USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume II > Part 66
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Jacob W. Welsh was born in Middle Valley, New Jersey, March 19, 1853. He attended a private school in Middle Valley and there laid the foundation upon which to build his subsequent successful career. When eighteen years of age he engaged in mercantile business at Middle Valley and continued the same for twenty years, achieving a fair degree of suc- cess and an experience in business methods which profited him considerably in subsequent years. He then removed to German Valley, his present place of residence, and opened an auto garage, which he still conducts in a success- ful manner, and in addition to this is the owner of a dairy farm and creamery, shipping about seventy cans of milk daily to Plainfield, where he conducts a store for the sale of milk, buttermilk, butter and cheese, his products being of such superior quality that they sell rapidly, making of this a most profitable enterprise. On April 1, 1898, he purchased the Dorland Flouring Mills at German Valley, and this he successfully operates with the assistance of his son, John C., who is in partnership with him. Mr. Welsh is also the owner of several valuable pieces of real estate in various sec- tions of New Jersey, including Plainfield, Hackettstown and Newark.
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On August 2, 1892, Mr. Welsh was elected a director in the Clinton Na- tional Bank, at Clinton, New Jersey, and at the present time ( 1913) is serv- ing as vice-president of the same, and during his connection with the in- stitution has accomplished much towards the promotion of its prestige and the increase of its business.
Mr. Welsh gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, and has held several offices of public trust. He was a member of the town- ship committee for six years, was elected to the office of assemblyman in 1898-99-1900, was elected senator from his district, serving during the years 1902-03-04, and was chairman of the county committee for two years. In the discharge of his various duties he exhibited an intelligence, effective- ness and fidelity that entitled him to the commendation of all concerned. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in the spring of 1898 in- augurated the movement for the erection of a new parsonage, his brother and he contributing one-half of the amount required for the purpose. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Dover, of the Free and Accepted Masons, at Chester, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at German Valley, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, at Hackettstown.
Mr. Welsh married, in December, 1874, Emma Latourette, a native of German Valley, daughter of Obadiah Latourette, who was a miller of Morris county, and who was the father of two other children: George Henry, and Louise, wife of a Mr. Haycock. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh : John C., married Gertrude Kolegrove, and has two children : Mildred and Elizabeth ; Elizabeth Ann, wife of Dr. C. L. Crist, a dentist, practicing his profession at Plainfield, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh occupy one of the attractive houses of the community, and they are noted for their hospitality and geniality, they being the center of a wide circle of friends.
W. O. SCHOENHEIT
W. O. Schoenheit, a general and dairy farmer of German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, represents a family which, while it has only been in this country a few generations, has amply proven its intense patriot- ism and love for the country of its adoption. His father, Lewis Richard Schoenheit, was born in Germany, and after rendering excellent service to his native land as a soldier, was still a young man when he emigrated to America. He located in German Valley and there engaged in building busi- ness. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Schoenheit enlisted and was in active service until the close of the war. He was twice wounded, and on many occasions was commended for his bravery. He was chosen as one of the pallbearers at the time of the funeral of Lincoln. His death occurred at an advanced age in 1911. Mr. Schoenheit married Henrietta B. Gulick, who died in 1910, and whose ancestors came to America in 1632, and they had children : W. O., Elmer E. and Mrs. Edith E. Collins.
W. O. Schoenheit was born in German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, in 1859, and he acquired his education in the public schools of that section of the county. Upon its completion he entered the employ of the Westinghouse Company with whom he remained as engineer for a period of fourteen years. He then left this company, and was a steam engineer in New York and Newark, and in 1903, came to German Valley and pur- chased his present farm. It is managed on the best and most practical busi- ness system, and is in flourishing condition. He is a Republican politically,
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and has served as a member of the election board. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church, and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Schoenheit married Mary C. Beyer, of Hamburg, Germany; they have no children.
