USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 58
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
lowed until the war, but in the meantime he became deeply interested in the study of electricity and was giving deep thought and careful investigation to the subject. As a result he made some valuable discov- eries in connection with the working of this invisible substance, and saw how it might be utilized in many practical ways. He gave to the country the first apparatus for the telegraph fire alarm and invented a number of other very ingenious devices, and had others under way at the time of his demise. His close study, allowing little time for rest, undoubtedly hastened his death and shortened a career of great use- fulness. He had already won distinctive preferment in the electrical world and could undoubtedly have gained higher honors had not death terminated his earthly career.
Mr. Watkins established a beautiful summer home in West Orange in 1868, purchasing there one hundred and twenty acres of land, which for the natural attrac- tiveness of the scene can hardly be sur- passed. To this he added the art of the landscape gardener and made one of the most beautiful homes in this section of the country. In 1859 he was married to Miss Henrietta Pattison, a daughter of John and Emma (Gardiner) Pattison,-the for- mer belonging to the well known Pattison family of Stillwater, New York, the latter one of the Gardiners of Rhode Island. Her father was one of the early merchants of Troy, importing goods from Jamaica and distributing them in pioneer days by means of covered wagons which he sent through- out the country. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and participated in the battle of Bennington. Othniel Gar- diner, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Wat- kins, was high sheriff of his county and
426
ESSEX COUNTY.
also served in the war for independence, with the rank of lieutenant.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were born the following children: John, William, How- ard, Tom Gardiner, Olivia and Henrietta. The second son is now in Chicago. Mr. Watkins departed this life in 1882, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances, with a good income received as royalty from his inventions. They have a very beautiful and pleasant home, which is noted for its hospitality, and the family is one of prominence in social circles.
DAVID B. COURTER,
a farmer and stock-raiser, was born on the old Courter homestead, which has long been one of the landmarks of South Orange township, his natal day being February 12, 1845. He is the third son and sixth child of William Courter, who was born in Rock- away, Morris county, February 16, 181I. The grandfather, John E. Courter, was probably a native of the same locality, and when a young man removed to Hilton, pur- chasing the Tuscan place, whereon he spent many years, his last days having been passed near Livingston, Essex county. In 1733 he improved an elegant residence there known as Tuscan Hall, and devoted his energies to the superintendence of his farm of ninety-six acres. By trade he was a wheelwright. He married Betsy Cook, of Hanover, Morris county, and they became the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters, of whom only one is now living. These were: William; Jane, who became the wife of William Speer, of Pine- brook; Eliza, who married Nathaniel Brown; Aaron, who died in Hanover, Mor- ris county; and Sarah Ann, the widow of
John Headley and a resident of Union county. The father of this family gave his political support to the Democracy. His death occurred when he had reached the age of eighty years, and his wife passed away in 1866, at an advanced age.
William Courter, father of our subject, was born in Rockaway, and when a lad came to Hilton, being reared at Tuscan Hall. He acquired a practical English edu- cation and remained with his father until his marriage. On the 3d of December, 1833, he wedded Miss Mary Beach, who lived only a few months thereafter. Sub- sequent to his marriage he purchased a small farm in Union county, near the Es- sex county line, but soon sold it and re- turned to Hilton, locating on what was known as the Stephen Bruen place, con- taining fifty-five acres. There he carried on agricultural pursuits with good success. He was married March 28, 1837, to Maria Bowroson, and by this union were born nine children who reached the years of ma- turity, as follows: Joseph M., of Brook- lyn, New York; Margaret Ann, deceased; Amelia, the widow of Cary J. Headley, of Maplewood; Adelia, deceased; John A., of Kansas; David B., our subject; William W., of Kansas; Jane M., Charles A., of Rouse's Point. The father, William Courter, filled a number of public positions of honor and trust, and gave his political support to the Democracy. He departed this life on March 6, 1890, his wife preceding him to her eternal rest in March, 1889.
David B. Courter spent his boyhood days on the old homestead and acquired his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. He purchased the farm be- fore his father's death and has since con- tinued its development and cultivation. All
G_22. ma. Photo Gravure Su De B Courtes
427
ESSEX COUNTY.
the improvements and accessories of a model farm are there found, and the owner is successfully engaged in agricultural pur- suits and dairying. He has excellent equip- ments for conducting the latter after the most approved methods, and is recognized as one of the most progressive, up-to-date agriculturists of the community.
