USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 41
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
Mr. Hornfeck is a member of the Arion Club, of New York city, and has served as school trustee of Verona for a number of years. His attention has been more gen- erally given to his business, however, and in the legitimate channels of trade he has acquired a handsome competence. Success has rewarded his well directed efforts, his energy and resolute purpose, and his life demonstrates the possibilities of accom- plishment through the exercise of these qualities.
FRANCIS N. MANDEVILLE,
of Newark, was born in New York city, August 14, 1855, and is a descendant of good old Revolutionary stock. the family being founded in America in colonial days by the great-grandfather, who came to this country from Holland. His grandfather, Anthony Mandeville, was born at Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and married Miss Leah Van Saun, also a native of the same place. The father, Washington Mandeville, first opened his eyes to the light there, and hav- ing attained his majority was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jane Webb, a na- tive of New York. Our subject is also connected with the Vorhees, Van Saun and Roomes families, old residents of Pompton Plains.
Francis N. Mandeville is a self-educated man. He left school at the age of thirteen years and worked with his father at stair- building until the age of twenty, when he started in the newspaper and stationery business, which he has since conducted with energy and profit. He follows the most approved business methods, his deal- ings being straightforward and honorable, and his industry unflagging, so that he has secured a large patronage.
Mr. Mandeville was married in 1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Joseph Wright, of Newark. He and his wife are members of St. James Episcopal church, and he belongs to Gran- ite Lodge, No. 74, I. O. O. F .; Jefferson Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F .; Amer- ican Lodge, No. 206, K. of P .; and Newark Council, of the Order of Chosen Friends.
In political affairs Mr. Mandeville takes a very active part, and is a staunch Repub- lican in his belief, strongly supporting the men and measures of that party. He is now representing his ward for the second time on the board of chosen freeholders; was one of the organizers of the Northern Republican Club and the First Ward Re- publican Club, and is a popular and leading member of those societies. A man of genial nature and kindly temperament and sterling worth, he has many friends in the city.
JOHN D. HARRISON.
The relative importance of a city or com- munity is in due proportion to its manu- facturing interests, which contribute not only to its progress and prosperity, but also are instrumental in increasing the popula- tion, give employment to the laboring man,
296
ESSEX COUNTY.
and are beneficial in various ways; and he who devotes his energies to this line of enterprise adds to the value of American industry and is a public benefactor to the American people.
John D. Harrison, one of the prominent manufacturers of New Jersey and president of the American Patent Leather Company, of Newark, was born in Parsippany, New Jersey, on the 14th of November, 1830, and is a son of Henry Harrison, a farmer by occupation, and a grandson of Captain Thomas Harrison, of Orange, a valiant and efficient officer in the war of the Revolu- tion, who died in 1844. The mother of our subject was formerly Miss Parnella De Hart, of the Elizabethtown De Harts. In 1838 the father purchased the land upon which Seton Hall College, Orange, is now located, and upon this homestead were reared his children.
The subject of this review was the tenth child in order of birth, and after he had passed his fourteenth year he came to New- ark and attended the select school of Rev. Dr. Weeks until attaining the age of sixteen years, when he began his business career and entered upon an apprenticeship in the jewelry trade with the firm of Carter & Beam; but the failure of his health com- pelled him to give up his work for a little over a year. Upon recuperation, in con- nection with his brother, Charles H., he engaged, in 1852, in the japanning of leather in a small way; and such was their industry, ability and integrity of purpose that from this modest beginning has emerged the American Patent Leather Company, one of the most progressive and enterprising concerns of its kind in the city of Newark. Mr. Harrison is a business man of superior intelligence, keen discrim-
ination and business acumen, and his suc- cess in guiding his venture to a gratifying termination is the logical result of care- fully applied industry and laudable ambi- tion. He is connected with numerous other enterprises of a diversified nature, being one of the organizers of the Security Sav- ings Bank, of which he was president for several years. He is president of the New- ark Light & Power Company, is a director of the People's Light & Power Company, and of the Merchants' Insurance Company. In his political affiliations Mr. Harrison is a loyal and energetic Republican, and has served his party and the people in the ca- pacity of alderman of Newark for four years, and as sheriff of Essex county for three years.
