USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 42
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Mr. Burnet died on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1897, ten days after the fiftieth anni- versary of his marriage. He had thus reached the venerable age of nearly eighty years, and he passed away full of honors and good deeds, leaving the heritage of a worthy life and an unsullied reputation.
AUGUSTUS J. MITCHELL, M. D.,
who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Newark, with offices at his residence, No. 82 South street, and 68 Orange street, was born in this city, on the 20th of April, 1868, and is a son of John and Susan (Holle) Mitchell, both of whom were na- tives of Alsace, France, whence they came to America when quite young. Both
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are still living. The father is a merchant tailor.
The Doctor received his preliminary ed- ucation in St. Mary's parochial school and the public schools of Newark, and later took a course in the Newark Business Col- lege, in which institution he was graduated. He then determined to enter upon a pro- fessional career, and this demanded partic- ular preparation; so he began study in the office of the late Dr. Marshall, of Newark. Later he matriculated in the medical de- partment of the New York University, at- tended clinical work in Bellevue Hospital and was graduated at the former institu- tion with the class of 1897, winning the degree of M. D. He then opened an of- fice in Newark, where for the past year he has been engaged in general practice. He is on the surgical staff of St. Michael's hos- pital. He has a broad and comprehensive understanding of the principles of medi- cine, which he is rapidly putting to the practical test in his work in Newark. He is energetic, earnest, purposeful and am- bitious, and with such qualities will un- doubtedly meet with a high degree of suc- cess in the future. He belongs to St. Co- lumbus Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and to the Catholic Benevolent Le- gion. His social qualities and sterling worth have made him very popular and he has many friends in the city of his birth.
AUGUSTUS F. EGGERS.
As the progress of the prosperity of a nation is the result of the aggregate en- deavor of its individual citizens, so the his- tory of a nation is the record of the com- posite achievements of its people. Biog- raphy thus becomes the very foundation
upon which must rest the general history of mankind. The importance of making a permanent record of the lifework of men who are worthy such distinction, cannot be overestimated. The subject of this re- view stands forward as one of Newark's honored and representative citizens,-one who has rendered faithful service and has proved himself a worthy incumbent of offi- ces of public trust and responsibility.
Augustus F. Eggers was born in Cassel, Germany, April. 17, 1840, his parents, Henry and Henrietta (Eggert) Eggers, be- ing natives of that place. Henry Eggers held the important position of forester in the section of the country where he resided, and ranked as lieutenant colonel in the German army. He died when our subject was eight years of age. Young Eggers at- tended the military schools in his native country until his fourteenth year. He then learned the trade of gunmaking, which he followed until 1856, when, feeling that the United States afforded better opportuni- ties, he decided to come to America, which he did, and located first in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and later in Norwich, Con- necticut, in both places following the trade he had learned in Germany, and becoming an expert and valued workman therein.
Having been employed by the Manhat- tan Fire Arms Company, in Norwich, he decided to come to Newark with that firm, upon their removal to this place. Soon after arriving in this city he was made fore- man and finally was given charge of all the departments except the machine depart- ment, in the employ of the concern. He re- mained with this company until they sold out in 1870, and then he took the agency of the London Publishing Company of New Jersey, and remained in this position
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until he was elected, by the common coun- cil, clerk of the Center Market. This office he held for eleven years. He then en- gaged in the manufacture of leather goods, traveling-bags, etc., for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which time he sold out, and with his family visited his old home in Germany, from which he had been absent for thirty-six years.