Mr. Courter was married in 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha A. Headley, a daughter of A. J. Headley, of Union county. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most es- timable lady. In his political views Mr. Courter is a Democrat, and has been called to a number of public positions by his fel- low townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability ; and their trust in him has never been betrayed in the slightest degree. He has one of the most attractive homes in Essex county and its generous hospitality makes it a favorite resort with the many friends of himself and wife.
Maria (Bowroson) Courter died Febru- ary 22, 1853, and William Courter subse- quently married Miss Caroline Headley, by whom he had two children, namely: Alice, and Johanna, who married Melville Crow- ell, of Maplewood. About 1882 Mr. Court- er erected a comfortable house on Valley street, where he passed the remainder of his days.
ANTHONY JACOBUS,
one of the large land-owners and thorough- going farmers of Livingston township, Essex county, New Jersey, dates his nativ- ity in the city of New York, March 6, 1842.
Mr. Jacobus comes from a family long resident of this country. His father, Henry Jacobus, was born in New York
city, son of Anthony Jacobus, whose birth occurred in Passaic county, New Jersey, and who was for many years a resident of the city of New York, where he was a prominent contractor and builder. He purchased the farm of four hundred acres in Livingston township now owned and occupied by his grandson Anthony, and here Henry Jacobus, the father of our sub- ject, lived for fifteen years. This farm is situated on Walnut street and South Or- ange avenue and is one of the largest and finest in the township.
Henry Jacobus married Miss Mary Be- dell, a native of New York city and a daughter of Peter and Mary (Van Houton) Bedell, natives of Paterson, New. Jersey, and representatives of old New Jersey fam- ilies. Mrs. Jacobus died some years ago and Mr. Jacobus is now living retired in Newark, New Jersey. Their children are as follows : William H., born in 1848, mar- ried Miss Carrie White, and is a resident of New York city, where he is engaged in the hardware business; Richard, who was born in 1850, is in the hardware business with his brother William H., in New York; Ar- thur M., born in 1854, is a practicing phy- sician of New York city: he married Miss Mary Delano; and Anthony, whose name we are pleased to place at the head of this article.
Anthony Jacobus was reared and edu- cated in his native city, and after reaching manhood turned his attention to hardware, the same line of business in which his brothers are engaged. This business he followed for thirteen years. In 1880 he moved to the homestead farm in Liv- ingston township, and here for seventeen years he has devoted all his energies to agricultural pursuits, carrying on general
428
ESSEX COUNTY.
farming and giving special attention to dairying and stock-raising.
Mr. Jacobus has been twice married. By his first wife, nee Anna Smith, a native of New York city, he has one child, Will- iam, who is now in the employ of the West Shore Railroad Company. His present wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte Berdan, is a native of Bergen county, New Jersey, and by her he has one son, Arthur, born in 1879.
EDMUND R. HALSEY,
of Millburn township, was born in Han- over, Morris county, New Jersey, in 1836, and is a son of Isaac and Harriett (Ryond) Halsey. His grandfather, Isaac Halsey, Sr., was born in New York, on the 3Ist of August, 1765, and was a son of Elihu Hal- sey, who was left an orphan at the age of four years; so nothing is known of the family history prior to that time. The grandfather lived in the Empire state for many years and became the owner of ex- tensive property holdings there. When he was about seventy-eight years of age he removed to East Newark and purchased what has since been known as the Halsey homestead. He died at the home of Mrs. Hunter, at a very advanced age. His chil- dren were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, John, Elizabeth and Louisa.
Isaac Halsey, Jr., father of our subject, was born in 1801, in New York, where he was reared to manhood and made his home until 1834, when he removed to Hanover. He continued to reside at that place for some years, after which he took up his residence in Newark, where he was exten- sively and successfully engaged in the coal business, owning the dock now used by the
ice company. He followed that business unremittingly until 1859, when he retired from active life and spent his last days in Madison. In his political affiliations he was a Whig in early life, and on the disso- lution of that party joined the ranks of the new Republican party. While residing in Newark he served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He held member- ship in the Presbyterian church and died December 27, 1894, while his wife passed away July 4, 1862. In their family were four children, two of whom are yet living : Edmund and John, the latter now living in New York.
