USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 33
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When about twenty-two years old our subject moved to Irvington and there re- sided while engaged in business in New York, where, assisted by his father, he in- vented and perfected a machine for the
ELIAS W. DURAND
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purpose of engraving the skies and tints upon wood. This proved a great suc- cess, and he patented and disposed of the same to considerable monetary advantage. At the age of twenty-five he decided to turn his attention to a higher branch of art, -that of portrait and landscape painting,- but finding the study of landscapes the more attractive he soon after abandoned portraits, and in company with his uncle, the world renowned A. B. Durand, pro- ceeded at once to study from nature. Be- ing already well fortified by an extensive and varied experience in industrial art, he made rapid progress, but the necessary confinement and close application imposed upon him caused a complete prostration of the nerve forces and he was subsequently obliged to relinquish for a time his arduous labors in that direction.
Upon taking up the life of a landscape painter Mr. Durand removed to Newark, Essex county, but later changed his resi- dence to Greenville, on Bergen Neck, whence he journeyed daily to his studio in New York. Finding it impossible to con- tinue he again returned to Irvington, his present residence, where, with opportunity for more vigorous exercise, in the way of gunning and fishing, which afforded partial relief from dyspeptic troubles, he pursued his art until a recurrence of ill health warned him that entire life out of doors was a positive necessity. Reluctantly the brush and palette were laid aside, awaiting renewed and established health or their abandonment forever.
Finding that out-door existence was im- perative, our subject began the erection of ice-houses upon his place, and then, having more leisure time than he desired, and be- ing of an inventive and experimental turn
of mind and also a fair mechanic, he called to his aid the tools and machinery of his father, and proceeded to make guns and pistols for his own use, meeting with a high order of success in that pastime. He still retains some of the products of his la- bors. His love for landscape painting would force him to the easel, but every ef- fort in that direction insured a return of his old troubles, and he decided upon a more active life. In 1857 he became ac- quainted with Seth Boyden, who at the time was experimenting successfully with the strawberry, and becoming interested, he also began a series of experiments to satisfy himself as to the peculiar effects in the way of originating, soon becoming in- volved in all the perplexities that thorough investigation must invariably provoke. At times he would determine to abandon the whole work, but hesitating to lose the re- sults of so many years of intense labor, he has continued in a more moderate way, the whole matter becoming clearer and more plain by the establishment of certain prin- ciples which an extensive experimental course only can confirm. In the produc- tion of the strawberry Mr. Durand has ex- cited the wonder and admiration of the whole country by the extent and value of his productions, and, as being deeply in- terested in agricultural pursuits, and es- pecially in the improvement of all fruits, the public must now, as well as in the fu- ture, be greatly indebted to him for his ef- forts in that direction.
For a period of twenty years the brush and pencil, the colors and palette, had been laid aside, to be again taken up, in 1882, with the same old love renewed with re- turning health, coupled with caution and care for its continuance. Being spare and
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light in build and active in habit, he still retains the vigor of boyhood, and as an ardent student of nature he is already as well known in art as in agriculture.
The marriage of Mr. Durand was sol- emnized in 1846, when he became united to Miss Emma Averill, daughter of Lyman S. Averill, a merchant of Irvington, and the following-named children were born to them: Elena A., deceased, became the wife of George Cross; Louise died in in- fancy; Wilson W., is connected with a banking establishment in New York; Frank died at the age of twenty-four years; and Harry died in infancy. Mrs. Durand departed this life in February, 1897, about two months after the fiftieth anniversary of her marriage, which occurred on the 12th of December.
In his political affiliations Mr. Durand has been an adherent of the Republican party, and for nine years held the offices of president and trustee of Irvington, and for several years was a member of the board of chosen freeholders from Irvington.
ABRAM CROSS DENMAN.
As a representative of one of the pioneer families of New Jersey and one that has figured prominently in the industrial life of the commonwealth, there is particular pro- priety in according recognition to Mr. Den- man in this compilation, even were his per- sonal prestige and his honorable accom- plishment less pronounced than they are.
