USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume II > Part 39
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eight of whom became ministers; one of them, Julius H. Seelye, became president of Amherst College in 1876; another was Professor William J. Rolfe, of Shakesperian fame, and still another, Professor Edward Hitch- cock, of Amherst College. He matriculated in Union Theological Seminary, of New York, in September, 1849, and was graduated in May, 1852, and he was licensed and ordained by the Third Presbytery of New York in 1852. His leisure hours in the seminary and college were spent in some use ful service or in teaching.
He was delegated by the American Home Missionary Society to Mo- mence, Kankakee county, Illinois, and labored there a short time, but the un- congenial climate made it expedient for him to remove to Hawley, Pennsyl- vania, his pastorate continuing there for three years, from November, 1852, to November, 1855. He then received a call to the Presbyterian church in Amenia, Dutchess county, New York, where he remained until May, 1860, when he received a call to the Presbyterian church in Angelica, Allegany county, New York, where he remained until May, 1864, when he received a call to the Presbyterian church at Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, where he remained until death terminated his labors. During his ministry hundreds were added to the church membership, he performed 488 marriages, and officiated at 897 funerals. His sermons were both eloquent and forceful, compelling his hearers to ponder and think on the Life Eternal and to lead lives of piety and usefulness, he himself setting an example well worthy of emulation. In September, 1880, Maryville College, of East Tennessee, conferred upon him the unexpected degree of Doctor of Divinity, while those who knew him best felt that it was an honor given where honor was due.
Rev. Dr. Stoddard was also an enthusiastic Christian Endeavor worker, attending the national and international Christian Endeavor conventions, bringing from them inspiration to the societies at home. He stood on the platform at Atlantic City, New Jersey, with Fanny Crosby, who claimed him to be her "twin brother," as there was but one month's difference in their ages. Dr. Stoddard was made a life member by the Morris County Christian Endeavor Union. His later years were a remarkable demonstration of the truth of Longfellow's maxim that "Age has its opportunities, no less than youth." In all the walks of life he exhibited characteristics which compelled respect and won admiration. He was an example of a man whose life was his creed. No taint ever touched his stewardship. His manhood and lofty character won and magnetized all true hearts. His life was beautiful and complete in its symmetry, and was a benediction and a benefaction. Every act of his daily life was made to accord with the highest standards, and never fell short of the highest ideals of Christianity. His work viewed from different angles was a noble and inspiring achiev- ment. As a Sunday school teacher and organizer. Dr. Stoddard had but few peers. In all his commerce with the world the predominance of his ecclesiastical character was manifest. The preacher, the useful minister, was the picture which he kept constantly before his eyes. He never forgot the ermine which he wore, "Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile." He was a humanized interpretation of the Golden Rule, an incarnation of the Sermon on the Mount. Charity for every human weakness was the dominating element in his character, and mercy the controlling force in every judgment. Among all his qualities none was more engaging than his posi- tive genius for making friends.
Rev. Dr. Stoddard married (first) July 16, 1852, Eliza West Concklin, born in New York City, April 26. 1829, died October 23, 1874, in Succa-
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sunna, New Jersey. One son, George Henry, born in Hawley, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1853, died July 30, 1853; mother and son were buried in Oak Hill cemetery, Nyack, New York, in the family plot of Jonas W. Concklin. Mrs. Stoddard was a daughter of Jonas W. and Eliza (West) Concklin. He married (second) November 28, 1877, Mrs. Eliza A. Stoddard, born June 15, 1838, in New York City, daughter of George W. and Eliza Platt, and widow of Professor John F. Stoddard, the mathe- matician. She had a daughter by her first marriage, Eliza Platt Stoddard, born July 21, 1869, died May 19, 1886, who was a member of the house- hold at the Succasunna parsonage for eight years, a bright, intellectual and beautiful Christian character. The Memorial Chapel standing near the Presbyterian church, erected by Mrs. Stoddard in 1887, is her most fitting monument. So long as this chapel can do service in the worship of God, it will emphasize her words, "You need Christ and Christ needs you to work for Him." "I want to do real work for Christ."