CYRUS A. WOLFE
The progressive faculty possessed by some men stands as one of their dominating characteristics, and gives to them a distinct advantage in gain- ing prestige in any line to which they may confine their efforts. This is the state of affairs in connection with Cyrus A. Wolfe, a general and dairy farmer on an extensive scale in Netcong, Morris county, New Jersey. His grandfather, John Wolfe, purchased 100 acres of land in Morris county, this now being in the possession of Mr. Wolfe, together with 200 more, which he purchased himself. Augustus, son of John Wolfe, was born in Roxbury township, Morris county, was a farmer on the homestead, and died in 1871 at the age of seventy-six years. He married Clarissa, born in 1798, died in 1873, a daughter of William and Dorothy Solomon. They had children : Elmira, deceased, who married William Bartley, and became the mother of Surrogate A. H. Bartley; Malinda, who married Amizi Stephens, both deceased; John S., a resident of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania ; George, died in Morris county; Almanthia, died at the age of four years ; Cyrus A., the subject of this review.
Cyrus A. Wolfe whose entire life has been spent in Morris county, New Jersey, was born in Roxbury township, now Mount Olive township, May 18, 1841. He has had excellent results from the 300 acres of land he owns, cultivating a portion for general produce, and the remainder for dairy pur- poses. Generally he has a herd of about forty cows, and the buildings necessary to the proper conduct of his dairy business are kept in a model condition. The first barn on this land was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Wolfe had a large new barn erected, in place of the burned one, and had it equipped with all modern conveniences, in 1911. He is also engaged to a considerable extent in stock raising, and has met with much success along this line. He is a strong supporter of the Prohibition party, in politics, a member of the Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, and of the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Wolfe married, in 1867, Margaret A., a daughter of John and Sarah Hilts. They had children: Mary A., who died at the age of two years ; Malinda S., married Silas Chamberlin and has five children; Sarah H., married Jefferson Willis, and has a daughter, Mary; J. Walter, un- married, lives with his father and is his assistant in the management of the farm; Frederick H., resides on the homestead farm; J. Edison, also an assistant to his father.
WILLIAM SEARLES
William Searles is one of the prosperous farmers of the younger genera- tion in German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, and represents a family which has been identified with the interests of this country for many genera- tions. The name of Searles is an ancient English one, and is found under various spellings in the early Colonial records, such as: Searl, Serl, Serle, etc. The family appears to have had several representatives who vibrated between Boston and Barbadoes, and most of them appear to have been men of considerable means, which were probably acquired in maritime
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speculation. The name was spread by the wave of pioneer migration 200 years ago, and has been found numerously represented throughout the United States, and always with honorable mention.
Isaiah, father of William Searles, was born in Morris county on the homestead, and died there at the age of sixty-six years. He was a farmer all the active years of his life. He married Margaret D. Hull, born in 1841, died in January, 1914, and had five children.
William Searles was born in Warren county, New Jersey, in 1878, and at the age of three years removed with his parents to Morris county, where he has lived since that time. He attended the public schools near his home, and at a suitable age became actively identified with farming inter- ests. He has been located on his present farm at German Valley, for a number of years, and utilizes the 113 acres of which it consists, for gen- eral market gardening and for dairy purposes. He has no trouble in dis- posing of his products, as they are all of a very fine quality. He has made numerous improvements on this property, and a number of the buildings now on it were erected by him. He is a staunch supporter of the Republi- can party, has served as a member of the Republican county committee, one term as a school trustee, and is now in office as constable. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Searles married Susie Perrine, born in Warren county, a daughter of Theodore, and they have children : Mabel and William Jr.
JOHN J. SWAYZE
John J. Swayze, of German Valley, Morris county, New Jersey, whose well developed and highly improved farm indicates the careful supervision and progressive spirit of the owner, represents a family which has been resident in this state for a number of generations, and they have always proved themselves worthy citizens. Joseph Swayze, father of the man whose name heads this sketch, was born in Morris county, New Jersey, and died in German Valley at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a farmer all his life in Washington township. He married Keziah Durhan, and had children : John J. and Mary M.
