USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume II > Part 8
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
50
NEW JERSEY
to New York by the Persian government, an office he has filled with a remarkable degree of executive ability. He is a diplomat of the highest order, a ready, forceful speaker, and of distinguished manner. Probably no foreign consular official has ever won such high appreciation from the American government as Mr. Topakyan. His loyalty to his adopted country is as deep and abiding as his interest in and love for his native land.
In 1907 Mr. Topakyan presented to the United States, to be hung in the White House, a Persian rug valued at $50,000, which is considered the finest specimen of its kind ever brought to this country. Its size is six and one-half by four feet, the texture is of marvelously woven imperial silk, and this is richly set with numerous precious and semi-precious gems. This handsome gift was accepted by President Roosevelt on behalf of the nation, and Mr. Topakyan was complimented upon his skill in designing as well as his generosity. The rug was hung in a beautiful mahogany frame. A second rug was presented by Mr. Topakyan to the government in 1910, and accepted by President Taft, and he presented a valuable antique carpet tu the Field Columbian Museum of Chicago. More recently he presented to the White House, Washington city, (and which was accepted by President Wilson), a painting by Mr. C. Calusd-"The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor."
In 1909 Mr. Topakyan was made a life member of the Albany Burgesses Corps, and also an honorary colonel and inspector of the staff of corps. Among others who have been honored in this manner are General Nelson A. Miles ; King Edward VII. ; President Diaz, of Mexico; Sir Thomas Lipton, J. Pierpont Morgan, ex-President Theodore Roosevelt, August Belmont, John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. He is considered an art connoisseur and world-renowned expert on Persian rugs and tapestries. He is the owner of a turquoise mine in Silver City, and of another near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mr. Topakyan is one of the leaders of the Armenian colony in this country, one of the foremost workers in behalf of his countrymen, being always ready to lend his labor and influence to promote their welfare, both in this country and in their native land. American politics have a deep interest for him, and the Republican party is indebted to him for the valuable services he has rendered it as a leader among his countrymen here during the various national campaigns. Since the World's Fair of 1902, Mr. Topakyan has been especially active in the interests of this party. In his own country he is looked upon as a statesman of great ability, and he is very broad and democratic in his views. Among the many other posts of honor Mr. Topakyan has been called upon to fill is that of the honorary vice-presidency of the International Peace Forum, of which John Wesley Hill is president, and Hon. William H. Taft honorary president. Mr. Topakyan was one of the guests at the Lake Mohonk peace conference, and in his address upon this occasion said :
The nations have always believed that their chief duty is to protect their own interests. So each nation has been thinking all the time about herself, and wishing only to get as much as possible for herself. When a man is thinking that way, it is very easy for him to quarrel and fight with others; but while it is dishonorable for gentlemen to fight when they disagree, the nations have come to believe that war is respectable, and they have made rules where and how they shall fight and kill. There are many people who say that a world established in peace is a dream. I think Lake Mohonk is a good place for such a great dream. In the Orient our prophets and poets would go up to the mountain when they wanted to see great things to tell the people. Perhaps your conference on this beautiful mountain means that if the nations are to have international peace and prosperity they must rise higher than thinking only of
51
MORRIS COUNTY
their own profit. In a home there is perfect peace if each one is trying only to make the others happy. International peace will surely come when each nation will be thinking of doing good to the others, especially to the weaker and less fortunate ones; when the nations will say: "We are all the children of God; if we take care of each other, God will take care of us all." You will rejoice with me, I am sure, that in the present happier political condition the august sovereign and people of Persia are with you heart and soul for the success of your noble mission of peace.
Mr. Topakyan is generous to a fault and entertains with a lavish hand, being especially noted for the unlimited hospitality exercised in his beautiful home, "Persian Court," at Morris Plains, New Jersey. This summer home is one of the most beautiful and interesting in the suburbs. It is a typical Oriental mansion of white marble, beautifully decorated and furnished. Among the gifts most highly prized by Mr. Topakyan are the autographed photographs of former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft, and J. Pierpont Morgan. As in public, so in private life, Mr. Topakyan is the centre of the affections of his family. He possesses a social disposi- tion which well fits him for the important part he has taken in public affairs. His life record will bear the closest scrutiny and commends him to the good will and respect of all.