Edmund Halsey acquired his education in the schools of New Jersey, and through- out much of his business career has trav- eled over the United States and South America, following various vocations in the different sections of the country. Since 1877 he has resided in Millburn township.
Mr. Halsey was united in marriage in 1872 to Miss Harriet Whitney, the eldest daughter of Henry A. Whitney, former chief of police of Newark, New Jersey. To this union have been born five children : Cora, wife of E. A. Lewis, of Boston; Ed- mund R., a surveyor of Newark; Isaac W., a carpenter; Cornelia, wife of Dr. Alphonso Dorrity ; and Harriet. The mother of these children died September 27, 1893.
PETER LEE,
one of the enterprising merchants of Cedar Grove, is numbered among the heroes of the blue whose loyal defense of their coun- try during the civil war preserved the Union intact and placed the American re- public on a firmer basis than ever before. His service was deserving of especial com-
429
ESSEX COUNTY.
mendation, for he was not an American by birth, having but recently arrived in the United States from England. He was born in Manchester, England, February 12, 1834, a son of William and Mary (Mc- Iver) Lee, natives of Scotland, who emi- grated to the "merrie isle" in 1828. Lo- cating in Manchester, the father engaged in cotton-spinning for a number of years, · but subsequently removed to London, where both he and his wife spent their last days. Their family numbered seven chil- dren: Susan, William, John, Margaret, Daniel, Henry and Peter.
The last named acquired his education in the public school of his native land and January 1, 1858, he resolved to come to America, hoping to benefit his condition in the New World. This was against the wishes of relatives and friends, but he per- sisted in his course and has never had occa- sion to regret the action, as he has here established a lucrative business, founded a pleasant home and gained many warm friends whose esteem he enjoys by reason of his well spent life. He first located in Connecticut, thence removed to Lawrence, Massachusetts, and from there to Newport, Rhode Island. Just at this time the civil war was inaugurated, and as he found it difficult to obtain employment, owing to the stringency of the times, Mr. Lee de- cided to join the army.
Knowing that his family would object to this step, he enlisted under the name of Peter McIver,-the latter being his mo- ther's maiden name. He was mustered in at Providence, Rhode Island, June 6, 1861, as a member of Company K, Second Regi- ment of Volunteers, and with the command was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He served for three years, participating in
a number of important engagements, in- cluding the first battle of Bull Run, Cold Harbor, the siege of Yorktown, Williams- burg, first battle of Fair Oaks, seven-days battle of the Wilderness, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Spottsylvania, Spott- sylvania Court House and Cold Harbor. His three-years term having expired, he was mustered out with his regiment, June 20, 1864, and returned to Providence, and soon to Boston, where a veteran corps was being organized, and he resolved to enlist for a year. Accordingly he was mustered in at Elizabeth and sent to Harrisburg, where he did guard duty, and later was engaged in guarding Washington, until honorably discharged at the close of the war.
Mr. Lee was without home or friends, but he resolved to make the most of his opportunities, and in deciding on a location remembered his favorable impression of Newark, which he had once visited, and made his way to that city. He had no means and for a time followed any pursuit that would yield him an honest living. Coming to Cedar Grove he engaged with Mr. Bowden, a cotton-mill man, and in 1873 embarked in the grocery business on his own account. He has since conducted his store and carries a large and well se- lected stock of goods. He was the first postmaster of the town, appointed to that position in January, 1874. by General Grant. He continuously filled that position until 1890, with the exception of four years, 1884-1888.
After coming to Cedar Grove Mr. Lee formed the acquaintance of Miss Hannah Bowen, and their friendship ripening into love they were married May 2, 1869. The lady is a daughter of John Bowen. Mr.
430
ESSEX COUNTY.
and Mrs. Lee have a wide acquaintance in this community and their friends are many. He continues his connection with his com- rades of army days by his membership in Bartlett Post, G. A. R., at Caldwell. He is a man of scholarly tastes and has been a special student of the policy of the govern- ment. True to America and her institu- tions, he defends his adopted country with the same loyalty which he manifested when on southern battle-fields he followed the starry banner to victory.
