USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 30
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 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
Politically Mr. Ashby is a member of the Republican party, and has served as over- seer of the poor for six years and also over- seer of the roads; the beautiful condition of the latter attesting to the efficiency, execu- tive ability and earnest endeavors of Mr. Ashby. He is a self-made man, in the most widely accepted sense of the term, and by his personal efforts and the help of his faithful and loving wife he has acquired a splendid property and a comfortable com- petency.
GEORGE EMMONS,
deceased, was born in Northfield, in 1839, and was a son of John and Eliza Ann (Lyon) Emmons. He spent his boyhood in the manner of most farmer boys, working in the fields through the summer months and conning his lessons in the public schools through the winter season. On at- taining his majority he went to New York city, where he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in connection with his
brother John. During that time he also established in Orange a feed store, which he carried on for about four years. He then closed out in order to give his en- tire attention to the grocery trade, and in that line he built up a very entensive and profitable business. The firm enjoyed a most enviable reputation for reliability and for the excellent quality of the stock which they carried, and in consequence were always able to command a large trade. Their business methods were above ques- tion and their unfailing courtesy and their earnest desire to please their patrons made them very popular with those with whom they had dealings.
Mr. Emmons of this review was united in marriage in early manhood to Miss Bet- sey Burnet, a daughter of Samuel H. Bur- net, and they had one child, who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife Mr. Emmons was again married, in 1875, his second union being with Miss Charlotte Adela, daughter of Ashbel Squier, who was born in Squiertown, now known as West Livingston. Her father followed shoemak- ing and farming. He married Ruth Burnet, a daughter of Samuel H. Burnet, and their children were as follows: Eliza, deceased wife of Bentley Meeker; Mary; Sarah Frances; Emily, also deceased wife of Bentley Meeker; and Theodosia, deceased wife of Theodore Baldwin. The father of this family was a member of the Presby- terian church and the mother held member- ship in the Baptist church in Northfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Emmons were the parents of four children : Mortimer, who is engaged in the insurance business in Newark; Ruth, Frederick and Blanche. Mr. Emmons was a Democrat in his political belief, but had no time to devote to politics, aside from
213
ESSEX COUNTY.
informing himself upon the issues of the day, in order that he might cast an intelli- gent ballot. His business and home inter- ests claimed his attention and he found the one profitable, the other pleasant. His life was well spent and his death, which oc- curred in 1890, was mourned by many friends. Mrs. Emmons still survives her husband and makes her home in West Orange. She is a member of the Presby- terian church and is held in the highest esteem throughout the community, her friends being numerous.
BENJAMIN PORTER LAIDLAW,
who is engaged in the grocery business in West Orange, was born in Maplewood, Essex county, on the 8th of April, 1865, and is a son of Walter and Mary (Leslie) Laidlaw, both of whom were natives of Roxburyshire, Scotland, the former born July 7, 1837, the latter June 26, 1837. Her parents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Allan) Leslie, who, crossing the Atlantic, spent their last days in Canada, where they died at the ages of ninety-one and eighty-four years respectively. They had nine chil- dren, all of whom survive them and are now residents of Canada, with the exception of Andrew and Elizabeth, who reside in Por- tersville, Tulare county, California. The former is extensively engaged in the mill- ing business. He married a lady in that state, and they have four sons. Elizabeth became the wife of James Murray, who is engaged in fruit-growing in Tulare county, and they have five sons and two daughters.
The paternal grandparents of our sub- ject were Walter and Isabella (Rutherford) Laidlaw, who had a family of two sons and five daughters, as follows: Janet, wife of
Peter Cockburn, who has long served as gardener for the Roosevelt family; Bar- bara, wife of Andrew Craig, who served for some years as porter of Waverly Park; Jane, wife of Alexander McGregor, who followed blacksmithing for many years in Newark; Elizabeth, who married and re- sided in Roxburyshire, Scotland, until her death; George, who married Anna Hunter, and resided for a number of years in New York; Walter; and Isabella, wife of N. R. Currie, a tinsmith and plumber of Belvi- dere, New Jersey. All of this family are now deceased with the exception of Isa- bella. The grandfather's was the fourth interment made in Fairmount cemetery, and twenty-five years later, in 1881, his wife was buried in the same grave.