Rev. Dr. Stoddard died at his home in Succasunna, October 29, 1913. His work lives invisible but mighty in the souls of those whom he influenced, and "although dead he yet speaketh." It is pleasant to reflect that in his later years he was surrounded with all that should accompany old age, honor, love, troops of friends, and that he wore the crown of all men's good-will around his brow, and we are confident that he shall hear the words of the Master, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
GEORGE GUNTHER
One half century marks the period of George Gunther's residence in Mendham, where he and his brother Jacob S. are engaged in the automobile and garage business. His sterling integrity of character and fair-minded- ness command to him the unalloyed confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and he is loyal and public-spirited in his civic attitude. He was born at Peapack, Somerset county, New Jersey, September 7, 1860.
His father, John Henry Gunther, was born in Germany and there re- ceived a good common school education, which he effectively supplemented with an apprenticeship at the trades of cabinetmaker and carpenter. At the age of seventeen years he bade farewell to parents and the scenes of his childhood and immigrated to America, landing in New York harbor. A few years later he located in Somerset county, this State, and removed thence to Mendham in 1865. Here he eventually opened a shop for the repair of wagons and vehicles of all kinds and conducted the same until 1893 when he disposed of it to his son, Jacob S. He is now living in retire- ment; his devoted wife died at about sixty-six years of age. He is living in happy enjoyment of the competency gained in former years of hard work and persistent endeavor. They had seven children, whose names are here entered in respective order of birth: George, Jacob Smith, Charles, Harry, Elizabeth, wife of George Thompson; Margaret, wife of John Roy ; Edward.
Up to the age of sixteen years George Gunther attended the common and private schools of Mendham, which place became his home when he was an infant of but three years. He then entered his father's shop and under the latter's able instruction learned the trades of cabinetmaker and wheelwright. He remained with his father, assisting him in the shop, until he was thirty years old and then was engaged in the livery business which he conducted until 1900, when he purchased an automobile which he
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operated as passenger car until 1907, then he was connected with the Mendham Garage Company until 1912, when, in company with his brother, Jacob S., he opened the automobile supply store and garage, known under the firm name of Gunther Brothers. In this enterprise the Gunther Brothers are reaping a fine success, their patronage coming from residents of Mend- ham and the surrounding country as well as from automobile tourists. Mr. Gunther is a Democrat in his political faith and he takes an active part in the local councils of that organization. He was pike commissioner for one term and is now serving on the local election board.
In 1891 Mr. Gunther married Amy A. Mattox, whose birth occurred in Morris county, daughter of Jacob L. and Ellen F. (Messler ) Mattox. Mrs. Mattox is deceased and Mr. Mattox lives with the Gunther family; he is a carpenter by trade. The Mattox family consists of four children: Fan- nie, wife of William Smith; Amy A .; Florence, wife of William Gordon ; Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Gunther have two sons: John Jacob and George Edward. The family is Methodist in religious faith.
CHARLES H. DAY
A progressive business man and representative citizen whose interest in public affairs has ever been of the most insistent order, Charles H. Day commands the unqualified respect of his fellowmen. He is a resident of Mendham and here is engaged in a number of different enterprises, being a stock dealer, auctioneer and farmer. His birth occurred at Brookside, New Jersey, March 10, 1869, son of Ephraim S. and Laura Augusta (Carrell) Day, the former a native of Mendham and the latter of Center Grove, New Jersey. Ephraim S. Day, during his active life, was a live-stock" dealer and auctioneer. He passed away November II, 1912, and his wife died September 3, 1910. They were devout members of the Hilltop Pres- byterian Church and are buried in the cemetery at Mendham. Following are the names of their children: William E .; Emma C., wife of James C. Menagh; Bessie A., wife of J. H. Blazure; Charles H., the immediate subject of this review.