A native son of the city of Newark. Abram C. Denman was born on the 18th of January, 1853, the son of Isaac M. and Mary (Ransley) Denman. Isaac Marsh Denman was born in that division of West- field, New Jersey, which is known as the
Denman Farm, an appellation applied by reason of the fact that the farm had been in the possession of the family from the time when it was acquired from the Indians. He was born on the 7th of March, 1822, the second in order of birth of the four sons and two daughters of John and Lock- ey (Marsh) Denman, whose ancestors were among those who came from Great Britain prior to 1635 and settled in New England. The education received by young Denman was such as was afforded at the Road schoolhouse, a primitive institution whose advantages were meager in extent. Early in life he was obliged to earn his own liveli- hood, and having no inclination for farm- ing, he chose a trade-that of carriage manufacturing-being given excellent privileges by his uncle, Ralph Marsh, who was then engaged in this line of enterprise at Rahway, New Jersey. His ambition, fidelity and business aptitude soon won for him a clerkship in the firm's repository at New Orleans, Louisiana, where he made himself so valuable that he was admitted to partnership, and within a few years he pur- chased the interest of the other members of the firm. While the business was al- ready extensive and prosperous, Mr. Den- man enlarged it materially, making it the most important of the sort in the south. The manufacturing department was nomi- nally in the south, but Mr. Denman caused much of his work to be done in Newark. Thus his time was necessarily divided be- tween Newark and New Orleans, but the former was his home, and there his family resided. He was prominent among the business men of Newark and active in any- thing that conserved the city's welfare. In New Orleans he was equally prominent, and, after his retirement from active busi-
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ness, in 1856, he was made president of the Merchants' Bank, which position he held at his death. Arduous toil in the conduct of his business, together with the undue strain upon his overtaxed system during the civil war, hastened his death, which occurred November 25, 1866, at which time he was but forty-five years of age.
Mr. Denman was known as a man of highest principles and most unswerving in- tegrity of character in all the affairs of life, and in a farewell letter to his sons, upon the approach of death, he told them that he "never knowingly wronged a person." His generosity was unbounded and the needy never called upon him in vain. Such a life implies the richest heritage to those who are granted its benefice. He married Mary Ransley, the adopted daughter of her uncle, Abram Cross, of Newark. He was survived by his widow and three sons, Isaac, Abram C. and Frederick.
Abram Cross Denman, the immediate subject of this sketch, is recognized as one of the representative men of Newark, and has been intimately identified with munici- pal affairs, being at the present time a mem- ber of the board of aldermen, representing the eleventh ward. He received his pre- liminary educational training in the New- ark Academy, supplementing this by study in private schools and finally entering Rut- gers College as a member of the class of 1871. By reason of impaired health he was compelled to leave college before the completion of his course. In 1872 he se- cured a position with Brewster & Com- pany, the extensive carriage manufacturers of New York city, being retained in a cleri- cal capacity, his intention being to learn the business in which his father had attained so pronounced success. After a year,
however, he became dissatisfied with the outlook in this line of enterprise and ac- cordingly resigned his position, after which he engaged in the special storage and lighterage business in New York, continu- ing operations in this line four years.
In 1889 he associated himself with John Illingworth & Company, manufacturers of bar steel, at Harrison, New Jersey, becom- ing secretary of the company. In 1891 this company was consolidated with Benja- min Atha & Company, and the new con- cern was incorporated as the Benjamin Atha & Illingworth Company, with head- quarters at Harrison and Newark, Mr. Denman being retained in the capacity of secretary. At the present time he has charge of the company's agency in New York city. In 1890 Mr. Denman became associated with the Newark Electric Light & Power Company, as a member of its di- rectorate, and was soon thereafter chosen its secretary, serving as such until 1896, when the corporation was merged into the People's Light & Power Company, of which he is a director and chairman of the auditing committee. He is also a director of the Newark Fire Insurance Company, with which he has been identified for a number of years.
