USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume II > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
CHARLES ADOLPHUS BAKER
A member of an old and substantial Morris county family, Charles Adolphus Baker has lived in the county all his life, has been successful both in business and public affairs, and represents those solid elements of citizen- ship which give vitality and wholesomeness to a community. Mr. Baker's home is at Kenvil in Roxbury township.
I36
NEW JERSEY
He was born on the old Baker farm in Roxbury township of Morris county, son of Jeremiah and Mercy (Solomon) Baker. His father was likewise born on that family homestead in Morris county, and died August 8, 1913, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, after a long and active life. The mother died at the age of fifty-seven. Andrew Baker, the grand- father, was born in Morris county, and spent all his life in this vicinity. He married Nancy Hurd, and they became the parents of three sons and four daughters, namely: Mrs. Emily Byram; Jeremiah; Adeline, who was the wife of Thomas Post; Adolphus and Augustus, both deceased; Ann Eliza, who was the wife of David Jardine; and Louisa, now Mrs. James Beamer. The maternal grandparents were Richard and Julia Solomon, who had the following children: Abraham Dickerson, deceased; Charles ; Mercy. Grandfather Solomon was again married and his children were: Cornelia and Hannah. Hannah is now the wife of A. D. Winfield, who was a silk manufacturer, and was elected county clerk of Passaic county, New Jersey, and held the office ten years.
The children of Jeremiah and Mercy (Solomon) Baker were as follows: I. Charles Adolphus, of whom further. 2. Richard S., a New York busi- ness man and has his summer home at Lake Hopatcong, married Anna Phillips. 3. Mary Adeline, now deceased, was wife of Charles Saltau. 7. Sylvester G., married Sylvia Merritt; he was engaged in the bottling busi- ness and died in 1911. 5. Nancy, wife of Wesley Ryerson, at Lake Hopat- cong.
Charles Adolphus Baker as a boy received substantial educational ad- vantages in the grammar schools of Dover, and also the high school. Dur- ing his early years he pursued farming, and for fifteen years was con- nected with the railroad service as a train dispatcher at Port Morris. Hav- ing always taken an interested part in public affairs, he was in 1894 elected to the New Jersey general assembly, serving during that and the following year. In 1900 he was again called to public office as sheriff of Morris county serving during 1900, 1901 and 1902. In 1904 the district returned him to the general assembly. For the past six years, Mr. Baker has been a member of the Morris county board of taxation. He is Republican in his political belief.
Among his other substantial interests, he owns a good farm, and also some sand beds, supplying large quantities of sand to builders and the general trade. Mr. Baker is affiliated with Musconetcong Lodge, No. 154, A. F. and A. M., and also with Chapter, the Council, Commandery, and the Mystic Shrine. He has gone the full course in the York Rite. His other affiliations are with Rockbury Lodge, No. 184, I. O. O. F. and the Hepta- sophs. Mr. Baker built a splendid house at Kenvil in 1902.
On January 1, 1880, he married Elizabeth A. Trimmer, daughter of Anthony and Mary Trimmer, of Middle Valley. The four children of their marriage are: I. Ethel Adeline, at home. 2. Albert W., engaged in busi- ness in New York City ; married Clara Roy, and has two children, Dorothy and Richard Jr. 3. Mary Trimmer, at home. 4. Charles A. Jr., aged twenty, and connected with the Bell Telephone Company of Philadelphia.
CHARLES I. KING
The King family is of English lineage and the founder of this branch of the name in America settled in New Jersey in the year 1769. The paternal great-grandfather of Charles Isaac King was Constant Victor King, a native of this State and an early pioneer in Jamestown, New Jersey. He
137
MORRIS COUNTY
was a farmer by vocation and for many years lived in the vicinity of Chester, where his demise occurred and where his remains are interred. His son, John H. King, was born and reared in Chester and there received a common school education, after which he learned the trade of carpenter. He worked for a number of years as a builder but when death called him from the scene of his mortal endeavors he was engaged in farming near Chester. The maiden name of his wife was Hulda Horton. She was a native of Morris county and she bore her husband nine children, all of whom are now deceased.
