wine,
but wrongly, for it is no longer vinous. The vine
disowns it. It is a corpse, not a living thing. Al-
cohol is not wine, but an atrocious usurper of its name
and rights.
Clirist made wine. He was maker, not manufacturer.
The key-note to the miracle is creation. This alone
renders it worthy and intelligible. Christ was no
Demiurge, but God, Not inferior nor different, "The
Word was with God, and the Word was God," "All
thin,gs were made by Him," It was fitting that He
should in the outset make this appear; and so He
did. In a miraculous moment. He did what, in His
ordinary working in nature. He takes four months
to do. Such was His debut — an epiphany of Godhead:
a demonstration to the whole tiniverse that He was
"over all. God bles.sed forever." "This beginning of
miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested
forth His glory"— giving, in His own Divine Person,
by a new genesis, as "in the beginning" of the world,
needed practical proof and illustration that CJod is;
and that He is one. not two nor many; that He cre-
ated matter; that nature is from Him; that though He
exists and operates in nature. He is not nature, but
a power apart from it and above it. acting upon it
from without in omnipotent freedom of will, and di-
KSSi:X <(>( XTV.
15
reeling it to beneficent ends: that the God who feeds
U3 is identical with the God who saves us,— thus
sweeping away all the hoary diabolisms ot disbelief,
bearing the names of Atheism. Dualism, Polytheism.
Materialism. Pantheism and Fatalism.
It is assumed, for this view necessitates it. that the
wine of miracle was the same as the wine of nature,
the wine of the cluster, holy and life giving, the
type of all nourishment, and the type of salvation.
The wine ot art is not this. It represents evil rather
than good. It is better fitted to typify destruction
than creation. It is less a making than an immaking.
Alcohol is unmade sugar. Men branil it poison. The
Bible furnishes for our warning many examples of
the evil following its use.
Thus far we have limited ourselves to asserting that
Christ did not make intoxicating wine; whether he
ever drank it is another question. Here, too. His char-
acter is everything,— far more than doubtful philol-
ogy. ■ Anything He drank must, we know, have been
a safe and unhurtful beverage, wherein there was no
"excess." We are not permitted to suppose that the
Saviour from sin was an example of sin; that He
who taught self-denial practiced self-indulgence.
Rather must we believe that every meal he ate was
a lesson of temperance. He. knowing what is in man,
the liability of the best to fall, ceased not to warn
against a vain selt-confldence and a false security.
"Simon. Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have
you that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed
for thee that thy faith fail not." • • • • "Pray that
ye enter not into temptation." That the wine of com-
munion was azymous wine, new wine, sweet and
sacred, made the festal token of a heavenly renewal
of divine fellowship, is proved by His own words; "I
will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until
that day when 1 drink it new (kainon) with you in my
Father's Kingdom." « • • •
It is stated that all points in dispute have their final
answer in the settlement of the one question.— "Does
'wine.' standing alone, mean, as is claimed, only and
always the juice of the grape fermented, and never
the juice of the grape unfermented; and was the same
made and drunk by Christ and used by Him as one
of the elements of the Last Sujiper?" The pivot, evi-
dently on which everything turns, are the words "only
and always." so that if it can be shown, in a single
instance, that the word "wine," uncoupled with
"new." is clearly used anywhere in the Kible in the
sense of "new wine" or "must." the learning which
denies it goes for nothing, and the whole argument
based on that erroneous assumption falls to the
ground.
"Must," as defined in all the dictionaries. Is 'new-
wine.' Beyond all question oinos neos. in Greek, an-
swers to vinum mustum in Latin, and new wine in
English, and all refer to the unfermented juice of the
grape. In Luther's translation, wherever oinos neos
occurs in the New Testament, it is invariably rendered
must. Must is from the Latin mustus. new, fresh,
with vinum understood, and the Imperial Dictionary
defines it to be 'new wine, wine pressed from the
grape, but not fermented.' In similar terms it is defined
in all the languages of Europe. To say that new wine
is not wine, is as absurd as to say that a new bottle
is not a bottle. A thing is known by what it is called.
It is mere trifling to say that what has the perpetual
sanction of the highest literary ami scientific authori-
ties is unwarranted and incorrect. It is true that it
is not wine in the sense of fermented wine, but it is
called wine nevertheless; and my purpose is to pro-
duce undoubted examples from the New Testament ot
oinos being used in the place and in the sense of oinos
neos — i. e.. must.
In Matthew ix.. 17. we read: "Neither do men put
new wine (oinon neon) into old bottles else the bottles
("old" omitted) break, and the wine (oinos. alone, with
neos omitted) runneth out.' 'In the parallel passage
in Mark ii.. 22. there are the same omissions in the
second clause of the verse. In Luke, it is 'new wine'
in both places, thus confirming the identity of the
two. If oinos neos here means, as is admitted it does.
must, then oinos inevitably means must likewise, see-
ing the two indisputably refer to one and the same
thing. When neos (new) was no longer needed for
definition it was dropped and only the general or gen-
eric term 'Wine,' was retained. It was in obedience
to the same law of language that the defining adject-
ives 'old' and 'new' applied to bottles, were dropped
after they had served their purpose. One only needs
to omit the specific and defining words to see how
pointless and meaningless all this becomes: 'Neither
do men put wine into bottles; else the bottles break
and the wine runneth out. But they put wine into
bottles and both are preserved.'
What now is wanted to the completeness and ab-
soluteness of the proof? Here we have the Holy Ghost
for a witness, and a divine example of usus loquendi.
clearly showing that oinos is properly used to denote
the unfermented grape juice without the qualifying
epithet neos, as well as with it. The proof is certain,
contemporaneous, positive, inspired and infallible; not
to be gainsaid or questioned, repeated by two evan-
gelists and fortified by a third— proof drawn directly
from the Holy Gospels themselves and Christ's own
words. We might properly stop here without adding
a single word. The proof adduced is of the simplest
kind, needing for its full appreciation no learning be-
yond the ability to spell. Yet so conclusive that I
cannot doubt that it would be accepted as such by any
court in Christendom. I for my part would not ask
to have the title to my own house and grounds sup-
ported by stronger proof.
Reference has already been made to that familiar
Iirinciple which governs speech in the use of generic
and specific terms, of which here we have an excellent
example. New wine is expressly named, because the
similitude pointed at is based on properties which are
peculiar to unfermented wine. There are three neces-
sary factors in the case; First, A fermentable liquor
(which excludes, of course, any liquor that has under-
gone fermentation already); second, the possible pres-
ence of a ferment liable to be found in old bottles
(i. e.. bottles previously used), whether made of skins
or glass or earthenware, for this, by exciting fer-
mentation in a fermentable liquor, would inevitably
give rise to the liberation of a large quantity of gas,
which, if confined, would operate with rending and de-
structive violence; third, the closure of the bottle, for
unless closed the gas would escape as soon as gen-
erated and cause no damage. But as the whole pro-
cedure avowedly looked to the prevention of fermenta-
tion, and thereby the preservation of the liquor in its
unfermented state, the strict closure of the bottle, so
as to effectually exclude the atmospheric air, formed
a necessary part of it. Such was the Jewish method
employed for preserving must from one vintage to
another, which differs in no essential respect from
that described by Latin writers — e. g., Cato. the elder,
who lived two centuries before Christ, and Columella,
who was contemporary.
One cannot fail to be struck how very remarkably
the two methods, the Roman and the Jewish, tally.
Thus another important point is established, that it
was customary in the time of our Lord to permanent-
ly preserve the unfermented juice of the grape. Wliy
preserved, unless to be drunk? It is clear, moreover,
that this process was so common as to be known to
everybody, otherwise Christ would not have said,
virtually, 'No man' is so incredibly stupid or so ig-
norant (seeing the veriest child ought to know better)
as to put 'new wine,' a fermentable liquor, in imme-
i6
ESi'^EX roiXTY.
diate contact with a ferment if he wishes to preserve
it- The structure of the'whole similitude goes to prove
that the thing entered into the daily domestic life of
the people, living in a vine-growing country, and that
the name of wine was constantly applied to it.
Nobody who is acquainted with the high value
of grapes, and grape juice as food (grape juice being
in this respect little, if at all, inferior to milk itself,
which chemically it closely resembles) Will wonder
that pains should have been taken to preserve and
store up a means of subsistence so luxurious and so
cheap.
The above article attracted profound and
widespread interest resulting in extra de-
mands for the paper, orders therefor rang-
ing from one hundred to six hundred cop-
ies.
The late Dr. Ezra I\I. Hunt and others
eminent in their profession were, before
graduation, students of medicine in the of-
fice of Dr. Coles, who was particular to im-
press upon the memory of his hearers the
danger of prescribing for use in the nur-
sery, hospital and in general practice prep-
arations containing alcohol or opium, af-
firming that although they produce effects
that differ, they agree in this that if used
habitually they alike tend by a law as con-
stant as gravity itself to establish a tyranny
compared with which chains, racks, dun-
geons and wdiatever else go to make up the
material apparatus of the most cruel despo-
tism are as nothing.
Dr. Coles was not a prohibitionist in its
political sense, but as a Christian, physician,
chemist and scientist, he taught and prac-
ticed total abstinence. In the light of
history, the power, and the consequent re-
sponsibility of arresting and preventing the
spread of the plague of intemperance
would seem to rest, primarily, with the
members of the medical, and, secondarily,
with the members of the clerical, profes-
sion, inasmuch as without their aid other
philanthropists ha\e generally, if not al-
ways, failed in their efiforts to effect any
permanent abatement of the ravages of the
disease, centuries of evidence bearing wit-
ness to the fact that argument is of little
or no avail with those who can quote their
physician or pastor as their authority for
non-abstinence.
In 1888 Dr. Coles put forth a volume of
more than three hundred and fifty pages,
entitled "A Xew Rendering of the Hebrew
Psa'nis into English \"erse, with notes,
critical, historical and biographical, includ-
ing an historical sketch of the French, Eng-
lisl: and Scotch metrical versions."
The New York Tribune, in a lengthy
critical review of the work, said: "Dr.
Coles' name on the title page is a sufficient
indication of the excellence and thorough-
ness of the work done. Indeed, Dr. Coles
has done much more than produce a fresh,
vigorous and harmonious version of the
Psalms, though this was alone well worth
doing. His full and scholarly notes on the
early versions of Clement Marot, Sternhold
and Hopkins, and others, his sketches of
eminent persons connected in various ways
with particular psalms, his literary and bib-
liographical information, together impart a
value and interest to this work which
should insure an extensive circulation for
it. Very much of the historical and other
matter thus brought within the reach of
the public is inaccessible to such as ha\e
not means of access to public libraries. In
his version of the Psalms he has wisely pre-
served tlie rhythmical swing and the terse
language wliicli distinguish the early ren-
derings."
The Rev. Frederic W. Farrar, D. D.. F.
R. S., chaplain in ordinary to the queen, in
a letter to Dr. Coles, said : "The task of
versifying the Psalms was too much, even
for Milton, but you have attempted it with
seriousness and with as much success as
ESSEX cOl XTY
17
seems to be possible. I was much inter-
ested in your introduction."
S. W. Kershaw. F. T. A., the librarian
of the Lambeth Palace Library, London,
England, also writes to Dr. Coles: "I am
greatly interested in the introduction, in
reading about the psalms of Clement
Marot, and in the allusion to the Hugue-
nots."
On the scroll in the hand of the beauti-
ful symbolical figure of Poetry, by J. O. A.
Comes from his chamber richly drest.
An athlete strong and full of grace.
And glad to run the heavenly race.—
Completes his round with tireless feet.
And naught is hidden from his heat.
But. Nature's book sums not the whole:
God's perfect law conA-erts the soul;
His sure unerring word supplies
The means to make the simple wise;
His precepts are divinely right,
An inspiration and delight:
His pure commandment makes all clear.
Clean and enduring in His fear.
The judgments of the Lord are true.
And righteous wholly, through and through;
More to he coveted than gold.
Of higher worth a thousand fold;
THE LIBRARY AT DEERHURST.
Ward, in the Library of Congress, at
Washington, the artist has memorialized
Dr. Coles' version of Psalm xix., which is
as follows :
The rolling skies with lips of flame
Their Maker's power and skill proclaim:
Day speaks to day, and night to night
Shows knowledge writ in beams of light.
And though no voice, no spoken word
Can by the outward ear be heard.
The witness of a traveling sound
Reverberates the world around.
In the bright east with gold enriched
He for the sun a tent has pitched.
That, like a bridegroom after rest,
More sweet than sweetest honey far.
Th' unfoldings of their sweetness are;
They warn Thy servant, and they guard;
In keeping them there's great reward.
Who can his errors understand?
My secret faults are as the sand:
From these me cleanse, make pure within.
And keep me from presumptuous sin;
Lest sin me rule and fetter fast.
And I unpardoned die at last.
My words and meditation be
O Lord, my Rock, approved of Thee.
During his travels abroad. Dr. Coles had
been greatly impressed with the private
and public parks of Europe, and as early as
1862 inaugurated a unique project of land-
i8
ESSEX COUXTY.
scape gardening upon seventeen acres of
his ancestral farm, at Scotch Plains, New-
Jersey, converting it into a park of rare
and enchanting beauty. It was adorned
with native groves, every attainable choice
variety of tree and shrub, with imported
statuary, garden and lawn effects. It was
named "Deerhurst," from its herd of deer.
Here he had his library and study, built of
brick, stone, foreign and native woods,
memorable alike for its architectural beau-
ty, its "easy-chair," its works of art, and as
the rendezvous of distinguished guests.
Here the Doctor spent the last thirty years
of his life, with his son and daughter as
constant associates, the latter gracefully
presiding over their father's establishment,
among literary and professional friends.
While on a visit with his son and daugh-
ter to California, Dr. Coles died suddenly.
May 3, 1891, from heart complication, re-
sulting from an attack of la grippe. i\t
the time of his decease his life and works
were extensively commented upon by the
press, secular and religious. Appreciatory
letters were received by his family from the
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,
England; from the Royal Society, London;
from the Academie des Sciences, Paris;
from the home of Tennyson, Isle of Wight;
from the Executive Mansion, Washington,
D. C, etc., etc. The funeral services were
held in Newark, New Jersey, — the private
services at the home of his married life, on
Market street, and the public services in the
Peddie Memorial church, its pastor, the
Rev. Dr. William W. Boyd, presiding.
The Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, by reason of
the serious illness of his son, was prevented
from preaching the funeral sermon. An
address, by Rev. Charles F. Deems, D. D.,
of New York, was precedeil by prayer by
the Rev. Dr. Robert Lowry, and the sing-
ing of Dr. Coles' hymns, "Ever with
Thee," and "All the Days." An address,
by George Dana Boardman, D. D., was
followed by the singing of Dr. Coles' trans-
lation of St. Bernard of Clairvaux's hymn,
"Jesu Dulcis Memoria."
The memory of Jesus' name
Is past expression sweet;
At each dear mention, hearts aflame
With quicker pulses beat.
But sweet, above all sweetest things
Creation can afford,
That sweetness which His presence brings.
The vision of the Lord.
Sweeter than His dear Name is nought;
None, worthier of laud.
Was ever sung, or heard, or thought.
Than Jesus, Son of God.
Thou hope to those of contrite heart!
To those who ask, how kindl
To those who seek how good Thou art!
But what to those who find?
No heart is able to conceive.
Nor tongue nor pen express;
Who tries it only can believe
How choice that blessedness!
Tiie New Jersey Historical Society at-
tended in a body. James Russell Lowell,
in a sympathetic note, one of the last he
wrote, said: "I regret very much I can-
not share in the sad function of pallbearer,
l)ut my health will not permit it." The pall-
bearers were : \'ice-Chancellor Abrani V.
\'an Fleet, Judge David A. Depue, ex-
Chancellor Theodore Runyon, Hon. Amzi
Dodd, Hon. Thomas N. McCarter, Hon.
Cortlandt Parker, Hon. A. Q. Keasbey,
Hon. Frederick W. Ricord, Noah Brooks,
Alexander H. Ritchie, Spencer Goble,
James W. Schocli, William Rankin,
Charles Kyte, Edmund C. Stedman, Dr.
Ezra M. Hunt, Dr. A. W. Rogers, Dr. S.
H. Pennington, Dr. B. L. Dodd, Dr. J. C.
Young and Dr. T. H. Tomlinson. His
ESSEX COUNTY.
19
body was laid to rest by the side of that of
his wife, in Willow Grove Cemetery, New
Brunswick, New Jersey.
"Dr. Coles' style," says Ezra M. Hunt,
M. D., Sc. D., LL. D., "has individuality
as much as that of Samuel Johnson or
Thomas Carlyle. One certainly sees how
thoughts sublime find expression in terse
and stately sentences, and how words are
chosen, such as come out of the depth of
inspiration and genius. There is not con-
fonnity to the style of any favorite author,
or to the modes of thought of any favorite
logician, but a forging of weighty words
wrought out from the depth of quiet inner
feelings and conceptions." "Dr. Coles' re-
searches," says Edmund C. Stedman,
"made so lovingly and conscientiously in
the special field of his poetic scholarship,
have given him a distinct and most envi-
able position among American authors.
We of the younger sort learn a lesson of
reverent humility .rom the pure enthusi-
asm with which he approaches and handles
his noble themes. The 'tone' of all his
works is perfect. He is so thoroughly in
sympathy with his subjects that the lay
reader instantly shares his feeling; and
there is a kind of white light pervading the
whole prose and verse which at any time
tranquilizes and purifies the mind."
Noah Brooks, LL. D., author and edi-
tor, said : "Dr. Coles, although playful
and mirthful in some phases of his disposi-
tion, was never trivial, and the most of his
work which he has left us is an indication
of the seriousness, even solemnity, with
which he regarded human existence, its
necessities, its responsibilities, and its fu-
ture. He had no time to devote any part
of his commanding talents to daintiness or
superficialities. 'Christ and His Cross are
all my theme' was evidently his maxim in
life. His poetry was sufTused with love
and admiration of Christ's character and at-
tributes, and he never saw man without be-
holding in him the image of the Master."
Dr. Oliver W^endell Holmes, speaking of
Dr. Coles, says: "I have always consid-
ered it a great privilege to enjoy the friend-
ship of so pure and lofty a spirit, — a man
who seemed to breathe holiness as his na-
tive atmosphere, and to carry its influences
into his daily life." As regards his writ-
ings, he says : "There was no line which,
dying, he could have wished to blot, and
there was no line which the purest of God's
angels, looking over his shoulder, would
not have looked upon approvingly. * *
* His memory will long be cherished as
one of our truest and sweetest singers."
In addition to his published works. Dr.
Coles left, at his death, in manuscript,
translations of the whole of Bernard of
Clairvaux's "Address to the Various Mem-
bers of Christ's Body Hanging on the
Cross;" the whole of Hildebert's "Address
to the Three Persons of the Most Holy
Trinity;" selections from the Greek and
Latin classics, and various writings on liter-
ary, medical and scientific subjects.
The titles of Dr. Coles were: A. M.,
from Rutgers College; Ph. D., from Lewis-
burg (now Bucknell) University, Pennsyl-
vania; and LL. D., conferred in 1871, by
the College of New Jersey at Princeton.
"In the presence of several thousand
people, an heroic bronze bust of the late
Dr. Abraham Coles, by John Quincy Ad-
ams Ward, with its valuable and unique
pedestal," says the New York Herald,
"was formally unveiled in the city of New-
ark, New Jersey, July 5, 1897.
"In deference to Mr. Ward's correct.
20
ESSEX COUNTY.
classical taste, a bust of Dr. Coles was de-
cided upon in preference to a full-length
statue. The Ijase of the bust represents
two large folio volumes, bearing the titles
of the published works of Dr. Coles. These
rest upon the capstone of the pedestal, con-
sisting of a monolith from the Mount of
Olives, which, in turn, rests on one from
Jerusalem, beneath which are two from
Nazareth of Galilee, resting on two stones
from Bethlehem of Judea.
"The stones are highly pohshed on three
sides, and are very beautiful. This is es-
pecially true of the monolith from Solo-
mon's quarry, under Jerusalem, believed to
be like unto those used in the construction
of the Temple, and to which Christ's atten-
tion was called by one of His disciples, as
He went out of the Temple on His way to
the Mount of Olives. (Mark, xiii.. i). The
fourth side, or back of each stone, has, for
geological reasons, been left rough, as it
came from the hands of the Judean or Gali-
lean workmen.
"The foundation stone is a huge bowlder
of about seven tons weight, brought from
Plvmouth. ^Massachusetts, the homeland of
the Pilgrim Fathers; combined with this is
a portion of one of the monoliths of Che-
ops, the great pyramid of Egypt. The
memorial is surrounded by monoliths of
Ouincy, Massachusetts, granite, each four-
teen feet long, bolted into corner stone
posts, quarried not far from Mount Tabor,
nigh imto Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee.
"Cast in solid bronze on the front of the
pedestal is a copy of Dr. Coles' well known
national song of praise, 'The Rock of
Ages,' while riveted to Plymouth rock is a
solid bronze tablet containing an oft-re-
peated extract from a treatise by Dr. Coles
on law in its relation to Christianity.
"The song inscribed on the bronze tablet
is as follows:
THE ROCK OF AGES.
(Isaiah xxvi., 4.)
A National Song of Praise.
Let us to Jeliovah raise
Glad and grateful songs of praise!
Let the people with one voice.
In the Lord their God rejoice!
For His mercy standeth fast,
And from age to age doth last.
He, across untraversed seas.
Guided first the Genoese,
Here prepared a dwelling-place
For a freedom-loving race;
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last.
Filled the land the red man trod
With the worshipens of God;
When Oppression forged the chain
Nerved their hands to rend in twain.
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last.
Gave them courage to declare
What to do and what to dare;
Made them victors over wrong
In the battle with the strong.
For His mercy standeth fast,
And from age to age doth last.
•Midst the terror of the fight,
Kept them steadfast in the right;
Taught their Statesmen how to plan
To conserve the Rights of Man;
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last.
Needful skill and wisdom lent
To establish Government;
Laid foundations resting still
On the granite of His will;
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last.
Wiped the scandal and the sin
From the color of the skin;
Now o'er all, from sea to sea,
Floats the Banner of the Free;
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last.
Praise the Lord for freedom won
And the Gospel of His Son;
Praise the Lord, His name adore
All ye people, ever more!
For His mercy standeth fast.
And from age to age doth last,
Abraham Coles, July 4, 1876.
"The tablet on the Plymouth rock reads
as follows :
" 'The State, although it does not formu-
late its faith, is distinctively Christian.
Ei^SEX rOUMT.
Christianity, general, tolerant Christianity,
is a part of the law of the land. Reverence
for law is indissolubly interwoven with rev-
erence for God. The State accepts the
Decalogue, and builds upon it. As right
presupposes a standard, it assumes that
this is such a standard, divinely given and
accepted by all Christendom; that it under-
lies all civil society, is the foundation of the
foundation, is lower than all and higher
than all; commends itself to reason, speaks
with authority to the conscience; vindicates
itself in all government, giving it stability
and exalting it in righteousness. — Abra-
ham Coles, Memorial \'olume, p. xxxvi.' "
The stones of Palestine were secured
through the agency of the Rev. Edwin T.
Wallace, A. M., our consul at Jerusalem.
The foundation bed is composed of
Palestine. Egyptian and Newark broken
stone, bound together with Egyptian ce-
ment, taken from the Pyramid of Cheops,
mixed with American cement. Imbedded
beneath the stones are a copy of the Bible;
a complete list of the passengers of the
Mayflower, with a sketch of their lives,
from the Boston Transcript; the Declara-
tion of Independence, with the signers
thereof; the Constitution of the United
States of America; a list of the Sons and
Daughters of the American Revolution;
the new constitution and list of members
of the New Jersey Historical Society; list of
the members of the American Medi-
cal Association; all the published works
of Dr. Abraham Coles; some water
taken from the Dead Sea by Dr. Coles; a
stone ornament from Cresar's palace at
Rome, and other objects of local, state and
national interest. Mindful of the services
rendered the state by the late Dr. Abraham
Coles, Dr. J. A. Coles, in a letter, dated
June 1 6th, to the Hon. John \V. Griggs,
governor of New Jersey, had offered to
give the bronze and its pedestal to the
state, provided it could be located at New-
ark.
The Governor, in a friendly rei)ly, and at
a subsecjuent personal interview, explained
to Dr. Coles, that, if given to the state, the
memorial would, like the Doctor's recent
gift of the famous painting of "The Good
Samaritan," by Daniel Huntington, have
to be located at Trenton, in order that the
state might have the care and custody of
the same, which it would not have if placed
in the city of Newark. It being, therefore,
left to Dr. Coles to choose between Tren-
ton and Newark for the location of his gift,
lie decided in favor of his native city.
"That the unveiling might occur on July
5th, the Newark board of works," says the
New York Tribune, "held a special meet-
ing on June 22d, to consider the matter.
The letter written by Dr. J. Ackerman
Coles to Mayor Seymour, proffering the
bronze bust of the late Dr. Abraham Coles,
by J. Q. A. Ward, and its pedestal, to the
city of Newark, was read, as was the
mayor's communication on the subject.
Commissioner Van Duyne then offered a
resolution that the gift be accepted, and
that Dr. Coles be authorized to place the
same in W'ashington Park. The resolu-
tion was unanimously adopted."
The 4th of July occurring on Sunday,
twenty thousand copies of a little book,
consisting of patriotic songs, by the late
Dr. Abraham Coles, set to music, were pre-
\iously printed and given to the school
children throughout the city; these were
used in the Sunday schools and churches
on July 4th. and on the occasion of the un-
veiling of the bronze.
22
ESSEX COUXTY
"On the afternoon of July 5th, ]\Ic-iyor
Seymour presiding, the exercises in Wash-
ington Park were begun," says the Newark
Daily Advertiser, "by the band playing and
the large assemblage singing Dr. Coles' na-
tional hymn, 'My Native Land,' the music
being under the direction of John C. Day,
of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church.
Letters were received from President and
Mrs. William McKinley, executive man-
sion, W'ashington, D. C. ; from Vice-Presi-
dent Garret A. Hobart, president of the
United States senate; from Governor John
W. Griggs, of New Jersey; from Bishop
John H. Vincent, chancellor of Chautau-
qua University, and from others prominent
in political and literary circles."
After prayer by the Rev. Dr. Robert
Lowry, the large American flag surround-
ing the bronze bust and its pedestal was un-
furled by President William A. Gay, of the
board of education, revealing, amid hearty
cheers, the benignant and classical features
of the late Dr. Abraham Coles.
Dr. Jonathan Ackerman Coles, the
donor, then made the address of presenta-
tion. "In recognition and appreciation,"
said Dr. Coles, "of the bond of fellowship _
that existed between the people of Newark
and my father, the late Dr. Abraham Coles,
on account of his active efiforts in the pro-
motion of the physical, religious, educa-
tional and scientific development of this
city, it is with civic pride and pleasure I
now present to your Honor the pedestal
and bronze just unveiled by the president
of the board of education, — an historic
memorial different and distinctive from
that possessed by any other city or nation,
and, in editorial language, 'in harmony
with the life career of the physician and
scholar it commemorates.' "
The statue was formally accepted on be-
half of the city by Mayor James M. Sey-
mour. The i\Iayor said :
On behalf of the people of this city it gives me
great pleasure to accept from our respected fellow citi-
zen. Dr. J. Ackerman Coles, this fine memorial of that
distinguished gentleman, Dr, Abraham Coles. Noth-
ing could be more appropriate en this spot, opposite
our new free public library, than this bust.
Dr. Coles was one of America's greatest scholars.
His cultured mind roamed through many fields and-
gave to the world some of its choicest treasures in lit-
erature, poetry and art. He was a scholar, a statesman,
and a physician. He found time in his busy life to do
and know many things, and do and know each better
than most men know one. When on yonder plot of
ground our new building shall have been erected and
stored with the learning of all lands, there will stand
in proximity an invitation and an object lesson to the
youth of our city; yonder the offer of intellectual
wealth; here a monument to its attainment; there
the seeds of knowledge; here the emblem of its
fruition.
Dr. Coles spent the greater part of his life in New-
ark. Here were his friends, of whom I am proud to
have been one, his home and his family. His books
and writings are known and read over all the world,
but here we knew the pleasant, courteous, kind-heart-
ed gentleman. His personality is still so fresh and
strong in my remembrance that in offering this verbal
testimony to his fame, I cannot forget that, like many
other great men in all ages, he was greatest in meek-
ness, charity and kindness of heart.
It is eminently fitting that this memorial should be
surrounded by and mounted upon these tokens indica-
tive of the bent of his mind. His predilections from
his youth were toward religion, and whether engaged
in the relief of his fellow men, through the medium of
medicine, or surgery, penning those beatitiful lines
"Rock of Ages," or delving among the dead tongues of
bygone days, it is easy to find in all his work a pre-
dominating desire to serve, as best he knew how, his
God.
On behalf of the city of Newark I accept this bust,
and though it cannot last as long as the memory of
him whom it memorializes, let us hope that while it
stands here in this public park it will have a wide-
spread influence upon our young men, and incite them
to emulate Dr. Coles' useful, studious, earnest life.
Li accepting the statue on behalf of the
board of works. President Stainsby said :
There is little that I need say at this time. It is
a pleasure to commend both the filial and public spirit
which prompted this donor. The men of means of
New-ark have not hitherto permitted their public spirit
to take shape for the beautiflcation of the city. With
good streets and elaborate parks should come beauti-
fying statuary, and all that speaks for culture and
pride in our public men and the perpetuation of objects
of interest .'n our city.
In this park now stand two monuments: One speaks
for the foundry and the mechanic, the foundation of
this city's strength. The other speaks of the profes-
sional man and the man of literature, made possible
by our material greatness. The foundation stone will
recall to all passers the sterling worth and fixity of
principles of the Puritan fathers, and the superstruc-
ture bearing the bust will bring to our minds the reli-
gious in man, and both will be found typified in the
lite and character of Dr, Coles,
ESSEX COUNTY.
23
Mr. Stainsby was followed by the Rev.
Dr. A. H. Tnttle, who delivered a review
of the works of "Abraham Coles, the Phy-
sician-Poet." Dr. Tiittle said:
Dr. Abraham Coles is called the physician-poet, not
because he is the only one of his profession who has
put great thougrhts into immortal verse, but because
of a single work in which he has sung, with genuine
poetic genius, of the organs and functions of the
human body.
"Man, the Microcosm," is a perilous theme for a
poet. It awakens the scientific rather than the poetic
faculty. Nothing of the kind had appeared before in
our speech. Armstrong's "The Art of Preserving
Health," published over one hundred and lifty years
ago, can hardly be called an exception. Only one with
the daring of Lucretius and the genius of Pope, both
of whom in many respects the Doctor resembled, could
so set scientific and philosophic facts as to make them
sensitive to the breath of the Muse.
Usually scientific accuracy is the death of poetry.
Darwin laments that he, who, in the beginning of his
studies, took the greatest pleasure in Shakespeare, in
later years lost all relish for the great dramatist. On
the other hand, a glowing imagination is apt to wing
its flight beyond the sphere of proven facts which ac-
curate science demands.
But this poem, which is an address delivered before
the Medical Society of the State of New Jersey,
illumes the theme of a learned profession with the
sacred speech of Polyhymnia. It at once commanded
the attention and commendation of both physicians
and artists: and from the time of its delivery its
author has been known as the physician-poet.
■ This characterization, however, does not do him jus-
tice. We might with equal inaccuracy speak of David
as the "warrior-psalmist." because the divine bard
was a soldier and sometimes sang of war.
"The Microcosm" is bJt one of the many products of
Dr. Coles' lyre, and the spirit that breathes here,
as in them all, is not anatomy, but divinity. Correct
as is his science, this is the spirit that pervades his
BOng.
"For such as this, did actually enshrine
Thy gracious Godhead once, when thou didst rflake
Thyself incarnate, for my sinful sake.
Thou who hast done so very much for me,
let me do some humble thing for Thee!
1 would to every organ give a tongue.
That Thy high praises may be fitly sung;
Appropriate ministries assign to each.
The least make vocal, eloquent to teach."
Though .the learning is that of the physician, the
language and the spirit are those of a seraph. We
must place our author among the sacred poets.
We cannot pause to consider at length the perplex-
ing question. What is sacred poetry? We are among
those who believe in the sanctity of the art, altogether
aside from the theme in which it is employed. It is the
voice of the soul's innermost life, expressing itself in
form of creative speech, which kindles the feeling
while it carries the thought. To turn such a gift to
unholy uses is like turning the language of prayer
into profanity. But in order to fix our author's place
in the sacred choir, we accept the common thought
that sacred poetry is that which treats of sacred
things.
It may be epic, as in Job and Milton, or dramatic,
as in the Song of Solomon and Bach's "Passion," or
lyric, as in all the Psalms and hymns.
The most copious of our sacred poetry is the lyric.
It is distinguished from others not by its metrical
forms, nor altogether by the material it fashions, but
by its personal thought or passion and its easy adap-
tation to song.
There are four distinct grades of lyric poetry by
which the rank of the poet is determined. The first
is what w-e may call the natural, and is characterized
by the outburst of impassioned personal experience;
the second is artistic, and is distinguished by the ex-
quisite finish of its structure; the third is didactic,
and is differentiated by its aim, which is to teach cer-
tain truths and facts. There are doubtless poets of
high merit in this class, but its dominant motive is
sure to give it the air of the school room, and these
lyrics are often only doctrine in rhyme. The fourth
class is the liturgical. It is arranged for a service
already prepared, and is set to music already com-
posed. It is usually characterized by poverty of Ideas,
wearisome repetitions and a fatal lack of passion.
The foremost poet of the natural order is David, the
creator of the Hebrew lyric, who, at the very begin-
ning, gave to the world the very finest specimens of
the art. There is in all his songs a spontaneous out-
pouring of the passion of the moment. Every creation
only images the soul of the poet, and his utterance
is an elegy or an idyl, according as he is grave or gay.
To this class belong also many of the old Latin hymns,
as those of Thomas of Celano; Bernard of Clairvaux,
and Francis Xavier. They utter the soul's innermost
consciousness.
Measured by this standard, Isaac Watts and Charles
Wesley are highest in the first rank of English hymn-
ists. The doctrines of saving truth had become veri-
ties in their experience; and they poured them out in
rushing torrents of song. Their hymns are their own
souls' biography.
Dr. Coles has written more than fifty original poems,
many of which merit a place high, in the first class
of lyrics. Some of them have the intuition, the pas-
sion, the imagery which remind us of Cowper.
In a poem entitled "Prayer in Affliction," he de-
scribes himself as bowed in sorrow in his home, made
desolate by the death of his wife. But in his grief
his faith discovers the promise of good out of ill. Then
he cries:
"O, that my smitten heart may gush
Melodious praise — like as when o'er
.^olian harp strings wild winds rush,
And all abroad, sad music pour.
So sweet. Heaven's minstrelsy might hush
Brief time to listen, for I know,
The hand that doth my comforts crush,
Builds bliss upon the base of woe."
The whole poem is wondrously suggestive of the
genius of him who wrote the immortal, "My Mother."
Some of his hymns throb with a spirit so akin to
that of the matchless Wesley that we could readily
believe they came from the Methodist's pen. Such is
the following:
"Upon His bosom thus to rest,
I cannot ask to be more blest;
To know my sins are all forgiven.
For Jesus' sake, O, this is heaven.
While I love Him and He loves me,
I care no other heaven to see;
And if there be some higher bliss,
I am content while I have this."
But the Doctor did not devote his strength to the
product of original hymns. He deliberately chose to
turn masterpieces of ancient tongues into English
24
ESSEX vol \ TV
verse. Accordingly we are compelled to rank him in
the second order of lyrists. He is "a poet of culture,*'
whose aim is perfect, artistic expression.
What determined his choice was partly his scholar-
ship, partly his intensely spiritual nature, and partly
The vastness of his learning gave him such ample
material for his verse that his poetic passion made no
imperious call for the invention of the intuitive
faculty.
We cannot think of him as we do of Burns, walking
BRONZE BUST OF ABRAHAM COLES.
Washington Park, Newark, N. J.
the elegant refinement in which he was horn and lived.
His learning was varied and accurate. He was a
recognized authority in his profession, an accomplished
linguist, a master of the classic and Sanskrit tongues,
and a critical writer on the profoundest theological
themes.
out under the stars, writhing in pain for some ade-
quate form in which to embody the tumultuous pas-
sion he must express. He had hut to lift his eyes, and
select from his calm, wide vision the form he needed.
Had he been an unlettered peasant, the poetic gift
would probably have travailed in birth of song, which
ESSEX COUXTY
25
would have come forth in varied and original imagery.
His poems would have shouted and danced like the
Psalms of the Maccabees. But wealth of advantage is
oftentimes poverty of invention.
As it was, his imagination was constructive rather
than creative. Its images are more remarkable for
their exquisite finish than for the original boldness of
their conception. It was a fortunate thing tor the
world, and probably for the fame of our author, that
he devoted his superb gift to rendering the best of
the Hebrew and classic lyrics into English verse. He
is not alone among the seraphs who have made the
attempt, but is conspicuous in this goodly company as
the recognized chief.
Others have copied the ancient masterpieces with
wonderful accuracy, but in most instances have failed
to reproduce that indescribable charm that gives to a
poem its chief value. The spirit that breathes cannot
be made to order, it must be born again. Otherwise
the poem is a corpse. Dr. Coles has not used his art
to exhume mummies. In his verses we have the living
voices of the old-time singers.
As Corot caught the varying movement of the trein-
bling foliage in the deepening twilight, and so placed it
on his canvas that one can almost see the shadows
lengthening and hear the rustling of the leaves, so our
poet has reproduced the very soul of the Hebrew and
Latin verses. They are not versified translations—
they are regenerations. They are not wrought from
without, but from within. Hence they retain that in-
estimable something that gives to a poem its immor-
tality.
As a single illustration, we name his "Dies Ir»,"
eighteen versions of which come from the strings of
his restless lyre. This sublimest masterpiece of sacred
I^atin poetry and noblest Judgment hymn of all lan-
guages has, through many ages, been inviting gifted
tongues to voice its majestic solemiiities in English
speech.
More than thirty have had the temerity to respond.
Among them are Earl Roscommon. Sir Walter Scott,
Lord Macaulay, Archbishop Trench and General Dix,
some of whom have given renditions of considerable
merit. But among them all. Dr. Coles wears the green-
est laurels. Competent critics, like Dr. Philip Schaff
and John G. Whittier. unite in affirming that no man,
dead or living, has succeeded so well in rendering the
text and spirit of the wonderful hymn.
The doctor's baton has made our speech throb with
the ancient rhythm and reproduced in astonishing
degree the characteristic features of the original.
Here are its artless simplicity, its impassioned sol-
emnity, its trumpet-like cadences which appall the
soul with woeful terrors: its triple rhyme which "heats
the breast like a hammer," and gives it an awful music
of its own, making the heart shudder with dread ap-
prehension. And in all this quivering of judgment-
terror there breathes the intense Christian spirit of
the original, which finds its strongest utterance in the
appeal;
"Jesus kind, do not refuse me!
O, remember Thou didst choose me!
Lest Thou on that day shalt lose me,
Seeking me Thy tired feet bore Thee,
Cruel nails for my sake tore Thee,
Let all fail not, I implore Thee."
With equal skill he has put in English verse, hymns
from Thomas of Celano, Fortunatus. St. Bernard of
Cluny, St. Bernard of Clairvaux. and others, together
with many selections from the Greek and Latin
classics.
It was natural for one with our poet's deeply spirit-
ual life to turn with special fondness to those fountains
of sacred song that spring from the Hebrew Psalter.
There rather than at Helicon the voice of his Muse was
heard. He was himself a careful student of the
Orient and familiar with the Hebrew tongue.
He believed that the life of the past was better ex-
pressed and preserved in its song than in its history,—
that the inspiration of the Psalms was not merely
poetic, but really and truly divine. He also believed
that the much praised antiphonal parallelism which
Herder describes as "that language of the heart which
has never said all, but ever has something more to .
say," is not adapted to the Saxon genius or knowledge.
If then, while he translates the Hebrew into English,
he also translates the ancient antiphonal into modern
meter, he brings the divine soul of the psalm in liv-
ing presence before us. The correctness of his view
has been often demonstrated. Clement Marot's metric-
al vei^ion of the Psalms proved to be a potent factor
in the French Reformation. There are few things that
have told so mightily on the Scotch character as
Rouse's version. It is asserted that in the time of the
Reformation, psalm-singers and heretics became al-
most identical terms. It is an interesting fact, if it be
true, as stated, that such was the value our Puritan
forefathers placed on psalms in meter, that this was
the title of the first book printed in New England.
The Church, however, has in a large measure ceased
the use of metrical psalms in public worship. This is
due partly to the evolution of the English hymn, under
the inspiration of Watts and his successors; partly to
the vitiated taste occasioned by the use of jingling
ditties, and partly to the poor quality of many of
the meterized psalms, which are in reality only
mechanical paraphrases.
We believe that if Dr. Coles' thought can only be
adequately realized, if accurate translation can be
wedded to genuine poetry and set to fitting music,
it will be a boon to the Church, which is now so sadly
agitated with the question of the choral features of
its service. We will not affirm that in his version of
the Psalms he has in every instance satisfied either
the critic's eye, or the Christian's heart.
Even the wings of Jove's bird sometimes grew weary.
The peerless Milton often stumbled in his meter. Are
David's own Psalms equal?
But the Doctor has given us a noble volume, which,
aside from the other products of his pen, will place his
name on the walls of "the immortals." And »f psalm-
singing itever again becomes general in the home
and in the Church, this rich collection will abide as a
most helpful interpreter of the heavenly meanings of
the Hebrew songs.
We can barely speak of one other work which this
poet lived to complete,— the rendering of the Gospel in
verse. To some souls the whole Christian life is a
poem — the Gospel is music itself.
But h? is a brave man who attempts to sing it all.
Samuel Wesley, the father of John and Charles, made
the daring effort to versify the Gospels. It was both
a literary and financial failure.
With what success Dr. Coles has made a similar
effort, it remains for the coming generations to declare.
In the meanwhile, we listen to the judgment of the
Right Honorable John Bright, of England, who says:
"When I began your volume I thought you had at-
tempted to gild the refined gold, and would fail; as I
proceeded in my reading that idea gradually disap-
peared, and I discovered that you had brought the re-
fined gold together in a manner convenient and useful,
and deeply interesting. I have read the volume with
ail its notes, many of which seem to me of great
value. I could envy you the learning and the industry
that have enabled you to produce this remarkable
work. I hope it may have readers in all countries
where our language is spoken."
One who consecrates his genius to echoing the
thoughts and spirit of the peerless intellects of the
26
ESSEX COUNTY
past is not apt to command popular affection. There
are few Plates and Boswells whose names appear on
the scroll of immortality. But if ever that ambition
enticed the heart of our author, he can sleep tran-
quilly on the pillow of his deathless work.
Only six years ago. at the age of 78, he descended
to the tomb. Already his hymns have been placed in
many hymnals. His Greek and Latin translations are
ranked by critics the very foremost. His psalms and
gospels occupy an honored place in every great library
of Europe and America,
As the years separate us wider and ever wider from
those great productive periods of sacred song, which
made glad the ages past, more and more will the com-
ing generations feel the need of Dr. Abraham Coles'
rich echoes.
After tlie benetliction by the Rev. Dr. D.
J. Yerkes, there was more music. In tlie
words of the New York Observer, "the
whole occasion was a deHghtful tribute of
honor to the memory of a noble man."'
JONATHAN ACKERMAN COLES,
only son of Abraham and Caroline E.
Coles, was born in Newark, New Jersey,
May 6, 1843, in his homestead building,
No. 222 Market street, purchased by his
father in 1842, and rendered historic by
reason of its having, by its brick construc-
tion, stopped the spread of the great fire
of 1836. He was prepared for college at
the collegiate school of Forest & Ouack-
enbos, in New York city, where he was
awarded the prizes for proficiency in rhet-
oric and German. In i860 he entered the
freshman class of Columbia College, New
York. In his senior year, by the unani-
mous decision of Professor Charles Davies,
Professor Murray Nairne, and Professor
\\'illiam G. Peck, he received the Philo-
lexian prize for the best essay. He gradu-
ated in 1864, and in 1867 received the de-
gree of A. M.
After graduation he began the study of
medicine and surgery in the ofifice of his
father, in Newark, New Jersey, and, after
matriculating at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, in New York city, entered,
as a student of medicine, the ofifice of Pro-
fessor T. Gaillard Thomas. At the annual
commencement of the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons in 1867, he received,
from Professor Alonzo Clark, the Harzen
prize for the best written report of clinical
instruction given during the year in the
medical and surgical wards of the New
York hospital. He graduated with honor
in 1868, and after serving in the New York,
Bellevue, and Charity hospitals, opened an
office in the city of New Y'ork, becoming a
member of the New York Academy of
Medicine and the New York County Medi-
cal Society.
The years 1877 and 1878, he spent for
the most part in Europe, attending lectures
and clinics at the universities of London,
Edinburgh, Paris, Heidelberg, Berlin, and
Vienna. While at Edinburgh he was the
guest of Professor Simpson. At Paris, he
was the guest of his father's friend and col-
lege classmate. Dr. J. Marion Sims. At
]\Iunich, Bavaria, in company with Dr.
Sims, he attended the meetings of the In-
ternational IMedical Congress, and, by invi-
tation, there participated in the honors be-
stowed upon this distinguished American
surgeon, whose excellent bronze statue
now adorns Bryant Park, in the city of
New York. After visiting Syria, Pales-
tine, and Egypt, he returned home and be-
came associated with his father in the prac-
tice of his profession, whicli he has con-
tinued in Newark and Scotch Plains to the
present time. During his absence, by rea-
son of his father's letters and those of Hon.
Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, then secretary
of state, at Washington, D. C, he was
everywhere received with marked courtesy.
^^'^^'-^^^ U2t^
ESSEX rol'XTY.
27
Soon after his return, at a literary gather-
ing of friends, he, by request, read the fol-
lowing epitome of his travels :
HOME AND ABROAD.
Returned from foreign travel, I
No longer care to wander,—
Of that dear spot I call my home
My fond heart has grown fender.
Drawn by the fame of far-off lands,
I sought to see them nearer;
And while they justifled report
I felt my own was dearer.
Three years ago to carry out
Long-cherished dreams romantic,
I waved farewells, and found myself
Upon the broad Atlantic.
The warring winds began to blow
And make the cordage rattle.
And with the angry surges jo.n
In fierce and mighty battle.
The tossing of the sea was grand,
But, Oh I too sympathetic.
The stomach, maugre the sublime,
Succumbed to the emetic.
From Queenstown, on your way to Cork,
Ycu hear "the bells of Shandon,"
As up you sail the river Lee,
That stream they "sound so grand on."
I've barely time to tell you how
I went to kiss the Blarney,
And then proceeded to the lakes
Of beautiful Killarney.
With much to see, I rested not,
To every wish compliant;
Saw all the sights, and. last of all.
The Causeway of the Giant.
Then, rich in memories precious. I
St. George's Channel crossing.
Exchanged the Emerald for the Pearl—
Gem-isles the deep embossing.
Fair Albion, no words can tell
The debt of love I owe it;
It gave me language, gave the lore
Of prophet and of poet.
Gave Shakespeare. Milton gave, and ope'd
The door of school and college.
Whence I enjoy the sweet delights.
And blessedness of knowledge.
Hail, Father-land! Through all my veins
The warm blood warmer gushes;
Because of thee my joyful heart
Is musical as thrushes.
With keen delight, six crowded weeks
I roamed the country over;
And then to see the Continent
I crossed the straits of Dover.
I passed through France, the beautiful;
Through Leopold's dominions;
Through Holland, earliest free, of which
Dutch blood has Dutch opinions.
I coasted Norway to the Cape,
Where I beheld that wonder.
The midnight sun, which scarcely dips
The red norizon under.
The Pole I could not see. nor Poles,
For Poland, I found later.
Was placed far distant from the Pole, —
What error could be greater.
I Sweden. Denmark, visited.
And steppes and cities Russian;
Saw Warsaw, which war saw. when joined
Russ. Austrian, and Prussian.
I did the German capitals,
Vp rivers, over bridges,—
Did Switzerland, the land of ice,
Cro.ssed Alpine mountain ridges.
Passed into Italy, now one.
Of art the mighty centre;
Constantinople. Athens seen,
I ancient Egypt enter.
Then on to Palestine I sail
In Mediterranean steamer.
The land made sacred by the feet
Of our Divine Redeemer.
Returning from the East. I stopped
At Malta, and then hasted
Through Spain, through Portugal, through France.
Without a moment wasted.
I stood once more on English ground,
But soon for Scotland started;
Took in my trip the Hebrides,
And then for home departed.
I've told you nothing in detail.
Because of my great hurry.—
Then is it not all written out
In Baediker and Murray?
For your sweet patience, listeners dear,
1 own myself your debtor;
Before I went I loved my friends.
Returned. I love t"hem better.
I would not flatter, but since I
Can give my reasons plenty.
As many as you chocse to ask.
One million up to twenty.
I venture to declare, while I
Of ladies have seen many.
Those I see here are quite as good
And beautiful as any.
In 1891 Dr. Coles was elected president
of the Union County Medical Society, of
New Jersey, and has filled other offices of
public and private trust. He is a perma-
nent delegate to the New Jersey State
Medical Society, a member of the Amer-
ican Medical Association, a member of the
28
fJS.'^EX COUNTY.
Washington Association of New Jersey,
a life member and trustee of tlie New Jersey
Historical Society, a Fellow for Life of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, N. Y., etc.
He has contributed to the press, has pub-
Hshed articles on medical and educational
subjects, and has edited some new editions
of his father's works.
On September 5, 1895, he wrote:
To the Honorable Julius A. Lebkuecher, Mayor of the
City of Newark:
My Dear Sir,— As a gift to Newark, my native city.
in whose educational, scientific and religious advance-
contending with more recent attachments, while their
Indian lords looked on. scarcely less moved than they,
yet hardening themselves with savage stoicism, and
standing in the midst of their enemies imi>erturbable
as statues of bronze. Of the women, wlio were com-
pelled to return with their children to the settlements,
some, subsequently, made their escape, eagerly hasten-
ing ijack to their warrior husbands, whose kindness
before, as well as at the time of. the surrender had
proved to them the sincerity of their affection."
In our artist's group the mother discovers the wife
of the Indian to be her daughter, who was carried off
in early childhood. She, however, tails in her endeavor
to obtain from her some sign of recognition. It was on
this occasion that Bouquet, oioserving her distress, is
said to have suggested that she should sing one of the
songs she used to sing to her when a child. She did
so: then, with a sudden start, followed l^y a passionate
flood of tears, the long-lost daughter threw herself
into her mother's arms.
In order that his work might be accurate and dis-
DRAWIXG ROOM AT DEERHURST— "DEBORAH."
ment my father, the late Dr. Abraham Coles, always
took a deep and active interest. I ha\'e l>ought one of
the most characteristic and beautiful groups in real
bronze to be seen in this country or in Europe. It con-
sists of three figures— an American Indian, his wife
and her mother, each life size. The pedestal is of
rare dark Italian marble. The whole was executed at
Rome. Italy, in 1SS6. by the distinguished American
sculptor, the late C. B. Ives, and is illustrative of the
following facts, related by Parkman and other author-
ities:
After Colonel Bouquet had, in the fall of 1764, com-
pelled the Indian tribes to sue for peace, he demanded
the delivery, at Fort Pitt, of all captives in their pos-
session. "Among those brought in for surrender."
says Parkman, "were young women who had become
partners of Indian husbands, and wlio now were led
reluctantly into the presence of parents or relatives,
whose images were almost blotted from their memor.v.
They stood agitated and bewildered: the revival of old
affections and the rush of dormant memories painfully
tinctive. Mr. Ives left Rome for this country, where
he was successful in finding, for his model, an Indian
wiio fulfilled all his requirements. Returning to Italy,
he there perfected this, liis great masterpiece.
In 1.S32. the New Jersey legislature appropriated
two thousand dollars to pay the Indians for a claim
they made in regard to certain hunting and fishing
rights. On this occasion the red men were represented
by Shawriskhekung (Wilted Grass), an Indian of pure
native blood. He was a graduate of Princeton College,
having been educated at the expense of the Scotch Mis-
sionary Society, which named him Bartholomew S.
Calvin. At the age of twenty-tliree he entered the
Continental army to fight for independence, and at the
time he presented to the legislature the petition for pay
for tlie Indian fisiiing rights he was upward of eighty
years of age. This aged Indian closed his address with
the following words: "Not a drop of our blood have
yoti spilled in battle; not an acre of our land have you
taken but by our consent. These facts speak for them-
seU'es and need no comment. They place the character
ESSEX COUMT.
29
of New Jersey in hold relief and bright example to
those states within whose territorial limits our breth-
ren still remain. There may be some who would
despise an Indian benediction. l)Ut when I return to my
people and make known to them the result of my mis-
sion, the ear of the great Sovereign of the universe,
which is still open to our cry. will be penetrated witii
our invocation of blessings upon the generous sons of
New Jerse.v."
"It is a proud fact in the history of New Jersey,"
said Senator Samuel L. Southard before the legislature
on this same occasion, "that every foot of her soil has
been obtained from the Indians by voluntary purchase
and transfer, a fact no other state of the Union, not
even the land which bears the name of Penn. can boast
of." For these as well as for other reasons, it has
seemed to me to be pre-emiiienily proper that New
Jersey should possess this magnificent monument cast
in honor of the American Indian.
With your sanction I will have it brought to Newark,
and have it placed on a suitably prepared foundation,
all at my own individual expense, in the locality we
shall decide upon. Awaiting your reply, 1 am, with
great respect. Yours sincerely,
JONATHAN ACKERIIAN COLES.
To the above was sent the following re-
ply:
Office of the Mayor. City Hall. Newark. N. J.
September 13. 1895.
Dr. Jonathan Ackerman Coles. 222 Market Street. City:
Dear Sir.— The communication directed to the Mayor
of the city of Newark, dated September 4. ISSo, and
containing your munificent offer to present to the city
a handsome bronze group, was referred to the common
council at its last meeting, held Friday. September 6th,
accompanied by a message which read as follows:
Office of the Mayor, City Hall. Newark. N. J.
September 6. ISSo.
To the Honorable the Common Council of the City of
Newark :
Gentlemen.— I have the honor and pleasure to trans-
mit herewith a communication which I received yes-
terday from Dr. Jonathan Ackerman Coles. In it
he offers, as a gift to the city of Newark, a work
of art, by an American sculptor of note, being a group
in bronze which marks a most interesting historical
event, and as a memorial will recall the valuable ser-
vices rendered in the interests of science and education
by his distinguished father, the late Dr. Abraham
Coles.
I respectfully recommend that action be taken by
your honorable body to acknowledge the valuable and
interesting gift, and to co-operate with the donor in
providing a suitable place for its erection.
Yours ver.v truly,
J. A. LEBKUECHER, Mayor.
It was received and read with great gratification, and
in response thereto, the following resolution of ac-
knowledgment and acceptance was unanimously
adopted:
"Whereas. A beautiful work of art. by a sculptor of
distinction, has been presented to the city of Newark
by Dr. Jonathan Ackerman Coles; therefore, be it
"Resolved. That the mayor be instructed to convey
to the donor the sincere sense of appreciation in which
this gift is received by the municipal government and
people of the city of Newark; and be it further
"Resolved. That a committee of five, of whom the
mayor and the president of the common council shall
be members, be appointed to act with the donor in the
selection of a suitable site for the placing of this val-
uable gift."
In pursuance of the above resolution. I have the
honor to extend to you. in behalf of the municipal
government, the assurance of its high appreciation of
your generous gift, and as chief executive to tender to
you the thanks of its citizens.
The spirit which prompts the presentation of this
artistic group of bronze to the city is worthy of the
greatest commendation. It gives me much pleasure to
acknowledge, for the first time in the history of the
city, a gift from one of its private citizens, which shall
be for many generations a civic monument of beauty
and a .source of pride to the residents of Newark.
I have the honor to be. yours very truly.
J. A. LEBKUECHER. Mayor.
The committee, which consisted of
Mavor Julius A. Lebkuecher, Mr. David
D. Brasraw. president of the common coun-
cil; Aldermen William Harrigan, Sidney
N. O.gden. and Winton C. Garrison, after
visiting the different parks, in company
with the donor, finally decided upon the
north end of Lincoln Park, as the most suit-
able site for the bronze.
Subsequently the mayor and common
council presented Dr. Coles with a testi-
monial of the city's appreciation of his gift.
This memorial the New York Tribune de-
scribes as "a beautiful specimen of the art
of engrossing. It is in an allnim form.
bound in dark leather of the finest quality,
the fly leaves being of rich white moire silk.
The body of the memorial contains the
communication of the mayor to the com-
mon council announcing the offer of Dr.
Coles, the resolutions passed by the coun-
cil in accepting the .gift, and the announce-
ment bv ]\[ayor Lebkuecher to Dr. Coles of
the acceptance. The delineator is Mr.
John B. Morris, secretary of the board of
assessments."
An editorial in the Newark Daily Ad-
vertiser said: "The public-spirited gift of
a life-size bronze group to the city of New-
ark, is most heartily appreciated by New-
30
ESSEX COUNTY
INDIAN GROUP. LINCOLN PARK. NEWARK. NEW JERSEY.
Executed by C. B. Ives and presented to the City of Newark by Dr. J. Ackermaii Coles.
ESSEX COUNTY.
31
ark citizens. Dr. Coles could not have
done a public act more graceful or more
in harmony with the changing conditions
of life in this community. We have been
essentially an industrial people, and in our
busy efforts to earn and save, there has
been little time or leisure to be applied to
the refinements of public art that belong
to old and settled civilization. We are
growing into that now. Soon we shall
have a beautiful park system, and we hope
to grace it with the adornments of art, con-
tributed by educated and public-spirited
citizens."
The Rt. Rev. John Williams. D. D., LL.
D., bishop of the diocese of Connecticut,
chancellor of Trinity College, etc., in a let-
ter to Dr. Coles, referring to the bronze
and its pedestal, said : "An inscription of
the last stanzas of your father's beautiful
national hymns, 'Columbia, the Land of
the Free,' and 'My Native Land,' upon the
marble pedestal of the bronze historical
group, would not only be a graceful tribute
to your father's memory, but would also
give a national as well as local value to the
gift." The bishop's recommendation was
carried out. In 1666 Newark was settled
by people from Connecticut.
Thanksgiving day was selected by the
common council committee and Dr. Coles
as the time most appropriate for the un-
veiling exercises. The New York Herald
referred to the occasion as follows: "Five
thousand persons gathered in Lincoln
Park, Newark, yesterday afternoon (No-
vember 28, 1895), to witness the unveiling
and presentation to the city, of a life-size
historic group in loronze l)y the distin-
guished American sculptor, C. B. Ives.
* * * The entire cost of the group,
its pedestal and everything in connection
with its erection and unveiling was borne
by Dr. J. Ackerman Coles, son of the late
Dr. Abraham Coles.
"The exercises opened with a national
hymn, 'My Native Land,' by Abraham
Coles, sung by the children, teachers and
friends of the public and private schools of
Newark, and elsewhere in the state, led by
Professor Thomas Bott, James V. Orchard,
and David B. Dana, cornetist, under the
direction of Mr. Frank E. Drake.
"Just as the hymn was finished the statue
was unveiled by the drawing back of a
large American dag, by Miss Lucy Depue
Ogden, granddaughter of Supreme Court
Justice Depue, and Master Robert B.
Bradley, grandson of the late United States
Supreme Court Justice Bradley. A great
cheer went up from the crowd as the group
was disclosed to view, and when it had sub-
sided Dr. J. A. Coles made a brief presenta-
tion speech, which embodied what he said,
in his letter to Mayor Lebkuecher, in offer-
ing the group to the city.
"On behalf of the citizens of Newark,
Mayor Lebkuecher then made an address
of acceptance. He said : 'It gives me
great pleasure to receive and accept, on be-
half of the people of Newark, the beautiful
piece of bronze statuary which your gener-
osity has prompted you to present to this
city. The people will appreciate in its full-
est sense this artistic gift, and will hold in
grateful remembrance the generous giver.
In accepting it, I tender to you the thanks
of all the people of our city. It should be
a matter of self-congratulation and satis-
faction that the city of Newark has reached
that stage in its history and development
when its citizens are able to give expression
to their more cultured tastes. And now,
Mr. President of the board of street and
3^
ESh^EX COUXTY
water commissioners, upon your, board de-
volves the duty of seeing to the safe keep-
ing of this statue, and I now deliver it over
to your care."
"President Van Duyne. of the board of
works, followed with a short address, and
then followed one of the most interesting
features of the whole ceremony. It was
the delivery, by the pretty little Aliss Grace
E. Bates, grandniece of David D. Bragaw,
president of the common council, of the
keys of the metal boxes placed in the pe-
destal (containing the names of more than
thirtv thousand school children, a copy of
the bible, a Newark directory, and various
objects of local and general interest) to the
equally pretty and tiny Miss Helen Coy-
kendall. while held in the arms of her
grandfather. Chief of Police Henry Hop-
per. It will be the duty of little Miss Coy-
kendall to drop the keys into the Passaic
river, from the draw of the Bridge street
bridge, for safe keeping.
"Then anotlier national hynm. "Colum-
l)ia, the Land of the Free.' was sung, and
an address was made by the president of
the board of education, Dr. Henry J. An-
derson. This was followed by the singing
of the 'Fourth of July." a national hymn,
and an address by the superintendent of
public schools. Dr. William N. Barringer.
The subject of his talk was 'A Nation's
History, as shown by its ]\Ionuments.'
'Our Country's Banner' was sung: there
was an address by the Rev. Dr. D. R. Fra-
zer, of the First Presbyterian church: the
singing of a bicentennial ode. entitled 'Two
Himdred Years Ago,' and then the bene-
diction, by Rev. Dr. R. M. Luther, pastor
of the South Park Baptist church.
"All the national hymns and the ode
sung were the compositions of the late Dr.
Abraham Coles, in whose memory the
group will really stand."
The Free Public Library is the possessor
of one of the choicest specimens of artistic
work in steel and bronze ever seen in New-
ark. It is a German Columbian memorial
shield, executed for the German depart-
ment of the Liberal Arts Building at the
A\'orld's Fair, and is the gift of the family
of the late Dr. Abraham Coles.
The following description is from the
Newark Evening News : The shield is of
polished steel and bronze, and is about
three feet in diameter. It is surmounted
by the American eagle, which, with out-
spread wings, holds in its claws arrows,
sprays of myrtle and a banner bearing the
legend. "Westward the Star of Empire
Takes Its Way." Around the margin of
the shield are the inscriptions: "Dedicated
to the American People in Honor of the
Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Dis-
covery of America." "1492 — United We
Stand. Divided We Fall— 1892."
In the center of the shield in high relief
stands a beautiful female figure represent-
ing Science, or the Goddess of Discovery.
She is lifting a mantle from the Western
Hemisphere, which is illuminated by the
golden rays of the rising sun. Beneath are
shown the mariner's compass and palms of
victory.
Around the central group are placed the
coats-of-arms of all the States and Terri-
tories (49 in all), tied together with bands
bearing the words "E pluribus unum." "In
God We Trust." Eight bas relief bronze
medallions represent principal events in the
history of America, viz. : "The Landing
of Columbus," "The Landing of the Pil-
grim Fathers," "The Signing of the Dec-
laration of Independence," "Washington
ESSEX COUNTY.
33
Crossing the Delaware," "The Battle of
Churubusco," in which the Mexicans, un-
der Santa Anna, were totally defeated by
the Americans, under General Scott
(1847); "The Emancipation Proclama-
tion," "The Capitol at Washington," "An
allegorical picture representing progress in
science, industry and commerce, with Co-
lumbia welcoming all to the World's Fair."
There are also eight bronze portraits on
the shield, those of Washington, Franklin,
Jefferson, Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, Morse
and Longfellow. Eight small shields re-
cord the names and population of the eight
largest cities — New York, 1,627,000; Chi-
cago, 1,100,000; Philadelphia, 1,040,000;
Boston, 418,000; St. Louis, 450,000; Cin-
cinnati, 306,000; Baltimore, 500,000, and
San Francisco, 320,000.
"Dr. Coles and his sister. Miss E. S.
Coles," says the Christian Herald, "have
given to the Newark Public Library, from
the estate of their father, the statue of Ben-
jamin Franklin and his whistle, executed in
Cararra marble by Pasquale Romanelli.
It was made in Italy, in 1863, and attracted
much attention at the Centennial Exhibi-
tion in 1876."
It stands on a carved pedestal of dark
marble. The figure is exquisitely graceful,
and the execution shows the highest tech-
nical power.- The conception is based on
the incident described by Franklin himself,
in a letter written to a friend in Philadel-
phia, in November, 1779.
"When I was a child," he wrote, "seven
years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled
my pockets with coppers. I went directly
to a shop where they sold toys for children,
and being charmed with the sound of a
whistle that I met by the way in the hands
of another boy, I voluntarily offered and
3
gave all my money for one. I then came
home and went whistling all over the house,
much pleased with my whistle, but disturb-
ing all the family. My brothers and sisters
FRANKLIN AND HIS WHISTLE.
and cousins, understanding the bargain I
had made, told me I had given four times
as much for it as it was worth, put me in
mind what good things I might have
bought with the rest of the money, and
laughed at me so much for my folly that I
cried with vexation, and the reflection gave
me more chagrin than the whistle gave me
pleasure.
"This, however, was afterwards of use to
me, the impression continuing on my mind
so that often when I was tempted to buy
some unnecessary thing I said to myself,
'Don't give too much for the whistle,' and
I saved my money.
34
ESSEX COUNTY.
"As I grew up, came into the world, and
observed the actions of men, I thought I
met with many, very many, who gave too
much for the whistle. '■'■ * ''' la short,
I conceive that great part of the miseries
of mankind are brought upon them by the
false estimates they have made of the value
of things, and by giving too much for their
whistles."
The New York Tribune. April 20, 1897,
says: "The Newark Free Library, which
is soon to occupy a new and handsome
building to be erected this year on a site
selected, facing Washington Park, in New-
ark, has begun to receive gifts from citizens
of wealth and culture. Yesterday the li-
brary trustees received, and placed in the
library, two beautiful life-size medallions in
high relief. Accompanying the gift was
the following letter from the donor:
Prominent among the art treasures in the marble
palace of the late A. T. Stewart, on Fifth avenue and
Thirty-fourth street, in New York city, were two
IJieces of statuary, designated "Sappho" and "First
Love." by the well known American sculptor. Richard
Hamilton Park. Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum
of Art will also remember this artist's beautiful mem-
orial of marble and bronze, in "The Poet's Corner,"
to the memory of Edgar Allan Poe (1S09-1S49).
Two other works, to some fully as interesting, and to
many, perhaps, more fascinating, are his two beautiful
life-size medallions, in Cararra marble, portraying in
high relief the profiles of two little girls, appropriately
designated "Evening" and "Morning." The counten-
ance of the one, as attractive as an evening sunset.
bears the impress of weariness, attendant upon the
close of a well spent day; while that of the other,
bright and joyous, after refreshing sleep, is equally
suggestive of early sunrise and the singing of birds.
All who love children and their innocent pleasures
will find in these two medallions much to admire, and it
is, therefore, with a feeling of confidence and pleasure
that I, presuming upon j-our acceptance of the same,
have ordered them, with their elegantly carved frames
and pedestals, costing, originally, in Florence, Italy,
about eight hundred dollars, to be sent this day as
gifts to the Free Public Library of Newark, believing*
that vistors thereto will find in them additional in-
centives to the cultivation of the refined and beautiful
in art. Sincerely and respectfully yoin-s.
J. ACKERMAN COLES.
Newark. April 19, 1S97.
"A letter sent to-day," says the Newark
Daily Advertiser, "by Dr. J. Ackerman
Coles, to Principal Edmund O. Hovey, of
the High School, announces the writer's
gift to the school of an elaborate copper-
bronze globe. A hint is also given of an-
other gift for the new High School.
"Here is the text of the letter:
"My Dear Sir: — I am in receipt of your
courteous letter, in which you kindly refer
to the time when the late Dr. Abraham
Coles, my father, was, for a number of
years, a member of the board of education,
chairman of the normal-school committee,
and ever active in advancing the varied in-
terests of the public schools of Newark.
"I appreciate your appreciation of the
addresses you mention as made by him, in
presenting to the president of the board- of
education, for graduation, the classes of
1872, 1873 and 1874.
"You, moreover, suggest the propriety
of my giving something in bronze to re-
mind the one thousand two hundred and
four bright and intelligent boys and girls
now in the high school, of the interest
taken by Dr. Coles in the education of their
parents, and in them, their successors.
"Your letter reached me at an opportune
moment, soon after the arrival at my office
of a box, not yet opened, containing a
large copper-bronze globe, with its stand,
which I had been successful in obtaining
as an intended gift for the new High School
of Newark.
"This globe is a model of the earth, and
is remarkably interesting as representing,
as it were, a survey of the bottom of the
sea. of the lakes and of the rivers. It also
shows the comparati\'e heights of the
mountains and the depths of the valleys on
land. It shows us what every man, wo-
man and child has always been curious to
know, viz. : How the bottom of the sea
looks. Here we see the cause of the dif-
E.S8EX COUNTY.
35
ferent currents, and the results of volcanic
eruptions beneath the ocean's bed. It is
interesting to note and compare the oce-
anic levels, also the sudden and g-radual de-
pressions, and the varied elevations of the
two hemispheres.
"No school in New York city, nor in
New Jersey, I am informed, has such a
model of the earth, and it was, in a measure,
due to my desire that the metropolis of
New Jersey should continue to lead in edu-
cational matters, that caused me to pur-
chase the same as a gift for its High School.
When you get into your new fire-proof
building, it may be my privilege and pleas-
ure to donate something else. When
agreeable to the board of education, I will
send the bronze globe and its pedestal, and
locate them where you desire."
"Another acceptable gift to the Newark
Free Public Library," says the New York
Tribune, "is announced in the following
letter:"
Gentlemen,— Of the more than seven hundred sculp-
tures in marble that line the walls of the Museo Chla-
ramonti, of the Vatican, at Rome, Italy, there is,
probably, no one that receives more attention from, or
Is better remembered by visitors, than the one known
as the "Bust of Youngr Augustus," found at Ostia, A.
D. 180S.
A beautiful life-size copy of this celebrated work, I
was so fortunate as to discover a few days ago in
the store of an importer, in New York city. Knowing
the rarity and value of the bust, it being made of the
fmest Cararra marble, and of the same size and finish
as the original, I immediately purchased it, with a
suitable marble pedestal, as a gift to the Free Public
Library, of Newark, where, anticipating your accept-
ance of the same, it, with its pedestal, will probably
arrive to-morrow. With great respect, I have the
honor to be Yours truly,
J. ACKERMAN COLES.
The trustees subsequently acknowledged
the receipt of and acceptance of the gift.
"To the New Jersey Historical Society,"
says the New York Commercial Adver-
tiser, "for the erection thereon of a suitable
fire-proof building. Dr. J. A. Coles has of-
fered to give either one of two valuable
plots of land in the city of Newark, front-
ing on and overlooking the Branch Brook
Park. One plot is near its Sixth avenue
entrance, with a frontage of fifty feet on
the park, thence running back two hun-
dred feet, to Fifth street, with a front there-
on of fifty feet. The other plot is at the
Boulevard entrance, and has a frontage of
one hundred and twelve feet on the park,
and fifty feet on Fifth avenue."
In order that the New Jersey Historical
Society might, in addition to its other
treasures, possess a complete and compre-
hensive library of reference, Dr. Coles has
given it, in addition to other works, Apple-
ton's Annual Cyclopaedias and Registry of
Important Events of the years 1876 to
1896, inclusive, embracing political, mili-
tary and ecclesiastical afifairs, public docu-
ments, biography, statistics, commerce,
finance, literature, science, agriculture and
mechanical industry, being twenty-two vol-
umes, bound in half morocco, handsomely
illustrated and indexed, the latest editions;
also, as executor of the estate of his father,
the late Dr. Abraham Coles, one of the
special sets of the Encyclopsedia Britan-
nica, consisting of twenty-five volumes,
bound in half morocco, and printed in
Edinburgh (1891) from the original plates,
with the corrections authorized by the edi-
tor, the late William Robertson Smith, to
which gift was added Appleton's Cyclopae-
dia of American Biography, six volumes,
half morocco, and Appleton's Cyclopsedia
of General Knowledge, sixteen volumes,
half morocco, last editions.
These seventy volumes in all constitute a
complete and comprehensive condensation
of the history of all ages and peoples.
Every article is brought down to the latest
possible date, thus including the most re-
36
ESSEX COUXTY.
cent events in history, and researches in
science, art and manufactures.
On March 29, 1897, Dr. J. A. Coles
wrote :
To the Hon. John W. Griggs, LL. D., Governor ot the
State of New Jersey.
Dear Sir,— I am the owner of the celebrated oil paint-
ing known as "The Good Samaritan." by our distin-
guished American artist, Daniel Huntington. The
picture, with its frame, measures about nine feet
in width by eleven feet in height, the principal figures
being life size. It was executed by Daniel Huntington,
in his studio, in Paris, France, in the years 1852-3, and
in illustration, or interpretation of the second great
commandment of the law: "Thou shalt love thy neigh-
bor as thyself." Here, with wonderful skill, is vividly
portrayed the arrival at the inn. the sympathetic in-
terest of the host and others, and the respectful atten-
tion given to the orders of "The Good Samaritan."
Mr. Huntington informs me that while engaged on
this painting he was visited in his studio by Paul
Delaroche, the eminent historical painter of France,
who tooli a deep interest in the progress of his work,
and by friendly suggestions as to detail, color, etc.,
rendered him much assistance, a circumstance which
adds immensely to the value of this picture, as it
may be regarded as the joint work of these two great
master minds. After its completion, requiring several
months, it was, after attracting much attention in
Paris, sent to this country, exhibited at the National
Academy, then on Broadway, and formed one of the
chief attractions at the Sanitary Fair Exhibition of
Paintings, held in Fourteenth street, New York city,
during the late civil war.
Mr. Huntington, having learned that I contemplated
giving this picture, through you, to the people of New
Jersey, wrote to me a few weeks ago, suggesting that
I should first send the canvas to his studio in New
York city, and leave it with him for a month, in order
that he might retouch and restore any injuries done
by the hand of time. This I have done, and Mr. Hunt-
ington has not only gone over the whole canvas, but
has at the suggestion and request of friends, intro-
duced a portrait of himself as the host of the inn. I
have also had its artistic and beautiful frame relaid
with the best of gold leaf.
Upon receipt of word from you, that as a gift, the
painting will be acceptable to the state. I will, as soon
as practicable, at my own expense, send it to Trenton,
and have it hung in the place deemed most suitable
for its reception in the capitol, a building associated
with pleasant meetings therein of my father, the late
Abraham Coles, A. M.. M. D., Ph. D.. LL. D.. with
his friends, some of whom are still living, while the
portraits, of others adorn its walls. It is with special
pride I recall the recorded words of the late Governor
Daniel Haines, and those of the late Henr.v Woodhull
Green, chief justice and chancellor, who, in referring
to the life and writings of Dr. Abraham Coles, afBrm
that "to him the world owes a debt of gratitude for his
labor and research, which redound to the honor of our
state." Awaiting your reply, I am, with great re-
spect. Yours .sincerely,
J. ACKERM.4N COLES.
Governor Griggs' reply is as follows :
State of New Jersey, Executive Department.
Trenton, March 30, 1S97.
Dr. J. Ackerman Coles.
My Dear Sir.— I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your esteemed favor of the D9th inst., tender-
ing to the state of New Jersey the painting known as
"The Good Samaritan." I assure you nothing would
delight me more than to accept at your hands such a
valuable gift on behalf of the people ot the state. The
picture will be accorded the best hanging that can be
selected for it in the state house, and I will have an
engraved plate, if it meets your pleasure, placed upon
it, giving the name of the generous donor. Permit me
to say that your generosity and goodness to your
native state are deserving of the highest appreciation
on behalf of the people, and when the picture shall
ha\'e been received, I hope to express to you in a more
formal way, the thanks and gratitude of the executive
for your generous donation.
Whenever it shall suit your convenience to forward
the picture, it will be received and cared for with all
the consideration that it deserves. Very sincerely
yours,
JOHN W, GRIGGS, Governor.
A special to the New York Sun, dated
Trenton, New Jersey, June ii, 1897, says:
"Daniel Huntington's painting, 'The Good
Samaritan,' was'received at the capitol this
morning.
"The painting was so large that it could
not be put in a freight car. It was brought
here on a large truck, which started from
Newark yesterday morning. A brass plate
at the bottom of the frame bears this in-
scription : 'A gift to the people of New
Jersey, in memory of Abraham Coles, A.
M., M. D., Ph. D., LL. D.,' and this quo-
tation, from one of Dr. Coles' works: 'We
can weigh actions better than we can mo-
tives. The hand of Omniscience needs to
hold the scales when hearts are to be
judged.' "
"The painting was hung in the state
house, opposite the front stairway."
Harper's Weekly referred to New Jersey
as getting "an admirable painting in mem-
ory of a good and distinguished citizen."
The Newark Sunday Call and other
papers also took occasion to speak of the
value and appropriateness of the gift.
The two following incidents in the sur-
gical life of Dr. Abraham Coles have but
recentl}' come to light and are here given as
understood and reported : In fixing the
ceiling of one of the churches in the city of
ESSEX COUNTY.
37
Newark, the scaffolding tipped and one of
the workmen fell to the floor, where he lay
unconscious and apparently dead. Several
surgeons were hastily summoned, but see-
ing the case abandoned it as hopeless. Dr.
Coles at last arrived, and listening at the
man's breast thought he detected signs of
life. He had him immediately removed to
his home and placed on a couch. Kneeling
beside him, after engaging for a few mo-
ments in silent prayer, he carefully tre-
phined his fractured skull and lifted a por-
tion of depressed bone from off his brain,
whereupon the man regained conscious-
ness and subsequently his vyonted health.
A boy laughing, while eating a piece of
watermelon, inhaled a large seed, which,
lodging in his pharynx, produced symp-
toms threatening death. Dr. Coles was
sent for and removed the seed by tracheot-
omy. The boy's mother saved the seed,
had it mounted in gold, and wore it con-
stantly thereafter in grateful remembrance
of her son's deliverer. The boy grew to
manhood and became a useful citizen of
Newark.
At a meeting of the Trustees of Colum-
bia College, held at the college on Monday,
the fourth day of January, one thousand
eight hundred and ninety-seven, the fol-
lowing action was taken :
"EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES.
"Resolved : That the thanks of the
Trustees be tendered to Dr. J. Ackerman
Coles for his most welcome and valuable
gift to the University of several bronze
busts, handsomely and appropriately
mounted.
"i. A copy of the Olympian Zeus, by
Phidias.
"2. A copy of the bust of Plato, found
in the house of the Papyri, Herculaneum.
"3. A copy of the Hermes of Prax-
iteles, found in the Temple of Hera, in
Olympia.
"A true copy.
[Seal] "JOHN B. PINE, Clerk."
Previous to the receipt by Dr. Coles of
an engrossed copy of the above resolution,
he had received a personal note, which read
as follows:
Columbia University, in the City of New Yorl^.
President's Room. December 16, 1896.
My Dear Dr. Coles:
I have Just seen the bronzes in the library. They are
beautiful, and I am very sure they will be accepted
with g-ratitude. I had the pleasure of telling the
Alumni last evening of your generosity, and in due time
you will receive the formal thanks of the Trustees.
The Alumni received the announcement with applause.
Tours faithfully,
SETH LOW. President.
On June 29, 1897, to Dr. Coles was sent
the following, also beautifully engrossed:
"The Trustees of Columbia College in the
city of New York.
"At a meeting of the Trustees of Colum-
bia College, in the city of New York, held
at the college on Monday, the seventh day
of June in the year of our Lord, one thou-
sand eight hundred and ninety-seven, the
following action was taken :
"EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES.
"Resolved: That the thanks of the
Trustees be rendered to Dr. J. Ackerman
Coles, for his gift to the University of an
heroic-size marble bust of the Parthenon
Minerva, with its pedestal, bearing a
bronze medallion portrait of Pericles, and
also of an heroic bronze bust of Homer, a
copy of the one in the Louvre which he
has had cast especially for the University
library building.
"A true copy.
[Seal.] "JOHN B. PINE. Clerk."
Upon the completion of the Columbia
L^niversity Library the New York Tribune
said : "The front, with its massive colon-
38
ESSEX COUXTT.
nade, gives at once the idea of grandeur
and simplicity. And when the visitor steps
inside, over the large tablet of brass near the
threshold, which sets forth that the build-
ing is given by Seth Low in memory of
his father, it is evident that the interior ful-
fils the external promise. Just within the
entrance stands a magnificent bust of Mi-
nerva, upon a high pedestal, presented to
the University by Dr. Coles. As the light
falls upon thjs through the aisles of lofty
pillars the effect is wonderfully beautiful."
"For Columbia University, on Morning-
side Heights, New York city," says the
New York Herald, "Messrs. Tiffany & Co.
have completed an elegant and very inter-
esting work of art as a gift from Dr. J. Ack-
erman Coles, of Newark, N. J., an alumnus
of Columbia College. It consists of a
bronze bust of Homer, heroic size, a copy
of the one in the Louvre, Paris, and was
cast especially for the university at the cele-
brated foundry of Barbedienne, in France.
"The pedestal is square and is about six
feet high, its base being of Numidian and
the shaft of Sienna marble, both specimens
having been carefully selected for the pur-
pose. On one side of the shaft, set in the
marble, is a large bronze plaque represent-
ing, in bas relief. Penelope busy at her
loom.
"On the other side a bronze plaque of the
same size depicts the return of Ulysses
from his wanderings after the fall of Troy,
as related in the Odyssey, the second of the
two great poems attributed to Homer.
Within a fortnight the gift will be trans-
ferred to the university.
"The story it tells is this: Penelope, the
daughter of Icarus, the brother of Tyn-
darus. King of Sparta, was an accomplished
Princess of great beauty. She had many
suitors, and her father promised her as a
prize to the one who should win in a foot
race.
"L'lysses, being a competitor, outran the
others, and his marriage to Penelope was
celebrated about the same time as was that
of Menelaus to Helen, the most beautiful
woman in Greece, and the cause of the Tro-
jan war.
"Ulysses, with Penelope, returned to
reign over Ithaca. There their son Tele-
machus was born, and for several years
their mutual happiness was supreme. In
the meantime Paris, the son of Piram, King
of Troy, with .-Eneas, were guests at the
Court of Menelaus, then King of Sparta.
"Taking advantage of a temporary ab-
sence of IMenelaus in Crete, Paris eloped
with Helen to Troy. ^Menelaus, upon dis-
covering his treachery, declared war
against the Trojans, and in consequence of
an oath, which bound the chieftains
throughout Greece to aid one another, all,
including Ulysses, were obliged to embark
with IMenelaus for the plains of Ilium, to
lay siege to the city of Troy, as described in
the Iliad of Homer and the .Eneid of Vir-
"In the ten years' war that followed,
Ulysses was distinguished not only for his
prowess as a warrior, but also for his elo-
quence, sagacity and inexhaustible re-
sources under difficulties. Learning that
Troy could not be taken while the Palla-
dium, a wooden image of ]Minerva, re-
mained in the city, he, by stratagem, got
possession of it, and managed subsequently
to be carried within the walls of Troy con-
cealed, with others, in the belly of a wooden
horse. Emerging from this when the Tro-
jans were ofi guard, he effected the total
destruction of their city.
ESSEX couyrY
39
"The war was now over. Paris had been
slain and Helen restored to Menelaus.
Ulysses, accordingly, eagerly set sail for
Ithaca. His vessel, however, no sooner left
the shores of Ilium than a series of new
dangers and trials encountered him, and
another ten years passed before he arrived
in disguise on his palace grounds, unrec-
ognized l)y all, save by his faithful hound,
whose exuberant joy Ulysses, in the bronze
plaque on the pedestal, is represented as
suppressing by holding his jaws tightly
closed.
"Here he learned from a faithful servant
and from Telemachus that during his tNven-
ty-years' absence Penelope, still beautiful,
faithful and loving, hail anxiously waited
for his coming, antl had kept at bay her
many suitors, who argued his death, by
telling them she would entertain no offers
of marriage until she had finished weaving
a certain robe, the threads of which she
was careful to remove each night after her
(lav's labor.
"This artifice having been made known
to the suitors by one oj her maids, she con-
sented to bestow her hand on that one who
on the following day should from Ulysses*
bow shoot an arrow through the eyes of
several axe heads jilaced in a row.
"Retaining his disguise. Ulysses, at the
time of the trial, waited until all had failed,
and then, readily shooting the arrow
through the axe eyes. he. with some re-
maining arrows, slew the suitors and made
himself known to his devoted and delighted
Penelope, thereafter the historical and
classical ideal of a devoted, faithful, pru-
dent and sagacious wife.
"The bust and its pedestal will probably
be located in Alumni Hall, inasmuch as the
heroic bust of the Parthenon Minerva,
given by Dr. Coles, as executor of the es-
tate of his father, the late Dr. Abraham
Coles, graces the entrance hall of the Low
Memorial Library.
"This beautiful marble bust of Minerva
was executed at Athens, Greece, by the
Greek artist, Droses, and is believed to be
a correct copy of the one by Phidias that
stood in the Parthenon on the Acropolis.
"It was made for and attracted much at-
tention at the Centennial Exhibition at
Philadelphia in 1876, and was afterwards
purchased by Messrs. Tiffany & Co. for the
estate of the late Dr. Abraham Coles, who
was an art connoisseur of exquisite taste,
but was more widely known to the literary
world as the one of whom Whittier said : —
'Xo man, living or dead, has so rendered
the text antl spirit of the old and wonder-
ful Latin hymns.' His translation of the
Hebrew Psalms is also considered by schol-
ars in Europe and America as the best.
"Since the death of Dr. Abraham Coles,
in 1 89 1, his son, Dr. J. Ackerman Coles, as
executor of his estate, has given many val-
uable works of art to institutions of learn-
ing in New Jersey, and elsewhere. The
literary writings of Abraham Coles are
found in nearly every public library in Eu-
rope.
"In 1848 he did surgical duty in Paris,
France, during the revolution of that year,
and in 1854 he was called as consulting
physician and surgeon in England and on
the Continent."
To the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, New York, Dr. J. A. Coles, as ex-
ecutor, has given two valuable bronzes cast
in Paris at the foundry of Barbedienne.
One is a copy of "The Dying Gaul" or
gladiator found in the garden of Sallust,
40
ESSEX COUNTY.
which, with its right arm restored by
Michael Angelo, is now in the Museum of
• the Capitol, in Rome. The other is a copy
of the bust of ^-Esculapius in the Museum
of the Louvre in Paris. Both appropriate-
ly and elegantly mounted by TifTany & Co.
have places in the trustees' parlor in the
college. By reason of its grace and realis-
tic anatomical accuracy, "The Dying Gaul"
has always been regarded as the master-
piece of the Pergamenian school in sculp-
ture, forming as it did with its companon
piece, "The Fighting Gaul." the chief
adornments of the triumphal monument
erected in the second century. B C. to the
memory of Attalus II. in Pergamos. Asia
Minor, then at the zenith of its glorv as a
center of art, jvealth and influence.
"To Princeton University," says the (N.
Y.) Examiner. "Dr. Coles and his sister
have given, with its marble pedestal, the
magnificent life-size marble statue of 'Ny-
dia,' made of the best Cararra marble, by
Randolph Rogers, in Rome, Italy, in 1856.
Several copies of it were subsequently
made. One was at the Centennial Exposi-
tion, and another in A. T. Stewart's collec-
tion. The one given to Princeton is the
original. It has been carefully preserved
and its value enhanced b_\- the lapse of
time." To this idealization of the blind girl
of Pompeii is attributed the foundation of
Rogers' fame as an artist and sculptor, se-
curing for him the commission to design
(1858) the bronze doors for the capitol at
Washington, D. C, and to finish the Wash-
ington monument at Richmond, Virginia
(1861).
"The original statue of Nydia," says the
American Register, Paris, France, "was
given to Princeton University in apprecia-
tion of the mutual regard \\hich for more
than fifty years existed between the trus-
tees, faculty and instructors of the College
of New Jersey and the late Abraham Coles,
A. M., M. D., Ph. D., LL. D."
From the president of the university the
donors received the following acknowl-
edgment :
Princeton, N. J., August 3, 18%.
Miss Emilie S. Coles and Dr. J. Ackerman Coles,
Deerliurst, Scotch Plains, N. J.
ily Dear Friends:
At the meeting of the hoard of trustees of the Col-
lege of New Jersey, held during commencement week,
in June last, I had the pleasure of reporting to them
that I had received, in behalf of the college, from you,
the beautiful marble statue of Nydia, which you so
kindly presented to the college out of the estate of your
father, the late Dr. Abraham Coles.
The gift was very gratefully received by the trustees,
and I was requested, in their behalf, to write to you
expressing the very cordial thanks of the trustees
for the beautiful statue which now adorns the Museum
of Historic Art.
I have great pleasure in discharging the duty as-
signed to me by the trustees. Nydia will always be
associated in our minds with the memory of your
gifted father, and I venture to hope that the common
interest which you and we have in this masterpiece of
the sculptor's art will constitute a strong bond be-
tween you and Princeton Uni\'ersity.
I trust that we may have the pleasure of seeing
you at Princeton sometimes, and I beg to assure you
that whenever you will honor us with a visit you will
find a most cordial welcome in our home from Mrs.
Patton and myself.
I am, very sincerely,
FRANCIS S. PATTON.
The Chicago Evening Post says, —
"Princeton has a new and novel mascot.
It was given to the college at the sesqui-
centennial celebration. It is an American
tiger or jaguar, known for its great
strength and fighting qualities. The spec-
imen is an especially large one, being the
one P. T. Barnum had in his museum in
New York. After his death it was stuffed,
and figured in the procession celebrating
the laying of the Atlantic cable. It also
appeared at the Old Guards' ball in New
York and at other festivities in that city.
It has been handsomely fitted up by the
person who gave it, and is now in the bio-
logical laboratory, from which it will be
removed when other quarters are provided
ESSEX COUNTY.
41
for it. The donor is Dr. J. Ackerman
Coles, of Newark, N. J."
Prof. William Libbey, secretary of the
committee on reception and entertainment,
sesquicentennial exercises, College of New
Jersey, wrote to Dr. Coles, October 16,
1896:
"We will be very glad to accept the his-
toric tiger, and use it upon the occasion of
the torch-light procession. I telegraphed
you in order that there might be no delay
in getting the animal packed up, so as to
reach us in time. Permit me, on the part
of the college, to thank you most cordially
for this indication of your interest.
"Yours very trulv,
"WILLIAM LIBBEY, Secretary."
The tiger was carefully cased and sent
under special guard to Professor Libbey.
Extra precaution was deemed necessary to
prevent its going to some other college. It
took part in the procession, which was a
brilliant success.
From Ainsworth Rand Spoft'ord, LL.
D., the Librarian of Congress, Dr. J. A.
Coles has received the foUowine letter:
Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I have your much esteemed favor, proffering, as a
gift to the congressional library, a life-size bronze bust,
to be preserved in the new library liuilding. in memory
of your father. This generous offer is fully appre-
ciated, and will be communicated to the joint commit-
tee of both houses of congress on the library when
organized. Meanwhile I am authorized to receive the
gift to be assigned an honorable and appropriate place
In the new building of the library of congress, now
completed.
Permit me to express my high sense of the literary
value of Dr. Abraham Coles' fine translations of Latin
mediseval hymns and other works.
\'ery respectfully.
A. R. SPOFFORD,
Librarian of Congress.
J. Ackerman Coles, M. D.
Newark, N. J.
The University of Chicago was made the
recipient of the bronze mentioned in the
following correspondence.
To the president, William Rainey Har-
per, Ph. D., D. D., LL. D.; Dr. Coles
wrote :
"Belonging to the estate of the late
Abraham Coles, A. M., M. D., Ph. D., LL.
D., my father, is a bust of Homer, of the
best quality of bronze. It is of heroic size,
and was cast for Messrs. Tiffany & Co., of
New York city, at the celebrated foundry
of Barbedienne, Paris, France. This, with
its imported marble pedestal, I, as executor
of my father's estate, my sister, Emilie S.
Coles, cordially concurring, now offer as a
gift to the L'niversity of Chicago, and upon
notification that the same will be accept-
able to its board of trustees, I will send
them thither l)y express, with all charges
prepaid.
"I have just re-read in the magazine en-
titled "The Old Testament Student with
New Testament Supplement,' edited by
yourself, your kind critical review of the
'New Rendering of the Hebrew Psalms in-
to English Verse,' by Abraham Coles, a
work which, I learn, has found its way into
the university libraries of Oxford and Cam-
bridge, England, and also into some of
those on the continent of Europe, eliciting
an endorsement of the criticisms uttered by
yourself, while professor of the Semitic
languages and Biblical literature at Yale
University."
President Harper's reply is as follows:
"I wish to assure you of the appreciation
of the university of the courtesy and kind-
ness of yourself and sister in presenting to
the university the bronze bust of Homer,
with its marble pedestal. I cannot think
of any gift which we would appreciate
more, and I am very much ])leased, indeed,
that we may thus perpetuate the memory
of your father in connection with the uni-
versity. The boxes containing them may
42
ESSEX VOiyTY.
be addressed directly to me, in care of the
university, and I will make the proper pre-
sentation to the trustees, and they will then
acknowledge the gift officially. I am \-ery
much disappointed that I did not have the
pleasure of meeting you at the Princeton
sesquicentennial."
The Xew York Tribune, in speaking of
Harvard University, says :
"Dr. J. Ackern:an Coles, of Newark,
whose gifts of valuable art objects to edu-
cational and public bodies have been gen-
erous, and who lately gave to the Chicago
University a heroic bronze bust of Homer,
has just presented to Harvard University a
life-size Ijronze bust of Socrates. The
bronze is part of the estate of the late Dr.
Abraham Coles, of Newark, a well known
classical scholar and author. It was made
by Barbedienne. in France, for Tiffany &
Co. The donor, in giving the bronze to
Harvard, said that he desired it to be a re-
minder of the friendly relations that ex-
isted between his father and the officers,
professors and graduates of Harvard, espe-
ciall}- President Thomas Hill, Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell
Lowell, Oliver \\>ndell Holmes and Phil-
lips Brooks."
"In acknowledging the gift. President
Eliot writes as follows:
J. Ackerman Coles:
Dear Sir.— Your letter is just received. I hasten to
say that the gift of a bronze bust of Socrates, with it:*
marble pedestal, will be very welcome to Harvard
University.
I am obliged to you for saying that this valuable gift,
made by yourself and your sister, is intended as a
reminder of the friendly relations which existed for
many years between your father and the distinguished
men— officers and graduates of Harvard— whose names
you record. Your letter will be deposited in the ar-
chives of the university. Believe me. with high re-
gard, sincerely yours,
CHARLES W. ELIOT.
From North East Harbor, Maine, under
date of July 6, 1S97, President Charles W.
Eliot writes to Dr. Coles:
Hy Dear Sir:
I desire to report to you that the admirable bust
of Socrates, which you and your sister presented to
the university, has been placed in the library of the
classical department, in an advantageous position, and
that it is universally regarded as a great ornament to
the room. The adinirable manner in which the Imst
is mounted adds greatly to the value of the gift. The
lilirary of the classical department is kept in Harvard
Hall, in the rooms in the first story immediately on
the right as you enter the first door. Whenever you
come to Cambridge, I beg that you will visit this lilira-
ry and observe the appropriateness of this place of de-
posit for your excellent gift.
Very truly yours.
CHARLES W. ELIOT.
J. Ackerman Coles, M. D.
Following is a copy of the correspond-
ence relating to the estate's gift to Yale:
Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., LL. D.. President of
Yale University.
Dear Sir.— I have read with much interest of the safe
arrival at your university of the "Curtius Library."
its careful packing having been personally superintend-
ed by Frau Curtius herself, who was particular to
have it reach you in its entirety. I have read of its
throe thousand five hundred bound volumes and many
pamphlets.— one liundred and fifteen being on Greek
epigraphy, forty-five on Olympia, and seventy-flve on
Greek lyric poetry,— all classified and arranged for con-
venient use.— a library, in fact, covering the whole field
of Greek philology and archfeology. made especially
valuable from the fact that, had not Professor Curtius
been tutor to the Emperor Frederick, the German ex-
cavations (1.S73-1SS1) might never have been made, and
Olympia be still left a buried city.
To the estate of Abraham Coles. A. M.. M. D., Ph. D.,
LL. D.. my father, belongs a beautiful life-size bronze
bust, a copy of the Hermes of Praxiteles, found in the
Temple of Hera, within the Altis. the sacred precinct
of the Olympian Zeus. Of the same size as the orig-
inal, this copy, cast for. and imported by. Tiffany &
Co., of New York, my sister and I will be pleased to
give to Yale University, deeming it a suitable addition
to the invaluable "Curtius Library."
I remember with satisfaction and pleasure the rela-
tionship, scholarly and social, that existed for many
years between the faculty, instructors and graduates
of Y'ale and my father. ,\s for myself, a graduate of
Columbia anil the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
New Y'ork, some of my warmest friends are those of
Y'ale.
L'pon receipt of word that the proffered gift will be
acceptable. I will send it, with its imported marble
pedestal, to the university, by express, all charges pre-
paid. Awaiting your reply, I have the honor to be,
with great respect.
Y'ours sincerely,
J. ACKERMAN COLES.
Lender date of February 3d, President
Dwight made answer:
Dear Sir,— In answer to your very kind letter of yes-
terday, I beg to express my most sincere thanks for
the generous offer which it contains. On behalf of the
university 1 accept the gift, which will be most ap-
propriately connected with the Curtius Library, and
will be most pleasantly commemorative of your hon-
ored father. The life and work of Professor Curtius
ESSEX COUXTY.
43
were worthy of all honor on the part of all scholarly
men, and it is very interesting to us at Yale University
to know that his wife was pleased to have his library
— in such striking manner a monument perpetuating his
name — placed here in this distant land. She added to
the library a gift of the portrait of her husband, and
thus testified most kindly of her good will to us. The
addition which you now make, and which is suggestive
of Curtius' work and influence in connection with the
excavations to which you refer, will be a new testi-
mony to what he did. I am sure that Mrs. Curtius will
be glad to know of your generous gift.
If you will kindly, at your convenience, send the bust
to our library, as you suggest, we will be glad to give
it a conspicuous place.
May I ask you to present to your sister, who unites
with you in the gift, the assurances of my very high
regard, and to request her to accept the expression of
my thanks to you in this letter as, also, intended for
herself. Very sincerely yours,
TIMOTHY DWIGHT.
On receipt of this acceptance, the bronze
and its pedestal were packed and sent, un-
der the direction of ^Messrs. Tiffany & Co.,
to the university, and Dr. Coles received
the following acknowledgment :
My Dear Sir. — I have the pleasure of announcing to
you, that the bronze bust and its pedestal, forwarded
at your request, by the Tiffany firm, have arrived,
and have been placed in a conspicuous position in our
university library. The bust is very beautiful, and I
beg you to accept, for your sister and yourself, ray
sincere thanks, for myself, and on behalf of the trus-
tees of the university, for your most interesting and
I valuable gift.
The portrait of Professor Curtius has been placed
very near the bust, and the.se two memorials, in con-
nection with the library, will be a testimony, to all
who come to Yale, of scholarship and of generosity.
Believe me, very truly yours,
TIMOTHY DWIGHT.
June 2/. 1897, Henry \\". Farnam, Esq.,
of New Haven, Connecticut, writes to Dr.
Coles :
Dear Sir.— As a member of our lilirary committee,
I desire to express to you my personal appreciation of
your generosity in presenting to Yale the beautiful
bronze copy of the Hermes, which now stands directly
beneath the portrait of Professor Curtius.
I was attending the lectures of Professor Curtius, in
Berlin, in 1876, when the Hermes was unearthed, and
saw the first photograph that was sent out to the
German directors of the excavations. I also knew
Professor Curtius and his family personally. It was,
therefore, especially gratifying to me that the acquisi-
Uon of his library by Yale should have led you to com-
plete the collection by sending us the Hermes.
Permit me to express my very warm thanks for your
kindness and liberality, and believe me.
Yours most sincerely.
HENRY W. FARNAM.
J. A. Coles, M. D., Newark. N. J.
A special despatch to the New York
Tribune, from New Brunswick, New Jer-
sey, reads: "President Austin Scott, of
Rutgers College, announced to the stu-
dents this morning that J. Ackerman
Coles, of Newark, had presented to the col-
lege a life-size bronze bust of George
Washington, in memory of the late Dr.
Abraham Coles. The bust is a replica of
the famous marble statue executed from
life, by Jean Antoine Houdon, for the state
of Virginia, and now standing in the state
capitol at Richmond. The bust is pre-
sented in commemoration of the sunnort
given, during the Revolution, to General
Washington, by Rutgers College and the
people of New Brunswick, and of the cen-
tennial meeting of the New Jersey Medical
Society, held in the halls of Rutgers Col-
lege, in 1866, at which time Dr. Abraham
Coles was its president, and read his poem,
'The Microcosm.' The bust was cast in
France, and was mounted by Tiffany.
"On motion of Dr. Jacob Cooper, and
seconded by Dr. Van Dyke, the gratitude
of the college was ordered expressed to Dr.
Coles."
The president wrote to Dr. Coles:
My Dear Sir.— The board of trustees, at their recent
meeting, requested me to convey to you the expression
of their warmest thanks to yourself and your sister for
your gift of the bronze bust of Washington. For the
present it has been placed in the college chapel.
I am, faithfully yours,
AUSTIN SCOTT.
To the General Synod of the Reformed
Church in America, for its use in connec-
tion with the Theological Seminary of said
church. located in New Brunswick, New
Jersey, Dr. and Miss Coles have given a
unique and beautiful work of sacred his-
toric art, in memory of their grandfather,
Jonathan C. Ackerman, as well as that of
their father. It consists of a life-size mar-
ble group, representing Hagar and Ishmael
in the wilderness of Beersheba. It is the
44
ESSEX COUNTY.
masterpiece of Alessandro F. Cavazza, who
executed the same in the purest Cararra
marble, in Modena, Italy, in 1872 "Ish-
mael," says the New York Christian Intelli-
gencer, "in his utter weakness, has loos-
ened his hold upon Hagar's neck, and has
fallen back apparently lifeless across her
left knee. The relaxed muscles of the lad,
his death-like countenance, the agonized
look of his mother, and the many other
minute details of finished expression, show
the artist to have been in full sympathy
with his subject, and to have possessed the
skill and knowledge (anatomical and eccle-
siastical) requisite for its accurate por-
trayal."
