USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 22
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three acres belonging to him and on which he has since continued to live. Aside from attending to his farm, Mr. Hedden has done little except to engage in local road contracting, a part of which comprised por- tions of Fairview avenue and all of Grosch avenue.
In public matters Mr. Hedden has served on the election board for over twelve years, and has acted as overseer of roads. What- ever of public interest that comes before the township committee having for its object the welfare and advancement of the com- munity meets with a ready response from Mr. Hedden, and whichever side of the question is taken by him is vigorously sup- ported. He opposed the bonding of his township for the construction of hard roads during the period of financial depression and the proposition was lost, which, as is now conceded, was a lucky termination of the project. He was an active member of the committee appointed to devise ways and means and to make recommendations as to the course to pursue in the matter.
In touching upon the social side of Mr. Hedden's life, we may state that he is a member of the Verona Club, to which he donated the land upon which the club building stands, and he was one of the or- ganizers of the Caldwell brass band, being one of the leading players in the same. In his religious faith he is an adherent of the Caldwell Presbyterian church.
The marriage of Mr. Hedden was sol- emnized on the Ioth of February, 1875, when he was united to Miss Jennie C. Lindsley, a daughter of John P. Lindsley.
He was one of the organizers of the Cald- well Grange, and one of the leaders of the society now; a Democrat and member of the Essex County Democratic Committee.
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ESSEX COUNTY.
HENRY OSCAR BEACH.
The paternal ancestor of the subject of this review was one of three brothers who came from Scotland, probably in the early part of the eighteenth century, and settled on Long Island, later moving to West Liv- ingston, Essex county, where he became the first owner of the property which has ever since been known as the Beach home- stead. One of his sons, Aaron, built a saw- mill, which he conducted in connection with his farming pursuits. He married Phebe Burnett, of Rockaway Neck, a daughter of Zenus Burnett, and they reared six children, namely: Nancy, who married David Moorhouse; Susan, who became the wife of Allen Smith; Electa married Will- iam Ward; Israel, William D., and Marcus. Aaron Beach died at the age of sixty-two years, his wife surviving him until attaining her eighty-fourth year.
Marcus Beach, father of our subject, was born in 1802 on the old homestead, and learned the shoemaker's trade, following that and farming at the same time. He married Miss Mary Camp, a native of Sus- sex county and a daughter of Samuel Camp, who was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Beach reared two children, Henry O., and Ann Eliza, who became the wife of Ezra R. Squier, of Millburn town- ship. They were members of the Hanover Presbyterian church, and politically Mr. Beach was an old-line Whig. He had the honor of escorting General Lafayette through the county on the occasion of that gentleman's visit here. His brother, Israel, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The death of Mr. Beach occurred in 1882, at the age of seventy-nine years, and he was sur- vived by his wife until December 15, 1893,
when she passed away, aged eighty-nine years.
Henry Oscar Beach was born in the house he now makes his home, in Living- ston township, on the Ist of July, 1825, and resided with his parents until attaining his majority, acquiring the shoemaker's trade from his father's instructions. In June, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte A. Osborne, of Hanover, Morris county, a daughter of Philetus and Betsy (Beach) Osborne, and he and his wife set- tled on a place near the parental homestead, where they continued to reside for five years and then Mr. Beach traded his land for property in Orange and engaged in the manufacture of shoes until August, 1862, when he enlisted his services in the defense of the Union as a member of Company H, Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteer In- fantry, leaving Camp Frelinghuysen early in September. He participated in the bat- tles of Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Morris Heights, and in several skirmishes, and was captured at Morris Heights by two Confederates, from whom he eventu- ally escaped and returned to his regiment. He served until the expiration of his term of enlistment, and was honorably dis- charged on the 20th of June, 1863, after which he returned home and engaged in the shoe business in Orange, where he also filled the office of sexton of the Union Avenue church for eleven years. He con- tinued in Orange until 1882, when he re- turned to the old homestead and has since made that his place of residence, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits.