John J. Swayze was born in Washington township, Morris county, New Jersey, in 1864, and obtained a sound, practical education in the public schools in the vicinity of his home. Even as a young lad he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm during his spare hours, and after adopted this occupation as his life work. Until he obtained his majority he resided on the homestead, then purchased the farm of 142 acres on which he is located at the present time. He raises general market produce, and also devotes a considerable portion of his time and space to dairy farming, with which he has been very successful. As a member of the Democratic party he takes an active interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the community, and served as overseer of the poor for a period of six years. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church. Mr. Swayze married Mary L. Anthony, and they have children: Annie, who married Walter J. Anderson ; Frances M., who is living with her parents.
FRANK M. GROENDYKE
In 1902 Frank M. Groendyke opened an up-to-date plumbing establish- ment in Mendham and in recent years he has so enlarged his place of business that now, in addition to all kinds of appliances for steam-fitting and
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heating, he carries a complete line of metal work, hardware, ranges and house furnishings. He is a shrewd and alert business man and a citizen whose attitude in public affairs has always been deep and sincere. Mr. Groendyke was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, October 15, 1877, son of Daniel and Rachel (Seal) Groendyke, both natives of New Jersey. The father was a railroad man by occupation and he died in 1888, when the subject of this review was a lad of but nine years of age. The mother survives her honored husband and now maintains her home at Washing- ton, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Groendyke had seven children as follows : Alice; Johannah, wife of Edward Van Atta; Carrie, married (first) George Kline, (second) E. R. Armstrong; Cynthia, wife of George F. Gaston; Lettie, married Daniel Hornbaker ; Elizabeth, wife of E. E. Pierson ; Frank M., is he whose name initiates this review. Daniel Groendyke was a veteran of the Civil War.
To the common and high schools of Glen 'Gardner Mr. Groendyke is indebted for his preliminary educational training, which was supplemented with a commercial course in a business college at Easton, Pennsylvania. On leaving school he arranged to learn the plumbing business and entered upon an apprenticeship for that purpose at Morristown, New Jersey. He was in the employ of the same man for several years, and in 1902 located at Mendham and opened a plumbing and steam-fitting plant of his own. Although small in the beginning his business has now increased so that he requires the assistance of eight men. He handles all kinds of hardware, ranges and house furnishings. Mr. Groendyke is an independent voter but he favors the Democratic party in his political faith. He is clerk of the Mendham school board and is foreman of the local fire department. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Royal Arcanum, the Daughters of Liberty and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and are active factors in the social life of Mendham.
In 1903 Mr. Groendyke married Geneva M. Pruden, born in Morris- town, this state, daughter of Amsey and Myrtle (Phelps) Pruden. Mr. Pruden gave gallant service as a soldier in the Civil War, being a member of a New Jersey company, and during his active career he was station agent for a railroad company at Morristown. Mr. and Mrs. Pruden had two children : Geneva M., wife of Mr. Groendyke; Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Groendyke have no children.
CALVIN ANDERSON, M. D.
In professional life success depends so entirely upon individual merit that when one has attained a position of prominence it is an unmistakable indication of ability, natural and acquired. Influential friends and wealth cannot aid him in a career the foundation of which must be intellectual acquirement. In the late Dr. Calvin Anderson we have a worthy illustra- tion of this truth, he having won an enviable position in professional ranks, gaining not only an extensive and lucrative patronage, but the esteem and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact.
Dr. Anderson was a descendant of a family of English origin, mem- bers of which emigrated to this country in the early part of its history. Rev. William Anderson, father of Dr. Anderson, was a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, his death occurring in the year 1887. He was a minister of the Dutch Reformed church, entering upon his first charge at Peapack,
Calvin Anderson
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New Jersey, in 1847, and later was transferred to Fordham, New York, then to the State of Illinois, where he remained from 1856 to 1858, after which he returned to New York, and there spent the remainder of his days. He was an earnest and conscientious preacher, and exerted a power- ful influence over the congregations placed in his charge. He married Sarah Louisa Ryerson, a native of Meads Basin, and a daughter of Abraham Ryerson, and they were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, Calvin being the second in order of birth.
