USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > A History of the city of Newark, New Jersey : embracing practically two and a half centuries, 1666-1913 Volume III > Part 13
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William Selby, his grandfather, was extensively engaged in the pro- vision business in Newark for a period of almost half a century, during a part of which time he had his son associated with him in the conduct of affairs. Mr. Selby died March 2, 1911, at the age of eighty-six years.
William B., son of William Selby, was for some years connected with his father in the provision business, and subsequently became the vice- president and treasurer of the Lister Chemical Company. His death oc- curred May 6, 1904. He married Esther G. Lister, daughter of Edwin Lister, who was the organizer and proprietor of the Lister Chemical Com- pany, and who died May 18, 1898.
William Edwin, son of William B. and Esther G. . (Lister) Selby, was born in Newark, New Jersey, October 23, 1885. He attended the public
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George F. Reeve
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schools of his native city, and was graduated with honor from the Newark Academy. He subsequently took a course in the law department of the University of New York, after which he entered upon the business career in which he has achieved success. His enterprising and progressive methods have been considered authoritative in many instances, and he is rapidly taking his place in the very front ranks of the business men of Newark.
W. H. AMMERMAN, JR.
One of the prominent business men of Newark, and one whose active career since his entrance into the business world, commands attention; is W. H. Ammerman, Jr.
Mr. Ammerman was born in Brooklyn, New York, September 20, 1867, son of the late William H. Ammerman. He began his business career in 1881, when he accepted a position as errand boy in the furniture store of Cowperthwait Company in Brooklyn, New York. In this store he remained for the long period of twenty years, during this time having advanced himself by industry and faithful attention to the interests of his employers, until he held the responsible position of manager of this concern. At this time he received a favorable offer from the firm of Abraham & Straus, of Brooklyn, to become manager and buyer of their furniture department, and this was accepted. He resigned, however, in July, 1907, in order to take up new responsibilities, in the form of the office of president and manager of the Cowperthwait & Van Horn Company, dealers in furniture, carpets, etc.
March 1, 1913, Mr. Ammerman made a still further advantageous change, resigning his connection with the house of Cowperthwait & Van Horn Company, to become identified with Hahne & Company, the largest dry goods establishment of Newark, where he is manager of the furniture department, a position which he is ably filling.
In these days of specialization, Mr. Ammerman's career is another illustration of the advantages to be gained in knowing one's capabilities and directing one's efforts in the direction to make these capabilities serve the individual and the public good, for Mr. Ammerman knows the furniture business, and not only himself but all who necessarily come in contact with him in his business capacity are benefited by his knowledge. A successful business man is also one to be counted on in any other walk of life, where needed as personal friend or citizen to serve the community's good.
ROBERT J. BALL
Robert J. Ball, superintendent of Bradstreet's, 31 Clinton street, Newark, New Jersey, was born at Albany, New York, February 9, 1881, the son of George H. 'Ball, who has been for many years superintendent of Brad- street's Agency there.
Robert J. Ball attended the public schools of Albany until he attained his fourteenth year. He then entered the offices of Bradstreet's and has been continually with that organization ever since. He was appointed in January, 1907, superintendent of the office at Elmira, New York, and he remained there until June, 1911, at which time he was promoted to the Newark office. While a resident of Elmira Mr. Ball took an active interest in the affairs and industry of that city, as is evidenced by his membership of the Executive Committee of the Elmira Chamber of Commerce, and by his work in other directions.
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Hle is a member of the Newark Board of Trade and also a member of the Newark Credit Men's Association. Mr. Ball has become closely linked with Newark's business interests and considerable actual achievement has been the result of efforts to render a commendable service to the com- mercial community.
CURTIS R. BURNETT
One of Newark's most progressive and public spirited citizens, Curtis R. Burnett, may justly be credited with a large share of those activities which have within recent years placed Newark in the forefront of American in- dustrial centers. Himself a typical example of that keen and large-minded business man who carries the weight of affairs of the utmost importance, he has ever been ready to undertake another burden, if by so doing he might by deed or example benefit or push on any movement pointing towards the betterment of industrial or municipal conditions.
Curtis R. Burnett, born October 5, 1870, in Newark, the town to which he has given the activities of a lifetime, is the son of John R. and Caroline A. (Hutson) Burnett. Both his parents were of excellent American stock, his father being a native of Essex county, New Jersey, and his mother's family having been residents of Newark. John R. Burnett had held a position of responsibility in the postoffice during the period of the Civil War, later becoming engaged with the Morris Canal and Banking Company. In this position he continued until it was taken over by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. He then entered into the retail coal business at 198 Washington street and Morris canal. His experience as a coal shipper and merchant was now extensive and a distinct trend towards constructive work led him about this time into becoming one of the organizers of the New Jersey Coal Exchange which was now formed. In this corporation he held the position of secretary, remaining here until his death, February 21, 1890. He had three years previously given up his own coal business. For a time after he had severed his connection with the postoffice Mr. Burnett had served as assistant city clerk. He was a charter member of the Belle- ville Avenue Congregational Church, which also he served for a number of years as treasurer. In political convictions he was in later life a Republican, having come over from the Democratic camp in the dark and stormy period of civil strife. He was a member of Corinthian Council, Royal Arcanum.