Mr. and Mrs. Beach became the parents of three children, of whom the following record is given : Mary A., who married W. W. Westervelt, of Wood Center, New Jer-
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sey; Clarence married Annie Van Rossan, of Beverly, New Jersey; and Annie Eliza, who is the wife of Frederick A. Cora, of Afton, Morris county. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a staunch supporter of the Republican party.
HON. MOSES E. HALSEY,
deceased, for many years one of the . es- teemed citizens of Livingston, New Jersey, was born in New York city, November 10, 1823, son of Abram and Sarah (Ely) Hal- sey.
He was reared in his native city, where he had the advantage of a common-school education and where in early life he learned the trade of chair-maker. For a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of chairs. About 1853 he located in Living- ston, Essex county, New Jersey, and here spent the rest of his life, not being engaged in active business for some time before his death. He was a man of prominence, was at one time a member of the general assem- bly of New Jersey, and as a legislator made an honorable record. He died May 31, 1893, honored and respected by all who knew him.
Mr. Halsey was married in 1850 to Miss Adelia Teed, a daughter of Hon. Parker Teed, a native of Livingston, New Jersey, and a son of John Teed who was probably a native of this state. Parker Teed was a surveyor, a public-spirited man, true to all the interests of life, and was frequently honored by his fellow citizens with posi- tions of trust. He served three terms as a member of the New Jersey assembly. He died at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth A.
Force and who was a daughter of Jonathan Force, was sixty-five at the time of her death.
Mr. and Mrs. Halsey had two children, namely : Ida, who died at the age of twenty years; and Moses Ely, now engaged in business in New York city. Mrs. Halsey, who died September 6, 1897, was a consist- ent Christian, a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Halsey also was identified with this church, one of its staunch mem- bers and most liberal supporters.
FREDERICK M. HOFFMAN,
of Livingston, Essex county, was one of the boys in blue who, in the civil war, val- iantly aided in the preservation of the Union, and since his return from the scene of conflict he has manifested the same loy- alty and fidelity in the discharge of his du- ties of citizenship as when he followed the starry banner.
Mr. Hoffman was born in Northfield, Essex county, on the 29th of November, 1845, and is a son of George Hoffman, a native of Saxony, Germany, whose father, John A. Hoffman, came with his family to America when George was sixteen years of age. He established a home in Northfield, where he spent the remainder of his days. George Hoffman learned the jeweler's trade in the fatherland, and after coming to America followed farming. In 1844 he purchased the farm in Northfield and has since made it his place of abode. He mar- ried Susan A. Musser, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a descendant of the celebrated Dr. Muhlenberg, who took up his resi- dence in the Keystone state at a very early day. Her great-grandfather was General Peter Muhlenberg, of Revolutionary-war
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ESSEX COUNTY.
fame. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, two of whom are now living: Frederick M. and John A., of Or- ange. The eldest, Effie, died in childhood. The mother of this family died in 1853 and Mr. Hoffman afterward married Sarah James, of New York, by whom he had three children: Susan, wife of Wallace Burnet; Margaret H .; and George, who died in 1896, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Hoffman takes a deep interest in educa- tional matters and has done effective ser- vice in behalf of the schools during his many years' service as school trustee. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a Republican.
Frederick M. Hoffman was reared on the home farm until seventeen years of age when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with Lewis F. Kirsten, but after a short time he put aside the plane and square for the rifle, and went forth in de- fense of his country, his patriotic spirit prompting his enlistment, August 26, 1863, when eighteen years of age. He became a member of Battery A, First New Jersey Artillery, under Captain Hexamer, and with the Sixth Army Corps served in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in many hard-fought battles and received a slight wound at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864. He served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged June 21, 1865.
On his return to the north Mr. Hoffman resumed work at the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed, being now regarded as a prominent representative of the building interests of his township. He has also taken a very conspicuous part in local politics. During the years 1887, 1888 and 1889 he served on the board of chosen freeholders, and in 1874, 1875 and 1876 he
served as township clerk. He was deputy warden of the Essex county penitentiary, and has filled other local offices, discharg- ing his duties with marked fidelity and promptness.