President Woodbridge was authorized to
accept the gift and to assure the donors, on
behalf of the board of superintendents and
the faculty, that the gift would be highly
appreciated. Later there was received by
Dr. Coles and his sister the following :
"General Synod, Reformed Church in
America,
"Raritan, N. J., June 11, 1897.
"I have been directed by the General
Synod to forward to you a copy of the fol-
lowing action, taken at its recent session
held at Asbury Park, New Jersey. Re-
solved, That the General Synod of the Re-
formed Church in America, hereby assures
Dr. J. Ackerman Coles, and Miss Emilie S.
Coles, that the gift of the statuary, repre-
senting Hagar and Ishmael, is fully appre-
ciated, and that the thanks of the Synod is
hereby tendered to the generous donors.
Respectfully yours,
WILLIAM H. De HART,
Stated Clerk."
The Lewisburg (Pennsylvania) Chron-
icle refers to a recent gift, in the following
language: "Bucknell (Lewisburg) Uni-
versity has received a very valuable gift in
the shape of a life-size bust of Julius Cassar,
a bronze copy of the one in the Louvre, in
Paris, France. It is mounted on an Ital-
ian-marble pedestal, and has been placed
on exhibition in the college library. No
other copy like it is believed to be in Amer-
ica. It is the gift of Dr. J. A. Coles and
his sister, in memory of their father, the
late Abraham Coles, M. D., Ph. D., LL.
D., an honorary alumnus of the univer-
sity."
President John H. Harris, D. D., LL.
D., wrote to Dr. J. A. Coles :
"Dear Sir: The bust of Julius Caesar,
with pedestal, arrived safely, and has been
put in place. The work evokes much ad-
miration, and the feeling of gratitude to
the generous givers is universal.
"Please accept our hearty thanks for
your kind remembrance and generous gift.
"Respectfully,
"JOHN H. HARRIS."
A letter from Bishop John H. Vincent,
chancellor of the Chautauqua University,
to Dr. J. A. Coles, reads as follows:
"Chautauqua, N. Y., July 14, 1897.
"My Dear Doctor: I send to the New
York Tribune this evening a copy of the
enclosed telegram. The bust and its mar-
ble pedestal are beautiful, and Chautauqua
does really appreciate your great kindness.
"Faithfully yours,
"JOHN H. VINCENT."
"In connection with a great amphithea-
tre concert at Chautauqua, under the di-
rection of Dr. Palmer, a life-size bronze
bust of Beethoven, presented by Dr. J.
Ackerman Coles, of Scotch Plains, New
Jersey, was unveiled. Just before the un-
veiHng, President G. Stanley Hall, of Clark
University, delivered a brief address on
music. As the veil was lifted, the amphi-
ESSEX COUNTY.
45
theatre gave the splendid Cliautauqua sa-
lute, in honor of Beethoven, and in recos:-
nition of Dr. J. Ackerman Coles and his
sister. Immediately followinof this Mr.
Wm. H. Slierwood gave a piano solo, — the
Sonata Appassionata, by Beethoven. The
performance was brilliant. The Chautau-
qua salute was also given to Professor
Sherwood."
"To the Hall of Marble Statuary, in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York,"
the New York Evangelist says, "Dr. J.
Ackerman Coles, of Newark, who has ad-
ded so largely of late to the art treasures
of his own city, has made a couple of valu-
able gifts."
One gift is the famous statue, known as
"The Promised Land," executed in Car-
arra marble, by the celebrated American
artist, Franklin Simmons, at Rome, Italy,
in 1874. A beautiful ideal life-size female
figure, gracefully robed, is designed to
■represent the earnest longing of the spirit
for "The Promiised Land," "The Better
Country," "The Celestial City of Zion."
Upon the plinth of the statue, which rests
upon an elegantly paneled octagonal ped-
estal of dark Spanish marble, are inscribed
four lines of the mediaeval Latin hymn,
"Urbs Coelestis Sion," by St. Bernard, of
Cluny, with its translation, by the late Dr.
Abraham Coles, the hymn and the transla-
tion being well known to scholars through-
out the literary world. Daniel Hunting-
tori, the second vice-president of the mu-
seum, and chairman of the committee on
sculpture, in recommending its acceptance
by the board of trustees, wrote :
"I am greatly pleased with the statue.
It has a refined and spiritual character, as
well as artistic grace and beauty."
The other gift from Dr. Coles, as execu-
tor of the estate of his father, the late Dr.
Abraham Coles, is a Cararra marble copy,
by P. Barzanti, of Florence, Italy, of the
antique statue, "Venus de Medici." The
original, it will be remembered, was found
in the Villa of Hadrian, at Tivoli, in the
seventeenth century, and was taken to
Rome, and deposited in the Medici Palace,
whence it took its name. About the year
1680 it was carried, by order of Cosmo III.,
to Florence. In 1796 Napoleon Bona-
parte sent it, with other works of art, to
France, and had it placed in the Louvre, at
Paris. .Here it remained imtil 1815, when
it was returned to Italy, and is now the
chief treasure in the tribune of the Ufifizi
gallery at Florence. It is of Parian mar-
ble, and was executed by Cleomenes, the
Athenian, the son of Apollodorus, who
flourished between 200 and 150, B. C.
From its exquisite proportions and perfec-
tion of contour, it has become the most
celebrated standard of female form extant.
The copy, with its marble pedestal, given
by Dr. Coles, is considered to be equal in
every respect to the one in the gallery of
the Duke of Devonshire, at Chatsworth,
England. Soon after its proffer to the mu-
seum, General Louis P. Di Cesnola, secre-
tary and director, wrote to Dr. Coles as fol-
lows :
"I have the honor to inform you that,
upon the recommendation of the commit-
tee on sculpture, the trustees of the Metro-
politan Museum of Art have accepted your
gift, and have instructed their executive
committee to convey to you an expression
of their thanks for your generosity. In do-
ing so, I may be permitted to add that
these thanks will be constantly hereafter re-
peated by the people, to whose enjoyment
and instruction the Museum of Art is de-
voted, and to which your gift is a valuable
46
ESSEX COUNTY.
contribution. With higli regfards, I re-
main,
■■\'erv sincerely yours,
"L. P. DI CESNOLA,
"Secretary."
Deerhurst, since their father's death, has
continued to be occupied by Dr. Coles and
his sister. "Back from the house a short
distance," says the Boston Transcript, "is
the deer park; farther on is the labyrinth, a
fac-simile of the Maze, at Hampton Court,
near London, England. The mansion it-
self is substantial, elegant and beautiful,
and replete with articles rich and rare,
gathered in journeyings through foreign
lands. The library is an ideal room. It is
open to the roof, the rafters coming down
in graceful sweeps, with here and there odd
little windows, deeper ones, reaching to the
fioor and opening upon balconies. On
every side are books, — in massive cases,
filling deep recesses; on shelves substanti-
all}- built around corners and supported by
ornamental columns, and on daintier
shelves, arranged above one's head. A
vast and varied collection, in all languages,
carefully and worthil}^ bound." One very
rare volume is remarkable as being the first
book printed containing Arabic types, and
is entitled, "Psalterium, Hebrseum, Gr^e-
cum, Arabicum, et Chaldaeum, cum tribus
Latinis interpretationibus. Genuae, Petrus
Paulus Porrus, 1516." Folio, half green
morocco. This, the first Polyglot psalter,
edited by Agostino Giustiniani, is impor-
tant also, as containing the first printed
biography of Columbus. It is printed as a
long marginal note to Psalm xix."
"The fine collection of paintings, curios
and bric-a-brac, belonging to Dr. Coles,"
says the New York Tribune, "which has
been on exhibition in the art gallery of the
Coles homestead building, No. 222 Market
street, Newark, for the past two weeks, for
the benefit of the Newsboys' Building
Fund, is, without exception, one of the
choicest collections in Newark, if not in
New Jersey."
The art critic of The Queen, says of the
oil painting (ten feet by five feet) entitled
"The Fall of Man," by Bouverie Goddard,
and exhibited by him at the Royal Acad-
emy, London, England, in 1877, — "Second
to no picture painted since Sir Edwin
Landseer's palmy days, in which animal
forms and character have been represented
and expressed on canvas is Mr. Goddard's
truly noble 'Fall of Man.' In the distance
appears the vision of the celestial warrior-
guardians of the gate of that blissful gar-
den, no longer the home of the fallen ones,
from which, for the first time conscious of
the fierce instincts of their nature, various
animals are rushing away in amazement
and alarm."
"The picture portrays," says The Acad-
emy, "the savagery of the brute nature en-
suing upon the disobedience of Adam and
Eve. * * * The difticulty of Mr. God-
dard's attempt becomes all the greater, in
that he does not represent any actual at-
tack of one animal upon another, but only
the moment when the attacking and raven-
ous impulse arises and manifests itself in
gesture and demeanor."
"We have not, for a long time, met with
a picture of animals by an Englishman,"
says The Athenaeum, "showing so much
care, energy, and learning, as Mr. B. God-
dard's 'The Fall of Man,' in which the life-
size beasts, terrified by the portents attend-
ing 'The Fall,' rush from the neighborhood
of Eden, new ferocity being manifested by
their actions and expressions."
ESSEX COUNTY.
47
The London Times says, — "One is at
first puzzled to account for the tremendous
commotion among Mr. Bouverie God-
dard's wild beasts, carried to its height in a
powerfully designed and well painted fore-
ground group of a lion, lioness, and
cubs, till we learn, more from the
title than from the extract of Mil-
ton, appended to it, that, such was
the effect produced among the beasts
of the forest bv the 'Fall of Man.' Thev
ity,' there is nothing in the way of animal
painting here so remarkable for the way
the painter has brought landscape and ani-
mals into harmonious imaginative condi-
tions as Mr. B. Goddard's 'Combat' — a
couple of bulls in deadly encounter on the
margin of a river, under a stormy sunset
sky, watched by an excited and eager herd
of cows. Full of action, original in group-
ing, and forcible in light and shade, this
really is a powerful picture, an excellent il-
THE "HAMPTON COURT" LABYRINTH— EUTERPE.
are supposed to sympathize with the signs
in the heavens, the eclipsed sun. the lower-
ing sky, the muttering thunder, and sad
drops 'wept at the completing of the mor-
tal sin.' "
Of the second painting, named "The
Combat," or "A Bull Fight in the Vale,"
(seven feet by four feet,) painted in 1870,
and exhibited the same year in the Royal
Academy, the London Times, of May 30,
1870, said, — "After Sir Edwin's animal pic-
tures, and, perhaps, Mr. B. Riviere's 'Char-
lustration of the wealth of subject that lies
yet undrawn upon in the wide range of ani-
mal life."
A third painting (nine feet by five feet),
by Goddard, "A sale of New Forest Ponies
at Lyndhurst Fair, England," is regarded
by critics as equal in many respects to the
"Horse Fair," by Rosa Bonheur.
The collection includes, also, works by
the following artists: G. P. A. Healy,
"The Arch of Titus," Rome, 1871 (canvas
forty-eight inches by seventy-three inches).
48
ESSEX COUNTY.
in which the poet ^^^^^
Longfellow and his
daughter are seen standing under the arch,
while the artist F. E. Church is seated
sketching, with G. P. A. Healy and J. Mc-
Entee looking over his shoulder; all excel-
lent portraits; through the arch a magnifi-
cent view is had of the Colosseum beyond.
J. F. Cropsey (five), Corfe Castle, England
(seven feet by five feet), "Lake Nemi and
Village on the Appian Way, Italy" (six
feet by four feet), also three other land-
scapes. Albert Bierstadt (five), "Mount
Hood, in Oregon, at Sunset" (six feet by
four feet), in merit and beauty, thought to
be equal to his "Rocky Mountains;"
"Mount Hood, Oregon, with storm ap-
proaching;" "Niagara Falls from Goat
Island;" "Mount Blanc, from near Geneva,
Switzerland;" "Dieppe, near the Club
House, France." Daniel Huntington
(three) — one a life-size portrait of Abraham
Coles, — A. T. Bricher (two), J. F. Kensett
(three), F. E. Church, J. E. Freeman,
"Scene in the Pyrenees, Spain" (six feet by
three feet); Jones, "Niagara;" Thomas
Moran, Edward Moran (two), H.
P. Smith, James M. Hart, Will-
iam Hart, Julian Scott, Edward Gay,
George Inness, W. S. Hazeltine, John Con-
stable, R. A., Brunery; L. Verboeckhoven,
A. Reinert, Paul Jean Clays, Jan Chilnisky,
J. Carabain (two), H. De Buel, Rosa Bon-
heur (pen and ink sketch), J. H. L. De
Haas, Edward Portielge, B. C. Koekkoek;
J. G. Brown, N. V. Diaz de la Pena, J. B.
C. Corot, Constant Troyon; Theodore
Rousseau (two), George Jeannin, Eugene
Fichel, Georges Washington, Julian Du-
pre, Jules Dupre (two), Charles Jacque, G.
L. Pelouse, C. F. Daubigny, Karl Daubig-
ny, H. Delacroix (two), F. De Vere, La-
zerges, V. G. Stiepevich, Jean Francis Mil-
let, Anton Mauve, Felix Zieni, R. Eiser-
mann, "The Trumpter of Sackingen" (six
feet seven inches, by four feet six inches);
others are attributed to Rembrandt, Peter
Pourbus (1510-1583), David Teniers, Da-
vid Teniers, the younger (i 610- 1690)
(two); Dubois, Til Borg (1625-1678), Luca
Giordano (1632-1701), "Europa" (six feet
by five feet), from Prince Borghese sale,
Rome, a fair rival of the artist's painting in
the Berlin Gallery; Jean Steen, Gerhard
Douw, Hans Memling (1440-1495), the
eminent decorator of missals and church
books; Jacob Backer (1609-165 1), pupil of
Rembrandt, "The Antiquarian" (six feet
by four feet six inches), remarkable for its
realism and as illustrative of the perma-
nency of colors used by the old masters;
Ostade, Minderhout Hobbima (born at
Antwerp about 161 1), a small landscape of
much grace and beauty; Holbein (1498-
1543), portrait of his patron, Henry VIII,
of England; Salvator Rosa; Ribera (1588-
1656), Gerard (1770-1837), David Cox
(1783-1859), etc., etc.
The marble statuary includes life-size
busts of Abraham Coles, by J. Q. A. Ward;
William Harvey, by Horatio Stone; Walter
Scott, by Chantrey, a copy of the one at
Abbotsford; Eve and Charity, by Hiram
Powers; a full-length statue of the Hebrew
prophetess, Deborah, by Lombardi; Mar-
tin Luther; a large copy of the Warwick
Vase, in Cararra marble; the Village Black-
smith, full length figure, by Shakespeare
Wood; the Venus of Melos, half of the size
of the original in the Louvre, cast in bronze
for Dr. Coles, at the foundry of Barbedi-
enne; also bronzes by Barye, A. Gaudez, P.
J. Mene, A. Mercie, Fournier, E. Pigault,
G. Bareau, etc., etc.
Since the exhibition, which was a sue-
ESl^EX COUNTY.
49
cess, the committee having the matter in
hand have secured a large comfortable
home for the Newslioys and five hundred
dollars from Dr. Coles toward paying for
same.
August, 1897, Dr. Coles wrote:
Rpv. John Williams, D. D.. LI^. D.. Chancellor of
Trinity College.
Dear Sir.— Belonging to the e.state of my father, the
late Abraham Coles. A. M.. M. D.. Ph D.. LL. D.,
is a very beautiful life-size bust of Mozart, the first
and only one in bronze cai^'t from the original model.
J I was made for and imported by Messrs. Tiffany &
Company, of New York city. To Trinity, as represent-
ative of the Protestant Episcopal colleges in America,
I, as executor of my father's estate, my sister, Emilie
S. Coles, cordially concurring, will be pleased to give
this bronze, with its imported marble pedestal, a-s a
memorial of the affectionate regard that existed be-
tween my father and yourself while you were presi-
dent, professor and chancellor of Trinity, dean of
Berkeley Divinity School, chairman of the house of
Bishops and Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut,
from which state came the founders of the city of
Newark, in 16f!6.
The correspondence carried on between yourself and
my father, relative to the latter's "unequaled transla-
tions" of the "Dies Irie." has suggested the seemingly
eminent propriety of giving to Trinity the bust of "that
great composer by whose means this immortal poem
has come to be w-orlhlly weddeil to Immortal music."
As a graduate of Columbia. I am personally gratitierl
in knowing that my alma mater honored herself in
honoring you, in ISSl, with the degree of LI^. D. Upon
notification that the proffered gifts will be acceptable
to the trustees of Trinity College, 1 will have the bust
and its pedestal boxed by Messrs. Tiffany & Company,
and sent as you may direct, by express, all charges
prepaid. Awaiting your reply, I am, with great respect.
Yours Sincerelj-,
J. ACKERMAN COLES, Executor,
Replying to Dr. Coles. Ralph Binlsall,
secretary to the Bishop, said :
"Bishop Williams thanks you very much
for your kind proposition, and when the
fall term begins at Trinity College he will
send notification, that proper action may
be taken in the premises."
Under a later date George Williamson
Smith, D. D., LL. D,, president of Trinity
College, writes to Dr, Coles:
"A letter just received from Bishop Will-
iams informs me of your kind offer to pre-
sent to Trinity College 'a life-size bronze
bu.st of Mozart" from the estate of your fa-
ther, the late Dr. Abraham Coles. We
4
shall be very glad to have such a valuable
addition to our rather meager collection of
objects of art, and place it in Alumni Hall,
where the portraits of benefactors and pres-
idents are hung."
From Trinity College, Hartford, Con-
necticut, October 2, 1897, President Smith
w rote :
"The boxes containing the bronze bust
of Mozart and its marble pedestal have been
opened and the work is placed in Alumni
Hall, where it attracts attention and
awakens great admiration. I beg leave to
thank you in the name of the college, and
will rc])ort the gift to the trustees at their
ne.xt meeting."
To Amherst College Dr. Coles has given,
from his father's estate, an heroic-size bust
of \'irgil. the only known l)ronze co])y of
the original in the Museum of the Louvre.
It was cast at the foundry of Barbedienne,
Paris, purposely for Dr. Coles, by order of
Tiffany & Co.. and by them was appropri-
ately mounted on an imported pedestal of
dark Italian marble.
fVesident Merrill E. Gates, Ph. D., L.
H. D., LL. D., in his acknowledgment of
the gift wrote : "The bust has great and
exceptional value in itself, and coming
from you. in memory of your father, his re-
gard for Amherst and his relations with us
in the past, it will have a double value."
Dr. Coles sent, also, recently, a valuable
bronze and pedestal to the home of Wash-
ington at Mount Vernon, the receipt of
which gift has been courteously acknowl-
edged.
The New York Observer says: "Dr.
Coles has given princely .gifts of art to pub-
lic and educational institutions, but none
more appropriate or better appreciated
than his donation to the public, of a superb
so
ESSEX COUNTY.
bronze bust of his distinguished father, the
late Abraham Coles, physician, poet, au-
thor and scientist, which, with its pedestal
of historic and religious interest, was un-
veiled in Newark, July 5, 1897."
The following "Tribute," by M. Win-
chester Adams, is from the Newark Daily
Advertiser :
With thankfulness for the sweet hymns
To comfort "all the days,"
And admiration in our hearts,
Upon his face we gaze.
He is not dead — no one is dead —
Whose voice speaks through all time
In adoration, faith and love
In ev'ry clime.
The little children whom he loved.
Stop oft to read the song,
"The Rock of Ages," wondrous words.
So true and grand and strong.
It gives the weary pilgrim strength,
"God's mercy standeth fast,"
His promises "from age to age"
For aye shall last.
"Ever with Thee," what perfect faith
Abounds throughout the hymn;
No more of sorrow, night or fear.
Or tears the eye to dim.
'T will comfort many, long years hence, —
Whose lives have shadows gray, —
And they will breathe a prayer of thanks.
As I, to-day.
"As a gift for the new building, to be
erected at the head of Washington Park, in
Newark, N. J., for the Free Public Library,
Dr. Coles," says The Republican (Spring-
field, Massachusetts), "has ordered Messrs.
Tififany & Co., of New York city, to have
cast in bronze at the foundry of Barbedi-
enne, France, a life-size bronze bust of
George Washington, from the original
model by Jean Antoine Houdon, whose full
length statue of Washington in marble,
modeled from life at Mt. Vernon, by order
of the State of Virginia, is, in the Capitol at
Richmond.
"When the library building shall be
ready for the reception of the bust cast es-
pecially for it. Dr. Coles will give also a
pedestal of marble and bronze, in harmony
with its subject, and in keeping with the
architecture of the entrance hall, or other
site decided upon as most proper for its lo-
cation."
"On February 22, 1898," says the Mor-
ris County Chronicle, "Washington's birth-
day was celebrated at the headquarters of
the Washington Association at Morris-
town. Austin Scott, LL. D., president of
Rutgers College, delivered an able address
on Washington. Jonathan W. Roberts,
president of the Washington Association,
then briefly announced the receipt of a val-
uable bronze from Dr. J. Ackerman Coles,
of Newark, and called upon the donor for
some remarks concerning the same. Dr.
Coles said :
"As executor of the estate of my father,
I would have been derelict in the discharge
of my duty if, in the distribution of works
of art to the various institutions of learning
he loved. I had omitted to remember
Washington's Headquarters, at Morris-
town. N. ]., a building that is said to have
sheltered more statesmen, military and
naval heroes connected with our War for
Independence than any other house in
America, the home where for many months
Martha Washington, as hostess, hospitably
entertained her husband's guests; where
Alexander Hamilton, during the winter of
1779. met, laid siege to and won the heart
of the daughter of General Schuyler;
where, from time to time, gathered mem-
bers of the Continental Congress, in front
of which mansion Washington's body-
guard of one hundred Virginians kept
watch day and night.
"In every room and on every wall are
objects of historic interest. Therefore, Mr.
President, I esteem it a privilege and a
pleasure to be permitted to add something
ESSEX COUNTY.
51
thereto, and, as a member of the Washing-
ton Association, in memory of my father,
the late Dr. Abraham Coles, I now profTer
for your acceptance the bronze medallion,
bearing the stamp of Tififany & Co., and en-
titled "Triumviri Americani," representing
in bas-relief life-size portraits of George
Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ulys-
ses S. Grant, and designated also, respec-
tively, 'Pater, 1789-93,' 'Salvator, 1861-65,'
'Ciistos, 1869-73' — father, saviour and pre-
server, of the republic."
Upon vote, the gift was unanimously ac-
cepted, with many thanks.
For the ofificers and graduates of An-
dover, Massachusetts, Dr. Abraham Coles
entertained both high regard and afifection,
and he often referred to the zeal, earnest-
ness and devotion of Judson, Xewell, Xott,
Hall, Mills, Richards, Rice and others, that,
finally resulted in the founding, January
28, 1810, of the American Board of Com-
missioners for Foreign Missions. To the
trustees of Andover Theological Seminary
Dr. Coles has sent, as a gift from his fa-
ther's estate, a life-size bust of Mendels-
sohn, whose oratorios of "St. Paul" and
"Elijah" have made their author's name im-
mortal. The bust is the first made and
probably only copy in bronze of the orig-
inal in the Louvre. It was cast at the
Barbedienne foundry, in Paris, especially
for Dr. Coles, by order of TitTany & Com-
pany.
Li 1878 Emilie S. Coles published the
Mission Band Hymnal, consisting for the
most part of hymns written by her father,
at her request, to be sung to his favorite
tunes. One of her own together with
some of her father's composing were subse-
quently incorporated in Hymns of the
Ages, an excellent work compiled by the
Rev. Robert P. Kerr, D. D., of Richmond,
Virginia, for the use of the churches, es-
pecially those at the south. The preface
to this work is written by the Rev. Moses
D. Hoge, D. D., who was a beloved com-
panion in foreign travel of the late Dr.
Coles. Two of the hymns by Dr. Coles in
this volume are "When Jesus speaks, so
sweet the sound, the harps of heaven are
hushed to hear" (Migdol, L. M., Arr., L.
Mason), and the "Hymn of Dedication,"
beginning "We can not build alone"
(Brooklyn, H. M.— J. Zundel). We give
below the words of the familiar hymn
known by the name "Adoration," com-
posed and written by Miss Coles, to the
tune "Berlin" (Mendelssohn's Songs With-
out Words), but in "Hymns of the Ages,"
set to the tune of "Eventide," by W. H.
Monk, and to Troyte's Chant No. i.
Now lift we Hymns of heart-felt praise to Thee,
Our King. Redeemer, Saviour, Brother, Friend!
And when Thy face we, in Thy likeness, see.
Our adoration-song shall never end:
Then shall we sing— when with our God we reign,
Serving Thee, ever, in most holy ways —
"Worthy the Lamb who once for us was slain!"
That Song, forever new, of ceaseless praise.
While here we tarry in this world of need,
Seeking the lost ones who in darkness roam,
Thy little flock. Good Shepherd, gently lead.
And bear Thy lambs in safety to Thy Home.
FREDERICK WILLIAM RICORD.
Frederick William Ricord, son of Jean
Bapti.ste Ricord and Elizabeth (Stryker)
Ricord, was born in Guadeloupe, West In-
dies, October 7, 1819, and died in Newark,
New Jersey, August 13, 1897.
Mr. Ricord represented several lines of
descent, including the Holland Dutch of
his maternal grandfather, whose family set-
tled in New Amsterdam in 1652, where
Jan Stryker, of Ruiven, the first bearer of
the name to come to America, was a man
ESSEX COUNTY.
of no little importance, and later was the
founder of a Dutch colony on Long Island,
the modern name of which is Flatbush.
Jan Stryker was its first chief magistrate,
which office he held for twenty years. This
family was one both ancient and honorable
in Holland. Of its pedigree fourteen de-
scents are given in Holland up to 1791.
Of the French line of Mr. Ricord's line of
ancestry, it mav be said to include Hugue-
not and Girondist blood, the French Revo-
lution being chiefly responsible for its emi-
gration to America, his grandfather Ricord
having fled to this country in 1793 to es-
cape, with his young wife and little chil-
dren, the horrors of that terrible era.
Jean Baptiste. the father of the subject of
this memoir, who always bore the family
title of Madianna. which belonged to him
as the eldest son of the family, studied med-
icine, was graduated at the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons of New York, and
practiced medicine in this country and at
his home in the West Indies. He is well
known as the author of several valuable
scientific works.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ricord, wife of Dr.
Ricord. was a pioneer in the higher educa-
tion of women, the friend and associate of
Mary Lyon, Emma \\'illard and other early
educators. Bereft of husband and left with
four sons to educate, she returned from the
West Indies to America to give to her boys
the advantages of a Christian land and
civilization. In that day it was not custo-
mary for women to face the world, as now
may be done, without call for special eft'ort
or courage. Delicately reared, the daugh-
ter of a clergyman. Rev. Peter Stryker, ac-
customed throughout married life abroad
to the dependent life of the wife of a large
slaveholder, Mrs. Ricord came to America
to fight her way with an entire change of
environment. At once she decided upon
the life of a teacher as that which, while
supporting herself, would also he a life of
help to others. To this end she opened a
school in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where
her youngest son died. As her worldly
goods increased she was enabled to realize,
in larger degree, the idea which had long
been uppermost in her mind, in engaging
in the work of teaching, which was that of
establishing a school where young women
might have educational advantages of-
fered to them, greater than any given by
the schools of her own girlhood. To this
end she opened, in 1829, in Geneva, New
York, her seminary for young women, in
which institution an education was made
possible for women that was upon a par
with that ottered by the higher schools for
young men. She was eminently successful
in her undertaking: her seminary took first
rank, and its pupils were numbered by
thousands during the many years of its
e.xistence.
As an inmiediate outcome of her under-
taking, Mrs. Ricord was enabled to send all
of her three remaining sons through col-
lege and give to two of them a legal, and
to the other, a medical, education. Fred-
erick W.. the youngest of the three, the
subject of this sketch, graduated at both
Hobart and Rutgers Colleges, completed
his law studies, and was admitted to the
bar of the state of New York. In 1843 'i^
married Sophia, daughter of W' illiam Brad-
ley, whose family represented one of the
best of New England. Upon her mother's
side, Sophia Bradley was a descendant of
Governor William Bradford, of the Ply-
mouth Colony, and also of Governor John
Webster, of the Connecticut Colony.
ESSEX COUNTY.
53
Mr. Ricord did not follow his legal pro-
fession, hut, shortly after marriage, having
taken up his residence in Newark, New-
Jersey, he began teaching, and occupied
his spare time with literary pursuits, as a
writer for papers, magazines and later as
the author and editor of many works. His
life is too well known by those among
whom it was spent to need mention in de-
tail. As a public officer he is known as one
above bribe or corruption, jealous in his
adherence to right, the tool of no man.
His attitude on the wood-pavement ques-
tion is too well known in the city of New-
ark to need rehearsal. Through his action
hundretls of thousands of dollars were
saved to the city and to its citizens as indi-
viduals. .As state superintendent, Mr.
Ricord <lid much to systematize tlie educa-
tional affairs of the state. During the sev-
enteen years of his connection with the
Board of I^lducation of Newark lie did also
important work for city educational mat-
ters. Although offered chairs in various
well known colleges and universities, Mr.
Ricord preferred to live in the city of his
choice, and therefore accepted none of
these offered positions, although he was
not insensible to their honor. Nor did he
ever accept the honor of representing his
constituents in the state legislature or
United States legislative bodies, although
he was asked to accept nominations for
both.
From Ijoyhood Mr. Ricord belonged to
the church of his Holland ancestors, but
was, for the last forty years of his life, a
member of the Presbyterian church. For
many years he was superintendent of one
of the first colored Sunday schools in the
city.
During the fifty-four years of his resi-
dence in Newark Mr. Ricord occupied the
\arious positions and offices of librarian of
the Newark Library Association, member
and president of the board of education,
state superintendent of public schools,
sheriff' of Essex county, mayor of the city
of Newark, judge of various courts, and
librarian and treasurer of the New Jersey
Historical Society. He was a member and
Master of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M.,
and connected with many literary and edu-
cational societies and bodies, both in his
own and other states. He was the author
of many works and the translator of many
more. His Youth's Grannnar and His-
tories of Rome were, for many years, lead-
ing text-books in the schools of the land.
He was emphatically a linguist, being mas-
ter of fourteen languages and dialects, and
was, during his long life of literary work,
editor of many magazines, papers antl bio-
graphical works.
The political record of Mr. i'iicord is
without stain. In his social life he was
known and loved as a man of pure life and
noble thought, of warm heart and courte-
ous bearing, a man to whom the pomps
and vanities of life had little value, and the
approval of his own conscience was the best
reward. He was a tireless worker and a
man of rare simplicity of character. Of the
possessions and treasures of a long life,
none were so dear to this man of unworldly
thought, as the friendships he made and
held as the best gifts of the God he wor-
shiped.
[A portrait of Judge Ricord appears in
connection with the introductory article of
this volume. — The Publishers.]
54
ESSS^IJX rOl'XTY
JOHN W. DE BAUN,
a progressive agriculturist of Caldwell
township, was born in Schuyler county,
New York, on the 25th of October, 1858,
and is a son of John and Lettie (Folley)
De Baun. His father was born in Bergen
county. New Jersey, in 181 3, and in his
early life he worked as a carpenter in that
locality and in New York city, locating
about the year 1847 in Schuyler county,
whence he came to his late residence in
Essex county in 1866, purchasing a farm
near Clinton, and there resided until his
death, which occurred on the 24th of Jan-
uary, 1895. His father was an American
by birth, although his ancestors were of
French origin. Mrs. De Baun was the
daughter of William Folley, of Bergen
county, New Jersey, was born July 9, 1818,
and died December 3, 1897, and to her and
her husband were born the following
named children : Abram, of Paterson, New
Jersey; Maria, wife of Charles C. Harvey,
of Schuyler county, New York; Catherine,
wife of Adonile King; Jeremiah R., who
was a member of Company G, One Hun-
dred and Ninth New York Volunteer In-
fantry, and who died in the service near the
close of the war; Peter, of Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Ella O., wife of John H. Pier;
Emma O., wife of Edward P. Bush; and
John W. and Amos.
John W. De Baun acquired a limited
amoimt of schooling while growing up on
his father's farm, and at the age of twenty-
four he left the old homestead and removed
to a small farm he had previously secured,
and there engaged in the business of mar-
ket gardening. Fifty dollars was all the
money he possessed with which to make the
first payment on the farm, from which it
may be inferred that his initial movements,
were indeed but primitive. His industry
and unfaltering perseverance brought their
own reward, and in time his improvements
were all made, his farm paid for and he
had accumulated a surplus to be used in
any possible emergency. His was the first
truck wagon to make a trip from the vi-
cinity of Fairfield to the Newark market, —
a fact that establishes him as the pioneer
truck farmer of Fairfield. In his political
belief Mr. De Baun is a stanch advocate of
Republican principles and he is a member
of the school board in his district.
The marriage of Mr. De Baun was cele-
brated at Boston, Massachusetts, on the
25th of December, 1883, when he was
united to Miss Abbie M. Kimball, a daugh-
ter of \\'ashington Kimball, of Bucksport,
Maine, and their children are: Inez W.,
Roscoe W., Ruth E., John W., Jr., and
Sadie A.
EDWARD P. BUSH.
The Bush family is one of the oldest and
most honored in Essex county, the found-
ing of it having occurred during colonial
times. "Governor" Bush, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in the neighbor-
hooil of Clinton, as was his son William,
the father of Edward P., the birth of whom
occurred about the year 181 2. A few years
of his early married life were passed in To-
ledo, Ohio, but he returned to his native
county before the war and was one of the
prominent Democratic leaders for many
years, serving as justice of the peace of his
township, collector of the same, a member
of the Essex county road board, was county
collector for two or three terms, and about
the year 1872 he was elected sheriff of
Essex county. He was united in marriage
ESSEX COUNTY.
55
to Miss Charlotte Pierce, a daughter of
Edward Pierce, and she died in 1884, sur-
vived by the following children : Ezra, of
Brooklyn, New York; Antoinette, the wife
of Charles Demorest; Charles, of South-
ampton, Long Island; James K. ; Cyn-
thia, who married W. H. Barton; Sarah,
the wife of John R. Jacobus; and Edward
P., the immediate subject of this sketch.
Edward P. Bush, one of the representa-
tive farmers of Essex county, was born on
the homestead which is now in his posses-
sion on the loth of June, 1852, and received
such literary education as was afforded by
the district schools of that vicinity. He
subsequently adopted the calling which his
ancestors had followed for several genera-
tions before him, that of farming, and has
continued to successfully devote his efforts
in the pursuit of that line of industry.
On the 31st of December, 1876, Mr.
Bush was united in marriage to Miss
Emma O. De Baun, and they are the
parents of five children : Ada, Norman C,
Grover, Florence and Elsie.
JOHN H. PIER,
of Caldwell, one of the progressive and
thrifty farmers and gardeners of Caldwell
township, was born on the farm which he
now owns, February 27, 1855. Through-
out the century the Pier family has been
represented in Essex county, the grandfa-
ther of our subject, John Pier, having been
born within its borders, while his residence
throughout life was maintained in Pier
Lane. His son, Simon D. Pier, the father,
was born in Fairfield, in 181 5, and followed
the carpenter's trade in connection with
agricultural pursuits. He married Caro-
line Cole, a daughter of Richard Cole, a
representative of one of the early families
of the county, and they became the parents
of four children, namely: Richard; Abbie,
wife of Henry Bird; Hattie, wife of Charles
Garrabrant; and John H.
John H. Pier has spent his entire life at
the place of his birth. He obtained his ed-
ucation in the common schools, and no
event of special importance occurred dur-
ing .his youth, which was spent in the
school-room, on the farm, or enjoying boy-
ish sports with the lads of the neighbor-
hood. In his younger years he learned
the carpenter's trade, serving an appren-
ticeship to Nicholas Bond, of Caldwell, and
after mastering the business he followed it
as a means of livelihood for twelve years.
Out of his wages he managed to save
enough capital to purchase his present
farm, and has since engaged in raising veg-
etables for the city market. His land is sys-
tematically laid out, being divided into beds
of convenient size, and his thorough under-
standing of his business enables him to util-
ize his ground to the best advantage. He
raises an excellent quality of vegetables and
finds a good market for his products. He
is now enjoying a good and profitable busi-
ness and is certainly deserving the success
which is attending his efforts.
In 1878 Mr. Pier was united in marriage,
the lady of his choice being Miss Ella O.
a daughter of John De Baun, and they have
two children, — -Hazel and Charles.
WILLIAM L. JOHNSON,
of Bloomfield, township clerk and secretary
of the board of health, was born in Bloom-
field township, Essex county, on the 13th
of July, 1866. For a century both his pa-
ternal and maternal ancestors have been
residents of this section of the state. His
grandfather, Thomas V. Johnson, was
56
ESSEX COUNTY.
born ill Xew Jersey and made his home in
Newark during the great part of his hfe.
Tlie maternal grandfather was Simeon
Riggs Hayes, also a native of the state.
His parents, J. Cory and Sally W. (Hayes)
Johnson, were horn and reared in Essex
county and for many years he has been the
special agent for the Mutual Benefit Insur-
ance Company, of Newark, New Jersey,
and agent for the Mutual Life Insurance
Company, of New York, with office in
Newark.
The gentleman whose name begins this
re\iew spent the greater part of his youth
in lUoomfleld, where he attended the pub-
lic schools. Later he pursued a commer-
cial course in the business academy in
Newark antl on its completion entered
upon his business career as a salesman in
thg wholesale and retail store of William
Whitty, of Newark, in whose employ he
remained for three years. He then ac-
cepted a position as salesman for S. S. Pe-
loubet, of New York city, with whom he
continued for two years, after which he
dealt in law books in New York city and
carried on business with good success for
four years. On the expiration of that pe-
riod he disposed of his business in order to
assume the duties of township clerk, to
which position he had been elected in the
spring of 1892. So acceptably and faith-
fully has he served in that capacity that he
has been twice re-elected without opposi-
tion.
Mr. Johnson was married in iSqg. the
lady of his choice being Miss Arvilla G.
Dancer, of Bloomfield, a daughter of
Thomas L. and Anna (Kent) Dancer. Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson are well known and have
the warm regard of a large circle of friends
in Bloomfield.
Mr. Johnson has taken a very active part
in the affairs of the city and lends his sup-
port to every movement calculated to bene-
fit the community, materially, socially or
morally. He was for nine years a member
of the Bloomfield Hook & Ladder Com-
pany, and for four years has been foreman,
still occupying this position. He is a val-
ued and prominent member of various be-
ne\olent and social organizations, is past
regent of the Bloomfield Council of the
Royal Arcanum; also a member of the Im-
proved Order of Heptasophs, which
was organized in June. 1893: of the Loyal
Additional Benefit Association, of which
he is treasurer; treasurer of the E.xempt
Firemen's Association, and a member of
Bloomfield Lodge, No. 40, F. & A. M. In
politics he is a stalwart Republican and be-
longs to the Lincoln Republican Club. Al-
ways courteous and genial, he possesses a
social disposition that well fits him for the
important part which he has taken in pub-
lic affairs. His life record will bear the
closest scrutiny and commends him to the
good will and respect of all.
FREDERICK T. FRELINGHUYSEN.
True biography has a nobler purpose
than mere fulsome eulogy. The historic
spirit faithful to the record, the discerning
judgment unmo\-ed by prejudice and un-
colored l>y enthusiasm are as essential in
giving the life of the individual as in writ-
ing the history of a people. Indeed, the
ingenuousness of the former picture is
e\en more vital, because the individual is
the national unit, and if the unit be justly
estimated the complex organism will be-
come correspondingly intelligible. The
world to-day is what the leading men of the
6/ L^ cC . cy ■ ^ LyC^C-t..'%.-^ ^ >i-t-i--T^ eTc
Ei^SEX couxry.
57
last generation have made it. From the
past has come the legacy of the present.
Art, science, statesmanship, government
are accumulations. They constitute an in-
heritance upon which the present genera-
tion have entered, antl the advantages
secured from so vast a ])equeathment de-
pend entirely upon the fidelity with which
is conducted the study of the lives of the
principal actors who have transmitted the
legacv. This is especially true of those
whose influence has passed beyond the con-
fines of locality and permeated the national
character. To such a careful study are the
life, character and services of the late Fred-
erick T. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, pre-
eminently entitled, not only on the part of
the student of biography but of every citi-
zen who, guided by the past, would in the
present wisely build for tlie future.
Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen, who
rose to the di.stinction of being secretary of
state in President Arthur's cabinet, was
born in the village of Millstone, in the
county of Somerset, state of New Jersey,
on the 4th day of August, 1817. His hon-
ored ancestry, distinguished for piety, elo-
quence and ])atriotism, traces back, in
direct line, to the Rev. Theodorus Jacobus
Frelinghuysen. who was born in Holland
and there educated and ordained to the
ministry in the Reformed Dutch church.
In the vear 1720 this pious ancestor emi-
grated to America, in obedience to a call
from the Dutch churches of America to
the classis of Amsterdam. In his ministry
in this country he occupied almost the en-
tire county of Somerset, with parts of
Middlesex and Hunterdon, as the field of
his missionary labors. He was laborious,
devoted, successful. His motto, found in-
scribed upon a small collection of his ser-
mons printed in 1733, was "Laudem non
quero; Culpani non timeo," — "I ask not
praise; I fear not blame." In a successful
ministry of more than a quarter of a cen-
tury he stamped upon the religious faith
ami character of the Holland inhabitants of
Somerset county an impress whicii is trace-
able down the generations to the present
day. His undaunted attitude toward the
colonial courts of magistracy in the en-
croachments of the Church of England
upon the Reformed Dutch faith and polity
was characteristic of the deep spirit of
religious freedom with which he was in-
spired and which he transmitted to his
descendants. He had five sons ordained
to the ministry and two daughters who
married ministers.
The second of the five sons was Rev.
John Frelinghuysen, who was educated
and ordained in Holland and succeeded to
the labors of his father in 1750, with his
residence in Somerville. Here he estab-
lished a preparatory and divinity school,
which became the nucleus of a college, and
from which, through one of his pupils, the
Rev. Dr. Hardenburg, was evolved
Queen's College, now Rutgers, of which
Dr. Hardenburg became the first presitlent.
The Rev. John Frelinghuysen was a man
of brilliant gifts, and was popular and suc-
cessful as a preacher. He died suddenly
in 1754, leaving a wife, who was the
daughter of a wealthy and distinguished
East India merchant residing at Amster-
dam. Her name was Dinah Van Berg.
She was a very remarkable and highly
gifted Christian woman, and subsequently,
as the wife of Dr. Hardenburg, was known
in all the Dutch churches in Holland and
America.
The son of Rev. John Frelinghuysen and
58
ESSEX COUNTY.
Dinah Van Berg was General Frederick
Frelinghuysen, of Revolutionary fame, who
was born in Somerville, April 13, 1753. He
is, in this sketch, the central representa-
tive, being the grandson of the ancestor
and the grandfather of the late secretary of
state. He graduated at Princeton in the
class of 1770 and was a classmate of Presi-
dent James Madison and S. Stanhope
Smith, D. D., LL. D., who later became
president of Princeton. He was admitted
to the bar of New Jersey, became a member
of the provincial congress of New Jersey,
of the committee of safety, and was a
member of the continental congress at
different times. He was captain of a corps
of artillery in the Revolutionary war and
took part in the battles of Trenton and
Monmouth. He was afterward made ma-
jor-general of the militia in the Whisky
rebellion, and was a member of the United
States senate, from New Jersey, from 1793
to 1796. He died in 1804, highly hon-
ored and eulogized. He left three sons,
General John Frelinghuysen, Theodore
Frelinghuysen, and Frederick Frelinghuy-
sen, — all men of public distinction and rep-
utation.
General John Frelinghuysen was a grad-
uate of Queen's College, was frequently a
member of the state council, and under the
old constitution was popular in politics.
Military in tastes, he commanded a regi-
ment at Sandy Hook, in the war of 1812,
and in the absence of the chaplain officiated
as such himself. He was for years surro-
gate of the county of Somerset and held
numerous private and public trusts.
Theodore Frelinghuysen, the second
son, who achieved high distinction as an
educator, as well as a jurist and statesman,
was the uncle of the distinguished secre-
tary, whom he had adopted as a son. He
graduated at Princeton. It has been said
of him: "His name was enshrined in the
popular heart. He was the Christian's
model man, an eloquent senator, an emi-
nent jurist, a patriotic statesman and, in
his later years, an educator of young men
in college." At the time of his death he
was president of Rutgers College and was
revered for his greatness and goodness
combined.
Frederick Frelinghuysen, the youngest
of the three sons of General Frederick and
the father of the late Secretary, was born in
Millstone November 7, 1788. He, too,
was educated at Princeton, and being ad-
mitted to the bar commenced practice in
his native town of Millstone, where he
rapidly acquired a lucrative practice and
brilliant reputation. Though suddenly
stricken down by death in his thirty-second
year, he is remembered as a natural orator,
with a fervid imagination, a buoyant tem-
perament, and as possessing great power
over juries. He died suddenly in 1820,
leaving surviving him his young widow,
daughter of Peter B. Dumont, Esq., who
owned a valuable plantation on the south
bank of the Raritan, near Somerville; and
also leaving three daughters and two sons,
the younger son being Frederick Theo-
dore Frelinghuysen, the late secretary of
state in President Arthur's cabinet.
Young Frederick was only three years
of age when his father died, and immedi-
ately thereafter he was adopted by his
uncle Theodore and taken to live with him
in Newark. It is especially satisfactory to
record that, inheriting his father's natural
gifts, his eloquent speech and fervid emo-
tions, and partaking of the refinement and
comeliness of his mother, whose heart was
ESSEX COUXTY.
59
ever filled with ambitious aspirations for
the honorable career of her son, the loss of
his father could not have been more fully
compensated than it was, b\-the care and
custody of the little boy in the guardian-
ship of his distinguished uncle, who, hav-
ing no children of his own, lavished upon
him all the means that could be employed
in his training and culture. His prepara-
tory education alternated between the
academy at Newark and the academy at
Somerville. He entered Rutgers College
as a sophomore and graduated in the class
of 1836, a class conspicuous for names
that subsequently became eminent. While
a student in college Mr. Frelinghuysen's
prepossessing personal appearance, his tall,
slender figure, neatly attired, his hand-
some, glowing face, together with a dig-
nified and manly bearing, gave him a sin-
gularly attractive and impressive presence.
John F. Hageman, a classmate, speaking
of him at this time says: "His natural
talents were of a high order, but he had
no specialties in his studies, no genius for
the higher mathematics, no special fond-
ness for the physical sciences. While his
standing was good in the classics and in
the general studies prescribed, it was evi-
dent that he enjoyed most the branches of
mental and moral philosophy, logic and
rhetoric. Oratory had a charm for him.
He seemed to have a prescience of the path
in life he was destined to pursue, and all
his studies were subordinated to that end."
Upon graduation Mr. Frelinghuysen en-
tered at once upon the study of law in the
office of his uncle Theodore, at Newark.
The advantages and training which he re-
ceived here were of exceptional value.
His uncle was a lawyer of the highest rank,
learned in his profession and a most per-
suasive and powerful advocate, his legal
ability having won for him the eminent
distinction of the attorney-generalship of
his native state. After three years of
study the subject of this memoir was ad-
mitted to the bar as attorney, and three
years later, in 1842, he was admitted as
counselor.
At this juncture two important events
in his history were to be recorded, — the
public profession of his religious faith, by
which he formed ecclesiastical relations
with the church of his ancestors, the Re-
formed Dutch church, and secondly, his
marriage to Miss Matilda Griswokl, the
accomplished daughter of George A. Gris-
wokl, a wealthy and conspicuous merchant
of New York city. These two relations,
the church and the home, ever afterward
held the heart of Mr. Frelinghuysen, and
were his chief joy to the day of his death.
Mr. Frelinghuysen stood on high vant-
age ground at the very start of his pro-
fessional career in Newark. Succeeding
to the office and library of his uncle,
whither the old clients of the elder Fre-
linghuysen were accustomed to resort for
professional services, now that his uncle
had become chancellor of the University of
New York, the young attorney was wel-
comed as the representative successor of
the venerable jurist and senator, loved and
revered for so many years; and he received
the sympathy and support of the business
men, — the merchants and the manufactur-
ers of Newark. A host of influential
friends gathered around him. The relig-
ious classes cherished an affection for his
name; the Newark bar took him into their
special favor, and the whole community
bestowed upon him their plaudits and good
will. Besides, the helping hand and warm
6o
ESSEX COUNTY.
recognition of such men as Chief-Justice
Hornblower, Asa Whitehead, Elias Van
Arsdale. Governor Pennington, John P.
Jackson. Oliver S. Halsted and many other
leading lawyers were extended to him.
He was soon appointed city attorney, an
office bringing him in contact with the in-
dustrial classes and securing for him a
general interest in the government and
business of the city. His early appoint-
ment as the retained counsel of the New
Jersey Central Railroad Company and the
Morris Canal & Banking Company pro-
vided a rare field for the development and
exhibition of his legal capabilities. Re-
quired to appear before courts and juries
in different counties, in hotly contested
suits at law. meeting as antagonists the
strongest counsel in the state and abroad,
and in the highest courts of the state,
within a few years he stood in the foremost
rank of the New Jersey bar. He became
not only an eloquent advocate, capable of
swaying juries, but an able lawyer, prepar-
ing and conducting most important cases
with strategic skill and eminent success.
A formidable antagonist in any cause, civil
or criminal, his practice became lucrative
and enviable. It is especially noteworthy
that in achieving his eminence at the bar
he relied not more upon his eloquence and
genius than upon the unwearied diligence
with which lie studied and toiled.
Patriotism was a strong virtue and an
inheritance in I\Ir. Frelinghuysen and he
kept well read in the politics of his state
and country. He was frequently called to
address large political gatherings. As far
back as 1840 he was one of the speakers at
the Whig state convention, at Trenton,
in the presidential campaign of that mem-
orable year. Having acquired eminent
legal distinction, and with an unbroken
line of ancestry standing high in the annals
of honorable official positions, his ambition
to follow in the same path was a logical
sequence. It is recorded that the only
instance in which he failed to obtain the
appointment he desired was in 1857, when
he was a candidate for the attorney-gen-
eralship of New Jersey, ex-Senator William
L. Da}'ton, who failed in re-election as
United States senator, being the success-
ful candidate. But in 1861, Attorney-
General Dayton being nominated by Presi-
dent Lincoln as minister to France, Gov-
ernor Olden, who had in the meantime
been elected governor, appointed Mr. Fre-
linghuysen to the vacant place. In 1866,
when the term of the office of attorney-
general expired. Marcus L. Ward, who was
then governor, renominated Mr. Freling-
huysen for a new term in that office. He
filled this office with eminent ability. It
was the stormy period of the civil war, and
the legislation of that day demanded much
special labor, attention and official assist-
ance. During this trying period he spent
the most of his time at Trenton, in dis-
charging the duties of his office and bravely
sustaining the governor in defending the
Union. The years which covered the war
of the Rebellion were pre-eminently an
educational period, — one that tested and
demanded the profoundest application of
the minds of public men to comprehend
the principles of civil government and to
solve the hard problems that rose out of
the attempted secession of states and the
question of the rights of freedmen. No one
learnetl more rapidly and thoroughly in
this school for making statesmen than did
Attorney-General Frelinghuysen, who had
already become one of the most popular '
El<!SEX COUNTY.
6i
political speakers in his state, being well
read in history and the politics of the coun-
try and capable of electrifying the masses
when he appeared before them.
Thus prepared, upon the death of Will-
iam Wright, of Newark. United States
senator from New Jersey, in 1866, Gover-
nor Ward appointed Mr. Frelinghuysen as
Mr. Wright's successor, and he took his
seat in the senate in December, 1866. In
the winter of 1867 he was elected by the
legislature to fill the unexpired term of
Mr. Wright, which would end March 4.
1869. .At the expiration of his term the
legislature of New Jersey was Democratic,
but Mr. Frelinghuysen had taken such
high rank in the senate and had been so
able and elo(|uent a supporter of President
Grant's administration that, in 1870. he
was nominated by President Grant, and
confirmed by the senate, as minister to
England. This honorable position, which
the most ambitious [)ublic men have so
fondly coveted. Mr. Frelinghuysen, singu-
larly enough, declined. The reason, which
did not appear until after his death, throws
a beautiful sidelight upon Mr. Freling-
liuysen's intense devotion to the purity and
simplicity of his home life. It is recorded
that he stated in private conversation that
he declined "because Mrs. Frelinghuysen
was opposed to exposing her children to
the influence of cou't life which the mis-
sion would involve. ' and he yielded to her
wish. In 1 87 1, however, there again oc-
curred in the senate a vacancy to be filled
from New Jersey for a full term, and the
legislature was Republican. The public
eye was at once directed toward Mr. Fre-
linghuysen, and after a spirited struggle in
caucus he was elected by the legislature, for
a term of six years, from 1871.
It was in the senate that Mr. Frelinghuy-
sen added the choicest laurels to his fame.
The senate chamber was admirably adapted
to his tastes and cjualifications. \'ersed in
the science of law and civil government,
possessed of oratorical graces, with keen
and skillful dialectic power in debate, of
fine presence and dignity of action, con-
scious of integrity, nerved with indomit-
able courage blended with faultless Chris-
tian courtesy, with an inborn patriotism,
and spurred on by ancestral prestige, he
entered at once into the honors of the sen-
ate and became a prominent and leading
member of that august body. He was
there during the reconstruction period,
when every phase of legislation required
tlie profoundest statesmanship, but he was
both ready and ripe, diligent, assiduous
and watchful and alert to grapple every
new and important question that arose.
As a member of the judiciary committee,
the finance committee, the committee on
naval affairs, the conmiittee on claims and
on railroads and as chairman of the coni-
L.itL-'e on agriculture he was charged with
a varied and often i)erplexing responsibil-
ity.
During his career in the senate he took
part in the impeachment trial of President
Johnson, and his judicial opinion, filed in
the public record of that court, was brief,
clear and convincing. He took a promi-
nent part in the debate on the Washing-
ton treaty, and also in the French arms
controversy, and he raised his voice em-
phatically against polygamy as engrafted
upon the body i)olitic of Utah. The meas-
ure to return to Japan the balance of the
indemnity fund not used for the payment
of American claims, though just and hon-
orable, was not carried until after a pro-
62
ESt^EX COUNTY.
longed struggle, and the success of this
measure was due to Senator Frelinghuy-
sen's efforts. He introduced the bill to
restore a gold currency and he took charge
of Mr. Sumner's bill for reconstruction
after the Massachusetts statesman had be-
come unable to look after it.
It is impossible in a limited sketch to
enter into details concerning even Senator
Frelinghuysen's more notable speeches,
through which he made a brilliant record
for himself and his state. He voted and
spoke invariably against the inundation of
the flood of bills for relief which were
founded upon claims of southern loyalists
during the war, and which, if carried to
their logical consequences, would have
swamped the national treasury. He spoke
on tlie supplementary reconstruction bill,
in 1868, with great eloquence and force
and with a radicalism born of sagacious
conservatism. The situation was a critical
one. The constitutional amendments
formed the background, and the state gov-
ernments of the south must be reorganized.
The white population refused to reorganize
and recognize at the same time the rights
guaranteed to the freedman by the consti-
tutional amendments. The alternative on
the part of congress was to confer on the
freedman full citizenship. — the right to
vote and to be voted for. Senator Freling-
huysen, always cautious and conservative,
upon this question became as radical as any
senator on the Republican side, and bril-
liantly and with rare logic and force, cov-
ering in his arguments both the "sover-
eignty" of the nation and the constitution-
ality of the reconstruction laws, not only
kept pace with the advance of public sen-
timent but sagaciously stood for a govern-
ment which should be the same in every
section.
A change in the political party in control
of the state retired Senator Frelinghuysen
from the senate at the expiration of his
term, March 4, 1877; but he was not left
long unemployed in the public service of
his country. Upon the tragic death of
President Garfield, Vice-President Arthur
succeeded to the presidency under embar-
rassing circumstances. His own party,
irritated and distracted, extended to him
meager sympathy. Under these trying
circumstances he invited ex-Senator Fre-
linghuysen to take the first place in his
cabinet, as secretary of state. It would
have been difficult for him to place at his
right hand a secretary whose education in
political science and international law, and
whose experience at the bar and in the sen-
ate, united with exalted character, so thor-
ougiily qualified him for that high position
as those Mr. Frelinghuysen possessed. The
foreign policy of the administration was
correspondingly pacific and honorable, con-
ciliating but firm. In negotiating inter-
national treaties, taking in the scope of the
subject matter, anticipating contingencies
liable to arise in the far future, adjusting
the conflicting interests of industries, reve-
nues and commerce of nations, Secretary
Frelinghuysen, in labor and responsibility,
sustained the heaviest burden of his life.
The two treaties that cost the secretary the
most exhaustive labor in tlieir general pro-
visions were probably the Spanish treaty,
which President Arthur submitted for rati-
fication near the close of his term, and the
great treaty involving the building of the
Nicaragua canal. Both failed of ratifica-
tion. The preparation and procurement of
ESSEX COUNTY.
63
the latter international document will ever
remain a monument to Secretary Freling-
huysen's skill, industry and statesmanship,
standing alike creditable to himself and to
the department of state. This surv'ey of
the early and political career of the late sec-
retary has necessarily been rapid and frag-
mentary, but a volume of details would
have continued to challenge only respect
and admiration.
As in public so in private life Secretary
Frelinghuysen was a model man. At
home he was the center of the affections
of his family; in the church, which was his
supreme delight, he was a pillar; on the
platform of religious associations, at Sun-
day-school and Bible-society anniversaries,
he was from early manhood a familiar, pop-
ular and eloquent speaker. At the time of
his death he was president of the American
Bible Society. The religious element in
his character was positive and of a high
type. A close student of the Bible, repos-
ing in the orthodox faith of his fathers, he
was yet free from cant and narrowness and
preserved throughout his public, as in his
private career, the pre-eminent Christian
character.
The broader fields of his activity did not
preclude his interest in and sympathy with
the lesser and more local institutions.
Schools, public libraries, young men's asso-
ciations received his sympathy and assist-
ance, and in higher education he was ever
mindful of his alma mater, serving on her
board of trustees for thirty-four years, from
185 1. He seldom addressed literary socie-
ties, a notable exception being an oration
before the literary societies of Princeton
College in 1862, followed by the conferring
upon him by that institution of the honor-
ary degree of Doctor of Laws.
On the 4th of March, 1885, upon the in-
auguration of a new administration, Mr.
Frelinghuysen surrendered his seat in the
cabinet to his successor. Secretary Bayard.
Laden with honors, he took with him the
gratitude of his countrymen for his distin-
guished services. Apparently he had en-
joyed uniform good health, but the re-
moval of his public offtcial burdens revealed
his bodily waste and weakness. He went
from the cabinet to his home in Newark
and to his dying bed. He was too ill to
receive the congratulations and welcome of
his fellow citizens, who had thronged his
home to greet his return. He fell into a
comatose state, and in that condition the
eminent statesman lay for several weeks,
self-conscious, but almost dead to the
world. Day after day, for many weeks,
expressions of sympathy and anxiety were
telegraphed from all parts of the country,
and the metropolitan press announced, by
hourly bulletins, the reports of his attend-
ing physicians. The end came. He died
on the 20th of May, 1885, sixty-eight years
of age, leaving a wife, three sons, — Fred-
erick, George Griswold and Theodore, —
and three daughters, — Miss Tille, Miss
Lucy and Mrs. John Davis.
Public expressions of sorrow and sym-
pathy were numerous and eulogistic. The
press, local, metropolitan and over the
country, gave unwonted space to obituary,
historical and editorial notices of the sad
event and of the eminent public citizen.
The Historical Society, then in session at
Newark, not only expressed in elaborate
resolutions their appreciation of his pub-
lic services and their admiration of his
high character, but attended the funeral in
a body. The Newark bar did likewise.
Secretary Bayard, of the department of
64
ESSEX cor X TV
state at Wasliington, the governor of New
Jersey and tlie mayor of Newark all issued
ofificial proclamations announcing his
death, and, besides paying high tribute to
his memory, personally attended his fu-
neral. Resolutions of sympathy and eulogy
were adopted by the trustees of Rutgers
College, by the church of which he was a
member, by the American Bible Society, of
which he was president, bv other local
Bible societies and also by numerous other
public bodies, — religious, benevolent, po-
litical and financial. — expressing their love
and re\erence for his life, character and
services.
The obsequies were held in the North
Reformed church, in Newark, on the after-
noon of the ^3(1 of May, Brief services
were held at the house, previous to the
gathering at the church, at which only the
family, immediate relatives and intimate
friends were assembled. Among those
present were : Ex-President Arthur, Sen-
ator Sewell, the Russian, French, Brazilian
and Mexican ministers: Rev. Dr. Camp-
bell, ex-president of Rutgers College;
Comptroller Anderson: Alayor Havnes;
Frederick H. I'otts: Colonel McMichael
Marshall, of the District of Columbia, who
represented the president: Judge Joel
Parker and the distinguished bearers. The
church was filled with the prominent men
of state, — oiificials and private citizens,
members and ex-members of the diplo-
matic corps, bringing tributes of sorrow
and praise to his memory, — a vast assem-
blage of the great and good, mourning his
death with sincerest grief. At the con-
clusion of the services, in the silence of the
city, witli its flags drooping in sympathy
with a population in mourning, his mortal
remains were solemnlv carried bv distin-
guished men to the tomb prepared for the
body, in ]\lt. Pleasant cemetery, and were
there left buried in Howers.
But tears and flowers and funereal cere-
monies are the expressions of the first
sense of loss. The memorv of the good
and great survives in the heart and takes
enduring form in the_ tribute paid by sur-
\iving and after generations. On the 9th
day of August, 1894, in the same city of
Newark, was unveiled the statue erected
to the memory of Frederick T. Freling-
huysen Ijv a union of private citizens and
the municipal government of the city of
his home. The statue is a bronze, was the
work of the Hartfortl sculptor, Karl Ger-
hardt, and was the gift of the citizens of
Newark. It is colossal in size, standing
nine feet high, and represents the subject
addressing an audience, — an attitude so
familiar to the i^eople of the city. The
pedestal is of granite, twelve feet high, on
a liroad extending base of the French
style, and was the gift of the city through
the conmion council and the lioard of
works, and is a rare specimen of the archi-
tectural skill of A. \yallace Brown, of
Newark.
The imposing ceremonies were partici-
patetl in by the governor of New Jersey,
Hon, George T. Werts, and his staff: the
orator of the dav, ex-Chancellor Runyon,
ambassador of the United States to the
court of Berlin; the mayor of the city, Ju-
lius A. Lebkuescher: the special committee
of the board of trade; the bar of Essex
county: the commoii council of the city of
Newark : the board of works and the board
of trade of the city of Newark and the
First Essex Troop, National Guard, who
led the procession to the ground. The
presentation address w-as made by Am-
Et^SEX COUNTY.
bassador Rnnyon and included a sketch of
the life and services of him to whom the
statue was erected. Thus fittingly and
enduringly does the distinguished citizen,
the brilliant lawyer and the eminent Chris-
tian statesman live before the eye of the
rising generations as well as in the hearts
and memory of a grateful people.
CHARLES R. PRATT,
resident manager of the Sprague Electric
Company, Bloomfield, New Jersey, is a
gentleoian whose inventive genius and
marked business ability have brought him.
to the front. In this connection we are
pleased to make special reference to Mr.
Pratt and the company with which he is
connected.
The Sprague Electric Elevator Com-
pany's industry was established in Bloom-
field, New Jersey, in 1893, having been re-
moved from New York city, where it was
first founded upon a small scale and where
it grew so rapidly that it soon demanded
larger quarters. The plant is constructed
of iron and steel, the dimensions being
100 X 375 feet, with an L, 60 x 150 feet;
Monitor roof and gallery, upon which is lo-
cated the smaller machinery. The center
walls are brick. The machinery is ponderous
and heavy, is run night and day, and during
the busy season no less than three hundred
and fifty men are employed. Everything
in the way of machinery in connection with
the plant is of the latest and best, their
large output is shipped to many of the
large cities throughout the country, and
the Sprague-Pratt electric elevator is being
placed in the newest and finest buildings.
This electric elevator is the invention of
Mr. Pratt. The first one was placed by
5
him in a Boston building in 1889, as a test;
it proved satisfactory in every respect, and
soon brought him notoriety. Mr.
Sprague, seeing its utility, invested his own
means in its manufacture, associated others
with him, and thus formed the company
which they incorporated under the name of
the Sprague Elevator Company, of which
Mr. Pratt became resident manager.
The company has now been reorganized,
under the title of the Sprague Electric
Company, which is capitalized for five mil-
lion dollars. The scope of the enterprise
has been extended very materially and now
includes all branches of general-electric and
railroad work in addition to continuing its
extensive operations in the manufacture of
electric elevators. Mr. Pratt is resident
manager of the reorganized company, as
he was of its predecessor.
Charles R. Pratt is a native of Boston,
Massachusetts. He was born in i860 and
is the eldest son of John C. Pratt. In Bos-
ton he received his education, completing
a course of study in the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, and on leaving
school he was employed by the Whittier
Machine Company, of Boston, where he
learned the trade of machinist and where
he remained for five years. After this he
opened an office of his own in that city
and devoted his time chiefly to inventions,
and experiments on machinery. Then for
three years he was assistant superintendent
of the Boston Sugar Refining Company.
His next engagement was as New England
agent for the firm of Ottis Brothers &
Company, of New York city, the largest
elevator concern of the world, and re-
mained with this firm one year, in that time
acquiring a thorough knowledge of the ele-
vator business in all its departments. It
66
ESSEX COUNTY.
was after this that he experimented upon
his own invention and brought it to com-
pletion. In 1892 he became interested
with Mr. F. J. Sprague and other capital-
ists in the business above referred to, and
has since been its manager.
John C. Pratt, the father of our subject,
was for many years president of the Og-
densburg & Lake Champlain Railroad.
He (lied in 1887. His wife was before her
marriage JMiss ]\Iary A. Richardson, she
being the daughter of a ship-owner in Bos-
ton.
HON. JOHN FRAXKLIX FORT.
The progenitor of the Fort family in New
Jersey was Roger Fort, who probably came
from England, with his wife Anne, about
the year 1696, and settled in Burlington
county, New Jersey. The family is said to
be of Welsh origin, and this ancestor
spelled the name Fforte. To him and his
wife were born the following children :
John, Joseph, ]\Iarmaduke. Roger. Joan,
Edith and Esther.
The children of !Marniadid<e Fort were :
John, Anne, William, Elizabeth and
Thomas. John, the eldest son, rendered
valiant service in the New Jersey state mi-
litia during the war of the Revolution. He
married Margaret Heisler, and their seven
children were: Gusannah, Mary, Deborah,
Margaret, Andrew, John and Daniel.
Andrew Fort married Nancy Piatt and
their children were : George Franklin, who
was born on the 30th of June, 1809, and
was honored with the ofifice of governor of
New Jersey; Margaret, Sarah Ann, ]\Iary,
John, Jacob Piatt, Susan, Andrew Heisler,
Daniel Adams and Caroline.
Of this family Andrew Heisler Fort was
united in marriage to Miss Hannah A.
Brown and they had four children, of whom
John Franklin, the subject of this review,
was the only son, and was born in Pember-
ton. Burlington county, New Jersey, on
the Joth of March, 1852. His literary edu-
cational discipline was received at Mount
Holly Institute and Pennington Seminary.
While attending the former he began to
stud}' law under the instructions of a lead-
ing lawyer of IMount Holly, completing his
labors in that direction at the Albany Law
School, in 1872, and receiving from that
institution the degree of Bachelor of Law;
and the following year he was admitted to
the bar in New Jersey. In 1873-4 Mr.
Fort was appointed journal clerk of the
New Jersey general assembly, and in the
latter year he located in Newark, where he
entered upon the active practice of his pro-
fession. In 1878 Governor McClellan
appointed him judge of the first district
court of the city of Xewark for a term of
five years, and to this position Governor
Ludlow reappointed him in 1883. In
^larch, 1886, Judge Fort resigned his oflice
in order to resume his general practice,
which gave him more liberal opportunities
and proved more remunerative.
The political career of Judge Fort was
inaugurated early in his life, for he was not
yet of age when, during the Greelev cam-
paign, he made the then remarkable record
of twenty-seven speeches. In 1884 he was
a delegate-at-large, from Xew Jersey, to
the Republican national convention held at
Chicago; he was chairman of the Repub-
lican state convention which nominated
General Grubb for governor in 1889; and
held a similar position in the convention of
1895, which nominated John W. Griggs
for governor.
J. FRANKLIH FORT.
ESSEX VOUXTY
67
Judge Fort was appointed by the gover-
nor of New Jersey a member of the con-
stitutional commission created by the legis-
lature of 1894, and was an active partici-
pant in the movement then begun to sim-
plify and reorganize the courts of the state.
In 1895 he was also appointed by Governor
W'erts, for a term of five years, one of the
three commissioners to confer with a sim-
ilar commission from every state in the
Union in an endeavor to bring about a uni-
form system of laws in the several states,
regarding insurance, insolvency, wills, mar-
riage and divorce, assignments, oaths, the
law of negotiable instruments, the exempli-
fication of the jniblic records and questions
of a like nature.
In 1896 the judge was a delegate to the
Republican national convention, held in St.
Louis, and was there chairman of the cre-
dentials committee and presented the name
of Hon. Garret A. Hobart for vice-presi-
dent. On December i, 1896. Governor
Griggs appointed Judge Fort president
judge of the court of common pleas of
Essex county, an incumbency he is at pres-
ent filling with a high degree of executive
ability.
Judge Fort is recognized throughout the
county as a powerful advocate, a man of
superior intellectuality, and a clear-headed
jurist of abundant learning. His rise in
the legal profession has been a rapid one,
which circumstance is a logical result of
applied industry and integrity of purpose,
combined with rare natural endowments.
Personally, the Judge is of a prepossessing
appearance, and his genial nature and so-
ciable disposition have gained for him a
distinct popularity and a large circle of
warm friends, who accord to him both their
respect and esteem.
EDWARD H. HOLMES,
acting cashier of the Bank of Montclair, of
Montclair, Essex county, is an enterprising
young business man who was born in the
town which is still his home, in August,
1867. The ancestral history of the family
from which he springs can be traced back
to Captain John Holmes, a native of Eng-
land, who emigrated to America in 1640,
taking up his residence in the colony of
Massachusetts. The grandfather of our
subject, Samuel Judd Holmes, was a native
of Connecticut, became a prominent busi-
ness man and was a leading member of the
Congregational church in Waterbury,
Connecticut. The father, William B.
Holmes, was born in the Nutmeg state in
1 83 1, and having arrived at man's estate
married Miss Mary H. Bull, who was born
in New York city. Her father, Frederic
Bull, was a native of Connecticut and for
many years a prominent commission mer-
chant of New York city. He married
Mary H. Lanman, of Norwich, Connecti-
cut, who was born in 1804. and who was a
daughter of Peter and Abigail (Trumbull)
Lanman. The latter was a daughter of
David and Sarah (Backus) Trumbull, and
a granddaughter of Jonathan Trumbull,
who was governor of the state of Connec-
ticut. He was a loyal American during
the war of'the Revolution and a warm per-
sonal friend of General W^ashington, who
frequently addressed him as "Brother Jon-
athan." He married Faith Robinson, a
great-granddaughter of the Rev. John
Robinson, who was pastor among the Pil-
grim band that settled Massachusetts.
William B. Holmes, the father of our
subject, has for tuany years been a leading
and influential citizen of Montclair, pro-
68
ESSEX cor \ TV
moting its best interest by his li1)eral sup-
port of all measures for the public good.
He has taken an active part in securing the
building of railroads to this point and in
bringing a good class of citizens to the
town, and has been the owner of a large
amount of real estate here. For many
years he has been a prominent member of
the First Congregational church, has
given largely of his means to its work and
has thus aided materially in upholding the
moral tone of the town.
Edward H. Holmes was reared in Alont-
clair, attended the primary and grammar
schools and later entered the high school,
where his literary education was completed.
On laying aside his text books, he went
to New York city, where he entered upon
his business career as a clerk in a photo-
graphic-goods store, remaining there for
four years. On the expiration of that pe-
riod he accepted the position of teller on *
the opening of the Alontclair Bank, June
I, 1889, and has since continued his con-
nection with the institution. After a time
he was promoted to the position of paying
teller, and on the ist of July, 1897, was
promoted to acting cashier in the same
bank, to fill the vacancy caused by the res-
ignation of Thomas W. Stephens. He is
now holding that position, and his enter-
prise, indefatigable labors and personal
popularity have contributed not a little to
the success of the institution.
In January, 1893, Mr. Holmes was
united in marriage to Miss Frances Wood,
of Montclair. Her grandfather was James
Wood, of Concord, Massachusetts, whose
wife bore the maiden name of Rispah Far-
mer. Her parents are Daniel H. and
Lydia (Hosmer) Wood. The latter, a na-
tive of Concord, Massachusetts, was a
(laughter of Cyrus antl Lydia P. (\\'heeler)>
Hosmer, of that place. Daniel H. Wood
is a well know'n civil engineer and for many
years was a resident of ]\Iontclair. Mrs.
Holmes was born in Pennsylvania, but
spent the greater part of her girlhood in
Montclair. She became a student under
the direction of Dr. Clarence Williard But-
ler, of Montclair. and in October, 1889, en-
tered the Medical College and Hospital for
Women, of New York city, at which insti-
tution she was graduated in April, 1892.
Immediately afterward she began practice
in Upper Montclair. She is a lady of cul-
ture and refinement and like her husband
has a host of warm friends in Montclair.
Both Mr. and Dr. Holmes are members of
the Christian Union Congregational
church of Upper Montclair.
HENRY S. CHAPAIAN.
The apprehension and subsequent devel-
opment of the subjective potential must
ever figure as the delineation of the maxi-
mum of success and usefulness in any field
of endeavor, and the failure to discover the
line along which lie the greatest possibili-
ties for development in any case, can not
but militate against the absolute accom-
plishment of the subject. To the subject
of this review has come the attainment of
a distinguished position in connection with
the great material industries of the nation,
and his efforts have been so discerningly
directed along well defined lines that he
seems at any one point of the progress
which he has made throush his own ef-
forts, to have realized at that point the full
measure of his possibilities for accomplish-
ment. This is a truly successful life. A
ESSEX COUNTY.
69
man of distinctive and forceful individual-
ity, he has left, and is leaving, his impress
upon the industrial world, while there has
been no shadow of wrong or injustice to
mar his pronounced success. As presi-
dent of the Arlington Manufacturing Com-
pany, the Metallic Cap ^Manufacturing
Company, and treasurer of the Climax
Fuse Company, he has his business head-
quarters in the national metropolis, while
he maintains his residence in that beautiful
section of Essex county. New Jersey,
which bears the picturesque title of Glen
Ridge. As a man of wealth and influence,
and standing distinctly as the artificer of
his own fortunes, there is in a review of his
career much of interest and incentive, and
such a synopsis is altogether germane in
this compilation.
A native son of the old Bay state, Henry
S. Chapman was born in Huntington,
Massachusetts, on the 22d of December,
1837, being the son of Hiram and Fanny
(Stanton) Chapman. His mother was a
daughter of Joseph Stanton, who was born
in Massachusetts, as was she herself, being
in direct line of descent from Thomas Stan-
ton, who came to America in the year
1634, locating in \^irginia, and aiding in
estal)lishing the greatest republic the world
has ever known. Jedetliah Chapman, the
grandfather of our subject in the agnatic
line, was of English extraction and was
born in New England, so that on either
side the ancestry has been long identified
with the annals of American history.
Henry S. Chapman passed the first fifteen
years of his life, and within this interval was
accorded the advantages of a good aca-
demic educational discipline. When but a
lad of fifteen years he faced the responsibil-
ities of life for himself, proceeding to
Dutchess county, New York, where he se-
cured employment in a drug store. He
gave careful and discriminating attention
to all details of the business and eventually
became thoroughly familiar with the same
and competent to manage an enterprise of
the order. He eventually associated him-
self with another gentleman in the pur-
chase of the establishment in which he had
been employed, and in time they built up
an extensive business, both wholesale and
retail.
After several years had elapsed Mr.
Chapman disposed of his interests in the
enterprise and became identified with the
iron-mining industry in Dutchess county,
associating himself with others and suc-
cessfully carrying on operations for a num-
ber of years. He then came to New York
city, where he organized the Arlington
Metallic Cap Manufacturing Company, of
which he is president; while he also organ-
ized the two other companies previously
mentioned, being treasurer of each. The
headquarters of the three concerns are in
New York, and the business transacted an-
nually by each is of wide scope and impor-
tance, all having distinctly felt the guid-
ing hand of Mr. Chapman, whose keen dis-
crimination and mature judgment have to
a large extent brought about the success-
ful expansion of the three great enter-
prises. The transition from the young
lad, practically without influence or ad-
vantageous circumstance, to the man con-
trolling affairs of great commercial im-
portance, must bear its lesson at every
point.
Mr. Chapman has from time made ju-
dicious investments in real estate, being at
the present time the owner of valuable
property at Arlington, New Jersey, and
70
ESSEX COUNTY.
also in Essex county. His own beautiful
residence, "Sunny Crest," at Glen Ridge,
Essex county, was formerly the home of
A. G. Darwin, and is located in a most pic-
turesque site near the summit of the ridge.
The grounds are beautifully laid out with
regard to the most approved ideas of land-
scape gardening, and about the place are
some seventy native forest trees. A mag-
nificent view of the surrounding country
is commanded, and the attractions of the
place as a home are almost idyllic in char-
acter, — it is one of the many beautiful
homes for which Essex county is so cele-
brated. It is worthy of note that the for-
mer owner at one time refused ninety
thousand dollars for the property, and af-
ter his death it was purchased by Mr.
Chapman, who has modernized and still
further enhanced its attractions, so that its
value has been appreciated and its beauties
and accommodations increased.
In his political affiliations Mr. Chapman
has ever been stanchly arrayed in the sup-
port of the Republican party and its prin-
ciples, but the demands of his private in-
terests have precluded him from accepting
public preferment, even had he ever had a
desire for same. The only of^ce of which
he has ever been the incumbent was that as
a member of the court of appeals, to regu-
late assessment and taxes in the borough of
Glen Ridge. He maintains a lively inter-
est in all that concerns the borough, and is
public-spirited in his attitude at all times.
In March. 1873, Mr. Chapman was
united in marriage to Miss Jennie Brew-
ster, who was a direct descendant of one of
the name who was among the Puritans of
the Mayflower. Mrs. Chapman died in
1883, leaving one son, Charles Brewster
Chapman. In September, 1887, Mr.
Chapman consummated a second mar-
riage, being then united to Emily M.
Pavne.
GEORGE \V. SMITH.
In any compilation touching upon the
life histories of those who have lived with-
in the borders of Essex county and have
made their lives count for good, there is
signal propriety in according a memoir to
the late George W. Smith, who was for
many years a prominent merchant in New
York city and who maintained his resi-
dence in Glen Ridge. Upon his record in
the business world and as a man among
men there has never been the shadow of
wrong or the suspicion of evil, and attain-
ing success through his own efforts, it was
worthily achieved, and he was never un-
mindful of the obligations which success
imposes nor of the higher values of life.
Beginning life's duties for himself at an
early age, by securing a modest clerkship,
he advanced consecutively and steadily un-
til he left the ranks of the many and stood
among the successful few. Throughout
his entire business career the subject of this
memoir was looked upon as a model of in-
tegrity and honor, never making an en-
gagement or promise whose provisions he
did not fulfill, and standing as an exempli-
fication of what may be accomplished by
determination and resolute force in a man
of intrinsic ability and strength of charac-
ter, — a character dominated by the highest
principles. He was respected by the com-
munity at large and was honored by his as-
sociates in commercial circles.
George W. Smith was born in New
York city in the year 1821, being the son
of James and Eliza (Sells) Smith, the for-
ESSEX COUXTY.
mer of whom died when our subject was
but three years of age. and he was then
taken to Jamaica, Long Island, where his
boyliootl days were passed. As a youth he
secured employment in the store of Joseph
W. Greene, in New York city, and after a
few years had elapsed he was admitted to a
jiartnership in the business, under the firm
name of Greene & Smith. They engaged
in the manufacture of jewelry on a large
scale, their manufactory being located at
Providence. Rhode Island. The plant
was built upon a substantial plan and a
large force of competent operatives was
employed. The ofifice of the firm was lo-
cated in New York, and from this point
the sales were conducted, their trade terri-
tory extending throughout many of the
surrounding states and c\enlually reach-
ing extensi\e ]iroi)ortions.
In 1870 Mr. Smith purchased a tine
country-seat in Bloomfield. now Glen
Ridge, Essex county, New Jersey, and for
a number of years passed his summers here
with his family. Finding that his health
was greatly improved by his sojourns in
the country, he at length moved his family
permanently to the suburban home. He
was a man of domestic tastes, and all of
his interests centered in his home and fam-
ily. The spacious grounds about the beau-
tiful residence, on Ridgewood avenue,
were beautified and adorned under his per-
sonal supervision, and with a thorough ap-
preciation of the most artistic effects in
landscape gardening.
On the 24th of April. 1845, ^'^^- Smith
was united in marriage to Miss Jane E.
Brush, the third daughter of Conklin and
Rosanna (Hoyt) Brush. She was born in
New York citv. but early in life accompa-
nied her parents upon their removal to
Brooklyn. Her father was a retired mer-
chant of New York. In 185 1-2 he served
as mayor of Brooklyn, and during his ad-
ministration succeeded in introducing
many needed reforms and in securing the
establishment of Washington Park. He
was also instrumental in securing to
Brooklyn the control of the South Ferry,
which New York made insistent efforts to
obtain. He was fearless and enthusiastic
in whatexer he undertook and was always
loyal to the interests of the people, as op-
posed to corporate or selfish interests. He
was an old-line Whig of pronounced \iews,
and throughout his active life labored zeal-
ously for law and order and all that con-
serx'ed peace and prosperity.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents
of four children. — Wessell S., who died in
1895: Warren G., who is engaged in the
jewelry trade at 170 Broadway. New York,
the place so long occupied by his father;
Mary A., wife of Theo M. Nevius, of Glen
Ridge; and Julia E., wife of Louis E. Bliss,
of Cilen Ridge.
.After a long and honorable career, in
which he won the unqualified regard of all
who knew him, Mr. Smith pased away in
Fel)ruary. 1881. Mrs. Smith still occupies
the homestead, on Ridgewood axenue.
Glen Ridge.
JOSEPH W. TAYLOR.
The name borne by the subject of this
memoir is one which has been long and dis-
tinctively identified with the annals of the
great state of New Jersey, and there is man-
ifest propriety in according a review of one
of the sterling representatives of the line,
— Joseph W. Taylor, who, during a long
and useful life, did not fail to impress him-
72
E.'^SEX COUNTY.
self upon the material prosperity and higher
conditions which have conser\'ed the ad-
\-ancement of Essex county, where he re-
sided from childhood until the hour of his
demise.
It is predicated beyond reasonable doubt
that the original progenitor of the Taylor
family in this particular line of American
descent was Nathaniel Taylor, whose an-
cestors cailie from England and emigrated
from the mother country at a very early
day, taking up their residence in New Jer-
sey. Here Nathaniel Taylor followed the
vocation of a tanner, proving true to all the
duties of citizenship and attaining a due
measure of success in the temporal affairs
of life. He established what is now known
as the old Redmund place, in this county,
and there Moses Taylor, the father of the
immediate subject of this sketch, was born,
in the year 1767, and there lived until he
had attained man's estate. He eventually
became prominently concerned in farming
and shoemaking. He took unto himself a
wife, in the person of Mary Brown, who
was born on the 13th of November. 1767,
and they became the parents of seven chil-
dren. Mr. Taylor built the house in which
his grandson now resides, and the tract of
land which he improved in the earlv davs
is now comprised within the limits of South
Orange, ha\ing naturally greatly appreciat-
ed in value as the march of development
and improvement has steadily advanced.
He was a man of sound judgment, of in-
flexible integrity and was known as one of
the representative citizens of the commun-
ity. In politics he was a stanch Whig of
the old line, and he was called upon to serve
at various times in different offfces of local
trust and responsibility. In religion he
clung to the faith of the Presbvterian
church, and was for many years a trustee
in the local body of that denomination. :\Ir.
Taylor died on the 6th of December, 1853,
having survived his wife by about two years,
she having entered into eternal rest on the
29th of September, 1851.
Joseph \\'. Taylor, in whose honor this
memoir is more particularly granted, was
the fifth child in order of Inrth. the date of
his nativity having been February 16, 18 17.
He was reared to the sturdy discipline of
the farm and was accorded such educational
opportunities as were afforded by the dis-
trict schools. He remained at the parental
home until the time of his marriage, which
was celebrated on the 4th of September,
1838, when he was united to Miss Catherine
Pebljles, a native of Blanford. Massachu-
setts, and a daughter of Rufus Pebbles, who
was l^orn in Massachusetts. His ancestors
emigrated to America in an early day. Mr.
and ]\Irs. Taylor located on the old home-
stead, where they continued farming pur-
suits and there reared their two children,
Edgar ^l. and Alice A., the latter of whom
died at the age of forty-seven years.
In his political allegiance, Mr. Taylor was
originally an old-line Whig, then the Amer-
ican party, but upon the organization of
that stronger candidate for popular favor
and support, the Republican party, he
promptly transferred his adherency to the
same and ever afterward advocated its prin-
ciples and policies. In the gift of his party
he held several official preferments, having
l)een a member of the board of trustees at
the time the village of South Orange was
organized. His was a vigorous mentality, an
unwa\ering conscientiousness and a signal
fidelity in all the relations of life. He was
a zealous member of the Presbyterian
church, his tenure of office as one of the
ESSEX COUNTY.
73
trustees of his church extending until the
hour when death released for him the sil-
ver cord of life. He died on the 5th of Octo-
ber. 1878, honored and revered by a com-
munity in which he had lived and labored
to so goodly ends. His venerable widow,
now eighty-four years of age (December,
1897), snrvi\es him, sustained by exception-
al mental and physical \igor and secure in
the fdial devotion of their only child. She
is a devoted member of the Presbyterian
church, in which she was for manv vears a
zealous and active worker.
Edgar M. Taylor, the only son of Joseph
W. and Catherine Taylor, was reared on the
old homestead, hallowed by the associations
of years, receiving his preliminary educa-
tion in the public schools and effectively
supplementing the same by courses of study
at Mr. Chapman's private school and later
at Fergusonville Acatlemy. Delaw are coun-
ty. New York. He has been most intimate-
1\ identified with thp industrial affairs of his
locality, having not only continued opera-
tions in farming, — a pursuit doubly honored
by ancestral association, — but has been
consecutively concerned for many years
in mercantile pursuits and has been active
in real-estate operations, in which line he
has contributed materially to the upbuild-
ing and advancement of the connnunity.
Mr. Taylor was one of the organizers of the
Second National Bank of Orange and was
a member of its original directorate.
At the time when the integrity of the
nation was menaced by armed rebellion,
Mr. Taylor tendered his services, enlisting
as a member of the Twenty-sixth New Jer-
sey Infantry and proving by his service
his loyalty to the cause of the republic. In
politics he is a stalwart Republican, and
his prestige in party ranks has been signally
evidenced, since, in 1891, he was elected
to the lower house of the state legislature,
in which capacity he labored zealously and
effectively for the Ijest interests of his con-
stituents and the people of the state, regard-
less of political affiliations. He was for
three years a member, from South Orange,
of the board of freeholders of Essex coun-
ty. For the past decade he has been a
member of the South Orange board of
trustees. In fraternal adherency Mr. Tay-
lor is a member of the Masonic order, hav-
ing passed the three degrees of ancient-
craft Masonry, in Century Lodge, No. 100.
He is known and honored as a worthy
scion of one of the old and distinguished
families of this section of the state, and his
popularity in business and social circles is
unmistakable.
WILLIAM H. WHITE,
a ph\sician and surgeon of Bloomfield, is
well established in his profession and takes
rank with the leading practitioners of this
part of the state. He was born in the vil-
lage of Seneca, in Ontario county. New
York, June 11, 1837, and is a son of Rev.
John and Eliza White. His father was a
native of Scotland and a minister of the
Presbvterian church, devotine the greater
part of his life to that calling.
The Doctor was principally reared in
Pennsylvania and acquired his education in
the public schools. His professional train-
ing was begun under the direction of Dr.
Ohl, of Carbon county, Pennsylvania, and
was continued in the Pennsylvania Medical
College, in which institution he was grad-
uated with the class of i860. Thus fitted
by thorough preparation for his chosen life-
work he entered upon active practice, and
74
E.^SEX COUNTY.
has won an enviable success in his under-
takings. In 1861 he offered his services
to the government and was appointed as-
sistant surgeon of the Seventy-ninth Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which ca-
pacity he served until 1864. when he was
promoted to the rank of surgeon of the
same regiment and continued to faithfully
discharge the duties of that position until
the close of the war, alleviating the suffer-
ing of the sick and wounded and bringing
comfort to many of the boys in blue.
In March. 1866, the Doctor came to
Bloomfield, where he has since made his
home. He carries on a general practice
here and has a very liberal patronage,
which attests his superior understanding of
the principles of medicine and his success
in applying them to the needs of suft'ering
humanity. The Doctor is a member of the
Essex County Medical Society and the
Orange Mountain Medical Society, and is
also visiting physician to the Mountain-
side Hospital. He has a fine lilirary and
owns an elegant residence in one of the
best sections of Bloomfield.
THE PARKER FAMILY.
The Parker family of New Jersey has
figured prominently in the public life of
that state for many generations. Elisha
Parker, of Barnstable, Massachusetts, was
one of the colony of Puritans who settled
in W^oodbridge, New Jersey, about 1666.
The records of 1675 exhibit him as the
proprietor of a large tract of land in Wood-
bridge, while his previous social position
in Massachusetts is illustrated by his mar-
riage to the sister of Governor Hinckley
of that colonv. While Elisha Parker was
active in the early aft'airs of Woodbridge,
his son, Elisha (second), was still more
prominent. He was in 1694 high sheriff
of Middlesex county; later' he was deputy
to the provincial assembly: in 17 12 he be-
came a member of Governor Hunter's
council, and was appointed one of three
custodians of the seal, thus inaugurating
the Xew Jersey court of chancery.
John Parker, his son. next in the line,
also became a member of the governor's
council, in 1718, and continued in this
honorable office until his death in 173^,
serving under Governors Hunter, Burnet,
Montgomerie, and Cosby. James Parker,
son of the above, was no less distinguished.
He served as captain in the French and
Indian war of 1746; held the office of sur-
veyor-general and register of the board of
proprietors of East Jersey, and, like his
father and grandfather, became a member
of the council, under Go\ernor Franklin,
in 1764, — a dignity which he held until the
Revolution changed the form of govern-
ment. During that war he removed from
Perth Amboy, then the capital of East Jer-
sey, to Hunterdon county, for the safety
of his family, Ijut at its close returned to
his old home. In 1775 he was elected a
member of the provincial congress. He
was also a candidate for membership of
the first congress of the United States, and
in 1783 was elected mayor of Perth Am-
boy. He was both a leading member of
the convention which organized the Prot-
estant Episcopal church of the United
States and largely instrumental in the com-
pilation of its prayer book. While an ex-
tensive land-owner, by purchase from the
"proprietors" in all the counties composing
East Jersey, Mr. Parker was also a pros-
^-^1''l'-»-«^
(/i^*/t,^
ESSEX COUNTY.
pcrous importing merchant of New York
city and Amboy, having for his partner
Beverly Rcjbinson.
James P'arker (secondj, wlio was born in
Bethlehem, Hunterdon county, New Jer-
sey, March i, 1776, and who died in Perth
Amboy, April 2, 1868, was the son of the
foregoing, and ably perpetuated the dis-
tinguished traditions of his family. He
was educated at Columbia College, where
he graduated in 1793. second in his class.
He then entered the counting-house of
John Murray, intending to be a merchant.
On the death of his father he was com-
pelled to return home as acting executor
of his estate, a task involving the support
of a large circle of dependents, and recjuir-
ing assi<luous labor and much acciuaintance
with law. In 1806, when about thirty
years of age, he was elected a member of
the legislature, and was re-elected eight
successive years; again from 1815 to 1819,
and afterward in 1827-28. He was a
Federalist of the school of Washington and
Hamilton. In 1806 he was appointed one
of five commissioners to settle the boun-
daries and jurisdiction of the states of
New York and New Jersey. In 1827 this
commission was renewed, and he was
again made a member. With Theodore
Frelinghuysen and L. O. C. Elmer he
signed the treaty between said states of
New York and New Jersey, September 16,
1833. In 1829 he was made collector of
Perth Amboy, then a place of nnich com-
merce. In 1832 and again in 1834 he was
elected to congress, serving two terms with
much distinction. In 1844 he was elected
a member of the convention for the forma-
tion of a new constitution for New Jersey.
Thus he was engaged in legislation during
at least seventeen years of his life, while he
also served a long period as mayor of
Amboy.
Though never one of the party of the
majority in any or the legislative bodies
mentioned, he was always a leading and
influential member. He inaugurated the
system of public schools in New Jersey,
suggesting and following up the idea in
difYerent legislatures from 1809 to 1817,
and the act, drawn by him, to create a fund
for free schools, became a law. After-
ward, in the constitutional convention, this
subject received his careful attention, and
at his instance the New Jersey constitution
provided that 'Tt shall not be competent
for the legislature to borrow, appropriate,
or use the said fund (for the support of
common schools), or any part thereof, for
any purpose, under anv pretense what-
ever." He was the author of the attach-
ment law;, the law enabling aliens to hold
land in the state; the law authorizing com-
missioners to take proof, etc., of deeds: the
law prohibiting, under severe penalties, the
exportation of slaves from the state, thus
ending the domestic slave trade in New
Jersey; and of laws for the suppression of
intemperance, for aiding internal improve-
ments, encouraging manufacturers, for
putting habitual drunkards under guardi-
anship, and others of similar importance.
In the constitutional convention he re-
jtortcd the l)ill of rights. He was a prin-
cipal ailvocate for the construction of the
Delaware and Raritan canal, and a director
of that company for nearly forty years.
His last year's service in the legislature was
undertaken with this enterprise in view.
In congress he was known as a leading
practical member, a strong "tarifY man,''
a defender of the right of petition, aiding
John Ouincy Adams in the struggle for
76
ESi^EX COUNTY
the admission of petitions praying the
abolition of slavery in the District of Co-
lumbia, and was celebrated for outspoken
sincerity and honesty.
He was for years a trustee of the two
colleges, Princeton and Rutgers, and to
the latter gave the land whereon the col-
lege buildings were erected. In the
Protestant Episcopal diocesan conventions,
as well as in his own church in Amboy, he
was prominent and active. He was from
the beginning a vice-president, and for
years before his death president, of the
New Jersey Historical Society. He closed
his long life in 1868. having attained the
age of ninety-two years and one month.
Renowned for purity of character and an
intense love for usefulness, independent
though earnest in his support of what he
thought right, rather than what was ex-
pedient, never giving up to party what was
meant for mankind, never an aspirant for
office and valuing only that popularity
which follows a gootl man, practicing
warm-hearted charity in thought, word,
and deed, and always evincing an ability
more than adequate for all he undertook, —
such are the qualities which characterized
him and which are attributed to him in
the memorial address (before the New Jer-
sey Historical Society) from which this
brief sketch is chiefly compiled.
Cortlandt Parker, the distinguished
lawyer, son of the preceding, was born at
Perth Amboy, New Jersey. June 27, 18 18.
That he does not fall behind any of his
illustrious line in character and attainments
is manifest when it is considered that he
stands confessedly at the head of the bar of
the state of New Jersey. Not merely has
he figured in the most prominent litiga-
tions, served the state in many important
capacities and refused a remarkable num-
ber of high official positions, but he has
also represented his profession in literature
to a marked degree. He is the author of
such papers and addresses as : The Moral
Guilt of the Rebellion (1862); Philip Kear-
ny. Soldier and Patriot (1863): Our Tri-
umphs and Our Duties (1865); New Jer-
sey: Her Present and Future (1870);
Abraham Lincoln (1872); The Ooen Bible,
or Tolerant Christianity (1876); Alexander
Hamilton and William Paterson (1880);
the Three Successful Generals of the Army
of the Potomac, — McClellan, Meade, and
Grant; Justice Joseph P. Bradley (1893);
and many others treating similar themes,
Mr. Parker has served as president of the
American Bar Association. While he has
held only one public office, — that of prose-
cutor of pleas for Essex county. New Jer-
sey, during the ten years from 1857 to
1867, — yet this has been due solely to his
persistence in refusing, one after another,
the most honorable positions. In 1857
his name was brought before the state leg-
islature for the office of chancellor; he was
twice proposed for attorney-general of
New Jersey; a justiceship on the supreme
Ijench of the same commonwealth was of-
fered him; President Grant solicited him
to accept a judgeship in the court for set-
tling the Alabama claims; President Hayes
tendered him the post of minister to
Russia; President Arthur offered him the
mission to Vienna; a Republican conven-
tion nominated him for congress, — but all
these honors were declined. It is doubt-
ful if such an instance can be duplicated.
All the considerations thus cited, as be-
ing outside the strict Hues of his profession,
are of the more significance in estimating
the peculiar prominence which Mr. Parker
Jt'^^ ^
ESSEX COUNTY.
77
enjoys. In tlie actual practice of law he
has figured in litigations of the greatest
magnitude, although this feature cannot be
entered here. The famous Meeker will
case, however, which was carried through
the various jurisdictions to the United
States courts, may be mentioned as one
in which Mr. Parker distinguished himself
when comparatively a young man, against
such opposing counsel as Justice Bradley
of the United States supreme court, Gov-
ernor Pennington, United States Senator
Dayton, and Chancellor Halsted. He also
upheld the commerce and navigation in-
terests of Newark in the litigation to pre-
vent the erection of two bridges across the
Passaic river, involving the constitutional
question whether "tidal waters leading to a
port could be obstructed under authority
of a state legislature." Again, in the fa-
mous Lease case, Mr. Parker helped to
secure to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany the right to acquire the United Rail-
road and Canal Companies of New Jersey;
while he successfully represented the Mor-
ris & Essex Railroad in its contest with
the Erie for the occupation of the tunnel
leading to New York. After this he be-
came the Erie counsel for New Jersey, a
post he has held since 1873. Very lately
(1894) he was senior counsel in suits of
great public note, the result of one of
which was to jirevent future gerrvmanders
by a construction of the state constitution
requiring election to the lower house by
counties instead of districts; that of the
other was breaking the deadlock in the
New Jersey senate. These few cases are
cited as merely indicative of the important
nature of Mr. Parker's private practice.
Another characteristic is yet to be no-
ticed, — his readiness, while refusing per-
sonal honors, to undertake the most oner-
ous duties where it is purely a question of
subserving the public interests. Thus
after referring to Mr. Parker's persistent
declination of political positions. Judge
Ricord adds: "His legal knowledge and
experience were, however, never withheld
from the state when, upon important occa-
sions, they were demanded. The difficult
task of revising the laws was assigned to
him, jointly with Chief-Justice Beasley and
Justice Depue, by the legislature, and was
performed to the satisfaction of the courts
and the people. He served also as a com-
missioner to settle the disputed boundary
lines between New Jersey and Delaware.
To him is the state mainly indebted for the
passage of the general railroad law, which
has been the means of ridding it of its
abundant sources of corruption. In such
and other ways has Mr. Parker rendered to
the state services which are not commonly
known to many, and to the publicity of
which he has always seemed indifferent.
But not to the state alone has he given
the benefit of his legal attainments and his
experience. The Protestant Episcopal
church, with which he is connected, num-
bers him among its most valued laymen,
and to its diocesan convention he is year
after year a chosen delegate; while he has
been a member likewise at the General
ConventicMi six times." — The National
Magazine, February-March, 1894.
It is an interesting fact that Mr. Parker's
pre-eminence among his fellows dates from
boyhood. At fourteen years of age he
entered Rutgers College, graduating four
years later (1836) as valedictorian of his
class. Mr. Parker's class was a remark-
able one, containing, according to Judge
Ricord, "Joseph S. Bradley, late justice of
78
ESSEX COUNTY.
the United States supreme court: Freder-
ick T. Frelinghuysen. late secretary of
state of the United States; Wilh'am A.
Newell, formerly governor of New Jersey;
Henry Waldron, long member of congress
from Michigan; Professor Coakley, of New
York University, and several doctors of
divinity in the Reformed Dutch church."
— -The National Magazine. He studied
law in the office of Hon. Theodore Fre-
linghuysen, father of one of his classmates,
and later with Hon. Amzi Armstrong, and
was admitted to the bar in 1839.
Mr. Parker takes rank as one of the
most prominent figures in that remarkable
group of jurists and lawyers whose advent
must ever mark a sort of golden age in the
history of the judiciary of New Jersey.
SHEPARD ROWLAND.
Distinctively identified with the welfare
and advancement of Montclair for a num-
ber of years, public-spirited and broad-
minded, Mr. Rowland is a representative
citizen of Essex county and a prominent
and honored resident of his home city. He
was born August 15, 1845, near Deer Park,
Long Island, New York, the son of Au-
gustus Rowland and Maria (Snedecor)
Rowland. The grandfather, Frank Row-
land, married Sarah Rowland, and the
great-grandfather, Alexander Rowland,
was born on Long Island, where he died at
the venerable age of ninety-six years, his
wife being ninety-four years old at her
death and in the possession of all her facul-
ties.
Shepard Rowland passed the first six-
teen years of his life on Long Island, where
he received his educational discipline in the
public schools. Upon attaining his eight-
eenth year he went to New York city
and there secured employment in the pro-
duce house of Abram Snedecor, remaining
in his employ for two years, after which he
accepted a position with W. H. Horton,
who was likewise engaged in the produce
business, and later became associated with
W. L. Smith, continuing with him for
eighteen months. In 1867 Mr. Row-
land established a produce house on
his own responsibility, in New York
city, in connection with which he
dealt in butter and cheese on a large
scale, and actively conducted this enter-
prise until 1896, when the firm name was
changed to Fitch, Rowland & Company.
Prosperity has attended the labors of Mr.
Rowland, and he owns valuable property in
New York and Montclair, including a
handsome residence in the latter city, lo-
cated on Park street and furnished
throughout with taste and eleeance and
possessing all the modern improvements.
