USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 63
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the close of the war, being honorably dis- charged near Washington, D. C., after which he returned to New York. Subse- quently he went to New Orleans, Louisi- ana, where he worked for some time at his trade and then once more returned to New York. In 1866 he embarked in the baking business on his own responsibility at Jersey City, continuing there until 1881, when he moved to Newark and opened an establishment, retaining possession of the same for two years, and then came to Rose- ville and conducted a bakery on Orange street until 1889. In 1890 he built the handsome, commodious hotel known as the Roseville Hotel, and as its proprietor he has continued to meet with unqualified success.
In 1877 Mr. Helbig visited the land of his nativity and spent two months view- ing familiar scenes and places. In 1895 he again journeyed to the fatherland and spent four months with his son Henry, who is a student in one of the technical schools of Muenchen, a university town of Ger- many. Socially, Mr. Helbig is a member of Phil. Kearny Post, No. I, at Newark. and of the Aurora Singing Society.
Mr. Helbig was married in Jersey City on the 12th of September, 1866, to Miss Susan Schnell, a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Leonhart) Schnell, and eight children have been born to them, of whom the following record is given : Elizabeth died at the age of six years and six months; Philip died in early life; Will- iam H. married Miss Katie Kutchenbur- ger; Henry is a student in Germany ; Charlotte: Susan died when five and a half years old; Louis learned the butcher trade; Oscar is a law student in the office of Frank McDermit, 800 Broad street, Newark. Mr.
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and Mrs. Helbig, with their children, at- tend the Presbyterian church.
SAMUEL M. HEDGES.
There are men in every community whose lives, though quiet and unpretentious, exert a wide influence in the community; it is like the strong undercurrent of a stream, which changes the course of the vessels that ride its surface. Such is the character of Mr. Hedges. Though unassuming, his sterling worth, honor in business, loyalty to citizenship and fidelity in the walks of private life have won him the respect of all and made him one of the valued represen- tatives of the community.
He was born in Somerville, Somerset county, New Jersey, on the 23d of June, 1821, and is a son of William J. and Mary (Eoff) Hedges. His mother was of Ger- man lineage, and his father was a son of Dr. William J. Hedges, who was a native of England and came to America and set- tled on Long Island, where he practiced his profession until his death. He had two children, the daughter becoming the wife of John Hunt, of Somerset county.
The son, William J. Hedges, was edu- cated in the district school, reared at his parents' home and after attaining his ma- jority turned his attention to merchandiz- ing, which he followed in Pluckamin. He spent the latter period of his active busi- ness life in Somerville and in Montrose, Pennsylvania, his death occurring in Mon- trose about 1862, while his remains were interred in the family burying-ground in Somerville. He had six sons and one daughter: William W., who wedded Mary Ann Reading and has one child, Elizabeth; Jacob, who married Miss Dusbrow and
died in Hunterdon county, where for many years he practiced medicine, having grad- uated at Rutgers College and pursued his professional studies under the direction of Dr. Hedges, of Newton, Morris county, New Jersey; Charles H., a partner of our subject, born in Somerville, studied medi- cine, was graduated in Rutgers College and practiced his profession in Flushing, New York, for a number of years, after which he removed to Orange, and in 1884 went to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he now resides: he married Emma Shipman and they have five children. Samuel M. is the next of the family. Hugh Gaston, a graduate of Rutgers College, died in Som- erville, after being appointed to a mission- ary charge in France by the Dutch Re- formed church. John died while studying for the ministry in Rutgers College, just one month after the death of his brother. Aletta is the wife of James R. De Witt, of Jersey City, and they have three children, -William H., Charles and James.
Mr. Hedges, whose name introduces this record, obtained his early education in his native town, and when eighteen years of age went to New York city, where he en- tered upon his business career in his fa- ther's employ. He there remained for a number of years, and in 1846 began busi- ness on his own account in Somerville, where he remained for two years. In 1848 he went to Illinois, where he engaged in merchandizing until 1852, when he re- turned to New Jersey, but after a short time he again went to Illinois, where he continued his residence until 1873. Since that date he has resided in Orange and has carried on a successful business as a dealer in grain, hay and feed. His trade extends over a wide territory and by judicious pur-
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chase, honorable dealing and enterprise he has built up an excellent trade and acquired thereby a comfortable competence. He gives his political support to the Democ- racy, and while deeply interested in the growth of his party finds no time for politi- cal labors, preferring to give his attention to his business.