Dr. Calvin Anderson was born in New York City, June 10, 1841. His literary education was obtained by attendance at the schools of Norwich, Connecticut, and the Norwich Academy, from which institution he gradu- ated in the class of 1859. Desiring to follow a professional career, and choosing that of medicine as the best suited to his tastes and inclinations he entered as a student in the office of Dr. E. J. Rapelye, of New York City, under whose competent preceptorship he gained a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to the profession of medicine, and he supplemented this by a course in Columbia Medical College, of New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1865. He at once located in Hanover, Morris county, New Jersey, where he engaged in active practice, remaining until 1868, and then removed to Madison, same state, where the remainder of his life was passed. The success which at- tended his efforts in both places was a natural sequence of his ability, his sterling integrity and his devotion to his profession and the interest he dis- played in the welfare of those to whom he ministered. His heart was in his work, and he gained not only the respect and confidence, but the ap- preciative affection of his patients, his humanity being ever paramount to his professional instincts. In addition to his private practice, he was a member of the medical staff of All Souls' Hospital in Morristown, presi- dent of the board of health of Madison, and president of the Morris County Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with his professional brethren in the advanced thought and study of the day. He served as a member of the common council, and twice filled the office of mayor of Madison, serving in that capacity at the time of his death, being elected on the Republican ticket, the principles of which party he firmly advocated since attaining his majority. He attended the services of the Presbyterian church, and was ever an active factor in every enterprise that had for its object the betterment of his adopted city and vicinity.
Dr. Anderson married, January 14, 1873, Mary Bouker, of Jersey City, New Jersey, daughter of John A. and Sarah E. (Simmons) Bouker, both representatives of old New Jersey families. Children: Mary, married a Mr. Case ; Jane, married a Mr. Bennett ; Elizabeth, married a Mr. Servoss ; John Bouker Anderson. Dr. Anderson died at his home in Madison, New Jersey, May 26, 1910, leaving behind him a name honored and revered, and his influence will be felt for many years to come, his career being well worthy of imitation.
MARTIN RICHARD VAN DUYNE
The life of Martin Richard Van Duyne shows combined in a high degree those qualities of business acumen and the student's application which, conjoined, always spell success. In conformity with this dual capacity, his enterprises are at once commercial and professional and upon both fortune seems to smile.
Mr. Van Duyne was born in Lower Mountville, New Jersey, May 7,
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1882, a son of Lewis and Mary (Jacobus) Van Duyne, and a grandson of Martin Richard Van Duyne. His parents, who were both natives of Mor- ris county, are now dead and lie buried in Greenwood cemetery in Boon- ton. Mr. Van Duyne Sr. was a civil engineer and promoter. He married (first) Bessie A. Walker by whom he had one daughter, Bessie, now the wife of Harry E. Renshaw. He married (second) Mary M. Jacobus, their children being, Leah E., wife of Henry F. Moller; Martin Richard, 'our subject ; William M .; Mary F. and Margaret Van Duyne, the two last named being twins of whom Margaret is dead. He married (third) Mrs. Margaret Blanchard and of this union there is no issue.
Martin Richard Van Duyne obtained his elementary education in the common schools of Morris county and afterwards he attended the Boon- ton High School, from which he graduated. He was an excellent math- amatician and generally capable and he soon secured the position of super- intendent of the United Water Supply Company which he held for three years. At the expiration of this period, however, he gave up his work and entered Lafayette College to complete his mathematical education. Having accomplished his purpose, he went to Boonton and started in business as civil engineer with his father and in this he still continues, adding to his private practice the position of resident engineer for the Fidelity Trust Company of Newark, New Jersey. He is also in business as a general con- tractor in line with his professional work and employs a force of forty- five men. Besides these interests, he is also engaged in real estate opera- tions, being president of the Lewis and M. R. Van Duyne Real Estate Company and a director in the Scranton Land Company.
Mr. Van Duyne married, September 29, 1903, Mary Esther Mande- ville, a native of Boonton, daughter of Henry Rand and Fannie S. (Tyballs) Mandeville, of Morris county. Mr. and Mrs. Mandeville had two children ; the wife of our subject and Francis T. Mandeville. Mr. and Mrs. Van Duyne have had three children : Elizabeth, Esther, Lewis. Mr. Van Duyne is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Boonton. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church.