The marriage of Mr. Rowland was cele-
brated in 1867, in which year he was united
to Miss Mary Cooper, of Jersey City, a
daughter of Garret Cooper, a prominent
citizen of that place. Of their children
two sons survive, namely: Alfred C, a
resident of New York city and a member
of the firm of Fitch, Rowland & Company;
and Harry S., who resides at home.
In 1896 J\Ir. Rowland retired from the
active management of his business and
now devotes his time and attention to look-
ing after his various other interests. In
his political belief he is a Republican and
gives his stanch support to the principles
and policies of that party, and in his social
relations he is a member of the Royal Ar-
canum. He was one of the members of
the board of citizens' committee, number-
EiiSEX COUMY
79
ing one hundred, which was organized to
restrain the Hquor traffic in Montclair, and
he and his wife are adlierents of the IMeth-
odist Episcopal church, in wliich he has
served as a trustee for several years. He
was twice elected a member of the common
council of Montclair and served two years,
after which he refused to again become a
candidate for the office.
CHARLES \V. ENGLISH.
The man of merit and distinction who
by his own efforts has attained a prominent
position in business circles and by his
worth commands a high place in social
circles is certainly deserving of biographic
honors, and as such a one we present Mr.
English to our readers. He is widely
known and as to his high standing in pub-
lic and private life no comment is needed,
but the outline of his career cannot fail to
prove of interest to his many friends.
Born in Newark on the 22d of August,
1847, Mr. English is descended from one
who left the mother country as a British sol-
dier and came to America. His son, Joseph
English, the grandfather of our subject,
was one of the early settlers of Philadel-
phia and died in 1858. Daniel Smith Eng-
lish, the father, was born in Green street,
Philadelphia, and in that city was reared to
manhood, after which he embarked in the
saddlery hardware business, continuing in
that line in the city of his birth for some
time. He then removed to Newark, where
he enjoyed a very extensive and profitable
trade as a dealer in cutlery and saddlery
hardware. His death occurred in 1850.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Mary P. Sayre, was born on the ancestral
homestead in New York citv, and died in
1 89 1. She was a daughter of James R.
Sayre, of Newark, who was a mason by
trade, but for many years conducted
business at the foot of Center street, New-
ark, carrying a full line of masons' mater-
ials. The Sayre family originated in
France and the ancestry can be traced
back for more than two centuries.
Charles W. English, the subject of this
review, spent the greater part of his youth
in the city of Newark, where he acquired
a good common-school education, supple-
mented by study in a parish school taught
by Professor Robert Gray, a most thorough
and competent teacher of that day. He
entered upon his business career when fif-
teen years of age, clerking in a lumber yard
in which a large stock of masons' materials
were also kept, and thus he received train-
ing in the handling of the commodities
which he now carries. He continued
clerking for six years, after which he spent
fifteen years in the Importers' and Traders'
National Bank of New York city, serving
as bookkeeper and in other capacities. On
the expiration of that period he came to
Montclair and entered into partnership
with his cousin, Frederick F. Sayre, under
the firm name of F. F. Sayre & Company,
dealers in lumber and masons' materials.
This connection was continued for seven
years when Mr. English purchased the in-
terest of. F. F. Sayre, his partner. His
lumber yard is conveniently located near
the Greenwood Railroad station and the
extensive sheds, well filled with all kinds
of lumber, indicate the volume of his busi-
ness. He also deals largely in masons'
building materials, and from both branches
of the enterprise derives a good income.
On the loth of March, 1869, Mr. Eng-
lish was united in marriage to Miss Marv
8o
ESSEX COrXTY.
]. Brewster, a daughter of Benjamin
Brewster, a mason, originally from Wood-
bridge, New Jersey. Six children have
been born of this union, two sons and four
daughters: Arthur Sayre, who is associ-
ated with his father in business; Mary B.,
wife of E. R. North, an architect of Mont-
clair: Charles W., who is assisting his fa-
ther in the office; Bessie Titus; Grace; and
Mildred. The family have an elegant
home at No. 112 Park street, Montclair,
and the members of the household occupy
an enviable position in social circles.
Mr. English has been called to several
positions of honor and trust within the gift
of his fellow townsmen. He was a com-
missioner for six years and served as a
member of the first town council. His
deep interest in the welfare of the com-
munity is shown by his active champion-
ship of all measures for the ptiblic good.
He is a worthy exemplar of the true spirit
of Masonry and for twenty-seven years
has been connected with that fraternity,
now holding membership in Orange Chap-
ter, R. A. M. In politics he is a stalwart
Republican and is an active and influential
member of the Republican county com-
mittee. Socially he is a valued representa-
tive of the Montclair Club, also of the Ath-
letic Club, and is a trustee of the Grace
Presbyterian church. He is popular with
all classes and commands the resoect of all
who know him.
DAVID H. BALDWIN.
In tracing back the genealogy of the
Baldwin family, we find that the progeni-
tor of the American branch was Simeon
Baldwin, who emigrated to this country
and first settled in New England. Just
where he located is not known, but his son
David was born in Esse.x county, New Jer-
sey, where he was reared and married, and
of his children Simeon Baldwin, grand-
father of our subject, was born in Bloom-
field in 1780. Nathaniel Baldwin, son of
Simeon and father of David H., was born
August 27, 1817, in Bloomfield, and in his
twenty-second year he juarried Miss Ab-
bie Ball, also of Bloomfield. who departed
this life in 1867, leaving two children, one,
Sarah E., having died in her twenty-second
year. The other two are our subject and
Emma A., the latter being the wife of H.
H. Biddulph, and four of the children born
to them are living. The grandmother of
David H. was, in her maidenhood, Miss
Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Samuel Ward
and a native of Cranetown, West Bloom-
field. Her father was born in Essex
county and was a representative of one of
the pioneer families.
David H. Baldwin was the youngest
child and was reared in Bloomfield, where
his preliminary educational discipline was
acquired in the public schools. This was
supplemented by his attending the Bloom-
field Academy, and also the ISIewark Acad-
emy, after which he completed his studies
at Columbus College, taking a full course,
including chemistry and mining engineer-
ing. He engaged in the drug business on
his own responsibility under the firm
name of Griffen & Baldwin, which contin-
ued for two and a half years, and then,
in the latter part of 1879, he purchased his
partner's interest and has since conducted
the enterprise alone. His store is newly
fitted up and completely equipped with
everything that pertains to a first-class
apothecary shop. He has an excellent and
well selected stock, and, being centrally lo-
ESSEX COIXTT.
81
catecl, he does a large and remunerative
business. He is one of the leading drug-
gists of Montclair, and the factors of his
success comprise a high order of intehi-
gence, distinct ability, a genial disposition
and an undoubted integrity of character.
The marriage of Mr. Baldwin was sol-
emnized in 1877, when he was united to
Aliss Effie H. Lyon, of New York city, a
daughter of William P. Lyon. Of this
union four sons have been born.
Politically considered. Mr. Baldwin is a
stanch Republican and advocates the prin-
ciples and policies of his chosen party.
He takes a deep interest in all matters per-
taining to the public welfare, is bacteriolo-
gist in the ^Mountainside Hospital, and is
a member of the Montclair Club. In 1894
he took a special course in bacteriologv at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
New York city.
CHARLES ARTHUR BURT,
a merchant of South Orange, was born in
the city which is still his home, October 20,
1 85 1, a son of Nathaniel and Fanny J.
(Ball) Burt. The father was born near
Basking Ridge, Somerset county, New-
Jersey, in 181 2, and was a son of Abraham
Burt, ^^'hen he was a lad he was appren-
ticed to Joseph Baldwin, of South Orange,
to learn the shoemaker's trade and later
carried on an extensive business along that
line, engaging in the manufacture of shoes
for the New York market and later for the
army during the civil war. In connection
with this industry he opened a general
store, and after the introduction of the
modern machinery for the manufacture
of shoes, he abandoned that business and
devoted his entire attention to his mercan-
tile trade.
6
Mr. Burt was united in marriage to Miss
Fanny J. Ball, of South Orange, and to
them were born eight children: George
M., of South Orange; Mary, wife of Wilson
Decker, of South Orange; Daniel F.. who
died in 1869, at the age of twenty-six years;
Emma F. ; Lewis C, of South Orange;
Charles A.; Ella ].. wife of S. L. Crowell,
of Caldwell, and Nettie, wife of George T.
Hatt, of East Orange.
The father of this family was quite prom-
inent in public affairs and served for three
}ears as township collector of South
Orange. In his political views he was a
Democrat. His death occurred Deceml)er
10. ]88i. and his wife passed away August
5, 1894.
Charles A. Burt spent the greater part of
his youth in school and on attaining his ma-
jority embarked in business with his father,
succeeding to the ownership of the store on
his father's death. His stock is complete
and well selected, his goods modern and
liis prices reasonable, and he has a liberal
patronage by reason of his honorable deal-
ing and his earnest desire to please his pa-
trons. The energy and progressiveness
necessary for successful competition in this
busy, bustling age are his. and his well di-
rected efforts have Ijrought to him good
financial returns.
In 1891 Mr. Burt was united in marriage
to Miss Anna Davenport, of Morris county,
New Jersey, a daughter of Lewis Daven-
port, also a native of Morris county. They
have now an interesting little daughter,
Tina Leona. ]\Ir. Burt belongs to the First
Presbyterian church. He is independent
in his political views, and takes no active
part in politics, preferring to devote his at-
tention to his business interests and the
enjoyment of the home life.
ESSEX COUNTY.
HALSEY M. BARRETT
is a well known member of the bar of Es-
sex county. He entered upon practice in
June, 1878. His advancement has been
continuous and commendable and to-day
he is recognized as one of the leaders in the
Essex bar.
Mr. Barrett was born in Cornwall,
Orange county. New York, on the 14th of
July, 1852, being the son of James AI. and
Sarah (Randolph) Barrett. His mother
was also a native of New Jersey, as was her
father, Hugh F. Randolph. The father of
our subject was born in Cornwall, New
York, and grew to manhood there, after
which he followed merchandizing for
a number of years in the neighbor-
hood in which his youth was passed.
In 1865 he moved to Bloomfield, New-
Jersey, and became a merchant in
New York city. His death occurred in
]\Iarch, 1887. His father was Lewis Bar-
rett, a native of Bedford, Westchester
county, New York, and a descendant of
English ancestors who located in the Em-
pire state at an early period in its history.
Halsey M. Barrett, whose name intro-
duces this review, remained in his native
state during the first twelve years of his
life and began his education in the district
schools near his home. In 1865 he accom-
panied his parents on their removal to
New Jersey, and entered the Bloomfield
Academy, where he pursued his studies for
a time, followed by a course in Newark
Academy. Subsequently he entered Phil-
lips Academy, in Andover, Massachusetts,
where he was graduated in the class of
1870. Soon afterward he matriculated in
Yale College, but, owing to impaired
health, he abandoned his college course
and accepted the position of assistant in
the actuary department of the Mutual
Benefit Life Insurance Company, of New-
ark. He retained this position until 1874,
when he took up the study of law under
the direction of Hon. Amzi Dodd, who was
vice-chancellor of New Jersey and who is
now president of the Mutual Benefit Life
Insurance Company, of Newark.
]\Ir. Barrett applied himself with zeal to
the mastery of the principles of law and
was admitted to the bar as an attorney in
1878 and as a counsellor at law in 1881.
He entered upon the practice of his chosen
profession in Newark and has enjoyed
from the first a large clientage. For the
past four years he has been attorney for
the North Jersey Street Railway Company.
In November, 1878, Mr. Barrett was
united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Coe,
daughter of the Rev. Dr. David B. Coe,
who for many years was secretary of the
American Home Missionary Society in
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have
four children, one son and three daughters.
He and his family are members of the First
Presbyterian church of Bloomfield, the
children being the fifth generation who
have continuouslv attended that church.
IRA SEYMOUR CRANE.
The family name of this gentleman is
one which is inefYaceably traced on the his-
tory of Essex county and figures conspicu-
ously on the pages of the records that per-
petuate the principal events from early co-
lonial days down to the present time.
Through several generations the ancestry
of the family can be traced, and in the lat-
ter part of the eighteenth century there
was born in Essex county, one who became
a very important factor in the material,
y//t^i.(-^ /^^ ' /i ^SU^.<iZ:rr
ESSEX COUNTY.
83
moral, educational and social development
of the community — Zenas Squire Crane,
whose birth occurred in Cranetown, Octo-
ber 20, 1793, in the old homestead situated
on the Valley road, near the junction with
Church street, subsequently purchased by
Grant J. Wheeler and now occupied by the
latter's son.
Squire Crane, as he was called, began his
business career as a clerk in the store of
Job Dod, in Bloomfield, and when but
eighteen years of age was elected a con-
stable of Bloomfield township. A year
later, on the breaking out of the war of
181J, lie responded to his country's call,
and though a mere youth, shouldered his
musket and enlisted in a New Jersey regi-
ment, doing service at Sandy Hook and in
the southern part of the state, defending
the coast against the invading forces. On
his return he joined the state militia, and
on the 15th of May, 182 1. was made lieu-
tenant and subsequently captain of the
First Company, Second Battalion, of the
Fifth Regiment, acting as such for more
than eleven years. In 1826 he was ap-
pointed justice of the peace by the state
legislature, which otifice he filled in a most
creditable manner for fifty-four years. His
rulings during all this time were never re-
versed by those of a higher court, and the
decisions rendered by him were at all times
sound and logical. He received an ap-
pointment as commissioner of deeds
the year after his appointment as jus-
tice of the peace, and in 1837 was
appointed a lay judge of Essex coun-
ty, in which capacity he served until
1853, when he was appointed master in
chancery. When the building of the pres-
ent courthouse was proposed, he was one
of the members of the building committee.
There was, perhaps, not another man in
Essex county who was so well informed
concerning the general transactions in real
estate, since Judge Crane was a surveyor
and surveyed the lands and prepared the
deeds for nearly every transaction made in
this vicinity for fifty years. He was for a
long period the president of the Rosendale
Cement Company, of Jersey City, and at
one time owned all the land bounded by a
line running from the corner of Valley road
to a point at the top of the mountain, near
the lands of Mr. Pillsbury, and thence to
the Old Road, then known as the Pompton
Turnpike, the lands being bounded on the
east and west by Valley road and the
Caldwell township line.
Judge Crane was one of the corporate
members of the Presbyterian church and
served as a trustee for more than twenty
years. Among the archives of the public
schools is a book wherein he recorded the
organization of the present school, on May
17, 183 1, to which he subscribed himself
as president of the board of trustees, of
which he was a member for many years.
Few men in this vicinity ever led such a
life of public usefulness; he was prominent-
ly identified with the various measures
which promoted the educational, moral and
material welfare, and his influence and sup-
port were important factors in the substan-
tial progress of the county. In his early
life the Judge was a stanch advocate of the
old Whig party, and he subsequently be-
came an uncompromising Republican.
At the presidential election in 1880 Judge
Crane and "Uncle" Nathaniel R. Dodd
marched to the polls early in the morning,
the former bearing aloft an American flag.
Quite a number of voters had preceded
them, but before exercising their own right
84
ESSEX COUNTY.
of franchise all waited until the two old
veterans had deposited their ballots. Mr.
Crane was ever a loyal adherent of his
country and neglected no duty of citizen-
ship.
On the 24th of September, 1821, he was
united in marriage to Miss Maria Searing,
the ceremony being performed in the old
Bloomfield hotel by the Rev. Dr. Judd,
who was at that time the pastor of the
Presbyterian church of that place. The
following children were born to them :
Sarah A., wife of Thomas Jessup, who lived
and died in Newburg, New York; Ange-
lena, wife of Hon. Stephen K. Williams,
a resident of Newark, Wayne county. New
York; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John An-
drus, who makes his home in Hackensack,
New Jersey; Theodore T., who is located
in Yonkers. New York; and Frances J.,
wife of Dr. J. J. H. Love, of Montclair.
Jeremiah, son of Stephen and Rhoda
Crane, was born April 2, 1770. His home-
stead stood on what is now the foundation
of the cottage of Thomas Porter, near the
corner of Harrison avenue and Union
street, and his farm extended from what is
now Harrison avenue to the top of the
mountain. He was a man of considerable
prominence in his day and was a recog-
nized leader in public afifairs. He married
Elizabeth Corby, who was born June 22,
1774, and they became the parents of
eleven children, namely: Purthana, Han-
nah, William, Julia, Rhoda, Israel, Linas,
Ira. Mary, Eliza and Ann Martha.
Of this family Ira Crane is the next in
the Hne of direct descent to our subject.
He was born on the old family homestead
and succeeded to the ownership of the es-
tate. He was a man of considerable
prominence, served on the town committee
and held other oftices of trust and respon-
sibility. He belonged to the Presbyterian
church of Bloomfield and held official
preferment therein. During most of his
life he carried on the shoe business and
earned a comfortable living for his family.
His home was on South Fullerton avenue,
where he purchased ground and erected a
residence, since altered and remodeled and
now owned by Dr. Butler. He married
^Margaret Norwood, and their children are
Jarvis G., Angeline and Israel.
The eldest, Jarvis Crane, the father of
our subject, was born at the old family
home on Harrison avenue and Union
street, February 7, 1831. He became a
carpenter and builder and erected some of
the best houses in his day, including the
residences of Samuel Wilde, on Fullerton
avenue, and of Julius Pratt, on Elm street;
also the homes of William Terry, George
S. Dwight, J. C. Hart, Joseph Van Vleck,
Robert !M. Boyd and many others, and all
these stand as monuments to his enter-
prise, his industry and his efficiency in his
chosen calling. He afterward engaged in
the hardware business, which he carried on
successfully for many years. He bought
the lot adjoining that of his father on Ful-
lerton avenue and built the house now oc-
cupied by his son. Dr. Frank S. Crane.
About 1854 he removed to Boonton, New
Jersey, where he maintained his residence
for five years. He there married Henri-
etta Smith, and has three children, namely:
Ira Seymour, Frank S. and Alice B.
Ira Seymour Crane, whose name intro-
duces this review of a prominent and dis-
tinguished family of Essex county, was
born in Boonton, New Jersey, December
29. 1855, and when four years of age was
taken by his parents to West Bloomfield,
ESSEX COUNTY.
85
now Montclair, the old home of his father.
He enjoyed the best educational advan-
tages then to be had in the township, and
was graduated in the high school in 1873.
He learned the carpenter's trade with his
father and for eight years followed that
pursuit, but when his father bought out the
hardware store of \\'illiam S. Morris, in
1 88 1, he was admitted to a partnership in
the business under the firm name of J. C.
Crane & Son. Since his father's retire-
ment, in 1888, our subject has carried on
the business alone and has an excellent
trade, which comes to him by reason of his
honorable dealing, his uniform courtesy
and his earnest desire to please his patrons.
He possesses keen foresight and sound
judgment and his afifairs are so conducted
as to yield to him a handsome return. He
is connected with numerous other business
enterprises, in all of which he has displayed
the same business capacity and enterprise.
He is a director in the Montclair Building
& Loan Association, one of the strongest
of its kind in the state, is a stockholder in
the Montclair Bank and a director in the
Montclair Savings Bank.
In 1882 was celebrated the marriage
which united the destinies of Mr. Crane
and Miss Caroline A. Doremus, a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Caroline (Mead) Dore-
mus. His wife died October 14, 1S92,
leaving two children, Ira Seymour and
Henrietta Mead. On June 20,' 1895, he
was again married, to Miss S. Maud W.
Priest, daughter of Rev. Dr. J. Addison
Priest, formerly pastor of the First Presby-
terian church of Montclair. The maiden
name of her mother was Frances Walker.
There are two sons by this marriage, Wol-
cott Bogle and Robert Dempster. In re-
ligious matters Mr. Crane has evinced the
same energy, earnestness and devotion
that have characterized all his business af-
fairs. He is one of the most public-spir-
ited and progressive men of the present
generation, as well as one of the most pop-
ular. He helped to organize the fire de-
parment, was elected assistant foreman of
the company and in 1890 was made chief
of the fire department. Under his able
management the department has increased
in efficiency and strength and is now one
of the best conducted in any suburban
town in the state. In 1891 he became a
member of the town committee and was
made the first township treasurer after the
creation of that office, filling the position
with marked fidelity and ability. His
worth to the community is highly esti-
mated and the county numbers him among
its valued citizens. He is fortunate in
having back of him an honored ancestry
and happy that the lines of his life have
been cast in harmony therewith. Es-
teemed by his friends, respected in business
and public life, he commands the regard
of all with whom he has been brought in
contact.
JOSEPH A. MUNN.
The history of a state, as well as that of a
nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives
and deeds of those who have conferred
honor and dignity upon society, whether
in the broad sphere of public labors or in
the more circumscribed, but not less worthy
and valuable, of individual activity through
which the general good is ever promoted.
The name borne by our subject is one which
has stood exponent for the most sterling
personal characteristics,, the deepest appre-
ciation of the rights and privileges of citi-
86
ES^EX COUNTY.
zenship in our great republic, and is one
which has been indissohibly identified with
the annals of the state of New Jersey from
an early epoch in its history. There have
been strong men and true, as one genera-
tion has followed another. — men leal and
loval to our national institutions and to the
duties of patriotism. There is both pro-
priety and satisfaction in according even a
cursory review of the genealogy of such
a line, and to touch the more salient points
of personality.
As to the original American progenitor
of the ]\Iunn family the records ex-
tant are unfortunately meagre in ex-
act information, though there is a tra-
dition, sufficiently well authenticated, to
the eft'ect that the original ancestor of our
subject in the agnatic line was one of two
brothers who came to the United States
in the seventeenth century, from Wales,
and settled in_ Massachusetts, where he re-
mained until the French and Indian war,
when he came to New Jersey, where the
family has ever since had many represent-
atives. Tracing back the lineage, we find
that Isaac Munn, a resident of Orange,
Essex county, died on the 8th of January,
1811, while his wife, Mary, passed away on
the 31st of March, 1820. These were the
parents of Captain Joseph Munn, the
grandfather of the immediate subject of this
review. Joseph Munn was born in Orange
on the 4th of May, 1774, and his death oc-
curred October 18. 1864. He married
Martha F. Williams, and they resided in
Orange until about the year 1800, when
they removed to Montclair, Essex county
(the place being then a portion of Bloom-
field), and here the Captain purchased a
valuable property on the corner of Valley
Road and Church street, where he resided
until 1822, when he removed to the corner
of Bloomfield avenue and Valley Road,
where he had erected a building, which is
still standing and which is now known as
the Mansion House. He occupied this
house until about 1845. '^"d then removed
to the southwest corner of the same two
thoroughfares, where he passed the residue
of his days, his death occurring October 18,
1864. His wife, Martha F., who was born
]\Iarch 15, 1776, died April 16, 1853. Cap-
tain Munn was one of the influential and
most highly honored men of this section.
For forty-five years he conducted a hotel,
having first engaged in this line of business
in 1802. He was also prominently identi-
fied with other industrial pursuits, having-
been associated as a copartner with Nathan-
iel H. Baldwin in the manufacture of hats,
while he was also one of the most extensive
land-owners in the township, carrying on
farming operations upon a large scale. He
was one of the oldest Masons in the state
and was widely known as a thorough and
consistent exemplar of the nolile principles
and precepts of this ancient and honored
crafthood, having affiliated with Bloomfield
Lodge, F. A. M., and Washington Chapter,
R. A. M. He manifested great interest in
Masonic matters until the hour of his death.
Early in this century lodge meetings were
held in a room of his hotel, on the corner of
Valley Road and Church street. The Cajv
tain was a man of large stature, command-
ing presence, and was very active and en-
ergetic. His personality was distinct and
reliant, he was resolute of purpose and his
depth of character, strict adherence to prin-
ciple and admirable social qualities gained
for him the admiration and esteem of his
contemporaries.
The children of Captain Joseph and
ES.^EX COU^'TY.
87
Martha F. (Williams) Munn were five in
number, and of tliem we make brief record,
as follows: John B., bom Januar)- i, 1798,
died July 14, 1831; Calvin Munn, father of
the immediate subject of this sketch, is re-
ferred to more specifically in succeeding
paragraphs; Rhoda W., born February 21,
1804, died in May, 1864; Eli Emmons
Munn was born December 12, 1808;
George H., born February 26, 1812, died
August 8, 1814. Rhoda W. became the
wife of Joseph Collins, November 22, 1842,
and their only child was Joseph M., now
deceased. Eli E. Munn was married to
Rachel Doremus, July 18, 1833, and they
had five children: Rhoda A., John R., de-
ceased; Joseph E., deceased; Margaret A.;
and Mary, deceased.
Calvin Munn, father of our su1)ject, was
born in Bloomfield (now Montclair), on the
2 1 St of October, 1799, and his death oc-
curred August 26, 1 87 1. Under the direc-
tion and in the establishment of his father
he learned the hatter's trade, to which he
devoted his attention until 1835, when he
located on his farm on the Valley Road,
where he continued to make his home until
his demise. July 14, 1822, he was united in
marriage to Mary E. Squire, daughter of
Nathaniel Squire, of Morris county. She
was born in Livingston, that county, on
October 2, 1800, and her death occurred
June 6, 1888. Both of her parents at-
tained extreme longevity, each being nearly
ninety years of age at time of death. She
was born and educated in a period when
girls were taught to be good housewives,
while not neglecting the discipline of the
mind, — the good old days when were de-
veloped that strong manhood and true and
gentle womanhood which have given stabil-
ity and grace to many a community. Mrs.
Munn thus learned the arts of spinning and
weaving of wool and flax, and to fashion it
into wearing apparel and other forms to be
utilized in the domestic economies, of which
she was mistress in all varied phases. She
was such a one as to exemplify the state-
ment that "her children rise up and call
her blessed." She raised a large family,
was a model mother, — methodical, industri-
ous and devoted to her home and family.
Her faculties remained unimpaired until
death set its seal upon her aged lips; she
always found time to read and keep in-
formed on current events; she retained the
management of her household until within
two days of herdeath. It is worthy of note
that her mother's youthful days were passed
in New Jersey at a period when wolves and
Indians were numerous, and when the
crime of witchcraft still reared its horrid
head. Her father was killed in a skirmish
at Connecticut Farms in the war of the
Revolution. Not less to this noble and de-
voted mother, Mary E. Munn, than to the
father, Calvin, did the children owe the ut-
most filial love and admiration. Calvin
Mimn was a man of deep sentiment and
winning personality, being a lover of and
favorite with children and never wearying
in his efforts to entertain them. His nature
\\as strong and honest and his friends were
in number as his acquaintances. He was
greatly interested in fruit culture, and had
probably more varieties than any other in
the township. He died full of honors and
good works, and his name will long be re-
vered in the community where his long and
useful life was passed.
The children of Calvin and Mary E.
(Squire) Munn were seven in number,
namely: Mary A., born January 20, 1823;
Phebe C, bom November 9, 1826; Albert
88
ESSEX COUXTT.
E.. Octol)er 17, 1829; Joseph A., whose
name initiates this article; Martha A., who
was born December 9. 1835. and who died
October 20, 1875; John B., born December
7, 1838, died March 3, 1863; and Helen A.,
born April 5, 1841.
Joseph A. Munn, our immediate subject,
was born in Bloomfield (now ^lontclair).
on the 25th of September, 1832. He se-
cured his educational discipline in the pay
schools of the village and in the excellent
boarding school of !\Iilton Holt. Inherit-
ing the self-reliance and resolute purpose of
his honored parents, he early began to for-
mulate his plans for the future and made
ready to assume the responsibilities of life.
In his eighteenth year he went to Jersey
City, where he remained three years, after
which he proceeded to New York city,
where he was variously employed as sales-
man and bookkeeper until 1861. He then
entered into a copartnership with J. Darwin
Cobb, under the firm name of Munn &;
Col)b, for the purpose of carrying on a
l)usiness in London, England. He sailed
for London in February. 1861, and main-
tained his residence there for several years,
representing and selling the products of
American manufacturers. In 1865 he
opened in New York a house for the sale of
French and German manufactures, doing a
large importing liusiness and continuing
operations under the name of !Munn &
Cobb until 1873, when the copartnership
was dissolved and ]\Ir. Milium retired from
mercantile business.
Within the succeeding year he went to
Colorado, where he l^ecame largely inter-
ested in the mining and milling of gold
ore, continuing operations in this line until
1890, when he returned to his old and cher-
ished home in Montclair, where he has
since resided, fully enjoying the hallowed
associations of t*he past and the many pleas-
ing environments of the present. On the
1st of January, 1856, Mr. Munn was mar-
ried to Miss Margaret L. Sandford, whose
death occurred in 1874. February 22,
1896, he consummated a second marriage,
Ijeing then united to Miss Augusta A. Hud-
son. He maintains a constant and lively
interest in all that touches the progress and
prosperity of his native place, where he is
honored as a worth}' scion of worthv par-
ents.
Albert E. Munn, son of Calvin and I\Iary
E. Munn, was born in that part of Bloom-
field which now bears the name of Mont-
clair, October 17, 1829, receiving his educa-
tion under the same circumstances and aus-
pices as did his brother, Joseph A. He
learned the carriage-maker's trade, which
he followed for several years. When armed
rebellion menaced the integrity of the
Union he promptly enlisted as a member
of the Twenty-sixth Regiment of Volunteer
Infantry and served until the expiration of
his term, when he was honoralily dis-
charged. He then assumed charge of his
father's farm, on \"alley Road, where he
now resides.
John B. IMunn, the youngest son of Cal-
vin and Mary E. ]\Iunn, was born in 2^Iont-
clair, on the 7th of December, 1838, and
was educated in the village school. At the
time of the late war of the Rebellion he was
occupied as a salesman in New York. He
enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment, be-
coming orderly sergeant. He participated
in several battles, and sacrificed his hfe
upoii his country's altar in the battle of
Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 3, 1863.
ESSEX COUXTY.
89
THOMAS H. JONES,
wlio has been conspicuously identified
with the pubhc affairs of Irvington and
who most effectively represented his dis-
trict in the state legislature of New Jer-
sey, is a native of this state, his birth hav-
ing occurred in the city of Harrison on the
nth of November, i860. His father, the
late David Jones, was born in Wales in
1823 and emigrated to the United States
in 1832, his death taking place in this coun-
try in 1872. He followed the vocation of
a saddler, and was married in New Jersey
to Miss Mary A. Reynolds, who departed
this life in 1890.
Thomas H. is the third of five children.
The death of his father threw him upon
his own responsibilities at the early age of
twelve years, and he secured work on a
farm at Free Union, Warren county, New
Jersey, remaining there for nearly four
years, obtaining such literary education as
was afforded by the public schools of the
neighborhood, which he attended in the
winter months during the years 1872-3-4.
He spent another four }'ears on a farm at
Stanhope, Essex county, following which
period he entered the employ of the cellu-
loid company in Newark, retaining his po-
sition with that concern for ten years, and
in 1884 he came to Irvington, where he is
now conducting an insurance and real-es-
tate business and where he has been prom-
inently connected with the best interests of
the village.- Touching upon the positions
of trust and honor he has occupied with
distinct efficiency, we may state that he was
efected clerk of the village and served three
consecutive terms in that ofifice; he was
postmaster during President Harrison's
administration; in 1884 he was elected a
member of the board of education and be-
came its president; he is an active member
of the Irvington fire department; is secre-
tary of the Irvington Land & Improve-
ment Company, and of the Clinton Water
Company, both of which enterprises he as-
sisted in organizing.
Mr. Jones was elected to the New Jer-
sey general assembly by the Republican
party in 1896 and again in 1897, and proved
a most useful member of that honorable
body. He was instrumental in securing
the passage of some wholesome legislation,
among which may be mentioned the fol-
lowing bills : That providing for the col-
lection of taxes and assessments, unpaid,
by selling the property in fee simple, the
excellence of the law being fully proven by
subsequent events; a bill to enable South
Orange to build sewers to tide water; an
amendment to an act known as the "road
act," saving the town of Belleville fifteen
thousand dollars; a bill providing for the
annexation of a portion of Clinton town-
ship to Newark; a bill providing for the ap-
portionment of the assets and liabilities be-
tween a city or other municipality and any
territory that may be annexed to it; a bill
to restore to Irvington certain rights of
which it was deprived in 1890, relating to
opening streets, laying sidewalks, etc. ; and
a bill authorizing township committees to
appoint commissions to condemn land for
township purposes. He was chairman of
the committee on towns and townships and
was a member of the committee on educa-
tion. His services as a legislator were
most valuable and were highly appreciated
by his party in general and by the district
represented by him in particular. On Jan-
90
ESSEX COUNTY.
uary ii, 1898, he was elected clerk of the
house of assembly of the one hundred and
twenty-second legislature.
On November 24, 1881, Mr. Jones was
united in marriage to Miss Lottie Colton,
daughter of James D. Colton. and they be-
came the parents of the following children :
Verra L., Colton D. and Audry L.
In his social relations Mr. Jones is a
member of Franklin Lodge No. 10, F. &
A. M.; Clinton Lodge, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows; Washington Encampment
of Odd Fellows; and Irvington Council,
Junior Order of American Mechanics. He
is an active participant in the workings of
all these bodies, in which he has attained a
high degree of popularity.
JOHN F. DRYDEN.
John Fairfield Dryden, president of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America,
was born August 7, 1839, in Temple Mills,
near Farmington, Maine. The family of
Dryden is one of antiquity, and represents,
both in England and Wales, a stock an-
cient and honorable. The parents of Mr.
Dryden, John Dryden of Massachusetts,
and Elizabeth Butterfield Jennings, his wife,
who was a native of Maine, were people of
culture and standing. In early life their
son manifested taste and inclination for
study and was by his father given
the best of advantages for preparatory
education and, later, entered Yale Col-
lege. Before the completion of his col-
legiate course, however, ill health obliged
him to abandon his greatest desire, en-
trance to the legal profession, for which he
had already given indications of fitness,
and he returned to his home under orders
from his physicians, that by rest and bodily
exercise he might, if possible, recover the
health so greatly impaired by over-applica-
tion to study.
Again with his family, Mr. Dr\-den for
a time obeyed his physicians and, leav-
ing his books, allowed the tender ministra-
tions of his parents to assist in every pos-
sible way in his return to health and
strength. Soon, however, he began anew
to devote himself to reading and study,
and particularly to mathematical investiga-
tion: in connection with which latter branch
he became almost immediately greatly in-
terested in the subject of insurance, and,
as was his wont with anything that par-
ticularly excited his interest, he went into
the subject thoroughly. He obtained all
the literature that was to be had bearing
upon it; "devoured," as he says himself,
every book that he could get on the subject.
Thus was laid the foundation of his life
work. From theory he passed into prac-
tice and became a life-insurance operator,
with the view of mastering the practical
side of the science, — for that is really what
life insurance is.
About the time of the close of the war
of the Rebellion of 186 1-5, a report made
by the late Elizur Wright, then insurance
commissioner of Massachusetts, was made
to the legislature of that state. It embodied
a reference to industrial insurance as prac-
ticed in England, and remarked that be-
cause such a system was operated success-
fully in Great Britain was no reason neces-
sarily why a similar system should succeed
in this country. Mr. \\'right was rather in-
clined to think it would not, owing to the
(lifTterences existing between England and
America, their peoples, habits, customs, in-
stitutions, etc. It required courage in those
days to differ with Mr. Wright upon mat-
THE \^
NoW Y08K y
'i PUBLIC LIBRASV \
si
St^'^r, Vspo' snd Ti'defi
ESSEX COUNTY.
91
ters of this sort. Mr. Dryden liad this cour-
age. He differed radically from the Mas-
sachusetts of^cial on the point in question.
As he had done with life insurance general-
ly, so he did with this industrial plan, wholly
new to America. He secured all the print-
ed matter obtainable on the subject: went
into the whole history of friendly societies,
out of \\hich was finally evolved the indus-
trial system, and ended by becoming thor-
oughly convinced that a plan could be ar-
ranged whereby a system based on the
same fundamental principles could be ap-
plied and successfully operated in this coun-
try. He set himself the task to arrange
such a plan. He devoted several years to
the work, and fixing upon Newark,
New Jersey, then as now a great
industrial center, started, in 1873, to
put his plan to a practical test.
Along with several leading citizens of
Newark, whom he had interested in his
project, he secured the passage by the New
Jersey legislature of an act authorizing him
and others to form and operate such a com-
pany as his plan called for. A society was
formed, called the "Widows' and Orphans'
Friendly Society," but during the two years
of its existence all that was done by it was
in the nature of an experiment and prepara-
tion for the real work that was to be done
by the permanently organized institution,
the Prudential Insurance Company of
America. This company was established on
October 13, 1875. What followed immedi-
ately after this is thus narrated in a work
published in Chicago in 1896, and called
the Undervvriter :
"Its office stafif consisted of three per-
sons. Its whole outfit was limited in cost
to two hundred dollars. The life and
soul of the institution was John F.
Dryden. All his working hours were
devoted to it, and it was the sub-
ject of dreams by night. He saw then
the great success of the future, but was alive
to the fact that it could only be realized
by tireless activity, unflagging industry and
the greatest energy. And all he possessed
of these qualities he threw into the venture.
Eight o'clock in the morning always saw
him at his desk. Often it was midnight
before he ceased work. His plans pros-
pered. It was demonstrated that the new
system could be successfully operated in
this country. The field of operations must
be enlarged, however, — must be extended,
so that instead of Newark and the adja-
cent towns being the boundaries, the whole
United States must be embraced.
"But before taking positive steps in this
direction, Mr. Dryden went to England to
learn there all that was to be learned about
the practical workings of industrial insur-
ance. In five weeks from the time he left
Newark he was back again. He brought
with him a great mass of valuable informa-
tion, statistical guides, blanks, forms and
the like, all of which proved of enormous
service to Mr. Dryden and his associates.
Besides, it determined them to go ahead
and extend their lines. They did so. They
raised one hundred thousand dollars and
deposited it with the New Jersey State In-
surance Department. This authorized
them to do business all over the Union.
This was in the early part of 1879."
From thence forward the history of the
Prudential has been a never-ceasing but
ever-increasing record of progress and pros-
perity. Its advances have been by leaps and
bounds. The Newark acorn planted in
1875, under conditions that made prudence
and economy of the closest kind prerequi-
92
ESSEX COUyTY.
sites of primary management, and tliat
seemed to all but the little band of pioneers
engaged in the work to be full of insur-
mountable difficulties and all sorts of dis-
couragements, has, from the first, grown
with steady growth, and has reached pro-
portions that now place it in the front rank
of the greatest institutions of the kind in
the world.
In summing up the character and extent
of Mr. Dryden's life work, it is not enough
to give him his share in the creation of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America.
To him is also to be justly ascribed the
honor of being the chief pioneer of the in-
dustrial form of insurance in America, a sys-
tem which was wholly unknown to the
_masses of this country in 1875, but which is
now operated by eleven companies, large
and small, whose combined force of field
and office employes number fully thirty
thousand persons; whose policy-holders ag-
gregate about eight million, whose total
amount of insurance in force reaches nearlv
a billion of dollars, and whose total pav-
ments to policy-holders foot up not far
from one hundred million dollars. Another
highly significant and suggestive fact, re-
sultant from the introduction in this coun-
try of the industrial system is this: The
number of persons insured in America has
been increased from about two per cent, of
the population in 1875 to about fifteen per
cent, in 1897.
While the establishment and maintenance
of this great company's work demands
the incessant care and watchfulness of his
directing eye and hand, Mr. Dryden has
found time and place to give attention to
other interests than those of the Prudential
alone. His name appears as vice-president
of the Fidelity Title and Deposit Company,
and he is an active and useful director in
other finajacial institutions.
The building occupied by the Prudential
is one of the finest edifices in the world.
The company itself stands in the front rank
of the great financial institutions of the
world, and of its conditions and benefits to
poHcy-holders, it is said, "they constitute
an instrument which is undoubtedly the
most comprehensive and liberal policy is-
sued."
WILLIAM M. TAYLOR
is prominently connected with the busi-
ness, political and social life of Montclair
and possesses those qualities of genuine
worth which everywhere command respect.
Honorable in all trade transactions, thor-
oughly reliable in the discharge of public
duties and courteous and kindly in social
circles, he is one of the popular and valued
citizens of the county, and the circle of his
friends is ever widening.
^Ir. Taylor, who represents one of the
old families of Essex county, was born in
West Bloomfield, now Montclair, May 3,
1839, being a son of Samuel and Lydia
(Osborn) Taylor, also natives of Bloom-
field. The ancestors of the Taylor family
came from England and took up their resi-
dence in New England when that district
was the property of Great Britain. The
ancestral history, however, is one of long
and close connection with Essex county.
The grandfather, David Taylor, was born
in this county and followed the occupation
of farming. He took a very prominent
part in church work and aided in building
the old Presbyterian church in Bloomfield,
which has withstood the storms of more
than a centurv. He served as deacon in
ESSEX COUNTY.
93
that church for many years and Avas one of
its most consistent and worthy members.
The maternal grandfather of our subject
was John H. Osborn, a native of Essex
county, descended from a member of the
New England colony that settled in this
county at a very early period in its develop-
ment. He married Miss Rhoda Baldwin,
of Bloomfield, New Jersey.
Samuel Taylor, the father of our subject,
was a carpenter and builder and erected
many of the dwellings in Bloomfield and
vicinity. He died in his native city after
a useful and honorable career, at the age
of eighty-two years.
William M. Taylor was reared in the
county of his nativity and attended the
public schools in Bloomfield and Mont-
clair, pursuing a high-school course. On
leaving the schoolroom he began learning
the carpenter's trade under the direction
of John C. Collins, of Montclair, and on the
completion of his term of apprenticeship
he worked as a journeyman for two years.
He then began contracting and building
on his own account and formed a partner-
ship with his brother, Warren S. Taylor,
under the firm name of Taylor Brothers,
dealers in lumber and masons' materials.
After a time they established the first plan-
ing mill in Montclair, which they continued
to operate in connection with their other
business for several years, meeting with
good success in their undertakings. In
the meantime they had also added a coal
and wood yard to their other interests and
about 1878 disposed of their other enter-
prises, continuing only the ownership of
the coal and wood yard. In 1886 Mr.
Taylor, of this review, embarked in the
real-estate business, his ofiice being now lo-
cated in the Crawford building, near the
depot of the Delaware, Lackawanna &
Western Railroad. In both departments
of his business he is meeting with a fair de-
gree of success, by reason of his close at-
tention, his enterprise and capable manage-
ment. \
In his political views Mr. Taylor is an
ardent Republican, and he stanchly advo-
cates the principles promulgated by that
party. In 1894 he was elected assessor of
Montclair, and was re-elected in 1896 for
a term of three years, so that he is now the
incumbent. He is fair, faithful and prompt
in the execution of his official duties and
has the confidence of people of all parties.
In 1866 Mr. Taylor was united in mar-
riage to Miss Adelia Gilbert, of Bloomfield,
New Jersey, a daughter of Charles and
Elizabeth Gilbert. In 1892 he erected his
fine residence on Mountain avenue. It is
built in a beautiful style of architecture,
supplied with all modern improvements,
and has most tasteful and decorative sur-
roundings, while the charm of its hospital-
ity is enjoyed by many friends.
WILLIAM RAYMOND WEEKS.
Conspicuously identified with the literary
and legal interests of Essex county, and
one whose powerful mentality and facile
pen have placed foremost among the noted
citizens of New Jersey, it is with particular
propriety that \^'illiam R. Weeks is accord-
ed a place in this compilation, and a resume
of his career will no doul)t be perused with
interest by his many friends as well as the
general public.
William Raymond A\'eeks was born on
the 4th of August. 1848, the son of John
Randel and Mary Frances (Adriance)
Weeks, and received his educational disci-
94
ESSEX COUNTY.
pline in the pul:)lic grammar and high
schools of Newark, completing his studies
in the Newark Academy, at which he was
graduated in 1865. He is now one of the
trustees of that institution, is the historian
of the Newark Academy alumni and was
president at their centennial in 1892. Dur-
ing the civil war he was a member of the
New Jersey militia and of the Union
League. Subsequently he engaged in read-
ing law with his father, John Randel
Weeks; was admitted to the New Jersey
bar as an attorney-at-law in November.
1870, and as a counsellor-at-Iaw in Fel^ru-
ary, 1876, and was granted permission to
practice before the New York bar in ]\Iarch.
1895, and that of West Virginia in 1897.
In 1883 Mr. Weeks organized a volun-
teer fire department at Bloomfield. New-
Jersey, serving the following year as a mem-
ber of the legislative committee of the New
Jersey State Firemen's Association, of
which he became the first state counsel, in
1884, and held that office for four years,
during which time he drafted and remod-
eled the state fire laws. Later he compiled
and published a compendium of these laws,
with a series of forms. He is an expert in
real-estate, probate, corporation and min-
ing laws; has under his management large
and important estates and is an organizer
of business and mining corporations. He
was one of the counsel employed in defend-
ing Joseph A. Blair, of Montclair, New Jer-
sey, the paying teller of the Mechanics'
National Bank, in \\'all street. New York,
who was tried and acquitted in 1879,
charged with the murder of his coachman,
John Armstrong.
Mr. Weeks has been a member of the
American Bar Association since 1879, and
lie is a member of the Association of the
Bar of New York; the Lawyers' Club, the
Twilight Club, the Dunlap Society, the
American Numismatic and Archaeological
Society, of New York; the American His-
torical Association, the New Jersey His-
torical Society, the New Jersey Sons of the
American Revolution, the New Jersey and
New York Societies of the Founders and
Patriots of America, and the Revolutionary
Memorial Society of New Jersey.
For several years Mr. Weeks was the
historiographer of the American Numis-
matic and Archaeological Society, of New
York, and published a history of the same.
He is the author of a history of the Newark
Academy, and has in preparation a Bibli-
ography of New Jersey, a History of
the Colonial Schools and School Masters
of New Jersey, a monograph on the Jerseys
in America — their Nomenclature and Car-
tography prior to 1700, and a history of
the First Endowment of the College of New
Jersey, now known as Princeton Univer-
sity. At a meeting, held April 21, 1897,
of the New Jersey Society of the Order of
the Founders and Patriots of America, he
read a paper on New Jersey's Influence
upon her Surroundings, and is preparing a
paper on The Manhattans, showing that the
name was not first applied to New York.
The marriage of Mr. Weeks was solem-'
nized on the 4th of August, 1869, when he
was united to Miss Irene Le Massena, who
was born March 23, 185 1, at Newark, a
daughter of Andrew and Margaret Will-
iams (Whitlock) Le Massena, and a great-
granddaughter of Andre Massena, Prince
of Essling, one of Napoleon's marshals.
She is also descended from the Williams
and Whitlocks of New Brunswick, and the
Lees of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Weeks
are the parents of two daughters, — Nina
ESSEX COUNTY.
95
]\Iargaret, I)Oin December 3, 1876, and
Renee Hutchinson, born November 29,
1881.
In tracing the paternal genealogy of our
subject, we find that the founder of the
family in America was George Weekes.who
came from Devonshire, England, to Dor-
chester, Massachusetts, in 1637. accompa-
nied by his wife, Jane, a sister of Roger
Clap, who was descended from Osgod
Klapa, a Danish nobleman. George Weekes
was a surveyor and a selectman of Dorches-
ter, where he died in 1650. His ancestors
were landed gentry of England, one of
them, Sir Robert le Wrey de la Wyke. a
Norman knight and a descendant of Charle-
magne, being granted large estates in Eng-
land by William the Conqueror.
In the Records of Connecticut Men in
War of the Revolution, page 18, is found
the following:
"Eljenezer Weeks, great-great-grandson
of George \\"eekes, was born in 1741 at
Pomfret, Connecticut; in 1764 married
Eunice, daughter of Rev. George Griswold,
and died in 181 3, at Steuben, New York.
He responded to Lexington Alarm, in
April, 1775, and was a. private in Captain
Elisha Fox's company, Colonel Samuel H.
Parsons' regiment, Connecticut militia, in
Revolutionary war."
Rev. William Raymond Weeks, D. D.,
son of Ebenezer Weeks, was born at Brook-
lyn, Connecticut, in 1783, was graduated at
the College of New Jersey, Princeton, in
1809, and in 1812 he married Hannah,
daughter of John Randel. He learned the
trade of a printer before attending college,
but was subsequently ordained a minister of
the Presbyterian church and occupied the
pulpit at Plattsburg, New York, from 181 1
to 1814, serving as chaplain of the Ameri-
can troops in the war of .1812. From 1815
to 1818 he was head master of Morris Acad-
emy, near Litchfield, Connecticut, which
was established in 1790 by General James
!^Iorris. William R. Weeks was a noted
linguist and mathematician, the author of
an arithmetic and lessons in Latin and
Greek, and of many controversial religious
works. He died in Newark, New Jersey, in
1S48.
John Randel was a jeweler by occupa-
tion, living in New York city, and was a
member of a committee organized to fit out
privateers. He was taken prisoner by the
British, placed on board a privateer and
taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he
was confined on a prison ship.
John Randel Weeks, son of Rev. William
R. Weeks, and father of our subject, was
born in 1817 at Morris, Connecticut, and
married Mary Frances, daughter of Charles
Piatt Adriance. He learned the printer's
trade, which he followed from 1833 to 1838,
and then took up the study of law, being ad-
mitted to the New Jersey bar in 1845. He
was a volunteer fireman in Newark from
1840 to 1847; held the office of clerk of
Essex county from 1849 to 1854; was for
several years a member of the Newark
board of education ; was real-estate counsel
and director of the Mutual Benefit Life
Insurance Company; and for many years
was a director of the American Fire
Insurance Company, of Newark. He had
an antipathy to litigation, believing most
of it to be useless, and he frequently said
that ''three-quarters of the cases could be
settled, and nine-tenths ought to be." His
death occurred in 1879.
Regarding the maternal ancestors of
William Raymond Wrecks, we learn that the
founder of the Adriance family in America
96
ESSEX COUNTY.
was Adriaen Reyerse, a son of Reyer El-
bertse. of Utrecht. Holland, who came from
Amsterdam in 1646. and in 1659 he married
Annetje, a daughter of Roelof Martense
Schenck. Adriaen Reyerse was a magis-
trate in Flatbush. Long Island, in i'')77-9.
and died there in 1710.
Elbert Adriaense. son of Adriaen Rey-
erse. became the father of Rem Adrianse.
^\ho married Sarah Brinckerhoff. daughter
of Annetje Tunise Bogaert. daughter of
Sarah Jorise Rapalje, who had the distinc-
tion of being the first white child born in
the New Netherlands, that event taking
place at All:any. on the 9th of June, 1625.
Theodorus Adriance. son of Isaac Adri-
ance and grandson of Rem Adrianse, was
bom at Hopewell, New York, in 1751, was
married in 1772 to Killetie, or Helicke. a
daughter of Rudolphus Swart wout, and
died in 181 7. He enlisted as a private, be-
came a corporal and afterward a sergeant,
in New York state troops, in the Revolu-
tionary war. — Archives of New York, the
Revolution, Vol. I., page 312.
Charles Piatt Adriance. son of Theodo-
rus Adriance, was born at Hopewell, New
York, in 1790. and in 181 3 he married
Sarah, the daughter of Aaron Camp. He
was a jeweler in Richmond, \'irginia. for
many years, Init retired from active life in
183 1 and removed to Poughkeepsie, New
York, where he bought, for his residence,
the property afterward known as College
Hill, the highest ground in Poughkeepsie,
and there he lived about forty years, his
death occurring in 1874.
Aaron Camp. of Newark, New Jersey, was
a private in the New Jersey militia, in the
Revolutionary war. His father. Nathaniel
Camp, was captain of an artillen.- company,
organized at Newark, and attached to the
Second Regiment, New Jersey Militia, in
the Revolutionary war. — Register of Of^-
cers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolu-
tionary War, pp. 384-529.
General Washington, as a token of his
high esteem for, and confidence in Captain
Camp, presented to him. personally, a can-
non, since known as, "Old Nat." which re-
mained for a long time in the Camp family,
but is now at Washington's headquarters,
in Alorristown, New Jersev.
PAUL WILCON.
The law has ever called into the circle
of her followers the Iirightest minds, the
most gifted sons of the nation. The keen
intellect is sharpened l)y its contact with
others as brilliant, and gains thereby an
added strength and power. The most care-
ful analvsis. closest reasoning and most
logical thought-]irocesses are brought into
play, and the law\er of aljility, by reason of
his strong intellectuality, rises above the
ranks of the many to become a leader in
thought and action, his influence extending
not only to the professional, but into the
political and social circles as well. Promi-
nent among those who in that most import-
ant liranch of jurisprudence, corporation
law. have won distinctive preferment in
legal circles in New York city, is Paul ^^'il-
cox. whose reputation as a lawyer places
him among the ablest representatives of the
profession in the country.
He comes of a family tliat. living in
Tennessee, was widely known in the South
and that has furnished many representatives
in the important walks of life. This family
undoubtedly had a common origin with
those of the same name in New England.
Burke"s "Landed Gentrv" states that "the
ESSEX COUNTY.
97
English branch, settled at county Essex and
county Middlesex, bore arms: Argent a
lion rampant between three crescents sable:
a chief vain Crest: Out of a mural coro-
net, or a demi-lion rampant, sable collared
vair." The ancestor of the Tennessee
branch of the family came from England in
the early part of the last century. John,
the great-grandfather of Paul Wilcox, mar-
ried the daughter of "Squire Boone," broth-
er of the famous Daniel Boone, the pioneer
of Kentucky. Dr. George Boone Wilcox,
son of John, was a noted physician, \\ho
practiced for forty years in Boone county,
Missouri. Dr. John Wilcox, his son, and
the father of Paul, was one of the most
prominent physicians and surgeons of Mis-
souri, and afterward took a foremost place
in the ranks of his profession in Indiana.
Owing to his southern sympathies in the
early part of the war, he was driven from,
his native state and settled in Indiana,
where he made many warm friends and ac-
quired a large practice. He was consid-
ered the best surgical expert in the middle
western states. Among his most intimate
friends and associates were President Har-
rison, Vice-President Hendricks, United
States Senator Joseph E. McDonald and
other distinguished western men. He mar-
ried Margaret H. Grififin, of Culpeper
Courthouse, Virginia, a descendant of an
old and well known family of that state.
Her paternal grandfather was Zachariah
Griffin, who served with the Continental
army throughout the war of the Revolu-
tion.
Paul Wilcox, son of Dr. John and Marga-
ret H. (Griffin) Wilcox, was born in Boone
county, Missouri, on the 3d of October,
T858, and after acquiring a mastery of the
common branches of learning entered De
.7
Pauw University, of Indiana, where he was
graduated with the valedictorian honors of
his class. He aftenvard went abroad and
continued his studies in Berlin and Leipsic,
Germany, and was graduated at Columbia
College Law School, of New York, in 1884.
He read law in the office of Mitchell &
Mitchell, a prominent firm of that city, and
in 1885 was admitted to the bar. The fol-
lowing year he began practice on his own
account and continued alone in business
until 1890, when he entered into a profes-
sional partnership, as a member of the firm
of Wilcox & Barkley. Although one of
the younger members of the bar of New
York, his. success as a corporation lawyer
has been marked. In many of his most im-
portant cases he has been arrayed against
some of the oldest and ablest lawyers in
the city. He spares neither time nor labor
in his legal investigations. He discusses
legal questions with a clearness of illustra-
tion, a strength of argument, a fullness and
variety of learning rarely equaled by one of
his age and experience. He is the legal
representative of many of the largest cor-
porations in the city, among which may be
mentioned the American Press Association,
the largest newspaper corporation in the
world, comprising ten thousand news-
papers and having its various sub-compa-
nies in fifteen different states. He was a
director in this company until the pressure
of an increasing practice made it necessary
for him to give it up. He secured the adop-
tion of favorable laws for American corpor-
ations in Canada and argued successfully
important cases in England, connected
with the Thome Type-Setting Machine
Company.
In 1888 Mr. Wilcox took up his resi-
dence in Montclair, and he has been ever
98
ESSEX COUXTY.
active in advancing its interests. Probably
the most important service that he has ren-
dered to his fellow townsmen was the con-
spicuous part he took, and the material aid
which he gave, in the organization of tlie
Montclair Bank. The first meeting of its
])rojectors was held in his New York ofiice.
in Temple Court, where the preliminary
steps were taken to insure its success. To
his active efforts in its establishment, as well
as those of his associates, the citizens of
Montclair are indebted for one of the l)est
and most successfully managed banking in-
stitutions to be found in any suburban vil-
lage or township in this part of the country.
Mr. Wilcox was a subscriber to the original
stock and has been a director since its or-
ganization.
In 1884 Mr. Wilcox was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Maul, daughter of Will-
iam Garrison Maul, of Omaha, Nebraska,
whose ancestors were among the early set-
tlers of New Jersey. Uriah !Maul. her
great-grandfather, served throughout the
war of the Revolution, in Captain Bloom-
field's company. Third Battalion, First Es-
tablishment; Captain ]\Iott"s company.
Third Battalion, Second Establishment,
Third Regiment : also First Regiment. To
^Ir. and Mrs. Wilcox have been born two
sons and a daughter. — Harold, in 1885, and
Gladys, in 1890, and Paul, in 1897.
In 1888 Mr. Wilcox purchased the Bayles
biomestead, on Upper ^Mountain avenue,
which is one of the most beautiful sites in
the township, affording as it does one of
the most extended views to be had from
any point on the mountain. The main
house, as it stood originally, is of brown
stone of the early English style of archi-
tecture. To this Mr. Wilcox has added a
large extension, which is in rough cast
or cement, to correspond somewhat with
the original design. The interior of the din-
ing room, twenty Ijy thirty feet, is made to
correspond with the exterior, but is far
more elaborate, being of the early English
style, finished in antique oak. with which
it is wainscoted in square panels, with heavy
Ijeam ceiling. The hospitable doors of this
palatial home are ever open for the recep-
tion of the many friends of the family. They
are leaders in society circles and Mrs. Wil-
cox is a lady of superior intellectual and
musical gifts. She is a leading member of
the Sorosis, before which she has often
sung, and in its deliberations she is an
acti\e participant. Mr. Wilcox was one of
the organizers and most active promoters
of the Outlook Club, has served as a mem-
l)er of one of its committees from the begin-
ning; in 1893 was elected its president and
again holds the same position. He is presi-
dent of the Montclair Club, which was or-
ganized and incorporated in 1887, and has
Ijeen equally active in advancing its inter-
ests. He also belongs to the Montclair
Golf Club, of which he is president, and the
Montclair Athletic Club. One of the well
known lawyers of New York, in private life
he is a most pleasant, social and approach-
able gentleman, who has won popularity
and the high regard and warm friendship
of all with whom he has been lirought in
contact.
TniOTHY BURNET.
It is not necessary that the man who
achieves wealth be made of sterner stuff
than his fellow men, but there are certain
indispensable characteristics that contrib-
ute to the prosperity of the individual, and
these are energy, enterprise, determination
^l^^^/t) /b^^^— /^
'■A
THE
NEV>'VORK
[public LIBRARY j^
1901
ESSEX COUNTY.
99
and the ability to recognize and improve
opportunities. These quaHties are cardinal
elements in the character of Air. Burnet
and have accompanied him in his progress
from a humble station in life to one of
prominence and affluence.
Mr. Burnet was born in Union county,
New Jersey, on the i8th of December, 1809,
a son of John Oliver and Hannah (Miller)
Burnet, who were natives of this state and
were of English descent. The first settle-
ment of the Burnet family in America was
made on Long Island in colonial days. The
mother of our subject died in January. 181 2,
and the father passed away some vears
later. During his early youth Timothy Bur-
net went to live with Amos Day, a butcher,
in whose home he was treated as a son of
the family and with whom he remained until
Mr. Day's death. He drove a meat wagon
to Newark when that now flourishing city
was a mere hamlet, and carried the mail
from Camptown to Newark on his wagon.
In 1837 he embarked in the meat-market
business on his own account and followed
that pursuit for twenty years with excellent
success. He began operations on a small
scale, for his capital was limited, and with
the aid of a small boy did his own butcher-
ing. As the years passed his financial re-
sources largely increased, and in 1857 he
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
establishing a home at his present place of
residence. He at first had only six acres
of land, but from time to time he extended
the boundaries of his farm until it now
comprises one hundred acres of good land
under a high state of cultivation. His land
fronts on Springfield for a mile and is a very
valuable property, yielding to him rich re-
turns.
In 1837 Mr. Burnet was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah Petty of Morris county.
Two children were born to them, but one
died in infancy. The daughter, Ann Au-
gusta, since her mother's death, which oc-
curred in June, 1876, has superintended the
household affairs for her father.
Mr. Burnet attends the Presbyterian
church and is a liberal contributor to its
support. He cast his first presidential vote
for General Andrew Jackson and has since
been an advocate and supporter of the prin-
ciples of Democracy. His life has been well
spent in conformity with the rules of moral
conduct, and his business and social associ-
ates entertain for him the highest regard.
He has now reached the advanced age of
eighty-eight years and his is an honored old
age, for his many excellent qualities have
gained for him the unqualified regard and
esteem .of those with whom he has been
brought .-.in contact.
HAYWARD A. HARVEY.
Grand achievements always excite ad-
miration. The men of deeds are the men
the world delights to honor. He who con-
ceives new things and fashions them into
shape is a creator. He who, out of the
material which is within his reach, and with
the resources at his command, brings into
being that which adds to the comfort and
happiness of man, and which before had
no existence, is following in the footsteps
of the great Architect of all things. All
the countless and useful inventions, all the
wonderful structures which have ever ex-
isted or which now exist on the face of the
earth, lived first in the minds of men. How
to bring them out and give them form and
substance were the problems which were
to be solved. Men studied the fields and
lOO
ESSEX COUNTY
tlie forests, and brought their products into
their workshops. They brought to tlieir
aid the air. tlie eartli, the sea, fir<^ and
water, wind and wave and subtle vapor, the
timber from the forests, the rocks from the
hills, the ores from their hidden caverns,
and even the lightning from the skies, and
from them, or by their aid. they fashioned
or wrought into shapes and forms of beau-
ty or utility the wonderful creations which
their imaginations had conceived. He who
serves is royal. Among those who have
stood as distinguished types of the world's
workers and who have introduced new eras
of thought by inventions of great utility,
no one is more worthy of honorable men-
tion than the subject of this memoir, the
late Hayward A. Harvey, of Orange, New
Jersev. There is an element of peculiar in-
terest in his career, since it was his to in-
herit the talents and the genius, as it were,
of a distinguished father and to carry for-
ward a great work initiated by the latter.
It is singularly true that if any scion of a
house still honored rises to greatness, he
will have achieved it. He will not be born
to it or find it thrust upon him, but he
must be great indeed to overcome the dis-
advantage of standing in the shadow of the
colossal dead. As the inventor of the Har-
vev process for hardening steel plate, the
reputation of IMr. Harvey has extended
throughout the civilized world. To the
people of Orange, where he lived and lab-
ored to goodly ends during a period of
more than a quarter of a century, he was
known as a quiet, modest, unassuming citi-
zen and as a man animated by the deepest
sincerity and one fortified by impregnable
integritv. Thus to the man and his works
all honor is due.
Hayward Augustus Harvey was born in
Jamestown, New York, on the 17th of Jan-
uary, 1824, the son of General Thomas \\'.
and Matilda (Hayward) Harvey, both of
whom were natives of the old Green Moun-
tain state. The original American pro-
genitor in the agnatic line was William
Harvey, who was one of the prominent
members of the Massachusetts colony, the
direct ancestral line tracing from him
through Thomas, ^^'illiam, Jonathan,
Rufus, and Thomas W., the last named be-
ing the father of the immediate subject of
this review. Thomas William Harvey was
a brigadier-general in the old New York
militia, having come originally from Wards-
boro. Vermont, and having become one of
the earliest settlers in Jamestown, New
York. He was a thoroughly skilled me-
chanician and was exceedingly prolific as
an inventor, and as his son has said of him,
"his work was a continual unfolding of fu-
ture possibilities." As touching his more
important work we cannot, perhaps, do
better than to make excerpt from an arti-
cle published in the Engineering and Min-
ing Journal, under date of September 2,
1893:
"His inventions included many mechan-
isms which are to-day in operation all over
the world. He was a pioneer in automatic
pin machinery and screw machinery, into
which he introduced the toggle joint and
cam movement, which gave to so many
machines their almost human capacity of
operation. He was the inventor of the
gimlet-pointed screw. He made many in-
ventions in connection with the manufac-
ture of pins, screws, spikes, haircloth and
type molding. He was, perhaps, the first
to depart in steel manufacture from the old
blister or cement process, and to introduce
the crucible steel. Further than this, and
ESSEX COUNTY.
lOI
perhaps even more striking, is the fact that
in 1842 he ran all the machinery in his ma-
chine shop in New York city by a mag-
neto-electric engine. In this, however, he
was in advance of his times, as nothing was
then known of the modern dynamo, and
it required an enormous number of batter-
ies to run his engine. His inventions
acted as great educational forces in the
mechanical world, and attracted much at-
tention from mechanics and mechanical
engineers of that day. He was invited to
lecture on the subject of the cam before
the American Institute, of which he was
one of the founders, and at one time the
president. He was well known as an in-
vestor in and promoter of mining and other
enterprises. General Harvey moved from
Jamestown to Ramapo in 1833 and to
Poughkeepsie in 1836. The names of the
Harveys, father and son, are very closely
connected with the manufacture of wood
screws in this country. General Harvey
had carried on the manufacture of wood
screws in a small way at Ramapo and
Montgomery, New York. This was con-
tinued at Poughkeepsie, the first patents
being granted to General Harvey in 1836,
in which year the Poughkeepsie Screw
Compan}^ was organized. Before General
Harvey's inventions the operation of
screw-making was very crude, the blanks
being put in and taken out one by one, and
the cutting tool operated by hand. By
General Harvey's first improvement the
operation was made partially automatic.
The blanks were still supplied one by one,
but the operation of the cutting tools was
regulated and adjusted by the machine it-
self. Although the gimlet-pointed screw
is generally supposed to be a comparative-
ly modern invention, vet the first screws
offered by General Harvey in the market
in New York were gimlet-pointed and
were so named by him. General Harvey
also first introduced machines for shaving
screw-heads, and the chaser tool in place
of the cutting dies previously employed.
In 1839 the Poughkeepsie company sold
out to a company organized at Somerville,
New Jersey, and screws were first made in
Providence about 1840. In 1842 General
Harvey began the experiments which
made the screw machines entirely auto-
matic, introducing self-feeding of blanks,
etc. Patents on this machinery were taken
out in 1846. In 1844 the New York Screw
Company was organized, with General
Harvey as president. In 1849 the Somer-
ville company was reorganized, buying the
machinery of Thomas VV. Harvey and of a
small concern at Schenectady, and taking
the name of the Union Screw Company."
General Harvey was devoted to his pro-
fession and continued to he identified with
practical inventive work and concomitant
industrial enterprises until death brought
his honorable and useful career to a close.
He was a strong man, a great man and a
good man, and the heritage which he left
to his son, who was destined to equal
honors and perhaps greater accomplish-
ments, was one that did not fall short of
appreciation. General Harvey died at
Canaan, Connecticut, on the 5th of June,
1854, an honored citizen and a conspicu-
ous figure in the industrial world.
As a boy of twelve years, Hayward A.
Harvey accompanied his parents on their re-
moval from Poughkeepsie, New York, and
here he secured effective educational dis-
cipline in a local academy and later contin-
ued his studies in the academy at New
Paltz, New York. He early manifested a
102
ESSEX COUXTY.
distinct predilection for tlieoretical and ap-
plied mechanics, and after leaving school
he was permitted to follow his natural tastes
and to stand on high vantage ground, by
reason of the opportunities which his dis-
tinguished father could offer to him. En-
tering his father's shops at Poughkeepsie,
he devoted his attention to learning draft-
ing and thoroughly familiarizing himself
with the various technicalities of mechani-
cal engineering. His individual powers soon
gained him recognition and would have
insured his consecutive advancement, even
had he not been reinforced by the deep in-
terest and fostering encouragement of his
father. As touching his early career it is
necessary at this juncture to revert onlv
to the more salient points. He was for a
time employed as a draftsman in the shops
of the New York Screw Company, of which
his father was president, and in 1850 he
was placed in charge of the wire department
of the Union Screw Company, at Somer-
ville. In 1852 he became associated with
his father in the Harvey Steel & Iron Com-
pany, of Mott Haven, New York, and in
1854, which year marked the death of his
father and the dissolution of the companv
mentioned, our subject went to Canaan,
Connecticut, where he for a time conducted
steel works, operations here being largelv
of an experimental nature. During the
next decade his attention was mainly di-
rected to developing many of his father's
unfinished inventions and projects, and the
work could not have been entrusted to
more capable and more discriminating
hands. Within the period mentioned he
maintained at intervals intimate relations
with the American Screw Company, of
Providence, contributing largely to the ex-
tending of productive facilities in the line.
by means of improved machinery and man-
ipulating devices which improved also the
practical value of the output. He had been
associated with his father in the founding
of the W'amgum Steel Company, of Con-
necticut, where his experiments were con-
tinued, as noted. In 1865 he founded, in
Jersey City, the Continental Screw Com-
pany, which acquired the right and title to
Mr. Harvey's first patents on screw ma-
chinery, covering the entire process of
wood-screw manufacturing. This company
was in a short time assimilated by the
American Screw Company, of which Mr.
Harvey continued a stockholder. From
1870 to 1890 Mr. Harvey gave unremitting
attention to the designing of new machin-
ery for the making of screws, bolts, wire
nails, washers, spiral springs and other arti-
cles of kindred nature. The most notable
of his inventions within this score of years
is what is known as the rolled-thread
screw. Instead of cutting the screw thread
into the wire, Mr. Harvey devised the meth-
od of cold-forging the thread partly into
it, partly upon the surface of the wire itself,
also giving to the screws a sharp central
point, which improvement, as taken in con-
nection with the large thread and small
neck, with incidental saving in the weight
of material employed, made the article pro-
duced one of such absolute superiority over
all others that the leading screw manufac-
turers of the world were practically com-
pelled to ward off a disastrous competition
Ijy the one method of recourse — the pur-
chase of the Harvey patents. Thus the
American Screw Company, of Providence,
Rhode Island, and the Nettlefolds, of Eng-
land, acquired these valuable and revolu-
tionizing patents in the year 1886.
The wonderful inventive fecundity of Mr.
ESSEX COUNTY.
103
Harvey was sliown in many valuable devices
which have come into use the world over.
Among the more important of these may
he mentioned the so-called grip bolt, which
is used in securing the fish plates on many
of the principal railroad lines of the country
and which effectually does away with- nut
locks. To meet a certain prejudice among
many engineers and master mechanics of
railroads in favor of a washer or nut-lock of
some kind, Mr. Harvey showed the fertility
of his inventive genius by the invention of a
device which met the demand and still did
not compel him to sacrifice the original
principle involved in his grip bolt. He in-
\ented the ribbed spiral washer, and this
is now very extensi\ely used, fully oxer-
coming the objection made to the original
device, though by no means a needed re-
inforcement.
Mr. Harvey's career was one of consecu-
tive progress and development and his pres-
tige as an inventor was ever cumulative in
character. To one of so deep intellectuality,
maintained in equipoise with practical skill
on the higher planes of mechanical applica-
tion, expansion and growth must come in
logical sequence. In later years he added
most fully to his honors through his pe-
culiarly original researches and experiments
in connection with the tempering or hard-
ening of steel — a process which still bears
his name and which alone will perpetuate
his fame through all the years to come. He
inaugurated his experiments in this line
in the early '8o's and the histor}- of the in-
ception and progress of this series of in-
\estigations and experiments is interesting
in the extreme. At the time when the Har-
^■ey Screw & Bolt Company was conducting
operations he conceived the idea of produc-
ing a bolt and nut of cast iron, with threads
partially impressed upon them in the mold,
and then hardening or carbonizing the en-
tire surfaces to give them the requisite
toughness. The original experiment was ;i
practical failure, and yet was full of sug-
gestion and value as taken as the forerun-
ner of other experiments which reached
their denouement in most gratifying and
magnificent success. This experiment,
made in 18S5, ga\e such peculiar results
that it was noted in scientific and mechan-
ical circles as indicative of a new discovery
in the metallurgy of steel. -\Ir. Harvey w as
encouraged to continue his experimenta-
tion, and he soon succeeded in producing
from ordinary low-grade Bessemer steel a
steel equal in every respect to the finest
crucible or cast steel, the product being
available for the manufacture of the finest
steel tools, razors, knife blades, etc. Let-
ters patent on the product and process were
granted to Mr. Harvey in 1888, and works
were established for the carrying on of the
])rofitable industry made possilile by his
great discovery. The plant was originally
located in Jersey City, but was eventually
removed to Newark, where operations were
conducted on a gigantic and ever widening
scale. Mr. Harvey carried his invention to
its broadest capacity for practical applica-
tion, since his experiments w-ere continued
along the line of producing armor plate,
eventuating in a complete revolution of
this branch of the great steel industry of the
world. The first armor plate was treated
at the Newark works in 1890, and came
forth victorious against the severest tests.
The naval authorities of the national gov-
ermnent immediately took recognition of
the new Harvey process and product, sub-
jected the plate to tests which had no pre-
cedent in severity, and conclusively pro\ed
I04
ESSEX COUNTY.
the superiority of the Harvey plate over any
other form, as touching the points of tough-
ness and efTectual resistance to impact.
What more need be said than that
the Harvey armor plate has been
adopted unreservedly by the United
States government and also, after fur-
ther and most exacting tests, by all
the governments of Europe? All of Mr.
Harvey's inventions are covered bv United
States patents, and their number aggre-
gates nearly one hundred and fifty — repre-
senting a life work at once of great value
and worthy of all praise. In 1889 Mr. Har-
vey organized the Harvey Steel Company,
of which he became president, being one of
the largest stockholders in the magnificent
enterprise controlled. He lived to enjov
the fruits of his earnest and indefatigable
efiforts, but ever bore himself with the un-
pretentious modesty which typifies a great
mind and a noble heart. \'iewed from
whatever standpoint, the life of Hayward A.
Harvey appears as successful as it was earn-
est, honest and pure. His devotion to his
applied science was supreme; to him no
labor was too severe, no sacrifice too great,
if thereby he could approach more nearly
the ends sought. The researches he had
already made, and much more that he had
projected, involved the largest expenditure
of his time and means, but such was his
enthusiasm that he was nev^er happier than
when hard at work on some one of his valu-
able experiments. His abilities were many-
sided, and as has been well said of him: "He
was emphatically a progressive man.
When his mind was engaged in inventions
it was difificult for him to stop; he always
saw so much beyond. In making his in-
ventions he usually declined to lie guided
by the experience of others. The fact that
some one had done a certain thing in a cer-
tain way almost always made him reject
that way and look for a path of his own.
.He was a singularly persuasive man, as he
must needs be to get the attention and the
confidence and support of prominent cap-
italists, in which he was very successful.
Although always a positive man, yet it is
doubtful whether he left any enemies be-
hind him. for his sympathetic and reallv
lovable nature made him warm friends
among all classes of men." He was affec-
tionate, noble, just and generous; a thor-
ough gentleman, with a quick and burning
contempt for all shams and meanness; a
friend most kind and sympathetic, helpful
and brotherly; clear-headed, [irudent and
active in business; a man of the most re-
fined and highest intellectual tastes and
qualities; a lover of art and music and
himself an accomplished musician, — in
short, a man fortunate in the great re-
sources which lay at his disposal, and in the
wisdom to manage and use them well; in
the lines he chose for his experimentation
and investigation and in the complete suc-
cess which he ultimately attained.
Mr. Harvey maintained a lively interest
in all that touched the welfare and advance-
ment of the city of his home, where he was
so honored by all classes. He served from
1873 to 1879 as a member of the common
council, was a member of the board of
commissioners which devised the present
water system and also of the advisory board
of citizens which was the predecessor of the
sewerage advisory committee. He was
vice-president of the American Washer &
^Manufacturing Company, of Newark, being
essentially a man of affairs. In politics he
gave his allegiance to the Republican party,
w bile in religious adherency he was orig-
ESSEX COUNTY.
10 =
inally a member of the Brick Presbyterian
church of East Orange, from which he
eventually transferred his membership to
Trinity Congregational church, in which he
held the office of precentor for many years.
He was one of the founders of the New
England Society of Orange, was identified
with the ancient-craft body of Freemason-
ry and had attained all the degrees in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In
both social and lousiness life he held the
unreserved confidence and esteem of all
who came within the circle of his influence.
In the year 1850 was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Harvey to Miss Matilda Win-
ant, of New York, who died in 1856. leav-
ing one son. Dr. Thomas W. Harvev. a
prominent physician and surgeon of
Orange. In 1865 he consummated his sec-
ond marriage, being then united to Miss
Emily A. Halsey, of Bridgehampton, Long
Island, and they became the parents of one
son, Hay ward A. Harvey, Jr., who has
been in charge of the works of the Harvev
Steel Company, in Newark. Mrs. Harvev
still resides in the beautiful homestead in
Orange.
On the 28th of August, 1893, after a
weary and painful illness of several months,
death released the golden cord which held
the mortal life of this distinguished and
honored citizen of New Jersey, and full of
3'ears and goodly deeds he passed into eter-
nal rest, while a community mourned the
loss of a good man and true. His works
live after him to perpetuate his name and
to hold it up for the respect and high esti-
mation of succeeding generations — a name
typical of exalteil ideals and of worthy ac-
complishment.
Dr. Thomas W. Harvey was born on the
loth of September, 1853. and after graduat-
ing at Princeton College, in 1875, he deter-
mined to devote his career to the medical
profession, and with this end in view he be-
gan to study that science under the able
preceptorage of Dr. William Pierson, of
Orange,subsequently attending the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, where he ob-
tained the degree of Doctor of Medicine in
1878. He forthwith entered upon the ac-
tive practice of his profession, continuing
the same in an individual way until 1890,
when he entered into a professional part-
nership with Dr. Pierson, his former pre-
ceptor, which alliance has since obtained,
the firm ha\ing a practice of most gratify-
ing order and having attained that suc-
cess \\hich is the natural sequelae of well
directed effort, ability and earnest purpose.
The Doctor is a member of the American
Medical Association, the New York Acad-
emy of Medicine, the Essex District Med-
ical Society, the Orange Mountain Medical
Society, has served for four years as sec-
retary of the Orange board of health, is
attending surgeon of the Orange Medical
Hospital, is physician and lecturer on ob-
stetrics to the Orange Training School for
Nurses, and physician to the Orange Or-
phans' Home, and is known as a talented
physician, — one who is precise and reliable
in his methods and who stands high in the
estimation of the medical world and of
those with whom he comes in contact in the
various relations of life. He is vice-presi-
dent of the Harvey Steel Company, and in
a more purely social way is identified with
the Orange Camera Club and the Prince-
ton Club, of New York.
The marriage of Dr. Harvey was cele-
brated on the 3d of October, 1882, when
he was united to Miss Catherine Green,
daughter of Edward Green. Dr. and Mrs.
io6
i;»s'.S'i^X COUNTY.
Harvey are the parents of three children. — -
Thomas W., Jr., Spencer Green and Alice.
AjNIZI DODD.
For half a century identilicd witli the
public life of his native state, distinguished
as a jurist and as one of the most promi-
nent representatives of life-insurance inter-
ests in the nation, Amzi Dodd is one of
the most unassuming of men and wears
without ostentation the honors which have
been conferred upon him.
Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, on the
2d of ]^Iarch, 1823, he is a lineal descend-
ant of Daniel Dodd, an English Puritan
who emigrated to America about 1646 and
took up his residence in Sagus, now Lynn,
Massachusetts. In 1665 he died in Bran-
ford, Connecticut. He left six children,
all minors at the time of his death. Four
of these came to New Jersey in 1666 with
the Rev. Abraham Pierson, the founder of
Newark, and since that time the family
have been prominent in the history of the
city, and have furnished to its public life
several men of distinction.
Daniel Dodd. Jr., the eldest son of the
founder of the family on American soil,
was a good mathematician and a surveyor
by profession, and in fitting recognition of
his intelligence and honesty was elected, in
1692. a member of the colonial house of
assembly. Joseph Smith Dodd. a lineal
descendant of Daniel Dodd, was a gradu-
ate of the College of New Jersey and a
prominent physician of Bloomfield. this
state, his native town. In 1817 he married
Miss Maria Grover, daughter of Rev. Ste-
phen Grover. who for a half centurv was
pastor of the Presbyterian church in Cald-
well, New Jersey.
Amzi, the second son of Joseph and
Maria Dodd. received his early scholastic
training in the Bloomfield Academy and
after thorough preparation entered the
sophomore class of the College of New
Jersey, in the spring of 1839. and at that
institution was graduated in September,
1841, with the highest honors of his class.
Through the succeeding four years he was
engaged in teaching school in Virginia,
and in 1845 returned to his native state,
where he took up the study of law in the
city of Newark. In 1848 he was admitted
to the bar and soon afterward became asso-
ciated with Hon. Frederick T. Frelinghuy-
sen. then a distinguished jurist enjoying an
extensive practice, and later secretary of
state in the cabinet of President Arthur.
This association continued until 1850,
when Mr. Dodd was elected clerk of the
coimnon council of Newark, at which time
he opened an office and began practicing
alone. His clientage so rapidly increased
that in 1853 he was constrained to resign
his clerkship that he might give his entire
attention to his profession.
His reputation as an earnest, faithful and
able attorney antl counselor steadily grew,
leading to his employment in the legal
affairs of important corporations. Pos-
sessed of remarkable judicial powers, rein-
forced by strong forensic ability, Mr. Dodd
became one of the ablest lawyers of the
state. He had the full confidence of the
bench and bar of New Jersey, was careful
and painstaking in the preparation of his
cases, conservative and cautious in their
management and pre-eminently a wise and
safe counselor. In 1871 the business of
the court of chancery of the state of New
Jersev had become so pressing that Chan-
cellor Zabriskie. then at the head of the
court, was obliged to ask for the appoint-
ESSEX COUNTY.
107
ment of a vice-chancellor, and Mr. Dodd
was selected for that position, this choice
giving^ entire satisfaction throughout the
state. He remained engaged in the ardu-
ous labors of the position until 1875, when
he resigned. Six years later he was again
called to the same office, but before the
close of a year's service he was tendered
the presidency of the Mutual Benefit Life
Insurance Company, of Newark, one of the
wealthiest, oldest and most reliable institu-
tions of the kind in the land. Since 1863
he had served as its mathematician and was
thoroughly acquainted with the vast and
complicated business of the institution, and
perhaps for this reason he was more will-
ing to accept the position which was unan-
imously and urgently pressed upon him.
Yielding to this urgent solicitation, and
retiring a second time from the office of
vice-chancellor, he became president of the
Mutual Benefit Life Lisurance Company, a
position he has since filled with universal
satisfaction. By his rare business and ex-
ecutive ability he has rendered most valu-
able ser^'ice in directing the large affairs of
this institution.
From the beginning of his professional
career Mr. Dodd won the confidence and
esteem of all with whom he came in con-
tact. Li his early days political honors
were constantly within his grasp; still he
never sought prominence in that direction.
His devotion to professional duties, how-
ever, did not lessen his interest in public
affairs, and accordingly, when the opposi-
tion to slavery led to the fomation of the
Republican party, he became one of its
active and prominent leaders. His zeal in
the cause and his reputation as an orator
prompted his nomination as the Republi-
can candidate for congress in the district
composed of Essex and Hudson counties,
in 1856. Called to lead a forlorn hope, he
suffered the inevitable defeat, with undi-
minished ardor in the cause, his name and
influence contributing to the ultimate suc-
cess of this great national party.
Li 1863 Mr. Dodd accepted the nomina-
tion of his party for the state legislature
and was elected by a handsome majority.
He declined the nomination for a second
legislative term. Though a stanch Repub-
lican, it is a remarkable and ver}' compli-
mentary fact that the public offices held by
him after his service in the legislature were
all by appointment in Democratic admin-
istrations and entirely unsolicited on his
l)art. Governor Randolph appointed him
to the office of vice-chancellor in 1871, and
the following year Governor Parker ap-
pointeil him one of the special judges of
the court of errors and appeals, and the
appointment was confirmed by the senate.
To this same position he was again ap-
pointed by Governor McClellan in 1875,
serving in that capacity until 1882, when he
resigned. Governor Bedle appointed him
a member of the Riparian Commission and
this position he held until 1887. In 1876
the supreme court aj^pointed him as one of
the managers of the New Jersey Soldiers'
Home, a gratuitous office, in which he has
since acceptably and faithfully served.
His career has been long, active and use-
ful, but quiet and unostentatious. No man
is more favorably known or popular in the
state, and this high regard has been gained
by no artifice, but is the spontaneous trib-
ute to real worth. His popularity and
splendid reputation have been won by be-
ginning life as an upright man with no
false pretenses, and continuing in that path
through all the years of his long career.
io8
ESSEX COUNTY.
JOSEPH C. PIERSON
is a representative of one of the pioneer
families of Essex count}^ long identified
with the progress and development of this
region. His father, Samuel Pierson, was
born on the old family homestead in ]\Ia-
plewood, in 1794, and acquired his educa-
tion in the common schools of that day.
He afterward taught school for a time and
at the age of twenty-one entered the employ
of INIr. Hayes, of Newark, in whose ser-
vice he remained until going to New York.
He was there engaged in the dry-goods
business in the employ of 'Mv. Underbill .
a Quaker, and later established a dry-goods
store of his own in Chatham street. Tliis
was the first dry-goods store not on the
main floor, but the new enterprise proved a
success and he carried on a profitable busi-
ness there until May. 1832. when he re-
moved to Newark and purchased of Samuel
Perry the property, on Clinton avenue.
where our subject now lives. The follow-
ing year he built a store, stocked it with
general merchandise and carried on opera-
tions along that line until 1852. when he
retired from active business.
November 21, 1820, Samuel Pierson was
united in marriage to I\Iiss Mary Clark
Townley, who was born on Morris avenue,
two miles from Elizabeth, the old home-
stead being still in possession of the family.
Her father, Captain Jonathan Townley, was
the son of Richard Townley, who was Ijorn
in 1736, and who emigrated from England
to America in colonial days. He command-
ed a company during the war of the Revo-
lution and valiantly aided in winning free-
dom from English tyranny. Mr. and ]Mrs.
Pierson became the parents of six children,
three sons and three daughters, of whom
four died in infancy, while Mary Emma
died in December, 1849, leaving our sub-
ject the only survivor. The parents were
members of the Third Presbyterian church
of Newark. The father was converted
under the preaching of Rev. Joseph Christ-
mas, pastor of the old Bowery Presbyterian
church, of New York. He served as trus-
tee of the old White school, en Clinton ave-
nue. Newark, and took an active interest in
ever}' movement calculated to promote the
general good. His business career was a
very successful one, owing to his well di-
rected efforts, his enterprise, resolute pur-
pose and sound judgment, and he accumu-
lated a large property. His death occurred
in July. 1873, and his wife passed away in
i8'33.'
Joseph C. Pierson was born in New York
city in 1831. and was reared in his parents
home, at Newark, acquiring his education
in the neighborhood. He continued his
studies until eighteen years of age and then
entered his father's store. In 1856 he
erected a store building on Clinton avenue,
Newark, and embarked in the dry-goods
business on his own account, successfully
conducting that enterprise until 1875.
Three vears later he went to New York
citv. where he engaged in the wholesale
underwear and hosiery business, which he
continued until June, 1890, when on ac-
count of ill health he closed out his estab-
lishment. He had a very extensive trade,
coming from a wide territory, and his house
represented one of the leading wholesale in-
terests of New York. In May, 1890. he
erected five brick residences on Clinton ave-
nue, Newark, and has since devoted his en-
ergies to the management of his property
interests.
In November, 1853, Mr. Pierson was
EI^SEX rOrXTY
109
married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of
Abraham Bkivelt, one of the old residents
of Newark, wlio came from Newfoundland
to Essex county. Three children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Pierson: John T.,
now a member of the firm of Lappan &
Pierson, of New York; J. C. ; and Mar}'
Emma, wife of G. W. McCutcheon. In
social circles the family hold a ver)- prom-
inent position and their household is justly
noted for its culture and hospitality. Mr.
Pierson is a member of the Clinton Re-
formed church, in which he has held office
for four years. He is identified with the
Republican Club of Newark, and is a stanch
advocate of the principles of the Republican
party. He is a broad-minded man, of
strong character, pleasing personality and
kindly disposition, highly esteemed by all.
JAMES F. WOODHOUSE.
A man who is the possessor of a home
of almost idyllic character, whose social po-
sition is assured not less by an honored an-
cestry than by personal worth, and who
stands sponsor for the deepest American-
ism, may be considered to be favored of for-
tune. All these elements may be appro-
priately touched upon in according a brief
review of the life of one of the represent-
ative citizens of South Orange — he whose
name initiates this paragraph.
It is a recognized fact that in that beauti-
ful section of Essex county designated as
the Oranges are to be found some of the
most attractive suburban homes in the
world. A section favored by nature and
with such attractions doubly enhanced
through the effective work of man, here
the man of manifold business cares may find
rest and solace and may quicken anew his
appreciation of the higher values of life,
— the idealities which ever touch nature, — •
and yet find his the privilege to be num-
bered with the busy throngs of the national
metropolis but a few moments after leaving
the sequestered beauties of his home. The
magnificent demesne of Mr. Woodhouse is
situated on the Ridgewood road, in South
Orange, the tract comprising twenty-three
acres of land, which slopes gently from the
lieautiful Orange mountains tow-ard the vil-
lage of South Orange. The place is con-
sidered to be one of the most attractive of
the many magnificent homes of the locality.
The residence grounds have a frontage of
three hundred feet on Ridgewood road and
extend back to the summit of the mountain.
The residence proper is situated on the
tableland of the first rise of the hill, being a
large and commodious villa of modern
architectural design and built with a view-
to convenience as well as picturesque effect.
Mr. Woodhouse took up his abode in South
Orange in 1886, and here he passes the
major portion of his time, finding release
from the burdens and perplexities which
compass every man whose manipulations
touch the great w'orld of finance and trade:
It is but natural that he should take great
pride in the home where his dominating
interests center, and in every particular the
evidence of such appreciation is sliown.
The stables are of modern design, and
architecturally in harmony with the resi-
dence building. An idea of the commodi-
ous character of the stables may be gained
from the statement that the dimensions of
the main floor are such as to permit the
complete turning about of a family car-
riage and team w-ithout difficulty. On the
place are fine gardens and conservatories,
whose products satisfy not only the ccsthe-
no
ESSEX COUNTY.
tic but gastrononiical tastes of the house-
hold. The great lawns are attractively
laid out and receive careful attention, being-
arranged in accord with the most approved
ideas of landscape gardening. — parterres of
flowers, beautiful trees, decorative shrub-
bery and winding driveways. Pure water
is supplied from a mountain spring which is
on the place, and recourse is also had to the
city water system if found necessary.
James F. Woodhouse is a native son of
New York city, and his is the distinction
of being descended, in both the paternal
and maternal lines, from stanch old colonial
stock, — both families having been repre-
sented in the war of the Revolution, where
they rendered the valiant and loyal service
of true patriots. Captain Philip Wood-
house, the father of our subject, was also a
native of the national metropolis, and was
for many years most prominently con-
cerned in the maritime service, — being con-
nected with the merchant-marine as well
as the passenger and government service
in this line. He first sailed his vessel in the
interest of the firm of Woodhull & Minturn,
and he also had an interest in vessels oper-
ated by Grinnell, Minturn & Company,
which was at that time the largest concern
of the sort in the Union, their fieet of ves-
sels being numerous and touching the prin-
cipal seaports of the world,- — this being be-
fore the introduction of steam into marine
operations. The firm held contracts for a
term of years for the carrying of the United
States mails to foreign ports. Captain
Woodhouse lived to attain the age of sev-
enty-five years, his wife having passed
away at the age of sixty-five.
James F. \\'oodhouse, the immediate
subject of this review, became identified at
an earlv age with the line of business in
which his father had achieved so notable a
success, but he did not long continue his ac-
tive association with this line of enterprise,
and for many years past his time and atten-
tion have been to a very great extent given
to the management of the large estate left
by his father, who was a man of strong men-
tality, stern integrity and great capacity for
afifairs of breadth and importance.
The subject of this sketch is a member
of the Church of the Holy Communion,
Protestant Episcopal, of South Orange,
and is a member of its vestry, being prac-
tical in his religious life, as in temporal af-
fairs, and showing a helpful charity of
judgment and action, which touches "all
sorts and conditions of men." He is ever
ready to lend his influence and support to
any cause operating for the good of so-
ciety.
PHILIP DOREMUS,
sixth child of Peter and Rhoda (Crane)
Doremus, was born in the old homestead
which stood near his present residence on
Bloomfield avenue, October 29, 1825. He
was ambitious to acquire a good education
and was sent to the boarding school of
Warren S. Holt. He decided to adopt his
father's occupation, but realized the neces-
sity of a more thorough knowledge of the
details of the business than could be ac-
quired in a country town, and in 1841 he
went to New York city and engaged first
with a retail and afterward with a wholesale
and retail grocer}^ firm, spending altogether
about seven years with both firms. He re-
turned to his native town in 1848 and as-
sumed charge of his father's business. He
continued it as a general country store for
a number of years in the same location.
i:.sVS'£X COUNTY.
Ill
In 1853 he l>uilt a two-story frame build-
ing on the original site. As the population
increased and railroad facilities brought the
residents within easy access of the city, he
found it necessary to change his stock of
goods to suit the wants of the new com-
munity, and he gradually "weeded out" his
stock of general merchandise and limited
his trade to groceries and crockery, of the
fmest class of goods, especially adapted to
the wants of the wealthy classes, who for
many years past have been his largest pat-
rons. In 1890 he erected the building he
now occupies, which is one of the finest and
most attractive buildings for business pur-
poses in this part of the country. As a
merchant he has met with deserved success,
and has kept pace with the growth of the
township.
He is a man of advanced and liberal ideas,
and was for many years associated with Dr.
Love and others in the school board, and
always took an advanced position for the
cause of higher education. He was for six
\ears a member of the county board of
freeholders, and a part of the time was
chairman of the conmiittee that had charge
of the county penitentiary. He also ser\'ed
for several years as a member of the town
committee. He was one of the founders
and is still a director of the Montclair Bank.
He was also one of the founders of the
Montclair Savings Bank and was elected its
first president, still holding that position.
Probably no man in Montclair has been
more prominently identified with the cause
of religion than Philip Doremus. Self-
sacrificing, earnest, conscientious, he has
taken a leading position in every movement
tending to the advancement of religion and
the improvement of the moral and social
condition of the community. His religious
experience began early in life as a member
of the Seventh Presbyterian church, corner
of Broome and Sheriff streets, New York.
\\lien he finally decided to settle in West
Bloomfield, the home of his )-outh, he
brought with him his letter to the First
Presbyterian church, in which he subse-
quently served as an elder for about thirty
years, and was for fifteen years superintend-
ent of the Sabbath school. Mr. Doremus
has always been an earnest advocate of
church extension. He assisted in the early
movement to found a church at Upper
Montclair. and in 1886, believing that cir-
cumstances favored the organization of a
new church, he with others withdrew from
the First Presbyterian church and organ-
ized the Trinity Presbyterian cluirch, which
has since more than doubled its member-
ship. IMr. Doremus was elected one of the
two first elders of the new organization,
and still holds that position.
During a European tour which he made
in 1883 his letters to the Montclair Times
showed him to be a writer of no mean abili-
ty and a keen observer of men and things.
His descriptions of the places he visited
were read with great interest by the patrons
of that paper. Mr. Doremus combines all
the qualities of the Christian gentleman,
quiet and unostentatious in his manner,
strong in his convictions of right, yet ten-
der, affectionate and kind to all. While in
no way lacking the courage of his convic-
tions he would sacrifice his own interests
rather than wound the feelings of another.
Mr. Doremus was married November 20,
185 1, to Hester Ann Yarrington, daughter
of B. C. Yarrington, in old St. Bartholo-
mew's church, by Rev. B. M. Yarrington,
who is a cousin of Mrs. Doremus, and who
has since officiated at the marriage of each
112
ESSEX COUNTY.
of their daughters. The children are : Mary
Yarrington, married to Dr. S. C. G. Wat-
kins; CaroHne S., married to W. Low Do-
remus; Annette C, married to E. B. Good-
ell, a practicing lawyer in Montclair; Adah
N., married to Joseph B. Renwich. of Mont-
clair.
JULIUS A. LEBKUECHER.
Among those of foreign birth who have
become prominent in business circles in
Newark is Mr. Lebkuecher, the well
known jeweler. His success in all his un-
dertakings has been so marked that his
methods are of interest to the commercial
world. He has based his business princi-
ples and actions upon strict adherence to
the rules which govern industr}-, economy
and strict, unswerving integrity. His en-
terprise and progressive spirit have made
him a typical American in every sense of
the word, and he well deserves mention in
a volume treating of the business life and
substantial development of Newark. What
he is to-day he has made himself, for he
began in the world with nothing but his
own energy and willing hands to aid him.
By constant exertion, associated with good
judgment, he has raised himself to the
prominent position which he now holds,
having the friendship of many and
the respect of all who know him.
As mayor of the city he promoted
its interest, and with a steady hand
and wise judgment guided its im-
provement. His official service was of
marked benefit to the city, and his name is
among the foremost of the public-spirited
and progressive residents of Newark.
Mr. Lebkuecher was born in the prov-
ince of Baden, Germany, February 9, 1844,
and is a son of Francis and Louise (Kurz)
Lebkuecher, who emigrated to the United
States in 1848, taking up their residence in
Jersey City, where they made their home
until 1852, when they came to Newark.
Our subject is the eldest of their three chil-
dren. He is indebted to the public-school
system for his education, which was com-
pleted by his graduation at the high school
of Newark in the class of i860. He then
began learning the jewelry trade and in a
few years was thoroughly conversant with
both the mercantile and manufacturing
branches of the trade. He studied closely
and systematically every department of the
business until he was master of the same,
and in 1869, with a broad understanding
thereof, he embarked in business on his
own account, joining George Krementz in
the organization of the firm of Krementz
& Company, which is now one of the old-
est and best known jewelry firms in this
part of the state. Their reputation for re-
liability, their commendable methods of
business and the excellent stock which
they carry have secured to them a very lib-
eral patronage, and their business is now
extensive and profitable. In connection
with his other interests Mr. Lebkuecher is
a director in the German National Bank,
the Franklin Savings Institution and is
president of the Fourteenth Ward Build-
ing & Loan Association.
Mr. Lebkuecher was married on the
20th of July, 1870, to Miss Mary Hayden,
a native of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, who
died in 1893, leaving three children, —
Frank, Carl and Hilary. Mr. Lebkuecher's
present wife was Mrs. Louise Burger.
In his political views Mr. Lebkuecher
has long been an ardent Republican, and
his political belief is the result of close and
ESSEX COUXTY.
1 1
earnest investigation of the issues and
questions affecting the weal or woe of the
country. Since becoming a tax-payer he
lias felt a deep and growing interest in mu-
nicipal affairs, but it was not until the
spring of 1894 that he could be induced to
permit his name to be used in connection
with public ofifice. In that year there
seemed to be a general demand that a
jiractical business man be placed in the of-
fice of mayor, and Mr. Lebkuecher was
nominated by his party. He received a
majority of nearly five thousand, the larg-
est ever given a mayoralty candidate in
Newark. His election, therefore, was un-
mistakable evidence of the trust and confi-
dence reposed in him as a man of splendid
business <]ualifications and luiquestioned
integrity.
On the 7th of May, 1894, he entered
upon the duties of his ofifice and in the be-
ginning of his administration he placed the
general business of the city upon a business
footing. E.xtravagances in the purchase of
supplies were cut oft': the cost of sewers,
paving and other improvements was les-
sened; the business methods of the depart-
ments were put on a more practical and
therefore economical basis: the long-out-
standing claims due the city from various
corporations were collected, including one
of eighty-nine thousand dollars against
two railroad corporations, which money
was devoted to the increase of public-
school accommodations in the city; and he
secured the passage of a state law encour-
aging street paving. Originally the cost
of all street paving had to be met at once;
if not, the parties assessed were subject to
heavy rates of interest, but under the bill
passed by the legislature at the instance
of the mayor parties assessed for street
paving were permitted to meet the expense
in five annual installments at a low rate of
interest. As a result of this law, thirty
miles of street pavements were laid in New-
ark in two years, whereas only sixty miles
of streets had been paved in sixty years pre-
viously. At the close of his term he had
almost completed arrangements for the
elevation of the railroad tracks in the city
and for the acquirement and use, liy the
city, of the burying-ground property in the
block bounded by Broad, Market, Halsey
and William streets.
Mr. Lebkuecher's administration was
business-like, energetic and guided by
sound judgment, and won the support of
many of the best citizens who could look
beyond the exigencies of the moment and
])ro\-i(le for the future welfare of the city.
Considering the fact that great improve-
ments were made during his term and that
there had been but a slight increase in tax-
able valuations, owing to the depressed
conditions of the times, the tax rate of the
citv was reduced, rather than increased.
Mr. Lebkuecher. however, was not success-
ful in his candidacy for re-election, al-
though supported by the most substantial
and progressive citizens. The methods
which he had employed were in such con-
trast to the lax and imbusiness-like meth-
ods formerh- in vogue that the introduc-
tion of these striking innovations caused
some dissatisfaction within the lines of his
own party; and to this was added certain
factional differences, growing out of ap-
pointments, which created such a breach
that in his candidacy he did not receive the
unanimous support of his party. The im-
petus given to public improvements dur-
ing his administration still obtains, and its
influence will be permanent and constant.
114
ESSEX COUNTY.
There are in every community men who
without any particular effort on their part
leave an impress upon the community -
which can never be effaced. Mr. Leb-
kuecher is one of these. Whatever he has
done for his own financial benefit has also
conferred permanent and valuable results
upon the entire community. He has done
much for the city, and no man takes less
credit for his acts than he. With his own
hand he has shaped his destiny. The com-
mon testimony concerning him is that he is
a man of remarkable sagacity, a quality of
the human mind that we can scarcely over-
estimate in business and many relations of
life; a man who is careful, prudent and
honest; a man therefore favored not by
chance but by the due exercise of his own
good qualities. He is a perfect type of a
noble American citizen, and manliness, pa-
triotism, sincerity and friendship are in-
stinctivelv associated with his name.
