USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 1 > Part 77
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
572
ESSEX COUNTY.
and genial disposition rendering him a friend to all." And yet another has said, with equal justice: "Few men have lived lives of more unobtrusive usefulness, or been more regretfully remembered at death, than he." To the exceptionally re- markable genius of Seth Boyden Newark is indebted in a degree at least equal to that in which the world esteems James Watts, Isaac Newton, Robert Fulton and Profes- sor Morse; and it is creditable to her sense of what is owed him that there has been erected to his memory a suitable monu- ment in one of the city's principal parks.
GARDNER ROBERTS COLBY,
the eldest son of Gardner and Mary Low Colby, was born in Boston, in April, 1837. He received his educational discipline in a private school at Newton, Massachusetts, and at the age of sixteen years he entered a dry-goods jobbing house in Boston, in a clerical capacity. Subsequently he joined his father in business, and eventually be- came his partner, representing the firm in New York city. In the year 1863 he en- tered into partnership with Jarvis Slade, under the title of Slade & Colby, and the successor of this firm was that of Harding, Colby & Company, with which he was ac- tively identified until the time of his death.
Gardner R. Colby was married in the 6th of October, 1859, to Martha Louise Hutch- ins, who, with their three sons, survives him. In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Colby took up their residence in the beautiful suburban district of East Orange, New Jersey, where he early became prominent in religious af- fairs and closely identified with all matters pertaining to the welfare of the township in which he lived, as well as with the inter-
ests of all the Oranges. In 1874-75 he served as chairman of the township com- mittee, and he was one of the organizers and later president of the New England Society of the Oranges, being prominent in every public movement in that section of the state. In politics he was an ardent Re- publican and an active worker in the cause of the party. For two years he served on the state committee, and though frequently importuned to accept the nomination for congress, he always refused the honor. In 1886 he was a prominent candidate for gov- ernor of the state of New Jersey, receiving next to the highest vote at the Republican state convention.
As a business man Gardner R. Colby was prominently identified with the dry-goods commission interests of New York city. He was cool, shrewd and sagacious and was an excellent judge of human nature. His specific business ability is shown by the fact that he was vice-president of the Ninth National Bank, a director in the Farmers' Loan & Trust Company, a director of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail- road Company, and prominently identified with the Chamber of Commerce of New York city. In behalf of the body last men- tioned he undertook the work of present- ing to congress the necessity of a general reform in the bankruptcy laws of the United States. He was a trustee of Colby University and of the Newton Theological Institution.
Mr. Colby was possessed of a strong per- sonality and a generous disposition. He was quick to detect fraud and insincerity, but where the object presented was worthy he gave liberally and unostentatiously. The amount of his private benefactions will never be known, as he shunned publicity.
573
ESSEX COUNTY.
1
Throughout the entire period in which he lived in Orange he was actively identified with the North Orange Baptist church, which he served in the capacity of trustee and deacon, contributing liberally to its support. His sudden death, which occurred on the 20th of June, 1889, was a great shock to all his friends, of whom he had a large number, in religious, business and political circles, and their sincere grief was attested by a great number of personal let- ters and by many resolutions passed by the associations and corporations with which he had been identified.
RICHARD TOWNLEY.
Twenty years' experience in the dairy business has placed this gentleman at the head of his calling and made him one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of the community. Personal effort has brought to him a well deserved success, and his life demonstrates the possibilities which are open to the enterprising, progressive young men in this republic.
Born in Newark on the 21st of Septem- ber, 1850, Mr. Townley is a son of Baldwin and Frances (Littell) Townley, the former a son of Isaac Baldwin Townley. Mrs. Frances Townley was a daughter of Jona- than and Susan (Stenbeck) Littell, the Lit- tells being one of the oldest families in Es- sex county. Her father died in Livingston township, at the age of seventy-four years. Baldwin Townley, the father of our subject, was a hatter by trade and followed that oc- cupation for a number of years in New York city, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. He died in middle life, but his widow is still living on the old Lit- tell homestead, which belonged to her . has thereby won a very liberal patronage.
grandfather, who was a centenarian. He gave the land which was used for cemetery purposes, and his grave was the first one made therein. Mr. and Mrs. Townley were the parents of five children: Henry C., who married Harriet Max and is living in Livingston township; Baldwin, who wed- ded Minnie Brazen and resides in Orange Valley; Mary and Lonzo, both deceased.
