USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 24
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won him high commendation. He attended the Presbyterian church and was a Christian man. In his political faith he was a Demo- crat. He passed away on the 15th of March, 1889, and the memory of his good deeds is yet enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him. Mrs. Woodruff is stiil living at the old home, where she has re- sided for almost seventy years, and retains possession of her physical and mental facul- ties in a remarkable degree.
CHAUNCEY GOODRICH WILLIAMS,
who is now holding the responsible position . of collector of taxes in Orange. is a citizen who has the utmost regard and confidence of his fellow townsmen and well merits their respect and appreciation of his services. He was born in Orange on the 13th of March, 1831, being the second son of Job Williams and Catherine Tichenor (Stiles) Williams. The ancestry can be traced back through Jeniah, Zophar, Joseph and Gersham to Matthew Williams, who established a home in the Newark mountains, now called Tory Corner, West Orange, in 1686. Jeniah Williams, the grandfather, married Char- lotte Pearce, of Fairfield, Caldwell township, Essex county. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Captain John Stiles, a son of Samuel Stiles, of Montville, Morris coun- ty. Her mother was a descendant of Mar- tin Tichenor, 1688-1732, through David Tichenor, 1721-1788, and Jabez Tichenor, who wedded Mary Darcy and resided in Hanover, Morris county. Their daughter, Eleanor, was the mother of Mrs. Job Will- iams.
In early life Chauncey G. Williams learned the hatter's trade under the direc- tion of his father, mastering the business in
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all its departments and becoming an ex- pert workman. He later engaged in the industry on his own account, successfully conducting a hat factory until ill health compelled him to relinquish the enterprise. His business was conducted with the strict- est regard to the ethics of commercial life, and the enviable reputation sustained by the house, combined with energy, enterprise and progressiveness, brought to Mr. Will- iams an excellent trade.
In 1851 Mr. Williams was united in mar- riage to Miss Emily Frances, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Francisco) Ward, of Harrison township, now Kearney, Hudson county. Their children are five in number, -- three sons and two daughters: Frederick Herbert, Charles Eckford, Richard Irving, Emilie Frances, and Mrs. Mabel J. Knowles. The family is one of prominence in the community, their true worth insuring them a warm reception in the best homes of the neighborhood, while their own house- hold is noted for the gracious hospitality there extended.
In earlier years Mr. Williams ranked among the leading and influential factors in the political life of this section of Essex county, his affiliations being with the Democratic party. He has been honored with various offices of trust and responsi- bility, and that his intrinsic honor and eligi- bility have been duly appreciated is evi- denced in the fact that he has enlisted the endorsement of both of the leading political parties. In 1868 he was elected a member of the common council of Orange, and the following year was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature. In 1870 he was appointed city auditor of Orange, and in November, 1874, he was appointed. treas- urer and collector of taxes, which responsi-
ble position he has retained up to the pres- ent time. No higher testimonial to his efficient service and his promptness and trustworthiness could be given, than that which is exemplified in his long tenure of public office. For thirty years he has con- tinuously held position of public trust, and in the fulfillment of his duties has revealed the constancy, integrity and fidelity which are among his cardinal characteristics. Few men in the community are more widely known, and no one has the regard of his friends in a greater degree than has Mr. Williams. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, being one of the oldest members of Union Lodge, No. II, A. F. & A. M. He and his family attend the Episcopal church.
LUDWIG ADOLPH AUGUST BECKER,
deceased, was one of the leading German citizens of Livingston township, Essex county. He was born in Obernkirchen, Germany, on the 26th of September, 1830, a son of August and Charlotte (Vogt) Becker, the former a glass manufacturer. Our subject acquired a collegiate education and when eighteen years of age began preparation for the bar, but, owing to finan- cial reverses which overtook his father, he was forced to relinquish the plan of enter- ing professional life and to earn his living through means of agricultural pursuits. He accepted the position of superintendent of a large estate, and continued his resi- dence in the land of his nativity until 1860, when he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the New World.