Mr. Hedges was married in Butler, Illi- nois, to Miss Sarah Smith, a native of Lowell, Massachusetts, and they became the parents of three children, one of whom, Woodbridge, died at the age of one year, while Henry died at the age of eight years. The surviving son is Charles De Witt, who was educated in the schools of Orange, and supplemented a three-years course in the Stevens Institute, at Hoboken, New Jer- sey, and married Anna W. Prince Pearce, of Southold, Long Island. Mr. and Mrs. Hedges and their son are all members of the First Presbyterian church of Orange. The family is one of prominence in the community and their home is noted for its generous hospitality.
ADOLPH VOGEL,
prominent in the industrial and musical circles of West Orange and esteemed for that sterling worth which everywhere com- mands recognition and respect, was born in Orange, on the 17th of October, 1865, and is a son of Adolph and Sibylla (Becker) Vogel. His mother was born in Bavaria, Germany, and his father in Saxony, in the town of Eisenach, which was the birth- place of Martin Luther. He acquired his early education in the district schools of that town and in his early manhood he learned the cooper's trade, which he fol- lowed for some time. He finally decided
to seek a home in America, and in 1848 sailed for the New World, landing in New York, where he remained for a short time. Subsequently he went to California, at- tracted by the discovery of gold, and spent some time in prospecting on the Pacific slope. He was married in San Francisco and continued in the Golden state for some years, after which he returned to the east, taking up his residence in Orange, where he passed the remainder of his days. His death occurred in 1885, at the age of forty- seven years, and his wife still resides in West Orange, with her sons.
This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, four of whom are now de- ceased: Emma, Josephine, Edward and George, all of whom died in childhood; Julius, who married and resides on Condit Place, Orange; Emma makes her home with her mother; Adolph is the next of the family; William is at home; and Henry is learning the carpenter's trade with our subject.
Adolph Vogel acquired his early educa- tion in the schools of Orange and through private instruction, both German and Eng- lish. At the age of sixteen he began learn- ing the carpenter's trade under the direc- tion of Sebastian Morlock, of Orange, after which he worked as a journeyman for a number of years. In 1892 he began busi- ness on his own account and in 1894 formed a partnership with Whitfield H. Stevenson and built the establishment which he now occupies. They erected a number of fine buildings, and the partner- ship was continued until August. 1897, when, by mutual consent, the relationship was discontinued. Mr. Vogel has won a liberal patronage and is doing a profitable business. He is an expert workman and
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therefore capable of directing the labors of his men to the best advantage. His faith- fulness in filling the terms of a contract, his systematic methods and honorable deal- ing have insured him success, and he is certainly deserving of any prosperity that he may acquire.
Mr. Vogel was married in Orange, April 24, 1890, to Miss Mary E. Gossweiler, daughter of John Gossweiler, of Swiss and German ancestry. They now have three children : Herbert R., born May 20, 1891; Adolph H., born February 13, 1893; and William, born December 26, 1896. The family attend the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Vogel is a member of the Garfield Knights of Honor, of Orange, and is very prominent in musical circles. He has inherited the love of that "art divine" which is one of the distinguishing charac- teristics of the German race, and is a mem- ber of the National League of American Musicians. He has long been connected with some band organization and is now secretary of the Fifth Regiment Band of Orange. His musical talent and his pleas- ant, genial manner make him a social favorite, and his friends are many.
NATHANIEL BROWN,
deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Essex county, his name being inseparably interwoven with its history. He was born in South Orange township, on the 18th of January, 1783, and was descended from ancestry who came to the shores of New England in the Mayflower and aided in founding the first colony in the north. His father, Colonel Phineas Brown, was born in South Orange township about the middle of the eigh-
teenth century, and when the oppression of the mother country became unbearable and the colonies resolved to throw off the yoke of British tyranny he joined the army of his native land and as a brave and loyal soldier aided in the struggle for independence, his meritorious conduct winning him promo- tion to the rank of colonel. He was the owner of a large tract of land, lying on either side of what is now Valley street in Maplewood. He lived a frugal, industrious life and by his well directed efforts and capable management won an enviable suc- cess in his business undertakings. His life was ever upright and honorable and he had the respect of a large circle of friends. His children were Stephen, Isaac, William, Charles, Nathaniel, Anna and Ester.
