USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 21
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father of our subject, was a member of Captain Cornelius Williams' company, Sec- ond Regiment, Essex; was discharged Sep- tember 13, 1777, having received at Second River wounds which resulted in his death. Simeon Harrison, the great-great-grand- father of Captain Matthews on his father's side, was a descendant of Richard Harrison, and was the immediate ancestor of the late Caleb Harrison and his son Simeon Harri- son, both of whom were known to many of the older inhabitants of Orange in the present generation. Elima (Meeker) Mat- thews, mother of the Captain, was born in 1810, being the daughter of Abraham P. Meeker, whose father, Thomas, served in the French and Indian war, having been with Wolfe in the battle of Quebec, and having been an active participant in the war of the Revolution, serving from its begin- ning until victory had been achieved by the Continental forces and independence was established. The Meeker family came orig- inally from Connecticut and settled in the Passaic valley of New Jersey. The Cap- tain's honored father, a man of notable business ability and utmost integrity, died in the year 1873, having been survived for many years by his wife, who has attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years.
Ambrose Matthews grew up under the refining influences of a cultured home, re- ceiving his educational discipline in the schools of Alonzo Brackett and Rev. Peter Stocking, of his native town. After leav- ing school he found employment in his father's hat factory, representing a line of industry which has brought Orange into wide repute. At the age of eighteen years he became a member of the firm of John H. Matthews & Company, having become familiar with the processes of manufacture
and having won this recognition by faith- ful endeavor. He continued to be actively associated with the enterprise until the out- break of the Rebellion, during the progress of which his interests and connections with the business were held intact, so that at the close of the war he resumed his business association with his father. Within the fol- lowing year he became associated with James and Charles Gardiner in the coal business in Orange, under the firm name of Gardiner & Matthews, subsequently pur- chasing his partner's interest in the enter- prise, which he has since continued in con- nection with other business operations of importance. He has been intimately iden- tified with the growth and substantial de- velopment of Orange during the past years and has never abated his interest in all that conserves the stable prosperity of the place of his nativity. The Captain was one of those concerned in the organization of the Second National Bank of Orange, in 1892, and became and has continued its presi- dent. He was president of the New Jersey Coal Exchange, and has served as presi- dent of the Orange Board of Trade and in other positions of similar preferment. He is known as one of the leaders and most zealous promoters of all public enterprises, and his influence and effective aid are ever to be counted upon in connection with any legitimate undertaking.
The Captain retains the most lively con- cern in all that touches the welfare of his old comrades in arms, whose ranks are being rapidly decimated by the encroach- ments of time, and he is ever ready to recall the kindlier associations of that crucial epoch in our national history with which he was so closely identified as a soldier of the Union. He is a member of the most prom-
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inent veteran military organizations of the country. In 1878 he assisted in organizing Uzal Dodd Post, G. A. R., of Orange, and became its first commander, the post retain- ing among its members men of distinctive prominence in civil as well as military life. In this connection a distinguished honor was conferred upon this post and upon Captain Matthews in 1890, when he was chosen commander of the New Jersey state department of the Grand Army of the Re- public. At this juncture it is pertinent that we refer to a certain event by quoting from the article to which we have previously had recourse: "The city of Orange alone in New Jersey enjoys the distinction of having had the Society of the Army of the Poto- mac as its guests, which important event occurred in 1889. The reunion was one of the most successful ever held by the society, and among the participants on that occasion were Governor Robert S. Green, accompanied by both brigades of the Na- tional Guards, and many military officers and civilians of national reputation. A grand review of the military and Grand Army of the Republic took place, and on the following day an excursion to West Point, where they were received by the officer in command of the West Point Mili- tary Academy. The success of this affair was largely due to Captain Matthews, chairman of the committee of arrange- ments, and in recognition of his services on this occasion he was tendered a public dinner by his fellow citizens of Orange, which was second in importance only to the great public event over which he had the honor to preside." The Captain is prominently identified with the Society of the Sixth and Twelfth Army Corps, the Kearny Brigade Association, the Second
Regiment Veteran Association, the Thir- teenth Regiment Veteran Association, the Society of the Army of the Potomac, the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, the New York Commandery of the Mili- tary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, and is a member of various other fraternal and social organizations, including Corinthian Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the New England So- ciety of Orange, the Essex County Riding Club, Orange Club, etc. In politics he is an uncompromising Republican, and in re- ligious affiliations he was originally a mem- ber of the Valley Congregational church, from which he transferred his membership to the Hillside Presbyterian church at the time of its organization, being made one of its trustees at this time and having been chosen its treasurer in 1891. No man en- joys in a greater degree and more specifi- cally the confidence and esteem of the com- munity, and this unmistakable popularity has been but a logical result.
