USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume II > Part 19
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In October, 1889, Mr. Price married Ida Posten, a native of Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Jacob and Levina Posten. Her father was for many years a railroad man. Mrs. Price's brothers and sisters were: Lincoln; Allie ; Stroud ; Ida ; Anna, wife of S. S. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Price have one child, Ruth. In politics he is Republican, but exercises his own judgment in matters political. In fall of 1913 he was a candidate and nominated for board of chosen freeholders of Morris county. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, has taken both the York and Scottish Rite up to and including the Shrine, member of Salaam Temple, Newark ; Scottish Rite, Jersey City ; Ode de St. Amand Commandery, Morristown, New Jersey ; the I. O. O. F .; the R. A. The family attends the Presbyterian church. Mr. Price is self-made financially, beginning with almost no capital when he located in Dover-to-day he is the possessor of considerable real estate aside from the handsome block in which his studio is located.
JOSEPH V. BAKER
Joseph V. Baker, who is now serving Dover, New Jersey, as city clerk, is a son of Jacob and Martha (Wolliver) Baker, both natives of New Jersey. The father was a carpenter by trade and during the major por-
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tion of his active career he was manager of the car works for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company, with headquarters at Dover. He is now living virtually retired in this city and here he is known as a man of sterling integrity of character and loyal and public- spirited citizenship. He and his wife became the parents of nine children as follows: John, Alfred, Joseph V., of this sketch; Jacob, Elizabeth, deceased; Margaret, Mayme, Lizzie, deceased; Martha. Jacob Baker is a Republican in his political convictions, and in religious faith is a devout Methodist, as is also his wife.
At Dover, in Morris county, New Jersey, occurred the birth of Joseph V. Baker, the date of his nativity being September 27, 1870. He received his rudimentary educational training in the common schools of Dover and subsequently pursued a commercial course in the New Jersey Business College, at Newark. He was a special student in the Stevens Institute, where he fitted himself for the work of mechanical draftsman. His first employment as such was with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail- road Company, for which concern he worked for the ensuing eleven years, at the expiration of which, in 1902, he became assistant bookkeeper for the Wharton Steel Company, at Wharton, New Jersey. He held the latter posi- tion for seven years and then established his home in Dover, where he has since been the efficient incumbent of the office of city clerk. He is an old hand at the work connected with this office for he previously served as such for seven years, from 1892 to 1899. He is a hard and consistent worker and responds faithfully to the call of duty. In a fraternal way he is a valued and appreciative member of the B. P. O. E., being secretary of the Dover Lodge of this organization. He has been a member of the city fire department for twenty-five years and during that period has met with some interesting experiences in quenching fires in this vicinity. He is connected with the Unique Club, a social organization of Dover, and his religious belief coincides with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose faith he was reared. Mr. Baker is genial in his associations, affable in his address, generous in his judgment of his fellowmen, and courteous to all. As a citizen and enthusiast of his town, it is but just to say that communities will prosper and grow in proportion as they put a premium on men of his mould.
ANNA L. ALLABEN, M. D.
Anna L. Allaben, M. D., a well-known and successful physician of Mor- ristown, was born in Norwich, New York, September 22, 1858. Her father was Nelson McNitt, a farmer of Norwich, Chenango county, New York, who died in 1901 at the age of sixty-four years. Her mother, Margaret (Elliott) McNitt, was a native of North Newcastle, England, who died December 15, 1910, at the age of eighty-one years.
When Dr. Allaben was ten years old her parents moved to Morris, New York, and here she acquired her academic education. Later she entered the Woman's Homeopathic College and Hospital of New York and after completing her course with credit, she was graduated in 1894 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For a time she worked under Dr. William Todd Helmuth, of New York, but in the latter part of 1895 she came to Morristown and established herself in practice, continuing here ever since. She makes a speciality of the diseases of women and children, and has shown by the large measure of success she has attained the high order of her natural gifts for the calling and her skill and excellent training. She 9
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enjoys a high position in the respect and confidence of the community, a place entirely due to her own talents, sincerity, and devotion to the highest standards of her profession. She is a member of the New Jersey State Homeopathic Medical Society.