On the 21st of July, 1868, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to Miss Lucia A. Teed, and their union was blessed with five children : Ida C., now the wife of Edward Stevens; Frank E .; Rose. S .; Oscar F., who died April 17, 1894, at the age of seven- teen years; and Ernest F. Socially Mr. Hoffman is connected with several civic so- cieties. He is a valued and popular mem- ber of Caldwell Lodge, No. 59, A. F. & A. M .; Orange Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M .; Bartlett Post, No. 39, G. A. R .; Ocalia .Council, No. 186, American Mechanics; Mt. Pleasant Council, No. 25, G. S. F. True and faithful in public office, loyal on the field of battle, honorable in business, and cordial and kindly in social circles, he has won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact and has a large circle of warm friends.
ABRAM P. WILLIAMS,
of Roseland, is a descendant of Matthew Williams through Eleazar, Daniel and Abram, all of whom were associated with the pioneer days of New Jersey. Eleazar married Mary Ball, and their son, Daniel, married Naoma Dodd, a daughter of James Dodd, who settled in West Orange, and there Abram Williams, the father of our subject, was born in 1799. The latter was reared in West Orange and learned the cabinet-maker's trade of a man named Jacob Allen, serving a full term of appren- ticeship, after which he returned to his native city and started a shop on his own
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ESSEX COUNTY.
account, following his trade in connection with farming. In 1831 he married Miss Matilda Carter, of Hanover, Morris coun- ty, and a daughter of Philander Carter, who belonged to one of the old families of Morris county, and by this union three chil- dren were born, two of whom died in in- fancy, the third being Abram P. Mr.
Williams served as town clerk for several terms; he was a director of the Orange Na- tional Bank, and for many years was ves- tryman of St. Mark's church, of which his wife also was a member. His death oc- curred in 1861, his wife preceding him to her eternal rest in 1858.
Abram P. Williams was reared on the old homestead, located on the corner of Washington and Valley streets, and ac- quired his literary education in the public schools. In 1857 he went to Newark and started to learn the carpenter's trade with the firm of Gould & More, but upon the death of his father he returned home and followed farming until 1877, when he moved to Chester, Morris county, and there continued in agricultural pursuits until 1879, in that year coming to Roseland and engaging in carpentering, which he has since followed. By his ability and in- dustry he has built up a large and flourish- ing trade, securing the patronage of peo- ple within a radius of fifteen miles.
In 1861 Mr. Williams was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah M. Collier, who was born in New Fairfield and reared in Rose- land, a daughter of Ezra Collier, who died in 1890. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, but two lived to maturity, Ezra A. and Frank E., the latter of whom was accidentally killed, at the age of twen- ty-four, by coming in contact with a live electric-light wire at Orange. Mrs. Will-
iams is an adherent of the Methodist Epis- copal church, while her husband is a com- municant of St. Mark's. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and in his po- litical views is stanchly allied to the Demo- cratic party.
PHILANDER and RICHARD H. BALL
are representatives of a family that has long been connected with the history of Essex county, and whose interests have been so inextricably interwoven with the develop- ment and progress of the county as to form a part of the public records. Edward Ball, the original ancestor of the Ball family in New Jersey, came from Connecticut with others of the Connecticut colonists who set- tled in Newark about the middle of the sev- enteenth century. He was a surveyor by profession and was a man of distinctive ability. His son, Thomas Hall, settled at Hilton, Essex county, and the latter's son. Aaron Ball, the great-grandfather of the subjects of this review, located in South Orange October 21, 1741, since which time the name has been conspicuously and con- secutively identified with the material in- terests of this favored section of the county. Aaron Ball purchased the old homestead in South Orange, and here the old dwelling depicted in this connection was erected by his son, Joseph, in the year 1784. The at- tractive old residence is in a fine state of preservation, and in its historical and sub- stantial dignity will put to blush many a more pretentious modern structure. The house is now occupied by Richard H. Ball, one of the immediate subjects of this sketch. Joseph Ball served in the British army and participated in the capture of Martinique, in the West Indies in 1755 or '56. He was
Philander Ball
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ESSEX COUNTY.
afterward a valiant soldier in the war of the Revolution, assisting in the capture of Stony Point, under General Anthony Wayne, and participating in the battle of Springfield. His papers of discharge from .service in the French and Indian war are now in the possession of Richard H. Ball. One of the stones in the old house is in- scribed with the date of its erection, and here he continued to maintain his home until his death, which occurred only when he had attained a venerable age.