In the year 1865 was consummated the marriage of Captain Matthews to Miss Mary E. Harrison, daughter of Ira Harri- son, a descendant in the eighth generation of Richard Harrison, one of the founders of Newark. Two sons and two daughters were the issue of this union, of whom the following survive: Alfred Harrison, treas- urer of the A. M. Matthews Company; Amy C., and Agnes M.
FRANK HUSK,
a market gardener of Fairfield, whose en- terprise in affairs of business is bringing him good financial returns, was born on the 7th of October, 1868, on the farm which
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is now his home. His grandfather was Abraham Husk, one of the old-time resi- dents of the county. His father, William Husk, was born in 1841, and after attain- ing his majority was united in marriage to Rachel A. Jacobus, a daughter of Thomas G. and Emeline (Vanderhoof) Jacobus. Her father was born in Caldwell township in 1815 and made carpentering his life work. His father was a representative of one of the earliest families of Essex county. Not long after his marriage William Husk re- moved with his young wife to the west and spent three years in Iowa. He returned to his native heath in 1871, and during the later years of his life was prominently con- nected with public affairs and with the management of the interests of the town, serving as a member of the committee for five years, in which time he labored ear- nestly and effectively for the welfare of the town. His political support was given the Democracy.
Mr. and Mrs. William Husk were the par- ents of two children, Frank and Estella, the latter the wife of Charles De Baun, of Fair- field. The father died in 1889, but the mother is still living, a resident of Fairfield. Upon his death, the duty of caring for the family devolved upon our subject, Frank Husk, the only son, who fell readily into the management of the affairs of the home- stead and has demonstrated his capacity as a successful market gardener. His educa- tion was obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood, and from his early youth he served as his father's assistant in the management of the home place. He is now extensively engaged in the raising of all kinds of vegetables and finds a ready market for his products in the neighboring cities. The excellent quality of his produce
and his thorough understanding of the business has enabled him to supply his cus- tomers with what they desire in his line, and his patronage is now extensive and remu- nerative.
In April, 1888, Mr. Husk was joined in wedlock to Miss Lottie, a daughter of Peter J. Vanderhoof, and they now have five chil- dren : Jesse T., Lula V., Alfa M., Leroy N., and Francis E.
LEMUEL STAGER,
of Caldwell, is the present representative of one of the early families in Essex county, and was born on the 16th of September, 1854, the son of Thomas J. and Rachel (Van Ness) Stager, the latter a daughter of Isaac Van Ness. Thomas J. Stager was born in Caldwell township in 1807, and in early life followed the trade of builder, but passed the last years of his life upon a farm, where he died in 1891. His father, John Stager, who, it is believed, was also a na- tive of this county, was a descendant of German parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Stager were born the following children: Eliza, who became the wife of Moses Van Ness; John H .; Maria, the wife of Nicholas Dob- bins; Martha, who married Artemus Zeliff; Rachel, the wife of John Millage; Corne- lius, and Lemuel. All the children, includ- ing our subject, were reared on the old homestead, which is now in the possession of Lemuel, and were given such literary ed- ucation as could be obtained at the primi- tive school of the district.
Lemuel Stager remained with his parents and aided in the management and cultiva- tion of the farm until they were called to their eternal rest, when he became owner of the property. On the 16th of August,
10
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ESSEX COUNTY.