Charles H. Day was educated in the common schools of Brookside and as a young man learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for two years. He then engaged in the milling business at Brookside for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which time he disposed of that enterprise to C. L. Lade, and turned his attention to farming operations at Brookside for the ensuing three years. In 1904 he purchased a butcher shop at Mend- ham and conducted a retail meat business for two years. On disposing of his butcher shop he became interested in business as a stock dealer and he now gives considerable attention to buying, shipping and selling live stock of all kinds. He is an expert auctioneer and has many calls for his services as such and is likewise a cleaner of wells. He owns a fine little farm of twenty acres in the city limits of Mendham and engages in farming on a small scale. His political convictions coincide with the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and for one year he was a member of the Mendham township Republican committee. He served on the board of education for eleven years and at the present time, 1913, is commissioner of deeds and a member of the local election board. He affiliates with Prospect Lodge, No. 24, F. and A. M .; the Royal Arcanum, the Loyal Association ; the Improved Order of Red Men; the Junior Order of United American Mechanics; the Daughters of Liberty ; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been chief of the Mendham fire department
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for three years and as such is giving most efficient service not only in putting out fires but in preventing them and protecting property as well. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith but the members of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In 1889 Mr. Day married Margaretta T. Connet, a native of Brookside, New Jersey, daughter of Madison M. and Samantha (Lawrence) Connet. Mrs. Connet is deceased, but Mr. Connet is still living and is a resident of Brookside, where he is engaged in business as a merchant and a miller. There are three children in the Connet family: Margaretta T., Stephen L., Theodore B. Mr. and Mrs. Day are the parents of the following children : Raymond C., married Grace Palmer ; Gustavus L., married Lulu Apgar ; Julia E., C. Madison, Laura C., all at the parental home in Mendham.
JAMES K. BURD
James K. Burd, proprietor of a well equipped blacksmith shop in Mend- ham, Morris county, New Jersey, was born in this borough, November 2, 1847. His parents, John and Mary (Chapman) Burd, were both natives of New Jersey and they are now deceased, their remains being interred in the Gladstone cemetery, in Somerset county. John Burd was a shoe- maker by trade and for many years he owned and conducted a finely improved farm in the vicinity of Mendham. To him and his wife were born ten children: Andrew ; Lydia, wife of Peter L. Compton; Sarah Jane, wife of Edward Lance; Lucinda, wife of Jacob Van Dorn; John; James K., of this notice; Daniel and Henrietta, deceased; Mary, wife of P. F. Henry ; Eliza.
The boyhood of James K. Burd was passed under the invigorating in- fluences of the old homestead farm and he received but meager educational advantages. He early applied himself to learn the trade of blacksmith and has devoted his entire career to work of that nature. He started business for himself first at Ralston, where he remained one year, and then he spent three years in the employ of another blacksmith at Somerville. In 1876 he returned to Mendham and here opened a blacksmith shop of his own and conducted the same with moderate success for the ensuing twenty- one years. He established his home and business headquarters in Morris- town in 1897 but remained there only three years. He then went to Bernardsville and after a period of nine years spent in the latter place came again to Mendham, this borough having since represented his home. He has long controlled a large and lucrative business in his present shop, his trade coming from all parts of the country adjacent to the town. He owns a beautiful residence here and has long since gained a competency to ward off the evils that so often accompany declining years. Although he has worked hard and continuously during his life he is in the enjoyment of splendid health and alert mental faculties. He is a Democrat in politics, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.
In 1871 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Burd to Julia Apgar, a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, daughter of Daniel and Malinda (Sutton) Apgar, the former of whom was a blacksmith by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Apgar were the parents of the following children: Conrad, John, William, Isaac, Allen, Jennie, wife of Richard Kelly; Melissa, wife of Elias Honnel; Julia; Carrie, wife of William Speck; Paul. There are three children in the Burd family, namely: Nancy Emma, wife of J. Smith Gunther ; Lulu H., wife of John F. Drake; James K. Jr.
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FRANK LEONARD SCHAFER
There are few locations in the eastern part of the country which more strikingly display the almost magical rapidity of the change wrought by the European throughout this continent than the region about Lake Hopatcong. It is but a few years since this beautiful lake was known but dimly to the settlers of New Jersey as a mysterious water in the wilderness, the haunt and rendezvous of the Indians who inhabited the forest stretching away into the limitless west, and now it is the resort of pleasure-seekers, who appreciate the combination it offers of picturesque scenery and accessibility, its surface skimmed by countless pleasure-craft, from the canoe to the excursion steamer, and its margin dotted with every form of accommodation for the tourist, from the single tent to the most commodious hotel. Among those most largely responsible for this development are those whose busi- ness perspicacity led them some years ago to foresee the coming popularity of the lake and establish their business there. Among these men one of the most enterprising and successful is Frank Leonard Schafer, the pro- prietor of Schafer's Hotel, Mount Arlington, New Jersey, and who has been in the hotel business on Lake Hoptacong for thirty years.