Orange church, a daughter of Richard Harrison, who was a native of New Jersey and served for seven years in the Colonial army during the war for independence. After his marriage Mr. Ball settled on a part of the old homestead and carried on agri- cultural pursuits in connection with shoe- making,-an industry that was followed by many of the early settlers of Essex county. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. his wife also holding membership in the
This is to sertifey that Joseph Ball Boulder in my Company haveing served his time faithfully out is by mee honorably Discharge das wilnefs my hand
Amos Ogden Captain of the fans
Joseph Ball married Rachael Tompkins, and they became the parents of the follow- ing named children: Eleazar T., born in 1767; Hannah, in 1768; Israel, in 1770; Mary, in 1772; Mary (2), in 1773; and Jos- eph B., the father of Philander and Richard H., whose names initiate this review.
Joseph B. Ball was born on the old home- stead, March 15, 1778, spent his youth upon the farm and received such educational privileges as the schools of the community then afforded. He married Eunice Harri- son, who was born in Orange, near the old
same church. His death occurred in September, 1842, and his wife died in December, 1846. They were the par- ents of the following children: Amzi, who went west and died in Delavan, Illinois, at the age of eighty-five years, leaving one son, Eleazar T., who was a minister of the Presbyterian church and died in Belvidere, Illinois, at the age of fifty years, leaving a family; Mary, who died at the age of sixty-three years; Philan- der; Hannah, widow of the Rev. Joseph Vance, who was a prominent Presbyterian
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minister, and died at the age of ninety-two years; Elizabeth, who died in infancy, and Richard Harrison.
Philander Ball, whose name initiates this article, is one of the enterprising and public- spirited citizens of South Orange township and one who, by his many years of honora- ble dealing and upright life, has won the esteem of all who know him. He was born
their domestic life on his present farm, which is a part of the old homestead, and he at once began the work of cultivation and improvement, which he has carried forward until he now has one of the finest country homes in the county. His buildings are commodious, convenient and attractive. The rows of beautiful shade trees surround one of the loveliest homes to be found in
HOME OF R. H. BALL.
in the old stone mansion, January 8, 1814, was reared on the farm and obtained his ed- ucation in the common schools. He re- sided on the old homestead until his mar- riage, which was celebrated in 1849, Miss Sarah Ann Guerin becoming his wife. She is a native of Morristown, New Jersey, a daughter of Aram Guerin, of an old Morris county family. Mr. and Mrs. Ball began
this part of the county, and the air of cul- ture and refinement which pervades the place is one of the most attractive features. The farm comprises seventy acres, and his valuable property yields to him good finan- cial returns.
Mr. Ball has been a leader in all public movement tending to benefit the commun- ity or promote the general welfare. He has
R. Il Ball
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ESSEX COUNTY.
served in nearly all the township offices and has ever been found on the side of progress and improvement. He has been frequently called upon to serve as administrator in the settlement of estates and has ever been found careful, prompt and honorable in his adjustments. His business record is above reproach, and in private life no duty is neg- lected. He is an exemplary member of the Presbyterian church, and in his political faith he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Republican. Mrs. Ball departed this life January 6, 1885, at the age of sixty- seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ball became the parents of five children, four of whom are living: John G., Anna H., Elizabeth, widow of August- us L. Whitehead; Warren P. and Edward P., the first born, who died at the age of two years.