Mr. Denman has not only thus been ac- tive in connection with the industrial enter- prises which conserve the city's stable pros- perity, but he has also maintained a lively interest in affairs of a public nature, and has been called upon to serve in positions of trust and responsibility. In October, 1880, he was elected a member of the New- ark board of education, being the only suc- cessful candidate on his ticket that year, and having the distinction of being the youngest member of the board. In 1883
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Mayor Lang conferred upon him the ap- pointment as a member of the board of assessment and revision of taxes, but the law governing the matter of appointment was declared by the courts to be unconsti- tutional, and he retained his position only three months. In 1883 he was elected a member of the board of aldermen from the Fourth ward, representing that ward until 1886. In 1896 he was chosen a member of the board from the eleventh ward, and that year was a member of the finance and public-buildings committees. He, in 1897, was made chairman of the finance commit- tee, chairman of the committee on legisla- tion and a member of the committee on public buildings. He is the recognized leader of the Democratic wing of the board, and his efforts have been potent in insuring a wise administration of the municipal gov- ernment. He is known as a man of un- swerving integrity of purpose and of dis- tinguished business ability, and his person- ality has been such as to gain and retain to him the respect and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact.
On the 17th of June, 1874, Mr. Denman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah H. Littell, of Newark. Her father, the late William M. Littell, was a well known car- riage manufacturer of Newark. Mr. and Mrs. Denman are the parents of two. chil- dren, Abram Cross, Jr., and Emma Halsey.
JOHN KOLLER
is the manager of the firm of Koller & Com- pany, manufacturers of artistic and plain iron work, of Newark. It is ever of interest to examine into the life of a self-made man and ascertain by careful analysis the quali- ties that have enabled him to secure suc-
cess when others have failed; and such an examination always shows that industry, great care and precision and strong deter- mination are the salient features in his pros- perity. The life record of Mr. Koller is an- other proof of this, and much interest at- taches to his history on account of what he has accomplished in the face of many dif- ficulties.
Mr. Koller was born in the town of Bo- denwoehr, in the county of Neuburg Von- wald, Bavaria, Germany, September 13, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Carolina (Schuster) Koller. His paternal grandpar- ents were George and Agnes Koller. His father, George Koller, was an iron-molder and followed that pursuit as a life occupa- tion. The grandfather, who reared a family of four sons and four daughters, died at the age of seventy-one years. His children were as follows: Frederick, who married and resided in his native town, where he reared a large family; William, who is mar- ried and lives in his native country in the town of Reagensburg; Sebastian, who died in that town, leaving a wife and five chil- dren; Joseph, the father of our subject; and four daughters, who all married and spent their lives in the land of their birth.
Joseph Koller acquired a common-school education in Bavaria, and then learned the trade of iron-molder with his father, fol- lowing that pursuit throughout his entire business career. He was noted for his thrift and perseverance and was a complete mas- ter of his trade. He died March 1, 1884, at the age of sixty years, and his estimable wife was called to the home beyond this life November 20, 1883, at the age of fifty-nine years. Both were communicants of the Catholic church. They had ten children : Annie, who married and made her home in
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Germany until her death in October, 1882; Joseph, also of the fatherland, who married and has four sons; Fanny, wife of John Forster, of Germany, by whom she has one son; Kuni, wife of Leopold Weinmyer, a resident of Germany, by whom she has one son and one daughter; John, of this review; Lena, who came to America and married Joseph Hofstetter and has two daughters; Hugo, who married Louisa Wilhelm and has one son; Mamie, wife of a Mr. Young, of Germany, and the mother of one daugh- ter; Louis, who came to America, is mar- ried and has one son; and Charles, who came to this country and married Louisa Krickbaum, by whom he has one daughter, Mary Rose.
John Koller spent the days of his boy- hood and youth in the land of his nativity and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges which he en- joyed. After completing his literary train- ing he learned the trade of an artistic iron- worker, serving a three-years apprentice- ship, and on its completion he worked as a journeyman in various towns in his native land. Believing, however, that success could be more rapidly reached in the new world, he decided to come to the United States, and on the 10th of September, 1884, boarded a westward bound steamer that dropped anchor in the harbor of New York on the 25th of that month. He first secured employment with Mr. Conover, in whose service he remained for seven years. A man of good judgment and thorough industry and perseverance, he progressed very rapidly and finally was enabled to embark in business on his own account, being instru- mental in incorporating the Koller & Krool Iron Works Company, of which he is now the manager. This is one of the leading en-
terprises of the city, and the excellence of the work turned out by the firm has secured them a large and constantly increasing pat- ronage.