Nathaniel Brown was reared upon the home farm, and in the summer months as- sisted in its cultivation, while in the winter season he pursued his studies in the public schools until about seventeen years of age. As was the custom in those days, he then began to learn a trade and chose the coop- ering business, which he thoroughly mas- tered. After the death of his father he came into possession of a portion of the old homestead, and in connection with his farming operations followed his trade, de- riving from the dual occupation a good in- come. He was energetic and enterprising, and carried forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertook. His business methods were above question and he won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he had commercial relations.
In his early manhood Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Phebe Gillum, a native of South Orange township, Essex county, in which place also occurred the birth of her father, Isaac Gillum. He was a
NATHANIEL BROWN
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farmer by occupation and was one of the heroes of the war for independence, rising to the rank of captain in the American army. His family were prominently con- nected with the events of that period, and not only were fathers and husbands liable to suffer attack at the hands of the British, but wives and children also often had to flee to the mountains for safety. Mr. Brown continued to discharge faithfully all the duties of public and private life until called to the home beyond this life in 1864. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a loving husband and father.
His children are as follows: William Penn, Andrew Jackson, James Munroe, Louise, Caroline, Joanna, Susan and Emma. Susan Brown, who was born and reared on the old family homestead, was married in 1854 to Edward Starbuck, a na- tive of England, who was brought by his parents to America, the family locating in Newark, where his father and mother spent their remaining days. Mr. Starbuck was an energetic, industrious man, and by the as- sistance of his estimable wife and the exer- cise of honorable business principles suc- ceeded in gaining a good home and pro- viding a comfortable competence for his widow. He carried on agricultural pur- suits, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his land well indicated his careful super- vision and his progressiveness. In addi- tion to this pursuit he also followed mill- ing, operating what is known as the Maple- wood Mills, and the excellence of his pro- duct and his straightforward business deal- ings secured to him a liberal patronage. He was for some years in ill health, and on the 18th of January, 1869, passed to his final rest, mourned by many friends.
On her husband's death, with brave heart and willing hands, Mrs. Starbuck assumed the management of the business interests, which she has since successfully conducted in a manner that would be a credit to a man trained to business habits from early boy- hood. She still owns and occupies the homestead, dear to her from the associa- tions of childhood and from the tender memories of later years.
CHARLES WILLIAM FREEMAN,
a member of the firm of A. M. Matthews & Company, dealers in coal, lumber and grain in Orange, is a business man of great strength of character, resolute purpose and indefatigable energy, and his perseverance and sound. judgment have advanced him far on the highway of success. He is a promi- nent representative of the commercial in- terests of Orange and is accounted one of the leading citizens.
Mr. Freeman was born in East Orange, November 8, 1856, and is a son of George Washington and Mary (Dodd) Freeman. His father was born November 12, 1807, in New York, was reared to manhood in Newark and acquired his education in the district schools. When he had attained his majority he learned the trade of shoe- making, and followed that business for many years, after which he turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He spent the remainder of his life in farming in East Orange, and his methods were progressive and systematical, so that he won fair suc- cess in his undertakings. His life was a busy and useful one and gained him the confidence and good will of neighbors and friends. He was a consistent member of the Brick church, of East Orange, and
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died in the faith of that church, February 26, 1891. His wife still survives him and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Bayes, in East Orange. The surviving children of this family are Morris Edgar; Jemimah, wife of Edwin Quimby, of East Orange, by whom she has two daughters, Mary and Ida; Samuel Morris, who is mar- ried and resides in New York city; John Milton, who married Annie Pollard and has seven children; Mrs. Margaretta Bayes and Charles W.