JOSEPH COULT,
.one of the most prominent lawyers of the
state of New Jersey and for many years a
resident of Newark, traces his ancestry in
the agnatic line back to England, his fore-
fathers belonging to the gentry. Repre-
sentatives of the family were among the
early settlers of New England. The rec-
ords show that John Coult was a resident
of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1638, and Jo-
seph Coult a prominent citizen of Windsor,
that state, in 1648. About the middle of
the eighteenth century some members of
the Coult family removed to New Jersey
and settled in Sussex county, where their
home was maintained for many years.
In Frankfort, Sussex county. New Jer-
sey, Joseph Coult, whose name heads this
review, was born May 25, 1834, j-oungest
of the family of ten children of Joseph
Coult, Sr. The boy had excellent educa-
tional advantages, and predilection led him
into the profession of law. Graduating in
the Law School at New Albany, New York,
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, he
was admitted to the bar in the state of New
York and began the practice of law in New
York city. Shortly afterward, however, he
returned to his native state and was ad-
mitted as an attorney at law in New Jersey
in February, 1861.
Mr. Coult entered upon his professional
career in this state at Newton, in partner-
ship with Hon. Thomas Anderson, the
partnership continuing for several years
and being attended with signal success.
For thirteen years he practiced in his native
county. Then, in 1874, desiring a field
from which he could draw a larger client-
age, Mr. Coult came to Newark, and here
his business soon grew to such an extent
that it became necessary for him to secure
one with whom to share his labors, and he
entered into a copartnership with James E.
Howell, Esq., thus forming the law firm of
Coult & Howell, now one of the oldest, best
known and most successful in the state.
Mr. Coult is a Republican. Ever since
the organization of the Republican party
he has consistently and unfalteringly advo-
cated and supported the principles of this
party, both in state and local politics ever
taking a conspicuous part. On numerous
occasions he has been a delegate to conven-
tions of various kinds, and he has the honor
of having helped to nominate no less than
three of the men who have stood at the
head of this nation. He was a delegate to
the Baltimore convention, that nominated
Lincoln for a second term, the convention
ESSEX COUNTY.
"5
at Philadelphia, which nominated General
Grant, and the Cincinnati convention,
which nominated Rutherford B. Hayes for
president.
Both as a lawyer and citizen he has the
confidence and high esteem of all who
know him.
HON. GEORGE A. HALSEY,
of Newark, now deceased, was through the
period of America's greatest development
one of her most eminent representatives.
Through the dark days of civil war, the
period of reconstruction and the era of
progress in agriculture, commerce, science
and art which followed, he was a most con-
spicuous figure. His opinions were sought
in the council chambers of the nation and
he was a recognized leader in the trade
circles of the country. His distinguished
service in congress and his brilliant achieve-
ments in business life gained him prestige
throughout his native land, and he was
known and honored in all sections of the
republic : his work redounded to the glory
of America and the perpetuation of her
fair name.
George A. Halsey sprang from one of
the oldest and most honored families of
this land. Far back into English history
is traceable the connection of his ancestors
with the events which form the annals of
that nation. It has been conjectured that
the Alsis mentioned in the Domesday Book
are the originators of this family. During
the reign of William the Conqueror, 1066-
1087. they possessed land in half the coun-
ties of the realm and had representatives
in each of the three great classes into which
landed proprietors were divided by the
compilers of the Domesday Book. Such
is the origin of the family, as given by tra-
dition; but well authenticated records fur-
nish evidence that John Hals, a man of
considerable wealth and repute, living in
the reign of Edward IH, 1327-1377, was a
direct ancestor of the Halsey family which
took root on American soil two and a half
centuries ago. Although his early home
was in Cornwall he afterward erected in the
adjoining county of Devon the ancient
mansion of Kenedon, mentioned by Burke
in his Landed Gentry. This ancestral
home stood at the time of the building of
the palace of William Rufus, known as
Westminster Hall of London, and of Wind-
sor Castle. The reign of Edward HI was
notable as a time of luxury and most ex-
travagant living, and it became necessary
to pass sumptuary laws, which John Hals,
as judge of the common-pleas court, aided
in enforcing.
Robert Halse, second son of John,
changed the orthography by the addition
of the final "e."' Educated in Exeter Col-
lege, he became successively provost of
Oriel, proctor of Oriel, prebendary of St.
Paul's and bishop of Litchfield and Cov-
entry. He was present at the battle of
Bloreheath during the War of the Roses,
and escorted Margaret of Anjou, the queen
of the imbecile Henry VI, from that field to
Eccleshall. Bishop Halse died in 1490
and was buried in Litchfield cathedral.
Probably the best known representative
of the family at the present time in Eng-
land is Thomas Frederick Halsey, of Gad-
desden Place, Hertfordshire, a member of
parliament from that county. Gaddesden
Place was granted to William Halsey by
Henry \'III and has since been in posses-
sion of the family. His great-grandson
was knighted and became Sir John Halsey.
ii6
ESSEX COUNTY
The first of the family to arrive in Amer-
ica was Thomas Halsey, of Hertfordshire,
a descendant of Bishop Halse. He pos-
sessed extensive property interests, was a
man of strong will and much force of char-
acter and was the central figure in his col-
ony. He made his final settlement at
South Hampton, on Long Island, where
he died about 1679. Among New Jersey's
honored pioneers were members of the
Halsey family who located in the colony
of Berkeley and Carteret just before the
close of the seventeenth century and left
the indelible impress of their individuality
upon all the generation of this state. The
history of their descendants is inseparably
interwoven with that of the nation. As
patriots of the American army they aided
in securing the independence of the coun-
try, as leaders in business and professional
life they were widely known, and their in-
dustry brought to them the rich fruits of
honest toil. That in private character
they were also exemplary is indicated by
the confidence and regard which they won
in the various communities with which
they were connected.
Samuel Halsey, father of him whose
name introduces this review, was born in
Springfield, New Jersey, October 11, 1801,
and died June 17. 1884. He was a son of
Isaac Halsey and his ancestors located in
Springfield as early as 1684. He married
Mary Hutchings and they had three chil-
dren, of whom George A. was the eldest.
In 1845 they removed to Newark, where
the father engaged in the manufacture of
clothing for the southern trade, but retired
after three years and embarked in the man-
ufacture of leather under the name of Hal-
sey & Taylor, his partner afterward being
succeeded by the subject of this review.
Mr. Halsey was a Republican and at one
time served as a member of the city coun-
cil.
George A. Halsey, who was born in
Springfield, New Jersey, December 7,
1827, was reared amid rural surroundings
until the removal of his father to Newark.
He served an apprenticeship to the firm of
Halsey & Taylor and fully mastered the
details of the leather business, in which he
achieved great success in later years.
Early in life he developed remarkable busi-
ness powers, and gave evidence of splendid
executive ability, keen discrimination and
sound judgment. As he gained prestige in
the business world, he directed his ener-
gies into other fields of labor and became
prominently connected with the banking
and insurance institutions of Newark. In
1861, however, the firm of which he was
the head suffered severe losses through the
secession of the southern states. Within a
few months the labor of years was swept
away, but notwithstanding their reverses
the obligations of the firm were finally met.
This instance indicates the unswerving
fairness and justice which predominated in
the nature of Mr. Halsey. He resolutely
set to work to retrieve his lost possessions
and overcame all obstacles in his path to
success by determined and honorable ef-
fort. He was connected with various busi-
ness enterprises, and his wise counsel and
enterprise proved an important factor in
conducting these to a successful issue. He
was a director in the Niagara Fire Insur-
ance Company, in the Mutual Benefit Life
Insurance Company and the Citizens' Gas
Company.
But though his business interests made
heavy demands upon his time Mr. Halsey
in no wise failed to fulfill every obligation
i:SSEX COUXTY.
117
of citizenship and to fully meet the trust
reposed in him on account of his eminent
fitness for high official preferment. His
fellow citizens, noting his reliability in all
personal matters, wisely judged that the
interests of the state would be in good
hands if given into his keeping and turned
to him for co-operation in public affairs.
In i860 he was elected to represent the
district of Newark in the general assembly
of New Jersey. Notwithstanding his large
southern trade and his intimate association
with business men at the south, he was a
strong and active Republican from the or-
ganization of that party in New Jersey.
He belonged to the minority in the state
legislature, but even under such unfavor-
able circumstances his splendid business
qualities, his sterling integrity and sound
judgment gave him a large degree of in-
fluence. Through the critical days which
preceded the inauguration of the civil war,
he was one of the strong aids of Governor
Olden. In 1861 he was re-elected to the
legislature and upon the organization of
the internal-revenue bureau in 1862 he was
appointed assessor for the fifth district of
New Jersey. The territory over which he
was thus given control comprised one of
the largest manufacturing districts in the
United States, and the revenue business
was therefore very extensive and compli-
cated, requiring the skillful handling of a
competent business man. During his ser-
vice in that capacity he was frequently con-
sulted by the internal-revenue commis-
sioner in reference to the construction and
revision of the law, and many of its harsher
provisions were ameliorated through his in-
fluence. At the close of the war he was
selected by the commissioner to visit the
southern states and instruct the newly ap-
pointed revenue officers in their duties, but
the requirements of his own district
obliged him to decline the appointment.
His services to the government, however,
during these eventful days, were not con-
fined to the due performance of his official
duties. He loyally sustained the adminis-
tration of Mr. Lmcoln in its prosecution of
the war for the preservation of the Union,
and to this end his labors and energies were
fully given until its object was secured.
In 1866 Andrew Johnson sought to re-
move Mr. Halsey, together with many
other faithful officers, from his official posi-
tion, but the senate refused to confirm the
nomination of a successor, and Mr. Halsey
retained the assessorship. This attempt
of the president, however, and the high es-
teem in which Mr. Halsey was held, natur-
ally called the attention of the Republicans
of his district to him as their best choice for
nomination as a representative to con-
gress. He was almost unanimously, se-
lected by the convention, and after a vigor-
ous contest was elected by a large major-
ity, although the district heretofore had
been largely Democratic. In congress he
became distinguished as one of the leaders
of his party and his fidelity to the best in-
terests of the nation won him the gratitude
and honor of the American people. He
was consulted upon questions affecting the
financial and manufacturing interests of the
country, while his service in behalf of his
home district was constant and invaluable,
benefiting both Democrats and Republi-
cans, the question of party never entering
into the discharge of his duties afTecting an
entire constituency. He served on the
committee on the District of Columbia; was
appointed on the joint select committee on
retrenchment and served with Senator Ed-
ii8
ESSEX COUXTY
monds on tlie sub-committee of the same,
"to examine the method of printing; and is-
suing bonds, notes and other securities,"
the results of which secured important re-
forms in the treasury department.
In 1868 Mr. Halsey was unanimously
renominated for congress, but was de-
feated, altliough his popularity was attested
by the fact that his vote in the district
largely exceeded that given General Grant.
When the administration of the newly
elected president was inaugurated, and ]Mr.
Boutwell assumed the position of secretary
of the treasury, he tendered Mr. Halsey the
important ofifice of register of the treasury,
but he declined the honor that would have
thus been conferred upon him, wishing to
devote his attention to his business as a
manufacturer of patent leather, which en-
terprise he had resumed on retiring from
congress. While thus engaged he was
not unmindful, however, of the large inter-
ests which centered around him and which
naturally looked to him for protection.
His knowledge of the wants of his district
and his services in supplying these were so
generally acknowledged that he was again
nominated for congress in 1 870, and
elected by over three thousand niajority.
This brilliant success brought him promi-
nently before the public, and upon taking
his seat in congress he was assigned to the
chairmanship of the committee on public
buildings and grounds, the duties of which
were performed with signal fidelity. He
was pre-eminently watchful of the inter-
ests of his district and state, it being largely
due to his influence that the new court-
house and postot^ce at Trenton and the
postof^ce at Jersey City were secured. It
was also largely through his instrumental-
ity that the improvements on the Passaic
river and other waterways of the state
were made. In 1872 he declined a renomi-
nation to congress. The same year his
party nominated him for governor, bv ac-
clamation, but the Democratic power in
the state was too strong to be overcome,
and although he received the unwavering
support of his party he met defeat. For
years he was a member of the Republican
national committee and his wise counsel
and sound judgment were very effective in
guiding the interests of his party.
While public duties so largely claimed
his attention Mr. Halsey was at the same
time one of the most important factors in
the development and improvement of the
city in which he made his home and left the
impress of his splendid individuality upon
its public life. Upon the retirement of
Governor M. L. Ward he was immediately
chosen president of the Newark Industrial
Exposition, and his labors in its behalf
were a source of inspiration to his associ-
ates in this work. In connection with
Governor Randolph and others he was
prominent in preserving to the future one
of the few remaining landmarks of the
past, — W'ashington's headquarters at Mor-
ristown, — and from 18S4 to 1887 was pres-
ident of the Washington Association. In
1872 he was one of the commissioners of
the new lunatic asylum. He was a direc-
tor in the Newark Library Association,
chairman of the executive committee of the
New Jersey State Historical Society, vice-
president of the New Jersey Agricultural
Society, vice-president of the Society of
Sons of the American Revolution, member
of the Essex Republican and Essex Clubs
and of the Union League Club of New
York. He was for many years president
of the New Jersey State Insane Asylum at
ESSEX COUNTY.
119
Morris Plains, and at the time of his death
was the only surviving member of the com-
mission appointed to select a site for that
institution and direct the building of the
same.
Mr. Halsey was married January 18,
1849, to Miss Abbie C. Connet, daughter of
Zenas Connet. Their children are William
A., born December 5, 1849; George E.,
born April 5, 1856; and Isabel, wife of P.
W. Vail, Jr., born April 10, 1864. Mr. and
Mrs. Halsey are both now deceased, the
former dying April i, 1894, and the latter
April 2, 1897.
For years a distinguished leader in po-
litical and commercial circles, the malevo-
lence of detraction dared never assail his
reputation, nor the tongue of calumny utter
a word against either his public or private
character. The institutions with which he
was connected and with whose success his
name will ever be associated will long stand
as monuments to his energy and ability
and a visible proof of what he was able to
accomplish during a long life of honorable
activity.
HENRY CLAY SNYDER.
Heinrich Schneider came to America
from Holland in the latter part of the sev-
enteenth century and settled near Easton,
Pennsylvania. He married Catherine
Buschne (Bush) August 3, 1787, and of
three children Samuel Snyder was the third
in order of birth. He was born February
5, 1792, and married Susannah Bittenben-
der October 4, 1812. at Easton, Pennsyl-
vania.
His first business was that of saddler.
Then he engaged in the slate business at a
place now known as Slateford, New Jersey,
two miles below the Delaware Water Gap,
Pennsylvania, along the Delaware river,
and there opened the quarry then known as
the Clay Slate Quarry and Factory. In
1826 he invented and put in use the first
machinery for sawing and framing school
slates at that place. In 1832 he purchased
the Kittatinny House, Delaware Water
Gap, Pennsylvania, with the view of mak-
ing it a place of resort, and to his memory
the credit is due of bringing it into pubHc
notice and for giving the house a character
for neatness, cleanhness and comfort that
has required much effort on the part of his
successors to maintain. Among his first
guests in 1833, before the house, which
was enlarged, was completed, was General
Cadwalader. When Monroe county, Penn-
sylvania, was organized, in 1836, Governor
Ritner appointed Samuel Snyder prothono-
tary register, recorder and clerk, a very un-
usual thing for one man to hold so many
offices. He was an expert penman and the
records of the county have never been kept
more neatly nor more correctly since then.
He died April 5, 1844. His wife died De-
cember 3, 1867. They had four sons and
eight daughters.
William Katts, the second son, was born
at Easton. Pennsylvania, February 11,
1 82 1. He was engaged in the lumber
business in the starting of his early busi-
ness career with his brother, Henry Clay,
in Virginia, but returned north again in
1862 and took charge of and opened the
Limestone Quarry at Delaware Water
Gap, Pennsylvania, for the Lackawanna
Iron & Coal Company, which stone was
used at their Scranton (Pennsylvania) fur-
naces. He remained in their service
(twenty-one years) until killed by accident,
February 9, 1883, in their Voss Gap
Quarry at Bridgeville, New Jersey, which
IJO
ESSEX COUNTY.
he opened in 1875. This untimely accident
was remarkable, for during his entire ad-
ministration none of the employees were
ever seriously injured, which record he was
proud of; and a further peculiar coincidence
with his death was that it occurred on the
(lav his resignation took effect. He was a
plain man, conservative and with much
force of character, and one in whom em-
ployers and employees had much confi-
dence, as was shown by the erection of a
handsome monument as one of the expres-
sions of esteem shown by the company.
He was an elder in the Presbyterian church
at Delaware Water Gap. Pennsylvania, for
a number of years, and one of its earnest
workers. His wife's maiden name was
Miss Elizabeth Eilenberger, and of their
five children three were boys.
Henry Clay, eldest son. was born July 4,
1845, at Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylva-
nia, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted
voluntarily in Company K, Nintieth Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, at Easton.
Pennsylvania. Although young he was a
stalwart man and over six feet tall. He
was promoted from the rank of a private
through the grades to that of lieutenant,
and was killed by a sharpshooter at the
l.iattle of the Weldon Railroad, in North
Carolina, August 18, 1864. He was in
eighteen battles, among which were Bull
Run, South Mountain, Fredericksburg,
Gettysburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and
Petersburg. Had he lived three weeks
longer his three years' enlistment would
have been completed with an honorable
record.
Joseph Samuel Snyder, second son, fa-
ther of the subject of our sketch, was born
at Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania,
July 16, 1847. He entered the machine
shops of the Lackawanna Iron and Coal
Company at Scranton, Pennsylvania, to
learn the machinists' trade. He then .was
appointed assistant superintendent to his
father at the Delaware Water Gap quarries;
about 1879 he took charge of the extensive
lumber business of Rhodes & Bauman at
(iouldsboro, Pennsylvania, and remained
there over four years, when he succeeded
his father as superintendent of the Lacka-
wanna Iron & Coal Company's \'oss Gap
Quarry at Bridgeville. New Jersey, which
position he held at the time of his death,
August 18. 1888. He was, like his father,
of a retiring disposition and conservative in
his expressions ; was a member of the Pres-
byterian church, afifiliated with the Masonic
and other orders, and a member of the
town council at Belvidere, New Jersey,
where he resided. July 4, 1867. he mar-
ried Martha, daughter of Thomas W.
Rhodes, a prominent farmer and man of
aft'airs living near Stroudsburg, Pennsylva-
nia. Their children were Henry Clay, An-
na Elizabeth, Leonora Broadhead and
Thomas Lester.
Henry Clay Snyder, subject of our
sketch, was born at Delaware Water Gap.
July 14, 1868. His early education was re-
ceived at public and private schools and at
Belvidere Seminary. Belvidere, New Jer-
se\", w here he completed the regular course
and then engaged in railroading w'ith the
Pennsylvania Railroad, in the telegraph
department at Belvidere, New Jersey, and
following his service there was in the em-
ploy of the Delaware, Lackawanna &
Western Railwa}' and West Shore Railway
as telegraph operator. In 1886 he en-
gaged with the Lehigh & Hudson River
Railroad as agent at McAfee, New Jersey,
which position he resigned the following
ESSEX COUNTY.
121
year, in Fel)ruary, 1887. to enter their train
department as conductor, the object of
which was to iiave practical experience in
handhng trains, in order eventually to be-
come a train despatcher. He engaged
with the New York, Lake Erie & Western
Railway as agent at Ramapo, New York,
October i, 1887. February, 1892, he was
promoted to the agency at ]\Iiddletown,
New York. July i, 1893, he was again
promoted, to the agency at Newark, New
Jersey. September i, 1896, the position of
general agent, Erie Railroad, was created,
with headquarters at Newark, New Jersey,
and Mr. Snyder was again advanced. He
is a member of the Newark General
Agents' Association, the Railway Tele-
graphic Association, and for several years
the presiding officer of the New York Di-
vision, No. 129, as well as their delegate to
the annual conventions of the order held
in St. Louis, 1891, Toronto, 1893, and
Denver, 1894, holding important chair-
manships at each convention;. also a mem-
ber of the New York Railroad Club, New-
ark Board of Trade, and affiliated with the
Masonic fraternity. Li his religious faith
he is an elder in the Park Presbyterian
church, Newark, New Jersey, and superin-
tendent of the Sunday school.
The marriage of ]\Ir. Synder was cele-
brated on the 17th of October, 1888, when
he was united to Sarah, daughter of Stott
and Melvina (Jackson) Mills, the former
being superintendent of motive power of
the Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad at
Warwick, New York. Mrs. Snyder is the
eldest of three daughters and two sons.
They have two boys: Joseph Samuel, who
was born at Ramapo, New York, Decem-
ber 9, 1890; and Stott Mills, born at New-
ark, New Jersey, October 23, 1896.
WILLLV.M N. WILLL\MS
was born in September, 1829, on the old
family homestead in West Orange, where
he now resides. His father was Jonathan
S. \\'illiams, a well known agriculturist of
the community. On the farm our sub-
ject was reared, and the labors of field and
meadow early became familiar to him. He
attended the common schools, pursued his
studies under the direction of his uncle, the
Rev. A. Williams, at Clinton, for one term,
and also attended Albert Pearson's school
in Orange, thus being fitted by liberal edu-
cational privileges for the practical duties
of life.
In the spring of 1846 Mr. Williams went
to New York to learn the cabinet-maker's
trade and entered the employ of H. V.
Sigler, who was engaged in the manufac-
ture of picture and mirror frames. For
three years he followed that vocation and
then returned to the home farm, where he
has since remained, devoting his time and
energies to agricultural pursuits. He has
a well improved farm, the well tilled field
surrounding substantial buildings, and the
whole characterized by an air of thrift that
well indicates one of the predominant traits
of the owner.
In 1854 Mr. Williams was united in mar-
riage to Miss Phoebe Ann Underbill, a
daughter of Gilbert and Sarah Underbill,
of Westchester county, New York. They
have a son and daughter, John F. and Lil-
ian, the latter being now the wife of Harry
C. Hedden.
Mr. \Villiams has taken quite an active
part in public affairs and has filled a num-
ber of local positions of honor and trust. .
He has served on the board of freeholders
for twenty-one years, retiring from that of-
122
ESSEX COUNTY.
fice in 1887 in order to accept the position
of tax collector, in which capacity he is
still the incumbent. He discharged his
duties in perfect harmony with good citi-
zenship, is prompt, faithful and reliable and
has won the unqualified confidence of the
people of his township. Socially he is con-
nected with the Masonic fraternity, holding
membership in Union Lodge, No. 11, A.
F. & A. M., and in Orange Chapter, No.
23, R. A. M. He is a member of the St.
Cloud Presbyterian church and is clerk of
the session. Politically he is a Democrat,
and in all the affairs of life he is an upright,
honorable man, whose many excellencies
of character command the highest esteem
of friends and neighbors.
ABIJAH F. TILLOU
has long since rounded the psalmist's span
of three score years and ten. It has already
been given to him to pass the eighty-sev-
enth milestone on the journey of life and to
write upon the pages of time a record of
usefulness and worth that is well worthy of
emulation and commands the highest re-
spect. He has seen the progress of the re-
public through the greater part of the cen-
tury and has kept in touch with the onward
march, rejoicing in the advancement of his
nation, delighting in its splendid achieve-
ments, the fulfillment of its possibilities and
in its glorious opportunities. He is a typi-
cal American citizen, thoroughly in har-
mony with the spirit of the republic, making
the most of his own opportunities and
steadily working his way upward to suc-
cess, and to all that is desirable and en-
nobling in life.
Born on what. is now Ridgewood road.
South Orange, October 3, 1810, Mr. Tillou
is a son of Joseph B. Tillou, whose birth oc-
curred in New York city, but who was
reared in New Jersey. The grandfather,
Peter Tillou, was one of the French Hugue-
nots who settled in the Empire state a't
an early day. The mother of our sub-
ject bore the maiden name of Mary Free-
man. She was also born on the Ridge-
wood road and was a daughter of Amos
Freeman, one of the pioneers of Essex
county. Peter Tillou died when his son
Joseph was a small boy. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Mary Brown, was also
born on the Ridgewood road, and it was
her ancestors who secured from the gov-
ernment, in 1677, the land upon which our
subject now resides, the property remaining
continually in possession of the family.
After her husband's death, Mrs. Peter Til-
lou became the wife of a Mr. Coffin, and
removed to the neighborhood of Pough-
keepsie. New York, where her second hus-
band died, after which she returned to New-
ark, where her death occurred in 1841,
when she had reached the age of ninety-sev-
en years.
Joseph B. Tillou, the father of our sub-
ject, spent his youth upon the farm and
throughout his entire life followed agricul-
tural pursuits. He attained the ripe old
age of nearly eighty-seven years and was
long a leading resident of the community in
which he made his home. His family num-
bered eight children, all of whom attained
years of maturity, while three are still living.
Abijah F. Tillou was reared on the home
farm, and during the winter seasons attend-
ed the subscription schools for a short time.
He resided with his parents until he had
reached manhood, after which he prepared
for a home of his own by his marriage, in
1840, to Miss Family Brown, a daughter of
A. F. TILLOU
ESSEX rOUXTY
12:
Samuel Brown. Since 1836 lie has man-
aged the old Brown farm and for many
years was its owner. A portion of the
farm, however, has since been sold, divided
into town lots and is now adorned with
many beautiful homes, which stand upon
the fields that he once tilled and which
yielded to him their golden grain in return
for his care and labor. By the sale of his
property and the careful management of
his other business interests. Mr. Tillou
accumulated a handsome competence,
which in his declining years has surrounded
him with all the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life. He has served as execu-
tor of nineteen different estates, and his in-
tegrity and honor in all business relations
are above question. He has probably fur-
nished the money to build more homes in
South Orange than any other one man and
has thus not only proved a benefactor to
his neighbors and fellow townsmen, but
has materially contributed to the substantial
development of the city. He is also a di-
rector in the Orange National Bank and
was a stockholder in the first public library
in Orange, also of South Orange.
Mr. and Mrs. Tillou became the parents
of four children, three of whom are still
living: Mary Ellen, Samuel B. and Daniel
\\'. Mrs. Tillou died in 1879, at the age
of sixty-nine years. Slie was a member of
the Presbyterian church and a most estima-
ble lady, w'hose many excellencies of char-
acter won her the love and regard of many
friends. Mr. Tillou also belongs to the
Presbyterian church and by his fellow
townsmen has been called to serve in many
local offices of trust and responsibility. In
politics he was originally an old-line Whig,
but on the organization of the Republican
party he joined its ranks. He has voted at
sixteen presidential elections and has lived
through all but three administrations. Still
hale and vigorous, at the age of eighty-sev-
en years, he superintends his extensive busi-
ness interests, and his life of activity will
probably continue until he passes to eter-
nity.
WILLIAM A. BREWER, JR.
We of this end-of-the-century period,
representing the most electrical progress
in all lines of material activity, are too
prone not to give due heed to those ele-
mental valuations wdiich touch upon the
deeper essence of being. We cannot af-
ford to hold in light esteem those who have
wrought nobly in the past, nor fail to ac-
cord honor to those who have given an
heritage of worthy thoughts and worthy
deeds and have aided in laying fast the
found,ations of the greatest republic the
world has ever known.
The Brewer family is one which has been
long and prominently identified with the
history of our national commonwealth.
The original American ancestor was Dan-
iel Brewer, who emigrated from England
to the American colonies in 1632 and took
up his abode in Boston. From him the
line of descent is directly traced through
Nathaniel (i), son of Daniel, Nathaniel (2),
Nathaniel (3), Nathaniel (4), Samuel and
William Augustus, the last named being
the father of the immediate subject of this
review.
William Augustus Brewer, son of Sam-
uel and Sally (Norton) Brewer, was a na-
tive of Boston, Massachusetts, where he
was born on the 21st of March, 1807. He
was a man of signal business ability, of
profound individuality, and ordered his life
1^4
ESSEX COUNTY.
upon the highest plane of integrity. By
profession he was a druggist, and to this
line of enterprise he for many years de-
voted his attention in the city of Boston,
but during the declining years of his life
he maintained his home with his son in
South Orange, where his death occurred
on the I ith of April, 1890, at the venerable
age of eighty-three years. In early man-
hood he was united in marriage to Marcy
Savvin Hunting, daughter of Bela Hunt-
ing, a direct descendant of John Hunting,
who was a resident of Dedham, Massachu-
setts, as early as 1638. Of this marriage
four children were born, the eldest of
whom was \\'illiam Augustus, Jr., who con-
sequently represents in New Jersey the
New England branch of the family.
William A. Brewer, Jr., to whose career
we now direct attention, was born in Bos-
ton, Massachusetts, on the 9th of October,
1835. He secured his preliminary educa-
tional discipline in the public schools,
graduating from the public Latin school in
185 1, after which he entered the Lawrence
scientific department of Harvard L^niver-
sity. where he graduated as a member of
the class of 1854. He forthwith put his re-
quirements to a practical test in a technical
way by engaging in civil-engineering work
for a period of about two years, after which
he received an appointment in the actuary's
department of the ^Mutual Life Insurance
Company of New York, with which he re-
mained for a period of three years, becom-
ing thoroughlv familiar with the details and
intricacies of this important line of enter-
prise and thus preparing hirnself to assume
increased responsibilities.
Upon the organization of the Washing-
ton Life Insurance Company, of New
York, in i860, Mr. Brewer was chosen its
secretary and actuary, and at the expira-
tion of nine years was made vice-president
of the important corporation, while in 1879
distinctive recognition of his powers and
executive ability was accorded in his being
elected president of the company, of which
office he has ever since been the incum-
bent.
Mr. Brewer's residence in South Orange
dates from the year 1867, when he came
hither and effected the purchase of that old
local landmark known as the "Stone
House by the Stone House Brook.'' With
a view to retaining as far as possible the
integrity of the original and historic build-
ing, he erected at the front elevation an ad-
dition, of modern design and architecture,
also throwing out additions at the rear
and still leaving the old house practically
in its original condition. To the place,
now claiming the charms of modern art
and historic interest, he gave the appropri-
ate name of x\Idworth, signifying "old
mansion."
Mr. Brewer has maintained a constant
and lively interest in all that touches the
upbuilding and beautifying of South
Orange, and his public-spirited attitude
has naturally brought about the result of
his being called upon to serve in numerous
positions of public or semi-public order.
For a number of years he did effective ser-
vice as commissioner of assessments, was
president of the village from 1875 to 1877,
inclusive, and for a long term of years was
president and secretary of the South Or-
ange Library Association. In 1881 he
was appointed by the court of common
pleas one of the commissioners of drainage,
whose function it was to provide means for
draining the east branch of the Rahway
river.
ESSEX COUNTY.
12-
In political matters Mr. Brewer exer-
cises his franchise independently, while in
religious matters he is a member of the
Protestant Episcopal church, being a com-
municant of the Church of the Holy Com-
munion, of South Orange. He was one
of the original members of the New Eng-
land Society of Orange and for twelve
years served as treasurer of the same, and
for two years each in the offices of vice-
president and president.
In the year 1863 was solemnized the
marriage of Mr. Brew-er to Miss Bella Cal-
vert Fisher, daughter of Charles Willis
Fisher, of Medway, ^Massachusetts. They
are the parents of four children, namely:
May, the wife of Eugene V. Connett, Jr.,
of South Orange; Graham H.; Calvert; and
Clara, the wife of William A. Minott, of
South Orange.
GEORGE B. SANFORD.
of Newark, occupies a most enviable posi-
tion in business circles in the metropolis of
the country-, due to his excellent powers of
management, his keen discrimination, his
thorough reliability and his indefatigable
energy, resulting from a laudable ambition.
He is general purchasing agent for the
United States Express Company. He en-
tered the service of that corporation as a
wagon-boy and has gradually and steadily
worked his way upward, demonstrating
that the road to wealth and prominence is
open to all, and that the obstacles which
are there encountered may be overcome by
persistence, enterprise and undaunted pur-
pose.
Mr. Sanford is one of New Jersey's na-
tive sons, his birth having occurred in Do-
ver on the 19th of August, 1839. For
more than a century the family has been
connected with this state, his ancestors re-
moving from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to
New Jersey. His father. John Sanford,
who was born in West Milford, New Jer-
sey, in 1816, and died in 1867, was a part-
ner of Peter Sanford in dock and bridge
building in this state many years ago. He
was a son of Gamaliel Sanford, who was
born in 1753. and is the father of the
prominent contractor, Joseph B. Sanford,
of Newark, who is recognized throughout
the country as the most expert dredger,
dock builder and harbor improver in the
United States. He filled in the Potomac
flats in Washington, dug the famous Kear-
ney cut on the Montclair & Midland Rail-
road, unloaded and placed in position the
Statue of Liberty in New York harbor,
and is now rebuilding the Dismal Swamp
canal in N'irginia and a large pier and
warehouses for the Chesapeake & Ohio
Railroad at Newport News, Virginia. The
mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Harriet A. Wilson, and was a
daughter of Samuel A. Wilson, a Scotch-
man, of Parsippany, New Jersey. Her
two children are James V. Sanford, of Or-
ange, and the subject of this article.
}klr. Sanford was educated in the E. A.
Stiles Seminary in Deckerstown, Sussex
county, and at the very early age of four-
teen began teaching school, his first posi-
tion being in St. John's Seminary in Dover,
New Jersey. Following this he accepted
a position as bookkeeper with N. and C.
Lindsley, of Orange, New Jersey. He
w-ent next to the Morris Canal & Banking
Company, as stock clerk. Since 1855 he
has been connected continuously with the
United States Express Company and his
advancement has been continuous. His
first duties were those of wagon-boy, but
126
ESSEX COUNTY.
soon demonstrating- his thorough rehabil-
ity and his fitness for more responsible du-
ties, he was made collector, later became
receipting clerk, after which he was in the
president's office; was next promoted to a
place in the accounting department; spent
a season in the money department as cash-
ier, after which he was promoted to the po-
sition of general cashier of the company,
in which capacity he served for eighteen
years. In 1891 he was promoted to his
present position of general purchasing
agent. This position requires a supervis-
ion of much of the business of the com-
pany in all its intricate and complex work-
ings, and demands on the part of the in-
cumbent a managerial ability scarcely sur-
passed in any line of trade. Forty-two
years' connection with the company well
indicates his trustworthiness, fidelity to
duty and the unqualified confidence of the
officers of the company whose regard for
him personally and professionally is very
high.
Turning from the public to the private
life of Mr. Sanford we find that in Bergen,
New Jersey, the Rev. B. C. Taylor, on the
24th of December, 1861. performed the
marriage ceremony which united the des-
tinies of our subject and Miss Sophia
Speer. Her father. Colonel Abraham
Speer, commanded the Second Regiment
of New Jersey \'olunteers during the civil
war, and in private life was an undertaker
in Bergen. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have
been born the following children : Harry
P., born in 1862, now in the tracing depart-
ment of the United States Express Com-
pany, in New York; Edwin M., born in
1870, employed in the cashier's depart-
ment of the same company; and Miss Ade-
laide, born in 1872.
Mr. Sanford is a member of Eureka
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of Union Chap-
ter, No. 7, R. A. M. He located in New-
ark in 1863 and has been prominently con-
nected with public matters in the city. As
a Republican he has been connected with
some of the political campaigns here,
served as alderman from the old ninth ward
for four years and was chairman of the po-
lice committee. Pie introduced an ordi-
nance increasing the pay of the police offi-
cers and introduced and inaugurated the
practice of giving medals to ofticers for
meritorious service, providing out of his
private funds the medals distributed in the
first and second precincts, the first medal
being won by officer Van Ness. Honored
in business, respected by those with whom
city affairs have brought him in contact
and esteemed by neighbors and friends, he
is well deserving of mention among the
prominent and representative citizens of
Essex county.
HUBERT M. BENHAM,
of the firm of J. M. Mead & Company, of
Caldwell, is one of the leading merchants of
that city, and has been continuously con-
nected with the house in which he is now
partner for twenty-nine years. He ranks
among the most reliable, energetic and pro-
gressive business men of his part of the
county, and his well directed eft'orts in the
aft'airs of trade have brought him a hand-
some financial return for his labors.
Mr. Benham is a native of Connecticut,
his birth having occurred in Colebrook
township, Litchfield county, on the 12th
of August, 1847. The family had for some
generations been connected with that state.
His grandfather, Lent Benham, was acci-
ESSEX COUNTY.
127
dentally killed at Riverton, and the father
of our subject, Leonard D. Benham,
resided on the old homestead in Colebrook
township until his death, February 22,
1898. He was born at Riverton, in Con-
necticut, in April, 1814, and passed the
greater part of his life upon a farm in the
state of his nativity. In 1853, however, he
located in Caldwell, New Jersey, but after
a few years returned to Connecticut, where
he remained. He was very prominent and
influential in the community where he
made his home, and twice represented his
district in the state legislature. He mar-
ried Laura Deming, daugliter of Allen
Deming, a representative of one of the old
families of Colebrook, Connecticut. The
children are: Ellen C, wife of Edwin
Barnes, of Robertsville, Connecticut: Hu-
bert M.; F. W., of Derby, Connecticut: and
Edward N., of Montclair, New Jersey.
J\lr. Benham, whose name forms the cap-
tion of this article, was educated in Cald-
well, Essex county, and soon after his fa-
ther's return to the Nutmeg state began
clerking in West Granville, Massachusetts.
The following year, 1867, he was employed
in the same capacity in Riverton, Connec-
ticut, and then returned to Essex county,
entering the employ of J. M. Mead. After
serving in the capacity of salesman for four
years he was admitted to a partnership in
the business, and the firm of J. M. Mead &
Company have since been recognized as
leaders in commercial interests, receiving a
liberal patronage and enjoying a trade
which has been secured by reason of their
honorable business methods, their courte-
ous treatment and their reasonable prices.
In April, 1876, was celebrated the mar-
riage of Mr. Benham and Miss Emma Can-
field, a daughter of George Canfield, of
Caldwell, New Jersey. She died the fol-
lowing year, and in 18S0 he married Miss
Louisa E. Canfield, a sister of his first wife.
He has been a member of the Caldwell
Athletic Club for years, and is an active
member of the Caldwell Presbyterian
church. He takes a deep interest in every-
thing pertaining to the social, moral or ma-
terial welfare of the community and lends
an active support to all measures for the
public good.
PHILIP H. HARRISON,
of Newark, whose extensive business inter-
ests place him among the leaders in indus-
trial circles, has achieved that success
which is the logical result of enterprise, sys-
tematic effort, resolute purpose and
straightforward dealing. There are no
other qualities absolutely essential to de-
velopment, and upon the ladder of his own
building he has climbed to prominence and
prosperity. His reputation as an expert in
his line of lousiness extends far beyond the
community in which he makes his home,
and has brought to him a patronage from
many points throughout the New England
and eastern states.
Mr. Harrison was born in Roseland, Es-
sex county, in 183 1, and is a son of Jared
F. Harrison. His mother, whose maiden
name was Eliza Duryee, was a daughter of
Rev. Joiin Duryee, who was pastor of the
Dutch Reformed church at Somer-
ville, New Jersey. Mr. Harrison is
also a descendant of Sergeant Rich-
ard Harrison, one of the honored
pioneers of Essex county. His boy-
hood days were spent on the home farm
and he assisted in the duties of field and
meadow until he had attained his majority,
uS
ESSEX COUXTY.
when lie joined R. F. Harrison in the kim-
ber and sawmill business at Roseland.
There he carried on operations until 1861,
when he establishetl a line of stages be-
tween Caldwell antl ]\Iontclair, with a mail
route from the latter place to Parsippany.
That enterprise claimed his attention for
seven years, but about 1868 he disposed of
his business and mail contract and engaged
in bridge and sewer building. He has
since increased his field of labor by taking
contracts for the erection of waterworks
and fcjr road grading and excavating, and
is doing a very extensive and profitable
business. He has admitted his sons to a
partnershi]) under the firm name of P. H.
Harrison & Sons, and the firm has taken
contracts for some very extensive and im-
portant work. They erected the water-
works in East Syracuse, New York; Oak-
mount and \'erona. Pennsylvania, and at
Granville, in the Keystone state. Their
large contracts for the placing of sewers
include work in Newark, East Orange,
Bloomfield, Rutherford, Kearney, Belmar
and Irvington, New York, Mechanicsville.
New York; Kittanning. Pennsylvania, and
an immense contract now being executed
in Hartford, Connecticut.
Mr. Harrison was married in Montclair
to Hester A. Crane, a daughter of Josiah
W. Crane and a descendant of Deacon Aza-
riah Crane, who came to Newark with the
first settlers and whose wife was a daugh-
ter of Governor Treat of Connecticut.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are :
Carrie L.. wife of Benjamin Parkhurst;
Fannie C, wife of Oscar H. Condit; Kath-
arine S. ; Harry L., who married May
Cresse; Louis B., who married Mabelle H.
Walker, of Yonkers, New York; and Edith
L.
\\lnle residing in his native township,
Mr. Harrison served as freeholder for three
years, town clerk and a member of the town
committee, discharging his duties with
marked promptness and fidelity. In his
political views he is a Republican, but ow-
ing to the increased volume of his business
he has now no time for public office, de-
\oting his energies almost exclusively to
his industrial aitairs. He employs a large
force of men and his fair treatment has
won their confidence and respect. He has
excellent executive ability, keen discrimi-
nation and power of control, and his able
management has resulted in bringing to
him the patronage wherefrom he tlerives
splendid financial returns. His wealth has
been worthily achieved, and not only in
business circles but also in all the relations
of life he connnands the esteem of those
with whom he is brought in contact.
JOHN W. SLAYBACK,
of \'erona. is a most enterprising and ener-
getic business man, who by his own eti'orts
has arisen from a humble position to one
of prominence in trade circles. His suc-
cess has been achieved through resolute
purpose, keen discrimination and unflag-
ging industry, and the firm of Slayback
Brothers are now at the head of extensive
and profitable business interests in \'erona,
Caldwell and Little Falls.
The subject of this review was born in
Raritan, New Jersey, on the ist of No-
vember. 1863. and is a son of William Slay-
back, who was born June 20, 1838. He is
a miller by trade and for the past twenty-
five vears has resided in Verona. He mar-
ried Adaline, daughter of Samuel War-
ESSEX COUNTY.
129
man, of Hunterdon county. New Jersey,
and tliey became the parents of two sons,
— David H. and John W. The latter re-
ceived but limited school privileges, but
added largely to his fund of knowledge by
working in a printing-office. At the age
of sixteen he entered upon his business ca-
reer as an apprentice to the printer's trade
in the office of the Montclair Times, and on
the expiration of that period opened an of-
fice with Lane & Lockward at Caldwell,
where he did the printing for that firm for
six years. In 1888 he accepted a position
with H. C. Dabney, of Montclair, as book-
keeper, in his coal-yard, where he remained
two years.
The firm of Slayback Brothers was or-
ganized in 1885 and has since continued
business, and from the beginning has met
with gratifying success. They commenced
operations in Montclair in 1885, and in
1891, when their earning from the ice busi-
ness had become sufficient to enable them
to branch out in other lines, they began
dealing in coal. In September, 1892, they
added lumber and builders' supplies, estab-
lishing a lumber-yard in connection with
their coal office on Bloomfield avenue, near
the junction of the Erie Railroad. They
are now carrying on a profitable business
in Verona. Caldwell and Little Falls, and
the volume of their trade has become quite
extensive.
In November, 1892, John W. Slayback
was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
Husk, daughter of James H. Husk. He is
a prominent and valued citizen and was
chosen the first clerk of Verona township
rather for his fitness for the position than
on account of political affiliations, for he is
independent in politics. He is a stock-
holder and director in the Verona Club, is
9
a member of Montclair Council. Royal Ar-
canum, and also belongs to the Junior Or-
der American Mechanics.
DAVID H. SLAYBx\CK
is enrolled among the progressive, prac-
tical business men who have been the archi-
tects of their own fortunes. He was born
in Hunterdon county. New Jersey, August
27, 1861, and is a son of William Slayback.
He spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in Verona and acquainted himself
with the English branches of learning
taught in the public schools. At the age
of seventeen he began earning his own liv-
ing by working at the painter's trade, and
later he commenced to learn the business
of type-metal engraving at No. 104 Fulton
street. New York city. He followed that
vocation for five years, concluding his ser-
vice in that line as an employee of the Sam-
uel Crump Label Company, of Montclair.
He was industrious, energetic and ambi-
tious, and his faithful and able service
brought him good wages. From this he
managed to save a small amount, and join-
ing his brother, they embarked in the ice
business in Montclair. During the first few
seasons they obtained their ice from Vero-
na lake, and as a direct result of their man-
ner of conducting the industry it became
very popular, and their trade increased rap-
idly. As their financial resources increased
they extended their field of operations into
the coal trade, subsequently added a lum-
ber yard and also began dealing in build-
ers' supplies. They are now dealing in
these various commodities and are enjoy-
ing a large and lucrative business. Their
Imsiness methods commend them to the
confidence of all and they have worked up
I 7,0
ESSEX COUNTY.
an excellent trade, which yields them a
good income. Three beautiful homes have
been erected in Verona as an evidence of
the success that has attended the efforts of
the well known firm of Slayback Brothers,
and in commercial circles these gentlemen
hold a very enviable position.
David H. Slayback is a member of and
stockholder in the Verona Club, and is a
member of Montclair Council of the Royal
Arcanum. He was married in IMarch.
1893, to Miss Henrietta Grosch, daughter
of the late William Grosch, the first manu-
facturer of bronze in the United States.
They have three children, — Gertrude, Hen-
rietta and Linda. Mr. and Mrs. Slayback
are widely and favorably known in Verona
and have the warm regard of many friends,
who esteem them highly for their sterling
worth.
ALFRED S. BADGLEY,
counselor at law and master in chancery
of Montclair, is one of New Jersey's native
sons, his birth having occurred on a farm
in Somerset county, in 1849. The ances-
tral history is one of close connection with
the development of this state. In colonial
days the great-grandfather, George Badg-
ley, came to America with Lord Ireland
and fought against the British in the war
of the Revolution. During that sangui-
nary struggle he was taken prisoner and
held in captivity until peace was declared
and American independence was estab-
lished. The grandfather, Stephen Badg-
ley, was a native of New Jersey, born in
Elizabethport, and married Catharine Den-
man, w'ho was a lineal descendant of Sir
Richard Townley. The father, Alfred
Badgley, Sr., was born in this state and
became one of the well-to-do farmers of
Somerset county. He married Sarah
Moore, who was born in New Jersey, as
was her father, James Moore. Her grand-
father was also one of the heroes of the
war of the Revolution, and the first Amer-
ican ancestor was Joseph jMoore, who be-
longed to the valiant band of pilgrims who
came to the shores of New England in the
Mayflower.
Alfred S. Badgley thus has back of him
an ancestry honorable and distinguished,
and the lines of his own life have been cast
in harmony therewith. He spent the
great part of his youth in Somerset and
Morris counties, where he attended the
common schools, while later he pursued
his studies in Pennington Seminary, where
he was graduated in 1869. He then went
to Tennessee, where he read law and was
admitted to the bar in 1873. After en-
gaging in practice for a time he entered the
National Laiiversity in the District of Co-
lumbia, where he was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 1884. Re-
turning then to Tennessee, he was ap-
pointed special examiner of the United
States pension bureau, with headquarters
at Bakersville, North Carolina. For two
years he held that ofiice and upon his re-
tirement again went to Tennessee, where
he continued in the practice of law until
1887, when he was admitted to the New
Jersey bar as an attorney, and in 1890, at
the November term of court, in Trenton,
he was licensed to practice as a counselor.
Locating in Montclair Mr. Badgley soon
took rank among the ablest representatives
of the profession there, and his ability is at-
tested by his large clientele and the sub-
stantial returns which he receives for his
legal services. For the past six years he
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^K^
F"'
k
THE
NEW YORK
(PUBLIC LIBRARYl
^ Mtor, Uncx isnd Tilden ^
foun(fatlons.
1901
Ei^SEX COUNTY.
i^i
has served as adviser and town attorney for
the town of Montclair.
In i860 Mr. Badgley married Miss Mary
J. E. Simerley, a daughter of Elijah Simer-
iey, of Hampton. Tennessee, and they now
have three sons: Alfred C. ; Theodore J.,
who is now with his father in the law of-
fice: and Oliver K., a student at Princeton
University. They also lost one daughter,
Mary C. who died on the 24th of April,
1897-
In his political views our subject is a stal-
wart Republican, deeply interested in the
growth and success of his party. He is a
member of Montclair Lodge, Xo. 144, A.
F. & A. M., in which he is past master, and
he and his wife hold membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which he
is serving as a member of the official board.
He is president of the local board of the
National Building, Loan & Provident As-
sociation, and a memljer of the supreme
committee of laws and appeals of the Im-
proved Order Heptasophs. In his profes-
sion he has attained an eminent position
and is distinguished among his brethren at
the bar for the provident care which he
shows in the preparation of his cases. His
devotion to his client's interests is prover-
bial and his ability is marked.
ROCHUS HEINISCH.
Newark as a manufacturing center takes
high rank among the cities of America, and
the subject 'of this review has been an im-
portant factor in sustaining her reptitation
in this direction. He stands at the head of
one of her leading enterprises, and is a
wide-awake, progressive business man,
whose well directed efYorts result not only
in his individual prosperity but also pro-
mote the material welfare of the commun-
ity.
^Ir. Heinisch has always made his home
in Newark, where his birth occurred, De-
cember 2, 1836. He is the eldest son of
the late Rochus Heinisch, Sr., whose repu-
tation as a manr.fr.ctv.rcr of shears and
scissors was world-wide. R. Heinisch,
Sr., was born in Bohemia, Austria, on
the 14th of February, 1801, acquired
an excellent education and then began
learning the trade of manufacturing sur-
gical instruments, which he completed
in Paris, P'rance. His ability soon won
him promotion to the position of foreman
in the factory in which he was employed
and he there remained inuil in the
early '20s, when he made arrangements
to seek a home in America. He had
heard much of the splendid opportunities
here afforded young men, poor but indus-
trious, and resolved to take advantage of
these. Crossing the Atlantic, he located in
Brooklyn, and soon conceived the idea of
manufacturing shears of malleable iron
faced with steel. He was the first paten-
tee of the tailor shears, and the first to weld
steel to iron. He began the manufacture
of his invention in Elizabeth, but in 1829
came to Newark, where he established the
business with which he was connected
throughout his life and which grew to be
the most extensive and important of its
kind in the world. His chief work was the
manufacture of tailors' shears, and his in-
vention and manufactures proved of im-
mense value to that class of men. Those
previously used were of English manufac-
ture, and the handles were most ill-shaped,
so that the tailors called them "instruments
of direst torture." Afterward improve-
ments were made in the English article.
13^
ESSEX COUNTY.
but the Heinisch invention continued to
maintain its place in the front ranks of ah
manufactures, and to be the most extensive-
ly used. In fact it supplanted nearly all of
foreign manufacture, not only on this con-
tinent but abroad, so that the business of
manufacturing tailors' shears was largely
suspended in England. Many new inven-
tions have been placed on the market by
the English manufacturers of cutlery, but
the American product has continued in the
lead, although hundreds of pounds were
expended in perfecting and making an
English shear. So marked was the su-
periority of Mr. Heinisch's article that the
English newspapers took up the subject
and questioned why Sheffield — called the
"edged-tool city" — could not produce
something as good. This high reputation
which the house gained has never been lost,
and the enterprise still continues in the lead
of shear and scissors manufacturing con-
cerns in the world.
Rochus Heinisch, whose name intro-
duces this review, spent his youth in the
public schools of Newark until fifteen years
of age, when he was placed by his father in
the latter's New York store, where he spent
six years in gaining experience in handling
the goods made in his father's shear fac-
tory. He entered the factory when twen-
ty-one years of age in order to learn the
business in its every department, and soon
became an expert workman, capable of
performing every detail in connection with
the enterprise. He has since been con-
nected with the company and upon his fa-
ther's death he was elected to the presi-
dency of the R. Heinisch's Sons Company,
in which incumbency he has since been re-
tained. Not only has he a practical knowl-
edge of the business, but in addition he is
a man of keen discrimination, foresight and
sound judgment in business matters, cap-
able of planning, devising and executing
the right thing at the right time. He is
progressive, enterprising and energetic,
and carries forward to successful comple-
tion whatever he undertakes, if honorable,
persistent and patient effort can accom-
plish it.
During the civil war Mr. Heinisch mani-
fested his loyalty to the country by enlist-
ing, in 1862, in the nine-months service,
becoming a private of the Twenty-sixth
New Jersey Infantry. He was promoted
to the rank of second lieutenant and later
was commissioned first lieutenant of his
company. His regiment was assigned to
the army of the Potomac and saw much of
the hard service incident to the campaigns
in and around Fredericksburg. He votes
with the Republican party, and at one time
took quite an active part in political work.
He was elected from the thirteenth ward
of Newark to the general assembly in 1871
and in 1872, and had the honor and su-
preme satisfaction of voting for the late
Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen for United
States senator.
Mr. Heinisch was married in Newark,
June 29, 1868, to Miss Alice J., daughter
of Isaac Robbins, and to them have been
born the following children: Rush E., who
is now secretary of the R. Heinisch's Sons
Company; Florence, who completed her
education and is an accomplished musician
and expert pianist; and Edward A., who is
now a junior in the military academy in
Mount Pleasant, New York. • This family
enjoys the hospitality of the best homes in
Newark, and their own beautiful residence
is the center of a cultured society circle.
Mr. Heinisch is a Knight Templar Mason,
Ei^SEX COUNTY.
U3
belonging, to Damascus Commandery. A
leader in the world of commerce, an inte-
gral factor in the business life of Newark,
of pleasant, courteous manner, easily ap-
proachable, and of unquestioned honor, he
stands to-day among the most prominent
citizens of Newark, commanding the re-
spect of young and old, rich and poor.
JAMES H. HUSK,
one of the successful business men and
honored citizens of Caldwell, is a prominent
representative of a pioneer family of Essex
county. One hundred years have joined
the march of the centuries to eternity since
John Husk, of a respected and leading
Dutch family, settled in this locality. The
work of development seemed scarcely be-
gun. The settlers, in the dress of colonial
days, carried on their labors, and laid the
foundation for the present prosperity and
advancement of the county. John Husk
took up his residence upon the farm now
occupied by Mr. Moose, and continued the
development of his land through his re-
maining days. He there reared his family
of seven children, namely: Abraham;
Ellen, who became the wife of John M. Van
Duyne, of Morris county; Sarah, who be-
came the wife of Henry Francisco and
passed her life on the Newton Canfield
farm; Rachel, who married Lewis Estler
and died at Boonton; Richard, who died at
Boonton ; Eliza, who married Henry Stager
and died on the North Caldwell road; and
John, who also died in the same neighbor-
hood.
Abraham Husk, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in 1807, and the farm where
his birth occurred continued his place of
abode throughout his life. He carried on
agricultural pursuits and lived cpiietly, win-
ning the respect of all by his sterling worth.
He married Ester, daughter of Abijah
Crane, and to them were born the following
children: Maria, wife of R. S. Francisco;
James H.; Stephen; Eliza, who married Gil-
bert A. Jacobus; Lucetta, who married
Isaac Gillen, of Morris county; Richard;
William, deceased; John, of Boonton; Al-
fred, of Newark; Aljbie, deceased wife of
J, W. Van Duyne, of Morris county; and
Marcus E., of Newark. The father of this
family passed away March 4, 1858, and the
mother departed this life February 14,
1S69.
James H. Husk was born on the old fam-
ily homestead, October 13, 1829, and re-
mained on the farm until he had attained
his majority, but the work of the farm was
distasteful to him and on reaching man's
estate he left home, empty-handed, going
to Boonton, where he drove a team for a
time. For two or three years he served as
a nail-cutter with the Boonton Iron Com-
pany and was then promoted as general
superintendent of their outdoor work. In
1869 he entered the employ of Campbell
Lane & Company, at eleven dollars per
week and expenses, driving a wagon and
selling their goods through the country.
So efficient were his services that his wages
were increased from time to time until he
was enabled to command a salary of twen-
ty-five dollars per week and expenses. Dur-
ing this time he saved a considerable sum,
which he invested in land, and on leaving
the road he turned his attention to farm-
ing, but his boyhood's distaste for the work
was still with him and he soon sold out.
His next enterprise was the purchase of the
Caldwell and Montclair stage line, which he
operated from the spring of 1883 until June
134
EHSEX COUNTY.
30, 1897. That iiroved to be a very profit-
able investment and the returns therefrom
placed him in a j^osition of financial inde-
pendence: and while he is yet in business,
it is only as a means to avoid complete re-
tirement. Indolence and idleness are utterly
foreign to iiis nature and it is this feature
of his character that prompts him to retain
some business interests.
]\Ir. Musk was married in Morris county.
January 19, 1850. to Adaline, daughter of
Nicholas Stites, and to them have been
born the following children: Wilson;
Maria L., wife of Marcus Bush; Jessie, de-
ceased wife of E. M. Canfield, by whom she
had two children, Bessie and John H.;
Sarah Anna, deceased: Thomas S.. who
married Emma M. Stillwell; Nellie H., wife
of John Slayljack; and Adaline, wife of H.
A. Mills, of Newark.
Mr. Husk is a self-made man. whose en-
terprise, industry and resolute purpose
have lieen the stepping-stones on which he
has risen from an humble position to one
of affluence. -His labors have been reward-
ed by a very desirable capital, which has
been so worthily won that it places him
above env}-. Few men in the county are
more widely known than Mr. Husk and
none more favorably so, for he is uniformly
esteemed.
SAMUEL DEY.
The ancestry of the gentleman whose
name initiates this paragraph is traced back
to the old Dutch emigrants who took up
their abode on Manhattan Island at an early
day, and who is a blood relative of Anneke
Jans, whose name has attained consider-
able note in connection with the suit in-
stituted by her heirs to recover property
owned by Trinity church in New York city.
Mr. Dey was Ijorn in Caldwell township,
New Jersey, on the 31st of July, 1842, and
is a son of Henry and Susan (Berry) Dey,
the latter being a daughter of IMartin Berry.
Henry Dey was born in 1819, and followed
farming as his vocation in life, his father,
Cornelitts Dey, being the keeper of Dey's
Hotel, which is now the residence of our
sul:>ject. Cornelius was born near "the two
bridges" in Morris county, and was a son
of Colonel Richard Dey. an of^cer in the
colonial army during the Revolutionary
war. Cornelius died about the year 1873,
at the advanced age of seventv-eight, and
Henry departed this life in 1882.
Samuel Dey attained to years of maturity
on the old homestead, where he resided
until his marriage, when he settled at the
junction of the Pine Brook and Paterson
roads. He learned the hatter's trade in
Orange, New Jersey, with Charles Hedden,
and followed the same for a period of five
years and then returned to the farm, where
he has since remained. He owns fifty-five
acres of fertile land and has devoted his
entire time and attention to its skillful and
successful management, and is recognized
tiiroughout the county as one of the pro-
gressive and prosperous agriculturists of
the state. He has accjuired some reputation
as a worker in the interests of the Demo-
cratic party, having served on the town
committee, besides which he has been a
freeholder for Caldwell. The postoffice of
Fairfield is located in his residence.
The marriage of Mr. Dey was solemnized
in 1865, when he became united to Miss
Ellen Bush, a daughter of Nicholas Bush,
and the children of this union are: Leslie,
of Newark, and Cornelius.
The other children born to Henry and
ES!SEX COUNTY.
135
Susan Dey were: John B.. of Newark;
Cornelius; and Mary, who is the widow of
George W. Winans.
CORNELIUS DEY.
a prominent and influential citizen of Essex
county, was born in the township of Cald-
weH on the 21st of August. 1840, and with
the exception of a temporary absence in the
early '60s he has resided continuously on
the old homestead, which he now owns.
He is a son of Henry Dey and a great-
grandson of Colonel Richard Dey, a gallant
soldier in the American Revolution.
True to the spirit that infused the breasts
of his ancestors, Mr. Dey enlisted, during
the second year of the civil war, in Com-
pany D, Twenty-second New Jersey Vol-
unteer Infantry, for nine months, and was
under the innnecliate command of Captain
Bush, with DeCamp as colonel of the regi-
ment, which was sent into the very heart of
the Confederacy, where it participated in
severe, acti\e service during the limited
time it was out in the field. Among the
engagements in which it took part were
the Rappahannock campaign and the bat-
tles of Seven Pines and Fredericksburg,
and the work performed therein by the
"boys of the Twenty-second" gave to them
an experience never to be forgotten. After
a year's faithful, efficient service in defend-
ing t!ie Union. Mr. Dey was honorably dis-
charged and soon thereafter he went to
Nashville, where he engaged in the carpen-
ter's trade, returning to his home in 1865.
Mr. Dey was united in marriage to Miss
Nellie Sigler. and the three following chil-
dren were born of this union: Jessie,
Gracie and Helen.
In his political affiliation Mr. Dey is an
uncompromising Republican and has ren-
dered valuable service to his party as a
member of the executive committee. In
respect to religion he was converted early
in life to the doctrines of the Reformed
church. He possesses a farm comprising
one hundred acres in extent, and is one
of the thrifty, progressive and greatly re-
spected men of the township.
GEORGE H. VANDERHOOF,
who is now living retired from active busi-
ness cares at his pleasant home in Caldwell,
on Campbell avenue, was born in this place,
September 16. 1840. and is a representative
of one of the old Dutch families of Essex
county. His grandfather was Garrett Van-
derhoof, who located at Fairfield, New Jer-
sey, and married Mary Masker. He was
a soldier in the war of 18 12, and his ances-
tors were participants in the war of the
Revolution.
Abraham Vanderhoof. the father of our
subject, was born in Caldwell. November
8. 1815. and married Ann Welshman, a
daughter of Edward Welshman, who was
born in county Down. Ireland, and em-
igrated to the United States in 1802. be-
coming the owner of a large tract of land
in Rockland county. New York. He mar-
ried Jane Kemp, of that county. Mr. and
Mrs. Vanderhoof had a family of six chil-
dren, in order of birth as follows : George
H.; William M.; Edward J.; Addie J., wife
of Benjamin Kent; Emma T., wife of Leon-
ard Meddler; and Cecelia S.. wife of David
Campbell, of Newark.
The subject of this review, George H.
Vanderhoof. acquired his education in the
schools of Caldwell, and before attaining
his majority learned the carpenter's trade
136
ESSEX COUNTY.
in Newark. In 1862 he manifested his loy-
alty to the government by enlisting- in the
Second Regiment, District of Columbia,
which was the first regiment that went out
from the capital. For three years he faith-
fully served his country, following the old
flag in many hotly contested engagements,
including the second battle of Bull Run and
the battle of Antietam. With his command
he was also sent against General Early in
the Shenandoah valley campaign, and in
other engagements and movements dis-
played his fidelity to the Union cause
through three years' arduous service.
When the war was ended and the coun-
tr}^ no longer needed his services, Mr. Van-
derhoof returned home and engaged in con-
tracting in Newark, where for more than a
quarter of a century he was identified with
that industry, making a specialty of stair-
building, which requires peculiar skill and
ability. He executed contracts not only in
Newark, but also in surrounding cities and
in New York and Pennsylvania, and had
a very extensive patronage, which brought
to him a handsome remuneration. With
the capital that he had acquired through his
own efforts, he retired to private life in the
summer of 1897, and, locating at his birth-
place, Caldwell, he is there, amid many
friends, enjoying the fruits of his former
toil.
j\Ir. Vanderhoof has been twice married.
He first wedded Emma T., daughter of
\\'illiam Cole, of Pine Brook, who died in
1878, leaving one child, Daisy B. In 1888
Mr. Vanderhoof was again married, his sec-
ond union being with Miss Jessie Davey, a
daughter of Edward Davey, of Halifax,
Nova Scotia. Their children are George
H. and Stella AI.
Devotion to all the duties of public and
also of private life has characterized the ca-
reer of Mr. Vanderhoof, whose honor in
business, fidelity in public affairs, loyalt\- in
war and geniality and kindliness in social
circles, have won him the regard of all with
whom he has been brought in contact.
\Mlliam M. Vanderhoof, brother of the
subject of the foregoing sketch, also enlist-
ed in the war for the Union as a member of
the Twenty-sixth Regiment of New Jersey
Volunteers. Participating in a charge on
Sunday, July 3, at Chancellorsville, he re-
ceived a gunshot wound in his right knee,
was taken prisoner, had to suft'er an ampu-
tation of his leg, and at length was ex-
changed, when he returned home. He went
to Seneca Falls, New York, where by his
own exertions he gained considerable prop-
erty, and now owns and conducts a large
store in the line of general merchandise.
CLARENCE E. HEDDEN,
principal of the Caldwell public schools, is
one of the leading and successful educators
of this section of the state, and his progres-
sive methods, scholarly attainments and
faculty of imparting clearly and readily to
others the knowledge he has acquired, has
given him a prestige in the profession that
is indeed enviable.
Professor Hedden was born in Orange,
New Jersey, November 8, 1856, and is de-
scended from one of the oldest families of
Essex county, nearly two centuries haying
passed since Joseph and Caleb Hedden,
brothers, came to New Jersey from the
Connecticut colony. Essex county then
embraced every county which now touches
its boundaries. Joseph Hedden located in
East Orange, and his son, Abial Hedden,
who also made his home there, became a
ESSEX COUNTY.
137
prominent stone-cutter and aided in the
construction of the forts of Castle Garden
and LaFayette. He married Maria, daugh-
ter of Enos Bakhvin, a representative of one
of the earliest families of Newark, the old
Bakhvin homestead comprising the site
now occupied by the county jail. Both the
Hedden and Baldwin families furnished
soldiers to the colonial army in the war of
the American Revolution and otherwise
took an impurtant part in founding the
republic.
Elijah Hedden, a son of Abial and iMaria
(Baldwin) Hedden, was born in 1778 and
died in 1873. He resided at the old family
homestead, which was located in Roseville
near the junction of Orange and \\'arren
streets, and on that place all the members
of the early branch of the family were prob-
ably born. John S. Hedden, of X'erona.
father of our subject, first opened his eves
to the light of day in 1831, and in his
youth learned the shoemaker's trade, which
he followed in his native city during the
time that occupation was the leading indus-
try of the people of Orange. On leaving
the place of his birth he came to Caldwell
township, settling in \'erona. and has been
a leading man in its pulilic affairs, now
serving as its tax collector. He married
Harriet Munn, daughter of Jotham Munn.
She died in November, 1856, lea\ing one
son, Clarence E., then only a few days old.
For his second wife the father chose Sarah
Pryor, daughter of Lemuel Jacobus, and
their children are Edward. Harrv, Nellie
and Leon.
This work would be incomplete without
the life record of Clarence E. Hedden, who
has been so prominently connected with
the educational interests of the county, and
who is so worthy a representative of an
honored pioneer family. He spent his boy-
hood days in the home of his paternal
grandfather and attended Mr. Noll's pri-
vate school, which was conducted in what
is now Lindsley's stable, in Caldwell. He
afterward pursued his studies in the schools
of \"erona and later -was a pupil in the
Montclair schools, being a member of the
first high-school class and the first one to
graduate at that institution, the year of the
graduation being 1874. Of stutlious nature
and anxious for advancement along educa-
tional lines, he was next sent to Amherst
College, where he was graduated four years
later.
Immediately afterward Professor Hed-
den began teaching, being employed in the
schools of \\'est Orange for one year. In
1879 he came to Caldwell to accept the
position of principal and has since remained
at the head of the school system in this
place. On his arrival he found an ordinary
grammar school of five grades, since which
time he has doubled the grades, raised the
standard to that of "an approved high
school" and otherwise increased its effi-
ciency as an educational institution. Few
men in the county have been more promi-
nently identified with the furtherance of
educational interests in Essex county than
he. Progressive and keenly alive to the
needs in our public-school systems, he has
put forth every eltort in his power to meet
these needs and to secure higher standards
in the schools throughout the locality. His
own interest and enthusiasm have inspired
others and the benefit of his labors is in-
calculable.
Professor Hedden was one of the orig-
inal members of the County Teachers' As-
sociation, was for two years its secretary
and treasurer, and for the same period
138
E.'^SEX COUNTY.
served as its president, also for two terms
chairman of its executive committee. He
has also been a member of the High-School
Principals" Association, and in 1896 was a
member of the County Schoolmasters" As-
sociation.
In 1 88 1 Professor Hedden was married,
in Verona, to Miss Sarah M. Hayes, daugh-
ter of Rev. J. L. Hayes. In 1885 he was
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died, leaving one child, Earle. In Au-
gust, 1887, he was again married, his sec-
ond union being with Miss Anna Condit,
daughter of Edmund Condit, of West
Orange. He is a member of the Verona
Methodist church, and both he and his wife
hold an enviable position in social circles,
enjoying the hospitality of the best homes
in this part of the county.
HENRY K. BENSON,
of the firm of H. K. & T. S. Benson, suc-
cessors to the late Samuel Benson, manu-
facturers of sheet and rolled brass. Glen
Ridge, New Jersey, is one of the represen-
tative business men of this place. Personal
mention of him and the family of which
he is a member is therefore appropriate in
this work, and to it we now turn.
Samuel Benson, the founder of the Glen
Ridge Brass Rolling Alill, was born in
Bethlehem, New York, a son of William
Benson, also a native of that state. The
latter"s father was a Hollander by birth and
had emigrated to this country in early life.
William Benson and family moved to
Belleville, New Jersey, from Bethlehem,
New York, when Samuel Benson was quite
young, and at Belleville he grew up to
manhood, receiving his education in that
place. In 183J he came to Bloomfield,
New Jersey, and entered into Inisiness
with James G. Moffet and engaged in the
manufacture of sheet brass and other met-
als, the plant being located on the old turn-
pike between Bloomfield and West Bloom-
field. In 1852 he built a new mill and en-
tered into the refining and rolling of sheet
silver for platers' use, which he continued
successfully for several years. In 1863 he
disposed of this lousiness to Peter Havden,
of New York city, and continued with him
in the management of the business until
1875, \vhen he retired from business.
In 1878 he built the present mill, located
in the borough of Glen Ridge, and he con-
tinued in business here until the time of
his death, which occurred in 1882. A man
of honest industry, sterling integrity and
business ability, he made a success in life,
and left to his sons a fine business and the
heritage of a good name. His wife, whose
maiden name was Margaret King, was
born in New Jersey and was a daughter of
Henry King.
Henry K. Benson was reared principally
in Bloomfield township. Essex county,
New Jersey, receiving his education in the
common schools and later attending a
boarding and day school taught by the
Rev. E. Seymour, a noted educator and a
Illative of this county.
At the age of seventeen the youth en-
tered the rolling mill to assist his father,
commencing at the bottom and thus be-
coming familiar with every detail of the
work. He remained with his father until
the latter's death, after which he carried on
the business in his own name until 1887,
The mill was then renovated, new and im-
proved machinery was put in, making it
first-class in every respect.
In 1888 he admitted to the firm his
HEMRY K. BENSOH
Ei^^EX COUXTY
139
brother, Frank S. Benson. They do a
general business in sheet and rolled brass,
making specialties of silver-plated metal,
plates, granulated and annode silver, en-
gravers' etching, electric and foil-copper,
silver-solder, German silver, platers' brass
and oroide and music engravers' plates and
all kinds of job rolling. This work is done
by a Corliss engine of one hundred twenty-
five horse-power, and they employ twenty
men.
Mr. Henry K. Benson was married in
1868 to Miss Theresa H. Watson, of Mid-
dletown, Connecticut, a daughter of Ar-
nold Watson. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have
a son and a daughter, — Harry W. and
Helen F. Benson.
Mr. Benson is one of the most enterpris-
ing and progressive men of his town, and
has at heart its best interests. In many
ways, aside from the important business
above referred to, is his name connected
with the history of Bloomfield. In 1882
and 1883 he served as a member of the
town council.
He is at this writing the secretary of the
Board of Health of Glen Ridge. He
helped to organize the Bloomfield National
Bank, and was a director of the same for
several years. Politically he is a firm ad-
herent to the principles advocated by the
Republican party.
CAFT. AMBROSE M. MATTHEWS.
"Peace hath its victories, no less re-
nowned than war," said Sumner, and this
fact has been proved often and again as
the march of progress has continued with
ever accelerating speed. But tlie crucial
period and the one that evokes the most
exalted patriotism is that when a nation's
honor is menaced, its integrity threatened
and the great ethic principles of right in-
volved. Then is sterling manhood roused
to definite protest and decisive action, and
above all the tumult and horror of interne-
cine conflict never can greater honor be
paid than to him who aids in holding high
the standard which represents the deeper
principles of liberty, hurling oppression
l)ack and keeping the boon of liberty. The
military career of the subject of this review
is one which will ever redound to his honor
as a loyal and devoted son of the republic,
and as one whose courage was that of his
con\ictions, and yet one who was content
to fight for principle and for his country's
righteous cause rather than for mere glory
in arms or relative precedence. In touch-
ing the history of Esse.x county, or indeed
that of the state, there is eminent propriety
in according representation to Captain
Matthews, not alone by reason of tlie part
he has played in its civil and military af-
fairs, but on the score that his ancestral his-
tory is part and parcel of the record which
tells the tale of progress, of stalwart patri-
otism in each succeeding generation and of
that integrity of purpose which has con-
served the stable prosperity of the nation.
W'e cannot do better in this connection
than to make consecutive excerpt from a
review of our sul>ject's career as recently
published in a history of the Oranges :
"The development of the hereditary
traits of Captain Matthews, for which his
ancestors, who were among the founders,
as well as the defenders of the republic,
were conspicuous, is due in a great measure
to the events connected with the civil war.
The discipline incident to army life, the per-
sonal courage, self-reliance and unselfish
devotion to the cause he espoused, were
I40
ESSEX COUNTY.
among the personal traits developed that
led subsequently to his successful business
career and inspired confidence in his fellow
citizens, who were not unmindful of the
debt of gratitude they owed him for his
faithful service to his country in her hour of
need. On Saturday, the 13th of April,
1861, was fired the first gun which pro-
claimed the secession of the southern states
from the Union, and on Sunday thereafter
a proclamation of President Lincoln sum-
moned the militia of the republic, to the
number of se^•enty-five thousand, to as-
semble and execute its insulted laws. In
response thereto Ambrose 'M. Matthews,
on the loth of May following, entered
the ranks of the L'nion armv as a private,
rose to the rank of captain, and served con-
tinuously from the first important battle of
the war to the surrender of the entire Con-
federate armies under Lee and Johnson.
The important service he rendered in-
cluded the campaigns and battles of the
Army of the Potomac from first Bull Run
until October, 1863; the campaign of
General Grant, which held fast to Tennes-
see and in four great battles completely de-
feated the rebel generals. Bragg and Long-
street: the campaign which, from Chat-
tanooga to Atlanta, after many battles, all
of which were victorious, captured Atlanta;
Sherman's campaign from Atlanta to the
sea, the capture of Savannah, Georgia; the
campaign through the Carolinas. which
virtually captured Charleston. South Caro-
lina; the final campaign of General Sher-
man, which, after Lee's surrender, com-
pelled the surrender of General Johnston
and all armed foes of the federal govern-
ment.
"Captain Matthews had the honor to
belong to the First New Jersey Brigade,
which was the First Brigade of the First
Division, First Corps of the Army of the
Potomac, for fifteen months, and it was
commanded by General Phil Kearney; in
the Richmond campaign of McClellan it
Ijecame the First Brigade. First Division of
the Sixth Corps, and so continued until the
close of the war. He also had the honor
to belong to a brigade composed of the
Second Massachusetts, Third Wisconsin,
Twenty-Seventh Lidiana, Thirteenth New
Jersey. One Hundred and Seventh and
One Hundred and Fiftieth New York, First
Division, Twelfth Corps, and commanded
successively by Generals George H. Gor-
don, Thomas H. Ruger, Silas Colgrove and
others. It is a matter of record that these
two brigades had no superiors in the great
armies to which they belonged. These
commands served in the historic Army of
the Potomac until after the battle of Get-
tysburg, and then the Eleventh and Twelfth
Corps consolidated with the Twentieth
Corps and joined the Army of the Cumber-
land, and formed a part of the great army
of General Sherman, comprising the Army
of the Tennessee and the Arm)' of Ohio,
and afterward, as the Army of Georgia and
the Tennessee, marched through Georgia
and the Carolinas. and finally, by way of
Richmond, over the battlefields of Virginia
to the national capitol at Washington.
"During the first Virginia campaign Pri-
vate Matthews took part, as a member of
Company G. Second New Jersey Volun-
teers, in the battle of Bull Run, July 21,
1861 ; West Point. Virginia, May 7-8, 1862;
JMechanicsville. Gaines' Mills, Golding's
Farm; Frazier's Farm; Charles City Cross
Roads; Malvern Hill, Virginia, including
the Seven Days Fight. After these en-
gagements he was discharged, at the re-
ESSEX COUNTY.
141
quest of Governor Olden, of New Jersey,
for the purpose of assisting in raising a new
regiment. Owing to the difficulty of ob-
taining the requisite number of men in
Orange to complete the quota of the com-
pany, it became necessary to consolidate
with those enlisted at Montclair, and Mr.
Matthews offered to enlist again as a pri-
vate, in order to secure the promotion of
one of his friends. He consented, however,
to accept the position of second lieutenant
of Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, New
Jersey Volunteers, and was promoted first
lieutenant of Company K, on September
17, 1862 (date of battle of Antietam), and
was commissioned captain of Company I,
November i, 1862. After his re-enlistment
and promotion he participated with the
Army of the Potomac in the battles of
Antietam, First Fredericksburg, Chancel-
lorsville and Gettysburg: after the last-
named engagement was transferred to the
Army of the Cumberland with the Twelfth
Corps. This was afterward consolidated
with the Eleventh Corps, forming the
Twentieth Corps, and with it he took part
in the battles of Wauhatchie, Tennessee;
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Marietta, Pine Knob, Gulp's Farm,
Chattahoochie, River Crossing, Nance's
Creek, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta,
Georgia (July 22, 1864), siege and capture
of Atlanta; Sherman's march to the sea,
including capture of Milledgeville, the capi-
tal; Montieth Swamp, near Savannah; cap-
ture of Argyle Island, and also the move-
ment to enemy's rear in South Carolina,
by General Ruger's Brigade; capture of
Savannah; campaign of the Carolinas, in-
cluding battles of Averysboro, Bentonville,
North Carolina; Goldsboro, North Caro-
lina; capture of Raleigh anu surrender of
General Johnston's army. In all there were
represented forty battles, besides 'affairs'
and skirmishes, among the latter being in-
cluded the approach to Atlanta, at which
time the First Division of the Twentieth
Army Corps, with which Captain Matthews
was connected, was for one hundred con-
secutive days under fire. At the battle of
Antietam, Maryland. Captain Matthews
was wounded in the left leg, by a grape
shot, but did not leave the field; he re-
ceived a flesh wound in the face at Chancel-
lorsville, Virginia, and was wounded in the
left arm at the battle of Resaca, Georgia.
He was one of the officers specially men-
tioned at the battle of Chancellorsville for
'gallantry, coolness and efficienc}- on the
battle field.'
"It is a noteworthy fact that Captain
Matthews was one of the officers who, at
the close of the war, declined to make an
application for a brevet in excess of the
commission he held, the reasons for which
are apparent. V\'hile in active service a
brevet rank is an honor justly appreciated
by those who have won distinction on the
battle field. At the close of the war, how-
ever, it became an empty honor, and could
be had for the asking, and although it was
conferred on many deserving ones, 'for
gallant and meritorious service,' it is well
known that many worthy officers declined
to ask for that which they knew they were
justly entitled to. Such officers resent only
the implied superior claim of the brevets to
a distinction greater than their own, while
as a fact they take issue with and ever
maintain that it is unjust to the greater
majority.
"A retrospective view of the events con-
nected with Captain Matthews' military
142
Ei^SEX COUXTY
career shows 'what might have been."
When President Lincohi called for one
hundred thousand volunteers to serve for
three years, a company was within a few
days organized in Orange, and it was ex-
pected that it would be attached to either
the First, Second or Third Regiments ot
the First New Jersey Brigade, but as each
regiment had already received its full quota
this company was not accepted. It was
commanded by Captain Owen Alurphy, a
generous-hearted Irishman, who had seen
several years' service as captain of the
Columbia O'Brien Rifles, a local military
company, and had maintained its organiza-
tion until it was accepted, in July, 1861, as
one of the companies of the Seventv-First
New York Regiment, Excelsior Brigade,
raised by Daniel E. Sickles, subsequently
major-general commanding the Third
Corps of the Army of the Potomac. In
this company young Matthews was offered
the position of first lieutenant. He modest-
ly declined the honor, however, for, as he
said, 'having no military training, he might
make a poor private, but could not hope to
be a good officer.' The offer was several
times renewed, up to the month of May,
1862, but he invariably declined for the
reason stated. E\ery regiment connected
with the Excelsior Brigade made a brilliant
record, and none more so than the Seventy-
First. What might have been the record
of Private Alatthews had he been influenced
by motives of personal ambition, instead of
modestly refusing because of his unfitness
for the position, it is difficult to conjecture.
It simply shows the spirit of unselfish, de-
voted patriotism which animated the young-
men who filled the ranks of the .Armies of
the Potomac, the Cumberland and of the
Tennessee — steadfast, faithful, undaunted.
ne\-er discouraged and never acknowledg-
ing defeat, and which at last forced the
armies of Lee into the last ditch at Ap-
pomattox, and compelled the surrender of
Johnston in North Carolina, where Captain
Alatthews was then serving with General
Sherman."
This was the faith that made faithful, and
there can be no less a tribute of honor paid
these brave men who served for the sake
of their country alone, with no thought of
self-aggrandizement or personal glory,
than to those who gained the higher dis-
tinctions of office and perhaps greater in-
dividual precedence. His military career is
but one exemplification of the sturdy, un-
flinching, noble characteristics which have
made men honor and respect Captain
Matthews in all the relations of life — such
a sterling manhood can never be less than
true to itself, and thus true to all that goes
to make for the deeper humanitarianism,
The safety of the repulilic depends not so
much u])on measures and methods as upon
that manhood from whose deep sources all
that is precious and permanent in life must
at last proceed.
Ambrose Meeker Matthews has the dis-
tinction of being a native son of that sec-
tion of New Jersey in which practically his
entire life has been spent and in which he
has labored to goodly ends. He was born
in Orange, New Jersey, on the 21st of Sep-
tember, 1836, the son of John H. and Elima
(Meeker) Matthews, representine promi-
nent old pioneer families of the state and
nation. On both sides the Captain's an-
cestors were not only among the founders
of Orange, but records extant show them
to have had valiant representatives among
the patriot soldiers in the war of the Revo-
lution. \A'illiam Alatthews, great-grand-
ESSEX COUXTT.
143
father of our suljject. was a member of
Captain Cornelius Williams' company, Sec-
ond Regiment. Essex; was discharged Sep-
tember 13, 1777, having received at Second
River wounds which resulted in his death.
Simeon Harrison, the great-great-grand-
father of Captain Matthews on his father's
side, was a descendant of Richard Harrison,
and was the immediate ancestor of the late
Caleb Harrison and his son Simeon Harri-
son, both of whom were known to many
of the older inhabitants of Orange in the
present generation. Elima (Meeker) Mat-
thews, mother of the Captain, was born
in 1810, being the daughter of Abraham
P. Meeker, whose father. Thomas, served
in the French and Indian war. having been
with Wolfe in the battle of Quebec, and
having been rn active participant in the war
of the Revolution, serving from its begin-
ning until victory had been achieved by the
Continental forces and independence was
established. The Meeker family came orig-
inally from Connecticut and settled in the
Passaic \alley of Xew Jersey. The Cap-
tain's honored father, a man of notable
business ability and utmost integrity, died
in the year 1873. having been survived for
many years by his wife, who has attained
the venerable age of eighty-eight years.
Ambrose Matthews grew up under the
refining influences of a cultured home, re-
ceiving his educational discipline in the
schools of Alonzo Brackett and Rev. Peter
Stockmg, of his native town. After leav-
ing school he found employment in his
father's hat factory, representing a line of
industry which has brought Orange into
wide repute. At the age of eighteen years
he became a member of the firm of John
H. Matthews & Company, having become
familiar with the processes of manufacture
and having won this recognition bv faith-
ful endeavor. He continued to be actively
associated with the enterprise until the out-
break of the Rebellion, during the progress
of wliich his interests and connections with
the business were held intact, so that at the
close of the war he resumed his business
association with his father. Within the fol-
lowing year he became associated with
James and Charles Gardiner in the coal
business in Orange, under the firm name
of Gardiner & Matthews, subsequently pur-
chasing his partner's interest in the enter-
prise, which he has since continued in con-
nection with other lousiness operations of
importance. He has been intimately iden-
tified with the growth and substantial de-
velopment of Orange during the past years
and has never abated his interest in all that
conserves the stable prosperity of the place
of his nativity. The Captain was one of
those concerned in the organization of the
Second National Bank of Orange, in 1892,
and became and has continued its presi-
dent. . He was president of the Xew Jersey
Coal Exchange, and has served as presi-
dent of the Orange Board of Trade and in
other positions of similar preferment. He
is known as one of the leaders and most
zealous promoters of all public enterprises,
and his influence and effective aid are ever
to be counted ujjou in connection with any
legitimate undertaking.
The Captain retains the most lively con-
cern in all that touches the welfare of his
old comrades in arms, whose ranks are
being rapidly decimated by the encroach-
ments of time, and he is ever ready to recall
the kindlier associations of that crucial
epoch in our national history with which he
was so closely identified as a soldier of the
Union. He is a memljer of the most prom-
144
ESSEX COUNTY.
inent veteran military organizations of the
conntry. In 1878 he assisted in organizing;
Uzal Dodcl Post, G. A. R., of Orange, and
became its first commander, the post retain-
ing among its members men of distinctive
prominence in civil as well as military life.
In this connection a distinguished honor
was conferred upon this post and upon
Captain Matthews in 1890, when he was
chosen commander of the New Jersey state
department of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. At this juncture it is pertinent that
we refer to a certain event by quoting from
the article to which we have previously had
recourse: "The city of Orange alone in
New Jersey enjoys the distinction of having
had the Society of the Army of the Poto-
mac as its guests, which important event
occurred in 18S9. The reunion was one
of the most successful ever held by the
society, and among the participants on that
occasion were Governor Robert S. Green,
accompanied by both brigades of the Na- .
tional Guards, and many military ofificers
and civilians of national reputation. A
grand review of the military and Grand
Army of the Republic took place, and on
the following day an excursion to West
Point, where they were received by the
officer in command of the West Point Mili-
tary Academy. The success of this afTair
was largely due to Captain Matthews,
chairman of the committee of arrange-
ments, and in recognition of his services
on this occasion he was tendered a public
dinner by his fellow citizens of Orange,
which was second in importance only to
the great public event over which he had
the honor to preside." The Captain is
prominently identified with the Society of
the Sixth and Twelfth' Army Corps, the
Kearny Brigade Association, the Second
Regiment Veteran Association, the Thir-
teenth Regiment Veteran Association, the
Society of the Army of the Potomac, the
Society of the Army of the Cumberland,
the New York Commandery of the Mili-
tary Order of the Loyal Legion of the
United States, the Society of the Sons of
the Revolution, and is a member of various
other fraternal and social organizations,
including Corinthian Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons, the New England So-
ciety of Orange, the Essex County Riding
Club, Orange Club, etc. In politics he is
an uncompromising Republican, and in re-
ligious affiliations he was originally a mem-
ber of the Valley Congregational church,
from which he transferred his membership
to the Hillside Presbyterian church at the
time of its organization, being made one
of its trustees at this time and having been
chosen its treasurer in 1891. No man en-
joys in a greater degree and more specifi-
cally the confidence and esteem of the com-
munity, and this unmistakable popularity
has been but a logical result.
In the year 1865 was consummated the
marriage of Captain Matthews to Miss
Mary E. Harrison, daughter of Ira Harri-
son, a descendant in the eighth generation
of Richard Harrison, one of the founders of
Newark. Two sons and two daughters
were the issue of this union, of whom the
following survive : Alfred Harrison, treas-
urer of the A. M. Matthews Company;
Amy C, and Agnes M.
FRANK HUSK,
a market gardener of Fairfield, whose en-
terprise in affairs of business is bringing
him good financial returns, was bom on the
7th of October, 1868, on the farm which
ESSEX COUNTY.
145
is now his home. His grandfather was
Abraham Husk, one of the old-time resi-
dents of the county. His father, William
Husk, was born in 1841, and after attain-
ing' his majority was united in marriage to
Rachel A. Jacobus, a daughter of Thomas
G. and Emeline (Vanderhoof) Jacobus. Her
father was born in Caldwell township in
1815 and made carpentering his life work.
His father was a representative of one of
the earliest families of Essex county. Not
long after his marriage William Husk re-
moved with his young wife to the west and
spent three years in Iowa. He returned to
his native heath in 1871, and during the
later years of his life was prominently con-
nected with public affairs and with the
management of the interests of the town,
serving as a member of the committee for
five years, in which time he labored ear-
nestly and effectively for the welfare of the
town. His political support was given the
Democracy.
Mr. and Mrs. William Husk were the par-
ents of two children, Frank and Estella, the
latter the wife of Charles De Baun, of Fair-
field. The father died in 1889, but the
mother is still living, a resident of Fairfield.
Upon his death, the duty of caring for the
family devolved upon our subject, Frank
Husk, the only son, who fell readily into
the management of the affairs of the home-
stead and has demonstrated his capacity as
a successful market gardener. His educa-
tion was obtained in the common schools
of the neighborhood, and from his early
youth he served as his father's assistant in
the management of the home place. He is
now extensively engaged in the raising of
all kinds of vegetables and finds a ready
market for his products in the neighboring
cities. The excellent quality of his produce
10
and his thorough understanding of the
business has enabled him to supply his cus-
tomers with what they desire in his line, and
his patronage is now extensive and remu-
nerative.
In April. 1888, Mr. Husk was joined in
wedlock to Miss Lottie, a daughter of Peter
J. Vanderhoof, and they now have five chil-
dren : Jesse T.. Lula V., Alfa M., Leroy
N.. and Francis E.
LEMUEL STAGER,
of Caldwell, is the present representative
of one of the early families in Essex county,
and was born on the i6tli of September,
1854. the son of Thomas J. and Rachel
(Van Ness) Stager, the latter a daughter
of Isaac Van Ness. Thomas J. Stager was
born in Caldwell township in 1807, and in
early life followed the trade of builder, but
passed the last years of his life upon a farm,
where he died in 1891. His father, John
Stager, who. it is believed, was also a na-
tive of this county, was a descendant of
German parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Stager
were born the following children : Eliza,
who became the wife of Moses Van Ness;
John H.; Maria, the wife of Nicholas Dob-
bins; Martha, who married Artemus Zeliff;
Rachel, the wife of John Millage; Corne-
lius, and Lemuel. All the children, includ-
ing our subject, were reared on the old
homestead, which is now in the possession
of Lemuel, and were given such literary ed-
ucation as could be obtained at the primi-
tive school of the district.
Lemuel Stager remained with his parents
and aided in the management and cultiva-
tion of the farm until they were called to
their eternal rest, when he became owner of
the property. On the i6th of August,
146
ESSEX COUNTY.
1875, he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary A., daughter of Levi Mains, of Mor-
ris county, New Jersey, and their children
were : Joseph, Levi, Viola, Jennie, Pres-
ton, Clarence, Lemuel and Flora.
The Stager family is identified with the
Republican party on all political issues, but
the members are in no sense office-seekers,
preferring rather the independence that is
assured in the successful management and
control of interests entirely private.
CHARLES GREENE ROCKWOOD,
whose eminent position in financial circles
and prominence in public life demand for
him distinctive recognition in the history
of Essex county, is descended from an an-
cestry long and prominently connected
with the republic. The family had its ori-
gin in England, and sixteen .years after the
landing of the pilgrims of the Mayflower
at Plymouth Rock, the first of the name in
America braved the dangers incident to an
ocean voyage at that day and founded a
home in that district of our land to which
was given the name of the mother country.
All through the colonial epoch the repre-
sentatives of the name were prominent in
shaping those events which constitute the
distinctive annals of the nation, and on
many of the higher planes of life they at-
tained marked prestige. Dr. Ebenezer
Rockwood, grandfather of our subject, was
a Har\ard graduate of the class of 1773
and was a surgeon in the Continental army
in the war of the Revolution. At the close
of his service he located in ^\'ilton, New
Hampshire, where he not only attained
eminence in his profession, but became
highly influential in all affairs, civil and re-
ligious. At the ripe old age of eighty-four
years he passed away, mourned by the en-
tire community, but the impress of his
strong individuality still remains upon the
public life of the Granite state.
His second son, Ebenezer, Jr., the father
of our subject, also acquired his literary
education within the classic precincts of old
Harvard, and he subsequently studied law
in Boston, where he entered upon the prac-
tice of his profession. He was a man of
strong mentality and scholarly attainments
and possessed not only an accurate and
comprehensive knowledge of the principles
of jurisprudence, but also had superior gifts
of oratory. It seemed that a most bril-
liant career at the bar awaited him, but
death ended the professional life that was
opening with such rich promise. He died
when only thirty-four years of age, leaving
a widow and four children to mourn his
loss. His wife, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Breese Hazard, was a daughter of
Ebenezer Hazard, who was connected with
the postoffice department under Washing-
ton, as the first postmaster of New York,
then as surveyor of post roads and offices
throughout the country, while from 1782
to 1789 he was postmaster-general, being
the third incumbent in that office. He was
a man of rare mental powers, highly cul-
tured and a noted linguist, having mas-
tered several of the ancient languages. He
was the author of several voluminous his-
torical works and contributed many able
and scholarly articles on historical subjects
to journals and societies of that day. At
the same time he won distinction as a finan-
cier and was the original director, the first
secretary and the untiring business man-
ager of the Insurance Company of North
America, in Philadelphia.
Fortunate is the man who has back of
^^^ 461^
I \4
(^^^ £^^ryK^'
ESSEX COUNTY.
147
him an Iionored ancestry. Every American
is proud, and justly so, of the nobiHty of
his ancestors, and Charles G. Rockwood,
of this review, bears worthily a name that
is untarnished by the shadow of wrong or
dishonor. Born in Boston, July 19, 1814,
he was yet an infant at the time of his fa-
ther's death. The mother, with her four
children, removed to Philadelphia, to the
home of her father, and a few years there-
after became the wife of Rev. Thomas E.
Vermilye, D. D., LL. D., at that time a
rising young clergyman and subsequently
an eminent divine, who for more than half
a century filled the pulpit of the Collegiate
Dutch Reformed church in New York city.
This excellent man devoted hiiuself at once
to the welfare of the interesting group of
children thus providentially placed in his
care, and to his instruction, as well as to
that of a highly cultured mother, Mr.
Rockwood is indebted for his early train-
ing, which was so thorough and complete
that it proved an excellent foundation upon
which to rest the superstructure of more
advanced knowledge. After a suitable
preparation at home he entered an excellent
academy conducted by E. W. Morse, of
New York, and therein completed a course
of studies suf^ciently advanced to fit him
for any sphere of life. His tastes, however,
seemed to incline to a commercial instead
of a professional career, and being allowed
to follow the bent of his own nature he en-
tered a large commission house in New
York, where he remained from the age of
fifteen until he had attained his majority.
In 1846 Mr Rockwood entered upon his
long, conspicuous and successful career as
a banker, having accepted the position of
cashier in the Orange Bank, of Orange,
New Jersey, in which institution he re-
mained until 1849, when he became cashier
of the Stamford Bank, at Stamford, Con-
necticut.
For three years he acceptably served in
that capacity, and from 1852 to 1857 was
at the head of the pri\ate banking house
of Rockwood, Hazards & Company, of
Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, in which
place a chartered bank was organized in
1857, and Mr. Rockwood removed to Nor-
walk, Connecticut, to enter upon the duties
of cashier in a newly established bank there.
But in a short time a greater field of labor
and responsibility was opened to him in
Newark, New Jersey, where he became
cashier of the Newark Banking Company,
in 1858. He filled that position, with
credit to himself and satisfaction to the di-
rectors, for almost thirty years, and was
.then, in January, 1887, elected president of
the institution. Working in perfect har-
mony with his fellow executives and direc-
tors, Mr. Rockwood has so directed the
affairs of the bank that it has not only main-
tained its high prestige and prosperity, but
has also increased them. This is the oldest
banking institution in the state. The first
charter granted by the state of New Jersey
to any bank was to the Newark Banking
and Insurance Company, on the i8th of
Februarv, 1804. This company never pur-
sued the insurance business, and on the
second renewal of its charter the word "in-
surance" was dropped from its title, leaving
the name Newark Banking Company. In
1865 it was changed to a national bank,
under the name of the National Newark
Banking Company, having now had a con-
tinuous existence of ninety-three years.
The sound and conservative principles of
finance displayed by Mr. Rockwood in the
supervision of this institution have won for
148
ESSEX COUNTY.
him uniform commendation. His atten-
tion has not been given to this enterprise
alone, for he has been a director of the
Howard Savings Institution, of Newark,
for over thirt_\- years, and a member of its
finance committee. Notwithstanding the
fact that lie has attained the age of four
score and three years he yet gives regular
attention to the business of the National
Newark Banking Company, and is daily at
his desk.
In 1840 Mr. Rockwood was united in
marriage to ]\Iiss Sarah Smith, daughter of
George B. and Joanna (Vermilye) Smith,
of New York city. Her death occurred in
1893. Of the four children born of this
marriage only one is now living, — Charles
G. Rockwood, Jr., who is professor of
mathematics in Princeton University.
Deeply interested in all movements that
tend to the betterment of humanity, Mr.
Rockwood has given largely of his time to
Christian and philanthropic work, and the
poor and needy have found in him a true
friend. He is especially ready to aid those
who are willing to help themselves, and
thus promotes that practical benevolence
which enables the recipient to retain his
self-respect and independence of character.
His nature is kindly and gracious and rests
upon broail humanitarian principles. His
religious life iilentifies him with the Pres-
byterian church, in which he is an active
worker. He is also a director in the
Young ]\Ien"s Christian x\ssociation of
Newark and is a valued member of the
Essex County Bible Society, in which he
served as president a few years since. Ac-
tive in his co-operation in all movements
for the advancement of mental culture, Ws
labors in behalf of education have been
verv effective. For more than thirtv vears
he has filled the office of trustee of the
Newark Academv, which was founded in
1792 and is one of the oldest and best edu-
cational institutions in the state, and dur-
ing most of this time he has been secretary
and treasurer of the board, filling these
jjositions at the present time. He is a
member of the New Jersey Historical So-
ciety, the American Historical Association,
the .\merican Association for the Advance-
ment of Science, the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is also identified with the
Washington Association, of Morristown,
New Jersey. His life, characterized by a
de\"otion to all that is good and pure and
true, is worthy of emulation and should
ser\-e as a source of inspiration to others.
FRANK C. GOBLE,
of \'erona, a prominent and well known
florist, was born on the place which is now
his home. January 18, 1856. His father,
John L. Goble, was born at Amity, in
Orange county. New York, in 1819. made
farming his life occupation and came to
New Jerse)- in 1855, and died in \'erona in
1892. He was married in Sussex county
to Ruth Wright, a daughter of Samuel
Wright, whose family had resided at Way-
ayanda, near Greenwood Lake, New Jer-
sev. Mrs. Goble is still living and has
reached the advanced age of seventy-six
vears. Noah Goble, the paternal grandfa-
ther of our subject, was born in Orange
countv. New York, and was a son of a
Jersevman born at Basking Ridge.
Frank C. Goble is the only child of his
parents. He graduated at the Montclair
high school in 1874, one of thirteen in the
first class that completed the course in that
institution. In his earlv manhood he en-
ESSEX rouxry
149
gaged in farming and gardening, but was
loth to follow that pursuit permanently be-
cause of his natural tendency toward the
culture of flowers. When he embarked in
that enterprise his capital was very small
and he was enabled to secure a greenhouse
only eleven by fifty feet. The growth and
seneral success which has attended his
business is best shown in the contrast be-
tween his original greenhouse and that of
the jjresent day. which comprises ten thou-
sand sciuare feet under glass. He makes a
specialty of growing carnations, violets and
mignonette, with a full line of bedding and
ornamental stock, and his patronage has
become very extensive, making the enter-
prise a profitable one. His thorough under-
standing of the business, and his great love
of flowers make him especially proficient
in their culture, and his greenhouses pre-
sent as fine and beautiful varieties as can be
found upon the market. In order to keep
in touch with the work of florists and to
learn of the best methods for the cultiva-
tion of flowers and the prcxluction of new
and improved varieties, he has connected
himself with the Society of American Flor-
ists, and is secretary of the Paterson Flor-
ists' Club. He is also a member of the
Iissex County Board of Agriculture.
In October, 1878. in Painesville, Ohio,
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Coble
and Miss Lillian Iluntoon, a daughter of
William Huntoon. Their children are
Maud. IMabel, John, Harold and Kyrle.
Mr. Goble is a member of Montclair
Council, Royal Arcanum, and takes cpiite
an active interest in all measures Calculated
to advance the welfare of the community
along educational, moral, social or mate-
rial lines. He has served as clerk of Ve-
rona township, is a member of the school
board, has served on the Caldwell township
committee and was once treasurer of the
town. In the discharge of his duties he is
ever prompt and faithful and his efforts are
commendable and satisfactory to the gen-
eral public.
JONAS C. CANNIFF,
of Verona, who is extensively engaged in
dealing in coal in Orange street, Newark,
was born in the latter city, at No. 62 Boston
street, October 31, 1846. The family is of
French lineage, and the grandfather, Ste-
phen Cannifl-', was for many years a tavern-
keeper in Sing Sing, New York. The fa-
ther of our subject, William H. Canniff,
was born at Sing Sing, in 1819, and in 1837
came to Newark, where he learned the
trade of carriage-making. He afterward
began business on his own account on Bank
street, where he carried on operaticms until
1857, when he removed to Connecticut. In
i8()4 he returned to Essex county, and lo-
cating on a farm near Caldwell, carried on
agricultural pursuits throughout the re-
mainder of his active business life. His
tleath occurred in Newark in 1893. His
wife bore the maiden name of Elvira O.
Cooper and was a daughter of Jonas Coop-
er, of Hanover, New Jersey. She closed
her eyes in death in 1892, after having be-
come the mother of seventeen children, of
whom the following are living: Margaret-
ta, wife of Sherman Paddock, of Caldwell;
Jonas C. ; Amelia, wife of Theodore Linds-
ley, of Montclair: Annie K., wife of Will-
iam W. \\'inner, of Newark; Louisa,
wife of T. Douglas Baker, of Orange; Let-
tie J., wife of Charles D. Coe, of Newark;
Carrie M., widow of William Winans, of
Newark: Minnie, wife of Warren Jacobus,
of Cedar Grove; and Frank, of Newark.
159
ESSEX COUNTY.