GEORGE S. MARTIN.
of Verona township, owns and resides upon the farm where his birth occurred, on the 30th of August, 1824. His father, Calvin Martin, was also born upon the same place. The family is probably of Holland origin and was founded in this country in early colonial days. The great-grandfather was Jeremiah Martin, who lived in Caldwell, Essex county, and died in the latter part of the eighteenth century. The grand- father, Enos Martin, first purchased the place upon which our subject now resides and made his home thereon until called to his final rest. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, faithfully aiding the colonies in their struggle to throw off the yoke of British tyranny. He was a weaver by trade and had a shop near his home, carrying on that business in connection with agricultural pursuits. He married Jane Personet, who belonged to one of the old families of New Jersey. His death oc- curred in 1810 and his remains were in- terred in Caldwell cemetery.
Calvin Martin, the father of our subject, was reared on the old homestead and acquired his education in the common
schools of the township. He made farm- ing his life occupation and was a wide- awake progressive business man. He mar- ried Miss Phoebe Crane, daughter of Jonas" Crane, of one of the old and distinguished families of Essex county, and to them were born five children: Jane E., Elizabeth, George, Caroline, and Enos, who served with the three-months troops in the civil war.
George Martin, who now owns and oper- ates the old homestead, carries on general farming and dairying. No event of special importance occurred in his youth, which was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, and in the schools of the neighborhood acquired his education. On leaving the schoolroom, he resumed work on the farm and has since devoted his ener- gies to its care and cultivation. The place comprises ' seventy acres and is pleasantly situated only about a mile from Verona. In appearance the place is neat and thrifty, and the fields yield good harvests. The latest improved machinery aids in making this a model farm and the homestead is a credit to the owner.
MICHAEL MEYER,
one of the most extensive dealers in horses and cattle in New Jersey, with offices at No. 258 Bank street, was born in the town of Oberbronn, situated in the canton of Niederbronn, province of Alsace, France, and is a son of Isaac Meyer and Caroline (Hirch) Meyer. His maternal grandpar- ents were Solomon and Mary Hirch. The former was born in Bavaria, Germany, and during his early manhood removed to
431
ESSEX COUNTY.
Oberbronn, in Alsace, France, where he followed the butcher's trade. On reaching manhood he married and reared three sons and four daughters: Henry, Abraham Napoleon, Isaac, Henrietta, Caroline, Ros- alie and Julia. The second son was mar- ried by the Emperor Napoleon, who was well acquainted with the family, and in whose honor the parents had named this child. Isaac, the third son, is still living and makes his home in Brussels, Belgium. Rosalie is also living and resides in New York city. She married Moses Seligman and had twelve children who reached years of maturity. The father of this family, Solomon Hirch, was closely identified with the recruiting department of the French army and was personally acquainted with the Emperor Napoleon. He took a very prominent part in the public affairs of his town and for many years was a member of its council. He died in 1840, at the age of seventy years.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Aaron Meyer, and his wife bore the name of Henrietta. He was a native of the town of Ingwiller, in Alsace, and spent his entire life there as an extensive drover and dealer in horses and cattle. He was a reli- able citizen and progressive man and lived to the very advanced age of ninety-seven years and five months. Some of his nephews are now prominent bankers in the town of Ingwiller. He had three sons and one daughter, namely: Moses, Isaac, Da -- vid and Mary; and with the exception of the father of our subject all spent their entire lives in the land of their nativity.
Moses Meyer, the eldest of the family, married and had three daughters, named as follows: Mary, Julia and Henrietta. The first two reside in Paris, France, and the
last named came to America and now re- sides in Newark. She is the wife of Joseph Weil, a native of Oberbronn, Alsace. David Meyer, another brother, resided in Niederbronn, Alsace, where he married and reared the following children: Meyer. . Mary, Michael, Melanie and Clara,-all of whom came to this country, taking up their residence in Illinois and Kentucky, where they and their descendants are still living : they all married.