1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A., daughter of Levi Mains, of Mor- ris county, New Jersey, and their children were: Joseph, Levi, Viola, Jennie, Pres- ton, Clarence, Lemuel and Flora.
The Stager family is identified with the Republican party on all political issues, but the members are in no sense office-seekers, preferring rather the independence that is assured in the successful management and control of interests entirely private.
CHARLES GREENE ROCKWOOD,
whose eminent position in financial circles and prominence in public life demand for him distinctive recognition in the history of Essex county, is descended from an an- cestry long and prominently connected with the republic. The family had its ori- gin in England, and sixteen years after the landing of the pilgrims of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock, the first of the name in America braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage at that day and founded a home in that district of our land to which was given the name of the mother country. All through the colonial epoch the repre- sentatives of the name were prominent in shaping those events which constitute the distinctive annals of the nation, and on many of the higher planes of life they at- tained marked prestige. Dr. Ebenezer Rockwood, grandfather of our subject, was a Harvard graduate of the class of 1773 and was a surgeon in the Continental army in the war of the Revolution. At the close of his service he located in Wilton, New Hampshire, where he not only attained eminence in his profession, but became highly influential in all affairs, civil and re- ligious. At the ripe old age of eighty-four
years he passed away, mourned by the en- tire community, but the impress of his strong individuality still remains upon the public life of the Granite state.
His second son, Ebenezer, Jr., the father of our subject, also acquired his literary' education within the classic precincts of old Harvard, and he subsequently studied law in Boston, where he entered upon the prac- tice of his profession. He was a man of strong mentality and scholarly attainments and possessed not only an accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, but also had superior gifts of oratory. It seemed that a most bril- liant career at the bar awaited him, but death ended the professional life that was opening with such rich promise. He died when only thirty-four years of age, leaving a widow and four children to mourn his loss. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Breese Hazard, was a daughter of Ebenezer Hazard, who was connected with the postoffice department under Washing- ton, as the first postmaster of New York, then as surveyor of post roads and offices throughout the country, while from 1782 to 1789 he was postmaster-general, being the third incumbent in that office. He was a man of rare mental powers, highly cul- tured and a noted linguist, having mas- tered several of the ancient languages. He was the author of several voluminous his- torical works and contributed many able and scholarly articles on historical subjects to journals and societies of that day. At the same time he won distinction as a finan- cier and was the original director, the first secretary and the untiring business man- ager of the Insurance Company of North America, in Philadelphia.
Fortunate is the man who has back of
Cw. Dr. Rockwood
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ESSEX COUNTY.
him an honored ancestry. Every American is proud, and justly so, of the nobility of his ancestors, and Charles G. Rockwood, of this review, bears worthily a name that is untarnished by the shadow of wrong or dishonor. Born in Boston, July 19, 1814, he was yet an infant at the time of his fa- ther's death. The mother, with her four children, removed to Philadelphia, to the home of her father, and a few years there- after became the wife of Rev. Thomas E. Vermilye, D. D., LL. D., at that time a rising young clergyman and subsequently an eminent divine, who for more than half a century filled the pulpit of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed church in New York city. This excellent man devoted himself at once to the welfare of the interesting group of children thus providentially placed in his care, and to his instruction, as well as to that of a highly cultured mother, Mr. Rockwood is indebted for his early train- ing, which was so thorough and complete that it proved an excellent foundation upon which to rest the superstructure of more advanced knowledge. After a suitable preparation at home he entered an excellent academy conducted by E. W. Morse, of New York, and therein completed a course of studies sufficiently advanced to fit him for any sphere of life. His tastes, however, seemed to incline to a commercial instead of a professional career, and being allowed to follow the bent of his own nature he en- tered a large commission house in New York, where he remained from the age of fifteen until he had attained his majority.
In 1846 Mr Rockwood entered upon his long, conspicuous and successful career as a banker, having accepted the position of cashier in the Orange Bank, of Orange, New Jersey, in which institution he re-
mained until 1849, when he became cashier of the Stamford Bank, at Stamford, Con- necticut.