Jonas C. Canniit acquired a liberal edu-
cation in Middletown, Connecticut, and en-
tered upon his business career as clerk for
the New Jersey Coal Company, continuine
in their employ for a year. On the expira-
tion of that period he secured a situation
with D. M. Wyckoft & Company, also of
Newark, and a year later became a partner
in the business. They dealt extensively in
coal, and Mr. Canniff continued a member
of the firm until 1878, when he embarked
in business alone in Orange street. He has
secured a very liberal patronage, for his fair
dealing and courteous treatment of his
patrons has secured the public confidence
and therefore the public support. He is
very prominent in his line and is enjoying
a success which is well deserved.
Mr. Canniff was married in Newark, De-
cember 24, 1869, to Annie E., daughter of
Lemuel W. Jacobus, and to them have been
born the following named: May C, now
the wife of Frank M. Clark, of Elizabeth;
William C. ; Florence L. ; Oscar D. and
Robert B. Mr. and Mrs. Canniff hold
membership in the Presbyterian church.
AUSTIN E. HEDDEN,
of Verona, is one of the representative cit-
izens of his home city, who is ever active
in promoting the welfare of the community
and who has been closely identified with
public affairs pertaining to the county. He
is the youngest of eight children born to
the late Elijah Hedden and wife, his birth
having taken place at East Orange, New
Jersey, on the 27th of January, 1843, and
he was reared to farm work, his mental dis-
cipline being received in the district
schools. He remained upon the old home-
stead until the death of his parents, when
he erected a new residence on the thirty-
three acres belonging to him and on which
he has since continued to live. Aside from
attending to his farm, !Mr. Hedden has
done little except to engage in local road
contracting, a part of which comprised por-
tions of Fairview avenue and all of Grosch
avenue.
In public matters Mr. Hedden has served
on the election board for over twelve years,
and has acted as overseer of roads. What-
ever of public interest that comes before the
township committee having for its object
the welfare and advancement of the com-
munity meets with a ready response from
]\Ir. Hedden, and whichever side of the
question is taken by him is vigorously sup-
portetl. He opposed the bonding of his
township for the construction of hard roads
during the period of financial depression
and the proposition was lost, which, as is
now conceded, was a luckv termination of
the project. He was an active member of
the committee appointed to devise ways
and means and to make recommendations
as to the course to pursue in the matter.
In touching upon the social side of Mr.
Hedden's life, we may state that he is a
member of the \'erona Clul), to which he
donated the land upon which the club
building stands, and he was one of the or-
ganizers of the Caldwell brass band, being
one of the leading players in the same. In
his religious faith he is an adherent of the
Caldwell Presbyterian church.
The marriage of Mr. Hedden was sol-
emnized on the loth of February, 1875,
when he was united to Miss Jennie C.
Lindsley, a daughter of John P. Lindsley.
He was one of the organizers of the Cald-
well Grange, and one of the leaders of the
society now; a Democrat and member of
the Essex Countv Democratic Committee.
ESSEX COUXTY
151
HENRY OSCAR BEACH.
The paternal ancestor of the subject of
this review was one of three brothers who
came from Scotland, probably in the early
part of tlie eighteenth century, and settled
on Long Island, later moving to West Liv-
ingston. Essex county, where he became
the first owner of the property which has
ever since been known as the Beach home-
stead. One of his sons. Aaron, built a saw-
mill, which he conducted in connection
with his farming pursuits. He married
Phebe Burnett, of Rockaway Neck, a
daughter of Zenus Burnett, and they reared
six children, namely : Nancy, who married
David Aloorhouse; Susan, who became the
wife of Allen Smith: Electa married Will-
iam Ward: Israel, William D.. and Marcus.
Aaron Beach died at the age of sixty-two
years, his wife surviving him until attaining
her eighty-fourth year.
Marcus Beach, father of our subject, was
born in 1802 on the old homestead, and
learned the shoemaker's trade, following
that and farming at the same time. He
married Miss Mary Camp, a native of Sus-
sex county and a daughter of Samuel
Camp, who was of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Mr. and Mrs. Beach reared two children,
Henry O., and Ann Eliza, who became the
wife of Ezra R. Squier, of Millburn town-
ship. They were members of the Hanover
Presbyterian church, and politically Mr.
Beach was an old-line Whig. He had the
honor of escorting General Lafayette
through the county on the occasion of that
gentleman's visit here. His brother, Israel,
served as a soldier in the war of 181 2. The
death of Mr. Beach occurred in 1882, at the
age of seventy-nine years, and he was sur-
vived by his wife until December 15, 1893,
when she passed away, aged eighty-nine
years.
Henry Oscar Beach was born in the
house he now makes his home, in Living-
ston township, on the ist of July, 1825, and
resided with his parents until attaining his
majority, acquiring the shoemaker's trade
from his father's instructions. In June,
1845. he was united in marriage to Miss
Charlotte A. Osborne, of Hanover, Morris
county, a daughter of Philetus and Betsy
(Beach) Osborne, and he and his wife set-
tled on a place near the parental homestead,
where they continued to reside for five
years and then Mr. Beach traded his land
for property in Orange and engaged in the
manufacture of shoes until August, 1862,
when he enlisted his services in the defense
of the L'nion as a member of Company H,
Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteer In-
fantry, leaving Camp Frelinghuysen early
in September. He participated in the bat-
tles of Fredericksburg, South Mountain,
^Morris Heights, and in several skirmishes,
and was captured at Morris Heights by
two Confederates, from whom he eventu-
ally escaped and returned to his regiment.
He served until the expiration of his term
of enlistment, and was honorablv dis-
charged on the 20th of June, 1863, after
which he returned home and engaged in
the shoe business in Orange, where he also
filled the office of sexton of the Union
Avenue church for eleven years. He con-
tinued in Orange until 1882, when he re-
turned to the old homestead and has since
made that his place of residence, devoting
himself to agricultural pursuits.
Mr. and Mrs. Beach became the parents
of three children, of whom the following
record is given : Mary A., who married W.
W. Westervelt, of W^ood Center, New Jer-
152
ESSEX COUNTY.
sey; Clarence married Annie \'an Rossan,
of Beverly, New Jersey; and Annie Eliza,
who is the wife of Frederick A. Cora, of
Afton, Morris county. Mr. and Airs. Beach
are consistent members of the Presbyterian
church, anil he is a staunch supporter of the
Repul)lican party.
HON. MOSES E. HALSEY,
deceased, for many years one of the es-
teemed citizens of Livingston. New Jersey,
was born in New York city, November lo,
1823, son of Abram and Sarah (Ely) Hal-
sey.
He was reared in his native city, where
he had the advantage of a common-school
education and where in early life he learned
the trade of chair-maker. For a number
of years he was engaged in the manufacture
of chairs. About 1853 he located in Living-
ston, Essex county. New Jersey, and here
spent the rest of his Hfe, not being engaged
in acti\-e business for some time before his
death. He was a man of prominence, was
at one time a member of the general assem-
bly of New Jersey, and as a legislator made
an honorable record. He died Alay 31,
1893. honored and respected by all who
knew him.
Air. Halsey was married in 1850 to Miss
Adelia Teed, a daughter of Hon. Parker
Teed, a native of Livingston, New Jersey,
and a son of John Teed who was probably
a native of this state. Parker Teed was a
surveyor, a public-spirited man, true to all
the interests of life, and was frequently
honored by his fellow citizens with posi-
tions of trust. He served three terms as a
member of the New Jersey assembly. He
died at the age of sixty-six years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth A.
Force and who was a daughter of Jonathan
Force, was sixty-five at the time of her
death.
Air. and Airs. Halsey had two children,
namely : Ida. w'ho died at the age of twenty
years; and Aloses Ely, now engaged in
business in New York city. Mrs. Halsey,
who died September 6. 1897, was a consist-
ent Christian, a member of the Baptist
church. Air. Halsey also was identified
with this church, one of its staunch mem-
bers and most liberal supporters.
FREDERICK AI. HOFFMAN,
of Livingston, Essex county, was one of
the boys in blue who, in the civil war, val-
iantly aided in the preservation of the
L^nion, and since his return from the scene
of conflict he has manifested the same loy-
alty and fidelity in the discharge of his du-
ties of citizenship as when he followed the
starry banner.
Air. Hoft'man was born in Northfield,
Essex county, on the 29th of November,
1845, and is a son of George Hoft'man, a
native of Saxony, Germany, whose father,
John A. Hoft'man. came with his family to
America when George was sixteen years of
age. He established a home in Northfield,
where he spent the remainder of his days,
George Hoft'man learned the jeweler's
trade in the fatherland, and after coming
to America followed farming. In 1844 he
purchased the farm in Northfield and has
since made it his place of abode. He mar-
ried Susan A. Alusser, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, and a descendant of the celebrated
Dr. Aluhlenberg, who took up his resi-
dence in the Keystone state at a very early
day. Her great-grandfather was General
Peter Aluhlenberg, of Revolutionary-war
ESSEX COUNTY.
153
fame. Three children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Hoffman, two of wliom are now
living: Frederick M. and John A., of Or-
ange. The eldest, Effie, died in childhood.
The mother of this family died in 1853 and
Mr. Hoffman afterward married Sarah
James, of New York, by whom he had three
children: Susan, wife of Wallace Burnet:
Margaret H.; and George, who died in
1896, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr.
Hoffman takes a deep interest in educa-
tional matters and has done effective ser-
vice in behalf of the schools during his
many years' service as school trustee. He
is a member of the Lutheran church and
in politics is a Republican.
Frederick 'SI. Hoffman was reared on
the home farm until seventeen years of
age when he went to learn the carpenter's
trade with Lewis F. Ivirsten, but after a
. short time he put aside the plane and
square for the rifk, and went forth in de-
fense of his country, his patriotic spirit
prompting his enlistment, August 26, 1863,
when eighteen years of age. He became a
member of Battery A. First New Jersey
Artillery, under Captain Hexamer, and
with the Sixth Army Corps served in the
Army of the Potomac. He participated in
many hard-fought battles and received a
slight wound at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864.
He served imtil the close of the war and
was honorably discharged June 21. 1865.
On liis return to the north Mr. Hoffman
resumed work at the carpenter's trade,
which he has since followed, being now
regarded as a prominent representative of
the building interests of his township. He
has also taken a very conspicuous part in
local politics. During the years 1887. 1888
and i88g he served on the board of chosen
freeholders, and in 1874, 1875 and 1876 he
served as township clerk. He was deputy
warden of the Essex county penitentiary,
and has tilled other local offices, discharg-
ing his duties with marked fidelity and
promptness.
On the 2 1 St of July, 1868, Mr. Hoffman
was united in marriage to Miss Lucia A.
Teed, and their union was blessed with five
children: Ida C, now the wife of Edward
Stevens; Frank E. ; Rose S.; Oscar F., who
died April 17, 1894. at the age of seven-
teen years; and Ernest F. Socially Mr.
Hoffman is connected with several civic so-
cieties. He is a valued and popular mem-
ber of Caldwell Lodge, No. 59, A. F. &
A. :\I.; Orange Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M.;
Bartlett Post, No. 39, G. A. R. ; Ocalia
Council, No. 186, American Mechanics;
Mt. Pleasant Council, No. 25, G. S. F.
True and faithful in public office, loyal on
the field of battle, honorable in business,
and cordial and kindly in social circles, he
has won the respect of all with whom he
has come in contact and has a large circle
of warm friends.
ABRAM P. \\TLLL\MS,
of Roseland, is a descendant of Matthew
Williams through Eleazar, Daniel and
Abram, all of whom were associated with
the pioneer days of New Jersey. Eleazar
married Hilary Ball, and their son, Daniel,
married Naoma Dodd, a daughter of James
Dodd, who settled in West Orange, and
there Abram Williams, the father of our
subject, was born in 1799. The latter was
reared in West Orange and learned the
cabinet-maker's trade of a man named
Jacob Allen, serving a full term of appren-
ticeship, after which he returned to his
native city and started a shop on his own
154
ESSEX COUNTY.
account, following his trade in connection
with farming. In 183 1 he married Miss
Matilda Carter, of Hanover, Morris coun-
ty, and a daughter of Philander Carter,
who belonged to one of the old families of
Morris county, and by this union three chil-
dren were born, two of whom died in in-
fancy, the third being Abram P. Mr.
Williams served as town clerk for several
terms; he was a director of the Orange Na-
tional Bank, and for many years w-as ves-
tryman of St. Mark's church, of which his
wife also was a member. His death oc-
curred in 1 861, his wife preceding him to
her eternal rest in 1858.
Abram P. Williams was reared on the
old homestead, located on the corner of
Washington and Valley streets, and ac-
quired his literary education in the public
schools. In 1857 he went to Newark and
started to learn the carpenter's trade with
the firm of Gould & More, but upon the
death of his father he returned home and
followed farming until 1877, when he
moved to Chester, ]Morris county, and
there continued in agricultural pursuits
until 1879, in that year coming to Roseland
and engaging in carpentering, which he
has since followed. By his ability and in-
dustry he has built up a large and flourish-
ing trade, securing the patronage of peo-
ple within a radius of fifteen miles.
In 1 86 1 Mr. Williams was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah M. Collier, who was
born in New Fairfield and reared in Rose-
land, a daughter of Ezra Collier, who died
in 1890. Of the children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Williams, but two lived to maturity,
Ezra A. and Frank E., the latter of whom
was accidentally killed, at the age of twen-
ty-four, by coming in contact with a live
electric-light wire at Orange. ]\Irs. Will-
iams is an adherent of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, while her husband is a com-
municant of St. Mark's. He is a member
of the Knights of Honor, and in his po-
litical views is stanchly allied to the Demo-
cratic party.
PHILANDER and RICHARD H. BALL
are representatives of a family that has long
been connected with the history of Essex
county, and whose interests have been so
inextrical)ly interwoven with the develop-
ment and progress of the county as to form
a part of the public records. Edward Ball,
the original ancestor of the Ball family in
New Jersey, came from Connecticut with
others of the Connecticut colonists who set-
tled in Newark about the middle of the sev-
enteenth century. He was a surveyor by
profession and was a man of distinctive
ability. His son, Thomas Hall, settled at
Hilton. Essex county, and the latter's son.
Aaron Ball, the great-grandfather of the
subjects of this review, located in South
Orange October 21, 1741, since w'hich time
the name has been conspicuously and con-
secutively identified with the material in-
terests of this favored section of the county.
Aaron Ball purchased the old homestead in
South Orange, and here the old dwelling
depicted in this connection was erected by
his son. Joseph, in the year 1784. The at-
tractive old residence is in a fine state of
preservation, and in its historical and sub-
stantial dignity will put to blush many a
more pretentious modern structure. The
house is now occupied by Richard H. Ball,
one of the immediate subjects of this sketch.
Joseph Ball serv-ed in the British army and
participated in the capture of Martinique,
in the West Indies in 1755 or '56. He was
ESSEX COUNTY
155
afterward a valiant soldier in the war of the
Revolution, assisting in the capture of
Stony Point, under General Anthony
Wayne, and participating in the battle of
Springfield. His papers of discharge from
service in the French and Indian war are
now in the possession of Richard H. Ball.
One of the stones in the old house is in-
scribed with the date of its erection, and
here he continued to maintain his home
until his death, which occurred only when
he had attained a venerable age.
Orange church, a daughter of Richard
Harrison, who was a native of New Jersey
and served for seven years in the Colonial
army during the war for independence.
.Vfter his marriage Mr. Ball settled on a part
of the old homestead and carried on agri-
cultural pursuits in connection with shoe-
making, — an industry that was followed by
many of the early settlers of Essex county.
In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat,
and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian,
his wife also holding membership in the
J
Joseph Ball married Rachael Tompkins,
and they became the parents of the follow-
ing named children : Eleazar T., born in
1767; Hannah, in 1768; Israel, in 1770:
Mary, in 1772; Mary (2), in 1773; and Jos-
eph B., the father of Philander and Richard
H., whose names initiate this review.
Joseph B. Ball was born on the old home-
stead, March 15, 1778, spent his youth upon
the farm and received such educational
privileges as the schools of the community
then afforded. He married Eunice Harri-,
son, who was bom in Orange, near the old
same church. His death occurred in
September, 1842, and his wife died in
December, 1846. They were the par-
ents of the following children : Amzi,
who went west and died in Delavan,
Illinois, at the age of eighty-five
years, leaving one son, Eleazar T., who
was a minister of the Presbyterian church
and died in Belvidere, Illinois, at the age
of fifty years, leaving a family; Mary, who
died at the age of sixty-three years; Philan-
der; Hannah, widow of the Rev. Joseph
Vance, who was a prominent Presbyterian
IS6
ESSEX COUNTY.
minister, antl died at the age of ninety-two
years; Elizabeth, who died in infancy, and
Richard Harrison.
Philander Ball, whose name initiates this
article, is one of the enterprising and public-
spirited citizens of South Orange township
and one who, by his many years of honora-
ble dealing and upright life, has won the
esteem of all who know him. He was born
their domestic life on his present farm,
which is a part of the old homestead, and
he at once began the work of cultivation and
improvement, which he has carried forward
until he now has one of the finest country
homes in the county. His buildings are
commodious. con\enient and attractive.
The rows of beautiful shade trees surround
(ine of the loveliest homes to be found in
HUME OF R. H. BALL.
in the old stone mansion. Januarv 8. 1S14,
was reared on the farm and obtained his ed-
ucation in the common schools. He re-
sided on the old homestead until his mar-
riage, which was celebrated in 1849, Miss
Sarah Ann Guerin becoming his wife. She
is a native of ]Morristo\\n, New Jersey, a
daughter of Aram Guerin, of an old Morris
countv familv. Mr. and Mrs. Ball besran
ihis part of the county, and the air of cul-
ture and refinement which pervades the
place is one of the most attractive features.
The farm comprises seventy acres, and his
valual)le property yields to him good finan-
cial returns.
.Mr. Ball has been a leader in all public
movement tending to benefit the commun-
iiv or promote the general welfare. He has
\
ESSEX COUXTY
15
?/
served in nearly all the township offices and
has ever been found on the side of progress
and improvement. He has 1)een frequently
called upon to ser\e as administrator in the
settlement of estates and has ever been
found careful, promjit and lionoralile in his
adjustments. His business record is above
reproach, and in private life no dutv is neg-
lected. He is an exemplary member of the
Presbyterian church, and in his political
faith he was formerly a Democrat, but is
now a Republican. Mrs. Ball departed this
life January 6, 1885. at the age of sixty-
seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ball became the parents of
five children, four of whom are living: John
G., Anna H., Elizabeth, widow of August-
us L. Whitehead: Warren P. and Edward
P., the first born, who died at the age of
two years.
Richard Harrison Ball, who occupies the
ancestral home, was liorn there Novemlier
13, 1820, and the years of a busy and useful
career of more than three-quarters of a
century have there been passed. After the
death of his father he and his brother Phi-
lander settled up the estate, he retaining
possession of the old home, \\'hen his
mother died his sister became his house-
keeper and performed those functions for
many years. He was married on the loth
of September, 1862, to Miss Frances
Haines, of Union county, a daughter of
Frazee Haines, who was a son of Joseph
Haines, one of the heroes of the Revolution,
who valiantly aided in securing the freedom
of his country.
Nine children have been born to ]\Ir. and
Mrs. Ball, as follows: Frederick Harrison,
who at the age of twelve years accidentallv
shot himself while out hunting and died
from the injury: Joseph, who went to Colo-
rado and engaged in the banking business
with promises of a brilliant future, but wiio
died September 9, 1890. at the age of twen-
ty-four years; George Haines: Fanny May;
Lillie M.; Amzi; Edward, deceased: Jennie,
and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Ball ha\-e one of
the finest homes in Essex county, the resi-
dence being the one built by his grandfather
in 1784. Its surroundings are very tasteful
antl give an air of picturesqueness to the
\enerable home, which with its surrounding
se\enty acres stands between Newark, Irv-
ington and South Orange, thus affording
every convenience of city life, in combina-
tion with the charms and pleasures of a
countrv home. The land is very valuable
and Mr. Ball is rated as one of the wealthy
men of Essex county. He and his wife at-
tend the Connecticut Fai;ms church, and in
politics he is a Republican. The Ball fam-
ilv is one of much prominence in Essex
countv. and this history would be incom-
plete without honorable mention of its pres-
ent representatives in South Orange town-
ship.
JOHN TOMPKINS
is probably the oldest man of Livingston
township — a venerable citizen whose life
has been devo.ecl to good works and noble
deeds in the furtherance of the Christian
religion. He was born in the house which
is now his home, March 22, 1806. a son of
Daniel Tompkins, who was born in Morris
county, New Jersey, on the 15th of March,
1766. His grandfather, Jedediah Tomp-
kins, was a son of John Tompkins, who was
one of the first settlers of Livingston town-
ship, where he entered land from the gov-
ernment and established thereon his home.
The grandfather of our subject married a
158
ESSEX COUNTY.
Miss Burnet, of Alorris count}*, and to them
were born three daughters and a son. He
spent the greater part of his hfe in Alorris
county and when the colonies attempted to
disown all allegiance to the British crown
he joined the American armv and valiantly
fought for independence. He lived to a
very advanced age and died in 1816. His
wife died when the father of our subject
was quite small.
Daniel Tompkins, in his early manhood,
was employed in the iron works and later
engaged in agricultural pursuits and bas-
ket-making. He was married in 1788 to
Phoebe Walker, a native of what is now
the town of New Providence, and a daugh-
ter of Richard Walker, who came from Ire-
land and settled in Morris county, where
he engaged in the manufacture of brick.
He had ten children by his first marriage
and after the death of their mother he wed-
ded a ]\Iiss Wood, by whom he had seven
children. He purchased the farm upon
which our subject now lives, the improve-
ments upon that place consisting of a log
house and a wrought-nail shop. Eight
children of the first marriage reached ma-
ture years, namely: Jabez; Rachel, who
became the wife of Samuel Pickens and
died in middle life, leaving three children;
Rebecca, who married Levi Schonover, of
Pennsylvania, and died at the age of fifty
years; Fanny married Abram Herring, in
1816, and died in Ohio, when past the age
of fifty years; Richard, born November 11,
1800, died November 8, 1833: Ira married
Elizabeth Allen, a cousin of Asa White-
head, of Newark; John was the next of
the family; and Eli, died between the ages
of sixty and seventy years. The father of
this family departed this life January i,
1830, and his wife passed away November
I, 1835. They were members of the Presby-
terian church, of Hanover.
John Tompkins, whose name introduces
this review, learned the shoemaker's trade
with his brother-in-law and afterward
worked on the farm and engaged in the
manufacture of baskets. He was indus-
trious and energetic and his industry
lirought to him a fair return. He chose
as a companion and helpmeet on life's
journey i^Iiss Hannah Williams, the mar-
riage being celebrated January 11, 1827.
She was a native of Clinton township, and
a daughter of Azel Williams, one of the
old settlers of the cotmty. She was reared
in Caldwell township and after her mar-
riage went to her husband's home, their
domestic life beginning on the old family
homestead which has always been his place
of residence. Twelve children came to
bless this marriage, eight of whom lived to
mature years, while six are still living:
Sarah became the wife of John C. Ward
and died at the age of forty-five years,
leaving three children; Jane W. is the wife
of Rosville Merry, of Livingston and has
one child; Richard, of Morris county, mar-
ried Densia Long, by whom he had three
children yet living, and after her death he
wedtled her sister; A\'illiam is a resident of
Livingston township; Jeptha W., of Morris
county, married Elizabeth Redic and has
five children; John wedded Mary Jacobus
and, with his wife and one child, lives on
the old homestead; Theodore is a resident
of Caldwell; and David died at the age of
twenty-seven years. The mother of this
family died in 1877 and Mr. Tompkins was
again married, his second union being with
Sarah Ann Pierce, a native of Clinton.
For many years Mr. Tompkins has de-
voted his life to the cause of Christianity
ESSEX COUNTY.
159
as a member of the Methodist Episcopal
cluirch ami has lonc^ been a local preacher,
for forty-three years holding a license as a
minister of that denomination. He has
preached in all the churches of this locality
— in Newark and in Morris county, and has
given his services freely, without compen-
sation, prompted solely by a love of the
Master. Now almost ninety-two years of
age, his life span almost finished, he is
joyously looking forward to the hour when
the happiness of eternity shall compensate
for the woes and trials of time.
WILLIAM TOMPKINS.
The world is not slow to pass judgment
upon the individual, and when a man has
won the high respect of those with whom
business and social relations have brought
him in contact it is by reason of a well spent
and honorable life. Condemnation comes
quickly from the public and esteem there-
fore indicates the possession of worthy
qualities and characteristics. When we say
that Mr. Tompkins is one of the most high-
ly respected citizens of Essex countv. it is
an intlication tliat his life is one well worthy
of emulation. Born in Livingston town-
ship, on the 1 8th of July, 1838, he is a son
of John Tompkins, one of the early settlers
of the comnnmity.
Until nineteen years of age our subject
remained amid the surroundings of the
home farm and then started out in the
business world, learning the mason's trade
as an apprentice with Simpson Van Ness,
on Elm street, Newark. He served for
four years and then located in Livingston,
where for thirty-eight years he has engaged
in business along that line. He is one of
the best known mason contractors in this
section of the county, and many of the best
buildings stand in evidence of his superior
liandiwork. He has done the mason work
on most of the principal buildings within a
radius of eight miles, and erected the Pres-
byterian church in Roseland. His business
methods are most commendable and his
thorough reliability and honesty have se-
cured to him a very liberal patronage.
Mr. Tompkins was married November
25, 1869, to ^liss Emma, daughter of Alex-
ander and Jane ( Stevens) Parmly, natives
of New York. Four children were born
of this union : Orrin P., who died at the
age of sixteen months; Ernest Judson,
born April 23, 1873; Lillian H., born Sep-
tember 19, 1887: and Burd P., born Au-
gust 17, 1891. Mr. Tompkins gives his
political support to the Republican party
and has filled the office of school trustee.
He is a member of Golden Star Lodge, No.
25, of Mt. Pleasant, and he and his wife
hold membership in the Methodist Epis-
copal church of West Livingston.
WILLIAM W. \\-ATSON,
a retired business man of Livingston, has
been closely identified with the mercantile
interests of Essex county. He was bom in
Middlesex, now Union county. New Jersey,
in 1822, and is of English ancestry, both
his father and grandfather being natives of
Great Britain, the latter's birth occurring
at Nottingham. At the age of seventeen,
John Watson, our subject's father, emi-
grated to the L'nited States and located in
New York, later moving to New Jersey,
where he entered the employ of a shoe
dealer, with whom he learned the trade and
followed the same for a short time. In the
meanwhile he had been preparing himself
for the ministry, and on attaining: his twen-
i6o
ESSEX COUM'l'.
tieth year lie began preaching in the Baptist
clnirch. About 1811 he came to Living-
ston and occupied the pulpit of the North-
field Baptist church, in which he was or-
dained, and was one of the early members
of the First Baptist church at Xew York.
In 1819 he went to Mt. Bethel, Middlesex
county, remaining there until 1827, then
removing to Piscataway, Xew Jersey, and
there identified himself with the Seventh
day Baptist church for a period of four
years. About this time his health began to
fail him and he resigned his charge aiid
returned to Livingston, taking up his
abode on the old \\'atson homestead. His
first marriage was to ;\Iiss Phebe Smith,
by whom he had one child. John, who died
in 1872. For his second wife he was united
to Miss Elizabeth Ely. a native of Living-
ston and a daughter of Morris Ely. who
came to this township from Connecticut in
1754. By this union the following three
children were born: Benjamin E., who
died in 1893; William W.. our subject ; and
Sarah IMaria, whose demise took place in
1896. Mr. Watson departed this life in
1840: his wife died in 1842.
William W. Watson acquired his early
education in the place of his nativity and
at the age of sixteen years he went to New
York, where he learned the chair-making
trade, serving an apprenticeship of five
years. He then worked as a journeyman
for a short time, when he was aupointed
foreman in the establislunent of Ligersoll.
Jewett & Company, and such was his indus-
try, ability and application that he was sub-
sequently admitted as a partner in the con-
cern, and continued as such for over thirty
years, when he retired from active life and
has since devoted himself to his personal
interests.
In 1846 Mr. Watson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Nancy B. Teed, a daughter of
Parker Teed. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson
four children have been born, namely : John
P., W^illiam E., Maria Louise, who is the
wife of Moses C. Ingersoll: and Sarah E.,
who married Charles W. Blodgett. In poli-
tics ]\Ir. Watson votes independently, and
both he and his wife are devout adherents
of the Baptist church.
ja:\ies m. brown,
deceased, was born, reared and passed his
life in South Orange township, Essex
county. New Jersey, and such was his use-
fulness and prominence in the community
that his life record is well worthy of a place
in the present work.
James M. Brown was born in the year
1824 on his father's farm in South Orange
township. New Jersey, son of Nathaniel
Brown, of whom honorable mention is
made elsewhere in this volume. At his
father's death James M. came into posses-
sion of the old hoinestead, comprising thir-
ty-six acres situated on Valley street in the
town of South Orange. The development
of the town and the building of the trolley
line in this direction combined to enhance
the value of this property. Here Mr.
Brown was reared, his boyhood days being
spent in such work as usually falls to the
lot of a farmer's boy. and when he grew up
he learned the carpenter's trade, which he
followed the rest of his life. He died March
4. 1892. His life, which covered nearly
three-score years and ten, was one of earn-
est, honest endeavor, and he left to his fam-
ilv a heritage far better than gold, — a good
name.
Mr. Brown was married in 1850 to Miss
ESSEX COUNTY.
i6i
Sarah Pimley, a native of Hudson. New-
York, and a daughter of Ethvard Pimley,
an EngHshman, who came to America and
settled in New York state in 1827. Mr.
Pimley's occupation was that of handker-
chief printer, which he followed at Franklin.
New York, for a number of years. He
died in 1841, and his wife passed away two
years later. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown tlie
following named children were born: Ed-
ward, deceased: Mary E., wife of Allen
Martin, a plumtier of South Orange, New
Jersey: William, deceased: Alice O.. de-
ceased; Clement L., residing with his moth-
er, is a carpenter by trade: Everett C. a
civil engineer of Morristown, Tennessee:
Edward P., at the home place, engaged in
farming: and Ida M.. wife of Alfred Brow-
er. a plumber of Maplewood, New Jersey.
Mrs. Brown is a consistent Christian and
a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
WILLIAM C. GARDNER.
a coal dealer of South Orange, was born in
the village which is still his home, Septem-
ber 23. 1845, and is a son of Charles Gard-
ner, who was l)orn in New York city in
1808 and died in 1885. He was for many
years a prominent dealer in coal and lum-
ber in this city, and in Newark, and his well
directed Inisiness interests brought to him
success. His counsel was sought in the
ranks of the Democratic party, and he was
one of the leaders in local political circles,
holding the office of chosen freeholder for
a number of years. He took a very active
and influential part in public affairs, and
left the impress of his strong individuality
upon the municipal life.
William C. Gardner spent the days of his
boyhood and youth in his parents' home.
11
his time being devoted to study in the
school-room or to the pleasures of the play-
ground. He entered upon his business
career in his father's establishment, and ul-
timately became proprietor thereof. He
now has a very extensive coal and lumber
yard, and is enjoying a large and lucrative
patronage. His honoralile business meth-
ods, enterprise and energy commend him
to the confidence and support of the public,
and his high position in trade circles is as-
sured.
In December. 1871. occurred an impor-
tant event in the life of Mr. Gardner — his
marriage to Miss Emma C. Rodgers. a na-
tive of Newark, and a daughter of J. A.
Rodgers. who was l)orn in Morristown and
belongs to an old and honored family of
New Jersey. Four children grace this
union, namely: Emma J.. Frances C, Mary
E. and William C, Jr. Mrs. Gardner is a
member of St. John's church, of Newark,
and is a lady of culture, who presides with
gracious hospitality over their pleasant
home. ]\Ir. Gardner belongs to St. Alban's
Lodge. A. F. & A. M.. of Newark, also to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and was formerly a member of the Second
Regiment of state militia, but is now re-
tired. His political support is given the
Democracy, and he is now acceptably serv-
ing in the office of justice of the peace.
DANIEL HOOGLAND CARPENTER,
the subject of this sketch, was born at what
is now Glenwood, Queens county. Long
Island, on April 14, 1828. His parents
were Benjamin Carpenter and Sarah Ann
Hoogland. The paternal ancestor was
William Carpenter, of Providence, Rhode
Island, a co-settler there with Roger Will-
iams, 1637, while the maternal line reaches
1 62
ESSE I COUNTY.
back to Dirck Jansen Hoogland, of New
Amsterdam. 1657.
Having finished his education at the
"Flower Hill" district school, at tweh'e years
of age. and removing then with his parents
to New York, he soon became a clerk in a
grocery store and continued in that busi-
ness until his marriage, in 1853, to Hester
L.. daughter of Granden and Cathalena
(Vreeland) Van Zile. He then engaged
in the lumber trade, having a steam mill
and factory in Bethune street, near Wash-
ington street, where for nearly thirty-five
vears he remained in business, furnishing
material for many of the finest dwellings,
stores and public buildings in New York
and vicinity, — notably the residences of
William B. Astor. Alexander T. Stewart
and A. A. Low; the Fifth Avenue hotel,
the Brick church, etc.. etc.
In 1889 Mr. Carpenter sold his mill and
factory in New York and removed to Ma-
plewood, New Jersey, where he purchased
a tract of land and erected thereon a num-
ber of beautiful dwellings, changing the
whole character of the section from a for-
lorn and unsightly aspect to a delightful
and attractive neighborhood.
Whatever leisure hours Mr. Carpenter
has had have been spent in historical and
genealogical research. He has furnished
much valuable data regarding the early
Long Island and New Jersey families, es-
pecially those of Dutch origin. Many arti-
cles from his pen on these and kindred sub-
jects are to be found in the periodicals de-
voted to such matters.
In politics Mr. Carpenter is a Republican.
but has never held any office except that of
school trustee. He belongs to no club or
secret society. In religion he is a Metho-
dist, and in his church and home finds the
very acme of all this world can give of true
happiness. His wife, one son, four daugh-
ters and five grandchildren constitute the
family as numbered at this date.
The son is Dr. ISIarvin H. Carpenter,
dentist, of South Orange. One daughter,
Jessie, is the wife of Clarence B. Riker.
]\Iiss Idelette is teacher of botany in the
high school. New York; Miss Alice is
teacher of sewing and Miss Grace of draw-
ing in New York city schools, but residing
at Maplewood.
JONATHAN W. POTTER.
To have attained to the extreme fulness
of vears and to have had one's ken broad-
ened to a comprehension of all that has
been accomplished within the flight of
many days, is of itself sufficient to render
consonant a detailed consideration of such
a life in a work of this order, but in the
case at hand there are more pertinent,
more distinguishing elements, — those of
usefulness, of high honor, of marked in-
tellectuality, of broad humanitarian spirit,
— which lift high in regard the subjective
personality of one who has ever stood four
square to every wind that blows. No
shadows darken any period of the long and
honorable life of him whose name initiates
this paragraph, and his has been the heri-
tage of an ancestry typical of all that
makes for integrity and true worth in the
various relations of life.
A resident of Montclair (formerly a por-
tion of Bloomfield), New Jersey, and one
of the best known and most highly re-
spected members of the community where
so many years of his life have been passed,
the venerable subject of this review is the
president of the Bloomfield Savings Insti-
./"'
THE
'^i NEW YORK
jf^UBLIC LIBRARY!
y.j ^Jior, Lonox Mi fllden
foundations.
ESSEX COUNTY.
163
tution, at Bloomfield, an institution in
wliose founding he was prominently con-
cerned and with whose affairs he has been
intimately identified from the time of its
organization. Mr. Potter is a native son
of New Jersey, liaving been born in Hun-
terdon county, on the i8th of September,
1813, the son of Jonathan and Hannah
(Woolverton) Potter, both of whom were
born and reared in New Jersey. In both
the paternal and maternal lines the ances-
try of Mr. Potter has stood representative
of patriotism and sterling worth of charac-
ter. His maternal grandfather, Jonathan
Woolverton, was a native of New Jersey
and held a colonel's commission in the
United States army. After many years of
service he resigned his commission, retired
to private life, taking up his abode on a
farm in Hunterdon county, where he
passed the residue of his days. Samuel
Potter, grandfather of our subject in the
agnatic line, was likewise a native of New
Jersey, and he served with distinguished
valor in the Continental army during the
war of the Revolution. He was of Eng-
lish extraction, the original American an-
cestors of the family having emigrated
here in an early epoch of our colonial his-
tory and settled in New England, whence
representatives eventually made their way
to New Jersey, being among the pioneer
families of the state. Thus, bearing an
honored name, and having granted to it an
added dignity by a life of honor and useful-
ness, it is clearly incumbent that our sub-
ject be accorded distinctive recognition in
these pages, which memorialize many of
the leading families of Essex county.
Jonathan W. Potter was reared to the
sturdy discipline of practical life, though he
was accorded such educational advantages
as were available, attending school in Som-'
erset county, in the immediate vicinity of
his home, which was located near the di-
\'iding line between the two counties men-
tioned. Pie left school at the age of four-
teen years to become assistant to his father
in the gristmill owned and operated by the
latter. Thus it may be consistently said
that he grew up in the mill and became fa-
miliar with the vari(~)us details of the busi-
ness. About the time he attained his
eighteenth year his father died and the
property was sold. Some time subsequent
to this Mr. Potter located in Pottersville,
Hunterdon county. — a place whose name
was derived from the family of which he is
a representative, — and here he opened a
general-merchandise store, which he con-
ducted for a period of six years, after which
he removed to Morristown, Morris coun-
tv, where he entered into a partnership as-
sociation with Jesse Smith and became
once more identified with that line of en-
terprise with which he had been concerned
as a boy. — erecting a gristmill, which was
operated under the firm name of Potter &
Smith for several years. Finally dispos-
ing of his milling interests, Mr. Potter re-
moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he
engaged in the retail grocery business, at
the corner of Fulton and Oxford streets,
where he carried on a successful trade for
six years, after which he sold out and came
to Bloomfield, New Jersey, in which sec-
tion of Essex county he has ever since
maintained his home.
As has already been stated, Mr. Potter
was one of the organizers of the Bloom-
field Savings Institution, a concern whose
affairs have been conducted upon the con-
servative and honorable principles which
make for reliabilitv and consecutive expan-
1 64
ESSEX COUNTY.
sion, and the institution lias been of great
value to the people of the locality. He
has been president of the institution for
the past five years, and as its executive
head has administered its affairs wisely and
successfully. His name is a synonym for
honor and integrity, and as the days speed
on to mark the end of the nineteenth cen-
tury, brilliant in its record of progress and
accomplishment, his must be the satisfac-
tion and the honor which come to those
whose years have counted to goodly ends,
— those to whom age comes with the gen-
tle graciousness of the twilight hour, bear-
ing its compensation and its benediction.
In the year 1838 was solemnized the
marriage of Mr. Potter to Miss Gertrude
Craig, a daughter of William Craig, of
Hunterdon county. For nearly sixty
years, one in hope, in purpose and in mu-
tual devotion, they have traveled life's
pathway together, and theirs is the solace
of knowing that the blessings have tem-
pered the sorrows and that, like Philemon
and Baucis, there is the love which will en-
dure and uphold them until the mortal is
merged into immortality. They became
the parents of eight children, of whom
only two survive, — Elizabeth, the wife of
Theodore H. Ward, of Bloomfield; and
Anna, who remains at home. Of the other
children we make brief record as follows:
The firstborn was a son, who died in in-
fancy; Samuel J. lived to attain the age of
forty years; Robert C. died after at-
taining manhood; Gertrude C. died in
childhood; as did also another daughter,
Laura Clark; and Emmeline B. was
drowned in a canal when a child of five
years. Mr. Potter has accumulated a val-
uable property, including his own delight-
ful home, and the evening of his life will be
blessed with the comforts and environ-
ments and associations which engender
content and happiness.
HUBERT LEWIS PIERSOX
was born in South Orange township, on
what is now Valley street, Maplewood, July
10, 1847. His father, Lewis Pierson, was
born on the old family homestead in 1801,
and was a son of Samuel Pierson, who was
also a native of Essex county and a de-
scendant of one of the prominent colonial
families. Lewis Pierson was reared on a
farm and when a young man engaged in
general merchandizing. In 183 1 he built
the \'alley Mill, which at that time was one
of the largest mills in this section of the
country. He followed that business with
marked success during his life and accu-
mulated a good property. He was united
in marriage to Miss Abbie Susanna Beach,
a native of South Orange, and a daughter
of Da\id Beach. They became the parents
of five children, three of whom died in in-
fancy, while Harriet Beach died in August,
1896, leaving our subject the only surviv-
ing member of the family. In early life
Mr. and Mrs. Pierson were members of the
First Presbyterian church of South Or-
ange, and later placed their membership in
the Springfield Presbyterian church, of
which he was a trustee. Politically he was
an old-line Whig until the organization of
the Republican party, when he joined its
ranks. He departed this life in 1889 and
his wife passed away in 1886.
As before stated, our subject is the only
survivor of the familv. In early youth he
attended the district school, later pursued
his studies in the Newark Academy, and
completed his education in the New York
ESSEX COUNTY
165
University, where he spent three years.
After leaving school he went west and be-
came familiar with the grain business dur-
ing his sojourn in that country. He spent
much time at the board of trade in Chi-
cago and became thoroughly acquainted
with the business in all its details. On re-
turning from the west he was for ten years
engaged in the wholesale grain business in
New York city, after which he went to
South Orange and assumed the manage-
ment of his father's business, which he con-
flucted in that capacity for fifteen years, in
the meantime making manv modern im-
provements in the mill, and establishing a
wholesale and retail hay, grain and feed
business, which proved a very profitable
addition to the other interests. Upon his
father's death he succeeded to the business,
which he conducts after the most enterpris-
ing and progressive methods. In 1879 he
shipped the first car-load of baled hay to
South Orange. The industry at the time
did not ap])ear very feasible, and many
predicted failure, but the first year he sold
ten car-loads, the second forty-three car-
loads, and since that time the volume of his
business has steadily and rapidly increased
until his sales of hay are verv extensive.
He is one of the largest dealers in grain,
fiour. hay and feed in this section of the
country. He receives a liberal patronage
and is conducting a very profitable busi-
ness. In 1884 he met with a .serious acci-
dent, having his eyesight destroyed in .a
powder explosion. The best possible med-
ical aid was summoned, but all to no avail.
He continued his business, however, and
there is now no more successful business
man in Essex county than Hubert L. Pier-
son. He is a director of the Second Na-
tional Bank, of Orange, and is a man of
broail capability and resource in business
affairs. He possesses keen discrimination,
unabating energy and untiring persever-
ance, and his reputation for reliability and
trustworthiness in all afifairs of trade is in-
deetl enviable.
On the 17th of May, 1871, Mr. Pierson
was united in marriage to Miss Emma C'.
Kays, of Newton. Sussex county. New
Jersey, a daughter of Henry B. Kays. Two
children were born of this union: Lewis
Henry, who is associated in business with
his father: and Emma Maud, at home.
Lewis H. Pierson married Miss Eva Brown,
of Springfield, New Jersey, and they have
one child. The family attend the Presby-
terian church and are very prominent in
the community. Mr. Pierson is a promi-
nent member of the Masonic fraternity,
belonging to Century Lodge, No. 100, A.
F. & A. M.; Orange Chapter, No. 23. R. A.
M., and Kane Council, No. 2, R. & S. M.
THOMAS OGDEN WOODRUFF.
The subject of this memoir attained to a
venerable age, and having passed the
eighty-fifth milestone, came to the end of
life's journey. All along the way he had
won friends who gave him their high re-
gard, by reason of his splendid character,
his manly conduct, his lionoraljle dealing
and his fidelity to every duty.
He was born in Caldwell in 1804 and was
a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ogden)
Woodruff. His father was one of three
brothers who came to America from Eng-
land prior to the war of the Revolution, and
the family settled in Essex county. The
mother was a daughter of Thomas Ogden,
a representative of one of the early families
of the county. Thus reared to manhood
1 66
EH. SEX COUNTY.
in this locality, Thomas O. Woodruff ac-
quired his education in the common schools
and spent his youth in the usual manner of
lads of the period.
After attaining his majority he married
Miss Hannah Markwith. who was born in
Orang-e, in 1808. a daughter of Richard
Markwith, also a native of Orange. He
was a son of John Markwith, whose father
came from Germany to the United States
in colonial days. While on his way to
Essex county he was taken prisoner and
held by the Indians for some time. Finally
he succeeded in killing his guards and was
then hid by a squaw in a hollow log, where
he remained for the three days, waiting the
opportunity to escape. The mother of Mrs.
Woodruff bore the maiden name of Ester
Ward, and she was born and reared in
South Orange.
After his marriage ]Mr. Woodruff resided
in Orange until the 15th of December.
1828, when he removed to the house which
is now the home of his widow. He greatly
improved the place and there carried on
farming to some extent. Eleven chi'dren
came to bless their home, namely: Alex-
ander, who died in childhood: Alary, widow
of John Atchison : Ann Eliza, deceased wife
of Anthony Kunick; Charles T., who died
at the age of eight years; John \\'., who is
living in West Orange township; Lys-
ander, who died at the age of eleven years;
Ester, who died at the age of fifteen; Her-
man, of Orange; Rebecca, who is the wife
of Joseph Tilley and resides on the old
homestead; Thomas B., of Orange: and
Hannah Maria, who died at the age of four
years.
Mr. Woodruff held many local offices of
trust and responsibility and discharged his
duties with a promptness and fidelity which
won him high commendation. He attended
the Presbyterian church and was a Christian
man. In his political faith he was a Demo-
crat. He passed away on the 15th of
March, 1889, and the memory of his good
deeds is yet enshrined in the hearts of all
who knew him. Mrs. Woodruff is still
living at the old home, where she has re-
sided for almost seventy years, and retains
possession of her physical and mental facul-
ties in a remarkable degree.
CHAU.XCEY GOODRICH WILLIAMS,
who is now holding the responsible position
of collector of taxes in Orange, is a citizen
who has the utmost regard and confidence
of his fellow townsmen and well merits their
respect and appreciation of his services. He
was born in Orange on the 13th of March,
1831. being the second son of Job Williams
and Catherine Tichenor (Stiles) Williams.
The ancestry can be traced back through
Jeniah, Zophar, Joseph and Gersham to
Matthew Williams, who established a home
in the Newark mountains, now called Tory
Corner. West Orang>\ in 1686. Jeniah
Williams, the grandfather, married Char-
lotte Pearce, of Fairfield, Caldwell townshi]),
Essex county. The mother of our subject
was a daughter of Captain John Stiles, a son
of Samuel Stiles, of Montville. Morris coun-
tv. Her mother was a descendant of Mar-
tin Tichenor, 1688-1732, through David
Tichenor, 1 721-1788. and Jal)ez Tichenor,
\\ho wedded Mary Darcy and resided in
Hanover, Morris county. Their daughter,
Eleanor, was the mother of Mrs. Job Will-
iams.
In early life Chauncey G. Williams
learned the hatter's trade under the direc-
tion of his father, mastering the business in ,
ESSEX COUNTY.
167
all its departments and becoming an ex-
pert workman. He later engaged in the
industry on his own account, successfully
conducting a hat factory until ill health
compelled him to relinquish the enterprise.
His business was conducted with the strict-
est regard to the ethics of commercial hfe,
and the enviable reputation sustained by the
house, combined with energy, enterprise
and progressiveness, brought to ]Mr. Will-
iams an excellent trade.
In 185 1 Mr. Williams was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emily Frances, daughter of
Joseph and Hannah (Francisco) Ward, of
Harrison township, now Kearnev, Hudson
county. Their children are five in number,
— three sons and two daughters: Frederick
Herbert, Charles Eckford, Richard Irving,
Emilie Frances, and Mrs. Mabel J.
Knowles. The family is one of prominence
in the community, their true worth insuring
them a warm reception in the best homes
of the neighborhood, while their own house-
hold is noted for the gracious hospitality
there extended.
In earlier years Mr. Williams ranked
among the leading and influential factors in
the political life of this section of Essex
county, his affiliations being with the
Democratic party. He has been honored
with various offices of trust and responsi-
bility, and that his intrinsic honor and eligi-
bility have been duly appreciated is evi-
denced in the fact that he has enlisted the
endorsement of both of the leading political
parties. In 1868 he was elected a member
of the common council of Orange, and the
following year was chosen to represent his
district in the state legislature. In 1870 he
was appointed city auditor of Orange, and
in November, 1874, he was appointed treas-
urer and collector of taxes, which responsi-
ble position he has retained up to the pres-
ent time. Xo higher testimonial to his
efficient service and his promptness and
trustworthiness could be given, than that
which is exemplified in his long tenure of
public office. For thirty years he has con-
tinuously held position of jniblic trust, and
in the fulfillment of his duties has revealed
the constancy, integrity and fidelity which
are among his cardinal characteristics. Few
men in the community are more widely
known, and no one has the regard of his
friends in a greater degree than has Mr.
Williams. In his fraternal relations he is
a Mason, being one of the oldest members
of Union Lodge, No. 11, A. F. & A. ]\I.
He and his famih' attend the Episcopal
church.
LUDWTG ADOLPH AUGUST
BECKER.
deceased, was one of the leading German
citizens of Livingston township, Essex
count}'. He was born in Obernkirchen,
Germany, on the 26th of September, 1830,
a son of August and Charlotte (Vogt)
Becker, the former a glass manufacturer.
Our subject acquired a collegiate education
and when eighteen years of age began
preparation for the bar, but, owing to finan-
cial reverses which overtook his father, he
was forced to relinquish the plan of enter-
ing professional life and to earn his living
through means of agricultural pursuits.
He accepted the position of superintendent
of a large estate, and continued his resi-
dence in the land of his nativity until i860,
when he l)ade adieu to home and friends
and sailed for the New World.
He took passage on a westward-bound
steamer, which, after seventeen days spent
1 68
ESSEX COUNTY.
on the bosom of the briny deep, dropped
anchor in the harbor of New York. He
then made his way to Livingston township,
Essex county, where he purchased seventy-
two acres of land of Daniel Runge. Giving
his attention to its development and cultiva-
tion he transformed his land into a beautiful
farm and built a model residence, this being
one of the finest country seats in that sec-
tion of Essex county. In 1867 he planted
a number of evergreen trees, which have
now grown to mammoth size and throw
their grateful shade over the lawn, protect-
ing it from the hot summer sun. All mod-
ern improvements and conveniences were
added to the farm by Mr. Becker, who was
a most progressive and practical agricul-
turist.
On the 26th of February, i860, was cele-
brated the marriage of Mr. Becker and Miss
Matilda Henrietta Ida Bohlens, who was
born in Bremen, Germany, July 17, 1835,
a daughter of Jurgen Lira and Emma Ma-
tilda Julaine (Bastran) Bohlens, who died
in the Fatherland. Mrs. Becker came to the
United States in 1859, and after her mar-
riage went to her husband's home, since
which time all the interests of her life have
centered around this beautiful place, where
she still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker
were bom six children, five of whom are
still living: Matilda Franciscan; Henrich
Carrol Frederick; Frederick August, who
died at the age of seven months; Wilhelm,
who married Frances Lavinia Congle and
has one child, Floyd Carl; Frederick Aug-
.ist. who married Alice Eveline Brenner,
and had one child. Carl Walter, who died
at the age of six years; Ivlatilda Henrietta
Ida. wife of Albert Frentzloff. by whom she
had two children, Maria Louise surviving.
Mr. Becker served as school trustee and
took a deep interest in educational matters,
giving his children good advantages in that
direction in order to fit them for the respon-
sible duties of life. He was a Democrat in
his political relations and he and his family
held membership in the German Reformed
church. His death occurred November 3,
1896, and the entire community mourned
the loss of one of its most valued citizens, a
man whom to know was to respect and
honor. Mrs. Becker still resides on the old
homestead, surrounded by her family and
friends. She is a lady of culture and refine-
ment, esteemed by a large circle of friends.
DANIEL D. GRANNISS,
a highly respected citizen of Livingston,
was born at Troy Hills, Morris county.
New Jersey, on the 19th of August, 1848,
and received his educational discipline in
the public schools. After securing such ad-
vantages as were afforded by these institu-
tions of learning, Air. Granniss entered
upon the vocation of a farmer, assisting his
father on the old homestead and engaging
in the dairy business, and is now one of the
enterprising and prosperous agriculturists
of Essex county.
Mr. Granniss was united in marriage on
the i8th of September, 1872, to :\Iiss Emma
E. Force, a daughter of John H. Force,
and two children were born to them, John
H., a graduate of the Caldwell high school
and at present a law student at Newark,
and Rachel E. Mrs. Granniss was called to
her eternal rest in 1894. Our subject is now
school commissioner, and a member of the
town committee.
John Granniss. father of our subject, was
born in Orange county. New York, on the
18th of November, 18 15, and was a son of
ESSEX COUNTY.
169
Henry and Julia (Dains) Granniss. the for-
mer of whom was a native of Connecticut,
the latter having been Ijorn in Xew York.
John Granniss was reared in Orange coun-
ty, New York, until attaining his sixteenth
vear, when he moved to New York city, and
then to Morris county. New Jersey, where
he learned the shoe-making trade, following
the same in Orange county. New York
city and in Orange, New Jersey. In ]\I orris
count}- he combined tlie two vocations of
shoe-making and farming. In the fall of
1854 Mr. Granniss settled in Pleasantdale.
West Orange township, Essex county,
and later moved to Orange, where he be-
came actively identified with matters of pub-
lic interest.
In his political faith Air. Granniss was
originally a Democrat, but was one of those
who early took up the cause of free soil and
abolition, and later he entered the ranks of
the Republican party.
He was elected as first marshal of Orange,
holding that office one term. In the s])ring
of i86g he located in Livingston township.
where he purchased a farm of seventy-five
acres, on which he has since lived, engaged
in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Granniss was
elected assessor, and has also served as
township clerk for one year, township com-
mitteeman five years, freeholder three vears.
collector of taxes six years and justice of
the peace for ten years, besides which he
has been administrator of several large and
important estates.
John Granniss was united in marriage on
the 24th of May. 1836. to Miss Rachel A.
De Hart, a native of Morris county and a
daughter of Daniel De Hart, who is a rep-
resentative of one of the old and distin-
guished Xew Jersey families. By this union
five children were born, as follows: Marv
Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Laura
Frances, the wife of William H. Hall, of
Orange: Alartha Ann, who marrietl Lewis
Bruen. of Springfield. Illinois: Alary C.,
married Frederick Daum, of Orange, and
died in 1888: and Daniel D., the immedi-
ate subject of this review.
SIDNEY B. WINANS
was born in Livingston township, Essex
county. New Jersey, December 5, 1846,
and has spent the most of his life in this
township, where he is well known and high-
ly respected.
Mr. Winans is a son of William B. and
Betsey (Smith) Winans. The Winans fam-
ily have for several generations been resi-
dents of New Jersey. William B. Winans
was born in Hanover, Morris county, De-
cember 19, 1813. son of Isaac U'inans, who,
with his sister Hattie, w-as left an orphan
in early childhood. Isaac Winans was
reared at Battle Hill, Aladison county, and
went from there to Morris county, where
he learned the tailor's trade — a trade he
followed, in Morris and Essex counties, for
many years. He died April 5, 1814, and
his last wife survived him a number of
years, her death occurring December 16,
1834. He was twice married. By his first
wife, whose maiden name was Mary Beach,
he had the following named children :
Jacob, Cyrus, John, Nathaniel, Susan,
Lydia, and Mary. For his second compan-
ion he wedded Abigail Ball, a daughter of
William Ball, of Morris county, and by her
had three sons, Isaac, Joseph and William
B.
William B. Winans spent the first sixteen
vears of his life on a farm. The next five
years he was an apprentice to the trade of
170
ESfiEX COUNTY.
shoemaker, and this trade lie followed for
the long period of fiftv vears. He was
married December 24. 1835. to Betsey
Smith, a native of Livingston township.
Essex county. New Jersey, and a daughter
of Allen Smith. The record of their child-
ren is as follows: Sumner M.. who died
at the age of sixteen years: Smith, who
lived only a year and a half: Thomas J..
of Binghamton. Xew York: Sidney B.,
wdiose name introduces this sketch; Susan,
wife of H. C. McBrair. of Livingston town-
ship: and ]\Iary E.. wife of S. \\'. Force,
of ^Ladison. New Jersey. Mr. W'inans has
lived in Livingston township since 1831.
and during his long life here he has been
prominent and active in local affairs. He
has served on the board of chosen free-
holders, has been chairman of the township
committee, and has acted as election judge.
He was in early life a \\ hig- ^^'hen the
Republican party was organized he identi-
fied himself with it and has supported it
ever since. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church of Hanover.
Sidney B. Winans. the immediate snljject
of this review, has. as above stated, passed
nearly the whole of his life in Livingston
township. After finishing his studies in the
district schools he went into a carriage
factory in Newark to learn the trade of
carriage-maker. Later he turned his atten-
tion to the carpenter's trade, at which he
has worked extensi\"ely for a number of
years. Li 1877 he went west to Nebraska,
later returned east and located in Delaware,
and from there came soon afterward to his
old home in Livingston township.
He was married in September. 1875. to
Miss Elizabeth Parsels, a native of Scran-
ton. Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Ben-
jamin T. Parsels. ]\Ir. and Mrs. W'inans
are the parents of three children, namely:
Benjamin C. Alice M., and Ray P.
^Nlr. W'inans is a Republican and a promi-
nent figure in local afYairs. For fifteen
years he has been a justice of the peace.
He has served as a member of the township
committee, has been on the board of edu-
cation, and is now serving his fourth year
as district clerk. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Junior Order of American
iMeclianics. In religion he adheres to the
faith in which he was reared, and both he
and his wife are members of the Hanover
Presbvterian church.
J. HENRY BACHELLER.
a member of the Newark board of aldermen,
representing the ninth ward, is one of the
enterprising and thorough-going young
business men of the city of Newark.
J. Henry Bacheller was born in Newark,
New Jersey, February i, 1869, and is the
son of John C. Bacheller. also a native of
Newark, and by occupation a manufacturer.
Joseph Newhall Bacheller. the grandfather
of our subject, was of ]\Iassachusetts birth,
and a descendant of the Rev. Stephen Bach-
eller. a noted divine of the old Bay state.
The Bacheller family is one that was for a
number of generations identified with New-
England, and the "family tree" includes
the names of many men who have figured
prominently in their day. among whom
may be mentioned John G. Wliittier and
Daniel Webster. The mother of ]\Ir. J.
Henry Bacheller was before her marriage
Miss Hattie A. Parcells. She is a native of
Newark and a daughter of Henry A. Par-
cells, one of the old settlers of this city and
of Huguenot descent: and the Parcells
faniilv, like the Bachellers, are related to
J. H. BACHELLER
THE
MEV. VORK
(PUBLIC LIBRARvl
yAjtor, UiKix end Tildsn
foundations.
mi
ESSEX COUNTY,
i/i
numerous prominent and influential people,
among their relatives being the Lyons fam-
ily, of Lyons" Farm, and the Cranes, of
Newark. Mrs. Bacheller is a niece of
George D. G. Moore, who was for two
terms surrogate of Essex county.
The subject of our sketch was reared
and educated in his native city, and after
completing his studies in the Newark high
school entered the employ of the New York
Life Insurance Company, with which he
was connected for six years. Following
that, he turned his attention to the real-es-
tate business, and he is now engaged in
looking after large property interests be-
longing to an estate.
Mr. Bacheller's popularity as an enter-
prising citizen of his native town was evi-
denced in Ajjril, 1897, by his electicMi to its
board of aldermen, to represent the ninth
ward. Also he has been honored by a ])lace
on the market and public-school commit-
tees, where he is serving efficiently. Polit-
ically, he is a Republican, a stanch, active
worker for the best interests of the ]mrt)-.
He is a memljer of the Garfield Club and is
chairman of its finance committee, and is
first vice-president of the Newark Field
Club.
April 30, 1S95. ^I''- Bacheller wedded
Miss Edith Smith, of Newark, daughter of
the late Israel P. Smith, of this place. They
have two children. ?^luriel and Adele.
JOHN ELSENER.
Mr. Elsener became identified with the
interests of Essex county. New Jersey, in
1891, and accjuired his homestead farm in
January, 1896. His worth as a citizen of
the communitv. however, was not meas-
ured by the number of years he resided
there.
Mr. Elsener was of Swiss birth and de-
scent. He was ushered into life in 1844, son
of Joseph and Catherine (Tyler) Elsener,
and was reared and educated in his native
land, being brought up to farm life and re-
maining with his parents until reaching
adult age. Then he started out to make
his own way in the world. Many dilTiculties
appeared in his pathway, but notwithstand-
ing the many obstacles which arose he sur-
mounted them, worked his way on and up
until he had a fine farm and comfortable
home.
Mr. Elsener followed farming in Switzer-
land until August, 1881, when, accom-
panied by his wife and tw'o small children,
he took passage for America, and in due
time landed at New York city. When he
arrived in New York he had only seventy-
five cents in money. He had pluck and
energv. however, and he soon found em-
ploynient, and for some time worked at
whatever he could get to do. From New
York he came to Newark. His next move
was to Chester, this state, where he worked
by the month for a while. Then he rented
land in Essex county, was fairly successful
in his operations and continued to farm
rented land until January. 1896. when he
purchased what is known as the Colonel
Swinger farm, a tract of ninety acres, well
improved and under excellent cultivation.
March 4, 1867, Mr. Elsener was married,
in Switzerland, to Miss Onnon Hess, a
native of that country and a daughter of
Melphia and Onnon Maria (Infelt) Hess;
and their union was blessed in the birth of
two sons — John, at home, and Joseph, an
engineer and a resident of Newark. The
famil\- have been devout members of the
Catholic church. In his political views Mr.
Elsener supported the Republican party.
17-
ES8EX COUNTY.
The death of Mr. Elseiier occurred on the
2gth of December. 1897, and the com-
munity recognized the loss of a true and
upright man and a valued citizen.
JONATHAN FORCE.
This well known and much respected
citizen was born on the farm on which he
now lives, in Livingston township, Essex
county. New Jersey, and is a descendant of
French ancestors who settled in this state
during the colonial period.
Jonathan Force dates his birth October
25, 1840. He is the youngest son of Jona-
than Force, Jr., and a grandson of Jonathan
Force, Sr., the former a native of Living-
ston township. Essex county, and the latter
of W'oodbridge, New Jersey. The first Jon-
athan Force moved to Essex countv soon
after the Revolutionary war. in which he
•was a participant from beginning to end.
and shortly after his location in this county
he built the first tannerv in Li\"ingston
township, having been a tanner by trade.
In this township he passed the rest of his
life and here died.
The second Jonathan Force was born
and reared upon his father's farm in Liv-
ingston township, his father having Ijeen
interested in agricultural pursuits as well as
the tannery business, and after reaching
manhood engaged in the manufacture of
shoes, in which he did a large business for
many years. From time to time he made
investments, and accumulated one hundred
acres of valuable land, which is still owned
by his children. He was a man of sterling
integrity. He was an attendant upon wor-
ship at the Northfield Baptist church, was
identified with the order of Freemasons,
anil in politics was a ^^'hig. He died in
1S46. at the age of fifty-one years, honored
and respected by all who knew him. Of
his domestic life, we record that he was
twice married. His first wife, whose maiden
name was Electa Cook, was a daughter of
Peter Cook, of Essex county. His second
wife was before her marriage Miss Tulia
James. She was born in Dutchess county,
New York, daughter of George D. James.
By this last marriage Mr. Force hatl five
children, four of whom are living, namely:
Charles, George J., Sarah E. and Jonathan.
At the time of the father's death the wid-
owed mother was left to provide for her
little children, and nobly did she take the
place of both parents in bringine them up.
She li\ed to the advanced age of eighty
years, her death occurring in 1882.
Two of the above named family, George
J. and Jonathan, reside on the old Force
farmstead. George J. has spent the whole
of his life here with the exception of about
a year and a half. He was married in 1861
to Miss Elizabeth Post, a native of Mont-
clair. New Jersey, and a daughter of John
and Patience (Corbey) Post. Their only
child died in infancy. Here, in connection |
with farming, Mr. George J. Force has for !
years carried on shoemaking.
Jonathan Force, whose name introduces
this sketch, remained on the home farm
with his mother and other members of the
family until the outbreak of the civil war,
when. September 3, 1861, he enlisted as a
member of Company D, Twenty-sixth New'
Jersey \'olunteer Infantry, and went to the
front. Among the engagements in which
he was a participant were those of Fred-
ericksburg and Chancellorsville. He re-
mained on active duty until the expiration
of his term of enlistment, when he was hon-
orably discharged and returned home.
ESSEX COUNTY.
173
Since then he has devoted his attention to
general farming and dairying at the old
homestead.
He was married November 23, 1881. to
Miss Susan Amanda Baker, a daughter of
the late Daniel N. Baker of Livingston
township. Mr. and Mrs. Force are the
parents of the following children: James
Walter, Edna Adelia and Jonathan, Jr. An-
other son, Daniel B,, died in 1897, at the
age of six years.
Jonathan clings to the religious faith in
which he was reared, being a member of
the Baptist church. Politically, he is a Re-
publican, stanch in the support of his party,
and interested in all that pertains to the
welfare of his locality. Jonathan Force
served for six years as a member of the
township committee.
JOHN H. FORCE,
one of the venerable citizens of Livingston
township, Essex county. New Jersey, be-
longs to a family whose identification with
this state covers a period reaching back
beyond the Revolution, and whose origin
is traced to England. The first represent-
ative of the family to come to America lo-
cated in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Jonathan Force, the grandfather of John
H., served all through the Revolutionary
war, and in the war of 1812 was commis-
sioned a lieutenant. At the close of the
Revolution he, while yet a young man, set-
tled in Livingston township, Essex county.
He married Miss ^largaret Cooper, a mem-
ber also of one of the early settled families
of New Jersey. By trade Jonathan Force
was a tanner. He established the first tan-
nery in this township. Here also he im-
proved a large tract of land, and for a num-
ber of years operated lioth the farm and
tannery. He and his wife were the parents
of ten children, all of whom reared fam-
ilies, namely: Benjamin, Elizabeth, Mar-
garet, Nancy, Maria, Henry, Lockie.
Charles, Sarah and Jonathan. The father of
this famil}- was for many years an active
member of the Northfield Baptist church, in
which for years he served as chorister. His
death occurred in 1849: his wife's, some
years before.
Henry Force was a shoemaker liy trade.
His youth was spent in assisting his father
on the farm and in the tannery, and after
his marriage to Miss Mary Sidman of
Bloomfield, New Jersey, he was allotted a
portion of the home farm and built a house
upon it. He carried on shoemaking here
until his death, in 1834. His children, in "
order of birth, are as follows: William, who
died June 22, 1883: Margaret; Sarah S.,
George B.; Susan, widow of Isaac Denman;
and John H., whose name forms the head-
ing of this review.
John H. Force was born in Livingston
township, Essex county. New Jersey, in
1829, was about five years old at the time
his father died, and was reared on the farm
by his widowed mother, who made this
her home until her death, about 1872. He
had the advantage of a public-school edu-
cation, and in early life learned the trade
of shoemaker in his brother George's shop,
working at this trade until the civil war
broke out. Since the war he has been
engaged in farming and dairying, making
a specialty of the latter.
Mr. Force was married March 30, 1851,
to Miss Rachel E. Jennings, a native of
Northfield, New Jersey, and a daughter of
Charles H. and Phoebe (Barnett) Jennings.
Their union has been blessed in the birth
174
ESSEX COUNTY.
of five children, namely: Emma, deceased
wife of Daniel D. Grannis; Charles H.,
Orange, New Jersey; Lillian, wife of A. C.
Knowlton. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
William L., ^Nlontclair, New Jersey; and
Augustus, Newark, New Jersey.
Air. Force has always manifested a com-
mendable interest in public affairs in his
community and has filled some positions
of local importance, such as town commit-
teeman, etc. He and his wife are members
of the Baptist church.
SILAS P. GENUNG,
of Livingston township, has been identi-
fied with the interests of Essex county since
1 88 1. He is a native of Afton. Alorris
county. New Jersey, where he was born
on the 2 1 St of August. 1841, a son of Elias
P. and Mary M. (Smith) Genung. EHas
P. Genung also was a native of ]\Iorris
county, where he passed his life, following
the occupation of a farmer and was promi-
nent in public affairs, being an old-line
Whig and later one of the organizers of the
Republican party in Morris county. He
held several local offices, among them be-
ing a chosen freeholder and chairman of the
township committee during the civil war.
He married Miss Mary M. Smith, daughter
of William and Charity (Mutchmore)
Smith, and they reared five children. His
death occurred on the 12th of August,
1888, at the advanced age of seventy-three
years, his wife surviving him at the present
time, having attained the age of eighty-one
years, and still retaining much of the mental
and physical vigor of her youth. The
grandfather. Thomas Genung. was born in
Morris county and was a participant in the
war of 18 1 2. The family is of French ex-
traction.
Silas P. Genung passed his youth on his
father's farm, receiving his education in the
district schools of the vicinity and remain-
ing with his parents until the needs of his
country caused him to enlist, on the 12th
of August, 1862, in Company C, Fifteenth
New Jersey \'olunteer Infantry. He par-
ticipated in all the battles with the Army
of the Potomac, after the first battle of
Fredericksburg, and was with Sheridan
through the Shenandoah valley, where he
was slightly woundeel, which, however, did
not disqualify him for active service, in
which he continued until June 22, 1865,
when he was honorably discharged. In
Fox's report of regimental losses it is stated
that in the battle of the Wilderness, at the
"Bloody Angle," the Fifteenth New Jersey
lost, in about twenty-five minutes' time,
sixty-two and one-half per cent, of the men
who went in. He returned to the farm and
engaged extensively in the broom business,
which he carried on for a number of years
until his health failed him. when he retired
from active work and, in 1881, came to
Essex county.
Mr. Genung has given his support to the
Republican party from the time he first ac-
quired elective franchise, and he has repre-
sented the board of freeholders in Morris
county for three years. He was on the
committee that had in charge the building
of the soldiers" monument, and in 1896 he
was elected to the boartl of freeholders of
Essex county. He is an advocate of good
roads and is doing what he can as a free-
holder to promote improvements in this
line. Socially he is a member of Madison
Lodge No. 93, Free and Accepted Masons,
and of A. T. A. Torbert Post, Grand Army
of the Republic, of Morristown.
The marriage of IMr. Genung was sol-
ESSEX COUNTY.
1/5
emnized in April, 1875, when he was united
to ]Miss Lizzie Cook, a daughter of James
B. and Harriet (Minor) Cook. One son,
Lester C, was born and they subsequently
moved to the okl Cook homestead in Liv-
ingston. Mr. Genung is a member of the
First Presbyterian church, and in that faith
his wife was summoned to her eternal rest
on August 22, 1897.
JOHN P. CONDIT.
In the subject of this sketch, John P.
Con(Ht, of West Orange, Essex county, is
found a representative of one of the early
settled families of New Jersey.
Mr. Condit was born on the farm wliere
he now lives, November 2, 1838, son of
David W. Condit and grandson of Japhia
Condit, both born on this same farm, the
former, September 26, 1801; the latter, in
1760. Japhia Condit was a son of David
Condit, born in 1734, son of Samuel Condit,
the first grandson of the progenitor of the
Condit family in this country. David Con-
dit settled on this farm at the time of his
marriage, and the old house in which he
and his bride went to housekeeping still
stands. He was a man of prominence in
his day, was a participant in the Revolu-
tionary war and held the rank of colonel.
His son Japhia, when a boy, also took part
in the Revolution. Japhia Condit married
Miss Dorcas Dodd.
David W. Condit, the father of our sub-
ject, at the age of thirteen years entered
upon an apprenticeship to the trade of
carpenter with his brother-in-law, and
served until he was twenty-one, after which
he worked at his trade in connection with
farming, carrying on farming operations at
the old homestead. He married Miss Cor-
nelia I'erry, a native of this county, and a
daughter of John and Rachel Perry. The
Perry family have resided in this country
for three generations. Mr. and Mrs. Con-
dit are both deceased, his death having
occurred May 11, 1884. They were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church of Orange,
and, politically, he was first a Whig and
later a Republican. The children born to
them were as follows: Lewis, West Or-
ange, New Jersey: Rosena, w-ho died at the
age of forty years; and John P., the sub-
ject of this sketch.
John P. Condit 's boyhood days were
passed not unlike those of other farmer
boys. He attended school in winter and
worked on the farm in summer, and at the
home place he has continued to carry on
farming, as did his forefathers for three
generations. He is enterjjrising and pro-
gressive and keeps fully abreast with the
times. An important feature of his farm
is the dairy.
Mr. Condit was married November 2,
1865, to Miss Martha A, Baldwin, daugh-
ter of Marshall and Catharine (Sipp) Bald-
win. Marshall Baldwin was born in Ve-
rona, New Jersey, in 1806, son of Aaron
Baldwin, a representative of one of the first
families of \'erona: and was by trade a
shoemaker, which vocation he followed
through life. He and his wife reared six
children, namely : Amelia, wife of Ephraim
Jacobus, West Orange township, Essex
county, New Jersey: George, a resident of
Illinois: Martha, wife of John P. Condit;
Lorana, wife of George Davenport, of Ve-
rona, New Jersey: Edward, West Virginia;
and Lewis R., Livingston, New Jersey.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are deceased.
They were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Condit
176
ESSEX COUNTY.
have had seven children, three of whom
are living — Elmer, Stewart and David.
Ada, their first born, died in childhood, and
they lost one child in infancy.
I\Ir. Condit holds to the same religious
and political faith in which he was reared.
He is a Republican and a Presbyterian,
both he and his wife being members of the
St. Cloud Presbvterian church.
JOSEPH LEE.
a contractor and builder of East Orange,
was born near ^Manchester. Lancastershire,
England. October 21, 1850, a son of Henry
and Nancy (Ellor) Lee. The father was
born and reared in Lancastershire and was
one of a family of six children, the others
being Esther, Alice, Thomas, James and
Charles. The father of this family followed
the occupation of farming, but Henry Lee,
quitting the farm, learned the trade of fin-
ishing and dyeing cloths and fabrics,
which vocation he made his life work. In
1870 he came to America and resided with
his sons in East Orange. A fall from a
lumber wagon in July, 1873, caused his
death, when fifty-three years of age. His
estimable wife survived him until February
15, 1897, passing away at the age of sev-
enty-three years. They were members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and were
people of the highest respectability, having
the warm regard of many friends. Their
family numbered eight children, as follows:
John, who 'resided in England and at his
death left one daughter; William, of Lan-
castershire, England, who married Harriet
Anderson and has six children; Thomas,
who married an English lady and came to
America, locating in Orange, where he
died in 1888, leaving a family of five chil-
dren; Joseph, of this sketch; James Henry,
who was married in this country and now
resides in Bloomfield, Essex county; Alice
Jane, wife of Samuel Coopper, of Bloom-
field, by whom she has four children;
Charles Andrew and Albert, who died in
early life.
Joseph Lee acquired a district-school
education in his native land and remained
under the parental roof until nineteen years
of age. Attracted by the opportunities
furnished by the new world, and hoping to
better his financial condition in America,
he took passage on a westward-bound ves-
sel which weighed anchor on the 4th of
December, 1869, and on the i6th of the
same month landed in New York. He
then went to East Orange, where his
brother William resided, and the following
year the parents and other members of the
family also crossed the Atlantic. Our sub-
ject here followed the carpenter's trade, at
which he had served an apprenticeship in
his native land. His industry and thrift at
length enabled him to begin business on
his own account, and since 1889 he has
been numbered among the contractors and
builders of East Orange, though his labors
have not been confined to this town alone.
Many of the excellent structures of the lo-
cality stand as monuments to his enterprise
and handiwork, and in his identification
with the building interests of the town he
has also built up a comfortable competence
for himself. He is very progressive and
energetic, and is an active promoter of that
activity which is the source of all pros-
perity. In 1872 he purchased his present
homestead and has made extensive im-
provements thereon. He also erected and
owns the building now occupied by the
First Ward Republican Club, of East Or-
ESSEX COUNTY.
177
Mr. Lee is quite active in affairs of a
public nature tending to the advancement
of the best interests of the town, and is now
acting as assistant chief of the fire depart-
ment in East Orange, to which position he
was appointed in 1890. He is a member
of the East Orange Republican Club, is
now serving as its treasurer and is an ar-
dent advocate of Republican principles.
Mr. Lee was married December 30,
1872, to Miss Elizabeth Bradley, a daugh-
ter of George and Martha Ellen (W^ilde)
Bradley. They now have three children :
Martha Bradley, wife of Joseph Longshaw,
by whom she has one child, Elizabeth Lee;
Mabel Alice, a graduate of the East Or-
ange grammar school; and Henry George.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lee are sincere mem-
bers of St. Paul's Episcopal church, of East
Orange.
JOHN A. INGERMAN.
manufacturer of fine harness and equip-
ments for horses, in East Orange, is a na-
tive of Sweden and possesses the sterling
characteristics of his countrymen, — perse-
verance, energy and progressiveness. It
is these qualities which make the Swedish-
American population so valuable an ele-
ment in our citizenship. Mr. Ingerman
was born in the county of Skaraborg Laen,
in the central part of Sweden, June 15,
1858, and is a son of Charles and Lena
(Anderson) Ingerman. The schools of his
native land afforded him good educational
privileges and he pursued his studies until
fourteen years of age, when he was appren-
ticed to a Mr. Peterson in the town of
Kongsbacka, to learn the saddlery and
harness-making trade. On the comple-
tion of a four-years term of service he be-
12
gan work as a journeyman for Mr. Peter-
son and continued in his employ for two
and a half years more, but the possibilities
and opportunities of the New World at-
tracted him and he sought a home in the
American republic.
It was in 1879 that Mr. Ingerman
crossed the Atlantic, leaving home on the
2d of May, and landing at Boston on the
19th of the same month. He obtained a
situation in New Bedford, Massachusetts,
where he worked at his trade for fifteen
months, after which he removed to Wo-
burn, Massachusetts, but in a short time
went from there to Hartford, Connecticut,
where he found employment with Smith &
Born, with whom he remained for ten and
a half years, one of their most trusted and
skilled employes. He had their unquali-
fied confidence and well merited their trust.
In 1890 Mr. Ingerman returned to the
land of his nativity, spending a few months
there, after which he again came to the
United States, arriving here in the fall of
1890. He located in Newark, but in Au-
gust, 1891, removed to East Orange,
where he opened a store. The following
year he removed to his present location
and has since been engaged here in the
manufacture of harness, saddlery and
trunks, doing a large and successful busi-
ness, receiving a liberal patronage from
among the best people of East Orange and
vicinity.
On the 25th of April, 1886, Mr. Inger-
man was united in marriage to Miss Sophia
Moren, a native of Sweden, and to them
was born a son, John Henning, but they
lost this only child, in June, 1889. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Ingerman are pious members
of the Swedish Lutheran church, and the
former is a member of Plato Lodge, No.
ESSEX COUNTY.
122, Knights of Pythias, ot Orange. In
his political sentiments he is a Republican
and manifests a commendable interest in
all movements calculated to promote the
general welfare. He has never had occa-
sion to regret his determination of making
America the place of his abode, for fortune
has favored him here, and he has secured a
good business, a pleasant home and many
friends.
ANDREW KIRKPATRICK.
The incident of birth and family is one
for which least of all attending man's life
he can take credit; yet, when an ancestry
of honorable record may be claimed, it is
certainly a matter for honest, though un-
spoken, pride. A name bearing a signal
place in the judicial history of New Jersey
and of the countr}' is that of the Honor-
able Andrew Kirkpatrick, justice of the su-
preme court of New Jersey from 1793 to
1803, and thereafter, for twenty-one years,
chief justice.
Andrew Kirkpatrick, the subject of our
sketch, grandson and namesake of Chief
Justice Kirkpatrick, was born in Washing-
ton, D. C, October 8, 1844. His father,
John Bayard Kirkpatrick, was a prominent
merchant of his day, whose largest inter-
ests were in foreign trade. Upon the com-
pletion of his preparatory studies at Rut-
gers grammar school, Mr. Kirkpatrick en-
tered Union College, of Schenectady, New
York, at which he was graduated in 1863.
In the choice of a life work the bent of the
young man's mind inclined rather to a lit-
erary and professional career than to a
mercantile life; following, thus, the steps
of his grandfather, although, as proven in
after life, not without the astute business
faculties which gave to his father a place
among the successful men of his genera-
tion.
Having decided upon the legal profes-
sion, Mr. Kirkpatrick entered, as a law
reader, the office of Hon. Frederick T. Fre-
linghuysen, of Newark, New Jersey, and
was admitted to the bar as an attorney in
June, 1866, and as a counselor in 1869.
As a practitioner Mr. Kirkpatrick soon
made for himself a name of no small im-
portance. \Miile, as occupying a high
social position, he always commanded a
clientage among his associates, he has es-
tablished a reputation as one who is no
respecter of persons; the poor man and
the rich alike claiming justice at his hand,
and the man of low degree finding in him
no less favor, upon that account, than his
more important brother.
Mr. Kirkpatrick, before his elevation to
the bench, was a partner of ]Mr. Freling-
huysen, and later of Hon. Frederick H.
Teese. In April of 1885 he was appointed,
by Governor Leon Abbett. lay judge of
Essex county court of common pleas, to
succeed Judge Ludlow McCarter, which
position he held, by several successive ap-
pointments, until December, 1896, when,
having still an unexpired term of three
years to serve, he resigned to accept the
office of judge of the United States district
court, of the district of New Jersey, ten-
dered to him by President Cleveland, and
which was made vacant by the death of the
Honorable Edward D. Green.
As a jurist Judge Kirkpatrick holds
claim to a position of eminence and dis-
tinction; a man of wide reading and sound
judgment, his opinions carry weight
throughout the legal world, and, for their
peculiar clearness of statement, possess a
remarkable virtue, the quality which ren-
(^^^.^^ftcyi-l^U c/(5^^<^ C2.^
ESSEX COUNTY.
179
ders them easy of comprehension by the
lay mind. In addition, it is truly said of
them, "they command respect for their lit-
erary excellence and evidence of thorough
scholarship."
In the social, as well as the professional,
life of his state. Judge Kirkpatrick holds a
prominent position. Through both his
paternal and maternal ancestors he was
qualified to become a member of the Sons
of the American Revolution. In fact, he
was one of the earliest and most energetic
promoters of this organization. Of many
local social clubs and organizations he is
an acti\e luember, having been one of the
founders of the Essex Club, of which he
was one of the original governors and for
fifteen years its treasurer.
\\'ithout being a strict partisan, the
Judge has always been a firm supporter of
the principles ad\ocate<l by the Demo-
cratic party, ^^'hile his name has not been
without mention in connection with party
honors, he has declined their acceptance
except in the line of professional advance-
ment. He is, however, greatly interested
in the welfare of the city of Newark and of
its citizens, and finds time to give attention
to matters pertaining to the public good.
At this writing he holds the of^ce of a
commissioner of the sinking fund of the
city of Newark, which has in charge up-
wards of three millions of dollars: he is one
of the trustees of the Howard Savings In-
stitution, a director in the Fidelity Title
and Deposit Company, and in the Newark
Gas Companv.
To his friends Judge Kirkpatrick is
known as a man of high instincts and warm
heart.- of gracious and courtly hospitality,
a lover of music and art. a man of quick
and ready wit.
Professionally he is recognized as a keen
student of human nature, a man of insight
and force of character. These qualifica-
tions gave him, as barrister, great success,
and have undoubtedly been to him, upon
the bench, a secret of his decisions, as his
familiarity with his profession and his thor-
ough knowledge of precedents have been
of his rulings.
This little sketch of the life of Judge
Kirkpatrick would be incomplete, even as
an outline, were no mention made of a
transaction characteristic of the man, as he
is known by his fellow citizens, among
whom he is regarded not alone as an able
jurist but as a man of highest executive
and financial ability. Upon the failure of
the Domestic Manufacturing Company
(one of the greatest manufacturing con-
cerns of the county), which occurred in
1893, Judge Kirkpatrick was appointed its
receiver and given authority to continue
the business of making and selling Do-
mestic sewing machines. This he did, dur-
ing a period of unexampled monetary
stringency, and was thereby able not only
to furnish employment to hundreds of
working men, who would otherwise have
been forced into idleness, but he was like-
wise able to surrender the property to the
stockholders as a going concern, with as-
sets sufficient in value to pay its creditors
in full. Indifference to such a record
could not be justified in any right-feeling
man, and not alone from its business, but
also from its humanitarian point of view,
the Judge may be congratulated upon his
noble work in the discharge of the duties
of this receivership.
In 1869 Judge Kirkpatrick married
Alice, daughter of Joel W. Condit. of New-
ark, New Jersey. Their children are An-
i8o
ESSEX COUNTY.
drew, Jr., John Bayard and Alice Condit.
In 1877 Mrs. Kirkpatrick died. The
Judge married, as his second wife, Louise
C, daughter of Theodore P. Howell; their
children are Littleton, Isabelle and Eliza-
beth.
The Judge belongs to Grace Episcopal
church.
ED\\'ARD WALLACE WEEKS
is numbered among the native sons of Eng-
land who in the Xew World ha\'e achieved
success in business, demonstrating the op-
portunities which are afforded here to the
voung man of energy and enterprise. He
was born at Exmouth, Devonshire, July
31, 1867, and is a son of Captain Henry
George and Mary Ann (Harris) Weeks,
both of whom belonged to old families of
England. The maternal grandfather was
Edward Harris. The paternal grandpar-
ents were Henry and Elizabeth Weeks, na-
tives of Exmouth, Devonshire, where they
reared three children : Elizabeth, who
died when about fifty-three years of age:
Henry George; and Mary, who died at the
age of forty-five years.
Captain Henry George \\'eeks was
reared in Devonshire and attended its com-
mon schools until about seventeen years of
age, when he shipped before the mast on
a vessel called the Speck, which was owned
by Captain Edward Harris, who sulise-
quently became his father-in-law. ]\Ir.
Weeks, having served a complete appren-
ticeship under Captain Harris, continued to
follow the sea until thirty-five years of age.
He was given charge of the vessels of
which Captain Harris was owner and be-
came commander of the Anti-Xerxes.
While thus engaged he visited the principal
ports of Europe, where he shipped and re-
ceived cargoes. He was known as a skill-
ful and careful navigator. At last he lost
his life in a storm, the vessel being ship-
wrecked on the Goodwin shoals in the river
Thames. All on board were drowned save
the Captain, who, by the aid of a New-
foundland dog, Nero, was enabled to reach
the shore: but he lived only a short time
afterward. The faithful dog who hail res-
cued him was tenderly cared for by the
family throughout his life. Captain Weeks
died December 2^. 187 1. His two sons,
Edward Wallace and Henry George, still
survive him. The latter, born June 10,
1869, wedded Mary Daley and now resides
in Bloomfield, Essex county.
In his native town Edward Wallace
Weeks pursued his studies in the public
schools, but his educational privileges were
somewhat limited, for at the early age of
twelve years he was apprenticed to learn
the butcher's trade. He served for three
years and when sixteen years of age crossed
the Atlantic to America, sailing from Eng-
land on the 23d of August, 1883. He
landed in Xew York on the 7th of Sep-
tember, and soon afterward secured a posi-
tion in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the
Singer Sewing Machine Company. In
1885 he came to Orange and worked at
his trade in the employ of F. J. Skinner.
He embarked in business on his own ac-
count in 1893, and now has a well ap-
pointed meat market and provision store.
He enjoys a good trade and his honorable
business methods and careful management
commend him to the confidence and good
will of all. He is an energetic and perse-
vering man and is regarded as a worthy
citizen.
j\lr. Weeks exercises his right of fran-
ESSEX COUNTY.
i8i
chise in support of the men and measures of
the Democracy, and socially he is con-
nected with Lafavette Lodge, No. 12, I.
O. O. F., at Orange. He was married on
the 20th of February, 1888, to Miss Mary
E. Donahue, and they now have one child,
Henry Edward, who was born on the 4th
of January, 1889. They attend the Grace
Episcopal church and are widely and favor-
ably known in this community, having
gained niaii)' warm friends during their
residence here.
JAMES A. McCarthy
is one of the leading citizens of Newark
who has attained a distinct recognition for
services performed by him in advancing the
welfare and prosperity of his home city, and
who has been prominently identified with
public affairs e\er since reaching man-
hood's estate. He was born in Newark on
the 31st of July, 1866, and is a son of Mich-
ael and Mary A. (Cleary) McCarthy, both
of whom were natives of Ireland. His edu-
cation was acquired in the parochial schools
attached to St. James' church, in the city
of his nativity, and after finishing there he
began to learn the plumber's trade, at the
age of seventeen, working at that vocation
for five years, at the end of that time em-
barking in business for himself in the
twelfth ward, at the corner of Bowery and
Richard streets, where he has since con-
tinued, meeting with that success that in-
variably attends industry, perseverance and
an integrity of character that gains for its
possessor the confidence and respect of all
with whom he comes in contact.
Mr. McCarthy has always taken an active
part in politics, and for a number of years
he has l)een a jirominent factor in the ranks
of his party. Before he was tw-enty-twc
years of age he was tendered the nomina-
tion for assemblyman, but declined the
honor. In 1895 he was nominated by the
Democrats of the fifth ward for alderman,
and after a Ijitter fight was elected by a ma-
jority of seventeen votes, being the only
new man elected by his party that year, and
one of the only two successful candidates
on the ticket. That year he served as a
member of the committee on printing and
stationery, the committee on hospitals, and
the conmiittee on elections. During the
second year of his term he served on the
committees on fire departments, hospitals,
and elections. In 1897 Mr. McCarthy was
reelected by a majority of five hundred and
forty,- — the largest received by any Demo-
cratic candidate that year. He is at the
present writing chairman of the committee
on public buildings, which is the most im-
portant committee in the body, as it has
charge of the new city hospital now in
course of erection, and is also on the com-
mittee on fire departments. Mr. McCar-
thy is a trustee of the Newark City Home,
and is chairman of that institution, this
being the second year he has held that posi-
tion. He is a mem))er of the St. James
^'oung Men's Christian Association and of
the Newark Rowing Club. He is a pro-
gressive, energetic young man, well read
on matters of current issue, and one of
whom the city of Newark may well be
])roud.
Michael McCarthy, the father of our sub-
ject, was born on the Emerald Isle about
the year 1832, remaining on his native heath
until 1851 or 1852. when be emigrated to
the United States, first locating in New
York citv, residing there for about ten
years, and then coming to Newark, which
I»2
ESSEX COUNTY.
he made his home until his death, which oc-
curred in jMay, 1897. For many years he
was engaged in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness in Newark, later entering the services
of the old Newark aqueduct board as super-
visor of all water ways, — a position he held
for sixteen or eighteen years, finally retir-
ing from the board on account of ill health.
He was well and favorably known in this
city and took an active part in politics, but
neither sought nor desired office, preferring
to assist his friends to political preferments.
He was a member of St. James' church,
Catholic, and of the Catholic Benevolent
Legion.
Mr. McCarthy was united in marriage
to Miss Mary A. Cleary, in New York, and
four children were born to them, two of
whom survive, Mary E., now ^Irs. ]\I. F.
Murphy, and the subject of this sketch.
WILLIA^I DIMOND.
a member of the Newark board of alder-
men, representing the seventh ward, was
born in New York city on the 14th of Sep-
tember, 1859, his parents being William
and Catherine (Smith) Dimond. His father
was born in Dublin, Ireland, and emigrated
to the United States when about thirteen
years of age, and here engaged subse-
quently in the architectural iron business
in New York city, continuing in the same
until his death, which occurred in 1872.
The mother of our subject was born in New
York state and is still living on her farm in
the Highlands on the Hudson river.
William Dimond, the subject of this re-
view, was reared in the metropolis, receiv-
ing his education in the public schools, sup-
plementing the same with a course of study
in the New York City College. Upon
leaving the latter he learned the typesetting
trade, which he followed for some time,
working at Troy,- New York, and on dif-
ferent newspapers throughout the state,
spending altogether about five years in va-
rious printing offices. In 1878 he quit the
printing business and went to Montana,
where he engaged in stock-raising in the
Yellowstone Valley country, remaining
thus employed for a period of two years,
and upon his return east he entered the
American \'eterinar\- College, at which he
was graduated with the class of 1883, attain-
ing the honor of valedictorian, and as the
result of a competitive examination he was
appointed house surgeon of the hospital
under Professor Liautard, with whom he
remained about one year. He then opened
an office in New York city, but shortly
afterward accepted a position in the United
States Bureau of Animal Industry in the
department of agriculture, and was sta-
tioned at Baltimore, ^Maryland, and in the
District of Columbia and \'irginia, for two
years, at the end of which time he was or-
dered to Trenton, New Jersey, to take
charge of the work in the state, makmg
Trenton his headquarters, and after investi-
gating matters he moved to Jersey City,
where he had charge of a corps of about
seventy-five or eighty assistants. In the
pursuit of his duties Mr. Dimond expended
in the neighborhood of two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, principally in Hud-
son county. He continued in the govern-
ment service until the election of President
Harrison, at which time, thanks to the
arduous labors of our subject, pleuro-pneu-
monia was about eradicated from Nevv- Jer-
sey. He subsequently gave up his profes-
sion and accepted a position with a large
fish house in New York, going to the Pa-
ESSEX COUNTY.
183
cific coast, where for two years he was en-
gaged in shipping fish to New York, travel-
ing up and down the coast from CaHfornia
to Alaska.
Returning east, Mr. Dimond located in
Newark and became associated with Dr.
Lawrenz, continuing this partnership for
about four years, when he took cliarge of
the Essex stables, located in Summit street.
In the spring of 1897 he was elected a mem-
ber of the board of aldermen as a Demo-
crat. His father and uncle were both af-
filiated with that party, and were promi-
nent in Tammany circles, having held va-
rious ofifices in that organization. !\Ir.
Dimond is a member of the committees on
the poor and alms and printing and sta-
tionery, and is chairman of the committee
on railroads and franchises. He is a di-
rector in several building and loan associa-
tions, and is connected with numerous other
enterprises of a public nature. Socially
he is a member of New York City Lodge,
No. 624, Free and Accepted Masons, the
Jeftersonian Club, and the Joel Parker As-
sociation.
Mr. Dimond was married June 23, 1891,
to Miss Emeline Smith, of the Hudson
Highlands, and they had four children, of
whom the following three survive : Helen,
Thomas and Catherine.
WILLIAM EDWARD AUSTIN,
a member of the firm of Austin, Drew &
Company, the well known hat manufactur-
ers of Orange, was born in West Orange,
New Jersey, on the istof March, 1859, and
is a son of Edward and Mary Jane (Allen)
Austin. His early education was received
in the pubHc schools of Orange, added to
which was a course of study in the Bryant
& Stratton Business College, of Newark,
and then he entered his father's hat manu-
factory, where he continued until he had
acquired a thorough and practical knowl-
edge of the business in all its details, when,
in 1884, he was admitted to partnership and
since that time he has been closely identi-
fied with the interests of the firm. He is
a man of energy and enterprise, and by his
thrift, industry and evident business quali-
fications, he has been instrumental in
largely advancing the prosperity of the con-
cern with which he is associated.
An ardent supporter of the RepubUcan
party Mr. Austin has had a prominent part
in local political matters, and is at present
treasurer of the Fourth Ward Republican
Club and a member of the city central Re-
publican committee. In his social rela-
tions he is afifiliated with Corinthian
Lodge, No. 159, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, and is a charter member of Hillside
Council, No. 29, Royal Arcanum, of Or-
ange.
Mr. Austin has been twice married, his
first union being in 1884, taking as his wife
Miss Florence H. Hiller, a daughter of
Alexander and Mary Hiller, and they be-
came the parents of one son, Edward Hil-
ler, who was born on the i8th of Decem-
ber, 1885. Mrs. Austin was summoned to
her eternal rest in 1890. The second mar-
riage of our subject was solemnized at Or-
ange in 1892, when he was united to Miss
Sarah Redington, a daughter of William
and Mary Redington, and to Mr. and Mrs.
Austin have been born two children, —
William Redington and Elizabeth. Mr.
Austin is a member of the Congregational
church, while his wife is an adherent of
Grace Episcopal church, both of which are
located at Orange. Mr. Austin has, by
1 84
ESSEX COUNTY.
virtue of liis many admirable qualities, won
the high esteem and personal regard of a
larg'e number of friends.
ROBERT McARTHUR,
a florist and liorticulturist of West Orange,
also having offices at i86 Main street and
No. 30 Bell street, Orange, was born in the
village of Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, on
the 14th of June, 1842, and is a son of John
and Mary (McNabb) McArthur, also na-
tives of Scotland. The father, a son of
Peter McArthur, had received a common-
school education in his native land and as
a life work he chose the occupation of
farming, which he carried on until called
to his final rest at the age of seventy-three
years. He was a sober, industrious, just
and conscientious man who won the re-
spect and esteem of all who knew him.
His widow still survives and is living with
her niece, Mary McPherson. They were
both consistent Christian people, being sin-
cere members of the Presbyterian church.
Their family numbered four children, as
follows: Robert, of this sketch; Mary,
wife .of Thomas Matthews, of Perthshire,
Scotland; Janett, wife of Mr. McPherson,
a resident of Northumberlandshire, Eng-
land; and William, who married a lady of
his own nativity and resides in Perthshire,
Scotland.
In the common schools of his native land
Robert McArthur acquired his education,
and when he had reached his early 'teens
was employed at gardening and rose-grow-
ing. He also acquired a good knowledge
of horticulture, and followed those lines of
business in his native land until 1866, when
he determined to come to America, hoping
therebv to find a broader field for his labor
and better financial conditions. Accord-
ingly he made arrangements to cross the
Atlantic and left home March 25, 1866,
landing in New York on the 13th of April.
He was first employed by James Lennox,
of New York city, remaining with that
gentleman for two years, after which he
spent three years in the employ of D. H.
Height, of Orange county, New York, as
a practical gardener. He afterward had
charge of the grounds of H. H. Farnini at
Port Jeft'erson, New York, for two years,
and in 1873 came to Orange, wdiere he en-
tered the employ of Dr. E. E. Marcy, having
entire charge of his greenhouse and lawns.
For nearly nineteen years he continued in
that position and adding to his experience
and knowledge of the business until, w-ell
qualified for his work and with a capital
acquired from his own labors, he embarked
in his present business. In iSgo he estab-
lished his greenhouses and office on Bell
street. Orange, where he began the rose-
growing and horticultural business on his
own account. He subsequently estab-
lished his large and commodious sales-
rooms and office at No. 186 Main street,
Orange, and in 1896 he also began busi-
ness at West Orange, in Gaston street,
where he has made excellent improvements
and has extensive greenhouses. He has,
by thrift, energy and perseverance, suc-
ceeded in establishing a large and profit-
able business, and demonstrated the fact
that the road to prosperity is open to all
who have the energy and ambition to con-
quer the difficulties that block the way.
Mr. McArthur was married in Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada, in 1873, to Jessie Mc-
Pherson, a daughter of Donald and Ann
(McDougal) McPherson. To the union
have been born three children : Annie,
ESSEX COUNTY.
185
George and William, the lirst two being
graduates of the Orange high school. The
mother of this family died in 1883, at the
age of thirty-eight years. In 1885 Mr.
McArthur was again married, his second
union being with Miss Mary Adeline
Crane, a daughter of George R. and Ann
(Ward) Crane. They now have one son,
Ralph C. Mr. and Mrs. McArthur and
two children are leading members of the
First Presbyterian church of Oranee. He
cast his first presidential vote for R. B.
Hayes, and usually supports the Republi-
can presidential nominees, but at local
elections, where no national issue is in-
volved, votes independently of party ties.
HENRY KRAHN,
who is engaged in tlie manufacture of soda
and mineral waters in Orange, was born
on the old family homestead in the town of
Neuhof, near the city of Lubeck, in the
province of Schleswig-Holstein. Germany,
October 23, 1866, and is a son of Henry
and Clara (Stuben) Krahn. His maternal
grandfather was Andrew Stuben. The fa-
ther of our subject was a farmer by occu-
pation and was extensively engaged in rais-
ing the famous breed of Holstein cattle.
He was a man of much energy and of sound
judgment in business afifairs, and of
thoughtful, earnest purpose. He died
some years ago, but his widow still survives
him and now resides with her daughter
Mary. To Mr. and Mrs. Krahn were born
the following children : Clara, wife of Ar-
thur Voss, postmaster of the village of
Pansdorf, Germany, by whom she has one
daughter; Mary, who is living with her mo-
ther; Emil, who died at the age of one
year; Elizabeth, who resides in one of the
suburban towns adjoining London. Eng-
land; Helena, wife of John Schw^erin, of
Holstein, Germany: and William, who also
resides in Holstein.
Henry Krahn, whose name introduces
this review, acquired his education in the
district schools of his native town and re-
mained under the parental roof until 1886,
when he decided to come to America. On
the 1 2th of January, of that year, he sailed
from the fatherland, and on the 23d reached
the harbor of New York. He did not
tarry long in the metropolis, however, but
made his way to Hackensack, New Jersey,
where he met with an accident that
brought on a long illness. He returned to
his native country for medical treatment
and after remaining for a short time in Ger-
many again started for America, June 10,
1887. The vessel in which he sailed
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York
on the 22d and once more he found him-
self in the United States.
After a time Mr. Krahn took up his resi-
dence in Orange, where he secured a situ-
ation with Laurence Harrison. He fol-
lowed various occupations until December,
1891, when, forming a partnership with
Louis Muhly. he engaged in the manufac-
ture of soda and mineral waters. In 1893
he sold his interest in the business to John
J. Barry, and being desirous of again seeing
the land of his birth he crossed the Atlantic,
remaining abroad until October, 1893.
After his return to Orange, he purchased
the interest of his former partner and under
the firm name of Barry & Krahn conducted
a successful business in the manufacture of
soda and mineral waters. In 1894 he
bought out his partner's interest and has
since carried on the enterprise alone. He
has a very large patronage and derives
therefrom a good income.
1 86
ESSEX COUNTY.
Mr. Krahn was married in Orange, No-
vember 1 8, 1890, to i\Iar_v Riegraf, who was
born August 14, 1872, and is a daughter
of Frederick and Philomena Riegraf. The}-
now have three interesting children:
Henr}% Mary and Clara; and they lost their
first born, Agnes, who died at the age of
eight months. Mr. and Mrs. Krahn attend
the German Presbyterian church of Or-
ange. Socially he is connected with John
F. Morse Lodge, No. 183, I. O. O. F., of
Orange, and in his political predilections is
a Democrat.