Walter Laidlaw, father of our subject, attended the public schools of his native land until fifteen years of age, and four years later came to the New World. He was married in the town of St. Marys, On- tario, Canada, November 16, 1860, to Miss Mary Leslie. Their union was blessed with six children: Walter G., of West Or- ange, who married Carrie Baker and has four children,-Nina, Nellie, Lillie and Malcolm De Witt,-and is the foreman of the Orange Journal Publishing Company; Benjamin P., who is the second; Andrew Leslie, who married Emma Sanders, by whom he has four children,-Walter, Ben- jamin, Hazel (who died at the age of fif- teen months) and Herbert,-resides in West Orange and is connected with the Orange Distilled Water and Ice Com- pany; Allan Rutherford, who married Min- nie McCallion and has three children, --- Alice, Leslie and Ada,- and is engaged in merchandizing in Porterville, California, having gone to that place for his health;
214
ESSEX COUNTY.
Mary Janet, private stenographer for the Edison General Electric Company, at Har- rison, New Jersey; and Peter, who died at the age of eighteen months, completed the family. The mother is still living and makes her home with her son in West Or- ange. Like her husband, she is a worthy Christian, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Until his death, January 5, 1878, at the age of forty- two years, Mr. Laidlaw was the manager of the famous Roosevelt estate at Maple- wood, New Jersey.
Benjamin P. Laidlaw acquired his early education in the schools of Maplewood and began to learn the trade of machinist and molder when fifteen years of age. He worked as a journeyman in Newark for the Watts Campbell Company for four years, and in 1888 embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in staple and fancy groceries and vegetables. He first opened a store in West Orange, at the corner of White and Beaver streets, and after two years purchased land at the corner of Val- ley road and White street, whereon he erected his commodious residence and sub- stantial store. In 1893 he also built the residence adjoining and has made many excellent improvements on his property. Sound judgment, care in the management of his business interests and indefatigable energy have placed him among the leading representatives of mercantile interests.
Mr. Laidlaw is a member of Llewellyn Council, No. 539, Royal Arcanum, and was elected its first regent. He also be- longs to Orange Council, Junior Order American Mechanics, of Orange, served as the third councillor in that organization, and was the first president of the Walt Whitman Council of the National Union.
In his political views he is independent, voting for the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office, is deeply interested in all that pertains to the public welfare and progress, and was elected president of the Sinking Fund Commission of West Orange.
Mr. Laidlaw was married in Belvidere, New Jersey, January 2, 1890, the lady of his choice being Miss Christina Perry, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Currie) Perry. They now have two children,- Elise Leslie, born in November, 1890; and Douglas Perry, born February 24, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Laidlaw attend the First Presbyterian church, of which she is a member, and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the community is en- joyed by them, their circle of friends being extensive.
WALTER LUDLOW LEEK,
an energetic, highly respected citizen of West Orange, was born in the Orange Val- ley, New Jersey, in 1856, and is a son of Caleb H. and Louise Matilda (Condit) Leek. His grandfather, Daniel T. Leek, was a native of Chester, Morris county, New Jersey, where he followed the occu- pation of farmer and was regarded as a good and worthy man. He died at the venerable age of seventy-five years. He and his wife were the parents of the follow- ing children: Caleb H., Joseph C. J., Jr., Charles, William, Esther and Carrie.
Caleb H. Leek received a common- school education and was reared to early manhood upon his father's farm and subse- quently engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, after which he con- ducted a hotel at Mendham, Morris
215
ESSEX COUNTY.
county, New Jersey. He took an active interest in public affairs, his political ad- herency being with the Democratic party after the true Jeffersonian style, and he filled various township offices during his residence at Mendham. He married, in 1860, Miss Louise Matilda Condit, the fol- lowing children being the issue of this union : Walter Ludlow, the subject of this review; and one daughter, who died early in life. The demise of Mrs. Leek oc- curred in 1867; she was survived by her husband until 1884, the interment taking place in the family plat at Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey. He was an in- dustrious, thoughtful man, of rare good sense and judgment.