In December, 1913, Mr. Topakyan was appointed commissioner general of Persia to the Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915.
SAMUEL CARRUTH HAVEN, M.D.
The Haven family, from which is descended Dr. Samuel C. Haven, of Morristown, who is successfully engaged in the general practice of medicine there, is an old and honored New England family, early members of which were active participants in the Revolutionary War, and members in the later generations have been active and prominent in the affairs of the town of Athol, Massachusetts, where they resided for many years.
The first member of the family of whom we have definite information was Captain John Haven who came to Athol about 1753; was member of first town board, served on same for eleven years. His son John Haven Jr. was the father of Jotham Haven referred to below.
. Jotham and Hannah (Taft) Haven, natives of Massachusetts, resided on a farm in the town of Athol, which Mr. Haven cultivated, worked and improved, obtaining therefrom a goodly livelihood. They were the parents of a number of children among whom was William LeRoy, of whom further.
William LeRoy Haven was born in Athol, Massachusetts, on his father's farm, May 24, 1835, died at his home on Elm street, Morristown, New Jersey, June 10, 1909. His early life was spent in assisting his father with the duties of the farm and in attendance at the schools of Athol, and after a term in the Athol High School and two terms in the Bernardsville Academy, he entered Williams College, graduating in the class of 1864, when twenty- nine years of age. In the meantime, in order to secure the necessary funds for his collegiate course, he devoted his attention to educational work, becoming a teacher at the age of twenty, serving in the district schools during the winter months, and during the spring and summer months work- ing as a farm hand, thus not only did he gain pecuniarily but in health and strength, essential factors in a successful career. Upon his graduation from Williams College he went west and taught school for one year in Beloit, Wisconsin, and one year in Stoughton, Wisconsin, and in this way gained a knowledge of that section of our great country. He then took up his residence in Plattsburg, New York, where he was connected with the schools
52
NEW JERSEY
for a period of three years, and in 1869 removed to Morristown, New Jersey, where he became the first superintendent of the schools, serving in that capacity until his death. When he located in Morristown there was only one school building in the town, and at the time of his death there were four large and well appointed schools, the result of his progressive methods and constant thought for the welfare of the children and youth of the town, and the standard of the schools was raised considerably during his tenure of office, a fact which clearly demonstrated his capability for the high office he filled. Being a man of strong mentality and ability of a high order, he was chosen for positions of importance, among them being that of president of the New Jersey Council of Education and president of the State Teachers' Association, and he was also a member of the Morris County Board of Examiners and the State Board of Examiners, holding membership in the same until his death. He was a member of the South Street Presbyterian Church and a Republican in politics. He married (first) December 24, 1867, Florence A. Watson, who died December 6, 1870. He married (second) December 23, 1873, Elizabeth S. Tweed, who bore him three children: Samuel Carruth, of whom further ; Stuart LeRoy, deceased ; William LeRoy, who was educated in Morristown High School, Princeton College, from which he graduated with degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1908, Auburn Theological Seminary, Auburn, New York, which he attended three years, and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, where he completed his course in 1912; he is now the pastor of the Congregational church at Dorset, Vermont.