JOHN F. ]MAXFIELD.
Among those whose activity in mercan-
tile circles keeps in motion the busy wheels
of trade in the metropolis of the country is
this gentleman, who for many years has
been one of the leading dealers in and ex-
porters of fruit in New York city. He has
attained a prominence in business that is
due entirely to honorable and systematic
methods, to indefatigable energy and reso-
lute purpose, and his success has been
worthily won.
A native of Westchester county, New
York, Mr. Maxfield was born on the ist of
September, 1840, being a son of John G.
and Mary E. (Guion) Maxfield, the former
a native of Brighton, England, the latter
of the Empire state. The maternal grand-
father, Hoagland Guion, located in the vi-
cinity of New Rochelle, New York. He
was a son of Charles Guion, who served in
the war of the Revolution and held a cap-
tain's commission. The paternal grand-
father of our subject was William M. Max-
field, a native of Brighton, England. The
father, John G. Maxfield, was a carpenter
and builder in Westchester county for a
number of years, was later engaged in the
same line of business in Brooklyn, New
York, and eventually removed to New Jer-
sey, where he passed the remainder of his
life. He died in his eighty-first year, his
wife having passed away in her sixty-
fourth year. They were the parents
of the following named children : Charles
W. ; John F. ; Henry Guion; Juliett
G., wife of Thomas Oakes, a prom-
inent woolen manufacturer of Bloom-
field, New Jersey; Joseph B., whole-
sale jobber and importer of fruit. Park
Place, New York; Eliza W., wife of Joseph
Hayne, of Bloomfield; Jennie M., wife of
John Lawrence, a leading representative of
mercantile interests in Newark; and Adam
T., deceased.
John F. Maxfield spent his boyhood days
in Brooklyn, New York, where his parents
moved when he was a child, and where he
received the educational advantages af-
forded by the common schools. He be-
gan his business career as a clerk in a fruit
store in New York city, remaining in the
same house for several years. From 1856
until 1859 he lived on his father's farm in
Morris county. New Jersey, and in i860
he returned to New York city, ^vhere he
secured a clerkship. Not long afterward,
however, with capital he had acquired
through his industry, economy and perse-
verance, he embarked in business on his
own account.
Forming a partnership with his brother,
Charles W. Maxfield, and James A. Gren-
zebach, he began operation as a whole-
sale fruit dealer, at the corner of Washing-
ton and Fulton streets and has since built
up an extensive and profitable business,
Mr. Grenzebach eventually withdrawing
from the firm. The firm handle all kinds
J. F. MAXFIELD
ESSEX COUNTY.
187
of tropical fruits, and in 1867 began doing
a large business in the packing and ship-
ping of oranges, bananas and lemons, mak-
ing extensive importations from the West
Indies. The new tariff bill of 1897, how-
ever, has materially aiifected their trade in
this line. They have one of the finest
wholesale fruit houses in the city, carrying
the fruits produced in all parts of the world,
and using the latest improved facilities for
the care and shipment of their goods. Be-
ginning operations on a small scale, Mr.
Maxfield has steadily worked his way up-
ward, until he now occupies a leading place
in trade circles in his line, and as the result
of his well directed efforts has accumu-
lated a handsome capital.
In September, 1875, Mr. Maxfield was
united in marriage to Miss Caroline Todd,
of New York city, a daughter of Theodore
W. Todd. They have a family of nine
children, six sons and three daughters. In
1862 Mr. Maxfield removed his family to
Bloomfield, New Jersey, and they have
since resided at No. 261 Franklin street,
where they have a pleasant home whose
generous hospitality is proverbial. In his
political views Mr. Maxfield is independ-
ent, allying himself with no party, but he
is a progressive, loyal American, support-
ing the men and measures which he be-
lieves will best promote the public good.
HENRY LEBER COIT, M. D.
A comparison of the relative value to
mankind of the various professions places
medicine among the first, and many give to
it the most important position. Man's
most prized possession is life, and he who
alleviates pain and suffering and restores
health and strength well deserves to be
numbered among the benefactors of the
race.
Dr. Coit was born in Peapack, New Jer-
sey, on the i6th of ^ilarch, 1854, a son of
the late Rev. John Summerfield Coit, who
was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, on
the 1 8th of September, 1828. The grand-
father, Nathaniel Coit, was one of the pio-
neers of Bloomfield. His parents were
Samuel and Sylvia (Lewis) Coit. He was
born in New London, Connecticut, and
when a youth of fourteen summers went to
li\e with his uncle, David Coit, in New
York city. He served in the militia there
in 1813, in defense of the city.
Rev. John Summerfield Coit was edu-
cated in Pennington Seminary, in which
institution he was prepared for the ministry
and was graduated with high honors. He
joined the New Jersey conference in 1853
and continued in active work as a minister
of the gospel until his death, which oc-
curred in Des Moines, Iowa, on the 7th of
January, 1868, he having been transferred
to the Iowa conference. He was a most
conscientious and devoted minister, was
instrumental in the building of a number
of houses of worship and in leading many
hundreds of people into the church of
Christ. His memory remains as a blessed
benediction to all who knew him, and is
enshrined in the hearts of all who had tlie
honor of his friendship. Upon his death
his remains were brought back to Newark
and interred in Bloomfield, whither they
were followed by about thirty of his fellow
ministers. In his early manhood he was
united in marriage to Miss Ellen Neafie
Herriman, who was born at Honeoye Falls,
New York, and died in 1894. The follow-
ing children were born to this worthy
couple : Henry Leber, Catherine Miriam,
1 88
ESSEX COUNTY.
Carrie Ella, Emma Lavinia, ^lay Frances
and John Lament, of whom the hrst three
are living, the others having died in child-
hood.
Dr. Henry L. Coit. who acqnired his lii-
erary education in the pubHc schools of
Newark, afterward attended the Colleg<:' of
Pharmacy, in New- York city, where he was
graduated in 1876 with the valedictorian
honors of his class. He followed the phar-
maceutical profession as a chemist for four-
teen years. After his graduation in phar-
macy, he was elected a tutor in the college
of pharmacy, which jjosition he filled until
1S80. when he entered the College of Phv-
sicians and Surgeons, of New York citv. as
a student of medicine. He was graduated
at that institution in the class of 1883, and
at once entered upon the practice of medi-
cine in Newark, where he has since con-
tinued. He is a member of the local, state
and national medical societies and was for
one term president of the Practitioners'
Club, of Newark. In 1896 he promulgated
the movement which resulted in the found-
ing of the Babies' Hospital, of which insti-
tution he is the attending phvsician. He
is a member of the pediatric section of the
New York Academy of ]\Iedicine and or-
ganized the Essex County Medical Milk
Commission, which has so largely influ-
enced the general improvement in the qual-
ity of milk offered for sale throughout the
country.
The Doctor was married in 1886. the
lady of his choice being Miss Emma, daugh-
ter of John M. Gwinnell. of Newark.
Three daughters and a son have been l)orn
to them: John Summerfield. deceased;
Jessie Barker, Eleanor G. and Edith Neafie.
The Doctor is a memljer of St. John's
Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. and is a consistent
member of the Halsey Street .Methodist
Episcopal church, in wliich he has held of-
ficial preferment since the age of twenty-
one years. He is a man of kindly nature
and benevolent impulses, and his good
works have won him the gratitude of manv.
JOHN T. ODELL,
of the firm of \'an Iderstine & Odell, con-
tractors and builders. South Orange, New
Jersey, is a veteran of the Civil war and
belongs to a family noted for patriotism and
sterling worth, his father and grandfather
having served in the war of 1812 and the
Revolution, respectively.
Tradition says that Grandfather John
Odell was a Scotchman by birth. This,
however, is not certain. Little is known
of his history, as after his service in the
Revolutionary war he went to New York
state to find employment, and was never
afterward heard from. It is supposed that
he was killed. John Odell, the father of
our subject, was probably bom in New
Jersey. He was a wheelwright by trade,
and in politics he was first a Whig and later
a Republican. He died in 1892, at the ripe
old age of ninety-six years. His wife, the
mother of our subject, died in 1843. Her
maiden name was Sarah Pruden. She was
a native of Hanover, Alorris county, New
Jersey, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Elisha Pruden. natives of that county. Of
the children Ijorn to John Odell and wife,
we record that Charles died when young;
Martha also died in early life; Phoebe
Maria is the wife of Joseph Kitchell; Wil-
liam Henr_\- married Elizabeth O'Dell. of
Morris county. They are now living in
Laporte. Indiana. Eliza Phoebe, de-
ceased, marrietl ]\Ioses H. Camfield; Eme-
ESSEX COUNTY.
line, now deceased, was the wife of Jacolj
A. Skinner, of Warren county. New Jer-
sey; George P. Odell: next came John T. ;
and Susan M. is the youngest. John T.
Odell was born in Columl)ia. Morris coun-
ty, New Jersey, July 29. 1835: was reared
at the parental home and enjoyed the ad-
vantage of a good common-school educa-
tion. On reaching manhood he turned his
attention to the carpenter's trade, which
he then followed for some years. Then for
fourteen years he was engaged in fruit
ranching in Delaware. In 1892 he came to
South Orange, resumed work at his old
trade, and formed a partnership with Mr.
Van Iderstine. which association has
proved a profitable one. the firm of \'an
Iderstine & Odell now taking first rank
among the contractors and builders of
South Orange.
Mr. Odell was married in 1857 to Miss
Fannie Ball, a native of Jefferson Village,
now known as Maplewood. New Jersey.
She is a daughter of Charles M. and grand-
daughter of Noah Ball, the former also a
native of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Odell
have five children, namely: Minnie E..
widow of Walter Reynolds, has three cb.il-
dren. Bessie. Helen and Grace: Clarence
M., who married Sadie Garris, daughter of
Hamilton Garris; and Fannie. Edith and
Robert J., at home.
As already stated. Mr. Odell was in the
late war of the Rebellion. He enlisted at
Newark in 1862. in the Twenty-sixth New
Jersey Volunteers, immediately went to the
front, and saw much hard fighting, being a
participant in the battles of Rappahannock
and Fredericksburg, and being with Burn-
side on his "mud march" in 1863. During
all his service he showed himself to be a
brave, true soldier, possessing the same
valor which distinguished his forefathers in
the wars with England. He was honor-
ably discharged and mustered out of the
service just before the Ijattle of Gettysburg.
His rank was that of sergeant, and for a
time he was a member of the amlnilauce
corps.
Fraternally. Mr. Odell is identified with
the Masonic Order, having his membership
in Century Lodge, No. 100, F. and A. M..
South Orange. Both he and his wife are
active members of the Methodist Episcopal
church at this place, he being a steward and
trustee of the same. His political affilia-
tions are with the Republican party; he
takes a lively interest in local aftairs. and
has served as trustee of the village of South
Orange.
THEODORE VAN IDERSTINE,
for over forty years a boot and shoe mer-
chant of South Orange. New Jersey, was
born in Morris county, this state. Septem-
ber 13, 1828, son of Theodore \'an Ider-
stine, who was probably a native of New-
York city. Of the ancestry of the family
very little is known. It is believed, how-
ever, that the great-grandfather came from
Holland, landing here early in the eigh-
teenth century.
The senior Mr. Theodore \'an Iflerstine
was by occupation a shoemaker, which vo-
cation he followed in the early part of his
life, later settling on a farm and devoting
his attention to agriculture. He married
Miss Susan Van Norton, a native of Morris
county. New Jersey, and a daughter of An-
drew \'an Norton, probably a native of that
county, their ancestors having come to this
country from Holland. The children of
this worthy couple numbered thirteen, all
190
ESSEX COUNTY.
of \\hom Grandmother Van Iderstine lived
to see married and settled in life, her age
at death being ninety-five years. Grand-
father Van Iderstine was seventy-eight
when he died. At this writing the grand-
children nnmber about one hundred and
fifty. Throughout its history the family
has been noted for its patriotism. The
father of our suliject served in the war of
1812, and three of his sons were partici-
pants in the late Rebellion. Theodore en-
listed at Newark, New Jersey, in 1862. in
the Twenty-sixth New Jersey Regiment,
and immediately went to the front, sewing
as color guard and corporal. Among the
engagements in which he took ])art were
those of Rappahannock and Fredericks-
burg, he being in two battles at the latter
place. He was honorably discharged at
Camp Frelinghuysen in 1863, on the e\'e of
the battle of Gettysburg.
Mr. Iderstine in early life took up his
father's trade, that of shoemaker, and is
still engaged in the shoe business. At one
time he manufactured shoes for the leading-
houses in New York, conducting a business
which required the lalior of about eighteen
men. Now he has a shoe store and general
repair shop on Second street. South Or-
ange, and is doing a successful business.
Mr. Van Iderstine married Miss iNIarv
Jane\'an\\'inkle, a native of Morris countv.
New Jersey, whose ancestors were prol)a-
bly of Holland origin. Their children are
as follows: Daniel \\'esley. who married
Miss Mary Staley; Theodore, who married
Miss Josephine Vanderhof; William, who
married Aliss Mary Vanderhof; Susan, wife
of George Barnard: and Etta, wife of Frank
Bailey.
Politically. Mr. \'an Iderstine atiiliates
with the Democratic party, and has always
taken a commendable interest in public af-
fairs, but has never sought nor filled public
olifice. He is a member of the Order of
American \'olunteers and of the Masonic
fraternity, his membership in the latter be-
ing with Century Lodge, No. 100, South
Orange.
Mrs. Van Iderstine is a devoted and con-
sistent member of the ^Methodist Episcopal
church.
LEVI \'AN BUSKIRK,
funeral director and undertaker of West
Orange, was born in this city, November 2,
1844, a son of David and Charlotte (Wil-
liams) Van Buskirk. The former was born
in Paterson, New Jersey, and was a son of
Cornelius A'an Buskirk, who was of Hol-
land Dutch extraction. Having acquired
a district-school education, he learned the
trade of shoemaking, which occupation he
followed in his early manhootl. Later he
followetl various pursuits. He died in his
nati\e city at the age of sixty-seven years.
His wife was a daughter of Joseph and
Marv Williams, and died at the age of fifty-
six years. Da^•id A'an Buskirk was a loyal
and devoted citizen, whose well spent life
commanded the regard of all with whom
the duties or pleasures of life brought him
in contact. He was true to his friends, de-
\-oted and loving to his family, and was a
consistent Christian. Ijoth he and his wife
holding membership in the Methodist Epis-
copal church. Their family numbered the
following: Aaron, of Morrisville, Bucks
countv, Pennsylvania, who married Sarah
M. Kanouse and has four children living;
Levi: Ira, of Plainfield, who wedded El-
mira A'ermule and has three children living;
and Sarah J., wife of John E. Brundage. of
ESSEX COUNTY.
191
West Orange, l)y whom she has live cliil-
dren.
Levi \'an Buskirk acquired his education
in the Oranges. He remained under tlie
parental roof until he had attained his ma-
jorit}-, and tJien started out in life on his
own account. He first engaged in the shoe
business for a number of years in Freeman
street, Orange, and in the enterprise met
with very satisfactory success. In 1878 he
also opened his undertaking establishment,
which he conducted in connection with the
other until 1881, when he disposed of his
shoe store. In 1883 he opened his present
office and warerooms on Freeman street.
On the loth of April, 1865, was cele-
brated the marriage of our subject and Miss
Mary E. Smith, a daughter of Edward G.
and Katharine (Wilcox) Smith, who were
of Scotch ancestr}-. The wedding took
place in Springfield, Union county, and to
them ha\e been born four children: Hattie
Amelia, who was graduated at the high
school in Orange and is now the widow of
Elmor Gordon, by whom she has two chil-
dren — Mabel and Ernest; Charles G., who
married Carrie Coursen, and is engaged in
the business of staining glass, with offices
in Newark; Ernest L.. a graduate of the
West Orange school, now with his father;
and Lottie G., now a student in the West
Orange high school.
Mr. and Mrs. \^an Buskirk are both faith-
ful members of the First Presbvterian
church of r)range. The former takes cjuite
an active interest in public affairs and lends
a hearty cooperation to all movements cal-
culated to prove of public benefit. In 1887
he was elected to the office of assessor of
West Orange, was twice reelected and
served three terms, retiring from office as
he had entered it — with the confidence and
good will of the public. In 1895 he was
elected a member of the town committee,
and in 1896 was reelected, serving as treas-
urer of the board during his incumbency.
He discharges his public duties with
marked fidelity aiul promptness, wiiming
the commendation of all concerned. He
is a leading member of Union Lodge, No.
II, A. F. & A. M., of Orange; Lafayette
Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F.. and is also an
associate memljer of the Walt Whitman
Lodge (of Orange) of the National Union.
JOHN CUM.MINGS HOUSTON. ^I. D.,
is one of the younger physicians residing
at Newark who has already achieved
marked success in his chosen profession,
and is recognized as an able, progressive
and enthusiastic practitioner of his home
citv. • He was born in Windham, Connecti-
cut, on the 5th of March, 1867. and is the
son of Gavin and Martha (Cummings)
Houston, the former of whom was a native
of Scotland who came to the United States
when about nineteen years old, and was
here for a number of years engaged in the
book business, later embarking in the in-
surance line in New York city. The
mother was born in Connecticut, where her
family was an old one, dating back to the
pioneer settlers of that state. Mrs. Hous-
ton was called to her eternal rest in 1885.
Our subject's father has for the past twen-
tv-eight years resided in East Orange, while
attending to his business in New York.
The boyhood of Dr. Houston was spent
in the Oranges, receiving his primary edu-
cational discipline in the jjublic schools,
later attending boarding school for several
years, and finally completing his studies in
the Newark Academy at Newark. After
192
ESSEX COUXTY.
leaxing school lie entered the emplo}- of a
firm of contractors in a clerical cajiacitv.
remaining thus engaged for a time, and
then decided to take up the science of medi-
cine, pursuing his studies under the efficient
preceptorage of Dr. ^^'illiam B. Graves, of
East C)range, and supplementing the same
by a course at the University of New York,
and finally graduating at that institution in
1894. After obtaining his degree of Doctor
of Medicine he took up his abode in New-
ark and engaged in the general practice of
medicine at the corner of Bloomfield and
Mount Prospect avenues, where he has
since continued, attaining that success con-
comitant with and a result of a high or-
der of mentality, perseverance, ability and
a complete knowledge of the various
branches of the profession he follows. In
1895 Dr. Houston was appointed assistant
bacteriologist of the city bacteriological
laboratory, a position he retains at this
writing ('1897). He is a member of the
Essex County Medical Society, is secretar\-
of the Aesculapian Society, and is a past
chancellor of Covenant Lodge, Xo. 35.
Knights of Pythias.
The marriage of Dr. Houston was sol-
emnized on the 26th of January. 1889.
when he was united to ^liss Phoebe Edith
Cooke, a daughter of George Cooke. Estj.,
a well known citizen of the Oranges. ■
ALBERT FREY. M. D..
was born in Newark. Xew Jersey, on the
24th of June, 1863. and is a son of Albert
and Josephine (Kipp) Frey, the former of
whom was a nati\'e of Carlsruhe. Baden.
Germany, where he was born in 1818. He
was a merchant in the old country, and was
one of the loval citizens during the Revolu-
tion in 1848. The family is of royal birth,
the great grandfather being one of the
founders of Carlsruhe. The father of our
subject came to the L'nited States in 1849,
locating in New York, where he accepted
a position with the well known firm of Lord
& Taylor, with which he remained until
185 1, when he moved to Newark and be-
came associated with Edward Balbach &
Son in their gold and silver smelting and
refining works (now the Balljach Smelting
and Refining Company) and there contin-
ued until his death, in 1873. The success
of the above firm was largely due to the
energy and ability of Mr. Frey. He was a
member of the ^Masonic fraternity in New-
ark Lodge, No. 7. and a devout adherent of
the Lutheran church. His wife was also a
native of Carlsruhe and survived him until
September 4, 1890. They were the parents
of the following five children: Josephine,
now the wife of Francis B. Chedsey, of New
York city: Louise, who married Martin
Rilke. of Germany: Ida, the widow of C.
\\'. Sundmacher, of Germany; Katie, the
widow of W. H. Erb, of Newark: and our
subject.
Dr. Frey received his early education in
a private German school on Green street,
at which he was graduated in 1873. and
then went to Germany and attended the
real gymnasium of Carlsruhe, a scientific
college, where he pursued his studies for
the following three years, at the end of
which time he went to ^Muenchen-Gladbach,
and there entered the gymnasium, graduat-
ing at the same in 1880. Returning to
America he entered Phillips Academy, at
Andover, Massachusetts, at which he was
graduated in 1881, and in that year entered
Yale College, but finished only the course
of the freshman class. In 1882 he attended
ALBERT FREY.
ESSEX COUNTY.
193
hotli llie College of Pharmacy and the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New
York city, pursuing his studies at the latter
institution until 18S4, when he once more
visited German)- and entered the University
of Bonn, remaining there about a year.
Upon his return to this country in 1885, he
became associated with Professor William
H. Porter, of the Post-Graduate Aletlical
School in New ^'ork citv. taking charge of
the jjathological lalioratory and assisting
the jirofessor in conducting post-mortem
examinations in the city department of
Bellevue Hospital, and at the same time he
attended the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, at which he was graduated in
1888. He remained a year longer with
Professor Porter, adding to his technical
knowledge by assuming charge of one of
the first bacteriological laboratories in Xew
York.
In 1889 Dr. Frey located in Newark,
New Jersey, and there entered upon the
active practice of his profession, gaining
the distinction of being the first physician
in New Jersey to use anti-toxin for the cure
of diphtheria, and he has given much of his
attention to the diseases of children. He
is also greatly interested in surgery and de-
votes a large portion of his time to develop-
ing his knowledge in that im])ortant
branch of medicine. The Doctor is a mem-
ber of the National, State and Essex Dis-
trict Medical Societies, and was secretary
of the defunct Newark Medical Associa-
tion. He is affiliated with the Masonic
fraternity, his membership being in New-
ark Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.. Union
Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and Kane Coun-
cil No. 3, R. & S. M. In his religious faith
he is a Lutheran and a member of the So-
ciety of Chosen Friends, and he is a meni-
13
ber of the German Liederkranz of Newark,
the Arion and German singing societies of
Newark, the Order of the Red Cross and
the Knights and Ladies of the Golden Star.
He also holds the responsible position of
medical examiner for the Washington Life
Insurance Company of New Jersey.
The marriage of Dr. Frey was solemnized
on the loth of December, 1884, when he
was united to Miss Louise Jimg. a nati\-e of
Germany, and the following three children
were born to them: Irmengard Elfriede
Josephine, who died of scarlet fever at the
age of three years and seven months; Ott-
mar W'edekind Rudolph, aged six years;
and Millie. The Doctor's domestic asso-
ciations are of the most pleasant nature,
and he and his good wife enjoy the esteem
and w arm regard of a large circle of friends.
BEN M. SKINNER.
The progenitors of the Skinner family
were Ixjrn in Scotland, three brothers of
which came to America in 1621, the year
follow ing tlie arrival of the Mayflower, and
one of them settled in Connecticut, one in
Massachusetts, and the other in Vermont.
The father of our subject. Justin P. Skin-
ner, was a descendant of the latter branch,
his birth taking place in the Green Moun-
tain state. His wife was Miss Marian
Moulton, a native of Connecticut, whose
grandfather was killed by Indians on the
forks of the Delaware river, the grand-
mother taking refuge at the time with some
friendly Indians. The maternal grand-
jjarents' name was Loundsbury, which at-
tained considerable fame during the Revo-
lutionary war. Both parents of our subject
are now living in Connecticut.
fjen M. Skinner, the subject of this re-
194
ESSEX COUNTY.
view, was horn in Plymouth, Litchfield
county, Connecticut, on the 17th of Fehru-
ary, 1859, and passed his youth in the city
of his nativity. His education was ob-
tained in the public and high schools of
Plymouth, which he attended until sixteen
years of age, and was then apprenticetl to
the blacksmithing trade, following the
same for twelve years. Upon attaining his
twenty-eighth year Mr. Skinner embarked
in the undertaking business in Newark, and
in March, 1895, he opened an establishment
of his own, continuing to successfully pur-
sue his vocation until the fall of 1896, when
he was elected on the Republican ticket as
one of the coroners of Essex count}'. The
high degree of popularity attained by IMr.
Skinner may be appreciated when it is
stated that he made no effort to secure the
office of which he is the present incumbent,
and the first knowledge he had of the mat-
ter was when he was informed of his nomi-
nation, which was followed as a matter of
course by his election for a term of three
years. He is a capable, energetic gentle-
man, and is fulfilling the duties of his posi-
tion with an intelligence and ability that
highly commends the excellent judgment
of his many friends.
In his social relations Mr. Skinner is ;i
member of Newark Lodge, No. 7, Free
and Accepted Masons; is district deputy
of District No. 6, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, having become affiliated with
that society in New Haven, Connecticut,
where he held the office of Past Grand of
Lucern Lodge, No. 181, and Past Chief
Patriarch of Mount Ararat Encampment;
and he is associated with Anthony Wayne
Council, No. 159, Junior Order of United
American Mechanics.
Mr. Skinner was united in marriasc in
1884 to Miss Mary L. Miller, who was born
in Newark, and is a daughter of Valentine
INIiller.
ELIAS OSBORN DOREMUS.
The first ancestor of this family in Amer-
ica was Cornelius Doremus.who came from
Holland about the year 1686, and settled
at or near Acquackanonck (now Passaic),
New Jersey, where he owned a large
amount of land. An Indian deed of the
Duck Pyrchase, dated May 16, 1703, de-
scribing a large tract of land lying along
the Passaic river, has his name attached as
a witness, the conveyance being made by
twelve Indians, probably of the Hacken-
sack tribe of Lenni-Lenapes. The name of
Cornelius' wife is not known, but his chil-
dren were: Johannes, Holland, Thomas,
Cornelius, Hendrick and Joris. Thomas
was born at Acquackanonck and took up
his residence at ^Vesel, New Jersey, where
he was married to Annekes Abrahmse Ack-
erman, who was born at Hackensack, and
the following six children were born to
them : Cornelius, Goline, Abraham, Peter,
Johannes and Anneke.
Cornelius lived at Doremustown, New
Jersey, and there married Antje Young,
this union resulting in ten children, as fol-
lows : Hendricus, Thomas, Peter, Maritji,
Johannes, Jannetji, Susannah, Alitta, and
two others whose names are not given.
Peter, the son of Cornelius and Antje A.
(Ackerman) Doremus, was born at Slotter-
dam. New Jersey, in 1744, and married
Polly De}', the following being the issue:
Jacob, Richard, Cornelius, Peter, and two
daughters, one of whom married Henry
Perry, the other becoming the wife of J.
Speer.
^. G (U^iu^^^t^t^
THE
Nev YORK
[PUBLIC LIBRARY I
^ Astor, Lenox <.nj Jilden
FouniiHtiofis.
1931
ESSEX COUWTY.
195
Cornelius, son of Peter and Polly (Day)
Dorenuis, was born near Beavertown, New
Jersey, in 1787, subsequently marrying
Jane DeHart, their children were : Peter
Cornelius, John Cornelius, Sarah, Mary and
Lydia. Sarah married John R. Vandviyne,
of Montville, Morris county. New Jersey.
Their only surviving child is Harrison Van
Duyne, now one of the leading citizens of
Newark. Mary married Cornelius Cook,
both now deceased. Lydia married Peter
Van Houten. and after his death she mar-
ried, secondly, Elias Littell, of Montclair,
New Jersev. both now deceased.
Peter Cornelius Doremus, son of Cor-
nelius and Jane (DeHart) Doremus, was
born April 9, 1807, and died on the 30th
of Juno, 1869. He married Julia A. Os-
born, daughter of John H. Osborn, whose
birth occurred in Bloomfield, New Jersey,
in 1770. Her mother, Rhoda Baldwin, was
a daughter of Zophar Baldwin, who served
with the Essex county militia in the war of
the Revolution. He was the son of David
Baldwin, son of Benjamin, son of Joseph,
son of John Baldwin, senior, the New Jer-
sey ancestor who signed the Fundamental
Agreement. Peter C. Doremus came to
Orange in 1829 and here reared these chil-
dren : ]\Iary Cook, who married Charles
Clark; Julia A., who became the wife of
David J. Rogers; and Elias Osborn, the
eldest child and the immediate subject of
this review.
Elias Osborn Doremus, son of Peter C.
and Julia (Osborn) Doremus, was born in
what is now East Orange, New Jersey, on
the 17th of January, 183 1. His father was
a builder and contractor, and our subject
succeeded him in that line of enterprise at
the age of twenty-one years, continuing the
business until 1874. He has been vice-
president of the American Insurance Com-
pany -since 1 88 1, and for many, years he has
occupied a position of influence among the
leading citizens of Essex county. In 1868
he was elected a member of the board of
freeholders and by annual election retained
that incumbency for a period of seventeen
years, serving as president of the board
during the last seven years of that time.
He declined further election in 1883. In
his political af^liations Mr. Doremus is a
stanch Republican, and in 1873-4 he was a
member of the New Jersey general assem-
bly. He was for a long time a director of
the Orange National Bank, and is now act-
ing in a similar capacity in the Newark
City National Bank and the United States
Industrial Insurance Company. He is a
member of the New Jersey Society of the
Sons of the. American Revolution and one
of the board (of managers of that body, also
a member of the Board of Trade of the city
of Newark, the New England Society of
the Oranges, the New Jersey Historical
Society, etc.
The marriage of Mr. Doremus was sol-
emnized in 1855, when he was united to
Miss Harriet Peck, daughter of William
Peck, and four children were born to him
and his wife, namely : Emily, who died at
the age of eight years; Edwin P., who, after
a brilliant and successful but brief business
career, died in 1895, aged twenty-seven
years; Frederick Halsey is a partner of the
George F. Bassett Company; and Fannie,
whose husband, George F. Bassett, died
May 24, 1891.
HARVEY E. SMITH,
of Millburn, was born in Essex county in
1816, and was a son of William W. Smith,
a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this
196
ESSEX COUNTY.
county Avlien a young man. In his early
life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade,
and for a time was engaged in the manufac-
ture of woolen goods. He also conducted
a grocery store in Alaplewood, and during
his later years carried on agricultural pur-
suits. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Allen, was a daughter of Sam-
uel Allen, a Revoluticyiary hero, who at the
attempt to throw off the yoke of British
tyranny joined the colonial armv and \al-
iantiy aided in the struggle for independ-
ence. For his meritorious conduct he was
promoted to the rank of ensign. William
W. Smith gave his political support to the
Democracy. His death occurred on the •
19th of December, 1854, and his wife passetl
away on the 17th of November, 1849.
Harvey E. Smith, their youngest child,
was reared upon the home farm and at-
tended the common schools of the neigh-
borhood, l)ut desiring to follow some other
pursuit than that of agriculture he learned
the shoemaker's trade, to which he devoted
his energies until after the war, manufactur-
ing shoes for the southern trade. He after-
ward turned his attention to agriculture
and gave his time and energies to the culti-
vation and improvement of his farm until
his retirement from business life. He is
now living quietly at his home on Spring-
field avenue, Alillburn.
Mr. Smith was married on the 31st of
December, 1839, the lady of his choice be-
ing Aliss Phebe D. Edwards, a daughter
of John and Phebe (Baker) Edwards, who
were natives of ^Nlillburn township, Essex
county. The grandfather Edwards was a
captain in the Rexolutionary war. and tlied
in the early part of the nineteenth century.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were of Welsh de-
scent and were the parents of a large family.
To .Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been l)orn the
following named: Amanda Elizabeth, wife
of Edward Reeve; and Julia H., who
l)ecame the wife of Charles G. Weaver, and
after his death married John Towle. They
now make their home in Boston.
In his political affiliations Mr. Smith was
formerly a Democrat, but now votes inde-
pendent of party ties, casting his ballot for
the candidate whom he regards as best
qualified for office. He has witnessed the
growth and development of Essex county
for four-score years, has ever taken his part
in the work of advancement, and has given
his support to all measures calculated to
promote the material, social or moral wel-
fare. He is a man whose well spent life
makes his old age crowned with the venera-
tion and respect due to advanced years, and i
this volume would seem incomplete with-
out the record of his career.
ELIAS PATTERSON ILIFF, M. D.,
one of the well known and progressive
physicians of Newark, was born in Hunter-
don county. New Jersey, on the 29th of
September, 1841, and is of English ances-
try. Up to the age of fifteen years he suf-
fered from ill health, which seriously inter-
fered with his literary studies, of which he
was exceedingly fond, but gradually health
returned, and, having left home, he was
fairly adrift in the world, without means
other than those acquired by his own labor,
without influence, and without advice. He
had early in life decided to make the study
of medicine his life work, Ijut a great bar-
rier was in the way: he must obtain a pre-
liminary education, antl he was unable to
go to school, as he must work to live. Only
one axenue of ad\ancement seemed open
ESSEX COUNTY.
197
to him, and tliat was. to work during' tlie
day and study at night, and thus the mid-
night lamp witnessed his single-handed
struggle with what were to him knotty and
difficult iirolilems. but, endowed with great
will power and untiring energy, liy dint of
personal effort he finally acquired a very
fair English education and a sufficient
knowledge of Latin to very materially aid
him in his professional studies.
Dr. Ilitf began the practical study of
medicine under the ]:)receptorship of Dr.
Charles Bartolette. of IMilford, New Jer-
sey, but just at that time the internecine
struggle between the north and south was
inaugurated, and this for a time changed
the course of the Doctor's career. He de-
sired to participate in the defence of the
Union, but twice was refused enlistment on
account of not being considered strong
enough to endure the hardsliij^s of army
life in active service: but finally, however,
he was accepted in the navy, and spent the
last year of the war in the South Atlantic
squadron performing blockade service.
Returning to New Jersey after the close of
hostilities, Dr. Uiff anxiously ])ushed ahead
with his studies and was obliged to lal^or
hard in order to obtain money to defray his
expenses at the medical school. After se-
curing a good start, an unfortunate busi-
ness investment de]iri\ed him of every dol-
lar he possessed and left him in debt, but
notwithstanding this he was not disheart-
ened, nor did he change his purpose, stead-
ily persevering until at last he received his
degree from the Long Island College Hos-
pital, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1877.
Coming to Newark in 1882, Dr. Ilifif con-
tinued in the active practice of his profes-
sion, his worth and ability quickly securing
to him a large and lucrative patronage.
He is a hard worker in his calling, is earnest,
conscientious and painstaking, and for the
last few years he has given much attention
and study to the subject of pulmonarv tu-
berculosis, believing that a remedy could
be compounded that would destroy the
germ of the disease or neutralize in the
blood the toxine already formed. A num-
ber of well authenticated cases alreadv at-
test the efficiency of this method of treat-
ment.
Touchiiig upon the political faith of Dr.
Iliff we may state that he is a stanch ad-
herent of the Re])ublican party, but has
never held official preferment other than
ser\-ing for one term on the board of edu-
cation of Newark.
In 1866 the Doctor was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary M. Drake, a daughter
of Amos H. Drake, of Warren county.
Two children have been born of this union,
one of whom survives and is now a teacher
in one of the grammar schools of Newark.
The Doctor is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and is Past Master of Newark
Lodge, No. 7: he is also a member of the
Esse.x County Medical Society. He is a
registered physician in the states of New
Jersey and New York, where he is highly '
regarded in medical as well as in social cir-
cles.
DR. JOHN C. HANKS
is a member of the firm of Hanks Brothers,
which stands at the head of the dental pro-
fession in the city of Newark, its members
possessing a skill and ability that have ad-
vanced them steadily to a leading place in
their chosen calling. Advancement in any
of the learned professions is the result not
of fortuitous circumstances or of influence,
198
ESSEX COUNTY
but depends upon individual merit and
skill. By close study and application Jolm
C. Hanks has qualified himself for the at-
tainment of the success which is now his.
Born in Plymouth, North Carolina, on
tlie 4th of May. 1847. he is a son of Edgar
ajid Sopliia (CorneU) Hanks, the former a
native of Aul)urn, New York, and the
latter of Plymouth, North Carolina. His
father went to the south aliout 1830, was
"married there and located permanently in
the birth place of his wife and 'son. He
was for many years engaged in the mill-
wright business. His death occurred in
1861, and his wife, surviving him two years,
passed away in 1863. They had ten chil-
dren, of whom the following are still living:
Edmund E., a dentist of New York citv;
John C ^Irs. Leonora White, of Newbern,
North Carolina, and Mrs. Catherine E.
Bickford, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Dr. Hanks, of this review, was reared in
Plymouth, North Carolina, and acquired
his education in an academy there. He
was in the south during the war, but did
not enter the army, having to remain at
home and care for his widowed mother.
After the war he came to the north, s]iend-
■ ing some time in New York city, whence
he removed to Elizabethport, New Jersey.
In 1869 he began studying dentistry there,
and when he had mastered l)oth the theory
and practice of the art, he located in Rah-
way. New Jersey. Since that time he has
practiced in South Norwalk, Connecticut,
New Yorlf city, Goshen, New York, and
Jersey City, and in July, 1873. he came to
Newark, forming a partnership with his
In-other, Dr. Ednnuid E. Hanks, under the
firm name of Hanks Brothers. Theirs is
one of the most extensive dental establish-
ments in the countrv. They have very
large dental parlors in Newark, New York
and Jersey City. Their Newark office is
situated at the northwest corner of Broad
and Market streets, and the members of the
firm have availed themselves of all the mod-
ern improvements which have been made
in mechanical and operative dentistry, keep-
ing fully in touch with the progressive spirit
of the age. They are both experienced in
all the dififerent branches and phases of the
profession and enjoy a splendid practice
and well deserved popularity. Their thor-
ough understanding of the science and
practice of dentistry, enabling them to do
first-class work, has secured them a very
liberal patronage, which is constantly in-
creasing.
Dr. John C. Hanks is a member of the
Royal Arcanum. W. Master of Roseville
Lodge, No. 143, A. E. & A. \l.. is an hon-
orary member of the Jefferson Club, is vice-
president and a director of the Schubert
Vocal Society. In May, 1881. was cele-
brated his marriage to Miss Jennie I. Shaw,
of Roseville, a daughter of Robert and Ann
Elizaljeth Shaw. The_\- ha\e one daughter,
Georgiana M. The family are members of
the Trinity Episcojial church, and the Doc-
tor is deeply interested in all that pertains
to the moral, mental and aesthetic culture
of Essex county's people.
JOHN EORD HAGAR.
Eor nearly a quarter of a centur\' this
gentleman has given to the professional du-
ties that fall to the lot of the medical prac-
titioner a close and undivided attention.
He became identified with this calling in
Newark in 1874, at which time the medical
science was to him an almost untried field.
Success and prominence in almost any call-
ESSEX COUNTY.
199
ing lie along the line of patient, persevering
and faithful work. Tliis he realized, and
resolved that if earnest labor could secure
success it would be his. His career has
therefore been characterized by this factor
of prosperity, and supplementing this are
sound judgment, natural ability and thor-
ough ])reparation for his work. There are
no other qualities absolutely essential to
advancement, and u])on the ladiler of his
own building he has climbed to eminence.
The Doctor was born in Liberty street
in Newark. New Jersey, on the jytli of
November, 1851. a son of John H. Hagar,
who was also a native of Newark. He was
born in 1808 and died in the year of his
son's birth. He was a son of Jesse Hagar.
one of the early settlers of Kssex county.
John Hagar was a cutter by trade and fol-
lowed that pursuit tor many years. His
wife was Elizabeth Shippen. who is still
living, her home being in New \'ork citw
The Doctor acquired his ])rimary educa-
tion in the public schools of Newark and
New York, and in 1865 was graduated in
the Thirty-seventh street grammar school
of New 'S'ork. He then entered the Col-
lege of the City of New York, \\here he
pursued his studies for three years, after
which he entered the Colored Home Hos-
pital, where he was graduated in 1874, dur-
ing which time he served as an apothecary.
He was graduated in the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons of New York in 1893
and then served one year as house i)hysi-
cian for the Colored Home Hospital. Me
located in Ferry street, Newark, in the
spring of 1874. and has since continuously
engaged in the general practice of medi-
cine, securing a liberal and profitable pat-
ronage. He is visiting physician on the
staff of St. Barnabas Hospital, is a member
of the Essex County Medical Society, and
of the Medical and Surgical CIuIj.
On the i8th of April, 1877, the Doctor
was united in marriage to Sarah A. Cham-
l)ers, of Newark, a daughter of David L.
Chambers. In his political \iews he has
been a stalwart Republican since 1861. and
socially he is connected with the Knights
of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, American ^lechanics
and .\ncient Order of United Workmen.
He was regimental surgeon of the First
New Jersey Regiment, Uniformed Knights
of Pythias, for seven years, and on the for-
mation of the brigade was chosen brigade
surgeon for a term of four years.
WILLIAM F. SEIDLER, M. D.
.Vmong those who lia\-e attained distinct
prestige in the jiractice of medicine and
surgery in the city of Newark, and whose
success has come as the logical sequel of
thorough technical information, as enforced
bv natural ])redilection and that sympathy
and tact which are the inevitable concomi-
tants of precedence in the profession, is Dr.
Seidler. He is a native of Newark, having
been born in the tenth ward of this city
on the 1 6th of Se])teml)er. i860, the son
of William F. and .\melia (Deisler) Seidler,
the former of whom was born in Ziegen-
heim, Germany, and the latter in Baden,
in the same great empire. William F.
Seidler. Sr.. was an architect and builder
in the fatherland, and upon attaining his
majority he determined to seek his fortune
in America, emigrating and arriving in
New York in the year 1850. In the na-
tional metropolis was celebrated his mar-
riage to Miss Deisler. in 1856, and soon
afterward he removed with his wife to New-
200
ESSEX COUNTY.
ark. New Jersey, \\here he engaged in the
marhlehusiness upon his ownreiponsihihty.
continuing in this line of enterprise, with
due measure of success, until the time of his
death, which occurred about the year 1883.
William Fred Seidler, the immediate sub-
ject of this re\'iew, securefl his preliminary
educational discipline in the public schools
of Newark, and after leaving school be-
came interested in his father's business, to
which he de\'oted his attention for a short
time. His natural tastes and inclinations,
however, led him asifle from the circuni-
scriljed province of this line of enterprise,
and he secured a position in a drug store,
where he remained until 1878, devoting"
himself assiduously to a study of the tech-
nicalities of the science of pharmacy and
Ijecoming so |)roficient that he was enabled
to pass a successful examination before the
state l)oard of pharmacy in 1879. He
graduated thereafter at the College of Phar-
macy in 1884, and he continued to be
identified with pharmaceutical work, as a
registered clerk, until aliout 1887, when he
engaged in business for himself, by eftect-
ing the purchase of his present drug store,
at No, 21 Ferr}- street, which was the first
drug store on the east side of the railroad,
established in 1862.
Identified with an enterprise intimately
allied to the medical j^rofession. it was but
in natural sec|uence that Mr. Seidler should
eventually tiu'u his attention to the latter.
He matriculated as a student in Bellevue
Hospital Medical College in 1889, complet-
ing a two-years course, and graduating as
a member of the class of 1891. Immedi-
ately after his graduation he returned to
Newark and entered upon the active prac-
tice of his profession, while still continuing
in the drug business. Dr. Seidler has made
a specialty of surgical work and has attained
distinguished precedence in this branch of
his profession, as well as in general prac-
tice. He keeps thoroughly in touch with
all advances made in the sciences of medi-
cine and surgery, and, indeed, it may be
justly said that he is a leader of the forward
mo\-ements, being closely analvtical in his
methods, discriminating and painstaking in
his inxestigation, and e\er signally alive to
the welfare of his patients, which character-
istics should govern this most important of
professions.
From 1891 to 1895 the Doctor was dis-
trict plivsician, and for six }ears he has
ser\ed as house surgeon of St. Michael's
Hosjjital. He is also visiting physician of
the Cierman Hospital, chief of the genito-
m-inary clinic in the city dispensary, and is
a memlier of the State Medical Society,
the Esse.x County Medical Society, the
American Medical Association, and of the
Aesculapian Society, of which he was the
first incumbent as president. Socially he
is identified with the Esse.x County Coun-
try Club, and his interest in militarx' affairs
is indicated b}' his retaining membership in
the Essex Troop, National Guard, New
jersev Militia.
WILLIAM H. SMITH.
The subject of this rex'iew stands as a
representative of stanch old families of
this section of the state of New Jersey, and
he himself is honored as a worthy citizen of
Maplewood, South Orange township,
where he was born and where he has main-
tained his home consecutively to the pres-
ent day. The year of his nativity was 1851,
the place having already been designated.
His father. Henry Squier Smith, was born
ESSEX COUNTY.
20 1
in what was tlien Jefferson Milage, in this
county. The latter was a son of William
Smith, who. came from Pennsylvania when
a young man and engaged in agricultural
operations in Jeflerson. where he passed
the residue of his days. He married Airs.
Lyon, formerly Elizabeth Allen, a daugh-
ter of Captain Allen, who was a prominent
resident of Elizabeth. Union countv, and
they became the parent.s of two children.
Henry and Harvey. Henry, the father of
our subject, learned the trade of shoemak-
ing and to this line of industry he devoted
his attention during his entire active life,
eventually conducting operations upon
quite an extensive scale, and for a number
of years supplying a very considerable trade
in the south. He was a man of unflinch-
ing rectitude of character and became influ-
ential in local affairs through the sterling
integrity wliich gained and retained to him
public confidence and respect.
Henry Smith married Miss Lucy Ho-
gan. a daughter of Captain Ira Hogan.
who came to South Orange from Troy.
New York, and here engaged in the manu-
facture of standard measures for mer-
chants and farmers, in which line of oper-
ations he so manifested his intrinsic in-
tegrity of character that he gained the
sobriquet of "the honest half-bushel meas-
ure maker." In connection with this enter-
prise he operated a finely cultivated truck
farm, the products of which he placed on
the Newark market. He traced his lineage
to stanch old Irish stock, the name having
been spelled Hoagland by his ancestors of
the Emerald Isle. He married Miss Abby
Baker, a descendant of Tuscan Ball, of the
famous colonial family of that name, her
mother having been married in the old
Tuscan Hall, which was erected prior to the
Revolution and which is still standing in a
fine state of preservation, being located in
Hilton. South Orange township. Essex
county, this state. Captain Hogan lived
to attain a \enerable age. and his meuKn'v
is revered even as in life he was esteemed
and honored.
Henry and Lucy (Hogan) Smith be-
came the parents of five children, of whom
we make briei record, as follows: William
H. is the inunediate subject of this review;
Anna is the wife of John Wellington Ball,
of Newark: Ira Hogan Smith was a lieu-
tenant in the late war of the Rebellion, hav-
ing enlisted in a regiment formed at New-
burg, New York, and having done \aliant
service in the ranks: he died in 1895, and
his remains rest in the soldiers' plat in Fair-
mount cemetery: Fanny became the \vife
of Ira Freeman, of South Orange, and her
death occurred in January, 1889: Emma
departed tliis life at the age of seventeen
years. The father died in 1854, his widow
surviving him until 1887. He was a mem-
l)er of the Universalist church at Irving-
ton, with which his wife was also identi-
fied, later becoming a member of the Pres-
byterian church and eventually of the
Methodist Episcopal, in which faith she
died.
William H. Smith, the immediate sub-
ject of this sketcli. passed his youth in the
town of his nativity, acquiring his educa-
tional discipline in the public schools, after
which he turned his attention to the prac-
tical aft'airs of life l)y identifying himself
with the stock-brokers' business, in which
line he has ever since continued, being at
the present time the confidential man of a
large and influential firm operating on the
stock exchange in New York city.
In his social relations Mr. Smith is a
202
ESSEX COUNTY.
meinl)er of the Soutli Orange Field Club,
the Forest Lake Association, of Pennsyl-
vania, and the Torrey Botanical Club, of
Xew ^'ork. in which last he maintains a
particularly li\e!y interest. In his politi-
cal adherency he is stanchly arrayed in the
support of the Republican party and its
principles. His relig-ious tenets are those
of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the
local body of which he is a trustee and
treasurer. He has Ijeen the superintend-
ent of the Sunday school for years, always
acti\'e in the fostering- of the church work
in its direct lines and collateral avenues.
]\lr. Smith is recognized as one of the rep-
resentative citizens of the community in
which he has e\-er maintained his home,
and his efforts, which are ever directed to
worthy ends, do not fall short of popular
appreciation.
ADELBERT H. OLMSTED,
one of the efficient town officers, was born
in Delaware county, Xew York, in the
town of ]Mason\'ille, March 7, 1846. His
parents, John ancf Delilah (Tallman) Olm-
sted, were also natives of the Empire
state. There the father was reared and
educated and followed the occupation of a
farmer as a life work. He belonged to
one of the old families of the state, his fa-
ther, Aloses Olmsted, having there been
born. The latter married Miss Boggart.
Adelbert FL Olmsted was reared prin-
cipalh' in the state of his nativity and after
acquiring a good English education in the
common schools, as a foundation for more
advanced knowledge, he entered the Dela-
ware Literary Institute, at Franklin. New
York, where he pursued his studies for
four 3'ears. He then engaged in teaching
school for one term, at the close of which
he turned his attention to civil engineering
and was employed in that capacity on the
New York & Oswego Railroad. Later he
did civil engineering for the Ontario &
^Vestern Railroad, remaining with the lat-
ter for three years. On the expiration of
that period he came to New Jersey, having
accepted a position with the Greenwood
Lake Railway Company, and subsequently
he engaged with the Long Island Railroad
Company. He has also been employed in
the capacity of engineer for the East Jer-
sey Water Works and in other public ser-
vice.
In 1871 Mr. Olmsted came to Bloom-
field, Xew Jersey, and for a time was em-
ployed in the city, obtaining the a])point-
ment of civil engineer, which office he has
acceptably filled for more than five years,
during which time many valuable improve-
ments ha\'e been made both in the city and
township of Bloomfield. His thorough
understanding of the Ijusiness, of the re-
c|uirenients and the best way to secure the
most desirable results have made him a
very valuable official. He has under his
supervision a number of men and his fair-
ness to them and his e\ident desire to re-
ward them by promotion as opportunity
oft'ers, secures from them their best service
and is thus of practical benefit to the city.
In 1871 Mr. Olmsted was united in mar-
riage to Miss Louisa Kerr, of Middletown,
Xew York, where the greater part of her
girlhood was passed, although she was
born in Sullivan county. New York. They
have three children : Alabel L.. who is
now the wife of Charles Conoley; Gertrude
and Clara L., both at home.
]Mr. Olmsted and his family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in
5«*
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THE
NEV,' YORK
[PUBLIC LIBRARY!
^ Astor, Lenox im i ilden //
Foundations.
I9CI
ESSEX COUNTY.
203
politics lie is a stalwart Repul)lican. He
has taken a \-ery active part in promoting
the business interests of Bloomfield and
was connected with the Bloomfield Savings
Bank, having been a director of same for
three years, and with the Bloomfield
Building & Loan Association. He is the
owner of considerable valuable property
in the citv, including a number of dwell-
ings which he rents, and thus by careful
management, judicious investment and un-
tiring energy he has acc^uired a handsome
competence. He is a man of broad busi-
ness ability, of untiring energy and sound
judgment and has gained a prestige in
business circles wliich is onl_\- accorded the
man who is hrjuorably successful.
JAMES W. McGUIRK.
a member of the firm of Connnings, Mat-
thews & Company, proprietors of an ex-
tensive and well established hat manufac-
tory of Orange Valley, was born in what is
now West Orange, January jj. US4K, and
is a son of John and Margaret (Hayes) Mc-
Guirk. The father was born in county
Monahan. Ireland, and on coming to
America located in New York city, liut
after a short time removed to Orange. He
was a frugal, industrious man and an en-
terjirising and worthy citizen. Both he
and his wife were good Christian people
and had the respect of all who knew them.
The latter was a daughter of Nathan and
Margaret Hayes, residents of Maine. Mr.
and Mrs. ]\IcGuirk became the parents of
eight children. He died in 1856, at the
age of forty-nine years, and she passed
away in 1890, at the age of fifty-nine years.
James Warren McGuirk is indebted to
the public-school system of Orange for the
educational privileges which he received.
When he had reached his earlv 'teens he
began to learn the hatter's trade, under the
direction of David and James Wilson, of
Orange, and had almost completed his term
of ajjprenticeship when, in response to the
call of his country, he donned the blue as a
member of the United States Navy, enlist-
ing on the 15th of August, 1864. He then
served tmtil the close of hostilities and par-
ticipated in the bond:)ardment of Fort
Fisher and in a number of other important
engagements. When the war was ended
he was honorably discharged and returned
home. Resuming his trade in Orange. Mr.
McGuirk was employed as a journeyman
until 1886, when he became identified with
the firm of Commings, Matthews & Com-
pany, of Orange Valley, in the hat-manu-
facturing l)usiness. The firm has become
widely and fa\"orably known, and. as the
result of the wise and prudent management
and thorough reliability of the partners,
has been eminently successful.
In 1873 was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. McGuirk and Miss Barljara Green, a
daughter of Francis and Katharine Green.
They had one son. Edward. Mrs. Mc-
Guirk died in 1874. and our suljject was
again married about 1883, this second
union being with Margaret Curry, a daugh-
ter of Bernhard and Rose Ann Curry.
They have one son, Charles. The parents
are communicants of the Roman Catholic
church. Mr. McGuirk is a Republican in
jjolitical sentiment and sociallv is con-
nected with Hillside Coimcil of the Royal
Arcanum. He takes an intelligent, active
and commendable interest in all enterprises
calculated to promote the general welfare,
and is a valued citizen and leading business
man who receives and merits the high re-
gard of his fellow townsmen.
204
ESSEX rOUXTY
HON. JOHN GILL.
A work of this nature exercises its high-
est function when it takes into considera-
tion the career and genealogical record of
a man who has himself stood representative
of the best citizenship and nia.ximum use-
fulness in the practical activities of life and
whose lineage has been of that distin-
guished order which can not but be a
source of pride and satisfaction to every
worthv scion. The past bears its record
and its lesson, and none can afford to hold
in light estimation the deeds and works of
those ancestors who have wrought to good-
Iv ends and have won positions of honor
and esteem among men. The ancestors
of the subject of this review figured con-
spicuouslv among the stalwart founders of
the great American republic, and, as has
been aptly and truly said, "were noted for
their strong sense of justice, their loyalty to
the mother government during the colonial
period, and their intense patriotism during
the war of the Revolution." Strong, noble
men, and women of gentle refinement and
fine sensibilities are numbered among those
through whom Mr. Gill traces his descent.
The Gill family is one of very ancient
lineage, its history being readily traced
back to the tenth century. In various ages
and under dift'erent conditions there has
been a certain fluctuation in the orthog-
raphy of the name, which has been indiffer-
ently spelled at various times. The name
of Gill or Gyll signifies valley, and that
standard compilation, the Domesday Book,
bears record that a family of this name was
seized of lands in Yorkshire, England, prior
to the Norman invasion, .\ntecedent to
the invasion of England by William the
Conqueror the barony and property of
Gillesland. in Cumberland, were held by
Bueth Gillie and were confiscated by the
Norman victor mentioned and were grant-
ed to Hubert, one of his followers. Hubert
assumed the name of the original proprie-
tor, adopting the French form, De Vaux,
which is synonymous. The motto borne
on the arms of this proud and distinguished
family was "Virtutis gloria merces."
The immediate subject of this review be-
longs to the Stoughton or Canton branch
of the Gill family, the progenitor of the
division thus designated having been John
Gill, who was a resident of Salisbury, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1638, On the 3d of May,
1645, he married Phebe, daughter of Isaac
Buswell, and their children were as follows :
Elizabeth, born Januarv 8, 1646; John,
born October 10, 1647: Phebe, born Jan-
uary 6, 1650; Samuel, born January 5,
1652: Sarah, born June 27, 1654; Moses,
born December 26, 1656; Benjamin and
Isaac.
Moses Gill (i), son of John and Phebe
(Buswell) Gill, figures in the direct ances-
tral line of the subject of this sketch. On
March 25, 1678, he took the oath of fidelity,
in company with his brother Samuel, and
he became one of the original settlers of
Stoughton, now known as Canton, Massa-
chusetts. He received his lease from the
Indians on the 23d of March, 1705, and his
death occurred prior to 1716. He married
Sarah, daughter of Isaac and Mary Estey,
of Topsfield, Massachusetts. Mary Estey
was one of the unfortunate victims of that
fanatical and iniquitous institution desig-
nated as the Salem witchcraft, and was
brutally tortured until death finally released
her from her suffering. The heroism of her
martvrdoiu was unmistakable, as is evident
from the fact that she refused to plead
ESSEX COUNTY.
205
guilty to the impious charge made against
lier. Tlie children of ]\Ioses and Sarah
(Estey) Gill were two sons and two daugh-
ters, the sons being Aloses and Benjamin.
Moses Gill (2). son of Moses and Sarah
(Estey) Gill, was born about the last year
of the seventeenth century. He was the
first representative — 1731-3 — to the gen-
eral court, which was incorporated in 1726.
and was again called to serve in this ca-
pacity in 1737. Subsequently he attained
still greater distinction, having been lieu-
tenant-governor and governor of the com-
monwealth of ^Massachusetts. He had no
children, but adopted a son of his brother,
Benjamin Gill, who was born about 1701.
He married Abigail Pales, and after her
death was united tcj Abigail Fisher, who
bore him a son. Benjamin.
Colonel Benjamin Gill, son of Benjamin
and Abigail (Fisher) Gill, was born at Can-
ton, Massachusetts, on the 2d of June, 1730,
and his death occurred April 23, 1807. On
the 9th of January. 1752, he married Bethia
Wentworth, who was born June 23, 1732,
and who died March 22, 181 7. He was
actively concerned in all affairs touching
the welfare of the community, and was par-
ticularly prominent in church work. He
was a deacon. 1768; selectman. i77(). and
also represented his town in the general
court. In 1766 he was lieutenant of militia,
was made captain in 1773, and in Novem-
ber, 1774, was elected lieutenant-colonel of
the regiment commanded by Leonard Rob-
inson, while in the succeeding year he was
elected colonel, which represented the high-
est military rank in the town. He was
present with his regiment at the battle of
Bemis Heights and at the surrender of
Burgoyne, distinguishing himself for gal-
lant service and ef-fective manipulation of
his command. Upon his return home the
gallant Continental patriot gave a grand
dinner at his house to the officers of his
regiment, the leading citizens of the town
being among the invited guests. Colonel
Benjamin and Bethia (Wentworth) Gill
became the parents of the following named
children, the respective dates of birth being
given in the connection: Elijah, 1752;
Rebecca, 1755; Bethuah. 1758; Benjamin,
1760; Sarah, 1762; Catharine, 1754; Sarah
(2), 1767; Polly, 1769; John, 1772.
John Gill, the youngest child of Colonel
Benjamin and Bethia (Wentworth) Gill,
was born in Canton, Alassachusetts, in
March, 1772. and his death occurred on the
19th of April. 1816. He married Mary
Withington. and among his children were
four sons — Ira. Howard. Nathan and
Charles. Ira Gill, son of John and Mary
(Withington) Gill, was born at Canton,
Massachusetts, in the year 1799. At an
early age he removed to Walpole, a sub-
division of the old town of Dedham, Massa-
chusetts, anil there became an apprentice
at the trade of hat-making, in which indus-
trial line he was destined to attain the most
pronounced prestige and distinction. He
eventually engaged in Ijusiness for himself,
and in 1823 began the manufacture of fur-
napped hats, subsequently adopting fur felt.
He was the successor of Rand & Hooper,
and in 1804 figured as the oldest living
manufacturer in the town, while his con-
cern had gained rank as the second largest
manufacturers of hats in the entire Union.
He was the inventor of the hat-forming
machine which bears his name, and
through the medium of this ingenious and
valuable device the work of manufacturing
of fur hats was greatly facilitated and the
proiluction correspondingly increased. Ira
206
E.S.SEX COUNTY.
Gill \\as a man of distinct individuality and
marked business discrimination, being
broad and liberal in his ideas and progres-
sive in his methods. It is an imdoubted
fact that he contribvited more to the ad-
vancement of the hat industry than any
other one man of his period. He married
Caroline, daughter of Uriah Billings, of
W'alpole, Massachusetts.
John Gill, son of Ira and Caroline (Bil-
lings) Gill, was born in Walpole, Massa-
chusetts, on the 28th of November, 1835.
He received his early educational discipline
in the public and private schools of his
native town. Having a distinctive predi-
lection for business, Mr. Gill determined
not to enter college, but to forthwith iden-
tify himself with the practical affairs of life.
Thus upon attaining his legal majority he
became associated with his father in the
manufacture of hats, and later in hat form-
ing — an industry with which the name was
then and has ever since been prominently
identified. Mr. Gill has been a resident of
Orange, New Jersey, foj a full quarter of a
century, and has been most conspicuously
concerned in all that touches the prosperity
and substantial upbuilding and improve-
ment of the place. He located in Orange
in the year 1872, and to-day he is recog-
nized as not only one of the representative
business men of Essex county, but his
ability and his interest in public affairs have
brought him prominently forward in posi-
tions of high public trust and responsibility.
He has proved himself e\'er equal to the
duties imposed, antl his character has been
such as to command the confidence and
unequivocal esteem of the local public.
Upon coming to Orange ]\Ir. Gill became
associated with his brother in the establish-
ment of a hat-forming shop on Lumb.er
street, now Essex avenue, the business
being conducted under the firm name oi
J. & G. H. Gill. His brother retired in
1892, since which time the enterprise has
been conducted by our subject individually.
For more than two decades has Mr. Gill
been prominent in the public affairs of
Orange. He served ten years as a member
of the board of education, filling an un-
expired term as president of this body. He
represented his district in the state legisla-
ture for four terms — 1879-80 and 1883-8 —
and here he exerted a strong influence and
did much to further wise and eft'ecti\-e leg-
islation. In the spring of 1S94 he received
the Republican nomination for mayor of
the city of Orange, and achieved a note-
worthy victory at the polls, leading his
Democratic opponent by eight hundred
votes, representing a gain of twelve hun-
dred, since the normal Democratic ma-
jority in the city was about four hundred.
In reviewing his career, at the time of his
initial nomination for the mayorality, the
Orange Journal speaks as follows: "As a
school commissioner he was indefatigable
in his efforts to improve the schools of the
city, and made one of the best members
who ever sat in the board. As assembly-
man yir. Gill served the district he repre-
sented with conspicuous ability and con-
stant fidelity; no member of the Essex
county, delegation stood higher than did
he. He also gave much labor and thought
to the introduction of the water supply of
this city, as one of the water commissioners,
and the economical way in which that great
public improvement was made — the work
having been done well within the estimate
— contrasts strongly with the introduction
of the sewer systeni,which cost nearly twice
the orio-inal estimate. Mr. Gill is, there-
ESSEX COUNTY.
207
fore, eminently iitted for the office to which
he has been nominated. His long residence
and successful business career in this city,
his experience on the board of education,
and his legislative experience fit him ad-
miral )1\' to discharge the duties of mayor
in a way to conserve the highest welfare of
the city." That the endorsement accorded
his nomination was fully justified has been
shown by results, and the appreciation of
his able administration was shown most
conclusively by his being chosen as his own
successor as the city's chief executive in the
spring of 1896. A recent publication speaks
of his work and policy as follows: "Since
the incorporation of Orange as a town,
Januar_\- 31. i860, its affairs have ne\er
been administered in a more businesslike or
satisfactory manner than during the past
two years, ending April, 1896. Mayor Gill,
although the nominee of the Reiiublican
l)arty, has won the respect of his fellow
citizens by his fearless, impartial and con-
scientious discharge of the duties of his
office." It is singularly characteristic of
the man that throughout his entire life,
whatsoever his hand has found to do,
whether in his business, his official duties,
or in any other sphere, he has done with
all iiis might and with a deep sense of
conscientious obligation. While not with-
out that honorable ambition which is so
powerful and useful as an incentive to
activity in public affairs, he has ever re-
garded the pursuits of private life as being
in themselves abundantly worthy of his
best efforts.
Wr. Gill is an attendant and trustee of
the old First Presbyterian church of
Orange. Fraternally he is identified with
that time-honored order, Freemasonry,
being a member of Union Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., and retaining his capitular member-
ship in Orange Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons.
In the year 1861 was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Gill to Miss Ellen Metcalf,
daughter of David Metcalf, of Wrentham,
Massachusetts. The American progenitor
of the Metcalf family was Michael Metcalf,
who was born in Tallerford, county of
Norfolk, England, in 1586. He emi-
grated to the American colonies and was
admitted a townsman at Dedham. Massa-
chusetts, July 14, 1637, joined the church
two years later, and was made selectman
in 1641. His name appears first on the
committee chosen to "contrive the fabricke
of a meeting house." Mr. and Mrs. Gill
are the parents of three children — Emlyn
and George, who are the founders and pro-
prietors of the Gill Engraving Company, in
Orange: and Re\'. Charles Gill, who is a
graduate of Yale and who is now a mis-
sionarv to China.
JOHX C. HANSON
is the senior member of the firm of Han-
son & Son, leading contractors and build-
ers of West Orange. He was born in the
town of Oldenburg, Holstein, Germany,
July 31, 1838, and is a son of Claus and
Mary (Blesmer) Hanson, whose family of
eight children was as follows: Dertlef, a
schoolteacher in one of the towns of Hol-
stein, Dorothea, Marcus, Margaret, John
C. Augustus, Henry, and one who died in
childhood. The father of this family died
in 1845, 'It the age of forty-seven years,
and the mother afterward married Henry
Wachtegale, by whom she had two chil-
dren, — Augusta and Henry. Her death
208
ESSEX COUNTY.
occurred at the advanced a^e of seventy-
four years.
]Mr. Hanson, whose name heads this re-
view, actjuired his education in the district
schools of his native town, and at the age
of sixteen entered upon his business career
as an apprentice at the cabinet-maker's
trade, serving- for a three-years term. He
followed that business for twenty-two
years and was then drafted into the army,
remaining in the military service for six-
teen months. On the expiration of that
period he resumed work as a cabinet-
maker, to which industry he devoted his
attention for a considerable time. At the
age of twenty-eight years he was united
in marriage to Miss Mollie INIentzel, daugh-
ter of Daniel H. Mentzel. the wedding be-
ing celebrated on the i6th of May, 1866.
Soon afterward Mr. Hanson started
with his bride for the New World, laniling
at New York on the 21st of July, of that
vear. He soon found work at his trade
and finally located in Orange, where he
worked at cabinet-making for two years.
He then turned his attention to carpenter-
ing, which he followed in the employ of
others until 1886, when he entered into
partnership with John Helbeck as a con-
tractor and builder, under the firm name of
Hanson & Helbeck. They located in West
Orange and carried on business for a year,
when the connection was discontinued and
Mr. Helbeck was succeeded by Mr. Han-
son's son, under the firm name of John C.
Hanson & Son. They have taken many
contracts for the erection of substantial and
leading buildings in this locality and their
])atronage has been extensive and their
business profitable. In i8qi Mr. Hanson
built a saw and planing mill, and the
branch of industry connected with this es-
tablishment has largely facilitated their
business and added considerably to their
income.
]\lr. Hanson also erected a pleasant and
commodious residence, supplied with all
modern impro\ements. The home was
blessed by the presence of three children,
but the first born died in early life. John,
who is in partnership with his father, was
married January 16, 1897, to Christina
North. Max, who is employed by Charles
M. Decker & Brothers in the capacity of
shipping clerk, was married in 1897 to
Fannie Hoffman. The parents hold a
membership in the North Orange Baptist
church, and in his political views Mr. Han-
son is a Republican, but the honors or
emoluments of public ofiice have had no
attraction for him. He prefers to devote
his time and energies to his business inter-
ests, and in the legitimate channels of trade
has won a creditable success. He started
out in life empty-handed but with resolute
purpose and strong determination to win
a competence. He is truly a self-made man
and the prosperity which he has achieved
is the logical sequence of well directed and
honorable effort.
FRANZ BERG.
In the anxious and laborious struggle for
an honorable competence and solid career
on the part of the average business man
fighting the every-day battle of life there is
but little to attract the idle reader in search
of a sensational chapter: but for a mind
thoroughly awake to the reality and mean-
ing of human existence there are noble and
immortal lessons in the life of the man who,
without other means than a clear head, a
strong arm and a true heart, conquers for-
ESSEX COUNTY.
209
tune and gains not only the temporal re-
wards for his toil, but also that which is
greater and higher, the respect and esteem
of those with whom his years of active life
have placed him in contact. America is
distinctively a cosmopolitan nation : she has
drawn from the four quarters of the world
and rapidly assimilated the heterogeneous
elements. To no country does she, how-
ever, owe more than to Germany, from
wliose provinces have come men of sturdy
integrity, determined purpose and marked
mental vigor — men who are both builders
and conservators. The German-American
is in tlie average case imbued most thor-
oughly with the spirit of our national in-
stitutions and brings to bear his strength
of manhood to perpetuate and advance the
higher interests of the republic.
The subject of this re\-iew is known and
honored as one of the representative and
jjublic-spirited citizens of Orange, where he
is now living in practical retirement after a
long and successful career in the world of
active business. He has been a resident of
Orange for more than a quarter of a cen-
tury and has had an abiding and practical
interest in all that has touched the pros-
perity and consecutive advancement of this
favored section of Essex county. Born in
Hessen, Germany, on the 3d of March,
1849. he received his educational discipline
in the excellent schools of the fatherland,
after which he turned his attention to the
practical afifairs of life by engaging himself
to learn the hatter's trade. He had not,
however, completed his apprenticeship, and
was but a youth of eighteen years, when he
decided to sever the tender ties which
bound him to his home, and to seek a
broader field for individual efifort in the
United States. Arriving here he entered
14
the hat-manufactory of his uncle, Frederick
Berg, at Orange Valley, this county, and
under his effective direction became a
skilled workman, familiar with all details of
a business which has long figured as one
of the most importam industrial enterprises
of Essex county. He remained with his
uncle for twenty-two years, and he was for
seven years the foreman of the manufac-
tory. In 1875 he was admitted to a full
partnership in one of the most extensive
manufactories of the sort in the Union, and
he continued in this connection until 1889,
when he located in Newark, where he was
engaged in a similar line of enterprise for
a period of four years, after which he retired
from acti\-e business life and is now enjoy-
ing the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Berg became a resident of Orange
in 1867, and for many years he has taken
a distinctive interest in public affairs of a
local nature, being stanchly arrayed in the
support of the principles and policies ad-
vanced by the Republican party, and hav-
ing labored zealously for its cause. In
1896 he was elected alderman from the
fourth wartl, whose normal political com-
plexion has always been strongly Demo-
cratic — a circumstance which bears ample
testimony as to his personal popularity and
to the respect and confidence in which he is
held in the community. Mr. Berg is presi-
dent of the German-English school at
Orange, is a member of the Orange Valley
Army Corps, and in his fraternal relations
is identified with the Masonic order, being
a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 57,
A. F. & A. M. and of Orange Chapter, No.
23, R. A. M.,. of Orange.
In the year 1872 Air. Berg was united in
marriage to Miss Margaretta G. Gruner, a
daughter of George F. Gruner, of New
210
ESSEX COUNTY.
York, where she was born. Mr. and Mrs.
Berg are the parents of the following named
children : Matilda, Maria, Annie, Joseph,
Graugott, and Alexander. Our subject and
his wife are members of the Orange Valley
Congregational church, and their attractive
home is a center of sincere and gracious
hospitality.
LESLIE DODD WARD.
Leslie Dodd W'ard bears the names of
two of the early settlers of the town of
Newark, the records of which afiford abun-
dant evidence of their important services
in building up the settlement, and making
it ultimately the foremost city in New Jer-
sey. His earliest ancestor in this state was
Josiah. son of George, of Branford, and
the first, traditionally, to place foot on
shore at the landing of the pilgrims on the
Passaic.
The father of the subject of this sketch
was Moses Dodd Ward, wh». in the early
part of the present century, removed to
Madison, in Morris county. New Jersey,
where Leslie Dodd Ward was born, July
I, 1845. I" lii* native place the lad re-
ceived his preliniinarv education, and sub-
sequenth' became a pupil in the old and
famous academy at Newark, New Jersey,
with a view to a preparation in this insti-
tution for entrance into the College of
New Jersey, at Princeton. It was near
the close of the summer term of the acad-
emy, in June, 1863, that the Confederate
army, under General Robert E. Lee, in-
vaded Pennsylvania, creating profound and
widespreading alarm through the entire
northern states. An appeal was made by
the go\'ernor of Pennsylvania to the gov-
ernors of the adjoining states, and in re-
sponse thereto the governor of New Jersey
calletl for volunteers to go to the aid of
Peimsylvania in this emergency. In an-
swer to this call eleven companies, consist-
ing of seven hundred men and offlcers, went
to the seat of war. Among them was the
subject of this sketch, as a corporal in Com-
pany F, conunanded 1:)_\- Captain William
J. Roberts. It was a short campaign, and
when completed the vc)ung" soldier returned
to his home and the resumption of his
academic course. This he continued to
])ursue with so much credit to himself that
at the approaching commencement exer-
cises, when he was to be graduated, he was
awarded a position of honor among the
orators of the occasion. His name was
called, and the subject of his oration an-
nounced: but while the audience awaited
his appearance the master of the academy
stepped forward and apologetically stated
that young Mr. Ward had just enlisted in
the Thirty-seventh Regiment, and that his
duties as first sergeant of Company G pre-
\ente(l the deliverv of his speech. A shout
of applause burst from the audience which
no speech could ever have elicited. It was
a fact that young \\'ard had, for the second
time ere he had reached the age of nine-
teen, enlisted as a soldier in the army of
the Union. The commander of the regi-
ment in which he last served was Colonel
E. Burd Grubb, and with him he remained
until the regiment was nuistered out of ser-
\ice. in October, 18O4.
It was his ex])erience among the sick
and the wounded during his term of ser-
vice in camp and field that led the young
soldier to believe that the life of a physi-
cian was one that he ought to adopt. Re-
turning to his home fully convinced of
this, he entered, after a short rest, the
office of Dr. Fisher, a well known
(^-^i
Xa
ESSEX COU^^TY.
211
physician of Morristown, New Jersey,
where he began the study of medi-
cine. In due time he became a stu-
dent in tlie CoUege of Physicians and
Surgeons in New York city, and was grad-
uated at that institution in 1868. Havmg
determined to make Newark the field of
professional labors, he became associated
in practice at first with Dr. Lott Southard,
a well known and esteemed physician of
that city. This connection continued for
two years, when Dr. Ward opened an oflice
of his own, and soon made himself well and
favorably known as a medical practitioner.
In 1876 he became a member of the medi-
cal board of St. Michael's hospital, the old-
est institution of the kind in Newark, and
for several years was secretary of this board.
He was also visiting surgeon to St. Barna-
bas" hospital, a position which he held with
credit to himself and with benefit to those
who came under his care. In 1877 he was
appointed county physician of Essex
county, an ofiice which devolved upon him
many duties that had been performed prior
to 1876 by coroners and magistrates.
In the organization of the Prudential
Insurance Company of America Dr. Ward
took an early and active part. He was one
of its corporators and a member of its first
board of managers. As early as October,
1875, when it issued its first policy, he was
its medical director, and continued in that
position until 1884. when he was chosen
its first vice-president. The duties of this
office, which are largely of an executive
character, he still performs, and it may be
truly said that, for its admirable discipline
and the promptness with which its daily
work is performed, this mammoth institu-
tion is greatly indebted to Dr. Ward's ad-
mirable executive ability.
Dr. Ward was married March 5, 1874, to
Miss Minnie, daughter of James Perry,
Esq., of Newark, New Jersey, and by her
has two sons. The elder, Leslie P., is a
student at Yale University; the younger,
Herbert E., is at Harvard.
WILLIAM S. ASHBY,
a public-spirited citizen of Essex county
and an agriculturist of advanced ideas, was
bom in Chatham, Morris county. New Jer-
sey, on the 4th of January, 1838, his parents
being William and Julia (Spencer) Ashby.
The father was a native of Canterbury,
Kent county, England, and remained in
the land of his birth until attaining his ma-
jority, when he came to the United States
and located in West Livingston, New Jer-
sey, where he engaged in farming. He
married Miss Julia Spencer, who was born
in Chatham, a daughter of William Spen-
cer, an old settler of New Jersey, and of
their five children four survive, namely :
George, of Millburn; John H., who lives in
Nebraska; William S. ; and Amelia, the wife
of Edward F. Stiles. Mrs. Ashby died in
1843, being survived by her husband until
1880.
William S. Ashby began to earn his own
li\ing at the early age of ten years, and was
employed at various places until reaching
his twenty-first year, when he purchased a
farm in Livingston township, which he has
continued to improve and upon which he
at present resides. He has fifty-seven acres
of excellent land and is regarded as one of
the progressive farmers of the township.
On the 3d of July, 1859, Mr. Ashby
was united in marriage to Miss Mary A.
Agar, who was born in Ireland and who,
when a child, was brought to America by
212
ESSEX COUNTY.
her parents, James and Eliza (Whitaker)
Agar. They settled in Northfield, Living-
ston township, where Mr. Agar engaged
in farming, continuing in the same until his
death, in 1882, his wife having passed away
when Mrs. Ashby was still young. Three
children were born to them: John, of East
Orange; Thomas, of Newark; and Mary
A. Mr. and Mrs. Ashby became the par-
ents of the following children: Harvey J.,
of Honesdale, Pennsylvania; John, of \\^est
Orange; Eliza, the wife of J. L. Brown;
Afifie, the wife of Wallace J. Smith, of Or-
ange; William E.; Alfred, who died at the
age of twenty; Lillian died when nine years
old; and Julia died at the age of sixteen
months.
Politically Mr. Ashby is a member of the
Republican party, and has served as over-
seer of the poor for six years and also over-
seer of the roads; the beautiful condition of
the latter attesting to the efficiency, execu-
tive ability and earnest endeavors of Mr.
Ashby. He is a self-made man, in the most
widely accepted sense of the term, and by
his personal efforts and the help of his
faithful and loving wife he has acquired a
splendid property and a comfortable com-
petency.
GEORGE EMMONS.
deceased, was born in Northfield, in 1839,
and was a son of John and Eliza Ann
(Lyon) Emmons. He spent his boyhood in
the manner of most farmer boys, working
in the fields through the summer months
and conning his lessons in the public
schools through the winter season. On at-
taining his majority he went to New York
city, where he engaged in the wholesale
grocery business, in connection with his
brother John. During that time he also
established in Orange a feed store, which
he carried on for about four years. He
then closed out in order to give his en-
tire attention to the grocery trade, and
in that line he built up a verv entensive
and profitable business. The firm enjoyed
a most enviable reputation for reliability
and for the excellent ciuality of the stock
which they carried, and in consequence
were always able to command a large trade.
Their business methods were above ques-
tion and their unfailing courtesy and their
earnest desire to please their patrons made
them very popular with those with whom
they had dealings.
Mr. Emmons of this review was united
in marriage in early manhood to Miss Bet-
sev Burnet, a daughter of Samuel H. Bur-
net, and they had one child, who died in
infancy. After the death of his first wife
Mr. Emmons was again married, in 1875,
his second union being with Miss Charlotte
Ailela. daughter of Ashbel Squier. who was
born in Squiertown, now known as West
Livingston. Her father followed shoemak-
ing and farming. He marrietl Ruth Burnet,
a daughter of Samuel H. Burnet, and their
children were as follows : Eliza, deceased
wife of Bentley Meeker; Mary; Sarah
Frances; Emily, also deceased wife of
Bentlev Meeker; and Theodosia, deceased
wife of Theodore Baldwin. The father of
this family was a member of the Presby-
terian church and the mother held member-
ship in the Baptist church in Northfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Emmons were the parents
of four children : ]\Iortimer, who is engaged
in the insurance business in Newark; Ruth,
Frederick and Blanche. Mr. Emmons was
a Democrat in his political belief, but
had no time to devote to politics, aside from
ESSEX COUNTY.
213
informing himself upon the issues of the
day. in order that he might cast an intelli-
gent ballot. His business and home inter-
ests claimed his attention and he found the
one profitable, the other pleasant. His life
was well spent and his death, which oc-
curred in 1890, was mourned by many
friends. Mrs. Emmons still survives her
husband and makes her home in West
Orange. She is a member of the Presby-
terian church and is held in the highest
esteem throughout the community, her
friends being numerous.
BENJAMIN PORTER LAIDLAW,
who is engaged in the grocery business in
West Orange, was born in Maplewood,
Essex county, on the 8th of April, 1865,
and is a son of Walter and Mary (Leslie)
Laidlaw, both of whom were natives of
Roxburyshire, Scotland, the former born
July 7, 1837, the latter June 26, 1837. Her
parents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Allan)
Leslie, who, crossing the Atlantic, spent
their last days in Canada, where they died
at the ages of ninety-one and eighty-four
years respectively. They had nine chil-
dren, all of whom survive them and are now
residents of Canada, with the exception of
Andrew and Elizabeth, who reside in Por-
tersville, Tulare county, California. The
former is extensively engaged in the mill-
ing business. He married a lady in that
state, and they have four sons. Elizabeth
became the wife of James Murray, who is
engaged in fruit-growing in Tulare county,
and they have five sons and two daughters.
The paternal grandparents of our sub-
ject were Walter and Isabella (Rutherford)
Laidlaw, who had a family of two sons and
five daughters, as follows: Janet, wife of
Peter Cockburn, who has long served as
gardener for the Roosevelt family; Bar-
bara, wife of Andrew Craig, who served for
some years as porter of Waverly Park;
Jane, wife of Alexander McGregor, who
followed blacksmithing for many years in
Newark; Elizabeth, who married and re-
sided in Roxburyshire, Scotland, until her
death; George, who married Anna Hunter,
and resided for a number of years in New
York: Walter; and Isabella, wife of N. R.
Currie, a tinsmith and plumber of Belvi-
dere. New Jersey. All of this family are
now deceased with the exception of Isa-
bella. The grandfather's was the fourth
interment made in Fairmount cemetery,
and twenty-five years later, in 1881, his
wife was buried in the same grave.
Walter Laidlaw, father of our subject,
attended the public schools of his native
land until fifteen years of age, and four
years later came to the New World. He
was married in the town of St. Marys, On-
tario, Canada, November 16, i860, to Miss
Mary Leslie. Their union was blessed
with six children: Walter G., of West Or-
ange, who married Carrie Baker and has
four children, — Nina, Nellie, Lillie and
Malcolm De Witt, — and is the foreman of
the Orange Journal Publishing Company;
Benjamin P., who is the second; Andrew
Leslie, who married Emma Sanders, by
whom he has four children, — Walter, Ben-
jamin, Hazel (who died at the age of fif-
teen months) and Herbert, — resides in
West Orange and is connected with the
Orange Distilled Water and Ice Com-
pany; Allan Rutherford, who married Min-
nie McCallion and has three children, —
Alice, Leslie and Ada, — and is engaged in
merchandizing in Porterville, California,
having gone to that place for his health;
214
ESSEX COUNTY.
Mary Janet, private stenographer for the
Edison General Electric Company, at Har-
rison, New Jersey; and Peter, who died at
the age of eighteen months, completed the
family. The mother is still living and
makes her home with her son in West Or-
ange. Like her husband, she is a worthy
Christian, holding membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church. Until his
death, January 5, 1878, at the age of forty-
two years, Mr. Laidlaw was the manager
of the famous Roosevelt estate at ^laple-
wood. New Jersey.
Benjamin P. Laidlaw acquired his early
education in the schools of Maplewood
and began to learn the trade of machinist
and molder when fifteen years of age. He
worked as a journeyman in Newark for the
Watts Campbell Company for four years,
and in 1888 embarked in business on his
own account as a dealer in staple and fancy
groceries and vegetables. He first opened
a store in West Orange, at the corner of
White and Beaver streets, and after two
years purchased land at the corner of Val-
ley road and White street, whereon he
erected his commodious residence and sub-
stantial store. In 1893 he also built the
residence adjoining and has made many
excellent improvements on his property.
Sound judgment, care in the management
of his business interests and indefatigable
energy have placed him among the leading
representatives of mercantile interests.
Mr. Laidlaw is a member of Llewellyn
Council, No. 539, Royal Arcanum, and
was elected its first regent. He also be-
longs to Orange Council, Junior Order
American Mechanics, of Orange, served as
the third councillor in that organization,
and was the first president of the Walt
Whitman Council of the National L'nion.
In his political views he is independent,
voting for the candidates whom he thinks
best cjualified for office, is deeply interested
in all that pertains to the public welfare
and progress, and was elected president of
the Sinking Eund Commission of West
Orange.
^Ir. Laidlaw was married in Belvidere,
New Jersey. January 2, 1890, the lady of
his choice being Miss Christina Perry, a
daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Currie)
Perry. They now have two children, —
Elise Leslie, born in November, 1890; and
Douglas Perry, born Eebruary 24, 1894.
Mr. and Mrs. Laidlaw attend the First
Presbyterian church, of which she is a
member, and the hospitality of many of
the best homes of the community is en-
joyed by them, their circle of friends being
extensive.
WALTER LUDLOW LEEK,
an energetic, highly respected citizen of
West Orange, was born in the Orange Val-
ley, New Jersey, in 1856, and is a son of
Caleb H. and Louise Matilda (Condit;
Leek. His grandfather, Daniel T. Leek,
was a native of Chester, Morris county,
New Jersey, where he followed the occu-
pation of farmer and was regarded as a
good and worthy man. He died at the
venerable age of seventy-five years. He
and his wife were the parents of the follow-
ing children: Caleb H., Joseph C. J., Jr..
Charles, William, Esther and Carrie.
Caleb H. Leek received a common-
school education and was reared to early
manhood upon his father's farm and subse-
quently engaged in agricultural pursuits
for a number of years, after which he con-
ducted a hotel at Mendham, Morris
ESSEX COUNTY.
215
county. New Jersey. Pie took an active
interest in public atTairs. his political ad-
herency being with the Democratic party
after the true Jeffersonian style, and he
filled various township offices during- his
residence at Mendham. He married, in
i860. Miss Louise ^Matilda Condit, the fol-
lowing children being the issue of this
union: Walter Ludlow, the subject of this
review: and one daughter, who died early
in life. The demise of Mrs. Leek oc-
curred in 1867: she was survi\ed by her
husband until 1S84. the interment taking-
place in the family plat at ^lorristown.
Morris county, New Jersey. He was an in-
dustrious, thoughtful man. of rare good
sense and judgment.
Walter L. Leek obtained his early men-
tal discipline in the public schools of Mor-
ristown and later completed his studies at
the academy conducted bv Professor
Shears, at Orange. \\'hen twenty-two
years old he entered the firm of Austin.
Drew & Company, where he learned the
hatting business, which he has continued to
follow ever since. His intelligence, indus-
try and ability attracted the attention of
his employers and he was promoted to the
position of foreman, acting in that capac-
ity at the present time.
The marriage of Mr. Leek was cele-
brated on the 26th of August, 1884, at
which time he was united to Miss Susie
Austin, daughter of Edwartl and Mary
Jane (Allen) Austin, and they have two
children, namely : Marion Louise, born
May 25. 1885: and Walter Austin, born
March 4. 1888.
In his political convictions Mr. Leek is
a stanch Democrat, and is a valued and
public-spirited citizen of West Orange. He
is building a commodious, handsome resi-
dence on Hillside avenue. West Orange,
where he will in the future extend a cor-
dial hospitality to his many warm friends,
who hold him in the highest esteem.
MICHAEL WALSH,
who is engaged in the cultivation of roses
at the corner of Mountain House road and
Clark street. South Orange, has built up an
extensive and profitable business, and has
achieved that success which overcomes ob-
stacles, and with resolute and honorable
purpose pressed forward to the desired
goal. He was born in Rock Mills, county
Cork. Ireland, in 1847, and is a son of W'ill-
iam and Ellen (Houghlahan) Walsh. His
mother was a daughter of John Houghla-
han, a practical gardener, who followed
that \ocation in Ifis native isle throughout
his entire life. The father. William W^alsh,
was a son of Thomas and Honora (Hen-
nessy) Walsh. He acquiretl a common-
school education and in his earlv manhood
learned the gardener's trade, which he fol-
lowetl throughout his business career. He
passed away in i860, and his wife closed
her eyes in death about 1852. They were
members of the Catholic church and were
esteemed by all who knew them.
Their family numbered eight children,
four of whom died in childhood, namely :
Honora, who died at the age of fourteen;
Helen, at the age of six years; William,
when about seven years of age; and
Thomas, in infancy. Those who reached
years of maturity were : John, who
learned the baker's trade and is probably
still living on the Emerald Isle; Robert,
who is married and carries on a grocery
store in Ireland; Margaret, deceased; and
Michael.
!l6
ESSEX COUNTY.
The last named entered school on arriv-
ing at a proper age and pursued his studies
while not engaged in assisting his father in
gardening. He remained under the pa-
rental roof until he had attained his major-
ity and gained a practical knowledge of the
cultivation of roses, other plants and vege-
tables. Realizing that the road to wealth
in his native land was a crowded and
difficult one, and that better opportunities
were afforded across the Atlantic, he made
preparation to change his place of resi-
dence, and, bidding good-by to home and
friends, sailed for New York, March 2,
1866. Anchor was dropped in the Ameri-
can harbor on the i6th of the same month.
and he secured employment on Staten
Island, where he remained until 1868. when
he came to Orange and entered the employ
of William Redmond, in whose service he
continued for four years. In 1872 he
bought his present property at the corner
of Mountain House road and Clark street,
South Orange, erected thereon a modern
and convenient residence and made prepar-
ations to engage in floriculture. A large
and perfectly equipped greenhouse was
erected, and on his own account Mr.
Walsh here began business. His patron-
age steadily increased until, in order to
meet the growing demand, he was obliged
to build a second greenhouse in 1893.
Since that time he has made a specialty of
the cultivation of roses and has met with
most gratifying success in this department.
He understands fully the needs and re-
quirements of the dift'erent plants, the soil
best adapted to their growth, the tempera-
ture and all the other conditions necessary
to produce the most healthful and beau-
tiful specimens of "the queen of flowers."
In November, 1870, in Seton Hall Col-
lege, South Orange, ^Ir. Walsh was united
in marriage to Miss Rosanna Ryan, a
daughter of Philip and Mary (Fitzsim-
monsj Ryan. They have had two chil-
dren : William, who is now his father's
assistant in business; and !\Iichael, who
died at the age of fourteen months. Mr.
and Airs. \\'alsh and son are members of
the Catholic church, attending services in
the church of Our Lady of the Valley. In
his political views he is a Democrat, but
has ne\er been an aspirant for office, pre-
ferring to devote his entire time to his busi-
ness interests.
JOHN G. HETZEL,
deceased, was born in Newark, November
10, 1 841, a son of George Hetzel, who was
of German lineage. He acquired his edu-
cation in the public schools and when he
had attained early manhood learned the
slate and gravel roofing trade, after which
he worked as a journeyman for some time.
In 1S60 he began business on his own ac-
count in that line on Railroad avenue and
Commerce street and in the undertaking
met with gratifying success from the begin-
ning. In 1886 he purchased a tract of land
extending from Nos. 74 to 80 Magazine
street and from 59 to 65 Main street, com-
prising an entire block, upon which he
made extensive improvements, erecting
large buildings in which to carry on his
business and supplying the same with the
latest improved machinery. His trade be-
came very large and his reputation for
reliability and efficient workmanship ex-
tended far and wide. He also erected a
number of dwellings in Newark and gave
his encouragement and support to many
measures calculated to prove of public
benefit.
ESSEX COUNTY.
217
!Mr. Hetzel was a man of most earnest
purpose, of unquestioned integrity and
straightforward business principles, and
throughout the community he was held in
the highest esteem for his fidelity to every
duty of public and private life. He gave
generously in support of the church and
frequently contributed to hospitals and
similar institutions. He was a broad and
liberal-minded man, not bound by any
narrow opinions, but looking upon all sub-
jects from a practical and humanitarian
standpoint. In politics he was also inde-
pendent, supporting the man whom he
thought best qualified for office, regardless
of party principles.
In Newark, on the 9th of September,
1863, Air. Hetzel married Eliza J. Rae. a
daughter of John and Rose Ann (MacMil-
lan) Rae. Their union was blessed with
the following children, viz. : George, who
was born May 3, 1865. was married Sep-
tember 3, 1890, to Annie \'olk, and has
three children, — Josephine, Elizabeth and
Annie; Josephine, born February 2, 1867,
who is the wife of Walter Gillis, of Brook-
lyn, New York; Charles Edwin, born Au-
gust 28, 1868, who was educated in the
Newark public schools and graduated in
the Coleman Business College of Newark.
He then learned the trade of slate and
gravel roofing under the direction of his
father, and on the death of the latter be-
came executor of the estate and has since
carried on the business, capably managing
its interests and securing therefrom a good
financial return. He is a member of Eu-
reka Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of
Newark, and Alama Council, No. 1749,
Royal Arcanum, of Newark, and of the lat-
ter is past regent. He was married, Sep-
tember 20, 1893, to Sarah Stilwell, a
daughter of David and Mary (Wilson) Stil-
well, and their marriage has been blessed
with one child, Charles E., born July 28,
1895. John Hetzel, the next son in the
family of John G. Hetzel, was born Sep-
tember 9, 1870, is a graduate of Coleman's
Business College, and is now employed by
the estate; William, the next, born Septem-
ber I, 1872, is also a graduate of the New
Jersey Business College, and is employed
by the estate; and Eugene, born August
10. 1879, died November 26. 1885.
Mrs. Hetzel still survives her husband
and resides with her children at the old
home left by the husband and father. She
was to him a true helpmeet and companion
in all the affairs of life, and is a most gen-
erous hostess, dispensing a charming hos-
pitality to all her many friends. The fam-
ily attend the Trinity Reformed church.
THOMAS BRAGG HOLLAND,
a successful dairyman and milk dealer of
East Orange, was born in Fayetteville,
Cumberland county. North Carolina, Sep-
tember 6, 1854, and is a son of William H.
and Charlotte (Elam) Holland. The
father also was a native of Fayetteville,
where he acquired a good common-school
education. He learned the carriage-mak-
ing trade and followed that pursuit
throughout his entire life, prominently
connected with the industrial interests of
his native city. He was drafted for service
in the Confederate army in 1863 and was
with the southern troops for nearly two
years or until the war was ended. He was
a brave and -gallant soldier, earnestly de-
fending the cause in which he so firmly
believed.
William H. Holland was an only son.
2l8
ESSEX COUNTY.
and he liad but one sister. Sarah, now tlie
wife of Philemon Taylor, a merchant of
Fayetteville, North Carolina, by whom she
had several children. William H. Holland,
the father, who was born in 1826, died in
January. 1893. ^^ '^^'^^ ^ faithful Chris-
tian man. a devoted husband and father, a
loyal friend and a valued citizen. For a
number of 3'ears he was an officer in the
Methodist Episcopal church. His wife sur-
vives him and still resides in Fayetteville.
In their familv were four sons and two
daughters: Charles A., who married Miss
Poindexter. of \'irginia, and now resides in
]Maxton, North Carolina; William C. who
married Lina ^litchell, of Fayetteville, and
had a family of several children; Thomas
Bragg; Alice D.. wife of H. I. McDufTy,
who resides with his wife and children in
Fayetteville; Robert Lee, of Fayetteville,
who married Lulu Cullireth, by whom he
has two sons and a daughter: and Ida E.,
wife of Rev. John H. Hall, by whom she
has two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Holland, whose name introduces
this article, obtained his education under
private instruction and in 1872 embarked
in his business career in the line of mer-
chandizing. In 1872 he came to New Jer-
sey, locating in Bloomfreld, Essex county,
where he began to learn the trade of organ-
tuning. That pursuit he followed for
twelve years, and in 1885 he engaged in
the dairv ancl milk l)usiness in East Or-
ange, where he has since carried on opera-
tions along that line. He succeeded to
the business of his father-in-law, Theodore
F. Pierson. and in the enterprise has met
with gratifving success, having a large and
constantly increasing patronage.
Mr. Holland was married Noveiuber 5,
1879, the lady of his choice being ]\Iiss
Sarah Alatilda, datighter of Theodore F.
and ]\Iary E. (Dodd) Pierson. Three chil-
dren grace their union : Percival, born
August 29. 1880: W'alter Flam, born May
20, 1884; and Arthur Edward, born July
29. 1892. The parents are members in the
Arlington Avenue Presbyterian church,
and in the conuiiunity where they now
make their home are held in the highest
esteem. The hospitality of the best homes
in East Orange is extended them, and their
circle of friends is constantly broai.lening.
IRA CAMPBELL,
who is now living retired in his pleasant
home at No. 316 Washington avenue. Glen
Ridge, New Jersey, is one of the oldest
residents of Essex cotuity, now being in his
ninety-first year and well preserved both
physically and mentally. The history of
one who has lived for nearly a hundred
vears in anv conuuunitv and whose life has
been sucli as to win him the confidence and
esteem of all those with whom he has been
associated, cannot fail to be of interest. It
is therefore fitting that the gentleman
above named should be accorded biograph-
ical mention on these pages.
Ira Campbell was born in Montclair
township, Essex county, New Jersey, April
10, 1807. His parents, John and Sarah
(Osborn) Campbell, were natives of New-
Jersey, ^Irs. Campbell being a daughter of
Joel Osborn. But little is known of the
history of the Osborn family. The Camp-
bells, as far back as their history can be
traced, were Scotch Presbyterians. Some
representatives of the family came to this
country previous to the Revolutionary
war. Phineas Campbell, the grandfather
of Ira. was one of the pioneers of New Jer-
/
a
ESSEX COUNTY.
219
sey. and was a soldier in tlie Revolution.
His son John, referred to above, was a
wheelwright by trade, which he followed
for many years. He died when his son
Ira. our subject, was a small boy.
After the death of his father, Ira Camp-
bell went to live with his uncle. PeterCamp-
bell, who at that time lived in Orange, New
Jersey, and in (Grange the boy attended
school in the old white schoolhouse which
stood on the corner where the brick church
now stands. At fourteen he began work
at the shoemaker's trade, which he fol-
lowed for several years, at first working in
Orange and later engaging in the manu-
facture of boots and shoes at Montclair,
New Jersey. At the beginning of the civil
war he was doing a real-estate business.
This he relinquished in order to accept the
position of recruiting of^cer for the dif-
ferent regiments of New Jersey. At the
close of the war he again gave his atten-
tion to the real-estate business and also to
auctioneering, wliich he followed for many
years. Also for thirty-six years he filled
the ofSce of constable. His re-election to
this place from time to time for so many
years is ample evidence of his popularity
and efficiency. The duties of his office took
him all over Essex county, and for about
six months of the year occupied his time
in court, and in this way he became prob-
alily as well known as any man in the
county. His name became a terror to all
evil-doers, for he never attempted to arrest
a man that he did not accomplish his pur-
pose. Not infrequently he was called up-
on to arrest desperate characters whom
other officers were unable to handle. A
man of nerve and firmness, fearing noth-
ing and never using harsh measures, he
had only to say his name was Campbell
and that he was the constable, and the ar-
rest was easy to make. In connection with
this ofifice he also served for a time as col-
lector. Later in life he was induced by his
friends to take up auctioneering, and in
this, as in whatever else he undertook, he
made a success, his services bein"' in de-
mand all over Essex county. He con-
tinued auctioneering and the real estate
business until 1892, when, on account of
his extreme age, he retired from active life
and since then has devoted his time and
attention to looking after his own private
affairs and entertaining his numerous
friends.
Mr. Campljell has been married three
times. By his first wife, whose maiden
name was Jane Dodd. and who was a
daughter of Jephthah Dodd, he had three
children, namely: Edward H., engaged
in the lime and cement business in Chicago,
Illinois; Margaret A., wife of P. J. Ward,
of Glen Ridge, New Jersey; and Phoebe C,
wife of Heber Dotlwill. a merchant of Or-
ange, New Jersey. Mr. Campbell's pres-
ent wife was Miss Martha J. Taylor, daugh-
ter of the late Rev. James Taylor, of Sun-
derland, Massachusetts. Mrs. Campbell
was born in Sunderland, but has resided in
New Jersey about forty years.
The active public life Mr. Campbell led
for so many years naturally brought him
in contact with politics and political men.
He took a lix-ely interest in the same and
was always found on the right side of every
c|uestion. In early life he was an old-line
Whig. At the organization of the Repub-
lican party he allied himself with it and has
been true to its principles ever since. He
cast his vote for William Henry Harrison
in 1840, in 1888 voted for the grandson of
that grand old man, and in 1896 helped to
220
ESSEX COUNTY.
elect President JNIcKinley. It is the wish
of J\Ir. Campbell's numerous friends that
he may yet live many years and be able to
cast his vote for other presidents.
Mr. Campbell's long life may in a meas-
ure be attributed to his temperate habits.
He has never used intoxicating drink and,
with the exception of a brief period when
he smoked cigars, has never used tobacco.
His sympathy is with the prohibition move-
ment. For many years he has been a
church member, is identified with the Con-
gregational church, and for some time has
served as a deacon of the same. He was
formerly a member of the Presbyterian
church of Bloomfield. and also served as
an elder of the Presbyterian church of
Montclair.
CHARLES M. DECKER.
The inevitable law of destiny accords to
tireless and well directed energy a success-
ful career, and this fact has ample verifica-
tion in a specific way in the case of the
subject of this review. Mr. Decker, who
is recognized as distinctively one of the rep-
resentative business men and most public-
spirited citizens of that beautiful section
of Essex county known as the Oranges,
and who has attained the grateful prestige
of worthy success in material affairs
through his own abilitv and industry, has
promoted public good through private en-
terprise and has proved himself fully alive
to those higher duties which represent the
most valuable citizenship in any locality
and at any period. His personal career
and his genealogical history are such as to
render him particularly eligible for repre-
sentation within these pages.
The lineage of Mr. Decker touches two
distinct strains, — the New England, or
transplanted and reinfused English, and
the Holland. The characteristics of these
two lines are so well known, that, if hered-
ity implies aught, it can not but be taken
for granted that any scion must possess the
sturdy, pragmatic ability of the latter,
coupled with the alertness, vigor and en-
durance of the former. Certain it is that
these attributes are manifest in the career
of our subject and in his individuality have
been most potent, for he has made the
best use of his powers and has proved a
profitable servant in the great field of life's
economies.
Jacob Decker, grandfather of Charles
M., was a native of Orange county, New
York, whence he eventually removed to
Chemung county, in the same state, where
he married Eunice Kelsey, of whom it is
recorded that she was the first white child
born in the town of Ashland, that county,
the date of her nativity having been March
1 6, 1789, and her father having been Abner
Kelsey. The name of Johannis Decker is
mentioned among those who settled in the
town of Montgomery, Orange county.