As a son of this influential and useful citizen, Curtis R. Burnett came by association early into the atmosphere of affairs and strenuous activity in various lines. He was sent to the public schools of his native town and there maintained an excellent grade of scholarship. It was after some work at a private school that he went to the Burnet Street Grammar School, later pursuing a commercial course in the High School and completing Iris academic studies in 1887 when he was barely seventeen years old. A few months later he became associated with the'Standard Oil Company in its Newark branch, starting in quite cheerfully with the work of an office boy. With this corporation he remained until March, 1895, holding at the time of his departure the position of cashier. It was then that the American Oil and Supply Company was formed; he decided to join them and is now secretary and general manager of the corporation.
Mr. Burnett is a member of a number of organizations which play an important part in the civic life of Newark. In 1911 and 1912 he served as the president of the Newark Board of Trade, and for the term 1911-1912 he was president of the Newark Association of Credit Men. He is treasurer
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of the Essex County Mosquito Extermination Commission and trustee of the Newark Free Dental Clinic. He is secretary of the South Jersey Glass Works and is treasurer of the Brewers and Bottlers' Supply Company. He also is a director in the Riley Klotz Manufacturing Company. With the constructive imagination of the man of large affairs he saw the immense benefit to his native city of the Industrial Exposition held in Newark in 1912, and threw himself into its organization with characteristic zeal and efficiency, serving as chairman of the executive committee.
In politics, a Republican, he has taken an active and wholesome part in municipal affairs. He is of the class of citizens who does not think that his civic duty is done when he has cast his vote, but of that smaller and enormously more valuable class who put their shoulder to the wheel and help with all the vigor of their manhood to bring on the better day. He was elected a member of the Common Council in 1903, serving as alder- man from the Eighth Ward, filling out an unexpired term and serving in all four years. During a portion of this time he was chairman of the Finance Committee, which carried with it the Republican leadership for about two years on the floor of the Council. Mr. Burnett is a member of the Northern Lodge, No. 25, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Garret A. Hobart Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a member of the board of governors of the Northern Republican Club. He belongs as did his father and mother to the Belleville Avenue Congre- gational Church, and is president of the Board of Trustees of the church.
Mr. Burnett married, in 1905, Sarah, daughter of Harry Simmons, one of the oldest and most respected residents of Rahway, New Jersey.
THOMAS S. HODSON, JR.
The possibilities which are open to any young man who possesses suf- ficient determination, energy and sterling business qualifications, are demon- strated in the fine career of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch- Thomas S. Hodson, Jr., of Newark, New Jersey. He is equally well known and popular in the social and business life of the city, and in civic affairs he is rapidly gaining a reputation. Both nature and education have well qualified him for the arduous line of business he has chosen as a vocation, and still greater success than he has already achieved is undoubtedly await- ing him.
Thomas S. Hodson, Jr., is a son of Thomas S., Sr., an ex-senator, and was born in Crisfield, Maryland, June 5, 1872. The public schools of his native state furnished him with an excellent and practical elementary education, and he was prepared for the university at St. John's College. Subsequently he matriculated at the University of Maryland, from which he was graduated in the class of 1893, and the degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him. Ile was admitted to the bar of Maryland in the same' year, and at once engaged in the practice of his profession, which he followed in various places in that state for a period of five years.
About this time he came to the conclusion that a business career offered better opportunities than the law and, having formed the proper connections, he went to the state of Pennsylvania in the capacity of super- intendent of insurance agents in that state for the Provident Saving Life Insurance Company of New York, retaining this responsible position five years. He next removed to Los Angeles, California, where ho was successful In organizing tho Los Angeles Life Insurance Company. Albuquerque, Now Moxico, was the next seeno of his activities, and ho there organized the
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Occidental Life Insurance Company, and remained there until he had it in good working order. Returning east, he decided upon Newark, New Jersey, as a suitable place of residence, as the business conditions prevailing there appeared to him suitable for the ideas he entertained. He established himself in business as a broker of unlisted securities, opening offices at No. 828 Broad street, and the results he has already achieved have opened the way to a very bright and prosperous outlook. He has been active in the organization of the New Jersey Fire Insurance Company, holding the title of field superintendent for that corporation. Mr. Hodson is a member of Newark Lodge No. 21, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In political matters he affiliates with the Progressive party, and is active in its interests. He gives much of his time and personal attention to all matters connected with the development of the city and shows good judgment in whatever he undertakes. He is as well informed upon all the leading topics of the day as he is on matters connected with his especial line of endeavor, and the legal knowledge he brings to bear upon his busi- ness has greatly simplified many knotty problems. He has earned the good will and respect of his associates and all others with whom he comes in contact by his manly character and sterling worth.