Charles T. King, son of John H. and Hulda (Horton) King, was born in Chester, New Jersey, October 6, 1823. He was reared a farmer and followed that vocation on a finely improved estate in the vicinity of Succa- sunna during the greater part of his active career. His demise occurred April 13, 1905, at the age of eighty-two years. He married Catherine Mc- Dougal, a daughter of Walter and Clarissa (Stark) McDougal, the former of whom was of Scotch ancestry. Walter McDougal was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and removed thence to Morris county, this State, as a mere boy, locating at Flanders. He died at Kenvil in the year 1877, and his cherished and devoted wife preceded him to the life eternal. They were the parents of eleven children, all of whom grew to adult age and but one of whom is living at the present time, namely: Alfred McDougal, who has for some years past been a resident of Janesville, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. King had four children-two sons and two daughters: Julia Esther and Amanda, both died in childhood ; John W., born in 1866, main- tains his home and business headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where he has gained a competency as a contractor and builder, married Iantha Harle ; Charles I., the immediate subject of this sketch.
Charles I. King was born on a farm near Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, August 13, 1869. He passed his boyhood and youth on the parental homestead and attended the neighboring district schools. For one year he was a student in a private school in Dover and at the age of seventeen years he entered upon an apprenticeship, under Wright De- Coster, to learn the trade of carpenter. One year and a half later he began to assist his brother, John W., three years his senior, in the work of build- ing and they were associated in carpenter work for the ensuing ten years. Charles I. King has followed this line of enterprise for the past twenty-six years and during all that time has been a resident of Succasunna. As a carpenter and builder he has won marked success and many fine residences and business buildings in Morris county stand as monuments of his dex- terity. As a business man he exercises good judgment and he is noted for his painstaking and strictly reliable work.
Politically, Mr. King is a staunch adherent of Democratic principles. For nine years he served as township Democratic committeeman and he has also been the popular and efficient incumbent of the office of township clerk. He has always taken an active part in local politics and gives his earnest support to every measure tending to better the progress and im- provement of his home community. He is a great admirer of President Woodrow Wilson. In a fraternal way he is connected with Acacia Lodge, No. 20, F. and A. M., and in the Scottish Rite branch of Masonry he has reached the thirty-second degree. He is likewise affiliated with Succasunna Council, J. O. U. A. M .; with the I. O. O. F .; and with the R. A. His religious faith coincides with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church.
March 24, 1896, Mr. King married Emma A. Parks, daughter of Phillip
138
NEW JERSEY
and Janetta (Clouse) Parks, both of whom were born and reared in German Valley, New Jersey, and the former of whom is now deceased. Mrs. Parks lives at Succasunna. Mr. and Mrs. King have two children : Alden Parks, born 1899; Lulu Farrow, born 1907. The King family resides in an attractive home in Succasunna, the same being located on beautiful grounds.
WILLIAM D. JARDINE
The village of Kenvil has long honored its sterling citizen, William D. Jardine, who under two Republican administrations was postmaster, has been a prosperous merchant, and is the owner of considerable property in Morris county. Mr. Jardine was first appointed postmaster at Kenvil by John Wanamaker, during the administration of Benjamin Harrison. Later, after the interval occupied by the second Cleveland administration, he was appointed by James A. Gary, during Mckinley's term, and by reappoint- ment has served to the present time. He also conducts a general store in this village.
William D. Jardine was born in Randolph township of Morris county, December 16, 1864; son of John C. and Henrietta (Hulse) Jardine. His father, a native of Canada, was born in the decade of the twenties, a son of John Jardine, who emigrated from Scotland, British Isles. Other facts concerning the Jardine family may be found in the sketch of David B. Jardine, an uncle of the Kenvil postmaster. Henrietta Hulse was born in New Jersey, her people having come from New York State. Mr. Jardine's father was a miner, and superintendent of the Port Oram furnaces, aiso combining farming with his other vocations. Both parents are now deceased and are buried at Succasunna. Their children were: Hannah, Cynthia, Edmund M., all three of whom are deceased, while William D. is the only one now living.