The marriage of Mr. Harrison was sol- emnized in 1854, when he was united to Miss Maria Dean. They became the par- ents of the following six children: George M., who married Miss Lydia M. Stewart, and is an attorney at Madison, New Jersey; Mary Ella; Carrie De Hart, who is the wife of F. L. Potts, president of the Chester Pipe & Tube Company, of Philadelphia; Genev- ra H., who married William M. Potts, of Wyebrooke, Pennsylvania, proprietor of the Isabella Iron Works; Charles S., sec- retary and treasurer of the American Pat- ent Leather Company; and Mabel E.
DAVID DOREMUS BRAGAW,
recently appointed postmaster of Newark, is a representative of the best citizenship of Essex county and possesses in a marked degree all the qualifications which combine to make a successful business man and to give him prominence as an influential factor of society. While he has prospered in busi-
297
ESSEX COUNTY.
ness as the result of an energetic and up- right commercial career, his mind is too bright and his public spirit too active to permit him to forget the important inter- ests of society at large, and for years he has been an earnest advocate of many measures which have contributed to the general good and promoted the material and moral wel- fare of Newark.
The metropolis of New Jersey is his na- tive city. He was born in the first ward, December II, 1841, a son of Abram and Sallie R. (Doremus) Bragaw. His father was born in what is now Long Island City, Long Island, in the year 1789, and was a son of Andrew Bragaw, who was also a native of Long Island. The family in this country sprang from three brothers, who were natives of France and were of Hugue- not extraction. Coming to America they located on Long Island and are mentioned in a history of that district. The mother of our subject was born in the city of New- ark in 1798, and was a daughter of David Doremus, a native of Passaic county, this state, who came to Newark when a boy of fourteen to learn the blacksmith's trade. After following that occupation for a num- ber of years he turned his attention to the hardware trade, which he conducted with success for some years, when he retired to private life, having accumulated a hand- some competence that enabled him to lay aside all business cares. During the early '20s Abram Bragaw came to Newark and for a number of years engaged in the mill- ing business. He died in this city in 1865, and his wife, surviving him some time, passed away in 1881. They were the par- ents of eleven children, five of whom died in infancy and three in later years, leaving only three who are still surviving.
David D. Bragaw is the youngest of the family and was reared at his par- ental home in Newark. While in its public schools he mastered the branches of learning which prepare one for the practical duties of life. His business career began early in life, and the self-reli- ant spirit which enabled him to establish a newspaper route before he had reached the age of twelve years has ever been one of his most conspicuous characteristics and an important element in his prosperity. In his youth he learned the printer's trade. which he followed until 1865, when he en- gaged in the grocery business, at the cor- ner of Broad and Orange streets, where he has since continued. He has built up a large trade, his well appointed store and excellent stock making the establishment a favorite with the public. His honorable business methods always commend him to the support of those with whom he comes in contact, and he is therefore enjoying a liberal and profitable patronage. He is also secretary of the Dime Savings Institution.
The home relations of Mr. Bragaw are very pleasant. He was married in 1863, the lady of his choice being Miss Angeline Bates, a native of Dutchess county, New York. Their pleasant home is now graced by the presence of one daughter. In a community where they have so long resided they have many warm friends, their worth winning them a welcome in Newark's best homes.
A stanch advocate of Republican prin- ciples, Mr. Bragaw was first called to office in 1879, when at a special election he was chosen a member of the board of city alder- men. He was re-elected to that position in 1880, 1882 and 1894, and in 1895 and 1896 was elected president of the common coun-
298
ESSEX COUNTY.
cil, wherein his broad views of public ques- tionsand public needs have been manifest in the active support he has given to all meas- ures for the benefit of his native city. He is a valued member of the First Ward Re- publican Club and the Northern Republic- an Club, and on January 10th, 1898, was appointed by President Mckinley to the important position of postmaster of New- ark. His brightness, his business standing, his social position and his honesty and in- tegrity of character make him one of the most popular citizens of Newark.
DAVID OAKES.