After he had traveled about one year on the continent he returned to Newark, and became associated as partner with the Acme Water Filtering Company, of which concern he was made president, and con- tinued to remain in this capacity until 1894, when he retired, and was appointed, by Mayor Lebkuecher, criminal-court judge, and for the full term of three years he filled that incumbency with great credit. He was known on the bench as a careful and conscientious judge, who tempered his judg- ment with mercy. He always displayed a deep sympathy with the poor and op- pressed, and when such came to him with their stories of trouble and persecution he did not always look into the statute books to find relief, but rather consulted his sym- pathetic heart and acted upon its general impulse. At the expiration of his term as criminal judge, he withdrew, owing to the change in the municipal party government, and the same day that his services upon the bench expired he was appointed a member of the county board of election, and upon the requisition of that body was elected its chairman. Mr. Eggers has always been a stanch Republican, and is one of its active workers. At the present time he is a mem- ber of the executive committee of the Re- publican county committee, and is chair- man of the eleventh ward Republican ex- ecutive committee. He is a member of the
Lincoln Club and several other Republican political organizations. Fraternally, he is a member of the Roseville Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M.
Mr. Eggers is also engaged in the real- estate and fire-insurance business, and has an office located at the corner of Thirteenth avenue and Grove street.
His religious connections are with the Roseville Presbyterian Church.
In 1860 was consummated the marriage of Judge Eggers with Miss Catherine Rice, of Norwich, Connecticut. To this union three children have been born, only one of whom survives, Augustus F., Jr., who is head bookkeeper in the employ of the State Banking Company of Newark.
DAVID B. NATHAN.
It is pleasing indulgence to paint in bio- graphic outlines the life of one who has been such a conspicuous figure in the de- velopment of Newark's best interests as has this gentleman. One of the most reli- able and progressive business men, promi- nent in politics and popular in social circles, he is probably best known on account of his efficient and highly beneficial service in connection with the public schools. From the days when King Solomon gave utter- ance to the proverbs, it has been a recog- nized fact that the training of the child molds the character of the man; and the direction given to thought, the channels into which mental development is directed, form one of the most potent elements in promoting the best American citizenship. To the training of the school-room, there- fore, is directly traceable much of the strength of character, stability and unfal- tering purpose of the nation. How impor-
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tant, therefore, that the public schools should be a proper training ground for the youths of this republic! Realizing the necessity for superior advantages along this line, Mr. Nathan has labored indefatigably, earnestly and zealously in behalf of the schools of Newark, and the beneficial re- sults of his efforts are incalculable. The marked improvement made in the city school system during the past few years is due largely to his efforts, and Newark ac- knowledges her indebtedness to him in this particular.
Mr. Nathan is a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, born January 24, 1856, but America has no native son more loyally devoted to her institutions and interests. He received the advantages of a very lib- eral education in the schools and colleges of his native land, completing a classical course and graduating at the head of his class in college when only fifteen years of age. He has made a special study of lan- guages and fluently speaks seven tongues.
In 1872 Mr. Nathan determined to emi- grate to the New World, and for a time after his arrival made his home with an uncle in New York city. Soon afterward he entered the employ of Charles Cooper & Company, manufacturing chemists and importers, of New York and Newark, and has since been connected with that house, a continuous period of twenty-four years. He has steadily advanced, mastering every detail of the business in the various depart- ments with which he is connected. His business methods are above question and his progressiveness, indomitable energy and careful supervision have proved an im- portant factor in the success which attends the Newark house. He is a man of the 11tmost reliability in all transactions and has
the unqualified confidence and respect of the firm.
Throughout his residence in Newark Mr. Nathan has maintained his home in the tenth ward and is one of its most prom- inent and leading citizens. He is public- spirited, manifesting a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the city along educational, moral, social or business lines. He has been solicited to become a candidate on the Republican ticket for the offices of assemblyman, etc., but has steadily refused, never holding political position until 1894, when he suc- cumbed to the solicitation of his friends and accepted the nomination for a posi- tion on the school board, believing that he might thereby greatly promote the educa- tional interests of the city. In 1897 he was re-elected, the only Republican east of the Pennsylvania Railroad who was elected that year. His influence on the affairs of the board has been very marked. Through his efforts alone, and after a hard and persist- ent struggle, he succeeded in securing an appropriation for the erection of an addi- tion to the Ann Street public school, which was very much needed, and which has con- verted that once inadequate building into one of the finest and best equipped school buildings in the city. Mr. Nathan's able service on the school board has been recog- nized by his appointment as chairman of the committee on repairs, serving in that capacity for three years, and as a member of the text-book and supply committees. Among the many advance movements which he has originated in relation to the public schools was the introduction of the "fire drill." for the purpose of training the children how to leave the buildings quickly and without panic in case of fire.
