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 22
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BENJAMIN HERBER
One of the most energetic and progressive business men of Newark, New Jersey, engaged in the general plumbing and heating business, is Benjamin Herber, who, in the comparatively few years since he has been at the head of an establishment of his own, has worked up a trade which might well be envied by those who have been in business a far longer period of the.
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Born in Germany, June 16, 1867, Mr. Herber came to the United States in 1881, when he was a young lad, and located in the city of Newark. He brought with him the habits of thoroughness and fidelity which are such distinguished characteristics of all of German birth, and had no difficulty in obtaining employment. He learned the plumbing trade in Newark, where he obtained a thorough and practical knowledge of all the details of this trade, which is much in advance of that in Germany. In 1907 he decided to establish himself in business independently, and the success with which he has met has amply justified the wisdom of this decision. His business is constantly branching out; his work is all guaranteed and apparently gives the greatest amount of satisfaction, as he retains all of his old customers, and they are continually recommending him to others as deserving of patronage. Mr. Herber has many other business interests, many of them being connected with building and loan associations, in several of which he serves on the board of directors. He is a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and also of St. Peter's Young Men's Orphan Aid Society, having been connected with the latter for a period of thirty years.
Mr. Herber married Elizabeth Robrecht, of Newark, and they have one child: Leona T., who is now six years of age. The educational advantages of Mr. Herber were confined to his very early years, and it may be truly said of him that he is self-educated. He has decided opinions, which are voiced in a firm and dignified manner, and has earned the esteem and respect of all who know him.
JAMES TAAFE
Among the many successful business men and naturalized citizens of sterling worth to be found in this country who have been recruited from the British Isles, must be mentionel James Taafe of Newark, New Jersey, who was born in County Louth, Ireland, January 6, 1850. He arrived in this country April 18, 1867, on the "City of Dublin," after a long and stormy crossing, in the company of his father and mother, John and Ann (Callan) Taafe of Rokeby Hall, Ireland. Although John Taafe had been successful as a florist, having become sufficiently prominent to be made a judge at the famous horticultural expositions of Dublin, and had secured several gold medals with his exhibits, he had high hopes of advancing himself by coming to America, that land of bright promise. Accordingly he, with his wife and four children, Andrew, Patrick, James and Mary, left Rokeby Hall, and sailed for America. On arriving they established themselves at Newark. James, being seventeen years of age and having received a sound elementary education at the national schools of Ireland, was at once apprenticed to the carpenter's trade and worked as a carpenter until 1875. When a good business opportunity was offered him he gave up the work of his trade, and started in the grocery business at the corner of Plane and Bank streets, Newark. After two years the call of the West, which had lured him to America, urged him still further afield, and leaving Newark' he settled at Butte City, Montana. There he entered the general merchandise business, but in 1882 he deemed it advisable to return East for various reasons, and selling out his interest in the concern he returned to Newark and started again in the grocery business at the former locality at the corner of Warren and Colden streets. Having accumulated sufficient capital to make an inde- pendent move, he retired from the grocery business and returning to the carpentering trade (Taafe & Callan) he became a contractor on a large scale.
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For eighteen years he continued in contract work, at the end of which time he became one of the incorporators of the J. F. Glasby Lumber Company, of 5-21 Badger Avenue, Newark. So successful was he in his connection with the firm that he was made president of it, a position which he still holds. Mr. Taafe has been the treasurer of the Seventh Ward Building & Loan Association for twenty years.
Business affairs have not, however, entirely engrossed Mr. Taafe's activities. He has always been deeply interested in the municipal progress of Newark, and has given generously of his time and means to the further- ance of all projects for the betterment of the city. He was a member of the City Library Board for ten years and was one of the committee that bought the site and built the Free Library building. He has long been on the Board of Education for the city of Newark, and in 1912 was elected president of the Board. A devout member of the Roman Catholic church, Mr. Taafe has been associated with many of the societies of his church. He is the president of the Holy Name Society of St. Rose of Lima, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Olive Branch Council, No. 63. He is also president of the Millmen's Club of Essex County and vicinity, and the president of the Material Men's Club of Essex County. Although so deeply engaged and interested in both the public and private business of his adopted city, Mr. Taafe has never forgotten the home of his childhood and has found time during the past year to revisit its scenes. On July 27, 1912, he started for a two months' vacation in Europe and the British Isles and spent a large part of the time in his native place in Ireland. In politics Mr. Taafe is a Democrat with Independent tendencies.