He took passage on a westward-bound steamer, which, after seventeen days spent
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on the bosom of the briny deep, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. He then made his way to Livingston township, Essex county, where he purchased seventy- two acres of land of Daniel Runge. Giving his attention to its development and cultiva- tion he transformed his land into a beautiful farm and built a model residence, this being one of the finest country seats in that sec- tion of Essex county. In 1867 he planted a number of evergreen trees, which have now grown to mammoth size and throw their grateful shade over the lawn, protect- ing it from the hot summer sun. All mod- ern improvements and conveniences were added to the farm by Mr. Becker, who was a most progressive and practical agricul- turist.
On the 26th of February, 1860, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Becker and Miss Matilda Henrietta Ida Bohlens, who was born in Bremen, Germany, July 17, 1835, a daughter of Jurgen Lira and Emma Ma- tilda Julaine (Bastran) Bohlens, who died in the Fatherland. Mrs. Becker came to the United States in 1859, and after her mar- riage went to her husband's home, since which time all the interests of her life have centered around this beautiful place, where she still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker were born six children, five of whom are still living: Matilda Franciscan; Henrich Carrol Frederick; Frederick August, who died at the age of seven months; Wilhelm, who married Frances Lavinia Congle and has one child, Floyd Carl; Frederick Aug- ust, who married Alice Eveline Brenner, and had one child, Carl Walter, who died at the age of six years; Matilda Henrietta Ida, wife of Albert Frentzloff, by whom she had two children, Maria Louise surviving.
Mr. Becker served as school trustee and
took a deep interest in educational matters, giving his children good advantages in that direction in order to fit them for the respon- sible duties of life. He was a Democrat in his political relations and he and his family held membership in the German Reformed church. His death occurred November 3, 1896, and the entire community mourned the loss of one of its most valued citizens, a man whom to know was to respect and honor. Mrs. Becker still resides on the old homestead, surrounded by her family and friends. She is a lady of culture and refine- ment, esteemed by a large circle of friends.
DANIEL D. GRANNISS,
a highly respected citizen of Livingston, was born at Troy Hills, Morris county, New Jersey, on the 19th of August, 1848, and received his educational discipline in the public schools. After securing such ad- vantages as were afforded by these institu- tions of learning, Mr. Granniss entered upon the vocation of a farmer, assisting his father on the old homestead and engaging in the dairy business, and is now one of the enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of Essex county.
Mr. Granniss was united in marriage on the 18th of September, 1872, to Miss Emma E. Force, a daughter of John H. Force, and two children were born to them, John H., a graduate of the Caldwell high school and at present a law student at Newark, and Rachel E. Mrs. Granniss was called to her eternal rest in 1894. Our subject is now school commissioner, and a member of the town committee.
John Granniss, father of our subject, was born in Orange county, New York, on the 18th of November, 1815, and was a son of
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Henry and Julia (Dains) Granniss, the for- mer of whom was a native of Connecticut, the latter having been born in New York. John Granniss was reared in Orange coun- ty, New York, until attaining his sixteenth year, when he moved to New York city, and then to Morris county, New Jersey, where he learned the shoe-making trade, following the same in Orange county, New York city and in Orange, New Jersey. In Morris county he combined the two vocations of shoe-making and farming. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Granniss settled in Pleasantdale, West Orange township, Essex county, and later moved to Orange, where he be- came actively identified with matters of pub- lic interest.
In his political faith Mr. Granniss was originally a Democrat, but was one of those who early took up the cause of free soil and abolition, and later he entered the ranks of the Republican party.
He was elected as first marshal of Orange, holding that office one term. In the spring of 1869 he located in Livingston township, where he purchased a farm of seventy-five acres, on which he has since lived, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Granniss was elected assessor, and has also served as township clerk for one year, township com- mitteeman five years, freeholder three years, collector of taxes six years and justice of the peace for ten years, besides which he has been administrator of several large and important estates.
John Granniss was united in marriage on the 24th of May, 1836, to Miss Rachel A. De Hart, a native of Morris county and a daughter of Daniel De Hart, who is a rep- resentative of one of the old and distin- guished New Jersey families. By this union five children were born, as follows: Mary
Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Laura Frances, the wife of William H. Hall, of Orange; Martha Ann, who married Lewis Bruen, of Springfield, Illinois; Mary C., married Frederick Daum, of Orange, and died in 1888; and Daniel D., the immedi- ate subject of this review.