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A prominent and valued member of vari- ous civic societies, Mr. Nathan belongs to Eureka Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M .; Atlas Lodge, No. 2399, Knights of Honor; Unity Conclave, No. 189, I. O. H., and Newark Lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of the Republican County Society, Iron Bound Republican League, Tenth Ward Republican Club, East End Republican Club, the Owl Club, Cinnamon Club and various other political, benevo- lent and social organizations.
In 1879 Mr. Nathan was united in mar- riage to Miss Carrie Sommerindyke, and to them have been born three children: Elsa, Ben and Cora. His enjoyment of home life is pronounced, and it seems that he cannot do too much to promote the hap- piness and insure the welfare of his family. He is a man of broad humanitarian prin- ciples, kindly in manner and cordial in dis- position. His tastes are scholarly and with the best literature of all ages he is familiar, reading many of the classics in the original.
MARCUS D. BALL,
a retired merchant and well known citizen of South Orange, has been prominently identified with the business interests of Es- sex county for over half a century, and is now, at the venerable age of eighty-four years, enjoying the fruits of his early labors in his commodious home on Valley street, surrounded by his family and a host of friends, who extend to him their highest esteem and sincere regard.
The township of South Orange, Essex county, New Jersey, was the scene of Mr. Ball's birth, which occurred on the 4th of June, 1813, his father being Noah Ball, a
native of the same place, who was a hatter by trade, and manufactured that article of dress for the New York market. The grandfather of our subject was Jonathan Ball, a direct descendant of English stock, who died at the advanced age of eighty- four years. Marcus D. was reared upon a farm, occupying his time with the duties incident to such a life and in securing an education in the country schools of the dis- trict. He was an ambitious youth, evinc- ing early in his career that spirit of pro- gressiveness and enterprise that character- ized his later years, and while yet a lad he secured employment for himself by obtain- ing an ox team and transporting wood from the mountains to Newark, where he found a profitable market for it, as coal was scarce in those days and but a scant amount was obtainable in the cities.
In 1850 Mr. Ball bought a section of land lying along what is now Valley street, South Orange, upon which had been erected a hotel. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion some time later, he en- gaged extensively in speculating in whisky, and that, together with his hotel, proved exceedingly lucrative. Subsequently he built a commodious house in Valley street, in which he has resided since his retire- ment from active life. Besides this resi- dence he is the owner of several valuable pieces of property in South Orange and twenty-five acres of land in South Orange township.
The marriage of Mr. Ball was cele- brated in 1833, when he was united to Miss Cornelia Durand, a native of South Orange township and a daughter of Henry Durand, who is of English birth. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ball: John Henry; Electa Ann, who mar-
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ried Orin Ward; Angeline, who is the wife of Alexander Smith; Jane, now Mrs. Charles McKinsey; and Mary A., who mar- ried Joseph Smith; and three who died in childhood.
Mr. Ball is a public-spirited man who has watched the growth of South Orange and who has grown with it, and although time has laid its frosted hand upon his head, the four-score years and more through which he has passed have not deprived him of all his youthful energy nor dimmed the bright- ness of his intellect, and his interest in the prosperity and welfare of his home city is as great now as it was in the days of his early manhood.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN BEGGS, M. D.,
a scholarly physician of Newark, whose deep research into the fields of medical sci- ence has particularly fitted him for the practice of his chosen profession, was born - in Petaluma, near San Francisco, Califor- nia, on the 30th of December, 1865. He belongs to one of the old families of New Jersey, his grandfather, Hugh Beggs, a native of Scotland, having located in Pater- son among its first settlers. He was the proprietor of the Union Iron Works there, built the first locomotive ever constructed in Paterson and carried on a large and suc- cessful business, which brought to him a fair fortune. He died in 1855. The Doc- tor's father, Eugene Beggs, was a native of Paterson and was an inventor and manu- facturer of his native city. Before and during the war he resided in California, where he engaged in the gas business. In 1869 he returned to Paterson, where he has since made his home. He is a stanch Prohibitionist in his political belief and
very active in the work of that party. He married Catherine Van Winkle, of a very prominent New Jersey family, a daughter of John E. Van Winkle, who was de- scended from Holland ancestry. He was extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton cloth and accumulated a handsome property, being numbered among the rich men of the locality at the time of his death.