Dr. Samuel C. Haven was born in Morristown, New Jersey, April 8, 1875. His education was acquired in the Morristown High School, Amherst College, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1896, and his preparation for his professional career was obtained in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City, from which he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, class of 1901. He served as an interne in Roosevelt Hospital, New York City, from 1902 to 1904, and for three months in the latter named year in the same capacity in the New York Post-Graduate Hospital. He then located in Morristown, his present residence, and entered upon a general practice of medicine, which he has followed until the present time (1913), and in addition to this is attending physician in the Morristown Memorial and All Souls Hospitals. He has been a close, earnest and discriminating student of his profession, and his skill and ability are widely recognized and have received the public endorsement of an extensive and steadily increasing patronage. He keeps in touch with his professional brethren by membership in the New Jersey State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Morris County Medical Society, the Morristown Medical Club, the Clinical Club of Morristown, and the Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Haven married, December 28, 1904, Helen, daughter of Dr. H. M. and Abbie Humphrey, of Athol, Massachusetts, one of the old families of that section of the State. Children: Elizabeth Humphrey, born Novem- ber 3, 1905; John Stuart, born September 7, 1907.
JAMES J. LYONS
A leading member of the industrial circles of Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey, James J. Lyons is also prominently connected with the social and moral development of the city. These interests tend to produce a well
53
MORRIS COUNTY
rounded character, and the high esteem in which he is held testifies to his sterling worth.
His father, also James J. Lyons, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United States in early manhood. He located at Morristown, New Jersey, where he became engaged in the mason contracting business, with which he was identified until his death. He was an ardent supporter of Democratic principles, and held the office of overseer of the poor. He was also actively identified with the conduct and management of the Children's Home, and aided in many ways to improve conditions throughout the city. His religious affiliations were with the Catholic church. He married Bridget Welsh, and of their twelve children the following named six attained maturity : Mary, Catherine, Margaret, James J., see forward; Elizabeth, William F.
James J. Lyons, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey, December 29, 1880. He was educated in the public and parochial schools of his native city, but with a desire to make the most of his opportunities, he continued his reading outside of the school- room, and by means of that and the practical experiences of life he has gained a broad general knowledge. In many respects the success he has achieved in later life is due entirely to his own efforts. He entered the employ of Sturgis Brothers, of Morristown, and with them learned the mason's trade, then spent two years in New York City following the same occupation. In 1905 he established himself in business on his own account as a mason and general contractor and has made his establishment one of the best of his kind in Morristown. He is associated with a number of other important business enterprises, among them being the president of the Morristown Automobile Bus Company. Politically he is a firm Democrat, and has been prominently identified with public office and public measures, has been president of the Morristown board of health; was elected, 1912 as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly and served on the committee of agriculture and agricultural colleges, the printed bills com- mittee, committee for the Home for Feeble-Minded Children and Deaf Mutes. His efforts in introducing bills is phenomenal. He has introduced fifteen bills, twelve of which were enacted into laws, among them being the Lake Hopatcong bill, creating it a public park, and the Fort Nonsense park bill. He was also appointed one of five to form a special committee to investigate insurance companies' operations throughout the State. In 1913 he was a candidate for State senator, but was defeated by two hundred and thirty-nine votes.
Mr. Lyons married, 1907, Adele E., daughter of Thomas and Mary (Kenney) Murray, of Morristown, and they have had children: James J. Jr., and William Thomas. They are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Lyons is a member of the following named organizations: Knights of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Throughout his life Mr. Lyons has taken an active and humane interest in the welfare of the poor and insane, and in every way possible has aided in the substantial improvement and advancement of the county, for which the county owes him a debt of gratitude. He has always discharged the duties incumbent upon his position with fidelity, circumspection and energy, and has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated.
54
NEW JERSEY
HOWARD I. JOHNSTON
Howard I. Johnston is a leading representative of the real estate interests of Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey, where he has attained promin- ence among the business men of the city. In many respects his life is worthy of the highest commendation, and enterprise, energy, strong determina- tion and capable management have been the essential factors in his deserved prosperity.