She married at Morris, New York, in 1883, James R. Allaben Jr., son of the late Hon. James R. Allaben, of Brooklyn, New York, who died in 1893. Her husband, James R. Allaben Jr., died February 15, 1889, leaving her with one child, Nelson James, born October 7, 1886. He was sent to the schools of Morristown, after receiving his earlier training in those of Morris, New York. He later went to Blair Hall at Blairstown, New York. He is now in business with Manning, Maxwell & Moore, Manufacturing Company, of 81-85 Liberty street, New York, with which firm he has been ever since he was twenty-one years old. He married Anna B. Babbitt, of Newark, New Jersey.
GOTTLIEB F. NEIPP
It is an interesting study to follow the progress made in the various lines of business by those of foreign birth, who have sought these shores for a variety of reasons and have made their homes in this country. The readi- ness with which they recognize the advantages offered here, the efficient manner in which they utilize the opportunities which present themselves, is a matter of wonder. Among this numerous throng there is no better ele- ment than that which comes to us from that land of thrift and domestic economy-Germany. Patriotism is an ingrained feeling, and while they never lose entirely their love for the land of their birth, they become deeply attached to the land of their adoption and are and have been among the foremost to offer their heart's blood in defence of the land in which they have found a home. Their business qualities are also of a high order, and when they devote themselves to agricultural or kindred pursuits, success is almost invariably an assured fact. Gottlieb F. Neipp is a fine example of what has been accomplished in the field of flower culture and its kindred branches in the town of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey. His father, Johannes Neipp, was a farmer in Germany, but died in this country.
Gottlieb F. Neipp was born in Heimerdingen, Germany, August 5, 1858. He acquired a substantial education in the public schools of that section of the country. During his leisure time he assisted his father on the home farm, and when he had completed his education he devoted all of his time to this occupation until he had attained the age of eighteen years. One year was then spent in the obligatory military duty, when he resumed his more peaceful avocation. He was engaged as a nurseryman and florist in his native land until December, 1894, when he decided to see what the new world had in store for him. Upon his arrival in this country he engaged in business for himself as a florist locating at Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, New York, and conducted it very successfully there until 1906, when he sold it at a very reasonable profit, and removed to Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey. There he purchased his present plant from August Perst, and by means of additions, alterations and reconstructions, he has raised this to a position of the highest rank among its class. He has installed his own water system, and has forty thousand feet under cultivation under glass, and an extensive tract without glass covering. He has five men constantly in his employ and at times finds it imperative to hire additional labor. While he cultivates all sorts of flowers, he makes a specialty of chrysanthemums
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and carnations, of which he has raised magnificent specimens and for which he has justly gained more than a merely local reputation.
Mr. Neipp married in Germany, Christiana Trostel, also a native of Germany, and their children now living are: Bertha Louisa, living at home; Albert, a resident of California ; Anna, also at home; Elsa, who is at present (1913) in the junior class of the College of Sciences and Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Mr. Neipp and his family are at- tandants at the Congregational church, and he holds membership in the Morris County Florists' Association and the Florist Club of New York City. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he takes a deep and active interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the com- munity. The cause of education is one he has particularly at heart, and he has served one term as a member of the board of education for Chatham borough. It is men of the caliber of Mr. Neipp who add to the reputation of the community in which they reside by the interest they display in elevat- ing the existing conditions of matters in every possible direction.
ROBERT VAN DOREN TOTTEN
Robert Van Doren Totten, D. D. S., of Morristown, New Jersey, a prominent member of the dental fraternity of the State of New Jersey and the United States, is one of the earnest men who contributes his quota to- ward making Morristown the pride of its citizens, and of the State. Like so many of the inhabitants of New Jersey he can trace his lineage back to England and Holland and down to Colonial and Revolutionary days of the United States, when the Indians, French and English disputed with the white men and the Colonials. The history of the family reads like a ro- mance, and is filled with gallant deeds bravely done by the men and self abnegation of the women. The paternal grandfather was a farmer, of that sturdy variety that delights in overcoming obstacles.