Dr. Beggs was reared in Paterson, at- tended the high school there and later pur- sued a course in the Latimer Business Col- lege, being a graduate of both those institu- tions. He then prepared for Columbia College, but instead of entering that insti- tution, he accepted a position in the Pas- saic Rolling Mill, where he remained for five years, having charge of the Paterson office. Wishing, however, to devote his energies to professional duties he left that place in order to take up the study of medi- cine and entered the New York Homeo- pathic College, where he spent two years. He afterward took a post-graduate course at Bellevue and was graduated at Hahne- mann College, of Philadelphia, with the class of 1893. On account of his impaired health he then went to Europe, matricu- lated in Edinburgh University, and took a special course in the treatment of the eye and the ear, under Argyl Robertson, and then matriculated at the London Ophthal- mic Hospital. He also visited various other hospitals and thus particularly quali- fied himself for the practice of his chosen profession. In the autumn he returned to his native land, and, locating in Newark in 1894, has since engaged in the practice of his profession here, securing a large and lucrative patronage as the result of his pro- ficiency and capability in his chosen call- ing.
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On the IIth of April, 1894, Dr. Beggs was united in marriage to Miss Margaret H. Hendrie, of Paterson, a daughter of John C. Hendrie, of that city. They have one son, Allan Hendrie, now two and a half years old. The Doctor and his wife spent two months-July and August, 1897, -in Europe, visiting many points of beauty and historic interest. They are well known in Newark society circles and the hospitality of their home is proverbial. The Doctor is prominent in medical circles and is now treasurer of the New Jersey State Medical Society (homeopathic), also a member of the Chivron Medical Club, the Alumni Association of the Hahnemann College, and attending physician for the Baptist Home. He is now taking a post- graduate course at New York Ophthalmic Hospital,-Twenty-third street and Third avenue,-with the expectation of finally devoting all of his time to special work.
THOMAS T. SPEER,
a representative of one of the old families of Essex county and superintendent of the Woodland cemetery, of Newark, was born in Fairfield, Essex county, New Jersey, November 23, 1829. His father, Tunis T. Speer, was also a native of Fairfield and was a son of Thomas Speer. Sr., one of the pioneers of the county. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Jemima Miller, was born in the vicinity of Hanover, Morris county, being also a rep- resentative of one of the early families of this section of the state. Both parents are now deceased, the father having passed away in his seventy-sixth year, while the mother died in her ninety-third year. A farmer by occupation he followed that pur-
suit throughout his entire life and never engaged in politics to any extent. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church and was an active, industrious, energetic man, although he was paralyzed on one side from his fiftieth year. In connection with his brothers he was for many years engaged in the bark business, supplying large quantities to parties in Cuba and shipping the product in hogsheads to that isle.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Speer were as follows: Phoebe Ann, now deceased, was the wife of Henry I. Van Ness, of Fair- field, New Jersey; Jane, who married Frank Van Ness, of Little Falls, New Jersey, is now deceased; Maria is the wife of Jacob N. Peer, of Morris county, New Jersey; Peter T., who served as register of Essex county for several years, is now deceased; Henrietta is the widow of Thomas Sindle, of Fairfield, New Jersey; Thomas T., the next in order of birth, is the immediate sub- ject of this sketch; and Susan is the wife of Lemuel Stagy, of Hackensack, New Jer- sey.