For three years he acceptably served in that capacity, and from 1852 to 1857 was at the head of the private banking house of Rockwood, Hazards & Company, of Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, in which place a chartered bank was organized in 1857, and Mr. Rockwood removed to Nor- walk, Connecticut, to enter upon the duties of cashier in a newly established bank there. But in a short time a greater field of labor and responsibility was opened to him in Newark, New Jersey, where he became cashier of the Newark Banking Company, in 1858. He filled that position, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the di- rectors, for almost thirty years, and was then, in January, 1887, elected president of the institution. Working in perfect har- mony with his fellow executives and direc- tors, Mr. Rockwood has so directed the affairs of the bank that it has not only main- tained its high prestige and prosperity, but has also increased them. This is the oldest banking institution in the state. The first charter granted by the state of New Jersey to any bank was to the Newark Banking and Insurance Company, on the 18th of February, 1804. This company never pur- sued the insurance business, and on the second renewal of its charter the word "in- surance" was dropped from its title, leaving the name Newark Banking Company. In 1865 it was changed to a national bank, under the name of the National Newark Banking Company, having now had a con- tinuous existence of ninety-three years. The sound and conservative principles of finance displayed by Mr. Rockwood in the supervision of this institution have won for
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him uniform commendation. His atten- tion has not been given to this enterprise alone, for he has been a director of the Howard Savings Institution, of Newark, for over thirty years, and a member of its finance committee. Notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of four score and three years he yet gives regular attention to the business of the National Newark Banking Company, and is daily at his desk.
In 1840 Mr. Rockwood was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of George B. and Joanna (Vermilye) Smith, of New York city. Her death occurred in 1893. Of the four children born of this marriage only one is now living,-Charles G. Rockwood, Jr., who is professor of mathematics in Princeton University.
Deeply interested in all movements that tend to the betterment of humanity, Mr. Rockwood has given largely of his time to Christian and philanthropic work, and the poor and needy have found in him a true friend. He is especially ready to aid those who are willing to help themselves, and thus promotes that practical benevolence which enables the recipient to retain his self-respect and independence of character. His nature is kindly and gracious and rests upon broad humanitarian principles. His religious life identifies him with the Pres- byterian church, in which he is an active worker. He is also a director in the Young Men's Christian Association of Newark and is a valued member of the Essex County Bible Society, in which he served as president a few years since. Ac- tive in his co-operation in all movements for the advancement of mental culture, his labors in behalf of education have been very effective. For more than thirty years
he has filled the office of trustee of the Newark Academy, which was founded in 1792 and is one of the oldest and best edu- cational institutions in the state, and dur- ing most of this time he has been secretary and treasurer of the board, filling these positions at the present time. He is a member of the New Jersey Historical So- ciety, the American Historical Association, the American Association for the Advance- ment of Science, the Sons of the American Revolution, and is also identified with the Washington Association, of Morristown, New Jersey. His life, characterized by a devotion to all that is good and pure and true, is worthy of emulation and should serve as a source of inspiration to others.
FRANK C. GOBLE,
of Verona, a prominent and well known florist, was born on the place which is now his home, January 18, 1856. His father, John L. Goble, was born at Amity, in Orange county, New York, in 1819, made farming his life occupation and came to New Jersey in 1855, and died in Verona in 1892. He was married in Sussex county to Ruth Wright, a daughter of Samuel Wright, whose family had resided at Way- ayanda, near Greenwood Lake, New Jer- sey. Mrs. Goble is still living and has reached the advanced age of seventy-six years. Noah Goble, the paternal grandfa- ther of our subject, was born in Orange county, New York, and was a son of a Jerseyman born at Basking Ridge.