HON. MARCUS L. WARD
Hon. Marcus Lawrence Ward, ex-governor of New Jersey, whose death occurred April 25, 1884, was born November 9, 1812, in the city of New- ark, where his paternal ancestors have resided since 1666. The Wards are of English stock, and their home was in Northamptonshire, where the records of the family may be found. Stephen Ward married Joice Traford, and after his death his widow, with some of their children, including John Ward, came to New England in 1630, and in 1635 settled at Wethersfield, Connecticut. John Ward came to Newark in 1666, in company with about thirty families, and these formed the first settlers on the shore of Passaic, laying out the present city of Newark. A son of John Ward, of the same name, was shortly after married to Abigail Kitchell, the granddaughter of the Rev. Abraham Pierson, the pious and eloquent pastor of the settlers, in honor of whose birthplace in England the name of Newark was conferred upon this, his new home. From such a stock one might well expect an honored progeny, and it is not too much to say that during seven genera- tions this family have been distinguished by the highest qualities of integrity and personal honor.
In early life Governor Ward entered into trade, in connection with his father, and soon became connected with the financial institutions and public enterprises of the city. His wise counsel, his prudent judgment, his un- swerving integrity have been felt in their management and success; and thus he gained that confidence which he retained to the close of his life, through the passage of years, the virulence' of party warfare, and through the strongest test-that of public position and administrative responsibility. Governor Ward's political associations were with the Whig party, but he was among the earliest to recognize the necessity of a stronger organization to curb the growing domination of the South. He supported Fremont and Dayton in the presidential campaign of 1856, but his attention was not seriously drawn to political subjects until the summer of 1858. In that year the exciting contest between slavery and freedom called him to Kansas, and while there he fully saw and appreciated the importance of the struggle going on in that territory. He gave, while there, his prudent counsels and
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generous contributions to the Free State party, and on his return to New Jersey he engaged warmly in the work of rousing public attention to the pending issue. At a time when party spirit was thoroughly aroused, and when constant misrepresentations sought to confuse the public mind, his clear and unanswerable statements of fact were received with the confidence which his character always inspired. He was deeply interested in the politi- cal contest of the ensuing autumn, and none rejoiced more sincerely over the result in New Jersey, which secured a United States senator and an unbroken delegation in the House of Representatives against the Lecompton fraud.
In 1860 the growing political influence of Governor Ward began to be felt and acknowledged, and he was unanimously chosen a delegate to the Republican national convention, the proceedings of which culminated in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. In the contest which ensued he bore his full part, and when the result was reached he felt amply repaid for all his exertions. He neither challenged nor sought to avoid the conse- quences of that success. When the signal was given for that revolt which had long been preparing in the Southern states, it found him ready for any services or sacrifices which were necessary to defend the right. Ile was neither discouraged by defeats nor unduly elated with transient success, but his efforts were devoted to the suppression of the Rebellion and the preservation of the Union. At the outbreak of hostilities he led in a call for a public meeting to sustain the government. As the struggle increased in importance and drew into the ranks of the patriot army regiment after regiment of New Jersey troops, Governor Ward saw the necessity of sus- taining the families of the volunteers during their absence. Alone and unaided, he devised and carried out that system , of relief the advantages of which were felt in every county of the state. The pay of the volunteer was collected at the camp and passed over to the wife and children at home; if killed or wounded, the pension was secured; and this continued until after the close of the war, without a charge of any nature upon these sacred funds. Hundreds and thousands of families were preserved from want and suffering by this wise and considerate scheme, and of all the means devised to sustain the state in its patriotic efforts none were more potent than this.
But his active efforts did not terminate here. It was through his efforts and influence with the general government that a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers was established in Newark, and in view of his loyal action his name was bestowed upon it. Ward's Hospital became known as one of the best controlled institutions of the kind in the country. His sanitary arrangements were fully appreciated by those most competent to judge of them.
In 1862 so strong did his services impress the Republicans of his state that he was unanimously nominated for Governor, but in the absence of the loyal soldiers of the state in the field, and in the deep depression of that memorable year, he was defeated. This did not change his unswerving loyalty nor affect in the slightest degree his constant and unwearied labors for the right. In 1864 he was a delegate at large to the Republican national convention at Baltimore, which renominated Mr. Lincoln.