Richard Townley spent his boyhood amid rural scenes, assisting in the labors of the farm and attending the common schools of the neighborhood. For twenty years he has been engaged in the dairy business, embarking in that enterprise with a very limited capital, but with strong de- termination to win success if it could be done by unflagging industry and honorable methods. From time to time he has added to his land, extending the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises three hun- dred acres, constituting a very valuable and desirable place. The farm has been divided into fields and meadows, and the former are richly cultivated. The latter afford pas- turage for his fifty head of cattle. He raises only stock of high grades and his dairy and its modern and highly improved facilities form one of the best establish- ments of the kind in the county. Neatness and purity pervade the buildings used for dairy purposes and the products find a ready sale on the market. Mr. Townley has also made many improvements on his barns for the shelter of grain and stock, and has a good residence upon his place. In twenty years he has never missed but one morning in delivering milk to his custom- ers, and though in winter he has faced hard storms and braved many hardships he has always continued faithful to his duties and
574
ESSEX COUNTY.
He votes with the Republican party and feels an interest in its success, but never de-' sires office for himself.
Mr. Townley was married March 24, 1878, to Miss Bertha M. Lupons, a daugh- ter of Frank and Mary (Mitchel) Lupons, who are residents of Livingston township. They have two children: Richard, born January II, 1880, and Clarence, born April 20, 1894.
EDWARD AUSTIN,
a substantial and worthy citizen of West Orange, and senior member of the firm of Austin & Sons, dealers in coal, wood and ice, was born in county Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1828, and is a son of Edward and Kath- arine (Preston) Austin, the latter of whom was a daughter of Richard and Susan Pres- ton. Edward Austin, Sr., was reared to manhood in county Longford, Ireland, and was for many years employed in the local government service. After his death, which occurred in county Longford in the early '30s, his wife came to America and located at Saugerties, Ulster county, New York, where she remained until her death.
Edward Austin, Jr., obtained his literary education in the public schools of his na- tive country, remaining with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he began to learn the hatter's trade, serving an ap- prenticeship of four years, and then decid- ed to seek his fortunes in the New World. In 1842 or 1843 he came to America with his brother and sister, landing in New York, and young Austin soon found em- ployment at his trade with J. H. Prentice, in Brooklyn. After working at several other places for a number of years he lo- cated at Orange and entered into partner-
ship with Frederick Berg, engaging in the hat-manufacturing enterprise, which, under the able management of these two gentle- men, proved to be most successful. At the end of three years Mr. Austin disposed of his interests and erected a building for him- self in the Orange valley, where he com- menced the manufacture of hats, being as- sociated with Dr. Lasner, and he conduct- ed the business successfully for a number of years, when the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Austin next con- tracted a business association with Robert N. Drew, and in 1886 William E. Austin, the eldest son of our subject, was admitted into partnership, the firm name being changed to Austin, Drew & Company. This concern has since continued with em- inent success, and is one of the prominent manufacturing enterprises of New Jersey.
In 1886 Mr. Austin established a coal and wood yard on Spring street, in Orange, in partnership with Robert N. Drew, and in 1892, Mr. Drew having withdrawn his interest, our subject admitted his sons, Irving and Robert, to the firm, and contin- ued to deal in coal and wood, in connection with which he retails ice, the firm name being known as Austin & Sons. Under the wise and prudent management of these gentlemen the business has attained a high order of prosperity and is ranked as one of the most successful in Orange. Mr. Austin's present position in life is the direct result of his personal efforts, he having be- gun life without capital other than that furnished him by nature, and he has secured a comfortable competency by the practical application of thrift, industry and economy. He has always taken an active interest in the advancement and welfare of the com- munity, and has been a liberal contributor
575
ESSEX COUNTY.
to all charitable enterprises. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican and has . been more or less identified with local af- fairs and has served on the board of various town committees.