The last named is indebted to the public- school system for the practical education which fitted him for life's duties. He re- mained at his parents' home until he had attained his majority and then entered the employ of A. M. Matthews, his present partner. He continued to serve him as an employee until the Ist of June, 1892, when he was admitted to a partnership in the business under the firm name of A. M. Matthews & Company. On the 12th of February, 1897, the business was incor- porated under the same name and the fol- lowing officers were chosen: A. M. Mat- thews, president; C. W. Freeman, vice- president; Alfred Harrison Matthews, treasurer; and George S. Bayes, secretary. The volume of their business has now as- sumed extensive proportions and their trade covers a wide territory. They deal in coal, lumber, grain, hardware and paints, and each department has a large patronage and thus adds .considerably to the general income. The most honorable methods are followed in their connections with the out- side world, and they have therefore won a reputation for trustworthiness which is in- deed enviable. Mr. Freeman and his co- workers are all men of good business abil- ity, typical representatives of the progres-
sive American spirit, and the prominent place which he occupies in trade circles is well merited.
On the 16th of March, 1881, was solem- nized the marriage of Mr. Freeman and Miss Ella Louise Budd, a daughter of Seely Randolph and Cornelia (Barton) Budd. One daughter graces this union, by name Florence Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are received into the best homes of Orange and their circle of friends is very extensive. Mr. Freeman is a member of Longfellow Council, No. 675, Royal Arcanum, of East Orange, and in his political affiliations he is a Republican, but seeks not the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests.
FERDINAND GOSSWEILER
is a native of the beautiful and historic land of Switzerland and has the sturdy self-reli- ance and strength of character of that people. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in the little village of Hirsch- ensprung, in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, October 15, 1842, a son of Johannes and Margaretta (Steiger) Goss- weiler, who were of Swiss ancestry. His father obtained a district-school education and learned the butcher's trade in St. Gallen. He was favorably known in his native town as a practical, progressive and successful business man in his line of busi- ness and commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He was born in 1805 and died in 1878. His wife, who was born in 1810, departed this life in 1884. They were both earnest Christian people and the mother was especially active in church and charitable work. The follow-
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ing is the record of their family: John, who came to America in 1860 and located in Newark, enlisted in Company K, Forty- first New York Infantry, and served for a year and a half, when he was stricken with a fever, which forced him to go to the hospital; and in Baltimore he was honor- ably discharged. He was married and resided in Newark until his death, in 1888. He left a son and daughter, John and Mary. Margaretta is the wife of V. Bau- mann, who is proprietor of the Hotel Kur- Anstalt zum Waldstater Bad-zum San- tis Blick, St. Gallen (in the canton Appen- zell). They have a daughter and son, Bertha and Victor. Marietta is the wife of Conrad Anderigg; Carl, who came to America in 1866, locating in Boston, is still living in Massachusetts, and is en- gaged in the butchering business: he is married and has a son named Carl.
Ferdinand Gossweiler acquired his early education in his native land, and when six- teen years of age began learning the butcher's trade with his father. When he had mastered the business he started out in life for himself, securing employment in St. Gallen, where he continued until the spring of 1861, when he came to America to join his brother John, landing in New York on the Ist of May. Hardly a month had passed when he responded to the call of his adopted country for aid. The liberty-lov- ing nature of the Swiss race was aroused, and on the 9th of June, 1861, he joined the boys in blue of Company K, Forty- first New York Regiment, under Captain Carl Bang. For three years he remained with that company, and was honorably discharged on the 9th of June, 1864, after having participated in thirteen important engagements. Of the ten hundred and
sixty men of his regiment who went to the war only two hundred and ninety returned.
Mr. Gossweiler spent a short time in Philadelphia after leaving the service, and on the 30th of September, 1864, sailed for his native land, where he remained until 1866, when he again came to America, leaving Switzerland in April and arriving in New York on the 15th of May, 1866. He found employment at his trade in New- ark, and in 1868 began business on his own account at the corner of Blain and Market streets, Newark, where he remained until 1870, when he came to Orange and estab- lished a store on Main street. In 1872 he removed to his present location at the cor- ner of Freeman and Tompkins streets. In addition to a fine line of meats he carries fresh and canned vegetables and has a first- class market, splendidly equipped with everything found in his line. His earnest desire to please his patrons and his honor- able dealing have secured to him a large trade, and his business is now extensive and profitable.