New York, between the years 1678 and
1778, and it is practically authenticated
that he was either a son or grandson of
Abraham Decker, the American progeni-
tor, who came from Holland and settled in
Copake, New .York, about 1757. Jacob
and Eunice (Kelsey) Decker became the
parents of six sons and two daughters, one
of the sons, Harrison Decker, who was
born about 1821, at Wellsburg, Chemung
county, New York, being the father of the
immediate subject of this sketch. Harri-
son Decker took unto himself a wife, in
the person of Harriet Tubbs, daughter of
Charles Tubbs, who was a lineal descend-
ESSEX VOUNTY.
221
ant of William Tubbs, of Duxbury, Massa-
chusetts. The last-named was made a
freeman of Plymouth colony in 1637. and
in June of the same year he was one of
those who volunteered for service in the
expedition against the hostile Pequot In-
dians, who were then committing serious
depredations and otherwise proving a men-
ace to the colonists. William Tubbs be-
came a member of the historical company
commanded by the famous Puritan, Miles
Standish.
Charles M. Decker, son of Harrison and
Harriet (Tubbs) Decker, was born at
\\'ellsburg. Chemung county, Xew \ ork,
on the 1st of November. 1850. His edu-
cational discipline was such as was af-
forded by the public schools of his native
town, and even as a boy he gave distinctive
evidence of that ambition and self-reliant
spirit which have been such potential fac-
tors in insuring his success in connection
with the material activities of life. His
father was a successful business man and
one whose character was such as to gain
and retain to him the respect and confi-
dence of the community in which he lived.
He understood thoroughly the ambitious
nature of his son and gave him all the en-
couragement possible, recognizing that in
the quickening of the inherent energies of
the youth by actual conflict with the world
would be engendered the maxinumi of
strength and the greatest usefulness. Thus
when Charles M. was but a lad of fourteen
years he made his initial trip to Xew York
city, with a view to seeking employment in
the metropolis. After passing a brief in-
terval in the city he concluded to continue
his journey to Orange. New Jersey, to visit
an old friend of his father's, Stephen D.
Herman, who was at that time one of the
leading business men of this section. The
voung man met with a kindly reception,
and through the influence of Mr. Herman
secured employment in the grocery store
of Benjamin F. Cairnes. After retaining
this position about a year our subject en-
tered the employ of ]Mr. Herman and con-
tinued with him and his successors until
1869. Within this interval of faithful and
efficient service Mr. Decker had become
familiar with Inisiness methods and had
duly profited by his experience. But one
of so strong and resourceful individuality
was certain to eventually seek wider fields
of endeavor, and in 1870 Mr. Decker went
to New York city, where, in the line of
handling butter on conunission basis, he
engaged in business upon his own respon-
sibilitv. continuing the same, with a fair
measure of success, about one year, when,
having just attained his legal majority, he
returned to Orange and eft'ected the pur-
chase of the grocery business of his old em-
ployer. Mr. Cairnes.
The courage of the young man and his
keen discernment as to ultimate results
were brought into evidence at this time,
for he was not content to follow along in
the old lines of undue conservatism, but
showed his progressive ideas and enter-
prise by inaugurating an entirely new sys-
tem of conducting operations. Much of
the trade of the locality was still deflected
to the New York market, and Mr. Decker
was convinced that by the proper methods
this could be all, or practically all, retained
in Orange. His prescience of the means
necessary to attain the desired ends was
manifest when he stocked his establish-
ment with the finest lines of goods, pro-
vided a free-delivery system and adopted
the plan of extending only short credit.
ES.SEX COUNTY.
His labors were attended with success, for
eventuall}- the Ijest suburban trade was
drawn from New York to the home mar-
ket, which ohered equal inducements in the
wav of goods and better facilities in all
other ways. After his lease of his original
headquarters expired 'Sh. Decker removed
his establishment to the opposite side of
Main street, in East Orange, where he was
provided with ample accommodations and
facilities for carrying on his e\'er increas-
ing Inisiness. He wisely adopted the plan
of purchasing all goods for cash, thereby
securing discounts which enabled him to
offer inducements outside the reach of
competition. His trade gradually ex-
tended its ramifications throughout the
Oranges and outlying towns and villages,
and an idea of the expansion of the enter-
prise may be gained from the statement
that while the year 1871-2 recorded tran-
sactions amounting to approximately ten
thousand dollars, the annual business for
1893 had reached the notable aggregate
of half a million dollars. The significance
of this fact may not be fully appreciated at
a glance, but a moment's thought will give
one a comprehension of the ulterior or in-
direct benefit derived from deflecting this
additional trade from the metropolis to the
immediate locality. — the influence upon
the wealth and prosperity of the commu-
nity is unmistakable.
In 1889 Mr. Decker opened a branch
establishment in the Lindsley building, lo-
cated on Main street, in Orange, and
within the following year he purchased the
Sharp property, at 222-4 Main street.
where he erectetl a substantial and ornate
building of approved modern architectural
design, the same being one of the finest
business structures in the countv. The
front of the building is of Indiana stone,
rubied, and its lateral dimensions are
50 X 100 feet, while it is four stories in
height. The building extends through
from Main street to Railroad avenue, and
its total cost, including the land, was about
sixty-fi\'e thousand dollars. It has been
trul}- said that this, together with the new
bank building, in whose erection Mr.
Decker was largely instrumental, have
added materially to the appearance of Or-
ange as a business center and to the city
in an architectural way. Mr. Decker has
made other judicious investments in local
realt\'. ami has improved the same in a style
indicative of his good taste and liberality.
Strenuously withholding himself from
active participation in political aft'airs of
the citv and county, Mr. Decker has been
bv no means unmindful of the duties of
citizenship along this line, and has given
his influence to the protuoting of good
government and to all that conserves the
progress and material prosperity of the
community in which he has maintained his
home for so long a period of years. He is
known as a man of unswerving integrity in
all the relations of life, and this may be
said to be the key-note of a character which
has ever appealed strongly to the confi-
dence and esteem of all with whom he has
come in contact.
Bv marriage IMr. Decker is connected
with two of the oldest families in East Or-
ange, — the Peck and the Jones families.
In September. 187 1. he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Harriett L. Jones, daughter
of Alfred and Margaret E. (Peck) Jones,
two of the earliest settlers of that locality
which was formerly known as Pecktown.
Mr. and Mrs. Decker are the parents of
nine children, whose names, in order of
ESSEX COUNTY.
223
birth, are as follows: Margaret. Harrison.
Harriett L., Arthur, May, Richard F.,
Katharyn and Laraus. Charles AI., Jr.,
the third child born, is deceased.
ANDREW PETERSON,
now engaged in the manufacture of cigar
boxes at No. 95 Bruce street, Newark, is
carrying on a successful and extensive busi-
ness, which is the legitimate result of his
own well directed and perse\'ering efforts.
Even in a republic like ours, where there
is no favored road to fame or wealth, where
all may aspire to the highest point that am-
bition may set without natural hindrances,
individual faihu'es are more numerous than
individual successes: anil it requires ex-
cellent business ([ualities. the closest appli-
cation and untiring energy to conquer the
circumstances which forced him to start
cut in life for himself at the early age of
ten, and make his way upward in the face
of many difficulties. This Mr. Peterson
has successfully accomplished, however,
and is now at the head of a large and profit-
able enterprise of Newark.
Born in \\'est Orange township, Essex
county, on the 6th of January, 1867. Mr.
Peterson is a son of Peter A. and Agatha
(Bork) Peterson. The father was born in
the city of \'arda. in one of the districts
of Denmark, and was educated in his na-
tive land. In his earlv manhood he
learned the wheelwright's trade, which he
followed until his emigration to America
in 1866. Crossing the broad ocean, he
landed at New York, and taking ujj his
residence in Orange, New Jersey, entered
the employ of Nicliolas Alby, for whom he
worked for some time, and next with Rob-
ert Baldwin. After working: for less than
two }-ears at the trade of wheelwright, he
decided to return to his native land and
introduce manv xAmerican methods of con-
struction into that country. He engaged
in the manufacture of wagons on the
American plan and was very successful in
that enterprise, acquiring thereby a fair
competence. Later he converted his busi-
ness into money, and in 1873 again came
to the United States, locating in Newark,
where he entered the employ of the firm of
Meeker & Hedden, working for them in
the capacity of wheelwright and stair-
builder. He continued in their employ un-
til 1876, when he took charge of an ex-
hibit at the Centennial Exposition in
Philadelphia, and on its close he again
entered the employ of Meeker & Hedden,
with whom he continued for several years,
or up to the time of his death, which oc-
curred March 5, 1879. He was born
March 12, 1844. He made investments in
real estate after his second removal to
America, and owned some valuable prop-
erty. He was a consistent member of the
church of the House of Prayer on Broad
street. Xewark. and was a man of the ut-
most reliability.
June 2. 1866. Peter Peterson was mar-
ried to Agatha Bork. and to them were
born four children: Andrew; Annie, wife
of Emil Rosetzky: they had one son, An-
drew, who died at the age of one year;
Jeremiah, of Newark, who married Miss
Hemhouser and has two children; and
Harry. After the death of Mr. Peterson
his widow married John Williams, and by
this marriage has one daughter, Orando
A., born May 14, 1880.
In his early childhood Andrew Peterson
returned with his parents to Denmark,
where he attended school until the family
24
ESSEX COUSTY
once more came to America. He was af-
terward a student in the schools of New-
ark. At the early age of ten years he was
obliged to earn his own living, and by his
well directed efforts he acquired the money
which- enabled him to pursue a course of
study in the Coleman and New Jersey
Business Colleges, thus being fitted for the
practical and responsible duties of a busi-
ness career. He then began to learn the
cabinet-maker's trade, at which he served
a three-years apprenticeship. He also
worked for three years as a millwright and
machinist. In 1889 and 1890 he worked
upon and at length perfected an invention,
consisting of a mechanical appliance for the
construction of cigar boxes, and then em-
barked in the manufacture of such boxes.
In 1890 he admitted to a partnership in
this business his brother-in-law, Ernest
Riehman, opening a small factory at No.
20 Broom street. This connection was
continued for about a year, when ^Nlr.
Peterson bought out his partner's interest
and installed himself in the rear of 172
Newton street, Newark. For three years
he remained at that place, but his rapidly
increasing trade necessitated his removal to
more connnodious quarters, and he pur-
chased the ground at No. 95 Bruce street,
erecting thereon a two-stor\' building,
twenty-five by fifty feet, and there he be-
gan the manufacture of boxes bv steam
power. In 1895 he was again compelled
to enlarge his plant and added another
story to his l)uilding. He now has a well
equipped factory, manufacturing according
to his own invention, and turns out five
thousand boxes per week. The industry is
now a profitable one ami brings to the
owner a well earned reward for his labor.
]Mr. Peterson was married in Newark, on
the 6th of February, 1889, to Miss Char-
lotte Henrietta Riehman, a daughter of
August and Dorothy Riehman. She is a
member of the Presbyterian church, of
Newark. ]\Ir. Peterson belongs to several
benevolent and social organizations, in-
cluding Newark Lodge, No. 25, F. &
A. M.: Ordnge Lodge, No. 135, B. P. O.
E. ; Golden Star Fraternity, Columbia
Council, No. 4.; and the society of the
Young German-Americans of Newark. In
his political views he is an ardent Republi-
can.
AZARIAH H. CARTER,
who is well established in business in East
Orange as a successful contractor and
builder, is numbered among New Jersey's
native sons, his birth having occurred in
Madison, Morris county, on the iSth of
April, 1837. His parents were Azariah
^^'esley and Abby (Force) Carter. The
grandfather, Azariah Horton Carter, was
also a native of Madison, Morris county,
and was of Irish lineage. He was a farmer
bv occupation and followed that pursuit
throughout his active business career. He
was widely known for his generous hospi-
tality, his benevolence and his Christian
virtues, and his life was a benediction to all
who knew him. He was instrumental in
the organization of the first Presbyterian
church in Madison, aiding in building the
first house of worship, and by his means
and influence contributed largely to its sup-
port and progress. For a number of years
he served gratuitously as its pastor, and
ever earnestly endeavored to promote
Christian enterprises. He died in 1852, at
the advanced age of ninety years. It was
"a father in Israel" that had fallen, a man
ESSEX COUNTY.
225
beloved and honored by all, but the mem-
ory of his noble Hfe still is cherished by
those who knew him. He had five sons
and three daughters: Alahlon, Abraham,
George, Azariah Wesley, Elias, Betsey,
Phoebe and Mary.
Azariah Wesley Carter, the father of our
subject, was born in 1810, received a com-
mon-school education and spent his child-
hood days under the parental roof. He
also followed agricultural pursuits until his
life's labors were ended, November 18,
1892. He married Abby Force, a daughter
of Benjamin and Sarah Force, and six chil-
dren were born of their union : Azariah
Horton, whose name introduces this
sketch; Harriet, wife of Ira De Hart, by
whom she has two children; Elias, who
died at the age of thirty-five years, after
serving for three years as a member of the
Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers
and had been honorably discharged; Mah-
lon, who married Mary Brandt, and died in
1887, at the age of thirty-two, leaving one
child, Mary, who married Joseph Kent and
after his death became the wife of William
Newman, while her death occurred in Uc-
tober, 1894; Jane, who died at the age of
seventeen years; and Phoebe, wife of
James McMickle, by whom she has one
child. The mother of this family departed
this life at the age of seventy-eight years.
Mr. Carter, of this review, spent his early
boyhood days in Madison, where he at-
tended the common schools. At the age
of si."teen he began to learn the carpen-
ter's trade under the direction of Asahel
Bowen, who died a year and a half later,
and Mr. Carter completed his apprentice-
ship in the employ of Frank Springer. He
afterward worked as a journeyman for a
number of years, and in 1864 began busi-
15
ness on his own account in East Orange,
where he soon established a reputation as
a skilled contractor and builder, who had
thoroughly mastered his business and ren-
dered excellent service to his patrons. He
has erected many modern residences in
Orange and East Orange, which attest his
architectural skill and are monuments to
his thrift and enterprise. In 1867 he built
his own commodious home at No. 373
Williams street.
Mr. Carter was married November 15,
1862, to Miss Esther A. Kent, a daughter
of Simon and Jemimah (Day) Kent, who
were of German lineage. Her grandfather,
Jacob Kent, was a soldier in the Continental
army during the war of the Revolution.
He was a resident of Morris county, living
near Greenwood lake, where he followed
the quiet pursuits of the farm and also en-
gaged in the manufacture of baskets. Dur-
ing his service in the army he experienced
the terrible hardships of the winter at Val-
ley Forge. He married Affey Edwards
and they became the parents of twelve
children. He afterward married Keziah
Dodd and they had nine children, all of
whom reached mature years and became
good Christian people.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter had the following
children: Charles Harvey, born May 11,
1864, married Carrie Coons and has two
children, — Florence and Ethel; Freddie
W., born August 3, 1865, died at the age
of six years; Jennie, born December 28,
1868, is the wife of James E. Berry, and
they have one child, Howard; Ella W.,
born November 6, 1872, died at the age of
two years; Frank Wesley, born September
24, 1870, died at the age of two and a half
}ears; Azariah Wesley, born January 24,
1879; Eva B., born November 24, 1881 ;
226
Ef^SEX COUNTY.
Emma Force, born February 14, 1885; and
Mildred Louise, born Decembei 30, 1888.
The parents of this family are worthy
Christian people, holding membership in
the Calvary Methodist Episcopal church,
of East Orange. Mr. Carter is an advo-
cate of Democratic principles, but at local
elections where no national issue is in-
volved supports the men whom he thinks
best qualified for the duties of the office
regardless of party affiliations.
STEPHEN HAINES PLUM.
As general history is but composite biog-
raphy, it naturally follows that the deepest
human interest in study and investigation
must lie along those lines where thought
has engendered achievement, not less for
the general than the individual good. In
any locality where progress has left its con-
secutive tracings by the way there must
ever be a dominant interest in reverting to
the lives which have been an integral part
of such advancement, — whether on the lofty
plane of "massive deeds and great," or in
, the more obscure levels where honest pur-
pose and consecutive endeavor play their
part not less nobly and effectively. New
Jersey is peculiarly rich in historical lore,
and it can not but be a matter of gratifica-
tion to find, in these latter days of electrical
progress, that to the favored common-
wealth remains a numerous progeny of
those who were the founders and honored
pioneers of the state. The ancestry of him
whose name initiates this review is shown
by records extant to have been long and
conspicuously identified with the annals of
American history. The lineage traces to
Samuel Plum, or Plumbe, as the originator
of the Essex county branch of the family.
He was a son of John Plum, who removed
from either Dorchester or Maldon, Essex
county, England, and took up his abode
in \A'ethersfield, Connecticut, prior to Sep-
temljer. 1636. Li the succeeding year, be-
fore deputies were introduced into the Con-
necticut colony, he was a sort of ruler or
colonial governor. He was a representa-
tive in 1641 and served in a similar office
twice thereafter. He eventually removed
to Branford, before 1646, and his death oc-
curred in that place about two years after-
ward. Samuel Plum came from Branford,
Connecticut, and settled in Newark, having
been one of the company who came hither
with Governor Treat, one of the colonial
governors of Connecticut, and figured
among the founders of the city of Newark.
The year of his arrival here was 1666, and
the old records of the city show that he be-
came a man of no little prominence in the
community, his vocation being that of a
surveyor. He became the father of four
sons and three daughters, and one of these
sons married a daughter of Governor Treat,
above referred to. The direct line of de-
scent touching the immediate subject of
this memoir is through Samuel's second
son and fourth child, John (i), thence
through John (2), John (3), Matthias and
Stephen Haines, whose full patronymic is
borne by our subject. Matthias Plum, the
grandfather of Stephen Haines (2), was a
well known and honored resident of New-
ark, having been prominently identified
with local affairs. The original orthogra-
phy of the name was Plum, and later, until
1760, it was spelled Plume. The maiden
name of our subject's mother was Margaret
Monteith Todd, and she was born in Bel-
videre. New Jersey, being the daughter of
Michael Todd, who emigrated from Glas-
ESSEX COUNTY.
227
gow, Scotland, and took ud his residence in
the United States in the latter part of the
eighteenth century. He died while his
children were yet young.
Stephen Haines Plum, father of our sub-
ject, was bom in the city of Newark. New
Jersey, on the Jtli of January, 1800, and for
many years was a prominent merchant and
shoe manufacturer of his native city, where
he died in 1885, his wife having died Janu-
ary 6, 1883.
• Stephen H. Plum (2), the immediate sub-
ject of this review, was born in Newark on
the I2th of November, 1842, acquiring his
educational discipline under the effective
direction of Professor Nathan Hedges, who
was widely known as a cultured man and
a thorough instructor in the educational
field. At the age of nineteen Mr. Plum
completed his studies and secured a posi-
tion in the City Bank of Newark, retaining
the sanije for eighteen months, after which
he became connected with the National
Bank of the Republic, in New York city,
where his promotion was insured, since he
proved his abilities and his fidelity to the re-
sponsible trusts imposed. He continued
with this institution for but one year less
than a quarter of a century, and during the
last twelve years of service he held the of-
fice of paying teller. His father died in
1885, leaving a large estate to be settled
up, and on this account Mr. Plum resigned
his position in the bank in order that he
might devote his entire time and attention
to his individual property interests. He
spent eighteen months abroad, visiting
England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy,
Germany, Algeria and other foreign coun-
tries, and since his return he has found that
his private interests place demands which
require his undivided attention.
Politically Mr. Plum is a Republican of
the most pronounced type in national and
state matters, but in local affairs he main-
tains an independent attitude, preferring to
lend his support to the man whom he re-
gards as the most fitting for municipal
offices, thus ramifying outside of absolute
ticket limitations. In his religious adheren-
cy Mr. Plum has taken an active and prom-
inent part in furthering the work and in-
terests of the Baptist denomination, hav-
ing, in 1858, become a member of the First
Baptist Peddie Memorial church, of which
he was for nineteen years the treasurer.
He was also for several years president of
the board of trustees, is active in the fur-
therance of missionary work, and is one of
the trustees of the Baptist Missionary
Union. As a teacher he maintains an abid-
ing interest in the Sunday school, and he
has induced many youths to attend his
class, inspiring them by precept and exam-
ple, and in this manner he has been instru-
mental in developing honorable men who
have attained success in life and have be-
come the heads of prosperous, Christian
families.
On the 25th of October, 1865, was sol-
emnized the marriage of Mr. Plum to Miss
Mary Runyon, a daughter of David C. and
Lydia (Dodd) Runyon, of Newark, and this
union has been blessed with three children,
namely: Margaret Monteith, wife of
Henry G. Atha, treasurer of the Cast Steel
Works of New Jersey; Martha J., at home;
and Stephen Haines, Jr., who is now a
student at Princeton College. The family
home is one distinctively worthy of the
name, and there a gracious hospitality is
ever in evidence, — a hospitality which is
duly appreciated by the many friends of
Mr. Plum and his family.
228
ESSEX COUNTY.
LOUIS REHMANN,
■who represents the industrial interests of
Newark as a manufacturer of ornamental
cornices and sheet-iron work, was born in
the city which he yet makes his home,
September 22, 1854, and is a son of John
George and Lena (111) Rehmann, both of
whom are of German descent. The latter
is a sister of Dr. FredoUn 111, of Newark.
The former is a native of the ortschaft of
Kessel Brun, Baden, Germany, at which
place he acquired his education. At the
age of fourteen he was apprenticed to learn
the jewelers trade in the town of Pforz-
heim, and after his term was ended he
worked as a journeyman until 1848, when
he decided to come to America to seek a
broader field for his labors. Accordingly
he made his preparations and crossed the
Atlantic to New York, where he arrived
after a long voyage of twelve weeks, hav-
ing been greatly delayed by reason of a
fire which occurred on board ship. After
following various pursuits in New York
city Mr. Rehmann came to Newark, where
he found employment at his trade, follow-
ing the same until 1886.
It was in Newark, in 1851, that John
George Rehmann married Miss Lena 111,
and here the following children were born
to them: Lena, who died in early
childhood; Louis and Louisa, twins, the
latter having died at the age of five years;
Julius, who died at the age of seven
years; George, who learned the jeweler's
trade with his father; Mary, wife of Oscar
Lurich, of Newark, by whom she has three
children: William, who died at the age of
two years; Gustave, who also learned the
jeweler's trade, and afterward entered busi-
ness in company with his brother Louis in
the manufacture of ahnninum goods, in
1 891, being the first to manufacture alumi-
num apparatus for the use of surgeons and
druggists; Charles, of Newark, who mar-
ried Henritte Werner and has one son;
Edward, who died April 21, 1896, at the
age of twenty-six years; and twins who
died in infancy. The parents are people of
the highest respectability and have many
friends in Newark.
Louis Rehmann acquired his early edu-
cation under private instructors in both
German and English, and also attended
the common schools until fourteen years
of age, when he began to learn the plumb-
er's trade of Groel & Krueger, at Newark.
On the completion of his term of appren-
ticeship he worked as a journeyman for
some time, and in 1871 began business on
his own account, on Springfield avenue,
his store and stock being small. However,
as time passed and his trade increased he
enlarged his facilities and soon built up an
excellent and profitable trade. He has
always had a remarkable aptitude for draw-
ing and designing, and this has placed him
in the front ranks among those who en-
gage in the same line of business. He
designed and executed the image that sur-
mounts the dome of the Peddie Memorial
church at Newark, and his services as a
designer have been sought by many New
York firms and by many parties through-
out New Jersey. In 1887 he opened his
present establishment on South Orange
avenue, where he is extensively and suc-
cessfully engaged in the manufacture of
ornamental cornices and sheet-iron work
and in sanitary plumbing.
Mr. Rehmann was married in Newark,
September 21. 1881, to Miss Lena Lud-
wig, a daughter of Jacob and Lena (Rice)
/7 THE
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PUBLIC LIBRAr
I Astor, Lmox anj Ti
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190
-)
^-^^
?^T^ty
ESSEX COUNTY.
Ludwig. Unto them have been born the
following; children : Louis, who was born
June 8. 1882, and was graduated in the
Newark schools in 1897: Edward, born
March 2. 1884; Arthur, who was born in
1884 and died in 1891; Herbert, born July
14, 1886: Norman, August 14, 1888; Viola,
born January 26, 1892; Florence, April 26,
1894; and Robert, born February 5, 1896.
The family attend the High Street Pres-
byterian church, of Newark. In his po-
litical associations Mr. Rehmann is a Re-
publican, and keeps well informed on the
issues of the day, but has never sought or
desired office. He is a member of the
Newark German Hospital Association and
of the Turn Verein.
WARREN S. BAEDWIX,
whose efforts in liehalf of the educational,
moral, social and commercial interests of
Rloomfield make his life-record an indis-
pensable part of the history of Essex-
county, was born in the town whose inter-
ests he advanced so largely, June 7, 1812.
His ancestral history was one of close con-
nection with the progress of the county
from its earliest epoch. In 1674 the town
meeting "agreed that the weavers, Thomas
Pierson and Benjamin Baldwin shall be
considered by the surveyors to make their
out-lots on the hill shorter." The family is
descended from this Benjamin Baldwin
who was "chosen to collect the money that
is gathered by the subscription in Newark
for the maintenance of the ministry in the
year 1692." It will thus be seen that from
the earliest connection of the Baldwins with
the history of this county they have been
prominent in church work and in sustain-
ing all interests tending toward the public
good. Benjamin Baldwin made his will in
1726, and probably died soon afterward in
the Newark settlement. Benjamin Bald-
win, Jr., his son, died before any division of
his father's property had taken place, and
his brother Joseph, in 1732, became owner
of '"the plantation at Watsesson, where he
now lives," on the south side of the Sec-
ond river, as far as the Old road and Harri-
son street. David, the son of Benjamin,
Jr.. married Eunice, daughter of Daniel
Dodd, settled on the one hundred acres of
land on the west side of Third ri\er, and be-
came the founder of a numerous family.
Shortly after the Revolution the Baldwin
family became the most numerous of the
early families in this part of the Newark
colony. Jesse, the son of David, and grand-
father of Warren S. Baldwin, was a well
known soldier and officer in the army, held
the rank of first ensign, then lieutenaiU,
was quartermaster, and later was trans-
ferred as quartermaster to the regular
arm}'.
The father of our subject was Samuel
Baldwin, a man of sterling worth, whose
career was cut short by death at the early
age of thirty-five years. The only brother
of Warren died a year later, in 18 18, and
thus at the age of six years, he was the only
member of the family left to the mother.
She was in limited circumstances, and as
the years passed he contributed to her sup-
port from his earnings as a boy and man.
At the age of twenty he embarked in mer-
chandising, and his excellent business hab-
its and honorable, straightforward methods
were soon recognized by the public, who
accordingly gave him a liberal patronage.
In later yearsv he associated with him his
sons, under the firm name of Warren S.
Baldwin & Sons, and their establishment
was one of the most po]:)ular in the town.
230
EISSEX COUNTY.
By close attention to business, energy, per-
severance and sound judgment he won a
handsome competence and ranked among
the substantial citizens of the community.
Mr. Baldwin took a deep interest in pub-
lic matters as atTecting the weal or woe of
his county, and his support was generously
given to all measures calculated to prove of
public benefit. The cause of education
found in him a zealous and faithful friend.
He aided in procuring the school law of
1849, was treasiu"er of the school district
for the long period of twenty-four years
and had the satisfaction of seeing the school
system and the school buildings make a de-
cided advance. He was a lifelong member
of the Presbyterian church, was made a
member of its session, for thirty-five years
was a member of its board of trustees, and
discharged the duties of secretary, treas-
urer or president of that body for a long-
period. At his death he left a bequest of
one thousand dollars to the church which
he had served with such fidelity and affec-
tion. Mr. Baldwin was also called to a
number of civic positions of honor and
trust. He was repeatedly a memlier of the
township committee, and between the years
1851 and 1871 was nine times an incum-
bent of the ofiice of commissioner of ap-
peals. He was a member of the board of
chosen freeholders of the county and in
[856 was elected to represent his district in
the state legislature.
The home life of Mr. Baldwin was most
pleasant. He was happily married f.^ecem-
ber 16, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Wilde,
daughter of James Wilde, of Bloonnneld,
and their faniil_\- numbered four sons and
three daugluers. Mrs. Baldwin also was a
member of the Presbyterian church, shared
with her husband in all his church and be-
nex'olent work and was to him indeed a
helpmeet and companion. On the 30th of
August, 1873, Mr. Baldwin closed his eyes
in death, and the entire community
mourned the loss of a valued citizen and
faithful friend, while his family mourned
for a loving and tender husband and father.
His life was noble, honorable, kindly and
just, and his reputation was unassailable,
so that he left to his sons and daughters
not only the accvmiulations of a successful
business career, but the priceless heritage
of a good name, which is rather to be
chosen than great riches.
WILLIAIM A. BALDWIN.
The department of biography is crowded
with the lives of men distinguished in w-ar,
politics, science, literature and the profes-
sions. All the embellishments of rhetoric
and the imagination ha\^e been employed to
captivate, stimulate and direct in these
"upper walks of life" the yoiUhful mind and
ambition of the country. The result of this
system is manifest, and by no means for-
tunate. The ranks of the professions are
filled to overflowing. To instill into the
minds and hearts of the young respect for
great attainments, reverence for great vir-
tues, and to excite to generous emulation
by holding up, as examples for admiration
and imitation, the lives of the wise, the
great and good, is commendable and right.
But the field of example should be ex-
tended: the lessons of industry, energy, use-
fulness, virtue, honor, the true aims of life
and the true sources of happiness, should
l)e gathered and enforced from all the
various provinces of labor. The path of
labor and usefulness should be indicated as
the highway of honor.
One who has walked in this path and has
THE
NEW YORK
(PUBLIC LIBRARY)
\ Astor, Lenox mi Tild«n
Fountlations.
1901
ESSEX COUNTY.
231
achieved distinction in the world of com-
merce and gained the highest regard of his
fellow men is Mr. Baldwin, whose name
introduces this review. He was born in
Bloomfield. New Jersey, February 16,
185 1, and is a son of Warren S. and Eliza-
beth (\\'ilde) Baldwin. He was reared in
his nati\e town and attended the puljlic
schools, pursuing his studies in the school
conducted b)' Professor Charles M. Davis,
a noted educat(jr. On lea\-ing that institu-
tion he entered Princeton College, of New
Jersey, as a member of the sophomore class,
and was graduated in 1872. Immediately
afterward he entered upon his business
career, embarking in merchandising in con-
nection with his two brothers, James \X.
and Edward \\".. under the tirm name of
J. W. Baldwin & Brothers, dealers in gen-
eral merchandise. This partnership has
since been maintained, and the store, lo-
cated at Xo. 438 Broad street, is stocked
with a large line of goods, which indicates
the 'extensixe trade which they ha\'e built
up. Their business methods connncnd
them to the ])ublic patronage, and their
earnest desire to please their customers,
combined with their honcjrablc dealings,
has brought them a large and ])rofitable
business.
Our subject has not confined his atten-
tion alone to merchandising, and his abil-
ity is such as to enable him to conduct suc-
cessfully more than one enterprise. In 1889
he was instrumental in establishing the
First National Bank of Bloomfield, of
which he is now vice-president, while
Thomas Oakes is filling the office of presi-
dent. This bank is considered one of the
reliable financial concerns of Essex county,
and has been of material benefit to the com-
munity as well as to the stockliolders.
In his political views Mr. Baldwin is a
Republican, and has been a memljer of the
board of education since 1880, filling the
office of district clerk, and taking great in-
terest in the cause of the schools, laboring
earnestly for their advancement. He also
served for three years as chairman of the
township committee. He holds a member-
ship in the First Presbyterian church and
for a number of years has served as trustee
and ruling elder. His life is one of uncpies-
tioned integrity, of fidelit)- to duty and of
sterling worth, and he has a host of warm
friends throughout the community.
C. A. HARRISON,
a milk dealer of Franklin, and one of Essex
county's native sons, belongs to a family
whose ancestral connection with Caldwell
tow nsiiip covers a period of two and a half
centuries. The first of the name to locate
here. was David Harrison, who removed
from^O'range in 1740. FHs father, Joseph
Harrison, ivas a native of England, and,
emigrating to America, took up his resi-
dence in Connecticut about 16O0. Jabez
Harrison, a son of David, was born in Cald-
well, as was his son, Caleb D., the grand-
father of our suliject. Jabez M. Harrison,
the father of our subject, also claimed CaM-
well township as the place of his nativity.
.\t an early age he went to California,
where he died in 1851. He was married in
1844 to Harriet Courter, a daughter of
Elias S. Courter, and she long survived her
husband, passing away in 1897. She had
four children: Justina, who became the
wife of Henry F. Packers, of Caldwell, New-
Jersey; C. A., of this review; Phoel)e M.
and Harriet IT.
Mr. Harrison, whose name begins this
232
ESSEX COUyTY.
sketch, has spent his entire Hfe in Essex
county, and is regarded as one of its relia-
1)le. trustworthy Ijusiness men. He ac-
quired his education in the schools of \\'est
Caldwell, and at an early age entered upon
his Imsiness career as a farmer, following
agricultural pursuits until he emljarked \v.
the dairy business. He has met with Hal-
tering success in this unrlertaking and now
enjoys a large and profitable business. He
is an excellent judge of cattle and keeps a
fine grade for dairy purposes. To their care
he gives his personal supervision, and his
capable management and excellent business
ability have Iirought him good financial re-
turns.
Mr. Harrison was married in December.
1866, to Miss Eliza Van Ness, a daughter
of Cornelius Van Xess, and they have one
child, J. Monroe.
WALTER A. HUSTON
was born in New London township, Ches-
ter county, Pennsylvania, December 22,
1852, a son of John and INIartha (Arm-
strong) Huston. On both the paternal
and maternal sides he is of Scotch-Irish
lineage. The great-grandfather, John
Huston, was the founder of the family in
America, and on coming to the New
World located on a farm in Chester county,
Pennsyhania. which is now occupied by
the father of our subject. He followed
agricultural pursuits throughout his life
and continued his residence on the old fam-
ily homestead until called to his final rest.
The grandfather of our subject, also named
John Huston, was born on the homestead
farm in New London township, Chester
county and spent his entire life in that
neighborhood, wliere he was accounted a
progressive and prosperous farmer. He
had six children, only two of whom, John
and Phoebe, widow of William Rankin, are
li\'ing. A son, James, was killed by being
thrown from a wagon, and another son,
\\'illiam, died in 1877.
John Huston, father of him whose name
begins this review, was born on the home
farm in Chester county, April 28, 1816,
spent the days of his boyhood and youth
there and makes it his place of residence
in his old age. He engaged in the tilling
of the soil for many years and was an en-
terprising, wide-awake farmer. Irat is now^
living retired, enjoving the rest which he
has richl)- earned. He married Martha
Armstrong, a representative of one of the
early families of Cecil county, Maryland,
where some of the name still reside. She
was born in that county in 1818, was
reared to womanhood there, and in the
home of her parents, in February, 1841,
gave her hand in marriage to John Hus-
ton. After spending a few months in Bal-
timore county, Maryland, they removed to
Chester county, Pennsylvania. They be-
came the parents of eleven children : John
N.. who resides in Westchester, Pennsyl-
vania: William, who died at the age of four
years: William S., who is living near Gib-
son city, Illinois: James L. ^L, who is en-
gaged in the operation of the homestead
farm; \\'alter A.: Marshall, of Philadelphia;
Ennna, wife of Thomas Smedley, of Phila-
delphia: Eliza, wife of J. S. Moore, of the
same city; Amanda, wife of George Magee,
of Philadelphia: Phoebe R., at home; and
Amelia, a teacher in the public schools of
Philadelphia. The mother of our subject
died on the 29th of July, 1893, and was laid
to rest in the Presbyterian cemetery in
New London, Chester county, where sleep
so many of the Huston dead.
ESSEX COUNTY.
233
Walter A. Huston spent his boyhood
days in the ancestral home, attending the
common schools in the winter season,
while through the remainder of the year
he assisted in the labors incident to the cul-
tivation of the farm. At the age of six-
teen he left the parental roof and went to
Cecil county, Maryland, where he learned
the miller's trade, following that occupa-
tion for twelve years in Maryland and
Pennsylvania. On the expiration of that
period he entered the car-shops in Phila-
delphia, where he was employed for one
year, and in 1882 began work as an elec-
trician in the Brush electric-light station of
Philadelphia, where he continued for two
years. During 1884 and 1885 he traveled
for the McTighe Electric Company, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and through the
three successive years was in the employ of
the Thompson-Houston Electric Com-
pany. Since August, 1888, he has efficient-
ly filled the position of superintendent of
the Essex County Electric Company, at
Orange. His thorough, comprehensive
and accurate understanding of the business
in all its departments makes him especially
capable in this incumbency, and he well
merits the confidence and regard which the.
company entertain for him.
Mr. Huston was married in Westchester,
Chester county, Pennsylvania. October 17,
1877, to Elizabeth C. Davis, who was born
near Dubuque, Iowa, and is a daughter of
Thomas R. and Henrietta Davis. They
have four children; Helen D., born Decem-
ber 26, 1878: Ethel A., born August 3.
1880; Llewellyn, who died at the age of
eight months; and Henrietta L., born in
January, 1883. The family attend the Hill-
side Presbyterian church, and in his politi-
cal views Mr. Huston is a Republican.
JUDSON S. VAX NESS,
freeholder and farmer of Caldwell town-
ship, was born on the farm which is now his
home. Decemljer 20, 1861. The Van Ness
family, as the name indicates, had its origin
in Holland, hut the grandfather, Isaac, and
the father. William I. \'an Xess. were both
born in the locality whicii is now the place
of abode of the subject of this review. The
latter was a farmer b_\- occupation and his
capable management of his business inter-
ests made him very successful in his chosen
calling. In 1854 he removed to Ohio, l)ut
in 1859 returned to Xew Jerse\-. where he
continued to reside uiuil his life's labors
were ended in death, in 1872. A devoted
Christian man, he long held nieml^ership in
the Methodist Episcoi)al church and for
many years ser\-ed as steward. Mrs. \'an
Ness, who is still li\ing at the age of sixty-
se\en years, bore the maiden name of Maria
Stager, and is a daughter of Thomas Sta-
ger, of Caldwell townshi]). In the family
were five children: Joseph, of Ohio; Jud-
son S.: Arminda. wife of M. L. Henyon, of
Caldwell; Grace, wife of A. M. Spear; and
Clinton.
In tlie country schools near his home Mr.
\'an Xess acquired his preliminary educa-
tion, and at an early age remo\ed to Ohio,
where he engaged in shipping produce and
li\e stock. In 1890 he returned to Essex
county, where he has since carried on agri-
cultural pursuits. He is the owner of two
good farms of one hundred acres each, and
his land is under a liigh state of cultivation,
the well tilled fields with their waving grain
giving evidence of his careful supervision.
He also deals in hay, and adds considerably
to his income through that channel. He is
a wide-awake and acti\e voung business
234
ESSEX COUNTY.
man whose labors have resulted in bringing
to him a very desirable competence.
On the 5th of June, 1884, was celebrated
the marriage of ]\Ir. Van Ness and Miss
Evelena, daughter of Stephen Lusk. They
now ha\'e an interesting family of six chil-
dren, namely: Celina, Alice, Lowell, Earl.
^^'illie and Ethel. The parents hold mem-
bership in the ^Methodist Episcopal church,
taking a very active part in its work, and
Mr. A'an Ness is now serving as steward
and as superintendent in the Sunday school.
In his political views he is a Democrat, and
has been honored by election to several
local oftices. He has served as town com-
mitteeman for live years, has been a mem-
ber of the school board for three years, and
in 1897 was elected to the position of free-
holder. He is loyally devoted to the liest
interests of the county and manifests this
by his faithful performance of every duty
entrusted to his care.
ELT\S W. DURAND.
artist, inventor and agriculturist, and a
member of the noted Durand family, of
whom a sketch is included within this com-
pilation, was born at the corner of Broad-
way and Canal streets. New York, on the
1 2th of December, 1824, and is a son of
Cyrus Durand, the celebrated bank-note
engra\-er of New York city and father of
the bank-note engraving art in this coun-
try. The mother of our subject was Mrs.
Phebe (Wade) Durand, a native of Spring-
field. New Jersev.
Mr. Durantl received a fair literary edu-
cation in the private schools of New York
city and at boarding school in Mendham,
New Jersey, completing that branch of
studv at the old academv. which was lo-
cated where the custom-house now stands,
in Newark. At the age of fifteen he was
taken to New York city to learn the busi-
ness of bank-note engraving with his fa-
ther, but during a period of depression he
was persuaded to try watch-case and jewel-
ry engraving, with Taylor, Baldwin &
Company, of Newark, then the most prom-
inent concern of its kind in the country.
Feeling the restraint incident to close appli-
cation, and becoming dissatisfied with the
conditions imposed, he concluded, being
under no oblieation to remain, to return
to New York city and perfect himself in
the art under the preceptorship of John T.
White, at that time the most celebrated
engraver in his line. Remaining with him
about two years, in which time he became
a master in the art, Mr. Durand decided to
purchase and pursue the business of his
employer and former instructor, continu-
ing in the same with a force of several
journeymen and apprentices. Finding the
spasmodic periods of depression incident
to the business so discouraging in their re-
sults and, so continually recurring, he con-
cluded to try wood engraving, as not only
more desirable from a business standpoint,
but also affording a higher and more ex-
tensive range of art. receiving all necessary
instruction under the guidance of J. A.
Adams, who was then engaged with Har-
per Brothers and about to issue his pic-
torial Bible. Aided by his previous ex-
perience, Mr. Durand soon became most
proficient in this line and continued in it
for a time most successfully.
When about twenty-two years old our
subject moved to Irvington and there re-
sided while engaged in business in New
York, where, assisted by his father, he in-
vented and perfected a machine for the
ELIAS W. DURAHD
ESSEX COUNTY.
235
purpose of engraving the skies and tints
upon wood. This proved a great suc-
cess, and he patented and disposed of the
same to considerable monetary advantage.
At the age of twenty-five he decided to
turn his attention to a higher branch of art,
— that of portrait and landscape painting, —
but finding the study of landscapes the
more attractive he soon after abandoned
portraits, and in company with his uncle,
the world renowned A. B. Durand, pro-
ceeded at once to study from nature. Be-
ing already well fortified by an extensive
and varied experience in industrial art. he
made rapid progress, but the necessary
confinement and close application imposed
upon him caused a complete prostration of
the nerve forces and he was subsequently
obliged to relinquish for a time his arduous
labors in that direction.
Upon taking up the life of a landscape
painter Mr. Durand removed to Newark,
Essex county, but later changed his resi-
dence to (ireenville, on Bergen Neck,
whence he journeyed daily to his studio in
New York. Finding it impossible to con-
tinue he again returned to Irvington, his
present residence, where, with opportunity
for more vigorous exercise, in the way of
gunning and fishing, which afforded partial
relief from dyspeptic troubles, he pursued
his art until a recurrence of ill health
warned him that entire life out of doors
was a positive necessity. Reluctantly the
brush and palette were laid aside, awaitmg
renewed and established health or their
abandonment forever.
Finding that out-door existence was im-
perative, our subject began the erection of
ice-houses upon his place, and then, having
more leisure time than he desired, and be-
ing of an inventive and experimental turn
of mind and also a fair mechanic, he called
to his aid the tools and machinery of his
father, and proceeded to make guns and
pistols for his own use, meeting with a
high order of success in that pastime. He
still retains some of the products of his la-
bors. His love for landscape painting
would force him to the easel, but every ef-
fort in that direction insured a return of
his old troubles, and he decided upon a
more active life. In 1857 he became ac-
quainted with Seth Boyden, who at the
time was experimenting successfully with
the strawberry, and becoming interested,
he also began a series of experiments to
satisfy himself as to the peculiar eft'ects in
the way of originating, soon becoming in-
volved in all the perplexities that thorough
investigation must invariably provoke. At
times he would determine to abandon the
whole work, but hesitating to lose the re-
sults of so manv years of intense labor, he
has continued in a more moderate way, the
whole matter becoming clearer and more
plain by the establishment of certain prin-
cii)les which an extensive experimental
course only can confirm. In the produc-
tion of the strawberry Mr. Durand has ex-
cited the wonder and admiration of the
whole country by the extent and value of
his productions, and, as being deeply in-
terested in agricultural pursuits, and es-
pecialh- in the improvement of all friiits,
the public must now, as well as in the fu-
ture, be greatly indebted to him for his ef-
forts in that direction.
For a period of twenty years the brush
and pencil, the colors and palette, had been
laid aside, to be again taken up, in 1882,
with the same old love renewed with re-
turning health, coupled with caution and
care for its continuance. Being spare and
236
ESSEX COUNTY.
light in build and active in habit, he still
retains the vigor of boyhood, and as an
ardent stndent of nature he is already as
well known in art as in agriculture.
The marriage of Mr. Durand was sol-
emnized in 1846, when he became united to
Miss Emma Averill, daughter of Lyman S.
Averill, a merchant of Irvington, and the
following-named children were born to
them: Elena A., deceased, became the
wife of George Cross; Louise died in in-
fancy; Wilson W., is connected with a
banking establishment in Xew York;
Frank died at the age of twenty-four years;
and Harry died in infancy. Mrs. Durand
departed this life in February, 1897, about
two months after the fiftieth anniversarv of
her marriage, which occurred on the 12th
of December.
In his political afifiliations Mr. Durand
has been an adherent of the Republican
party, and for nine years held the offices of
president and trustee of Irvington, and for
several y^ars was a member of the board of
chosen freeholders from Irvington.
ABRAM CROSS DENMAN.
As a representative of one of the pioneer
families of New Jersey and one that has
figured prominently in the industrial life of
the commonwealth, there is particular pro-
priety in according recognition to Mr. Den-
man in this compilation, even were his per-
sonal prestige and his honorable accom-
plishment less pronounced than they are.
A native son of the city of Newark,
Abram C. Denman was born on the i8th
of January, 1853, the son of Isaac M. anil
Mary (Ransley) Denman. Isaac Marsh
Denman was born in that division of W'est-
field, New Jersey, which is known as the
Denman Farm, an appellation applied by
reason of the fact that the farm had been in
the possession of the family from the time
when it was accfuired from the Indians.
He was l)orn on the "th of March, 1822,
the second in order of birth of the four
sons and two daughters of John and Lock-
ey (^larsh) Denman, whose ancestors were
among those who came from Great Britain
prior to 1633 and settled in New England.
The education received by young Denman
was such as was altorded at the Road
schoolhouse. a primiti\e institution whose
advantages were meager in extent. Early
in life he was obliged to earn his own liveli-
hood, and having no inclination for farm-
ing, he chose a trade — that of carriage
manufacturing — being given excellent
pri\-ileges by his uncle, Ralph Marsh, who
was then engaged in this line of enterprise
at Railway, New Jersey. His ambition,
fidelity and business aptitude soon won for
him a clerkship in the firm's repository at
New Orleans, Louisiana, where he made
himself so valuable that he was admitted to
partnership, and within a few years he pur-
chased the interest of the other members
of the firm. While the business was al-
ready extensive and prosperous, Mr. Den-
man enlarged it materially, making it the
most important of the sort in the .south.
The manufacturing department was nomi-
nally in the south, but Mr. Denman caused
much of his work to be done in Newark.
Thus his time was necessarily ilivided be-
tween Newark and New Orleans, but the
former was his home, and there his family
resided. He was prominent among the
Inisiness men of Newark and active in any-
thing that conserved the city's welfare. In
New Orleans he was equally prominent,
and, after his retirement from active busi-
ESSEX COUNTY.
237
ness, in 1856. he was made president of the
Merchants' Bank, which position he held
at his death. Arduous toil in the conduct
of his lousiness, together with the undue
strain upon his overtaxed system during
the civil war, hastened his death, which
occurred November 25, 1866, at which time
he was l)ut forty-five years of age.
]\lr. Denman was known as a man of
highest principles and most unswerving in-
tegrity of character in all the affairs of life,
and in a farewell letter to his sons, upon the
approach of death, he told them that he
"never knowingly wronged a person."
His generosity was unbounded and the
needy ne\er called upon him in vain. Such
a life implies the richest heritage to those
who are granted its benefice. He married
Mary Ransley, the adopted daughter of her
uncle, Abram Cross, of Newark. He was
survived by his widow and three sons, Isaac.
Abram C. and Frederick.
.•\bram Cross Denman. the immediate
subject of this sketch, is recognized as one
of the representative men of Newark, and
has been intimately identified with munici-
pal affairs, Iteing at the present time a mem-
ber of the board of aldermen, rei)resenting
the eleventh ward. He received his pre-
liminary educational training in the New-
ark Acacteray, supplementing this by study
in private schools and finally entering Rut-
gers College as a member of the class oi
1871. By reason of impaired health he
w as compelled to leave college before the
completion of his course. In 1872 he se-
cured a position with Brewster & Com-
pany, the extensive carriage manufacturers
of New York city, being retained in a cleri-
cal capacity, his intention being to learn the
business in which his father had attained
so pronounced success. After a year.
however, he became dissatisfied with the
outlook in this line of enterprise and ac-
cordingly resigned his position, after which
he engaged in the sjjecial storage and
lighterage business in New York, continu-
ing operations in this line four years.
In 1889 he associated himself with John
Illingworth & Company, manufacturers of
bar steel, at Harrison. New Jersey, becom-
ing secretary of the company. In 1891
this company was consolidated with Benja-
min Atha & Company, and the new con-
cern was incorporated as the Benjamin
Atha & Illingworth Company, with head-
(|uarters at Harrison and Newark, Mr.
Denman being retained in the capacity of
secretary. At the present time he has
charge of the company's agency in New
York city. In 1890 Mr. Denman became
associated with the Newark Electric Light
& Power Company, as a member of its di-
rectorate, and was soon thereafter chosen
its secretary, serving as such until 1896,
when the corporation was merged into the
People's Light & Power Company, of
which he is a director and chairman of the
auditing committee. He is also a director
of the Newark Fire Insurance Company,
with which he has been identified for a
number of years.
Mr. Denman has not only thus been ac-
tive in connection with the industrial enter-
prises which conserve the city's stable pros-
perity, but he has also maintained a lively
interest in affairs of a public nature, and
has been called upon to serve in positions
of trust and responsibility. In October,
1880, he was elected a member of the New-
ark board of education, being the only suc-
cessful candidate on his ticket that year,
and having the distinction of being the
voungest member of the board. In li
238
ESSEX COUNTY.
Mayor Lang conferred upon him the ap-
pointment as a memljer of the board of
assessment and revision of taxes, liut the
law governing the matter of appointment
was declared by the courts to be unconsti-
tutional, and he retained his position only
three months. In 1883 he was elected a
member of the board of aldermen from the
Fourth ward, representing that ward until
1886. In 1896 he was chosen a member
of the board from the eleventh ward, and
that year was a member of the finance and
public-buildings committees. He, in 1897,
was made chairman of the finance commit-
tee, chairman of the committee on legisla-
tion and a member of the committee on
public buildings. He is the recognized
leader of the Democratic wing of the board,
and his efforts have been potent in insuring
a wise administration of the municipal gov-
ernment. He is known as a man of un-
swerving integrity of purpose and of dis-
tinguished business ability, and his person-
ality has been such as to gain and retain to
him the respect and confidence of those
with whom he comes in contact.
• On the 17th of June, 1874, Mr. Denman
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah H.
Littell, of Newark. Her father, the late
William M. Littell, was a well known car-
riage manufacturer of Newark. Mr. and
Mrs. Denman are the parents of two chil-
dren, Abram Cross, Jr., and Emma lialsey.
JOHN ROLLER
is the manager of the firm of KoUer & Com-
pany, manufacturers of artistic and plain
iron work, of Newark. It is ever of interest
to examine into the life of a self-made man
and ascertain by careful analysis the quali-
ties that have enabled him to secure suc-
cess when others have failed; and such an
examination always shows that industry,
great care and precision and strong deter-
mination are the salient features inhis pros-
perity. The life record of Mr. Roller is an-
other proof of this, and much interest at-
taches to his history on account of what he
has accomplished in the face of many dif-
ficulties.
Mr. Roller was born in the town of Bo-
denwoehr, in the county of Neuburg Von-
wald, Bavaria, Germany, September 13,
1859, snd 'S a son of Joseph and Carolina
(Schuster) Roller. His palernal grandpar-
ents were George and Agnes Roller. His
father, George Roller, was an iron-molder
and followed that pursuit as a life occupa-
tion. The grandfather, who reared a family
of four sons and four "daughters, died at
the age of seventy-one years. His children
were as follows : Frederick, who married
and resided in his native town, where he
reared a large family; William, who is mar-
ried and lives in his native country in the
town of Reagensburg; Sebastian, who died
in that town, leaving a wife and five chil-
dren: Joseph, the father of our subject; and
four daughters, who all married and spent
their lives in the land of their birth.
Joseph Roller acquired a common-school
education in Bavaria, and then learned the
trade of iron-molder with his father, fol-
lowing that pursuit throughout his entire
business career. He was noted for his thrift
and perseverance and was a complete mas-
ter of his trade. He died March i, 1884, at
the age of sixty years, and his estimable
wife was called to the home beyond this life
November 20, 1883, at the age of fifty-nine
years. Both were communicants of the
Catholic church. They had ten children:
Annie, who married and made her home in
ESSEX COUNTY.
239
Germany until her death in October, 1882;
Joseph, also of the fatherland, who married
and has four sons; Fanny, wife of John
Forster, of Germany, by whom she has one
son; Kuni, wife of Leopold Weinniyer, a
resident of Germany, by whom she has one
son and one daughter; John, of this review;
Lena, who came to America and married
Joseph Hofstetter and has two daughters;
Hugo, who married Louisa Wilhelm and
has one son; Mamie, wife of a Mr. Young,
of Germany, and-the mother of one daugh-
ter; Louis, who came to America, is mar-
ried and has one son; and Charles, who
came to this country and married Louisa
Krickbaum. by whom he has one daughter,
Mary Rose.
John Koller spent the days of his boy-
hood and youth in the land of his nativity
and is indebted to its public-school system
for the educational privileges which he en-
joyed. After completing his literary train-
ing he learned the trade of an artistic iron-
worker, serving a three-years apprentice-
ship, and on its completion he worked as a
journeyman in various towns in his native
land. Believing, however, that success
could be more rapidly reached in the new
world, he decided to come to the United
States, and on the loth of September, 1884,
boarded a westward bound steamer that
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York
on the 25th of that month. He first secured
employment with Mr. Conover, in whose
service he remained for seven years. A man
of good judgment and thorough industry
and perseverance, he progressed very
rapidly and finally was enabled to embark in
business on his own account, being instru-
mental in incorporating the Koller & Krool
Iron Works Company, of which he is now
the manager. This is one of the leading en-
terprises of the city, and the excellence of
the work turned out by the firm has secured
them a large and constantly increasing pat-
ronage.
Mr. Koller was married in the town of
Reagensberg, Germany, March 16, 1882, to
Miss Anna Gruber, a daughter of August
Gruber, and this union was blessed with
four children, all of whom are living; Lena:
Ella and Fredda, twins, and George. The
parents are members of St. Augustine's
church, Roman Catholic, and Mr. Koller is
a member in good standing of the Im-
proved Order of Heptasophs. Politically
he is a Republican. His life has been well
spent and his activity and enterprise have
resulted in a comfortable competence,
which is a fitting crown for his earnest
labors.
JACOB L. KRIDEL
is the senior member of the firm of J. L.
Kridel & Son, hat manufacturers, repre-
senting an industry which more than any
other has contributed to the upbuilding,
growth, progress and material improvement
of Newark. His business career is an il-
lustration of genius, enterprise and expedi-
ents ceaselessly working, amidst the com-
mon difficulties and obstacles of life, for the
successful accomplishment of splendid re-
sults. Like so many other representative
men of Newark, he is indebted solely to
himself for the success he has achieved, hav-
ing mastered the problems of business and
acquired a handsome competence as the
result of his labors.
Mr. Kridel was born January 8, 1845, in
Cracow, an old city founded about 700 A.
D., and now under the Austrian federation
of states. His parents were Isaac and Sel-
240
ESSEX COUNTY.
ma L. (Seiskin) Kridel, both of whom were
also natives of Cracow. His grandfather
was Jacob Kridel, who in Cracow learned
the hatter's trade, following it as a life work.
He was a just and conscientious man and
lived to be eighty-seven years of age, while
his wife passed away at the age of seventy-
eight. They had five sons and two daugh-
ters, including Abraham, Jacob, Samuel
and Isaac.
The last named, the father of our sub-
ject, received but limited educational priv-
ileges, and in early life learned the hatter's
trade, under the .'supervision of his father.
In 1861 he and his son Jacob L. decided
to come to America, hoping to secure bet-
teradvantages in theline of their trade here,
and accordingly they left home, sailing in
September for the New World. After a
long and tedious voyage of ninety-three
days, thev landed at New York, on the
4th of March. 1862, and taking up their res-
idence in Orange, New Jersey, entered the
employ of John Matthews. The father
worked as a journeyman for about twenty
vears, and died in Newark, August 5. 1894,
at the age of eighty-four years, while his
wife passed away at the age of sixty-three
years. In 1863 Mr. Kridel had sent for his
wife and family of six children to join him
in his new home, and in June of that year
they landed at New York. A home was
established in Newark, where Mrs. Kridel
opened a millinery store, at No. 665 Broad
street, and carried on a successful business
until her death.
This worthy couple were the parents of
the following children: Abraham J., of
Newark, who was married in his native ciiy
of Cracow and has a family of three sons
and four daughters; Jacob L.. of this re-
view; Gussie. who became the wife of .Abra-
ham Graber, of Newark, and had six chil-
dren, one of whom, Samuel, died in 1896,
at the age of twenty-two years; Rachel, who
ilietl in Newark, at the age of twenty-three;
Samuel, who also died in Newark, at the
age of thirty-two years; Annie, who became
the wife of Adolph Seiskind; John, who died
in Newark, at the age of twenty-eight; and
Sarah, who married Nathan Feathergreen,
of Brookhn, and has four sons and three
daughters.
In taking up the personal history of
Jacob L. Kridel we present to our readers
the life record of one who is well^nd favor-
ably known in business circles in Newark.
He acquired his education in the schools of
Cracow, and under his father's direction
learned the hatter's trade. He came to this
country with his father as before stated,
and continued to work as a journeyman
until 1888, when he began business on his
own account, at his present location, at No.
59 Beacon street, and No. 64 Jones street,
Newark. He purchased this property in
1887 and has since made many improve-
ments, fitting up the factory with every de-
vice that enables him to turn out first-class
work. He employs more than sixty opera-
tives and manufactures a high grade of
goods whose excellence of workmanship
brings a ready sale on the market. The
enterprise has been one of the constantly
growing industries of the city, and New-
ark's prosperhy is due to such interests.
Mr. Kridel was married in Newark, De-
cember 8, 1866. to Miss Fanny Mercy, a
daughter of Elias F. and Nache (Schnurer)
?ilercv. and to them have been born eight
children: Susie, born December 8, 1867,
who is the wife of Jacob I. Munzky, and
they have three children, — Goldie, Erma
and Helen; George Lorn, born March 28,
ESSEX COUNTY.
241
1869; Gussic. who died May 12, 1895; Ber-
tha, now the wife of Biirlett Green, of Lib-
erty. New York, by whom she has one son;
Rachel, iMoses, Harry and Leah.
In his political views Mr. Kridel is a Re-
publican, and although of foreign birth is a
loyal American citizen, true to the institu-
tions of his adopted land, whose privileges
he greatly values, especially admiring its
spirit of liberty. He takes a deep interest
in all mo\ements calculated to improve and
benefit the connnunitv and has given his
co-operation and substantial support to
various enterprises for the public good.
EDWARD M. \VALDR(JX,
one of the well kudw n contractors and
builders of Newark and a prominent mem-
ber of the board of aldermen, representing
the sixth ward, is a native of Ireland, born
in county Mayo on Novemlier i. i8(')4.
Coming to the United States in 1879, he
located in Newark an<l here learned the
trade of mason with the firm of Riker ^c
Pool, remaining with them until 1886; then
was employed by James Morton until 1887,
when he decided to start in business for
himself, and such was his diligence, perse-
verance, and earnest endeavor that in a
short time lie had gained an enviable repu-
tation for capability and excellence in work
which resulted in securing to him a large
number of contracts, among wliicli mav be
mentioned the following: The Church of
Our .Lady Help of Christians in East
Orange, which is a marble edifice and one
of the finest in the state, costing the sum
of two hundred thousand dollars: chaiiel
of the Sisters of Notre Dame, at Fort Lee.
New Jersey, costing nearly forty-fi\-e thou-
sand dollars; Catholic Protectory. in Arling-
IG
ton. se\'enty-live thousand dollars; lodge at
Fairmount cemetery; Warren street public
school; chapel for Little Sisters of the
Poor, Newark, costing thirty thousand dol-
lars; warehouse for Martin Ijurnes, 2\lul-
berry street; leather factory for Zeigle, Is-
mon & Company, Frelinghnysen avenue
and Pioneer street; factory for the
Thatcher Furnace Company, on Francis
street ; factory for Henry Lang & Com-
pany, Boyd street; a magnificent residence
for Samuel Kalish. on liroad street, and
many others. Mr. Waldron's success in
this line of enterjirise is entirely the result
of his personal efforts, and well does he
merit the pros]:)erity that, this earl\- in life,
has come to him.
The political career of Mr. Waldron was
inaugurated when he attained the age of
twenty-one. his first active work being per-
formed during the presidential campaign
when Mr. Cleveland was first elected to
office. In 1896 Mr. Waldron was elected a
member of the board of aldermen, serving
on the market and fire committees, and dis-
tinguished himself on the occasion when
the market (juesLion became an important
issue, enrolling himself on the side of the
mavor. In 1897 he was a member of the
committees on linance. public buildings
and fire, being chairman of the latter com-
mittee, which is one of the most important
in the l)o<ly, on account of the recently
passed building ordinance. He takes a
keen interest in all affairs of a public nature,
giving to his official work a high order of
mentality, and ever using his influence to
further those projeeting his studies he engaged in farming in
conjunction with the dairy business, and
now ranks as one of the progressive and
successful agriculturalists of Essex county.
Josiah A. Francisco, father of our sul)-
ject.was also born on the farmstead and was
married on the 7th of April. 1855, his death
occurring April 11. 1890. Mrs. Francisco
was a sister of Stephen, born on the olil
home. Septemlier 24, 1833, and is now liv-
ing with her son. William H. The other
children of Josiah A. and Elizabeth Fran-
cisco were: Peter Andrew, born June 9.
1857. died September i. 1863; Bernice,
1)orn June 6, 1863. resides on the old home-
stead: Richard S.. January 8. 1867, resides
at home; Lloyd J.. January 16, 1873. is
living at Fairfield.
The male members of the family are,
without an exception, stanch Republicans
and Ijelieve firmly in the principles of that
partv. In religion the family is affiliated
with the Presbyterian church. Besides the
old homestead, which is occupied by the
immediate sul>ject of this review, the latter
ESSEX COUNTY.
247
and his l:)rother, Richard S., now own two
other farms and a liah' of a third farm. They
are among the prosperous agriculturalists
of Essex county.
AUGUST KRAEUTER
was born on the 27th of October, 1837, in
the old town of Kensingen, in Baden, Ger-
many, and was a son of John Jacoli and
Augusta Kraeuter. His father was born in
the village of Hoerdten, in Baden, in 1778,
and served in the Rheinbund army under
Napoleon Bonaparte. He rose to the ofiice
of quartermaster, took part in the Russian
campaign under that brilliant and daring
leader of the French and participated in the
siege of Moscow. He was afterward pen-
sioned and was made district custodian of
the government property in the grand
duchy of Baden, \\hich was the place of his
residence. He died in 1847, and his wife
passed away in 1840. They had seven chil-
dren, who reached years of maturity. One
sister, Elizabeth, came to America and died
of sunstroke in Xew ^'ork city, at the age
of thirty years.
August Kraeuter was left an orphan at
the early age of three years. He attended
the common schools of Karlsruhe and
Mannheim, after which he prepared for a
business career by learning the trade of
locksmith and traveling through Germany,
Switzerland and France as a journeyman.
It was in 1859 that he determined to seek a
home in \merica, landing in New York on
the 1st day of September. Newark became
the place of his abode and here he secured
employment in a pistol factory on High
street, near Warren street. He was after-
ward employed by Henry Sauerbier, in the
manufacture of military arms for the gov-
ernment, and in 1864 he became a member
of the firm of Heuschkel, Kraeuter & Com-
pany. Under this style the firm continued
to carry on business for five years, when
the partnership was dissolved and the firm
of Foerster & Kraeuter was formed. This
connection was maintained until December,
1878, when Mr. Kraeuter withdrew and em-
Ijarked in business on his own accomit in
the manufacture of tools. In 1881 he re-
moved to his present location, and has es-
tablished a paying business, which from the
beginning has constantly increased in vol-
ume and im])ortance.
In 1859, in Newark, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Kraeuter and Miss Mary
Magdalena Margstein, and to them were
born se\en children, as follows : Elise,
who married P. H. Miller, of Newark, and
has one child, Ellsa; William, who married
Katharine K. Jarvis, and has two daugh-
ters, — Hazel and Emma; August L., of
Newark, who is a member of the board of
freeholders, and married Elenore Hotz, by
whom he has three children, — George W.,
Augusta and Helen; Bertha, who married
Frank \'orhees, of Irvington, and has one
daughter, Sybilla; Emilie, wife of Gottfried
Fiedler, of Orange, by whom she has two
children, — Flarry and Frank; Charles, of
Newark, who married ^liss Ella Bingham
and has two children, Robert F. and Charles
Howard; and Otillia, who died at the age
of eight j-ears. The mother of this family
was called to the home beyond this life April
28, 1872, at the age of forty years, and on
the 2d of June, 1872, Mr. Kraeuter was
again married, his second union being with
Sybilla L. Monier, a daughter of Albrecht
and Eleonora Monier. She is of French de-
scent, her ancestors having fled from their
native country by reason of the repeal of the
248
ESSEX COUNTY.
Edict of Xantes. By the second marriage
of Air. Kraeuter tliere are also seven chil-
dren : Arthur A., who is engaged in the
manufacture of tools in connection with
his father: Eleonora; Louisa; Cora Lucia;
Richard Garfield; John Jacoh and Clara
Julia, all at home.
In his political affiliations Mr. Kraeuter is
a Republican, who warmly advocates the
principles of his party. He was elected and
served as school commissioner from 1876
until 1878, but has never aspired to political
honors, being content to devote his time
and energies to his business. In 1877 he
was a member of the grand jury of Essex
county. He is interested in all that tends to
the mental culture and artistic development
of the people of the community, and is a
trustee of the West Newark Kindergarten
Society and the Arion and Lyra singing so-
cieties of Newark.
JOHN GEORGE REICHSTETTER,
one of the practical and energetic business
men of Newark, engaged in the manufac-
ture of wagons and trucks, belongs to that
large class of worthy citizens that the fath-
erland has furnished to America. He was
born on the 14th of December, i860, in
Engelsbraent, Oberamdt Neuenburg,
Wurtemberg, Germany, and is a son of
Christian and Catharine ( Kling) Reichstet-
ter. His father was a farmer by occupation
and was for twenty years chief burgess of
his native town, — a man who enjoyed the
confidence of his fellow citizens in a high
degree. He was born in 1832 and died in
1884, at the age of sixty-two years. His
widow is still living on the old homestead
in Germany. Both held membership in the
Lutheran church and in that faith reared
their six children, the record of whom is as
follows: Frederick, who came to Newark
in 1879 and still makes his home here, mar-
ried Catherine Baer, and had two children;
Christian is married and lives on the old
homestead in Germany; John George, the
third in order of birth: Gottlieb lives in Ger-
many, is married and has a family; Karl,
who is also married and has a family, makes
his home in the land of his nativity: and
Julia G. is with her mother,
Mr. Reichstetter, of this re\iew, is in-
debted to the schools of his native land for
the educational training he received, and at
the age of fourteen began to learn the
blacksmith's trade, which pursuit had been
followed by his father and grandfather.
After completing his apprenticeship he
traveled as a journeyman through Austria
and the central German states and in 1881
came to America, landing at New York on
the 7th of June. Taking up his residence
in Newark he joined his brother in the
blacksmithing business, and later he served
for eight years as foreman of the wagon
manufactory of Brandenburgh & Novelle.
On the i8th of February, 1890, he began
business for himself at his present location
and has since greatly improved the plant.
The wagons and trucks which he manufac-
tures are of the best quality, being durable,
and at the same time not too heavily con-
structed, and supplied with all modern im-
pro\'ements. His trade is constantly in-
creasing and his business has grown to such
size that it yields him a good financial re-
turn for his labor.
Air. Reichstetter was married at Newark,
New Jersey, September 20, 1883, to Miss
Sophia M, Erb, daughter of Adam and
Catharine (Trautwein) Erb. and three chil-
dren grace their union: Fred K.. born Jan-
ESSEX COUNTY.
249
uary 15, 1885; Sophia Catharine, born Aug-
ust 7. 1887, and John George, born March
20, 1893. The parents are members of the
Lutheran church, and socially Mr. Reich-
stetter is connected with several societies.
He is a self-made man, and the accumula-
tions of an enterprising business career
ha\e come as the result of his able, per-
se\-ering efforts. The Trautwein family ap-
pear in this work.
HENRY SCHREITMUELLER,
of Newark, was born in the ortschaft of
Deidesheim, Oberamt of Moesbach. in
Baden, Germany. October 4, i860, his par-
ents being Andreas and Sophia (Beck)
Schreitmueller. His father was a weaver
by trade and pursued that calling for a
number of years, after which he was ap-
pointed by the government as a keeper of
the forests, a position which he filled for
more than a quarter of a century, when he
was pensioned by the government. He died
in 1891 and his wife was called to her final
rest in January. 1882. They had fifteen
children, of whom the following reached
mature years : Rosa, who is married and
resides at Brucksal, Baden, "Germany ; Bern-
hard, who is married and makes his home at
Guedesheim, Baden; Andreas, who is mar-
ried and is engaged in the building-stone
trade in Guedesheim, Baden; John, who is
married and resides in Wolterdingen. in the
district of Donau-Eshingen. Baden; Mary,
who is married and resides at Mertelstein,
Baden, her husband being Ignaz Bernauer.
who was a widower with six children at the
time of their marriage, by which union sev-
enteen children were born; Kilian. who
came to America and makes his home in
Newark with his wife and four children;
Henry, of this sketch; Martin, a locomo-
tive engineer, residing in Carlsruhe, Baden,
who is married and has a family; Anna,
who is married and is also living in Baden.
Henry Schreitmueller obtained his pre-
liminary education in the schools of his
native land, and later attended a school of
technicjue in Moesbach for some time. Be-
ing desirous of trying his fortune in Amer-
ica he determined to sail before reaching
his twenty-first birthday, as at that time he
would be eligible for military service. Ac-
cordingly he left home on the 9th of March,
1 88 1, and sailed from Rotterdam to New
York. arri\-ing in the latter city on the 27th
of March. He took up his residence in New-
ark and entered the employ of M. Mayer &
Son. stone-cutters, with whom he remained
until 1891. a period of eleven years. He
then formed a partnership with Frank Au-
lenbach and engaged in the building and
flag-stone business, under the firm name of
Schreitmueller & Aulenbach. Their wise
and prudent management made their enter-
prise a successful one and they continued in
trade together until 1895. when by mutual
consent the partnership was dissolved, Mr.
Schreitmueller continuing in the business
which he has conducted with good profit.
On the 1st of April. 1881. in St. Bene-
dict's church, Roman Catholic. Newark.
Mr. Schreitmueller was united in marriage
to ]Miss E\a Frederick, who was born
]\Iarch 24. i860, a daughter of Jacob and
Mary Anna (Schoenlebe) Frederick. Five
children grace this union : John, who was
born August 6. 1885; Charles, who was
born January 3. 1888; Josephine, born De-
cember 2^, 1890; Catharine, born Novem-
ber 6, 1892, and Lena, born August 17,
1896. Mr. Schreitmueller and his family
are communicants of the St. Peter's church.
250
ESSEX COUNTY.
Roman Catholic, and he is a liberal contrib-
utor to church and charitable enterprises.
He belongs to the Catholic Benevolent
Legion, of Newark, is also a member of the
Builders' Association of this city, and of the
U. G. Schuetzenbund. of New Jersey. His
political support is given the Republican
party and he is well informed on the issues
of the day, but has never aspired to otSce,
preferring that his energies shall be directed
in the channel of his business enterprise.
JOHN HARRISON.
The Harrison family has been conspicu-
ously identified with the public and agri-
cultural affairs of Essex county for several
generations, besides demonstrating its
loyalty to the country in both the Revolu-
tionary and Civil wars. Matthew Harri-
son, the great-grandfather of our subject,
was the seventh child of Samuel (2d) and
Jemima (Williams) Harrison, and was born
on the old homestead at Orange in 1726.
During the war of the Revolution he
served as a member of the New Jersey
militia. He married Miss Martha Dod,
and the following children were born of
this union: Abijah, Aaron, Amos, Adon-
ijah and Mary.
Aaron, son of Matthew and Martha
(Dod) Harrison, was born in 1753 at the
old homestead on the Swinefield road. He
also served with the New Jersey militia in
the Revolutionarv war, and, the martial
spirit continuing long after that memor-
able struggle, he was elected major of a
battalion of light horse composed of seven
companies, every member of which fur-
nished his own uniform and equipments, at
a cost of one hundred dollars. It is said
that the first farm wagon ever used in this
locality was brought here by Major Harri-
son. He was a man of excellent judg-
ment and sound common sense, and pos-
sessed the confidence and respect of all lifs
neighbors. He married, first, Jemima, the
third child of Daniel and Ruth (Harrison)
Condit. Ruth being a daughter of Samuel
Harrison (2d). One child was born to
Major Harrison and his wife, but it died
early in life. After the death of Mrs. Har-
rison the Alajor married Phebe. a daugh-
ter of Lewis Crane, son of Elihu, son of
Jasper (3d), son of Jasper (2d), son of
Jasper (ist), one of the original settlers of
Newark. Mrs. Lewis Crane was a cousin
of Rev. Aaron Burr. The children born
to Aaron and Phebe Harrison were : Sam-
uel, who died when about sixty-five years
old: Charles, who married Miss Mary
Williams; Matilda: Phebe: Jemima became
the wife of Caleb W. Baldwin; Ira, the
father of our subject; Aaron Burr, Abigail
and Mary.
Ira Harrison, son of Aaron and Phebe
(Crane) Harrison, was born on his father's
homestead, near that of his grandfather,
January 4, 1795, and died on the 5th of
March, 1890. He was one of the impor-
tant connecting links between the past and
the present centuries and lived to see the
mar\'elous changes that have been wrought
in his native town. He lived a useful,
honored life and died in the full enjoyment
of a bright Christian faith. One of the
enterprising, progressive farmers in this
vicinit\', he was attached to the good old
customs, but was not. however, averse to
innovations, and was c|uick to adopt any
improvements brought to his notice. He
kept well abreast of the times, and while
the old ox team might satisfy his neigh-
bors he preferred a horse and wagon and
JOHH HARRISON
THE
NEW YORK
(PUBUC LIBRARYl
,^ Astor, Lenox a«<trild«n ^
Foun^tions.
190r
ESSEX COUNTY.
2=; I
was the first to introduce that method of
conveyance in the Oranges. He hved to
witness the advent of the steam locomotive
and all the other imiH'oved modes of
travel. As a Christian and a gentleman he
wielded an extensive influence, was for
many years an elder and a conspicuous
member of the First Presbyterian church,
and his was a thorough and practical
Christianity, his purse always being open
whenever and wherever it was needed, and
he could always be relied upon to bear his
full share of life's burdens. .\s a father
and husband he was tender and aftection-
ate, and was lo\"ed, honored and respected
by all who knew him. Although well ad-
vanced in years he demonstrated his loy-
altv and patriotism during the Civil war
l)v attending the i)ublic meetings and en-
couraging enlistments. He married ^liss
Mary Jones, a daughter of Ichabod Jones.
born December 27, 1798, a son of Josej)!!
(2d), born in 1737, a son of Joseph (ist),
born in 1681, son of John, the last named
being the progenitor of the family in East
Orange. The children born to Ira and
Mary (Jones) Harrison were ten in num-
ber and the following record of them is
given : Aaron died at the age of forty
years; Rhoda A. resides in the Orange
\'alley: Samuel went to California in 1850
and met his death while prospecting in the
winter of 1855: Matilda lives with her sister
Rhoda in the Orange Valley: John is the
subject of this review; Phoebe C. married
Josiah B. Williams and they reside in Or-
ange with their three children, — Alice
Mary, Abigail Louise and Francis Marcita;
Dr. Alfred J., mention of whom is given
hereafter; William L. died September 20,
1889; Mary E. became the wife of Captain
A. M. Matthews, whose biography is given
elsewhere in this work; and Frederick
Irving, who enlisted in the Thirteenth New
Jersey \'olunteer Infantry, with which he
served three years, participating in numer-
ous engagements and was honorably dis-
charged after serving as a gallant and
faithful soldier: he married Julia Jacobus
and two children were born to them,
namely : Genevieve and Mary E. Mr.
Flarrison died on the 3d of February. 1873.
William L. Harrison also enlisted in the
Union army, as a member of the Seventy-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served three years, taking part in
several l)attles. and was honorably dis-
charged. Ira Harrison departed this life
on the 4th of March, 1890, at the venerable
age of ninety-six years, his wife being sum-
moned to her eternal rest in 1877 or '78.
Dr. Alfred J. Harrison, brother of our
subject, was born on the old homestead
in \\"est Orange. September 9, 1833, and
accjuired his preliminary education in the
district schools of his native township. At
the age of fourteen years he entered the
boarding school and academy of David H.
Pierson. remaining tliere for three years.
and then attended Princeton College, at
which he was graduated in 1855 with a fair
degree of merit. Ha\ing decided to de-
vote his life trj the art of healing he en-
tered the office of Dr. William P'ierson. of
( Jrange, with whom he read medicine for
some time and then attended the medical
department of the University of New York
city in the class of 1857. being graduated
at that institution a year later. He at once
entered upon the practice of his profession
in New York city, and so well equipped
was he for the duties of his chosen calling
that he met with immediate success and
continued for manv vears as one of the
-D-
E8SEX COUNTY
prominent and prosperous physicians of
the metropohs. a part of his time being
occupied as attending physician in some of
the principal hospitals of the city. In
1883. owing to the impaired condition of
his health. Dr. Harrison was compelled to
relinquish his practice and returned to his
native township in West Orange, where, in
1885. he erected his present beautiful home
on Hillside avenue. He is a popular mem-
ber of the New England Medical Society.
The marriage of Dr. Harrison was cele-
brated at Orange on the ist of May, 1862,
when he was united to Miss Sarah E.
^latthews. a daughter of John H. and
Elima (Meeker) Matthews. Both Dr. and
]\Irs. Harrison are -communicants of All
Saints church. Episcopal, of Orange, and
are identified with the work thereof.
John Harrison, the immediate subject of
this review, is one of the worthy and highly
respected citizens of West Orange, where
he resides, on the old Harrison homestead.
He was born on the 25th of November,
1829. his mental discipline being received
in the district schools of his native town-
ship, and he remained under the parental
roof until attaining the age of twenty-five
years, when he began life as a farmer on
his own responsibility. In 1861 he moved
to Illinois, where he engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits for about a year and then
returned to New Jersey and located on the
old homestead in West Orange, associating
himself with his brother, William L.. in the
management and operation of the farm.
He again embarked in the dairy business,
meeting with pronounced success in that
line of enterprise and continuing the same
for a period of thirty years. He has al-
ways been an enterprising, progressive man
and was instrumental in bringing about
many improvements on the home place
after it had passed into his hands.
Politically. Mr. Harrison is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party, having
formerly been a Whig and casting his first
vote for Winfield Scott for president. He
has been active in local affairs, has served
on the township committee at various tim'es
during nine years, and he is an ardent ad-
vocate of all enterprises that will benefit
and advance the community. Socially he
is an affiliate of Union Lodge. No. 11. Free
and Accepted Masons, of Orange, and is a
faithful adherent of the precepts and tenets
of that fraternity.
Mr. Harrison consummated his mar-
riage on November 21, 1854. when he be-
came united to Miss Amanda Simmons, a
daughter of George and Ruth (Palmateer)
Simmons, and of this union six children
have been born, namely: Ellen J.; Elizabeth
M.; Ruth H.: Samuel D.. who was born
October 20. 1864. and died November 29.
1885: Mary and Julia L. : none of these
children is married. Mr. Harrison and his
familv are faithful attendants of the First
Presbyterian church.
KARL VOIGT,
one of the pioneer florists and horticul-
turists, of Newark, whose thorough under-
standing of the business and capable man-
agement have brought him success in his
undertakings, was born in the town of
Stadt-Ilm, in the province of Schwartzburg,
Rudelstadt, in Dueringen, Germany, April
5, 1839. His parents were Karl and Chris-
tiana (Grotz) Voigt, the father a successful
and enterprising business man, prominently
known in his native town. He espoused the
cause of the revolutionists in the. war of
ESSEX COUXTY.
'-S3
1848-9 and in consequence was compelled
to leave his native country. Accordingly
he came to America with his wife and four
children, landing in New York city, on the
23d of April, 1850. After remaining there
for a short time, he finally took up his resi-
dence in Newark, where he spent his re-
maining days, his death occurring at the
age of sixty-seven years. His wife is also
deceased. They were the parents of six
children, of whom the following survive:
Karl, our subject; Beda: Agnes, wife of
Hugo Florstedt, of Newark, by whom she
has six children; and Luzia, who is the
wife of Frederick Grub, of Newark, by
whom she has three children living: two
died in early life.
Karl Voigt acquired his education in
his nati\e town and when thirteen years of
age became his father's assistant at the
shoemaker's trade. He accompanied his
parents on their emigration to America, and
in 1856 began business on his own account
at Nos. 424 to 436 Morris avenue, Newark,
his attention being devoted to the horticul-
tural and rose-growing business. The new
enterprise proved a profitable one. and in
1883 he purchased the premises at No. 389
Eighteenth a\'enue, where he has since en-
gaged in the cultivation of all kinds of flow-
ers. He has studied their needs and re-
quirements and his knowledge of plants is
most comprehensive and accurate. The
soil, the temperature and the moisture that
the different varieties demand are well
known to him, and he exercises the greatest
care in their cultivation, so that he is en-
abled to place upon the market as fine spe-
cimens as can be found anywhere.
On the 28th of February, 1894. 'Sir.
Voigt was united in marriage to Miss Maria
Manthey, who was born May 2, 1872, a
daughter of Anton and W'ilhelmina (Ivordi-
not) Alanthey, the former of French an-
cestr3^ Air. and Mrs. Voigt are of the Prot-
estant faith. He has taken an active in-
terest in the movements tending to the de-
velopment and progress of this locality and
has been instrumental in promoting its im-
provement. He has never sought or de-
sired public office, but has been unwavering
in support of the principles of the Republi-
can party. Energy is numbered among his
chief characteristics and has been one of
the most important elements in his success.
He is now enjoying a liberal patronage in
the line of his trade, and his success is the
merited reward of a well spent life.
JOHN ENGELHORN.
deceased, was born in the celelirated uni-
versitv town of Heidelberg, in Baden, (jer-
many, in 1832, and was educated in the pub-
lic schools. On attaining the age of twen-
ty-four he left the land of his birth, and
crossing the Atlantic to the New World
took up his residence in Newark, where he
secured a situation with tlie firm of Hulfish
& Grans, jvith whom he learned the under-
taking business, and subsequently entered
business on his own account on William
street, Newark. Tn 1878 he began business
as undertaker and embalmer. opening his
store at No. 16 Hamburg place. From the
l)eginning the enterprise proved a success-
ful one. His known reliability in all trade
transactions won him the patronage of the
public, and he soon had a large clientele.
He was a self-made man. for lie started out
in life empty-handed, depending entirely
upon his own resources. With persistent
effort he overcame the difliculties and ob-
stacles in his path, and as the result of his
2^4
ESSEX COUNTY.
energy and commendable business methods
won a liandsome competence.
Mr. Engelhorn was married in Germany
and by that union had two children: Bar-
bara, who became the wife of Louis Mc-
Kay, and Louisa, wife of John Saxer, who
died in Newark. The mother of these chil-
dren was called to the home beyond this life,
and Mr. Engelhorn afterward married Miss
Valentine. She, too. passed away, and for
his third wife he chose Mrs. Fredericka
Fischer, widow of Charles Christian Fisch-
er. Her first husband was a native of the
city of Hanover, German\-. where he ac-
quired his education and made his home
until the age of twenty-four years, when, at-
tracted by the opportunities America af-
fords her citizens, he crossed the Atlantic to
New York city, wliere he followed the tan-
ner's trade for some time. In 1865 he re-
moved to Newark, where he worked as a
journeyman tanner. He was a verv cpiiet,
unassuming man and worthy citizen, and
commanded the respect of all good people.
On one occasion lie was summoned as a
witness in court and testified against Tliil-
horn brothers, whose emnity he thus
roused. In an altercation he was shot and
killed by tliem, and in the encounter a po-
lice officer was also killed and another
officer and a private citizen, John Albus,
were wounded. To avoid capture the Tliil-
liorn brothers committed suicide bv jump-
ing into the Passaic river.
Mr. Fischer was married iNIarch 18, 1856,
to Miss Fredericka Schoedele. and to them
were born four children : Henrietta, wife of
Henry Schmidt; Johanna, wife of William
Durie, of Kearny, New Jersey; Matilda, wife
of Jacob Garber, of Newark, by whom she
has one child; and Otto C. who was born
January 6, 1867, and was educated in the
district schools of Newark. When twenty-
four years of age he became associated in
bu.siness witli his stepfather, Mr. Engelhorn,
and upon the latter's death became his
mother's assistant in the management of the
estate. They have since carried on the bus-
iness w ith excellent success, and the estab-
lishment is one of the best of the kind in the
cit}". The house has enjoyed an undimin-
ished trade, and its present prosperity is due
in a very large measure to ^Ir. Fischer, who
is a }-oung man of progressive ideas and
marked ability. He holds a membership in
Germania Lodge. No. 12, A. F. & A. M., of
Newark, and in Council Progressive of the
Independent Order of Foresters, of the city.
He also is a great lover of the art of music
and belongs to the Concordia and the Or-
pheus Singing Societies. Mrs. Engelhorn
is a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran
cliurch, of Newark, and is a lady whose
man}- excellencies of character have en-
deared her to a large circle of friends.
JOHN GEORGE ?^IULLER.
a florist of Newark, was born in the ort-
schaft of Gochsheim, district of Bretten, in
Baden, German}-, near the old arsenal
where the revolutionists of 1849 were de-
feated. The date of his birth was August
26, 1832, antl his parents were George and
^largaret (Benkert) Muller, both of whom
were also natives of Baden. The former
was a son of George Frederick and Cath-
erine (Koch) Muller. and for his life work
he followed agricultural pursuits. Both he
and his wife were faitiiful Christian people
of the Protestant faith and both died when
about sixtv-six years of age. Their children
were as follows : John George, of this
sketch, who is the eldest; Catherine, who
ESSEX COUXTY.
'-55
died at the age of forty-tive years: Ernes-
tina. who came to America in 1853 and
married Christopher Sonn. and has the fol-
lowing- children : Professor George Sonn,
of the high school of Newark; William,
Charles, Annie, Lydia (a school teacher);
Edwin, Albert, Emma and Herbert; and
Frederick, who resides at the old homestead
in Gochsheim, Baden, is married and has
four sons and two daughters.
Mr. Muller, -who is now prominently
identified with the business interests of
Newark, attended the schools of his native
town until fourteen years of age and then
assistefl his fatlier in the various depart-
ments of his work until he had become thor-
oughly familiar with the processes of culti-
vating flowers. In 1849 he crossed the At-
lantic to seek his fortune in the New World,
sailing from Havre, France, on the 19th of
August as a passenger on the vessel Bava-
ria. After a voyage of twenty-four days
he landed in New York and tlien took up
his residence in Philadelphia, where he
found employment with his uncle, Casj^er
Benkert, in the shoe business, with which
he was connected for four years. During
the succeeding four years, owing to failing
health, he sought out-door work and fol-
lowed the trade which he had learned in his
youth.
In 1857 Mr. Muller returned to the land
of his birth, spending six months among
family and old-time friends, after which he
returned to America and again entered the
employ of his imcle in Philadelphia, where
he remained until April i, 1865. He then
came to Newark and took up his residence
on the site of his present home. He made
a number of impro\-ements, erected a dwell-
ing and greenhouses and began the cultiva-
tion of roses and plants. He began business
on a small scale, but his trade has constant-
1_\' increased, and from time to time he has
been forced to enlarge his facilities in order
to meet the demands of his steadily increas-
ing patronage. He now has twenty-eight
thousand square feet under glass, and while
he cultivates all kinds of choice flowers he
makes a specialty of the raising of carna-
tions of the finest \arieties. He also con-
ducts a store at No. 195 Ferry street. In
1886 he replaced the old dwelling with a
fine modern residence and thus is situated
conveniently near his business, so that he is
always ready to give to it his personal
superx'ision.
Mr. Muller was married in Philadelphia,
June 3, 1858, to Mary Sophia Muller, who
was not a relative although of the same
name. She was born September 22. 183J,
and her father was a native of the old fort-
ress town of Forchtenberg, in Wurtemberg,
Germany. Nine children have been born
in the famil_\- of Mr. and Mrs. Muller, as
follows: George Frederick, \vho died in
Philadeli:)hia. at the age of six months;
Catherine Eliza, who became the wife of
Monroe Shalicross, a resident of Asheville,
North Carolina, by whom she has two chil-
dren, — Walter and Mary (Mr. Shalicross
died January 5, 1898); Annie, wife of Eben-
ezer ]\Iorris, of Newark; EHzabeth, who re-
sides at home; William, of Newark, who
married Louisa Sessing and has two chil-
dren, — Florence and Olive Louisa; Louis
Henry, who married Addie Russel and re-
sides in Newark : she had one son. Nelson
Leroy, who died, aged sixteen months;
Emma, wife of George Hamilton, of New-
ark, by whom she has two children, — Ruth
and Gertrude; Edwin, of Newark, who mar-
ried Emma Heck and has one son, — John
George; and John Christian, who married
256
E.SSEX COUNTY.
Pauline Zorn, and is living in ]Matamoras.
Pennsylvania. The sons, William, Louis
and Edwin, are all associated with their
father in business and are successful, enter-
prising men. Mr. and Mrs. Muller are
members of the German Methodist Episco-
pal church and the familv attend services
there.
William, the eldest son, has begun
lousiness on his own account on Lyons ave-
nue and Clinton ])lace. where he has estab-
lished a large and commodious plant for
JOHN J. GAFFNEY,
superintendent of the Newark Electric
Light and Power Company, and one of its
stockholders, was born in this citv, April 4,
1859, his parents being Patrick and Bridget
(Powell) Gaffnev, who were married in St.
Patrick's Cathedral, May 7, 1853. The
father was a native of county Cavan, Ire-
land, and the mother of Roscommon coun-
ty. The father came to America when sev-
enteen years of age, landing in New York
cit_\'. He, however, took up his residence
in Newark, and fountl employment in the
ser\-ice of Charles Bishop and his successor,
manufacturers of metal goods, with whom
he remained until his death, which occurred
in November. 1895. He was an industrious
and persevering man, just and conscientious
in all business affairs and won the confi-
dence of all with whom he had trade rela-
tions. At the beginning of the ci\il war he
enlisted in the LUiited States navy on board
the North Carolina and participated in a
number of engagements. He served for
two years and was honorably discharged at
Washington. D. C, after which he returned
home and resumed his old position with his
former employer. He was for many years
the foreman of the establishment and very
capably directed its afifairs.
The parents of our subject had a family
of ten children. ]\Iary Regina, who was ed-
ucated in the parochial school connected
with St. Patrick's cathedral, in which in-
stitution she was graduated, became a sister
of charity of the Dominican order, and died
at Alount Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, in 1887.
Susan is an in\alid and resides with her
sisters on the old homestead. Bernard and
Nicholas, twins, died in earlv childhood.
John J. was the next of the family. Francis
Augustine, who attended the parochial
school and completed his education in St.
Joseph's College, of Somerset, Ohio, was
ordained as a priest. April 15, 1889. and is
now pastor of St. Patrick's Roman Cath-
olic church in Columbus. Ohio. Catherine,
who received a parochial-school education,
resides on the old homestead. Elizabeth
was simi;arlv educated and lives at the old
home. Patrick dietl in early childhood.
Agnes was educated in the parocliial
schools and lives with her sisters. The
mother of this family passed away in 1890.
During his early youth John J. Gaffnev
attended St. Patrick's parochial school in
Newark, and when eleven years of age se-
cured work in the same shop in which his
father was employed. In 1876 he took u\)
the study of electricity and electrical ma-
chinery under the direction of Prof. Ed-
ward \\'eston. of Newark, who had just be-
gun the manufacture of electrical machin-
ery in Newark. Mr. Gaffnev remained with
Professor Weston for over ten vears, and
while thus engaged visited many states of
the L'nion. erecting electric plants. In
1887 he l^ecame identifietl with the Newark
Electric Light and Power Company, in
ESSEX COUNTY.
257
which he is one of the stockholders, and
is now efficiently and acceptably filling the
office of superintendent. He is an expert
electrician and has frequently been called
upon to give expert test,imony in important
litigations concerning electrical work or
machinery. He is also a stockholder in the
Essex Land Company, of Essex county,
and is interested in other local enterprises,
and one may feel assured that if he is con-
nected with the direction of any interest, it
will be carried forward to successful com-
pletion, for he possesses unbounded inge-
nuity, perseverance and sound judgment,
and has achieved success in many instances
where others, even competent men, would
have failed.
Newark recognized Mr. Gaffney as one
of her leading and influential citizens, and
he is now serving as a member of the New-
ark Council of the Knights of Columbus.
He is also a member of the Catholic Benev-
olent Legion, of the Father Dalton Coun-
cil, No. 62, of Newark. He belongs to the
Cecelia Social Club and is an honorary
member of the Harmonic Singing Society.
He has taken a more or less active part in
politics for, some years, and in 1893 was
elected to represent the seventh ward in the
city council, running ahead of his party
ticket. He has always been a stanch Demo-
crat, having followed in his father's foot-
steps in this particular. Like his parents,
he also is a communicant of St. Antoninus
Catholic church.
Mr. Gafifney was marrieil at Boonton,
New Jersey, November 3, 1881, to Wini-
fred Cunningham, a daughter of William
and Mary (Dillon) Cunningham. Their
union was blessed with seven children, as
follows: William Patrick, who is now a
student in St. Patrick's parochial school,
17
of Newark; Mary Regina, Catharine and
Edward, who are attending St. Vincent's
Academy; Winifred and Francis, who are at
home; and John, who died at the age of a
vear and a-half.
WILLIAM HENRY NOYES,
of Newark, is a native of the Pine Tree
state, his birth having occurred in Bangor,
Maine, on the 6th of May, 1858. His par-
ents were Henry and Abagail Hopkins
Noyes. His mother w'as a daughter of the
Reverend Preserve Hopkins, a minister of
the L'niversalist church, who devoted his
entire life to that calling. His death oc-
curred at the age of sixty-three years.
Henry Noyes, the father of our subject,
was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and was
a son of Deacon John and Mary Ann
Noyes, both of whom were descended from
Puritan ancestry. The grandfather, John
Noyes, was a brass founder by trade and
for many years conducted a successful busi-
ness in that line in Salem, Massachusetts.
He lived to the advanced age of eighty-
three years and was a man of strict integ-
rity, just and conscientious, who molded
his life in harmony with the doctrines of
the Society of Friends, with which he was
connected. His estimable wife passed to
the home beyond this life when seventy-six
years of age. They had a family of seven
children.
Henry Noyes, father of our subject, ac-
quired a grammar-school education, and in
his frequent visits at his father's brass foun-
dry picked up a knowledge of that busi-
ness, to which he applied his energies with
unremitting zeal after attaining to man's
estate. Later he conducted a brass foun-
dry in Newburyport, and his thorough
2^8
ESSEX COUNTY.
knowledge of the trade, combined with
keen foresight, energy and enterprise, en-
abled him to win a high degree of success.
The latter years of his business career were
passed in Bangor. Maine, where, in 1879, he
retired from the active cares of trade, hav-
ing accumulated an ample competency for
himself and family. He has led a con-
sistent Christian life, full of earnest purpose
and honorable actions, and is respected by
all with whom he has been brought in con-
tact. His wife died on the 5th of October,
1868. mourned by a large circle of friends.
They had two children, the daughter being
Frances, who now resides with her father in
Bangor. Maine.
William H. Noyes acquired his educa-
tion in the schools of his native city, and
during his early manhood assisted his
father in the various departments of the
brass foundry. In 1878 he went to Bos-
ton, where he secured a clerkship, occupy-
ing that position for four years. He then
became a traveling salesman, remaining on
the road until 1888, at which time he en-
gaged in the manufacturing and lumber
business on Orange street, Newark. He
began the manufacture of scafTolding and
ladders and also deals in poles. Success
attended the new enterprise from the be-
ginning, so that the constantly increasing
trade soon demanded more commodious
quarters, and in 1892 he purchased his
present large and commodious establish-
ment on First street, near Orange, and he
has made extensive improvements by en-
larging his buildings and equipping them
with the latest improved machinery.
At Boston, Massachusetts, was solem-
nized the marriage of Mr. Noyes and Miss
Clara White, on the 30th of August, 1882.
The lady, who was born September 5, 1867,
is a daughter of John and Clara White, de-
scendants of prominent old New England
families. Four children grace the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Noyes, namely : Etta,
born February 19, 1885; Clififord, Septem-
ber 28, 1886; Ida, September 14, 1889; and
Harrison, September 13, 1891.
]Mr. Noyes and his family attend the
Methodist Episcopal church in Roseville.
He is a member of Apex Lodge, No. 148,
Knights of Pythias, of Newark, and in his
political predilections is a Republican.
Prosperity has steadily accompanied him
in his business career, resulting from his
energy, keen discrimination and well di-
rected efforts. His dealings are straight-
forward, and among business acquaint-
ances he is spoken of as a "'man whom you
can trust." This is praise of which anyone
might be proud and which Mr. Noyes
justly merits.
HENRY C. HEINISCH,
a well known citizen of Irvington, and a
son of Rochus and Susannah (Dievenbach)
Heinisch, was born in the city of Newark,
on the 13th day of November. 1839. He
received his preliminary educational disci-
pline in the public schools of Newark, sup-
plementing this by a course of study in the
famous old Newark Academy, which was
located at the corner of High and William
streets. He put aside his books upon ar-
riving at the age of eighteen years, and in-
augurated his business career by entering
his father's store in New York, where he
became familiar with the shears and scis-
sors trade, subsequently augmenting his
knowledge by close relationship with the
factory and New York office. He eventu-
ally assumed entire charge of the New
York store, and through his well directed
J6. -S. /Id,
-^
ESSEX COUNTY.
259
efforts the business was greatly increased in
extent. While conducting this store at
No. 301 Broadway, New York, he was also
exclusive New York agent for the Peters'
Cutlery Company, of Solingen, Prussia,
and in this line he transacted an annual
business aggregating three hundred thou-
sand dollars.
For several years he lived retired, and
then became connected with the large
shears and scissors manufactory at Wind-
sor, Connecticut. The product of this
factory was stamped "H. C. Heinisch, N.
Y.," and was handled at wholesale by H.
Booker & Company, of New York city.
He has ever since retained his association
with the Windsor establishment, the busi-
ness having shown a consecutive apprecia-
tion in scope.
Mr. Heinisch has recently patented
an invention known as the H. C.
Heinisch patent tailor's shears, which
he believes are bound to come into
exclusive use by the sartorial fraternity.
He maintains that by the use of these shears
an operator can do twice as much work as
with the ordinary shears such as have
heretofore been employed. The shears
open to within half an inch of the rivet
joint and by means of a projecting arm or
handle the operator is enabled to apply the
pressure of the body and to use the
strength of the entire forearm in addition
to the weight pressure. These forces have
not before entered into the applied force
used in cutting heavy fabrics.
Mr. Heinisch was at one time a member
of the board of village trustees of Irving-
ton, and he also served for two terms as a
member of the board of chosen freehold-
ers, representing Clinton township, and
proved an able and efficient official.
The marriage of Mr. Heinisch was sol-
emnized September 14, 1870, when he was
united to Miss Virginia Rogers, a daughter
of Thomas R. Rogers, of the Paterson Lo-
comotive Works. They are the parents
of the following named children : Maud
R. (now the wife of Charles Terrell), Her-
bert D., Edith R., Mabel and Mildred.
JOHN J. CONNELL,
of Belleville, was born on the 22d of March,
1850, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is
a son of Philip and Mary (Riley) Connell,
])oth of whom were of Irish birth. John J.
spent his early life at Philadelphia, subse-
quently going to New York city, where
his education was received in Manhattan
Academy, which is now Manhattan Col-
lege, after leaving which he learned the
printing trade at Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
and later went into the printing business.
In 1880 Mr. Connell moved to Newark,
New Jersey, where he remained three years
and then came to Belleville and secured a
position as reporter on the News Call.
Eventually he went west and spent several
years in California, but returned to Belle-
ville and has since made this place his home.
In his political proclivities Mr. Connell
is a stanch supporter of Democratic princi-
ples and policies and an energetic worker
in the cause of his party. He has been
twice elected justice of the peace and was
the only successful candidate on the Demo-
cratic ticket in the great landslide of 1892.
and he has for some time been connected
with the board of health, at present holding
the position of inspector in the health de-
partment.
Mr. Connell embarked in the real-estate
business in 1890, and has since continued in
26o
ESSEX COUNTY.
that line of enterprise, meeting with the sig-
nal success that is a logical result of indus-
try, perseverance and undoubted integrity
of character. Mr. Connell is a public-spir-
ited citizen and has gained and retains the
confidence and respect of a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
THOMAS CORT,
deceased, was a successful and well known
shoe manufacturer of Newark, where he es-
tablished and conducted a large and profita-
ble business that was regarded as one of the
leading industries of the city. He learned
his trade in England, his native land, his
birth having occurred in the town of North-
ampton. Northamptonshire. There he ac-
cjuired his education, and while still in his
'teens was apprenticed to learn the shoe-
maker's trade. On the completion of his
term of service he engaged in shoemaking
in Manchester, and later in London, Eng-
land. He married Miss ]Maria Northcliffe,
a native of Lancastershire, England, and a
daughter of Barker Northclifife, whose birth
also occurred in that county.