He married, December 26, 1889, Mary E., daughter of William and Hannah Condon, of Harrison, New Jersey. They have three children: Anna M., Marie E. and William J.
FRANCIS S. GREEN
Among those foreign-born citizens of Newark who have achieved busl- ness success and a position of honor in the town of their adoption, is Francis S. Green. He is of English parentage, having been born in England in 1860. Until he was twelve years of age he went to the English schools, but in 1873 his family came to the United States and established themselves at Hartford, Connecticut. There his education was continued at the public schools, and when he had finished the course offered in them he further prepared himself for practical life by work at a business college of the town. After completing his course here, and being thoroughly equipped for business, he obtained a position with the Colt Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, and here he remained for four years, gaining much valuable experience. In 1879, at the end of this period, he determined to come to Newark, and there obtained a position in the employ of the firm of McWhirter & Wilson, who had then a large dry goods store on Market Street, where the Goerke store now stands. On the day that President Garfield died, and the whole country was plunged into mourning, Mr. Green went to New York to engage in business, and from thence to Philadelphia. After six years he returned to Newark, and in 1888, once again started in business as a manu- facturer and retailer of umbrellas. The start was made in a comparatively modest way in a store on Market Street, opposite Beaver Street. The under- taking met with a well-merited success, and after two years it became necessary to find more commodious quarters. In 1890 he removed to the
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basement store under the Firemens' Insurance Company Building, at the corner of Market and Broad Streets. Here he remained for eighteen years, carrying on a business which gained steadily in popularity. In 1909 it became necessary to vacate, as the old building was about to be torn down to make room for the more modern structure which has taken its place. He then moved to 740 Broad Street and there located in quarters that were better suited to the amount of business that he was doing. Mr. Green may have reason for just pride when he surveys what he has accomplished in the years in which he has lived in Newark. His success has been wholly due to a serupulous business integrity, and to his own unfailing tact, good judgment and devotion to work. Mr. Green is a member of Cosmos Lodge, No. 106, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also past supreme president of the order Sons of St. George, and is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Grand Fraternity of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the Irvington Board of Trade, and president of the Greater Newark Building & Loan Association of Irvington.
Mr. Green married, in 1882, in New York City, Jennie R., daughter of John Heybourn, a prominent manufacturer in the shoe business of New York City. They have seven children living, who have all been educated in the schools of Philadelphia and Newark. They are: 1. Iola A., married Harold Eames, of Irvington, where they reside. 2. Alfred William, mar- ried Marie Ohl, and resides in Chicago. Child: Alfred William Jr. 3. Jennie R., married Clifford Briscoe, of Irvington, where they reside. 4. Elsie D., attends the Irvington Grammar School. 5. Herbert W., also attends the Irvington Grammar School. 6. Roberta, also at school with her brothers and sister. 7. Francis S. Jr., in school with the others. Mr. Green's first wife died in 1906, and he married (second) March 9, 1912, Eleanor Ray- bould.
REV. THOMAS JOSEPH MARTIN
Rev. Thomas Joseph Martin, one of the most widely respected and influential assistant priests of the city of Newark, was born in this city, October 16, 1882, and was the third of the five children of Stephen and Mary E. ( McDonald) Martin. The other children were: William A .; Mary E .; Stephen. L .; and James F. Our subject attended St. Joseph's Parochial School, Newark, where he showed the promise that was afterwards fulfilled of unusual gifts of mental endowment and of character. From St. Joseph's he went to the school of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Newark, gradu- ating from this institution in 1897. He then entered Seton Hall College, South Orange, New Jersey, and graduated in 1904, with the degree of A.B. After three more years of study he was ordained to the priesthood at Seton Hall, December 21, 1907, having the year previously received the degree of A.M.