Edward Johnston, his father, died January 10, 1910. He was associated for many years with Lord & Taylor in their furniture department and came to Morristown, New Jersey, in September, 1893. He formed a business connection with P. M. Hall, becoming the manager of the latter's furniture business on South street. He was elected as justice of the peace on the Republican ticket, and was serving his third term when death overtook him. He had established himself independently in the furniture business at No. 40 Washington street, and conducted this himself for some years until failing health obliged him to retire. In 1864 he became a member of the Eighth Regiment, Company F, National Guard of New York, and served seven years, and participated in quelling the riots in New York during the Civil War period. He married Anna Striker, and of their six children, Josephine married Samuel Cox, and resides in Bangall, New York, and
Howard I. Johnston was born in the city of New York, August 30, 1888. He was very young when his parents removed to Morristown, New Jersey, and his preparatory education was acquired in the public schools of that town. He then attended Coleman's Business College, after which he was employed as a bookkeeper until 1909. In that year, in association with his father, he engaged in the real estate business, and results have demonstrated the wisdom of this procedure. His offices were at No. 4 Washington street. On April 13, 1912, he purchased the real estate business of B. J. Crane, which he combined with his own, and later he secured, by purchase, the insurance business of Daniel E. Brennan, and consolidated this with what he was already conducting, making his one of the most important real estate and insurance concerns of the city. Through his connection with various building enterprises he has aided largely in the upbuilding and improvement of the city and has enabled many men in moderate circumstances to secure homes when they would otherwise not have been able to do so. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and has served as a member of the election board as a representative of the Republican party. He and his mother make their home together at No. 10 Court street. He is a member of the Topkaow Club, and is very popular socially. He is deserving of much commendation for his success brought about entirely through his own unaided efforts. Sticktoitiveness, persever- ence, and a determination to succeed have been ever present with him and have placed him where he stands to-day.
THOMAS O. BASSETT
Thomas O. Bassett is a member of the firm of Birch & Bassett, at Dover, the same being dealers in coal, wood and grain and also agents for the Ford automobile. Mr. Bassett owns some valuable real estate in Morris county and has been town assessor of Dover for the past ten years. He was born at Mine Hill, Morris county, New Jersey, March 29, 1876. His paternal grandfather was John Bassett, a native of England, and his father, Richard Bassett, was born and reared in that country and immigrated to
55
MORRIS COUNTY
America as a young man. He was engaged in the milk business for forty years and he is now living in retirement at Mine Hill. He married Sarah Opie, of England, and to them were born the following children: William, Thomas O., Richard.
After receiving a good common school education at Mine Hill, Thomas O. Bassett entered Coleman's Business College, in the city of Newark, New Jersey, and there acquired a thorough commercial training. His first employment was with the F. F. Birch Company, of Dover, for which concern he was bookkeeper for ten years. January 27, 1912, Mr. Bassett, in company with William F. Birch, purchased the business of the Birch Company and they now have a large and profitable establishment dealing in coal, wood and grain, in addition to which they likewise handle Ford automobiles. Messrs. Birch & Bassett are known as substantial and enter- prising business men in Dover, where they figure prominently in civic affairs. Mr. Bassett has a beautiful home in this city and in addition thereto owns some valuable real estate in and adjacent to Dover. For three years Mr. Bassett was the popular and efficient incumbent of the office of assessor of Randolph township and for the past ten years he has held that position for Dover. He is an unswerving Republican in politics, and in a fraternal way is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Bassett married, October 14, 1904, Susan Lowrie, born and reared in Morris county, New Jersey, daughter of Abner C. and Phoebe (Victor) Lowrie. She has three sisters, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Richard Bassett ; Sadie, married Edwin Vanderhoof ; Lulu, wife of Ralph Fancher, Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are the parents of one son, Thomas R., whose nativity occurred on the IIth of January, 1912. Mr. Bassett is decidedly active as a business man and he is conscientious and diligent in performing his duties as a city official. He and his wife are well liked in Dover where they figure prominently in social affairs.
EMIL G. KATTERMANN
To Emil G. Kattermann has come the attainment of a distinguished position in connection with the business world of Morris county. His life achievements worthily illustrate what may be accomplished by persistent and painstaking effort. He is a man of progressive ideas, and exactness and thoroughness characterize all his attainments. He is a partner and founder in the Swiss Knitting Company of Dover, is a director in the Dover Trust Company and is treasurer of the Hugo Huettig Company of Paterson.