The marriage of Mr. Austin was consum- mated in May, 1858, when he was united to Miss Mary Jane Allen, a daughter of Will- iam and Anna Allen, and to Mr. and Mrs. Austin have been born the following chil- dren: William Edward; Susie, who mar- ried Walter Leek, a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work; Robert Lin- coln; Marion, who died at the age of two years; Irving, who married Miss Rachel M. Armstrong, two children resulting from this union, Grace and Irving Edward; Her- bert; Harry, residing at home. Mr. Austin and his family attend the Congregational church at Orange.
Robert Lincoln Austin, an enterprising young business man of West Orange and a member of the firm of Austin & Sons, deal- ers in coal, wood and ice, was born in Orange, on the 25th of Decem- ber, 1866, the son of Edward and Mary Jane (Allen) Austin. His preliminary men- tal discipline was received in the district schools of Orange, supplemented by a course of study in the New Jersey Business College, at Newark, and subsequently he learned the hat business with his father, following that occupation for a period of seven years. In 1890 Mr. Austin became associated with his father in the present firm and has since continued in this con- nection. On the 4th of August, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Marian Hunter, a daughter of Alexander and An- nie Hunter, and they have one child, Mil- dred, who was born on the 2d of July, 1896.
Herbert Austin, a progressive and active
young merchant of Orange, was born in his home city on the 12th of August, 1871, a son of Edward and Mary Jane (Allen) Austin. He attended the public schools of Orange and then prepared himself for a mercantile career by entering Coleman's Business College, at Newark, after which he was taken into his father's hat manu- factory and there served a full apprentice- ship. At the age of twenty he began busi- ness on his own responsibility as a general merchandise dealer, locating on Main street, West Orange. He also has a branch store on Main street, Orange, where he makes a specialty of men's furnishing goods and keeps a well assorted stock of the lat- est styles in hats. Mr. Austin was married on the 25th of January, 1891, to Miss Eliza- beth Ziegler, a daughter of Jacob and Lou- isa Ziegler, and of this union two children have been born, namely: Florence Louise and Helen May. Mrs. Austin is a member of St. Mark's church, at West Orange, which the family also attends. In his politi- cal affiliations Mr. Austin is a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party and upholds all its principles and policies.
OSCAR H. CONDIT,
a prominent citizen of East Orange, New Jersey, is a representative of a family long resident of this country. In the agnatic line he traces his ancestry back through many generations to John Condit, who was the progenitor of the American branch of the Condit family. Before proceeding to sketch the life history of Oscar H. Condit we wish to refer briefly to his ancestry.
John Condit, above mentioned, was of Norman descent. He came to America from Wales in 1678, and died in Newark,
576
ESSEX COUNTY.
New Jersey, in 1713. Peter Condit, a son of John, died in 1714. His wife was before marriage Mary Harrison. Samuel, son of Peter and Mary Condit, was born Decem- ber 6, 1696, and died July 18, 1777. Sam- uel, in 1722, married Mary Dodd, who was born November 8, 1698, and died May 28, 1755. In 1774, for his second wife he mar- ried Martha Carter, who died November 4, 1815. Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary Condit, was born January 13, 1729, and died November 18, 1776. John Condit, son of Samuel and Mary Condit, was born March 27, 1775; died August 25, 1862. His wife. Hephzibah Munn, was born May 9, 1778, and died March 21, 1859. Aaron M. Condit, grandfather of Oscar H., the direct subject of this review, was a son of Jotham Condit and was born September 15, 1779, and died September 6, 1890. His wife, nee Louisa Pierson, was born October 24, 1800, and died August 15, 1867; and Amzi Condit, our subject's father, a son of Aaron, was born June 18, 1830, and died February 6, 1865. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Halstead, was born December 31, 1830, and is still living.
Oscar Halstead Condit was born in Orange, New Jersey, February 27, 1861, and has lived here all his life. He was edu- cated in the public schools of East Orange. After leaving school he launched out in the insurance business, and was cashier of a prominent insurance company until 1892. At the organization of the East Orange Na- tional Bank that year he became identified with it as teller, a position he still holds.