He was forthwith appointed the vice-president of Seton Hall College, serving in this capacity until September, 1908. He has been since that time an assistant of the Sacred Heart parish, Bloomfield, New Jersey, of St. Mary's parish, Jersey City, New Jersey, and latterly of the parish of St. Rose of Lima, Newark, doing there a valuable work. He is a member of Division No. 6, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Jersey City, New Jersey; of Seton Hall Seminary Alumni Association, South Orange, New Jersey; and of the St. Rose of Lima Holy Name Club, Newark, New Jersey.
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WILLIAM P. O'ROURKE
William P. O'Rourke, superintendent of buildings for the city of Newark, was born in Newark, in 1871. Before 1907, when he was appointed superintendent of buildings, he was one of the leading architects of the city. Ilis education was acquired at St. Patrick's school, and at St. Benedict's College and Newark Academy, from which latter institution he was graduated. During his earlier professional life he was associated with his father, who was acknowledged to be one of the leading architects of the city. The firm went under the style of J. O'Rourke & Sons. Mr. O'Rourke is an enthusiast on military matters and is a member of the Joel Parker Association, Gott- fried Krueger Association and New Jersey Naval Reserves. During the Spanish-American War he served as ensign, and has also been lieutenant in the New Jersey Naval Reserves. In his political beliefs Mr. O'Rourke is a Democrat, and is in his religious faith a Roman Catholic, and a member of St. Patrick's Cathedral. One of the influential citizens of Newark, Mr. O'Rourke has won by his personal merits the unique position of respect which he holds in the community.
SAMUEL HUGH MCILROY
Samuel Hugh McIlroy, a highly esteemed member of the fraternity of educators of Newark, and the principal of the Madison School, one which has shown a remarkable growth in the past few years, is a man of influence in the Newark community. He is not a Jerseyman by birth, but one of those many citizens of the town who have come from the State of New York. He was born, December 24, 1869, in Greigsville, Livingston county, New York. His parents were James and Nancy (McClelland) McIlroy, whose other children were: Alexander M .; George A .; Ida J. A country boy, Samuel Hugh had the benefits and the disadvantages of a country education. It will be generally agreed that the benefits far outweigh the disagreeable features. For a boy of good health and ambition can easily surmount the difficulties of circumstance and forge for himself a character that has an inestimable quality in it of rugged strength. He got the best that was to be derived from the district schools of the neighborhood, and then went to the Geneseo State Normal School and graduated in the class of 1894. This was followed by a course at the Teachers' College of Columbia University, from which he received in 1910 the degree of B. S.
His professional career began in 1890, when he obtained a position as teacher in the schools of Livingston county, New York. This was followed by his appointment to the post of principal of Middlebury Academy at Wyoming, New York, which he held from 1895 to 1900, becoming principal of the Highland Falls School (New York), in 1900, and remaining there for seven years, which period he filled with work of real service to the public. In September, 1907, he was elected principal of the South Sixteenth Street School in Newark, accepting which he removed to that city and has in the time that has since elapsed built up a reputation as an educator of the first rank. In 1910 the name of the school was changed to the Madison School, and of this Mr. McIlroy still continues in charge. It is one of comparatively recent organization, having been opened February 15, 1905, with twelve teachers, and with W. J. Eckoff as principal. During the following year Lewis H. Carris was principal, and after him Mr. McIlroy took the charge It has grown to the grade of a full Grammar School with a force of thirty- one teachers and is equipped with shop, kitchen, gymnasium and a fine
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auditorium. The first graduating class to be turned out by the school was in June, 1912, and numbered sixty. Mr. McIlroy is a member of the High Street Presbyterian Church. He belongs to Newburg Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Schoolmen's Club, of the Principals' Association, and of the Newark Public Schools Athletic Associa- tion.