SIDNEY B. WINANS
was born in Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, December 5, 1846, and has spent the most of his life in this township, where he is well known and high- ly respected.
Mr. Winans is a son of William B. and Betsey (Smith) Winans. The Winans fam- ily have for several generations been resi- dents of New Jersey. William B. Winans was born in Hanover, Morris county, De- cember 19, 1813, son of Isaac Winans, who, with his sister Hattie, was left an orphan in early childhood. Isaac Winans was reared at Battle Hill, Madison county, and went from there to Morris county, where he learned the tailor's trade-a trade he followed, in Morris and Essex counties, for many years. He died April 5, 1814, and his last wife survived him a number of years, her death occurring December 16, 1834. He was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Beach, he had the following named children : Jacob, Cyrus, John, Nathaniel, Susan, Lydia, and Mary. For his second compan- ion he wedded Abigail Ball; a daughter of William Ball, of Morris county, and by her had three sons. Isaac, Joseph and William B.
William B. Winans spent the first sixteen years of his life on a farm. The next five years he was an apprentice to the trade of
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shoemaker, and this trade he followed for the long period of fifty years. He was married December 24, 1835, to Betsey Smith, a native of Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, and a daughter of Allen Smith. The record of their child- ren is as follows: Sumner M., who died at the age of sixteen years; Smith, who lived only a year and a half; Thomas J., of Binghamton, New York: Sidney B., whose name introduces this sketch; Susan, wife of H. C. McBrair, of Livingston town- ship; and Mary E., wife of S. W. Force, of Madison, New Jersey. Mr. Winans has lived in Livingston township since 1831, and during his long life here he has been prominent and active in local affairs. He has served on the board of chosen free- holders, has been chairman of the township committee, and has acted as election judge. He was in early life a Whig. When the Republican party was organized he identi- fied himself with it and has supported it ever since. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church of Hanover.
Sidney B. Winans, the immediate subject of this review, has, as above stated, passed nearly the whole of his life in Livingston township. After finishing his studies in the district schools he went into a carriage factory in Newark to learn the trade of carriage-maker. Later he turned his atten- tion to the carpenter's trade, at which he has worked extensively for a number of years. In 1877 he went west to Nebraska, later returned east and located in Delaware, and from there came soon afterward to his old home in Livingston township.
He was married in September, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Parsels, a native of Scran- ton, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Ben- jamin T. Parsels. Mr. and Mrs. Winans
are the parents of three children, namely : Benjamin C., Alice M., and Ray P.
Mr. Winans is a Republican and a promi- nent figure in local affairs. For fifteen years he has been a justice of the peace. He has served as a member of the township committee, has been on the board of edu- cation, and is now serving his fourth year as district clerk. Fraternally he is identi- fied with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In religion he adheres to the faith in which he was reared, and both he and his wife are members of the Hanover Presbyterian church.
J. HENRY BACHELLER,
a member of the Newark board of aldermen, representing the ninth ward, is one of the enterprising and thorough-going young business men of the city of Newark.
J. Henry Bacheller was born in Newark, New Jersey, February 1, 1869, and is the son of John C. Bacheller, also a native of Newark, and by occupation a manufacturer. Joseph Newhall Bacheller, the grandfather of our subject, was of Massachusetts birth, and a descendant of the Rev. Stephen Bach- eller, a noted divine of the old Bay state. The Bacheller family is one that was for a number of generations identified with New England, and the "family tree" includes the names of many men who have figured prominently in their day, among whom may be mentioned John G. Whittier and Daniel Webster. The mother of Mr. J. Henry Bacheller was before her marriage Miss Hattie A. Parcells. She is a native of Newark and a daughter of Henry A. Par- cells, one of the old settlers of this city and of Huguenot descent; and the Parcells family, like the Bachellers, are related to
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J. H. BACHELLER
ESSEX COUNTY.
numerous prominent and influential people, among their relatives being the Lyons fam- ily, of Lyons' Farm, and the Cranes, of Newark. Mrs. Bacheller is a niece of George D. G. Moore, who was for two terms surrogate of Essex county.