Walter L. Leek obtained his early men- tal discipline in the public schools of Mor- ristown and later completed his studies at the academy conducted by Professor Shears, at Orange. When twenty-two years old he entered the firm of Austin, Drew & Company, where he learned the hatting business, which he has continued to follow ever since. His intelligence, indus- try and ability attracted the attention of his employers and he was promoted to the position of foreman, acting in that capac- ity at the present time.
The marriage of Mr. Leek was cele- brated on the 26th of August, 1884, at which time he was united to Miss Susie Austin, daughter of Edward and Mary Jane (Allen) Austin, and they have two children, namely : Marion Louise, born May 25, 1885; and Walter Austin, born March 4, 1888.
In his political convictions Mr. Leek is a stanch Democrat, and is a valued and public-spirited citizen of West Orange. He is building a commodious, handsome resi-
dence on Hillside avenue, West Orange, where he will in the future extend a cor- dial hospitality to his many warm friends, who hold him in the highest esteem.
MICHAEL WALSH,
who is engaged in the cultivation of roses at the corner of Mountain House road and Clark street, South Orange, has built up an extensive and profitable business, and has achieved that success which overcomes ob- stacles, and with resolute and honorable purpose pressed forward to the desired goal. He was born in Rock Mills, county Cork, Ireland, in 1847, and is a son of Will- iam and Ellen (Houghlahan) Walsh. His mother was a daughter of John Houghla- han, a practical gardener, who followed that vocation in his native isle throughout his entire life. . The father, William Walsh, was a son of Thomas and Honora (Hen- nessy) Walsh. He acquired a common- school education and in his early manhood learned the gardener's trade, which he fol- lowed throughout his business career. He passed away in 1860, and his wife closed her eyes in death about 1852. They were members of the Catholic church and were esteemed by all who knew them.
Their family numbered eight children, four of whom died in childhood, namely : Honora, who died at the age of fourteen; Helen, at the age of six years; William, when about seven years of age; and Thomas, in infancy. Those who reached years of maturity were: John, who learned the baker's trade and is probably still living on the Emerald Isle; Robert, who is married and carries on a grocery store in Ireland; Margaret, deceased; and Michael.
216
ESSEX COUNTY.
The last named entered school on arriv- ing at a proper age and pursued his studies while not engaged in assisting his father in gardening. He remained under the pa- rental roof until he had attained his major- ity and gained a practical knowledge of the cultivation of roses, other plants and vege- tables. Realizing that the road to wealth in his native land was a crowded and difficult one, and that better opportunities were afforded across the Atlantic, he made preparation to change his place of resi- dence, and, bidding good-by to home and friends, sailed for New York, March 2, 1866. Anchor was dropped in the Ameri- can harbor on the 16th of the same month, and he secured employment on Staten Island, where he remained until 1868, when he came to Orange and entered the employ of William Redmond, in whose service he continued for four years. In 1872 he bought his present property at the corner of Mountain House road and Clark street, South Orange, erected thereon a modern and convenient residence and made prepar- ations to engage in floriculture. A large and perfectly equipped greenhouse was erected, and on his own account Mr. Walsh here began business. His patron- age steadily increased until, in order to meet the growing demand, he was obliged to build a second greenhouse in 1893. Since that time he has made a specialty of the cultivation of roses and has met with most gratifying success in this department. He understands fully the needs and re- quirements of the different plants, the soil best adapted to their growth, the tempera- ture and all the other conditions necessary to produce the most healthful and beau- tiful specimens of "the queen of flowers."
In November, 1870, in Seton Hall Col-
lege, South Orange, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Rosanna Ryan, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Fitzsim- mons) Ryan. They have had two chil- dren: William, who is now his father's assistant in business; and Michael, who died at the age of fourteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh and son are members of the Catholic church, attending services in the church of Our Lady of the Valley. In his political views he is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, pre- ferring to devote his entire time to his busi- ness interests.
JOHN G. HETZEL,
deceased, was born in Newark, November 10, 1841, a son of George Hetzel, who was of German lineage. He acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and when he had attained early manhood learned the slate and gravel roofing trade, after which he worked as a journeyman for some time. In 1860 he began business on his own ac- count in that line on Railroad avenue and Commerce street and in the undertaking met with gratifying success from the begin- ning. In 1886 he purchased a tract of land extending from Nos. 74 to 80 Magazine street and from 59 to 65 Main street, com- prising an entire block, upon which he made extensive improvements, erecting large buildings in which to carry on his business and supplying the same with the latest improved machinery. His trade be- came very large and his reputation for reliability and efficient workmanship ex- tended far and wide. He also erected a number of dwellings in Newark and gave his encouragement and support to many measures calculated to prove of public benefit.