In Newark, on the 18th of August, 1870, Mr. Gossweiler was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Augspurger, a daughter of William and Eliza (Blatz) Augspurger. They now have seven living children: Fer- dinand Albert, who is a professional violin- ist; Elsie, who is a student of music in the Park conservatory in Newark; Otto and Bertha, who are attending school; Char- lotta, Margaret and Carl. They also lost three children,-two who died in early life, and Otto, who died at the age of seven years.
Mrs. Gossweiler is a member of the Con- gregational church and the family attend its services, Mr. Gossweiler contributing liberally to its support and to all chari-
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table enterprises. He is a valued citizen of the community and a self-made man, whose well directed efforts in life brought him the capital with which to engage in business and have increased his financial resources until he is now numbered among the sub- stantial residents of Orange.
ALEXANDER MAC WHORTER
was born in Newcastle county, Delaware, July 15, 1734, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and had just about reached his twenty-fifth birthday when he was unanimously called by the Newark congregation. In 1641, during the civil wars of the first Charles, both his grandparents on the maternal side perished by violence; they were hanged on a tree in front of their own door, it is stated. His grandmother on the paternal side was then an infant. A faithful nurse heard the little one, and so saved from butchery the only survivor of the family. His father was Hugh Mac Whorter, a prosperous linen-draper of Armagh, in the north of Ireland. At the solicitation of his oldest son he emigrated to this country about 1730, settling in Delaware on a large farm. He had two sons named Alexander, the oldest and the youngest. The oldest, after being educated for the ministry at the Uni- versity of Edinburg, died soon after the arrival of the family in America. About the same time the youngest son was born and inherited his brother's name. He was the youngest of eleven children born to his parents.
From early life he evinced a disposition for the ministry. In 1756 he entered the College of New Jersey, which had not yet been removed from Newark to Princeton, and studied under the learned and kindly
eye of President Burr. In the autumn of the same year the college was removed to Princeton. There, a few days after Presi- dent Burr's death, Mr. Mac Whorter grad- uated. Owing to the unexpected death of his mother, Mrs. Jane Mac Whorter, the young student abandoned his design of set- tling in North Carolina. He completed his studies at Freehold, under the guidance of Rev. William Tennant, and in 1758 was licensed to preach. Soon afterward he married Mary Cumming, daughter of Rob- ert Cumming, a highly respectable mer- chant of Freehold. He was ordained to the ministry at Cranberry, July 4, 1759, and was ordered to go to North Carolina and Virginia, there to labor for destitute con- gregations. He happened to preach once in Newark, and that settled his fate here. The Newark Presbyterians fixed upon him as their future pastor and induced the Presbytery to cancel its order otherwise. The same summer he was duly installed here.
GEORGE J. GEIGER,
a chemist and pharmacist of Orange, who has arisen to a leading place in the ranks of his professional brethren, was born in Newark on the 29th of January, 1860, and is a son of John J. and Eleanor (Weider- mann) Geiger. The mother was a daugh- ter of Joseph and Eleanor Weidermann, natives of Bavaria, Germany, in which land they spent their entire lives. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John J. and Anna (Jalor) Geiger, residents of Ty- rol, Austria. The father of our subject was born and reared in Tyrol and followed the pursuits of a civil and mechanical engi- neer until 1848, when he determined to
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seek a broader and more profitable field of labor beyond the Atlantic. Accordingly he crossed the briny deep, landed in New York and took up his residence in New- ark, where he resumed work at his trade. He afterward embarked in the file manu- facturing business, in which he was more than ordinarily successful, owing largely to his knowledge of chemistry pertaining to the peculiar and intricate methods of treat- ing the steel. His process is still in use in some of the largest works in New Jersey and other eastern states. He strove to reach perfection in his business and there- by attained a leadership which brought to him a handsome trade. He took an active part in public affairs and was one of the twelve founders of the Schiller Lodge, No. 66, F. & A. M., at Newark. His life was one of industry, enterprise and energy in business, fidelity in private life and up- rightness in all public walks. He and his estimable wife were faithful members of the German Lutheran church, of Newark. His death occurred December 5, 1875, when he had reached the age of sixty-three years, and his wife died September 5, 1889.
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