The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in his native city, and after completing his studies in the Newark high school entered the employ of the New York Life Insurance Company, with which he was connected for six years. Following that, he turned his attention to the real-es- tate business, and he is now engaged in looking after large property interests be- longing to an estate.
Mr. Bacheller's popularity as an enter- " prising citizen of his native town was evi- denced in April, 1897, by his election to its board of aldermen, to represent the ninth ward. Also he has been honored by a place on the market and public-school commit- tees, where he is serving efficiently. Polit- ically, he is a Republican, a stanch, active worker for the best interests of the party. He is a member of the Garfield Club and is chairman of its finance committee, and is first vice-president of the Newark Field Club.
April 30, 1895, Mr. Bacheller wedded Miss Edith Smith, of Newark, daughter of the late Israel P. Smith, of this place. They have two children, Muriel and Adele.
JOHN ELSENER.
Mr. Elsener became identified with the interests of Essex county, New Jersey, in 1891, and acquired his homestead farm in January, 1896. His worth as a citizen of the community, however, was not meas- ured by the number of years he resided there.
Mr. Elsener was of Swiss birth and de- scent. He was ushered into life in 1844, son of Joseph and Catherine (Tyler) Elsener, and was reared and educated in his native land, being brought up to farm life and re- maining with his parents until reaching adult age. Then he started out to make his own way in the world. Many difficulties appeared in his pathway, but notwithstand- ing the many obstacles which arose he sur- mounted them, worked his way on and up until he had a fine farm and comfortable home.
Mr. Elsener followed farming in Switzer- land until August, 1881, when, accom- panied by his wife and two small children, he took passage for America, and in due time landed at New York city. When he arrived in New York he had only seventy- five cents in money. He had pluck and energy, however, and he soon found em- ployment, and for some time worked at whatever he could get to do. From New York he came to Newark. His next move was to Chester, this state, where he worked by the month for a while. Then he rented land in Essex county, was fairly successful in his operations and continued to farm rented land until January, 1896, when he purchased what is known as the Colonel Swinger farm, a tract of ninety acres, well improved and under excellent cultivation.
March 4, 1867, Mr. Elsener was married, in Switzerland, to Miss Onnon Hess, a native of that country and a daughter of Melphia and Onnon Maria (Infelt) Hess; and their union was blessed in the birth of two sons-John, at home, and Joseph, an engineer and a resident of Newark. The family have been devout members of the Catholic church. In his political views Mr. Elsener supported the Republican party.
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The death of Mr. Elsener occurred on the 29th of December, 1897, and the com- munity recognized the loss of a true and upright man and a valued citizen.
JONATHAN FORCE.
This well known and much respected citizen was born on the farm on which he now lives, in Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, and is a descendant of French ancestors who settled in this state during the colonial period.
Jonathan Force dates his birth October 25, 1840. He is the youngest son of Jona- than Force, Jr., and a grandson of Jonathan Force, Sr., the former a native of Living- ston township, Essex county, and the latter of Woodbridge, New Jersey. The first Jon- athan Force moved to Essex county soon after the Revolutionary war, in which he was a participant from beginning to end, and shortly after his location in this county he built the first tannery in Livingston township, having been a tanner by trade. In this township he passed the rest of his life and here died.
The second Jonathan Force was born and reared upon his father's farm in Liv- ingston township, his father having been interested in agricultural pursuits as well as the tannery business, and after reaching manhood engaged in the manufacture of shoes, in which he did a large business for many years. From time to time he made investments, and accumulated one hundred acres of valuable land, which is still owned by his children. He was a man of sterling integrity. He was an attendant upon wor- ship at the Northfield Baptist church, was identified with the order of Freemasons, and in politics was a Whig. He died in
1846, at the age of fifty-one years, honored and respected by all who knew him. Of his domestic life, we record that he was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Electa Cook, was a daughter of Peter Cook, of Essex county. His second wife was before her marriage Miss Julia James. She was born in Dutchess county, New York, daughter of George D. James. By this last marriage Mr. Force had five children, four of whom are living, namely: Charles, George J., Sarah E. and Jonathan. At the time of the father's death the wid- owed mother was left to provide for her little children, and nobly did she take the place of both parents in bringing them up. She lived to the advanced age of eighty years, her death occurring in 1882.