Benjamin S. Totten, father of Robert Van Doren Totten, was born in Middlebush, New Jersey, 1835, died July 5, 1900. At the bugle call, at the outbreak of hostilities between the North and South in 1861, he enlisted for service, and was appointed captain of Company K, Thirty-first New Jersey Regiment. He served with signal bravery throughout the four years and was mustered out in 1865. He returned to his native State, located again in Somerset county and took up again the vocations of peace. He was elected sheriff of Somerset county, serving two terms in that capacity. He was a Republican, supporting. the ticket, State and national. He was a director and officer of the Hoffman Rosedale Cement Company, of New York. He married Mary Louisa Van Doren, born in Middlebush, 1844, died 1910, daughter of Joseph Addison Van Doren, of English and Dutch extraction, and both sides connected with the nobility of those countries. She was, also, a relative of John and Abraham Van Doren, who carried on a manu- factory of threshing machines and in 1857 introduced into the township the first steam engine. They had eight children, of whom two are dead, Wil- liam and Charles; living are: George D., of Somerville; Mary Louise, married H. C. Rule, of New Brunswick; Arthur B., of Middlebush; A. Willard; Robert Van Doren; Frank C., practicing dentistry in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Robert Van Doren Totten, D. D. S., was born in Middlebush, Somerset county, New Jersey, December 21, 1873. He received his education in the schools of Middlebush, in the Rutgers Preparatory School in New Bruns- wick and at Rutgers College. Leaving college he selected dentistry as his
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life profession, and at once applied himself to mastering that branch of surgery in all of its minutest and intricate detail. In 1895 he graduated from the New York Dental College, standing high in his class, and went to Somerville, New Jersey, where he established himself. In 1899 he went to Washington, D. C., where he pursued his studies for two years, finishing in 1901. In that year he located in Morristown and in a com- paratively short time has succeeded in building up a large and remunerative business. He has established the enviable reputation of being one of the most scientific, as well as conscientious, members of the profession, and stands remarkably high with his confreres. He is president of the Mutual Benefit Association, of Newark, New Jersey; and is also president of the Seneca Trust & Holding Company, of Newark. Like his father he is a Republican, and is now, for the second term, chairman of the township committee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; and with his wife is' a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown.
He married September 28, 1898, at Somerville, Lillian M. Klotz, niece of the famous Major Klotz, of Newark, and daughter of ex-Assemblyman Jacob Klotz and Mary (Horton) Klotz, of Somerville. Mrs. Klotz de- scends from the English family of Horton, prominently identified with American independence. The children of Dr. Totten are: Robert Klotz, born May 12, 1900; Mary Louise, April 2, 1907.
JAMES WHITE WAGNER
James White Wagner of Chatham, New Jersey, is one of those men who have been able to overcome the handicap said to attach to those who seek their fortune at home, the handicap of never seeming more than boy to the fellow townsmen who have watched him grow to maturity. He has overcome it so entirely, as to have taken his place as a conspicuous figure in both the political and financial circles of his community. A member of the Chatham town council, and serving on the finance committee, and as chairman of the legal committee of that body, with a large and growing business, and a constantly widening reputation, he has vindicated the wis- dom of those who see the door of opportunity as wide open in the home parish as in the antipodes, since the world is, after all, made up of nothing more than an endless succession of home parishes.
He was born February 9, 1888, at Chatham, a son of James F. and Caroline (Wurster) Wagner, who have been residents of Chatham for the past thirty-two years, and received his education in the schools of that neighborhood, graduating from the high school at Summit, New Jersey. Since that time he has been actively engaged in conducting the flourishing florist business, founded by his father fifteen years ago. This business, and the connected greenhouse establishment he has steadily developed until, at the time of this writing, he has a modern plant including an area of eighteen thousand square feet under glass, and employing three men in its running. Here is grown a general stock of flowers, which is disposed of to the New York market through the regular brokerage channels. Besides supplying this most discriminating of markets with the highest class of goods, Mr. Wagner is a frequent exhibitor at the important flower shows.
In 1912 Mr. Wagner was elected to the Chatham town council, and was soon placed upon the important legal and finance committees, of the former of which he is chairman. He is an attendant of the Congregational church. He is also a member of a number of business and social clubs and orders among which may be mentioned the American Rose Growers' Association,
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and Lodge No. 148, J. O. U. A. M. Mr. Wagner is unmarried, and resides with his parents.