Mr. Koller was married in the town of Reagensberg, Germany, March 16, 1882, to Miss Anna Gruber, a daughter of August Gruber, and this union was blessed with four children, all of whom are living; Lena; Ella and Fredda, twins, and George. The parents are members of St. Augustine's church, Roman Catholic, and Mr. Koller is a member in good standing of the Im- proved Order of Heptasophs. Politically he is a Republican. His life has been well spent and his activity and enterprise have resulted in a comfortable competence, which is a fitting crown for his earnest labors.
JACOB L. KRIDEL
is the senior member of the firm of J. L. Kridel & Son, hat manufacturers, repre- senting an industry which more than any other has contributed to the upbuilding, growth, progress and material improvement of Newark. His business career is an il- lustration of genius, enterprise and expedi- ents ceaselessly working, amidst the com- mon difficulties and obstacles of life, for the successful accomplishment of splendid re- sults. Like so many other representative men of Newark, he is indebted solely to himself for the success he has achieved, hav- ing mastered the problems of business and acquired a handsome competence as the result of his labors.
Mr. Kridel was born January 8, 1845, in Cracow, an old city founded about 700 A. D., and now under the Austrian federation of states. His parents were Isaac and Sel-
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ma L. (Seiskin) Kridel, both of whom were also natives of Cracow. His grandfather was Jacob Kridel, who in Cracow learned the hatter's trade, following it as a life work. He was a just and conscientious man and lived to be eighty-seven years of age, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy- eight. They had five sons and two daugh- ters, including Abraham, Jacob, Samuel and Isaac.
The last named, the father of our sub- ject, received but limited educational priv- ileges, and in early life learned the hatter's trade, under the supervision of his father. In 1861 he and his son Jacob L. decided to come to America, hoping to secure bet- teradvantages in theline of their trade here, and accordingly they left home, sailing in September for the New World. After a long and tedious voyage of ninety-three days, they landed at New York, on the 4th of March. 1862, and taking up their res- idence in Orange, New Jersey, entered the employ of John Matthews. The father worked as a journeyman for about twenty years, and died in Newark, August 5, 1894, at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-three years. In 1863 Mr. Kridel had sent for his wife and family of six children to join him in his new home, and in June of that year they landed at New York. A home was established in Newark, where Mrs. Kridel opened a millinery store, at No. 665 Broad street, and carried on a successful business until her death.
This worthy couple were the parents of the following children : Abraham J., of Newark, who was married in his native city of Cracow and has a family of three sons and four daughters: Jacob L., of this re- view; Gussie, who became the wife of Abra-
ham Graber, of Newark, and had six chil- dren, one of whom, Samuel, died in 1896, at the age of twenty-two years; Rachel, who died in Newark, at the age of twenty-three; Samuel, who also died in Newark, at the age of thirty-two years; Annie, who became the wife of Adolph Seiskind; John, who died in Newark, at the age of twenty-eight; and Sarah, who married Nathan Feathergreen, of Brooklyn, and has four sons and three daughters.
In taking up the personal history of Jacob L. Kridel we present to our readers the life record of one who is well and favor- ably known in business circles in Newark. He acquired his education in the schools of Cracow, and under his father's direction learned the hatter's trade. He came to this country with his father as before stated, and continued to work as a journeyman until 1888, when he began business on his own account, at his present location, at No. 59 Beacon street, and No. 64 Jones street, Newark. He purchased this property in 1887 and has since made many improve- ments, fitting up the factory with every de- vice that enables him to turn out first-class work. He employs more than sixty opera- tives and manufactures a high grade of goods whose excellence of workmanship brings a ready sale on the market. The enterprise has been one of the constantly growing industries of the city, and New- ark's prosperity is due to such interests.