Mr. Oakes was descended from English stock, his grandfather, John Oakes, having been a resident of Ellastone Mills, Stafford- shire, England. The latter had two sons, David and Thomas, of whom Thomas emi- grated to America in 1802 and pursued his vocation, that of consulting engineer and millwright, having acted in the former ca- pacity for the Philadelphia board of water- works and later been made superintendent of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. He married Rachel Kingsland, whose chil- dren were David, Joseph, Sarah, John and Mary. Mr. Oakes, in connection with his duties as an official of the Schuylkill canal, removed to Reading, where his death oc- curred in 1823. His son David was born January 13, 1809, in that portion of Bloom- field now known as Franklin township, where he lived until nearly two years of age, when his parents removed to the pres- ent site of Bloomfield, and he, until the age of seventeen, pursued his studies at the school adjacent to his home. In 1826 he removed to Orange, New Jersey, for the purpose of acquiring the trade of a finisher
of woolen goods. Soon after completing his apprenticeship he located in the village of Bloomfield, and at once erected a frame building in which, having equipped it with the necessary machinery and stock, he be- gan the manufacture of woolen goods. After a successful business had been estab- lished the structure was, in 1836, destroyed by fire. The enterprise of Mr. Oakes was manifested in the immediate erection of a new building, which was devoted to the exclusive manufacture of flannels and yarn. Again, in 1842, the products of the mill were varied, tweeds becoming the staple article, which, by their superior quality, gained a wide reputation. The mills were enlarged in 1849, and in 1860 the first brick building erected, which was followed by various additions in 1873 and again in 1879, 1880 and 1882 respectively, Mr. Oakes' son Thomas having succeeded him as general manager.
Mr. Oakes was married to Abigail H., daughter of Simeon Baldwin, of Bloom- field. Their children are Sarah (Mrs. Cor- nelius Van Lieu), deceased; George A., de- ceased; and Thomas. Mr. Oakes contin- ued in active business during his lifetime, having established a reputation not less as a master in his special department of indus- try than for integrity and uprightness in all commercial transactions. In politics he was early a Whig, later a Republican, and always anti-slavery in his proclivities. In 1860 and 1861 he was a member of the state legislature, and filled at various times the important offices connected with his county and township. He was a director of the National Newark Banking Company and a member of the board of managers of the Howard Savings Institution. For years he was one of the board of trustees of
299
ESSEX COUNTY.
the Bloomfield Presbyterian church, and was a member of this church at the time of his death, which occurred July 26, 1878.
WILLIAM O. KUEBLER.
Labor, honorable and well directed, has long since been granted its proper place in the plan of the world, and it is the busy man who is the leader in all affairs. His fidelity to the duties by which his business is carried on is that whereby he is judged of his fellow men, and the verdict is rendered in accordance with his accomplished pur- poses. In this respect Mr. Kuebler has won the commendation and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He has led a busy and a useful life and by his own efforts has worked his way steadily upward. An errand boy in the beginning of his career, he has risen step by step to responsible positions in the commercial world and is now honored with an impor- tant civic office, that of county clerk of Essex county.
Mr. Kuebler was born in New York and is a son of Paul Kuebler, a jeweler, who came to this country in 1848, locating in New York city. In the American metrop- olis he was united in marriage to Miss Pau- line Bracher, also a native of Germany, and in 1863 removed with his family to Essex county, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1886, at the age of fifty-nine years. In his family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and of this number seven are now living.