217
ESSEX COUNTY.
Mr. Hetzel was a man of most earnest purpose, of unquestioned integrity and straightforward business principles, and throughout the community he was held in the highest esteem for his fidelity to every duty of public and private life. He gave generously in support of the church and frequently contributed to hospitals and similar institutions. He was a broad and liberal-minded man, not bound by any narrow opinions, but looking upon all sub- jects from a practical and humanitarian standpoint. In politics he was also inde- pendent, supporting the man whom he thought best qualified for office, regardless of party principles.
In Newark, on the 9th of September, 1863, Mr. Hetzel married Eliza J. Rae, a daughter of John and Rose Ann (MacMil- lan) Rae. Their union was blessed with the following children, viz .: George, who was born May 3, 1865, was married Sep- tember 3, 1890, to Annie Volk, and has three children,-Josephine, Elizabeth and Annie; Josephine, born February 2, 1867, who is the wife of Walter Gillis, of Brook- lyn, New York; Charles Edwin, born Au- gust 28, 1868, who was educated in the Newark public schools and graduated in the Coleman Business College of Newark. He then learned the trade of slate and gravel roofing under the direction of his father, and on the death of the latter be- came executor of the estate and has since carried on the business, capably managing its interests and securing therefrom a good financial return. He is a member of Eu- reka Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of Newark, and Alama Council, No. 1749, Royal Arcanum, of Newark, and of the lat- ter is past regent. He was married, Sep- tember 20, 1893, to Sarah Stilwell, a
daughter of David and Mary (Wilson) Stil- well, and their marriage has been blessed with one child, Charles E., born July 28, 1895. John Hetzel, the next son in the family of John G. Hetzel, was born Sep- tember 9, 1870, is a graduate of Coleman's Business College, and is now employed by the estate; William, the next, born Septem- ber 1, 1872, is also a graduate of the New Jersey Business College, and is employed by the estate; and Eugene, born August 10, 1879, died November 26, 1885.
Mrs. Hetzel still survives her husband and resides with her children at the old home left by the husband and father. She was to him a true helpmeet and companion in all the affairs of life, and is a most gen- erous hostess, dispensing a charming hos- pitality to all her many friends. The fam- ily attend the Trinity Reformed church.
THOMAS BRAGG HOLLAND,
a successful dairyman and milk dealer of East Orange, was born in Fayetteville, Cumberland county, North Carolina, Sep- tember 6, 1854, and is a son of William H. and Charlotte (Elam) Holland. The father also was a native of Fayetteville, where he acquired a good common-school education. He learned the carriage-mak- ing trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life, prominently connected with the industrial interests of his native city. He was drafted for service in the Confederate army in 1863 and was with the southern troops for nearly two years or until the war was ended. He was a brave and gallant soldier, earnestly de- fending the cause in which he so firmly believed.
William H. Holland was an only son,
218
ESSEX COUNTY.
and he had but one sister, Sarah, now the wife of Philemon Taylor, a merchant of Fayetteville, North Carolina, by whom she had several children. William H. Holland, the father, who was born in 1826, died in January, 1893. He was a faithful Chris- tian man, a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend and a valued citizen. For a number of years he was an officer in the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife sur- vives him and still resides in Fayetteville. In their family were four sons and two daughters: Charles A., who married Miss Poindexter, of Virginia, and now resides in Maxton, North Carolina; William C., who married Lina Mitchell, of Fayetteville, and had a family of several children; Thomas Bragg; Alice D., wife of H. I. McDuffy, who resides with his wife and children in Fayetteville; Robert Lee, of Fayetteville, who married Lulu Culbreth, by whom he has two sons and a daughter; and Ida E., wife of Rev: John H. Hall, by whom she has two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Holland, whose name introduces this article, obtained his education under private instruction and in 1872 embarked in his business career in the line of mer- chandizing. In 1872 he came to New Jer- sey, locating in Bloomfield, Essex county, where he began to learn the trade of organ- tuning. That pursuit he followed for twelve years, and in 1885 he engaged in the dairy and milk business in East Or- ange, where he has since carried on opera- tions along that line. He succeeded to the business of his father-in-law, Theodore F. Pierson, and in the enterprise has met with gratifying success, having a large and constantly increasing patronage.