Mr. Schafer is of German extraction, his parents both being immigrants to America from the "Fatherland" in their youth. The father, Daniel Schafer, was born in Germany in 1826, came to America when twenty-two years of age, settling in New York City, where he engaged in his trade, the manufacture of shoes, and operated a shoe store until 1876. He was a member of the Fifth Regiment of Infantry, New York Volunteers, and reached the rank of first lieutenant. He served out his term of enlistment, and at the expiration thereof was given his honorable discharge. His death occurred at Carlsbad, Austria, July 4, 1892, during a visit he was making abroad. He was married to Augusta Buhle, born in Germany in 1838, and to them were born five children, four sons and one daughter, as follows: Frank Leonard, our subject ; Henry B., who is now in the hotel business in Westchester county, New York; William, an iron moulder in Dover, New Jersey ; Daniel, a manager of a garage in Westchester county, New York; Josephine, now a resident of Bloomfield, New Jersey.
Frank Leonard Schafer was born in New York City, June 9, 1861, but his father removing to Brooklyn while he was still a child, he obtained his education in the public schools of that city. He afterwards served an ap- prenticeship with his father, learning the trade of cutter, and later worked in that capacity in his father's establishment for three years. In 1876 his father gave up the shoe business, in which he had so long prospered, and two years later entered the hotel business in Brooklyn, and in this venture he was joined by his son. With the Brooklyn business, Frank Leonard Schafer was identified for five years, and then the opportunities on Lake Hopatcong coming to his attention, he purchased property on the shores of the lake, and the following year removed to the new neighbor- hood and built the Mount Arlington Hotel in the location now occupied by the town hall of Mount Arlington. The new hotel was completed in 1884, and in 1898 it was destroyed by fire. After this misfortune Mr. Schafer, casting about for a new location in which to continue his business, hit upon his present building, which had been used prior to his purchase of it as a club house. Mr. Schafer has thus been a resident of Mount Arlington for upwards of thirty years and engaged in the hotel business there for a like period. He was one of the organizers of the present borough of Mount Arlington and has from its inception been prominent in
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its affairs, his hotel being one of the first in operation on the east side of the lake. He was the first tax collector of the newly incorporated borough and held that office six years. He has also occupied the office of borough assessor for the past twelve years, and served as councilman for two years. He is at present a member of the boards of education and health and holds as well the state office of state fire warden. He is a Republican in politics and is prominent in the councils of his party, being a member of the county board. Besides his political activities, Mr. Schafer is prominent in the fraternal circles in the community, and is a member of Muscognetcong Lodge, No. 151, F. and A. M., Stanhope, and a charter member of Dover Lodge, No. 782, B. P. O. E. He is also a member of Schoshem Tribe, No. 188, I. O. R. M., and of the Haymakers of the Redmen, Loft No. 18812. He is also a member of the Dover Lodge of Moose.
Mr. Schafer was married in 1886 to Maria Hennion, daughter of George Hennion, of Brooklyn, New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have been born two children as follows: Grace B., a graduate in the commercial course of the Dover High School, and now Mrs. Joseph Johnson, of New York; George A., a recent graduate of the Dover High School, and at present with the Evening News of Newark, New Jersey.
Mr. Schafer is a popular man in his community, and added to his popularity at the time of the building of the school, when he was clerk of the board of education, a position he has held for ten years. He is an experienced hotel man and the Hotel Schafer is noted alike for its excel- lent service and the menu it offers to its guests. Its sterling good qualities and popularity are evidenced by the substantial success it has achieved in the fifteen years of its existence, and the thirty years of its proprietor's enterprise.