He married at Wyoming, New York, August 12, 1900, Mary, daughter of Henry and Francena (Bond) Strong, the former of whom served as a cavalry- man in the Civil War. The sister of Mrs. McIlroy is Nellie Rose ( Mrs. Henry S. Hubbell). Mr. and Mrs. McIlroy have one son, Malcolm Strong, born August 28, 1902.
MARTIN LUTHER COX
The science of pedagogy has become more and more fully recognized as one of vast importance in the progress of the community and, foremost in the ranks in this profession in the city of Newark, New Jersey, stands Martin Luther Cox, whose exceptional devotion to the duties of his pro- fession have done wonders in furthering the cause of education. A descend- ant of one of the old families of the State of New Jersey, he has a title to nobility as desirable as any bestowed by any earthly potentate.
Arthur Cox, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer of Lafayette township, New Jersey, and a man of importance and influence in the community. His son, Martin Luther Cox, or Colonel Luther Cox, as he was familiarly known, was engaged in the commission business in the city of New York, while he resided in Lafayette, Sussex county, New Jersey, being colonel of the militia in that county. John Backster Cox, a son of the preceding, was born in Lafayette, and was engaged in business as a merchant. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he abandoned his business interests in order to tender his services in defence of the rights and liberties of his country, and was in active service for a period of two years. He was a member of Company D, Second New Jersey Volunteers, and was honorably discharged on account of illness contracted while on military duty. He married Caroline, daughter of Samuel and Mahala ( Ryan) Cooper, and granddaughter of Moses and Sarah (Clifton) Cooper, all of Dover, Morris county, New Jersey, and had children: Martin Luther, whose name is at the head of this sketch; John B., Jr., deceased, who had children, John S. and Albert; and Frederick I., assistant manager of Beld- ing Brothers Silk Manufacturing Company of New York, whose children are: Asenath S. and James S.
Martin Luther Cox was born in Rockaway, Morris county, New Jersey, March 1, 1867, and received his education in the public schools of that township. In the fall of 1883 he commenced teaching in the same public institutions, and from the outset of his career he exhibited remarkable apti- tude for the calling he had adopted. That the success he achieved was appreciated by those in authority is attested by the fact of his rapid advance- ment, for, in September, 1887, he was appointed as principal of School No. 3, where he displayed remarkable executive ability, and filled the responsible position until August, 1893. At this time the State Board of Education expressed their appreciation of his services by appointing him Superintendent of Schools for Morris county, a new field of work which gave Mr. Cox additional opportunities for introducing his original and advantageous methods. In the meantime he had been exceedingly active in pursuing his studies in the science of pedagogy at the University of New
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York, and his degree of Master of Pedagogy was awarded him in June, 1897. In 1900 Mr. Cox resigned his position as Superintendent of Schools in order to accept the appointment of principal of the Ann Street School of Newark, filling this position very capably until September, 1903, when he was called to assume the heavier and more responsible duties of principal of the Thirteenth Avenue Grammar School, which is the largest school of its class in the entire city, and is also distinguished by the fact that it is the only school of the city which has maintained a "School City" for a period of eight years.
Mr. Cox keeps in close touch with everything connected with the pro- fession he has made his life work and holds membership in the following named organizations: The Schoolmasters' Club of New York, Schoolmen's Club of Newark, Principals' Association of Newark, New Jersey Council of Education, New Jersey State Teachers' Association. He is also a member and past master of Acacia Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Masons, of Dover, New Jersey. His religious affiliations are with the Second Presby- terian Church of Newark, of which he is a consistent member.
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Mr. Cox married, June, 1897, Harriet, a daughter of William Wallace and Jane (Fairchild) Hennion, and an adopted daughter of the late William Henry and Harriet (Miller) Dickerson, of Denviile, Morris county, New Jersey.