Isaac Meyer, the father of our subject. acquired a common-school education in his native town and passed the days of his boy- hood and youth at his parental home. He assisted his father in the horse and cattle trade and gained a practical experience in buying which proved of much benefit to him when he began business on his own account. He married Caroline Hirch, and they had twelve children, as follows: Hen- rietta, the eldest, came to America in 1854, married Nathan Feist and had twelve chil- dren, all of whom reached mature years. Abraham, the second, came to the United States in 1856 and resides in Newark. He married Julia Steinhardt. and their children are, in the order of seniority, as follows : David, Minnie, Clara, Hattie, Jonas, Rosie, Solomon, Lillie, Gertie, Jennie, Isaac, Mil- ton, Mary and Carrie. Rosalie, the third born in Isaac Meyer's family, came to America in 1856 and wedded Meyer Drey- fus, in Newark, in 1860. In 1861 they returned to France and are now living in the city of Nancy. They have two children surviving. Michael is the name of the next in the family and he is the subject of this sketch. Fanny, the next, came to America in 1862, is the wife of Moses Feist, of Newark, and has five sons and one daughter. Nathan, who crossed the At-
432
ESSEX COUNTY.
lantic in 1865 and resides in Wabash, In- diana, married Annie Syer, and their chil- dren are Aaron, Minnie, Jennie, Belle and Carrie. Matilda, who crossed the Atlantic in 1862, is the wife of Abraham Jeidel, of Newark, and has five children. Sophia, who emigrated to this country in 1872, is the wife of Emanuel Baer, of Newark, and has three children. Emalie, who accompa- nied her parents to America in 1872, is the wife of Morris Blum, of New York city, and has one child. Melanie, Julia and Sol- omon, also children of Isaac Meyer, died in early life. On the 2d of July, 1872, the father of our subject, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, Sophia and Emalie, left their native land for the New World and became residents of Newark, where the parents spent their remaining days, the father dying April 5, 1889, at the age of eighty-seven years, and the mother on the 19th of June, 1889, at the age of seventy-seven.
Michael Meyer, whose name begins this sketch, attended the public schools of his native town and received his business train- ing under the instruction of his father, a well known dealer in horses and cattle. He continued in his employ until 1860, when he resolved to seek a home in America. On the 4th of July, 1860, he arrived in New York city, where he remained for some time and then removed to Newark, New Jersey, on the IIth of October, 1860. Here he began business on his own account in Bank street, where his office is still located, and in his enterprises he has been very suc- cessful. The name of Michael Meyer is known throughout the state and is a synonym for honorable business methods. He buys and sells horses and cattle on an extensive scale, and is an excellent judge
of stock, which enables him to buy advan- tageously. His known reliability in trade transactions also secures him a liberal patronage.
On the 8th of March, 1864, Mr. Meyer was married in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Esther Eslinger, who was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, November 19, 1841, a daughter of Solomon and Augusta (Joetz) Eslinger. Her birth-place was in the ort- schaft of Theteusee, in the state of Wur- temberg, Germany, and she came to Amer- ica in 1846 with her mother and stepfather, Joseph Loedengard, who located in Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Meyer was mostly educated and reared to womanhood. Nine children have been born to our sub- ject and his wife, but three of the number are now deceased, namely: Hattie, who died at the age of five years; Jesse, who died in infancy; and Aaron, who died in January, 1894, at the age of twenty-two years, his birth having occurred June 15, 1871. The surviving members of the fam- ily are Solomon, who was born January 10, 1865, and is a graduate of Bryant & Strat- ton's Business College, of Newark; Minnie, who was born in May, 1866, and is the wife of Jacob Bauer, of Buffalo, New York, by whom she has two children, Julia and Ir- win: Matilda, who was born in May, 1869, and is the wife of M. L. Meyer, of Newark, by whom she has one son, Irwin, who was born in March, 1897; Julia, born in May, 1875, wife of Isodore Baum, of Philadel- phia; Augusta, born in May, 1878; and Rosie, born in April, 1880.
Mr. Meyer is à valued member of various social and benevolent organizations. He belongs to Germania Lodge, No. 122, I. O. O. F., of Newark, and also the Encamp- ment of the Uniformed Rank. He holds
433
ESSEX COUNTY.
membership in the Newark Lodge, No. 85, Knights of Honor; Lodge No. 83, Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Truth's Lodge, Jefferson Grove, No. 77, of Newark. In politics he is a Democrat of the pure Jef- fersonian type. He is a member of the Joel Parker Association, the Gottfried Krueger Association, the Arion Singing Society and the Temple Beney Jechurum, of Newark. He is also a member of the German Hospital Association and his wife is regarded as one of the most charitable ladies of Newark, being identified with a number of benevolent organizations that have done much to relieve the want and distress among the poorer classes.
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.