Mr. Holland was married November 5, 1879, the lady of his choice being Miss
Sarah Matilda, daughter of Theodore F. and Mary E. (Dodd) Pierson. Three chil- dren grace their union: Percival, born August 29, 1880; Walter Elam, born May 20, 1884; and Arthur Edward, born July 29, 1892. The parents are members in the Arlington Avenue Presbyterian church, and in the community where they now make their home are held in the highest esteem. The hospitality of the best homes in East Orange is extended them, and their circle of friends is constantly broadening.
IRA CAMPBELL,
who is now living retired in his pleasant home at No. 316 Washington avenue, Glen Ridge, New Jersey, is one of the oldest residents of Essex county, now being in his ninety-first year and well preserved both physically and mentally. The history of one who has lived for nearly a hundred years in any community and whose life has been such as to win him the confidence and esteem of all those with whom he has been associated, cannot fail to be of interest. It is therefore fitting that the gentleman above named should be accorded biograph- ical mention on these pages.
Ira Campbell was born in Montclair township, Essex county, New Jersey, April 10, 1807. His parents, John and Sarah (Osborn) Campbell, were natives of New Jersey, Mrs. Campbell being a daughter of Joel Osborn. But little is known of the history of the Osborn family. The Camp- bells, as far back as their history can be traced, were Scotch Presbyterians. Some representatives of the family came to this country previous to the Revolutionary war. Phineas Campbell, the grandfather of Ira, was one of the pioneers of New Jer-
Fra Campbell
219
ESSEX COUNTY.
sey, and was a soldier in the Revolution. His son John, referred to above, was a wheelwright by trade, which he followed for many years. He died when his son Ira, our subject, was a small boy.
After the death of his father, Ira Camp- bell went to live with his uncle, Peter Camp- bell, who at that time lived in Orange, New Jersey, and in Orange the boy attended school in the old white schoolhouse which stood on the corner where the brick church now stands. At fourteen he began work at the shoemaker's trade, which he fol- lowed for several years, at first working in Orange and later engaging in the manu- facture of boots and shoes at Montclair, New Jersey. At the beginning of the civil war he was doing a real-estate business. This he relinquished in order to accept the position of recruiting officer for the dif- ferent regiments of New Jersey. At the close of the war he again gave his atten- tion to the real-estate business and also to auctioneering, which he followed for many years. Also for thirty-six years he filled the office of constable. His re-election to this place from time to time for so many years is ample evidence of his popularity and efficiency. The duties of his office took him all over Essex county, and for about six months of the year occupied his time in court, and in this way he became prob- ably as well known as any man in the county. His name became a terror to all evil-doers, for he never attempted to arrest a man that he did not accomplish his pur- pose. Not infrequently he was called up- on to arrest desperate characters whom other officers were unable to handle. A man of nerve and firmness, fearing noth- ing and never using harsh measures, he had only to say his name was Campbell
and that he was the constable, and the ar- rest was easy to make. In connection with this office he also served for a time as col- lector. Later in life he was induced by his friends to take up auctioneering, and in this, as in whatever else he undertook, he made a success, his services being in de- mand all over Essex county. He con- tinued auctioneering and the real estate business until 1892, when, on account of his extreme age, he retired from active life and since then has devoted his time and attention to looking after his own private affairs and entertaining his numerous friends.
Mr. Campbell has been married three times. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Jane Dodd, and who was a daughter of Jephthah Dodd, he had three children, namely: Edward H., engaged in the lime and cement business in Chicago, Illinois; Margaret A., wife of P. J. Ward, of Glen Ridge, New Jersey; and Phoebe C., wife of Heber Dodwill, a merchant of Or- ange, New Jersey. Mr. Campbell's pres- ent wife was Miss Martha J. Taylor, daugh- ter of the late Rev. James Taylor, of Sun- derland, Massachusetts. Mrs. Campbell was born in Sunderland, but has resided in New Jersey about forty years.
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.