William O. Kuebler, the second in order of birth, first opened his eyes to the light of day in New York city, December 4, 1859, and at the age of three years was brought by his parents to Essex county. He attended the German-American school
on Green street, Newark, also the public schools of this city, but was compelled to lay aside his text-books at the age of four- teen years in order to assist in the support of the younger members of the family. This has always been one of his life's duties, and nobly has he performed it. He first secured a situation as errand boy in a fur- niture store, where he remained for about a year, when he entered the employ of F. WV. Rodeman, a druggist on Ferry street, continuing there as an apprentice for one year. He next accepted a junior clerkship in the employ of Ernest Dreher on Broad street, with whom he remained for five years, during which time he also attended the New York School of Pharmacy, and after a course therein he received his di- ploma from the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy in 1877. After the completion of his college course he entered the em- ploy of John L. Kinsey, in Broad street, Newark, and after working there for a year and a half he was offered a position in the employ of David M. Stiger & Company, of 58 Barkley street, New York city. He remained with the latter house for five years, at the expiration of which period he became interested in the wholesale drug business of William M. Townley, of New- ark, and assumed the management of the business, which he conducted for three years, when he withdrew, forming a busi- ness connection with the firm of Lehn & Fink, of New York city. He took charge of the New Jersey wholesale department as salesman and remained at that place for more than two years, next accepting a posi- tion as traveling salesman for Pier Broth- ers, wholesale druggists, who offered him an increased salary. His territory was the entire United States, and during his three
300
ESSEX COUNTY.
years' connection with that house he trav- eled extensively over the country, gaining that knowledge, experience and culture which only travel can bring, as well as do- ing effective service in the interest of his employers.
For some years Mr. Kuebler has taken a deep interest in political affairs and has always been a stanch Republican, laboring earnestly for the success and growth of his party. During the presidential campaign of 1884 he was elected brigadier general, commanding the Third Brigade, com- prised of sixteen uniformed companies. Since that time he has been actively inter- ested in every campaign and his labors have not been without results beneficial to the party. In the spring of 1895 he was elected alderman in a strong Democratic ward, which he carried by one hundred and forty-eight votes, when the usual Demo- cratic majority was about four hundred. He was the only alderman elected on the Republican ticket in the sixth ward since its present limits were established. In the spring of 1897 he was renominated for the office, as the result of his capable discharge of the duties in the first term, but at the time he was away on a business trip and could not return in time to qualify. In the fall of 1897 he was elected county clerk of Es- sex county, carrying the county by six thousand seven hundred votes, and the city by over three thousand, receiving a ma- jority in twelve out of the fifteen wards of Newark. This fact well indicates his per- sonal popularity and the high regard re- posed in him by his fellow townsmen. He numbers many friends in Democratic as well as Republican ranks, for his sterling qualities are such as everywhere command respect.
Mr. Kuebler was married, in Newark, in 1882 to Miss Minnetta Homann, and to them were born five children, of whom three are now living. Socially, Mr. Kueb- ler is connected with various civic socie- ties, holding membership in Kane Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M .; Granite Lodge, K. of P., the Royal Arcanum, a number of Re- publican clubs, and of the New Jersey Col- lege of Pharmacy he is now trustee. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, for untiring perse- verance and honorable effort are his chief characteristics. He is broad-minded, gen- erous, kindly and charitable, and Newark numbers him among her valued citizens.
WILLIAM FRISBY,
the subject of this memoir, was for many years an honored resident of Essex county, where he took up his abode in 1855. He was one of the pioneers of the residence portion of Millburn township near South Orange and did much to beautify that sec- tion. A native of England, he was born in the city of London in 1793, and there spent the days of his childhood and youth. He learned the tailor's trade, which he fol- lowed until his emigration to America. Ere leaving his native land, however, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Ely, a native of Essex county, England. It was in the year 1822 that he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the new republic, where, surrounded by its excel- lent advantages and privileges, he hoped to acquire wealth. Locating in Williams- burg, New York, he embarked in the man- ufacture of clothing and did an extensive business, which he carried on for more than twenty years. He established a very large
301
ESSEX COUNTY.
plant and built up a trade which in volume and importance rivaled any in this section of the country. Thus he saw his youthful dreams realized, and in America he found the road to success. As is the case with all men whose fortunes are acquired through their own efforts, his earlier years formed a period of laborious toil, but his perseverance, enterprise, industry and good management at length overcame all ob- stacles and he reached the goal of pros- perity.