Mr. Kattermann was born in the province of Saxony, Germany, July II, 1869. His parents, August and Ernestina (Schuhmann) Kattermann, were born and reared in Germany, where the mother is still living. The father was engaged in the silk manufacturing business during his active career and he spent his entire life in Germany, with the exception of visits paid to the United States, in 1895 and 1909, in company with his wife. He died in the year 1910, aged seventy-three years. His father was August Kattermann, of Germany. Mr. E. G. Kattermann's parents had the follow- ing children : August, engaged in the silk manufacturing business in Pater- son, New Jersey; Paul F., associated with his brother, Emil G., in the knitting business at Dover; George, a prominent and successful dentist at Frankenberg; Clara, wife of Roland Sievers, a resident of Dover ; Gotthard, engaged in the silk business at Passaic; Emil G., the immediate subject of this review.
56
NEW JERSEY
Under the invigorating influence of outdoor life in Germany, Emil G. Kattermann was reared to maturity and he was educated in the public and academic schools of his native land, also took a course in the Industrial College, Limbach, Germany. At the age of twenty years he decided to immigrate to America and after his arrival in this country he located, first, at Wharton, New Jersey, subsequently removing thence to Brooklyn, New York. He had familiarized himself with the silk industry in Germany and after coming to this country followed that business as an employe for one year. In 1890 he opened a knitting factory at Paterson, New Jersey, and there maintained his home and business headquarters until 1895, when he removed to Dover. Here he and his brother, Paul F., conduct the Swiss Knitting Company, which manufactures ladies' swiss ribbed underwear of silk, cotton and wool. This enterprise has grown to extensive proportions during the last score of years and represents one of the big industries of Dover. Mr. Kattermann also has an interest in the Hugo Huettig Company, of Paterson, manufacturers of silk hosiery, and of this prominent concern he is treasurer. He is a member of the board of directors in the Dover Trust Company. As a business man he exercises splendid judgment, is a shrewd buyer and an excellent manager. All his success in life is due to his own well directed efforts and for that reason is the more gratifying to contemplate.
In June, 1895, Mr. Kattermann married Blanche Jenkins, a native of Mine Hill, daughter of David and Rachel (Williams) Jenkins, the former of whom was a pioneer in the mining business in Morris county. Mrs. Kattermann has one sister and two brothers, namely: Annie, William T., George. There are four children in the E. G. Kattermann family, all boys : Hermann, Emil, August, George, all of whom are at the parental home in Dover.
In politics Mr. Kattermann is a staunch Republican. He has served his home community of Dover as alderman for two terms and is now a member of the shade tree committee. His fraternal connections are with the F. and A. M., the B. P. O. E., and the I. O. O. F. He is likewise a member of the Dover Singing Society, a German organization, and in religious faith he is a Lutheran, his wife being an attendant of the Presbyterian church.
JOHN G. TAYLOR
Since June, 1899, John G. Taylor has been doing a very effective work as health officer for the town of Dover. Mr. Taylor is an excellent type of the vigilant and energetic public official, and at the same time possesses the fine discretion which enables him to serve the community in the highest pos- sible degree without interfering with its normal and wholesome activities. Mr. Taylor belongs to an old family of Morris county, and both for that reason and for his individual prominence he is well entitled to representation in this work. His home is at 67 Prospect street in Dover, where he owns a comfortable residence.
John G. Taylor was born at Dover, April 16, 1866, a son of Alfred Taylor and a grandson of John Taylor. The maiden name of his mother was Susan Edwards. Both parents were natives of England where they were married, and on emigrating to America spent a few months in New York State, and then located at Dover. They crossed the Atlantic to the new world about 1856. The father was a harness manufacturer. In their family were the following children : Theophilus, Edward A., Elizabeth,
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.