Richard Harrison Ball, who occupies the ancestral home, was born there November 13, 1820, and the years of a busy and useful career of more than three-quarters of a century have there been passed. After the death of his father he and his brother Phi- lander settled up the estate, he retaining possession of the old home. When his mother died his sister became his house- keeper and performed those functions for many years. He was married on the 10th of September, 1862, to Miss Frances Haines, of Union county, a daughter of Frazee Haines, who was a son of Joseph Haines, one of the heroes of the Revolution, who valiantly aided in securing the freedom of his country.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ball, as follows: Frederick Harrison, who at the age of twelve years accidentally shot himself while out hunting and died from the injury; Joseph, who went to Colo-
rado and engaged in the banking business with promises of a brilliant future, but who died September 9, 1890, at the age of twen- ty-four years; George Haines; Fanny May; Lillie M .; Amzi; Edward, deceased; Jennie, and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have one of the finest homes in Essex county, the resi- dence being the one built by his grandfather in 1784. Its surroundings are very tasteful and give an air of picturesqueness to the venerable home, which with its surrounding seventy acres stands between Newark, Irv- ington and South Orange, thus affording every convenience of city life, in combina- tion with the charms and pleasures of a country home. The land is very valuable and Mr. Ball is rated as one of the wealthy men of Essex county. He and his wife at- tend the Connecticut Farms church, and in politics he is a Republican. The Ball fam- ily is one of much prominence in Essex county, and this history would be incom- plete without honorable mention of its pres- ent representatives in South Orange town- ship.
JOHN TOMPKINS
is probably the oldest man of Livingston township-a venerable citizen whose life has been devoted to good works and noble deeds in the furtherance of the Christian religion. He was born in the house which is now his home, March 22, 1806, a son of Daniel Tompkins, who was born in Morris county, New Jersey, on the 15th of March, 1766. His grandfather, Jedediah Tomp- kins, was a son of John Tompkins, who was one of the first settlers of Livingston town- ship, where he entered land from the gov- ernment and established thereon his home. The grandfather of our subject married a
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Miss Burnet, of Morris county, and to them were born three daughters and a son. He spent the greater part of his life in Morris county and when the colonies attempted to disown all allegiance to the British crown he joined the American army and valiantly fought for independence. He lived to a very advanced age and died in 1816. His wife died when the father of our subject was quite small.
Daniel Tompkins, in his early manhood, was employed in the iron works and later engaged in agricultural pursuits and bas- ket-making. He was married in 1788 to Phoebe Walker, a native of what is now the town of New Providence, and a daugh- ter of Richard Walker, who came from Ire- land and settled in Morris county, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick.
He had ten children by his first marriage and after the death of their mother he wed- ded a Miss Wood, by whom he had seven children. He purchased the farm upon which our subject now lives, the improve- ments upon that place consisting of a log house and a wrought-nail shop. Eight children of the first marriage reached ma- ture years, namely: Jabez; Rachel, who became the wife of Samuel Pickens and died in middle life, leaving three children; Rebecca, who married Levi Schonover, of Pennsylvania, and died at the age of fifty years; Fanny married Abram Herring, in 1816, and died in Ohio, when past the age of fifty years; Richard, born November II, 1800, died November 8, 1833; Ira married Elizabeth Allen, a cousin of Asa White- head, of Newark; John was the next of the family; and Eli, died between the ages of sixty and seventy years. The father of this family departed this life January I, 1830, and his wife passed away November
I, 1835. They were members of the Presby- terian church, of Hanover.
John Tompkins, whose name introduces this review, learned the shoemaker's trade with his brother-in-law and afterward worked on the farm and engaged in the manufacture of baskets. He was indus- trious and energetic and his industry brought to him a fair return. He chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Hannah Williams, the mar- riage being celebrated January II, 1827. She was a native of Clinton township, and a daughter of Azel Williams, one of the old settlers of the county. She was reared in Caldwell township and after her mar- riage went to her husband's home, their domestic life beginning on the old family homestead which has always been his place of residence. Twelve children came to bless this marriage, eight of whom lived to mature years, while six are still living : Sarah became the wife of John C. Ward and died at the age of forty-five years, leaving three children; Jane W. is the wife of Rosville Merry, of Livingston and has one child; Richard, of Morris county, mar- ried Densia Long, by whom he had three children yet living, and after her death he wedded her sister; William is a resident of Livingston township; Jeptha W., of Morris county, married Elizabeth Redic and has five children; John wedded Mary Jacobus and, with his wife and one child, lives on the old homestead; Theodore is a resident of Caldwell; and David died at the age of twenty-seven years. The mother of this family died in 1877 and Mr. Tompkins was again married, his second union being with Sarah Ann Pierce, a native of Clinton.
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