In 1865 he again received the Republican nomination for Governor, and after an unusually exciting contest he was elected by a large majority. His administration was in all respects one of the best which New Jersey has known. His executive ability was fully demonstrated, and his fidelity and honesty were unquestioned. Every department of the public service.
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so far as his influence could reach it, was economically and faithfully ad- ministered. The laws passed by the legislature were carefully scanned, and pardons for criminal offenses were granted only when mercy could be safely united with justice. His appointments to office were widely approved, because he regarded capability, honesty and worth as the basis for them. To his administration New Jersey was deeply indebted for many important measures affecting the interests of the state. The present public-school act was passed upon his strong and urgent representations, and its advantages have been felt in the increased educational facilities of the state and the more thorough character of its schools. The riparian rights of the state were called by him to the attention of the legislature, and a commission secured, through which its large and valuable interests have been protected. His constant and persistent representations to the legislature, in his various messages, of the mismanagement of the state prison, under both political parties, contributed largely to the passage of an act removing it, as far as possible, from partisan government, and the result has been large savings to the state.
In 1864 Governor Ward was placed upon the Republican national committee, and in 1866 he was chosen chairman. In this capacity he made the preliminary arrangements for the national convention of 1868, which nominated General Grant for President of the United States. He took a decided part in the campaign which followed, and his services and efforts were fully acknowledged.
During a few succeeding years Governor Ward lived in a comparative retirement, but was frequently called to duties of a public character. He was the first president of the Newark Industrial Exposition, and by his efforts contributed largely to its success. The Soldiers' Home, of Newark, was originally established through his exertions, and as one of its managers and the treasurer he gave it constant and unwearied service. It seemed natural and proper that the man, who, during the war, had protected the interests and family of the loyal soldier, who had provided him with the care and attendance of a hospital when sick and wounded, should, when the war was over, still secure him, crippled and maimed, the comforts of a "Soldiers' Home."
During the presidential campaign of 1872, Governor Ward was nomi- nated for Congress by the Republicans of the sixth district of New Jersey, and was elected by over five thousand majority. Upon taking his seat in the House of Representatives he was recognized as one of its most valuable members. He was placed on the committee of foreign relations, where his influence was felt, and always in the direction of the public interests. Governor Ward made no pretensions to the role of a speaker, but on a few occasions when he addressed the house he commanded its attention by clearly expressed views and the thorough honesty of his convictions. In 1874 Governor Ward was unanimously, renominated for Congress, but the condition of the country was unfavorable for success. Financial disaster disturbed all the marts of trade, and the large manufacturing district he represented was most severely affected. Thousands of laborers were un- employed, and the hope that a political change would return prosperity influenced their action. The tidal wave which swept over the strongest Republican states submerged his district also, although, as usual, he stood the highest on the Republican ticket. The confidence and attachment of the people were never shown more clearly than in the regret and disappoint- ment which this defeat occasioned. After the expiration of his congressional term, he was tendered by the President the important post of commissioner
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of Indian affairs, but it was declined, while fully appreciating the compli- ment thereby conveyed.
The next ten years of Governor Ward's life were spent in attention to his private affairs, and in two trips to Europe, which gave him great and unalloyed pleasure. In the beginning of the year 1884, he seemed in excellent health, but in March he determined on a trip to Florida with some of his family. While there he was subject to malarial influences, which developed in his system during his return, and detained him sick in Washington for a few days. He was, however, brought back to Newark, where he had the advantage of the best of care and the highest medical skill, but all in vain; he expired on the 25th of April, 1884. The knowledge of his death was received by the community in which he lived with universal sorrow. The minutes of the institution with which he was connected show their apprec- iation of him, and that of the managers of the Soldiers' Home was a most eloquent tribute to the man.
In 1840 he married Susan L. Morris, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Longworth Morris. They had mourned the loss of children; but two sons remained, around whom centered their hopes and affections. His life was singularly free from difficulties and anxieties. Accumulating by care and prudence a large fortune, his life was full of deeds of considerate charity, which have been as numerous as they have been blessed. Many a struggling artist has received from him the generous order which did not degrade the spirit, while relieving the necessity. His charities have fre- quently been pursued for years, unknown to the world, the result of the native kindness of heart which characterized him. Few men ever brought to public duties a greater amount of conscientious principle. Every public act was governed by that law of justice and of right which would stand the test of the closest scrutiny. Popular in the highest and purest sense of that term, he would not sacrifice his judgment or his convictions to the caprices of the multitude. His manners were unassuming and popular, but he reached position because of the qualities which should command it. He preferred the true to the false, the substantial to the pretentious, and his life was one which may be studied by all who seek distinction and success in public life.
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