In 1868 Mrs. Cort died and the following
year Mr. Cort determined to come to
America, hoping to find better opportuni-
ties of providing for his family and securing
a competence than he could obtain in the
Old World. Accordingly he made ar-
rangements to leave his native land and
with four sons and one daughter crossed
the Atlantic to New York, landing in Sep-
tember, 1869. He located in Newark with
his family and began the manufacture of
men's fine slippers on Bank street. Success
soon attended the new enterprise and his
trade rapidly increased. Mr. Cort was the
first to introduce and manufacture lawn-
tennis shoes in this country, and in this de-
partment of the business he secured a very
extensive patronage. His thorough and
practical understanding of the business en-
abled him to manage it on econonncal prin-
ciples, and as time passed he found himself
in possession of a comfortable competence
as the result of his well directed labors. He
continued to engage in the manufacture of
shoes until his death, which occurred in
April, 1894. In all trade transactions his
reputation was unassailable, and in every
relation of life his character was above re-
proach.
By his first marriage Mr. Cort had nine
children, namely: Thomas; Susan, wife of
Joseph Cox, of Newark; Edward, who mar-
ried, and died in 1881, leaving one son,
Thomas Edward; Gilbert, who died in child-
hood; Henry, who also died in childhood;
John, of Newark, who married and has
two children; Charles, a resident of New-
ark, who is married and has a family of five
children; and two, — twins, — who died at
the age of two months. After coming to
the United States Mr. Cort, the father of
this family, married Mrs. Jones, a widovi',
who had one daughter, Mary. The chil-
dren of the second marriage are Ulysses S.,
Gilbert, Mrs. Elizabeth Watts, of Newark,
and Harrv.
THOMAS CORT, JR.,
numbered among the leading business men
of Newark, and the eldest son of Thomas
Cort, deceased, received his education in
the public schools of Newark and Philadel-
phia. When only nine years of age he be-
gan to take a deep interest in his father's
work and under his direction learned the
shoemaker's trade, advancing step by step
ESSEX COUNTY.
261
until he liacl mastered the business in all its
departments and details. When fifteen
years of age he was able to accept a position
as a journeyman: in 1872 he went to Phila-
delphia, where he worked at his trade until
1882; returning to Newark with his family,
he again was employed as a journeyman for
about a year; and in 1883 he began the
manufacture of shoes on his own ac-
count, commencing business on a small
scale; but his skill and knowledge of the
craft enabled him to turn out such credita-
ble and satisfactory work that his patron-
age steadily and rapidly increased, and in
a short time he was at the head of a good
business. In 1885 he opened his present
establishment on South Orange a\'enue,
where he has one of the extensive plants of
the city, splendidly equipped with all the
facilities that enable him to turn out first-
class work. He employs one hundred oper-
atives, and thereby adds materially to the
general prosperity of the community as well
as to his own income.
In all matters pertaining to the devel-
opment and advancement of the city, Mr.
Cort gives an earnest and intelligent sup-
port, and is a reliable, worthy citizen, who
is regarded as a valuable factor in Newark.
In 1894 he was nominated for the position
of alderman on the Republican ticket and
was elected by a large majority. In the dis-
charge of his duties, his fidelity to the in-
terests of the city and his constituents has
won him the highest commendation. He is
now a member of the Republican county
central committee and his opinions have
done not a little toward shaping the policy
of the party in this section of the state.
Mr. Cort was married in Philadelphia, in
August, 1873, to Miss Kate K. Grubb, a
daughter of William and Agnes (Loury)
Grubl), and to this union have been born
nine children : Edith M., now the wife of W.
Allen, by whom she has one child, Ellen;
Margaret R., a graduate of the Newark
school ; Minnie R., who is also a graduate of
the Newark high school; Thomas N., now
a student in the Newark Academy; Elwood,
who died at the age of five years; Robert,
who died at the age of nine months; Susan,
John and Norman, who complete the fam-
ily.
]Mr. Cort is a member of Kane Lodge,
No. 55. F. & A. M.; Union Chapter, No. 7,
R. A. M., and Lodge No. 21, B. P. O. E.,
of Newark. The family attend the Method-
ist Episcopal church on Littleton avenue, in
Newark, of which Mrs. Cort is a member.
EMANUEL FRANK BOUTILLIER.
One of the most important business in-
terests of Newark is that of hat manufactur-
ing. The city has become a center for this
industry and Newark is largely the leader in
this line in North America. Among the
newer business houses of the city whose
energies are directed in this channel is that
of Boutillier & Carr. now doing business
at the corner of Sussex avenue and First
street, and the popular proprietors have
succeeded in gaining an enviable place in
the ranks of those who follow the same
calling.
Mr. Boutillier, the senior member of the
firm and the subject of this review, was born
in Newark, on the ist of August, 1865, and
is a son of Charles Louis and E. Theresa
(Cashion) Boutillier. On the maternal side
the descent is Irish, for the grandparents
were both of Irish lineage. The grand-
father was born on the Emerald Isle, and
on crossing the broad Atlantic took up his
262
ESSEX COUNTY.
residence in Newark, where he spent the
remainder of his days. The paternal grand-
father of our subject. Joseph BoutiUier, was
born in Canada and was of French Hugue-
not ancestry. He learned the ship-carpen-
ter's trade in early life and always followed
that pursuit in support of himself and fam-
ily. On his removal to New Jersey he took
up his abode in Newark, where he remained
for a number of years, but his last days were
spent in Jersey City, where he died at the
age of seventy-six. His family numbered
the following: Jeremiah, Jr., who resided
in Newark and never married; Joseph, who
settled in New York and has not been heard
from for a number of years; Rosa, wife of
Thomas Gaven, of New York city, by whom
she has three daughters; Mary, wife of
Charles Kelley, a resident of New York
city; Alexander, from whom no news has
been received for a number of years; and
Charles Louis.
The last named, the father of our sub-
ject, acquired his education in the schools
of Newark and in his early manhood learned
the ship-carpenter's trade, but owing to a
decline in that business he was compelled
to seek a more lucrative occupation and ac-
cordingly learned the hatter's trade, which
he followed during the later years of his
active business career. He passed away
April 15, 1893, and his estimable wife died
in 1878. They were members of the Luth-
eran church and won the regard of all who
knew them. Their children, five in num-
ber, were as follows: Mary E., the wife of
George Garabrant and the mother of two
children, — George and Flossie; Emanuel
Frank, the next younger; Annie A., the wife
of William Knapp, a resident of Danbury,
Connecticut, and their children are Ella,
Frank and Fanny, besides Mamie, who
died at the age of ten years; Henrietta, who
is the wife of George Meyers, of Brooklyn,
New York, and has one child; and Hattie,
who died at the age of eleven years.
Emanuel Frank BoutiUier attended the
public schools during his early boyhood
and at the tender age of twelve years began
to assist his father in the maintenance of
the family. When he had reached the age
of seventeen he began learning the hatter's
trade at Newark, and after finishing his
apprenticeship worked as a journeyman
until 1893, when, forming a partnership
with Thomas Hargraves and Herbert T.
Reed, he embarked in the manufacture of
hats in Newark, under the firm name of
Hargraves, Reed & Company. In 1894
he withdrew from the firm and associated
himself with William Carr and William
Clorer in a similar enterprise in Orange
\'alley, under the style of BoutiUier, Carr
& Company. This connection was dis-
solved December 31, 1895. and organizing
the firm of BoutiUier & Carr, these gentle-
men opened their present establishment in
Newark. They have a well appointed fac-
tory, supplied with the latest impro\'ed ma-
chinery and facilities for turning out tirst-
class work, and employ from thirty-five to
forty hands. They not only keep thor-
oughly up with the styles but are leaders in
their line and are now enjoying a very
profitable and satisfactory business for a
concern of only two years' existence.
Mr. BoutiUier was united in marriage, in
Newark, to Miss Mary E. Carr, a daughter
of William and Sarah Jane (Haft') Carr.
They now have one child, Jesse Wildy,
born March 17, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Bou-
tiUier attend the North Baptist church of
Newark, and he is a member of the Golden
Star fraternity of this city. He exercises
E.SSEX COUNTY.
263
his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of the RepubHcan party and
is well informed on the issues of the day,
but has never desired political preferment
for himself. He feels that his time and
energies should be devoted to his business
and in this he is meeting with a desirable
success.
JOHN OTTERBEIN.
As one of the prominent and representa-
tive citizens of Orange who for a numlier
of years has been identified with the manu-
facturing interests of Essex countv, it is
particularly ap]jropriate that the gentleman
whose name initiates this j)aragraph should
be accorded mention in this work; and
therefore a resume of his career is herewith
presented to our readers. A native of Ger-
many, the l)irth of Mr. Otterbein occurred
in the famous city of Laulerbach, |)ro\ince
of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the loth of Janu-
ary, 1834, his parents being John and
Catherine (Gerhard) Otterbein, both of
whom were also born in Hesse-Darmstadt.
John Otterbein, the father of our subject,
was born and reared in Lauterbach, and
tliere received liis education in the pulilic
schools, after leaving which he learned the
trade of locksmith, and ujoon serving a
complete ajiprenticeshijj he worked as a
journeyman in the various cities of Europe.
He finally returned to Lauterbach and es-
tablished himself in lousiness, continuing in
the same until his death, which occurred in
1885. He married Miss Catherine Ger-
hard, and her death occurred in her sixty-
eighth year. Mr. Ottenbein was a thought-
ful, industrious man, of a genial disposition
and a religious temperament, and possessed
great good sense and sound judgment.
To him and his wife were born the follow-
ing children: Ludw'ig, w'ho came to the
United States in 1848 and settled in New
York city, eventually moving to Ijrooklyn,
where he now resides : he married and
reared sons and daughters, one of the for-
mer being Louis, who died at Orange in
1884, lea\'ing a widow and two children,
William and Anna; Conrad died in the
town of Lauterbach at the age of twenty-
seven years; Henry came to America in
1851 and located in New York city: he
was twice married, having one child by his
first union and four children by his second:
he learned the trade of machinist and at
present conducts a successful business on
Twenty-ninth street, New York city; John
is the immediate subject of this review;
Frederick married twice, his first union re-
sulting in three children: after the death
of his first wife he married her sister, and
they reside on the old homestead in Lau-
terbach: Katharine resides with her brother
Frederick.
John Otterbein. our subject, ac(|uired his
early educational discii)line in the public
schools of his native city, continuing his
studies until nearly fifteen years old, when
he became apprenticed to the hatting trade,
and after serving for four years he worked
as journeyman for a short time, then tle-
termined to seek wider fields for his en-
deavors. He left home on the 4tli of .\])n\,
1853, crossed the Atlantic, and landed in
New- York on the 28th of May following.
Here he worked at his trade for a year, and
at Brooklyn and Orange for a short time,
and then came to Newark, .\ttracted by
the reports of fabulous wealth to l)e ob-
tained in California, Mr. Otterbein decided
to seek his fortune there, and accordingly,
in January, 1858, he journeyed to the prom-
264
ESSEX COUNTY.
ised land, worked at his trade in several
towns in that state, and final'y made his
way to British Columbia, bein^ one of the
first white men to prospect and mine in
those regions. After enduring many hard-
sliips and privations, he returned to the
genial climate of California and secured em-
ployment in Marysville, engaging in his
trade for a while at San Francisco.
Tn January. i8fio, Mr. Otterbein returned
to Orange and worked at his trade, filling
the position of foreman for Charles A.
Lighthipe until 1865, when he entered into
partnership with Frederick Berg, in the hat
business, under the firm name of Berg &
Otterbein, and under their careful and ju-
dicious management success soon attended
them. Mr. Otterbein then associated him-
self with Charles F. Lighthipe in the manu-
facture of hats, the firm name being Light-
hipe & Otterbein, continuing as such until
1874, when our subject purchased his part-
ner's interest and conducted the business on
his own responsibility up to within recent
years, when he retired from active life, and
is now enjoying the fruits of his early ef-
forts.
Mr. Otterljein affiliates with the Demo-
cratic party, and has always taken an abid-
ing interest in 1-ocal politics and all enter-
prises that have for their object the ad-
vancement and welfare of the communitv.
In 1872 he was elected a member of the
township committee, serving as such for
eighteen consecutive years: lie was elected
to the same position in 1893 for one year,
and again in 1897. Socially considered,
Mr. ( )tterbein is a popular member of Cor-
inthian Lodge, No. 57, Free and Accepted
Masons, at Orange.
The marriage of Mr. Otterbein was sol-
emnized on the 23d of June, i860, when he
was united to Miss Susanna Greer, a
daughter of Frank and Katharine (Becker)
Greer, of Orange, and of this union six
children have been born, of whom the fol-
lowing record is given: Amelia C, who be-
came the wife of Alliert S. Wallace, of
Montclair, New Jersey, and they have one
daughter, Isabella: John F.: Eugene, who
is a progressive citizen of Orange, where he
is engaged in the grocery business: IMin-
nie F., who resides at home; Louisa H.,
who also is at home: and Lily M., who for
a time taught a kindergarten school in New-
York city, and resides at present with her
parents.
John F. Otterbein, the eldest son of our
subject, was born in Orange. New Jersey,
on the 8th of July, 1862, and received his
early education under private tuition, be-
coming proficient in both the English and
German languages. Later he attended the
district schools of Orange and completed
his studies in the New Jersey Business Col-
lege, at which he was graduated in 1879.
He then learned the hatting business with
his father, continuing in that until 1886, at
which time he embarked in the Hour and
feed business at Orange. On the ist of
January. 1890, Mr. Otterbein established
himself at his present location, where his
integrity of character and honorable meth-
ods have secured to him a liberal patronage.
He also takes a deep interest in pu!)lic mat-
ters, and in 1896 he was unanimously
nominated by his party and elected a mem-
l)er of the board of freeholders, he being
one of the two Democratic nominees
elected to office in that campaign. Al-
though his home townslii]i went Repuljli-
can by three hundred and sixty-nine major-
ity. Mr. Otterbein won his victory by a
surplus of one hundreil and ninety-nine
ESSEX COUXTY.
^65
votes. Like liis father, he is a Democrat
of the true Jeffersonian t}'pe.
J. H. VAX CLEVE,
a leading and pul)Hc-spirited citizen of
Irvington, is descended from one of the
early Holland families of New York, and is
a son of the late John \"an Cleve. who was
for many years a prominent factor in the
commercial and ]io!iticaI affairs of Irving-
ton. The latter was l)orn in New ^'ork
city in 1820, but at an early age he was
fleprived of his father l^y death, and in his
Ijoyhood was brought to New Jersey, and
was here reared to manhood by his grand-
father, (larret \'an Cle\e. His literary
education was obtained in the night schools,
and at rather a youthful age he went to
Newark and learned the shoemaker's trade.
About the year 1840 he moved to Camp-
town, which is now the town of Irvington,
and here opened a general store, but later
changed the character of his stock and en-
gaged in the shoe business. As he pros-
pered he became interested in other enter-
prises, as he thought he saw opportunities
of adding to his income, and grading and
e.\ca\ating and the ice business were made
a part of his regular work. In 1878 he
embarked in the coal lousiness, and was
successfully conducting the same until in-
terrupted by death, on the nth of Febru-
ary, 1 88 1.
In politics John \'an Cleve was an ener-
getic member of the Democratic party and
a leader in his township and village. He
was one of a committee appointed to make
a map of Clinton township; he participated
in the framing of the village charter; he
was a member of the board of village trus-
tees and the school board, and was one of
the early members of the board of mana-
gers of the Clinton county cemetery. So-
cially, he was prominent in Masonic circles.
He married Miss Elizabeth C. Looker, a
daughter of William and Mary Looker, of
Esse.x county, and she was called to her
eternal rest in 1876. The following is a
record of the children bcirn to Mr. and Mrs.
\'an Cleve: Harriet L.. deceased, married
Charles W'inans, of New York, and left
three children. — Harry, Arthur and Edna;
Abram married Mary \\". Sheridan, and
they have one child, Robert ;_ Mary E. be-
came the wife of Daniel Heddon, and they
have si.x children — Fannie, Laura, Charles,
Leitha, Frank and Maud; Calvin D., who
died in 1895, was a leader of the Democratic
party in Clinton township, and was a promi-
nent contractor: he married Miss Mary
A. Farrow, and their children were Irene,
Allie, Eugene and Walter; Fannie D.
married Augustus Fuller, of New York,
and has one child, Ethel; J. H. was born
in Camptown on May 18, 1854, and mar-
ried Hannah A., daughter of Sidney Meek-
er and granddaughter of Zadoc Meeker,
one of the old landmarks of Essex county;
Florence A. became the wife of Winfield
Scott, of Newark, and their children are
Norma. Harry. Dorothy and \'ancleve;
Laura E. is the wife of Frank Jagger, of
Newark: Ida is the wife of Theodore Mel-
ius, and their child is Eslie; Edgar E. mar-
ried Maggie Ray. and their children are
William, Essie. Edgar and Russell; J.
Amanda is the wife of Josei)h Thompson,
of Paterson. and they are the parents of
one child, ^lildred; the youngest child,
William S.. is unmarried.
J. H. \'an Cleve. the immediate subject
of this review, received his educational
training in the public schools of Irxington,
266
ESSEX COUNTY.
and at the age of seventeen entered npon
his l)nsiness career as a clerk in a grocery
store, retaining that position for four years,
when, liis father ha\-ing engaged in the coal
business, our subject was taken into part-
nership, which association continued until
the father's death, after which J. H. suc-
ceeded to the business. The latter in-
herited something of his father's interest
in inililic matters and much of his talent for
executive affairs, demonstrating his ability
by serving two terms as president of the
village of Irvington and one term as trustee
of the same, and as postmaster during
Cleveland's first administration. He is
manager and treasurer of the Clinton
Cemetery Association, and in his religious
belief he has Ijeen an adherent of the Chris-
tian church since he was thirteen years old;
has served as president of the official board,
has been for eight years superintendent of
the Sunday school, and is at present one of
the trustees." ]\lr. \'an Cleve is well and
favoral)l}- known in his home city, and
stands high in the estimation and regard of
his many friends.
DR. C. H. HUNTER.
late of Caldwell, was. for nearly a score of
years, one of the conspicuous characters of
this locality, where he had built up a large
practice and enjoyed the reputation of be-
ing a signally successful physician, and his
death, which occurred on the nth of Au-
gtist. 1887. was mourned as a public calam-
ity by the residents of the community. The
Doctor was born on December 8, 1827. the
son of William and Elizabeth T. (Halsey)
Hunter, his grandfather being a Scotch-
man. Four other sons of \\'illiam Hunter
left families distributed throughout south-
ern New York and Xew Jersey.
Dr. C. H. Hunter was educated for the
medical profession in the old Medical Uni-
versity of New York, in New York city,
previous to which he had spent some years
as a pharmacist and in the drug business.
He came to Caldwell about thirty years
ago and here engaged in the practice of
medicine, gaining a strong foothold on the
people of the county by reason of his strict
integrity as well as of his high standing
in the profession. He was never identified
with any of the political struggles in the
county, as it is now- remembered, but was
a quiet, modest citizen and an enthusiastic
member of the Caldw^ell Presbyterian
church. The first few years of Dr.
Hunter's residence in Caldwell were
spent in the home of R. C. Camp-
bell and at the Caldwell Hotel, but
after his marriage. May 24. 1866, to
Annie O.. the daughter of William H.
and Maria Halsey, of Hanover. New Jersey,
he moved to the house now occupied by his
son. Charles \\'ilfred Hunter, which has
recently become known as Laurel Hurst.
It overlooks a large portion of Caldwell and
the surrounding country and its new
owner has laid out the grounds witli beau-
tiful drives, retreats and terraces, and it is
one of the many objects of attraction in the
town.
Charles Wilfred Hunter, the only surviv-
ing child of Dr. and Mrs. Hunter, and the
present owner of Laurel Hurst, was born
on the 31st of January. 1872. and was edu-
cated at the Peekskill Military Academy.
He was married on the 2d of July, 1892,
to Miss Mabel L. Ward, a daughter of
Frank F. Ward, and their issue is one
daughter. Celeste.
Mr. Hunter occupies his time in the
management of the large interests inherited
-,v "V
J>
C. H. HUNTER
THE
7 NEW YORK
!,''PU8L!C ubraryI
^ Astor, Lenox ani Tiliien ^
Foundations.
1901
ESSEX COUNTY.
267
from his parents and is one of Caldwell's
most loyal and public-spirited citizens.
CHARLES ZULAUF,
who is now living retired in East Orange,
was born in Alsfeld, province of Hessen,
Germany, on the i8th of August. 1828,
and is a son of John and Anna Cath-
arine (Schaaf) Zulauf. He acquired his
education in the district schools of his
native town and remained a member
of his parental household until seven-
teen years of age. when he began to
learn the carpenter's trade, which he fol-
lowed for a number of years. Not finding
employment at home profitable he began
to look about for a way in w hich he nn'ght
improve his financial condition, and in so
doing learned of the opportunities and
privileges afforded in the New World.
Accordingly, in the autumn of 1850. he
sailed for America, landing on the 29th of
October in the city of New York. There
he found employment at the carpenter's
trade, at which he continued to work for a
number of years, after which he removed to
Newark, New Jersey, where he was various-
ly employed. He next spent three years
in Pennsylvania, after which he returned to
this state, taking up his residence in < )r-
ange, where he entered the employ of Dr.
Pierson, with whom he remained for five
years. He subsequently engaged in black-
smithing, which he followed for thirty-four
years, when, with the capital that be had
acquired through his own honorable and
well directed labors, he retired to jjrivate
life, and is now resting in the enjovment of
the fruit of his former toil.
In 1858 Mr. Zulauf purchased the lot on
Mulberry street, now North Clinton street,
where he has since made his home, and in
1888 erected his present residence. He
was married April 2. 1861, to Miss Anna
Catherine Ermel, wdio likewise is a native
of Germany, and a daughter of Lucas and
Anna C. Ermel. Their children are
Charles, who married Anna Stenhof, of
Newark, by whom he has two children,
Charles and Annie; .Annie, wife of Freder-
ick Stenhof. of Newark, by whom she has
one child, Elizabeth: Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Christian Berge and has one child,
Catharine Sophia; Henry, Lewis and
George, — all now deceased.
Politically, Mr. Zulauf is a Republican,
unfaltering in his support of the principles
of the party. He and his wife hold mem-
bership in the Evangelical Lutheran
church. His career has been one of indus-
try, usefulness and uprightness, and he has
the respect of business and social actjuaint-
ances who esteem him highly for his many
admirable qualities. He well deserves the
rest that is now crowning his labors as the
fitting reward of liis many years of faithful
toil.
ROBERT KIERSTED.
chief engineer of the Newark fire depart-
ment, has been connected with this depart-
ment of the city service for twenty-seven
}'ears. and his record is an untarnished one.
For fourteen years he has occupied the
position of chief, and his services in this
direction are inestimable. A well organ-
ized fire department is one of the greatest
safeguards and most indispensable depart-
ments of a city. The constant watchful-
ness, the readiness to face any emergency,
the alertness in times of danger, are a bul-
wark of safety whose worth is incalculable;
and yet the majority of citizens never stop
268
ESSEX COUNTY.
to consider how much is due to the well
organized department and to tiie brave men
who risk life in flefense of the homes and
property of others. Standing at the head
of the system in Newark is Robert Kier-
sted, a man of strong indixiduality, force of
character and sound judgment. l)rave. calm
and collected in the greatest excitement or
in face of the greatest danger, capable of
directing the mo\-ements of the men and
rendering the most effective service.
Mr. Kiersted was born in the city which
is still his home, ]May 9, 1846. His father.
Aaron Kiersted. was born in Hanover. New
Jersey, but spent much of his life in New-
ark, where he died at the age of sixty-four
years, passing away in 1890. He was of
Holland Dutch descent, and married Han-
nah \'on Wagoner. Robert Kiersted. the
eldest of their six chiklren, acquired his
education in the public schools of Newark,
and during the cix'il war enlisted for nine
months' service as a meml.ier of Company
B, Twenty-sixth New Jersey Infantry. ( )n
the expiration of that term he reenlistetl
for three years' sen'ice as a member of
Company F, Third New Jersey Cavalry. •
and with the army of the Potomac partici-
pated in all the engagements from the bat-
tle of Fretlericksburg until the close of the
war. He was a lirave and gallant soldier,
and returned home with an honorable mili-
tary record.
Soon after his arrival in Newark, in Aug-
ust. 1865, Mr. Kiersted began learning the
trade of carpenter and followed that pursuit
until 1870, when he became a memljer of
Truck No. i. of the Newark fire depart-
ment. He remained with that truck until
his promotion to the res])onsible position
of chief engineer, on the loth of January.
1885. Important im]M-o\ements ha\'e been
made in the fire department since he be-
came chief: the call system has been abol-
ished, and the (jamewell Fire Alarm Sys-
tem adopted; an electrical plant, second to
none in the United States, has been pro-
vided at a cost of twenty thousand dollars,
and a permanent department has been es-
tablished for organizing and drilling forces,
the training school at the Turn\erein on
William street being used for this purpose.
The cit}- of Newark has demonstrated its
pride in the superior service of Chief Kier-
sted, and he is recognized as one being in
all things the peer of any chief in the coun-
try. He is constantly studying how to im-
prove the system, and his thought and
judgment have brought forth many excel-
lent ideas whose i)ractical utility have been
put to the test.
Fraternally, Mr. Kiersted is connected
with Kearny Post. No. i. G. A. R.. and of
Eureka Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M. He
was married May 3. 18C9. to Miss Henri-
etta, daughter of George Wilson, of Pomp-
ton, New Jersey. They now have two
sons: George, agent for the Prudential In-
surance Company, and Harr\'. telegraph
operator on the fire-department force.
JOHN H. ELY,
one of the leading architects of Newark,
was i:)orn in New Hope, Pennsylvania, on
the 13th of June. 1851. The Elys in this
country are descendants of three ancestors:
Nathaniel Ely, who settled in Springfield,
Massachusetts, in 1628 or 1630: Richard,
who located at L}nn, Connecticut, in 1660;
and Joshua, who established a home in
Trenton. New Jersey, in 1685. The last
named is the ancestor of the Elys in Essex
countv. New Jersev. The fact that three
ESSEX COUNTY.
269
of tlie name came to this country in early
colonial days lias given rise to tlie tradi-
tional theory of three brothers: but investi-
gation does not warrant this conclusion;
for Richard came from the extreme south
of England. Joshua from a district north of
t!:e center, and fifty-five years elapsed be-
tween their respective emigrations.
Joshua Ely came from Dunham, Not-
tinghamshire, England, in 1685, and pur-
chased four hundred acres of land in what
was then called Burlington county. New
Jersev. The lot on which the state house
in Trenton now stands adjoins his tract on
the south. He arrived in this country with
his wife and three sons, Joshua, George and
John, the last named lieing born on the
\ovage. Three other children were born in
this country: Hugh, Elizabeth and Sarah.
The mother died in 1698 and the father af-
terward married Rachel Lee, liy whom he
liad two children, Benjamin and Ruth,
twins. Joshua Ely died in 1702. Xo ac-
count of the descendants of his eldest son,
Joshua, is obtainable. George is the an-
cestor of the subject of this review. John,
the third son, has numerous descendants
now living in southern New Jersey: and
some of the descendants of Hugh, the
fourth son. are living in this section of the
state, and some in j\Iar\land.
Joshua Ely, the eldest son of George and
Jane (Pebbit) Ely, was born March !(>,
1704, and married Elizabeth Bell. Both
were members of the Society of Friends, to
which Mrs. Jane Ely also belonged: and
Joshua became an approved minister of
that society. He took up his residence in
Salisbury township, Bucks county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1737. reared seven children, and
died in 1783. His son Joshua, who was
born May 2S. 1738, married Sarah Sim-
cock, antl after her death wedded Margaret
Richards. By the first union there were
five children, the second of whom, Asher
Ely, was born July 11, 1768, and married
Eleanor Holcombe, l)y whom he had nine
children. The eldest child of that family
was John H. Ely. who was born March 6,
1792, married Elizabeth Pownall, and after
her death wedded Elizabeth Kipel.
Five children were born of the second
marriage, the second of whom was IMatthias
Cowell Ely. the father of the subject of this
review. He was engaged in the lumlier
business in Pennsylvania from 1852 until
i8C)o, when he turned his attention to farm-
ing, which he followed in different places in
New Jersey. The last twenty years of his
life were spent as su])erintendent of con-
struction of the Morris Plains Asylum, and
he died in 1895, while filling that jjosition.
He married Kizziah Stackhouse, and to
them were born the following named: John
H., Amy A., Lewis C. Kizziah, wife of ex-
Senator Ashlew of Wakefield, Massachu-
setts: Matthias C. secretary to Mayor Sey-
mour, of Newark; Rebecca C, wife of Jos-
eph R. Harring, of Morris Plains, New Jer-
sey; and Sadie G.
John H. Ely was liberally educated in the
schools of New Jersey, and when he at-
tained his majority he left home and fitted
himself for his life work by learning the car-
penter's trade, which he followed for some
}ears, and in his leisure hours engaged in
the study of architecture. He came to
Newark fifteen years ago and since has de-
voted his attention to architectural design-
ing and contracting. He and his son Wil-
son C designed the Newark City Hospital,
the Hebrew Orphan Asylum and the Peo-
ple's Bank, of Brooklyn, and other build-
ings of im])ortance. and is an expert in his
270
ESSEX COUNTY.
line, comiiiandiiig a liberal patronage and
winning high commendation by his skill
and proficiency.
Mr. Ely has been very prominent in the
mnnicipal affairs of Newark, and has been
a leader in thought and action, earnestly
laboring for all interests that will advance
the welfare and prosperity of the locality.
In 1 89 1 he was elected on the Democratic
ticket a member of the city council, and in
1894 was reelected. On the organization
of that body in 1895 he was unanimously
elected president, and as such used his of-
ficial power to promote many causes of ma-
terial benefit to the city. He served on all
the important conmiittees of the council
and lent his influence to the work of prog-
ress, improvement and reform. He also
ser\'ed for two years as trustee of the City
Home. He is noted for his activity in ad-
vocating and promoting the building of the
city hospital, in passing an ordinance regu-
lating the construction of buildings, fought
the redistricting of the city in the courts,
but was defeated, and tested in the courts
the law empowering the mayor to appoint
councilmen to fill vacancies and won his
point.
Mr. Ely was married in Cranberry Neck,
Mercer county, New Jersey, in 1871, to
Miss Lydia Helen, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel
Wilson, whose father, the Rev. Peter Wil-
son, was on the circuit embracing Hights-
town, Hamilton Square and Trenton early
in this century. The Doctor's second wife
was Hannah Bergen, a sister of Judge Ber-
gen, of Dutch Neck, Mercer county, Penn-
sylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Ely have been
born a son and daughter, Wilson C, his
father's partner in business, and Ida Mav.
Mr. Ely is a member of the Masonic, Odd
Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternities.
In social and business circles he is highly
esteemed for that sterling worth which
everywhere commands respect, and his pub-
lic and private life are alike above reproach.
FRED W. SHRUMP
is one of the successful business men of
Essex county, yet his prosperity is not the
result of fortunate circumstances. It has
come to him through energy and persever-
ance directed by an evenly balanced mind,
and by honorable business principles. He
has made the most of his opportunities, and
has steadily worked his way upward until
he has left the ranks of the many to stand
among the successful few.
Born in New York city, on the 17th of
January, 1847, Mr. Shrump is a son of
Louis and Christina Shrump, who were na-
tives of Germany and came to America in
1845, taking up their residence in the me-
tropolis of the east. The father was a
skilled stone-cutter and followed contract-
ing in that line in New York. He died in
1873, but his widow is still living. The
son, Fred W. Shrump, was reared and edu-
cated in Montclair, and on attaining his
majority became a contractor and builder,
having learned the stone-cutter's trade un-
der the direction of his father.
In 1872 Mr. Shrump purchased a large
stone quarry in West Orange township, Es-
sex county, where he owns thirty-six acres
of land. The quarry produces a high grade
of brown-stone, which finds a ready market
in the cities in this section of the country.
It has been used in the construction of many
of the prominent luiildings of New York
and Brooklyn, including Grace church at
Montclair. Grace church at Orange, Father
McCartv's church in Brooklyn, the first
ESSEX COUNTY.
271
clmrch in Caldwell, liuilt in 1871, A. T.
Stewart's church and school at Garden
City, Long Island, and many other buikl-
ings. The quarry is seemingly inexhausti-
lile. running about two hundred feet deep,
with al)out twenty feet of dirt and shale on
top. The plant is supplied with all modern
appliances, and from thirty to sixty men are
employed at the quarry in getting out the
stone and doing all the other work in dress-
ing and preparing it for the building. The
building is fifty by one hundred and ten
feet, and the engine room, with fifty-fi\'e
horse-power engine, is twenty-five by thirty
feet. The quarry produces some very large
stones, some having been taken out which
weigh twenty-five tons. The industry has
become a very important one in Essex
county, and in its operation Mr. Shrump
has attained a well merited success. His
business methods are straightforward and
honorable and ever above question, and
thus has he won the public confidence, and
in consequence the public support.
In 1869 Mr. Shrump was united in mar-
riage to Miss Amanda J. Wakeman, a na-
tive of Bloomfield. and a daughter of Rich-
ard B. Wakeman, a native of Ulster county,
New York. The following children have
come to bless their union: Charley, Frank,
Frederick, Henry, Christina and Lillie.
^Videly known in Essex county, the family
have many friends, and their home is the
center of a cultured society circle.
Mr. Shrump is also a prominent factor in
poHtical circles, a stanch advocate of Re-
publican principles, and has served as a
member of the county committee. He was
for three years a member of the township
committee, and was the means of securing
the good roads they now have here, and
which he secured after fighting much op-
position. He is the inventor of the Knox
system of blasting, which enables anyone
to blast rock in any shape or size without
breaking it all up. He has also contracted
for and built all of the large stone bridges
of the county.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE.
There are no rules for building charac-
ters; there is no rule for achieving success.
The man who can rise from the ranks to a
leading position in any line is he who can
see and utilize the opportunities that sur-
round his path. The essential conditions
of human life are ever the same, the sur-
roundings of individuals differ but slightly ;
and when one man passes another on the
highway to reach the goal of prosperity be-
fore others who perhaps started out before
him, it is because he has the power to use
advantages which probably encompass the
whole human race. It is this power which
has inade Mr. Melville one of the leading
contractors and builders of South Orange,
and enaliled him to maintain a place in the
foremost rank among the business men of
this section of the state.
He is a native of Scotland, born July 13,
1822, and is a son of Alexander Melville
and Agnes (Robertson) Melville. His par-
ents were also natives of the same country,
and came to America in 1838, landing, on
the 2d of January, in New York city, where
they spent their remaining days. The fath-
er was a stone-cutter by trade and became
one of the extensive contractors in New-
York city, being an expert in the line of his
chosen work.
The subject of this review obtained his
education both in Scotland and in New
York city. After attaining his majority he
-/-
ESSEX COUNTY.
learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol-
lowed in New York until the war. when he
responded to the call of his adopted coun-
try, joining the Union army. His service
was in the line of his trade, and he went to
Charleston. South Carolina, where he was
engaged in the erection of a prison on Mor-
ris island, in which southern prisoners w ere
to be placed. This was never used, how-
ever, as an exchange of prisoners l.ietween
the two armies was elYected. ]Mr. }\Ielville
then went to Augusta, Georgia, and on to
Florida, continuing in the south until the
close of the war. He was also governor of
the guards in Xew York city for ten years.
\Mien the war was over I\Ir. Melville re-
turned to the north, and in July. 1867, came
to South Orange, where he worked as a
journeyman for a time. For twenty years,
however, he has carried on business as a
general contractor, and has succeeded in
securing a liberal patronage. He has been
prominently connected with the upliuikhng
of South Orange, where many monuments
in the shape of fine public Inhldings and
private residences, stand as monuments to
his thrift and enterprise. He took the
contract for the erection of the First Pres-
l)yterian church, the town hall, the Decker
Iniilding. the new postofifice building, and
high school building, together with many
others of more or less note in the town.
His business principles commend him to
the confidence of all, and his excellent
workmanship has secured to him a liberal
patronage.
In 1870 Mr. Melville was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margaret Boe. a native of
Scotland, who came to this country with
her jiarents when a child of two years. Her
father. David Boe, died some years since,
but her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Anderson)
Boe, is still a resident of South Orange.
Mr. and Mrs. Melville have two children:
Alexander Duncan, who is engaged with
the Lehigh Coal Company, of Newark, and
Elizabeth, at home.
Mr. Melville has been prominent in nui-
nicipal affairs, and has filled a number of
offices in a most creditable manner. B"or
nine years he was town councilman, and
for seven years acted as chairman of the
council. He \-otes with the Democracy,
and is a stanch advocate of JefYersonian
principles. He and his wife are members
of the First Presbyterian church of South
Orange, and are prominent in the social
circles of the city, occupying an enviable
position where true worth and intelligence
are received as the passports into good so-
cietv.
FRANK JOSEPH GERHARD,
proprietor of the Belmont Avenue Pottery,
of Newark, and a leading business man,
was born in Roemershag. in the kreis of
Unterfranken. Bavaria, June 27, 1842. His
parents were John Baptist and Katherine
Schaetzlein Gerhard, and his paternal
grandparents were Daniel and Eve Gerhard.
The grandfather was a potter by trade, and
a very successful business man. His father
was a native of Baumbach. near Coblentz,
in the province of Nassau. Prussia, and by
trade also a potter. He engaged in the
manufacture of jugs, used in transporting
mineral waters from the celebrated springs
of Bad-Brueckenau and Kissingen, Bavaria,
at the instance of King Maximilian I., of
Ba\aria. who was the owner of the springs.
.Accordingly, Mr. Gerhard removed his
family to Roemershag, where he estab-
lished his potter}- and carried on a very
7?.s'»S'EX COUNTY.
2/3
])rofita1)le 1)usiness. which was "lianded
down to liis son, Daniel Gerhard.
The latter, having learned his trade un-
der the directions of his father, became his
successor at the father's death by right of
entailment, and also enjoyed the same ro_\'-
alty and other government pri^^ileges which
had been granted to his father. He mar-
ried and had a family of five children, as
follows: George Joseph, Theresa. John
Baptist. Margarey and Josephine. Both
the sons learned the i^otter's trade in their
father's estal)lishmenl and succeeded to the
business and royalties which had been
granted by the crown. In iH^j they re-
ceived the contract for jugs for the trans-
portation of the celebrated Friedrichshaller
Piitterwasser at Friedrichshall. Saxony, and
a few years later built a factory there, be-
cause the consuni])tion of the Bitterwasser
had so increased that the capacity of the
Koemershag factory was inadequate to sup-
ply the demand. This contract lasted until
[HCH, when the owners of the well (()i)]jel
& Company) commenced to use glass bot-
tles in place of stone jugs. The father of
our subject reached the age of sixty-
seven years, while his wife j^assed away at
the age of forty-seven. They had a family
of nine children: .August, wdio died at the
age of five years: Frank Jose])h of this re-
view is the oldest living; Bertha liecame
the wife of Joseph Dorn, and they had sev-
en children, one of whom, Rudolph, was a
graduate of Mmiich University, caiue to
America in 1893 to \isit the World's Fair
at Chicago, but afterward returned to his
natix'e land. Fdward. who lives on the old
homestead, has served as mayor of Roem-
ershag (which is merely an honorary posi-
tion) for several terms, and so had his father
and ;dso his grandf;ither held the same of-
18
tice in the same old homestead. Fie is'
married and has three children: Emil, who
married and had three children, died at the
age of forty-five years; Henry, of Roemer-
shag, is. married and has nine children;
Louis is married and has a large family;
Lothar died at the age of twenty-five, and
Leonora died at the age of three years.
Mr. Gerhard, whose name introduces this
re\-iew, obtained his education in the
schools of his nati\e town, in Saxonw in
I'Vance. in the evening school under the
former Principal and late Mayor Haynes,
and in Bryant & Stratton's Business College,
of Newark. He learned the trade which
had for more than a century been the occu-
pation of the family, and became an expert
potter. He assisted his father in his pot-
teries until 1870, when glass bottles took
the place of stone jugs: then he bade adieu
to his friends and home and crossed the At-
lantic, landing in Xew \'ork. October 31,
1870. Settling in Newark, he here secured
eni])loyment at his trade. In 1873 ho l)e-
gan business on his own account, but the
enterprise was not successful, and in conse-
quence he again took up his trade as a jour-
neyman. In 1877 he once more estab-
lished a ])otter\' of his own. the location
chosen being Belmont a\'enue, where he
has since lieen established. Prosperitv at-
tended liis undertaking, and he has built up
a business which returns to him a goofl in-
come.
Mr. Gerhard was married in New York
city in St. Nicholas' Roman Catholic
church, January 17, 1875, to Miss The-
resa Roser, a daughter of John Joseph and
Margaret Josephine (Straub) Roser, both
natives of Brueckenau, Bavaria. Mr. and
I\Irs. Gerhard had two children: Catherine
B. H., born January 15. 1878. now a stu-
274
E^SEX COUNTY.
■"dentin the Xornial School of Newark: and
John Francis Joseph, who was horn on
March 19, 1880. and died February 2j.
1885. The family are members of St.
Peter's Catholic church, of Xewark. anil in
politics Mr. Gerhard is a Republican. He
was appointed to fill out an unexpired term
as alderman, and discharged his duties with
marked fidelity.
WILLIAM C. WALLACE.
During a residence of four score years
in Essex county the subject of this biogra-
phy has gained distinctive recognition as
one of the leading men of this section of
the state. His life has been quiet, modest
and unassuming. His prominence is due
to the possession of those sterling quali-
ties which everywhere command respect. —
honesty in business, justice in public life, an
unfailing courtesy in social circles, and a
record that must ever be a source of satis-
faction and ])ride to his descendants.
He bears the name of one of Scotland's
most renowned heroes, and his father, also
bearing that name, was born in the land of
hills and heather. His native city was Glas-
gow and his natal day. October 29, 1757.
In 1775, wiien eighteen years of age. he
bade adieu to the home and friends of his
youth and sailed for the new world, taking
up his residence in Savannah, Georgia,
where an enterprise he had contemplated
promised to meet with splenditl success.
Before he had completed his business plans,
however, he joined the colonial forces and
battled for the freedom of the colonies.
Joining a Georgia regiment of cavalry, he
took an active and gallant part in the con-
test, imtikin the midst of battle, he was cap-
tured and imprisoned in a British ship on
the Savannah river. He did not regain his
freedom until the war was ended, and the
fndependence of the nation was proclaimed
by the force of arms. Thus set at liberty,
he returned to his home and business and
within a few years he was established in a
large and constantly growing mercantile
trade.
Near the close of the century William
Wallace. Sr.. was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah Clay, a daughter of Joseph
Clay, an officer in the commissary depart-
ment of the Continental armv, who from
1778 to 1780 was a member of the conti-
nental congress. Not long after his mar-
riage Mr. \\ allace determined to carry into
efl^ect a resolution, formed many years be-
fore, of retiring from business wdien he had
secured a competenc}-. Accordingly, in
1805, having brought to a close his exten-
sive business interests in the south, he left
Georgia with his family and visited most
of the towns of New England, as well as
many settlements along the Hudson river
and throughout New Jersey, in search of
a home in w hich to spend the residue of his
life. Noting the advantages and disad-
vantages of the \arious places visited, he
finally determined upon Newark on account
of the beauty of its situation as well as of
the superiority of its schools and the char-
acter of its people. He purchased property
on Broad street and erected the beautiful
home now owned and occtipied bv Hon.
Cortlandt Parker. He also erected the resi-
dence on Park Place in which Hon. Fred-
erick T. Frelinghuysen spent the last years
of his life. In addition to this he owned
other property of great value in Newark
and vicinity. It was not long after he be-
came a resident of Newark that he was
'made a director in the Newark Banking &
J^^?^^^
^ 5?/y^^^^^^
?^dS^
ESSEX COUNTY.
275
Insurance Company, a great honor in those
clays.
His life was formulated according to the
plan laid down by the Great Teacher, —
charity, benevolence, justice, kindliness and
honor forming the basis of his character.
He died December 20, 1842, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-five years.
William C. Wallace, whose name intro-
duces this review, has now passed the age
at which his father's pilgrimage of life end-
ed, but his strong mental powers are unim-
paired and he yet enjoys good health. He
was born in Savannah, Georgia, on the 4th
of July, 1804, and accompanied his parents
on their removal to Newark. His prepara-
tory education was conducted with great
care in the best schools of the day, and at
the age of sixteen he entered the College
of New Jersey, at Princeton, being gradu-
ated in that institution with the class of
1823. He is now the oldest living gradu-
ate of that university.
In early manhood he engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits in the city of New York, with
the well known firm of Leroy Bayard &
Company, but ill health compelled him to
retire, and during the latter years of his
father's life he devoted himself to the en-
tire management of the estate which his
father had acquired. Like that honored
gentleman he has always preferred to live
ciuietly and without displav. He has al-
ways avoided public positions and it was
with difificulty that he was persuaded to be-
come a director in the National Newark
Banking Company, of which institution his
father was one of the earliest officers.
On the 29th day of April, 1833, Mr. Wal-
lace was united in marriage to Miss Hen-
rietta Riggs, a daughter of Caleb Riggs.
Their family consisted of four children, as
follows : William, Sarah, Mary Collins, and
Willie.
Mr. Wallace spends the summer months
in Chatham, where he has a beautiful sum-
mer home, and for many years he was an
elder of the Presbyterian church there.
The New Jersey Historical Society num-
bers him among its members and to its
support he has contributed regularly and
liberally. He has been the benefactor of
many other institutions, but his giving is
known only to himself. Entirely free from
ostentation, without self-seeking, he is a
true American citizen, loyal to his country,
his church and his friends.
JAMES MOFFET.
(jifts of money to a city may l)e used in
its adornment and add to its beauty and
attractiveness: but the man who founds
and keepsfn successful operation extensive
business interests, wherein are employed
many workmen, does much more for the
substaiit'ial and permanent development of
the city than he whose generosity is mani-
fest in the other way. Commercial activity
is the life of a community, and it is the
wheels of trade which continue over the
road to success. Mr. Moft'et, in his indus-
trial interests, was for some years numbered
among the leading citizens of Bloomfield,
and by the management of his industry not
onlv added to his in(li\idual possessions but
also materially increased the prosi)erity of
the city. His life was one of great activity,
energy and perseverance, and these quali-
ties have gained him prestige in business
circles.
Mr. Aloffet was born in the city of New
York, on the 22d of August. 1836. His
father, James Gardner Moffet, also a native
276
ESSEX COUNTY.
of that place, born August 4, 1801, married
]Miss Maria Benson, a native of New Jersey
and a daughter of WiUiam Benson. He
established a factory for the manufacture
of whalelione. slat ribs and fastenings for
umbrellas, and successfully continued its
operation for several years, but in 1830 be-
gan the manufacture of sheet brass and
German silver and all kinds of metal plat-
ing. For some time the rolling mill was
operated by water power, and the first
roller was only twelve by twenty-four inch-
es; but as the Inisiness grew and the trade
increased, the primitive machinery was re-
placed by the most modern equipments.
Heavy rollers were put in, boilers were pur-
chased, and from a water-power the plant
was transformed into a steam-power mill.
The trade steadily increased until- the prod-
ucts were shipped to all the principal mar-
kets of the United States and Europe, and
the income from the enterprise was verv
large. Mr. Moffet carried on the business
until within a short time of his death, and
left to his family a valuable estate. He
passed away January 13, 1887. His father
was a ship-builder, who was accidentally
killed in South Carolina. At an earlv age
he learned the trade of cabinet-maker and
undertaker, and for several years followed
the furniture and undertaking business.
The beginnings of his commercial interests
were small, but he possessed great discre-
tion, keen foresight, untiring energv and
strong determination, and Ijy the exercise
of these qualities steadily worked his way
upward to a commanding position in the
world of trade, and demonstrated that suc-
cess is not the result of genius, as some
would believe, but the legitimate result of
honorable, persistent and earnest effort,
lames Moftet. whose name begins this
article, acquired his early education in the
schools of his native city, and afterward
attended a select school taught by Rev.
David A. Frame, a noted educator, in what
was then West Bloomfield, but is now
^lontclair. On leaving school he learned
the trade of plumbing and gas-fitting, thor-
oughly mastering that business in all its de-
tails, and following the trade until the death
of his father, when he took charge of the
Bloomfield Rolling ^lills, establishing his
office at No. 157 Wooster street. New York,
where the greater part of the business was,
and is even yet, transacted. Shipments are
made to various parts of the United States
and also to European countries. Sheet,
rolled and platers' brass and German silver
are manufactured on an extensive scale, and
the business has now assumed mammoth
proportions, being one of the leading indus-
trial concerns of the city. The enterprise
has a most enviable reputation for reliabil-
ity in all trade transactions, and Mr. Moffet
not only regardetl the ethics of commerce
in his relations to his patrons, but was
also extremely fair and just in his treatment
of his employees, who recognized the fact
that faithful service on their part would not
go unnoticed, but wotild receive proper
recognition as opportunity arrived.
For many \ears Mr. }\Iofl^et was con-
nected with the New York fire department,
belonging to the hook and ladder company
from 1857 to 1876. He was a Republican
in politics, antl accorded to others the right
he reserved for himself of settling all such
questions according to his own opinions.
There was nothing narrow or contracted in
his nature, being a broad-minded, practical
and progressive business man. true to life's
duties, meeting fully its responsibilities, and
thus winning the esteem of all with whom
ESSEX COUNTY.
277
he came in contact. His death occurred
September 15, 1897.
DANIEL MORRISON
is now living a retired life in South Orange.
His career has been one of usefulness,
characterized by the strictest honesty in
business relations, and therefore he has
won for himself an honored name and re-
ceives the respect of the entire commu-
nity. Born in Whippany, Morris county.
New Jersey, he entered on the stage of life's
activities September 27, 1832. His father,
William Morrison, was a native of Cham-
bersburg, Pennsylvania, and was by occu-
pation a paper manufacturer. He carried
on business in Feltville, afterward removed
to Paterson. then lived in Whippany and
in other places in Pennsylvania, and finally
went to the west, locating in St. Paul in
1861. His last days, however, were passed
in Minneapolis, where he died in 1881. He
was united in marriage to Miss Ester Colie,
a native of Millburn township and a daugh-
ter of Jacob Colie, who was born in Spring-
field township, Essex county. Her father,
in early manhood, married Betsey Smith,
daughter of William Smith, a representa-
tive of one of the old and prominent fami-
lies of New Jersey, living in Millburn town-
ship, Essex county. Mr. and Mrs. Colie
were the parents of the following named
children : Katie, William S., Israel, Ester,
Aaron, Noah, Daniel, Charles and Moses.
Noah, who died March 20, 1898, was born
in Springfield township, on the 7th of Au-
gust, 1805, lived in South Orange town-
ship, and was next to the oldest man in
South Orange, attaining the age of ninety-
three years. He still retained his faculties
unimpaired and was well preserved for one
of his years. In his youth he learned the
trade of cooper and measure-maker, which
pursuit he followed through most of his
life. He was industrious and energetic
and won the regard of all with whom he
came in contact. He cast his first presi-
dential vote for Andrew Jackson, but of
late years was independent in politics. He
witnessed the development of the country
from the early part of the century and saw
the wonderful changes which have given
the nation rank among the powers of the
world and awakened the admiration and
respect of all foreign countries. This ven-
erable man was esteemed by young and old,
rich and poor, and the county honored
him not alone on account of his years but
also by reason of his well spent life.
Mr. Morrison, the subject of this sketch,
devoted the greater part of his active busi-
ness life to the shoemaker's trade. He
learned this in his youth and made it a
means of providing a livelihood for himself
and family. Now, after many years of con-
tinued activity along that line, he has laid
aside business cares and is resting in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
In June, 1854, was celebrated the mar-
riage of Mr. Morrison and Miss Phebe R.
Hogan, a daughter of Ira Hogan, who was
a native of South Orange township, Essex
county, and one of the organizers of the
county. Five children were born to our
subject and his wife, of whom three are
now living, namely: Carrie L., Marion E.
and Jessie W. Those who have passed
away are Fred W. and William.
Mr. Morrison has long given his politi-
cal support to the Democracy and is a
stanch advocate of its principles. Socially,
he is a valued member of the Masonic fra-
ternity, belonging to Century Lodge, No.
278
ESSEX COUNTY.
lOO, A. F. & A. M., of South Orange, in
which he has been honored with all the
official preferments within the gift of his
brethren of the mystic tie. He is a man of
broad general information, of uniform
courtesy and kindly disposition, and the
strong elements of his character are those
which universally win regard.
ALBERT ANTHONY MANDA
takes rank as one of the leading florists of
New Jersey. He resides in South Orange,
where his gardens and hothouses, supplied
with all modern accessories and conven-
iences known to floriculture and containing
almost every variety of plant cultivated for
beauty, form a picture that delights the
most artistic eye. Symmetry in design,
harmony in color, and the art that has
reached such perfection that it seems na-
ture's counterfeit, all lend their charm to
his place, and make his conservatories and
grounds renowned far and wide.
Mr. Manda is a native of Prague. Bo-
hemia. l)orn on the lith of November.
1862. His father, Joseph Manda. is now
living in South Orange. Our suliject ac-
quired his education in his native land,
where he made a special study of botany,
spending six years in Vienna. London and
Paris in mastering that science. On the
expiration of that period he came to Amer-
ica and accepted a position as curator in the
botanical gardens at Harvard University, in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he con-
tinued for five years. On the expiration of
that period he resigned that position and
removed to Short Hills, New Jersev, where
he began business on his own account as
a member of the firm of Pitcher & Manda.
In 1894 this partnership was formed into a
stock company, and Mr. Manda then with-
drew, coming to South Orange, where he
purchased four acres of land adjoining the
town. This he at once began improving,
laid out a portion of it in beds, built hot-
houses, and in a short time had an extensive
liusiness established, having now one of the
largest distributing depots in the country,
and keeping on hand the largest variety of
plants in the United States. He handles
all kinds of plants, bulbs, fruit trees, seeds,
and in fact everything grown in greenhouse
or garden. He imports plants from every
part of the world, and also ships to many of
the civilized ports. He takes contracts for
landscape gardening and employs from
twenty-five to fifty men in that work and in
the care of grounds and plants. His is one
of the most perfectly equipped establish-
ments of the kind in the cotmtry. The de-
pot has a cold-storage shed seventy-five by
thirty feet, while the hothouses, covered
with twelve thousand feet of glass, are jvell
heated and piped for water. He makes a
specialty of producing new plants and new-
varieties bv crossing, and has placed upon
the market some fine specimens which have
excited the wonder and admiration of the
botanical world. He now has in his hot-
house a "palm" of the species Cycas revolu-
ta which came from the Tilden estate, and
was formerly owned by George Washing-
ton, being now three hundred years old!
Mr. Manda does both a wholesale and re-
tail business and a most enviable success
has attended his efforts. His comprehen-
sive knowledge of l)Otany, his love of flow-
ers and of all plant life, combined with ener-
gy and enterprise, have enabled him to gain
prosperity where others have been over-
taken by failure.
He has made a study of floriculture, and
ESSEX COUNTY.
279
will some day probably have the largest
botanical garden in America. His beauti-
ful home in V'alley street, South Orange.
is situated in the midst of an acre of ground,
and the best efforts of the landscape gard-
ener have been exercised thereon. Beauti-
ful evergreens and many kinds of tlowering
and ornamental plants adorn the place and
indicate the owner's love for the most l)ean-
tiful handiwork of nature.
EDWARD REEVE
is the present representative in Orange of
a family whose ancestral history is con-
nected witli that of eastern New Jersey from
early colonial days. In the affairs which
have promoted the welfare and upbuilding
of the state they have borne an importaiU
and luMioralile part, and the luuarnishe.l
name is worthih' worn by the gentleman
whose name introduces this review.
Tradition says that the Reeve family
originated in Erance. and authentic history
gives the settlement of its representatives
in New Jersey at a very early day, William
Reeve removing from Long Island to this
state in the early colonial era. His son,
also named William, was born in what is
now Union count}', and was a large land-
owner there. The latter was the father of
Walter S. Reeve, the grandfather of our
su1)ject. who was a native of Morris county.
New Jersey, born on the loth of January,
1787. He learned the carpenter's trade,
but followed farming the greater part of his
life, and was the owner of extensive landed
interests in Essex county. In politics he
was a Whig, and in religious belief a Pres-
byterian. He took an active part in mat-
ters pertaining to the public welfare and
was a very prominent citizen. On the 2<\
of December, 1809, he married Sarah Gard-
ner, who died October 25. 1848. Their
children were as follows: Abigail M.. who
was born October 6, 181 3, and died Sep-
tember 10, 1846, was married January 28,
^^37' to John S. Brown: Isaac Oliver died
in childhood: Sarah Ann, born May 24.
1821. was married April 7, 1841, to Orin
Pierson, and died December 22, 1844: and
Thomas Allen was the other member of the
family.
Thomas Allen Reeve was born in Mill-
]>urn township, Essex county, September i,
1810. and was married February i, 1832, to
Mrs. Maria Parker Ball. His death oc-
curred August 14, 1875, ancl his wife passed
away on the 9th of February, 1895. Their
family numbered the following named: Ed-
ward: Mary, wife of Samuel A. Gardner;
George, who owns the ancestral home of
the family: and Sarah, wife of K. Mor, a
resident of South Orange.
The members of the Reeve family have
long been prominent in the social and busi-
ness circles of Essex county, and two of the
number rendered their country distin-
guished service in the w ar of the Revolution,
Isaac serving as captain in the war for inde-
pendence, while John also joined the Amer-
ican arm\ and sustained a wound while
fighting for his country, being at the time
engaged in the battle near Elizabeth, only
a short distance from the Reeve homestead,
w hich place w as afterw ard called Vox Hall,
the headquarters of the militia post, while
the country immediately surrounding it is
yet called Vox Hall. Another member of
the family who attained distinction is Watt
Reeve, the musician and composer, many
of whose hymns are still sung.
The heirlooms which have come dow n to
the ijresent generation are manv. Our
28o
E>i^EX COUNTY.
sul)ject now has in his possession many In-
dian relics and relics of the Revolution,
which were obtained near Vox Hall Post
and the old farm, together with the will of
his great-grandfather, which bears date
September 20, 1822. and was recorded in
Essex county.
A native of Millburn township, Edward
Reeve, has spent his entire life in Essex
county, remaining on the home farm during
his youth, and his time being divided be-
tween play and work, and attendance at the
public school. After attaining his major-
ity he married Miss Amanda Elizabeth
Smith, a native of Essex county, and a
daughter of Harvey E. Smith.
Mr. Reeve is regarded as one of the most
progressive and enterprising business men
of Orange, and has been connected with
many of its leading commercial pursuits.
For a time he was proprietor of a meat mar-
ket, and at various periods has engaged in
the hotel business. He is now the owner
of the Central Hotel, of Qrange, and has
made it one of the best hotels in the eastern
part of the state, supplied with all modern
conveniences and accessories for the com-
fort of the traveling public : this he owned
and operated until 1884, since which time
the property has been leased. In business
affairs he is energetic, persevering and pro-
gressive, and carries forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes.
In the discharge of all the duties of citi-
zenship Mr. Reeve is as true and faithful as
when he followed the old flag on southern
battle-fields. During the civil war he
manifested his loyalty to the Union cause
by enlisting in the Twenty-sixth New Jer-
sey Infantry, and for nine months remained
in the service, participating in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and a
number of skirmishes. His political sup-
port has ever been given to the Republican
party, and in his social relations he is a
Mason. His pleasant, genial manner
makes him a favorite in all circles, and his
sterling worth commands the confidence
and regard of all with whom he is brought
in contact.
JOHN GALBRAITH.
There is no more honorable or highly
esteemed representative of the business in-
terests of Essex county in South Orange
than this gentleman, who has spent almost
his entire life here. For many years he has
been known for his sterling qualities, his
fearless loyalty to his honest con\-ictions
and his clear-headedness, discretion and
tact in commercial circles, and South
Orange well numbers him among her lead-
ing and representative men.
Mr. Galbraith was born on the ibth of
January, 1834, in England, and is a son of
James Galbraith, a native of Scotland, who
emigrated with his family to America in
1837, and took up his residence in Penn-
sylvania, where he remained for two years.
He then removed to Newark, New Jersey,
and established himself in business as a flor-
ist and gardener at the corner of what is
now High and Warren streets. He was
a leader in his line, and his thorough mas-
tery of the business and untiring industry
brought to him a good patronage. He was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Hill, and
they became the parents of five children,
namely : Margaret, Benjamin, William,
Jane and John. The father died at the age
of eighty years and the mother passed away
at the advanced age of eighty-nine. Their
three sons all learned the jeweler's trade.
iJSSEX COUNTY.
281
Coming' to New Jersey in his early boy-
hood, John Galbraith. of this review, has
spent ahnost his entire hfe within the bor-
ders of this state, and the commonwealth
can find no more loyal son. He was reared
in Newark, and as his father's assistant be-
came familiar with floriculture and garden-
ing in early life. Upon attaining his ma-
jority, however, he learnetl the jeweler's
trade, and for a considerable period en-
gaged in business in that line; but the close
confinement of the store at length forced
him to close out his interests, and he once
more turned his attention to the pursuits
which occupied his time in his youth. Re-
moving to South Orange, he purchased
three acres of land, known as the old Beach
homestead, and is now extensively engaged
in raising flowers and ornamental plants.
He has commodious and well appointed
greenhouses, supplied with all modern con-
veniences for the most successful conduct
of the business, and his capable manage-
ment of his work, combined with honor-
able dealing, has won for him a liberal pat-
ronage, of which he is well deserving.
Mr. Galbraith led to the marriage altar
Miss Catherine Howell, a native of New-
ark, and a daughter of Stephen Howell,
who was also born in the same city. He
belonged to one of the old families of Essex
county and lived to see the greater part of
the development of Newark. His family
was represented in the colonial army by
several of the name, who served with dis-
tinction in the cause for independence. On
the maternal side Mrs. Galbraith is con-
nected with the Drakes, also one of the old
and prominent families of Essex county.
By her marriage she has become the
mother of four children, namely: Alary E.,
at home; Charles H., who is living in South
Orange; Harvey G., who makes his home
in the same city; and Frederick S., who is
still with his parents.
ALBERT KAUFMANN,
of the firm of Fowler & Kaufmann, East
Orange, New Jersey, is what may truly be
styled a self-made man. As such, it is but
fitting that personal mention be made of
him in this work, devoted as it is to a re-
view of the lives of the representative men
and women of Essex county.
Albert Kaufmann is a German, born in
Carlsruhe, Baden, July i6, 1858, son of
Carl and Louisa (Rau) Kaufmann, the for-
mer of German descent and the latter of
French. The history of the Kaufmann
family shows many men of note, — men who
held responsible positions in the govern-
ment. Henry Lang, an uncle of our sub-
ject, was at one time mayor of Carlsruhe.
The younger Carl Kaufmann, the father of
our subject, was a hotelkeeper and brewer.
He and his wife both died in early life, leav-
ing two little children, Albert and Carl,
the former then only two years old. At
this tender age, deprived of both father and
mother's love and protection, the little or-
phans were placed in an orphans' home,
where they remained until they were four-
teen, during that time, when of proper age,
attending the public schools. After leav-
ing this institution, Albert Kaufmann
learned the art of fresco-painting and dec-
orating, and while thus occupied spent his
evenings in attending a commercial school.
At seventeen he left Carlsruhe and trav-
eled through Berlin, Hamburg, and many
other of the principal cities of Germany, as
well as those of Switzerland and France,
perfecting himself in his art by study and
ESSEX COUNTY.
work in these cities. In 1881 he sailed
from Hamburg for New York, whither he
arrived in due time and where he spent
eight months. Then he traveled e.xten-
sivelv through the large cities of the west.
Finally he returned east and established
himself in business at Jersey City Heights,
where he continued until 1888, when he
came to East Orange. Here he has since
conducted a successful business. The pres-
ent firm of Fowler & Kaufniann was estab-
lished January i. 1897.
Mr. Kaufmann is unmarried. He is an
attendant at the German Lutheran church.
ISAAC LANE,
who has been conspicuously identified with
the business interests of Franklin, as both
boy and man, for over half a century, was
born in his home city on the 5th of March,
1830, and is a son of William and Jane
( Pier) Lane. His mother was born January
20, 1807. William Lane was also born in
Caldwell township, September 10, 1804,
and was a son of Henry Lane. He fol-
lowed the occupation of carpenter until his
death, which occurred Februan.- 19, 1890,
at the venerable age of eighty-six years.
His wife died in the same year, when eighty-
three years old. The children born to this
worthv couple were: George Lane, of
Newark; Maria, widow of W. R. Cougar;
Isaac, our subject; Esther, Sarah and Caro-
line, the three latter being deceased.
Lsaac Lane obtained but little literary ed-
ucation, his parents being in meager cir-
cumstances, — a fact that compelled him
early in life to seek employment, thereby
gaining that self-reliance and business acu-
men that characterized his subsequent ca-
reer. His first situation was with the firm
of Bush & Campbell, a predecessor of Lane
&: Lockward. and here he worked as a
stripper, earning twenty-five cents a hun-
dred pounds. He continued with this firm
and its successors, becoming thoroughly
acquainted with the tobacco business in all
its departments, and eventually, in 1866,
acquiring an interest as a partner. (This
tobacco factory has been in operation ever
since 1806.) His devotion to this one line
of industry has not permitted him to share
his time with other enterprises, which fact
is sufficient to account for the sure, grad-
ual growth and financial prosperity of the
present establishment of Lane & Lock-
ward.
Mr, Lane was married on January 28,
1851, to Emma, daughter of Cornelius
Gould. Her death occurred in 1869, and
in 1 87 1 our subject married Susan, daugh-
ter of Moses Kinsey. No children were
born by either marriage. In fraternal rela-
tions Mr. Lane is a Alaster Mason.
GEORGE N. WILLIAMS,
whose pleasant home is located on Pros-
pect street. South Orange. New Jersey, is
one of the retired citizens of this place. A
resume of his life is as follows :
George N. Williams was born in West
Orange, New Jersey. June 22, 1829, son of
Nathaniel and Ruth (Ludlow) Williams,
both natives of New Jersey, the former
born in West Orange and the latter in
Morris county. The family on the pater-
nal side is of Welsh origin. Grandfather
Ludlow was a resident of Poughkeepsie,
New York, where he had a tract of land
granted to him by King George. During
the Revolutionary war his grandfather
THE
NEW YORK
|| PUBLIC library]
yAstor, Lmox snd Tlldwi
Foundations.
1901
WILLIAM LAKE
ISAAC LAKE
ESSEX COUNTY.
283
Williams was a soldier in the British army,
and while on Long Island contracted small-
pox from the British soldiers and died of
that disease. Nathaniel Williams was a
tailor by trade, and, as was the custom in
those days, went from house to house to
make clothes for the family. His religious
faith was that of the Episcopal church, and
in politics he was an old-line Whig.
In his native place George N. William.-^
spent the first fourteen years of his life.
When a boy he worked in a tannery and
learned the trade of harnessmaker, which,
liowever, he never followed. Most of his
active life was passed as a carpenter and
builder. Many of the buildings in the Or-
anges show his handiwork. In 1857,
thinking to better his condition by going
west, he went to Indiana and located at
Elkhart, where he was residing at the time
the ci\il war came on. He enlisted in the
Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteer Infan-
try, in 1862, and immediately went to the
front. Among the engagements in which
he participated were those of Fredericks-
burg and Rappahannock. He was honor-
ably discharged and was mustered out of
the service at Camp Frelinghuysen just be-
fore the battle of Gettysburg. Returningto
Indiana at tiie close of his army service, he
spent three years more in that state and at
the end of that time went out to California,
wliere he remained two years, during that
period visiting all the places of interest on
the Pacific coast. Coming back from Cal-
ifornia, he stopped at North Judson. In-
diana, which continued to be his abiding
place until 1889, and since that time he has
resided at South Orange, now retired.
Politically Mr. Williams is in accord
with the Republican party and the prin-
ciples advocated by it. He was married in
1854 to Louisa .A. Baldwin, tiie youngest
daughter of John S. Baldwin, of East Or-
ange, and they have one son, Charles S.,
of East Orange.
GEORGE F. COPE,
of Hilton, belongs to that class of Amer-
ica's adopted citizens, who, seeking a home
in the New World, have adapted them-
selves to the changed conditions and sur-
roundings, and by the exercise of native
ability, untiring energy and sound judg-
ment liaxe worked their way steadily up-
ward. It is in this way that Mr. Cope has
gained a place among the foremost busi-
ness men of Hilton and won for himself a
handsome competence, which is entirely
the outcome of his own efforts.
.\ native of Warwickshire, England, he
was born in 1832. His father and his
grandfather both bore the name of John
Cope and were engaged as shepherds in
their native England. The former died at
the age of eightv-three years. In his fam-
ily were four sons and three daughters, all
of whom, excepting our subject, remained
in England.
George F. Cope began his education in
the jjublic schools of his native land and
afterward attended night schools, prac-
tically educating himself. He learned the
trade of blacksmithing and followed that
pursuit until thirty-five years of age, when
seeking to better his financial condition he
crossed the .Atlantic to America, landing
in New York city. Not long afterward he
took up his residence in Newark, and at
once began work at his trade as manager
of the business of William M. Pier. He re-
mained in the employ of that gentleman for
some time and in 1874 began business on
284
ESSEX COUNTY.
his own account in Hilton. He was alone
at iirst, but his trade steadily increased as
his skill and ability became known, and he
was obliged to secure an assistant. He
now has seven employes and is proprietor
of one of the most extensive blacksmithing
establishments in Essex county. He has
facilities for manufacturing buggies and
wagons and many of the materials used in
the construction of the same, and is now
making a specialty of the manufacture of
milk wagons on which he uses a patent
door, of which he is the sole owner. He
received the first premium on this milk
wagon at the last three state fairs. He
has also invented and patented a bolt for
fastening the shafts on buggies, which is
a very important contrivance and will un-
doubtedly come into general use, as its
excellence is brought to the public atten-
tion. Mr. Cope possesses much inventive
genius, and his practical knowledge of
mechanics enables him to embody in sub-
stantial form the ideas that his fertile brain
originates.
In 1854 Mr. Cope was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna Potter, a native of
England and a daughter of William Potter,
who also was born in that country. Eight
children have been born of their union :
William, Allen, Frederick, Catherine, John,
Mary, Charles, and Harriett, the second
child, who died in infancy. ■ The four eld-
est were born in England.
Religiously, Mr. Cope and his wife are
connected with the Presbyterian church as
faithful members. He also belongs to the
Horse Shoeing Society, whose lodge room
is on Market street, of Newark, New Jer-
sey. He is very active in the work of this
organization and does all in his power to
promote its welfare.
In politics he is independent, voting for
the man whom he thinks best qualitied to
discharge the duties of the ofifice, regard-
less of party afTfiliations. He is a pro-
gressive, public-spirited citizen, doing all in
his power to benefit the city of his adop-
tion, and is a very enterprising, honorable
business man, whose success is the just re-
ward of his own labors.
JOSEPH STRETCH,
of the firm of Stretch & Doyle, plumbers
and gas fitters, East Orange, New Jersey,
is a native of this state and a representative
of a family whose identification with New
Jersey covers a long period, extending back
to 1680, in which year the progenitor of the
American branch of the Stretch family emi-
grated from England, his native land, to
this country and settled in Cape May
county, New Jersey.
William B. Stretch, the grandfather of
Joseph Stretch, was born near Salem, New
Jersey. He was a merchant tailor, and
did business in Salem the greater part of
his life. He was twice married and had a
numerous progeny. Of the six children by
his first wife only one survives, William
G., a resident of Jersey City Heights. By
his second wife, whose maiden name was
Hannah G. Smith, he had the following
named children : Eliakim S., the father of
our subject; Elisha, deceased; Elizabeth, a
resident of East Orange, New Jersey;
George W., deceased; Job, deceased; and
Mary, who died in infancy. The parents
died in Hudson county. Eliakim S.
Stretch was born, and spent the first four-
teen years of his life at Salem. He then
went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where
he lived for three years, thence removed to
ESSEX COUNTY.
285
Jersey Cit}', and several years later took
up his abode in Hoboken. He has been a
resident of East Orange for twenty-seven
}ears. When a boy he started out to make
his own way in the world as a clerk in a
dry-goods store. Subsequently he learned
the carpenter's trade, later in life was en-
gaged in the manufacture of vinegar, and
since he has resided in East Orange he has
been in the real-estate business. He was
married, in Albany, New York, September
2, 1858, to Miss Margaret E. O'Hague. and
they have seven children, namely: Joseph,
Elisha. Isabella, ^lary. Albert, Clinton and
Eliakim.
Joseph Stretch, the immediate subject of
this review, was born in Hoboken. New
Jersey, November 9, 1859. When he was
twelve years of ao^e he removed with his
parents to East Orange. His education,
begun in the public schools of his native
town, was continued in the public schools
of East Orange, and completed in the Bry-
ant & Stratton Business College at New-
ark, where he graduated at nineteen.
After completing his commercial course he
engaged in the vinegar business with his
father, the two continuing together for
about nine years, when his father retired.
Our subject then turned his attention to
pattern and model making, in which he
was engaged two years. Since i8go he has
been conducting his present business. The
firm of Stretch & Doyle are practical
plumbers and gas fitters, deal in heating
apparatus, and are agents for United
States roof paint. ^Ir. Stretch is the in-
ventor and patentee of several very impor-
tant devices which are now being put on
the market, and he is a stockholder in the
United Fuel Gas Generator Company, of
New York.
He has been twice married. His first
wife, whose maiden name was Miss Agnes
F. Hammacher, died without issue. His
second marriage took place in Newark,
New Jersey, July 29, 1887, when he was
united to Miss Carrie L. Hewson, a daugh-
ter of H. A. and Elizabeth Hewson of that
place: and their union has been blessed
in the birth of four children, namely:
Harry A., George W., Elizabeth, and Olive
May. The family attend worship at the
Reformed church of East Oranee.
JOHN W. RANSLEY,
of the firm (.)f Ransle\' & Son, the well
known and po])ular mineral-water manu-
facturers at East Orange, New Jersey, is a
son of William and Maria (Wandel) Rans-
ley, and was born in Piermont, New Jersey,
April 3, 1847.
Grandfather Ransley came to America
from England when but a youth and lo-
cated in Newark, New Jersey, where he
s])ent the rest of his life. The maternal an-
cestors of our subject were Holland Dutch.
They came to this country at an early day
and located in New Jersey, which was the
home of the younger generations. Will-
iam Ransley was born in Newark, acquired
a fair education in the public schools of
that city, and in earlv life learned the tratle
of butcher. He did not, however, work
at this trade long. The greater part of his
life was spent in the hotel business. He
died in April, 1893, but his widow still sur-
vives. (_)f their children, we record that
one (lied in infancy and a daughter, Cor-
nelia, died after reaching womanhood.
Those living are Mary, wife of Jacob Daw-
son, of Newark, New Jersey; John W.,
whose name forms the heading of this
286
ESSEX COUNTY.
sketch; Thomas, a resident of New York
city; and Elizabeth, a resident of Newark.
John \V. Ransley spent his early life in
Newark and acquired his education in the
public schools of that city. After leaving
school, he was employed in his father's
hotel for a few years, subsequently engaged
in the grocery business, and later went to
Paterson, New Jersey, and turned his at-
tention to the bottling business. In 1883
he established the manufactory which he
has since conducted and which is the most
extensive of the kind in the state of New
Jersey.
Mr. Ransley was married in Paterson,
New Jersey, in May, 1870. to Sophia M.
Wortendyke, daughter of Ryan M. \\"or-
tendyke, and they have the following
named children : William, who is a partner
in his father's business; Carrie, wife of Ren-
sel Ryman, Newark, New Jersey; Helen,
Frederick, David, and James, all living, ex-
cept the last named, who died in childhood.
Mr. Ransley is a member of Orange
Lodge, No. 135, Order of Elks. Politi-
callv he affiliates with the Democratic
party, and in social and political as well as
business circles is active and influential.
His family attend worship at the ^letho-
dist Episcopal church.
HARRY W. SMITH.
of the firm of Smith & Frint, East Orange,
New Jersey, is ranked with the representa-
tive business men of his town. Mr. Smith
belongs to a family which for many years
has been identified with Essex county.
Ezekiel Smith, his grandfather, was born
in Orange, this county, at which place he
spent his entire life. By trade he was a
blacksmith. For many years his forge and
his friendlv face were familiar to all the
people of Orange and vicinity, and none
knew him but to respect and esteem him.
He and his wife, whose maiden name was
Sharp, were the parents of four sons,
namely : Walter, who was for years prom-
inent in Masonic circles, is deceased; Mel-
zer, also deceased; Alexander, the father of
our subject; and Joseph, a resilient of
!\Iontclair, New Jersey. Alexander Smith,
like his father, was born and reared in Or-
ange. His education, which was begun in
the public schools of his native town, was
completed in the Polytechnical Institute at
Troy, New York. In early life he learned
the butcher's trade, but subsequently he
engaged in the livery business at Orange,
which he conducted successfully for many
vears. He is now a resident of East Or-
anee. He and his wife, nee Frances An-
geline Ball, have, had three children, —
Harrv \\'.. A. Cornelia and Marcus. The
last named died in childhood.
Harrv W. Smith first saw the light of
(lav in the same town in which his father
and grandfather had been born, the date of
his birth being April 20. 1865. and in his
native town he received his education,
completing with a high-school course.
After leaving school he went to New York,
where he was for some years engaged as a
clerk in a retail hat establishment. Re-
turning to Essex county, he located at East
Orange and accepted a position as clerk
in the establishment with which he has
since been connected. It was then con-
ducted by Edward Meeker. Mr. Smith
soon obtained an interest in the business,
and in 1891, in connection with Mr,
Charles H. Frint, he purchased the entire
interest of Mr. Meeker, the business hav-
ing since been carried on under the firm
name of Smith & Frint.
ESSEX COUNTY.
287
Mr. Smith was married, in Jersey City,
September 20. 1884. to ]\Iiss Annie W.
Taylor, daugliter of Samuel W. and Cath-
erine Woolfall ( Blakeloch) Taylor. Mr.
Taylor was at one time private secretary of
Captain Erickson. To Mr. and Mrs.
Harry \V. Smith three children have been
given, namely: Marcus W'., born August
2, 1885: Angie C, Alay 29, 1889; and Bes-
sie Louise, January 11, 1893.
Unlike his father, who is Democratic in
his political views, Mr. Harry W. Smith is
a supporter of the Republican party, and
while his father's family attend the Presby-
terian church, he and his family worship at
the Protestant Episcopal church.
ELIAS W. DRAKE.
In reverting to the lite history of the
subject of this review we find many ele-
ments of peculiar interest as touching the
aiuials of the state of New Jersey. He
stands as a representative of one of the
oldest pioneer families of the common-
wealth, the same having been established
here in the early colonial days. The origi-
nal American ancestor of the Drake family
was an Englishman, as is indicated bv the
name, and it is presumed that he emi-
grated to the New W'orld as early as the
year 1700. He settled in Middlesex coun-
ty, where he reared his family. It is a
matter of authentic record that the family
was thoroughly in touch with the spirit of
independence and that it contributed its
quota toward supporting the colonies in
the war of the Re\'olution. It is known
that General Washington was entertained
at the home of one of the Drakes while he
was passing through their section of the
state. This fact alone is sufficient to estab-
lish the loyalty of the family to American
institutions, — a loyalty which has been
cumulative in character through the suc-
ceeding generations and which has ever
aimed to conser\-e those sterling principles
for which the patriot colonists fought with
such devoted zeal. The subject of this
sketch has been prominently identified with
the industrial life of Essex county for many
years and has held prestige as an able and
honored business man, — one who is pecu-
liarly worthy of representation in this com-
pilation.
Elias W. Drake was born at Scotch
Plains, Essex county. New Jersey, on the
24th of August, 1821, the son of Nathaniel
and Huldah (Payne) Drake, being the third
in order of a family of eleven children.
The paternal grandfather of our subject
also bore the name of Nathaniel. He was
l)orn in Piscataqua, New Jersey, being a
young man at the time when the war of the
Revolution was in progress. It does not ap-
pear that he was an actual participant in the
struggle for independence, though his char-
acteristics were such as to leave no mar-
gin for doubting that he rendered equally
patriotic and effective service in behalf of
the cause of the colonies. He was a man
of ability and progressive snirit. ordering
his life upon the most exalted plane of
honor and integrity. His death occurred
at Scotch Plains, where his iDody lies in-
terred. He was a miller by occupation and
he held a position of prominence in the
county where his entire life was passed.
He became the father of three sons, one
of whom was Nathaniel (2d), the father of
the immediate subject of this review.
Nathaniel Drake, Jr., was born at Plain-
field, whence he remo\-ed with his fa-
ther to Scotch Plains, where he was
288
ESSEX COUNTY.
reared to man's estate. He follo\ved in
the footsteps of his sire, becoming iden-
tified Avith the milling business and at-
taining a conspicuous position as an
energetic and capable business man. In
political adherency he was identified with
the Democratic party, though he was in
no sense a politician or an aspirant for
official preferment. His wife, Huldah. was
the daughter of Jonathan Payne, one of
the early residents of Piscataqua. Nathan-
iel Drake lived to attain the venerable age
of seventy-three years,
Elias W. Drake received his educational
discipline in the pul)lic schools of his native
place, his theoretical training in this line
having been completed when he was six-
teen years of age, when he turned his atten-
tion to the practical duties of a life there-
after devoted to consecutive and successful
endeavor. Idis initial effort was as a clerk
in a grocery at Scotch Plains, and he later
retained a similar incumbency in Newark.
About the time when he attained his ma-
joritv he returned to Scotch Plains, where
for a time he was engaged in the operation
of his father's mill. In 1842, soon after his
marriage, he located in Newark, where he
eneaeed in the feed business, continuing
operations in this line for a period of three
years. His experience in and seeming
predilection for the milling business, led
him to return to this field of enterprise in
finally selecting a permanent field of en-
deavor. He rented a mill at Scotch Plains
and after operating the same successfully
for a period of three years he purchased an
excellent milling property at Irvington.
where he has ever since retained his resi-
dence. He continued his milling enter-
prise at this point for a long interval of
years, after which he retired from active
business. In 1871 he erected a finely
equipped mill at Newark, the same being
located at the corner of Halsey and Mar-
shall streets, and this is now owned by G.
D. Drake, who has been • thoroughly
trained in the enterprise and is successfully
carrying forward the work instituted by his
father many years ago.
While Air. Drake has ever maintained a
commendable interest in all that conserves
the welfare and stable prosperity of the
state with whose annals the family name
has been prominently identified for so
many years, he has upheld the principles
and policies of the Democratic party so far
as national issues are concerned, but has
not been dominated by party rule in the
matter of local affairs, preferring to accord
his support to the best men, irrespective of
political affiliations. He has ever held
aloof from anything in the way of seeking
official position, but has not withheld his
influence in the advancement of the party
cause. The Drake family were among the
first to become identified with the Baptist
church in Essex county, and to this relig-
ious faith our subject strongly adheres.
On New Year's dav. 1842, Air. Drake
was united in marriage to Aliss Harriet C.
Smallev, daughter of Mahlon Smalley. a
prominent citizen of Somerset county. New
Jersey. They are the parents of five chil-
dren. — George D., Mahlon S.. Nathaniel,
Augusta, and Harriet C, wife of Irving B.
Harrison, of Irvington.
CYRUS CANFIELD.
For nearly a century and a quarter the
Canfield family has been identified with
the business and agricultural interests of
Essex county, and its members have been
ESSEX COUNTY.
289
numbered among the prominent citizens of
this section of the state. ^Matthias Can-
field, father of the innnediate subject of this
review, was born on the 31st of March,
1775, in Essex county, and resided at West-
ville, where he was engaged as a tanner
and farmer and later became a successful
business man, continuing to follow mer-
cantile enterprises until his death, which
occurred on the ist of April, 1847. He
married Miss Betsy Crane, who was born
on the 22d of October, 1782, her demise
taking place on the 12th of October. 1868.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Can-
field the following record is given : Sam-
uel C, born March 24, 1804, was a farmer
at Caldwell, and died December 5, 1882;
Esther, born Juh- 5, 1807. became the wife
of John Moore, now deceased; Mary, born
February 9. 181 1, died September 19. 1872;
Elizabeth, born May 12, 1813, married
Jared Beach, is now deceased; Cyrus, born
June 17, 1815, has followed farming all his
life and resided on the old homstead up
to 1890, when he moved to Caldwell; Mat-
thias Smith, born October 21, 181 7, was
a teacher and township collector for some
years : he was intended for the ministry,
but failing health compelled him to seek
other vocations; Phoebe Emeline, born
November 5, 1821, married Nathaniel
Baldwin, of Orange; Isaac N., born August
24, 1823, is a farmer in Caldwell township.
Cyrus Canfield was reared on his father's
farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
In 1 84 1 he celebrated his marriage to Miss
Eliza Courter, who was born on the 8th of
March, 1821, and they became the parents
of two children, namely: Carrie C, the
wife of John Francisco, now living in
Franklin; and Milter H., who was born
about 1850 and now lives on the old home-
19
stead, where he is carrying on farming and
dairying. The inherent politics of the fam-
ily is Democratic, all the members giving a
stanch support of that party, their religious
adherency being to the Presbyterian
church.
Cyrus Canfield is well known throughout
the county as a prosperous, progressive
farmer, a quiet, unassuming gentleman and
a public-spirited, loyal citizen, and he re-
tains the high esteem of a large circle of
friends.
FRANK B. DAILEY,
the efiicient and accommodating postmas-
ter of Bloomfield, New Jersey, is a young
man whose prominence in the town entitles
him to some personal mention in connec-
tion with that of other representative citi-
zens of Bloomfield. Briefly, his life history
is as follows:
Frank B. Dailey was born in Bloomfield,
Essex county, New Jersey, November 18,
1869, son of Peter and Catherine (Higgins)
Dailey, both natives of Ireland. Mrs.
Dailey emigrated to this country in 1849,
and Peter Dailey a few years later. They
were married in 1861, and are still living
in Bloomfield, honored and respected by all
who know them, and are devout members
of the Roman Catholic church. In his Na-
tive town Frank B. grew to manhood, re-
ceiving his education in the public and pa-
rochial schools, and on leaving school
started out to make his own way by accept-
ing a position as assistant in the ofifice of
the Lister Surgical Company, of Bloom-
field, and later of Kearny, New Jersey, re-
maining with the company until the spring
of 1894. March ist of that year he became
assistant postmaster under Frank G.
290
ESSEX COUNTY.
Tower, with whom he rem'ained until the
death of Mr. Tower. Mr. Dailey was then
appointed to fill the vacancy, his appoint-
ment being confirmed January 12, 1897, for
a term of four years.
Mv. Dailey was married in June of last
year.
EDWIN BURPEE GOODELL.
History and biography for the most part
record the lives of only those who have at-
tained military, political or literary distinc-
tion, or who in any other career have
passed through extraordinary vicissitudes
of fortune. The routine of private life, al-
though in the aggregate more important to
the welfare of the community, cannot, from
its nature, figure in the public annals. But
the names of men who have distinguished
themselves in their day and generation for
the possession, in an eminent degree, of
those qualities of character which mainly
contribute to the success of private life and
to the public stability, ought not to be al-
lowed to perish. Their example is more
valuable to the majority of readers than
that of illustrious heroes, statesmen or
writers. Few can draw rules for their own
guidance from the pages of Plutarch, but
all are benefited by the delineation of those
traits of character which find scope and ex-
ercise in the common walks of life.
Among the individuals of this class in the
state of New Jersey none are better en-
titled to representation in this work than
the subject of this sketch. His record is
the account of a life, uneventful, indeed, as
far as stirring incident or startling adven-
ture is concerned, yet distinguished by the
most substantial qualities of character. As
a member of the legal profession Mr.
Goodell has achieved distinction and won
success in Essex county. He was born
in Rockville, Connecticut, on the 7th of
May, 185 1, and is the eighth in the line of
direct descent from Robert Goodell, one of
the early settlers of the Massachusetts Bay
Colony and the founder of the family in
America. Titus Goodell, a native of New
Hampshire, the great-grandfather of Ed-
win B., was a soldier of the war of the Rev-
olution and was killed in the battle of Still-
water.
Edw'in B. Goodell pursued his prelimi-
nary education in the grammar and high
school of his native town, and he and his
brother w-ere the first students to enter col-
lege from the Rockville high school. He
matriculated in Yale and was graduated in
the class of 1877, after which he taught in
the public schools of Montclair until 1879.
In the autumn of that year he returned to
his alma mater and was graduated at the
law school with the degree of LL. B., in
1880. In 1877 he was awarded by the
Yale faculty the De Forest prize medal for
the best written and delivered English ora-
tion, and in 1880 the John A. Porter prize
of two hundred and fifty dollars, for the
best essay on an assigned subject.
After leaving the law school Mr. Good-
ell returned to Montclair, where he again
engaged in teaching for a year. He was
admitted to the bar of Connecticut in 1880,
to that of New York in 1882 and to that
of New Jersey in 1883. With a branch of-
fice in New York city, his practice is prin-
cipally confined to New Jersev, his main
office being located in Montclair, where he
has practically made his home since 1877.
He is a man of a strong intellectuality, with
a comprehensive knowledge of the prin-
ciples of the law, and in the handling of the
ESSEX COUNTY.
291
cases entrusted to his care has shown a
masterful ability which has gained him a
foremost place among the legal practition-
ers in this part of the state.
Mr. Goodell has been an important fac-
tor in the public life of Montclair. He was
one of the original promoters and most ac-
tive members of the Tariff Reform Club,
which did very active work in the cam-
paigns of 1888 and 1892. He was a mem-
ber of the original committee which or-
ganized the Montclair Club, in 1887, has
served two terms on its board of directors,
was its secretary and treasurer for several
years, its vice-president in the year 1895-6
and its president in 1896-7. He was one
of the original trustees of Trinity Presby-
terian church, and is still serving in that
capacity; and he was for two or three years
secretary of its Sunday school. He has
been one of the promoters and most influ-
ential members of each of the financial in-
stitutions of Montclair, and has been ac-
tive in nearly all public movements which
have promoted the well-being of that pro-
gressive community.
It is in connection with the public
schools, however, that Mr. Goodell's most
important public work has been done.
Having taught in the high school for three
years, he was elected trustee by the voters
of old district No. 9, in 1883, and was con-
tinued in that office by successive re-elec-
tions until the change from the township
to the town form of government was
adopted in Montclair, in 1894. Mr. Good-
ell was thereupon nominated by both po-
litical parties in the second ward, was unan-
imously chosen to represent that ward on
the town board of education in 1894, and
was again unanimously elected to succeed
himself in 1896. He is now (1897) serving
his second term as chairman of the board.
During this long term of service he has
devoted himself freely to the important du-
ties of his office, has made himself familiar
with the requirements of good schools, as
they exist in several states, and has been an
active supporter of every -measure which
has tended to promote the interests of
good education. While he would be the
last person to claim credit for the eminent
success of educational methods in Mont-
clair, and would repudiate any statement
which did not fully acknowledge the im-
portant services rendered by the late Dr.
Love, and by many other faithful and able
laborers in that field, it nevertheless re-
mains true that Mr. Goodell has been one
of the most influential and most progres-
sive of the members of the board, and has
done nuich to earn for Montclair her high
record in this respect.
He married Annette C, daughter of
Philip Doremus, in 1881, and they have
four children. — three sons and one daugh-
ter.
C. G. HERMANN ZOERNER,
a builder and contractor of Franklin town-
ship, was born in the town of Ronneburg,
in the province of Sachsen Altenburg, in
the state of Saxony, Germany, July 21,
1844. His father, Christian Gottloeb Zoer- •
ner, was employed by the government to
oversee the highways in the province where
he lived, and died in 1869, at the age of
forty-eight years. His wife, Christina, nee
Fritsche, passed away in 1856, at the age
of forty years. Both were members of the
Lutheran church. Their family numbered
five children, all of whom remained in Ger-
many with the exception of our subject.
292
ESSEX COUNTY.
Educateil in the public schools of his
native town, and confirmed at the age of
fourteen, Mr. Zoerner, on laying aside his
text-books, learned the carpenter's trade,
after which he worked as a journeyman for
a time. At the age of twenty he enlisted in
the German army and served for three
years: he was in active service in the war
between Prussia and Austria in 1866 and
participated in the whole campaign. He
was a member of the Third Company, First
Battalion, Ninety-sixth Regiment, Elev-
enth Division, Seventh Army Corps, un-
der the generalship of the Prussian leaders.
In 1867, after spending two and a half
months in England, he came to the United
States, landing at New York, June 18, after
a voyage of thirty-one days. He had but
an English half-crown as his entire capi-
tal, and thus almost penniless he began life
among strangers in a strange land. Neces-
sity as well as choice led him to seek imme-
diate employment, and he secured a situa-
tion in a pattern shop. He came to Essex
county in 1869, locating in Montclair
township, where he worked at the carpen-
ter's trade. In 1879 he came to his pres-
ent location near the village of Nutley, and
his handiwork has been an important factor
in the development and improvement of
this section of the county. He is very en-
ergetic and industrious, and has been prom-
inently identified with the building inter-
ests of his township for almost twenty
years. The excellence of his work and his
reliability in all business transactions have
secured him a liberal patronage, and he has
derived therefrom a good income.
In Montclair township, September 5,
1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Zoerner and Miss Helena Pruefeir, a
daughter of Gottfried and Justiana Pruefeir,
natives of Germanv and neighbors of our
subject in the fatherland. Mrs. Zoerner
was born May 22, 1842, and by her mar-
riage has become the mother of the follow-
ing children : Karl Edward, who was born
August 23, 1870, and was married in 1895
to Josephine Travis, their home being in
New York, learned telegraphy, and is now
employed by the Manhattan Elevated Rail-
road Companj', of New York; Hermann H.
A., born October 7, 1871, learned the ma-
son's trade and is engaged in business as a
contractor along that line; Amelia B. w'as
born June 12, 1873; Robert Paul, who was
born October 3, 1874, is now learning civil
engineering at Newark with the firm of
Francisco and Barkhorn. Edward, born
June 13. 1876, is assisting his father; Anna,
born November 16, 1878, is a student in the
Newark Business College; and Francis,
born October 8, 1881, attends the public
schools.
Air. Zoerner holds membership in Har-
mony Lodge, No. 25, I. O. O. F., of Belle-
ville, and is also a member of the Knights
of Honor Lodge, No. 3631, of Nutley. In
politics he is a stanch Republican. He and
his wife and family attend the Congrega-
tional church, and in the community where
thev reside are widelv and favorably known.
HON. JOHN C. DENMAN,
whose leadership in the public affairs of
New Jersey made him one of the promi-
nent residents of Newark, was born on the
17th of November, 1815, on the old family
homestead, which is still in possession of
the Denmans, and is situated in Crawford
township, about five miles from Elizabeth,
New Jersey. It was purchased in 1723 by
John Dennian, Jr., a descendant of one
ESSEX COUNTY.
293
John Deninan, who came to America from
England, in 1635, and located in Dorches-
ter. Massachusetts. He is mentioned in
the "Town Book" of the Elizabeth records
as one of the memorialists of November
18, 1729. He had much influence among
his fellow citizens on account of his educa-
tion and wealth, and possessed such luxur-
ies as were common to those days, includ-
ing books, and a riding-chair, which was
mentioned in the inventory of his effects.
John Denman. Jr.. located upon the hun-
dred acres which he had purchased in 1723.
in Crawford township, a property that has
since been inherited in direct line until now
it is in possession of the family of our sub-
ject. It is to-day one of the few places in
this section of the state having a clear title,
no mortgage having ever been placed upon
it. John Denman, Jr., died, leaving six
children, of whom Christopher succeeded
to the property. His married life was
blessed with five daughters and one son,
John Denman, the father of our subject,
who succeeded to the ownership of the
property.
On the 5th of February, 181 5, John Den-
man married Lockey Marsh, and died, leav-
ing one daughter and four sons, of whom
John Christopher, of this review, was the
eldest. The Denman family were members
or attendants of the Episcopal church of
Elizabeth until the Revolutionary war,
when that church was closed, after which
they attended the West Presbyterian
church, at Westfield, New Jersey.
John Christopher Denman, as before
stated, opened his eyes to the light of day
on the old family homestead, and there
spent the days of his boyhood and youth.
His early education was acquired in the
school there, — the Rahway Athenian Acad-
emy, — and at the age of sixteen he began
preparation for the duties of active busi-
ness life by learning the carriage-maker's
trade in Newark, in the factory and under
the direction of Charles Hedenberg. Here
he laid the foundation for his subsequently
successful career as a manufacturer of and
dealer in carriages and vehicles of all de-
scriptions. Soon after attaining his ma-
jority he entered the shop of his uncle,
Ralph jNIarsh, of Rahway, and later directed
his steps to New Orleans, where in 1840
he entered into partnership with John E.
Matthews in the carriage business. They
had a large repository, partly stocked with
goods of their own manufacture and
partly from carriage factories of northern
markets. During the Mexican war they
ilid an e.xtensive business, making large
contracts with the government for the sup-
ply of wagons, mules, horse-shoes, etc., for
the arm\-. Mr. Denman was a very enter-
prising and energetic man, quick to note
and take advantage of any opportunity in
business, and above all was thoroughly reli-
able and honorable in all trade transactions,
so that he won the confidence as well as
the patronage of the public.
In the spring of 1852 Mr. Denman deter-
mined to retire from business, feeling that
his accumulations were sufficient to supply
all his wants, but after a short time he real-
ized that indolence and idleness formed no
part of his nature. He could not content
himself without some business interests
and re-entered business life. At the open-
ing of the civil war, however, the business
in New Orleans was closed out and Mr.
Denman connected himself with Fisher,
Rickards «Sc Company, of Australia, ship-
ping to that firm large consignments of
294
ESSEX COUNTY.
j\lr. Denman was united in marriage to
Miss Eliza Hendricks, daughter of Aaron
V. and Eliza (Backalen) Hendricks, of
Middlesex county, New Jersey, who sur-
vives her husband and makes her home in
Newark, with her two children, George H.
and Lillie O. A handsome fortune was
left to the family and their pleasant home in
this city is the center of a cultured society
circle.
John C. Denman was a man of remark-
able energ)', sagacity and enterprise, and
during his active life his name was known
in business circles throughout the country
and quite extensively in foreign lands. He
w-as a man of quick perception, fixed pur-
poses, frank and outspoken, an'd his great
kindness of heart, marked liberality in sup-
port of any enterprise he conceived to be
right, and especially his sympathy and help
to those in need have caused him to be
held in loving remembrance in many house-
holds, where, in his unostentatious way, he
gave of his means, commensurate with the
spirit of liberality.
Politically, Mr. Denman wielded a wide
influence and was very prominent in the
coimcils of the Democratic party. He was
a member of the legislature from Essex
county in 1858, and successfully advocated
the bill to form a new county, to which he
gave the name of "Union." He also advo-
cated the removal of the milldams at Rah-
wa}-. After two terms of service as a mem-
ber of the general assembly in Trenton, he
took up his residence in Newark, where he
was elected and served on the board of
chosen freeholders. He was a leading fac-
tor in the public interests of the city and
earnestly advocated all measures which
tended toward its best development. He
continued his residence in Newark, as one
of its honored citizens, until his life's labors
were ended in death. February 4, 1864.
H. H. HORN FECK,
of \"erona, one of the leading furriers in
New York city, was born in Gera, Thur-
ingia, province of Saxony, on the 5th of
February, 1839, a son of Henry Horn-
feck, a stationary engineer. His mother
bore the maiden name of Maria Gruenwald,
and by her marriage became the mother of
five children, one of whom, Ernest, is still
li\-ing in the fatherland. Two daughters,
Emilie. wife of Albert Young, and Miss
Elwine Hornfeck, are residents of Brook-
lyn, New York.
Henry Herman Hornfeck learned the
trade of a furrier in his native land and con-
tinued his residence there until he had at-
tained his majoritv. when he crossed the
broad Atlantic to the New World, landing
at New York in i860. Soon afterward he
engaged in business on his own account as
a furrier and has since carried on operations
in that line, his establishment being one of
the most popular and profitable in the trade
in the city. They carry a valuable stock,
well assorted and of fashionable manufac-
ture, and the business of the house is stead-
ily and constantly increasing. Its reputa-
tion for reliability is unquestioned, and en-
terprise and perseverance are the chief
characteristics of the house.
Air. Hornfeck came to Verona in 1865,
and the following year was married in the
house in wdiich he still makes his home,
the lady of his choice being Miss Anna K.
Cimiotti, a daughter of Ferdinand and Fan-
nie Cimiotti, who came to this country from
\*ienna, Austria. The children born of this
union are: Frances M., Clara Hermine,
ESSEX COUNTY.
295
wife of William L. Loftus, superintendent
in the large factory of the Clark Thread
Company; Herman G.. who is in the finance
department of the Mutual Benefit Life In-
surance Company, in Newark; Sylvia Hed-
wig; Max Roland, in business with his
father; Henry F., a plumber in Montclair;
Gustave Adolph, who graduated in the
]\Iontclair high school, in June 1897; and
Annie Stephanie.
Mr. Hornfeck is a member of the Arion
Club, of New York city, and has served as
school trustee of Verona for a number of
years. His attention has been more gen-
erally given to his business, however, and
in the legitimate channels of trade he has
acquired a handsome competence. Success
has rewarded his well directed efforts, his
energy and resolute purpose, and his life
demonstrates the possiljilities of accom-
plishment through the exercise of these
qualities.
FRANCIS N. MANDEVILLE,
of Newark, was born in New York city,
August 14, 1855, and is a descendant of
good old Revolutionary stock, the family
being founded in America in colonial days
by the great-grandfather, who came to this
country from Holland. His grandfather,
Anthony Mandeville, was born at Pompton
Plains, New Jersey, and married Miss Leah
Van Saun, also a native of the same place.
The father Washington Mandeville, first
opened his eyes to the light there, and hav-
ing attained his majority was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Jane Webb, a na-
tive of New York. Our subject is also
connected with the Vorhees, Van Saun
and Roomes families, old residents of
Pompton Plains.
Francis N. Mandeville is a self-educated
man. He left school at the age of thirteen
years and worked with his father at stair-
building until the age of twenty, when he
started in the newspaper and 
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