Mr. Kridel was married in Newark, De- cember 8, 1866, to Miss Fanny, Mercy, a daughter of Elias F. and Nache (Schnurer) Mercy, and to them have been born eight children: Susie, born December 8, 1867, who is the wife of Jacob I. Munzky, and they have three children,-Goldie, Erma and Helen; George Lorn, born March 28,
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1869; Gussie, who died May 12, 1895; Ber- tha, now the wife of Burlett Green, of Lib- erty, New York, by whom she has one son; Rachel, Moses, Harry and Leah.
In his political views Mr. Kridel is a Re- publican, and although of foreign birth is a loyal American citizen, true to the institu- tions of his adopted land, whose privileges he greatly values, especially admiring its spirit of liberty. He takes a deep interest in all movements calculated to improve and benefit the community and has given his co-operation and substantial support to various enterprises for the public good.
EDWARD M. WALDRON,
1
one of the well known contractors and builders of Newark and a prominent mem- ber of the board of aldermen, representing the sixth ward, is a native of Ireland, born in county Mayo on November 1, 1864. Coming to the United States in 1879, he located in Newark and here learned the trade of mason with the firm of Riker & Pool, remaining with them until 1886; then was employed by James Morton until 1887, when he decided to start in business for himself, and such was his diligence, perse- verance, and earnest endeavor that in a short time he had gained an enviable repu- tation for capability and excellence in work which resulted in securing to him a large number of contracts, among which may be mentioned the following: The Church of Our Lady Help of Christians in East Orange, which is a marble edifice and one of the finest in the state, costing the sum of two hundred thousand dollars; chapel of the Sisters of Notre Dame, at Fort Lee, New Jersey, costing nearly forty-five thou- sand dollars; Catholic Protectory, in Arling-
ton, seventy-five thousand dollars; lodge at Fairmount cemetery; Warren street public school; chapel for Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark, costing thirty thousand dol- lars; warehouse for Martin Burnes, Mul- berry street; leather factory for Zeigle, Is- mon & Company, Frelinghuysen avenue and Pioneer street; factory for the Thatcher Furnace Company, on Francis street; factory for Henry Lang & Com- pany, Boyd street; a magnificent residence for Samuel Kalish, on Broad street, and many others. Mr. Waldron's success in this line of enterprise is entirely the result of his personal efforts, and well does he merit the prosperity that, this early in life, has come to him.
The political career of Mr. Waldron was inaugurated when he attained the age of twenty-one, his first active work being per- formed during the presidential campaign when Mr. Cleveland was first elected to office. In 1896 Mr. Waldron was elected a member of the board of aldermen, serving on the market and fire committees, and dis- tinguished himself on the occasion when the market question became an important issue, enrolling himself on the side of the mayor. In 1897 he was a member of the committees on finance, public buildings and fire, being chairman of the latter com- mittee, which is one of the most important in the body, on account of the recently passed building ordinance. He takes a keen interest in all affairs of a public nature, giving to his official work a high order of mentality, and ever using his influence to further those projects which have for their aim the advancement and well being of the city.
In touching upon his social relations, it may be stated that Mr. Waldron is state
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president of the Ancient Order of Hiber- nians, of New Jersey, and he is a prominent and useful member of St. Patrick's Alli- ance, the Catholic Knights of Columbus, Newark City Council of Royal Canumean, the Jefferson Club, and the West End Club, in all of which he takes an active interest. In his religious faith he is a consistent ad- herent of St. Joseph's church, Catholic.
The marriage of Mr. Waldron was sol- emnized on the 6th of December, 1892, when he was united to Miss Margaret E. Moran, daughter of James Moran, a well known builder and pioneer citizen of New- ark. Three children-Helen R., May and William T .- have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Waldron.
The parents of our subject never came to America, but remained in Ireland. Two brothers. however .- Samuel P., and An- thony,-have sought their fortunes in the "land of the free" and are in business with Edward M.
SAMUEL HAYES PENNINGTON.
The venerable and distinguished gentle- man whose name we are pleased to place at the head of this article, was born in New- ark, New Jersey, October 16, 1806, and is descended from ancestors noted for their sterling worth and their patriotism, some members of the family having figured in the Revolutionary war.
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