Two of the above named family, George J. and Jonathan, reside on the old Force farmstead. George J. has spent the whole of his life here with the exception of about a year and a half. He was married in 1861 to Miss Elizabeth Post, a native of Mont- clair, New Jersey, and a daughter of John and Patience (Corbey) Post. Their only child died in infancy. Here, in connection with farming, Mr. George J. Force has for years carried on shoemaking.
Jonathan Force, whose name introduces this sketch, remained on the home farm with his mother and other members of the family until the outbreak of the civil war, when, September 3, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company D, Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. Among the engagements in which he was a participant were those of Fred- ericksburg and Chancellorsville. He re- mained on active duty until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was hon- orably discharged and returned home.
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Since then he has devoted his attention to general farming and dairying at the old homestead.
He was married November 23, 1881, to Miss Susan Amanda Baker, a daughter of the late Daniel N. Baker of Livingston township. Mr. and Mrs. Force are the parents of the following children: James Walter, Edna Adelia and Jonathan, Jr. An- other son, Daniel B., died in 1897, at the age of six years.
Jonathan clings to the religious faith in which he was reared, being a member of the Baptist church. Politically, he is a Re- publican, stanch in the support of his party, and interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his locality. Jonathan Force served for six years as a member of the township committee.
JOHN H. FORCE,
one of the venerable citizens of Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, be- longs to a family whose identification with this state covers a period reaching back beyond the Revolution, and whose origin is traced to England. The first represent- ative of the family to come to America lo- cated in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Jonathan Force, the grandfather of John H., served all through the Revolutionary war, and in the war of 1812 was commis- sioned a lieutenant. At the close of the Revolution he, while yet a young man, set- tled in Livingston township, Essex county. He married Miss Margaret Cooper, a mem- ber also of one of the early settled families of New Jersey. By trade Jonathan Force was a tanner. He established the first tan- nery in this township. Here also he im- proved a large tract of land, and for a num-
ber of years operated both the farm and tannery. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, all of whom reared fam- ilies, namely: Benjamin, Elizabeth, Mar- garet, Nancy, Maria, Henry, Lockie, Charles, Sarah and Jonathan. The father of this family was for many years an active member of the Northfield Baptist church, in which for years he served as chorister. His death occurred in 1849; his wife's, some years before.
Henry Force was a shoemaker by trade. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and in the tannery, and after his marriage to Miss Mary Sidman of Bloomfield, New Jersey, he was allotted a portion of the home farm and built a house upon it. He carried on shoemaking here until his death, in 1834. His children, in order of birth, are as follows: William, who died June 22, 1883; Margaret; Sarah S., George B .; Susan, widow of Isaac Denman; and John H., whose name forms the head- ing of this review.
John H. Force was born in Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, in 1829, was about five years old at the time his father died, and was reared on the farm by his widowed mother, who made this her home until her death, about 1872. He had the advantage of a public-school edu- cation, and in early life learned the trade of shoemaker in his brother George's shop, working at this trade until the civil war broke out. Since the war he has been engaged in farming and dairying, making a specialty of the latter.
Mr. Force was married March 30, 1851, to Miss Rachel E. Jennings, a native of Northfield, New Jersey, and a daughter of Charles H. and Phoebe (Barnett) Jennings. Their union has been blessed in the birth
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of five children, namely: Emma, deceased wife of Daniel D. Grannis; Charles H., Orange, New Jersey; Lillian, wife of A. C. Knowlton, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; William L., Montclair, New Jersey; and Augustus, Newark, New Jersey.
Mr. Force has always manifested a com- mendable interest in public affairs in his community and has filled some positions of local importance, such as town commit- teeman, etc. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
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