DAVID FALCONER
David Falconer, of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, is not alone an authority on the cultivation of flowers and plants of every description, but he has been a public benefactor for the interest he has aroused as to the importance of shade tree cultivation. He also deserves credit for hav- ing given to the world many new ideas in the cultivation of flowers which have found high favor among other florists.
Born in Ferthwickshire, Scotland, May 22, 1870, he is a son of James Falconer, a farmer of that country. Until the age of fifteen years he was a pupil at the public schools of his native land and obtained a general practical training. He then commenced the study of gardening and general greenhouse management, took up also the study of botany and allied studies, and the scientific methods which he employs in connection with his book knowledge of the subjects have made his opinions of the utmost value in the gardening world. Upon his arrival in this country he obtained the position of superintendent of the greenhouses of ex-Vice-President Levi P. Morton, at Ellerslie, Rhinecliff-on-the-Hudson, New York, and when he left it was to take full charge of the greenhouses of H. K. Twombly, where he achieved remarkable success in the cultivation of roses, palms and other potted plants. In 1895 he resigned his position with Mr. Twombly and came to Chatham, where he established himself in business as a florist inde- pendently. Rose culture became a speciality with him. He commenced with a greenhouse 1,000 feet in extent, and so successful has he been in all of his efforts, that he now (1913) has 32,000 feet under glass, and supplies the finest trade in the New York market. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Morris County Florist Association. About fourteen years ago Mr. Falconer aroused public attention and sentiment to the need of a shade tree commission, and since its creation he has been at the head of this body and its leading spirit. He has tendered his resignation of this office sev- eral times, but on each occasion it has been refused. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters and is now serving his second term as a member of the board of education for that borough.
David Falconer married Anna M. Bateman, of Waterford, Ireland, and they have had one son: Roy Kinney, born January 12, 1890. Since his seventh year this child displayed a more than ordinary talent and love for music and has made it a special study since that time. He was graduated from several music conservatories, and his organ instruction was obtained under William C. Carll, the famous organist of New York City. For the past eight years Mr. Falconer has been the organist and director of the music at the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City, New Jersey. He is also a trustee of this church and active in its auxiliary organizations. He is a member of Jersey City Lodge, No. 110, F. and A. M., and always has charge of the music at all Masonic functions in the city. He is also a member of all the leading musical organizations throughout the country. Mr. Falconer married Loretta Weinke, of Jersey City.
CLARENCE APGAR PLUME, M. D.
Recently located at Succasunna where he has built up an excellent sur- gical and medical practice, Mr. Plume came to the practical duties of his
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profession with an exceptional equipment, combining fundamental talents with the thorough training in some of the best institutions for medical edu- cation in the east.
Dr. Plume is a native of New Jersey, born at Caldwell, Essex county, September 29, 1882, son of George H. and Mary (Apgar) Plume. The paternal grandparents were Jacob and Harriet (Beach) Plume, while the maternal grandfather was Phineas Kinsey Apgar, who married a Miss Rhinehart. The father of Dr. Plume is now living retired, being owner of considerable real estate in the State. He was born in 1856. Dr. Plume's mother died in 1889. The father's home is now at East Orange. In the family were two sons and two daughters, the doctor being the oldest, and the others Bertha, who died in childhood of diphtheria; Edna, also died young ; Frank, who was three years of age when he died. By his second marriage the father became the husband of Loretta Francisco, and to that union was born one child, Lora Amelia.
Clarence Apgar Plume received his early education in the grammar and the high schools of Caldwell, his native village. For his higher studies he entered Cornell University, in 1902, remained there two years, and in 1906 graduated M. D. from the Long Island College Hospital. Before enter- ing upon active practice he continued his studies and hospital experience, being a year and a half at the Jersey City General Hospital, until Decent- ber, 1907, and in March, 1908, he located at Flanders, where he was in active practice for a year and a half. In the meantime he was married, and in July, 1910, located at Succasunna, where he bought a home, and where in a comparatively short time he has established himself securely in the confidence of a large patronage. Dr. Plume is a member of the Morris County Medical Society, and the State Medical Society, also the American Medical Association. His social affiliations are with the J. O. U. A. M., the I. O. O. F., the P. O. S. of A., the L. O. of M. He was reared in the Methodist church.