The early training of William D. Jardine was in the public schools, after which he attended the State Model School at Trenton. After his school days were finished he lived in the home of his uncle, James Jardine, for about four years, and as his uncle was a funeral director he acquired that profession. Then in the spring of 1888 he started in business at Kenvil in connection with his uncle and they continued together some three or four years. Since that time he has conducted a store independently and has prospered well.
In 1891 Mr. Jardine married Grace M. Warner, a native of Massachu- setts, and a daughter of Warters W. Warner. The other children in the Warner family besides Mrs. Jardine were: Angeline, wife of Alfred Lovell ; Martha E., wife of Henry O. Sawyer; Charles G .; and two half- sisters, Louise and Helen. To Mr. and Mrs. Jardine have been born two children : Beatrice W. and Angeline H.
Mr. Jardine is a Republican in politics, though frequently an inde- pendent voter. At the present time he is serving his second term as school trustee and has always been interested in educational and other matters affecting the public welfare. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge at Dover, and the I. O. O. F. at Succasunna. He and his wife at- tend the Presbyterian church.
EDWIN A. FISHER
In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the everyday
2.
139
MORRIS COUNTY
battle of life, there is but little to attract the reader in search of a sensa- tional chapter ; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning 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 fortune and gains, not only the temporal rewards 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 ; from the four quarters of the globe she has drawn rapidly assimilated heterogeneous elements. To no country, however, does she owe more than to Germany ; from her prov- inces have come men of sturdy integrity, determined purpose and marked mental vigor-men who are both builders and conservators. They be- come thoroughly imbued with the spirit of our national institutions and perpetuate and advance the higher interests of the republic. It is of a man of this caliber that this sketch is written-Edwin A. Fisher, cashier of the Boonton National Bank of Morris county, New Jersey.
His father, John Adam Fisher, was born in Germany and came to this country at the age of nineteen years. During his earlier years in this country he was engaged in the business of shipping nails from the Boonton Iron Works to the city of New York. Later he established himself in a general trucking business, and is now living retired from business responsi- bilities at his home at 220 Division street, Boonton, New Jersey. He mar- ried Mary Eisele, born in Germany, and who came to this country with her parents at the age of three years; they are both members of the German Reformed Church, and have had children: George E., secretary of the E. B. Dawson Company and assistant secretary of the Boonton Build- ing and Loan Association; Sadie M., who is a stenographer in Glen Ridge, New Jersey ; and Edwin A.
Edwin A. Fisher was born in Boonton, Morris county, New Jersey, March 13, 1865. His only school education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, which he attended until the age of twelve years. He supplemented this, however, by carefully selected reading in all of his spare moments, and by study in later life. From the time he left school he had a varied experience. His first employment was on the Morris Canal in the capacity of team driver along the tow path, serving thus for four years, this being the period of his life when he should have been surrounded with more wholesome influences, but some characters are difficult to con- taminate, this proving so in this particular case. He next sought and found employment in the silk mills of Pilgram & Meyer at Boonton, where he was employed for almost four years, becoming an expert weaver. Being care- ful and economical he saved a sufficient amount of money to enable him to take a commercial course in Coleman's Business College in Newark, New Jersey. Upon the completion of this course he taught in this school for a short time, then accepted a position in the Greenwich Bank of New York City. In 1898 he was appointed assistant cashier of the Boonton National Bank, and in 1903 he was advanced to the position of cashier, which he has filled since that time to the great satisfaction of all concerned. Since his association with the bank its business has increased from $208,000 to $1, 100,000. In 1889 Mr. Fisher was one of the organizers of the Boonton Building and Loan Association and was appointed secretary of this corpora- tion ; he has been a director of this company for almost a quarter of a century. He was one of the organizers and first president of the Boonton Business Men's Association and is a member of its executive committee. In political matters, Mr. Fisher is an ardent supporter of Republican prin-
140
NEW JERSEY
ciples ; he has served as school commissioner for a period of eight years and is one of the fire wardens of Boonton. He and his wife attend the First Presbyterian Church and he has served as trustee for the past twelve years.