Frank C. Goble is the only child of his parents. He graduated at the Montclair high school in 1874, one of thirteen in the first class that completed the course in that institution. In his early manhood he en-
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gaged in farming and gardening, but was loth to follow that pursuit permanently be- cause of his natural tendency toward the culture of flowers. When he embarked in that enterprise his capital was very small and he was enabled to secure a greenhouse only eleven by fifty feet. The growth and general success which has attended his business is best shown in the contrast be- ยท tween his original greenhouse and that of the present day, which comprises ten thou- sand square feet under glass. He makes a specialty of growing carnations, violets and mignonette, with a full line of bedding and ornamental stock, and his patronage has become very extensive, making the enter- prise a profitable one. His thorough under- standing of the business, and his great love of flowers make him especially proficient in their culture, and his greenhouses pre- sent as fine and beautiful varieties as can be found upon the market. In order to keep in touch with the work of florists and to learn of the best methods for the cultiva- tion of flowers and the production of new and improved varieties, he has connected himself with the Society of American Flor- ists, and is secretary of the Paterson Flor- ists' Club. He is also a member of the Essex County Board of Agriculture.
In October, 1878, in Painesville, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Goble and Miss Lillian Huntoon, a daughter of William Huntoon. Their children are Maud, Mabel, John, Harold and Kyrle.
Mr. Goble is a member of Montclair Council, Royal Arcanum, and takes quite an active interest in all measures calculated to advance the welfare of the community along educational, moral, social or mate- rial lines. He has served as clerk of Ve- rona township, is a member of the school
board, has served on the Caldwell township committee and was once treasurer of the town. In the discharge of his duties he is ever prompt and faithful and his efforts are commendable and satisfactory to the gen- eral public.
JONAS C. CANNIFF,
of Verona, who is extensively engaged in dealing in coal in Orange street, Newark, was born in the latter city, at No. 62 Boston street, October 31, 1846. The family is of French lineage, and the grandfather, Ste- phen Canniff, was for many years a tavern- keeper in Sing Sing, New York. The fa- ther of our subject, William H. Canniff, was born at Sing Sing, in 1819, and in 1837 came to Newark, where he learned the trade of carriage-making. He afterward began business on his own account on Bank street, where he carried on operations until 1857, when he removed to Connecticut. In 1864 he returned to Essex county, and lo- cating on a farm near Caldwell, carried on agricultural pursuits throughout the re- mainder of his active business life. His death occurred in Newark in 1893. His wife bore the maiden name of Elvira O. Cooper and was a daughter of Jonas Coop- er, of Hanover, New Jersey. She closed her eyes in death in 1892, after having be- come the mother of seventeen children, of whom the following are living: Margaret- ta, wife of Sherman Paddock, of Caldwell; Jonas C .; Amelia, wife of Theodore Linds- ley, of Montclair; Annie K., wife of Will- iam W. Winner, of Newark; Louisa, wife of T. Douglas Baker, of Orange; Let- tie J., wife of Charles D. Coe, of Newark; Carrie M., widow of William Winans, of Newark; Minnie, wife of Warren Jacobus, of Cedar Grove; and Frank, of Newark.
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Jonas C. Canniff acquired a liberal edu- cation in Middletown, Connecticut, and en- tered upon his business career as clerk for the New Jersey Coal Company, continuing in their employ for a year. On the expira- tion of that period he secured a situation with D. M. Wyckoff & Company, also of Newark, and a year later became a partner in the business. They dealt extensively in coal, and Mr. Canniff continued a member of the firm until 1878, when he embarked in business alone in Orange street. He has secured a very liberal patronage, for his fair dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons has secured the public confidence and therefore the public support. He is very prominent in his line and is enjoying a success which is well deserved.
Mr. Canniff was married in Newark, De- cember 24, 1869, to Annie E., daughter of Lemuel W. Jacobus, and to them have been born the following named: May C., now the wife of Frank M. Clark, of Elizabeth; William C .; Florence L .; Oscar D. and Robert B. Mr. and Mrs. Canniff hold membership in the Presbyterian church.
AUSTIN E. HEDDEN,
of Verona, is one of the representative cit- izens of his home city, who is ever active in promoting the welfare of the community and who has been closely identified with public affairs pertaining to the county. He is the youngest of eight children born to the late Elijah Hedden and wife, his birth having taken place at East Orange, New Jersey, on the 27th of January, 1843, and he was reared to farm work, his mental dis- cipline being received in the district schools. He remained upon the old home- stead until the death of his parents, when he erected a new residence on the thirty-
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