On October 10, 1909, Dr. Plume married Evaline Slater Bartley, daugh- ter of Samuel Bartley, of Bartley, New Jersey. To their marriage have been born three children : George Horace, born October 8, 1910, died in March, 1912; Mary Elizabeth, born November 10, 19II; William Bartley, born June 14, 1913
JOHN W. FANCHER
Morris county has been fortunate in the possession of many citizens who combine with successful ability in private enterprise a high degree of public spirit, so that they have served well both themselves and their communities. In this class of residents belongs John W. Fancher, who for many years has been actively identified with business affairs in Succasunna, where for the past ten years he has conducted an establishment for undertaking and as a funeral director. His family is an old honored one, and many of its mem- bers besides himself were in their day and generation useful and esteemed citizens.
John W. Fancher was born in Morris county, November 8, 1854, a son of James H. and Margaret (Hart) Fancher. The founder of the name in America was the great-grandfather, John Fancher, who came to America with General Lafayette, and fought with that gallant Frenchman in the war for independence. While the elder John Fancher carried a flintlock with the American troops, his son, John Fancher Jr., grandfather of the Morris
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county business man, was afterwards a drummer boy in the War of 1812. John Fancher Jr. married Mary LeFever.
James H. Fancher, the father, first followed the trade of blacksmith ; was for ten years associate judge of the Common Pleas Court of Morris county, and was long an active Democrat. He was a member of the Presby- terian church, and died at his home on Friday, February 3, 1905. He was born at Ledgewood, Morris county, New Jersey, September 2, 1818, and was therefore eighty-seven years of age at the time of his death. All his life was spent in Roxbury township, and in the borough of Mt. Arlington. Judge Fancher had the following children : Reuben Fancher, who died June 6, 1912, in Succasunna. at the age of sixty-seven years, four months and sixteen days ; Peter, born July 20, 1844, died at the age of forty-two years ; Mary E., born August 16, 1848, died August 9, 1850 ; John H., born Decem- ber 17, 1850, died February 7, 1851 ; Matthias, who is a butcher in Kenvil; John W., mentioned further ; William H., of Slide Mountain, New York ; two other children died in childhood. Margaret (Hart) Fancher, the mother of these children, died October 29, 1883, at the age of sixty-three. She was born at Alpaugh, Morris county, and her parents were representa- tives of old families in this section.
John W. Fancher attended school at Chestnut Hill and was early in- structed in practical accomplishments. For some fifteen years he followed the trade of carpenter, was in the coal business thirteen years, and since 1903 has been a funeral director, and given a skillful and much appreciated service in that important capacity. Always a Democratic voter of Morris county, Mr. Fancher has for thirty years served as a justice of the peace in Succasunna, and in all this time he has never had but one reversal. His first office was that of constable, which he filled six years. For fifteen years he has been a member of the board of freeholders, and in 191I was director of the board; he has held offices of various kinds, always giving intelligent and faithful service in every capacity. His church is the Presbyterian, and fraternally he is affiliated with the J. O. U. A. M. and the I. O. R. M.
His first marriage was celebrated November 21, 1877, when Sarah Vorhees, a daughter of William Vorhees, and a native of Washington town- ship, Morris county, became his wife. Her death occurred August 1, 1898, at the age of thirty-eight years. During the twenty-one years of their happy married life, one daughter and two sons were born, and the three children are: Alice, wife of George Hand, of Succasunna; George, who is with the Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad Company ; Allen H., with the New York Telephone Company. Both sons are unmarried. On May 16, 1900, Mr. Fancher married Elizabeth Grace, Roder, daughter of Henry Roder, of Newark, New Jersey. Her grandfather was a native of Germany. To this second union has been born one child, Linnet, now ten years of age. Mr. Fancher has spent all his active life in Succasunna, has been known to the citizens of that locality since childhood and since reaching majority has been a valued member of the community. The residence in which he and his family now enjoy the comforts of life was built by him in 1900, and prior to that he had erected two other houses, both of which he sold.
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