In the paternal line Mrs. Cox is a lineal descendant of Johann Hennion, one of the earliest Dutch settlers of Bergen county, New Jersey. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Cox are: William Henry Dickerson, born April 8, 1898, a student in the Barringer High School; and Edmund Halsey, born December 21, 1902. Mr. Cox is easy of approach and affable in conversa- tion, and has the happy faculty of gaining the confidence and affection of those he has in charge. He is broad and comprehensive in his views, and is ever on the alert to follow up new methods which appear to be practical and practicable. He has a keen appreciation of the requirements of the community in the educational line, and the tact and wisdom he displays in all his connections with the student body have earned him liberal com- mendation from all quarters.
ROBERT E. DUCEY
Robert E. Ducey, at the present time (1913) representing as alderman the Fourth ward of the city of Newark, New Jersey, is a member of a family which from the time of its advent in this country has distinguished itself by its patriotism and devotion to public duty.
Henry Ducey, his father, was born in Ireland in 1840, and came to this country as a lad of eleven years. He found his way to Lowell, Massa- chusetts, where he was apprenticed to learn the machinists' trade, and later made his home in Gloucester City, New Jersey, where he worked at his trade in the White Mills. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Massachusetts Infantry, and was in active service at Fredericksburg and many other hotly contested engagements. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war and returned to his more peaceful occupations. He is a member of James A. Garfield Post, No. 36, Grand Army of the Republic. He married Mary A. Nelson, of Lowell, Massachusetts, and of their eight children, Frederick H., Walter T., Louis, Chase and Harry are deceased; Robert E., is the subject of this sketch; Olive T., lives in Gloucester City, New Jersey; and Bertha M., married Howard Anderson, of Gloucester City.
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Robert E. Ducey was born in Gloucester City, Camden County, New Jersey, April 6, 1871, and was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1905 he decided to remove to Newark, and since that time he has resided in that city. Nineteen years ago he formed a business connection with the firm of C. D. Gibbon & Son, and has been occupied as a shoe sales- man during that long period. Public affairs have always held an especial interest for Mr. Ducey from the age when he was old enough to entertain an opinion about them. In particular the affairs of the municipality in which he had taken up his residence engaged his attention, and he was ever foremost in advancing its welfare in any manner which lay within his power. The community was not slow in recognizing his public spirit and, in 1912, Mr. Ducey was elected as alderman to represent the Fourth ward. In con- nection with this office he is chairman of Hospitals, Weights and Measures, and a member of the following committees: Construction and Alteration of Buildings, Licenses, Hospitals, Public Markets, Municipal Lighting and Band Concerts. He is president of the Ajax Building and Loan Association and a member of Newark Lodge No. 21, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Columbus; and various other political and social organizations.
Mr. Ducey married, October 16, 1902, Marie Delphine, born in Boonton, New Jersey, daughter of Toussaint and Louise (Gerard) Poirier. Mr. Ducey has earned high praise for the meritorious manner in which he performs all duties which come in his office. He is possessed of great energy and determination, and is of a natural shrewdness which enables him to judge of character with accuracy. The earnest spirit which has marked him from the commencement of his career is still in evidence, and even better and more important things are confidently expected of him than he has already achieved. He is a profound thinker, and gives closest attention to the public matters which he is called upon to consider.
EDWARD WALTER MCDONOUGH
One of the most energetic and enterprising of the younger generation of business men of the city of Newark, New Jersey, is to be found in the person of Edward Walter McDonough, a real estate and insurance man, and connected with a number of other business interests. He is the son of John Francis McDonough, who was born in Ireland, June 2, 1839, and came to this country with his mother in his early youth. He was the leading florist of Newark, having been engaged in this business for the long period of forty years, and retired to private life in 1905. He married Mary A., daughter of John Radel, a native of Bavaria, and they had children: Mary, who married Daniel T. Fitzpatrick of Newark; John, deceased; Agnes, mar- ried James McKeon; Margaret, married Assemblyman John A. Matthew; Joseph F., a florist of Newark, married Mary B. Maher; Anna; Henry, mar- ried Agnes B. Everett; Andrew, clerk in the Federal Trust Company; Edward Walter, see forward; George, associated in business with the preceding; Richard, president and treasurer of R. A. McDonough, Inc .; Walter, a student at Seton Hall College.
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