Having acquired a handsome capital, Mr. Frisby determined to lay aside the ardu- ous cares of active business life, and he removed to Millburn township, Essex county, where he lived retired. He made there a comfortable and beautiful home for his family and spent his declining days in quiet and rest. Mr. and Mrs. Frisby had four children, namely: Mary Ann, who died in New York state, at the age of fourteen years. Emeline became the wife of Peter Shapter, of Brooklyn, who died, leaving three chil- dren-Rebecca, William Frisby and Eme- line. Mrs. Shapter afterward became the wife of Louis Albeck, and to them were born two children-Stephen E. and Ed- ward C. Mrs. Albeck died in 1870. Sarah, the second daughter, remains at the old home in Millburn township, and Rebecca, the fourth child of the honored subject of this memoir, became the wife of William Shapter.
Mr. Frisby was deeply interested in the cause of education and did all in his power for its promotion and furtherance. He was well informed on the political questions and issues, and in ante-bellum days was a strong anti-slavery man and an ardent Republican after the formation of that party. He took
a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and improvement of the county of his adoption, and contributed liberally of his means for the promotion of any move- ment calculated to benefit mankind. His own life and its splendid accomplishments should serve as an incentive and inspiration to those who are not blessed with fortunes in early life, but must start out for them- selves with limited or no capital and wrest success from unfavorable surroundings. After a long and well-spent life he passed away in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
ELIJAH D. BURNET.
The honored subject of this memoir was descended from one of the oldest families of this commonwealth. His ancestors first located on American soil about 1630, and the family was established in the Rhode Island colony under the leadership of Roger Williams. Representatives of the name afterward took up their residence in Morris county, New Jersey, where they owned fourteen hundred acres of land. The great-grandfather, David Burnet, resided in Madison and lived to be more than one hundred years of age. The grandfather was Daniel Burnet, also a native of the same locality. The Burnet family is prob- ably as numerous as any other in the state and has been very prominent in public af- fairs and in molding those events which form the history of the commonwealth. Liberal and public-spirited, its representa- tives largely promoted education, moral and material interests and left the impress of their individuality upon the public life. James Burnet was the principal donor at the establishment of Madison Academy,
302
ESSEX COUNTY.
David Burnet gave the ground on which a church was built in Madison, and Ichabod Burnet gave the land used for cemetery purposes. The Burnet family also at one time owned all of Hampton, Rhode Island.
The father of our subject, David Burnet, a native of Madison, New Jersey, married Lydia Crane, a daughter of Captain J. C. Crane, who represented one of the old and prominent families of eastern New Jersey. Their children were: Charlotte, who be- came the wife of John L. Bruen; John L., now deceased; Nancy, who married Moses Kitchell; Lydia, who married James Fra- zee; Elijah D .; Benjamin Ludlow, who is living in Texas; a daughter who is living in Illinois, and William, who completes the family.
Elijah D. Burnet, whose name begins this article, was born in Madison, New Jer- sey, in 1818, and at an early age was left an orphan. When a lad of twelve summers he went to live with his uncle, John C. Crane, in Newark, and acquired his educa- tion in the schools of that place. He en- tered upon his business career as an em- ploye in his uncle's store, and upon his uncle's death he embarked in business with another uncle, Ezra Crane, on Broad and Market streets, where for several years he conducted a business in the importation and sale of cloth, but after the war the financial depression affected his business greatly and he closed out in 1868. In 1861 he removed to West Orange, purchasing six acres of land, and this continued to be his home until his death. He was for a num- ber of years secretary of the Essex County Gas Company, and aided in the promotion of other important enterprises in the city.
Mr. Burnet was a prominent factor in public affairs in Newark, and at the time
of his death was serving as a commissioner of deeds and assistant tax collector, while for the last fifteen years he acceptably and creditably filled the office of justice of the peace. He endeavored to serve his con- stituents faithfully and well and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed. By his fidelity to duty and his upright, honorable life he added new luster to the bright name of the family.
In 1847 Mr. Burnet was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma L. Smith, a daughter of Oliver Smith, a native of Springfield, New Jersey, and also connected with one of the prominent old families of New Jersey. To them were born the following children : Frederick M., who married Florence B. Ryder, a native of Long Island, and who is now engaged in business in New York city, but makes his home in West Orange; Anna V., widow of James H. Canniff, by whom she had one child, Florence Estella; and Neville, who is living in Brooklyn, New York.
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.