Mr. Fisher married, 1892, Lena Rebecca Hopkins, born March 18, 1872, whose ancestral history is to be found in the sketch of her father, Charles Fern Hopkins, postmaster of Boonton. They have had children: Lucile, a student at Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts ; George Eisele, a student at the Boonton High School, is the fifth of this name; Charles Fern Hopkins Fisher. Mr. Fisher is treasurer and one of the governors of the Boonton Club; vice-president of the Dixon Pond Association ; mem- ber of the local lodge of F. and A. M. of Boonton; I. O. O. F. ; and the R. A. In July, 1913, there was conferred upon him what is known as the "veterans' jewel," denoting twenty-five years of membership in the I. O. O. F.
HARRY PIERSON
Among the influential and honored citizens of Dover, whose efforts and work have contributed toward its improvement and development, is Harry Pierson, a native of that city, born June 28, 1881, son of John H. and Mattie L. (Anthony) Pierson, the former of whom was a clothier, establishing that business in Dover in 1871, which he successfully conducted until his death, which occurred January 8, 1897; both he and his wife are buried in Dover. They were the parents of two children: Nellie, who became the wife of Robert Richards, and Harry, whose name heads this sketch.
Harry Pierson attended Magie's Private School, after which he pursued a course in the common schools of Dover, and completed his studies by a three years' course under private tuition. This preparation furnished him with an excellent foundation for his active career, in which he has been highly successful. He began his business life in his father's clothing estab- lishment, where he gained an invaluable experience, and also was of service to his father in many ways, and subsequently engaged in the automobile supply business in New York City, selling automobiles and supplies, for which there is a constantly growing demand, this becoming one of the lead- ing industries of the country. Being scrupulously honorable in his dealings, he has earned a reputation among the people with whom he conducts busi- ness, and his patrons find him always courteous and thoughtful. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian church, and his political preference is for the Republican party. He is a stockholder in the National Union Bank, and the owner of eighty-nine acres in Randolph township.
Mr. Pierson married, August 6, 1902, Bertha May Apgar, a native of Morris county, New Jersey, daughter of Frank F. and Mary L. (Skallinger) Apgar, the former of whom was a farmer, and they are the parents of two other children, namely: Maud L., wife of Ernest Tigar ; Frank F. Jr.
GEORGE E. CRAMPTON
In recent years George E. Crampton has gained distinctive prestige as a general contractor and builder at Rockaway. Among prominent structures erected by him are the beautiful building of the fire department and the bank of Rockaway. Mr. Crampton is a native of this city, his birth hav- ing occurred December 1, 1871. He is a son of Marshal D. and Catherine (Schofield) Crampton, both of whom are deceased, their remains being in- terred in the Methodist cemetery at Rockaway. The father was a carpenter
14I
MORRIS COUNTY
by vocation, and he and his wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to whose charities and good works they were liberal con- tributors of their time and means. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crampton, namely : George E., Absolom, Eva, wife of John Bailey.
George E. Crampton attended the public schools of Rockaway until he had reached the age of fifteen years, when he began to work on a farm, following that line of enterprise for the ensuing five years. He then entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the trade of carpenter and in 1906 he opened offices for himself in this city as general contractor and builder. He con- trols a large business and keeps a force of from fifteen to twenty employes busy all the year around. In addition to many fine residences here and in the adjoining country, Mr. Crampton has erected many beautiful and sub- stantial business buildings in Rockaway. Mr. Crampton is a business man of unusual attainments and in addition to other interests here is a stock- holder in the bank of Rockaway. He is well known throughout this sec- tion of Morris county and is honored for his square and straightforward career. He is a Republican in politics but does not take an active part in local affairs. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the J. O. U. A. M. and with the I. O. R. M. He attends the Methodist church and his wife is a Presbyterian.
In 1901 Mr. Crampton married Eva B. Gill, daughter of William Gill and a native of Rockaway. This union has been prolific of two children : Elizabeth and Harold, Elizabeth is a pupil in the public school of Rockaway. The Crampton family occupy a beautiful home in this city and the same is known as a center of refined hospitality.