WILLIAM B. JOHNSON
The life history of Charles August Johnson, father of William B. Johnson, a contracting painter at Dover, New Jersey, is worthy of mention in this work, for along honorable and straightforward lines he has won the success which crowns his efforts and which makes him one of the substantial residents of Morris county. He is the owner of some fine prop- erty in Dover and has a beautiful home in this city. A native of Sweden, Mr. Johnson was born in the city of Stockholm, July 1, 1856. He is a son of George P. and Frederica Johnson, both of whom spent their entire lives in their native land of Sweden. The father was a farmer by occupation and reared to maturity a large family of children.
Charles A. Johnson was educated in Stockholm and continued to reside in that place until his thirty-fourth year. In 1890, with his wife and family, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Dover, New Jersey. Here he set to work and learned the trade of painter and for eleven years he was employed in the Dover Car Works. Since 1901 he has worked for different contractors in Dover and Morristown and he has met with marked success in his various business ventures. He erected a substantial residence at No. 92 German street in 1892 and there the family home was maintained for several years. This house is now owned by his son William B. In 1908 Mr. Johnson purchased the property at Nos. 45 and 47 Richards avenue, the former is occupied by the Johnson family and the latter is rented. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Swedish Baptist Association and he and his wife attend and give their support to the English Baptist Church. Politically, he is independent.
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In Sweden, in 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson to Emma Peterson. They have seven children and concerning them the following data are here incorporated: William B., mentioned below; Fred, a boiler- maker by trade and is now traveling for the Bartly Company; Charles, a painter, married and resides in Dover; Hugo, likewise a painter and his home is on Park avenue, Dover; Emma, unmarried, resides at home with her parents; Lillie, wife of Arthur Fisher, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Mary, at the parental home. Mr. Johnson is a man of high ideals, strong moral fiber, fine judgment and keen foresight. His citizenship has been a valuable adjunct to Dover and here he is held in high esteem by all with whom he has come in contact.
William B. Johnson, first in order of birth of the seven children of Charles August and Emma (Peterson) Johnson, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, February 25, 1883. He passed the first seven years of his life in Stockholm and in 1890 accompanied his parents to America. For one year he attended school in Stockholm and he completed his educational training in the public schools of Dover, New Jersey. At the age of fourteen years he left school and began to work. In his seventeenth year he entered the factory of the Richards & Boynton Stove Company, in Dover, and began to learn the trade of moulder. He has been in the employ of the above concern since 1900 and has made splendid progress in his work. He owns the old Johnson residence at No. 92 German street and in connection with his work is a member of the moulders union. He is connected with a sick benefit society and in a fraternal way is affiliated with the Order of Moose and with Fritjof Lodge, No. 63, a Swedish organization. In politics he maintains an independent attitude, always voting for the man regardless of party adherence.
In 1901 Mr. Johnson married Mathilda Johnson, daughter of Carl and Anna Johnson, the latter of whom is now living on Belmont avenue, Dover. Carl Johnson was for many years employed in the blast furnace at Oxford; he was born in Sweden and died in 1896. Mrs. Johnson, wife of the subject of this review, was born at Oxford, New Jersey. She and her hus- band have five children: Carl William, attending school in Dover, as are also Helen Elizabeth and Clarence Emery; Hazel Mathilda, Harry Edward.
EDWIN E. SITGREAVES
Since 1896 a resident of Morris county, Mr. Sitgreaves has for a number of years been a well known young business man, and is now pro- prietor of the Hotel Erskine near the landing at Lake Hopatcong. He conducts a high-class establishment, gives excellent service and in his own prosperity has returned dollar for dollar in furnishing a place of entertain- ment highly appreciated in this vicinity.
Edwin E. Sitgreaves was born at Phillipsburg, Warren county, New Jersey, October 29, 1877, son of Edwin E. and Cora L. Sitgreaves. His grandfather, Charles Sitgreaves, was the first mayor of Phillipsburg, for many years a prominent attorney, held the office of State senator, and also represented his district in the national Congress. He was a very prominent man, and still well remembered among the old residents of New Jersey. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Sitgreaves was William H. Howell. The senior Edwin E. Sitgreaves, who was born at Phillipsburg, and who died eight years ago at the age of fifty-two, had one brother and a sister, Charles and Mary Sitgreaves. He was for some fourteen years engaged as a clerk and later was stationary engineer. The mother still lives at Phillipsburg.
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