MAJOR J. HAROLD RANDOLPH
Major J. Harold Randolph, superintendent of the Randolph Military Academy, in Morristown, New Jersey, was born on January 1, 1885, at Bridgeton, New Jersey. He received his secondary education at Alfred Academy, Alfred, New York, and the Hudson River Military Academy, Nyack, New York. He received his teacher's training at Alfred University and the University of Chicago. He began his career as a teacher as com- mandant of the Hudson River Military Academy at the age of twenty. Since then he has filled a similar position as commandant in foremost military academies. He was married on the 21st of September, 1906, to Miss Eva Marguerite Wilson, of Nyack, New York. Prior to organizing the Randolph Military Academy, his most valuable experience as a teacher was as commandant of Racine College, for a period of three years.
The Randolph Military Academy was founded in 1912, and is an in- stitution for boys and young men which is conducted under a strictly home influence, in addition to those features of military discipline essential to the promotion of habits of punctuality, neatness and correct deportment. Thor- oughness is the watchword for everything which is undertaken, whether it refers to study, military training or healthful sports. The school buildings are beautifully located, the grounds surrounding them are are ample, and
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the athletic field consists of ten acres of level land, devoted to all sorts of outdoor sports. While there are no entrance examinations, the students are carefully classified upon admission, and are prepared for business pur- suits, professional studies, or for entrance to any college, university or government academy. The various buildings are large and commodious, and are equipped with every modern convenience, which could possibly increase the welfare and comfort of the residents. The dormitory system finds no place here, and the rooms are arranged for one or two cadets. Strict punctuality is required of each member of the institution, and while the discipline is firm, and so imparted as to encourage the pupils to do right from established moral principle rather than from the expectation of being rewarded or punished, it is most kind and impartial. Military inspections are made at various times throughout the day, and especial at- tention is paid to personal neatness, both of appearance and of the room. A large amount of attention is paid to table etiquette, a branch of good breeding which is so frequently neglected in institutions of this character. All cadets are encouraged in their pursuit of athletic sports, and it is expected that they will give some time to sports of this nature each day, in addition to the regular daily drills. Love of home is distinctly fostered in this institution. Every Saturday evening all pupils repair to the school room, and write at least one letter to some member of their home family. This is inspected, for the simple reason to give instruction in letter-writing, correct spelling, etc. During the week the pupils are at liberty to write as many letters as they please to their homes, and are encouraged to do so, and these are not inspected. The tuition is moderate when compared with the numerous advantages to be derived from a stay there, and the staff of instructors is of the highest standard. Major J. Harold Randolph, in addition to holding the responsible office of superintendent, has charge of Military Science and Tactics, and of Physical Training. His success in this field has been most gratifying. He has a capable body of assistants at the heads of the various other departments.
ISAAC QUINBY GURNEE
Isaac Quinby Gurnee, one of the long time substantial business men of Morris county, was born March 3, 1865, in Parsippany, Morris county, the son of William Zachary Gurnee, and descended through both parents from ancient American ancestors. On the paternal line the family is traced back to 1685, the year of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Because of this act of folly and tyranny, multitudes of the ablest artisans and capable citizens of France left their native land, never to return. Among these was Isaac Garnier, who settled at New Rochelle, New York. His will, dated July 7, 1727, mentions his wife Elizabeth and children: Francois, Isaac, Mary, and Elizabeth. Soon after the death of the father, the elder son, Francois, removed to Haverstraw, and purchased lot No. 6 in Conkling Range of the Kakiat patent. This tract embraced a large section including parts of Haverstraw and Clarkstown, and the present town of Ramapo. Fran- cois Garnier was among the most extensive land owners in that region. In his time or soon after, the family name was modified by the usage of the Eng- lish speaking community, to the form of Gurnee, which is that still used by the major portion of the descendants. It is also found as Gurney, but the latter form is most employed by the descendants of an English family from New England. For generations this family continued to be prominent and influential in what is now Rockland county, and among the descendants
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