ARTHUR J. YETTER
Arthur J. Yetter, cashier of the First National Bank of Rockaway, is a representative business man of this city and he is a man who not only has achieved his individual success but has also public-spiritedly devoted himself to the general welfare of his fellow citizens and has been foremost in ad- vancing enterprises and improvements which will prove of lasting benefit to his home community. He was one of the organizers of the above bank and is a stockholder in the same. His birth occurred in Sussex county, New Jersey, January 6, 1884, son of John H. and Sarah A. (Huff) Yetter. The father has long been identified with farming operations in Sussex and Morris counties and he is now superintendent for Fred H. Beach, three miles distant from Rockaway. Mr. Yetter is a Democrat and he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church. They have three children : Arthur J., Simeon, Lillian B.
In 1901 Arthur J. Yetter was graduated in the Rockaway High School and for five and a half years thereafter he was a resident of Hibernia, where he was assistant postmaster for a time and where he likewise served as express agent. In 1907 he returned to Rockaway and secured a position in the First National Bank as bookkeeper, later being promoted to the office of assistant teller. In December, 1912, upon the resignation of Mr. Cramer, he was appointed cashier of this substantial, financial institution, and he has since served the bank in that capacity. He assisted in organizing this bank and is one of its stockholders. He has improved his practical knowledge of banking with a theoretical correspondence course in the American Institute of Banking. He is tremendously energetic in his business relations and in his position is popular with the patrons of the bank.
142
NEW JERSEY
In June, 1905, Mr. Yetter married Cora B. Hankinson, only child of John L. and Mary (Earl) Hankinson, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Hankinson is a carpenter by trade and he makes his home with his daughter and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Yetter have no children. They are zealous workers in the Methodist Episcopal church at Rockaway, in which he was superintendent of the Sunday school for five years and president of the Epworth League for about ten years. In politics Mr. Yetter is an inde- pendent voter. He is affiliated with the R. A. and with the J. O. U. A. M., in both of which organizations he has held important offices and in the latter of which he was district deputy for one year. As a citizen he is deeply in- terested in public affairs and no measure projected for the betterment of general conditions ever lacks his most ardent support.
WILLIAM STURZENEGGER
The manufactory of Mr. Sturzenegger is one of the important business enterprises at Chester and it is owned and conducted by William Sturzeneg- ger, who is well known as a shrewd and intelligent citizen. He is descended from sturdy Swiss stock and was born in New York City, March II, 1871. He is a son of David and Regina (Schoop) Sturzenegger, both natives of Switzerland, where was solemnized their marriage and whence they immi- grated to America in the year 1860. Mr. Sturzenegger died in the year 1890. In 1875 Mrs. Sturzenegger opened up a factory in New York for embroidery work. In 1892 the plant was removed to Chester, New Jersey, where it has since been located and where it is now conducted by the sub- ject of this review. The mother died in March, 1909, and she and her husband are both buried in Woodlawn cemetery, New York City. To them were born three children: Edmund, William, Elizabeth, wife of Henry Paul, of New York City.
In the New York public schools William Sturzenegger received his pre- liminary educational training. At the age of fourteen years he went to Switzerland and there completed a course of studies equivalent to the Ameri- can high school curriculum. He also attended textile schools of note in that country and there thoroughly familiarized himself with the embroidery busi- ness. He made two separate trips to Switzerland, remaining in that country for an aggregate of four years. After entering upon his business career in the United States he was in the weaving department of Schwarzenbach, Huber & Company in West Hoboken, New Jersey, for one year, and in 1891 engaged in his present line of business in company with his brother, Edmund. As noted above the concern was removed from New York to Chester in 1892 and here it has gradually increased in proportions so that a force of sixty workers are employed when the plant is running full force. In the summer time about twenty-five employes are kept busy. The plant formerly turned out all kinds of embroidery work and now makes a specialty of handkerchiefs. The output of the company is marketed in New York and other large cities and a large trade is controlled all over the United States. Mr. Sturzenegger is also associated with several concerns in New York City, among which we will mention J. W. Eshleman & Company, III3 Walker street, manufacturers of fine hemstitching, embroideries, etc.
Mr. Sturzenegger has been twice married. In 1893 he wedded Ida Chappi, born and reared in Switzerland and who came to America in 1891. She died in January, 1906, and buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery at Chester. She is survived by two children, William and Werner. In 1907 Mr. Sturzen-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.