Thomas T. Speer was reared at his pa- rental home and when thirteen years of age began carting bark over the old dirt roads and turnpikes which lay between Fairfield and Newark. For twenty-nine years he was thus engaged, and was then called to public office by the vote of the people, be- ing elected to the board of chosen free- holders of Essex county in Caldwell town- ship. He was serving his third year in that capacity when, in 1879, he was elected to the position of warden of the Essex county penitentiary, at Caldwell, a position he held for two terms of five years each, and was elected for a third term; but after five months a change in the county government
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from Republican to Democratic occurred and he was removed from office. He now has in his possession a handsome hunter- case gold watch bearing the following in- scription : "Presented to Thomas T. Speer, warden of the penitentiary, by members and ex-members of the board of chosen freeholders of Essex county, New Jersey, July 26, 1888." On the 18th of Novem- ber, 1890, he took charge of the Woodland cemetery as superintendent, a position he has since filled in a most creditable and satisfactory manner.
Mr. Speer is married and has two chil- dren : George E., who is now a clerk in the Mutual Life Insurance Company; and An- nie M., wife of John Tompkins, of Mont- clair. Mr. Speer now belongs to the Memorial Presbyterian church, of Newark. He was formerly a member of the Fairfield Reformed church, served as one of its offi- cers for several years and took an active part in its work. He is also one of the charter members of Caldwell Lodge, No. 59, A. F. & A. M.
CHARLES I. BECK.
The pride of America is in her self-made men; the possibilities which she offers to her citizens is one of her greatest sources of growth and strength, and in return for the advantages which she extends she re- ceives the loyal devotion of those who find homes and protection under the starry emblem of the republic. Mr. Beck is among those of foreign birth who in the New World have advanced from a humble position to one of prominence and achieved a competence. He is now a general hard- ware merchant of South Orange and one of the enterprising, progressive citizens of the town.
Born in Austria in 1863, he is a son of Simon and Sophia (Grünhut) Beck, also natives of the same country. In 1870 they emigrated to America, locating in Newark, where the father engaged in the butcher- ing and produce business. Later he re- moved to South Orange, where he opened a grocery, conducting that business until 1885, when he sold out and returned to Newark. He lived retired there until his death, which occurred in 1896. The mother still resides in Newark. Their
family numbered the following: Charles I .; Anna, wife of Isidor Grand, who conducts a dry-goods store in Newark; Adolph, who married Hattie Epstein and is a grocer of Newark; Teressa, wife of Samuel Schwartz, who conducts a pharmacy on Broad street, Newark; Carrie, at home.
Charles I. Beck was a lad of seven sum- mers when he came with his parents to the United States. He was reared in Newark and educated under the preceptorship of Joseph E. Haynes. For a time he en- gaged in business with his father, and in
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1879 established a hardware and variety store at the corner of Scotland and South Orange avenues. This was the first hard- ware store in the town, and the business was carried on at the first location until about 1894, when it was removed to South Orange avenue, opposite Vose avenue. He has built up an excellent trade and has one of the most complete and best ap- pointed stores of the kind outside of the large cities. His straightforward dealing, his earnest desire to please his customers and his unfailing courtesy have won him a liberal patronage and he derives therefrom a good income.
Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Gibian, a native of Austria who came to this country when seven years of age with her parents, Samuel and Dorthea Gibian. Her father resides in Newark and her mother is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have been blessed with five children: Dora, Blanch, Ruth, Jerome and Stanley.
Mr. Beck possesses rare social qualities that have made him extremely popular; is genial in disposition, cordial in manner and has the high regard of a large circle of warm friends. He takes quite an active interest in civic societies, is a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which he is now holding the office of regent; is past master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of South Orange; belongs to the Independ- ent Order of Free Sons of Israel, of New- ark; is treasurer of the South Orange Fire- men's Relief Association; and treasurer of the South Orange Fire Department. He adheres strictly to Democratic principles, takes an active part in political affairs, has been a member of the board of assessment for five years and is a member of the board of registration. He is very prompt and
faithful in the discharge of all public duties and in all the relations of life commands the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
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