Mr. Condit was married at Caldwell, New Jersey, November 12, 1884, to Miss Fannie C. Harrison. daughter of Phillip H. and Hester (Crane) Harrison, descendants of some of the oldest settlers of Essex
county. The Harrisons were represented in Revolutionary ranks. Of the children of Oscar H. Condit and wife, we record that. Kenneth H. was born March 1, 1888; Amy D., December 4, 1891; and Phillip H., December 3, 1893.
Mr. Condit is a gentleman of well known high standing in the town-in business, social and fraternal circles, the fraternal or- ganizations to which he belongs being many. He is identified with Hope Lodge, No. 124, F. & A. M .; is Past Regent of Longfellow Council, No. 675, Royal Ar- canum; and has a membership in New- ark Lodge, No. 31, A. O. U. W., of New- ark; Essex Council, No. 27, Loyal Addi- tional Benefit Association; and East Orange Conclave, No, 274, Improved Order of Heptasophs. Other organiza- tions with which he is prominently con- nected are the Ashland Hook & Ladder Company of East Orange, of which he is secretary; the Exempt Firemen's Associa- tion; the East Orange Firemen's Relief Association, of which he is treasurer; East Orange Improvement Society; New Jer- sey Historical Society; and the East Orange Building & Loan Association, of which he is secretary. A Republican po- litically, he is active and efficient in work for the party, and is a member of the East Orange Republican Club. Both he and his wife are members of the Brick Pres- byterian church, of East Orange, and he is one of its trustees.
As above stated, Mr. Condit's forefath- ers fought on Revolutionary battlefields, and both his father and grandfather were connected with military organizations. Thus coming from military stock, it is but natural that he should show a bent in this direction. He is second lieutenant and
577
ESSEX COUNTY.
treasurer of Gatling Gun Company "A," New Jersey National Guard, positions which he has filled and is filling with credit alike to himself and the organization. Like his brother officers, he is deeply interested in the welfare of the company and has given much of his time and means toward pro- moting its interests. Lieutenant Condit made an excellent record as a member of the gun detachment of the Second Regi- ment, he then being corporal, and was considered one of the best howitzer gun- ners in the state.
Such, in brief, is the life history of one of the leading men of East Orange.
HENRY DAUM.
One of the progressive and enterprising citizens and artistic florists of Orange is the gentleman whose name initiates this re- view and who has been established in the rose-growing industry in this city since 1893. He is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in the town of Wimpfen im Tahl, county of Hippenheim, state of Hes- sian, on the 26th of September, 1872. He was a son of Adam and Catherine (Karle) Daum, the latter of whom was of French Huguenot ancestry.
Adam Daum was born in the county of Eppbach, in the state of Hessen, Germany, and there grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. At the age of fourteen he began the study of sculpture under his father's tuition, who had also made that art his life work, and later en- tered the Technic Institute at Darmstadt. During his career as a sculptor Mr. Daum executed some excellent work, a portion of which appears in the Sepot building at Heilbrun, Germany, and a number of other
pieces of his are to be found in various cities throughout his native state. He died on the 6th of October, 1889, at the age of sixty-two years, and is survived by his wife, who resides on the old homestead in Wimp- fen im Tahl. To Mr. and Mrs. Daum were born the following children: Ludwig, who came to America in 1882, married, and now resides in Newark, New Jersey, where he has reared two children, Anna and Lud- wig, Jr .; August is married and lives in Wurtemberg, Germany; Charles emigrat- ed to this country in June, 1884, married Miss Louisa Yeager, and they have five children; Oscar came to America in April, 1893, and here married Louisa Snell; Henry, our subject; Frederick also came to the United States in April, 1893, and now resides in South Orange; Ann lives at home with her mother; Rudolph, Will- iam and Theodore died in early childhood. Mr. Daum died in the Lutheran faith and his wife is a devout adherent of that church.
Henry Daum received a common-school education in his native country and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to the gar- dener's trade. Upon attaining his twenti- eth year he decided to come to America and seek a broader field for his labors, and accordingly embarked on the 20th of De- cember, 1892, landing at New York on the 13th of January, 1893. He located in Orange, New Jersey, and here found em- ployment with a Mr. De Forrest, continu- ing with that gentleman until the follow- ing August, when our subject and his brother Charles purchased the tract of land on Williams street, West Orange, and thereon erected a number of greenhouses, which were equipped with all the most modern improvements and appliances for the successful growing of roses and other
37
-
578
ESSEX COUNTY.
flowers. This partnership continued until 1895, when Henry purchased his brother's interest in the business, added still further improvements, and is now profitably con- ducting the cultivation of plants, flowers and other products of the greenhouse. He is energetic and conscientious in all his dealings and enjoys a large patronage throughout the Oranges.
PETER D. ACKERMAN,
a well known architect and contractor of Belleville, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Suffern, New York, on the 13th of December, 1847. His parents were David K. and Catherine (Moore) Ackerman, and the father fol- lowed farming as a means of livelihood. The subject of this review was reared under the parental roof and early became familiar with the labors of field and meadow. His education was acquired in the schools of Ramsey Station and on laying aside his text-books to assume the arduous duties of business life his attention was directed to the carpenter's trade and to architectural designing, which pursuits he mastered in Paterson. At length he came to Belleville and embarked in business on his own ac- count and has since been prominently con- nected with the industrial interests of the town. He is an expert in his line, and his proficient services, honorable business methods and promptness have been the salient features in his success. He has now a liberal patronage and his continued busi- ness prosperity seems assured.
An important event in the life of Mr. Ackerman occurred in 1868, when was celebrated his marriage to Miss Eunice Kelley, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Ka- hill) Kelley, both residents of Paterson.
Three children were born of this union, but one is now deceased. Those still liv- ing are Daisy Evlyn, now a young lady of eighteen summers; and Edwin R., a lad of twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have a wide acquaintance in this locality and their pleasant home is noted for the hospitality which is ever extended to their many friends. In his political views Mr. Ackerman is a Democrat, and he has served as school commissioner and also as en- gineer of Belleville. He belongs to the Re- formed church and his upright life makes him a worthy and respected member.
JOHN K. GORE.
John Kinsey Gore, son of George With- erden Gore and Mary Lewis Kinsey, his wife, was born in Newark, New Jersey, February 3, 1864. The ancestors of Mr. Gore, upon his father's side, were English. His paternal grandfather was Israel Gore, M. D., whose wife was Mary Witherden, both of Margate, England. A curious co- incidence, respecting the surnames of Gore and Witherden, connects them both, at a remote period, with property holdings. Early authorities claim that when surnames were first used in England the family of Gore took its name from a piece of property called Gore; the Witherdens from a manor in Ticehurst, county Sussex. Be this as it may, both families are of remote origin. The Kinseys, from whom John Kinsey Gore is descended upon his mother's side, were people prominent in Revolutionary history. Some authorities claim that Kiln- sey, county York, England, derived its name from the Kinseys, for which claim there appears reasonable grounds. Other authorities give the name a Welsh origin. Joel and Nancy Kinsey, of Newark, New
d
In
e
1
ยท 1
579
ESSEX COUNTY.
Jersey, were the grandparents of the sub- ject of our sketch.
Mr. Gore received his early education in his native city, where he attended both pub- lic and private schools. It is upon record that the boy was one of the youngest pupils ever admitted to the Newark public high school, where also his record is that of a student. In 1883 Mr. Gore was graduated at Columbia. During his collegiate days his desire for all possible advance was so great that, in addition to his college work, he not only taught in evening school but he also found employment as a bookkeeper, thus adding actual business training to the double vocations of pupil and teacher. From the date of his graduation, in 1883, to that of 1892 Mr. Gore was engaged in New York city, as preparatory schoolteacher, vice-principal and manager.
In 1892 he entered the employ of the Prudential Insurance Company of Amer- ica, located in Newark, New Jersey. His rise, through various positions in this great and world-known institution, was rapid. Entered as a clerk in 1892, the following year he was given a place as mathematician; two years later he became assistant actu- ary, and in 1897, accepted the important official position tendered to him, of actuary of the company. From 1895 to 1897 he was school commissioner. Honors and re- sponsibilities of this kind do not often come to a man so early in his life history, and it is but due to Mr. Gore to say that to his peculiar fitness for this position, and for each preceding one,-a fitness that his as- sociates recognized, and could not pass by, -to his fidelity, his application and thor- ough equipment, his business success is un- doubtedly owing.
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.